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McCain denounces DJ's "disrespectful" Obama comments


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John McCain has distanced himself from "disparaging" comments made by a radio talk host who was warming up a campaign crowd, and apologised to gathered reporters for the remarks.

Talk show host Bill Cunningham repeatedly referred to "Barack Hussein Obama", using the Illinois senator's middle name, and called him a "hack, Chicago-style" politician in a speech before McCain's appearance, saying:

"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," as the audience laughed in response.

Cunningham also mentioned indicted fundraiser Antoin Rezko, and "sweetheart deals" in Chicago.

McCain wasn't in the building at the time and was quick to denounce Cunningham's comments to reporters a short time after the incident.

"I apologise for it," McCain told journalists. "I did not know about these remarks, but I take responsibility for them. I repudiate them," before adding, "My entire campaign I have treated Senator Obama and Senator Clinton with respect. I will continue to do that throughout this campaign."

McCain also called both Democrats "honourable Americans" and said, "I want to dissociate myself with any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them."

When reporters asked him if the use of Obama's middle name is proper, McCain responded: "No, it is not. Any comment that is disparaging of either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama is totally inappropriate."

The Obama camp appeared to appreciate McCain's apology. Spokesman Bill Burton said, "It is a sign that if there is a McCain-Obama general election, it can be intensely competitive but the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues."
richjm

9 responses // McCain denounces DJ's "disrespectful" Obama comments

  • I swear that picture looks like McCain is wearing a giant sombrero.
    Egnatius212
  • Egnatius212, That's exactly what I thought when I saw the thumbnail!
    gavindcamp
  • comments like those used by Bill Cunningham are a disgraceful example of fear mongering in the everyday media. this poorly executed attempt to connect a candidate with terrorism solely because if his name is an embarrassment to this country!
    blue_blooded
  • it has a striking resemblance to the any Mary panting painting....
    Smokin_Joe
  • There were two things that I found very interesting about this ordeal.

    First I thought it was very refreshing to have a candidate apologize and not condone inappropriate actions of someone.

    Second, it was amusing to me that shortly after McCain apology our dear jackass, Bill Cunningham, turned on McCain like a rabid dog. I feel sorry for McCain for having to put up with that kind of crap, but I was greatly amused that an asshat like Cunningham was subtly put in his place.
    Varex_Sythe
  • Of course, with the Republicans, there will be a flotilla of 527s that will do the dirty work so McCain can keep his hands clean.
    CyberCitizen
  • I'm not sure that McCain will work with those kinds of tactics knowingly.

    In this instance McCain has publicly apologized in a prompt manner, and has more or less told Cunningham not to endorse him in this way.

    During the 2004 election, Bush didn't really apologize for the actions taken by the swiftboat vets against Kerry and he more or less said that he couldn't prevent these people from campaigning for him in their own way.

    Note, I'm not saying that I'd vote for McCain; however, he seems like a much more honest republican candidate than we've had in a while.
    Varex_Sythe
  • I get the same feeling as Varex...
    jade_azul16
  • When McCain was in Iraq commenting how safe it was while guarded by a gazillion troops/body guards, I thought that his comment was more misleading than honest. When McCain hummed the tune Barbara Ann to the new lyrics of Bomb Iran, I thought that was an appalling lack of diplomacy, if an honest and spontaneous expression. I've heard stories of honest temper flares on the part of McCain that appalled both staffers and peers. I do not think this person is fit to be a U.N. Ambassador, much less President.
    CyberCitizen

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