May 16, 2008
Posted: May 16th, 2008 05:40 PM ET

From , ,

(CNN) - John McCain’s campaign sent reporters footage of a 2006 interview between former Clinton State Department official Jamie Rubin and John McCain Friday which they said proved the presumptive Republican nominee had been quoted out of context in an op-ed claiming he advocated dialogue with the Islamic militant group Hamas.

Rubin, a supporter of Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid, had made the claim in a piece published in Friday’s Washington Post. A clip of the exchange, which came during an interview Rubin conducted for Sky News, was published on the Huffington Post Web site.

At the time, said Rubin, McCain told him the United States would not be able to avoid a dialogue with Hamas, which had recently won a majority in Palestinian elections. "They're the government; sooner or later we are going to have to deal with them, one way or another,” said the senator.

“And I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas because of their dedication to violence and the things that they not only espouse but practice,” added McCain. “…But it's a new reality in the Middle East. I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and decent future, that they want democracy. Fatah was not giving them that."

In a follow up question that was not included in Rubin’s piece or in the footage circulated online, McCain further clarifies his position when asked whether “the United States be dealing with that new reality through normal diplomatic contacts to get the job done for the United States?”

McCain responded: “I think the United States should take a step back, see what they do when they form their government, see what their policies are and see the ways we can engage with. If there aren’t any, there may be a hiatus. But I think part of the relationship will be dictated by how Hamas acts, not how the United States acts.”

The McCain campaign sent a link to that footage to reporters Friday with the e-mail subject line: “Jamie Rubin lied.”

In a statement released earlier Friday, the campaign said the senator’s position had not shifted. “There should be no confusion, John McCain has always believed that serious engagement would require mandatory conditions and Hamas must change itself fundamentally – renounce violence, abandon its goal of eradicating Israel and accept a two state solution,” said campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds.

Filed under: John McCain


tangy   May 16th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

We here in the good old USA need a change. Mccain is fooling everyonewho votes for him. We should be tried of the way america is being ran by Bush and his followers we would be in a real bad war within days of Mccain taking office,We dont need any more killing of our young men and women. LET BE SMART about this no more Bush no McCain. we dont want it and God knows we dont need it no more high gas,no more high food,no more jobs over seas. Lets take care of America and its people. Time for change lets all vote for Obama

Shpilk   May 16th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

How can a video tape showing John McCain saying these things be a "lie".

It was not taken out of context, the video was not hacked.

John McCain said he would talk with Hamas. Period.

Doreen Augusta Maine   May 16th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

McCain is quickly becoming non existent. He is so full of contradictions that I think the plan is to confuse people. If the voters don't know who he is, then maybe they will vote for him. I am really so unimpressed by McCain.

Ryan   May 16th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

Are you people serious? McCain has not waivered in his stance at all! You Obama supporters are so fanatical for your candidate that whoever runs against him is wrong no matter what. This type of attitude is what turns off so many Hillary supporters, and it's what's going to ruin Obama's chances of being President. It's ok to have differing opinions, but try to know what you're talking about first. And for the record, if McCain is so much like Bush then why are the conservatives hesitant to back him?! It's because he's closer to the center/indpendent type of politics then to the right. He's not like another Bush, and the more you say he is, the more you prove that you haven't a clue what you're talking about.

Jeff   May 16th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

I see people are sayin hey we talk wih ur enamies throughout history.
Yes Nixon did so did Kennedy, but not without many many lower level diplomatic meetings and efforts.
Obama said he would meet without any conditions. Only after a few debates did he modifuy his stance to say he would meet after pre-conditions
He LIED. The same thing he accused Hillary of

Doug, Kentucky   May 16th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

I use to like McCain. I thought Obama or McCain.
NOW I WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR MCCAIN. I LOST ALL RESPECT FOR HIM.

MCCAIN NEVER

Patty   May 16th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

As scary as the thought of John McCain is it is not going to happen in this election. Barack Obama will win and we will not have to deal with the delusions of the other party.
We will have a President who will bring real change to this nation and a President who will keep his word and one we can be proud of meaning the opposite of what we have had to endure the last 8 years!!!!!!

Jeff   May 16th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

I am a Hillary supporter.
Obama 1st said in one of the debates he would meet with these countries as president without conditions.
Hillary said she would meet them like most presidents have said after many low level meetings, and higher level ones. If after there is significant progress Hillary would then meet these presidents and states as long as it could not be used as propaganda.

