Like ABC, NBC, CBS.., the NYT has become nothing more than paparazzi chasing a rock star in hopes of catching a glimpse of his package when he steps out of the car. In fact, it would surprise me if the AJC doesn't have a member of it’s paparazzi, I mean editor staff along with Obama too…. Has anyone seen Ms. Tucker lately?

All further proof that America’s major networks and media outlets no longer represent the diverse thought of Americans.

Brian from NYC July 21st, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Hey just another example of affirmative action in the long list of affirmative action victories for Barack Hussein Obama. First getting into college, then Harvard Law, then the law review, now affirmative action on the political field. NY Times feels the need to defend obama, not print opposing views, would that make Barack look wrong? There is no way we can question Obama's intelligence on the issue that would be disrespectful, maybe hurt his feelings

This may be one of the most racist, intellectually dishonest, sensationalist comments I have ever read in response to a political article.

I could respond in great length as to why that comment is completely insane; I could also just brush off your comment as irrelevant. But it's comments like this and people like you that perpetuate the stereotype that Obama's rise to political power has been a result of charity instead of hard work and sacrifice. Comments like yours belong in the same group of the uninformed that also believe that Obama is a muslim and a terrorist.

Do some research on the subject. You may be surprised that Obama's life has been full of dedication, perseverance, and honest work, just like everyone else irregardless of skin color or religion.

You should be ashamed.

Don't you just love it…"the osama piece just worked for me…." here's a clue Shipley—-you work for Obama and the Democrat party, keep patting yourself on the back to feel important.

What really hurts him in this article is that he consistenly is mentions Obama's "Plan in Iraq" and the irony is that he is helping Obama by solidifying that at least Obama has a plan and has a clear path to get there where as McCain HAS NO PLAN! He also takes a shot at the Bush administration by saying "I find it ironic that he is emulating the worst mistake of the Bush administration by waving the "Mission Accomplished" banner prematurely."
McCain, dude get a plan, detail a plan, tell us what victory and success is, tell us details not just bashing the other guy.

Mark in PDX.

The New York Times endorsed Hillary, not Obama. Most of your facts are also absurd.

Julien in France,

I can forgive your mistaken views because you're french, so your irrelevance is completely understandable.

I could personally title the NYT refusal of McCain's article as……

"Why I no longer read or believe anything political from the New York Times, simply because their Far Left bias is so glaringly obvious there is no objectivity whatsoever left in their reporting. They are simply a mas sive media outlet of free advertising for the Far Left. Ditto the Washington Post."

It's also why I no longer watch CNN or any of the network newscasters. Same thing.

Formerly for Hillary, now for McCain!

Former lifelong Democrat, now brand-new Republican.

To John McCain,
Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

McCain's next op-ed: Why those kids should get off his lawn.

Bryant Gumbel was one of the best interviewers ever. He'd have never let these candidates get away with fillibuster answers to questions.

Good for the Times, go peddle your schlock to the New Yorker.
The Surge has solved nothing in Iraq, even the Bush appointed Puppet, Al-Maliki, wants the US out. Now the liars Bush/McCain are trying to get us to believe the surge worked, spare me!!
Just another LIE to redirect the troops to Afghanistan where we should have been in the first place. Too bad it had taken 6 years and four thousand lives to come to the conclusion that we had no reason to invade and occupy Iraq.

Can A Mccain Supporter answers this: What were we fighting for in Iraq, what will we win?

This is no lie or bull. I am a psychic. I have already seen the future. The future President of the United States will be Barack Obama – not John McCain. I have seen the future for the next 5-60 years as well as having glimpsed into the future 735,000 into the future.

I repeat. The next President of the United States of America is Barack Obama – not John McCain. Plan accordingly.

All McCain was asked to do is…stop attacking and put pen to paper. Oh I forgot…he is a Republican.

Go NYT!!!

If McCain wants to get his view out, tell him too bad. Go to the Post, or just go home.

Because we starved Afghanistan of troops while focusing on Iraq, 9 servicemen died in a brazen attack by Taliban and al Qeda forces. Where was John McCain’s much vaunted “”foreign policy experience” on that? I know where Obama’s views came down. He’s been arguing for more US troops in Afghanistan for more than a year now …

Hey John, can you make the same claim?

I'm a Barack Obama supporter through and through, but even I found that email to Sen. McCain a little condescending. You don't tell one candidate to follow the "example" of his competitor. That's like telling Sen. McCaign to drop out of the race already!

Having said that, the McCain campaign got what they deserved for presenting mere attacks instead of trying to contrast themselves from Sen. Obama's plans.

The McCaign campaign has already accused the NYT of being a biased liberal publication anyway so, why do they need to copycat Obama with their own lettter to NYT!

Obama '08

The New York Times is truly the Democrats Party subdivision of 'PRAVDA'….and they don't hide it…

Maybe McCain doesn't remember How to write an Essay. So what is his staff for?

I'm a Democrat (and undecided as far as November goes). Along with having McCain articulate, in concrete terms, his definition of victory in Iraq, I'd also like to have Obama articulate, in concrete terms, what exactly it would mean for our future national security to simply give up in Iraq.

TEXAS…WHAT facts did McCain make note of??? Please do tell. If you mean that won the war one, thats still up for debate. He sounds more like an angry HRC supporter than the GOP PRESUMED pres. candidate.

