[...] John McCain handled a question from a New Hampshire high schooler last week by combining it with another risky, yet well-placed [...]

[...] with the source you view. I provided a link to a major MSM source that did report this incident. CNN.com - CNN Political Ticker McCain faces hard-hitting high schoolers « __________________ In a Democracy, Silence is Permission So this is how liberty ends… with [...]

BRAVO TO THE STUDENTS!!

BOO TO MCCAIN!!

I'm a high schooler at Concord High School and actually shown in this clip behind John McCain. The comment "little jerk" was actually quite funny. I'm a peer of the student who asked the question and thought it was funny as well as the eniter aduience.

Brent,
I voted in the midterm the fall after I turned 18 and have voted in all elections since.

Most years, the older folks vote because they feel it's a duty that comes with citizenship. In 2008, from the comments I'm hearing from the under 30 crowd, they'll be out voting, not out of duty, but because they're so irate about how the US is being run. They see the future problems that our government's actions are causing (global warming, lack of international support, the choice between insurance or planning for retirement )and see how they will be directly affecting them in the next 20-40 years when all the people who are making these decisions will be dead and unaffected by the consequences.

A few things to say…

#1 This kid should have already known Senator McCain's stance on this subject. It's been known for years. The fact that the Senator hasn't changed his opinion in a decade shouldn't shock the kid.

#2 Why are people saying that Senator McCain is so full of it? I feel that he is, but so is every other candidate. So spare me that argument.

#3 The kid disrespected the Senator, and the Senator fired back with his own version of sarcasm. So guess what, they are even. This is blown way out of proportion.

#4 Personal opinion should be left out of politics. Sure McCain disagrees with gay marriage, but there should be something in law that states that the economic benefits obtained from marriage should be allowed for same-sex couples who wish to do so…

What are the real chances of any of these little brats actually voting anyway — the ones who will be of age to, that is?

Bukky wrote,

"IT WAS FEDERAL LAW THAT TOOK THAT AWAY FROM GAY PEOPLE."

Bukky, I'm a single straight guy. I can't marry another man either. I CAN marry a woman.

Bukky - are YOU allowed to marry someone of the opposite sex just like me?

Again - WHERE have gays lost any rights? Cause it looks like the same rules apply to me (straight) that applies to you (gay).

Mike - NYC

You wrote, "I'm not for anarchy, but it's healthy to question authority. I've got a brain, I intend on continuing to use it."

Mike - it wasn't Sleazer's question that was rude. It was his parting comment "I came looking to see a leader. I don't" - which is uncalled for.

What's absolutely amazing is the clouded judgement most of you seem to have - applauding this insulant behavior. Again - it's ok to have a DIALOGUE that is respectful…but demeaning personal insults (especially coming from a kid to one of the few POW/Veteran and seemingly honest political leaders) - crosses the line of decency.

But - we'll just count you in the "Kewl Dude" column.

Rick - Chicago,

You said, "So much for free speech then eh? "

No one would expect a blind partisan hack from Chicago to understand many of us don't approve of teenage punks insulting our country leaders. But IMAGINE, Rick, for just a minute… that we ALL live in a free country to express our beliefs. Sleazer can be disrespectful…and those of us who are appauled can write in comments on a blog.

WHERE exactly did anyone lose their free speech rights, Ricky?

Hasn't Baghdad John drifted off into oblivion yet?

This is not about the right to free speech, its about showing some respect for someone who deserves it.

Hey I'm 25 and don't particularly agree with McCain's views, but I would have shown him a lot more respect than that sleazeball kid. There was a more respectful way of stating his opinion of McCain's views.

Let's assume for a moment that the "little kid" was a "jerk". Wasn't it encouraging that the Senator chose the high road? Just another revelation that McKain is a big "jerk" if he expects to have any voter take him seriously!

Oh, Derrick, of Austin, TX (@3:46), can you not read? Is he not of the current generation matriculating? That is the collective to whom I refer: those who are dummying-down our culture with their 'clever' texting and other media-influenced intellect corrosives. Wipe the froth from your lips, take a deep breath, and please, man, think beyond your indoctrination.

Tamara from Concord High School's English shows how the dumbing down of American has hurt our education system. Like so many others (school kids and most adults as well), she doesn't have the best spelling and grammar. And we just can't teach our kids the difference between "there," "their," and "they're." Sheesh–it's elementary school stuff that high school graduates can't even learn. Such a shame, the education system in our country. Tamara, you should have used "their."

Posted By Mark, Sacramento, CA : September 4, 2007 5:54 pm
If you're going to comment about grammar and how the educational system is so lacking, you might want to re-read your own post. Sentences almost never are correctly started with "And" (as yours shows) and for the other bolded part, all proper sentences require a verb.

I occasionally find myself making the "their" mistake in email and blogs. It's never a sign of lack of grammatical knowledge on my part, just a lack of proofreading and becoming so accustomed to typing too quickly.

I often wonder, do Gay and Lesbian parents expect their children to grow up to be gay or lesbian too? Or do they support their hetero children with the same vigor as their gay children? (An honest question, because I don't know much about the GL community.)

Curious, California : September 4, 2007 5:17 pm
From all interactions that I've had with LGBTs, they encourage people to "be yourself" and just want the same respect in return. I can't think of one anecdote about gay couples who adopt or have children by other means where the child has been encouraged to be anything other than his/herself. Gays believe that you are born a homosexual, so no amount of encouragement could turn their straight child gay even if they wanted.

The student did nothing wrong. He should be commended, not punished. He asked tough questions. If McCain can't take the heat, he should get out of the kitchen. It is McCain who should be punished for name calling, which is completely inappropriate, as is "joking" about the draft. But then Republicans are accustomed to making up their own rules.

Young people like these New Hampshire students who question authority give me hope for the future. Their families and school system should be proud.

How many here that are defending this kid's first amendment rights support 'hate speech' legislation which denies those rights to others with differing views than your own?

