Well he is old and it is an issue.

yes mccain you are losing your bearings for sure!!! when you voted against the bush tax cuts in 01′ and on your way to the nomination you change course and now support those same tax cuts yes you are losing your bearings and compromising your beliefs to soothe the republican base who despise you, also you will lose by a landslide in nov!!!

He is almost 80 years old. It ususally works the older you get the dummer you get. And with the missteps and mis-spoken words, it makes you think does he have it together. If it was not for his sidekick Joe Lieberman he would be in lots of trouble.

The response to a straightforward comment on morals does seem to head down a Freudian slippery slope.

John McCain is a Loser!

I have always respected McCain, but PLEASE. Let's not start with the ridiculous parsing. To follow this logic, Obama implies that all old people have a bad sense of direction. THat is the most you could get out of that–and it doesn't even make sense. I myself have less respect for McCain because he has lost his way as the straight talker. Any other interpretation is just playing on people's stupidity. Salter, get a life.

Why does McCain always want to be the victim? He fundraises off of Hamas saying that they like Obama to scare voters, then he cries foul when Obama calls him on it?

Stop trying to play games with us, McCain!

McSame is paranoid trying to figure out if any one noticed that he’s 72. Yeah we noticed, and yeah you’re losing some things including your bearings.

Oh Good Grief! "Losing one's bearings" can only become senile old coot if you are a paranoid lunatic. I mean reading between the lines is one thing - changing every word and then making up a whole new definition is another. If Senator McCain is so sensitive about his age then why are he and his surrogates constantly telling us how "spry" and "energetic" he is. Good Grief! Whole new level of silly!

Oh I'm sure we will hear worse from the Republicans. They will spin anything.

I don't think that has something to do with the age, but it's what at that age you say…

Obama can't match McCain for character and experience, so he has to attack him on the age difference.

McCain IS too old. Reagan was also too old and then we later learned that he had been suffering from the onset of alzheimer's the whole time (remember the Iran -Contra hearings and "I don't recall" over and over?) Looking at McCain now, he also seems doddering, unsure and weak. The last thing we need is another suggestible, gullible, vulnerable puppet as president!

McCain you are an old fart, get over yourself.

I remember McCain say he and Senator Clinton would have a civil campaign. I don't recall that being said about Obama.

Watching the Republican War Machine from now until November is going to be the best reality TV we've seen in a long time.

A year ago when Senator Clinton was considered the leader of the Dem party America believed there would be a change in power. Now a year later with Obama in the lead it looks like the Republicans will stay in power again.

That's funny, I never would have looked at McCain "losing his bearings" as a shot at him being old until they brought it up. So now we're going to attack people based on perceptions? It's obvious that McCain's age is an issue… That man is senile.

Democrats Unite '08!

McCain cannot have it both ways. I think questioning his abilities at his age is fair game. Barack appears to be an honorable person with no ill will…only a willingness to fight back when necessary. My daughter is 12 and a big Barack supporter as well. GO BARACK! We have a crush on Obama.

Birmingham, AL

Senator Obama really should watch his words… He is riding real high right now but the fact remains that a great deal of Senator Clintons supporters are going to vote for John McCain if she does not get the nomination…
Do you think Obama knows that he was just used by the media because he will be the clear loser against the Republicans?
His bigot pastor and wife issues will surface to bite him hard!!!

"Clearly losing one’s bearings has no relation to age,"

You know, I was just thinking the same thing, LOL!!!! B

Oh shut up Mark Salter. How is that statement referred to McCain's age. Nice try.

yes!! so what thats is true a 70+ old man can “losing his bearings due to age i support obama for that,and what else you people wanna complain about

i agree obama awas talks about change and taking the high road and what does he do he goes dies the same old thing that politicians have done through the ages. he makes snide remarks and tries to belittle a person. He might be the media's poster image but its a transparent one as he is easy to see through.

Losing bearing is falling into the failed policies of Bush than anything to with Age. McCain disagreed on Bush policies in the past and now falling into the same policies he opposed. That is what Barack referred to as "Losing Bearings" per my observation

Why is McCain making this an AGE issue?. Can McCain explain why AGE is not an issue at all?. Can McCain get a job any where else in the country at this age, realistically?. Doesn't he get Social Security income now

Wait… what?

That doesn't refer to age.. that refers to a hold on the situation.

I didn't before, but now I'm starting to think McCain is losing his marbles…

Is McCain's camp serious? According to Kernmanen English Dictionary-Losing Bearings- to become uncertain of one's position, Example: He's confused me so much that I've lost my bearings completely. This is absurd. Stop yelling at the cloud OLD MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Senator straight talking express McCain stated at the beginning of this campaign that he would run a clean campaign. I do hope he sticks to this pledge and don't play a hand the American people do not want to see. George Bush made him a lame duck for eight years. i am sure these eight years have been very tormenting for him. this time, he just might be able to walk the white house lawn with a special permit if he starts to behave. that is just my piece of advice…

Well McCain, age is an issue, and is fair game. Get used to it, because you're going to hear a lot more of it before November.

Bearings is not questioning McCain age. It is questioning whether McCain is in posession of all his faculties. Is McCain sensitive to this issue concerning his appearance of senility? What is his behaviors that could possibly bring this out?

not only is obama a racist , he hates old people too.

I lol'd

Now well dangit McCain..you are old…face it

On the one hand when he say Obama's remark was insulting because it referef to McCain's age.
Now when he say Obama is losing his bearings, does this mean he thinks Obama is too old?

