It’s come to this: “I never considered myself a maverick,” says McCain; Update: More “maverick” videos added!
posted at 5:32 pm on April 5, 2010 by Allahpundit
I don’t think this rises all the way to the level of “lies you deserve to lose an election for telling,” but it’s so cynical and pathetic an attempt at rebranding that he deserves to have it blow up in his face. Which is precisely what’s happening today.
Much as the crowd ate up her every word, Palin had apparently missed the real message this electoral season in Arizona: for his three decades in Congress, McCain hadn’t gone with the flow enough, at least not enough to satisfy many Arizona Republicans. Why else would his rival, former congressman J.D. Hayworth, be billing himself as “the consistent conservative”? Many of the GOP’s most faithful, the kind who vote in primaries despite 115-degree heat, tired long ago of McCain the Maverick, the man who had crossed the aisle to work with Democrats on issues like immigration reform, global warming, and restricting campaign contributions. “Maverick” is a mantle McCain no longer claims; in fact, he now denies he ever was one. “I never considered myself a maverick,” he told me. “I consider myself a person who serves the people of Arizona to the best of his abilities.” Yet here was Palin, urging her fans four times in 15 minutes to send McCain the Maverick back to Washington…
With no prominent Democrats in the race, a win in the Republican primary will almost certainly return McCain to Washington. But which McCain? On that, Hayworth and McCain agree. “It’ll be a lead-pipe cinch that John will go back to being John, and taking delight at poking conservatives in the eye,” says Hayworth. “He’d like to have that status that a Ted Kennedy had as ‘lion of the Senate,’ doing those things that win him praise in the eyes of the Washington press corps.” “The fundamentals of my character were formed a long, long time ago under sometimes difficult circumstances,” says McCain. “I’m not going to fundamentally change.”
Seizing the moment, Hayworth got on the phone to Politico and let him have it:
“It’s a word that has been expunged from his vocabulary,” Hayworth said. “If memory serves, his campaign plane was called ‘Maverick One,’ and, as I understand it, in national campaigns they spend a lot of time on that stuff.”
“If you’re scoring at home, how many reversals is this?” Hayworth added, running through what he sees as a litany of McCain position changes. “He’s moving away from legislative reversals into branding reversals. It’s the new John McCain, nonmaverick edition, for the Arizona Senate election.”
How stupid is the “not a maverick” rebranding? Here’s an ad from 2008 that Ben Smith dug up (just one of two clips he’s posted of the M-word being dropped on the trail that year), but there’s actually a more recent — and relevant — reference than that. Check out the second clip below, which comes from McCain’s own campaign, at around 42 seconds in. I guess Sarahcuda didn’t get the memo.
Update: A few more trips down memory lane via Tapper’s Twitter feed.
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In other news, John Edwards never really considered himself a fan of extensive personal grooming and/or shagging women that aren’t his wife.
TheUnrepentantGeek on April 5, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Okey-Dokey, Mav. And I’m a 22 year old Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader named Buffy.
kingsjester on April 5, 2010 at 5:35 PM
And we’ve never considered you a true republican either.
theenforser on April 5, 2010 at 5:35 PM
“I’m no longer a maverick…I will now be known as “The Western Unicorn”
Open advice for John: Retire, enjoy those bucks you’ve got. You’ve earned it. Don’t try the comeback tour routine. It never works (except for the ‘Stones).
BobMbx on April 5, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Shake them Pom Pom’s!
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 5:36 PM
unreal
blatantblue on April 5, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Huh?
Chip on April 5, 2010 at 5:36 PM
+1000
Chip on April 5, 2010 at 5:37 PM
Oh Gosh…I hope JD Hayworth beats his McLame ass!
All you have to do is remember how this POS stated during the campaign that we “…would not have to fear an Obama Presidency” and that “Obama was a good man”.
Send JD $$ if you haven’t already!!!!
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 5:37 PM
Thank You for your service to our country. Now please gracefully go the f%%k away.
Tim Zank on April 5, 2010 at 5:39 PM
I almost don’t care if he wins. It’s been so enjoyable to see him reverse, twist, and grovel to win this election that it’s almost worth it. I am afraid of his temper though, and that he will punish conservatism for what he was forced to do to win.
DFCtomm on April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Wow.. only 5 minutes until the Hayworth crowd showed up.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Hmmm. How do John and Sarah reconcile the two messages?
a capella on April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM
juanito on April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM
For once I agree with McCain on something, I never considered him a maverick either
historian on April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Maverick = Progressive Conservative. Or something.
