March 6, 2008
Posted: 11:30 AM ET
CNN

Watch portions of Larry King's interview with Bob Dole.

(CNN) — Former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole said Wednesday night that current White House hopeful John McCain has a temper — but added the Arizona senator “can control it.”

Dole told CNN’s Larry King that his former Senate colleague “does have a… I guess you could say temper. But I always sort of rationalized that because the poor guy had been locked up” in a tiny cell for six years. But McCain, he said, “can control it. It's not a problem anymore.”

Dole, a former Senate Majority Leader, told King that the 2008 presidential campaign was historic because it featured “two very unusual candidates — the first serious black candidate for president and the first serious woman candidate” and because, for the first time since John Kennedy was elected, a senator will become commander-in-chief.

Dole, a long-time Kansas senator, ran for president in 1988 and in 1996, when he was the GOP nominee.

He said Wednesday that one of McCain’s potential fall opponents, Barack Obama, had “sort of become the pied piper of American politics — a great speaker. He draws huge crowds.” Dole also said that if Obama is the nominee, age could become an issue in the campaign.

If his White House bid is successful, McCain would be the oldest candidate elected to his first term.

Dole told King that Hillary Clinton can “play the experience card, but on the other hand I think Obama would say it’s not so much somebody’s experience, it’s your judgment that counts. It’s not who picks up the phone, it’s what you do say when you pick it up.’’

He also predicted that the Democratic race “is going to get pretty rough and tumble in the next 30, 40, 50 days."

– CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Bob Dole


Byron in CA   March 6th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Curious observation how the media is trying to make the connection of how negative press toward Mr. Obama could have made an impact in the elections on March 4th, but still fail to go further to the connection of how they've affected the perception of Hillary and her campaign over the last 3 months with a constant barrage of negative media toward her.

What is equally as strange is how now it is accepted/encouraged by the media and seems to be the strategy when Mr. Obama goes negative in his campaign, which they and the media have been very critical of Hillary for supposedly doing.

The double standard still exist

David   March 6th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Why won't Hillary release her tax returns? What is she hiding????

HP Boston   March 6th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Oh boy McAncient and McOLD helping each other cross the street!!

Rove's 3rd Chin   March 6th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Right Angelina from KY - tell your brother to leave you alone long enough to realize this "librul media" is owned by an oligarchy conglomerate, CAPITALIST group of a few select individuals. But then if you read (if you can), you'd notice that the print media as well as the hate radio is all rightwing. Sorry about your dishonesty. Librul media - yeah right! only when they're not towing the rightwing Christian Taliban line!

look byond   March 6th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

This is another political tactics the Hilary campaign are using,
since they know that majority of their viewers or supporters do not verify or do their own research as to the accuracy of the news they received.

The Obama campaign has already raised almost 6 millions dollars as of 12.00 midday today, but you will not hear them BRAGGGGGGGGGGGG about it.

This is the campaign that have substance and real change for America.

GO OBAMA GO………………………………………..

WE NEED YOU, WE ARE BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Al, Sacramento Ca   March 6th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

A vote for McCain equals
-Nationa deficit hits $20 trillion
-4+ years of the Iraq War
-More soldiers lives lost for no cause
-Al Qaida gets stronger in Afghanistan
-Recession turns to the next great depression
-Dollar drops even more
-China becomes the next world economic power
-European Union becomes the universal coin
-A continuance of the Bush policies

therealist   March 6th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Al Queada in Iraq is afraid of John's temper too. But not Obama's…

LEANIE   March 6th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

To address "Andrew of California." Obama didn't use any negatives about Hillary Clinton because during Bill Clinton's administration the Republicans tried to dig up everything and anything they could. All they could come up with was Bill's infidelity and somehow made a federal crime out of it. We've all heard every thing there is to hear except how much money the average guy made during the Clinton times or how a war (the Repubs called "wagging the dog") was so well run - and finished during Clintons administration. I notice that Obama is quick to tell how many "Clinton" people he has working for him. Seems like he's trying to have Clinton's administration rub off on him. Hillary doesn't need that. She's a Clinton! THE REAL THING. Oh, and if you want to know something about a family see how their children turned out.

Independent   March 6th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

McCains bigger problem is Rush Limbaugh who is out stomping for the GOP everyday. Rush was in part responsible for getting Bush elected by speading terrible falsehoods about his running mates and now he is doing so for McCain. The only reason he has not been terminated is because of his stong GOP backing. No a good thing for McCain.

Snowball   March 6th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Mccain is too old, Hillary is the man!!

Todd C.   March 6th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Who's Bob Dole??

Anonymous   March 6th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Yah.. McCain has a temper when sees all the wasteful spending in government

Brianne   March 6th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I heard this interveiw. He sounded kind of old and I wondered if he had dementia.

Fernandez   March 6th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

What is Dole saying here? Can we trust McCain to run this Country?
A guy with a bad temper could be disaster

LEN   March 6th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

The republicans want HILLARY to win because she will devide the party and John Mcain will come out victorious. She won't get enough votes.

georgia   March 6th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

ted: WHY, oh why, is no one exposing Hillary's lifelong lesbian issue. Too many people in the FBI, Secret Service, CIA, and even old college connections can attest to this. Obama should be using the information

gee, ted, I think that move would remove any possibility of imagining Obama as the "new politician. . ."

simple thought ?   March 6th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Hell, we all have a temper, but most keep it in check unless it is a necessity to release it.
why would anyone hold that against anyone?

