I respect McCain for at least attempting to argue his position in good faith.
He understood, at least, that the opposing party is your opponent, not your enemy. Important distinction.
He also understood, at least, that you can counter an opponent's position without insinuating that they hate America and are incensed on destroying the country on some conspiracy sh*t.
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That being said, he was responsible for bringing Sarah Palin to national prominence, and being a part of Newt Gingrich's psychotic neocon contrarian BS that still lingers to this day.