McCain Adviser: Another Attack on U.S. Would Be "Big Advantage" For McCain

***READ BELOW FOR UPDATES - McCain's response, Black's Apology, Obama's Response***

Fortune Magazine is running a profile on John McCain titled, "The evolution of John McCain." McCain's chief advisor, Charlie Black, is interviewed in the piece. Below is a choice quote from Black on why he thinks another terrorist attack on US soil would help McCain win the presidency.

On national security McCain wins. We saw how that might play out early in the campaign, when one good scare, one timely reminder of the chaos lurking in the world, probably saved McCain in New Hampshire, a state he had to win to save his candidacy - this according to McCain's chief strategist, Charlie Black. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December was an "unfortunate event," says Black. "But his knowledge and ability to talk about it reemphasized that this is the guy who's ready to be Commander-in-Chief. And it helped us." As would, Black concedes with startling candor after we raise the issue, another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. "Certainly it would be a big advantage to him," says Black.

McCain responded to Black's quote during a press conference today. The Senator told reporters, "I strenuously disagree":

At that same press conference, Charlie Black apologized to reporters for his comments:

Black, interviewed by reporters as he stood outside McCain's fundraiser, said: "I deeply regret the comments. They were inappropriate. I recognize that John McCain has devoted his entire adult life to protecting his country and placing its security before every other consideration."

Barack Obama's campaign issued a response to Black's comments:

"Barack Obama welcomes a debate about terrorism with John McCain, who has fully supported the Bush policies that have taken our eye off of al Qaeda, failed to bring Osama bin Laden to justice, and made us less safe. The fact that John McCain's top advisor says that a terrorist attack on American soil would be a 'big advantage' for their political campaign is a complete disgrace, and is exactly the kind of politics that needs to change. Barack Obama will turn the page on these failed policies and this cynical and divisive brand of politics so that we can unite this nation around a common purpose to finish the fight against al Qaeda," said Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton.

Comments

[Soothsayer08]

Richard Clark was correct on Keith Olberman last night when he said that if John MCCain isn't running on fear and terror mongering he should fire Charlie Black. I don't expect McSame to do this however because it has worked so well for the Repubs in the last 2 elections. What qualifications beside being in the military make John McSame "The good shepard " when it comes to keeping America safe? The Republicans have enabled the terrorists, and are the causes of the first attack. I agree with one poster that a manufactered attack would be right out of the Repubs playbook. More lies to make people afraid.

[Buddy McCue]

Politically, what Black said was mind-numbingly idiotic. Historically, his comments are founded in truth. An attack on native soil DOES create support for rightwing politicians. Always has. I won't burden the reader with the obvious examples.

Personally, I'm surprised to hear anyone on the Right admit the truth of this.

[mike53]

Didn't the exact opposite happen in Spain? Thought the left got into power after the attacks there.

[Ladyrantsalot]

Mike, in the unique case of Spain, the right-wing government fell because they lied about the Madrid attack, claiming it was the usual case of Basque terrorism rather than the new, and quite obvious threat of Islamic terrorism. The right-wingers were afraid that the Spanish would connect their government's complicity in the invasion and occupation of Iraq (which the majority of Spanish opposed) with this new type of attack. Ironically, the right fell because they lied to their own people. Believe it or not, that still happens in some countries in the free world.

[NuOrigin]

Unfortunately, Black won't be fired because the "Fake Talk Express" abandoned the idea of firing lobyists.

[JohnTalbutt]

People are getting wise. Osama Bin Ladens tape before 2006 elections didn't shore it up for the Republicans as earlier tapes had done.

Homeland Security was going to have a subway plot to knock Libby's indictment knocked off the news. The word leaked out to New York law enforcement and Blumberg announced there was a threat before the indictment. Then a spokesperson for the Transit Police complained that know prevention methods had been taken in the subway. The whole matter was in the media for a few days and then blew over before the indictment. Of course, no evidence of a real threat was ever disclosed.

Charlie Black is hoping just the mention of an attack will give McCain a bounce now that he is sinking in the polls. As you see, the old hokie doke isn't working so well these days.

