July 16, 2008
Posted: 04:02 PM ET

From
Nunn brought Czechoslovakia back to center stage.
Nunn brought Czechoslovakia back to center stage.

(CNN) – A lot of countries haven’t gotten a share of the spotlight at any of this week’s foreign policy-themed presidential campaign events, or shown up in any of the new national security-focused ads: most of the United States’ hemispheric neighbors, for instance, or just about any nation on the African continent.

Rating no fewer than three references in three days: the non-existent state of Czechoslovakia.

That country – which ceased to exist in 1993, when it split into two nations, the Czech Republic and Slovakia – has now been referred to as a present-day area of concern by two of the most respected current and former Senate foreign policy experts in the space of less than a week. On Monday and Tuesday, it was presumptive Republican nominee John McCain, who said he was worried about recent Russian moves to reduce energy supplies to “Czechoslovakia.”

On Wednesday it was the Democrats’ turn, as Republicans quickly circulated a clip of former Georgia senator and current VP prospect Sam Nunn making the same slip at a mid-day national security summit, flanked by his party’s presumptive nominee Barack Obama.

“…We in this country are about to, under this government, under the Bush administration, deploy [a] missile defense system in Poland and Czechoslovakia,” Nunn said at the Indiana event Wednesday.

So far this week, Persia, Yugoslavia and Siam have yet to come up for discussion.

Filed under: Sam Nunn


Roger from CA   July 16th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Well, Sam, so much for the VP slot.

Wasn't that excited about him, anyways. I blame him for knocking Bill Clinton off balance right out of the gate after his first inauguration by deliberately forcing the issue on gays in the military. Picking Nunn may appeal to the "Reagan Dems" and seniors, but would sap even more of the energy out of Obama's supporters on the left.

TheTruthHurts   July 16th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Could be a sign that McCain AND Nunn are too ingrained in their thinking to be a flexible leader or drive change. Haven't heard enough from Nunn to make that claim, but I've been listening to McCain for months.

Concerned   July 16th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

I am truly concerned on McCains age, I know my mom she says things all the time that makes little sense. I think as a Presidential canidate you must be able to think smart and sharp!
Truly concerned REP.

Astrid   July 16th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

BARACK OBAMA…….

WHAT A RIDICULOUS CANDIDATE THE DEMOCRATS PICKED…GLAD YOU ALL DID. :)

Tony   July 16th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Chris:

You're kidding right? You're saying that the news of Nunn doing this is part of a Republican smear campaign? But of course the Democrats are pure as the driven snow with regard to the McCain slip? Are you really that naive? Try looking up Occam's Razor…the simplest explanation is that the media loves to report this kind of thing because it drives everybody crazy.

Tony   July 16th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Folks, another thing to remember about Czechoslovakia is that for McCain and Nunn and others, Czechoslovakia was more than just the name of a country but had some significant history related to the USSR, etc. I know it's hard for you Obama supporters who lack empathy and who believe that anyone past Obama's age is worthless, but it's not just a name on a map…it was part of a very scary and very challenging period in our history. How about you cut the folks some slack and spend your energy focusing on important matters.

Tony   July 16th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

It's amazing to me the level of hypocrisy from Obama supporters. "Nunn isn't running for President", etc. Guess what? He's being talked about for VP, which is one step from the Presidency, and frankly, the fact that someone else made the error the day before should have GUARANTEED that no one else would make it.

That said, I agree with part of what PCA said, which is that all this little soundbyte stuff that the media loves so much, and that incites so many blog comments, is really insignificant. How about both McCain and Obama agree on the 6 or 7 key issues, then respectfully (with one another) lay out their postions and let US decide who to vote for? Why is that so hard???

Folks, our society is really getting pitiful in that we're SO soundbyte oriented, reality-show based, that we grind our wheels on that and that's exactly what the media gives us. We deserve better…we deserve substantive discussion on substantive issues, and BOTH the candidates deserve our respect.

