May 19, 2008
Posted: May 19th, 2008 12:45 PM ET

From
McCain took a shot at Obama Monday.
McCain took a shot at Obama Monday.

(CNN) - Campaigning in Barack Obama's hometown of Chicago on Monday, John McCain sought to impugn the Illinois senator’s judgment on national security by slamming Obama's statement that Iran poses a less serious threat to the United States than the Soviet Union did.

"Sen. Obama claimed that the threat Iran poses to our security is 'tiny' compared to the threat once posed by the former Soviet Union," McCain said at the beginning of his speech to the National Restaurant Association. "Obviously, Iran isn't a superpower and doesn't possess the military power the Soviet Union had. But that does not mean that the threat posed by Iran is insignificant."

McCain was referring to Obama’s comments on Sunday in Pendleton, Oregon, in which Obama asserted that his administration's foreign policy would allow for negotiations with hostile nations. (Related: McCain slams Obama for downplaying threat from Iran)

"Strong countries and strong Presidents talk to their adversaries," Obama remarked. "That's what Kennedy did with Khrushchev. That's what Reagan did with Gorbachev. That's what Nixon did with Mao. I mean, think about it: Iran, Cuba, Venezuela - these countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union."

"They don't pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us,” he said. “And yet we were willing to talk to the Soviet Union at the time when they were saying 'we're going to wipe you off the planet.' "

McCain, who regularly assails Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the stump, suggested in Chicago that Obama doesn’t understand the "basic realities of international relations" and that engaging Ahmadinejad diplomatically would only embolden him.

"Senator Obama has declared, and repeatedly reaffirmed his intention to meet the President of Iran without any preconditions, likening it to meetings between former American Presidents and the leaders of the Soviet Union," McCain said. "Such a statement betrays the depth of Senator Obama’s inexperience and reckless judgment."

Filed under: Uncategorized


Hyacyntha   May 19th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

It's sad to see so few intelligent comments being made. There is obviously a lot of emotion involved because you all resort to name calling rather than to building a cogent argument for your case. And yes, a lack of historical understanding. Kennedy didn't negotiate with Kruschev. He told him where we stood and what we would do if he continued his course of action. He didn't hold his hand and "make nice." We were attacked in New York on 9/11 by a handfull of terrorists, not even an entire country!! Oh and BTW where do you think the money is going to come from for all of Obama's give aways? Something for nothing? Whose being greedy here? You're too blinded by the the style and flash. The substance is the key and you choose to ignore what is being revealed to you day after day about who Obama really is.

Oh Boy...   May 19th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

...wait, so now "tiny" means "insignificant?" Yeesh...

Proud   May 19th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

There are very few people who buy what's being said once they know the facts.

MC CAIN 2008

Tony, Miami   May 19th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

I want people to remember Reagan was as old as McCain in his last year to office and already has memory lost. He finally made it public to the american people. What will happen if McCain has the same problem less one year after being elected???

Doyle - MI   May 19th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

If the human race was truly intelligent wars would not occur. The greatest enemy of war is communication between opposing parties.

Relevant   May 19th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Keep on conducting your campaign on a platform of fear mongering and war mongering, McCain.

See how far that gets you.

Scott in Indiana   May 19th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Once again taking something Obama said out of context. Way to try to use fear to try to gather support for the old GOP McCain. This coming from the man who is such an expert on the workings of the middle east he believes the Shiites in Iran were working with Al Qaeda. Good talk McCain.

Obama '08!!

Jim Reynolds   May 19th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Clearly, McCain is the person who doesn't understand the world stage!

M Pinard   May 19th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

... The verbal duels between McCain and Obama - especially on extremely volatile subjects such as Iran and Iraq - indicate the import of this Presidential campaign. It is apparent that Obama will end up as Democratic candidate for November Election. --
... I am a Republican and definitely intend to vote for McCain. He will win in November, because he will win the battle of words with Obama on vital issues, especially those relating to "war on terrorism." Obama is an "intern" when it comes to major issues; he cannot deal with the dangerous threats and other significant problems which face our nation. His flip-flopping scares a majority of U.S. citizens !
... Go, McCain !

Alex   May 19th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

OMG, is McCain claiming better judgement when he voted and stood by Bush and insist for 100 yrs war? How is that a better judgement than Obama's objections to the war? He is just capitalizing on the media’s biased coverage about his experience. Yes, he is a good solider but not all good soldiers can be good policy makers. I thought he will distance himself from Bush policy rather he embraced it and promoting it. He is really out of his mind to jump on Bush wagon of reckless attack. By the way, there will be a day when will find whose family is Hitler appeaser? Since Bush started, we need investigative reports that can dig into the relation between Prescott Bush and Nazi. Then we will know the truth. McCain’s idea of aligning himself with Bush does not help him at all.

Joe Reg   May 19th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

America is sick of bombs
bombs and bombs.

It is high time for a change is direction.

No more repubs war machine.

Kris In Atlanta   May 19th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

I wish that CNN would stop feeding into these silly Mccain sound bytes. Mccain is manipulating the press but the public is not fooled: We are less concerned with Iran right now-a country we could easily obliterate-than with our skyrocketing gas prices, our foreclosed homes, illegal immigration, and Iraq. Let's talk about these issues Mccain. You should be comfortable with that ; after all, you helped create these problems. Mccain is practicing the old Republican switcharoo: When the country is upside down, talk about war. Sound familiar? Bush used the tactic in 2003 and here we are knee deep in the Iraq crisis. Don't be silly, people. A vote for Mccain is just an extension of Bush and the incompetence sitting in the White House today.

Obama 08 and beyond

Reggy Mack   May 19th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

I got to give this one to Obama. The Soviet Union was and is a Super Power. I was in the Army for 21 years and I am glad that we did not go to war with them. We would of destroyed the world. Iran does not compare. Reagan, Kennedy, and Nixon set a good example of how to talk to our enemies. McCain, I dare you to say that either of these presidents was wrong. Your brain is just drowned with oil thats why you are all about Iran you idiot.

jw   May 19th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

McCain-you have my vote!!!!! I believe you when you speak? How much more do the Obamas have to reveal about themselves before they are shown the "exit door"??? Or, is it that democrat voters will spite themselves just as long as a republican does not win an election, even if it means electing a "big talking , say nothing politician" such as Obama If "words count" as Obama says, maybe he should have a talk with his wife about the words she chooses when she talks about her lack of pride in America. Nice diplomatic representative she will make for us, huh!!! With the Obamas our enemies have become one of us....

Mark   May 19th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Why would we even want a shell shock president in office whats to say he wont have a flash back and put us in a deeper mess then were already in. Whats to say he isnt holding a personal grudge against the Vietnamese for what happened to him. We dont need a captured war vet for president

Nainogero   May 19th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

#1 We should not even HAVE to speak to Iran and the Iranian President!

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants to wipe Isreal off the face of the map (Isreal is our ally)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants nuclear power (How about continued better health care first or are you too busy suppling terrorists with weapons?)

Also #1 – We don't speak English, we speak American

mike from CA   May 19th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Who cares Mcpain.

FactCheck   May 19th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

McFly, hello? The former Soviet union had a nuclear arsenal, an army to rival that of the US and their fingers constantly on the button. Iran has a nitwit who hasn't shaved and that's about it... This is about as idiotic a statement as has been made by McCain since his claim of not knowing the difference between the Sunnis and Shi'ites. Is the GOP completely gone nuts or is this is the best candidate that they can put through?

Joe Reg   May 19th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

The Bush republicans Mcain knowS one
thing, bombs first and don't bother
talking.

Bombs, bombs and bombs again.

Lizzie, Washington DC   May 19th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

You know, I totally don't see McCain's point in all this. It is very clear to me that the Soviet's, with their pointed nuclear heads to the US were a more serious threat than Iran, Cuba right now. Iran and Cuba are not pointing their nuclear weapons at us – in fact, they still don't even have these weapons. Talking to Iran and Cuba, as Obama suggests will help deter Iran from its adventurous goals! I TRUST Obama's judgment on this issue. YES. We should talk to our adversaries!

Fred   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

*yawn*

Kjetil   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Why does McCain talk about judgment of Obama when he has had advisers that has got money from perhaps the worst regime on earth today, Burma (Myanmar). How can McCain have credibility on this when he picks people around him in top possisions that are so much in lacking of jugdment and intregity? What kind of people will he have around him if elected? People that have got money from Mugabe because PR campaigns?

Rupert Bean   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Funny how CNN refuses to run any articles about the cry-baby Obamas demanding the Republicans leave Michelle "I hate America" Obama alone.

Oh, and a peek into Obama's style of government:

"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK, that's not leadership. That's not going to happen."

So Obama, are you the person that gets to decide whether I can:

1) Own an SUV
2) Buy whatever groceries I want
3) Heat/Cool my house at whatever temperature I want, as long as I am willing to fork over the cash to do so?

Sounds like the old Soviet Union to me. Are we electing a President or a dictator?

Let's see if CNN bothers to post this... in it's correct form. That's right, CNN moderators have "fixed" some of my past posts, to include inserting spelling and gramatical errors to make me look uneducated.

Koronin   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

McCain can hardly wake up knowing the difference between Monday and Thursday and has shown up what he 'knows' about The Middle-East.

Anyone surprised?

Tim   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

I am a US Air Force veteran of 20 plus years of service to my country. McCain is a war hero and that's not in dispute. However, how does that quality him to be President any more than Senators Obama or Clinton? Well I'll tell you, it does not. The two have nothing to do with the other. Talking is a sign of strength, not of weakness. Senator McCain is still carring the Mission Accomplished banner with no end date.

