McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

the Pajama Pundit — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:03:10 GMT

"A lot of winking and nodding" eh? That's the best they've got?

Obama has clearly distanced himself from the comments in question and continuously praises McCain (and all vets) for his service to our country.

These guys are barking up the wrong tree.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Jason, Rochester Hills,MI — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:06:55 GMT

This "Patriotism and Military Service record" line of dialog....is a ploy on the part of the McFossil campaign to get a sympathy vote for their geriatric boy.

IF HE WERE A TRUE HERO...he would demonstrate the attributes of a hero. Heros do not pout and whine.

Need I say more?

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Seattle — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:07:42 GMT

Really, what leadership qualifications does McWink have regarding his military service? Why does his time in the prison camp make him the better candidate? Frankly, he scares me. He seems like a very mean person with real anger issues.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Nashville_fan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:07:42 GMT

*Yawn*

All this posturing and pontificating is so lame. Lot's of sound and fury signifying nothing. And still, they cannot refute the truth of Wes Clark said. John McCain is only a man, just like Barack Obama. Enough of the hero worship. It's ridiculous.

P.S. They mention 2 current wars, but under the McCain Administration it would be 3. Now THAT'S leadership.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:08:54 GMT

But McCain's wink and a nod to the 527's is different, right?

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

jeff D evanston IL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:09:29 GMT

ok john McCain wants obama surrogates to knock it off, but when the tenn GOP went after michelle obama he said nothening!! ok john, you don't say shit when you people say stuff, but you hold your appointante to a higher level than your own people. ok. he john glad to see you paid the taxes on that condo right before it went in to forclosure!!!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

CR Delaware — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:10:02 GMT

Did Swindle not undermine Clark's service in this call? "less than stellar..." The MSM bias is being highlighting. You need a close race for the election to be a ratings winner.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

not on board the straight talk express — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:11:00 GMT

John McCain should be grateful that the Obama campaign hasn't rightfully taken him to task on financial responsibility and elitism.

I guess everyone will give McCain a free pass because the six luxury homes he has at his disposal are all in Cindy's name.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/143775/

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Abigail Adams Boston Massachusetts — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:11:28 GMT

Please! Obama should control his surrogates?? He has the nerve to say that when McCain's surrogates make the comments they make. Get real. And i listened to that interview. Clark never attacked McCain's military service. He responded to bob's comment that Obama had never been flown an airplane and been shot down. It is irrelevant as to who is fit for command.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

BO is gonna KO the GOP! — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:11:50 GMT

I call it "bobbing" and "weaving" just like a good fighter does in a fight!

The frustrated republicans are just taking wild jabs and missing every time.

I can't wait for the November election when finaly, Senator Obama will deliver the explosive punch to KO the GOP!

Obama 08

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

John, MI — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:11:54 GMT

Being a POW doesn't give you the ability to be President of the United State. Either does 1 year in the senate for that matter. Neither of the two are really well qualified with true leadership. It really comes down to who you think will learn quickest on the job and not make and rash decision.

My vote is Obama will shoot from the hip on alot of issues and drag this country with him if he misses (which is likely) McCain is safer and should help revitalize this country.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

BO is gonna KO the GOP! — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:11:58 GMT

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Mel — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:12:02 GMT

Really?? They are going to continue with THIS nonsense?? Trying to get two news cycles out of nothing - really? They are THAT hard up for material with which to attack Obama?

First, the McCain Campaign is totally distorting what Clark said in order to manufacture outrage --Must be polling well. And the "donuts with sprinkles for McCain" press seems to be eating it up.

Second, Clark was exactly right. Nothing he said was disrespectful or wrong in any way. I wish someone would play Clark's statements IN CONTEXT. They were not bad at all - he said he respected McCain's service and that McCain was one of his heros...then he said that service does not qualify one to be President. He is right. It does not. We owe McCain honor and our respect -- we do NOT owe him the Presidency!

Third, Obama did not make the statement. Nor was Clark speaking for Obama...so this nonsense coming from Graham and McCain's other serrogates is ludicrous, deceitful and disingenuous...and they KNOW IT. They simply believe that the American voters are dumb enough to fall for it...I hope that the American voters prove them wrong.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

CuriousMind — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:12:15 GMT

This is what angers me. I am an independant and watching all of this very closely. I am disappointed in the REPS. They still deal in trickery and I guess it is time that I make a stand. It will not be with them this year. BTW - what Clark stated was the truth. Glad he brought the subject up. From what I understand, there are many things in McCain's POW file that he made sure, would not come to light. Not sure what that might be since POWs have said his nickname was SONG BIRD and that he broke his own arms when he ejected from the plane. Anyone have more information on his REAL POW record?

