Good thing for a president to be superstitious?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Here's something you may not know about the Republican presumptive nominee John McCain: he's very superstitious.
The Washington Times reports on some of McCain's more well-known rituals. For example, he won't throw a hat on a bed – bad luck. He carries a lucky feather - wonder what that's for, a lucky compass, and a lucky penny, nickel and quarter. One staffer says he had so many coins at one point "it was like a change purse in his pocket."
And the senator's superstitions are rubbing off on some members of his campaign staff. One top adviser says he grew a beard during the 2000 campaign and didn't shave it until the race was over. He says he's probably doing the same thing this time around. Another adviser says when someone recently mentioned winning the general election in November, three staffers immediately knocked on wood so not to jinx anything.
If elected, McCain wouldn't be the first superstitious president. FDR used to invite his secretary along if there would be 13 people at a dinner and he never traveled on the 13th day of the month. And Ronald Reagan carried around a lucky coin and gold charm with him, knocked on wood, and never walked under ladders.
Here’s my question to you: Is it a plus or a minus for a president to be superstitious?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jayne from New Hampshire writes:
John McCain's superstitious nature is the least of my worries about him and it most certainly does nothing for his candidacy. It was bad enough when the Reagans consulted an astrologer. We don't need black cats, step ladders, the number 13 and salt over the shoulder in evidence anywhere near the Oval Office. The McCains should retire and write cookbooks.
Tom from Boston writes:
It's a plus. I just wish George Bush had read the tea leaves. They were saying "stay the hell out of Iraq!"
Erin from Kalamazoo, Michigan writes:
So using this logic, how many mirrors had to break in this country to bring us these last seven years?
Jim writes:
Superstition is no less valid than religious, astrological, or other metaphysical beliefs. They all require about the same amount of evidence (none!).
Steve writes:
I would rather have a strong, confident president who doesn't need luck and the good grace of invisible spirits to win. I associate superstition with a negative attitude toward science and an overall lack of intelligence, and using McCain as an example does not violate this association.
Phil writes:
In McCain's case, I think it is interesting he can remember all of his little superstitious trinkets, but not the difference between Sunni and Shiite.
Joy writes:
Who cares if a president is superstitious or not? I can handle some quirks like lucky pennies and not walking under ladders if the next president can remedy the mistakes of the last 8 years. In the meantime, I'll knock on wood for that.
Pat from Florida writes:
A superstitious president? And what happens if we have a terrorist attack on a Friday the 13th? The president calls 1-800- my-psychic?
Ryan from Grosse Pointe, Michigan writes:
Jack, Please tell me that one of your interns came up with this needless question. I hope it wasn't actually you who wanted to ask this on cable news.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
What's the context for this question? Superstitious of what? Of black cats, walking under ladders, of responding "appropriately" to each day's horoscope or the reading of tea leaves? Those things do seem pretty scary in a president or, for that matter, anyone.
It is a good thing. All humans are superstitious about something. It is in our DNA. Read presidential history and you will find that all presidents made decisions using supernatural means. It is just the nature of the beast.
Superstitions don't help or hurt ...
unless you're superstitious that pulling out of a quagmire is bad. (cough, cough, McCain)
It is absolutely a minus. I'd like to know that the leader of my country is basing his or her decisions on logic and not superstition or imagined answers from a holy ghost.
Big Minus. If a President is dependent on lucky charms to help him make decisions and get him through tough times. He is not in touch with God. Maybe that's why McCain didn't show up at CNN's Faith & Politics Compassion Forum.
John McCain's superstitious nature is the least of my worries about him and it most certainly does nothing for his candidacy. It was bad enough when the Reagans consulted an astrologer. We don't need black cats, step ladders, the number 13 and salt over the shoulder in evidence anywhere near the Oval Office. The McCain's should retire and write cookbooks.
I really don't want Senator McCain to be optimistic about Iraq just because he has his lucky socks on.
