Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

mishurxc — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:55:26 GMT

President WHO???? Don;t you know spain is a kingdom ? Zapatero is the prime minister . oooohhh my god... ..

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

alecadena — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:58:50 GMT

"Either way, McCain seemed to assume that after a long conversation about our enemies to the south--folks like Fidel Castro and Cesar Chavez--he was being asked about yet another Latin American bad guy."

When did Cesar Chavez become an enemy to the South. I thought he fought for migrant rights not communist idealogies

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

mport84 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:00:24 GMT

I am afraid it means McCain is in a fog either way. His handlers are exactly the same team who brought us the past 8 years, and McCain is an empty shell who vaguely remembers he wanted to be president for some reason. Somebody is helping him decide how to manage his discourse.

I don't believe he could serve out a 4 year term. Thank God those poll numbers turned blue again - THAT means the electorate, ast least, isn't quite as befogged as they seemed last week.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

shortjames — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:00:34 GMT

So now McCain thinks Spain is an enemy!?! God help us all if this man gets elected. All he seems to want is war, war, and more war.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Laurent — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:00:42 GMT

The caller was incorrect to begin with. Spain does not have a "President," since Spain is a monarchy, under King Juan Carlos. Prime Minister Zapatero is head of the government, not head of state. Latin American countries are republics and have presidents. Perhaps you should find aRussian speaking caller to phone int McCain and ask him if he is wiling to meet with Czar Putin. That would make as much sense as the ridiculous call that you are so excited about.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

rufftrader — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:03:06 GMT

McCain is a doddering old fool and a republican tool.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

schock — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:04:44 GMT

Stumper: Did Andrew Romano know what he was talking about?

Romano says: "McCain seemed to assume that after a long conversation about our enemies to the south--folks like Fidel Castro and Cesar Chavez--he was being asked about yet another Latin American bad guy."

We have to assume that the Chavez he's referring to as an 'enemy to the south' is actually <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Ch%C3%A1vez">Hugo</a> (the quite popular left-wing Venezuelan leader who's survived several coup attempts and is hated in Washington for spending millions of petrodollars on social programs for Venezuela's poor rather than allowing the money to be extracted by foreign investors), rather than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A9sar_Ch%C3%A1vez">Cesar</a> (the Mexican-American civil rights activist who cofounded the United Farm Workers).

We can certainly agree that McCain is both foolish and scary. However, next time let's double check on which Latino is a 'villian' and which one is a hero of civil rights in the United States. For that matter, maybe we should do a little more independent thinking about who's a 'good guy' or a 'bad guy' in the first place... being critical of US foreign policy does not an 'evildoer' make.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Indiana Pearl — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:16:55 GMT

Perhaps Mr. Romano's tender years prevent him from knowing that Cesar Chavez was the leader of the United Farm Workers movement and a hero to Americans in his fight for fair pay and working conditions for farm workers. Now HUGO Chavez is another story! But even he is not a Spaniard . . .

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Toryn — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:19:07 GMT

If you're going to blog it as a reporter...at least include the full context of why people are wondering if McCain thinks Spain is in Latin America. The LA Times did a much better job of actually showing readers the entire story rather than just one side of things. I'll do your job for you Andrew and include the text:

"In the beginning of the interview, McCain discusses how he would not sit down with presidents Hugo Chavez of Venezuela or Evo Morales of Bolivia and certainly not with Raul Castro. Standard fare. The interviewer then says, "Let's shift to Spain, would you invite President [Jose Luis Rodriguez] Zapatero to meet with you in the White House?" This is a big deal for Spaniards; Zapatero never received such an invitation from President George Bush. At first McCcain gives a vague answer about how he'll work with anyone who cooperates withe U.S. but is determined to stand firm against our enemies. When pressed again, he makes no promises but notes "the importance of "our relationship with Latin America."

Perplexed, the interview blurts out "But I'm talking about Europe. About Spain!" Even then, McCain indeed does stand firm. He never giving a clue that he acutally knows who Zapatero is. He speaks in English and a Spanish translater is speaking over him so I'll translate back to English: He'll be friends with our friends and stand firm against those who oppose us."

Maybe you should go back for some remedial classes?

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

morangles — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:20:36 GMT

King Juan Carlos has managed to get the talktative Chavez to shut up. Spainis a monarchy since more than 1000ys; , and managed to make a stir long before one ver heard of Arizona let alone a certain John McC. Spain will survive... The honorable snator , though, would be wll advised to learn to be more polite with prospective allies in Nato. Quite snotty and arguably sensitive skinned,the spanish citizens...

