How did bombing Iran become a joke?
4/21/2007 4:00:00 PM GMT
By Adam Robertson
Attacking Iran, a move that military experts said would lead to a catastrophe in the Middle East, has suddenly become a joke in the United States.
While campaigning for the 2008 elections in South Carolina on Wednesday, Republican Senator John McCain responded to a question about how to deal with Tehran by changing the melody of the Beach Boys song "Barbara Ann" to "Bomb Iran." "That old Beach Boys song, Bomb Iran ... bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb," McCain jokingly sang when he was asked whether he believes the U.S. should send Tehran "an airmail message.”
McCain’s insensitive joke, which drew chuckles from the audience but triggered fierce criticism from opponents, has been viewed nearly 11,000 times on the Internet video sharing site YouTube after being posted on Thursday.
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McCain tried to defend his joke during a campaign stop in the state of Nevada, telling critics: “Please, I was talking to some of my old veterans friends… My response is, Lighten up and get a life."
Asked if his joke was insensitive, McCain said: "Insensitive to what? The Iranians?"
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