McCain On Obama: "Clear Who Hamas Wants to be the Next President"

From The Weekly Standard's Michael Goldfarb:

McCain spoke with bloggers this morning on a number of issues ranging from William Ayers to Rev. Wright to Tony Rezko. Jennifer Rubin noted that Hamas had endorsed Senator Obama and asked McCain whether Obama might have given "an unhelpful signal" to the terrorist group. McCain's response:

All I can tell you Jennifer is that I think it's very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States. So apparently has Danny Ortega and several others. I think that people should understand that I will be Hamas's worst nightmare....If senator Obama is favored by Hamas I think people can make judgments accordingly.

Huffington Post's Will Thomas breaks down the truth behind McCain's fear mongering claims that Hamas supports Obama:

John McCain has repeatedly insisted in public that he wants to run a respectful campaign, but a recent fundraising email from his campaign suggests there will be nothing revolutionary about the Republican nominee's tactics this year.

McCain's deputy campaign manager, Christian Ferry, sent an email to donors today with the subject line: "Hamas Weighs In On U.S. Presidential Election." The email, which attacks Obama over his foreign policy stances, includes these paragraphs:

Barack Obama's foreign policy plans have even won him praise from Hamas leaders. Ahmed Yousef, chief political adviser to the Hamas Prime Minister said, "We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election. He has a vision to change America."

We need change in America, but not the kind of change that wins kind words from Hamas, surrenders in Iraq and will hold unconditional talks with Iranian President Ahmadinejad.

The letter comes in response to this report of a Hamas leader speaking favorably about Barack Obama. The article -- though not the McCain campaign -- notes that Obama has condemned Hamas, repeatedly said that he would not meet with the terrorist organization, and also condemned former President Carter's decision to meet with Hamas leaders.

Contrast the fundraising letter to the praise McCain has won for statements about running a respectful campaign:

Sen. John McCain called Saturday for a presidential campaign that is more like a respectful argument among friends than a bitter clash of enemies, and said he is better able than either of his Democratic rivals to govern across party lines....

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"It is more than appropriate, it is necessary that even in times of crisis, we fight among ourselves for the things we believe in," McCain said. "It is not just our right, but our civic and moral obligation."

"Let us exercise our responsibilities as free people. But let us remember we are not enemies," he added.

And speaking of former Rep. Morris Udall, McCain said:

"I intend to wage this campaign and to govern this country in a way that they would be proud of me."

McCain, in April, on running a "respectful campaign":

The subject arose when a questioner at Episcopal High School asked McCain whether the prospect of two senators running against each other in the fall might lead to less negativity.

McCain said he hopes so, adding that he respects both Obama and Clinton, and believes they respect him. "Americans want more respectful campaigns," he added.

And in January, a respectful McCain said:

"I'm going to raise the level of political dialog in America," McCain, R-Ariz., said at a campaign rally in central Michigan, "and I'm going to treat my opponents with respect and demand that they treat me with respect."

***UPDATE***
Spokesman Hari Sevugan responded to McCain's insinuations about Obama by pointing out that McCain may be going back on his pledge to run a positive campaign:

"We want to take Senator McCain at his word that he wants to run a respectful campaign, but that is becoming increasingly difficult when he continually tries to use the politics of association and makes claims he knows not to be true to advance his campaign."

Comments

[Nyland8]

Real Time with Bill Maher - on HBO now.

8

[BlueStateMan]

third rate standup....

[Nyland8]

Second rate standup ...

... First rate political comedy.

8

[MariaHopeful]

Big, bad, tough McCain! He is going to follow Bin Laden to the gates of hell. He is going to bomb, bomb, Iran. (He'd better get to Iran before HC leaves him nothing to bomb). And he is going to be Hamas' worst enemy. What is he going to do? Declare war on Hamas? As to that f@&# idiot Wolf Blitzer, he would be better served asking God to forgive him for being one of the mouthpieces who trumpeted the war or on a sovereign country on behalf of Bush and Cheney. He (Blitzer) has lost all credibility.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

None of these talking heads have any credibility. I remember when Paula Zahn accused Scott Ritter of drinking the Kool Aid.

[savemefromher]

One thing is true - our Middle Eastern policy has strengthened Hamas tremendously. We pushed to have elections there, and they chose Hamas. Just wonderful..thanks Bush!

Another big winner in the Middle east is Iran, all because of our Iraq policy. Great job you are doing Bush, ...and the Republicans,...and the Democrat enablers of this b.s.

[JohnJames]

Oh, but isn't democracy the answer to all problems? Isn't our military in Iraq to spread democracy? Seems like it's only real democracy when other nations oblige and elect a government that Washington approves of.