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

jnstuff0525 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:23:58 GMT

Actually, Laurent, Spain does in fact have a President.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sp.html

Reguardless, McCain's Straight Talk Express is totally derailed at this point and has been for some time now. Pretty disappointing really; how comfortable he's become playing the Party tune. I had high hopes for this election. I thought I'd actually have to make a real choice between two respectable, intelligent, and qualified candidates, but, alas, we are down to one, and there's still a month and a half for that curtain to get pulled back too.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

thebob.bob — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:40:02 GMT

Hey, McCain is from Arizona. If you speak Spanish, you're Mexican, right? Unless your one of those Rebel leaders, like whatshisname who the head of the Contras or Zapatista's or whatever, we'll talk if they want to be our friens otherwise we'll go after anyone wo is against America...what was the queation again? What? A member of NATO? Our ally?

"Option One--McCain's stance on Spain has become needlessly derogatory for no particular reason--suggests that he's erratic. Option Two--McCain is willing to adopt a needlessly derogatory stance simply to protect against the perception of a gaffe--suggests that he puts politics before policy."

You want to wake this guy up at 3 AM and have him guess who our friends are???

This is some scary sh*t!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

JohnMcSame — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:43:15 GMT

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the "senile old coot" explanation. He's not senile yet, and I actually have a lot of respect for McCain, or did before it became obvious he'd sell his soul to win an election, but the man has made many factual errors in interviews and press conferences over the past year or so. Listen to him speak - he doesn't sound sharp, he sounds old and tired. And for a reason - he *is* old. It's beginning to feel a lot like "deja vu all over again" - he reminds me of the way Reagan sounded in his second term. I certainly hope he never develops Alzheimer's, but I'm starting to wonder if in fact he might not be exhibiting some of the early symptoms of some form of dementia. I don't know - but one thing is certain, he's not the sharp John McCain of old. And, according to actuarial tables (not even considering his bouts with melanoma), he has a 1 in 3 chance of dying during what would be his first term as President. That's a sobering fact people need to consider - because if he were to die, we'd be stuck with President Hockey-Mom, former small town mayor and former Governor of a state with, as someone said, "13 people and some caribou". Listen to him speak, observe his manner and energy level, note his factual errors - and think about it. This is serious business. Our Republic is in the worst shape it's been in since the Depression - this is no time to gamble on a tired old man and a hockey mom.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

BaxterJ — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:55:22 GMT

I feel like I'm missing some sort of backstory here. Spain?

http://www.entertonement.com/collections/3970/John-McCain-On-Spain

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

jdmv1 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:02:46 GMT

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

Presidente del Gobierno

http://www.la-moncloa.es/Presidente/Biografia/default.htm

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

not.Brit — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:24:36 GMT

This may fly under the radar because it's not as sexy as pigs with lipstick, but this is one of the most bizarre and damaging gaffes of this already silly Presidential election. Either McCain really is THAT mad at Spain because of Iraq OR McCain genuinely didn't recognize the name of the Prime Minister of the country he was specifically talking to.

How does he dig himself out?

Add that to Palin's call for a federal transparency bill (a bill that Barack Obama already wrote and President Bush already signed into law) and we've got some seriously shaky ground going into the weekend.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

puhleeze — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:31:41 GMT

This is a non story for anyone that actually heard the interview. I am fluent in Spanish and English but had to listen closely to understand what the interviewer was asking.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

ray reyns — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:33:13 GMT

confused confused condfused...this is McCain everyday...memory lapses and unintelligent responses and choices...too old, lets face...scary.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

eks1234 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:43:19 GMT

I am relieved that I am not the only one who has been wondering about McCain's mental faculties. He seems to have known and forgotten what was going on with Spain. And he seems to have selected a running mate on nothing but impulse. (We do want someone "capable" a heartbeat away from running the country, is this the only right wing woman the Republicans could have come up with? No.) The John McCain we've known for so many years is not the John McCain that we see today. It could be a result of selling his soul for the White House - or, it could be dementia. I think he's losing it.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

eks1234 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:47:30 GMT

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

not.Brit — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:48:29 GMT

@ puhleeze

I'm not sure what you were listening to. The interviewer had to ask him three times. By the last time she actually had to say, "I'm talking about Europe." After getting testy ("What about me WHAT?") he still gave the same evasive non-answer.

