Opinion: Paris and Politics

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It’s become an all-purpose cultural touchstone, at least for the moment: those wanting more attention to the issues or causes they hold dear decry the Paris Hilton distraction. This weekend in Iowa, John McCain got the chance to parry a Paris reference.

As reported by the Des Moines Register, the GOP presidential candidate was campaigning in the town of Newton when an audience member asked about the threat of terrorists crossing the border. “I think we have our heads in the sand being so politically correct and being more worried about Paris Hilton ... than the real issues,” the questioner said.

Quipped the senator: “Well, actually, I think most of us stayed awake most of the night last night worrying about [Hilton]. I sure hope she gets out soon, don’t you?”

During these long days on the stump, a sense of humor comes in handy.

— Don Frederick