Obviously he’s not trying to score political points as he’s now pissed off the extremists on both sides.
He has pissed off more than just extremists. He is a loose cannon. Sorry, but that is my take. He should have learned to keep his mouth shut.
He still DESERVES a pension for his 17 years of honorable service, by act of Congress, if necessary. His mouth, however, may have alienated his potential champion in that effort.