Everybody's working for the weekend...

Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:16 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: McCain

From NBC's Mark Murray
Loverboy? Or John McCain?

Politico's Martin writes, "Since effectively capturing the Republican nomination when Mitt Romney dropped out of the race on Feb. 7, John McCain has held just one public campaign event on a weekend. Instead, after workweeks full of fundraisers, town hall meetings and interviews, McCain has been, in campaign parlance, 'down' on nearly every Saturday or Sunday for 20 weeks, largely sequestered away from the news media."

But: "That isn't to say McCain is kicking back and relaxing every weekend. He’s hosted reporters and donors on separate occasions at his Arizona cabin, done a guest turn on 'Saturday Night Live' and visited troops in both Iraq and at Walter Reed hospital. Yet aside from an April rally on the steps of the courthouse in Prescott, Ariz., McCain has done little to capture media attention on weekends for nearly five months."

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Comments

Yaaaawn...come on MSNBC!

Michelle Zee (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:18 AM)

Too funny. You guys are getting giddy, posting You Tube clips of rock bands to illustrate your articles. Ha ha.

Amy B Portland, ME First Read Fan (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:23 AM)

"We're Americans"...That's why He's running..the best campaign in recent history...
McCain is just starting to see this is no cake walk.
Why else is McNuts sounding more a rambling Bush..
OOOOOOPS Sorry, I said the "B" word again....
When McNut talks about the "American Dream", I start to have nightmares...
The evil emperor Ming the Mercilessi is chasing me...yelling, "I'm Uncle Ho Chí Minh's Father!!!!!"
Does that have anything to do with John McCain's past adventures...before or after he really missed America?
I guess he only misses America when we are in the presences of the enemy....Food for thought...
Does McNut need to have an enemy to
miss America (us)?

BJ, CA (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:23 AM)

Does McShame know that being President doesn't limit his work week to 40 hours?

Marty in KC (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:28 AM)

This is a easy "softball". McOld get tired easily. He needs his rest. Sedona, Arizona is a beautiful scenic part of the planet and John needs his rest.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:29 AM)

Does not work weekends! Just cookin some Ribs for my Sycophants in the media. They love me - the old, easy going warmonger that I am. I drink alot of Cindy's beer too.

All this makes me ready to be Commander-In-Chief from Monday thru Friday. I need to take the weekends off.

Boy, we sure could use some terrorism; by say, October. What's a couple of hundred dead Americans, comapred to not having me as the American President of the good "old" USA.

Bomb Bomb Bomb .............

BudIn Texas (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:29 AM)

Working the weekend? Well, everyone except Congress. Nice of The Liberal Witch from SF, Pelosi to you liberals, managed to get a bill passed that makes it illegal for citizens to own monkeys. Good to know that issue got settled before the summer recess. Work on the economy, Iraq, and fuel costs will have to wait until this fall I guess. The monkey now moves on to the Senate - which means Reid will now have give up owning his pet monkey - Dick Durbin.

Facts is Facts (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:30 AM)

John McCain is simply training for the Presidency with lots of leisure time - just like his mentor George Bush. Not to worry - he will have many weekends to rest up after November! :)

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:30 AM)

At 72 years of age, will he take the weekends off in the White House as well?

We need Senator Obama (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:32 AM)

Definitely not one of First Read's better articles. Come on First Read there's better stories to cover. How about talking about "America Hater" McCain's many statement that he didn't love America until he became a POW?

Oh well I guess we can put up with a few puff pieces just because they allow us to post comments. Thanks much to the First Read crew for posting so many good articles and reader comments.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:34 AM)

i think its pathetic for a presidential candidate not working on the weekends. what is he going to do when he has to work sun. and sat. is he going to put us on hold to just take his day off. I recommend red bull or starbucks for his energy problem

http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/06/25/mccain-meeting-with-gay-republicans/

tooli (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:34 AM)

Foretaste of the future should he (miraculously) get voted into the WH. He's 71, the man needs to sleep in once in a while.

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:35 AM)

Senator McCain's age has not allowed him to take advantage of the gruelingly long dem primary. He should have worked harder than he did, but did'nt have it in him.

He will not be able to handle the rigors of the Presidency either physically, emotionally, or mentally.

