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Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher



McCain criticizes Romney's Dole remark

Posted: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 11:00 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: , ,

From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy and NBC's Megan Marcus
McCain spent a few minutes before his plane took off this morning criticizing Romney over his comments about Bob Dole. Dole wrote a letter to Rush Limbaugh defending McCain's conservative record, and this morning on Fox News, Romney said that Dole was the last person he'd want writing a letter on his behalf.

McCain called Dole a "hero" who helped build the Republican Party and said that Romney should apologize. McCain's campaign also passed around a clip of Romney's remarks on Dole, as well as a full statement criticizing the former Massachusetts governor.

"Governor Romney's attack on Bob Dole is disgraceful, and Governor Romney should apologize. Bob Dole is a war hero who has spent his life in service to this nation and nobody has worked harder to build the Republican Party. Bob Dole deserves the respect of every American and certainly every Republican."

Yet here were Romney's full comments this morning:
Fox News' Steve Doocy: Governor, what do you make of the letter that Bob Dole wrote to Rush Limbaugh that says, lay off of John McCain, he is conservative enough? Do you buy that from Bob?
Romney: Well, it's probably the last person I would have wanted to have write a letter for me. I think there are a lot of folks that tend to think that maybe John McCain's race is a bit like Bob Dole's race. That it's the guy next who's next in line, he's the inevitable choice and we'll give it to him and that it won't work. I think the right course for a winning campaign against someone like Barack Obama is going to be somebody who can speak with energy and passion about the future of America -- not another senator who can say here's what I did on bill H1, 2, 3, 4, here's what I did on my committee assignment. The American people are so tired of listening to Senators talk about their bills and their committees.

When asked how he was feeling going into today, McCain said he as "feelin' good."

"I think we are doing very well," he said. "We need a big voter turnout. We always need a big voter turnout." McCain added that poor weather in California was concerning ,but he was looking forward to getting back to Arizona. He reiterated that he is a very superstitious person, which keeps him on edge.

"[I'm] always nervous," he said. "Always worried, worried about every state... I'm always a pain in a certain part of the anatomy to some of my associates."

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It looks like McCain cant take the heat...Looks who talking....Not a straight shooter, says hes a soldier of the Donald Duck Club and if you believe that my friends I wont be able to deliver on the economy i will be the best anti terrorist and long time war monger who will keep our country safe from ourselves....
I agree with Mitt Romney, Bob Dole needs to stay out of it.  Considering that John McCain was actively sought out by the democratic party back in 2001-2002 scares the dickens out of me.  Anybody who was "thinking" of joining the Liberals sends up the red flags for me.  Rush called it right down the middle, John McCain cannot be trusted with immigration and the economy.

But, having said that, I will do what a lot of Obama people will be doing in November....

Holding my nose and voting for my people...
After all, anything is better then the Clinton's.....

Bob Dole would have made a great President, but women having the fantasies about Bill Clinton ruled the day. That was the main reason Bill won re-election in 1996.
The old guy is up to the same old tricks, trying to change what Romney said just like in Florida.  Wake up people, the man behind the Straight Talk Express is a liar!
Mcwar is no staight shooter...he is a mean spirited old man with a spotty military record at best, hardly the american hero he is portraying himself as to the public...I will be happy to donate to the 527 that will swift boat his service...if you loved the number done on kerry stay tuned
is it just me.  or is that the only attack/defense McCain knows.  "i'm a war hero"..."he's a war hero".  He continually disregards the men and women in uniform by exploiting their services and patriotism.  John McCain you should apologize to every individual in the service for your attempts of exploiting them for political gain.  
Could there be a bigger phony and panderer than Flip Flop Mitt? First he votes for Tsongas, criticizes Reagan and tries to run away from Reagan, now he is the second coming of Reagan? Mitt Romney also ran to the left of Ted Kennedy on every singles conservative issue, yet somehow conservatives are embracing him? Conservatives are disgraceful.
And you think Romney is a straight shooter?  If so, you are a fool.  Shame on you Russ Maine.  
Mitt, the Republican Obama? The Future? Dubyatalk replaced by Mittspeak? Eight years of Mitt would be as Goofy, if not Goofier, than eight years of Dub. And no repairs to the fractured Constitution, to be sure. Not that Big Mac would repair it, or, I'm thinking, would the Democrats. It's the Consternation, now, and that's a sad thing.
Again McCain displays his usual propensity for dishonest immaturity! I'd rather someone who hit their conservative maturity late (in Huckabee's words), than someone that has become so cenial in his conservatism that he's become a liberal on important issues, and/or somone that hasn't a clue about what is and isn't an attack!!...and they say Romney is the one that says anything to get elected.

