Democrats bash McCain over terror remark
The strategist has expressed regret over his remarks that another terrorist attack on US soil would be "a big advantage" to John McCain's chances in November. McCain has repudiated the statement.
But Democrats are not letting it go today.
Black, a top McCain adviser, told Fortune magazine that the political advantage of terrorism was pointed out by the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto last December, just before McCain won the New Hampshire primary to save his campaign.
Black called Bhutto's death an "unfortunate event," but added, "His knowledge and ability to talk about it reemphasized that this is the guy who's ready to be commander-in-chief. And it helped us."
The Democratic National Committee distributed a video incorporating a CNN report showing that McCain had said something similar himself after the assassination, asserting, "I’m the one with the experience, the knowledge and the judgment. So perhaps my service could enhance those credentials."
“John McCain and Charlie Black may have apologized for Black’s awful comments about a terrorist attack and Prime Minister Bhutto's tragic death, but it is deeply disturbing to think that Senator McCain and his top advisors have contemplated using the same Karl Rove style tactics of exploiting fear to win an election," DNC communications director Karen Finney said in a statement. "No wonder the American people think John McCain is out of touch. Democrats agree that a substantive debate on the future of the war on terrorism is an important part of this election, and given Senator McCain’s dismal record on the issue we welcome that debate. Inciting fear as a campaign tactic is not only inconsistent with John McCain’s promise to run a different kind of campaign, it doesn’t make our country any safer.”
Earlier today, Barack Obama's campaign organized a conference call with a member of the blue-ribbon, bipartisan panel that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
Richard Ben-Veniste told reporters that Black's statement was a "very disappointing glimpse into the thinking of one of McCain's closest advisers.”
While Ben-Veniste did not suggest that Black resign or be forced out, he added, “I think the remarks were so out of place that they call for some recalibration in the thinking and perhaps a greater adherence to principle here in staying away from the politics of fear.”
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What is the big fuss about? Everyone knows that McCain is by far the strongest candidate against terrorists. Obama just does not have it when it comes to the security of our country. He's a babe lost in the woods.
Hey it worked for Bush for 2 terms why change now?
You'd think they'd have realized the downside of fear a long time ago. I think it was around the time that I stopped being afraid that I started hating the Republicans for fear mongering. And I once considered myself a rather partisan Republican...
Perhaps the comments were not the best thought through, but in truth, who would you trust better to deal with terrorizm, Barack or McCain? This is the central issue.
The answer is clear, McCain. The rest is just noise...
Well, Obama's race is the white elephant in the proverbial room of his campaign. Now McCain gets to have a taste of the sinister, aloof, uncaring warmonger white elephant in his room. Face it, he has inherited the "So?" attitude of the Bush campaign when it comes to the lives of our soldiers, regardless of his remarkable tenure and support of our country. Seems fair considering what Obama faces regardless of what his words reflect (i.e., that he is a muslim, anti-white, yada, yada). How many times will McCain be able to take the high ground among his ne'er-speak-well party affiliates before voters realize that a vote for McCain is not a vote for him, but rather an entire set of Rebulican agenda items that he can't help but carry the banner for?
Personally, I'm tired of living in fear. The terrorists won when we decided to spend 8 years living in paranoia - not only of terroroists, but of any American that decided to take a stand against all the wrong-doings around them. Well, I am also tired of having my patriotism questioned. I want the patriotism of Bush and Cheney questioned.
Should we consider voting for someone who gains political advantage from the death of American citizens? How about if he merely uses the fear of that as a means of gaining power? McSame is just like the Bush regime, and we aren't going to take it anymore.
Aw c'mon. Sometimes a statement of fact is just that and nothing more. The Bhutto assassination may have helped in New Hampshire and it's true that a terrorist attack on the US would probably benefit John McCain. There is nothing sinister in saying as much.
Now if someone proposed an attack, that's another matter altogether. Or if someone induced Kim Jong Il or Hamas or Ahmadinejad to come out as a supporter of Obama; THAT would be sinister.
Give me a break.
This is very true, an attack on U.S. soil would help McCain and hurt the Dems who are perceived to be soft on terrorism. I wouldn't condemn Black for saying out loud what is common knowledge and I don't see how his comments meet the criteria for "inciting fear". This is just another lame (and transparent) attempt for the Dems to link McCain to the current administration. I am looking very hard at voting for Obama but but all these other Dems scare the crap out of me.
signed;
Republican on the fence.
Is anyone surprised about tghis kind of tactic. George Bush one a second term by scaring the people. Now Mc Cain is trying the same. Not this time guys. American people are a lot smarter than the politicians and people like Karl Rove think.
So let us talk about the Economy, Health Care, Infrastructure and the future of our Children instead of thos terrorists hiding in caves.
ET's Corner
How is it possible that Samantha Power was forced to resign for simply calling Clinton a "monster." but Charlie Black practically invites terrorists to attack this country and he can keep his post?
How drunk is America on the Republican kool-aid that THEY know how to handle terrorism, when they so OBVIOSLY DO NOT. No matter how the war in Iraq turns out, it remains a national DISGRACE. Where is Bin Laden? How many NEW terrorists has the Bush administration created since 9/11?
It seems to me the Republican party is MUCH LESS equipped to handle terrorism than the Democrats. At least the Democrats are willing to talk to them. Isn't talking better than having them blow themselves up in your face? Literally?!?
It was Obama who suggested an attack might be necessary on the Afghan border regions of Pakistan and it was McCain who consider that naive. I do not accept that the American people will naturally think that such an attack means McCain would be the right candidate.
Quite frankly at this minute our financial institutions are under attack from greedy bankers and reckless borrowers. At this time that attack is stronger than the one of al-Qaeda and if unchecked will leave us defenseless against a foreign foe. We must get our house in order.
I think it's funny that they think a new terrorist attack would help McCain, since the Republicans like to point to the "no new attacks since 9/11"
A new attack would show that the Republicans and the war in Iraq are worthless.
Blacks comments foreshadow what is to be expected from the Republicans between now and November. Does anyone really believe that they won't do their best or worse as it may be to play the fear card?
November is coming. Your baby is asleep. Which truck would you rather be driving when the giant lizards attack the city?
I hope al Qaeda isn't reading Black's comments. The terrorists have enjoyed unprecedented influence during Bush's tenure. Obama poses a dilemma for them. It is harder to accuse him of being a "Crusader." I know given a choice, Bin Laden would much prefer to have McCain as president. It could only help his recruitment results. So, it isn't just Black who sees opportunity in another terrorist attack on US soil. Trust me, al Qaeda is thinking about it, too. The biggest mistake Americans can make is to let al Qaeda determine the outcome of our election - no matter what they try to do between now and November.
What kind of experience does McCain have. Please tell us. He knows how to pick up the phone to send someone else's children to war. Just go to You Tube and you will see all of McCain's experience. Did you know that V. Putin is the president of Germany. John McCain is an oil mans wet dream.