But was it a gaffe? While it definitely seemed so, now Randy Sheunemann, McCain's foreign policy adviser is shockingly saying that this is not a gaffe but an intentional expression of policy toward Spain. Instead of just admitting that it was small gaffe late in the day, the McCain campaign has
decided that they care so little about governing that they are willing to potentially nuke the U.S.-Spain relationship just to get elected. Sheunemann emailed the Washington Post, saying:
The questioner asked several times about Senator McCain's willingness
to meet Zapatero (and id'd him in the question so there is no doubt
Senator McCain knew exactly to whom the question referred). Senator
McCain refused to commit to a White House meeting with President
Zapatero in this interview," he said in an e-mail.
This is beyond extreme. This is beyond reckless. This is insane.
McCain won't meet with a NATO ally, that has nearly 1,000 troops in Afghanistan, that has lost more than 20 soldiers there, has been brutally attacked by Al Qaeda, is incredibly influential in Latin America, has the seventh largest economy in the world, is a DEMOCRACY, and is a large and influential country in the EU. Won't meet with them?
The only plausible explanation for McCain not wanting to meet with Zapatero, is that, like Bush, he is still angry about Spain pulling its troops out of Iraq in 2004. If McCain carries that much of a grudge then how in the world will he rebuild our relationship with Europe, as he has said he would do. In a big foreign policy speech to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council in March, McCain expressed a desire to strengthen the transatlantic relationship.
We cannot build an enduring peace based on freedom by ourselves, and we do not want to. We have to strengthen our global alliances as the core of a new global compact...The bonds we share with Europe in terms of history, values, and interests are unique. Americans should welcome the rise of a strong, confident European Union as we continue to support a strong NATO.
McCain even told El Pais, Spain's major newspaper, in April that he would bring Prime Minister Zapatero to the White House. (translation via America Blog)
Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, is ready to change the policy of estrangement with the Spanish government that was put in place for four years now by George Bush. He declared that he was ready to fully normalize bilateral relations and that Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was invited to the White House.
And does McCain not know that his campaign has already met with a representative of Zapatero's office? From the BBC in April:
Recently, Bernardino Leon, who is currently heading the General
Secretariat of the Prime Minister's Office to attempt to foster Zapatero's interest in international issues, travelled to
Washington to meet the foreign policy advisers to Democratic candidates Hillary
Clinton and Barack Obama and to Republican candidate John McCain. [BBC Monitoring 4/22/08]
But Sheunemann's statement now makes it clear that there will be no rebuilding of the transatlantic relationship. Instead, McCain will continue the ruinous approach of the Bush administration and continue to alienate our allies and further isolate America. This should not come as a surprise. McCain has after all shown in the past a reckless eagerness to attack America's allies.
