Why don't the White House phones go to voicemail after midnight?

Oh, you better hope Mrs. McCain doesn't answer that phone.

Yesterday, John McCain became the 3rd presidential candidate to declare himself the best choice to receive a late night call, and not one of the "booty" variety. Said McCain, "If the phone rang at 3 a.m. in the White House, and I was the one to answer it, I would be the one most qualified to exercise the kind of judgment necessary to address a national security crisis."

Hillary Clinton kicked off the debate with an ad that asked Texans who they'd want to answer the red phone in the wee hours. Barack Obama responded within 8 hours, insisting that he's the one to take the call.

Whatever. Anyone can take a call at 3 a.m., but what about an hour later? Isn't that when you really need the president to be on top of his game?