John McCain: Family Man?
| Mon Mar. 31, 2008 8:49 AM PDT
John McCain's new ad is titled, "Character Forged By Family." Here's a piece of the narration:
The family he was born into, and the family he is blessed with now, made John McCain the man he is, and instilled in him a deep and abiding respect for the social institution that wields the greatest influence in the formation of our individual character and the character of our society.
The ol' family values schtick—and McCain's family values—happen to incorporate military values. But for more on McCain and family values, let's turn to a 1999 Arizona Republic profile of McCain (which does not appear to be available on-line):
He prides himself on his personal integrity yet admits he wasn't faithful to his first wife, Carol, who was injured in a horrific car accident while McCain was in Vietnam....
McCain needed a divorce from his wife of 14 years, Carol, who had been badly injured in a car accident while McCain languished in Hanoi.
The marriage had been strained by his years of absence, along with McCain's admitted affairs after returning from Vietnam.
In February 1980, less than a year after he met Cindy, McCain petitioned a Florida court to dissolve his marriage to Carol, calling the union "irretrievably broken." Bud Day, a lawyer and fellow POW, handled the case.
"I thought things were going fairly well, and then it just came apart," Day recalls. "That happened to quite a few....I don't fault (Carol), and I don't really fault John, either."
McCain's entitled to use his life's story as part of his campaign narrative. But if his campaign is going to play the family card, there's more than, as the ad references, "honor, courage, duty, perseverance and leadership" in the story of John McCain, family man.
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Comments
Hmmm?I wouldn't go throwing stones about how a guy who was a POW conducted his personal relationships. One minute, you will run a story on PTSD of our vets who are in a few fire fights in Iraq then this?
Something like that would screw a person up pretty bad. I'm not a fan of McCain, but he has accomplished a lot considering what he went through. Pick a better fight. This ain't it!
Hmmm?I wouldn't go throwing stones about how a guy who was a POW conducted his personal relationships. One minute, you will run a story on PTSD of our vets who are in a few fire fights in Iraq then this?
Something like that would screw a person up pretty bad. I'm not a fan of McCain, but he has accomplished a lot considering what he went through. Pick a better fight. This ain't it!
Hmmm
I wouldn't go throwing stones about how a guy who was a POW conducted his personal relationships. One minute, you will run a story on PTSD of our vets who are in a few fire fights in Iraq then this?
Something like that would screw a person up pretty bad. I'm not a fan of McCain, but he has accomplished a lot considering what he went through. Pick a better fight. This ain't it!
Submitted by Eric Ferguson (not verified) on Mon Mar. 31, 2008 10:14 AM PDT.
I wouldn't go for the messed up POW angle either, however, the conencted admiral's son marries the heiress 25 years his junior --- well, maybe true love is blind. On the other, no one in McCain's party held back from going after the Kerrys' marriage with any implication and innuendo they could, and Kerry didn't even play the family values game.
Nobody cares any more about these issues. Time has passed them by. People are more concerned about the prices of food and gas, as well as keeping their jobs. Historically, war solved these problems. One country would go into another for their resources and women(Read the Hebrew Bible).
Hey guys, this kind of stuff does matter for it tells us who he is. People don't change, they just become more of who they are. If Hitler were to return and run for office would we say,"Aw that's all in the past and shouldn't matter?" He's a philandering killer. Same with Slick Willey. We are who we are. But that's okay, we are an ignoble people, but let's just be truthful about it.
Isn't it interesting how the reaction to this article is essentially "who cares?" by its admittedly left leaning readers when if the highlighted person had been a liberal in a right leaning publication the reaction would be, i think, more along the lines of "off with his head!".
This article is valid to me. We have all fallen short, and struggled, but it is unwise to pretend otherwise. We can only vote based on actual history, not jargon. I'm grateful this is being discussed. POW yes. Survivor yes... Still, We need to vote based on the whole picture. It all enters in, especially at critical moments.
Submitted by Dave (not verified) on Mon Mar. 31, 2008 1:52 PM PDT.
I don't care if he got divorced. What bothers me is that he is a war criminal for choosing to go to Vietnam and bomb their nation. I am not saying that those who were drafted and forced to go there are criminals. I am saying that those who chose to go there are criminals even if they thought they were right.
