Amash: McCain's Iran tweet 'racist'

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 4, 2013 5:49 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. John McCain's tweet comparing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to a monkey is drawing criticism from fellow GOP lawmaker Justin Amash 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. Amash of Michigan's 3rd District, 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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