Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Rasmussnen Poll — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:21:32 GMT

Speaking of polls:
Rasmussen Markets data now gives Obama an 87.1% chance to win the Democratic nomination.

April 8, 2008

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

uiuc — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:23:48 GMT

that sounds like he was mistaken again. Thats how im looking at it

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

boogeyman, mamaroneck, ny — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:26:08 GMT

This Transcript looks a little planned or practiced. I think both McCain & Petreaus are confused.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:27:20 GMT

Hmmm, I believe the popular saying during the Vietnam was "Kill them all and let God sort them out"

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Tim, Reading, PA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:29:02 GMT

Its a shame that the McCain campaign has to constently qualify their canidate's statements. Especially since his campaign managers don't seem to realize Bush convinced McCain he needed to lie to win the election.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Sherri, Charleston, WV — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:29:38 GMT

that should be the first question any journalist worth his creds should ask him the next time the Straight Talk Express(Sheesh)pulls up............Please Sen. McCain, would you kindly explain to us ignorant plain folk just what is the difference between a Shia and a Sunni? No cue cards or canned speeches, please..........

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:30:15 GMT

Joe Biden laid it out and laid it down in his opening remarks. Way to go Joe.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Diane from Illinois — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:34:40 GMT

For someone who was suppose to come out of these hearing "on top" of all three candidates today, looks like McFossil mixed up the Shiites and Sunnis AGAIN. He's not playing the Commander-in-Chief role very well these days. Thanks for playing, John, now go rest.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Greg Miles Chicago — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:34:47 GMT

Old Man yelling at clouds.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Matt, Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:34:48 GMT

"John McCain stumbled on his words and corrected them immediately"

Wow, that's from McCains own campaign.....lol.

Um, as President - you can't always be getting it wrong or you sound like George Bush. Which is fitting because McCain as President would be an extention of the Bush admininistration for 4 or 8 more years.

Who wants 4-8 more years of the Bush Administration? Anyone, any takers?!??!?!

I bet McCains wife has to dress him every morning after their staff gives him his sponge bath.

I just can't wait until all the people that are over age 70 have died off so that they will stop polluting our Democracy with their Depression era/Cold war era mentality. It's time for America to catch up with modern times, and as long as we are represented by people that are that friggin' old and undereducated, we will continue to live in the past and make poor decisions.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

A New America — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:34:58 GMT

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Steve A Jonesboro IN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:35:39 GMT

Mccain has absolutely zero credibility on anything, an older version of idiot bush.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

iowan — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:36:15 GMT

With respect to Mr. McCain (this time anyway), he is simply too old for the job. Sorry.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Dr.Strangedog, MI — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:37:16 GMT

Isn't this the kind of admin we're trying to get away from? Who cares...Shi'a, Sunni it doesn't matter!

All are fodder for McWar!!!!!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Michelle Zee — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:37:36 GMT

This is one area that is very alarming to me. How is he tough on foreign policy, when he has not a clue on who is who in the middle east?

Just because they look the same does not make them and their underlying individual cultures or religious beliefs the same.

He needs a 101 class or he needs to shut up, it's as simple as that. He can't continue to group them all in one basket.

Since he does not know who we are fighting or why, we will never leave Iraq under his control of our government. Heavens to betsy if you are going through foreclosure, he says the government should not help you, nor should they enforce or change predatory lending ways of doing business.

And what gets me is democrats saying they will vote for this guy if their candidate don't win.
I say exercise your vote Democrats, but just stay home (although, we need every democratic vote this year), if you are ticked off that your democrat does not win. It's better than voting for this train wreck in waiting.

He is making a mockary out of this issue and it is suppose to be his strong area! I guess Lieberman (the Joker) was not there to police him up.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Adi, NY — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:37:58 GMT

Well, so much for experience. What is more troubling is that he is not capable of learning anything new. I guess it comes with the age...

