Politics / John McCain Gramm Quits McCain Campaign Besieged adviser refuses to be a 'distraction' By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff Posted Jul 18, 2008 8:02 PM CDT Copied Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks at a press availability in Phoenix, Ariz. Monday, March 3, 2008. At left, former Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas. (AP Photo) See 1 more photo After a week of fallout from his gripe that Americans are "whiners," Phil Gramm stepped down today as John McCain's national co-chair, Politico reports. "It is clear to me that Democrats want to attack me,” Gramm said. The “distraction hurts not only Senator McCain… it hurts the country." McCain's camp refused to comment on rumors that Gramm will stay on as an unofficial adviser. (More John McCain stories.) Get breaking news in your inbox. What you need to know, as soon as we know it. Sign up See 1 more photo Report an error