"Wacko Birds" is the new "Jerk Store."

That is, it's the sort of comedic comeback that reflects far worse—and oh-so-sadly—on its creator than its intended target.

During a recent tirade, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) denounced Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) as "wacko birds."

Reports the Wash Post:

"They were elected, nobody believes that there was a corrupt election, anything else,"McCain said. "But I also think that when, you know, it's always the wacko birds on right and left that get the media megaphone." Asked to clarify, McCain said he was referencing "Rand Paul, Cruz, Amash, whoever."

McCain was bent out of shape by the recent filibuster called by Rand to demand clarification regarding President Barack Obama's use of kill lists and whatnot. Wacko Bird image via Twitter feed of Benjamin Lee.

Even as the senior senator from Arizona attacked his GOP colleagues, he did grant that, you know, they might be onto to something:

"We spent 13 hours talking about a scenario that won't happen and can't happen," McCain said. He subsequently told Fox News that he does think there should be "more congressional oversight" of the drone program, which should be brought under the Department of Defense — but argued that Paul's filibuster was merely a distraction.

Yeah, a helluva distraction. Certainly, it called more effective attention to a host of pressing issues that somehow didn't get enough time during various Senate confirmation hearings and back-and-forths with the White House. But shame on Rand Paul and his flock of people for upsetting John McCain's deeply held beliefs about decorum.

To their credit, the "wacko birds" are responding pretty sharply. Paul told the press, "I treat Sen. McCain with respect. I don't think I always get the same in return."

And Amash—watch this space for a major interview with him—took to the Twitter and reeled off:

Sen McCain called @SenRandPaul @SenTedCruz & me "wacko birds." Bravo, Senator. You got us. Did you come up with that at #DinnerWithBarack?

Is it just me or do McCain and his Boy Wonder sidekick Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) bear a growing resemblance to Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy from Sponge Bob Squarepants? Like the version of the GOP they represent, their best days are behind them. Which may well be good news for just about everybody else.

Here are 3 Takeaways from Rand Paul's #StandwithRand Filibuster about Drone Strikes.

Read more about Rand Paul, the filibuster, etc.