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Dr.Strangedog, MI — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:38:45 GMT

OBAMA.....Pleeease pick Joe Biden for your VP!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

John Mc — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:38:48 GMT

I am very confused........ Who are we fighting today; the Shia, Sunni, Viet Cong, North Vietnamese, Panama, China... What the heck.. Cindy you are a c..., please give me some money.

By the way - did you notice how nice my boyfriend Joe Lieberman looked today!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

tom, philly — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:39:06 GMT

another senior moment. later he shook his cane at the general told him to "get off my lawn."

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Tired of Being Tired — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:39:25 GMT

Yeah, that's the ticket. Obama is out of touch on this issue. Not the guy who can't even keep the key players straight.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Brother Odd — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:39:56 GMT

McWar can't even speak without cue cards. Blue lips Obama can speak but knows nothing about Iraq or the economy.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:40:24 GMT

Given the recent flap over his mistatements, its almost unbelievable he would make this mistake again. It comes across as a Bush-type mentality who has convinced himself that al Qaeda in Iraq is the central enemy in the central front, etc., and who also thinks such details as Shi'ite or Sunni or trivialities.

This is alarming. A guy who is one contest away from the White House - to put it in NCAA terms he's reached the finals in San Antonio - who could be so ignorant about the situation in the place he himself claims to be so central to U.S. interests...

I don't know another word for that except alarming.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Angel , SF — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:40:28 GMT

FIRST READ HAS OFFICIALLY ENDORSE HILLARY CLINTON BY NOT CORRECTING THEIR PLEDGE UPDATE.....

1) Obama actually has 1,419 pledged delegates -- FIRST READ says he has 1,416 and give the others handily to Hillary

2) Noted Hillary's new ONE endorsement but made a complot not to announce Obama's five new superdelegates he received in North Dakota

Interesting... Hillary might give a speech anytime soon about this great endorsement from a BIAS reporting, Todd might be appointed Secretay of State under Clinton's administration dont be surprised....

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

MK,MO — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:41:07 GMT

looks like mccains mammoth teleprompter is not quite large enough, maybe he should lip sync his speeches and have someone less senile actually talk into the microphone on his behalf

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

shaking my head, over mixed up McCain — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:42:03 GMT

What were the Repubs thinking when they voted for McCain.

It seemed that American's bitterness bought Bush a second term as he went about killing Arabs, and Muslims, irregardless to whether they had guilt in the attacks of September 11, 2001 or not. Is that the sentiment that has pushed McCain forward? Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran?

I will not mock the Senator over his age. However, he clearly has difficulty with his mental faculties. Coupled with his hair trigger temper, and lack of knowledge, his Presidency would be yet another curse, like our mounting death tolls, and a failing economy, America would have brought upon herself.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:42:23 GMT

I don't believe our military should be on the hot seat. Unless they have committed crimes.

Members of Congress should be on the hot seat. It is they who should be asked by the military - what exactly were you thinking when you voted to have our military invade Iraq? What were your expectations?

How much did you actually know about the Middle East. Did you research thoroughly before you voted?
With whom did you speak in the weeks leading up to your vote? Did you consult with Middle East experts?

The military have done everything imaginable.

It is the politicians in DC who need to answer some questions.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

bill, okla — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:42:38 GMT

Old "Bomb Iran" McCain continues to show his depth. Shallow.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

OBwan, IN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:43:25 GMT

Leaders should not confuse the enemy - that's for us ordinary folks to do.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Constance Barkley,Jupiter,Florida — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:43:47 GMT

Thank you Joe Biden for speaking for the majority of the American People.. You were my first choice and now Obama has my vote..

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Jamil, Dearborn, MI — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:44:45 GMT

I'd be willing to give the old guy a pass if this was the first time he "stumbled on his words" but this is like the third or fourth time! I think he doesn't have a clue who the enemy is over there.

