Hiking and National Parks: McCain vs. Obama
Ok, I know, you’re probably tired of hearing about the election and the candidates by now and you probably figured you’d read this blog to get away from it all. But with the election just a week away I thought I’d point you to an interesting Q&A with the candidates in Backpacker Magazine this month.
When asked where the candidates would take a Backpacker Magazine reader hiking, Obama replied he’d like to go to Yellowstone for some fall hiking while McCain recommended Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, which he believes “is among our nation’s best-hidden natural treasures.” Both candidates support better funding for National Parks and both are opposed to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
Perhaps the most interesting part of the article comes from a Backpacker Magazine reader survey that asks “Who would do better in a wilderness survival situation, Obama or McCain?” The readers overwhelmingly picked McCain as the better survivor by almost 3 to 1! Sure, the guy’s tough but I think the readers may have overlooked the fact the man is in his 70s 
Readers were also asked who they’d rather share a tent with on a rainy day and again, the readers picked McCain. McCain was also the pick for the “better steward of public land” by Backpacker readers - despite the fact the majority of those surveyed said Democrats take better care of trails and national parks. Somehow this all seems a little fishy - I demand a recount!
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