Vote Romney for our future as a nation, and for a strong Conservative Party!
I never voted for him, bt even I like Bob Dole!  He sacrificed for his country in WWII, and worked hard in a Congress that was once civil, partly because of guys like him.  I realize, though, that, even though Mccain promises us wars and more tax cuts for the rich, guys like Lush Rimjob, the Oxy Moron, and his ilk, don't like him...and if Romney gets front-runner, they won't like HIM because he's too Mormon, and, if God performs the awaited miracle and Huckster becomes the front runner, they won't like HIM, either...because they realize they've go NO ONE who can beat either Obama or Clinton.  Who they
're REALLY  mad at is not Mccain, it's the RNC for coughing up such a slate of losers.  If the GOP ran Hitler and Mussolini, and the Dems couldn't find anyone to beat them, I'd be angry, too.  The fact that the Dems have given their voters a choice between (gasp) a woman and (bigger gasp) a black guy, should, in their minds, guarantee a Republican victory.  The fact that it doesn't is what ticks the Big Mouths off.  They've got three loser and no hope.  Rush better buy some more Oxy, it's gonna be a LONG 4-8 years!
McCain's "old," negative and fear-inspiring rhetoric is getting very tiring. So quick to dish the dirt but when it comes his way, he looks like his head's going to explode. How can he say that the withdrawal from Iraq would be a "white flag of surrender"? Would he say the same about Vietnam?  He, of all people, should never use that phrase.
Does he not hear the American people???? We want change! He deserves much respect for his patriotism but can't ride that wave forever and neglect the voice of the people.
McCain is a Democrat in Republican clothing, who will do or say anything to get elected.
Is anyone else having trouble opening up the MSNBC live coverage? It won't play on my computer.
Why is it that Rommney gets away with changing stands and gets a free ride?This guy jumps all over the place just to get the vote.John McCain is always getting hammered for immigration yet,He's the only one to try to get things going.Why is it so bad that McCain works with the Dems?Washingtons Broke,Well maybe a guy who will work with the other side is just what we need.My Votes For McCain!!!
Bob Dole is the kind of person you would tell your children to run to for help if there was an emergency
and you were not with them at the time. Romney is the kind of person you would tell your children to run away from in the case of an emergency. Ever wondered why Romney nor any of his many sons never ever thought enough of the country to serve in its military? But he is a war hawk all the way. That is what I call making a fool out of the American people. Think about it.
By trying to stigmatize an american who spent much of his life in honorable service to our country, Mitt Romney reveals more about his character than that of Bob Dole. It seems that service to country will always take second seat to considerations of political gain with Mitt Romney.  It is it any coincidence that the five sons from the Romney household are serving in the romney campaign while John McCain's son is in the military?  I think not.
Please people, wake up,  The only choice for President
is Mitt Romney.  As most everyone has said, McCain is
a Redemocrat.
The ultra right wing of the Republican Party can't field a viable "Reagan like candidate"?  Is that because you had full control of the reigns of government for 6 years and failed every conservative test?  Pre-emtive war, huge budget deficits, expanding government, cooking the books on Iraq, torture, gay senators in the party, an imperial vice president, spying on Americans, laissez faire economic policies?  Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are things much worse than even Bill Clinton's dalliances or John McCain's flip flops. The Reagan Era is dead-killed by ignorant, ideological neo-cons like you.  Live with your failures.
McCain is a typical politician who will say anything. I was saddened when Fred Thompson dropped from the race but after listening to Mitt Romney I can see that there is a great difference in a true conservative and a lifetime politician flip flopping with the Democrats on every issue. I believe that Bob Dole and John McCain owe all of us disabled/veterans an apology. We all served and made great sacrifices for our freedom and our country. I wasn't in a POW camp but it sure felt like it at times and all of our stories make us heroes but it doesn't make me a candidate for President of the United States. Wake up American! No more lifetime congressmen in the Whitehouse.
McCain is another looser, just like Bob Dull.  McCain should follow Bob Dole into retirment and give his seat to a real republican.....McCain is a traitor and a Democrate.  I voted for Ron Paul
Everyone tends to be more forgiving with their own candidate, and harsher on the opponent. However, Look at the issues and the responces. Romney changed his position on abortion. He candidly said he changed his mind on the issue and that partial birth abortions were a big part of that. He made no evasion, no defense of his postions. He simply stated where he stands and why.
Romney is believable. People believe he is who he says he is. His record is consistant with who he says he is.

