In-depth article by Platner's high school classmate

[malthaussen]

5. A very typical mindset. Even admirable.

He protested when the war was up for discussion, using (presumably) whatever means he could to stop it, then when the decision was made despite his protests to go in, he ceased protesting and did his part to contribute to the policy's success, even though he thought it was the wrong decision. There's no inconsistency here, just a mindset that does not pick up its toys and go home when the game goes against him.

Presumably (there's that word again) his protest against Iraq/Afghanistan were not based on irreconcilable moral disapproval, which may mean he did not (at that time) pass the moral purity test so many Democrats seem to think is necessary to earn their vote.

-- Mal