It is definately a minus in my view because, when you believe in things that you don't understand then you suffer superstition...
No.
It's a definite minus. We need a commander in chief who makes decisions based on sound reasoning and intelligence. We don't need a president who won't sign a middle east peace agreement because he can't find his lucky rabbits foot.
Why in the world would it matter at all? I knock on wood, and will not pick up a penny if it is face down. Unless McCain has a stack of voo-doo dolls in his office, it matters not one iota.
Give me a President with knowledge and experience. Superstition in the White House is about a frightening as 7 more years of bad-Bush.
Jarrett
Weston, FL
I prefer a reality-based President–the opposite of our current one.
I'll let Stevie Wonder answer that one: "When you believen in things you don't understand, then you suffer. Superstition ain't the way!!"
Jack, everyone's superstitious! As proof, it's getting so ugly out there that Bush looked into the mirror and it broke. We got seven years of bad luck!
Jack,
It's human nature to be superstitious in varying degress at some point or another. The person who said he or she wasn't would make me suspicious.
Jack, that's what religions are, SUPERSTITIONS & you can see what George Bush's superstitions have gotten this country. We're hated around the world because of his superstitions.
Definitely a minus. We have to look at the real world, problems & come up with solutions & act. If anybody thinks that God will come & will be the savior all the problems, Will he? GW said that he had a dream, go to war on saddam & you will win. Are we winning? God, superstitions etc are very silly ideas. Our action is needed.
CA
Only if I like their superstions – otherwise I doubt it (knock wood).
It is a slow news day.
Not so much, Jack. As a liberal, it creeps me out and to my Evangelical parents, superstition is "of the devil" so that's pretty much a lose-lose for the old wizard.
Boise
I haven't made up my mind about that.
So using this logic, how many mirrors had to break in this country to bring us these last seven years?
Jack;
Does it even matter? For the past seven years we have had a 'president' who stole the White House and lied us into a war that no one needed that has killed hundreds of thousands of people.
Compared to a president who will not throw his hat onto a bed and carries a lucky feather, which would you choose?
No it's not a good idea to be superstitious as it is defined that superstition leads to making decisions out of irrational fears, we have that in the White House today, just think about it.
Jack,
If McCain realy wants to win the election, he should create a cabinet post for "The VooDoo Queen Of New Orleans".
As for me I love what John did in Viet Nam I respect him for his courage then but love the But he has seen combat and for me he has either PTSD OR OCD just the fact for the service man who sees combat. it was called battle fatigue and other names but for me one who has seen Battle is natural to have phobia's and the other things associated with war. do we really want that in the white house? I think we had enough tramatic stuff in the last 32 years to last all our lifetimes I say lets get someone in who is untired unready and fresh and not worn out. Look at Bush he was a son who took after the man his Daddy failed to get and look what it cost us. Those over 4000 solders lifes means too much to me those are father's and mother's who never got to be all they could be. there are children who didn't come because we ended those lifes before their times. Karma what comes around goes around. This my wish for Bush he get his due coming. we have enough mental illness outside the walls of the white house i do not think we need it inside too.
I think its a minus. We've already had a President who believes God told him to invade Iraq. It's time we return to some rationality and common sense.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
Jack,
Plus or minus, nah! It is either silly and stupid, cute and charming or absolutely necessary, probably depending completely on how you feel about it yourself.
Jack,
The last thing we need is another idiot in the White House who takes action based on advice some imaginary friends gave him while sitting on the toilet. I prefer my President to base his/her actions on reason and evidence–thank you very much! An aside, it should worry us that McCain–the warhawk of our candidates–might base life and death decisions (see President Bush and Iraq) upon silly superstition.
Take care,
Mark Peterson
Atlanta, GA
If you superstitions replace your faith it's a minus.
Let's hope he doesn't rely on a coin toss on whether or not to get out of Iraq or steps on a crack on a sidewalk and figures it time to attack Iran.
