Columnist Robert Novak reports that Phil Gramm has returned to the McCain fold after last week’s comments to The Washington Times that America has become a “nation of whiners” for reacting with hysteria to what in reality is not even a recession.
Novak reports:
“After Sen. John McCain publicly repudiated his close friend and adviser Phil Gramm’s comments about a “nation of whiners” and a “mental recession,” the two old political comrades patched up their relationship.
Gramm apologized to McCain for his remarks that gave Democrats an opening against the Republican presidential candidate and provided several days of ammunition for blogs, cable television and radio talk shows. McCain told Gramm not to worry about the expected pitfalls of a campaign surrogate. Gramm will continue as an adviser and surrogate.”
His presence will give Democrats constant ammunition for sniping, but McCain has clearly said he disputes Gramm’s comments so it’s not clear how much trouble his presence will cause. The only real question remaining is whether Gramm is has now risen above the Belarus ambassador list.
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— Joseph Curl, senior White House correspondent, The Washington Times
