by Jill Zuckman
Sen. Barack Obama's jab at Sen. John McCain today that the 71-year-old Republican nominee was "losing his bearings" was met with an acid pen of nuclear proportions.
In a memo from Mark Salter, McCain's longtime chief of staff and his chief speechwriter, Salter called Obama out, saying it was "a not particularly clever way" of referring to McCain's age.
"We have all become familiar with Senator Obama's new brand of politics," Salter wrote. "First, you demand civility from your opponent, then you attack him, distort his record and send out surrogates to question his integrity. It is called hypocrisy, and it is the oldest kind of politics there is."
In fact, Obama's reference could also be considered a jab at McCain's emotional and mental state, something that Republicans suggested in the 2000 election was unbalanced due to his five and a half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Responding to Salter's response, Obama spokesman Bill Burton called the memo a "bizarre rant."
"it's clear why a candidate offering a third term of George Bush's disastrous economic policies and failed strategy in Iraq would want to distract and attack, but it's not the kind of campaign John McCain has promised the American people that he would run," Burton said in a statement.
Salter accused Obama of being protected by a loving media contingent and avoiding questions about his judgment and preparedness to be president of the United States.
The brouhaha began with McCain noting that a member of the terrorist group Hamas would welcome Obama's election as president. On CNN, Obama called McCain's remarks "a smear."
Here is the full text of Salter's memo:
To: Interested Parties
From: Mark Salter, Senior Advisor
Date: May 8, 2008
Re: Senator Obama's Attack Today
First, let us be clear about the nature of Senator Obama's attack today: He used the words 'losing his bearings' intentionally, a not particularly clever way of raising John McCain's age as an issue. This is typical of the Obama style of campaigning.
We have all become familiar with Senator Obama's new brand of politics. First, you demand civility from your opponent, then you attack him, distort his record and send out surrogates to question his integrity. It is called hypocrisy, and it is the oldest kind of politics there is.
It is important to focus on what Senator Obama is attempting to do here: He is trying desperately to delegitimize the discussion of issues that raise legitimate questions about his judgment and preparedness to be President of the United States.
Through their actions and words, Senator Obama and his supporters have made clear that ANY criticism on ANY issue -- from his desire to raise taxes on millions of small investors to his radical plans to sit down face-to-face with Iranian President Ahmadinejad - constitute negative, personal attacks.
Senator Obama is hopeful that the media will continue to form a protective barrier around him, declaring serious limits to the questions, discussion and debate in this race.
Senator Obama has good reason to think this plan will succeed, as serious journalists have written of the need for 'de-tox' to cure 'swooning' over Senator Obama, and others have admitted to losing their objectivity while with him on the campaign trail.
Today, Senator Obama is complaining about comments John McCain made about a senior Hamas advisor stating that Hamas would welcome Senator Obama's election as president. Indeed, on April 13th, senior Hamas political advisor Ahmed Yousef said, 'We don't mind - actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance.'
The McCain campaign has never suggested that Senator Obama supports Hamas' agenda, but it is more than fair to raise this quote about Senator Obama because it speaks to the policy implications of his judgment.
Just today, the president of Iran, whom Senator Obama wants to meet with unconditionally, called the state of Israel a 'stinking corpse.' Iran is the paymaster and state sponsor of Hamas.
In his victory speech this week, Senator Obama stated that 'wisdom' is meeting with our enemies, including Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, North Korea's Kim Jong Il, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Cuba's Raul Castro. John McCain couldn't disagree more. Rather than giving tyrants and dictators the prestige of meeting with an American president, John McCain will instead meet with the champions of human freedom around the world and opposition leaders fighting for liberty .
We understand why Senator Obama doesn't want to engage in a debate over leadership and judgment with John McCain, but the American people demand that debate take place.
These are serious times that call for a serious debate on the profound issues facing our future. John McCain is ready for that debate and we hope Senator Obama will one day get serious and join it.
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Comments
"a loving media contingent and avoiding questions about his judgment and preparedness to be president of the United States."
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Whaaaaaat?
You have got to be kidding me. If anyone has been deferred to it's John McBush. (See Wright/Hagee) See 'elitist'.)) The press has tried to destroy Obama.
