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Posted by robertgreenwald on September 14th, 2008
John McCain’s Health Records Must Be Released!

The state of John McCain's health is an issue of grave concern for all Americans, regardless of political persuasion.  Given the fact that he has been treated for an invasive melanoma and other maladies, it is important that he release his full health records.

For a very brief three hours in May, McCain released 1,173 pages of his medical records to a carefully selected group of reporters.  They were not allowed to make any copies or phone calls.  Why such secrecy?  

We have enlisted a group of doctors from around the country to lead the effort to make sure the public is able to see and make judgments for themselves.  Secrecy is not of service to our democracy, transparency is. 

Cancer is a serious issue.  That's why 681 (and counting) medical doctors have already signed our open letter telling McCain to issue a full, public disclosure of all his medical records.  Send this video far and wide to request that McCain release his full health records.  Ask every medical doctor you know to sign onto the letter, and be sure to sign the letter yourself!  McCain's records must be made public and soon. 

While McCain doesn't really care about our health care, we all should care about the health of McCain.  

  • Dr. Dre
    Why is John McCain's records are THAT important?

    Anyone checked Obama's records that deep?

    If McCain released his medical records, and might be medical monitoring like Oridion medical company, and than all 681 doctors will sign more stuff.

    NOW, you really think all that political stuff involved with medical doctors? I mean... Waddup doc?
  • Good inforamtion for health records
  • Mac
    I hate to see my Brother-In-Arms transform into such a pathetic habitual liar. We all knew why he was NOT washed out from the Aviator/Pilot sector of the Navy. His father; Admiral John "Jack" McCain, was Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command (CINCPAC) - Commander of all U.S. forces in the Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. John McCain (Presidential Candidate) was a Naval Aviator in CINPAC.

    Prior to his deployment to combat duty in Vietnam, McCain crashed 2 to 4 jets, (estimates vary and U.S. Naval Air Mishap records are nearly totally redacted) all of which was found to be caused by "pilot error/cockpit error". During one of these incidents, McCain's jet collided with power lines. Even the lowest estimate of John's "Air Mishaps" count, would have cost another pilot his wings. John kept his Aviator Wings but did lose command of his flight squadron due to his "reckless nature" just prior to its call to duty in Vietnam.

    McCain, John III; suffers from severe, traumatic disabling P.T.S.D. and is rated by the Veterans Administration as Totally & Permanently Disabled, with a 100% Service Connection. He began to draw VA Disability Compensation after leaving the Navy in April of 1981. Amongst his 17/18 medals, ribbons etc., are; 1 Silver Star, 1 Legion of Merit, 1 Distinguished Flying Cross, 1 Bronze Star and 1 Navy Commendation Medal - all awarded either prior to, during or after his confinement as a Prisoner of War.

    No question of his love of country - no doubt at all. It is his mental capacity and his longtime suffering with P.T.S.D. that bothers me. Yes, the many cancers etc., are troublesome also. However; the more I see of my BCV and Brother-In-Arms - the more I see his mental state diminish.

    I suffer the exact same illness as John (P.T.S.D)and I know it when I see it. The anger, nervousness, awkward uneasiness in one-on-one situations, his public display of spousal abuse to his reckless gambling; the list goes on. John needs treatment not votes. I expect him very soon, to be in need of hospice care. It is a shame that we will witness his remaining years as he forever spirals away from the once noble Warrior he was; to the now "pimped whore" puppet of the Bush/Cheney Cartel.

    My vote is for Barack Hussein Obama - HOOYAH!
    Combat Veterans For Obama
  • what does it take to force McCain to release his medical records asap, long before 4nov8?
  • Aklea
    Anyone can heal from cancer however McCain is showing symptoms of Prednisone usage or lymphedema and this has become very apparent in the last two months. Do not overlook this networks or physicians. I am a cancer survivor...I know alternative and traditional methodologies. It is obvious that the rigors of the campaign which would challenge any of us...even running 5 miles a day...that one has to have some extra boosts for energy through suppplements or pharmaceuticals to keep the energy level high. Just truly examine his face....not where the cancer was...the whole face.
  • Mimi
    Correction to my previous message; Doctor Shane, I meant McCaiin medical records.
  • Mimi
    Shane, you being a Doctor could not be more right about John McCaine releasing his medical doctors, and as you say it does not ony concern Americans, but the entire world as US seems to be
    the leading country. Bravo for your message; I could not have said it better myself or anybody else for that matter.
  • Shane
    I am not American, however I'm a doctor and citizen of 2 countries (Australia and Great Britain) each of which has a disturbing tendency to follow the US into whatever mess it decides to plunge itself. This, by the way, is why I live and work in New Zealand. John McCain's health status is of paramount importance to all people, no matter where they live. Unless he's already becoming demented, I can't believe even McCain relishes the prospect of leaving his wife and family under the "command" of Governor Palin. If he has genuine reason to believe that he will survive a term in office, then it's time (barely) to put the record straight.
  • Susan H
    Mr. Obama has already provided a complete disclosure on his medical records, and guess what? No one paid any attention to them because he does not have any medical conditions! Mr. McCain has had three different types of skin cancer, with the malignant melanoma being the most difficult to treat, and it is next to impossible to cure. I for one, would appreciate knowing whether Mr. McCain is going to be incapacitated in the near future.
  • Joni
    To Jen in Texas and others about a candidate releasing medical records. This has been the usual practice for years, meaning full disclosure. There is nothing unusual about it.
  • jen in texas
    i would like to point out that ONLY 2200 doctors are requesting his release of medical records. how many of those doctors would appreciate my telling them well until you provide your medical records to me, i dont find you qualified for the job you went to school for??? i would like to add that 2200 doctors is not even a quarter of the doctors certified to practice medicine by the american medical association.

