The loser customarily makes a rousing speech at political conventions in support of the people’s selected candidate. In 2000, loser John McCain took the podium at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia to rally his party in support of the man who would become his asshole buddy for the next eight years. What he said was interesting in hindsight on so many levels.

Cynicism is suffocating the idealism of many Americans, especially among our young. And with cause, for they have lost pride in their government…

Too often, partisanship seems all consuming. Differences are defined with derision…

It is easy to forget in politics where principle ends and selfishness begins. It takes leaders of courage and character to remember the difference.

Tomorrow, our party will nominate such a leader. George W. Bush believes in the greatness of America and the justice of our cause…

He is proud of America’s stature as the world’s only superpower, and he accepts the responsibilities along with the blessings that come with that hard-earned distinction. He knows well that there is no safe alternative to American leadership. And he will not squander this unique moment in history by allowing America to retreat behind empty threats, false promises, and uncertain diplomacy.

You betcha!

McCain’s speech shows one thing clearly: he was as wrong then as he is now.

But it’s the line about defining differences with derision that really stops me. Before McCain hired a team of deriders, led by Steve Schmidt and eventually outdone by Sarah Palin, he made noises about being committed to a clean, positive campaign. Somewhere along the line he switched to the current win at any cost mode, signaling plainly how little McCain’s vaunted ideals mean to him.