McCain Loses Cool With NYT Reporter

NEW ORLEANS -- Republican Sen. John McCain, showing a flash of the temper he is known for, repeatedly cut off a reporter Friday when asked whether he had spoken to Democratic Sen. John Kerry about being his vice president in 2004.

"Everybody knows that I had a private conversation. Everybody knows that, that I had a conversation," McCain told the reporter. "And you know it, too. No. You know it, too. No. You do know. You do know."

The reporter, Elisabeth Bumiller of The New York Times, was following up on a question McCain had answered at a campaign event Friday morning in Atlanta. Asked if he might consider Kerry as a running mate, since Kerry asked him in 2004, McCain said no.

Afterward, on a campaign flight, Bumiller said she looked in the Times' archives and that McCain had denied talking with Kerry in a May 2004 story.

McCain interrupted, saying that everyone knew he had a private conversation, and he kept interrupting as she tried to follow up. McCain clearly was irate.

"I don't know what you read or heard of, and I don't know the circumstances," McCain said. "Maybe in May of '04 I hadn't had a conversation."

Did he recall the conversation? "I don't know, but it's well-known that I had the conversation. It's absolutely well-known by everyone. So do you have a question on another issue?"

Asked again about the conversation, McCain said, "No. No. Because the issue is closed, as far as I'm concerned. Everybody knows it. Everybody knows it in America."

Could he describe the conversation? "No, of course not," McCain said. "I don't describe private conversations. Why should I? Then there's no such thing as a private conversation."

McCain is known for having a temper and has been dubbed "Senator Hothead" by more than one publication.

Comments

[beboy]

If that's her idea of "angry" the the NYT has some pretty thin skinned reporters.

[avicenna]

Tell-tale signs of dementia.

[WorkingWoman]

Me thinks he doth protest too much!

[davvid]

The "why are you so angry?" was great! He was angry and he was clearly trying to push this reporter around. It was an easy shot but it points out how uncool this guy is. I'm glad the nytimes doesn't have wimpy reporters. He gets no sympathy from me.

[rollingdivision]

Good, i want a president with a bit of a temper.

[research]

Why? rolling/ you won't be one of the Raptured.

[RedWhiteandBrooklyn]

"a bit of temper"? He's asked about a statement that he made... and his answer is to scream at the person who asked him? That's not "a bit of a temper"... that's a pathologic reaction. That old fart is sick. Will someone please bring him in from the rain?

[rollingdivision]

Did you watch the video? This hardly qualifies as much of anything. I'd like to see my president get a lot madder than this on occasion.

[Leefeller]

Then you should vote for Hillary!

[gonavy]

Not the angry, scorned woman type of temper.

[gonavy]

here, here!!

[transendentilist]

No, you don't. I want a president that uses good judgement, reason and wisdom. McCain would have too easy access to the most destructive weapons on earth. Not a good place for a "hot-head."

[Hitsong]

Y'mean ol' hothead GRANDPA swore at someone again? Or did he get physical this time. I put NOTHING past this loose cannon. Nothing at all, my friends (UGH!!)

[dutchess2]

Senility.....just plain senility

SNOW: Well, you’re absolutely right though, it’s going to be fun to see. Now John Kerry, is it true that John Kerry asked you to be his vice president?

McCAIN: Uh, no. No, it was never offered.

SNOW: It was never offered. So, it may have been discussed elliptically, but never flat out request.

McCAIN: Never was an offer, no.




http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,124970,00.html

[madnana]

The reason why this conversation is at least worth pursuing is that McCain is attempting to strengthen his "conservative" credentials. I remember that in 2004 McCain was the darling of progressives, respected by John Kerry and a frequent guest on the Daily Show. Many of us regretted that he was not in a position to be Kerry's vice-president. This is a different McCain, as many have commented. This is the McCain who castigated the government in the Senate for sanctioning torture and then wouldn't defend that position when it was up for a vote in the Senate. This "small" issue of whether he was considered to be of sufficient stature to transcend party lines and be asked to be Kerry's vice-president should be key to those who watching him cozy up to the right wing of the party and promote more war in the Middle East. What a sadness.

