Obama-McCain Letter Exchange

Before we get to today's topic -- presidential politics -- let's rejoice in the glorious Nationals victory, which came on a heroic ending in the beautiful (or not) new ball park Sunday night. Thomas Boswell tells us what wonderful things this could mean for future happiness.

Now back to presidential politics. Paul Kane writes today that "what began as a promising collaboration" in 2006 between Sens. John McCain (R) and newcomer Barack Obama (D) on a lobbying and ethics reform bill "collapsed after barely a week" in an exchange of angry letters. "Obama questioned whether McCain sided with GOP leaders rather than searching for a bipartisan solution; McCain accused Obama of 'typical rhetorical gloss' and 'self interested partisan posturing' by a newcomer seeking to ingratiate himself with party leaders," Kane reports.

This singular event is seen as a possible precursor of what a McCain-Obama general election campaign might look like. Our Readers Who Comment -- depending on which political persuasion they represent -- see it either as a classic example of McCain's famous short temper that might not serve the presidency well, or as a classic example of Obama's eloquence not matched by an ability to get things done.

Let the campaign begin:

We'll start with davestickler, who wrote, "If making John McCain mad disqualified you from being president, we'd essentially have no candidates from either party. Fortunately, Obama followed through, and the ethics legislation passed."

But majorteddy said, "Looks like Obama won that one by keeping his cool."

Grant55 said, "This is what we've been trying to tell people. McCain hates Obama. It's one of the reasons, along with the fact he knows he can actually beat Hillary, McCain wants to run against Clinton. Also the fact that Obama is really a Democrat and not a conservative pretending to be a Democrat like we all know Clinton is is the other..."

egalitaire wrote, "On the stump Obama mocks McCain's maverick image, saying McCain "fell in line" with Republican orthodoxy....speaking of orthodox, anyone wanna bet who will be the war hawk's VP running mate? i bet he'll be a war hawk too..."

nezbangi suggested that "Hillary Clinton's obstinance will destroy the democrats' chances in November. She should drop out immediately and support Obama..."
[Sen. Clinton told the Post Sunday she had absolutely no intention of dropping out.]

cicada99 predicted that "Those who don't see anything in Obama but "rhetorical gloss" and "self-interested partisan posturing" have no idea what's going to hit them."

However, donnerlady said, "...Obama is nothing but an empty suit and a showboat. When are the American people going to wake up to this con artist? Hillary Clinton is the Democrat senator who knows how to work across the aisle..."

postfan1 wrote that "I like the fact that Obama is committed to change, in words and actions. There's way too much posturing and "business as usual" in Washington. We really don't need someone in power who accepts all the game playing. Obama is willing to challenge the system..."

gwshening forecast that "...Nominating Obama means a 40+ state loss for the Democrats and will drag down many Democratic congressmen... Complacency within the Democratic party, thinking they have already won in November, will cost them dearly."

mehuwss said, "...As opposed to Obama, McCain and Hillary have a proven record in regards to working across the aisle to get things done. Obama's record reflects a very liberal senator with a pattern of skipping hard votes and primarily "coming together" on noncontroversial issues. Obama's claim that he is a uniter is a big bluff."

davethewave1 wrote that "McCain is too much of a hot head... I dont want a hot head in office-certinly not if he is going to try and be a diplomatic figure with other nations-at a time when the US already has a bad reputation of being a steam rolling lone ranger."

diane3 complained that "Paul Kane's article doesn't point out clearly enought that from the beginning of this incident, Obama made it clear that his fellow Democrats did not want to waste time going through a lengthy commission process; in other words, Obama's letter (which was extremely polite and well intended) did not come out of nowhere. John McCain's response is an example of his bitter nature."

And because this particular string is an argument between partisans, we'll close with wardropper, who, in this post at least, has a somewhat different taking, saying, "Funny how we have all this on record, but those millions of emails from the White House . . . ?"

All comments on the exchange of letters story are here.

By Doug Feaver |  March 31, 2008; 9:15 AM ET Obama
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Posted by: 30lnbq2cyb | April 27, 2008 4:51 PM

obama your running to be the american presedent. Not for the united nations presedent. american values are a much bigger concern here in this time of crises.Your not fit for presedent and this election has not much to chouse from. My advice vote independent if you want real change not a sripted change.

