McCain: A gaffe machine?

BJ, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:35 GMT

McGaffes...what a loser...

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11939.html

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:33:26 GMT

Yes, he is a gaffe machine. Rachel Maddow was hysterical on Countdown last night when covering his new ad. Her comment, "John McCain is drilling for the low information voter with this new ad". or something to that effect. I laughed out loud, too funny.

PS. Apparently James Dobson has not heard of Bob Barr or Ralph Nader or the former Congresswoman - can't think of her name,...all are also candidates for POTUS this year.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Nashville_fan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:35:47 GMT

"Aside from correctly stating current gasoline prices, [the ad] is misleading on nearly every substantive point. But it is shrewdly conceived and may prove to be effective with undecided voters upset about having to pay as much as $100 to fill their gas tanks, yet uncertain as to the causes of the squeeze on their budgets.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Why does the media persist in believing the the vast majority of Americans are stupid?

Why does the media continue to give John McCain credit for his lies and deceptiveness?

Just call a spade a spade - the McCain campaign is built on a daily diet of lies for the American people.

The McCain campaign carefully uses the media to spread their lies (Obama won't listen to commanders on the ground, a gas tax holiday will drop gas prices, we can balance the budget by cutting taxes), and then to add insult to injury, they complain that they aren't getting positive coverage.

While I admire their gall, I must admit I am disappointed that the press is falling for it all - again. (Anybody remember the Hillary Clinton campaign?)

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Rick,Ky — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:35:49 GMT

Audacious is an Understatement in trying to blame Barack for record High Gas prices.

Old man yells at Clouds is more like it!!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

sotiredofignorance — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:35:51 GMT

Age matters. It mattered during Reagan's second term. McCain is simply too old for the job.

Who could possibly care about James Dobson?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Squizzy — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:40:43 GMT

Can anyone ever imagine the NY Times turning down an op-ed piece from a Democratic candidate? Unbelievable.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Pete - Albany, NY — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:41:31 GMT

I read McCain's NY Times proposed Op-Ed. It just wasn't that compelling.

While Obama offered a course of action for dealing with Iraq, McCain merely offered contradiction for contradiction's sake.

Senator McCain has a huge obstacle to overcome on his Iraq policy. Senator Obama has proposed a timetable for withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and now even President Bush is talking about "time horizons" (whatever they are) for withdrawal of our troops.

Senator McCain's position is that leaving equals losing. He speaks of "winning" in Iraq but after 6 years (it's taken us longer to deal with Iraq than it took us to deal with Hitler AND Hirohito AND Mussolini) nobody has a clue of what that's supposed to look like.

Senator McCain needs to start answering these questions:

1. What does "victory" in Iraq look like?

2. Is there a compelling reason why this "victory" would be unattainable under Senator Obama's plans for withdrawal of US forces from Iraq?

Finally, Senator McCain must convince us that he his policy for Iraq isn't just "taking a pass" in Iraq and leaving troops there so he doesn't have to make a hard policy decision so the next guy can deal with it.

PS - "Time Horizon"? The "Fifth Avenue" presidency strikes again. Why can't we have a policy in this administration without some flashy marketing catch phrase?

PPS - If Bush wants to consider withdrawl of forces does that suddenly mean he doesn't want to "win" in Iraq?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Samir, stillwater, oklahoma. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:42:37 GMT

McCain has got some nerve blaming Obama for high gas prices. Unfortunately, these types of attacks are the norm in a presidential campaign. Instead of offering a positive vision for the future, McCain and the republicans have resorted to tearing the other candidate down. "He is wrong/inexperienced, Vote for me!". Some people believe in the saying practice makes perfect, when in reality practice makes permanent. McCain's 'experience'has just lead him to be an inflexible war mongerer. How can the MSM give McCain or the republicans a pass on the Iraq war. The rhetoric on the war is the most ludicrous piece of circular logic I have ever heard. How does it make sense that we can only leave when we 'win' when the definition of winning is staying indefinitely?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Brother Odd — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:42:39 GMT

What a shame. If ever a time we need one of the best leaders of all time, it is this year. It will take someone above greatness to fix what is wrong in America. What did America chose? A young inexperienced elitist and an old senility bound war hawk. We must be as ignorant as the politicians we are electing.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Cindy Lou, TX — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:44:00 GMT

I think McCain's gas ad is going after the "low-information" voters who haven't been paying attention to politics and who wouldn't understand the gas problem, even if it were explained to them. Honestly, I hope no voter is making a decision based on campaign ads; they are misleading at best, and in this case, downright lies.

