In the two months since the man nicknamed “the bullet” took charge, John McCain’s campaign has grown harder-edged and more combative, relentlessly attacking Barack Obama’s perceived assets, including his promise to be a change agent.

One of John McCain’s latest anti-Obama ads is alienating at least one of his supporters: Kathy Hilton, mother of Paris.

John McCain rearranged his inner circle yesterday, putting political veteran Steve Schmidt in charge. Although Rick Davis will continue to hold the title of campaign manager, Schmidt will have near total control of day-to-day operations.