February 06, 2006
McCain Blasts -- And We Mean Blasts -- Obama
An outraged Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) today called Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) insincere and partisan, suggesting the Illinois freshman as much as lied in private discussions the two had about ethics reform last week.
(McCain's letter is here and here; Obama's letter of last week is here)
McCain is perhaps the most admired Republican senator in the country and is likely an '08 presidential candidate. Obama, of course, is the Democratic Party's featured player, rivaling Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) in nationwide popularity and fundraising prowess. It is rare for a Senator to rebuke another so publicly, and all the more exceptional that McCain does not cloak his language in layers of euphemism.
"I would like to apologize to you for assuming that your private assurances to me regarding your desire to cooperate in our efforts to negotiate bipartisan lobbying reform were sincere," McCain writes.
Obama attended a meeting with McCain and senators committed to a bipartisan task force on ethics reform. McCain left the meeting convinced that Obama was open to working closely together, according to an aide.
But the next day, Obama wrote McCain that he preferred his own party's legislation to a task force and suggested McCain take another look at the Democratic caucus's Honest Leadership Act, which does not have a Republican cosponsor.
Wrote Obama: "I know you have expressed an interest in creating a task force to further study and discuss these matters, but I and others in the Democratic Caucus believe the more effective and timely course is to allow the committees of jurisdiction to roll up their sleeves and get to work[.]"
McCain, in his letter, takes exception to Obama's suggestion that his task force, which Dem. Sens. Joe Lieberman and Bill Nelson support, would impede reform.
McCain: "When you approached me and insisted that despite your leadership's preference to use the issue to gain a political advantage in the 2006 elections, you were personally committed to achieving a result that would reflect credit on the entire Senate and offer the country a better example of political leadership, I concluded your professed concern for the institution and the public interest was genuine and admirable. Thank you for disabusing me of such notions with your letter. ... I'm embarrassed to admit that after all these years in politics I failed to interpret your previous assurances as typical rhetorical gloss routinely used in political to make self-interested partisan posturing appear more noble. Again, sorry for the confusion, but please be assured I won't make the same mistake again."
Obama's spokesman, Robert Gibbs, called McCain's letter "confusing" and "headscratching." He said Obama "remains committed" to reform and will work with "any Republican and Democrat" who is serious about the issue. His letter to McCain, said Gibbs, signaled his preference "to get legislation through committee, rather than wait for a task force."
In his letter, McCain says that his task force proposal would ensure that meaningless or cosmetic reforms aren't rushed into law -- and that the solution in the end would reflect the interests of both parties and their voters.
His last line suggests that Obama will not soon regain McCain's favor.
Writes McCain, "I understand how important the opportunity to lead your party's effort to exploit this issue must seem to a freshman Senator, and I hold no hard feelings over your earlier disingenuousness. Again, I have been around long enough to appreciate that in politics the public interest isn't always a priority for every one of us. Good luck to you, Senator." [MARC AMBINDER AND PATRICK OTTENHOFF]
Posted at 05:31 PM
Comments
McCain is "the most admired Republican Senator in the country" and Obama is not an admired Democratic Senator, but "the Democratic Party's featured player, rivaling Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) in nationwide popularity and fundraising prowess." I wonder who's raised more money to date, McCain or Obama. Nope, that McCain fella ain't got much fundraisin' prowess at all.
Jen Nix | 02.06.06 06:50 PM
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Query whether the McCain letter is in fact genuine, since the 2nd page isn't coming up.
BC
William Cooper | 02.06.06 06:57 PM
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That's a really dumb point, Jen. And also completely irrelevent to the point at hand.
Joe F. | 02.06.06 07:05 PM
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I'd be more impressed with McCain's alleged commitment to bipartisan reform if (a) he could find Dems other than Joe Lieberman and Ben Nelson -- not exactly the Democratic mainstream -- to back his "task force" play, (b) he didn't consistently allow himself to be used as the "mythical maverick" smokescreen for GOP lobbying abuses, and (c) he displayed half as much righteous outrage when the Dubya administration eviscerated his anti-torture legislation, violated both the FISA Act and the National Security Act of 1947 with their illegal wiretaps,and generally stood in the way of serious campaign finance reform.
