The newspaper that endorsed McCain, once again tries to stir him up. McCain’s temper is one characteristic he needs to watch carefully if he wants to win this. (See Video Here)
Bumiller, who took over the McCain beat from Marc Santora in January, quoted a 2004 story in which McCain said the Kerry meeting never happened, according to ABC News. McCain, whose temper does flare up at times, told Bumiller that everyone already knows this story, despite her persistent questioning.
Republican Sen. John McCain, showing a flash of the temper he is known for, repeatedly cut off a reporter Friday when asked whether he had spoken to Democratic Sen. John Kerry about being his vice president in 2004.
“Everybody knows that I had a private conversation. Everybody knows that, that I had a conversation,” McCain told the reporter. “And you know it, too. No. You know it, too. No. You do know. You do know.”
The reporter, Elisabeth Bumiller of The New York Times, was following up on a question McCain had answered at a campaign event Friday morning in Atlanta. Asked if he might consider Kerry as a running mate, since Kerry asked him in 2004, McCain said no.
Afterward, on a campaign flight, Bumiller said she looked in the Times’ archives and that McCain had denied talking with Kerry in a May 2004 story.
McCain interrupted, saying that everyone knew he had a private conversation, and he kept interrupting as she tried to follow up. McCain clearly was irate.
“I don’t know what you read or heard of, and I don’t know the circumstances,” McCain said. “Maybe in May of ‘04 I hadn’t had a conversation.”
Did he recall the conversation? “I don’t know, but it’s well-known that I had the conversation. It’s absolutely well-known by everyone. So do you have a question on another issue?”
Asked again about the conversation, McCain said, “No. No. Because the issue is closed, as far as I’m concerned. Everybody knows it. Everybody knows it in America.”
Maybe McCain is really, truly, finally learning his lesson now: When you lie down with liberal MSM dogs, they’re going to come back and bite you in the you-know-where. Glad to see his temper directed at somebody other than grass-roots conservatives.
The question wasn’t really an unfair one, and its an issue he needs to address. It is an issue many conservatives hold uncomfortably, and McCain has to realize the press will ask tough questions. Telling them to take a hike is one thing, showing the world that you let their annoying persistance get under your skin this easily is another. Take a deep breath John.
On the other hand, the reporter was quite testy and annoying. It was fun watching McCain deal with her.
Update: I don’t want folks to get me wrong. I don’t think that McCain blew his lid here. I’m just stating that its something he needs to be careful with. I think the NY Times was out of line in the questioning, and though McCain was walkin the rope with his temper, he kept things in appropriate form for the circumstances. He does have a history of temper though, and it wanted to come out here. Kudos to him for holding it back.
I agree with Ed Morrissey overall:
But his reaction seems rather mild, under the circumstances. He’s annoyed, sure, but hardly spitting and cursing. By the time she asks “Why are you so angry?”, the question is so inappropriate that he asks her to repeat it — and she declines, hopefully out of embarrassment.
Interestingly, the Times now has tried twice to get his goat, and for the second time, they’ve wound up with egg on their face.
—John Stephenson is editor of Stop The ACLU.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Everybody and his Republican cousin has been waiting for
March 7, 2008 - 17:57 ET by JayTeeEverybody and his Republican cousin has been waiting for George Bush to do this particular "Shut up and move on" directive to the Press. Bush was too nice....has been, and the press gives out sooo much ammo to load into your Response Weapon of choice, but Bush and others would not pull the Trigger and fire back at the Press corps.
Could not agree with you
March 7, 2008 - 21:42 ET by DaMavCould not agree with you more. Wait till the media figures out how easy they had it with Bush.
I just watched the video,
March 7, 2008 - 17:59 ET by marpelI just watched the video, and I don't think McCain was out of line at all. I personally would not have been as gracious as he was to this twit. And, asking him why he was so angry at the end was way out of line. I bet she has been a smart-ass previously on the campaign route, and he has her number. Furthermore, she continued to press him on something that is now a moot point. At least it is to me.
The MSM are terrorists too.
yep
March 8, 2008 - 11:46 ET by lotrI totally agree -- although it would certainly have been better for him to retain more composure (that's always the case, of course, and it applies equally well to Democrats, who typically lose theirs more often....), I find myself sympathizing with him. It looks like he is on a commerical flight, in coach class, and he gets harrassed -- and what's with the candid cameraman?