McCain is not consistant, and not believable. He is flip-floping in what comes out of his mouth. First he says he needs to learn more about the economy, then when he is criticized, he says he has a strong understanding of the economy. He votes against tax cuts, and now he says he supports them. He says he wants to reduce earmarks on bills in congress, but he has been a senetor for a long time. He has been passing those bills full of earmarks. He just is not consistant enough to be believable. His record is not consistant with what he is saying. His tactics are very reminiscent of the Clintons.
McCain is a liar. He's a liar, he's a liar, he lies. Maybe if I say it enough it will counterbalance the media's totally unfounded story line that McCain is honest to a fault. Romney NEVER disparaged Dole's military service. He said Dole was next in line, just like McCain, but Mitt is trying to bring something new. You can disagree with Mitt's ability to bring change, but for McCain to come out and say this was some attack on Dole's miltary record?!?!?! LIAR!
I'm sorry, but sending any of the three Senators (McCain, Clinton,or Obama) back to Washington is not the answer that America needs. America will get a lot of the same or worse than what it has right now. They have been in Washington and haven't gotten anything done. America will go no where on any stance, whether it be militarily or otherwise, if it doesn't have a strong economy. As much as a lot of people don't like Mitt Romney, he is the only one that can expose Washington for what it has done to this nation and turn it around so we, as a nation, can get back on track. Mitt Romney understands what kind of nation we will be living in if any of the Senators go back to Washington, that is exactly why he has put his money where his mouth is. He won't have anyone to payback but himself. None of the other canidates, Democrat or Republican, can say that.
First of all anyone that listens to anything Rush says has to be a little touched in the head. He has this fixation with the anus lately. Must be those drugs or a bad flash back. McCain is more like what the true republicans were like. They were instrumental in freeing of the slaves, fiscally responsible, were for small government. What Rush is about is the neocon thing, Bush has taken this country so far into a bleak place that true republicans seem leftist.
Concerned independent, you are exactly right.  McCain is doing the "same old thing", I'm a war hero, blah blah blah.  Most real "heros" don't go around bragging about it or use that status to promote themselves.  The same old lies and twisting of Romney's record right before people vote.  It's dispicable.

JK- where have you been that you think Romney has had a free ride on his position changes?  He's been accused of flip flopping for this whole race, when in reality, McCain has flip flopped at least as much as Romney if not more.  The difference is that Romney is willing to admit where and WHY he has changed positions, and in all cases has become more conservative.  McCain tries to deny that he has changed and tries to portray himself as a "straight shooter" even though he lies constantly.  He has flipped on taxes, immigration, the religious right, Roe v. Wade, and ethanol (against, for, then against again), just to name a few, but that isn't only now, on the day of the biggest primary in US history, coming to light.
The shame belongs to McCain for leaking a personal letter from Bob Dole, and then lying about the contents in the letter to the media. The letter has been given to Rush Limbaugh and he is currently talking about the contents and the shameful political tactics of McCain.
Once again McCain has the media catering to his political games. If McCain didn't have their help, Mitt would probably be the front runner!
I like the gop lineup just fine---What dud you expect from the republicans all running in George Bushs shoes.Ron Paul the only exception and you let the media destroy him
Mitt Romney's a scumbag and so are his supporters! They're attacking the elderly and those who served their country honorably and made genuine, physical sacrifices! We should never discount the injuries and personal sacrifices that both Bob Dole and John McCain made in WWII and Vietnam respectively! John McCain was languishing in a POW camp while Mitt Romney avoided military service altogether and ran off to France to convert a few Parisians to Mormonism. McCain's son is in serving in combat right now, while NONE of Mitt's FIVE strapping sons are. When asked why not, Mitt smugly pronounced that they were indeed serving America the best way they could by helping to get his sorry butt elected President! God help America if panderers and phonies are what the American people want to lead them over genuine American heroes! Shame, shame, shame!
According to lorisbay we all have to serve in the military to be patriotic.  My brother and brother-in-law both serve in the military, but neither claim to be more patriotic than most americans.  For many in the military it is their profession of choice and they're trying to make a buck.  I appreciate their sacrifice, but stop saying people that aren't in Iraq aren't patriotic.