Posted by: stephenk | April 15, 2008 6:54 PM

Is obama loking after our own itrest as sruggleing americans well just look at this.http://niasonline.net/2008/03/03/obama-mengeluarkan-artileri-berat-untuk-menghdang-clinton/ Obama mengeluarkan artileri berat untuk menghadang Clinton
Kandidat presiden dari Partai Demokrat Barack Obama telah mempertajam serangan terhadap rivalnya separtai Hillary Clinton, dengan menuduhnya tidak memiliki pertimbangan jernih ketika ikut mendukung perang Irak, memerikan suara mendukung undang-undang yang dia tidak yakini dan terlalu mengandalkan dukungan para pelobi. Serangan ini dilancarkan Obama dalam sebuah pidato. That not running in just america hes running for other counrys now.

Posted by: stephenk. | April 15, 2008 6:49 PM

so obama has a problum with indain-americans. Dos that mean he has aproblum with every body thats not like himself? and i think thats a yes on that obama just proved that one.

Posted by: stephenk. | April 15, 2008 6:41 PM

obamas mistakes and more.....The mistake has to do with a document his campaign issued last week accusing Hillary Clinton of accepting so much money from Indian-American (Americans from the country of India, not native Americans) interests that she must perforce be in league with Indian business interests. This makes her, by the logic of the Obama camp's statement, objectively pro-outsourcing. There are few worse things one can be as far as unions are concerned. The document even referred to Clinton as "(D-Punjab)".wow more proff from http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/michael_tomasky/2007/06/obamas_mistakes_and_challenge.html visit and find out the real news

Posted by: stephenk | April 15, 2008 6:38 PM

Obama is digging a hole on his campaign. what are people voting for? obama's leadership has been fare from leadership by example."Obama's "rookie mistakes" spread to CNN
Summary: CNN's Bill Schneider asserted that Sen. Barack Obama has made what "look like rookie mistakes" after airing a clip of a journalist noting that Obama's memoir "has composite characters, made-up dialogue, and he switched names of many of the characters in it. So, when you read it, you're not sure what's true and what's not." However, Obama acknowledged changes he made when he wrote the book -- more than 10 years ago."
A writen statement from cnn on obamas misshaps with america and his onesided pont aveiws. hey obama you sound like bush to in demaratic form. give me jessie ventura as a third party canadate when he grows the gonades anuff to run!

Posted by: stephenk | April 15, 2008 6:31 PM

I was very angry a obama when he said "I don't listen to third party canadates and there point of veiws." is this WHAT PEOPLE ARE VOTEING FOR. some one who dosn't care what your saying. only his selfish options matter. Is this america? This guy teams up with hardball on msnbc and has them eating out of his what ever he wants on his opponets happens. I'll tell you what that is bias favortism. At least a third party canadate would be nonparcail. All the third party indpendent party needs is saport from banks. Sence independents are a form of the fedralist party>(read history)and they will win.

Posted by: stephenk | April 15, 2008 6:19 PM

I know that what is written below is not about collaboration but the question must be asked of these candidates.

All these politicians are ignoring the real plight of the consumer when it comes to fuel and I want to know what they are going to do about it. Not one of them has stepped forward and started a dialog at all regarding this problem. I don't mean them talking up alternative solutions that is non existent. The fuel crisis is also non existent. There is plenty of oil on the market. The real problem is a capacity problem. We all see the oil companies reporting huge profits time and again on the news. What I want answers to and so should the rest of the people in the United States is why they are not building more refineries now? They got plenty of cash on hand plus the subsidies the federal government gives them as a tax credit but yet these companies are sitting on their hands doing nothing, nothing but raking in the profits laughing all the way to the bank. I think all these candidates must address this issue for us to become a viable candidate and demand that they start building these plants. Building these plants would reduce the price of the gallon of gas or diesel, something the oil companies don't want to see happen. If all these candidates don't know how to force these companies to start building I have the solution. Raise the taxes on these profits by 10% and give them a choice. Either they start spending that huge pile of cash on refineries and they won't get hit with this tax or if they choose not to do so then take the money and spend it on health care for the uninsured. That is my solution to this short term problem. But then again I don't think any of these candidates would even want to read something like this to help out the consumer for a change. They all have their hands out to these companies.

Posted by: bogart | April 15, 2008 9:22 AM

Frankly, why is anyone addressing this situation when the 3 candidates, Senators, being paid by us, the taxpayers, are not working at "Senatorizing!" In the corporate working world, they'd be fired! This is the real issue here, not whether or not one sided with his/her party to defeat a vote (on ethical conduct, no less!).

We deserve those whom we now have in office--we accepted outrageous actions against our Constitution, conflicts of interest, immoral and unethical conduct, by turning our heads and screaming into our elbows.

