The thrust of the McCain campaign’s plan for gaffe-proofing its standard-bearer is to make sure his only unscripted press exposure is with local newspapers and TV stations. (And, where Sarah Palin is concerned, to warn all comers that “respect and deference” are due.)

It’s a plan that’s served them well, but occasionally it backfires. As in this clip of a McCain interview by Rob Caldwell of WCSH-TV in Portland, Maine, the local NBC affiliate. If a network news hand got so rough with McCain, there would be censure and possibly demotion in his/her future. [Via Americablog]

See the video below.