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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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McCain's Boring Health History

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McCain's advisers released the 71-year Senator's medical history today in a low-key manner by permitting a handful of news media sources access to Mayo clinic records since 2000 (he released his medical records for 2000 and earlier in his 2000 campaign) and through a conference call with his doctors. The boring headlines tell it all: there's nothing juicy there to prevent the Senator from being president.

The biggest sign that McCain's medical history is not going to be a major issue in this campaign is this sensational yellow journalism piece by ABC News that makes his Ambien prescription a threat to national security. Clever--maybe Senator Obama should pick up on this and run with it. It might make him look tougher on the national security issue.

Not any better is the L.A. Times report on McCain's medical history that is strangely like talking to your grandparents: the conversation generally turns to complaints of ailments in parts of the body you generally don't acknowledge, let alone converse about.

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The conclusion: McCain is in good health and fit to be president. Except for the ageism that exists out there, this should ease concerns of his age/health 'problem'.

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