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Some bloggers (and even a Drudge headline) are saying that this interview of McCain with the Des Moines Register editorial board shows him "irritable" and "angry and sarcastic." Well, yes, there are a few little places where the man gets irritable. And there were two spots where I said (under my breath) "XXXX you, McCain," because I find his personality, especially his self-righteousness, extremely grating. But his irritability in those few spots is only slightly greater than I think any human being showing ordinary feelings would show. On the whole, he comes across as -- well, not exactly the kind of guy I personally would want to spend time with, but -- a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and engaged candidate. AND, importantly, as a real conservative on the vast majority of issues.

Regular readers of this blog know how much McCain rubs me the wrong way. But in this case, if you watch the interview in toto (it's almost an hour long), you just won't be being fair if you say it shows him as a hothead. The criticisms this time are overblown. See for yourself.