Mary - Independent   March 6th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

A temper? What about the rest of McCain's "do's and don't's - another 4 years of the same in the White House will be NEGATIVE for this country!

David   March 6th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Hillary has a BAD TEMPER too! Very unpresidential if you ask me. I wonder how she would respond to our enemies…let me guess…WAR!

Joshua Lobdell   March 6th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Dole was also ran for President in 1976 with Ronald Regan as a running mate. I would think CNN would know that

doug marcus   March 6th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

john could use that anger at everyone who has let us down. john has always pissed folks off especially those that are incompentent or self-serving. you know what, so are most of us and that is why this anger is a non-issue.

Dave   March 6th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

whatever Bob! it is a problem with this sawed-off hothead. he is a war mongering and lying neo-con. can't belive it but the GOP has been hijacked by his like. this is no longer a party of fiscal, constitution loving conservatives.

Rico   March 6th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Sorry but this is such a waste of everyones time .
Why would anyone listen to Bob Dole.
On another topic why do you continue to allow Cafferty to rant like a disgruntled old man.
It is plainly obvious to me what the rest of the panel are thinking about his conduct.

Jack from California   March 6th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Bob Dole says that John McCain has a temper but, that he can control it, really. The "bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran" impulse, the 100 year war in Iraq, the "worlds policeman", and a temper to boot! Sounds like Barry Goldwater all over again - "Nuke them until they submit" - is this the world we want to live in?

John McCain just needs a peaceful rest in a nursing home or a time out in the corner NOT, the leadership of the worlds most powerful military!

Channell   March 6th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

He is right about the Democratic race getting rougher and rougher….no one wants to play by the rules anymore and people are getting desperate.

Kathryn Irby   March 6th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Americans will never know, because John McCain will never become President, thank God!

Metairie, LA

Ytteb   March 6th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Re "Ted's" comment early in the list. Where do you get your information, sweetie, Fox News? That is such an idiotic comment to make. I guess you must know all those FBI & CIA agents, huh? What a bigoted moron you must be. If you enjoy digging into personal lives, why don't you also tell us about the rumors of McCain's indiscretions or Obama's drug use (by his own admission). Tell us about Obama's Mom collecting welfare while at the same time sending him to one of the most expensive private schools in Hawai'i. It's so obvious you just can't handle the thought of a woman being more successful than you. Get over it.

Jack   March 6th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

McCain/Iseman '08: "I did not have proper relations with this woman"

Paul   March 6th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

What temper are they referring to. This man has been in dozen of debates. His speeches in the senate has been broadcast often. He's been in governement for 20 years and ran in several elections already. I haven't seen the temper……….is this just another desperate search for dirt on Mccain? Give me a break!

manlius   March 6th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Dole says that McCain's temper "is not a problem . . . ANYMORE." Doesn't that mean that it has been a problem in the past?

NW Independent   March 6th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Are you all idiots out there? The bomb Iraq song was a mix of words used by some computer programmers and then put on U-tube! Senator McCain never sang that song! Didn't you notice that the song sounded spoken not sung? I'm an independent and don't know who I'll vote for yet, but you far lefties out there that have deluded yourselves into hating McCain based on a pieced together song scare me!

my comments lost   March 6th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Oops, looks like my comment contained too much fact (with .gov sources) and not enough drama thus it got deleted.

go cnn go

Decline to State - San Francisco   March 6th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Is Bob Dole bucking for Howard Dean's job?

Samantha   March 6th, 2008 11:46 am ET

I thought Dole was considered to have a grumpy personality during his campaign and that it wasn't till he did the Viagra commercial that people really saw his sense of humor.

Anyway, the new Dole was very appealing, and it might have been different if people had seen the new Dole with personality during his campaign.

I haven't seen McCain's temper. I would think that anyone with terrible responsibilities and the mettle to make the hard decisions would have a temper. But maybe we can see the new McCain, with personality, during his campaign and not wait for the Viagra (or maybe now it's Levitra) commercial.

NW Independent   March 6th, 2008 11:43 am ET

What, because Mr. Dobbs is not afraid to question the actions/words of anyone he should be fired? Because he does not toe the liberal left line he should be fired?

I thought reporting was supposed to explore all stories no matter whom they may concern?

Mr. Dobbs and to some extent Mr O' Rielly are the only two on any of the networks who regularly bash both the left and right. They bash idiocy and don't neal at the alter of ideology!

Will from Cleveland   March 6th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Check your Clinton leads Obama in teaxs causes title..

It is Obama leading Clinton..Wake up …It is Morning already

Jake V   March 6th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Way to go, liberal CNN. Who doesn't have a temper?

Progressive.Student   March 6th, 2008 11:39 am ET

CNN, you're ridiculous.

Who cares…

PH   March 6th, 2008 11:38 am ET

So..if it isn't a problem, then WHY in the hell bring it up????? Long ago I realized that news agencies' purpose in life was not to report the news, but just to sell as much of their product as possible; in order to do that they have to sensationalize it as much as possible!!

