Why is John McCain so ugly?

A few weeks ago, McCain told a joke to a group of conservatives which was “too tasteless to reproduce in print.” Was the media protecting McCain or the victims of the joke? It’s an interesting story of self-censorship.

Because the joke provides some insights into the character of the Republicans’ leading contender for the presidency, Salon figured it was fair game to print:

Salon feels its readers deserve the unadulterated truth. Though no tape of McCain’s quip has yet emerged, this is what he reportedly said:

     “Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
      Because her father is Janet Reno.”

… McCain’s two-liner conveys some interesting insights into what he considers humorous (lesbianism, a young woman’s physical appearance), particularly since it was delivered to a Republican crowd. Remember, this is the party that champions pro-family values.

Salon cushions the analysis by remarking that McCain’s lapse of judgement is:

“admittedly, not as big a lapse as having a sexual relationship with an intern.”

Well good for him. But why is this the barometer? Bill Clinton is not running. Is this to be a perpetual “get out of jail free card” for every idiotic move by a Republican?

Is there any way we can move on?

In Full: Reprint