Josh Marshall laments the lack of independent groups -- and offers some free advice

First, the free advice from Josh:

Don't ever demand someone stop attacking you. Doesn't work. Don't do it. Sounds weak. Sounds pathetic. And a lot else.

Then this from Josh:

A friend of mine just wrote in arguing, essentially, that the McCain character narrative is unstoppable. You can change the terms of the debate. But there's no way you're going to change people's minds about McCain, warrior, tough guy, maverick, going to protect your family no matter what. My answer would be, with some people, especially a lot of them in DC but certainly elsewhere too, that's right. With others I'm not so sure. And that's why I really wish there was some independent group out there telling the full story of McCain's life prior to his POW captivity and especially after. $500 shoes. Thinks you're rich after your making $5 million a year. Has 9 or 10 houses.

It's not for everyone. But the guy's pampered. And he changes his beliefs every few years.

We had an independent group, but Obama told donors not to give them any money, and they're gone now. And unfortunately, it's very dangerous for a campaign to get this vicious in its own name. That's why you have independent groups. But we don't.