So let's say you're right and he was confused. Why would he create animosity toward a NATO country to cover up his confusion? Any way you slice it, this is an embarrassing gaffe.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

a brighter America 08 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:52:36 GMT

McCain, don't you know that the rule of thumb if you do not understand what is being said, is to ask the person to please "REPEAT" what he said. Otherwise you end up making an A** of yourself like you did in that interview! Then again, McCain probably forgot this gentleman is the PM of Spain. With McCain, who KNOWS? Deaf,Dementia, Forgetfulness, inability to grasp what is being said?? McCain is a serious danger to our country, please, folks, let's not let him anywhere near the OVAL Office!!!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

john MT — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:52:51 GMT

Romano finally says something I agree with!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

SteveKelson — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:56:05 GMT

He's the absolute worst candidate any party had fielded in my lifetime.

If Bill Clintons IQ was twice that of George Bush, where does that leave McCain?

He derailed this same conversation, to include 'Mexico' numerous times. He's such a wh*re for votes, it's unreal.The Straight Talk Express has become an world class expert at changing the subject.

He's a stumbling, bumbling, pathetic joke. His use of a teleprompter near his feet, nearly makes me feel sorry for the guy. Never has there been a person SO poorly equipped, skill wise, for the job of President.....I'm going to guess in the last 100 years.

Nevertheless, I'm still bringing a boom box when he comes here. I'll play the Three Dog Night hit:

LIAR ! LIAR !

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

a brighter America 08 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:14:53 GMT

Posted By: mishurxc (September 18, 2008 at 5:55 PM)

President WHO???? Don;t you know spain is a kingdom ? Zapatero is the prime minister . oooohhh my god... ..

-----------------

Andrew made a mistake or two in his article, but, hey his is NOT running for president of the USA. John McCain is running for President o the USA but one would never know it except that he is campaigning! He cannot afford to make mistakes such as implying Spain's Prime Minister is a rogue and an enemey of the US!!! Nice going McCain, for proving to us what we already knew, you are not ONL:Y OUT OF TOUCH WITH AMERICA AND OUR CITIZENS, YOU ARE ALSO OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD!! McCain, you do not know that Pakistan borders Afghanistan and NOT Iraq; you believe Chechoslovakia is still in existance when, in fact it split into two countries - The Chech Republic and Slovakia! You do not know which factions are which in Iraq; you believe "the fundamentals of our economy are strong, VERY strong" when in fact the economy is very sad shape and the money institutions are collapsing like dominoes. and much, much, much, much more. Fellow Americans, McCain has some very serious 'brain" issues which we MUST NOT TAKE LIGHTLY!! He is a threat to our country, much more so than Bush has already been! THINK! THINK! THINK!!

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re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Douglas4517 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:49:14 GMT

Where's your commentary on Barack Obama talking about campaigning in "all 57

states"?

Where's your commentary about Barack Obama's comment that "America is no

longer what it could have been"?

(if you have to ask, no, that sentence makes no sense)

Where's your commentary about Joe Biden asking a wheelchair bound state

legislator to "Stand up, Chuck"?

Oh, perhaps I missed them.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

lhummer — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:49:47 GMT

First he didn't know the difference between Shia and Sunni. Then he thought Czeckoslovakia was still a country. Now he seems confused about where Spain is. And this guy's strong suit is foreign policy?

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Obama 08 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:49:54 GMT

God help us all if he should somehow win the election!!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

TZAZ — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:51:56 GMT

Is this Zapata guy the same person that split and ran from Iraq, after the jihadist killed his people?If Little John is showing him his disdain for a spineless leader John has my vote. Who the hell cares about old Europe anyway.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

PaulStewart — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:52:44 GMT

It is clear that he was not clear on who he was talking about. He should have asked to clarify who the leader was - he paid a heavy price for not remembering the name who Spain's leader. Clearly, Spain in no way is mixed up in a plot against the US. And what is more it is in another hemisphere. Another gaffe. This man is under stress because the issue is the economy stupid. And, he still wants to talk about security and safety and enemies and fear. He wants to change the subject so bad, he missed the fundamentals again.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

PaulStewart — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:54:05 GMT

coming apart at the seams - will he be able to make it to election day, never mind an inauguration should he actually, I hope not, win

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

jaycasey — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:05:42 GMT

If McCain couldn't understand what the interviewer was saying he should just fess up and clear the air. I'm afraid that the more likely explanation is that the Senator is sometimes not too clear headed - and that should disqualify him from being president.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