I've seen this over and
March 7, 2008 - 18:06 ET by bigtimerI've seen this over and over already...
Get a life NYTs and all involved, this isn't anger when it comes to McCain and his temper...you ain't seen nothing yet.
Attempting to make a mountain out of a molehill in this instance.
Attempting to make a
March 7, 2008 - 20:23 ET by motherbeltAttempting to make a mountain out of a molehill in this instance.
Agreed. When Jim Webb was downright rude to President Bush, the MSM were all in swoon of admiration over it. But McCain gets hectored by a pain-in-the-neck reporter who is being rude, manages to keep his temper mostly in check, showing a bit of annoyance, and they act like he was a male Joan Crawford!
Can you say "double standard"?
Did he lose his temper?
March 7, 2008 - 18:50 ET by Kuso JijiI watched the clip and didn't see the man losing his temper. I saw a man savy enough to recognize the little game the New York Times was playing and simply chose not play along. The reporter's little jab at the end "why are you so angry?" was a failed last ditch effort to get under John McCain's skin.
A site like news busters should be a little more careful about playing into the "drive-by media's" hands.
If this is a legitimate question, McCain needs to work through this issue and any similiar issues with conservatives directly and not through the left wing media.
McCain Paparrazi
March 7, 2008 - 18:59 ET by m36b1I just watched the video - I especially liked the part where McCain kept on telling this twit reporter "No - no", and some goober photojournalist wakes up and quietly slinks past McCain hoping to get a good "grimace" shot of poor 'ol McCain. Kind of reminded me of a scumbag MSM Paparazzi or something. Bizarre.
The only thing that would have been better
March 7, 2008 - 19:02 ET by BlondeIf had McCain had just come out and said "quit being so bloody stupid, would you?".
Or
"What didn't you understand about NO?"
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Temper, temper
March 7, 2008 - 19:12 ET by m36b1You know, for all the hub-bub about McCain's explosive temper, I was expecting him to be foaming at the mouth after the umpteenth time he was asked the same question. I know I wouldn't have handled it that good. I probably would've grabbed the microphone out of her hand and tapped on it saying "hellooo - anybody in there??" The reporter kind of reminded me of my kid's talking pull-string figure that you just can't get to shut up...
lowered standards
March 7, 2008 - 19:14 ET by UndercoverConservativedamn, they've lowered the standards on *everything* these days. McCain doesn't have a temper..sharp responses to a politically antagonistic reporter never used to be considered "temper".
Now if McCain had leapt over the podium, and crammed the reporter's recording gear so far down her throat that the reporter could now record every time she talked out her @ss...*that* is a temper.
Pansies! wimps! milquetoast panty-waists! "Ooh, McCain raised his voice and used That Tone with me! I'm emotionally scarred for life!". Bah. If reporters and opponents don't come away *physically* scarred for life then they haven't seen temper yet.
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
yep
March 8, 2008 - 11:50 ET by lotrGood points -- of course, the behaviors you just described somehow bring to mind Hollywood egomaniacs who react in this manner, and it ain't in the coach class cabin of an airplane, either.
John Stephenson says...
March 7, 2008 - 19:16 ET by ThisnThat"The question wasn’t really an unfair one, and its an issue he needs to address."
ThisnThat says The questioner was stupid and pestering, and got what she deserved.
I think John Stephenson should write about something else -- because he is parroting the MSM take on this, rather than watching the video and coming to his own conclusion. I watched the video and didn't see McCain lose his temper at all.
Know what's really going on? The MSM is trying to set McCain up so that anything he says can be painted as "temper tantrum". Now THAT's unfair, and needs to be challenged by NewsBusters.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Not angry
March 7, 2008 - 19:37 ET by ChaitealoverHe didn't sound angry, he sounded firm. Unfortunately, even conservative commentators are so used to Republican politicians being wishy-washy that they don't recognize a firm answer when they hear one.
Chai
“...Bury me on my face,” said Diogenes; and when he was asked why, he replied, “Because in a little while everything will be turned upside down.”
No
March 7, 2008 - 19:42 ET by John StephensonNo, just some of us Conservative commentators are not as good as the commenters at writing how we feel in a good manner that actually communicates it precisely. I think I did a rush job on the piece and appreciate everyone setting me straight. I did a poor job communicating my thoughts. I've updated the post.
