McCain blames Obama for Wright issue

[jefferson_dem]

Source: Politico

McCain blames Obama for Wright issue

Here's a new angle from McCain, at an avail today, at which he said, more or less, that he didn't plan to attack Obama on Wright, but that Obama -- by calling the question "legitimate" -- had legitimized it.

It's a move either clever, or too cute, depending on how you see it -- but it'll serve to keep the story in the news, and to signal surrogates that it's more than fair game.

He's also showed a detailed knowledge of the story.

I've stated my position very clearly that I don't like the ad. I was interested that this morning Senator Obama said that it was a legitimate political issue. If he believes that, then it will probably be a political issue. I saw yesterday some additional comments that have been revealed by Pastor Wright, one of them comparing the United States Marine Corps with Roman legionnaires who were responsible for the death of our Savior. I mean being involved in that -- it's beyond belief. And then of course saying that Al Qaeda and the American Flag were the same flags.

So I can understand -- I can understand why the American people are upset about this. I can understand that Americans viewing these kinds of comments are angry and upset, just like they viewed Senator Obama's statements about why people turn to their faith and their values. He believes that it's out of economic concerns, when we all know that it's out of fundamental belief, fundamental faith in this country and its values and its principles. Again, Senator Obama is out of touch. I can't control and will not in the future control. I will voice my opinion and I will continue to think and to say that I think that ad should not be run. But I won't continue to try to be the referee here.

He was asked whether he'd shifted to viewing the question as legitimate:

I have said that I will not have any comment on it and that because I thought and I believe that Senator Obama does not share those views. But Sen. Obama himself says it's a legitimate political issue, so I would imagine that many other people will share that view, and it will be in the arena. But my position that Senator Obama doesn't share those views remains the same.

Responds Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan:

By sinking to a level that he specifically said he'd avoid, John McCain has broken his word to the American people and rendered hollow his promise of a respectful campaign. With each passing day, John McCain acts more and more like someone who's spent twenty-six years learning the divisive, distracting tactics of Washington. That's not the change that the American people are looking for.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0408/McCain_blames_Obama_for_Wright_issue.html#comments

[sharesunited]

1. McCain has been taking too much heat from conservatives lately

for supposedly trying to muzzle them rather than join in their hyenaiac chorus.

Appearing to take the high road seemed like a good idea at first. But when your own surrogates turn on you, it's time to cave.

[madrchsod]

3. the ron paul factor in the republican party has them worried

he could easily pull 5% of the vote.

[Vinca]

2. Well, let's talk about Pastor Hagee then. nt

[NJmaverick]

4. McLaim better watch his step, Wright WAS a Marine

McLaim only knew how to crash jets for the Navy

[Supersedeas]

8. Kerry was a war hero too -- but the surrogates still got the green light from the Pubby elite

[badgervan]

5. Gotta Love the Rethugs.....

.... say one thing on Friday; say the exact opposite on Saturday. Rinse and repeat. The MSM won't call them out on their absolute horseshit, and they especially won't call out McMedia himself.
P.S. Just kidding about loving the rethugs. I despise them for what they have done to our country.

[Sam Ervin jret]

6. Sen. McCain breaking his word is something we should all be use to by now.

Imagine Obama saying people turning to their faith in times of economic trouble! Next he'll be saying people turn to their faith when they have a crisis in their health!

It's not ike they have churches in hospitals and stuff, or churches that reach out to the poor.

[cstanleytech]

7. What sucks is I was actually rooting for McCain

over Bush years ago.
If it had been Mccain vs Gore I might even have voted for a republican for the whitehouse for a change but with his flip flopping over to embracing the far right and embracing Bush I wont and that does not even count his embracing the war in Iraq which really ticked me off.