Sure, McCain talks tough at Barack Obama, but everytime Dubya comes a-knockin' at his door, he folds like an accordion, even despite the ugly incident in the South Carolina primary six years ago.
The Republican Party controls the White House, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and -- arguably -- the Supreme Court at this moment. Is it really McCain's contention that Barack Obama, a Freshman Senator in the minority party, is the one stopping real lobbying and campaign finance reform from happening? Please.
If McCain wants real reform, he should be directing his wrath at the people in charge. Otherwise, he's even more guilty of putting the partisan game above the public interest than is Obama.
Kevin | 02.06.06 07:44 PM
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It sad when we judge these guys by the amount of money they raise. I understand Feingold doesn't exactly rake in the big bucks either and he's a real stand up person. Obama's new, so maybe he did change his mind and he's got the right but he can't commit to those old bulls and then back out. He Got to respect the old school crowd, McCain, Warner, Lugar, Biden, Dodd. All them guys. If he's not sure he should make sure everybody knows he's not sure.
And didn't Obama do a press conference with Lieberman and Feingold? What bill was he backing then?
Charles Jordan | 02.06.06 10:51 PM
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I think McCain wanted to make tertiary reform measures and Obama picked up on that. Obama took the high road and suggested some real reform. McCain, not wanting anyone to steal his spotlight, got offended. The only one showing a partisan bent in this is McCain.
Too bad. For a Republican that I had admired so greatly over the years, he has turned into just another partisan hack.
Dino | 02.06.06 11:29 PM
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McCain is intelligent, has integrity and is a great guy. There is no way that he could ever become president.
I usually vote Democrat, but I would be honored to cast my vote for McCain in 08!
Leo | 02.07.06 01:18 AM
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my two favorite politicians (seriously, its like a sporting event.)
honestly, kind of sucks that they seem to not like each other.
liam | 02.07.06 01:31 AM
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McCain's letter is poorly quoted. This might be seen as nit-picking, but when "interpret" is spelled wrong and "political" is used instead of "politics" (rendering the sentence nonsensical, when McCain's original document is grammatically correct), it makes Senator McCain appear to be a sloppy writer when it's actually sloppy journalism. But hey, it's not like poor grammar isn't allowed in American politics, so why not.
Gordon M. | 02.07.06 01:47 AM
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Obama's measured response to McCain can be seen here:
PBS | 02.07.06 01:48 AM
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I don't even know what you are saying. To make it clear:
Obama 353k (all on hand)
McCain 1,110K
Hillary 13,848K
Matt | 02.07.06 01:52 AM
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Though posturing they may be in simply having goals, it's great to a politician call another politician on the dishonest and routine platitudes they all spout out about unity and american democracy. Other than those who view politics as a form of religion, with a strict dogma allowing no criticism, and a glib or nonsensical syntax, no one expects a politician to say anything meaningful or honest anyway. Kudos to McCain for showing us even politicians can get fed up with this disingenuity AND can be man enough to mention it.
Garth Palmer | 02.07.06 01:56 AM
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I'm a dedicated, lifelong democrat, but I would have voted for McCain over Gore. The man is genuine, sincere, honest, dedicated, and charismatic.
Jeremy Gross | 02.07.06 02:03 AM
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He was refering to democrats, McCain being a Republican is not in reference in that statement. Read better.
Matt | 02.07.06 02:09 AM
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Like many Americans of both parties, I admire some of John McCain's positions on ethics and campaign finance reforms. However, let us not forget that his "reforms" really aren't that aggressive, and in the end, he still fights with every breath to defend corporate prosperity -- and not individual freedom. He has carved out a place as this middle-of-the-road moderate, but he RARELY supports anything not supported by George Bush. He's a master of the game, and has fooled America into think that he's the last great independent. I don't buy it anymore -- not after seeing his voting record of the past couple of terms.
