McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:16:28 GMT

Wow First Read, it took you like 6 hours, but you were finally able to report it! I know you guys give John McCain the benefit of the doubt on ALL of his gaffes and mistakes because the media is his base, but seriously, he's running as the security President so he shouldn't be allowed to make mistakes on his strongest position!

And I've lost count how many he has made so far and the election is still over 5 months away!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

ncvoter — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:16:57 GMT

ZING !!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Pete, Austin, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:17:14 GMT

I think military families will disagree with Mr.McCain.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:17:57 GMT

Confused is an excellent way to describe McFossil. Obama SHOULD arrange a few town meetings with this clown.....it will show America that they really DO have a choice between someone articulate, intelligent and classy versus the same old dog food the GOP has put out for the last several decades.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

another mama for obama — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:18:50 GMT

I bet everyone with a loved one in Iraq does think it's important.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Juice Nowen, Charleston SC — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:19:16 GMT

More east coast (plus Reid) liberals attacking our military. Biden, Kerry, Reid are like a Whack-a-mole game. You just have to whack them down every time their little heads pop up out of their hole.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

McMetamucil — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:21:04 GMT

From politico.com:

"Asked whether he’d be interested in Cheney had the vice president not already have served under Bush for two terms, McCain said: “I don’t know if I would want him as vice president. He and I have the same strengths. But to serve in other capacities? Hell, yeah.”"

Any democrat or independent who reads that and still wants to vote for McCain care to comment?

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:21:06 GMT

The Obama campaign and the DNC needs to launch a series of commercials with John McCain having a debate with himself. It should be titled "The Maverick McCain" vs "The Republican Nominee McCain" and it can be a debate on all of the most important issues since he takes all sides depending on the day of the week.

A few weeks ago he said the war will be won and troops can start coming home by 2013....the end of his first term. Now he's saying that troops coming home is "not too important"?

Let the debates between the McCains begin!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

McFlip, McFlop, McFlap — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:21:55 GMT

McCain was a POW incarcerated and tortured for years. But now he supports torture. So, is this boneheaded, completely out of touch comment surprising. Nope.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Old Man -MccOldfart- — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:23:13 GMT

OLD MAN YELLS AT CLOUD!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Boboy, WI — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:23:23 GMT

My understanding what McCain meant about it is that it is his "priority" to reduce casualties without using the said word. It's common sense to reduce casualties FIRST before anyone start thinking ahead of pullout/drawdown/etc from the warzone. It's sad that the Democratics dogs will have a field day on this one by taking it out of context and spinning it to their advantage...talk about the CHANGE they want...it's still the same old sh!tty politics to me.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

mad in Madtown — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:24:19 GMT

Dear Mr. BcBombsalot:

Not important? It's okay for our guys to just wait and bake over there? Or, would you prefer that they all come home the way my cousin did - in a metal oblong suitcase! You out of touch, mentally deficient, old G-Damned fool!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Amy NY — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:24:37 GMT

Geez, they keep saying that all this war is for the protection of our countries security, but how secure do they expect us to stay if they keep over extending our troops thousands of miles away!!!??? When we need them here on our home ground, they are all going to be in Iraq!! Go Republicans go!!! So much for protecting us, by taking away and crippling our own military!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

nuanced — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:24:42 GMT

"clueless" and "wrong" are much better than "confused." Confused implies he knows the facts but is having trouble with the interpretation. I don't think he understands enough to be confused.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Dan Rock, Tulsa, OK — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:24:51 GMT

See, Kerry doesn't understand the overall paradigm, which is understandable because he's nothing but a war protestor. The military is in Iraq to win a war. That is their mission and their goal. All the other social aspects for those warriors that are fighting that war are secondary to the overall mission. McCain understands what it takes to win a war, and with him in charge, we will. Kerry and company know exactly what needs to be done to lose the war, and with Obama in charge, we will.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Morris Norton-Glass, Modesto, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:28:31 GMT

Obama was asked to comment, but he said he doesn't know much about the military, and his speech writers were not yet done so he didn't have anything he could read to the reporters. Then he popped a Rev Wright video into his DVD, and lit up a cig.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

ObamaMama - Glenwood, IL — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:29:00 GMT

BOO-YAH!!! Get 'em !!!

OBAMA/ANYBODY BUT HRC '08 & '12

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

EJ — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:29:25 GMT

Does anyone else thing John McCain is like Grandpa Simpson...

