CNN

Obviously, the Republicans are sensitive regarding McCain's age. I feel certain that Obama was not trying to attack McCain....here we go...another bumpy ride! Obama all the way!!!!!

No Country for Old Men!!!

I think that Mccain is just being paranoid. Someone who gets lost in the woods has lost their bearings. I think that's what Obama meant – he's lost his way. Obama meant that Mccain used to make decisions that Obama respected, but seems to have strayed away from that.

McCain's camp have lost their marbles for reading too much into that statement. Let me guess, that's ageist too right?

It was kind of a weird thing to say, but it wasn't exactly planned and McCain is making it a big deal for no reason.

The problem is created by the 24/7 media coverage of this election. Every comment gets spinned. If coverage was limited to the truly important issues, we would'nt even hear about this. Every comment gets a spin from the other side and every spin gets reported ad nauseum. It is becoming a tiresome game by all sides fueled by a media too focused on non-stories.

Likewise, CNN/fox etc is already hyping the WVA mini-primary as a big event. It is not.

No he didn't...he meant exactly what the word "bearings" is defined as: direction or position relative to a fixed point. He's grasping at straws to try to hurt Obama, which does tend to leave one believing he has lost sight of what is important in this election. Then to respond as though McCain was being insulted about his age is just another example of the same.

Makes me wonder if Salter is being paid under the table by the democrats. If Obama's intent truly was to subtly take a jab at McCain's age, Salter seems to not want any of us to have missed it. So far, the McCain campaign has been the only one to bring up age as an issue.

Sen. McCains age must on his mind all the time, because I honestly don't thing Obama meant that statement to refer to McCain's age.
Even young people lose their bearings. McCain should keep quiet about Hamas. If he knows Obama does not feel that way, then why keep mentioning it. It's a shame the McCain camp thinks that only the other candidates say ugly things. He needs to start acting his age and showing some wisdom and stop saying things he knows he should not. How would he like it if Obama said the same about him and Hamas? Not at all!

obamas true colors are starting to show, and its not red, white and blue.

Wolf,
reading a lot of blogs today I realized disturbing trends:

in theese blogs:

Young are attacking olders with hate.
Racist remarks.
No tolerance to other people opinions.
Forcing for their candidate.
Nasty comments.
Verbal attacks.
Names calling.
Ridiculing other candidates and their supporters.

What in Earth is happening to people?

Only McCain will point out his age...everyone else knows.

How about instead of asking everyone else what he ment why dont you ask the man himself what he ment. Why give everyone else a chance to take what he said out of context and to fabricate their own meaning of what he said. Seems to be the popular thing to do these days no one speaks for themselves or are allowed to speak for themselves.

There is an old saying, "The mouth starts talking before the brian gets in gear." I think McCain is in such a hurry to jump on Obama they forget to think about what was said. Or one could say if one was in a hurry, "It is hard to tell if McCain is senile or if it is just republican rhetoric."

I think McCain's statements did not reflect the kind of campaigning that he stated that he wanted. I am convinced that he says one thing and do another. Let me go on the "age" factor and say " for a man of his age, he should do better and I expect to see better".

I look forward of seeing a stately campaign between himself and Obama, I know Obama will stand on his words, he has proven it and when tempted by Hillary with her kitchen sink strategies, he upheld his morals.

American needs a "change" and you should all embrace it.
The whole world is watching America!

McCain needs to chill out – nobody is concerned with his age but him – I for one dont care what age he is I still wont vote for him

It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. It is McCain who made offensive and outrageous comments about Barack Obama. Instead of apologizing, Mark Salter is further making irresponsible statements which should be publicly denounced. It is because of such low-level politics that Barack Obama holds such an appeal for so many of us. Mark Salter is not hurting Obama – he is hurting his own candidate McCain.

Can someone tell me how McCain's senior advisor would glean that McCain "losing his bearings" is talking about McCain's age? Doesn't he have anything else to dredge up besides something as stupid as that, unless that is a concern of his campaign?

It is time for politicians to grow up. Picking apart grammar is for teachers. Pointing fingers at each other and making accusations should be left on the playground.

I urge all politicians, from all parties, at all levels, to focus on what they going to do for our country and people. The American People are fed up with divisive rhetoric and petty partisanship from both parties.

Voters are adults (for the most part), and most Americans want to know where the politicians stand on the issues and are ready to vote the person who acts like an adult and will be a "true" leader.

Wolf Blitzer, Is that a "soft" drink?

How can McCain lose what he never had? At any age? Just check out his political flip flops on abortion, etc.

It was definitely a swipe at McCain's age. I have never heard that term used in any other sense besides referring to an elderly person.

what? I never knew "losing his bearings" could have anything to do with being old.
Oh by the way, he is old!

Hyperbole and reactionary commentary at its most idiotic It would seem to me that Salter’s response only helps to emphasize the “senior” status of the Senior Senator from Arizona..

When I hear othe words "losing one's bearings" I think of a person being off course or departing from a previously held position. However, when I checked with my wife, she said the words might also imply that the person was getting old. So, perhaps the meaning could be somewhat ambiguous. McCain's camp obviously tried to take words that were critical of their candidate and twisted them to make them fodder for a clear negative attack on Obama. If Obama was trying to sneak a negative message under the radar, then shame on him, but it's just as, or more, likely that no reference to McCain's age was intended or perhaps preceived by the listeners. So, are McCain backers simply taking offense in order to have ammunition to fire at Obama? Will this campaign ugliness ever cease?! Probably not.

I think it's sort of funny that the McCain campaign is that incredibly sensitive. "Losing your bearings" has never been an age-specific saying.

Getting ultra-defensive about harmless comments is just as annoying with the age issue as it is with the race issue. No need to be that uptight, McCain.

I have viewed McCain's speaches and actually felt he was "losing his bearings" and I felt worried that this person could possibly be our next leader.

First off, there really isn't much out there for us constituents to vote for, yet somehow we must endeavor to make a choice between the bunch. Secondly, McCain's staff needs to get a grip, I for one did not interpret Obama's statement as referring to age, but rather that of a candidate implying that his rival is confused as to who he will be running against. Lastly, I will throw age out there and state that all of the candidates should start acting their age. Each one of them has lost their "bearings" and are acting like a bunch of junior high school girls; the name calling, personal attacts, and innuendo, all slanderous. If this sort of campaigning doesn't end soon, we are likely to see the scratching, hair pulling, and pushing, but I am sure one of them will seize an opportunity to post in on You Tube. -- Enough already!

I think Mark Salter said it best, and sadly its the truth
Obama has played the best of the dirtiest campaigns. Just because he has friends? in high places to rig the polls, hide the truth with crooked newspapers and television supporters. when the DNC itself is as crooked as they come. Obama has been arrogant , cocky and acts like he can say or do antthing because he knows its been fixed from the beginning. NOTHING he does or says surprises me anymore.
And I hope he does win the nomination, at least his followers will find

out a little more about their great hitler, SORRY, I mean leader!

I do not think that Obama was referring to McCain age. Even If he was, it is true, he is a bit old to be running for first term president.

HE WASN'T. HE WAS BEING KIND,

WHICH I AM NOT PREPARED TO.

WARBUCKS IS A LOONIE OLD NUTTCO

I did not take Barack's comment as referring to age.

Also, Barack was responding to the initial insult by John McCain.

It was a terrible thing to infer some type of relationship between Barack and Hamas. I also thought McCain was not going to take the low road.

Surprise Surprise

This is just another example of the media and opponents seizing on and trying to decipher the hidden meaning of a candidate's statements. I believe Sen. Obama used the word "bearings" in a nautical sense – a clever allusion to Sen. McCain's naval background, as another way of saying "he's lost his direction" or "he's lost his way"...

"Loosing his bearing" very well could mean his political bearings ... which reads very easily. Anyone with 1/2 a brain knows that Obama hasn't taken the low road in attacking his opponents. And for those who disagree, just look at how many times he could have gone on the offensive and ended not only Hillary's run, but also her political career.

McCain and the far right are in for a real shock come November ... (just ask Hillary).

To say someone had lost their bearings means they've lost their way. How do you get age out of that? Mark Salter must be senile.

I honestly do not think so.

I did not even realize how old McCain was until his own campaign started talking about it.

I think it's a case of being a little paranoid on the part of the McCain campaign... I don't think Obama was referencing his age just his intellect ..to suggest that Hamas endorses one candidate over another and that the American people should actually take this seriously is ridiculous ... everyone knows that the radical extremists benefit when there is someone like McCain (or Bush before him) around

Senator McCain's response to Senator Obama's remarks shows just how desperate the Republicans are to make this contest about anything other than substance.

The remark about Senator McCain's "losing his bearings" had nothing to do with age. "Losing one's bearings" is a reference to losing one's sense of direction. In this case, it was perfectly appropriate and accurate to use the phrase to describe McCain's conduct. While he professes disdain for personal attacks and claims to believe that elections should be based on issues, McCain strayed from these professed beliefs by attempting to link Obama with Hamas.

Either McCain temporarily lost his bearings, he has fundamentally changed his beliefs about how elections should be run, or he is an outright liar. These are the only options.

Indeed, it is a bellow the waiste shot, as the one thrown by McCain. To me this is the sneak preview of what is yet to come, but says a lot about a way of dealing with adversity that might be seen at the presidency in 2009: despite being affable and gentle Obama has a personality and don't leave aggressions without an answer, and judging by his following crowd, this is what most people really want.

I think these back and forth attacks are tiring the way it is tiring to listen to two young children tattling on each other. Of course if you look hard enough you can be offended by just about anything another person says. However, McCain stating that Obama is the candidate Hamas wants to be president is far more obvious, for more heavy-handed, and far more offensive than Obama's comment about McCain's bearings. In my view, it is very likely that Obama's comment was not an intended reference to McCain's age. McCain's comment, on the other hand, was most definitely deliberate. It is the type of low-brow political tactic I would not usually attribute to McCain. Perhaps he is losing his bearings. It may be related to his age, but more likely, it is related to his desperate compromise of character for political victory.

I would say Geoff Davis's comment about Barack Obama ( "that boy's finger does not need to be on the button" ) was a clear reference to a real issue in this race.

I have never heard losing his bearings as a reference to anyones's age.

Does McCain even talk with his own staff?

BTW, reading the complete statement by Ahmed Yousef, it does not seem so bad. Comparing Obama to JFK and hoping the USA can again become a world leader "but not with domination and arrogance".

In this age of super sensitivity and ultra political correctness it is no wonder that a seemingly innocuous statement by Mr. Obama was (mis)construed as something more sinister. I am an independent and until now, was excited to listen to substantive debates with McCain and Obama in the fall. My question is, is this what America needs more of in the fall when there is so much at stake? Come on guys, GROW UP!!

Since when does "losing his bearings" mean "old"? Is that any different than saying, "McCain's losing the direction of his campaign from regular towards negative"? We're talking about a guy who in 2000 was a cross-the-aisle candidate, a maverick, who over eight years completely reversed course and decided to appeal to the conservative base and take up the usual trumpeting of Republicans in lieu of his own voice. That sure sounds like he's losing his bearings...

i may have lost my bearings, but my only reaction is.... huh?

Wolf,
You always know how to stir up controversy. You are really good.

come on. People have really NOTHING to put on Obama and so try to make a storm out of a tea cup. Bt clearly it has not worked b4, ain wrkn now & nt in e future. We knw Obama, he is an ordinary man, born to be a leader and has what it takes. Its the COMPOSURE he has that freaks them out-hillary & Maccain. they wonder hw can a simple man the underdog b sooo moving & powerful and yet we have decades of experience. Guess wot folks no man can close doors that the Lord has opened & e presidency is 4 Obama.

It's a typical Republican strategy – twist opponents words to their advantage. In this instant, it is overreaching and apparently petty. McCain's campaign knows Obama is not polarizing as Clinton, so they have to jump on anything he says to make him look less sincere than he truly is. The problem for them is, it's just the fact. Obama is genuine, and there's not way around it. My advice to the McCain strategists, focus on your candidate’s positive, and stop digging for Obama's negatives or you may risk hitting a gas line that will blow up in your faces.

How was he "taking aim at McCain's age?"

Get a grip.

Another ridiculous & weak accusation to try & hide from the outrageous Hamas comments made by McCain. Thats what Obama was reacting too.
Bring on the general election, Obama will wipe the floor with McCain during the debates. This guy is past his sell by date. There is a reason why people are supposed to retire by 65, even menial jobs, let alone the most important job in the world. I would also be concerned about the psychological effect Vietnam must have had on McCain. Not sure I would want a 72 year old former Viet Cong prisoner having access to Nuclear weapons.

I'm guessing the phrase has been focus-group-tested. On the surface, there is nothing intrinsically ageist about that phrase, but I'd doubt if it's a coincidence that "Losing his bearings" sounds close to "losing his marbles" and connotes senility. On the other hand, the republicans have been making these kinds of veiled attacks for years, it's high time the democrats became savvy about them, too.

sure your interested blitzer, just like your interested in "fair and balanced reporting". ha thats a joke

grow up blitzer

McCain's age is a FACT. it sounds like the Republicans are whining. We can't afford another 4 years with a whiner in the White House. Remember the first Bush-Kerry debate? Bush repeated over and over again how "hard it is to be President." Thanks, George. I guess it was too hard to figure out whether Iraq had weapons before you invaded, or how to avoid the economic mess we are in now, or how to actually put strong health care reforms in place. I guess it was too hard for you to do the job well. Another whiner we do not need. A strong, energetic, vibrant agent of change, who is willing to LISTEN, we do need.

To me he ment that he had lost his way. I woul never in a million years think that he was talking about his age.

Mr. Blitzer,

I never thought for one moment about McCain's age when Senator Obama made the comment.

I believe "losing his bearing" to Senator Obama meant that maybe McCain is not in as strong a position to win the White House as HE may have thought. However, Mr. McCain,..."if the shoe fits, your nurse can help you put it on"!

A swipe at his age? Really? Wow. Wonder if Salter pulled a groin muscle making that much of a stretch

Sounds like his campaign is a bit hyper-sensitive and worried about the age issue. I took Obama's statement as meaning that he'd lost his way and had strayed from the high road. If he had said that McCain was trying to tell him to get off his lawn, then I could see it.

I did not think Obama's comment was referring to McCain's age when I first heard it. I interpreted the comment to mean that McCain was losing his ethical bearings in using smear tactics in his reference to Hamas. I think the comment is subject to interpretation and, naturally, McCain and his supporters would choose the more 'negative' one, as if ethical lapses don't matter.

This is just the sort of deliberate misinterpretation we expect from politicians, and goes to prove Senator Obama's point that McCain will stoop to the same old tricks.

