...I saw it as a side bet. If you're not familiar with the gambling term, it means placing a second bet which is the opposite of your main bet, so that you're covered either way. See also hedge funds and margin trading.

As I recall, by the time the California primary rolled around--they came late in the season back then--Gore was already the presumptive nominee. My vote would've been meaningless in the Democratic side, so I decided to vote where I might have a positive influence on the other side. It wasn't an attempt at sabotage, as you're implying, it was a genuine attempt to help ensure that no matter the outcome in the November election, America wouldn't lose.

The odds were slim in 2000, but I'm feeling pretty good about the way things are shaping up in 2008. I'd prefer either of the top two Democrats running, but I'd be content with a President McCain. The side bet will be successful if McCain is the nominee: America won't lose no matter how the general election turns out.

I was reminded this morning watching some cable news--Fox, I think it was--of the way that McCain could become roadkill in November, and it has nothing to do with crossover voters in the primary. A hardcore Republican operative stated flatly that if McCain was the nominee, a lot of Republicans like him would refuse to vote. If McCain is brought down in flames, it'll be by members of his own party. It won't be my fault, it won't be the fault of any Democrat, it'll be the fault of Republican extremists who put ideology ahead of the good of the country.