So McCain admires and respects Haggee's leadership; solicits and takes his endorsement; and condems his remarks about the Church, but doesnt understand how Obama can admire and respect Rev Wright. Come on, why do people try to cover up why they wont vote for Obama. It has nothing to do with him as a leader or person, it's his skin color. You can sugar coat it all you want, but everyone knows I speak the truth, even the hypocritic John McCain. He was caught today in the double standard and he knows it and so does America. Nice job today George S!!!!

I was deeply unimpressed with McCain this morning. I am not sure he said anything of consequence, and as in this case, when he did he seemed to back track almost immediately. It was a mistake to get his endorsement but I am glad to have it??? Other than that he just seemed smug and condesending to me, constantly referring to George Stephanopoulous as 'my friend' laughing at smiling at his own cleverness. If thats how he campaigns then Barry Goldwater will have company in the 'Arizona Senators who received a Presidential election thrashing' group. (Also I am guessing the DNC has a file marked 'John McCain misstatements' ready to work into a campaign add somehow.'

I lose more respect for John McCain on a daily basis. This is not the same man I supported for President in 2000. The John McCain from yesteryear would not sell his soul for another vote.

I think the majority of Americans want to see something new next year. John McCain is certainly capable of doing it, but I'm having my doubts that he will clean house of enough of the Bush/Cheney lackeys to make it happen. At least Obama had the decency to distance himself from Wright's comments.

If you voted for Bush/Cheney last time, I hope: 1. You've come to your senses, 2. You have enough shame to not vote this time, or 3. You decide who in your heart is the best candidate - then vote the opposite.

(yes, this is tongue-in-cheek - Kerry wasn't that much of great choice either...)

George and ABC would never ask McCain the truly damaging questions - about his marriage, about his "Gooks" comments...

McCain says it was a mistake and then right away says he's glad to have his endorsement?

what the hell is that?

MIguy are you kidding me Obama just praised Wright the other day.

Obama prayed with Wright before his presidential announcement. He called Wright and apologized for him not speaking this was after he knew about the 9/11 comments.

McCain doesn't even know Hagee.

McCain's is close with his own pastor for 15 years who is well respected.

Compare McCain's real pastor to Wright.

Obama has a far closer relationship with Ayres.

MIguy the religious right hates McCain for you not to vote for him because he is too close to the religious right is laughable.

MIguy you were never a McCain supporter because you are smearing him with lies.

If the Republicans can turn the debate into a "your pastor vs. my crazy religious endorsement", I think they will win. If the economy tanks, then the usual distractions may not be enough. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. What Sharon in AZ was pointing out that the religious right may have to swallow hard on the morals of John McCain in regards to his first wife and youthful indiscretions. To me, what he did is in the past and done. I'm not sure religious/moral conservatives would agree.

(p.s. - I think you're right in that his VP candidate has to be someone with a clue about the economy)

@Jason:

You're getting a bit hot for no particularly good reason. I'm an independent and couldn't care less about what the democrats do here. If you supported McCain in 2000, then you should know what I'm talking about. Here he is cozying up to Bush, who practically called him the Manchurian candidate back then.

I'm not saying he is not a good man or don't vote for him. I am saying that he needs more distance between him and this current administration if he wants to win.

@Marcia:

Testing the mettle of a candidate is important. Even on things that many or most consider 'nonsense issues', it reveals a bit about the candidate in how they respond. Senator Obama is running for President and derisive and dumb comments come with that job. But, also keep in mind that for some Americans these were valid questions that they wanted answered. What's done is done.

As for myself, I think the country is still held hostage by the anger and venom and issues of the 1960's and 70's. It may be this year or another twelve, but eventually this country will get over those divisions and move forward.

McCain sold himself out to help get the evangelical vote. However, they went for Huckabee and now he is going to pay a political price as his butt kissing becomes public.

So McCain admits it was a mistake to solicit and accept Hagee’s endorsement, but he's still glad to have his endorsement.

Huh? I guess McCain fell off the StraightTalk Express again.

If he’s smart, he’d lay off the Ayers accusation because he’ll end up looking reeeeaaaallly silly.

