Well, that certainly sounds like a well planned question and a well planned answer. What an amazing coincidence. Surely McCain wouldn't put a ringer in the crowd with a carefully staged question, would he?

Dear McCain, why on earth do you think the Democratic candidates NEED to apologize for Moveon.org exercising their free speech? They aren't responsible in any sense. This is hypocritical on your part to try to use this to make ANYONE look bad beyond the people who made the statements. How about we blame YOU for every lie Bush ever told. You defend him all the time, yet we're not blaming you for Bush's lies, constant out of touch comments and leading us in to a war based on lies. Stop playing politics and address the real issue. What are YOU going to do to bring peace to America, to use our taxes to take care of our health, our falling down bridges, our jobs going overseas, our kids strapped with college loans etc.
I use to respect you, these kind of political attacks are exactly why I lost respect for you.

Seems the Democrats have made their statement, as Senator McCain readily acknowledges:

“Now, they (Democrats) acknowledge that [Petraeus] is an honorable and fine military man…” McCain

I think it is important that people speak for themselves. The Democrats have spoken for themselves.

I guess Moveon.org spoke for itself too.

Maybe Senator McCain is trying to become relevant again by attacking someone else, rather than offering compelling leadership and a compelling vision.

MoveOn is not the Democratic Party, so they have nothing to apologize for/stand up against.

If Congressional Democrats are being asked to account for the far-left rantings of MoveOn, then it stands to reason that McCain, President Bush and the rest of the GOP should seek contrition every time Pat Robertson opens his yap. Coincidentally, this is probably the best way to assure that nothing important gets done in Congress ever again.

Yeah, and Republicans should have strongly denounced the Swift Boat character assassins.

Are they even now?

If you support bush's war you are neither "honorable" nor "fine."

Just like the Republicans stood up to the Swift Boat ads? Another fine example of the kettle calling the pot black. Most politicians are hypocrites and will say or do anything for power.

If we are going to chasties Move on then lets get the Freedom one thatshows a amputee defending Bush against Al Qaida in Iraq. Some day Americans will understand the war on terro should be focused on Afaghanastan and Pakastan not Iraq. We brought Al Qaida to Iran

McCain = dead man walking.

Next.

Move On's ads are in poor taste, and a wise candidate would distance themselves from them. I do think that Move On needs to reign itself in a bit. However, that being said, there are a number of right-wing hate groups and radio/television personalities that Republicans should distance themselves from. McCain actively courted this constituency at the outset of his campaign, though they never really accepted him.

If the Democratic party is to reject far-left vitriol such as that which comes from Move On, then the Republican party should also be called on to reject far-right hate, such as homophobic, anti-equality groups, hateful media personalities such as Limbaugh and Coulter, and white supremacist groups such as the Council of Conservative Citizens of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, both of which are groups that George Allen and Trent Lott, among others have been connected to.

If one party is to reject its unsavory, hateful elements, shouldn't the other?

The democratic canidates didn't make the ad. Why do they have to appologize for it? A lot of people feel that General Patraeus is misrepresenting the facts of the war. It's called freedom of speech. Next the republicans will be saying that all the democrats are unpatriotic because they don't want to continue this fruitless war.

Real clever McCain! Democrats should tell MoveOn.org to stop their ads because they are vicious and untrue, which I tend to agree with. However why didn't McCain and other Republicans stand up and repudiate "Swiftboat" when they made untrue remarks about Kerry in 2004. Sounds like a double standard to me!!!

Republican John Boehner who says that for our troops dying in Iraq is a small price to pay for what we might gain in the long run. Shocking. Vote Democrat

I used to really like McCain and I voted for him in the 2000 election but he has sorely disappointed me since the 2004 elections. He has pandered to every ultra-right wing group around in an effort to get elected as president. Groups he was against in 2000 he went crawling on his knees to them after 2004. I have absolutely no respect for him anymore.

And then he starts this about MoveOn.org and Kerry. I didn't see these kind of complaints from republicans against the "Swiftboat Veterans for UN-Truths" when they were attacking Kerry and his patriotism during the 2004 election.

It seems like the republican party is ok when organizations slam democrats but when it happens to them they are up in arms. The republicans can dish it out but they can't take it. It's disgusting and anymore the name republican is synonymous with hypocrite.

John McCain you have lost all credibility.

So this is McCain's big campaign issue … MoveOn.Org? WAKE UP JOHN, YOU'RE OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE VOTERS.

Well he pretty well blew his appeal on the Iraq war fiasco, his woeful knowledge of what's actually in the U.S. Constitution, and his illegal immigrant "guest worker" (amnesty) program/bill.

Senator McCain had better considering fading away with what dignity he has left before his few remaining supporters and financial backers bolt to more viable candidates.

I am not American. I cannot vote. I have a weak side in favour of non-scripted political speech.

With all due respect, Mr McCain, why should anyone apologise for having an opinion that is not shared by you!? Why should another person not find a "home" in a blog?!? And finally, why should a party chastise the freedom that some people arrogate–leaving out the Constitution of course–and speak their mind in rhyming format?!!??

He never said anything about the swift boat vets for peace and their slander. Why now is he pushing for integrity?

Why is that so many leading Republicans have a "loyalty" chip on their shoulder? Gen. Petraeus is allowing his good name and reputation to be dragged through the political mud, this is what happens when Generals step outside of their military zones and get political. Everyone could see it a mile away that Bush was going to use Petraeus in this manner, I just wish the Republicans would get past the hurt feelings ploy and get on with addressing the substantive criticisms that the MoveOn add delivered.

Poor John. He just doesn't get that very, very few people care anymore what he thinks.

Inpugning and trashing the record of Democratic military heroes is a standard tool in the Republican Party's bag of dirty tricks as well as repeatedly demanding "apologies" for any perceived wrongs of the left. Where was Mr. McCain when the Republican Party accused Mac Cleland, a triple lost limb Vietnam war veteran, of being stooge for Osama Bin Landen. In any case, who cares about anything that John McCain has to say.

