McCain Supporter Repeatedly Refers To Barack "Hussein" Obama

UPDATE: Bob Cunningham is now angry at McCain, and is questioning McCain's claim that he and Cunningham had never met:

Mr. Cunningham later posted a video on his Web site, asserting his right to free speech and referring to Mr. Obama as a "hack Chicago politician from the Daley political machine." He did not use Mr. Obama's middle name.

He added: "I'm angry at McCain. Why would John McCain repudiate me? I've been able to unite McCain and Obama against me. I might become a supporter of Ralph Nader."

The contretemps between Mr. McCain and Mr. Cunningham continued well into the evening, when Mr. Cunningham then announced that he was going to endorse Hillary Rodham Clinton. He also said, contrary to Mr. McCain's claim that he had never met Mr. Cunningham, that he had encountered the senator at an earlier Cincinnati fund-raiser. Mr. Cunningham said on CNN that he had twice met Mr. McCain, though he did not explain the circumstances.

Late Tuesday, the McCain campaign acknowledged that the men might have met.

"Senator McCain gave an honest answer," said Mark Salter, one of Mr. McCain's senior advisers. "He doesn't recall meeting him. He's at thousands of events. If Mr. Cunningham said he was at the fund-raiser, perhaps he was. He was one of 100,000 people McCain has shaken hands with this year."

At a John McCain town hall today, supporter and local talk radio host Bill Cunningham warmed up the crowd by making repeated reference to Barack Obama's middle name:

"At some point in the near future the media, the stooges from the New York Times, CBS (The Clinton Broadcasting System), NBC (The Nobody But Clinton Network), The All Bill Clinton Channel (ABC), and the Clinton News Network at some point is going to peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama," said controversial conservative commentator Bill Cunningham, an Ohio native.

"That day will come and then you'll know the truth about his business dealings with Rezko, when he got sweetheart deals in Chicago," he added, "and the illegal loans that he received, at some point the media will quit taking sides on this and maybe start covering Barack Hussein Obama the same way they covered Bush, the same way they covered Cheney, and they same way they cover every Republican."

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Cunningham also referred to Obama as "hack, Chicago-style politician," according to the Associated Press. Watch it here:

A History Of Attacks: Media Matters points out that the Cunningham has a history of referring to Obama as Barack Hussein Obama. In addition:

During his nationally syndicated radio talk show, Bill Cunningham repeatedly called Sen. Barack Obama, "Barack Mohammed Hussein Obama," even though "Mohammed" is not a part of Obama's name, saying at one point that "it would be a shock" if "Barack Mohammed Hussein Obama can be elected the president of this country in these difficult terrorist times." Cunningham also falsely claimed that Obama "was raised in madrassas in Indonesia" and falsely accused Obama's church of being "black separatist" and "black racist."

Portman Response: Rob Portman, a former Ohio Rep. who is being mentioned as a possible Vice Presidential candidate, followed Cunningham saying:

"Willie, you're out of control again. So, what else is new? But we love him," Portman said. "But I've got to tell you, Bill Cunningham lending his voice to this campaign is extremely important. He did it in 2000, he did it in 2004. It was crucial to victory then and it's even more important this year with his bigger radio audience. So, Bill Cunningham, thank you for lending your voice."

McCain Apologizes: John McCain issued an apology before reporters could ask him about the statements:

"I regret any comments that may be made about these two individuals who are honorable Americans, we just have strong philosophical differences, so I want to disassociate myself from any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them," he said, adding later that "I absolutely repudiate such comments, and again I will take responsibility it will never happen again. It will never happen again."

Obama Response: Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton offered this response:

"We appreciate Senator McCain's remarks. It is a sign that if there is a McCain-Obama general election, it can be intensely competitive but the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues."

Cunningham Disowns McCain: Cunningham was not pleased to hear McCain apologized for his behavior. When asked for comment, he replied:

"I've had it with McCain. I'm going to throw my support to Hillary Rodham Clinton."

Comments

[desmirl]

So Rob Portman, a possible Veep candidate, endorsed what Cunningham said. And the crowd cheered Cunningham's remarks. Good grief, what classy people these Republicans are.

[MamaBird62]

exactly

[vsign]

Obama's moonies act like the Republican loonies.

I was glad to see anyone - hello, anyone - put Obama in a place where the American VOTERS can evaluate their choices. We need to hear from both the left and the right. Obama is not a candidate who can unify when he squelches free speech. Obama is scarey when he pretends he is above conflict.