A special shout out to Kim, by the way…golly, I never heard McWar or McSenile. You're very McClever. Did you think of those all by yourself? YOU are EXACTLY the stereotype of the obnoxious, arrogant (with NO reason to be) Obama supporter that frankly is the biggest weakness of Obama as a candidate. You are nowhere NEAR as smart or as informed as you think you are–if it wasn't so pathetic it would be funny. How about another post…but don't forget to talk about McSame, McShame, McBush, etc….they've only been used about a grillion times already so they're probably funny to you.

Christie of PhIlly   July 16th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Is there a point to the whole stupid matter. Pretty much ALL of us on this blog, until it was pointed out by the Media, would and do still call that country Czechoslovakia! Move on with the pettiness……….two gaffes for McCain on this issue, one by an Obama surrogate on this issue. Total Score = 2 McCain, 1 Obama. And, the winner is of the least gaffes on the Caechoslovakia gaffe is……………BARACK OBAMA!

TonyinKentucky   July 16th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Angus, do you know who McCain really is? If so why on earth would he even enter your thoughts as someone to vote for.

Experience is just another word for familiarity. Many of the PUMA/notfallinginline people love to harp on experience. My question is if experience is such an important part of the puzzle, then why were you for Hillary? She's like the #39 ranking Senator.

People have had plenty of chances to become more familiar with Obama but refuse to. If he's flip/flopped then I'd like to know when he had the original stand because from the opinions in his book "Audacity of Hope" and his speeches, the tune has been AMAZINGLY CONSISTENT.

FISA is the only change he has made at all and that honestly was political survival. If he votes no, he's even more so painted as soft on terror.

What does a 20+ year sojourn in congress do to prepare you to lead the country anyway? The last three candidates standing have less executive/administrative experience than I do…COMBINED.

Demeanor, intellect, ideas, and comprehension of issues is what it's about here and Obama is KILLING McCain in all categories.

Even a different kind of player has to participate in the same game.

Peachy Keen   July 16th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Well, obviously Nunn doesn't have the brains or qualifications to be VP. He's as ignorant as McCain. Thank goodness Obama didn't bring him up. Gees.

Ex-mod-GOP for Obama   July 16th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Not an issue. Moving on …

aware   July 16th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Nunn?

It doesn't matter what he says. He can't help the guy who wants to influence his followers to bow down to the far-left like he does! :)

Haliho   July 16th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

What is he was thinking about two countries, Czech ans Slovak?
It's not a big deal.

Javone   July 16th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

This is like grade school. "you gave the wrong answer!" and mccain's response is "well he did it too!!!" I refuse to believe that someone 72 yrs old plays these kinds of games. I do not want that fool as my president. he'll be spreading blame all over the world and we'll continue to be the laughing stock of the world because we keep electing these fools…willingly! I need to lay down…Mccain makes me tired trying to figure out what this man is talking about on a daily basis.

Doesn't like Kool-aid   July 16th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Oh my goodness people…get a life. These gaffes are stupid, but don't make or break someone. Dems say stupid things and Repubs say stupid things. But, I guess if either side feels the need to pile on, then so be it, they will find any reason to pile on.
This Independent will just wait to discuss the real issues in a humane way.

rexx   July 16th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Oh you lefties show your desperation grabbing at this. It is pretty funny seeing you Pro-Leftist posters fall all over yourselves trying to make things like this an issue. You poor souls will wake up to some really bad news for your leftist hero Sen Obama come this Nov.

Nia - Phoenix, AZ   July 16th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

So McFlightSuit says two days in a row the media plays a blind eye…Nun slips up and they are all of a sudden all over it….uggg!!

Linda31   July 16th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

Sam Nunn is not running for President AND Nunn is up there in age. Maybe it is a factor.

For those that want to learn about Obama, go tot the library of congress. He has been quite busy…….

RJ, CA   July 16th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Obama, on the other hand, simply MAKES STUFF UP!

