McCain avoids straight talk on Viagra coverage

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Republican John McCain prides himself on being a straight talker. But he resisted being dragged into a discussion Wednesday about insurance companies that cover Viagra but not birth-control products.

"I certainly do not want to discuss that issue," the presidential candidate said when asked about it on his campaign bus, the "Straight Talk Express."

A few seats away was Carly Fiorina, a top McCain supporter who stirred talk about the topic recently. The former Hewlett-Packard chief executive, discussing consumer-driven health insurance, mentioned something "I've been hearing a lot about from women: There are many health-insurance plans that will cover Viagra but won't cover birth-control medication. Those women would like a choice."

Fiorina is among McCain's most prominent female advisers and seen by some as a possible choice to be his running mate.

When asked Wednesday if he had voted in the Senate against a proposal to require insurance companies to cover contraceptive products, McCain replied, "I don't know enough about it to give you an informed answer because I don't recall the vote."

Campaign spokesman Brian Rogers later said Fiorina was describing McCain's "vision for choice and competition in health insurance."

Obama's stops

stoke VP rumors

NEW YORK — Barack Obama stoked vice-presidential speculation Wednesday with an unannounced stop at the Washington law firm of a search-team member and a flight to New York fundraisers with potential pick Hillary Rodham Clinton and a second vetter.

"I'm not going to tell you" any details, the likely Democratic nominee said after spending more than two hours inside a building where attorney Eric Holder, a member of his vice-presidential search committee, has offices.

The midmorning stop was one of at least two that weren't on his public schedule, and aides wouldn't provide additional details.

Later, Obama appeared with Clinton at two fundraisers. Vice-presidential searcher Caroline Kennedy accompanied the two on the flight from Washington.

Obama kids won't

be on TV again soon

WASHINGTON — Don't expect to see more of Barack Obama's daughters on television any time soon.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, allowed the syndicated program "Access Hollywood" to interview their daughters, Malia and Sasha, as Malia celebrated her 10th birthday. The four-part interview began airing Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Obama said he had second thoughts after seeing how much attention the interview had received. The Obamas had been keeping Malia and Sasha, 7, out of the media spotlight.

"It was an exception, it was Malia's birthday, we were in Montana, everybody was having a good time," he told "Good Morning America." "I think we got carried away a little bit."

Asked if he regretted the interview, Obama said: "I don't think it's healthy, and it's something that we'll be avoiding in the future."

Seattle Times news services