If his kids were over there do you think he would care a little more than he does now about keep troops overseas... further... if he was not living off his wife's nnheritance do you think he would view economic policy a bit different... maybe he would feel different about blowing millions upon millions of American tax payer money on keeping the troops over there...

I heard a speech he gave where he talked about earmarks... the onyl thing he could come up with was how much he felt that museums were a bad thing... personally... I would rather have museums that celebrate our common heritage than a war that destroys the fabric of our American herritage.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Karen, Duluth — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:29:32 GMT

People, read the whole exchange before you start making comments.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Politivine (SC) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:29:32 GMT

What is McCain usually NOT confused about????

http://www.politivine.com

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

carlos ventura — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:29:39 GMT

I saw the interview this morning, and believe me, John McCain is really out of touch. it is very important for me and my family, I want my brother back from Iraq now.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Katie Kavanaugh, Kentucky — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:29:50 GMT

McCain is no war hero. his actual war record the slightest bit "wonderful". People choose to ignore the fact that McCain ADMITS, both in an interview in the May 14, 1973, issue of U S News & World Report and in his autobiography Faith of My Fathers that, being unhappy with the fact that his captors weren't giving him medical treatment after only four days in custody, he OFFERED to provide the military information which they requested in return for that treatment. That, and not the identity of his father, was why his captors took him to the hospital for treatment. Then, in the hospital, he gave the Vietnamese valid, valuable, current, pertinent military information (the name of his ship, his squadron designation and his target) in return for treatment.

Let's be blunt. Through those actions, McCain betrayed the oath he took when joining the military (and, as a result, he betrayed his country, his country's Navy, his ship and his shipmates) for personal gain.

Yeah let's make him presidnet

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:30:25 GMT

McSame, McSame, McSame. This guy just can't relate to the American people at all. Doesn't matter if it's the economy, the war, healthcare, etc., he just doesn't get it.

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:32:11 GMT

I think it's a very tricky thing for obama and supporters to attack McCain on anything military related. McCain is talking about stabilizing Iraq. To pull out completely without leaving any support structure would be a disaster. Lets take a second to review what happens when we abandon an unstable country with little to no infrastructure (thanks to us) and a generation of orphans (thanks to us).
**AFGANASTAN IN THE 80'S
There is no more perfect recipe for growing terrorists than that. I would go so far as to say it's completely immoral to leave those people in the conditions we've created!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

donna — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:33:16 GMT

You blew it Senator McCain.

You were caught in your flippant attitude toward the suffering of the family's of our service men, and women, again. We have not forgotten; 'Make it a hundred', or bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran!

The troops are soldiers, and doing the job that they have been immorally commanded to do. But for the love of G-D, you mean spirited poor excuse for a human being, have a heart!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Howard D, Columbus OH — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:33:41 GMT

Sen. McCain's comments and actions continue to show a lack of acknowledgement of the sacrifices of the military's families. From his lack of support for the GI Bill to this comment, I can only say he is insensitive. We have over $160,000 troops in Iraq with no end in sight. The troops are in the middle of a civil war. Don't tell us it is NOT important. There is no comparision to Europe after WWII and South Korea. For a man looking to be our next president, this does not inspire any sort of confidence that he can lead this country.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

donna — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:34:40 GMT

It's going to be a loooong, hot seat summer for McCain!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Mark R., South Montrose, PA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:35:04 GMT

Is this transcript accurate? If it is, my BA in English has not adequately prepared me to follow the logic of Sen. McCain's statement. If it is not accurate, then the transcriptionist must have been confused!

My own interpretation of what Sen. McCain's answer is that our presence in S. Korea, Germany, and Japan -- all as the result of surrender or cessation of hostilities -- is precedent enough for us to hope for a violence-free presence in Iraq for the knowable future! This, in spite of the fact that there is no government entity that can call a cease fire, or surrender, to any degree that can be verified.

Or, I am mischaracterizing what Sen. McCain means. I'm confused.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

TorpedoYOU — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:36:56 GMT

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

MJH Lansing, MI — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:37:07 GMT

... as the flood gates open! Quick somebody help McCai... awww there he goes down river!

Obama '08!

