I agree it was an underhanded jibe at McCain's experience. I was thinking the same thing, the minute I read that phrase about "bearings." Just how "disoriented & confused" can Obama become? If he wants to point out how much more experienced his opponent is, it will not do him much good with intelligent voters. Most people with any foresight recognize that someday, if they don't go for the alternative, they will get older.

Losing his bearings is like losing a grip on reality. It has nothing to do with age. This is so far fetched.

"Getting bearings," and hence "losing one's bearings" is a navigational term. It is akin to saying "has lost his moral compass" or "strayed from the high road."

Get a grip, people. He didn's say "lost his ballbearings" or "lost his marbles." If those are the first things you thought of, then maybe you ought to examine how YOU really feel about McCain's age.

Pray tell us what he did mean by that phrase "losing his bearings"? Sounds like an old car to me. As we already know, Obama can use a phrase like "bitter....so they cling to their guns and their religion"...WE GET IT! It's called hit and run tactics. He makes a hit, then his surrogates try to clean it up for him. Pennsyvanians have not forgotten the "bitter" remark, and neither have we.

Obama's problem is that he is green. It is too much information to remember every detail. He forgets, then says something so satirical, if not stupid.
That is exactly why he cannot and does not want to debate. He needs a speech, even if it is one someone else already gave.

Come on, the guy is OLD. He would be the oldest guy ever elected. IT IS AN ISSUE. mc-more-war should retire with his millionaire wife and enjoy the time he has left. Obama 2008!!!

He has lost his bearings, From the Maverick to the Republican mouthpiece. Since his lost to Bush and his capitulation to the Republican Party, I have lost all respect for the man.

His continued support for the Bush Policies shows, no proves, he he has lost his bearings

Let's talk about the issues. Enough of this he said she said. What's the price of gas? What's going on with this war?

Ageism, Pilots have to retire from flying at age 60. That's not ageism is it. Would you want an 80 year-old flying your plane or doing your triple bypass? Age is an issue. A president has to be on top of things. Remember Reagan in his second term? Besides have you heard the stories about his temper? Most senators have a story about how mccain lost-it one time or another. This country does not need an OLD, HOT-TEMPERED guy dealing with this country's problems.

ok, let's talk about how here in Illinois when obama was in the Illinois Senate, he was approached by a Village of people (near Chicago) who were worried because the nearby Nuclear Powerplant decided that it could dump nuclear waste near their Village and not have to even tell them.

They asked for help from Senator obama. His calls in the Villagers' defense in the Legislature got more dim with time, until obama finally caved in and actually signed a bill that supported the Nuclear power plant, instead.

Geez......

What else can the McCain camp say to distract voters' attention from McCains clumsy insult on Obama? It was a strong indicator that McCain is really not all that committed to deliver on his pledge to run a respectful campaign.

I find it interesting that everybody has instantly assumed he was talking about McCain's age... Is it not all of us that had the 'age factor' trigger in our heads when the phrase was muttered??? Is it not a fact? He is saying what we are all thinking. It was no great leap for anyone to think this was an age reference... It is just not nice to pick on an old man... think about it.

oh, PT, come ON. "Loosing it" and getting hot-tempered has NOTHING to do with getting older; it implies that you have passion for something. I'll bet Senator Ted Kennedy has gotten plenty hot-tempered in his LOOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGG career.

Age, people, is NOT indicitive of "losing one's facilities". THAT IS A MYTH. Just as some younger people get Alzheimer's at an early age, there are MANY older people who are still VERY MUCH WITH IT, even at age 99. Age has NOTHING to do with a person getting "rotten in the brain": DISEASE DOES. Let this be your FIRST LESSON about AGE, people. You have a lot to learn.

As for the comment, it seems clear he was making another reference to the 'straight-talk express' losing its wheels. He has been consistent in that message; if you don't care for him or this supposition, that's fine but it wasn't an "ageism" attack.

On the other hand, it does not help McCain to bring up his age. I do not think he is too "old" like Jack Murtha said, but being President ages you (look at Bush and Clinton before and after). And McCain has had cancer as well. Don't think that matters? Well, you don't have to go back very far to Paul Tsongas. This is going to be an issue (spoken or otherwise) until he chooses his VP candidate.