His spokesman is really something else - your candidate voted for this failed policy of war, continues to support it, and is constantly mixing up who we are actually fighting over there. But somehow it is his opponent, Senator Obama, who has "very little credibility" on the issue!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

twocanpete — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:45:58 GMT

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Sounds like the old warmonger has another 'senior moment'.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Allison — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:46:55 GMT

Hillary Rodham Clinton has today again demonstrated why she is clearly the most intelligent, most skilled, most qualified, most electable candidate in the race. Hillary is the smartest person in the room, always. Hillary will be a GREAT President!

The Dems are foolish if they fail to nominate this woman who is hands down the best they have to offer.

Obama is unelectable. He proved himself a fool today in his silly "committee hearing", the first one he has held since he was assigned this task. He's a joke. He's completely unqualified and unprepared to be President of the U.S. Obama has continually interjected sexism, racism and classism into this campaign at his own peril. It's disgusting. Now what would MLK (who Obama channels at every opportunity with the help of the media) MLK who fought hard for voter rights think of Obama's attempts to disenfranchise voters in Florida and Michigan and across the nation in those silly, meaningless caucuses?????

The Democratic Party would be wise to remember that for decades white women have been the majority voting block of the party and WE WANT HILLARY! They practice sexism at their own peril.

No amount of 24/7 media promotion (MSNBC is the Obamanetwork) will EVER make Obama electable. No amount of money will EVER make Obama electable. Follow the money trail, who is funding Obama and why? There's a story for the so-called journalists. Get on it. In Ohio, Obama outspent Hillary 3 to 1 and yet won only 5 out of 88 counties! If you can't win in Ohio you cannot win the Presidency. Today, in polls, Hillary beats McCain in Ohio by 10 points, while Obama loses or ties with McCain. Same in Florida. Same in Michigan, etc. Obama is unelectable. Hillary has already proven she can win the big states that are the must wins for the Dems in November. It's tham simple.

It's Hillary or John McCain will be President.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

oregon4obama — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:47:08 GMT

ok ok....i know this is a small transcript of a larger one but I do agree that this small section is dancing around the topics and mccain is not asking the right questions to provoke a detailed answer. Im anxious to see how Obama questions him.....

to anyone who has taken critical thinking or comm classes knows this statement.....

"Certainly not an obscure sect of the Shiites overall?"

is trying to show the war in a good light and begging the question of success....Mr McCains whole biography tour and electability profile is based around the war and his service credentials, he has to show the war in a winning mannor to be elected prez....

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Brother Odd — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:48:46 GMT

McWar doesn't know the difference between the Sunni and Shiite, but he knows we need to be there 100 more years. Yea hes our war expert.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

No to McCain — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:50:26 GMT

Seems his "senior moments" are lapsing into more and more "senior episodes."

I'm not sure I want someone this befuddled as the commander in chief.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Dave in AL — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:50:29 GMT

I think McCain is trying to lay the groundwork for an attack against Iran. Otherwise, these speaking blunders make me worry about his age.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

martin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:50:42 GMT

To make a mistake once is forgiveable, twice is careless and 3 times is beyond the pale. Does this guy know what he's talking about? Rumours that he's not the sharpest tool in the box have been circulating the Senate for years (only Fred Thomson was blunter, apparently) but it looks like, the longer the campaign goes on, there is truth to them! Why else would he need Joe Lieberman and his campaign aids to be on constant standby to field McCain's gaffes? Apparently, McCain used to ask himself every morning whilst he was shaving why he should be president... smarter people may have had an answer quicker. He really is in the same mould as Bush II.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Frank — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:51:24 GMT

What is that ? McCain tries to swipe at Obama as a defense for confusing Sunnis and Shiites AGAIN !

What about Liebermann ? Was he not supposed to watch McCain ? Somebody, please give McCain a yellow sticky note with the 'Iraq - Who is Who' on it.

Seriously, this is not funny anymore. I am rather worried about this lack of understanding. It's just the age most likely but then again, he won't be any younger next year.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

InfoGiant, Austin, TX — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:51:57 GMT

McCain and his words...embarrassing.

Of course, the media will only report what the people want to hear and/or what will rake in some ad money.

