March 28, 2008
Posted: March 28th, 2008 05:35 PM ET
DNC Chairman Howard Dean.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean.

(CNN) – The Republican National Committee called on both Democratic presidential candidates Friday to denounce recent comments from Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean who called John McCain a 'blatant opportunist.'

Dean made the comment earlier in the day in a statement issued by the DNC on McCain's new television ad that features footage of the Arizona Republican as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

"While we honor McCain’s military service, the fact is Americans want a real leader who offers real solutions, not a blatant opportunist who doesn’t understand the economy and is promising to keep our troops in Iraq for 100 years," Dean said.

RNC Deputy Chairman Frank Donatelli called the comment a "character smear," and said they are the "latest in what has become a troubling pattern where the chairman of the national party has questioned Senator McCain’s character and integrity."

"Howard Dean owes John McCain an immediate apology and both Senators Clinton and Obama should unequivocally denounce this disgraceful attack," Donatelli added.

Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are battling for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Responding to Donatelli's comments, DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney said the RNC is "cherry picking the facts."

"Clearly the RNC recognizes that the biggest threat to John McCain, as we heard loud and clear from voters in our recent focus groups, is the damage he inflicted on his 'independent' image and reputation for 'straight talk' by shifting his positions to make them more acceptable to the right wing of the Republican Party," she said.

"The truth is that most Americans would likely agree that while we honor Senator McCain's service, America cannot afford another Bush Republican who doesn't understand the economy and who wants to keep our troops in Iraq for up to 100 years," she added.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Howard Dean


matt   March 28th, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Ok. If Obama 's backer wnat Clinton quit so 244 superdelegate of Clinton wuold call Obama quit then. So who will quit for the right? Stupid Obama and his backers.

Concerned Canadian   March 28th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Howard Dean...please denounce yourself !!

Nadine   March 28th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

HILLARY PLEASE STAY FIRM . AMERICA NEEDS YOU!

Sue, Michigan   March 28th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

The truth hurts. He has made so many mistakes in the last week that I'm expecting Mitt Romney to renew his campaign to try to salvage something for the Republicans.

Diana Hamilton   March 28th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Mr. Dean,
You do not owe McCain an apology. I and millions of others agree wholeheartedly with what you said.

Chris in Va.   March 28th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Whatever.

ignore him   March 28th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Does it matter what Dean says?

He gambled the outcome of this most important election on the votes of the "new" democrats. These are the people that never bothered to vote before. Too lazy, too selfish and too apathetic to vote for a leader.

Dean felt he could disenfranchise the democratic base, who always votes democratic, so he rigged the primary to benefit Obama.

He thought the Hillary democrats would just come back in the fall.

Clearly this man is out of touch.

Forgive him McCain- he knows not what he does

Illinois   March 28th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

I agree. Howard Dean should step down. Well, he should apologize and then step down. He is a disgrace to the DNC. In fact, ALL the top people in the DNC are a disgrace as none of them are able to do their jobs. How is it that Dean can call on Obama and Hillary to "tone down the rhetoric" if he's shooting his mouth off as well??? Double standard?? Get rid of this guy.

McCain isn't that bad of a candidate. He and Hillary are not that much different, politically, in some ways. I'd take him over Obama any day.

Richard, St. Paul, MN   March 28th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Why should anyone denounce it? John McCain IS a 'blatant opportunist.' He's also a liar about his war record, a self-admitted novice on economics and wants us to stay in Iraq for 100 years. There's NOTHING about this guy that says he can lead America.

beyonce pride   March 28th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Howard Dean is crazy, I remember when he yelled on the micrphone and they were talking about him having a melt down. I wish he would tell Obama to step down and wait 8 years.

Joseph Adewole   March 28th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

I can't see anything wrong with what Dean has said; he said the truth and nothing but the truth...l realised that not much educated people are in the Republican Party; no difference between Bush and McCain.

Peter T   March 28th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

And so the bickering starts. Dean's name calling won't help to solve the problems.

Anyone but a Republican   March 28th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Republicans have ruined the economy and America's standing in the world. China is rising as the world's superpower while we dump our kids inheritance into Iraq.

