McCain Aide Suspended For Pushing Obama/Wright Video

McCain Aide Suspended For Pushing Obama/Wright Video

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:02:55 PM EST
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By Big Tent Democrat

McCain aide suspended:

A McCain campaign aide actively pushed an incendiary, racially-charged video that uses the controversial words of Barack Obama's pastor to tar Obama as unpatriotic -- despite the fact that McCain himself has suggested that Obama shouldn't be held accountable for Wright's views.

The aide, Soren Dayton, who works in McCain's political department, has been suspended from the campaign, a McCain spokesperson, Jill Hazelbaker, confirmed to me.

Suspended? Why wasn't he fired? This is weak from McCain. If you are going to play dirty, then fess up to it. Suspension is clearly not enough. Firing is required.

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McCain Aide Suspended For Pushing Obama/Wright Video | 97 comments (97 topical)

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Given Mark Penn et al. are, (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by oculus on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:07:56 PM EST

according to Nagourney articlet, pushing the Wright angle, no harm no foul.

Heh (none / 0) (#5)
by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:11:47 PM EST

Parent

didnt read Ad Nags (none / 0) (#39)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:44:04 PM EST

but the way I read it Penn et al are making the case to the supers about Wright.
that is not what the McCain aid was doing.
not the same thing I think.

Parent

I think HRC's campaign team should (none / 0) (#76)
by oculus on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:19:52 PM EST

follow HRC's lead and leave this alone. The Super-Ds don't need Penn's reminders.

Parent

: McCain's statement (none / 0) (#99)
by diogenes on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 08:58:28 PM EST

I missed it-has Hillary also stated that Obama shouldn't be responsible for Wright's views?

Parent

Has he ever written a piece that is (none / 0) (#85)
by Virginian on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:33:03 PM EST

doesn't have holes in it?

Parent

I'm sick of the Wright video (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:11:35 PM EST

And I've only seen it once. Obama didn't say this stuff and don't tell me McCain hasn't rubbed some elbows with some minister dudes lately that haven't said some crazy stuff! I want Obama to denounce Wright though and John McCain.......you need to fire this Schmoe. I'm already sick of this election and we ain't even out of the primaries yet!

: I'm just as sick.... (none / 0) (#16)
by kdog on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:18:51 PM EST

but I don't think Obama should denounce his friend and mentor, it's ok to just disagree with him on some things.
And I don't know if McCain's hitman should be firedor not. A suspension is fessing up that this is totally uncool, McCain could have done nothing, or worse told him to make more slime. Besides, for all I know a senior adviser put him up to it. Or a good person can simply f*ck up and go to far, and deserve another shot.

Parent

Well, I think this slap on the wrist (5.00 / 5) (#6)
by Kathy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:13:13 PM EST

sends a clear message of how McCain will play this in the ge. "Oh, those awful 527s! I don't agree with them at all!"

...as he laughs his way toward the election.

Any dem who does not see how toxic these videos are is blind.

the 527s (none / 0) (#13)
by Turkana on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:16:17 PM EST

will have wright on the air 24/7, from the close of the dem convention until election day.

Parent

either that or (none / 0) (#18)
by Friday on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:25:11 PM EST

...blue dresses and Lewinsky until November.

This is the second time McCain surrogates have fed the red meat to the Republican Base ("Barack HUSSEIN Obama") then ostentatiously come out to rebuke his campaign ally.

Thus he scores big points for being a clean campaigner from the credulous and the media - while repeating the Republican lies.

Parent

the republicans already tried to use poor lewinsky (5.00 / 2) (#22)
by Turkana on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:29:53 PM EST

it didn't work. if that's the best they can do, they won't do very well.

and of course mccain will have nothing to do with the 527s. poor guy can't control what others do. just as he tsk-tsked the swift boaters. nasty business, this politics- now, how about a ride on the big bus?

