Hotline on call: McCain Blasts -- And We Mean Blasts -- Obama

[Pirate Smile]

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 dicussions the two had about ethics reform last week.

-snip-

"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. The next day, Obama wrote McCain that he prefered legislation to a task force and suggested McCain take another look at the Democratic Senate 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<.>"

-snip-
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."

-snip-
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."

http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/02/an_outraged_sen.html

[Mythsaje]

1. Seriously, John, how's it feel to STILL be a P.O.W.

held hostage by a reactionary regime?

Most particularly in your own damn country?

[AndyA]

2. Would this be the same John McCain that flip flops

Between being Bush's best little buddy, then worst enemy, then best buddy again?

It's hard to know whether he's snuggling up to Bush or not. He's a fine one to talk.

[mtnsnake]

31. more like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Typical of so many modern day Republicans, the guy is a nut!

[AtomicKitten]

3. there he goes again ...

[LeftCoast]

4. Sure seems like McCain is too angry to be President, doesn't it?

:)

[bbinacan]

14. Yes it does

the guy's a loose cannon. I'd hate to think of him with his finger anywhere near the button.:nuke: :scared:

[AX10]

17. McCain's too unstable to be the President.

[catmother]

20. i sure hope that everyone realizes the temper that mc cain has.

[Capn Sunshine]

24. Well, he hasn't "screamed' yet

at least in public.

But he cries himself to sleep at hight , I'm sure

[Sparkly]

29. Heh

touche :thumbsup:

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. McCain, Centrist will trust Obama long before they trust you.

You old has been.

[cornermouse]

6. "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."

Well, John, if the public interest isn't always a priority for you, then why are you still there? Isn't that part of the job description of "Senator"?

[tishaLA]

7. Those rumors about McCains instability...

appear to be correct. What a fragile psyche!

[Doctor_J]

8. A Repuke blasting a Dem about ethics reform

is like a walrus blasting an ostrich about being fat.

I can't believe McCain is pulling a Smirk - preening for hate radio.

[1932]

32. ...because the Dem wants to act and the Repub wants to delay acting!

[belpejic]

9. Question: Who Is Frank Keating (nt)

[karynnj]

11. a character witness for McCain's devotion to reform and honesty?

Just guessing :)

[okieinpain]

45. oh god must you mention that name.... Geezzzz.

[karynnj]

10. What a total hypocritical jerk

Why can't the media see behind the smile and his round "smilie face" - like head? He spend years saying Senator Kerry was a friend and Senator Kerry, to his credit, defended McCain both when crazy people attacked him at the time of the POW/MIA hearings and when Bush slimed him. (Even calling friends he had in heading Vietnam Veterans in America) Then EVEN SINCE the election McCain has stabbed him in the back.

This guy is unstable. I think he's just angru because Obama refuses to be used in a McCain task force that will more than anything give McCain the chance to say he headed the reform.

[blm]

12. McCain: We couldn't have stabilized relations with Vietnam without Kerry's

leadership. (as written in his autobiography)

McCain stabbing Kerry in back for BushInc: Everyone knows Kerry can't make up his mind. (as told to corporate media)

[karynnj]

18. If McCain runs, I will send copies of that chapter to anyone

I know who is on the fence. McCain, in his own book, manages to come off very poorly while Kerry comes off they well. (Other than Kerry's own books, this chapter was one of the best things I read on Kerry. (Sadly, it's author was acting like a jerk at the time I read it.)

McCain - wasn't ranking member because he thought it was a political loser
Kerry - accepted the chairmanship though his entire staff preferred he not do it (other source)
So who's the political opportunist?

McCain - had difficuty controlling his temper when attacked
Kerry (per McCain)- often had to put a hand on McCain's arm to "calm him" down
So who has suitable temperment?

Kerry - methodically set the ground rules and managed to keep all the Senators working together in spite of the Senators including the RW Senator Smith (NH), who oddly endorsed Kerry in 2004, Senator Kerrey and McCain, Kerry and his staff went to Vietnam first. Used Kerry's history and convinced them that they needed to resolve the issue of possible prisoners before they could re-establish relations. Kerry, per McCain, was able to get permission to go where they wanted without advance knowledge. Kerry went on 14 trips with various other Senators and did the lion's share of the work.
Kerry also asked the Vietnamese if he and McCain could visit the prison that McCain was in - something McCain wanted. (McCain in the book was touched by Kerry's kindeness)

But in 2005, when Bush had the Vietnamese to the WH. McCain in speaking about his role, didn't mention Kerry, nor did our media.
Who is nice and who is not nice?

Kerry frankly comes out as more mature, more caring, very competent and capable.

[Gman]

13. What's McCain's hurry?

Nothing will take effect until 08 at the earliest.

[NoFederales]

15. McCain is desperate for BIPARTISANSHIP solely to spread Republican

blame on everyone. Any non-Republican politician who whores-up with the Republicans will tainted and left for ridicule and dismissal when their use is up.

My 2 cent warning...........