    lets face it, obama could step off a curb and get hit by a bus be in a coma for days or years. i certainly dont want joe biden being the president of these united states. if you require the medical records of mccain then you should for obama as well, he could have been treated for a cancer and have a shorter life expectancy of mccain. what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

    educate yourselves on the real issues her people and then make an informed vote. dont depend on websites who string together sound bites and biased media agencies or the guy at the minimart to make your vote. whomever you vote for will be in office for the next four years. i might add that the democrats have ruled both houses of congress for the PAST two years and the republicans are taking the heat for everything bad in our country.

    peace out.
  • What concerns us over this side of the Atlantic is the way in which Mrs Palin has the expression and mental aptitude of a startled deer when faced with any serious questioning. Quite how this will come into play when she’s faced with being President is the problem. I should point out that coming from a country that’s actually have a female leader, this isn’t a gender issue. It’s merely a matter of competency.
  • Physician friends have told me that neurologists in particular think he should be tested for Alzheimer's now. No joke.
  • Obando
    This is the fear behind so many voters opting for Barack: McCain will be rendered incapable of carrying out his commission and Mrs. Palin will be leading this country toward, only the Lord knows where. It is a public office and should be in representation of all public people. It seems that if secrets have been kept, and are currently being withheld, then our future jousts toward us despair and hardship as products of furtively amassed sins of omission.

    Amazing, in the age of the internet, you'd think we would have known already.
  • Lulliloo
    The fact alone that McCain has twelve hundred pages of medical records says that he has been severely ill, probably still is and must be on various medications. You can see it in his contorted face and awkward movements. The fact alone that he will not release his medical records is a smoking gun.

    My question is what does it take to force McCain to release his medical records asap, long before 4nov8?
  • Yankee
    John McCain's health "appears" lately to be rapidly declining. He has a corpse like appearance. Granted, he must limit any exposure to the sun, but there is "spray on" that could convince us he's still alive. Or is it the "bar room" glow from sampling too many of Cindy's brews?
  • DEE
    I feel for the man, but this is a really important position. Not only being the president is mentally draining but also physically. There is a lot of stress being the president of the United States. I mean stress can cause many health problems,and lets face it Mr. McCain has too much going against him, already. Knowing this is just more of reason not to vote for him...There is a bigger chance that Palin would be our president,damn! God Bless America!
  • Pablo
    He's Mr. Charles Montgomery Burns ! LOL
  • Bob Pagano
    I too am concerned about McCain's health but unrelated to his cancer. I am very suspicious that there may be psychiatric records from his long and isolated captivity in Vietnam that are being kept from the public. It's hard to believe that any person, no matter how strong, could be kept in a dark hole, tortured and abused for so long without suffering some serious mental damage e.g. his short temper, irritability and stubborness. For me, the secret medical records could be hiding far more serious mental health concerns that could resurface under certain conditions; and I sure would hate to learn this under circumstances that could jeopardize our national security!
  • Jim Rogers
    It has frequently been implied and said that "First Dude" Todd Palin has a great deal of impact in Sarah Palin's decisions. It's bad enough that we're destined to have an illiterate dunce like this woman running the country without having to swallow the thoughts and ideas of an even more illiterate steel worker influencing decisions about our actions relative to Pakistan, Iran, our health care system, our economy, and so much more. May the spirits protect us.
  • Ginger Sottile
    Apparently nearly everyone here has some type of short-term memory loss. It is required that our President submit to and release the results of an annual physical. The candidates should voluntarily do the same. Although someone else said it first, McCain opened this door first when he showed his medical records to a select few instead of making them public. Those objecting to this demand were, no doubt, part of those crying for HRC's tax returns!
  • Addie
    Isn't it pathetic that we should have to been subject to the likes of O'Really & Lumbar's opinions!
    These people would NEVER speak for me and I think it's ludicrous that NBC would want the two to speak for them!!
    Why is it alright to show an ad saying that Sen Obama wants to teach sex education to kindergarten children but it's NOT alright to show a commercial asking to see McSame's health record??
    What on earth is he hiding???
    NBC, shame on you!
  • Reason & Discourse
    Ordinary folks are often required to have physicals as part of the hiring process. This is a legitimate concern for many jobs far less challenging than POTUS.

    I would like to have as much information about the candidates as I can get before deciding on election day. What is the likelihood that President McCain would become incapacitated, or worse, during his first term? How do I feel about President Palin?

    If John McCain were healthy, I wouldn't be so concerned. We survived a Dan Quayle vice-presidency because George H. W. Bush was healthy. Quayle might have done alright as President, but I'm glad we didn't have to find out.

