In March 2008, John McCain said:
“Throughout his life John McCain has held himself to the highest standards and he will continue to run a respectful campaign based on the issues.”
– McCain campaign manager Rick Davis in March

I can’t prevent or control rhetoric that people use — that are members of my party. But I have been very, very clear that we need a respectful campaign and the American people want it. We certainly don’t need any impugning of character, integrity or anything else in this campaign. So I again urge Republicans and anybody else, to just — let’s show respect and make Americans proud of this campaign … frankly, it will enhance our chance of winning if people say, “look, those people are running a respectful campaign.”

McCain was reacting to spurious attacks launched by his supporters against Barack Obama, including one from Iowa GOP Rep. Steve King, who said Islamic terrorists would be “dancing in the street” if Obama were elected.

McCain’s statement came days after his campaign manager, Rick Davis, sent out a memo calling on supporters to “follow John’s lead and run a respectful campaign focused on the issues.” Davis also wrote:

Overheated rhetoric and personal attacks on our opponents distract from the big differences between John McCain’s vision for the future of our nation and the Democrats. This campaign is about John McCain: his vision, leadership, experience, courage, service to his country and ability to lead as commander in chief from day one. Throughout his life John McCain has held himself to the highest standards and he will continue to run a respectful campaign based on the issues. We expect that all supporters, surrogates and staff will hold themselves to similarly high standards when they are representing the campaign.

The noble maverickistic John McCain — if he ever existed — has apparently now been supplanted by a snarky, snarling double-talking misinformer, who will do or say anything to get elected.

Sourcing: Quotes from McCain and Davis can be found on the Fox News website.