McCain made a lot of D's in school – he's used to critiques like this…

To
Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah

I agree with you 100%. All I see from McCain isn't policy but just criticism of Obama. For all of those people who would complain that Obama has no details and just gives words, please look very closely at McCain. He doesn't offer anything more than, "people know me", "I know how to win wars" and " I have been there eight times I know these people". I agree with the editor, don't just send an op-ed cricitizing send something that has your own ideas and thoughts of how to win. Anyone can criticize but do you have a plan and I don't see any plans or details in McCain in either his security policy or energy or economically as well. Mr. McCain we need some more meat all you are doing is telling us why Obama is wrong.

What I don't get is why McCain will not forward his own ideas and will talk about Obama this Obama that. Listen to Obama speak and you will hear his ideas and his goals and his positions. He leaves us to make the conclusions and will mention McCain sparingly! The McCane campaign should learn.

McCain cannot articulate his plan. All he can do is attack the other's plans. So how will anything get accomplished under McCain? He is not a solutions canidate, he is an attack and finger pointer canidate with no real solutions.

McCain wanted to go to war with Iraq since 1998 and pushed for the Bush war all along and he also helped push the faulty intelligence that got us into this mess. Now all he talks about is the surge. Look it up.

Everyone calling the NY Times out on their "bias" should get over it. You're whining just like McCain's piece evidentially did.

Bias? In the primaries the Times endorsed McCain for President and did not endorse Obama.

Bias? Try reading Bill Kristol or David Brooks' regular op-ed columns in the Times and let me know how those fit into a "vast left wing media conspiracy."

Bunch of wimps and whiners and cowards the Republicans are.

Can you imagine the words that came out of McCain's mouth when he got his rejection notice? A fly on the wall probably wouldn't have survived

I'm at work and I'm LMAO!!! This is too funny. The guy who wants to be the next president can't write an Essay that details specifics?

Oh brogher…Whine, whine – here's some cheez to go with that WHINE!!

To the NY Times: "Good job!"

WOW… This is an upset for the Mc-Cain campaign. Sounds like he is losing his bearings again.. His Iraq-Afghanistan gaffe this morning.

The Czar of the Internet doesn't know how to send email as he has stated.. SO.. redacting an essay long hand could keep him pretty busy.. (oh wait- he doesn't even do his own writting. How is he going to reduce big government when he needs so much help getting simple things done.)

McWeekender should show his strengths by not talking negative ALL THE TIME… Look what happened to Ms. Clinton it become one of her down falls.

The Straight-Talk Express has fast

become

the

Straight-Talk-Distress..

Yes..WE..Can…Obama 2008, 2012

What a bunch of phony balony. If you read McCains response it clearly outlines what he would choose to do….you just may have to use your brain just a little bit…..ohhh, now I see what the real problem is!

McSame has zero credibility even the NYT knows that……
Obama 08

That's my question too…. What is McCain's plan to get us out??? Since he is so experienced, why hasn't he been more specific on how to 'win' as he puts it?? What does success mean and when do you know you are closer to it?? It's not just based on the fact that violence is down!!!

Par for the course.

The LEFT wing media is in love with Obama. They loved him more that Hillary and it showed. Now they are showing their true colors again.

In an article dated today, it showed that Obama is getting 66% of the news coverage while McCain is only getting 33%.

Where is the FAIR and BALANCED coverage the media is "supposed" to give its audience??

The answer: there is none, the media loves Obama.

WELL,I STILL STICK WITH JOHN –I KNOW HIS RECORD, AND HE
HAS ONE IN EXPERIENCE. OBAMA ON THE OTHER HAND HAS'NT
HAD FOUR YRS. IN THE SENATE. IN HIS OWN STATE HE HAD NO
ONE TO RUN AGAINST–IN THE SENATE HE VOTED PRESENT TO
25% OF ALL BILLS. NOW HE HAS ANSWERS FOR EVERYTHING
BUT NO PLAN. WHEN YOU HEAR SOMETHING THAT IS TO GOOD
TO BE TRUE,THEN YOU SHOULD BE FOREWARNED THAT IS
TO GOOD TO BE TRUE.. ………HE MAY BE THE WIZZARD OF OZ ?
BUT NO SAVIOR NOR IN ANY POSITION TO DO ALL HE TOUTS.
JUST BEING PRESIDENT WILL NOT SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS.

NAM VET NH

Way to go NYT. I am so so tired of grumpy old men. Its obvious to me that if McCain really knows "how to win a war", we would be out of this mess by now. Rather, all I see are complains and put-downs. Hey, lead, follow, or get the heck out of the way.

Will people please stop using " LOL ", it makes you sound like a 12 year old valley girl.

Does anything surprise one in this fractured country ?

I could so post something here but YOU PEOPLE are not worth the time.If you don't see the problem with what NYT did then you are a moron. If you are so hateful as you seem to be you are a sad group and I feel sorry for you. You win every thing McCain said is wrong . Every thing Obama said is right and should be written in gold on the steps to the white house . he should go us house to house and teach us all to live like he dose and make us closer to the god you all think he is.

The coming years will be turbulent at best. Why pick an old angry man with nothing to add to the debate. I don't see any teams jumping to sign larry bird or john elway. sometimes you have to know when to get out of the way.

John, John, ……are you listening?