I personally consider the incorrect usage of there, when it should be their or they're offensive. Improper use of to, too and two offends me as well.

The folks that fail to see McCain's use of 'little jerk' as a humorous attempt need to take a week off, pop a top, put on some good tunes and chill for a while.

The kid's remark was in poor taste, but he's a kid. If it were my kid, he'd get a quick tune-up when he got home and hopefully learm a lesson about showing respect. But again, he's just a kid. Maybe he got a date for Friday's football game because he made such a 'kewl' comment.

Lighten up and enjoy life,

I'm far from a McCain supporter, but I don't see anything wrong with the way that he interacted with these students. I disagree with his views on the LGBT community and find it difficult to believe that he needed the acronym to be clarified, but it's not shocking given the views that most Republicans have on LGBTs. If your core voters are opposed and you agree with them, why explore the community any more than you have to, right? Not in favor, but I understand.

As for the "little jerk…you're drafted" comment, are you people kidding? Who cares? It was funny and even if you didn't find humor, that was the intent. McCain is one of the few Republicans that I've seen on Jon Stewart and he's been on there numerous times. His banter with Stewart is always good for entertainment since their views usually don't mesh. On the Daily Show, he uses much of the same types of tongue-in-cheek comments to reach an audience that includes many individuals from high school.

Lastly, as for the Sleaster comments, I applaud the student & McCain for his back and forth. The last comment might have been over the line, but I don't think it was entirely inappropriate. I think that McCain's attempts to claim that he doesn't discriminate, but then endorses policies of discrimination such as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and banning gay marriage is hypocritical and Sleaster called him on it. It's good that leaders realize why people disagree with them and is something that Bush could take a few notes on, seeing how he bans anyone with differing opinions from even being in his sight when speaking. The fact that the student was scolded by an adminstrator is pathetic, too. I could understand if Sleaster cursed or did something that violated school policy, but stating that you're not impressed with someone's leadership abilities should be encouraged if you're not impressed. Part of the problem with our political system is that we're allowing politicians to isolate themselves from the dissent that exists to the point that many politicians don't seem to understand how many disagree with them and for what reasons.

If someone did this to Shrillary we would be hearing from the sheep that he was a "right-wing plant" or some snotty kid "that can't handle a strong woman".

McCain was kidding with the kid who got to say his disrespectful piece probably prodded by his parents.

No big deal, he was kidding with the kid, non-story.

Not at all impressed by that statement.

States have to respect the laws of other states, sure, but it works both ways, bud. One state's laws do not trump other state's laws. If the age of consent in your state is 12, and you (pretend you're 30+) decide to bring your 13 year old girlfriend to my state and have sex somewhere… You're breaking the law in my state. If you want to be governed by the laws of your state, STAY in your state.

Why can't people see that having more powerful states would be a great thing for this country? In fact, this was the way things were intended to be. With 40% of the country passionately hating another 40% of the country, and vice versa… with opinions on many issues being diametrically opposed and unresolvable, it would be in the best interests of everyone if states made policy on these divisive issues.

All one would have to do is move to a state that has the right laws for their pet issues. Case closed.

There would be so much less hatred and infighting when people finally stopped feeling that their rights were being threatened by others.

Oh, and another thing that we have conveniently forgot about the Constitution and our original system… In the general election the first place winner was named President, and the second place finisher was named Vice President. Just think of how much less divisive national elections would be under that system. Currently, HALF of the American people feel unrepresented in the White House EVERY election, but under the original system people would no longer cease to feel represented.

This would do a great deal to ease tensions in our country, and begin to bring us all back together.

I am not registered in either of the two major parties, and I'm not campaigning for McCain.

I do like how he handled himself at this event, though. All Americans need to learn a little about how to disagree with someone without being disagreeable. We really need to learn respect others whether or not we agree with their ideas.

Instead most Americans (evidenced by how many people cheered on this kid for insulting a politician they don't approve of) labor to validate their positions by merely insulting, ridiculing, and slinging mud at anyone with different ideas.

And to the person who mentioned that they would prefer this outspoken, but rude, young man to his quieter counterparts… I would say to you that the more you talk, the less you think.

While it is possible this young man is brilliant, diplomatic, and eloquent with a bright future ahead of him, I am confident that among the quieter students you will find kids with more wisdom and more potential.

Also, with MTV, Hollywood, and other media outlets insuring that BGLT issues are 'in', I don't find it the slightest bit impressive that a high school kid comes up with something like this to talk about.

Show me a high school kid with informed opinions on international issues beyond just "War is bad", show me a kid who has some understanding of the social security predicament, show me a kid who has thought about the problems plaguing our nation and the world in general, a kid who cares about solving these problems and bringing people together more than just being the center of attention and demonstrating his or her 'coolness' and 'strength' by disrespecting those in authority… And I'll show you our future.

I love Democracy. It's a beautiful thing with unlimited potential… in either direction. When voters are uneducated and unaware of ALL the major issues (awareness of one issue is not enough), it spells doom for a democracy.

I hate to tell you this, but just like our politicians, just like us, this generation of kids is just more of the same. It is going to take a leader who comes from outside of the system to help wake us all up… And honestly I hope we don't have to wait 20 years for the high school students of today to get old enough to run.

We need change now. We need large-scale reconciliation now.

The kid has a right to have an opinion but he also has a responsibility to be respectful. While I think it was a valid question he should have worded it better.

Also, to all of you questioning McCain's leadership, what leadership background do any of YOU have? This man was a former Naval Officer from one of the world's best military institutions. He has more experience as a military leader and as a leader in Congress than any of us will ever have. To disagree with his politics is one thing but to make such remarks about his leadership is ignorant.

Bravo,to the students who asked these questions. Thank goodness someone is!

McCain has joked about the war before and I find this man to be mentally unstable in how he reacts to certain situations.

In addition, he's a Bush clone and there's no way I want him leading this country!