As far as the op-ed piece, it IS customary for editors to go back and forth with writers about content; McCain is NOT being slighted.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

banko — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:44:00 GMT

McCain is unfit to lead the greatest country in the world. He is unstable and very unpredictable.
John McCain is unfit to president. The signs are clear for all to see.
John McCain Exhibiting Symptoms of Early Alzheimer's? (Video intensive) ****
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/8/05811/29665/134/548031

Insane in the McCain Brain!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOl4cNfhwBg&feature=related

McCain's health terrible
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2008/05/30/mccain-s-health-is-terrible.aspx

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Pat, Columbus, OH — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:44:03 GMT

‘There's nothing dishonorable in a person rethinking his or her positions, especially in a constantly changing political context,’ Dobson said.

The McCain camp will accept Dobson's support yet blast Obama for changing his position on an issue. Hypocrisy! McCain will do anything and say anything to achieve his political ambition. He is pathetic.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:44:07 GMT

How sad for old Grandpa Flip-Flops McCain. Nothing is working for him, so he might as well go totally crazy and blame Obama for everything.

Do you really think that an undecided voter will see this ad in July and use this solely as his deciding point all the way to November?

This is what politics is coming to?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

GW, Vancouver, Canada — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:46:41 GMT

Well, it looks like Gaffey Duck is Looney Tunes, the Straight Talk Express is off its rails and the driver has lost his Grammy.
And as for his misleading , deceitful ad blaming Obama for gas prices he should------what was it that Jesse Jackson said?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Clyde Moseberry, Evanston, IL — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:49:22 GMT

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Ron Indiana — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:49:46 GMT

A Gaffe Machine is pretty accurately stated. Yes, gaffes will continue all the way past the November election. Dementia is a memory loss related to brain functioning. I guess what surprises me is that Dobson and other lock-step Republicans will vote for a man whose thinking is impaired and will continue to deteriate, rather than consider an alternative. An economist who worked in the Reagan White House is voting for Obama and went public that he was voting for a Democrat. It's about voting for the man with clear thinking, integrity, a Christian, someone who supports Americans and is liked by the world. These values supersede being a Republican or a Democrat.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Dobson has lost his way — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:51:49 GMT

"Focus on the Family" endorsing a man who deserted his disabled wife, committed adultery and married his lover, has tarnished its family image.
I believe that "Focus on the Family" has become "Focus on Dobson's personal ambition and arrogance."

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Bob, Yorkville, IL — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:52:05 GMT

Americans would benifit at the pump is we were less dependant on imports? The United States Healthcare system is 100% "made is the USA" ....how's keeping those costs in line working out for you?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Michelle Zee — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:52:20 GMT

These are gaffe's and we laugh at them, but honestly does he know what's going on and who's who and where's where when dealing with the Middle East.

We do not need him as Commander in Chief making situations worse, because rather we agree with the Middle East they do exist and their culture and how their contries operate are very different from ours.

Respect is a two street and we can't continue down this road and going down the road and looking to the future McCain is not the person to heal this strife in Arab world point blank.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Lou R — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:53:04 GMT

I recall the Dick Cheney "Secret" Energy Task Force which meet early on in the Bush Administration. Might it be this group of behind-the-scenes characters who have something (everything) to do with the high cost of energy products? McCain claiming Obama is responsible is absurd; I bet Cheney's and his group members hold the responsibility.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Charlie Henderson — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:55:45 GMT

>> McCain has got some nerve blaming Obama for high gas prices. <<

Samir, stillwater, oklahoma.

