August 18, 2008
Posted: 05:28 PM ET

From
A still from McCain’s cross ad, which ran this winter.
A still from McCain’s cross ad, which ran this winter.

(CNN) — John McCain’s campaign blasted critics who questioned the senator’s account of an incident during his time as a prisoner of war Monday, citing an account from his former fellow POW Orson Swindle and blaming the controversy on “the pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd.”

During a presidential forum at Pastor Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church on Saturday, McCain told a story of a guard who wordlessly drew a cross in the dirt one Christmas, describing it as a moment that gave him strength.

Critics in the blogosphere said that McCain, who was released in 1973, had not mentioned the incident until shortly before his 2000 presidential bid, and had relayed it in the third person on at least one occasion. They also pointed to similarities between McCain’s account and a similar story in Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s The Gulag Archipelago, his account of life in the Soviet labor camp system.

McCain aide Michael Goldfarb, in a message posted on the campaign’s Web site Monday, said Swindle – now a campaign surrogate – told him the presumptive Republican nominee had related the story “’when we first moved in together [in captivity].’ That was in the summer of 1971, Swindle said, though ‘time blurred’ and he couldn't be sure,” wrote Goldfarb.

He also said that it was logical that Christians in both Russia and Vietnam might have used many of the same subtle signals during that era.

“It may be typical of the pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd to disparage a fellow countryman's memory of war from the comfort of mom's basement, but most Americans have the humility and gratitude to respect and learn from the memories of men who suffered on behalf of others,” he wrote.

“John McCain has often said he witnessed a thousand acts of bravery while he was imprisoned, and though not every one has been submitted into the public record, they are remembered by the men who were there (one such only recently reported by Karl Rove though it escaped mention in any of Senator McCain's books). But as Swindle said, this is a ‘desperate group of people trying to make something out of nothing.’”

In December, shortly before the primary season began, McCain's campaign used the story of the cross as the basis for a Christmas-themed campaign ad.

Filed under: John McCain


ANGIE   August 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

MCAIN is not only a phoney liar fake but he sure is a BIG WHINER CRY BABY, whines about media whines no one pays him attention whines when someone(ANDREA MITCHELL) pointed out what alot of other people think about the forum mccain stop whinning already!!!!

Hillary's destiny   August 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Watching CNN- it is unbelievable how easy it was for McCain to cheat during the 'faith forum' and still come out clean. It is proof that the republican party can lie their way out of anything, and still get the evangelical vote.

That says a lot about the integrity of the Evangelical vote, I think.

Michele, Oregon   August 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

Very good Molly Weasley!
Let's get the media involved with keeping a tally of how many times he uses his POW card!

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW   August 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW

Marvin Shelley   August 18th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

There is a National Organization—American Ex POW's. Unfortunately McCain has been unable to support this group–POW's from WW2, Korea, & Vietnam, he has never attended their National convention, never has joined or supported our Chapters here in Arizona. He only uses the POW bit when he is running for public office. The Am POW's motto is "We help others who cannot help themsrlves" McCain should be ashamed!!!

deroy   August 18th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

on this topic leave mccain alone.

Eric   August 18th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

For those of you who still think Obama has not the right kind of experience, I recommend you read the article on Huffingtonpost who makes the case that Obama has, in all categories, the right kind of experience similar to the great Presidents in american history. May be that will shut your mouth for once, so you can move on talking about issues.

MorningJoeCheeto   August 18th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

John McCain the true American Drama Queen. McCain's campaign should stop whinning/complaining to NBC and all other media outlets about TPMs. Stop bashing voters when they call McCain out on misrepresentations and listen to their own candidate's advice to fight the smears: "relax and get a sense of humor."

KISS   August 18th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

We will never know the truth. Unlike the sniper fire story, there is no video.

Dee   August 18th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Maybe McCain should have noted his greatest moral failing was that of he and his wife not acknowdleging Cindy's half sister. Very Christian of them to totally disown her sister!! I wonder why only the Huffington post has reported on this story??

Brian, Quad Cities   August 18th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

D&D? Haven't heard that in years.

These fools really need to avoid trying to sound like us commoners. Better stick with the namecalling.

JAMMAC   August 18th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Holy crap no credibility in this forum - you're all probama wankers ….

Mike Dallas   August 18th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

McCrypt has forgotten that the reality he remembers involving a cross in the dust, was acutally a story he read. Of course, if one graduates 894 out of 899, maybe it was read to him.

Sue   August 18th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

He was in the 'cone of silence' - RIIIIIGGGGHHHTTT. He was listening to the interview on the radio.

NickNas   August 18th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

McCain is a fragile old manwho is obviously being protected by ALL the powers that can be mustered. ANYTHING he does or says wrong is INSTANTLY pushed under the rug. If ANYONE bothers to report ANYTHING about him that is TRUE they are painted as negative and against the US or the troops SOUND FAMILIAR!!??

Brian MacDougall   August 18th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

The guy's name is Swindle: say no more.

David   August 18th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Wow. I don't care of you don't like his story about the cross in the sand, but challenging his patriotism is asinine. He spent 6 years as a POW and repeatedly turned down prisoner exchanges and going home early because of his father's rank. Challenege the man's story all you want, not his courage or patriotism. As for McCain not being vetted, are you serious? He was in the House of Representatives since 1982 and the Senate since 1986. I seem to remember he was a candidate for President in the Republican primaries in 1999-2000, But you must be right, he's never been vetted.

While no one's saying it, do you really want a President with such little Foreign policy experience? The Illinois Senate for 7 years and a Senator for less than 4 (of which more than 2 have been spent campaigning for President) doesn't make you experienced. Remember the last President we elected who didn't have much foreign policy experience?????? W, that's right. I for one want a president who has actual foreign policy experience. And no, saying you're against the war in Iraq while you're an Illionois Senator trying to get elected to the US Senate doesn't count.

