That’s what George Bush did to John McCain a few weeks before the South Carolina primary in 2000.

He worked up that big Number 9 from the G.O.P Dirty Tricks Playbook and dumped it like a load of fetid garbage on an otherwise decent guy. That supposed illegitimate child, by the way, was rumored to be black. In the playbook it’s acceptable to twist adopting a homeless child from Bangladesh, as the McCain’s did, into something evil.

As it turns out, John McCain isn’t forgetful, he has an expedient memory. Politics can turn anyone instantly pragmatic.

The Arizona senator and presumptive Republican nominee trudged to the White House today to kiss the ring of the pope. George Bush greeted him at the North Portico. It’s the same entrance where Presidents greet their successor on inauguration day.

The two were all chummy and giggly during a Rose Garden news conference. McCain said he’d welcome George Bush’s support during the upcoming general election race. Bush said he’d be happy to show his "pretty face" at rallies for McCain.

Given the history, and the fact that the two men disagree on campaign finance, torture, Global Warming and tax cuts, it will be an interesting dance.

McCain is using the president to help him win over the hard right wing of the Republican party. They have been openly antagonistic toward McCain for months, and many are vowing to vote Democratic. It is an interesting gamble on McCain’s part, because a little presidential shoulder-rubbing isn’t guaranteed to help. What it will do is provide a steady stream of images for Democrats to use against McCain.