Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

McCain Wins Unlikely Support in Vietnam

Ruling class thinks former POW would increase trade

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2008 10:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain has won admiration from an unlikely place: Vietnam, the nation he bombed 23 times during the war there. Including politicians, newspaper editors, and even his former captor, Vietnamese are voicing support for the candidate. The Republican pushed to restore ties with the country a decade ago, and many Vietnamese hope he will now push to increase trade.

McCain, who says he was routinely tortured while a prisoner of war, has no ill will against Vietnam. And the one-time commander of the Hanoi Hilton, where the candidate was held, likes to imagine he can vote for him. But one journalist noted that the admiration isn't universal: "The young people, especially the ladies, prefer Obama."

Tran Trong Duyet, the jailer at the Hanoi Hilton when John McCain was a POW, has said he would vote for the Arizona senator.
Tran Trong Duyet, the jailer at the Hanoi Hilton when John McCain was a POW, has said he would vote for the Arizona senator.   (AP Photo)
John McCain speaks during a town hall meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at the Pan American Center on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, N.M.
John McCain speaks during a town hall meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at the Pan American Center on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, N.M.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
This Oct 26 1967, file photo provided by the Library of Congress shows Navy fighter pilot John McCain, center, being captured by Vietnamese civilians in Truc Bach Lake near Hanoi.
This Oct 26 1967, file photo provided by the Library of Congress shows Navy fighter pilot John McCain, center, being captured by Vietnamese civilians in Truc Bach Lake near Hanoi.   (AP Photo)
Hoa Lo Prison Historic Vestige is seen in Hanoi, Vietnam, Friday, June 27, 2008. John McCain was held in Hoa Lo Prison as a prisoner during the Vietnamese war.
Hoa Lo Prison Historic Vestige is seen in Hanoi, Vietnam, Friday, June 27, 2008. John McCain was held in Hoa Lo Prison as a prisoner during the Vietnamese war.   (AP Photo/Chitose Suzuki)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Full Game Change Trailer Debuts

Vietnam Vets: Fix Memorial's Misspelled Name

Game Change Trailer Stars Terrifying Sarah Palin

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Jane Fonda: QVC Canceled Me Over Politics


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne