John McCain has introduced a new criterion for the presidency — similarity to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

I have barely ever picked up a People magazine, but it’s clear that the image of Spears/Hilton et al. includes:

Partying– McCain, who decided to enter politics after treating Senators as Navy Liaison to activities “where grounds for divorce were suspended.”

Divorce — McCain, who divorced his injured first wife in favor of a rich youngster, vs. Obama, responsible father and husband in his first marriage

Drug Addiction– pills in Cindy McCain’s case, vs. no known adult use in the Obama household

Staying on the National Stage past whatever talent got them there– Clearly McCain has the edge here

Desperation for attention– Ditto

Lack of Academic Achievement– McCain, who barely got through USNA, vs. Obama, President of Harvard Law Review

Crashing vehicles — McCain crashed several aircraft through pilot error

Lack of Underwear — I have no reason to doubt… .

If this is really the criterion for election, McCain made a mistake to raise it.

McCain won election to Congress because of his celebrity as a POW (as his former campaign chair John Weaver said) and his second wife’s money. That’s certainly less accomplishment than Barack Obama had before he got to Washington.