I thank my friend, the Senator from Arizona. I hope other colleagues will engage in this kind of exchange. I don't know if we convinced one another, but we certainly leave with the same level of respect with which we started. I hope those…

Well, it is clearly bipartisan with Senators Lieberman and Collins. I also say that to raise the question of Dodd-Frank and appropriate government oversight and regulation--I suggest that we reflect on three things: LIBOR, Peregrine…

I say to my friend from Arizona, I hope we get this done this week. I know it is a big lift, and it is a lot to do. But I believe the threat is imminent, and I believe it is continuous. If we don't find a way through our political…

I am sure that wasn't the case. I am sure it was a fascinating treasure trove of great insights and information. But let me just say to my friend from Arizona, I am asking only for a little humility on both sides, both in the public sector…

The pending bill, cyber security--this is a bill which I hope we both agree addresses an issue of great seriousness and gravity in terms of America's defense. I know the Senator from Arizona and some of his colleagues have produced an…

Of course. It should be taken to where it leads, period. But let me also ask--I do not know if quoting from a book on the floor means what was written in that book is necessarily true. Perhaps the Senator has his own independent…

I would say to my friend from Arizona, if I am not mistaken, it was a noncommissioned officer at best and maybe not an officer in the Army who is being prosecuted for the Wiki leaks. So let's not say that the rank of anyone being…

So the fact that a private is being investigated should not get him off the hook. I would---- Mr. McCAIN. I do not think it gets him off the hook. I think it has some significance as compared to this kind of egregious breach of security…

First, let me say that whatever the rank of the individual--private, specialist, chief petty officer--if they are responsible for leaking classified information, they need to be investigated and prosecuted, if guilty. Mr. McCAIN…

Yes, I will. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from Arizona. Occasionally, historically, on the floor of the Senate there is a debate, and this may be one of those moments. I hope it is because it is a worthy topic. Let's get…

I did not know if the Senator wanted to make his unanimous consent request that he came to the floor to make. Mr. McCAIN. No.

There is no need to die. I hope the Senator from South Carolina will continue living a good life because he is such a great Senator. But I am asking if my colleague wants me to join in this dialogue or would he rather make his presentation?

The Senator asked whether this side would like to explain our position. I would be happy to do it at this point, but I can wait until my colleagues finish their colloquy, so it is their choice.

Let me say to the Senator that in that case, the Attorney General of the United States, John Ashcroft, recused himself--recused himself. He said there was such an appearance of a conflict, if not a conflict, he was stepping aside. It is…

I would like to ask the majority leader if he is aware of the statement we had on the floor of the Senate by Senator Whitehouse, who has been one of the leaders in putting together the cyber security bill relative to an incident at the…

May I turn to one other issue the Senator raised, if he has a moment? Mr. McCAIN. Sure.

And ultimately report to the people. Mr. McCAIN. So I would think, just for purposes of credibility with the American people, that a special counsel would be called for by almost everyone. Look, I understand the position of the Senator…

The Republican majority. Mr. McCAIN. On this issue, which then lends more weight to the argument, as there was in the case of Valerie Plame and Jack Abramoff, for the need for a special counsel.