Puffin   July 16th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Whether they say Czech Republic or Czechoslovakia is not the issue.

Fore heavens sake don’t you realize what they are talking about? They are talking about installing radar and missiles there, even though 80% of Czechs are against it. Poland wants more money and Russia is promising to bomb them if we install it.

It is a big issue and here we are parsing Czechoslovakia vs Czech Republic? Shows you how ignorant we are.

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 16th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

"so basically, Republicans are all about smear and distractions"

it's the ONLY way they know how to play, and this election it's the only way they can win!!

what are the repugs gonna run on—-

VOTE MCCAIN FOR MORE FORECLOSURES!

LET'S START "MORE WARS"—CUZ WE'RE DOING SO GREAT WITH THE ONES WE'VE ALREADY STARTED!

LET'S ATTACK CZECHOSLAVAKIA TOO! COME ON, IT'LL BE FUN!

LOVE WHAT YOU'RE PAYING AT THE PUMP? THEN, BY ALL MEANS, VOTE FOR US AND IT WILL CONTINUE!

TIRED OF ALL THAT PESKY EQUITY YOU HAVE IN YOUR HOME? WELL VOTE REPUG AND WE WILL QUICKLY RID YOUR HOME OF ALL OF IT!

ARE YOU A BILLIONAIRE IN NEED OF A BAILOUT? CALL US AT 800-REPUGS!

Independent-woman-4-Obama   July 16th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

OH BOY! MCCAIN AND HIS GAFFES…… ANOTHER BUSH IN THE MAKING!

BJGT   July 16th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

Well, if McCain could ever learn how to use that Internet tubes thing, he might be better informed

JOHN   July 16th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

STILL CAN'T GET AN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION, WHAT WAR HAS JOHN MCCAIN WON? IS NUN RUNNING FOR P.O.T.U.S.?

Sharon   July 16th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Everyone makes mistakes. The issues is what counts. Didn't Obama say 57 states more than once.

Ted   July 16th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Reason number 45 why Obama shouldn't choose Nunn.
Obama/Edwards!

Rob - WA   July 16th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Sigh… well cross this guy OFF the VP list!!!!!!

kendall   July 16th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Okay so when the region of the Czech Republic and Slovokia is used it's politacal lingo to use Czechoslovakia, now i get sorry McCain

greg   July 16th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

a) Sam Nunn is not running for commander-in-chief and head of state, so the republican "response" is seriously weak.
b) even weaker is McCain's mind. He didn't slip or misspeak. He does not know the geography and the history of the world, including the touchy places in which Americans are involved.

McCain is going to be humiliated in a debate with Obama. Should be quite entertaining.

Susan, PA   July 16th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Sam Nunn may be an idiot but I am not voting for him.
I am voting against another same 4 years.

Lesley   July 16th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

It was understandable but dumb nevertheless, especially since McCain said it twice and it was all over the news, calling attention to it. But the fact is that he is not the nominee. McCain should know at least which countries are still out there. Besides McCain said it in 2000 running against Bush and Bush corrected him in a debate and he still doesn't get it. Obama will not choose Nunn as VP, that's just media speculation.

DflateMacsStr8TalkXpress: Econ MIA, AWOL on facts, POW from reality   July 16th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

Mike from Syracuse:

Big difference here: Nunn isn't the candidate and unfortunately for McSenile that was one and two of dozens.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?   July 16th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

Mike, Syracuse NY WROTE ON July 16th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

OK Obama supporters. Waiting for you 'clueless' and 'senile' comments on Nunn. Let's be fair, hypocrites.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

If Nunn doesn't refer to it as the Czech Republic, after being reminded of his mistake [just the way John McCain was before he REPEATED the ERROR] …. we will.

Fortunately, Nunn can outthink McCain just as Obama has repeatedly done.

Chris   July 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Republicans had to spread this one? the media spread the others.

so basically, Republicans are all about smear and distractions… just like the media.