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Bobby H., Miami, FL — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:37:21 GMT

Dan Rock -- you don't know what you are talking about. Define "victory" in Iraq. We've defeated their military already. You can't define vitory because no one in this administration did before going in. And because you can't define victory in Iraq, you can NEVER win the war. Is victory when we can sell Britney Spears' albums without a muslim backlash? How about a Starbucks on every corner in Bahgdad? What's a win here?

While you ponder that, we spend $12 Billion a month in Iraq while bridges are collapsing in Minneapolis. We are going to pay $5 per gallon for gas and unemployment is down.

Saying the surge is working is like being lost in a car in the middle of nowhere and saying "well, at least we're making good time." That's plain stupid.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Bush/McCain Doctrine — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:38:01 GMT

Every minute our troops are in Iraq increases the probability of war with Iran under the Bush/McCain Doctrine.

This is what happens when personal agenda, coupled with the power to execute it, out weighs the security and interests of the US.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

bill, okla — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:38:04 GMT

Ron Paul's not waiting in the wings for nothing. It's worrisome to even watch McCain; the twitches, sneers, the jerks and verbal stumbles. He's essentially Phil Graham absorbed into a zombie McCain body, mouthing streams of "my friends" and "we will never ever surrender" and then starts laughing at himself. R rated horror

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

bab23 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:38:20 GMT

How many casualties/deaths have our troops suffered from hostilities in Korea and Japan lately?

What proportion of those countries' populations want us there versus want us out?

Apples and oranges.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Nashville_fan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:40:05 GMT

Good to know you guys don't take the whole "First Read" thing to literally! lol

You know things are running a little slow when the commenters are reporting the news before you guys! :)

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

kenn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:40:44 GMT

MSNBZZZZ why not blame it on the tourture he went through in NAM while you were sucking on your moms teat you should stick with issues instead of personal attacks you cowards where is your sacrifice to this country how about obamma didnt even ditch the national guard like BUSHIE and we listen to you you are confused get of you unamerican ass and go do something for the country first then get back to confused old man story well obammms RACIST all you typical white women know it sat in a black church 20 years ignored the word of god from his pastor quit his church and still hasnt announced his new religion and you say macain is confused

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

iowa girl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:40:54 GMT

I hope the troops also see this one, let them say its "not too important"

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

sara, mesa, az — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:41:05 GMT

And WHY are there American troops still in Japan and Germany? Do we still need a post-WWII presence in these countries after 60 years? Aren't McCain's comparisons between Germany and Iraq a little illogical?

And, since there ARE casualties because we ARE in Iraq, isn't this also illogical?

BTW, John: when you compare Obama to Carter my twenty-something daughters love it. Their view of Carter is VERY positive as a statesman, diplomat, and humanitarian. duh.

But then, you probably remember when Roosevelt was president.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Richard in Bellevue, WA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:42:10 GMT

Imagine if we could pick a candidate by what the candidate had to say and not what the surrogates say.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

kenn — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:42:14 GMT

How do you obbammas show dissent ,probably like the bushies wait until its to late and then turn party and run JIM WEBB was a reagun republican but we love him now sounds crazy

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

C.B. Wild, St. Louis — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:42:18 GMT

You Obama zealots are rediculous. McCain points out a very simple, true statement: That when the last soldier leaves is not as important as the conditions under which they serve and the result of their service. And then Obama trots out the worst of the Washington Dem elite(Kerry, Biden, Reid) to do his dirty hits for him, dropping ageist remarks and feigning indignation when called out for it. What a hypocrite.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Jeff, Olathe KS — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:43:18 GMT

"McCain is no war hero. his actual war record the slightest bit "wonderful". People choose to ignore the fact that McCain ADMITS, both in an interview in the May 14, 1973, issue of U S News & World Report and in his autobiography Faith of My Fathers that, being unhappy with the fact that his captors weren't giving him medical treatment after only four days in custody, he OFFERED to provide the military information which they requested in return for that treatment. That, and not the identity of his father, was why his captors took him to the hospital for treatment. Then, in the hospital, he gave the Vietnamese valid, valuable, current, pertinent military information (the name of his ship, his squadron designation and his target) in return for treatment"
------------------------------------------------
Katie in Kentucky, why don't you tell us how tough you would be with two broken arms and a broken leg. That's not his account in Faith of My Fathers at all. I suggest you reread it. It was a source of great personal shame to him that he caved under interrogation, but I would offer that any of us would do the same and probably much sooner.
Some of you who claim 'he had it easy during Vietnam, he wasn't fighting' and 'he took an early release for PR purposes' or 'if he wasn't a lousy pilot, he wouldn't have been shot down.’ Of course, there are other ignorant gems some of you have put out there but those are some of the more ridiculous ones. Even if you absolutely hate him and all things Republican, he deserves some credit for what he endured for this country. He's given a whole lot more than any of us have.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:45:57 GMT

Mister Anderson from 2:21, that is just downright mean and I would even go as far to say aegist. You know, discrimination against someone who is old.