Good show Sleaser, but be careful. Bush's cronies probably have you on some "special list" now….

Who knew - High Schoolers had the gull to ask questions grown ups don't have the guts to?

Way to go kids - give em hell!

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

- Theodore Roosevelt

Kid was a snob. He and everyone not already in service that are physically capable SHOULD be drafted. If he's so concerened about the rights of everyone, he should go and fight for those rights, then maybe I would entertain his position and opinions a little more. I mean really, what does an 18 year old know about the world? Nothing. Kid probabley just had his first girlfriend within the last year or two.

I know something about McCain though. He was beaten and tortured for 7 years in Hanoi for that little "Parent-less" child who thought it wise to look suave in front of a school that probabley rejects him anyway. Queers aren't as accepted as alot of you left wingers may think.

Liberals. What a bunch of wimps. For those of you who don't know what "wimp" means, here's a little riddle for you: Weak In Mountain Phase. If you know what I'm talking about, you'll agree with me. Rangers Lead the Way - Followed closely by leg infantry and the M-1's!

"That little snotty kid owes the senator an apology. The federal government has not taken rights away from any LGBT. States may not grant marriage licenses and health care programs may not pay for the cost of a gender switch, but that has nothing to do with the federal government."

Posted By G Jones Vista CA

Clearly you are not smarter than a highschooler, maybe not even a 5th grader.

What the federal goverment does greatly affects the states b/c the federal government trumps the state. The reason the STATES don't have to recognized gay marriage is because of DOMA.

The FEDERAL defense of marriage act is a FEFERAL law from the clinton era. with out this FEDERAL law all 50 state would have to recognize all marriages conducted in Massachusetts not just the straight ones.

In general one state by FEDERAL law MUST "respect" (meaning give it weight and not dismiss) the laws of another state. That is why you can marry in CA and move to TX, CO, ND or any other state without issue. The state you move to MUST respect your marriage.

IT WAS FEDERAL LAW THAT TOOK THAT AWAY FROM GAY PEOPLE.

Whether you like it or not the Kid had point and you are looking not that bright

It doesn't matter how old someone is. it is the way they handle themselves. A politician's only objective is to get re-elected.

That "kid" is going to be more affected by the policies that whomever becomes president enacts than probably more than half the people complaining about him.

Here's to asking real questions and recognizing the most important part of politics- that it isn't just talking, but that it really, truly affects people's lives. When apathy is the most crippling disease in our schools something like this makes me proud.

YAWNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

Ouch! Snappy comeback, Mr. McCain.

What is good for the goose is also good for the gander as the old saying goes. If McCain can call a student a 'jerk' and not be reprimanded by the school administrator why is it ok for the another student to be reprimanded because he said he didn't see a good leader from someone that answered the question with the following: I am opposed of discrimination but he supports Don't ask Don't tell and opposes gay marriage…shouldn't he have just said I don't discriminate except for 'them kind of folks'….(GLBT folks)..can you say contradictory statements and if you showed respect you may getrespect Mr McCain.
Kudos to all the students that asked questions even the hard questions.
Remember the statement from years gone by:
Question Authority……..

I have to admit I found the "little jerk" thing amusing. Only thumbs up I've been able to give McCain in a long, long time. Can't wait for Jeanne Moos to fit it into a story.

It's probably not a good idea to use that kid's full name (unless it's mentioned somewhere in the report and I missed it) Some wacko might try and hurt the poor thing.

Sleaster wanted attention, not answers. Following up an honest answer with a cheap strawman attack tells me that he planned to say it even before hearing McCain speak, particularly considering that his question didn't ask anything of McCain's position that hasn't already been stated. I don't care about Sleaster's personal opinions on McCain, I can form my own, and if I were in his position I'd have spent less of my breath on trying to look cool by insulting a Republican, and more on asking valuable, unanswered questions that the rest of us can gauge McCain's qualifications by.

someone should have asked McCain why he is for giving away American jobs to illegal immigrants. After all thats what tanked his numbers in the polls.

The United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Universalist Church, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, and a substantial minority in the Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran Churches, and Reform Jews *believe* in same-sex marriage. So, according to Senator McCain, we should take a head-count, and discriminate against *those* folks' beliefs because there are more Roman Catholics, Southern Baptists, and Mormons who *don't* believe in same-sex marriage? The Founders were students of history; they knew EXACTLY what "the tyranny of the majority" was, and inserted the Bill of Rights to protect minorities from it. Defining a Christian Sacrament is *not* the business of the State.

I teach high school. The kid did as high schoolers do, asked a rude question to show off for his friends. Mr. McCain answered the kids rude question and then gave the kid a jab back. Sometimes a child needs to be put in his place and Mr. McCain did it with humor. I find Mr. McCain's respone funny and feel sorry for those who are so thghtly strung that they don't see it for a quick-witted response to an inpertinent teen.

This kid had evry right to say what he said but, he needs to look better because no matter if you are a Democrat or Republican Senator McCain is a great leader if you don't think so then look at his record and his service to our country. I do agree with the Senator this kid was a little ignorant jerk to say the least!!!

Thank god for kids like Sleaster….speaking truth to power!!!!…..all of you that say he was insulting are completely ridiculous. he did not call him a name or swear at him, he made his opinion known!!!….just because it does not fit your ideology does not make it disrespectful…..Keep it up kid!!!. remember it was this country that was founded on a group of "rebels" who had the audacity to buck authority and speak their truth!!!

I thought McCain's "you're drafted" comment was in reference to drafting the kid for his campaign, not the military.

But YMMV.

Well - Once again the strain shows on the Senator - Does he not take any medication regularly? Maybe he should talk to Tom Cruise? I love the way some jump on these kids but just sat there when W’s Ari Fleischer implied that anyone who disagreed was a traitor. Maybe these kids would have stopped this mess before it cost us all those lives and the financial health of thiscountry

I'm not Americian and I don't live in the US, but I'm ashamed that a leading presidential candidate took a turn in a youngster for asking a perfectly legitimate question. This is something I would not have expected from Senator McCain and he should apologise to the youngster. That was not funny!!!

