Originally Posted by
FUZO
Bob Drogin also was there, and he reports, that Clinton was effusive in his introduction, saying he was "personally profoundly honored" and "profoundly grateful" that McCain showed up.
Obama, he noted less warmly, would speak to the group later by satellite feed from Florida, where he's been encamped for prep sessions for the Friday debate that may or may not take place.
Clinton, for all his kind words he lavished on McCain, did throw the Republican a curve ball.
Afrer his introduction, Clinton picked up a sheaf of papers as he left the podium. As McCain arrived at that perch, he looked down and suddenly appeared anxious.
By then, Clinton was on his way back to the podium, waving papers in his hand.
"I took his speech," he said, laughing.
"What kind of host is that?" McCain joked back. He grinned broadly as he unfolded the pages, adding, "I almost gave one of the most extemporaneous speeches of my political career."
Not really. The paper copy was just a backup. McCain read his speech from a Teleprompter.