January 6, 2008
Posted: January 6th, 2008 10:05 AM ET

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) – If John McCain shares a debate stage with a Democratic presidential hopeful again this year, it might not be the friendliest affair - but last night’s brief meeting on-stage with his counterparts in the other party was a pleasant reunion of sorts for the Arizona senator, says a campaign aide.

"He served with all of them in either the House or Senate and they exchanged pleasantries," the staffer tells CNN’s John King.

The aide says McCain and the New York senator exchanged greetings, and he asked her to say hello to former President Clinton for him.

The staffer says Clinton, in turn, complimented McCain on his New Hampshire resurgence, and "told him he is doing a good job."

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • John McCain • New Hampshire


CHANGE is coming ...   January 7th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

"Sarah, VA January 6, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Go Hillary! I will leave the country if Obama gets elected."

Sarah,

Do you promise? You liar.

Ann   January 7th, 2008 3:00 am ET

One thing I must say on behalf of Hillary Clinton. She has endured enough from the media and public in general, but the outlandishly hurtful remarks about her not being likeable was the lowest dirty blow I've witnessed so far. Whatever happened to people speaking their views that may differ from another's view without being pounded by hatred and vile remarks. I could have cried watching that particular assault thrown in her face. My God, who's going to halt this slaughter of words?

Lame McCain   January 7th, 2008 2:17 am ET

McCain is Lame because he has no brain.

Lame McCain makes so many rude lame comments, they were funny in 1960
he should go back to the past with Hillary.

Tejano Tater   January 7th, 2008 1:13 am ET

McCain, Huckabee, and the Clinton Hilly-Billy Corporation are all birds of a deep South, Good 'ol , "KKK-Style", ***FEATHER***...crowing, cackling, pooping, and cawing in self admiring status quo UNISON, and pecking at the decent candidates running honorable campaigns and presenting Americans with a new WAY OUT from their corrupt grips on Washington...new faces, working for positive CHANGE...such as Obama, Romney, and Thompson!!!

Rob   January 7th, 2008 12:32 am ET

He can't return the favor . She was lousy-let me rephrase that, she is lousy.

A'SAD .A. JABBAR   January 6th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DEVISE AN PLAN THAT ,INCLUES IMPROVING THE LIVE'S OF THOSE BENETHE THE MIDDLE CLASS, ALL THE CANIDATE'S ARE ONLY TALKING ABOUT KEEP US ALIVE , BUT FOR WHAT. WHAT DO YOU NEED US FOR TO SAY , AT LEAST WE'RE BATTER OFF THEN THEM,,,,,

Grandpa   January 6th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

There's no one worth voting for in any party, on any ballot, in any state in my opinion.

My main issue currently is plain and simple... we need a candidate that puts the people FIRST, and listens intently to what the PEOPLE need, not a bunch of self-centered egotistical servants of the big corporate machines.

Instead of ME ME ME I'd like to hear from a candidate that's willing to REALLY go to work on the job of healing this country, and fixing the dreadful condition of the USA.

Instead of ME ME ME, I'd like to hear AMERICA FIRST!

Jason   January 6th, 2008 11:04 pm ET

Amen Dr. Z – I'm not sure I will even vote for Pres if Obamalamadingdong is nominated. These Dems/Indies/Repubs in Iowa and NH are nuts! You can be sure if Obamalamadingdong is elected in Nov. it will be the last Dem. Pres for many many years, then again, maybe he'll surround himself with great advisors like GWB! As for Edwards, it looks as if he could hug and kiss Obamalamadingdong from last nights debate, guess he's trying to be #2 again, what a joke.

Dr Jack Zito   January 6th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

What really bothers me most about this election process is early on Hillary, the Dems best chance at a true president was side swiped and railroaded by Chris Matthews and Tim Russert, (colusion?) after the debate a few weeks ago. She actually answered the question about drivers licencenses for illegals. Her opponents did a Ralph Kramden on the next debate- Humina- humina and couldnt answer it after two minutes of fumbling. The good old boys club was out to get Hillary and they succeeded. They have been working secretly behind telephone calls etc to knock Hillary out by having Republicans cross over and vote for O Bama. It has worked and Karl Rove has to be laughing behind close doors. The Dems are commiting sucicide again by putting up a candidate the Repubs can beat. Hillary kicked all the Repubs butts in a general election and they know it, and she would have appointed Barrack and Edwards to fine positions in the government but the boys were too greedy. They want it all now. I will vote for whomever gets nominated but I am not liking it much if it is OBombout or poor Jonnie Edwards from the downtrodden South- a milltown boy. All this rhetoric about change and hollow promises is going to wash out in the end. Hell, I have never voted republican in my life, but this might be the first time. Dr Z

