John McCain's Cowardice - Avoiding Public Appearances With His Adopted Daughter

[Median Democrat]

I will give credit where credit is due. Bridget McCain, John McCain's adopted daughter from Bangladesh, sounds like a smart, sweet young adult:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3748634

<>

It is sad, however, that John McCain avoids appearing in public with Bridget or at campaign appearances. John McCain has a chance to lead by example, and publicly embrace his daughter, who by accounts appears to be a wonderful person, and devoted to her father. However, rather than do the right thing, John McCain, perhaps stinging from the rumors spread by Karl Rove in 2000, has decided to play the role of coward, and has restricted his public appearances with his adopted daughter, Bridget. Instead, the photo ops portray a white family, and omits Bridget:

<>

<>

http://www.kansascity.com/445/story/684287.html

http://www.collegeotr.com/college_otr/hot_college_graduate_meghan_mccain_9447

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://a.abcnews.com/Nightline/Vote2008/Story%3Fid%3D3790360%26page%3D2&h=240&w=320&sz=29&hl=en&start=42&um=1&tbnid=Iy5dh_4Aolsj8M:&tbnh=89&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djohn%2Bmccain%2Bmeghan%2Bcindy%26start%3D21%26ndsp%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26sa%3DN

John McCain could lead by example. Instead, he chooses the politically expedient route, rather than confronting the racism that not only Barack Obama and other minorities must face, but the racism that his own daughter Bridget must live with.

[Lucinda]

1. OMG

Perhaps she just doesn't WANT to campaign. She wouldn't be the first child of politicos who wanted no part of the insanity. Especially after the nastiness Bush subjected them to in the past election.

[GoldieAZ49]

3. I read that she found out about the 2000 election (she was 8 at the time) and asked

if she would be used against him again.

He said no.

Shameful OP making accusations and using the young lady as a politic football just like Rove and Bush did in 2000.

[FrenchieCat]

6. I'm sorry, but did you go to the links?

Here's a featured article called

Exclusive: The McCain Women Speak Out

Why are there only 3? Sorry, but each and every article omits a missing daughter
in text and photos. I consider that odd. Adopted where I come from means being a
part of the family. She is a McCain woman as well..... :shrug:

Here's the photo that goes with the article:




Article: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://a.abcnews.com/Nightline/Vote2008/Story%3Fid%3D3790360%26page%3D2&h=240&w=320&sz=29&hl=en&start=42&um=1&tbnid=Iy5dh_4Aolsj8M:&tbnh=89&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djohn%2Bmccain%2Bmeghan%2Bcindy%26start%3D21%26ndsp%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us%26sa%3DN

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[GoldieAZ49]

60. McCain "I believe that there is a special place in hell for people like those."

Also: McCain: Yes, except that you have to consider the kind of people who do it.


And I agree with that sentiment!

From the dad mag article:

Dadmag: During your campaign for the Republican Presidential nomination Bridget became something of an issue in South Carolina didn't she?

McCain: Yeah. There were some pretty vile and hurtful things said during the South Carolina primary. It's a really nasty side of politics. We tried to ignore it and I think we shielded her from it. It's just unfortunate that that sort of thing still exists As you know she's Bengali, and very dark skinned. A lot of phone calls were made by people who said we should be very ashamed about her, about the color of her skin. Thousands and thousands of calls from people to voters saying "You know the McCains have a black baby" I believe that there is a special place in hell for people like those.

Dadmag: That must have made you pretty angry?

McCain: Yes, except that you have to consider the kind of people who do it. Getting angry doesn't serve any useful purpose. But the calls increased my zeal for winning. (laughs)

http://www.dadmag.com/archive/060400jmccain.php


I am sure even Obama finds McCain more and more appealing when his 'supports' attack McCain on his military service and his adopted daughter.
Poor Obama is going to spend most of the campaign apologizing for them.

[GoldieAZ49]

65. Sorry you didn't read the links you asked me to go to

She said she missed a lot of school "and didn’t get to hang out with my friends." But this campaign has been different for her because she stays at home with her soon to be sister-in-law, Tess, who is studying to be a chef, while her parents and older sister, Meghan, travel together campaigning. Bridget said she enjoys supporting her Dad, but is thankful she gets to stay in Phoenix going to high school with her friends and attending study hall. Her favorite subject is history.