You got to be kidding me how lame Mc Cain! Give me a break there was nothing said of your age that is a term used to describe people of all ages you should remember it well! It is used alot in the military "military bearing"? ring any bells used to describe kids 18 and 19 year old kids being a war hero you of all people should know that!

Go Obama 08 Yes We Can!!!!!!

Wow. They are suddenly going at it. This is like the Clinton-Obama feud, but without the guilt!

'Losing bearings' is open to interpretation. I think Obama was implying that McCain used to have policy positions that were more in line with his but now is changing tone and message as the Republican nominee. There is nothing about age there. Salter seems a bit jumpy. If this is a sign of things to come, Obama's team is going to absolutely slay McCain. Whew!

Age is not an issue here. Senator McCain has the experience but he must convince voters he has the stamina to correct some of our problems.

We don't need a man called Romney who wants to destroy social security. This is not what this country is about.

By "losing his bearings" Obama clearly meant that McCain promised to go in one direction, but veered off into another. I took it as a reference to the McCain "Straight Talk Express lost a wheel" Obama has made in the past. I did not see this as an attack on age. But, now that they mention it, McCain is OLDE!! (Old with an "e" on the end like in "ye olde").

I don't see where this was aimed at his age. I think it was more aimed at his (McCains) change in his self-proclamation of a "clean, respectable campaign."

Obama cannot be held liable for the comments of every person on the planet that says "I endorse him."

Good grief!

Wow McCain give me a break. You knew your age when you entered the race. Most folks your age would be trying to retire and soak up the rays. With the stressors of being the president the ticker may reach the tock.

HA!
Nice Spin McCain!

Whatever the fact is that McCcain is old as dirt and should not be allowed to drive or run for president! And for anyone who thinks that he is in touch with regular americans should go ask his multimillion dollar wife who most likely has never cleaned her house a day in her life. If we elect McCcain he will work for the kind of people he is married too Rich People who could care less about the problems of regular people.

SO WHAT… McCain is losing his bearings.. Not to obvious when you hear McCain speak..

get Over it…. McBush… there are a lot more important issues to discuss before the GE is over.. It's called substance.. which this claim lacks..

Yes..WE.. Can..

um…Obama nor his camp doesn't have to make age an issue…we all know McCain is old…that's not a secret and yes we should be VERY concerned about his age/health…that's a legitimate concern for anyone and should be for McCain as well…the Presidency is a stressful job..

Obama can't help it that McCain is in his 70s….not his fault!!!

well…McCain is old..why do you keep reminding me that he is old

*lol* ..age "gesture"? As the Republicans always are happy to point out…wait till the General Election.
The FACT is, McCain is an old guy. That isn't a bad thing, unless you are trying for the most stressful job in the United States.

McCain = Draft

McCain takes away womens rights

yes I know how to spell " says" It was a slip I often make because I am very old and truly am losing my bearings

Age is an issue. There is a real possibility that McCain could die in office and so who he picks as VP is even more critical than who Obama or Clinton would choose.

Don't worry McCain!

We blue collar Democrats, 60 million strong will be voting for you and not Obama in November.

McCainocrats '08!

Before all the bashers begin to chatter just remember that …. We are the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA –NOT– THE DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA.

I look forward to the GE if Sen. Obama is indeed the nominee because there will be stark differences especially when they are side by side during debates. Hopefully, they will stick to the issues and not trivial drama. Ultimately, this years election is about the Future vs. the Past and this year we have a chance to decide which direction we want to take this nation.

“We have all become familiar with Senator Obama's new brand of politics."

….

"It is called hypocrisy, and it is the oldest kind of politics there is.”

WAIT IS IT NEW OR OLD??

Lost his bearings indeed…

McCain is old as dirt.

he is old, but that has nothing to do w/ the fact that he has lost it

Obama never suggested that McCain was too old to be president! This is a McCain ploy to upset seniors to gain their votes!

Tell Grandpa McSame and his camp to chill. McSame's judgment to embrace - (Literally - and there are pictures to prove it) - George Bush until it became politically toxic are documented and oh-so transparent. Does he really think we are stuid enough to believe that he's a maverick? Just wait unti the media spotlight refocuses on this guy, renames him the ultimate flip-flopper and face-changer, and he'll end up looking like a bug on the windshield. Stomp!

Wait a second…

A back and forth between two candidates and it's not cetnered around Hillary Clinton?

This is good. She's starting to fall out of the limelight.

What a joke. Clearly challenging that statements made by another candidate is not "attacking". Obama defends himself and both the Hillary and McCain camps start claiming he's gone negative and reeks of hypocrisy. Give me a break. Is he just supposed to lie down and take it? A negative campaign is when you bring into question someone's patriotism or personal life (such as religious affiliations) in order to score points. Questioning their stance on the war, economic issues, etc. is just plain fair political discourse.

The irony here is that "losing his bearings" was meant to suggest that McCain had strayed from his initial claims that he'd be running a cleaner campaign. It had nothing to do with age, and has everything to do with his own hypocrisy. It's a lovely strawman that they've put up though.

Mcbush has zero chance of sealing this election, zero! The whole world will take a breath of fresh air once Obama is sworn in as Pres. of the U.S.A. and we will once again gain the respect we have lost in the last 8 years.

It's starting already– the twisting and distorting of words. The sad part is some people will believe it. However, this is just the start. If you thought the primary campaign was bitter you "ain't seen nothing yet." The Republicans are ruthless and relentless. Fasten your seat belts, young Obama supporters, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Remember, it's not personal– it's politics.