Those kids have more courage than a lot of adults, they asked the questions, although I think the first kid asked just to be funny. I'm not a McCain fan… at all… but he was joking. It was a joke, lighten up.
The second kid probably was just angered by the response he got from McCain. His answer didn't make sense, it was hypocritical and the kid called him out. Right or wrong, it took a lot of guts to do what he did so props to all of them.

You go Sleaster! Shame on the school official for scolding Sleaster for expressing his opinion - a free country?

Wow! This Sleaster gave me a real warm fuzzy on the future of our Nation. We are complety screwed. I hope his parents whether they are gay, lesbian, or straight are really proud of him.

Whenever a candidate or president does not have a legitimate answer to a question or comment, they always say: "thats what america is about..expressing your views". Whats the point of expressing our views if the politicians don't listen…ie…Bush, most Americans now oppose the war in Iraq and want our troops to come home…but he ain't listening. Is this Democracy? Bush keeps saying we have to win this war, no, HE has to win this war…otherwise is presidency is a complete failure. I know i got off the subject, but it just urks me.

Another thing…I'm NOT a Republican, nor a Democrat….and I didn't take any offense to McCain's "little jerk" comment. It was obviously made in jest, teasing the kid for asking him about his age. Maybe I more of sense of humor than most people, but I really think people need to lighten up.

Thank you faith…I love the "bloated educational system" and "functionally illiterate, left-winged sheep" comments. Nice values system, but then what else can we expect from a judgemental right-wing nut job such as yourself?

I don't consider that students comments "insulting". He gave McCain his opinion on him as a candidate. Did he HAVE to? Perhaps not, but I don't think he crossed any line. He was clearly displeased with McCain's stance on gay rights and McCain himself wasn't even rubbed wrong by the comment.

I am not surprised by Sleaster's barb at McCain. Our children are not taught to respect authority or adults. So, of course, he felt justified in attacking someone who has accomplished more in his life than Sleaster can hope to achieve. The other partis the completely misguided trend in our society. If you don't agree with me, your wrong. And not only are you wrong your a jerk for it. If you don't believe in gay rights/bilingual education/socialized medicine you are angry and/or evil. It is typical for liberal people. Attack any position as evil if it's contrary to yours

Frankly I'm shocked! That a presidential candidate would call anyone a jerk is not funny, I always thought Mc Cain was more respectful than that. Now I hear it's not the first time.

I mean, hell, you're running for the presidency of the country that all other countries look up to.
You then cannot allow others get to you no matter what.
And John, my response now after years of admiration is: It takes one to know one.

"Mr. McCain deserves an apology from the impertinent schoolboy. His intolerant attitude reflects poorly on a budget-bloated educational system that has produced a new generation of functionally illiterate, left-winged sheep."
Minds of young people are full of 'feel-good' liberal garbage these days. And yet they can't show respect for a man like McCain who was a WWII vet, a senator for many years and a presential candidate .

How dare a school administrator scold a person for expressing his opinion. When did we lose our right to do that just because of our age?

The student was disrespectful, but if McCain can't take a little heat from a 16 yr. old with a little more grace he needs to get out of the political kitchen.

Nothing wrong with the kid saying what he did about expecting to see a good leader. Why is that wrong? It was his opinion, and he should be allowed his opinion. This is America.

There is a wide disparity among the posters on this thread. Some think McCain was wrong, others think the kid was wrong.

I think they were both wrong…McCain may have been trying to joke with the crowd (but it obviously was not received as such) but it certainly backfired on him.

There's a 55 year difference in their ages and I don't expect they could relate very well to each other in any kind of a setting. Plus, McCain is somewhat of a curmudgeon, anyway. But that doesn't excuse the rudeness or impudence of the student. Obviously he is representative of many kids today who have not been taught by their parents to respect anyone or anything. If that were my kid, I would be ashamed of him for speaking to ANYONE like that.

McCain is not afraid to face a tough audience, fast on his feet, and funny. The kid is somewhere south of 18 years and shows his immaturity, but you can bet that McCain values the kid's freedom of speech as much as anyone. It's interesting to see the rabid left unable to see the humor in McCain's response, any thereby confirm their small, closed minds.

I think it's great that the kid got up and asked for what he wanted, unfiltered.

I don't think it's right to say disrespectful things to people however. It represents a lack of grace, something that our country has pretty much forgotten.

I commend McCain for trying to be as graceful as he knew how to under the circumstances, however I'm concerned that someone running for president hasn't at least heard the term GLBT, which represents 10% of our general population.

I see nothing wrong with Sleaster saying what he did and I admire the young fellow for speaking up.

@ G Jones, Vista California.

Your position is flawed. Marriage laws grant basic rights to couples, in regards to tax benefits, medical benefits, visitation, child care, adoption, all of which is defined under federal law. I suggest you rethink your position on how "personal choice" factors into federal law.

He was caught off guard ! A person who can be caught off guard should not be President !

Joe in Fla,

You wrote, "“You want to take away someone’s rights because you believe it’s wrong,� Sleaster followed up.

“I don’t put that interpretation on my position, but I understand yours,� McCain responded, seeming to enjoy the back and forth.

What kind of disrespectful answer is that? "

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If you read the entire article you would see the part where this same student before walking away from the microphone said, "I came here looking to see a good leader, I don't".

Or do you, like many other out-of-control parents, encourage your kids to speak disrespectful to adults?

Did the kid have a legal right to speak his mind? Sure. Just as other people have legal rights to be bigoted and prejudiced - but I would certainly hope our society wouldn't APPLAUD this behavior.

yes, the child was being very immature to disrespect Sen McCain. McCain already has proved himself with his service to this country. I think it very unlikely that that kid will ever achieve as much with his life for the good of others as McCain has. That kid will grow up, and hopefully realize that showing this type of disrespect to others views is at the heart of it, the reason we have wars. I am socially liberal, but not close to being as arrogant as that little boy.