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/2008/03/27/mccain-having-problems-with-words/

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/wolf-blitzer-is-a-flake-and-a-moron/

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

beth — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:53:13 GMT

lmao - why are they blaming Obama?? boy, for an ex-POW, war hero, and all around grumpy old man, the McCain camp sure is touchy!! LOL

what i DO like is how McCain's pretty much focused on Obama...looks like the Republicans have accepted the reality of Democratic nominee moreso than Clinton's camp.

this election is gonna be fun...I can see it now...

Obama: "now Senator McCain has said he wants to keep the Bush tax cuts in place..."

McCain: "hey! no fair!! Obama is a big meanie w/ the facts! so much for his 'new politics'!!"

apparently, to some "new politics" = don't point out bad ideas.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

lori Chicago — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:54:59 GMT

stumbled on his words?/??? How can we sure he will not stumble on something else. He continues to misspeak. How can we be sure that he will not confuse one country from another.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Pander, Picayune MS — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:55:25 GMT

So wait, McCain gaffed again, and somehow it's Obama's fault?

I love their campaign.

It's so hopelessly faux-evil.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Jay, St. Louis — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:55:47 GMT

One too many misstatements & stumbles, make John McCain a stumbling & bumbling fool. He's a lot more like Bush than I thought, especially after opposing the GI Bill that would pay for the soldier's education expenses. That's the least that a republican can do after sending them to fight for LIES. I hope the Democrats don't let Republicans define what 'patriotism' really means...I'm ashamed of what this administration has done to the morale of our country.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

MI, Rochester NY — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:56:21 GMT

How does the McCain camp lay this at Obama's feet?

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Cindy Lou, TX — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:56:34 GMT

Why is the McCain campaign turning this on Obama? Obama didn't make the gaffe--McCain did, and all the media outlets are reporting it on their own.

We're definitely in silly season.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Trav Baker, Spokane, WA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:56:36 GMT

Did Obama publicize or make remarks concerning this 'slip'? Why is McCain's camp calling out Obama?

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Gail, Dayton, OH — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:00:20 GMT

How is he trying to drag Obama into hsi mistake. Too funny

Dems 09

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

David — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:01:41 GMT

Senator McCain isn't just stumbling over words when he persists in repeating the same misunderstanding about Al Queda. He's displaying the same ignorance that led the administration to expect a hero's welcome when it invaded Iraq.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Toni — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:02:34 GMT

BTW did the Obama campaign bring this to your attebtion? Their response seems to indicate this. Or is this just their way of trying to deflect the fact that McCain is getting mentially slow. I know...I know his mother is almost 90...maybe she should run then because i suspect we will see more and more of this as the campaign goes on. The issue is will the media continue to point it out.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Bill Clinton backs Columbian trade deal — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:03:03 GMT

Hello, report this. Go Ben Smith....

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0408/Bill_Clinton_backed_Colombia_trade_deal_Estoy_a_favor.html

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

zia — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:03:09 GMT

If we put all the emotion aside and think about it realistic and only based upon policy and what McCains says; he really is a war monger. Unfortunate, but true... The dictionary describes a warmonger as a person who "advocates, endorses, or tries to precipitate war". Thats McCain for you... and Bush always was. This puts Osama, bush and McCain in the same league.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Dominic Iacopino, Brick, NJ — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:05:33 GMT

Hey how come no big deal about Sen. Jay Rockefeller's disgraceful comments about John McCain calling McCain some kind of person who gets his jollies in the wars he fights in. Rockefeller I might add is a very strong Obama supporter, as is radio commentator Ed Schulz who a few weeks ago called McCain a "war-monger". Oh yes we always get the perfunctory Obama camp apology. That's like closing the barn door after the cows get out. I was thinking that there was something very familiar about these type of smear tactics. Oh yes I seem to remember one George Bush using these same type of tactics against Sen. McCain in the South Carolina primary in 2000. Obama, this is the candidate of change, one who is going to bring all factions of the country together. Yea, right. He's nothing more than a wolf in sheeps clothing, a slick snake-oil salesman who talks a good game, but still practices the same old politics of "cut and slash". You never hear this type of news on MSNBC, and I would be very surprised if they print this, being as pro-Obama as they are. Wake up America before it's too late. I am a lifelong Democrat who is proud to say "Go Hillary".