Let's be clear. This is not an issue of "free speech" or "censorship". McCain has the right to say whatever he wants to say, but he doesn't have the right to have an op-ed printed in the NY Times. Privately owned media sources have the right to set standards, and in this case, the editor is doing what an editor commonly does.

Of course, none of this will matter to the crowd who constantly advance the "left-wing media bias" trope. It does, however, have the advantage of being the truth.

The headline for his piece would read:

Old Man Yells at Cloud

Try skywriting McBush

The Times deserve nothing short of applause and standing ovation, for it sticking the forks in Senator McCain’s eyes. It was long overdue!.

Terrific! Now all republican conservative talk shows and bloggers herein are frothing on the mouth, spitting liberal labels and calling for fatwa against NYT. Sorry but mcsame need to provide details….no more hoodwinking voters with tired rhetoric.

McCain is a Man wanting to be President of the Iraq War, loosing hope he goes on the attack….now he lost it completely he can't even find a good argument to criticize his opponent. He is trying the Bush fear tactic about gas prices going up and Obama’s plan is not going to help….bala blab bla" my advise to McCain is pick a nice place and retire. McCain can’t even remember that Checzslovakia does not exist anymore…does this sound familiar ?!!! he seems to take his advice from a famous philosopher that once said "Smoke them out.."

NYT: "Dear Mr. McCain, we are happy to publish your opinion as soon you change your opinion to match OUR opinion. Until then, keep your opinion to yourself. BTW, we LOVED Obama's piece, why can't you write like him?"

Dear Mr. New York Times editor, until you are a candidate for the presidency of the United States, get out of the way and let the real candidates publish their unedited positions. We, the people, can form our own opinions; please don't "gate keep" for us.

For all of those complaining about the NY Times being biased by not publishing McCain's piece, maybe you should actually READ it first. Once again, McCain does nothing but ridicule Obama without developing any ideas/strategies of his own. The Time has every right to choose not to publish this piece until appropriate measures are taken. That being said, I doubt McCain will resubmit and will whine about how Obama gets more coverage.

I think McCain should be appropriately called Old Flip Flop McComplain. He can't remember what he voted for on Viagra for men and birth control pill for women. His votes were yes and no correspondingly. He doesn't know history nor geography. Czechoslovakia has ceased to exist since 1993, Iraq and Pakistan has no border. He flip flop on immigration, taxes and Evangelical friends. Wesley Clark was absolutely right to remind us that being a prisoner of war does not make him qualified to be commander in chief. All the Republicans can do is complain, tear down and make false accusations. The result of 7-1/5 yrs of Republican administration will cause this country thirty years of misery.

If you want to do nothing but attack your oponent then buy add space. If you want to share your ideas we'll run your op-ed. Sounds like responsible journalism to me.

John McCain, You did not expect the liberals in the media to give you a fair shake did you? After all they have been calling the election every day for Jimmy Carter II.

Both the editor's letter and many of the posts here represent liberal facism at its best. Apparently free speech is reserved only for those who confrorm (ie "mirror") the opinion of the NYT. Sad.

PWND

McCain is more experienced. Sometimes it is not possible to have a specific time line for things as things keep constantly changing specially in a war. Newspaper does not have any war experience, nor does Obama. But McCain has great experience. Sometimes no plan is a good plan. It's NYTs failure and not McCain's

This is a suprise? the new york times is as big a wacko as Obama. what happened to free speech? I guess its free as long as its the new york times view. soon the world will see that Obama is a clown in an empty suit. they already know the times is not creadible. Nobama!

I respect the editor. He was doing his job, and was cordial enough to not just respond with, "Hey, no article on just bashing the other guy." No, the editor gave very good reasons as to why McCain should re-write (if he even wrote it) his story by explaining his clear plans. But McCain's current version of the story he wrote does speak a lot about how McSmear like to run his campaign!

Obama '08

Another step towards communisim..!!!!!

Here is the guy who shook up his campaign!!!!!!!!!! I thought that some brilliant guys were brought in the game…. but seems likes things got worse. How anyone with the brain in his head can allow a such second grade essay get out to be published in a major newpaper like THE NY>>TIME… If America is to be lead by this kind of morrons again, the whole world is in big trouble.

Hey just another example of affirmative action in the long list of affirmative action victories for Barack Hussein Obama. First getting into college, then Harvard Law, then the law review, now affirmative action on the political field. NY Times feels the need to defend obama, not print opposing views, would that make Barack look wrong? There is no way we can question Obama's intelligence on the issue that would be disrespectful, maybe hurt his feelings………

What do you expect? The New York times is obviously biased. Demanding McCain's article have timetables? Please! This is what he has said generals on the ground have told him would be dangerous. Mr. Shipley is a power hungry editor who is in no place to be making political demands. Shame on him!

No offense intended; however, after reading both essays, there is a distinct difference in the two. Obama's piece was written with great care, thought, statement of position with reasons for said position and how that position differs from the opposing view. Obama's Piece contained documented facts (not fiction), and direct short statement as to how it differs from McCain's. McCain's was nothing but an out right attack against the opposing view, with no honest facts other than the surge success and his original positon on the war. Also it did not provide any statement of position, reasons for said position, and no plan for any direction. I have seen papers written by junior high school kids that were more thought out, realistic, factual and substantial. I agree with Capt and Corin above.