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

MSierra, SF — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:12:31 GMT

Wink Wink

'...Bush Wrongly Credits McCain For 'Working Hard' On G.I. Bill

President George W, Bush wasn't exactly a friend to the efforts put forth by Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and John Warner (R-VA) as they worked to secure bipartisan, veto-proof support for an updated U.S. G.I. Bill, which would provide our veterans with enhanced educational opportunities. But Bush is stuck with the bill now, so naturally, he went in front of the press and deemed himself pleased with its passage.

It didn't escape our attention though, that as Bush acknowledged the House and Senate members who came together to support the bill, he slipped in the name of one who labored to obstruct the bill -- Senator John McCain. Instead of being rightly excluded from the list of thanks, McCain was given the same credit as those who had steered the passage of the bill from day one. Surely, though, John McCain will correct the President, because STRAIGHT TALK, RIGHT?

BUSH: The bill is a result of close collaboration between my administration and members of both parties on Capitol Hill. I appreciate the hard work of my cabinet, especially the leaders of Defense and State and Veterans' Affairs and Office of National Drug Control Policy, as well as OMB. I want to thank House and Senate leadership and leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. I am particularly grateful to Congressmen Boehner, Hoyer, Obey and Lewis. I want to thank members who worked hard for the G.I. Bill expansion, especially Senators Webb and Warner, Graham, Byrd, and McCain. This bill shows the American people that even in an election year, Republicans and Democrats can come together to stand behind our troops and their families...'

WINK, WINK
How about a little 'straight talk', Johnny Boy ?

John McCain, Endless War

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Rainy — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:12:34 GMT

McCain's military record does not qualify him to be Commander in Chief. Obama doesn't have to do a darn thing. Clark is right! McCain thinks just because he was POW, that somehow over-qualifies him for the presidency. It does not!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

GP chicago — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:12:45 GMT

Yet another one from McSoundBite...dumbing down america with his republican branding. Maybe if they say "wink and nod" enough times it'll catch on?

The american people have awoke from their sheep like mentality, it won't work this time...I can't wait for January, that way we can turn this page.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Ron indiana — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:13:27 GMT

I don't buy the "wink and nod" theory for a moment. Why? The timing was lousy. Clark's comments steped on Obama's speech. If they were planned they would be separated and they would have received two days media coverage. The media still needs to address Obama's Patriot Speech. If MSNBC does not do excerts and commentary from that speech, they are remiss.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

P, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:14:37 GMT

Yeah... I'm sure Obama was REALLY happy that Clark's statements overshadowed his patriotism speech. I know every time I do a bit of public speaking, I get someone to barge in on it.

These McCain people think we're so gullible. Obama may have felt the same way, but he wouldn't be happy this happened. The timing was horrible.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Matthew — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:14:41 GMT

Obama just needs to let them have their say and then it will die down. You in the media are ridiculous!!!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Andrea, New York City — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:15:06 GMT

I am glad that Wes Clark is sticking to his guns and not backing down. It is out in the open at last. Whew!!! He called it right!

This Commander-in-Chief (And lack thereof) business has been on my mind for weeks.

*******************************************************

And Lindsay Graham: A note for you—You need to go back to acting school and get a new approach for your scolding attitude. You don't even LOOK sincere.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

donna — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:15:13 GMT

The repubs can't be serious. Maybe the only way to quiet their feigned indignation, would be for Obama to off his bare back to the McCain truth squade's catty-nine-tails!

************************

Diane,

Don't worry about the release of a McCain mental health report. Once Obama engages him in the debates, it will be all over but the shouting for John to keep up the pretense that he is not 3 ribs shy of a slab up top.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Brendan D, Niles, IL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:15:29 GMT

What does the service record of John McCain's father, or anyone else in his family, have to do with his readiness to be commander in chief? Admiral McCain is not on the ballot; Senator McCain is. This kind of circular reasoning is the same kind that Bob Schieffer was using on Face the Nation -- Not A, so Definitely X. The leaps in logic that the press just eats up are astounding.

What McCain understands is what it's like to be a POW. He doesn't understand what it's like to be a general. He doesn't understand what it's like to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan (though he does, indeed, know what it's like to fight in combat). He doesn't understand a lot of things that he insinuates he does based solely on his military experience. This is not to belittle his experience by any means; what McCain did in Vietnam was heroic. But experience in one area of the military does not mean one understands completely every facet of the military, and John McCain has shown what I feel is great contempt for current soldiers by refusing to support the GI Bill.

Again, we can honor the service of a man without honoring his political positions on military action.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

concerned — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:15:56 GMT

I have not heard anything from the McCain camp on what they plan to do for USA.

All I have heard from McCain are attacks on Obama.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Michelle Zee — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:16:38 GMT

SO...in the words of Cheney!