NoFederales

[Senator Lamb]

16. The problem the Dems will have

is that since the 2000 election, the Dems and some of our media allies have built him up, almost christ-like as a measure to show that he is a good republican compared to Bush and has been used as a tool to appeal to pragmatic independents who like him with democrats wiping out his name everytime they seek support. Kerry cited him numerous times throughout the election and debates and his name was floated to be his VP. "I wrote legislation with John McCain, McCain supports this, blah blah." Dems made him into this fair, objective, independent guy that they constantly wish to ally with. But in the end, McCain will get the last laugh as he stabs them in the back to gain the Presidency.

its time to start the attack now and stop making him into this god like prescence that can do no wrong. maybe obama, sort of our own McCain celebrity, can do this with a proper rebuttal.

[karynnj]

19. In fairness, Kerry didn't float ANY names for VP. He

specifically said he wouldn't. (Possibly because of his own experience of being listed and rejected by Gore.) So, if the source wasn't Kerry, it was likely McCain, the media, or a Democrat who thought it was a good idea. I have never seen a single comment from Kerry saying McCain was even a possibility. (I assume that it would not have been good for President Kerry's health - as McCain pretty much buys into PNAC and Kerry didn't.) The main source is NEWSWEEK, which has smeared Kerry since the 1970s.

I do think you have a point that Kerry and at least half the Democrats have said what a nice guy he is. I hope someone Durbin (becauses he's from IL), Reid, or Kennedy blast McCain on this Obama thing if the story is skewed in McCain's favor. (Kerry might be weird as they were friends until McCain stabbed him in the back.)

[blm]

34. Biden said that HE was the one who suggested to McCain that he should run

with Kerry. Media got it all wrong AGAIN, and spun it against Kerry as per Rove's advisement.

[karynnj]

37. Thanks BLM

I knew that Senator Kerry said he wouldn't give any hints or any names until it was a done deal several times, There was even an interview on one of the cable shows with a Kerry daughter, where they asked her - and she said that though she wouldn't say if she knew, she had no idea because Senator Kerry didn't even tell her.

I would imagine that a bi-partisan ticket couldn't work. The main benefit of being VP, is an increased likelihood of being the candidaet in 8 years if the ticket wins (or heaven forbid, the President died). There is no way that happens in the first case. Also with McCain, he would be way too old. Also, Senator Kerry and McCain had a pretty narrow area that they agreed on and huge areas where they disagree. McCain's comment that he could also be secretary of Defense was crazy as they really had opposite plans - and a President Kerry wouldn't give that up.

Biden really had a big mouth if he thought it would be a good idea and planted it, because it really hurt Senator Kerry. MCCain added to the problem by propigating the story and being (the obvious) source of the Newsweek story printed after the election - saying that Senator Kerry started shouting at him. (which really seems out of character) After the election, this was nothing but character assignation of a man who defended him he needed it at a point where he had just had a life time dream shattered. McCain is beneath contempt.

Note: The use of title was done to show respect only where it was due.

[catmother]

21. i like the part where he says "i have been around long enough

......" in my estimation senator, you've been around too long.

[John_H]

22. Don't worry. obama's response letter is

currently going through the laborious process of being vetted by some of the same people who vetted the Dem convention speeches. It will soon appear....well, nowhere, but it will be very good.

[Pirate Smile]

23. It has already been sent and is up on his website.

http://obama.senate.gov/letter/060206-sen_obama_and_sen_mccain_exchange_letters_on_ethics_reform/index.html

All three letters are up.

The latest - Obama's response to McCain's letter:

"February 6, 2006

The Honorable John McCain
United States Senate
241 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear John:

During my short time in the U.S. Senate, one of the aspects about this institution that I have come to value most is the collegiality and the willingness to put aside partisan differences to work on issues that help the American people. It was in this spirit that I approached you to work on ethics reform, and it was in this spirit that I agreed to attend your bipartisan meeting last week. I appreciated then - and still do appreciate - your willingness to reach out to me and several other Democrats.

For this reason, I am puzzled by your response to my recent letter. Last Wednesday morning, you called to invite me to your meeting that afternoon. I changed my schedule so I could attend the meeting. Afterwards, you thanked me several times for attending the meeting, and we left pledging to work together.

As you will recall, I told everyone present at the meeting that my caucus insisted that the consideration of any ethics reform proposal go through the regular committee process. You didn't indicate any opposition to this position at the time, and I wrote the letter to reiterate this point, as well as the fact that I thought S. 2180 should be the basis for a bipartisan solution.

I confess that I have no idea what has prompted your response. But let me assure you that I am not interested in typical partisan rhetoric or posturing. The fact that you have now questioned my sincerity and my desire to put aside politics for the public interest is regrettable but does not in any way diminish my deep respect for you nor my willingness to find a bipartisan solution to this problem.


Sincerely,

Barack Obama
United States Senator"

[radio4progressives]

25. why is this getting so much attention here on du?

am i missing something? is there something exceptionally interesting and news worthy about this?

[Disturbed]

26. "John McCain, Hypocrite "

John McCain, Hypocrite
by Doug Ireland

John McCain, the media's darling, has found a clever way around his own campaign finance reform law to take big corporate bucks in furtherance of his political ambitions while carrying water for the corporate mammoth providing the dough. But the national press is ignoring the story.