Angus McDugan   July 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Both candidates are poor choices for the office. We don't know who Obama really is and McCain keeps making stupid mistakes. America needs better candidates. This is really sad.

Nikole   July 16th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

The problem here is that Sam Nunn is NOT running for President. Also, John McCain could be excused for saying it once, but he couldn't even correct himself. He turned around and made the EXACT SAME mistake a day later.

H-ROD   July 16th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

WE CAN'T KEEP LETTING IDIOT BOY MCCAIN OF THE HOOK LIKE THIS (YES OBAMA CAN)!!!!

Fella from Chicago   July 16th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Makes no difference if you're a Republican or Democrat. If you're over a certain age its Czechoslovakia abd will always be Czechoslovakia. No slight on McCain or Nunn.

Democrats Unite & Vote Big   July 16th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Zombies…

Bukky   July 16th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Oh… The Bush admin take Obama's approach on Iran and this is the crap you post. I dont remember you guys posting about McCain dumb moments… i had to get that from H U F F post

Biff Biffington   July 16th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

(sheepish grin)

do we ALWAYS have to throw knives at each other…

judging by the "see, he did it too" posts here… I guess so.

Bukky   July 16th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Maybe because they are both 80…. and i bet you one Nunn is corrected he wont say it again tomorrow. The same can not be said of McDummy

s   July 16th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

the persian war is the war john mccain won! "older than dirt'?- true

s   July 16th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

no worries… the persia will be mentioned because that is the war John mccain continues to mention he won…

Monica for Obama in Indiana   July 16th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

It would have been great to have reported on what exactly was said at the Purdue Conference.
The slip of the tongue about Czechoslovakia is no big deal. Czechoslovakia was Czechoslovakia so long, I see how older people can still call it that.

McJohn   July 16th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Czechoslavakia is not a country? What?! Leiberman! Where's Leiberman?!

Kofi Annan   July 16th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

These guys must not read newspapers or internet blogs … either that or they don't care.

Great at least that the Democratic Presidential nominee knows that it is Czech and Slovakia. Guess that's why Nunn would be VP and not President.

Kim   July 16th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Yup. McSenile does not know that Czechoslavakia is not a country.
Thats what all that supposed foriegn affairs experience gets you. oh well. If it did exist as a country. McWar would just want to bomb them.

An American   July 16th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

At least Sam Nunn isn't running for President

rumpusgoopus   July 16th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

In all fairness, I periodically use "Czechoslovakia" too. Of course, I'm not running for President…

Wisconsin   July 16th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

McWar messed this up, had advisers correct him, then messed up again! You can't just overlook every mistake McWar makes.

California Gold   July 16th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

See what happens when you don't read the staff memos.

Jose Card - Independent   July 16th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

A debate between the two major candidates is badly needed.
Is the media running for the White House or either of them?

Mike, Syracuse NY   July 16th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

OK Obama supporters. Waiting for you 'clueless' and 'senile' comments on Nunn. Let's be fair, hypocrites.

WoW   July 16th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Now that's funny…

whiner   July 16th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

see,john mccain is spreading a virus of ignorance into the entire political population.its even affecting democrats,now.the republican disease of ignorance has infected half the country,already.i'm getting my gasmask back out of the closet.

Cathy   July 16th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

I felt the same way when McCain made the error. CAN WE TALK ABOUT REAL ISSUES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haha   July 16th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

I like how there are no comments on this one . . . when the story about McCain the other day was swamped

P, CA   July 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

The difference here is easy to see: NUNN'S NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.

If this had been Obama, I'd have been worried. Just as worried as when McCain said it twice.

Regardless, this is really pithy stuff. If we keep focusing on all these gaffes and flag pins, we'll never hear about the real issues. I have seen a little more coverage of actual issues recently, and that's made me feel a little better, but we need to focus on the economy and the War for Oil, not who's eating what and who made the most verbal mistakes.

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