McCan't has misplaced his opinion

A Washington Post blog has this insight into John McCain's campaign:

The bus had been rolling for a half-hour and McCain was holding court on everything from Iraq to college basketball. ("Who woulda thought? VCU," he exclaimed upon boarding.) And then someone asked about public funding for contraception in Africa to prevent the spread of AIDS.

"I'm sure I've taken a position on it in the past," he stammered as he looked to his communications director. "I'm sure I'm opposed to government funding."

Sensing a vulnerable moment, reporters kept the questions coming. What about sex education in the schools? Should it mention contraceptives? Or only abstinence, like President Bush wants?

"I think I support the president's present policy," he said, tentatively.

More questions: Do condoms stop sexually transmitted disease?

A long pause.

A stern look.

"I've never gotten into these issues or thought much about them," he said, almost crying uncle. "Obviously, we all want to stop the spread of AIDS. Everybody wants to do that. What's the most viable way of doing that?"

Well? The reporters asked?

In a last ditch attempt to rescue himself, McCain told an aide to go get a briefing paper prepared by Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, a doctor, who he said has been advising him on "these issues." But the aide couldn't find the briefing paper. "We've lost it," McCain mumbled.

"Whether I support government funding for them or not, I don't know," McCain said about contraceptives. He then said he'd look into it for the reporters, who finally let him off the hook and moved onto other subjects again.

So, McCain doesn't know jack about contraceptives and their use in preventing AIDS? So much for the straight talk express (an idea that died in 2001, when some things changed on 9/11). He doesn't even know if condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases? And he's consulting doctor/Senator Tom Coburn (R - Clueless) on health issues? Let's look at some of Coburn's choice quotes:

You know, the moral rationalization is if you make a mistake there's no consequences. I've seen the consequences. Condoms and teenagers work about 50% of the time, if you count all the studies up. - referring to condoms and pregnancies.

(Actually, Tom, according to studies condoms are effective 97% of the time). More:

And I thought I would just share with you what science says today about silicone breast implants. If you have them, you're healthier than if you don't. In fact, there's no science that shows that silicone breast implants are detrimental and, in fact, they make you healthier.

(No science, Tom? McCain's getting some top notch advice from a qualified associate! I'll just let these last few stand without commentary, though emphasis is mine)

Lesbianism is so rampant in some of the schools in southeast Oklahoma that they'll only let one girl go to the bathroom. Now think about it. Think about that issue. How is it that that's happened to us?

I believe all life has value, from conception to natural death. And I believe the intentional taking of human life, except to save lives, should be a capital offense, as it is in most states in America today.

The gay community has infiltrated the very centers of power in every area across this country, and they wield extreme power... That agenda is the greatest threat to our freedom that we face today. Why do you think we see the rationalization for abortion and multiple sexual partners? That's a gay agenda.

I favor the death penalty for abortionists and other people who take life.