TZAZ — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:07:43 GMT

I restate a simple fact, who the hell cares if the Spanish PM is slighted. Spain is in no position to help or hinder the U.S. They are irrelevant to our national interest. Most if not all of the past and present political and economic disasters in Latin America are directly linked to Spain's abuse as a colonial power there. Spain left the new world a shambles. They will have to get accustomed to President McCain.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

TZAZ — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:11:25 GMT

I like the sound of President McCain, it sounds American.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

maninthemirror — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:20:35 GMT

tzaz you really need to wake up and smell the coffee. unless that would confuse you too much since 70% of the worlds coffee in grown in South America, and we hate those guys right? What a nutjob you and McCain are.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

ElBruce — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:22:47 GMT

Option 3: It's a well known fact that the the Republican base have been wanting to pick a fight with Spain for years.

WE MUST FIGHT THEM OVER THERE SO WE DON'T HAVE TO FIGHT THEM OVER HERE!

Get ready for Guernica 2, y'all.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

maninthemirror — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:24:46 GMT

actually it sounds more irish. But then, I actually realize that there are other people on the planet unlike yourself and Palin/McSame.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

boo2222 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:34:35 GMT

I love the macho bluster of the neocons in this comment thread: "Spain backed out of Iraq, so to heck with them!" "Who needs Europe, anyway?" It's geopolitical discourse on the intellectual level of a frathouse pissing contest.

I have news for you...Spain is our ally and has soldiers fighting for us and with us in Afganistan. You're willing to die for Georgia, apparently, but not for a country who has sacrificed for us. It highly irresponsible of McCain to try to cover up his gaffe by doubling down and saying he meant to insinuate the president of Spain might mean to do us harm. He would rather destroy an alliance than admit to not remembering or not hearing correctly. Sounds like the current president.

As for who needs Europe--We do! Even you puffed up neocons do, unless you're actually writing from the Balkans. Three of the six central banks that just bailed out our stock market were European banks. I watched my 401K plummet yesterday and then come back up today, thanks to Europe. China is already hinting that we can't be trusted to be the economic center anymore and if Europe and the rest of the world agrees with them, our current economic crisis will look like a blip on the radar screen compared to the fallout from that. So why don't you show some more maturity than your candidate and admit he's just being stubborn to cover up for being tired or deaf or out of it?

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

TZAZ — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:40:32 GMT

President McCain is going to drive you lefties nuts. Maybe you can move to Europe or help fill up Canada.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

palinscaresme — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:53:22 GMT

Brilliant piece, Andrew. Absolutely cuts to the chase. Apparently they'd rather spin than come clean, which might be a workable strategy but for the unfortunate fact that so many diligent journalists seem to be paying such close attention. Keep it up!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

williambanzai7 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:55:05 GMT

I'd rather elect Grandpa from the Real McCoys

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

caraprado — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:57:40 GMT

From:

Head of State

http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/also-will-call-for-democratization.html

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Also Will Call For Democratization, Removal of Burger King

ABC News:

"At a joint rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Thursday, Republican John McCain slammed the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for being "asleep at the switch" saying that if he were president, he would fire Chris Cox, the chairman of the SEC since 2005 and a former Republican congressman...

But while the president nominates and the Senate confirms the SEC chair, a commissioner of an independent regulatory commission cannot be removed by the president."

Perhaps he could name him President of Spain.

Cite:

Head of State

http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/also-will-call-for-democratization.html

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

salicornia — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:04:00 GMT

Can someone tell McCain that they are asking about Zapoatero and not Zapata? And please tell himthat Zapata died over half a century ago. But, then again who is going to tell him? That is the problem when you surround yourself with ignorant people, and then pride yourself in being ignorant and running on the ticket to attract the ignorant vote. And if anyone wants to educate them, they are elitist, and sissies, and liberals. Shame!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

nana4 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:29:03 GMT

"Politics before policy", no, really???

I think he does not know what is going on. I think, really, at his core, he only cares about issues related to War.

He has no interest in health care, economy, education, environment, employment, OR the art and temperament of foreign relations.

However, the hockey mom he has piced as a potential VP and successor to the presidency, has stated her mission: Security, Energy, and Reform. Today, when asked by someone in her crowd to speak to her credentials and ability in foreign policy, she replied, "I have a readiness to serve. I am ready". Do you feel better yet?

