Yes, you read that right. Before the distancing, the "my views are my own," the Dr. No comments, the McCain campaign sent out this
"Mr. Gramm was simply saying that we are laying out the economic plan this week," the piece quoted a "McCain official" as saying. "The plan is comprehensive, providing immediate near-term relief for Americans hurting today as well as longer-term solutions to get our economy back on track, secure our energy future and deliver jobs, prosperity and opportunity for the next generation. We're laying out that plan this week with an emphasis on the critical importance of job creation, and it's been a great success so far."
Funny because then only shortly after they decided to send out this
Phil Gramm's comments are not representative of John McCain's views," read a campaign statement. "John McCain travels the country every day talking to Americans who are hurting, feeling pain at the pump and worrying about how they'll pay their mortgage. That's why he has a realistic plan to deliver immediate relief at the gas pump, grow our economy and put Americans back to work."
The first was sent to Politico this morning. Likely after reconvening they realized that there was virtually no way to spin what Gramm had sent and went into disaster recovery mode and issued the second to the press corps. What a mess these guys are.