Bill Columbia MD   January 6th, 2008 9:57 pm ET

John McCain, a liberal? Give me a break!! He supports less government spending and has consistently been anti-abortion, both cornerstones of the conservatism. Don't hate him because he compromises on some issues, that's how are country works folks, compromise. No wonder senators are rarely elected president. They are constantly attacked for compromising on legislation, which is the only way to be an effective legislator at the federal level. Folks – think before you type. As for McCain not learning anything, again, give me a break. His involvement in the Keating 5 changed his entire view of his role as a senator. His loss over immigration informed and changed his view of immigration reform. Geez, is no one really listening to what's actually happening to Senator McCain's political philosophy?

rd   January 6th, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Question: Who in this world gives two cents about what George McGovern thinks about anything? How about telling us Walter Mondale's opinion while you're at it. Between the two of them, I think they won two states total in two elections.

This is what CNN considers to be worthwhile news? No wonder people have started to turn elsewhere.

I highly doubt you will have the integrity to print this comment.

Bob   January 6th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

There is a senior Geo Bush and Bill Clinton partnership to aid people affected by disasters. Hilliary is Bill's spouse. McCain was sideswiped by Geo Jr. and Sr in 2000 in South Carolina. The strategy seems to be extending nepotism to control the White House. What would the Apache and Navaho Chiefs think of this treaty? Many forks in the road? Speak with forked tongues? This is awfully pale? Beat the drums they're coming with their firewater again!

The only thing that changed in politics since 1776 is the is the occupants in the seats. "Roberts Rules Of Order" stay the same.

jay   January 6th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

Clay, we have no problem with Hillary changing her mind on Iraq.

We do have a problem that it took so long (2006 I think).

She showed very poor judgement on Iraq. It's true that other Democrats voted for the authorization, but they all thought (foolishly, and this certainly reflects poorly on them) that they weren't voting for war, but rather to give Bush the option to go to war if the UN inspectors found evidence of WMD. Hillary was different. Hillary was a hawk, saying that the war was the right thing to do.

She was very, very, wrong.

Ginny, Ca   January 6th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

Kyle, I stand by what I said. McCain and Clinton are sincere in their desire to bring about changes for a better America, although from different positions. Thank God they are "Old School" as you say. Their years of hard work on behalf of America and its people, and their accomplishments have given them the experience and wisdom to lead with unflinching strength.

Neither McCain nor Clinton have engaged in mud slinging (even though they are accused of that when they have defended themselves and their records against personal attacks from their opponents). How old are you anyway? Obviously not old enough to understand that with age comes wisdom.

Yes, McCain and Clinton are both classy people who have maintained their decency in face of very dirty politicking from their opponents.

jared Dimick   January 6th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Why is this news? Rats alike. I just saw a comment "if obama is elected i'm moving" are you serious? Hillary Clinton would spend our country into the hole. People think that money grows on trees. If we elect either you can say bye bye to the dollar. Wake up people, our thoughts should be on our falling dollar, immigration, and getting out of the trillion(s) dollar war. Seriously. Wake up!

Chris, NY   January 6th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Clinton does not have 35 of experience.

She has spent less time in elected office than Obama.

I'm glad I've been married to a teacher of 22 years...because now I'm certainly qualified to teach in public schools? Right?

lee   January 6th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Two Washington insiders.
It's time to break it up!

Clay   January 6th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Why is it that when Senator Clinton changes her mind about her vote about Iraq, people are angry, calling her a flip flopper, liar etc.

If President Bush changed his mind about Iraq RIGHT NOW, we'd all be applauding and thinking maybe this man has a conscience after all.

People have the right to change their mind.

It seems the only people that don't change their mind in this country are Bush/Cheney.

Don't we wish they would........................

Harold Bishop, NH   January 6th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Ugh. So Clinton loves McCain who is a total madman intent on bombing the entire Indian subcontinent.

And that's somehow endearing?!!

What the heck is wrong with Hillary's supporters?

Looks like the "Republican attack machine" is infact a Love Machine.

