At a later meeting with Alan Keyes, along with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, both designated members of McCain's future cabinet, the Arizona senator reached out and warmly shook Thompson's hand and said, "Glad to have you aboard, Dr. Keyes!" Valiantly repressing laughter, Giuliani leaned close and whispered, "No, it's not him, John, it's the negro..."
An embarrassed McCain was heard to mutter, "Oh no, now something else I'm going to have to explain to Cindy..." Others present, including Secretary of Religion designate, Mike Huckabee, shared a laugh, as Giuliani confessed, "Now we're really screwed!" Keyes forced a chuckle, pretending to smile through clenched teeth.
