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McCain Camp Pounces on Obama Comments From ABC News Interview

June 16, 2008 10:18 PM

The campaign of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., tonight pounced on comments Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., made in an interview today with ABC News.

**

This was the exchange in question.

TAPPER: Speaking of the Supreme Court, you applauded the decision that the Supreme Court made last week. The Bush administration says, no matter what people think about other programs, other policies they've initiated, there has not been a terrorist attack within the U.S. since 9/11. And they say the reason that is, is because of the domestic programs, many of which you opposed, the NSA surveillance program, Guantanamo Bay, and other programs. How do you know that they're wrong? It's not possible that they're right?

OBAMA: Well, keep in mind I haven't opposed, for example, the national security surveillance program, the NSA program. What I've said that we can do it within the constraints of our civil liberties and our Constitution.

TAPPER: They disagree, though.

OBAMA: Well, but the fact that they disagree does not mean that they're right on this. What it means is, is that they have been willing to skirt basic protections that are in our Constitution, that our founders put in place.

And it is my firm belief that we can track terrorists, we can crack down on threats against the United States, but we can do so within the constraints of our Constitution. And there has been no evidence on their part that we can't.

And, you know, let's take the example of Guantanamo. What we know is that, in previous terrorist attacks -- for example, the first attack against the World Trade Center, we were able to arrest those responsible, put them on trial. They are currently in U.S. prisons, incapacitated.

And the fact that the administration has not tried to do that has created a situation where not only have we never actually put many of these folks on trial, but we have destroyed our credibility when it comes to rule of law all around the world, and given a huge boost to terrorist recruitment in countries that say, "Look, this is how the United States treats Muslims."

So that, I think, is an example of something that was unnecessary. We could have done the exact same thing, but done it in a way that was consistent with our laws.

**

McCain campaign Foreign Policy Advisor Randy Scheunemann said in response: "Barack Obama's belief that we should treat terrorists as nothing more than common criminals demonstrates a stunning and alarming misunderstanding of the threat we face from radical Islamic extremism. Obama holds up the prosecution of the terrorists who bombed the World Trade Center in 1993 as a model for his administration, when in fact this failed approach of treating terrorism simply as a matter of law enforcement rather than a clear and present danger to the United States contributed to the tragedy of September 11th. This is change that will take us back to the failed policies of the past and every American should find this mindset troubling."

- jpt

June 16, 2008 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | Share | User Comments (171)

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the==================state can afford stupid things like putting up Guard Rails on Bond Rd (Hwy 307). The State can buy property up to give right of ways to bridges. However, when it comes to good clean recreational activities for families, it cannot afford them.This so smacks of the school systems threatening to close down the football program everytime they want to catch the attention of the masses.I love Ft Flagler with its miles of flat beach to walk on. And the high cliffs and views of the Olympic mts., Indian Island, Ft Warden, Mt Baker, Whidbey Island, and Port Townsend. The historic military buildings and the bunkers are also a nice attraction.
====================
mike
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camper trailer-camper trailer

Posted by: sameer | Jun 12, 2009 4:36:24 PM

The whole point IS THAT PRES. BUSH IS FOLLOWING THE CONSTITUTION TO THE LETTER.ENEMY COMBATATANTS HAVE NO CIVIL RIGHTS AT A TIME OF WAR AND THEY ARE HELD WITH NO "CHARGES" TILL THE END OF HOSTILITIES JUST LIKE DURING WWII.READ OUR HISTORY AND READ THE DECLARTION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION, YOU MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING!

Posted by: theo | Jun 18, 2008 3:04:53 PM

This is a joke right? No? THen Obama and all his groupies are the joke.

Posted by: DD | Jun 18, 2008 6:59:48 AM

Seems like a lot of people were reading this one...and when people really read and analyze the words Obama says instead of watching them performed....they "get it"

Obama has taken bits and peices of all the recent campaigns and studied them. Then he took whatever worked and used it.

Unfortunately for public policy he seems inclined to take old ideas that didn't work and policies and positions that do not appeal to centrists, but rather pander to his base (elites, younger voters and most of all the ones that believe that Obama is the second coming).

