Women rushed to an exhibit about landmines in the Russell Senate Office Building on Thursday–presumably motivated less by concern for humanity than by the urge to catch a glimpse of international heartthrob Sen. John McCain.
Prince Harry was there too.
The odd couple toured the display of informational posters and mannequins dressed in specialized suits worn by landmine detectors, as dozens of congressional staffers–mostly women–shrieked with glee when the pair walked into view. They had to be shushed by security.
“I get that all the time,” joked McCain.
The Russell Senate Office Building was the first stop of Prince Harry’s trip to the United States, which will also take him to New Jersey to tour damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. Prince Harry later joined Michelle Obama and Jill Biden at the White House for an arts & crafts event with military children.
Speaking to reporters after his rendezvous with royalty, McCain said that he was “very impressed” with the prince, who seemed genuinely interested in the issue of IEDs. (His mother, Diana, was an outspoken opponent of landmines.) “He wasn’t just asking cosmetic questions,” said McCain. “I think he’s very serious about this issue.”
“I notice a preponderance of media of one gender,” McCain added, walking away.
Emma Margolin
Emma Margolin is a reporter at MSNBC.com.