I have followed Sen McCain's political career closely. My wife was an intern for him when he was first elected to the House. I have had friends who were close personal friends of his and advisor's. Personally, I don't care too much for some of his positions. I haven't voted for him in a primary for a couple elections, including this past presidential cycle. All that said, over many many years of politics he has rarely used the POW issue. His comment during his first election countering carpet bagger charges was absolutely true. How else should he answer residency questions like that given his history? Since that comment 20ish years ago, until this campaign, I can not recall his being a POW brought up more then a couple times. McCain is famous for self deprecating humor. He considers becoming a POW a failure, so he tends to joke about it when it comes up. He is quite private for a big time politician. There are lots of personal angles that could be exploited for the campaign, and he hasn't done it. Has the POW thing come up more this campaign then any other, sure. As mentioned above, he is taking it to a higher level then any campaign before. What is wrong with that? Being a POW in VN (well, I expect, anywhere) was a life altering experience. It is a central part of who he is. There is nothing wrong with reminding the American people about the events that shaped his life and influence his politics. Would another candidate be slammed for bringing up his work as a Peace Corp Volunteer or a corespondent in a war torn country? Hillary was allowed to mention dodging bullets all she wanted until it was pointed out that it was a lie. Anyone claiming McCain's POW experience is inflated? No. So he is entitled to use that part of his life to influence voters honestly. I don't like the guy, but I'll give him that. Anyone, Herc, Carter or liberal blogger got a problem with McCain mentioning his POW experience needs to check their hate.