Behind McCain's Blast At Bush Over the War

Time.com ^ | 24 August 2006 | JAMES CARNEY

[Aussie Dasher]

John McCain has been President Bush's indispensable political ally on the war in Iraq. So what was the Arizona senator and top-shelf 2008 presidential contender up to yesterday in Ohio when he unloaded on the Bush Administration's handling of the war in a speech that, with a few tweaks, could have been delivered by an anti-war Democrat? "I think one of the biggest mistakes we made was underestimating the size of the task and the sacrifices that would be required," McCain said. "Stuff happens, mission accomplished, last throes, a few dead-enders," he went on, citing some of the, ah, less-than-accurate assessments of the Iraq venture made over the years by the President, Vice President and secretary of defense. That kind of overly optimistic talk, McCain said, "has contributed enormously to the frustration that Americans feel today because they were led to believe this could be some kind of day at the beach, which many of us fully understood from the beginning would be a very, very difficult undertaking." Several factors are at work here. First, McCain was speaking at a campaign event for fellow Senator Mike DeWine, who needs all the help he can get in his uphill re-election battle. DeWine is the perfect example of the kind of incumbent Republican who would win in a normal mid-term election year but will likely be swept away if anti-Bush, anti-GOP, anti-war sentiment turns voters towards Democrats this fall. Republicans are in trouble for a lot of reasons this year, but Iraq is the biggest. By criticizing Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld on Iraq, McCain was trying to help DeWine, who desperately needs to distance himself from an unpopular president and unpopular war. But McCain had another, more personal agenda.

[Aussie Dasher]

Let's face it: McCain will say or do ANYTHING if he thinks there is a vote in it!

[Patrick1]

You have to give Carney credit. His analysis is completely wrong.

[South40]

Let's face it: McCain will say or do ANYTHING if he thinks there is a vote in it!

Ironically, the more he says the less votes he's likely to get.

[Txsleuth]

I would love to have ONE freeper tell me why McCain should get ANY votes in the primary...let alone the nomination for POTUS...

I can't think of one...and that pretty much puts him down in the catagory that John F'n Kerry was in in 2004.

[Shermy]

How about this one...

"""when he unloaded on the Bush Administration's handling of the war in a speech that, with a few tweaks, could have been delivered by an anti-war Democrat?"""

So wrong, an anti-war Democrat would never focus on the mishadling of the aftermath, and don't. Condi gave them an wide opening when she admitted "thousands" of mistakes were made. The anti-war Dems can't use that because to question the handling of the aftermath doesn't question the initiation of the war.

[massfreeper]

"Let's face it: McCain will say or do ANYTHING if he thinks there is a vote in it!"


Hmmm... there's a word for someone like him...

Oh yeah, whore!

[lormand]

Always expect a RINO to trash up the place when Bush's poll numbers go up.

It's just too good to leave alone politically, so these political "turds in the punch bowl" have to give the RATS something to chew on.

[Jeff Gordon]

I would love to have ONE freeper tell me why McCain should get ANY votes in the primary

Because there are a lot of Democrates and other liberals who would vote for him in the POTUS race?

[tobyhill]

Bush beat McLame in '02 because Bush had a message where McLame is a political opportunist. I wouldn't expect everyone agree with Bush but one thing he's always been in consistent and never did he claim this was going to be easy.

[new yorker 77]

Let's see.

Bush's Approval rising.

The GOP is dominating the Dems in raising cash.

Dem challengers are faltering.

Terrorism is in the forefront.

So what is the instinct of a solid conservative at this time?

Answer: Whore yourself for the MSM by stabbing the President and the GOP in the back and giving the media an excuse to forget about the LIBS in disarray in order to write even more stories about a GOP in turmoil.

Really, only a selfish asshole would do this. No real conservative would do this.

Typical McCain - A fraud who will never get my vote.

[Soul Seeker]

Maybe if DeWine hadn't screwed his constituents by sabotaging the end of the judicial filibuster, they might be more enthused to vote for him.

As for McCain, since when is the author of a Bill of Rights for terrorists an "indispensible" ally in the WOT?

[toddlintown]

"Behind McCain's Blast At Bush Over the War"

Ah, he want's to attract votes?

Next.

[new yorker 77]

McCain is a self-seving ass.

He is a political moron.

He is a media whore.

I detest him and I know I am not alone.

[toddlintown]

"McCain is a self-seving ass.

He is a political moron.

He is a media whore."

I agree, just like most of D.C.

[Izzy Dunne]

John McCain has been President Bush's indispensable political ally

Sorry, I find it hard to get past this part.

