Merkinball
Deity
Oh man, John McCain is so pathetic at this point. He's so desperate that he was talking to high schoolers. And then he got schooled by them. 
PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire (CNN) Sen. John McCains visit to Concord High School proved to be more than your average guest speaker appearance Tuesday with the Republican presidential candidate giving and getting a dose of the campaigns trademark straight talk.
During the question and answer session one student rose and asked a pointed question about McCains age: If elected, youd be older than Ronald Reagan, making you the oldest president. Do you ever worry that like you might die in office or get Alzheimers or some other disease that might affect your judgment?
The Arizona senator chuckled slightly as the oh my gods filled the room. In a self-deprecating reference to his memory, McCain said his children have joked about their father hiding his own Easter eggs, but quickly added, that he was a 24-7 worker and would out campaign any of his rivals.
McCain then ended the exchange in his quintessential style: Thanks for the question, you little jerk youre drafted.
Another student then asked McCain a question about what he would do for LGBT rights the initials stand for Lesbian, Gay, Bi Sexual, and Transgender people. McCain was confused by the question and admitted to the audience that he did not know what the initials meant. Once it was clarified, McCain told sophomore William Sleaster that he was opposed to any form of discrimination, but he supported the militarys current Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy and that he opposed gay marriage.
I believe that the sanctity of marriage between man and woman is unique and should be preserved, and I understand the controversy that swirls around that issue, and that debate needs to be continued to be held, but I support that position, McCain said.
You want to take away someones rights because you believe its wrong, Sleaster followed up.
I dont put that interpretation on my position, but I understand yours, McCain responded, seeming to enjoy the back and forth.
I came here looking to see a good leader, I dont, Sleaster said before leaving the microphone to some boos and gasps from the audience and an eventual scolding by a school administrator.
Listen, I understand, McCain told the buzzing crowd. I thank you, thats what America is all about, and I appreciate your views.
When asked later at a news conference, McCain admitted he had never heard the initials LGBT before, but knew the phrase.
Iraq dominated much of McCains comments before the packed auditorium. He reiterated his support for the current U.S. strategy there, and played up his criticism of the way the war was handled until recently.
I was the only one of the major Republican candidates who adamantly, vociferously opposed the Rumsfeld Strategy and fought hard for the strategy that were employing today, he told reporters. The others thought it was fine, thats because they dont have the knowledge or background and experience that I do on issues of national security, thats a clear indication of it.
CNN Senior Political Producer Sasha Johnson
PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire (CNN) Sen. John McCains visit to Concord High School proved to be more than your average guest speaker appearance Tuesday with the Republican presidential candidate giving and getting a dose of the campaigns trademark straight talk.
During the question and answer session one student rose and asked a pointed question about McCains age: If elected, youd be older than Ronald Reagan, making you the oldest president. Do you ever worry that like you might die in office or get Alzheimers or some other disease that might affect your judgment?
The Arizona senator chuckled slightly as the oh my gods filled the room. In a self-deprecating reference to his memory, McCain said his children have joked about their father hiding his own Easter eggs, but quickly added, that he was a 24-7 worker and would out campaign any of his rivals.
McCain then ended the exchange in his quintessential style: Thanks for the question, you little jerk youre drafted.
Another student then asked McCain a question about what he would do for LGBT rights the initials stand for Lesbian, Gay, Bi Sexual, and Transgender people. McCain was confused by the question and admitted to the audience that he did not know what the initials meant. Once it was clarified, McCain told sophomore William Sleaster that he was opposed to any form of discrimination, but he supported the militarys current Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy and that he opposed gay marriage.
I believe that the sanctity of marriage between man and woman is unique and should be preserved, and I understand the controversy that swirls around that issue, and that debate needs to be continued to be held, but I support that position, McCain said.
You want to take away someones rights because you believe its wrong, Sleaster followed up.
I dont put that interpretation on my position, but I understand yours, McCain responded, seeming to enjoy the back and forth.
I came here looking to see a good leader, I dont, Sleaster said before leaving the microphone to some boos and gasps from the audience and an eventual scolding by a school administrator.
Listen, I understand, McCain told the buzzing crowd. I thank you, thats what America is all about, and I appreciate your views.
When asked later at a news conference, McCain admitted he had never heard the initials LGBT before, but knew the phrase.
Iraq dominated much of McCains comments before the packed auditorium. He reiterated his support for the current U.S. strategy there, and played up his criticism of the way the war was handled until recently.
I was the only one of the major Republican candidates who adamantly, vociferously opposed the Rumsfeld Strategy and fought hard for the strategy that were employing today, he told reporters. The others thought it was fine, thats because they dont have the knowledge or background and experience that I do on issues of national security, thats a clear indication of it.
CNN Senior Political Producer Sasha Johnson