Age has nothing to do with it. McCain has always been this way. One of his symptoms is that he doesn't consider what the reaction might be to his actions or comments. They have medication.

It will be incredible this fall to see how many fired-up democrats of any age will have 'lost their bearings' along with Rush, Hannity, and Coulter, and go to the polls to vote for Republican McCain and his pledges for unlimited continuation of the Bush war in Iraq, his pledges to appoint multiple conservative judges, his pledge to leave health care alone, and his pledged support for the continued heavy Bush tax breaks for the rich. Really, it's not rural whites that are bitter, it's scorned and angry Hillary supporters. Thanks Hillary, for doing what the party elders feared- tearing the democratic party apart at the seams. Hope you can salvage the party in a few weeks- it's all up to you.

@Vietvet: My point is that gauging their intentions is problematic. It seems silly that they would signal their preferred candidate. It makes more sense that they would think that whomever they "support" would get negative blowback. Continuation of Bush's non-policies and wars in the area helps Hamas.

Ah i see its the general election time. Please GOP suck it up. You wanted someone to be tough and someone who wasnt soft and he throws a little shot at youre whinning? looks like this election might be a cake walk. if rev wright is somehow a legit issue for a job application then age sure is too. you cant enter the military if youre older than 30 something and you cant run for president if youre younger than 36. now age isnt an issue? why is the drinking law 21 the voting law 18 and the driving law 16? hmm think about it. Toughen up repubs

He's 71? I didn't know that he was so old.

It's funny- if Hillary or Bill had said that McCain had 'lost his bearings' on an issue, no one would have said anything! Why? Everyone wants to parse anything Barack says. He can't win for losing with this bitter crowd.

McCain's a Navy man, if he does not know that 'losing his bearings' means then he is just lying. Everyone in the Navy knows that phrase means that you have lost your way. "Bearings" is a navigational word in that context.

People, if you think it means anything else then your arguement is foolish. So if the Navy man wants to say this is anything else than a person saying "you have lost your way" then they are....

--Miguy, that is an interesting point. Hamas enjoys such popular support among its followers because of the continuing tensions among Arabs, Israel & the US. I don't believe they are that calculating however. To me, it's more likely that they believe Obama will be weak & concede more to their side.

What is McCain talking about. IS IT his age to interpret Obama's remarks as "agist." The intelligent inference and the inference normal people would conclude is that Obama meant McCain moral compass by making personal attacks on Obama after saying he would run a campaign devoid of these kinds of remark. MAYBE IT IS HIS AGE.

I don't know why people treat McCain with baby gloves. So what he was a war hero?? There are thousands of war heroes who have been convicted with crimes maybe we should just let them off the hook. There are war heroes with medals of honer that are roaming the streets homeless because of mental illness. McCain has been protected too long by the oversensitive MSM and republican propaganda machines. He is as corrupt and twisted as they come. Cheated on his 1st wife and dumped her. He will not release his wife's tax return where bribes money laundering takes place, a warmonger who is itching to press the nuclear button or at minimum create major instabilities. I cannot wait to see him swift boated to oblivion.

As a sailor I know losing ones bearing is getting off your compass course. The first thing I thought of was McCain's moral compass. I say this because McCain is strong on having a moral compass, unlike President Bush, who has none that he shares with anyone who watches his actions. Anyway, even after having it explained, I can't see why anyone would think this a comment aimed at McCain's age.

Even John Stewart called McCain on the comment about Hamas. It is clearly hypocritical for McCain to say he is taking the moral high road and to say Hamas endorses Obama. McCain has in fact lost his bearing (his moral compass).

It is SO obvious what is coming. McCain is going to play the victim, just like Obama has been doing these past months. The Republicans are going to paint Obama's campaign as the "attack dogs" just as Obama did with Clinton.

I wonder how it feels having the shoe on the other foot!

