Oops! He Did It Again: McCain Confuses Iran/al Qaeda Link In Speech Marking 5th Anniversary of Iraqi Invasion
By Nicole Belle Tuesday Mar 18, 2008 12:40pm
Sen. John McCain has done it again.
For the third time in two days, the Arizona Republican has pushed the definitively false statement that the terrorist group Al-Qaeda was getting assistance from Iran, even though he was publicly ridiculed for the same false assertion on Tuesday.
This time, in a statement from his campaign honoring the fifth year anniversary of the war, McCain wrote:
"Today in Iraq, America and our allies stand on the precipice of winning a major victory against radical Islamic extremism. The security gains over the past year have been dramatic and undeniable. Al Qaeda and Shia extremists -- with support from external powers such as Iran -- are on the run but not defeated."
On Tuesday, the senator, appearing in Israel, made a nearly identical assertion that al-Qaeda was leaving Iraq to retool and regroup in Iran.
So what is it? Is Mr. "National Security Over Radical Extremists Trumps Everything" not smart enough to actually know what's going on or is it a series of senior moments? Either way, it doesn't reflect well on him. Max Bergmann doesn't think it's a gaffe:
Many in the media seem willing to dismiss McCain's statement that Iran is training Al Qaeda as a simple slip of the tongue. This is wrong. McCain did NOT misspeak. If he had simply made the statement once, he could perhaps expect to be given a pass.
But he didn't just say Iran was training Al Qaeda once. He said it in his initial statement (watch it here). He was then asked about it in a follow up question where he repeated it. It is not a simple slip of the tongue if when challenged on the "slip" you then REPEAT IT. [He also repeated it on Hugh Hewitt's radio show]
That is not a gaffe. That is called believing something that isn't true. It is called being confused. And being confused about the differences between Shia and Sunni when claiming that you should be elected president of the United States on your foreign policy knowledge and experience, is simply not okay.
Actually, Max, many in the media don't even think it's worth mentioning. Maybe because they're worried about losing an invitation to the next barbeque. Since Lieberman was able to help him tell Shi'a from Shinola (love that phrasing!) yesterday, Blue Texan wants to know if McCain will have Holy Joe next to him at 3am?
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Go ahead America, give this nutty fuck keys to the nuclear arsenal. I swear this old goof will make us miss Dubyah.
STOP LOSS!
Scary is Muslim black UCC church, I tho't - how do you expect us to keep track of which is scarier?
/Mcstain
Whah? You now need brains to get elected?
I thought that was Iraq/Al Qaeda connections?
Oh wait, that was disproven by the 9-11 Committee.
The old man is just itching to bomb Iran.
Since when has he or any other Republican been able to accurately distinguish between Iranians, Iraqis, Persians, Arabs, an insurgent, a nationalist rebel, a disgruntled Sunni or Shia, or Al Qaeda. Anyone that resists America's foreign policy is just "al Qaeda" now in their minds.
Wow...he's really senile...kinda sad, almost...but damn sure, he should remove himself from the campaign.
This is very funny Bush is officially off the deep end.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7305023.stm
Was this made during his taxpayer paid campaign swing through Iraq?
He IS like Reagan, only his dementia has started before instead of after his election. Please noooooo
McCain is pushing the propaganda. Question is why? Another war -- this time Iran?
Notice how Republicans always hide behind Foreign Policy.
He's just having a senior moment, at age 71 and he wants to be your President at ages 72-76
Gumby69 @ 8:
This is funny how, exactly? This is infuriating! Not funny!
I can't remember which cable channel it was this morning but the reporter was traveling with McCain and she said she asked him about his goof up. She said he became a little upset with her for asking him about it.
That's so typical of elderly people. If they make a mistake, they get all crabby when it's mentioned.
Of course Lieberman will be there with him at three in the morning. Aren't they connected at the hip?
Don't know about the rest of you, but killer ribs go a long way for me.
