McCain insults Long Island, Schumer hits back at Arizona
(CNN) - GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona apologized Wednesday night for taking a dig at Long Island, prompting Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York to quickly bite back.
"Isn't it true that Justice (Sandra Day) O'Connor was specifically referring to a person who was captured on Long Island? Last I checked, Long Island was part – albeit sometimes regrettably – part of the United States of America," McCain said on the Senate floor Wednesday.
He made the joke while discussing a Supreme Court case during a Senate debate about detainee policies.
But to one (rather influential) New Yorker, McCain's snark about the island, home to more than 3 million people, wasn't that funny.
Sen. Schumer quickly fired off on Twitter: "All of America saw how heroic Long Islanders were on 9/11. #LongIsland deserves an apology."
About 50 minutes later, a reluctant McCain returned to the Senate floor and took the microphone.
"In an exchange I had on the floor I mentioned that the wonderful people and the wonderful Long Island, I made a joke," McCain said. "I'm sorry that there's at least one of my colleagues that can't take a joke, and so I apologize if I offended him and hope that someday he will have a sense of humor."
The apology, however, didn't seem to do the trick for Schumer, who again took his disappointment to Twitter.
"NYers can take a joke. But if @SenJohnMcCain wants to mock parts of America, stick to Arizona," he wrote.
- CNN's Joe Von Kanel contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
- Chris Cillizza's winners and losers from tonight's debate February 20, 2020 04:34 am
- Analysis: Mike Bloomberg gets badly roughed up in debate that tests his unconventional campaign February 20, 2020 06:56 am
- Democrats lay into each other on debate stage as candidates face crucial phase in primary fight February 20, 2020 06:47 am
- Fact-checking the Las Vegas Democratic debate February 20, 2020 06:22 am
- Bloomberg says he won't release women from confidentiality agreements when pressed by Warren February 20, 2020 04:35 am
- Warren calls Klobuchar's health care plan 'like a Post-it Note' in fiery debate moment February 20, 2020 06:24 am
What is up with McCain lately? He turned his back on the military that he was once part of. Now he is insulting a beautiful place to live. Time to retire Sen. McCain.
Schumer needs to get over himself.
Senator McCain may not realize it but he is the joke. It appears he never learned the lesson about people thinking him a fool until he opens his mouth and removes all doubt.
...Children! ...seriously, is this the best we have leading our nation?
GOP stalwarts rarely show love for any region that boasts a highly educated, highly liberal population.
"GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona apologized Wednesday night for taking a dig at Long Island"
No, he didn't. He made fun of people who were offended by his "joke."
my states better than your state.....mommy mommy mommy...... š„
McCain is a disgrace and a dishonor to anyone whoever wore a uniform to protect the country (like me). Just because he crashed 5 military jets and got himself captured, doesn't make him a hero. Heroes have honor and integrity, McCain is devoid of both.
......Oh John, after YOU picked Palin to STAIN AND CURSE US WITH, and now this and a few other gaffes,.......I suggest you retire and play the part of "Uncle Joe" , as last seen on "Petticoat Junction" .............
Now boys, quit the shower room horseplay and get back to work!