McCain Skipped Stimulus Vote, Other Senators On His Plane Returned To The Floor In Time
McCain Skipped Stimulus Vote, Other Senators On His Plane Returned To The Floor In Time
Yesterday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) skipped the Senate’s vote on the economic stimulus package, which fell just one vote short of the 60 needed to end debate.
On the stump, McCain has repeatedly claimed that passing a package was a priority for him. Yet his missed vote yesterday was not an accident due to a late flight or scheduling conflict. It was deliberate. Some evidence:
1. He was already thinking about skipping the vote yesterday afternoon. Yesterday afternoon, hours before the vote, he hinted to reporters that he might not return to the Senate that evening. “I haven’t had a chance to talk about it at all, have not had the opportunity to, even,” McCain said. “We’ve just been too busy, focused on other stuff. I don’t know if I’m doing that.”
2. His plane landed in DC with plenty of time to make the vote. McCain’s plane landed at Dulles Airport at 5:00 p.m., “leaving plenty of time to make the 5:45 p.m. make or break procedural vote.”
3. The other senators on his plane returned for the vote. ThinkProgress has confirmed with Sen. Joe Lieberman’s (I-CT) office that both he and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) were on the same plane with McCain. Yet both Lieberman and Graham returned to the Senate in time to cast votes. (Lieberman voted for the stimulus, Graham voted against.)
McCain’s move was certainly not a profile in courage. His spokeswoman said that the senator would have voted against the package anyway. By missing the vote, however, he didn’t have to go on record denying benefits to 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled vets — both key blocs of support for his campaign.
As ABC’s Jake Tapper notes, “In fact, in the 110th Congress, out of 450 votes, McCain missed 56.7% of them. The only one who missed more was a senator who had a brain hemmorhage.”
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45 Responses to “McCain Skipped Stimulus Vote, Other Senators On His Plane Returned To The Floor In Time”
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What a great photo, particularly in light of the story below about LIEberman's Superdelegate status being stripped.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:57 pmAnd this guy wants to be Dictator, er ah, President? Sorta spineless, is it not?
Buck Fush
February 7th, 2008 at 12:58 pmFebruary 7th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
What is Senator Graham putting in his mouth?
February 7th, 2008 at 1:07 pmComment by CitiDC — February 7, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
The question is, "What WON"T Senator Graham put in his mouth?"
February 7th, 2008 at 1:08 pmI suspect that missing the vote just to avoid going on record as voting "no" is a little like Clinton avoiding penile-vaginal penetration with Monica just so he could say he "didn't have sex" with her.
Anybody who's paying attention isn't going to be fooled. And because this will surely wind up in some opponent's negative advertising, money will be paid to ensure people are paying attention.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:08 pmNice pic ; a trio of useless nitwits , yucking it up ............
February 7th, 2008 at 1:08 pmNot only that, the trip back must have been lots of fun too. Can you imagine those folks shooting the breeze.
If there was a fly on the wall, he died from boredom or had lots of RePUGshit to feed on.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:09 pmYOU'RE TELLING ME THAT OTHERS ON THE PLANE MADE THE VOTE AND MCCAIN COULDN'T HAVE SHARED THEIR RIDE FROM THE AIRPORT TO CONGRESS ???
AND YES I AM SHOUTING!!!
Considering that plans for the stimulus package have been touted by the press and that folks have probably already dreamed of what they would do with the money, make it a campaign issue that McCain STOLE $300 from your pocket because he couldn't be bothered to share a cab.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pmStraight Talk, slow walk.
-GSD
February 7th, 2008 at 1:15 pma president on vacation and ignoring his duties?
i can't even imagine that!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:17 pm"Hemorrhage", 1 m, 2 rs.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:19 pmCaption:
Lindsay Graham does an impression of Bush eating a pretzel.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:19 pmConsidering that plans for the stimulus package have been touted by the press and that folks have probably already dreamed of what they would do with the money, make it a campaign issue that McCain STOLE $300 from your pocket because he couldn’t be bothered to share a cab.
