DATE:
10/07/2008
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
CNN
Watch McCain's comments on Gramm.
(CNN) - Just how much distance does presumptive Republican nominee John McCain want to put between himself and the unfortunate headlines surrounding top economic adviser Phil Gramm?
Apparently, at least an ocean's worth.
Campaigning in Michigan, McCain was asked just how big a role Gramm had played in the formulation of his economic plan - and just how much influence the former Texas senator would have if Republicans held on to the White House. "Is there any chance he would be your Treasury secretary, or play a significant economic policy making role in a McCain administration?" asked one reporter.
The Arizona senator replied that Gramm's influence might be limited to a corner of Eastern Europe.
"I think Senator Gramm would be in serious consideration for ambassador to Belarus," joked McCain, "although I'm not sure the citizens of Minsk would welcome that."
The distance between Livonia, Michigan and Minsk is around 5,000 miles.
Source:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/10/mccain-wants-to-send-gramm-to-minsk/