For twenty years, the media has told us that Mike Dukakis was a wimp and an unfeeling automaton because he didn't show outrage when asked how he would react if his wife were raped and murdered. The question was absurd, and the commentary about Dukakis' reaction nearly as bad -- but given that the punditocracy hasn't changed its view of the matter in the past twenty years, one wonders if the same standards will apply to another politician who fails to demonstrate what the press deems to be sufficient outrage.

Today, John McCain was asked about the ongoing feud between his daughter and right-wing radio host Laura Ingraham, which has included Ingraham criticizing Meghan McCain's voice and weight. Rather than express outrage at Ingraham's comments, McCain merely said “I'm proud of my daughter and she has a right to her opinions.” Asked if he agreed with his daughter, who has said such things as “stop talking about my body,” McCain responded “like any family we agree on some things and disagree on others.”

Anyone think the media is going to criticize McCain for failing to speak out against Ingraham's attacks on his daughter? Anyone?