I have no respect or sympathy for him being a POW. Why was he a POW? He was a criminal and being in prison is where criminals belong.
Now he wants to keep us in Iraq for the next hundred years.
Don King would make a better president. He's got better hair.
Do you think the Republicans would use this sort of information against our candidate? OF COURSE they would, and have. Therefore, EVERYTHING should be on the table. Just let them try using the "Family Values" phoney card this time.
What matters most in this is what the man is like today. He spouts family values yet has shown the opposite in his own life. He volunteered to go to Vietnam and now states he would be willing to stay in Iraq "for the next hundred years". How many lives is he willing to sacrifice for the New World Order? The man has shown a flagrant disregard for the loss of human lives if it will benefit the few, the rich, and the powerful.
I am not voting for McCain or any republican but this supposedly "family
scandel" story is not such a scandel. People divorce everyday, people have affairs everyday but none of us have been a POW for 6 years. Give McCain his due and stop with the "family scandel" inferences.
John McCain's military career is similar to G W Bush. Neither of them would have gotten a jet pilot slot if they had not had rich, powerful, military fathers. McCain crashed 4 Navy Jets due to Pilot Error. A regular pilot would have been tossed out. At least the Air Force took Bush off flying status before he ruined millions of dollars of jet planes. McCain admits as a POW he gave up military information to the ENEMY in exchange for personal health care for himself. McCain had 28 hrs of combat and got a slew of medals. Troops on the ground in Vietnam racking up 7,000+ hours did not. Enlisted POW's did not commit crimes of giving info to the enemy either. NO. John McCain is not what he seems to be.
McCain the Family Man like Newt Gingrich,Larry Craig, Vitter-all "family men" caught up in nasty divorces,affairs and sex scandals doesn't have to worry. He is a Republican after all. God forgives them but not Democrats. No one will challenge him or his family man propaganda. After all divorce has been quite the in-thing for public figures for the past decades who are fond of quoting an obscure passage from Leviticus to condemn gays but never a word about the many biblical admonitions against adultery.
How about something on the Keeting (?) 5, I understand he was not exactly forth coming about what he actually did back then. He wiggled his way out but not with the telecommunications stuff just recently. He absolutely did as his contributers wanted no matter what he says. Also most of us do not and have not profited from the war so why keep it going for the defense contractors and oil industry.
While I don't fall McCain for leaving a failing marriage, by enacting a family values slogan his campaign in his campaign he is playing to constituents that probably aren't as forgiving about it as I am.
It's arguable whether this is intentionally deceptive on McCain's part, but it's close enough that it's worth MJ to report.
Oh, one more thing:
David,
Since the Arizona Republic piece you quote is not available online, you really should provide the citation info for those of us who are still oldschool and know how to look for material archives in libraries.
I agree that PTSD and torture can mess a person up and that is just another reason to not vote for McCain. Bush also has mental health issues and look at what that has brought to our once great nation.
I agree if a person is going to claim he is something then he better have a clean record in that category. Karl Rove tactics are going to be used by the Democrats or their supporters in this election.
McCain's family values means he values family so much,he decided he'd have two.Ol' John is trying oh so hard to win the neo-con right ultra radical theocratic vote he can taste it.He just hasn't figured out yet that America is sick to death of this crap.There should be a very sour taste in his mouth from the treatment he received from these people in 2000,don't you think? Reject the ideologues John.
WHY IS IT OKAY FOR THE REPUB TO TOUT FAMILY FALUES WHEN THEY HAVE ALL BUT SCREWED THEIR FAMILIES OVER? mCsAME HAD NO PROBLEM DIMPING A WIFE WHO NEEDED HER HUSBANDS SUPPORT, IE: GINGRICH, ETC, WHILE THEY ATTACKED JOHN KERRY FOR MUCH LESS. When will the american public wake the fu*k up? I am so sickof hearing about family values from the Gop when clearly they do NOT know what the phrase means. And, what about his flip flopping from 1999? Why don't we hear about THAT from the MSM? I love my country and all it used to stand for but, I am ashamed of my goverment.