McCain is a weak candidate.

donna (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:35 AM)

McSleepy has to get his naps when he can

Vicki, Ohio (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:41 AM)

That's what old people do, right??? The old man needs his rest ...
OBAMA '08 & '12

Janice - Glenwood (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:43 AM)

That is our gov't for us. I believe Congress only works about 90-110 days a year, the rest of the time they are out of session or on vacation or just building a bridge to nowhere. Golf anyone? Wish I had a paying gig like that!

Obama for POTUS !!

Paul, Miami, FL (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:45 AM)

The maverick isn't up to the job. The GOP is in worse shape than I've ever seen it. They appear hobbled and blind. Family values turned into politics of hate, national security's become politics of fear, and fiscal conservatism's turned into unrestricted spending and huge deficits. McCain lacks the vision, understanding and health to perform the job that needs to be done.

bill, okla (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:45 AM)

Guess Cindy is usually too busy on the weekends shopping to be ready at a moments notice to change McGeritol's Depends!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:47 AM)

Way to get to the issues that really matter in the lives of Americans.

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:48 AM)

Meanwhile Obama gets his name in the news for all the wrong reasons......

A good tactic.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:54 AM)

Let's face it, he is old as dirt and after being active during the week, needs his rest. If you vote McFossil into office, get used to his need for warm milk, nap time and weekends off. He'll need it.

pwkearns (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 10:58 AM)

McFossil doesn't have anything to say during the week and now you expect him to come up with something on the weekends, too? That's too funny! When does Grandpa get to rest?

Diane from Illinois (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:01 AM)

This really does matter. What if he gets that 3:00am call on a Saturday? He'll probably sleep in until Monday or until the world explodes, whichever comes first.

http://jumpinoffthecliff.tripod.com/theonlythingwehavetofearisignoranceitself/

Democrat (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:09 AM)

Wow, it must really be a slow news day for MSNBC if someone took the time to research this information.

http://www.politivine.com

Polivitine (SC) (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:10 AM)

AND PAT IS TOO BUSY AT THE ADULT STORES BUYING BLACK TOYS DOES YOUR HAIR GET KINKY ON THE WEEKENDS PAT AND ARE YOU NOW LISTENING TO HIP HOP=BETTER GET SOME SPINNER RIMS FOR YOUR CAR AND ILL SEND YOU A COON TAIL YAS SUH YALL VOTES FOR OBAMAS NOW AND G DAMM AMERICA LONG AS ITS DEMO LIBERALS.

DAVID aNDERS TEXAS (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:13 AM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com
If you love the Constitution and our Second Amendment today is certainly a happy day!

twocanpete (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:20 AM)

I don’t care if takes the rest of the campaign season off. His campaign is a joke and total disrespect to America. The implication of bomb, bomb, bomb, is not funny and neither is it sober to be such a warmonger; yet, not support the veterans. McCain is too much of a joke and dangerous.
If Johnny boy can’t get out the car without hitting his head; the next thing we’ll know he will be falling down the airport steps. That’s problematic because in early stages of Alzheimer’s the person forgets many bodily functions. Remember that’s how Reagan got started,
I have faith in the American voters. No one wants a constant, loser, candidate who had to take a loan just to stay in the fray. He wants to only further the Bush/Cheney agenda.

Obama the next 8 years.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:20 AM)

Come on everyone....one day you will be old and infirmed too! Fighting off the sleep demons becomes a bit more challenging when you reach John McCain's "distinguished" age of 71 going on 93.

Johnny Boy says, "Night night, friends...wake me up when I am sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom."

Joe, White Bear Lake, MN (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:21 AM)

Loverboy rocks. Surpassed only by Tears For Fears in my opinion. Everybody wants to rule the world.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:23 AM)

Okay First REad,

WHere is the story talking about how McBush is ready and willing to reinstate the draft and his admission that we are heading into a World War III??

Why no coverage of that?????

Seems to me that is some pretty serious, SCARY stuff coming from McBush's mouth and I'm sure a lot of people would like to hear about it.

I'm sure people will be really excited to support a man that is planning to lead us into World War III and promises to send our sons, brothers and husbands straight to death.

Why no talk about this????

Guess it's not shiny enough huh Chucky T.

Sure wish Russert was around, as I KNOW he would be asking McBush about this.

obama 08 (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:26 AM)

Hey Mark thanks for video!!!
I am glad you are having fun with your stories. How about a picture of McCain wearing spandex and a headband?

lori Chicago (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:27 AM)

Outside his gaffes, he's done little to draw the media's attention at all. A real snoozer candidate

Not fooled (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:30 AM)

Speaking of yawns...though it would be interesting if FR actually printed the names of the media 'hanging out' at mcsames weekend pad...