John McCains son is only following family tradition.  Same with McCain himself, for that matter.  His father and grandfather were 4 star generals and McCain was a rebellious punk that graduated fifth lowest in his class.  Why didn't he show some respect for those captains and generals that earned their way to a leadership position in the military.  Sounds unpatriotic.
I find it amusing that the mouth and face of the Conservative movement is a loud mouth thrice divorced, draft dodging, pill popping, hillbilly heroin addicted Rush Limbaugh. Speaks volumes as to the Conservative's perception of Reality.
What's wrong with what Romney said?  Nothing!!

Romney is actually doing more straight talk than McCain.  All McCain is doing is distorting his record and lying about what other people have said.  This is typical of someone who has been in Washington for 25 years.  Do we really want more of this?

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT, VOTE FOR ROMNEY!!!
This is McCain's way of saying don't criticize ME!
He expects a free pass....keep milking the POW card!
His self-righteousness makes me puke!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl9YE4G8gcY
Romney has to fight.  He has the liberal media trying to dictate our votes. He has McCain who can do nothing but lie.Huckabee who has almost no chance to win.  We have people who do not know Romney and what he really stands for.                
Romney came into this campaign as a Washington outsider, not well known. Those of us who did know him, saw how he brought the Olympics out of the ashes, and how Massachusetts ended up with a financial surplus due to government waste being cut, his ability to manage and lead the state.
Romney continues to be a Washington outsider which is great for America.                                
Romney will not cave to allow illegals to continue living in our country while taking our tax dollars; he will close the borders so America can be safe; he will stop government waste and spending because he owes no one any favors and does what is right for the taxpayers. Romney will bring America's industry back, so Americans can have jobs and we can buy American products. He will increase grants and research to better our products and growth. He will strengthen our military so we can remain free.
Romney is the only one to give us hope of a change in not only our country, but hope to ourselves to be able have money in our pockets, hope for our children and those that come after. Hope to know that our government waste will be eliminated and spending decreased.  Hope that the money spent on illegals in our country will return to our citizens who are in need of service, education and healthcare.
With McCain, Huckabee or any of the dems, we might as well accept that things will be the same.  Our country can not continue to allow illegals to invade our country and take from us.  If our country allowed those who want illegals and open borders to  pay for them, that is fine. I want my money to care for the citizens of our country, strengthen our military, increase our economy.
Those of you who read this may think I am full of it.  I am not. Read Romney's record, I dare you. Use the knowledge you have been given to take our country back to the citizens of the USA!!!

Sounds to me like Romney is getting desperate, losing any semblance of a sense of humor. Romney, I suggest that you tune in David Letterman before you go to bed. A few good laughs prior to going to sleep makes sleeping all the more relaxing, and, the next morning you won't wake up with sour disposition.
Let's face the real truth! Mike Huckabee is the only real deal in the race. We don't see him out bashing the other guys to make Himself look better. Look at what Huckabee has done with the little resources he's had. If we would let him, the $5000 hammer would be history. Mitt in his arrogance thinks he can buy it.

Also, the Dem's are so bent on "Making History" the they let the only Candidate that was thinking of the future on this Nation slip right out of thier hands. Mr Edwards would have been the one if had to pick a Dem.
Ha ha.  Romney supporters have resorted to saying things like "McCain's service record is spotty at best."  It'll be so nice tomorrow when Mitt is gone from the race.  Bye bye lib Mitt.
McCain's new ad which I just saw this morning, states that he was a 'foot soldier in the reagan revolution while he was a resident of the Hanoi Hilton'
Reagan was elected in 1980
John McCain was shot down in 1967 and released in 1973
Seems to me the straight talk express is getting a bit crooked
Hang in there, Romney!! I can't wait to cast my vote. McCain is trying to turn our attention to war (as usual) instead of addressing the real concerns that conservatives (and a moderate like me who doesn't want 100 more years of war) have about him.  He can't win the 'I'm a conservative' argument, so he goes back to what he knows best - war.  It's a debate trick - deflect the original criticism and bring up your strengths.
Romney is up 7 pts right now in california. We in san diego are being saturated by McCains ad say " I have listened and have learned and now I am going to protect the borders' IF that is not a flip flop!!! WOW! WE are laughing our rears off at it down here in san diego!

