News - Cindy McCain's Half Sister: She "Makes Me Feel Like a Non-Person"

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Cindy McCain's Half Sister: She "Makes Me Feel Like a Non-Person"
Tuesday August 19, 2008

DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images; Ted Robbins/NPR

John McCain's wife Cindy is coming under criticism from her older half sister for claiming to be an "only child."

Just last month, Cindy McCain told CNN: "I grew up with my dad. I'm an only child. My father was a cowboy and he really loved me very much, but I think he wanted a son occasionally."

But in an interview with NPR News' All Things Considered, half sister Kathleen Hensley Portalski responded: "I'm upset. I'm angry. It makes me feel like a non-person, kind of."

Portalski, 65, and the potential first lady, 54, have the same father: Jim Hensley, the founder of the beer distributor Hensley and Co. that Cindy McCain now chairs.

"I saw [my dad] a few times a year," Portalski told NPR News Monday. "I saw him at Christmas and birthdays, and he provided money for school clothes and he called occasionally."

Portalski's mother is Hensley's first wife; Cindy McCain's mother, Marguerite Hensley, also had another daughter from her first marriage.

Hensley provided credit cards and college tuition to his grandchildren as well as $10,000 gifts to Portalski and her husband, NPR reported. Portalski also inherited $10,000 when Hensley died in 2000.

Portalski's son Nicholas told NPR it's "just very, very hurtful" that "we don't exist" and "Cindy has to put such a fine point on it by saying something that's not true."

Nicholas contacted NPR last week after they were left out of a story about Cindy McCain's business and charity work.

In June, the McCain campaign swiped recipes from well-known sources and tried to pass them off as Cindy McCain's creations.

John McCain's first wife has also spoken out about why he left her.

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Posted by Mandi Illuzzi at 10:49 am ET Permanent Link | 92 Comments
Categories: Cindy McCain | John McCain | Kathleen Hensley Portalski

92 Comments

3:09 PM Anonymous Says:

Half-siblings for many are complete strangers. I have one from my father's second marriage and call myself an only child as well. I'm my mother's only child, was raised alone, am my parent's only child together and I do not know nor have ever had any relationship with my half siblings other then meeting them once if that when I was a child. Do I think they consider me their sister? Doubt it. Would I get mad if they didn't? Not at all. Family is made of love not blood and people who I don't know from a whole in the wall I don't owe anything too. If that makes me such an evil person, which I know I'm not, then oh well.

4:21 PM Anonymous Says:

The arguments of those who've bothered to learn and use standard English spelling and punctuation and to proof-read their writing are so much more persuasive. I wonder what the others are thinking to let the form of their comments suggest that the authors are illiterate, uneducated and just plan stupid. Then again, perhaps they aren't thinking of that because the comments' style accurately reflect the authorship.

4:39 PM Anonymous Says:

To the person that said to interview Barack's mother is ignorant- his mother is dead. And to those who say that Cindy is such a great person and nobody can find any wrong with her- did you forget, she was once addicted to drugs

3:53 AM Anonymous Says:

oh please, This Kathleen needs to get over herself. Cindy was only describing how she was raised with no brothers or sisters, She didn't say She was her parents only child. I think Ms. Portalski needs to stop whining, she only wants attention.

8:47 PM Gaye Says:

David FeHill, that was so well said.. I have read many wonderful things about Mrs. McCain, (via the net) and I live in OZ.. I cant for the life of me understand why only a very few of these wonderful things have come out on the media.. Oh sorry most of the media world wide is left isn't it and people believe what they read.. She is well equipped to be the President if need be, she is far better equipped than any other person that I have read about, so will make a wonderful first lady. It will be good to see the back of Bush though..

8:37 PM Gaye Says:

Ever heard of the ugly sisters in cinderalla, well perhaps this is one of those stories.. The mother might have been the wicked ex wife and bagged her ex husband, we all know that this happens more than not and perhaps the half sister is a nasty peice of goods. McCain looks like a decent man so if his ex wife was horrible, I dont blame her father for having nothing much to do with them. This paper is obviously on Obama's side and thus would make sure that the picture of McCains other daugher was a good one but looking at this photo she doesnt look like someone that I would want much to do with.

10:46 PM Anything to get the spot light Says:

I have a step brother but I consider myself to be an only child.

Get Over It

2:45 AM Anonymous Says:

I grew up in a similar position, though less wealthy! My dad remarried and had another child who is quite a bit younger than I am. After that he focused on his new family. I saw him a few times a year and he gave money. My everyday life was being alone with a single mom. My half sister grew up with significantly more money and I was mad for a long time until I grew up. By the time I was in my twenties, I was over it. It's time for this grouchy woman to grow up and stop being jealous of her beautiful, younger half sister!

As for Cindy's claim to be an only child... with my similar position, I never know if I should claim to be an oldest child or an only. I grew up in a home as an only child, yet I have a biological half sister that I barely know. In my daily life, I was the only one, so I usually say I was an only child. That's probably pretty similar to what Cindy was feeling.