    Sarah Palin would have been dismissed in record time as a potential President of the United States had she thrown her hat in the ring during the Republican presidential primary season. Imagine how long she would have lasted. People would have asked, "Why are you here?" That is a grave question to consider now.

    Imagine Dan Quayle becoming President. Then imagine Dan Quayle's female Doppelgänger, but not as experienced, and "a little bit" provincial on top of that. There you have Sarah Palin. I want to know if there's a 50/50 chance she could become President during John McCain's first term - or whatever the odds might be. I can only judge that by gleaning a sense of John McCain's health. Does he have one foot on a banana peel? Or is his constitution strong enough now so that he's likely to do well for the next four years? It's important to know.

    Think, citizens. We're all in this together.
  • Viet N Life vet
    The video has already been aired in this context. Probably thousands of people have already viewed it from the web. The news is already a question mark in the eyes of those interested in the aspects of this campaign. My guess is that it will reach a lot of individuals through this medium, and how can you stop this? I suppose that putting this add on the boob tube, will give more people a look see, but this medium has already reached close to a half million people, and they will probably tell at least one other person. Oh well, guess we will just have to wait and see what happens to this message.
  • Louise Townsend
    John McCain will be a paid public servant and I am partly paying for that.
    As a taxpayer and as a concerned American citizen I want to know exactly what McCain's health issues are. The typical Republican "hide the facts" and lies aren't going to work this time.
    We all have the right to know what our President's health record is.
    It has nothing to do with politics!
    Shame on MSNBC and NBC for pulling the ad!
    It's a free country!
    Or at least it was...................
  • stan kilkes
    this goes out to susan and virginia and the right wing ilk.americans have a right to know everything about those running for president ,even republicans who are used to hiding behind money and lies.we will beat you this time and free america.SO LUMP IT FACISTS!!
  • jeanine abels
    not just our nation but the world's future is at stake in this election . Can anyone envision that world in the hands of sarah palin?? We need to know about the state of McCain's health--especially the melanoma..
  • Virginia
    You are sick.

    I would love to see the video of you having your head removed from your ass.
  • bob
    He should release his MENTAL records. It is not the cancer that concerns me, as much as his mental state. I was in the Navy with him in 1967 and know that a deal was cut with the Navy that he be DISCHARGED from the Navy once his Daddy, the Admiral died. His connections kept him in the Navy despite his MENTAL PTSD because the Navy respected his Father and Grandfather Admirals. He did some horrid stuff to us before he was shot down and his desire to climb over dead sailors back for SELF GRANDISEMENT, makes me want to upchuck still. His desire for third generation Admiral ended, but it is JOHN MCCAIN first, to hell with the rest around him. Open YOUR MILITARY RECORDS John McCain. HEROES should have NOTHING to hide. I have know this man since April of 1967, and I would CHALLENGE him to open his military records. That is his supposed strength.... I know better. He forgets and seems like a Maverick, because as in the OLD DAYS.... it was simply called SHELL SHOCK. Mental trumps the physical on this one. >>>> Open your Service record Hero. That is never going to happen... sad, sad.... sad.
  • Bob Conway
    This ad is counterproductive. Some of the outrage you've seen expressed in the (corporate) media is justified because of the way you've chosen to exploit McCain's physical infirmity. Maybe the same script but with different images could get the message across without being so offensive as to generate sympathy for Senator McCain. Sorry, I cannot support this ad.
  • walkman666
    I think there are several things to think about here: (1) does the public have the right to know about McCain's health, (2) the WAY we find out about McCain's health, and (3) if the way we disclose McCain's health, whether just/righteous or not, would be a boost or a detriment to Obama's campaign.

    At this stage, I think we, and Mr. Greenwald, should be primarily concerned about point #3. This is tricky because we do not have a crystal ball to tell us whether this type of advert will create a pos or neg effect on Obama, but I think it's pretty intuitive that such an approach will be perceived by most as offensive. With that, we'd see a detriment to potential votes for Obama.

    We have to have a results-oriented approach to advertising or campaigning: Will the advert have the desired effect, namely, to help Obama win. I think this advert will have a rebound effect. So. Don't. Do. It. You have to pick and choose your battles, and you have to have the savvy to realize when even a just cause could lead to detrimental consequences. Getting this advert on may win the battle, yet lose the war. In this metaphor, we could lose the election.

    Please, Mr. Greenwald, cease this effort...for the sake of the very campaign you are trying to support. You are not thinking this through. You're going to hurt us.
  • Linda in CO
    Zach, my husband works for the transportation company, and has to be able to drive a bus or shuttle in an emergency. He has to take the striungent DOT exam that truckdrivers and other over the road personnel have to be certified in. His health is an open book.
    The guy at the switch of the country is no less valuable.
    many years back, a wonderful senator, Eagleton, was running for President. They found out that he had had counselling early in his campaign and ran him out of the running by stating that he had mental issues. Heck, we raised four kids, we definitely had some counselling a few times, that a GOOD sign! But the Repubs jumped right on that.
    This man is running for President! The American people are entitled to know if he is physically capable to handle the job, and if he is mentally up to it!
    Hasn't he had three heart attacks? I thought that usually the third is fatal?
    If he was going to be in a local spelling bee, his personal records would be considered private. He is running for the highest office in the land and has the lives of all of us in his hands...we are entitled to know.
  • Zach
    While I don't like McCain anymore than you, I believe releasing his medical records is a dangerous precedent which would set the ground for his people to do the same to us, if they didn't like us.