Shannon Shiflett   March 6th, 2008 11:38 am ET

america, don't give bush a third term by voting for mccain. if you hate the country that much, then just leave.

David   March 6th, 2008 11:35 am ET

I believe genuine Republican see OBAMA as a candidate with a potential to unite the whole country around a common good goal. While Hillary can divide her own party!
David

Pepou   March 6th, 2008 11:35 am ET

We know he takes his Geritol everyday but is that sufficient ?

An Army Veteran   March 6th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Grandpa Munster better keep that temper in check, he may have a stroke. But you can't blame the guy for being a grump, how would you like to get poked with sticks ina tiger cage for 5 years.

Pat Huntington NY   March 6th, 2008 11:34 am ET

And this is what the Republicans want as our next president? A hot head Irish drunk?

andrew   March 6th, 2008 11:33 am ET

CNN change that ticker tha says Clinton leads obama in the Texas caucuses, when you write after that : with 40% reporting Obama leads 56 to 44. Like the previous blogger said i don't think it is a conspiracy either, but your brainwshing in favor of one candidate is obvious. What ever happened to journalism?

j hawk   March 6th, 2008 11:32 am ET

IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, NO…IT WAS A DUMB AND DUMBER ON THE WHITHE HOUSE STEPS YESTERDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Concerned Repub   March 6th, 2008 11:31 am ET

It's seriously pathetic that McCain is the republican nominee. Too bad now I have to vote Democratic…

Joe Ossai, Bedford, NH   March 6th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Old (72 years), Temper (irrational decision making) and short statue(confidence problem).

Yet you Republicans picked him for your standard bearer. WOW what a bunch of dummies.

Andrea   March 6th, 2008 11:31 am ET

It appears that a person with a bad temper only seeks to cause division to have their own way. Just like a 2 year old throwing a temper tantrum.

A "Decline to State" - San Francisco   March 6th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Apparently, Bob Dole is bucking for Howard Dean's job.

Katie   March 6th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Hey CNN,

Your blog entry "Clinton leads Obama in TX Caucus" is wrong based on the text of the article! It should read, "OBAMA leads Clinton in TX Caucus."

Please fix this error!

dodea   March 6th, 2008 11:28 am ET

headlines have become universally misleading and sensational — it is worse on the Web where the space alowed for a headline is very restricted

TJ Earle   March 6th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Yes Anissa is correct Obama is leading. What hell the is going on at CNN? One moment it bias toward Hillary, next Obama, now John McCain. Is this called fair and blanced reporting?

karyn   March 6th, 2008 11:27 am ET

thats what happens when u type fast. oh well, my mistake, CAUCUSES!!!!!!!!!!!!
CNN post my correction

Jose'   March 6th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Good.

It's better than being a wishy-washy panderer like Hill-Obama!

McCain '08

Lamps   March 6th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Uncle Sam says it all. Nobody's perfect. I would rather have that than a robot. Former POW, current Senator, Future President.

McCain08

Wayne, Greenville TX   March 6th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Gee, Bob - tell us something we don't know. McCain's temper is about as well-known as your use of Viagrga….

Chris W.   March 6th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Just a note about a different ticker entry…. the topic says "Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count" when it should read "Obama leads Clinton in Texas caucuses count". Appears to be a typo. Thanks!

andrew of california   March 6th, 2008 11:24 am ET

why has cnn stopped adding comments to this site?

Brian   March 6th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Lilarose, the reason we don't have a national primary on the same day is because all of the campaigning will take place in the population centers– Boston, NY, Philly, DC, Atlanta, Miami, Houston Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Sand Francisco, LA– and a few more.

Primaries are spread out to encourage candidates to visit all areas of the country and campaign.

Greg Harrison   March 6th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Good. I'm glad he has a temper. We need a President with guts. And no one fits that bill than Senator McCain.

WHat really matters though is his ability to cross party lines to do what's right. What a nice change that will be.

Jose Card - Independent   March 6th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Before Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was accepted, little help was offered to patients with PTSD. Senator McCain copes with his past stress extremely well. No one could have said it better than Union Leader of NH:

"What is most compelling about McCain, however, is that his record, his character, and his courage show him to be the most trustworthy, competent, and conservative of all those seeking the nomination. Simply put, McCain can be trusted to make informed decisions based on the best interests of his country, come hell or high water."

Niko   March 6th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Are we sure that was Bob Dole? It may have been Kodos.

Lilarose in Oregon   March 6th, 2008 11:22 am ET

CNN thanks for posting my item.

Here is a question for you (don't have to post this).

CNN is just now saying that Florida is considering a re-vote and they might even allow Independents to vote this time around.

In Oregon Independents can't vote Democratic or Republican on the primary ballot.

How can it be legal for Floridians to do it but not Oregonians?

This is just one more example of unfairness in our elections process. We need NATIONAL standards, not politica expediencies!

ben   March 6th, 2008 11:21 am ET

I would never vote for McCain, however I am tired of you ignorant blogers who keep harping about his age. I am 80 and I am twice as smart as you dolts.!!! You want a list of smart people? Here is a list of the supreme court of the United States,and they are twice as smart as I am, so where does this put you on the evolution ladder?
John Stevenson(87)
Antonin Scalia(71)
Anthony Kennedy(71)
David Souter(68)
Clarence Thomas(59)
Ruth Ginsberg(74)
Steven Breyer(69)
Samuel Alito(57)
John Roberts(53)

Fact Check   March 6th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Clinton News Network and her campaign workers running CNN's production team, get your headline right on the Texas caucus results.

