So it can be demonstrated that connections can get one to a level otherwise beyond one's intelligence or competence. Is that any different that any other human society in the history of man? Are not some always luckier?

All who are connected may get a pass to the top, but not all at the top got there through connections. The biggest winners in a capitalistic society are often those who did not get there purely through connects. People like Bill Gates and Sam Walton.

And let's be honest, politics has gotten ugly to the point that it's not always attracting the finest America has to offer. Can you imagine what would happen to the likes of JFK or Teddy Roosevelt in the modern media? You'd see story after story of marital infidelity or possible war crimes, respectively. They'd be crucified and some meathead would be elected instead.

To say that McCain wrecked 4 planes is a completely open ended statement without clarifying the circumstances. How many did Chuck Yeagar wreck? Maybe he was an unfit flyer as well (at least according to the criteria liberals have apparently decided to use).

And it's just as ridiculous to judge McCain as a politician based on his affair/divorce as it was to judge Clinton's political prowess based on whether or not he was getting blowjobs in the oval office. In other words you are doing the same types of smearing here that you claim to hate Republicans for doing to Clinton (or other Democrats).

And as for the Forrestal thing, you are bringing out something that's unclear and murky at best. It's a pretty good sign for McCain that this is the best the Dems can come up with.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080820/ts_nm/usa_poll_politics_dc