McCain paints Obama as too hawkish?

Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:04 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Andy Merten

It’s slightly counter-intuitive that Obama could sound more hawkish than McCain, but when it comes to Pakistan, that may be the case. Last night at his Wisconsin victory speech in Columbus, Ohio, McCain came out swinging against what he perceives as the Illinois senator’s naiveté of international affairs and world events.

Providing a potential sneak preview of his general election talking points, he asked, “Will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested bombing our ally, Pakistan?” The likely nominee’s comments referenced a counter-terrorism policy speech that the presidential hopeful gave in August in Washington, DC. While lamenting what he perceived as the Bush administration’s misguided war in Iraq and its distraction from al-Qaeda strongholds in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Illinois senator struck an offensive tone.

“Let me make this clear. There are terrorists holed up in those mountains, that murdered 3,000 Americans,” he said, continuing with resolve: “If we have actionable intelligence about high-valued terrorist targets and President Musharraf will not act, we will.”

Obama at the time was talking about attacking known al-Qaeda terrorist targets, not suggesting mounting an attack on the country or government of Pakistan. Still, he caught flak shortly thereafter from some on both sides of the aisle for discussing the merits of attacking a sovereign ally.

And McCain saw no distinction, while speaking with reporters, today. “That’s still bombing Pakistan,” he said when pressed on the topic. McCain then sidestepped, discussing the merits of diplomacy. “The first thing you do is you don’t tell people what you’re going to do; you make plans, and you work with the other country that is your ally and friend, which Pakistan is.”

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Comments

took your advice and read the cleveland leader newspaper.Hard to believe the dems have known about this since last summer and it had not gotten out.Lots of families have had trouble with drugs and the pain it can cause.But Obama was no kid in 1999.Hope this gets cleared up.How can Obama ignore both rezco and this mess?Republicans will have a field day along with media.Get that kleenix ready.

Hmt-Mi (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:30 PM)

i cant believe this is john macain's issue; i"ve been waiting years for bush to keep his word about country's that harbor terrorists and maybe at the same time stop companies like exxon from making 400 billion dollars last years on back of us americans or others tourching refinerys to keep the price high when it start to drop, or get rid of the lobbiest,stop credit card compnies from sending out 4 billion credit card last year in usa , is there that many american anyhey???

another john (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:51 PM)

There is credence in McCains observences of Obamas foreign policy weaknesses. It should be remembered that for a McCainsian ''bomb Iran'',there was an Obaman ''invade Pakistan''[which would include the use of artillary and airstrikes].
Then too, Obamas foreign policy team is made up of patent dingbats. One,Brzheninski,was too stupid to see the rise of Mullah politics in Iran,grievously wounding the president he served[Carter],and sat with his pal Assad in Damascus seeking preemptive moves towards Obaman''diplomacy'' a la Pelosi, at the very moment HEZBOLLAHS chief assassin was being blown up[Kudos to MOSSAD if indeed they were behind this,as it avenged the Marines of Beirut],and Syria was again caught meddling in Lebanon.
The other,is a neophyte academic from Haavaad U.named Samantha Powers,whose idea for ''peace in Iraq''is to rapidly pull out,and buy everyone off in order to forestall the very genocide she frequently writes about. Like the other dingbat,actress Sharon Stone,the Palestinian conflict becomes the focus of their exertions,pushing Iraq,Iran nuclear ambitions,[and their ambitions in Iraq],those of North Korea,destabilization in Africa and South America,and global jihadism[including its newest Euro outpost in Kosovo], to the sidelines. Thus at a time when a Fess Parker is needed in dealing with the Middle East,Obama offers us Carrot Top instead.

Lee Holmes (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:51 PM)

Gimme a break on the Newsweek article. I read it, so what? He makes some good points but let me tell all those who think this election is about substantive policies that every politician promises but never delivers (psst.. come closer so you can hear me, READ MY LIPS:

IT'S ABOUT CHARACTER STUPID!!!!!!

We're tired of the same ole' powerplaying Bush/Clinton politics. Like Perot said: "THE PARTY IS OVER, IT'S TIME FOR THE CLEAN UP CREW!"

Superdelegate Boy '08 (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:53 PM)

There is no need to put words in McCain's mouth; just read it as it is. McCain is soft on terror. If a country is giving safe haven to terrorists then McCain is not going to go after them.

