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McCain shows sense of humor at UT event

Posted Sep 18, 2012 by Jerome R. Stockfisch

Updated Sep 18, 2012 at 05:33 PM

He has a reputation for being a bit of a curmudgeon, but Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, showed he has a sense of humor in a Tuesday talk on Middle East developments.

Citing unsuccessful White House bids by Barry Goldwater, Morris Udall, Bruce Babbitt and, of course, himself – twice—McCain quipped: “Arizona may be the only state in America where mothers don’t tell their children that someday they can grow up and be president of the United States.”

When asked about hyper-partisanship in Washington and Americans’ disdain for Congress, he acknowledged seeing one poll showing an 11 percent approval rating. “When you get to 11 percent approval, you’re down to paid staff and blood relatives,” he said.

Asked why he didn’t run again for president, McCain replied, “There’s no education in the second kick of a mule, someone said.” He also quoted the late Udall, “a friend of mine,” who said after a primary defeat by Jimmy Carter: “The people have spoken. The bastards.”