To quote Bill Clinton " you shouldn't enter politics if you don't want to get beat up"

And if you think McCain and his supporters aren't going to say FAR WORSE things about Obama or Clinton, you've got another thing comin'

kathleen   March 28th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Howard Dean don't owe anybody an apology. McCain can
apologize for keeping this war going for 100 years.

karela   March 28th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

The RNC has got to be kidding. They're yelling smear campaign? What a crock. And about John McCain--I am grateful for what John McCain did. On the other hand, he cheapens his sacrifice by using it for political gain. I don't think I've seen a McCain add yet that didn't feature a thirty some year old picture of him in bed. Your country thanks you John, but we need a man on his feet and with fully functioning intellectual capabilities. Our country is in trouble in the world and at home. John has lots of verbal goofs. Imagine if he had one with a foreign power that was edgy with us. John, we honor your sacrifice. Please just go home and rest on your laurels and let us be proud of you. If you fight to run our country, we're going to have to call you on issues and we can't afford to take it easy on you even if you hold up your bed picture. We have a country in crisis and we need a leader at the peak of their skills and performance. We love you John. Don't make us say the hard things.

oh well   March 28th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Dean is having his own problems having failed at forcing Obama down the throats of democrats.

Cut him a break.

He really does not have a feel for the pulse of the people.

Alison, FL   March 28th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Dream on RNC....it won't happen.

Sly   March 28th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Naw RNC... nobody from the DNC needs to honor this request, especially if it's the truth what Dean said.

I also questions McCains character and integrity. He doesnt seem much smarter than our current president.

OBAMA 08!

jps   March 28th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

"Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are battling for the Democratic presidential nomination."

chances are, everyone knows that, but just in case...

David Boston Ma   March 28th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

WOW! Thw RNC is now throwing blows at the DNC. Fair to say it will be all out CIVIL WAR in America if this keeps up.... David Boston Ma

Rohit   March 28th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

You stay put Dean. You are doing a great service to the democratic party and the country. You are a patriot and have as much of a right to say what you want as anyone else.

Allison Marie   March 28th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Howard Dean is a pathetic leader of the DNC........perhaps he should return to medicine, because he is terrible with the whole primary mess.

For anyone to urge a candidate to set down is wrong. To not want to count the votes of the American people, because politicians changed the rules is wrong, I don't agree with Dean, or Pelosi, and apparently a lot of other people don't either!

If the Dems followed the same rules as the GOP, we would have a nominee already, Clinton! Why would anyone want her to drop out to have a nominee who can't win in a general election, hope you boys don't expect any support from Florida or Michigan, because if they are not counted in a primary, we won't be voting in a general!

Countless in Florida

Ca Native   March 28th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Howard Dean = screaming opportunist that is primarily responsible to the deep muck the DNC is presently in with Florida and Michigan delegates.

I guess if I were Dean – I too would be trying to flame the Republican candidate. ANYTHING to get the attention off your incompetence, eh Howie? You're handling your job with the DNC almost as well as your former Presidential Campaign!

zina   March 28th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Democrats: It looks like the Republicans are trying to unite us.

Let's give them what they want...

deb   March 28th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Howard Dean is a joke – and I'm a Democrat. The man should focus on saving FL and MI in the fall. 50 state strategy (or is that 48 now?) LOL. He can't even keep the Democratic base together. He should settle for the tried and true Blue States + a couple of swing states for now. I highly doubt those red states are turning blue at this point.

ynw   March 28th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

The real opportunist in this primary is Bill Richardson. Period.

edd   March 28th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Dear,

RNC we are sorry that your candidate for President isn't awre that we live in 2008. Please inform him that America has moved on 40 years; and if he wishes to join us we welcome him. Also, please let him know that the War in Vietnam has ended. Our current war in located in the Middle East and most American are ready to move on. We hope he accepts our apology.

Flowers are under way.

Jan   March 28th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Wow... now the DNC and RNC are joining in on the "Denounce Dance." Denouncing people seems to be in vogue as of late.

Does anyone have a pool going as to how many people will have been denounced, and how many apologies will be demanded, by Nov.??

What was it that Bill Clinton said the other day.... if you don't want to get beat up, stay out of politics? I forget his exact words. I never pay much attention to what Bill Clinton has to say anyway, unless, of course, I want to know what the meaning of "is" is. I just thought it was funny that he would say something like that; All things considered.

Dan Illinois   March 28th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Who really cares what the RNC wants?

kathleen   March 28th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Well, it is true. John McTrick is a blatent opportunist.
The Republican Party has no right to call anybody for anything.
Go on another trip with Lieberman and Graham with our tax money
John. Around the world and before you left you were screaming and
putting Democrats down for "pork barrel spending!!! I trust that the
Democrats will deal with those issues but not in YOUR WAY.

bad idea   March 28th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Well.the other comment is closes so I have to write here.
Why is all the democratic leaders/elders whom is Obama supporters asked Hilliary to quit?This election has their on due process,Howard Dean and the rest of the superdelegates need to let our voices to be heard and let all the states votes before they shafted anything on our throats or they will loss many democratic supporters.Furthermore,are we the party of democracy or DICTATORSHIP?Seems like the party wants to tie a string on the candidates and Im havent even make my mind yet who to votes and look more like Im going to vote for Mccain.At least I know where he stand and RNC did not even asked their candidates to quit.This is what I called RESPECT of the RNC to their candidates.Let the process goes as it intend.As Huckabee used to say unless someone has that magic number to nomination,both candidates have equal rights to run.

mimi de la cruz   March 28th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

THE RNC SHOULD GOOGLE MCWAR, THEN THEY TOO WOULD

KNOW THAT DEAN IS 200% RIGHT, AND THEN SOME.