No worries, John
March 7, 2008 - 19:48 ET by BlondeThis is the proof that we're conservatives, we can read (or watch) something for ourselves, and make up our own minds about it.
Having said that, though, the MsM and the liberal blogs will hop all over McCain's "performance" as being over the top and out of control.
Personally, I think it may send a little message to Imadinnerjacket.....think Beach Boys "Bomb, bomb, bomb....."
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
John
March 7, 2008 - 20:12 ET by ChaitealoverI wasn't thinking of you in my previous comment, I was thinking about some others, like Malkin, who jumped all over it. Personally, I'd like to see McCain show his temper in response, not only to the MSM, but also to liberal 'blame America first' types.
Chai
“...Bury me on my face,” said Diogenes; and when he was asked why, he replied, “Because in a little while everything will be turned upside down.”
Ahh yes, John McCain. A
March 7, 2008 - 20:00 ET by WiggyAhh yes, John McCain. A candidate you can be proud of!
NOT!
Your opinion is noted, but...
March 7, 2008 - 20:06 ET by ThisnThatOnly if you buy the MSM bias, hook - line - and sinker.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Gee thanks. I don't have to
March 8, 2008 - 00:59 ET by WiggyGee thanks. I don't have to listen to the MSM. I was born and raised in Southern Arizona. I know more about Senator McCain than you do. The man has a hot temper.
Wiggy... The man has a
March 8, 2008 - 16:40 ET by bigtimerWiggy...
The man has a hot temper.
Bingo!
Msm attempting to make a mountain out of a molehill.
Give it time, it may come out in sputs and starts with McCain's so-called bestest friends...heheee..
Now that would be just delicious.
Exactly, each passing year
March 8, 2008 - 00:41 ET by LastlibertarianExactly, each passing year reveals a more bizarre, unhinged McCain. Why would anyone would put yet another mentally challenged, ethically deficient individual in the oval office?
Because, unfortunately,
March 8, 2008 - 16:33 ET by fitzfongBecause, unfortunately, those are the only 3 choices we have left.
Oh, no. John McCain risks
March 7, 2008 - 20:16 ET by fitzfongOh, no. John McCain risks the chance that he won't get the endorsement of the New York Times for the general election. I'm sure he's going to lose a lot of sleep worrying about that.
ABC Doctored/Modified Video on McCain tonight...
March 7, 2008 - 20:20 ET by JayTeeWho is this on ABC world news, Williams ? ? Don't watch much anymore...anyhow...
They Doubled up / Re-ran /back-forthed about 2 seconds of the Video, in order to make McCain look bad. They Played it twice.
When McCain said "You know it, too. No. You do know. You do know.” ---there was a little Video jerk and then ABC played 'You know it, too. No. You do know. You do know.” back to back...
THAT is ...is....for lack of better words, TOTALLY BIASED Bull shitski (russsian).
How can ABC doctor a Video and Get away with it.....? ?
Never did see McCain Lose his temper...but that's was the Lead in story, and then that was the Follow up remarks.....evidently ABC can't wait for the real thing, they have to invent it and do double takes hoping you won't notice.
MSM Bias in video's......they've graduated from faking documents to doctoring Video's.
Wow, JayTee
March 7, 2008 - 20:28 ET by BlondeI suspect that your post is the media bust of the week.
UNBELIEVABLE!
And unfortunately, the sheep will buy it.
How terribly sad.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde...per the note below..to Bigtimer/john
March 7, 2008 - 21:02 ET by JayTeeI had read this post above, went home, and waaalah....there was the Video I had just read about on the News. I even remember reading the lines..."You know it, too. No. You do know. You do know.” and thought the MSM would jump on that....little did I know the MSM thought it was so bad they wanted a double take for the viewers.
There was an ABC guy taping from the side, not the full on Video here.
Of course, someone has to verify my "story" thru seeing it also, or someone taping that segment on ABC tonight and comparing. But I saw what I saw...heard what I heard.
JayTee
March 7, 2008 - 21:05 ET by BlondeI believe you....it's not beneath these scummy newsies to do something like what you've described.
I know, what I've said, and what I've heard, always.
