The incredibility of McCain’s claims

Larry Remener
Published: July 29, 2008

Thanks to Jason Korzen and Edwin Powell for pointing out that the quote A. Vic Poillucci attributed to Barack Obama in his July 11 letter was a fabrication. Thanks to the paper for having the decency to
admit they erred in printing the letter. And a special thanks to Mr. Poillucci for exposing this gang of flag-flaunting “patriots” for the phonies they are. John McCain’s supporters are fond of commenting on
things Obama didn’t say. 

Perhaps I could comment on some things John McCain did say. On July 9, McCain told KDKA TV in Pittsburgh, “The Steelers made a huge impression on me — particularly in the early years.”
Recounting his POW experience, McCain claimed, “When I was first interrogated . . . I named the starting lineup — the defensive line of the Pittsburgh Steelers — as my squadron mates.”

McCain’s claim is about as credible as Poillucci’s letter. “In the early years,” and well into the ‘60s, the Steelers were one of the worst teams in football. (McCain was shot down and captured in 1967).

That vaunted “front four” that anchored the Steel Curtain in the ‘70s — L.C. Greenwood, Dwight White, Ernie Holmes and Mean Joe Greene — was not even in place until 1971 and first gained national
recognition during the 1974 season when the Steelers held the Minnesota Vikings offense scoreless in Super Bowl IX. (The Vikings only score came on a blocked punt). The front four would go on to lead
the Steelers to four Super Bowl trophies. Some 10 years after McCain’s interrogation, they were featured on the cover of Time magazine. Discussing his interrogation in his autobiography, “Faith of my
Fathers,” McCain wrote on page 194, “Pressed for more useful information, I gave the names of the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line.”

LARRY REMENER

Woodbridge