Cole, Lexington MA   January 6th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

McCain merely showed his arrogance at the debate. The guy apparently hasn't changed a position since he was born, which basically means he hasn't learned anything in quite some time. Don't believe all the polls coming out of NH. Remember how wrong they were for IA. Polls show nothing: many of the polls show Romney leading McCain. Others show McCain leading Romney. Some sort of averaging is done between polls to come up with the number that the media filters down to us, the populace. McCain is who you should elect if you want to win wars and conquer the world militarily. Romney is who you should elect if you want an economy that other countries can once again envy. Not a hard choice.

Donna   January 6th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

.
I am a white, middle class ,middle aged woman. I support Obama and here's why.
He does have experience to handle the White House on "day one " as Hillary puts it. First he has proven to be a leader. He has taken his campaign from a virtual "who is this guy" to winning in Iowa. It takes commitment ,dedication intelligence, and strength. He has proven this by running a campaign where he was an unknown and comes out of the woodwork to surpass the knowns. He has built this campaign truly from grassroots.

The change he is trying to inspire is change from the same old politics. I do not dislike Hillary but it seems everyone else does. They will dog her from day one in the White House and once again NOTHING will get done. It will be the same old politics of bipartisnship and fighting beteween Rep and Dems. Red and Blue

Barack has also proven to be able to work across party lines to get things done. If you listened to the Republicans on the New Hampshire debates they all like and respect him. They also I am sure fear him a little because attacking him makes them look bad because he takes the higher road.

This country needs real change and voting for those that have been in Washington for ages is voting for the same old song and dance.

Barack is also intelligent and will surround himself with the same. You can tell he takes this very seriously and I believe he( or anyone else running for this position) would not even attempt to run if they didn't believe they could handle it.

What I find most interesting about this whole political process is the word or catch prase of this election CHANGE. I have been following Obama since his speech in Ill when he decided to run and no one gave him a chance in hell of winning.
He is the one that used Change first in his inspiring speech. Now that everyone sees this is what the people really want THE REPUBLICANS and DEMOCRATS alike have all FOLLOWED HIS LEAD all claiming to be the agents of change. If that is not an indication of a leader. I don't know what else is.

cag   January 6th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Even though I do not agree with John McCain's stand on the war in Iraq I respect his ability to cross party lines. He is one of the few politicians who love their country more than their party.

I believe that Hillary Clinton does have a gender problem that stands in her way of getting elected, but it is not as much with men as it is with women. Down deep many women don't like to admit this, but they would rather vote for a man than a woman. I have heard more "she's so cold" and "she is too agressive" and "she needs to tone it down" comments from women than men. These same traits would be strengths in a man. Until we get over our issues with women in power (is it jealousy?.... I don't know) we will always have difficulty electing a woman President. As a woman, it makes me sad. Let us examine why she voted to go to Iraq and not her "likeability factor".

I also don't believe that Americans are as turned off by negative politics as we would like to think. Mr. Huckabee' s comment that if you can't stand the sight of your own blood, you shouldn't be in politics was so true. The people running for President are tough, not only can they can take negative cmpaigning, they expect it.

Jumbo Voter   January 6th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Its going to be particularly interesting to see how the voting goes in New Hampshire. I was really surprised to read at how similar some of the Republican and Democrat candidates are. I was reading up on the candidates on a site, http://www.yourworld101.com I was really surprised at some of the things I read. I like this site a lot because it just gives all the candidates and a good summary of their positions, its really refreshing as a college student, I feel like all the attention I have gotten as a college student has been from individual candidates wanting me to do their busywork. This site just wants us all to be informed and as involved as we want to be.

http://www.yourworld101.com

Mitch   January 6th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

...who cares? Was he suppose to punch her in the face?

Steve, Lyons, CO   January 6th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

"McCain's bear-hug with John Edwards was a sight to behold. He's kinder to Democrats than those in his own party. He should get honest and change his party affiliation."

Sorry, but the Dems don't need a Bush butt kissing, religiously stupid anti-woman political coward like John McCain. He's all yours. This man has gone from war hero to political wimp.

As for McCain being kinder to Democrats...do you want to mention a single Republican beyond Ron Paul that has contributed ANYTHING to this campaign?

Get real.

JW Knoche   January 6th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Lets draft Lou Dobbs – he's one of the few honest men left,God knows we need someone !!!!!