Bridget said her parents are her role models and heroes. "My Dad's best achievement is being a dad and also running for president at the same time. He always puts family first!"

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3748634


:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

now you were saying? :rofl: :rofl:

[roguevalley]

69. she doesn't have to go anywhere. he just has to include her in the

photos. he doesn't. find one of her on his site. he's a fucking pandering coward.

[hokies4ever]

8. Sorry, but the OP raises a debatable point

You don't have to agree though.

[Stephanie]

13. Really? What point is that? Whether a 16 year old is fair game for discussion?

SHE IS NOT

[hokies4ever]

19. Nope, that wasn't the point at all

but in the sense of good spirit, I'll give you another shot at it. Let me know if you need a hint.

[Raine]

20. Posted in wrong thread...self delete nt

[roguevalley]

68. I read that she gave him hell when he began to suck up to Bush on

his push here. I think its beyond the pale for them to leave her out. its deliberate, unloving and speaks BUSHELS about their lack of character. That barbie doll idiot wife of his should hang her head in shame. someone needs to call him on this. His daughter is a great girl from all accounts.

[BuyingThyme]

14. It's not just about campaigning.

Her very existence is effectively being denied.

[Stephanie]

15. Yes, that's why they did the interview in Scholastic linked above

FU. This is beyond offensive. Give it up.

[BuyingThyme]

17. I'd bet 95% of Republicans do not even know she exists.

What are you so upset about?

[Occam Bandage]

39. How many people are aware of Jack McCain?

Jimmy probably is the most well-known, since he served in Iraq, but it's not like any of the guy's kids are photo-op targets like Chelsea became.

:shrug:

[Median Democrat]

43. In Fairness, You Should Mention The Falling Out . . .

Between John's children from his first marriage and John McCain. There was a period of time when his children from his marriage with first wife refused to campaign with him, and at least some of them refused to attend his marriage to Cindy.

So, yes, McCain's other children are not always in photos, but no, it is not due to some noble effort on the part of John McCain to shield them.

[Occam Bandage]

45. No. It's due to the fact that they are individuals who don't feel like being political props.

If Bridget doesn't want to campaign--and after 2000, I can't exactly blame her--then why make an issue of it?

[Terran]

57. you could be right

but it's awfully convenient for McLame, eh?

[gateley]

2. That could be her choice.

:shrug:

He also doesn't appear with his other children.

I know the daughter who's pictured above is writing a blog on the campaign trail, so she's definitely a part of the campaign.

[GoldieAZ49]

4. She also voted for Kerry in 2004 nt

[Stephanie]

5. It sounds like she prefers to be in high school with her friends- lets not go all Karl Rove on her.

I think the family is accomodating her wishes of staying in school and being with her friends, as understandably most teens would prefer.

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3748634

While Senator John McCain is campaigning as a Republican for President of the United States, his 16-year-old daughter, Bridget McCain, is in Phoenix, Arizona attending a private school. "We are a normal family just like everyone else," Bridge says.

As a sophomore in high school, the Arizona Senator's daughter spends a lot of time playing sports. She likes playing basketball and volleyball, and like most kids, enjoys spending time with her friends. "School is awesome because of my friends," Bridget McCain said. "It's important for kids to be respectful to each other and help one another to make school better for everyone."

When Bridget's father, Senator McCain, ran for president in 2000, Bridget traveled with her family on the campaign trail. "I didn’t understand as well what was going on because I was only in the second grade."

She said she missed a lot of school "and didn’t get to hang out with my friends." But this campaign has been different for her because she stays at home with her soon to be sister-in-law, Tess, who is studying to be a chef, while her parents and older sister, Meghan, travel together campaigning. Bridget said she enjoys supporting her Dad, but is thankful she gets to stay in Phoenix going to high school with her friends and attending study hall. Her favorite subject is history.

Bridget said her parents are her role models and heroes. "My Dad's best achievement is being a dad and also running for president at the same time. He always puts family first!"

Bridget's favorite family tradition is when her family comes together during the holidays to celebrate Christmas at their cabin near Sedona, Arizona. They sing Christmas carols and light hundreds of candles along the hillside by their home which requires a lot of family teamwork. "We are work hard at everything we do and we stick to it," Bridget said.

