McCain Jokes to Play Down Age As Issue

Campaigning, McCain seeks to counter skeptics who question his vigor.

On the first day of a two-day Iowa bus tour, he talked nonstop for hours to reporters traveling with him. He met with Iowa legislators. He hosted two question-and-answer sessions with hundreds of Iowans. He held several news conferences.

"He wears me out. I can't keep up with him," said his wife, Cindy, 52.

McCain told reporters that he exercises frequently, including sit-ups, push-ups and swimming when he can, and that he and his wife hike, camp and backpack often when they're in Arizona.

Still, despite McCain's best efforts, he cannot seem to escape the age questions.

"You had a birthday," late-night comedian David Letterman mentioned last month.

"Tragically," McCain said dryly.

Physically, McCain's body has withstood more trauma than those of most people his age.

As a Navy pilot in Vietnam, McCain broke both arms and severely injured his right knee when his fighter jet went down in Hanoi in 1967. When his captors tended to his injuries, they did so intermittently and never properly set his broken bones. They also exacerbated McCain's wounds when they tortured him during his 5 1/2 years in prison.

The results still show today. His hurried gait masks a slight limp. His oft-clenched fists hide the limited use of his arms. He cannot raise either arm above his head because of his war injuries. Arthritis also has set in.

More recently, McCain had three bouts of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. His aides say he has been cancer-free for at least five years. Still, because of his previous bouts, he is at a higher risk for a reoccurrence, as are all cancer survivors.

Hundreds of health records made available during McCain's first presidential run in 2000 consistently gave him a clean bill of mental health despite long periods in solitary confinement in Vietnam. He continues to be inquisitive and quick-witted judging by his exchanges on Capitol Hill with colleagues.