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| Agitated McCain: Don't call me a maverick |
| 2010-04-15 |
| John McCain -- who built his political persona and his 2008 presidential campaign around the claim that he's a "maverick" -- told Newsweek recently: "I never considered myself a maverick." When POLITICO asked McCain about the contradiction at the Capitol this week, the Arizona Republican grew visibly irritated and snapped: "I've been called a thousand things. It's absolutely ridiculous." He said 48 percent of the homeowners in his state are underwater on their mortgages. He said he's always "done what's best for my state and the nation." Then he said it again, adding, "People can consider me whatever they want." And then he darted into the Senate chamber without explaining himself further. But if McCain won't say why he's abandoning the "maverick" title now, some of his closest associates will: It's politics. "When you're running for president, you show the public at large that I'll put the country ahead of the party," said South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, McCain's closest friend in the Senate and the Republican who has played the deal-maker role ceded by the Arizonan. "When you're in a primary, you've got to prove to people you're a good conservative. That's the difference in the forms. John has a record of conservatism that's being highlighted now because he's in a Republican primary. When you're running for president, you highlight that part of your record, and it shows you're willing to govern the country as a whole." |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #19 --In the latest polling data, and I only like/trust Rasmussen, McCain held a 7 point advantage, 48-41 (3/16). In a prior poll, McCain held a 22 point advantage, 53-31 (1/20). Four months still remain until the primaries. |
| Posted by: Tom--Pa 2010-04-15 14:26 |
| #18 Howzabout we just don't call you at all, John? |
| Posted by: SteveS 2010-04-15 14:12 |
| #17 Grenter, 'moose, Tom: Roger all; what you say makes sense - I appreciate your insights. I might be a bit pollyannish but I've lost some respect for Palin on this - I would've rather seen Palin give mccain the heisman - I wish she would've told that egomaniachal old fart her schedule was too full. I've listened to Hayworth on a few real conservative radio shows - I like what I've heard. I'm not sure how the RNC works but I wish someone would've gave McCain a phone call and told him it's time to pass the torch...or, maybe someone from the RNC did...I wouldn't be surprised if he dies and his wife or *puke* moronic daughter runs for his seat. The kennedys of the southwest. |
| Posted by: Broadhead6 2010-04-15 13:52 |
| #16 --Broadhead6, perhaps Palin is 'reciprocating' and showing her indebtedness to McCain. It was he who put her on the map leading to her 'fame and fortune'. You are correct in saying that JD is more 'right' that McCain. Either Rep Arizona Senatorial candidate will win the Nov election over the weak slate of candidates on the Dem side. As an aside, McCain turns 75 in Aug, while JD is in his early 50's. I wish John would go 'out to pasture'. We shall see come 08/24 in the Ariz primaries. |
| Posted by: Tom--Pa 2010-04-15 11:01 |
| #15 Broadhead6: McCain's wife has a ton of money, which buys him the seat. He might also win, just by this alone. And he has a terrible temper. Few people like him, but a lot of them fear him. This is why endorsements for J.D. are scattered. If McCain wins, he will make it his purpose to ruin their lives and careers. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-04-15 10:53 |
| #14 @BH6 - Easy: simply party loyalty, mixed with a little personal gratitude for the VEEP nod in '08. By party loyalty, I mean: she still thinks of herself as a Republican and John is the incumbent Republican. Once this election is over, I would imagine that the debt of gratitude would probably be considered paid. As for ideological compatibility between she and Hayworth, that's probably true (I remember JD as more of a radio host... even when he was in Congress, for that matter, he would sit in for some national hosts). |
| Posted by: Grenter, Protector of the Geats 2010-04-15 10:49 |
| #13 Overall, I like Palin, but can anyone explain to me why she was at a McCain rally a couple weeks back? Seems to me she ought to be endorsing J.D. Hayworth (who seems at face value much more conservative then McLame). |
| Posted by: Broadhead6 2010-04-15 10:07 |
| #12 My vote is for "gelding". |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-04-15 09:52 |
| #11 Maverick: This could be complicated. You know on the first one I crashed and burned. Charlie: And the second? Maverick: I don't know, but uh, it's NOT looking good so far. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2010-04-15 09:26 |
| #10 It is said you do not want to get between him and a news camera, you'll get trampled. Nice thing is McCain's BFF Graham is gone next time he is up. The People of SC have had enough of that pusillanimous pandering panytwaist and his GWOT, enviro, judicial and immigration liberalism, and his continued collaboration with Harry Reid et al. |
| Posted by: OldSpook 2010-04-15 09:15 |
| #9 "I never considered myself a maverick." An opportunist and media suck-up however... |
| Posted by: Pappy 2010-04-15 08:47 |
| #8 I'm old school, so John McLame works for me. |
| Posted by: jack salami 2010-04-15 07:53 |
| #7 okay, Meghan McCain's Dad© |
| Posted by: Frank G 2010-04-15 07:48 |
| #6 OK, Mavprick, calm down. |
| Posted by: jack salami 2010-04-15 07:23 |
| #5 Ok then. How about a RHINO? |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2010-04-15 06:49 |
| #4 So...call him Goose, then? Jester? Iceman? |
| Posted by: gromky 2010-04-15 06:44 |
| #3 "My name is John McCain. Now you can call me John, or you can call me J, or you can call me Johnny, or you can call me Senator, or you can call me Renegade Johnny, or you can call me RJ, or you can call me Senator Renegade . . . but you doesn't hasta call me Maverick!" |
| Posted by: ryuge 2010-04-15 05:13 |
| #2 McCain, you lost the election - you ran a very weak campaign. You are running a nasty campaign in Nevada. You half ass everything. Time for you to retire and enjoy the fruits of YOUR labor. |
| Posted by: newc 2010-04-15 01:31 |
| #1 OK. How about dumbass? |
| Posted by: Gomez Threter7450 2010-04-15 01:11 |