Posted by: C.Morris | May 8, 2008 7:10 PM
Speak your piece, Senator Obama, and don't let them pick you words for you. To borrow a line form Senator Clinton; Senator McCain, if you can't stand the heat, don't hang around with Pastor Hagee, that's some hellish heat he brings to the table!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | May 8, 2008 7:12 PM
"MR. 305 MILLION DOLLAR 100% DISABLED SENATOR SPEAKS"
SO WHAT IF I'M 72 GOING ON 73. TWO DAYS BEFORE I VOTED NO ON "CIVIL RIGHTS"
SO WHAT IF MY "CINDY" WON'T DISCLOSE HER FINANCIAL TIES TO MY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
SO WHAT IF I "BROKE FEDERAL ELECTION LAWS"
WE GOING TO FIRE THAT "DUDE" AND REPLACE HIM WITH ANOTHER "DUDE" THAT WILL SAY WHAT WE WANT HIM TO SAY!
SO WHAT IF I AM THE ONLY "VETERAN" IN AMERICA THAT GETS A $58,000 DISABILITY PENSION AND REPORTED AN INCOME OF $405,000.
I MADE IT ALL ON "EBAY"
SO WHAT IF I HAVE "SENIOR MOMENTS"
MY VICE PRESIDENT IS IN HIS "EMBROYNIC STAGE" IN LIFE, HE WON'T, WHEN I DO!
SO WHAT IF I HAVE TO "RETRACT" EVERYTHING I SAID YESTERDAY BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE A TELEPROMPTER OR JOE LIEBERMAN WITH ME TODAY! SO WHAT, SO WHAT, SO WHAT, AS THE "CHAIRMAN" WE DID IT MY WAY! VICKIE, PAC, RICK, JACK, DID IT MY WAY OR IT WAS THE HIGHWAY!
SO WHAT SO WHAT SO WHAT IF "I TOO DON'T RECALL" MY DEALINGS WITH THE CHOCTOW INDIAN CASINOS 4 MILLION DOLLAR BINGO GAMES! MY NAME ISN'T RICK RE NZ RE NZI! SO WHAT SO WHAT, BECAUSE BY REMOVING "ATTORNEY GENERAL" IN DEALING WITH THE "COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION" AND INSERTING "SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY" I AM WHO I AM AND WHO I AM, IS WHO I AM! 73 YEARS OLD ON DISABILITY LOOKING TO BE YOUR GEORGE BUSH TAP TAP GOP BOY UNTIL I PARDON THEM ALL!
Posted by: Roger Morris | May 8, 2008 7:14 PM
I'd say Obama had a point. This man should be retired, not running for the highest office in the land. His best days are behind him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67ANtTZpCmE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | May 8, 2008 7:18 PM
What a classless, ageist way to attempt to attack a man that Obama himself calls an "American Hero."
Posted by: Jeff | May 8, 2008 7:20 PM
Clinton is accused of 'walking into a minefield' for saying a FACT, (yet again by National P-Poor Radio---BBC is WAY better) that she's stronger among white working class.
And Obama?
Symbolic Annihilation is something that you can do to the elderly. You never see them in popular culture--at least it's not easy to find them.
Shame on Obama.
Obama and his supporters need to remember that HIllary belongs on the ticket.
I still say she's the REAL top of the ticket.
Why not stop all these FAKE caucus votes--EXCLUDE people who have not voted Democratic for the past 4 of 6 elections,
and do a ONE DAY WINNER TAKE ALL poll to see who's at the top of the ticket.
that will rule out any shenanigans.
Half of the money comes from Obama.
Half from HIllary.
Posted by: geraldinetoo | May 8, 2008 7:21 PM
Yes, I agree - there should be a debate, but not one, two, done separately:
Obama vs. McCain
Clinton vs. McCain
Obama should go first just to make sure he isn't copying Clinton's ideas which he seemed to do when he went second in the debates with her. I noted he would agree with Clinton and then add a few articulate comments to "sound good". In PA, he lost that advantage and that's why he performed poorly.
Yes, indeed, I would like Obama to debate McCain and then have Clinton debate McCain before May 20th.
Hey Hillary people - Put the challenge out to Obama. He might as well start now to debate McCain since he "presumes himself the nominee" for the Dems. Or, is Axelrod not ready for his man to take up the challenge and really address the issues?