Bridget said that war is also a big concern to her family. Senator McCain was a pilot in Vietnam, and her brother is in Iraq. "War is an important issue for our country and our nation," she said. "My dad wants to support the troops in Iraq and he hopes they will come home safely."

Bridget believes that the most important qualities for a president is "to be a good leader to know what to do every step of the way."

"My Dad has proven himself to be capable to be the president. If he wins, he will be great at it!"

ELECTION 2008

Scholastic Kid Reporters are on the campaign trail. Keep up with the latest election news in this special report.

[blogslut]

7. Maybe he wants to protect her from cruel jerks?

Hmmm?

[Stephanie]

12. You smell something?

I sure do...

[hokies4ever]

23. What's your point in this response?

Sounds to me like the poster is defending McCain and his decision to keep his daughter out of the spotlight, the same position you've taken in this thread. Try to verify the target first before unloading your bomb bay. :rofl:

[OneAmerica]

9. Somebody needs to make an issue of this.

Keith, Dan, I'm looking at you. He shouldn't be allowed to hide her or pretend she doesn't exist because he's a afraid of the big bad Rove.

[Stephanie]

10. Take your BULLSHIT back to wherever you came from

We're. Not. Buying.

[Occam Bandage]

35. 200 for you.

[Stephanie]

16. Do not fall for this BS cointelpro post, DU

They would like to make it look as if this message came from YOU. Let them know it does not.

[hokies4ever]

22. It doesn't come from us...

as far as we know. :rofl:

On a serious note, this is an interesting story from a politically intellectual standpoint because it puts a major kink in any plans that the Republican attack machine has for using race in this election. Put another way, how can you try to scare voters about putting a member of a minority group in the White House when McCain's daughter is a member of a minority group? An interesting conundrum for wannabe bigots indeed. Kind of gives you hope that the Republican attack machine will have some decency. They attacked McCain's daughter back in 2000, so they better think twice before employing a line of attack that could be viewed this way again. I think McCain will have the balls needed to tell them to back off.

[Forrest Greene]

53. The Answer Is One Simple Word

"...Put another way, how can you try to scare voters about
putting a member of a minority group in the White House
when McCain's daughter is a member of a minority group?"

Simple: hypocrisy.

Shouldn't be too hard for them to manage.

[JI7]

18. it's because she doesn't want to campaign, it's her choice

Meghan is done with college so has free time. Bridget is still in high school and she has said she prefers staying home and being with friends. and McCain's sons don't really campaign with him either.

i will attack McCain for kissing the asses of those who attacked his daughter. but i'm not going to hold her not appearing with him against him. in fact this would be something that would actually help him in this election and that scumbag Karl Rove even told McCain to use his adopted more for political gain.

[davidpdx]

26. I agree with you, they probably told her she doesn't have to

if she wanted to stay in Arizona. If she's 16, then she has to attend school. Granted she'd have weekends and holidays, but keeping her out of the limelight is the choice of her and her parents.

There are plenty of things to go after McCain on, I don't think this one is appropriate (no offense to the op).

[Median Democrat]

32. No Offense Taken - I Am NOT Expecting Bridget to Campaign...

Nor do I expect Obama's kids to campaign. Bridget is a few years older than Chelsea, and Chelsea was present at various events. Politicians typically make a couple of appearances with their families in tow even though the kids do not say anything. If I were running, I would like to have my family present during big events, though I would not expect them to campaign on my behalf.

The odd thing is that in the pictures that have been published and distributed, it seems like the McCain campaign in consciously hiding Bridget, which I find detestable.

One more time, BEING A MINORITY IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. I am a minority. Is anyone suggesting that my ethinicity makes me a political liability. Yet, the GOP treats ethnicity as radioactive.

Finally, do a google search, and you will see that John and Cindy McCain frequently pat themselves on the back for adopting Bridget, and these stories show pictures of a baby Bridget. However, Bridget has grown up! It makes John and Cindy sound like Brad and Angeline Jolie: Oh, look they are adopting another underprivileged child.

So, I just see it as hypocritical on the part of the John McCain campaign. On the one hand, they will pat themselves on the back by raising the story of baby Bridget. On the other, they don't otherwise acknowledge grown up Bridget.