Comment by MapleStreet — February 7, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
You could, and I am sure some will, which is likely the whole point of Harry Reid's manuevering, but it would not be terribly accurate.
The House passed $160 billion stimulus package. House = controlled by Democrats. The Senate wants to add $44 billion more. The $300 is sitting there waiting for approval if the Senate would take yes for an answer. This is politics.
As a general thing, the government borrowing $160 billion more from China so I can go to Wal Mart and buy $300 more of stuff made in China seems like a little weird to me, but who am I to complain if the government is giving me stuff?
February 7th, 2008 at 1:20 pmWell, McCain just gave the Democrats a great campaign ad. Show McCain hiding while the vote is being taken on the floor. Then show the quote by his staffer saying he would have voted against it anyway. Then ask "Why does McCain not want the public to know that he voted against XXXX (fill in the blank).
McCain has given the Democrats so many read-made advertisements with his flip-flops, lies and scary plans, it would have more than the next 9 months to show them all.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:22 pmSorry, but I'm a little dubious about one detail. How the hell do you get from Dulles to Capitol Hill in 45 minutes at rush hour?
February 7th, 2008 at 1:23 pmThis is politics.
As a general thing, the government borrowing $160 billion more from China so I can go to Wal Mart and buy $300 more of stuff made in China seems like a little weird to me, but who am I to complain if the government is giving me stuff?
Comment by Keltoi
Keltoi says it's "politics" and he's right. We can't possibly help the poor and elderly with their heating costs in a recession, that would be "politics". And we can't help those who are unemployed by extending their benefits, because there are no jobs to be had, that would be "politics".
The Senate is trying to fill in the blanks that the wimpy House left out of the bill. Some actual relief for the people who need it the most. If that's "politics" I am glad for it.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:24 pmSorry, but I’m a little dubious about one detail. How the hell do you get from Dulles to Capitol Hill in 45 minutes at rush hour?
Comment by toasterhead
Don't know, but apparently Lieberman and Graham did it. All McCain had to do would have been to hop in the same cab with them. He purposely missed that vote so he couldn't be held accountable. He will be, though, in campaign ads. He's too stupid to realize that there are consequences to his actions.
February 7th, 2008 at 1:28 pmCaption: Larry, Curly & Joe nyuk nyuk yuk yuk
February 7th, 2008 at 1:31 pmOT - sorry
February 7th, 2008 at 1:37 pmBut Chimpy is giving another petulant address. The "nasty" congress hasn't appointed his candidates. They must do as I want, says the boy-king.
I hope I see this ad come October:
"Hello. I am Hillary Clinton|Barrack Obama. February 6th, 2008, I took a break from my presidential campaign to fly back to Washington to vote to give you the stimulus package that the President was pushing. My opponent, John McCain, was on the same airplane with me. Thanks to a Republican filibuster, 60 votes were required to end debate and get to the actual vote. 8 Republican Senators crossed the aisle and voted with us. We had 59 votes. Had McCain been there and voted yes, we would have passed the stimulus package and possibily, the economy would have been on stronger ground today. McCain could not take time out of his busy schedule, however. A vote for McCain is a vote for a President whose priorities are not aligned with the American People. I am Hillary Clinton|Barrack Obama, and I approve of this message."
Please, Clinton and Obama, LISTEN to me and make that ad!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:38 pmThe House passed $160 billion stimulus package. House = controlled by Democrats. The Senate wants to add $44 billion more. The $300 is sitting there waiting for approval if the Senate would take yes for an answer. This is politics.
As a general thing, the government borrowing $160 billion more from China so I can go to Wal Mart and buy $300 more of stuff made in China seems like a little weird to me, but who am I to complain if the government is giving me stuff?
Comment by Keltoi — February 7, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
February 7th, 2008 at 1:43 pmFunny how you don't have an issue with Chimpy borrowing tons of cash from the Chinese and pissing away billions of $'s monthly on Iraq and the Iraqis ; is that "politics" , too ?
