Barack Obama to John McCain: I have a deep respect for you

[rinsd]

In response, Obama sent a letter back to McCain, saying he was "puzzled" by McCain's reaction and insisting he still supported a bipartisan approach to ethics reform.

"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," Obama wrote.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/07/mccain.obama/index.html

Since Obama-holes are playing, let's play

[calteacherguy]

1. What a great, statesmanlike response from Obama! K&R!

Obama supporters, please recommend this thread! :toast:

[rodeodance]

yeah I saw that one about Hill---ha ha

[kurth]

2. Respect Republicans and seek bipartisan solutions

There is the secret recipe for ya.

[Evergreen Emerald]

17. He got the recipe from Pelosi. It doesn't work.

[sonroadera]

3. Too bad a Clinton presidency wouldn't be too far from a McCain presidency

And she even has her own Karl Rove in Bill Clinton.

[jackson_dem]

5. Clinton and Obama have the same record, same positions, same philosophy

[thunder rising]

14. Is this the introduction of "Clinton's Really Obama Lite?"

[sonroadera]

25. And they gave the same great anti-war speech in 2002

It is hard to tell which one was better.

[thunder rising]

12. Going to have to hang that quote on her like an Albotross

Going to have to hang that quote on her like the albatross.

The Clinton Presidency will not be to far from that of McCain.

[thunder rising]

4. It's called diplomacy. It's been out of vogue recently, but it is a method of accomplishing goals

without having to kill people. Hillary could learn a thing or two.

[calteacherguy]

8. Obama supporters, please recommend this thread!

It shows the Obama that America needs! A true statesman that will rise above partisan bickering to persuade others and find common ground!

[RC]

28. Diplomacy has worked real well for getting the repugs to see things our way

for the last 7 years. :sarcasm:

When are we going to learn you don't reach out to a rattle snake.

[Seen the light]

6. I know right? Obama should have told him to fuck off!

:eyes:

[MethuenProgressive]

7. Waitaminnit - Obamabots are saying Hillary's similar respect means she's "HITLER!1!1"

Man, it must really suck to be an Obamabot theses days...


edit: typo'd Obmamabot.

[Alexander]

16. Got any links or evidence of that on DU?

Once again it seems like you're writing checks your brain can't cash.

"Man, it must really suck to be an Obamabi=ot theses days..."

What's the equal sign for? Trying to call Obama supporters bigots? Ironic coming from someone who has Bill Richardson as their avatar - the same guy who said being gay is a "choice" and used a Spanish slur to refer to gay people.

[IndianaJones]

9. Obama pulling a McCain...with McCain. nt.

[Alexander]

10. Imagine that. Senators being respectful to each other. Hillary could learn from this.

[Radical Activist]

11. I'm sure voters appreciate that kind of effort and attitude.

Funny thing, people don't like to vote for jerks.

[geek tragedy]

13. K&R.

It shows Obama at his best--standing up for his party and his principles, getting under John McCain's skin, but behaving like a statesman and diplomat in trying to achieve positive results.

Have we converted you?

[saracat]

15. Yoo, Hoo Obama.Extend that hand across the aisle and they will bite it off.

I am telling ya, this bi partisan crap doesn't work.It takes two and the GOP will not meet halfway.It doesn't happen any more.That is a fantasy.

[madrchsod]

22. unless the democrats take 60 seats there will have to be deals.

[saracat]

27. But you don't start by capitulating.You negotiate through strength.

[babylonsister]

30. Get real. The letter was from February 2006. That's not 'capitulating', that's

smart.

[saracat]

33. That's a matter of opinion .We disagree but you are entitled.

[laugle]

18. And this

candidate is going to beat the rethugs.....I think not!!

[babylonsister]

19. Tsk, tsk. And now for the rest of the letter...context (which you "conveniently" left out)

is everything. :eyes: Also the letters that started this exchange, at this link:
http://obama.senate.gov/letter/060206-sen_obama_and_sen_mccain_exchange_letters_on_ethics_reform/

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

[Yael]

26. Oh noes!!1! He called him "honorable"!?

:P

[Terry_M]

20. Sigh...

Deep respect... For a weasel that constantly says one thing but does another... My respect for Obama just went down.

[stray cat]

21. I remember the incident: Obama looked dignified and gracious

and made McCain look petty. Wonder if he could do the same against McCain in the general election.

[LittleClarkie]

23. Proud Obama-hole

right here.

[Yael]

24. John Edwards statement of respect for McCain and Reagan

Oh wait -- it was OBAMA that said they were they party of ideas.

Nevermind!

[sunonmars]

29. While we are at it, Why is Obama taking Kerry's endorsement when

He voted the exact same way in the IWR vote that Hillary did.

Can we ask Obama supporters that please.

[cooolandrew]

31. For all our difference McCain has worked with Dems on issues so this is all he means.

[beachmom]

32. Totally dumbass attack. Have you heard of the niceties of the Senate?

Um, McCain was beyond LIVID at Obama, who wasn't going to let the Republicans co-opt ethics reform and water it down after being the most corrupt Congress ever. Obama didn't play ball, and got a very nasty note from McCain, for which Obama stated his case politely.