Mike, PA   January 6th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Look at all the idiots clamoring for "change." Change isn't always a good thing. A change to an inexperienced dolt who thinks that winning the Iowa Democratic Caucus indicates a complete nation united across party lines is hardly a good thing. A guy who once said we could have our troops out of Iraq in 6 months obviously isn't qualified to be president... the military doesn't even have the transportation infrastructure to bring everyone home in 6 months. Obama is a JOKE.

spdubois   January 6th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Hillary ROCKS !!!

The media is so full of crap I can't stand them.

Obama, lets chat about him – the speech he gave in Iowa the other night was from the "teleprompter" - and last night he could barely talk - he stumbles over himself looking for words.

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   January 6th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Well of course the Clinton Camp will give kudos to McCain. They and the liberal news media and Image Maker Machinery are going to prop him up against Romney. BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED TO DEATH TO RUN AGAINST A ROMNEY, BUT MC CAIN, THEY WILL SMEAR TO DEFEAT.
THIS IS A NO-BRAINER.

Chris, Middletown, CT   January 6th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I think that if you watch the debates not knowing any of the actual facts – you will praise Clinton and McCain – but...if you know the facts....maybe you would scratch your head and say "that was a lie"

Are you ok with taking people who have broken the law and accessed this country amesty...and allowing milions in....McCain would...(contrary to what he said in the debate)

On Clinton – lets see..."35 years experience" – umm...nope – 6 years as an elected official....a total surgeons wife....no more...no less

Also – Clinton stated she was the author of the SCHIP bill...no....she wasn't...look it up...can we afford a liar like this?? HRC....please please please look some of this up....every day a new story....here in CT...we call them "lies"

Mamie   January 6th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Ok, Mrs. I have all this "experience" Clinton. Show us the papers form the white house that show what you did? No? Why not? Afraid we will find out something or find out that you are not experienced but exposed.

Let us decide for ourselves. Let's see the white house papers.

Michael, Cambridge, NY   January 6th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Hillary and McCain are the best of each of their parties. They've each run the least negative campaigns this year.

Jacque Bauer   January 6th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

McCain – the undeniable facts:
Partnered with Russ Feingold in ripping up the First Amendment
Partnered with Ted Kennedy to try and grant amnesty to 10-30 million ILLEGAL aliens
Partnered with Democrats in their efforts for Higher Taxes
Courted by John Kerry to be his running mate
Loves Clinton and Edwards.....

And how is this guy even pretending to be a Republican candidate??

No wonder the MSM and Democrats love him so much and hope the best for him (especially as they know he would be DEAD MEAT in any general election).

michael   January 6th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

The media made Hillary the front runner before anybody voted in the primary. Now the media is making this nomination process “Change versus Experience”. We buy into this media game without asking ourselves what really do these candidates stand for, what have they accomplished, and where do they want to see us go.

In my rational way of looking at things and perhaps in my reality world, this contest is about change and the agents of change.

On the one hand, we have change, idealistic and theoretical, driven by empty words (false hope) and strong emotions but only temporary because it cannot stand the test of time. A change that will require four years on the job training to clean the mess of the current administration. A change that will take a second term in office before the agents can even begin implementing their ideas which has been lost in this discussion perhaps because they really don’t have one.

On the other hand, we have change that can be put into effect right away. A change based on logical and rational thoughts and grounded on experience. A change that does not require on the job training. A change that can stand the test of time. A change you can feel, hear, see, smell, taste, and touch.

President Bush was an outsider, an agent of change. He was elected 8 years ago with the help of the Supreme Court and re-elected 4 years ago. Exit polls showed that he was well liked, most people consider him to be their next door neighbor, he was the type they could hang out with, etc. With only the concept of change and no experience on foreign affairs amongst others, he surrounded himself with the best experienced advisers money can buy. What do we have today in return? A broken system: FBI/CIA abuses, Iraq war, Effects of Hurricane Katrina, Economic woes, Recession, etc.

I know Obama and Edwards are not President Bush. I am sure they have different set of ideas and values. But I think it will be wrong to put the future of our country in the hands of someone without the first hand experience involved in the concept of change especially in today’s global dynamics of powers.

MAH   January 6th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

They both have common stance, specially on Iraq. they both voted for Iraq, and stand for it....We want change....

