It was a dumb thing to say, let alone publish, but so what? Jumping all over every trivial little thing like this is counterproductive, no matter which side you're on.

McCain's ordeal as a POW was significant but, unfortunately, not unique. His family undoubtedly suffered along with him, although of course in a different manner. Those members of his family who were not yet born at the time would have experienced the whole thing only vicariously.

Every member of every family of every serviceperson who has died in any war has a somewhat comparable experience, as have the kinfolk of individuals who survived with permanent disabilities. Is the experience of surviving POW camp, essentially intact, really any worse?