McCain and the politics of mortality (McCain Deathwatch MEGABARF)

Politico ^ | September 3, 2008 | Andrew Burns

[LadyNavyVet]

I’m not wishing any ill on McCain, but this is supposed to be a problem? I think I speak for millions of conservatives when I say that I’d MUCH rather have Palin as president than McCain.

Unabashedly pro-life, wants to drill in ANWR and thinks global warming is a crock. I bet she’s against amnesty, too. What’s not to like?

[Grunthor]

McCain is quite seasoned, and has had recent bouts of cancer.

To think that he would finish one term is likely hoping against hope. It may be a tad macabre, but many folks that love Sara, and were NOT going to vote for McCain without her had his age and health well in mind when they changed from “probably not voting Republican” to “Voting Republican, sending money and working my @$$ off for the ticket.”

[Verginius Rufus]

McCain's mother will be 97 next February. Her father lived to 95 and her mother to 87. McCain's father lived to 70. McCain has an older sister who is a breast cancer survivor.

Barack's mother died at 52 and his father at 46, so one would think he'd be the one with the shorter life expectancy, except that his mother died of ovarian cancer and his father died in an automobile accident (drunk driving).

[Grunthor]

Excellent post and I agree with every word!

[CharlesWayneCT]

Of course, on the Democratic side Biden might die at any time, and then we’d be stuck with the totally unqualified Obama as President.

Oh wait, we’ll be stuck with him even if Biden lives.

[montag813]

McCain's Mom is 96 years old, in fantastic health and sharp mentally.

Obama's Mom died of cancer at age 52.

Obama has chain smoked for 27 years. McCain hasn't smoked in 28 years.

Obama was a heavy pot smoker and cocaine abuser. McCain drinks an occaional beer.

I would be willing to bet $1000 that McCain will outlive Obama.

[MarkT]

Using the Social Security tables is probably not entirely appropriate. For males, it uses all subsets (e.g. race, smokers, alcoholics, dope addicts, diabetics, cancer victims, chemical workers, military) and projects them into one class; then that 'one' class is projected into one actuarial estimate, on a year by year basis.

A U.S. President will have the finest medical observation and treatment available. He travles with a doctor in tow; nothing is over-looked medically speaking. So, I think a gross estimate by Social Security over-estimates mortality for that sub-set of males who are, or have been, President.

[gundog]

Anyone that portrays McCain as a man with one foot in the grave should be mindful of what his other foot is doing.

[gundog]

And there it is!!! The venom being spewed about Palin is precisely because she may soon occupy the Oval Office. If McCain dies in office or declines to run for a second term, it’s Palin-Jindal against Hillary.

[rlmorel]

My counter to this when I hear the "heartbeat" comment (this is the "gravitas" theme of the 2008 campaign) is:

"Would you rather have someone with her qualifications a heartbeat away, or someone with Obama's unarguably weaker qualifications IN the Presidency?"

Folks, if you haven't seen it, you have GOT to go see this video: Newt Gingrich verbally emasculates a liberal reporter who criticises Sarah Palins qualifications!

The last 50 seconds or so are worth the price of admission...the reporter is speechless, and I am guessing his days of being assigned to this type of reporting are over. They will be merciless on him back at the newsroom.

It is simply delicious, and highlights why liberals are so worried about her: They have no answer and no argument for her.

[rlmorel]

Your tagline made me shudder.

[Grunthor]

“Your tagline made me shudder.”

LOL, I wanted to leave no doubt as to my feelings on this election.

[brytlea]

Every VP is a heartbeat away from the presidency. Scarier is that every House Speaker is TWO heartbeats away from the presidency.....

susie