Between this and Hagee, the Straight Talk Express is starting to look like its 2000 model. Repudiationmania!

But McCain wasn’t finished rejecting endorsements from ministers. He also repudiated Rev. Rod Parsley, and Ohio preacher who had made derogatory comments about Muslims, calling Islam “an anti-Christ religion that intends through violence to conquer the world.”

“I believe there is no place for that kind of dialogue in America, and I believe that even though he endorsed me, and I didn’t endorse him, the fact is that I repudiate such talk,” McCain said in an interview with the Associated Press. “I reject his endorsement.”

How much further can he go in playing chicken with Christian conservatives? “Outreach” ain’t going to carry him through so be on the lookout for media appearances by Huckabee, whom McCain doubtless would love to have as his point man in defending this. Part of the reason he did it today, I’m sure, was to get it out of the way and buried before the news cycle slows down for Memorial Day weekend. If Huck’s going to be rolled out, it’ll be tomorrow instead of next week so that he doesn’t end up resuscitating the issue. Exit question: Since Maverick’s on such a roll with rejecting people, how about rejecting this guy, too?