Row over 'racist' McCain Iran tweet

A leading Republican senator’s tweet comparing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to a monkey is drawing criticism from a fellow Republican politician as racist.

Senator John McCain tweeted: “So Ahmadinejad wants to be first Iranian in space – wasn’t he just there last week?” He then linked to a news story about Iran launching a monkey into space.

Faced with criticism, Mr McCain said in another tweet, “lighten up folks, can’t everyone take a joke.”

That did not satisfy Rep Justin Amash, who tweeted: “Maybe you should wisen up & not make racist jokes.”

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Mr McCain, the Republican candidate, created a stir during an appearance when he repeated “Bomb Iran”, to the tune of the Beach Boys song Barbara Ann.