Last week, John McCain reactivated his email list with a message detailing his exchange with Code Pink protesters.
When the Code Pinkers interrupted the start of a hearing with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, McCain stared them down and barked, “Get out of here, you low-life scum!”
Or at least that was his account.
McCain made the comment only after the protest was under control and the protesters had quietly taken a seat in the back of the room.
Friends of the five-term Senator from Arizona and two-time presidential candidate used the event to fire-up his long-cold email list from former campaigns as they asked supporters to sign a meaningless “I respect America” pledge.
After signing the pledge, supporters were asked to make a donation to “Friends of John McCain” which is the campaign committee for McCain’s fundraising efforts according to the Federal Elections Commission.
The entity raised over a million dollars from January of 2013 to September of 2014.
Typically, campaign committees of former presidential candidates continue to raise money for years to pay down debt, however McCain’s committee only has $1,447 in debt (which is likely current bills).
McCain is up for re-election in 2016 and would likely face former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in the Republican primary.
However, during a recent appearance on Comedy Central, McCain also hinted, or possibly joked, that he may run for president yet again.
Activating a national donor file signals that the moderate Republican may be testing support for another shot at the White House.
McCain’s political history and ratings as a Senator do not support a strong run in 2016 as voters remain on an anti-incumbent drive that roots out moderate politicians who talk tough on the campaign trail but don’t hold their ground during votes.
McCain holds a lifetime rating of 81 with the American Conservative Union and B+ rating from the National Rifle Association.
The Senator who says he knows how to use guns but doesn’t own one, proposed legislation to close the so-called “gun show loophole” in 2001 with Joe Lieberman and Chuck Schumer as co-sponsors.
As for McCain’s tough words to Code Pink protesters, his silencing of the protesters falls in line with his lack of support for the First Amendment. McCain was the sponsor of McCain-Feingold, which limited free speech through the force of the Federal Elections Commission.
Expect more outbursts and media from McCain as the 2016 election cycle heats up.