[Occam Bandage]

37. I found a half-dozen photo-ops with Bridget in them in 30 seconds of The Google.

She doesn't seem to show up any more or less frequently than any of his children.

[goletian]

21. doesnt he have other kids too though?

the blonde girls the only one i ever see. not defending mccain, just saying...

[eridani]

24. One of the most decent things the McCains have done in their lives--

--and they're ashamed of it. Go figure.

[onenote]

27. prove that they're ashamed of her.

[eridani]

84. They suck up to Bush despite what that campaign did to her in 2000 n/t

[rox63]

25. She's a kid - I don't blame her if she wants a normal life

I do think it's odd that she doesn't appear in McCain family picures in the press. But after the trash that was spread about her in 2000, maybe they don't want her to have to face that again. McCain has a total of 7 children from his 2 marriages, and the only one that consistently appears on the campaign trail is Meghan, the attractive blonde pictured above.

[Barack_America]

28. It may be her choice, after what happened in 2000.

But, nonetheless, he should speak of her and he rarely does.

[Maureen1322]

29. Kids are off limits.

[Median Democrat]

33. Okay, Then Tell McCain To Stop Cherry Picking

He and Cindy repeatedly blast the story about their adoption of Bridget like a latter day Brad and Angeline. These stories typically show pictures of baby Bridget. However, they do not otherwise show pictures of Bridget growing up.

If children are off-limits, then fine be consistent about it.

[Occam Bandage]

46. There's a pretty stark difference between mentioning your adoption of a kid, and letting her become

a paparazzi magnet against her wishes.

[Maureen1322]

74. I don't care about McCain's decency, I care about mine.

[Eyes_wide_ open]

89. Hear Hear!

Some things are above politics, wrong is wrong. If not we are no better than we fight against.

[treestar]

75. Chelsea wasn't

They are only off limits to Democrats, just like military service. The Repukes get to go whole hog on Democrats' kids and denigrate Democrats' military service. That's the double standard M$M rule.

[Stephanie]

81. That's because we're better than them.

And the day that we're not, I'll have to find another party.

[Peacetrain]

30. Oh Please.. drop this like a stone

She is 16.. probably the last place this child wants to be is on a campaign poster or trail.. she is 16.. remember what 16 feels like.. there are a lot of things to hammer McCain with.. but his children is not one of them..

[Median Democrat]

31. The Problem Here Is McCain Caving Into Racism...

...and people here are saying this is okay.

I am NOT saying that Bridget should be out campaigning for him. However, we do see pictures of McCain's family in various photo-ops, though bridget is often missing.

Other candidates appear at campaign events with their children. The children do not say anything. Remember Chelsea? She was about the same age as Bridget when Bill ran, and she appeared at various events, though she did not speak.

Worse, the pictures I noted seem excise Bridget from existence, which I find offensive. Bridget is being treated as a political liability, which simply caves into the bigots.

Bridget is John McCain's daughter. Yes, she is adopted, but that does not make her any less of a daughter to John McCain.

[Occam Bandage]

36. If Bridget does not want to campaign in public--that is, if she is stung by 2000--then why

force her to?

[Occam Bandage]

34. Maybe he wants to shield her from the same fuckheads who made her an issue in '00.

[Median Democrat]

38. If True, Why Does He Brag About Her Adoption, But , , ,

Otherwise fail to appear with her. Also, google the story about the adoption, and you will see John and Cindy, but the only picture of Bridget is of her as an infant. Yet, as the links show, she is not completely camera shy.

One note: this story below has been taken down in the past day or so, so I was only able to get it with a cached search. The original story depicted the McCains with a picture of infant Bridget.


* * *

McCain Mailer Touts Adopted Daughter
January 10, 2008 - 7:46pm

By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain is using an image of his adopted daughter in a new campaign mailing in the state where push polling involving the girl helped derail his White House bid eight years ago.

In a mailing showing up at homes Thursday, the Arizona senator's wife, Cindy, is pictured holding a baby in a blanket as she walks with a woman from Mother Teresa's orphanage.

"Cindy cradles little Bridget, a baby she and John adopted in 1993 from Mother Teresa's orphanage in Bangladesh. Bridget has been a great blessing to the McCain family," the mailing says. "Today, Cindy and John work together to promote adoption and to help women facing crisis pregnancies."

The mailing arrived in homes the same week McCain's campaign announced it was forming a "Truth Squad" to head off the kind of negative campaigning that dashed his 2000 run against George W. Bush.

Back then, South Carolina voters were called and asked about McCain's daughter; the callers insinuated she was illegitimate. Bridget McCain, now 15, was one of two babies Mother Teresa convinced Cindy McCain to take back to the U.S. for medical care, according to McCain's campaign Web site.

McCain's campaign said the mailing has more to do with his stance on abortion than a pre-emptive move against negative campaigning, despite the timing of the "Truth Squad."

"That actually wasn't planned, believe it or not. The mailer was intended to talk about John McCain's pro-life record and his promotion of adoption, which it does," said South Carolina spokesman B.J. Boling.


(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
also on wtopnews.com
Obama Denies Assuring Canada on NAFTA
GOP frets Barr could play spoiler in prez race
Voting Around the Region
Cindy McCain visits Vietnam
Begone to the nomination race that wouldn't quit

also on the web
Obama speaks on fatherhood at church
Three Women Who MIght Join The McCain Ticket
FACTBOX-Obama offers steps to curb oil speculation
Obama promete combatir especulación en energéticos
The Brooks Article: Point by Point Rebuttal

By JIM DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain is using an image of his adopted daughter in a new campaign mailing in the state where push polling involving the girl helped derail his White House bid eight years ago.

In a mailing showing up at homes Thursday, the Arizona senator's wife, Cindy, is pictured holding a baby in a blanket as she walks with a woman from Mother Teresa's orphanage.

"Cindy cradles little Bridget, a baby she and John adopted in 1993 from Mother Teresa's orphanage in Bangladesh. Bridget has been a great blessing to the McCain family," the mailing says. "Today, Cindy and John work together to promote adoption and to help women facing crisis pregnancies."

The mailing arrived in homes the same week McCain's campaign announced it was forming a "Truth Squad" to head off the kind of negative campaigning that dashed his 2000 run against George W. Bush.

Back then, South Carolina voters were called and asked about McCain's daughter; the callers insinuated she was illegitimate. Bridget McCain, now 15, was one of two babies Mother Teresa convinced Cindy McCain to take back to the U.S. for medical care, according to McCain's campaign Web site.

McCain's campaign said the mailing has more to do with his stance on abortion than a pre-emptive move against negative campaigning, despite the timing of the "Truth Squad."

"That actually wasn't planned, believe it or not. The mailer was intended to talk about John McCain's pro-life record and his promotion of adoption, which it does," said South Carolina spokesman B.J. Boling.

(Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

[Occam Bandage]

42. Probably for the same reason that there are few pictures of any of his kids on the trail. I mean,

you can certainly find plenty of recent pictures of Bridget hanging around the campaign online, just like you can for any of them. Hell, I could post six pictures of Bridget and ask why McCain is trying to pretend his son Jack never existed. "Is he trying to erase his first marriage--including his kids--from existence?"

They have lives beyond their dad's campaign. If she doesn't want to put school on hold and become a political prop, then I don't see why that equates to some conspiracy of racism.

[Vinca]

40. She's definitely being kept under wraps. Pretty disgusting if you ask me.

The one truly noble thing he could point to and he apparently doesn't want to offend the sensibilities of any rabid Republican bigots.

[goldcanyonaz]

49. Really?

[Vinca]

54. That's the one and only picture I've ever seen of her on the campaign trail with him.

[Occam Bandage]

55. Now you've seen two!

?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1930379C2D113B8FB2A2E4D09C2D8A45425284831B75F48EF45

[Lucinda]

61. And another

[NatBurner]

41. he's got jindal

the GOP's brown quota has been filled

[goldcanyonaz]

44. She is only 16 years old

[Median Democrat]

47. If It Her Choice, Then I Have No Problem . . .

If its John and his political operatives, then I do. I am not arguing that you can't find an image of Bridget. Of course you can.

BTW In that picture you attach, Bridget is placed directly behind John and Cindy. Perhaps its just a coincidence.

