March 19, 2008
Posted: 10:19 AM ET
 McCain misspoke during a press conference in Jordan Tuesday.
McCain misspoke during a press conference in Jordan Tuesday.

(CNN) – The Democratic National Committee seized on John McCain's apparent gaffe while discussing Iran Tuesday, saying it raises questions whether the Arizona senator "can be trusted to offer a clear way forward."

The misstep in question occurred during a news conference in Jordan earlier Tuesday, when the presumptive Republican presidential nominee repeatedly said Iran was supplying al Qaeda. Iran is predominately a Shiite country and is not aiding the Sunni dominated Al-Qaeda.

McCain ultimately corrected himself after Sen. Joe Lieberman whispered in his ear.

"I'm sorry, the Iranians are training extremists, not al Qaeda. I am sorry," the Arizona senator said.

DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney quickly pounced on the misstep.

"After eight years of the Bush Administration's incompetence in Iraq, McCain's comments don't give the American people a reason to believe that he can be trusted to offer a clear way forward," she said. "Not only is Senator McCain wrong on Iraq once again, but he showed he either doesn't understand the challenges facing Iraq and the region or is willing to ignore the facts on the ground."

McCain's campaign immediately responded, saying the "Democrats have launched political attacks today because they know the American people have deep concerns about their candidates’ judgment and readiness to lead as commander in chief.”

The DNC later sent out a transcript of McCain's interview Monday with conservative Hugh Hewitt, during which he appeared to make the same mistake.

"As you know, there are al Qaeda operatives that are taken back into Iran, given training as leaders, and they’re moving back into Iraq," he told Hewitt.

Related: McCain warns of increasing Iranian influence

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: John McCain


Parzifal   March 19th, 2008 8:40 am ET

Some of you people's ageism is breathtaking. It always surprises me that those who support a candidate on the basis of such noble ideals such as "hope," "change," and "tolerance" can be so cynical, stubborn and intolerant.

But then, I suppose that's just the hypocrisy of politics. We like one-sided lies to make us feel morally superior to someone.

I guess I'm just not insecure enough to hop on the bus. My vote's going to the candidate who is the best qualified. An occasional gaffe – and certainly age – will not necessarily move me to vote for (or "against") anyone. I really wish these elections would start turning to issues instead of the seemingly endless and tiresome ad hominem attacks.

Ian   March 19th, 2008 8:39 am ET

If only there was a presidential candidate that actually studies foreign policy. I know it's asking too much, but if only there was a candidate who also was extremely well versed in economics.

CN   March 19th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Senile. That's the word that defines it. I wish him the best, but presidency demands a lot of effort and a sharp mind. McCain is slipping a lot. This was not just a verbal gafe, he repeated the same thing on another interview.

To spd: I have been to 30 countries, does that makes me qualified to be a president? Plus, obviously you did not lose a seccond to trash Obama because of comments made by OTHER person, not him. That's sad… Hillary is still on this race because of people like you, who believe that the only way to win is to trash everybody in your way up. Be positive, believe in change.

Obama 08

Paula   March 19th, 2008 8:37 am ET

McCain missspoke?? Maybe but he seems obsessed with Iran and taking a swipe at them as well as holding fast in Iraq.. he loves war.. which is ironic as Viet Nam killed his buddies and left him in an apparent shambles. McCain is a "good man" but seems frail and definately tired.. just want the Repiblicans want anther war monger they can control. I would never piant McCain with the same brush as Bush that would be cruel but this man doesn't have the physical or mental stamina to run a country.. It seems clear to me as a Canadian, stop the war and the economy will pick up..direct the money to bring some manufacturing jobs back from china.. use the trillions to save your country instead of killing your young soldiers and meddling in Iraq.. oh and DO NOT VOTE McCain .. paula Canada

Paul NYC   March 19th, 2008 8:35 am ET

This is less a gaffe than it is a meeting point between Neocon talking points and McCain's lack of knowledge about the reality based world. I would think the media, at least those people who are true reporters, would question Mr. McCain about his apparent confusion regarding foreign governments. A president might want to know these things a little better before sending the military to Belgium rather than Afghanistan.

No Macs   March 19th, 2008 8:34 am ET

You know, even before he picks up the phone at 3am , in case there is a serious foreign agenda, he already made up his mind to go to WAR. He is a war freak.

Miatta   March 19th, 2008 8:34 am ET

Nom Deplume, J.D., LL.M. please check your grammar before posting a message. As a lawyer it's a disgrace to our profession. Thanks.

As of McCains non understanding of the issues in Iran he needs to be updated, not that it will help him win in November.

Obama 08′

John   March 19th, 2008 8:33 am ET

Nom Deplume, J.D., LL.M. –

It's not a verbal gaffe – "The DNC later sent out a transcript of McCain's interview Monday with conservative Hugh Hewitt, during which he appeared to make the same mistake.

"As you know, there are al Qaeda operatives that are taken back into Iran, given training as leaders, and they’re moving back into Iraq," he told Hewitt.""

Gaffes are slips of the tongue – this is a politician trying to scare voters, and he needs to connect everything to al Qaeda – just as Bush and Cheney had to fabricate a connection between Iraq and al Qaeda in 2002.

Mikey, Scottsdale AZ   March 19th, 2008 8:33 am ET

Hey SPD…

Hillary should be President because "she's been to 80 countries" ????

Do you believe it's EXACTLY 80 ?? Might it have been only 76 or even 83 ??? Might it just be a guess ? Ask her if she can name them .

Come to think of it ..can you name 80 countries ?

Next .. Obama is a "racists" (Plural ?).. What does that mean? Where has he excercised that racism on you personally? .

You are exactly the type of spokesperson that makes it abundantly clear why Hillary's campaign flounders . And its a shame to watch her efforts, and Co-President Billy continue to split our Party for her personal advancement..

She used Arkansas..she used New York ..and she used Billy . Unfortunately for all of us … the Republicans are now using her .

Cecilia   March 19th, 2008 8:30 am ET

It does not matter what McCain knows or does not know about Iran – his thinking can be summed up in his little joke, Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb bomb Iran –
Please voters – no more funny men, no more war, no more bush think
Give America a chance – Vote Obama

MP   March 19th, 2008 8:29 am ET

Of course the dems will jump on his gaff…It's a major gaff and a reflection of how little he really knows…This 'fact finding' trip is just a photo op for his campaign…Now he's an expert on Iran after one day – Same way Bush was an expert on Iraq…The guy's a joke – same as Bush was/is …They have so much in common…That he has any kind of support in this country is just scary and I hope he continues to make gaffs because people need to realize that this man should be kept as far away from the presidency as possible.

Tony   March 19th, 2008 8:29 am ET

To everyone: I'll be away for a few months, I'm searching for the perfect candidate. Here's who I'm looking for: A tall, semi-attractive, multi-racial, bilingual, gay, female, 48-55, from a two-parent lower income household in the Midwest, who is Ivy League educated, has at least 10 yrs political experience on a national level, attends a non-denominational church with traditional Catholic leanings, served in the armed services, was a former military fighter pilot , has two kids and a black lab, a brother who is an NFL linebacker, played softball and was a cheerleader in college, took two years off to travel to 3rd world countries to build irrigation systems and computer networks, has grandparents who farm and didn't have cable, has been romantically involved with the same person since middle school, is an eloquent and overly articulate speaker, smiles alot and likes shoes. Wish me luck, I'm hoping this doesn't take long.

Sehli   March 19th, 2008 8:28 am ET

Can't you idiots see that Joe Liberman wants to be McCains vice president?

Craig- Easton, PA   March 19th, 2008 8:27 am ET

Come off it. I'm not a a McCain supporter and don't agree with him on Iraq, but this garbage makes the DNC look petty and ignorant. Which is fine, but then it impacts on your two candidates who aren't either.

The man misspoke. Who hasn't done that. He corrected the record. If you can't come up with any substantive criticisms of his policies, of which there are a host to choose from, then do us a favor and shut up.

byrdlegs   March 19th, 2008 8:26 am ET

Aren't these comments just great? A soon to be 72 year senile old man, who has anger management issues and suffers 100% from Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Does it get any better than this? An American's cant seem to figure out what is wrong with this country. Both McNuts and Hillary should step aside and allow us to proceed forward with some fresh ideas and have this country led by someone with intelligence. Go Bam_Bam Obama.

Millicent   March 19th, 2008 8:26 am ET

Well, there's always Nobama – the black/white/Christian/Muslim/ candidate who has a face for every occasion.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   March 19th, 2008 8:26 am ET

It is bound to happen that there would be some screw up about the players. I would wonder how often he does this though. If it become an increacing problem, then there needs to be some serious thought as to his ablity to lead. He might still command respect, but could he give the orders that he really wanted to give? That is the real question.

Felton.."from around the way"   March 19th, 2008 8:24 am ET

….hmmmm…as always…returning to the scene of the CRIME!!

Mike   March 19th, 2008 8:24 am ET

We can not stand another 4 years of Bush policy from Mr. Lobbyist. He's made a deal with the devil to ignore past executive issues that would land Bush in jail. Repubs will do anything to keep in power so they can sweep these issues under the rug.

Deb   March 19th, 2008 8:23 am ET

McCain is old now and getting older. His comment reflects a mind not as sharp as it used to be. That is common in the elderly. He can't help it.

Jose'   March 19th, 2008 8:23 am ET

Neither Clinton, or Obama has any business criticizing McCain.

He has the experience this country needs, not just slogans and soundbites.

McCain '08

Louie   March 19th, 2008 8:23 am ET

Sure – Let's let the Dems take advantage of the situation by RAISING TAXES, pulling out the troops in the first 60 days, and socializing our healthcare system. That will fix everything.

BKW   March 19th, 2008 8:19 am ET

What's amazing is that somehow this is news. McCain has repeatedly shown his lack of understanding for this area of the world. We've endured enough "cowboy justice." Let this guy fade into the sunset–with his sidekick Joe Lieberman ridin' shotgun.

peter   March 19th, 2008 8:19 am ET

Wow he made a mistake while speaking, no one ever does that. He is the only canidate with the experience we need now in this country, able to make sound executive decisions, and the only one with economically sound plans for healthcare and the economy that fall in line with free competitive markets. He's also not being a protectionist. Maybe if he takes the presidency he should hire obama to be he official speaker since that is all obama can intelligently do3a give speeches.

HEY!!   March 19th, 2008 8:18 am ET

These are the same types of mistakes Bush made when he 1st started running for President.

America has paid heavily for not being critical of those revealing gaffes. McCain is such a war-monger he's got tunnel vision.

The republicans have become so programmed to scare the American people with the threat of Alqaeda. Talk about the ultimate Manchurian Candidate!

Doug R.   March 19th, 2008 8:17 am ET

This man doesn't understand the relationship between al-Qaeda, the Sunni's and the Shiite's. He also doesn't understand basic economics. He's a scary person. He's all about war and photo opps and himself.

Uncle Sam   March 19th, 2008 8:14 am ET

Personally, I am not looking for a flawless candidate. I am looking for the best candidate. President Mccain '08

KS   March 19th, 2008 8:14 am ET

Norm, it wasn't a verbal gaffe and you know it. This is a candidate who's primary – and, perhaps only – selling point is his foreign policy expertise and experience. It was a revealing moment – and instructive to anyone who might be entertaining the illusion that McCain has a superior command of foreign policy.

Jason   March 19th, 2008 8:13 am ET

Does the DNC not have anything better then a simple gaffe like this? How about Barak Hussein Obama's wife commenting about "For the first time in my life, I am proud to be an American?", or Barak's involvement with Tony Riasko? Or how about Hillary's tax records? The DNC has enough on their plate with choosing their own candidate then going after McCain on a simple error…

Independent in IA   March 19th, 2008 8:13 am ET

Since they're ALL bad guys, the gaffe isn't that important…what really matters is that McCain has NO exit strategy and PLANS for an exit strategy. It is his intention to turn Iraq into another base of operations like Japan, Germany, Cuba, and Italy, where we have engaged in wars that lasted less time than this one.

JJ, PA (Independent)   March 19th, 2008 8:11 am ET

There's no amount of specious sophistry that can rationalize or erase the revolting image of Obama's fellow churchgoers rejoicing in obvious approval and exultation at Mr. Wright's rant that 9/11 was a case of "America's chickens coming home to roost" (a phrase cribbed, by the way, from Malcolm X's press conference on the Vietnam War in the 60s).

This was the Sunday after the 9/11 attacks, you have to remember, when everyone I knew, regardless of their political, cultural or social differences and divisions, came together in recognition of one another's humanity and to share in common grief.

I cannot fathom a mind that would take that Sunday, or any Sunday for that matter, to plunge to the subhuman depths to indulge in malicious joy in the face of unspeakable suffering and loss by their fellow countrymen and their neighbors.

What separates Obama's fellow churchgoers, whooping it up and high-fiving each other at the thought of those victims getting their just retribution for America's "sins" from the murderous Muslim radicals who swarmed the streets of Afghanistan or Iraq in jubilation when the Twin Towers collapsed in a flaming heap with thousands trapped inside?

And was Obama and his family not present for that sermon as well?? How convenient . . . On a day when even agnostic Americans found it necessary to seek out their nearest places of worship??

The thought that if Obama should become President, the likes of Mr. Wright would be advising him on matters of the soul is truly chilling. Thankfully, now that we know him by the company he keeps and will continue to keep, Obama's chances of getting anywhere near the White House is practically nil.

vicki   March 19th, 2008 8:10 am ET

If the polls cntinue to say

Obama will bring about change 56%

Obama can work with both parties 65%

americans would we be proud to have him as president 62 %

Why does the media insist on potraying him so poorly . Hillary wouldn't be still in this race if it weren't for her favorable media coverage. When will the Media ask Hillary the tuff questions .Pa should know that He is still the FRONT runner Not her. the media rarely ever mentions THIS FACT Where's Chuch Todd to give us the new numbers now that Florida Michigans aren't going to revote..

Obama 08   March 19th, 2008 8:10 am ET

This just prove that the GOP Nominee doesn't know his a*s from his appetite…yet, he wants to be the leader of the free world? You can't make this stuff up…

Jason   March 19th, 2008 8:09 am ET

If you thought the 3AM ad was rough, wait until you see the one with "young Hillary" living it up at Woodstock while "young John" is getting tortured in the POW camp. I believe I'd "cede" the commander in chief argument to McCain and move on.

Stan   March 19th, 2008 8:09 am ET

This is a non-issue. The bottom line is that both al Qaeda and Iranian-backed Shiite terrorists are a threat to our country. The Dems are always looking for some irrelevant sound bite to try to shift the focus away from their inferior and inept candidates.

Thank God for John McCain.

Joan   March 19th, 2008 8:08 am ET

This is just pure evidence that they are just making this stuff up as they go along.

Bubba   March 19th, 2008 8:08 am ET

I'm afraid McCain has issues about people from other cultures. He's still twitchy about Asians; see any working for his campaign? I guess any Arab or Persian extremist is an "al-Qaeda" to him.

kamenwati   March 19th, 2008 8:07 am ET

The McCain Senile Express coming to a city near you. The country went through one Alzheimer's presidency, we cannot afford another, especially when we're in the middle of a war.

PJ   March 19th, 2008 8:07 am ET

McCain makes a gaffe and, meanwhile, Barack Obama's star is fading because he only managed to attend a racist anti-american church for the last 20 years. Which is worse? A slip of the tongue (although Iran is a supporter of terrorism) or Barack's unconvincing confession?

Rick   March 19th, 2008 8:06 am ET

A MOMENTARY VERBAL GAFFE? IT IS THAT KIND OF SCREW UPS THAT CAN CAUSE THIS GREAT NATION TO FALL IN DEFEAT. YOU HAVE TO BE SHARPER THAN THAT TO LEQD A COUNTRY, YOU MUST FIRST THINK, THEN SPEAK. IF YOU DO IT IN THAT ORDER YOU ARE BOUND TO SCREW IT UP AND A MOMENTARY GAFFE COULD PUT US AT WAR WITH YET ANOTHER TERRORIST COUNTRY. YOU AND I CAN GET AWAY WITH YOUR SO CALLED MOMENTARY VERBAL GAFFE BUT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CAN NOT AFFORD TO SCREW UP, AND THAT IS WHAT McWAR IS, A HUGE SCREW UP.

James   March 19th, 2008 8:04 am ET

What is wrong with McCains arms? He can barely raise them above his waist. He looks like a bird with a couple of broken wings.

Mark   March 19th, 2008 8:04 am ET

SPD says,
"One of the reasons Hillary should be and will be the next President of the United States. She has world experience. She's been to 80 countries".
How simplistic thinking is that. Why not just make our next President an airline pilot then. Just because Hillary makes a photo ops tour and shakes a few hands in Jordan does not make her an athority on world affairs. You people scare me.

pj4521   March 19th, 2008 8:03 am ET

After 8 years of a president who can't spell cat or pronounce nuclear, it would be nice if the next commander in chief could find Iran on a map.

Harrison   March 19th, 2008 8:01 am ET

Training Al Qaeda or training extremists —what is the difference? It is the same thing to me—they are both the enemy. What is the big deal???

Media acts as though they are experts on every issue in the world.

McCain knows more about the middle east situation then a bucket full of so-called "reporters" and journalists.

Kim   March 19th, 2008 7:58 am ET

Dementia is already setting in.

NEIM   March 19th, 2008 7:58 am ET

I say this with a rather good sense of certainty… If John McCain is elected President we will enter into a 3rd World War. That would not be good for our Country or our World.

Vote Obama

Henry from Orlando   March 19th, 2008 7:58 am ET

Sorry Norm, but this is not a momentrary gaffe, there will be more and its ok if he is a senator but our country can not afford to have these gaffes from a president. He is too old, too short tempered and too inflexiable to be a good president.

Amy   March 19th, 2008 7:57 am ET

It seems to me that this was a Freudian slip, if not done on purpose. The warmongers have relied so much on fear tactics. They use "Al Quaida" every chance they get to keep instilling that fear into the people of United States. They used it as a link to Saddam Hussein, and therefore a "reason" to go to war. They and the media continue to blame almost all violence in Iraq on "Al Quaida" because they believe it will keep people scared enough to think we should stay there forever (or at least for the next hundred years) to fight them. It's just more of the same from the lying neoCON artists.

A vote for McCain is a vote for a third term for president Bush and all the misery that presidency has wrought.

carrie,detroit   March 19th, 2008 7:56 am ET

im not republican but pls cut the guy some slack.he is human and makes mistakes.important thing is he corrected himself.
why dont u pick on all the mistakes,lies and statements by hillary?thats a major story.

William   March 19th, 2008 7:56 am ET

"Geez, that all the Dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?

If eloquence were the measure of leadership, my debate instructor should be president."

He falls right in line with the present idiot president.

Bush, McCain = McSame.

Go Hillary 08!!

Tim, Cincinnati, OH   March 19th, 2008 7:56 am ET

You call that a gaffe? Cut the guy a break.

sickening   March 19th, 2008 7:56 am ET

CNN: when it is convenient you post about 600 comments, when it is not, you post about 20 and sometimes 60.

Where is my post of about 30 minutes ago????????

About this iodiot:
Nom Deplume, J.D., LL.M. March 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Geez, that all the Dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?

If eloquence were the measure of leadership, my debate instructor should be president.

Thank you! you didn´t say mctrash should be president, and he won´t………

Doug   March 19th, 2008 7:55 am ET

Y'know, McCain probably would have had my vote were it not for his stance on the war. Not only does he seem to want to drag out the Iraq conflict, but now he is sounding like he's gearing up to go after Iran too.

I never fully realized what the term "warmonger" meant until GW's reign of terror. I suppose I should be greatful to Bush for teaching me to be very careful and critical of our leaders, as they may gleefully lead the country to economic ruin for no greater reason than to fight an unnecessary war.

McCain found out - Good bye!   March 19th, 2008 7:55 am ET

"Those protestant IRA extremists…" This is in effect what McCain said. Not once but twice. Once more, how can you trust his judgement on this basis? Seriously.

William   March 19th, 2008 7:55 am ET

"Geez, that all the Dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?

If eloquence were the measure of leadership, my debate instructor should be president."

He falls right in line with the present idiot president.

Bush, McCain = McSame.

Go Hillary 08!!

Jean, Indiana   March 19th, 2008 7:53 am ET

Iranians are training the boogeymen. Doesn't matter what you call them, just boogeymen so we'll have an excuse to invade Iran.

Get your boogeymen straight, McCain, or you'll blow the cover.

CES   March 19th, 2008 7:50 am ET

McCain = More of the same – our country doesn't WANT change – we NEED change

David S   March 19th, 2008 7:48 am ET

McCain like most americans does not know the difference between a Shia or a Sunni. Let me help Saudi Arabia = Sunni……. Iran = Shia……Iraq = both. Both Muslim sects do not like the U.S. (non Muslim) in the region. Remove the U.S. troops and bases and let Saudia Arabia an Iran fight it out for Iraq. That would also take the wind out of the extremists and Al Quaidas sails since they only exist because the U. S. is based in the region. With the U.S, out Terrorism is essentially eliminated. Why know one seems to grasp this is unbelievable. The U.S should stay out of where they are not wanted…….but know one learned from Vietnam. You'd think POW McCain would have figured it out but he is to busy singing "bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran"…….idiot!!!!

michael   March 19th, 2008 7:47 am ET

ITS CALLED ON SET OF ALZEIHMER'S I THINK

Neil   March 19th, 2008 7:44 am ET

This isn't a verbal gaffe. This is being a complete idiot. With blunders like this, Democrats will have no problem winning back the White House.

ever   March 19th, 2008 7:44 am ET

why is he in iraq again?150000 iraqs dead 4000 americans dead 3trillion spent put america in an economic mess and he thinks it worth all these lives for just one bad guy! saddam ?how delusional is he ? iraq is worse off now than befor pls send another 12 billion when people in the u.s are loosing their house and living in tents?
amazing!

Bryan, Scranton PA   March 19th, 2008 7:41 am ET

My grad school advisor said it best: "Vote for McCain and the Beach Boys will start singing Bom Bom Bom…Bom Bom..IRAN…"

McCain had unbelievable credibility…in 2000 when he was against everything that Bush stood for. Then Bush won and… anybody? Anybody? He became like every other Republican…a traitor to America (PS, I am not a Dem)

ConservativeGal84   March 19th, 2008 7:41 am ET

"…..or is willing to ignore the facts on the ground."
And this is from the same people who are ignoring the facts that if you just pull out of Iraq then there will be civil war cause there is no one to help keep the order. The security forces for Iraq are getting better but not good enough yet to stop an uprising once the troops pullout. The Dems are weak when it comes to war or the military. I would rather trust a military man like John McCain, who has served his country and fought for it. He is the only one running with that kind of experience and he has been tested with the worst conditions. Bush commands the military but he was no soldier, well at least not the kind that saw war.

The Dems have a lot to say about little slips of the tongue. "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." is one that I remember oh but wait that was just a flat out lie to the American people.

Hillary visited all those countries as a First Lady not a real power force. And a lot of those countries have a problem with a woman as a president especially in the Middle East. A woman being a president goes against not only the society but against Islam.

Observer   March 19th, 2008 7:41 am ET

Oooops!

He put his foot in his mouth.

Ray   March 19th, 2008 7:37 am ET

Of course we can always go with the Obama/Clinton plan of immediate surrender…oops I mean "withdrawal".

The reality is that both Dems are telling their far-left base what they want to hear…i.e. Hillary saying she'll have troops out in 60 days…but will never follow-through on their promise. They'll just say, "Hey, it was Bush's fault and I can't do what I told you I was going to do…sorry"

Dems believe everything is someone's falut. The words "personal responsibility" never enter their minds or come out of their mouths. It's always the "man" keeping them down.

Clinton/Obama are spouting off constantly about the evils of big oil, big pharma, corproate america…blah, blah, blah. Their plan is to raise taxes on the "rich" (which if you believe they'll stop there you really are delusional) by hundreds of billions of dollars. That's real smart…raise taxes when the economy slows. Of course they'll just blame Bush for their own idiotic ideas.

