Jack Ryan on the magnanimity of being a quitter:

I am today withdrawing from the race…It's clear to me that a vigorous debate on the issues most likely could not take place if I remain in the race…What would take place, rather, is a brutal, scorched-earth campaign -- the kind of campaign that has turned off so many voters, the kind of politics I refuse to play.

Bullshit. The wide and durable appeal of Barack Obama (at least insofar as his character is concerned) lies in his unwavering commitment to civil and germane discourse. A "brutal, scorched-earth campaign" is anathema to Obama. Obviously, Ryan caved to the frustrated machinations of his GOP overlords. Still, the whole thing stinks. The fact remains that Jack Ryan did nothing wrong. He did nothing wrong. Our political system is merely reflecting the warped prejudices of our larger culture, which is permanently mired in sexual guilt. Just another typical day in the American Heartland: scold a politician for getting a lap-dance, then jerk off in your basement to Donkey Bukkake. And by the way, anyone who thinks that Jack Ryan is a scumbag because he took Jeri Ryan to clubs "against her objections" needs to shut the fuck up. I tell my girlfriend to do things "against her objections" all the time – like do the laundry, pay the phone bill, and shut the bathroom door while I'm taking a goddamn shower.