McCain Says Supporter's "Bitch" Query About Hillary Is "An Excellent Question"

This post, written by Steve Benen, originally appeared on The Carpetbagger Report

Obviously, presidential candidates aren't responsible for comments made by their supporters. Candidates are, however, responsible for showing a little class. It's apparently something that John McCain has forgotten.

At a campaign event in South Carolina, a McCain backer stood up to ask the senator, "How do we beat the bitch?"

In response, McCain said, "We have our differences with our Democratic rivals, but I believe in treating people with respect. It's why I don't refer to women as 'bitches,' even when I disagree with them. I'm sure all of us believe we can debate the serious issues of the day without name-calling and degrading language."

No, no, I'm just kidding. He actually responded, "That's an excellent question."

Just this morning, the NYT's David Brooks wrote a gushing love-letter to McCain, praising him as an honorable man of character. If there wasn't so much evidence to the contrary, it might be persuasive.

For readers who can't watch clips online, here's a transcript: