Four years ago, talking to the Council on Foreign Relations, John McCain was asked what would happen if the Iraqi government, democratically elected and sovereign, asked for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. “Well, if that scenario evolves than I think it’s obvious that we would have to leave because — if it was an elected […]
There were, regrettably, no surprises on the Senate floor today. The Senate has approved a bill overhauling the rules on secret government eavesdropping and granting immunity to telecom companies that helped listen in on Americans after Sept. 11. The Senate passed the bill Wednesday, 69-28. It turned back three amendments that would have watered down, […]
After some very encouraging comments on bankruptcy law in Georgia yesterday, Barack Obama opened the floor to some questions. Someone asked about preventing high-school dropouts and added that she believes “there should be a push more for our citizens to become bilingual here in America.” I didn’t hear the entire response, but these comments on […]
John McCain has developed a legendary reputation for affording reporters unfettered access. Now, however, his campaign has apparently decided to pursue a new strategy: avoid reporters. McCain today held a 10-minute press conference, complete with podium, microphones for the questioners, network-quality audio and a camera for a local television station, which allowed CNN to carry […]
In light of Iran’s missile test this morning, Barack Obama referred to Tehran as a “grave threat,” while also arguing that the U.S. should pursue sanctions and diplomacy instead of “over the top rhetoric.” On CBS’s Early Show, Obama added, “We’ve been combining bellicose rhetoric with not very effective action. And that’s one of the […]
I can appreciate how difficult it must be for a news outlet like the Associated Press to find new and interesting things to write about when it comes to the presidential campaign. For that matter, I can even appreciate that, once in a while, a story with a human-interest angle might help break things up […]
Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers: * In response to Iranian missile tests this morning, John McCain said the developments “cry out for collective action,” and insisted the U.S. should end “trade and diplomatic” activities. Barack Obama said in […]
On Monday, the McCain campaign triumphantly released a joint statement from 300 economists who “enthusiastically support” the senator’s economic plan. Almost immediately, the statement looked a little sketchy, given they only endorsed his plan after taking out two of the more transparently stupid centerpiece ideas of the plan — the gas tax holiday and his […]
If the conventional wisdom is right, John McCain would at least be a slight improvement over George W. Bush on the issue of The Bubble. The current president famously goes to comical lengths to avoid competing ideas or those he might disagree with. McCain couldn’t possibly be that bad. But at this point, McCain seems […]
I know a lot of people in politics find John McCain quite charming, thanks in large part to his biting sense of humor. If he hosts a town-hall forum, for example, and someone asks a challenging question, McCain calls the voter a “little jerk.” It’s not my cup of tea, but it’s apparently all part […]