I see a clear bias in the coverage of McCain and Obama. I think that we all need to be concerned when everything we see is slanted toward one candidate. We live in the most vibrant democracy on this planet and we need to ensure that all sides have an opportunity to be heard.

Marc PDX July 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Hillary was right! It is all a big fantasy…

I dont think Obama supporters are ignoring the fact that Obama wants to shift our military operations to Afghanistan. I just think they are more understanding because… you know… the radical fundamentalist groups responsible for 9/11 originated IN AFGHANISTAN.

An overwhelming majority of Americans favored a military response in Afghanistan. An overwhelming majority of Americans are (and were) against occupation in Iraq. What Barack is doing isn't the same calls for war that you hear the Republicans doing across this country – because Barack is offering a plan to complete the original (and ethically understandable) mission that we should have finished in the first place.

I don't know, I guess all I am asking is that if you are going to take erroneous potshots at Barack Obama supporters, at least do your research. Your argument isn't based so much on you being angry at Obama as it is you being naive as to what most on the Republican side are doing. Both parties are guilty of being two-faced and disingenuous, but McCain/Bush/etc. are the ones talking about an extension of an unpopular and miserable war.

"It would be terrific to have an article from Senator McCain that mirrors
Senator Obama's piece."

This sentence from David Shipley's e-mail says everything you need to know about our ultra-liberal media and their ultra-liberal agenda for us.

Vicki,

You must be 12 years old!

@Mark PDX!

Afghanistan is the only war we are morally and ethically justified to be engaged in. That little band of Al Qaeda, supported by the Taliban did attack us incase you forgot. Bush couldn't get the job done and McCain will probably blow it if he's given the job. I'm glad Obama gets it and has the guts to pursue it.

wow anyone need any more proof that the MSM is in bed with the obamas, the lord and savior can do no wrong, all hail messiah obama.

however this will kill any argument libs have with regards to the fairness doctrine, because the libs are all to happy to have juan mcamnestys' rebuttle censored. freedom of speach, so long as it is liberal speak right? hypocrites.

I guess the McCain clones on here don't realize the courtesy given by the NYT to the SENIOR Senator…. if they would have published the "essay" McCain would have been laughed out of his nomination, it would have shown a man out of touch and in denial, the NYT would have been hammered with questions as to why they published it. HONESTLY, THEY SAVED HIM FROM LOOKING DUMB, OLD AND OUT OF TOUCH…………… WELL AS MUCH AS THEY COULD ANYWAY……

Heaven's sake, don't print the absolute loonisy of Obama's Iraq position(s). McCain's article was factually 100% accurate, NYT didn't dispute the details just the hard hitting facts of it. None of the libs here are saying the facts are inaccurate, just don't criticize our beloved savior Obama. He may melt.

WMD's weren't found in substancial quantities. So now Obama believes he's a foreign policy expert because he guess'd right. If the media pointed out all his wrong guesses, he'd be laughed out of town.

McCain solution is simple. Win the war and leave when the generals say it's over not when pandering politicians say it's politically popular to leave. That's not complaining, that's common sense.

Great!! The "unbiased" media strikes again. So McCain will be accepted ONLY if he acts like Obama and talks like Obama and writes like Obama. New York Times-who cares about your ratty, little rag anyway. Is it really your job to define what the candidates say and do??? Silly me, I thought you only REPORTED the news as it is, not decided what the news should be according to your left leanings.

Also, CNN was nice enough to publish the Obama editorial. I didn't se anything new in his editorial. There were no solutions offered. Only the continued discourse about a failed policy (it was also written before Obama went to Iraq and realized that the surge worked – as evidenced by the removal from the Obama website of anti-surge references).

Why on earth would the Times email him … McThuselah doesn't DO email … it should have been chiseled in stone which would be the appropriate medium.

this may be one of the greatest things i've ever read.

Glad to see someone at the NYTimes using some common sense and rejecting a piece that offered nothing of value to the debate over Iraq and how best to deal with terrorism. From my perspective McCain does not offer the people of this country anything of value either in his approach to the office of president or the way he views the changing times we live in. He seems to personify "business as usual" which in this day in age is truly a recipe for disaster.

I hate to say it but if he ever had an original idea he'd wake himself up and slap himself silly in as much as he'd not know what else to do with it!

I have to laugh at the comments here. I post one comment merely saying I am not an Obama supporter and it does not get published. I come back 10 minutes later and 90% of the comments are pro-Obama.

I wonder if the editorial staff for the NYT is the same for this blog.

I thought McCain said at the beginning that he was going to run a new kind of election where attacking his opponent is not going to be part of his election….what happened? Seems to me he would get a lot more respect if he did what he said he was going to do. He should just stick to what changes he can bring to the office.

To put it another way:

"We would love to publish Sentor McCain's editorial but that would mean that it may be misinterpreted that the New York Times would be moving toward the center or, god forbid, fairly reporting an election issue. Since we endorsed Hillary in the primaries and she lost, we need to bet the farm that Obama won't blow it before the election. To that end, we cannot allow any discussion of issues to occur in this newspaper, as our candidate doesn't appear to have the ability to master a debate (we're sure you saw the debates during the primaries).

Thank you for your interest in publishing anything in the New York Times. It is always refreshing to us to know that someone outside of the liberal establishment thinks that we are relevant.