Amen to that Myra,phony McCain
saw 20 hours of active duty but he was awarded 28 mdals for it and in the naval academy,He ranked 894 of 899
students in ability.rejected
by the war college,but thanks to nepotism he was Reconsidered.when you watch his ad coming off the plane
aftr his release from Vietnam
it was nothing but propaganda
machine just like Jassica.L
Did any asked, why he was the only POW to have his video and picture taken? what happen to the other Americans who returned on the same plane? I rest my case !
I'm way more interested in how his POW experience affected his psyche and mental and emotional stability. If, indeed, he is elected, and the state of the democratic party right now sort of indicates that that could be a real possibility, is this country going to be at the mercy of an unstable president or one whose strings are controlled by invested insiders, as has been the case in the current administration with Cheney being the puppetmaster.
David and ItsCultura (and anyone else interested). Here're URL's for the Arizona Republic article of 1999. Chapter IV deals with the divorce and marriage while Chapter V deals with McCain's involvement with the Keating scandal:
http://www.wmsa.net/People/john_mccain/ariz-republic_chap_IV_1999.htm
http://www.wmsa.net/People/john_mccain/ariz-republic_chap_V_1999.htm
The articles are apparently from a book by Bill Muller. There are a total of seven chapters available on Internet. Other chapters (VIII on) don't come up.
I agree with ItsCultura. Where are the citations? Every claim should have a citation, even a general one would help, like "I heard him say that on a TV interview about five years ago." Otherwise, this is all just the same ol' Republican-style name calling.....or maybe human-style name calling is more accurate?
Mark and others...
Here are the citations. Chapter IV is the specific chapter that contains information on the divorce:
Profile of John McCain
Chapter 1: Who is John McCain? http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 2: At the Naval Academy http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 3: Prisoner of war http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 4: Back in the USA http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 5: Arizona, the early years http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 6: The Senate calls http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 7: The Keating Five http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 8: Overcoming scandal, moving on http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 9: McCain becomes the 'maverick' http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 10: The 'maverick' runs http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 11: The 'maverick' and President Bush http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
Chapter 12: The 'maverick' goes establishment http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-cha...
How the biography was put together http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-pos...
More McCain coverage
http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/
We have shown our gratitude and remorse that he spent those horrible years by making him a member of the most exclusive club in the World: one of 100 US Senators! I am not particularly excited about rewarding Senator McCain with the presidency just because he was a POW.
Where did the children come from that he is using on the campaign -- I thought he and Cindy were childless. Did they adopt to make the image more electable?
Mother Jones is lowering its standards of news reporting when it brings up this kind of trash. McCain is not my choice for Prez but he doesn't deserve this kind of garbage thrown at him. There's enough info out there to educate your readers about this hot-headed, warmonger without having to reach back to 1980 and his failed marriage!
I have a friend - a WWII vet - that decided to become his wife's caregiver (24/7) when she got Alzheimer's. He did the right thing.
McCain's wife didn't look so good, she got a little heavy and shorter in the hospital. He dumped her. NOT the right thing - a true lack of character.
If War solves economical issues, why is our economy near a recession while we're in a middle of a 5 year-long war? I guess it doesn't work all the time, now does it?
And we already knew that McCain was crooked; atleast I knew that from jump. I just give it a matter of time before more hidden facts are found out about McCain. Because I know he was a whole graveyard in his closet.
If McCain points to his family as proof of his family values, and his family situation is all messed up, he shouldn't point at it and expect us to ignore the falsehoods within his words. He has to be called on misleading the electorate...POW or not.
It's also worth mentioning that in 92 after Cindy played with his hair and said somthing like "you're getting a little thin up there," he flipped put, turned a Bill-Clinton shade of red, and replied "at least I don't cake on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt!" maybe verbally abusive spousal behavior like that was the reason she got so addicted to painkillers that she got caught stealing them from the medical charity she created (probably so she could have easier access to the drugs she needed). Coincidentally "family man" John McCain didnt notice that his wife was a junkie, which, as anyone who's been in a relationship with a heroin/opioid/painkiller addict will tell you, requires a pretty serious degree of cluelessness and/or denial. That or he just didnt spend enought time with her or care enough about her to notice thasomething was seriously wrong. Either way I do not envy their marriage and I'm sure the vast majority of republican voters would be disgusted if they knew these details about his family life. Unfortunately that presumes the MSM gives him the same degree of scrutiny they do Obama and Clinton. Can you imagine if Michelle Obama had been arrested for stealing drugs to feed her addiction?? Obama wouldnt even be a candidate because the press would be running 24 7 stories about it. But we all know how it goes...its ok if you're a republican...or a republicans wife..
