Bush: “I probably won’t even vote for McCain” November 9, 2010 by Alex Barker George W. Bush’s bombastic return to the world stage has reminded me of my favourite Bush anecdote, which for various reasons we couldn’t publish at the time. Some of the witnesses still dine out on it. The venue was the Oval Office. A group of British dignitaries, including Gordon Brown, were paying a visit. It was at the height of the 2008 presidential election campaign, not long after Bush publicly endorsed John McCain as his successor. Naturally the election came up in conversation. Trying to be even-handed and polite, the Brits said something diplomatic about McCain’s campaign, expecting Bush to express some warm words of support for the Republican candidate. Not a chance. “I probably won’t even vote for the guy,” Bush told the group, according to two people present.“I had to endorse him. But I’d have endorsed Obama if they’d asked me.” Endorse Obama? Cue dumbfounded look from British officials, followed by some awkward remarks about the Washington weather. Even Gordon Brown’s poker face gave way to a flash of astonishment. full article
He talks about McCain in his memoir. He goes into McCain's failure during the 2008 election and his handling of the financial crisis(which made me strongly consider not voting for him after supporting him for years). He talks about the awkward suspending of his campaign and during the Oval office meeting with both candidates to discuss dealing with the crisis, McCain had nothing to suggest. He came in completely unprepared. Its probably a good thing that he lost.
Not sure why a British paper would feel the need to withhold an American President's remarks. Especially a paper with the clout of the Financial Times.
Good ol' Bush. Of course, at the time, I'm sure the Democrats wouldn't want his endorsement (and probably still don't want it). Let's all reminisce:
would you guys be surprised if bush was on his deathbed and told everyone that he just trolled us all for years?
I think Bush likes 'Bama. They would probably be awesome friends. I foresee them doing great things together in the future. They are both young and healthy and will be our next Clinton-BushI
W did more for blacks than all of his predecessors including our first black president"Slick Wille", why would you lefties be surprised if he wanted to adopt OBAMADINEJAD?
Bush did not do more for Blacks. Having Black appointments does not mean he did more for Blacks. The fact is that Bush had overt racists in the justice department including the head of the civil rights division. That's more insulting to Blacks than anything any President has done in decades.
Well it goes like this, son. The Financial Times is the newspaper of rich financila Britain. Like most rich people they like tax cuts for themselves, few regulations on their enterprises if they pollute a lot. They also like to pay their workers as little as possible. McCain was their guy over Obama who perhaps would not have been quite quite as reliable in complying with their wishes. There was even the possibility Obama would get all unruly, though so far they have to be fairly satsified.
This thread reminds me of that SNL skit with Will Farrell as GW Bush endorsing McCain and McCain trying to get away.