Greg | 02.07.06 02:43 AM
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I don’t care which party implements true reform. As long as it includes:
a) Provisions to charge politicians with treason (punishable by lengthy prison sentences; mandatory 20 years) for accepting campaign funds from Foreign Nationals and Americans with dual citizenship on behalf of their other citizenship or favoring their other citizenship.
b) An end to corporate lobbying. Period. Campaign funds may only be donated by Individual citizens of the United States. Corporations, which entice employees to support political groups or politicians with financial subsidy or grant, should be fined $10,000 per dollar donated to a campaign.
Our nation has de-evolved into a corrupt money hungry entity that serves not, the people who the government is supposed to be composed of, but rather to the special interests who can afford to purchase a voice.
No nudging the corrupt, no advising the corrupt… end the corruption now and do it swiftly.
Kinja | 02.07.06 03:02 AM
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I don’t care which party implements true reform. As long as it includes:
a) Provisions to charge politicians with treason (punishable by lengthy prison sentences; mandatory 20 years) for accepting campaign funds from Foreign Nationals and Americans with dual citizenship on behalf of their other citizenship or favoring their other citizenship.
b) An end to corporate lobbying. Period. Campaign funds may only be donated by Individual citizens of the United States. Corporations, which entice employees to support political groups or politicians with financial subsidy or grant, should be fined $10,000 per dollar donated to a campaign.
Our nation has de-evolved into a corrupt money hungry entity that serves not, the people who the government is supposed to be composed of, but rather to the special interests who can afford to purchase a voice.
No nudging the corrupt, no advising the corrupt… end the corruption now and do it swiftly.
KinjaKahn | 02.07.06 03:19 AM
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"I wonder who's raised more money to date, McCain or Obama. Nope, that McCain fella ain't got much fundraisin' prowess at all."
It's actually Obama
Nix Jen | 02.07.06 04:09 AM
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Obama is wet behind the ears as a political figure when compared to McCain. He has experienced lots of press and publicity because of his fundraising ability and charisma.
However, he is not experienced in his ability to spend political capital effectively. When he pulls a Clintonesque maneuver on an Senator with lots of experience in using his political capital effectively, he has to be prepared for the consequences.
On the other hand, McCain knows politics and shouldn't have taken it so personally.
Greg S. | 02.07.06 07:32 AM
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I don't care. I'm sick of task forces.
diane | 02.07.06 07:41 AM
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Wow, Jen, you have figured out (all by yourself) that fundraising prowess is the most important thing of all.
Bravo, Einstein.
Todd Brannigan | 02.07.06 07:43 AM
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Of course McCain, in caving in to his President's corrupt and illegal acts, never does anything "in political".
Joshua Io | 02.07.06 08:21 AM
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Go McCain. It is time for politicians to stop hiding behind layers upon layers of euphemisms. It takes a great deal of courage to come out and say something bad about another politician as openly and as clearly as McCain did.
There was nothing "confusing" or "headscratching" about what McCain said. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
I really do hope that McCain runs for, and wins the presidency in '08 (and I'm a pretty hard-core Democrat). He is a honest man that takes little part in the smoke-screen cloak and dagger tactics that go on in our government.
And to Jen, fundraising really doesn't have anything to do with it. McCain can raise alot of funds because he is so respected, on both sides of the aisle.
Tom Riley | 02.07.06 08:33 AM
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The Dalai Obama will say anything to advance his career. Before he was elected to the senate, he was a sophisticated anti-war candidate. Now he's just a hypocrite. He and Hillary would be great together except that they'd be like prostitutes competing for the same customers: "centrist" white middle class, pro-Israel, pro-war constituency.