RushBaby on April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM
“With no prominent Democrats in the race…”
I have this suspicion that 95% of incumbents are going to lose in November. Most of them will be Democrats, because there are more Democrats.
percysunshine on April 5, 2010 at 5:41 PM
If he runs for POTUS again.. I am sure the American Public at large will just ignore him like that one mean and crazy uncle in the family.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 5:41 PM
They had to be watching for their opportunity–maybe even clued AP in that they were ready and armed. Still would vote for McCain if I were an Arizonan.
jeanie on April 5, 2010 at 5:42 PM
You mean like Crazy Joe Biden?
BobMbx on April 5, 2010 at 5:42 PM
You people should leave McCain alone. JD Hayworth is a scummy guy, and I would take McCain over him anyday. I’m pretty sure that McCain meant something different when he said that, and I know he will clarify what he meant.
JD however is a corrupt liar, who has no business being elected dog catcher.
Chudi on April 5, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Tell me, is Schmidt still running is his campaigns? This is just stupid.
conservative pilgrim on April 5, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Hmmm. Sorta. Even Biden isn’t as mean, I don’t think.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Wow.. only 5 minutes until the Hayworth crowd showed up.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 5:40 PM
I’m not in Arizona, I am not part of the “crowd” but my initial post says it all. I want this loser to LOSE!
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Clarify? Hmm….
andy85719 on April 5, 2010 at 5:44 PM
I hear that a lot, but since I don’t vote in AZ I haven’t looked into any allegations. Do you mind filling us in on what is so scummy about Hayworth?
DFCtomm on April 5, 2010 at 5:45 PM
But was McCain a maverick-maverick?
farright on April 5, 2010 at 5:45 PM
I hate politicians.
Daggett on April 5, 2010 at 5:45 PM
What was that book title carrying John McCain’s name as author?
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Not many people know this, and I don’t want to start a rumor or anything. But I heard from a reliable source that McCain was born in Wyoming.
percysunshine on April 5, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Oh, and the way he treated his wife in that book “Game Change” is disgraceful. McCain is understandably mentally ill. He should retire and look for suitors for that dopey little daughter of his…
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 5:45 PM
DFCtomm on April 5, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Um, DFC, you’re not gonna get the truth from a TROLL!
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Since I can’t vote in Arizona I don’t really have a say.If I did though I would be hard pressed to vote for him. I can’t forgive him for what he did, or didn’t do, in the election.If however it was between him and a democrat I would have to hold my nose like the presidential race, and vote for him.I’m not so sure about JD either. A lot of baggage there.
sandee on April 5, 2010 at 5:48 PM
He’s been doing that already, for, like, the past several decades from the Senate.
I agree with most others here, McCain should retire. Accept our national gratitude for his service to this nation and now retire. He has decidedly overstayed his welcome in the Senate.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 5:48 PM
yea please do
he seemed to be a solid guy at cpac
minus the fact he resembles a triceratops
blatantblue on April 5, 2010 at 5:49 PM
Not only do you have to attack him, you attack his wife, and his daughter. Of course you support JD hayworth, the corrupt alternative.
Chudi on April 5, 2010 at 5:50 PM
This is exactly why I would not be heartbroken if he loses…I just don’t trust him…I don’t think he’ll learn the real lesson from having this fight on his hands with Hayworth…that AZ is tired of his reaching across the aisle to a party that does not reach across the asile because it’s so ruthless…once it’s over he’ll go back to being a thorn in conservatives’ side…
CCRWM on April 5, 2010 at 5:51 PM
You know, I’m not proud of the dubious association between the conservative movement and the birthers…
But this crap makes JD Hayworth’s supposed birther connections look like not such a big deal, no?
gryphon202 on April 5, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Chudi on April 5, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Get lost, racist, loser TROLL.
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 5:53 PM
As we inch closer to Nov., at least his pig daughter is quiet.
Maverick+Keating+Feingold+Soros+LaRaza+Kennedy
Not a maverick…at least hayworth is just a crook.
Anybody buy McLame….
nondhimmie on April 5, 2010 at 5:53 PM
*putting tinfoil hat on*
Anyone wanna bet this guy is a Democratic troll?
gryphon202 on April 5, 2010 at 5:53 PM
backstabbing-RINO-thorn-in-conservatives-side-self-proclaimed-Maverick-for-decades-sez-what?
Midas on April 5, 2010 at 5:54 PM
gryphon202 on April 5, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Guess you didn’t hear what Michelle Antoinette said about Turkmanbama being from Kenya. Straight from the horse-faced mouth.