Anybody got any evidence of this?

[malia]

Todays ... regarding comments made by McCain...

WHITE HOUSE PRESSER WITH TONY SNOW (WHO IS ON VACATION WITH SUB BY MS. PERINO)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1688630/posts

Q Senator McCain, in his comments yesterday, said that the American people had been led to believe by the administration that the Iraq war would be a "day at the beach." Does that concern the White House? Do you feel that you're losing support among Republicans?

MS. PERINO: I think it's important to look back at what President Bush has said from the beginning. If you look at what he has said, starting even in March of 2003, that, "Helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable, and free country will require our sustained commitment." Throughout the year, since we've been in Iraq, he has called it -- he has said that it is difficult work to do, going to require sacrifice and patience, prevailing in Iraq is going to require much more tough fighting, it's going to require more sacrifice, and he's thankful for the sacrifices that the military and military families are making.

It's puzzling to me that McCain's comments yesterday are getting so much attention today when if you look over the past couple of months, Senator McCain has made similar comments. He is a Senator who is not shy about sharing his views. That's one of the reasons he is such a unique figure in American politics, and also one of the most popular. And he shares, however, a commitment with the President that we win Iraq, and he understands the struggle that we're in. The President appreciates his support.

The President has never made the comments that you referred to. Any time that the President has felt a need to acknowledge mistakes in the war on Iraq, he has done so. And other members of his administration, they can speak for themselves. And I know that the Vice President has repeatedly been asked about comments that he's made in the past, and he's answered them. So I don't understand why we're going back over all this ground now.

Q Well, perhaps because support for the war seems to be slipping, it's down at a new low point in the latest polling, and may reflect concern for the political year that we're in.

MS. PERINO: I think if you look at what the President said on Monday, this is tough work that we're doing in Iraq, and criticism is part of our system of government and certainly a part of when you take tough action and when you are stalwart in your action. We're aware of the polls, and the President said on Monday, of course, you want people in America to support your positions. You've seen him out talking about it. His administration is going to continue to explain to the American people the situation that we're in, the struggle that we face and how important it is that we win.

[butternut_squash_bisque]

Well put, m; I agree 101%. He's cowardly, treasonous, lying, pandering, lowlife garbage.

[JHBowden]

Which side is McCain on?

His own, evidently.

[drhogan]

that's a really awful thing to say about anyone who has fought for America.

[MPJackal]

McCain is a self-serving, ego-maniacal, media whore. He will say anything to get his name in the paper. An absolute piece of Sh@t. I really don't know if I could vote for him.....even against Hitlery.

I am still so disappointed in the GOP for wasting the last 6 years. Never have so many, with so much, done so little.

[sam_paine]

Re: McPain....

...on how frightening it would be for this nutter to have his finger on the nuke button every day if he won.

MR. RUSSERT: During--before you go, last week, you talked about people raising your temper as an issue. I read an interview you gave Fortune magazine, "You lose battles in politics. I do get good and angry. Really angry! By God, I'm not going to let them beat me again. I don't like to lose."
SEN. McCAIN: I was laughing when I said that and I was joking. I spend every day saying to myself, "Stay calm. Stay cool. Be passionate. But neither get angry nor personal." And that--those are two important lessons that I've learned over the years. I spent a lot of time burning bridges early in my political campaign, but--political life. Now I work to try to build bridges.

---John McCain, Meet The Press, April 2, 2006.

---

[mkjessup]

that's a really awful thing to say about anyone who has fought for America.

Wake up and wise up Doc, any good that McPain might have done while in uniform has been UNdone by his treasonous assault upon the Constitution, upon YOUR right and MY right to say what we please (referring to the obscene McPain-Foolsgold legislation), McPain has proven time and time again that when the rubber meets the road, he sells out our President for his own political ends. McPain was all too eager to embrace his Communist captors, and that is why you never see a post about McPain without seeing a reference to the "Manchurian Candidate".

As for my comment being "really awful"?

John F'in Kerry allegedly "fought" for America, and he is a traitor. John McCain calls Kerry his "good friend".

Now connect the damn dots.

I make no apologies whatsover for speaking the truth.

[shield]

Of course, he will. SHAME ON HIM...

[texson66]

[webheart]

that's a really awful thing to say about anyone who has fought for America.

Didn't Benedict Arnold once fight for America? How about Murtha, how about Kerry (well maybe not actually fought)? Having fought for America does not make one holy.