    That is, to pull my own medical records for public display, which is none of anyone's business, in order to prove or disprove my competency to work. It's none of my or anyone's business whether or not his prostate was soft or tender or hard and none of anyone's business if my prostate is soft or tender or hard.

    While it is everyone's business to know how healthy or not a president or a pilot of a plane is, or how well constructed a bridge is, or how well a piece of equipment will or won't function in an emergency, that determination should be made by a competent, unbiased group of professionals granted access to the details, whether it be a panel of doctors or engineers, not splattering the most personal records of an individual in front of the world.

    I would want whoever was president to respect that about me, and I would grant them the same.

    While I am in fact concerned about many aspects of McCain's medical status from heresay, such as that in your video, heresay should become confidentially disclosed fact, not public display.

    Granting a selected, unbiased group of medical professionals access, however, should be mandatory and that is what I would stress, before we have the ACLU down everyone's case, and rightly so.

    I don't care if you have 220,000 doctors signing a document that says he's records released. I am one doctor saying release them to a qualified objective medical panel, not the public.
  • Benny Robinson
    I realize that being a commercial pilot and running for president are two different things however, when I applied for a flying job I had to reveal all of my medical records + tons of other personal records.
    John McSame, should be required to reveal his medical records!
  • walkman666
    Right, what others say: "You are attacking a victim of cancer?!"

    Duuude, Rob. I'm gonna get a little personal now here, but about you: Get off of your ego. Your rationale is correct. We should know McCain's medical history, but your approach is inappropriate and IS GOING TO DO MORE HARM TO OBAMA THAN GOOD. I do not care if you have 25 freakin million doctors, get off your horse and realize that this campaign is not about YOU, but about US. This is about electing a potentially transformational leader who can help fix what is broken in America. However, this approach undermines the Obama message and could likely cost us vote!

    Please, for the sake of the very campaign you seek you to help, do NOT publish this video.
  • walkman666
    Hey Rob. I am a huuuuge Obama supporter, and am actively following this election, and also have contributed multiple times to Obama's campaign. While I typically agree with your views and BNF, I am not keen on your attention to McCain's health problems.

    First, his health is relevant. I agree, but only because if he is elected, and if fails health-wise, we are stuck with a very inexperienced, radical and incompetent Pres. Palin.

    Second, maybe there's a law saying his health records should be released. If so, fine.

    However, IMHO, it will damage the Obama campaign to go on a crusade to make the release of McCain's health records happen. It looks petty; it looks invasive, and it feels very inconsistent with the bi-partisan, we are better than that campaign/governance approach the Obama campaign is all about. This release the health record campaign will undermine the bigger efforts of a united American front against old school, partisan politicking.

    So, I am going to not only not help you out in this effort, but as an Obama supporter, ask you to pull the plug on this project. I know you have escalated a huge commitment thus far, and that sheer inertia will likely prevent you from pulling the plug, but in the spirit of Obama winning, I think this effort, whether just or not, will only hurt our chances to win the White House.

    Please think this through, bro. The optics are horrible. Public perception is key here, and IMO, the perception of these ads for those who are on the fence (and those are the people we need to convince!) will be more negative than positive.
  • ZP Heller
    Over 2,500 doctors and 53,000 people have already signed the open letter urging McCain to have a full, public disclosure of his health records. They recognize the importance of this issue and the urgency of the situation.

    As a candidate for president, McCain faces public scrutiny. And since McCain has a checkered health history and has been secretive about his medical records, we should be deeply concerned about what McCain might be hiding from us. That is what we should be focusing on, not the pictures from the Brave New PAC ad that some on here have found offensive, even though those pictures were first aired on CNN and came from there.

    Think about why it is the professional opinion of over 2,500 doctors that McCain's health records should be released.
  • Doreen
    It is imperative to know his health history especially since he selected a completely inadequate and unqualified individual, Sarah Palin to step in if McCain cannot fulfill his term in office.

    A Palin presidency is unthinkable and a disaster!

    WE need to see his health history NOW
  • Robin
    Also meant to add...think it should be pulled until it can be edited - let's not give any unwarranted ammunition to the other side...
  • Robin
    This is cruel and reflects badly on the overall campaign. I am normally a big supporter of your videos but this (close ups of scars and implications of imminent death) goes way too far. We want honesty re medical records but there are much more appropriate ways to ask. Let's not become who we're fighting against...
  • Jameson Lennon
    I SAW THE 30 SECOND VERSION OF THIS AD ON MSNBC THE OTHER DAY. I THINK IT IS APPALLING AND IT REFLECTS BADLY ON OBAMA AND OUR CAUSE.
    IT REMINDS ME OF THE 'BETRAYOUS AD'. IT IS AMMUNITION FOR THE WINGNUTS AND REDUCES US TO THEIR SAME DEGRADED LEVEL.

    THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO MAKE THE POINT THAT HIS RECORDS NEED TO BE RELEASED.
  • ROBERT GREENWALD
    very important that we all keep in mind and focus on over 2500 doctors who support this request to release his records.We want a national convesation about his health records.And with the cable outlets refusing to engage, we must find other ways to raise the issue.
  • Dottie
    I think the records should be released. All of them. Now. There is even a great quote from Reagan made during the Bush-Dukakis campaign supporting the notion that the public has a right to know.

    But.

    I think this video crossed the line. The close-up of McCain's fresh scar was tasteless. Issues are one thing, exploitation is another. I do not support this.
  • Teresa
    I'm sorry but the HIPPA Act is in place for a reason. If someone has been cancer free for 5 years they are considered cured. If a new cancer appears...it is a NEW cancer. I understand the concern especially given his VP choice, but it's still none of our business and I don't think he should have to release them. Sorry.
  • Elizabeth Madrigal
    I am a very public and grateful cancer survivor, but having been through a very horrible, intensive, debilitating treatment that took me a year from which to recover... I think John McCain's unwillingness to share his medical history with us is unconscionable on his part. If he truly wants us to trust him, he needs to trust us with the truth and give us the respect to make an intelligent voting decision. Until I went through cancer treatment I was arrogant enough to think I could work with a pencil between my teeth even if I was paralyzed from the neck down. I learned. Senator McCain needs to disclose his records. Period.
  • dionita
    John McCain is no victim. As his scars indicate, he is a fighter. I have compassion for him but I cannot be blinded by empathy. The truth is staring us in the face. We just need to face the truth.
  • Jocelyn
    Please don't run this...I think it is offensive. We can press on him to submit his records but going as far as running an ad like this is, for me, too much! It might hurt Obama in the end! I think people are aware of his age anyway and that in itself poses a concern. I don't think this is going to be effective.
  • jim
    the liberals are not bright enough, to figure out that this type of politcal ad, will actually help mccain more than hurt him......its counter productive to their cause.............then again, i guess that is why they're liberal...........not the sharpest pencils in the box.....
  • tx cowpuncher
    You floks are nutz, it dont make a damn. You release your records to someone, I dont think you will. Thats why we have the hippa law, medical records are PERSONAL information. What differance does it make? I guess you people think we should euthanize the elderly? You peolpe should find something better to worry about
  • Shirley Marie Hubbard
    It is important I think for all the voters democrates or republicans should know what the health of a potential candidate for the highest office in the United States. I am apalled that there is an effort to not submit these reports. If he is a honest man I would urge him to comply with this request
  • Christopher May
    Brave New Films' stunning video on John McCain's medical history focuses on his physical health. What about his mental health? What do his medical records -- those so far released (presumably only those favorable to McCain) show? What do respected psychiatrists say about the mental health of someone subjected to the kind of treatment McCain endured as a North Vietnamese POW and then the forced confession? What are the risks



    How about a video on McCain's mental health? What do respected psychiatrists and behavioralists say about someone who suffered as McCain did as a North Vietnamese POW forced to sign a confession which challenged his sense of honor? What are the risks that he might snap under the pressures of the presidency? McCain's mental health and prospects might make for a powerful video.
  • sybil spaulding
    www.melanomacenter.org This is a dry but factual website...No drama ..no spin...
    As a nurse with an MS degree, I also think that this is important info on a guy who if elected will be 76 at the end of his term and has had 4 melanomas, one apparently requiring a neck dissection. Look it up, a fairly invasive surgery. It also makes his VP choice even more important. Cringe....
  • mark4sense
    Nooooooooo!

    Please dont run this!! Its offensive and totally OFF SUBJECT you numpties!!!

    Its the ECONOMY STUPID PEOPLE AT BRAVE NEW SINGLE BRAIN CELL!!!