Nice speech yesterday too Obama. It was good to see you throw your grandmother under the bus for your own lack of courage. Why don't you ask your white mother and grandmother if they would feel welcome sitting in the pew at that racist church you have attended for20+ years.

McCain wins 40 states.

Nick Vroman   March 19th, 2008 7:36 am ET

Helo, I'am from Europe and I really don't understand how you could make such a mistake, this proves once again that Americans know nothing of the world, very sad…

david   March 19th, 2008 7:35 am ET

McCain seems to confuse easily and might just be past his own prime to fill the office of POTUS. For his age, he presents and speaks as if he is about 15 years older than his real age.

Voice of Reason   March 19th, 2008 7:34 am ET

McCain had it right, Iran is aiding Al Qaeda… and Hamas… and Hezbollah… and every major terrorist organization in the Middle East. Iran's goal is to cause havoc in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East to further their radical Islamist agenda. They will aid any anti-US terrorist group whether Sunni or Shia. Mc Cain should not have taken back what he said.
The Dems have it wrong, we are winning and we will win in Iraq.

Festus Lartey   March 19th, 2008 7:34 am ET

I thought americans were choosing something different from the war, war Bush years so as to win our trust and respect. with McCain will the world of strife be the same.

James   March 19th, 2008 7:25 am ET

Few seem to mention the hopeless and corrupt Iraqi "Coalition Government" who are dragging their feet forming a nation of laws, working out an oil sharing plan among their factions, etc. What do we expect when we have pretty much told them that we will stay in Iraq forever? No rush, boys. Take your time. Fight your ancient, petty fights.
We'll just hold the streets for you. Don't worry about the money and casualties.

We are being played as suckers by a people who don't seem to really want an all-inclusive democracy all that badly.

Joan Wheeler   March 19th, 2008 7:24 am ET

Dear God, not another out of touch, incompetent Republican. Haven't we had enough of that? Don't we deserve better?

Karen P   March 19th, 2008 7:23 am ET

I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, everyone makes a "blooper" sometime in his/her life. But, this is Iraq and Iran…very touchy subjects. A blooper like this might make other nations question McCain's word, let alone in the U.S.

This only shows me that McCain is as "obsessed" about Iraq as Bush is and has been. In my eyes, Bush and Cheney were fighting Iraq, not for terrorism, but to finish a job that they forgot to do during Desert Storm war.

Terrorism is like fighting crime in a big city. It's great that cities reduce crime, but it will never 100% go away, just like terrorism will never go away. I remember much the same thing about communism back in the 60s. It never went away either…just lies sleeping and waiting for another "good time" to emerge. We can create safeguards, but realistically, it just "ain't gonna go away".

I've been concerned about Bush's obsession about Iraq for several years now…always worried that Bush was abandoning our own country and economy…now it's come true and biting us in the butt.

Our next president just can't let our own people down for the sake of "saving face" in Iraq. Al Quaida and terrorism I can understand fighting and it takes the whole world to fight it. But I have no beef with the Iraqi people who have a greatly different culture than ours.

Jen   March 19th, 2008 7:23 am ET

Remember he is 72.

True Grits   March 19th, 2008 7:22 am ET

OK, so Joe Lieberman switched to Independent when the DNC ran a Democrat against him when he was up for re-election…but the photo op with McCain in Jordan??? Aside from a slightly different pattern of tie, he's the spitting image of McCain.

Do the people of Connecticut realize what they've done? Or are they comfortable re-electing someone who says he's a Democrat and then says he's an Independent, but hangs with the Republicans???

What looks like a Republican, acts like a Republican, votes like a Republican. Doesn't he have the courage to just come out and switch to what amounts to his true allegiance? Hey, as much as he flip-flops on party affiliation, maybe he'd like to be Veep so bad he's maneuvering himself to be McCain's wingman! That'd be a dream ticket of sorts…until they flip-flopped again.

CHERYL   March 19th, 2008 7:19 am ET

OBAMA IS DOWN 30% IN THE POLLS!

PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF HIS LIES!

SENATOR CLINTON IS READY TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY!!!!

WE ARE WITH YOU HILLARY!!!!!!!

SPQR753   March 19th, 2008 7:18 am ET

After a unwarranted and utterly useless war in IRAQ, which caused Al-Quaeda to grow there (when before they were NOT there) and after allowing the Taliban to re-surge in AFGANISTAN (what ought to have been the REAL and ONLY target) America is tired of an ignorant, inefficient and bungling Bush Administration.

I do not think that a disastrous Presidency that lasted for almost EIGHT LONG years, should be followed by another administration headed by a SENILE carbon copy of G.W. Bush.

Wake up Republicans! You are facing the ABYSS!!!!

Naz   March 19th, 2008 7:13 am ET

Johnno I agree with you,

hahah

McWar …

Johnny   March 19th, 2008 7:13 am ET

Republicans, what now? It has not escped the american people's attention that your party does not have an agenda. Your candidate seems to be just happy to be here ( the presumed republican nominee with all this foreign policy experience out of the country which by the way is far worse in the minds of us common folk than we were 7.5 years ago) he's making our case for us that the focus needs to be on us. Your party has lost touch with the common man and you have selective memory about what makes america great. Obama 08!

Joey of Tampa   March 19th, 2008 7:13 am ET

It's become clearly obvious that the current Republican administration, including their flunky John McCain, will try and tie "al Qaeda" and "Terrorism" to just about any issue in an effort to instill fear in the American public in order to achieve the Republican agenda After 7 years, this method is getting old and is past played out. Save the "leading by fear" for the churches (if you don't do what we say then you're going to Hell) and keep it out of government politics (If we don't do what we say… Terrorist, al Qaeda, Terrorists, Terrorists).

Republicans go away, the American people are sick of your lies and mind-games.

Emily Coletta from ny   March 19th, 2008 7:13 am ET

McCain needs his old people meds. He's forgetting where he is.

Dave near Buffalo NY   March 19th, 2008 7:10 am ET

Maybe the journalists have it wrong. Iran could very well support anyone who would create chaos and kill our soldiers, those two issues being more important than any religious differences that exist, while letting their puppet president pretend as though they want to be Iraq's friend….their version of Iraq, of course.

Danny   March 19th, 2008 7:10 am ET

He didn't just misspoke, he literally got the facts wrong not once but also during a radio interviews. Ask any general, getting the facts incorrect even if you just fumble on a few words can be fatal. McSenile has no chance of becoming the next president.

Emma H.   March 19th, 2008 7:07 am ET

No – eloquence is not the measure of leadership. But it is ususally indicative of intelligence.

However, McCain did not misspeak. His comments reflect his grave misunderstanding of the region and our conflict with it.

Frank tulsa, ok   March 19th, 2008 7:07 am ET

I may not vote for him but I like McCain, for the most part, and I don't think this misstep was one of ignorance b/c I believe he knew the truth as he was speaking. However, it glares of Reagan's latter years when he started suffering from Alzheimers. This should be of big concern to everyone on the Republican side….. he's way too old. His campaign will hinge on the VP slot.

E. Elliott, Orlando, FL   March 19th, 2008 7:06 am ET

McCain was a good man. The trials of his life have taken too much from him and he is burnt out. He would have been a good choice in 2000 when he was swiftboated by his buddy W and handlers. Now he is just too old, confused and running on toughness. That call at 3AM? They could not wake him up let alone get any clear instructions. And if it were an economic issue at 3 pm, he still would not have a clue. If a Democrat made this blunder the wing nuts would be all over them, but some how it is ok for the grand old man? Nope. Wrong in war, wrong in peace and wrong in bed mates (W). Please John, just stay in the Senate.

Two time Iraq vet   March 19th, 2008 7:04 am ET

Its ok… just a senior moment! After all its only a war that has killed 4,000 Americans (more than the terrorists on 9/11, now tell me who is worse), he doesn't need to get every little detail right…

I like a lot of things about McCain, but his stance on Iraq is about the polar opposite of my own.

ron   March 19th, 2008 7:00 am ET

this is all you got…grasping at straws i see

Jordan   March 19th, 2008 6:57 am ET

I think McCain is just getting things jumbled together inside his head…poor guy. And yes I agree Hillary and Barack need to run together but with Hillary as the President, the Vice President needs to be the younger one who can succeed the President. DEMOCRATS we have an amazing opportunity to have two great political leaders be our President, they can both do it, and two Democratic Presidents in a row for 16 years is what our country seriously needs! This is our opportunity to make our country GREAT, these are the only two who both have a shot and can both do it, let them both have a chance! CLINTON-OBAMA 2008!!!!

John   March 19th, 2008 6:56 am ET

When is Lieberman going to put on his uniform. he wants to invade all these countries, stay in iraq. go into Iran.
Where are they going to get all the people to do it?
Or the money.
Where is Joe's uniform!

Sam   March 19th, 2008 6:55 am ET

Mr. McCain is not different from Mr. Bush, we hope, there won't be another Mr. Bush in the whitehouse.

kevin   March 19th, 2008 6:55 am ET

To all those who say its a momentary gaffe, its a game that both parties play. If Clinton or Obama messes up and says something stupid, the conservative pundits will bounce on both of them.

However, this gaffe will have very little impact on the core group of individuals both parties aim for. People who are for the war or do not see anything wrong with it, will not see a problem with this statement; and those who are against the war will start jumping heads. Nothing will change, America will still be fighting with one another and nothing will get accomplished that is important.

Fred Hermans, NJ   March 19th, 2008 6:54 am ET

Here is another reason the Dem's are doomed. This is all they have to offer on a discussion on Iran and our security! Day after day we hear of this Dem taking up with hookers, another cheating on his spouse and so on and so on. The Dems offer racial division and poor judgment on one side and a woman who would sell her soul to the devil for the White House instead of standing up to an abusive husband on the other.

Some choice. Make one want to puke!

John Karsten   March 19th, 2008 6:50 am ET

In the words of Ozzy, this guy is a true WAR PIG!!!!!

FREE TIBET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wink   March 19th, 2008 6:48 am ET

Hey Nom:

It wasn't a momentary verbal gaffe. He said it at least twice, according to the article.

Just what we need, a president that looks at the middle east and thinks.. "they're all the same." Because, you know, racism is always a great pretext to foreign policy.

Klemn   March 19th, 2008 6:43 am ET

What would expect from Senator Senile?

DEM   March 19th, 2008 6:38 am ET

Do this guy know where he's at? and why is he repeating him self?

McCain , reminds me of Reagan he lost his memory too.

We elected hime to president..

Good man

Does It Matter   March 19th, 2008 6:37 am ET

Oy vey!

!!!! Obama '09 !!!!

Vote Obama   March 19th, 2008 6:36 am ET

Years of experience didn't do much for Mc Cains' ability to understand the role of Iran, Iraq and Al Queda!!!!!!!!

Aleklawyer   March 19th, 2008 2:12 am ET

Attacking John McCain will not work. And the last thing Democrats should be doing is antagonizing Joe Lieberman. Both men rightly supported a war based on erroneous intelligence. What if Saddam had WMD's, and he had joined forces with Al Qaeda? 'Tis a pity that Hillary caved in and had to publicly renounce her vote for the war resolution. Hindsight is 20/20. As for Obama, does anyone believe that he sat in the pews of Rev. Wright's church for 20 years and never heard the vitriol? What a myth.
Having said all that, Hillary Clinton remains the best qualified candidate to take over Bush's failed presidency.

edmond   March 19th, 2008 2:06 am ET

boy those three look like the three stooges,wasting tax payers money for there own political gains,what a mess

911willie   March 19th, 2008 2:06 am ET

Gotcha John McCain its Hamas the Iranians support, not al qaeda. . Gotcha Barack Obama when you were going to bomb Pakistan or didn't know Canada didn't have a President. Gotcha Hillary Clinton whenn she didn't know the new Russian Premiere Medvedev.

Karl   March 19th, 2008 2:05 am ET

What do you expect from a completely insane delusional person?

Jeff, Denver, CO   March 19th, 2008 2:02 am ET

The funny thing is – people will still vote for this guy. YIkes.

Peter   March 19th, 2008 2:01 am ET

isnt this a result of an aging memory? just my 2 cents

Elix   March 19th, 2008 2:00 am ET

Sen McCain's gaffe shows one thing: the obsessed idea of AlQaida in their minds. He and his war-ready friends sleep and wake with the idea that Saddam was an AlQaida operative. They think by keeping it 24h in their heads the fallacy will materialize. It was not a gaffe. It is how they think. They call every extremist AlQaida. Why? To create fear. Why create fear? Americans vote by fear and through fear. This is why no success is coming out from Iraq.

Josh   March 19th, 2008 1:57 am ET

What kind of judgment. Planning to wage another war against Iran.

Obama 08

Patrick   March 19th, 2008 1:57 am ET

He is just going to say what he thinks American people want to hear. To bad no one wants to hear him falsely accuse a country for harboring people they are not.

jlunz   March 19th, 2008 1:50 am ET

Obama will not be the pres or the vp he has more in his closet to come out before the vote, Hillary will be pres.

Josh   March 19th, 2008 1:50 am ET

I see no difference between extremists and al Qaeda. Chance are that Iran is aiding both.

Ryan   March 19th, 2008 1:49 am ET

"Geez, that all the Dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?"

Yes, a "momentary" verbal gaffe that, as the article you're commenting on shows, he has made repeatedly, and bears a striking resemblance to the Bush administration's insistence in 2002-2003 that Iraq was working hand-in-hand with Al Qaeda. Remember where that got us?

David   March 19th, 2008 1:46 am ET

Go Joe Lieberman! Although the discussion I want to discuss is closed! All I have to say Obama got smoked out (period)!

Dave-o, Honolulu HI   March 19th, 2008 1:45 am ET

What a nitwit!!! He's still spewing the Republican BS that got us into this ill advised war from the beginning!!! He's just more of the same old song and dance.

bdc   March 19th, 2008 1:43 am ET

"us vs. 'all the bad guys'" is too simplistic a world view to successfully navigate foreign policy in the middle east.

He's repeatedly gotten this wrong and doesn't seem interested in learning why much of the violence happens and who's doing it.

Cynthia L.A.   March 19th, 2008 1:41 am ET

How could he make such a mistake? This is the more presidential candidate? Even Hillary won't make that kind of error. Does he know what country he is in? He should be careful over there; he may end up on the wrong side of the divide.

Rave   March 19th, 2008 1:37 am ET

McCain and everyone supporting the war need to take their heads out from where every they are rested and think for a while… could that money spent help a poor guy, a college grad, a school, an old couple in our own country?
Republicans or Democrats supporting this war, didn't you see enough disaster in the last 5 years? Who cares if Iraq becomes democratic or phsycopathic? There are probably a hundred countries in this world like Iraq.. Ex: our allies Saudi and Pakistan. Are we going to run around treating these phsycos, when our own economy is taking a dump?
Please think for a while, this is not about politics. Stop the disaster going on and stand together to make our own land a stronger, safer place to live.

Jackson   March 19th, 2008 1:34 am ET

He "eloquently" stepped in it!

Vikki   March 19th, 2008 1:32 am ET

This Church news is so out of hand why keep talking about it
you are causing people to turning against Barack Obama
STOP JUDGING BARACK OBAMA. the Bible says you
should not judge (read it)

Why are people judging him and What has Obama done to the
people of the United States enough is enough

OBAMA 08   March 19th, 2008 1:25 am ET

SOME OF THESE COMMENTS ABOUT MCWAR'S GAFF ARE FUNNY UNTIL WE REMEMBER THAT HE IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT OF THE MOST POWERFUL NATION. I WOULD NOT TRUST HIM AS A SCHOOL GUARD.

Gene   March 19th, 2008 1:22 am ET

You people are pathetic. You Dems will jump on anything about McCain to take attention off your HUGE PROBLEM… TWO LOSERS as candidates.

SimonBoyarNYC   March 19th, 2008 1:20 am ET

I think John needs to be fed and changed regularly. It's important to take care of the elderly.

Big Dave   March 19th, 2008 1:17 am ET

The DNC needs to worry about its own problems in its decision to not count Florida and Michigan and not let the candidates even campaign there. At least the RNC was smart enough to give Florida and Michigan half of its delegates and allow the candidates to campaign in those states.

And this McCain = Bush 3rd term montra that the Dems are going to push is ridiculous. He has always had an independent streak. Why do think the establishment was so upset ealier this year?

My hope is that the DNC will once again shoot itself in the foot and try to seat the Florida and Michigan delegates and then the superdelegates vote Hillary which will leave the Obama supporters feeling like the election was taken from them and they will sit out come Nov.

RandyT, Denton, TX   March 19th, 2008 1:16 am ET

spd – you make a good point, we should all remember that Bush had made one trip to Israel on his own before being given the office of the president – see what that lack of travel did to us….heck he thought Iraq was a suburb of Mexico City.

Norm Deplume – "momentary verbal gaffe" – guy admits knowing nothing about the economy – wants to stay at war in Iraq for a 100 years – has been briefed at least a few dozen if not hundreds of times on WHO Al-Qaeda is and he can't remember – no wonder he got shot down in Vietnam – at least Shrub was smart enough to get a sissy-no-go-to-Vietnam-son-of-rich-man Texas Air Guard slot….

mimi de la cruz for OBAMA   March 19th, 2008 1:16 am ET

I TOLD YOU PEOPLE THIS ONE IS A GONER. MCBUSH CAN'T REMEMBER A THING OTHER THE 100 YEAR WAR. AND HOW IT MUST, MUST, CONTINUE. WHY DO YOU THINK HE KEEPS HIS WIFE NO LES THAN AN INCH AWAY THE WAY RONNIE USED TO.
HINT,HINT.

Ian   March 19th, 2008 1:15 am ET

a momentary verbal gaffe? please tell me you're not serious. McCain is such a warmonger that he actually believes those things and would say anything about Islamic nations to justify the use of military force. McCain's speeches are built upon him using the words "radical islamic jihadists." I for one am sick of the politics of fear that embody GWs presidency.

Alan   March 19th, 2008 1:13 am ET

Daniel, McCain is VERY different to Bush, and we shouldn't underestimate him, Democrats need to get their act together!

Lee, Boston, MA   March 19th, 2008 1:12 am ET

Methinks someone is too proud of his supposed degrees to know what "momentary verbal gaffe" means.

Jimmy   March 19th, 2008 1:10 am ET

Obama's church hates Whites,

Well I do not like Obama

I did have him on my ticket but not no more

Clinton\Edwards 2008 or even
Clinton\Richardson 2008

I and a whole bunch more will deflect to the Republicans if Obama wins the primary

Alan   March 19th, 2008 1:07 am ET

So what, He misspoke, I'm not a Republican, but geez… We can admit the Guy IS an expert on Foreign Affairs etc. We wont beat him that way, he knows little about the economy or health care, attack with that.

Moe, NY   March 19th, 2008 1:06 am ET

It appears that McSame wants a war with Iran (obviously the Iraq and Afghan wars are not enough for him!) so badly that he is either making up excuses to attack or perhaps he really has a memory problem. Whatever the case, this man is not presidential material. His time has come and gone. Besides, anyone who would sing…"bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran" should not be taken seriously as a canidate for president. I am afraid this man could do a lot of damage, just like our present president. I, personally, have no desire to see another Republican in the White House…enough is enough! A vote for McSame is a vote for continuing the Bush administration policies.

Jay Gershbein   March 19th, 2008 1:06 am ET

McCain toughness has never been in doubt! He can take all of your criticism. He is a seasoned political veteran. He has actual experience unlike Hillary who was just the First Lady and Obama who was…well doing something I guess. Hillary is talking out of both sides of her mouth and Obama is a dreamer. Get Real, Get Experience, Get John McCain for President.

Herb Safford   March 19th, 2008 1:02 am ET

Any Democrat or Independent thinking of "crossing over" to vote for Senator McCain should consider the photograph of Joe Lieberman standing to John's right and one step back. If that isn't a stopper, you deserve what you get.

melvin   March 19th, 2008 12:59 am ET

McCain is a brave man however he is old and is starting to lose his memory. all we need is a president that wets him self during the state of the union address. Hillary support have to stop bashing obama and Obama lovers have to stop hating hillary and unity together

Dems 08

copperheadrow   March 19th, 2008 12:57 am ET

Maybe they were right. When just a few years ago, members of his own party were saying he was unbalanced because of his time as a pow.

Beth, Seattle WA   March 19th, 2008 12:57 am ET

I would be tempted to think this was just a verbal misstep if the article hadn't pointed out that McCain made the same mistake twice. I respect how the guy has served our country, but I don't feel comfortable about him suggesting war with Iran and not doing all the research first. The U.S. needs to get to know its enemies a lot better than it does now.

deidre   March 19th, 2008 12:56 am ET

What an ackward photo, showing his hands folded. He looks very uncomfortable. Body language experts- what does this mean?

mike   March 19th, 2008 12:56 am ET

i was considering voting for mc cain in leiu of the other 1/2 's lack of exp and constant dodging on this issue, now after seeing mr rumsfeld in action, oops i mean mr mc cain, i may just stay on this side of the party line…

Pat Va   March 19th, 2008 12:55 am ET

To: Nom Deplume, J.D., LL.M.

Granted, Senator McCain has given of himself to this country as a Vietnam vet…HOWEVER, he simply cannot appear on the world stage and make these types of mistakes!!!! Do you not realize that WARS have been started for much less??? Dust off your history book…READ and LEARN!!!

By the way. eloquence accompanied with intelligence = LEADERSHIP!!! Need I say more???

Paul   March 19th, 2008 12:55 am ET

Norm Deplume, this far from just a 'momentary verbal gaffe'. This personifies everything that is wrong with American foreign policy. After five years of a disastrous war, 4000 American lives and trillions of dollars, the biggest supporter of the war outside the Bush White House cannot even differentiate between a Sunni Al Qaeda and a Shia Iran?? This is the same know-it-all platitude-mouthing group that is ready to go to war and kill a million more people to usher in their version of utopia, but apparently considers such fundamental facts to be irritating distractions.
America needs to grow out of its obsession with war and war-heroes.

Sheriff Bart   March 19th, 2008 12:54 am ET

We the people need to be able to trust that our leaders to have a very good grasp of world affairs. I didn't know that the Sunni's dominated Al-Qaeda but I expect our presidential candidates to know this type of information, especially if they are supporting a war against Al-Qaeda and are making accusations about a neighboring country supporting them!

This is not a verbal gaffe, this is ignorance and it''s a huge issue!

Suman Jandhyala   March 19th, 2008 12:54 am ET

This just a "momentary verbal gaffe"; it was repeated and shows a clear misunderstanding of the facts of the situation.

Dave   March 19th, 2008 12:52 am ET

McCAIN WASN'T WRONG. I'm tired of all you people saying McCain doesn't know what he's talking about!!! You probably also think there were no WMDs in Iraq, or that Saddam wasn't linked to 9-11. Well there were, and he was!!!

Wait, Joe Lieberman just whispered in my ear. My bad. I was wrong about that. Sorry.

David   March 19th, 2008 12:51 am ET

Why dont we focus on a bigger issue than a few misspoken words, like for instance, the fact that Obama isnt really a Christian and he denounced the Christian minister? Or the fact that if he was white, he wouldnt be where he is right now?

Ryan   March 19th, 2008 12:49 am ET

Americans often have misconceptions about the Middle East, the War on Terror, and the War on Iraq. I do not expect the average person to be an expert on these things, but someone who wants to be Commander in Chief should. This sends a horrible message that someone like McCain would make false statements about Iran and Al-Qaeda and reminds me of Bush and the lies that brought us into Iraq in the first place.

Obama Supporter   March 19th, 2008 12:48 am ET

Wow!! Bush and McCain seem to be more of the same every day. And this is the person you want as a successor to Mr. "Nucular". LOL.

gregor samsa   March 19th, 2008 12:46 am ET

How is this an "apparent" gaffe? It's obvious from the context that he has no idea what he is talking about. It's not a slip of the tongue or a "momentary lapse." It's complete ignorance of the issues in Iraq.

Judd   March 19th, 2008 12:46 am ET

this isn't a simple "momentary verbal gaffe". he's made this mistake before. it's a sign that he doesn't understand world issues, and that he doesn't understand the situation in the middle east. sounds a lot like the failed politics of the bush administration. when a guy jokingly sings "bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb iran" and then mistakenly states why he sees iran as a threat i get a bit scared. don't you hawks remember the whole wmd mishap. vote obama. vote for real change for america.

