McCain Medical Records, Cancer History, Raised By Top Dems

With three prominent Democratic senators now on record raising the issue of John McCain's health, and an independent group set to make a push for the full release of the Arizonan's medical records later this week, the issue of the Republican nominee's age is being dragged further out into the political spotlight.

Speaking to ABC's George Stephanopolous on Sunday, Sen. Claire McCaskill refused to back away from her statement, earlier in the week, that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin wants to serve one heartbeat away from "one of the oldest presidents" in history. Given the opportunity to walk back the remarks -- which McCain aides derided as ageism -- McCaskill did the opposite, saying: "I think what we're talking about is a reality. Other people talk about his melanoma. We're talking about a reality here that we have to face."

In the Senate Democratic cloakroom, at least, she's not alone. During the Democratic convention, OpenLeft's Matt Stoller asked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and senior New York Senator Charles Schumer about McCain's cancer history. Both replied that a full release of McCain's medical records would be an appropriate way to satisfy the public's right to know.

"We learned that going back a long time ago...when Tom Eagleton, because of his depression, had had shock treatment. So this isn't something we just dreamed up, it's important," Reid said, adding, "I think there should be total transparency when a person is running for President of the United States." Schumer took a similar line: "When you're running for President everything should be public including your full medical records."

Somewhat predictably, fellow Arizona Sen. John Kyl was taped saying he takes McCain at his word when his colleague says his cancer is in remission.

But on Thursday, the progressive group Brave New Films is prepared to list the names of 2,000 doctors who say McCain's word is not sufficient on this score, and that he should release his entire medical records to the public. Previously, McCain made his medical records available to select members of the press for only a few hours -- a time span during which electronic devices were prohibited and copies could not be made.

(You can read the text of the Brave New Films letter signed by doctors, and watch an accompanying video, here.)

While McCain's choice of a relative unknown like Sarah Palin has been praised as genius politics in some circles, it appears her selection may have also opened the door to more direct implications about the senator's age and health. Whether or not that increased attention sways any voters, however, remains to be seen.

Comments

[BrendaM]

what happened to this story? Why hasn't every paper and every network ran with it. I knew McCain's health had issues but I didn't realize to what extent.

On the issue, what's up with his droopy left eye? He looks and acts like something is definitely going on.

[RobinSeattle]

McCain's age reflected in his latest interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmnB3T00ZuU

[RobinSeattle]

McCain's age shows itself in his latest interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmnB3T00ZuU

[Vote_For_America]

Obama 291, McCain 247
http://voteforamerica.net/electoral.aspx

Sept 17 Polling Update
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=58&ArticleName=Poll+Update

Cindy McCain's Fallacious Rebuttal
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=54&ArticleName=Cindy+McCain%27s+Fallacious+Rebuttal

The Red November: An analysis on campaign marketing
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=50&ArticleName=The+Red+November

[DocsRockin]

As a physician and a melanoma survivor, I am very concerned about Sen. McCain's prior melanoma diagnosis and current status. Melanoma is a very fickle malignancy. Depending on the stage when detected, a melanoma patient's 5 year survival rates range from about 90% (for thin tumors) to less than 10% (for advanced disease). Melanoma is not a cancer that is referred to as "being in remission" and this description brings up more questions for me than it answers. I've watched my mother and many patients die of this cancer. Never did I think for a moment that those with advanced disease were "out of the woods" or "in remission." To the contrary, they were all deep in the woods with little chance of survival. This issue is important for all Americans to consider as we vote, especially in light of Sen. McCain's exceedingly poor choice of a running mate. There is prescedence for this request.

Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama, as well as Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin, should have the courage to provide us their unequivocal assurance of their mental and physical health to perform the strenuous duties of President. They should choose to disclose their objective medical and psychiatric information. This can be done tactfully.

P.S.A.--talk with your doctor about healthy skin, and learn the warning signs for skin changes that could signal a cancer . See the American Academy of Dermatology web site for more information.

[Vote_For_America]

Sept 17 Polling Update
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=58&ArticleName=Poll+Update

Obama 291, McCain 247
http://voteforamerica.net/electoral.aspx

Cindy McCain's Fallacious Rebuttal
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=54&ArticleName=Cindy+McCain%27s+Fallacious+Rebuttal

The Red November: An analysis on campaign marketing
http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/Comments.aspx?ArticleId=50&ArticleName=The+Red+November

[PuddingPop]

SHOCK TREATMENT!!! I'm too through.

[rollingdivision]

Good, maybe Obama will release his medical records, so far not one document from his records has been made available, only a one page letter from a doctor. Obviously, that is not acceptable.

[TrueIndy08]

nothing to hide.... McCain needs to put his out.... he is the one who is 72 wih bouts of cancer

[sammy50]

Then put BO's out True. He is hiding them.

[timberdoodle]

It won't matter if McCain lives out a full term if he is elected as he isn't going to be running the show his advisers and people like Carl Rove will pulling all the strings.

You can call it anything you want but it's the truth the John McCain isn't firing on all cylinders. He has some serious problems with memory and confusion. You don't have to be a professional analysis to figure that out all you have to do is go over all the stupid things he's done and said over the campaign.

This man is detiorating rapidly and I'm not referring to his physical health. Just look at the shell of an old man standing behind Palin..................it's pitiful and very disturbing.

[northcan]

I never did think McCain was healthy enough to lead, mentally or physically, or emotionally.

[LemonMeringue]

I would like to see some records from a psychiatrist.

Something happened to McCain in Vietnam. Something is wrong with that man.

[CrzyRussell]

A letter from his Doctor should be fine. After all there is a precedent out there.

[barackobama4prez]

Not sure if you're talking about O, but his health and mental capabilities are not in question by the masses.

[AddictedToHope]

Posted this as a reply , but I think it deserves it's own thread.

McC doesn't even have to die in office. I refer you to the 25th amendment to the Constitution:

PRESIDENTIAL VACANCY AND DISABILITY

SECTION 3. Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

SECTION 4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

So McC could just declare himself "unable" or Pale-in and a bunch of neo-con flunkies could declare him unable and take over.

And all Congress do is either agree or say no, he's not unable. Catch-22 anybody??

[marytny]

and the neocons get their blank slate-Palin

[tablesedge]

if McCain can't serve, having just watched Palin w/ Hannity, God help the USA.

I don't think she speaks English as we know it. She strings together cliches fed to her, and not very well. No curiosity or insight, just silly phrases, she said "ruffle feathers" 5 times, in not particular context. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Yet, it's too true.

Miss Alaska, probably said "such as Iraq and such as" and sounded smarter, so Sarah came in second.

[NeoLiberal]

Read the Constitution and other precedent documents that relate to transfer of executive power.

If a majority of the cabinet, under advisement of competent medical authority, deem the president to be unfit or unable to serve, they can transfer power away from him.

Therefore, since he is 'hired" by us, has nuclear codes, can send troops into battle, and must approve legislation with his signature, then we have a RIGHT to know that our leader is mentally competent and physically able to endure the stresses of this job.

Remember even the recent stuff: Bush transferred power to Cheney temporarily while he was anesthetized for an operation.