John McCain scrutinized, OT | Arthritis Information

 

I'm not a McCain fan but I do disagree that he had to release his medical records for all to see. I say, if he is healthy today and he is up to it, go for the run for president. I think if we all make future decisions based on the fact that we could get sick, none of us would go anywhere. His medical records are and should be private and should not be made public. Geez, what is this country coming to. Agreed.  Even a younger candidate could have a tumor lurking, or something else that would render him/her unable to function properly.  But younger candidates don't have to release those records.  Not fair.

Jesse882008-05-23 10:13:31

Have you ever seen his Mom?  She's in her 90s, looks lean and fit, and is sharp and witty.  He needs to drag her along on the campaign trail, would be good PR.

Disclaimer:  I am not a supporter of McCain, but think his Mom is pretty cool.

I agree Lori.  Still, his age and health is a concern for voters, so I think from his point of view it's probably smart to release those records.  It'll give some people more confidence in voting for him.  I'm not a huge fan of McCain either, but he'll get my vote.  Obama smokes!!!  Why hasn't the media hopped on that? Suzanne2008-05-23 10:37:14Wow, a political discussion where we all agree!  This is wonderful! I don't feel it is any of the publics" business what any of the candidates health records state. Look at FDR he tried to hide as long as he could that he was crippled and needed a wheelchair to get around, because they(the publicists) thought it would show weakness that he was handicapped.  meme2008-05-23 10:44:40Are you guys getting a McCain ad to the left?  Isn't that funny?  I bet we are the only health board with political ads!!!  HHHMMMMM, On the fence here. I'm thinkinh what if he had TB or Aids. If you were working with him/her wouldn't you want to know? [QUOTE=Suzanne]Are you guys getting a McCain ad to the left?  Isn't that funny?  I bet we are the only health board with political ads!!!  [/QUOTE] I get the homeopathy ad, except on this thread!  Also funny it uses a very old pix of him.  He looks healthy, but maybe it is when he returned from being a POW? [QUOTE=6t5frlane]HHHMMMMM, On the fence here. I'm thinkinh what if he had TB or Aids. If you were working with him/her wouldn't you want to know? [/QUOTE] I think given the magnitude of the position, all candidates should probably have a physical exam (and perhaps a mental health one as well), where it's pass/fail whether there's anything specific to prevent them from doing the job and everything else is off-limits.  For example, if someone has a brain tumor (that they might not even know about) or a specific condition that is likely to impair their judgment, no matter what their age, I think that's something that should disqualify you from running.  The public doesn't need to know what's wrong with you, or to have access to your medical records, just whether or not you currently have a condition that's going to prevent your from being able to do the job.

 

I think in the case of older candidates, the public wants to know because they want to be sure they're going to get the candidate they voted for during the entire term.  However, there's no way to know that from their current health, and I don't think that's reason enough to violate their privacy.  As I think we all know too well, you can be fine one day and not the next, at any age.

[QUOTE=Suzanne]
Obama smokes!!!  Why hasn't the media hopped on that?
[/QUOTE]

The media was on that bandwagon for a while. He apparently quit a year or so ago. But he said it wasn't without a struggle. I would be extremely opposed to a president that smokes. He or she must set a good example to us and our children and so on especially right now when American health issues are part of the whole health care problem. This is important. [QUOTE=Suzanne] Obama smokes!!!  Why hasn't the media hopped on that? [/QUOTE]

It's been discussed in the Chicago media from time to time.
Anyone who knows me from this board knows that I am very much against smoking, but I don't think that has anything to do with a person's ability to be a good president.  We have had many Presidents who were smokers.  Do I want to see one with a cigarette dangling from his mouth while he's walking around the Rose Garden?  No, of course not, but I don't think the fact he smokes in private should impact his (or her) ability to serve as President.  Hillhoney2008-05-23 12:38:27Hey my Add says  Mcaines Oven Chips     It's been in the "Chicago Media"....that Barack's wife made him quit, when he announced he would run for the Prez.

He quit using, Nicotene Gum

I also heard from a very good source, Laura Bush smokes, it's just covered up
Yes, Mccain will be the oldest prez if elected, might pick Romney as VP I am not on any side for the vote, but it really bugs me that Obama goes out of his way to make everyone look bad.  it's like that is what he does with most of his time and that just isn't a way to be a good person. [QUOTE=Linda61]It's been in the "Chicago Media"....that Barack's wife made him quit, when he announced he would run for the Prez.

He quit using, Nicotene Gum

I also heard from a very good source, Laura Bush smokes, it's just covered up
[/QUOTE]

I've heard Laura Bush smokes, too, but my point is not really about smoking - it is the focus on McCain's health, when Obama, while younger, has a habit that causes health issues.

Wish I had saved the RECENT article I saw re:Obama - said he is still trying to quit, is down to 10-15 a day while on Nicorette.  As a former smoker, I'd say that translates to at least a pack a day LOL.  I just think any other candidate would get a lot more national scrutiny - example to his kids, etc.  Smoking/nonsmoking isn't a dealbreaker for me; I just think the media attention is lopsided.

   I don't think he was forced to provide his medical records, but in light of his age, it may be politically helpful.  He has refused to make public his income tax returns which are even more telling.

My understanding is that he has provided his income tax returns, but his wife has not.  She is not running for president so she believes her personal income is not up for public scrutiny.  I haven't given this too much thought, but off the top of my head, I think I agree with her.  That's assuming, of course, that she's not trying to hide some ill-gotten gains.  I know she comes from a very wealthy family and perhaps she just doesn't want everyone to know exactly how filthy rich she is.  There are some who would hold it against her...and her husband.    He wasn't forced to give the media access to his medical records.....he choose to. I agee it shouldn't matter; but if anything happens to him (Or who ever wins) the Vice President takes over....and that might make a difference.Teresa Heinz Kerry refused at first to release her income tax returns but eventually did.   I don't have a strong opinion on this, but sometimes there is a need for transparency, to eliminate any doubt of conflict of interest. Joie, you have a good point.  It would be wise of her to release that information for her husband's benefit so that there can be no question of any improprieties.Yeah, but would you want the whole world to know that you have erectile dysfunction? His WHOLE record got released. I'm not saying he has ED, but it is no ones business. All that had to happen is that his MD gave him a clean bill of health. PERIOD.Erectile dysfunction.... cindy mccain released her 2006 income tax returns today.  she filed an extension for 2007.  she and senator mccain have a prenuptial agreement which is one of the reasons they felt it wasn't necessary to release hers.  they have always filed seperate returns Very true, Buckeye.  Many presidents have covered up their medical issues and left the public wondering because of the gossip.  Releasing his medical records was a political ploy to garner the votes of the voters who were undecided because of his age and history.  Each candidate in this race is going to need every vote they can get. 
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