Obviously, it has nothing to do with age. It has to do with Senator McCain adopting more and more of the "Republican attack dog" tactics and moving farther right as he seeks to gain the support of the Republican party, most of which reluctantly nominated him.

From listening to the question and then the answer and how it was presented... It does not sound or appear in any way that Obama was attacking his age. It appears to me as though the McCain campaign at this point is attempting to engage the Obama campaign so that they can get on with campaigning for the general election, and make sure they allow themselves enough time to smear and damage Obama's name.

No! It was not an age comment. Not even by stretching the comment can it even be made such!

Probably he wasn't, at least not much. Obama was taking more of a swipe at McCain losing his moral and ethical bearings. The idea that a Hamas "endorsement" should be taken seriously is odius and unworthy of a person of McCain's stature. Obama was correct to point out that McCain's "straight talk" was turning as twisty and foul as that from the Serpant in the Garden of Eden.

Typical of the McCain (and Clinton) camps to throw mud and call foul when the target responds. McCain is losing his bearings and is not in touch with the American people. While it may have nothing to do with his age, even he has to admit that his age IS a factor and needs to be considered. McCain's comments about Obama in regards to Hamas are unethical and downright "dirty" politics. The worst kind of politics old or new. So McCain throws mud and then throws more mud when he doesn't like the response. McCain and Clinton need to raise the bar and talk issues or policies and learn to expect / accept a response when they try to smear a candidate. Talk about a hypocritical candidate-look in the mirror!!!

Yes he was taking aim at his age. That's exactly what I thought when I heard it. He's doing the same thing he did to Hillary. He likes to run a negative campaign. If Hillary doesn't win the nomination, I and my family members will vote for McCain. Obama is a sneaky politician with a very bad background. He can't be trusted.

PA-voter

Both sides need to stop and take a breath. What are the important issues again? I'm voting based on issues, not age, religion, patriotism, or any other crap. Both men are extraordinarily talented patriots. That is not an issue. What are their philosophies of government and the role of the government in the lives of its citizens? What are their philosophies of the role of our country in the world? Those are the issues that matter. Period.

Why are you surprised? It is called pre-emptive strike. Let Obama come out, as he had done, and deny it, then if Obama refers in future to McCain's age, they will come back at him and say that he had denied making age an issue. Clever ploy, one for the McCains.

Yes, he has made several subtle hints of McCain's age so far in this campaign. He probably thinks no one has noticed. The older folks in this country had better notice what with Obama's talk of "experimental government" and "change"....

Whhaaattttt? Good thing the McCain campaign explained what "losing his bearings" meant, otherwise I would have never guessed that it had anything to do with his age. I think they are grasping at straws to find something to attack Obama with.

seriously though.

he is old. mcain, i mean.
no really......o-l-d.

i know people that old........i would never vote for those people.....
for any public office.

I didn't find anything offensive in Obama's remarks. I don't think saying that someone is "loosing his bearings" necessarily implies old age. I do, however, find McCain's reaction was indicative of his sensitivity about his age and, like it or not, it will be a real issue in the upcoming election. McCain needs to find a better way of making people feel comfortable about his age rather than simply yelling "foul play" every time the issue (and it is a real issue) is brought up.

I find it hiarious that the GOP wants to denounce Senator Obama for negative campaigning or negative comments. He told the truth. Senator McCain is losing his bearings. Have you seen him in action lately? I am 61 years old and a Vietnam Veteran myself, and there is no way I can support Mcain and his ideas. And as far as all the so-called democrats who call themselves Reagan-democrats, they are Republicans who can't afford to live like the normal Republicans. The Reagan-Democrats are the same people who left the party in 1968 to join George Wallace. Make no mistake about it. I actually respect those who come out and say that they will not vote for Obama because he is black.
I don't agree with them, but at least they are being honest. The hypocrites are those who refuse to acknowledge that their opposition to Obama is based on the color of his skin.

First of all, these are not John McCain's words. He was merely doing what you do, report news.

Here is what Mr. McCain was referring to –

During an interview on WABC radio Sunday, top Hamas political adviser Ahmed Yousef said the terrorist group supports Obama’s foreign policy vision.

“We don’t mind–actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance.”

Randall
Georgia

It's preposterous...and simply points out they're on the defensive about the age issue

I think he was referring to McCain losing his grip on the election... That he is not as ahead as he thinks he is and is clinging to ridiculous statements by terrorist organizations as way to continue putting fear in people... Very similar to the way that George Bush got himself into office the second time around... The Republicans are only concerned with their own agendas and will use whatever means necessary, including trying to call Obama the terrorists candidate, to stay in power.

How is "losing his bearings" worse then consistently promoting "Obama has been endorsed by Hamas" when he doesn't accept the endorsement and is just another wedge issue. Come on CNN lets talk about the issues not gossip.

Typical of the McCain (and Clinton) camps to throw mud and call foul when the target responds. McCain is losing his bearings and is not in touch with the American people. While it may have nothing to do with his age, even he has to admit that his age IS a factor and needs to be considered. McCain's comments about Obama in regards to Hamas are unethical and downright "dirty" politics. The worst kind of politics old or new. So McCain throws mud and then throws more mud when he doesn't like the response. McCain and Clinton need to raise the bar and talk issues or policies and learn to expect / accept a response when they try to smear a candidate. Talk about a hypocritical candidate-look in the mirror!!!

The argument of Obama's comments being "age-ist" is ridiculous. If he had said the McCain was "losing his marbles", then that would be a different story. By McCain "losing his bearings" implied that he has lost his way politically and is going off in the wrong direction. Either McCain's camp is trying to make mountains out of molehills, or somebody's a little sensitive about his age.

Of course not.

Here comes round two of the 'adult media' acting like kids in a schoolyard again.

Please, grow up Wolf! Be a man. And tell you collegues to grow up as well.

How about being a true patriot, a warrior, for once in your lives and actually HELP this country become a better place.

At least this one year. This one election. Just help us out for one election cycle is all that we ask. Don't ruin this election with distractions and trivial instigations.

These are serious times. Perhaps the most serious in recent history. Although your life doesn't reflect it, we have people dying, losing everything they have, jobs, homes, everything.

Please Wolf. Please.

He was NOT taking a dig at McCain or McCain's age. Just stating a fact.

Lose one's bearings = change direction; stray off course; promise to fight fair and then turn dirty.

Lose one's marbles = get old or lose your mind, etc.

CNN twists and spins too much, Wolf, and you seem to like to lead the pack.

Sounds like Salter and McCain are being way too defensive about McCains age...

I'm a Democrat, but actually agree with Mark Saltar on this one:

Senator Obama states that he is going to change our political system. Not only should he be more concerned with ending the war, improving the economy and other issues instead of upheaving the whole political system, BUT he has a tendency to play the "blame game" (i.e. blaming and then denouncing his supporters when he or they get bad press OR stating that his words were taken out of context). I believe strongly that when he makes these types of comments we are actually being given a view into his true thoughts and feelings on a subject. Not only that, but he didn't finally dounce his former pastor until it began to truly hurt his campaign, didn't stay in my home state (Pennsylvania) to give a speech after the contest here (per his campaign, b/c he knew he would lose and wanted to move on to the next state that he believed he would win in), won't allow the FL & MI voters to have their voices be heard (which shows that he honestly doesn't believe that everyone matters)...well, I could go on.

I personally feel that he is elitist, that he is wet behind the ears and naive. I would love to see the political landscape change and become a more fair and even one, BUT historically the types of changes that he touts he will make only occur through complete social and political upheaval. I think of the end of the Roman, British and Ottoman Empires after hearing him speak and frankly that similarity is frightening.

The fact the Obama said he was not refering to his age is good enough for me; what it think is the McCain camp is concerned with his age and so any comment that seems to suggest his age they are on air trigger to react to. Now that they have mentioned his age now lets look at his age. Do you think he is too old?

I'm sorry – but how does 'losing his bearings' translate into old fart? Republicans (although I'd like to exclude John McCain from this) are deceitful and like to act like there are fights to be fought when there aren't - like a schoolyard bully... or insecure middle aged man – overcompensating with a sportscar – if you know what i mean

Again, this is a matter of people who will not support Barack Obama parsing his words to support their own bias. For anyone who has bothered to listen to what Senator Obama has said many times on the campaign trail with respect to Senator McCain is that "the wheels are coming off the Straight Talk Express" - meaning (for those who seem to have a problem understanding) that Senator McCain has said one set of things in the past, but now practicing another while pursuing the GOP nomination. One of those things was that we was not going to do "negative" campaigning including ridiculous remarks like he did by inferring that Hamas supports Senator Obama. That's the politics of fear that sunk McCain's candidacy in 2000 and frankly I think a lot of people thought he was better than that. Obviously not.

I read Sen. Obama's comments and I would argue that placed in context, he was clearly responding the question, and Sen. McCain "losing his bearings" as a campaigner/presidential candidate. To make it a comment about age sounds like spin. It's one thing to take Senator Obama's "bitter" comment out of context. This one is a much larger stretch.

Obama's comments had NOTHING to do with McCain's age; it had to do with how much McCain has changed in his policies since becoming the Republican nominee, needing to appeal to the right wing. The kind of dust that gets kicked up over these comments is astonishingly immature, demoralizing and it's hurting our country.

His words were "losing his bearings" not "losing his marbles". The severity of the response from the McCain camp suggests that maybe they're a little oversensitive about the age factor. If they want to portray the impression that his age doesn't matter then maybe they need to begin behaving like it doesn't matter to them.

Losing his bearings, Losing direction, Losing the focus – They are all just expressions that are used at times to point out that someone has seemed to have lost their focus. Be they 6 or 106 it in no way was a reference to McCain's age. Obama doesn't even have to bring up McCain's age. It's McCain's politics that will lose this race for him. I've never heard of anyone say that they were or were not going vote for McCain because of his age. His politicle beliefs, yes. Not age.But if John McCain wants to keep reminding everyone of just how old he is, wear his sensitivity on his sleeve and get his knickers in a knot everytime someone says something that offends him then go right ahead. I thought he was supposed to be tough.There's nothing more unattractive than someone that whines and pouts. I wouldn't accept that type of behavior from my children and I won't accept it from him. Here's another one liner – If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen.

Obama was simply pointing out that McCain lost sight of where he said he was going to take this campaign. As a Naval Aviator i would thing John McCain would have the best idea of the definition of the word "bearing" in this case. If this is an age issue at all it's McCain's for forgetting what bearings means in this context...

McCain "losing his bearings" has nothing to do with age. It's a widely used phrase that refers to going off track, wrong heading, etc. It can also be used when saying someone is going off on a tangent, drastic change in direction. McCain flew in the Navy, he should know better.

Whether it's "Off bearing" or whatever you want to call it, I took that statement as Obama being on the defensive about the Hamas comment. McCain was off track with his remarks, and Obama labeled them offensive. McCain's statement wasn't innocent. If you ask me the McCain campaign's response was an indirect attack at Senator Obama and not exactly "playing nice".

"Losing his bearings" means heading off course, losing the right direction, etc. He didn't say "losing his marbles," which I could see implying age. I've never heard "losing his bearings" used to imply someone was getting old, ever. And uh, McCain IS old. It's a legitimate concern, not ageism. Older people have a higher likelihood of dying, and for the president, that matters.

Kerri
South Elgin, IL

I was most surprised by the harsh reaction of Senator McCain's staff to this comment. Unless someone has been much more specific, I think claiming, that a term such as "losing his bearings" is an ageist remark is stretching things and unfairly putting words in Senator Obama's mouth. If this kind of political correctness continues, where phrases are misconstrued to make it seem someone has made a racist, agist or sexist remark, I fear all spontaneity will be lost in future interviews and debates. I think this would be a real shame, because we would be left with robotic politicians, who will never truly speak their minds, but instead constantly be spouting rehearsed diatribe. When it reaches that point, we might just as well let computers run the country.

The McCain Campaign seems to take great pleasure at tossing out zinger, like the Hamas comment, but they then take HUGE offense at even the smallest criticism of McBush!!!

John McCain does seem to have lost his bearings (nautical term for direction/course) particularly if you look at the McCain of 2000 or even 2004, when his opposition to Bush led to, however brief, consideration of a Kerry/McCain ticket.

If John McBush's definition of running a clean campaign is saying whatever he wants, then taking offense at his opponent's retorts, he better get out of the race now! There's much to criticize in John McBush, and his age isn't the least of it.

Obama 2008 - Yes, WE CAN!!!

Obama was simply attacking McCain (age, commitment to a "clean" race, whatever).

Obama seems quite sensitive to his anti-American friends: William Ayers, Rev Wright, Hamas.

Why do you think that is?

When I read the headline before even watching the video, I just thought he was saying McCain was saying silly things–as I'm sure he meant it. Even after watching the video, I didn't get the idea at all that he was trying to make a swipe at McCain like that. I really was thinking more to myself..."Seriously??? Where did THAT come from?" Seems more to me like the McCain camp was ready to jump on the first thing he said. ::shrugs:: I don't think this a really newsworthy story. Sorry, CNN.

Thanks Wolf...

...for the opportunity for us average people to make clear that we understand that there are people in each campaign whose sole purpose is to listen to everything the opponent says and to immediately tell the rest of us that we are not sufficiently sophisticated to understand what their opponent "really" said.

Losing one's bearings has a well established connotation of losing one's direction. Oh, and that also happens to fit in with the context of Obama's further statement that McCain was the guy who wasn't going to stoop to such levels in the campaign.

Yup, he looks like he is losing his bearings to me, too. Just to be clear, McCain's age is the last thing I fear from the notion of him being elected President.

"Losing his bearings" a comment on age? Don't think so. For McCain to misquote a Hamas representative in an attempt to tie Obama to Hamas is really far fetched. Especially since the quote was that Obama would make a good president as he was like John Kennedy, who was greatly repected around the world.

Wolf,

In the military, when we are presenting ourselves, we are told to "not lose your bearing."

That is, keep yourself composed. It has nothing to do with age, it has to do with how you present yourself.

Obama's comment was spot on, and fools in the media are going to love trying to tie it to ageism. Are you one of them??

-Kevin

McCain's camp is a bit testy, isn't it? I didn't see even a hint of reference to McCain's age. If they are going to get their undies in a bunch over something as little as this, what will the Real race to the white house be like.

We are not in Obama's head. We have no way of determining if he is telling the truth when he says he was not referring to age.

Personally, the comment did not strike me as an age comment.

Obama's response "losing his bearings" was a DIPLOMATIC move.

It gives McCain the chance to return to an issues based campaign and drop the mud.

