McCain camp says Hamas wants Obama
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/04/18/art.mccainemail.cnn.jpg caption="The McCain campaign says he would be tougher on Hamas."] (CNN) - John McCain’s campaign sent supporters a fundraising e-mail Friday that claims Hamas approves of Democrat Barack Obama’s foreign policy vision, and is hoping for his victory this fall.
“Barack Obama's foreign policy plans have even won him praise from Hamas leaders,” writes McCain deputy campaign manager Christian Ferry. “Ahmed Yousef, chief political adviser to the Hamas Prime Minister said, ‘We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election. He has a vision to change America.’”
The McCain fundraising e-mail says Obama’s stands have earned him “kind words” from Hamas. “John McCain's foreign policy provides a stark contrast to the policies of Barack Obama,” writes Ferry. “While Senator Obama would surrender in Iraq and hold talks with the Iranian regime, John McCain will never surrender in the struggle with Islamic extremists. Please join our campaign today by making a generous donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or $2,300.”
In response to earlier comments by McCain over Obama’s position on former President Jimmy Carter’s meeting with Hamas – when the Arizona senator said that “Senator Obama does not have the experience to make the right judgment as to how to deal with terrorist organizations, obviously” and that he approved of the dialogue – the Obama campaign said that the Democratic presidential hopeful did not condone the former president’s decision.
Obama supporter Rep. Robert Wexler responded to the McCain fundraising e-mail Friday. "John McCain likes to talk about the civil campaign he plans to run, and yet today he has engaged in a shameful, divisive, and cynical kind of politics that he pretends to reject - all in reckless pursuit of campaign dollars," said Wexler, calling the message "empty tough talk and divisive fear mongering."
"We call on Senator McCain to reject this embarrassing and outrageous tone, and to join with Barack Obama in calling for an America that is united in its determination to isolate Hamas and support our ally Israel," he said.
UPDATE: EDITED to reflect that the World Net Daily/WABC exclusive interview has since been widely distributed through other news outlets.
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"That's why I have a fundamental difference with President Carter and disagree with his decision to meet with Hamas. We must not negotiate with a terrorist group intent on Israel's destruction. We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist and abide by past agreements." Obama April, 2008
Mr Wexler, are you scared now ?
You are smart but so ignorant of the happenings in and around the world.
Don't run away from the truth, its 100% TRUE.
You better think about "empty tough talk and divisive fear mongering."
What a suprise a republican playing the fear card. This is no suprise. JOhn McCain and his cronies are doing exact,y what G.W. did to get elected and it is a shame. We need someone in Washington who doesn't intend on scaring American's to accomplish their goals. Thats why they are afraid of Barack. He is fresh, not corrupt, not to old, and a good american. Fear mongeror that is what JOhn McCain is.
These Rep Fkrs will stop at nothing - John McCain is just another in a multitude of enemies of this nation. Kick the bastards out!
McCain better be carefull. He pledged to wage a clean campaign but now he is taking advises out of Carl Rove play book. We have learned the lessons and they will fail miserably. They will bite the dirt this time.
This is another example of idiocy triumphing in American politics. Perhaps, just perhaps, Hamas leaders would endorse Obama because they can actually see him trying to work with our enemies in order to reach real solutions, as opposed to shooting first and asking questions later like that fool McCain plans to. I am disgusted that John McCain's campaign has resorted to mudslinging of this nature before the primaries are even finished, and believe me, I will wholeheartedly enjoy adding a shovelful of dirt to McCain's presidential campaign in November.
Sen. Obama has clearly stated that he would establish a dialogue with US enemies. Don't you remember that you spoke to a group that you opposed this past April in Memphis? The very person you are against today may be the vote you will need in November. At no point has the word surrender been stated by either Democratic candidate.
You would think the elder statesman in the race would be able to control his campaign but I guess he is full of heat air and no substance. In addition, the same goes for Obama who I support, he can't let people personally discredit the elder statesman even if he is a Republican gone from moderate to conservative.
That is the most rediculous thing I've heard; the republican attack machine is starting the rusty wheels a turnin.
McCain has already started the "politics of fear" campaign? Just look at the source where he got this story and ask yourself this question? Would we really have 4 more years of this kind of "misstatements" from someone who we want to lead our nation, again? Haven't we had 8 years of this and isn't 8 years enough?
McCain says he doesn't want to engage in negative campaigning. What a crock.. same old Karl Rove playbook for Weather Vane McCain.
Wasn't CNN once a legitimate news reporting network? It seems you have now become a poitical advocate. Apparently your quest for ratings and influence has overcome your objectivity. Too bad. I thought you did an excellent job during the first Gulf War but your standards have greatly eroded since.
That's right McCain, Obama wants to give peace a chance. Nothing wrong with that is there?
well there goes the civil campaign McCain promised. It's ok Johnny - Obama will raise more MONEY than you can dream of through your hate mails.. don't expect him to take public financing and fight your hate mails.
McCain is a disguised neocon who will be uncover soon.
And so it begins.
This thing is barely a step about quoting the Enquirer in a Campaign Fundraiser.
Here we go Obama,your friends talking about you!
Yeah,and Bin Laden approves of McCain because the Republicans aren't going to try to eliminate their meal ticket...
Wow, you'd think after the disgusting rumors that the Bush campaign spread about McCain and his Bangladeshi daughter that he'd be more empathetic, prudent and cautious. This is fearmongering but I guess they figure Obama is going to be the dem nominee.
Obama supports Isreal.I don't think we can blame a candidate for the people that choose to support them.
Of course they Obama (H) or any other democrats that will bow down to islam
Give me a break, when John McCain (Bush Lite) knows the difference between the Sunni and Shia, then he can start to talk about Hamas. Baby steps old man, baby steps.
Way to be a fear monger mccain. If you can't win by bad policies, go with fear.
McSame has truly stooped to a new level. If you disagree with him, you are now "recklessly dishonest", and apparently supported by Hama's in what has to be the worst attempt at Ad Hominem ever.
This is exactly why we need Obama! Our image has been destroyed all over the planet! Even countries that were allies with us, have been at odds with the current administration. I hope Hamas likes Obama, I hope the entire world will let us repair our good standing! We cannot refuse to listen to our enemies, especially if we continue to alienate the rest of the world with our bomb first attitude. I am all for national defense, and if anyone attacks us, we need to put the big fist on them. But the days of policing the planet have got to stop, we cannot afford to do it, we are broke! It's time for a little life boat diplomacy, bring home most of the troops, (finish off Osama), and clean up this country. These candidates have stopped talking about the 10 million people living in this country illegally. I'm sure it's by mutual agreement of the DNC, because they want the Latino vote. But it is crippling job market, and they are being paid under the table, not paying taxes.