Some of the people who responded to my story in this week's Phoenix--which argues that John McCain's decision to run against the press is going to lead to tougher coverage of his campaign--lamented my suggestion that journalists do their jobs differently depending on how they're treated.

Maybe we shouldn't, but we do.

ST. PAUL--Like conspiracy theories? Try this one: John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin wasn’t the result of poor vetting or poor judgment. Instead, it was a crafty, forward-thinking move aimed at turning Palin into a martyr and then using her martyrdom for political benefit.

If that sounds far-fetched, consider what transpired earlier today during a pro-Palin conference at the Xcel Energy Center.

ST. PAUL--Last night I dropped by “Political Chicks a Go-Go,” a women-in-politics shindig sponsored by the Lifetime network and RightNow!, an organization for women who share a belief in “common belief in free-markets, limited government and personal responsibility.” I’ve been fascinated for a while by the possibility that disgruntled female supporters of Hillary Clinton might end up voting for John McCain, and I wanted to see what women there had to see about that scenario—particularly in the wake of McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate.

In today’s Boston Herald, columnist Margery Eagan touches on an interesting point:

This mess just won’t end.

And if it doesn’t end soon--like today--the Democrats will lose in November. Again.

The mess I refer to? Hillary supporters’ continued up-the-ante demands for respect and validation, for hurt feelings to be soothed, voices to be heard, etc.