We're guessing John McCain's staff never saw this one coming, but you can bet that every joke the GOP nominee makes on the campaign trail from now on is going to go through a thorough background check.

What started as a quip about wasteful government spending on a bear DNA project has turned into scores of miffed scientists, which turned into a 2,000-word Washington Post story, which today turned into a New York Times editorial with the headline "McCain Misfires at Grizzlies."

"If Mr. McCain wants to make serious critiques of research spending — and keep his reputation as a credible opponent of government waste — he and his staff need to be more careful and a lot more science-literate," said the Times. Sure, it wasn't the lead editorial -- that honor goes to a little New York sex scandal you may have heard of -- but it's still kind of crazy to see a throw-away line get so much attention. Of course, the criticism is well-deserved

There's only one thing McCain can do now: Schedule a press conference, and -- with a grizzly bear standing by by his side -- apologize to all bears and scientists for his poor judgment and lack of understanding. He should be contrite, humble and remorseful. If he's lucky, the animals will forgive him. As for whether McCain forgives the staffer who suggested he include the DNA study along with the Woodstock Museum and Bridge To Nowhere in his campaign rhetoric, well, that might be asking a bit much.

Speaking of congressional staffers, have you ever wondered what your old colleague, roommate or ex-significant other is making as a legislative assistant or deputy chief of staff up on the Hill? Um, neither have we. But, in case you are a little curious, we just discovered this neat site. Enjoy.