Benjamin | 02.07.06 08:50 AM
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I doubt it was McCain who wrote this letter. He's usually too busy chomping on Dubya's nuts to spend much time writing letters.
Next time he wants to talk about integrity, tell him to call his fellow republicans.
Dave | 02.07.06 09:01 AM
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I enjoyed the comical irony that has recently been provided for me courtesy of both McCain and Obama. The humorous part (at the expense of the consituents no less) is that both these Senators are doing nothing more than posturing themselves in front of us and the only thing that's sure to come out of the whole thing is who will make the bigger ass of themselves. The Ironic part came courtesy of McCain who states "Again, I have been around long enough to appreciate that in politics the public interest isn't always a priority for every one of us". Could you please clue in the Senator from Arizona, the great state named after that tea that lines our CVS grocer's refridgerated section, that Politicians have distanced themselves from Public Interest for quite some time. When Politicians decide to do what's best for the Public Inerest and forego what's more in their fiscal interest followed by what's in their party's interest then maybe McCain's words won't fall on deaf ears. As it stands now, the only Public Interest involved is which Politician will benefit from this little cat fight.
Robert | 02.07.06 09:06 AM
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Jen, you are a moron. The article doesn't make the point over Obama's fundraising to contrast him to McCain. Rather it mentions his fundraising prowess vs. Senator Clinton.
Harold McKee | 02.07.06 09:10 AM
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Jen, you are a moron. The article doesn't make the point over Obama's fundraising to contrast him to McCain. Rather it mentions his fundraising prowess vs. Senator Clinton. By the way, Obama is highly admired in this country.
Harold McKee | 02.07.06 09:11 AM
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The whole U.S. government is a patriot act loving bunch of tax thieves and oil interest dirtbags.
Welcome to 3 bux a gallon no matter whats written or spoken!
Boots | 02.07.06 09:18 AM
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Can anyone imagine such a snide, sarcastic person being president? I'm a Republican, but I'd pull out the proverbial threat to move to Canada if McCain ever had a serious chance of winning. What a spoiled brat!
Wiley | 02.07.06 09:31 AM
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Wow Dave, what a well thought out comment. See ya on the playground.
Matt | 02.07.06 10:19 AM
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I'd be more impressed with McCain's alleged commitment to bipartisan reform if (a) he could find Dems other than Joe Lieberman and Ben Nelson -- not exactly the Democratic mainstream -- to back his "task force" play,
There is a big difference between Bill Nelson (D, FL) who McCain referenced, and Ben Nelson (D, NE). Bill Nelson is very much in the Democratic 'mainstream'.
I'll gander you still aren't 'impressed' though. I'd bet the goalposts move, yet again.
Buddy | 02.07.06 10:31 AM
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It's always entertaining when a politician accuses another politician of playing politics. What did McCain think this was? Tiddlywinks?
Frankly, McCain's CFR law is an attrocious abridgement of fundamental Constitutional rights. I don't trust him (or the Dems) any further than I can throw 'em on this issue. The folks feeding at the lobbying trough aren't about to shut off their food supply, no matter what they tell us.
Eric | 02.07.06 10:48 AM
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Speaking as someone who has worked many years for the Republican, Democratic AND American Independent parties (I work for none now, nor do I exclusively support or vote for any one particular party) I can safely say that McCain's sudden outburst of indignation is a beginning, very public attempt to win back some Republican support that he lost for appearing too far to the left of moderate-conservative.
In 2000 his own party allowed negative ads questioning the Senator's Vietnam heroics to be used against McCain when facing-off against another more conservative Republican. In fact, the very same communications group, Spaeth Communications, that placed ads against Sen. McCain in 2000 was involved in the vicious attacks against Sen. John Kerry. Republican leaders let McCain know that he would lose any future support if he came to Kerry's defense (which he originally did by calling for Bush to denounce the Swift Boat ads). As someone who lost a loved-one-- a true hero--in Vietnam, I find those tactics cheap & disgusting! But Bush lives in a glass house as far as Vietnam honor and sacrifice is concerned and he couldn't throw those stones at Kerry himself, so the Republicans had to get Spaeth Communications to. Very disgusting campaign tactics against both veterans.
