Bush Tries to Mend Fences with McCain Amid Criticisms of Arrogance

Senator John McCain's defeat in the Republican primary did little to ease tensions between McCain and Governor George W. Bush, who said that McCain's challenge had made him a better candidate, but showed no desire to make concessions to the senator. The two men have fundamental disagreements on campaign finance reform and tax cuts, with Bush proposing a $483 billion tax cut over five years that benefits the wealthy more. Meanwhile, McCain's supporters criticized Bush for his arrogant demeanor, particularly in an interview with The New York Times where he questioned McCain's claim to have increased voter turnout during the primaries.

Key Takeaways:

• Bush and McCain have fundamental disagreements on campaign finance reform, with Bush opposing a ban on unlimited, unregulated donations to political parties.
• Bush's $483 billion tax cut over five years benefits the top 10% of earners, with 60% of the benefits going to the wealthiest 10% of people.
• McCain's supporters criticized Bush for his arrogant demeanor, particularly in an interview with The New York Times.
• Bush's aides reached out to McCain's staff and supporters to mitigate the damage from the New York Times story.
• McCain is creating his own political action committee to keep his national presence and mobilize his supporters.
• McCain plans to campaign for candidates sharing his views on reform and stump for a ban on unlimited, unregulated donations to political parties.
• Bush tried to smooth over relations with the McCain camp in public appearances and phone calls, but the tension remains.

Statistics:

• $483 billion: The total tax cut proposed by Bush over five years.
• 60%: The percentage of tax benefits going to the top 10% of earners under Bush's plan.
• 10%: The wealthiest group of people that benefits most from Bush's tax cut plan.
• 5 years: The timeframe for bush's proposed tax cut.

Sources:

• The New York Times, "Bush's Remarks Criticized by McCain Supporters"
• The Dallas Morning News, "Bush: I Want to Mend Fences with McCain"
• Amalgamated Transit Union, statement from Vice President Al Gore.