Inside McCain's BAE event

From reporter Sheila McLaughlin:

BAE Systems in West Chester, one of the nation’s largest defense companies, shut down production lines for more than an hour so workers could hear Arizona Sen. John McCain speak Tuesday afternoon.

“I feel like I’m standing in the path of progress as we shut down the line here,” McCain said. “So I will make my remark relatively brief.”

Jimmy McKinney’s question to McCain brought the longest and loudest round of applause during the Arizona senator’s visit to BAE Systems.

The 52-year-old Hamilton resident wanted to know if McCain planned on returning to Cincinnati on March 31 to see the Cincinnati Reds beat the senator’s home team on opening day. McCain proved he follows something other than politics.

“I think the Diamondbacks may surprise you,” McCain replied. “I think they have a good talented young team, and they have a not-so-young guy named Randy Johnson who says he’s well and fit and ready to pitch another season. So, maybe they will start Randy Johnson when they come to town.”

But at least someone in the McCain family has a place in their heart for the Reds.

Johnny Bench, McCain said, is still his son Andy’s hero.