McCain tweet on Iran draws criticism

Updated at: 02/04/2013 2:02 PM
AP

(AP) WASHINGTON - 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.

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."

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

Re: Iran space tweet - lighten up folks, can't everyone take a joke?

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) February 4, 2013

Maybe you should wisen up & not make racist jokes. “@senjohnmccain: Re: Iran space tweet - lighten up folks, can't everyone take a joke?”

— Justin Amash (@repjustinamash) February 4, 2013

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