Republicans stood around and said nothing when the swiftboat campaign attempted to sully the reputation of John Kerry…..so enough with the double-standard.

But the truth is that Moveon.org can say what they want just as the swiftboaters said what they wanted. In the end that's what this country is all about….or is it not?

Um………..like he stood up to Bush for sliming his family?

…..or like the republicans stood up when the swift boat liars slimed Kerry and cleland?

I don't seem to remember the Republicans apologizing for the Swift Boat Veterans attack on John Kerry. Why should the Dems have to apologize for Moveon.org. Seems like a certain party might have a problem with freedom of speech…at least when it doesn't agree with them.

John Boehner (who has nothing to do with this item on McCain) is a good and decent man. He used poor phasing to make his point. Don't make a cartoon out of him. Vote Republican!

"…how can you stand up to the tough challenges that are presented to you as President of the United States? I don’t know the answer to that.” The answer to that, Mr. McCain, is that the question doesn't need an answer because your question is so utterly meaningless–empty political rhetoric. It's obvious that General Betrayus is a yes man for Bush, and MoveOn has minimal amount of guts–unlike the mainstream Dems and way unlike the Repubs–required to say it.

The MoveOn attack on Petraeus was totally unjustified, however they have the right to voice their opinion even if it is wrong.
Hopefully this radical organization does not speak for the Democratic party, so there should be no reason for a Democrat to apologize on their behalf. They can either agree with it or not.

Where were you John when the "Swifty" were doing there MoveOn imitations ??

You apologize for supporting and continuing to support a war based on a lie and liars in the executive branch.

Forget about Moveon.org and stop trying to divert attention away from a hundred real problems average Americans face.

Shouldn't politicians have more relevant issues to talk about?

Again, the ole with us 'er agin' us babble. Since when has freedom of expression and freedom of the press been unpatriotic or unAmerican? Of course illegal wiretaps, terrorist lists, reading of private mail used to be illegal too. Sounds like a big-brother-wannabee trying to recessitate a dead elephant. Drop off, McCain, you're old news.

Did John [bomb bomb Iran} McCain, stand up to the Swiftboaters for truth Hell no! He did nothiing….so now it's different….like hell it is…

Why should Democrats denounce the moveon ad? They can't, because they are owned by moveon. They are afraid of moveon. That tells you something about their capablity of running the United States of America, when they owe their political lives to a Hungarian named George Soros.

Alan Greenspan Bashes President Bush in New Book

Im like this guy Greenspan. who been on the right side now went blue. I was starting to feel lonely as beening a conservative that is now a hard core democrat. The republican party sold it soul to the Devil. Which is shocking since there suppose be the faith based group.

I agree REPUBLICANS deserve to lose. And I add they should lose and keep losing to the point the republican party disolves.

Wheres Ross Perott its a good time to start a new conservative party that wont sell its soul. BUT AS OF NOW TILL THAT HAPPENS IM VOTING FOR DEMOCRATS. I dont care they keep abortion legal, Outlaw guns,there view on imigration. But at least they never sold it soul to get 100,000s killed on a phony war, to make A QUICK BUCK.

As far you McCain join the rest of the republicans and go to the green pastures and retire and never run agin. All republicans in office should get voted out and neve be allowed to run agin.

I SUPPORT THE DEMS until a new conservative party takes dawn.
and i hope the rest of the conseravtives join me.

How exactly do they need to stand up to moveon.org to prove they would stand up to foreign enemies? Are they supposed to call for moveon to be bombed or invaded?

Who really cares about what a private organization pays to print in a newspaper? We all have to live with the fact that some people don't trust or respect Petraeus.

This man has no self-respect and is one of the biggest sellouts not only to his precious Republican party, but to all United State veterans…

Pretty sad how far this man has fallen.

poor John McCain - he's gone from a prisoner of war to a prisoner of ideology.

McCain is a fool who should just leave.
Remember how goodd he said it was at the market in Bhagdad? FOOL.
MoveOn is right. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? GONE. Wakeup and recognize how this regime has destroyed this country.

MoveOn is not the Democratic Party, so they have nothing to apologize for/stand up against. Posted By Daniel, Richmond, VA : September 16, 2007 3:38 pm

Exactly, why is he asking the Democrats to apologize for an ad that they didn't place? Where was he when John Kerry's reputation was dragged through the mud? Did he ask the Republican party to apologize to Sen. Kerry?

Hi,

McCain is right…just no two ways about it.

Thought this news might be of some interest to your readers:

NEW moveon.org TV ad coming out on Monday Sept 17th…basically calling President Bush a traitor.

MoveOn.org TV Ad

Some good things going on in Iraq right now: Photo Essay (35 Pictures) out of Iraq, Taken this month (Sept 2007)

Iraq Photo Essay For September 2007

Have a great weekend!
Steve

Moveon.org is its own organization. It is not connected to the Dem. Party. The Swift Boat Vets were connected to the GOP. There's a big difference. I feel John McCain must know all this. I'm beginning to think he's just an opportunist, not a viable candidate.

Did McCain denounce John Boener, when he said that our soldiers are paying a small price in Iraq, especially when that small price is through their life. What an hypicrite? McCain lost his credibility by his support for the Iraq war. I do question his loyalty to the people of Arizona when 70% of Americans are opposing this illegal war. Even though McCain supported John Kerry's credentials, he was not vociferous or try to rein in the "Swiftboaters" during last election. He let the right wing goons railroad the real hero John Kerry to re-elect the criminal Bush.

Im not a McCain supporter but what moveon.org did with the Patreus add was unexcusable. They do have the right to free speech but that doesnt mean they cannot be criticized. MoveOn.org is nothing more than a band of traitors who seek to undermine this Country at every opportunity. The fact that the Democratic party stands with this band of traitors says alot about who they are, and Americans do not forget or forgive traitors.

