That wasn’t the only bizarre leap into the political abyss today.

Democrats constantly accuse Republicans of questioning their patriotism. Invariably it is not “patriotism” but a particular Democrat’s judgment and position on an issue of national security (e.g. not supporting the surge even in retrospect or opposing FISA extension) which Republicans are questioning. But today it really happened –only it was Barack Obama doing the questioning.

From Jake Tapper’s ABC report:

“Just ask the machinists in Pennsylvania who build Harley-Davidsons,” Obama said of McCain’s record. “Because John McCain didn’t just oppose the requirement that the government buy American-made motorcycles, he called Buy American provisions ‘disgraceful.’ Just ask the workers across this country who have seen their jobs outsourced.  The very companies that shipped their jobs overseas have been rewarded with billions of dollars in tax breaks that John McCain supports and plans to continue.

“So, when American workers hear John McCain talking about putting ‘Country First,'” Obama said, “it’s fair to ask –- which country?”

Um … isn’t that pretty much the dictionary definition of questioning someone’s patriotism?

Well, yeah. There is no banner headline decrying Obama’s descent into the swamps of political negativity or tut-tutting from network anchors, because the only accepted storyline is that John McCain is a no-good, dirty liar. Really.

On a day in which they both questioned a war hero’s patriotism and mocked his lack of physical dexterity, it is clear to the non-Kool Aid drinkers that the Obama camp jumped the shark into netroot land. It’s not pretty but it must be reassuring to the McCain team to see that their opponent is self-destructing. And is it any wonder that Independent voters are fleeing to McCain?

UPDATE: And the computer/email hole which Obama dug is getting deeper. For the poignant explanation of how he functions with war injuries, check this out.