John McCain spars with Jay Carney in heated debate: ‘Facts are stubborn things’

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) slammed former White House press secretary Jay Carney on Wednesday night, telling the president’s former mouthpiece and newly tapped CNN analyst that he “didn’t have the facts” on combating the threat of ISIS. 

{mosads}Appearing on CNN shortly after Obama addressed the nation on the terror group, McCain insisted that maintaining a substantial military force in Iraq would have prevented the growth of ISIS. He also traded blows with Carney about the situation in Syria and the might of military opposition there. 

“I’m astounded that Mr. Carney should say that the Free Syrian Army is now stronger,” McCain said. 

Before Carney could get a word in, McCain continued: “Facts are stubborn things. The fact [the Obama administration] didn’t leave residual force in Iraq is the reason we’re facing ISIS today. So the facts are stubborn things in history, and people ought to know them.”

Carney fired back: “You present the facts that you believe are true based on the argument that you have made for a long time, sir, that we should let in Iraq in perpetuity and that is what the president does not believe.”

Carney said the two men would have to agree to disagree. 

But McCain wouldn’t back down. 

“It is not a matter of disagreement — it is a matter of facts and you have yours wrong,” he said.