Sen. Ron Johnson: John McCain’s brain tumor may have led to ‘No’ vote on Obamacare repeal

Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, claimed during a radio interview yesterday that John McCain’s brain tumor possibly contributed to the former presidential candidate’s decision to vote “no” on repealing Obamacare.

Appearing on AM560 “Chicago’s Morning Answer,” Sen. Johnson told the host about the process leading up to the doomed vote, according to CNN:

“We did get a call from Paul (Ryan) and he assured us that skinny repeal was not going to pass the House it would have to go to conference.”

Johnson then went on to single out John McCain, and his health, for the failures of the GOP to repeal Obamacare without a replacement.

The Wisconsin Senator said:

“Again, I’m not gonna speak for John McCain — he has a brain tumor right now — that vote occurred at 1:30 in the morning, some of that might have factored in.”

“Chicago’s Morning Answer” responded in audible shock, “really?”

Seems like a solid time to say “no, not really.” John McCain’s brain tumor had nothing to do with the vote failing and as the Arizona Senator has explained, he instead wanted to have a replacement before repealing Obamacare.”

But nah, Ron Johnson didn’t do that. He kept on going, talking about the fact that it was late at night when McCain voted:

“Again, I-I-I don’t know exactly what — we really thought — and again I don’t want speak for any senator. I really thought John was going to vote yes to send that to conference at 10:30 at night. By about 1, 1:30, he voted no. So you have talk to John in terms what was on his mind.”

Later in the day, Ronny had some regrets about blaming John McCain’s brain tumor for not being able to take healthcare away from millions of Americans. Johnson issued a statement expressing his disappointment:

“I’m disappointed I didn’t more eloquently express my sympathy for what Sen. McCain is going through. I have nothing but respect for him and the vote came at the end of a long day for everyone.”

John McCain then issued his own statement to CNN, calling Senator Johnson’s comments ‘unfortunate’:

“It is bizarre and deeply unfortunate that Senator Johnson would question the judgment of a colleague and friend. Senator McCain has been very open and clear about the reasons for his vote.”

I’m not really in the business of defending John McCain or his faux-righteousness, but it seems pretty unfair for Johnson to blame the GOP failing to get the necessary votes to repeal Obamacare on McCain’s brain cancer.

Just another in day in American politics, folks!