This major flub from the 2008 campaign is highlighted in Reason 2 of the following:

The Five Biggest Reasons Republicans Keep Losing the Propaganda War :: Ask yourself: when was the last time you freely discussed any conservative view with friends at work, or on campus, or in public — without hedging your every word?

McCain got that sickening caught-with-my-pants-down look on his face and mumbled something about understanding why such a thought would frighten Ms. Goldberg…the interview was then abruptly ended with McCain still looking like the loser he was.

So, why wasn’t McCain quick enough on his feet to respond in an amiable manner with something like this:

Ms. Goldberg, you can’t possibly be that ignorant regarding the U.S. Constitution. Surely, you remember your 7th grade civics well enough to know that all amendments to our constitution have absolutely equal weight with the original document itself and that the 13th amendment, ratified in 1865, bars all forms of slavery. I understand that as a comedienne it is your habit to make jokes, but do you really think it is wise to mock our constitution and spread falsehood and fear on national television — especially at an hour when children could indeed be watching?

Instead, McCain’s pitiful surrender to Goldberg’s propaganda ploy allowed the audience to conflate the original topic of Roe v. Wade (a Supreme Court decision) with a ratified amendment to the constitution. It was a moment that will live in American civics infamy.

Until Republicans understand that that the Left lies with full intent to destroy America as we know it, the GOP will remain rhetorical road kill.