Obama Adviser: Barack "Doesn't Go On TV And Have Crying Fits"

The advisor, retired Gen. Merrill A. "Tony" McPeak, said in a telephone interview that Obama has "real gravitas, not artificially created, focus-grouped, poll-directed, rehearsed gravitas."

He also said Obama "doesn't go on television and have crying fits; he isn't discovering his voice at the age of 60" -- references to Clinton's much-publicized show of emotion during the New Hampshire primary campaign and her speech after winning the contest in which she declared that she had "found my voice."

McPeak later retracted his remarks, and the Obama camp disassociated itself from them. [...]

An Obama campaign aide was on the line during the interview. Minutes later, McPeak called back to say he regretted his remarks and that he has "high regard" for Hillary Clinton.

He also expressed concern that "some of those loose-lips-will-sink-ships quotes will be the big story."

In an email, the Obama campaign said McPeak's words "crossed the line" and that Obama "strongly disagrees with these comments and apologizes on behalf of the campaign."

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Comments

[swoosie1]

The biggest dopes are the MOVEON folks, who endorse Obama, even when he screws them over on a vote. They endorse him when he never had the COURAGE to vote for them in the Senate, when confronted with censure, because it was HARD and might have OFFENDED. It was Barack Obamam who once again, missed another politically dicey vote--this one--an easy one about free speech-- on whether to condemn MoveOn for its ad blasting General Petraeus, according to the vote's roll call.

At the same time, however, Obama was indeed present for the votethat came just moments before the MoveOn one. He voted for the Boxer measure condemning the attack on Petraeus and all other members of the military.

The vote he missed on MoveOn, of course, was the far more difficult one politically -- voting for it could make life complicated in the Dem primary by alienating the powerful group and its supporters, while voting against it could conceivably be used against him in a general election. Meanwhile, the vote for the Boxer measure is explainable, since it's a condemnation of all political attacks on military figures. Of course, there could perfectly well be a genuine scheduling explanation, too.

Hillary took a hard stand and voted AGAINST the anti-MoveOn reso -- Hillary doing so even when under assault from Republicans for not condemning the group. Come on folks, let's get real, the guy is a light weight when under pressure and is not prepared to handle the hard calls.

[uheardme]

The general is right. The clintonites need to grow up.

[Zhonni]

I am more than disappointed in Clinton supporters. It is clear that the General said something he should not have said and the Obama camp appologized on behalf of the General and he did the same as well.

What else do you want?

I read a comment about Obama being a spoiled brat. Another, how Obama supporters are like a cult. You have just got to be losing it to think or say such a thing. Obama is not a messiah, not the chosen one, but he will certainly do a better job bringing the country together and is the best general election candidate we have.

For those who keep touting Sen. Clinton's experience, Obama actually has more legislative experience than she does, that's a fact.

[godlessclif]

I don't like the Obama's logo.

It looks like the Rolling Stones logo only Mick Jagger's tongue has the American flag painted on it.

[raptor]

McPeak probably cried more in ROTC. My wife and I watched the so-called crying on several repeats. Baloney.

[StephenDedalus82]

He can use the same talking point against Mitt Romney!

[apresdeluge]

Obama is a spoiled brat. His statement (made twice in the course of a week)that Hillary's supporters will vote for him but his supporters "may not" vote for Hillary is outrqageous. If Hillary had said that she would be crucified in the media; especially on HuffPost. I have not seen one reference to either time he said this on HuffPost. It is a devisive statement that encourages his supporters to bash Hillary. It will backfire on him as well it should especially since his message is supposed to be "unity". Hypocrisy of the highest order.

[tkennedy]

Give 'em hell Obama. I will speak at any of your rallies in bad spanish. Viva la Raza!

[rh654]

Hillary is 60 years old - and yeah - it is pretty funny that she is now "discovering" her voice - what the hell happened during all of those years of "experience"?

And the crying - dear lord - that last thing I want to see is a leader crying unless they are carting dead bodies by the Leader - not because she saw her bid for the Presidency not be pre-ordained.

[dgscol]

We haven't seen anything like this since Ma Ferguson.
Sad, sad.

[jadez]

someone tells the truth about fake hillary and the wankers want to compare that to her racist remarks. shame on you "butch" types and you backward boys.

[ginnypoo]

This attitude that it is still somehow okay to bash women, and negate their emotions as being systemicly bad is what makes me think women and gays would be well warned to take a closer look....wh­en Obama was confronted about a re-programmer of gay men being involved in his campaign they respond with a Oops, sorry, didn't mean it. When asked about something they disparage Hillary as an emotional woman, then return and say Oops, sorry, didn't mean it. When asked how/why is voting Present making a stand, then saying Oops, sorry, didn't mean it. When asked about voting against a previous stand on an issue, you return with Oops, sorry didn't mean it. This is unacceptable on many levels, and seems to be becoming a pattern of behavior. One I find very telling. I worry about what else he will do, and then say Oops, sorry, didn't mean it. I don't want to find out.

[Parkhurst]

Disgusting and hateful speech. He should be immediately fired. How come this disgusting behavior gets a small headline here but Bill Clinton saying Barack's statement on his position on the war were a fairy tail is racism and gets a week of headline coverage?

What, are women to be relegated to the kitchen again? This is Obama's campaign, he hired this bigot and he wont apologize. The fish rots from the head. This arrogant man thinks he and his gang of hateful bullies should just be allowed to humiliate women at will.

There's no reason why any woman should vote for this misogynist throw-back. How dare he smirk and look down on women. He insulted Hillary when she tried to shake her hand, He humiliated her at the second debate. What a chauvinist pig. It's back to the fifties if he ever gets power.

Women, we need to come together to fight this discrimination. Don't let this "man" bully you.

[santafenm]

It's too bad that both the BO and HRC supporters can't stop the squabbling and look at the opportunity and hope around the corner.

Yes, Bill Clinton has said some obnoxious things- as have some of HRC's supporters­...but clearly they are not alone. Senator Obama has been cold and arrogant at times- as has his wife. The teflon is peeling, and that ain't good.

The community is splintering- blacks, whites, young, old, asians, latinos...­and comments that "our" supporters won't support the other candidate are unbelievably stupid and shortsight­ed.. Do we want a republican as president for 4 more years?

Let the chips fall where they may- but this all out frontal assault against looking for the best, and hoping for a better tomorrow is very sad. It takes 2 to tango- both are at fault.

As an Independent I'm still hoping for the dream ticket including the two leading candidates- with 2 brilliant minds finally running the country. And two brilliant spouses supporting them.

[dr4Will]

ali-bama and his scum friends continue the dirt throwing--typical of low lifers and bottom feeders---ask Rezko in Chicago--the butt kissing media won't--Read Kass in the Chicago Tribune--he is the Truth on ali-bama