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McCain Switching Parties?
Roll Call, "Heard on the Hill" ^ | 10/31/02 | Ed Henry

Posted on 10/31/2002 12:58:57 PM PST by Gothmog

The epilogue of a new biography of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) flat out predicts that if Republicans win the Senate by one seat, the maverick will switch parties to swing control of the chamber back to Democrats. Author Paul Alexander, a political writer who hosts a popular radio show based in New York, writes in the epilogue that the Senator would then decide whether to launch a presidential campaign early next year.

Alexander writes in the book to be released Friday, "Man of the People: The Life of John McCain," that he floated the following scenario to an unnamed "McCain staffer" over lunch.

"If the control of the Senate returns to the Republicans by one seat, McCain could change parties and reclaim the power in the Senate for the Democrats,"Alexander told the McCain staffer. "That way, if he decides to run for president as a Democrat or as an Independent, he could also affect the control of the Senate at the same time.

"No matter what, he won't do anything before the midterm election. After that, he has to make up his mind by January or February. Otherwise, he won't have enough time to put together a presidential campaign."

The McCain staffer replied, "That's it exactly. Only here's the thing, McCain has no idea, really, what he's going to do."

Alexander added that McCain's former presidential staffers have been approached about another run.

McCain's chief of staff, Mark Salter, did not return a call from HOHseeking comment on the book.


TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2004presidential; gopsenate
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To: Cincinatus
when was the last time Jim Jeffords was on Meet The Press?

Jeffords was never seen by crats to be useful beyond his abandoning of the Republican party. McCain, on the other hand might well be seen as giving the crats a real shot at the presidency in 04.

41 posted on 10/31/2002 1:23:36 PM PST by arthurus
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It's Chaffe(e)(sp?) that needs to be of concern. That bozo has stated flat out on network news not too long ago that if control went back the the 'pubs, he would jump ship..
42 posted on 10/31/2002 1:23:48 PM PST by Michael Barnes
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To: Gothmog
..The McCain staffer replied, "That's it exactly. Only here's the thing, McCain has no idea, really, what he's going to do."

Ain't that the truth.

43 posted on 10/31/2002 1:24:05 PM PST by SGCOS
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To: Gothmog
I don't think he will switch but I remember before Jeffords switched, he was the idol of the press. Once he switched, we never hear one word about him. I am sure JM knows that he would also sink into the black hole after he switched.
44 posted on 10/31/2002 1:24:55 PM PST by cinFLA
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To: Thane_Banquo
"...they'll start pissing the American people off really quick." LoL that is as funny a remark as I have seen for some time.

You are referring to that collection of morons and fools which refuse to vote or resist the RAT corruption and Evil?
45 posted on 10/31/2002 1:24:56 PM PST by justshutupandtakeit
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To: Gothmog
What is the punishment again for traitors?

That's what I thought...


46 posted on 10/31/2002 1:25:02 PM PST by unixfox
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To: ApesForEvolution
McCain should have been left in Vietnam for dead.

That's an ugly sentiment. No American should have been left for dead in Vietnam. Those who volunteered to serve in combat have a certain character that the chickenhawks lack.

47 posted on 10/31/2002 1:26:40 PM PST by Commie Basher
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To: Gothmog
The McCain staffer replied, "That's it exactly. Only here's the thing, McCain has no idea, really, what he's going to do."

And that's supposed to be news?

48 posted on 10/31/2002 1:29:51 PM PST by Dane
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To: Thane_Banquo
Senator Zell Miller(R)
49 posted on 10/31/2002 1:35:05 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
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To: Gothmog
McCain is waiting to see if Bubbette! offers him cash and a VP slot on her ticket. If the money is right,he's gone.

BTW,I still say McCain is her second choice. She wants Powell,and I can't see him turning down a chance to make history. Especially when he is probably to the left of her to start with.

50 posted on 10/31/2002 1:35:38 PM PST by sneakypete
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To: Gothmog
This is really too funny since this is sooo similar to the Saturday Night Live skit when John McCain hosted back on Oct 22. Here's the transcript of the skit:

Meet The Press

Tim Russert.....Darrell Hammond
.....Sen. John McCain



Tim Russert: Good morning. Our issue this Sunday: a test of will, for the president, as he waives invading Iraq. And for the Buffalo Bills, as they head to Miami. [ cracks up in laughter ] Joining us to discuss Iraq, the next move, is Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Former P.O.W., maverick Republican whose presidential candidacy stressing campaign finance reform nearly up-ended our eventual president, George W. Bush. Senator, welcome.

Sen. John McCain: Thanks, Tim.

Tim Russert: Senator, this administration.. seems hell-bent.. on confrontation.. with Iraq. You staying with the President?

Sen. John McCain: Tim, I believe we need to show our resolve at this time. We can't underestimate the potential threat Saddam Hussein poses to this country.

Tim Russert: Senator, we have to ask: Are you considering running again in 2004?

Sen. John McCain: No, I have no plans to run for higher office. The President's doing a fine job.

Tim Russert: No plans, but you wouldn't say no.

Sen. John McCain: Tim, I have no interest in running.

Tim Russert: You didn't answer my question, Senator.

Sen. John McCain: What was the question?

Tim Russert: Whether you would say no, unequivocally, to running for president of the United States?

Sen. John McCain: Tim, I haven't even considered running.

Tim Russert: But you haven't ruled it out. [ pauses ] Saddam Hussein. Do you believe he'll use his chemical weapons, if udner attack?