See below for some of his more prominent attacks:
McCain attacked our allies as "vacuous and posturing" for opposing war in Iraq. "Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said that "Iraq is the test" of both the U.N. and NATO. He charged that the alliance is failing the test because of the "flawed calculations" and "vacuous posturing" of Germany and France. McCain and Rumsfeld both said that recent French and German foot-dragging over even discussing the possible deployment of NATO assets, such as Patriot anti-missile batteries, to Turkey also threatened to damage the alliance." [Washington Post, 2/9/03]
John McCain engaged in the anti-French bashing of the far right because they opposed the invasion of the war. "The Lord said the poor will always be with us, and the French will be with us, too," said McCain, a member of the Armed Services Committee. "This is part of a continuing French practice of throwing sand in the gears of the Atlantic alliance. But now they're playing a dangerous game, and coming close to rendering themselves irrelevant." A few days later he even said that, "Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) likened France to an aging '40s starlet "still trying to dine out on her looks but doesn't have the face for it." [NY Times, 2/14/03. NY Daily News, 2/17/03]
McCain attacked Germany for opposing the war - saying they lacked "political courage." McCain said that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder "looks little like the ally that anchored our presence in Europe throughout the Cold War...A German Rip Van Winkle from the 1960s would not understand the lack of political courage and cooperation with its allies on the question of Iraq exhibited in Berlin today." [Washington Times, 2/14/03]
On the war path, McCain said didn't care if invading Iraq damaged UN, thought Iraq would prove UN to be irrelevant. "If war is necessary, the United States will not 'be going it alone,' he said, but will wage war in Iraq with a coalition of allies - with or without the blessing of the United Nations. 'The problem here is not whether we do damage to the United Nations if we have to take military action,' he said. 'The question is, will the United Nations follow the League of Nations and risk irrelevancy.'" [Washington Times, 2/14/03]
McCain dismissed interests of French and Russians over invasion, said they were just based on commercial concerns. McCain said that "The French and Russians are putting their "commercial interests above international law, world peace and the political ideals of Western civilization." [Washington Times, 2/14/03]
At German security conference in the run up to the war McCain echoed Rumsfeld's notorious attacks on our European allies. "Rumsfeld has made headlines across Europe in recent weeks for a series of barbs at those who oppose U.S. policy." McCain clearly echoed Rumsfeld's statements, "McCain accused the Germans and French of "calculated self-interest" and "vacuous posturing" that left NATO with a "terrible injury." German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said Germany would support its ally Turkey, but the question was one of timing. Both German and French officials have said that such a vote is tantamount to admitting war's inevitability. The conference's most emotional moment came from Fischer...he told how three times he had led the charge for German troops to be deployed: in Kosovo, Macedonia and Afghanistan...His voice rising, and beginning to speak in English, he addressed Rumsfeld directly: 'My generation learned you must make a case and, excuse me, I am not convinced.' Rumsfeld sat against the wall, sipping water and watching without expression. Much was said at the meeting about the strident tone of U.S.-European discussions." [Philadelphia Inquirer, 2/9/03]
McCain rejected calls to get more international troops on the ground in Iraq. McCain said, "I think that the only military presence required right now would be American and British." [MSNBC Hardball, 4/23/03]
Given all of the negative remarks that Republicans have made to Europeans just because they wouldn't support all of our Governments escapades, I would have to wonder why they would want to help us during this economic crisis. When our Republican World Conquerors were sitting on top of it acting like jackasses they had no problem being arrogant, but now that they need the help of the world community they are going begging. Thank God the Republicans aren't America, merely a segment, the worst segment. Were I a European, I would let the Republicans rot.
Artos: Given all of the negative remarks that Republicans have made
I'm glad someone finally put this point in a headline. It's what I've been saying in comments elsewhere on the net. McCain is willing to alienate an ALLY to conceal what could have been mere confusion at the reporter's question. Formulating foreign policy to conceal one's mistakes = the same as Bush or worse.
bluevillage: I'm glad someone finally put this point in a headline.
Remember Condi Rice's comment earlier this week re Russia becoming isolated and irreievant?
Do you think she may have been talking about us?
A new trend in political campaigning: insult other countries even before being elected.
The McCain/Palin sideshow might be laughable, if the current economical/political stakes weren't so high. Today's bombing in Islamabad is very sobering. So is this week's Wall Street/economic/(insert word here) crisis. America needs an administration that is respected on the global stage.
Pleasae, someone donate a current National Geographic World Atlas (or, better yet, 2) to the GOP?
jadedat51: Remember Condi Rice's comment earlier this week re Russia becoming
This is why Sen. Obama is so popular amongst our allies, they know he will act like an ally. He will respect them. He may disagree with them, but he will respect them.
iLogos: This is why Sen. Obama is so popular amongst our
I agree. John McCain had *no* clue who the radio commentator was talking about. To be honest...John McCain sounded like he had just rolled out of bed...from the sound of his voice.