Obama leads Clinton, not the other way around.

frank   March 6th, 2008 11:19 am ET

and this is a story why???? must be another slow news day at Clinton News Network…..

sadie   March 6th, 2008 11:19 am ET

We have had enough temper in the white house. enough my way or no way. NO More REBUBLICANS…………………….

Angelina Julie Lexington Kentucky   March 6th, 2008 11:18 am ET

I like the way you twisted the front page headline to make John McCain look bad when the words out of Bob Dole's mouth were actually pretty complimentary . Typical liberal sensationalistic slant by the ever-loving liberal media. How do you guys sleep at night?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   March 6th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Yes, many people have a temper. What we haven't heard and should is how does he deal with getting angry. What do current and former staffers say about his temper? Does he deal with it contructively or does he simply lash out and yell? This could prove problematic when dealing with other countries and their heads of states.

JO OKLAHOMA   March 6th, 2008 11:18 am ET

to ted
you better watch what you say about hillary you might have prove it
we people in hillary camp do read these coments.from hillry camp

Sky   March 6th, 2008 11:18 am ET

It is frightening to imagine someone with this amount of documented mental instability as our future Commander in Chief.

Erik   March 6th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Senator McCain is looking old, blinky and feeble these days. He does not inspire confidence.

anakainosis   March 6th, 2008 11:17 am ET

I concur with Anissa. Which one is it? Obama leading Clinton, or Clinton leading Obama?

Chris, Middletown, CT   March 6th, 2008 11:16 am ET

The Democrats don't seem to understand - if they put Hillary up - McCain will win….I will vote for him…

Linda   March 6th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Some of these comments are so outrageous! Really people, just because McCain has a temper does not mean he's going to "nuke" anyone. Do you even realize the ramifications of such an idiotic act? I am sure McCain does!

NSM   March 6th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Hey, can someone please change that misleading article about Clinton LEADING Obama in the Texas caucuses? What is wrong with you editors at CNN? The headline contradicts what's written in the actual article! OBAMA is leading in the caucuses, not Clinton.

john public   March 6th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Why does the story below this one have no commenting, and a headline "Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count" even though the only text in it says: At last report, with 40 percent of precincts counted, Barack Obama led Hillary Clinton 56 percent to 44 percent in the Texas Democratic caucuses. Counting continues today.

What does that MEAN?

Carol Crank   March 6th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Change the article's title to "Obama leads Clinton in Delegate Count."

Mike, Arkansas   March 6th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Anissa… I emailed them the same thing.. says one thing on the headline and another on the results page and in the article haha.

Maybe CNN doesnt want to be blamed from Hillary again so they are going both ways on the information now? They dont even say anything about her controversial past and present that is going on.

SS   March 6th, 2008 11:11 am ET

CNN: What ever happened to free speech? Why the deletes?

John   March 6th, 2008 11:11 am ET

See the posting below this one. It says that Clinton is leading the caucus in TX, but the text says Obama is leading. Please fix this.

Grif   March 6th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Well that comment soon disappeared… But still you have.

Headline "Clinton Leads in Texas Caucus Count"

I don't wonder they are confused. In Texas. So am I……….

gwen dambrogi   March 6th, 2008 11:10 am ET

On the Political Ticker, Please correct your title "Clinton leads Obama in Texas Caucuses Count".

Paul   March 6th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Mr. Dole, please stuff it and go back under your rock. You have made your point. Come back again in 4 years for another stupid remark.

MB   March 6th, 2008 11:08 am ET

all of you are idiots!

Rex, Toledo, Ohio   March 6th, 2008 11:07 am ET

It is also being reported that Clinton's people contacted the Canadian Government in relation to NAFTA-GATE. Come on CNN, report all of the facts.

Jackson   March 6th, 2008 11:07 am ET

Your headline for the previous post is wrong.

It says Clinton leads the caucus in texas but really Obama leads. What's up with that?!

Ron   March 6th, 2008 11:06 am ET

while i will not vote Republican, i find myself wondering why would Dole bring this up, "if" it's not a problem. Why bring it up in the first place. i'm really tired of both parties submarining each other. Republicans and Democrats, PLEASE SHUT UP AND DO YOUR JOB!

Oliver   March 6th, 2008 11:06 am ET

A temper? Well, who doesn't have a temper? It's very healthy. As opposed to Hillary who has outright misdirected anger and hot flashes that'll scare anyone…even at 3am. And Barack should start showing some hutzpah. So far, he's been very…well….vanilla.

Bruce Wayne   March 6th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Sounds like something that could be easily exploited. I could see McStain getting easily frustrated, throw a tantrum, and kick and scream because he didn't get his nap.

Paul, Tulsa OK   March 6th, 2008 11:04 am ET

I'd like to remind you all of other presidents with great tempers.
Some of them were our worst, some our best.

Bill & HIllary Clinton
Nixon
Reagan
Carter
JFK
Johnson
FDR
Truman
T.Roosevelt
Lincoln
Jefferson

& others.