AH   January 6th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

As a woman, I did not like the way Hillary was trying to use the gender card to get sympathy from women. She did that last night in NH debate. if she feels that a female president is the only change she can bring in in white house, I would rather not like a woman president this time. there are millions of other important changes needed in WH other then trying to elect a woman president. We should choose a president based on quality, not anything else. My sysmpathy to you is now gone forever, Hillary….

Richard, Ewing NJ   January 6th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Susan,

"He (John McCain) should get honest and change his party affiliation"

Are you kidding me? McCain is a senator defending the Iraq War and promotes military surge. He has a fiscal conservative hawk and have repeatedly cut wasteful spending. Independent organizations like "The Club for Growth", "Citizen Against Government Waste"... have all praised John McCain. Maybe you don't understand the spirit of conservatism. It is about smaller government, and smaller government is more than just rhetorics. Smaller government literally means reducing government programs which means reducing governmental spending. He has always vote leaning towards Pro-Life.

Sure, McCain is willing to work across the isle at times, but that does not mean he is a Democratic. That is a very stupid accusation.

Kyle G. Columbia SC   January 6th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Hey Ginny give me some of that "stuff" you're smoking!!! PLEASE!! Mail it to me first class to South Carolina. Those candidates are OLD SCHOOL so 1990ish. We no longer live in the stone ages of politics. Those same two persons are old and lost to what's need in the 21st century I believe. Call it or me whatever you want but I call you dead wrong on your assesment

Christine Atlanta, Ga.   January 6th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

With Obama as the 'frontrunner' now, it is his turn to deal with the vetting and the scrutiny. Clinton has been viciously attacked for a year now in the media and on the blogs.
With the holidays over now, and Obama's big momentum, people all over this country are taking notice of the race.
All 50 states have equal say in this race, and are not going to be told what to do by the media based out of New York City.
Also, the people around this country are generally moderate, and not affected by glamor and glitz.
Let Obama state his positions and real time solutions, and let the chips fall where
they may.

The Republicans have been pushing Obama like crazy, thinking he would be easy to take out in the General, now they are going to regret that decision.
I think Hillary will be masterful as an underdog.

Susan   January 6th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

What's classy about two crooked liars congratulating each other? McCain's bear-hug with John Edwards was a sight to behold. He's kinder to Democrats than those in his own party. He should get honest and change his party affiliation.

jewel   January 6th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I couldnt agree more!

tony   January 6th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

i like both of these people and wish them te best.

mike, dallas, TX   January 6th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

A sign of a losing campaign: Avoid Meet The Press – Go on Access Hollywood

Tim Russert mentioned casually that Hillary declined MTP and instead booked Access Hollywood for tomorrow. This is not a casual matter however. This is another evidence of a losing POLL-itician(this is not misspelling, it is intentional)desperately looking for a lifeline. The POLLS conducted by this POLL-itician probably showed she is doing poorly among the young and should try Access Hollywood(this is in addition to playing a "change" music on the campaign trail and packing the back drop with 18 and 19 year olds who look distant and disconnected on camera because they probably are not volunteers and they were told to sit there).It looks so pathetic and artificial.

Shannon   January 6th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

With Hilary, it's always about politics, and whether or not someone is winning or losing in the polls. I think that is why grass roots democrats, such as I, are looking seriously at Obama and Edwards. Their vision seems to come from the heart, regardless of the political consequences.

Mainer1776   January 6th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

They're both narcissistic weasels.

Sarah, VA   January 6th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Go Hillary! I will leave the country if Obama gets elected.

John B.   January 6th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

I second that. They are the only two candidates in either party who would make decent presidents. Obama? Please. He doesn't have the depth of experience needed to step in right away and make a difference. Hillary has been there and knows what to expect. Obama has blown basic foreign policy questions in the debates. It is sad that more people don't realize this. They pick a candidate like it is a high school popularity contest, just like they did in 2000 w/Bush. (And) we all know how that turned out. Iowans have a horrid track record when picking Democratic candidates. They didn't even pick Bill in 1992, and didn't pick a winner in either 2000 or 2004. So, why do we pay so much attention to their caucuses? Beats me, and it befuddles the rest of the country as well.

fred   January 6th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Bill O'Rielly really thinks he's relevant. What a joke! Eveb Republicans hate him.

Ginny CA   January 6th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

McCain and Clinton are the two classiest candidates. God's Speed to Both!

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