===========

Name one thing Obama has ever done to lower gas prices. Name one thing that Obama has said he'll do to lower gas prices. Some nerve indeed.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

GP Chicago — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:55:49 GMT

At least McCain knows there are 50 states, that a two-term president serves 8 years, that the Surge in Iraq worked, and we need to drill to find more fuel. Obama thinks there are 57 states, two term presidents serve 8-10 years, he wouldn't know a surge from a purge, or a drill from any of the pills he's taken.
Clyde Moseberry, Evanston, IL (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:49 AM)
------------------------------------------------------

I believe the quote was 57 states AND territories...and as I said before, jimmy carter is still working with nations, does that mean he's been in office for oooohhh 30 odd years??

At least now we know the intelligence level of those voting for McCain, they only hear 3 words into every sentence rather than doing research. I'm going to enjoy watching your ship sink in November

McCain: A gaffe machine?

teopa — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:55:52 GMT

amazing

obama is 'to inexperienced' to be president but powerful enough to be the cause of high gas prices!

and, "we must not negotiate with Iran", and "Iraq is a sovereign nation" BUT, Obama is wrong to promise to seek to speak with Iran (tho the administration is now doing it) and withdrawing from Iraq is unacceptable even though this 'democracy' wants us to!!!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

BJ, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:59:33 GMT

The "but I" problem...McCain can't shake it...

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Pat Huntington NY — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:13 GMT

Gaffes? No. Senile? Yes...his dimentia is starting already. Think about it? Reagan was already losing it the last years of his last term. McCain would start his first term with a mental deficit.

How can anyone vote for this guy when his mind is already going?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

mccains man — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:05:28 GMT

hey you guys, who do you want to answer that 3 am call, me or that twit obama, by the way I don't answer on the weekends, someone asnwer that dang phone o its the doorbell then someone answer that dang doorbell o its just the bells in my head o zzzzzz

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Billy, MI — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:09:15 GMT

Mr. Dobson, Focus on your family and stay out of politics.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

whoops! — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:10:33 GMT

McMachine!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

GE`PA` — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:11:28 GMT

if you think those Gaffes are bad, wait and see if he becomes president, HE WILL BE CALLING HIMSELF McBUSH.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:14:58 GMT

The gaffes pile is so high that the msm can no longer ignore it.You have to wonder where the bomber head is.And what about his campaign,this is really funny stuff.You blame Obama for the gas prices while you bomber have been in Washinton for 27 years,Where have you been,or does your lack of knowledge in the economy, or that there have been two Oil men running the W.H. for the last 7 years have anything to do with the gas prices?Way to far gone to be POTUS.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

John Alexander,PA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:15:53 GMT

The Dobson fly is buzing for attention, "Hey it's me, Jimmy, hey look at me, I am relevant, I am THE DOBSON, I still want to be a 'player'."
The Chistian right came on like a tidal wave but now their power has waned, even the media is ignoring them as a power these days.
Intolerant and intolerable goes only so far and then we all place this movement in the 'has been' pile.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Eric, Homestead, FL — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:17:35 GMT

The choice is between smart and dumb.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Judy Bortell Ovilla TX — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:19:50 GMT

Just wondering?
If you are awakened at 3AM, and are confused and disoriented, what will it be like for John McCain?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Mark — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:20:24 GMT

You guys need to stop making un-factual and irrelevant rants about age and what some person said on TV. Do you really believe that any political add is true if you are basing your thoughts on who said this and that in political adds you are well…… Base your political thoughts and rants based on policy and factual information please. I am sad to be a Democrat these days because people seem to just jump on the band wagon and not know what being a democrat really is.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Gerald Shields, Seattle, Wash — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:21:19 GMT

Hate to say this, but Alzheimer’s or Dementia? Because no one can make mistakes like that without those two being the culprits.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Benny, SFBayArea, California — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:27:32 GMT

McCain: A gaffe machine?

BL, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:27:45 GMT

McCain's "Blame Obama for gas prices" ad was such a complete joke and so completely unbelieveable by anyone, that even that total right wing hack Brad Blakeman wouldn't defend it at all on Verdict last night. Seriously... if Brad Blakeman of all people won't defend it... you know it's a complete loser.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

neal, san diego, ca — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:29:36 GMT

Ah, to be so powerful as a junior senator! Rising gas prices? What will he be blamed for next?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

BL, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:29:39 GMT

"McCain will turn 72 the day after Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) accepts his party’s nomination for president, calling new attention to the sensitive issue of McCain’s advanced age, three days before the start of his own convention."

