Fox News' Special Report touted McCain accomplishment in not losing his temper at Florida event

Summary: On Special Report, Brit Hume aired a report by Carl Cameron about Sen. John McCain keeping his temper in check when the microphone did not work during a donor's conference in Florida and later when he was hit on the head by a TV camera. At the end of the report, Cameron stated: "McCain makes no bones about blowing his stack occasionally and having a temper. A campaign has the capacity to test the temperament and character of a candidate. If today was a pop quiz, you got to say McCain passed." Hume replied: "Yeah, with flying colors I'd say, under the circumstances."

On the March 6 edition of Fox News' Special Report, host Brit Hume aired a report by chief political correspondent Carl Cameron about Sen. John McCain keeping his temper in check when the microphone did not work during a donor's conference in Florida. Hume introduced Cameron's report by stating: "John McCain managed to hold on to his famous temper today as he began a different kind of campaign to raise money for the fight in the fall." Cameron went on to report that "McCain's patience and temper were tested for 20 awkward, halting minutes" as he was "immediately plagued by microphone problems." Cameron later reported that when Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) and McCain left the event and headed for the campaign plane, "McCain again kept his cool when he was whacked on the head by a TV camera. Both McCain and an aide wheeled on the cameraman but quickly regained their composure." At the end of the report, Cameron stated: "McCain makes no bones about blowing his stack occasionally and having a temper. A campaign has the capacity to test the temperament and character of a candidate. If today was a pop quiz, you got to say McCain passed." Hume replied: "Yeah, with flying colors I'd say, under the circumstances."

McCain is well known for his temper and has a long history of outbursts and confrontations with his Senate colleagues.

From the March 6 edition of Fox News' Special Report with Brit Hume:

HUME: John McCain managed to hold on to his famous temper today as he began a different kind of campaign to raise money for the fight in the fall, and rally the more conservative members of the party to his side. Chief political correspondent Carl Cameron reports from West Palm Beach, Florida.

[begin video clip]

CAMERON: On his first campaign swing as the GOP's nominee, John McCain went to the crucial swing state of Florida to begin the process of energizing his party. And he was immediately plagued by microphone problems.

McCAIN: I'm very well aware of the importance of the state of Florida in the general election. I look forward to working -- [inaudible]. It's a plot.

CAMERON: Starting from his attempt to thank Florida Governor Charlie Crist for his support, McCain's patience and temper were tested for 20 awkward, halting minutes.

McCAIN: As many of you may recall, his endorsement of my -- of my candidacy -- [inaudible]. It's a well-oiled machine we have here.

Us winning the -- [inaudible]

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here, I got another one. Now try that one.

McCAIN: All right. Now -- now we'll try our third microphone here. On the other issues -- [inaudible]

CAMERON: When the mikes were fixed, McCain acknowledged that one of the biggest issues politically now is maintaining visibility as the Democrats' unresolved battle dominates headlines.

McCAIN: It's gonna be more difficult obviously because I'm now no longer in a competitive race, and there will understandably be more attention to Senator Obama and Senator Clinton. But at the same time, it does give me an opportunity to go around and shore up our base of support, unite our party and energize our party.

CAMERON: The future of Cuba's a huge issue in Florida. And in keeping with his plan to hit Democrats as weak on security at every turn, McCain bashed Barack Obama for suggesting he would meet with the new Cuban leader, Raul Castro.

McCAIN: I don't know if he is naive or not. I know he's inexperienced, but that approach is something that I think would only serve to legitimize a person who has many-, many-year record -- decades of record of cruelty and oppression to the people of Cuba.

CAMERON: Then it was off to fundraising with a little sarcastic gratitude.

McCAIN: Thanks for the mike.

CAMERON: As he and Governor Crist headed for McCain's campaign plane, McCain again kept his cool when he was whacked on the head by a TV camera. Both McCain and an aide wheeled on the cameraman but quickly regained their composure.

McCAIN: It's OK. No problem --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm sorry.

McCAIN: No, it's no problem. Thank you.

[end video clip]

CAMERON: McCain makes no bones about blowing his stack occasionally and having a temper. A campaign has the capacity to test the temperament and character of a candidate. If today was a pop quiz, you got to say McCain passed -- Brit.

HUME: Yeah, with flying colors I'd say, under the circumstances. Thanks, Carl.