I appreciate your attempts to introduce us to Obama. I prefer it to the outspoken advocacy and the rampant glorification that the media has by and large inflicted on the average voter throughout the primary.

Posted by: Jackie | Jun 18, 2008 3:16:26 AM

Yea, if only Obama would've been president during WWII, then surely Hitler would have sit down with him and worked it all out and never would have invaded Poland or France! NOTTTTTT! Yeah right! Has anybody noticed that the emperor doesn't have any clothes on yet?!

Posted by: Wayne | Jun 17, 2008 9:51:30 PM

Your kidding me. What on earth is wrong with staying within the confines of our precious Constitution while fighting terrorists? Are you all so cowardly that you wish to toss away that which makes us special to begin with, that which millions of men have died over our history to preserve? My God I do not believe what I am seeing. The problem is not the terrorists, it is our own terror.

Posted by: Jammer | Jun 17, 2008 9:06:43 PM

NEWSFLASH:

PUMA Democrats to Take Back their Party.

Pelosi, Dean, Reid, Kerry, Brazile, MSNBC, Richardson and Obama will be the first to be held ACCOUNTABLE.

Posted by: JustWords | Jun 17, 2008 6:26:07 PM

This comment the war should be fought by lawyers is just plain stupid, they going to duel with pens. Shows Obama is just plain ignorant when it comes to the war. I can't believe even the Dems by that one....If they do it just show what a joke they are...... On top of that comment he wants open borders what's wrong with this man?? Oh that's right 57 states

Posted by: Reddesires | Jun 17, 2008 6:06:37 PM

Terrorism;
Princeton defines terrorism as:
terrorism
noun
the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear

The point here is who are the ones that are prone to FEAR. Is it the American people, that is fearful of attack after 911, when our President allowed Bin laden family to leave the country??

Is it the American people, that is fearful because Bush SOLD THE WAR IN IRAQ, under false pretense.
Is Americans fearful because the FBI, THE CIA, THE NSA and others under the BUSH Admin. allowed this to happen under his watch, with the blame being put on Iraq.

THE ONE WE SHOULD BE FEARFUL OF IS McCAIN AND THE OLD BUSH CLAN.. YES WE CAN

Posted by: American10 | Jun 17, 2008 5:23:30 PM

Terrorism is a tactic. You can't declare "War" against a tactic.

Posted by: ThunderMonkey | Jun 17, 2008 2:19:48 PM

a Tactic? Are you kidding me? Tactics are operational functions to execute, carry-out a strategy or plan. It is the mechanical motion to achieve an overall goal. Terrorism is many things, but it is NOT a tactic. What it is, is a battle against an ideology, with which you cannot negotiate. An extreme radical is not going to suddenly stop and say, "oh Mr. Obama you're right, and we've been wrong all these years, my apologies, we go now"

I'm not excited about McCain either, but he is right in that Obama is incredibly naive in International Politics, and Interantional Law. The most persistent problem in which, is achieving common definitions and an agreed upon punishment for crimes, corruption, terrorism. What is corruption in the U.S., is part of the culture and ways of business in countries like Indonesia. Just ask companies like P&G, who had to play by their rules in business, but get smacked by U.S. law.
Obama is clueless in the international realm, and that is what scares me

Posted by: jpnc | Jun 17, 2008 3:52:34 PM

Terrorism is a tactic. You can't declare "War" against a tactic.

Posted by: ThunderMonkey | Jun 17, 2008 2:19:48 PM

a Tactic? Are you kidding me? Tactics are operational functions to execute, carry-out a strategy or plan. It is the mechanical motion to achieve an overall goal. Terrorism is many things, but it is NOT a tactic. What it is, is a battle against an ideology, with which you cannot negotiate. An extreme radical is not going to suddenly stop and say, "oh Mr. Obama you're right, and we've been wrong all these years, my apologies, we go now"

I'm not excited about McCain either, but he is right in that Obama is incredibly naive in International Politics, and Interantional Law. The most persistent problem in which, is achieving common definitions and an agreed upon punishment for crimes, corruption, terrorism. What is corruption in the U.S., is part of the culture and ways of business in countries like Indonesia. Just ask companies like P&G, who had to play by their rules in business, but get smacked by U.S. law.
Obama is clueless in the international realm, and that is what scares me

Posted by: Tactical Error | Jun 17, 2008 3:51:49 PM

McBush...because you don't really value your freedom.