4 racks baby back ribs (get them from the butcher, not the shelf)
1 jar McCormick Rubbed Dalmatian Sage
4 tbsp salt
4 tbsp paprika
4 tbsp onion powder
4 tbsp garlic powder
4 tbsp black pepper
4 tbsp dried rosemary
Good olive oil
Light the fire
Soak some wood chips overnight--my favorite is mesquite, but hickory works well also
Charcoal grilling is the only way to go--light the briquette pyramid and wait until you have a lot more white than black
Spread the coals evenly across the bottom, moving the hotter ones out to the sides
Throw in the wood chips, close cover and check temperature--over 200 F is too hot
Make the ribs
Mix all dry ingredients to make the rub
Rub the ribs down with olive oil on both sides
Pack the rub on heavily on top, lightly on bottom
Put 'em on in the center of the rack and let 'em cook--4 hours minimum, 8 hours maximum
Serves 4-6
Saucing ribs like this is a crime, so I'm not going to help with that.
Can I haz Prezident now?
Red, Blue, Green, White, whatever.....it's ALL Al Qaeda.
We need to come to terms with this.
grandpa is really confused.
he's just got to get that IRAN boogey-man out there...
progagating and catapulting the progaganda...
BOO!
Well at least when McCain starts the war agaisnt Iran he can always just claim
A) he meant to send them to Iraq
B) was going after al-quaida
C) he meant to bomb Syria and he'll get to that as soon as somebody helps him find where it is
It was no mistake. He is intentianlly trying to draw the link in the public's mind now for his invasion later. Never mind that a fundamentalist Sunni group would kill a bunch of Shiites before bunking down and training with them. The only mistake here was Holy Joe trying to prove how smart he is and screwing up the propaganda pitch.
Come on folks, we need to pull together behind the eventual Dem nominee, whether your pick wins or not. Otherwise we get stuck with this batshit warmonger.
Remember, the brain dead and not-caring citizens in this country that support the lies and bullshit of the current monkey-in-power are going to give this old fart a pass for anything he says, whether it's a "slip of the tongue", a "senior moment", or in ingrained belief by this idiot. They WILL support him. He is their repug candidate, and that's got to be better than any "librul" that is going to ruin their make-believe country.
This guy is dangerous. The baboons that support him are just as dangerous. This is really a political war, and it's us against them. "Them" don't give a shit what happens to this country. They will support their "tax breaks" and corporate profits no matter what the cost. "Them" are going to support a repug/necon/Nazi no matter what, cause they don't want no stinkin' librul in there to ruin this perfectly happy mystical universe they live in.
We are a nation of idiots. Not all...but go figure 48%...that's scary enough for me.
So explain this (just out):
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama's big national lead over Hillary Clinton has all but evaporated in the U.S. presidential race, and both Democrats trail Republican John McCain, according a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!!!
I caught a tidbit from CNN while I was at the bank about an hour ago. Petraius (sp?) was saying that Al Qaida IS being trained in Iran. I hope C&L will track this part of the story.
So is his BFF LIEberman going to be around at all times to fill McBush in on the proper way to spin a story or is this bozo going to solo it?
Just humor him. It won't be long before he starts telling us about how when he was 12 and he and his friends were playing with a mule...
When Alzheimer's really kicks in, you can get some of the most interesting stories out of people from his generation.
America will be real lucky to survive till November let alone 5 minutes of a MC Cain admin.
Im sticking to my " no election" prediction. The NEOscum arent about to let go and be frogmarched off to the Hague for war crimes.Id like to see BushCo making a running and fighting retreat for nearest airport ( protected by Blackwater) to bug out to Paraquay with gun toting mobs on their heels. Does everyone know that Jeb Bushes wife is sister of COO of Blackwater ?
I know I shouldn't be shocked with republican constituents anymore, but I still can't believe people would even consider voting for a dolt like McConfoozled. The man has lost it.
Weaseldog @ 26:
That's because it's just like yesterday to them.
pissed off patricia @ 15:
I heard that on MSNBC. Then Mika called it something like a little oopsie. Yeah, real cute.
Either McCain is seriously incompetent, senile or deliberatly making shit up. But I guess its all three combined.
YourMom @ 23:
Polls are bullshit; Zogby is among the worst for accuracy.
YourMom @ 23:
Be nice. Its crunch time on American Idol. Nothing to see here.