Rich in Seattle   August 18th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

So does he do honor to his fellow POW's by taking their experiences and using them as his own to futher his own political ambitions? Is that honor?

Just because he was a POW doesn't mean he can cheat and lie about his military experience and get away with it. If it is a lie and this is not his own story, then that's shameful of McCain to have stolen it.

We should honor our men and women in the military, not steal their stories and vote against their interests.

Robert 4560   August 18th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

It is interesting that after 25 years of telling the story of his POW experience that he remembers the most significant event in 1999. It is such a good story.

As to the cone of silence. Politics ain't bean bags. Of course both sides would do anything for an advantage. Does anybody believe for a second that it did not cross the minds of both parties how they could take advantage of the "cone of silence"?

As to the POW experience, why cannot I find his tapes on YouTube? There were more than 30 broadcast interview. Who has them? Why have they not been released? Who is protecting McCain from his own word?

well well now   August 18th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Alan Boyer August 18th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

It's amazing. Every time someone challenges John McCain, Obama gets blamed. It's like being a POW means you can't be challenged. Being a POW is not a prerequisite for being president.

It is quite possible that John McCain is fighting an internal demon that reminds him that he didn't measure up to his dad or grandfather who were both Navy Admirals. John was a pilot.
______________________________________________________
B…I…N…G…O…!!!!!!! mCcAIN KNOWS HE IS UNFIT TO BE POTUS, BUT HE HAS HIS DADDY COMPLEX THAT WONT LET HIM SEE THE TRUTH

TCE   August 18th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

I'm not a McCain advocate, but this time, I'll give him some slack. The trauma and PTSD potential for being a POW I can't even fathom, so memory distortions concerning this time in captivity I can understand. What I can't is his "Dungeons and Dragons" rhetoric. John, just be direct and stop the campaign slander.

truth   August 18th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Looks like McCain’s Christmas tale is also his “Sniper Fire in Bosnia”!

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   August 18th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Obama was not a waffler. He was thoughtful instead of spewing his stump speech. Some of the lines he threw out I've heard so many times I could repeat them verbatim. Instead of having a sincere conversation with Pastor Warren, he just gave us more campaign rhetoric. At least with Obama, I felt like he thought about the answers and spoke from his heart. How refreshing!

As far as this latest flap, I wouldn't doubt that what really happened and what he thought happened have evolved over time. It happens all the time to people and after all this was 40 years ago!

EBC   August 18th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

LIAR, LIAR, LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!!

SHAME ON YOU SEN. McCAIN!! YOU GIVE PANDERING A NEW NAME!! McLIAR!!

SHAME!! SHAME!!! SHAME!!!

Erik   August 18th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

OK, he's a nice old man who believes in a strong and proud America. Fine, elect him president fo the VFW. He's no longer U.S. Presidential material.

Marti   August 18th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

If the country votes for McCain, then we deserve to have another 4 years of the Bush administration. I would rather have a president who is thoughtful and respected by other nations then to have a trigger happy old man in the white house. John McCain always talks of honor…what is honorable about destroying Iraq and lying to the American people.

Obama tells us it won't be easy…McCain doesn't want to increase his and his friends taxes to pay for the war he wants and guess who will pay …oh yes, our grandchildren…..McCain doen't need to worry about money, his wife is rich…way rich because she can spend $5 million every day!

Max H.   August 18th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Ralph V must be the 5th dumbest person in the USA. McCain did not attend WEST POINT, but graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis. And yes, McCain was the 5th. from the bottom. A bottom that many of us couldn't even get close to.

yay of PA   August 18th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

"It may be typical of the pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd to disparage a fellow countryman's memory of war from the comfort of mom's basement, but most Americans have the humility and gratitude to respect and learn from the memories of men who suffered on behalf of others,” -Michael Goldfarb

This one is a keeper! Politics is so amusing and absurd these days.

Poor Goldfarb. Missed too many saving throws as a child, hmm? If there were such a thing as Integrity throws, McCain would roll a natural 1 on many of them. I'd be more concerned about your own candidate here.

James from bk/LI   August 18th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

i wonder if mccain is a baptist or catholic, because if he is baptist i don't see why he would need to draw a cross to pray when the bible itself is against worshiping any object (cross include.) as christians, our cross is in our heart. mccrazy story seems to be made up to me. if he was such a faith base person, why has he been so silent about his faith untill now. this man would sale his mom for an electoral vote.

Emily   August 18th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

"pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd"

Wow, he just alienated a large group of Republicans right there. I play d&d, and, believe me, there are a lot of conservatives who like to roll their dice on weekends.

To Know   August 18th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

McCain didn't have to cheat during the Saddleback Forum - all of his responses were from the standard Republicant party "we're all Christians" playbook.

That said, he was overly sharp for McCain, and seemed almost alive, and well, he is from the party of deception, so I would naturally lean toward his campaign breaching the cone of silence. One item that raised eyebrows was the question on faith Based Initiatives - does anyone find it odd that McCain's answer was the example Warren used to describe the question to Obama?

Fareed H. Ansari   August 18th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

McCain the "commander in cheat" is now also a "cone head".

well well now   August 18th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

“the pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd.”
___________________________________________________
LOL how pathetic…do they really think Americans are THAT stupid???!!! geezzzzz, John McCain has turned out to be a lier as well as a cheat. he can NOT be trusted, just ask the Georgian President who last week was asking where John McCain was. John McCain has 59 LOBBYIST running his campaign, he has ties to the explosion aboard the USS Forrestal 1967, he promised to run a clean campaign, his top advisor is lobbyist fro Georgia, John McCain is linked to shaddy deals and scandal, VOTED WITH BUSH 95% and really important….JOHN MCCAIN WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SERVE TWO TERMS…if he was really about "Country first" he would quit NOW…AMERICA CAN NOT AFFORD "DRILL HERE DRILL NOW, SURGE" MCCAIN

Gene   August 18th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Why is it that whenever anyone is skeptical of McCain… his camp automatically blames Obama? Believe it or not… people out there can have their own opinions.