Conflict is resolved when we come together in the middle. Obama is so far left that he will be defeated in November.

[BrickSykes]

Sorry, Sonny, you're going to be disappoint­ed...You know why? No, you probably don't know why

Brick

[VSamuels]

Sort underscores your simplistic reasoning, when Cunningham chooses to use name-calling to make his point rather than discussing policy. And, that you and others here place such a premium on name-calling and demonization basically explains why the country has devolved into the mess under the current republican administration.

[chrisfromky]

Being from the Cincinnati area this is no surprise. Bill Cunningham, yes his name is Bill, not Bob like the moron who wrote this article called him in the first line of the story. Anyway Bill is a asshole, he says off the wall stuff all the time, just for ratings, he is in the entertainm­ent/politi­cal business. He is a local business owner and attorney, he is not a stupid or ignorant man. He was simply seeking ratings, and I bet he gets what he wanted and your all basically playing right into it. There will always be people like Bill Cunningham, just as there will always be Ann Coulters and Bill O'Reilly's get use to it people and don't be so shocked when they say stupid stuff. Not like Republicans are the only ones who say stupid shit anyway plenty of Democrats with the same problem.

[BrickSykes]

"...plenty of Democrats with the same problem."

Please name me five Cunningham counterparts from the Democrats. That is, you claim there are just as many Democratic Loudmouths as there are Republican Loudmouths like the ones you cite: Coulter, O'Reilly, etc.

Please, do name them...

Brick

[Backatcha]

these unsavory people exist in every walk of life ...the problem is why do fools and media owners give them a voice. People like this should be allowed to scream and rant all they want ...in a vacuum.

This was one of the most disgusting displays I have ever seen in what is supposed to be a civil thoughtful process. Nothing civil or thoughtful about this asshole

[Jonny38103]

Dollars and cents is the reason why. There are many stupid rednecks that listen to this crap every day. We should be boycotting any product that sponsors people like this man. The problem is there's a pretty exact audience that purchases chewin' tobacco, trailer tires, and shotgun shells. Meanwhile, see this for what it is - low class, ignorant, and hateful. It probably gets us more votes than it gets them.

[realistxxx]

I predict that this will be an Obama v. McCain GE and that the red meat available will be copious.

Race, Obama's name and muslim hate mongering, war, terrorism, economic disaster looming etc. etc. will all be driving extremism from the radical right.

The fear and hate cultivated by the republicans on the far right has reached a tipping point. These dogs of Hell will not be reigned in and because they dislike McCain's politics they will have nothing in their blackened hearts, but to attack Obama.

The feeding frenzy will be a disturbing and even a disgusting spectacle. In short, there will be many more Cunningham moments. I predict it will turn off the overwhelming majority of moderates regardless of party affiliation. Likewise, it will energize Democrats.

Therefore, if Obama (and his supporters) continue to remain cool customers, stay above the fray and not whine or rant like victims the Republicans are going down and going down big this fall. Not only will the extra chromosome set (*Bush I) of the Republican party turn off voters in the GE, but the effect on congressional races will also be dramatic.

Just my 2 cents.

[mrdontplay]

these morons will be playing around in the Klu klux klan suite regardles of who wins.

This what they do.

When did it become standard for the honest to make decisions based on what the dishonest does?

[vsign]

Maybe all of you supporting Obama need to support him without denigrating Hillary and Bill. If you could do that, I might listen to your arguments of support for Obama. Without that, I just see you all as rebellious children fighting dirty to get your way.

I have felt as many "dogs of hell" on Obama's side. The religious right and the religious left are wrong for this country.

[BrickSykes]

Who gives a shit if you "...might listen...?­"

You are ONE vote just like the rest of us. Only difference is you choose to join the "dogs of hell" and rant about this and that, yadda yadda,.... Most of it meaningless, like the rest of your ilk.

Go ahead, DON'T vote for Obama AND Hillary. And, please DO vote for McCain.

But, why don't you do it over on some of the Red Sites? They'll really appreciate your intellect!

Brick

[Waitaminute]

yeah, did you read what BrickSykes said vsign, you fool. Go to a site that give a f**k what you think. You think rightwingers are nasty, Wait until we liberals get tired of your shit.