[johnnygoodwud]

easy grandpa, calm down. here let me wrap your blanket around you. here's your medication, now relax and have a nice nap. i can't wait for the first debate when obama baits the old man, and he goes off on obama in public. not the guy you want with the finger on the trigger. just as stubborn as bush, but worse.

[seted]

Please don't insult elderly people over this dickwad, most of them have a lifetime of experience and advice that should be shared with a younger generation as it is done in most cultures. If you want to find something to hit the unscrupulous less bastard over the head with there are plenty of things to choose from.

[dotbed1]

If you have ever watched cCain on the Senate floor you would know that he has a terrible temper . His wife does not look like a happy lady , bet she has some stories of abuse to tell. It looked as if McCain was going to hit the media lady that he went off on today on his plane.

[mikegoodyearaz85338]

All I saw was a reminder that John Kerry knew John McCain is qualified to be President. This along with Hillary's comment about McCain's foreign policy experience leads me to think that there are a lot of Democrats ready to vote for a moderate Republican.

[bdl0715]

John Kerry has endosed Barack Obama. I don't think may democrats will vote for McCain. After people get finished throwing out all kinds of name calling, the Democratic party will coalesce around whoever the nominee is. Democrats, and the majority of Americans do not want 4 more years of the Bush cunard, and that's exactly what they will get with McCain.

[ymax]

Not.

[sarasotajeff]

clean your glasses

[research]

The Whole DLC.ORG half of the dems are really corporatists.

[speakingtruth2power]

Considering the stress these candidates are under

that was hardly more than slight irritation. Either the

headline writer is way overstating this or has led a

very protected life and has never seen anyone mad.

[robXdion]

Bull. McCain is under no real stress anymore, he has the nomination. He was angry because the line of questioning undercut his conservative credentials and he lost control. He kept arguing like an angry woman and wouldn't let it go.

[sarasotajeff]

"like an angry woman".

guess we know who you're voting for.

[dotbed1]

He is feeling cocky now that he does not have anyone running against him . He thinks he is a shoo in now. If the media watches him closely he will explode again on someone . It is hard to hide your personality for very long.

[Ajita]

Stress? What's he running for, class monitor? The president will have to deal with international leaders and governments. Mccain will take us to war with anyone who pisses him off. He reminds me of someone who likes to intimidate people. I guess he's more like the class bully.

[gonavy]

Your assertions are wrong.

[prospace]

People on all sides need to take a vacation.

Larry David's blog was disgusting, but his vacation idea should be shared by all 3 parties.

[DASM]

If, according to McCain, "there is no living American in Washington" who doesn't know about that meeting, why did he deny it took place?

[asl3676]

" No living American living in Washington" ? I'll bet there are plenty of Washington DC residents who don't know and don't care about McCain's conversations with Kerry......He must think he's pretty important that everyone hangs on his every word......

[intuition]

Not stable, it's been clear throughout his public career, with many witnessing his displays of agitation, inability to contain himself while under stress -- a sign of mental fracture -- mental constitution comparable to driving without breaks -- yet-- the Republicans, knowing this, offer him up to lead the country! The only conclusion I come to is Republicans who support him and who are aware of his emotional problems, by and large, have no conscious whatsoever. Their entire ego identity depends on a Republican holding the highest office, regardless of his mental stability -- such will be the detriment of our country UNLESS THEY ARE STOPPED!

[dutchess2]

Constant repeating phrases...looping in the world of dementia...

[Impeachthechimp]

Republicans have always been crazy. They would nominate Adolf Hitler if they thought he could get them another tax cut. It's a disgraceful party.

[gonavy]

And you, my friend, are a disgraceful individual for your Hitler remark and painting the Republican party with such a broad brush.

The Republican party is no different than that of the Democrat party, with variations on issues. We both have freakish and loud fringe groups that EVERYONE wishes would take a pill and shut up.

[transendentilist]

You need to read up on Hitler.

[jubo]

That was 'Hillary'. They are identical.