Is it over for John McCain? His campaign just sent out a press release containing statements from his two chief campaign aides:

"This morning I informed Senator McCain that I would be resigning from his presidential campaign, effective immediately. It has been a tremendous honor to serve Senator McCain and work on his campaign. I believe John McCain is the most experienced and prepared candidate to represent the Republican Party and defeat the Democratic nominee next year." - Terry Nelson, Campaign Manager

"As of today, I have resigned my position as chief strategist to John McCain's presidential campaign. It has been my honor and a distinct privilege to serve someone who has always put our country first. I believe that most Americans will come to the conclusion that I have long known there is only one person equipped to serve as our nation's chief executive and deal with the challenges we face, and that person is John McCain." - John Weaver, Chief Strategist

Nelson hailed from the George W. Bush crowd and failed to use those connections to raise big bucks for McCain. His departure makes sense. (The market works!) Campaign managers do come and go. But Weaver is McCain's Rove. And note that Weaver, who has been at McCain's side for years, was not reshuffled into another position. He's totally out of the campaign. If he's gone, there's not much left--besides the candidate. It's hard not read this as the death knell for the McCain campaign.

Posted by David Corn at July 10, 2007 11:49 AM