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Lawrence, Richmd CA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:05:40 GMT

No disrespect to McCain, but I can't help thinking how much he and his wife remind me of Popeye and OliveOil. Popeye, if I remember correctly, could never stop putting his foot in his own mouth! On occasion tho he'd wipe up the floor with Brutus and the two of them would destroy everything else in their path during the fight... hmmm could I be thinkin Iran and the entire Mid-East!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Houston — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:07:29 GMT

It's not so much that McCain doesn't know the difference between Sunni and Shia, it's that he just doesn't care. His foreign policy strategy seems to be "bomb 'em all and let God sort 'em out" just exactly like Bush's.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Pat-Chicago, Il — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:08:12 GMT

Since McCain repeatedly does this how can you call it a gaffe? He can't remember what's what-and he wants to run the county? You want this man to have the responsbility for nuclear weapons? Will he get the countries mixed up there, too and bomb the wrong one?

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

lando houston tex — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:09:26 GMT

I am very concerned that some are even considering someone whom I think has mental problems and the republians are giving him a pass becuase he is all they could piece together. All due respect, I am an ex soldier too, that does though, not make me qualifed. I think he is shell shocked. Trouble.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Baileigh — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:12:56 GMT

I guess he needed Lieberman at his side to correct him . . . AGAIN.

And this is the guy that some die-hard Clinton and Obama supporters say they'll vote for if their candidate doesn't get the Democratic nomination???? That's scary.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Kathy in Michigan — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:15:50 GMT

God help us all!!! Does he have PTSD or beginning stages of Alzheimers? I am not making fun, but he is 70 years old. That should be a serious consideration.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Rob, Newark, Delaware — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:17:42 GMT

Why did McCain's people attack Obama? What does McCain's confusion have to do with Obama?

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:18:48 GMT

Clinton is again up by +18 in the latest SurveyUSA poll, the poll that accurately predicted the outcome in California...

Clinton again up by +18 in Pennsylvania? Hmmmmm.....

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

U2 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:19:21 GMT

Umm ... did "Barack Obama" come into the picture? Maybe the McCain team needs to put out another update !! Maybe they think First Read is a campaign arm of Obama !!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

MSierra, SF — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:19:30 GMT

'...Finally, Renzi, a former college linebacker, rose from his chair and said to McCain, "You call me that one more time and I'll kick your old ass." McCain lunged at Renzi, punches were thrown, and the two had to be physically separated...'

What gravitas ...
What dignity...

'...McCain once "scuffled" with the Senate's then oldest member, Strom Thurmond, during a Senate Armed Service Committee hearing in January 1995...'

McCain/McAbel '08
They're the REAL fighters

'...Sam Stein
The Huffington Post

New Book: McCain Once Physically Attacked Fellow Congressman

Appearing on Fox News this past Sunday, Sen. John McCain attempted to turn his infamously combustible temper from an electoral liability into political strength.

"If I lose my capacity for anger, then I shouldn't be president of the United States," the Senator explained to host Chris Wallace. "When I see the waste and corruption in Washington, I get angry."

But how much of McCain's legendary anger streak does the public actually know? Judging from snippets of Cliff Schecter's new book "The Real McCain" - an advanced copy of which was obtained by the Huffington Post - the answer may be surprisingly little.