[Sunsprite]

Not democracy but free market capitalism,then you can sell the organs of political prisoners like they do in China and it's acceptable.
I think this post will last 5 minutes.
http://uk.truveo.com/VIDEO-BBC-Hidden-Cam-Shows-China-Selling-Prisoners/id/4076843550
http://www.google.ca/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=China+sells+organs+of+political+citizens&meta=&btnG=Google+Search

[Promisin1]

As Obama supporters complaining to CNN via e-mails. Please mention in your e-mails about what happened to ABC news ratings (worst ever) after George and Charlie's awful debate moderating job. This is what, to me, Obama means about change happening from the ground up. Let's keep the pressure on ABC/Disney and then do the same with CNN in America. I'll bet you will see some real change soon when they (ABC, CNN America) begin losing major sponsors because of low ratings. "Yes we can!"

Obama '08

[BlueStateMan]

emails to TV shows don't do diddley....

....if you REALLY want to get to them, you go after the SPONSORS.

[VivaZapata]

i went to watch jeopardy at 7 and got there a tad early and there was Gibson, working hard to be affable, but I felt that instant revulsion one feels when coming upon someone despicable.

[WHusseinLA]

I love that John Stewart called Stephanopolous the "Tiny Inquisitor."

[SpaceCadet]

"Spokesman Hari Sevugan responded to McCain's insinuations about Obama by pointing out that McCain may be going back on his pledge to run a positive campaign"

One more reason for Obama to refuse to be entrapped by McCain into limiting himself to federal funding for his campaign. Obama is now under constant attack from the corporate media, the Repub 527s are already starting their well-financed smears, and McCain is reneging on his promise to run an honorable campaign. Obama is going to need to retain his overwhelming advantage at raising funds from ordinary people to have even a ghost of a chance against McCain and his allies in the corporate media.

[savemefromher]

I'm finding that the media is the most misinformed group of dolts in the world. Ever since 9/11, they haven't asked one important question.

They are caught up in tabloid crap, and their own vanity.

The best place to get your news these days (and a proper perspective), is on The Daily Show and Colbert Report - and that is an absolute shame.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

It happened before 9/11.

Basically the Telecommunications Act of 1996 abolished independent media and allowed for corporate consolidation, which led to investigate journalism being sacrificed in favor of sensationalism.

[savemefromher]

You've got a point.

[SCG2]

Even before that Reagan tinkered with the FCC, and television ad time per hour was increased among other things, the thoughtful talk show with long periods of non interruption was a thing of the past. In came infomericals and shock TV.

[Sunsprite]

Yes,and we allowed this happen and at our own peril.
The corporate media has an agenda and we better understand this.

[arries]

Maybe Hamas wants some one who will have dialogue as opposed to business as usual in Washington.

It's not just people in the Middle East that want change in Washington; the rest of the world wants to see change as well. Hamas or any other group in this world would like to see change, but I'm sure there are a few groups that do want business as usual because they like all the wars and killing.

Hamas doesn't want to continue this issue with them and Israel, they want dialogue, but no one wants to speak with them. Other groups and other people also speak favorably for Obama. Hamas is just another political group just like the GOP Republicans, no difference. Those who do not want dialogue will call them terrorists.

[BlueStateMan]

They're terrorists.

[Sunsprite]

What an easy label to echo?
What is GWB and gang? they have destroyed and terrorized an entire nation.
How many dead Iraqi? how many displaced? how many lives ruined?

The Palestinians have suffered for sixty years under a brutal occupation?
How do we value human life?

Who are the terrorists?non whites?

More hypocrisy.

[whyputaname]

The very idea of your comment is appalling!

If Hamas wants a dialogue with the Jews then why don't they start one themselves, why do they need the US involved?

Why are they wasting our time and money after all they are grown-ups aren't they? Why don't they just talk to each other? Why do they need us?

Your statement is very ignorant.

Psst.....I hate to tell you but your boy Obama well he is Washington. He is a US Senator is he not?

A US Senator that voted for Dick Cheney's energy bill, ya know the one that was made in secret; which by the way no other Democrat voted for except a very few. Yeah I wonder how much good old Dick paid him to do that. Although you sound very young and probably don't even know what a utility bill looks like, much less rent. Those are the things you pay when you live out on your own.

[WHusseinLA]

"Boy." Hmmm.

[Sunsprite]

No,your statement is ignorant.
The Palestinians have long suffered under this brutal occupation with and encourage by US administrations allowing Israel to abuse with immunity.Shameful!.
If the US is going to interfere then it has to be honest diplomacy Not this hypocrisy of lies while Israel continues to build more illegal settlements.

Enough demonizing non whites.
These people are human beings.

[Grannieannie933]

And, today in an interview seen online with editorial staff the Indianapolis Sun, Obama said he would NOT negotiate with Hamas as they were a terrorist group that has the goal of destroying Israel. He was clear and decisive. Like others, Hamas would prefer Clinton and knows Obama would challenge them more successfully.