Obama never said that until in later debates he changed or if you prefer modified his position. He started to say he would meet these rogue states after alot of preperation. So he is either lying on his original view, or he has modified it to reflect Hillary's stance but is just wording it differently.

He lies. Also I read the interview on McCain saying he would have talks with hammas but when you read the complete interview Obama and his campaign distorted McCains words as to not use the complete interview showing McCain is consistant on his stance. It shows Obama and his campaign LIED

G at Dover, NH   May 16th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

The only way McCain could undo his previous comment is if he followed it up with a resounding "NOT!"

MCain's World! MCain's World! G-O-Party On! Excellent!

(dude, I think I'm going to hurl)

Mike   May 16th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Was "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" also taken out of context?

The Truth   May 16th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Obama is a loser. So are his friends Ted and Edwards. So is the Governor from New Mexico, Richardson. Friends like these who needs enemies.

Helene   May 16th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

The guy is delusional or he keeps having Senior moments. He did not vote for Bush (a lie he says), he did have an affair with a lobbyist (same) he did not say that he would talk to Hamas (etc ...). Pathetic old fool.

Blackwoman, Ohio   May 16th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Democrats please I beg of you keep from nominating Obama. I am upset that I will have to leave my party for the Independent or Republican party. Obama is a horrible candidate. I hate to agree with Bush but we cant have our president sitting with leaders of terrorist organizations. You cant compromise with terrorist, it is that simple.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   May 16th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Hope all the kids and grandkids in WV and PA and OH and FL and MI are too old to be drafted – here we go again!!!!!!!

Four more wars !!!!!! (they ain't saying 4 more years)

Rove is back for McShame

ROCHELLE   May 16th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

McCain is a old duck and a tired one at that. He needs to move aside and let the young and full of youth take over. His and Bush's nasty tactics are disgusting and divisive and out right lies. They need to stop. But, I know within my heart that God will get them in the long run. Just like he is spanking Hillary as we speak.

Jeanne from Michigan   May 16th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

McCain's nickname should be Flounder, he flip-flops around so much!

JOE   May 16th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

There is another on were he supports talkin to Syria .Its coming on Monday

Alan in Fla., don't count my vote   May 16th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Just like the 100 years of war ad, this is out of context. I guess this is some of the change we can expect,

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 16th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

WARBUCKS HAS THE TRUTH OF THE DAY &

SOMETIMES THE TRUTH OF THE HOUR.

& THEY ARE INTERCHANGEABLE, AS HIS NEEDS DEMAND.

Matthew in San Francisco   May 16th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

I love how out of all the insane things Bush has said and done, it takes him "bashing" Obama for every Democrat to get up in arms. Gimme a break people! Is this just an excuse for Obama to put a negative on McCain? Where is this guys new politics? I'm waiting...

georgia   May 16th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

John McCain arms are too short. He really dont look well

Jason   May 16th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

It seems as though CNN has given up on pretending to be unbiased. They must be so sure of Obama, that they no longer hide their franchise tag from the DNC. I guess Cafferty and the rest of you guys like your government rod nice and deep.

Joe Reg   May 16th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

The Republicans are all liars.

America has republicans sickness.

the repubs are going down hill.

r. johnson   May 16th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

John McCain is a giant among pygmies. He has character, integrity, honesty, courage, and leadership. He was tied up in a POW prison while Obama was hangin' with the homies. No contest!

Unironic McCain Supporter   May 16th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

"If there aren’t any, there may be a hiatus."

That's not very strong, but it does mean he wasn't supporting talks with Hamas before policy changes. And the previous comments he made were ambiguous, that's why the reporter asked the follow up about regular diplomatic relations.

What I find strange about all of this is how W's "Those who talk, appease" comments run in the face of his father's successes in dealing with the Soviet Union and the CIS. Getting a unified Germany into NATO was a huge coup, and so was organizing a unified Post-Cold War response to Saddam Hussein, and neither would have been possible without GHWB's soft-peddling diplomacy.

joseph quaye   May 16th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

OBAMA IS THE VESSEL TO BRING OUR DINITY AND RESPECT BACK- VOTE OBAMA

MCCSAME HAS EXPRIENCE IN TAKEN VERY BAD DECISIONS ON YOUR BEHALF- SEND BACK TO THE WAR

VOTE OBAMA JUST TRY HIM AND YOU WILL HAPPY YOU DID.

