Posted on 11/10/2007 7:37:24 AM PST by COUNTrecount
MEREDITH, N.H. - John McCain's 95-year-old mother, in a swipe at her son's rival Mitt Romney, said Friday that Mormons were to blame for the scandal that rocked the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
During an appearance on MSNBC, Roberta McCain laid out why her son, John, deserves to win the Republican presidential nomination. But in evaluating McCain's primary rivals, she criticized Romney's Mormon faith and his time in Salt Lake City.
"As far as the Salt Lake City thing, he's a Mormon and the Mormons of Salt Lake City had caused that scandal. And to clean that up, again, it's not a subject," Roberta McCain said.
John McCain quickly stepped in: "The views of my mothers are not necessarily the views of mine."
"Well, that's my view and you asked me," Roberta answered.
The Salt Lake Organizing Committee had enticed International Olympics officials with lavish gifts and accusations of bribery mired the Games in scandal while resignations sullied the region's reputation.
Utah officials tapped Romney to lead the effort and as president and CEO of the organizing committee he pared the budget, boosted revenues and worked to repair the committee's reputation.
A Romney campaign spokesman said the McCains made a mistake.
"I would disagree with any candidate or any campaign surrogate that chooses to disparage someone based on the faith that they hold, and instead implore other candidates and their campaigns to make a case to voters based on the important issues facing the nation," said Kevin Madden.
Roberta McCain immediately apologized to her son.
"I didn't mean to say it," she said as they stepped away from the cameras.
McCain told The Associated Press after the interview that his mother misspoke.
"Mormons are great people and the fact that Mitt Romney is a Mormon should play no role whatsoever in people's decision," McCain said.
"What she meant was the Olympics were screwed up by the people in Salt Lake when Romney came in and fixed the problems there. But I know my 95-year-old mother is certainly in favor of Mormons."
Republican Presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his 95-year-old mother Roberta McCain get ready for a live interview with Hard Ball's Chris Mathews, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, in a hotel room in Meredith, N.H
Next up.....paintball contest to the death beween the Edwards children Barak's children?
that woman looks dang good for 95 yo!
-—next up,,-—Mel Gibson’s dad-—
Poor John McCain.
Has to bring out his aged mother.
He needs to give it up.
I saw this, btw, and Mrs. McCain was terrible.
Just what I said. SHe looks great. She looks better than I do at 60!
i have a 98-year-old aunt who looks like that. Something about the Northern Michigan air I think. And her 99-year-old brother, 92-year-old brother, and 89-year-old brother (my father) also look great.
When you are 95, you can pretty much say what you want, in my opinion, even if it is wrong. Just maybe not on national television.
I agree...rediculous IMHO for him to bring his aged mother into this and place her, at her age, in such a position. Now he is forced to distance himself from his on mother’s statements and it is just all the more shameful...and shameless...IMHO.
Thataboy, John -- unring that bell.
*snicker*
One of the very few advantages of growing old is that one can reach an age at which he can do as he damn well pleases within the limits of his purse.
Robert Anson Heinlein
You’re right. She and John look about the same age. :)
For a split-second, I thought they were a couple......
That’s the best laugh I’ve had all day.
My father passed away this past February at the age of 95. He had the smoothest skin. People wouldn’t believe he was 95.
I would be happy to look that good at 80.
...
The Salt Lake Organizing Committee had enticed International Olympics officials with lavish gifts and accusations of bribery mired the Games in scandal while resignations sullied the region's reputation.
I wonder if that's the scandal Mrs. McCain had in mind. The story doesn't quote her mentioning the Olympics.
She's lived a full life. If only some of us can be so lucky...
I admire everyone of her generation. They had strengths that we will never know for our selves.
What sort of idiot do you have to be to put your 95 year old Mom on TV?
Ha ha. Yeh, I remember the church memo about how to ruin the Olympics.
As some of you may know I do have an axe to grind here.
There is a "faith" called Christian Science (not Scientology). The Church of Christian Science is owner operator of the "Christian Science Monitor" (a newspaper respected by many) and it has churchs and "reading rooms" around the country.
That "faith" should be outlawed and any politician who acknowledges his/her membership in that cult will receive all of the opposition I can muster...no matter their party affiliation.
Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner! John McLame's judgment is obviously no better than Rooty's, hehehehehe
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