Oh, it's going to be a long, exasperating slog to November.

C'mon, people--let's do our part to force the election to be about real issues. There's certainly a lot to be debated, especially between Obama and McCain.

Which part of this was the mistake? Can't tell from this story and the accompanying conclusive headline.

Look at the differences between mccain, clinton and obama.

Double Standards is a complete understatement.
Obama will always be held accountable for what others say and do, but not the mccain/clinton twins.

That's what you call fair and balanced. Just ask George and Sean.

McCain could easily become President of The FlipFlop Federation. He flipflops with every turn of the sentence! I've never seen anything like it.

Besides, he's a instable lunatic with a dangerous temper (check the Washington Post today... OUCH) so he can forget about the White House.

Silly old man.

Please, the inteview went well and McCain's point is well taken. Obama's choice of friends is in question. Ayers said he hadn't bombed enough buildings .. that is not the kind of supporter I'd want my next Pres. cozying up to ... and justifying it. McCain accepted an endorsement. Not cozy with the guy. Big difference. There were things that he mentioned he liked about Haggee and issues that they agreed on. But Haggee and McCain disagreed on the stand on Catholic Church. So what's the big deal? What does Obama like, exactly, about Rev. Wright's beliefs or Ayers. I would like to hear that, wouldn't you?

George S. is very hypocrite. He cannot pressure Senator McCain to be accountable of other people actions and words. Senator refuses to denounce to reject and denounce the support of pastor Hagee. George S. is a politicin who would to transform himself in journalist. In reality, he is pundit, playing the same game.

Good on Mc Cain to admit his mistake. This is an endorsment from a guy he doesnt even know.

The Obama lovers are CHAFFING at the bit to wash this out as somehow the same thing as taking advise for TWENTY YEARS from Pastor Wright.

But they WONT get away with it. Besides, Obama defended wright as a person. He never denounced the man.

Just the 'provable' offensive comments.

Dont get me started on how he stays at at the church when he KNOWS full well Farakkan was given a lifetime achievemenbt award.

Republicans are saving that swift boat for the general election.

I don't think the country is ready for Obama we have come along way since 1968 but not far enough there are still to many people of age that are not ready IMO

Hey George! How come you never asked Sen. McCain if not wearing a flag pin makes a person unpatriotic? I noticed he didn't have one on. Oh yeah, that question is only for democrats!

Since when has it been stated that Obama has been cozying up to Ayers? He doesn't condone what he did 40 years ago. He is now a university professor who obviously has been doing great work in the Chicago area and many people work with him, not just Obama. You guys are really trying to blow this out of proportion. I like seeing you guys running scared cuz you get desperate in your attempts to demean Obama. Go ahead and vote for a senile,aging,hot tempered republican hack if you want to and see how much further down this great country can go.

Not just Hagee, but Mitt Romney (who's Mormon religion discriminate against African Americans), Rod Parsley and Pat Robinson who said America got what it deserved with 9/11 because of all this sinning going on. Let him try to bring up anybody with reference to Obama in the general election. McCain called vietnamese people "gooks". So if we are to overlook all these things, lets overlook things across the board.

CB-Texas,

I agree with you, both Obama and McCain are hypocrites when it comes to their relationships with extremists pastors.

McCain did admit he made a mistake. Obama never did. In the end, though, both of these people are losers.
========================================
Hillary '08
========================================

Ayers lives in Obama's neighborhood... there was a fundraiser at Ayers house. They served on a non-profit board together that served the community...
If people think this means that they are friends.. that they hang out... that Ayers advises Obama... they agree on anything... then God help us. Do you idiots remember the McCarthy Era? If not, for petes sake, go read up. This kind of guilt by LOOSE association crap is soooo 50s paranoia!

Poor Sen. McCain, he should have known about Rev. John Hagee's stance on the Catholic Church. Then again, Sen. McCain should realize that he is no prize winner for the American people, Sen. McCain should have retired five years ago, when he started accepting social security checks. But where does Sen. McCain stand when it comes to religion and what church does he attend, if he attends. That has not been published or talked about, but yet Sen. McCain does not hesitate to discuss the religion of others.

