McCain says he's 'probably' in last term, or not
(CNN) - Sen. John McCain on Friday sought to clarify some comments he made about his political future.
"I've long said I'll wait a few yrs before thinking about whether to seek reelection in 2016. Focused on our present challenges," McCain tweeted.
While being interviewed Thursday by The Wrap at a launch party for his daughter's new television show, the Arizona Republican was interrupted by supporters of President Barack Obama who thanked McCain for siding with the president "for once in your life."
McCain, 77, has been a key Senate player this year in working with the White House on issues pushed by President Obama, including immigration, gun control and Syria.
According to The Wrap, McCain responded to the individuals, saying: "The president and I, he's in his last term, I'm probably in mine, the relationship we have had over the past three years is quite good. Quite good."
A reporter for The Wrap followed up with McCain, asking if this was really his last term.
"Nah, I don't know," McCain replied. "I was trying to make a point. I have to decide in about two years so I don't have to make a decision. I don't want to be one of these old guys that should've shoved off."
Re-elected to a fifth term in 2010, the senator has a while until he has to decide whether or not he'll pursue a re-election bid. He'll be 80 years old by November 2016.
In February, McCain told the Arizona Republic he has not decided whether to run, but he joked that he expects "people inquiring daily as to my health" as he get further into his current term.
His political openness towards the White House–though he's still never afraid to offer criticism when he feels it's due–has fueled speculation that he's not as worried about winning another term.
He also donated $9 million in surplus campaign funds to help Arizona State University launch the McCain Institute for International Leadership. He said at the time he could always raise more money for another campaign down the road, according to the Arizona Republic.
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If he can't make up his mind, we should impeach him. Lil' John has never gotten over losing to our president, and has done his damnedest to undermine any recovery from the Bush disaster.
"I don't want to be one of these old guys that should've shoved off.""
TOO. LATE.
Isnt the American way to protest what we think is wrong? Boycott, to a further extreme? I thought that is kind of what is going on in Congress, and has gone on for years. Not that I would say it is equal, since both sides have extremists, but beyond the name calling and slander, if you honestly believe the nation would be "that much better" run completely by Liberals, just remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely, good without bad is bad. The strained "standpoints" of the 2 party system, while trying (to say the least) is much needed.
Biden in earlier article: "I can die a happy man never having been president of the United States of America. But it doesn't mean I won't run".
Politicians of all types have this ability to just talk and say absolutely nothing. As an old guy, I hope nobody starts making old guy jokes.
I dont know what I would do without the whiners and name calling. I just dont know what is worse: Liberals who whine and complain that they dont get <90% of what they want, or Conservatives who fit the same description. Maybe its who I hear more often. Besides it could always be worse. Ohh well, regardless, thanks for always making my day, CNN blog commenters.
McCain, you have served your country, time to call a day.@Tampa Tim-The american people caused the economy to crack not Bush. Bush didn`t force people to use credit cards unwisley or force unions and corporations to give out pensions they could not pay. Bill Clinton rewrote the community investment act forcing banks to give loans to poor people(who could not pay. crashing the housing market).
USA should, ought set term-limits on Senare and Congress. Period.
You're welcome, JT. Now pick a side of the fence and stay there. You're not better than the rest of us, conservative or liberal.
As an Arizonan, and an occassional fan of the old "Maverick" McCain- he has certainly had a good run. Arizona tends to have long running Senators, and McCain has certainly fulfilled that obligation. As such it is time for him to retire. Scary as it sounds, McCain is our rational Senator, and perhaps our only significant rational Republican. From that standpoint he will be missed. Those that follow will be from that most unfortunate irrational Republican Party (think Ben Quail, Joe Arpaio, Jan Brewer, Jeff Flake, Gosar et al).
JT – You're welcome.
@jt, you are quoting the weeper of the house.
The rich have seen their wealth increase over 130% since the latest market collapse. Has your wealth, pay increases, kept up?
Anybody who personally remembers the Civil War but can't remember how many houses they own, is just too old to serve in the Senate.
OK, maybe that's an exaggeration, but seriously – extra oldness does not easily lend itself to adapting to a changing world, which leads to teapotty style hissy fits instead of actual governance.
Same goes for those who were homeschooled or brainwashed by the aforementioned hissyfitters. Cruz I'm looking at YOU.
How come elected government workers (congressman, senators, etc) do not have time limits in their positions. Shouldn't there be? We common folks are (kind of) forced to retire at age 65, in public or private sectors.
He is who he is . And he deserves respect .
I can remember when ol mac came west looking for a place to hang his ego and run for office, any office and he did. Won to as a congressman. Then the big score, his senate seat. So basically the longest modern carpet bagger run maybe over. naw I don't think so, he's ego wont let him.
Dear Sir:
Don't wait, go NOW!!!!!
There's hardly a rational, critical thinking Republicon left. They have all become fringe, and none if any have a single good idea about anything. There answer to everything is NO, and they filibuster to keep ideas from even coming up for discussion or for a vote. They don't even understand democracy. They're on the road to self-destruct with their 1820 viewpoint. May they wither and blow away.
@smith
McCain, you have served your country, time to call a day.@Tampa Tim-The american people caused the economy to crack not Bush. Bush didn`t force people to use credit cards unwisley or force unions and corporations to give out pensions they could not pay. Bill Clinton rewrote the community investment act forcing banks to give loans to poor people(who could not pay. crashing the housing market).
-------
Um...ever heard of two un-funded wars prosecuted "off the books" under tax cuts mostly benefiting the rich behind the notion "....the war will pay for itself" (?) No president in the history of this country has ever tried that....Now, let me think ...who said that (?) Um...that would be Dubya. You might want to work against facts before making inaccurate statements that are easily debunked.
At least he told the truth about the extremist GOBP tea potty before leaving.