Posted on 02/26/2008 11:37:45 AM PST by indcons
CINCINNATI (AP) — Republican John McCain quickly denounced the comments of a radio talk show host who while warming up a campaign crowd referred repeatedly to Barack Hussein Obama and called the Democrat a "hack, Chicago-style" politician.
Hussein is Obama's middle name, but talk show host Bill Cunningham used it three times as he addressed the crowd before the likely Republican nominee's appearance.
"Now we have a hack, Chicago-style Daley politician who is picturing himself as change. When he gets done with you, all you're going to have in your pocket is change," Cunningham said as the audience roared.
The time will come, Cunningham added, when the media will "peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama" and tell the truth about his relationship with indicted fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko and how Obama got "sweetheart deals" in Chicago.
McCain wasn't on stage nor in the building when Cunningham made the comments, but he quickly distanced himself from them and the talk show host after finishing his speech. McCain spoke to a couple hundred people at Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati.
"I apologize for it," McCain told reporters, addressing the issue before they had a chance to ask the Arizona senator about Cunningham's comments.
"I did not know about these remarks but I take responsibility for them. I repudiate them," he said. "My entire campaign I have treated Senator Obama and Senator (Hillary Rodham) Clinton with respect. I will continue to do that throughout this campaign.
McCain called both Democrats "honorable Americans" and said "I want to dissociate myself with any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them."
Asked whether the use of Obama's middle name — the same as former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein — is proper, McCain said: "No, it is not. Any comment that is disparaging of either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama is totally inappropriate."
McCain said he didn't know who decided to allow Cunningham to speak but said he was sure it was in coordination with his campaign. He said he didn't hear the comments and has never met Cunningham, but "I will certainly make sure that nothing like that happens again.
Sounds like simple triangulation in order to avoid upsetting the “undecideds” (i.e. those barely paying attention) while reaping the benefits of firing up some of his base with a little red meat. Seems like a realistic tactic for the type of campaign he seems to be running.
Based on your post...it doesn’t take much to make conservatives feel foolish....looks like you get worked up over the little stuff......
McCain did the right thing for this point in the race..he showed class and grace.....McCain’s a consumate politician and will “unload” at the appropriate time....and you can take THAT to the bank!
It does raise an interesting issue, which is shouldn't a Christian adopt a Christian name, just as many blacks took moslem names when they converted?
Disgust should be spent on the REAL enemy...which is the Democrats....you guys look the like “Keystone Cops” attacking a guy for being polite and diplomatic...you sound like ranting, frothing, “Fringe” Nut Cases.
I see...so you WANT McCain to sound like Hillary at this point in the campaign......m-m-m...interesting tactic...NOT
No, that is a full house for a mccpain event.
Though I do not like McCain, I am forced to agree. He is showing some class here.
Let the Dems tear each other apart in their primary, but stay above the fray. No reason to get in the mud so early.
It doesn’t matter, I’m not voting for him anyway.
This is one of the many reasons I despise McCain and will never vote for him. He always finds it necessary to stick up for his Democratic buddies. You would never hear leftists McCain stick up for a Conservative under any circumstances.
Senator McCain has always been considered the least likeable of all the G.O.P. candidates and the one with the heaviest baggage of political negatives. When the Republican establishment is confronted with the cold fact that if the party nominates McCain, all efforts to win the presidency will be in vain. It will be forced to “broker” the leftist McCain into oblivion where he rightfully belongs.
Easy there, Newb.
Willie on Hannity now!!!!
My sentiments exactly. Attack Obama on his record and his ideas - there is more than enough there to use. Pointing out his middle name over and over again, as if that is all that needs to be said...*wink* *wink*, comes off as juvenile and turns people off.
Very few Republicans in Cincinnati disagree with Bill Cunningham. He is a cult hero here of legendary proportions. McKook made mistake number 3451 today.
It is not about being dirty or “as dirty” or anything like that. It is about truth. This tendency of opponents to look for dirt may be ugly on the surface, but it serves the public in the end as long as the truth wins out.
It is still possible that McCain will face Hillary in the fall (provided he ever actually wins the nomination). If the race is Hillary vs. McCain, looks to me like McCain will be the woman in the race.
This sounds like standard stuff for a radio guy. You don’t get successful in that business by being PC.
I’ll bet there are tons of examples of this on the campaign trail on all sides.
Obama and Michelle, however, are making the offensive remarks all by themselves with no introduction needed, however.
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