You people are so possessed with Wright. This man is not running for Presidemt. Obama never said anything racist about anyone, but McCain called Vietnamese people (gooks). What you should be outraged about you aren't. You are all a bunch of phonies.

Good for him if he did flip her off. He did me a favor. Anyway, how can YOU prove that this is what he did?

When asked in an exclusive "This Week" interview with George Stephanopoulos if it was "a mistake to solicit and accept his endorsement", McCain replied "oh, probably, sure." Despite admitting his error, McCain made clear he's still "glad to have his endorsement."

McCain spoke out against Hagee's "condemning of the Catholic church," but added that "I admire and respect Dr. Hagee's leadership...

It's amazing how in the same breath McCain can criticize Obama for not condemning a FORMER member of the Weather Underground even though the record shows Obama stated that he did not agree with this individual's statement, McCain not only refuses to do what he criticizes Obama of not doing, but continues to express his support of Hagee.......talk about talking out of both sides of your mouth;

I don't see McCain rejecting his endorsement now do you? Actions speak louder than words. He could say it was a mistake all day, but it means nothing until he gives that up.

Ok...I get it. Obama is supposed to renounce and denounce associations conservatives find "offensive," - no matter how distant - even though we know those same conservatives (and ABC) will hold the candidate responsible for the opinions of those other people.

However, McCain can say it was probably a mistake, kinda-maybe-well-sorta condemn an association he actively SOUGHT, then say he admires the man. Did I miss ABC News playing a steady loop of Hagee's offensive statements over a week or two with any burning questions about the "controversy?"

Unfortunately, Hagee is just scratching the surface of McCain associations - but the American people will likely never know about anything else.

By the way, whatever happened to Rev. Moon and his association with the Republican party?

And check out the roundtable discussion with George, Cokie, George 2 and Sam after the interview. Apparently Mccain's temper shows his 'character'(chuckle chuckle wink wink says Cokie). I guess that's ok. Obama sits through a 45 min. grilling on lapel pins, former associations, comments on small town character that have been discussed ad nauseum, he gets a little heated and oh my god, there's obviously a character flaw (enter Cokie and friends). Again, get it straight. If temper in one candidate is charming(chuckle chuckle) than what's your problem..Cokie? Anyway apparently alot of US citizens find those pissy outbursts charming check out the current Pres. and his pursed lip attitude. The media is so inept. But seriously, check out the McCain interview again. When is that guy going to learn to talk? Are we going to live through 4 more yrs. with someone as President that can't put a coherent sentence together?

Just sitting hear reading all the comments. Double standards is all I have to say. I don't like this mess. Clinton is a liar and a crook. McCain's temper has to do with his old age. He needs to go on to the house and play with the grandchildren. The White House pressure is going to be too much for him. Oh! He sought out Hagee and then turned on him. Oh! I am glad I got the endorsement. What an idiot! Hagee should disassociate himself from the old nut case! Shame on him! Yet he has the nerve to put his old lips on another candidate. He has no room to criticize anyone. He is an old idiot.

McCain, all pain, no gain.

McCain has accepted the endorsement of the most corrupt President who has business ties to the Bin Ladens, is he guilty of supporting the most wanted terrorist by association?

If Hillary or McCain gets elected a lot of you will find out more about similar organizations like the Woods Foundation that Obama and Ayers worked on together - you will need these organizations' help to get food, pay the rent or mortgage, help finding jobs and job re-training.

The real McCain cannot possibly be known given the extreme and dramatically opposite positions he has taken. In taking the endorsements that he has and the money he has taken to get back into the race, when he was broke, I see no reason to even consider taking a chance on him, especially also given that Senator Obama is perhaps the best candidate that we have seen come forward for very many years. I think Obama understands the need to have competent people in government service and nothing is more important than that. We have seen what happens when we have a president who puts incompetent people in charge, just because they are friends or you owe them something. Now, McCain is in that same position.

By the way, it seemed like McCain did an awful lot of nervous annoyed blinking during the segment.

