John McCain has been questioned about his relationship with G. Gordon Liddy, one of the conspirators behind the Watergate scandal. In October 2008, David Letterman confronted McCain about the friendship, asking if he "palled around" with terrorists.TV Eye: McCain: 'I Screwed Up' but 'Can't Explain' (October 17, 2008) McCain said he was open about his relationship with Liddy, but that Barack Obama had tried to deny his relationship with Bill Ayers.TV Eye: McCain: 'I Screwed Up' but 'Can't Explain' (October 17, 2008) McCain has appeared on Liddy's radio talk show, and Liddy has made contributions to McCain's campaigns.Chicago Tribune: With Friends Like These... (May 4, 2008)
Quotes
"I know Gordon Liddy. He paid his debt. He went to prison and paid his debt, as people do. I'm not in any way embarrassed to know Gordon Liddy." -- McCain, on Letterman's showTV Eye: McCain: 'I Screwed Up' but 'Can't Explain' (October 17, 2008)
"Well, you know, I'm proud of you. I'm proud of your family. I'm proud to know your son, Tom, who's a great and wonderful guy. And it's always a pleasure for me to come on your program, Gordon. And congratulations on your continued success and adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation great." -- McCain, on Liddy's radio showThe Huffington Post: Ayers and the McCain - G. Gordon Libby Symbiosis (October 13, 2008)
