Is this what we've come to?

[pam]

I don't know why anybody would even let a thought like this enter their mind much less speak it out loud. It's SO uncool I can't believe it.....






FRESNO, Calif. - A top adviser to John McCain said another terrorist attack on U.S. soil would be a "big advantage" for the Republican presidential candidate, drawing a sharp rebuke Monday from both the presumed GOP nominee and Democrat Barack Obama.

Charlie Black, already in the spotlight for his past lobbying work, is quoted in the upcoming July 7 edition of Fortune magazine as saying such an attack "certainly would be a big advantage to him." Black said Monday he regretted the comment.

Black is also quoted as saying the "unfortunate event" of the assassination of former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto in December 2007 "helped us."

Questioned about Black's comments during a news conference, McCain said, "I cannot imagine why he would say it. It's not true. I've worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear."

Citing his work to establish a commission to investigate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and his membership on the Senate Armed Services Committee, McCain added: "I cannot imagine it, and so, if he said that — and I don't know the context — I strenuously disagree."

The remarks caught McCain flat-footed on a day when he focused on energy issues — first in a speech, then at a town-hall meeting and then during a news conference as he stood beside two $100,000 electric cars. McCain offered $300 million to anyone who develops a revolutionary automobile battery, and he predicted such incentives would lower alternative energy costs.

Moments later, he was befuddled when reporters asked about Black's comments. Black was similarly surprised when reporters happened upon him outside a later McCain fundraiser.

Speaking quietly, Black read from handwritten notes. "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," Black said.

[frawin]

Pam, that is no doubt a case of the motor mouth running without the brain turned on. An aide speaking the truth without thinking what he was saying. I am not thrilled with John McCains somewhat liberal attitude, but the man does not need to defend his record on defending America and the pain and suffering he indured while doing it.
Frank

[pam]

Oh I know it's probly true it would help and yeah the dude was definitely talkin out his you know what but geez to say people dyin would really help us in this election is ate up from the ground up. What kind of person even thinks about sayin somthin like that out loud?

[frawin]

To answer your question, he didn't think.

[pam]

Oh he was thinkin, he just should've kept what he was thinkin to himself! I'm glad he didn't tho, thinkin like that is what's killin this world.

[DanCookson]

I think it is fair to question Mr. McCain on social and economic issues, but he is the one and only candidate that is above repudiation when it comes to his record in defending this country and his deep care for the men and women in the armed services.  You can bet your you know what that those are remarks that are not endorsed by him, nor tolerated.  You can only control what comes out of your own mouth, not the people who you surround yourself with.  Mr. Obama learned the same lesson with his pastor, Rev. Wright.

[pam]

Think you guys got me wrong, I don't think McCain had anything to do with what was said. This really isn't a comment on EITHER one of the candidates. More of a comment on the mindset of the people workin for em than anything, more of a comment on the win at all costs mental attitude of campaign WORKERS than anything else! I've always said Mc Cain is the best choice at the moment for the war situation we find ourselves in. He's been there done that. I was just shocked that the guy not only had that thought but that he voiced it, much less to a reporter!

[DanCookson]

I know Pam, I didn't mean to sound like that.  I was more appalled at all the media jumping on it like they have.  As far as I am concerned, McCain has some policy and issues that I don't care for, but his military service and policy are not one of them.  I would consider him above reproach on those issues.  The media has to have something to rail about!!

[Warph]

Charlie Black is bad news and McCain would do well to drop him.... like fast.  Charlie is well known around D.C. and, unforunately at times, he doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.  Black has been a key player in the Washington scene for close to three decades, holding his first high level position as a senior advisor in the Reagan administration.  Black then went on to be a senior advisor to Bush (41) and played a key role in the Bush (43) 2000 Presidential election campaign.  He also has been heavily involved in a large number of Republican Congressional election campaigns.  He needs to step down because this is a completely different presidental animal than what he was used to in prior years.  However the interesting connections in Black's past relating to McCain's campaign effort come from his extremely lucrative lobbying career.  It was Charlie Black whom Obama referred to when stating that McCain had lobbyist running their firms from the campaign bus.  He needs to go back doing what he knows best... Lobbying.  I would only hope he is TOAST in McCains camp!

[Teresa]

Thanks for posting that.  ..I'd heard something similar in recent conversations. I had the pleasure of being around John Sigler, president of the NRA...and several other very important people who are insiders and in the "know" of Washington and government 'goings on'.
If I could hang around all those guys who are smack dab in the middle of all the Washington hub and just listen and learn, I would be in 7th heaven. That is one time I am as silent as a mouse..taking it all in and learning.
(I know I know.. you all didn't think there as never a time I was quiet , did you? )

There is so much more going on that what we think we know in our little dot on the map of Howard Ks.
Unfortunately, I think it is just as well  .. Some won't believe it..some refuse to believe it and others don't care. Those of us that DO realize what is going on are taking precautions and getting ready to battle a predicted storm... ( much to the delight and amazement of the liberals who think everything will be peaches and cream.)

I hope the preparations are in vain.... But we just don't know.