The DNC should put out an ad wishing him a "Happy 72nd birthday, and congratulations on becoming the oldest person to seek the presidency."

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Scott — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:29:46 GMT

Name one thing Obama has ever done to lower gas prices. Name one thing that Obama has said he'll do to lower gas prices.

Charlie Henderson

____________________________________

Name one thing McCain has ever done to lower gas prices. Name one thing that McCain has said he'll do to lower gas prices.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Kat — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:29:50 GMT

A person can serve up to 10 years as President. The VP serve up to 2 years of a deceased (or impeached, resigned, incapacitated, etc.) President's term without it being considered a "term in office." So, the VP could still run for 2 more terms of 4 years each.

So, 2 + 4 + 4 = 10.

Looks like Obama was right on this one as well.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

neal, san diego, ca — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:31:22 GMT

Ah, to be so powerful as a junior senator! Rising gas prices? What will he be blamed for next?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Fred, Langley,VA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:31:53 GMT

McCain is more responsible for increased gas prices than Obama. After all, McCain is a Republican who falls in line with his twin George Bush. Additionally, McCain has been in office for the ENTIRE time gas prices have risen... and then some.

Of course, he probably doesn't remember that.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Rob, Reading, Pa — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:33:15 GMT

"At least McCain knows there are 50 states, that a two-term president serves 8 years, that the Surge in Iraq worked, and we need to drill to find more fuel. Obama thinks there are 57 states, two term presidents serve 8-10 years, he wouldn't know a surge from a purge, or a drill from any of the pills he's taken."

Okay, these two candidates have been campaigning for over a year and a half. Some mistakes are to be expected. Obama has misspoke and McCain has as well. The difference between the two is the frequency it happens. How long ago did Obama say those things? McCain misspeaks every day. So why he keeps misspeaking is the question at hand.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Rick, NC — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:34:20 GMT

Mcsenile is chumming for low information voters...he was against offshore drilling before he was for it...he was against torture before he voted to let shrub keep on torturing people...he was against agents of intolerance before he became one..he was the straight talk express before he became the stray talk express...loser

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Teresa, Defiance OH — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:35:05 GMT

Gas prices were on the rise before Barack Obama ever thought about running for president...

John McCain is part of what is wrong with this country.
Republicans have torn America to shreds and are not even apologetic for it. They've sold us out and off, and they see McCain as another vehicle through which to continue their ways.

Bush and the republicans have done enough harm to our country and to our international reputation. If Barack can give some glamour and a bit of truth back to the United States, I'm all for it. Maybe with him as president I won't have to be embarrassed when a friend from overseas asks me what is happening to our country !!!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Sanjoy Das — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:36:50 GMT

GE:

How can he be McBush? Bush and McCain are very different people.

Bush is a chimpanzee. McCain is a Neanderthal.

(That's prof the GOP is ovlving BTW).

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Liz in Texas — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:38:23 GMT

Enough with the 57 states already. Any moron knows there are 50 states. He said "fifty"....hesitated then said "seven" He meant to say 47 but the 50 came out first because there are 50 states. Sheesh! A misspeak is not a gaffe. If that is all you have to go on then you are in desperation mode.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

camie — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:40:03 GMT

its kind of weird when mccain goes on his trip overseas he makes gaffe and when obamas overseas mccain makes gaffes, maybe mccain is a gaffe machine

Video of unenthusiastic PUMA, Just Say No Deal Protest
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/19/video-of-puma-just-say-no-deal-losers-hold-a-protest/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

McCain: A gaffe machine?

John Adams — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:41:38 GMT

John McCain has often said that he would run a respectful campaign, but he never said anything about running an honest one. His latest ad:

"Gas prices — $4, $5, no end in sight, because some in Washington are still saying no to drilling in America. No to independence from foreign oil. Who can you thank for rising prices at the pump?"

