McCain jokes about legendary temper

Tim Gaynor — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:53:57 +0000

ROCHESTER, Mich. - John McCain answered a question about his legendary temper on Wednesday with a good-natured growl.

“How dare you ask that question!” McCain said to laughter from the audience at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

McCain proceeded to use the question as a way to focus on his own concerns, ranging from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s past influence in the U.S. Congress to what he considers out-of-control government spending.

“I will confess to you my friend that I do get angry. I get angry when I saw a guy named Abramoff that ripped off Native Americans for millions and millions and millions of dollars,” McCain said.

“I get angry when I see $233 million of your tax dollars going to … a bridge to an island with 50 people on it,” referring to an Alaskan lawmaker’s bid to get money for a bridge McCain opposed.

“I get angry when I see corruption to the point when we have former members of Congress in federal prison.”

“And you know something? The American people are angry too … They’re mad and they’ve lost their temper,” the Arizona senator added.

McCain’s remark came in response to a question by a man who said he worried about reports of McCain’s temper.

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Photo credit: Reuters/Mark Leffingwell (McCain speaks at an event in Denver, Colo., May 2, 2008)

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McCain jokes about legendary temper