So, there are fifteen versions floating around, and if ABC is smart, they'll pull the version you heard, in a big, fat hurry.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I hate to say this
March 7, 2008 - 20:38 ET by John StephensonJay Tee, I hate to say this, but...I was hoping you just had a scoop, and I rewatched the video several times. I can't see any slam dunk evidence that what you are alleging is true. I see where McCain repeats himself, but the repeat isn't exact, and the video is smooth to the point that when he says it the second time his head has moved to a different angle and you can read his lips in both parts. I think he just repeated himself. Its like that on both parts where he repeats himself. I'm not seeing anything that would suggest the video being doctored. If I'm wrong..please everyone point it out to me, because I'd love to be the blogger that can update with a scoop like that. I'll give credit where its due to. I just can't see it right now to post on it with confidence.
John...It was the ABC News Video...6:30 news...not the link here
March 7, 2008 - 20:43 ET by JayTeeAre you watching the ABC world news that was on about an Hour ago...? They took the Video you're seeing, fixed it up and played it again in doctored form, on the NEWS. There's a Jerk in that version, and a Repeat....
I swear.....I had not even looked at the link here...but I will now.
There is no double-up of the
March 7, 2008 - 21:29 ET by motherbeltThere is no double-up of the "you do know it" section in the video here, and no "jerking" so if ABC had that line twice and a jerk, I would say they doctored the video.
John, I have to agree
March 7, 2008 - 20:43 ET by bigtimerJohn,
I have to agree with you, I have seen the whole thing on the msm today too, more than once as they love to do... it is the same as far as I can tell.
Bigtimer/John....OK here's the truth...there was more than 1
March 7, 2008 - 20:57 ET by JayTeethe ABC Video was at the same time. It was taken from McCain's Left side...the "link" here is from the FRONT.
The ABC Video on the NEWS Tonight, double Tracked as I said/described in the previous post above.
I just watched the Video Link here. It was fine, but ABC tricked up their version....and I did NOT see here the track jerk that I watched tonight. . . . and I didn't see McCain Repeat himself in this one here.
Count on it....but you have to have a Copy of the "from the Left side Video" that ABC news presentation put on tonights news. Evidently since there are at least TWO versions, cameras rolling at the time, they can be Compared to see if I'm all WET and prone to seeing things.
Hey JT... Believe me I
March 7, 2008 - 21:06 ET by bigtimerHey JT...
Believe me I know some of the tricks the msm do, I didn't catch the ABC news, I was only talking about the msnbc and CNN videos... so I apologize if you thought I was going against what you saw, I was mainly talking about John's and what I saw, so hope you follow me here...lol.
Sure BT...I expected skeptic examination..after all
March 7, 2008 - 21:14 ET by JayTeethat's what this site is all about......say it, but prove it and link it.
Unfortunately I was not Taping ABC........NB'ers...help me out here, say you got the 6:30 news broadcast on tape.
JT... I think you are
March 7, 2008 - 21:20 ET by bigtimerJT...
I think you are worrying too much here....maybe later abc news will have a link to the exact video the video showed with the story...
I really do know how the other networks can and do edit what they want to put on the air with their biased agenda.
Really, this whole thing regarding McCain and this supposed temper he displayed is a non-issue...it will go nowhere.
He has a temper alright, and this ain't it...no matter how the msm of all venues try to spin this.
I'm pissed about ABC....not worried about U guys
March 7, 2008 - 21:27 ET by JayTeeAs I walked back to work...I got more pissed about what I saw. I'm 504 steps from Apt. to work....and it was raining.
You right, it's not a Big deal, and won't be remembered past the weekend news cycle, but it's still BS in Broadcasting.
I don't want to go back to screaming at my TV. I want simple, honest, reporting, and I want to believe the MSM is only 20% biased. Unfortunately, I'm thinking 20% is un-reachable by the MSM dudes....they're at 50% and climbing.
JT.... Only 50%...that is
March 7, 2008 - 21:33 ET by bigtimerJT....
Only 50%...that is putting it nicely.
Seriously.
I used to have a huge dish out here before the little ones ever became available, there were stations you could get where the msm channels like abc cbs and such where making and editing their nightly news shows, it was flabbergasting to me the product at the end of the day that they would chose to show on their networks, mind-blowing, it woke me up in a hurry about the msm.
btw..you could also hear the talking heads like Connie Chung talking freely not knowing some people in this country could hear what they were saying, that too was a wake-up call.