I mean...I did not know it was the Prime Minister of Spain...but shouldn't John McCain?? since Spain is a member of NATO....the same NATO from Sarah Palin's interview with Charlie Gibson.
NevadaDem: I agree. John McCain had *no* clue who the radio
These are no longer gaffes - this is exactly what my father did as he started to decline into dementia. McCain is about where Reagan was when he was leaving office!! I cannot believe people would actually consider voting for someone who is already showing strong signs of dementia - this means all the republican insiders would be running Washington from behind the scenes again!!!!
Didn't anyone notice that his wife is ALWAYS standing behind him when he's speaking!! They cannot leave him alone for a minute.
sushi27: These are no longer gaffes - this is exactly what
I absolutely agree with this comment, sushi, ...my mother died from Alzheimers, back before they even had a name for the disease...the doctor told us that the brain physically shrinks ...it's a really long progress, but generally starts in the 70's ...(of course, in rare cases it can go faster)...when we began to think back in my mother's case there were signs we should have seen (if we knew what to look for) ,...one of the biggies was the confusion about time, people, and places. All the things we see with him...especially this week...stress will amplify the systems....it seems as plain forgetfulnesss at first, but when it takes over, it is devastating....I believe Reagan was afflicted with this in his last years and it was covered up by his wife and the administration. Remeber the Iran-Contra affair? One of the other things I remember about my mom was that she never wanted me too far away from her, especially in public...I've been saying this about McCain since the primaries...and I feel he is already getting worse....if he gets elected....God help us.
mrsbee: I absolutely agree with this comment, sushi, ...my mother died
Well, let's see. MCCain has completely isolated Iran and most of the Islamic countries (no getting them back on a friendly basis anytime soon) by his and Bush's policies. The Russians, the Georgians (think we offered to help, then when they started bugling like a bull elk, we didn't back them up), lots of latin American countries, and now Spain. Don't you think the powers that be would have figured something out when nobody in the whole world was willing to help the US go to war in Iraq? Oh sure, England sent some, Australia sent some, but not enough to matter. We did it alone, because it was an unwinnable, stupid idea for a war. And now that McBush has decided to insult Spain? We need a President with some intelligence, character and common sense. We don't need a President that will ruin every good relationship in the world. Obama 08
Willow712: Well, let's see. MCCain has completely isolated Iran and most
The Republican controlled government would never have done anything to help the Georgians, It's one thing to talk big about defending the rule of law and all that , but you have to look at history. The Republicans are good at starting conflicts and beating up on tiny nations or countries like Irag which in reality couldn't do much to fight back. By the time we went in to fight Iraq they were militarily at their lowest. During the Cold War the Republicans would never have thought to attack the Soviet Union and now Russia either because they have Nukes still. Talk is all the Republicans are good for. Like a schoolyard bully they like easy targets. Don't believe me then look at history, especially the Reagan, Bush Sr and Jr. years.
Artos: Willow712, The Republican controlled government would never have done anything
No, it was a "gaffe". If you read the entire interview, it is obvious McCain had absolutely no idea in which hemisphere Spain existed, or who Zapateria is....... I'm sure McCain's handler's think it is better to be perceived as hard-line hawk than someone experiencing early-symptom, age-related dementia. Doesn't anyone remember how Reagan had to be "explained" by his handlers when he started developing Alzheimers? This seems really similar.
Lefty08: No, it was a "gaffe". If you read the entire
Look! Let's all back up a few steps and really check out where we are. First of all, the legislative body has just taken us for a ride that the majority of us won't survive. From today through Dec.31, 2008, you will see companies that are unknown to the very people who are likely to vote for McCain and his VP being bailed out . This bail out thing is really another tax on the middle class. Who is going to pay for it? Certainly not the top 10% who have been benefiting from lower taxes. Oh no! They get to keep what they have already conned us out of, now they pass a law that makes us liable for what they have stolen. This is sort of like "heads, I win, tails you lose.! Why MSN allows McCain to get away with this preview of the full scenario if he's elected, is a clear indication that MSM is subliminally attempting to help McCain get elected.
