McCain Accidentally Agrees: Western Pennsylvania Is Racist

Sen. John McCain offered, on Tuesday, what may go down as one of the more awkward moments of this campaign cycle, in which -- speaking in Western Pennsylvania -- he declared he 'couldn't agree more' with the sentiment that some of the people from that region were openly racist.

"You know, I think you may have noticed that Senator Obama's supporters have been saying some pretty nasty things about Western Pennsylvania lately," McCain told the audience in the town of Moon Township. "And you know, I couldn't agree with them more."

Oops. It was, in many ways, a reflection of how tired these candidates have become as this nearly two-year-long campaign hits its final strides. And, to be fair, the crowd eventually got the point; booing at the reference to John Murtha, who said last week that some of his Western Pennsylvania constituents were racist. But there was a stunned silence after the gaffe.

For political humorists it is gold, made even more potent by McCain's botched attempt at a recovery. "I couldn't disagree with you," he declared (referencing what, no one knows). "I couldn't agree with you more than the fact that Western Pennsylvania is the most patriotic, most god-loving, most, most patriotic part of America, and this is a great part of the country."

The line was reminiscent of Sarah Palin touting the pro-America parts of the country. And actually could be just as politically dicey than the inadvertent labeling of Western Pennsylvanians as racists.

Either way, the video is worth a watch... or three.

ABC News catches McCain flubbing another attack line, this time on Joe Biden:

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., this week has been flubbing not just parts of his speeches, but the pivotal attack lines his campaign prepares reporters to film and record.

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In Belton, Missouri, Monday, McCain was supposed to say, "Just last night, Senator Biden guaranteed that if Senator Obama is elected, we will have an international crisis to test America's new President. We don't want a President who invites testing from the world at a time when our economy is in crisis and Americans are already fighting in two wars."

What he actually said, per ABC News' Bret Hovell: "Just last night, Senator Obama (sic) guaranteed that if Senator Obama is elected, Senator Biden said, we will have an international crisis to test America's new President," etc. etc.

He flubbed it again in the extended version of the attack.

"What's more troubling is that Senator Obama (sic) told their campaign donors that when that crisis hits, they would have to stand with them because it wouldn't be apparent Senator Obama would have the right response."

And this is from a Teleprompter!

Comments

[feo]

I am torn this election cycle. If I vote for Obama, I'll get thoughtful goverance, America will regain international prestige, the war(s) will be brought under control if not quickly ended, good bills will be introduced in Congress, tax policies will make sense and prosperity will return. But if I vote for McCain, I'll be assured of great comedy for at least four years, Colbert, Stewart et al will continue with great ratings and, even in poverty, even with nasty wars, even with America a fool of the world, I will be able, for a few minutes a day, to laugh my ass off. Oh Huffers, what should I do, how should I cast my ballot?

[Grunty1]

A few cheap laughs isn't worth the Trillions of dollars it will cost us. The last 3 Republican presidents have each tripled the defiicit under their watch. If McCain lives up to that reputation, we will be pushing $40 TRILLION.

[margardner]

A "MUST SEE" Video for all Republicans and Democrats:

http://www.dailykos.com/

[West Pole]

The fact is McCain really does believe what some others are implying..­.that some parts of the country are openly racist. However this goes both ways...som­e black predominantly black areas are openly racist also. I think racism should be denounced where ever it rears its slimy head!!

What is a concern to me though is that McCain would claim that western Pennsylvania is the most PATRIOTIC and GOD-LOVING part of America... that is just a blatant lie!

The McCain campaign is still trying to divide America! How can they keep saying that some parts are pro-American, patriotic, and God-loving­...while other parts are anti-American? Is this right for someone who wants to govern the whole country? Is this right for forging unity in these difficult times?

[fearandloathing1]

McCain's Health: Is there a problem with his memory? Questions about cognitive functioning, anger:
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/10/mccains-health-part-i.html

[Jules1]

McCain Says the S-Word (02:48)
The McCain campaign won't stand for Barack Obama's socialist tax plan -- most of the time.

You have to see this on Mccain in 2000 ,,,

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

[TroubleNYC]

Citizens arrest attempted on Karl Rove!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ili0jgn_JD4

[Diogenis]

Brave woman. Where are the men to arrest him?

[Coinyer101]

b*stard tried to elbow that poor defensless lady. lol

[mairs]

Oh please make that an ad, please Obama! Please put that on TV!!!

[BluebirdofUnhappiness]

Not in this clip...but why does he always have a bunch of kids in the background? Not enough supporters of voting age?

[Jmaan33]

You think that's funny? Check this out...
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/22/83752/893/194/638476

[Jesster]

It would appear that McCain has been alarmingly accident-prone lately - and flubbing teleprompted speeches is the least of my concerns. To say that his behavior is "erratic" is both kind and polite.

Although McCain's whole campaign has been bases on inciting the basest of his "base" and fear-mongering - he and Palin are the ones who really scare me.

[NotWaldo]

I don't know if they're patriotic but HE sure is pathetic !

[reginavarolli]

Evidently McCain just doesn't know what he's saying anymore. In his scramble to not win the election, but rather to make Obama lose, his "say anything" policy has decidedly turned against him. Great for comedians, not great for Americans.

[BETTERDAYSARECOMMIN]

McBush AKA Mc L i a r and his trusty side kick and VP choice Sarah McBlunder and his gang of thugs are gonna hit us with everything they have this month! We need to flood Obama's campaign through the home stretch with as much money as we can give through October. We all started very strong and now we all have to pick up even more steam and finish what we started, our families and our soldiers are counting on us to fight the good fight to the end! Let's continue making this about the Economy, Health Care, Equal Pay, Education, Etc and we will win this Election! My family and I are struggling like many other American Families, we have donated a $150 dollars every month even though we really cant afford it but if we lose this election to McCain, the loss will be much bigger. Even my thirteen year old daughter and my seven year old daughter are engaged in this Election and have took money out of their piggy banks to help invest into a better future for not just them but for everyone that believes in Fairness, Justice, Equality and Hope in America. I've always told my children, that the rule is in everything they do in life, you always start strong and you always end strong. Obama/Biden/08

VOLUNTEER AND GET OUT THE VOTE!

VOTE EARLY AND ABSENTEE VOTE NOW!

https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/main

http://www.barackobama.com/voters/

[DeAnnaClaudette]

Well, he's already referred to us, or at least his supporters, as his fellow prisoners.­... so.....

[hortonhearsawho]

That makes him Boss Man...acco­rding to cell block 2 anyway.

[gladys46]

Wow Pa lin's image carved out in a corn field !!!??? Mot her ship signals!??? Well, ask An drea Mitchell that's what she just said .. MSNBC!!