What You Don't Know About Meghan McCain
Would-be first daughter Meghan McCain on why her heart's in the 2008 race.
August 2008 -- When I first met Meghan McCain, she was locked out of a high school in Greendale, Wisconsin. Her father, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, was inside speaking at a rally, and Meghan wanted to be there for him but couldn't. So what did she do? She laughed. It seemed like the best way for the 23-year-old, who is crossing the country by bus to help her dad's run for the White House, to respond. No matter whom you plan to vote for, it's refreshing to see a young woman enjoying herself so thoroughly on the political trail. Here, the would-be first daughter in her own words.
1. She is who she is--no apologies"Politicians often teach their kids to control what you say and not to trust. My parents just taught me: Be who you are."
2. Her choice in guys might surprise you"I don't want to be an accessory to a guy's impending political career, and unfortunately I get that a lot. I'm not attracted to guys with political action committees, I'm sorry.... I'm attracted to men whose realities are different [from mine]. You'll get a lot further with me talking about art and music than you will talking about politics.... And I'd really hate myself if I dated a journalist."
3. She gets crazy pickup lines"[Once, a guy said,] 'Baby, I could totally give you a tour of the Capitol.' In fairness, he didn't know who my dad was. I just said, 'Really?'"
4. She wants another tattoo[She already has a star on her foot.] "I almost got one on Super Tuesday. I was thinking about the nautical star, [similar to the one] on my dad's [campaign] sign. I love stars and obviously it's meaningful. Getting "McCain" on my back was vehemently shot down. If my brother Jimmy [who is in the Marine Corps] gets deployed again, we'll get matching tattoos."
5. She has a great body image"I got to a point where I was like, I just don't care. You think I'm fat? Fine. I don't care how much you weigh."
6. She sees herself as a mentor"I'm a role model to my little sister [Bridget, who's 17]. The last [thing] I'd ever want her to think is that it's OK to be stupid and not involved. I want her [to know] that you can do it all--you can like fashion and clothes and movies but also be highly involved."
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