Friday, September 5, 2008

John MCain's Pig Fetish

 Presidential candidate John McCain pictured here with running mate Sarah Palin (ok, it's actually his unlikely supporter Heidi Montag from MTV's "The Hills") apparently has a thing for all things oink. And, before you assume this is a slanted, subjective piece (well, ok- so it is), you should know that we actually have proof to back up our claims.

According to "New Republic," McCain's sidekick on the campaign trail (there is someone else besides Joe Lieberman?) Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) was actually asked by the Arizona senator to fly out to Des Moines to see a very, very big pig named Freight Train at the Iowa State Fair, which drew a record 1.1 million visitors this year.

(The next Iowa State Fair is Aug 13-23, 2009 so mark your calendars!).

Apparently, Freight Train weighs 1,259 pounds and he deservedly won first place at the fair. Graham, who reportedly talks to the presidential candidate three times a day, said McCain was 'mesmerized' by the pig:

"John is so excited about the big pig," Graham said. "He wanted me to see the pig." McCain also told Graham to 'just come out!' (refering to a trip to Iowa. Graham has unfortunately been accused of being gay because he is one of the few bachelors in the Senate. Since I am a Democrat, that is the extent of my sympathies for him!)

But, McCain's obsession with swine does not end there. According to a Dec. 29, 2007 edition of "The Boston Globe," McCain and his then opponent Mitt Romney had this exchange in Dover, NH, over the hot button immigration issue (McCain was accusing Romney of being soft):

"Never get into a wrestling match with a pig," McCain said. "You both get dirty, and the pig likes it."

 (This is ten-second video of Porky Pig swearing)

The "New Republic" article pointed out that McCain also likes to make fun of Graham for his preferred place of dinning. It is  the Olive Garden (perhaps he should ask my mom out on a date). McCain quipped that: "The only reason why Senator Graham is with us is because he gets free meals from time to time."

 (Video footage of pigs at the Iowa State Fair, which was posted on Youtube by Iowa Public Television).

But, Graham got his revenge by dragging McCain to an Olive Garden in Orlando where the South Carolina senator had spaghetti and meatballs on the campaign tab.

Ironically, just a few weeks ago, Barack Obama stopped by the Short Sugar's Barbecue Restaurant in Danville, Va., after a campaign rally in nearby Martinsville. 

Useful Links:

http://www.tnr.com (New Republic)

http://www.iowastatefair.org (Iowa State Fair)

http://www.iptv.org (Iowa Public TV)

http://www.boston.com (Boston Globe)

 

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