Obama 08/12

Eric   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

It seems like Mccain is objective towards Obamas use of words, "tiny", but he makes scence in saying that compared to the Soviet Union Iran is sort of insignificant.

Jamaal Kansas   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Mccain is washed up it is over for this old goose he can lie and try to spin Obama's words all he wants Obama wil WIn in November

Ande   May 19th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

I'm college educated, intelligent and a proud supporter of Barack Obama.

I will vote DEMOCRAT regardless of who the nominee is. I hope it's Obama. Unlike many Hillary supporters, who I'm guessing just aren't smart enough to realize that a democratic vote is what really matters.

If we let another Republican in office, our economy is doomed. The only thing the Republicans care about is war. It is a well know fact that when a republican is in office, the rich people get richer and the poor people get poorer. Who can survive another 8 years of Bush politics?? That's what you get in McCain.

AJ, IL   May 19th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

This coming from the old senile guy who was singing 8 months ago, "BOMB BOMB BOMB, BOMB BOMB IRAN!"

This oldies tune will definitely be making a comeback in the general election at McCain's expense.

Rich   May 19th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

McCain I'm sure you are what is dangerous to this country!

Democrat '08

arnab   May 19th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Mcain , you are Bush No 3 so cut the crap .. alrite we all know thats it because of you pathetic republicans today gas is over 4 dollars a gallon and people have to decide whether they should buy food , or buy gas , its because of you stupid republicans who have been spending 10 billion dolalrs of tax payers money every freaking week on Iraq and making people suffer like this .. you and George Bush have completely ruined the economy , rendered thousands of people homeless , so shut ur mouth and STOP LYING...

Africa man   May 19th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Americans have had enough economic abuse from the republuican government of George W. Bush. No one should stay in an abusive relationship. It is time for Americans to get out of this abusive relationship with the Republicans. Vote Democratic in 2008. Obama the Man for whites and Blacks and Latino and Hispanic and Asian Americans and native Americans and Jews.

carrie   May 19th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

thr GOP has NOTHING on obama
welcome to the white house,president Obama

ANGIE   May 19th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

AND TO THINK ALL YOU HILLARY SUPPOTERS WANT TO VOTE FOR MCSAME BUSH JR IF SHE LOSES WELL NOT ME COMING FROM A TRUE HILLARY SUPPOTER I WILL BE VOTING FOR OBAMA BEFORE I LET A MAN WHO IS A WAR LORD AND HAS NO IDEA HOW TO FIX THIS MESS THAT BUSH HAS GOTTEN US INTO OTHER THAN CONTINUE HIS POLICIES WHICH HAVE BEEN A DISASTER AT LEAST SEN OBAMA HAS DIFFERENT APPROCHES WHEATHER THEY WORK OR NOT IM WILLING TO SEE SO ALL YOU HILLARY SUPPOTERS THINK TWICE COME TOGETHER AND KEEP MCSAME BUSH OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE WELCOME CHANGE WELCOME IT!!!!!!!!

Kate, Atlanta   May 19th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

I'm 44 and was feeling a bit down about getting older. But, now that Obama is considered just a child at 47, I'm back to childhood myself. Thanks!!

WIll   May 19th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Again. Hillary supporters take heed. What is your real reason for not being willing to support Obama in the general election? Are his policies so offensive to you that McCain is the only answer? Do you feel he really does not have the country's best interests at heart, and all the superdelegates and most of the country are just disillusioned? WAKE UP HILLARY SUPPORTERS!! We cannot afford to give this man McCain the keys to four more years of backward policy. My kid's can't afford that and neither can yours.

Look into your own conscience and really ask yourself if you have a truly valid reason not to support Obama, when the realistic alternative will do absolutely nothing to advance what you CLAIM to believe in. Obama and Clinton have virtually the same platform, so why again would you not vote for Obama if he is the nominee?

Beth   May 19th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

McCain took it out of context and blew it out of proportion, of course. Anything to make it sensational. Obama is right – compared to the threats of the Soviet Union, Iran IS a tiny threat. Nowhere does Mr. Obama say that we shouldn't deal with it.

But then, Obama's first course of action might be to sit down and negotiate for a peaceful solution. How reckless would THAT be?

Doug   May 19th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

He didn't say "Insignificant", he said "Tiny". The Soviet Union was a huge superpower with nuclear weapons, a vast army (perceived at the time as almost unbeatable), and a political ideology that terrified us (remember all the trials and hearings about Americans being communist?).

Iran on the other hand is a small nation, with no nuclear arms, and an army that we could pummel within two months. Which was perceived as the larger threat?

For futher proof, please look at all defense spending and intelligence operations against the Soviet Union, and then compare that to defense spending and intel ops against Iran...I can guarantee right now that Iran is "Tiny" in comparison.

MMN - Milwaukee WI   May 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

I still struggle with the narrow views within the GOP and how effective they are with them.

Remember in 2004 a "National Guard Reservist" named GWB was able to label John Kerry a decorated Vietnam Veteran a coward with the fear mongering?

Lets all do our part to educate each other for the general good of the whole.

Dale   May 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Have to give credit to Hillary for one thing – her insistence in staying in the race has kept Americans' focus on the Democrats.

Meanwhile, McCain had taken the wrong tack of sitting back and relaxing for the past several weeks, thinking he had things in the bag. Problem is, no one knows even remembers he's in the race anymore.

So now he has to go for outlandish hysterics in order to try to bring people back to his side. Well, he still has six months, maybe he'll be able to scare everyone into voting for him. It's worked before for the Republicans, after all.

Jeremiah Grant - Phoenix, AZ   May 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

In addition to this yet another comment by Obama that shows just how out of touch he is with reality, why don't we examine just a few more things he said over the weekend.

"We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK.... That's not leadership. That's not going to happen."

Let's break that down. First, under an Obama administration, "we can't drive our SUVs," which begs the question: "What precisely qualifies as an 'SUV'? Is my family minivan an SUV? Perhaps any vehicle that doesn't deliver 30 miles per gallon will be a banned 'SUV.' Let's move on. " We can't... keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times." My home was set at 70 degrees last night and my office is at 72 degrees all day. I think it's been proven that air conditioning actually does increase productivity. And why pick on '72 degrees'? Why not 76 degrees? What is morally acceptable in this new Obamaworld?

As we continue, our economic future under Obama looks even worse, because Obama establishes that the real moral authority for what we do as Americans is set by foreign authorities. Obama said we can't drive SUVs and set the thermostat to 72 degrees "and then just expect that other countries are going to say OK." Allow me to translate: Obama is a globalist. He sees America as ultimately under the authority of another jurisdiction, namely the global jurisdiction. Obama concluded this section of his remarks by saying, "that's not going to happen." This doesn't sound like the man who is going to bring us all together and get us to work together. This sounds more like America's most liberal senator.

Doug R.   May 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

McCain has nothing to run on except fear and scare tactics. He lacks any knowledge or understanding of issues like health care, education, the environment and the economy. This man is a fraud and a pathological liar.
I wonder how many Republicans who currently support him voted for him in 2000.

WordsMatter   May 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Bloggers – Please keep writing your hate-filled comments with lots of jokes about McCain's age. Good for you, you are hate-filled and angry. Nice job.

madeleine   May 19th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

there are thousands (if not millions) of us who are Hillary supporters that will NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA. I am in a blue state but obama will not get the vote here!

I will vote for mcCain if Hillary will not get nominated. he is better prepared. yes is 72. but better than OBAMA.

I dont believe in voting Democrat or Republican. Vote for the person who can do best. as Hillary put it, vote as if you are hiring!

go for hillary.

Debbie   May 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

The former Soviet Union had thousands of nuclear missiles aimed at the United States and could have ended all life in the United States within an hour.

Senator McCain, every American over the age of 50 remembers the Cuban missile crisis caused by the former Soviet Union.

Does Senator McCain really think Iran is a super power? McCain needs to stop watching James Bond movies.

Michael   May 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

John McCain, Sun Tzu, The Art of War, read it, you might learn something. “Keep your friends close, your enemies even closer.” Obama has it right, he understands the Art of War.

Dave, Ak   May 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

After 8 years of W. it is absurd and irresponsible for people like Ferraro to suggest that they might not vote Obama because he's been "sexist" during the campaign. She's just bitter that Hillary lost, but she needs to get over it and think about the damage 4 more years of Republican mismanagement and the war will cause.

I dunno about you but I can no longer afford the Bush/Cheney energy policy. And it truly scares me to think what kind of flip-flopping McCain will do to appease the Republican party. Can anyone say bombs over Teheran and Damascus?

Franky   May 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

So, anything new????

foreigner in US   May 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

I noticed that Mccain did not quantify exactly how much a threat Iran really is. If it's not 'tiny' compared with the former Soviet Union then what is the size and nature of its threat? (This question should also have been asked of Iraq before the invasion)

Ray   May 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

"Rhonda: McCain and Clinton need to draw the country to the mistakes he will make and what will happen if he makes the mistake, and Oprah will not be able to save him or our country. Vote for Clinton….."

– So you want Obama to fail in order for Clinton to win. Also, Clinton and Mccain are not running together. You have the right to vote for whom ever is on the ballot. Why the bitterness towards Obama?

Les-WA   May 19th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

BIG things start from SMALL things, that is something Obama do NOT understand and will NEVER understand.

Unshrub   May 19th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

It is hard to tell if McCain is senile or if it is more republican rhetoric.

