The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December was an "unfortunate event," says Black. "But his knowledge and ability to talk about it reemphasized that this is the guy who’s ready to be Commander-in-Chief. And it helped us." As would, Black concedes with startling candor after we raise the issue, another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. "Certainly it would be a big advantage to him," says Black.

Who is Charlie Black?  

Answer:  McCain's top adviser and

Political Fixer/Lobbyist extraordinaire.

When you think about Charlie Black, think of him in terms of Jack Abramoff's political reach, connections and influence -- only much, much more so -- with that same odious level of using it to the furthest extent to suck money out of clients who pay-to-play from K Street.  Only Charlie Black isn't a dolt like Abramoff, and he hasn't been caught doing anything illegal.  Oh, and did I mention he lobbies for Blackwater and AT&T, among many, many other corporate clients?

So, we have a stealth Abramoff talking openly about how a terrorist attack on American soil would be good for John McCain.

How could it get worse?

How about McCain doing his impersonation of the Onion impersonating Bush?

From the Onion:

 Bush On Economy: 'Saddam Must Be Overthrown'

From John McCain:

Q:  What do you see as the gravest long-term threat to the U.S. economy?

A:  McCain: Well, I would think that the absolute gravest threat is the struggle that we're in against Islamic extremism

Oy.  Four more years of David Addington and John Yoo foreign policy?  That's a risk we can't afford.