opinion123: Look! Let's all back up a few steps and really
I believe the person who does not understand European politics is Mr. Bergmann. Zapatero got in as a result of the Madrid bombings. His election was seen as the most blatant act of appeasement by any electorate in memory. He is a beacon to the Chavez school in South America. The Spain of Zapatero is considered a chancre in Europe through which Islamists are able to attack the EU body. Zapatero's Spain in the EU is isolated and foundering. He is not an ally but an enemy.
arise: I believe the person who does not understand European politics
I am afraid that what you are talking about is b.s. Zapatero was elected BECAUSE Aznar was lying through the teeth as his master GWB does all the time. And Spain and Europe has not regretted for one minute the departure of GWB's poodle nr2. Furthermore the Spaniards have reelected Mr. Zapatero already and Spain and Zapatero are NOT isolated in Europe. On the contrary. But maybe
the neo-cons and other republicans regret the growing dislike Latin American governments have for Big Brother. Too bad, you'll have to get use to it.
andrushka: I am afraid that what you are talking about is
Arise, the scope of your ignorance of foreign affairs is only matched by your "do not confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!" attitude. It was Zapatero who confronted Chaves' egocentric and disrespectful remarks about Mr. Aznar, the previous (conservative) elected leader of Spain. Spain is isolated and floundering? Where do you get your European news? Newsmax? The Limbaugh report? Michael Savage's psychotic rantings on his radio program?
If you are ever to become an educated and effective citizen, you will have to throw away blind devotion to the extreme ideology that apparently consumes your intelligence and clouds your judgment.
BoshSpong: Arise, the scope of your ignorance of foreign affairs is
It's almost impossible to believe that in a country of nearly 300 million people, Bush and Cheney -- and now McCain and Palin -- are the best this country can provide as candidates for president, a position which virtually is the most important in the world.
To suggest -- as McCain is doing in the Zapatero scenario -- that we are prepared to snub anyone at all in the world who abandoned us over the Iraq invasion, occupation and oil grab -- right or wrong -- because we are the U.S., the final authority, the final might, the final wealth, the final step just before attaining Godliness -- is as horrifying as it is , well, yes -- insane. You cannot have put it more succinctly. Sadly, to the embarrassment and horror of Americans everywhere, there is no other word to describe it.
tssent: It's almost impossible to believe that in a country of
Oh, come on, McCain just thinks Zapatero is a Latin American rock star, and McCain did not want to discuss "Spanish" music, about which he would gladly admit he is no expert. He kept repeating himself because he says what he means and he figured the interview was over. Besides, nobody spoke Spanish in Vietnam.
PapaB: Oh, come on, McCain just thinks Zapatero is a Latin
Spain is "stupidly" anti-USA. I say "stupidly" because most people 95% side, on most issues, against anything USA but love to send their kids to US Universities. For example, Javier Bardem and his entire family have been avid Pro-Communists up until he got the Oscars. Most people in Spain REFUSED to see the contradictions inherent in the American System due to the USA being more of a Continent than a Country, people living in suburbs rather than apartments and therefore don't have the social skills Spaniards have, etc. However, Spain has a social ILLNESS called ENVY, which is not to be confused with the word envy used by Bush nor Spaniards are envious of the USA. Envy is an obsessive-compulsive illness that turns into an UNCONSIOUS love-hate relationship. This social illness is what mostly stops Spain from moving forward rather than the other European countries' or USA's Policies. Having said all that McCain and many politicians and Americans do NOT KNOW that Spain HAS the LARGEST and MOST IMPORTANT USA NUCLEAR SUBMARINE BASE in the entire world, which is based in ROTA, in the South near Gibraltar a geopolitical point.
wilhelmR: Spain is "stupidly" anti-USA. I say "stupidly" because most people
Spain envious of USA??? Guess you haven't travelled very much. Spain is a lovely country that Americans pay big bucks to visit and where many expatriot Americans live.
aspen: Spain envious of USA??? Guess you haven't travelled very much.