When you're Elmer Fudd McCain, all your enemies look like kwazey wabbits.
who says he confusing? he is beating the phony enemy war drums that they always have. Sadly, it has worked and probably will continue to work for the press and his audience
goat hussein sage @ 25:
Yes LIEberman will always be with McShitStain, especially at 3 am! *snark off*
YourMom @ 23:
I don't trust polls that are that asinine. It's just impossible that they could be trailing that senile old coot. Impossible....
[creeping feeling of dread crawls up Bonkers' spine]
The Dow and Nasdaq down over 1% right now.
Time to cut those interest rates again.
Pretty soon the government will be sending out those 0% until you pay off your balance credit card notices.
Sigh @ 21:
QFT. This was not a "senior moment," folks, because we all know his speechwriters and talking-point writers aren't a deluded as we're being told he is.
This is FEARMONGERING and SABER RATTLING. Nothing less.
Chalking it up to "he doesn't know the difference" is tacit acceptance of what he's saying, no better than the mainstream media's stubborn refusal to acknowledge his mis-statements.
I think McCain is a terrible threat to our country and I think his spoken statements prove as much.
That said, the way the press release is stated I don't believe the mistake has been repeated in writing - "Al Qaeda and Shia extremists — with support from external powers such as Iran — are on the run but not defeated" - here at least someone has made a distinction between Al Qaeda and Siha extremists rather than lumping them together as he did in his speeches.
Mc Cain as Elmer Fudd
" Be vewy vewy vewy qwiet. Wes is shooting brown peoples for Zionists."
Whether he's senile or just ignorant, that just makes him the perfect Republican candidate. Look back at the last few Republicans to hold the office. Not the sharpest knives in the drawer. I lean toward thinking that Republicans care far less about intelligence and education than they do about public image. Reagan is a testament to the power of image making as a figure who has taken on mythic qualities.
That being said, I can also see that McCain's words don't necessarily reflect his belief that Iran is supporting al Qaeda specifically. The intent of the words may have been that al Qaeda is present and a force to be reckoned with, as are the extremist factions, which are benefiting from Iran's support. In other words, though the grammatical construction of the words supports the interpretation that he believes Iran is supporting both groups, he may very well have intended the former meaning.
In truth I think this is more of the same Republican tactic that has played out for many years: If you say something enough--whether directly or indirectly--then the public will believe it, no matter how preposterous. And if you say it enough, you'll probably begin to believe it yourself.
It looks like McCain's going to need to have Lieberman pulling his strings for the rest of his run. Maybe he should just start sitting on his lap.
McCain has made several comments regarding Iran. His "gaffes" were NO MISTAKE. He is trying to muddy the waters and keep Iran in his cross hairs. That will leave the door open to his taking up the war cry from Bush and going after Iran.
This guy is extremely dangerous and it is up to the people to continually bombard (no pun intended) the MSM with information about McCain and what they are not including in their reports.
We must remind them that a BBQ is not a pass on the facts.
We must be relentless.
No gaffe, no confusion. McCain is making the case for attacking Iran and he knows the best way to do that is to equate it with al Qaedaland. Lieberman corrected him because he missed that day of disinformation school and didn't get the memo.
See The Big Picture @ 39:
Ok...I can dig it...still no way he's getting the WH...
Dr. Acula @ 32:
I agree, Zobgy's not very reliable.
Something to keep in mind; the election is still eight months away (lord, help us) and at the rate things are going there will be well over 4000 American soldiers dead in Iraq, $4 a gallon or more for gas, key interest rates will be slashed, foreclosures will escalate, consumer prices will rise more and Americans are going to reject the Republican brand no matter who is running against McBush.
Mc100yearwar is making herr dubyah look intelligent.
Gumby69 @ 8:
Same old playbook and nothings going to change with McCain.
McCain is more of the same of Bush...
Obama inflicts wounds on innocent people;
Geraldine Ferraro: Obama is successful because he's a black man, as I was successful because I'm a woman.
The "racist" part Obamabushies picked up on...well, here you go:
" In winning the Democratic Senate primary in Illinois, Obama drew as many as two white votes for every black one, showing nearly unprecedented crossover appeal for a black candidate in a statewide race.
Obama acknowledges, with no small irony, that he benefits from his race.
