"There was an article in the Wall Street Journal on Cindy McCain, John's wife. All I ever saw was this attractive woman standing beside John. I was surprised how talented and involved with world problems she is. This is a summary of the article.
She graduated from Southern Cal and was a special-needs teacher.
After her Dad died she became involved with his beer distributing firm and is now the chairwoman. Sales have doubled since she has taken over from her father.
They have a marriage prenuptial agreement, her assets remain separate. She is involved around the world clearing land mines - travels to these countries on a detonation team and service on their board.
They have a 19 year old serving in Iraq, another son in the Naval Academy, a daughter recently graduated from Columbia Univ., an adopted daughter in high school, and a son who is the finance guy at the beer firm.
Raised kids in Phoenix, AZ rather than Washington DC.(better atmosphere) He commuted.
In 1991, Mrs. McCain came across a girl in an orphanage in Bangladesh. Mother Teresa implored Mrs. McCain to take the baby with severe cleft palate. She did so without first telling her husband. The couple adopted the girl who has had a dozen operations to repair her cleft palate and other medical problems.
They have a Family Foundation for children's causes.
She's active with 'Halo Trust' - to clear land mines, provide water and food in war ravaged and developing countries.
She will join an overseas mission of 'Operation Smile', a charity for corrective surgery on children's faces.
She has had two back surgeries and became addicted to pain killers. She talks openly about it which she says is part of the recovery process.
I'm surprised the media is so quiet about her attributes. She sounds more capable than other candidates.We would really get two for the price of one. A person with business and international experience. John did work for the firm for awhile when he left the Navy. She, however, has the real business experience. Very interesting."
Though afraid of flying, Cindy bought a plane, earned her pilot license (all without telling John) and became his campaign pilot during his run for the Senate in the late '80s. During the current campaign, she regularly introduces John at events and is almost always at his side.
The whole painkiller story will undoubtedly be rehashed in the media before the fall and will detract from her image.