And Obama stood up for you in this respect, McCain.. you should be thanking him.

confused Obama   August 18th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Obama is surrounded by hypocrites like him.

Why can't he accept McCain's service to the nation.

Like him, all his supporters make fun of Army services rendered in those days.

Guys, imazine if today you were to live under somebody's else control, you will realize. Forget Obama who is flying high and away from facts.

wm musson   August 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

being in jail does not make a hero…..why does he keep whining about it……at least he married his mistress……

DCMI   August 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

As a younger person, I am disgusted by the constant disparagement of my intelligence in this election. Despite my "lack of experience" and "youth," I somehow manage to succeed in my professional studies (medicine). My own peers and I are not blind followers of one candidate or another. We realize that both men are imperfect, but using the experiences I have I am going to make the best decision I can, and choose the candidate most likely to forge a new and better path. And, by the way, we don't seem to be too young to die in the wars the old people start or pay the social security and medicare taxes from which many of the old people live, so until you can survive without the contributions of Young Americans to the economy, to culture, and to society, stop whining about our "poor judgement skills"

Jim - Georgia   August 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Wow! Never heard such venom in comments before. If this is the attitude of common people, God help us! So hateful. I'll give Obama credit for not being nasty, so why are you, his supporters, being so nasty?! You can disagree with McCain as a good choice without having to hate the guy. I have no desire to see Obama as president, but I don't have to decide he is evil in order to justify my decision on who to vote for. Is it just possible that these are two good people running for office who have differing approaches and political phiolsophies? I've lived overseas for the past 10 years and return to find Americans in general have become plain nasty - too many argumentative talk shows perhaps.

Obama supporter:White, 60 year old woman   August 18th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

Who's whining now….

…has the McCain camp shuffled a new card in the deck..the Prisoner of war card….can't question his credibility, can't question his memory, can't question his honest, can't question his motives….if that is the case, he MUST release the 540 pages of his 600 page military file…what is he hiding??

McCain would have more crediblity if he showed his "humility" by disavowing all of the lies being circulated in emails about Obama…

same old tired Republican attacks to avoid the issue

Lesley   August 18th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

By the way, the guy holding the microphone at the end of the forum on Saturday made reference to something Obama said about working with McCain on ethics reform, how was he able to get that information so quickly if the McCain campaign didn't already hear most of Obama's portion of the program and look it up? They also completely failed to mention that McCain voted for the $3 million bear DNA bill that he brought up. More unbiased reporting I suppose.

RealBaptist   August 18th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

What else would you expect from John SIDNEY McCain, a man who pretends to be a Baptist, but is really a tea swilling, Queen loving EPISCOPALIAN! Don't put this anti-papist in the White House with his MADE-UP war stories, send him back to Buckingham Palace where he belongs!

Gene   August 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

This is one of those stories that just sounds and feels so fake to me that I wonder if it was a farce just to try to suck up to the evangelicals. McCain doesn't strike me as a truly religious soul… for that matter neither does Clinton.

The real story about this forum should be about the pastor intentionally lying to the congregation and on national TV, saying that McCain was in a soundproof bubble.. when in fact he wasn't even at the church when Obama was speaking… and though he denies doing it… had total access to be able to watch Obama answer the questions and hear the questions himself.

Mary   August 18th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Wasn't Bush getting help with an earpiece or something during the last debates? Come on, McCain answered some of the questions almost before they were asked. And I resent his references to Obama supporters as dungeons and dragons and living in Mom's basement.

lou   August 18th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

we want to know everything about Mccain. go after him as the news media did obama . tell us all the truth about his war effort . i think he is a complete lier . and he most likely did sell his country out to help himself . what is this keating story? can you did this out and tell the truth. we should know before we vote. if he is not the lier i think he is it won't hurt him. this guy smells funny!………… saturday was sure a joke. no wonder he was so on the mark . he had a heads up … shame on the preacher!

Observer   August 18th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

One of the most important elements of this story is that when John McCain discussed his Christmas's in captivity (in great detail) prior to 1999, there was no mention of the cross in the dirt story. Another interesting point is since he was a fan of Solzhenitsyn's and they seemed to share the same experience that he would mention that shared experience…it's just a little hard to swallow.

kayla   August 18th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

mcsenile can only talk about war, am sick and tired of this man and his war stories. war is not gonna get you elected. you have pea for brain.

Goodson   August 18th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Sean Hannity was of the opinion that McCain's infidelity and maltreatment of his first wife was justified since he suffered for the country's sake. No wonder Republicans treat women like dogs, strip them of all rights, they couldn't vote till about 40 years ago, they can't use birth control, under no circumstance is abortion tolerated but their men are clamouring for their inalienable right to own handguns, dirty murderers.

Ardnuas   August 18th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

McCain HAS a serious ANGER problem….He has convinced himself that just because he was a POW 35 years ago, he CAN'T be critiziced for lying, cheating, stealing or anything!
he is NOT very deep, he speaks from his head, not his heart…. I think WAR and only WAR is in his heart. God help America if this man wins.