If he were white, he once bluntly noted, he would simply be one of nine freshmen senators, almost certainly without a multimillion-dollar book deal and a shred of celebrity. Or would he have been elected at all?"
It's funny when confronted with hypocrisy, and the real deal on racial perceptions Obamabushies get all hot. But Obama's rehashing of reality to save his campaign, instead of 20 years ago when he had a chance, did exactly that: rehashed what all of us already know; where's the "unity" though? The solution? This is the equivalent of saying "hey, my pastor says bad things, but they don't rub off, so even though I'm tainted, I'm the only one who can be a uniter."
Say bye-bye to that "republicans" will vote for Obama.
"cigar chomping cracker"
HEY! I'm a stereotype!
Thanks Pastor WRight!
"...America and our allies stand on the precipice of winning a major victory"
Only Wiley Coyote can "stand on a precipice," and then only until he looks down.
Mc"WhatCountryAreWeInJoe?" is having problems with his McDemented mind. It's very hard to be McLogistical, when McSenility is setting in rapidly. In four years, win or lose, he will be sitting in his rocking chair, beating nursing home staff with his cane screaming "I AM the president dammit!" at every opportunity.
One final word for 2B or not:
McICan'tBelieveAmericansAreGoingToVoteForThisSorrySackOfMonkeyShitKnowingHeDoesn'tHaveControlOfHisFacultiesSinceVietnam!!!
I agree with Margaret and anyone else who is making the point that this is NO mistake, and NO gaffe. It is a scripted talking point, so perfectly similar to those used by Cheney/Bush et al during the run-up to the Iraqi invasion that it makes me wonder at the credulity of 'alternative journalists' who are supposed to be on the lookout for this kind of thing.
I think we are heading into the abyss. If this man gets elected were doomed. He surrounds himself with Lieberman and Graham (A terrifing thought!) Pray Americans, pray.
Three times is not a mistake, it's a strategy. He WANTS people to believe the lie, and if he says it enough, maybe they will.
Same as Bush, different liar.
DOW down 170 points!
Ray has it right: What we are seeing is the first results of Rove's influence on McCain's campaign. He is just applying the well-worn Rovian dogma that says repeating a lie often and loudly enough eventually gets a lot of people to believe it.
It has worked very well so far for Bush and Cheney.
P.D. @ 55:
There is no free market in this system. It’s all manipulated, pushed & pulled in all sorts of ways in order to achieve its objectives, which is to protect the investor class.
P.D. @ 55:
The rich American Elite seem to be taking "Take the money and run" seriously.
I see now, why Obama is willing to piss on Bill Clinton's, a fellow democrat's work, and throw "white people" who are leaders under the bus:
"3. Commitment to the Black Family. The Black family circle must generate strength, stability and love, despite the uncertainty of externals, because these characteristics are required if the developing person is to withstand warping by our racist competitive society.
Those Blacks who are blessed with membership in a strong family unit must reach out and expand that blessing to the less fortunate.
11. Pledge Allegiance to All Black Leadership Who Espouse and Embrace the Black Value System.
http://www.tucc.org/black_value_system.html
"...if the developing person is to withstand warping by our racist competitive society."
Positive, sunny, and light...except when you read the last defining prism through which everything else is viewed...America is purely a racist competitive society, and you must never forget that...
This handicaps the church before it even begins. [Hey Josh....you're being off topic will win you no friends..you've been warned....Site Monitor]
Nice pic of McCain Nicole. Is he constipated, dodging bullets, or just so confused he doesn't know where he is?
I saw it with my own eyes last night. When this came up, the bimbo on CNN- possibly Campbell Brown- dismissed it as "not a major gaffe" or something like that. With a laugh.
Joe, Did you say Rove? That man is omnipresent. Where ever there is fear and loathing you can find Karl. That man is like a bad rash. I just wish he would do us a favor a disappear.
Josh @ 59:
Bill Clinton's work? uh, ok.........so what you are saying is that Bill Clinton is/was "blacker" than Obama? I don't follow your logic here.
Air Force One with the turn signal on for 4 years.
