• On July 9, 2008, Republican presidential candidate John McCain refused to answer a question about whether it was fair that health insurance companies covered Viagra but did not cover birth control. Earlier in the week, Carly Fiorina, a senior advisor to McCain, mentioned that she thought the policy was unfair, even though McCain voted twice against requiring health insurance companies to cover birth control.Los Angeles Times: Carly Fiorina's fuzzy McCain-speak (July 10, 2008)

• 1. Date comments made: July 9, 2008
  2. Asked whether health insurance companies should be required to cover birth controlCNN Video: McCain on Viagra vs. Birth Control (Time: 1:35)
  3. Took several seconds to answer questionCNN Video: McCain on Viagra vs. Birth Control (Time: 1:35)
  4. Reporter and McCain agreed question was "delicate"CNN Video: McCain on Viagra vs. Birth Control (Time: 1:35)
  5. McCain promised to "get back to" reporter about issueCNN Video: McCain on Viagra vs. Birth Control (Time: 1:35)

• Viagra vs. Birth Control

  When asked about Fiorina's comments concerning Viagra and birth control, McCain responded, "I certainly do not want to discuss that issue." Later, after the reporter told McCain that he had voted against forcing health insurance companies to cover birth control, the Arizona Senator responded, "I don't recall the vote right now," and claimed, "I don't usually duck an issue, but I'll try to get back to you."CNN Video: McCain on Viagra vs. Birth Control (Time: 1:35)

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