Here is a good link to the differences in the two bills
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23037165/
but when I say it is politics, I am talking about what is motivating the Senate Democrats. It could be their deep concern for the people Bilbo identifies. Then again, it COULD be a desire to create an issue that will allow Obama/Clinton to make an add like Jeremy in Denver describes in 21.
Unfortunately for this strategy, there will be a compromise, we'll get our checks by June, and by November 2 everyone will be saying "Huh? I got my check, what are they talking about? Hey, check out this awesome made in China big screen me and the Missus bought with it!"
February 7th, 2008 at 1:43 pmbut when I say it is politics, I am talking about what is motivating the Senate Democrats.
Comment by Keltoi — February 7, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
Do you water carriers for the GOP actually read and/or re-read your posts to yourself before hitting "Post-I Agree" ?
Does the GOP have any motivation whatsoever , if not how to use every nuance , word , and especially tragic event , as a political tool ?
What the hell are you people thinking about when you post such mindless drivel ?
February 7th, 2008 at 1:51 pm'As ABC’s Jake Tapper notes, “In fact, in the 110th Congress, out of 450 votes, McCain missed 56.7% of them. The only one who missed more was a senator who had a brain hemmorhage.â€'
So, McCain missed 255 votes. Just how many votes is he away from demonstrating he, too, may be suffering from a brain hemmorage?
February 7th, 2008 at 1:54 pm23 keltoi I read it. So we shouldn't take care of our elderly and the people who served this country? Why do you hate old folks and Vets?
February 7th, 2008 at 2:19 pmHahahahahaha......You folks all think that because the Democrats are down to the black guy and the white woman we are going to see change.
And the candidate from the other side Mr McWar votes like a liberal.
This country is circling the drain.
A few more tornadoes, fires and droughts, a few more wars, a bit more shredding of the constitution, more economic troubles........
DO you REALLY understand what it will take to stop this??
February 7th, 2008 at 2:22 pmSorry, but I’m a little dubious about one detail. How the hell do you get from Dulles to Capitol Hill in 45 minutes at rush hour?
Comment by toasterhead — February 7, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
I bet they landed at Ronald Reagan Airport, the old Washington National Airport, which is only 4 miles from downtown D.C. and is in Washington while Dulles is in Virginia, 31 miles away.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:24 pmWhy do they have to be physically present in Washington to vote, anyway?
I mean, I know it's tradition and they're proud of all the bells and lights and whistles. But how hard would it be to have the House and Senate vote by Blackberry or something?
February 7th, 2008 at 2:24 pmI bet they landed at Ronald Reagan Airport, the old Washington National Airport, which is only 4 miles from downtown D.C. and is in Washington while Dulles is in Virginia, 31 miles away.
Comment by Saint Augustine — February 7, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
According to the Politico article, the plane landed at Dulles. And even National to Capitol Hill is a tough drive at 5:00.
February 7th, 2008 at 2:25 pmAccording to the Politico article, the plane landed at Dulles. And even National to Capitol Hill is a tough drive at 5:00.
Comment by toasterhead — February 7, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Yeah, I saw the article, but I don't discount that they might be wrong. I was wrong in saying Reagan Airpot is in DC, it is in Arlington County, Virginia. There is Metro (DC's subway) service from the airport to the Capitol complex, Capitol South station looks closest. Rush hour traffic probably wouldn't be a problem since most of the traffic would be heading out of the city if they took a taxi, limo or private vehicle.
I know the taxi drivers were striking recently and if they are still on strike that would mean even fewer cars on the road also.
So my bet is they landed at Reagan, for whatever its worth!
February 7th, 2008 at 2:58 pm23 keltoi I read it. So we shouldn’t take care of our elderly and the people who served this country? Why do you hate old folks and Vets?
Comment by specialist f — February 7, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
Nice Sophistry. My comments relate to the politics behind this story, not the merits of the Bills in particular. And when Reid and the Dems cave, as they will, will you say they hate old folks and vets? Did you say Pelosi hates old folks and vets when she passed her version?