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 5:54 PM
The Hayworth groups are starting to scare me. Almost Paulian.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 5:54 PM
I agree with McCain, I always considered him a RINO not a maverick.
farright on April 5, 2010 at 5:54 PM
In “the daughter”‘s case, she’s done far more to attack herself and everyone else than everyone else need or could ever do.
In the case of the wife, she’s responsible for some excellent social work assisting needy children, but, her Leftwing social views are indistinguishable from “the daughter”‘s wonky, weird ways.
In John McCain’s case, many of us among the Right have tried beyond a point of necessity to tolerate his disappointing statements (being kind here). I don’t know what the Right has ever done to deserve the harassment that the McCain’s wage against many of the rest of us, but, after the last election cycle, it was relatively clear who John McCain was rooting for. It wasn’t us.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 5:55 PM
Admit to not knowing much about him, but what I read on Wiki smacked of iffy behaviors here and there and makes him sound like he’s one of those guys who is ‘always right’ and not much into seeing the other side of an argument. We have enough of those in DC already.
jeanie on April 5, 2010 at 5:56 PM
Is the birther thing the only reason to dislike Hayworth. If I remember Palin made a statement that the birthers have a right to ask about his qualifications as well. I personally don’t care much about the birther issue either way, although I do think they get a second bite at the apple when the next election campaign begins, and I will support their right to ask that question the minute Obama hits the campaign trail.
DFCtomm on April 5, 2010 at 5:57 PM
I truly believe McCain threw the election. Palin was characterized as going rogue when she tried to salvage the campaign. I wonder how much money Bambi gave him.
andy85719 on April 5, 2010 at 5:58 PM
Like the Illinois Dem who said he didn’t give a sh1t about the Constitution, but ‘clarified’ later, eh?
Midas on April 5, 2010 at 5:58 PM
Oh well, come on. He may not have considered himself a Maverick, he just considered himself right. Now he think that the maverick thing might hurt him, but in the end, I don’t think any of this will matter.
Hayworth might pull it out, but he would have a better chance if not for his own past. For instance, he is out there acting as if he is a real conservative, vs the Maverick McCain..and yet his voting record was not all that conservative from a fiscal point of view and he had some ethical problems to boot. So, it is all part of the game, of people positioning themselves and rebranding and renaming themselves in an effort to win. I doubt if the people of Arizona really listen to a lot of this.
Terrye on April 5, 2010 at 5:59 PM
Have you ever considered the fact that this is an out-of-context quote in Newsweek? Call me cynical, but I think Newsweek might spin McCain’s comments in a negative light on purpose….
calbear on April 5, 2010 at 5:59 PM
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 5:54 PM
Man, you’re easy to scare. What “Hayworth” groups? Did it ever occur to you that peeps just don’t want that RINO McCain to win again? Did you forget how that old creep said we should not fear an Obama Presidency? Did you think it was noble and manly that he says “eff you” 12 times (with gestures)in public to embarrass his wife? Did you not read how clear it was in “Game Change” that he did not want to actually win the Presidency? You should take that fear of yours place it at ZerObama’s feet. You’re wasting good fear otherwise.
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 6:00 PM
I recall page after page after page after PAGE of angry lies and other innuendo months ago by you all among the “ardent” Palin believers.
I like Sarah Palin, never wrote a tad of negativity about her, not once, anywhere, yet received a huge array of nasties from you and your pals here simply because I wasn’t “hysterical for Sarah” months ago. Am not now, either, though I continue to respect and admire her.
The Paulian thing is more likely applied to the “Palians” and some RINO supporters, such as — hey — McCainers.
Let it rest here, attacking voters on the Right. The Paulians are in an area of their own and MOST on the Right aren’t supporters of his key fringe element but the problem with Paulians is that most who are keen on Paul are the fringe to the rest of us, though certain positions can be understood and even supported (complaints about the Fed., for example).
The Paulians are mostly Libertarians: Leftwingers who want no to zero government due to theories such as George Soros loves to fund (Alex Jones, 9/11 Truthers, Infowars, all of that — among others — receive funds from Soros).
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:00 PM
Seven Percent Solution on April 5, 2010 at 6:01 PM
If it were about anyone else, other than McCain of course they would notice.
Terrye on April 5, 2010 at 6:02 PM
pork and corruption. check his wiki page
Darth Executor on April 5, 2010 at 6:03 PM
Lies? What Lies? And my Pals? Give me a break. It isn’t like I am calling them to some group smack down.
So how about you show me what “LIES” I am talling about and then we will talk about Paul, and how he has an interesting crowd.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 6:03 PM
I’m now in Arizona, and I’ll be voting AGAINST McLame
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on April 5, 2010 at 6:04 PM
EXACTLY SO, *but* Newsweek cashes in (capitalizes upon) sensitive areas among the Right: that’s their schtick.
