Note: some years ago my phone rang. “Chris? It’s John McCain, and you’re really going to regret taking this call.” He was to be the featured speaker at the annual Gridiron Club dinner in Washington, at which the media and politicians pretend for one night of the year that they like each other. I told him that I did indeed regret taking his call – writing 20 minutes of stand-up takes, well, a while.

Senator McCain did not call me this time but I thought to volunteer a draft of a concession speech for him next Tuesday, in the event.