VOTE OBAMA

Marco   May 16th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

I am a democrat, but McCain is right on this one. Rubin took excerpts of a tape that suits his version of the story and not the whole story. That is how Clinton campaign works, deception and half-truth. Obama please distance yourself from people like Rubin and other spineless people!

NoBama   May 16th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

A Clinton supporter lies???!!! No! Say it 'aint so!

Florida man   May 16th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

McCain = Hamas must stop terrorism to talk with U.S.
Hillary = (Tyrant) governments must follow conditions set by U.S. to make deals at all.
Obama = I'll try to make deals with no preconditions.

....... Obama supporters are such hypocrits they can't even accept the facts spoken by the candidates themselves.

Abrams-Seattle   May 16th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Why isn't Mc Cain insulted by flag pins? If all you have to do to be a patriot is wear a flag pin, then it seems that this belittles his time as a POW.

Bill Denton, TX   May 16th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Dear Obama supporters.

What exactly is YOUR guy's plan for Iraq? Was he telling the truth when he said 16 months? Or was he telling the truth when he said he could not promise they would all be out by 2013?

Any of you who criticize McCain for this really ought to look in the mirror.

Jay   May 16th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Obama could probably just go on vacation for about a month after the convention. It seems as though McBush and the out-of-date neo-cons will do everything necessary to lead to a total implosion of McBush's campaign. We're not even officially into the GE season yet, and this bumbling fool is already throwing up all over himself. It's very entertaining to watch. I hope Dubya, Rove and the neo-con freak cronies he has continue to speak up and be heard – that's all the country needs to understand that it's time for some basic competence in DC.

Enlightened Voter   May 16th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Biff, Biffingten Your great man, you go boy! I support everything you say!

Linda   May 16th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Hehehe, are you serious?!?!?!!! There is a VIDEOTAPE of you saying these things. Seriously?

RSH in MD   May 16th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

I don't think the Republicans could have done us a bigger favor if they had planned it. Bush, Rove, Huckabee and their ilk are simply serving to bring Democrats together. Even though I am an Obama supporter, watching Hillary leap to his defense yesterday after Bush's outrageous comments showed me that we WILL be united behind one candidate, and before the convention. So, keep it up, you pathetic idiots!

joseph quaye   May 16th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

BEWARE AMERICA- MKSAME IS FULL OF HATE AND WILL GO TO WAR WITH IRAN THE VERY FIRST DAY IN OFFICE- NO MORE POWS-NO MORE WARS

AMERICA EARN YOUR RESPECT BACK BY VOTING FOR OBAMA 08 AND 2013, THEN CLINTON 2017 AND 2022 UNTILL YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH YA SELFS AND BECOME RICH AGAIN.

VOTE OBAMA- GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Tony, Miami   May 16th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Alzheimer?

Senior from San Jose, CA   May 16th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Who cares what McCain says? He is too high and mighty and he outrageously oversimplifies broad and complex situations which have tons of variables. We all know better. Obama and his presidential team will not fly by the seat of their pants. They will visit and revisit the situation and reach the right conclusions. McCain and Bush, how
stupid do you think Americans are? Your demeanor is so anger-ridden.

Truth-Chicago   May 16th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

It isobvious that there is fear in the air in the Republican party. Obama is been attacked by the President, MCcain, Carl Rove, and Huckabee. What a full house! Unite Democrats before its is too late. Clinton do what is best for the party not what is best for you.

vic nashville,Tn   May 16th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

Aha this big issue
Now mainstream media also join with politicians to destroy our life

joseph quaye   May 16th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

BEWARE AMERICA- MKSAME IS FULL OF HATE AND GO TO WITH IRAN THE VERY FIRST DAY IN OFFICE-

AMERICA EARN YOUR RESPECT BACK BY VOTING FOR OBAMA 08 AND 2013, THEN CLINTON 2017 AND 2022 UNTILL THERE YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH YA SELFS

VOTE OBAMA- GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Fred, Atlanta GA   May 16th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

That added on piece of the whole interview ABSOLUTELY said or changed anything fact is mccain is a FLIP FLOP we don't need anymore of bush type strategies it has gotten this country NO WHERE!
I tell yah THE TRUTH HURTS these fools need to be a MAN ABOUT IT and STAND up for what you said! Especially when they have you on VIDEO can you change what you did or said on video.

