November 29, 2007
Posted: 03:50 PM ET

McCain isn't happy with the accelerated primary calendar.

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (CNN) — Fresh from the previous night’s CNN/YouTube debate, Sen. John McCain spoke with reporters about the experience Thursday morning. He said he was pleased with the reviews but joked that he encourages his staff to only show him the good ones.

He discussed the primary calendar, saying about the current system, “it’s crazy, it’s way too compressed and we’ve got to sit down and fix it,” adding the threat of congressional action if the parties can’t agree on improvements. The Arizona senator stressed the need for a longer primary season to give candidates more scrutiny before the parties’ conventions.

McCain also focused on his continued disagreement with fellow presidential candidate Mitt Romney about the use of waterboarding as an interrogation technique. The senator strongly opposes the practice, which he defines as torture and contrary to the Geneva Conventions.

– CNN’s Wes Little

Filed under: Uncategorized


Bob, Seattle   November 29th, 2007 6:45 pm ET

There are few more 'solid' Americans in the running. Perhaps a McCain/Huckabee ticket? Two very solid citizens that really and truly are above the rhetorical theater that is 'normal' politics. If the country were in the hands of these two men, America will have done itself proud. This would be a highly respected and feared leadership tandem by the global powers that be.

Misha, Nashua, NH   November 29th, 2007 7:21 pm ET

Why couldn't McCain be honest last night in his exchange with Paul? All it takes is the right volume of an encyclopedia to prove John wrong, with all due respect.

After hearing that exchange last night, McCain's no longer my candidate. He can't even get history right, and that's sad given all the service he performed for our country.

Laura Tulsa OK   November 29th, 2007 9:55 pm ET

Misha , instead of hyperbole, why not state what John McCain said that was not factual. Please be specific.

PAUL PROVIDENCE RI   November 30th, 2007 2:30 am ET

I have to agree with Mr. McCain and these primary dates. It is not fair to the votes or the candidates. I see how everyone wants to be number one, but you can also be a spoiler if you vote later. I do think congress will have to take this up when they met in January. If they don't do anything, it will be a mess incoming years and also turn off voters. Voter turn out has been way down and the reason is people are just sick of being told lies and people buying the "job" in Washington. The system needs to over hauled to bring votes back. Someone running for a seat in congress or senate, should not be spending 2 million dollars and the pay is $15000.00. To me this is buying the seat and you are not going to vote for who sent you there. So let the American people choose who they want and not the parties.

Independent in IA   November 30th, 2007 8:24 am ET

Poor John!!! Having trouble keeping up, are ya? Maybe it's time for you to just relax in the 'ol rocker and try to forget about the nostalgic scent of jet-fuel.

daffy   November 30th, 2007 1:01 pm ET

What needs to be fixed or those Iowans and New Hampshirites who have way too much power over the political parties and their respective candidates. The candidates are so afraid of those states early primary power that they don't speak up and say the obvious- our country is being held hostage by two low population podunk states that are not racial diverse in any way shape or form. They shouldn't be deciding the candidates every election.

Karen Houston TX   December 2nd, 2007 6:15 pm ET

Not a McCain fan. The u-tube debate made sure of it. I'm going wit Mitt.

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