I heard that superstitions arose because of intelligence. Seems that way back in the stone age smart people made associations, perhaps prematurely, that the average person couldn't make, thus beliefs (superstitions) arose. Too bad McBush still retains those associations he made way back in the stone age. Knock on wood he doesn't carry them to the White House.
Senator McCain carries a feather so that he can easily tell which way the political winds are blowing. Right now I would suggest that he rub Senator Obama's head for luck.
It sounds ridiculous , it's not good publicity, but very few people will thoughtlessly walk under a ladder, or cross the path of a black cat without an afterthought. It's funny though that a man that has endured so much could attribute so much to superstition.
Jack, I think it is a plus, so long as it is not so pervasive that it substitutes good judgement and sound advise. I wore the same pair of pants and shirt for all my exams in college because I did so well the first time I wore them to an exam. Superstition can help boost confidence and overcome anxiety but can equally be problematic if it becomes anything but a ritual. If it helped sustain McCain through tribulations I don't see why it cannot be a plus in the most demanding job in the world.
It's a minus to me for a president to have superstitions especially when I don't know what that superstition might be.
I'm superstitious about Presidential Candidates that are superstitious.
I just hope the voters don't see their shadow in November and we get four more years of George Bush domestic and foreign policy with John "Same-Old, Same-Old" McCain.
Superstition shows a lack of good judgment. It shows a lack of ability to make decisions based on your instincts or your relationship with God. McCain needs to grow up and get some intelligence.
Did Abraham Lincoln bother to heed the dire predictions of his untimely demise at a routine seance? Wasn't Ronald Reagan's new age fortune teller actually responsible for ending the cold war? If John McCain forgets to sprinkle salt over his left shoulder on the third Wednesday of every other month will the world come crashing to a halt? Yes it probably will.
McCain being superstitious or not it's not going to help him being elected for the next president.
What he need is a lot of luck!!
Jack,
What will he do with the feather? Waive it over a favorite bill of his to ward off the will not pass votes? The coin? Toss in the air, and say heads we start pulling out of Iraq, tails we stay for another 100 years and build bases there? Way too funny to be serious about this.
Gonzales LA
I have to say this is not a good thing, because a Leader should be decisive, confident in decision making and this requires an ability to look at a situation objectively based upon good judgenment not fantasy.
I suppose if I were a McCain Supporter, I would want him to have all the help he could get.
The job of president is so stressful, it's bound to bring out quirks. I'm fine with it so long as it doesn't interfere with job performance.
Jack: That is magical thinking and it is something to be concerned about. It is possible that dementia is not far behind. Ask a shrink. Reagan seemed to have something of the same if I remember correctly with the astrology stuff.
It is definitely a minus. How can anyone make a clear and intelligent decision of importance which will be required of the President of the most powerful country in the world when he lets small superstitious ideas cloud his judgement. It would be a recipe for disaster.
Superstitious? Ones mentioned are harmless and have nothing to do with policy decisions.
Truth be told, it's neither. Most people are marginally superstitious, whether they're aware of it or not. Little rituals such as the ones you described often give people a strange sense of control, however unfounded, in a very unpredictable world. Just think about his time as a POW, it was probably just such rituals that helped keep him grounded. On the other hand, if he attributes getting his plane shot down all those years ago to a hat he threw on a bed in 1959, then we have a problem...
It's OK Jack, as long as they take their medication.
According to the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, superstition is defined as: "a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like."
We already have someone in the White House that has beliefs or notions, not based on reason or knowledge, of many ominous things and circumstances facing our country today. We don't need yet another one. Just say no to McSame.
Brian, Cincinnati
I really like to answer but I'm busy making gestures to ward off the evil eye my co-worker is giving me. (Then I have to rub my lucky rabbit's foot before I pick my lotto numbers.)
