Back in 2003, John Hargrave of Zug.com posed as a 10-year-old schoolboy and sent a written request to 100 U.S. Senators. Armed with a mythical ‘government project’ set by his Social Studies teacher, Hargrave’s temporary alter-ego politely asked each Senator to reply to him with his or her favourite joke. Thankfully, some responded. Below is my personal favourite, written by a certain Mr. John McCain a few years after his unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2000. Unfortunately for McCain, following his second campaign in 2008, the joke still stands.

The other Senators’ replies can be read here.

Transcript

UNITED STATES SENATE May 8, 2003 Mr. John Hargrave

PO Box 57013

Babson Park, MA 02457-0012 Dear John: Thank you for contacting my office to request a joke for your project. I am happy to oblige. Here is my favorite joke: I feel terrible for all the mothers in the state of Arizona. Because, as you know, Barry Goldwater from Arizona ran for President of the United States, Morris Udall from Arizona ran for President of the United States, Bruce Babbitt from Arizona ran for President of the United States, and I, John McCain from Arizona ran for President of the United States…Arizona may be the only state in the nation where mothers no longer tell their children that some day they can grow up and be President of the United States. It was a pleasure to hear from you. If you would like information regarding my interests and history as a Senator, please refer to my website: mccain.senate.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future. Sincerely, (Signed) John McCain

United States Senator JM/amj