April 1, 2008
Posted: 11:17 AM ET
CNN

Watch Dana Bash's interview with John McCain.

(CNN) John McCain Tuesday brushed off suggestions his well-documented quick temper may hinder his ability to serve as President of the United States.

In an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, the presumptive Republican nominee acknowledged he can get angry from time to time, but called that face a "very minor thing" compared to his accomplishments in the Senate.

"[My] leadership qualities required an even temper and those abilities to reach across the aisle and work with democrats for the good of my constituents and the country are clear indications that that’s a very minor thing as compared to my record of accomplishment."

McCain also said he thinks voters will expect him to get angry at times.

"When I see corruption in Washington, when I see wasting needlessly of their tax dollars, when I see people behaving badly—they expect me to get angry, and I will get angry," he said. "Because I won’t stand for corruption, and I won’t stand for waste of their tax dollars and I will demand that people serve their country first and the special interests second."

McCain has long been known by Senate colleagues for his at-times angry outbursts. Most recently, he issued Texas Sen. John Cornyn an apology after shouting "F— you' at him during last year's heated immigration debate.

Cornyn endorsed McCain's presidential bid in February.

Filed under: John McCain


Ashley   April 1st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

I've seen him get angry AND rude one two many times. Not exactly the right image to give when he's not even in the White House yet. How will he react to a real crisis? I shiver the thought.

Joel   April 1st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

My friends, it's easy to lose your temper when you are a 239 year old dude who wants to wage war, my friends, in the Middle East until he is 339 years old, my friends.
Seriously, my friends, with all due respect my friends… can't we maybe try someone other than an Old White Guy for president? Good grief, my friends.

Joyce in Florida   April 1st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Senator McCain, you are getting to old for this campaign. One thing that you should really be angry about is this so-called Iraq war that you want to drag out for 100 years. Are you getting senile now? You apparently are not seeing reality very well.

Democrats need to be running the White House. We do not need any more of the Bush Administration!!! If you can't see what is really happening here and abroad, you don't belong campaigning for President. Time for you to go and get much-needed bed rest. You look like you need it.

HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Deb   April 1st, 2008 4:14 pm ET

HA–and Bill and Hillary don't have tempers?? As do most driven, executive types.
But keep calling McCain "old man" and watch your elderly patrons cast votes in some true righteous anger!
Obama is an genial but aloof wimp, an empty suit, on the far left of the political spectrum.
I don't need a self-appointed Messiah for President.
John McCain is a centrist, and a funny fellow to boot.
McCain will dominate in November.

Guaymas Jim   April 1st, 2008 4:10 pm ET

No one seems to be asking and McCain has refused to release his medical records, so I will.

McCain, as we all know, was a POW for years. POW status is a presumptive "trigger" for PTSD. One very common symptom of PTSD is uncontrollable anger. (I should know, I deal with it every day of my life!)

My questions:

(1) Has McCain ever been dx with PTSD?

(2) Has McCain ever been treated for PTSD?

(3) Is McCain currently on PTSD medications?

The truthfull answers to these questions are both relevant and necessary to deciding who to vote for in November.

RightyTighty   April 1st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Conservatives don't yell F— you in heated debates. That's a liberal tactic used to deflect facts..

paul   April 1st, 2008 4:02 pm ET

John McCain is a man of great intergrety. He has a record of not taking Pork and has shown a willingness to reach across the aisle to do what is right. As for being too old, he has shown that he can hold on to stress when he was a POW . I would rather have a leader who has shown his courage, knows the terror of war and is fiscally responsible as our President. Obama or Hillary will only raise our taxes and shove national healthcare down our throats. McCain is going to be our next Pres. because the real Americans can see thru the democratic junk.

Christi   April 1st, 2008 3:41 pm ET

I'm glad he thinks his anger is a minor thing. Just keep his fingers away from buttons. Considering that approximately 62% of the people of this country think our current war (Iraq) is a mistake, I don't see how he can run on this war as his main point of the campaign. Billions every week, credibility in the world lost and he wants to keep it going. I just don't understand this…and this doesn't even touch on the fact that he could be too old. He scares me…

DJ, LA, CA   April 1st, 2008 3:38 pm ET

This man does seem to have anger management issues after launching the F-bomb at someone in his own party.