While I understand superstions help many people cope, it seems that an intelligent person of McCain's age and religious convictions would have found that superstions have nothing to do with either security or good decision making. I'm not a McCain supporter but if I were undecided, this knowledge about him would not be a positive.
Jack
Enough with the lucky feathers, the hat on the bed, rabbits feet and whatever else you guys can think of. Lets stay focused on the issues, we have people in this country that cant put food on the table, or gas in their cars. We have families that have been evicted from their homes and have no place to go. Lets keep our eye on the ball.
While having something thats lucky is one thing but I dont know how far I would carry it as it probably doesnt make much difference. Luck is what you make of it and prayer is always good.
Obama 08
From Las Vegas, Nevada Its unlucky to be superstitious.
being superstitious is silly.i hope he doesn't consult his lucky charms,before bomb,bomb,bombing iran.if he'd spend all those coins,it might help the economy,better than any of his economic policies.if he needs luck and superstitions ,then he must be lacking,in policies,and fortitude.we cannot afford to wait for luck,to make the changes,we need,to repair the damage, bush/cheney has done to our nation,[with support from both hillary clinton and john mccain.]
Was McCain carrying any of these lucky objects when he was shot down in Vietnam?
Jack,if it makes him anything close to Ronald Reagan we would certainly be lucky to have him,knock on wood!
No, we certainly don't need a superstitious President, one with a bad temper, and one that is too old for the job. John McCain is just another George Bush and we will never get out of Iraq if he becomes President. I also think he could care less about the plight of the middle and lower classes. Someone as rich as he is with all the homes (8 I think) shouldn't be calling Obama an elitist either.
Obama 08
Being superstitious is not a bad thing. I knock on wood all the time. Not because I truly believe it will help me, but why not, it's not hurting anybody or anything. I know alot of other people who do the same thing. Barack Obama said recently he performed well after playing a game of basketball so from now he is going to play basketball before every primary. It's not a big deal to be superstistious as long it doesn't become radical behavior.
Hi Jack,
According to the dictionary: Superstition is "an irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome."
I wonder what charms MCain will carry around with him to support his irrational belief that the U.S. can sustain the occupation of Iraq "x" number of years and not be worse off than it already is?
That is probably something that he should have kept to himself. My granny told me never to sit my purse on the floor otherwise I would always be wanting and needing something. I never put mine on the floor either. But, then I'm not running for President.
Jack, didn't we already have a superstitious president once before with Regan or maybe it was his wife, Nancy who governed the White House with astrology, the stars, and superstition behavior. 🙂
Anyway, at John McCain's age no wonder he is superstitious.
It's good to carry superstitions with you along with all your other wisdoms.Superstitions keep you alert to what's happening around you and you need that to keep trouble to a minimum.
Jack,I think it is good,it shows that they are just humans to.
Jack: Superstitution is a habit; not a belief. Who is not superstitious?
McCain is probably superstitious, not because he has too much imagination, but because he is aware that he does have any. I noticed in the article that he carries a "lucky feather;" I hope he has more luck with the lucky feather than the rabbit had with the "rabbit's foot." Being supersititious, at this point in his life is not going to be a disadvantage for him.....going to be a plus.
Baseball players, construction workers and law enforcement officers are superstitious... why shouldn't a politician be? After all, it's the politician whose work most involves a sense of luck on the job.
I would also rather have a president who goes with the will of the people plus a lucky feather than a president who forces his religion down your throat at every turn.
The dude is really supertitious! No wonder he just went under some Vodoo temples to discover this McCainomics that Bush Father called Voodoo Economics! Voting McCain is voting all the spirits of bad luck in the American economy that brought us here: DEPRESSION!
Oh my gosh, does that mean that he will be having a new Cabinet position for tea leaf readers or palm readers to determine such things as should we bomb Iran? Maybe that was why he sang the "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran song!
Superstitions are fun and well so long as he doesn't make policy decisions on the basis of those same superstitions.
