McCain (jokingly) raises the stakes

Posted: Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:38 AM by Elizabeth Wilner
Filed Under: Republicans

From NBC's WHO-TV in Des Moines and MSNBC's Hardball
Sen. John McCain (R) joked yesterday that he would "commit suicide" if Democrats win control of the Senate in November.

McCain made the remark during a campaign stop in Iowa on behalf of Republican congressional candidates. When asked for his reaction to a potential Democratic takeover of the Senate in the midterm elections, McCain said, "I think I'd just commit suicide... I don't want to face that eventuality because I don't think it's going to happen. I think it's going to be tough, but I think we'll do OK."

Asked about the comment by MSNBC's Chris Matthews on Hardball last night, McCain, said, "I thought that was a pretty good line." Matthews: "But is it that important?" McCain: "I think it's important to America, but I think it's -- every once in a while, we should have a little levity."

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Comments

We wouldn't be that lucky.

Siriana (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:48 AM)

Just more incentive for Dems to take back the house.

Jeff Gleason (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:50 AM)

OMG, and to think I actually liked McCain until recently, and I'm a true blue Democrat!! What do the bushies have on McCain? Or since he signed that bill gutting the Consitution, did they threaten to call him an Enemy Combatant and Waterboard him to get him in line???

Douglas DeGroat, Poughkeepsie, New York (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:51 AM)

So now can we please stop referring to this guy as a "Maverick"? He's proven himself to be no better than the other rubber-stamp Republicans in this Congress with comments like these. My guess is he's probably lost any Dem votes he might have gotten in 2008, and more than a few Independents as well.

Scott Stowe, Bangor, Maine (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:51 AM)

We wouldn't be that lucky.

Siriana Kahli, Tucson, AZ (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:53 AM)

McCain, you died the day you let Bush decide the meaning of torture. The Viet Cong couldn't get you to compromise your beliefs but the GOP sure did. So long, and have a nice eternity.

Lee Steele (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:57 AM)

Mr. McCain, Please call Karl Rove and George Bush and find out if they'll let you commit suicide first. Perhaps they might just want a mere flesh wound (via Cheney). But really John, you must get your instructions from your masters first.

Bob, Boston, MA. (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 11:57 AM)

As a U.S. Navy Veteran and a lifelong Democrat - I was going to volunteer on McCain's Presidential campaign. This "suicide" comment and McCain's kowtowing to the religious right has made me reconsider. You blew it shipmate!

Mel McClure, Broomfield, Colorado (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:00 PM)

Is there anything I can do to help? I think he speaks for the president, doesn't he? Be careful John, you could be arrested as an enemy combatant and we may never hear from you again. You and HC (habeas corpus) might be held in the same cell in never, never land.

John Stantons, Fernandina Beach, FL (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:01 PM)

McCain is such a disappointment. He opposes the President strongly one day and the next folds like a cheap tablecloth. His tendency to move to the middle and even a bit to the left, then back to the right close to election time has caused me to lose all respect for him. He was the last opposition to the President's torture bill and eventually folded at the feet of The Shrub when asked to the White House for an oval office "torture chat." His backbone has folded under the desire to stay in office and again chase his Presidential "dreams." Voters now recognize this act which will only lead to another failed Presidential bid.

Dave (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:02 PM)

oh yea! now the press has someone else to whip around. lucky us (the viewers)

edna ohio (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:02 PM)

He lost my vote but more importantly my respect with his attack on Clinton. I used to think he had a mind of his own, now I just think he's lost his mind.

Jean Ochrzcin (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:04 PM)

Nothing funnier that a joke about suicide. Good one John.

Angela Shane, Boulder CO (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:05 PM)

I recall the day after 911 telling me wife, "just watch, no matter what happens, the liberals will forget and jump back on the same horse they were riding last week." Judging from all of your comments, I was right. Furthermore, what kind of person says things like "we wouldn't be that lucky?" I'm guessing: an uneducated, left wing nut ball who probably considers them smart (therein lies the rub).

Andrew Stevens (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:05 PM)

My opinion of McCain just changed! What a horses ass! Its not Republician vs Democrats..its what's best for the people..hellooooooooooo.. Go ahead and kill yourself McCain and take this administration with you..

bob (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:05 PM)

Having lived in Phoenix for several years, I previously respected McCain and thought he was a logical, pragmatic politician rather than an ideologue. With this comment and others, such as saying "I support the president's right to pick his cabinet" when asked about whether Rumsfeld should resign, it is clear he is catering to the far right in anticipation of a 2008 presidential bid. His "independence seems to have vanished in the haze". Let's see what happens on November 7.

Ron Houston (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:05 PM)

I hope the democrats sweep come next month, so McCain can commit suicide; I am tired of paying his salary.