Reggie   May 19th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Obama's inexperience is evident everyday on the campaign trail. God help us all if he becomes president.

Jay Carlson   May 19th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

McCain either has very poor judgment or is playing plain politics at the nation's expense. Warmongering is not patriotic. That is in the end what McCain is resorting to. I thought he was a different kind of a Republican. It is a sad day.

Dems Unite!!!   May 19th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Mr McCain, Sen Obama did NOT say that the threat from Iran was insignificant. He clearly said it was "tiny" compared to that of the threat of the Cold War era Soviet Union. The comments and views that Sen. Obama makes are perfectly in line with history, ask any high-schooler! You gotta be smarter than a high-schooler Mr. McCain,(maybe not with our edu. system these days.)

Obama '08 +'12

GT   May 19th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

John you old buzzard, you're the one that made up the song "Bomb Iran" (in the tune of the Beachboys "Barbara Ann" – see it on YouTube) and you call Barack "reckless"??

Mike   May 19th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Anyone who calls themselve a democrat who would vote for Hillary but will vote for McCain over Obama has some serious personal issues....

Cynthia   May 19th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

All of you Hillary supporters need to wake up and pay attention to our options in the General Election. Since Hillary and Barack are so close in policy, it would be ashamed if we were not to vote or vote for John McCain and have 4 more years of Bush's failed policies. Please, I beg you. Support Obama!

Sarah   May 19th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

So if we did not negotiate, what can we do?
Bomb...Bomb...bomb Iraaaaaaaaaaaan. what will be oil price then. And what will happen to our people in Iraq?

What a war monger McSame

Sherri   May 19th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Senator McCain, you reflect the policies of the current Bush Administration. They have brought us to a disasterous war in Iraq. You seem to wish another war upon us with Iran.

Sir, please reconsider this misguided policy. Senator Obama offers up an aggressive diplomatic approach, that is inclusive of the rest of the world and protective of ourselves and our allies. How in the world could actually sitting down at the table and talking hurt us? It would strengthen our stature on the world stage and it would reflect the greatness of our American values. It might even bring some of the turmoil of our days to a positive end.

Barb   May 19th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

McCain understands the politics of war, and right now that's what we need! Obama and his pretty empty words might work in a time of peace, but McCain understands that it's not armament that is our enemy…it's philosophy! Terrorists are more than numbers of weapons, more than geographical boundries (Hello, NY… hello, Pentagon,..hello, USS Cole)… and the threat from terrorists is not one where you get a nice round table, pitchers of water with lemon slices and compromise! Security equals freedom, and without one you cannot have the other. We are fighting for our survival, with intelligence, and allies as well as weapons. If we were to pull our troops out now, sure- that'd be great. But then what happens the next time we are attacked? Roll over? What if we stop fighting and they don't?!

Linned   May 19th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

TaraLynn – get a clue. Vote for Senator McCain if you choose to. Senator Clinton does not have the numbers no matter what you and other Clinton supporters say.

OBAMA SUPPORTER   May 19th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

ANDY
ARE YOU SO NAIEVE,YOU BELIEVE EVER ARTICAL YOU READ IN THE GOSSIP MAGAZINES
GOSSIP IS ALL THEY ARE TO SUCK IN PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Jack   May 19th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Sen obama has one thing going for him, and that is he must be a good crap shooter because he keeps saying "Double Down" I must say i have polled the "Dice" before, i just hope he can control his orgers. Cnn in not going to post this because they must protect obama

EvMan   May 19th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

"Strong countries and strong Presidents talk to their adversaries," Obama remarked. "That's what Kennedy did with Khrushchev. That's what Reagan did with Gorbachev. That's what Nixon did with Mao. I mean, think about it: Iran, Cuba, Venezuela — these countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union."

If we don't speak to our enemies how can we make peace with them ??? McCain is not a rocket scientist that's for sure. He's one clueless old man... I wonder why his wife won't show her tax returns ? Republicans sure felt John Kerry's wife needed to... What has changed ? The Republicans are losing power and using dirt floor politics, that's what.

mc cain hero??????   May 19th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

MCC supporters please google: mccain rhinestone hero

before you vote for mc?????? THINK brainless

A FACT   May 19th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Once you start negotiating with Terrorist/Hostile Nations there will be no end to it. No negotiating!!

Also, I am a democrat that will vote for the first time Republican if Obama gets the nomination.

Hillary or McCain for President.

MONICA LEWINSKY FOR VICE PRES   May 19th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Obama is leading you to the poison well. I'm moving to the interior and farmlands. obama mania will be putting up hate monger muslim temples in the major cities. You can't hide. Just look at the damage in England and Canada. Infested and in danger of bombings. Your glee will be short lived

Procivic   May 19th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Wherever he goes, McCain has the benefit of Lieberman whispering in his ear. The Conneticut senator is one of the loudest voices to promote Israel in the U.S. and he makes sure that whenever Iran is the subject, the soundbites of Israel's rightwing extremists are uttered at every turn: "appeasement", " Hitler", "Nazi", etc. when discussing Iran.

America should wake up to the fact that Iran has no nuclear weapons ( Israel has hundreds) nor has it attacked another country since the mid-18th. century (in the last 60 years Israel has invaded all its neighbors). In the last five years Israel has routinely threatened to bomb Iranian faciltities on the pretext that it was "just months" from building a nuclear bomb.

Let's cut through the propaganda.

wes   May 19th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

War is the answer to everything, isn't it mccain. Sick.

Erik B   May 19th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

We should not let the Republicans SCARE us into voting for them.

They scared us once in 2000, Shame on them.

They scared us the 2nd time in 2004, Shame on us.

derrick   May 19th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

guess what, senator McThuselah?

obama's right

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   May 19th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

DD, New York:

I'll send you my mailing address so you'll know where to send the doughnuts. I want Dunkin', not Krispy Kreme! :)

Greg Pa   May 19th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

DD you are the man !!!!!!!!!!! Tell it like it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kim   May 19th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Obama is exactly correct. Iran is not a pimple on the butt of the former Soviet Union. It is so the time to leave these war mongering Republicans in the dust bin of history and move on.

Phil Newton Murphy, Oregon   May 19th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

The idea of McCain and the neo-cons in DC calling Obama "reckless" for wanting to open dialogue with our enemies is, well, reckless.

More to the point, not doing all we can to end a bloodbath, ill-conceived and horribly executed - that, my friend, is truly reckless.

Less, Austin Tx   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

And McCain's comments on "tiny" affects us howww....?

It is so obvious that we "Americans" are last on his priority list.

There are too many other important issues we are facing here in the U.S. that are going to affect our children's children, unless something is done; until we are removed from the bottom of the list and placed first.

As long as we remain on the bottom of McCain's list, nothing this man says or does can be trusted...he is just going to be another "replica" of Bush..all talk..with nothing said.

Which wife sold 2 million dollars of interest in Sudan? How many more millions are invested overseas without the American peoples knowledge? This the question McCain should be addressing.

Nainogero   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

McCain beats Obama Obama beats Clinton Clinton Beats McCain

Like Rock Paper Scissors
Obama the Scissors
Clinton the Paper
McCain the Rock

Only Obama or Clinton can lead the Democrats against the Republicans and McCain

There is a reason for delegates and superdelegates
How many voters are voting out of pride How many voters are voting out of resentment How many voters are voting out of strategy These are some of the reasons we have delegates and superdelegates They look into outto and beyond these reasons
We have to trust them to not trust our-selves

Sue, Bloomington, IN   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

McCain tries to present himself as the honorable politician; but, he can't help himself from falling into the tired, old political doublespeak. He has a mean streak and a way of twisting his opponents words that I find unsettling.

Debby   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Laura Young I agree with you to an extent. Iran is a threat to Isreal more than it is to us and we all know Isreal is our biggest ally and would come to our aid if we needed it. Iran's leader is not going to listen to any newly elected US President when it comes to Isreal know matter who it is. This is the point Sen. McCain is trying to throw out there and this is where Obama is naive on foreign policies.

Ray   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Inexperience? Mccain admitted lacking knowledge of Economics. Business competitors and corporations in legal disputes often talk to each other without preconditions. It's called diplomacy.

OBAMA SUPPORTER   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

DEBBIS & DEBRA

YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT POLITICS
WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU (GAY)
HILLARY HAS A HUSBAND,SHE JUST DON'T KNOW IT. IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW MCSAIN,DO IT. BUT THE REST ODF US WANT
WE CARE FOR OUR COUNTRY AND OUR FAMILY

Jeanne   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

When you consider that the former Soviet Union had the capacity to destroy the world and Iran does not, "tiny" is an apt description. There is nothing wrong in TALKING to countries that you oppose or don't agree with. TALKING may determine that there is some common ground that both countries can agree on. TALKING can help smooth misunderstandings. TALKING does not mean "appeasing" or selling out an advantage. TALKING is the way most problems can be resolved without bloodshed. I believe that despite McCain's years & years of experience, he misses the point on the simple value of talking with those you may oppose or disagree with.

Elly   May 19th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Never mind Obamas * tiny* comment...Just think about

MCSames *TINY* brain

It only has room to comprehend one concept *WAR*
Vote for diplomacy and a road to peace
Obama or Clinton 08

MONICA LEWINSKY FOR VICE PRES   May 19th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

OBAMA is a plant for the Muslim world. They are all ready rejoicing adn cant contain themselves. Read and heed all naive ones. Hillary or McCain are the onlyones left who understand the threats of the world

New York   May 19th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Khrushchev. Gorbachev, and Mao never killed Innocent Americans on their way to work, or flying off on vacation, or sitting in their offices. Hostile posturing does NOT bring down skyscrapers. The extremists declared war on us. Retreat our troops back home and the jihadist will be at their heels. We should all look at 9-11 and say "Never again"

New Day   May 19th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Great!!! Let's debate what the meaning of "negotiations" are while the country goes to hell in a hand basket. How about we talk about how we pull ourselves out of this economic abyss instead of talking about a toothless country in the middle of the desert; a billion miles away.

