If you’ve given up cursing for Lent, do not read any further, as the last man who should ever be called “Mr. Republican” stuck up for the hawkishness of Kerry on “Today” this morning:

Matt Lauer: “The President is hammering away at Senator John Kerry about his record of voting on military issues. Do you think Senator Kerry is weak on defense and should it be a concern for American voters?”
John McCain: “Both sides have been beating up on the other in the most negative campaign earlier than I’ve ever seen. I’d like to see it stop. I’d like to see a serious discussion about Medicare, Social Security, education, what we’re gonna do about the deficit and overspending.”
Lauer: “But is John Kerry weak on defense, Senator?”
McCain: “I, I do not, no. I do not believe that he is quote, ‘weak on defense.’ He’s responsible for his voting record as we all are responsible for our records and he’ll have to explain it. But no, I do not believe that he is necessarily weak on defense. I don’t agree with him on some issues, clearly. But, I, I decry this negativism that’s going on, on both sides. The American people don’t need it and the end result will be lower voter turnout particularly amongst younger Americans.”