Maverick McCain and his mavericky denial of being a maverick

The world's most famous ex-maverick Maverick

Manu Raju and Jonathan Martin report for the Arizona Republic: The 'M' word: 'Maverick' topic agitates McCain 10/14/10. Our most famous Maverick, the maverick who the pundits love to gush over for his unshakable integrity and maverickness, doesn't like being called a maverick right now.

In fact, the Great Maverick is downright touchy about it, it seems:

John McCain — who built his political persona and his 2008 presidential campaign around the claim that he's a "maverick" — told Newsweek recently: "I never considered myself a maverick."

When POLITICO asked McCain about the contradiction at the Capitol this week, the Arizona Republican grew visibly irritated and snapped: "I've been called a thousand things. It's absolutely ridiculous."

He said 48 percent of the homeowners in his state are underwater on their mortgages. He said he's always "done what's best for my state and the nation." Then he said it again, adding, "People can consider me whatever they want."

And then he darted into the Senate chamber without explaining himself further.

Shorter McCain: I'm not a maverick. Don't call me a maverick! I said don't call me no stinkin' maverick!!!

It's tough being a non-mavericky Maverick.

Tags: mccain