SC Yellow Dogs

Columbia College students react to campaign comments

U.S. Sen. John McCain was at a luncheon yesterday at the Trinity restaurant in Hilton Head, SC. to celebrate Veterans Day and campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. But in a meeting with supporters, the U.S. Navy veteran and former prisoner of war was not an “officer and a gentleman.”

A woman asked McCain, “How do we beat the b—-?”

McCain, standing in front of a larger-than-life photo of himself in military aviator gear, laughed.

Then, red-faced and smiling, McCain asked, “May I give the translation?”

He continued laughing as another audience member suggested the reference was to an ex-wife. More laughter followed.

McCain called the question “excellent.” Then he cited a poll that put him ahead of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic frontrunner, before adding, “I respect Sen. Clinton. I respect anyone who gets the nomination of the Democratic Party.”

Columbia College media students want to know why McCain assumed the speaker was referring to Clinton. They also want to know why McCain didn’t show a little leadership, some manners, some common sense.

By LANIESHA GRAY freshvoices@colacoll.edu

I think it’s not only appalling but disrespectful that McCain laughed and condoned Clinton being called a name during his Q&A session in Beaufort.

It’s disheartening and unfortunate — even after women have proven themselves competent and worthy of the same respect men command – that sexism and the “old boy” system still exist at the highest levels of government.

Personally, as a woman, I’m outraged. And I’m disappointed in McCain. During this crucial time, while we’re preparing to shift power, I don’t feel confident that someone who responds in such an unprofessional manner should be the next president of the United States. Allowing that line of questioning was an error in judgment.

McCain clearly needs a lesson on how to beat an opponent without employing stereotypes to do so. Women who are assertive and ambitious should be celebrated, not defamed.

I hope women considering McCain for president will reconsider in light of their values and his character.

By SYLVETTA DANIELS freshvoices@colacoll.edu

Who else would be called a b—- but the only female presidential candidate?

McCain’s nervous laugh and then his decision to connect the woman’s uneducated comment to Sen. Clinton is appalling.

Never would a male candidate be referred to in such a demeaning way.

Where does it stop? Perhaps the better question is where does a change begin?

McCain did not think about the harm his comments and actions could have on his own reputation – or he didn’t think his behavior would harm him. His assumptions could cost him many votes, certainly many women’s votes.

By SARA O’LENA freshvoices@colacoll.edu

When a woman, a woman, used a slur to ask McCain about beating an opponent, he didn’t respond the way a potential president should respond. McCain nervously laughed, wiped his forehead and said, “That is an excellent question.”

McCain followed up with a few remarks about Clinton; he assumed the remark was about the only female presidential candidate.

First, I don’t understand how a question that equates an influential woman with a female dog can be considered excellent. Second, as a woman I am appalled by McCain’s response.

Not that I planned on voting for McCain, but if I had, his reaction would have cost him my vote.

I hope other women who might be McCain fans realize how demoralizing his reaction was. I hope they think twice about voting for a man who allows a woman to be demeaned in such a way.

By TANESHA RAMSEY freshvoices@colacoll.edu

Outraged is the only word that can describe my feelings about such a demeaning word being used against Clinton.

I’m outraged because women must come together to support one another despite disagreements. Yet a woman used this word. Even worse, her profanity was greeted with laughter. And McCain called her question “excellent.”

I’m outraged because the conversation continued after a burst of laughter from the crowd and the candidate.

McCain definitely has no chance of getting my vote after his unprofessional response.

By BERNARDRA J. SCOTT freshvoices@colacoll.edu

I’m a young woman in college. I attend a woman’s college, and this behavior really disturbs me. How did he know that the word referred to Clinton?

It would have been best if McCain had asked the woman whom she was referring to, then kindly corrected her.

This is sexist behavior and shows McCain’s lack of leadership. I think his response also shows evidence of chauvinism.

By KEAGAN WREN freshvoices@colacoll.edu

McCain may have ended his candidacy on Monday.

He laughed off a sexist comment made by a women in the audience. The comment was aimed at Clinton.

McCain’s response gave his audience the impression that he knew who the comment was aimed at and that he agreed.

People should be allowed some mistakes. However, he may have dug himself into a hole far from the White House.