Wolf, You asked the viewers to tell you what questions they wanted to hear you ask Obama.
90% of the response was 'stay away from pins,Wright,bitter,elitist etc"
We are tired of the spin and sound-bites Wolf. But it seems as if you lost so much by listening to your viewers that you are so much in a hurry to go back to the same cheap stuff we are unfortunately used to hearing from you!!!!!
Upgrade man,we gave you the hints.

He Didnt say "lose his marbles" did he? I think the mathematical linguists in McCain Camp has come up with a new synonym vis a vis "Bearings = Marbles" . But come to think of it, thats not very far fetched ha ha ha. Couldnt have put it more succintly myself

I'm sure that McCain has surrounded himself with educated people that know how to draw logical inferences from statements. That being said, there is absolutely no reason as to why McCain's camp interpreted Obama's statement as a low blow reference to McCain's age. McCain's camp introduced the "age factor" and knew that the media would jump all over it. It was an opportunity for McCain and company to CONTINUE to throw mud while playing the victim. What should have been addressed is McCain's far stretch that Hamas endorsed Obama. Even if Hamas indeed endorsed Obama, McCain and Obama's stance on Hamas is virtually the same. I thought McCain is supposed to be a TOUGH war hero. Why is he playing the role of the victim?

Wolf he lose his bearings because he was to remain above this type of talk. Or maybe he is so old, he forgot he was not going to say those things. Never the less, he is way too old!!!!!!!!!!!

Wasn't it McCain who started with the Hamas comment first all is fair in love and war.

Bunzo

The McCain campaign appears to be overly sensitive to the age issue. Wonder if they are protesting to loudly on this? Look at him now, he will look 120 after 8 years in the White house.

I was there and watched the interview and he didn't seem to be bringing up McCain's age at all. If Mitt Romney had said those moronic comments about Hamas, I'm sure that Obama would have responded in the same way. The only one bring up age here is McCain to get off the real issue – his comments about Hamas. Maybe someone should ask the McCain camp why they're bringing up his age rather than focusing on the issue at hand?

What is your opinion, Wolf? You were there.

Obama did not call him "an old fart". He said he was losing his bearings.

This was just a man sensitive about his age, finding something to cast a fit about.

Not that he was referring to the man's age, but the truth is that McCain is a fossil. What's the big deal?

As an ex-Navy man (surface Navy not the air Navy) losing ones bearings refers to being off-track. His bearings here would be his principles. I think the McCain campaign is a little oversensitive about his age. The comment Obama made several weeks ago about McCain's 5o years of experience was a snide comment about his age, but I think the McCain camp is overreaching here. Reagan certainly would have handled it better.

The days when the GoP deceived us and behaved as if they were god are over.

If you throw dirt, make sure you are wearing a protective suit. The American people, via a Democrat, will throw a bigger pile straight back at you.

It's unfortunate that the Mccain campaign is diverting from the question by raising issues that may seem to demonize the other candidate.This campaign preached things they do not and can't stand for.Senator Obama has been through out this campaign, the most civil of the three candidates.To suggest that his response was an attck to Senator Mccain's age is ridiculous and vain.

Bearings as in heading, as in McCain was losing his direction!

I think McCain is trying to spin this to say that Obama meant bearings as in mechanical bearings, IE, McCain is getting old and senile. That's not what Obama meant at all. Come on, McCain...it's obvious you're just spoiling for a fight with Obama.

Don't worry, you'll have your chance soon enough.

Obama didn't say anything out of the ordinary. McCain is def up there in age and has made several slips. From a medical perspective, this is the normally part of aging. Sometimes things become confabulated in the mind.......

Obama should continue to make voters aware that McCain is getting up there and we a president that is not only vital but sharp as well.

I think McCains camp may be feeling a bit insecure Wolf. My interpretation was that he is losing his bearings as far as running a clean campaign. I never thought of age in the comment. Only dirty politics. I do have an opinion about his age though. He should retire gracefully and let a worthy young man take on the job! One who can keep a straight thought in his head!

"Losing one's bearing" in my little understanding meant Mcain has lost who he is in order to appear acceptable to the conservative base of his party. It means Mcain is now for the tax cuts he himself deemed as being against his conscience. It means that Mcain who openly stated he knew nothing about the economy will now turn around and offer quickly thought out solutions. It means that Mcain who did not believe in any aid to the people suffering from the mortgage crises deserves any help because some people were speculators. What happened to our core belief in the rule of law which states that it is better to let 100 guilty persons free than to allow one Innocent man get punished for a crime.
Why must hardworking Americans be allowed to suffer because some of those suffering where speculators?

McCain is a baby, going to cry about everything, whats he going to do when the viet nam vets against MacCain start bombing him, oh lord, I can hardly wait for him to get so mad and shows everyone what a baby he really is, oh, by the way, he is NO hero, a hero saves lives, a hero does not kill women and children.

This tactic is now very familiar in US politics. When guilty or vulnerable, just blame your opponent with your problem –
George W. Bush questions John Kerry's military service, while Bush avoided active duty.
Hillary Clinton calls Obama an elite after reporting their $100M income.
John McCain accuses Obama of unfair charges of being old after McCain slams Obama for being a favorite of terrorist groups.
Good grief!

This is silly.

Wolf,

In the military, when we are presenting ourselves, we are told to "not lose your bearing."

That is, keep yourself composed. It has nothing to do with age, it has to do with how you present yourself.

Obama's comment was spot on, and fools in the media are going to love trying to tie it to ageism. Are you one of them??

Was Obama taking aim at McCain's age?

I hope so. McCain IS too old.
it's not just his years, but his ideas and attitude that are too old.
And I think that that is what Barak is getting at.

(from one Salter to another)

That's forcing it beyond your own convenience. McCain camp said it, not Obama.

I interpreted it more as "desperation" over "age"... either way, he's a desperate old man who is ready to give us more of the same. I think it's intriguing from a foreign policy perspective. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Go Obama. Let's take this to the finish line!

From a White Liberal Woman!

Way to go CNN –

That's a good way to read between the lines Wolf, and asume that the word bearing was being used to describe an eldely person forgetting their name- the actual defintion for 'bearing' in the context of relevance in a conversation is ' This has no bearing on the matter under discussion.' – But spin it all you like –

but lets not forget the context of that argument – McCain was the one saying that Obama would be a bad choice as Hamas had endoursed him (Obama) yeah, that's a good argument and by no way playing the 'fear' card – Wake up people – CNN, you should just have a Hillary banner in the corner of your screen.

Why not? He only TALKS of change, but isn't really about change. A good reason for him to walk the walk and play the political game, what a cheap shot.

Simply an arrogant comment.

Typical Obama snobbinish.

I am tired of when you question Obama you are either racist or offensive. America will tire of this attitude in the next few months as well.

Wolf, not his age but his judgement thats how we took it anyway.

Well, Wolf, losing one's bearings happens to everyone, whether it's geographical or metaphorical. All kinds of people, politicians or no, have been said to "lose their way" or "bearings" all the time. To say that Obama was specifically targeting McCain's age is bizarre. As far as I can tell, he meant that McCain is either not practicing what he's preaching, or that his attempt to appeal to the traditional conservative base of the Republican Party, at which he's often been at odds, is forcing him to compromise or appear inconsistent in his otherwise "maverick" or "moderate" views. The GOP has got to come up with better than that.

The McCain response probably tells more about McCain than Obama. He must be pretty worried about how he looks next to one of the best and brighest 46 year olds around. That raises another funny issue. What if they were both 46? How would they compare even if they were the same age? Would McCain at 46 hold a candle to the judgement of Obama at 46?

That is the GOOFIEST thing I have ever heard! When will they stop stretching a point to fit an 'unfittable' result??!!

"losing his bearings" has absolutely NOTHING to do with age........ it's a TOTAL SENSE OF DIRECTION.

Geesh, McCain can make a statment trying to link Obama to Hamas and THIS is how they twist the tale! Each day goes by and I discover I REALLY HAVEN'T heard or seen it all!

Wolf, I am interested in what you have to say because you were there. And can you please stop letting people go on your show and get away with saying whatever they want. Whenever I watch you – you just let people say anything when you know that they are telling lies.

I was surprised by the McCain reaction. It never crossed my mind that it was in context of age. I thought it was about morals and principles. McCain has always opposed fearmongering and swiftboat type tactics and now he is indulging in those himself is what i thought Obama was referring to.

Let's face it ...

We all are better off with OBAMA as our president... Regardless of if you are a Republican or a Democrate or Independant ... He will unite this country and restore US respect and status aound the world ..

This country has been different and great, becuase we had a continious supply of young leaders such as OBAMA, to lead us and give us new vision and hope ...

We have always been better when a new generation of leadership has taken over .. it is about time ...

OBAMA is as humble and down to earth politician, that I have seen ... He no way meant to refer to Maccain age, so for them to raise this issue is absurd

I think the young population of America, people below 55 ... need to take more active role in voting, especially college students, it is the young people whose future it at stake the most, so they need to take responsibility and go out and vote ...

Cheers!
AQC

McCain is more worried that his age will play a factor than anyone else. Also, "Losing ones bearings" is a reference to direction, mainly used in naval verbage from years ago. So, when you are "losing your bearings" you are basically off on your direction (you intended to go North, but instead are headed NorthWest). This is a perfectly good arguement on Obama's part, because McCain is losing his bearings. He has said many times that he would run a clean campaign, but (change in bearings) has decided to try and smear Obama by somehow connecting Obama to Hamas.

I think he was making a jab at McCain's age. That's exactly what Obama does, he claims to run a "clean" campaign, but then the next minute he'll do something like taking McCain's 100 year remark completely out of context and lying about Clinton's stance on NAFTA. He's very subtle about his dirty tactics and it seems to be working fantastic for him because he has millions of voters convinced he's someone he really isn't.

The Republican spin machine is hard at work trying to tell us who Obama is, at least how they want us to interpret who he is. Fortunately, the American public doesn't just take this nonsense as truth anymore. Who are the "we all" who have become familiar with the "brand of politics" described in this article? These are spin words. Some people sat in a room and decided they would spin well.

McCain and Obama are both good candidates. God Bless America, lets stick to the issues!!!

McCain invited the criticism by the slanderous nature of his comment towards Obama regarding Hamas.

Don't expect Obama to sit back and not respond to those type of insults and fear-mongering.

The bigger picture is what McCain and Obama differ on policy-wise in regards to the Mid-East peace process between the Palestinians and Israel.

Do we even know? Have they ever been asked? Obama already cleared addressed the issue regarding Hamas yet McCain conviently either ignores it or wants to exploit fear-mongering tactics.

Republican thought process: Hamas leader supports Obama! Lets bring it up over and over again, because voters are small minded and fearful and they'll think that makes Obama either weak on terrorism, a terrorist, or both. (Nevermind that our policies in dealing with Hamas are identical to Obamas)

Oh wait, he called us on it. Well lets take something Obama said and twist it to where he sounds like the bad guy!

this was such an absurd reaction from McCain camp, but funny in a way it shows what is 'weakness' of their candidate – he is OLD, and yes that will hurt him. will he nap on the job like Bush senior did?

I think McCain's camp must be very very sensitive to McCain's age and they are really reaching on this one!!!

what mccain camp that didnt even make sense thinl of something better so you at least dont look stupid

Hi, Wolf:
For Heaven's Sake ... I don't think Senator Obama was referring to age at all. He was referring to the fact that Senator McCain is losing his bearings in this race - he is a war hero with a history of being independent and instead of sticking with that tradition, Senator McCain is moving toward George Bush and his failed policies. Obviously Senator McCain is just slinging mud and Senator Obama has to respond. This has a real feeling of deja vu ... guess Senator McCain hasn't learned the lesson that piling onto Senator Obama doesn't work. Perhaps he should talk with Senator Clinton. Everyone always attacks Senator Obama for the phrases he speaks ... hey, the guy is intelligent and uses a variety of references and terms. How refreshing to have a politician who has a command of the English language. Get over it, with all due respect, Senator McCain.

Making a big deal about this is just a way for McCain's campaign to divert attention from the fact that in insinuating the supporting Obama was somehow supporting a terrorist agenda they were in fact enginging in "offensive" tactics that amounted to nothing but "a smear". Anyway, McCain *is* quite old and his age should be an issue.

I have an idea for you Wolf, instead of just throwing raw meat like this to public to fight over and stir controversy, why don't you use your years of experience and insight to do some hard analysis and dissect this issue for the public so people don't get away with crap like this?

People blame McCain, Hillary, Obama, etc for mud slinging but it is media ratings mongers like yourself that are really providing the fuel for this vitriol at the expense of all of Americans and, because of the things politicians get away with, at the expense of the entire world. Good job.

I think McCain has literacy and comprehension problems.

I find it interesting that the party that rails against "political correctness" would parse language more closely than its most dedicated practitioners on college campuses. Not for one second did I interpret "losing his bearings" as a reference to Sen. McCain's age, and I'm certain that Sen. Obama did not mean it that way at all, but as they say, when you have neither facts nor logic, pound the table!

More of the same Republican tactics. I don't believe it was meant as a slam against John McCain's age. If his age is not a problem, why make it an issue.

Listening to the interview, I think it is obvious that BO never meant the said statement to (remotely) relate to McCain's age. I think it is fair to say that they are just looking for ways to label BO as an "old style politician". I do not think that it will wash!

All Obama meant by his "losing his bearings" comment was that McCain's not "walking the talk" that he set for himself. He said he would not resort to negative attacks, and Obama considered his comments on Hamas to be just that. McCain's already "lost his marbles", so he better keep his bearings intact.

Honestly, I did NOT think that when I heard Obama make the comment. Others may have, but I did not... BUT, now I'll think about McCain's age since HIS camp brought it up.

Not a smart move to bring the comment to light and put MORE focus on it..

Lifted out of context and stripped of its intended meaning. "Typical of the Obama style of campaigning"? Please.

i believe they are attacking McCains age

To lose one's bearings is to be confused and sometimes to be senile is to be confused, and even other times being senile is to be confused about what losing one's bearings means. Enough said. Go politics!

The interpretation is in the mouth of the beholder. You interpret what you want according to how it suits your purposes. A fair translation of losing one's bearing is changing one's demeanor. And this can happen because of age or because of other factors. Obama was responding to an attack but I don't believe he was referring to McCain's age.

September 11th 2001 was a hugely successful and painful terrorist attack. Not a single attack has succeeded since then- showing that the U.S., when vigilant, has little to worry about from terrorists. The Bush administration deserves some credit in this regard.

However, the administration's actions have also cost more than 4,000 American lives and 50,000 wounded in Iraq. That more than negates the credit for keeping the bad guys out of the U.S.