Texas123   March 19th, 2008 12:45 am ET

Mccain Doesn't even know what he's talking about. He cant even get a statement right without somebody telling him he has mad a wrong statement and tell him the right words to say, he is just to old. and iran is not aiding iraq, iran and iraq hate eachother.

TN_Dave   March 19th, 2008 12:44 am ET

spd – Hillary's foreign policy experience is in question. She made another misstep (lie) today saying she accompanied Joe Wilson to Africa in 1997 in preparation for Pres. Clinton trip. That was a lie, she did not accompany him she had accompanied Dr. Susan Rice, So with McCain lack of memory or expertise on the subject and Hillary's lying on her foreign policy experience that leaves only one candidate for the next POTUS and his name is Barack Obama.

Rebecca   March 19th, 2008 12:44 am ET

I guess age is an issue afterall. This is the candidate who is running on strong foreign policy credentials!

Democrats had better find a way to unite or God only knows what will happen to our county.

Kansas City

Bots, Seattle   March 19th, 2008 12:43 am ET

The democrats don't have any room to talk when they start pointing a finger at McCain. They can't even decide who they want to represent their party! 5 out of 10 want Obama. 5 out of 10 want Clinton. Get the picture? They've spent so much time blasting each other, their attacks on something like what McCain did come across like a popgun. The country has way too many problems right now that are not going to get any better over the next 4-5 years and we certainly don't need either Obama or Clinton in the White House blaming the problems on Bush or anyone else.

Murray   March 19th, 2008 12:43 am ET

Oh yeah, by the way. All of you who leave comments, don't expect anyone to take you seriously if you can't even take the time to proof read your posts. Either you're not paying attention, or you are too stupid to have even the slightest mastery of your native language. Just read over your posts for second. It's o.k. to have a couple of mistakes here and there, but really, you all are pathetic! And for you liberals, go ahead and spread your ideals of mediocrity and toleration towards those to don't want to learn anything. For God's sake, take pride in who you are.

LaLa in KCMO   March 19th, 2008 12:43 am ET

Mccain is clearly not the right person to represent America in the Middle East … or anywhere. That is a mistake that you just can't make. We already look stupid internationally – the Republicans looks like fumbling idiots and they are making the rest of the country look that way too.

Rob   March 19th, 2008 12:40 am ET

I just got back from serving in Iraq with the Army. I met Sen. McCain in Baghdad. Where was Senator Clinton? At least McCain has been to Iraq and has spoken with the front line troops. During my whole year and a half there, not once did I ever see or hear of Senator Clinton coming out to see us in Iraq, yet now she's stating that she knows more about Iraq than McCain…….sadly, I'm not surprised. It's typical of her.

Greg   March 19th, 2008 12:39 am ET

I don't think he mispoke. There has been talk (covered by CNN) that Iran was sending weapons to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afganistan and Pakistan. There has also been reports, even by CNN, that Al-Qeada got at least SAM-7 missles from Iran. Remember the Arabic saying, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." What was pointed out to McCain was that he was being too specific, which was that it's believed (again reported by CNN) that Iran is sending weapons into Iraq to undermine the U.S. and Iran is sending the weapons to more than one group.

Scott Brown Palm Bay Florida   March 19th, 2008 12:38 am ET

You democrats are all the same. Cat calls from the cheap seats. At least McCain has the courage and corcern for our troops to go visit them. What would happen if Omaba showed up with the troops? He would get booed right out of the room. Hillary? Wouldn't know what end of the gun that shoots! Leave the defending of this country to real men and stay in the cheap seats and enjoy your freedom. This is why the democrats will lose the election again-gutless!

Christopher in Silicon Valley   March 19th, 2008 12:38 am ET

==================================
The Dems need to seize on McCain's gaffe.
==================================
They have big problems of their own.
==================================
Their names are MICHIGAN and FLORIDA.
==================================

Cal Jim 2   March 19th, 2008 12:37 am ET

Maybe McCain, knows something we don't. I have heard in the past, that Iran was both supplying and training, al Qaeda. Or at least letting them hide behind there boarders. I don't know that Iran wouldn't work with, any terrorist group, if they thought they could tic off, the American government. Besides, that is an easy slip of the toung to make. Here in the U.S., we most all of us think of al Qaeda, when we think of terrorist. In my opinion, Senator McCain, know exactly whats going over there, and how to deal with it. The question I want to be answered is where's the Iraqi oil. And how come we arn't pumping cheaper gas over here? Fix that, and I'm a pretty happy camper, for right now.

saul   March 19th, 2008 12:35 am ET

The GOP is fubar. I was once a Republican — personal liberty and personal reponsibility, small government, respect for the Constitution. Today the GOP is about "big government conservatism" (whatever that means), the imperial presidency, domestic spying, lover for violence and all in the name of safeguarding the "motherland" and "patriotism". Today's GOP will have us become that which for half a century we fought! I thought I could come back to this party. I imagined I could be a "liberal republican" and help take the party out of the hands of the neo-nuts and other lunatics.

Forget it. I'd rather be a conservative democrat, whatever that means. The way forward is clearly being shown by the democrats. McCain wants to be a carbon copy of the most idiotic president in US history. This does not show great judgment. Whatever puppet master pulls the strings of the house of Bush, has clearly the strings to house McCain as well.

ellie   March 19th, 2008 12:34 am ET

shows mccain is too old for the job

Concerned about CNN   March 19th, 2008 12:33 am ET

The real story here is not that the Democrats seized on a mistake. The real story is that McCain can't get his story straight on the most important issue facing this country. Even worse, its what he considers to be the most important issue. How can he solve the problems posed by radical Islam if he can't even remember which group he is fighting where. I would propose that the most important skill for a Commander in Chief is to know our enemies at least well enough to name them correctly.

Jonathan   March 19th, 2008 12:33 am ET

"Geez, that all the Dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?"

What was his "momentary verbal gaffe"? He clearly believed that Al Qaeda is in Iran, and talked about it multiple times. Do you think he meant to say some other word that sounded like "Al Qaeda"? If he doesn't understand the huge difference between Shiite and Sunni, does not yet know which one Al Qaeda is and which one Iran is, and doesn't understand Iran's real part in this whole mess, then all his "experience" clearly is for naught.

Dave   March 19th, 2008 12:32 am ET

I don't care what McCain did. I have been die hard democrat but I am switching to Republican party. Our economy is in such a shamble, we need all of us to work together to get out of this economic downturn. All democrats are talking about is racism and how great the Obama speech was. Did you expect anything else. If he disowned Rev. Wright, he loses his #1 backers, black population. He always he can be above any dirty tricks but yet he is pulling the race card and democrats don't even know it. I am so disgusted with democrats, I no longer will support them. No more money and time. What a waste it has been. One chance democrats get to ensure to get the White House back and they are pissing it away with this stupid Obama and his racial rhetoric.

Murray   March 19th, 2008 12:32 am ET

I'm failing to see how Sen. McCain's comments indicate his lack of ability to lead. We all mess up our vernacular from time to time – we're human. Even you Dem's do it, believe it or not. I'm pretty sure he's actually pretty well founded on the current intelligence with respect to the Area of Operations (AOR) we are currently engaged in. In a foil to bad intel that we only now understand with hindsight, information that is being provided these days is from "actual" commanders on the ground maneuvering against a very smart, evolving, and lethal enemy. Anyone silly enough to believe this hogwash from Karen Finney about McCain not being capable at leading this nation "forward" is a victim of their own ignorance. She's rambling, and has only an agenda at being totally bi-partisan. We need to drop this BS about putting a Democrat or Liberal in office and put someone in that has at the very least, some combat experience, and, the same amount of exposure to politics. You must have both to be Commander in Chief. Not that McCain is the best example the nation's ever had (or maybe he is), but he is the only example we have currently running for office.

May   March 19th, 2008 12:28 am ET

McCain doesn't even know the difference between Shiite and Sunni….big shocker. McCain doesn't care, he just wants the power, he doesn't even know what to say anymore since the Cons are feeding him lines all the time, he's against torture for years and all the sudden he changes his mind, how is that ok? how is that not flip flopping? Wake up people this country is in trouble and we need someone who has more of an idea than McCain.

Walter   March 19th, 2008 12:25 am ET

The senile old war monger is really hitting the wall.

Maybe Joe Lieberman is looking to be his Dick Cheney.

Cari D.   March 19th, 2008 12:23 am ET

Have you all noticed that every time McCain takes questions, he always has someone standing there to either a) answer the question for him, or b) correct misstatements like Lieberman did today.

He came to speak to our company during the Texas primaries, and he pulled up Sen. Cornyn to answer questions with him. Every time the questions got a little tough, he'd look over to Cornyn to answer. He even got tripped up on a question regarding the 2nd amendment, stammered out something, then asked Cornyn to take that one. Not very presidential, if you ask me. As Commander in Chief, I expect more from him. He will not do well in the debates, I predict.

Even though I grew up Republican, I have to say that I was impressed by Obama's speech today. That's more of the caliber I'm expecting from the nation's highest office.

Jim   March 19th, 2008 12:21 am ET

He misspeaks and you morons start ripping him. Wow if this is all you cowards have against Mccain this will be an easy election for him.

Steve, Eugene, OR   March 19th, 2008 12:21 am ET

Hey Nom Deplume, Bushie has actually given the Dems plenty to talk about, such as the economy, which Sen. McCain said was not his strong suit. That is a debate that we are more than eager to have with Sen. McCain.

mary   March 19th, 2008 12:20 am ET

is this what we are going to get if McCain win, a prsident who someone has to whisper in his ear and tell him what to say,if they whisper strike Iran,i guess we will have another war wont we

Wade Enns   March 19th, 2008 12:18 am ET

Obama is a nice fella, I like him, but his group hug of Iran is a dangerous game we can't aford to play.

We can speak soft but we need a to carry a big McCain Stick.

Jim Nammack; Kentucky   March 19th, 2008 12:18 am ET

It was not a gaffe. McCain did not know what he was talking about. As the story goes on to report, McCain said the same thing again later in an interview.

McCain is obviously in over his head already.

Aaron   March 19th, 2008 12:16 am ET

Just what we need… another aging, half-senile, war-mongering windbag in the White House that's going to spend a trillion dollars on worthless Defense "projects" and ten cents on roads, environment, prosecuting corruption, etc.

We can't afford to have another Reagan, Bush I, or Bush II leading this country again. EVER!!!

dude serving in iraq   March 19th, 2008 12:15 am ET

actually McCain was right the first time, he does not have to correct himself

Ed Snook   March 19th, 2008 12:11 am ET

Nom Deplume… a momentary verbal gaffe? He said it at least twice. It was not a momentary lapse of eloquence but rather a revealing example of McCain/Bush's chronic lapse of intelligence on Iraq. Their complete failure to understand the nuances of foreign policy, everything is black and white to them.

Ruby   March 19th, 2008 12:10 am ET

I think there will be peace to the world if the Sen. Obama is the president of United States of America. Those terrorist people hate us just because we are Americans. Let us not forget 911. I think Sen. Obama will bring change to the world. He will have much more acceptance by the people in the world than Sen. Clinton. Besides, she is changing her mind at all times and I am not sure if I can trust her judgments any more. I believe as woman is created to be a supporter to a man, Sen. Clinton would be the best support to Sen. Obama when he is the president. They would be a good team if Sen. Obama is able to forgive her for all negative comments she made. Why Sen. Clinton spent so much time talk about negatives about Sen. Obama. I would like to hear about her, but all I hear is so much negativity every time she gives speech, which is a turn off for most of us. Why can’t she focus on her plan, proposals, judgments and experience she had than trying to find something wrong with Sen. Obama. American people are so smart and they will not make any decision based on the opponent’s negativity talk. I thought Sen. Clinton hurt herself by focusing talking about Sen. Obama. What ever happens, I would like to see those two candidates to team up and work together for the people of America and for people in the world.

JH   March 19th, 2008 12:08 am ET

billary got $500.000 from china..

Will   March 19th, 2008 12:08 am ET

I don't feel the need to criticize McCain for a "verbal gaffe." At the same time, however, this may strike at a deeper problem. Those leading this war have shown an increasingly discouraging inability to identify who is and who is not an enemy of the nation.

The very nature of the statement itself is flawed. Iran is helping to train resistance forces, and has been doing so since 1979 but there are almost no similarities between the goals of these groups and Al-Qaeda.

This raises two problems. First does McCain really know who Iranian forces are and are not training? And second does McCain know who is and who does not pose an immediate threat to the United States. It's important to understand the difference between groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. I just worry that there's a tendency to lump all of these groups together and forget the very important differences.

Grant in Canada   March 19th, 2008 12:05 am ET

Sadly, at 71, this probably isn't the first instance of "forgetting" or "misremembering". It usually doesn't get better with more "age."

My American friends, my neighbors, my cousins……..

You know what you need to do………… no matter which of the Dem's comes out of the nominating race.

Peace and love from the north

Rod   March 19th, 2008 12:05 am ET

Just because you say Al-Qaeda doens't mean you have a good grasp on foreign policy. Unless you are so old and stuck in your ways that you will continue George Bush policy for the next 8 years because you don't have any new ideas of your own and you don't have a clue what is going on in Iraq and Iran.

I wouldn't vote for you if you were the only option available. Neither should America.

BILL texas   March 19th, 2008 12:01 am ET

Hillary visited 80 countries including Arkansas.John McCain visited 18 countries this includes 10 times to Iraq and 4 times to Cancun, Mexico beaches. Hillary has world experience and better Commander in Chief can answer the red phone at 3 AM with the hair dryer on. That is very very hard that time of the night.

Harry   March 19th, 2008 12:01 am ET

Some pretty lame comments here, lacking substance. McCain's the only one willing to say what Hillary and Obama are afraid to say—that the U.S. must not leave Iraq without its government intact. McCain says it with courage and character. Obama speaks out of both sides of his mouth about it, depending on who he's talking to, and Hillary says whatever works at the moment.

Sara   March 19th, 2008 12:00 am ET

All I have to say, after the half truths that have come out about Obama and the very disturbing people he chooses to be friends with will cost him the general election. Im a 100% democrat and if Obama is the nom Im voting for Mccain!!
P.S Cnn you never post my comments

Kevin   March 18th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

A momentary verbal gaffe? He said it YESTERDAY on a talk show, then today repeated it numerous times. At best, it's a sign that age is catching up to him. At worst, he is the latest in a loooooooong line of Republicans who don't know a thing about Islam to such an extent that they can't even distinguish Shiites from Sunnis. I suppose that had someone called the Purtians Catholics they'd just let that slide, eh?

Samantha Everette   March 18th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

Why doesn't Obamma say he is white instead of black? Is he a racist??????Yes. He is a racist…

Bill, Cool Springs   March 18th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

Only Hillary has the knowledge and experience to help this country. She will help everyone as she has for years. McCain is a good man, just wrong ideals. Barry is nothing but a big mouth that has lied about everything he has said. Because of him I know how my black friends feel about me. I liked it alot better when I felt they respected me as much as I do them. All my life I felt we were close and to find out they go to church and listen to preachers say whites are against them? I was never white and they were never black…..we are just friends. And why is this in a campaign…..thanks BO, you stink.

Jesus   March 18th, 2008 11:55 pm ET

McBush, he can keep us entertained after Bush II leaves office.

DGH   March 18th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

I would not call this a "momentary verbal gaffe". If we are going to elect a president that will take the lead on issues in this most difficult region of the world, there is little room for mistake. Both Hillary and Obama are relative novices . . . but McCain is not. His years of experience (especially wrt foreign affairs) raise the bar on my expectations of him. I am a potential McCain supporter but am concerned that he tends to speak without thinking . . . like W.

Rod Hale   March 18th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Unlike Bush and Cheney who are just complete "liars", McCain is just plain senile. How could one trust him to get out of this "hole" Bush and Cheney has put this country in?

Objective   March 18th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

McCain is able to say "sorry" after a mistake. Other candidates keep making speeches.

ari   March 18th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

If you make the same mistake three times in a row, you can't brush it off as jet-lag or memory lapse. And am afraid not he last time, and then again he is proud of his foreign-experience. Go figuere.

Alise Herbert   March 18th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Wow and McCain is the Republican nominee… well we know that party is not for change! This only makes the case that we must have a Democratic President to stop the madness. It appears that war is the only thing on the Republican Party agenda even if they do not know who they are going to war with or why???? If this was not so serious it would be funny; but how could one joke when our military is fighting this futile war, sacrificing their life and their Commander and Chief can not even tell us who the enemy or why we are there Honestly.

Freddy   March 18th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

McCain had his way. We would be at war with Iran right now. Bomb Bomb Iran

Law   March 18th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

I think Campbell Brown's reporting today is appalling. She is trying to put words in her guests to insight the issue. Bay Buchannan said it best…stoop slicing and dicin by race gender and let's move forward. Yet Campbell muddled on. She doesn't get it! Bring back Anderson!

geber22   March 18th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

First Hilary can't win the nomination, it's mathematically impossible. Second she can't be the VP, because she said she was ready, John Mccain was ready, and Obama had a speech.

McCain makes a decent candidate when he is not trying to shore up his base, this will be an on going problem. His Iraq stance is a deal buster, I wish I could run against him.

Harold Haddix   March 18th, 2008 11:46 pm ET

vote for Hillary!!Subject: Remember this picture on election day!
Let's all remember this on election day…if you have family serving in the military, make sure you send it along. I had heard about this but a picture is definitely worth 1000 words! God save us!!!

Senator Barack Obama, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Hillary Clinton and Ruth Harkin stand during the national anthem.
Barack Hussein Obama's photo (that's his real name)…..the article said he REFUSED TO NOT ONLY PUT HIS HAND ON HIS HEART DURING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, BUT REFUSED TO SAY THE PLEDGE…..how in the hell can a man like this expect to be our next C ommander-in-Chief

BruntLIVE   March 18th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Thanks McCain for showing your true colors, no matter how much Sean Hannity tries to get Americans to vote for you by default, it's not working. I'm not voting for you just because. For all of you about Liberbman, you have to understand the AIPAC lobby (Jewish Lobby) the GOP is the only party that will fight was for Israel for free and without question.

Unbelievable   March 18th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

Also, the script on this one is already written. They handed John McCain the book, however, he forgot to read it or memorize it.

The Republican party could have Booze-Zoo the clown running for President as long as Booze-Zoo is willing to follow the script.

Honestly, I feel they want McCain to lose. Everytime he opens his mouth or the Republican party does…it is another nail in the coffin. The funeral is in November for all who want to attend.

Deb in NC   March 18th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

wait a minute. I think just last week that the Minister of Intelligence in Iraq, a moderate Sunni, said that Iran was, in fact, now funding AQ in Iraq, solely to sow discord ( even tho' Iran is Shiite and one would not think of Iran as supporting the Sunni AQI.)
So, I suspect that McCain read that report also. Obviously, the Dems (and perhaps Leiberman) haven't seen these remarks by the Iraqi Minister of Intelligence.
(No, I don't recall his name, or the source, but I can definitely locate that, if challenged!)

John Roberts   March 18th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Lets hope OBAMA or CLINTON can solve this and one of them win in november..this sounded like 2003 and Iraq

willis   March 18th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

A VOTE FOR HILLARY IS A VOTE FOR MCCAIN. RUSH LIMBAUGH HAS ADVISED REPUBLICANS TO VOTE FOR HILLARY BECAUSE SHE IS THE WEAKER CANDIDATE TO DEFEAT IN NOVEMBER — THAT IS HOW SHE WON NARROWLY TEXAS.

OF COURSE, THESE REPUBLICANS WILL NOT SUPPORT HER DURING THE GENERAL ELECTION. HILLARY LIKES TO SAY THAT SHE WON THE LARGER STATES — BUT THIS IS JUST A FALSE WIN AS THE REPUBLICANS WHO VOTED FOR HER DURING THE PRIMARY WILL NOT SUPPORT HER DURING THE GENERAL.

THIS IS LIKE A CHESS GAME AND THE REPUBLICANS ARE MASTERING THE ART OF WINNING THE WHITE HOUSE.

HILLARY WILL NEVER SLEEP AS PRESIDENT IN THE WHITE HOUSE — AND YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!!!

ojo   March 18th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

A "momentary verbal gaffe" is one sentence, and then realizing what you said, then retracting…not repeating it several times, then to have someone whisper into your ear to correct you. THEN, to say almost the same thing later in an interview! Imagine if Lieberman had not been there?

After 9/11, Bush began mentioning al Qaeda and Iraq in the same sentence. After a while, he (and much of America) began to believe they were intricately connected, and that justified the war. You have to wonder if McCain has the same plan for Iran.

deidre   March 18th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

IS MCcain too old to run for office? Maybe he was having a senior moment.

Will   March 18th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Here we go again. To borrow a phrase from Donald Rumsfeld;
" henny penny the sky is falling" Republicans are at there fear mongering again.

Unbelievable   March 18th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Gaffe? Are you crazy? If McCain is this confused during the day; would you want him answering the phone at 3:00am in the morning at the White House?

This kind of mistake could prove detrimental if made at the wrong time. Senior citizens are fuzzy when woken up in the middle of the night. Does America really have time for someone to bring McCain up to speed during a senior moment? Can we risk that kind of time frame if the situation is mission critical?

Better yet, how do you have a foreign policy when you are clue-less to what is really going on?

Tom   March 18th, 2008 11:37 pm ET

NomDeplumeJDLLM– "geez that is all the dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?"

please reread the article. mccain was wrong today and mccain said the same thing yesterday. that makes 2 'gaffes'. its not 1 momentary gaffe, its proof he has no idea of the war's reality or relationships between iraq, iran, sunnis, shia, and al qaeda.

that should scare you.

jen   March 18th, 2008 11:37 pm ET

"Obama supports need to stop bashing Hillary. Hillary and Obama really need to run together. "

It goes both ways. Hillary suppoters bash Obama just as much if even more. At least that's what I've seen around me.

Kimber Grace   March 18th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

McCain is not a racist and is a true patriot. Face it Dems, ya'll messed up completely and your top candidate(Bill Richardson) did not even make the cut. McCain has my (independent, liberal, educated) vote in November. Unless, of course, he too is a member of Rev. Wright's church.

Sylvia Young   March 18th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

With all the knowledge your political experts have, I'm always amazed at how tunnel vision they are regarding Obama, even when the obvious is RIGHT THERE front and center. About the Obama speech, after 20 years of a constant relationship with this preacher, no one has asked how this preacher's views could have affected Obama's thinking. 20 years people!!! Afterall, Obama himself has admitted that this preacher is like family, who has been there through 20 years, inspiring and molding him. I don't trust Obama. I believe with all my heart that he could be the Anti-Christ.

Sylvia
San Antonio, Texas

TerryD   March 18th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

This is one of the reasons Hillary R. Clinton will be the next president of America.
She is articulate, she knows her foreign relations and she would be well prepped about any situation, before she commits to an off the cuff comment..

Hillary R. Clinton your time is now and yes you will be the next president….. God Bless America

Kiwi Pete   March 18th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Nom Deplume: Geez, that all the Dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?

A momentary verbal gaffe? Someone who claims decades of foreign policy experience ought to know the difference between Al Qaida and Shiite extremists. Gives the lie to his much vaunted advantage in this field. Still, he could probably have pointed out where Iran is on a map, if pressed, so he may be an improvement on the incumbent…

Chris   March 18th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

by the way I'm a different Chris than the one who talks about President Bush

Darren   March 18th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

McCain could have said that Al Qaeda was getting support from Gautemalan rebels and it wouldn't matter……

Some things are actually very simple. The seniors and bluehairs are going to push McCain into office….handily…..

Chris   March 18th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

It was way more than a verbal gaffe do you understand the real-world implications of wrongfully accusing an entire country. McCain and Hillary may have experience but Obama knows the difference between two factions of one of the world's largest religions and knows how to combat an issue the right way

Y   March 18th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

The headline of this story should read "McCain makes Iran gaffe". It has nothing to do with democrats. Hey CNN, the real story here is that McCain made a stupid mistake, NOT that the democrats are spreading the word that McCain made a stupid mistake.