Personally, I'd rather have a president who makes decisions based on facts, rather than on how his lucky feather makes him feel.
Doesn't matter. Why is this news? When are people going to question why Hillary had a plant inside an Obama fundraiser? Can anyone say "Watergate"?
Jack,
Maybe McCain should spend some of those "lucky" coins at a casino and see if he beats the odds, proving the luck is or is not there [no definition of "is" is required].
it certainly doesn't help credibility any, does it? It also reminds me of the heyday of Nancy Regan and her strologer. Please, please spare us that.
Jack, anyone who says superstitions don't and shouldn't influence your decisions needs to take a good look at what choices they make. I guarentee every single one of the will be influenced by personal feelings and superstition. As for plus or minus, I'd have to say neutral. Sometimes it can be really useful, and there are others when it isn't.
Superstitions create an unreachable fall-guy (crutch for mistakes) for politicians. No Record?....it didn't happen.
Why is it I immedfiately thought of Dennis Kucinich...Do UFO's count as being superstitious?
It sounds like a minus to me Jack. A coin, a feather, and/or a compass are not items to put faith in. Neither is luck. I can imagine the phone ringing at 3am and before answering it needing to find strength in objects. If there is luck it’s not in objects. You need to have faith in yourself and your maker to overcome (not avoid) trials.
John McCain is "old school" and so he is a little superstitious. No big deal. What real scares me is Hillary Clinton.
Jack, show me someone who claims they don't make decisions based on personal superstitions, and I'll show you a liar.
Well, Jack, as long as McCain doesn't read Tarot cards or work ouija boards or consult online psychics when he's making decisions about the country then I'm not really bothered by him carrying lucky charms with him – heck, he needs all the luck he can get!
At McCain's age wisdom should be enough. However, he could always use anything that helps becuase he can't remember well. But that rabbit's foot is not going to be enough to run a nation because he might forget where he put it.
Jack,
I don't think superstitions are a good thing to have as President, because then you begin to make choices out of fear, and because of that you make bad decisions. The Bush administration has been carrying around fear with them for the past 7 years and look where we are now.
Obama Richardson 08!!!
neither+ or -. all people have certain superstitions that mean something to them. mine is an old picture in my wallet taken in vietnam. to remind me of what bad times really means and how worse they could get.
Superstitions, wives tales, and all other stuff; if it makes the candidates feel better about their day by avoiding the NO-NO's that's okay. I try not to be superstitious, but Friday the 13th has reared its ugly head too many times.
It appears that all potential Presidents must subscribe to some form of organized superstition in order to be considered a viable candidate.
I would worry less about a candidate who carries a rabbits foot than about one who has an imaginary friend who tells him (or her) how to act.
I guess its like having that lucky jockstrap in junior high that never got washed and was always worn for the big game. Whether it hurts or helps, only the wearer will know. I would like to think that the person with their finger on the trigger would be more adult and beyond juvenile superstitions.
I have no problem at all if a president is superstitious.
As a goalie, I have a few superstitions of my own. They keep your mind focused. They give you a sense of comfort. The pressure of playing goalie is nowhere near the pressure of running the United States of America.
If McCain's, or any other politician's, rituals keep him/her focused and gives a little bit of personal comfort amid the stress of office, then I think they're a positive.
Only if all that lucky change and lucky charms in his pocket can bring us enough good luck to get out of Iraq, fix the economy, bring lost jobs back to America, give us universal health care, a secure Social Security and fix our borders. If not, it's a minus.
First I have Hillary telling me that I am supposed to be insulted when Barack says I’m bitter, (which, by the way, I am) or cling to my faith, but I’m supposed to believe her no matter how many times she “misspeaks.” Then. I am told that I am supposed to trust in McCain when he admits that he is superstitious and so is his staff. Is that why he didn’t appear at the faith forum? I thought most people put there faith in God, not in what the tea leaf readers are reading. I many be approaching my senile years, but I’m not there yet.
