The NC GOP throws an ad out there which people see. It generates a little controversy, which trickles back to McCain, who can then take the high ground by asking them to take it down and in the process decry the politics of personal desturction, thus putting his opponents on notice that if they go that route, he has built up cred with the voters for running a clean campaign.

Meanwhile, every news outlet in America will air the ad repeatedly arguing about whether it steps over the line and praising McCain for his high ethical stand.

Beautiful, if you ask me.