A few months ago, the McCain campaign was down in the polls, virtually broke, and given up for dead. Now he's back in gear -- this year's comeback kid -- and with a strong showing on Tuesday he could become the Republican front runner. Even many conservatives who were once strongly anti-McCain are giving him a second chance. His experience proves, once again, that in politics there are second acts.

Are pop music fans as forgiving as primary voters? Britney Spears sure hopes so. Hardly a week goes by without some tabloid splash about her latest bizarre or self-destructive behavior. Yet rather than take responsibiloity for her actions and beg forgiveness, she's opted to attack the messengers who report on her woes. The lyrics of her new single, "Piece of Me," make light of her situation and laying the blame for her troubles at the feet of the tabloids and paparrazzi.

I'm Miss bad media karma
Another day another drama
Guess I can't see the harm
In working and being a mama
And with a kid on my arm
I'm still an exceptional earner
And you want a piece of me

I'm Mrs. Lifestyles of the rich and famous
(You want a piece of me)
I'm Mrs. Oh my God that Britney's Shameless
(You want a piece of me)
I'm Mrs. Extra! Extra! this just in
(You want a piece of me)
I'm Mrs. she's too big now she's too thin
(You want a piece of me)

Britney's anti-media attitude is not particularly new for pop stars or politicians. Attacking the media is as much a tradition in song lyrics as in politics. Artists from Don Henley ("Dirty Laundry") to Velvet Revolver ("Big Machine") have attacked the press or complained about media treatment in song. The "Piece of Me" video is somewhat reminiscent of Michael Jackson's anti-tabloid video for "Leave Me Alone." I don't think this worked so well for Jackson, who saw his career continue its slow decline. We'll see if Spears does any better. Any bets?