What I think is more likely than McCain refusing to shake Obama's hand

[berni_mccoy]

Is that McCain had a moment of dementia and forgot who he was and where he was.

The debate was a difficult mental challenge for McCain and he looked aweful for the first half.

I believe he may have totally lost his mind and that is why they rushed him off the stage. It also explains why Cindy came out so fast and hovered over him saying "John...John...." repeatedly.

[Eric J in MN]

1. They had already shaken hands.

Josh Marshall:

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http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/222684.php

They did shake hands right at the end of the debate, at the point where they got in the way of Brokaw's teleprompter. It wasn't on CNN or NBC but we just found it on ABC. No question. They shook hands before McCain later snubbed him and then ran off in a huff.
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[DrDan]

4. well - I don't think we know he "ran off in a huff" - just perhaps he

had to get to the restroom - or something like that.

We do not have to demonize every move the guy makes.

[Eric J in MN]

5. Yes, that's true. NT

NT

[knowbody0]

2. actually, they DID shake hands immediately after the debate

abc caught it, the time you are refering to he does show disdain for Obama, but he did tap O's back and jesture his wife's hand to him.

[Eric J in MN]

3. I don't think it's disdainful to not want to shake a person's hand again...

...5 minutes after shaking his hand.

[Jackpine Radical]

6. Right. This whole thing is much ado about nothing,

a veritable tempest in a teapot; making a mountain out of a molehill (etc.)

[ronnykmarshall]

7. That's pretty scary.

and sad if that's what's going on with McCain.

If that's case, they are just trying to hold on until the election.