Lee   August 18th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Uh-oh MSM, looks like you may have to do some actual investigative reporting on this one…you know, the kind that leads towards the FACTS, or at least gives objective information for voters to make a decision on? McCain's word is not his bond. And after watching him the other night practically tripping over himself to give his pre-fab answers (see: 'Can we talk about judges, judges are very important…') I am absolutely amazed that people think this guy is for real. Let me break it down: BEING A FORMER POW DOES NOT MEAN YOU'D BE A GOOD PRESIDENT–OR THAT YOU TELL THE TRUTH. Can someone please tell me if CNN's 'Revelation' of the true presidential candidates on Wednesday will include McCain's first marriage, his and Cindy's ties to Keating 5, his horrible temper, or his many, many gaffes over the past few months?? Could you point out an area in which McCain doesn't lean on those 5 1/2 years as a POW as representative of his true character or experience? Because after he got back, he proved himself a real tool over and over again. I am tired of McCain's 'honor' being shoved down my throat when he hasn't got a consistent or loyal bone in his body.

I will keep posting…

Lee   August 18th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Uh-oh MSM, looks like you may have to do some actual investigative reporting on this one…you know, the kind that leads towards the FACTS, or at least gives objective information for voters to make a decision on? McCain's word is not his bond. And after watching him the other night practically tripping over himself to give his pre-fab answers (see: 'Can we talk about judges, judges are very important…') I am absolutely amazed that people think this guy is for real. Let me break it down: BEING A FORMER POW DOES NOT MEAN YOU'D BE A GOOD PRESIDENT–OR THAT YOU TELL THE TRUTH. Can someone please tell me if CNN's 'Revelation' of the true presidential candidates on Wednesday will include McCain's first marriage, his and Cindy's ties to Keating 5, his horrible temper, or his many, many gaffes over the past few months?? Could you point out an area in which McCain doesn't lean on those 5 1/2 years as a POW as representative of his true character or experience? Because after he got back, he proved himself a real tool over and over again. I am tired of McCain's 'honor' being shoved down my throat when he hasn't got a consistent or loyal bone in his body.

Leah DiMarco, Texas   August 18th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

McCain = Cheater and plagiarizer!

Elrey Jones   August 18th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

The word is out that Obama can't communicate without a teleprompter. In other words, the Annointed One is more an an Airhead.

K. Ferguson   August 18th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

It seems so ironic, that just a couple weeks ago, the McCain camp was blasting Obama for being away on vacation in Hawaii while an energy crisis ran its' course.
I find it interesting that McCain makes no comment about Bush vacationing in Texas while Russia flexes its' muscles.
It would seem his level of accountability is only one that serves the interest of his election and those of the Republican party.

tricia   August 18th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

The Repubs jumped all over this obvious plagiarism in 2005, noting that McCain had spun out this fabrication in advance of a 2008 run for the White House.

Busted AGAIN, McSame!

Ellie in Aurora, CO   August 18th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

This is McCain's "Bosnia sniper fire" tall tale.

Debbie   August 18th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

I watched both Obama & McCain on Saturday.
I am also totally A-religios, to be honest I don't really care what religion you are so long as you are a decent, honest human being with a high moral code.
You could tell Obama was hearing those questions for the very first time on Saturday night.
McCain didn't stumble at all - he was totally prepared. You could tell he had seen the questions before and was well rehearsed on every, single question. He kept his answers very short, no room for error. Plus I suspect he probably had read the questions well before Saturday. He didn't need to think at all before replying, and sometimes was answering before the questions were even finished.
Even now - I still don't think I konw more about McCain than before Saturday. I certainly don't know if he believe's in Jesus - and if I have to hear another POW story - it was like listening to an old grandpa recount war stories - what has any of this to do with running a country - it's totally irrelevant.
Something I really don't understand about all the anti-abortion/Pro-Lifers is - if you are pro-life, shouldn't you be anti war too!
If you are anti-abortion - shouldn't you be voting for free contraception under medical coverage and against going to war Mr. McCain???

Edward Noble   August 18th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Ralph V., if only McCain had gone to West Point… get your facts straight before you look like a moron. McCain went to Annapolis (U.S. Naval Academy).

mike   August 18th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Some new wrinkles have come in from bloggers who note that in a 1995 book that details the three Christmases McCain spent with 5 other captives, titled The Nightingale's Song, there's no mention of McCain's story.

Bill P.   August 18th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

I did not realize John McCain was a sacred cow.

My, my, what a winer.

Jake   August 18th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

McCain sat out the war making pro-commie movies, after bombing babies. What does he have to complain about. Like all Republicans, he can dish it out but he can't take it!

Tony   August 18th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Finally, we have learned the Repuplican playbook. Charges don't need to be true, they just need to be repeated.

I heard that McCain beat his wife and killed the first child she adopted. I heard it, it must be true!

Matt   August 18th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

McCain failed his saving throw.

Debby   August 18th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Well they say McCain doesn't wear his faith in his sleeve so what if he told the story in 2000. This was a religious forum Sat. night so thats why he mentioned it.

Mary in CA   August 18th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Wow, what an insult to D&D. I'm surprised he even could reference it, let alone badly.

Goodson   August 18th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Why still worry about McCain's fabrications, he forgets so easily and that's his real strength, or is it that the Vietcong military were run by Christian guards, well it's been a long time.
Wow, but McCain is a real cheat, he deliberately evaded the "cone of silence" very un-American, sorry he was born in Panama, between the Canal and the Caves.

DocReal   August 18th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

I wonder if McCain knows that people play these games on computers now?

What a sad old man. McCain will make up any story and change any position to get to the top.

Cynthia - Arkansas   August 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

McSame tells so many lies, they just start to run together. He either can't remember what he said yesterday, or doesn't care. Either one is scary! We have already had 8 disasterous years with someone just like him. I had dinner with some Republican friends this weekend and was amused by the political discussion. They still think of McSame as he probably was 10 years ago. I guess people truly do see what they want to.

