Cindy to media: This Bud's for you

OXFORD, Miss. -- Even before John McCain had decided to attend tonight’s debate, his wife Cindy was already playing hostess there to the media against whom her husband’s campaign has all but declared war.

"On behalf of Anheuser-Busch and our employees and wholesalers nationwide, welcome to the presidential debates," reads a letter on the brewer's stationery that awaited journalists, along with a gift Anheuser pen and reporter’s notebook, in their workspace.

Cindy McCain’s family business, Hensley & Co., is Anheuser's exclusive distributor in Arizona. Her generosity -- and that of her corporate kin -- ensure that for the fifth straight presidential election, Anheuser will sponsor a hospitality tent for journalists at each of the debate sites, according to the letter.

"Please join us for some great food and ice-cold beverages," it reads. "And if you're looking for a little entertainment, you'll be able to watch some of our latest television spots, pick up a commemorative beer mug and enter a drawing for a chance to win a Budweiser fire pit."