As we approach the end of an astonishing campaign season, one thing grows clear: John McCain's campaign has suffered a string of disastrous decisions. McCain has been saved countless times from disaster by the media's unwillingness to push too hard, allowing McCain to survive what would kill other political careers. McCain's campaign correctly counted on the media treating the image of war hero as if it stood outside history, beyond journalistic scrutiny. The "swift boating" of John Kerry four years ago left the media reluctant to engage in legitimate examination of John McCain's claims.