    OBAMA/BIDEN 08/12 (despite your best efforts to screw this up!)
  • Shawn Brown
    Not that I support McCain, but I feel obligated to point out that this movie neglects to mention the fact that there were doctors specifically asked to review McCain's medical records in its entirety to determine whether or not he is healthy enough to run for the office of president. The small group of people allowed to overlook his limited records for limited time were reporters, not acting medical doctors.
  • Cathy
    Wow, very poignant. I certainly had to have a medical screening, including disclosure of medical and mental health. Most employers are requiring this. Aren't we the employers? Anyone remember the rumors that Reagan was experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's before he completed his term in office. Is that a risk worth taking. There is minimum age requirement for presidential office, why not maximum age, quality of health guideline. Just think about the effects Cancer fighting drugs can have on his decision making ability, particularly pain meds.
  • kathy4change
    We don't need Mc Cain's medical record. All any intelligent American needs to look at is his voting record -He voted against regulation and look at the crisis on Wall Street, Now he wants regulation of Wall Street. He wants health care to be deregulated - so it can collapse like Wall Street? He LIES and his voting record is out there for all to see, Open your eye to this manipulator - WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER LIAR IN THE WHITE HOUSE! Vote to get America back on the road to recovery - Vote for integrity - Vote for OBAMA/BIDEN
  • Lee
    The government(republicans) want to tap my phone to know everything about me, yes I want to know everything about those who lead and make decisions that effect my life. If McCain can not lead how will Palin be manipulated by those who would take advantage of her inexperience and willingness to sound like superwomen.
    I will vote Party lines because I want to put more into our country,not someone elses. Pork spending may be a problem but at least it goes to Americans and not wasted in wars we have no business in or countries we are intruding on.
    We have much to do just take of our own hard working people.
    Yes, Democrats are desprate to save our country from the raveges of the past 8 republican lead years and the denial they has anything to do with it.
  • Judy
    Please comntinue your push for the release of these records. With Satah Palin as his VP this is very scary. The public need to know just what his health status is.
  • We Need To Win
    Qualified like Bush was? McCain is a disaster on every account.
  • Jeff
    We are looking for a qualified person for a job! It is that simple. Stop looking at what if's instead of what is. Many people survive cancer for no reasonable explanation at all but maybe there faith and courage. Seems that would be a good quality in someone applying for the job of President of our FREE country. Don't be so judgemental and negative. Do you want to look like desperate democrats? Look at there job records......jeeeeesh.
  • We Need To Win
    Hi right to privacy does not trump my right to know if he's going to croak in a few years and leave an unqualified idiot as president. If you care about privacy don't run for president. He has had a melanoma three times and is 72. Get real doc. He should be judged in part on his health.
  • SR
    Speaking as a doctor-in-training, I find the call for McCain to release his medical records an egregious encroachment on privacy. Protected health information, unlike financial or voting records, is fundamentally confidential and has no place in the political sphere. Should these records be released, it would set a dangerous precedent for candidates to be judged by the status of their health, which is intrinsically unpredictable, or unfairly stigmatized for carrying feared diagnoses. Furthermore, it would be highly irresponsible for any medical doctor to draw conclusions about McCain's prognosis solely by reading his chart. We already know that McCain would be the oldest president ever to take office and has chosen as his potential successor an unqualified and untested running mate. No further details regarding his illness or prognosis should be necessary.
  • gypsyartist
    I'm so wanting to see this video, unfortunately I'm still in the boonies with dial-up internet. Is there any way to download it so I can watch it with QuickTime?
  • wayne griffith
    hi everybody,
    I have some anti-macain ad ideas.
    Join me on yahoo messenger for discussions anybody interested,my yahoo id is grffthwyn.If I'm not on line leave an offline message and I'll get back to you.
  • 4dissues
    This comes off as Swift-Boating. Let's stick to the vision and platform of each candidate.
  • walk411
    Yes his medical records should be available. This is done in a lot in the job market. Even the military screen medical records to ensure members can do the job....
  • RR
    More importantly, Mr. McCain's position against The Boeing comany receiving the Air Refueling Tanker contract indirectly, potentially lead to a portion of our defense being "out sourced' to a foreign country! He should be held accountable.
  • sweetpB307
    I am a soldier serving this great country in uniform. and I am not required but demanded to submit my medical records and no HIPPA Laws are even given a consideration. I am responsible to the protection of this country and every aspect of my life has to be checked and double check to make sure I perform my duties without question. You are asking McCain and Palin to be our Commander In Chief and we, you do remember the ones who put their lives on the line everyday so that you can go vote with little or less fear, deserve to know who will be commanding us, how will he command us, what is judgement to command us and if his health will allow him to protect US, and if it is in question we the Troops and The American People we protect should be question and or taken into consideration, and while we are at it if his health is to be question then Palin experience is to be taken into consideration, what and who will she protect me you all of us. We are in two wars. We have Iran at the front door, and Al-Qauda knocking at the back door again, in case you missed it, and Russia bringing up the rear...And the McCain campagin says she will learn in 4 years, soooo you want to go for more years, waiting for a job, waiting to get your life back on track, waiting to keep your house, waiting for education benefits. Well did you see yesterday troops are still Dying, did you see we have lost our jobs, did you see we have list our homes while we are serving tour after tour, how about the facts that we have family too, we like to see.
    And as for that Victory in Iraq get over it the"Surge" McCain stumps around with, here what I like to say about that,So you want to claim Victory for a Lie, is it victory when we loss 4000 troops for that LIE, is it victory when over 300,000 innocent civilans died and who had nothing to do with 9/11 for that LIE, is it victory when we open their borders to the same people who attack us for that LIE, is it victory when we re-write the consitution from everything from torture to excitive right for the LIE.
    People Get a grip back on what makes America great Our Honor Our Values and Our Pride in Living.
  • Connor
    I thought you should know that the logo at therealmccain.com has a grammatical error. It should read "Fewer jobs. More wars." See alt-usage-english.org .

    I hope this helps!
    Connor
  • VMD
    I certainly do appreciate the information provided and the efforts to promote transparency in government.

    While I am dedicated to the Obama/Biden ticket, ( I was a delegate for Barack for our first three rounds of democratic caucuses) I feel compelled to question whether the country has any right to have McCain's medical records released to the public. How can we as citizens argue for our right to privacy while taking that same privacy away from another? Is it appropriate to make another person a victim, in order to win the "argument"? I do not care for Sarah Palin as our next VP or President, and I am a middle aged white woman who works in the public school system as a "community organizer" (and while I like and admire her, I didn't pick Hillary either). In fact I am appalled at Palin's platform, energy plan, willingness to promote drilling, poor political decisions, the use of her family as a tool to garner support, and her derogatory remarks. I could go on about what I don't like about her as a public figure. BUT..... I feel strongly that doesn't make it right for me to support the removal of the rights of another, and McCain, whether I like him of not, is entitled to his privacy. I could admire him choosing to make his records public, but I don't feel "entitled" to that information.