The Associated Press first ran the story of John McCain's odorous but lucrative Senatorial service to the communications giant Cablevision on the afternoon of March 7. But, while some local papers in McCain's home state (like the East Valley Tribune) have run the story, nothing has as yet made it into the print editions of the New York Times, the L.A. Times, the Washington Post, or any of the half-dozen other big city dailies I checked (although, if one searches the hundreds of AP stories available on the Post's website on its Politics page by clicking on "Latest Wire Reports," one can find it there--but how many readers would bother to do that?) One notable exception: the Kansas City Star.


Here's what the AP's investigation found:


McCain repeatedly intervened on behalf of a policy Cablevision favored -- one which "congressional and private studies conclude could make cable more expensive" -- while his chief political adviser, Rick Davis (who's masterminding McCain's probable '08 presidential rerun) solicited $200,000 in contributions from Cablevision to an institute that promotes McCain and pays Davis a $110,000 annual salary.


The Reform Institute was set up to promote McCain and his issues--especially campaign finance reform, embodied in the famous McCain-Feingold law. This Institute is "a tax-exempt group that touts McCain's views and has showcased him at events since his unsuccessful 2000 presidential campaign," and it "often uses the senator's name in press releases and fund-raising letters and includes him at press conferences," the AP says. And, of course, it provides a cushy sinecure with no heavy lifting for McCain's main man, Davis, as he prepares the pontificating Senator's next presidential run. Cablevision's contributions account for a whopping 15% of the Institute's budget.


http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0309-35.htm

[karynnj]

27. Because it is something that could impact 2008

This may be the type of thing that could lessen the attractiveness of McCain - his real personality. Somehow the media concocted the idea that he is nice, friendly honest and open minded - when he isn't. He is our strongest opponent this temper tantrum if repeated will have an affect I hope.

[Darkhawk32]

28. Here is the comment I left (don't know if it actually got on though).

"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."

[kayice]

33. Well said, Darkhawk.

[mtnsnake]

30. Split personality 2-faced BigBaby John McCain should just STFU

What a fucking jackass!!

[Withywindle]

35. And another Dem-smearing meme is introduced!

That's how they slip the talking points in, folks. One prominent Democrat, one simple unflattering idea about that person gets brought up and reinforced and repeated.

Just like Hillary is "angry" now, and Dean is "unstable" and Kerry is "elite" or "wishy-washy", Obama will be "insincere." It's always something they can hang on that person based on very superficial things, and it relates to Karl Rove's idea of attacking your opponents based on their strengths, not their weaknesses.

Just like Hillary's drive and amibition, Dean's honesty and energy, Kerry's intelligence and experience and methodical thinking all got turned into their negative stereotypes, so they'll try to use Obama's charisma and sophistication against him (and it'll work, to an audience who thinks the essence of "sincerity" is someone clears brush on a fake ranch and talks with a fake Texas accent, and that using words of more than two syllables correctly is a sign of effete elitism.)

[JudyM]

36. Once again, the rethug outrage overshadows the dem response

and the stickier take-away for the public is that dems can't be trusted, even this new fresh faced guy who outwardly appears to have integrity. Way to smear him, McKaine. You've learned the game well from Rove.

[Rambis]

38. JM is insane and has a black baby

Fuck you John! go kiss more bush arse

[LittleClarkie]

39. WHAT?!

For a minute there, I thought I was back in Campaign 2000, where the Bush gang took the fact that McCain adopted a baby from Bangledesh and turned it into a whisper campaign about how McCain had gotten a black woman pregnant and that this was his illegitimate black baby.

Dude, we're better than that.

[Rambis]

43. that is what Bush said during his primary against JM

so it is nothing that hasn't been said by his own party. And he kisses bushes arse after that? He deserves all the schite he gets. Obama found out what a pig he is. Some people on here thought he was the dems friend guess again.

[0007]

40. Give me some help please!

I bitch slapped him so hard, and it didn't faze the young senator!

[Toots]

41. n politics the public interest isn't always a priority for every one of us

Well Duhhh. We know you well..but surprised you would admit it so easily.

[Auntie Bush]

42. Revived meme...McCain is Angry! nt

[xkenx]

44. Poor widdle Johnny McCain, his feelings are hurt, BOO FUCKIN' HOO

That Bush Ho has lost any respect he might have had by sucking up to the very people who so outrageously smeared him in the 2000 primaries. Just because McCain says moderate things once in a while does not make him a moderate. Richard Nixon was a liberal by comparison. Dems shouldn't give this RWer the time of day. His voting record is 90% RW. And he's a hypocrite to boot, going on about campaign finance reform, then campaigning in CA for Arnold SchwartzeRENEGER's misguided initiatives funded with gobs of money from Arnold's big business pals. Dems don't be seen or heard within two counties of this whore. Ptui!

[marions ghost]

46. John McPain is a

bullying, puffed-up, condescending, bloviating, brow-beating

...freak

and this letter proves that

[hvn_nbr_2]

47. He should have written the last paragraph to GWB after South Carolina ...

primary.