I respect John McCain, but he is a total hypocrite to demand apologiese from the Left for their use of harsh language.

I have been forced to deal with the extreme and idiotic opinions of right wing organizations such as The 700 Club, Concerned Women for America and, The Traditional Values Coalition and Swift Boat Vetrans for truth. Organizations whose only purpose is to bend the facts, polarize debates, piss off the left, rake in donations, and create dialogue so vitrolic that good decisions are nearly impossible to come by.

Since they have already paralyzed our political system with partisan distrust, then I happy to see the right take a little dose of their own medicine.

MoveOn has become a extremely influential in the Democratic party. They are a major conduit for contributions. They hold conference calls with Democratic Senate and Congressional leadership or their aides at least twice a week. That's why none of the Democrats will dare say something even as mild as "I cannot apologize for something I didn't do, but never the less I want to go on record as saying that I found MoneOn's advertisement reprehensible and destructive to our national discourse at this critical moment in our history".

Comparing Pat Robertson or Anne Coulter to MoveOn reveals a lack of understanding of today's political landscape. It is a fallacious comparision. Neither of them has anywhere near the influence of MoveOn.

MoveOn's "winnerism" political strategy is the same as "the end justifies the means". History is littered with the actions of other groups who operated under that same philosophy.

Oy vey… if this article's "reader's comments" section is representative of Democratic Party supporters' IQ, the Democratic Party is in way bigger trouble than I thought.

It seems the Republican's and especially Sen. McCain and Rudy are desperate to get press. They have given the ad far more attention that it would have gotten otherwise.

I suggest they all MOVE ON!

If the General has his panties in a ruffle, I'm certain the General can speak for himself.
I expect the candidates to stay on point. What matters to Americans is that the candidates are capable of managing a nation with honesty.
Stop the petty pulling at each others short hairs, it doesn't impress anyone. This is the perfect example why a third party who speaks for Americans is needed, desperately. I want a politician who spends for Americans first, and only after America is taken care of can we help others.

Which is worse Mcain, an Ad against a general or a wrong war that you continue to support which has lead to humanitarian catastrophe and has made the world more dangerous. Its easier point fingers at Moveon.org and skirt around the bigger issues but it does not make the real issues go away.

Unofficial estimates of civilian death since the Iraq invasion in 2003 put it as high as 700,000.
In a survey, the Lancet medical journal reported that by July 2006 some 655,000 Iraqis had died since the invasion, a figure almost comparable to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Iraq’s Health ministry reported late last year that the civilian death toll from the war was somewhere in the range of 100,000 to 150,000 a number that is still unacceptably high for a country roughly the size of Texas. What of the more than two million Iraqis have become refugees in their own country and another two million that have fled to neighboring countries?

The time you will start addressing the real issues of this war more substantively, then we can talk about a moveon.org ad.

A has been screaming about some unknown organization that only a small part of the country listens to. Now that's a good use of your time and effort McCain! I'm sure you and all your buddies screamed loudly at what the Swift Boat veterans did to Kerry in 2004, correct?

Since John McKain is such an honorable man I guess he'll be shortly making his apologies public.

You know, the one for over 2 million homeless people in Iraq. Or, howzabout the 100's of thousands of dead human beings. Oh, and don't forget John Boy, how many people have been maimed and condemed
to a life of misery.

You support the maniacle George Bush, but you have no sense of honor. You see, Sir,
there are many reasons why many (probably most) Americans (and citizens of the world) hold you in utter contempt.

David, Toronto, Canada

You know what. Stay in Canada. We already have to many blind faith dreaming republicans in Amaerica.

Oh by the way hows your medical coverage there in Canada. I bet free medical is nice huh???

liberals have no appreciation for what made this country. They want to hide under a rock. They are scared to fight the terrorist. The terrorist are in iraq now and you don't run from that if you know what is good for you. All you dems sleep under the blanket of freedom provided by the united states marines corps.

Swiftboat. Betrayus. We haven't seen anything yet folks. Furthermore, I'm personally tired of hearing that someone needs an apology from the other in order to continue the day. I would prefer that the "offended" party strive to capture a little backbone and go on with their life. McCain does nothing for his image by whining.

McCAIN HAS LOST IT THAT IS IF HE EVER HAD IT. AND TO COMPANY ONE BUSH BUSH HAS LIED TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE EVER SINCE HE WAS SELECTED BY HIS CRONIES IN THE SUPREME COURT. DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS ALIKE.HOW YOU PEOPLE CAN STILL DEFEND HIM I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND.

This shows Mccain is getting very weak. Instead of distinguishing himself among his republican collegues for president, he is foolishly spending time attacking a very strong Democratic party and Democratic Presidential candidates. Now, McCain is just after attention. Fred Thompson acts the part of "Conservative McCain" better, and looks and sounds better on TV. Sianara McCain.

Is Senator McCain still talking about that? I was finished thinking about it quite a while ago.

If whether the Democratic party has responded appropriately to this stupid ad is going to become an actual issue in this campaign, I'm going to look into the possibility of hibernation until it's time to vote.

Can someone tell what this Repugnican penchant is for apology? Rudy the cross-dresser demands apologies whenever his platform is challenged, Mitt the Twit wants apologies from Obama for saying the Afghans want the US to work to work on deceasing Afghan civilian casualties — a position endorsed by the Presidunce. Take your apologies and stuff'em… it's called dissent and there's nothing for which to apologize.

I was in another hemisphere in 2004 and missed the Swiftboat thing, which must have had to do with Kerry. About McCain, however–if moveon.org is what he's still yapping about, I wonder what happened to his pro-war pro-illegal alien platform in his "No Surrender" candidacy surge. Maybe he's figuring out the people don't see exactly eye to eye with him and we're being distracted?

Chance from CA,

I gotta a big kick out of your ignorant threat. Isn't that what terrorists do?

