-Caveat Lector- <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"> </A> -Cui Bono?- McCain aides say Bush's 'macho talk' makes quick endorsement unlikely Copyright © 2000 Nando Media Copyright © 2000 Associated Press By RON FOURNIER WASHINGTON (March 16, 2000 3:21 p.m. EST http://www.nandotimes.com) - John McCain's supporters are accusing George W. Bush of showing little respect for the former candidate and his political reform agenda, saying "macho talk" has killed hopes for an early alliance that could be vital to Bush's prospects in November. Bush and his advisers scrambled Thursday to explain the remarks he made in an interview with The New York Times, fearing the fallout could further alienate McCain and his independent-minded supporters. Reminded that McCain, a senator from Arizona, helped produce record turnouts in the Republican presidential primaries, Bush told the newspaper, "Well, then, how come he didn't win?" Asked whether McCain had raised his consciousness about reform, Bush replied, "No, he didn't change my views." Trying to make amends, Bush, the governor of Texas, said Thursday in Illinois, "I appreciate the hard campaign that John McCain waged. He ran a good race. He highlighted the need for reform, and I appreciate the ideas that he brought forth in the campaign." Bush has said he won't embrace McCain's plan to ban unlimited, unregulated "soft money," but argues that there is common ground on other reform measures. "Of course, he and I agree on a lot, and it starts with this: The best reform for America is to end the Clinton-Gore era in Washington, D.C.," Bush said. McCain, however, has said Bush can't unite the party simply over a shared dislike of Democrat Al Gore. Reading past more conciliatory language in the newspaper interview, McCain's advisers said they were stunned that Bush would strike a dismissive chord while his aides were privately courting McCain's endorsement. Independent and swing voters, such as those who flocked to McCain in some GOP primaries, could determine the presidential election. "Senator McCain looks forward to bringing the party together by campaigning across the country for reform-minded Republicans, and we're a little disappointed by the tone of the Bush campaign," McCain spokesman Todd Harris said. Harris announced the formation of a political-action committee that will pay McCain's expenses as he barnstorms the country this year on behalf of GOP candidates and his own initiatives. A senior McCain adviser said a quick resolution to the feud, which was never likely, is now out of the question. He put the odds of McCain endorsing before the election at "no better than 50-50." Another adviser said it is now probable that McCain would never directly endorse Bush himself, though he could still back the ticket late in the campaign. McCain, who dropped out of the presidential race March 9 and is now on vacation, was unavailable for comment. ----------------- RECOMMENDED BOOKS http://www.bmvs.com/sites/anomalous/books/recommend.asp RECOMMENDED VIDEOS http://www.bmvs.com/sites/anomalous/videos/recommend.asp ANOMALOUS IMAGES WEBSITE http://www.anomalous-images.com <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soap-boxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
