Many thanks to Josh over at TPM for this link to the McCain BBQ with the press -- this gives you a perfect insight into why the press goes easy on Mccain and his negative campaign.
The press corp had SO MUCH fun hanging at the cabin in Sedona - supping on wine and lovely food -- after they have done that how can they cover the guy seriously? How can they be tough on him?
The Politico folks bought flowers for Cindy - after that how can they call Mccain out for his slander of Obama? Or Cindy's cheap shots at Michelle? How can they cover Mccains past...er fidelity issues?