Could the Washington Post have been on his mind today? (McCain: A Question of Temperament)

I think it's so silly to even think anything about the relationship between Ayers and Obama. So what... Obama was 8 years old when this guy was a part of the underground group. Now the real question is... should people judge McCains wife for her past drug use? I think that would be stupid to do. Should people make a big thing out of that past mistake? That is his wife. That should not be an issue and this Ayers connection is a nothing issue!

I don't get it. McCain agreed that it was a mistake to solicit and accept Hagee's endorsement but then yet he says that he's still "glad to have his endorsement."

Is this guy running for President? And does he realize it yet?

And this is supposed to be "straight talk McCain'? Sounds more like double speak McBush. Will the press hone in on this and play it over and over and over again. Will the press play Hagee's comments on Catholic's and Jerry Falwell's comments on those who practice Judism? Will they ask McCain why he won't renounce these men? Come on folks, let's be real. There is a real unspoken bias out there by many, including many in the media. No one wants to admit it, but it shows up in so many ways from veiled words as to why Obama is not acceptable as a candidate to on-going guilt by association. Anyone ever hear of McCarthyism?

America, I only pray that enough of us have moved beyond this to give our country a chance to return to or at least head back to its glory. Our country is in debt to COMMUNIST China for at least the lives of our grandchildren. With McBush that debt will only get larger as we continue to fund a war we have no money for. We are crumbling from inside and the outside world is getting rich on our mistakes.

I believe Clinton and McBush represent the old school. Their experience has given us what we have today. I personally don't like it. I am ready for change. Vote Obama.

Interesting that McCain's moral failings are brushed off by MIguy as youthful indiscretions. He is as much a hypocrite as McBush. No wonder he supports him.

I suppose pill stealing and pill popping by McBush's wife are just little adult flaws, though ones not as serious as the youthful indiscretions that made her the 2nd and current Mrs.McCain. And what about that plagarism of recipes? Staffer error, MY FOOT!

Guess the right wing evangelicals will just have to eat that up as well.

ABC you got it wrong again. McCain didn't admit anything. He merely talked out of both sides of his mouth.

ABC knows this ploy. Just look at how it explained the Democratic Debate it hosted?

Guess that is why ABC is willing to credit McCain with something he did not really do.

SHAME ON YOU JOHN MCCAIN!!!! YOU'D BETTER PASTOR HAGEE'S ENDORSEMENT. THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY NOW. NO ONE HAS ANY MORALS ANYMORE. THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN GOD OUT OF EVERYTHING, AND THAT'S WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE USA. GOING TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET.

Obama renounced Wright over his comments. McCain did not renounce Hagee. Hagee called the Catholic Church "The Whore of Babylon". If McCain gets into Office he will be politically indebted to this man. Obama will not be indebted to Wright. That's the important difference.

HE HE

What next, Sen McCain?
That seeking the presidency was a mistake?
Hurry up!

Pastor Hagee / Cain '08, WRONG for America

Di, Apr 21, 2008
"...so I guess that just leaves HILLARY to vote for as PRESIDENT!!!"

And then you find out that not only is Hillary a liar and a cheat and a fool and old, but she is downright ornery.

That leaves only you, now.
DI'08 !!

Tuzla / "Screw 'em" Hillary '08, WRONG for America

Considering the fact that most people befriend the people they share common beliefs with, I'm sure there isn't a candidate running for President whether it's Hillary, Barack, or John, who on occasion hasn't come to regret sharing bread with someone. Unlike Obama, Hillary and John don't appear to have made a habit of it.

If Obama gets elected, I can imagine him putting a spin on Bill Clinton's now famous condescending appeal to the downtrodden. "I feel your pain." In Obama's case, judging from his current and past associations, he'll open his remarks in private negotiations with the likes of Hamas with "I share your resentment." Do we really need that kind of thinking in the White House?

To all of you McCain supporters (and that includes George Stephanopoulos), McCain has consistently said he tried to get Hagee's endorsement. And, although he does not agree with his statements, he admires the man! Get real - he will say or do anything to get votes and the backing he needs to win. Both Obama and Ayers live in the same neighborhood but are not friends - just acquaintances. Yes he was at a party at Ayers house but I've been at parties at peoples homes that I have barely known. I'm sure we all have.

