McCain Veers Off Script at Livestrong Summit


By Elizabeth Holmes, Wall Street Journal
July 25, 2008

Article Excerpts:

The original draft of John McCain's speech at the Livestrong Summit Thursday evening made no mention of his own struggle with cancer. The text made a jab at Barack Obama, emphasized the need for improved health care and vowed to take on the tobacco industry -- but excluded all references to the Arizona senator's bout with melanoma.

Yet when the Republican candidate took the stage here, following an introduction from the foundation's cyclist star Lance Armstrong, he began his remarks as planned but quickly veered off script.

"And yes, I was in a battle, not a war like some of the people, the great Americans that Lance just pointed out, but I was in a battle with melanoma," McCain said to the crowded, yellow-drenched Mershon Auditorium on the campus of the Ohio State University.

"And I know, and I know somewhat -- at least a small degree -- how tough that battle can be."

On a stage filled with cancer survivors, McCain spoke about his devotion to sunscreen and his admiration for the scientists who mapped the human genome. All the while, the cameras caught the scars on the left side of his face, remnants of his cancer-related surgeries.

Before McCain took the stage, Armstrong issued a steep challenge. "In my view, as a survivor, the 44th president must take on this challenge . . . must address this epidemic that we call cancer," said the seven-time winner of the Tour de France.

"So that's why we're so honored tonight to have Sen. McCain to be here to talk about his experience as a survivor but also as the man who wants to be that 44th president of the United States of America."

McCain, true to form, offered his no-pandering "straight talk," which inevitably led to a dance for many of his answers. When asked by the moderator, former CNN anchor Paula Zahn, about his support for an increase on the federal tobacco tax, McCain turned his answer into a condemnation of government corruption.

"I don't think I would because I don't think the money is being spent on the state taxes right now," McCain said. "It would have to be proven and frankly, the constitution of this Congress, they couldn't prove it to me, 'cause I don't believe them. I don't. I've seen corruption in Congress, OK?"

McCain, who kicked a two-pack-a-day habit some 29 years ago, continued: "I'm not for raising anybody's taxes. I think, right now, with these economic problems we have, lower taxes is what we need."

Armstrong, who brought his parents and girlfriend Kate Hudson to the summit, had some decidedly easier questions for the senator. For example, he inquired about McCain's exercise regimen. "I hike, I swim, I do light exercises," said the 71-year-old, adding that a few summers ago he hiked the Grand Canyon with his son. "I can also tell you that campaigning is good exercise," McCain said. "It really is a lot of exercise. Working the rope line. Shaking hands with people. Going from one place to another."

Armstrong was asked Wednesday at the National Press Club which of the candidates -- McCain or Obama -- he would rather work out with. On Thursday, he suggested a solution: "Probably best just to do a little triathalon. You know we could hike one day with Senator McCain and play basketball one day with Senator Obama and then the other day they have to go ride with me and then we'll figure it out," Armstrong said.

Later, McCain chimed in: "Can I just also say that I'd love to hike rim to rim of the Grand Canyon with Lance and he may have to wait awhile for me down at the bottom and at the top, but I'd still enjoy the trip. . . .

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