Cindy McCain

By now, everyone knows who Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is, but who is his wife? You have probably seen the tall, blonde smiling and clapping behind him. Her name is Cindy McCain; formerly Cindy Hensley. Cindy McCain is from Arizona, and even though she grew up in a wealthy family, she turned her eye to helping the less fortunate. As early as her undergraduate work, Cindy was building the life of a future philanthropist. She chose to major in Elementary Education and then pursued a graduate degree in Special Education. Cindy published a book while engaged in her graduate studies, titled: Movement Therapy: A Possible Approach.

Since these early life experiences Cindy has started, or served, several other philanthropic organizations. These organizations included: The Hensley Family Foundation, The American Voluntary Medical Team, Operation Smile, CARE, and the HALO Trust. While remaining actively engaged in these activities Cindy also tried to balance her family life and her husband's political career.

Cindy and John were married in May of 1980, following John's April, 1980 divorce of his first wife, Carol. John entered his first Congressional race in 1982 with the support of Cindy's very wealthy family. Cindy has always supported John's political career and continues to be his biggest cheerleader. The couple have one daughter and two sons, born between the years of 1984 and 1988.

Shortly after the birth of their youngest child, in 1989, Cindy became addicted to prescription drugs. She remained addicted to these drugs until 1992 when her family staged an intervention and she went to rehab. An unfortunate side effect of this trying time period was a federal investigation into the funds of Cindy's American Voluntary Medical Teamorganization. Cindy was able to reach an agreement with with the U.S. Attorney's office to avoid further litigation.

Since these events transpired in the early 1990s, Cindy has become the chair of Hensley and Company. Cindy has also been participating in her work with Operation Smile and the HALO trust. In 2004 Cindy had a debilitating stroke, but was able to recover. Since then she has taken an active interest in her husband's bid for president. In the past weeks she has lashed out at opposing candidates and fended off accusations of infidelity. Cindy McCain, it appears, is in this for the long haul.

Cindy Hensley McCain, Wikipedia, URL last accessed 2/21/2008.

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