Not to mention how much that immigration debate alientated him from so many within his party.

Yes and the debt caused by war in Iraq that is not even part of the budget is devaluating the dollar and putting the nation at risk of financial ruin.

Big Mike   April 1st, 2008 3:38 pm ET

The only chance that Mccain has is to campaign on "change", but how can he do that when he practically mirrors the failed policies of the incumbent president? The very fact that his temper is an issue, is enough to worry the American people. If he is president, I guarantee we will be invading Iran at some point in his term. Can people not see that we need "Change" in this country, that it is the greed and selfishness of traditional Washington politics that have gotten us where we are. I think John Mccain is an honorable patriot, and has served this country well, but a vote for him is a vote for the same inexplicable policies of the past 8 years, one of the worst presidential terms in the history of this country.

lamotz   April 1st, 2008 3:37 pm ET

His shouting doesn't bother me as much as what he's shouting about. He co-authored the failed amnesty bill (Bush-Kennedy). Illegal immigration is a serious issue. The existing laws are still not being enforced. Criminals are not only being tolerated, they're being rewarded while American citizens pay for their healthcare, education (to the tune of $7.1 billion since 2001) and incarceration. If this man is elected, our young men and women will remain at risk in a place that we had no business entering while our country is losing its internal sovereignty to criminals (and corporate entities) who feel that we're ripe for the picking. No to McCain, no to amnesty for illegals, no to war with Iran!!!

Paul from Kissimmee   April 1st, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Nothing wrong with a little temper. Better than looking like a cowardly liberal.

andrew   April 1st, 2008 3:29 pm ET

here we have another bush

Tex'un   April 1st, 2008 3:29 pm ET

To be fair: Eisenhower had a strong temper and he is usually considered the most successful Republican president of the 20th century.

Ponte   April 1st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Powerful, productive, successful men and women have tempers and get angry at stupidity and time-wasting indecision. You think that Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton didn't have tempers? Or Nancy Pelosi? Or Trump or Bill Gates or Warren Buffet? Letterman? Or Hilary!!??? We see her self-righteous temper every day, now that she's falling further behind in the polls and is being called on to get out.

C'mon folks, don't be silly bomb-tossers on this subject. Just consider all the successful people who have tempers, both the famous people and those who you might know. A temper is a personailty trait of smart, productive people. It doesn't mean that someone is "gonna blow in October" like someone said earlier.

Tanya K   April 1st, 2008 2:25 pm ET

I am a democrate, but compared to Obama's childish inexperience, and Boo-hooing, if Hillary is not on the ticket he sounds like he might get the vote.

Yes, DM again Arlington, TX   April 1st, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Senator John McCain,

You have it all wrong, many service personal are dying and for what a lie. Our economy is suffering for what a lie. America is deep in debt to China, Inda, South Korea for what to support a War that should have never begun.

Senator John McCain I don;t think you get it. Bring our families home.

Raylene Mertle   April 1st, 2008 12:55 pm ET

He is a danger to our country.

Now he wants Military veterans to be teachers in our schools. Just because he is a war munger he wants to take our children and train them to be war mungers as well.

He continue to link Al Queada to Iran, we cannot have a president who cannot get his facts together. American already made this mistake once and do not need to make another.

And thinks voters will expect him to get angry at times when things don't go his way. Wake up America, there is something wrong with this picture.

United Dems for Obama   April 1st, 2008 12:53 pm ET

No Grandpa Munsters…LOL

Rock Johnson   April 1st, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Great, it shows he's a man, and not one of the compromising 'uniters' and 'defenders' like Obama.

Tim   April 1st, 2008 12:52 pm ET

You dont tell another senator to go eff themselves with a minor temper. How many times are you gonna say the same thing to China, Iran, or Russia?

This man is angry and suffers from dementia. He is the epitome of the crazy bitter old man and should not be president.

steve   April 1st, 2008 12:51 pm ET

McCain , while you are on your biography tore , let us know that your great-grand father had a plantation and had more than 52 slaves who worked and bled for your family's prosperity; not only the war hero line.
You are an opportunist.
No more McBush

Obama For 2 terms!   April 1st, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Minor like global warming? Minor like the little skirmish in Iraq? Minor like our deficit? minor like our ailing education system? Minor like our failed healthcare policy?

