WASHINGTON
Joking with audience, McCain sings about bombing Iran
Republican presidential contender John McCain, known for his quirky sense of humor, joked about bombing Iran at a campaign appearance in Murrells Inlet, S.C., this week.
In response to an audience question about military action against Iran, the Arizona senator sang the chorus of the surf-rocker classic “Barbara Ann.”
“That old, eh, that old Beach Boys song, ‘Bomb Iran,”‘ he said in jest Wednesday, and softly sang to the melody: “Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, anyway, ah …”
McCain then turned serious and said that he agrees with President Bush that the U.S. must protect Israel from Iran and work to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
WASHINGTON
Richardson to air first ads of Democratic presidential race
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will launch biographical ads in Iowa and New Hampshire beginning Monday, the first commercials broadcast in the Democratic presidential contest.
The ads, 30 seconds and 60 seconds long, signal Richardson’s aggressive steps after raising a surprising $6.25 million in the first quarter that left him with $5 million in the bank.
Richardson is a distant fourth in fundraising, behind Democratic leaders Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards. But after Richardson spent much of the first quarter in New Mexico while the legislature was in session, aides say he intends to step up his campaigning and fundraising.
Though he was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary under President Clinton, he has low name recognition.
“It’s a great way to get the governor’s message out and reinforce his extraordinary record,” spokesman Pahl Shipley said.
WASHINGTON
Edwards will reimburse campaign $800 for 2 haircuts
Democrat John Edwards is trying to get out of a hairy situation, reimbursing his presidential campaign $800 for two visits with a Beverly Hills stylist.
Two $400 cuts by stylist Joseph Torrenueva showed up on Edwards’ campaign- spending reports. Edwards spokesman Eric Schultz said it never should have been there.
“The bill was sent to the campaign. It was inadvertently paid,” Schultz said. “John Edwards will be reimbursing the campaign.”
Edwards is also the subject of a popular YouTube spoof poking fun at his youthful good looks. It shows the candidate combing his locks to the dubbed-in tune of “I Feel Pretty.”
NEW YORK
Give only to candidates on New York’s side, mayor says
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, mentioned as a possible presidential candidate, gathered the city’s wealthiest and most active political donors Thursday – and didn’t ask for money.
Instead, Bloomberg reminded his guests at the posh Four Seasons restaurant that before they give, they should make sure the candidate is on New York’s side on a checklist of issues, including funds for ailing ground-zero workers.
The billionaire media mogul doesn’t need the cash. He financed both his mayoral bids, spending $74 million to get elected and $85 million for another four years. He could easily pay for a presidential bid.