Shameful.

Nick   March 18th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

Wow… this is a non issue. Typical Democratic party stooping to low levels to attack someone's misstep in words.

Steve   March 18th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

These attacks are exactly as I predicted. The Dems are getting so beaten up by the realization that racism actually exists within their own ranks, that they are desperate for anything to grab onto. As Nom DePlume put it, this is a momentary verbal gaffe, nothing more, and the people here treat it like a major policy exposition.

Grab on to your hats; Obama's wild ride is just beginning.

G. Coleman   March 18th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

The Rev. Wright makes racist and hate-filled comments. Then Sen. Obama gives a speech to the country on"racism". Shouldn't Sen. Obama be giving this speech to his former pastor? Why do should all TV viewers be "punished" by seeing and listening to Sen. Obama's "racism" speech, when Rev. Wright is the guilty person.

Jordan (again)   March 18th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

Is there any chance that Lieberman is going to be McCain's VP?

Buddy Baker   March 18th, 2008 11:26 pm ET

The guy is totally out of his depth. It's not like foreign policy is a side interest or "hobby" of his–it's his bleeding JOB! And this clown wants to be Commander-in-Chief?! This succinctly underscores McCain's inability to grasp even the most fundamental issues that drive the dynamics of foreign policy. God help the United States if this muppet gets the backing of the American electorate.

Jordan   March 18th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

Lieberman isn't a democrat he's an independent now.

Roscoe   March 18th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

The democracks are so desperate that all they can attack is a minor mistake. Obama has no ideas or policies, and Hillary has no shame or integrity. Get set for another 4 years of a Republican President!

Gayle   March 18th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

McCain is a warmonger just like the rest of the GOP losers we have in office now!

No more of the same old cr*p, vote for a Democrat and Hillary has my vote!!!

John   March 18th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

McCain is the only candidate who has the skills to lead America in a time of war. Look at the other options– Hillary? Obama? Are you kidding me? Whats the extent of their military experience– the girlscouts? McCain is a war hero.

Fowler   March 18th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Oh….he just had a "senior moment"……that's all.

Soon, he will need diapers too.

F. Lynn   March 18th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

And republican's think this is the man to lead us out of darkness? I know he's glad Joe was there to help! Face it, if Hillary said this man and she are the only candidates to lead, run from them both! McCain is to old for this and loosing it already. The stress of office will sap him dry!
Hillary is so toxic no one would work with her in Washington. again we would get more of the same – nothing done.
With Obama, people from all sides come together and have during his past 20 years in the Ill. legislature and his years in the Senate. He wants to make an inclusive cabinet and place people of the highest caliber in positions of power. What a change from the bush admin. He wants to get things done by bringing every body to the table. Hillary would just steal the table, (again – or maybe bring the one she stole back?).
Let's move on as a nation for a change. McCain, he's dazed and completely confused!

look byond   March 18th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

He is going to push the wrong button, and have us all killed.
The guy is aged, and once again he has demonstrated that he doesn't know anything about Iraq or Iran.

He has also said that he is CONSERVATIVE LIBERAL Republican.
What a statement

WOhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Obama For Change   March 18th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Great this guy's as out of it as bush.

Josey Wells   March 18th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

Hi folks,
Say, as a new " Black-Brazilian … latin-american citizen, proud volunteer of my community… married to an 'white iowan citizen… i must say… how race helps me in my community… my Brazilian country in its needs… my best interest overseas… my life!
Josey Wells
Your cashier.

Dayahka   March 18th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

This was no verbal gaffe; it is a conceptual misunderstanding. I wonder if McCon has enough working brain cells to be able to manage presidential decision-making.

Dave, SC   March 18th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

I do not believe democrats can do better. They just try to find some opportunity to downgrade John McCain.

Democrats do not have any plan for our security and they want to support Al Qaeda. No wire-tapping…

Anyone but a Republican!   March 18th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Its not the gaffe that bothers me – its the whispers about Iran & WMDs…just like they did in Iraq….can we not see where this is headed???

McCain = WAR!

Jack   March 18th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

Looks like once again John McCain the "old man" is confused about who is doing what around the world. The republican party is putting forward a man that advocates bombing another country since the two we are already at war with are not enough.

What we need is more republican young men to drop out of collage and join in the fight for our country so they can become as knowledgeable as their leaders.

We need Mitt's son's and George's daughters to take up arms and give our war weary troops a break! Come on you loyal republicans, your education can wait until we have conquered all our enemies and your leader John McCain will be getting help from his mentor George to figure out who to shoot next!

Tom   March 18th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

Hmm… a Republican politician misstating an unpopular middle-eastern country's connection to al Qaeda… something about this seems vaguely familiar…

john, santa clara, ca   March 18th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

John McCain can say what ever he likes. He is looking to become
President of the United States as more and more good Democrats are
getting sick and tired of our parties infighting. All McCain needs to do
is stay awake and he will wake up President in November.

Barrington of Cambridge   March 18th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

OLD … not that there is anything wrong with that.

russell schokman   March 18th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

Apparently McCain is going from prisoner of war to prisoner of Lieberman. He apparently has very limited knowledge of world affairs, in particular the volatile middle east situation..Pretty much as Dick Cheney was a mouthpiece{ear piece) for an ignorant George Bush,McCain seems to need a babysitter.He made the same" mistake" twice with respect to Iran helping Al Qaeda. America cannot afford to have leaders babble on ,even if they have a faithful Poodle as a comforter. I sincerely hope he brushes up on his History and Geography especially of the middle East.Lieberman will not be around to whisper in his ear when he debates whoever the Democratic nominee will be.

OnlyObama   March 18th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

God help this country if we go into another war, especially one with Iran. Leave the Iranians ALONE. The American government and the media have made Iran into this huge monster. There are extremist in every society and background. Iran is just an easy target for the crazies like McCain right now, because it's right across the street from Iraq.

McCain is the biggest idiot there is. I can't believe he has supporters.

I have an idea, America…how about you leave the middle east alone and work out all the problems in your OWN country.

never MCcain 2nd   March 18th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

McWar + No Mcintelligence = " my friends" Bush & Cheney.

jacq   March 18th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Heard his MCainGirls ad today. Outdated and laughable.

Reg20032   March 18th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Deplume,

It wasn't a "momentary verbal gaffe". He said it repeatedly. In addition, he was caught saying it yesterday. He didn't know any better.

Teresa W. of CA   March 18th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

He is not capable of making those kind of statement on international media. He will harm all in americans just by making those kind of mistakes. We are being laughed at by the international community at large. Kim Jong III is sitting in his chair cracking jokes on McCains verbal mistake. I will not vote for him if he was the last human being on this planet or universe. Why is he in Iraq when he should be addressing the US economy?

Mary in Al   March 18th, 2008 11:10 pm ET

He's suppose to be our next commander-in-chief? How scary is that?

He just might go off and start a war with the wrong country. Sound familiar?

Oh-My!

Greg   March 18th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

Who would I trust to be in a foxhole with when things get tough? John McCain.
Who would I trust to best decide which foxhole I should fight in? Barack Obama.
The fact that McCain himself says he better at helping National Security than the Economy sinks his ship right away – since the #1 Issue in America now is the Economy. And also – to confuse "Iran with Iraq" is so revealing in how McCain thinks about the situation. It's so black and white. It's so us versus them. He sees the whole middle east as them. No wonder we are creating more enemies than we can kill.
Barack – you are the right man for the job. I am tired of so much incompetance in the white house. Pennsylvania – please vote for him.

Juan Cruz   March 18th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

"Momentary Verbal Gaffe" ?

That's kind of like "youthful indiscretion".

Tell the truth: The POS doesn't know what he's talking about. Period.

Eric   March 18th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

responding to spd: "She has been to 80 countries"… but so has Paris Hilton.

dex   March 18th, 2008 11:02 pm ET

Mr. Mccains comments are a bit mroe than a gaff. He said it repeatedly, over th espan of two days. His people should have gotten him straight. If he can't get foreign policy right, an area that he has been involved in for years, we don't stand a chance of him helping fix the economy.

Brett Madison, WI   March 18th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Nom, it's not a matter of a momentary verbal gaffe – it's a matter of knowing what's going on in the world, which McCain obviously doesn't. Misstatements like this can escalate tensions between countries and prevent any real progress from being made.

That's why McCain cannot be President – our country is too damaged to be able to endure a third term for GWB.

Travis   March 18th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

spd,

I could take a world cruise and visit 80 countries. That means nothing. Hillary had about as much impact on the Irish peace process and the war in Kosovo as a tourist, too.

jms   March 18th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

This man is too old and his memory is really bad. I certainly do not want him answering the red phone.

Rob Stumpf   March 18th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

It's amazing that the same people that attack McCain for a verbal misstep are the same ones who turn around and whine that our politics are too superficial. If we make a big deal out of silly things, why should we be surprised when politicians do nothing but spin? We get the politicians we deserve.

If stuff like this is the best the Left can do, McCain is going to win easily.

alice2   March 18th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

McCain is not alert enough to realize what he is doing!!! To slow and gets confused too easily!! He will be another George Bush, mistake after mistake. How refreshing!!(HA, HA!) I think he is too old to be Pres. I love BARACK OBAMA for Pres, we are the future and McCain is history,. CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN. OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT

fdsfgs   March 18th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

Four more years?

Mark Ferbet, Grain Valley Missouri   March 18th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

This is the reason that we can't trust McCain to handle foreign affairs…

The Bush Administration's reasons for going to war in Iraq were proven once again, by the Pentagon, to be wrong. At this time, our Nation needs to pay very close attention to those that want to continue to follow this Administrations lead in the area of Iraq… as they made the wrong choice to begin with, based on very bad intelligence, and obviously lied to the American People.

McCain has just proven once again that those that follow Bush, apparently have NO idea what the reality is in the middle east, and what it will really take to bring peace to that region.

I'd like to hear McCain explain to the American People where he got his intelligence that Iran was supporting Al-Qaida. Of course, it's probably the same bunch of folks that told Bush Saddam was supporting Al-Qaida.

Can we as a Nation be so foolish again?

Mary - Independent   March 18th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

McCain cannot run this Country. He cannot get his facts straight on Iraq and Iran. Who wants a 100-year war?

Jon - NY   March 18th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

This isn't a momentary verbal gaffe, it shows McCain is either senile or does not understand middle eastern culture at all.

Sarkar   March 18th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

Looks like another Bush is getting ready. If McCain wins, surely it will be Bush's 3rd term, only worse than the previous two.

reg   March 18th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

uh-oh is he becoming senial already?

bjon   March 18th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Let he who has not "gaffed", cast the first stone…

Tinker111   March 18th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

I listened to McCain when he miss spoke about Iran. If we hold a small slip of the tounge against him then we need to hold everyone at the same level. Anderson Cooper included

Sue, Michigan   March 18th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

"a momentary verbal gaffe"? Yes, one that could start a war with Iran-oh, wait, he already said he would do that. Haven't we suffered enough with the illiterate current resident of the White House? That's why people love Obama-he can actually string words together and make sense! Hillary too!

Craig, Seattle, WA   March 18th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Obama President?… No thank you. I for one do not want Mr NO EXPERIENCE IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENCY!

James Chirico   March 18th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

C'mon leave the old war heo alone. Thank him for his service and realize he does not know what is going on in the theater going against the recommendations of former war theater commander Fallon. I like the guy, just don't think he should be president.

Ted   March 18th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Obama’s speech today and McCain’s slip of the mind is a good contrast in a single day and indicative of the what the real issue is in this race.

Just for the record, this contest is not about race or gender nor is about democrats and republicans.

Make no mistake, the single most important question before the American people is more about the “new” vs the “old” and it has nothing to do with “age”.

Quite simply! Americans deserve something new!

Go Obama!

From and older white Canadian!

Best wishes to our Best neighbors!

kell   March 18th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

McCain = Bush

this man is too freaking OLD and all he is thinking is WAR!

I do not want too do this for 4 more yrs.

Obama 08! but if he doesnt win..i will vote for Hillary

never McWar

GooBoy   March 18th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Like this story will get any traction while Hillary and Obama are imploding

Jane   March 18th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

Great, another mis-step by the GOP. Someone should have briefed this 'War General' on Iraq and Iran.

This 'War General' should be reminded, he's not winning one for Nixon, this is 2008.

scott from manchester NH   March 18th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

mccains campaign said this:"Democrats have launched political attacks today because they know the American people have deep concerns about their candidates’ judgment and readiness to lead as commander in chief.”

hmmm, 8 years of THE biggest bonehead CIC in history, and……THATS the best mccains top guys can throw to the media??
the biggest concern america has at this point, is how STUPID do you have to be to allow a republican to call the shots on ANYTHING….EVER again…

Eli, Milwaukee   March 18th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

It was more than a verbal gaffe since he said it more than once. The guy has no idea about whats going on in the world and just wants to find reasons to war.
And Joe Lieberman is going to back any war that is about destroying Muslims. He is one Jewish politician who I believe is letting his religious affiliation cloud better judgment..

ps   March 18th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Scary!!!! It wasn't a gaffe but a reflection of his lack of understanding. I knew Bush took quite some time to figure out these differences but I'm surprised McCain isn't more on top of things.

Conservative Girl   March 18th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

If Hillary Clinton had good judgement, she would not be with Bill. And if Bill had good judgement, he would not have been with Monica.

Obama is a Hollywood marketing phenomena and has nothing of substance to offer our country as a leader of anything.

McCain does have 27 years of experience in the Senate, which is the scary thing.

I do not like any of these candidates.

John, NYC,NY   March 18th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

John McCain: Do you remember that song by the beach boys? "bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran…" If we let our race and ignorant push us to elect Sen. McCain then believe it or not, he will hook us with another war + the two we already fighting.

lets open our eyes. God bless America!

LordVngr   March 18th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Generally this would be no big deal but the statement does say something pretty reveling. When he changed from al Qaeda being trained in Iran to extremists being trained in iran, To him there was No Difference, Al Qaeda or extremists, whats the difference. I used to really like McCain but his time was 2000 not now. If McCain gets elected it will be nothing more then a 3rd Bush term and almost 100% for sure a war with Iran too within two years. Think about it.

Vignesh   March 18th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Well all I can say is that I would rather not attack another country, but after we invaded Iraq it would be a good idea to let things settle down before we pull out and let everybody kill each other. That would be immoral, regardless of the reasons for entering the war.

John   March 18th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Wow…. O no he didn't…. I can't believe he said that….. What a mistake….How can he be president now……
Please is this really even news???? a small monentary verbal gaffe?? This doesn't happened to everyone everyday?? CNN you should just come out for Obama already and stop pretending you are a fair news network

Duke Nuke 'em   March 18th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

The "final three" have all mis-spoken. McCains obvious, Barack Obama- "never heard " Jeremiah White aka Al Sharpton speak negative of whites (911 comments incorporated whites) and Sir Edmund Hillary Clinton – misquoting Obama speech today. We need yet an another candidate after one of these clowns is elected.

Healthcare   March 18th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

"She's my grandma, and I love her, but I will do anything to win the
presidency so I'll throw her under the bus." –Obama

James Buchanan   March 18th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

What a sad statement about the pettiness of American politics in the face of matters of substance.

If you want perfect delivery on camera, go to Hollywood. I'd rather be lead by real people who screw up from time to time than a polished image wth no bearing on the soul within.

People who get hung up on form fail miserably at function. A testament of the Democratic Part of the last thirty years.

We cannot afford 4 more years of G.W.Bush   March 18th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

McCain, please go home, it's time for you to retire. You won't be able to take that pressure.

Ben   March 18th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Experience without judgment is like a well traveled ship on a voyage but this time without a pilot.

Dave in Alexandria, VA   March 18th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

I'm up in the air on McCain, but I've noticed over the last 8.5 years that he's not a very good public speaker. Great guy to sit down with and chat for a while, but he's got an old mind – he forgets things, confuses names/concepts. He's closer to Dan Quayle than Obama.

Dave   March 18th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Al Qaeda in Iran now??? Looks like Bush is going to get a going away Present if McCain wins, Attack Iran! This is why we need a Clinton back in the White House, to clean up after "Lil Bush".

Charles   March 18th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

McCain doesn't know which end is up.

ObamaGuy   March 18th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

McCain continues to prove that he is unfit for the job he has applied for. This wasn't a gaffe. It's just more proof that McCain has a very weak grasp on the facts. He lumps anyone in the Middle East region together as members of "The Enemy" and is determined to destroy them even if it destroys America in the process. Remember what he said about the "Gates of Hell"? Can you say George W. Bush THE SEQUEL?

Bayou Joe   March 18th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

Is that all the Democrats have to question? That is pretty shallow. Off course they are very shallow. Mr. Racist or Mrs Feminism. Boy what a choice for Democrats. With all the Democrats available that is what we end up with. America is in trouble. Somehow we failed to raise leaders during the past 30 years. The election will come down to whom we believe will protect the interests of the United States a nd in my humble opinion the only one i can trust to do this is Senator John McCain.

Jim   March 18th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Just before W took office, gas was $1.46 per gallon. Now it's close to 4 bucks. W made the former CEO of an oil company (the one who received 500 million in bonus and severance) the head of his committee for alternative energy……Now McCain wants to take over that regime…..Wow …. family values….wave the flag….vote republican

leonard   March 18th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

America, it is llegal to hold senator barak Obama responsible for

the action and comments of Pastor Jeremiah Wright.

Prove yourself by taking him to the American Supreme Court.

Can you ?

Trev   March 18th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

I think the point isn't the gaff, but the idea that he has Iran on the brain. We know what happens when a president gets a country on his mind as the enemy (even when another more serious enemy emerges).

Hillary 08

get real   March 18th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Come on everybody! McCain supporters knows this guy is to OLD….Forgetful, confused, you name it. He should be running for President of the AARP organization

jeff c in San Francisco   March 18th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

It's not just a slip of the tongue, it's another indication that Americans can't remember the difference between Sunnis & Shiites & are flailing around in the Mideast in a state of confused paranoia about Arabs in general.
McCain has had many years to learn the basics, but as a politician he can't be bothered because he knows the electorate can't tell Iran & Iraq apart. Sad but true.

P   March 18th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Yeah, and if "guy I'd most like to have a beer with" were the critieria, some idiot like G "Dubya" Bush would be President. Oh wait a second . . . crap.

Floridian   March 18th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Clinton will win the rest of the states. The Super Delegates will not go with Obama as a result of his years of sermons wishing to institute some real change, what kind of change are we talking about though? How much change? and what….what are you going to do when you sit down with N. Korea, Iran, Cuba…how much are you going to change after sermons of hating how America is today, what we brought on to ourselves. Makes you go Hmmmm?

Is anyone else as concerned, wow!!!!!!!!!

Lisa Gross   March 18th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

This is exactly why the Republicans try and shift the stories away from McCain and onto Obama because they know Obama is going to be very hard to beat. I can't wait for the words"President Barack Obama!"

eyeopener   March 18th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Geez,

Read my lips. No new taxes-George Sr.,
Hussein try to kill my daddy-Gerore Jr.,
Read my lips, again, No new taxes-McSame,
and all three are warmongers
A momentary verbal gaffe is a sign of ALHEIMERS (STAGE 1), that can cost thouands of lives; which it has already. So who do you want answering the phone 3:00am or 3:00pm………rest my case.

eleanor   March 18th, 2008 10:07 pm ET

"MOMENTARY VERBAL GAFFE"? How can you justify REPEATED offense as either "momentary" or a "gaffe"? It's clear that McCain is not informed well enough. The sad – and or scary – part is that he speaks with such conviction as if everything he knows, thinks, and says are undeniable truths, even when they're not. Also, if a person is speaking abroad as a representative of the American people, should he not be the kind of person who can present us as being a bit more knowledgeable regarding international affairs, especially when we're one of the key players of said affairs?

P   March 18th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

that was no momentary verbal gaffe. McCain is extending the Bush strategy of purposeful misinformation for his own political gain. He's not an idiot;, he knows darn well that al Qaida and Iran are natural enemies, but he wants people to think that Iran is aiding them just like Bush wanted us to think that Saddam was aiding them. Hopefully people have wised up a little and learned not to trust the nonsense that is fed to us by the Bush/Cheney/McSame club.

E. C., Houston, Texas   March 18th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

FOR YOU WHO DON'T KNOW……LIEBERMAN DECLARED HIMSELF AN INDEPENDENT MANY MOONS AGO.

Rosa   March 18th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

What we have here is MCCain in pre-A;zheimer's disease. Do you recall off the years that Regan was on the edge and far into the disease.

Mike H   March 18th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Leave it to the democrats to make an issue out of mis-spoken words. Afterall, look at how the two top contenders for the dems have to correct either themselves, or admonish people that represent them. They apparently cannot contain themselves, so why is it not surprising that they attempt to belittle someone who has more intelligence regarding the military than either democratic candidate. Then again, what better way to take the spotlight off their own miscues….

E. C., Houston, Texas   March 18th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

So What? Clinton Camp looks for anything: a word, a hair out of place, looks, dress, the way a person expresses himself….ANYTHING that they can Nit Pick to Death and toss out to the Media. It was a mistake, so move on, Karen. You,. Karen Finney don't have a Clue about what's going on anyway……OR there wouldn't have been so MANY PROBLEMS in the Clinton Campaign. Just another 'know it all'….like the woman she works for…….Too Bad! McCain is the only person qualified to be the President of this Nation. Quite Obviously, Karen Finney KNOWS THIS FACT or wouldn't go on the Offense If she didn't realize it. John McCain will SOUNDLY BEAT any Democratic Ticket PELOSI can put together this Year. Democrats have MAJOR PROBLEMS….Republicans will Win Again in 2008. AND JOHN MCCAIN WILL BE YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT, KAREN.

Ossifer Mancuso   March 18th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

If an argument is an excuse to beat the American breast and go to war, John McCain is attracted to it, regardless of its truth or falsity.

steve o barstow ca   March 18th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Is he senile already? Are the people buying into his McBushism? Well to bad suckers…

tim   March 18th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

it's a verbal gaffe if it happens once. It's sinility or ignorance, , if it happens repeatedly. Of course it could bejust another a device being used to justify a war w/ Iran.

Norm   March 18th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

McCain/Lieberman hahaha……As Bush would say, bring it on LOL

Zorach Eibenen   March 18th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

@Nom DePlume

This isn't a momentary verbal Gaffe – it's a direct result of the Bush administration's spin of the entire conflict in black and white, infantile, unnuanced terms. There's US, and the evildoers, and they have one name, and that's "Al Qaeda". End of story.

AQI represents only 2% of the extremist groups in Iraq, and yet that's all we hear about. Now, I could understand if Dana Perrino, or some other mouthpiece were to make that Gaffe, because it's their job to deliver the made-for-tv version of reality, but you have to expect that someone in McCain's position would be so immersed enough in the real story that he'd never make this kind of mistake. His spouting of the pablum version of this conflict's narrative indicates that either, he doesn't understand it, or he's drunk too much koolaid, or, he's already gearing up to take over the wheels of spin himself and continue painting a mural of utter BS for the American public.

If the democrats mishandle this statement, it will be because they don't end up pouncing on it enough.

Ron   March 18th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Senator McCain,
The guy is better for this country than Obama and his deny deny deny
approach to problems or to Hillarys so called experience…experience at what, being Pres. Clinton's attach dog for 8 years.

Independant/Iowa   March 18th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

DNC personal Karen Finney is akin to an attack dog/ (pit bull)
While you don't need to be a poodle you might consider a friendly
black lab type stance.

To bit into ones misfortunite mis steep like a pit bull just don't make sense or tell the REAL message at hand. Just make for back handed news is all

Independant looking for change?
Is it out there?

Jeffrey   March 18th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Just a continuation of "W", which actually in this case stands for "LOSER". We can't afford another 4 or 8 years of incompetence on foreign policy. As well, McCain has stated he doesn't know too much about economics so we can't afford him from a domestic perspective either. Go Hillary Go!

God save us from someone who has to have Lieberman whisper sweet nothings in his ear!!!! Oy!

Eith   March 18th, 2008 9:58 pm ET

lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sen. McCain needs to be a little more careful!