McCain has served his country with dignity and courage, calling him a war addict is shameful at best. I am a Muslim immigrant from a third world country. Please remember that your right to call a patriot of this country a war addict would get you killed in many other countries. This war addict fought for your right to have free speech and spent an eternity as a POW while trying to defend this right for you. Disagree with him if you must, that is your right, but by maligning him you only disgrace yourself.

Shahid Ali Rochester NY

Hey James in Phoenix, too bad if you don't like people asking tough questions to our so called "leaders". More should be asked, as often as possible.Orthodoxy is unconsciousness, period. It was anything but what our founding fathers had in mind. They questioned the authority of the Crown rightly so. We as a nation already have garnered a reputation for political complacency and conformist behavior and letting the rights of certain people disappear.
I'm not for anarchy, but it's healthy to question authority. I've got a brain, I intend on continuing to use it.

Mere children insulting a war hero. They should be embarrassed.

Is Republican presidential candidate John McCain demonstrating his putative diplomatic skills today? Perhaps we can best describe Mr. McCain by paraphrasing Thomas Hobbes and say that here is a man "nasty, brutish and short" who, apparently, learned his manners at the Hanoi Hilton, not in the United States of America. Some men are made saints by their adversity; some men simply become swine through exposure to savagery.

I think it's ridiculous that someone could call McCain a war addict. It must have been those pleasant years in a P.O.W. camp in Vietnam that must have done it, right? I mean, who wouldn't love being held for years under the control of foreign enemies whose language you can't understand? I know I would have loved that!

Seriously people, learn a little respect.

“I came here looking to see a good leader, I don’t,� Sleaster said before leaving the microphone to some boos and gasps from the audience and an eventual scolding by a school administrator.

Nice comment kid…really full of respect for a man who fought for his country in Vietnam so you can have the RIGHT to insult him as you just did. Although not the one who McCain called a "little jerk", that comment would be lame to what the "Slease" should have had coming.

This kid was born at the wrong time…would have been nice to see his mouthy little butt under McCain's command in Vietnam and then, maybe then, he would have seen what a leader is.

After reading this entire blog, I am pumped up to vote for McCain now more than ever. Thanks all of you omniscient high schoolers in New Hampshire for pointing this out.

And as for the rest of you distorted left-wingers on this blog talking about how smart these high schoolers are…..please, pleeeese don't support the insolence here…..this country has needed the draft reinstalled for some time now…not for fighting a "war" in Iraq but for teaching the present and future male population of the US what discipline and respect truly is….that's a gift one can truly receive from being in the military.

I have no problem with these kids given the opportunity to question candidates. I think it's a great way to teach these kids about our system and get them involved in future voting. Makes them feel like they can truly make an impact.

Given that though, it's sad to see that some high school students have the maturity level of middle school kids. McCain is a former POW, I'd like to see that kid endure that treatment for 10 minutes, let alone the years that McCain did.

You don't have to agree with people, or even like them, but respect for elders and leaders should be a given. I hope he felt like a real tough guy for running his lip like that, because I'm disgusted with the way much of our youth has turned to this sort of behavior.

This guy will never get elected president. He doesn't know how to treat people respectfully. Sure, the kid wasn't nice to him either, but tomorrow nobody will remember the kid's name, but people will remember that he called some teenager a jerk.

William Sleaster for Class President!! If only more of these kids would put down their X-Box and I-Pods and get involved with what is going on in this so called equal and free country.

My disappointment and disgust at the commentary on here by supposedly "informed" CNN readers is indescribable. As a Democrat, I disagree heartily with many of McCain's positions, but for any of you to be so unflinchingly partisan as to support a highschool CHILD telling a honorable war veteran and Senator that he "came to see a leader and didn't find one" is just inexcusable. What about values such as respect for authority or elders? This kid hasn't even paid his own bills yet and you think he has the right to tell a man of McCain's background what "leadership" looks like? There is a right and wrong way to present your views and opinions, and this must be constantly reminded if a free society is to succeed. Freedom of speech should not eliminate individual responsibility for statements-it should INCREASE it. It sickens me to see my fellow Americans declaring otherwise.

I think the young man is a little confused between hard questions and bad behavior. I suspect his parents are confused too if they think this is appropriate behavior.

I like McCain. But then I have a sense of humor. Those of you who have none are just, well, kind of pathetic. My experience suggests that you will not gain a sense of humor or learn it, either. You're like doomed, man. Have a nice serious life. And after you're dead, we'll all seriously not miss you.

I thought McCain responded in-kind to the banter he exchanged with the student. I'm all for honest, tough questions, but rudeness and lack of respect tarnishes the validity of the question. I like McCain. I hope he's able to regain his campaign strength.

To Ryan in Milwauke:
The fact that he sees war and drafting as an amusing joke doesn't say that he can handle how others percieve him. It says he can't think on his feet, and needs a script writer to come up with his one-liners for him. We don't need another president like that.
To James in Phoenix:
I don't know what village raised him, but I think I'd like to move there. The one that raised YOU on the other hand… I wonder… Are your parents proud of YOU?
To William Sleaster:
I admire your guts for going up and saying what you did. It takes a strong, brave person to do that. And you're right. John McCain is no leader. He is no more than the quitessential, adult, white male. I sometimes think that us highschool kids have more sense than all those pompous and self-important "adults" combined.

Funny how most people here do not get the "you little jerk" comment. It was meant to be FUNNY. Actually, they do get it, but they hate McCain so much, they use it. McCain will not get my vote, but I have the common sense to see it was a JOKE.

And out of ALL the problems we have in this country, "LGBT" is the most important?

Bravo to the students for speaking their minds, and for showing interest in and passion over the political process. I would expect them to challengs ALL the candidates in the same way. Seems to me they were the straight talkers. This kind of talk comes with the territory. If McCain can't handle it, if the best he can do is a reply which includes words like "jerks," he shouldn't be running in the first place.