A photograph of Obama appears on the stage as a voiceover of a crowd chants: "Obama, Obama, Obama!"

Really? Did John McCain forget what he said two weeks ago?

"Let me give you a little straight talk on energy. Our dangerous dependence on foreign oil has been thirty years in the making, not yesterday, thirty years."

Did he forget what he said two months ago?

"With those resources, which would take years to develop, you would only postpone or temporarily relieve our dependency on fossil fuels," McCain said when asked about offshore drilling.

Did he forget that his own campaign said:

"...allowing new offshore drilling would have no immediate impact on supplies or gas prices."

Did he forget all that or is he just lying?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

SMR — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:42:48 GMT

>> Name one thing Obama has ever done to lower gas prices. Name one thing that Obama has said he'll do to lower gas prices. Some nerve indeed. <<

Ok, I'll toss you a response. Name one thing McCain has done while Obama has been a Senator to try to lower gas prices...other than flop around like a dying fish, thrashing to and fro on his policies and in response to constituents pissing and moaning.

Face it folks: McCain is a man that is going to continue to send your children off to some hellhole to fight an enemy that is never going to quit. He'll keep calling and calling for people, and when the well finally runs dry (as we've seen that it is starting to), his crazy old self will not bat an eye to reinstate the draft to keep them coming.

Sure, a gas tax holiday will lower prices, but add another burden onto an already bloated deficit and tax money away from programs that keep guide dogs for the blind fed and underprivileged children able to get hot meals and a bus ride to school. Also, since when has offshore drilling been something that is going to lower prices in the long-term? Those of you who find it compelling should really think long and hard about having rigs off of the shore where you take your kids to the beach, and think about how, while you may then be able to pay a whopping $2.50 a gallon, if it will even last until you pass from this Earth, or if the reservoirs of oil will run dry. Then what? You'll be back to complaining about how gas prices are insane, and how now we need to bulldoze neighborhoods to prospect for oil where they decided to build houses.

I'll admit, Obama has made some pretty gaffy comments, and that he hasn't always been a 100% intelligible person throughout his campaign...but at least he has a clear message about wanting to help people get out of the rut that they're in and get to a place where they can help themselves, thereby helping others. Better than a senile old man who will blame everyone for everything, and not take a moment to try and fix it for the people that he will be representing.

Food for thought.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Richard Thomas, Boone, NC — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:42:55 GMT

First of all, almost all news publications, even college newspapers, review and revise op-eds before going to print. Woe unto any editor who lets something really problematic slip past! Also, on the question of presidential terms - if a VP is serving when a President becomes unable to complete his duties, and is elevated to the job of President, that person could serve as POTUS for up two years, and then run for two elected terms. The term limits as defined in Amendment 22, Article 1: "1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once." So, Obama is correct to state 8-10 years as the potential term of office for President.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Bvivet — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:43:04 GMT

Oh! My! Gosh! MCGAFFE is gonna kill me!!!
Somebody get this guy out of my sight! Out of my sight!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Mark Lajoie, Merrimack, NH — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:43:12 GMT

Are “Gaffe” Prices Too High?

Politicians, even the most skillful of them, will make ‘gaffes’. These are minor errors in factual, grammatical or elocutionary expression. Fair or not, some have changed history. When Ford took away half of Europe in one single gaffe, it just might have doomed his close comeback to failure. Admiral Stockdale’s debate musings (“Who am I? Why am I here?”), left Perot without a place in the race. (In Stockdale’s case, it was particularly unfair. He is one of the great heroes in our history and actually was making a point but was cut off and never allowed to finish. His reputation will never recover from that one gaffe for which he bears absolutely no responsibility.) Who can hear the name Dan Quayle and not remember the word ‘potato’ (did I spell that right)? And we all remember Al Gore not being able to identify a bust of Washington. (You don’t remember that? Oh, that’s right, that gaffe wasn’t repeated over and over for two months!)

