Mac's Health an Issue in Poll

Nearly half (47%) of Americans are worried that John McCain, if elected, would not finish his first term in good health, a CNN poll shows. Nearly 20% percent of respondents thought the same about rival Barack Obama. Only 7% of those questioned said that the health of a candidate would be the defining factor in their vote, while 24% said they would seriously consider it.

Age may also be a factor in people’s opinions about McCain, 72; a fifth of those surveyed said they would consider a candidate’s years at the voting booth. Both candidates are former smokers, but the electorate seems to care little about that fact, with only 14% expressing worry. McCain, who has had skin cancer, is at a disadvantage there: a third polled said they would be concerned about a cancer survivor. (More Barack Obama stories.)