Now that he looks like the Republican's best chance at holding onto the White House, McCain must assert himself as their champion and lambaste his future competition by drawing first blood. That is all this public letter is. Obama IS an admired, well spoken and charismatic Democrat. He won over so many Republican voters in Illinois that he was able to campaign for democrats in neighboring Indiana and became very popular there too. In a time that most voters are neither far left or far right, both major parties are aware that the key is (like Clinton before) to win the moderates, both Republican & Democrat alike. Here you see the first catapult of mud. Thus such a scathing public outcry instead of a personal, face-to-face meeting or quiet dismissal of a junior Senator. Sadly desperate in appearance. I believe he, as General Colin Powell now does, will regret tarnishing his reputation by bowing to party pressure to conform.
I used to be a BIG McCain fan myself, but I have lost much respect for him in the last couple of years. He has sold himself out to win the favor of his party and his bigger aspirations. If Sen. Barack Obama sincerely believes, after consideration, that the "Honest Leadership Act" will reform faster than attempting to assemble a task force to then draft an act, then I hope that is the route he pursues no matter what senior Dems or Republicans try to strong-arm him to do. I'll respect that. It really makes my heart heavy to see McCain take this murky path. I liked the old, ethical John better.
Not right or Left | 02.07.06 11:12 AM
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Folk, this ain't partisan politics, this is personal. McCain feels like he was double-crossed, and he's teaching young Obama that payback is a bitch, even in the Senate.
I agree that CFR was a possibly good idea that was definitely poorly implemented, so I'm not sure I'd trust McCain's judgement on how to go about lobbying reform. But I give him real credit for taking honor seriously (or at least as seriously as a professional politician can).
Condi/McCain in '08.
Mark Poling | 02.07.06 11:12 AM
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Speak each syllable aloud and in a clear voice:
EYE
M
WE
TALL
DID
Mikey | 02.07.06 11:28 AM
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Senator McCain had the letter on his own Web site last night, but it's gone today.
Frank Warner | 02.07.06 12:16 PM
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Isn't it amazing that Obama's staff doesn't understand sarcasm? head scratching? Please.
Mc Cain just hammered their guy and in no uncertain terms. I'm not a big Mc Cain fan, but the quotes from this letter have a sarcastic twinge that makes me wonder if perhaps we do have the gonads to stand up to the feckless democrats.
And Jen Nix, you seem to be a complete partisan, looking for offense in everything. Good luck with that.
skip | 02.07.06 12:22 PM
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McCain admired? That weasel??
John McCain is a piece of shit.
Even his fans are totally disgusted at his bootlicking of Bush during their last campaign. Bush turned on the smear machine, and McCain not only failed to respond, but then turned around and not only endorsed Bush, but hugged him and praised him!
And since then, McCain has had nearly nothing bad to say about Bush. McCain is just another say anything to get elected politician, and a conservative extremist as well.
Straight talk, my ass!
me | 02.07.06 12:33 PM
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I thought McCain's letter was rather juvenile. I am surprised that a Senator would write a letter utilizing gimmicks like sarcasm and Rheotical questions. Simply put, that is not how professional people operate. Quite frankly, it came across as a senior in high school and not a U.S. Senator.
Lawyer | 02.07.06 01:28 PM
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Buddy: You're right. My bad. The Bill/Ben Nelson bit caused confusion in the Alito fight too.
But my larger point still stands: If McCain wants to see real lobbying reform happen, he'd do better to direct his wrath at his own Republican power structure, rather than venting his spleen at a freshman senator in the minority party.
