The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that “Political ad-makers Russ Schriefer and Stuart Stevens, veterans of President Bush’s 2000 and 2004 campaigns, on Monday emailed the new campaign manager — lobbyist and longtime McCain adviser Rick Davis — to say that they were quitting.”

I had the pleasure of briefly sharing some office space with Schriefer and Stevens many years ago. I’m certain they don’t remember me, but I sure remember them. They were creative and smart, and they were outstanding campaign strategists. Since then, they have established themselves as leading ad men on the Republican side of the aisle. They were essential to President Bush’s victory in 2000 and his re-election in 2004. And they are constantly in demand to work on the biggest races for Congress, U.S. Senate and Governor.

Now, they are free agents and Senator McCain is without their creativity and insight.

It’s the final nail in the coffin for Senator McCain’s campaign. The constellation of stars that he assembled is now completely gone. His campaign is financially and politically bankrupt. Senator McCain has made himself an anathema in his own party.

Over at RedState, Krempasky wrote recently that he would love to support Senator McCain — for re-election to the U.S. Senate. That sounds about right to me. But whether he stays in the Senate or not, it’s time for Senator McCain to end his Presidential campaign and maintain at least a shred of grace and dignity.