Jack,
Despite the previous entries which seem to be 10 to 1 against McCain, I don't think it matters a bit. I'm a former Navy man myself, and can tell you that sailors tend to be superstious. It's a dangerous life, and if a few harmless habits let you deal with the stress better, so what? I seriously doubt he'll flip his licky quarter to make decisions as President. And even if he did, he'd be right half the time, which is a better average than 'W'.
Well Jack, McBush won't have to worry, because he won't be President. Ha,ha,ha
In McCain's case, it doesn't matter! It bodes poorly that an old man should be concerned about superstitions, whatever these might be. In actuality, his problem is relating to youthful voters. Senator McCain is a walking public relations disaster for any marketing group. How does a "grandpa" look relavent to the younger voters and the answer is: he doesn't. If he states that we belong in Iraq longer and it is the youth who will fight over there, how can this be good for that youthful population? In fact, with rising gasoline prices, what benefits can be given to the youth in such circumstances and the answer is: none! All one has to do is to add McAble to Obama and from a biblical point of view McCain already loses! Obama is able and McCain isn't, for all practical purposes! McCain cannot get past his negatives in this matter as it will be the youth who will ultimately decide, McCain cannot be the McAble in this case!
Hi Jack,
I heard that McBush is so superstitious that he won't sleep in the same bed two nights in a row...That's why he had to buy 8 houses!
The Pope is in America, Oil is $112 a barrel, the economy is crumbling and this is the question?
Did McCain carry his lucky compass, penny, nickel and quarter when he was serving in Vietnam?
I does not matter to me one way or the other. However, I can surely understand that a guy who spent years in a prison in North Vietnam , often being routinely beaten and deprived of basic human needs, might consider himself a bit short on luck. I cannot blame him for trying to assure a little luck in his life in the future. We all have our quirks and superstition is common among many of us. It's no big deal.
I think it would be better to buy a two bedroom house or put two beds in the bedroom. I don't understand the 8 houses, that would be one everyday of the week with one to spare. Who is McBush?
If what Bill Clinton is saying is true, it's a sad state of affairs when the youth of our country are the only one willing to HOPE for light at the end of the tunnel. We need change and we need it now. This statement just reaffirms my vote for Obama.
That's all we need in the White House, another four years of war and weirdness.
Come on! What exactly did Hillary say about White, Middle Class voters in 1995? Don't fall for this slight-of-hand, silly season ploy to get everyone to look the other way! What did Hillary say? CNN, are you last on EVERY piece of breaking news, or just the good stuff?
McCain is superstitious and so is Hillary. Hillary is waiting on the miracle to get her this election. We need a president who is real and that would not be either of them.
It doesn't matter in any substantial way. if he consulted the entrails of a sacrificed goat before making a decision, it would be a concern. But, carrying a lucky penny (or more) just shows a dimension of inner self that is a bit endearing and, frankly, "Normal."
I wonder if HIllary wears some lucky talisman from her narrow escape from the snipers in Bosnia.
mcCain needs all the help he can get...lol
No it's not. We need someone who thinks logically. Thinks in the real world. It's the same as those that proclaim all this deep religious faith. It's all phony pandering to a certain bunch of people. I want a rational person in the office. Not someone still living in the dark ages.
Jack
If you look at all the superstitions out their and you lump them all together what makes one more relivent than another. Just look at the three main superstitions Jewdaism, Christianity, Islam, of couse then there's vudoo and a long list of others.
I know this will offend a lot of people, but being superstitious and being religious are really no different. Some people believe you should never walk under a ladder; other people believe that you burn for eterinty if you eat meat on a Friday. Why is the former considered a goofball and the latter a person of 'deep faith and conviction'? And, by the way, who cares about this? Are there not some issues we could talk about?
