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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Why is it with Obama ... the "truth" is an "attack" ... but his attempt to compare Geraldine Ferraro with Rev. Wright goes unanswered by the Media? McCain should re-hire this staff member... now!
I hope all Americans are taking Heed from the speech that Obama made on Tuesday..Especially the Media.
Thanks
I admire you, John
It must be fun: use surrogate to attack, then deny. Also check out Cunningham, Lanny Davis etc. New ideas anyone?
And it starts!!! Obama should have step down for his continued support for Rev. Wright.
I see no one wants to talk here ? maybe Obama is wrong and no one really really wants to express there true feelings hmmmmmm!!
Way to go McCain!! What a man.
Isn't it funny how McCain does these things AFTER they are released?
It's like...release the comments men...then I will fire you.
Man, McCain is acting better than Clinton!
As an Obama supporter i find this refreshing and proof that, when Clinton finally quits, McCain and Obama can have a substantive debate on their positions rather than throwing mud at each other.
Well I won't vote for McCain, but I have to say, he is much more principled than Hillary. Who would have thought.
this is so blantanly a move purposely done by McCain that it's absoultely ludicrious for us to believe that some staffer independently taped and distributed the sermon, supposedly without McCain's knowledge. Do they think we're stupid?
Great job! Mccain is doing better than the media, staying to the issues.
Too bad Obama isn't facing a Democratic opponent with the integrity of John McCain!
I commend John McCain, whom I normally disagree with, for showing leadership in this. This country cannot afford a disgusting general election with swift-boat attacks from either side. We need an election based on issues and substance.
If Hillary steals the primary, this is why I would vote for McCain in the general election.
Hillary and Obama can learn something from McCain with this move. Stop the negative campaigning.
Good enough on this already. It’s time to get back to the real issues that is hurting this country. Jobs, economy, war, our in structure and what and how the international community is looking at America.
I know many of my fellow liberals feel that the Republicans will sink to any depths to win the general election, but at this point it seems as though McCain will be a worthy and respectful opponent for Sen. Obama, should he win. If only we could say that for his current opponent.
Oh sure, it was probably in on the plan, him and Karl Rove, that's the way the repulicans work, dirty, dirty , dirty.
GREAT MOVE McCAIN, ACT AS A LEADER.
OBAMA 08!
Good for you McCain!
I applaud the McCain Campaign for this action, Stick to the issues people!
I love the route McCain has taken in regards to his supporters attacking Obama and Clinton. No sucker punches, no exceptions. Obviously he wants to project himself as a wise gentleman, a healer and a man worthy of respect. As of this point he has been very successful. As a Obama supporter I find this refreshing and admirable. I hope once the general election begins between Obama and McCain it will follow a similar tone of mutual respect between them.
Well, here's the quick answer to the Clinton campaign, which seems perfectly willing to let the racism issue fester so long as it helps Hillary.
There is absolutely no way that I would ever vote for Hillary now should she successfully steal the nomination from Obama–she clearly will do, or not do, anything to get the nomination.
Definitely gives McCain a few points in my mind. I may even consider voting for him if he wasn't such a warmonger.