Who cares McCain, how is okay to question Kerry, but not you. Clark should not back off and Obama has said what needs to be said, let's move on!

This is ridiculous! We can talk about this now, but sooner rather than later, we are going to have to talk policy! This is not policy.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

TONY HILL, FORT JONES, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:17:18 GMT

General Clark was correct and accurate in everything he said. Obviously.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:17:40 GMT

Spare US, McFossil on any attempts to make the American public THINK you have anything different to offer other than a third Bush term. You're a loser. You have no plans, no ideas of your own, no economic policy, nothing different than a rubber stamp on the last failed 7 1/2 years of the Bush Administration and I think you're realizing the polls are beginning to show it. You're BAD for the country. Period. And THIS time the country knows it.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Rob, Denver — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:17:51 GMT

Man, the McCain camp is really trying to make this stick. The problem with this strategy is that Wesley Clark didn't, in the least, disparage or attack John McCain's military record. He merely cited what is common knowledge, which is that getting shot down and captured by the enemy does not, by itself, qualify one to be President of the United States. I've yet to see one iota of evidence that Clark attacked McCain's service, and I ask anybody to provide excerpts from Clark's recent remarks that refute my claim.

The more attention McCain and his cronies draw to this issue, the better chance that voters are going to wonder why John McCain, for all his honorable years of service, won't release more than a fraction of his military record to the public. This seems extremely suspect to me, especially considering John Kerry released his entire military record.

This will also draw attention to glaring reality that John McCain performed terribly in the Naval Academy, and was a sub-standard pilot.

All things considered, if I'm John McCain, I would move on to the next item in the kitchen sink strategy and leave this one alone.

Obama 08

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

IDTT, Laurel, MD — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:18:22 GMT

LOL all of Sen McCain's people are calling for Sen Obama to "show some leadership and tell his people to knock this crap off". I'm sure they mean like Sen McCain has shown by telling his people to knock off the crap about Sen Obama being "John Kerry with a tan" or the attacks on Michelle Obama. Sen McCain hasn't even given the "wink or nod" dismissal of these tactics, yet they want to hold Sen Obama to a higher standard and keep chipping away at his image by calling him a "typical politician". Does anyone remember Sen McCain's response when the Republicans of North Carolina ran an attack add before the primary? Of course the MSM will not point this out.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

joe Oklahoma city Ok. — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:18:22 GMT

McShame Get over it, we have.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

MSierra, SF — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:18:28 GMT

'... Lt.Col. Orson Swindle (Ret)...'

Great name, and so appropriate !!
Why does McCain use 'Swift Boater' Bud Day as part of his 'Truth Squad' ?

What does McCain say about Day's smear of John Kerry ?
Why didn't McCain speak up in 2004 ?
Did McCain just 'wink and nod' about those smears ?

What does the Swindle say about Bud Day ?
What does hte Swindle say sabout the smearing of John Kerry ?

How about the smearing of Sen. Max Clelland ?

Sen. Clelland lost 2 limbs in Viet Nam

His PATRIOTISM was impugned by Saxbe Chamblis and the Republicans in 2002 !!

Did McCain 'wink and nod' about THAT SMEAR ?
Does McCain have any criticism of draft dodging Saxbe Chambliss ??

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Jen Blacksburg, Va — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:20:19 GMT

I appreciate McCain's service...however i do not feel that his military service, alone or in large part, qualifies him to be president....

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Cindi in Louisiana — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:20:34 GMT

I would hope that this debacle puts to rest any speculation that Clark will be the VP pick! I think that picking any general would be a mistake on Obama's part because we have too many issues other than terrorism and the war to be concerned about. That being said, we need someone with a broader range of experience, but someone who is well-versed on national security issues. Biden or Richardson!!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

CuriousMind,NC — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:21:48 GMT

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

markus, Boston, MA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:22:24 GMT

oh, BULL!!!

Clark was responding to a question, and he didn't disparage McCain's military service, he stated he did not feel that his service automatically qualified him to be President.

His response could have been better worded, but it was not ambiguous. This much ado about nothing, with the GOP, as usual, grasping at straws...

if you want to scare people into voting for McFossil, you guys'll have to do better than this...LOL

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

sara, mesa, az — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:22:26 GMT

Get over it McCain -- if you're going to run on your military record, then expect people to talk about it and to have opinions about it.

If you're truly a hero and served with honor then your record will speak for itself and you have nothing to worry about.

oh. oops. 'guess that didn't work for Kerry, did it?
oh, btw, where ARE your records??

Clark's remarks and opinion are nowhere CLOSE to the swiftboad attack that you Republicans did to Kerry. Why are you protesting so much?

