Posted on 02/26/2008 11:37:45 AM PST by indcons
CINCINNATI (AP) — Republican John McCain quickly denounced the comments of a radio talk show host who while warming up a campaign crowd referred repeatedly to Barack Hussein Obama and called the Democrat a "hack, Chicago-style" politician.
Hussein is Obama's middle name, but talk show host Bill Cunningham used it three times as he addressed the crowd before the likely Republican nominee's appearance.
"Now we have a hack, Chicago-style Daley politician who is picturing himself as change. When he gets done with you, all you're going to have in your pocket is change," Cunningham said as the audience roared.
The time will come, Cunningham added, when the media will "peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama" and tell the truth about his relationship with indicted fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko and how Obama got "sweetheart deals" in Chicago.
McCain wasn't on stage nor in the building when Cunningham made the comments, but he quickly distanced himself from them and the talk show host after finishing his speech. McCain spoke to a couple hundred people at Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati.
"I apologize for it," McCain told reporters, addressing the issue before they had a chance to ask the Arizona senator about Cunningham's comments.
"I did not know about these remarks but I take responsibility for them. I repudiate them," he said. "My entire campaign I have treated Senator Obama and Senator (Hillary Rodham) Clinton with respect. I will continue to do that throughout this campaign.
McCain called both Democrats "honorable Americans" and said "I want to dissociate myself with any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them."
Asked whether the use of Obama's middle name — the same as former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein — is proper, McCain said: "No, it is not. Any comment that is disparaging of either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama is totally inappropriate."
McCain said he didn't know who decided to allow Cunningham to speak but said he was sure it was in coordination with his campaign. He said he didn't hear the comments and has never met Cunningham, but "I will certainly make sure that nothing like that happens again.
Maybe we can get NPR to open up for McCain at his stops from now on. They are more his speed.
I just think politically, it was a bad idea for Barack Obama to keep his surname and middle name. After all his father abandoned the family at 2. If Obama used his mother’s maiden name DUNHAM, he would not be getting this kid of criticism as a Barry Dunham.
Even Bill Clinton was born William Jefferson Blythe IV. He changed his name even though his stepfather, Roger Clinton Sr., was a drunk. Clinton never knew his natural father, and neither did Obama, so why would Obama keep a name that could cause repercussions if he wanted to go into politics?
He’s just saying that because his middle name is “Tinkerbelle,” and he’s a bit sensitive.
BTW... it’s ungentlemanly to use Obama’s middle name? Is that like Hillary making him wear that little Somali costume?
Poor little victim.
Willie is good for a rant. His might even be the proper tactic when dealing with the Clintons, but going after Obama requires different tactics.
Barak didn't name himself. If he had changed his name to it, then it might be a valid point. Now pointing out his socialist policies is more than fair game and should have been the focus instead of repeating Barak Hussein Obama. Even pointing out his connections to the Daley Crimo-political family I think is fair game. If Obama has had close relations to Saudi money I would go after that. But he had no control over what he was named. Going after than will just get the press to jump on McCain to the exclusion of anything relevant he had to say.
Come on John, you brought the brass knuckles out for Mitt, why not for Hussein.
No need for it. Just beat him on his Marxist policies. If that doesn't do it...nothing will.
Gives an idea of the pathetic kind of campaign McCain is planning to run. Looks like he has his marching orders from Soros et.al. - Don’t make waves, go through the motions, but don’t REALLY campaign since Obama will be the next President.
Like I said in other posts, Obama, when he wanted to go into politics, should have changed his name to his mother’s more “American sounding” name DUNHAM. People tend to be weary of non European sounding names in the voting booth. It is wrong, but it is something people do subconsciously. Nobody would be bothering a Barry Dunham about his Muslim past.
Lame Street Republican Juan McCain apologizing for the truth again. I can’t wait until some leftist is offended that McCain finds Obama’s middle name “disparaging” when uttered in public and then demands an apology for the apology.
I agree that Republicans need to be as dirty (or dirtier) than the Dems if they want to win. They can’t fight with one hand tied behind their back while the Dems use both fists, their feet, teeth, clubs and knives. But no matter what McCain does, he’s not going to win without the support of the Conservatives who, up to now, have been the backbone of the Republican Party.
Would Iraqi $ (as in Saddam Hussein) do?
Obama should have changed his name to Barry Dunham if he wanted to go into politics. Of course Obama is foreign sounding, and people are subconsciously fearful of voting for people with non European sounding names. It is not right, but Obama kind of bought it on himself.
Bill Clinton was born William Jefferson Blythe IV and changed it to his stepfather’s name. Obama had no contact after age 2 with his father, so there was no reason to keep such a powderkeg name as a moniker.
I’ve listened to Bill Cunningham for years, and I can assure you, there is no one quite so good at rousing the rabble as he.
He’s an attorney by trade, and a curmudgeon by plan. Take him with a grain of salt.
McCain just doesn't have the passion to take on an ambitious, energized, crusading nut-case, socialist liberal like Hussein.
If this is the kind of campaign we are looking at,,,forget it,,,
President Barack Hussein Obama will be the outcome. (That red and white outfit is very becoming on Hussein--maybe he can wear it to the inaugural)
I'm one of disgruntled conservatives McPain would like to bring on board ... I also live in the greater Cincinnati area. McCain should have saved himself the trip and the expense, he's toast, at least with many conservatives in this area.
I like that description so much, it was worth repeating. I use the analogy of the bull fight. As peones we can insert our decorated darts (banderillas) into Obama to slow him down. When he is sufficiently worn out, our Matadore (McCain) can apply the suerte suprema to take him out.
Asked whether the use of Obama's middle name — the same as former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein — is proper, McCain said: "No, it is not...."
So now we're supposed to pretend Obama's middle name ISN'T Hussein???? How about that his father and step father were Muslims, is that off limits too? Geez Louise, I swear the wacko's spent toooooooo many years in the senate where everyone plays nice-nice, "My Friend".
Maybe Senator McQueeg should just freaking STAY there.
Not to his fellow Republicans or their constituents that he claims to represent.
He is an untrustworthy bastard.
Would Iraqi $ (as in Saddam Hussein) do?
If there's something to it other than just the last name. And it better be verifiable because the MSM will refuse to acknowledge anything other than a check and a picture signed "To Barry, with all my love, Saddam".
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