McCain was reacting to a statement Obama made in Pendleton, Oregon, Sunday night while he was defending his view that he would step up diplomatic engagements with Iran -- potentially up to the presidential level -- if he became president.

CNN: McCain, Obama trade jabs over Iran policy

Over the years, other cities have jockeyed for the label, including celebrations in Maryville, Missouri, Boulder, Colorado and Pendleton, Oregon -- but the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau maintains that competing parades are either longer than their 98ft route or are just a loose gathering of people rather a proper parade.

BBC: The world��s shortest St Patrick��s parade