Revenge as a reason to vote

Caroline McCain was on the verge of making a stand based on principal...and then she failed.

John McCain's granddaughter writes a partially wonderful piece in defense of her grandfather against an attack by Donald Trump:

...And so it was on July 18 when I already knew that I had enough reason to never vote for Trump. 

Following a line of other right-wing wacko birds, Trump insulted a man I esteem and love, a man who has risked his life in service of his country. He insulted my grandfather and attacked the very qualities — loyalty, bravery and selflessness — that he and countless other POWs embody. He mocked the sacrifice many have given and the anguish families have endured when their heroes have suffered alone miles away. 

My grandfather responded with grace and forgiveness — as only a man who was held in captivity for years can. But I’ve been nursing a grudge ever since.

I respect her sentiment, and her stand. Very admirable.

But then she loses the logic half-way through:

If we lived in a system where third-party candidates stood a chance to win, then it would be a different choice. A third-party candidate could be a chance to exercise my civic responsibility while protecting my conscience. 

But as things stand now, a third-party candidate cannot win the presidency. Additionally, without a coalition in other branches of government, a third-party candidate would be hamstrung and limited in their ability to pass meaningful legislation.

She was doing good, too. But then she placed "winning" above her own political beliefs. Not to mention her last line is flat-out wrong: Third party candidates frequently caucus with one of the two major parties (ask Bernie Sanders or Joe Lieberman).

She goes on to explain her reasoning for voting for Hillary, which ends with this sad bit:

I wanted a different candidate. I wanted a New American Century. I wanted an election with good ideas and good discourse. I wanted to win. But now I want my party to change. I want fresh leaders, of good character, in both parties. And I want Donald Trump to be humiliated in November and driven far from the political arena for the rest of his life. 

So I’m not a Democrat — at least not yet. But this year, I’m With Her.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend". This is basically about revenge. But as the old adage says "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."