Obama doesn't have to hint at McCain's age. It's obvious when McCain nods off while speaking to his constituance.

OBAMA WAS BEING KIND YOU OLD COOT

He never said anything about age. Way to jump to conclusions.

Paranoia, Mr. McCain?

McBush, you started it by saying Hamas is for Obama. Is this all you've got? Go home McCain, it's about time this country is run on common sense, something which you lack.

McCain's age is an issue!!

Umm…. I'm pretty sure Sen. Obama said nothing about your age. He only referenced the discrepancies between the kind of campaign you began to run and the kind you're currently running.

Perhpas Sen. McCain is a little self-conscious about his age. I, for one, have no problem with Sen. McCain's age, only his policies.

John McCain somehow insinuating that Barack Obama is somehow linked to Hamas is the real hypocrisy here.

Remember when McCain advocated a civil campaign? I guess that idea is just lost to republicans…..

By insinuating that Obama is somehow affiliated with Hamas, McCain is being hypocritical when claiming to be offended when Obama shoots back.

And even though no one dares to say it - McCain IS too old to be president! He had his shot 8 years ago when he lost to Bush and now it's too late for him - sorry There's a reason why 72 year olds aren't appointed CEO's of large companies etc - They retire and move to Florida. Come on McCain, you've worked hard your whole life and deserve a break… And so do we - A break from Republican rule in 08!

Obama has been very clear and consistent through the entire primary campaign and is remaining consistent. He will not attack you (Senator McCain) but he will defend himself. Your reference to Hamas, whether purposful or not, was a smear meant to question Senator Obama's loyalty to the United States. He will respond and should respond and since you have vowed to keep your campaign clean the only other explanation is that you have lost your bearings. That being you are either unsure of what you are saying (as we have seen so many times already) or that you are losing sight of what is important. If he had said senile you would have an argument on the age issue but you do not.

McCain, I know..when age catches up on you, you tend to forget things. Who started Hamas accusation? Obama? So Obama accused himself somehow he was endorsed by Hamas…hmm doesn't make sense. You are old. Get over it.

I am not for McCain, but disappointed that Obama is making negative remarks again.

Oh get real. Sen. Obama meant about McBush's old age in that remark. The media is yet again trying to instigate something — I guess because of a slow news day.

However, if the senator from Arizona is offended by Sen. Obama's remarks, a chord may have been struck. At any rate…the old man needs to get over it.

When you're at retirement age and you want to run a superpower, AGE IS AN ISSUE!

LOL…It is an issue!!!!!

But I took it more he was taking about McCain's straight talk. He had just finished saying that McCain said he wasn't going to run that type of campaign, and then to turn around and smear Sen. Obama right out of his mouth with this foolish Hamas talk was not McCain being straight and keeping up with his Maverick image.

I would expect that Hamas bit from someone like Limbaugh, not McCain. He claims to be the man of honor, integrity, and respect. So he needs to start conducting himself as such. And run a clean campaign as he initially said he would. But then again, we know McCain is a flip flopper. So we can expect more. Especially when things ain't looking good, right Hill?!! lol

First of all, losing your bearing can mean so many different things. I watched the Obama interview and the message i got out of "losing his bearings" is losing the standard that McCain himself said at the beginning that he would not play dirty politics. That's what Obama was saying - it had nothing to do with McCain's age. BUT now that Mike Satler spewed this accusation out of his own mouth, maybe Mike Salter does know something why he's so on the defensive. Furthermore, lets not even get into all the negative cheap shots McCain has thrown towards Obama. Obama is more intellectually mature than McCain will ever be.

See if I've got this straight. If Obama says it, it's automatically o.k. That about it?

Can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen; Sound familiar???

The fact that he thinks Obama's statement refers to his age, is proof that he is old and losing something.

Oh for God's sake.

'Bearings' as pertaining to Navigation or 'finding one's way' has NOTHING to do with age.

Now if Obama pointed out that McCain is older than FM Radio he might have a point.

Let's see

McCain
- more war (100 years)
- favor the wealthy
- a useless $5000 deduction for health care
- more Gestapo judges

Obama
- sorta mighta insulted an old codger by using the term 'lost his bearings'

Hmmmmmmmmm……. now who should I vote for?????

Hey McCain………………………THIS is an insult to you age you senile old womanizing coot. Why would I vote for a man that anadoned his wife and three children after they faithfully waited for him to return from captivity.
You going to abandon us to Johnny Boy?

Um, age needs to be an issue here. Many people his age are in retirement homes or have families check in on them often. It's a fact of life, not politics. I've even seen his wife cover for him during a few speeches. Not in an obvious way but in a way that those of us that have had to go through it with parents or, in my case, grandparents, recognize.

I have no issues with McCain but I'll sure be paying very close attention to who his VP choice is as odds are they will be stepping into the Oval Office before the 4 years is up.

I had great respect for Senator McCain and Obama because they both were uplifting. Obama has been gracious towards McCain's war record and his work on global warming. I respected McCain.

But after reading that viscous memo they sent out, with the same old attacks that people have rejected and he promised not to produce, he has lost all respect I ever had for him.

Democrats, this is what we're up against. Someone who calls us naive because we don't support a war, and that we don't know what we're talking about just because we don't support tax cuts for the wealthy.

No matter who our nominee is, we need to unite behind them and get rid of this old politics and failed policies of the past.