We have had enough day dreamers and disillusionist. I want a clear thinker with a clear head....some one with a sharp mind and someone who knows the meaning of peace and diplomacy.
Am I asking too much???
I agree with Bill Clinton that older people are too smart to believe Obama's rhetoric. I have seen many like him come and go. I think some of the things he says he actually believes himself.
Phil from New Orleans
Jack – I guess it depends on whether or not its too quirky, like organizing his peas on the plate during state dinners, or not bathing on Fridays, or God help us, if he is real quirky about pressing buttons and pushes the big red button multiple times! Hopefully we will have a Quirk Czar appointed on day one with the all important "Med Briefcase" instead of the one with the launch codes and buttons.
Being superstitious is OK. Believing that our country's problems can be solved by giving rich people more money, is not OK. I think McCain is a really good human being, and if I agreed with his political thoughts I'd be proud to vote for him.
Jack, you must be the nicest guy on TV. You always give everyone the benefit of the doubt and even your tongue-in-cheek digs are never cruel. John McCain is a nice guy and the tales about his superstitions make him seem all the more human. I think you answered your own question. FDR and Reagan were great Presidents and their superstitious natures did not hamper their positions. Maybe Obama keeps looking up to avoid walking under a ladder and Clinton keeps her fingers crossed that nobody will spot her next fib.
Jack,
This is exactly who we need to run the country – someone who is susceptible to superstition, old fish wives tales and faulty intelligence reports! Geez,I knew the one about spilling salt and breaking a mirror but what's wrong with throwing a hat on the bed?
My husband is 79 and I am 76, we voted and went to the cacus for Sen. Obama. For the first time in all of our years in voting we donated twice for Sen. Obama. We love him. Can't stand the Cintons. We live in Texas.
Maryann silva
It amazes me that other democrats are unable to to see through Obama's constant spin. He has gotten to many passes. The media has got to quit with this Obama love affair and let people think for themselves.
It's kind of creepy.
well your admitting McCain will be the next president, thank you Obama you've just gave the white house to McCain keep up the good work or lies about Rezko and Auchi or bitter bigot statements or attending trinity for 20 years, your helping alot just stay arrogant, it's working
Jeez.....is McCain going to have to tickle his ear with his feather, look at the direction of his compass and rub his lucky coins before he makes a decision? That's not someone I have confidence in running the White House.
Jack, why do the flag behind McCain look like thier burning? on this blog? Jack, it make no differance if they believe then so be it.
It's a minus. We need a president who will operate on the basis of the facts not someone who will cherry pick words to support an expectation, or premonition. Superstition belongs in the ballpark.
For John McCain, it's ok to be superstitious. Just like surviving as a POW, he needs all the luck he can get.
I am Very superstitious I won`t comment as it might change something.
McCain has so much going against him in this election all he can rely on is superstition. He knows only lady luck helped get him this far in the race.
Well Jack, he's made it to 72 and has a lot of energy for a guy his age. There might be something to his superstitious behaviors.
I dont' think it's Good for anyone especially a Nominee for President to be superstitious.
Knock on wood, I'm Not !
I don't know Jack, what is your opinion on this question?
Shirley, Ohio
I am a very savvy older voter, 63, white female. I wouldn't vote for anyone but Barack Obama. He is fresh, insightful, and genuine. The more I see of him, the more I like him. He is a straight talker. He doesn't hide or deflect or minimize anyone. The more I see and hear of Hillary, the less I like her. I find her dishonest and manipulative. For her lies and misrepresentations, I say, "Shame on you, Hillary Clinton." She seems to care more about winning than being the right kind of leader. I would not want her leading this country, and might even vote for McCain, though I don't believe she will get the nomination. She is petty, which I find reflects poor judgment, as if she is allowing others to persuade her words and actions. I used to like Bill Clinton, but his behavior during this campaign has tainted my impression of him. He has lost his allure. Barack Obama is a man of the future and a man this country needs. My vote is for him, and I have every expectation that he will be president.
