Comments on: McCain: 'Little jerk' comment made in jest

By: Ron Marek

Ron Marek — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:50:26 +0000

Come on now: it's not strange for kids in high school do things to try to get a rise out of people, and, in turn, the "little jerk" comment was more of a poke than a punch to the face. McCain's got a dry sense of humor, and people need to lighten up a little bit.

By: Hana Myers

Hana Myers — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:08:28 +0000

i hate john mccaian!!!!!!!

By: Jenna Applegate, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Jenna Applegate, Tulsa, Oklahoma — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:00:55 +0000

I'm a Democrate all the way, but I thought the Mccain comment was awesome. He handled himself very well. And I'm sure the little jerk thought it was hilarious-the audience sure did. Anyone who criticizes Mccain has got a stick up their butt. Watch the video, its really funny. It was said in complete good humor, not snidely at all.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 21:57:09 +0000

I'm a democrat all the way, I'll vote demo no matter what. But anyone who criticizes Mccain for his 'little jerk' comment has got a stick up their ***. Watch the video. It's funny, he handled himself very well, and the guy who asked the question probably thought being called a little jerk by Mccain was hilarious- the audience sure did.

By: Jim, Indianapolis, IN

Jim, Indianapolis, IN — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 16:29:41 +0000

I'm with those who have gained respect for McCain for playing along. We're travelling down a dangerous path when we're not able to speak our minds – or joke – without being chastised, criticized or worse.

By: karen, orlando, fl

karen, orlando, fl — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:46:10 +0000

There are 135 comments on this topic. What does that say about the topics that we chose to focus on???? Does it really matter that McCain made a harmless joke??? Anyone who takes serious offense to this really needs to get a life.

By: Ryan, Placentia, CA

Ryan, Placentia, CA — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 04:10:51 +0000

I'm fairly liberal, and I disagree with many of Senator McCain's political positions, and I also think he's one of the most intelligent and decent individuals in the current presidential race. High school students respond to humor, especially humor directed against fellow students. It's funny to make fun of people. The student was making fun of Senator McCain, and that was funny (and legitimate), and McCain was making fun of the student, and that was also funny (and also legitimate). Now McCain's stances on gay rights and abortion... those are not funny. Slow news day, indeed.

By: Leigh, PA

Leigh, PA — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:11:58 +0000

Hey, McCain will bring back the draft...he wants ALOT more troops in Iraq!

The draft is nothing to joke about. He's made jokes about the war before which I find very distasteful. People are dying and suffering as he jokes...and he wants to be commander in chief. What a jerk!!

I say, Bravo, to the students for asking those questions. Thank goodness somebody is!

By: Paul, Vancouver BC

Paul, Vancouver BC — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:06:19 +0000

How refreshing. An honest and non-pc politician. I guess this kills his campaign. When does the kid announce his lawsuit?

By: Evan Esteves, Boca Raton, FL

Evan Esteves, Boca Raton, FL — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:47:45 +0000

"Dems quit trying to play politics."

What does this have to do with Democrat vs. Republican???

I am a Democrat and I think this thing is a non news issue...I see a few comments from liberals taking jabs at McCain and a few from neo conservatives like yourself taking jabs at liberals...The rest of us, both Democrat and Republican think this article is silly and know that McCain did not mean to offend the boy...Life in the "center" is much better here guys, care to join us?

By: Gina, NY

Gina, NY — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:59:17 +0000

McCain was right.The student deserved to be called a "little jerk" because he was indeed a little jerk. Kids and society in general needed to be taught politeness and respect. His rude questioning needed a rude answer. I would have called this kid a good-for-nothing nincompoop!

By: Cary - Lowell, IN

Cary - Lowell, IN — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:34:14 +0000

It was a joke, people !

By: Rin-Doggie, Glendale, CA

Rin-Doggie, Glendale, CA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:27:09 +0000

Dear Senator McCain,
I don't really agree with your politics but you have my new found respects.
Thanks for putting that little jerk in his place, where he rightfully belongs. He was trying to be funny and cute, what a horse’s rear. No respect for anything, no home training. I bet he talks to his mom and dad the same way and they just lap-it-up because in their wayward minds they think he's intelligent. Poor kid, he acts as if he’s got a exclusive license to be a public nuisance. God bless you, keep campaigning and shut that border down.

