Endorsing Obama over what was on offer is hardly weakness of judgement and character, Craig. The US did it twice. Administrators generally follow orders or resign. From all accounts General Powell was an honourable man. There's still doubt of how much he knew of the misinformation. Kennedy called Stevenson his official liar. Marine Lt-Col Ollie North confessed lying to Congress to cover-up Reagan's arms deal to Iran. Lying is integral to politics.