McCain and the news agencies are really dropping the ball on this one.

Mike from Westchester   May 19th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

If I can make you really, really afraid, you might vote for me. I can then become Village Idiot, part two.

Yours truly,

John McCain

P.S. – Sorry in advance for the negative impact on your grandchildren. But what do I care, I won't be around to suffer the consequences.

McPain NEVER   May 19th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

WHO CARES what this 'WOMAN' thinks.

LOOK at OREGON and THESE messages.

We DON'T NEED your vote or ANY of THE CLINTON's voters, for that matter.

WE are sick and tired of ALL the political 'talking heads', especially ones like this, who would rather vote for a WARMONGER than a BLACK MAN. BELEIVE ME it's ALL about Race with these people. Just LISTEN to their reasons for NOT voting for Obama. I HAVE!

We WON'T LISTEN TO YOU ANYMORE!!

WE have Minds of OUR OWN, thank you.

Anonymous   May 19th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Asked John McCain what he said and he won't remember what he said TO DAY. And We want four more years of this NO WAY GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dennis   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I think McCain's argument is a stretch. Furthermore, I'm in favor of the diplomatic solution over the "bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb, bomb Iran" solution. Defaulting the military approach doesn't sound like sound judgment to me.

Greg Pa   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I would love to see Obama be President. That way every one will see that he gets nothing done. Maybe that way people will see that talk about change is just that change.

Becky   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Lets see Russia has over 10,000 nukes while Iran has 0....

Talk about Barack being reckless and irresponsible when John W. McCain is LYING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHILE ALSO BEING RECKLESS AND IRRESPONSIBLE IN RATTLING SABERS THAT HAVE BEEN LOST IN IRAQ.

ANYONE STUPID ENOUGH TO VOTE FOR HIM SHOULD BE SHIPPED TO GITMO FOR WAR CRIMES....

Michael   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

McCain is right. Rather than provide an alternative solution to a problem, Obama should make ridiculous predictions about 4 years from now. I voted for Bush, but now believe he lied to the American people about the state of the war in 2006 and now can't believe anything he says. I have a hard time believing McCain either. Don't tell me everything will be ok in 4 years when you don't know what will happen tomorrow.

OBAMA SUPPORTER   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

this old fart is senial and is not able to make any deciseions for our country.
ship him to bush land and let him retire in the peace obama will bring us

Misty   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Who's Tiny John??? There is nothing timy about Obama!

mike   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Is this all he's got?

obamacrat   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Whose advising McSame? He stands no chance of beating Obama with this kind of petty crap. I feel sorry for McSame when he goes up against Obama in a head-to-head debate. Obama will be calm and cool as always, and McSame is going to blow his top.

John   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

People claiming not to vote for Barack Obama if Hillary Clinton is not the nominee may actually be Republicans pretending to be Democrats.

Nobody wants another 4-years of Bush policies. For the sake of Party unity and an end of the Republican white house, Democrats must rally around whoever becomes their nominee.

Tired of Hillary   May 19th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

All I read today is about crazy "OLD" people...first Ferraro with her racist remarks...(who let her out of the home and why don't they come and pick her up???) and now McCain......does he ever have a relevant thought or is he using the same speech writer as his good old buddy Bush. Too bad wisdom did not visit these old, old, racist people!!!!

JHR Arizona   May 19th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

John go take your nap. Why won't you listen to the people. 4 more years of King George

Alex H   May 19th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

THREATS! THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!

BE AFRAID! BE AFRAID!

I'M CREATING A COLOR CODE TO SYMBOLIZE HOW AFRAID YOU SHOULD BE... YOU SHOULD BE RED! THAT'S REALLY REALLY REALLY AFRAAAIIIIIIDDDD!!!!

laura   May 19th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

"Such a statement betrays the depth of Senator Obama’s inexperience and reckless judgment."

I Agree!

BO does not have a clue!

McCain 08

MMN - Milwaukee WI   May 19th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

A McCain presidency will be a sad day in America.

Thing is though it seems all the Ferraros, McCains, Hillary and Bill Clintons of these United States of America have a knack of narrowing the views so small to manipulate the electorate given all the weighty things we need sorted out in this country.

Fortunate thing is there is a social/civil change taking place in America and that is not the inevitability Hillary had in mind. For McCain as well as Clinton campaign, they didn’t have the forethought to the change and now they are flat footed as they try to come to terms with status quo dilemma they’re in.

Mark   May 19th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Seriously, does McCain really believe the American public overall is that stupid? Sure we have our fair shair of idiots, but come on man, the entire nation isn't that stupid.

Kevin B   May 19th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

McCains foreign policy:
Attack Everyone!
$5 billion/ month on Iraq is cheap.
Lets spend $10 billion / month on attacking Iran and Iraq!
Screw supporting domestic issues.

If you support McCain, the SIGN UP FOR THE ARMY AND GO FIGHT IN IRAQ.

Peter Damoah-Afari   May 19th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Can this old and wretched man have ideas of his own? Always talking about unnecessary and dirty politics. I hope America will not commit another blunder like the did in the case of Bush and Al Gore.

unh wildcat   May 19th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I can't speak for everyone, but "Should Iran aquire nuclear weapons" is not a good enough reason to invade Iran and start yet another war based on fear.

JN   May 19th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

All McCain has to do is unzip his pants!!! now thats TINY!!!!

Paul   May 19th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

He calls Obama 'reckless'?

What do we call invading a foreign country based on heresay and half truths?

No one is at risk for simply opening up dialogue. It's time to change the 'shoot first ask questions later' approach. The current administration uses fear and 'patriotism' to justify any actions. It's as old and tired as Mccain himself. I'm all for national security but in this global environment we can't act unilaterally anymore.

Beka13   May 19th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

John McBush has a tiny what? Maybe thats why he finds it necessary to talk so big...because he is so small...I think there is a surgery for that problem or a pump...I suggest he does that instead of dragging the country down even farther because of his issues.

Jimmy   May 19th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

We've seen where McStupid's brand of belligerent, as*-backwards foreign policy has taken this country. It's time to get the bus out of the ditch. It's time for a change. It's time for Obama!

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   May 19th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

The Senator from Illinois has an annoying habit of removing the arugula from his mouth and replacing it with his foot.

Les-WA   May 19th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Senator McCain never expect Obama to say anything smart, the man is a wannabe.

bob   May 19th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

i'm a republican, but i will not vote for mccain under any cimcumstances!! this is a guy who wanted to prosecute his fellow POW's after returning from prison in north vietnam, yet is all for granting amnesty to illegal aliens..???

go obama..!

DEX   May 19th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

DD from NY,
keep your dollars today they aren't worth that much anyway. We know who Bush is and he and his cronies should be arrested and hauled to jail for the innocent blood they have on thier hands. Impeachment would be to good for him.

Ken Sawyer   May 19th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Doesn't take much figuring why Democrats are so stupid and very little intelligence to know who is deciding which comments will be printed. CNN is the liberal bastion of the world.

ed   May 19th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

For all the people that said they will vote McSame if Obama is the nominee, you need to think long and hard for what' sin your best interest before you through it all away. Most of the people on here saying that are women and I hope most of that is coming from hard feelings that a women will not be the nominee. I hope that in time before the election that it will change back to who ever the democratic nominee is. But for those that are just to one track minded, I hope that everything is going your way and you are happy with four more years of it. I don't see how others that are having problems now would want to see four more years of this just because they don't want to see the black man in office or because they wanted Hillary in and will not vote. Come to your sences people, We have to have a better president in office and continueing on Bush policies is not a factor of change.

Von Bismark VIENNA   May 19th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

SENILITY IS TAKING A TOLL ON THIS MAN OR MAYBE HE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE!

Jude from Saratoga Springs, NY   May 19th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

McCain is correct, and these inarticulate false idol worshiping fools who write here are just witness to each others' ignorance.

To all the parents who voted for Obama because their children were so infatuated:

Are you happy now? Is this adolescent bashing and self indulgence enough yet or will the children have to destroy the country before you realize what has been unleashed?

The lunatic left rantings here are trash talk. And now, they aren't just bashing Hillary Clinton, now they are bashing a national hero.

Wake up America, before it is too late.

BTHogan   May 19th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

The tragedy of this...after 9/11, hundreds of thousands of Iranian civilians filled the streets in support of the US...please don't forget, no matter what regime is forced on them...

Chad, Wisco   May 19th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

The one thing that truly scares me about htis election is the complete biasness that this country has come to. If this was flipped and McCain had said "tiny" and Obama attacked the same people on this board would be going crazy with how dumb it was for McCain to say such a stupid thing. I dont care who you all vote for, but if we dont start voting for our beliefs we are lost as a country. Nobody every truly discusses ideas or policies anymore, its just simply become "my guy is better and therefore I am write and if you disagree you are wrong." This ideoligy will cause this country to fall further apart.

But it doesnt matter cuz this post will never be posted anyways cuz CNN hates real discussions.

Spectacles   May 19th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

What exactly is the threat?
No Nukes found.
No weaponsin Iraq found.
Just a war of words between Iran and Israel.
Nothing new.