10:35 PM Michigander Says:

I guess it is a good image to portray of Cindy McCain's charity work including defrauding medical charities, for CHILDREN mind you, by stealing painkillers to foster her addictions. Now that is the kind of 1st lady I want in office...NOT!!! What an example to our young voters whom we try so hard to keep off of drugs, illegal ones, or legal ones.

Yet more good news about John McCain leaving his 1st disabled wife to woo little Ms Cindy McCain, and marry her. What a good example he left about the sanctity of MARRIAGE to our young as well.

In my opinion he is not fit to be President of the United States. How soon everyone forgets the scandals, and bad financial deals he was involved in all these years as a Senator. I tell ya, America had better WAKE THE HELL UP....we need something fresh, and new for this country since the last 8 years of Republican rule hasn't worked. Parties shouldn't matter to voters anyhow..it should be based on who is best to turn this country around for the better. I think they ought to disolve this party agenda altogether, and care about what is good for me and Americans for a change. Obama for me...McCain never!!!

11:39 PM Anonymous Says:

Cindy McCain was unfortunately offered as a contestant for Miss Buffalo chip by her own mate, and didn't even bother to react...she also is connected to a fortune related to alcohol sales...the Contras who murdered so many in South America were funded partially by Joseph Coors...I can't imagine John McCain even knows the names of many female professionals who are scientists studying genetics, and other fields which require the types of expertise to advance ourselves in the complex international world in which we live...no way McCain...and Cindy should develop a higher vocabulary than to call Obama supporters "thugs"...she is an insult to contemporary womanhood...and hides her true intelligence and talent.

9:15 PM Anonymous Says:

Obama's half brother is not a citizen of this Country so WHY is this even an issue. You people are pathetic. Especially those of you who sound to be pro McCain. You have heard directly from John McCain's mouth,in no uncertain terms,that he expressly intends to continue moving this Country in the same direction as his predecessor. Personally,I could care less WHO moves into the WHITE HOUSE. McCain,Obama,Clinton,Joe Blow...doesn't matter.
What does matter is what PARTY moves in.If you think the USofA can stand another 4 years of the crape that we as citizens of this once Great Country have been FORCED to endure for the last 8 years, then vote Republican. If you think otherwise vote Democrat. But for God's sake, if you do vote republican, please remember it was your choice when the bank comes for your home or your child dies because of no insurance after your job is packed up and shipped overseas and you are subjected to support your family on $12 a month and live in a tin shed in this country with no heat or electricity while your favorite PARTY leaders sit back from their lavish tables rubbing their full bellies saying; "Oh,every things just fine,the Country couldn't be in better shape" PLEASE...WAKE THE HELL UP!!!

7:44 AM Anonymous Says:

Hey I have an idea how about interviewing Obama's 1/2 brother. You know the one living in the shack. The one he has only meet twice. Hey how about interviewing Obama's Mother You know the WHITE one, I know it will surprise some of his FOLLOWERS that he is only 1/2 Black.

7:43 AM Anonymous Says:

7:34 AM Anonymous Says:

7:31 AM Anonymous Says:

OOOOOOO what is wrong with you people??? It's Cindy's personal choise whether to admit hving a sister or not!!!What is wrong if she does not want to have a relationship with fathers first kid an plus there is a huge difference in age!!!

So Angelina Jolie does not speak to her father and it is ok correct??? Nobody opposes that!!!! I wonder why? It is disgusting she does not speak to father!!!

Then those ugly lesbians got married and some were congatulating those poor things???

Now I ask you if you are fine with all those then what is wrong with Cindy not knowing her half sister??? Cindy is an only child to her parents- FATHER and Mother- that is what she ment!!!! and it is absolutely correct!!! To her parents she is an only child!:)

This jalous half sister wants to get peoples attention now!!!! Look how kind, smart and beautiful Cindy is!!!!! How can anyone compare to her???

7:15 AM Anonymous Says:

Obama hit a home run. He just has to keep it up and talk about the failures of George as well as the shortcomings of McSame's policies!!

11:22 PM Darnell Says:

Oh what a lovely, insightful hack job....if only the really amazing story of Cindy McCain's work with the world's children, and eliminating land mines, and her adoption of orphans would ever go told...

But I'm sure the crack, or crack-smoking US magazine folks are busy writing the story about how Obama's half brother is homeless in Africa, living under a piece of tin in a war-torn country, and last year when Rock star Barack passed through on a publicity tour, hardly gave his brother the time of day, much less a ride back to the states and a dose of true family compassion. I highly doubt US will ever tell that story....

10:32 PM Anonymous Says:

To krkyoldhag: are you serious? Your son may consider himself an "only child" but the fact remains that he isn't his father's only child. Same goes for Ciny Mccain. I can understand Ms Portalski's postition. She was her father's daughter first and for longer. Then b/c of the all the spotlight due to the presidential campaign, Cindy gets to tell unknowing American's that she is her parent's "only child". Oh please. Thank goodness that she is not going to be first lady.