Posted by: kravitz | Jun 17, 2008 2:58:01 PM

Terrorists are criminals (not common... no one ever said that they were common). Terrorism is a tactic. You can't declare "War" against a tactic.

Posted by: ThunderMonkey | Jun 17, 2008 2:19:48 PM

One of the major news networks (starts with a "C" and ends with an "N") did a detailed comparison of Obama and McCain tax plans last week. Unless you make over $160,000 a year...your tax burden will be going UP under McCain and DOWN with Obama. That makes McCain just like Bush Junior...an enemy of America's hard-working middle-class and a puppet of the wealthiest. Bottom line: If McSame's elected (and you're not rich) get ready for FOUR MORE YEARS OF PAIN and SUFFERING.

Posted by: wilderrr | Jun 17, 2008 2:07:22 PM

Sometimes the most stupid comments have the most truth in them.

Posted by: joe | Jun 17, 2008 12:28:51 PM

Obama is so out of touch with reality (and Constitutional law) it's staggering!

Posted by: Cory | Jun 17, 2008 12:24:02 PM

GEEVIL

Thanks for all the caps.

1. You are talking about the Illinois Senate campaign. I was talking about the US Senate campaign, which he won with 70% of the vote.

2. No he didn't vote against the war, not being in the US Senate at that time. However, he spoke out about it forcefully at a time when few else were, including Democrats. He's been vindicated by events. Appeasement -- please, read a bit about it.

3. Try some anti-psychotic medication.

Posted by: Rocky | Jun 17, 2008 12:16:33 PM

Obama has the reputation for being soft on crime in Chicago--the gang violence there is rampant.

I don't trust him to protect our country.

Posted by: cindy in nc | Jun 17, 2008 11:27:56 AM

McCain looking to the tired old GOP playbook of the past:

Generally speaking, Rove's advice is action-oriented and useful," said another senior consultant to the McCain camp. "It's always well received." This McCain adviser noted that Rove talks periodically to Black and a few other top campaign aides on several key matters. "It can be policy ideas, messaging ideas, fundraising prospects, or people who need calls from someone in the campaign." Rove is "part of the information network that the campaign has," this adviser said, adding that Rove talks fairly regularly to such key people as Wayne Berman, a major fundraiser for McCain; Nicolle Wallace, a communications adviser; and Steve Schmidt, a senior aide.

McCain the same as Bush - even uses the same people and tactics as Bush.

Posted by: GEEVIL | Jun 17, 2008 10:50:13 AM

Winning his US senate seat in a landslide.
ACCOMPLISHMENT? THROWING PRIMARY OPPONENTS OFF THE BALLOT, UNSEALING DIVORCE RECORDS, FACING A NUT JOB CARPETBAGGER.

STRIKE 1

- Being right on Iraq and making speeches about it when it was politically unpopular.

WRONG ABOUT THE SURGE. VOTES PRESENT. NEVER VOTED AGAINST THE WAR. SOFT ON TERRORISM. WANTS TO APPEASE IRAN AND OTHER PRO-TERRORIST NATIONS

BIG WHIFF STRIKE 2

- Coming from a broken home to where he is now.

COMES FROM WELL-TO-DO FAMILY, JOINED A RACIST BLACK MILITANT CHURCH TO GET WHERE HE IS NOW. HAD EMIL JONES STRONG ARM PEOPLE OUT OF THE WAY. THREW ALICE PALMER UNDER THE BUS. USED SUPERDELEGATES, HAD A SYCHOPHANT MEDIA, PLACE THE RACE CARD, AND DISENFRANCHISED VOTERS TO GET THE UNOFFICIALL NOMINATION

SWINGS AND MISSES. STRIKE THREE


OBAMA HAS NOT DONE DIDDILY SQUAT.

Posted by: GEEVILL | Jun 17, 2008 10:18:13 AM

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