McCain's bluster that he would be Hamas' worst nightmare follows the Bush game plan of keeping Americans supporting his policies through the use of fear. Senator McCain does not appreciate that our very presence in Iraq and Kuwait is a recruiting tool for Al Qaeda.

John McCain is known to be a man of character. In recent months, however, he has been saying things that a man of character would not say. His remarks about Senator Obama and Hamas fall into that category, and in that sense he is losing his bearing. He also seems to be losing his bearing by shifting his positions in a number of areas- all calculated to get elected. This is not the same "straight talk express" that earned the Senator the respect of the American people.

I still respect John McCain, but in my opinion Senator Obama takes the high road more than any of the other candidate thus far in this election cycle.

Wow, of course he was, "I think he's starting to LOSE HIS BEARINGS?"" That is such a loaded comment.
Obama is so disrespectful, he did it to people of faith, people that believe in the 2nd amendment, to women, now to old folks.

God save this country from his ilk!

Mr. Blitzer:

Two thoughts. First, you have taken the McCain bait. This Obama supporter and former admirer [to the horror of my friends] of McCain believes that Obama was referring to the pandering/change of direction personna of McCain as he pursues the nomination. He has embraced people and positions that he didn't touch with a 10-foot pole in 2000. Second, I just watched the interview w/Lieberman. Yes, I expected a puff piece for McCain, but did you have NO obligation to challenge Lieberman [another political opportunist] when he touted McCain's foreign policy "experience"? After all, it was Lieberman who had to help McCain regain his bearings when distinguishing among Shia, Sunni and Al Queda...

I hope this isn't an indication of what is to come at the network....

Bearings are not marbles.
McCain and his people know that.

Implying Obama was insinuating that McCain "loosing his bearings" was an attack on his age is ridiculous. Look at the comment in context. He was referring to McCain loosing his bearings on his morals and integrity by participating in smear tactics.

For the record, I plan on voting for Obama, but I vey much like McCain. However, it pains me to see him starting to use the same Karl Rove tactics that he fell victim to in 2000.

I think he was simply saying McCain is straying too far from his strengths and principles in the quest to win. Losing himself, so to speak.

Wolf,

I saw the interview yesterday and I do not think that Barack answered that questions angrily as you descirbed. He didn't raise his voice but was very firm in his response.

Please don't try to insight an emotional uproar; make a mountain out of a molehill.

The response wasn't nothing as it is being portrayed.

There are some in the Republican party that will turn the easter bunny
into a monster. Obama said "losing his bearings" not losing his marbles.
That's what I say.

Wolf,
You do a great disservice to Obama by only reporting, and repeating, half of his quote about McCaine loosing his "bearings." Obama didn't just, out of the blue, spout McCaine has "lost his bearings". Obama was talking about McCain's camaping changed directions–first trumpeting that they would focus on issues, not personal snipes, but then quickly turned around and did exactly that with the "Hamas loves Obama" theme . Obama clearly said that McCain's campaign had "lost its bearings" and changed direction on the way to keeping its promises. He never said, or inferred, that McCain was old, nuts, or anything else.

The fact that McCain over reacted so publically gives pause to make voters wondering if "he doth protest too much"– because he, himself, feels that it is one of his biggest obsticals to overcome on the long and arduous campaign road ahead. (Especially, in view of all the misstatements and gaffs he has already been caught making, long before the real fight has begun.)

You owe Obama's an apology for not using his full quote–relating to the change of the campaign's directions–versus the sound bite which makes it look like he is saying McCain lost his bearings/marbles.

"Obama’s campaign, by the way, replied that his use of the words “losing his bearings” had nothing to do with McCain’s age."

well, Obama has his history of saying that he did not mean what he said. So it is not easy to believe him. He seems to have problems to express himself clearly, or he is just backing out.

Some people get carried by their own talking to the point they forget to pay attention to consequences of their words. Or they just simply do not think in that moment of talking about the impact of their words. Which is not good for the politician, leader.

Look! McCain's age is an issue and we all know it. The Republican party is trying to blame Obama for McCain's age. A perfect example of counter accusation.

Just like the Republicans are getting ready to run anti-Obama ads, I'd be great to see an independent group run ads about McCain's age and war history. Ads like McCain in the heat of battle fighting side by side with Teddy Roosevelt and McCain advising Teddy that his horse is coming up lame and he needs another bullet, as a member of the Rough Riders, and trudging through the trenches of WWI with a gas mask, and so forth.

Obama for President!

Wolff,

I think that the McCain camp is just obsessed with his age. They see it as a major obstacle themself.

That's why they are so jumpy on the subject.

McCain is Old! We all know that...for Salter to point it out again...is a mistake. The more we look at him (McCain) the older he looks.

Salter keep up the good work! LOL

McCain is lost at sea, lost his bearings in what America needs, which isn't 4 more years of failed Bush agenda! We need an end to unjust wars, bought policies in Washington, and a government that serves the few. By the people for the people – not by the rich and for the rich!

Yes – I want to be PROUD of AMERICA again! Unjust wars that lead to thousands of people who died too soon doesn't make me proud!

I don't think that Obama meant his age at all...just that he's losing site of what he should be talking about, worrying about, and thinking about. That's "losing your bearings".
However, John McCain's age SHOULD be taken into consideration. As this campaign as gone on...he's looking more and more worn out...more and more tired, and you have to wonder, if the campaign is taking this much of a toll on him (when he doesn't really have anyone to campaign againts yet! It has barely started!)...what will the presidency do to him?

the comment had nothign to do with mccains age. did someone say TOUCHY?!

ps-

If obama doesnt offer clinton the VP slot i will personally be furious.

why should i vote for a man who talks and talks and talks about 'uniting' people when he's not even willing to reach out so far as to offer clinton the VP slot?

it will be his single act of hypocrisy yet. I'm a lifelong democrat. But at least McCain's showed more respect to Clinton than the obamacists… I WILL vote for mccain if obama messes this up. So will millions like me. He's hard enough to get elected as it is, without infuriating every last person who voted for clinton.

You've been warned, Obama people.

people will put a spin on anything. everything people say it seem like it is taking out of text. get over it we no you old. we can see that. we no barack black and we no hillary is a woman. what i dont no is why is gas $4.

The reference to "losing his bearings" has more to do with "navigation" and "finding your way."

Clearly it has nothing to do with "age."

Freudian slip?

Sounds like the McCain campaign is paranoid!

This is simply a case of McCain trying to remain relevant.

"Losing his bearing" has nothing whatsoever to do with age. A young, old, big or small man can lose his bearing – meaning direction. What planet is Salter from??

Patrick

Toronto

The definition of "bearings" is orientation, relative position, location, direction, sense of direction.... the manner in which one bears or conducts one's self, behavior, carriage...purport, meaning, intended significance, aspect... I do not think Senator Obama was referring to Senator Mccains' age! I think the Republicans took his comment way out of context. They jumped on the opportunity to distort this comment, backing what I got out of what Obama said, which was that Mccain was "out of touch."

Nonsense!

If obama doesnt offer clinton the VP slot i will personally be furious.

why should i vote for a man who talks and talks and talks about 'uniting' people when he's not even willing to reach out so far as to offer clinton the VP slot?

it will be his single act of hypocrisy yet. I'm a lifelong democrat. But at least McCain's showed more respect to Clinton than the obamacists... I WILL vote for mccain if obama messes this up. So will millions like me. He's hard enough to get elected as it is, without infuriating every last person who voted for clinton.

You've been warned, Obama people.

I don't think his comment was refearing to his age at all, but rather to his "political" bearings (as in he says one thing, and then does another), but I am so glad that McCain brought this issue to the forefront.

I think age and heath are serious issues to consider for the position of president and I personally don't feel comfortable supporting someone who is not only REALLY OLD, but has had a history of serious health issues, and WHERE ARE MCCAIN'S HEALTH RECORDS ANYWAY????? What is he trying to hide?

Let's dwell on that point for a while, CNN.

Also, Obama's 'new brand of politics' is common sense. Something this republican administration knows nothing about.

obama is black....think about it.

MCCAIN WILL BE 72 YEARS OLD AND IF ELECTED PROBABLY WILL BE A ONE TERM PRESIDENT. HE WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE A STRONG AND YOUNGER VP RUNNING MATE.

WHO BETTER THAN COLIN POWELL OR MAYOR BLOOMBERG BOTH WHICH ARE BETTER THAN OBAMA.
COLIN POWELL HAS THE STATURE, EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE
AND HAVING SERVED UNDER REAGAN AND BOTH BUSH PRESIDENTS.. MAYOR BLOOMBERG HAS ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE AND UNLIMITED RESOURCES WHICH OBAMA CANNOT HOPE TO MATCH.

Obviously, age is a touchy subject for McCain, or else he wouldn't see a slight where no obvious one exists. Had Obama said that this is "an example of him being delusional" or "having a senior moment," then perhaps I see McCain's point. But losing one's bearings is more related to direction, and seems a stab at McCain's "Straight Talk Express" idea than his age. But if we've learned anything from the Democratic primaries, it's to take offense at anything and try to ignite a political firestorm out of it (see bitter, controversy the). Note, however, that the tactic hasn't worked well for Clinton, and I'm not sure that manufacturing controversies will work much better for McCain.

Wolf,

I am a life-long Democrat. I've been knocking on doors to register voters or campaign for candidates (sometimes myself) for 37 years. Notable about this election, (and a great disappointment to this partisan observer,) is the sheer 'shrillness' of the rhetoric. Predictably, not much of this comes from the candidates themselves. But, surrogates and bloggers have been incredibly effective at 'discovering' sub-scripts in every speech or remark.

I watched your interview with Senator Obama. Frankly, the response from the McCain campaign is a 'head shaker.' It is clear to me, that Sen. Obama referred solely to his disappointment that John McCain breeched his commitment to campaign on issues alone.

OBAMA'S STATEMENT HAS NOTHINGT TO DO WITH MCCAIN'S AGE. THIS IS A SPIN BY THE MCCAIN CAMP! IT IS IN FACT A DOUBLE NEGATIVE ATTACK ON OBAMA BY THE MCCAIN CAMP! THEIR RESPONSE IS VERY INAPPROPRIATE AND BELITTLES THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH AND PREPAREDNESS TO HELP MCCAIN IN THIS CAMPAIGN. THEY REALLY NEED TO GO TO SCHOOL – BECAUSE THEIR ATTITUDE DEPICTS THEM INFERIOR TO A 5TH GRADER!

That's quite a stretch from the McCain camp. Ridiculous.

His political bearings! Age had nothing to do with loosing your bearings or your marbles. I think that says alot more about the people complaining than the person who said it.
-ED

This is a distraction. People are interested in how to survive in a struggling economy.

My context would be "military bearing" transposed ti senatorial bearing. More colloquially, out of character, not consistent withe deportment expected....that sort of thing...

It's amazing that the Republicans think so little of the average American's intelligence to believe that we can be manipulated by a foreign terrorist organization's "endorsement". Perhaps the Republican leadership thinks the Republican rank and file bedrock supporter actually believes that Barack Obama is a tool of Hamas just waiting to hand over America to Osama Bin Laden; but I doubt it. But it may make a convenient excuse to vote racism.

Thats funny cause to ME...it seemed more like he was referring to McCains straight talk promise and not about his age. The fact that the Republicans are raising McCains age to accuse the Dems of raising his age as an issue is so ironic that it should go in the dictionnary as an example for the word.
This is going to be one heck of an election. Wish I were one of your countrymen so I could vote.

Giuliano

I didn't take it that way. I think McCain is way too sensitive about his age and possibly is just looking for an excuse to launch a negative campaign against Obama.

Republicans need to acknowledge tthe necessity of a political recovering.Don't they want to admit how much they dammaged their country these last eight years.
Why Mccain was not able to win the republican nomination in 2002?
How could he miss that opportunity to beat GWB?
That does say a lot about his leadership ability.On the other hand, he needs to feel confident when it comes to his age; noboddy has mentionned it as an issue.

Obama's comment didn't have anything to do with McCain's age. The McCain camp looked like they were about to be trapped equating Obama to terrorists (a pretty heinous act) while simultaneously running the risk of bring up the whole 'McCain doesn't know the difference between Iran and Al-Qaida' debacle again. To 'solve' the salutation they just attacked. It didn't have to be a well crafted or thought-out attack, just an attack to divert attention. .

I think Obama is much more of a typical politician then he wants people to know. I believe he is always looking to make himself look more liek a regular person. Like playing Taboo on the airplane with the presss corp. of course CNN covered that as real news. Good lord. I believe he is a calculating person and not completly truthful with his intentions which is the worst kind of politician.

When I heard it, the phrase did not jump out at me as a dig at Senator McCain's age, but rather it indicated he had lost his direction from his previous promises to run a positive campaign without personal attacks. Now if it was a sideway stab at his age, it was clever, and I like clever.
Let's make no mistake about it. Senator McCain's age is and should be a concern for American voters. Regardless of the strength of a candidate's policies and positions, if he is too long past the best years of his life, it is of grave concern. Ooops. Was I being clever, or just misspeaking. Hmmm.
To be honest, with all due respect, I believe Senator McCain is/has actually lost a bit of his mind. It is well within the realm of possiblity, and sometimes when I watch him, I just have to wonder? Sorry – just honest observation.

This smear tactic by the McCain campaign has nothing to do with the age of their candidate and everything to do with them losing their bearings

I am always amazed at the severity with which Barack Obama's comments are distorted. Question, will Mark Salter's memo get the same amount of talking head droning that Pastor Wright's comments did? Will John Hagee a blatant racist religious fanatic get any of your air time? Of course not because that would be fair and balanced reporting. This is the challenge then isn't it. Barack has already thrown down the gauntlet, and as usual the mainstream media kept spewing their spineless dreck. Barack has asked more of us all. When will the droning stop? When will you step up to the plate?

That expression had nothing to do with McCains age. We all know that statement was another way of saying The Straight Talk Express may have taken a wrong turn. His campaign has been waiting for Mr. Obama to say something like this so they can spin him as an elitest while simultaneously courting the Senior Vote. POLITICS SHMOLITICS!

Well, the "Straight Talk Express" came to mind for me, the bus, not what comes from McCain's mouth. Old people don't lose bearings, they lose their marbles.

I think it's just another way you and CNN are trying to drum up an artificial controversy which most people are frankly sick of. This isn't news. It's nonsense. Losing your bearings means you are losing your way. Your focus. Which is exactly what any thinking person can reason. Losing your mind or losing your faculties or losing your marbles is about age – none of which was said. You know that. Giving credence to the McCain campaign's tirade is playing up a false story for your own ratings. There is no story. McCain is hoping to create one and once again, the so-called media is spending time on this rather than the news. Wolf – really is there nothing more important to report about?

