Was John MCcain Drunk Today?

[IrishInOntario]

Or has he recently suffered a stroke?

I know the man is getting older in age, but his questioning of Comey today was cringe worthy. First, on multiple occasions he mixed Donald Trump and James Comey up, until Comey finally corrected him. Then he couldn't seem to understand how an investigation into Hillary Clinton had been closed, but a separate investigation had been opened on another issue... I wish Comey had explained it in a way that McCain could have understood. Something like...

"John, when you're fighting a war there are likely going to be various battles. You can conclude a single battle without fully concluding the war. Circumstances may cause you to start another battle, in the same location, later in the conflict, but it is separate too and independent of the first battle."

Of all the questions asked today by a committee that lauded itself as bipartisan, McCain struck me as the only committee member who was struggling deeply to put aside his political agenda. The fact that the first 3'ish minutes of his question period were just gibberish and his routinely mixing up names was just embarrassing.

I think John McCain is a fine American and certainly has served the United States with great distinction in numerous military and political roles and to be completely honest I've long been a fan of his candor and his "straight shooter" personality, but that was painful today. I hope he had been drinking.

 

[Telx1]

He was trying to make an interesting partisan point that both Hillary and Trump were both party to the investigation into Russia meddling in the election, and that Comey had no difficulty publicly declaring Hillary was not a subject of investigation for obvious reasons, but then was unwilling to say the same regarding Trump under the rationale that the broader investigation was still underway. Not a terribly important point, and one he failed to make with his embarrassing bumbling. A sad sight on a big stage.

 

[zonairish]

He was trying to make an interesting partisan point that both Hillary and Trump were both party to the investigation into Russia meddling in the election, and that Comey had no difficulty publicly declaring Hillary was not a subject of investigation for obvious reasons, but then was unwilling to say the same regarding Trump under the rationale that the broader investigation was still underway. Not a terribly important point, and one he failed to make with his embarrassing bumbling. A sad sight on a big stage.

actually, it is not a bad point. Because it is true. However, McCain fumbled that one.

 

[SeanPol355]

Maybe he was just flabbergasted and tongue tied after hearing first hand what Trump did. Sure McCain tried to steer it towards Clinton too, but the image of a sitting POTUS with so little regard for the Constitution, ethics and the rule of law, obviously blinded his thoughts.

Or, maybe he was dumbfounded at how ignorant Trump is, as described by House Speaker Ryan:
"He's new in government, and so therefore I think he's learning as he goes," Ryan told reporters at a news conference. "I'm not saying it's an acceptable excuse. It's just my observation."

 

[wiu86]

Maybe he was just flabbergasted and tongue tied after hearing first hand what Trump did. Sure McCain tried to steer it towards Clinton too, but the image of a sitting POTUS with so little regard for the Constitution, ethics and the rule of law, obviously blinded his thoughts.

Or, maybe he was dumbfounded at how ignorant Trump is, as described by House Speaker Ryan:
"He's new in government, and so therefore I think he's learning as he goes," Ryan told reporters at a news conference. "I'm not saying it's an acceptable excuse. It's just my observation."

You could be describing the last POTUS as well

 

[bizzybecknd]

Maybe he was just flabbergasted and tongue tied after hearing first hand what Trump did. Sure McCain tried to steer it towards Clinton too, but the image of a sitting POTUS with so little regard for the Constitution, ethics and the rule of law, obviously blinded his thoughts.

Or, maybe he was dumbfounded at how ignorant Trump is, as described by House Speaker Ryan:
"He's new in government, and so therefore I think he's learning as he goes," Ryan told reporters at a news conference. "I'm not saying it's an acceptable excuse. It's just my observation."

New to government..A massive reason he was elected..

Biggest takeaway - Russia was involved or attempted to interfere with the ejection.. no votes were jeopardized. Trump has never been under investigation.

All the "Trump Lies" headlines were taken out of context. Comey said he lied regarding the FBI being in disarray and not having a leader.

 

[South Bender]

McCain's excuse was that he stayed up late the night before watching baseball. That's why he was incoherent.

 

[IrishInOntario]

I understood the point McCain was trying to make. I also understood Comey's response quite coherently. The FBI concluded their investigation of Clinton and, therefore, he was willing to clear her name. On the separate topic of Donald Trump, while Trump wasn't under investigation by the FBI, Comey didn't personally feel that the investigation had reached a point to in which he could publicly defend Trump's innocence. Partially a lesson learned from a previous misstep and partially, his own personal opinion.