Sincerely,

The New York Times"

New York Times, you are the best! It is about time that someone in the MSM questioned McBush about all the negative and put downs about Senator Obama. What are the plans and policies of McBush if he were to becomes president? It is really sickening to hear all the criticizism of Senator Obama by McBush. He needs to talk about something else, this is getting OLD!

McCain = Jan Brady
Obama = Marsha Brady

MARSHA, MARSHA, MARSHA!!!!!

Ya. great questions by the editor. And the answers are…….I thought as much. Nothing there…McWhine!

The only conclusion I can draw is that David Shipley must be a Democrat and is biased. To specifically demand McCain mirror Obama's piece in an Opinion section is purely political. McCain should be able to answer any way he chooses.

I've received rejection letters that weren't this nice.I applaud the New York Times for maintaining journalistic standards. Welcome to the real world, John McCain.

McCain *did* criticize the war effort when he was in the Senate and *did* offer a proposal — the troop surge. The surge has, in fact, worked so well by *any* account that people in the know (and even people like Obama who don't know much of anything) are suggesting that we could shift many troops to Afghanistan (or even home) sooner than expected.

One would think that people would know what they're talking about before commenting — and that CNN's "moderators" would do some fact-checking, or perhaps that they would even cease posting fake comments from non-people as they shamelessly and transparently try to get Obama elected.

After reading this e-mail a few times, I do have to agree that it is a pretty good slam towards McCain.

I think it has to do a lot with the fact that it was written so cheerfully and positively – yet, in essence, it essentially tells the McCain campaign to knock it off and write a better article.

Very humorous.

It would be nice if the press would stop editing what the candidates have to say. It is not their job to give opinion regarding candidates positions, motivations, or speeches. It is, rather, the job of the press to REPORT. How can the public be OK with what a debacle that has turned in to? The media has gone insane.

Ouch!! He can't stay on message even when it's written for him!

Back to school fro you McFlipflop…let REAL MEN take over!!

You don't have to say another word… Democrats, this is our year (hooray!!)

Obama '08

I can't believe how naive you people are. You think the media censoring things and playing favorites is a good thing? The Democratic party is all in favor of and pushing the equal-time concept when it plays into their favor. When it comes to actually playing fair and giving equal time when requested the libs are the first people to say "no, no". Typical do as we say when it's advantageous to us but don't expect us to play by the rules we want you to play by liberal approach to everything. No wonder the NYT is losing subscribers on a daily basis. The only appropriate response of the editor should have been "we'll publish it". Let the American people decide which op-ed they like better. The media giving preferential treatment to one candidate over another isn't a new thing but that doesn't make it right.

This isn't surprising, Obama is much better at communicating and using/manipulating media sources.

This site — http://www.brobama.org — looks at this type of issue through a different lens and i think would appeal to a lot of the concerned folks commenting here….

Can you say "Propaganda"?
In desperate times desperate ideas are not always good ideas. The McCain camp believes that having more media coverage while Obama is in the middle east is a strategic move…it will backfire. He has brought out the old guard to stand by his side…the independent Lieberman has joined this runaway train with Iraq war comments against the front runner. I suggest we all wave, smile and watch it fireball down the track.

The media is ridiculous. When GWB wanted to invade Iraq, they were cowards and kept quiet and bowed to him, not daring to confront him for fear of being labled "unpatriotic". Now, the media is grovelling before Obama and not daring to say a word against him in case they are labled "racist". What happened to unbiased journalism?

Reasonable request. Personally, I'd LOVE to hear McCain's definition of 'victory', because his arguments seem to confuse the idea greatly. He says we "have succeeded, not are succeeding, we have succeeded". How can this be if we can't pull our troops out? If we cannot yet hand Iraq over to the full control of the newly formed Iraqi government (one that we put into place), then what, exactly, did we win???

McCain's entire campaign now has become all about what's wrong with Obama, not what's right with him. It's a 100% negative campaign. And this from the advocate of 'civil campaigning'.

Why do the Dems here keep referring to McCain as a warmonger? Haven't they noticed that Obama plans for war, too. He just wants to move it to Afghanistan and Pakistan. But he is strongly calling for more military action there to go after the Taliban and Al Queda. Looks like the Barackiddies are so enamored with Obama that they have failed to listen to him describe what he's going to do: more war! (Unless he is not a man of his words and "refines" his position after getting elected – which is what I expect will happen.)

Hillary was right! It is all a big fantasy…

No plan is a plan for McBush: boom boom boom Mcsame

Trying to be Objective here .. Don't see to wrong in NYT rejecting Mc Cain's essay .. they were right … I've gotten tired out this bickering by the Repub .. if you going to attack Obama … plz provide solutions/ and explain how your policies are better than Obama's …. all they do is attack attack attack .. without providing solutions of their own …

I have been asking on Mccain definition of success and How he plans to accomplish victory and lay out time table and move on to Afganistan, but Bush and Mccain plan is open end with out clear strategy, my fellow democrats if Mcshame wins this election this county is in deep trouble, so let fight hard so it would not happpen. Vote Democrat and the One in life time learder President Obama.

Can NYT confirm that the E-mail was successfully opened by the McPlain & McRiticize campaign. Maybe Mr. Shipley should use USPS next time he has message or mail for McHuh?

lollllllllllll this is so funny.

the team of mc cain is not able to write a proper essay, by the way may be he did it on his own.