Rick, NC (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:31 AM)

I'm with Bobbi. What was the message you were trying to convey in this story? Has Obama been available 24/7 EVERY DAY? Seems to me he was on the beach for an entire week. How about when he's taken off time to be with his children? I remember seeing posts here "how sweet" "How wonderful" Obama was taking time off with his family. I find it interesting, too, you elect to say McCain was not available on weekends. Why don't you do an article FIRST READ on how many days Obama has been made "offlimits" to the press, which has been plenty. And, the reason he's often off limits is because he makes gaffes when he doesn't have prepared answers. This was a STUPID ARTICLE, First Read. Be fair for once, please.

See FIRST READ...your Obama connection (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:32 AM)

Awesome YouTube of McCain vs. McCain. A walking contradiction to himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c&feature=related

YouTube is awesome! (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:39 AM)

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:39 AM)

So, no work on the weekends and he can't be bothered with showing up in the Senate either. But, man, the dude can make time for Canada, Mexico, and Columbia, oh yeah, and that European trip as well, let's not forget that one. Let's see I think McCain has been just about everywhere, well, maybe he'll go to China, and Africa before it's all over, then he can come home and tell the American people that the economies fundamentals are strong, we are winning in Iraq, don't think about Bin Laden and Afganistan, our military is in fine shape, and don't even think about gas and food prices it's all psycological anyway.

tina, ar (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:39 AM)

Me likey john john, him no when to rest and when to not rest, me no likey other guy him from different tribe, him want to steal our precious bodily fluids, me vote for general Ripper and Dr. Strangelove, dey realists in an unreal world.
Be afraid, be very afraid, sharpen spears, hide women and children under rock, dog help protect, cat not help, would rather eat my foot than give in.
signed New old stone age man.

new old stone age man (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:45 AM)

Just think of the economic boost that McCain could have provided if he had done at least 1 campaign stop every weekend?

See McCain, you really don't know jack about the economy!?!?

http://www.politivine.com

Polivitine (SC) (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:50 AM)

It's the George Bush work schedule, 24/7. Twenty four hours a week, seven months a year.

iowan (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:52 AM)

old man needs his rest, nothing new there.

thats a fact jack (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:53 AM)

I agree with the sentiments above! Let's talk about how John McCain didn't love this country until he was "tortured" by his "friend" in 'nam for 5 years! Watch the BBC video of that interview and get back to us chuck, mark, and domenico.

Christina (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:02 PM)

OK, re-read the article folks, it says he is not campaigning - it does not say he is relaxing at home resting or whatever. Since when has NObama been to Walter Reed or Iraq?

Dan, USA (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:05 PM)

All I have to say is the John McSame doesn't know how to use a PC or Blackberry - here he is saying it himself:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/06/25/moos.mccain.doesnt.compute.cnn

it should be illegal for a person to be President of the USA without such basic knowledge. This is unexcuseable - totally out of touch with a MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR part of society, world economy, leading export/import tool. I mean the list goes on. How can you make sound decisions on most modern issues if you dont know how to use a darm computer. I mean what the hell is that?!?!?!?!?! This is beyond scary

RB (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:06 PM)

First Read:

You have posted rules for this blog. Why are you not following them? According to your stated rules the posting of one David Anders should not be tolerated.

I would like an explanation as to why, in violation of your stated rules, you are posting that which is clearly racist and attacking the post of another?

sotiredofignorance (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:07 PM)

One word: Geritol

Nuff Ced McGreavey (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:08 PM)

Bush doesn't work weekends. He also refuses to cut his vacations short, even when one of it's most famous cities and citizens are hit with one of the worst national disasters in history. I guess a Mccain presidency is a Bush third time.

Stacey (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:14 PM)

Who cares? We need health care, green energy & a GROWTH ECONOMY...See Robert Kennedy Jr. on Letterman last month. No time for this petty nonsense.

Jessie Beveridge, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:16 PM)

Hey, folks. It's actually more true that people need less sleep as they get older.

But you can't make denigrating stereotypical "old" jokes that with that I suppose, huh?

It's also apparent from the man's schedule in general, in the Senate and through the primaries that he could leave all of you in his dust, despite the injuries he still lives with today from 40 years ago.

But if you feel better making dumb age jokes, hey, knock yourselves out. Shows your depth.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:23 PM)

lol, iowan. Where do I sign up!

Mary, OH (Sent Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:37 PM)

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