McCain was almost killed in action on July 29, 1967, while serving on Forrestal, operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. He was at the epicenter of the Forrestal fire, when a rocket accidentally fired across the carrier's deck and hit planes, including McCain's which had been waiting to launch. McCain escaped from his burning jet and was trying to help another pilot escape when a bomb exploded; McCain was struck in the legs and chest by shrapnel.[31] The ensuing fire killed 134 sailors and took 24 hours to control.[32][33] As Forrestal headed for repairs, McCain volunteered to join the short-staffed USS Oriskany.
I bet most of us have seen this video clip--wonder how many know McCain was involved? It shows a side of him that we haven't brought up. He is an immensely couragous man, who has repeatedly placed his own life on the line in order to help others. Or at least he was once upon a time. I find that proximity to dangerous situations often brings out the best or worst in a man. I think that for a lot of years he followed those same instincts, which are one reason why voters like him. At the same time, I see him becomeing more and more jaded and angry as his years as a politician forced him to make decisions he wasn't comfortable with.
So, while I won't vote for him, I do have to note that he seems like a stand up guy.