Obviously, McCain's POW status is the only thing he's got going for him -- so why isn't it passing the sniff test now?

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:23:10 GMT

I can't stand Sen Lindsay Graham, that unctious little twerp, but then I'm not the audience for this sort of whining. Republicans are playing their usual "branding" game, and unfortunately, they are very good at it. Forget the issues, forget voting for your best interests, just vote for the Republican if you are a)a Southerner or b)an evangelical or c) had a relative in the armed services.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Yule, Kansas City, Kansas — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:24:07 GMT

Methinks the remaining candidates still need to get good vice presidents, and there is a non-biased weekly poll at <a href="http://www.votenic.com">http://www.votenic.com</a> . The results are worth looking at.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:24:49 GMT

To believe that Obama can control all the possible surrogates is just plain foolish. There is some truth to what Clark has said. Being a POW does show that he has some endurance, but doesn't mean he is ready to lead. Why doesn't he mention that he left the Navy with the rank of captain (the same level as a full col. in the Army). What did he do to get to that? How can they verify that McCain is a hero to the rank and file sailors, marines, soldiers and airmen? Tell me that!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

laughaday — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:24:52 GMT

First Read, you all are falling off your impartial rockers........Obama DID distancehimself from Clark's comments.....just because MCCain says he didn't does not make it so. He is also for Conservatve fiscal responsibility, but does he even pay his property taxes? He rebuffed the Swiftboaters a while back, but what does he do?---he employs one of them in a swipe at Obama. He says he's doing everything he can to sway Hillary supporters, but then he makes a crass joke about beating his wife. Are you all asleep at the wheel? GET WITH IT

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Bob, Knoxville TN — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:24:54 GMT

This is such bull, Clark did NOT question McCain's service. They can whine and moan about it all they want, and the media can reenforce it all they want but the truth remains there was NOTHING wrong with what Clark said. The Republicans backed the Swift Boaters for Lies in 2004 and wore band-aids with purple hearts on them mocking Kerry's honorable military service. One of the members of McCain’s new "Truth Squad" — Bud Day — was a member of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, and appeared in an attack ad for the group in 2004.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

State of Confusion — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:25:18 GMT

O-M-G...Are you crybabies for real? I really try to be open minded about McCain. He did serve his country well. I thank him. But talk about having to rein people in. These jokers are so full of BS I am shocked. How can anybody listen to that seriously? Obama has taken a higher road. Clark spoke for himself. McCain needs to take control of these idiots and put his big boy pants and discuss current issues. The USA is going to heck in a handbasket and rich Washington politicos DON'T CARE!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Larry J Clearwater Fl — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:25:20 GMT

Obamboozle has found 1 liberal general to do his dirty work. Now, lets talk about Obamboozles credentials for being commander in chief..................................that pretty much sums it up, not much to talk about.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

jbentley, Chicago,IL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:25:32 GMT

The McCain campaigns efforts to milk this non-issue for all it's worth is beyond. Nobody has dissed or disparaged his service and they know it.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Tori — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:25:37 GMT

This is so sad the McCain camp is so patheic. Obama has already dispute the comment what else more do they wanted The McCain camp is milking this comment that general Clark has made, because their can't run on anything else. I agree with general Clark but I do understand why Obama had to disputed.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

MICHIGAN DEMOCRTS — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:26:48 GMT

FR....I am now covinced that you are all about McCain~!~ OMG!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Ed, Watertown MA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:28:46 GMT

This is disgusting. McCain is trying to make his leadership abilities above criticism by attacking anyone who dares as disparaging a war hero. No one is allowed to ask about his qualifications?

And NBC is letting him do it.

You should be ashamed to call yourself journalists, why don't you just let McCain write your copy? Then you can just take the summer off and hangout on Martha's Vineyard. What the hell, you might as well since you're not doing your job anyways.

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Lynn - Alhambra, CA — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:29:20 GMT

Give me a break! Clark's comments was in no way offensive to McCain's military service. I agree, just because he served in the Vietnam war, does not give him the experience to be commander in chief! This is just a game the McCain camp is playing to keep the news on Clark's comments. They didn't want the media covering the Patriotism speech and dont want them covering the Faith based speech today, why? because it hits home and will have a lot of people listening.

Build a bridge and get over it!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Matthew — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:29:35 GMT

they really don't have anything else do they? they are really trying to draw this out, keep the pundits talking about which is really salient point that Clark made:

MCCAIN IS PROSTITUTING HIS MILITARY SERVICE!!!

McCain camp: Obama's 'wink and nod'

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:30:03 GMT

McCain is a war hero. Period. McCain represents the best of America's future, and his wife Cindy will make a steady, reassuring First Lady.

Michelle Obama has a chip-on-her-shoulder the size of Chicago, Illinois.