I don't know what he's been seeing with that lucky compass because he's way off track.
Superstitions may seem silly, but help keep a person focused on what is at hand.
Not walking under ladders demonstrates alertness to surroundings.
Not leaving the house, unless one has a certain item, demonstrates a discipline to not move forward until fully prepared.
The opposite of all this, is someone that takes does things without prior consideration to consequences. When successful they are deemed creative, when not...... they run for president, with Cheney on the ticket.
Harry
Ky.
the only time superstition would be bad is when they will not hold every body accountable to the rule of law becuse it could jinxs them and have them selves held accountable as far as the rule of law in this country.
Yes just one more very Bitter American
Well thats a hard word to spell,superstittious?I dont believe in that and nobody should .Its the gut felling in your stomach that tells you be careful when you invade another country Especially an arab country to keep the people under control takes kohones!You know that that kind of thinking has its own place with little kids.Is that what hes going to say when he NUKES iran,or north korea?This guys a joke if thats the way he thinks instead of praying and trusting the lord hes thinking and doing something we dont need in the white house IS OBAMA PRESIDENT YET!!!!
hello all. another non relevant question. forget abt the rabbits foot in his pocket. what abt the horrendous policies on paper that will further destroy this counrty.
Jack,
What soldier isn't superstitious?
Anyone that falls for superstition over reason doesn't have the cognitive abilities necessary to be president. We need a president that will look at the facts before him objectively and come to a decision through sound reasoning about what will be best for America.
Come on Jack. Have you run out of ideas ? I don't a single plus next to any of these canidates. Do you Jack ?
One man's superstition is another man's religion. As long as the belief is not reflected in actions that affect a person's decision-making ability, what difference does it make? The problem is, McCain has so many screwy beliefs and they all impact his capacity. He is out of touch with reality, just like his good buddy, Bush.
Hey Jack, it must be a slow news day if you're spending time on superstitions....
Who cares? I'm more concerned about his mental capabilities at his age. Yesterday he missprounounced audacity as audicity, and said "prescription jugs" and then corrected himself to say "precription drugs".
Who cares? Superstition is a private vice. Dumb question Jack. Yet I still answered it. What does that tell you?
Webster’s dictionary writes quote “an irrational belief in something, esp. such a belief when it is based on magic: some common superstitions involve a black cat crossing one’s path or, walking under a open ladder.” The president and commander in chief of the United States of America is such a position that can bring havoc or peace all over the world. Growing a beard didn’t help MaCain in 2000 election. Superstitious McCain may not be successful this time either. He’s already showing signs in his changing moral decisions like in tax cuts for the rich, housing problem for the millions of people, staying in Iraq for 100 years when 2 in 3 people don’t like war.
I think it is a plus. It just shows they are normal people. Sports personalities are known for some of their superstious quirks, and the same can be said for well known celebrities. Isn't that what Scientology is all about?
I can just imagine him with his fingers crossed as he tries to convince congress to bomb Iran or knocking on wood as he lies to the American people about the economy. Dinosaurs should just accept that they are extinct and quit trying to function in an environment they don't understand.
Jack,
Give yourself a pat on the back for the comment you made about China. They deserve what you said. Keep up the great work.
It seems Nancy Reagan (horoscopes,tarrot cards,etc.), and Senator McCain have alot in common, it must be in the "Blue Blood" Republican's psyche. This is really not, what I want from a President?
It's bad-especially if one of your beliefs is that it's good luck to attack all foreign countries that start with the letter "I".
IT'S NEITHER A PLUS OR A MINUS, EVERYBODY KNOWS IT'S "BAD LUCK" TO BE SUPERSTITIOUS! I'M WORRIED MORE ABOUT McCAIN'S SCINILITY, RATHER THAN HIS HUMILITY! THANKS, ANDY IN HOBBS NEW MEXICO