That's why the magazine says that he wrote an essay but forgot to answer the most important questions.

the GOP doesn't stop to amaze me,

By the way this is what Mc cain has written:

Dear sir, madam

I john mc cain want to apologize to give you my essay at this time. I know that senator barack hussein obama has given you his essay a long time ago but no one help me to do it. So I did it on my own.
The essay speak about a prince (the Us) who want to save the princess (Iraq). However to save her from the evil he need to fight during a 100 years. And after he we will live happy without any more war. It will be a success because the war in Iraq will be finish and in Afghanistan as well.

I hope that I answer all of your questions…

Do you love my essay? If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact me

Yours sincerely

John mc cain

I thought McCain pledged to run a clean campaign. Where is it? Since he has no real plans of his own, all he can do is criticize Obama. Surely this year the American people will see all the fear mongering and lies.

OBAMA 08

Hilarious! Rather than complain, I don't think it is unreasonable to be able to rearrange the piece to reflect the request…that is IF his argument about him being able to lead this country to victory in Iraq is true…and IF he is truly more versed and experienced on foreign policy as he claims…well…you get it!

Obama 08

What a surprise from the Americam version of Pravda. The N.Y.T. is a self caricaturizing joke.

Dear Mr. Editor, Montgomery Burns does not understand the internet.

Congratulations NY Times for your WONDERFUL job!!!!.

And especially to your Editor David Shipley for rejecting McCain’s constant attack on Barack Obama. McCain forgetting that this IS 21 century and his constant attack without solution will NOT work this time.

Barack has a wonderful judgment and is right on all issues Iran / Iraq / Afghanistan, economy, education, energy.

Obviously, the Repubs will take this the wrong way and call it biased, even if it is, they NYT aren't the only ones demanding a clear position and plan, the AMERICAN PEOPLE DO IT. But instead of complaining of media bias, why don't you answer the demands, I think the American people deserve better than just criticism, state what you stand AND a precise plan.
You will notice that every repub comment on this blog is just bashing and screaming out bias, without actually admitting there's something seriously wrong with McCain's article. If critique say you're dumb, get smart and try again! Don't just cry out bias, it only makes you look dumber.

"John Griswell July 21st, 2008 3:22 pm ET

TLTR version:

Dear 5th grader. You need more then negative attacks to have an opinion on Iraq.

lol"

I agree with the concept, but maybe you should have grammar checked this before you called someone else a 5th grader.

lol

Finally!!! Could it be that the sleeping giant has actually awoke? Will we actually have a critical press for this historic and crucially important election? A press that expects the candidates to be candid about their policies instead of just reporting their blah blah blah? We need the real press to navigate through all the Fox News/Swift Boat trash that usually gets reported as reality by the media. Please let this be a sign that the fear-mongering by criminals wrapped in the American will not fly this time. Press, do your job! We've missed you! Welcome back!

It appears the NYT and the rest of the media have now sold out to the dumbama campaign. Let the coronation begin.

While the right-wingers scream and yell about media bias, it's funny to remember that they themselves have been asking the media to press Obama on specifics.

I am only surprised that the NYT stopped short of telling McCain how to define victory and what his policies were to be… preferably mirrored after Obama's no doubt.

If McCain's article was so bad wouldn't it have spoken for itself (as bad)? Therefore, why not print it and let McCain hang himself if that's the case? Maybe because the NYT has already made an editorial decision to do whatever they can to promote Obama's campaign… as they did against Hillary Clinton.

Maybe his "Stepford wife" can buy the NYTimes and get Johnny's essay printed!

lollllllllllll this is so funny.

the team of mc cain is not able to write a proper essay, by the way may be he did it on his own.

That's why the magazine says that he wrote an essay but forgot to answer the most important questions.

the GOP doesn't stop to amaze me,

By the way this is what Mc cain has written:

Dear sir, madam

I john mc cain want to apologize to give you my essay at this time. I know that senator barack hussein obama has given you his essay a long time ago but no one help to do it. So I did it on my own.
The essay speak about a prince (the Us) who want to save the princess (Iraq). However to save her from the evil he need to fight during a 100 years. And after he we will live happy without any more war. It will be a success because the war in Iraq will be finish and in Afghanistan as well.

I hope that I answer all of your questions…

Do you love my essay? If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact me

Yours sincerely

John mc cain

I have seen so many comments about this saying that it is a violation of the 1st Amendment or what happened to freedom of the press. Well this is exactly what the first amendment is for and why we have freedom of the press. The NYT was able to reject his editorial BECAUSE we have freedom of the press. Freedom of the press means not only that they can publish what they want to, but also that they can chose not to publish what they do not want to. Without freedom of the press, McCain or any other politician could force the NYT to publish his article. Does that mean this is unbaised reporting on the part of the NYT, maybe not, but it is not a violation of the 1st amendment or freedom of the press as so many have attempted to claim. Debate the issue for what it could be, which is biased reporting. Even there I don't think it is, they aren't telling McCain what opinion he has to take, just saying, tell us what your plan is instead of bad-mouthing the other guy.

LOL…LOL…I too would like to know how McCain define victory. Great question

BARACK THE VOTE 2008!!!

I thought mr cain had a solid plan to stay in iraq or so i thought when he said…..100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me"…….Maybe he will give us more insight into how this easy feat can be achieved without driving motherland to bankruptcy a bit more in detail!