This is hilarious. So many whiners calling for the swift boat veterans to shut up - as if they were lying - which they weren't. Ask Francois Kerry how and why he's managed to keep his war records so well repressed, when McCain's are not. Maybe he has something to hide? Like the truth that the "swift boat veterans" were trying to expose? Awww. Shucks, the truth again…darn it.

This is non-sense as usual….another Republican smoke screen to keep take attention away from the destruction in Iraq, Afghanastan, and Pakistan….Republicans steal in chaos….

When will the Republicans (including Bush and Cheney) repudiate "Swift Boat"?

McCain is a man I and many of us once admired for his integrity. Now, he is chastising the Democrats for failing to rally around his trumped up call for the Democrats to renounce the rantings of an independent group. We can all recall that Jerry Falwell told us that 9/11 happened, and thousands of innocent Americans were killed, as punishment for our growing tolerance of homosexuality. The result was that Falwell got a hug from McCain and a visit to his school. Who is McCain to lecture anyone as to what foul message they should renounce?

No need for the Dems to apologize. MoveOn.org is not a party website. They're progressives.
The Dems are as worthless as the Republicans. They'll soon own this war as much as that fool in the White House and his party.

Sorry, that should have read "blood" and "killed".

Mr Mccain, definitely not. The Democrats need not apologize for anything. Why do republicans always think the Democrats should play nice while the GOP continue to cast apersions every chance they get.

whoopee-freakin'-doo. so mccain wants to pick another pointless fight over the iraq debacle and lump everybody that disagrees with him into one, us vs. them, camp. good thinking, hitching your entire campaign to a failed war, mccain. nobody cares what you have to say anymore.

Tell Mcain from [one older veteran to an old veteran] GET OUT, GET A LIFE. You earned it a long time ago. YOUR TIME HAS PASSED.YOU CAN NOT AND WILL NEVER GET ELECTED AND YOUR POSITIONS ON ANYTHING ARE JUST NOT IN VOGUE. GET OUT AND GET LOST>

MoveOn.Org and those Swift Boat people are different.

The head of MoveOn.org’s Political Action Committee following the 2004 election boasted that “we bought it, we paid for it, we own the Democratic Party.”

The Swift Boaters don't own, and don't claim to own, the Republican Party.

Even Nancy Pelosi chastised MoveOn for the Petraeus ad. It's the Democrat presidential candidates that will not rock the MoveOn boat for fear of reprisal. That is of concern.

But…what if Gen. Petraeus did "betray us"? Then MoveOn would be telling the truth.

All commissioned officers in the US Military make a public oath to support the Constitution (not the President).

The Petraeus report appears to politically support the President's policies, in the face of the reality of the Iraq War.

Therefore, it can be argued that Gen. Petraeus violated his public oath to the People.

If so, he has betrayed the People of the United States…he has indeed "betrayed us".

I'm not a lawyer or constitutional scholar, but I do think the report is one-sided and supports the President's flawed policies in Iraq, contrary to the facts.

Bush, Rove, and the rest of that crowd would have no credibility with such a statement. They put forward the Swift Boat ads referred to in the comments. They attacked the patriotism of Max Cleland who lost 3 limbs in the Nam. They resorted to every dirty trick in the book to destroy McCain's candidacy in 2000.

McCain, however, has all the credibility in the world on this issue. He roundly condemned the Swift Boat ads, in spite of what was written above, and the attacks on Cleland.

The Democratic whining about the Swift Boat ads rang hollow given the silence of Kerry and Co at the slanders of Michael Moore. If the Dems don't have the courage to face up to the extremist wing of their party, they may just blow their very real chance to not only win the White House, but establish a strong majority on the Hill.

Good point, Senator. As irritating as MoveOn.org is, they're nothing compared to al quaeda and the taliban… anyone that doesn't have the guts to stand up to anti-American protesters won't be able to stand up against anti-American terrorists.

McCain is a man of so little character, that his assessment of someone as "honorable and fine" are completely irrelevant.

The current administration is the most corrupt group of people to ever occupy office. Anyone who supports it, is simply not paying attention.

McCain is a man of so little character, that his assessment of someone as "honorable and fine" are completely irrelevant.

The current administration is the most corrupt group of people to ever occupy office. Anyone who supports it, is simply not paying attention.

These petty things don't matter. Twisting words to mean what they don't is politics as usual. The same whether it comes out of John McCains mouth or from some other politician. Why don't you politicians spend your enegy on important things like feeding hungry people, health care, treating aids, the energy crisis etc. Move On did not say anything directly about Beneral Petreus, they only commented about the possibility of his being a pawn for Bushes war.

Maybe Sen. McCain should stand up to his own party and challenge them on the "tough" questions that need to asked! There is plenty of fodder to talk about in the Republican party. Between Senators trying to pick up Congressional Pages, bathroom antics, corruption, and intelligence mishaps on WMD's, I would say Mr McCain should advocate cleaning up his own party instead.

Here's what's reprehensible: McCain arguing that MoveOn should be "thrown out of the country."

http://www.political-buzz.com/

McCain needs to really give it a rest! He's trying to milk this ad for all its worth and voters will soon get tired of him focusing more on this ad than getting America out of this failed debacle of a war!

Raise your hand if you're so out of ideas that you have to beat up on legitimate political protesters who have the audacity to question the integrity of Bush's General du jour with an offensive ad. Sorry, Senator McCain, I forgot you can't raise your hand. A nod will do.

Why didn't the Republicans apologize for the Swift Boat Group slandering of John Kerry during the last Presidential campaign?

The dying cackles of the most disappointing loser on the political scene, McCain should just go away and leave everyone alone.

From a perceived moderate in the 2000 election to a right-wing nutcase calling for the censorship of an organization exercising its right of free speech, McCain has zero credibility.

Beaten into submission by the Bushies, this sad political hack has no trouble with the flat-out lies of the Swift Boat people, his fake outrage can't disguise the fact that Bush appointed Paetreus because other generals were questioning his war plan (or lack thereof).

