McCain: Send Gingrich to the moon, Romney to the White House

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Sen. John McCain on Friday used a pointed quip to mock Newt Gingrich's plan to construct a permanent American base on the moon. "I think we ought to send Newt Gingrich to the moon and Mitt Romney to the White House," he said.

Speaking to about 75 people at a Romney office here, the Arizona Republican also said the GOP presidential debates have "deteriorated into mud-wrestling" and said they should come to an end.

Thursday night's CNN debate was the 19th debate of the primary season and the last until Feb. 22. McCain, the 2008 GOP nominee, called Romney's performance Thursday "a home run" and predicted it would give Romney the momentum to carry Florida on Tuesday and win the nomination.

McCain had earlier sought to downplay debate performance in favor of record, citing Gingrich's earmarks and pork-barrel spending during his time as House speaker. Asked by National Journal/CBS News on Friday whether his focus on Gingrich means he's a threat to Romney, McCain said it's more to do with a lack of threat elsewhere.

"I think it's very likely that it's a two-person race," he said. "I think it's pretty clear that Ron Paul has reached a ceiling as he did in 2008. In the case of Rick Santorum, he was defeated in his own state by some 18 points in his bid for reelection. That's not the kind of credentials that people need, I think, for a winning candidate."

Asked by an attendee to predict Romney's choice of a vice presidential running mate, McCain invoked his signature "Straight Talk Express" campaign bus gave an answer that he knew would be catnip to Florida voters.

"A little straight talk?" he replied. "Marco Rubio."

[jjhan23]

Said like the RINO McCain is! Romney is a "Liar-Coward!" He will do and say anything to get the nomination! He's just like his RINO Father! He was anti- Golwater! Like father, like son!

[James_Oliver_Deckard]

Ironically enough, McCain clearly just nicked this moon line from Ron Paul from the debate the other night when Ron Paul was asked about government NASA funding:
"I don't think we should go to the moon, I think maybe we should send some politicians up there" <applause, laughter>
This is at 51:15 into this video of the Jackonsville debate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9sj5HcoGK2w#at=3088

Am I the ONLY person that remembers this? Did this journalist not watch the debate?
So, not content with dismissing Ron Paul with some nonsense about a 'ceiling' - nothing on policy one notes - McCain has to steal his jokes now? And CBS doesn't mention this came from Ron Paul?

[Anokaman1]

As much as McCain got dished on both sides, Republican and Democratic, there is no way he could have been worse than Obama has been.

[DebbieCorona]

OMG McCain! Have you become so desperate that you will say anything for attention? Are your words about Romney sooo 2008? Is this a flip flop or just a big lie to get attention Senator? Sad so very sad.

[Anokaman1]

We need a third party. Fiscal conservative and social liberal.
The right right and left left blast their ideologies and never listen or change. Their retoric is old and stale. Thankfully the middle has the open mind and holds the trump card in elections.

[PourpaixPourpaix]

The country is waking up to the fact that the mud wrasslin ain't so good without Palin and Bachmann. Damn, I knew we'd find somethin those gals are good for. Just weld their teeth shut so we don't gotta listen and throw them in the pit!

[weedouthate]

In my opinion, Newt Gingrichs positions reflect the Republican grass roots more than Romney. This being said, who wins the nomination, should represent the will of these grass roots. Once the campaigning and the election process has been completed, it is my hope that the polarization stops and we can get down to the business of running the country efficiently.

[winchesterla]

Im not a GOP but the caption is funny. Frank Sinatra will be laughing in the grave and probably croon his ballad
'FLY ME TO THE MOON
LET ME SWING AMONG THOSE STARS
-----

Frank please come and take all the GOP candidates with you - to the moon of course not down underneath.

[gep1955]

Send McCain and Romney back to Mass. with Dodd, Frank and the rest of the leftist/socialists who have done nothing but devised ways to suck money from taxpayers for useless causes that don't work and blame others when their called out. Phoey!

[antoniof123]

Bad news John you all are going to the moon that way you will do less damage.

Bad news too for the Republicans Gallup puts Newt over Mitt nationwide by about 10 percent.

Right about now the Republicans are in a panic.