Party Crasher   May 19th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Does Mini-Me, (Alligator Arms) remember that the USSR was a stone throw from one of our allies, (Germany). And all we had in their way was the Berlin Brigade which was no more than a speed-bump for a T-72 tank.

Did this fellow loose some of his memery. They did not have to wage a nuclear war they could have cause World War III just by marching on Berlin and the rest of Germany.

You would think some one that claims so much experience would also be a student of history.

McCAIN=BUSH=DISASTER CONTINUES   May 19th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

hmmmm. an Army with over a million soldiers, enough nukes to destroy North America, and an infinite bank roll...or a rougue state, with maybe a nuke or 2, and only became strong after Dumbya took down their secular enemy....yeah the U.S.S.R. was a giant compared to the knat that is Iran.

Joan   May 19th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Some of the comments above make me sick to my stomach...and I wonder if they can even relate to people like me. People whose brother was declared "missing in action" in World War II, and whose best friend died in Pearl Harbor. People like me whose nephew came back from Vietnam so damaged that it ruined his whole life. People like me whose friends never made it back from war. All of these heroes protected their rights to think and speak independently. I don't think any of these heroes would tolerate the venom and hatred spewed out by those who can't even understand anyone who doesn't agree with their own thinking. Shame on you all! You bring no credit to yourselves. It's one thing to disagree. It's quite another to call people spiteful names just because they don't agree with you. What playground did you grow up in? The USA's future is weakened by you.

Barb   May 19th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

McCain understands the politics of war, and right now that's what we need! Obama and his pretty empty words might work in a time of peace, but McCain understands that it's not armament that is our enemy...it's philosophy! Terrorists are more than numbers of weapons, more than geographical boundries (Hello, NY... hello, Pentagon,..hello, USS Cole...) and the threat from terrorists is not one where you get a nice round table, pitchers of water with lemon slices and compromise! Security equals freedom, and without one you cannot have the other. We are fighting for our survival, with intelligence, and allies as well as weapons. If we were to pull our troops out now, sure- that'd be great. But then what the next time we are attacked? Roll over? What if we stop fighting and they don't?!

Anna, IL   May 19th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

McCain is a "tiny" man.

Uncle Sam   May 19th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

What qualifies a person for the presidency?
Should it be how much one desires it.........
or how much one has sacrificed for one's country?

Americans for McCain '08

Dee MO   May 19th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Hello Democrats the Republicans' OPERATION CHAOS is in full swing and the Republicans are running for their lives. GET READY REPUBLICANS the fight has just begun!!!

Erik   May 19th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Think of this from Iran's standpoint...An Iranian conservative will not look at Obamas statement and decide if the word "tiny" was used in what context, or any of that. It's inflammatory, just as Obama's comments about "re-invading Iraq" if Al Qaeda was there were inflammatory and showed a lack of judgement...These are miscalculated statements on foreign policy which really expose Obama's lack of experience or even interest in foreign affairs. Its in these moments that his squeeky-clean domestic rhetoric and appearance are shown to have cracks.

Dee   May 19th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Who awakened him and told him that?

Jack   May 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

obama has one thing going for him, and that is he must be a good crap shooter because he keeps saying "Double Down" I must say i have polled the "Dice" before, i just hope he can control his orgers.

DEX   May 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

And to think that the American people fell for this type of politics by the Bush weasel astonishes me to this day. For a while I really thought the collected brain wave of America was straight-lined. But thank GOD we are coming back to reality. The republicans used 911 to rape the American people with fear, lies and greed that paralyzed our better judgments. But we are now awakening to take back our country.

Tony-Minneapolis   May 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

All the more reason to not vote for McCain. This guy is way past on my last good nerve. HE may be a war hero but he is also a pandering, elitist, lying douche bag

wolfsbane   May 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Yes, when compared with China or Russia, Iran is a tiny problem. It's a problem, sure, but one that we can deal with responsibly, through diplomacy, working with allies, stronger sanctions if needed.

Obama, the responsible choice.

Laura Young   May 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

First, I certainly disagree with Senator McCain about Obama's remarks. Diplomacy should always be the first course of action. I would fear for Senator Obama's safety, however, if he went over there himself. He should send his Secretary of State because that area of the world is very unstable. Second, I find the age remarks to be very insensitive. You may disagree with Senator McCain as I do - but the age comments and insults are unwarranted. The man has served his country heroically and suffered immensely for that great service. Those who are hurling insults need to grow up - 99% of you would never have been able to endure the torture that man endured (I sure wouldn't have survived). There's a better way to state your feelings. You do not have to be insulting whatever your views may be.

Tom   May 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

This crazy old bat with the (alleged) mafioso husband di soooo much for Walter Mondale in 1984. Who cares what she thinks.

Mary Sue   May 19th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

It's good to see that Obama supporters know their history! Obama's comparison was spot on: Iran has no nuclear weapons–the Soviet Union did, yet we sat down and talked with leaders of that country.

Is McCain losing his bearings or does he think Obama supporters are just dumb?

Mish   May 19th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

its almost scarry to think about what this senile old fool could do if he was voted in but thank God the American people are not swallowing the fear tactics anymore!
America has had 8 nightmare years of fear tactics
It only made terrorism worse so find yourself another topic to harp on MCBUSH
I would place my trust in Obama or Hillary to protect the country before
I would ever trust another *War Monger*

Doug   May 19th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

It would seem to me that Obama's policy of diplomacy with Iran is much better than McCain's policy of "bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.

Cactus Joe   May 19th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Beware of the "Hillary suporters" turning to McCain. They're republicans thinly disguised as divided democrats.

Carey   May 19th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

FERRARO IS TRULY BITTER. She is really sinking to an all new low.
HRC IS BITTER.
HER HUSBAND HAS NO IDEA HOW HE WILL FACE ALL OF THE BACKERS OF HIS LIBRARY BECAUSE THEY DID SO ON THE CONDITION OF THE CLINTON CONTROL OF THE GOV'T.

The main problem with Hillary's race for the nomination can be summed up in a short sentence, "She didn't run a real campaign, she thought it was a coronation – she didn't have to do anything but show up ... to all her fundraisers." That is the best example I know of entitlement in the US. She did not earn to be President, and that is why she is where she is in this race. Only in the last 2 months of a 17 month race has she become a true competitor/candidate for the nominee. Her work and her plan now is 15 months too late.

I think women all across these United States see the real reason why she lost this race, it is because she didn't do her best to win it from DAY ONE. She likend this race to making her journey down the red carpet at the OSCARS, well I am here so the win is for me. Not so fast. Good luck in your future endeavors Hillary. The best woman didn't win, the best woman for President has yet to arrive on the political scene.

Ed, Santa Fe NM   May 19th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

which is stupider?

McCane or

Hilllary: "You can declare yourself anything, but if you don't have the votes, it doesn't matter," Clinton said Monday ...

YOU DON'T HAVE THE VOTES, STUPID HILLARY!!! LOL

Rose   May 19th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

What else to expect from someone who is from WWI era. All he thinks is bullying and has the obsession of seeing innocent helpless people in pool of blood. Surely, if McCain gets elected, we'll see the WWIII starting in 2009.

DD, New York   May 19th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Dollars to doughnuts that should Obama become president, he will get his butt impeached before he reaches midterm! That's how much of an "unknown variable" he is.

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   May 19th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

John McCain is so old, that he remembers when The Flintstones was a documentary! :)

Deborah   May 19th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

"Such a statement betrays the depth of Senator Obama’s inexperience and reckless judgment."

I Agree!

BO does not have a clue!

McCain 08

MD   May 19th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

McCane must realize that the days of the US interfering with the affairs of countries in the middle east are over.

The US is the ONLY country in the world who has used the atomic bomb. Not once, but twice. It is arrogant of the US to think it can decide who will or won't have nuclear power.

Bush miscalculated the real threat in the area when he spread fear of WMD in Iraq, and attacked it. The only real threat in that region comes from the mullahs in Iran. Bush should have created a local and/or civil war there to weaken the mullahs and then help opposition forces form a pro-west government there. But that is too much to ask of a cow-herding cowboy who can't read two sentences without blundering.

Raphael Tx   May 19th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

OBAMA is an idiot. No foreign relations experience what so ever and it is starting show in his eloquent speeches. These are speeches with a lot of blame and no resolution, words with no substance.
OBAMA'S 20 plus years listening to his Pastors obscured Black Liberation Theology has really warped Obama's views.

Iran places a tiny threat? WHAT? Wake up Idiot?

Go Hillary, if not Hillary Go McCain.

Debra, Alton   May 19th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

McCain need to sit down. He is not going to win..what he is trying to do is dictate the topic of discussions for the General Election.

Peg   May 19th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

He (McCain) had better concentrate on forming some ecomomic policies and stop the war mongering talk. He loves it, however, and I hope he continues talking about foreigh policy and war for the next 6 months. It's great for the Democrats!

Another 4 years of Bush........NOT!

Bob, San Francisco, CA   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

-Debbie -

I couldn't agree more! Your comment reveals exactly how the state of things are today.

I get stressed out reading such idiotic and childish comments on the Ticker. No wonder people think Americans are spoiled, lazy and dumb. Can we have a little more thought and intelligence in our discourse please? C'mon people, grow up.

James   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

CNN, can you make McCain talk about the economy....please.

Bill   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I keep hearing about Bush III. People should remember that when they endorse Senator (Drama) Obama, they are getting a worse version of the former President Jimmy Carter, aka Carter II.