Joe Payne, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:06 PM)

Sounds like a good trade off to me.

Hal, Council Bluffs, Iowa (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:09 PM)

McCain sold his soul to Charles Keating in the 80's and now he's sold his soul to bush. The man has absolutely NO principles! It makes me sick how these newspeople fall all over him. A maverick?? Maybe when he was a POW. Now he's just another bush lackey who helped him destroy our Constitution!! How dare these ignorant fools do that!!

Nick, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:09 PM)

Joihn McCain is an idiot, just like the President.Its not GOP vs Democrat..Its a goverment for the people! I am so sick of this GOP & the administration! We need new blood in the Administration..hopefully some wise ones as well

bob (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:10 PM)

Andrew, You probably still believe there were WMD in Iraq also, I'll bet.

Ron Houston (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:11 PM)

It's truly tragic that the man who bravely stood up to 6 years of torture by the Viet Cong can't stand up to 6 years of pressure by the Bush Administration. I suppose this is just another case of "everybody has a price." It's hard to imagine what McCain thinks he's getting, but the price he's paying is his integrity.

Bill, Alamagordo, New Mexico (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:13 PM)

Jesus Christ, it was a joke!

Jim, Northampton, MA (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:14 PM)

Do Republicans ever think before they speak? I'm not a theologian, but I believe this statement is against Christian principles. Why would we want a person who thinks suicide is an option as president?

Don Wilson, Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:14 PM)

Andrew Stevens (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:05 PM) Oh yeah. Your goddess Ann Coulter is such an intelligent, compassionate class act. Jokes about poisoning Supreme Court Justices and all. Hoo boy! That's a knee slapper! I took the "couldn't be that lucky" statements in reference to the Democrats decisively winning in November. I guess that makes me a "dumb old girl liberal".

Dee (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:14 PM)

McCain is as big a phony as any lying politician who ever came down the pike. He worships at the alter of power like the rest of them. Not power to accomplish good works for the common folks, but power to enrich and enable the ruling class. Just because they are charismatic doesn't mean they aren't rotten to the core. Judge them by their fruits, please!!!

John, Reston, VA (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:14 PM)

John McCain was one of the few Republicans I did not despise - mainly because he had a mind of his own. Now it seems he is receiving the Rove talking points daily. He obviously drank the cool-aid.

Ann, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:15 PM)

I liked John McCain before I saw him on Hardball last night. Now I have no respect for him. He sounded like a fool.

Ann Utica Ny (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:17 PM)

I really have great respect for Mr. McCain even if he represents the dark side. On the other hand I would be willing to commit to jumping if the "Pubs" retain control. He says it is THAT important and I agree. Two more years of Crawford's village idiot is more than I can stand if the lemmings of congress AKA Republicans also retain their self declared monarchy.

JA Little Rock, AR (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:17 PM)

Just another campaign promise that won't be kept.

donkeyhoetee,Phila, Pa (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:17 PM)

Is "left-wing liberal nutballs" all you got? Come on, you can do better than that! Obviously there are many republicans (here and elswhere) that are unimpressed and tired of McCain's act. I am a liberal, highly educated and not even slightly concerned about people who think the way you do. Most everyone elase woke up while you remain asleep...you will get yours in 19 days when the "nutballs" and a whole lot of Republicans get together and kick the dog out of this current administration at the polls. The nutballs and the republicans are together on this one, much to the chagrin of folks like yourself. Your post really set you apart from those of us with some kind of a clue what is best for this nation. Get ready!!

Dave (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:18 PM)

Stevens: on 9/12 you were already bitching about Democrats? What a patriot! IF only there were less like you.

Lee Steele Mountain View CA (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:19 PM)

It's so sad to see John go juvenile. What's next..."I hate the democrats"...or maybe "If you vote for a Democrat I'll kill you"?

Marcus Lathrop, Rochester, New York (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:20 PM)

Andrew. Jump back on the same Horse? At least that Horse isn't the same one the Republicans are riding...I think it's name is "Stay the Course". That's a sound ideaology!

RV, Columbus,Ohio (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:20 PM)

All it really does is reinforce a thought that surfaced in 2000 by the Bushies: That this guy is a little wacked! What exactly did the VC do to him in that cell?

jim curran los angeles (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:20 PM)

Andrew. Jump back on the same Horse? At least that Horse isn't the same one the Republicans are riding...I think it's name is "Stay the Course". That's a sound ideaology!

RV, Columbus,Ohio (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:21 PM)

I guess John McCain could withstand any torture the North Vietnamese did to him but the idea of not getting the Republican Party to support his bid for the presidency got him to compromise his beliefs and start being a front man for the enemy. Both he and Jane Fonda have sold out their beliefs for the prospect of more fame and the almighty dollar.

