Sen. John McCain (AZ) lashed out at fellow Republican Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) on Thursday for causing a government shutdown that made it difficult for hungry residents in rural Arizona to get food.

Speaking at The Atlantic‘s Washington Idea’s Forum, McCain responded to a question about his differences with Cruz by saying he “admired and respected” the Texas senator.

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“Where I disagree with Sen. Cruz — and I made this statement to him publicly and privately — was shutting down the government injured the people my state!” McCain said, becoming angry. “I am elected to represent them.”

He noted that one community near the Grand Canyon had to have food flown in from food banks during an October government shutdown that was instigated by Cruz with the hope of repealing, defunding or delaying President Barack Obama’s health care reform law.

“I have to say, ‘Stop! You’re wrong, you’re crazy!'” McCain exclaimed. “That’s what I have to say and if I sound angry, it’s because I have met and talked to constituents of mine who are on minimum wage who had to resort to go to food banks. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

“There was no chance of success and anybody that believes that there is, is very naive about the Constitution of the United States.”

Watch the video below from The Atlantic‘s Washington Ideas Forum, broadcast Nov. 14, 2013.

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