redblueamerica.com

Back in 2000, the Bush campaign spread some nasty rumors about McCain in South Carolina. McCain, who had been ahead, lost that primary, and Bush went on to win the nomination. McCain was widely known to be bitterly angry about the dirty tricks that cost him the nomination.

So ... in 2008, what happened? Florida was too-close-to-call between McCain and Romney, his closest rival. And McCain falsely accused Romney of wanting to cut and run from Iraq. Basically, he resorted to the same kind of dirty trick that he had objected to in 2000.

I've figured since New Hampshire that McCain would win the nomination (even if Romney won Florida) - and I was even resigned to voting for him (I actually agree with him on immigration, but McCain-Feingold is a problem). Now though, I don't think I can.

McCain makes a big deal about being the candidate of honor. It's his primary, maybe even only qualification. I respect his military service, and am even awestruck by his devotion to his fellow soldiers as a prisoner of war. But he can't rest on that background forever.

By lying about his competition, McCain has besmirched his honor, in my opinion. What is left?

I'm not affiliated with any party, but next week, my state has a semi-open primary. I can vote in the Democratic primary without declaring a party. I think I'll vote for Clinton. She has no principles that I can tell, but out of venal self-interest, I think she can be counted on to govern fairly close to the center-left.

I'd rather see a Democrat in office than a RINO who thinks he's so full of honor that he can't even be wrong when he lies.