I think you are confusing the words "probable" and "possible." It is, of course, possible that McCain did not just plagiarize this inspirational story from a source that most of his audience would be unfamiliar with. It is, however, exceedingly probable that he did exactly that.

The tradition of candidates making up appealing anecdotes in order to illustrate their own exemplary characters has a long and storied history. Hell, Reagan was the acknowledged master, in certain cases referencing movies he had acted in as though they were real events. So it certainly is not beyond reason to consider every campaign trail inspirational story, no matter who is telling it, as suspect.

Of course, since we weren't there, we'll never know for sure, a fact McCain exploits with great alacrity every time he produces another gem of tough-as-nails patriotism in the face of unspeakable cruelty. We just have to take his word for it, and never for a second question any of the details or the story's relevance to his qualification for office.

Or maybe your man is as much of a liar and a hypocrite as you are.

Now, you might say this is proof McCain is either a liar or prone to senior moments, or some weird combination of the two.

And to that I say, that's just typical of you secular-humanist non-believers. It's truly a miracle that McCain was able to know the names of those players before the fact. If this is not evidence that John McCain was anointed by God to be our next president, I don't know what is.

first, not that it makes a difference, but i'm not a mccain supporter (as evidenced by plenty of posts on this stie).

second, i was raised christian, and, yes, those christian types will likely eat this up. since you cannot prove it was made up, it does not good to suggest that it likely was. it seems petty at best.

finally, while i don't know about mccain specific upbringing, not the sincerity of his faith, we were told countless stories of drawing half a fish or half a cross in the dirt as a way of "secretly" communicating our faith to others.

but mainly, i think you are an ass for calling me a hypocrite... i can't even figure out how i'm supposed to be hypocritical here.

i'm surprised at how well mccain is doing. i seriously thought obama would score a blow-out victory in the general. now i'm starting to get a little nervous.

i know obama can rise to the occasion. i want that to be based on better policy, not bickering about what was probably or possibly drawn in the dirt.

Best we can say here is that the story is unconfirmed, and convenient. Unusual or improbable? No.

eh, he might be lying, he might not. i'm not sure this can be made into a good campaign issue. that's just my opinion, that i don't feel that strongly about.

i would like to point out that i took offense to being called a hypocrite and a mccain supporter; i take no offense in someone suggesting my opinion isn't gospel.