It was argued on another thread that Fred needs McCain to help fend off Mitt Romney in Michigan. So it’s really a question of when to take the gloves off. Mitt is a more dangerous adversary than McCain, I think.
Another factor is that Fred and McCain are evidently personal friends. But I don’t think that’s the reason Fred is holding back. He needs to let the others fight it out at this stage in the process. He needs to play the balance perfectly if he is to break out of the media embargo against him.
Well stated.
IMHO, that's why Fred supported McCain's infamous attack on the First Amendment. It was just loyalty to his friend. Nobody is perfect.