If they weren't self-deluded, liberals would understand that it isn't just McCain's failure to make this criticism before that reveals his dishonesty on the subject. His gratuitous, convenient Bush-bashing statement also doesn't square with the truth.

From the very beginning President Bush has warned that the hurdles in Iraq would be difficult and burdensome. He never promised a quick ending for this global war, or for the struggle in Iraq, but precisely the opposite. Likewise, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld incurred the everlasting enmity of the press for refusing to fall into its trap of providing concrete answers on the projected costs and duration of the war. These things, he said defiantly, are "unknowable."

He told one reporter, "There's never been a war that was predictable as to length, casualty, or cost in the history of mankind."

It appears McCain is "back" on the forked-tongue express, claiming the administration didn't level with the American people on the difficulties in Iraq, when it most certainly did -- in explicit terms.

Regardless of whether liberals are willing to jump back in bed with McCain, it's doubtful sufficient Republicans will fall for his act again. He was always at best a long shot for the GOP presidential nomination because of his regrettable advocacy of campaign finance reform, his unpredictable temperament, his social liberalism and his pronounced disdain for Christian conservatives, which he reaffirmed quite recently.

The only chance he had hinged on his steadfast support for the war effort and his refusal to side with partisan Democrats who have born false witness against President Bush in saying he lied about Iraq. With his latest shameless utterance, McCain has virtually sabotaged his already dim chances for the Republican nomination -- and rightly so.