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Bemused on the prairie — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:08:06 GMT

Having Randy Scheunemann, a paid lobbyist for foreign governments, makes one question whether McCain is getting disinterested advice. Scheunemann's reference to Prime Minister Zapatero as president makes one wonder whether Scheuneman's advice is not just interested but sometimes also rooted in ignorance. The chief may get a fact wrong on occasion, but his expert must never.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Bemused on the prairie — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:09:46 GMT

Scheuneman. Sorry.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

paul962 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:22:54 GMT

So far this cycle we have learned from John McCain that Spain is not in Europe, that Iraq & Afghanistan share a border, that Czechoslovakia is STILL under the rule of the USSR, that we are all citizens of Georgia and that Sunni extremists (al-Qaeda) are aligned with Shiite theocrats (Iran).

After looking at what promises of "I do not do nation building" mean in practice it is easy to see how these examples of international acumen appear to be coming from the best prepared foreign policy specialist in the republican party.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

csfoster — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 06:28:06 GMT

Where was old faithful sidekick Lieberman when Senator McCain needed him?

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

jbleezee — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:35:25 GMT

Do we really need to take care of every other countries' problems? Liberals are so tied up with this foreign policy deal, like we need to be at every country's beckon call. It's bull sh^t!!!! Let's take care of us first, then worry about foreign policy. We can't save everyone. Now I'll be attacked by you liberals for not knowing anything about foreign policy and what it means to America...and many other things... So I'll change the subject to another issue with the liberal media.

Keith Olbermann is a complete idiot. More lies from the liberal media. McCain was taking about an oil rig, stating "you can look down and there's fish everywhere, the fish love to be around those rigs." Olbermann's comment, "yah, sure they do." "It's like birds supporting overhead phone lines because they sit on the wires sometimes. Good grief." This guy is an idoit, STRAIGHT UP IDIOT. Fish use these oil rigs like a reef. Since not all fish live at a certain depth, they stratify themselves from top to bottom on those rigs. Most ocean fishing guide trips, that are near these rigs, will fish around them because of the AMOUNT OF FISH THESE OIL RIGS ATTRACT. OLBERMANN, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. PLEASE!!! But what can I expect from a liberal that knows nothing about the environment or anything related to the outdoors (that's 98% of liberals, the other 2% fly fish).

THE MEDIA WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO REPORT THE NEWS HOW IT TRULY IS, NOT WHAT YOU CAN MAKE OUT OF THE NEWS TO SUPPORT YOUR OWN AGENDA'S.

OLBERMANN, you show Palin's interview with HANNITY on FOX. You use nothing but sound bites to make her sound like she only knows a few words, and with the jumping around of those sound bites, you made some of them into complete sentences. Not ones she actually said during the interview, but again you are only supporting your own party's agendas...

Everyone is so concerned about Palin and what interviews she has or doesn't have, but I haven't seen any interview with BIDEN. WHERE THE HELL HAS HIS INTERVIEWS BEEN, AND WHY AREN'T THEY BEING TELEVISED??? So quick to twist the knife in someone's back, but unwilling to show the disgrace of your own party. SAD!!! Why don't all of you get together and start a riot to support peace? You're good at it.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

jbleezee — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:37:27 GMT

And another thing. All of you blame the current adminstration for the economy and the housing market. What's happening right now was brought to light many years ago, but our wonderful do nothing Democratic Congress DID NOTHING to help prevent this. They turned down meaures that were brought to vote about fixing the housing market crisis. The Republicans you hate so much, tried to get things done. Democrats threw up their typical roadblock, because it wasn't their idea, and now we see the result of the inactivity of this Congress. You blame the current administration, but it's your democratic party that allowed this to take place, because they thought it would be good way to try and point the blame at the current administration and any other Republican running for office. Is that how we should help run this country? Let the sh^t hit the fan and blame someone else for your lack of action? It's no wonder we have a divided America, because Democrats refuse to work towards the common good of the people of America.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Omaar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:10:19 GMT

In a Majority Ruled [Republican Senate & Congress and a Republican President, Vice President ]

An a Republican Secretary of State, Republican SEC Chairman and the FED's Alan Greenspan,

Greenspan, a man that says "John McCain's Economic Plan, will Ruin this Nation"

Who now sits as one of McCain's Economic Advisors, Greespan, a man who Contributed Mightily to this Nation's Economic and Housing Downfall, along with the Bush Iniatives signed by Bush himself and Followed through via Greemspan, Freddie Mac and Fannie May, as well as the Banking Institutions Hey....