Yes, one small error can change history. That’s why all campaigns are always searching for such gaffes, hoping they might be the ‘silver bullet’ that wins it all. This campaign is no different. Lately, the Obama talking points have included a couple of gaffes by McCain: he’s called Slovakia and the Czech Republic by its old united name a couple of times (“Czechoslovakia”) and he mixed up Shi’ite and Sunni a couple of months ago. All right, tell you what. I’ll take those two gaffes in exchange for the Sixty United States and some dead people in the audience at Arlington and we’ll call it even, OK?

On second thought, I don’t think there’s an even exchange rate between Obama gaffes and McCain gaffes. Why do I say that? Think about it. For decades, McCain has had a virtual open-door policy in a way that’s unprecedented. He’s done hundreds upon hundreds of unscripted town halls and opened himself to hours of free questioning by reporters on his bus. Over and over, he has let reporters ask questions until they can’t think of anymore or their voices are raw. What about Obama? All the press corps agrees: his has been one of the most closed campaigns in terms of access in history. (It’s ironic that the two most polar opposites should be running in the same year.) “C'mon, guys, I just answered, like, eight questions.” “Can’t I just eat my waffles?” This present trip to Iraq has been far more scripted than a Broadway play.

As a matter of percentages, even if the number of gaffes were totally even, McCain wins this comparison. It would be like saying, ‘Babe Ruth’s lifetime batting average is .342; this rookie is 35 for 100 this year; therefore, this rookie is better than Babe Ruth: reductio ad absurdum. All that being said, I think Obama would win the most gaffes crown handily on quantity alone this cycle. But is anybody going to waste the time sitting down and counting? Even if you did, how does one evaluate the severity of each gaffe and what they mean as an aggregate? It seems like a pretty petty procedure.

However, when you put Obama’s gaffes together with the evidence for a lack of core principles (being on both sides of issues, never admitting a substantive mistake, never saying “I am sorry” or “I was wrong”, claiming total continuity at all times, etc.), the gaffes seem to be part of a pattern. One gaffe we remember was when he said his uncle helped liberate Auschwitz in Germany, when it turned out that Auschwitz was in Poland controlled by the Soviets, that his uncle was really a great-uncle, that he was in the Navy not the Army. (He must have sailed through Soviet lines to do this.) This kind of gaffe is not a simple ‘mistake’. It reveals a pattern of stretching the truth. McCain’s gaffes that I’ve seen seem to be simply ‘mistakes’. We all do that, but we don’t all have a pattern exaggerating like Obama’s gaffe illustrates. I think Obama’s supporters have to cry UNCLE on this point; or is it GREAT-UNCLE?

So, gaffes in themselves are usually not much in themselves but they, tragically, unfairly at times, can cost some people everything. That notwithstanding, the kind of character revealed by Obama’s gaffes within the general pattern of his presentation shows us that he is a political product we just shouldn’t buy. In terms of gaffes, the price is too high….

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Jonathon Ross, Hartford,CT — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:43:42 GMT

Which of the 57 states did McCain make this gaffe?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Bob Brummel,Winslow,Maine — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:45:27 GMT

On his bus yesterday McCain was blasting a do-nothing congress for most of our current problems.The reporter should have reminded him that he is part of this do-nothing congress!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:45:38 GMT

The gaffe in question was just an honest mistake, and a fortunate one for McCain.

It kept the media from focusing on the more odd thing he said a couple lines earlier. He said he couldn't explain his thoughts on the Afghan security situation because he didn't have the vocabulary.

Hmmm. He's a Navy guy riding his military experience in this campaign. What did he mean he didn't have the vocabulary?

We'll never know, because the media fixated on the shiny, surface gaffe.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Liz in Texas — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:46:40 GMT

Mark.....a political ad should hold at least some modicom of truth. This ad is absolutely baseless, disengenious and panders to the lowest common denominator. The ad is a complete insult to the intelligence of the American people. Lastly, if you're sad to be a Democrat then you're not really a Democrat.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Jonathon Ross — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:46:56 GMT

At least McCain can blame it on a senior moment..what does Obama say when he claims he has campaigned in all 57 states? Stupidity?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Ron, Los Angeles — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:48:18 GMT

John McCain is reverting to the tactics that he used
against Bush in the 2000 primaries. His Handlers are trying everything they can to prop him up, but he still screws everything up. When the New York times didn't accept his op-ed piece the way he handed it to them, it's because you can't hand in an essay that you didn't write. He doesn't have a clue what's going on except that he was a prisoner of war and now we owe it to him to make him President.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Jack — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:49:16 GMT

McCain has dementia and is a liar. What a great combo!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

J. Richter — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:53:36 GMT

Obama said he expects to be dealing with the world leaders like those he is currently talking to (before becoming president and that ex-presidents still routinly deal with), for the next 8-10 years and some moron claims he does not know a two-term president lasts 8 years.