McCain has accomplished one thing: he's gone from buffoon to fascist darling in a heartbeat.

You go, John. Keep fighting those evil truth tellers.

If McCain can't stand up to Bush, and changes stripes to pander for votes, how can he critize the Dems for standing up for truth, i.e., Move-on.

Everybody always blames Bush for his lies. Maybe you have all forgotten that congress voted to go to war?

I don't think that the Democrats should have to apologize for those stupid, hateful, lie filled remarks made by Hateon.org. However, They should repudiate them. Unfortunately, for the most part the Democratics and their candidates have pretty much skirted the situation. I guess silence is telling. The Democratic candidates might not be members of Moveon.org, but they sure take alot of cues from them. Unfortunately, if one of these Democrats win, our country will probably be ruled by the whims of George Soros and Moveon.org.

Another thing that cracks me up is people who try to compare this to the swift boat people and John Kerry. The huge difference here is John Kerry tried to use his military experience as a corner stone of his election bid for the Presidency. The swift boat ads were other Vets who contridicted Kerry's statements about his service and the validity of some of his medals. Who was right there, I don't know. I wasn't in Vietnam when it happened. However, General Petraues is not running for any office. He is a public servant that was just in Washington to testify before congress. Of course those idiots at hate/lieon.org attacked him imdiately. Also, you have people accusing him of giving testimony that is based on what President Bush wants him to say. What proof of that does anyone have. This is more just hypocritcal lies spread by those who don't like President Bush. So they have to attack Gen. Patreus as well. What a shame.

I'd like to know if McCain will stand up to the Republican Party and admit what has been very obvious lately that they are corrupt to the very core, and they have, as Greenspan said, traded principle for power.

If the Democrats should appologize for MoveOn, then the Republicans should apologize for FoxNews.

Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) said it best, to paraphrase, why should they have to distance themselves from something they didn't have a hand in?

This is why we live in the United States of America, to have the freedom of speech. No one is asked to agree with everything written in a news paper. If you don't like it, say you piece and move on.

Beth- He is not making anyone do anything, he is telling them that it is cowardly to be afraid of moveon.org. Letting them completely undermine one of our highest military leaders who has spent his life so that people have their freedom of speech. It is also John McCain's right to free speech to tell them what they should do just like it your free speech that lets you write that you "use(d) to respect" McCain when everyone knows you never did. You don't respect anyone that has served for our country just like moveon.org.

I remenber from the 60's and 70's that draft dodgers were called traitors. The republicans just never got the idea.

Moveon.org has nothing to apologize for. Petraeus/Bush report is false, it is worst than sales car pitch and they betrayed us. For example, if you die in the sectarian violence, you are not counted unless they shoot you in the back of the head. If they shoot you at front, it was just criminal act and it is not in their "statistics" of victims. This is how the surge is "workin'". The truth is that about 1 million Iraqis died in the Bush war. (http://www.opinion.co.uk/Newsroom_details.aspx?NewsId=78). By the way, didn’t they promised the written report?

Mr. McCain should apologize and stand up to propaganda of FOX news. How does he want to govern and be president when he supports this propaganda machine.

The Moveon.org ad was a question, not a statement and so I think in a country of freedom of thought and reasonable speech, the ad stands as a correct way to approach a sensitive, controversial speaker's presentation in the public arena.

I don't think the Democrats or anyone needs to apologize for a question, and while John McCain has a right to ask his question, his question shows a lack of understanding about what being American entails ~ asking questions, not silent obedience.

What a shame that McCain has to result to a loosely tied insult to Democrats. Why doesn't he apologize for his parties misuse of the presidency? Just as logical in my mind.

This morning I watched 'Meet the Press'. Kerry is so smart and explained his answer logically every question by Tim, but McCain's lips were numbed, couldn't speak clearly and normally. I think his brain is dead and his body is so weak, even couldn't handle 30 minutes interview. Tim gave him a smart questions but John couldn't return even one right answer. I don't know why he still stay in campaign, he should excuse himself from a candidate, otherwise disgrace himself more and more.

The Republicans are indeed scared about MoveOn. Finally, there's a liberal movement with the money and power to take-on the right. MoveOn was "right" to criticize Patraeus - another Bush lacky/conspirator spreading the big LIE about Iraq. Very sad day in the USA when those who have a passion for truth and justice are called traitors. Unless people start speaking out and taking action, we'll soon be at war with Iran within a broader regional conflict stretching from Palestine to Pakistan.

If candidates had to state their opinion on everyone else's opinion, campaigns would be nothing but childish bickering. Could we please talk about some issues and not about who's popular or who's wife is cuter? This country, nay, this planet, is going through a rough time and we need someone with a maturity level greater than that of a 13 year old to run our country.

Moveon.org owns the left party who has membership that is Hillary Clinton and other DEMO praty members. Moveon.org is not using their freedom of speech but their rights as owners of the Democrary party.

Virginia, Chesapeake, VA : September 16, 2007 7:43 pm;
Perhaps you should learn about the man's history (previous POW) before you start questioning his character., Unless of course you have been in a place similar to and endured what he endured, which I highly doubt!
While I don't necessarily condone the Swift Boat attacks or the Moveon ads, The Swift Boat Vets never claimed to "own" the Republican party, where as Moveon has "bought and paid for" a certain party.

This business about apologies for name-calling is an embarrassing display from our so-called leaders. There is a crime epidemic here in New Orleans, why don't we talk about how to deal with that? Nah, let's just argue about who is more patriotic and devote more media time to OJ Simpson instead.

http://wecouldbefamous.blogspot.com/

When Republicans stand up to the well-monied radical fringe of their own party, then they will have a leg to stand on here. The difference is, of course, that the radical fringe of the Democratic Party actually has no real political power, while the radical fringe of the Republican Party is considered a major constituency.

