John McCain noted that when angered as a child, he would hold his breath until he blacked out. In high school he was known as "Punk" and McNasty." McCain's volatile temper is legendary. His explosions or "McSplosions" as we call them in the Tater home are disturbing events filled with expletives and primitive fury.
In the primary season of 2000, the Arizona Republic warned:
If McCain is truly a serious contender for the presidency, it is time the rest of the nation learned about the John McCain we know in Arizona. There is also reason to seriously question whether he has the temperament, and the political approach and skills, we want in the next president of the United States.
Fellow Republicans openly have expressed concerns.
Sen. Thad Cochran, R- Mississippi, has known Senator John McCain for more than three decades, endorsed Mitt Romney for president. Cochran's choice was partly driven by his fear of how McCain might behave in the Oval Office. "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine," Cochran said about McCain. "He is erratic. He is hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."
The former GOP senator from New Hampshire, Bob Smith, warned "His temper would place this country at risk in international affairs, and the world perhaps in danger. In my mind, it should disqualify him."
And, an encounter with Iowa Republican Charles Grassley almost came to blows where cursing and shoving led Bob Kerrey, amongst others, to physically break up what appeared to be getting out of control. Yet it was not completely apparent what set McCain off on that particular day.
Keith Olbermann alludes to these events and interviews Mark Benjamin of salon.com regarding an article where military officers express their concerns about McCain's fitness to be Commander in Chief. Benjamin reported that he was told that McCain "... really loses his mind sometimes to the point where he should not have his finger on the button"
But, this has not be observed solely in Left Blogistan note the outstanding summary of previous McSplosions by wanderwolf at TPM Cafe. Numerous news organizations have written extensive pieces. Here's a sampling:
WaPo (previously cited)
USA Today
(AP Story appearing widely)
Boston Globe
Des Moines Register
and an example of broadcast news is presented below for your viewing pleasure. Note the graphic, "McCain's F-Bomb"
There is also the report in the book The Real McCain by Cliff Schecter that McCain called his wife, Cindy, something inexcusable in public.
Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also let me in on another incident involving McCain's intemperateness. In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, "You're getting a little thin up there." McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you c***." McCain's excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days.
What's more, we know that the even-tempered and smart Senator Obama gets under the volatile and less smart skin of Senator McCain (finished towards the bottom of his class) . Scathing and rambling "hysterical diatribes" from the hand of John McCain can be bagged as evidence. We all heard the recent rant in response to Obama's questionning McCain's no-show on Webb's new GI bill, but remember this golden oldie:
Response to Obama's request to move a bill forward instead of work together on a task force.
I would like to apologize to you for assuming that your private assurances to me regarding your desire to cooperate in our efforts to negotiate bipartisan lobbying reform legislation were sincere. When you approached me and insisted that despite your leadership's preference to use the issue to gain a political advantage in the 2006 elections, you were personally committed to achieving a result that would reflect credit on the entire Senate and offer the country a better example of political leadership, I concluded your professed concern for the institution and the public interest was genuine and admirable. Thank you for disabusing me of such notions with your letter to me dated February 2, 2006, which explained your decision to withdraw from our bipartisan discussions. I'm embarrassed to admit that after all these years in politics I failed to interpret your previous assurances as typical rhetorical gloss routinely used in politics to make self-interested partisan posturing appear more noble. Again, sorry for the confusion, but please be assured I won't make the same mistake again.
So, that takes us to the FUN part of the diary. At some point during this general election process, McCain will explode, BIG TIME. The pool we are about to describe began with my diary comment regarding Mr. Tater and my informal wagering on which date leading up to Novermber 4, 2008 would McCain totally explode. The interest in this proposition and getting in on the action was brisk. I will note those of you who responded at the time and lock in your wagers.
MCSPLOSION POOL DETAILS
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Predict the first McSplosion. Defined as a loss of temper so volcanic, outrageous and lunatic that there is general agreement in the media that McCain's temper is of great concern and may have cost him the election.
WHERE: Right here on Daily Kos. We are on McSplosion watch. Log in your bet in the comments section below as to when McCain loses it. A date is preferable to an event, such as "the third debate" which has already been claimed. Specific expletives will break a tie, but I ask for a clean comments section. Please use your indoor voices and euphemisms or asterisks, i.e., F-bomb, sh** head, or "some kind of hole."
WHEN: Starting today and running through November 4th. After the first McSplosion, the Kossack whose date is closest to the date of the fury event wins!
WHY: For the good of the nation and world. And, for a $200 shopping spree at the Obama Store! Yes, pick the day of McCain's Dean scream, macaca moment, or Dukakis tank ride and win a lovely selection of (visualize hand moving gracefully over loot) Obama t-shirts, buttons and bumper stickers (whatever you choose). Only one winner and one explosive event will be considered. Mr. Tater will be the ultimate judge.
And finally, Pat Buchanan, everybody's favorite latte drinking liberal leaves us with a compelling picture of a McCain presidency...