That is the stupidity of interpreting the word. I dont found the meaning age for the bearings. Mccain team needs some English expert as advisor.

Hadn't Obama's earlier comments ,than the Republicans' are mentioning, included a reference to the type of moral campaign claimed by McCain? It seemed quite clear with an extension of the interview's results "that a loss of bearings" refers to "losing his way", or "getting off track" , which wasn't readily apparent until McCain's camp "opened the gate".

Campaigns are getting ridiculous now! How can one relate losing bearings to his age? I think its not even worthy to give this story a headline.
It is almost obviuous for us who follows the campaigns to relate McCain to his "Straight Talk Express Bus" and the fact that "The Bus" can lose bearings and start swerving around without direction.

Are we losing it or what? C'mon McCain we expect more from you.

"Loosing Your Bearings" is in no way related to age. It's the same as saying "You're Off Track", and that's not related to age either. It's the same as saying "You Aren't Focused, and still not related to age.

Anyone in their "Right Mind" could see that Obama simply meant that McCain's political views are "Off Track".

McCain "Is Going Nuts" or just "Playing Political Games" by "Spinning" things around!!!

Sounds like McCain is the one that has issues and concerns about his age, because he seems "Overly Sensitive" over nothing.

Mr.Blitzer,
I am a Viet Nam vet and no Mr McCain is not lost his bearings regarding the Question on Hammas and Obama.Me my vet friends my IBEW friends and my friends from Alaska,Colorado,California,Washington State,Las Vegas,Nevada and Arizona doubt very serious that this man is not only connected to the Chicago mob as well as Muslim extremist ,this man is dirty and McCain is not wrong.

The Traveling Telphone War Vet

When I heard the comment I wasn't thinking about his age.
Sounds like the McCain camp is sensitive about his age, maybe we should be worried.

Having viewed this interview twice, I came away with the understanding that Senator Obama was making reference to Senator McCain's'"flip-flopping", rather than his age. Senator Obama has referred to Senator McCain's change of position on several major issues numerous times during this campaign, and I believed that's what he was saying in this instance as well.

he seem worthless lately. Is he a journalist?

I think that John McCain is out of touch.

Obama's statement has nothing to do with age. I think Obama is stating that John McCain said that he was not going to run a smear campaign, and with the Hamas statement he has done just that.

So "losing his bearings" refers to the fact that he is going back on his promises to run a "clean and just" campaign. Thus John McCain is the same old politics and the same old Bush ideas.

My thought only, but, when I heard it, I took it to mean that McCain was playing a type of "silly politics" and not being serious about the candidacy. It seems like McCain's camp wants so badly for Obama to play into the "age" thing that they are trying to plant the seed.
Enough is enough....

As unfortunate as I feel it is to agree with McCain, Obama has shown time and time again that he is a hypocrite. He plays all the political games while touting he isn't the normal politician. He claims Clinton panders while drinking at a bar, when he did the same thing weeks before. He wants everyone to see he is a change from the Old Washington – the only thing that seems to have changed is now we nominate candidates without experience who leverage blatantly hypocritcal attacks on others while claiming innocence.

I think that is a little far-fetched. it's not as if Obama said "He is senile". I reckon the McCain camp are just trying to score some early blows.

Mcain has lost his bearings in quite a number of way and its about time someone called it for what it is. He talks about openness and accountability, yet his wife ( a potential 1st lady) won't open up her tax returns. He talks against accepting money from lobbists, yet uses private jets provided by the same folks. He talks about understanding why we wanting to bring the war in Iraq to an end, yet says he is willing to stay there for 100 years. If that is not loosing his bearings, then I don't know what is

'Losing your bearings' does not have anything specifically to do with being old. It is more a synonym to the phrase 'out of touch' (sound familiar?). Obama simply meant that McCain's offensive comment indicated that he is out of touch with what is really going on. That he is 'losing his bearings' on the reality of the situation, choosing instead to perpetuate the right winged propaganda that Obama is Muslim, and therefore in this same warped reality, a terrorist. This is a continuation of the paranoia politics that have for the past 8 years destroyed the USA's global credibility and economic stability. McCain's attempt to play on the fears of the American people is despicable. Obama simply called him out on it. So in realizing his blunder, McCain quickly attempted to turn the tables on Obama hoping to distract voters from his own ignorant statement. Anyone with a brain can see Obama was not insinuating that McCain is old. Which by the way, he is.

You article is entitled: Was Obama taking aim at McCain's age?
I find that in most cases, news storys that end in questions marks are usually not news but gossip which seems to be the niche that cable news has carved out for itself, especially in this political season...most of the stories about the Rev. Wright ended in question marks...I'm not that old, but I can remember when the National Enquirer was one thing and "the news" was something else...now there is little difference, except you might want to do more stories about how "I Had Elvis' Extraterrestrial Love Child" and whatnot...just so we know who we're dealing with...P.S. I dare you to print this.

Wolf, tell McCain and his crew, the tactic won't work.

It would appear that Mr. Salter himself is self conscious of McCain's age.
It never occurred to me that comment had anything to do with that. After all, one can lose his or her bearings at any age. Mr. Salter took the opportunity to launch his own attack, far more venomous than Obama's.

I really don't believe that Senator Obama was referring to Senator McClain's age when he responded. It is very hard to keep up with McCain because he is always flip-flopping on issues. Salter is just trying to find something to argue about because he knows McCain will have a hard time against Obama in the fall.

It is a smear, what McCain said. How is it fair to suggest that militant Palestinian's would vote for Obama? That is absolutely ridiculous, and something perfect for Fox News. Give me a break. Furthermore, Obama's response was not putting down his age, it was speaking the truth about how awful what McCain said was.
The Republican's know the only way they can win is if they put out some outlandish lies about Obama...they don't have a chance in 08. Finally we can get our country back.
Obama 08

Wolf-
I don't understand why McCain is so super sensitive to this topic. I took Obama's comment no different than when he has said "the wheels have come off the straight-talk express" in the past....Why are they taking it so negative???

No more so than so many veiled comments about Obama's race. The difference is that Obama lets it flow like water off a duck's back, whereas McCain jumps on the inference with his response supporting his image as old and grumpy.

I have a high regard for both Senator McCain and Senator Obama. However, this is just ludicrous. I have never heard anyone use the expression "lose his bearings" to imply advanced age or diminished capacity. In my experience the phrase means exactly what it suggests on first impression– to lose one's direction.

More importantly, Wolf, I would be interested in what you think. You were the guy who asked the question and had the opportunity to observe Senator Obama, from a few feet away, as he responded. Was there any thing about his tone, emphasis or demeanor as he spoke those words that suggested to you that this was a clever play on words as now suggested by Senator McCain's people? Or did you, at the time and in the context of the moment, take those words at their common meaning?

Whether or not it was a dig at McCain's age is irrelevant. The fact is, McCain's age IS an issue and it needs to be considered. It shouldn't be the central issue in the campaign, but American's need to consider if they want to put the oldest President in history in office, with the very real possibility that his health could start rapidly deteriorating at any moment. It also makes his choice for VP all that more important.

I think the McCain camp is 100% right about Obama's tactics. His new politics are far from new.

McCain's comment about Obama making reference to his age reiterated what Obama was saying in the first place. McCain is losing his bearings. And let me be clear that my comment has nothing to do with age.
It seems McCain himself has brought more attention to his age than Obama ever could have.

I agree with Mc Cain campaign , Obama's knew what he said, just like the remarks he made about typical white people, and people turning to religion and guns.His wife saying that this is the first time that she was proud to be an American. Obama staying at that church for 20 years that is racist. I do not trust Obama , he does not have good judgement or character and is not honest. I am a democrat but will never vote for him in the general election. Hillary is the best person for president. The media and the DNC is going to nom a losing candidate with Obama.

Any one with a brain knew that Obama was not talking about McCain's age, but you can expect that logic from the Mc Bush Team.

Wolf, it simply comes down to direction or purpose. It's clear to me as I am an outsider. I've watched the interview, and the way I see it through Obama's body language and the way he speak, it's clearly that he has no intention of undermining or targeting Sen. McCain's age.

To me, during a campaign, people will always find anything that to them seems wrong. If they can't, they would try to twist what they heard into something, in order to make it a case.

I believe neither Obama nor McCain wants to run the a negative campaign. But that I guess that would'nt be the case as it get closer to the GE.

McCain will try to do the same thing that Clinton has done, go after the older vote.

A refrence to Hamas is one of the worst attacks of words anyone could say. To say the someone is losing their bearings is an attack . . . come on.

I think McCain's age is more relevant than what Obama's pastor had taken out of context and plastered all over the media.

Although, I don't think it was a swipe at his age, maybe his faculties, but not his age. Desperation from McCain's campaign is all this is. His age IS an issue, so they're very sensitive to it.

Why couldn't Obama talk about that? Health is tied to age and health is always a factor in a candidate. Ask Bob Dole.

It is clear to me he was refering to McCain's (and his wife's) insistence they will NOT run a negative campaign, and then in the same breath utter such an offensive point. Obama was being nice; I don't think McCain lost his bearings, I think he was obviously insincere in the first place. And Salter's comments are just more of the same. Talk about hypocrisy!!

FYI, losing one bearings means to become bewildered.
Hillary wants the white votes... and McCain the old white votes.

The presidency is not about race, age or gender!! It about ISSUES!

GO OBAMA08!!

What dictionary are you people using for the meaning of the word bearings????
Mine says nothing about age (or ref. to losing ones marbles) that you in the media and McCain seem to indicate. McCain, as a
military man should know if you lose your bearings you will never
reach your destination..

I think that the McCain camp pulled this trigger way too early. They are so anious to get running against an actual opponent that they are showing that their strategy is to attack Obama by crying foul and try to retain the moral high ground. Not very deceptive seeing as they can't wait to deploy this clever strategy. To use it in this case shows little patience.

Where is the John McCain of old? Pandering to the far right might cost him big. If the middle is up for grabs he should be the guy that got him there and stake out the moral high ground for real.

The comment to me implied that McCain was losing his stance or position on running a fair campain. As it gets closer to the general election every word will begin to get bent and analyzed and multiple directions.

Obama's comment of McCain, “losing his bearings" doesn't bother me... what bothers me is Joe Liberman saying "I checked McCain's bearings today"? Huh? How good of friends are they?...

Wolf, I heard the interview (which BTW was great). I certainly didn't find the comment to be age-based, but rather related to the tone of McCain's campaign. For the McCain camp to try and perceive it as being so makes me believe that McCain's age is not only a very sensitive issue for them but also a real concern.

Oh of course not. I think John McCain's just getting a little paranoid... (in his old age...)

Wolf reminds me of a scandal sheet editor! Always sniffing and trying to dig up dirt....NOT news or clarifications.
CNN and Blitzer do more to divide and stir up trouble in the U.S.A
than even the candidates.

I don't think he did it intentionally. It does however raise in interesting question, clearly a candidates race or gender should have no impact on whether or not they should be considered for the presidency, but is it neccessarily correct to extend that blanket to age. I think the fact that Sen. McCain is 71 years old IS a valid issue. I'm not saying it means he shouldn't be president and he has certainly shown he has the energy to keep up with anybody this primary season but I think it's a fair thing to take into consideration.

Wolf. This is so stupid. It's petty and indicative of children on a school yard with name calling. Obama CLEARLY was stating he is losing his bearings in respect to his control over how he thinks about topics. McCain's people were just sitting there, WAITING FOR SOMETHING and it never came. I think that to Obama's point the other day, they have nothing left to say or find on him and they have to reach. Quite simply, they are not used to having a politician who they have trouble picking on. It also further supports Obama's message of change. If McCain and his people think this is going to work in the general...let them look at Hillary's efforts to bad mouth Obama and those results. Focus on issues, not each other. Let American's decide on your principles who they want. We are all SICK of this back and forth...hey, if it's not allowed on the school yard, it shouldn't be allowed in this campaign.

When I first heard the remark, I can honestly say that McCain's age did not even cross my mind.

I took it to mean that McCain has been moving away from the things that made people like myself admire him in the past, such as clean campaigning (his Hamas comments are out of line) and opposing the Bush administration on matters of principle (irresponsible tax cuts, torture, etc). I may have been fooled back then, but he's no longer the McCain that I admired.

I think the McCain campaign is a little too sensitive on the age issue. You can use the phrase "lost his bearings" to refer to a crazy statement of a person of any age. And by the way, saying that Hamas has a preference in the U.S election is crazy. As far as Hamas is concerned, Obama, McCain, Bush, Clinton, . . . they are all the same to them, all evil in their opinion. This all underscores how little he understands the dynamics at play in the middle east. Saying McCain "lost his bearings" is pretty polite . . . I would have said he is a complete idiot if he thinks that.

I strongly agree. This is Obama's technique. Mean something but say it in such a way that if your back is up against the wall, the terminology can be change to mean something else.

No, it had nothing to do with age (although I personally am concerned with the Senator's age). In fact, one may lose their bearings at any point in their life. Just as the teenager who rebels against their parents is self-destructive, John McCain's efforts to unify a Republican Party and garnish the support of conservatives (and, in turn, using tactics they are comfortable and familiar with) have made him lose his bearings as to what he has claimed for many years are important.

I think that it is absolutely ridiculous that the McCain camp would accuse Obama of targeting McCain's age because he said "losing his bearings". I have been hearing my mom use that phrase for years in reference to herself and I have used it referring to myself. It simply means that a person is a little confused or off course a bit. It has nothing to do with age, anyone of any age can "lose their bearings". I think the McCain camp is just trying to stir up some controversy or maybe trying to use this to discourage seniors from voting for Obama.

This is McCain's campaign trying to take the focus off of them since they are guilty of smearing. Do we really care who Hamas wants as president?

Losing his bearings could mean allot of things. Why can the republicans always say what they want, but as soon as a democrat makes the slightest comment its always, transfered to something super negetive. Why is'nt anyone talking about what Macain said to bring on the statement anyway. Mcain was wrong for making the Hamas Statement.

touchy ????to me thats a negative reply like there defending his age why do they have to ??are they worried?if so why are they so worried that they fell they have to defend his age?my father is 80 and could out work alot of 5o year olds ,,ive never felt conpelled to defend him when someoone says something about him ..all there doing is drawing attention to AGE..

Senator Obama simply responded to an attack on hisself and all of a sudden "losing his bearings" is a slam on McCain's age?! I thought he was being rather nice about it myself. I have said that McCain has a major bolt lose on more than one occasion! Somehow I don't think Obama was trouncing the old guy's age, just his slimey mentality for making such a comment. If you did not want a response, you should not have asked the question. What is he going to say?! "Oh yeah, me and those hamas dudes are really tight ya know?" DUH!!! *rolling my eyes*

Every word Obama says they dissect and try to twist it. Anyway the guy is old, and yes I said it. He's too old to be the President. How can McCain go back on word when it comes to the Bush tax cuts.

