(CNN) - The McCain campaign suspended a staff member Thursday afternoon for distributing a YouTube video that questions Barack Obama's patriotism and includes footage from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's controversial sermons.
“We have been very clear on the type of campaign we intend to run and this staffer acted in violation of our policy. He has been reprimanded by campaign leadership and suspended from the campaign,” McCain campaign spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said.
The suspended staffer, Soren Dayton, works in the campaign's political department and distributed the YouTube video via the internet application Twitter earlier Thursday.
A campaign aide insists Soren Dayton was a low level staffer and who had “no role in the communications shop.”
McCain insists repeatedly that he will not engage in personal attacks on Democrats, and CNN was told last week that campaign aides are working on an op-ed to be published in the senator's name warning his surrogates and supporters not to do so.
– CNN's Dana Bash
From CNN Politics
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John McCain is actually acting more like a grown-up then Hillary Clinton.
When has Hillary Clinton said "if you are racist, I don't want your vote."?
Thank you Mr. McCain. These types of attacks are shameful and you are right to intervene.
McCain's people need to see if they can go and train Hillary's people on how to take the HIGH ROAD.
Obama/08
Somehow this will be a plot between Clinton and McCain to destroy the good name of Obama. Can't wait to see the reaction!
Clinton and Obama supporters: Can we now see who we are fighting against?
Hillary Clinton campaigns more like a republican than John McCain. Kudos for McCain.
He is starting to look like the maverick we used to love again. I bet he is glad that the Repub primaries are over.
I'm a registered Democrat, but if Clinton wins the nomination, I'll be voting for McCain.
So now all you Obama supporters can stop blaming Hillary for this mess!!!!!!!!
It doesn't matter who broke the news its true and the American people needed to know the truth before the rest of the states make a terrible mistake voting for Obama. People are already wanting their vote back. Too bad it didn't come out sooner.
Impressive ... and I am a Democrat, but an American first.
Oh wow, is McCain playing clean politics now.....very intresting
good for John McCain for doing the *honorable* thing
he knows how it feels to be swiftboated by repulsive people out there
who get their jollies from hurting other candidates
I am glad he did this
The Democrats could learn something from this man...
OMG did I say that out loud?!
Thank You Sen. McCain, maybe we can have an adult campaign.
McCain was smart in doing this because he also has some pastor issues that will come to light if the repubs continue to hammer Obama on this
That was a very smart move of you. Very smart anyway they have played it over, and over again. I will be given you my vote!!! NOT HILLARY, because she plays too dirty.
Dirty deeds left to Clinton.
Way to go Mc.
Take the high road.
..............BOOOOOOO...........
I am beginning to admire McCain's devotion to sticking to the issues. If Clinton gets the democratic nomination I may very well be persuaded to vote McCain in the general election. Hillary should take a page out of Obama/McCain book.
I agree with McCain...
Although I definitely believe he should insist on above board tactics. Let the general population generate this type of material–not a staffer.
But nonetheless–I hope the pressure is kept on Obama. His mentor and spiritual advisor is clearly prone to some clearly un-American outbursts–and his relationship with such a ethno-centric religious community is very disturbing.
We need to further evaluate this man's ethics.
God Bless- John McCain
Keep on the High Ground
The democrats are intrenched in a dirty battle down some slippery slope and You don't want any part of it.
While watching the clinton machine, one understands the the people that don't stup into mud slinging are the ones that will be the leaders best suited for the USA. I am hoping for a better President for AMERICA the next time around/ Tired of the same o same o!
Some people just crack me up.
Good job McCain, I thought there was a separation between Church and State in the good U. S. of A.
Once again John McCain demonstrates the kind of integrity and leadership that the American people have come to expect from him. By his own admission he is not a flawless candidate, but he consistently does the right thing when it would be easier not to. And it is that moral courage, I believe, that Americans are looking for in their next president.
I'm shocked, shocked that "gambling" is going on in the casino.
I don't buy it, they simply wanted to circulate the video again.
Obama 08