Senator John McCain passed away last week. Among the things McCain will be remembered for was his willingness to work “across the aisle” when he believed it was in the best interest of the American people. For example, McCain and Democratic Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin were the primary co-sponsors of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which became known as the McCain–Feingold Act, a law intended to reduce the impact of large individual and corporate contributions to political campaigns. McCain also worked closely with, and developed a strong personal relationship with, Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. McCain came close to selecting Lieberman as his running mate in 2008, but yielded to advisors who argued that selecting an Independent (and former Democrat) would be a huge mistake. In his memoir, The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations, McCain said “It was sound advice…But my gut told me to ignore it and I wish I had.” When Joe Lieberman was honored at an event at the Israeli Embassy in Washington in 2012, John McCain spoke of his connections to Judaism through his relationship with Lieberman. What comment did he offer at that dinner?
mccain_lieberman_hug4 by kevin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
A. McCain told of the time he was flying with Joe Lieberman on a long flight to Germany. McCain had fallen asleep, and when he awoke “all of a sudden I hear this mumbling and this noise and I look and there’s a guy wearing a shawl and a hat on and I thought maybe I had died.”
B. McCain announced that he was going to convert to Judaism. He said that process would include Hebrew lessons, stating “of course, I think that’s an important part. I know a lot of them [Hebrew words]. ‘Mentsch.’ And ‘oy vey’...So I got a head start, thanks to Joe.”
C. Speaking of all the time he had spent with Joe Lieberman, which forced him to observe Jewish practices along with Lieberman, McCain said that he was going to convert to Judaism. “I do this not because of any particular liking for the religion. I guess I’ve had to for so many years put up with all the bulls***…that I might as well convert.”
D. Referencing the times he used a Shabbat elevator when walking with Joe Lieberman, McCain said, “Anybody here ever been on a Shabbat elevator? Takes you a g** d*** half an hour to get anywhere.”
E. McCain, who often addressed audiences at Jewish organization events, complained, “If there’s anything that I never see again in my life I will die a happy man and that’s salmon. Why at every f***ing kosher meal do we have to have salmon?”