OBAMA 08/12 YES WE CAN and YES WE WILL!!

John Adkisson, Sacramento, California   May 16th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

I love it when they have video. McCain's response doesn't take a thing away from his original response in Ruben's tape. The issue is hypocracy not policy. Eight years ago McCain would have been above this, but now he is preventing himself from growing any base beyond the 25% Bush loyalists. Time to start saluting President Obama.

white woman for Obama   May 16th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

MCcain is joining the rest of the politican in flip flopping, lying, falsly accusing others, so on and so forth. I am surprised to see him join the pact. I was hoping that we were at least, going to have some honesty and integrity in the general campaign. Here we go! Thank you president Bush for being such a jerk and starting something dirty to talk about. Negative,negative, negative. When will we have some honest, hard working, proffessional polticinas? is there a chance?
Please vote Obama. It's as good as it's going to get. I believe tht he will do what he says he will do.

Retired Master Sergeant Larry B. Speights Sr.   May 16th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

As A retired Military Sergeant who served our country for Over 24 years. I find it sad to see someone like Huckabees The republican needs to go on CNN and tell the people the world. That his joke about Barrack Oboma getting shot at the NRA Convention send the wrong message out to our College people as well as the young people. We have a high crime rate in the United states. If he want to do something good help fix our housing problems, our Gas problems and our food problems we have here in America. I have never in my Life time see someone Like Huckabee that will get away with such words on tv. I also Have to get you to CNN: You are very good reports, However to set and take what he said as a joke will and do not set with the rest of the world.

It is time for change, As a Soldier the Va, the wway we go to war has been very much the wrong way. No were to take shows the Va, station are still very unclean. The Va do not take care of soldier retuning home.

Homeless Vets, nor people on our America Streets are not good.

Tell Huckabee thank for supporting a Retired Military Master Sergeant who spent 24 years serving our country. With Joke like that what will be next.

ne, Pa.   May 16th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

McCain talks out both sides of his mouth!
He'll dupe you with all his smoke and mirrors.

Mike from CA   May 16th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

McCain you have flip-flopped on so many things its not even funny.

1) He was pro-choice and now is pro-life
2) Was for gay marriage and now is against it
3) Is against lobbyists but has 51 on his staff
4) Says its irresponsible to set a timetable in Iraq and now he says he will have us out by 2013
5) Says we should talk to Hamas in 2006 and now says we shouldn't even though they haven't changed.
6) Was against torture but for waterboarding
7) was pro-ethenol and now is against it.]
8) called Bush's tax cuts "irresponsible" and said they "hurt his conscious" but yet now he supports them being permanent.

Joe Reg   May 16th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

And what about the video?

Fear will not work this time around.

JD in Chico, CA   May 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

I'm sure you won't post this, it's not Liberal...

McCain did NOT say in that piece that we would deal with Hamas. He DID say that we would deal with the situation, look at what kind of government they would form. Bashing McCain for the sake of bashing is no different that stating the fact that Obama's middle name is Hussein... It is for effect only.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   May 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Hillary is nice now.

Rove is on Obama's back.

Are they interchangeable?

Wasn't Rove in Deliverance crawling up the hill squeeling? Or ........

Mauri   May 16th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Regardless of how people might view John McCain, or of all the nasty remarks made about him - one thing is certain: John McCain did NOT mean in that interview that he was going to negotiate with Hamas. Rather he said we would have to DEAL with them. And of course, that's what Jimmy Carter did when he met with them to try to create an understanding with them, which of course, failed. So for now, Hamas has been "dealt" with, their philosophy is understood, and it's time to drop it. Looks like a perfect example of Obama learning as he goes along. Criticize John McCain if you will - but as an old-timer - and yes, a Democrat, I say to anyone who might question his dedication toward protecting this country and his patriotism, had better save your breath and your time.

Ron   May 16th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

It's too bad the Rev Wright clips have eclipsed the Rezko dealings at least for now. I'd like to know more about that real estate deal, but guess we'll have to wait until after the convention, when McCain's forces will bring out what they've learned from months of investigation. It makes me really expect there is more to it, because they've not been talking about it, as if they are saving the Rezko ammunition for the general election campaign.

Oh well, Democrats have self destructed before, what's four more years of Repubs? What's a few more tax breaks for wealthy corporations? Another decade or so of Iraq & its Republican contractors milking us of tax dollars we don't really have to spend on it? I am resigned to it happening, if McCain doesn't make huge mistakes.

