John McCain Report blog

'Tangentially Related'

Michael Goldfarb — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Barack Obama on Jim Johnson in June:

I am not vetting my VP Search Committee for their mortgages. You’re going to have to direct – it becomes sort of a – this is a game that can be played – everybody, who is tangentially related to our campaign, I think, is going to have a whole host of relationships.

Barack Obama on Bill Ayers today:

…If John McCain wants to have a character debate, then I’m happy to have that debate because you know Mr. McCain’s record, despite some calling him a maverick, actually shows he’s continually somebody who relies on lobbyists for big oil and big corporation and that he makes decisions often times based on what these lobbyists tell him to do, and you know that I think is going to be a lot more relevant to the American people than what somebody who is tangentially related to me.”

One wonders whether the relationship between Barack Obama and Johnson, who briefly served as head of Obama's VP search team, is more 'tangential' than the relationship between Barack Obama and Bill Ayers.

Obama Campaign Pleads Ignorance

Michael Goldfarb — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The statement from the campaign:

Does Barack Obama truly expect the American people to believe that he had no idea about his friend’s past as the infamous founder of the domestic terror group ‘The Weather Underground’ or is he just lying? If Obama didn't know in 1995 about the bombings Ayers was responsible for, when did he find out -- because Obama was promoting Ayers' book in 1997, serving on boards with him until 2002, and trading emails and phone calls with him as recently as 2005. If Obama really was unaware of Ayers' radical past, learning the truth doesn't seem to have had any effect on their friendship. Whether Barack Obama is lying to voters about his previous support for higher taxes on the middle class, his votes against funds for American troops in the field or his associations with an unrepentant terrorist, voters are left wondering who Obama is and what he stands for."

New Ad: Dangerous

Michael Goldfarb — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

New Ad: Lies and Sighs

Michael Goldfarb — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Article 1: Don't Ask Joe

Michael Goldfarb — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

SEN. BIDEN: Vice President Cheney's been the most dangerous vice president we've had probably in American history. He has -- he has -- the idea he doesn't realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, that's the executive -- he works in the executive branch. He should understand that. Everyone should understand that.

Article 1 of the Constitution does not, in fact, define the role of the executive branch. It defines the role of the legislative branch, otherwise known as the branch in which Joe Biden has served for the last 36 years.

Joe Biden's 14 Lies

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

1. TAX VOTE: Biden said McCain voted “the exact same way” as Obama to increase taxes on Americans earning just $42,000, but McCain DID NOT VOTE THAT WAY.

2. AHMEDINIJAD MEETING: Joe Biden lied when he said that Barack Obama never said that he would sit down unconditionally with Mahmoud Ahmedinijad of Iran. Barack Obama did say specifically, and Joe Biden attacked him for it.

3. OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING: Biden said, “Drill we must.” But Biden has opposed offshore drilling and even compared offshore drilling to “raping” the Outer Continental Shelf.”

4. TROOP FUNDING: Joe Biden lied when he indicated that John McCain and Barack Obama voted the same way against funding the troops in the field. John McCain opposed a bill that included a timeline, that the President of the United States had already said he would veto regardless of it’s passage.

5. OPPOSING CLEAN COAL: Biden says he’s always been for clean coal, but he just told a voter that he is against clean coal and any new coal plants in America and has a record of voting against clean coal and coal in the U.S. Senate.

6. ALERNATIVE ENERGY VOTES: According to FactCheck.org, Biden is exaggerating and overstating John McCain’s record voting for alternative energy when he says he voted against it 23 times.

7. HEALTH INSURANCE: Biden falsely said McCain will raise taxes on people's health insurance coverage -- they get a tax credit to offset any tax hike. Independent fact checkers have confirmed this attack is false

8. OIL TAXES: Biden falsely said Palin supported a windfall profits tax in Alaska -- she reformed the state tax and revenue system, it's not a windfall profits tax.

9. AFGHANISTAN / GEN. MCKIERNAN COMMENTS: Biden said that top military commander in Iraq said the principles of the surge could not be applied to Afghanistan, but the commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force Gen. David D. McKiernan said that there were principles of the surge strategy, including working with tribes, that could be applied in Afghanistan.

10. REGULATION: Biden falsely said McCain weakened regulation -- he actually called for more regulation on Fannie and Freddie.

