McCain's poker scandal
(CNN) - Sen. John McCain, perhaps the Senate's most outspoken voice in favor of military action in Syria, was caught playing poker Tuesday at the first congressional hearing about giving the president authority to use force in the war-torn country.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee grilled the panel of top Obama officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey.
While McCain spoke up when it came his turn, a Washington Post photographer snapped a photo of the Arizona Republican trying his luck in the meantime.
The senator later explained his poker habit on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer."
"As much as I like to always listen with rapt attention constantly (to) remarks of my colleagues over a three and a half period, occasionally I get a little bored and so I resorted," he said, chuckling. "But the worst thing about it is I lost thousands of dollars in this game."
He followed up, saying it was only "fake" money.
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From a Navy Mom, How DARE you John McCain!
As much as I dislike the guy, he's pretty good at brushing off so-called 'scandals'.
Too bad he didn't put his political office on the line.
This guys a JOKE, playing games while children are being slaughtered.
Too bad they can't figure out how to be effective communicators so it doesn't take 3+ hours to discuss the topic. Obviously there are important and complex issues but it is also useless if you lose your audience.
However, I also wonder if some lawmakers have already made up their mind and/or are not really open to new information. It is their job, after all, to listen and not just talk. That would be worse than just losing interest.
hey, he's a gambler
At least we're paying him to do something........ unlike congress.
This is a prime example of wasted taxpayers dollars on Senate's pay, perks, and health care. They are debating on rather to bomb Syria or not and McCain is playing a damn game.
and as taxpayers we pay for this? I'm glad he can laugh about it especially during a hearing about a serious situation. I guess his notes slamming the POTUS was already written out for him no need to listen to the other questions.
This guy is unbelieveable! Where do I sign-up
Vaction for month at full salary & benefits and play games while our country is on the verge of war! And they wonder why congress has a low approval rating! Get rid of ALL of them!
The real news here should be that he actually knows how to use an iPhone.
What a putz....he can't even take his rushing us to war seriously....
Apparently war does not deserve his full attention. Throw him out of office.
It is really time to retire McCain
Good to see he puts so much into keeping us out of a war we have no business being in.
He got BORED??? He SO needs to be fired!
I knew he was a big gambler ever since the entire Palin gambit!
Yes, it's humorous, but why is this news? I thought the comment about it at the end of the interview was cute, but seriously give the guy a break. I;m not a McCain 'supporter' but don't shame the guy for doing what we all do... doesn't mean he wasn't listening or didn't care.
First let me say that I have tremendous respect for John McCain. As a fellow veteran I appreciate the sacrifices he has made for this country. However, given the seriousness of these hearings and the fact that should it be determined that a strike is what is allowed I am deeply disappointed that Senator McCain was unable to maintain his focus and attention for the entire three hours and his flippant attitude when he was caught playing poker during the hearing. As a tax payer I am upset that I was paying his salary during this time and frankly I want a refund. Quite simply sir- how can our allies who are on the fence about what to do have any confidence of our stance if you- as an example of our government- tune out to the opinions of others. The situation and your fellow senators deserve the respect of your undivided attention. This is not time for games.
If you're so bored and tuned out why don't you simply retire from the senate old man and do us all a big favor>we saw the big red face there after you were caught>you should be ashamed of yourself!
I'm taking odds for not against ...McCain's a game-changer...this time.
its good hes not playing pokerstars... they have "pokerbots" that sit on cash game tables and take everyones money. IF U ARE GONNA PLAY ONLINE POKER, DONT PUT REAL MONEY IN POKERSTARS... OR DO IT...UR CHOICE...
This guy is morally bankrupt, We are having hearings weather we will kill and killed in this upcoming war and this clown is playing poker on his computer for three hours. We get what we deserve? or are we manipulated by the system to vote for these bozos.
He has a gambling problem and it has been documented.
These guys are just really too much. What a joke our government is.