Misery Index (adding the unemployment rate to the inflation rate) for Jimmy Carter was 21.98%.
The Misery Index average for President George W Bush‘s term is 8.01.

President Jimmy Carter could not get our people out of Iran for 444 days (although he tried to talked to them...just like Carter II).
President Bush has kept our country safe since 9/11 (no terrorist attacks).

Gasoline price is high now, but at least we can purchase it.
Under Jimmy Carter there were long lines to purchase gasoline (if you could get any).

While jobs are leaving our country due to high taxes (2nd highest corporate tax rate in the world), Sen. Obama wants to raise the tax rate (and make it worse). Is this the change we want?

Look at the Misery Index comparison and see if this type of change we want.

Carter II is not the answer.

Thomas Crown   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

John McCain in TEAM AMERICA, WORLD POLICE 2....Retirement Home War.

McCain for President   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

While it's true the Soviet Union had a much larger nuclear arsenal than Iran will ever have, what makes Iran so dangerous is their Muslim suicidal ideology. At least the Soviets and Americans shared the concept of self preservation.

Andy J, NY   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Wow, you people are really dumb. It is really sad that this is the political discourse in our country. Sad.

Enlightened Voter   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Wait a minute McCain, Obama is right. Now i am really starting to question whether you have it all there. You're scary. I think you maybe should shut up if you want to have any chance of competing in this election. Your campaign strategy so far has been only to slam Obama. Speaks volumes about you....

Andrew   May 19th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Honestly, do you people really think that the Soviets are actually motivated to point their nukes at us? The Cold War is over. Are you stuck in the 80s?

Screw Obama   May 19th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Obama is just another incompetent MORON.

CodeNinja   May 19th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Iran -is- tiny compared to the USSR, in the context that Obama was speaking. The USSR, at it's height, was a little over 8.5 million square miles in size, Iran is something around half a million. Seems pretty 'tiny' to me, in comparison.

It's military strength is also 'tiny' compared to the USSR, and indeed modern Russia's nuclear arsenal. Several thousand nukes vs 0.

Quit grasping at straws and playing the fear card, and have a meaningful debate.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   May 19th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Does McCain ever take time to read or listen to the full context of what Obama is saying or is he too busy parsing every sentence fragment to take the comments totally out of context?!

HRC supporters – is this really the man you want in place of Barack? Obama is winning the nomination by the rules and process established well before he entered into the nomination process, rules established by the Clintons! Do not allow 4 more years of ignorance in the White House out of spite!!!

rexx   May 19th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Of course Obama is reckless. Talking to Iran accomplishes NOTHING. Until the government in Iran changes there can be no reasoning with an extremist regime such as that. They support several terrorist groups and have helped to install chaos in Lebanon and Gaza. It reeks of desperation that Obama even tries to defend such a stupid position. Even Clinton doesn't want to talk to Iran without some preconditions. The situation with The USSR was totally different. They were driven by ideology. The Iranian government is driven by hate and religious fervor. You don't change that nightmare by "talking".

Reality Check   May 19th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Bloggers beware: The suicide Hillary Supporters are Republican trolls trying to divide our party. Democrats: UNITE!

Mikhailovich   May 19th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

For all those people who like McCain, I have a question. Do you have draft age children? I bet you do, and they are headed to McCain's next war with Iran or who knows where because conscription will be necessary to fight it. Think about that before you vote for McCain-Bush.

The Clear Thinking Indepedent   May 19th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

I guess I'm not following John's logic on this -

The Soviet Union had a significant advantage over the United States in the number of nuclear weapons at the height of the Cold War.

Iran, despite what gains may have been made over the past 8 years, does not, by all intelligence reports, possess a nuclear device and certainly not the capability to deliver it against American targets.

John, I'm 47 same (just like Mr. Obama) not in politics ... and I know that ... I can only imagine that Barack Obama knows more than I on this subject. Barack is right, there is no comparison between the two.

Sounds like you are parsing words ... my friend ... to try to create an issue for yourself where you seem to think you have an advantage.

You should stop ... the American voter wants honesty John ....

EDW   May 19th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Aw, it is nice to hear a presidential candidate such as Obama that knows his history. He is absolutely right, we must talk to our enemies.
TEAR DOWN THAT WALL....ring a bell???

Joel King   May 19th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Anyone that thinks McCain is a third Bush term is just an uneducated bafoon.

NY RICAN American   May 19th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

"They don't pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us,” he said. “And yet we were willing to talk to the Soviet Union at the time when they were saying 'we're going to wipe you off the planet.' "

MCCan't are you a fool, what did they do to you? the old USSR was by far the greatest significant threat we had, THEY HAD NUKS!!!

If it was up to McCan't we would be back to the days where China and Russia would threaten us!!!

TaraLynn   May 19th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I wonder why Obama's supporters are so angry and always name calling?? I truly hope Hillary Clinton will get the nod. If she doesn't, I will cast my vote for McCain. There are enough of Hillary's supporters to keep him out of office.

PatrickTM   May 19th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

If the Republicans are going to make "talking" an issue, or even negotiation, then they are in for some serious problems. First, there is a long record of Republicans, much more than Democrats, who "tlakked" to the "enemy." Bush looked into Putin's soul and found an honorable man - and look at what has happended since then in Russia - the cold war is now starting to ice up, even with global warming. We can parse each word, or look at the overall approach - do we demonize the "enemy" and cut off all contact, or do we try to find areas of mutual agreement?

I was having a difficult time deciding between Obama and McCain. But as the campaign goes on, McCain is making it easier for me to vote for a Democrat for President for the first time in my life.

A Recovering Republican

Barry   May 19th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

What is wrong with you

The choices are clear

Pro life vs Pro choice

War vs no War

Tax cuts for the rich vs Tax cuts for the blue collar

No health care plan vs Universal health care plan

Limited funding for scientific research or Increased funding

In case you were wondering which is which.
McCain is on the left OBama on the right

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   May 19th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

LISTENING TO WARBUCKS LOGIC COULD GIVE YOU A

SEVERE CONCUSSION. CRAZY OLD LUNE.

Khepera Mayet   May 19th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

The Soviet Union had enough nuclear missiles aimed at us to obliterate our nation. If they'd fired, we'd all have died.

The worst Iran can do is ship IED's to Iraq and finance Hezbollah.

Is Iran a problem? Of course. They might be the biggest threat to us in the world.

Is their threat to our nation tiny compared to the USSR?

Obviously, yes.

Has Bush's "I'm not gonna talk to you except that I really am because we can get Switzerland to relay our messages to you" policy enabled us to work our will in Iran?

Obviously not.

McCain = 4 more years of failed Bush policies.

open your eyes   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

McCain clearly has even less to run on than Obama. This screams of the Repubs playing to dumb Americans who fear just because they are told. To insinuate Iran as more of a threat than USSR was, has to make everyone question whether McCain has any idea what he is talking about.

Dee   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

ISRAEL WILL DESTROY IRAN!

You all forget that the Israelis WILL NEVER, EVER let it happen to their people again. There is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY Israel will let Iran become powerful.

Iran is a joke! The republicans love spreading fear!

The Truth   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

The Soviet Union was a greater threat to the U.S.!

Our children are not having bomb drills and ducking under their desks like they did in the 60's......

People are not building bomb shelters in their basements as in the 60's......

Does the Cuban Missle Crisis ring a bell?........Idiot!

Did you see the photo of McShame on the Ticker?

Deer in headlights...He looks scared!

OBAMA '08!

rumpusgoopus   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Uh, McCain, I think Reagan might disagree with you there.

Ed G   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

McCain is a LIAR.

Sen. Obama did not say the threat was "tiny". When he used that word, it was to say that these counties are tine compared to the Soviet Union.

I guess when you can't compete on the facts, you resort to lies. HOW SAD Mr. McCain. I used to like you.

JA Cook   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

If McCain thinks that Iran is a huge threat, why would he sing "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran"? His arrogance would imply that he thinks they're a military pushover.

I think Iran is a serious problem to be dealt with. I like the idea of pursuing a dialog with them to see what we can BOTH do to improve relations and reduce tensions.

Dylan   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Hey McSame... you just discredited your own remark before you even made it... In other words "Obviously Iran poses much less of a threat than the Soviet Union" (exactly what Obama was saying) "but that doesn't mean they don't pose a threat" (Obama never said this)

You really are losing your bearings, McSame! Get out of here Grandpa Muster...

Crush Rush   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Rush has the day off.Hes counting the millions he makes spewing his garbage while his jobless dittoheads sit at their computors trying to disrupt and spread hate on the blogs.

Marc in DeKalb, IL   May 19th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

He was making a relational comparison, and the threat is smaller than that of the USSR. Tiny, even, in the context of that COMPARISON.

That is the difference between a relational comparison, and a direct statement.

Please try to get this right next time.

Frank, San Diego   May 19th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

It's the JUDGMENT of this guy and others like him who got us mired in Iraq rather than finishing off Bin Laden when we had the chance.

And now they want four more years to make more enemies for us and squander more American lives in a war that doesn't make us one bit safer.

That kind of EXPERIENCE we don't need!

Cindy   May 19th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

This is strange. McCain has never come across to me as a guy who goes for the drama. To take off on the word "tiny...?" To weigh equally the threat of the Soviet Union with galactic missles with nuclear warheads pointed at us, with Iran?

Hands down. Obama has the best temperament for the job of POTUS.

SoCal   May 19th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Come on... Bush with his policies has only made Iran more influential (and dangerous) in the region... The Iraqi's prime minister talks with Iran every other day...