My father is in his 70's with a myriad of health problems and I'm a lot more compassionate towards our elderly than it seems some of you are.

Course, my dad isn't running to be President of the free world, or even my house. So, I understand your point.

p.s. I hope everyone caught the drift of my 1st 2 paragraphs.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

bill, okla — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:46:39 GMT

C'mon Dan Rock in Tulsa are you really Sgt. Rock? You republicants sure are some warriors. What would us poor democrats, libertarians and independents do without you? You and dusual tx are really on the McCain commander of armies bandwagon...the great hero. Well that's BS pal. The way John Kerry was smeared was horrible especially in a campaign with a chicken hawk awol silver spoon in mouth mumbler.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Joe Vidden — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:46:39 GMT

It's understandable that weak minds who takes McCain's words literally will not be able to comprehend at all. Obama folks, it's a waste of time making a mountain out of a molehill...

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:47:48 GMT

It's not important, after all we have troops in South Korea, Japan - WHAT? Even there they haven't been there for 3 to 4 consecutive tours of duty????

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

DV, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:49:59 GMT

"The military is in Iraq to win a war"

WHAT WAR?? There is no war. It is an occupation. The war was over years ago. Troops in Germany, Japan and Korea are not occupying forces. And for the record, show me ONE occupying force in history that has ever won. Even the Romans got their butts handed to them if they hung around too long.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Wuinn Daye, Madison Wi — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:20 GMT

Obama promises only defeat in Iraq. If elected, he'll pull out the troops within months and chaos in the Middle-East will ensue. $130/barrel of oil? Try $500/barrel after the US leaves. I wonder if General Obama factored that little fact into overall economic plan? Peace in our time indeed.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Bravo — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:29 GMT

What took first read so long to post this comment? The blogs have been on fire all day long, yet, MSNBC refused to report McCain's senior moment.

Obama is being held to a different standard when it comes to everything. Is it because he is black man? Why can't McCain be held to the same standard?

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Gobama — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:50:37 GMT

This is a clear example of the differences in what creates outrage among republicans and outrage among Democrats. The republicans try to start a scandal around Jim Johnson who is voluntarily serving on the VP vetting committee for Obama - this is NOT an issue that relates to the lives of Americans! The Democrats get upset over a HUGE issue that relates to lives of millions of Americans and how John McSame does not understand what he would be doing to us with this calous attitude. My son-in-law is in Iraq. It matters to me. How dare Bush send our troops innocently into this fraudulent war and how dare McSame treat this issue as if it matters not. I wish the republicans would quit trying to start rumors and discredit Obama and start looking at the real issues that matter to real people.

The war has not just cost us in lives of our brave young men and women - it has cost us in treasury. The problems with the economy - including gas prices - can be traced right back to this illegal war. How much more of this nonsense must we endure?

Could the republicans please keep this to the issues and stay off the nonsense? Could the republicans please act like grown ups?

John McSame is not Presidential material. We need Obama.

Obama/Biden 08/12

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

Terri Kulpers, Lynn MA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:51:39 GMT

Kerry was defeated in 2004 when the truth was told about him. The same will happen with Obama in 2008.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

New Wave — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:10 GMT

MSM needs to state things as they are.

STOP using 'Mis-speak' when someone lies.

STOP using 'Confused' when someone is clueless.

McCain 'confused' on foreign policy?

DV, CA — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:54:23 GMT

Even if you absolutely hate him and all things Republican, he deserves some credit for what he endured for this country. He's given a whole lot more than any of us have.

Jeff, Olathe KS

**********

As I said, respect him as a veteran. But the man is no war hero. Nor does it make him qualified to lead the country and be commander and chief. Infact, I would say anyone with such latent hostility and unresolved issues over like conflicts is the LAST person you want in charge of the military. Or was Bush Jr's continuing daddy's war campletely lost on you?