A nice catch from Steve Benen: He reminds us that John McCain criticized John Kerry's use of his Vietnam experience for campaign purposes back in 2004. At the time, he said he was "sick and tired of re-fighting the Vietnam War," adding that Kerry's use of his war heroism in the campaign was nakedly political.

Now, though, McCain is happy to use his own Vietnam experience for campaign purposes, most recently sending out a new mailer he's dropped in New Hampshire recounting the Christmas inspiration he took solace from during his days as a war prisoner in Vietnam.

To be clear, McCain should of course talk as much as he wants about his past experiences. But he shouldn't have criticized Kerry for doing it.