Didn't hear?

[Rich]

Ben Smith, of Politico.com, writing of the Obama campaign linking McCain to Corsi's new attack book:

The Obama camp is pouncing on McCain's comment, in response to a question about Corsi's book, that you've "gotta keep your sense of humor."
...
UPDATE: A McCain spokeswoman says he didn't hear the question.

Am I wrong, or was that last comment a real doozie of an error? Was she saying that McCain not only can't remember the difference between Sunni & Shiite, but is losing his hearing as well? Unfortunately, although my ears are five years younger than his, I have to ask people to repeat things a lot more often than in the past, so it would surprise me if he were not. But if I misunderstand something, it's usually not that big a deal; if the president does, ...

[Anonymous]

So, my response probably merits a retort that I need to "keep my sense of humor" ... but, as an Obama supporter myself, I find any appeal on his behalf based on accusations of hearing loss to be - well - distasteful. Really? Do we really want to encourage people to base their voting decisions on how well the candidates can hear?

[Anonymous]

The problem would not be with hearing loss itself, so much as it would be with his failure to acknowledge at the time that he didn't hear the question. People assume he's heard the question and take his response at face value. But this can be dangerous.

My dad is very hard of hearing but will never tell you that he didn't hear what you said. Instead, he'll just nod and say uh huh. That's sad but harmless if I'm telling him something funny my son said. It's dangerous if I'm telling him about my son's newly diagnosed nut allergy and that he shouldn't give him any cookies without checking with me first.

Imagine a president who might not hear everything he's told and who is reluctant to acknowledge it? My dad and McCain are about the same age, and men especially of that generation seem to be averse to admitting it. I know so many older couples where the woman will ask for repetition but the man won't. An ego thing, I think, as if it's a sign of weakness.