MCWAR JUST WENT ON A WORLD TOUR ON OUR DIME, TO

LOOK PRESIDENTIAL AND FORGOT WHY HE AND HILLARY

DECLARED THE 100 YEAR WAR. GIVE ME A BREAK, AND OUR

MONEY BACK.

Its True   March 28th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Yeah Sure...They will apologize to McCan't when you apologize to Senator Kerry for Swift Boating.

Venus   March 28th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

You know – with gas being so high – and in Seattle it is still winter – I am happy I got a computer! Wow! What a year for the election!!!
Now we got the RNC fighting with the DNC! Well........... Let's get it on!

vic nashville,Tn   March 28th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Aha ! Good news now new show starts

Doug from Cali   March 28th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Why is it the GOP gets up in arms when someone cites the obvious. Of course McCain is a blatant opportunist. Look at how he has shifted positions to be acceptable to the Religiously Intolerant Right. Pretty funny considering the lies the RNC was o.k. with in regards to John Kerry and his heroic war experience.

Mike   March 28th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Howard Dean had better concentrate on fixing his own parties problems. For him to address Republican issues at this moment while his own party is in turmoil is a joke. By the way Democrat's is Dean the squeaker the best you could come up with? He is the great white hype.

Saad   March 28th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

This guy is so funny.... he cracks me up.... he makes me cry... he makes me wonder went wrong at the time of his birth....and blah, blah and more blah ::))

Shannon, Charlottesville, Virginia   March 28th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Republicans, until you apologize for ruining the country, I think you all had best just shut up.

barackoprah@gmail.com   March 28th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

There aren't two political parties in the US because DNC is a part of GOP. The reason why DNC exists is to take oppnent role for GOP.
DNC has been doing really good so far. This is the game that is completely fixed. It is really doesn't matter Clinton or Obama.
GOP is the winnwer.

Grif   March 28th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

The People who should be worrying the most, are the same

One's who will, be looking for support of their own positions come.

next year. Obama is a Guaranteed Loser...

He was, Born to Fail....
He just can't see it Himself...

He's a 100 -1 outsider But a Favourite to them Stupid..

Just Wondering   March 28th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Well...maybe Hillary and Bill should be the ones to apologize. Hillary is McCain's friend...thinks so much of him...thinks he would be better than Obama.

At least Hillary won't get to beat him up too much since the writing is on the wall for her right after Pennsylvania.

Good Lord, will she stay in even after Obama gets the nomination...now that would be scarey.

JC   March 28th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

The DNC is misusing its power to determine the executive branch
They already nullified Florida and Michigan ruining this race.

Dean needs to keep his thoughts to himself. Hillary has the right to stay in the race as long as she pleases.

Allen in NC   March 28th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Call um like you see um I say......

Jody Reno, Nevada   March 28th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

We hear you screaming Howard, but if you people at the top put pressure on Hillary to quit, I guarantee you it will be more than the predicted 29% of her supporters that will rally for McCain.

Let this process play out without you mucky mucks putting your two cents in in an attempt to jip the American people of their right to choose!

The militant Obama-ites are already trying to shove him down our collective throats, and that ain't gonna happen.

So, shut up and quit trying to pressure Hillary into submission!

Clinton/McCain 2008!

chris   March 28th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Howard Dean along with Nancy Pelosi have led the Democratic party down hill. We had a chance to take it all, but greed and a failure to realize its the Democratic people they are working for.

They do not see us people.

I for one am leaving the democratic party. A party that I have been apart of for years, over 40, but right after I vote for McCain in November I am going to change my party affiliation and send my voided Democratic party registration card to Nancy Pelosi.

Nancy Pelosi because of your low ratings and the direction you have lead the House "You need to step DOWN, oh yea take Obama with you.

Anonymous   March 28th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Does Dean know what he is talking about?
I think not.

Tex   March 28th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Let's get it on with the Republicans! The party of dirty tricks and chads needs to get real!

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