If we had the draft now, this nightmare wouldn't have gone this far because the streets would be filled with protestors. America has outgrown a titular 'head' at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - we have the House, Senate, and Supreme Court, and our basic agencies. That is enough.

Once we, as a people, move beyond looking for a savior in every nic and cranny, we will be able to move foreward. Until then, our nation is failing, rapidly.

Posted by: Old Colonial | April 15, 2008 12:05 AM

Posted by: Eric | April 1, 2008 1:43 AM

Boardcast,

"We don't need lying politicians, or bad-tempered politicians."

See you are another of those that thinks Sen. Obama is a new-kind or different-kind of politician. Sorry to tell you, he is a politician and lies like the others but just uses not sounding words and phrases in doing so.

Posted by: Don | March 31, 2008 10:50 PM

I am so glad that we have finally found a leader after 30 years to help this country heal. We don't need lying politicians, or bad-tempered politicians. Why of all the candidates, Obama got the young people interested and involved. Do you know why? Because our young people were not being motivated nor inspired to become great leaders of this country. If they have to pick a liar and someone with a bad temper as a leader... shame on the U.S. And, more dislike from the international countries who are tired of the bullying...

Posted by: broadcast | March 31, 2008 4:42 PM

Obama is famously slow to anger, and like Bill Clinton, made of steel and asbestos, allowing him to deal. McCain is Bush on PCP. He's so belligerent he's not viewed among Republicans as their leader. Obama is smarter than Bill, while John is less intelligent than Dubya. For John to accuse Barack of seeking to ingratiate himself with "a GOP leader" is wishful thinking and the kind of comment that McCain himself wouldn't tolerate. Impossible to imagine, but he could be worse than Bush, for the offense he could give to foreign leaders. Bush had the brains to realize he can't do diplomacy, so he refuses. Smart.

Posted by: jhbyer | March 31, 2008 4:37 PM

I think one fact many overlook is that Obama went on to pass the ethics bill with other GOP leaders.

Obama has shown a consistent even-temperament and patience whereas McCain's infamous hot temper makes it difficult to work with him.

McCain is trying to present himself as a pragmatic moderate, but his record shows differently. He has stood with Bush on just about every issue.

The narrative pushed by the media, the GOP and others that McCain has strong foreign policy credentials is basically false. Actually he is weak. Granted McCain served honourably as a navy fighter pilot. He has sat on the foreign affairs committee for years. Nevertheless that does not translate into experience. When it comes to foreign policy McCain is a Bush clone, only on steroids. His solution is to use military force, not diplomacy.

McCain talks about victory, claims the surge is working, but ignores the lack of political reconciliation progress. Militarily the US soldiers have done everything required of them. There is no military solution. Accordingly his myopic focus on maneuvers rather than an overall strategy will undoubtedly have serious consequences.

The image of McCain -- sometimes referred to as McBush -- as president unsettles me especially considering his infamous bursts of anger. Imagine a scenario with his finger on the "trigger."

The type of presidency we can expect from McCain .... just imagine a third term with Bush only on steroids.

"Reflecting the neo-conservative programme of spreading democracy by force, Mr McCain declared in 2000: "I'd institute a policy that I call 'rogue state rollback'. I would arm, train, equip, both from without and from within, forces that would eventually overthrow the governments and install free and democratically elected governments." Mr McCain advocates attacking Iran if necessary in order to prevent it developing nuclear weapons, and last year was filmed singing "Bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann"."

Posted by: serena1313 | March 31, 2008 3:54 PM

Enough is enough. The Dem "Super Delegates" need to find a way to draft Al Gore into the Nom for 2008. Everyone who can think understands this necessity. The people of this nation need to way in on this topic now to make this possible from an opinion polling perspective. Polling results are the only thing that will convince the former VP to get off the sidelines. In all fairness, the man has already been elected President once by the voting majority. Gore is a proven asset, fully prepared to "answer the phone" at whatever time it rings. A lifetime of public service experience can not be ignored in this critical and tumultuous political environment globally.

Posted by: Robert | March 31, 2008 1:32 PM

your not going to win

Posted by: kaylee | March 31, 2008 11:31 AM

Now Rozz, this Kennedy money issue is truly misspeaking. NOT A LIE! He didn't embellish it and say that Kennedy himself helped Obama Sr. gather his bags at the airport and offered to be his future son's godfather, etc. In other words - no sniper fire.

Posted by: MarkieBee | March 31, 2008 11:27 AM

You are cool you are going to beat hilery.

Posted by: jon | March 31, 2008 11:23 AM

To Obama,dude you rock.