No one seems to realize that it’s good that young people feel empowered to be critical and stare down major political leaders like McCain but there are appropriate and inappropriate ways of going about it. The manor in which the student expressed his distaste for McCain did nothing but make his stance look young and immature.

Are we really going to look down at McCain because he can tell a few jokes? Honestly I want a candidate who not only respects the opposite opinion than him but he’ll joke about it and when it comes down to it, work with those he doesn’t agree with. He’s been compromising and working with Democrats and Republicans for years. He’s gotten more done than Hillary and Obama have ever dreamed of in their first terms and it’s in large part due to his sense of humor and willingness to listen.

And what’s this about McCain being a war hawk? He’s the only candidate who wants to close down Gitmo, ensure proper rights and manage Iraq in a proper and non-delusions fashion. It sucks that we're in IRAQ, we should never have gone there. Very few argue that but if we pull out now…we will have even more blood on our hands because we took away that countries stability and replaced it with violence and death for Iraq and the Middle East as a whole. McCain sees this and people who are unwilling to face reality and simply want to pull out…don't.

McCain is our Senator and has been a wonderful public servant.

BUT, I believe it is time for him to retire. His policy is sloppy, his stamina is weakening, he's over exposed in the press and he's not showing himself in a very good light.

One should always leave people wanting more.

Kudos to the young man. Honesty is a refreshing quality in politics. He had questions and was displeased with the answer and stated so. Those that admonished him need to be reacquainted with the First Amendment. There was no profanity, nor personal slur, rather it was merely a statement of opinion and even minors are still entitled to that.

McCain rocks….hahaha you're drafted. That's what those little rich kids need, a taste of some disipline.

I think McCain was right in what he said. He said it in a joking manner and the way the world is, someone has to make a fuss about something that is usless. I feel we as a country can never be happy, there is always to sides to the story, if one is liberal, one is conservitive, if someone supports the war, someone will be against it. It was joke between him and the student asking the question, no one elses problem.

GREAT GOD! I love this kid!! What a zinger. He said what most Americans are thinking. I cant believe that it actually got reported. Fredom of speech at its finest. Politicians are not above the people that they represent. In todays world, a politician (regardless of affiliation) in nothing more than a self serving figure head pushing their own agendas and hiding behind political ideas and sound bites that make them appear intelligent.

William Sleaster I applaude your effort!!!

Way to go Mr McCain ! I'd respond with the same comment…I've got a 16 year old son !!
…sick twisted freaks…

Michelle in Minneapolis,
You wrote, "That "little darling" is what America needs more people put out there fighting for the same rights as you "little straight people".
Gay people have the SAME right to marriage as straight people currently. Being a straight male can I marry another man? No?
So gay or straight people can't marry the same sex.
Can a gay man marry a woman? Yes??
Hmmm… sounds like we all have the SAME rights to me.

OMG John you can pack it in now for sure. How dare you talk to future voters of America this way ? Have you forgotten that New Hampshire is the first primary ? The "little jerk" had a most legitimate question and your reply was very schoolyard. You could not have done any better than that and you're running for President ?

Also, could anyone else give a more sitting on the fence point of view concerning the LGBT issue ? And since when is the marriage between a man and a woman "unique" ? LMBO !!! We are the rule, not the exception.

These kids are great. Why is it that *children* are more awake when it comes to politics than the adults?? No-one ever asks these *very important* questions AND McCain didn't even know what LGBT is! Go, kids, go!!

Lets try to be objective here. I actually disagree with John McCain on many of his positions, but I don't see that he did anything wrong, here. Clearly, the kid has a right to his opinions but he became rude, resorting to insults when he didn't get the answer that he was looking for. His scolding should be based upon his poor manners rather than his point of view.
Moreover, Mr. McCain's joke about the drafting the other kid was indeed funny; the day jokes are frowned upon because they don't align with someone's political stripes, is the day I move to Canada.

McCain is not a leader, he only acts like he really cares of public opinion. He is a very watered down version of Dick Cheney. Same mentality

I think that kid that said that is in the right. This man is asking for votes from the people and as a citizen he has the right and duty to point out flaws. And anybody that brings there own personall religion choices into the debate about the right to love someone is not someone that deserves to be in office. I say good for you kid, and the school official that scolded him should be fired. That sounds like him/her trying to stop someones right to free speech.

Shame on the administrator for scolding that boy! He had every right to make the comment he made, especially considering the sarcastic tone set by the senator himself ("you little jerk…you're drafted"). He should be praised for taking an interest and asking a question, and also for expressing his feelings in reaction to MeCain's answer.

It is a great question this kid asked. A very important question and for the press to brush it off as something cute McCain did is a reflection of how out of touche the mainstream press is.

This is a question that a Kyra Phillips should be asking.

It's unfortunate the young man can't appreciate the traits of a true leader, someone who you can depend upon to be consistant. I can't say I agree with everything Sen McCain says but I do appreciate that you know where he stood yesterday, where he stands today, and will probably be standing tomorrow.

James, Phoenix AZ,

"I wonder what village raised that child (Sleaser)? It's one thing to ask questions of a candidate - it's another to simply insult them."

Wow! Holy SUPER wow!

So much for free speech then eh? Any OTHER constitutional re-writes you'd like to make us aware of James?

To G Jones in Vista, CA:

What rock are you living under to say that being LGBT is a personal choice? Seriously, evolve into the 21st century. There are numerous scientific studies that prove this is a genetic trait. I am amazed at the ignorance of people in this country…

I personally do not support McCain or agree with him on virtually any of his positions. However, the way I read his "little jerk" comment, it sounds like nothing more than his version of a noogie. In context, it reads as though it was meant to be more endearing than anything else - a lighthearted response to something that called into question the candidate's very own mortality. Leave it to the press to spin these things one way or another. That said, kudos to the kid for having the fortitude to stand up and question authority. This virtue has been missing in our youth for far too long.