Define "minor" grandpa munster!!!!!!!!!!!!

La Raza   April 1st, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Never McCain. Never.

sophia nyc   April 1st, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Crazy madman.

If you like war with Iraq, you'll LOVE war with Iran.

Wilberto Jimenez, Monmot, MD   April 1st, 2008 12:49 pm ET

That's alright. I seem to recall a similar headline in 2000: "George W. Bush calls drunkeness 'very minor thing'".

Look byond   April 1st, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Hope he doesn,t push the wrong BUTTON in a haste.
These are sign of triggers, when someones's temper runs wild.

We know what this can mean for some one with bad temper.
It's just like addiction, when things don't go their way , we used the " F" word to solve our problems, and when the medication expires, we regret what has been said or done.
He serves this country, so do millions too, and we are very very proud of John Mccain.
But, the reality is, he will not be able to run this country base on his military background.

We have seen past presidents, who have done well without a military background and have run this country well because of the great people they surround themselves with.

So my point of view depicts that, while John Mccain is a fine military Personell, he is not ready to be commander-in-chief.

He has to know more about the economy and byond to be the commander-in-chief.

FELISA   April 1st, 2008 12:48 pm ET

I do not know why Cnn and others in media give this old coot a free ride. Is it because he sooooo boring that you all forget that he's there?

Dia Akin   April 1st, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Uh oh…..yet another blow! We all know what happens when we speak out of anger? Who says he wont have one of his moments when it hits the fan and decide he wants to deploy troops elsewhere because some foreign leader "pissed him off?"

DEFINITELY not presidential material! I need a leader who keeps a cool head in time of crisis. We've already seen Clinton's PMS moments and the way she mismanages her campaign. So that only leaves our only hope for TRUE change…..

Obama or nothing…….

Tanya   April 1st, 2008 12:47 pm ET

I don't believe for a moment that McCain temper is caused by all these lofty, idealistic reasons.
His long history in politics shows that he is an unbalanced man who throws tantrums when he can't get his way.

Ifeanyi Azubike Houston Texas   April 1st, 2008 12:45 pm ET

What is he saying. That it is ok to get angry at other world leaders, his aids, the press etc. please somebody rouse him from sleep and tell him that it is wrong, wrong, wrong for the president to tout his anger bouts. it may be the difference betweeen war and peace; pushing the dreaded nuclear button or scaring away aids from giving sound advice. He needs to get a grip or get out.

VOTER FOR TRUTH, DIGNITY-OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008   April 1st, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Talk about corruption in Politics? Don't China own us. And
can't we change that? How can taxpayer paid cronie trips be taken
for granted, when our country is going bankrupt? Do we owe China
so much that they control us? Talk about corruption. This all happened
under your eyes, Mr. McCain. In order to have changed the policies,
you would have had to take a stand against your own party and go
on national t.v. to make the voters aware and you did not. You have
had your chance, Mr. McCain. So has Hillary Clinton.

LA   April 1st, 2008 12:44 pm ET

American may be able to deal with a quick angry temper; but can our allies and enemies?

Think before you VOTE people, what do you want america to be viewed as by other countries? It does matter, that is why we are losing our soldiers to date..

Dave in Houston   April 1st, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt!

Whether you're an alcoholic or rage-aholic, saying it ain't so doesn't mean it ain't so.

I predict he'll blow a gasket in October and then it will really, really be over.

case   April 1st, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Temper a minor thing, not with this guy.

I cant wait for Obama to start talking cirlces around this puppet as the debate turns to war and the economy.

I used to like McCain before he had to suck up to the failed policies of the GOP and the worst administration of all time.

This guy swears in the House of Congress. His policies are based in fear and are old, just like him, old.

OUT WITH THE OLD

Independent for Obama

Go PSU   April 1st, 2008 12:42 pm ET

McCain will destroy the democrats. The democrats can't even unite or manage their own party.

AJ, IL   April 1st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

McCain is going down from within his own party. He has a reputation as angry stubborn old man. I expect to see some 527 groups running ads showing McCain mulling over becoming a VP on a democratic ticket. Although, some conservative Democratics and Independents, will look favorably at that. Conservative Republicans will seriously doubt McCain committment to the conservative agenda and choose to stay home in November unless he picks a conservative Republican running mate, by which he will lose conservative Democrats and Independents.