Comey's answer was clearly personal in nature, while McCain struggled to portray it as directly partisan.

 

[Ara64]

How quickly things change when the other guy wins?

 

[twalsh]

All the "Trump Lies" headlines were taken out of context. Comey said he lied regarding the FBI being in disarray and not having a leader.

Which is an opinion, so it can't really be considered a lie, even if you don't agree with it..

 

[Pennick44]

Or has he recently suffered a stroke?

I know the man is getting older in age, but his questioning of Comey today was cringe worthy. First, on multiple occasions he mixed Donald Trump and James Comey up, until Comey finally corrected him. Then he couldn't seem to understand how an investigation into Hillary Clinton had been closed, but a separate investigation had been opened on another issue... I wish Comey had explained it in a way that McCain could have understood. Something like...

"John, when you're fighting a war there are likely going to be various battles. You can conclude a single battle without fully concluding the war. Circumstances may cause you to start another battle, in the same location, later in the conflict, but it is separate too and independent of the first battle."

Of all the questions asked today by a committee that lauded itself as bipartisan, McCain struck me as the only committee member who was struggling deeply to put aside his political agenda. The fact that the first 3'ish minutes of his question period were just gibberish and his routinely mixing up names was just embarrassing.

I think John McCain is a fine American and certainly has served the United States with great distinction in numerous military and political roles and to be completely honest I've long been a fan of his candor and his "straight shooter" personality, but that was painful today. I hope he had been drinking.

Can't believe you didn't see the partisanship by each member of the committee. The whole show was a circus. Nothing accomplished..... par for the course.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Can't believe you didn't see the partisanship by each member of the committee. The whole show was a circus. Nothing accomplished..... par for the course.

It's not that I couldn't see the obvious Republican/ Democrat Partisanship. I simply thought the vast majority of them restrained themselves and tried to focus on the issue at hand. At times they clearly had moments of intended political jabs at the other side (was always going to be the case) but McCain struck me as the one guy who was both living consistently in the past and questioning from a strictly partisan point of view... And did so rather incoherently by what I think the standards should be for a United States Congressman / Woman.

 

[Telx1]

Actually thought the Senators were too gentle with Comey. These damn hearings turn into self serving forums for committee members with the format of alternating questions and short time limits. We would be better served with each side choosing a member to represent their concerns and allow for extensive questioning. Comey's story that he decided he needed to leak his version of his meeting with Trump to the press only after Trump's tweet would have been exposed as being inconsistent with the factual timelines, for example. His incoherent posture that he took Trumps words to be a directive, and yet one he chose to ignore in execution as well as cowardly not challenge with his career, would have been more clearly exposed. Comey is a slick politically astute career obsessed bureaucrat whose judgements have been terrible and driven by his survival instincts and his concern over his legacy, at the expense of the American public. Glad he is gone and believe Trump made a terrible decision not to fire him immediately upon assuming the office, and would have felt the same if Hillary had won.

 

[twalsh]

Actually thought the Senators were too gentle with Comey. These damn hearings turn into self serving forums for committee members with the format of alternating questions and short time limits. We would be better served with each side choosing a member to represent their concerns and allow for extensive questioning. Comey's story that he decided he needed to leak his version of his meeting with Trump to the press only after Trump's tweet would have been exposed as being inconsistent with the factual timelines, for example. His incoherent posture that he took Trumps words to be a directive, and yet one he chose to ignore in execution as well as cowardly not challenge with his career, would have been more clearly exposed. Comey is a slick politically astute career obsessed bureaucrat whose judgements have been terrible and driven by his survival instincts and his concern over his legacy, at the expense of the American public. Glad he is gone and believe Trump made a terrible decision not to fire him immediately upon assuming the office, and would have felt the same if Hillary had won.

But Hillary would have fired him five minutes after the inauguration.

 

[twalsh]

Can't believe you didn't see the partisanship by each member of the committee. The whole show was a circus. Nothing accomplished..... par for the course.

I was listening on NPR, so I couldn't see facial expressions, but the tone of most questioners was dripping with partisanship, IMHO. You almost get a sense that they are trying not to be partisan, but failing.

