JV Squad

John McCain's campaign mocked reporters traveling with the candidate yesterday in NH and MD, strapping tags to their luggage featuring the Statue of Liberty and reading: "McCain Press Corps; JV Squad; Left behind to report in America." NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy reports that McCain folks attached a French version of the tag as well: "Le groupe de presse de McCain; L'équipe junior; Laissé en arriere pour faire un rapport en Amérique." ... Ouch.

Clearly the GOPer's team is unhappy with the blitz of positive international media coverage of Barack Obama's trip abroad. Also yesterday, McCain's campaign released a video lambasting the media for its "Obama love." Sometimes intense media criticism works to temper glowing coverage of a rival. But sometimes it seems like whining.

The version en français is available après l'interruption.