Gone was the frown and uptightness, flashing a beaming smile with renewed energy and enthusiasm. S.C. Juxtaposed against the thrill of victory, was the agony of McCain's defeat. I will not take the low road to the highest office in the land. No one likes losing, but wearing emotions on his sleeve, McCain showed some unsportsman-like conduct. It's always better to congratulate your opponents even after taking a good drubbing.
Nothing softens the blows of defeat more than praising the competition.
Reacting too negatively carries lasting repercussions, sometimes hurting candidate's chances the next time around. South Carolina's already old news as the candidates stump for votes in the all important bellwether state of Michigan. Unlike South Carolina, Michigan's Republicans aren't dominated by the religious right and are more amenable to McCain's nonconformist stands. Going after disenfranchised Republicans, independents, and so-called Reagan Democrats boomeranged for McCain in South Carolina. Reagan Democrats were drawn to Ronald Reagan, whose message dramatically differs from McCain's.