Democrats '08

Losing your bearing refers to being "Stupid" more than it refers to being old. Being called "Stupid" is what they should be complaining about?

He can't be old, he still plays with Barbie

kepp telling the truth Obama. Some people do not like the truth. Vote not with your heart but for issues like the gas taxes,payroll tax,your bank account. This is way I'm voting Obama.

P.S. Clintion supports we are on the same team. You never know who is a Dem or Rep. Starting trouble within the party. Please think.

Why the constant over analysis of everyday phrases? "Losing bearing" means just that, it simply means losing direction. Is the McCain campaign trying to raise the issue of his age (which truly is "aged") and then blame it on Obama? Make things simple and campaign on issues.
Go Obama Go Live !

He must be losing his bearings to cry about this when he so blantantly negative in his own campaign. He is sensitive because he knows his age is a real issue. Where are his medical records? Hidden with Cindy's tax returns? Real transparentcy McSame.

BACRACK IS YOUNG AND GAY !

Uh, no John. YOU made age an issue, by being 72! Obama doesn't need to point out the obvious… he knows the rest of America can see you're old.

I guess McCain just said age is an issue. Well, if i was Obama, I'd let McCain make age an issue.

McCain is going to learn real quick the lesson Clinton learned, that when you attack Obama it just sort of comes around and bites you in that part of the body most of us sit on. lol

How low can Obama go? So much for 'change.'

Well…it's better than "marbles" John…face it. I think he is stretching just a bit, a little like the so called "flip off" of Obama scratching his nose.

Oh my God. I didn't think "losing his bearings" had anything to do with being old, but with becoming unwieldy as his campaign proceeds to be a national one. Salter's the one showing what McCain's campaign is going to be like, which is apparently hair-trigger sensationalism.

In reading Obama's comment, I'm having a hard time finding why McCain would find it as having anything to do with his age. Is McCain just grasping at political straws, or is he overly sensitive about his own age?

It is an issue, lot of people retired before getting this old. I wonder if McCain wears pampers yet or not yet?

Age is an issue Sir….. the White House has no senior citizen services

McCain IS old !

It's just the truth.

McCain's people have Obama pinned as he is. I hope they nail Obama for his shoddy politics. I'll never vote for him.

If Hillary isn't the nominee then I'm voting for McCain with the new motto of "Hillary in 2012!"

He's also lost his marbles! LOL

All I have to say is Keaton 5! That was a long time ago.

Buhhhh, there was a devastating article in the French press about the age of Mc Cain, stuck in cold war and Vietnam era.
It's pretty cool for me to talk about it, as my father was killed in Vietnam, and I recall the Berlin war fell in …….. 1989. Which means inthe last century.

As an officer daughter, I respect the man, but sorry, he looks like my grandpa, and between my world and his world…..sorry, but we are not talking of the same world.

You know Mr CNN we are are watching you all over the world and sincerely we are wondering if you are making your job. You should be talking about issues, issues, and only issues, or to make it shorter, economy, economy, economy. But no, you love ranting and squibbling hair.

So, the age of the captain, go to hell.
This is not what people want to hear about.

john mccain is older than plutonium

I really hope the clinton supporters stop being sore loser. YOu could still believe she is the strongest candidate but the very fact is that Obama won. So stop being cry babies and support the democratic nominee…jeez

more fodder

I am confused by Hillary supporters who indicate they will vote for McCain if Obama gets the Dem. nomination! Are you folks not Democrats!!?? Would you really prefer to cut off your nose just to spite your face?
McCain is not an independent! He is a Bush Republican! He has sold out any "maverick inclinations" in him to pander to the right-wing conservative base of the Republicans. His reversal on the tax cuts, his speech on appointing conservative judges, his denial of not having voted for Bush, etc. all speak to this pandering.
Obama is a black man running for president. He has received Secret Service protection earlier than any other candidate in history. His life, his wife's life and the lives of their two daughters are being threatened every day. Would not only a patriot go through this!?
Don’t Obama and Hillary agree on most major issues!?
Thus, the question becomes: Are you more racist than Democrat!?

and all these people saying I will vote for McCain out of spite for Obama or out of spite for the DNC are just Limbaugh Republicans trying to stir up controversy. What Democrat in their right mind would want McCain to be our next president, which would be, 4 more years of the disaster that Bush has put us through? Please, spare us your tactics, we are smarter than that. If you are willing to scarifice your future country our of resentment for a person or a party, then you have been a Republican all along!

Oh , but it's okay for McCain to say Hamas will be happy if Obama gets elected? Enough already. Lets stick with the issues, please.

lol…the McCain camp is feeling a little nervous about the age issue. I would have never thought "losing his bearing" had anything to do with age. But since you brought it up….

I thought "losing one's bearings" equates to not being sure of one's direction. Maybe I am just naive, but that makes perfect sense in the context. I don't think it had anything to do with senility but rather to do with moral conviction.

Do you ever notice that when people want to divert attention from an accurate criticism they try a little slight of hand to change the focus (e.g. Bill Clinton saying he wasn't a racist, when the real issue was whether he was using race as a wedge).

it is so stupid from Salter to accuse Obama of making age an issue.
I ask Salter : haven't you found any other problem than McCain's age in Obama's speech yet? I think McCain and his supporter are not able to fight Obama on the important issues like War, economy, healthcare,.. and instead they are looking for childish and fussy things in order to make the water dirty for fishing.

what? That doesn't mean he is talking about your age, but way to go in raising the issue unprovoked, real smart there. You can lose your bearing over the issues, or over your ideals. I think you are just paranoid and trying to cover up the fact that you said Hamas wanted Obama which is clearly against your own policy of running a clean campaign.