11. IRAQ: When Joe Biden lied when he said that John McCain was “dead wrong on Iraq”, because Joe Biden shared the same vote to authorize the war and differed on the surge strategy where they John McCain has been proven right.

12. TAX INCREASES: Biden said Americans earning less than $250,000 wouldn’t see higher taxes, but the Obama-Biden tax plan would raise taxes on individuals making $200,000 or more.

13. BAILOUT: Biden said the economic rescue legislation matches the four principles that Obama laid out, but in reality it doesn’t meet two of the four principles that Obama outlined on Sept. 19, which were that it include an emergency economic stimulus package, and that it be part of “part of a globally coordinated effort with our partners in the G-20.”

14. REAGAN TAX RATES: Biden is wrong in saying that under Obama, Americans won't pay any more in taxes then they did under Reagan.

She Won

Michael Goldfarb — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

McCain-Palin 2008 tonight issued the following statement on tonight’s debate:

"Tonight, Governor Palin proved beyond any doubt that she is ready to lead as Vice President of the United States. She won this debate, putting Joe Biden on defense on energy, foreign policy, taxes and the definition of change. Governor Palin laid bare Barack Obama's record of voting to raise taxes, opposing the surge in Iraq, and proposing to meet unconditionally with the leaders of state sponsors of terror. The differences between the Obama-Biden ticket and the McCain-Palin ticket could not have been clearer. The American people saw stark contrasts in style and worldview. They saw Joe Biden, a Washington insider and a 36-year Senator, and Governor Palin, a Washington outsider and a maverick reformer. Governor Palin was direct, forceful and a breath of fresh air."

--Jill Hazelbaker, McCain-Palin 2008 Communications Director

DEBATE FACT #16: JOE BIDEN AND BARACK OBAMA ARE AT ODDS IN 2002

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

In 2002, Barack Obama and Joe Biden were at odds on Iraq – which as Joe Biden said was "an extreme danger."

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Joe Biden And Barack Obama Are At Odds On Going To War In 2002

Joe Biden Voted For The Iraq War Resolution. (H.J. Res. 114, CQ Vote #237: Passed 77-23: R 48-1; D 29-21; I 0-1, 10/11/02, Biden Voted Yea)
Joe Biden Called Saddam Hussein "An Extreme Danger To The World." BIDEN: "This is a guy who's used weapons of mass destruction. This is a guy who's destabilized the whole neighborhood. This is a guy who in a war with the Iranians, over 800,000 people on both sides were killed. This is a guy who is an extreme danger to the world. And this is a guy who is in every way possible seeking weapons of mass destruction. That case, in and of itself, ought to be sufficient." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 8/4/02)
Joe Biden: "We Have No Choice But To Eliminate The Threat." RUSSERT: "If the president of the United States was saying four years ago clear evidence of mass destruction, do we have any choice but to eliminate Saddam Hussein and the threat?" BIDEN: "We have no choice but to eliminate the threat." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 8/4/02)
Joe Biden Said The Administration Had Enough Classified Evidence On Iraq To Gain A Jury Trial Conviction. "Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., D-Del., said Tuesday on Capitol Hill that 'the administration has evidence now that can change people's minds.' However, Biden said, 'It's a very tough call as to how much to release.' Biden said he did not think the administration would make photographs public, as Adlai E. Stevenson, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, did in 1962 to back the Kennedy administration's claim the Soviet Union had deployed missiles in Cuba that could strike the United States. But, Biden said, 'I know there is enough circumstantial evidence that if there were a jury trial I could convict you.'" (Barry Schweid, "Administration Plans Disclosure Of Intelligence On Weapons," The Associated Press, 1/28/03)
In July 2003, Amid Questions Concerning A Lack Of Stockpiles Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction In Iraq, Joe Biden Defended The War As "Justified" And Said "I Still Believe That Saddam Possessed Weapons Of Mass Destruction." Biden: "I still believe that Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction and that the war in Iraq was justified." (Sen. Joe Biden, "Statement Of Senator Joe Biden On The White House's Acknowledgment That Iraq-Uranium Assertion Was Wrong," Press Release, biden.senate.gov, 7/8/03)

In 2004, Barack Obama Claimed He Didn't Know How He Would Have Voted For The Iraq War Resolution; Said His Position On Iraq Was Close To President Bush's Position