Sen. John McCain: I think we have to operate under the assumption that he's capable of anything.

Tim Russert: Spoken like someone running for President. So, if you were President, that would be your assumption?

Sen. John McCain: I think that's the President's assumption.

Tim Russert: So, you would not disagree with the President, were you to debate him in 2004?

Sen. John McCain: I have no interest in running.

Tim Russert: No interest.. but you're open to the possibility?

Sen. John McCain: No, I would rebut any offers to run.

Tim Russert: In other words, you're available? so, can we say on this program.. that John McCain.. is ready.. for offers to run?

Sen. John McCain: [ shakes head ] No.

Tim Russert: Then, if elected, would you serve?

Sen. John McCain: I don't see that happening, but, yes, I would serve my country.

Tim Russert: You heard it here first! John McCain, ready to serve as our next President!

Sen. John McCain: That's a mischaracterization. Look, Tim.. we're on the brink of a war. I think the American people would rather we discuss Iraq.

Tim Russert: I understand. It's a awkward subject. Let's talk about Iraq. Most would like to see.. a new regime there. Would you consider running for the Presidency of Iraq?

Sen. John McCain: No, Tim.

Tim Russert: The presidency of Iraq is on the table! does John McCain take the challenge?

Sen. John McCain: I do not want to run for President of Iraq!

Tim Russert: So, you'd be willing to accept the draft?

Sen. John McCain: Tim, I don't want to be President of anywhere!

Tim Russert: Alright. Senator, I want to read you a quote.. from the Washington Post.. October 2nd, 1999: "I am a candidate for President of the United States." Your word, Senator.

Sen. John McCain: Well, Tim, that's from the last election, when I was a candidate.

Tim Russert: So, you're flip-flopping?

Sen. John McCain: I'm not flip-flopping, Tim.

Tim Russert: So, you're a candidate? We can definitively say, on this show, that John McCain-

Sen. John McCain: I was a candidate in 200. I am not in 2004. I will not challenge President Bush as a leader of my party.

Tim Russert: What if President bush does not run?

Sen. John McCain: I don't see any reason-

Tim Russert: What if he forgets to run?

Sen. John McCain: Alright, Tim.. alright, Tim..

Tim Russert: The President forgets to run for re-election.. and the Republicans are without a candidate. Does John McCain then step in to fill that void?

Sen. John McCain: I would call the President, and remind him to run.

Tim Russert: So, you're running?

Sen. John McCain: No!

Tim Russert: You're a candidate?

Sen. John McCain: I am not a candidate!

Tim Russert: John McCain is running for President in 2004?

Sen. John McCain: No.

Tim Russert: 2008?

Sen. John McCain: No.

Tim Russert: 2012.

Sen. John McCain: No!

Tim Russert: 20-16?

Sen. John McCain: No.

Tim Russert: 20-20?

Sen. John McCain: No!

Tim Russert: Let's talk about 20-28.

Sen. John McCain: I'll be 90.

Tim Russert: Alright. It's 2028.. genetic engineering has extended the human lifespan to 200 years. Would a relatively young John McCain challenge a re-animated Jimmy Carter zombie?

Sen. John McCain: Now, President Carter's been a great humanitarian.

Tim Russert: So, John McCain would back down? Are you afraid of Carter eating you?

Sen. John McCain: I don't think that's an accurate-

Tim Russert: So, you're a candidate?

Sen. John McCain: No.. no..

Tim Russert: Senator, we have to move on, but one question: Any interest in running for President in 2004? [ chuckles ] Thanks for watching. If it's Sunday, it's "Meet The Press". Go Bills!

[ fade out ]
51 posted on 10/31/2002 1:35:47 PM PST by cebadams
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To: ET(end tyranny)
Maybe I should write Chaffee the same letter I wrote to Jeffords' about a month before he changed sides. I told him that he wasn't really a Republican in the first place and told him he should switch sides.
52 posted on 10/31/2002 1:37:27 PM PST by ItisaReligionofPeace
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To: citizenK
"..he would never leave the Republican party and become a democrat."

The man cannot be trusted to tell the truth. He has the gift of truth ala klinton.
53 posted on 10/31/2002 1:38:28 PM PST by lawdude
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To: Commie Basher
Yeah, you're right. He should have been shot upon return.
54 posted on 10/31/2002 1:40:19 PM PST by ApesForEvolution
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To: ItisaReligionofPeace
Could send that letter to all the pubbies and see how many guilty consciences switch! LOL We'd have about 5 R's left!
55 posted on 10/31/2002 1:44:06 PM PST by ET(end tyranny)
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To: ApesForEvolution
Yeah, you're right. He should have been shot upon return.

I see you registered a month ago. Are you sure you're not a Leftist hatemonger trying to make conservatives look bad?

56 posted on 10/31/2002 1:44:55 PM PST by Commie Basher
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To: lonestar
Did Jeffords return all the money giving to him by Vermont Republicans? If not, he should be sued.
57 posted on 10/31/2002 1:44:56 PM PST by Welsh Rabbit
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To: comebacknewt
He IS a rat.
58 posted on 10/31/2002 1:47:05 PM PST by dljordan
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To: dawn53
There's a thread on Chaffee as we speak! LOL
59 posted on 10/31/2002 1:48:30 PM PST by ET(end tyranny)
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To: Gothmog
Heard the Communist Party has some openings. He'd probably be pretty comfortable in those surroundings.
60 posted on 10/31/2002 1:49:46 PM PST by american spirit
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