Parent

<yawn> (5.00 / 4) (#24)
by Kathy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:34:43 PM EST

To Lewinsky. Also, this far after the fact, isn't it a bit unseemly to be dragging her out? Hillary Clinton suffered through a very public infidelity once already (as did the rest of the world) does Obama's camp really want to relive all the horrid, salacious details? Picture it this way: the woman is a human being. So is her daughter. The affair happened sixteen years ago. A marital affair is perhaps one of the most horrible things to endure.

Makes the person bringing it up look very, very nasty and petty.

Parent

Obama? Probably not. (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by sweetthings on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:36:07 PM EST

The Republicans? Hell yes.

Mind you, McCain won't do it personally, just as he won't use Wright personally. But it will sure as hell be used.

Parent

the 527s would be insane (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by Turkana on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:39:09 PM EST

to try it. it backfired once. it's not going to work a decade later.

Parent

heres the difference (5.00 / 4) (#35)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:40:36 PM EST

drag out Wright and it hurts Obama
drag out Monica and it helps Hillary.

Parent

: that's exactly right (none / 0) (#36)
by diplomatic on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:42:00 PM EST

Hillary is un-swiftboatable. I am using that term now.

Parent
: And let's not forget that in the general election (none / 0) (#45)
by Angel on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:49:43 PM EST

Bill will be able to campaign, unlike his current situation. He will blast anyone who says that this is Hillary's fault, I can guarantee you. I get the feeling that you will not want to mess with Bill if Hillary in the nominee.

Parent

With the exception of the VRWC remark (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by Democratic Cat on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:38:06 PM EST

I don't see how this can hurt her. It points up her strength and ability to endure. Many people respect that in her.

Parent

I will say again (none / 0) (#49)
by tek on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:51:38 PM EST

Lewinsky is just yesterday's mistress news after Spitzer's adventures.

Parent

: Have to post this (none / 0) (#92)
by echinopsia on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:51:27 PM EST

Found in Wonkette's comments:
Spitzer: "I'm here for Ashley."
Obama: "I'm here for Ashley."
Delete if you must.

Parent

Lewinsky is also a human being, (none / 0) (#77)
by oculus on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:20:57 PM EST

of course, albeit older and presumably wiser.

Parent

Tell that to Brian Ross of ABC (none / 0) (#80)
by Molly Bloom on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:25:37 PM EST

What do you supposed he zeroed in on when the schedules were released?

Parent

CNN too (none / 0) (#86)
by waldenpond on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:39:37 PM EST

It was at the top of their ticker yesterday.

Parent

: We are doomed there is no intelligent (none / 0) (#90)
by Molly Bloom on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:46:45 PM EST

life in the SCLM.
We are doomed I tell you!

Parent

Like HILLARY had a thing to do with that (5.00 / 2) (#25)
by splashy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:35:37 PM EST

Why is it that people think that when one spouse does something that is bad the other is responsible, even if they don't know about it?

Pitiful.

Parent

Because Dr. Laura sd. so? (5.00 / 1) (#29)
by oculus on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:37:31 PM EST

Parent

: That's right! (none / 0) (#52)
by wasabi on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:52:50 PM EST

Dr. laura said so! So there!
It's Clinton's fault!
Wow, now we don't even need to specify which one.

Parent

substitute one's minister for ones' spouse (none / 0) (#82)
by Molly Bloom on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:27:30 PM EST

Parent

Huh?! (none / 0) (#84)
by Virginian on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:30:38 PM EST

What are you talking about?

Parent

Someone else threw this at me the other day (5.00 / 1) (#94)
by echinopsia on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:56:42 PM EST

The implication is that Hillary should have divorced Bill - preferably while still president - for being a hound dog.

Because divorcing your husband and the father of your teenage child over infidelity is the same thing as changing churches because your pastor is a lewd, racist nutjob.

Or because staying with your cheating husband and father of your child is the same thing as staying with your lewd, racist, nutjob pastor.

