U.S. Senate hopeful Kelli Ward attacked Sen. John McCain in two separate interviews Thursday, suggesting that he might die if reelected this November. McCain turns 80 on Monday.
Ward told Politico, "I'm a doctor. The life expectancy of the American male is not 86. It's less."
In a separate interview with MSNBC, Ward said, "I do know what happens to the body and mind at the end of life."
Ward told MSNBC Friday that she has examined McCain's record and almost 40 years is Washington D.C. is way too long.
McCain campaign spokeswoman Lorna Romero told ABC15 that Ward's comments were out of line.
“At the end of campaigns, desperate candidates too often end up embarrassing themselves by launching dishonorable personal attacks. It’s unfortunate that Kelli Ward has chosen to end her campaign with desperate fictions. The people of Arizona deserve better," Romero said.
Meghan McCain, John's daughter, also weighed in on Twitter:
.@rickklein @chucktodd He hikes the grand canyon every year w/ my brothers. He's in better shape than I am. This attack is really desperate.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 25, 2016
Ward campaign spokesman Stephen Sebastian said it is time McCain retires.
"John McCain himself said, 'I don't want to be one of those old guys who should have shoved off,' and he's not even sure this sixth six-year term will be his last. After 4 decades in D.C., it's time to honor John McCain with retirement. It’s time for real life experience outside politics. It’s time to elect a conservative champion for Arizona’s Future," Sebastian said.
The two Republicans square off in Tuesday's primary.