So, the McCain campaign has added another country to our rapidly growing list of enemies and this one was our ally just 2 days ago. Way to go, guys! I have to wonder just how many enemies we can accrue before they get together and decide they don't want us on their world anymore.
I also listened to the interview and it was obvious that McCain simply did not know who Zapatero is or what part of the world he represents. The truth is that he drifted off again just as he did with the 'Sunni and Shea" gaffe; just as he did when talking about the border separating Iraq and Pakistan - for anyone who doesn't know, that border is the very large country of Iran.
He's definitely our country's foreign policy guru. But take heart, America! If he should ever falter he will be replaced by a beauty queen who can see the easternmost part of Siberia in Russia from the westernmost part of her state! Gee, I feel safer already just knowing the demented duo might take over our country.
Obama/Biden/America '08
FloridaShutterBug: So, the McCain campaign has added another country to our
This latest wandering of McCain's along with Palin's intimation...well, actually she did more than intimate that maybe we would need to teach Russia a thing or two makes me think that the Bomb Shelters of the 50s might be back in style soon if they win Washington.
McCain had not a clue who was being spoken of. And to have anybody try to convince the American listening audience otherwise implies they think us fools.
Obama-Biden 08
madhattah: This latest wandering of McCain's along with Palin's intimation...well, actually
Bush makes silly and incorrect statements simply because he's not real quick on his feet and has never been known to be one with a nimble, inquisitive mind. McCain? He is supposedly a bit smarter and more experienced. These continuing mistakes are a sign that he really is not up to speed on the issues or tires easily and then makes mistakes. Not good qualities in a president.
Now he has superglued himself to Palin because no one wants to hear him speak. People get up and leave when he starts speaking after her. How embarrassing. She can't put coherent policy statements together either but she now has the aura of celebrity. For a party that disdains the Hollywood types, they are just ga-ga over the latest tabloid face of the moment. Do they not care that the Republican Party is counting on ignorance to get them elected?
Just try and watch that Hannity interview with Palin. It looked and sounded like an infomercial. Same types of softball, leading questions. Same pacing and responses. I guess when your biggest supporters spend their days in rooms filled with furniture from Wal-Mart watching the Home Shopping Channel for deals from Franklin Mint, an infomercial is a perfect vehicle.
RRundbaken: Bush makes silly and incorrect statements simply because he's not
Pathetic isn't it? Palin has managed to sideline the actual candidate. I have no doubt that she is coached every waking moment of her day in order to get through (around) the next question. I have to say her timing is wonderful. She manages to field the "Stump the candidate" questioner just in time to slide out the back door with What's-His-Name sign a few autographs and head to home to enlarge her family, fire a few people who don't agree with her, and put the Gubernatorial mansion on Ebay. She's a duck. The Hannity interview was smaltz... primping. They didn't want to hurt the cute little thing. LOL She could probably eat Hannity for lunch!
But I wouldn't sell the Wal-Mart crowd short either. There are far more of them than there are of the upper strata of this country and more than a few of them want nothing to do with Palin. They don't trust her and they don't rust her obvious lack of integrity. The working middle class want a better life for themselves and their children. More than a few of them want Barack Obama in the White House.
America was born in the streets after all.
Maine for Obama-Biden 2008
madhattah: Pathetic isn't it? Palin has managed to sideline the actual
After 72 years of being on planet Earth, he could really think that Spain was a part of Latin America? This whole thing is getting really creepy....... and scary.... McCain and Palin, better known as "Dumb and Dumber".
saywha: After 72 years of being on planet Earth, he could
Do you think she may have been talking about us?
A new trend in political campaigning: insult other countries even before being elected.
