John McCain loses temper with defeatist aides as he vows to fight to the last

[FarCenter]

By Tim Shipman in Durango, Colorado

Last Updated: 4:22PM BST 25 Oct 2008 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/3259208/John-McCain-loses-temper-with-defeatist-aides-as-he-vows-to-fight-to-the-last.html


In heated exchanges the Republican presidential candidate made clear that he will not tolerate the blame game that some of his aides have engaged in over the last week as Barack Obama retains a comfortable lead in national and swing state polls.

...

He took the stage on Friday night to the theme from Rocky, a tale of a scrappy underdog, and then pounded Barack Obama as a tax raiser. But he saved the toughest words for those in his own party who do not think he can win the election.

"I'm not afraid of the fight, I'm ready for it," he said, echoing Hillary Clinton's closing argument during the primaries. "What America needs now is a fighter, someone who will put all his cards on the table and trusts the judgment of the American people. I have fought for you most of my life." "I know you're worried. We're at a moment of national crisis. I am an American and I choose to fight. Do not give up hope. Be strong. Nothing is inevitable here. We never give up."

...

A friend told The Sunday Telegraph that the message of defiance was one he had already delivered in private to his senior staff. There have even been reports that more than one of his aides last week began making inquiries about private sector jobs after the election, a clear signal that they expect to lose and a dramatic breach of etiquette in the dying days of a campaign. The friend, who often travels with Mr McCain, said the candidate lost his temper: "There were raised voices. John's whole life has been about the fight. He won't tolerate those who won't fight. He showed his irritation at some of the pessimism in typical John style."

...

[Ishoutandscream2]

1. Just like Hitler in the Fuhrer bunker as the Soviets were in Berlin

I guess I'll stop my comparison right there.

[ErinBerin84]

2. you're an American?

Thanks for the newsflash, genius.

[tularetom]

3. "john's whole life has been about the fight"

Jesus christ what an unhappy miserable fuckin life if that's true. No wonder the poor old sumbitch is angry. Especially since he appears to have run from most fights he picked (Like confronting the bush campaign after they trashed his wife and daughter).

But if he likes fighting so fucking much I suggest that he and Obama put on the gloves and go a few rounds. Then we can see just what a "fighter" he really is.


And BTW I'm glad he "trusts the judgment of the American people". Should make it easier for him to handle November 4.

[progressive_realist]

4. *sigh* I don't want a fighter; I want a winner.

Sun Tzu correctly pointed out long ago that winners and losers are usually decided before the fighting even begins. If you are talking about fighting to the bitter end, you've already lost. At that point, the only open question is how costly your loss is going to be.