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.
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..
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.
"...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?
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 ]
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.
Yeah, you're right. He should have been shot upon return.
Could send that letter to all the pubbies and see how many guilty consciences switch! LOL We'd have about 5 R's left!
Did Jeffords return all the money giving to him by Vermont Republicans? If not, he should be sued.
He IS a rat.
Heard the Communist Party has some openings. He'd probably be pretty comfortable in those surroundings.