So who is reckless?

Fontapa   May 19th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

That's the ticket, John McCain! Nothing will weaken Iran like a presidential candidate ranting incessantly about how BIG and POWERFUL and FRIGHTENING it is. We don't want to give the Iranians legitimacy, so we wouldn't want to make it appear like we're afraid to speak with them, or that they're so worthy of our fear and our military attention.

Nothing weakens fanatics bent on destroying America like saying they actually can destroy America. I'm sure recruitment for their causes will go way down, now that the Great Satan USA has demonized them to the very top of our list of most hated enemies.

McCain/Armageddon 08

Sarah L., Fayetteville, AR   May 19th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Obama's right on this one. Why on earth can't we talk to Iran after we negotiated with the Soviets? Isolating ourselves from our enemies only empowers them to continue their anti-America pursuits. How many Iranians would actually hate the U.S. more because our President put forth the effort to communicate?

Right now, the people of those countries only see the side of America that their leaders want them to see. Allowing those ideas to fester will not make us more secure.

VoteforAmerica   May 19th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

We are still eagerly waiting for President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's endorsement of Obama. I don't know about Hugo Chavez.

Obama 08

Jessica, MI   May 19th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

No country for old man!!

Civility now   May 19th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

So much hate and bitterness to the only man that wants to keep us safe from the Radical Muslims. I will take the old man with experience and his loyalty to America over Obama any day of the week.

Losing the war to Radical Islam is the #1 issue. I don't trust Obama to deal with that issue, because I don't trust his loyalty to the United States.

NickNas   May 19th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I can't WAIT to see this guy have a FULL ON MELTDOWN when and IF he has the nerve to do a FAce to Face Debate against Obama. He will avoid ANY debate that makes him go toe to toe and THINK! Just watch he will only do the Q&A Softie ones.

There is video of a Woman getting him so pissed in the senate ( A civilian) because she ran circles around him and wasn't intimidated at his anger and ranting. He got so flustered HE WALKED OFF THE SENATE FLOOR!!!

This is a weak little man and we will all see him implode very soon " My Friend"

Rhonda Embelton   May 19th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

It's obvious that Obama is not qualified to be President NO matter how nice he is, to make a statement like he did proves it. McCain and Clinton need to draw the country to the mistakes he will make and what will happen if he makes the mistake, and Oprah will not be able to save him or our country. Vote for Clinton.....

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 19th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

O YEA THE BUSH & MCSHAME FOREIGN POLICY WORKED.

WE ARE IN DEBT. AND LESS SECURE THAN ANY OTHER

TIME IN RECENT HISTORY. THIS NUT CAKE SHOULD

FIND A OLD AGE HOME FOR BIGOTS & JOIN REGAN.

KCD   May 19th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Clearly republicans don't understand history and the knowledge it brings you.

Conservative -CA   May 19th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Dear CNN,

McCain wants to start WWIII with a country that has no nukes but he does not adress the North Korean THREAT.

Since when did it become policy to BOMB first, rebuild their country, while the rest of the country goes into a 100 year RECESSION and most likely pay $15/ a gallon of gas at the end of 2013.

Vote Obama

2009-2017

Jackie   May 19th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

What a ridiculous old man you are, McCain. Why don't you just shut up and head for the nursing home! I used to respect you greatly but I am so dissapointed in you!

Jim, Oregon   May 19th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Tiny, tiny that's all you got! McCain you are senile. The threat from Russia in the 80's compare to Iran today is "tiny". McCain is all wind and all spin.

Vote Obama!!!!

WhoCareWhatThisOldManSays   May 19th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

This old man is does not have anything to say, but to keep talking about things that Bush already failed to do, Some one need to tell this old man Bush plan did not work it made Iran and the terorist Stronger and here he is still following Bush's failed policy. Old man take it easy stay in the nursing home where you belong.

WordsMatter   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Obama fell into the GOP's trap with regard to the whole appeasement matter.

carl from Houston   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

we are tired of this crap, get somereal news

Mike Kaplan   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

As usual, Obama is logical and sensible on this issue. By any objective measure, Iran doesn't pose even a FRACTION of the threat posed by the Soviet Union throughout the coldwar. This was a gigantic country, with a military comparable to our own, and thousands of nuclear missiles aimed directly at us. Iran is a country struggling to build its first nuclear bomb. So OF COURSE the threat from Iran is a tiny fraction of the threat from the old Soviet Union.

Recognizing this is not "reckless".

I'll tell you what's reckless, though: going to war with Iraq for NO GOOD REASON, and driving our country into the ditch, like Bush did (with McCain's help).

"The Great Elephant Is Wounded"-Kareem From Hampton, Va   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Sounds like he took a tiny word and made an issue of it! If Barack keep saying things like this...we wont be afraid anymore! With out fear the reps havnt a leg or arm for that much to stand on!

Carol   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Considering how many nuclear weapons the Soviet Union had pointed towards us ready a moments notice, and compare that to Iran having none – I would consider Irans threat small (or tiny) compared to them also.

He didn't state they weren't a threat, he compared the actual threat they are to the actual threat the Soviets were.

Of course we all know that Iran doesn't have to have any actual nuclear bombs for McSame coming up with a reason to bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran, do we?

Walter, Long Beach   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

This is the best we can expect from the Republican Party.

They have no positive vision of the future. So hatred, racism, and fear are all they can peddle.

If Americans want something different in Washington, they have to reject Republicans from the top of the ticket to the bottom.

We can't let the lying, fear-mongering cowards on the right scare us again.

Richard   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Sure, Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons. But aren't we supposed to do everything we can to prevent them from getting them? If they get the weapons, we will see the dawn of another cold war

yardstylze   May 19th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Is this really all the republicans have against Barack....playing on words like "bitter" "tiny" "sweetie" and little things like flag pins and Michelle finally feeling patriotic about America who happens to be a bully to the rest of the world and doesn't take care of people who don't look like them or who don't make money like them...I"m pretty sure there are millions who are not proud of America right now. So if that's all the republicans have on Obama then they might as well end this race now.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

How can you McCain people defend this?

He is senile, he offers nothing new, how do you defend this?

Are you really serious that you would vote for this guy?

Why don't you just drink some engine coolant and get it over with.

Brian   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Considering the USSR could have ended all life on earth I think tiny is an understatement.

Sue   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

McBush, why don't you just BOMB Iran and end it all. All these talk is foolish, just BOMB, BOMB Iran – McCain. That's all you republicans know!!

Linned   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Just think there are Senator Clinton supporters who say that they will vote for Senator McCain. Makes you wonder?

jeremy   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Sen McCain,

This is the 21st Century!! We are living in different World Realities....Arise and see beyond your nose!!

Ito, Yokosuka Japan   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

C'mon...I'm a republican and I know enough about the context to know Obama was not calling Iran insignificant. I believe the point was that if we talked to the Soviets and to China, then surely there is not problem talking to Iran. Anyway, we need to get past all the spin doctoring and misrepresenting the "other" side. It it weren't for the Supreme court Justice issue, the decision would not be so dang hard. But please McCain, can we break from the lies and distortions, please and respect the true value of what Obama was saying. We need dialogue. And dialogue doesn't mean we are weak.

Bill in Columbia MD   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Let the McCain/age hate begin. Keep writing all you hate-filled bloggers.

USAF Sr. Airman   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

USSR: Enough nukes to wipe out entire U.S.

Iran: Well, none.

In other News: Obama picks up one more Super Delegate. Washington State Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz, a superdelegate, has just announced that he will support Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Scott, Wichita   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Wait, so Obama at first says that he would negotiate with Iran, and the implication that I get from this is that he does not beleive that they are important enough to talk to. What a hypocrit. I'll bet Hamas will retract their endorsement over this. The only way "tiny" seems to make sense is if you're talking about geographical area. So I guess Palestine is "tiny" compared to the USSR. So much for finally ending that little conflict...

Liv   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Obama is right. We shouldn't talk only with our freinds and allies, but with our "ennemies" too.

Kay   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

McCain is getting senile. He has no more knowledge on how to run this country than anyone else who served in the military. He has not accomplished anything for this country that needs to be done. He is where he is because of his rich wife. He is like all the other Republicans with their negative attacks and right wing thinking.

Erik - Dallas, TX   May 19th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Question: Who in McCain's campaign is not linked to some sort of foreign scandal? Is it now three or four top executive member that has resigned in about 72 hours?

Man it really makes you wonder just how much of the old "Bush" administration is helping him out with his campaign.

Democrats 08 & 12

Obama

maya   May 19th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Politics is about perceptions. Fair or not.

Obama is already perceived as being weak. The GOP will capitalize on any misstatement or gaffe.

And it doesn't help that Obama and his campaign have alienated many Dem voters- including myself- who would have normally risen to his defense.

GP, Kentucky   May 19th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

McCain is obssessed with Iran. Iran is not a threat to anyone even Iraq. Look at them, they were at their strongest in the 80's when they couldnt even beat Iraq who we defeated in a few weeks. And besides that the majority of Iranian people actually like America and want to come here. They have a psycho leader with some cronies and a little bit of technology but they are cowards who just want attention and they want to show their people that they have power. They are no threat. McCain's whole campaign is based on a national secruity strategy that is to go to war with any country that he doesn't like. Instead of a one front war in Iraq why dont we start a 4 front war with Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, and N Korea and wipe them all out at once. Hey and then we can live to see $1000 a barrel oil too, YAH!

GOBAMA 08

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 19th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

SPEAKING OF TINY.

LETS NOT TAKE IT TOO FAR.