Senator McCain, that's it! This is the real issue…MoveOn.org is exactly where the focus should be. Aren't Americans tired of the classic political play of "misdirection?" How many votes is this really worth? This is truly a grave issue with dire consequences. I mean how will the United States face tomorrow without confronting the evil that exists at MoveOn.org. Save it. Let's concentrate on the issues.

John McCain is a cry baby.

Hey John McCain!!! shut the Hell up…and go away….it was over for you a long time ago…

Johnny from Round Rock, Texas

Democrats are not "whiners" about the Swift Boat stories. Their position is soundly based on facts. The loudest voice for the not-so-Swift Boats was Larry Thurlow. After he loudly claimed that John Kerry got an award for an incident that involved absolutely no gunfire, it turned out that Larry got a Bronze Star for his actions in the same incident. Thurlow's award citation used phrases such as "despite enemy bullets flying about him" and "enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire" and said "all units" expienced gunfire. The recommendation for his medal said "under constant enemy small arms fire". When confronted by reporters about the truth, he refused to say that his own medals were for false reasons.

John Kerry had hundreds of witnesses that he voluntarily served him country under enemy fire. George Bush never came within 8,000 miles of enemy bullets. Like O.J. Simpson, he is still searching, this time for 35 years to find one single person who can verify he served in Alabama. His questionable record and intentional avoidance of combat did not bother him enough to denounce the Swift Boat veterans even after the truth came out.

McCain can't even manage to be original in trying to launch this sideshow ploy — he's copying Rudy here. The Dems don't have to apologize for MoveOn.org, just like Republicans never apologize for the sleazy campaign tactics of their supporters (Swift Boat, etc.). McCain has been the victim of these attacks himself, and yet here he is employing those same operatives in his own campaign, trying to bludgeon Dems with the flag as Bush has done for six years. MoveOn.org might have been harsh, but the criticism of the general is fair, and watching Rudy and McCain make this about the Dems is pathetic. This idea that the military is infallible and deserving of our unconditional respect went out the window with Abu Ghraib, anyway.

John McCain is correct in his assessment about MoveOn.org…Tt is reprehensible that an organization would sink to such depth.
There is no word, known as "respect" in the Democratic Language.

Yeah when was freedom of speech reprehensible? I thought this was a free country? we can't express how we feel about an unjust war without being called unamerican? if running into countries forcing democracy down peoples throats and destroying their way of life is the "american way", maybe we shouldn't be so proud of our country. McCain go away

Richard–The Dems have done nothing but whine about the Swift Boat ads. The ads were bad and McCain condemned them.

My point is that neither Kerry or any other Dems were equally forthright in condemning Moore's slander so their whining didn't ring true.

For a number of other folks who condemn McCain for not standing up to Bush and the neocons, you obviously don't know much about him. Agree or disagree with him, he has been courageous and consistent in his stance on Iraq.

MoveOn is a left wing propaganda machine that funnels millions to Dem candidates. If Hill and other Dems don't stand up to MoveOn, it may work well in the primaries, but it will kill the Dem nominee next November. MoveOn doesn't even come close to representing the views of most Americans.

"Comparing Pat Robertson or Anne Coulter to MoveOn reveals a lack of understanding of today's political landscape. It is a fallacious comparision. Neither of them has anywhere near the influence of MoveOn."

…riiiiiight. Read any right wing news magazine, look at any religious right web page… I almost think these people have MORE influence over the republicans than Moveon does the democrats

"The fact that the Democratic party stands with this band of traitors says alot about who they are, and Americans do not forget or forgive traitors."
Posted By Seekster, Arlington, TX

Well now, Seekster, who apparently has the privilidge unlike the rest of us, of calling others traitors under an illegimate name.

I think you may be right on that point. And that is exactly why McCain a well respected war heroe has cellar ratings. He's a yes man to Bush. And according to the comments I've read here, he's standing with a more repugnant group than the Democrats.

Furthermore, the Democrats don't make the decisions for Move On Org they are their own entity. So, why would they need to apologize?

What crap, Democrats will apologize with Sen McCain does for Ann Colter

If Democrats apologize they deserve to lose in 2008

"It's a difficult thing to say," he said, "but now that I've seen what the bombs and the napalm did to the people on our ship, I'm not so sure that I want to drop any more of that stuff on North Vietnam."
John McCain 1972

Move On has it right (General Betay us is an understatenebt) - McCain just has to fess up and deal with the truth/reality.

Mr. McCain, your campaign is holding on to a thread so quit grasping straws.

F

McCain has gone senile. The issue of trust here is that Petraeus's view based on his testimony is just the opposite of reality, as confirmed by several independent agencies. So the question is why Petreaus is making these 'fly-in-the-face-of-reality' comments? There are only two possibilities: (a) he is too incompetent to know the difference between the facts and fiction, or, (b) he is lying.

Now McCain and others have said that Petreaus is very smart and intelligent and competent. Thus (a) is unlikely. Hence (b) must be true.

Moveon.org has nothing to apologize for. It has brought real issues to the fore. Instead of asking Democrats to repudiate Moveon.org's comments, McCain should look at the issues raised by Moveon.org. Perhpas, he will then wonder, what are we REALLY doing in Iraq?

p.s. Did McCain stand up to perpetrators of Swift Boat ads? I don't think so. I think his Straight Talk Express was derailed at the time. -js

Typical mainstream Republican B.S.: appeal to emotional/non-substantive topics. Was moveon's ad in poor taste? Possibly. But, last time I looked, even with Bush's warrantless wiretapping, and his and Cheney's incessant: if you're not with us . . ., free speech is still a right. Where was McCain's righteous indignation when Kerry was being Swift boated? When Cheney questioned dissenter's patriotism? He has no credibility.

is worst to continue to support a war full of lies and full of killings and injure army soldiers . All the people that support the war are the one that are wrong

Bill from BC: I am not a real fan of MoveOn, but fluffing off the outright falsehoods from the not-so-Swift Veterans by saying that McCain denounced it ignores that George Bush (and nearly all other Republicans) refused to denounce them when asked on many occassions. The Swifties ad had an immediate effect and John Kerry's popularity never recovered. Previous bloggers here have shown there still are some people who don't know the truth and still think Kerry was a coward in the war that George Bush refused to personally participate in.