That he doesn't only shows McCain's own partisanship, as well as his repeated tendency to roll over for his party's leadership. As Hiram Johnson said of William Borah, McCain only "shoots until he sees the whites of their eyes."
Kevin | 02.07.06 01:45 PM
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And, no, I'm still not impressed. The goalposts haven't moved -- McCain is just aiming at the wrong end of the field.
Kevin | 02.07.06 01:48 PM
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As a non-partisan voter, I find the possibility of McCain running in 2008 very appealing. Yes, he has been licking boots in the recent past, but I believe this is being done "in political." ;) He has the potential to be a great leader, even if he has to kiss some ass to win support from his own party.
Ken | 02.07.06 02:20 PM
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His limits tested in Vietnam, his credibility nearly destroyed by the Keating Five scandal, McCain has learned a few lessons the other creatures that represent you in D.C. have not. McCain is someone who I'd put head and shoulders above a political pipsqueak like Obama (referred to by Ted Kennedy once as Osama Obama). McCain has infuriated both sides of the political spectrum and managed to flourish nevertheless. He's got far more of a bipartisan track record than most of his "colleagues," and I'd trust him to do the right thing over most of who's in Washington (read: Gore, Kerry, Hillary). Obama was smoking out McCain's positions in order to sandbag him and got caught. McCain's wise enough not to kick himself too much because being slightly embarrassed by a minority party freshman senator is really no big deal. McCain had the right intentions, and he sure as shit doesn't need Obama to ultimately make a deal and gather up 60 votes to pass Ethics Reform. Obama will be only able to see the White House on TV if McCain is elected President.
LeisureMan | 02.07.06 03:27 PM
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Dave & Boots: It scares me that people like you are even allowed to vote.
Me: Real original name - grow up.
Obama needs to do some serious growing up as well. You can't expect serious work to get done in a government body like the senate if the members of it cannot have a private discussion and lay their cards on the table. It's obvious that Obama can't tell the difference between the posturing forum that is the floor of the senate and a private conversation. What the government is supposed to be doing is work for the good of the people, not sticking to ridiculous "party lines". It's time to abolish political parties adn declare all candidates independant.
gerry | 02.07.06 05:08 PM
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To my knowledge, Obama did not himself release the letter to the media, which means that McCain's office did. Yet few suggest he is the one now posturing and being disingenuous, so I will. It is hypocritical of John McCain to say Obama is posturing and then release his own scathing letter to the media. A point to an earlier responder, it is hypocritical of John McCain not to show the same level of "anger" regarding his anti-torture amendment that the administration was eventually successful at neutering. The sheen is off McCain and it has been for a while, even if no one is noticing it. He is the biggest posturer of them all. He positions himself as the reformer, shows his customary "outrage," and then caves to the right-wing and/or administration flacks and hacks. Even with his letter to Obama, he can position himself as opposing partisan hackery while engaging in it himself by sending the letter. Anyone who believes this wasn't done at the behest of the RNC/RSCC is simply fooling themselves. I'll give credit where credit is due -- McCain does it very well, is mostly successful, and parlayed his "maverick" status into national acclaim. Congratulations John, just don't look too closely in the mirror.
Brendan | 02.07.06 05:50 PM
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Look around and you'll find Obama's response to Mccain's ridciulous assertions. You people need to get lives in a hurry, just because Mccain writes one strongly worded letter doesn't mean anything toward his ability to separate himself from the rest of the frey.
Mike | 02.07.06 07:02 PM
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I’ve always thought that if the GOP were to nominate McCain, it wouldn’t be a bad 4/8 years. But after reading BOTH letters I can tell you I no longer feel that way.
He came off like a child. Or maybe he is primping and preening for the wacko far right.
rob | 02.07.06 08:27 PM
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Zzzzzzzzz.
Meanwhile, during all this petty nonsense, New Orleans has to approach to foreign countries as they try to get enough money to clean up after Hurricane Katerina.
Lee | 02.07.06 08:55 PM
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McCain, Obama, who cares. The issue here is campaign finance reform (CFR).