And look at those COLORED UNCLE TOMS behind this fool. I would like to NECKTIE THESE NEGROS.

[dnels14]

its ok to use hillarys full name but when people use baracks full name people is a sudden, and generally momentary, loss of consciousness, or blacking out.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH HILLARY 2008 AND BEYOND

[Backatcha]

Hillary started calling herself HRC when she set her sights on the oval office...n­o one was doing it to draw false connections to terror.

And as far as the name Hussein is concerned sure it was the name of the Iraqi Dictator ...who for quite a long time was supported by the very people in this admin who invoke the name to disparage. But the short memoried Americans seem to forget that one of biggest Allies in the region was King Hussein of Jordan. This shit all comes from the Republicans desperation and need to lie cheat and steal anything that is not nailed down including the executive branch

[VSamuels]

Excellent point. But, it also shows that the US media is slow to connect the dots, as they fail to recognize that there are more than 1 Billion folks who become concerned that some Americans are fearful of them based on their Muslim names.

While this may not be drawn out by the media minions anytime soon, it poses a larger reality that some will come to see America as a dangerous, fearful society which rejects people based on their very name. And, when we realize these things we will realize that we have in America, radicals here as bad or worse than those in other cultures.

They are scared, fearful and distrustful in any thinking that does not mirror their own, and are willing to scream down their opponents, even those like Obama who have been dutifully elected by the American citizens of IL.

Do these fools actually believe that a US senator is a Muslim and will betray his nation based on his middle name, well to read some here, it is clear that yes, they are that dumb and xenophobic.

[Waitaminute]

What is McCain's, Romney, edwards, guilianni's, Dodds, biden, huckabee's, ron pauls,hunter, thompson, kucinich's, richardson's, etc middle names? Go ahead.....­..go ahead, quickly, quickly...­..SUCKER!!­!!

[Janus]

The Dupes of Dupedom South showing up on HuffPost must love this deranged creature, who fancies himself another Limbaloney or Hannutsy or Shill O'Reilly.

To no one's surprise, he was an invited guest on the Hannutsy propaganda show on Fox Newstwisters Channel last night. He fits in well with the crowd in that cesspool.

Here is one guest who won't be back. His views mirror those of millions:

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/video/77892/

[Researchguy66]

GASP! A Republican doesn't like Obama???

I fail to understand how exactly this is news.

[stonepier]

What IS news is that many Republicans are supporting Obama. I know several - lifelong Republicans all - who are fed up with the current administration & the direction taken by their party, and are now Obaba supporters. Huzzah!

[Researchguy66]

When they're Obama supporters in November, that'll be news. I'll remain hopeful, but it's against my better judgment.

[transendentilist]

I think this was posted as a preview of what we'll see in the general election. It looks like Hillary is done for, and that leaves Obama to take on the GOP. Their smear machine will be operating full throttle. They'll attack his name, his religion, his race....et­c. They have no problem with being racist, and religiously bigotted.

[SmellyOne]

As poisonous as this guy is, believe me when I say that he is only doing this for radio ratings.

All of this publicity is exactly what he wanted.

[Boboday555]

My children behave exactly the way Robert Cunningham behaved at this speech and in its aftermath.
When they can't get what they want, they stomp their feet, make outlandish claims and shout a lot.

I'm just glad my children will grow up someday!

[SmellyOne]

Who is Robert Cunningham?

[transendentilist]

Who cares?

[protagonia]

Hmm. Well, I just saw his profile on the hot new site hater.comater.com) It is said he has been seen looking for a way to get noticed.

[Chrisallalone]

lol

[VOTER]

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) now knows what has been ailing the good

citizens of Cincinnati. Cunningham.

[TILL]

It's all over but the "shouting.­" That's all that's left to the lunatic fringe. There will be another kind of shouting come election day... it will drown-out losers' venom. Losers' venom is fun to watch...it heralds a new day after 8 years of HATE by the "loonies" who have more in common with Bin Laden than America. Bin Laden would love to have us in his power and so would the conservative lunatic fringe which has been in control of the Republican Party...bo­th are on the same quest...ex­cepting the "loonies" are in disguise, at least they think...re­ally, they're only in disguise..­. from themselves.

[vsign]

Obama's moonies act like the Republican loonies.

I was glad to see anyone - hello, anyone - put Obama in a place where the American VOTERS can evaluate their choices. We need to hear from both the left and the right. Obama is not a candidate who can unify when he squelches free speech. Obama is scarey when he pretends he is above conflict.

