Steinem on McCain's Vietnam Years: So What?

But her rise has its benefits, Steinem says

(NEWSER) - Republicans may have thrown Sarah Palin a grand old party last night, but Americans can see through the bluster, Gloria Steinem opines in the Los Angeles Times. “This isn’t the first time a boss has picked an unqualified woman just because she agrees with him and opposes everything most other women want and need,” the feminist writes. More»

Mac was an inspiration to fellow POWs

(NEWSER) - There’s plenty wrong with John McCain, but questions about his heroism in Vietnam just don’t stand up, biographer Matt Welch writes in the LA Times. McCain “gave great strength to his fellow POWs,” and “unless you think that inspiring your fellow prisoners to resist and cope with unbelievable acts of torture isn't heroic, then ‘hero,’ at least, is one description McCain deserves.” More»

AK gov. steals Dems' after-glow; could attract indy, Hillary voters

(NEWSER) - John McCain turned heads by choosing Sarah Palin today as his running mate, and the Weekly Standard explains why she’s the right woman for the job.

• Democrats just wrapped their glitzy convention, but the Sunday talk shows will be abuzz with Palin chatter.
• The mother of five softens McCain’s “crotchety” image and revives his reputation as “fly-boy and gambler."

Pro-Obama retired general Clark turns up volume on whispers

(NEWSER) - Wesley Clark's answer to a question on Face the Nation yesterday has exposed a simmering campaign issue, Politico reports: whether John McCain’s Vietnam ordeal translates to relevant experience for the presidency. "I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president," said Clark, a Barack Obama supporter. More»

Duyet calls ex-POW a friend

(NEWSER) - John McCain’s Vietnam War jailer says he would vote for him because of McCain's willingness to forgive and look to the future, the AP reports. In the same breath, Tran Trong Duyet denied that McCain was tortured during his 5-year imprisonment and accused him of making up the stories to win votes. A retired Marine imprisoned with McCain spoke for the campaign and called Duyet “a damn liar.” More»