Posted by: dustin bergin | March 31, 2008 11:17 AM

Dogs and cats can get along - but it ain't easy. All it takes is one mis-step - and the claws come out and the fur starts a- flyin'.

McCain has a history of being cordial to Democrats on the other side of the aisle. They are not enemies - they are your fellow countrymen & women.

McCain is a patriot first, a pragmatist second and a Republican third. Truman may have been the best president of the 20th Century.... and his temper was legendary.

McCain is a far cry from Bush. He is no skull-and-bones, effete, inarticulate nincompoop.

Posted by: Anonymous | March 31, 2008 10:32 AM

It's not about Hillary's lies...It is about what the candidates will bring to the highest office. New direction that allows the people to take back their government, end to the war, a new approach to foreign policy, rebuilding the economy.

Obama trounces both McCain and Hillary on all these.

Posted by: Patriort11 | March 31, 2008 10:20 AM

Obam offers a breath of fresh air. Anyone who says he is without substance has not visited his website or done his or her homework. The man knows what he is talking about and thinks before he speaks. He also listens. Why have these qualities been so rare in our leaders?

Go Obama

Posted by: Susan D | March 31, 2008 10:17 AM

Do you really want me to post Hillary's list? I'll just say one word BOSNIA!!!!

Posted by: DedicatedDiva | March 31, 2008 10:15 AM

As a former republican now registered as an independent, I have been following how Obama has handled the many hurdles before him with poise, dignity and integrity. I am so impressed by him that I honestly believe he presents a rare opportunity for this country to have the kind of leadership our country deserves.

Posted by: Jyane11 | March 31, 2008 10:14 AM

What bipartisan efforts has Hillary Clinton supported, other than invading Iraq and making a major speech in favor of regime change? Donnerlady has apparently not looked at the records of Clinton and Obama, because Obama successfully passed bills with Dick Lugar (R-IN), Tom Coburn (R-OK), and the big ethics reform package with Russ Feingold in which he collaborated with other freshman senators to change the rules and challenge the old guard.

Posted by: benintn | March 31, 2008 10:12 AM

Wow is that all you have, 3 lies! Compare that to Hillary's encyclopedia of lies Buddy, then we can argue :)

Posted by: Anonymous | March 31, 2008 10:11 AM

Obama's message of Change vs. McCaine's same old strategy? The choice is a no-brainer

Posted by: USA First | March 31, 2008 10:10 AM

I don't know what the fuss is all about. Obama has already shown himself to be just another dishonest, corrupt politician - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3433485.ece . I don't think he's any more or less dishonest than the rest.

Just once it would be good for the American people to be presented with a candidate who doesn't maintain Byzantine financial shelters and lie about his connections with the connected.

Change. Hmmph.

Posted by: Bob, US Expat in the UK | March 31, 2008 10:08 AM

"family responded with a $100,000 donation, which went to pay for a second airlift in September 1960."

Wow the Kennedy's have a heart. Scandalous!


Posted by: chris | March 31, 2008 10:08 AM

Sad how Clinton supporters can only conjure up baseless comments in a discussion about the relationship between the 2 presidential nominees. Honey, feed your kids and quit blogging.

Posted by: Sad sight | March 31, 2008 10:06 AM

OBAMA LIES IN PENNSYLVANIA AD

From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
GREENBURG, Pa
It's unfortunate that Senator Obama is using false advertising to explain why he can be trusted to do something about energy prices. In his ad, Obama says, I'm Barack Obama, and I don't take money from oil companies or lobbyists, and I won't let them block change any more. Obama has been the recipient of more than $220,000 from the oil and gas industry just since as of Feb/08. Two of Obama's campaign bundlers are also CEOs for oil and gas companies, per his campaign Web site? Obama needs to answer to VOTERS about his dealings with one of his largest contributors Exelon, a big nuclear power company that he cut deals behind closed doors protecting them from full disclosure in the nuclear industry. Exxon, Shell, and others are among his biggest donors

Judicial Watch: By Klaus Marre
Obama 'intended to leave no paper trail' OBAMA REFUSES to cooperate in releasing 8 years of his state senate records. One main reason REZKO!


The WashigntonPost Fact Checker/ABC
Senator Obama CAUGHT LYING about Kennedy Role in Helping His Father
Contrary to Obama's claims in speeches Kennedy family did not provide the funding for a September 1959 airlift of 81 Kenyan students to the United States that included Obama's father. According to historical records and interviews with participants, the Kennedys were approached for support for the program a year later, July 1960. family responded with a $100,000 donation, which went to pay for a second airlift in September 1960.


Posted by: rozz62 | March 31, 2008 9:34 AM

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