I took Obama's statement to mean that McCain is desperate and anxious about winning so he is pre-maturely attacking Obama. McCain is losing his bearings whether he is 71 or 17. It has nothing to do with age.

"He is almost 80 years old. It ususally works the older you get the dummer you get. "

HH, given this comment, you must be at least 110.

if mccain doesnt understand what obama meant and said, then maybe he is what we all think he is…..senile!!!

with AGE comes experience, something Obama LACKS….. and oldie but a goodie GO! McCain

To the "moderator": I didn't "already " say it and I don't see where anyone else did. But I do see which way you not so subtly lean.

HAHA! You have got to be kidding me. I can NOT believe the McCain campaign said that!

Now McCain what's to whine..he like BILLARY wants is both ways or no way. He is OLD…and losing one's bearing has nothing to do with age unless ur a REPUB candidate looking to get off the REAL ISSUES WE are having…OBAMA gets it…LETS GET RID OF THESE SAME OLD POLITICAL WAYS…

IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE IN WASHINGTON!!!!!
WONDER WHAT HIS CAMPAIGN WILL TRY NEXT..

OBAMANATION!!!

B NYC: I think you have not been paying attention. Even the strongest Hillary supporters are caving in and admitting that most of her voters will indeed vote for Obama. I know it is going to confuse you after all of her lies during this primary but When Hillary comes out and says that you should support Obama in the general election (for her own personal gain of course) are you going to suddenly stop blinding following her every word? Don't forget that John McCain made an absolutely incredible error yesterday admitting that he intends to appoint Supreme Court Judges that will look to overturn Roe v Wade (thats the abortion law if you need it dumbed down) and with up to 3 judges likely needing replacement in the next 8 years you can all but bet that a huge portion of the Hillary supporters are going to jump ship to Obama for just that one issue. Throw in healthcare, Environment, Economy, Education………..I think you can see the true math.

That's just an old way of thinking for the McCain camp. But if the shoe fits!! Fact is, he is old. There is no other job in America that Sen. McCain could apply for at his age and get. None!!! He is past retirement age. Is he not?????

Well McCain is older than me, and I am pretty old.
Maybe I can be VP.

McCain is old that but, losing your bearings has nothing to do with age. Just look a Hillary Clinton.

Obama doesn't even have to make age an issue. McBush, old man, you are really old. You need to release your medical report that you promised earlier.

Also, age as an issue is nothing as compared to what McBush will face as an issue in the November election.

McCain is human but Barack is super-human, he doesn't make any mistakes, do anything wrong, say anything out of place, look anything but perfectly groomed, has a perfect family, is the perfect gentleman and is on his way to saving the world. Sorry, the Obama koolaid got to me too.

Nah, it's just me making fun of you guys!

Proud to be SHARON FROM MINNESOTA

P-l-e-a-s-e! You call that an attack?

Why Mcain is upset….Does he wants to be called a youthful, energetic candidate….come on. Old is old and young is young no matter how nice you want to put it.
Done!

McCain claims to be the "Straight Talk Express" grounded in truth.

Losing his bearings would mean that he is getting away from what made him succesfull (ie. starting rumors about Hamas connections)

Come on people

McCain should get a dictionary and look up the definition of 'bearings' and Hillary needs to look up 'denounce'.

One thing is for sure Senator Obama has a good command of the English language and it seems that the other two people do not!

Obama '08

Obama is the nomanee but here is a fact

Obama has won
12 states that in the last 4 elections went republican and will stay republican
11 states that in the last 4 elections went demicrat and will stay demicrat
5 states that are swing states and are up for grabs

So in the general he will get his 11 demicratic states he won in the primary and Hillary's 9 demicratic states she won and he will have a shot at the 5 swing states he won in the primary.
He has no shot at the republican states or the swing states won by Hillary as those will go for McCain, just because they are too similar in may ways compaired to Obama, and these states that picked Hillary over Obama will lean towards McCain

Hillary has won
3 states that in the last 4 elections went republican and will stay republican
9 states that in the last 4 elections went demicrats and will stay demicrat
10 states that are considered swing states and are up for grabs

So in the general she would get her 9 demicratic states she won in the primary and Obamas 11 demicratic states he won and she will have a shot at the 10 swing states she won in the primarys

Now you tell me in the end who has the best sot at the white house .
If I had the time a space I could list each state so you pundits can take a closer look at the math

yes you are too old
retire and spend more time with your family
Generation change, look around the world
No more old games

From the context of the statement I understand it that Obama was saying McCain is diverting from the sort of civil campaign he[McCain] claims to run when he calls Obama a Hamas supportor

Put another way, Macain is diverting (losing his bearings) from the clean politics he[McCain] promised to run.

There is no way that 'losing his bearings' could refer to age..
Have you ever heard bear north, bear south, or bear east, west? It just means go in those directions and thus nothing to do with age.

Please is Obama too smart for these guys, I thought only Hillary was suffering under his inginuity now the republicans are about to get confused as well! Too bad!

Seems to me Obama hates all old peeps. Remember when he threw his granny under the bus for being a typical white person, and for saying things that made him cringe. Maybe she said those things because he told her she was loosing her marbles. Now he's insulting McCains age to. Guess no one ever told him he should respect his elders! The republicains will win in November so we all better just get used to seeing gramps up there on those platforms!