Independent   May 16th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

The Sen. Mccain was no lie. You are showing your usual stance = FLIP,FLOP,FLIP,FLOP. Before you call someone a liar, you better make sure of your facts. As far as your buddies, Huckabee and Rove goes, tell them to crawl back under the rock they have come out from! No McCain-NOREPUBLICAN.NEVER AGAIN WILL WE BE FOOLED!

Good Grief   May 16th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

This nation has always engaged in diplomacy, thankfully. Only recently is this being espoused as bad policy. We must negotiate from strength, pure and simple. Carrot and stick approach is effective usually, and military aggression is what a nation employs only if and after diplomacy fails. Dialogue and appeasement are not synonamous. Braggadocio, arrogance, and a refusal to hear any voice other than one's one litter the pathway to global disaster. We cannot afford another Presidency that fails to realize this basic principle.

HH   May 16th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

You are scum McCain. I cant wait untill election night 2008 when you and the country club republicans lose 50 seats.

I have some straight talk for you, its the republicans who expanded and over spent our goverment not the democrats.

Sharon Minnesota   May 16th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Another example of the typical knee jerk Obama spin machine trying to get away with half truths. Not going to work with the GOP attack dogs. The muzzle doesn't fit this dog like it did on Sen. Clinton.

Education prevents people from being presumptuous. I thought Obama supporters were supposed to have college degrees??

Independent   May 16th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

That was not a lie Mr. Mccain. It is your normal stance on everything -FLIP-FLOP,FLIP,FLOP.

georgia   May 16th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

It's hard to imitate that irritating voice ,Mac

Nia - AZ by way of MN   May 16th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Diplomacy before bombs....

RB from NH   May 16th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Obama says he will talk with our enemies, NOT negotiate. This is wisdom. We need wisdom more than experience.

Clintons experience;
Impeachment, adultery, selling secrets to China, NAFTA.

McCain experience;
Keating 5, lies about pork barrel spending, where's the nukes? No more war!

jon   May 16th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

what if mc mistakingly bomb israel due to mem loss
i respect old people but i think at his age he should retire and make a job available for someone who needs it and this goes for all the old folkes in the senate and the house mayors and govs council mem etc
vote them out

GOP Rules   May 16th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

YEAH MCCAIN!

Have you ever wondered why the symbol of the Democrats is a DONKEY- Because you all are that!

MCCAIN GOT THIS… I have never seen so many dumb people. LOL

KEEP FIGHTING YOU ALL IS HELPING OUR PARTY. LOL

WE are not even worrying about a backfire. We already know Democrats are dumb and lazy.

Therefore, I hope Obama win so we can keep the Whitehouse because you all are too DUMB to go vote….lol

MCCAIN 08

P.S.
we will rule for another 4years and keep you ALL in your PLACE…lol
SORRY DONKEYS ( JACK- – - ) :o )

YOU WILL NOT GET THIS ELECTION

joseph quaye   May 16th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

HUCKABEE GOD IS WATCHING AND LISTENING TO YOUR UTTERANCES.

Joe   May 16th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

this is ridicules! john mccain is the best candidite in the race! this stupid alligation is the product of the libral media trying to make him a lier! aghhhh!!!

i cant wait for mccain to debate barak obama! he will domanate him and win another four years for the reoublcians!

MCCAIN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darryl   May 16th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Well Lie John Lie and Call on Hillary for support!!!!!!!

Not a Dem no more   May 16th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Thank you Democrats for giving us a clear choice in November. Had Clinton won the nomination it would have been a much tougher choice, but since you chose to give us Barak H. Obama. The choice is clear,, McCain by a wide margin.

Call me Racist, call me warmonger, call me whatever, but please call me American Patriot and proud supporter of our soldiers in
Iraq and Afghanistan.

My new Party will not have our brave young men and women die in vain. No Surrender to the Islamic Jihadist.

No Bama in my whitehouse.

Obama Supporter   May 16th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

BOMB WEST VIRGINIA!

Donna   May 16th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

It's amazing and pretty sad that when he whines about being taken out of context but doesn't seem to think that Michelle, Hillary, Barack, etc. can be taken out of context...had someone else been VIDEOTAPED saying something, there is no way that McBush and the GOP would crucify them without the benefit of the doubt...