This [Was and Is] a Republican Party Blunder in a Massive Way....Accept it, thats the way it is !!!

The war that cost the Nation 20 Billion per month, with China lending us the Money, to fight these Wars....

And you wonder why we are in this Mess !!!!

Big Note: McCain's Top Economics Advisor s told Time magazine, " Whether the President is a Republican, Democrat or a Martian, Your Taxes will be Raised'

Yet you have [George McCain], I mean John McCain Lying to his Palin Followers, that "he will not Raise Your Taxes"..................

Knowing that he will !!!!

This is the Do All, Say Anything, Be All Career Politician, that [John Bush] is ...

I Mean, John McCain!!!

The Media has got to do a BETTER JOB, on Both Sarah Palin and John McCain.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Omaar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:27:16 GMT

Sarah Palin says It’s a Palin-McCain Administration

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/18/the-palin-mccain-administ_n_127567.html

The Palin And McCain Administration: Sarah Flips The Ticket During A Rally (VIDEO)

This video from a Palin event today catches the vice presidential nominee putting herself before John McCain on the ticket. Check out the video and read more here from ABC News.

Politico's Jonathan Martin had this related report:

At a rally outside Youngstown, Ohio, Tuesday night, dozens of attendees left while McCain was still speaking.

I caught up with a few of them. Some explained that the airplane hangar where the rally was being held had grown crammed and uncomfortable. Others said they had other events or commitments to get to.

Notably, though, the exodous had only begun after Palin spoke.

Now, the same thing has happened again.

"I look up, about five minutes into McCain's address and see a steady stream of people walking out of the rally," writes Radio Iowa's Kay Henderson from a McCain-Palin event in Cedar Rapids.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

SBfromCA — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:47:28 GMT

jbleezee -

Are you also having one of those "Palin moments" like John Mccain did yesterday when he failed to responded coherently about Spain's leader?

What you saying is that the Congress is supposed to fix all the mess that Bush created in the last 6 years within 2 years? Get real! By now, Mccain is no longer Mccain, Face it! He's been flip-flopping more times than a restless fish in a tank in the past few days since the financial crisis started. No matter how you want to put it, the Republicans f**ked up! Mccain is in a hot seat to re-position himself to lure the voters. He has no choice but "changes" his position 3 times a day. By the way, I think the old man needs some medical attention prompto. He is battered and confused. This brings a really serious question about the incident in Ohio last night- his campaign has now became Palin-Mccain campaign. His first big mistake in an executive decision to put Palin on his ticket shows how dellusional the old man is. He put his political need before the country's need by placing someone like Palin on his ticket. He has no regard to what will happen to this country if he failed to make it thru his term. President Palin will put the United States of American on eBay to the highest bidder , just watch!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

eagles1776 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:23:31 GMT

McCain is a pathetic OLD fool. He needs to retire to one of his 7 homes and start watching the Arizona cacti grow.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

joseph jacir — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:39:23 GMT

Are you kidding.....He is out of touch and out of mind.....Did McCain know anything when he nominated Sara who is now calling him my running mate and very soon grandpa

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

wyomingite — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:44:51 GMT

I listened to the interview. It's obvious that McCain did not know what he was talking about. He referred to "Latin American leaders" and "the region" when the reporter asked if they were both talking about the same thing: Spain. I actually felt sorry for the guy, because he just isn't as sharp as he used to be. And, let's face it, geography is not his strong suit (wait that was the economy). OK neither one is his strong suit.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

eagles1776 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:45:40 GMT

What is really bad is that the interviewer not only asked 3 times but told McCain that they were talking about the Prime Minister of Spain. How dense can McCain be? He and moose shootin' Barbie want to run this great country. They'll run it alright...into the ground further than Dubya has.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

sweggen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:20:20 GMT

Ramono-

How desperate are you to smear McCain? The whole article and your spin is weak. There is nothing there son. If you ran out of things to use your investigative journalism skills on- try this one:

ACORN and Obama There is a very dangerous link there...like stealing the election dangerous, like using his power as a state senator to earmark MILLIONS of $ for tax exempt Acorn dangerous.

