The October surprise Republicans dream of

Everybody knows it, but it took a notoriously ruthless Republican operator to come right out and say it. Charlie Black, John McCain's campaign adviser, recently let drop to Fortune magazine that another terrorist attack on US soil would be a "big advantage" for the Republican presidential candidate. Of course McCain lost no time in distancing himself from Black's remark. "I cannot imagine why he would say it. It's not true. I've worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear."

Black duly threw on some sackcloth and echoed McCain: "I deeply regret the comments. They were inappropriate. I recognise that John McCain has devoted his entire adult life to protecting his country and placing its security before every other consideration."

Now, Black is no novice in campaign