IF you think way back to the start of this marathon campaign, back when it seemed preposterous that any black man could be a serious presidential contender, then you remember the biggest fear about Barack Obama: a crazy person might take a shot at him.
...
But we’re not at Election Day yet, and if voters are to have their final say, both America and Obama have to get there safely. The McCain campaign has crossed the line between tough negative campaigning and inciting vigilantism, and each day the mob howls louder. The onus is on the man who says he puts his country first to call off the dogs, pit bulls and otherwise.

which connects to this a start but how much of a stand will McCain take?

McCain, who is no racist, turned to this desperate strategy only as Obama started to pull ahead.

from here

Republican presidential candidate John McCain has become embroiled in a war of words with racial undertones after clashing with a civil rights icon.

John Lewis accused Mr McCain's campaign of "sowing hatred" against opponent Barack Obama and said he was reminded of 1960s segregationist George Wallace.

Mr McCain, who recently said Mr Lewis was one of his most admired Americans, called the reference "beyond the pale".
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The Obama campaign quickly said it did not believe Mr McCain's campaign was in any way comparable to Wallace.

Decius pointed to this
yes McCain is playing with powerful and dangerous irrational forces

I memed the start of a stand and perhaps was overly optimistic and naive in seeing that as the start of a fight back against "this desperate strategy" and a return to honour.

We shall see.

Op-Ed Columnist - The Terrorist Barack Hussein Obama - NYTimes.com