Wev.

Parent

Ahhh I see (none / 0) (#96)
by Virginian on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 07:01:21 PM EST

Chimera logic...interesting

(As a side note I think I just coined a new phrase for bad logic...use it as often as you wish so long as you link to this post)

Parent

: I'll have to see if I can collect (5.00 / 0) (#97)
by Virginian on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 07:02:09 PM EST

advertising royalties for the clicks too...so maybe hold off until that is resolved

Parent

sure is odd that McCain didnt correct that lady (5.00 / 3) (#7)
by athyrio on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:14:08 PM EST

that asked him the question about "how do we get rid of the bit@h"....more double standards I guess...

: You have to have standards (5.00 / 8) (#14)
by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:16:29 PM EST

in order to double them.

Parent

Perfect move from McCain. (5.00 / 2) (#8)
by sweetthings on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:14:12 PM EST

Gets the headlines that make people think he's running a 'clean' campaign, while at the same time keeping the story alive.

Can't really blame him. This is politics - where we combine love and war.

: Bingo! n/t (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by inclusiveheart on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:26:48 PM EST

Parent

On topic, new poll about Wright and the SPEECH (5.00 / 2) (#26)
by diplomatic on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:35:40 PM EST

Many people had been wondering what kind of response Obama's speech was going to get in the polls... Many in the media praised it as historic and Lincolnesque, but some of us had our doubts.

And apparently, the public agreed. The speech basically bombed:
Insider Advantage did the survey:

"Reaction to Obama's Speech"
http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_320_294.aspx

This is a link to a discussion of the poll on MYDD:

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/3/20/181758/262#13

a little summary of what it said:

Are you aware of Obama's speech on Tuesday, in which he addressed the issue of his pastor?
Aware - 83%
Not Aware - 11%
No Opinion - 6%
Taking all this into account, are you more or less likely to support Obama for president?
More Likely - 19%
Less Likely - 52%
About the Same - 27%
No Opinion - 4%

The speech did not help Obama according to this. It may have even made things worse.

BTD you were right to wonder which way it would go. It wasn't clear.

Why Fire Aide for Doing His Job (5.00 / 2) (#37)
by BDB on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:42:06 PM EST

This was exactly what McCain wanted, he gets points for denouncing the video and points all the reporters to the video at the same time. It's a two-fer.

Good point...n/t (none / 0) (#40)
by kdog on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:45:02 PM EST

Parent

Not fired, suspended (none / 0) (#53)
by Cream City on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:53:42 PM EST

and maybe with pay, after all, when you put it this way. Time off for March Madness. Some American workers' dream.

Parent

: Hmm... (5.00 / 1) (#72)
by Daryl24 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:12:02 PM EST

And return after "learning their lesson" just in time for the general election.

Parent
: I'm guessing (none / 0) (#59)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:59:34 PM EST

it's without pay. Even after having won the nomination, McCain isn't exactly rolling in the cash....any excuse to cut costs, he'll do ;-).

Parent

Sweet spot for McCain (5.00 / 1) (#57)
by wasabi on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:58:36 PM EST

Anytime someone puts out a negative on Obama or Clinton, he gets to chastize them and gets brownie points from the press for doing it. Sweet.
His hands remain clean, the message gets out, and he is praised for taking the high road. Doesn't get any better than that!

welcome to the fall campaign (none / 0) (#60)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:00:42 PM EST

Parent

how would he handle Clinton? (none / 0) (#71)
by diplomatic on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:10:35 PM EST

Bill Clinton says it would be the most cordian campaign in history. I would prefer that.

Parent

Bill is smart enough to be "cordial" (none / 0) (#78)
by Angel on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:22:50 PM EST

while he turns the knife. Bill has quite a temper and so does McCain so it would be quite interesting.