Posted by: the truth | May 8, 2008 7:29 PM
Senator McCain's campaign is right to point out the naive approach that Barack Obama has assumed in foreign policy.Obama wants to meet with some of the most oppressive and hateful despots in the world.Neville Chamberlain thought he could speak with Adolf Hitler and bring peace to Europe.History has shown what a catastrophe that was.While Barack Obama wants to engage in dialogue with evil tyrants, John McCain wants to utilize all of America's resources to win the war against Al Qaeda and the other terrorists who want to destroy Western Civilization.This is one of the major reasons why I will vote for John McCain in November.If one believes in life and liberty, Senator McCain is the candidate to support for President.
Posted by: Shawn M. Hussey | May 8, 2008 7:34 PM
Yeah, I'm gonna vote for McSleepy cause he's old and so am I. (??) Proof positive the 'merican 'lectorate are not too bright.
Note to 'mericans; Do the exact opposite of your voting urges, then you will be right on.
Posted by: Oldcreaky | May 8, 2008 7:40 PM
Let's talk about the Appeaser Supreme, President Reagan. What was he doing, selling arms to Iran!!!? Now, that is a no-brainer and then, President Bush wants to take them back, now!! What is wrong with the Republicans!!! They're Republicans!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | May 8, 2008 7:55 PM
John McBush still can't figure out the difference between the Sunni's and Shiites in Iraq but yet he want's to stay there for 100 years, he knows absolutely nothing about the economy but claims Bush's economic policies are working and we should "stay the course" with them and then he jokes about bombing Iran.
McBush is either becoming senile or he's not very bright.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2VmDZt-RRI
Posted by: John E | May 8, 2008 7:59 PM
Hamas,Rezko,Frawley,Alsammarae,Auchi,Wright,Ayers,Dohrn oh yeh don't forget our home town favorite Blagojevich. I'm sure there will be alot more to add to Obamas party list.
Posted by: Bessie | May 8, 2008 8:12 PM
"What a classless, ageist way to attempt to attack a man that Obama himself calls an "American Hero."
Posted by: Jeff | May 8, 2008 7:20 PM"
'Political Correctness is destroying America.'
Posted by: The Lenin Sisters | May 8, 2008 8:43 PM
"wants to utilize all of America's resources to win the war against Al Qaeda and the other terrorists who want to destroy Western Civilization."
Posted by: Shawn M. Hussey | May 8, 2008 7:34 PM
***********************************
Oh worshipper of "western civilization", here are some wise words from a man of Eastern Civilization who could teach Western Civilization a thing or two:
"Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny. "*
*Mahatma Gandhi
Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 - 1948)
To take the words of the Bible:
"As ye sow, so shall ye reap."
"Western civilization" and its attitude and treatment of third world nations in the Middle East and elsewhere were tantamount to the rise of terrorism. The American proponents (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bush family, the Neocons) of dictators like Saddam Hussein, Noriega, and the Taliban are the real enemies of Western Civilization because they represent greedy, warmongering opportunists who pre-emptively attack sovereign nations and then wonder why a 9/11 occurs. HYPOCRISY is alive and well in Western Civilization.
Posted by: the truth | May 8, 2008 8:46 PM
It certainly seems like the straight talk express has lost its bearing.
Posted by: Justin | May 8, 2008 9:17 PM
Hagee, Parsley, Rick Renzi, Charles Keating and don't forget our home country favorites George Bush and Dick Cheney. I'm sure there will be alot more to add to McCain's party list.
Posted by: oops! | May 8, 2008 9:24 PM
Don F,
Yeah, and RR and the gang stupidly and ignorantly helped create Al Qaida.
Posted by: C.Morris | May 8, 2008 9:29 PM
Not can't trust Hillary, can't trust Obama's judgment, don't like McCain.
I suppose it's down to the least of the evils.
McCain it is.
And Obama - raise your game, debate fairly without poking at your opponent's age.
Posted by: Green | May 8, 2008 9:51 PM
What a classless, ageist way to attempt to attack a man that Obama himself calls an "American Hero."
Posted by: Jeff | May 8, 2008 7:20 PM
So it's O.K. to link Obama with Hamas??? Get real Jeff.