Many of the above had tempers worse than McCains.
And some of them would have used nukes without reason if they had had them then.

Historically, its not even relevant anymore how much temper matters, since the US Presidency is more of a team effort than just one man..
Thoughthat one man is in charge, he/she relies heavily on the team he puts together..

Brian   March 6th, 2008 11:02 am ET

CNN, YOU MORONS:

What is with the "Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count" Ticker headline? That's clearly wrong, unless you know something we don't. But according to the entry… you're just retards.

Or did Hillary pay you off to write it up like that?! You guys JUST LOVE the Hillary comeback story, don't you?

Pathetic.

Dave in Houston   March 6th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Keep in mind the Bush slime machine easily defeated McCain in 2000. He didn't react well to the crap that came his way, and there is no reason to believe that he is going to fare well against Clinton or Obama.

I hoping that we don't stoop to the Rovian garbage to win, but we have to get the White House in '08 to appoint some good justices to the Supreme Court.

ne,pa   March 6th, 2008 11:01 am ET

McCain=temper and trigger happy!

KMAN   March 6th, 2008 10:59 am ET

What's wrong with McWar-Monger telling his senate colleauges to F -you? After all … he's not capable of speaking eloquently?

Sara   March 6th, 2008 10:59 am ET

PLEASE CORRECT THE HEADLINE BELOW THIS STORY!!!!!!

Groucho   March 6th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Never say a good leader who wasn't known to have a temper. Having one isn't the problem, its knowing when not to use it.

Alex Mackin   March 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

All Obama's iraq vote proves is that he's willing to ignore the world's intelligence agencies. We forget that most people supported the concept of the war back then. I find this somewhat disconcerting.

For Obama   March 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

CNN - FIX THIS IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count - You call yourselves unbiased??? - Please FIX immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: 09:40 AM ET

DWA   March 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Both McCain and his wife look like they have had a lobotomy! You can tell when he talks that he is on some type of downer. Maybe that's what makes him so boring to listen to! He could put the fans asleep at the Super Bowl!

Independant   March 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Just what we need !!!!!!!!!——– an old man with a temper. Remember Pres. Reagan, a "nice man", but of questionable mental "sharpness" in his final days in office. There was an obvious concerted effort to keep this under wraps.

kevin from alaska   March 6th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Spent six years as a POW and has a temper because of it.

Wishes death upon foreign leaders.

Planning for a 100 years war in the Middle East with Iraq and Iran.

McCrazy/Bush 08

Obama for President   March 6th, 2008 10:57 am ET

CNN FIX THIS IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count —- You call yourselves unbiased??? FIX THIS IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: 09:40 AM ET

andrew of california   March 6th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Dear curious and lilarose of Oregon: wow, what are they doing?

Sara M   March 6th, 2008 10:56 am ET

…As far as Obama is concerned..

THE EMPEROR ISN'T Freaking wearing any CLOTHES!

Republicus   March 6th, 2008 10:56 am ET

"Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count"

Wow.

To think I've defended CNN when friends and colleagues have called it the "Clinton News Network."

LT   March 6th, 2008 10:55 am ET

Please correct the headline.

Goodheart   March 6th, 2008 10:55 am ET

Democrat here supporting McCain over Obama, unless Hillary is on the ticket.

PDC   March 6th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Angry old man, in the twilight of his life with his finger on the button.

Sounds like a great idea to me.

Kings   March 6th, 2008 10:53 am ET

3am roles around a phone goes off in the whitehouse.

McCain answers " Push the Nuke button! invade France and Alaska! rawrrr, im sleepy"

Clinton answers " Um… Bill here, no she's not here right now, call back later" "Bill? who just called? " " uh, dunno. didn't seem important"

Obama answers " OK here's what to do"

Emily Coletta   March 6th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Bob Dole is a cyborg.

jason   March 6th, 2008 10:52 am ET

CNN aired 10 mintues of Obama's stump speech and 5 mintues of Hillary and 3 mintues of McCains' a week ago.

David   March 6th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Another very comment he said "If Hillary is the nominee, then age will not be an important factor"…
I believe genuine Republican see OBAMA as a candidate with a potential to unite the whole country around a common good goal. While Hillary can divide her own party!
David

Peter   March 6th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Well, at least he doesn't have distemper.

Jon   March 6th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Even IF she were gay it would NOT matter one iota.

Moodi   March 6th, 2008 10:50 am ET

For the bellow news in the political ticker:

You are showing your endoresement for Hillary ok doesnot matter:

"Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count." but If you watch you can simply see that it is vice versa.

Shame on such brosdcasting.

Jon   March 6th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Everyone has a temper, and here's mine rearing its head:

In response to "ted"

(his comment: March 6th, 2008 10:03 am ET

WHY, oh why, is no one exposing Hillary's lifelong lesbian issue. Too many people in the FBI, Secret Service, CIA, and even old college connections can attest to this. Obama should be using the information !)

You ignorant twit. Unless you have personal, first hand, verifiable proof you have no right to say that. It would be like me saying that you're gay just because I think so.

Even IF she were gay it would matter one iota.

Don   March 6th, 2008 10:49 am ET

I hate to correct Mr. Dole, but Richard Nixon was a Senator, from California. He wasn't Senator when elected, but had been previously, and he was Vice President after serving as Senator.

