Republican presidential nominee John McCain did the “the Hollywood thing” again.

Appearing on the syndicate “Ellen DeGeneres Show” last Thursday, McCain showcased himself , his presidential candidacy, and his good-natured sense of humor before Ellen’s nationwide daytime television audience.

Unfortunately, the only portion of the program that got attention beyond its original “airing” was the very few minutes that Ellen quizzed McCain about homosexual marriage - - the “elephant in the living room,” as she called it. And these few moments were some of the most awkward McCain moments I’ve ever seen.

Let’s understand who we’re talking about. This is a man who honorably fought against communism in Viet Nam; survived two airplane crashes and a collision with power lines; had his aircraft shot down by a missile over Hanoi; was severely injured and given minimal care in a hospital where he wasn’t expected to survive a week; was then put in solitary confinement for two years; and after that, began a “program” of severe beatings, rope bindings, and other methods of torture. This is an extraordinary man who has always “survived” - - always - - and is even “hip enough” to mix it up and garner lots of laughs on “Saturday Night Live.”

Yet McCain appeared awkward addressing the subject of “marriage” with Ellen. I played audio portions of the interview on my radio show in Washington, DC, and I can attest that the video looks worse than the audio sounds. But regardless of whether one watches or listens, there are a few things to be learned - - for the McCain campaign, and for all Americans - - from this brief dialog.

For starters, let’s acknowledge that while the discussion was by no means a “debate” (at least not in the political sense), it did nonetheless entail disagreements, yet remain entirely civil and respectful. This is very noteworthy, and very positive.

Ellen is a masterful interviewer and talk show host, and has previously demonstrated her graciousness with guests with whom she disagrees (including President Bush). I know I’ll get nasty email for daring to speak my mind about Ellen’s talents (I‘m already anticipating the name calling - - “liberal,” “homo sympathizer,” etc…).

But lest you be inclined to generalize about all “lesbian talk show hosts,” rest assured - - Ellen is talented, and she is NOT a Rosie O’Donnell.

McCain was equally as gracious. Stating that he adheres to the belief in "the unique status of marriage between a man and a woman," he went on to say “ I know that we have a respectful disagreement on that issue…" Near the end of the segment, McCain reiterated his disagreement on the policy position, but, with respect to Ellen’s relationship with her significant-other, he said “I, along with many, many others, wish you every happiness..”

"So, you'll walk me down the aisle? Is that what you're saying?" Ellen asked. In the midst of the uproar of hilarity in the audience (and his own laughter as well), McCain simply replied “touche…”

And the segment ended cordially. Continued...