Parent

cordial (none / 0) (#87)
by diplomatic on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:41:38 PM EST

Parent

: I didn't realize you had misspelled the word, (none / 0) (#93)
by Angel on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:56:28 PM EST

and wasn't trying to correct you. I had it in quotations because I was being a little snarky. :)

Parent

Gee I'm Glad McCain Handled That (5.00 / 2) (#68)
by MO Blue on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:07:28 PM EST

I'm sure that will put the issue of those videos to rest and we won't ever see or hear of them again.

suspension (1.00 / 2) (#3)
by confloyd on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:10:19 PM EST

I'm sorry for this comment, but its looks like be are beginning to have an affirmative action candidate, I say to Obama, if some nauseating video of Hillary would be circulating at the hands of McCain, no one would be fired. Obama, quit playing the race card, if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen!!

: There are many Clinton (5.00 / 3) (#10)
by waldenpond on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:14:55 PM EST

videos out there. They are just getting started on Obama.

Parent
: That comment is beneath a Democrat (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by Molly Bloom on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:37:02 PM EST

Parent
: I misread the first time (none / 0) (#31)
by waldenpond on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:38:59 PM EST

What do you mean Obama is playing the race card? Some unknown person makes an obnoxious video, some other nimrod distributes it, said someone is dumped. This has nothing to do with Obama.
One can only hope you were being sarcastic and failed miserably.

Parent
: Can the comment I'm replying to (none / 0) (#33)
by Edgar08 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:39:20 PM EST

Please be Deleted.
It is not only unfair but it is wrong.
'

Parent
: Boooo (none / 0) (#83)
by Virginian on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:29:07 PM EST

are you for real?

Parent

Aide (none / 0) (#1)
by judyo on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:06:27 PM EST

"Suspended".
Says it all.

Why is this reminding me of Clinton's (none / 0) (#9)
by oculus on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:14:28 PM EST

letter to NBC and the ensuing flap about what she really meant?

I don't know (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:17:17 PM EST

Tell me though, I'm missing your train of throught.

Parent

lost me, too (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by Kathy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:28:08 PM EST

unless you are waiting for there to be a flap when there won't be.

McCain will get a pass. No one is outraged when a repub comes across as slightly racist.

Though, honestly, this is right up there with the photo phlap, which I thought was ridiculous. If Obama is not going to denounce Wright for saying G D America, then that's fair game. I know that I'll get some heat for saying this, but it's true. G D America is not about race. It is about America. If you denounce the words but not the person who uttered them, then you leave that door open.

This goes back to Clinton coaching Obama in the debate re: Farrakhan. She knows how this works.

Parent

Thanks. I don't understand why it seems (none / 0) (#42)
by RalphB on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:46:00 PM EST

to be so hard for people to understand that the Wright flap is only partially about race. The real flap is about the un-American statements and flat out nutjob conspiracy theory about AIDS.

Parent

its about a lot of things (none / 0) (#43)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:48:20 PM EST

religion, trust, honesty, judgment.

Parent

Right, but not if you listen to the MSM (none / 0) (#44)
by RalphB on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:49:30 PM EST

Parent

: you got me there (none / 0) (#50)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:51:44 PM EST

Parent

As I recall, HRC's letter sd. suspending (5.00 / 2) (#23)
by oculus on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:31:20 PM EST

Schuster would be insufficient, which "some people" interpreted as her calling for Shuster to be fired. BTD's interpretation, taking into account the entire letter, was that HRC was calling on NBC to clean up all the on-air sexism, not just suspend Schuster.

Parent

I interpreted it to mean the suspension (none / 0) (#47)
by hairspray on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:50:19 PM EST

did not get at a pattern at the network.Much as I like Hillary sometimes I can see how someone who wants to will interpret her comments. Same with Steve Kroft on 60 minutes asking her if she thought Obama was a Muslim over and over. Frankly I would have smiled and said " I answered the question. What more do you want me to say?" Maybe the media types will go into overdrive, but the public will get it.

