The morning drive-time radio show on WIND, Chicago's right-wing talk radio station, is hosted by Big John Howell and Cisco Cotto.  While the program features appearances from a wide range of political and media figures, the co-hosts are reliably conservative in their commentary.  So it was surprising to hear Howell's reaction to John McCain's announcement Wednesday that he was suspending his campaign to return to D.C. and address the financial crisis.

Throughout the program yesterday, he argued that McCain's actions amounted to "theatrics" and said, "I look at him sometimes and wonder what's going on with him."  Howell went on to declare, "It has reduced my opinion of him as a true maverick, as an independent guy." Give it a listen:

Internal mp3

Later in the hour, a listener callled in and said, "John, you're sounding more and more left every day."  His voice subdued, Howell responded, "I know, I know.  I can't help it."

Howell's comments raise a broader question, though: how many Republican leaners or independents around the country are having similar reactions to McCain's strategy this week?  We'll have a better sense after the next round of polling.