Obama v McCain

As soon as President Obama jabbed Sen. John McCain at the Health Care Summit on Thursday, the event took on a much different focus, as their exchanges became obvious ingredients for anyone writing a story about that political gathering.

McCain got the juices rolling when he zeroed in on a series of special interest provisions in the Senate Health bill, like the infamous "Cornhusker Kickback" and a plan that shields 800,000 seniors in Florida from cuts in the Medicare Advantage program.

"It was produced with unsavory - I say that with respect - dealmaking," said McCain, sitting not far away from the man who defeated him soundly in the 2008 Presidential race.

Looking at body language, it was obvious that President Obama didn't really like McCain's tone.

"Let me just make this point, John, because we're not campaigning anymore," said Obama, who then paused.

"The election's over."

McCain quickly chuckled and said to laughter, "I'm reminded of that every day."

They then talked over each other for about eight seconds - one of a number of times actually that the President seemed to get aggravated with GOP criticism, in which he basically interrupted and cut off the Republican lawmaker who was speaking.

Later McCain went back to the Florida question, and actually drew some blood.

"Mr. President, why should we carve out 800,000 people to keep the Medicare Advantage program in Florida, when you want to do away with it?"

"I think you make a legitimate point," acknowledged Mr. Obama.

McCain and Obama would lock horns one more time, over the possible use of special budget reconciliation rules that don't allow the use of a filibuster, as Democrats look for ways to get health care reform legislation to the President's desk.

"If a 51-vote reconciliation is enacted on one-sixth of our gross national product," McCain told the President, "I think it could harm the future of our country and our institution, which I love a great deal for a long, long time."

Mr. Obama again found himself crossing swords with McCain on reconciliation, curtly saying that most Americans aren't interested in internal Senate fights over rules matters.

"I think most Americans think that a majority vote makes sense," said the President.

Of all the relationships on display at this meeting, the Obama-McCain pairing remains a heated one.  It would be interesting to have a special way to measure it, to see who is aggravated more by the other.

As soon as President Obama jabbed Sen. John McCain at the Health Care Summit on Thursday, the event took on a much different focus, as their exchanges became obvious ingredients for anyone writing a story about that political gathering. McCain got the juices rolling when he zeroed in on a ...