Take for instance the verbal-turned-physical attack McCain put on his fellow Arizona Republican, Rick Renzi, which Schecter uncovered through his research:

Perhaps the most remarkable story of McCain's temper involved Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi. Two former reporters covering McCain, one who witnessed the following events and one who confirmed the facts provided by the first, relayed it to me as follows: In 2006, the Arizona Republican congressional delegation had a strategy meeting. McCain repeatedly addressed two new members, congressmen Trent Franks and Rick Renzi, as 'boy.' Finally, Renzi, a former college linebacker, rose from his chair and said to McCain, "You call me that one more time and I'll kick your old ass." McCain lunged at Renzi, punches were thrown, and the two had to be physically separated. After they went to their separate offices, McCain called Renzi and demanded an apology. Renzi refused. Apparently this posture made McCain admire him, as they became fast friends.

Anecdotes like these would stand out as highly abnormal if it weren't for McCain's history of similarly explosive behavior. As Washingtonian magazine documented (and Schecter notes in the book), McCain once "scuffled" with the Senate's then oldest member, Strom Thurmond, during a Senate Armed Service Committee hearing in January 1995. Three years later, the Associated Press article reported that McCain dropped F-Bombs on at least three fellow Republicans.

"I'm calling you a f------ jerk!" he once retorted to Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley.

And in a opinion piece last year on Salon.com, Sidney Blumenthal, now an adviser to Sen. Hillary Clinton, wrote that McCain once told Sen. Ted Kennedy to "shut up" on the Senate Floor, referred to a fellow Republican as a "shit head" and offered a downright vicious and doubly-offensive joke in 1998 Republican fundraiser about then first daughter Chelsea Clinton.

"Do you know why Chelsea Clinton is so ugly?" he asked. "Because Janet Reno is her father."

On Monday, moreover, the website Raw Story obtained a separate anecdote from Schecter's book, in which McCain berated his wife in the full view of aides and reporters during a 1992 campaign stop.

Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also let me in on another incident involving McCain's intemperateness. In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, "You're getting a little thin up there." McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt." McCain's excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days....'

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Ben, Nashville, TN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:20:04 GMT

It's the Double Talk Express! Coming soon to a fundraising event near you!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

ME,CA — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:20:27 GMT

This is getting ridiculous. John McCain the Naval Aviator deserves all of our country's thanks for his bravery and sacrifice 30 years ago. That in no way means we owe him the Presidency and for a man who's main calling card is Iraq to continually get this wrong is past embarrassing--it should disqualify him from the job. If somebody interviewing for a job as a waitress or waiter said they were experienced and then proceeded to confuse the concepts of "wages" and "tips," any manager in his or her right mind would never hire that applicant.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

sheila johnson — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:20:41 GMT

So much for MCain expertise and clarity of mind! MCain is a war hero, there is no denying that, but that is not the only qualifying requisite to be president! Besides a 72 year old person would have a hard time getting hired for any job, let alone the most important and high stress in the world " THE US PRESIDENCY"!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Jessica, Wisconsin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:26:18 GMT

Mark,

I don't see any mention of Obama in the post at all except for in McCains response. Why are they saying that Obama had anything do do with this? Did he?
If not maybe you can mention that.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Kane — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:44:35 GMT

What the context shows, I think, is that yanking that sound bite out of context isn’t really all that unfair. McCain's wants to stay in Iraq until no more Americans are getting killed, no matter how long it takes and how many Americans get killed achieving that goal—that is, the goal of not getting any more Americans killed. And once that goal is achieved, we'll stay.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Dee, Long Beach, CA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:04:24 GMT

Jesus, Mary and Joseph! McCain has built his whole campaign around his 'experience and knowledge' of foreign affairs, but he doesn't know the difference between Al-Quaida and extremists? He keeps 'mis-speaking', Irag, Iran, Shia, Shiites, Sunnis, he doesn't know the difference...he is totally clueless...Is this who we want to have control over the 'nuke-em' button?

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Bill B, Bethesda, MD — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:56:26 GMT

Plain as daylight, there's a CIVIL WAR going on in Iraq, but McCain and the Bushies just won't admit it. Why are we meddling in Iraq's CiVil Wars? Surely, it's not up to us to be involved with any of the sect's determination to exterminate another sect?