[goldcanyonaz]

48. She was just a child in that photo, I updated my reply with a recent one

[Median Democrat]

50. Ahem, She Is Now . . .

Standing directly behind Cindy with Meghan standing to the side where she is more visible.

You made your point that we can locate public pictures of Bridget. I don't contest this. The response has been that "maybe" its Bridget's choice, and that some of McCain's other children do not appear in photographs. I noted with respect to McCain's other children that there is a history of falling out due to McCain's divorce of his first wife.

So, there are two lines of response objecting to my post:

1. Bridget is not appearing in public because it is her choice.

2. Bridget is appearing in public, and my premise that she is not is incorrect.

These two lines of argument are, of course, inconsistent. Personally, I think she is being minimized from the evidence I've seen.

[Occam Bandage]

56. The two lines are hardly inconsistent. They may be combined like so:

"Bridget McCain is indeed appearing in public, but is appearing very infrequently, like most of his children. That is her choice."

[Median Democrat]

58. Why Are So Many Folks On This Thread Blaming McCain's Adopted Daughter?

I Keep Hearing That Bridget Made This Choice, Any Links? This is a line that has been repeated in this thread, but so far no one had provided any links or quotes supporting this assertion:

"Bridget McCain is indeed appearing in public, but is appearing very infrequently, like most of his children. THAT IS HER CHOICE."

Since everyone is finding various photos of Bridget, again I never asserted that you can't find a photo of her, can someone help us out with a link to a quote or a statement that this is "HER CHOICE."

Also, people have described the appearance of a candidates children in perjorative terms. What about Chelsea appearing with both Bill and Hillary at campaign events. Likewise, the Bush twins. Or, Obama's children.

Are we inferring that they want to appear with their parents whereas McCain's children want no part of his campaign? Or, are we inferring that Bush, Clinton and Obama ignored the wishes of their children in making them appear at campaign events.

Since Occam is blaming Bridget, rather than McCain, maybe to accept the premise asserted by Occam, the real question is why does Bridget refused to appear at McCain's events in support of her Dad's run for the Presidency whereas the children of other candidates are much more supportive and visible?

[Lucinda]

59. Give it a rest. I really question what you are trying to do here...

[Median Democrat]

63. Great non-response

Thanks for trying.

Again, people are giving John McCain a free pass by saying that its his Daughter's choice without evidence I might add. Also, look at how other candidates have prominently had their children supporting their campaigns.

This is why I ask the question. Why is John McCain acting differently? Is it because of his lack of courage on this issue? The response has been to say, without evidence, that his daughter is making the call, thus placing the blame on her.

[Lucinda]

76. No...what's happening is that you're trying to push a story that the McCains dont love their child

because she's black. I find it disgusting. And very offensive. Who are you working for?

As for "evidence" your own op article directly quotes the young lady saying she is happy at school."...Bridget said she enjoys supporting her Dad, but is thankful she gets to stay in Phoenix going to high school with her friends and attending study hall..." Sems pretty clear to me. What's not clear is what your agenda is...

[Stephanie]

80. Do you have to ask who he's working for?

It's quite obvious that this is Phase II of Operation Chaos. Plant disgusting BS on liberal boards and then point outraged fingers at it. I don't understand why this post is still up , and why this poster is not eating pizza yet. There is NO justification for this type of post at DU. NONE AT ALL. IT'S DESPICABLE. MODS, TAKE THIS THREAD DOWN. LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE.

[Occam Bandage]

71. Who cares why? The personal life of a sixteen-year-old is not my business.

[Median Democrat]

72. Then stop blaming her, and not McCain

[Occam Bandage]

78. There's no blame to issue. If she'd rather stay at home than be a political prop, good for her.

[Forrest Greene]

51. OF All The Vile Aspects Of McCain's Character

...his rejection-for-the-record ofhis adopted daughter is easily the vilest.

[book_worm]

52. and how McCain can forgive Bush for what he did in '00 is beyond me

[GoldieAZ49]

62. now that, I agree with, I doubt I could nt

[Raine]

70. I don't understand that either

I know that I never could. I think that says something about his character (or lack of), how ambition and a lust for power overides family loyalty and love. :-(

[Median Democrat]

73. This Is Why I Raise This Point, McCain Is A Pandering Coward

Karl Rove and George Bush went out and smeared him in 2000. McCain also ripped evangelical hate mongers in 2000. However, in 2008, McCain has been pandering to these groups.