So, meeting with tyrants is not oaky for an American President? Where were you folks when our Presidents were in bed with the Central American dictators, Iran's Shah, South American military Junta? You folks must be young kids, or hypocrites!
Hamas leader said that Obama will be a great President like JFK. So why not start trashing JFK too, just because Hamas leader said that he was great? Do you see the bigotry in these statements that the Hillary supporters and McCain supporters are making?

As McCain's 96-year old mother said when asked about the support from the conservative base of the Republican Party: "Just hold your nose and vote for him!" How witty and sharp is that!" She has not "lost her bearings", and neither has he. He is not green, either. He has great relevant experience. Praise for the wisdom of age and experience! She gets it, and so do we.

Being a pilot it seems to me that "loosing your bearings" means you've strayed from your intended direction and need to make corrections to find the correct path again.

Guess McCain's camp is going for the sympathy vote of picking on an old guy like Hillary did in New Hampshire about picking on a woman.

All you reporters out there do a little research.

Here is what John McCain said while attacking President Bush and defending his good buddy and almost running mate John Kerry in 2004:

'If you don't stand by your friends if they are unfairly attacked,'' Mr. McCain said Friday, ''then you've lost your bearings.'' John McCain, 2004.

Was this an ageism attack on his party's own leader, President Bush? Of course not. John McCain's irrational and testy response shows us how unstable his campaign will be run this fall. He's dead in the water. Oh whoops, is that also an uncalled for ageism comment? McCain has a short memory. whoops again..,how about we get real for once. Hillary makes a racist comment today, and nobody gives a darn. Let's parse everything Obama says to find the hidden radical islamic meanings!!

We now know where his oh so kind supporters get there attitudes. He clearly doesn't care what his supporters say about anything or anyone,
Thier disrespect comes right from the top,they are so mature that they alway resort to putting people down.

Both of these guys are such losers. One of them thicks he's Mr. Universe, and the other one is an old crank who tried to portray himself as Mr. Squeaky Clean, and at the same time throws his party under the Straight Talk Express bus. What a bunch of chumps.

typical Obama....like Senator Clinton being "in her silly season". So insulting and someone thinks he should be President? This is madness. This Black woman will vote McCain before she votes Obama!

Of course he was using the term to relate to his age, just as he used "the finger" for Clinton. He is great at speeches and telling folks what they want to hear, and using other means to "say" what he doesn't want to actually "say". He is absolutely a great politician, nothing more. And more politicians are exactly what we need , right you Obama supporters!!

obama whines about race - turn about is fair play.

i'm for hillary or mccain.

I pray more American are seeing what a piece of garbage Obama really is.

This doesn't matter, Obama is destined to lose. What has he done to date..he has won ONLY half of the vote among his OWN party, wow what an achievement. The general election is a completely different set of equations, and the broader American electorate by a wide margin are not going to tolerate the inexperienced, condescending, anti-American nonsense that is Obama.

Ok, will someone please tell Senator McCain he's better off keeping his arms at his side?
His jerky arm movements are distracting in a bad way, and it makes it difficult to take in what he is saying when you keep seeing his spazzy, robotic arm movements.

Realistically if you take away the black and college age voters who else is supporting Obama?

To JR: Guess you missed Donna Brazile's meltdown on CNN Tuesday night. Donna has declared that there is a "new democratic party" which does not include most of the groups you mentioned. Basically, the "new democratic party" is AA's, eggheads, and rich latte drinking elites. Anyone have a good definition of an egghead? Anyway, don't waste your time with the democrats, because they don't want the irrelevant groups anymore. Donna, Obama and the DNC are going to take their movement to the White House the good old fashioned Chicago way, the fix is in and we can't do anything about it. Say hello to his royal majesty, I've already declared myself the winner, snarky barky Obama.

McCain is too old to become the US president. Obama didn't even tell that he (McCain) is aged. In fact you can not tell blind to a blind.

Lol this is rich. in 2004 the GOP launched all sorts of trash at John Kerry and his wife, but mccain and cindy get a free pass because why? she doesnt have to release her tax records and its cool, mccain hasnt released his health records and its cool. Obama makes one comment and the republican world is about to topple. Its called passive aggression. we liberals learned that with our book readin. Barack said he will be plenty tough against McCain. You thought he couldnt handle it and he just hit you with a small shot. Suck it up GOP you got what you asked for. and its not even day one of the general election.