[edwarvir]

I have been looking at CNN and FOX news this morning and these pundit
are treating the terriost remarks that Charlie Black made as if it was a good
suggestion. What kind of people are we dealing with here.?????

They are more interested in what IMUS said and in Senator O's seal than they
are i n his remark. They can't be serious they must realize that making
a statement like that shows us what frame of mind Charlie is in,. Win at any
cost. This is dangerous and a disgrace, and it makes me ashamed to be an American.
. Charlie Black is the campaign manager for a presidential
candidate. and he should be fired.
. Senator O can't even share a fist jab with his wife without having it become a
terriost hand shake. and a fist jab makes major headlines. for days What the Hell is
wrong with this picture????????

[Redrover666]

They aren't interested because it has been said and discussed already by Clinton.

[Soothsayer08]

Last night Keith Olberman said that if the public keeps this in the news cycles for several days something will be done. So keep it alive, give it legs!

[Raymondf]

Its already dead.

[TruEngineHearing]

"...as if it was a good suggestion. What kind of people are we dealing with here.?????"

I saw that too, and on MSNBC as well as CNN and Fox.

These aren't reporters or journalists - they are carnival workers with teeth whiteners, doin' what it takes to get you to not change that channel. They are blondes doing choreographed leg-crossing so you'll almost see all the way to Sharon Stone. They are millionaires so eager for the cash that they will do almost anything; say almost anything, show almost anything, to keep it flowing.

Let's sing the chorus one more time: "These people are carnival workers"

[ProfessorDuh]

Brilliant description. I'm keeping that one. It's worthy of Paddy Chayefsky.

[SILVANUS]

We are dealing with a BOUGHT and SOLD MEDIA, that's what.

[GerryS]

If another catastrophe were to happen to out country before election day, I would hope that there would be a firestorm of outrage and an investigaton. The present admin. has proven that they will stop at nothing to get their way. This includes the lies and k!!ling and mam!ing innocent people.
Between attacking and demonizing of the Democratic candidates and their neverending fearmongering, I for one am ready for this election.
The "Greed on Parade" (GOP) party needs a very long tme out-

[Redrover666]

FEAR MONGERING! Hell, you sound like one paranoid buckaroo!

[mike53]

We all talk about GerryS when he is not online.

[Raymondf]

We are not Radical Muslims we don't Intentionally kill our own people except for a misguided few. You don't honestly think our government would do such a thing.

[mathme]

Because they have such a great track record for trustworthiness and compassion.

[JohnTalbutt]

They don't take action to stop it, just like on 9/11.

[mike53]

Didn't Pelosi go to Syria a while ago to make sure there would be no attacks until after the election?

[idest]

Didn't a few Republicans go with her? Or was that a few months before? Anyway, what exactly is your point?

[gr8abz]

There probably will be another terror attack this fall. And if Obama's camp was smart they would have a special task force on standby ready to drum the message into people's heads that -- 'If the Bush administration had not wasted all our resources in Iraq for the past five years and instead put that same kind of energy towards finding Bin Laden and dismantling al Queada, then there would not be any terror attacks today.' But of course I doubt Obama's camp is concerned with this possibility which is why I think we may not see Barack in the White House should this happen and it might.

[Durango]

Just what is the definition of treason anyhow?

Is hoping your country will be attacked for partisan political purposes TREASON?

Maybe not. Maybe you would have to assist or enable the attack.

Maybe what he said was just stupid.

Stupid and dangerous.

[ChiGuy]

I would add to that; Callous, and typically Republican.

[Redrover666]

It was the exact same thing Hillary said a couple of months ago.

[mbh78213]

And look where it got her.

[Soothsayer08]

Richard Clark was correct on Keith Olberman last night when he said that if John MCCain isn't running on fear and terror mongering he should fire Charlie Black. I don't expect McSame to do this however because it has worked so well for the Repubs in the last 2 elections. What qualifications beside being in the military make John McSame "The good shepard " when it comes to keeping America safe? The Republicans have enabled the terrorists, and are the causes of the first attack. I agree with one poster that a manufactured attack would be right out of the Repubs playbook. More lies to make people afraid.

