I agree, and such a sentiment is not without historical parallel. Alexander Hamilton decided to follow the same course of action in the election of 1800 rather than support John Adams (who was the McCain moderate of the 1800 Federalists):
"For my individual part, my mind is made up. I will never more be responsible for [Adams] by my direct support--even though the consequence should be the election of Jefferson. If we must have an enemy at the head of the government, let it be one whom we can oppose and for whom we are not responsible."
Alexander Hamilton letter to Speaker of the House Theodore Sedgwick, 1800
Good find...