Oh, Jesus Christ, John...

You're just embarrassing yourself at this point.

And once again, I'm not able to enjoy the sinking ship that your campaign has become, because I still remember when I liked you.

It didn't have to be like this, John. You didn't have to demonstrate that your self esteem is so low (and/or your petty ambition so great) that you'll hire the people who slimed your family in hopes that they'll lead you, like a doddering old fool, through the election.

You could've been serious about being a maverick, instead of just wanting to call yourself one. But you weren't.

You could've led the sane members of your party against George W. Bush. But you didn't.

You could've used your POW experiences as unassailable credentials in the fight against wars for nothing and torture. Instead of as a "get out of any question you don't want to answer" card. But you didn't.

You could've shown your patriotism by choosing someone who's informed, and cares, to take your place should you be elected and then die in office. But you didn't.

You could've been remembered as a genuine statesman, and a brave hero.

Instead you're going to be remembered as a mean old man personally and a flip-flopper politically.

Just stop it. Please. I beg of you. Stop.