Who to believe...McCain or Daschle?

Sadly, I believe Tom Daschle's claim that McCain was considering "jumping ship" in 2001 over the Arizona Senator's denials.

I was working in the Senate in 2001, and gossip concerning McCain's impending jump to "Independent" (a move which would have delivered operational control of the Senate to the Democrats) was all too common. In fact, many of my contemporaries in the Senate were surprised that Jeffords jumped before McCain did so.

Now gossip alone isn't a very good indicator of a claims veracity. Which is why I wanted to add a little backstory that may not be well known, so that you can factor this in as you judge these claims for yourself.

John McCain's cheif political advisor is a man named John Weaver. John Weaver is a brilliant campaign strategist, and is easily the "Darth Vader" to Karl Rove's "Emperor Palpatine". The power of the Sith flows freely through Weaver.

In fact, Weaver and Rove, who developed their political skills in the world of Texas politics, were partners in a political consulting/direct mail firm at one time. The partnership was successful, but ultimately self-defeating. For reasons I am still uncertain about, Weaver and Rove became vicious enemies. This blood fued lasts to this day.

Weaver and Rove went their seperate ways, but both continued to manage GOP campaigns into the late 1990's. And then Rove signed on with Bush 2000 and Weaver signed on with McCain, and the two went head to head for all the marbles.

Bush, and Rove by extension, won.

To the victors go the spoils. One of Rove's first acts (according to John Weaver) in 2000 was to contact GOP candidates who had used John Weaver's services in the past to inform them that the White House would not play ball with anyone associated with Weaver from that day forward.

I believe this happened. At one time, I worked for a candidate who had employed John Weaver, and was present for a discussion in which John Weaver's continued association with the candidate was discussed. Weaver was dismissed.

In fact, this happened so frequently that Weaver changed his party alignment. Having been a Republican consultant he became a Democrat as Republican officials and office seekers, wary of offending the White House, would not employ him.

To this day, Weaver is now predominantly a Democratic Campaign operative, McCain being the sole (as far as I know) exception.

I asked Weaver about this the last time I saw him (which was several years ago) because I like the guy. He is among the best there is at what he does. In conversation with him I suggested it "must be difficult to work against all those people you once worked with, and on the opposite side of the causes you believe in".

His semi-snarking response to me was "I've elected a lot of Republicans. That's a lot of mistakes I have to atone for."

Is it likely that John McCain, stung bitterly from his loss in 2000, and his chief political strategist, who had already been forced out of the party, discussed going the 3rd party route in 2001? I think so. In fact, knowing both of these men, I think it more likely than not.

In fact, I continue to hear rumblings that McCain is actively considering a 3rd party bid in this election should it become apparent that he will not win the nomination. Ironically, one of McCain's chief "lieutenants" in the Senate, Chuck Hagel, is crowding him out on this decision now.

I hope this helps add a little additional context to what has been posted so far about the McCain/Daschle claims. Most of this is inside baseball junk and personal recollection, but I think it adds a little more substance to the story.

So, take it for what it's worth. Your mileage may vary.

posted by Jack M. at 01:36 PM

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