Obama said that as President he is going to after Al-Queda wherever they are, with or without permission. McCain doesn't see this. So he would be a weak President.

Darrius, Arkansas (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:55 PM)

I'm wondering just how long McCain's military career will fend off what is next to come. He has had some scandal in his life - remember the Keating Five? Now that Cindy McCain has taken a cheap although veiled shot at Michelle Obama, she has also opened herself up to her not so distant past which includes drug theft, drug addiction and even a part in the Keating Five scandal since she was bookkeeper. Barack Obama may not have 30 years of legislative accomplishments, but his judgment and wisdom have come into the picture on MORE than one occasion. Call it what you may, but he's been right on Iraq and Pakistan 100% of the time. McCain's age is not a plus - his not being able to see Obama's part in the Pakistan raid could be a clue of what is yet to come.

JM from Iowa (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:56 PM)

dear Laura in Wash
No need to SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!
Dont live in fear.

Tony, NYC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:58 PM)

Didn't we already bomb Pakistan? Isn't that how we killed the latest upper echelon Al Qaeda operative?

Let me get this straight, you are all gung ho to invade Iraq over questionable intelligence....... but when it comes to actually killing the real terrorists, you are against sending a UAV to fire a couple of Hellfire missiles? (which we already have done, as recently as a month ago) Republicans are becoming more and more disillusioned each day, which makes them more and more irrelavent. Which puts a smile on my face.

Jimmy Chicago il (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:58 PM)

I love what mccain says! He has come out in support of everything thinking Americans are against. It makes it easier for Obama to get the votes he wants to be our president. I said this lots of times, Conservatism is the "message' that will destroy the Republican party! Keep spouting off John Mc. more votes for Obama! Too much kissing up to Dubya does this every time!

A.Brocco, Albuqueerque,NM (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:00 PM)

Would McCain be willing to go after the terrorist where they are (Afghanistan/Pakistan) rather than where we want them to be (Iraq)? I have little problem with this since there are few countries that could do that to us. Besides, why wouldn't Musharraf go after these people? It would bring him down I think.

To Mac from Bakersfield -- It is the voters who make the majority. It is the majority of those who vote who decide who the next president is. What you are suggesting could be viewed as that the only reason to vote for McCain is that he is white and that whites are the majority of the country. Which is it? It is the voters or something else?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:03 PM)

Hey is the big bad chris mathews gonna back another oboma supporter in a corner tonight.What comes around goes around chump.

thomas pridemore west lafayette indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:03 PM)

Gee these guys are so alike one wants to BOMB BOMB PAKISTAN THE OTHER BOMB BOMB BOMB IRAN! TWO EXPLOSION WAITING TO HAPPEN! WOWZZZZZA!
NO to McWAR
NO to OBAMA/PATRICK

HP Boston (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:03 PM)

You Obama supporters are really silly. I see you as a bunch of losers who couldn't make it on your own, now you hope he will be your savior. The only thing this nuckelhead is selling is salvation. Just like a TV evangelist. All these give aways he proposed last night will Bankrupt the US. Why didn't he say something like social security and medicare are such big unfunded liabilities that unless we do something about it, the country will go bankrupt. That would have taken courage. Something Obama is very short on. He is offering empty promises. Goddybag politics, and salvation, that is what he has sold you no brained followers.

Do you followers think the Chinese are going to loan us anymore money to give you bumbs the hand outs Obama is promising you? Do you? Where are all of these give aways coming from?

You senseless people got rid of the oply centrist in the election. The one that would have balanced the budget, paid off debt and returned this country to greatness. Hillary Clinton. Now we are in trouble.

Jon J, coon rapids, mn (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:03 PM)

Hey is the big bad chris mathews gonna back another oboma supporter in a corner tonight.What comes around goes around chump.

thomas pridemore west lafayette indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:04 PM)

First of all, that's not what Obama said.
But, everyone knows the President normally sits down with his advisors before making such a move as to bomb another country. Obama will be open to feedback and discussion before making such a decision, I don't think the arrogant, cowboy, Bush attitude that McCain displays would be open to listening to anyone, but himself.

cn,Nashville,Tn (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:06 PM)

A few things Zak. I read your post and read the City Edition article you linked to.