Lol, someone's a lil touchy about their age I see…. C'mon man you were a P.O.W. stop being so sensitive.

I can't see why Obama's comments are a knock on McCain's age. Obama is speaking to the fact that McCain has been a maverick in the past and now he is going the more typical conservative route. That's it…not his age. Give me a break McCain.

So, McCain can publicly state that HAMAS WANTS BARACK OBAMA TO BE PRESIDENT, and then uses this smear to FUNDRAISE….

…and somehow Obama is the bad guy for calling him out for it!? Gimme a break, McCain!

McCain is a HYPOCRITE!!

….bcuz hypocrisy is an early signt of Dementia, right?….LOL

…that old man needs a nap!

are you kidding me….. really…. "losing your bearings" implies you are old???

kind of a stretch, don't cha think??

boy…. if these are the types of attacks they are coming up with so far… they need ROVE more than they think…

mccain should be ashame of his self for saying he want to run a clean camp and engage his self with this kind of smear politic. i think american people have understand who mccain is since some fell days obama now is securing the nom. that why hillary should quick drop out so will can focus on this old washington lobbist and their is enogh to hear about mccain soon.

sensitive american …….I thought he was a war hero…………oh ……he probably forgot thAt too

Hello??? It is an issue.

First Joe Lieberman has to correct McCain, he talks in the microphone upside down, he admits the real reason for the war is because of oil, the list can go on and on. I think he lost his bearings a long time ago.

What?? That's not what he meant. He said McCain was "losing his bearing" in regards to using smear tactics in the campaign. You have to be too old if you don't get that!!!!!

I think CNN is backing the wrong horse.

Forgive me. I hate to sound silly, but does "losing his bearings" mean the same as a person's age? Someone, please help me to understand the connection. Are we suppose to be stupid?

Big Ben and Xtina,

I am always willing to give your comments the benefit of the doubt on other blogs, but being that you have jumped on this ridiculous meaning of "losing one's bearing" I have come to the conclusion that you two have no bearing.

Find something else to talk about. Its aknown fact that McCain is old as dirt. Iguess now you are trying to say that Obama is against elderly people . Get a life

He did not call Senator McCain a Bearing, he did not call him a lost bearing, or an old bearing. He said he was loosing his Bearings. Meaning that he has forgotten something, or delayed in his decision making ability. If this means you have lost your mind by not being able to handle what you say, then it's up to you the way you decipher the problem. whether you are old, young, ignorant, or absent minded. Some of these comes with old Age, but hey it's up to you on what should be done to prevent this again.

To McCain, I say, "If the shoe fits then wear it!"

VOTE FOR McCAIN AND WE WILL HAVE 8 MORE YEARS OF WAR AND A DEVESTATED ECONOMY.

THE CHOICE IS SIMPLE:
OBAMA 08, because we cant afford not too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Annnnnnnnnd It starts….REPUKICANS are distorting Obama's words…Now tomorrow Hillary will come out and say "SEE HE CANT BE OUR NOMINEE" LOL LOL

McCain — you will look back on "losing your bearings" as one of the nicest things the country will say to you.

Go ahead and play the Wright tapes .. I am sure the Catholics will LOVE the Hagee speeches on youtube re Katrina, Catholics etc .. just go ahead can't wait ..

McCain we need to vet YOUR PASTOR !!!! Do you even have one ?? ohhh maybe you are a Muslim ??? LOL Can't wait !!!

Call me crazy but I think I'm going to enjoy the Republican convention here in Minnesota. Maybe I'll see Hillary there. After the incredibly sickening way she was treated by the DNC she should just cut her losses with the dems and defect with the rest of us fed up with Barack voters.

Must be losing his bearings if he reads so much into a comment like that. Jeez Louise!

I think McCain is actually confusing the term with "losing your marbles" which, by the way, is also true. McCain is full of it. He knows darn well that his reference to Hamas and Obama is fearmongering and a dirty trick. He is a hypocrite on this issue.

Oh please… Can we get any more pathetic. Who actually believes this garbage. We are reading way too much into this.

There is a reason retirement age is set.

It's not age that bothers me about McCain, it's how conservative our supreme courts will become, continuing failed policies in Iraq and in our economy. The list goes on and on. Voting republican is the old way thanks to Bush.

"rumpusgoopus May 8th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Well McCain, age is an issue, and is fair game. Get used to it, because you're going to hear a lot more of it before November."

Well to be fair Obama is black and that is fair game right??? Look I dont like McCain but I dont want to get into bashing old people. My parents are old and I will someday be 30 so I want to respect the older generation and so should our new President Obama!

I think the clever but mild jab was warranted in response to the Hamas comment.

The Hamas comment McCain quoted compared Obama to JFK. Is he claiming that Hamas endorsed JFK as well?

Age is an issue just like McCain uses race!

Those who jumped on the campaign bandwagon with this comment has completely lost all credibility.

The straight talk express has lost its bearings and is headed off in a much different direction then we were told.

First of all, who started this whole talk about Hamas? McCain clearly implied that Obama wouldnt be as tough on national security. By saying "oh how Hamas would be delighted to have Obama be president". So Barack replied, saying that they both have the same policy, so why is McCain claiming hes taking the high road when hes fear-mongering. So yes he is losing it.

I didn't see that it had anything to do about age when I read what Obama said. So the only person I see bringing it up is the McCain camp.

Finally, the Republicans are waking up to the way Obama operates. Still will vote for McCain over Obama seeing as our candidate Hillary won't be the nominee.