Just thought I would throw this in here.
Jay Tee, the video is up on
March 7, 2008 - 21:38 ET by motherbeltJay Tee, the video is up on abcnews.com and appears to be the same one as the one linked to here, even the time is exact...1:41.
Whether they doctored it for the live broadcast, I don't know how you could tell for sure unless you happened to be recording it.
Now I'm not saying they wouldn't do that....just that one couldn't tell unless they had recorded the broadcast.
Motherbelt....Well, it will be interesting (for me) to find out
March 7, 2008 - 21:45 ET by JayTeeOF Course ABC news knows the Right wing is watching. I'm sure the original had zero glitches...They must have "screwed" up in editing....Or I need to sign on the Littlegreenfootballs site and report for duty.
Usually I only halucinate after 4 beers, or working out doing 100 lb bench presses, or when I do my interval training too long and wind up 20 heartbeats over reccommended maximum.
John S. yes, I know..McCain Repeated himself
March 7, 2008 - 21:09 ET by JayTeeAnd if you repeat the Repeat of him repeating, it really looks Stupid, and that's what ABC went for by extending it.
As I said, I read the post here before I watched the "From the side" Video on ABC. I"m sure ABC can explain it...if anyone thinks I'm seeing double....it was really quadruple.
McCain
March 7, 2008 - 20:42 ET by MountainmamaOh, please! I did not see any temper. I thought he was very composed. I would have applauded him if he has told her to "stuff it". She was like a wining kid. Who can stand to talk to a wining kid?????? The press wants everyone to be like their Kumbiyia Kid.
Mm... I agree, like I
March 7, 2008 - 20:46 ET by bigtimerMm...
I agree, like I said above somewhere, the msm is just attempting to make a mountain out of a molehill here when it comes to McCain's temper.
The msm really are jokers at times....useless ones at that.
The MSM is used to the
March 7, 2008 - 21:33 ET by DaMavThe MSM is used to the candidates bowing and scraping before them. McCain just scared the H out of them.
He didn't cuss, he didn't get physical, he forcefully and verbally backed the reporter into a corner until she began whimpering "nevermind nevermind".
For all his enfuriating wobbling around liberalism, at least he gave us a moment where we can stand up and cheer. And enjoy the mewling of the media in shock and awe.
I'm thinking that it does
March 7, 2008 - 21:21 ET by Jack BauerI'm thinking that it does John McCain no harm to get into an argument with a New York Times reporter. Rather the opposite.
At least he didn't storm out of the Press Room a la Barry the Aitch yesterday.
Mind you, that would have been a neat trick at 30,000 feet.
His problem is getting into arguments with conservatives. And conservative radio hosts.
Jack... I think it would of
March 7, 2008 - 21:23 ET by bigtimerJack... I think it would of been rich if he had said to E. Buemiller (sp) the exact phrase Cheney whispered to Bush about the arsehole from the NYTs.
LOL.
That would of been what I call an uproar when it comes to the 4th Estate..
McCain smacks down snarky NY Times reporter
March 7, 2008 - 21:28 ET by DaMavThe proudest I've been of McCain in a long time.
How many times have we railed and seethed as the press bullied Bush over every conceivable issue. It's about time somebody stood up to them.
I've been less of a McCain supporter than someone horrified by the Democrats this year. But if McCain can pull off this kind of thing a little more we might see some sparks in his campaign.
You've got liberals in the media sobbing and whimpering all over the place on this one. Way to go John.
I hope the MSM causes McCain to blow a gaskett.
March 7, 2008 - 23:40 ET by R D HelmI'm talking something that will knock him out of the race soon. I do not want this phony as the republican nominee in September. Period.
He is too old, to senile, and much, much too liberal.
No one who was willing to sell this country out to the criminal Mexican invaders for $5000 a head would get my vote even for manure shoveler in a farm community.
I hope the guy goes down in flames prior to the convention, and if the NYT can aid in that effort, then more power to them!
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
I just watched this video
March 8, 2008 - 18:02 ET by suzycreamcheeseI just watched this video for the first time and IMO he didn't lose his temper at all. He sounded like a stern dad talking to a really dense liberal-college-student daughter. I expected to see some spittle flying.