1. The democrats chose McCain as the nominee for the Republicans so it is only fair that the Republicans choose your's :-)

2. As far a I am concerned, both Obama and Hillary are empty heads but Hillary is far more dangerous to our nation. This is understood not only by Conservatives but apparently over 50% of Liberals; Hillary has a favorability rating of less than 50%. She will not be president. :-)

3. If it is true that this Obama "mania" is part a a master plan by Karl Rove to keep Hillary from the White House, then I guess Mr. Rove is a national hero. :-)

Joe Sixpack (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:07 PM)

"Musharraf is a dictator. Why are we trying so hard to keep this guy in power? Our ally? "

Our commitment to "democracy" often ends when it comes to over-throwing a legally-elected (left-wing)leader and installing /supporting a (right wing)dictator.

Chile, Guatamala, Iran, Egypt

To quote a president I despise: "Sometimes I think there should be limits to democracy."

You sure do, you Constitutional criminal.

Lee in CA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:08 PM)

Hmt you and J. Merle keep floating that trash article on here. The reason the news media haven't covered it is because it's innuendo...not fact. I can claim to have had sex with anyone and file a lawsuit(the DNC, David AxelRod is on it for pete's sake)...and if I'm delusional enough I can even pass a pollygraph. The NY times have investigated his drug use already. There are alot of delusional people out there, and so to say...in certain circles..it's VERY true. Are you going to believe everything they say. Instead of posting bullsh*t..say something substantive.

CJ (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:08 PM)

"OBAMA DOES NOT HAVE FOREIGN POLICY EXPERIENCE. HE HAS NOT EVEN TRAVELLED TO ENOUGH FOREIGN COUNTRIES".

You stupid A**. The guy spent the first few years of his life living overseas. Get your facts straight before you waste our time posting on this board.

FL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:09 PM)

"EVERYTHING IS NON ISSUE NON STORY ,STEAL WORDS THATS OK ,SUPPORT JFK WHO WAS A RACIST OK ,NEVER WORE A UNIFORM OK,BOMB PACKISTAN OK OBAMAWANNABES ALWAYS HAVE IT THEIR WAY THE MICKY DEES OF CANAIDATES,A CHICKEN IN EVERY POT ABORTIONS for some not for others no gay rights i support gays round and round i once said ask not what youR country can do for youbut what you can do for it,jack and i were friends i didnzt steal it"

What? Did you even read this before you posted it? Give some puncutation a try before humiliating yourself next time. There is this wonderful invention called a D-I-C-T-I-O-N-A-R-Y. It might be helpful for you, that is assuming you can actually read.

Steph Ross, Des Moines IA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:09 PM)

McCain is flip-flopping now as he had accused Mitt Romney of his flip-flop ....so now all u azzwipes ,who is flip-flopping now huh ?? that jackazz McCain who thinks he's a better man for the White House ..mmmmmmmmhahahahaha !!

luigi Tucso ,Az (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:13 PM)

Montenaro sez "It’s slightly counter-intuitive that Obama could sound more hawkish than McCain, but when it comes to Pakistan, that may be the case."

Or maybe it's not really the case, but it's what McCain and, apparently, Montenaro want people to believe. It's really nice how you "journalists" let the Republicans "frame the issues" as they say in Karl-Rove Speak. McCain is lying about Obama's position, and he's flip-flopped 180 degrees on virtually every single moderate position he's ever had in his Senate career.

And McCain even admitted that he knows nothing about the economy, which he will sink further with the ruinous new wars he intends to start while he keeps the US mired in the Iraq fiasco. McCain is a scary old war monger who will be four years worth of bad news if he gets elected.

Houston (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:13 PM)

luigi Tucson ,Az (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:14 PM)

Did the headline say that mccain paints his wifes face because without makeup she looks hawkish.Hey lets play hardball chris mathews.

thomas pridemore west lafayette indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:14 PM)

McCain is a flip flopper.

First he was against the Bush tax cuts now he is for them

First he was against global warming now he says it is a farce

First he was for public financing of Campaigns then he borrows $5 Million from a back to pay for his campaign.

So much for the straight talk express. He doesn’t know what he believes in anymore or maybe his memory is going.

Tampa (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:14 PM)

Did the headline say that mccain paints his wifes face because without makeup she looks hawkish.Hey lets play hardball chris mathews.

thomas pridemore west lafayette indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:15 PM)

McCain also twisted Romney's words when Romney was still in the game.