Bill Tampa   August 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

I don't trust Mccain. Just like he said told the V ietnames guards he named the Pittsburg Steelers as members of his unit in his book, and then when in Wisc. Said he named the Greenbay Packers as the memebers of his unit. Which was it.? There's no doubt in my former Marine Corps Mind, McSame heard and knew the questions in his limo on his way to the forum. Cone of Silence?. Yeah Right!!..And I did play Dungeon and Dragons in College, And proud of it!!!!!!!

Mike, Syracuse, NY   August 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Raph V. McCain went to the Naval Academy not West Point. Talk about dumb.

Obviously McCain won the night Saturday. Obama was a waffler on many questions. McCain was direct and to the point. So equally obvious that the oborgs have to claim McCain cheated and was listening. Well, he wasn't but if helps you to think that, go ahead. It doesn't explain why Obama looked like a deer in the headlights. Without a teleprompter the man can't talk. The polls are getting closer, and Obama's going down!

Joe Kiloz   August 18th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

M c C A I N = H O N O R

texas democrat   August 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

so am i to believe that pastor rick warren would not lie? well i don't know the guy . he said mccain was in a cone of silence and then they say he was late getting there and i have to believe that there wasn't any device that he could use to watch what was going on. please give me a break. i am nobody's fool. rick warren should not have said a word because apparently he did not know.

MemeForObama   August 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

what a copy cat Mcshame really is- I dont' think mccanin is any more brilliant than the current President. Let's not make the same mistake America. the media doesn't want to show us the nagative side of mccain just because he's a pow. being a pow doesn't exempt you from criticism and neither does it make you qualified to rule the greatest country in the world. I actually think it make u more mental.

Stephanie   August 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

I have come to the realization that in this presidential campaign, we should not rely on the stories we hear (or do not hear for that matter) in the media. Barack Obama will continue to receive negative press no matter what he does and John McCain will continue to receive positive press no matter what he does. We voters have got to use discernment and intelligence in making our choice for president. Do not make the mistake of allowing the media to be your deciding factor. Wake up!!!!

Pat Riot   August 18th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Sacto Joe, Democrats have been destroying this country to the core since the party's inception. FDR was a dictator that sat in the oval office for 16 years. He is the reason we have countless faulty social programs today, he spent this country into recession, ignored habeus corpus, imprisoned our Japanese citizens in internment camps during the war, and the list goes on and on. Basically he was Bush x1000. A lot of Obama's tax-and-spend policy sounds pretty similar and his arrogance makes him the spitting image of FDR. So, in my humble opinion if you ever vote Democrat you're an idiot. There are still good Republicans out there who want to take the party back and they will. People will remember the virtues of federalism and freedom when we get backed into a corner by a socialist.

Rich   August 18th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

So isn't the real story here that McCain didn't actually experience the event that he so vividly depicted at the forumn. This sounds alot like the Clinton scenario to me! And how does McCain expect to have bi-partisan relationships as President with such harsh attacks on supporters. First if the supporters where smearing McCain and lieing it would be one thing but all they are doing is telling the truth as admitted by the campain. Its the yes you caught me telling a lie but how dare you think I'm dishonest you non-war veteran. G

Peter (CA)   August 18th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

His story is backed up by a "campaign surrogate"? Really? He didn't tell anyone else the story?

Come on McCain, it's all fishy. You're just pandering to the right wing, aren't you?

Shawn—I've been praying too. Praying that right-thinking citizens will see through the lies and distortions and hypocrisy that the Republicans trot out every election. It's time for a change.

Peter   August 18th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

They say in the end Ronald Reagan used to mix up stories from his movies with real life. Maybe we'll get lucky and this time the dementia will set in before the election.

Son of Rush   August 18th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Have to reach pretty far to get some dirt on McCain, The Real American in this race. It won't work Communist News Network.
We know the truth about your candidate (OBAMA).

James   August 18th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

It seems like every single time John Mccain got caught lying, he immediately blames the Obama campaign. How about taking responsibilities for your own actions? This country needs a real change. Don't trust nor vote for liars like John Mccain, his surrogates, his lobbiests, Mccain's staff and George W. Bush and his administrations.

This country needs an honest leader who doesn't need to manipulate people for their votes for a seat in the white house.

Reasonable Observer   August 18th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Okay, let's investigate "the cross story." But, can we also find out what is going on at the University of Illinois at Chicago Library related to the "unavailable" records of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, the foundation headed by Barak Obama and Bill Ayers between 1995 and 2000? Why are we not seeing anything about this on CNN, NBC, CBS, etc.?

Foreign Observer   August 18th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Hey, who cares if Alex Solsh. told it first — it's a good story and pleases the crowd. Just like "drill here and drill now" or "let's not raise taxes ever." Lol.

Black Truth, AZ   August 18th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

War Hero… Ok, President…. don't make me puke!!! If Mc(fill in the blank) wanted better media coverage then he would talk about what he is going to do for the country not complain about what the next man is going to do.

Here is some advice for Mc(fill in the black) "you can point the finger at someone else for your mistakes but there is always three more fingers point back at you."

OBAMA 08/12

Allen in Hartwell GA   August 18th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Politicians and political hacks, from the GOP in particular, seem to think that we are stupid. They think that if enough of them tell the same lie, or swear that the first lie is true, that makes it true.

Why should I believe anything that can't be proven when it comes from known and exposed liers?

Give me and millions of others a break!!!

DH   August 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Sounds like someone rolled a 1 on their diplomacy check…

TESAP;SAVANNAH, GA   August 18th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Plainly put…… this forum was worthless……… what did it accomplish besides Warren's 15 minutes of fame……….

