Source: McCain camp claims Romney promised he wouldn’t preempt Mac’s concession speech — and then did; Update: Video added — Huck to Mac to Mitt
posted at 10:17 pm on January 15, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Totally bush league if true, Mark Steyn’s half-hearted attempt at spin notwithstanding.
Is Barnett sure that the Mitt Romney he knows isn’t just the Mitt Romney he thinks he knows?
Update: It’s even more bush league, needless to say, if McCain’s camp is making this up to douse the flames of Romney’s victory buzz. But how would they arrange that? The concessions go first; they couldn’t preempt Mitt, only vice versa.
Update: I guess if they’re lying wholesale about there having been any agreement, that’d do it.
Update (Bryan): Here’s the moment in question.
Since the latter two pre-empted the first, this looks more to me like fouled up timing than a plot. Though there is a good case to be made for the latter.
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McCain: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
davenp35 on January 15, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Six years in the Hanoi Hilton and you can’t give him 10 minutes for a concession speech, huh?
Allahpundit on January 15, 2008 at 10:20 PM
McAmensty preempted, gotta love it!!!!
paulsur on January 15, 2008 at 10:20 PM
[Mark Steyn]
Somebody’s gotta do it.
Besides, who cares. He knocked McVain down.
Boo-freaking hoo.
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:21 PM
That’s believable. But I don’t get the upside. Magnanimity in victory is always good. Pettiness is not. The cost just seems so much higher then the gain here.
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Romney didn’t keep his promise? Imagine that…
FloatingRock on January 15, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Hey McShamnesty, I can’t stand your laugh. Cutting you off before hearing another is something which everyone should thank Romney for.
Btw, Senator Switchback is shilling for JMac now.
BKennedy on January 15, 2008 at 10:21 PM
He doesn’t deserve a second of airtime with his anti-American policies. McCain is no hero!
davenp35 on January 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
If the accusation is true, it’s gonna look really crappy for Mitt, whether you accept that or not, and don’t forget, the media is invested in McCain’s victory.
doubleplusundead on January 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I can see the point about it being classless of Mitt, if true … but I have to admit, with my intense loathing of McVain, it doesn’t bother me as much as it would if it was a candidate I respected.
Yes, I’m a hypocrite.
thirteen28 on January 15, 2008 at 10:23 PM
McCain has no room to talk. He interupted Huckabee’s speech!
Wise Golden on January 15, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Like anybody is going to notice … or care.
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:23 PM
It’s rare that I disagree with you, Allah, but one has nothing to do with the other.
SouthernGent on January 15, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Not a lot of sympathy for a guy that wasn’t even in the same timezone at the time of his concession.
Vizzini on January 15, 2008 at 10:24 PM
What a crybaby – who gives a rat’s ass?
TheBigOldDog on January 15, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Bingo! McCain cut off Huck, and didn’t stay in Michigan to end this thing. Give Mitt his win, minus the spin.
JustinHiggins on January 15, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Watch Medved spin this like a top…..
Blame snow.. blame voter fraud.
SECOND LOOK AT MEDVED!
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:25 PM
“[M]ake all the promises you have to.”
FloatingRock on January 15, 2008 at 10:26 PM
all is fair in love and war
custer on January 15, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Oh please. Spare us the sanctimony.
TheBigOldDog on January 15, 2008 at 10:26 PM
If true, it wasn’t nice.
McCain’s speech was less a concession than a “drop dead, losers – you can’t handle the truth.” Given from a safe distance, several states away.
sulla on January 15, 2008 at 10:26 PM
McCain feels slighted? How about those of us who want to freely exercise our First Amendment rights?
Screw him.
I STILL feel slighted by McCain/Feingold and the sham that is Campaign Finanace Reform. Not to mention his Open Borders/Amnesty issue.
Screw him again.
pistolero on January 15, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Mitt probably heard McCain was doing his concession speech at 8PM and scheduled his for 9, but forgot JMac was in another time zone :-D
BKennedy on January 15, 2008 at 10:27 PM
AllahPundit is becoming sanctimonious?
SECOND LOOK AT AllahPundit?
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:28 PM
That does it. Now I’m voting for Fred.
TexasDan on January 15, 2008 at 10:29 PM
He squeezed that baby dry long ago. It’s provided a nice Senate career for him. There were thousands of other POWs over there too, and I imagine few have cashed in on it, or wanted to, like he has.
a capella on January 15, 2008 at 10:29 PM
After listening to Huckabee’s (Bill) Clintonesqe “concession” speech I’d rather jam a fork in my eye than listen to another “concession” speech.
Let’s face it – these aren’t concession speeches so much as free television spots. 6 seconds to give half-hearted congratulations to the winner, and several minutes of telling everyone in the next state to Vote for Me!
