John McCain Tells Critics to 'Get a Life' Over His Joke About Bombing Iran

Fox News ^ | April 20, 2007 | Unknown

[3AngelaD]

LAS VEGAS —Arizona Sen. John McCain said critics complaining about his recent joke about bombing Iran should "lighten up and get a life." "Please, I was talking to some of my old veterans friends," the Republican presidential candidate told reporters Thursday, a day after he parodied the Beach Boys song "Barbara Ann" at a campaign stop in South Carolina. The senator changed the song's title to "Bomb Iran."

"My response is lighten up and get a life," he said.

McCain's quip, which was circulating on the Internet, was prompted by an audience question about whether the senator believes the U.S. should send Iran "an airmail message to Tehran."

"That old, eh, that old Beach Boys song, Bomb Iran," McCain joked and broke into the melody: "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, anyway, ah ..."

McCain then said he agreed with President Bush's policy of protecting Israel from Iran and working to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Asked by reporters Thursday if he thought the joke was insensitive he said: "Insensitive to what? The Iranians?"

McCain, speaking at a press conference before a fundraiser at a Las Vegas casino, also responded sharply to comments made Thursday by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Reid said he thought the war could not be won through military force, although he said the U.S. could still pursue political, economic and diplomatic means to bring peace to Iraq. He called the Iraq war "lost" and said Bush's plan to increase troop levels "is not accomplishing anything."

McCain, a defender of the president's troop surge proposal, blasted the Nevada senator, saying his comments would hurt troop morale.

"It seems to me Sen. Reid has lost all sense of priority," he said...

[DManA]

I wonder if Jimmy Carter remembers.

[cricket]

McCain is sounding better lately. Compared to Rudy, especially.

Agree. . .and this is the first time he has said something that made me feel like I could actually vote for him! Am beginning to think; if I have to vote for a Democrat in Repub clothing; would rather have John that Rudy, for sure. . .(never thought I would say that. . .but tough choices to be made here).

[Zack Nguyen]

Well, McCain is not my first choice, but good for him. The press gets their knickers in a twist over silly things.

[dearolddad]

The first time I’ve ever had any warm fuzzies for McCain.

Dittos to that!!! At least he didn't go into a fetal position and start apologizing.

[pollyannaish]

Well. I agree with McCain again. This is starting to make me nervous.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

I was at the Republican Party of Iowa Lincoln Day dinner last Sat. night. Almost all the R presidential caniddates were there. McCain gave a very good speech. Now this. I may start to like this guy.

[pissant]

He’s got some positions yet to change, but he’s obviously moving in the right direction.

[Badeye]

I wonder when Jimmy Carter will get around to forgiving ‘We the People’ for firing his incompetent ass.

Its been almost three decades, and he’s apparently still upset.

[beezdotcom]

But you know what? It may have been a little pitchy, but that was HOT, man!

I really don't know who the two of you have been listening to, but I found that simply atrocious. John, I've said this before....it sounded like you were SHOUTING it at the audience. I don't see any 'X' factor, here.

[pleikumud]

Iran is a terror sponsor, and supplies weapons which are being used to kill our soldiers. The United States (possibly with help from UK and Israel) should bomb and destroy Iran’s oil & gas pipelines, refinery, oil and gas storage tanks, plus nuclear sites, and do it “yesterday”. Start with the easy ones and keep bombing for a couple of months. This would castrate Iran.

Bush could offer the Congressional Democrats a free ticket to Teheran before the bombing starts.