McCain using Ambien: why wasn't this a bigger story?

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by BlatantLiberal

Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 01:18:22 PM PDT

I saw this link at the JedReport today: McCain's Ambien Use: A Security Threat?

Dan Childs of ABC Medical News wrote this on May 23, 2008. I assume because of the primary that this didn't get more coverage. But given the issues in this race and the fact that the McCain camp keeps saying he's the guy to go to at 3am, you'd think there would be more reporting on this issue. The press seems to avoid seriously considering what it means that decisions would be made by Sen. McCain if he wins the White House and if he's impaired or unable to make decisions we really don't want the chief of staff running the country. After having a VP with veto power the last eight years, you can see what the lack of accountability and mismanagement can lead to here.

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"It is perfectly legitimate to use Ambien when traveling," he said. "I would say that overall I would prefer to have a commander-in-chief well rested when he is traveling after taking Ambien rather than someone who is sleep-deprived because of jet lag.

"The only potential issue is if there is an emergency in the middle of the night, but honestly, I am not sure it is worse than being sleep-deprived there too. Of course, Ambien can have side effects, for example on memory — sleep deprivation too. Life is a trade off."

The point is through, a candidate is always traveling during a campaign. And while the candidate doesn't have to make a 3am call the president will. How often has McCain used Ambien? Is he planning on using it while in the White House? What other medications, prescribed or otherwise, is he on? I want to know. That no one followed up on that strikes me as odd.

These seem to me to be legitimate issues about McCain's age that have never been covered. The Obama camp can't really go that route without substantial backlash; but the media has also pretty much refrained from pressing for details on McCain's health and stamina. The fact is he's the oldest candidate ever and will be the oldest president entering office for a first term. Given what many suspects where Regan's onset of Alzhemiers during his second term and the rigors of office; the press should be pressing the McCain camp for more complete information.

Sen. McCain allowed limited number of reporters, no MDs, to look at his medical records. I don't feel this is enough given what we know about his medical history and his age. I agree that it may be a double standard when Sen Obama simply released a letter; but the fact is that Sen. Obama is a healthy middle-aged man and that is far different than 72 year old Sen. McCain IMO.

But while the overall risks of behavioral and judgment effects due to Ambien may be low, sleep experts agree that in a high-importance role such as the presidency, proper planning is needed when considering its use.

"Ambien should only be taken when you have a window of seven to eight hours for sleep," Greenblatt said. "Your staff should know that you've taken the medication, and that you should not be involved in any decision-making during that time."

Fotinakes added that sleeping pills and other sedatives have been proven to be more potent in the elderly. In light of this, he said, "It may not be the best idea for the commander-in-chief to be under the influence when he or she may have to make a snap decision regarding national security in the middle of the night; Hillary's so-called telephone call at 3:00 a.m."

Other sedatives — such as antihistamines and alcohol — could have similar effects, he added. "Yet, most people would not turn a hair if the president had a few shots before retiring to bed."

The point is: if the president took some aspirin and ate something before sleeping he'd have a decent shot of waking up able to engaed in decision making. And frankly, you gotta drink a hella lot to be that impaired. Most people would refrain in a position like the presidency. Meanwhile, Ambien has a stronger effect on the elderly. Which, actually, may account for McCain's flubs while overseas.

That's something to consider IMO.

ETA: Thanks so much! I've never made the rec list before. Hopefully this'll prompt more coverage of McCain's various health issues.