As to whether John McCain at least didn't use his family's power or money to advance himself... Does anyone actually believe he would have gotten into the Naval Academy if he did not have his father's name to manipulate the admission process?

Nepotism got him into the Academy, graduated last in his class, got his plane shot down. He did show guts in staying in captivity when he was offered the chance to get out. Of course that chance was offered because of who his daddy was, but he did display courage and valor in staying. Does that define a hero? I remember some talk about JKF and the PT 109. People were saying he was no hero as he got his boat sunk.