Why are conservative men so intimidated by powerful women that they have to stoop to attacking their looks? Rush Limbaugh does this all the time. Steinem is 73 -- who is hot at 73? When she was young she was attractive enough to be a Playboy Bunny (working undercover as a reporter) AND she started a revolution.

I notice Clinton was quick to show her respect for McCain's service following Steinem's comments. I think it's pretty low to disparage anybody's service in the military (unless that service has been degraded by someone's own actions [Abu Ghraib, anyone?]). I mean, the guy was f'ing tortured. That's nothing to diminish. Military service is one form of service to country. Is it overrated in presidential races? Maybe. But it's nothing to slam, that's for sure.
On the "other" topic of Steinem's pic.... "Nasty"?! Old(er than 30), sure. But "nasty"?! I've always found Steinem particularly striking -- yes, even at 73! In any case, it's refreshing to see someone who doesn't rest on their physical beauty.

I don't think she was slamming his war experience, I think she was just saying that, yes you were a POW, we get it already and war experience doesn't necessarily a good president make. I think she was saying she'd like to see more peaceful tactics taken, which I totally agree with. I think a female president might try harder to avoid war than male presidents -- not because women are some how "softer" or less aggressive, but because they understand the value of life on another level. I admire anyone who puts the needs of others before him or herself, but I do not admire needless killing. McCain's war was different, but in this war I find it hard to admire the actions of anyone involved -- even the soldiers. What we need now is a circumspect leader -- not another cowboy. I think that's what she was trying to say.

“Suppose John McCain had been Joan McCain and Joan McCain had got captured, shot down and been a POW for eight years. , ‘What did you do wrong to get captured? What terrible things did you do while you were there as a captive for eight years?’” Steinem said, to laughter from the audience.

QUESTION 1- has anyone said this about the women who have been captured? Nope. We as conservatives care deeply about the soldiers and we mourn if even on is hurt or captured regardless of gender. This is such a bullshit premise its painful it can be defended.

McCain was, in fact, a prisoner of war for around five-and-a-half years, during which time he was tortured repeatedly. Referring to his time in captivity, Steinem said with bewilderment, “I mean, hello? This is supposed to be a qualification to be president? I don’t think so.”

Its more of a qualification than having a husband who was. And definitely more so than being able to "talk pretty" or be a rockstar. I think I am going to faint (in the front row, being a moderately attractive female between the ages of 18-30, when the camera is fixed on me)

This sums it up better than I can.

http://jewishworldreview.com/michelle/malkin030508.php3