First of all McCain is OLD, I don't think that is a secret. He even said he is older than dirt (of course a lie) but he is older than Coke and every fast food joint on the face of the earth. Losing is bearing is related to his straight talk express. The wheels are coming off and boy he is getting desperate... Hamas and Obama. Next Osama is a big fan of Obama.

Of course I agree that it has nothing to do McCains age. Methinks Mr. McCain is a little sensitive about the age issue.

wolf dont mind them. you have to know the rebub attack machine is not a new thing for american people cos if there go on issues and policy obama will definitely win them, so there come on attack which americans knows. my advise for them is for mccain to change his policies like before he had not to change it as soon as he get nom.. and the fact was that's what make him win the nom cos he was running as a change candidate an that was why i vote for him then, but since he embrace bush i change my vote for obama.

I don't believe that the phrase "losing his bearing" is at all suggesting anything about Sen. McCain's age. I think that it's supposed to be more in line with the phrase "losing your military bearing". Which means, losing your composure that you have been trained to keep. Sen Obama just meant that Sen McCain has a way that he likes to present himself, and briefly detoured from that normal behavior. If anything, the choice of wording was probably meant to connect to military personnel like myself, in terms that we can relate to. Kind of dig in to some of that military backing.

Wow! The republician always seems to blow-up what Obama says. Tell McCain to get a back bone – and he got the nerves to say Obama is weak, it sounds like grand-dad McCain is the weak one. It sounds like McCain is the one who is self-consious of his age.

Considering that McCain is working hard to become what he thinks "Conservatives" want him to be (at least in appearance), I think the phrase "losing his bearings" refers more to McCain acting outside of character to appease some people out on the right.

McCain's campaign is trying to hard to find their own "race" card to play.

For heaven's sake! I "lose my bearings" on a regular basis, and it isn't because of age. The McCain campaign is so sensitive about his age, that they pounce on anything. Silliness!

Wolf,

I don't believe Senator Obama was making a reference to Senator McCain's age. He was simply stating that the senator was off his position.

Getting your bearings also, find one's bearings. You figure out one's position or situation relative to one's surroundings. For example, She's still new to the company and needs time to find her bearings, or I'll be along soon; just wait till I get my bearings. Naturally, one can also lose one's bearings, as in After we missed the turnpike exit, we completely lost our bearings. These phrases use bearings in the sense of "relative position," a usage dating from the 1600s.

This is just another attempt to make a mountain out of a mole hill by the media and the Republicans.

Of course not ! people who are saying that are losing their bearings!!

Witty, but disrespectful comment by Obama.
Obama is just another politican, not a saint like he leads people to believe him to be.

Seems to me Mr. Obama line "losing his bearings" is to equate Mr. McCain and his message to a ship that has lost its course on a rough sea of public support. For those who don't really understand that term "Bearing" should consult Mr. Webster. To equate the term to Mr. McCain losing his mind is not what he was implying.

This is a case of creative hearing on McCain's part. How he gets "McCain is old" out of Obama's observation that McCain is "losing his bearing" is beyond me, but then again, maybe creativity increases with age.....

I think McCain's reply showed me all we need to know about him. The reply made me think of his age, not Obama's comment.

Wolf,
Obama's arrogance and discrimination against Mcain will be dished right back to him, as we all know he is inexperienced and is leading this country to believe he is the best to run this country. It has been over a year now and I still do not buy what Obama is selling. Mr Obama will not gain any votes by doing this because the democratic party has left a bad taste in some of the American peoples mouths. I am a Hillary supporter and after The Indiana primary I switched my registration back to Republican and am planning to vote for Mcain. I will take an older man's wisdom far before a young man's promises.

Who cares this is not news good lord!!!! That is what most of Americans think

Sen. McCain opened this can of worms by suggesting that Sen. Obama would be influenced by terrorist organizations because of his name/religious background. Responding to McCain's comment with a potential age-related comment of his own was perhaps not the most politically savvy move – but McCain et. al. should not be complaining when they threw the first punch.

Ok... so if we're going to say 'losing his bearings' is a reference to being old... you gotta look at the meaning of it, and also the sentence relevance of it.

Everyone is focusing on the 'losing his bearings' and ignoring the subsequent words 'as he pursues this nomination'. Anyone who thinks McCain is too old would think he was too old at this exact moment... not that we're watching him get older. Aren't we all getting older? So the tense of the phrase doesn't coincide with what Mr. Salter is implying.

Also, the phrase 'losing his bearings' is a navigation reference implying he's lost his way. Obama's reply to the Hamas comment is regarding McCain's behavior in ethical and amicable campaigning... or losing his moral way.

Now, if he said 'losing his marbles' or 'going senile' that's completely different as it refers to losing his mental capacity through aging... but 'losing his bearings' refers to a conscious shift in mentality regardless of the capacity. I could lose my bearings right now... and I'm 21.

McCain is "losing his bearings " meaning this guys doesnt know where on the map he is or where he stands. He says his campaign wont smear Obama then he goes and link Obama to Hamas.
Frankly i think McCain ought to be ashamed of himself for his double talk. He says one thing but does another, He accepts Hagees endorsement but conderms the man for what he said.
He writes the immgration plan with Bush then he goes against it because its no longer popular.
He is against the bush tax cuts, but to win over conservative talk show hosts now he is for the bush tax cut.
This guys is Yesterdays politician and Yesterdays News. Bring on Change to the White House.

Bearings has nothing to do with age.

I don't think it had anything to do with McCain's age as well. Obama had clearly proceeded the comment by saying how McCain had earlier denounced the idea of running a negative campaign. His suggestion that Obama is the preferred candidate of Hamas was an absolute smear. So Obama responded appropriately. McCain's campaign is merely grasping at straws to say Obama was pointing out McCain's age. Salter's comments strike me as desperate and disingenuous.

So what? John McCain has become a senile old fool. Call a spade a spade.

Obama meant mcCain is off track for someone who is not going to be negative– hamas comment was a smear by McCain who has lost his bearings –hes off track-how can anyone read anything else into that comment-thanks,karen

I think that the McCain campaign doth protest too much.

I doubt Obama meant it as an attack on his age, but it was a defensive gesture that could be considered a retaliation. Don't get me wrong, I don't like McCain anymore than the rest of America, but it was throw mud in my eye, I'll sling some at you. I think Obama probably was referring to the Senior Senators general unstable filp flop mentality which may or may not have anything to do with his age.

Give it a rest, Wolf! Concentrate on the issues.

"Bearings" means direction. Sen. Obama was saying Sen. McCain is losing his direction as he pursues the nomination. Obama has said this before as well, with McCain having to cater to the Republican base and President Bush for support.

But I suppose we should all thank the McCain campaign for reminding us that Sen. McCain is old.

Now THIS is rediculous. His own campaign is the one that just brought up and made an issue of his age. BUT HE *IS* VERY OLD.

Whether I believe Obama was talking about McCain's age or not is not important because there is nothing McCain can do to change his age and he can't hide it. Boy, if McCain is so sensitive about his age, I'd say he has some serious issues. By the way, where's his medical report.

I think the McCain camp might be hard of hearing. American's are ready new leadership and a new kind of politics. What has happened to the McCain of 2000?

Wolf,

I think '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!

The way the Obama and McCain campaigns are suddenly going at it, it's like the Clinton-Obama feud, but without the guilt!

I think that McCain's people really need to look up the meaning of "losing his bearings". It is used as a navigation term in which there is a deviation from a particular direction, such as claiming to not use negativity and then trying to connect Obama with Hamas. And I am very disappointed that you and the other media heads allow this to continue. If you truly want to appear unbias, it is your responsibility to point these things out instead of allowing misconceptions to continue.

I agree with the McCain campaign. Obama was raising the age issue. Obama is very good at subtle smears so he can pretend he didn't intend his comments to sound like an attack.

American media is runing crazy .There are a lot of people that are very cray in this contry , the first is the useless , worthless and a brutish American media .Your support for Obama is finally destroying and will finally destroy the DNC. I will ever in my life regret being a member of this party . I am finally going away for ever from this useless party it is filled up with senseless people like Pelosi etc .

I watched the entire interview yesterday; and, I do not believe Obama was referencing McCain’s age. In the context of the interview, Obama was simply stating that McCain is not holding true to his decision to not engage mud slinging. The McCain camp needs to remain focused on the issues. Mark Salter’s interpretation of Obama's words is delusional and reflects Salter “lost his bearings.”

McCain is too old..what can I say.

It had not occurred to me that Obama's comment was at all related to age. I saw it as reflecting more on something that seems to occur more frequently these days in heated campaigns where you will hear candidates say things that you would have previously thought unimaginable. No one really seems completely immune to this.

I think it was an absolutely ridiculous jump for the McCain camp to make. I never would have even though about it until the McCain camp brought it up.

Everyone knows McCain is old, and everyone is going to consider it.

It's like they think he said "example of his senility as he pursues this nomination"

When I heard it, Senator McCain age did not come to mind. I understood Senator Obama as saying that McCain was changing the way he was running the campaign.

Now that the McCain camp has bought it up, maybe his age is something to be concerned about.

Why is it racist or divisive for HIllary to state that whites in various states support her, but it is not racist or divisive for Barak to say African Americans in NC supports him? This is unacceptable journalism. CNN lacks critical thought.

If Mark Salter thinks that statement is not a clever way for Obama to address McCains age, then it's not a clever way for McCain to suggest Obama in in bed with the militat Palestinain group Hamas. I am not in politics and don't support anyone as of yet, but I've seen McCain lose his bearing if not toughts a lot of times buy suggesting we went to Iraq for the oil and also when Joe Lieberman corrected him multiple time on Iran issue. Duh!! Mr. Salter get a grip.

He wasn't referring to McCains age, this is just something for McCain to try and capitalized on the age thing.

Are you really Wolf or do you want to make a non-issue an issue? CNN please post this, I'm tired of all my posts being rejected inspite of good grammar, etc.

NOOOOO...MCCAIN IS JUST BEING SENSITIVE!!!!

AND TWISTING WORDS!!! WHAT'S NEW FROM THE MCCAIN CAMP

DEMOCRATS IN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No one latches on to the comment that Hamas would rather have Obama as Pres.? That one is worse than anything Obama said and in fact, proved his point. We would expect this rhetoric from Bush/Cheney but not the 'maverick' McCain. In any event, it may have been a subtle hint that McCain is a doddering old man, but if the supposed predilections of Hamas is on the table, McCain's age is similarly fair game.

John McCain is OLD and age is definitely a factor in the upcoming election. What does a WHITE, RICH, 70+-YEAR OLD MAN know about the needs of a young African American single parent? NOTHING...............

This is of course utter nonesense, and I can't believe there's anyone stupid enough to fall for it. It was WAY out of line for McCain to try to link Barack with Hamas, and it's just absurd for him to try to claim the "age card" is being played on him

Did he know the questions in advance?

losing his bearings? that could, I guess, be construed as doddering old fool. now if he had said that mccain is not fit to be commander in chief because he wears depends....

we had one president already suffering from the onset of alzheimers; we don't need another.

John McCain's bearings seem fine to me. I find it interesting that the Obama campaign claims that Pres. Bush's endorsement of Sen. McCain means that they share the same philosophy. Let's see, didn't Hamas endorse Sen. Obama?

Americans United for McCain '08

I think your coverage of the subject is stupid. You are a tool to the so called senior advisor's spin.

Nothing to do with age, McCain camp is just using every opportunity to find an excuse to go back on their word when it comes to a "fair campaign"

I thought Obama meant McCain's moral bearings, that he said he was going to take the high road in his campaign, but was now taking the low. I guess McCain and his camp are a little sensitive on the age issue. Or, maybe they just want to attack Obama...

I watched the interview and didn't pick that out of it

He could have meant that, but I doubt he did

But then again Mccain is old as dirt

Sounds like the McCain camp is pretty sensitive to the age issue. His reference to hypocrisy sending out surrogates is certainly the "pot calling the kettle black!" as my mama used to say.

First off, I am an Obama supporter, so I am going to come across as biased no matter what. I can see how someone might interpret the term 'losing his bearings' as a reference to senility. Key word here being interpret. One can spin anything into a new meaning depending on how you load your retort. I too have lost my bearings on subjects from time to time and I'm 28. It's called a moment of weakness. Being unaware of that which we ought to be aware. Especially if you are looking to be president. McCain has shown us time and again that it's not his age but his lack of knowledge about key current events, that is his failing.

McCain has some strong political advisers working for him now. Key word there being Now. So these types of interpretations will come along at ever increasing speed as Obama or Hillary approaches the actual nomination. With the full force of the GOP machine behind him, McCain will be able to fair better as time goes on. With the full force of the Democrats' machine behind, hopefully the candidate won't have to resort to what Salter calls "the oldest kind of politics."

NO, it was taken totally out of content and everyone is trying to make a big deal of it. They need to be focused on Hilary's "working, hard working, white workers, who are uneducated". If I was supporting her I would be very offended! But hey since I'm educated I guess I'm doing the right thing and not voting for her.

McCAIN "Of course not. I campaigned all over this country for him" That right there my friends sounds like a man who has lost his bearings and that has nothing to do with his age.

I believe it is a predictable reach by the McCain camp. Barack used the phrase in terms of McCain losing his ethical "bearings." He was criticizing McCain for making negative comments and fear-mongering, when McCain has gone on record as stating he wouln not campaign in that manner.

Clearly, Mr. McCain will try to win at all costs, just as Ms. Clinton did in the primary. It is for this reason that I am excited for an Obama presidency. It holds the promise of a new type of politician. One who tells us what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear.

OBAMA IS A HYPROCITE WITH THAT STATMENT

AS HE WAS WITH CLINTON AND STATING TIME TO GET RID

OF OLD POLITICS...YET HE EMBRACES KERRY AND KENNEDY

WHAT IS NEW ABOUT THAT?

HILLARY OR MCCAIN

I never thought of it as a reference to age until the McCain campaign brought it up. I thought "losing his bearings" meant that he knows what a fine man Senator McCain is and that his Hamas comments are inconsistent with that kind of character. Senator Obama seemed to suggest that Senator McCain can change course and get back to a tone that reflects well on the kind of man he really is.

Now if he said "Losing his Marbles" I'd think that was age related.

Losing his bearings relates to this piece in a way that suggests McCain is "going off track" in his effort to not run a dirty campaign.