And if some conservative did stab McCain in the back, all I have to say is “Karma, baby, karma!”
ErikTheRed on January 15, 2008 at 10:29 PM
You forget that McCain is the media’s anointed Republican, it could matter. I don’t really care about this, if Mitt takes himself out by not being gracious in his win, all the better for Fred, and would be great as far as I’m concerned.
doubleplusundead on January 15, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I respect McCain’s suffering as a POW, but folks that was almost HALF A FRIGGIN CENTURY AGO.
I will never forget what McCain did ONE MEASLY YEAR AGO, when he treated American citizens and his fellow Republicans with UTTER CONTEMPT for questioning his collusion with Ted Kennedy to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants — and then calling those of us opposed to it ugly racists.
McCain has had his say. He dissed Mitt gratuituously in that debate where he could barely hide his contempt for his fellow candidate.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND BABY. Cry me a friggin river, John.
Always Right on January 15, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Fixed it.
Lehosh on January 15, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I hear ya’. But this isn’t about Mac here, it’s really about Mitt’s choice.
Having said that the last thread here that was uncited on Mitt was the ’say anything’ assertion, and that was nonsense when the reference was found. So until we know more, it’s conjecture either way.
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:31 PM
My heart is breaking.
That little stunt just sort of makes me like Mitt a little bit more – planned or not.
The faster McLiar crashes and burns the better.
SimplyKimberly on January 15, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Newt shilling for Huckabee on FNC.
Whatever.
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:32 PM
McCain has shown nothing but contempt for Romney at every opportunity. He’s shown no respect for him and has attacked him personally, while Romney has praised McCain personally but criticized only McCain’s record.
Based on that, McCain’s speech being trumped was well deserved, whether it was intentional or not.
And if it was intentional? So what. McCain is playing hardball; it’s long since time Romney got in the game.
And,
Why give him anything? No one has a right to airtime, and what the hell does his torture have to do with a concession speech?
Oh, wait Allah, I take that back….You’re right. The Vietnamese definitely owe John McCain 10 minutes of airtime.
Nessuno on January 15, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Sounds like sour grapes to me. Big deal if Romney started his speech too soon.
Romney has gotten a bad rap so far. He has run conventional comparison ads – and been criticized relentlessly for “attack ads.” Yet every single candidate took at least one gratuitous cheap shot on Romney in the NH primary (and McCain took 4, don’t forget). Yet Romney replied with class each time (said attacks were “interesting but unproductive”).
I can’t imagine, after everything that’s happened so far, Romney would pull a silly stunt to preempt McCain’s speech. But if he did – then good for him.
McCain got his a$$ handed to him tonight – his campaign was classless by trying to start junk on the night of Romney’s big win.
darkegop on January 15, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Newt’s become a very strange person in Bush’s second term.
Lehosh on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
The dark side of the force is quicker, more seductive.
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
There must have been some sorta mis-communications.
AbaddonsReign on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
As this thread unfolds I see total contempt for McCain. Not for his military service, but for his quote.unquote ‘Public Service’.
I guess maybe the ‘Public’ didn’t want to be ’served’. To the wolves.
Free to a good home: A Clue.
pistolero on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
One other thing to throw in there – let’s not forget McVain telling Cornyn “go f— yourself” after the latter disagreed with him over amnesty. So, assuming this isn’t BS that the McVain camp isn’t pulling out of thin air, he’s got no room to point the finger about classlessness.
thirteen28 on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Madre, madre, madre, the big cruel hombre stole some of my McMedia time.
BAAAAAAWWWAAAAAA!!!
- Juanita Fresas McVano
And those six years got him how many years in the senate working against America? I think that the Hanoi Hilton credit card maxed out long ago.
MB4 on January 15, 2008 at 10:35 PM
The people don’t care.. that’s what matters..
Screw the Media! People don’t care what the MSM says anymore. They can’t even call an election at any point except at the exit polls.. and they even messed that up in NH!
Who gives a crap?
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:35 PM
TS and SOL
And AP is just extending the thread like any good blogger does…even if it’s always transparent.
But people always seem to fall for it.
Asher on January 15, 2008 at 10:36 PM
How in the hell does Newt shill for Huckabee?
I’m totally rethinking everything I’ve ever thought about him.
SimplyKimberly on January 15, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Newt’s ego has been crushed that he wasn’t “called up” by the masses to lead us back to the promised land. He’s a smart guy. But screw him. His ego is gargantuan.
McCain’s a tough guy? But his widdle feewings got hurt by Mitt speaking over him?
I doubt SERIOUSLY that it was a concerted effort to “walk on” McCain. But whatever.
Mittmentum baby!
Sugar Land on January 15, 2008 at 10:37 PM
It sounds like you’re giving him Absolute Moral Authority.
pullingmyhairout on January 15, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Oh good…so we can count on your vote for Huck then?
