to a point. Supposedly, Blackwell is "the candidate of character". If he said those words as truth, then most Freepers would have to question his bonefides. If he said those words and didn't mean it, then he lied. Either way it adds up to an issue of character.
He could have stopped at hero and thanked John for his support. Instead, he went on.
I don't agree that it's a matter of character. I believe that he thinks McCain is a man of integrity. You can disagree with a man's politics and not doubt his integrity.
But since I don't know what he meant, I will assume the best because he has never shown an sign that he lacks character himself.