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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    McCain POW Experience and the Presidency

    The one subject that seems to be the third rail in this otherwise no-holds-barred campaign is John McCain's POW experience in Vietnam 40 years ago and how that affects his qualifications now.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    The one subject that seems to be the third rail in this otherwise no-holds-barred campaign is John McCain's POW experience in Vietnam 40 years ago and how that affects his qualifications now. At the GOP convention last week, numerous speakers described the details of McCain's ordeal as evidence of his moral fiber and suitability for the presidency. Even McCain, who had been reticent to talk abut the details in the past, devoted part of his acceptance speech to the subject. But what is the relevance of those five years to qualities needed in a president? We talk to former POW's who have insight into the question and look at McCain's naval upbringing. Was it a life that prepared him to understand the live of ordinary Americans?

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Frances Anderton

      architecture critic and author

    • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

      Sonya Geis

      Senior Managing Editor

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      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

    • KCRW placeholder

      Robert Certain

      former POW

    • KCRW placeholder

      Philip Butler

      activist, Veterans for Peace

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      Robert Timberg

      Editor in Chief, Proceedings magazine

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    Back to To the Point