Do I think that McCain would stoop to keeping public appearances with his adopted daughhter to a minimum in order to avoid offending his more racist constituency?

Absolutely. That is why it amazes me that people in this thread are trying to turn it into an issue of Bridget McCain making a choice, when there is no evidence that she is the one making the call. They are giving John McCain the benefit of the doubt that Barack Obama himself does not seem to enjoy. So, once again, John McCain gets a free pass for flip flopping, and acting spineless.

[Raine]

77. I see your point exactly

McSAME is the kind who will throw anyone and everyone under the bus if it benefits him. IF he thinks it's better (for him) not to have his daughter in the public eye he will keep her hidden. It doesn't matter what her feelings on it are, his are the only ones that matter.

[BklynChick]

64. This is not about her choice it's about HIS. The fact that she is never seen speaks volumes.

[Median Democrat]

66. Thank you! This Is About John McCain

Yet, many folks on this thread are blaming his daughter without any back-up whatsoever. This blame is reprehensible. Occam posted that the reason she does not appear its because its her choice.

Is it? Or, is it McCain's choice.

[genna]

67. Minor children should be excluded from criticism. Adult children who make a foray into politics

not so much.

Mitt Romney's children come to mind. Some of their pranks were fair game.

When college students were asking Chelsea about Monica and that mess, I was irritated that reporters felt like she should be doing photo op appearances, giving campaign speeches, but not be questioned about the BJ disaster. I didn't think she had to answer but I didn't think she should be shocked and offended that anyone would be dishonorable enough to say, 'Hey! If BC was in office and wouldn't control his personal appetites, how can you reassure us that he will be the spouse and control his personal appetites.' Impolitic yes. Disrespectful, sure. Honest question, perhaps. Fair game, sure. The reporters wanted those questions directed to the candidate or the spouse...looking at the children who were hurt by the whole thing was just distasteful. I was just glad I wasn't in Chelsea's shoes because I definitely do not want to answer for either one of my parent's behavior in and outside of their marriage.

That being said plainly so you know my bias, I think minor or dependent children should be off limits. The little girl loves her daddy. Even if the Bushies went after his 'black' baby, why should liberals go after him for concern over her.


Maybe McCain is ashamed of her dark skin, as a black woman I'd say it wouldn't be the first time in history and if that is really going on it won't be the last. Maybe I should be outraged that he won't take her hand and parade her around the country as his affirmative contribution to loving people, all people.

I don't want Republicans to go after Obama's two minor girls. I have to punt the subject matter because this girl is still so young. A sophomore in high school? Too young to have to discuss what it is like to be the darkest member of the family. Let her explore any slights she feels like every other self absorbed person (me included) when they get out of the house and go to college or gets her own place.

[LBJDemocrat]

79. This is some serious black propaganda you're posting

It's almost as if you want to make us look sleazy.

[Stephanie]

82. Precisely.

Exactly what I was trying to say upthread, only you said it better.

[LBJDemocrat]

83. You said it quite well yourself.

"Leave the kids alone." Agreed. In no other decent, democratic country do political candidates use their kids for gain like they do here. It's already bad enough. The Original Poster crossed the line.

[Stephanie]

85. The Original Poster has nefarious purposes.

Clearly.

[cherokeeprogressive]

86. Could it be because the FIRST time she shows her face in the context of the campaign...

DU'ers would be screaming that she's "FAIR GAME!"?

Not only DU'ers but the M$M as well?

I sure as FUCK wouldn't subject my daughter to that shit.

[Eyes_wide_ open]

90. Exactly. Minor Children are never fair game

Doesn't matter what you "suspect". It doesn't matter if you think you're going after McAsshole. You can't do it without hurting her.

I suspect ANY concerned parent would hide her to proctect her from the political idiots. I know I would.

[candice]

87. I was told that the family wants to protect her from the media (she's young)

[Beausoir]

88. It's so strange to see all you supposed liberals naming that girl his "adopted" daughter.

As a mom who has built her family through adoption, I promise you that I take GREAT offense that DU would try to wedge the adoption issue.

[hendo]

91. Last I checked Bridget was camera shy

and thats why she doesn't do any major appearances.