I wonder how many people have actually looked at the ad. MoveOn gave several references showing that the military is ridiculously changing the rules for determining violence (shot in front or back of head, etc.). Their discussion is about whether Gen. Petraus "betrayed us" by fudging the numbers.

Michael Moore is a totally different discussion. He does deserve credit, however, for showing us that our commander-in-chief asked not one question, but spent several minutes reading "The Pet Goat" while hundreds of Americans were dying. Some people actually think that is any kind of leadership. At least Gen. Custer participated.

For the record, here are some comments from McCain about the war: “But I believe, Katie, that the Iraqi people will greet us as liberators.” [NBC, 3/20/03]

“It’s clear that the end is very much in sight.” [ABC, 4/9/03]

“There’s not a history of clashes that are violent between Sunnis and Shias so I think they can probably get along.” [MSNBC, 4/23/03]

do the swift boat boys who nobody stood up to and the move on people seem like they have the same level of meanness?

Keep crying McCain. You're nothing but a war mongering crybaby. Along with the rest of the Republicans.

"Some good things going on in Iraq right now: Photo Essay (35 Pictures) out of Iraq, Taken this month (Sept 2007)
Steve

Posted By companyone : September 16, 2007 5:19 pm"

4000 soldiers dead, nobody can count the tens of thousands of Iraquis dead, 27,000 soldiers wounded, and again the hundreds of thousands of Iraquis wounded are uncountable to any degree of accuracy.

Al Quaeda and Iraq were not synonymous before the war, but since it started Al Quaeda is most certainly present now.

No end of the war anywhere in sight.

Oh yes, so many good things happening in Iraq right now.

Here's a thought, if our handing of the congress to the people who gave us the belief that they could stop the war cannot seem to get the action done even through the extreme action of cutting off the funding for the war (for fear of being seen as not supporting the troops) then come January 15th, 2008 do your part to stop the war. Refuse to pay federal and state taxes as a form of civil disobedience until such time as every last troop is withdrawn from Iraq at which time you pay the back taxes in full. We can't force our senators to do anything once we have elected them, but if we refuse to pay our tax dollars, those are fewer dollars they have to spend.

Did the senator apologize for the Republicans when they used the swiftboaters to go after the war hero John Kerry? What about John Boehners remarks about our soldiers lives are a small price to pay for this war? Do Republicans ever apologize?

I guess senator McCain has run out of serious solutions to the problems this country faces. He rather wastes time and diverts people's attention from the realities. He is preoccupied with Moveon.ogr to a point of nausea. Moveon.org exercised free speech. McCain doesn't like that, too bad. It is funny that he cares about the matter more than Mr. Petraeus does!

McCain should stand up to the Bush administration. He's been afraid to do it since he was defeated by their dirty tricks in (of all places) South Carolina.

Swifboat!!! I just wonder how many guys in the line that Bush jump over for the national guard ended up dead in Vietnam. Think about it! I'm sure the record could tell.

I didn't hear him or any other republicans apologizing for the swiftboat veteran ads attacking a fellow decorated war veteran. hmmmmmmmmmmm
Can you say double standard or hypocrite?

McCain needs to get a life. Why hasn't he criticized the Swift Boat veterans for their attacks on Kerry during last Presidential campaign???

It appears that by criticizing MoveOn's right to free speech, McCain seems to be too much like President Bush…that is…a danger to democracy. "Free speech" is an important part of democracy.

By the way…McCain also says he would attack Iran. We can only hope people aren't stupid enough to vote for McCain, since it appears he gets quite "upset" anytime someone disagrees with his viewpoint…just like "his buddy" President Bush does, who "handpicks" the audiences he appears in front of, since Bush himself can't stand criticism, poor boy!

Go to Hell, McCain.

People who said McCain is a "yes man" to Bush has no idea what they are talking about. McCain is well-known to be maverick because he has repeatly at odds with his party, which is why he lack support within the republican party now. Social conservatives does not like him. McCain was probably the first person openly against the war management in late 2003, far before H. Clinton and Joe Biden, alike. McCain did not ask the democrats to "apologize" for MoveOn.com, McCain asked them to "condemn" the ads. Also for people who compares MoveOn to Ann Coulter, wakeup! MoveOn is much more influentical than Ann Coulter for one. MoveOn donates alot of money to almost all current democratic candidates, Ann does not.

Moveon.org speaks the truth, 68% of Americans feel the same way.
But Isn't funny how quickly McCain and the republicans AKA "Culture of Corruption" forgot that the Swift Boat Scumbags for Truth smeared the Honorable John Kerry with their evil lies?
I don't remember McCain stading up to them!

It's about time McCain started standing up to the Democrats. I couldn't help but notice how ridiculous he looked during the last Republican debate–constantly interrupting all the other candidates' (not named Giuliani) remarks with disingenuous and self-righteous smirks. I think it was obvious he was kissing Giuliani's tush because he is trying to position himself as a vice presidential candidate under Giuliani. He knows he can't win; he should drop out and stop wasting everyone's time–let Giuliani and Romney battle it out. Thompson is nothing more than an actor with little experience; the last thing we need is Hollywood leading the government.

"I had other priorities in the '60s than military service."

- Dick Cheney

Why should the democrats apologize for something they are not responsible for? And why should anyone have to apologize for telling the truth? Maccain is just mad because the truth hurts, well suck it up you and your party are the ones who wont let us out of this war so you get to here the unpleasant truth.