 

[TDIrish27]

Irish in Ontario

What did you think of Kamala Harris and explain where " restraint " was shown in her line of questioning.

Then again......

 

[IrishInOntario]

Irish in Ontario

What did you think of Kamala Harris and explain where " restraint " was shown in her line of questioning.

Then again......

I think Ms. Harris asked questions in the exact manner you'd expect from a former prosecutor. In fact, from what I recall of her question period, she sounded a lot like one of my favourite Congressmen, Trey Gowdy in that scenario she presented in the beginning of her question period was law based and seemed to flow with the line of thinking that Comey was presenting. In a court, an opposing attorney may have objected to her leading a witness towards a conclusion, but obviously she's a savy lawyer who understands the difference between a court of law and a Congressional hearing. Much like congressman Gowdy, the rest of her line of questioning asked direct, to the point questions, many of which Comey refused to answer in a public setting. I thought her line of questioning was direct, coherent, and to the point. With an obvious bias to the left? Of course... But in no way even close to the train wreck that was McCain's 7 minutes.

 

[Irish Duck]

IIO, I agree with you on McCain. While I don't agree with most of his political positions, I do like the fact that he is (for the most part) a straight-shooter and won't ever put party before country. That being said, something was really off about him yesterday. He couldn't seem to comprehend that the investigation into HRC involved the e-mails and not any possible collusion with the Russians. These were two entirely different investigations and one was, in fact, completed while the other hasn't been. Of course, it is always possible that in the course of the Russian investigation that the FBI and/or Special Counsel might find some evidence against HRC and her campaign. I doubt it but it is possible. If that happens, they will pursue any such evidence. Sometimes investigations go in odd and unexpected directions. Let's see where this one goes. In the meantime, it it really time to watch McCain carefully and see if he is "slipping" enough that it is time for him to step down.

 

[Telx1]

????? The same Kamela Harris who started her questioning by equating Trump's " I hope you can see your way ....." to a robber putting a gun to your head and asking for your money. That Kamala Harris is a very risk adverse upwardly mobile politician positioning herself for a Presidential run, and her questions were statements and never intended to elicit answers. Totally partisan and self serving, and didn't contribute to getting answers or clarification on anything!

 

[IrishInOntario]

????? The same Kamela Harris who started her questioning by equating Trump's " I hope you can see your way ....." to a robber putting a gun to your head and asking for your money. That Kamala Harris is a very risk adverse upwardly mobile politician positioning herself for a Presidential run, and her questions were statements and never intended to elicit answers. Totally partisan and self serving, and didn't contribute to getting answers or clarification on anything!

Again, typical lawyer tactic, clearly aimed and combating the nice job the guys on the right did of pointing out that the Trump "I hope" statement isn't grounds for criminality. All three sides (Comey included) read into things that were said and that is clearly guided by their partisanship. What Ms. Harris did, however, was nothing put of the ordinary by any stretch of the imagination and if you've ever watched another slick former prosecutor, Republican Congressman Trey Gowdy from South Carolina talk to anyone in a Congressional hearing, he asks the same type of questions and presents his own types of scenarios. Jason Chafetz does it well, also. Harris is no different in her approach from either of those Congressmen, she's simply on the left... That is far cry from the ridiculous rambling we heard from McCain. I've got no dog in this fight. That isn't a partisan statement. I think Comey gets fired regardless of who is in official, Trump or Clinton. I'm talking directly about McCain yesterday, not the overall investigation.

 

[HarlemIrish]

Time for the Rhino step down. I view him the same way as Romney and other career politicians.

 

[rgc7]

It would be nice if this whole political charade could be put behind us ? To think that all those politicians
Were elected to serve our country and get things done for the betterment of all Americans, and all they do is put partisan politics before everything else. Now we not only have to contend with all the political investigatory commission, but we have a Special Counsel to investigate exactly what and whom I have no idea ? Now they are talking about Loretta Lynch, the Clinton tapes, etc. ?
I actually felt very sorry for Comey yesterday he seemed completely in over his head. and 1 even felt more sorry for our FBI and our country.

 

[TDIrish27]

Well you began with talking about how all acted with restraint and now you're talking about how Ms Harris acted like a former prosecutor and that's understandable.

When you figure out exactly what you mean enlighten us.

