(CNN) – Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona said Tuesday the battle on Capitol Hill between Democrats and Republicans over extending the payroll tax cut was causing damage to the GOP.
"It is harming the Republican Party," McCain said on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." "It is harming the view, if it's possible anymore, of the American people about Congress. And we've got to get this thing resolved."
The 2008 Republican presidential candidate called on GOP leaders to meet with Democratic leaders in the House, Senate and White House to hammer out an agreement before the tax cut expires at the end of the year.
McCain was one of 89 senators who voted Saturday to pass a Senate bill that would extend the tax reduction by two months. But House Republicans argue the short-term extension is only a band-aid, opting instead to hold out for a yearlong solution.
On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled House passed a measure calling for more negotiations. House Speaker John Boehner issued a letter to President Barack Obama, urging him to order the Senate back from its holiday break to engage in more talks.
"I think we have to recognize reality," McCain said. "And that is we are not going to see the payroll tax cut expire on the first of January. And we have to accommodate to that reality. It would not be fair to the American people at this time."
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Gosh John...where is the fence around Arizona that you promised to build to keep out the Mexicans and Canadians?Where is your long form American birth certificate? Why are you lying again?
Ahh someone with some sanity left, good job speaker, keep screwing the next election
Well Sen McCain looks like your "hobbits" are at it again!
If I was Reid I would tell Boehner and Cantor, if they agree to repeal the Bush tax cuts on anyone making over a million dollars we will come back and talk if they do not agree with repealing the tax cuts prior to coming to Washington then let the taxes go up and let the republicans take the consequences which I believe will be devastating to the republican party calling themselves tea partiers for they are ashamed of being called a republican!!
McCain has "senile" moments and he has "senile" moments – I guess he's having a "senile" moment now and he's RIGHT – he also has "senile" moments when he's wrong!!!
Obama 2012
as a matter of fact,we as americans are a bunch of hypocrites.we don't speak the truth.if we really do,we shall see and know that republicans are ruining this country.
I think the house Republicans will pay a big political price for this behavior because now, we've all realized that they are the once who doesn't want to play ball with the Democrats and the president
Excuse me. Is this the man who was 'too nasty and argumentative and moody the first time he ran for president and lost the nomination and then became freindly, nice and soft and let Mr. Obama into the office. What? What caues him to be so right about things now? How is he the man of wisdom all of a sudden. He lost all credibility with his Palin selection- not becasue I do not like her but she was totally unprepared for the task at hand and that's how he went into political war.
This guy is such a loser....Can we say RINO???
No one has hurt the GOP like the old warmonger McCain
The GOP will happily harm themselves as long – as it harms the economy – so that they can harm Obama.
In the end, the only one getting harmed is the middle class. Thanks GOP for putting the country second.
At least a band-aid can slow the bleeding and keep the dirt out until you can do what's necessary. For once, McCain, you're right! Theyre trying to do whatever they can to keep Obama from looking good, at the expense of the people they are supposed to be SERVING! The GOP can't seefor the dst they're kicking up! They'll pay for it at the poles!
Blame it on Democrats. They didn't even want to speed up their efforts cooperating with Republicans to do the jobs for Americans. By the way, great to see you, Sen. John McCain! And Happy Holidays to American people!
Glad to see the well-being of the American people is in the forefront of your mind, John (or what is left of it). That was sarcasm, by the way.
I'm sorry that the image of the Republican Party is at risk. What the heck happened to "Country First", John? You are too old to run for re-election, so try doing something for the good of the COUNTRY and not your PARTY instead of trying to please the corporations that own you.
Republicans care more about their Christmas vacation than they do about Americans. They will be enjoying their high-dollar homes, rich foods and expensive wines as they toast their corporate sugar-daddies. Their families will exchange expensive gifts and their kids will return home from private schools for a long weekend of skiing, shopping and the good life. Middle class families will wait to see if they'll have a loss of $1000 and a failed economy. It's time to recall the Republicans and put people in leadership positions who actually care about Americans.
He is absolutely right. The old GOP has now finally but definately reached the point of total confusion, zero credibility,
panic, internal hostility, broken ambitions and careers, total mental separation from the informed electorate and impending
doom. Great job guys. What is Mr. Prairiebus doing, if anything?
Eric Cantor has got to be one of the most heartless and cruel politicians ever. I don't usually hate people,.. but i find it easy to loathe that weasel of a man.
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong! The GOP is simply protecting taxpayers from the burdens of excessive income.
Right. That is the real problem with raising taxes by 1000 dollars on every family in America. It hurts the GOP.
McCain is correct. This will hurt the GOP. Those that claim they are the tea partiers will doom the GOP's control in the House. They can't just demand that the Senate come back into session just because they want a new deal. The Speaker said that the Minority and Majority leaders were to negoitate for the House. It seems that he can't control the House and should lose the speakership.
shut up McCain...for once in your life...just shut up!
People should listen to McCain, he is an authority on harming the GOP.
The republicans are trying their very best to destroy this economy and this country. I don't understand how anyone can have any other view. I really don't. I have never seen seen such hatred expressed by so many elected people who took an oath to support the constitution and do what is best for this country. I absolutely detest what they are trying to do this country and this president. I feel sorry for their souls.
Sorry Grandpa McCain, but we are going to see the payroll tax cut expire on January because the suicide cult that is the Republican party realizes they got pwnd by Obama, and they'll inflict injury on the country rather than let Obama win.
The Republican Party are enemy combatants that need to be rounded up sent to Guantanamo before they really start to destroy America's infrastructure
McCain is the only man of wisdom left there in the list of long served senators.