Wise Golden on January 15, 2008 at 10:38 PM
woot MITT
custer on January 15, 2008 at 10:38 PM
The winner of the nomination doesn’t get to make any appointments to the SCOTUS, only the winner in November. If Mitt wants to win in November, he’s going to need all the help he can get from McCain.
I hope it was a miscommunication, because otherwise we are toast, no matter who is nominated.
pedestrian on January 15, 2008 at 10:38 PM
That’s McCain’s entire platform, just like it’s always been. All he’s riding on pretty much is being a POW… well, that and periodically telling his alleged “allies” just what part of his unmentionable they can suck at any given moment.
Lehosh on January 15, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Haha. No, we just have to schedule an intervention with Newt by Rush. He’s been thinking that gov can create solutions, it’s time to reel him back in from the edge.
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:40 PM
This, whatever this turns out to be, is right up there with Fred and the silly hat.
BAAAAAAAAWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!
MB4 on January 15, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Man oh man, you should have seen the “debate” between Newt and John Kerry on global warming a few months (or longer) ago.
Basically, Newt showed up, conceded the field, and the two of them were left to bicker about which large government program regulating the entire economy is better.
It was at that point that I realized Newt has been totally captured by the beltway mentality.
Nessuno on January 15, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Every time I see John McCain and recall his DISGRACEFUL performance on amnesty last year, I just keep saying:
Thank GOD for Senator Jeff Sessions and Senator Jim DeMint
who together held off that SOB from Arizona along with Teddy the Whale and Arlen the RINO to keep our Republic with at least some semblance of the rule of law.
And I remember the HATRED I had for that damn idiot traitor John McCain who tried to ram that bill thru the Senate with no debate in the middle of the night, treating all of us in blogger and talk radio land with UTMOST CONTEMPT, and I am not going to let that hatred for John McCain go.
I respect his war record as a POW, but as a Senator HE SUCKS.
Always Right on January 15, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Does anyone know how a brokered convention works? I have a vague idea, but specifically, are the candidates allowed to negotiate with their delegates?
Wise Golden on January 15, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Oh! STOP DICK MORRIS!
For the love of Pete!
What the hell do you know?
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Fred fundraising update, he’s at 1,086,000, Go Fred!
doubleplusundead on January 15, 2008 at 10:41 PM
if true, great move by Mitt (not my guy) as it will draw out the angry bitter jack-ass that is McCain. That won’t play with voters.
God bless Johnnie Mac, I just don’t want him as President.
Dirthead on January 15, 2008 at 10:42 PM
SECOND LOOK AT PEE WEE HERMAN!
MB4 on January 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I don’t think McCain is garnering much sympathy with the moron vote.
sulla on January 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
DICK MORRIS DOESN’T KNOW JACK.
The FNC should invest their pundit money in Huckabee for God’s sake!
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Here’s a piece people should read regarding brokered convention.
doubleplusundead on January 15, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Mitt flip flopped again. hahaha what a dork
froghat on January 15, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Dick Morris says OBama-Edwards would be the strongest Democrat ticket.
Heh heh…. wonder how many Kos Kidz are gonna buy that one !!!
Always Right on January 15, 2008 at 10:44 PM
What did Dick Morris say?
froghat on January 15, 2008 at 10:44 PM
As a moron and certified Ace of Spades spinoff moronblogger, he never had it.
doubleplusundead on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 PM
MB4 on January 15, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I solved a lot PB, and like you much, but sometimes you are sehr schlimm. It’s part of your persona here.
I’m glad Mr. Romney won, I’m elated, but grace in winning and in defeat is the trait of great leaders, and diferentiates them from what Hillary did to her opponent in NY, the night she won the Senate the first time. She came across like a b*tch. This shouldn’t be any different, especially not from a gentleman as Romney. Now, it’s yet to be proven true. But if it is, I know you are a gentleman.
Entelechy on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 PM
He was mainly practicing lip smacking.
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Rush smacked Newt around pretty good on the radio today for abandoning core conservative principles and acting like a Democrat-Lite. Newt got off the phone as quickly as he could.
It’s like I’ve been saying for some time, we can’t play Democrats’ game by the Democrats’ rules and expect to win.
TheBigOldDog on January 15, 2008 at 10:46 PM
McCain lost.
May it continue.
May he then be booted out of the Senate.
And may be get a job for $50 an hour building the border fence.
Go Mitt!
profitsbeard on January 15, 2008 at 10:47 PM
As a lurking AoS moron, I concur.
sulla on January 15, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I heard someone on Fox say long before the speech was supposed to happen that McCain had already left for SC. Clearly there was miscommunication.
There is no way that Romney did this intentionally, and I’m sure he is mortified. Say what you will about him on the issues, the guy is a gentleman and would not play a petty game like this.
