No, that's Colonel Reb, the unofficial and retired Ole Miss mascot. But the confusion is understandable

If Pres. George Bush was the decider, is Sen. John McCain the equivocator? Yes, the Republican presidential nominee is now en route for tonight’s Presidential debate at the University of Mississippi. So much for his whole ‘sacrificing my campaign so I can be the leader’ argument.

Not that anyone seriously believes that McCain ever suspended campaigning: snubbing David Letterman to drop by Katie Couric’s place is not suspending campaigning, nor is leaving TV ads running and campaign offices open. Even in those media markets where TV buys were suspended, Talking Points Memo reports that it was a two day hiatus: one that the McCain campaign had decided on Thursday would expire on Saturday, whether there is a bail-out deal reached or not.

It’s also kind of insulting to politicians of all stripes along the Gulf Coast who actually suspended campaigning after Hurricane Ike, and are still working to clear up property damage and help their constituents.

This article appears in September 26 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.