By: Ryan, New York, NY

Ryan, New York, NY — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:33:24 +0000

It's usually the people who least deserve respect that are clamoring for kids to respect their elders. If kids don't respect them just out of this supposed duty, no one else will. If you actually deserved it, you'd get it without a mandate. Notice that McCain wasn't clamoring about how kids should respect their elders... As for Sleaster, yesterday, I had no problem with his comment. Today, after having seen his interview, I have even less of a problem. Seeing that Sleaster is an open LGBT, McCain's response basically told him, "If I become President, I will discriminate against you and those like you...but I don't discriminate according to my interpretation of discrimination."

By: Carl, Dallas, TX

Carl, Dallas, TX — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:25:30 +0000

Seriously people. If you didn't find this funny, or his attempt funny, then you need to remove the device that is planted where the sun don't shine.

I don't agree with McCain, but he is a Senator, and I can't imagine living a few years in a POW camp like he did under those conditions.

The kid has every right to speak his mind, but he got in a cheap shot. Senator McCain simply fired back.

If this kid was REALLY smart, he would have asked another question about gays in the military without flinching... now that would have been equally funny...

By: Jesse Schmidt New Orleans, LA

Jesse Schmidt New Orleans, LA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:24:31 +0000

Ahhh Another headline to draw us from the real issues... I have been called much worse.

By: Amber, Oakland, CA

Amber, Oakland, CA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:10:12 +0000

Ha ha ha! That blog made me day! That's one of the funniest things I've read in a long time!

Lighten up people! He may or may not be suitable as president but any POW who still has a sense of humor like that should be admired.

By: Lori, Weirsdale, FL

Lori, Weirsdale, FL — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:09:27 +0000

You can't even make a joke anymore in this country without fear of offending someone. Why is everyone so sensitive nowadays? We need to learn to lighten up and laugh at ourselves. You build alot of character and confidence from not taking yourself too seriously.

By: RJ, AZ

RJ, AZ — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:06:43 +0000

Hey McCain, the jerk store just called. They're running out of you!

By: Eric, from THE Republic of Texas

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:06:10 +0000

It was a joke, folks. And it was a cute one at that. Get over yourselves.

However, it would have been funnier had he have closed his response with, "Now sit down before I whack you with my cane."

By: Clay, Herndon VA

Clay, Herndon VA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:05:11 +0000

I'm as liberal as they come, and I think it was a funny and appropriate response from McCain. It was a 'precocious' question he was responding to, and a little repartee is expected if you want people to see who you are, this kid opened the door, and McCain helped it hit him on the behind.

No harm done, it actually improved McCain's image in my eyes that he had such a witty comeback so quickly, but it still won't convince me he won't say or do whatever he thinks necessary to put his butt in the Oval Office.

It was a good question, reasonable and appropriate, and the response was precisely the same, kudos to you both in my opinion.

Get over it PC Weenies....

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:01:43 +0000

What is wrong with this country anymore???? Can't we even joke around? No lets write more laws and more restrictions. You go McCain.

By: Eric Gallager, Concord, NH

Eric Gallager, Concord, NH — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:01:12 +0000

Hi... I was the kid who asked about his age. I'm going to try to explain myself a little. First of all, this event was on much shorter notice than the rest of the presidential events that have happened at CHS. I had completely forgotten about the event until right before it happened, so I had like 15 minutes to think of a question. If I had had some more time to think about it, I probably could have framed it a little better. But still, age is something to worry about. Ronald Reagan had Alzheimer's while in office and it affected how he governed. I've had two grandparents die, one from Alzheimer's, and they were both only a year older than McCain. McCain may have a lot of energy and vigor now, but think four years down the road, or maybe even eight. I think the "you little jerk" comment was perfectly okay with me. I could tell that he was joking, and even if he hadn't been joking it would have been okay because I had asked him a pretty tough question. The bigger controversy around my high school was William Sleaster's disrespectful comment about McCain not being a good leader.

By: Bill Singleton, Covina, California

Bill Singleton, Covina, California — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:01:00 +0000

I have only been out of high school for 10 years, and I have called new generation of kids worse things then McCain did. I have never run across a more direspectful group in my life. They demand instant gratification, without having to work for it as well as they blame others for their failures. Bravo McCain!!!! You don't have to justify a comment that is truth.

By: Ron, Ames, IA

Ron, Ames, IA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:00:07 +0000

There is a lot of talk in this blog about joking and being funny. The kid asked a reasonable question. McCain responded by calling the kid a name and threatening him with the draft. Nothing funny in any of that to me.

McCain has damaged his campaign if not his career. He has demonstrated that he is not fit for his current office, never mind the presidency. Say good night, John.