I'll vote for Obama because he is not like John McCain who would backpeddle on any and everything he has ever done to get the Presidency. He, unfortunately, has lost his honor and integrity with his all consuming desire to be President.

well its too bad the supreme court dosen't interpet the word of god as well as pastor hagee dose. this nation would be in alot better shape,then it is today.after all what was the principles that started this great nation built on?the bible and the beleive of one god,where did we go wrong?god will bless the nation that blesses isreal and curse the nation that curses isreal-you better read the instructions before its to late.

Wait 'til Sen McCain goes under the press's microscope (has NOT so far)?
He cannot walk on water, and info. on him will confirm it.

As certianly as McCain cannot walk on water, neither can Geo. Stephanopoulos ... he proved that VERY recently ....

As certianly as McCain cannot walk on water, neither can Geo. Stephanopoulos ... he proved that VERY recently ....

Rudy Giuliani's priest has been accused in grand jury proceedings of molesting several children and covering up the molestation of others. Giuliani would not disavow him on the campaign trail and still works with him.

Mitt Romney was part of a church that did not view black Americans as equals and actively discriminated against them. He stayed with that church all the way into his early thirties, until they were finally forced to change their policies to come into compliance with civil rights legislation. Romney never disavowed his church back then or now. He said he was proud of the faith of his fathers.

Jerry Falwell said America had 9/11 coming because we tolerated gays, feminists and liberals. It was our fault. Our chickens had come home to roost, if you will. John McCain proudly received his support and even spoke at his university's commencement. This is the individual Rev. Wright was quoting.

Reverend John Hagee has called the Catholic Church the "Great Whore." He has said that the Anti-Christ will rise out of the European Union (of course, the Anti-Christ will also be Jewish). He has said all Muslims are trained to kill and will be part of the devil's army when Armageddon comes (which he hopes is soon). John McCain continues to say he is proud of Reverend Hagee's endorsement.

Reverend Rod Parsley believes America was founded to destroy Islam. Since this is such an outlandish claim, I have to add for the record, that he is not kidding. Reverend Parsley says Islam is an "anti-Christ religion" brought down from a "demon spirit." Of course, we are in a war against all Muslims, including presumably Muslim-Americans. Buts since Parsley believes this is a Christian nation and that it should be run as a theocracy, he is not very concerned what Muslim-Americans think.

John McCain says Reverend Rod Parsley is his "spiritual guide."

What separates all of these outrageous preachers from Barack Obama's? You guessed it. They're white and Reverend Jeremiah Wright is not. If it's not racism that's causing the disparity in media treatment of these preachers, then what is it? Someone needs to ask Stephanopoulus that in his next, heaven forbid, moderation of a debate.

JEK - OH SO TRUE!

I'm glad to see there still are some "down-to earth" truth tellers out there!

The problem is, this guy Hagee just opened his mouth again yesterday? The same old "Katrina happened because of the gay rights parade that was scheduled the next day" drivel. If the Dems should be creating swiftboat-like commercials starring this clown. Seeking this guys "evangelical" endorsement, saying that may have been a mistake is still proud to have it far, far worse of an association that the Obama and the Rev Wright. THIS, Hagee and McCain, is NOW! If were going to play gotcha and guilt by association, then this is just as much an issue, if not more.

I was originally for McCain but it was this kind of two-faced double talk that changed my mind. What a B.S.er. and then he tries to turn the attention to Obama's comments re: coburn. Well, Coburn is reputed to be a scarey nutcase. Coburn, who is a physician, called for the death penalty for doctors who perform abortions, and it was Coburn who said that black men had "a genetic predisposition to have less of a life expectancy."

Wow; the watered-down backpedaling was worse than I thought:

>> "glad to have his endorsement." > McCain has previously admitted to soliciting Rev. Hagee's endorsement. <<

I didn't know that he SOLICITED and remained glad to have the endorsement. This sounds like a Bush-grade case of wanting to eat his cake and have it too. Shameful.