Wasn't McCain's release from imprisonment a result of negotiations (whether openly or secretly conducted)? Not only negotiations, but negotiations during an active war with the government holding him prisoner! Does he now say that given the chance he would have requested that the U.S. government not conduct such negotiations directly or indirectly? Would he refuse to negotiate the release or exchange of prisoners now?

The "pass" being given McCain by the media I think has something to do with wanting not to be hard on someone who has suffered imprisonment and torture. While that is a nice policy, when the person enters public life and attempts to reach a position of power, it is a duty to hold the person to whatever standards other campaigners are held. Now, there may be problems with the standards in use regarding others (see for example the treatment of Obama in the Obama-Clinton-ABC debate), but all that means is that if changes are needed to be humane to McCain, then they must be applied to all.

Joe Maizlish
Los Angeles