Jay   March 18th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

Will Lieberman be there at 3 AM when the red phone rings? I'd hate to think we nuke the wrong guys because of a 'misstep'.

But not to worry, If McCain gets it wrong, we can be sure he'll say, "I'm sorry."

Conservative for Obama.   March 18th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

How about the "i'm a liberal" gaffe? How about shipping jobs overseas? A panel full of lobbyists? Tax breaks for the wealthy? Alleged sexual misdeeds?

Intelligent people for Obama 08

Howard Masur St. Charles, Illinois   March 18th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

This represents a pattern with McCain. He has consistently taken an aggressive position towards Iran, from his "bomb, bomb Iran" and then this. If we have learned anything the last 7 years it is that war is not the answer. We should try diplomacy with Iran, but first we must get rid of the Republicans.

Dr Uvo   March 18th, 2008 9:55 pm ET

GOD BLESS AMERICA NO MATTER WHAT !!!

Robert   March 18th, 2008 9:55 pm ET

I like McCain a lot, but I do have to say, this seems like a rookie's mistake. Iran and Al Quaeda are on the opposite end of the extremist spectrum in Islam. This is common knowledge, not even something you would only expect experts to know.

Floridian   March 18th, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Clinton will win the rest of the states. Super Delegate will not go with Obama as a result of years of sermons wishing to institute some real change, what kind of change are we talking about thought? How much change? and what….what are you going to do when you sit down with N. Korea, Iran, Cuba…how much are you going to change after sermons of haiting how America has been what we brought on to ourselves. Make you go Hmmmm?

Randall Giovanni   March 18th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

Com'n! Cut McCain some slack.

The whole are was known as Persia when he was growing up!

eddie   March 18th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

Can anybody say "Manchurian Candidate"?

craig   March 18th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

In response to Nom Deplume, J.D., L.L.M. We went into the war in Iraq under false pretenses and misinformation, the American public has recently been officially informed that the Government in Iraq had no connections to the terrorist bombers of 9/11/2001 and today the Republican Nominee for President cannot keep facts straight as to who is helping and aiding whom in the conflict effort. And your perception is that this is a "momentary verbal gaffe"? This is not about eloquence, it is about competency.

Graham   March 18th, 2008 9:49 pm ET

nom deplume, j.d., ll.m, this isn't a momentary verbal gaffe. it's been repeated, he's either misinformed or misleading intentionally.

Highwired   March 18th, 2008 9:49 pm ET

LL.M. – If eloquence were the measure of leadership George Bush would have been forced to resign on his second day.

north of 49, eh?   March 18th, 2008 9:48 pm ET

The acrimony between the Reps and the Dems is stunning. Watching from the Great White North, I think it's pitiful that a candidate can't mis-speak without the other party treating it like the end of the world and the media whipping it into a firestorm. I suppose in tightly fought election contests (and media ratings contests) every vote (and viewer)is important, but creating a fuss over this won't gain ANY votes (or viewers). Ease up.

vthai   March 18th, 2008 9:47 pm ET

"Geez…a momentary verbal gaffe?"

Mistakenly saying a country we're trying not to go to war with is contributing to Al-Qaeda is not a gaffe it's stupidity. The three senators look completely ridiculous.

Charles in Salt Lake City, UT   March 18th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Holy crap! You're saying McCain made a slip of the tongue? Well, then OF COURSE this means he has to be unfit to hold the office of President!

Why, no Democrat has EVER committed such a horrid, unpardonable sin of such grevious magnitude. All elected Democrats do is ram their wangs into every available scuzzy hole that presents itself, but everybody knows there's nothing wrong with that and they're even pretty much expected to (wink, wink).

By the way, Hillary Clinton bites the heads off kittens and baby ducks. Everybody knows that, too.

HELP   March 18th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

The American political system is a Joke. We continue to talk about race. Everyone is fighting tooth and nail about who's the best candidate. Governors are getting caught with hookers. Black & White issues continue. McCain is a veteran and still has some authority in this country and still doesn't know that Shiite and Sunni have been fighting for centuries. Our President refuses to confess that he missed the ball on our economy. Why are we trying to get IRAQ to change to this?

Randall   March 18th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Does anyone remember Martin Luther King, a very intelligent man and pastor, make racial statements and curse America? I don't believe you find such remarks in any of his books and/or speeches. Further, I can't recall Colin Powell making such negative statements about Americans, whites, and the wars our country has fought. Yet, Obama and his friend, pastor, and mentor can make such racial and anti-American statements. Why is this?

Ben   March 18th, 2008 9:45 pm ET

The blurred though processes of John McCain are just the tip of the iceburg for his incompetence. It's time this gentleman just retire. If we put another President in place that continues to shame the nation by sticking his foot in his mouth at every chance expect that we will lose their respect.

BoomerscoutofAmerica   March 18th, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Hey, we ?elected? a "momentary verbal gaffe" in 2000, and bingo here's another from the bullpen. Do our redstater leaderss ever bother to inform themselves? Can't wait for this campaign fall's campaign to begin since I'm such a verbal gaffe nut.

JFK   March 18th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Has this not been the Bush foreign policy for the last 7 years?? Say something enough, you can make the public believe anything!

Carter   March 18th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Eventhough, I'm Obama supporter, I don't really mind if McCain wins in the general election. He is an American Hero. I don't judge him with minor mistake like this.

ahna   March 18th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

ignorance knows no value here folks!

prakash chand   March 18th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

OBAMA SHOULD RESIGN TONIGHT,

McCain is better.

Ratgurl   March 18th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

WOW! That is not a MINOR gaffe – that's MAJOR!!! Is he going to say "oops, sorry" when he "accidentally" presses the "red button" and blows the world into oblivion? This guy is TOO OLD the be president, and I'm sorry if that sounds like ageism, but it IS a fact that the brain doesn't funtion as efficiently after a certain age (different for every individual). Seems McCain's brain is past that point.

Lisa   March 18th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

It is the third time in 2 days that he made this same error. This was only the first time it was caught on camera. Maybe I am an ageist but McCain is too old for this job. He looked really frazzled and scared when Trader Joe corrected him.

God are we in trouble!

Judy Dunn   March 18th, 2008 9:39 pm ET

A "momentary verbal gaffe?" Oh, puhleeze! It WAS rather a sight, though, seeing Joe Lieberman, former Democratic VP candidate, politely correct him.

It is amazing that both Clinton and Obama have been criticized for not having the experience in foreign affairs and at the same time a Republican senator that has undoubtedly been briefed by George W for years can make such a huge mistake.

David   March 18th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

We need McCain for three reasons: 1) He might ACTUALLYpromote fiscal conservatism, unlike Bush; 2) He will veto the expansion of government through socialized medicine; 3) He will be in a position to appoint more conservative supreme court justices who won't make up the law from the bench.

Don,   March 18th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Another republican in the white house,,,, u got to be kid'n,,, Look where gwb got us,,,,Wake up people,,,,,,

Emmanuel   March 18th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Please McCain is trying to be the guy. He never believed he would be the nominee, and wasn't ready to be the nominee. People that talk tough are never good leaders, but good commanders.
He would be a good candidate for the Secretary of Defense. Joe would be his special adviser, he is already doing a good job whispering.

Kevin MSU   March 18th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

A presidential candidate that admits that he was wrong about something? Credit McCain's character for not trying to spin his momentary slip in to the truth.

thecubemonkey   March 18th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

A verbal slip up is all I see. I understand the need to pounce on even the most minor mistake as this is the presidency we're talking about. However, I agree with Nom Deplume above, "If eloquence were the measure of leadership, my debate instructor should be president."

josh   March 18th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

McInsane will be like Cheney except the president.

WWIII, anyone?

issac   March 18th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

we are all of the same skin but different shades we need to put aside what we feel is a just reason to divide..we are all in a planet where dark shadows of threat are looming on the horizon..global warming could be very well the uncontrollble death that ends the survival of man…so regardless whether one feels a desir for superiority we need to focus cuz what you do will effect how i live and how i live will effect what you do…

SpeaktheTruth   March 18th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Leaders apologize when they are wrong, or in this case when they misspeak.

Cowards or self-serving career politicians side step issues and appeal to unrelated issues in a hope to confuse the public.

ObamaSupporters   March 18th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

WOW! you McCain has no clue huh?
that's really, really SAD. C'mon people. Vote OBAMA!

YES WE CAN!
Obama '08

Yves larochelle   March 18th, 2008 9:33 pm ET

He is an IGNORANT! Period.

D.Ward, Ph.D.   March 18th, 2008 9:33 pm ET

Certainly with McWars excellent government paid health insurance doctors could treat his alzheimer's

Vince, Vancouver   March 18th, 2008 9:33 pm ET

He's trying too hard to be like Regan.

Nando   March 18th, 2008 9:32 pm ET

oppSS I did it again, Someone needs to check this man for ALZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eric   March 18th, 2008 9:31 pm ET

The lies about Iran have been repeated so often, even McCain is starting to believe them.

John, Las Vegas, NV   March 18th, 2008 9:31 pm ET

Well, at least he knows Al Qaeda is somewhere in Iraq now. The Dems don't think Al Qaeda is even there.

Rick Cole   March 18th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

McCain = forgetful, can't get it right. Sounds like another president with alzhiemers. Just what this country needs.

James   March 18th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

If misstating something in the midst of a speech is grounds to disqualify you from being the President. Then we would not be able to elect any of the three running. I would hope that the DNC would quit acting like high school debaters and concentrate on the real differences between their candidates and McCain. Unfortunately they have to keep spinning to try to keep the attention off of Barack's ministers comments which are more troubling, or the reminders of infidelity of New York Governor, which reminds us of how weak Hillary has already demonstrated that she is.

Holy Cow!   March 18th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

Holy Cow! Give it time. After we have been in Iraq for a hundred more years we will then surely know who is supplying al Qaeda.

clark   March 18th, 2008 9:29 pm ET

IM VOTING for obama but if hillary is running against mccain i will vote for hillary! mccain will dig a deeper whole for us to get out of!!!!!

silverspring   March 18th, 2008 9:26 pm ET

McCain's mind has been altered after being in the prison for so long. I am telling you the communist will messed your head up big time.

Mike   March 18th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

"a momentary verbal gaffe"? sounds to me like he was getting a little bit of educating on the spot.

Marcello   March 18th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

I'm not a Republican and won't be voting for McCain. But all that happened is that McCain made a minor verbal gaffe. If the Dems want to turn this into an "event of international significance" it just goes to show that they're too hysterical to be in charge of anything.

ranhanson   March 18th, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Respectfully speaking if you think Sen. McCain's lack of knowledge on something so elementary such as the war in Iraq is bad wait til he speaks about our failing economy.

Scott L.   March 18th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Can Obama even identify Iraq on a map?

Tim, NC   March 18th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

Are we sure that we want this man as president. He is strenght is his experience. He doesn't understand the economy. The problem is not that he mispoke, but he did so three times and had to be corrected on camera. Why do I feel there is a hand up his back???

Dan Hussein   March 18th, 2008 9:23 pm ET

I'm voting for Obama, but McCain just made a simple misstatement that he corrected. This is not a story. Why do we have to jump on every little thing.

The point is that McCain wants to stay in Iraq as long as Iraq wants us to keep giving them our money and our soldiers. That's one point where I disagree with McCain.

Blackrose   March 18th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Like anyone of you have never made a mistake!! I admit I make mistakes.
It is so easy to belittle others when one acts so perfect.

D$$   March 18th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

I like how DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney said we had been in Iraq for 8 years, When it has been 5, Sounds like she needs to get her facts straight. Iran is a threat, Why is everyone on their side.

Joseph Roy D. North   March 18th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Senator McCain also said ~ the United States is a Christian nation,
I believe! If so, he does not seem to understand even the basic
tenets of our Constitution, I further believe!

HERE WE GO AGAIN...   March 18th, 2008 9:21 pm ET

THERES NO WAY ON GODS LITTLE GREEN EARTH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE PEOPLE WILL VOTE JOHN MCCAIN IN OFFICE.

LOOK AT THE WARBIRD LIEBERMAN OVER HIS SHOULDER.

HEY MCCAIN…YOU CANT GET YOUR STORY STRAIGHT, AND WERE GOING TO TRUST YOU ABOUT OUR NATIONAL SECURITY?

NO WAY JOSE' …I MEAN JOE LIEBERMAN

Roy Cohn   March 18th, 2008 9:21 pm ET

Sounds like Senator McCain needs to fix his propaganda catapult. And he wants to be President? Unreal.

Kelly Anne   March 18th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

LOL

McCain is slipping.

It wasn't even a verbal gaffe. It looked like he truly doesn't understand the Middle East at all!!!!

My 12 year old knows the difference between Shia and Sunni, and McCain just got them mixed up!

Guy   March 18th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Give him a break, it's not easy at his age to remember things like that.

Bonbon   March 18th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

again I place a comment here, where is it.

Matt in Austin   March 18th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

I have "Disdain for McCain." We need intelligence and competency in the WH — not a repeat of GW.

Obama 08!

NickNasc   March 18th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

THIS is ALL you need to know about this guy.

Poor thing he needs to borrow some of Billarys delusional, coolaide drinking fanatics to spin this into a GREAT thing for Him and Make it ALL OBAMAS Fault.

Adam   March 18th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

This wasn't a "momentary verbal gaffe." If he made the statement once, that's a gaffe. But he repeated himself when asked for clarification.

That's either him being incorrect or just very forgetful, both of which are pretty disconcerting.

Bryan   March 18th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

hahaha…this is pretty funny. The Repubs have jumped on this experience issue that Hillary Clinton drummed up to stay in the race. She wasn't thinking past the nose on her face so I wouldn't trust her to provide the foresight required to be Commander and Chief. On this McCain thing, I don't fault him that much. He's an older guy. A small verbal slip is understandable. By the way, I'm an Obama supporter.

Conan   March 18th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

If this is all the DNC has then McCain is looking goooood.

King Donkey   March 18th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

It was just a slip of words. this is pathetic, It makes the democrats look small and petty. The longer this goes on the more I want to switch sides.

Maryland   March 18th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

McCain is not flip flopping, he has dementia and cannot remember who is who. He made this mistake twice. Do you want him answering the phone at 3 AM, and getting it wrong as to what the call was about???? Not good.

Sabrina, Las Vegas, NV   March 18th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

*Lol*

This is too easy!
McCain is truly the gift that keeps giving.

Ennis, LA   March 18th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

McCain knew all along it wasn't true. I believe his memory
is failing him. He has had to retract many statements he
has made lately. He's 72 and that's worrisome to me.

Seekster   March 18th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Oh like Obama has never misspoken before. Do the words "Bomb Pakistan" ring any bells?

Todd Wise   March 18th, 2008 8:50 pm ET

Cheney and McCain are simply apart of the same blind hubris as Bush when he broke out the champagne weeks after America invaded Iraq for a victory party. What a bunch of Republican bumkins! Need a new administration and some hope in this country for credibility.

kishya   March 18th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

funny how we lose focus of matters like this and focus on obamas preacher who is not running for president. we allow mccain to be like george bush and not even know what he is talking about when it comes to foreign policy

Richard, St. Paul, MN   March 18th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

McCain promises four more years of GOP cronyism and ineptitude, plus the increasing probability of Alzheimers! 'Verbal gaffe' my Aunt Petunia! I don't think that I'll be voting Republican for a couple of decades, if pathetic candidates like Bush and McCain are what they're offering.

darren   March 18th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Whoa… in other words, John McCain, the self-described military expert and foreign policy expert, shows once again that when it comes to the conflicts in the Middle East he knows absolutely nothing.

Or maybe he does know his stuff, but he has early onset Alzheimers like second term Reagan.

Gorbashov, Long Beach, Ca.   March 18th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Ha ha…….yeah just like Al Queda was in Iraq….not!

McWar+McSame=McDeath! Wow, what a lovely future portrail!

THE OLD MAN HAS LOST IT   March 18th, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Uh… yikes.

McCain is too old   March 18th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

McSameasBush is having those gaffes more frequently. The fact that McGaffe is supposed to have "so much" foreign policy and security experience and is tripping on basic knowledge, makes you think if senility is starting to show up. I can accept senility on my grandpa, but not on the next President of the United States. I can accept senators with 100 years of age and almost in life support still in the senate, but not the US President having mental lapses.

John Nginyayu   March 18th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

McCain is Dubya II in the making

Jonathan   March 18th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

McCain can not remember "extremists" instead of Al Qaeda? What a loud of BS~ it's all about the rhetoric, talking points, sound bits and more war mongering. 70% of the US want us out of the war. This idiot needs to retire already. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……….

A.M. Saqib   March 18th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Oops! May be John McCain is going senile. Watch out what happens when he gets even older. And I think it is in fact not the age, it is lack of knowledge of local culture and religous tarditions.

So Mr. War Hero, may be it is time for you to take holidays from politics.

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

Ratgurl   March 18th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

WOW! That is not a MINOR gaffe – that's MAJOR!!! Is he going to say "oops, sorry" when he "accidentally" presses the "red button" and blows the world into oblivion? This guy is TOO OLD the be president, and I'm sorry if that sounds like ageism, but it IS a fact that the brain doesn't funtion as efficiently after a certain age (different for every individual). Seems McCain's brain is past that point.

Roger   March 18th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Big deal he misspoke who really cares. And I'm a democrat. There is a hell of a lot more things in this country to worry about.

Mike   March 18th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Here we go again. The Liberal Left bashing a simple mis statement by their opponent. Like the Demolosers never said anything mistaken. Isn't that the reason both the Clinton and Obama campaigns are losing their members like the plague claimed victims. The Dems are nothing more than pathetic, rhetorical, pansies in an obvious left wing plot to turn America into another Venezuela. If you want the government to take every penny of your money while running every aspect of your life from which doctor you see, to which medication you'll get, to where your kids go to school, to ……. well you get the picture, then vote for the new Socialist movement. Vote Democrat in November and we'll see how fast this country is turned into a worthless pile of donkey bile.

Dedrick from Atlanta (in Portland)   March 18th, 2008 8:38 pm ET

Why don't we hear more about this folly? Why don't we hear more about the "racist" McCain inner circle? And we wonder why the world sees us as hypocritical.

Amy N.   March 18th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

In many U.S. institutions, the scenario Rev. Wright speaks of is a sad, but real truth. Although not my experience, this may very well be the experience of Rev. Wright. We are in no position to negate his personal experience, and we have no right to equate this experience with Obama. Rival campaigns, along with many representatives in the media, continue to delve into Barack Obama's history on a desperate crusade to discredit him. We, as a country, need to stop hiding behind the truths Rev. Wright speaks of and face them head on. For the love of our country, say it with me: "Yes we can!"

MarkieBee   March 18th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Hey Nom, apparently he's made the mistake elsewhere too…did you read the article?

Fletch Armstrong   March 18th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

This is not the first time he has made this mistake, where is the other documentation?, don't let mediamatters.org do all the work.

MarkieBee   March 18th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

LOL SPD, that's why I'm announcing today the formation of Laura Bush's 2012 presidential exploratory committee. She's been to more countries than Hillary has as first lady, they know her around the world, so that leaves just one candidate with more experience than even Hillary – Laura Bush. OK, snark button OFF.

Ranger7   March 18th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

IT REALLY makes me wonder .!!.how McCain was allowed to run for office!! Our country needs some way .. to screen out ..decrepit, insane, warmongers ..so we can GET GOOD ..candidates to run our country..!!
Disgusted US Army Vet!!!

Jeff Dallas   March 18th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

This is an important story. McCain whose claim to fame is the war doesn't know his left from his right. He is too old. Face it or at the very least report on it CNN.

Where was this story today?

fair tax in la.   March 18th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

McCain far better than what the dems offer, LMAO!!
GOO away you libs and your social policies that mean doom and gloom!!!

Ranger7   March 18th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

IT REALLY makes me wonder .!!.how McCain was allowed to run for office!! Our country needs some way .. to screen out ..decrepit, insane, warmongers ..so we can GET candidates to run our country..!!
Disgusted US Army Vet!!!

Just Facts   March 18th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

There are very intelligent well informed republicans, right? So, why do the republicans keep marching out these uninformed, uneducated presidential candidates? Bush and now McCain…

deborah   March 18th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

THIS IS NOT THE TOPIC I WANT TO WRITE ABOUT, BUT YOU CAN SEE THE HIDDEN RACIST IN CNN NEWS. LOU YOU REALLY NEED TO GET A LIFE. YOU REMIND ME OF THIS OLD WHITE MAN THAT WOULD SAY SOMETHING RACIST THAN SMILE AND SAY IM JUST ASKING THE QUESTION. HIDDEN RACIST THAT ALL YOU ARE.

richard   March 18th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

this is just a mistake mccain is a humble man and i believe he can be a good president. i will not be voting for him but he is a very honest and honourable man. his only problem he is running after 8years of republican rule.

Kevin B of Ohio   March 18th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

It was an honest mistake, they happen all the time

Nikole   March 18th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Give him a break. This is what happens in old age.

Brian   March 18th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

Listen he is white and male therefore more qualified to be president.

GOP '08 taking back both houses.

Angela   March 18th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

We do not need another bumbling war monger in the White House.
Go Dems.

BABucher, NYC   March 18th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

No, actually, dems today have been discussing race and poverty in the US. This was just a nice little chuckle for us.

Gideon   March 18th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Nom,
If you read the entire article, you'd see this wasn't a "momentary verbal gaffe", since McCain had stated the same mistaken information the prior day.
This isn't a gaffe, it's frightening.

soberone   March 18th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

If he screws up on this the sky is the limit if he wins in nov. with misstooks

rw in ct   March 18th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

This pales next to the problems the democrats have.

rob   March 18th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

Here we go with the Dem attack machine. Mcain understands that regardless who gets the weapons, Iran has helped to kill many americans in Iraq by supplying them. The Dems won't talk about this because they don't want to offend The Iranians . Remember the world has to like us again just like in the 90's when there were no terrorists, no wars and no attacts against us.

Keith in San Diego   March 18th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

Of course Iran is supplying al Qaeda…with yellowcake uranium from Niger to build WMDs. Deja vu, all over again.

Steve Rochester, NY   March 18th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

This 'momentary verbal gaffe' demonstrates a severe lack of understanding of what's happening in Iraq. Pity it also happened twice. Wouldn't one of his advisors correct him the first time? Had he forgotten? I don't even want to think about a presidential nominee with a failing memory.

Danny   March 18th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

Verbal gaffe or not McCaine should be more careful what says. After all, he is gonna be our next President of this blessed great nation of ours. But of course, at least he's not a member of a America Haters Trinity Community Church.

richard   March 18th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

As a former republican and a veteran I think its a disgrace for John McCain to be visiting the troops. His policy towards Iraq is disgusting.

Tim   March 18th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

John McCain should really stay over there and keep an eye on them.
He obviously thinks what goes on over in the Middle East is much more important than the problems that abound in our own country.
Just stay over there John and send us some reports every once in a while. And, hey, grow a beard and you'll fit right in.

rexx   March 18th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Its funny how desperate this makes the dems look. Oh boy McCain got the name of the group of terrorists that Iran supports wrong lol. Oh but Obama is going to sit down with them and have Milk and Cookies and ask them to "play nice". Oh yeah that will work lol

Obama   March 18th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

Madam President

Paul from Kissimmee   March 18th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Is that all they can come up with? This is why I shouldn't vote for McCain? I should vote for Obama and please the terrorists? I should vote for Clinton so we can surrender? Give me a break. At least he has guts. Something liberals have been lacking.

Frank   March 18th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

You know what? We all make mistakes. But the biggest would be to pull are troops out to early. If we just pull the troops out without listening to are military advisers like Mrs. Clinton said she would. We will wish for $110.00 a barrel oil. If we give up and say we quit you win, it will be a bigger mistake then going into Iraq in the first place. Remember people this country did not ask for our help to oust Saddam, we went in a sovereign nation under false information and took out this countries inferstucture. Now the Dems (who most voted to go into Iraq) want to just up and leave. We need to finish this job to make sure this part of the world remains somewhat stable.