In 2004, Barack Obama Said He Didn't Know How He Would Have Voted On The Iraq War Resolution. "In a recent interview, [Obama] declined to criticize Senators Kerry and Edwards for voting to authorize the war, although he said he would not have done the same based on the information he had at the time. 'But, I'm not privy to Senate intelligence reports,' Mr. Obama said. 'What would I have done? I don't know. What I know is that from my vantage point the case was not made.'" (Monica Davey, "A Surprise Senate Contender Reaches His Biggest Stage Yet," The New York Times, 7/26/04)
In 2004, Barack Obama Said There Was Not Much Of A Difference Between His Position And The President's Position On Iraq. "'On Iraq, on paper, there's not as much difference, I think, between the Bush administration and a Kerry administration as there would have been a year ago,' Obama said. 'There's not much of a difference between my position and George Bush's position at this stage.'" (John Kass, "Obama's A Star Who Doesn't Stick To The Script," Chicago Tribune, 7/27/04)

DEBATE FACT #15: "JUST AIR-RAIDING VILLAGES AND KILLING CIVILIANS"

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Barack Obama's reckless comments on Afghanistan.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Said American Troops Were "Just Air-Raiding Villages And Killing Civilians" In Afghanistan. Obama: "We've got to get the job done there and that requires us to have enough troops so that we're not just air-raiding villages and killing civilians, which is causing enormous pressure over there." (Philip Elliott, "Obama Gets Warning From Friendly Voter," The Associated Press, 8/14/07)

Barack Obama Has Been To Afghanistan Once. "Republican John McCain traded foreign policy barbs Saturday with the campaign of his Democratic rival Barack Obama, who arrived on his first trip to Afghanistan as part of a regional tour." ("McCain, Obama Trade Foreign Policy Jabs," Agence France Presse, 7/20/08)

Joe Biden Criticized Barack Obama's "Johnny-Come-Lately Position" On Afghanistan. "The Biden for President Campaign today congratulated Sen. Barack Obama for arriving at a number of Sen. Biden's long-held views on combating al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Much of what Senator Obama has proposed Senator Biden has already initiated or accomplished." ( Joe Biden, "Biden Campaign Congratulates Sen. Obama For Johnny-Come-Lately Position," Press Release, 8/1/07)

DEBATE FACT #14: WHAT BARACK OBAMA MIDDLE EAST POLICY?

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Barack Obama does not have a Middle East policy.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Has Not Been Forthcoming With His Own Plan For The Middle East. "[Obama] also avoided the land mine of Jerusalem, the most explosive issue facing prime minister Ehud Olmert. 'I think those are issues that me parties themselves have to make a determination on,' Obama said." (James D. Besser, "Obama Reacts To Attacks, Describes Mideast Views," The New York Jewish Week, 2/1/08)

"The Israeli Crackdown On Gaza, He Said, Is Not Working, But He Was Vague About Other Options For Ending Rocket Fire From Gaza." (James D. Besser, "Obama Reacts To Attacks, Describes Mideast Views," The New York Jewish Week, 2/1/08)

After Saying Jerusalem Should Be "Undivided," Barack Obama Has Since Backtracked

At The Annual AIPAC Policy Conference, Barack Obama Says Clearly That Jerusalem Should Be The "Undivided" Capital Of Israel. Obama: "Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The Annual AIPAC Policy Conference, Arlington, VA, 6/4/08)
One Day After The AIPAC Conference, Barack Obama Said The Future Of Jerusalem Would Have To Be Negotiated By Israel And The Palestinians. CNN's Candy Crowley: "I want to ask you about something you said in AIPAC yesterday. You said that Jerusalem must remain undivided. Do Palestinians have no claim to Jerusalem in the future?" Obama: "Well, obviously, it's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues." (CNN's "The Situation Room," 6/5/08)

Barack Obama Has Made Troubling Comments Concerning Israel

More...