9:26 PM Larry Croft Says:

I have family members that I don't give the time of day, not because they are not good people but more likely because of my own shortcomings. I suspect this article describes a similar sour grapes attitude.

8:02 PM krkyoldhag Says:

God protect us from siblings.My son has two half brothers. They were 7 years and more older then him. They spoiled his birthday parties, they tore up his toys, they hated him from birth.My husband wrote these two out of his will. He won't get control of any inheritance until my demise and then it goes to him and only to him. Thru no fault of his.Now the question is...who is to blame for lack of a relationship? I think the older woman...When Cindy was ten she was twenty five...I am sure that Cindy thought of herself as an only child.I know that my son is my only child and he thinks of himself that way.All I read about Cindy McCain is positive. She spends her time doing good things for people in need. She made a mistake when she was hooked on pain killers.. She got help and that's history.Try to think...do you really want your siblings or cousins to come out of woodwork and trash you for something you had nothing to do with?I sure wouldn't.I am really sick of hearing about how this person says she or he spent their lives in "public" service and ends up that I find out they lived like royalty and came out of the gig with millions of dollars and mansions and huge pensions and perks for life.
Makes me think I should have foregone business and gone into service. Would have had a lot more security in my old age.
I really dont' see the service that Hillary gave ...she was a high paid attorney and was married to a politician who springboarded her into office.Obama's wife...another attorney and again a very high paid one.. who does she serve in that?So...leave the wives out of it.. look at the husbands and their words actions and records..And decide who do you trust to protect and serve your country and uphold the constitution?

7:49 PM RB from Scottsdale Says:

Only YOU can make yourself feel like a "non-person," Ms. Portalski!

6:59 PM Anonymous Says:

What has Cindy McCain done in her life other than inherit a fortune and marry a war hero? In any sense, the chance of the McCain's getting in the White House is as much as myself becoming an astrounat.

6:50 PM hms.kinsman Says:

@ Bill Black

Did you really just criticize this for being a waste of news space?
Really?

Ok, a few things then.

A. You are reading an e-version of US magazine. US MAGAZINE!!! Sorry, but it's not 'news'.

B. You read this article on the internet. What space could there possibly be to waste? Are the "internet tubes" going to get clogged up?

On a side note:
I do not mean this to be inflammatory, but (@anon) it become really difficult to often praise Cindy McCain's charity work because when you bring it up, the fact that she defrauded medical charities by stealing painkillers to foster her addiction comes right along with that territory. :(

6:49 PM hms.kinsman Says:

@ Bill Black

Did you really just criticize this for being a waste of news space?
Really?

Ok, a few things then.

A. You are reading an e-version of US magazine. US MAGAZINE!!! Sorry, but it's not 'news'.

B. You read this article on the internet. What space could there possibly be to waste? Are the "internet tubes" going to get clogged up?

6:39 PM Hard_as_nails Says:

I am shocked that the masses are willing to give up their power to another smaller group that they walked all over for 300 years, I won't be shocked when that choice backfires and they get a taste of getting walked over, enjoy.

6:21 PM Anonymous Says:

Cindy isnt on the ticket so why does this matter? Does this magazine write stories about all of the charity work she's done around the world?
Have they written any stories about nObama's brother living in a shack on $1 a month while he lives in a mansion?

5:56 PM KSat Says:

Be objective. Imagine you are the only daughter of a man. Then that man, your dad, leaves your family for another woman, has only occasional contact with you, and has another daughter, who is always cool toward you. Your father helps you financially during his lifetime but after his death you discover he willed you an estimated 1/10,000th of what he left his favored daughter. You lead a simple middle class life while that daughter lives in the lap of luxury. To top it all off, that daughter continues to claim she was the only child of your father - even at his funeral while you are in the pews. Wouldn't YOU be upset?

I have a stepdaughter from my husband's first marriage (like Cindy, it was my husband's first wife who was committing adultery). I ALWAYS say my children have a half-sister, and they have a warm and continuing relationship with her.

You don't need to be a Democrat to see that this part of the McCain saga does not exactly reflect the family values the Republicans so vocally espouse.

5:49 PM Anonymous Says:

At least Cindy McCain's half-sister has the opportunity to vote & lives in a nice house herself. Barack Obama's half brother lives on $12 a month in a hut.

5:36 PM Anonymous Says:

oh come on now folks, you know this type of stuff will continue to get dug up especially the closer we get to the election. I'm siding with the 1/2 sister since I'm sure the McCains both have stuff they want kept out of public view. That's the Republican way! I know since that's how my own emotionally closed off family has always been. I have nothing personal against John McCain, but don't feel just being in the military, POW, or war hero or whatever, qualifies someone to be President. There is nothing wrong with the GOP party either, except it it is not that GRAND anymore... just OLD!

4:51 PM Anonymous Says:

Sean McManus, how do WE know that's your real name? You could be an impostor, living in a fantasy world like Obama!! He wants change? What change? The man's not clear on anything!! McCain's not my favorite, but at least you know what he believes in and where he stands, and he won't allow our country to be socialistic like Obama will.

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