A compromise will emerge. People will get money. The story will evaporate. It is fun for now, though, the timing is just wrong for Democratic advantage.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:01 pmMcCain must have been delayed in the airport...........bathroom.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pmOh, and the picture?
I wrecked my monitor using a sharpie to black it out...
February 7th, 2008 at 3:08 pmA compromise will emerge. People will get money. The story will evaporate. It is fun for now, though, the timing is just wrong for Democratic advantage.
Comment by Keltoi — February 7, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
When Johnny McInsane's pathetic voting record is constantly hammered during the national election race , it won't be the "wrong time" , nitwit.
You believe that missing votes entirely has some sort of "shelf-life" ?
Why is Ms Clinton's Iraq war vote still (rightfully) invoked then you nitwit ?
February 7th, 2008 at 3:21 pmHas anyone else noticed the appearance of Joe Lieberman in all of McCain's photo shots and video clips.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:27 pmScary, really scary!
Has anyone else noticed the appearance of Joe Lieberman in all of McCain’s photo shots and video clips. Scary, really scary! -celtic cynic
Any photo of LIEberman is scary, but have you seen his wife?!!
February 7th, 2008 at 3:29 pmVP LIEberman = Elmer Fudd goes to Washington
February 7th, 2008 at 3:30 pmFor the record, I can't stand McCain. I met him in person at my AZ high school back in 1999, right before his campaign kicked off, and he struck me as a lousy, lying panderer even then.
That said, anyone expecting it to be "no problem" to get from Dulles Airport to the Capitol Building in 45 minutes, during rush hour, has no idea how DC is laid out.
No biggie, Amanda. This just confirms you're not a "Beltway Insider", an increasingly disgraceful label.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:36 pmJust add this to the list of things Dems better be talking about in the months leading up to the November election. Seniors inclined to vote McCain better get an earful of this early and often.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:37 pmOops! What I meant was, The Politico's Jonathan Martin doesn't know anything about DC traffic. You're off the hook, Amanda.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:38 pmLook, McCain and other Republicans clearly want the rebates to go to the Vets and elderly. But the Dems had a bill that not only offered rebates to those making $150,000, but it also had tax breaks for the coal industry. So, for one, it's not unreasonable to oppose this bill in hopes of a better stimulus package. Yes, McCain said he wanted a stimulus, but my impression was that was a vague position that was more in line with the House proposal than this recent Senate one.
You can fairly criticize McCain for skipping a vote that he could have been present for. But understand that Senator Obama has done the same thing, and, frankly, a McCain vote here would not have changed the outcome. In general, I say that our elected officials should vote and go on record whenever possible, and McCain is wrong in that respect, but to pretend this is a big deal is silly.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:12 pmGee - all this concern for which airport, traffic or no traffic, is missing the point . . . Lierman and Flimsy Graham BOTH MADE IT to vote . . . is the RepubliCON Anointed One too frickin' stupid to find his way too?
Or just maybe it's a sign of how important the "little folks and Vets" will be in his 100 Year War . . .
February 10th, 2008 at 1:10 amI never wanted to know THIS kind of politics...fantasy rules! But what about this story concurrently, with the likelihood of Mayor Bloomberg as McCain's V.P.? And, this is why: 1)two outsiders: Senator (non-voting, here) McCain, and of course, non-voting Mayor Bloomberg, businessman-together, involved in their typically hands off economic approach! 2) Add-in, money plus laissez-faire 'business', to the political concerns with veterans and seniors, and voila! A nightmare, fantasy Republican ticket!!
February 10th, 2008 at 8:38 pmI am sure some will, which is likely the whole point of Harry Reid’s manuevering, but it would not be terribly accurate.
The House passed $160 billion stimulus package. House = controlled by Democrats. The Senate wants to add $44 billion more. The $300 is sitting there waiting for approval if the Senate would take yes for an answer. This is politics.
As a general thing, the government borrowing $160 billion more from China so I can go to Wal Mart acer aspire 1500 battery,acer aspire 1300 battery and buy $300 more of stuff made in China seems like a little weird to me
October 15th, 2008 at 3:27 am