McCain keeps repeating his lies that we've gotta keep our Troops in Iraq to deafeat the al-Quedas. If he's so anxious for us to defeat the al-Qaedas, won't common sense tell him that the al-Qaedas are aplenty in the Pakistan-Afghanistan borders? How many trips has he made to Afghanistan vs. Iraq, if he's really so concerned that the al-Qaedas would come after us?

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

JW, Atl, GA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:54:19 GMT

Later in the day, Obama confused Iraq and Iran during hearings. Why is that not featured on MSNBC's web site? This misspeaking thing is apparantly contagious, only it is not reported on equally by the media.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

GDI in michigan — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:26:09 GMT

Hmmm, I believe the popular saying during the Vietnam was "Kill them all and let God sort them out"

That saying came from the crusades.
but back then it was kill them all God will know his own.
Just a interesting point of history

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Mykle Willowbrook,Il. — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:36:39 GMT

McCain is not mis-speaking. He wants everyone to accept his connection of alquaeda in Iraq and Iran's influence so he can drum up support for invading Iran. This is the extention that Bush didn't have time to do.If McCain gets elected, we will invade Iran.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Mike — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:39:19 GMT

How he keep making mistakes and the war suppose to be his strongest area .

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Rob Howell NJ — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:49:30 GMT

Stumbling over words or not, McCain is the only qualified person to lead this country.
You liberals are so snowed by the "community activist" from Chicago...Mr. "I will pull out the troops day one" to lets leave 30,000...or let's have a strike force. That is one smooth talker
And Obama know the difference between all the Muslim groups, because he was ONE! Guess thats what he learned a the Madrasa in Indonesia...all hail the Manchurian Candidate!

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Chuck K, Buffalo, NY — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:59:43 GMT

I am 58 white female, I support Senator Obama. That said, whats the big deal if he did say Shiite instead of Sunni or the other way around? These are not every day American words and they are not the religions that we are use to living with. These are not the words we need to be worried about. We need to be worried about the POINT he was making.

A New America (Sent Tuesday, April 08, 2008 3:34 PM)
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The problem is... if you are running for President of the United States, you should know who we are fighting or who is shooting our soldiers. I like how they say McCain quickly corrected himself when he didn't. First he tried to relate Al Qaeda to Shi'a, but then he said they aren't some obscure sect of Sunni either...... Ummmm... yes they are an obscure sect of Sunni. He got it wrong twice in his comments, but once again the media is giving him a pass.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

Chuck K, Buffalo, NY — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:00:56 GMT

Did Obama publicize or make remarks concerning this 'slip'? Why is McCain's camp calling out Obama?

Trav Baker, Spokane, WA (Sent Tuesday, April 08, 2008 3:56 PM)
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And Obama's comment was an obvious mistake. Of course he knows the difference between Iraq and Iran. McCain doesn't seem to know who we are fighting.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

watchdog2009,Miami,FL — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:45:23 GMT

Yes, so we can see a Bush third term. Like McCain, Condi also says that we are seeing more wars to come. Like McCain, Condi also signaled OK to go for Iran war. By this definition why not any one can say that the McCain is war a monger. What else McCain is talking about other than more wars, Wars and wars.
McCain has no plan to fix the economy; he does not want to extend the health care plan to the public. He can enjoy the federal health plan for himself but when general public wants it then it becomes a liability for the Government according to McCain.
McCain does not know what he is talking about. One day he says he knows very little about economy and few months later he said he is a master on economics.
Once he says that Al-Sadr has no influence on Iraq but now he saying that we are facing battle in Iraq because of Al-Sadr’s stronghold.
Once he said there is no difference between Shia and Sunni and Iran is aiding the Al Qaida. He does not know what he is talking about. May be it just the age but it scares us the hell out of it. And also do not forget his temper.

Another McCain Shiite-Sunni gaffe?

SD, Chicago — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:52:52 GMT

And I did not think it was possible to have yet another mental midget, like we one we have in there now, running for the White House. How sad that I was wrong.