Right on to say Obama "attacks viciously with subtlety and innuendo". That is what he's good at and has been doing all along. That is why people don't feel he attacks even he does - so he attacks and still get sympathy votes because people seem only see Clinton attacks - that is because they feel Clinton attacks even she doesn't. That's what's been unfair about this competition, that is one of many similar reasons that my vote will never go to Obama. Come on, Hill supporters, if you feel strongly about what I feel, please let's all vote for McCain in GE, that would guarantee Obama doesn't get elected. Let's all work together - Obama failure in GE would be a big victory for Hillary!

tiger, we're called "Clinton Republicans"!!

Republicans needs to grow up. McCrazy complains about everything, have you noticed? He's such a cry baby.

Hillary is the stronger of the two against McCain. She can take anything he's got and she'd hit him right back. Obama is as tough as a wet noodle.

It is tough to imagine how Obama could lose to an OLD, Ill-tempered, adulterous guy like mc-more-war. But then again there were enough idiots in this country to elect bush/cheney twice. (actually he lost the first but that's another story). Hopefully these idiots have grown a little wiser over the last 7.5 years. Obama 2008!!!

McCain is too old to handle this risky world where you need a lot of judgment skill. Having military experience gives you edge in a battlefield but not as a commander in chief. He has anger management problem too. He carries everything that Bush has.
Hey America, choose McCain if you love going back to 20th century and 19 century afterwards. Good luck to you all who vow to vote for McCain. He is the past NOT future.

I think like some others here, that Obama should not have been so smug as to do the Time cover. I am quite sure he knew what would be titled over his picture.

Why people are so quick to end the race is beyond me. Let the people vote and let Clinton campaign. There is nothing wrong with it. Will she get the nomination, I seriously doubt it. But she has the right to continue this.

I think its wrong for people to make personal attacks on her, especially without knowing all her accomplishments. It is a shame how low people will go. Why is it necessary to attack the opponent? Especially when your candidate is winning. Why not give us something of substance as far as why Obama would be the better leader.

To say, I have had enough of her, please go away...just shows immaturity. I thought as Americans that we value the Democratic process. Patience is a virtue...ever hear of that one?

According to Hillary and Obama, the definition of rich is anyone or any corporation earning more than 200 to 250K a year. Liberal democrats would like people that earn this much or more to pay significantly more in income tax so that it cam be redistributed to those who are less 'financially fortunate'. If this seems reasonable to you, vote for the democrat. If this seems ridiculously unfair and you would rather see tax reforms that spread the burden out among all tax payers, like most of Europe does with value added sales taxes, etc, you should vote for the Republican candidate. Not really sure why red America votes for republicans if democrats would redistribute wealth to the masses. Is it fear? Patriotism? Family values? Homophobia? Security worries? Racism? These are the usual republican talking points. This year it will be about the economy/recession, jobs, gas, Iraq war, health care, mortgage crisis, and a desire for change. McCain has his temper, age, limited intelligence, and lack of republican conservative base support to make matters worse for the republicans this year. Good luck with that, Mr. 894 out of 899 at the Naval Academy.

Zime: he didnt ask to do it, they took a picture of him and did it. he said he thought it was bad luck and wasnt overlooking senator clinton. you did see the asterisk next to his picture right?

These Obama supporters get nowhere by going on about McCains age. Most people could care less. To say that McCain is another Bush shows their lack of understanding. They must blog all day and night and never really get a true understanding of who the candidates are.

It is a shame that people vote knowing so little.

McCain is OLD and lost his bearings a long time ago. He has a temper problem connected to a mental problem. He has no morals as shown when he dumped his crippled wife. Remember Keating 5. It will very dangerous to put that man anywhere close to that button. His knickname s was PUNK and McNasty and for a good reason. Was 6th from the bottom of his class. Got over 100 demerits.
When I was discharged from Service WWII I was so proud of this country. George Bush and his cronies have ruined it. God help my Grandchildren.