    Integrity in media is just as important as integrity in government. Have we lost the ability to maintain a position without denigrating the opposition. I hope we can learn to define ourselves, not by who we aren't, but by who we are.
  • oldster
    Lastly, should those of us who were born later need to know, there was a very difficult situation during the Reagan administration; when our then-President underwent general anesthesia for a routine colonoscopy. While it was not known then that he would ultimately develop dementia, his mental status after a simple procedure was so impaired that he did not recall what briefings he received--and you may recall that Oliver North was thrown under the train to protect his president in what was later called the Iran-Contra scandal. Please reference below the very illuminating comments by the neurologist who very correctly states that melanoma has a prediliction for nerve tissue, such as the brain. I feel very sad for Mr. McCain, but his prospects are worrisome.
  • S Carter
    As a nurse and Nuclear Medicine Technologist with over 14 years experience, I find it highly unusual that John McCain has had only Stress Echos done, not Nuclear Stress Testing which is the standard exam for determining the presence of myocardial ischemia and/or myocardial infarctions (both recent and old). I feel very strongly that he and his physician are hiding something from the American people. The accuracy of a Stress Echo is only valid when compared with a Nuclear Stress Test. If there are results of a Nuclear Stress Test, they should be available immediately.
  • oldster
    Interesting commentary, on an even more interesting subject. Am so gratified at the individual just before me, who is so thoughtful about the issue at hand.
    HIPAA (one P, 2 A's) stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act--enacted by Congress in 1996 as a means of protecting health insurance benefits for people changing or losing their jobs. While it does have provisions regarding privacy, they were intended to protect the individual from insurance companies cancelling policies by obtaining personal health information without the individual's consent. This was felt to be necessary in an age of electronic medical records filing, now being required by Medicare and most private insurers.
    The Privacy Act would be more cogent here, but when Mr. McCain chose to release his records to reporters, even a selected group, he relinquished that right.
    Lastly, this is a very serious issue--which would truly affect all of us should this form of very aggressive malignancy recur during his putative term in office. It is tantamount to making a vote for Sarah Palin, in my professional opinion as a board certified, actively practicing physician.
  • None of your Buissness
    HAVEN'T YOU FUCKIN' PEOPLE EVER HEARD OF HIPPA!?!? ISN't THIS ACTUALLY A FORM OF DISCRIMINATION??? GO McCAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Daniel Vlock
    While Senator McCain's age should not be a focus of the election his history of melanoma should be. As a medical oncologist who has cared for melanoma patients, Senator McCain's history of melanoma is of significant concern. As reported last spring (NY Times, May 24, 2008), an Armed Forces Institute Pathology (AFIP) report (considered to be a reference lab for pathology review) of McCain's melanoma said that the cancer was “highly suggestive of a metastasis of malignant melanoma and may represent a satellite metastasis,” If that is correct McCain has more than a 50% chance of his cancer coming back. At the very least that AFIP report should be shared and discussed with independent experts.
  • bebe
    I'm with Joe. Those who remember what Johnny come lately was like post solitary, post trauma, post deprivation...... have more than a little reservations about his capacity now, mostly in view of his age and questionable other concerns. I think this is more critical than the physical at the moment. SO welcome in runner up- Palin, who has her own questionable agenda and mental issues-- she appears unable to think on her own with everything out of her mouth either the script of the far right, or I guess, as she says- straight from the mouth of God who directs her in "all things political." NOW- that's scary. It's one thing as Obama, to accept Christ, and pray for strength and wisdom. It's another when you somehow have the delusion that God speaks directly to you, if you just pray hard enough for what you want, and that by his hand all things are done. No, sometimes evil is just evil... lying just lying... and God has absolutely nothing to do with that.
  • Joe
    His health is an issue, but his mental health evaluation after his captivity would be most important to know. All returning POW's are and were evaualted.
  • anniemcu
    While I am as concerned about the possibility that we will end up with McCain as president, and alarmed that we could therefore end up with Palin in that seat, I totally disagree with this tactic, unless every candidate has to do the same!

    This is an ugly precedent, and one we would be fighting it tooth and nail if it were proposed by anyone else! Let's be real folks, and not become the fools that we detest! It isn't McCain's health that we need to be fighting, it's his policies and lack of honesty. We can't fight the dirty tricks of the Right wing by dropping our standards to employ equally questionable dirty tricks for the Left!

    Any candidate can die at any time, just like any other person in the world. That's not what makes him or her a bad risk. It's their policies, practices and agendas. Sure, his health is a concern but if you turn it into an issue, you will make us all look like idiots!

