Sen. John McCain was reportedly so angry with colleague Sen. Harry Reid’s vow to trigger the “nuclear option” and change confirmation rules for presidential nominees, that he threatened physical violence.
Specifically, he told Mr. Reid that he was going to “kick the crap out” of him, the New York Times Magazine reported. And Mr. Reid’s response?
“John, I would expect nothing less,” he said, The Blaze reported.
The fight would have been interesting to watch. Mr. McCain was a hardy military man who withstood capture and imprisonment by the enemy. But Mr. Reid was a former boxer and boxing instructor, Biography.com reported.
The senators’ comments were reportedly traded during nuclear option discussions in November, but were just reported by the New York Magazine on Wednesday.
Mr. McCain made the threat and then went on the Senate floor to slam Mr. Reid further, in a rant that described the “nuclear option” deal a “black chapter in the history of the Senate,” The Blaze said. In his rant, Mr. McCain also reminded that in 2008, Mr. Reid stood steadfastly against the nuclear option — which allows confirmations to sail forward with a simple majority, rather than 60-vote support — when Republicans threatened to use it.
“Boy, this gives new meaning as to where you stand on an issue as opposed to where you sit,” said Mr. McCain, in his floor remarks.
Mr. McCain sends off somewhat mixed signals about his political loyalties sometimes. Just a few days ago, he was quoted making fawning statements about Vice President Joseph R. Biden, calling him a capable leader — about as “able, articulate, honest, dedicated and impassioned” as they come. He made those remarks during an awards ceremony by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition to honor the vice president.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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