McCain and Imus Joke About Waco, DeLay

McCain and Imus Joke About Waco, DeLay

CNSNews.com
Wednesday, March 28, 2001

Sen. John McCain made an apparent joke Tuesday about a fellow Republican in the House at the expense of those killed during the federal government's 1993 raid on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas.

McCain, R-Ariz., was a guest on the Don Imus radio program and was discussing his efforts to change campaign finance when the topic turned to Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, and the congressman's opposition to some components of a campaign finance bill being debated in the Senate.

Imus asked McCain, "I wouldn't have been surprised to see Tom DeLay down there at Waco with David Koresh, would you?"

McCain burst into laughter and replied, "Well, you know, he's a previous – I think he was an exterminator in a previous life."

DeLay had built a successful pest control business outside Houston before entering politics in 1978.

"I know senators don't like to attack one another, but it is okay to attack people in the House. I think it's fair to say the guy's a kook," responded the host.

Koresh was among approximately 80 people killed when the building in which they lived caught fire during the April 19, 1993, raid on Koresh and his followers.

The tear-gassing of the Davidians that day marked the fiery conclusion to a standoff between Koresh and federal police that began on February 28, 1993, and the exact death toll remains a matter of controversy.

DeLay represents the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, which covers an area south of Houston.

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