McCain tweet on Iran draws criticism

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 4, 2013 1:09 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. John McCain's tweet comparing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to a monkey is drawing criticism from a fellow GOP lawmaker as racist.

On Monday, McCain wrote, "So Ahmadinejad wants to be first Iranian in space — wasn't he just there last week?" He then linked to a news story about Iran launching a monkey into space.

So Ahmadinejad wants to be first Iranian in space - wasn't he just there last week? "Iran launches monkey into space" news.yahoo.com/iran-launches-…

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) February 4, 2013

Faced with criticism, McCain said in another tweet, "lighten up folks, can't everyone take a joke."

That didn't satisfy Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, who tweeted, "Maybe you should wisen up & not make racist jokes."

During the 2008 presidential campaign, McCain created a stir during a South Carolina appearance when he repeated "Bomb Iran," to the tune of the Beach Boys song "Barbara Ann."

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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