Franklin   March 6th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Mr. Dole's statement "…or the first time since John Kennedy was elected, a senator will become commander-in-chief." vaguely implies that all Presidents since JFK have been Governors. This is simply not so.

LBJ served in both houses. As did Richard Nixon

Gerald Ford was a Congressman.

I believe Mr Dole was stating a "currently serving Senator", but not very succinctly.

Voltaire   March 6th, 2008 10:47 am ET

McCain–Dole 08! The ultimate geriatric ticket!

Pat   March 6th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Please change the headline 'Clinton leads Obama in Texas caucuses count' and the content that read the opposite (Obama leads). You got the headline wrong.

JD   March 6th, 2008 10:46 am ET

My comment was deleted too That's because I questioned McCain's mental fitness. I did so in a very concise and respectful manner and I have a copy of the text for other to see.

Free Speech…?

Thom   March 6th, 2008 10:46 am ET

For those who would like to learn about another candidate's temper, try reading the book: "Unlimited Access - An FBI Agent Inside the Clinton White House." The author is Gary Aldrich.

Anissa   March 6th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Sorry, this is actually a comment for the headline below this one on the ticker, but you can't comment on that article so I'm commenting on this one so hopefully someone reads it. The headline "Clinton leads Obama is Texas caucuses count" is wrong. Your article actually says that Obama is leading Clinton by about ten points. I don't think it's a conspiracy or anything…someone's probably just tired. :-) But you should probably fix that?

Thanks!

Lilarose in Oregon   March 6th, 2008 10:43 am ET

I just asked bloggers a question about why not just have a national primary election and choose by popular vote. Whoever gets the most votes will win. Pretty simple. Any kid would think so.

CNN hasn't put it on this blog–yet.

They pick and choose whose comments are posted. That is censorship, isn't it?

It was a good question. One that CNN should be asking anyway. One of Anderson's or Larry King's or Cafferty's questions.

rr   March 6th, 2008 10:41 am ET

I can hardly wait to see McCain attack Obama! If Obama is crying now that he's defending himself against a woman, think how he will react against a man!! HA, HA Obama is too soft to be a President! He wants to hold hands with everyone and sing peace songs and believes there are not terrorist. According to him, the mention of future terrorist attacks are "scare tactics". Look what's going on in New York today……..is that "scare tactics"?

sandy   March 6th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I have no problem with someone having a temper, but what does scare me about McCain is his singing. Remember bah bah bah,bomb,bomb,Iran. Now this is scary. And, he sang it with a smile on his face. I DO NOT want another 4 or 8 years of another Bush, and that is exactly what we will get. He voted 95% of the time in favor of Bush's brillant ideas. This should tell the American people something. And, oh yea, I sit everyday watching Hillary and her goons trying to figure out a way to illegally take the nomination away from Obama and make it look legal. If this happens, sit back and watch the fireworks in this country, and rightfully so. This will make the 60's look calm. Wake up America

Dennis   March 6th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Interesting interview he gave. I expected it to be much more partisan.

AJ   March 6th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Your coverage is laughable. Just dont cover politics, unless you can become unbias, until then stick to covering global warming and other liberal jargan.

anon   March 6th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Check out these mean-spirited comments on this topic:

"Just another Loser go back in your hole!!!!"
"Dole is old and senile."
"mccain is a hot head…this angry old man."
"Go do your ads for Viagra!"
"Then we all better be ready to duck and cover when he has a PTSD episode."

Wonder what would be said if McCain and Dole were not veterans who both overcame very adverse affects of their wars.

Both are honorable men with respected bi-partisan senate records. In today's nearly 100% partisan congress, we could use more men more like McCain and Dole.
Check out Clinton and Obama's partisan voting records.

Partisan politics makes people mean and closed minded. Just read the comments on the ticker.

Uncle Sam   March 6th, 2008 10:38 am ET

By his own admission, John McCain, like the rest of us, has his flaws. But if all I knew about John McCain was that, as a POW enduring torture, he was willing to forego his own freedom out of regard for his fellow US captives, that would be enough.

Charlotte   March 6th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Who cares what Dole has to say.

Bubba   March 6th, 2008 10:37 am ET

So vote for the angriest old white man who's done time in prison to ever run for the office of president, because his inner rage is partly under control? Does he still publicly acknowledge his distaste for Americans of Asian descent by calling them 'gooks?' Sure, probably he won't invade Mexico or bomb Seattle, much. He could be our second president with Alzheimer's disease, what a milestone.

Clinton for President!   March 6th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Not so fast Dole.

The judgment argument will be flawed. Obama now has to deal with his "boneheaded" judgment that shaped his relationship with Tony Rezko.

Hillary '08

Ricky Marlin, New Orleans, LA   March 6th, 2008 10:36 am ET

It was nice of Dole to say Hillary is the first serious woman candidate for president, considering his wife ran for prez in republican primaries.

But we all know it will be centuries before Republicans allow a black or female to be the nominee.

CJ   March 6th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Why do you bother to report junk like this? So what if he has a temper. Most of us do. I am growing to loathe the news media for articles of this nature. What's your point? You WANT to instill riots don't you. You are destroying our country more than anything else.