By: KayCee, Romeoville IL

KayCee, Romeoville IL — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:49:42 +0000

Get over it-for crying out loud if he had sayed that 20 yrs ago we'd all be laughing! The problem with everyone is that they've become too "politically correct" I'm not a fan of McCain BUT the man was trying to mix some humor on a rather strange question. Besides the fact that with ALL of the issues that plague a campaign, this teen picks a subject that has NO bearing on McCain's stand on more important subjects....face it McCain called it right-the teen was a jerk, oh and I'm not laughing.

By: Rick, Louisville, KY

Rick, Louisville, KY — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:48:08 +0000

I have to agree with the majority, the kid was being a jerk and asked an asanine question. McCain gave a much better answer to it than I would have!

By: Bill Kennan Christiansburg, VA

Bill Kennan Christiansburg, VA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:47:05 +0000

It was a joke. If you're a Dem you no doubt think he's horrible. If you're Republican you think it was intended as a joke. I am a Democrat and I think it was a joke. You should see how kids talk to each other!

By: Bill, Greensboro NC

Bill, Greensboro NC — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:42:14 +0000

Can't believe the uproar over this continues. Those who attack McCain for mentioning the draft and make comments along the lines that all he wants to do is send kids off to war are really very disturbing. Umm, do you know anything about McCain's background at all? Did you miss the whole thing where he spent a lot of quality time at the Hanoi Hilton or are you so wrapped up in what Paris Hilton is doing that understanding the man's past just isn't important enough for you. If anyone has an idea of the kind of sacrifice that can be involved in military conflict and service I think it's John McCain. So don't vote for him if you don't like his positions but stop making accusations that he's a war monger. If you listen closely to the other candidates they are not that from from his position on Iraq. Think about it, the US cannot strategically just pull up and leave any time in the near future. Wish we could leave tomorrow, but it just isn't going to happen. I find myself more and more concerned about the future of our country because between it's citizens who can't think for themselves and the leaders who are happy to shovel what they know isn't true I don't know how we will manage the challenges of the future.

By: Candy Matthews NC

Candy Matthews NC — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:41:28 +0000

Have you all lost your mind? It WAS funny and appropriate. Someone should teach the little jerk some manners. Seriously...get a life.

By: LM, Ardmore, OK

LM, Ardmore, OK — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:41:14 +0000

Lighten up, America. You are not smart enough to be so serious. Not funny? You gotta be kidding me. I'm 70 and they are all little jerks! Draft em all, but leave that 29 year old alone: I need his social security contributions! You couldn't ask for a better judgment call: upfront and honest with young people and unafraid of being overheard on a national broadcast. God or not, the man paid the price; let him speak. Oh yeah, did anyone remember that it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of......age? Is the little twit going to ask Hillary if she's going to be competent to be President during that, you know, time of the month each month for four years? Or will Barack be able to see things from a perspective other than the color staring back at him each morning when he shaves? Bet the little jerk didn't think about that.

By: John P., Phoenix, AZ

John P., Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:38:50 +0000

McCain is the jerk. The man didn't serve in Vietnam to preserve anyone's freedoms. Nor did he do anything spectacular to deserve any kind of special treatment or to spare him from "tough" questions like this. What would he do under real pressure if he cannot handle a simple question from a kid about his advancing age? When you run for public office you put yourself out to public scrutiny. The young man asked a legitimate question: McCain will be in his late 70s at the end of his term. If elected, he will be the oldest person to be inaugurated. It's about time that people in this country held the office of the President in higher esteem than what it is currently. Maybe if we would have asked our current President some "tough" questions, his answers would have given us a better idea of what type of leader he would have made.

By: Joel, Michigan

Joel, Michigan — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:31:29 +0000

I can't even read these comics. You people are so sick getting on John McCain's case for this. He's just trying to be funny and it was a good joke, in my opinion. Let him use some humor.

Get off your high horses and learn to laugh a little.

By: Jim, Topeka, KS

Jim, Topeka, KS — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:28:18 +0000

I don't like McCain. But, great question, great answer. People are trying to be way to politically correct. If you can not understand humor, get a life and grow up. Kudo's to the teen and McCain.

By: Candy Geiler Charlotte NC

Candy Geiler Charlotte NC — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:28:04 +0000

It's refreshing! Go John McCain! Little snit.