Maybe they just don't want to admit that he DOESN'T REMEMBER saying this...you know sometimes the mind is the first thing to go when you get in your GOLDEN YEARS!!!

No McCain   May 16th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Hey McCain, you are not in a position to call anyone a lier... ur whole politic is based on lies... Iraq war u are supporting started based on lies. Ur tax policy is based on lies ... the list goes on and on and on...

John   May 16th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

If Obama supporters are going to engage in tit for tat ping pong arguments and insults,believe me it will get nowhere.republicans are better at that! So they think! It is a different election,with a lot at stakes.Do not play their game.Establish your solid stratergy in your counters lined with facts rather than insults.When it comes to general election,Hillary will win. Yes she Will.

JDG   May 16th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

How could anyone in their right mind support a party who's only agenda is to raise taxes, point in the direction of the welfare office and attempt to TALK our enemies to death. How quick we forget 9/11, as if it was another day in paradise. Democrats & Liberals...........we've been at war since 1979, under Jimmy Carter's reign, with terrorist and you actually believe talking is going to do any good. Get a life and attempt a little reading of history and past events. Oh, and our economy, get real, it has cycles just like our weather conditions and believe me the Republicans have nothing to do with Mother Nature. This country was founded on backbone and intestinal fortitude and not by whinning liberals who think politically correct cheap debate is going to solve our problems. This country continues to need strong leadership who won't buckle under by frivilous criticism from second and third generation welfare recipients and their supporters.

Vin   May 16th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Please leave intelligent comments. Most of the stuff I see here sounds childish and really doesn't add to the debate. If you support Clinton, McCain or Obama I think you would honor your candidate more by showing others the caliber of people who support them. Vitriol and railing against someone doesn't say anything more than you disliking that person and not a lot about the reasons you support your candidate.

Rainey Day   May 16th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

**yawn** the GOP bores me.

Tracy   May 16th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Well, what do you call it when a junior senator running for the highest office in the land proposes to sit down and talk to a person like Iran's leader, who has called for the total destruction of Israel and has denied that the Nazi extermination campaign ever existed? Lord help us if this guy is elected

T   May 16th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Karl Rove has some nerve with his attacks.
With the size of his head, you would think they could of done better in Iraq. Apparently, size doesn't matter when it comes head skulls.

tblno   May 16th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

McCain, what make you and r kelly think we can SEE YOU ON TAPE!!!!!!!! MORE LIES!!!

Truth   May 16th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

It seems the republicans are facing big trouble.
Sorry for you McSame. You lost from day 1. Your only option is to hide the video

Ralph   May 16th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Bye Bye Bye
Bye Bye McCain

Unlike the original version, this one IS funny!

Richard Bell - Winston-Salem, NC.   May 16th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Exactly. Obama in SD lied about McCain. Obama has been doing that against Clinton throughout the campaign, lying about Hillary and now McCain to cause voter confusion so that they would doubt McCain or Hillary. Obama is the one tricking voters. The video shows that McCain had a thorough and consistent stance on Hamas and Palestine while Obama has not had a consistant stance and his past actions contradict what he "says" he'll do.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 16th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Are you going to belive me or your own lying eyes and ears?

Frank D   May 16th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

They deployed George Bush on a long-range swiftboating from middle east.

That's Reality   May 16th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

It seems the major reason the liberal left doesn't like McCain is because he's not like them. He's not afraid to fight the war on terror, regardless of the polls, and he's not willing to appease terrorist supporting nations. Age = experience, but most liberals are liberal because they haven't matured yet. The older ones just haven't come to terms with the truth yet; You can't negotiate with evil people. Didn't Carter just find that out with Hamas? The Bush administration tried to warn him but he thought he could "reason" with them. Ha!

Charlie   May 16th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Rob: you said:
"Nixon spoke to the Communist Chinese.
Bush 43 spoke to North Korea
Israel made peace with Egypt."
Those are true statements. However, what good came of it? China is launching missles at satellites, North Korea just detonated a nuclear bomb and Egypt is still hostile toward Isreal. The next time a criminal breaks into your house or threatens you, would you try to have a dialogue with them to 'engage them', or would you call the police and have them arrested!?

When you say McCain advocates that we shouldn't talk to "bad people", what do you think that means. I'm all for telling them to "Put their weapons down or face the consquences", but looking for some sort of dialog with terrorists is pointless. Remember Neville Chamberlain? He had lots of 'dialoge' with Hitler (even got a peace treaty), and then we had WWII.

