"Durie pointed out that Robert I was believed to have had up to a dozen children - several illegitimately. Basic calculations suggested there could be as many as 200 million people distantly related to him. "In that sense McCain probably is descended from Bruce. So am I. So are you. So is everyone."

Thank you. This is what I tell everyone who brings up Charlemagne or some such name (Bruce). If the person lived long enough ago and had a lot of kids, of course you are descended from him. But there is no way in hell you could ever trace it. Even with a clear family tree, there would be a whole mess of bastards in there somewhere.

And why the hell is an American Republican taking pride in being descended from a family that gained power by stealing more cattle than other families?
We The People, motherfarker! Do you speak it!

McCain may not be, but I am.

Through my father's side...by marriage.

/just thought you'd like to know

Just because McCain was a contemporary of Robert the Bruce does not mean he's related to him.

i'm not even lying when i say that my ancestor was the bastard child of Robert the Bruce and his milkmaid. I've been trying to reclaim my land over there for years

Well, he just lost my support.

It's funny how everyone started taking Robert the Bruce seriously once he quit going by Robert the Mary. Not that it sounds any different...

FTFA:

"a self-serving, vainglorious opportunist who was determined to be king at any cost,"

Sounds more like an ancestor of Hillary Clinton.

FTFA: "Earle is not a Scottish name. I think it is incredibly unlikely that name would be related to Robert the Bruce."

Speaking as a half-Scottish person who's last name is entirely non-Scottish, I'd like a word with this person.

No, but I heard they hung out together.

Crunchy Frog: FTFA:

"a self-serving, vainglorious opportunist who was determined to be king at any cost,"

Sounds more like an ancestor of Hillary Clinton.

Heh heh heh.

First thing I thought of.

(whoops)

I am a direct descendent of Robert the Bruce, so I'm really getting a kick out of these replies.

No, really. I've got clan Bruce tattooed on my arm.

Legend goes that he was going to a church to meet with another lord to discuss a peace deal. In the church, he drew a blade and murdered the other leader. Then his army took over and he became king. If McCain was related to him, I'd probably be more likely to vote for him!

America's nobles fought him -- and fought each other -- for the crown.

I, for one, am now more likely to vote for John McCain for President of Scotland.

The only historical figure I have in my family tree is Henry Clay, who some history buffs may remember as "that gaunt bastard who was never quite President."

Dude, McCain is so old, he's probably going to reinstate prima nocta.

Why would he be related to an Australian, anyway?

Tallgordon: Dude, McCain is so old, he's probably going to reinstate prima nocta.


He's so old he farts dinosaur bones.

Tenebreux

According to studies, if you're looking for who you're related to, look to either Ghengis Khan, or Ian Somerled.

Or Niall Noígíallach.