High School Student to McCain: You're No Leader

September 04, 2007 11:32 AM

ABC News' Bret Hovell and Matt Stuart Report: Senator John McCain had a testy exchange with a high school student in Concord, NH, Tuesday, but one that McCain himself characterized as “what America is supposed to be about.”

William Sleaster, a student at Concord High School rose to ask McCain a question about gay rights and, ultimately dissatisfied by the answer he received from McCain, told the Republican presidential contender that he'd come looking to see a leader and didn't.

McCain first answered the high school student by talking about his support for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the military’s policy regarding gays, and about his belief in the sanctity of marriage.

“Discrimination in any form is unacceptable in America today,” McCain said.

“I understand the controversy that continues to swirl around this issue,” McCain said. “That debate needs to be continued.”

Sleaster pressed on. “Do you support civil unions or gay marriage?”

“I do not,” McCain answered. “I think that they impinge on the status and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.”

“So you believe in taking away someone’s rights because you believe it’s wrong?”

“I wouldn’t put that interpretation on my position, but I understand yours,” McCain said diplomatically.

Sleaster went on to ask another question about how to help the working class in America, which McCain fielded by talking about the country’s need to figure out education and health care, and to secure the environment.

Sleaster indicated that he wanted to follow up again.

“You have one more? Go ahead you’re doing good,” McCain encouraged.

“I came here looking to see a leader,” Sleaster said. “I don’t.”

The assembled students murmured, and a teacher started to step in.

“I understand,” McCain said. “I thank you. That’s what America is all about.”

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/high-school-stu.html

The kid gets to the heart of McCain's flawed candidacy. Instead of a leader, we see a frail puppet being pulled in conflicting directions by competing factions in his party.

But she is also the Religious Right's last chance to install a theocratic agenda in this country.

maybe there is hope for our future after all.

Even the Evangelical young-uns aren't as anti-gay as their parents.

My evangelical relatives in their 20s probably don't want gay people to gain the right to marry, but at the moment they're way more concerned about finding jobs so they can support their kids.

I'd love to see Obama trigger a meltdown during the debates, so the whole world can see what his Senate colleagues already know.

And above all, will pave the way for his (and our futures) to be the brightest and hold plenty of opportunity for anyone who has the fortitude and desire to achieve their goals.

I am confident that we will all do everything humanly possible to make sure our young Sleaster sees the face of leadership, come early November.

For rendering :(

:eyes:

come out to play.

People, even the youngin's are asking some very important, honest questions and have yet to get any appropriate, honest answers.

Curious, though, as to what a Palin reaction would be like. If they are keeping her from anyone asking her a question, I wonder what do they fear would be the outcome?

Agree with others that it's surprising McCain didn't blow his stack.

It seemed set up for a perfect Git Off My Lawn moment for McCain.

"impinge on the status and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman" ... but screwing around on your disabled wife...doesn't?

:thumbsup:

and balls of a high school student when it comes to exposing frauds like McLame