I suppose that was not a serious question. Nonetheless,I am going to pass along some thoughts I have on the subject.
My candidate would be George Washington,the George my parents told me about whose exemplary qualities were substantiated by my elementary school teachers. You see,George Washington never told a lie. The talk on George and his virtues always left me with the knowledge that lying would prevent me from ever being elected President,or any other high level position in government.
Life experience and observation of the world disabused me of the notion;however,I always use that ideal as a starting point in assessing candidates for office or employment oppurtunities. I then look at how they deal with other peoples' lives and property,applying a "cui bono" formula. If I find they use others lives and property to their own benefit time after time,I know that that person will not get my vote. Often my ballot is turned back with less then half of the blanks filled.
Quite frankly I agree. I would put Robert E. Lee on the same plane, if purity is the test.
I accept the fact that Bernie had to withdraw, and I am pleased that it never got to a nasty fight in the Senate.
I still believe, given the choices we have, he brought a pretty tough presence to an area of security that could have served this nation well.
It is my hope that Bernie finds another way to serve his country, and ignores the slings and arrows.