WASHINGTON (CNN) – Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted President Bush's comments Thursday suggesting that Democrats believe "we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals" and suggested Senator John McCain denounce them.
But the presumptive Republican nominee himself defended the remarks, said he intended to make Barack Obama’s willingness to consider dialogue with Iran an issue in the fall campaign, calling on the Illinois senator to “explain [that decision] to the American people.”
“It is a serious error on the part of Senator Obama that shows naiveté and inexperience and lack of judgment - to say that he wants to sit down across the table from an individual who leads a country who says that Israel is a stinking corpse, that is dedicated to the extinction of Israel,” said McCain Thursday. “My question is, what does he want to talk about?”
Pelosi, who is leaving later today on a bipartisan congressional trip to Israel, said there is a "protocol" of not criticizing the President when he is abroad, but then declared, "I think what the president did in that regard is beneath the dignity of the office of president and unworthy of our representation at that observance in Israel."
The California Democrat added that she hopes "any serious person would disassociate themselves from the president's remarks, who aspires to leadership in our country."
But McCain told reporters that Bush’s Thursday remarks made an important point. “It does bring up an issue that we are will be discussing with the American people and that is why does Barack Obama, Senator Obama, want to sit down with a state sponsor of terrorism?” said McCain.
“…I will make this an issue with Senator Obama throughout this campaign, I believe in peace through strength, and peace through strength is the way that we have succeeded in the past.”
From CNN Politics
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It's almost over for the Weasel and the OLD goat.
Consider The Source!
I agree while we need to change the image of USA around the World I think that there are steeps and to sit with someone to negotiate without precondiditions show lack of good judgement and lack of experience.
Obama should explain why he wants to do that to the Amercian People.
It just shows that if John McCain gets elected in November, our once great country will have to deal again with all the failed policies of the terrible Bush years. We need a real change to regain respect globally.
DON'T ELECT ANYONE WHO THINKS OR AGREES WITH THE CURRENT CLOWNS IN THE WHITE HOUSE
That is the problem with McCain and Bush – they live in the past. This country has changed, this world has changed and we need a change in leadership to address the current problems. Why are Bush and McCain so eager to attach and so afraid to talk? Democrats must unite to defeat this same old mindset in November.
I wasn't quick to hop on the McBush bandwagon, but....
I am sorry, were we not all raised and taught that rushing to violence is not the answer. Can we honestly vote for someone who thinks that "sitting down with" instead of "bomb, bomb, bombing" is so bad. I hate to say this but not only is Pres. Bush an idiot, its looking like McCain is continuing to "lose his bearing" and join Bush in IDiotic Paradise.
“…I will make this an issue with Senator Obama throughout this campaign, I believe in peace through strength, and peace through strength is the way that we have succeeded in the past.”
As if we are so successful.
If McCain is not in bed with Bush then I must be dreaming! Didn't McCain at one time say that having a timeline is a huge mistake and today he gave us timeline for 2013.? And didn't he say that he was going to run a campaign that was "honest" and did resort to "old politics?" I am confused on who this candidate really is–the Maverick or Bush's do boy!
John McSame,
Yea buddy just keep digging tha t hole you will be in China before you know it.
Did anyone wonder what President Reagan wanted to talk about when he talked to Russia? Did anyone wonder what Nixon wanted to talk about when he talked to China?
Hey McSame how about asking them what their beef is with out ally. Maybe if Mini-Me had a mind of his own he would not have to ask the question.
A vote for McCain is a vote for Bush.If anyone can't see this, they are just plain stupid, ignorant, or both.I think there is something bad wrong with Bush and McCain.If talk like this doesn't prove it, what does?
Kathy
McCain/ Bush policy has weakened our standing throughout the wold. If McCain experience is similar to Bush, then it is better not to have it.
Change is coming
Of course it makes no sense tp talk to the enemy! Bomb them back to the stone age! Oblirate them. Let another 4000 young American die
That is the American way! How can we spread democracy and peace all over the world if we lay down arms for a few seconds and talk to someone?As rulers of the world we can't give prestige to these small people by talking to them!!They must have our "democracy" shoved down their throats.
I guess McCain is not only out of touch when it comes to the economy he also is out of touch with what the American people want out of a President.
Bush… you're retarded idiot.
Peace through strength... What Senator McCain forgets that it's _overall_ strength; economic strength, political strength, not just military strength that brings peace. It's really ashame that the "Maverick" has conformed to a true "Party Man".
America! Bush is not a wise man. We must hurry up and get him out of the white house and ban him from speaking to the nation and foreign governements. If he does not stop he will incite our enemies to attack. This man is dangerous.
Good job, McCain. You just tied yourself to Bush once again.
Old 71 year old man, you have made a mistake. Your accusations have caused you this electionn. You know this was not true. This lets America know that if you are elected it is 4 more years of hell. Good going grandpa.
PELOSI go HOME. Life long Democrat that will not vote for DEMS this year.
Hillary Clinton as a INDEPENDENT this FALL ELECTION.
OMG – This could be a record landslide election for the Democrats. Good grief John, the Pres has the lowest approval rating now in the history of world.
It is the responsibility of our Government to use every diplomatic resource they have before even talking about war. Bush has turned this Nation into a bully who will strike you down if he doesn't get everything his way. Yes, we need to talk to our enemies and reach compromise to avoid needless killing.
Mrs. Pelosi... With all due respect. This is why Obama cannot win the Presidency. Obama does not share the values of most of the American people.
I saw a clip of an old Obama interview last night on FOX where BO pretty much blamed Israel for all of America's problems with muslim terrorist. "Chickens come home to Roost" was pretty much the theme of his interview.
CNN, start reporting the facts!
Hillary supporters may not all have college degrees, but we are smart enough to turn the channel once in a while.
Hillary 08
McCain is an idiot to keep backing Bush. But I am glad he does. To insure a democrat in the white house.
Why does anyone still take GWB seriously on any level?
Anyone who says that he "goes on the internets" and refers to google as "the google" is a moron.
I am so proud of President Bush. He has for the foreseeable future destroyed the Republican party. Thank you President Bush.
This old fool is so out of touch! Reagan didn't go to war with Russia to end the Cold War. Peace through strength doesn't always solve everything. This war mongerer isn't fit to be president of the glee club much less POTUS!
I thought they said that with age come wisdom. How much older does McCain have to get before he wises up?