But if you take that one on it would mean NEWSWEEK would have to start playing it fair and balanced...that ain't gonna happen.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

jefflz — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:20:22 GMT

I do believe that McCain knows where Spain is, but it is now clear that McCain can’t cut it any more. He rambles and fumbles. He is either making a howling gaffe or simply rephrasing what Obama has been saying for months. One of the signs of dementia is the inability to track a conversation, and to become belligerent when challenged about the confusion.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

sweggen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:21:29 GMT

Ramono-

How desperate are you to smear McCain? The whole article and your spin is weak. There is nothing there son. If you ran out of things to use your investigative journalism skills on- try this one:

ACORN and Obama There is a very dangerous link there...like stealing the election dangerous, like using his power as a state senator to earmark MILLIONS of $ for tax exempt Acorn dangerous.

But if you take that one on it would mean NEWSWEEK would have to start playing it fair and balanced...that ain't gonna happen.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Luis Montes — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:25:41 GMT

TO TZAZ

Contrary to the angloamerican colonisers - who exterminated all the north american indians in North America- Spain created a mixed civilization in the New World which was second to none till the XIX century. We created universities in America in the XVI open to the indians century and some of the best Spanish speaking writers have always been from Latin America. The US destroyed all that with its interventions in Latin America in the XIX and XX th centuries. Spain helped you to get your independence from Britain and the first thing you did was to invade Mexico and later to declare an illegal was against Spain over Cuba- remember the Maine?- With friends like you...

As to the irrelevance of spain for the US, well, think twice. Spain is the 8th largest world economy, the 6th largest world investor, the first investor in Latin America and the 4th in the US ( OCDE statistics). Its language and culture are shared by 400 million people ( it is the second language, like it or not in the US) Besides, despite rabid extremists like you, Spain is contributing to US policies from Afghanistan to Libano by providing military contingents there. So if people like you keep on insulting Spain you will be left with your British cousins alone in the world.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Femaleover60 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:46:48 GMT

It sounded to me like another one of McCain's senior moments. I am a senior myself and know about them. I would have said, sorry I did not get the name you mentioned, whom were you referring to? McCain however relied on his instinct that a Spanish sounding name had to be a Latin American name. I am considerably older than McCain, so I can say without being called an ageist, that McCain's instincts are no longer good, and he has too many memory lapses for a 72 year old. He often stands there and seems to be befuddled.

I am also a woman, so you can't call me sexist. I am scared out of my wits to think that this no-nothing, yarn-spinning Sarah Palin could be next in line for the presidency.

TheMcCain-Palin (or is the Palin-McCain) ticket's slogan is "Country First". I can only urge all Republicans to heed this and vote for Obama or don't vote. McCain-Palin are not good for us..

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

OldUncleTom — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:53:44 GMT

Old John's obvious senility aside, I find it very disturbing that the rest of the world is sorted into "friends" and "enemies". This facile perspective echoes George Bush in disturbing ways (for me or against me), and should not be part of any civilized discourse in the modern era.

As for "Country First"; do they refer to Dolly Parton/Waylon Jennings "Country", or United States of America "Country". I understand for many people, these two concepts are one in the same, but those people are not a majority of Americans, and have not been for more than a century.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

OldUncleTom — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:53:49 GMT

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Over50-5th-Gen-American — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:01:52 GMT

This is news? Seems you were looking for something contentious to write about at the end of the day. He said he'd be happy to talk with allies, and not happy to talk with enemies. Done... No contention, nothing newsworthy (though obviously OldUncleTom seems to think the frendlies/enemies outlook on the world is flawed. That's newsworthy....he has no enemies, or is it friends?)

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

Dan Cohen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:47:56 GMT

And they talk about the liberal press!!!!!!!!! You are nothing, but a person that has an excuse for everything the republicans, especially John Mc Shame!!!!!!!!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

pugs — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:21:57 GMT

I didn't know the woman most likeley to be Obama's Chief of Staff was born in IRAN! Before you question it do your homework it is TRUE! Copy and paste to all!

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

orion12 — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:52:56 GMT

Irrespective of who is one's prefered candidate what McCain said indicates a lack of familiarity with who he was talking about. Those who try to defend it are being dishonest. McCain was confused, or did not remeber who he was talking about and he just tried, as usual, to put on some fluff. He was just wavering to cover up his ignorance. I feel sorry for him as it happens to us all.

There again is he getting tired? Is his memory failing him? Who knows.

One thing that bothers me about McCain is that people are either "enemies" or "friends". He uses these words so often. Yes, he likes the word "fight". Is everything for him good or bad? There is something there that worries me.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

dumasrl — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:54:57 GMT

The Author of this article fails to point out that the radio personality started off by saying, "Let me ask you a question concerning Spain." So it should have been very clear to McCain who she was talking about. McCain started talking about countries in our Hemosphere and countries to the south of us and Latin America. It was sad.... The lady asking the question finally said who's talking about Latin America....I asked you about Spain.