 

[topdecktiger]

Susan Collins was worse than McCain. She was trying to help Trump, but framed her questions in a way that did the opposite. Comey himself had to step in and correct her.

 

[zonairish]

IIO, I agree with you on McCain. While I don't agree with most of his political positions, I do like the fact that he is (for the most part) a straight-shooter and won't ever put party before country. That being said, something was really off about him yesterday. He couldn't seem to comprehend that the investigation into HRC involved the e-mails and not any possible collusion with the Russians. These were two entirely different investigations and one was, in fact, completed while the other hasn't been. Of course, it is always possible that in the course of the Russian investigation that the FBI and/or Special Counsel might find some evidence against HRC and her campaign. I doubt it but it is possible. If that happens, they will pursue any such evidence. Sometimes investigations go in odd and unexpected directions. Let's see where this one goes. In the meantime, it it really time to watch McCain carefully and see if he is "slipping" enough that it is time for him to step down.

except he was the one that presented that bogus dossier. the one with the golden showers. what a joke

 

[Extirpate 6951]

except he was the one that presented that bogus dossier. the one with the golden showers. what a joke

McCain forgot to remove the rusty wrist watch he was hiding from the NVA up his backside.

 

[NIN Irish]

It would be nice if this whole political charade could be put behind us ? To think that all those politicians
Were elected to serve our country and get things done for the betterment of all Americans, and all they do is put partisan politics before everything else. Now we not only have to contend with all the political investigatory commission, but we have a Special Counsel to investigate exactly what and whom I have no idea ? Now they are talking about Loretta Lynch, the Clinton tapes, etc. ?
I actually felt very sorry for Comey yesterday he seemed completely in over his head. and 1 even felt more sorry for our FBI and our country.

This isn't as bad as the special counsel the republicans used on slick Willy.

 

[Pennick44]

But Hillary would have fired him five minutes after the inauguration.

And then she would have nominated another lightweight. She is a pathetic hack. Poor Chelsea. Can you imagine having bill and hill as your parents?

 

[Pennick44]

All Congressional hearings prove how much we need term limits. #draintheswamp.

 

[4simm]

Comey was too, narking on himself.

 

[stu4don]

So you guys are all okay that the Russians are actively subverting our democracy by creating fake news, releasing leaks, etc? Hmmm.... If Trump and his people aren't involved (despite numerous meetings, phone calls, etc, -- by the way, Kushie, I'm sure American needs a country like Russia whose economy is A THIRD of the size of France and whose only way of surviving is oil which people are turning away from.)

Trump could have just said, "Hey, Comey, do your job. Get these guys. We want to find out if this is true and if it is make sure it never happens again." That's it. End of story. I would have supported that.

Why didn't he do this? The FBI could have continued their work and Trump could have gotten right to his agenda building that wall. But instead he kept crying and tweeting.

McCain's point made no sense at all. I'm sure Hillary used the Russians to help Trump beat her. But I'm the first guy (unlike the current President) to give this WAR HERO a pass. But maybe it is time for him to play some golf (no I mean McCain, Trump is already playing huge amounts of golf on our dime.)

Look, Trump has been a liar all his life. He lied about the size of the crowd at his inauguration -- the photos showed the truth! I'm a New Yorker who lived in NYC in the 70s and 80s and witnesses his endless lies first hand. A buddy of mine, a banker was in a meeting with him back then -- Trump wanted a bailout -- was on the way out of the meeting when Trump put his hand on my buddy's (a LAX no-bullshit.) shoulder. He told him to get his hand off of his shoulder and walked away.

Guy's a major league douche always has been. He's running this country into the ground. But hey, you bought the lemon, hard to admit you made a mistake.

I am heartened that a lot of people are seeing that they made a mistake. His approval rating is what... 35%. That's lower then Kelly's back in November!

See it is always about ND football.

 

[stu4don]

IIO, I agree with you on McCain. While I don't agree with most of his political positions, I do like the fact that he is (for the most part) a straight-shooter and won't ever put party before country. That being said, something was really off about him yesterday. He couldn't seem to comprehend that the investigation into HRC involved the e-mails and not any possible collusion with the Russians. These were two entirely different investigations and one was, in fact, completed while the other hasn't been. Of course, it is always possible that in the course of the Russian investigation that the FBI and/or Special Counsel might find some evidence against HRC and her campaign. I doubt it but it is possible. If that happens, they will pursue any such evidence. Sometimes investigations go in odd and unexpected directions. Let's see where this one goes. In the meantime, it it really time to watch McCain carefully and see if he is "slipping" enough that it is time for him to step down.