McNasty is a different story, and he clearly loathes Mitt.
Hasn’t every single dirty trick that was supposedly played by the Romney camp has ended up being a false alarm?
Buy Danish on January 15, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Fred hits BOTH McVain and the Huckster …
Awesome, baby.
And these weren’t jabs either, these were power shots.
thirteen28 on January 15, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Ouch. Fred is playing hardball now:
Sweet revenge. Gotta love it.
wccawa on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
McCain’s campagin slogan?
EJDolbow on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Good point from David Freddoso on The Corner. “It certainly wasn’t a mistake. If this had been a race that ends here tonight — say, a governor’s race — it would be awful. But Mitt played the brass-knuckles game here. It’s to be expected. The race isn’t over yet.”
sulla on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
‘Tis bush-league. You mean to tell me Mitt had nobody watching the TV to make sure things weren’t running late?
steveegg on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Wow….great artical. It could be a whole new game if that scenero plays out.
Wise Golden on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
What about his wife?
What did she get.
The one who stood by him, waiting for him and working for his release those same six years.
What did she get from him?
McVain dumped his first wife.
The one who stood by him through his six long years as a POW and fought to bring him home.
She was in a car accident while he was gone, so she wasn’t up to snuff when he got back home and he dumped her for an Arizona mafia babe.
What a class act.
What an hombre.
MB4 on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
When Hillary backers like Kirsten Powers tells you she like McCain and that’s who Republicans should choose, that’s all the reason Republicans need to run the other way as fast as possible
TheBigOldDog on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 PM
+1
I’m skeptical. He even starts his contrast ads with saying how honorable, etc his opponent is. Maybe he is a liar then:) but he seems a gentlemen in public persona.
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Buy Danish, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt, but if it w/b true, it w/b sad.
Entelechy on January 15, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Kirsten is atrractive to look at but she is in TOTAL DENIAL about the democrat race issue — she should listen to Rush.
Hills is using Race against Obama to win. Period. and she’ll keep using it under the table to take him out.
Always Right on January 15, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Heh.
doubleplusundead on January 15, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Awesome!
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:53 PM
ANYTHING THAT MITT CAN DO TO EXPOSE/IGNITE MCCAIN’S SHORT FUSE IS GOOD.
AND FAIR.
reliapundit on January 15, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Agree with you on this one, but the two are not related. Decorum and tradition is very nice in free world transitions. It’s what differentiates us from the wild ones.
Entelechy on January 15, 2008 at 10:53 PM
And then there is South Carolina, no?
wccawa on January 15, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Hey, going back a bit, did you all hear Fred smack Hannity down when Hannity asked him for the umpteenth time if Fred would go after McCain.
Fred finally told him, politely, to shut it down already.
Classic !!
Always Right on January 15, 2008 at 10:54 PM
I’m glad that Mitt beat McCain, but I don’t trust Romney any farther than I can throw him. Romney has sunk so low that now he’s telling everyone they are victims and he’s taking pot shots at Bush. He’s not a conservative.
froghat on January 15, 2008 at 10:55 PM
wccawa, we expect decorum in SC just the same.
Entelechy on January 15, 2008 at 10:56 PM
He changed his mind and decided to do it earlier. Hmmm Changed his mind.
oakpack on January 15, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Get stronger ;)
Seriously, shots at Bush?
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:56 PM
For McCain’s complaints of bad form and poor sportsmanship to play, he’d have to be someone who possessed some semblance of these characteristics himself.
But McCain has always been vain, arrogant, inconsiderate and mean–especially to those in subordinate positions. He is a prick and I think the more Mitt treats him with the disdain he deserves, the better Mitt will be viewed.
Kasper Hauser on January 15, 2008 at 10:57 PM
McCain: “I was shot down, and was a POW. I stood behind Petraeus from the beginning. That makes me qualified to be your president. Besides the illegal aliens will all vote for me.”
Giuliani: “I was Mayor of New York when my city was bombed by terrorists. I went to 600 funerals. I got rid of panhandlers in the city. That makes me qualified to be your president.”
RonPaul: “it’s your county’s fault, and I am smart enough to say it, that makes me qualified to be your President”.
Thompson: ” I have always said I was a core Reagan republican. I even said it when I was a shill lobbyist for both liberal and conservative causes. I am still saying it now. I have a babe for a wife. That is why I am qualified to be your president”.
Romney: ” I can smell a jihadist in a supermarket, and I ran an Olympics. I can be a liberal republican governor, then realize that I really want to be a conservative president.”
Huckabee: “I am more christian, and I am a minister, don’t look at my record as governor, and ytou will see I am the only one qualified to be president.”
paulsur on January 15, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Most likely that is all it was, but McVain probably felt real slighted and came unwrapped.
MB4 on January 15, 2008 at 10:58 PM
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