The Right isn’t happy (putting it mildly) with John McCain (as also Lindsey Graham) (and as formerly not happy with other Leftwing Senators) but these kinds continue to be re-elected for the same reasons that Leftwingers such as Pelosi are: concentrated, polarized voting districts (in Pelosi’s case) and in certain states, concentrations of Leftwing-GOP funders of other Leftwingers.
McCain only “goes Conservative” when he’s campaigning. Then he reverts back to his “screw you” mentality as to Conservatives and issues important to us, like, say, border security, no-amnesty for illegal aliens (which no one in their right mind should ever rely on McCain to represent), small government (McCain’s positions are nearly indistinguishable from those held by Hillary Clinton, for another example).
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:06 PM
This sure is looking like a big mistake by Palin. I can understand the sense of loyalty, but she was the redeeming virtue of the McCain/Palin ticket. It was ok for her to elevate that ticket, but wrong for her to lower herself to this level.
paul1149 on April 5, 2010 at 6:06 PM
This is how you blow a double-digit lead. I’ve been supporting McCain all along, but even I’m turned off by this.
The question is: is he really so frightened of the primary that he thinks lying about his record is necessary?
Or was “maverick” always a sham, intended only to build a brand for a presidential campaign? I haven’t heard much about “reaching across the aisle” from McCain since he lost in 2008.
joe_doufu on April 5, 2010 at 6:06 PM
Of course he did. The raving insanity that passes off for comments at hotair is not appealing for the general population so when someone’s running for the presidency he has to lie and sugar up his opponent in public. The idea that someone with an ego the size of the moon like McCain does not want the presidency is retarded. His narcissism is second only to ogabe.
And last but not least, just because McCain has many, glaring flaws does not mean J.D. “Abramoff” Hayworth is any better.
Darth Executor on April 5, 2010 at 6:06 PM
What’s coming in another 2 years?
“I never considered myself as being a democrat let alone a liberal” says Obama
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:07 PM
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:00 PM
I agree with you on the Palin stuff. I am not a Palin fanatic and I have yet to see her detractors show me that what they say is true. I am pragmatic about it and I feel the same way about JD (but I mostly want McLame to lose!).
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 6:08 PM
*spit take*
You owe me a Bud longneck, kid!
Readymade on April 5, 2010 at 6:08 PM
I wrote before (number of times, other post comments) that I’m just not interested in your hysteria and arguments.
There are pages upon pages on HotAir’s comments about your attacks on me and others over impossible to identify perceptions you “have” that few can even understand, all of them centered around some emotional upheaval you continue to display about Sarah Palin and those you seem to think are attacking her.
Just not interested and no longer have a shred of interest in even trying to interact with you.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:08 PM
“I never considered myself a Muslim” says Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:09 PM
McCain wouldn’t go negative on Obama, wouldn’t bring up Pastor Wright or anything like that… but he INSTANTLY goes negative on a GOP Challenger.
Hayworth can’t be any worse than McVain.
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on April 5, 2010 at 6:09 PM
If you can’t back your crap up the I would suggest you STFU. *smiles* Have a great day sweetie.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 6:09 PM
please go away….please!!
cmsinaz on April 5, 2010 at 6:09 PM
Oh so sad, when JD justifiably kicks the Old, Inarticulate, Panders ass it will all be the lovely and gracious Sarahs’ fault for accusing McDumb of being a Maverick when he really was not.
Get rid of the RINO Arizona hes’ had enough time, bring in some new blood.
JD National money bomb please, let us help you make the old panderer go away before he damages the Republic and Sarah further!
dhunter on April 5, 2010 at 6:09 PM
“I never considered myself as being wet” says water.
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:10 PM
ditto
cmsinaz on April 5, 2010 at 6:10 PM
Oopps…!
Seven Percent Solution on April 5, 2010 at 6:10 PM
He thought they were all calling him a schmendrick.
Cicero43 on April 5, 2010 at 6:11 PM
Darth Executor on April 5, 2010 at 6:06 PM
Oh, ok, your gonna take JD to the woodshed (he has not even won yet) but you’re gonna totally pass over the fact that McLame threw the election to ZerObama and said that Turkmanbama would be a good President. So glad you’ve enjoyed the last year and a half.
