A Rovian flip flop.

On CBS Face the Nation yesterday, Karl Rove emphasized his support for Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)’s presidential campaign, saying “Republican grassroots voters” are “already united behind” McCain. Time’s Ana Marie Cox notes that eight years ago, Rove lambasted McCain’s combative style, saying it will prevent him from uniting Republicans:

This is his style. If you’re not with him, he belittles you, he makes fun of you, he disparages you. That’s not the mark of a leader who can unite the party and win the [White House].

Watch it:

This weekend, McCain declared, “Nobody denies he’s [Rove's] one of the smartest political minds in America. … I certainly would be glad to get his advice.”