It’s the one reserved for desperate politicians, and they risk falling to the 16th level — reserved for disgraced politicians — by doing awful things to claw their way their way back into contention.

John McCain is slipping from his hot perch in the 15th level. His performance in the final debate was so bad it was fascinating. ACORN might destroy the “fabric of democracy?” Oh, plllleeeeeaaaasssse. The Republicans are trying to turn ACORN into the Willie Horton of 2008 and it just ain’t gonna play.