Wow. I read his piece and it's nothing new but they could have put it in that paper. I think he thinks if you are constantly negative that makes you look better but it does not. What it shows is that he has no ideas. No one on his team has anything new too add or say.

I'm not a fan of John McCain or Obama, but par for the course, the NYT is giving Obama free PR and not affording the same consideration to Senator McCain. This is so biased as to be laughable. The NYT has become, like CNN, a PR vehicle for the Obama campaign. I guess if these news outlets wish to operate for the Democrats the way Fox news does for the Republicans its up to them, but it's a shame that we Democrats need to stoop to their level. We can no longer claim the moral high ground.

Wow, it's amazing that people completely ignore all of the facts listed in McCain's speech.

If Obama lies, which he does on a daily basis, then Republicans should point it out. If Obama flip flops, which he does on a daily basis, people should point it out.

Oh I forgot, we can't mention that:
Obama has 300 advisors because he is too inexperienced.
Obama opposed the surge and declared defeat in Iraq.
Obama went to a racist church for 20 years, defended his pastor, then sold him out when his numbers were slipping.
Hamas and Iran both strongly support Obama.

Obama, the next Jimmy Carter.
Get ready for change, a change for the worse.

I don't think this is Liberal bias as much as the NYT being concerned about its own reputation. It must be objective about what it prints; if it isn't news worthy, its reputation will suffer. The NYT is a business, not a vehicle for public service announcements, and it can't prioritize a politician over its brand.

Falling revenue, diminishing ad rates, unprecedented staff layoffs, Jayson Blair, Judith Miller…the past 4 years in Iraq are going better than the past 4 years at the NYT. We should demand a time table on when this fish wrapper will be done.

"I am going to be out of the office next week. If you decide to re-work the
draft, please be in touch with"

that is too funny

Does Candy Crowley read your website? Apart from her usually empty reports (that have already been reported many times elsewhere), last night she riffed on a Gallup poll that showed no difference between Obama and McCain. I went right to http://www.realclearpolitics.com and found that that wasn't true. In her defense it did say that the poll was more than a week old.

Today you report Gallup has Obama 6 points ahead–47 to 41. Candy wake up or retire.

Dear 5th grader!

I'll bet you know that John should have used THAN insted of THEN!

McWar just got an “F” on his geography report on Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its ok, he will do better on his next report. I hear he is going to hire a tutor from the hooked on chronic and phonics learning center.

And all of the McCain people will STILL call this BIAS. Asking for information, the SAME information that Obama contributed and they will still see this as unfair.

These people do not care about details or if anything is a straight out lie. They just want McCain to win so they can keep on with their lives and not change anything.

Fair and equal has no place in the GOP

What happened to free speech? I am a dem but am annoyed that the NYT wouldn't allow a Presidental candidate to express his own views.

Why not allow the people to read Senator McCain's words and decide for themselves whether he has a credible plan or doesn't.

I also find it curious that the editor would want him to "mirror" Senator Obama's story. Why? If they don't believe the same thing on any subject then why would he want to "mirror" Senator Obama?

It is an editor saying that revisions need to be done. If there was a perscribed language style or subject content initally requested, then I can understand the upset that the McCain campaign has. If this was sent in without any kind of request, then the McCain campaign needs to work within the NYT guidelines however crazy (or not) the rules might be.

To be honest, I would like to hear about McCain's definition of victory in Iraq. My set of goals that would make clear to me that total victory in Iraq has been achived are quite lengthy. Obviously the first would be that Iraq could defend itself from problems (foreign and domestic); there is a recognized set of law that all follow and all can be prosecuted under; universal human rights are observed; oil revenue is equally shared and used to better the country as a whole. The real test would be something alongs the lines of some problem that the courts have to deal with and all people respect the ruling no matter how they feel about it (ex: Bush vs. Gore in 2000 or Brown vs. Board of Education).

LOL

I am loving this! Instead of attacking, explain what you would do McCain. Oh, you can't?

Quick question, what war did you win??? Since you keep on saying that you know how to win wars. What war was it?

McCain has No new of fresh ideas. All he has donei s built an entire campaign on criticizing, complaining and whinning!

He is going to defeat himself!

I think the NYT saved McCain from disaster. Wish they would print it as he and his people wrote it. It will say a lot.

McCain: “I find it ironic that he (Obama) is emulating the worst mistake of the Bush administration by waving the ‘Mission Accomplished’ banner prematurely.”

July 17, 2008- "I repeat my statement that we have succeeded in Iraq," McCain told reporters aboard his campaign bus in Kansas City. "Not 'We are succeeding.' We have succeeded in Iraq."

This actually is stunning honesty.
It says:
1) McCain piece was just interested in attacking
2) McCain has no comprehensive plan for Iraq
3) McCain has no comprehensive plan for Afghanistan
4) A tacit acknowledgement that BO's piece provided "a clear plan for achieving victory — with troops levels, timetables and measures for compelling the Iraqis to cooperate, " as well as describing a stragegy for Afghanistan that spells out how it meshes with an Iraq plan.

Remarkable. It is a telling acknowlegment that for all McCains alleged foreign policy cred, he can't articulate his foreign policy vision in an article. This is the most definitive evidence yet that BO is vastly more prepared to be CIC than McCain. I was a republican, but after this week and seeing how Obama was right all along about . . . well about everything – I'm voting for Obama.