Stop playing the "POW" CARD!   August 18th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

McCain– Your POW story is getting old. I respect your service to this country and you are a hero!!! But being a POW does not qualify you to be the president of the United States of America.

aughhhh   August 18th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Who Cares!!!! Being a prisoner does not qualify you to be president. If he had been better at his job he would not have been shot down. I'm sorry for what he had to go through but he should stop trying to get the sympathy vote and get over it. Many soldiers never came home, he was lucky.

Tom in Kensington, CA   August 18th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

ooooo-wwwww-eeeee! Is this John's Swift Boat?

Come on folks get out of the gutter and talk issues! I know that Republicans won't, but at least we try and we can turn the other check to these hypocrits!

Flip Flop Obama   August 18th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Very important answer, remember any household making over $250,000 a year is going to get taxed up the ying yang under Obamas plan.
I am so glad this issue is out in the open. Lets hope Obama will not flip flop on this issue as well.

If you have not noticed, you do not really get a clear picture when Obama answers a question. Very vague responses. You definately know McCains stance without a doubt. A man of his words and does not change his stance depending on who is listening.

McCain a True American Hero.

JinNC   August 18th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

I don't know about the cross story but McCain did vote for the bill that had the $3 million bear DNA pork, which he made fun of in the forum. Not only did he vote for it, but he didn't even fight to have it removed.

dormar   August 18th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Jsame is just a old fool

Ian   August 18th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

I also heard McCain was given a lobatomy while a POW.

oldsoldierboy   August 18th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

I'm just sick to my stomach. John McCain was not in the cone of silence until approx 30 minutes after Obama started his portion of the session. THAT'S CHEATING. No wonder he was on top of his game. Can the republicans do anything but cheat, lie, & exploit general Petraeus and the troops. I have to vote for Obama. The republicans just can not change their ways

Bill, Covington   August 18th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Dungons and dragons…

I wouldn't call pro obana voters "demons" I would just suggest : They are pure evil and dumber than a box of rocks.

HG, VT   August 18th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

There is no doubt in my mind that this happened. I question what difference it makes. He came home from Vietnam, left his sick wife and kids–and ran around with Bimbo Cindy. End of the real story.

SENIOR FOR AMERICA   August 18th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

MCCAIN THE RIGHT WING MEDIA MACHINE LIES, LIES AND LIES!!!

been there done that   August 18th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

what's the big deal? I was a p.o.w. in nam and I can tell you from personal experince you don't know day from night let alone what day or year it is. Most of the time I wished I could die.

AMERICA 08   August 18th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

John Mccain: Can we talk about the supreme court justices:

Rick Warren: Sure,

John Mccain: announces the whole bench.

Me: Come on, he must have been given a sneak preview of the event because why was he in such a rush to speak. Duh, it's because he didn't want to forget the names obviously.

Will the real Christians please stand up!!

HRG, VT   August 18th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

There is no doubt in my mind that this happened. I question what difference it makes. He came home from Vietname, left his sick wife and kids–and ran around with Bimbo Cindy. End of the real story.

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   August 18th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

If Obama supporters are the 'Dungeon and Dragons' crowd——McCain folks are the BINGO crowd.

Venus   August 18th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Another lie from McSame!!!

Also… POW = war hero? How?

Many men fought in Nam and lived. McSame was sitting on his butt as POW. He didn't even fight in the war!

Also… he wants to follow Bin Laden to the gates of hell? What's stopping McSame from going after Bin?

McSame is just tough talk!

Even now with the PM of Iraq saying starting next year US troops will start leaving Iraq. What does McSame say… Obama wants to lose the war!

McSame is an evil person!

Sherry, Atlanta   August 18th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

SOUNDS LIKE HILLARY ALL OVER AGAIN. . ."COMING UNDER SNIPER ATTACK"

Vegas Barbie for Obama   August 18th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

He's a plagiarist…he stole from Solzhenitsyn's book and account of the cross in the sand. Remember, folks, if McCain is not talking about Obama, he is very scant on original material… even so, still a bit surprising he had to borrow this type of story and tarnish the very foundation of his claim to fame as a politician: his POW history.
OBAMA/BIDEN '08 & '12 YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN!!

Arcticwolves172   August 18th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

It was announced two days before the forum that McCain would be traveling during Obama's time. The Obama Campaign knew that. Now they plant a seed of doubt cause Obama his butt handed to him.
Now wonder he wants nothing to do with McCain without a teleprompter or MSNBC moderating. As the Mccain camp said…"if you think we cheated, our proposal for a weekly joint town hall meeting is still on the table.

Voter   August 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Swindle won't swindle America!

The Truth Always Hurts and Offends Liberals   August 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

We are the "Land of the Free because of the Brave" - like McCain. Thanks John McCain for your service to our country.

PUMA #1   August 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Grrrr PUMA SAYS JESUS LOVE MCCAIN!!

18 million minus one   August 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

It is very disturbing to me that anything dealing with John McCains military experience is off limits to question. John McCain has made his military life a focus of his presidental run. He is the one who brings it up but we are all evil and unpatriotic if we question it. This reminds me of the lead up to the invasion of Iraq. If you questioned Bush you were unpatriotic. If you are going to run on your military experience then you better be able to take the heat when those experiences are questioned. By the way, just how does being a prisoner of war show you know how to win wars? The only war McCain was in we lost. OOPs guess I'm unpatriotic.

McCain=the draft   August 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

I honestly think McCain wants to win so badly he has become delusional. He is not a mentally sound person. The press should be on top of this, but they won't hold him to the same scrutiny as Obama, because he's a POW! And McCain knows this, so he's banking on the average Joe believing him!

