So... When DID McCain Stop Beating His Wife

Seriously.

We're all aware of this recent "joke" by McCain, being pressed about distancing himself from Nevada's scandal-ridden GOP Governor:

Said McCain, chuckling, "And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago."

We all know its a (poor) joke.  But let's look at the facts.  In extended...

McCain left his first wife upon returning from the service.

hile he was imprisoned, Carol was in an auto wreck (1969), thrown through her car's windshield and left seriously injured. Despite her injures, she refused to allow her POW husband to be notified about her condition, fearing that such news would not be good for him while he was being held prisoner.

Her reward for her selfless behavior?

While Executive Officer and later as Squadron Commander McCain used his authority to arrange frequent flights that allowed him to carouse with subordinates and "engage in extra-marital affairs."  Such behavior was a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice rules against adultery and fraternization with subordinates..

Such callous and arrogant behavior towards women is certainly what one would expect from someone abusive.

While still married to Carol, McCain began an adulterous relationship with Cindy. He married Cindy in May 1980 -- just a month after dumping Carol and securing a divorce. The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii.

McCain followed his young, millionairess wife back to Arizona where her father helped catapult McCain into politics,

And then there is Cindy.  We're all familar with this story:

Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also let me in on another incident involving McCain’s intemperateness. In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain’s hair and said, "You’re getting a little thin up there." McCain’s face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don’t plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt." McCain’s excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days.

Then we have his SNL appearance, where he played a part a little bit too well:

Had ANY Democrat said this, certainly anyone with the track record of being a hothead that McCain has, this would be a legit question.  So...

Senator McCain, are you just verbally and emotionally abusive to your wives or are you also physically abusive?