There is NO MEANINGFUL DOWNSIDE (Schmidt’s good will - worth nothing) for McCain to stand up for Sarah and all kinds of upside.
Yes, there could be a downside, unfortunately. Should McCain stand up for Sarah, she would be obligated, I would think, to stand up for him, should Hayworth decide to take him on.
I would prefer McCain to shut up. Sarah can handle herself.
Since I hope McCain does not get re-elected, whether he speaks up is not important to me. I was just sayin’.
As for the downside, you have a point. Where McCain is concerned, the best we can hope for from Sarah, who does take loyalty seriously, is for her to shut up.