Ellie in Aurora, CO   August 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

And we would believe someone named "Swindle" because….?

nganenu   August 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Hi Budy,
The man create a fable. was he not listening? how could bring up all those stories if he was not chating? Why do you guys not bring this up as the trait of the chararter of the man who want the awhite ahouse by all means. mcBush a lie like Bush who forged the doucuments for war. Shame on the likes of mcBush
Nganenu

Jamie of CT   August 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Mccain, you got caught lying again! You should take responsibility for your own words and appoligize like Hillary did instead of blaming Obama's campaign for everything.
This country needs an honest and responsible leader, not a whiner, nor a liar nor another George W. Bush.

Eric   August 18th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Yeah, right. A little defensive on this one, aren't they?

McCain's service and internment in Vietnam is beyond reproach, but his use of it almost 40 years later to get elected president is just repellent. McCain is lying - maybe both to us and to himself. Just watch as his people furiously spin this one. Pretty soon they'll have some poor Vietnamese sap up there saying he drew the cross. Ugh.

Ron, NYC   August 18th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

I watched the so called civil forum. I watched both candidates and I don't need any tv talking heads or so called "pundits" to confirm my suspicion that McCain saw the questions ahead of time. What a fraud, and CNN is actually covering up for him. The New York times ran a story confirming that McBush was not in a cone of silence.

Angelo   August 18th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

So you complain McCain but how about all that other stuff that’s thrown at Obama?

Oh , yes, I remember now. You said its ALL A BIG JOKE!!!

EDW   August 18th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

McCain didn't just steal from some Lefty writer — he stole from a man who had been through even WORSE than McCain had been through! In the Gulags of the Soviet Union, where he almost died of cancer. A man who was eventually exiled from his Homeland for standing up to tyranny! You should be ashamed and so should John McCain.

McCain ApeRape   August 18th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

It's really hard to believe the neocons anymore

Cindy   August 18th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

omg… it's like Ronald Reagan's recollection of something that happened in a war movie….

This is scary stuff.

Kang   August 18th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

"the pro-Obama Dungeons & Dragons crowd"

The what? I know McCain is old but can't his handlers use more current terms? Try "the blogosphere", we all know that is what you really mean.

And why is it that it is never McCain making these comments? It is always one of his yes men. Too busy getting ready for Wheel of Fortune, John?

MCSHAME LEFT HIS FIRST WIFE!   August 18th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

WILL SAY ANYTHING TO GET SOME SYMPATHY.

WILL SAY ANYTHING TO GET VOTES

Big D   August 18th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

I have no insight into whether the cross story is true. And I have no insight into whether McCain heard any of the interview with Obama during the time that he was supposedly in the Cone of Silence but wasn't. But doesn't McCain have to admit that it gives the impression of dishonesty when he didn't admit that he was in a car instead of being backstage? He's so quick to criticize anyone asking a question. He's been complaining about not getting enough media coverage, but increased scrutiny like Obama has already faced comes with that extra coverage.

Paula   August 18th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

We knew he was lying-not a good actor and totally out of character-he can't "do" humble.

Matt   August 18th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

McCain's camp is right.

These Obama supporters are the worst I've ever seen. Everything is blown out of proportion by these zealots.

Not a lick of sense between the bunch.

Christine   August 18th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

I certainly hope that CNN will take its responsibility to their viewers more seriously and uncover ,and report upon, the gaffes, blunders and inaccuracies stated by John McCain in this presidential race nearly every day. It was very clear to me that he was somehow prepared for at least some of the questions at the Saddleback Forum. If he was in a motorcade, as Rick Warren confirmed to Rick Sanchez Sunday night, then why isn't this being talked about more intensely? I wish you in the media would spend a fraction of your air time talking about McCain's deliberate distortions and less time scrutinizing every single word Barack Obama says.

JB   August 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

It's interesting that the campaign automatically slams critics as being Pro-Obama when Obama had defended McCain's military service in the face of critics.

Way to thank someone who stood up for you. Is that how he's going to treat our allies, foreign and domestic?

Angelo   August 18th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

I heard that McCain and his senior economic advisor use the “Cone of silence” whenever they come up with these crazy ideas!!!!

Excerpt of McCain using the “Cone of Silence”
McCain: What kind of tax credit should we give the rich?
Advisor: What?
McCain: I said tax credit for the rich?
Advisor: Yes, I know you are filthy rich McCain. You made $500,000 last month and Cindy made $2.5 million!
McCain: Ok, great idea $500,000 tax credit to people making $2.5 million.
McCain: Bush was right, we can get lot’s done with this “Cone of Silence”!!!

Shawn - GA   August 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Amen, that is what people are missing…. the rock star has his following with the kiddies, as well as responsible adults. The young, arrogant, who think they know it all… in the comments and the wording and the sheer volume of them. All of this points to young people who for the most part do not hold jobs. No ONE else would have the kind of time it takes to dedicate him or herself to arguing on forums.

I was once a young know-it-all, as we all were… I only pray that these kids watch the debates (the few there will be) and once they see that pretty words from Obama do not amount to much nor can do anything to improve this country for THEM the future of this country… I pray they see the error of their thinking and vote for Mr. McCain

Lesley   August 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

What does that war story, or any of McCain's war references that evening as a matter of fact, have to do with the context of the faith forum? We were supposed to get a glimpse of how the candidates think and how they feel and what makes them tick. Mostly what McCain did was repeat stump speeches, prefaced by his standard my friends, and talk about war. I am very sorry for his time as a POW, but let's be honest — we've heard the stories before and we were looking for some insight into his values and how he got them, not more stories. I suppose I can conclude that McCain thinks more about war than any other topic. That scares me. What about the rest of his life? Doesn't he have any other "stories" except the ones that pertain to the military? He appears to have a one-track mind.

