Learning More About a Private Lady

'Behind That Smile': Readers were intrigued to learn more about Cindy McCain, who many acknowledged has gained their respect and admiration. "I'm afraid I had drawn an unfair impression of Mrs. McCain based on nothing but stereotype," one said. "You showed us a big-hearted, flawed woman, trying to do her best for family and community." Another praised her sons, who are serving in the armed forces. And one wrote, "I have concluded that America will have an excellent First Lady whether McCain or Barack Obama is elected president."

On 'Bucky's Very Large Dome': "Buckminster Fuller didn't see clearly in his formative years. He had to make sense of a reality of fuzzy patterns. That imagination-creating process became hardwired in his brain and served to inspire him."
Lewis A. Rhodes, Silver Spring, Md.

Understanding Cindy McCain
After reading "In Search of Cindy McCain" (June 30), I must say my view of her changed 180 degrees. She is nothing like I imagined her to be, and I was pleasantly surprised by her candor, strength and commitment to her family, business, country and charity work. Part of my assessment on who gets my vote for president takes into account who our First Lady will be. She will be the female face representing this country, supporting her husband, and no doubt giving her opinion behind closed doors. Thank you, NEWSWEEK, for the balanced coverage and for shedding light on Cindy McCain.
Christina Williams
Athens, Ga.

The article about Cindy McCain was most certainly insightful. One has to admire her honesty in speaking about her addiction to painkillers and her theft of them from a nonprofit she founded. I was also impressed with her candor about the way she and John met in Hawaii. She admits they didn't divulge their true ages to each other. Our country has been mired for too long in digging up dirt on politicians and their spouses. It is time to have the candidates speak out about the issues that really matter. Thank you to the McCains for their openness, honesty and character.
Mark Challis
Des Moines, Iowa

After reading the profile of Cindy McCain, I felt compelled to write. Access to quality health care has obviously played a big part in her story: she started her nonprofit to help those in need in the world's poorest countries. And I suspect the remarkable recovery from her stroke can be partially attributed to excellent medical care. Thus, I can't help but wonder why she is connected to the Republican Party, which remains seemingly unconcerned about millions in America who cannot afford necessary prescriptions, preventive procedures and lifesaving surgeries. Cindy McCain seems compassionate and her husband is certainly honorable, but until their party can propose affordable, universal solutions to our health-care crisis, I'll plan to vote otherwise.
Micah Mitrosky
San Diego, Calif.

In your very moving cover story, America and the world can clearly see what a wonderful, warm and sincere woman we can have as First Lady. She personifies what a loving wife and mother should and can be, along with showing the world through her charitable work and love of others what dedicated humanitarians real Republicans are. And let us also not forget that these qualities are shared by her husband.
Tom Letourneau
Cumberland, R.I.