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 6:11 PM
spot on
cmsinaz on April 5, 2010 at 6:11 PM
McCain. I’m tired of him. Just get him outta here already, please.
therightwinger on April 5, 2010 at 6:11 PM
Well, yeah, thanks, agree also about the rest of what you wrote there. Some people are so emotional about personalities, it’s impossible to discuss issues with them. In my experience, one shouldn’t even try to do so. Just focus on the issues, and even if they’re apparent darlings or whatever, continue to place requirements on people who want your vote.
McCain’s proven himself time and time again not to be supportable on issues important to me and others on the Right. No one can get so many things wrong and remain believable on the ballot.
I still think McCain’s candidacy was for purposes of losing the election in 2008.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:12 PM
a big oopsie :)
cmsinaz on April 5, 2010 at 6:12 PM
My good friend, John McCain, was for being a maverick before he was against it (before he will be for it again).
- John F. Kerry
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:12 PM
Takes some serious stupidballs to say something like this. I mean, does he think we wont remember?
Diane on April 5, 2010 at 6:13 PM
And your poo continues to prove what I wrote here to be right and accurate.
I’m not your sweetie, you doofus.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:14 PM
Darth, your comment is hilarious! ROFL
Bottom line: McCain’s a nutcase.
Sarah just made lemonade when she had lemons.
Calling McCain a “maverick” is about as good as anything else and sounds better than “ego-obsessed lunatic.”
Jenfidel on April 5, 2010 at 6:15 PM
McCain is being true and trying to screw the Republicans by dragging down and making Palin look like a fool (with help from her own self).
Hayworth is imperfect but at this point I don’t care!!
I sent him money two weeks ago, and Ill do it again.
I want to send a MESSAGE to the RINO GOP!!!
McCain is everything that is wrong with the GOP.
Go JD!!!!
PappyD61 on April 5, 2010 at 6:15 PM
McCain’s proven himself time and time again not to be supportable on issues important to me and others on the Right. No one can get so many things wrong and remain believable on the ballot.
I still think McCain’s candidacy was for purposes of losing the election in 2008.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:12 PM
I’m posting this again because 1) it sums it up perfectly and 2) some dopes need clarity more than one time. Danke.
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 6:15 PM
Quote John McCain say saying he was misquoted.
- Groucho
John McCain is a man of principles and if you don’t like them … … well … … he has others.
- Groucho
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:15 PM
McCain is being true and trying to screw the Republicans by dragging down and making Palin look like a fool (with help from her own self).
Hayworth is imperfect but at this point I don’t care!!
I sent him money two weeks ago, and Ill do it again.
I want to send a MESSAGE to the RINO GOP!!!
McCain is everything that is wrong with the GOP.
Go JD!!!!
PappyD61 on April 5, 2010 at 6:15 PM
Pappy, you said it ALL!!!!
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Quote John McCain as saying he was misquoted.
- Groucho
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Well, that’s of course quite true. But, well, these are the options.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:17 PM
No hay tonto como un viejo tonto.
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:18 PM
he’s not a maverick,he’s a RINO.McCain needs to be retired.All RINOs need to go.
badpenny on April 5, 2010 at 6:20 PM
presto changeo, no maverick no moreo, until after the election … Hey it worked for Obozo and his zombies.
And isn’t this the definition of what is wrong with Republicans and their lovely RINOs?
tarpon on April 5, 2010 at 6:20 PM
Keep going with Coast to Coast and Paul. You are making me giggle. I still can’t believe adults actually l;isten to that show.
upinak on April 5, 2010 at 6:20 PM
Jenfidel, all I can say to you is that you had just better hope that Juan McCain doesn’t find out that you are the one who took his strawberries.
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:21 PM
All loyal conservatives support amnesty for illegal aliens. McCain was just being a loyal conservative.
Cicero43 on April 5, 2010 at 6:22 PM
AND, never overlook the anger of the Voters-Scorned. A lot of voters (me among those) on the Right continue to TRY to make the point known to politicians that if they continue to sell by one line and govern on the opposite (a different) line, then, we’re not going to maintain confidence in them perpetually.
McCain has had his go of it. It’s REALLY time for the guy to retire. There’s a lot of weariness among the Middle and Right with people in office: if they won’t, then replace them with others, and if they won’t, then replace them with others, etc.
The RINO mentality and behavior in the GOP has to get flushed away.
Lourdes on April 5, 2010 at 6:22 PM
Two bits, four bits, six bits a peso
All for Juan McCain stand up and say so!
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:22 PM
MB4 on April 5, 2010 at 6:18 PM
LOL! Here it is in German (and I soooo agree!)
“Es gibt keinen Dummkopf wie und alten Dummkopf”.
Gob on April 5, 2010 at 6:23 PM
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