what I am doesn't depend on Fred's endorsement of McCain
My guess is Fred will not endorse Mccain. And given their friendship, AND the fact that Fred endorsed McCain in 2000, that lack of endorsement will speak volumes about how Fred feels about McCain’s run for President.
If Fred thought McCain would be a good President, he’d endorse him — Fred’s got no other friends in the race.
But if Fred DID NOT think McCain would be a good President, Fred would withhold his endorsement. But out of friendship, Fred may not give that endorsement to anybody else either.