BEARINGS means to LOSE YOUR DIRECTION - meaning, McCain is losing the strong sense of himself by flip-flopping to please right-wingers in his party.

It has nothing to do with age. I suggest the McCain camp read a dictionary!

It's the way you see age. Age also means experience and knowledge. Two attributes I don't feel Obama has. Not that he never will, but maybe he's TOO young and green. Not old enough. How long has he even been in the Senate? Why isn't this being discussed? Sorry he hasn't earned his stripes…literally.

Posting from a Michigan Democrat who will be voting for a Republican for the first time.

McBush is losing it all: his bearings now, the general elections later.

How in the world is that about age??? That is dumb–lots of young people lose thier bearings too!! That's just a little on the sensitive side–which means McCain is touchy about his age!! It is what it is!!!

McCain is old.

Obama is black.

So what? Neither helps or hurts me as an American citizen. What is Obama going to do for me other than make me "feel good" about the future?

What on Earth is Mark Salter on about? How stupid can that guy be? The “losing his bearings” remark relates to McCain shifting from his stated principle of running a civil smear-free campaign. Salter, try listening to Obama’s interview before putting out dumb baseless lies that Obama is raising McCain’s age as an issue.

But now that you mention it, I think you have a point. (Oh, how the truth hurts). And while we’re on the subject of what kind of characters are unsuitable to go to the White House, idiots who don’t understand plain English should keep out too. (Salter, just in case you misinterpret that too, I’m referring to you). Go rest your brain now…

Well, Obama doesn't miss a beat. His camp has successfully gotten away with labeling Hillary and Bill Clinton as racist and now they will go after McCain as being to old. Meanwhile no one is able to bring up any issues regarding Obama because of course that would be racist or picking on him because he is to young and inexperience. Forget elections we must anoint Obama now or else we will make his fan base upset.

Talk about looking for an insult! Are the Republicans already so desperate?

I can't wait to watch Obama and McCain debate.
It would also be nice to see some one on one basketball as well,
but lets face it McCain is too old.

Nobody said anything about age and 'name calling'. Barack just said McCain is nuts, that's all.

This is manipulation and spin at its finest, folks.

By becoming unduly defensive and misrepresenting Obama's statement, the McCain campaign has succeeded in making the very old man's age a RIGHTFUL concern for the American people.

OH PLEASE!
Nice try McSame!
I think you jumped the gun on this one….

He is old! His campaign has to have advisors around him to correct him when he misspeaks, he looks old and decrepid, he puts you to sleep when he talks, and his ideas are ancient. He would have been better running for President in the 1950's. He is completely out of touch with the America of today. We salute his past military service but its time he was put out to pasture so he can take it easy for the rest of his life. I truly think he is in the beginning stages of Alzheimers. By the way, has he ever released his full medical records?

He really is no match for Obama!!

yes..i said Obama! He WILL win the Nomination
and i think its about time other Clinton supporters stop acting so
stupid and switch their support to Obama! thats if they are real
Democrats..

Democrats Unite!! 08

Of cause Obama was trying to be clever and point out McCain's age issue in derogatory way. Loosing bearings is not just old but incompetent old. Look at the photos that accompany this story, does Obama not look like an innocent

I hope that people that are not blindly following Obama, see what this man is all about and it is not better future for all us, folks.

Shouldn't it read: McCain proves his youth by whining like a little girl.

Mccain knows he is short, so now his campaign absolutely has to make up drama about his age. Is he the best the Republicans can come up with? That man should be resting and taking it easy. We need change…..let the new generation create our own destiny. He is such the bafoon!

Go ahead, it is not Nov. yet

We WILL teach the DNC and obamalovers in Nov. I never vote for RNC but I WILL this time and I know a lot of people will the same.

Hillary is here to stay because many lifelong democrats do not like election fixing that has influenced this primary.

We will NOT vote for Obama- for no reason but to protest the corruption of this primary: Advantages for one, obstacles for the other. Media bias. Flawed caucus format. Obama supporters using bully tactics at caucus. Obama with his gloating, cocky, arrogant mocking of Hillary with his Annie Oakley antics (while claiming he does not go negative). Obama with his ridiculing of Hillary by dismissively brushing her off his shoulder ( again, not negative? is this the uniter?). And, of course the Fl and Mi fiasco. It is never good or right to disenfranchise your voter base.

So We WILL teach the DNC a lesson with our vote in Nov.

It is that simple.

It will be a pleasure to watch the republicans call Obama on his B.S….

“We have all become familiar with Senator Obama's new brand of politics. First, you demand civility from your opponent, then you attack him, distort his record and send out surrogates to question his integrity. It is called hypocrisy, and it is the oldest kind of politics there is.”

That is RIGHT ON target!!!

I was supporting Clinton but will gladly vote for McCain come November if my first choice is not on the ballot.

Obama will not receive my vote.

One says the other is too old or too young.
This is funny.

Give me a break! McCain knows he can't compete against Obama on issues so he's going to spin anything he can. Use a dictionary if you are not clear on a word or phrase McCain and stop trying to stretch this into another victim act for yourself. On to the issues.

Do any of the Obama supporters see him doing anything for old people, black communities, hispanic communites?

Did anyone see anyone from Harvard or extended family speak for this guy?

Only money grubbing politicians that want power have endorsed him, he even let his pastor down.

You people are sheep. Seriously sad.
This man divided the party when he got in a race a year of a front runner was declared.