John, Morgan Hill, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:16 PM)

Attacking the people who attacked us--el Qaida hiding in Pakistan mountains? What a novel idea. McCain ,the dummy, who thinks 100 yr in Iraq is ok could learn something from the confused neophyte Obama. With all his yr of xperience why has he or Bush gotten Pakistan to go after bi Laden?a new approach is in order. Go Obama!

Earl Potts Dartmouth MA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:21 PM)

Dear Obamabots,

The reason that you're going to lose so many democratic votes if Obama wins the nomination is the endless, mindless, personal attacks that you guys throw at first Hillary and now McCain.

Manue, Pearland, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:21 PM)

What we need is someone who is more than just ‘ready from day one’ to give us more of the same, more Washington as usual. It should be totally evident that we don’t need more of the competitive politics, more of the egotistic manipulation, more of the focusing on private agendas – we will have just had eight years of a sociopathic, self-indulgent and arrogantly irresponsible administration catering to special interests and a select few and we can see what that has produced. What we need is someone with a little honesty and humility, for a change, who can sincerely concentrate on responsibly working with all factions, for a change, and on resolving America’s needs, the needs of all Americans, for a change. What we need is real change. More than just a change in names to someone who is going to diligently continue the failed policies of Bush/Cheney and also more than just a change in gender to someone who will aggressively yet simply give us ‘Washington as usual’. To fault one person because he is more eloquent and directly to the point of people’s concerns and to cite their own vast experience in Washington’s (deceptive) ways as being superior, is simply hypocritical at best. Today the choice for any real change, much needed change, seems to be Barack Obama!

REG; East Valley Phx. AZ (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:21 PM)

Billary took at shot at that Senator. It was dumb of the Obama campaign to put up a guy who didn't know his way to the bathroom, but that's not the point. Sure Obama doesn't have. Hell JFK didn't do much either, while he was Senator. We want a leader. Someone who will marshal Americans into action.

Taxes are going need to be raised - he has to come to us, make the case and try to get our support. He can do that a lot better than Billary. We don't need a bureaucrat, but a leader. That's why people are coming to him. They know that this is what is needed.

Paul of Winston-Salem, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:21 PM)

The republican talking heads, the very ones who hate his guts, are already trying to build him up and rally their pathetic support for him.

No matter who the Democratic candidate is they will argue John McCain:
· is experienced
· a war hero
· an accomplished politician

DON’T LET THEM SLIDE BY WHEN THEY SAY THIS. None of this mattered when they nominated George W. Bush over John McCain in 2000. They fell for the moron governor who failed in business, accomplished nothing as governor, had no foreign policy experience, and only got to where he was in his life because of his last name. And now they want us to nominate this same guy that they previously rejected despite his experience, war heroism, and his political accomplishments. Did John McCain really need 8 more years of seasoning? No, they just don’t like the guy and are now settling for him. DON’T LET THE REPULICAN TALKING HEADS SLIDE BY WITH THESE ARGUMENTS SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN. IT SAYS MORE ABOUT THESE CUT THROAT REPUBLICANS THAN IT DOES ABOUT JOHN MCCAIN WHO I ACTUALLY RESPECT ON SOME LEVEL.

Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have:
· more experience
· accomplished more politically
· more foreign policy experience
than George Bush had when they rejected John McCain in 2000.

DON’T LET THE REPUBLICANS SLIDE ON THESE ARGUMENTS.

Jeff, Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:24 PM)

This argument merely goes to show that the conservatives are not principled about this war on terror, at least not nearly as much as they claim. They will attack the opposite party on the exact same thing they just did ...see below.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23228197/

--I can't wait for the conservative right to attack Hillary Clinton on the use of torture--as correct me if I am wrong, but I think of the Big 3, she stated that she is the most likely to give permission for it.

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:24 PM)

Laura, from Squirmish, WA, chill out, I saw the Chris Matthews thing last night, and it was obviously something he had planned to do but, did not give Watson a clue, when asked to give 1 legislative policy passed in the last 7 years by his co host (the actual host) he couldn't answer! He stammered, now that you have had several hours since that interview, I see that you came up with some information for the candidate you support, could you have done that in 45 seconds, not being prepared? Just stop......

antoinette, sd ca (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:27 PM)

This from the guy who sang "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Iran" Yet another statesman. What a joke.

