Dole was much more of a war hero than John McCain and did far less damage to the country politically. Remember that he had the decency to resign his senate seat when he ran for president. And I think he actually wanted to win and not just throw the election. Huge difference.
I agree with your comment about Bob Dole. I too think he’s a decent man, a trait that’s not shared with McCain. But Dole wasn’t a conservative either. He never met a tax he didn’t like. McCain has been plagued with scandal ( the S&L business comes readily to mind), and he’s been irrational ad nausium. Still there is the issue of the GOPe’s “it’s my turn philosophy” and the fact that they don’t give a $hit about the voters wishes and keeping their “promises.” Dole was a party to all of that.