According to Downey and Daschle, a McCain staffer, Tom Weaver, came to them and asked why they hadn't approached McCain about switching parties shortly after the 2000 election, and things developed quickly from there:
Daschle said that throughout April and May of 2001, he and McCain "had meetings and conversations on the floor and in his office, I think in mine as well, about how we would do it, what the conditions would be. We talked about committees and his seniority ... [A lot of issues] were on the table."Naturally, McCain denies it. Reading the whole article, there appear to be a lot of small nuances to this, including some differences between a Daschle staffer and Daschle himself.It seems to me that there are two possibilities, both of which are extremely interesting. First is that McCain really did negotiate to leave the GOP but either thought better of it, or couldn't reach a deal. If true, it's going to deep-six his campaign forever and for good. GOP voters will not elect someone who negotiated to give control of the senate to the Democrats for personal gain (like committee assignments).
The second possibility is that Tom Daschle and friends are putting more into their talks than was ever actually there, knowing it would kill McCain's chances at the presidency. In that case, is the strategy to take out one of the GOP's strong candidates in order to clear the way for Rudy or Romney? Do the Democrats see those guys as more vulnerable in the general? If so, it's an obviously flawed analysis. It's more likely that McCain really did more than think about leaving the GOP.
More thoughts at CQ.
Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 3)
16. It is time for New Party Leader in the Age of Aquarius. You are just programed. It was clear
when nobody from any party helped kathrina wictims by their private Jet to diliver even water.
The same time was election for Mayer in New York.
If one of the four candidates did that,they would be in that post the same day. American people are so sensetive,because I love them. Stand Up, if you meant to be number 1.
Asmati at 1:01PM on Mar 30th 2007
17. It is always fun to be able to tell off the big wigs,esp. in print,but if we really want people to vote and want good candidates to win, then we need to do our homework on the candidates. We also need to seriously THINK about what WE WANT (or top three things) so we can focus on getting it. Meet with groups of people & demand a civilized meeting, no swearing,yelling,etc. just a focusing on the most important issues-- only the top three,no others.Then set other meetings to get them accomplished.
Joyce Wolf at 1:11PM on Mar 30th 2007
18. McCain should leave the Republican party. All they ever have done to him is backstab him! Even when his tried to placate the base, there is still an attack on him by GOPer's. I liked McCain (until he claimed last year "don't vote for me, vote for Bush". He spoke about the REAL issues facing Americans and not just party hack mudslinging.
But I have to ask the Republicans this, do you hate him because he has more military experience than the combination of the rest of the Republican House, Senate, and Executive branch? Is that why you hate and slander him, because he doesn't identify with the party of military cowards? That sure seem to be what it looks like! Even Powell bailed on you guys!
Grace at 1:13PM on Mar 30th 2007
19. I am in total agreement with Mikel-Chas
Maude at 1:17PM on Mar 30th 2007
20. McCain would not make a good president his temper is one of his traits, his voting record stands for itself. I believe he is power hungry and a control freak.. He is a legend in his own mind. I believe he meets all requirements for being a democrat..Charlie Janvier
Cjanvier at 1:38PM on Mar 30th 2007
21. I think the latter is most likely the case. Social/religious conservatives have never cared for McCain due to his independant streak and his willingness to criticize his own party. Look at the way his campaign was derailed in South Carolina thanks to Karl Rove and his evangelical foot soldiers. If anything, it's these same forces wanting a social conservative instead of someone who might be viewed as a moderate as the party's nominee. That's why I believe Guiliani's chances are actually pretty slim. Evangelicals do not want a "big tent" party, ala Ronald Regan.
Hans Carter at 1:46PM on Mar 30th 2007
22. McCain is too intelligent to be a republican
bob at 2:14PM on Mar 30th 2007
23.
Senator John McCain is a man of integrity. He his refreshingly a stand alone type of man who has repeatedly demonstrated he will not sell out his principles to any party. He is a pragmatists with both feet firmly planted in reality. There is no hype and there is no spin to this man.
I am reminded of Winston Churchill's quote: "Washington is a city ever at your throat or at your feet." He was too kind. Washington is a city infested with tactical weasels willing to compromise friend or foe alike. Senator McCain is at no one's throat or feet and he compromises no one.
The Grand Old Party could not have a more suitable representative of their party than the good Senator McCain.
Karon von Gerhke at 1:59PM on Mar 30th 2007
24. McCain-Lieberman 2008?
Seriously we could use someone who is not as pro war/stubborn/stupid as Bush and not basing National Security decisions (such as going into Iraq and leaving Iraq) based on opinion polls!
James at 5:11PM on Mar 30th 2007
25. I already considered McCain a democrat anyway. A wolf in sheep's clothing. What exactly does he stand for besides Sen. Feingold, a liberal democrat who sides with ultra liberal Nancy Pelosi. Rudy Giuliani may have some issues with his marriages, but he cleaned up that cesspool that several years of liberal democrats tried to play nicety nice with all the criminals. He would be a terror to the terrorists while at home, he would NOT infringe his opinions how to live our lives in our homes. Who are the far right going to vote for if it comes down to Giuliani versus ultra left wingers like Hilary and Barack? Come on...common sense rules here...
Tony at 4:22PM on Mar 30th 2007
26. Although a Democrat through and through, I always felt that Senator McCain had a "reasonable" head on his shoulders, unlike the individual presently in the White House. However, our country desparately needs a change in leadership, which includes a change in party. Our present administration has very nearly totally destroyed this country and the Republican party's agenda for running things has failed dismally. It will take us decades to undo what the Republicans have done over the 2 terms in which they have been in control. WE NEED CHANGE DESPARATELY!
J.Cashoty at 2:34PM on Mar 30th 2007
27. Asmati??? The Age of Aquarius was way back in the 1960s...you are just a little bit late for that age. Now is the age of giveaway...especially of this country...Raise Taxes...give it away...complain of having no money...that's the Dem way of life...
barbara at 3:37PM on Mar 30th 2007
28. Just one simple little question: Does anyone actually believe anything tom daschle says?
Carl G. at 5:41PM on Mar 30th 2007
29. I agree with Chuck. McCain would have been much better than Bush, and the sleazies knew it. That is why they said McCain fathered an illegitamate black child just before the Bob Jones speech by Bush. I cannot understand how anyone can deny, at this point, of the deceit Bush's entire presidency has been based on.
Unfortunately, McCain's time has come and gone. The world is much different today, and to put someone in place that has not had direct negotiation with foriegn leaders and countries is ludicrous. Only one candidate in either party has that resume.
Maybe more people who voted for Bush realize how terrible a mistake it was than I believe. One can only hope that we do get wiser.
threeinthesun at 8:26PM on Mar 30th 2007
30. bill richardson for president
sprchrgrguy at 4:13PM on Mar 31st 2007