The man is senile.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

hopkins1952 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:23:46 GMT

We will see if McCain is senile or not on the 26th. He makes far more mistakes than Obama, but I do think there is much more pressure on him. If the pressure is getting to him now, imagine what it would be like in the while house. Regardless, John has sold his soul to the devil. A mans word, what he stands for is far more important than party. You live your entire life building up a reputation, and you can make mistakes in the process, but you are viewed by what you say, how you act and react in certain siuations and your compassion toward other human beings. You can change your views due to certain situations, but you can not go back on your word or your profile.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

jbleezee — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:56:48 GMT

SBfromCA -

This problem with Fannie May and Freddie Mac started before Bush ever came to office. The current adminstration told Congress about this future mess long ago and what it would do to the housing market and the economy. But like I said, the Democrats that run Congress didn't allow any legislation to pass to help this disaster we have witnessed now. The Do Nothing Congress. But you go ahead and keep blaming the Bush Admin for your problems. It's easy to do. Because democrats don't know what it is to take on responsibility and admit that they were wrong about anything. Exactly what I have just stated was reitterated on MSNBC this morning. Can't believe they even allowed it to be said on their station. Know the facts before you talk out your A$$! But hey, congrats to all democrats that stand behind their stupidity. Now the current adminstration gets to bail out your F%CK up. And guess who gets to pay for it? ALL OF US!!! And guess who got a sh^tload of money going towards his campaign directly from Fannie May and Freddie Mac? Yep, you guessed it! OBAMA. If the amount of money that was given to his campaign would have remained with Fan and Fred, us taxpayers wouldn't be paying for that pile of crap either. I've never seen such an arrogant A-hole running for Pres. And you think he will help? Ha! Keep dreaming.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

cibeles — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:06:02 GMT

You are speculating way too, much about what he meant. I have listened to the interview and read a significant amount of articles about this and neither he looks senile nor confused.

The problem you have about that interview is that you don't have some details about my country, I'm spanish.

McCain had the interview in April with El Pais, a newspaper belonging to the PRISA group and PRISA is also the owner of Radio Caracol the ones making the interview. PRISA was the one pressing for the question, and yes Spain tends to be considered or taking into account when there are issues referring to Latin America, because we speak the same language and we have more relations and contacts with them than any other country.

The other thing that will help you to understand McCain's answer and give you an answer about what has changed since April, is that PRISA even though is ferociously pro Labour party in my country (Zapatero is Labour party), since April they have started to criticise Zapatero and might be not trying to support a Conservative government in my country but a replacement of Prime Minister within the Labour party. If McCain does not have the best opinion of Zapatero personally under those circumstances he might not feel so compelled to be friendly with Zapatero, hence his answer.

This proves two things he might be more aware of international politics than many people realise in your country, and most people in your country, are only showing ignorance about my country.

I hope this helps to clarify the answer McCain gave and clear any misunderstandings about the whole issue.

In any case I do not live in America, but just reading the Internet and the kind of comments made by the average American about the whole issue you might have won a significant amount of votes for McCain that where previously considering support for Obama. This whole affair and the stupid way it has been conducted by the media in your country only shows the lack of arguments you have against him and the lack of arguments you have to support Obama. None of the explanations about it can stand a close examination or make any sense.

Again you are winning McCain votes with this, and the economy right now is more important for the people in your country than this.

re: Spain: Did McCain Know What He Was Talking About?

cibeles — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:34:08 GMT

A couple of articles from El Pais where you can notice how they are starting to criticise Zapatero because of his ineptitude dealing with the economy, there are more but since this incident you suddenly have made him look nice and criticising towards him has been reduced

Quietismo http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/Quietismo/elpepiesp/20080918elpepinac_10/Tes

translated via Google

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elpais.com%2Farticulo%2Fespana%2FQuietismo%2Felpepiesp%2F20080918elpepinac_10%2FTes&sl=es&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

and short version of previous link

http://preview.tinyurl.com/4mk2eb

And another one Austeridades http://preview.tinyurl.com/4ffc5m

translated via Google http://preview.tinyurl.com/4j3oym

People within the Labour party in Spain are starting to considering him a liability and McCain seems to be aware of that, he had the interview in April with a very specific newspaper from country and that is very revelling if you know about politics in my country.