Which is the fool?

Also, a slip of tongue is not the same as a gaffe. A gafee is typically repeated more than one time - meaning the gaffer did not kow better. Slips can happen when you are tired or old. The czekoslovakia thing was repeated three different times.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Dennis Berry, Astoria, OR — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:55:33 GMT

Barack Obama decided early on NOT to make John McCain's age an issue in this race.

Smart decision: John doesn't need any help - he can do it himself!

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Curtis J — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:59:10 GMT

I really see this election as being a bid by the older generation to hold to power or to keep a younger generation from attaining it. I respect right of the McCain supporters to express their opinions but just as an Obama supporter who has some reservations about his experience which I am prepared to admit, so should McCain's Supporters have concerns about their candidate’s age. I think it comes down to ego, and it is obvious that senator Obama has enough control of his ego to surround himself with those with more experience in many areas, foreign policy not withstanding, and who possess the courage to object to his line of thinking. Conservatives have not shown the slightest predilection of tolerance of an opinion that might be outside their ideology, and when has any relationship of such nature ever been healthy to either party involved?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

marty holloman columbia, s.c. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:01:19 GMT

these gaffs are really funny, icant see why everyone gets all excited about a gaff when we have dozens of real issues to deal with. the candidates have real differences on issues. this is where we need to go. no name calling, disrespectful of all involved. we
should think about john's surge. there would still be blood being shed dailey in iraq if we werent paying
the sunni not to fight us. if al sadar hadnt taken his malitia off the streets. the surge is really moot. now we should get our troops out of iraq as they
want us to. and take our 12 billion dollars a month with us. they have about 700 billion in the bank right now. dont worry about iraq, look how well india has done after thier civil war. they will have a civil war ( none of our business). kudos to obama for his common sense and good judgment. i am so tired of knowing more than the president of the united states. i remember sitting on the couch hollering at those jerks talking about invading iraq, especially when we had not found bin laden or done anything to make our country safer. mccain is a dangerous man and
will hopefully be rejected by the citizens of this great country. female, white, 62 years old and very
hopeful for the future of this country. this will take place without help from the msm. i have never seen such disregard for the truth.
marty

obama/biden

McCain: A gaffe machine?

jimi mosey - culver city, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:02:35 GMT

Clyde Moseberry said: "At least McCain knows there are 50 states, that a two-term president serves 8 years, that the Surge in Iraq worked, and we need to drill to find more fuel. Obama thinks there are 57 states, two term presidents serve 8-10 years, he wouldn't know a surge from a purge, or a drill from any of the pills he's taken."

Wow, I am blown away by the insight! In any college freshman debate class, one of the first things taught to students is the classic switch and bait. If you have a disagreement with your opponent, try to change the subject and attack on specious grounds. Because Sen. McSame has difficulty remembering which country is which is not mentioned in the above. Instead, the writer attempts to show how strong McSame's memory is on several "key" (read "talking points") issues, hoping the reader does not look closely at the text of the article and then uses distraction and half-truths to persuade. McSame's contention that the surge worked is only partly correct. The Sunni awakening, the Sadr ceasefire, and other events contributed to the success in decreasing violence, but those are not mentioned here. Neither is the fact that further drilling in sensitive environments will not decrease the price of gas. McSame has supported selling the oil on the world markets, not keeping it at home and has supported deregulation of speculation, as evidenced by his former campaign manager, Phil Gramm's support of the Enron loophole. When Sen. Obama mentioned 8-10 years he was speaking about his involvement with foreign governments, including this remaining year and the end of his term. The writer goes on to spout right wing radio talking points to slam Sen. Obama. The problem with these arguments? They are transparent and convince no one.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