Anyways McCain is old as dirt, Looks old as dirt, and sounds old as dirt. Don't tell me the media isn't going to bring it up daily. I mean come on this is America we want a handsome (or at least not ancient) and socially exciting president.

Without thinking about his age at all, I agree that McCain has lost his direction and is caught up in pandering (gas holiday) and saying whatever it takes to appease his current audience.

Apparently his campaign is overly sensitive about his age and THEY are the ones that brought it to everyone's attention in this case.

Wolf, give it a rest. If this is all you can focus on from the broad interview, you have lost your bearing as well.

The mistake is Senator Obama's. I do not understand why he bothers to grant generious interview with you, a suporter of HRC, who at every turn looks for ways to hghlight non issues in to issues for Obama.

Gabe

I think Senator McCain is being a bit sensitive about his age and has clearly overreacted.

OBAMA '08

Maybe McCain and camp thought Obama said...

'Losing His HEARING'

Now that would be playing the 'age-card'

Give me break, McCain knows Obama didn't mean to attack his age, I see the dirty poliTRICKS are beginning. *SIGH*

The truth of the matter is that Hamas DID make that statement.

Obama today said he had been to 57 states. Maybe he is losing his bearings. 6 supreme court justices are over 70. Justice Scalia is older than McCain. Colin Powell is over 70. 23 U.S senators are older than McCain including Diane Feinstein. Ron Paul is older than McCain. Speaker Pelosi is only a few years younger than McCain and so was Bush Sr as president.

Well that is Obama, when he is in truble , he start to said this is "offensive" look what he said to Rev. Write before he said he was family , then said he dishonered him, you never dishonored your family!!! point? Obama is not onest.

Why is the McCain campaign so upset about this ? Unless they are so sensitive about his age that they call attention to it ...

Interesting .......Age Matters...If we have an age limit for example for commercial pilots how can we possibly elect the older candidate to the most powerful and stressful job in the world ..Common Sense ??

McCain is loosing his bearings though. He is out of touch with todays Americans and economy.

I heard the remarks Obama made, and I heard nothing that remotely sounded like a reference to McCain's age. What, does someone in the McCain campaign have an issue with his age–some kind of complex? People of all ages lose their bearings for whatever reasons; therefore, what does Obama's statement have to do with McCain's age?

If this is what the McCain camp think is going to derail Obama, there are really small potatoes compared to him and are in the fight of their life.

I think McCain is losing more than his bearings.POOR CINDY.

I watched the interview live and I got the impression that Obama was referring to McCain's bearings along the trail of the positive campaign McCain insists he will run. From the rabid and rapid response McCain's camp you get a glimpse of the conservative political war machine foaming at the mouth for Obama.

I think this is more political games that simply mince words instead of talking about real issues. I think McCain and the media need to grow up and start focusing on what really matters.

When you only have speeches to offer and no real solutions, the best strategy is to deride the opponent. This worked with Hillary, but it will not work with Senator John S. McCain (Decorated Vietnam Veteran).

Go ahead and bring up his age. Age equals Wisdom. Something Obama does not have. Age equals judgment.. something Obama does not have.

We are not as dumb as the Obama people think we are. The Hillary Democrats and the Moderate Republicans will put McCain over the top in every state.

McCain/AARP 08

So, cann't Obama respond to John't smear? Hello, John, could you tell us how you would respond to that kind of smear?

Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black to me. Oops, sorry - that metaphor could take CNN off on a month long racism investigation couldn't it!

Whether or not Senator Obama was attempting to raise Senator McCain's age is irrelevant. McCain's age is a legitimate issue. McCain's rights and interests are also irrelevant. What must control in such cases is what is in the people's interest – and the fitness of any candidate for the presidency is a matter of concern. As people age health concerns accumulate and the people have a right to consider the facts of human mortality. John McCain may think he will live as long as his mother but there are no guarantees.

That is reaching at anything to make a stink! I never once considered age as an issue with McCain until his campaign mentioned it. I actually don't think McCain is that bad, but c'mon... we're stretching here folks.

I didn't take it as an age comment. Although age is a real issue and I think it should be talked about.

The old man is getting very grouchy...McCain is OLD

I didn't think he was attacking McCain's age... maybe McCain's team is over-conciousabout his age 'touchy... must we say'.

McCain has flipped on many issues in recent years (tax cuts, torture, his vote for Bush) and "losing his bearings" means that one becomes bewildered. Age can be implied as a factor, but anyone can "lose their bearings". So the McCain campaign is being very sensitive about the age issue. We know McCain is old, and the McCain camp knows it will be an issue in the fall, so they are on the defensive at all times on this issue.

Was Obama taking aim at McCain's age? Was McCain taking aim at Obama's race? These are two questions we will ask ourselves many times till November.

macain is out of his mind.

It doesn't take reading between the lines, just an understanding of idioms...he was referring to John McCain losing his relative position on the issue. No surprise that words are being picked apart. It would be nice if those seeking the White House would have a basic understanding of the English language. Why should things change in the Republican Party from where they are now? Go Obama!

Bearing is a direction. Although the comments from the McComplain people sounds like a squeaky wheel whose bearings need to be PAC'd with a little GOP grease.

This has nothing to do with age – McCain has lost touch with what once made him appealling to voters. It seems rich (and not elite rich) that his surrogate is making these claims about Obama. I think McCain has done a good enough job of reminding people of his age and mental capacity – Obama doesn't need to do it.

wolf c'mon you and i both know what obama was talking about, he in no way was referring to mccains age, just his policies....mcsame is being silly.....

Of course Barack doesn't need to lower himself to that level, what's the use of talking about his age ?? he respects McCain and he respects every American, Hillary including, he's not interested in the old politics of attacks and negative ads, he really doesn't need to talk about McCain's age, he doesn't need that.

McCain himself is not comfortable with his own age, especially now that he's running for the presidency, he's been waiting for that for so long, after the kitchen sink campaign Bush run against him in 2000...

No, simply put, he wasn't. Obama said "loss of bearings" which means directions. That does not imply an addled brain, rather Obama pointed out that McCain said he would not use smear tactics, and sent out mailers explioiting a Hamas statement.

Duh? Wolf, you were interviewing the guy...then you are asking such a stupid question? The question should be.... Is John McCain for real??

To me, "losing your bearing" means that you have lost your direction. I have never heard that term used in relation to getting older... just going the wrong direction from where you need to go. Now if Obama had said that McCain was getting senile... that would be an insult. It sounds like McCain's staff is very uneasy about his age and looking for mention of it anywhere- even when it isn't there.

The response by the McCain campaign shows their sensitivity to Mr. McCain's age and that they know it will be a factor in the election. If they accuse Obama of making it an issue, then it makes HIM look like the biased bad guy. I watched your interview and when he made the comment, that interpretation never crossed my mind. McCain may be losing it after all.

I tell my mother all the time that she is loosing her barings. She has no sense of direction and can get lost in a parking lot. The phrase has nothing to do with her age and I agree with the way Obama said it. McCain is looisng his barings if he thinks the economy is safe and the war efferts need to last 100 years. He has lost his direction and fr this I di not feel safe that he should be our president.

Yep, Salter had it right. That's exactly what Obama does! He did it
with Hillary and now with McCain. Obama's nothing but the same
'tired, old politics' to steal a phrase from Sen. Change, himself!

Hell no. I do not think so.

What do you think Blitzer? I don't think he stoops that low. He is not in the kind of business.

how did you take it at the time, Wolf?

I didn't think of McCain's age at all when Obama said that. I voted for the OLD McCain in the 2000 primary. This NEW McCain is a Bush in sheep's clothing...reminds me of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Very sad...

I don't think it had anything to do with age. I believe he was refering to McCain being *off course* and needing to get back on track.

What is the big deal even if he did aimed at his age. The guy is old and that is a fact.

It is old school politics at it's best, The McCain camp is trying grab on to anything they can smear Obama, I am 37 and I lose my bearing sometimes. The McCain should stick to issues, and stop grasping at straws.

Wolfe, GIie me a break!!! I can't believe you are allowing anyone to make anything of this. What about the comments Hillary made about making the claim that she is the most electable because she is getting the majority of the white votes. That is a much bigger issue, something that should not ever come out of the mouth of a candidate that is running for the presidency!! Something that many people have taken great offense to. Give that some air time. Why you give Lieberman any air time at all is unbelievable, a total turncoat, who did so only to make sure he remained in politics.

Losing his bearings means losing one's way or origional direction. I think that they are either confusing it with losing one's marble or just trying to pull a political misdirect. In the case of the former, it was origionally a nautical term, so you think a navy man like McCain would be familliar with it.

Oh, please. The only thing that is linked to "age" is that John McCain has obviously "forgotten" everything he learned as a military officer. He knows that we counsel young men/women every day on "losing their bearing". It means (in case John McCain is having another senior moment) that one has lost situational awareness and is not conducting him/herself as an officer, or military member. i.e. saying things that serve no meaningful purpose, which is what McCain did.

OBTW, tell "Lap Puppy Joe Lieberman" to go back and sit in his corner! He obviously doesn't know what loss of bearing means.

CT, is this the guy you voted for???

No I dont think so...

I think the McCain camp is reaching for something right now to discredit Obama. Unfortunatley It has nothing. They threw the first shat by suggesting that Obama favors Hamas. Obama merly responded to their initial attack. They say hipocracy. How can you call the other guy a hipocryt when you were the first to throw stones?

I give Sen. Obama credit for quick-wittedness, being Sen. McCain is a previous Naval officer, losing ones bearings in that context is more plausible than thinking that Sen. Obama does not know the difference between "marbles" and "bearings."

I think it's clear from the context that "losing his bearings" refers to McCain's loss of focus on the clean campaign that he said he was going to run. Interesting that the McCain campaign went this way with Obama's comments. Methinks the senator doth protest too much.

Looks like McCain's people are revealing their vulnerability before it need be addressed. I saw the interview, and I hardly think Obama's sentiments were "hypocrisy". However, McCain's side might really be losing their barrings now.

It sounds more like Obama was referring to McCain's tempers, not his age. Anyway, either appears to me to be a much more legitimate consideration to voters than race.

So Salters comments apply more to his own comments than to Obama's.

This is a crappy issue and you should not dignify it with this question. And Leiberman has become a nutcase!

Tell the Republicans that, complaining will not make Mcain young. He is old. 71 years old is not young. If they have a problem with that, they can change their nominee. He is old, he represents the past.... Obama didn't talk about Mcain's age, I think the Republicans themselves feel unconfortable with Mcain cause he is OLD.

No I didn't link any remark with age.If someone acused me of backing terrorism I would be highly offended too.

I think America has "become familiar with Senator McCain's old brand of politics, first he demands civility from his opponent, then he attacks him, distorts (him), sends out surrogates to question his integrity"...
It is called "McCain's presidential campaign, and it truly is the oldest kind of politics there is, because it is coming from one of the oldest politicians there is!

Hello, is anybody there? He is old.

Obama has no right to smear the reputation of ANYONE based on age. After what he did to my democratic vote in Florida, I want him to know, we Floridians do not forgive or forget.

Wow, McCain sure does whine a lot. He talks Reverened Wright, Hamas, no experience. But let Obama say anything slightly suggestive and McCain yells "foul". So much for McCain not going Negative, and that's what Obama meant about his bearings. Besides, McCain is old. I am ten years younger than McCain, and I am old.

I am tired of "waiting to be offended" crowd. The media should lambast McCain for such a gross over reaction.

Thats the way Socialist work- look every where they have gone in the World they destroy the people and the culture- be careful what you wish for America.

We may find ourselves in the position of having to take back our country by FORCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They had nothing to do with his age. Obama was merely pointing out that McCain has been flip-flopping over some issues.

This is just another example of how people have been trying to spin everything Obama says.

Uhhhh....if you're stating the truth, it's not a smear. it's stating a fact. McCain is old as dirt. It would be like McCain calling Obama an African American, and Obama's campaign writing an outraged memo stating that it was an obvious slur to be called that.

My father is a psychologist who specializes in military delayed stress syndrome and geriactrics (old people). He's told me that delayed stress syndrome is often brought out by stress (it isn't always nightmares about combat...sometimes it's just odd behavior). He's watched McCain carefully, and says he is displaying both signs of delayed stress syndrome and the onset of senility.

McCain is an honorable man who has sacrificed a great deal for this country during his military service, and continued to do great things once he has returned. The fact, however that he's too stressed, and getting on in years, cannot be ignored. And if he and his staffers think the phrase "losing his bearings" is a slap at his age, then perhaps they are overly sensitive to the issues of age. Getting brittle about perceived insults at this point in the campaign (before it's even really started) doesn't bode well for the health of McCain's campaign in the long run.

I think he meant MORAL bearings.

I love McCain, but I agree with Obama on this point.

Of course this is being too far read into. The comment clearly had nothing to do with age. What does age and 'losing his bearing' have to do with one another? The Republicans added something extra b/c they didnt have an intelligent reaction statement in return to Obama.

"losing your bearings" dosen't refer to age it refers to being disoriented.

Mcain is old and since he twice held up the wrong end of the microphone you have to wonder if he is too old for the job. On the other hand maybe that is not so bad considering our current president is too dumb for the job.

I listened to the interview and honestly I thought Obama was talking about losing his bearing about the straight talk bus or train or whatever it is..No way did i interpreted that in anyway to be about his age. In their eagerness to attack they missed the mark badly and look rather foollish.

A not so clever way of trying to divert attention away from John McCain's obvious attempt to add the element of 'fear' into the campaign by suggesting Obama is somehow aligned with the radical islam faction. A typical Republican tactic that has been very successful for them in the past. Will it work again??

Losing one's bearings is clearly a moral jab, not an insult based on age. To imply otherwise is just a foreshadowing of what will come in the fall.

They are always trying to spin any words that come out of their mouth. It's really sad what the media has become. To me hearing Mr. Obama say what he said, the last thing on my mind was him being clever about Mccain's age, I saw it as Mr. Obama making a good point that he said one thing, and is loosing focus on what he said and is now doing the opposite. He says he will handle his campaign one way, but has now fallen victim to old politics and smear campaign's, and ironically now the Mccain camp is trying to say he was making fun of his age...you've got to be kidding me....

He is old but I don't think Barack was intentially calling him an old man. Doesn't matter anyway McBush is TOAST in Nov!

Obama 08!

I'm pretty sure that Obama meant "bearings" as in "surroundings" or that McCain was out of touch. I don't think he meant McCain's ball-bearings were getting rusty, and I don't think he meant he was getting senile, which are the only two ways I can see that comment being age-related.

Also, "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." Talk about hipocrisy, that's like, double hipocrisy or something. Is it a new brand or is it the oldest kind there is?

