FirstMed Consulting Blog

The eight seconds of McCain’s deer in the headlights expression when asked what he thought about some insurance companies paying for Viagra but not for birth control has been making headlines around the world all week.

Republican US presidential candidate John McCain was asked last Wednesday if he agrees with one of his advisers, Carly Fiorina, that it’s unfair for health insurers to pay for men to get Viagra but not for women to get birth control pills. The Senator uncomfortably responded, “I certainly do not want to discuss that issue.” “I don’t know enough about it to give you an informed answer,” he added after a long pause.

The issue is a controversial one as the health insurance companies that cover drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED) but do not cover prescription birth control, are seen as engaging in gender discrimination against women. Since this story is as much about sex as it is about health insurance, this incident also demonstrates that McCain is clearly uncomfortable talking about sexual matters

McCain’s squirming shows how uncomfortable the subject of ED makes any man, even an ex-military commander vying to become one of the most powerful people in the world. Pfizer enjoyed great success in the past by casting elder statesman Bob Dole as spokesperson for Viagra. Although, they have changed their marketing strategy since then, they must be delighted at the free publicity McCain has unwittingly provided.