Posted by: THIRD BUSH TERM | May 8, 2008 10:33 PM
Finally I see someone else in this world thinks that Obama has been handled with kid gloves with the media. It's like "oh, that might be racist, or we might make him mad"..Hey media. What about the public out here.??.We have a right to know exactly who Obama is and what is really his agenda??Give us some answers. Even the McCain camp thinks you are slack in doing your job...This media protective barrier surrounding Obama has got to go!!!!..
Posted by: kaye c. | May 8, 2008 10:36 PM
"First, you demand civility from your opponent, then you attack him, distort his record and send out surrogates to question his integrity."
- Mark Salter, McCain's longtime chief of staff and his chief speechwriter
The AUDACITY of Obama - stealing the time worn Republican playbook and using it against them before they were able to use it against him.
Cry me a river, Mark, and while you're at it pay those surrogates who are going to release all of those Rev. Wright videos.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | May 9, 2008 12:13 AM
Senator McCain's campaign is right to point out the naive approach that Barack Obama has assumed in foreign policy.
Posted by: Shawn M. Hussey | May 8, 2008 7:34 PM
You're kidding, right? McCain? Who can't figure out a Sunni from a Shiite and strolls down a street in Baghdad with enough firepower to bring down a major city and says how normal it is? Should I go on?
Posted by: DD | May 9, 2008 1:26 AM
Lets have a Hamas summer holiday alongside the gas holiday. That will be followed by a healthcare free fall. Not to be out done by the cost of education holiday.
Posted by: bill r. | May 9, 2008 6:48 AM
It appears that Jeff's McCarthyist attacks come straight from the top of the McCain campaign. The "Straight talk express" has become the "Smear and slander special"
Typical Republican slime, both of them. It's really sad hopw his ambition has twisted McCain into the nasty, angry man he now is. He used to be honorable, now he just plays to the most base elements in his party.
Posted by: Michael | May 9, 2008 7:33 AM
It is called hypocrisy, and it is the oldest kind of politics there is. Obama's free ride is over. The press won't be able to shove his tasteless remarks under the rug against John McCain the same way they unreported his sexist remarks about Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: Jeff | May 9, 2008 8:33 AM
To answer your dumb question, yes it's ENTIRELY fair to say Obama was endorsed by Hamas when a Hamas leader says this: "We like Mr. Obama and we hope he will win the election." Why? "He has a vision to change America."
-Ahmed Yousef, chief political adviser to the Prime Minister of Hamas
Obama's problem is with the truth, not John McCain telling voters about it. If he knows what Hamas is really about, he wouldn't be saying nothing about their endorsement and trying to set up meetings with them.
Posted by: Jeff | May 9, 2008 8:39 AM
Also, does anyone remember the time he said Hillary was "throwing the China at me?" Don't tell me words don't matter.
Posted by: Jeff | May 9, 2008 9:09 AM
SO now the Obama campaign is going to try to say that McCain is crazy because he spent 6 years in a POW camp being tortured. hopefully the people will not stand for this kind of attack against an American hero like John McCain. Name one thing Obama has done that can match the sacrifices John McCain has given this country. I voted for Kerry in 2004 and I will be voting for Mc Cain in 2008 for the same reason. You cant be commander in Chief without being in the military.
Posted by: Vinny | May 9, 2008 9:39 AM
You cant be commander in Chief without being in the military.
Posted by: Vinny | May 9, 2008 9:39 AM
I missed that in the Constitution, Vinny, where does it say that?
I couldn't disagree with your statement more. Military service does not make you a privledged elite in this country. The military exists to serve the nation, not the nation to serve the military.
Posted by: Luke | May 9, 2008 11:27 AM
I believe Vinny was speaking about his own personal opinion, Luke, so whether your royal person agrees with it or not is really immaterial, just like your vote for Obama will be in November.
Posted by: Jeff | May 9, 2008 12:10 PM
I just heard a medium has heard Hitler from the grave say he endorses McBush....well that does it..I won't vote for him. You republicans are a bogus lot.
Posted by: bill r. | May 9, 2008 12:14 PM
Jeff-
Last time I checked my personal opinion was just as important and material as Vinny's.
By the way Jeff, when are you going to enlist, so that you can be a full citizen in Vinny's opinion? Is your royal person too valuable to risk iun Iraq?
Posted by: Luke | May 9, 2008 1:13 PM
It's not too late for Hillary, is it?
God I hope not.
Posted by: PutAForkInObama | May 10, 2008 11:14 PM