Over the course of Senator McCain’s career, students have often contacted him with a range of questions about his favorite books and movies, as well as his family and other issues. We hope the list of candid responses below will provide you with the answers you are looking for – and then some! Thank you for your interest.
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What is your favorite...
Book: For Whom The Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway
Children’s Book: King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table
Movie: "Viva Zapata"
TV Show: "Broadchurch"
Actor: Jimmy Stewart
Musician(s): ABBA, Roy Orbison, and Frank Sinatra
Poet: Robert Service, "The Cremation of Sam McGee"
Color: Blue
Food: I enjoy grilling BBQ ribs, chicken and steak, but I love ice cream, hot dogs, and any Mexican food.
Sports team: I enjoy watching the Arizona Diamondbacks during baseball season, the Arizona Cardinals during football season and the Phoenix Coyotes during hockey season.
Where and when were you born?
I was born August 29, 1936 in Colon, Panama Canal Zone CoCo Solo Submarine Base where my father, a Naval officer, was stationed.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Sandy is my older sister and Joe is my younger brother.
Where did you go to school?
I attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and the United States Naval Academy for college.
What sports did you like as a kid?
As a kid, I enjoyed all sports. However, in high school, I was on the varsity football, tennis, and wrestling teams. And, at the Naval Academy I competed in wrestling and boxing.
What do you like to do for fun?
For fun, I enjoy hiking, fishing, and spending time with my family.
Are you married?
I married Cindy Hensley in May of 1980.
Do you have any children?
I have 7 children: Doug, Andy, Sidney, Meghan, Jack, Jimmy, and Bridget.
Do you have any pets?
I have 1 English springer spaniel (Sammy), 1 mutt (Coco), 2 Yorkshire terriers (Lucy and Desi), 1 cat (Oreo), 2 turtles (Cuff and Link), 3 parakeets, and several saltwater fish.
How long have you been a Senator?
I was first elected to the Senate in 1986.
What motivated you to become a Senator?
After my career in the United States armed services I wanted to continue to serve this country and I saw representing Arizona as an excellent opportunity to do so.
Do you have to be a certain age to be a Senator?
30
What is the term limit of a Senator?
United States Senators can serve an unlimited number of 6 year terms.
What type of education do you need to become Senator?
The 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution regarding the position of Senators does not detail any educational requirements for the office. However most of my colleagues, including myself, have received some form of higher education.
Do you have any advice for students like me?
Choose the field of study that interests you the most rather than making a career choice based on the issues and priorities of today. Also, I urge you to get involved in your local government, either student council or city council. State and federal internships and fellowships provide excellent opportunities to get involved and observe the legislative process firsthand. Volunteering for a local, state or federal campaign can also give you the chance to familiarize yourself with the political issues of the day and to firm your own political convictions.
If you have any interest in pursuing a specific post in government, I would encourage you to study the career paths and histories of the present office holders. If you find a person or position particularly appealing, you could try to arrange a meeting for more information.