Linda Li   May 16th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

It's hard to lie from video evidence, isn't it?

All the More   May 16th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

This is why I love Clinton and Obama. Democrats come together and get rid of this idea of endless war and warmongering.

Democrats '08 and Beyond

Tejano   May 16th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

The Bomber is Hillary not McCain. She woud bomb Iran if it strikes Israel. Obama would bomb Pakistan one of our allies on the war on terror. He would dine and wine with Hamas and I's a nut job.

Stop it with the lies, Democrats. You can't win on principles or programs, all you do is talk, talk, talk. That is why we have a mess in our government, not because of Bush or his policies.

Where has theDemocratic controlled country been for the last 4 years.

2 of them have been out campaigning for President. Hillary and Obama.

Jim   May 16th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Barack Obama often boasts he is “the only candidate who isn’t taking a dime from Washington lobbyists,” yet his fundraising team includes 38 members of law firms that were paid $138 million last year to lobby the federal government, records show.

Those lawyers, including 10 former federal lobbyists, have pledged to raise at least $3.5 million for the Illinois senator’s presidential race. Employees of their firms have given Obama’s campaign $2.26 million, a USA TODAY analysis of campaign-finance data shows.

Thirty-one of the 38 are law firm partners, who typically receive a share of their firms’ lobbying fees. At least six of them have some managerial authority over lobbyists.

“It makes no difference whether the person is a registered lobbyist or the partner of a registered lobbyist, if the person is raising money to get access or curry favor,” said Michael Malbin, director of the Campaign Finance Institute, a non-partisan think tank.

Nat   May 16th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb, bomb Iran. That is the real McCain.

Chris   May 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

John McCain? Lol!

What is that his slogan? Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Iran!
John can't just wait to Bomb Iran. Maybe he should convince Bush to do it now. So he can defend us very well. Yes, also Bomb Syria, North Korea and Rusia. They all hate America. Obliterate Lebanon and Palestine. They hate Isreal. We so many troops; maybe some of them need to die!

McCain '08, WAR FOR EVER!

Keek in Cali   May 16th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

That Huckabee comment sounds kinda "bitter" to me. Americans beware...the Republicans are bigotted, greedy, lying, warmongers that say and do ANYTHING to get what they want. I think this is where Hillary gets all of her dirty campaigning tips from...God Bless us All!!

OBAMA.

Ray   May 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

That video is altered by cgi. Come on people McCain isn't a warmonger... LOL

Obama   May 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Do you libs do anything but whine?

ok   May 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

First you told Hiffington Post you never voted for G. Bush. You later flip-flopped or can I say Flop-Flipped. There were witnesses that confirmed you told Huffington. Now the video proves what you said to Jamie rubin. Now you are calling Rubin a "LIAR." Senator McCain, you are the LIAR, should I say Liar-liar. This election would be very interesting. Republicans and McCain want to have it both ways. No you can't. Now you are attacking Obama's wife and family. Don't you think Cindy McCain has lots of baggage that we would all be interested to expose to the world. Is that what you want? Bring it on. Liar-liar, flip-flopper, flop-flipper.

A.J. in Fla   May 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

To German Hernandez

Amigo, you are right on target. Republicans are scare of what they see comming, A DEMOCRAT IN THE WHITE HOUSE....!!!!!

Please help us defet the Democrats in November

voice   May 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Karl Rove is a joke. Just look at California Supereme court's decision on gay marriage. You know how backward his brain is and how lost he is these days.

Jane   May 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

What Bush, McCain, Karl Rove and other Republican operatives will soon find out is that this campaign is a whole different ballgame than the one they fought 4 years ago. This time, the Democratic candidate may be Barack Obama, over whom a love-struck news media is very protective. They're trying hard to hand him the Democratic party's nomination, and they'll surely try to hand him the general election. It's hard to win an election when the news shows are fighting for the other side.
So sad too, because in all this, what we may be losing is the woman who would probably be the best president in our history.

Tom, Oregon   May 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

McCain flip, flop, flip, flop nobody knows when he'll stops!

BIFF, BIFFINGTON...   May 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

JAMIE RUBIN LIED....

........ SO DID THE VIDEO !!!!!!!!!

(STRAIGHT STALK DEPRESSED).....

