Im not trying to smear McCain. I don't live in his district, don't know his policies or beliefs and have absolutely no dog in his living or dying. Pinky swear. Im specifically focused on what constitutes a "war hero" and he is the person of topic.
Slightly OT, but I would like to ask what this means?
Checking urban dictionary, the usage has definitely changed from my intended usage! In its loosest terms (to me) it means the damage or destruction of something. Like, "He redlined the car and smoke checked the engine!" In my comment above I meant McCain "smoke checked" four aircraft (accident, accident, hit power lines, shot down). Thank goodness his father was an Admiral.