Cable King Pittsburgh PA   March 6th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Dole and Mckain have a kinship as they both will have been sacrificed to the electoral food chain by their own party.

The big time Republican financial support will not be forthcoming in this election. As bad as the mess Dubya is leaving the next President, it can only get worse. The Repubs will save their dollars for 4 more years when their chances will be much better.

Chris, Denver CO   March 6th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Please, nobody vote for McCain. You've already saddled me with 8 years of Bush– haven't I suffered enough?

Republican   March 6th, 2008 10:34 am ET

I'll vote for Obama over McCain, but I will vote for McCain over Clinton.

andrew of california   March 6th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Dear Curious: same thing happened to me… I made two comments this morning. One said something like "awaiting moderation" and was not published. No wonder there are no comments that raise serious questions in any of this process this time. You can't mention Clinton history or mental disorders of certain candidates.

Jim T   March 6th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Bob Dole, helping out his Republican team. You gotta love the guy.

Dusacre   March 6th, 2008 10:32 am ET

John McCain has a temper and he is turning 72 years old. Most 72 years old cannot drive a car but the republican want us to elect a 72 years old man to lead the most powerful country in the world. A man who sings bomb bomb bomb Iran. Can America go for a third war with a very weak dollar and an economy that is getting worst?

DT   March 6th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Nice way to spin your headline, CNN.

I get real sick of sensationalist journalism like this. It's beneath your news organization. On behalf of people who believe in unbiased journalism, I'm ashamed of you.

Val in Pittsburgh, PA   March 6th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Mother always said, Temper, temper! She was right.

sw   March 6th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Looks more and more like McCain will be the next president. Obama gonna divide the democratic party, if he is the nominee, McCain will eat him, the canadian memo, the rezico link, the empty speech(most written by others or taken from others) will let people realize that Obama is by no means a sunshine boy, he is just another dirty politician trying whatever he can for political positioning.

MISTAKE!   March 6th, 2008 10:29 am ET

CNN, in the previous article you have "Clinton Leads Obama in Texas Caususes Count". Obama is leading Hillary! Please fix this headline!

Jacqueline Samms   March 6th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Bob Dole, go away!

sojournerwolf   March 6th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Dole saying McCain has a temper is a case of the pot calling the kettle black if there ever was one. If anyone remembers, it was partly
Dole's ill-controlled temper that cost him the office.

andrew of california   March 6th, 2008 10:27 am ET

For those of you that wonder about why didn't Obama use bad stuff against Clinton — there's plenty to use — but Obama wanted to run a campaign of change from that kind of tactic. Bet you $10 that Rush Limbaugh and the "vast right conspiracy" will use it against her, successfully, once the contenders are settled, i.e. Clinton announced as the candidate for the Dems.

fostino   March 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

I fail to see how having a temper could be a good thing. Geez, I guess partisian politics is lowering the intelligence of some of the people involved in it.

Jake   March 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

John McCain is a time bomb waiting to go off. You can tell by watching him speak, clutching the microphone, lips tight. The Republicans don't mind serving him up since they are convinced he'll be easily beaten by either the disingenuous Obama or the power-starved Clinton. Of course, the joke could be on those Republicans if McCain actually gets elected. Then we all better be ready to duck and cover when he has a PTSD episode.

Daisy   March 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

U guys are such losers.
Who doesnt have a dam temper
all this stupid news are bias.
They make u believe what they want u to,
and the sad part is when u fall for it.

For Obama   March 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

People listen UP!!! Psychology101 has taught us that ANGER equates to irrational decisions! Losing your temper doesn't make you a better negatiator as someone commented earlier, that's an ignorant statement, losing ones temper only means you want it your way, even if all signs say that it's a dangerous road to follow, anyone that thinks having a bad temper would make you a better negotiator is ONLY SHOWING THEIR IGNORANCE!!!!

Cosmic Comedy Queen - Hillary is the Change!   March 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Go do your ads for Viagra!

homey   March 6th, 2008 10:24 am ET

If Hilary becomes President and gets that infamous 3:00 AM phone call, she may not be around to answer the phone call because she be trying to find where Bill is at - at 3:00 AM in the morning.

Larry Heyman   March 6th, 2008 10:24 am ET

So?

Ann   March 6th, 2008 10:24 am ET

I cannot help but wonder why so many Republicans praise Obama
when he has not held one meeting of his appointed security
committee in Jan. 2007 and has voted present 90 times in Congress. Is it because they know he would be the weaker candidate against McCain?

Johnny   March 6th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Mccain has a temper? Well stop the presses.

Mike, Minneapolis, MN   March 6th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Wont a 3:00 am phone call disrupt McCain's pacemaker?

Adam   March 6th, 2008 10:23 am ET

CNN is more biased than Fox

Brian   March 6th, 2008 10:22 am ET

His temper isn't apparent when he makes comments like "Bomb Bomb Iran" and wishing Castro was dead?

Remember… with bad tempers come questionable judgments.

Michael "C" in Lorton, Virginia   March 6th, 2008 10:21 am ET

What individual doesn't have a "temper." That is basically human nature. Better to have someone with a temper than an intravert. Don't worry about McCain's temper………be concerned that his judgement is sound in making the right decision.