Heidi in Houston   May 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Yea, McCain. Let's not have talks with Iran. Let's bomb them like you suggested. That's a far better idea.

McCain, I really used to like you. Now I've found out more. Things like we can't stand next to you and swing a dead cat without hitting one of your lobbyist buddies. You want to bomb a sovereign nation prior to attempting diplomacy.

You show us more and more how you want to embrace Bush's failed foreign and domestic policies on a daily basis. Since the nomination, you've gone back on the moderate stance you used to display in the Senate and so you can embrace Bush to pander to the base. Well guess what, just two days ago, the base gave you an open invitation to turn your back on Bush and his failed policies, by saying that the Bush administration gave made the GOP brand like a bad brand of dog food that should be removed from the shelves. You had the chance then to show you're different, but you haven't. I'm very disappointed.

Deb, IN   May 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

I Love how Obama is ready to DEBATE either George Bush or John McCain anywhere, anythime on foreign policy……LOL (just so long as he doesn't have to DEBATE Hillary Clinton on the same issues)

What a SISSY!!!!!!!!!

Shiloh Everett   May 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

McCain needs to denounce Huckelbee for hid gunman comments.

skyjuice   May 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

McPAIN is a real piece of work.

OBAMA 08'/12'

Brendose, Oceanside CA   May 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

The strings pulling McCain are starting to show............the nose is starting to grow.......

MCCAIN: THE REPUBLICAN'S PINOCCHIO!!!!

Lilly   May 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Obama '08

Dee   May 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Bomb Bomb Bomb
Bomb Bomb Iran

Yeah, McCain and his cowboy party will have us in another war in no time, a month after he takes office.

German Hernandez   May 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Republicans are scare they see it coming......

RB   May 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Oops. I hate video proof!

HillarySkank on myspace   May 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

John McCain is another 4 years of a failed foreign policy that murders our military men and women.
Huckabee is a false man of God. He has proven beyond all doubt that he is putting the Republican party first, and God somewhere else. The debate is whether he puts God above America or the other way around, but this Christian no longer considers that so called Christian a man of God.

Shame on you Huckabee, you are making your party (the Republicans) proud and that is not something a Christian would be proud of.

Diziz31   May 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

In this political environment how do you know the truth from the lie?

Blake, San Diego   May 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Politicians respond to things like robots. John McCain is wrong and the people who want to vote him in are wrong too. Some people just refuse to open their eyes and expand their mind.

voice   May 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Did not McCain calim himself a honest politician? Honest to the extent that he can spin his own recorded words?

Heidi in Houston   May 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

If name calling like "liar" and "naive" is the worst McCain has to dish out, then the general election should be a cake walk for the democrats.

Rubin's peice speaks for itself. McCain clearly states that Hamas' status in the Middle East has changed and it has. Thanks to the GOP supporting Palestinian elections, AGAINST the advice from Israel, which gave Hamas leaders, officially elected status.

We have talked to our enemies throughout history. Bush with N. Korea and Qadaffi, Reagan with Russia, Nixon with China. Now McCain is calling Obama "naive" and "reckless".

Perhaps starting a war in Iraq bases on shoddy intelligence and getting rid of a government that has kept Iran in check all these years was a little reckless. I'm just sayin'....

Ryan   May 16th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

He was still indicating he'd be open to talking with them. What changed?

No part of that interview does John McCain say he would NOT do it. This further reiterates it.

mitchell from arkansaw   May 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

we heard what you said,mccain.don't try to explain your way out of it.warmonger!!

Enlightened Voter   May 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

John, you can't even keep up with your own lies, how can we trust you to run our country.??Hell you may push the button by accident, we can't have that. Seriously folks, aren't we tired of the republicans, it's enough already. There desperate, they are scrambling and they should. They are ghetto thugs.

Nunya   May 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Taken out of context how? The addtional question/answer changes nothing...

Ardnuas   May 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

McCain is NOTHING like he appears... He will have us in a WAR with Iran within days of him taking office.... He is FULL of hate and anger .... voters BEWARE!!!!!!!!
Obama/Hagel ( I want Chuck Hagel to be VP)

Rob   May 16th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Nixon spoke to the Communist Chinese.
Bush 43 spoke to North Korea
Israel made peace with Egypt.
John McCain thinks that we should never talk to bad people? I know he doesn't really believe it.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 16th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Vedio tape does not lie!

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