I'm a liberal and I won't be voting for McCain but we should at least show respect for people that have spent their life fighting for what they beleive in. This trend in the political atmosphere where "everyone who disagrees with me is an idiot or a liar" is destroying intelligent dialog in this country.

Its one thing to ask intelligent questions and challenge established positions, that's great. But its quite another to sit in the bleachers and take pot-shots at someone you don't really know, or in this case call them a poor leader because they disagree with you on a single philosophical/legal issue. That's not really the attitude I want to encourage in our future-voters.

I do think it is interesting how quick people are to crucify people. It was clear to me McCain was trying to be wry with the high schoolers. But as you can read in many of these comments, there are people freaking out over it.

I guess people just want a fake plastic politician because whenever someone shows some humanity, like McCain did, they get flamed.

But hey, You "go girl/guy!" At least McCain had the balls to go to one of the most threatening civilian areas in the US (the school system)

PS - IMO This whole thing makes McCain look better not worse, and I wasn't even intending on voting for him either.

McCain calls the young man a "jerk" and he responds saying he didn't see a leader. Sounds like a fair fight to me. Either they both need more "manners" or neither of them does. How weird that most of the comments find only one of them objectionable.

“Thanks for the question, you little jerk … you’re drafted.�

I don't think a presidential candidate should even JOKE about drafting. It is not funny. I can understand how people found the student's question disrespectful, maybe. However, I found Sen McCain's nasty comment extremely inappropriate, unnecessary, and much more disrespectful.

Way to go, John. I have no problem with a candidate throwing it right back at someone when they're being rude.

Here we go again treating our kids like second-class citizens. It is amazing to think that some of you "grown ups" believe that a high school student does not have the right to say what he thinks! It is shameful that we are teaching our youth not to be individuals and to be PC in such young age so what if he thinks that McCain is not a good leader at least he has the balls to tell it how it is.

I wouldnt want little brats like that in my army anyway. GOP 08

We have people who say "Out of the mouths of babes…" basically glorifying the teenagers at Concord High School(not to mention that saying was taken from the Bible, and is entirely out of context with what the commenter was saying), and on the other hand we have those who believe Sleaster was just plain rude. I for one thought the things that were said by Sleaster were out of hand. Its really upsetting when people have to watch their words around the gay and lesbian community, but when it comes down to those in power everyone has loose lips and can say anything they want to. I'm 23 years old now and when I was in highschool I knew the lines that I could cross and still be tactful. There is a way that you can represent yourself intelligently instead of s yourself to be an accusatory fanatic. It seems as though we have the freedom of speech unless it comes to homosexuality.

There is a difference between asking a smart question and asking a question smartly. One shows an intellegent thought process and the other shows ignorance. Making a person responded intellectually requires tact and respect. Being rude does nothing but involve emotions. And we wonder why kids take guns to schools, do drugs, get pregnant at an early age, etc.. This civilization is in decline due to the fact that we are too loose a society. There has to be a fine line that we, as a society, shouldnt cross period with respect to all aspects of life. Dialog should be open, honest, and respectful of one another.
Now, for the glbt thing….i think their cause would move further if people didnt push the lifestyle into the mainstream. they should have basic "partnership" rights. why is our culture so bent on everyone being identified by a group? our melting pot is melting any more.

You people are all so ignorant…

Its not about kids fighting back against "evil republicans" Give me a break. Do you raise your kids like that? I hope not!

Its about the fact that he insulted Senator McCain. He should be honored that the Senator showed up at his school. Its a privledge to be included in an event like this. Especially in a world where most politicians are spending there time at $25,000 per plate fundraisers rather than at a H.S speaking with kids that probably arent even old enough to vote.

Republican or Democrat… thats just plain disrespectful and that kid and his parents should be ashamed.

Kids like this Sleaster punk need to be taught a thing or two about manners. Rather than an advancement in our youth it seems to point to a degredation of our family structures. Just because you have free speech doesn't mean manners and morals go out the window. These become even more important in a society where you can choose how to live your life.

Thanks for the question you little jerk..you're drafted. haha McCain is hilarious.

McCain finally gets some tough questions - when he visits a high school. Our professional watchdog press corps must be so proud of themselves.

-"LGBT" is a non-issue. It's a personal choice. The federal government shouldn't be involved.-
Fine. Then marriage in general should not be regulated by the government at all since it is a personal choice. But since that will NEVER happen, LGBT's should have equal access to marriage as straights do. In the eyes of our constitution, as adults it shouldn't matter who they are intimate with. It's so sad to see that the same arguments are being used against gay marriage as were used against bi-racial marriage (which used to be illegal in this country, however, I don't think anyone would think that a black marrying a white is wrong these days {for the most part}). Legally LGBT's should not be inhibited from doing anything straights can end of story, otherwise there is not equality period.

-That little snotty kid owes the senator an apology.-
Not really, if the kid doesn't think McCain will make a good leader, then he has the right to tell him so.

-The federal government has not taken rights away from any LGBT. States may not grant marriage licenses and health care programs may not pay for the cost of a gender switch, but that has nothing to do with the federal government.-

Posted By G Jones Vista CA : September 4, 2007 4:12 pm-
Yeah, it kinda does have to deal with the federal government since they should be the ones protecting the equal rights of LGBT's. A state should NOT be aloud to deny rights based on gender preference just like jobs can't hire or not hire you based on gender preference. Same simple principle.

I believe challenging questions are fair game. Differences of opinion and debate are part of American culture.

However, Mr. Sleaster needs to take a class on proper respect.

Kudos to Senator McCain for answering the question respectfully and honestly.

Senator McCain suffered enormously for his love of our country. If Mr. Sleaster exchanged his ipod for a short stay at the Hanoi Hilton, he would obviously show the Senator a bit more respect.