I am tired of propaganda! GET THE FACTS.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

Hamas would really prefer McCain.

[ThunderclapNewman]

McCain is almost as good a fund-raiser for Hamas as Bush has been.

[savemefromher]

Well, we know Israel wants McCain. They want another Neo-Con in the White House.

[Rocky4356]

Lousi Farrakan is going to endorse McCain now. Boy we can be stupid. Oil might go to 200 bucks a barrel and we be corned about this bullshit.

[WHusseinLA]

This is what doomed the Clinton campaign. This is what will doom McSame. He's talking like he's trying to run clean, but it's only talk and Americans are waking up. Wait until you see how rabid the right wing loons are going to get in the fall. Already flush limpbawls may have some 'splaining to the FCC to do about calling for a riot at the Denver Democratic Party Convention.

[Jtt]

Mom.....

......grandpa's diaper is full again..

....mom... hes getting grumpy.....

[Gumby123]

Interesting it is stated that Hamas favors Obama even when Obama clearly states that he supports Israel.

[Nyland8]

And oddly enough, Israel announced that they favor Hamas.

One big happy family.

8

[Msohio]

Wolf Blitzer has a background in this area. Blitzer lives and thrives on fact manipulation. I stopped watching CNN because of Blitzer and Dobbs. Jack McCafferty should get out of there. He is getting foolish now. I also stopped watching ABC because their biased reporting and the "debate" . Keith O is the only reporter for the truth. It is a stretch trying to tie Obama to Hamas, even for crazy confused McCain. He does not remember what he says from one second to the next. I cringe to think of McCain or Hillary near a phone at 3AM.

[ThunderclapNewman]

Wolf Blitzer is a side-show carny barker with the morals of a weasel---not to mention his clearly displayed agenda.

[madkey]

Thats the problem Mccain wants to be Hammas worst enemy while our economy goes down the drain. He doen't realize that average Americans don't have a spouse worth 100 million dollars. On top of that he's not offering to do anything for this government but keep us in a war up to a 100 years just to defeat those in the Middle East. If they want Obama to be president maybe he could bring about peice so we could be safer in America. It has to be a reason why Hammas prefers Obama than the other candidates that what we need to know.

[BitterInPA]

Wolf Blitzer - Happening Now... fear and distortion in America. Are you safe? Stay tuned as we present everything except the facts and the truth.

[marleysghost]

Hamas doesn't vote in US elections, and to imply that we choose our elected officials on the basis of who we are afraid of is crap. If anything McCain should be afraid that we have used our armed forces to do the political pandering of his own party and ruined our ability to be effective on the world stage because of playing Texas shoot-em up cowboy when we should have used persuasion.

[JohnJames]

Au contraire, we do choose our elected officials because of what THEY are afraid of - the Israeli lobby which represents are de facto 51st state. Any politician who balks will sooner or later be dubbed "unelectable" as Obama is finding out.

[madkey]

I would think this is a good thing. I thought we wanted to end the war. Maybe if Sen. Obama is president he could end this war on terroism. Thats why we are in the trouble were in because of Bushes and Mccains hot headed war mongers. Realize that Bush and Mccain are War Presidents

[Changeizgood]

And Hillary's advisor is Mad Mad Madeleine, the Iranian bomber. She's the one beating the drums in Hillary's campaign. I wonder if they have a time set to start this war.

All of a sudden Hillary's doing the Bush thing, to appear stong on terrorism, when it's just how tough you are, but how smart your judgement is.

[WHusseinLA]

What in the world is going on with post-scrubbing?

[PAposter]

What's post-scrubbing?

[WHusseinLA]

Whole segments of discussion appear to be drifting off into the ether.

[BlueStateMan]

Scrubbing something AFTER it's been scrubbed?

[ThunderclapNewman]

To quote Yul Brynner: "Tis a puzzlement!" :-}

[BeyondGoodAndEvil2]

You've only just noticed?

[WHusseinLA]

I was between the office and home. :)

[madkey]

Aren't these the people that were spending billions of dollars in Iraq because we can't go home. In fear that we may be attacked. Thats why we cant go home, poor troops their dying everyday because of people like John Mccain that wants to win by killing instead of using his head and making peice knowing his economy and the American dollar is degenerating. He's rich but the average american will be on government soup lines, We know he has a hot temper. I hope Obama is elected president to get us out of this mess. I'm tired of Filthy Rich people making decisions for it's citizens which are less well off. We need to change for the better, Were making enemies around the world and their growing and their getting tired of American. We have to change our strategies or were going to be in North Korea forever and Iraq, Iran and Central America for ever. We need a intelligent President.

[neuron]

Four more years with a Republican president is this country's worst nightmare.

[peacekitten]

four more years of this extremist right wing rule we have in this country will be its undoing.