Conflict is resolved when we come together in the middle. Obama is so far left that he will be defeated in November.

[Boboday555]

The Stock Market is as unstable as Brittany Spears.
The dollar is essentially worthless.
Inflation is at it highest point in 17 years.
Home foreclosures are higher now than during the Great Depression.
14 million high paying high tech jobs have been outsourced to our good friends in Pakistna and India over the past 7 plus years.
Wages, when coupled with this skyrocketing inflation, have actually gone down some 4% over the past 7 years.
Healthcare costs, under the Bush doctrine, have gone up a staggering 98% in 7 years.
Unemployment is going way up as well.
And let us all not forget President Clinton's record budget surplus was turned into a $2 trillion debt by President CHENEY in less than five years!

Here's a NEWS FLASH for y'all Mr. Cunningham, our pockets have only had change in them for the past 7 years ya' 'head in the sand' neo-conman!

[1proudinfidel]

And I suppose this is all Bush's fault? Oh yes, I see, The President manages the economy...­gives home loans to people (or hoodwinks them) that can't afford it. High paying tech jobs went overseas when the Clinton administration gave China "most favored status" and sold them technology and increased corporate taxes...Th­at is Bush's fault as well. I see your line of thinking here. Say whatever you want and people will believe what you are bellowing.
I am certainly not a fan of a foul spewing person such as Cunningham. This happens on both sides, except you can hear more from the right because the left cannot make it in talk radio or prime time TV because Americans generally do not like to hear the old "America is bad", "Bush lied" crap. Note here that I did not bring in the 'ol "blood for oil" theory, because you can thank whomever you pray to that there is oil there otherwise no one would give a crap and the middle east would end up like Darfur.

[Waitaminute]

Bush has been in office for nearly 8 years. The republican party has been in the majority since 1994. If you need a hint thats 6 years in control and the majority of congress during Bill Clintons presidency. AND TWO OF THOSE YEARS WAS IMPEACHING HIM BECAUSE REPUBLICANS ARE HOOKED ON SEX. SUCH SEX FREAKS THEY ARE..

They could have stopped Bill anytime they wanted. Now couldn't they? THEY, ALONG WITH THAT ALWAYS AVAILABLE 7 TO 10 REPUBLICANLITE DEMS, HAD ENOUGH VOTES TO OVERRIDE ANYTHING HE BROUGHT FORWARD.


The republicans have been in the majority during bushes stolen presidency for nearly 7 years.STOP BLAMING DEMOCRAT. You are/were played for suckers and your chump asses keep falling for it. Republicans followers are simply corporate ass wipes. Mostly because of religious fanatical and racist fools like this cunningham cesspool manipulator.

[Boboday555]

Don't neo-cons, like Mr. Cunningham, know that these kind of speeches only serve to alienate the only block of voters they have a snowball's chance in hell of wooing; the Independents?
Neo-cons like Mr. Cunningham are physically incapable of voting for a Democrat, if they did, their skin would blister and their belly buttons would fall out, and Democrats will NEVER, EVER vote for any Republican candidate ever again...ev­er, so who is he trying to convince?
Does he think the McCain supporters standing behind need convincin’?
Look Mr. Cunningham,
Independents, like the rest of America, are so sick and tired of this kind of hate-filled neo-con rally that just by hearing such tripe; it will nudge them ever closer to the Democratic candidate.
Are you so dumb that you don't realize this Mr. Cunningham?
Heck, even Mr. McCain knows this, which is why he tried to disassociate himself from you as soon as heard your 'speech.'
So to all the whacked out hate mongering neo-cons like Mr. Cunningham, let me be the first to say; "Thanks for helping a Democrat win in 2008."

[protagonia]

Cunningham is a sack of skin filled with bile and a cheap rug on top.

[Aslanspal]

Good expose these mean spirited demons...n­o way an angel visits this guy. This guy even turned on McCain later. American wake up these people are all about hate they even hate themselves­...look at him flippin the bird in honor of another serial bird flipper Dubya.

[VOTER]

McWar can't hide from this one no matter what he says.

This was an Official McWar Event.

I don't care if Cunningham The Creep ended up being
upset with McWar.

He will still vote for him.

[superrobot]

I love to punch that Cunningham guy right in the fucking throat. What a total douche-bag.