The McCain/Palin sideshow might be laughable, if the current economical/political stakes weren't so high. Today's bombing in Islamabad is very sobering. So is this week's Wall Street/economic/(insert word here) crisis. America needs an administration that is respected on the global stage.
Pleasae, someone donate a current National Geographic World Atlas (or, better yet, 2) to the GOP?
I mean...I did not know it was the Prime Minister of Spain...but shouldn't John McCain?? since Spain is a member of NATO....the same NATO from Sarah Palin's interview with Charlie Gibson.
Didn't anyone notice that his wife is ALWAYS standing behind him when he's speaking!! They cannot leave him alone for a minute.
The Republican controlled government would never have done anything to help the Georgians, It's one thing to talk big about defending the rule of law and all that , but you have to look at history. The Republicans are good at starting conflicts and beating up on tiny nations or countries like Irag which in reality couldn't do much to fight back. By the time we went in to fight Iraq they were militarily at their lowest. During the Cold War the Republicans would never have thought to attack the Soviet Union and now Russia either because they have Nukes still. Talk is all the Republicans are good for. Like a schoolyard bully they like easy targets. Don't believe me then look at history, especially the Reagan, Bush Sr and Jr. years.
the neo-cons and other republicans regret the growing dislike Latin American governments have for Big Brother. Too bad, you'll have to get use to it.
If you are ever to become an educated and effective citizen, you will have to throw away blind devotion to the extreme ideology that apparently consumes your intelligence and clouds your judgment.
To suggest -- as McCain is doing in the Zapatero scenario -- that we are prepared to snub anyone at all in the world who abandoned us over the Iraq invasion, occupation and oil grab -- right or wrong -- because we are the U.S., the final authority, the final might, the final wealth, the final step just before attaining Godliness -- is as horrifying as it is , well, yes -- insane. You cannot have put it more succinctly. Sadly, to the embarrassment and horror of Americans everywhere, there is no other word to describe it.
1) You don't know sh*t about Spain.
2) We're not anti-USA. We're anti-Bush. As you should be, after the mess of the last 8 years.
I also listened to the interview and it was obvious that McCain simply did not know who Zapatero is or what part of the world he represents. The truth is that he drifted off again just as he did with the 'Sunni and Shea" gaffe; just as he did when talking about the border separating Iraq and Pakistan - for anyone who doesn't know, that border is the very large country of Iran.
He's definitely our country's foreign policy guru. But take heart, America! If he should ever falter he will be replaced by a beauty queen who can see the easternmost part of Siberia in Russia from the westernmost part of her state! Gee, I feel safer already just knowing the demented duo might take over our country.
Obama/Biden/America '08
McCain had not a clue who was being spoken of. And to have anybody try to convince the American listening audience otherwise implies they think us fools.
Obama-Biden 08
Now he has superglued himself to Palin because no one wants to hear him speak. People get up and leave when he starts speaking after her. How embarrassing. She can't put coherent policy statements together either but she now has the aura of celebrity. For a party that disdains the Hollywood types, they are just ga-ga over the latest tabloid face of the moment. Do they not care that the Republican Party is counting on ignorance to get them elected?
Just try and watch that Hannity interview with Palin. It looked and sounded like an infomercial. Same types of softball, leading questions. Same pacing and responses. I guess when your biggest supporters spend their days in rooms filled with furniture from Wal-Mart watching the Home Shopping Channel for deals from Franklin Mint, an infomercial is a perfect vehicle.
But I wouldn't sell the Wal-Mart crowd short either. There are far more of them than there are of the upper strata of this country and more than a few of them want nothing to do with Palin. They don't trust her and they don't rust her obvious lack of integrity. The working middle class want a better life for themselves and their children. More than a few of them want Barack Obama in the White House.
America was born in the streets after all.
Maine for Obama-Biden 2008
SANE PEOPLE FOR OBAMA/BIDEN.