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Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. attends a news conference about the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Thursday, July 12, 2012, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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McCain tweet on Iran draws criticism

'Can't everyone take a joke'

Updated: Monday, 04 Feb 2013, 1:09 PM EST
Published : Monday, 04 Feb 2013, 1:09 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. John McCain's tweet comparing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to a monkey is drawing criticism from a fellow GOP lawmaker as racist.

On Monday, McCain wrote, "So Ahmadinejad wants to be first Iranian in space — wasn't he just there last week?" He then linked to a news story about Iran launching a monkey into space.

So Ahmadinejad wants to be first Iranian in space - wasn't he just there last week? "Iran launches monkey into space" news.yahoo.com/iran-launches-…
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) February 4, 2013

Faced with criticism, McCain said in another tweet, "lighten up folks, can't everyone take a joke."

That didn't satisfy Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, who tweeted, "Maybe you should wisen up & not make racist jokes."

During the 2008 presidential campaign, McCain created a stir during a South Carolina appearance when he repeated "Bomb Iran," to the tune of the Beach Boys song "Barbara Ann."

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