Rom   April 1st, 2008 12:40 pm ET

May God watch us if this guy becomes our president!!.

Rom,NY   April 1st, 2008 12:39 pm ET

May God watch us if this guy becomes our president!.

bob   April 1st, 2008 12:39 pm ET

FLORIDA DEMOCRATS FOR MCCAIN

Rom,NY   April 1st, 2008 12:39 pm ET

May God watch us if this guy becomes our president!!

Desari   April 1st, 2008 12:37 pm ET

This man is oooh soo old and set in his ways with a temper to boot. Not what i want in a president.

He always talks about is 96 year old mom, but leaves out the fact that his father died when he was 70 years old.

Raman   April 1st, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I would request Pres. Bush to keep the nuclear trigger keys with him during retirement, in the event Sen. McCain does become President.

Reality check #1   April 1st, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Are they now trying to rule out McCain because they know if Obama gets the nomination record numbers of Democrats will vote McCain? I don't care what kind of temper he has, I'm a Democrat and he is still a shining star compared to Obama! With Obama's baggage, I'll never cast a vote for him.

Incredible Hulk Yo!!!   April 1st, 2008 12:34 pm ET

When asked about his temper he should have turned green and yelled RARRRRRRRR!!! haahh lol

CultureGeek   April 1st, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Just what we need. Another executive who bombs first and asks questions later (McBush wants to continue the war for 100 years _and_ "bomb, bomb Iran"). Another executive who wants to restrict free speech (McBush said he thinks MoveOn should be "thrown out of the country" for criticizing Petraeus) How is that "an even temper?" How will his attitude towards critics of foreign policy help him "reach across the aisle?"

As for McCain's reformer act, I don't buy it for a second. He only started talking about campaign finance reform after getting caught in a campaign finance scandal in the eighties.

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 1st, 2008 12:32 pm ET

McCain has a peanut head. The only one worthy to represent the country is Hillary. Everyone else can eat a fat one.

HILLARY 2008

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 1st, 2008 12:31 pm ET

It doesn't matter; He'll be in a retirement home before he could finish his first term in office. Might as well vote for Hillary. She's the obvious choice.

Hillary

RFP   April 1st, 2008 12:31 pm ET

loose cannon… scary…

sozzi   April 1st, 2008 12:31 pm ET

A maniac.

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 1st, 2008 12:29 pm ET

McCain was a P.O.W…. of the Civil War (LOL) He's too old and not electable. But Hillary is. Vote for Hillary now.

No more GOPs   April 1st, 2008 12:29 pm ET

He’s evil, pure & simple

glhf   April 1st, 2008 12:29 pm ET

now let's hope that his temper runs in a debate and then Obama can win all 50 states and repair the damage that Hillary's self- destruct will have at the convention. :]

Gary in Toronto   April 1st, 2008 12:27 pm ET

" I will demand that people serve their country first and the special interests second."

- or how about not serving special interests at all? Sheesh…

Chris   April 1st, 2008 12:26 pm ET

'MINOR' Get real McCain your temper goes far beyond minor. Remember this is the guy that is ready to start another stupid war with IRAN!!

Rob from DC   April 1st, 2008 12:26 pm ET

You go John……

Franky   April 1st, 2008 12:24 pm ET

LOL!!!! Don't worry Senator is cool, but boy do that's funny!! LOL!!!

Sylvia   April 1st, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Hillary or McCain….NEVER Obama
he supports a RACIST man and has his own children sit in a church to be brainwashed….that is far worse than a "temper"!!!!!!!

VOTER FOR TRUTH, DIGNITY-OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008   April 1st, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Call whatever your shortcomings "a minor thing" if you want.
But, what I want to know is, "What do others around you, think
of your temper? That would be more believable than patting
youself on the back. What do others around you think of your
superior attitude? What do others around you think of your "real
policies". Those policies that are not detailed because if they
were really detailed, nobody would vote for you.

Johnson   April 1st, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Thats why we should vote for No Shock Barrack, No Drama Obama.

Veterans love Obama   April 1st, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Yeah…minor to you. It wouldn't be a recurring issue if it were "minor".

No country For Old Men

No Grandpa Munster in the Whitehouse!

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