    Do you really want shouts of "Age-ism!" "Fraidy-Crats!" and the like to not just be heard, but be justified???? Hell No! Beat him on honest issues and quit sinking to his level!
  • Michael Rasminsky
    As a Canadian I unfortunately cannot sign the petition requesting McCain to make a full disclosure of his medical records. However as a neurologist I would like to make the point that melanomas are often metastatic to the brain, even many years after the primary has apparently been successfully treated. The frightening mortality data presented in the video tell only part of the story.

    Brain metastases from melanoma are usually multiple and may be asymptomatic for some time before declaring themselves. They then frequently go on to make their presence known with non-specific behavioral changes. A diagnosis of metastatic brain disease cannot be made without brain imaging (CT or MRI). Treatment for melanoma spread beyond the site of the primary, particularly brain metastases, is debilitating and usually not impressively effective.

    I am not suggesting that McCain's current behavior, however erratic and uncharacteristic, is suggestive of brain metastases. I am simply saying that he is an individual at serious risk of having such metastases at some time in the next four years. I believe that it is irresponsible for an individual with a past history of invasive melanoma to present him/herself as a candidate for an office as important as the Presidency.

    The possibility that a candidate for office is at high risk for serious neurologic problems is something of which the American public should be aware in order to make an informed choice.

    Michael Rasminsky MD, PhD
    Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
    McGill University
  • Jeanne RN
    I agree that this is absolutely critical. But you are missing the power of another group on your response survey--nurses. We have huge numbers and our voice is respected. I encourage you to add a box for RN on your survey.
  • Cooch Palin
    Ready to be President? McCain's ready for bedtime:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWS5ijLELRU
  • JustAnAmerican
    I would agree that McCain should divulge his medical records as well as Obama, Palin and Biden. That way we can see if all of the candidates are ready to be President.
  • walter jacobson, md
    CONSIDER THIS: John McCain... the CHANGED candidate:

    if you've ever been around someone who is mentally slipping, here's a common scenario:

    the person makes a dogmatic statement on monday. on friday you bring up the discussion again and this time the person says the exact opposite. so you remind the person that he said the exact opposite on monday. he then gets indignant and outraged.he insists: 'I NEVER SAID THAT! I WOULD NEVER SAY SUCH A THING!"

    And then he starts degrading you and calling you names to discredit you and negate your credibility in his mind.sound like anybody you know other than an aging grandparent? sound like JOHN MCCAIN??!!

    john mccain hasn't had a neuro psych eval in years......

    it seems to me that anybody running for president who is over sixty five should be given a neuro psych eval to rule out slowly developing dementia, particularly if the person indicates in speeches that he is confused, remembering things incorrectly, and blaming other people as a defense against his own cognitive lapses....

    not just presidential candidates, any sitting president over sixty five should have an annual neuropsych eval as part of the yearly check up.....

    ISN'T IT CRITICAL THAT OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAVE FULL CAPACITY AND CONTROL OF HIS COGNITIVE FACULTIES??

    ISN'T IT CRITICAL THAT OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF'S ANGER, REACTIVITY AND IMPULSIVITY NOT BE SIGNS OF NEURO DEGENERATIVE PROCESSES ?? (bad enough if these are character and personality traits of our commander in chief, but that's another issue)

    any american who would disagree with the above two paragraphs just isn't thinking clearly about NATIONAL SECURITY and LONG-TERM SAFETY and LONG-TERM PROSPERITY.

    Everyone says McCain's not the man they've known for years. Everyone says he's changed. And they're right.

    Ironically, John McCain is a change candidate, but not in the same way that obama is, obviously.

    Has McCain changed because he decided that if lying and doing what bush & co demand will get him elected it's worth it, or has he changed because of neuro-cognitive changes in his brain making him less capable and clear than he once was?

    if the latter, he could deteriorate while in the white house leaving us with a remarkably incompetent and ethically-impaired sarah palin and the people for who she is a puppet running our country: you guessed it: bush, cheney, haliburton, blackwater etc.

    bottom line, politics aside: John McCain has said enough things that are contradictory, flat out lies, memory lapses, and perceptions that suggest he can't think in abstract terms.

    WE NEED TO DEMAND THE MEDIA AND THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN MAKE IT A PUBLIC ISSUE OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE THAT MCCAIN GET A THOROUGH NEURO-PSYCH EVALUATION IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING ALL HIS HEALTH RECORDS.
    -the other w

    p.s. his health records may reveal more than melanomas. what about post traumatic stress disorder? It is extremely likely he is suffering from a chronic form of this from his P.O.W. experience. PYSD can affect one who is afflicted in a spectrum of mentally disablng ways.
  • As a 55-year-old, I'm applying for entry into a 2-year certification program for a technical job in health services. As a part of that process, I have to submit forms from a doctor that I am healthy, and therefore less likely to have wasted valuable teaching resources in a field where there is great demand for work.

    Surely, the office of the President of the United States of America should have standards at least as high as those for my being admitted into a health services program.
  • rachmael ben haim
    " i have seen this movie before...or deja vu or all over again." The McCain commercial accusing Obama of supporting "sex education" is not only a lie but a replay of swift boating and Obama is like Kerry not fighting back. Move On needs to stand up and indentify McCain as a defender of child abusers by refusing to support legislation that would protect our children and identify the child abuser. If he wants responsibility we should give it to him. No one will vote for a candidate who can not even defend himself.
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