Carney vs. McCain
President Obama's speech on ISIS set off some pretty intense fireworks on AC360. Senator John McCain lit into CNN's new Senior Political Commentator Jay Carney over the president's policies in Iraq and Syria. This confrontation nearly didn't happen. The two were not scheduled to be on the show at the same time, but Senator McCain took aim at Carney who was still sitting on set and that triggered the heated confrontation. Anderson looked at both of their arguments with Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger and political commentator Peter Beinart.
Sen. John McCain and Jay Carney face-off after President Obama's speech
Anderson asked Sen. McCain about President Obama's strategy to destroy ISIS, and he wasted little time taking aim at Jay Carney. The former White House Press Secretary is now CNN's Senior Political Commentator. Sen. McCain challenged Carney about the administration's decisions on arming Syrian rebels and removing troops in Iraq. He even called out Carney personally saying:
'You, in your role as a spokesperson, bragged about the fact that the last American combat troop had left Iraq. If we had left a residual force the situation would not be what it is today.'
Sen. John McCain on ISIS: President Obama is either in denial or overwhelmed
The latest ISIS video, which claims to show the execution of American journalist Steven Sotloff, is raising questions about America's response to the terror group's advances. Senator John McCain spoke to Anderson and slammed President Obama for not having enough of a strategy to take on ISIS.
John McCain: It's a lousy deal
Senator John McCain is a former prisoner of war and he is also one of the most vocal critics of the Obama Administration's deal to bring Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl home. He spoke to Anderson and questioned President Obama's priorities after releasing five Taliban detainees from Gitmo.
Senator John McCain: "This President has been operating in another world"
Senator John McCain slams the Obama administration for what he calls a "total and fundamental misreading of Putin and his ambition." While speaking to Anderson, Senator McCain offers some advice, saying he does not see a good military option for the U.S. in Ukraine right now.
Should the U.S. negotiate with terrorists to free Bowe Bergdahl?
Bowe Bergdahl is the only American soldier still in captivity. The Army sergeant was taken in Afghanistan in 2009. The Taliban has long demanded the release of five prisoners from Guantanamo in exchange for his freedom. Today a U.S. official confirmed new discussions led by diplomats and the Pentagon are underway. Senator John McCain is a former prisoner of war and speaks with Anderson about this and frightening developments in Syria.
Sen. McCain: "The American people have no faith in their government. Can you blame them?"
Sen. John McCain has been very vocal about his disdain for what's been happening in Washington over the last 16 days. From the floor of the Senate he called it one of the more shameful chapters he has seen in all his years in Washington. As the budget deal was heading for a vote, he told Anderson the shutdown was "unacceptable to most Americans and the polls show that."
Senator McCain on Russia's plan for Syria
Sen. McCain: Congress has to be convinced
Anderson talks to Sen. John McCain about the earful he's getting from constituents about possible U.S. military action in Syria.
Tonight on AC360: Sen. McCain: “This conflict is not confined to Syria”
Tonight on AC360°, Anderson talks to Sen. John McCain about the looming showdown on Capitol Hill over whether the U.S. should strike Syria for using chemical weapons two weeks ago. The Obama administration says more than 1,400 people were killed.
"This is a very, very tough call," McCain told Anderson. Like many of his constituents, the Arizona Republican said he's also "skeptical" of the U.S. assessment on Syria because of Iraq. However, McCain said we are "making a terrible mistake" if we allow the Assad regime to slaughter thousands of Syrians and do nothing. "We sat by and watched and paid a very, very heavy price" during the Holocaust, said McCain. He argues we can't do the same again.
On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a resolution allowing limited U.S. military action in Syria. However, an amendment from McCain and Democratic Sen. Christopher Coons of Delaware says any U.S. military response is intended to change Assad's battlefield momentum, stronger language than what was first given by the White House.
Does this mean McCain and the White House don't agree? And why would an attack be in the best interest of America’s national security? For those answers, watch the preview clip above and join us at 8 and 10 p.m. ET for more of Anderson's interview with Senator McCain.
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