EDIT:

Hear! Hear!…and that's coming from someone who is NOT a fan of the NYTimes.

Ouuuch! that kinda hurts!

It's like scolding a "whining" fifth grader with "mental depression"….

For ones, a news outlet that have the balls to stand up to the republican smear machine……John McShame offers NO NEW alternatives but continue to spiral out of control with his failed antiquated talking points.

It's time to take america back and put a STOP to all the lies, mis-truths and spin of the Dubya regime that McSame wants to continue to perpetuate……….STOP THE REPUBLICAN SMEAR CAMPAIGN NOW!!!!!

VOTE OBAMA 08′/12′ – YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hear! Hear!…and that's coming from someone who is fan of the NYTimes.

McCain's policy on Iraq is the same as Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rice and so many others have.

The administration knew so much prior to 9/11, had the information, knew an attack was imminent, that planes were going to be used, NY and Wash. were targeted, etc., but as many people know now, Bush/Cheney, etc. used National Security as an excuse to keep only the smallest possible group of people knowing what was going on.

A lot happened after 9/11 as everyone now knows, but one thing that happened that most people do not know is that America became a torture country.

McCain, deny as he might, believes in, and has many of the same policies as Bush.

If the American people have not awakened to the damage done by this administration in the last 8 years, has not bothered to read, digest and realize what really happened and how complicit Bush and other members of his administration were then the U.S. deserves what it gets. All Americans need to get up off their backsides from in front of their reality tv shows, register to vote and VOTE!

If those who do not do so, those who refuse to believe the facts that have come out since this war began, those who do not hold Bush and his administration responsible for their actions, then they should remain silent, not complain, and prepare themselves for what comes next, whatever that may be.

I am actually interested to compare the two. Can we get a copy of McCain's? I'm guessing Fox News would post it.

Maybe if McCain could come up with some ideas of his own they would publish it. They shouldn't have to publish something that is totally an attack piece. The right wing media haters are going to have a hay day with this. They want to force the NYT to publish a piece of trash from McCain yet they are the ones that are blocking the equal time legislation because they don't want anything to balance their right wing radio hate mongers. Can't have it both ways people.

McCain is turning into a "grumpy" old man. You're not acting like a war hero – more like a war whiner!

Interesting how people are wondering why the world is falling in love with Obama instead of McCain! Something old and something new. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out.

Just plain laughable.

McCain, your party has been in power for the last 8 years yet all you do is blame Obama for everything from the oil crisis to the Iraq war?

What have you & Bush done?

I can begin to answer that for you!

You started an unwarranted war!!! One of the Biggest blunders in American history and plan to continue this war!
You did nothing to help us move away from oil and now we are in this mess!
You did nothing to stop the jobs from leaving the country and plan to continue this 4 more years!!
You & Bush admittedly know nothing about the economy. America can’t afford 4 more years of the same

My friends, McCain has joined the double talk express!!!

McCain is demonstrating that he isn't up to clear analytical thinking. We have one incompetent fool as President now, why would we want to repeat that mistake?

Finally someone that says, "Stop wining and do something constructive."

Well McCain: Stop spitting in the air is you want to have a shot to become commander in chief.

Sorry Mr. McCain,
We have an agenda and you are not part of it……We have a liberal agenda and have our sights set on a socialist.

PS If you see Pelosi send her our love

Mcain they want political news like what your plans are with iraq not just hearing about the surge the surge and we are winning and bashing obama THEY WANT DETAILS OF YOUR PLANS OLD MAN WHAT DONT YOU UNDERSTAND????? WE THE PEOPLE ALSO WANT TO KNOW YOUR PLANS but then again with your statements like 100 years in iraq we cant leave yet theres alot to be done were winning and we still have more to do then i guess thats your plans IGNORING IRAQ LEADERS IGNORING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE YOU WANT TO STAY STAY STAY!!!!!!

Reminds me of my Supervisors comments during one of the bazillion edits of my PhD Thesis

It would do good if all the other media would take the new York times lead.. If you dont have a solution etc…
By the way Did We Win the war or not ?

the problem was all mccain did in his draft was talk about obama…. obama obama obama!!! Mccain gave no solutions mccain did not lay out any plans…. new york time was trying to save mccain some embarrasment…. now every newspapers and networks have access to this peice of jibber jab…. mccain essay was terrible.. and his campaign should have hid it from the public eye!

It states to "articulate"…hahahaha

right…

Priceless! Can McSame could be any clueless?

McSame = Bush
From one dumb to another…You mean this is all RNC could offer?!

What a laughing stock!

too funny!

This is straight up the funniest bit and biggest political slam I've ever read.

Out with the old…

TLTR version:

Dear 5th grader. You need more then negative attacks to have an opinion on Iraq.

lol

Has anyone ever notice the McWar campaign does nothing but criticize and complain about everything. No new ideas, no positive message, just criticize and complain. They must wake up everyday and have there morning meetings and say ok guys what can we criticize and complain about today. These guys must be angry old men that are suffering from ERD. How does Cindy Mcwar live with this guy, I give her credit for hanging in there. God Bless Her.

McCain; criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain, criticize and complain. If the MSM counts how many times McWar puts; out a negative messages to the public it must be a 50 to 1 ratio.

Mcwar try to come up with a positive message, please.