...you didn't think could ever be our ally. Except -- there is that notion that love of our country and its foundational institutions can and should transcend the politics of the day. He had it, in spades.
Professor Glaube, who appears on MSNBC as a commentator, was somewhat uncomfortable the other day as he listened to his fellow panelists speak kindly of our conservative foe while they tried to analyze why so many on the Democratic side were going all out in praise of the man. But when the question was put to him, you could see him shift gears -- and he said he believed it was because in this moment McCain's death reminds us all of what we as a country have lost, so it isn't all about McCain, but about us. (I paraphrase.)
If you don't believe me, perhaps Joe Biden will get through. Find a link to his full eulogy, and grab a box of kleenex for the first half. Joe's empathy for all who have lost a family member runs deep. Your tears will dry in the second half, though, as he goes into a full-throated cry against the division wrought by the GOP. He doesn't need to name names, but he names the year they made the cleavage official: 1996.
Thanks as always, Babylonsister, for bringing us Charles Pierce.