Sure, it rhymes with "witch," but it's actually spelled R-E-S-P-E-C-T

"Mr. McCain has on many occasions expressed his respect for Sen. Clinton, just as he did when confronted with the question in South Carolina."

That's the John McCain campaign, explaining why McCain didn't object more explicitly Monday when a supporter asked the candidate, "How do we beat the bitch?"

McCain did indeed say Monday that he respects Clinton and "anyone else who gets the nomination of the Democrat Party" -- but only after calling the supporter's query an "excellent question."

The McCain camp's explanation comes just as the Washington Post notes that "GOP candidates" are seeking to "one-up one another in a Clinton-bashing contest aimed at energizing their party faithful."