I am undecided on my choice for President, but I am sure glad Senator McCain is one of the options.

So McCain's "against discrimination" but wishes for discrimination to remain enshrined in law? No hypocrite is a true leader; that kid was just calling him as he saw him.

I think once McCain made a comment like "you little jerk . . . you're drafted," he should have expected just about anything in return. You don't talk to kids like that.

McCain did not make himself look like a leader at that speech. He just made himself look like a jerk.

Very simply, Sleaster's lack of respect says more about him than McCain. I was not impressed by the child's behavior, the CNN primo coverage and attention to an extremely polarized, intolerant youth.

Go Sleaster!

Hey,

I find myself agreeing with McCain less and less, but you have to hand it to him for not pre-screening his entire audience the way Bush, Clinton, Rudy, Obama, Edwards, Romney, Clinton, Thompson and Bush did.

I am sorry that the school saw fit to censor the student for availing himself of his first amendment rights. Since when is one not allowed to make an editorial comment? The right to disagree and be able to voice it is something that many of us hold dear. These used to fall under free speech. Hoorah, that unlike so many other of today's youth, he takes part in the process, seems relatively well informed and doesn't use profanity. I thought that schools were to educate and expand students' horizons but apparently they are there to enforce only their own views. What a waste of our tax dollars and precious young minds. They are sending the wrong message. As parents, we should all be worried about this trend.

The fact that McCain doesn't know GLBT speaks for itself. Any candidate of today needs to have that in their lexicon.
As for the student, there is nothing wrong with stating they do not see a leader. The candidates need more "real" interaction.
It's a shame the administration scolded the student for simply stating a view.

Somewhere, the spirit of many of our founding fathers, as well as the soldiers who died to make our Nation a Nation, have stood up together and saluted the yound person who asked the question. Also, they sat in horror while listening to the citizens who follow blindly.

The kid said it and it is done. Maybe he was right maybe he was wrong. He did get to say what was on his mind. As a gay man with the same and only partner for the past nine years, it is tough to hear people say that we don't deserve the same rights as "normal" people but we manage to keep our heads high. We have been raising our son the best way we know how; with lots of love and attention. His mother sure doesn't know how to do it. All I would like to be able to do is if there is an emergency, I would like to be able to visit my partner in ICU. I would like to be able to say: this is my partner and we love each other" without wondering if someone was going to bach us in the back of the head. I would like to be able to hold his hand in public without fear. There are so many simple things that heterosexuals take for granted yet we as homosexuals most often get the short end of the stick. I don't want to take anything away from you and I don't want you to give me anything that I don't deserve. A little respect goes a long way.

"Budget-bloated educational system"?

Wow. Maybe it's been a few years since you went to school yourself, but I've seen richer panhandlers.

Okay, McCain is hypocritical on his discrimination position.
He's blasted for making a clear joke on drafting a kid, unless the kid is drafted in the near future.
I am surprised that Sleaster was scolded by an administrator, though. I'm even more surprised of the accusations that schools are adequetely funded.
Oh well. I hope McCain would come to an inner city high school and take questions. That would be meaningful to me.

Although I do not agree with the way McCain responded to the questions, I do agree with his positions. See the constitution was writen assuming you know about all the bibles belief's and standards and know that they apply to this country. The constitution was writen to explain things that were not writen in that detail or drawn on, to that level. No statement in the constitution changes or violates any biblical princle. Thus the bible was assumed the primary law then the constituion was a futher explaination, specific to the needs of the USA. (note: all this is in the libray of congress). Thus a persons right to be gay is not in question, they have that right and as a military person I will defend that to my death. However, Gay individuals were never given the right the marry either by the constitution or by the bible. McCain can't take away anything that was never given.

Tamara from Concord High School's English shows how the dumbing down of American has hurt our education system. Like so many others (school kids and most adults as well), she doesn't have the best spelling and grammar. And we just can't teach our kids the difference between "there," "their," and "they're." Sheesh–it's elementary school stuff that high school graduates can't even learn. Such a shame, the education system in our country. Tamara, you should have used "their."

That smartalecky kid should've been taken out to the woodshed.

It's one thing to have and express an opinion, it's entirely another to be disrespectful to an adult with a long and distinguished career of service simply for the sake of being disrepectful. I'm sure half the school will think he's "kewl" now.

Great work, parents.

I think this kid's reply was absolutely justified. The vast majority of our politicians have sold out the interest of the American people to the extent that we're spending billions of dollars a month on an unjustified, illegal and completely discretionary war, one for which McCain also voted. The kid was absolutely right. Good leaders don't lie to their constituents nor do they sell out the interest of their constituents to the highest corporate financial backer. McCain is a liar and has deserves to be recognized as such.

In addition, marriage is a human right and not a religious, heterosexual, or government issued privilege. As such when the kid stated that McCain was actually in part taking away the rights of some people to be lawfully married, his perspective was actually correct and based in sound reason and logic since refusing to acknowledge and protect a human right absolutely amounts to taking that right away.

I think it's great that he told a candidate exactly what he thought. So many people sugar coat things and the message never gets across. I commend him for telling McCain he doesn't see a good leader. Lord knows what I'd say if I ever got the opportunity to meet Bush.

for any of the people who think it's rude to say "little jerk", i think it's obvious from anyone who isn't a partisan hack that mccain was joking, and "little jerk" is probably no more rude than someone asking if you're too old to be competent in office.

also, maybe the LGBT movement would get a little more credence without knee jerk high school kids getting all emotional and upset about someone having a different stance

Hilarious.
As for scolding or punishing these kids, give me a break. They're TEENAGERS. If the teachers had thought this event through a bit more, they would have censored the questions first. Now that would have been democratic.

This is the type of political discourse that we need in America. I am glad that these students decided to speak candidly with Sen. McCain. While I don't agree with or support McCain, I commend him on doing question and answer sessions like these and spending the time to listen to the concerns of the next voting generation of Americans.