McNasty

The Financial Times weighs in on McCain and his infamously foul temper, which has been a problem since childhood, when he was nicknamed "McNasty" and "Punk" by classmates. Even people in his own party think the guy's ever-simmering-on-the-verge-of-a-boil rage makes him a loose cannon:

In January, Thad Cochran, a Republican senator for Mississippi, said the thought of Mr McCain as president sent a "cold chill down my spine", describing him as "hotheaded" and "erratic". James Dobson, the influential evangelical leader, said he could not support Mr McCain, in part because he "has a legendary temper and often uses foul and obscene language".

On Capitol Hill, his outbursts are part of congressional folklore. One of the most recent came last year when, according to witnesses, he shouted, "Fuck you!" at John Cornyn, a Republican senator for Texas, during a heated exchange over immigration reform. A similar tirade in 1999 cost him the support of Pete Domenici, a New Mexico senator, in the 2000 presidential election.

"I decided I didn't want this guy anywhere near a trigger," said Mr Domenici.

Ouch. The article also recounts that McCain has noted his temper is a "personal concern" which causes him to "wake up daily and tell myself, ‘You must do everything possible to stay cool, calm and collected today’." Yeah, that's normal.

Once the Democratic nomination has been decided, priority one has to be briefing HRC or BO on how best to get under McNasty's skin during a debate. Watching him blow his top on live television would just be spectacular—not to mention it would totally tank his campaign. The press loves him, but they love a glorious meltdown even more.

[Thanks to Pizza Diavola for passing that along.]