Campaign says McCain didn't hear question on attack book
(CNN) - John McCain's campaign is denying Democratic charges the presumptive Republican nominee flippantly dismissed a new book attacking Barack Obama that includes several documented falsehoods.
Asked by the Associated Press earlier Friday what he though of author Jerome Corsi's new book, "The Obama Nation," McCain said, "gotta keep your sense of humor."
Related: Book blasted for 'vicious innuendo'
Those comments were immediately slammed by the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee, which e-mailed its 3.4 million supporters declaring, "John McCain thinks smears and lies are funny."
"Despite pledging to run a respectful campaign, McCain is just standing by while Corsi and his publisher, former Dick Cheney aide Mary Matalin, poison this presidential race," read the e-mail from DNC Rapid Response Team.
Watch: Is Obama being swift-boated?
But McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said later Thursday the Arizona senator actually did not hear the question, and would not be commenting on the book.
The book, which is expected to debut No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list, repeats many long-discredited falsehoods about the Illinois senator, including the claim that he is Muslim.
Corsi, who has said he's on a “mission” to take down Obama, also co-wrote "Unfit for Command" - the 2004 book that spawned the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth attacks against then-Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.
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Suuure he didn't. McCain gets lower every day.
I'm not sure which is worse: the possibility that as president John McCain might "not hear" critical information on national security issues, or the fact that when confronted for an answer he dismisses the question AGAIN.
OK, so let's trust you "didn't hear" the first time John – but why would we believe you if you dismiss it the SECOND time you are asked?
Mccain lies/smears and once caught lying, says "it's just for fun, we're having fun." That has become a pattern. They'll lie and produce a dishonest ad and their excuse is that they're just having fun. This is new, but unexpected from Republicans.
"Corsi, who has said he's on a “mission” to take down Obama, also co-wrote "Unfit for Command" — the 2004 book that spawned the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth attacks against then-Democratic presidential nominee John McCain."
Weird, I thought the Democratic presidential nominee was John Kerry...but I could be wrong!
If he denounces this trash, he doesn't mean it. He'll let his surrogates and Fox Faux pipe out the lies. He does have a vile sense of humor–laughing about Hilliary being called the B word and the very funny (NOT) bomb bomb Iran song. It stands to reason he would think a book of lies about Obama is funny.
AS WITH ALL OF MCMORON'S PLEDGES,
THE PLEDGE TO CONDUCT A DIGNIFIED
CAMPAIGN, GOES THE WAY OF THE KEATING FIVE.
John McCain has always had a "sense of humor" that worries me. Remember "Bomb, bomb, bomb ... bomb, bomb Iran" ??
Coming from a prospective President, that kind of humor is very disturbing!
Be very very afraid of John McCain as president.
We have a new name for you ... MCLIAR.
Shame on you McCain. There is nothing funny about that trash. America please not enough idiot for office. Pleaseee....
Eh? What did ya say sonny? I didn't quite hear that?
Apparently, in addition to being senile, he is also losing his hearing.
The old man needs a hearing aid.
Why do ignorant people enjoy reading propaganda?
Because if they knew the truth, they would have to admit their ignorance.
John McCain was the 2004 Democratic nominee for president?? CNN needs to check their sources...
-the 2004 book that spawned the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth attacks against then-Democratic presidential nominee John McCain.-
Oops, John Kerry.
McCain's response is a childish one. If he were responsible, he would admit that the book contains proven lies and was written by someone who openly hates women, muslims, and catholics.
I wonder about all the questions McCain "won't hear" from the American people if we elect him.
Obama sure did not mind smearing the Clintons- he trashed Bill's presidency... he called Bill and Hill racists... he mocked Hill with his silly Annie Oakley act... he lied about Hillary's positions on NAFTA and the war.
So he does not like it unless he is the one dishing it out?
WOW! DOUBLE lame for McCain. He either blatantly ignored and blew off the question, OR "didn't hear it."
BOTH are sad for him. Go get a hearing aid.
I believe you mean John Kerry
the 2004 book that spawned the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth attacks against then-Democratic presidential nominee "John McCain".
Dumb "A"
Another reason to not vote for McSenile, the hearing is gone,except he always has an excuse when he makes a gaffe . OBAMA/BAYH 08
Connie from Indiana
Thank you for changing the ticker headline, CNN.
swiftboat against mccain? uh, dont you mean kerry? or did i miss something
So McCain's hearing is going too? Boy, what a great choice for president! An old man who can't remember anything, can't hear.. very progressive.
It's natural that he didn't hear the question. Old age deteriorates the hearing.