WARBUCKS IS OLD & CAN ONLY TAKE SO

MUCH OF OUR DISCUSSION OF HIS INTELLECT,

RATHER THE LACK THERE OF.

DIDN'T WE GET ATTACKED DURING BUSH TERM

THAT NOT TALKING TO OUR ENEMIES DID WORK?

CE, Wisconsin, USA   May 19th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

So now Iran is a threat on par with the former Soviet Union? McCain is a one trck pony..If he can't bomb it, he cannot resolve it.

Darren   May 19th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

This coming from the man who had to be corrected by Joe Lieberman when he spoke about extremists in Iran.

Electing John McCain would be a serious mistake.

Bill   May 19th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Don't blame McCain for his illogic or mis speaks, let's see how well you keep track of YOUR mind when you are one hundred and forty years old.

Where's my effirdent?

Adam, Los Angeles   May 19th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Griff,
Your comment makes absolutely no sense....much like McCain and W.

Nancy   May 19th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

The only thing that's tiny is your brain McCain. Give it up old man. Really got something there. NOT!!!!

Tired of W, OH   May 19th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Obama's right. He's not saying that Iran is of no risk to us. He's saying that they're much less of a risk to us than the Soviet Union was. The Soviet Union had nuclear weapons and the ability to use them against the U.S. While Iran may or may not have the desire to create nuclear weapons, they are still years away from being able to produce them. Therefore, they ARE much less of a risk to us today. Better to start talking to them now, then years down the road when they have a nuke and more leverage against us.

Try again, McSame.

Yasriel   May 19th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

This man, or oldman, is so clueless and senile...I cannot believe he his saying Iran, Cuba is the same size and capabilities as old Soviet Union.
Well, he could get away with this because some Americans don't know geography.

Frank Lee   May 19th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

C'mon Gramps, get a grip. Lighten up. Maybe you should kick back and have a few beers. Your wife should be able to scare up a six pack for you.

soy   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

wow what an idiot of a guy. The soviet union was more powerful, bigger and in fact much more of a threat to us than iran, venezuela and cuba combined. Obama was correct in that statement. And this guy is suppose to be our President. Are we Americans really going to tell the world that we are that stupid to elect this piece of junk as our President? Haven't we had enough this past 8 years. If he's our next president then we get what we get and shouldn't complain about anything.

Obama 08

Debbie   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

This country is on the verge of implosion. We've got bitter Democrats threatening to vote Republican even if it means the end of their children's future, we've got ministers joking about shooting the first black Democratic candidate, we've got Republicans and Democrats going after wives, and potentially children.
But, in case anyone forgot, we've got gas prices going through the roof, a disappearing dollar, bankruptcies and foreclosures threatening to destroy our economy, two wars and a world full of people who despise us.
We deserve it all because we are a country of greedy, spoiled, self-absorbed, fat, lazy, judgmental pigs. The fat lady is getting ready to sing. Keep fighting brats!

SHIRLEY-OHIO   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Stop talking already, you wrinkle bandit.

Char   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

He's insane! and his mannquin wife

Mary   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

If John McCain would stop and listen he might just learn something.

Larrywp   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Obama is a twit. The man is not qualified to be a Senator, much less President. This is one Hillary Clinton supporter who will vote Republican in November.

Crush Rush   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Manchurian Candidate?

Vivian   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Republicans don't have a leg to stand on during this election. They will leave the White House in disgrace.

Uncle Sam   May 19th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Have you heard the one about Sen. Obama being a third Bush term? Hey, it makes about as much sense as when it is pinned on Sen. McCain. Oh yeah, and Obama is a warmonger. And senile. Allegedly.

Americans for McCain '08

pmn   May 19th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

And what helped to defuse the situation with the Soviet Union Mr. McCain? Peace talks and negotiations, remember we did not go to war with them. It sends a cold chill down my spine to think of that old man's hand shaking from tremors anywhere near that button.

Al   May 19th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Compared to the Soviet Union, all of our threats today are small, except for China. The Soviet Union is still a threat because they still have the capability to wipe us off the map. Since the U. S. can negotiate with these smaller nations from a position of strength, why shouldn't we? We don't have to be global bullies. We don't have to just throw our military out there. To say our President should not talk to other world leaders, no matter how small the country to me is so stupid. That would be Elitist!

Debby   May 19th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Yep Sen. McCain and you can also ask Sen. Obama when he is going to Iraq to visit the troops and the whats taking place there since he thinks he can wave the Obama magic wand and make it go away.

Conservative -CA   May 19th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

DESPERATE McCAIN !

Jeanine G   May 19th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

McCain is totally "out there", I don't understand how he and Bush have corrupted the meaning of diplomacy to be something BAD or unrealistic!

informed voter   May 19th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Pathetic. I submit that McCain doesn't understand basic reality period.
Is this seriously all he's got to run on? Foreign policy? That is unquestionably important, but so is our economy, education system, and health care...

Sounds like McCain is attempting to do what republicans almost always do: make it a one issue election.

JJM, Oakland   May 19th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Sorry McBush, Barack is right on this, and he's basically stealing National Security as an election issue away from the Republican party.

elle in CT   May 19th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

He used the word tiny, not in a way to signify significance, but to signify size. Most Americans would not be able to locate Iran or Afghanistan on a map...

Adam, Los Angeles   May 19th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Talk about a losing argument....

After further review,Texas   May 19th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

And to think John once had a brain and could think for himself.Im sad to see the man has degenerated so badly in 8 yrs.

Southern Girl   May 19th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

I hate to say it, but it looks like McCain is reaching for any tiny thing he can make seem like a big thing.

Greg, NY   May 19th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Iran is a tiny threat compared to how the Soviet Union was a threat to us. Is McCain out of his mind?

The Soviets had enough nukes pointed at us to completely wipe us off the face of the planet. In return, we had enough nukes pointed at them to do the same, effectively ending life as we know it.

Iran has nowhere near that level of nuclear armaments, which makes it 'tiny' in comparison. How is that not a true fact?

Farrell, Houston, Tx   May 19th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

MCCAIN, LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ECONOMIC ISSUES THAT FACE OUR COUNTRY, RISING OIL PRICES, FOOD, JOBS, GLOBAL WARNING, EDUCATION, PEACE OR IS THIS YOUR WAY OF SAYING I'D RATHER TALK ABOUT THE SAME THINGS BUSH TALKS ABOUT, WAR, FEAR, HATE. MCCAIN YOU OUGHT TO BE ASHAME TO CINTINUE BUSH'S POLICIES, YOU ARE TOO OLD TO HELP THIS COUNTRY.

PA for Obama   May 19th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

I can see why someone like McCain would be so sensitive to the word "tiny".

Brian   May 19th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Since when does saying something along the lines of: "we need to talk to Iran to settle our problems" equal "The threat of Iran is insignificant"? McCain is biased against Iran for some odd undisclosed reason and because of this, he's putting America in greater danger.

Kris from AZ   May 19th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Mccain needs to give up on this issue.

Billy J Austin,TX   May 19th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Here is a good example of why this Hillary supporter will begrudgingly vote for Obama in the fall. A great example of the chasm that exists between the two parties, which is much bigger than the chasm between the individuals within the party.

mmartin arkansaw   May 19th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

omg! mccain is so lost!he has no clue about history.does this mean he thinks the ussr was not a bigger problem than iran?hahahaha.what?

Bob from Pensylvannia   May 19th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Mcsame is a fool. He is just beginning to experience the Heat from OBAMA. He is no maverick. Just a camouflage of the Bush.

You woke OBAMA up, you deal with him. Mccain, no hole for you to run into.

Griff   May 19th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

John McCain the "Man of the Moment'.. Borack Obama who lost he's.
A Super Power is not safe with a Juvenile, at the Helm

Lana   May 19th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

All McCain wants to do is bomb Iran and start World War 3.

Hillary Huckabee Romney McCain Rodham Clinton   May 19th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Hey, Grampy! Just for the record: Iran hasn't attacked or invaded a country in over two centuries. Get it right, McSame, or shut up you senile old coot.

Darth Vadik, CA   May 19th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Hey MORON,

SOVIET UNION HAD THOUSANDS OF NUCLREAR WEAPONS

IRAN HAS NONE

SO "THE PROBLEM" WITH IRAN IS TINY, AND WHAT THE HELL IS OUR PROBLEM WITH IRAN ANYWAY?

IF WE WOULD HAVE STAYED OUT OF THEIR POLITICS BACK IN THE 50'S THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT

YOU MORON

kissnahug   May 19th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

McCain you senile old Fart...he said the COUNTRY is tiny compared to ther Societ Union and the threat is not as serious as the Soviet Union. Stop trying to twist his words...he never said the threat was Tiny.

Again the repbulicans are trying to play on the intelligence of the american people and hope that we can't read.

Ed, Santa Fe NM   May 19th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Talk about grasping at straws! In the context of Obama's statement, the use of the word "tiny" makes perfect sense...

Bush III should be able to do better than this.... find a real issue to talk about.

Brian   May 19th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

I think Obama's argument makes logical sense... sounds as if McCain is very biased on the subject...

Obama '08, Chicago, IL   May 19th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

I'm sure this went over REAL well in 'Obamatown'. NOT

Rich   May 19th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Democrats watch out for people who say that they will vote for McCain if Hillary isn't the nominee. A lot of them were Republicans from the start trying to help Bush Jr out in the general election. True Hillary Supporters don't fall for it!!!!!! Vote Democrat!!!! We can't afford 4 more years of Bush!!!!!

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