Suddenly reversing course to advocate a fundamental governing philosophy that you’ve been fighting vehemently for more than two decades can tend to raise a few eyebrows. Yes, even in Washington. So when Sen. John McCain this week finally added his johnny-mccain-come-lately voice to those who are pushing for stricter federal oversight to rein in the unbridled, out-of-control greed of Wall Street, brows were arched all over this land.

This morning’s New York Times offers one of the most telling insights yet into the professional judgment record of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Sure, we laugh when she claims that the mere fact Russia is Alaska’s neighbor somehow qualifies her as a foreign policy wizard. But wait til you read why she believed a childhood friend was qualified to run the state’s Agriculture department.