Come off it, Obama is not a piece of garbage, he's just a fairly poor kid who's done well for himself in Chicago circles & in Illinois politics. He made an inspirational speech at the Demo convention, so right away people start thinking about him as potential material for President. He has come up too fast for the amount of experience he has to catch up. Also, he has a lot of baggage in the form of financial support from wheelers & dealers like Rezko, because he was black & couldn't find it anywhere else.
.....................................
He's not evil, he's not the next Jesus, he's just a young-ish senator from Illinois who probably is having his head filled with all kinds of crap from advisors & current financial supporters. If he can still make any sense at all, it's evidence he IS very intelligent. But he's not ready to be President. He should take a diplomatic or cabinet post first, get a few more years of diverse experience before trying to run. I see him as a half-risen loaf of yeast bread that a lotta hungry folks are trying to stick in the oven so they won't haveta starve anymore.

McCain is too old to handle this risky world where you need a lot of judgment skill. Having military experience gives you edge in a battlefield but not as a commander in chief. He has anger management problem too. He carries everything that Bush has.
Hey America, choose McCain if you love going back to 20th century and 19 century afterwards. Good luck to you all who vow to vote for McCain. He is the past NOT future.

Wow. This is a great indication of how the General Election will play out. Obama calls McCain old....McCain points out Obama's ties to Muslim terrorists, racist pastors, negligible (and questionable) voting record, and connections to anti-Americanism. This should be interesting.

...just like Hillary said: "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen"

It's time for a new party.

A labour party for America.

The democratic party has turned to be the communist party.

Go, Hillary as independent. OBAMA and his votes are dwindling after his true identity are revealed. His voters are withdrawing their support and he only has his 92% black votes and the college kids.

I don't know why Senator McCain's camp would be upset. The statement was only made by the spokes-horn of an inexperienced, elitist, un-American, racist, terrorist-supporting empty suit, whose wife is running for that office. And those of us who will go to the GE polling places know exactly that. Still NA, can't change that, so don't even go there.

Kat: he will do like Bill clinton did. surround himself with alot of high character intelligent high experienced people. Bush didnt do that he hired all of his friends. I think we forget that McCain and Barack worked together at one moment on the campaign finance reform issue. they know eachother pretty well

McCain is Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Old old old! There's no other way to say that... O-L-D!

Realistically if you take away the black and college age voters who else is supporting Obama?

RE:
Latinos.
Independents.
Disillusioned Republicans.
Moderate Democrats.

You see it, but if you do not have the magazine and read it online, you do not know what it signifies.

"why should we care about what Hamas or any other organization thinks?" I absolutely do not believe that I just read that...

John: what makes you think hillary cares about the middle class? she took a job working for wal mart board of directors then went into the governors mansion then the white house then on to the senate. she hasnt been middle class since she left for college. she said it herself she hasnt pumped her own gas in 32 years. And she said that the gas tax wasnt actually serious is was to woo the blue collar workers. she doesnt care about you she cares about herself

They are firing back for what?????Some thing they started>>>>Then like Hilly turned it around to make it Obamas fault.Well you can bet he isn't talking it setting down and be nice like he was to Hilly.

Karma,

Opponents can make derogatory comments which most uninformed Americans will believe? Senator Obama has the right to defend his character, reputation and position, if you can't take it then advise your candidate to display more character and better judgment.

McCain kept referring to Barack as Senator O'Clinton? Where's Lieberman when you need him?

Since when did someone being old really matter? In other countries being older means being wiser. I cannot believe that Obama says that it was not a smear but yet his supporters are outright saying it. How low will they go? And Clinton was the one always being accused of going negative.

I have read the blogs over these past few months and the nastiness spewed by many of Obama's supporters is the worst I have seen. They are their own worst enemy.

what mr mccain stated is true. hamas would be delighted if obama won.
mr obama's comment on the other hand was an insult. same way obama tried to characterize hillary in sexist terms on many occassions. good for mr mccain for putting obama on notice.

go hillary

LOL, he's lot his bearings already!

