McCain: Cheney Is Wrong, But Ed Schultz Is "Shameful"

Sen. John McCain said on Sunday that he disagrees with Dick Cheney's efforts to publicize torture memos that show enhanced interrogation techniques working, calling such a move unnecessary.

The Arizona Republican did, however, add that Cheney is entitled to do just that, and then called a political pundit -- apparently MSNBC's Ed Schultz -- "shameful" for suggesting that the former vice president would feel vindicated if America were attacked again.

Appearing on CBS's Face the Nation, McCain was asked about Cheney's request for documents that would prove that the United States gained vital information from using torture techniques on detainees.

"Well, as you know, the vice president and I strongly disagreed on the fundamentals of this issue," McCain replied. "But the vice president of the United States has the right to weigh in on this discussion if he wants to."

"Do you agree with him?" asked Bob Schieffer.

"No, I don't think it's necessary, to be honest with you," replied McCain, who also reiterated his opposition to investigating the use of torture by the Bush administration. "But if the vice president feels it's necessary, then I think he's entitled."

Then, rather abruptly, McCain declared: "And when extreme talk show hosts say that he wants another attack on the United States, I think that's shameful."

The latter remark seemed geared towards Schultz who, this past week, argued that Cheney wanted the country to "get hit again for political gain" -- a sort of sad vindication that harsh interrogation techniques, including torture, had somehow been essential for national security purposes.

"I think that Dick Cheney wants this country to get hit again for political gain," Schultz said. "I believe that he thinks, in his mind, that if we can think, make them think - the enemy - that if we're weak, because Obama can't stand up for us, we're gonna get hit. And then of course we can paint the picture that the Democrats just can't get the job done on national security. I think Cheney is that mean."

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Comments

[research]

Of Course the Republicans are SOOOOOOO respectful of Clinton and Carter.

[hart444]

"Shameful" is bathing Vietnamese children in napalm, John.

[Ourrias]

As always, McCain is dead wrong.

I guess it's just his senility. Good thing we dodged the bullet of his being President1

Here's a recollection refresher for you, old man McCain:

"Shameful" is NOT Ed Schultz calling Dick Cheney out on Cheney's non-stop and indefensible criticism of President Obama.

"Shameful" IS your personal lack of leadership and outrage that the United States of America engaged in torture while YOU were sitting in the United States Senate.

Now THAT IS SHAMEFUL, Grandpa McCain!!

[citizensrus]

Cheney is shameful. McCain missed this one by a mile.

[SmallChange]

The straight talk express was always a misnomer and therefore the epitome of shame. John McCain I call voting against all veterans bills in congress a shame. I call voting for torture after speaking out against it while a torture victim yourself. I call your name calling a shame. It's a free country last time I looked, with free speech. But I guess that only applies to you and your ilk. Truth really gets under your skins doesn't it?

[Wayne1ea]

You know who is shamefull, you Mr. McCain, you and the entire republican party.

[Cil]

JOHN McCAIN! PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!

DICK CHENEY IS NOT THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A!

President Obama very clearly said on more that one occasion, that there
is only one U.S.A President at any one time! Why do you think there can
be two Vice Presidents at any one time?

DICK CHENEY'S TIME IS OVER, PLEEEEASE STOP LIVING IN THE PAST!

REALITY CHECK.... JOE BIDEN IS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A.!

[JenMI]

I'm with Ed...

[justoverit333]

I'm tired of the right using the word "shameful.­"
McCain is a goof and Cheney is just evil.

[Emerald1943]

Ed Schultz only said what a lot of people are thinking!

Go, Ed! Keep up the pressure on these ideologues who took our country down! Enough of their drivel, already!

[ObjectiveRealist]

McCain has the right to free speech, but sparring with talk show hosts, especially ones who just got promoted to TeeVee, is not the style of a statesman. Thank the FSM he still only represents the geriatric state, not the 50 states.

[JustLeftOfRight]

McSame has had a hard on for Schultz ever since he called him a war monger during the campaign. He doesn't forgive or forget.

[kenEBport]

Of course he wants us to get hit again, he obviously believes any means to an end are worthwhile using, & since he despises "liberals" so much for ruining "his" country, I'm sure he thinks that not enough New Yorkers died the first time around. I find it continually amazing that there remain so many Americans who don't understand how much Chain-e and Co. hate them and are willing to see them and their views negated,..­. @ any cost!!

[TKDMike]

ED SCHULTZ is RIGHT and he is THE MAN for having the balls to say so.....McC­ain is OLD, WRONG, and out of touch.....­..

[noudidnt]

What he said.

[eirrac]

I think that the Ed Show (Ed Schultz) is one of the best shows on MSNBC. He's always fighting for the little guy, and he really does try to show both sides of issues. McCain is out of line on his Ed Show comments. Ed brings a fresh perspective plus interesting guests to MSNBC...so­mething they need, and certainly better than Morning Jo, with the same old "analysts" and biased drivel. And he's not afraid to ask the hard questions of his guests, no matter which party they're from. He does a good job.