Clinton 08!!! For Real Change

Senator McCain stood silent as the swiftboaters spread their bald faced lies about the service of his best friend Senator Kerry and he wants to lecture the Dems on an Ad placed by a fringe group? You had your chance to clean up the political discourse Mr. McCain and you chose to stay quiet and assure your seat at the table for 2008. I'm not biting.

The mark of a candidate with nothing to say is…to say even less of substance. Nattering on about an ad that most Americans never saw…until the Repooplicans showed it everywhere…is about as lame as it gets.

So, Senator Mccain is "distressed" by the MoveOn.org ad? Poor baby! Where was he when the SwiftBoatVeteransForTruth were slamming John Kerry in 2004 with lies and smears unabated?

No, John Mccain smells of desperation; this small man with even smaller ideas is clutching at straws.

Pathetic, John, pathetic.

Why should they "stand up" to MoveOn? MoveOn is right. What the Democrats really need to do is embrace MoveOn, but most of the candidates are too wishy-washy and cowardly.

Look it up, John McCain did stand up for Kerry on the Swift Boat issue. In case you don't remember, Sen. McCain was Swift-boated by Bush in 2000. There is also a striking difference between moveon.org and Pat Robertson or other conservative groups. Moveon sets the political tone for the Democratic party. McCain doesn't take marching orders from any group.

mr. mccain go home now is not the time for you to become the new president of the u. s.

The fact that anyone doesn't see that McCain is insane is scary.Supporting him is like supporting hitler.Different bigotry,same methods.Interesting how he claims that the president is a dictator,and that his followers also support this overthrow of our government.They're clearly treasonous.

i can't see how this guy could be a president. i guess republicans are hard up.

Why should they "stand up" to MoveOn? MoveOn is right. What the Democrats really need to do is embrace MoveOn, but most of the candidates are too wishy-washy and cowardly.
Posted By ND Teegarden
—————————–
Everyone knows what the Bush administration does to military men such as Shinseki who do not say what the Haliburton wants… they get "retired early." Now John McCain is trying to whip up support among the Republican base by chastising truth-tellers and attaching that chastisment to his political rivals who don't distance themselves enough from the truth. If the Democratic leadership and the American people are spineless and foolish enough to fall for such a ploy, then they deserve the representatives that they get and had better start memorising a new pledge of allegiance… I pledge allegiance to the United States of Haliburton and to the profits for which it stands, one nation under Haliburton, divisible with false accusations of being unpatriotic with profits and justice only for the rich.

My my my…the paid Moveon shills are all over this board, eh? Have the shills stopped and thought about lately what 'Moveon' was about? Just don't bring it up with your kids in the room.

You can take McCain, Giuliani, and Thompson and put them all in a bag and not have on good canidate for President, Our country needs to really do some real soul searching in this election cycle

The betrayal came much earlier when our fear spreading leaders were so busy distorting the facts about the reason for this debacle we call a war. This honorable man is forced to perjure himself to prop up this mother of all con jobs. Mr. McCain where was your compassion during "swiftboat". Eat what you feed guys.

McCain continues to lose credibility, and appears more and more like a desparate man. When the Republicans apologize for Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, FOX news, etc., then maybe the Dems will apologize for MoveOn.

the ad is the generals personal problem with someones perception of him. McCain has proven himself as big a liar as the current administration with his reports about the safety and security in iraq walking with out protection!! and then the truth and horror description of reality which followed showing McCain to be the liar he is. I once supported McCain but Never would vote for him for anything since that lie. And our soldiers were dieing then and still are, McCains lies are more condemming of him than any personal ad he is jabbering and lockjawing about.

McCain needs to apologize to the democrates for what he is saying. The war is not over yet. He may have betrayed us!

As a career Army officer, I can't believe the politics of this from the Republican side…both sides really.
After 20 years of military service, I can tell you that the biggest self serving sycophants, that I have ever known have been career climbing parrots of some politician or higher ranking supervisor.
More so than I ever saw in civilian life.
Of course it is possible for a military officer to be a parrott of a bad president.
It's outrageous to listen to these people, who act like, that they think that just because someone wears a uniform, it makes them any less human.

McCain must be joking. You're telling me that he doesn't have anything better to discuss than MoveOn.org?! The smart move is to not discuss it at all… especially when an assessment report comes out the very next day essentially repudiating everything HE and the President said about Iraq. What happened to this guy?

How did this al get started? Swift Boat? hum?

Two words: Swift Boat

The Republicans can dish it out but, they can not take it themselves.

McCain and the rest of the Republicans needs to review and follow their own morel demands.

Who is John McCain? Oh, you men that senile old guy that has his head stuffed up Bush's rear end?

It's called free speech. Learn it - live it.

The General is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations as is McCain. The CFRs stated purpose is to depopulate the planet. They also Plan to integrate the U.S., Mexico and Canada whether we, the American people, want it or not.

I'd say MoveOn is Right on.

Apologize for WHAT??? That's the question I have for all this feigned Repukelican scorn. Apologize for what??? Apologize for a non-sanctioned Democratic ally? Why don't Repugnicans apologize for off-the-chart-crazy, volatile statements made daily by Coulter and Limbaugh and the radical right's other attack dogs? This is a non issue. PERIOD! Moveon.org is perfectly within its right (and blatantly obvious logic) to question the non-report Petraeus delivered. The country waited MONTHS for this report which, in the end, is some hyped-up b.s. about "It's too soon to tell."???????? How much longer will the good people of this country continue to accept the lies of this criminal administration? THAT is the real question.

MoveOn is not the Democratic Party. The members of MoveOn have as much right to their opinions as anybody. We shouldn't scrap the First Amendment just because some thinned-skinned people might have hurt feelings.

That being said, I am tired of self-righteous hypocrites like John McCain. The neo-cons of the Republican party have been spewing hate and venom for years. They more than any other political group are responsible for lowering the level of public discourse in this country.

McCain's milking this non-issue just further supports my contention that he's a lunatic.

Hey McCain, here's some advise. Drop out of the presidential race and just disappear. You'd be doing us all a favor.