McCain camp suspends staffer over Wright video
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/03/20/art.obamavid.cnn.jpg caption=" A video circulated by a McCain staffer questioned Obama's patriotism and included footage of Wright."](CNN) - The McCain campaign suspended a staff member Thursday afternoon for distributing a YouTube video that questions Barack Obama's patriotism and includes footage from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's controversial sermons.
“We have been very clear on the type of campaign we intend to run and this staffer acted in violation of our policy. He has been reprimanded by campaign leadership and suspended from the campaign,” McCain campaign spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said.
The suspended staffer, Soren Dayton, works in the campaign's political department and distributed the YouTube video via the internet application Twitter earlier Thursday.
A campaign aide insists Soren Dayton was a low level staffer and who had “no role in the communications shop.”
McCain insists repeatedly that he will not engage in personal attacks on Democrats, and CNN was told last week that campaign aides are working on an op-ed to be published in the senator's name warning his surrogates and supporters not to do so.
- CNN's Dana Bash
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When do we get to hear about the issues?
Good for you McCain. If Hillary Clinton is the nominee for the Dems....YOU WILL HAVE MY VOTE!!
Got my vote
Wow...McCain probably scored major points for politically maturity. That was a bold and admirable move.
Hillary, you are KILLING the Democrats.
You don't need it John... They dig their own Holes...
I am falling more and more in love with McCain... still hate his policies, but am loving the man more everyday..
WELL DONE MCCAIN!!!
Obama still has my vote, but I can't wait till Obama and McCain runs so we can see what a civilized election season looks like!!!
OBAMA 08!!!
Can McCain teach his friend Hillary Clinton the same type of ethics?
Good. However, it seems someone is always putting out smear stuff then McCain says ooops, we're not gonna do that. McCain needs to be PERFECTLY clear what his campaign will or won't do to his supporters and why it is bad for America.
We're sick to death of "smear" and degrading remarks and tactics (that's Hillary's job).
Good for you, McCain.
Wow Hillary, McCain has more integrity than you do. Maybe you will put him in office after all since you said he is ready for day 1.
Why can't Hillary show such integrity?
McCain has no need to use personal attacks against Obama; Senator Clinton's campaign is doing fine job on their own.
This shows how afraid of Barack that they are. They know that they will have a better chance agaisnt the lying Hillary Clinton.
WoW McCane looks much better then Obama the flip flopper!
Swiftboat has begun. My biggest concern is that the economy is crumbling and J. Mccain says he does'nt know to much about economics.
Why does everything I negative aboyut Hillary Cliton get moderated. Are you afaid of dissenting opinions. You all are playing a dangerous game with this electiion when it is not even a game.
McCain is a good man. If Obama doesn't get the nomination, I'll definitely go for him over Hillary.
Thank you, Mr. McCain. I truly respect your integrity (and I'm an Obama supporter).
Thank you McCain, being a jaded democrat, I am very surprised.
I don't think this is very smart of McCain. His only chance of winning in November is to find every possible way to denigrate his opponent. It's a fine line, of course. But it's a risk he must take. Besides, Obama's pastor and all the attendant baggage is relevant - the question is, why should these things NOT be brought to the public's attention?
Wow, I have a new found respect for McCain. We all have different beliefs on how to achieve a common goal...but we still need to be fair and respectful and McCain is both.
Good for you McCain.. Maybe you're not so insane after all !!
This action has to be applauded. He is is impressing the voters.
This is one of the reasone I will vote for him if Obama is not the Democratic nominee.
McCain once again shows that he, and his campaign, takes pride in running a positive and respectful campaign.