Linda from Prescott AZ   August 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Let's just say this, can McCain relate to anything that is not connected to his time in a pow camp. He is banking on sympathy for his heroic time in Hanoi. So sorry, you had to be there Senator, sorry you had to suffer so much pain. However, that does not give you any special road to the white house.
You are part of a failed system, why haven't you made any efforts to make changes in the last 26 years? You are a day late and a $ short.

SCOTT   August 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

McCain is a fake!!

Mike B in Toronto   August 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

McCain campaign….wow. You are running to be President of all Americans. Clever to choose to disparage a whole swath of voters while you take another cheap shot at Obama.

I know McCain doesn't know how to use the Internet and all, but probably not wise to inspire yet another group of web-savvy people against you with this kind of stupidity.

I think the Republican campaign play book's key directive says to take shots at your opponents, but I am sure that it specifically says that one should not insult voters like this.

Keep up the good work McCain '08 and we will happily greet President Obama in Ottawa when he makes his first official visit.

Molly Weasley   August 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

This story comes from some 1997 writings of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. McCain made no mention of this in any of his recollections of his POW experiences (including many lengthy reports over the years) until 1999, when coincidentally he was running against George W. Bush, who went overboard every time to remind evangelical voters that he was a born-again Christian.

But I guess we can never accuse John McCain of lying because, as he and his campaign keep reminding us, "he was a POW." How dare we.

That's called playing the POW card. Someone should be keeping a tally of how often the McCain campaign brings up his POW experiences, especially when he says, "I don't like to talk about it" — then talks about it.

Lacy   August 18th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

This faith forum fundamentally annoys me.

I am a proud atheist, and I am sick of this idea that I must respect religion and religious "values" when they don't have to respect my lack of religion or logically derived morality.

These "Evangelical Christians" don't even follow their alleged savior's teachings. I respect Jesus as a mortal man the things he stood for, was about tolerance, forgiveness, leaving judgement to his god, and charity. Yet all these people do is spread hate and judgement and claim they're doing god's will.

That's absolute rubbish, if there was a supernatural all knowing all powerful god, it wouldn't you to do it's will.

Atheists and secularits need to unite and organize to form their own influential voting bloc and PAC's.

Proud to be Canadian   August 18th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

I just spent an hour reading John McCain's role in the Keating 5 scandal as well as Cindy McCain's connection to Keating and how she made almost 15 million through an investment in just a couple of years.

John McCain lacks credibility. He has yet to be vetted properly. The DNC should pay someone to write a best seller just like the RNC did with Obama Nation.

John McCain allegedly committed adultry and left his first wife for Cindy. He saw $$ signs and a young beauty. Barack Obama is a terrific family man and you can tell he will never abondon Michelle and his children. That means a great deal to me. DON'T BE FOOLED BY JOHN MCCAIN. HE'S A SERPENT WITH A SMILE.

Mark   August 18th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Obama will do anything to smear McCain because he is desperate to win the Presidency. Obama is the most unqualified candidate to ever run for the Presidency. McCain08; Hillary 2012!!

Fritz   August 18th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Got to love that Swindle is character reference - whenever McCain is in trouble, it is the lobbyists that come to the rescue.

Ian   August 18th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

I'm sure the story is true. The part McCain is leaving out is that it was an upside down cross.

LT for Obama   August 18th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Campaign says - "but most Americans have the humility and gratitude to respect and learn from the memories of men who suffered on behalf of others,”

How does one learn from John's memories when they are NOT his memories? I would like to hear from one of the other soldiers that was there at that time to confirm this really happened.

Alan Boyer   August 18th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

It's amazing. Every time someone challenges John McCain, Obama gets blamed. It's like being a POW means you can't be challenged. Being a POW is not a prerequisite for being president.

It is quite possible that John McCain is fighting an internal demon that reminds him that he didn't measure up to his dad or grandfather who were both Navy Admirals. John was a pilot.

Ralph V.   August 18th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

What a joke! McCain panics when people question his heroism; it's because he is a counterfit hero. A former traitor to his nation who accepted special favors from the enemy! The songbird who gave up information that got American soldiers killed as a result.

Oh, and did I mention he was the 5th dumbest guy in the whole school at West Point.

anonmouys   August 18th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

all mccain does is run ad thats how theyer going to win state

Sacto Joe   August 18th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

I don't know whether they cheated or not, but if they didn't want to get accused of it then they should have been a lot more careful.

Also, why would you trust ANYTHING politicians running for office say?

Bottom line:

1. Republicans, including McCain, got us into the mess we're in.

2. McCain is a Republican.

3. You'd have to be an idiot to vote Republican again!

dittohead with forty names   August 18th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Stop your whining John.Yes John we think your a liar,like most of your lobbyist friends and advisors.Phil Gramm comes to mind first.

Gene   August 18th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

So now if you're an Obama supporter you're part of the Dungeons and Dragons crowd?…lol

Gary Gygax (I think that was his name) is going to be richer than all these politicians put together soon if that's the case :)

Melvin   August 18th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Dungons and dragons? Are you calling pro -Obama people demons?You sound like the Anointed One!

sh   August 18th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

MCcain is a cheater who knew the questions before he went for the forum. I do not trust anything this guy say any more. No Cedibility. How Pathetic.

Ex-Republican for Obama   August 18th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Does McCain ever do anything besides complain?

He whines about lacking media coverage, but any time he is given the spot light he throws himself on the floor and begins kicking and screaming like a brat that isn't getting his way.

McCain gets a mic in front of him and all you get is a complaint and someone to blame. Perhaps using the opportunity to inspire rather then pitch a fit would get him a bit more attention.

Stacey Ellis   August 18th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

The first to recognize McCain's posible plagerism was a republican blog in 2005- not a democrat. See Dailly Kos for explanation.

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