Wow. Sensitive aren't we McCain?? Now that you brung it up, you are old.

I think McCain's campign is desperate for attention, any attention.

I think 1 year from now people will be asking, "Obama who?" He is totally unelectable and if the vote were today he would not be in the position he currently is. I believe the Democratic Party will be hurt by his candidacy. Long time Democrats are disgusted and beginning to wonder if they are in the correct party if, in fact that party, is sponsoring a candidate with no experience to be in the most important position in the world.

"Losing your Bearings" means to lose your way; in context it means that Obama was questioning McCain not living up to running a fair, antismear campaign.

The Rebulicans are claiming that Obama won't be able to withstand their attacks and they can't take this one without whining and misinterpreting...are they seeking Clinton's elderly vote??

Well, Wolf, what McCain's people are failing to realize is that age is an issue. Race and gender do not impair one's ability to be an effective leader; however, given what we all know about aging and its deteriorating effects on the body and mind, it is obvious that electing a senior citizen should be concerning. Then again, this is a campaign that tried to raise money by claiming Hamas wanted Barack Obama to be president, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by their ignorant tactics.

The McCain camp is grasping at straws. Thats all.

No not age. McCain bounces back and forth like the wind!

is he ashamed of his age. if he is there is something to his age his hiding otherwise it shouldnt bother him if he knows he is fit mentaly. if he makes it an issue it will only make it worse for him.the fact is he is old.the rest is up to him to prove that he is up fr the job.

First of all, I didn't take any inference to age in Obama's remarks. He went on to say, in the context of the interview that McCain was calling for civility and such while using underhanded inuendos against his opponents. When someone attacks your credibility and you defend yourself, that's not an attack, that's a response...McCain's staff is making it sound like Obama went after McCain unfairly when in fact, it's exactly the opposite...

Obama is in the process of 'losing his marbles' if he thinks he will be elected in November !

Go McCain 2008

Losing your bearings not the same as losing your marbles. I think the people who objected might have lost their way temporarily as did Sen. McCain.

It has nothing to do with age.

how can you be talking to this flip flopper he has no convictions he can not stay with any thing for very long he is a has been

No he wasn't talking about his age! I think by now we know Obama – if he wanted to talk about Mc Cain's age – he would have!

He was saying how off track Mc Cain's statement was! And, I agree Mc Cain's statement was way-off track regarding Hamas!

Listen – Mc Cain is suppose to be tough – so come on!!!

Of course not. It is irrelevant.

People are saying it is time for a change and that has always been his mantra.

Go Obama Go!!!

Obamacan 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I lose my bearings all the time and I'm only in my 30s.

I think McCain is self conscious about his age. When one talks about someone's bearings it could also mean their composure or temper.

Obama routinely refers to McCain's Straight Talk Express "losing it's way" or "veering off course." To say that McCain is "losing his bearings" is clearly another way of using the same metaphor. The most appalling thing about this story is that this phrase is in no way synonymous with "losing his marbles," which is the phrase that Salter is pretending to take offense to.

Well we should be used to this Republican style of mincing words and trying to make them be what they want – since Clinton has been doing it throughout this campaign.

I think this was a very feeble attempt at the McCain team to draw away criticism from the fact that their candidate and campaign has made a major blunder in trying to equate support from Hamas to how Obama will be as President. That was a ridiculous attempt by the McCain team and I think they are regretting, and they used Obama's comments as a way to deflect outrage over their tactics.

The obvious answer is yes, of course he did. I keep hearing (from the usual left-wing children) how he's "too old" to make rational decisions. My grandfather lived to the age of 87 and was sharp as a knife until his last breath. I think I speak for many adults in here (not applicable to millions of Obama's "fans") when I say that age means experience, not just in politics, but in life. Besides, whatever happened to the old saying "respect your elders"? Apparently, Obama's supporters have no clue what that means since it's not coming from a video game or an ipod.

Mr. Obama didn't say, "McCain is losing his marbles", which is what my folks like to refer to their aging issues! Is this a card that we will see more of from the McCain campaign? I hope not, as much as any candidate tries not to use their "gender card" or "race card".

I personally didn't see "losing his bearings" as an attack on McCain's age. Your bearings are sense of direction, but less literally, your moral or ethical guideposts. McCain has said repeatedly that he won't engage in negative or smear campaigning, and Obama was saying that McCain had shifted his direction, and now was doing something McCain said he wouldn't.

I think it is a stretch to call that comment an underhanded attack on McCain's age.

On the other hand, if a Hamas leader did say that Hamas preferred Obama, then Obama should expect that his opponent will bring that up. This is politics, after all, not a kindergarten fight over a jar of paste.

I think both candidates should toughen up, and stop crying foul every time someone opens their mouth!!!

I really don't like Obama, every time, i just see him put his hands in his pockets, which give me a feeling he is not a diligent person, and just stand beside , watching other people doing everyting. I really like Clinton (or John McCain). Really wish she will win. BTW, Obama heavily rely on black people, which can't represent the whole America.

but it's good to see the conversation move from clinton to mccain.
nobody wants clinton to be the president except herself,

NOW, if Obama had said McCain was losing his MARBLES.....THEN IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT STORY....The media will try to make a mountain out of a mole hill.

When in life one loses one's "bearings", it means that you have lost your sense of direction....Just as John McCain has in this case.

It is something completely different to say 'losing his "marbles"'. That implies the loss of wits and mental faculties...And that is neither what Obama said or implied.

Suugested Titles of New books:

1. From The Cold Streets Of IOWA To The White House

2. Experience vs Change: The Case of Obama and Hillary

3. How A Young Man Changed Washington And America

Some sayings about how powerful Obama is after winning in IO:

2. Obama is a Senator Killer (Mitt Rommey, 2008)

3. Obama is an Excellent Campaigner (McCain, 2008)

McCain needs to take his medications! I see an impending memory problem! What am I running for again? Oh, the presidency....Thanks for reminding me honey.

It's a pathetic attempt at spin on the part of Salter, who's desperately attempting to find ANYthing for John McCain to fight against in November. You can't run against Hope & Change, so you run against...insignificant gentle criticisms of your candidate. I predict that despite McCain's claims to dislike negative campaigning, he will do nothing but. He has nothing to run on but Bush's legacy. He can't run as a Republican maverick, because he'll lose the far right wing nutter base, and he can't run as a conservative because he'll lose the independents. So Salter has decided to run on tiny imperceptible glitches in Obama's speeches. Pathetic!

Yes and he should, I wouldn't trust McCain to drive a car let alone have the most stressfull job in the world.

This has nothing to do with age at all. I wonder if this is paranoia or just really bad spin from McCain's campaign. He either doesn't have a very good control over his campaign, or he is being duplicitous in having them raise issues which he later says are not issues.

"This is typical of the Obama style of campaigning."

This might fool people who didn't see the interview, but I did and it doesn't fool me. People at any age can "lose their bearings." In fact, I expect such a thing from the very young more than those with more years under their belt.

For myself, I'll take Obama's style of campaigning over the fear tactics that McCain chooses, or the race baiting that the Clinton camp is flirting with, any day.

i thought it was a pretty clever way, didn't even realize he was undermining the age thing until this thing blew up

Obama and his camp are all hypocrites. They are the first to cry foul if someone takes a shot at their messiah, but they then turn around and pull these stunts. David Axlerod is the equivalent of political herpes.

i can't figure out if McCain has gone from tough to sensitive or from straight talk to feigned outrage...

Either way he is not the man I supported in 2000.

Obama 08!

Obama said nothing about his age. He was talking about his moral bearing, in trying to link Obama to a terrorist organization. Given that we have some people in this country who still think Obama is a muslim. It was a cheap shot and he was right to call him on it.

By the way McCain you are old, it does not take a high IQ to deduce that. You are 71, it is not the new 30, 40, 50, or 60. It's 71. If you are touchy about your age deal with it.

I don't think Obama was taking aim at McCain's age. I think he was stating a fact that could apply to anyone of any age. We can all lose our bearings about things, especially when we are trying to swim in waters way above our head! McCain is going to make alot of news in the months to come. Bad news. He is a war hero because he got caught and imprisioned and lived through it. He has ridden through his career on that accomplishment. Until now. Now, he is going to have to have to THINK for a living.

This should prove interesting..We can get the republicans to ask what the media are reluctant to ask. Michelles' thesis? The land deal with Rezko? His voting record or lack thereof as a US Senator? His fathers real job in Kenya? Was he born because of Selma? How could Kennedy have brought his father to the US? What is the real theology of the church he attended for 20 years..How much drug use is he refering to in his book? Where is his typical white grandmother? What are his dreams for his fattherland, Africa? Will he push for reparations for Slavery? If Obama is the nominee, write in Hillary Clinton in November…

A person of any age can "loose their bearings". Unfortunately what Mr. McCain tried to do was attach Mr. Obama to a radical organization.

I waited for the interview...and watch you HYPE "Obama even gets angry.", but Obama's comment "lost his bearings" was not a dig to his age....and YOU know it, McCain knows it, its just more SPIN!.
Bearings are on the "staright talkbus"
Stop with the frigging spin.
Obama first was not angry.
and it was not a remark on age.
give me a break Wolf.

Oh good grief – tempests in teapots – "losing his bearings" does not equate to raising the age issue. I agree with a poster on another thread who posed the possibility that McCain's senior advisor may in fact be "losing his marbles". Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

No, Obama was not taking a shot at McCain's age. The comment was in reference to him losing his direction (bearing) on which way he said he was going to go in terms of how he was going to run his campaign.

NO! Doesn't ANYONE know what a "bearing" is????? A bearing is a DIRECTION, a COURSE.

Losing one's bearing means losing your way, or veering off course.

Stop trying to make something out of nothing (and next time, try checking the dictionary first).

Maybe if he said "losing his marbles" or "going senile" they'd have had a point, but they're making something out of nothing.

Losing one's bearings means nothing more than getting off message and McCain's message has been that he's going to run a clean campaign.

McCain is "losing his bearings" because he needs to maintain the maverick fiction while kissing the collective fat rear of the extreme right. A maverick dislikes dirty campaigning, but the extreme right loves it. Whatever McCain's principles may actually be, his party is insisting that he put them aside to win the election.

Obama wasn't talking about age at all, but I think the reaction from McCain's camp betrays a hyper-defensiveness about it that Obama would do well to exploit.

Glad this is FINALLY being asked. To lose one's bearings is not to suggest an age problem – it means that one has lost their way – and surely that is McCain in a nutshell... He is LOST and he will LOSE in November!

Absolutely not!

If McCain is sensitive about his age then that's something he needs to deal with. Senator Obama was correct in stating McCain was losing his bearings on the TRUTH!

If the McCain will flinch each time someone bring up dates, years or time span then maybe rather than dragging this issue out in the silly season maybe the McCain team should spend time focusing on why he wants to keep the troops in Iraq for another 100 years!

Nice spin to cover his outrageous and disgusting comment! What a spoof!

Who cares if he was or not? That's not the issue. The issue is that Obama feels he can say whatever he wants about the other candidates, but when they fire back, he plays "victim" of dirty politics.

Before McCain ever said a word about the support of Hamas leaders for Obama's presidency, Obama had repeatedly taken McCain's "100-year presence" comment out of context to suggest McCain wants a 100-year war. He jumped all over McCain's error when he interchanged the words "Al Qaeda" and "insurgent" to suggest that McCain doesn't know the difference between Shia and Sunni.

Neither of these things are true, and in Obama's own words, "He knows better." And although he continues to throw these lies and distorted perspectives around to mislead the American people, as soon as Clinton or McCain do it to him, he cries foul.

One word: Hypocrisy.

It's quite a stretch to read "you're too old" from "[you] lost [your] bearings." Losing your bearings simply means that you've lost your way. We all lose our way and then. It has nothing to do with age. The McCain people are stirring up controversy where there is none.

Absolutely not!

If McCain is sensitive about his age then that's something he needs to deal with. Senator Obama was correct in stating McCain was losing his bearings on the TRUTH!

If the McCain will flinch each time someone bring up dates, years or time span then maybe rather than dragging this silly season topic out maybe the McCain team should spend time focusing on why he wants to keep the troops in Iraq for another 100 years!

McCain is old...come on. It's amazing how people think they can throw sand and it not back fire. They struck a low blow with the fear monguring.

Are these guys IDIOTS?? Does everyone who loses their bearings are old? Wow! We are in deep trouble if this old guy gets elected. He is having basic comphension issues!

No of course not. All Obama meant by that is that McCain is losing sight of what he should be focusing on.

No, Obama did not mean to take aim at his age. It was a slow day for the McCain campaign and they wanted a free press considering that Obama, the Senators buster was all over the news.

Obama is full of hypocrisy, and I will not vote my party this fall.

Reluctantly
McCain 08

When I first read the comment, I thought Obama meant the remark to mean that McCain was deviating from a course he had set at the beginning of his campaign. To run a civil campaign. To run an issues campaign.

But now that McCain has brought up his age, it's an interesting point.

Bearings = mode or conduct. McCain has a complex with his age.

OH MY GOD... This is EXACTLY how non-issues begin. (with the offering of even one second of attention more than it deserves). Ok... so the answer is NO.

CAN WE NOW TALK ABOUT THE CANDIDATES POSITIONS AND DETAILS ON THE ECONOMY, IRAQ, IRAN, AFGHANISTAN, BIN-LADIN, NAFTA, CRIME, HOUSING CRISIS, THE DEFICIT, CHINA OWNIG US, SAUDI ARABIA OWNING US ....???

OF COURSE NOT!!

to even suggest it is absolutely rediculus!! Somebody can
"lose their bearings" at any age..it simply implies that McCain
is losing track of comments he made in the past about keeping
his campaign "free of any negativity"!!–something you can NEVER
expect from a republican candidate!

Dont get me wrong... im not saying age isnt a issue..!!
Surely McCain is so stupid to think that his age isnt an issue.
IT IS!!!

I think Salter is an idiot. Now, if Obama had said "senile," THAT would have been about McCain's age!

Nope but I am sure they will spin this one until November like everything else.

Okay with the nit picking....Cafferty you were there, you knew what he ment. Besides who hasn't takin' aim at McCains age?!

No. McCain is just being a cry baby.

MCain is old Obama is inexperience and full of speeches is this my choice.... Oh Hiliary, I think I'm just going to stay home

I think McCain will be lucky to live for another four years. How does his campaign think that his age will not be an issue. They are just as crazy as the Clintons.

McCain is actually loosing his bearings. He is not even saying anything about his pastor who has said many evil things about american people that even what Rev. Wright had said. Wisdom has been said to be something proportional to age, but McCain is acting otherwise.