J. Richter — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:03:33 GMT

Name one thing Obama has ever done to lower gas prices. Name one thing that Obama has said he'll do to lower gas prices. Some nerve indeed.
Charlie Henderson (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:55 AM)
--------------------------------------------------

- Get rid of the Enron loop hole and speculators. Based on increased demand along (China, India), the price of oil is still greater than it should be. This will have an effect NOW! See demand and economic charts here: http://kenny.netvios.com/Proposal_Towards_US_Energy_Independence.htm

- Pursue alternatives that will eliminate our demand for oil and improve teh environment.

- Do not support proposals that give away revenues that support our highways to the oil company in the name of gas tax rebate for summer (~$30). Rather give the money directly to us in tax rebates

- Do not support proposals that expand the stock of oil companies by giving them offshore land (when they have over 800K acres already approved and undeveloped), gvigin them more land spikes their stocks but does nothing for oil supply because they will not get to it for four years and when they do actual production will be realized in about 7 years WHEN WE SHOULD HAVE ALREADY SLOWLY TRANSITIONED FROM OIL! The total potential supply in about 12 years is still less than 1% of current world demand).

BTW Proposing oil-company firendly solutions is worse than nothing. That's what got us here with an oil company headed administration for the past 8 years (both P and VP are oil men - what a coincidence!)

McCain: A gaffe machine?

jbentley, Chicago, IL — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:07:24 GMT

Even though John McCain was a POW 40 years ago and even though he's been in Washington in the Congress for the past 87 years doesn't mean he is some sort oof foreign policy guru. I just don't understand how the Washington press corps just buys wholesale into his self-proclaimed status as a foreign policy genius - where's the evidence?

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Not a Lawyer — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:11:42 GMT

You can be president up to ten years. See Amendment 22 of the Constitution. Suppose you're Vice-President, there are 23 months (a little less than two years) left in the term, and the President dies. You then become President, and serve as President for 23 months.

After serving 23 months as President, you can be elected President twice (8 more years of being President), because you have not served more than 2 years to a term to which you were not elected.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:12:47 GMT

Clyde Moseberry: May I suggest that you stop listening to right-wing radio long enought to consider basing your voting decision on issues of substance, not on who said Czechoslovakia, or 57 states, etc, etc, etc? For decades, you republicans have fooled the American voter into believing that their party cares for average Americans, when nothing could be further from the truth. But your party's red-meat issues have little worth anymore, to the point where nobody really gives a damn who James Dobson will support for president. Your party has lied and misled, while bleeding the decency, integrity, and treasure of this country dry. I'd rather believe in someone who may misspeak than in someone who believes that the last 8 years, a disgrace by any thinking American's standards, deserve an encore.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Ponzi, Monterey, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:20:46 GMT

Name one thing Obama has ever done to lower gas prices. Name one thing that Obama has said he'll do to lower gas prices. Some nerve indeed.
Charlie Henderson

___________________________________________________

Well, using "The Google", I was able to find the cleverly hidden website BarackObama.com. There I found the following:

Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
Invest in a Clean Energy Future
Support Next Generation Biofuels
Set America on Path to Oil Independence
Improve Energy Efficiency 50 Percent by 2030
Restore U.S. Leadership on Climate Change

Each bulleet had plans for accomplishing them. It did take me about two minutes, so I can see how you may have had a hard time.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:41:28 GMT

Why don't we quit calling them gaffes and point out what it really is...ignorance, stupidity and incompetence. Just like his buddy bush.

McCain: A gaffe machine?

amy, tx — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:42:13 GMT

Glad you report on these foregin policy gaffes.

McCain has been getting a free ride from the media on his foreign policy gaffes -- media are so busy instead reporting on voters' perceptions that he has better foreign policy bona fides rather than reporting the straight events/facts -- blunder after blunder.

Who really cares whether they are age-related or not?

A blunder is a blunder.

And a person who repeatedly errs, blunders, gaffes -- is a blunderer