Kris   March 6th, 2008 10:21 am ET

I am tired of poeple with tempers. I want sombody through the heat of the moment to give thought and respond to with what is best for the country not with the emotion of the moment. Nobodys perfect but I think Obama has this one guys. We need to give him a chance.

Unknown   March 6th, 2008 10:21 am ET

I know Mccain has a temper, but it can not be any worst the Hillary or her husband bill.

jacob   March 6th, 2008 10:20 am ET

mccain is a hot head. scary to think if he wins and some country gets good ol' mccain mad, he will nuke them at the drop of a hat. world war 3 is a sure thing with this angry old man.

Whatever   March 6th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Oh go stuff it Dole. You are just a sore loser! And excuse me……..I would be much more afraid the Clinton's tempers then McCains! Billary has a reputation of being a….well….female dog!

Bro Brown   March 6th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Being a POW excuses a temper? Wonder what else might be in there? Anybody read "Manchurian Candidate"? Sort of a scary thought.

HSHSHSHS   March 6th, 2008 10:18 am ET

CNN Fire Lou Dobbs he is racist (Bigot). Besides he is too old to change and relize how far america has come. He is still living in the 1950 and 1960. Fire him now he is hurting CNN.

Curious   March 6th, 2008 10:18 am ET

OK, my comment is not even pending, it totally disappeared and I didn't say anything to cause it to be deleted. Was I supposed to be insulting in order to be posted here>?

Celia Cipriani   March 6th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Everyone should stop the nonsense and concentrate on helping us the public that are going to the poor house fast with the outrageous fuel, utility and food prices. This is all because there is a war going. It happend during WW1 and WW2, Vietnam etc.

Rplat   March 6th, 2008 10:16 am ET

No kidding . . . and who thinks Hillary doesn't have a temper. Furthermore, go poke a few big problems at old Obama and let's see how he keeps his cool.

This is one of the biggest non-issue I've read lately.

michelle   March 6th, 2008 10:16 am ET

As a republican I will not be voting for Mr. McCain, unless of course, if he had Elizabeth Dole as his VP then I may consider it!

the108   March 6th, 2008 10:12 am ET

I was so waiting to see if he spoke about himself in the third person again…lol. Bob Dole cracks me up. I think what he said about Hillary and Barack is spot on.

James, PA   March 6th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Say NO to another American aristocracy. It's bad enough Hillary has USED her husband to get into the Senate, but now she's using him, and HIS not her's, experience to try to get into the White House. It's deplorable. America is better than 2 "elect" families.

Walt, Belton,TX   March 6th, 2008 10:10 am ET

If Dole had had a temper, he might have been elected President and that would have eliminated a good bit of status quo leadership that we did get.

Andy   March 6th, 2008 10:10 am ET

Ok–so what? Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton are known to have a temper meltdown.

jazzgal   March 6th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Hillary, also, has a temper…..known to be a baaaad one!

freepak   March 6th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Dole is old and senile. He should not be making such silly statements in public!

Jerry   March 6th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Has a temper, has access to the bomb/military, and finds it amusing to sing "Bomb Iran"? Hmmm, a little concerning.

Steve Freedman   March 6th, 2008 10:05 am ET

I am glad McCain has a temper. After all, he works with a bunch of no-good self-serving politicians! Those politicians deserve much more grief than McCain blowing up at them once in awhile. Millions of Americans are mad as hell that our so called leaders are throwing America's hard fought gains into the wind.

Kris in AL   March 6th, 2008 10:04 am ET

WHAT ABOUT HILLARY'S TEMPER?

GGamma   March 6th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Yeah right!!! probably he is planning for another war any ways, I doubt it.

Ron   March 6th, 2008 10:03 am ET

We surely dont need a hot head as President.He could push the button and Bam we are gone

ted   March 6th, 2008 10:03 am ET

WHY, oh why, is no one exposing Hillary's lifelong lesbian issue. Too many people in the FBI, Secret Service, CIA, and even old college connections can attest to this. Obama should be using the information !

JIM   March 6th, 2008 10:02 am ET

Just another Loser go back in your hole!!!! Hillary08!!!!!!

Jorge   March 6th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Duh. Of course he has a temper… have you seen what he has said to fellow Republicans?

Does that mean he's unfit? No.

I would be concerned by a politician that was a robot emotionally.

Jackie   March 6th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Gee I saw this interview last night. And I have to tell you that Dole was not endorsing Obama. You have taken the comments that acknowledged McCain's temper….ignored the comments that were favorable to Hillary Clinton,,,and picked out his most favorable comment about Obama,,,

Reading CNN is almost as bad as watching CNN….

Jayson   March 6th, 2008 10:00 am ET

McCains temper may be a strength in some instances because this Congress could use some yelling at when they consider their personal agendas more important then their constituents and the American people.

Michelle   March 6th, 2008 9:59 am ET

So…if POW excuses a temper…is that Bill Clinton's excuse as well?

Jeff from Jersey   March 6th, 2008 9:58 am ET

Obama will have the answering machine on at 3 am!

Chris   March 6th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Why do all these Republicans want Obama to win?

Houston Texas   March 6th, 2008 9:55 am ET

I hope McCain has a temper. That's a healthy sign.

RPF   March 6th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Yeah, someone with a temper… exactly who we want to answer the phone at 3:00 in the morning. Don't freak out, Mr. McCain!

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