The market is down 300 points today folks...hold this thought when you go into that booth!
San Diego=Romney country!!
A question for all the Romney supporters: you praise him as an "outsider," and you say it's in his favor that he isn't a Senator, so how do you account for his obvious ambition to be a U.S. Senator once upon a time? Just asking.
I have been a Dem. all my life,but I hear all sides before I vote and right now for the life of me I am lost. I don`t see anyone that really turns me on to vote for. The only one that seems to make any sense to me is Huck- and I`m not sure about him.
A few good laughs prior to going to sleep makes sleeping all the more relaxing, and, the next morning you won't wake up with sour disposition.

Lusinda, Rio Rancho,New Mexico (Sent Tuesday, February 05, 2008 12:36 PM)


I found Bill Richardson to be even funnier.....
After reading the story and how you once again are trying to smear Romney by making something out of this. I read it and say so what? Dole is another part of the boys club. I wouldnt want his endorsement either if I am trying to portray myself as a washington outsider. Stop trying to make something sinister out of nothing!
Anyone notice the stock market today?  
IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wake up people!  We need Mitt Romney in the White House. I like Dr. Paul, but he cannot get elected.  We need someone who can LEAD on the economy and that is MITT ROMNEY.
And by the way....I would definately tell my children to run with all haste to Mr. Romney if they needed help.  Get over your bad selves and quit the stupid, childish attacks.  
I think if John McCain is the nominee then most of the people whining about him not being Conservative enough will speak his praises compared to Obama. Can one person tell me one thing Obama has accomplished that would make him a good commander in chef.
Well I'll go one better.  John McCain's campaign isn't just like Dole's--it's also just like John Kerry's.

Look at how McCain responds to Romney's comments:  "He's a war hero!  How dare he disparage a war hero!"  He's used the same line whenever his own record has been brought up: "How dare you!  I'm a war hero!"  

Remember Kerry's campaign?  Anytime his record got brought up he was saying, "How dare you!  I served in Vietnam!"  Kerry was so easy to beat in the general because that was his only answer to every question.  McCain is doing the same thing.

In a match up with Hillary she will pick apart his record and he'll be up there shouting, "But I'm a WAR HERO!"  And she will respond, "While that's a wonderful thing and I appreciate your service, what does that have to with the economy?" or whatever issue that's being discussed.  And she'll be right and he'll look foolish.

And in a match up with Obama McCain will look like a petulant child, smirking and stamping his foot that Obama dared to talk about his record while Obama's soaring rhetoric will make him look Presidential by comparison.  Watch Obama--he doesn't get ruffled when his small record gets discussed.  McCain will look terrible in a debate with Obama as he whines and smirks and cries foul that his opponent has the *gasp* nerve to discuss his record.

The presidential election is not about McCain's service. We all appreciate his service and ache for his time spent as a POW.  No one questions his patriotism.  We question his record as a Senator.  We question his ideas and policies.  To do so is the fruits of patriotism.  To be able to say, "Hey--I like you as a person but I disagree with your ideas" is as American as apple pie and baseball.  

The fact that we can discuss your record freely and openly is a testament to your service, Mr. McCain.  The fact that you are unwilling to discuss your record tells us that you are not as proud of your record as you are of your military service.  Maybe you should be asking yourself why that is?
People want change. Don't believe all the talk and politics. Senators/DC bunch will do most anything to get votes.
People note that Clinton's back McCain also,wonder why?

We need to THINK hard before we VOTE.

Remember who beat Dole?  Do you want repeat.
History does repeat itself if we keep repeating same mistakes.
Just playing devil's advocate – so Bob Dole is the LAST person Romney would want to have write a letter for me. What place are Republicans Mark Foley and Larry Craig?
I think that John McCain and Bob Dole's military service to the country has been invaluable.  That said, how on earth would military service alone qualify an individual for the presidency?  I think that all candidates should focus on being more candid on their positions for the major issues.  

I think there are good qualities in all of the candidates, but Mitt Romney clearly is the conservative choice.  


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