Parent

: I haven't been following McCain (none / 0) (#89)
by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:45:13 PM EST

or the right much on anything Obama to know if this is currently a pattern. It sure will be though.

Parent

Now I gotcha (none / 0) (#88)
by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:43:42 PM EST

and agree as well.

Parent

"Suspended" is all that MSNBC did (none / 0) (#51)
by Cream City on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:51:52 PM EST

to Shuster. A couple of weeks off with pay in his case, probably without pay in this low-level campaign aide's case.

Parent

Playing Safe (none / 0) (#17)
by squeaky on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:19:24 PM EST

A slap on the wrist is all that is needed. It is a hat tip meant to cover his bases as ugly as they may be.

silly aid (none / 0) (#19)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:26:09 PM EST

thats the 527s job

Which is probably where he'll land (5.00 / 1) (#48)
by badger on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:50:50 PM EST

He's now qualified for wingnut welfare - probably weighing job offers from several think tanks and 527s. McCain just made him employable.

Parent

Yep (5.00 / 1) (#91)
by Warren Terrer on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:51:07 PM EST

He's now a 'made' man.

Parent

: Wonder who isn't in the political (none / 0) (#95)
by oculus on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:57:50 PM EST

dept. re a campaign:

The aide, Soren Dayton, who works in McCain's political department,

Parent

McCain and his aid (none / 0) (#34)
by Edgar08 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:39:47 PM EST

Are being very unfair to Obama.

Media Clinton, McCain bias (none / 0) (#38)
by Kyle on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:43:54 PM EST

interesting that the media outlets aren't even thinking of touching the Clinton's or McCain's bagage in the same way they are doing so to Obama.

if they want to join Swift Boat Veterans
and FoxNews no one can stop them.
that determines who will be president.
it's not rocket science, people.

What Clinton baggage? (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by wasabi on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:01:13 PM EST

Oh, you mean the "blue dress" baggage?

I sure am glad that the media won't touch that!

Parent

You missed MSNBC (5.00 / 0) (#63)
by waldenpond on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:01:46 PM EST

for the last several months? Media and Repubs have been after her everyday for 15-20 years. It's old.

Parent

: That's why I have to giver her (5.00 / 0) (#74)
by Daryl24 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:15:43 PM EST

a double hat tip. Most people would have probably packed it in a long time ago.

Parent

not touching clintons baggage (none / 0) (#41)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:45:46 PM EST

EXCUSE me?

Parent

This (none / 0) (#46)
by tek on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:49:53 PM EST

story made me think of something. How did the Rev. Wright videos come to the foreground in the first place?

He sold them online (5.00 / 0) (#56)
by nycstray on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:57:30 PM EST

via the Church's website. Fox has been trying to get traction on this for awhile, from what I understand.

Parent

depends on the source you are (none / 0) (#54)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:54:48 PM EST

talking about.
the ABC news piece, which was I think the first serious news outlet to go with the story, explained right in the piece that they bought several DVDs from the church, watched them and said "holy crap"
and put the first ones to circulate in the MSM together.
but the stuff has been out in the eyther for months.
I have received roughly 5 emails a day about this since about, um, last november.

Parent

Fox news (none / 0) (#55)
by Cream City on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:56:32 PM EST

per most stories I've read -- the recent flap, anyway. There were media reports about the minister for a year now, even in the New York Times. I read other reporters saying they had the story for a long time and couldn't run with it. So it gets interesting to think about why Fox gave it the green light last week. . . .

As for the tapes, Obama's church sells them. So it seems that those reporters I read had them, too.

Parent

I know I'm (5.00 / 0) (#75)
by Daryl24 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:18:11 PM EST

probably asking for 7 years bad luck but I think it was Hannity who broke the story.

My stomach hurts.

Parent

I think the ABC news story (none / 0) (#58)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 05:58:48 PM EST

was first. I really do.
Hannity interviewed Wright about a year ago but he greatest hits stuff we have been seeing was on the ABC news website at least as soon as FOX if not before.