Democrats will loose this fall, just like Kerry, just like Gore.

This is sad, all these emotional voters, you people need to grow up.

It doesn't MATTER…

Obama can't win in Nov.

Obama supporters keep saying, "the people have spoken"- but not really. Obama barely squeaks out a lead- and that is without Fl and Mi counting. He has NO clear mandate. With just barely greater than 50% support, he starts from a position of weakness.

Clinton supporters are disgusted with the unfairness of this primary and are fed up with the name-calling and hate and insults. So better not count on us to take you over the top.

Nothing wrong with John McCain's age, the fact is that he is an old man. Every generation have their time. 21st century is for the new generation. John served the country well and we should always respect that.

Whether it was intentional or not, Sen. Obama has a point. I'd rather not have a president who might not even live long enough to finish his term, much less forget to put his dentures in, among other things.

Rev Wright was not one of Bill Clinton's 'spiritual advisors.' He attended a White House prayer breakfast as did 1,800 others. He got his picture taken with Bill, as did many of the others. I also will probably not vote this year for the first time in my life or I will write in Al Gore who is our true President anyway. It will be my way of saying Democrat's wake up. I won't vote for Obama because I don't believe he's stayed at any elected position long enough to know what he stands for. He's been too busy jumping from state job to Senate and directly to Presidnet candidate before he's even served a term in the Senate. I will say Democrats better get ready because I don't believe he can beat McCain. Wait until the Republican machine gets hold of him. Every man, woman and child will be scared to death of him and his radical ways. Not true, but that's the way it will work out in the end. Stay in there Hillary. We really do need you.

I for one am glad to see these two rumbling and not talking about the one who won't seem to shut her fat trap.

maybe McSame was confused, he is old ya know.

Obama is an idiot for saying that as McCain was only quoting Hamas. When is the Elitest going to go to Iraq to see whats going on there and to visit our troops like McCain and Clinton have.

uhhhh that's cause it IS an issue.. of COURSE he's going to bring it up. you know, you're supposed to live a good life then try to retire at 65. he's 71 right now which isn't too far over the 65 milestone everyone looks at, but by the time 1 term would be over, he'd be 75. no way he'd be a two term president, so please, please, please explain to me how it's a good idea to go with McCain?

oh thats right, it's NOT!

at the end of the day, AGE IS AN ISSUE! don't try to pretend it's not.

"Losing his bearings" does not in any way imply anything about age. How ridiculous. It's just calculated whining from one of the sleazy lobbyists running McCain's campaign.

I listened to Senator Obama's interview with Wolf and I did not take his "lossing his bearings" as an age issue, since the conversation was regarding Hamas. Apparently John McCain is projecting his own insecurities about his age.

Senator Obama should have Ted Kennedy help him change his diapers and just be silent… dead man walkiing IF he is the nominee.

hooray! someone besides a hillary supporter calling obama on his negative game. we are all used to it, but none other than those in hillary's camp would admit it prior to this.

John McCain is PARANOID- nobody said anything/implied anything about age.

LOL…this general election is going to be a breeze!!!

Obama 08

This is pathetic. What garbage coming out of the McSame Campaign! Obama was responding to an offensive and unfair attack made by McSame himself… so what exactly are they complaining about??

McSame is guilty of precisely what they are complaining about here. They have absolutely nothing to run on and therfore must look for scraps coming out of the Obama campaign that they can pounce on.

Goodbye, Grandpa Muster. McNEVER '08

the old fart needs to go home and retire
nothing was said about his age, but he is old. my husband is his age and he is old live over it

McCain is only 71 year young and older you get , wiser you become. I want to see NObama at this age. Even he is an inspiration (in dreams) speaker, he is very boring in person. Against McCain in general election he doesn't have a chance.

"losing his bearings" is basically saying that he is going in the wrong direction or lost his way so to speak. It had nothing to do with age and everything to do with taking a different path then he said he was going to take. Lay off the spin because it's making you sound nutty! Take a look at where tactic like that got Sen. Clinton….NOWHERE!

Good Grief…..I don't know if I can stand this until November! Not only was Obama NOT referring to McCain's age, he was making a valid point that you can't swear you'll not go negative and than try to connect your opponent to Hamas!

The posts here that think it was an Obama cheap shot are mind-boggling. Could we please introduce some level of common sense into the dialogue…pretty please???

Xtina,

Apparently you didn't listen to the comment that was made. It had nothing to do with age, rather it was addressing Hamas.

The older the violen the sweeter the music. It is a disgrace for Obama to say that Mccain is losing his bearings. I am a true Democrat and I know many others who are going to vote for Mccain. Obama will never get through the general election. Mccain will win. The reason I will not vote for Obama is not because of his skin color it is because he has split America with his racism and the lies he tells. Obama has been educated by Wright in racism and Black Theology. He has to many ties to Anti-Americans.

The DNC has no choice.

The electorate is basically split 50/50- but the DNC is afraid of angering the youth and the African American voters.

So, even if Obama is the weaker candidate against McCain, their hands are tied. They MUST pander to the loud mouths.

Once again, the democrats must feel good about how progressive and open-minded they are and nominate the LEAST electable person in the general election. We always focus on the battle (within the democratic party) and lose the war (the votes of the rest of America that is just not as liberal as the Kerrys and the Deans and the Kennedys and the Oprahs).

When will we learn we can not win with an extreme liberal ideology? So once again we will not take back the white house even in an atmosphere of post-Bush dissatisfaction.

The McCain ca