I am with Tony, a dem not voting obama.

united states, needs a president that provide the kind of change they can believe in. and i think obaman has proved that and will lead america out of it present economic predicament and war chest atitude around the world. the republicans have tried in the last 8 yrs to destroy themselves, and sen. mccain represents that and will carry on george bush 3rd third failed administration

I'm a Dem too, and I'm not voting for Obama because he makes too much sense. Instead, I'll vote for McCain. I love folks who lose their bearings to be in charge of our nukes.

What a stretch. So far, McCain has fought this honestly and directly. In that silly dig he had changed direction. That's what "losing his bearings" means. And you can do it at ANY AGE when you sway from a predetermined course. It's not the same as "losing his marbles".

It's hard to know whether some of you are illiterate or just general purpose Obama haters.

Both. Illiterate AND republicans.

Allamr18...what does pumping gas have to do with anything? My husband does most of that for both of us. I doubt that she did a lot of her own driving anyway...what's the problem?

And how do you know what Hillary Clinton cares about? Hmmm...guess you must be an insider and even can read minds. Amazing I say....aren't you the lucky one.

I wonder if Obama is going to rename the White House when he becomes President of the United States of America. He has said that he shows his patriotism without having to wear a flag pin. Maybe his campaign logo will be the flag that flies above government buildings. He is going to announce that he is the nominee on May 20 whether he has all 2025 delegates or not. He has decided that he is President and gives the impression no one can stop him.... It is a scary scenario... for sure...

Such OVERLY SENSITIVE REPLY is a claer proof that McCAIN CAMPAING IS MORE WORRIED ABOU HIS AGE THAN ANYBODY ELSE.

Do Republicans know anything EXCEPT the politics of fear?

I remember 8 years ago the Republicans couldn't stand McCain. He was nuts and had a bad temper. I guess he has mellowed and is taking Valium.

I do not blame McCain for bringing up the comment. I mean come on...the Dems are hogging all of the press. He needs it too. Don't be so harsh people...it is just politics.

Fun huh??? I cannot wait to see what's coming in June...

Moderate Democrats will no more touch the Senator Obama lever, with his limited voting record and knowledge, than we will endorse one of the few votes he attended and stated something other than present. That recorded vote that condoned killing full-term children. I believe that there should be no need for any abortion discussion in this nation, whatsoever - the cause has been known for millenia and responsible people don't even think about abortion when performing the act, they are doing so with intent - but if you finally figure out that you have been pregnant until full-term, you could have figured out and done the "Wright" thing months before, considering you were too stupid and fell asleep in junior high. I'm not voting for Michelle.

Right on John Kovacs. President Obama should just meet with the terrorists, have a couple of beers, and casually whip them the finger so that nobody can prove it. Great international policy. The Iranians don't even know what that means.

Obama is evil. Wait and see.

Democrats will not will the White House if Obama is running against McCain.

I refuse to vote for Obama.

Please read the context of Obama's remarks, people, so you can have a reasonable conversation. Obama noted that McCain had earlier pledged to run a positive campaign - free of constant attacks, caricatures, and innuendo. Barack commended this commitment as noble, but chided McCain for "losing his bearings" - that is, his moral compass - when he implied that recent statements by Hamas suggested some kind of sinister link with Obama. The point was well-taken, as McCain's remarks represented deliberate and irrational character assassination.

The point is: Obama made no mention of age; age had nothing to do with Obama's critique. He is saying that McCain lost his bearings with respect to his moral compass - that is, with respect to his noble commitment to run a clean and honorable campaign. Obama's critique was right on target and totally legitimate. McCain's ploy was clearly guilt by association, which is politics as usual.

"loosing your bearings" is a subtle jab at his age. How about a subtle jab at his complete lack of reality.

He can't figure out who the enemy is. Shia, Sunni, Iraq, Iran, Al Qaeda, Al Roker, Al Bundy... I mean he doesn't have a clue.

His version of an economic policy is "Wait'N'See" and the same pandering gas tax holiday the HRC proposed.

The "Straight Talk Express" got derailed when he spent all of 2004 singing Kumbaya with a man whose people accu