Mike Reagan was interviewing McCain in 2000, just before a primary (I forget which) ... and Mike was trying to get some real policy statements from McCain, and all McCain wanted to do was complain about how George Bush’s campaign had (or was) smearing him in South Carolina.
Mike repeatedly tried to focus on issues, but McCain kept shifting to his whines. Finally, Mike slammed down the phone and disconnected McCain and was emphatic that he would not support McCain, and from that point on, he (Mike) would support George Bush.
I heard the exchange, and still remember it. It was “McLame” whining about how he was being so mis-treated (and him - who has totally lied about Romney’s position on Iraq!)
I think McCain will still hold a grudge about Mike Reagan for what happened 8 years ago! (And I am surprised that Mike didn’t mention it here as a reference point to McCain’s unwillingness to answer legitimate questions!!)
Mike
> I think McCain will still hold a grudge about Mike Reagan for what happened 8 years ago! <
I also remember that phone call. McCain was riding in a car, I believe somewhere in Virginia during the primary — the same Virginia primary campaign during which McCain so blatantly dissed Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.
I rarely listened to Mike in those days, but I happened by chance to be tuned in that night. As I recall, Mike said just before the call that he was giving serious consideration to supporting McCain. Even said some nice things about him.
When McCain came on the phone, Mike asked him a legitimate policy question. McCain immediately exploded and refused to answer. I think it was McCain who hung up without so much as a parting word — rather than Mike’s having cut him off.
IMO McCain is insane. No much more needs to be said.
Definitely the beginning of the end for McCain in 2000.