Rose   March 18th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

I think the Dems have more problems than nitpicking at McCain, they should look at what is going on with their whole party, it is headed for a train wreck if they don't get their act together.

kiki   March 18th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

What's so bad about a silly mistake. Everybody knows about Iran and Al Queda. On his side Obama made a "mistake" when voting to support child predators. Obama pressed the wrong button by mistake, he says!!

Jean   March 18th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

No one should give HIllary any credit for having met leaders 12 to 16 years ago. Most of those she met were retired, dead or deposed by now.

McCain should SURELY know about who supports who in this war. He needs to be debriefed VERY badly. Betcha Barack would know.

Bill   March 18th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

You must be kidding me… Obama has a racist, communist, America-hating preacher as a twenty year mentor; Hillary falsely claims she was sniper bait; the newly inaugurated New York Democrat admits to sexual affairs with state employees… and the top headline is McCain confuses "Al Qaeda" with "extremists"??? What's next… a headline about McCain mistaking a "Big Mac" for a "Hamburger"?

Roger, Menlo Park CA   March 18th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

John McCain is Walt Disney's greatest creation. He almost looks like a real, live person. Almost.

Nao   March 18th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Hmm… this is the same "verbal gaffe" that got us into Iraq instead of going after Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

Coincidence?

Ronald   March 18th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

McCain says he doesn't know much about the economy and is going to run on his foreign policy experience. Maybe it is his age, but this is a HUGE faux pas . . . wasn't he the one chiding Obama for comments about Al Qieda being in Iraq? Onset of senior memory loss?

TimY   March 18th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

The Dems must be desperate to jump on verbal "gaffes". This story evokes a yawn. The Jeremiah Wright – Barack Obama connection is juicier in my opinion.

Indiana Bob   March 18th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

McCain has my vote if Obama is the democratic nominee. It was bad enough that the Hillary campaign was accused of being racist for daring to be critical of Obama. Now he is using the slavery card. I've had enough. As a white male, I have never been racist. But now I see what racism is. And it is blacks who are being racist, not whites. But they call it "black pride". We have had "white pride" groups too and they have been properly labeled as racist. "Black pride" is just as racist. After this primary, I might have to give the "white pride" groups a second look. Maybe I better join.

bridgette   March 18th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

He is going to invade Iran. You think we have a mess wait until he gets in office. This man is a war monger and I think he will be a worst president than Bush.

Bubba   March 18th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Experience? Her world-wide trips were with Chelsea and they were shopping ! She hasn't done squat in foreign relations and she hasn't done squat domestically ! Experience ! ! ! ? ? ? Laughable…

The truth will set you free!   March 18th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

Yes, because of McCain's gaffe, I'll now vote for the racist and America hater Barack Hussein Obama and/or racist "blame America first" Billary.

Seattle Sue Seattle, Wa.   March 18th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

McCain is delusional, at his age he might say anything.

joanna   March 18th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Nom Deplume,

And he probably would have been the best choice.

Axel   March 18th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

We can't win with nothing but losers running. We need better choices!

Jack   March 18th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

MaCain misspoke. When Obama and Clinton says something wrong their supporters say its "ok". Just as in Obama speach today in Philly, when he realizes what he said, he will try to use the "misspoke" or statement take out of context excuse . Forget the Dems!

ALB   March 18th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Yes, McCain made a mistake. Never as bad as the Obama lies about his pastor or Rezko apparently dirty deals.. Obama is a lier, McCain made a mistake.

Grif   March 18th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Don't build on it, and don't ignore the Iran situation…

Only thing I can see. To answer this question

pminsc   March 18th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

How any rational, thinking adult could even consider voting for McBush or any other R is beyond me. With 7+ years of Jr. playing games with every aspect of our daily lives……we simply must put a stop to this and place a Democrat in the White House in Jan. '09! Gas, groceries, clothes…every aspect of our lives….the ongoing war…the deaths, the injured…..I blame it all on George W. and his loyal followers, one of which is certainly McBush!

Mike Allen   March 18th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Why is anyone surprised by this. Four years of McCain is equal to twelve years of Bush. More mismanaged War and Economy. Please, as the Doors sang, Break on through to the other side, O8ama.

John Paiva   March 18th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Will some reporter out there please refer to the 9 – 11 Commission Report that clearly states in numerous places that Iran has harbored and sponsered Al Qaeda for DECADES. Where do two of bin Ladens sons live? Where are over 100 Al Qaeda leaders currently residing? Look it up. I am no McCain fan but check it out, please.

John Paiva

kevin   March 18th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Obama is no longer relevant after his minster's comments and Obama's denials. He can no longer be the VP.

Tim T.   March 18th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Iran, Iraq …same difference to the Repubs. Just bomb 'em both. That's their strategy. But why aren't they and W up there getting ready to invade, occupy and liberate Tibet and Myanmar/Burma? Spread freedom there too, no? Vote McCain and you'll get at least four more years of incompetence and growing worldwide resentment and disgust of the US.

Bobt, NY   March 18th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

JUST LEAVE THE OLD MAN ALONE. HOW MANY 70+ MEN CAN BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE LIME HIM.

ANYWAY, HIS RELEVANCY WILL END BY NOVEMBER BECAUSE AMERICANS ARE WISE ENOUGH TO SAY NO TO SOMEONE WITH MEMORY PROLEMS. REMEBER THIS IS EARLY SIGN OF DEMENTIA

bimmer   March 18th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

he Republicans should be jumping all over Obama for being a fake, a perennial lair.

Kate Smith   March 18th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

He's trying to make himself look presidential! It's pathetic, he's looking more and more like Bush!

kelly WI   March 18th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

Semantics. Grow up.
King of Jordan doesn't want us to leave too soon. You think its bad now, just wait and see what would happen to the middle east if we did.

Brons   March 18th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

Could it be early dementia or just too many years in the republican party absorbing false/incorrect "intel".

Neal   March 18th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

How can anyone believe this man is about change? McCain is pushing Bushes economic and foreign policies.

Obama or Hillary '08

Sean, Detroit MI   March 18th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

Of course he's going to get confused from time to time. The man *is* ancient for gods sakes! I doubt if I'll have full mental facilities when I'm in my 70's either. So, if he gets a bit fuddled and mixed up and he forgets to put his pants on before leaving the house or wakes up at 8 pm thinking it's 8 a.m. or he forgets the names of family members once in a while, it all comes with being old. We should all hope to live so long.

G in CT   March 18th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

McCain is at least tending to the business of America, and making a presence in Iraq, the biggest bone of contention in our Country.
I give him cudos for having the presence of mind to work a little, while also campaigning. Takes guts and energy, to be him.
In America we are reading about candidates and their misteps, sex scandals and power struggles to stay popular, while
McCain is supporting America and representing America in our time of crisis in Iraq.
He truly loves our country and shows it, and we know he's not going to run from problems.

The Perpetual Student   March 18th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Hmmmmm A presidential candidate who makes verbal gaffes!!! Sounds familiar!!!!!!!!!!

pj   March 18th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

he's old, give him a break…

Miguel G   March 18th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

I hate it when people take something that was clearly a "I mis-spoke" situation and turn it into something big.

"I was for it before I was against it."

"I've haven't been proud of my country…"

etc.

They're verbal mistakes. Let's get past it, folks. I'm not a McCain supporter, but this is stupid.

Donna   March 18th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter and I think you should leave John McCain alone. He MISSPOKE, end of story.

Obama 08

Whoa...   March 18th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

MCinsane… you know you're in trouble when Lieberman is your voice of reason.

BJ from Illinois   March 18th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

I believe that Obama is the best candidate for the Democratic party and the best candidate for the highest office in this country.

Julie   March 18th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

The article says ,"Iran is predominately a Shiite country and is not aiding the Sunni dominated Al-Qaeda." Um, isn't a non-biased news report supposed to cite sources for information like that? According to the 9-11 report and, yes, media coverage as well, Iran has been and may still be training Al Qaeda. Using the term "extremists" is better though, since that would include Hezbollah or anyone else Iran is training too.

Bob Stephens   March 18th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

BUSH- MCCAIN, MORE OF THE SAME….

Oliver   March 18th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

I agree. We must steamroll Iran. McCain may have misspoke, but we know the real deal. Stomp on the enemy!

Richard Friedman   March 18th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

McCain's repeated gaffes tell me he is too old to be president.

benji   March 18th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

The republicans are fools.

A Non Ymous   March 18th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

consider the possibility that mccain, in his older age, may be just a bit "touched", in his advanced age, from his unfortunate years as a POW……..or he is just factually impaired.

Kevin   March 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

It doesn't matter who the enemy is…if they're bad and muslim we're gonna get 'em!

clarity   March 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Oh, the McCain Drain….
It's the last thing America needs.

Tracy   March 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Seems par for the course in regards to Republicans who want to be President.
Knowing nothing about foriegn affairs seems to be what they think is the mark of a good leader.

See where that got us? Ya, as far as McSame thinks..It got us into a hundred year war. I hope you didn't like being able to afford to drive your cars.

Vaughan   March 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Funny as a democrat I'd rather follow McCain than …"when I am President" Clinton or "Slavery Boo Hoo" Obama.

Wow how many media slip ups do all politicians make. Lets see how well some of you do when lacking sleep and halfway around the world at 72.

My god are the american people so blind. I guess 6 years in the Paratroops with 2 years in the sandbox WERE FOR NOTHING. Fredrick the Great was right when he told Voltaire "the enlightnement was ment for a select few".

Well as a democrat for McCain …. I am ashamed of my countrymen.

not Dan   March 18th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

hmmm… filp flops… I think we would have been better off with Romney's flip flops than with this guy.

You know, I don't think I am comfortable with anyone being my president. The problem with the American political system is we learn too much bad about everybody running.

Seems like there must be a major character flaw in anyone that would welcome such a critical microscope put on their life and every word uttered. Who wants that? We should recruit someone to be our president. Someone who doesn't want the job.

Twista   March 18th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Hey Nom Deplume,
This was more than a momentary verbal gaffe. Read the article. McCain clearly showed a lack of knowledge repeatedly in the speech and previously in an interview.

ZedLoch   March 18th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

"Iraq has sent bombmaking and document forgery experts to work with al Qaeda. Iraq has also provided al Qaeda with chemical and biological weapons training. And an al Qaeda operative was sent to Iraq several times in the late 1990s for help in acquiring poisons and gases. We also know that Iraq is harboring a terrorist network headed by a senior al Qaeda terrorist planner. This network runs a poison and explosive training camp in northeast Iraq, and many of its leaders are known to be in Baghdad." –GW Bush, Feb 2003 Radio Address

Anyone else see a pattern developing here?

Jared, Atlanta, Georgia   March 18th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Actually, Iran training Al Qaeda HAS been widely reported in the news. He meant to say extremists, but his original statement was accurate too. Look at the 9-11 Commission Report, page 61 or The New York Sun 11/14/06, or USA Today 4/11/07, The Guardian 5/22/07, and on and on. Sheesh! Could someone please at least PRETEND they aren't just looking for any little thing to crucify McCain over?

Martin Bormann   March 18th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Old politician is confused.

~ Jan, NJ   March 18th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

This should make every American citizen wake up! The fact that once again, a political figure is trying to frighten the American people with scare tactics. Who's after the US next? The Boogie Man?! If you create enough paranoia among the people, we'll be able to keep McCain's dream of a 100 yr. war alive! It'll just be one country after the other. And THEN, we'll be so far in debt that the "other" countries will all OWN the United States!
Wake up, everyone! We don't need any more Republican's in office!

Brendose, Oceaside CA   March 18th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

alzheimers seems to be kicking in already!!!! LOL! McCain, quit trying to pick a fight with IRAN! We can't even handle IRAQ!!! Didn't Bush teach you anything? Conquer 1 country at a time!

Joe Lieberman has truly gone to the dark side…….who put him on a thirst for blood??

I sure hope Obama and Clinton don't break each other down so much that the Democratic Party implodes…….we need them!!

Eric   March 18th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

What I find funniest about this story is that it took Lieberman – a Democrat (in name, I know) – to correct McCain.

"Democrats have launched political attacks today because they know the American people have deep concerns about their candidates’ judgment and readiness to lead as commander in chief.”

Really, John? Who was it that confused a Sunni-backed terrorist organization with a Shi'ite-majority regional power?

Next, McCain will say that Madrid is training the ETA.

FrankSmith   March 18th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

The Middle East respects women so much that they will spread the RED CARPET for Hillary to walk on!! Welcome to our "narrow-mindeness" in this nation. We really believe the world started and will end with us!!

Ann   March 18th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

No matter if you are for or against McCain, he is over in Iraq representing us. I'm wondering if Obama's vote after 9/11 was good judgment or following Rev. Wright's philosophy as he talked abut 9/11? Is that the real reason he voted against the Iraq War?
Ann
Clearwater, Fl.

Tom   March 18th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Where's Ron Paul when we need him?… Oh, I remember, this is the guy you voted for instead of Ron Paul. Well, you get what you got.

leroy   March 18th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

This is such a non-story…and it is on your homepage…amazing.

Shelia Brown   March 18th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

It's has been documented in the Bible that " a country that is unrighteous, ( in whatever area of life) will be cursed by God,this is nothing new if one know's the Bible. Therefore Rev. Wright has said no more than God's word.

Chris-Seattle   March 18th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Barrack isn't racist you idiot!

Willy   March 18th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Clinton + Obama = socialist. McCain= America.

Mauricio Galvao Anderson   March 18th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

this Lieberman guy is a shame for all americans, dems and reps. He has already ruined one candidacy, now wants a piece justo for himself… Shame on him and on all who voted for him.

FrankSmith   March 18th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Obama should denounce his "hate-filled" minister and embrace and love his "hate-filled" white grand-mother. It is the only way to resolve this race issue. Even better, the nomination should be given to Hillary because it is the turn for another Clinton to be back in the White House; she deserves it!! God Bless American. This will make us all "happy" and wealthy again in America.

rar   March 18th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

You can call it whatever you want……gaffe, misspoke, or something else but the fact is we have suffered through 8 years of foreign policy gaffes and misstatements. Words matter……..

Sam   March 18th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

I am a Democrat through and through, but this is silly. People sometimes make mistakes when they talk.

Tim from Eugene OR.   March 18th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

That is scarry. Just like lil Bush he dosn't seem well informed. It would be funny if American lives were not at stake. I think I would have maybe voted for him back in 2000 if he hadn't been bushwhacked. Since then he has given new meaning to the phrase "flip flop" He was right to say we shouldn't have had those big tax cuts during a time of war, now he thinks they are ok. Torture and he certainly knows about that issue, was wrong, but now its ok. Our people are hurting financially and we are spending 3 billion a week on a people that just won't take advantage of the opportunity we have given them. But why should they when we have a man like McCain sending them the message that we might be there up to 100years. We need to start taking care of our own. McCain dosn't get that.

ROGER   March 18th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

That's how McCain would answer the Red Phone at 2:00 AM. Here is the step by step guide:
1. First of all, he would look for his dentures.
2. Orient his mind & memory (Severe memory loss due to old age)
3. Wait for someone to whisper in his ear to give him the guidance.

Why people are retired after certain age? Mr. McCain, please go away & start collecting social security benefits.

William   March 18th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

can you imagine Barak Obama making such a doddering error? I don't think so.

If Palestinians and Israelis have been spilling each other's blood every month of every year since 1948 — [remember Munich-- the six day war -- and every day of every month for as long as we can remember] — we can expect that shiite and sunni blood will be being spilled in Iraq — along with American blood as long as we are there.

don't give us 50 years — or 100 years — of this tragedy. 4,000 boys and girls are enough to have lost. we didn't REALLY break it — and we really can't fix it.

Megan   March 18th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

This is beyond a verbal gaffe! He doesn't get the sunni v. shiite factions which is the whole reason this war is never ending. We stuck ourselves in the middle of a religious conflict. McCain doesn't get the religions involved, he can't get us out (does anyone even try to say we can "win" anymore? What would that result look like?).

Also, Hillary traveling the world as first lady means squat. You may have noticed most Middle Eastern countries aren't woman friendly so I don't see how she'll have much of an impact improving relations in this volatile region. Oh wait, maybe Bill can take care of it. Nice.

swede_mariner   March 18th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Johnno,

So funny, right on!

sam lowry   March 18th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

You could give him a "100 years" and he still wouldn't get the facts right.

Manfred   March 18th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Why is Sen. Lieberman always lurking behind or next to McCain? Is there some connection we're missing here?

JAMES IN BAMA   March 18th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

I THINK THIS ALONG WITH ALL OF THE MISGIVINGS ABOUT OBAMA AND WHO HE REALLY IS LEAVES US ONE REAL OPTION FOR PRESIDENT. MCCAIN ISNT INFORMED ENOUGH AND IT SHOWS HE IS WAY TO SET IN HIS WAYS AND THEY ARE JUST TO COMPARABLE TO BUSHES VIEWS. AND ALONG WITH NOT KNOWING ENOUGH ABOUT OBAMA WHAT WE HAVE SEEN COME OUT OVER THE LAST WEEK ALONG WITH HIS WIFES VIEWS AND NAFTA AND HIS DEALING WITH CRIMINALS IT IS APPARENT THAT WHAT WE DO KNOW AND ARE FINDING OUT SCARES THE HECK OUT OF ALOT OF AMERICA AND THE NUMBERS SHOW NEITHER OF THEM ARE THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO TAKE.

Jason   March 18th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Sorry, Norm, but it wasn't a "momentary verbal gaffe".

He's been repeating the same thing all week. He doesn't know what he's talking about.

kevin   March 18th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

..someone needs to take McCain back to Iran for proper training!

Phil of Colorado   March 18th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

It degrades that whole process when such a minor misstatement is distorted by the other party. This is more indicative of the Clinton machine than O'Bama.

McClueless   March 18th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

It's not the fact that he made a mistake, it's the fact that he doesn't understand the dynamics of the Middle East. First off, he continues to hold true with his idea that the "surge" has been "successful." I don't know how you can measure the success of a war that has been going on for 5 years with very minimal results. Second, McCain (and many Americans) don't understand the situation between Iran and that Arab world. Most people cluster these two groups together, while they are SO different. Iranians would never support Al-Qaeda, seeing as Iran is a Shiite Muslim nation, while Al-Qaeda is a Sunni Muslim organization. These two sects of this religion have been at odds forever, and nothing is going to change now. Everyone needs to do a little homework on the REAL situation in Iran, before they begin accusing them of harboring Al-Qaeda terrorists.

Jon   March 18th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

No one is perfect…..

Then there are Clinton's exaggerated foreign policy claims.

Clinton claims to have "negotiated open borders" in Macedonia to fleeing Kosovar refugees. But the Macedonian border opened a full day before she arrived, and her meetings with Macedonian officials were too brief to allow for much serious negotiating.

Clinton's activities "helped bring peace to Northern Ireland." Irish officials are divided as to how helpful Clinton's actions were, and key players agree that she was not directly involved in any actual negotiations.

Clinton has repeatedly referenced her "dangerous" trip to Bosnia. She fails to mention, however, that the Bosnian war had officially ended three months before her visit – or that she made the trip with her 16-year-old daughter and two entertainers.

Both Bill and Hillary Clinton claim that Hillary privately championed the use of U.S. troops to stop the genocide in Rwanda. That conversation left no public record, however, as U.S. policy was explicitly to stay out of Rwanda, and officials say that the use of U.S. troops was never considered.

Clinton's tough speech on human rights delivered to a Beijing audience is as advertised, though Clinton herself has been dismissive of speeches that aren't backed by solutions.

Rich   March 18th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

LOL…all of these anti-McCain comments from people who support a guy who said "if Al Qaeda tries to organize in Iraq" and a woman who counts having dinner in foreign countries while first lady as foreign policy experience. Too funny.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   March 18th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Apparently McCain's position is as a war- and fear-mongering paranoiac–the details of precisely on whom we are to wage war and who to fear are details of little importance.

I honestly think the man sincerely believes that the U.S. has something to fear from the small, fanatical, percentage of the followers of Islam that seem to blame the U.S for everything from bad hair days to major natural catastrophes–either he knows something the rest of us don't, or he thinks he knows something. In the former case, he'd help himself immeasurably by sharing his factual information with the rest of us so we could form our own opinions; in the latter case he should shut up about it and let his image as an Islamophobe-on-general-principles image fade.

Imran, Lawrence, USA   March 18th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

People are stupid and so are the Democrats who are making a big fuss over this apparent "gaffe".

A lie repeated over and over and over again becomes the truth for most Americans too stupid and too lazy to ask searching questions.

We saw it in 2002 and 2003 in the lead up to the Iraq invasion.

And while Hillary and Obama debate race, McCain gets photo-op sessions in Iraq that he can then use to solidify his "security" credentials.

BTW has Joe Lieberman joined the Republican Party?

Rich Orl, FL   March 18th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

McCain did not appear to understand a distinction between Shiite and Sunni. Is he getting his foreign policy “experience” from Rudy Giuliani?

In the same day, McCain played the tired ole fear mongering. Eight years of this has been enough.

I'll take Obama or Hillary for our next president, thanks.

Lucas, Nashville TN   March 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Sounds like The Old Man™ can't get his lies straight. Bush should have trained him better before endorsing him. Maybe a nice Crawford-style chuckle would have helped drive it home.

Jeff   March 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Is this really any surprise? My amazement comes from the fact that this story hasn't gotten any press, whereas Obama, forced to justify what church he goes to by ignorant hype has.

McCain is a war hero, yes. I admire that. But, he will be a PUPPET for a president. This gaffe proves it. He has no idea what's going on.

Shawn - GA   March 18th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

"The DNC later sent out a transcript of McCain's interview Monday with conservative Hugh Hewitt, during which he appeared to make the same mistake."

So the DNC throws their hands up in the air… saying this and that about Mc Cain. Then their guy does the same thing? That is just par for the course…. and very funny I might add.

Norm in Atmore   March 18th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Gee, Senator, Your campaign has overcome questions about your age, a near bankruptcy, the harsh dislike of the right wingnuts, and your admission that the economy – our most pressing problem – is Greek to you. But you always had your presumed expertise on Defense to fall back on. Many of us wonder how your time as a POW, which we all respect you for, trained you to make defense decisions, but let that go for now. We still had to listen to all your crap about your foreign affairs expertise. So now, it turns out you can't tell a Sunni from a Shi'ite, a pretty basic concept. So, just what is your area of expertise, Senator, besides blode lobbyists?

hong   March 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Iran is for sure an enemy of America just for now. However, the right question to raise is: How to eliminate your enemies by turning them into your friends?

ian   March 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

amazing, the Masters of War strike again. do they really ever think we're going to 'Win' while we're occupying the Iraqi's country?

the irony is that if there are any 'Thomas Jeffersons' or the like, they're probably part of the insurgency, freely and mistakenly called 'Al-Quaeda' by these nincompoops . . .

We Need to Get Out of Iraq!

Obama'08

Astenb   March 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Iran is supplying al Qaeda. – "Because i said so" – McCain.
McCain probably doesn't even know the difference between a Sunni and a Shiite. To these people its like [insert foreign nation that we want to attack here] is supplying weapons to al Qaeda ,or "has links with al Qaeda."
What a joke. I am ashamed of US leadership and foreign policy in the Mid East and Africa!

David   March 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Lieberman is an independent, not a democrat.

McCain is from the same school of disinformation as Bush. They're both frothing at the mouth to attack Iran, and will say anything they have to in order to do it.

carl   March 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Joe Lieberman needs to join the republican party. he is just like them.
he was for this stupid war, he is just like BUSH.

Be so glad when we have a democrat president in the white house.

McCain is just like bush. we need a new democratic president.

GO dems 2008

Maglev   March 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Just what I expected from McBush

Anna   March 18th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

not okay

Christian, Tampa FL   March 18th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

A disturbing pair of gaffes, to say the least.

kevin   March 18th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

I agree that it was a faulty statement, but where is the discussion on global affairs here? Tibet is a HUGE issue facing the US in the next presidency, yet no one is asking the question.

Political statements against China may ruin our economy. Inaction may lose the US credibility. Where is the answer?

Oh, yeah, it's all about making fun of McCain's gaffe. Nice one guys.