I THINK HIS AFFAIRS AFTER VIETNAM SHOWS WHAT KIND OF MAN HE TRULY IS HE DID NOT HAVE THE COURAGE TO GET A DIVORCE,
ONE THING HE SAID THAT STICKS WITH ME HE SAID IN 1998,THAT CHELSEA CLINTON WAS FATHERED BY ATT.GENERAL JANET RENO.(even though I do not like HILLARY) WHAT A CRUEL MAN.
Mc cains WIFE PLEAD GUI:TY TO STEALING DRUGS FROM VETERANS. JOHN NEVER DID A THING FOR VETERANS IN ARIZONA HE IS A LIAR A THIEF AND A GUY WHO WAS TREATED WITH KID GLOVES AS A P.O.W. because his DAD WAS HEAD OF THE EIGHTH FLEET. I KNOW WHO THIS GUY IS IN REALITY! A COWARD AND A CROOK WHOS MOUTH IS PAID FOR BY THW G.O.P.
The problem with divorce is that it usually doesn't involve just a man and woman. It involves children (McCain's youngest daughter was 14 when he walked out the door) and a man who leaves his children is, by definition, irresponsible and isn't fit to be president of the US.
Anybody who cheats on their wife and gets married to the person they cheated with is low. This shows that the person is not trustworthy and does not want to make the first marriage work. Also, his first wife was hurt in an accident. Carol McCain does not look the same so McCain jumps ship. Is this right? Also, John McCains current wife is a cheater.
This story goes to the heart of what is wrong with the Republican party. They are hypocrites.
Certainly, the economy, the war, the environment, the shredded constitution - they are all critical in this election. But when a candidate cannot walk any part of his own talk I think it is fair to expose it for what it is.
More Lies.
McCain's family values include calling his current wife names that I wouldn't even use on my worst enemies. What kind of hate speak do you suppose he has ready for countries that might not be seen as friendly.
McCain is dangerous for America.
Submitted by Jim Carroll internet free press (not verified) on Fri Jun. 6, 2008 12:36 PM PDT.
HOW DOES GETTING SHOT DOWN AND SETTING FIVE YEARS IN A PRISON CAMP QUQLIFY JOHN McCAIN FOR ANYTHING.HOW MANY PLANES DID HE SHOOT DOWN? HE IS JUST A CRY BABY.
Submitted by Jim Carroll internet free press (not verified) on Fri Jun. 6, 2008 12:54 PM PDT.
WHY DOES JOHN McCAIN BELIEVE THAT IF A BANKER PAY 2% FOR MONEY AND LENDS IT FOR 8% THAT HIS GROSS PROFIT IS ONLY 6%--WHEN IN FACT IT IS 400%. THE BANKER PAID $2.00 PER HUNDRED AND SOLD IT FOR $8.00 PER HUNDRED. DIVIDE THE $8.00 BY $2.00 TIMES 100 FOR GROSS PROFIT.BANKS WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO THINK THEY ONLY MADE 6%. PHONY AS A $3.00 BILL.GO TO THE INTERNET FREE PRESS AND GET EDUCATED.
I too am disappointed with Mother Jones - lanquishing in POW camp? really. Both parties to the marriage underwent dramatic changes both physically and mentally. No one but each party knows the reason in there hearts.
How many of us can say we have never strayed?
I am really surprised at the number of people who are unconcerned with this issue. A man's decisions are in direct alignment with the moral backbone he has developed. Since his policy beliefs are so chameleon-like, what do we have to go by except his personal and professional actions? It is not intellectually feasible that a man can be a cold opportunist in his personal life, and a self-sacrificing public servant at the same time.
Methinks those that express disdain at the idea that a man's character remains largely consistent between these venues are struggling with moral issues of their own. It's the only way I can account for this intellectual schism.