By: RA The Framing Wizard LV, NV

RA The Framing Wizard LV, NV — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:27:52 +0000

The man is 71 years old; not 71 years young, his social security benefits should be mature at this point! Probably $28,400.00 or more a month! He should just drop out of this contest gracefully and retire. Sit on a nice beach, go sailing, do some fishing, play some golf, take his vacations, paint some pitchers, play on his ranch, ride horses, grow a garden, enjoy his family, grand children, great grand children, any thing but what he is trying to do now! The guy will probably have a heart attach or stroke in office. He dose give to hoots about people he just displayed his true colors, and has no intentions of changes his traits at this time in his life. Besides; there is surly not enough time for that and a new retraining program for dummies that will cost the American tax payers!

By: Atlanta, Ga

Atlanta, Ga — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:23:44 +0000

I believe it was a valid question (especially coming from a teenager) and quite frankly I thought McCain's comments were funny!!

By: Chad Elbert, Fort Wayne, In.

Chad Elbert, Fort Wayne, In. — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:17:12 +0000

I like it! That's a good response.

By: C.LyOns, New York, NY

C.LyOns, New York, NY — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:13:54 +0000

Quick wit by McCain....At least he has a little personality

By: Mark Gardner

Mark Gardner — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:10:58 +0000

This is just another example of the press creating a story where non exists.
McCains remark was a non-issue and not meant as a hurtful insult as is clearly shown in the video.
I am no fan of the GOP but isn't it about time the press stop manufacturing these petty little soap operettas and start focusing on the real issues?
What happened to the days of Edward Murrow and real reporting?
How sad that everything can't rise above these "Paris Hilton-like" trivialities.

By: Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN

Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:09:46 +0000

I don't think McCain was trying to be a crotchety old fart, but that's how his "humor" came across...I genuinely believe he THOUGHT he was being funny. But it just goes to show, if you can't even maintain a particular level of decorum when speaking with children, how the hell are you going to negotiate with hostile heads of state? I guess it all boils down to what type of humor appeals to you. Some people think it is funny when a person in a position of power bullies and talks down to the less powerful (a la frat boy humor of Bush), so I'm not suprised that the faithful 28% would think this is a knee slapping riot.

By: ron

ron — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:06:36 +0000

In reality McCain probably meant exactly what her said, young life doesn't hold much value for him, and the rest of the Beltway bullies.

http://www.ronnierayjenkins.com

By: Geriatric Squad

Geriatric Squad — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:01:54 +0000

Another sarcastic remark from an old arrogant Republican? Just what the country needs. He's finished. He can barely go through the motions now.

By: Shawn Smith, Kansas City Mo

Shawn Smith, Kansas City Mo — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:00:34 +0000

Do you want your president calling your children "little jerks". It's a sick pleasure, but I love watching the slow decay of the republican party. It's long overdue.

By: Jerry L. Clinton Twp, MI

Jerry L. Clinton Twp, MI — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:57:47 +0000

Lillian et al: Get a life! It was a joke and a good one, as others have commented. As a Republican, I wasn't sure who I liked, but McCain moved up a notch in my book with that light-hearted jab. And the kid should be chastised, not for having his own opinion, but for lack of respect. I've seen too many people voice their opinion while almost spitting in other people's faces. It's almost like they feel the nastier they are, the more right they are.

By: Gary, Detroit, Mich.

Gary, Detroit, Mich. — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:55:27 +0000

McCain is hilarious. Just like when he sang "bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beachboy's song. Let's team him up with that other talented jokester Ann Coulter. America's sweetheart. You know, just like Lucy and Desi, Sonny and Cher, George and Laura. What a duo!

By: Brian Yorkey, New York, NY

Brian Yorkey, New York, NY — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:52:38 +0000

OH COME ON. McCain was BEING FUNNY. He WAS a little jerk, a jerk wit a perfectly valid question, and McCain answered it straight and threw in a little jab. Look, I'm for Hillary all the way, but you gotta give McCain his props. On most issues (except, alas, the biggie) he's his own man, he's got spirit, he's got personality, he's got edge. He's tough and funny and smart and maybe mean sometimes. If he were a Democrat, he'd be just the kind of guy I'd want running, and representing, our country. He's a real person. Please, let's not try to beat that out of him. There aren't that many left.

By: Emma, Chicago, IL

Emma, Chicago, IL — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:52:22 +0000

A stupid question deserves a stupid response!

By: anon, ottawa, ON

anon, ottawa, ON — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:49:02 +0000

McCain did not talk presidential. He reminds me of George Bush who would get Bin Laden "dead of alive".

By: J Houston, TX

J Houston, TX — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:48:24 +0000

This thread is a classic example of why people who actually become members of a political party shouldn't be allowed to speak in public. They don't even care about facts, just how they can bend the scenario to make one side look bad. Grow up, high school is over.