If he doesnt want me to go, fine, the president said. Ive got better things to do.
Eventually, someone informed the president that the reason the event was closed was that McCain was having trouble getting a crowd. Bush was incredulousand to the point. He cant get 500 people to show up for an event in his hometown? he asked. No one said anything, and we went on to another topic. But the president couldnt let the matter drop. He couldnt get 500 people? I could get that many people to turn out in Crawford. He shook his head. This is a five-spiral crash, boys.
Bush, lifting the GOP to new heights...
I don’t think Bush ever wanted McCain to the our nominee, and Bush’s assessment of McCain was spot-on.