Johnno   March 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Hey … leave McWar alone … his physician obviously didn't give him the right dosages today.

Nom Deplume, J.D., LL.M.   March 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Geez, that all the Dems have to talk about, a momentary verbal gaffe?

If eloquence were the measure of leadership, my debate instructor should be president.

Tom   March 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Looks like the Dems are looking for anything to cover up the Obama scandal

Mikey   March 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

First Bush was dead wrong on the Iraq-Al Qaida connection, now this clown thinks Iran is linked to Al-Qaida? Good God, man! I'm not even a politician or a journalist, and I understand the basic difference between a Sunni and a Shia…

Dave   March 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Willful ignorance of history and the reality on the ground, all in service towards the arrogant and naive idea that we can bend the world to our will… McCain sounds like a perfect neocon candidate to me.

OMG what an ID10.T   March 18th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Sunstroke, stroke, or old age, doesn't really matter which it is, Bush's lapdog/protege is a one note on Foreign Policy and now it shows that he can't even get that right without a teleprompter in front of him. We do not need another 4 years of an imbecile running this country who can't get the facts straight in his own head and is making decisions on those incorrect thoughts. This is scary Bush practice in action. I don't care which one it is, but vote Democrat in Nov 08!!!! We do not need another 4 years of this kind of idiocy in office. If you can't deliver a speech right get off the stage, and in today's world and country we cannot afford to have a President like this again.

kevin   March 18th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

…someone needs to take Mccain back to Iran for proper training!

Vrezh Da Gabr   March 18th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Yeah, he made the mistake a few times. Prez have their advisers for that matter. He is much better than Clinton+BHO together anyway. I am an immigrant, and my vote goes to him. Unfortunately since Ronald Reagan the quality of the US presidents has been going down. Seems like decent people are afraid to get into a race where if they farted some 20 years ago sitting at a local council, it will now be blown out of proportion by media and made look like they actually detonated a bomb…

david   March 18th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Yawn…I find it hard to even read about this guy he so unoriginal.

S. Wright   March 18th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

It's getting pretty desperate in the Democrat Party. So McCain misspoke.

What did Nancy Pelosi do in Syria? Oh right, create an international incident.

Keep grasping at those straws Democrats.

Bill , Minneapolis, MN   March 18th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Just what America and the world doesn't need.
Another war mongering idiot.
Ah-me.

JM   March 18th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Good grief, what ignorance. He really is a little Bush mini-me isn't he. We all know Bush struggles with the basics.

John   March 18th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

The Republicans are still using fear-mongering in the absence of facts. And they still don't know the difference between "Q" and "N"!

mary   March 18th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

You have the 'president mccain, vce-president lieberman, and finally the secretary od state' hahahahahhahaahhihihihih. What a joke, everybody out there makes fun at them and they don't just realize it…

Praetorian, Fort Myers   March 18th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

I don't think it really matters–
Iran is definitely recruiting, funding, training, and exporting islamic fundamentalist fighters–could be they're Al Qaida–could not–both groups are killing innocent Iraqi's, as well as, U.S. and other allies personnel.

Andy   March 18th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

George Dubya Bush has proven that even the dumbest village idiot in the land can become president. Maybe McCain will prove that this is still possible.

Seriously, what an empty head McCain has.

God have Mercy on us ALL.

missy, nashville, tn   March 18th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

THE DEMOCRATS ARE IDIOTS TO MAKE AN ISSUE OUT OF THIS. AT LEAST JOHN MC CAIN HASN'T SIT IN A PEW LISTENING TO A BIGOT AND RACIST FOR 20 YEARS.

Bob G.   March 18th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Memo to McCain: The fascists of Iran were held in check by Saddam Hussein. Despicable human being that he was, Saddam Hussein still kept terrorists from incubating in his country and still posed a military threat to his great enemy Iran. If you break Iraq, then the Iranians and their Shiite counterparts in Iraq stand to gain. Duh! We don't need another president who goes with his gut feelings and ignores all historical facts and relevant geopolitical information about the Middle East.

excel   March 18th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Sir John, time to send our troops home. And don't apologize. We understand. Iran is an enemy we cannot afford.

Art, Del Mar, CA   March 18th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Just another sign of age.

spd   March 18th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

why are my comments always waiting moderation? Why are they never posted??

One of the reasons Hillary should be and will be the next President of the United States. She has world experience. She's been to 80 countries – some may say that doesn't matter. These people know her and she knows them – it matters. WE don't need another republican and we don't need a racists in the White House — so that leaves one choice – the right choice who has good judgement — Hillary Clinton.

John   March 18th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Just another example of republican incompetence and deception. Eight years of Bush, hopefully not another four of the same. I hope America and its people come through this time of the sake of their country and the rest of the world.

Kenneth Goodfellow   March 18th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Why is anyone surprised at anything the NeoCon Republicans say; their "gaffes" are indicative of a thought process that borders on dementia. How can anyone truly believe that the Iraq fiasco is a "successful endeavour … and it has been well worth the effort," as Mr Cheney stated yesterday?

seventhunter   March 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Elect McCain and get ready for another war, with Iran this time. And although our country has no money, Republicans will have a budget for a victory celebration because they think that "oppressed" Iranians will welcome us with open arms.

Split Between   March 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Please Lord don't let McCain be the next president

commentspage   March 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

McCain like Obama will do everything to get the post!

Texas Independent   March 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

This scares me a bit, an average American could make this mistake or be ignorant of this, but a candidate with multiple advisors and coaches should not make this kind of mistake on two different occasions, the same reason I never understood how President Bush made so many mistakes on foreign issues, he too must have had multiple experts coaching him. I am impresssed with any of the candidates as of today.

An Agnostic Democrat   March 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

This potential commander in chief is about as astute as the current one when it comes to war. Bomb, bomb , bomb, bomb, bomb Iran John McSame!

MikeinOhio   March 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

What are we to do with our remaining choices, Curly, Shemp and Mo?
How can our two parties leave us with such sad choices? That is part of the problem itself, only two parties. They know they have a 50/50 chance of winning. We need other viable options because neither party is going to offer us a candidate worthy of being POTUS. This country needs to drastically change it's political system. I will not vote this time or I will vote for Obama. What a choice.

jb   March 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

does this honestly surprise anyone?

and as a native connecticut jew, im ashamed of joe lieberman.

Never McCain   March 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

That is what's in store for you poor McCain supporters.

Jed   March 18th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

I just find the guy stupid. Republican or Democrat, when do we stop trying to elect stupid presidents?

Lone Star Wolf   March 18th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

The same thing you get from McCain you will get twice from the Liar Obama. OH YEAH THE CLINTONS PROBALY CAUSED BOTH OF THE TO TELL UNTRUTHS. To you fools out there that continue believing in Obama after his speech that confiemed he is a liar then i feel sorry for you but not enought to hel put such a deceit into office. RIGHT! You dummies how in the h.. do you think HILLARY caused all this Howmany fools are they out there n America. HILLARY 08

ATL_ Enlightenment   March 18th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

CNN, you waste time with distractions like running continuous clips of Barack's pastor for days, but you hide this story in the background. As an American citizen and registered voter, this is the type of news I want to hear about. I want to know if someone who wants my vote cannot even articulate a basic conversation regarding the status of a war that Americans are fighting. He is in a very dangerous part of the world speaking on behalf of the U.S. and is offending a neighboring country (Iran). This is your headline news story.

Rockymo   March 18th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Lieberman's only concern is Israel. Not the U.S. he should be ashamed…

Brian Tampa, FL   March 18th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

When your leading guy is hanging with racist, anti-American bigots you should be careful who you call incompetent. This is beyond ridiculous, even for the DNC.

Texas for Obama   March 18th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

this is more prof that if somehow McCain gets in office it will be the same lies and rhetoric we head from Bush.

common sense   March 18th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Look at what "experience" can get you. A million years of experience, and someone has to whisper in his ear to explain one of the BASIC components of the current war on terror.

Judgement is what counts.

Matt, Cleveland OH   March 18th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Doesn't the DNC have anything better to do than scrutinize every word out of Sen. McCain's mouth? Like fixing the situation with Florida and Michigan? Nope, that would be too productive…

Kyle   March 18th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

How can we trust McCain with national security when he can't even tell the difference between Sunni and Shi'ite?

This wasn't even the first time he said this. He also said it yesterday on Hugh Hewitt's show.

Manuel TX   March 18th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

With McCain, Obama, and Nader as the possible presidential candidates…I may have to sit this one out.

Oye vey. :)

Wayne, Greenville TX   March 18th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Jason March 18th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

What is wrong with Joe Lieberman? How can he even fathom himself as a democrat? He has been a chief architect of the war and should be ashamed.

Which is why the Democratic voters in Connecticut did not give him the nomination when he ran for re-election in 2006. He calls himself an Independent, but I consider him a self-serving sell-out.

Linda Feldman   March 18th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

McCain proves that none of the candidates are ready from day 1, even the one with the most experience. But only one candidate has the intellect to make thoughtful and wise decisions about sending other people's chidlren into harm's way. Obama in '08.

Dan   March 18th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Before we jump on the republican bashing bandwagon I think it would be prudent to not underestimate the principle/proverb of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'.

I would love for CNN to prove that "Iran is predominately a Shiite country and is not aiding the Sunni dominated Al-Qaeda." I am sure you would succeed in proving only half of that statement true.

International Observer   March 18th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

CNN is vouching for Obama to increase their viewership ratings along with other media news channel. They are giving a blank approval to Obama to Uncle hate.

Lee   March 18th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

His first statement was more correct then his correction. I can't tell you how many Al Qaeda caches are discovered in Iraq everyday that have Iranian munitions in them. You said it John, now own it. The evedence supports you.

Texas4Obama   March 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

McCain/McBush/McClinton no difference between the three – all funded by lobbyists – all for the war – all for big business – all for secrecy.

Vote Obama '08

Matt   March 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Ha!

He's like the grandpa that calls you every one of your cousins' names before landing on the right one.

Rich in Seattle   March 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

That for helping him out there Joe! When did you become a Republican?

Dem for President   March 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

BARACK OR HILLARY for President!!! Whichever one, I'll vote for.

Republicans have been gearing up for a war in Iran for about a year – whispering about WMDs in Iran. Are we going to fall for it again???? Have we learned enough about how Republicans have damaged our economy and standing in the world.

God, I hope so.

Rocky   March 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

He's old; his mind's going. And the propaganda machine is on full blast.

It's a combination of the two.

Where will John McCain be when the phone rings at 3AM? He'll be trying to remember who he is and why he's there.

Michael   March 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Common al Qaeda, Shiite, Sunni, what's the difference? All McCain knows is he wants to be a war with them; make my words if McCain is elected president we will be at war with Iran and it will be an even bigger mistake than Iraq. Iran will fight to the very last man, not to mention our invasion of Iran will be the final step in destabilizing an already unstable region. Along with that take the fact that China and Russia will probably jump in on the side of Iran and you've got yourself a fabulous recipe for a world war. McCain is trouble folks; he has no clue how to exist in this new world!

charlene   March 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

I heard that Bill clinton visited Trinity when he was running for president . Is this true?

California Independent   March 18th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Poor DNC, can't raise a dime. I keep getting e-mails asking for cash so they can go up against McCain.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

TomT   March 18th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

QUOTE:"McCain's campaign immediately responded, saying the "Democrats have launched political attacks today because they know the American people have deep concerns about their candidates’ judgment and readiness to lead as commander in chief.”"

Well, they got that right – we sure do have deep concerns about Johnny McSame – and with good reason!!! If he can't get this right – he'll screw up a lot more things just like gw did. McCain will be nothing more but the same incompetence as 8 years of bushes failed policies.

John P   March 18th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Bush=Mcain
Mcain=Bush.

Do I need to say anything else, Mcain is dillusioned, Give him his medications.

kevin from alaska   March 18th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

I'd like John McCain to explain where the troops will come from if we invade Iran. The US Armed Forces are already over stretched from dueling wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. If we also go to war with Iran — a larger country than the other two — where will the extra troops come from? Especially considering McCain's answer to Iraq is "more troops" I find it hard to believe that he can legitimately expect to win a war with Iran without reinstating the draft. There just aren't enough troops otherwise. John McCain: "Will you reinstate the draft if you take us to war with Iran?"

Irwin,Thousand Oaks, CA   March 18th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

To compound his confusion, McCain said that Iran's training extremists, not Al Qaeda. Does he have a clue what he's talking about!!! And that's from someone who's most able to answer that 3 AM phone call? Heaven forbid!

anonymous   March 18th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

I am a African-American male who actually supports Gov Huckabee.
However, I have been listening to all the comments on Sen. Obama's
speech and I have noticed that the only people not satisfied with what
he had to is WHITE MEN. Please fellows let it go.

breh / California   March 18th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

That's John McLame and the Double Talk express !!!!

Brad   March 18th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Well at least it shows McCain keeps people around that aren't afraid to tell him he is wrong. The "gaffe" is superficial at best. The Iranians are giving arms, money and training to people who later kill Americans in Iraq, the rest is semantics. Monty Python fans might recall "The Judean People's Front" and their arch-enemies "The People's Front of Judea". People who criticize McCain for this should also say that the most important part of a group of people is what race and religion its members are, quite the contrary, the importance is a group's aim and goal. What's the difference to an American soldier what kind of terrorist someone is when they are trying to kill innocents?

Chris from SC   March 18th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

So McCain's true colors come out?? Wants to go to war in Iran?? What a scary thought. This country needs a clear intelligent mind and McCain is not that man.

Obama '08

Mike G   March 18th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

McCain seems like a true patriot gone bad; the Patron Saint of Special Interests is getting too old.
The Repubs are writing off the 2008 election and McCain is their victim, as they know Cheney/Bush created a huge hole too difficult to recover from in 4 years…those guys are vicious animals which eat their own.

Patrick   March 18th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Jason: What are you talking about? Because someone stands up for their country when they're at war and they don't follow the democratic playbook of turning against your military when they're at war, this makes you less of a democrat? I find it refreshing that someone would look to do what's best for their country before what is popular with their party. It's disgusting to me how someone's support for a war can be the single issue that would cause someone NOT to vote for them. What a country we have become. McCain/Liberman 08

D.Ward   March 18th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

John Mccain,acts sort of like Bush he don'n even know what he is talking about Luckly he had Zell Miller whisper in his ear,I mean Lierberman both of them is the same,says he is a Democrat when he is really a closet republican

Scott   March 18th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

If the Democrats are criticising people who make gaffes they should look closer to home where Obama's wife told the nation she's only been proud of America once, now her husband is doing well in the nominee fight.

Gary   March 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Isn't this a no-brainer? Of course them Dems are going to swipe at every fish dangled in front of them.

They would do best to get their own house in order. They'll soon learn history has a way of repeating itself.

Icke   March 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Lieberman is just another shape-shifting reptillian. Just like Bush, and the entire British Royal Family. They have engineered all of this. Wake up, you guys! We've been plugged in to the matrix a lot longer then just the past eight years.

Nobillary Andobama   March 18th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

ONCE AGAIN THE LIBERAL BIASED MEDIA GETS IT WRONG

"Tehran has been supporting terrorist groups ever since the mullahs came to power in 1979. According to the State Department's annual report Patterns of Global Terrorism, the Shiite regime has aided outfits as ideologically and religiously diverse as Hamas, Islamic Jihad, GIA, GSPC, and Hizb-e-Islami–all of them Sunni Muslim–along with the Marxist groups Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and the Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK)–that last, despite Iran's concern over any move towards autonomy on the part of its own Kurdish minority. Clearly, the mullahs do not consider ideological or religious purity a prerequisite for cooperation."

Where do you think Sunni based insurgents have been getting EFPs??? that technology is a direct export from Iran

McCain is actually right….if the liberal media bothered to do their job and leave the Green Zone to go talk to some Subject Matter Experts they could report the facts for a change.

Teresa   March 18th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

That verbal mistake on the Iran was supplying al Qaeda is not going to go well with the American people. That statement proves to me that McCain is inexperience and out of touch with foreign policy. Futhermore, why are you visiting Iraq when you should be trying to solve the economy crisis in America? That doesn't look good for you.

Janet Mitchell, Las Vegas, NV   March 18th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

A fundamental misunderstanding of the region, its people, their religions and cultures…

FRANKLIN E. NAGLE,NAPLES FLORIDA   March 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

it takes a lot of guts to correct john mccain by democrats who have nothing constructive on the fight against terror for six years .not once have you people been positive about the war on terror .all you talk about is getting out ,not winning .please america don't let these people near our whitehouse or congress . if i would have had your mindset on iwo jima during wwii we would have still been there .

David, Silver Spring, MD   March 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

What McCain says about Iran is irrelevant. What does his pastor say?

S. Shay   March 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter but the guy said he was sorry. Does an apology, a denouncement or a recantation mean anything these days?

He still doesn't stand a chance against Obama but at least he admitted a mistake unlike at least one candidate still in the running, although barely, by the name of Hillary Clinton.

Bridgette   March 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I can't wait for the Democrats to have a true majority, so they can tell Joe (Republican) Lieberman to go fly a kite!!!

Chris, Silicon Valley, CA, USA   March 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Ah, the DNC…
Anything to take voters minds off…..

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FLORIDA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

christopher   March 18th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

It sucks to be OLD. It's 3AM and Obama will be answering the phone.

Wayne   March 18th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Oh My God. McCain is just an older version of Bush. If you want to destroy this country forever…vote McCain..if you want to continue partisan politics, lobbyist influence and gridlock in government..vote Hillary..if you want to SAVE THIS COUNTRY..VOTE OBAMA 08

Anonymous   March 18th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

democrats are slugs

Wallace Greenfield, III   March 18th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Yikes!

This is not good. This reminds me of Bush.
The question is, will McCain supporters recognize this, and at the very least hold him accountable…?

…now think if he had been giving a speech while on a diplomatic mission? He would have offended the entire room.

Again, yikes!

Dave C - N.J.   March 18th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Save the Drama for Obama!

Sure the DNC can pounce on every word, but that makes the DNC look desperate.

Did McCain screw up his wording? Yup.
Should he be polished enough at this point to NOT make a mistake like that? Yup.

Should he be bashed for it? I don't think bashing him on this is a viable way to win the election, in fact it's poor leadership…heck, it's poor sportsmanship too.

I mean the guy says things that aren't good, such as Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran. Will that stop people from voting for him, to nit pick his every word? NOPE.

DNC, find substance in your attacks!

Obama 08

Black Republican in New York   March 18th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

John McCain: "I'm sorry, the Iranians are training extremists, not al Qaeda. I am sorry, I am sorry," the Arizona senator said."

I don't see what's the big deal about such a gaffe. It's not like as though Iran and Al Qaeda share deeply contrasting views and objectives. They both hate America and Israel and want to see the two nations fall or be annhilated.

The DNC trying to seize on this gaffe just goes to show that the Democrats are more interested in scoring points than about a genuine national security plan for America. Given both Dems and Repubs have a responsibility to combat terrorism, I'd expect the Dems to treat this gaffe for what it is: a gaffe.

John McCain is a war hero!

The DNC? A tarred zero!

Daniel   March 18th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

McCain = Bush

Hillary or Obama has to win.

Obama supports need to stop bashing Hillary. Hillary and Obama really need to run together. I think Obama should be President and Hillary VP. Figure it out people.

spd   March 18th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

One of the reasons Hillary should be and will be the next President of the United States. She has world experience. She's been to 80 countries – some may say that doesn't matter. These people know here and she knows them – it matters. WE don't need another republican and we don't need a racists in the White House — so that leaves one choice – the right choice who has good judgement — Hillary Clinton.

Political Jonze   March 18th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

It's a slip of the tongue if it happens once, though doing so in Jordan it's almost inexcusable, however given that he has made that same mistake before does have to give you pause. He is supposed to be the security/foreign experience candidate after all and simply doesn't understand that there is a difference between Shiite and Sunni in Iraq.

J Johns   March 18th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

When it comes to Iraq John McCain never let the facts get in the way of "increasing the propaganda" (something Geo Bush talked about in 2004).

lorenzo   March 18th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

my comment is about the pastor wright situation! This is nothing new to black america my but it is not a place in the church when need to address this issue america is all races not just black and white we need a person in the white house that can unite this country not someone who is out for self gain I go to a diverse church we all see each other as one . Until we can see each other for our soul this country will always be divided. Lets start looking at ourselves.

Ryan   March 18th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Americans often have misconceptions about the Middle East, the War on Terror, and the War on Iraq. I do not expect the average person to be an expert on these things, but someone who wants to be Commander in Chief should. This sends a horrible message that someone like McCain would make false statements about Iran and Al-Qaeda and reminds me of Bush and the lies that brought us into Iraq in the first place.

Chris   March 18th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

This is a rather serious misstep. Like in the case of President Bush, a President McCain would first convince himself that a country unfriendly towards America is plotting to do us arm then proceed to strike against them.

Mikey Boy   March 18th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

John McCain is a fine individual and has served this country well.

His ultimate downfall is Iraq, and the American people will overwhelmingly oppose him in the November election, just as they opposed many Republicans in Congress in 2006.

Sad, because many people would have voted for him in 2000.

Amy Jacobson   March 18th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

The Middle East is sensitive to such remarks. A word used commonly in the western world was manipulated to strengthen the argument of a Christians vs. Muslims war. You guessed it; the word was "Crusade".

Using the terms Al Qaeda and insurgents/extremists interchangeably should not happen by a presidential nominee. I think that counts against Senator McCain. That said, it will not change my view of him. I trust that he understands the issues well.

writing on the wall   March 18th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Wait? Isn't this familiar? YES! Bush linked Saddam and al-qaeda as an excuse to invade Iraq. FACT: There was NO al-qaeda in Iraq until the US invaded and removed Saddam from power.

McCain=second coming of GWB

Gino   March 18th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

John! Get on the wire. The truth is you don't know what you are talking about. Period.

Steve from Danville   March 18th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

We know that John McCain needs a book on Economics, because he said so. We know that McCain thinks it's feasible to keep troops in Iraq for 100 years, because he said so. We know that McCain thinks it's funny to joke around about "Bomb Bomb Iran" because we saw the video. Now we know that McCain can't keep track of the Sunni and the Shiite. God save us all from another Republican in the White House.

Trill   March 18th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Haha,

This guy would be a decent candidate if it werent for his stance on the war. McCain, if you flip flop on the war like you did on the Bush tax cuts, you may actually have a chance of winning in November.

Kim   March 18th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Come on McCain get it together, I have to vote for you if Hillary wins the dems nomination. You're getting old, i hope people don't think you have dementia of some type.

Leslie, Summerville, SC   March 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

John McCain a nice guy. He did a lot of good for our country and gave way above and beyond in his service. He's just out of touch and should go peacefully off into the sunset where he belongs. God Bless him.

Leslie Somerville, Seattle, Washington   March 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

He is a great man, but too old to be President. Too many senior moments are going to be happening to this man.
I don't want him answering the phone at 3am, he might drop dead. I don't want Obama answering either, he wouldn't know what to do. I don't want Hillary either because she would have to have a conference with her husband about the call.
I wish Bill was back in the White House. With all the lies going around congress right now, who really cares if Bill got some nookie on the side—-he ran this country like a fine oiled machine.

Mike, Houston, TX   March 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

The Iranians operate under the principal "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". The democrats are prepared to surrender to whomever that may be.

CHERYL   March 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

KINDA GIVES YOU THE IMPRESSION THAT HE MIGHT BE TOO OLD!

MAYBE HE WILL PICK LIEBERMAN FOR HIS RUNNING MATE SO HE CAN KEEP WHISPERING IN HIS EAR!

SENATOR CLINTON IS THE ONLY ONE CAPABLE OF LEADING THIS COUNTRY FORWARD!!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!

Warren S   March 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

McCain is likable enough, but he's too ham-fisted to be the security expert he wants us to believe he can be. Like Bush, McCain's toolbox for international relations only seems to include a hammer. And just like Bush, McCain seems to see situations in absolutes and to miss the subtleties that offer opportunities for diplomatic progress. If McCain is elected you can expect more of the same good intentions and more of the same AWFUL results in international relations.

kerry d   March 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

this is the tickers top story. guess they got to get some distance from the obama mess up.