Until the people in government are willing to prevent professional lobbyists, special interest groups, Unions, Corporations, etc. from giving big money to senators and congressmen that vote the way the leaders/CEO's want, we won't ever have a true one person, one vote system.
Here's my idea: Campaign contributions should come ONLY from private individuals. I belong to a teachers union that donates big money to the Democratic Party. My wife works for a major corporation that donates big money to the Republican Party. I'm a Republican, and my wife is a Democrat. Irony at it's finest. It is asinine that the CEO of her company is allowed to spend part of what would otherwise be in her profit sharing check in an attempt to curry favor with a party my wife personally despises. I find it ridiculous that the leadership of the union to which I belong spends a significant portion of my union dues to support candidates that I personally abhor.
If all that is eliminated and the only source of contributions was private citizens, then the politicians would have to go to those citizens directly in an attempt to get campaign funds.
That would make the playing field level, as well as finally, Finally, FINALLY getting our elected officials to listen to US for a change.
Michael | 02.08.06 08:07 AM
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McCain is a total fraud. The guy took over 100K from Charles Keating, and let his family invest in a Keating sweetheart deal. McCain supports teaching Intelligent Design in schools. How people can believe this BS about McCain having integrity is beyond me.
Centrist | 02.08.06 08:32 AM
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Correction needed in the story. Please allow me to fix the quote. McCain is "the most admired Democratic Senator in the Republican Party".
Thanks.
EZ | 02.08.06 09:25 AM
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McCain isnt a Republican, all real Republicans know this. We only keep him on hand to distract people. Its comical that he's so stupid he doesnt know he's a liberal. Ah well. Cheny/Rove in '08!
Ed | 02.08.06 12:42 PM
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This whole thing is a setup so McCain can look like the tough, in-your-face successor to Dubya. McCain and Rove are afraid McCain will be running against Obama in 2008 so they're starting the smear now. Also, it's been suggested that McCain lit into Obama to satisfy the lowest common denominator in the Republican Party, which is the racist bigot. I watched McCain on Hardball. He just crowed about "slapping down" Barack Obama. He looked like an absolute nut job. I used to respect him, but he's toadied up to Dubya once too often for me.
terri Kionka | 02.08.06 06:38 PM
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It seems to me that McCain's blast of Obama should be seen as a political maneuver rather than a credible criticism of Obama's partisanship. Lets face it: most Americans do not even know the context of the letter, only that it slapped Obama on the wrist and put him in place (the haste in which it was written is evident in the grammatical errors and sloppy rhetoric). How dare the apprentice challenge the seasoned veteran?
This was merely a political stunt to distance McCain from a potential threat --the Democratic Party's rising star (let's face it... Hillary might be the presidential candidate in 2008, but she is FAR from favored!).
Kudos to mccain for pulling it off -- i think he tricked many americans. but you also have to give props to obama, for having the audacity to stand up to Mccain as a freshman senator.
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mp3 ringtones | 09.03.06 05:34 PM
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Feb 2, 2006 is last week?
Volum | 05.26.07 08:11 PM
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I hear a lot about the mccain feingold ethics reform bill and how great this was...
As far as I can see, all it did was double the amount of money that could be contributed to political campaigns, and suddenly money became twice as important.
Feingold go suckered.
Aaron | 02.14.08 12:33 PM
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It looks like John McCain Blasts -- And I Mean Blasts -- Vicky Iseman!!! LOL
Jay | 02.21.08 08:59 AM
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John McCain needs to cool off or not many people will now vote for him to be president in this 08' election. I know i wouldn't vote for him....
Haley | 03.08.08 02:14 PM
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The second page of McCain's letter, "ao2.pdf", is an incorrectly named JPEG file. To read it, save it to your computer's disk, rename it to "ao2.jpg", and then open it.
Anonymous | 08.17.08 02:11 AM
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