McCain Denies He Used 'The Word Timetable,' Claims 'We Were Greeted As Liberators'

Think Progress:

During a January 30 Republican primary debate, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) pilloried former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for having once used the word "timetable" while talking about Iraq. "Timetables was the buzzword for those that wanted to get out," scoffed McCain.

But on the heels Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's embrace of a 16-month timetable for withdrawal, McCain has been forced to change his tune. "I think it's a pretty good timetable," McCain told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Friday.

Now, however, McCain is denying his own words. "I didn't use the word timetable," he told ABC's George Stephanopoulos in an interview airing today.

Later in the interview, McCain claimed he was right in his pre-war prediction that America would be "greeted as liberators." "We were greeted as liberators," McCain insisted. Watch it:

Read the whole story: Think Progress

Comments

[Cedman]

As my Mom used to say, "who you gonna believe, me or your lying eyes?

[Daly]

My Mom taught me that too

[freecasey]

What are these "conditions on the ground?" He says it at least five times in the clip. Is there anyone in the MSM who will press him? Conditions on the ground, currently: People repopulating parks in Baghdad; Al-Sadr hiding in Iran; Democratically elected pols asking us to leave; al-Qaida losing support fast as citizens try to restore peace ...

Conditions on the ground? Try conditions under the ground: Oil and Western control of it.

[qdog112]

Come on did you guys miss the parade?

[VOTER]

I didn't see the interview.

Did George call McCaine on his mistake? If not, why not?

Just asking.............

[qdog112]

Of course not. If McCain believes it, it is true. Why would he need to be corrected on "being greeted as liberators'?

He also still thinks Putin is president of Russia and he knows Maliki doesn't really want us out. Hell, he just knows because he's been there 8 times.

[BVictor1]

I can't wait for the debates.

[RobertaInCT]

I'll cook the popcorn............:)

[MaybeMilo]

Greeted as liberators? Right, they laid wreaths of exploding flowers at our feet.

Is the senator even aware of what he's saying anymore? Doesn't seem like it - now he's recycling toxic platitudes.

[reliant1]

Where are the endless loops - playing over and over?

MSM won't pick it up until its had a million hits on YouTube - that'll make it's news worthy.

[findingthetruth]

This is sad. People, there is a strong possibility that McCain sincerely CANNOT remember what he said.

The conversations "in question" are DAYS apart. He understands the capabilties of technology.

THAT (the title) is not the only statement McCain denies in THIS interview. The expression on George Stephanopoulos' is priceless.

[borderorder]

Liberators? Oh, yes I remember hearing something about Abu Ghraib being closed.

[Chillinout]

I don't know why McClone thinks he can read the future when he can't even read the present.

[musselmanm]

Say anything, it does not matter any longer.
Everyone has quit listening to you

[ComicBooksandPolitics]

Wow, I'm kinda proud of George Stephanopoulos for asking some real questions and calling Johnny Mac out on some of his BS comments.

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

Ok...this is getting downright scary now. "Greeted as Liberators"? Which country has this guy been watching TV in? Which newspaper has he been reading? So I guess all of those 4000 families were just staged for the news media? I didn't realize it was common practice worldwide to blow up your liberators. Hm....that gratitude for you.

[Daly]

Chaney said so, so it must be right

[RaraAvis17]

I cannot wait until this old guy just blows his cork 'live' on TV, because I have a feeling it won't be long till he does. It will be a wonderful thing to watch.

[filo]

I hope it happens during the debates.

THAT would be a thing of beauty and a joy forever!!!

[recruitgal]

And did George let him get away with a flat out lie on camera that can be easily refuted with video evidence? Um, no.