Clint   March 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

John McCain is senile and should not be running for anything except retirement.

Ardnuas   March 18th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Voters….Who represents AMERICA best?
We Americans are awesome when we are UNITED!!!!!
Obama/Edwards08 Si Se Puede

jay roper row   March 18th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

same ol fear and conquer stance, that has got the world desipsing the United states, HERE WE GO AGAIN. the same ol song,how long can we continue to spew this kind of bully mentality? you can kick a dog and eventually that dog will turn on you. don't think that china and russia ain't observing oh i forgot we have brought their silence. also you republicans are wearing the ronald reagan drum beat out enough already. sounding like a broken record

Lilly   March 18th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

John McCain has my vote if Hillary becomes the Democratic nom.

Jon H., Denver, CO   March 18th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

as if democrats NEVER make mistakes..

Conservative   March 18th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Oh Boy

Jamie   March 18th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Stupid is as stupid does. Can you spell geriatric!!!

Go Obama !!!!!!!!!!

Bill Jergens   March 18th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

HAHAHA.

Dan   March 18th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

McCain is an imbecile. Sounds like the groundwork of more lies to prepare for justifying another bogus war. Grrrrreat. Either McCain knows nothing of what's going on over there or he's beginning to weave the web of lies.

SHE LEADS   March 18th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

The guy mispoke, come on people!

CLINTON/EDWARDS 08

Jorge   March 18th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

That is why he song Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran. He is obsesed with a war, who can trust him? Gun makers.

Wayne, Greenville TX   March 18th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Looks like the wheels are beginning to fall off the "Straight Talk Express"….. :-)

Al Qeada   March 18th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

We agree with the DNC. Retreat is a much better option..

Rohit   March 18th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Grandpa McSame should realize he is too old to remember everything.

Give sound judgement a chance to rebuild the country.
Obama '08

Greg   March 18th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Too bad the Democratic Presidential candidates are destroying each other right now and unable to take advantage of this softball.

Leaves it to this nobody to try to score a few cheap points off a candidate who clearly misspoke.

It is going to take a heck of a lot more than this to chip away at McCain's national security street cred.

Weak.

Anonymous   March 18th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

i wouldnt really say this is a "political attack" as mccain's campaign is saying. it's genuinely that senator mccain has made this al-qaeda/iran connection multiple times, it wasn't just a slip of the tongue.

JUANITO   March 18th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

ANOTHER REASON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE FOR RON PAUL

Joe Ossai, Bedford, NH   March 18th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Granpa McCain, the man is too old to be President.

Sarah L, Fayetteville, AR   March 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I have a lot of respect for Senator McCain and he made a mistake. That said, I think his mistake is rooted in an American insensitivity to the cultural and religious differences between people in the Mid-East. It seems to be part of the general Republican mentality that, if you live in the Middle East, you are Al Qaeda.

S.N.   March 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

McCain is undoubtedly ready to lead – ready to lead the US into the same blunders of the Bush administration.

CW in DC   March 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

I am officially renaming John McCain to Homer Simpson and we shall call this a "DOH!!!" (with emphasis on the slap to the forhead) moment!

Dan - FL   March 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

WOW – and he's supposed to be the best candidate on foreign policy????

JUANITO   March 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

ANOTHER REASON TO VOTE RON PAUL

bukou   March 18th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

So the senator does not know the difference between the Shiites and the Sunnis. But then, very very few Americans know any better. In fact very few people can identify Iran or Iraq on a world map. In a democracy the people (electorate) deserve the leadership they get. AN ignorant electorate will most certainly choose an incompetent leadership. So gook luck America once again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Justin from West Haven, CT   March 18th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Lieberman is a sell out, enough said.

Mark   March 18th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Sounds like McBush needs a lesson on the Middle East.

G Dubuisson   March 18th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

"Dems seize on McCain's Iran gaffe"… There we go again… an attempt by CNN and other news media to make of such a major blunder by a US presidential candidate another partisan issue. If I were a Republican, I'd think twice before throwing my support behind a candidate that is so obviously ignorant of the most obvious fact about "Al-Qaeda in Iraq": they are not friends of Iran…and they are not being trained by Iran. This is not a gaffe on McCain's part, it is mere ignorance. America cannot afford to have another GWB in the White House. The whole world is watching!

I'm Good At This   March 18th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Seriously?

John McCain is an idiot.

But not to be outdone, Joe Lieberman made sure to remain standing behind his faithfully moronic companion. Because he's a champion for the people! Just, you know, not the informed people.

Snapper, Seattle   March 18th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Not surprising that the demos will jump on any miscue by McCain. They should be more concerned about their own infrastructure since democratic supporters don't seem to know what they want (Obama/Clinton split down the middle). The Clinton demos are in a frenzy right now with attacks on Obama's relationship with his pastor, and Obama demos are slamming just about anything Hillary does.

Shannon, Charlottesville, Virginia   March 18th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

McBush has said he doesn't understand the economy. Now he doesn't seem to understand foreign affairs, either. This indicates the same type of incompetence we've lived under for the past 7 years. Ignore at your own peril.

PA Voter   March 18th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Please…. Dems are grabbing at anything they can. McCain is the only person in this election that understands anything about what it's like to be in the military and the challenges we face in the coming years. The DNC is probably thankful that the jabs back and fourth between Hillary and Obama are detracting the voters from the real issues facing our national security.

SUE, Michigan   March 18th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Well, I guess he's building a case , however poor, for bombing Iran. Big surprise! Next we'll have Intel hearings supporting his statements, and Condi Rice jumping on the bandwagon. Does it never end?
ANY Democrat will be a better choice! PLEASE!

Linda, Salt Lake City, Utah   March 18th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Of course, we all know that this is Mr. McCain's prelude to war with Iran. He has taken a page from the master himself, George Bush, and decided that we really wants to "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran…." as he sang in his little ditty. He is all prepared, if he win's the General Election, to start a third war. Mark my words.

chris pennington   March 18th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

OMG. Havent we already been through this?? Shocking. He doesnt seem to give a hoot, that uttering such lies can literally change the world. ( George Bush, Colin Powell, State of the Union) McCain is acting like a giddy school girl. His credability is slipping through his hands like sand. Once a respected independent minded Republican, now he has tasted power and fame, and is turning into George Bush before our very eyes. A few more lies like this and he will hand the election to the Democrats.

someone smiling in Texas   March 18th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

McCain has a clean shot at the Presidency and he keeps screwing it up himself……..I can't believe that while Hillary and Obama battle it out for the dem candidacy for President, McCain can't get it together and from what I've seen in the last couple of weeks McCain looks like he has less experience that Obama………There's only one choice here and it's Hillary Clinton.

John   March 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Barak Obama is brave, courageous and right.

McCain is just a Bush/Cheney extension. He wants to extend five years of useless, terribly costly in lives and money, unnecessary war that Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld lied to get started.

FV, Tampa, FL   March 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

GEE, being that CNN is closing off all the other comment logs on the ticker I guess I'll have to post in this one…..
As dumb as mccain is he's still on an even par with obama's inexperience…..
I've been a life long liberal but if obama is the nominee I will most certainly entertain the possibility of voting for mccain. Even though he's an aging milquetoast, at least he HAS expericence.
obama is the worst mistaken since….. Mondale? Dukkais? TKerry?
Take your pick!

In the name of reason why on EARTH would someone vote for obama over Hillary? In a word: Ignorance.

maya   March 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Let's move forward with the only viable Dem nominee- Hillary Clinton.

Obama may give a good speech, but he is seriously lacking in judgment and his actions and support for a racist preacher over 20 years are louder than his words.

And Jack Cafferty- yuck. What an idiotic question- Will Hillary do anything to win (or whatever stupid question you posted). What the heck does that have to do with anything relevant today. No questions about Obama's big speech? No questions about his electability after all of things that have surfaced. You showed your sexist bias and it is just UGLY. I change the channel whenever your face comes on screen…

D Hayes   March 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

I am beginning to wonder if any canidate is eligible for this job. The media tears at there every word spoken. Give it a break. Even the news media mispeaks. As for Hillary and her jargon on the only time
we have had a excess in our reserves was when her husband was
in office. Well, has anyone given thought to we had a Republican House and Senate. The first 4 years with George Bush we also had a
Republican House and Senate. We liked President Bush enough then
to revote him in. Now things are going to heck in a hand basket and guess what? We have a Democratic House and Senate. Who is baiting who here. President Bush doesn't have a chance becasue the
Democrats will stop him at every turn. Stop and listen to Pelosi sometime. She makes it all about her and her Americans. Give it
some real thought before you vote in this election. Look at what the
Democrats have caused in the last 4 years.

susants   March 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Frightening to think he is in a dead heat with either Democrat. At least they know the difference between Sunni and Shiite vis a vis Al-Qaida as well as the differences amongst Iraq, Iran and Afganistan.
And this is the man who admits he knows nothing about the economy!
Another Bush.
Where does America find these dummies?

Mark in Missouri   March 18th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Hilarious. What an idiot.

Kim, Dallas, TX   March 18th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

God help us if this guy gets elected. He has followed too closely in Bush's footsteps and is eagarly awaiting a chance to "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran; as demonstrated on stage not so long ago. I am tired of the warmongering, the fear, the idiocracy that has been leading our country. His judgement has been terribly misguided and I would take either Democrat over his leadership.

bill mullis   March 18th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

mcain is four more years of bush DOES ANY RIGHT THINKING PERSON believe this country and the world can take four more years of bushes deceit lies mcain is old and like stale bologna he has about as much pessaz as my 97 year old grandma

Robert   March 18th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

I woundn't say that this is a serious misstatement. I think if we knew the whole story of Iran's involvement, they probably have been helping Al-qaeda in Iraq. But it is funny that the DNC pounced on this as just last week Hillary tried to take credit for the peace agreement in Ireland and Lord Trimble who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his effort in the Ireland peace agreement said that Clinton's statement was "silly" and that she didn't attend one negotiation meeting while she accompanied then President Clinton on their trip to Ireland.
Talk about misstatements! Not an honest slip like McCain but an intentional misleading of her experience. DNC watch who you are pointing fingers at!

Kelly From Canada   March 18th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Give it up McCain – didn't trust you when I lived in Arizona – don't trust you now! And I don't have to – I live in Canada – Thank God

Kelly

The Austrian   March 18th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Not a single front-runner has any idea how foolishly they are managing or will manage our foreign policy. McCain will be Bush 2.0, and Obama/Hillary will just be Bush-light.

If only there was a candidate that truly understands foreign affairs… oh yeah, there's Ron Paul, but people think he's silly. The same people who will be putting one of the aforementioned nation-building statists into power.

Chris-Seattle   March 18th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

And to think people are actually going to vote for this guy! America don't be as dumb as he is, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!

bond   March 18th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Just an OLD war mongering fool who's losing his faculties.

Jake, California   March 18th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

He reminds me of Hillary Clinton. Birds of the same feather ehn?

K. Smith Minneapolis,MN   March 18th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Sounds like McCain's old age might be affecting his memory. It doesn't matter anyway, all the republicans want to do is bomb their way into solving(?) problems. Sad but true.

Tully Mars   March 18th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Great all we need is another POTUS that doesn't know the difference between even the most basic of elements in the Middle East

Wayne from Lawrenceville, ga   March 18th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Sounds like Bush all over again!

Dan   March 18th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

The Democrats are so utterly pathetic. They're so desperate to divert attention from Barack Obama's ties to this "black power" church in Chicago that they're reduced to micro-analyzing every syllable from John McCain's mouth, looking for any mis-step so that they can pounce and say "Ah-HA!!!" "GOTCHA!!!" Somehow, I imagine that John McCain knows more about the Middle East than Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama put together.

R Rogers in SC   March 18th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

While it is clearly a gaffe, we all make mistakes. I think that the reaction says as much if not more about the triviality of the Democrats than it does about McCain.

Don in IN   March 18th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Can we at least have a president who will not be continuosly laughed at by the world?

Jim , Burton, MI   March 18th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

GEORGE BUSH, JOHN MCCAIN——– MCSAME

hilbonious   March 18th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Wait till Obama goes over next month and gives a speech to our men in uniform to show support for our troops , he will probably make a mistake too…. Oh WAIT , thats right he doesn't support our troops and won't show his face in Iraq , but he can preach (sorry about the pun) that he knows the best course in Iraq. Obama , lets see you go live in the real world and spend a week with our troops. Never happen.

Eugene   March 18th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

It does not matter… the democrats are already proving how stupid they are. The Hillary people sound like rush in hopes of ripping Obama apart. The blacks and youth will not come out if the election is turned at this point. Obama has come too far at this point. The Hillary people will stay home if Obama wins. We have already lost.
The democrats are morons. They make GW and McSame look smart.

Tired of the DNC   March 18th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I am sick and tired of the DNC and thier very dirty ways. If they want the democratic nominee to have a chance, they need to SHUT UP!!!

phil   March 18th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

the dnc cant even get thier own elections correct . and you really want leaders that cant see whats going to happen on the simple stuff in charge .

M. Brooks   March 18th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

At least we don't have to wonder where our beloved armed forces will be in the years to come. If you're happy with the last eighty six months, this is your candidate.

Darth Vadik, CA   March 18th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

The lobbyist who represented Ahmet Chalabi, please google this guy, is RUNNING John McCain's campaign.

Three Airbus lobbyists are a part of the McCain campaign, and one of them is his finance chair.

Oh yeah, an American company called Boeing, we know this company don't we, just lost out a huge contract to Airbus, a European company, and John McCain is bragging about this.

…and John McInsane says he wouldn't be affected by lobbyists.

How many of you who will be laid off because of this injustice alone will be laid off, and how many of you are actually going to vote for McCain?

WHERE ARE YOU CNN, WHERE IS THIS STORY?
WHERE IS THE REAL JOURNALISM? WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?
GET TO WORK CNN?
EXPOSE THIS CREEP FOR WHAT HE IS.

Tonya   March 18th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

This is one of the reasons America will never move forward. Republicans versus Democrats. Everybody is looking for someone to say the wrong thing so that their team can try to capitalize on it. Why can't we just stick to the issues????

My decision not to vote for John McCain will have nothing to do with this. I don't trust him. He seems hell bent on continuing this ridiculous war and sending others people's children to die!!!

stuart   March 18th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

McCain is better than Obama…that's all that needs to be said….

aphrodite   March 18th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Is anybody else not surprised by this? He has said a lot worse things about "gooks" and "communism". His ties with Bush are just helping propel the worse.

Proud white woman of 63 for obamaman   March 18th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

I don't trust him. He is spending our taxpayer money for this
"fundraiser" trip. And he can yell and scream about "earmarks"
and "pork barrel" spending pointing his fingers at the Democrats that are busting their a–es campaigning and meeting the people
that are hurting in our Country.

Are you having fun yet, MR. McCain? Please, Please do not be our
President. You do not deserve the position.

OBAMA 2008

Jay   March 18th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Whats Sad is ALL the Press time Obama is getting out of his "speech" today and CNN re-running it. A speech based off lies.

CNN = ALL OBAMA, ALL THE TIME!!!

His Speech, JUST WORDS!! Cant trust him AT ALL!!!

Darth Vadik, CA   March 18th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

These crazy Republicans,

from the McCarthy hearings of the 50's,
to the anti desegregation Republicans of the 60's,
to the Hubris of Nixon of the 70's,
to the Iran-Contra, union buster Reaganites of the 80's,
to the corrupt lying cheating Geingrich Neocons of the 90's,
to the complete distaterous Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld Neocon of the 2000's,

have completely ruined this country, nothing except one scandal after another.

Republicans have always been evil and will always be evil, that is why they hide behind the bible.

keith   March 18th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

The Democratic leadership is hopeless and absurd to "pounce" on this misstatement. To point to his confusion and try to link it to a larger misunderstanding of world affairs is laughable, at best. Sen. McCain has more experience and understanding in this area than any other politician, simply put, and obviously the DNC will try to compare him against either Obama (who has zilch experience) and Hillary in another bizarre move. How sad

Matthew   March 18th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

A minor mistake- he misspoke, no big deal.

Dave   March 18th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

So he mispoke…did he correct himself? Then it's a nonissue.

Not like George W. Bush who has yet to admit making a mistake in his entire administration.

TheLeftNut   March 18th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

It's all part of the neoconspiricy to take over the world.

MOO HA HA HA!!!!

Val   March 18th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

DNC is being absolutely ridiculous. They are wasting their time. Poor DNC

Mike Simons   March 18th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

I think with John McCain we will get a McBush in the white house someone that has shown that he dose not understand the Iraq either. I think McCain wants to become president because he wants to hurt people like he was hurt for years in Vietnam. I was in Vietnam with the hundred and first airborne and I think McCain still holds a grudge against people that look like Asian. He also wants more war so he can show people how great of a warier he is. I think both McCain and Clinton are running this race for ego Clinton wants to be the first women president and first husband and wife president.

Jesse M.   March 18th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Karen. someone stepped on an ant but it was an accident, but make sure you blame McCalin

International Observer   March 18th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Better than Obama who can't even remember if he was at the hate speeches of Uncle Wright or not.

Crazy   March 18th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter, but this is crazy. He MISSPOKE, leave Senator McCain alone.

Obama 08

Spirit of America   March 18th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

In the warmongering mind of McCain, facts and the truth do not matter. Truth was the first casualty when the war against Iraq began five years ago. Since then the American economy, some 4000 American lives and about 1 million Iraqi lives have joined the casualty list. McCain is hell bent on raising those numbers astronomically through a war against Iran. Is it madness or just old age?

Cody S. - Montgomery, AL   March 18th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

You know why he doesn't mind staying there another 100 years? Because he doesn't know crap about the region…

This isn't Vietnam…

Eli   March 18th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Its crazy that the DNC is going to jump on this which I think is a honest mistake of words that was corrected soon after saying it. The DNC had nothing to say about Barack Obama taking up for his longtime spiritual advisor and pastors HATE / ANTI AMERICA / RACIST comments along with his wife Michelle Obamas comment on finally being proud to be an American. I WOULD BE ASHAME.

TheLeftNut   March 18th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

McBush through and through.

-K-   March 18th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

This guy is just plain stupid. It is amazing how or why people follow him to nothing. He is a Bush follower and Bush Shadow and plans to keep the same Bush mentality in the White House. GET OUT

TheLeftNut   March 18th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Somebody check this guy's mylen.

Jane   March 18th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

As Obama says "this is the silly season". It was a harmless mistake.

jay   March 18th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

McCain clearly has demonstrated that he doesn't even begin to comprehend the situation surrounding the invasion and occupation of Iraq. It is pathetic how ill-informed he is as Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

stay-at-home mom   March 18th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

I am glad we (democrats) are watching MC Cain….. He is not to be trusted. And when Sillary and Obama realize it then maybe they can come together and end this internal war that Sillary has started against one of her own……..

Sillary supporters. All the trash that she has spoken against her fellow Democrat is now coming back to bite Us (democrats) in the butt!!!!!!

Someone please give Sillary some instruction in Wisdom………

concerned mother of 3

Democrat president 08′ "Let's go Demos' Let's go!!!!"

TheLeftNut   March 18th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

God help us if the man is elected…

McCain: "I thought it was the BLUE button not the RED!"

Slept in Church for 20 years   March 18th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Silly white man. Shut up and pay for social programs. Don't you know it's all about RACE?

Brad   March 18th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

McCain is completely ignorant? That isn't news to anybody.

We're All Human   March 18th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter, but this is crazy. He MISSPOKE, leave him alone. Senator McCain did nothing wrong.

Obama 08

Pat M Canada   March 18th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Way to Go John !!! Keep making those mistakes…….
I feel safer already!!! And I thank the Lord for his Blessing.
The least chance you have of winning the election the safer
the world will be.

sasha kando   March 18th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

As Letterman said, McCain knew Iraq as Mesopotamia. What else do you expect from someone who does not know anything about the "economy", thinks another 100 years of war is acceptable since 100 years to him may be like a year or two. Totally befuddled and no sense of time due to his age. Republicans, see who will be rooting for when he getting all confused right now!! Wait for another year or two and he may not even recognize people here in the US, even as he is getting all confused about the rest of the world now.

Jed in Texas   March 18th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

The three little war pigs.Give them each a weapon and let them become real leaders.

Darth Vadik, CA   March 18th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Oh yeah,…

….we shouldn't forget what Obama's third cousin has said, or maybe Hillary's neighbor, that is whats important, not a guy who has NO CLUE about the happenings of middle east.

You know what, I'm sick of this, I'm not fighting the Hillary or her supporters any more, right now I just want to make sure that this crazy, and I do me clinically crazy man does not get into the white house.

I suggest the rest of the Hillary and Obama supporters do the same.

Dahman   March 18th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Brak isn't purely black , he represents both races as he remided Americans that his mother is white and father is black from kenya. I think he's the man to heal the racial divide in America. so fox give the guy chance

joseph   March 18th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

man, if obama said this they'd be jumping all over him with charges of "inexperience"…what a silly thing this whole press-mandated "campaign narrative" is. its like throwing a bunch of stuff at a dartboard and seeing what sticks. whatever that is, its the narrative until something else sticks.

by the way – the other foreign policy "gaffe" of obama's campaign turned out to not be a gaffe at all. When he said that if presented with credible evidence that high level al qaida targets were in pakistani mountains and the pakistanis were unwilling or unable to take them out then he, as president would. the republicans and hillary jumped all over him saying that was naive and ridiculous to say and/or do. turns out, just a few months later pakistan is in shambles (as Obama foresaw occurring) and the US executed a successful missile strike inside pakistan that took out several high level al qaida operatives.

I'm with the O.
Obama '08

Bill   March 18th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Not nearly as bad as Obama's insistence that Al-Qaeda wasn't in Iraq.Bet this will get much more play.

KCBob   March 18th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Bush Jr came into office with a desire for war with Iraq…You remember? To avenge the attempt on his dads life by Saddam?

Now we have another dim wit Republican who wants to enter office with one thing on his mind..War with Iran.

Bomb bomb bomb,Bomb bomb Iran? No thanks Mr McCain.

Beth Johnson   March 18th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

The Dems are just covering up for their own problems. McCain is who he said he was and believes in what he said he believes in, so no surprise to Americans.

SC gal   March 18th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Boy! That is yet another reason NOT to vote for McCain…. as if
the list isn't long enough already!

skeeve   March 18th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Since the only thing most Americans recognize is al Qaeda you have to link current USA enemy with them no matter what. I wonder do Casto and Chavez also "trained" al Qaeda, and may be also Russia and China. and yes France – they provided logistical support by supplying al Qaeda with illegal "freedom fries"

Sean, Santa Barbara   March 18th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

If Liebermans pulling the strings then the US will go to war for Israel again.

Hattie / Chicago   March 18th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Give him a break.. He's a Senior Citizen.

Dave in Houston   March 18th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

He's ooooollllddd! He gets confused.

I'm sorry, sir, but your chance was 2000. You are just too old to cut the mustard now.

Mark   March 18th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

All McCain wants is another war. Everything that has to do with this man revolves around fear and terror. The American people have had enough of this!

Jason   March 18th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

What is wrong with Joe Lieberman? How can he even fathom himself as a democrat? He has been a chief architect of the war and should be ashamed.

La Petite Sorciere   March 18th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

DNC when are you going to step up to the plate and tell Clinton to leave the race, she has created enough division that even when Mc Cain makes mistakes, people will prefer him to Clinton

McCain and Clinton one and the same….

Darth Vadik, CA   March 18th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

This man is senile, as senile as Reagan was during his last term where he was no more than a puppet for George H. W. Bush.

McCain might have medical problems that he is covering up, he really seems confused lately. Did anybody look into this? Can we really trust somebody as confuzed, I guess you can say medically confuzed, as McCain?

I wish him health and long life bus something is just not right with this man.

Jeannie, Sacramento, CA   March 18th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

What a flipping moron! This is another ignorant, idiotic George Bush who has no clue about sectarian separatism in the middle east. Jesus…. aren't Republicans at all concerned about this nominee of theirs? It's been 8 years since McCain's last brilliant presidential run. Now, he's but a shell of the sharp, non-partisan candidate he used to be!

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