CM, NYC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:29 PM)

let me make this perfectly clear Mr Mccain there are hundreds of your collegues in Washington that are running this country dry right now we cant find osmia but we can find those in Washington that are putting themselves first and the American people second...We wont have any resources to fight or find anyone if we dont have a econmy that is strong and can support fighting terrorism....I think somewhere you may be losing the picture right now i think george bush has done a pretty good job in securing america but you and your collegues both parties have put this country in jepordy....Inflation, recession, debt, worst rating 29percent think your washington is doing a good job, corruption, imbarassment, no accountability, wasted and lost billions in Irag, Katrina and others...No i think right now we better get ourselves in order. Why do you think people are be voicetrous and letting there vote count...The want change, not politids as usual and we want our country back from Washington Politics who seem to take care of themselves first.....Change, yes we can and if we have to we will come to washington and make the change through voice and vote....we will be like the battle of bunker hill, dont shoot till you see the whites of there eyes,,,,,well were almost ready to shoot, I can almost see your eyes as to whats happening in washington...So be warned, our voice and vote will shoot straight......

Russell Fox Wells, Maine (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:29 PM)

Actually, is McCain so clueless to understand what just happened? That there is in fact a base in Pakistan where the agreement is the US can launch bombing raids on terrorists without their permission, and that this sort of raid netted the killing of one of al qaeda's top leaders? It sounds like it's McCain that doesn't know a thing about how to go after Osama.

Nate, Portland OR (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:43 PM)

I tried posting this once before, so I will try to do it again.

Judging from this. McCain is soft on terror. Obama said that if Al-Queda is hiding in Pakistan he is going to get them, whether Pakistan gives their permission or not. McCain wouldn't be that strong. He would allow terrorists to hide in Pakistan.

And he has the nerve to call Obama a liberal. Folks Obama is not liberal. He is in the center on fiscal issues and in the center on National Security.

Darrius, Arkansas (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:45 PM)

Obama is successfully selling himself because in fact he is managing to turn himself into a political Creflo Dollar Jr. He is using Oprah Winfrey type strategies to attract followers. he makes an emotional connection with voters, the same way Oprah does so successfully with her viewers ( wouldnt be surprised she has given him some guidance)Then he keeps concepts vague so that voters can interpret them any way they like, which is why his speeches dont have much substance. What he does is to connect with voters and capture their imagination.So, performing like a male Oprah the voters feel empathy with him. Using Creflo Dollar Jr. type delivery he has turned himself into a quasi political guru,or almost a religion. Maybe that is why people feel they believe in him.I am surprised the press is not checking out the metaphysics type church he has attended for the last 20years.

Margaret Mujica, Auckland, New Zealand (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:49 PM)

Didn't we ALREADY bomb Pakistan?!? The first top Al-Queda guy in quite a while?!?

Kyle (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:49 PM)

Actually, during a televised Democrat debate, Obama also mentioned transferring TROOPS from Iraq to Pakistan, without Musharraf's permission, not just bombing a terrorist hideout with a cruise missile or drone-launched missile. He was rightly criticized by Hillary Clinton at the time, and also by the Pakistani government. This was what McCain was talking about during his speech last night.

There's no doubt that the U.S. probably has missile-laden drones over NW Pakistan ready to take out terrorists at a moment's notice with the tacit permission of Musharraf, but Bush doesn't blab about this to the media, as no President should.

Obama showed his naivete by openly mentioning in a televised debate his willingness to send GROUND TROOPS to Pakistan without Musharraf's permission (which neither McCain nor Hillary would do). A missile can be launched from a drone, or from an offshore warship, at a terrorist without endangering American troops. Once ground troops are sent in to Pakistan, they need to be supplied and protected. Currently, our troops in landlocked Afghanistan are supplied by airlift over Pakistan, which has given us overflight rights (this is much safer than flying over Iran or Russia). But if Obama sends troops into Pakistan without permission, Pakistan will shoot down our supply planes, and our troops in Afghanistan will starve and run out of ammo. Not exactly a brilliant strategy!!!

Obama is clearly clueless on geopolitical strategy. He wants to immediately withdraw our troops from Iraq, where they are "winning hearts and minds" and sending Al Qaeda terrorists to meet their virgins, to invade an unstable, nuclear-armed country with five times Iraq's population, where even a former Prime Minister (Bhutto) was assassinated two months ago. If Obama thinks we can't stabilize Iraq with 130,000 troops, where will he get 650,000 troops to stabilize Pakistan if he invades it? What will he do if a Pakistani nuke lands on his beloved Chicago due to his blunder?

Steve, West Hartford CT (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:28 PM)

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