In the case of McCain,whom we are discussing, a huge difference.
McCain was a POW. As such he betrayed soldiers in the field by revealing troop movements and offensive strategies to the enemy.
Some excuse this with,but he was being tortured!
So too were other POW's in the same enemy custody.
And then as a Senator,he betrayed the American people and our country under Bush43 and going forward.
And his complicity in sabotaging Trump's first campaign was his once again siding with America's enemies.
Soldiers are at heroes because they served and were captured when they were also Traitors!
Or,do we also insist years after Vietnam John Walker Lindh was a hero too?