[Ikemeister]

I had the great fortune to receive two communications from McCain's "Straight Talk America" Pac this week. One, a mailing with a voter poll that solicited contributions, was returned to them blank packed with the now famous "Here's my contribution" Pesos. I took great pleasure in stuffing that envelope with heavy paper, especially because of the little message on the envelope that said "your first class stamp here will save us needed resources". A few days later, I got a call from the same bunch asking if they could put me down for a $300 donation. At last! I finally got a chance to unload my thoughts on McCain's treasonous actions in support of illegal immigration!

[Gator113]

McLame can kiss my Red, White and Blue a$$.

[JRjr]

He's a Republican Jimmy Carter.

[okie01]

Let's face it: McCain will say or do ANYTHING if he thinks there is a vote in it!

Actually, "McCain say or do ANYTHING if he thinks there" is some media attention in it.

He conflates the MSM with the GOP base.

Consequently, there were no votes in what he said.

[dk/coro]

South 40, I shudder every time this political miscreant opens his mouth.

I consider that McCain has betrayed his Naval Service and the proud (and distinguished) McCain family heritage by his craven utterances.

I had the honor of knowing his father very well; and the Admiral would be turning in his grave in shame for the conduct of his pathetically egocentric son.

Shame ! Indeed.

[South40]

I shudder to think I actually supported the man in the 2000 primary. Thankfully, he did not get the nomination.

John Sidney McCain II was a far better man and American. We can only hope he has no idea what a complete buffoon has become of his son.

[MizSterious]

I'll vote for McCain when the sun comes up in the west, and not a day before. His latest stunt makes me even less likely to vote for him than ever. If it's McCain v. a 'Rat, I might just stay home.

[Tzimisce]

[SandwicheGuy]

I detest him and I know I am not alone.

Don't forget to mention that he doesn't wash his hands after he takes a whiz... Every time I see him shaking hands I remember this. What a Manchurian Candidate... probably learned that in captivity along with his unsavory politics.

[Bommer]

I would love to have ONE freeper tell me why McCain should get ANY votes in the primary...let alone the nomination for POTUS...

Sure this is why. TO SAVE THE STRAWBERRIES!!!!!

[Coldwater Creek]

Let's see just what did McCain do for his country?

John managed to get his plane blown up on the deck of his carrier, fly one mission and on the second get himself shot down and captured, give the enemy the location of our Navy. Sound's like a real hero to me.

[Christian4Bush]

John McCain --a great American, a lousy senator, and a terrible Republican.

(borrowed from Hugh Hewitt)

[bandleader]

I don't remember"W"describing the War Against Terror as a"cakewalk"!

[SandwicheGuy]

that's a really awful thing to say about anyone who has fought for America.

So did General Benedict Arnold, as I recall, and look what we say about him. Read up on the Stockholm Syndrome and his treatment of his fellow comrades in arms over the years for a better idea of his personality. And he never led troops or fought man to man, just flew a plane quite badly. He almost blew up one of our carriers due to his carelessness. In all, he was and is a better asset to our enemies than he ever was to us.

[SandwicheGuy]

I make no apologies whatsover for speaking the truth.

Yeah, is that right? Now tell your wife that dress makes her butt look fat! That shows REAL courage of conviction, yeah?

But you tell it like is is about that shameless has-been. Every time I see him speak I have to change the channel but not before this feeling of, well, the same feeling I get on seeing a mangy dog belonging to a bad neighbo... Can't help it, but you still feel a little sorry for it, and you want to turn your eyes away.

[Suzy Quzy]

Get real....Tim McVeigh ALSO fought for America!!

[popdonnelly]

McCain retains his title as the Democrats' favorite Republican.

[popdonnelly]

"I agree, just like most of D.C."

Ah, D.C. Home of a few people who are actually important, and tens of thousands who think they are important.

[A CA Guy]

You have to watch your back with McCain, so he has zero change of being President of anything more than maybe CAIR.

[Prost1]

Let's see....support for Mike DeWine, Republican....

And the Democrat opponent is - Mike DeWine!

Now we have a winner!

[drhogan]

i remember when soldiers came back from viet nam and how upset they were by some americans-who stayed safe at home-calling them "baby killers".
some of the comments on this thread remind me of those days.

[drhogan]

quite a few of the comments to my post seem really bizarre.

it's one thing to disagree with another person's political viewpoint--it's another thing to wish they had been killed in viet nam.

if you don't like mccain, don't vote for him. i am not a big fan of his. but anyone who flew missions over viet nam and got shot down does not deserve some of the comments on this thread.

[drhogan]

i don't think i said that mccain is "holy".
but to wish that he had gotten killed in viet nam is a bit strange.

[drhogan]

i would like to know just how many of the people who are calling him a traitor spent time in a hanoi prison.