McCain "Chilly" To Obama On Senate Floor, "Tried Not To Look At Him"

Barack Obama and John McCain were back in the Senate on Wednesday for the bailout legislation and the "political tension was clear," the New York Times reports. "Obama walked to the Republican side of the aisle to greet Senator John McCain, who offered a chilly look and a brief return handshake."

CQ has details:

Let the record reflect that Barack Obama made the approach to John McCain tonight.

As the two shared the Senate floor tonight for the first time since they won their party nominations, Obama stood chatting with Democrats on his side of the aisle, and McCain stood on the Republican side of the aisle.

So Obama crossed over into enemy territory.

He walked over to where McCain was chatting with Republican Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida and Independent Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut. And he stretched out his arm and offered his hand to McCain.

McCain shook it, but with a "go away" look that no one could miss. He tried his best not to even look at Obama.

Finally, with a tight smile, McCain managed a greeting: "Good to see you."

Obama got the message. He shook hands with Martinez and Lieberman -- both of whom greeted him more warmly -- and quickly beat a retreat back to the Democratic side.

Comments

[boomer59]

I think McCain is so peeved that he is falling in the polls to "this kid who doesn't understand anything", and he is taking it personally because he is desparate to be president, he knows he's running out of time.

[entropy2]

I probably wouldn't be too chummy with a guy who was handing me my a$$ in the election. But I am surprised that such a good liar as JM couldn't fake it better.

[master09]

I truely hope this is the last time obama try to play nice with this guy. Can someone please get the word to Obama that this man hates his guts , so stop trying to be civil with him, you are kickinh his ass, so your face is the last face he wants see. Stay away from him concentrate on winning this race, If you think you got this race won just remember Gore and Kerry; you play nice you lose.

[jwatso7]

I don't see this as a bad thing. Given the hammering he got for his reception of Obama at the first debate, this tells me he can't change and that there's something inherent in the man will not allow him to be respectful or warm during the next debate. I think people will come away with the same impression: That McCombover is a bitter, angry old man who does not have the temperament to be POTUS.

[Rossan]

McCain seems to be bitter. He is not the man for the job, his people skills are terrible. Obama 08

[CindyM2008]

This is a perfect example of O bama reaching across the aisle toward someone who he may not agree with.
Obama/Biden '08

[firewmn]

**
McCain on the repub side- "Get Off MY LAWN..!!"
**

[HazelPethigFan]

It's that teenager again dangnabit

[Ave-Gabrielle]

During the debate McCain didn't want to LOOK at Barack. A form of disrespect? Intimidation? Ignorance? Disrespect. When you look someone in the eye, you are showing respect for them and for yourself. It is also a sign of honesty when you look someone in the eyes. McCain was stiff on The View, and a man his age and twice married should have been able to handle those ridiculous and loud women. But afterwards he and his 100 million dollar heiress wife, Cindy, whined and complained, "they picked our bones." Because they asked about your nine homes in three different time zones? Well, that WOULD stand out considering McCain forgot how many they own. And ALL this Americans want to forget because McCain uses his POW days as an answer. Every response, he brings that up--and it makes the interviewer feel awkward because of course McCain showed bravery. But, today's world and our economy need a man who is a visionary and he can bring hope and change, not another war, not talk of past wars. Tell me, WHY does McCain want to be president? Does he feel this country owes him? Kennedy spoke of what YOU can do for your country. He became president because he wanted to bring change and he and his brother worked with Dr. King to bring about civil and human rights. In McCain, I just see a man bent on revenge, wars, himself, more power, more money, at any and all cost.

[columbia72]

No class, no grace, no manners. no character. John McCain...Unfit to lead.

[JayInDallas]

I get the feeling that the GOP told McCain to step aside when he ran against Bush saying "You get to go next." 8 years later, McCain knows that this is his last chance. He has to go it alone with the GOP brand now a hollowed-out, rotting corpse and the man he stepped aside for governing with the worst approval rating in the history of the United States. Both are toxic and therefore useless. At this point, he has nothing left to lose. In losing the election, he falls into obscurity with Cindy and her millions as consolation for losing his dream. I will credit him for going all out, however I suspect when this is all over, he'll reflect on this race and understand the full ramifications of what his campaign has cost him.

[Yuma]

I am not ready to lie for MCLIE or make an excues.

[lapdogs]

So this is how "the guy who can work both sides of the aisle" greats people from the other side?

You may want to change that phrase of yours, Senator McCain.

[CindyM2008]

Exactly!

[eddiebly]

Well we now know who is really willing to cross party lines.

Lets make this a LANDSLIDE!!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

[USA1776]

Just imagine how McCain will treat foreign leaders -- the man is just rude.

[dwillisno1]

Only McCain would be dumb enough to not be the guy who walked over to he other guy's side and show his grace and style first.

[SandrainSanJose]

I think McCain was just furious that Obama is quicker on his feet than he is. He would have LOVED to be the one to make a show of "reaching across the aisle" to Obama, but Obama took the high ground away from him...again. McCain is looking smaller and smaller every day.