Good point. Like how white water became about a blowie.

 

[SeanPol355]

And then she would have nominated another lightweight. She is a pathetic hack. Poor Chelsea. Can you imagine having bill and hill as your parents?

Perhaps your kids have the same view of you.

 

[theskibro]

Or has he recently suffered a stroke?

I know the man is getting older in age, but his questioning of Comey today was cringe worthy. First, on multiple occasions he mixed Donald Trump and James Comey up, until Comey finally corrected him. Then he couldn't seem to understand how an investigation into Hillary Clinton had been closed, but a separate investigation had been opened on another issue... I wish Comey had explained it in a way that McCain could have understood. Something like...

"John, when you're fighting a war there are likely going to be various battles. You can conclude a single battle without fully concluding the war. Circumstances may cause you to start another battle, in the same location, later in the conflict, but it is separate too and independent of the first battle."

Of all the questions asked today by a committee that lauded itself as bipartisan, McCain struck me as the only committee member who was struggling deeply to put aside his political agenda. The fact that the first 3'ish minutes of his question period were just gibberish and his routinely mixing up names was just embarrassing.

I think John McCain is a fine American and certainly has served the United States with great distinction in numerous military and political roles and to be completely honest I've long been a fan of his candor and his "straight shooter" personality, but that was painful today. I hope he had been drinking.

You are accurate. He is getting into age related health issues and it is sad

 

[Granite45]

I am heartened that a lot of people are seeing that they made a mistake. His approval rating is what... 35%. That's lower then Kelly's back in November!

See it is always about ND football.

Have to wonder when people will concede that Kelly is a better coach than Trump is a President.

 

[ndfi65]

Have to wonder when people will concede that Kelly is a better coach than Trump is a President.

uhm...........Never

 

[Pennick44]

Perhaps your kids have the same view of you.

We are praying that you never pro created.

 

[Pennick44]

So you guys are all okay that the Russians are actively subverting our democracy by creating fake news, releasing leaks, etc? Hmmm.... If Trump and his people aren't involved (despite numerous meetings, phone calls, etc, -- by the way, Kushie, I'm sure American needs a country like Russia whose economy is A THIRD of the size of France and whose only way of surviving is oil which people are turning away from.)

Trump could have just said, "Hey, Comey, do your job. Get these guys. We want to find out if this is true and if it is make sure it never happens again." That's it. End of story. I would have supported that.

Why didn't he do this? The FBI could have continued their work and Trump could have gotten right to his agenda building that wall. But instead he kept crying and tweeting.

McCain's point made no sense at all. I'm sure Hillary used the Russians to help Trump beat her. But I'm the first guy (unlike the current President) to give this WAR HERO a pass. But maybe it is time for him to play some golf (no I mean McCain, Trump is already playing huge amounts of golf on our dime.)

Look, Trump has been a liar all his life. He lied about the size of the crowd at his inauguration -- the photos showed the truth! I'm a New Yorker who lived in NYC in the 70s and 80s and witnesses his endless lies first hand. A buddy of mine, a banker was in a meeting with him back then -- Trump wanted a bailout -- was on the way out of the meeting when Trump put his hand on my buddy's (a LAX no-bullshit.) shoulder. He told him to get his hand off of his shoulder and walked away.

Guy's a major league douche always has been. He's running this country into the ground. But hey, you bought the lemon, hard to admit you made a mistake.

I am heartened that a lot of people are seeing that they made a mistake. His approval rating is what... 35%. That's lower then Kelly's back in November!

See it is always about ND football.

We learned 3 things from hearings. Comey is the leaker and a major league db. Typical pathetic Obama appointee.
The second is that Obama /Hillary influenced the election by asking Comey to call the email scandal a "matter."
And lastly there was no collusion between Russia and Trump. Even moonbat Chris Matthews acknowledged that.

 

[twalsh]

Guy's a major league douche always has been. He's running this country into the ground.

Agree 100% with your first point. Couldn't disagree more with your second one. I can't even come up with one legitimate example.

 

[SeanPol355]

We are praying that you never pro created.

Too late. Smart, talented, and can see right through Trump's bloviations.