Reply #18: I think it is part of the Imus fallout [View All]

[Mabus]

This is just my take. Imus was a big McCain supporter back in 2000.

(Larry King interviewing Imus in Dec. 2000 http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0012/22/lkl.00.html)

KING: You were a McCain supporter?

D. IMUS: Yes; I voted for McCain, I wrote his name in.

KING: You did?

D. IMUS: Yes; because I had to -- you know, I had to fill out a paper ballot and it was easy and I just wrote his name in, so.

McCain stayed at Imus' ranch and they were good buddies.

(another Larry King interview with Imus from Aug. 2000 wherein McCain joins in over the phone. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0008/11/lkl.00.html).

KING: We're back with Imus.

We have a little surprise for the I-man. With us on the phone from Seattle, Washington, is one of his stalwart friends through thick and thin. Despite the fact that this man is oft been criticized, oft praised, he remains a fan of the I-man, Senator John McCain of Arizona.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: How you doing, I-man?

IMUS: Hi, Senator McCain, how are you?

***

IMUS: We rode up to Mesa. You know the thing I noticed, Senator McCain is that you didn't make your bed when you left.

MCCAIN: Oh, my God. That just shows a classless guest. That will probably guarantee I'm never brought back. And I'm glad you checked, though, you anal...

KING: Hey, John -- Senator, first, what did you think of the ranch?

MCCAIN: You know, it's truly magnificent. The thing is really magnificent. It isn't just there for Don and Deirdre and Fred and his wife...

Imus had a lot of pull with the Washington press corps. With Imus gone, there's not as many reasons for the press to protect McCain. Before, if they didn't play along, they didn't get on Imus' morning show.