Parent

I'll go with you on that, fine (none / 0) (#62)
by Cream City on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:01:32 PM EST

as I may have heard or read that incorrectly.

I think we both find more interesting that all sorts of media could have gone with it sooner, hmmm?

Parent

All media (5.00 / 0) (#65)
by waldenpond on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:03:40 PM EST

were up on this. Everyone knew ABC was going to run this. NBC and CBS decided not to touch it. Fox, on the other hand....

Parent

I honestly think it was only (none / 0) (#64)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:02:22 PM EST

because they could no longer ignore it.

Parent

Time magazine had something today (see Kevin (none / 0) (#66)
by Angel on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:04:39 PM EST

Drum this morning)about the fact that BO knew this was going to come up even before he made his announcement that he would be running for president. Surely he knew these tapes were out there then. If so, I'm mystified that he did not already have a defense prepared. Seems naive to me.

Parent

He Is Obama (5.00 / 0) (#73)
by MO Blue on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:13:33 PM EST

Nothing can come out that a good speech cannot eliminate as an issue. He is teflon coated after all.

Parent

: Fairly obvious that it is not gone as an issue (5.00 / 0) (#81)
by Virginian on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:26:52 PM EST

in fact...I think the speech breathed new life into it...Obama created a contradiction in his own rhetoric and actions...this will play for awhile longer...Obama could have absolutely played his cards better on this one from start to finish

Parent

Freeee Rideeee (none / 0) (#69)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:07:37 PM EST

Parent

: Yep. And I think he knew he would be getting (5.00 / 0) (#70)
by Angel on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:09:34 PM EST

a free ride. Why else would he be so unprepared for this storm? Still, he should have known that not everyone would play along forever. Thinking otherwise is naive.

Parent

I sure hope now someone will ask (none / 0) (#67)
by Capt Howdy on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:06:54 PM EST

McCain about this:

Speaking to reporters in Amman, the Jordanian capital, McCain said he and two Senate colleagues traveling with him continue to be concerned about Iranian operatives "taking al-Qaeda into Iran, training them and sending them back."

Pressed to elaborate, McCain said it was "common knowledge and has been reported in the media that al-Qaeda is going back into Iran and receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran, that's well known. And it's unfortunate." A few moments later, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, standing just behind McCain, stepped forward and whispered in the presidential candidate's ear. McCain then said: "I'm sorry, the Iranians are training extremists, not al-Qaeda."

McCain spokesman Brian Rogers: "In a press conference today, John McCain misspoke and immediately corrected himself by stating that Iran is in fact supporting radical Islamic extremists in Iraq, not Al Qaeda...

but I am sure no one will.
Wright, and his rising above it, is so much more interesing.

Bleah...disagree (none / 0) (#79)
by Virginian on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 06:23:59 PM EST

this is politics...I think McCain misplayed this by suspending the guy at all...now he's set the bar for himself, and any hard-hitting adds with actual substance will be played through the Obama paradigm in which it is negative/false/old politics if it doesn't say something nice about Obama...

good for Obama/bad for McCain

The sooner garbage comes out the better (none / 0) (#98)
by Prabhata on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 07:35:59 PM EST

Obama will receive a portion of racism just as much as HRC will receive her portion of sexism. Some is positive, like the higher black votes for Obama and higher women votes for HRC. Obama could have dealt with racism back when it reared it's ugly head in SC. He chose not to because there were benefits to be had. He waited too long and he is now paying the price. HRC has been receiving misogynistic comments from websites and the media, and except for the Schuster incident, she has handled it by ignoring it. The problem with both issues is that if not handled correctly, Obama could lose more white votes, and HRC could lose more men votes. It's a balancing act that both camps would be wise to be alert and respond, instead of react.

McCain Aide Suspended For Pushing Obama/Wright Video | 97 comments (97 topical)

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