Jokingly compared Iran's president to a monkey
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.
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.''