[JJeff88]

I don't for a moment believe Black's statement was made lightly nor that McCain isn't tacitly supporting that strategy.

Once the blow-back over Black's statement dies down, all the public will remember is "McCain - Better Than Obama Against Terror."

They will have made their point.

Strategically, it will not be enough for Sen. Obama and his people to simply denounce Black's comments as "disgraceful." He'll need to fully and publically dissect the War on Terror, drawing sharp contrasts with McCain as to how he'd protect the country (internationally, domestically & militarily) and reassuring voters - with specifics & substance - that he's rock solid on security. He can do that.

That's how you stick it to McCain on security.

[wsmcke]

I agree. Obama needs to fight this head on or it will settle the wrong way in the minds of some Americans the McBain is strong for American. McBain could cause the total end of the US that knew and loved forever. America's Bane.....

[dadw5boys]

A Former Army Special Forces from Vietnam said Mc Cain was DECEITFUL .

He know Mc Cain personally and say Deceit is his way of life!!!!!!!!!

Mc Cain sponsors an enviorment around him where people like Black would see Americans being killed as a political advantage!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[meanguy]

okay...maybe your tinfoil hat is a bit tight...you'd better check that

[cjbushwacker]

I supported of Hillary Clinton during rhe Democratic primary and now support Obama. One of my concerns of Obama as the nominee was the possibility of a staged terrorist "incidendent" that would turn the voters towards McCain. These people are evil and have much to lose if a Democratic Congress and Democratic President are elected. There are many questions concerning what the realities of 911and they consistantly raised the threat of terrorism in the run up to the Iraq War.

[timm553]

Yeah, why were they so quick on shipping out the remains of the WTC buildings before they could do a thorough investigation? And who were those people in the building doing all that "work" the weekend before? I'd also like to know how three buildings of the sizes represented fall right into their own footprints like that. That's far too much of a coincidence.

Does anyone have a link to the documents that include the "We need another Pearl Harbor" phrase?

Does profitmaking have any limitations?

How much profit did that guy who bought those buildings (just before the incidents happened, and he got paid double for the coverage) realize from the insurance, in relation to the price paid for them, and is it relevant that the buildings needed multi-millions of dollars of work performed to remove asbestos which cost would have been borne by this same guy?

I just wonder...........I just wonder.

[returnofthejedi]

Talk about conspiracy theory! Anybody still think Bin Laden is the only terrorist that cares nothing
about the lives of Americans. I just had a thought, maybe the democrats are doing the right thing on the Fisa deal. Maybe they WILL need it to catch the REAL terrorist after all. Maybe McBushco has created it's own worst enemy!

[gladys46]

Possible! Bu$h, Inc. continues to out smart themselves! It's the american people who are too apathetic, too hesitant to force prosecution of them! Evidence of their crimes against america is everywhere!

[wsmcke]

I worry about Diebolt machines again giving away the election. Other than that, Obama should win.

[k6007]

Slippery slope!

[dutchess2]

SHAME ON MSNBC..

They're agreeing ....

McSame supports this stupid, unnecessary war, and people think THAT gives him foreing policy creds?

[Kalima]

You know something, you guys, I mean you that I agree with and who sometimes,
agree with me, I come here night after night, prepared to cheer you on. I have years
and years to catch up on your knowledge about your very, complicated political
system but I feel 3 words, no 6 words, very strongly, " Cut out the cr@p! Vote O!

[Kalima]

Ok, Oz is which way?
GN!

[Daly]

This guy Charlie Black is crazy and yet he is still apart of Cains team; if ever a guy should have been fired on the spot. There are different standards; an Obama staffer calls HRC a m*nst*r and the corp-media has a field day.

Charlie Black is cheering for loss of American life and he still has a job? There is nothing to be nuanced, here no misunderstanding, this is hateful and te high of arrogance for Cain to even pretend that Black can be defended.

Charlie Black needed to be cut loose now!

[dadw5boys]

KEEP CHARLIE BLACK!!!!!

HE REPERSENTS ALL OF JOHN MC CAINS PERSONALITY AND ETHICS.