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:22 PM)

Andrew Stevens: what does this have to do with 9/11? I'm completely befuddled how McCain's anti-statesmanship somehow reflects poorly on Liberals. What "horse" do you want us to ride now? The rubber-stamp Horse of the Apocalypse? The Horse of Utter Foreign Policy Failure? How about the Horse of Cutting Cake with Seniors and Playing Guitar while people die in New Orleans? Me, I'm all for putting credible leaders back in Washington. If you are going to defend McCain's leadership skills here, please explain to us how he can lead when disagreeing so powerfully with over 50% of the electorate that he'd rather kill himself than compromise.

slippytoad (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:23 PM)

McCain has sold out to the Bush Administration. I used to respect him, but his brain seems to have stopped functioning on its own. Doesn't he realize that by going along with all of the unconstitutional activities that Bush is so proud of, McCain is just as guilty.

Tim, Long beach, CA (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:24 PM)

Gee, Senator, what will your family think when they find your body? Perhaps you should ask mine. My aunt and uncle found their 18-year-old son with a self-inflicted bullet through his head. This happened 28 years ago and it still haunts us. And you call your statement levity? Try that line on Tony Dungy or other parents who have lost children to suicide. See how they react. You are disgusting and you lost my vote.

Anne, somewhere in Michigan (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:27 PM)

It never ceases to amaze me that all of the enlightened, smarter than thou Dem's reduce themselves to barbary as soon as someone not on their side errs or criticizes the beloved Clintons. Shame on all of you for your death wishes. You're nothing more than ignorant, angry savages with suspect education. It makes it tough to vote Dem when I think I'll be coupled with people who have the same personality as the people they claim to hate! Why, because they look just like you in the ideological mirror?!

Stefan, NYC (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:30 PM)

It was a joke made at a Republican campaign stop. He is a Republican. He wants his side to retain Congress, just like Democrats want their side to regain control of Congress. Alec Baldwin said he would leave the country if Bush was re-elected. Last I checked, he's still here. Count "sense of humor" among the things we are losing in this country...

Jim, Northampton, MA (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:32 PM)

Suicide? I fail to see the humor. McCain, you committed political suicide when you sold out to the Bush Machine.

Molly Maguire (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:33 PM)

Until now, I thought I might vote for this guy. Obviously, however, he is just another idiologue who holds his political party above the will of the electorate. George Bush continued? No thanks!

John, Rockton IL. (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:33 PM)

A suicide joke...hahaha. Amazing that this is a humorous subject - ask any suicide survivor how they feel about someone laughing about this. Just one more reason I'm not voting for McCain.

Joan D, Westminster CO (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:35 PM)

I find Mr. McCain, and his pretend straight talk and integrity disgusting. He pretended to care about the Geneva conventions and the rights of detainees and ended up voting to eliminate the most basic of American rights, habeas corpus. Can there be any better definition of traitor?

Peggy M (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:35 PM)

I used to respect John McCain until he let the Cowarard Cowoboy from Crawford Walk all over him in the 2000 Election. He really has no back-bone at all. Now he is trying to apease the far-right Bible Thumpers. He is a joke...

Mike Smith, Waterloo Il (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:39 PM)

How is joking about suicide levity? Mr. McCain seems to need some sensitivity training. The comment also gives the indication that things would be so bad under a Democratic controlled Congress that it wouldn’t be worth living under that scenario. How low will these WEAK Republicans go? Evidentially they will go as low as it is possible.

Clinton, San Diego, California (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:41 PM)

McCain is a sicko, and a statement like that only highlights why he and other Republicans are too irresponible to be in charge. What a punk...

lucas jones (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:42 PM)

Yeah, Edna. It's the press's fault for reporting verbatim what McCain said! (note sarcasm.) Typical Republican mentality... blame it on the press or blame it on the Democrats. And non-thinking people like yourself buy into it, hook, line, and sinker! The war is going horribly; should the press not report that? Foley get's cought after years of preying on pages, the Republican House leadership knew and did nothing (to save one seat); should the press not report that? The basis for going to war in the first place was, at best, flawed intelligence, and the president's office know that; should the press not report it? North Korea is now a nuclear state; should the press not report it? The world's view of the United States has plumeted under this president; should the press not report that? This president has called the United Nations "irrelevant" for doing exactly what was created to do because it did not rubber-stamp what he wanted to do... should the press not report that? The Republicans have been in control of both houses of congress for the better part of 12 years, and the white house for six, and the best they can do is pander to the religious wing-nuts by attempting to amend the constitution to, for the first time in history, insert blatant discrimination. It's time for a change. Edna, grow a brain and begin using it, because it seems to me as though the Republicans are spoon-feeding you your thoughts.

James, San Francisco (Sent Thursday, October 19, 2006 12:42 PM)

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