Why the Republicans will vote for McCain. They proved that they could with a lot of money get a retard voted in as president, now they want to prove for the second time that they can get a senile old man elected president.
the real reason to leave Iraq
This should be thrown in the face of all Republicans, that say they will follow us home. And here is the reason they fight us, and destroyed the twin towers. Here is a site for the Koran http://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/koran/
4.90] who come to you, their hearts shrinking from fighting you or fighting their own people; and if Allah had pleased, He would have given them power over you, so that they should have certainly fought you; therefore if they withdraw from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not given you a way against them.
[4.89] They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.
4.90] Except those who reach a people between whom and you there is an alliance, or who come to you, their hearts shrinking from fighting you or fighting their own people; and if Allah had pleased, He would have given them power over you, so that they should have certainly fought you; therefore if they withdraw from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not given you a way against them.
nick @ 64:
And a flashing sign for geese.........."Go Around"
So, Josh, why are you hijacking this thread? It's about McBush, not Obama. Take it elsewhere, maybe Free Republic, they might enjoy your ramblings quite a bit.
"But, but, but...what I meant to say was..." http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/19/mccain-modifies-his-al-qaeda-in-iran...
It might be best for McCain to just officially hand his nomination to Lieberman now and get it over with. Obviously Lieberman is the puppetmaster here (recall him whispering in McCain's ear the other day after three misstatements in a row?).
Now I'm beginning to see why the MSM keeps referring to McCain as the "presumptive" nominee...
I feel quite certain that at this very moment Republicans in high places are pondering how to undo this disaster in the making....
Out of three hundred million Americans this is the best we could drum up??
McConfused, Chillery and Rev. Wright Obama.
Five years of what seems an endless quagmire in Iraq and our economy in the toilet....
Suddenly a Jesse Ventura/Ron Paul run sounds very interesting....
There's three reasons for these statements
1) permanently confused
2) minor (and repeated) slip up
3) purposeful Al Qaeda/Iran misleading connection (since all bad guys work together).
I say McBane is on #3 at the moment.
The poor thing clearly has onset Alzheimer's. While I understand Republicans like having senile men lead them, for his own good he needs to be placed in a home immediately.
ConcernedHusseinCanuck @ 58:
Time for the taxpayer to inject more funds, so the profit taking can continue.
comsympinko @ 16:
Nopers! With a rib recipe like that...maybe Sec. of Education...no sauce, NO WH for you! Come back, ONE year!
goat hussein sage @ 46:
Keep your eye on Diebold. That's the scariest part.
ConcernedHusseinCanuck @ 66:
LMMFAO!!!! Flying at 300mph in the 650mph zone...
You know how an argument (mostly in a courtroom, at least on TV) you make a ridiculous statement just to float it out there? Like you are appealing to something you know will resonate with certain people? It's almost like playing the race card, you know there is nothing to it but you know that it will create the kind of perspective most people want to avoid in making a rational decision based on the facts at hand. I don't think Grandpa Simpson McCain is really Grandpa Simpson. It's almost too good to be true. Unfortunately the only people who skewer him for this are the good people on this web site and others like it. The media will draw attention to it again where the objection will be sustained by the media (ughhh, are they really our judge?) but it will now be noted. He don't mind if he looks dumb, the base he is trying to work with at the present will consider it a possibility, even if Jasper Lieberman is right there to correct him.
Ron @ 74:
Well, Diebold is a scary part, for sure...IF there are elections.
Look at the sentence. It is carefully worded to let those who want to believe Al Queda works with Iran continue to beliveve that, but gives him a loophole of denial if he needs it.
this is the kinda lawyer trick these arses are always up to!
nick @ 64:
That's a classic! If I could, I would give you a whole box of candy to reward you for that comment.
Don't forget Herr Mitt is still floating around out there somewhere!
liberalHUSSEINmoderation @ 75:
Maybe he'll just replace Air Force One with a Mercury Grand Marquis or a Buick Roadmaster.
nick @ 64:
BWAHAAAA!!!!!!!!!!
Of course, the treasure was going directly to his buddies. Who cares about the blood?
YourMom @ 23:
Maybe it's a momentary glitch? There's time until the election. [I hope.]
If McCain is saying this on purpose or if he's confused, either way, it's frightening.