DEBATE FACT #13: BARACK OBAMA'S UNCONDITIONAL MEETINGS

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Joe Biden is wrong because Barack Obama said he would meet with the leaders of state sponsors of terror without preconditions.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Has Repeatedly Affirmed His Position Of Unconditionally Meeting With The Leaders Of State Sponsors Of Terror Like Ahmadinejad

At A July 2007 Debate, Barack Obama Said He Would Meet With The Leaders Of State Sponsors Of Terror "Without Precondition." QUESTION: "[W]ould you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries?"... OBAMA: "I would. And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them -- which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration - is ridiculous." (CNN/YouTube Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Charleston, SC, 7/23/07)
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Oj7Jn9rv4
In September 2007, Barack Obama Confirmed That He Would Meet With Iranian President Ahmadinejad. QUESTION: "Senator, you've said before that you'd meet with President Ahmadinejad..." OBAMA: "Uh huh." QUESTION: "Would you still meet with him today?" OBAMA: "Yeah, nothing's changed with respect to my belief that strong countries and strong presidents talk to their enemies and talk to their adversaries. (Barack Obama, Press Conference, New York City, 9/24/07)
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ2yJqWguCU
In An October 2007 CBS Interview, When Asked About Meeting With "Hugo Chavez And Etc. Etc.," Barack Obama Said "Exactly, And Without Preconditions." CBS' Harry Smith: "You said, 'I will talk to so and so and Hugo Chavez and etc., etc.'" Obama: "Exactly, and without preconditions." (CBS' "The Early Show," 10/15/07)
In February 2008, Barack Obama Said He Has Been "Absolutely Clear" On His Position: "I Will Meet Without Preconditions" With Leaders Of Iran And Other Hostile Regimes. OBAMA: "There has been no confusion. I have been absolutely clear on this. I will meet not just with our friends but with our enemies. I will meet without preconditions." (CNN's "The Situation Room," 2/4/08)
According To Barack Obama's Website, "Obama Is The Only Major Candidate Who Supports Tough, Direct Presidential Diplomacy With Iran Without Preconditions." "Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions." (Obama For America Website, http://www.barackobama.com, Accessed 5/12/08)

Joe Biden And Other Democrats Have Criticized Barack Obama's "Without Precondition" Statements

Joe Biden Said "Absolutely Positively No" To Unconditional Meetings With Leaders Of Rogue States. BIDEN: "Would I make a blanket commitment to meet unconditionally with the leaders of each of those countries within the first year I was elected president? Absolutely positively no." (Joe Biden, Remarks At The National Press Club, Washington, DC, 8/1/07)
Sen. Clinton Said Barack Obama's Position Was "Irresponsible And, Frankly, Naïve." CLINTON: "I thought that was irresponsible and, frankly, naive to say that you would commit to meeting with, you know, Chavez and Castro and others within the first year." (ABC News,' "Good Morning America," 7/25/07)

America's European Allies Are Concerned About Barack Obama's Pledge To Meet With President Ahmadinejad Without Precondition

The Washington Post: Europeans "Increasingly Concerned That Sen. Barack Obama's Campaign Pledge To Begin Direct Talks ... Could Potentially Rupture U.S. Relations With Key European Allies." "European officials are increasingly concerned that Sen. Barack Obama's campaign pledge to begin direct talks with Iran on its nuclear program without preconditions could potentially rupture U.S. relations with key European allies early in a potential Obama administration." (Glenn Kessler, "Europe Fears Obama Might Undercut Progress With Iran," The Washington Post, 6/22/08)

More...

Debate Fact #12: BIDEN SAYS BARACK OBAMA IS WRONG ON PAKISTAN

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Barack Obama has gotten Pakistan wrong and even Joe Biden told him so.

The Facts About Joe Biden's Record:

Joe Biden Has Attack Barack Obama's Comments On Pakistan

Joe Biden Attacked Obama's Public Pronouncement That He Would Unilaterally Attack Pakistan. Question: "Senator Obama said in a speech today that he would send troops into Pakistan. Do you think this is a good idea or does this show inexperience in foreign policy?" Sen. Biden: "Yes." Question: "Does this show inexperience?" Sen. Biden: "My answer was yes to the question." Question: "Would you pursue Al Qaeda in Pakistan?" Sen. Biden: "I've been proposing that we pursue Al Qaeda in Pakistan for five years. I have written about it extensively. But I believe the way you do that is we already have, as I'm told, Senator Obama announced today, Senator Lantos (sic) and I wrote into law, the requirement that the aid to Pakistan be conditioned upon their support of us going after Al Qaeda in their Western province. It already is the law. The question, the way to deal with it is not to announce it, is to do it. The last thing you want to do is telegraph to the folks in Pakistan that we're about to violate quote 'their sovereignty,' putting Musharraf in a position that makes it virtually impossible for him to do anything other than what he's done. Basically cut a deal with the warlords along that border to our great detriment. So it's not something you talk about. As president it's something that I would do." (Sen. Joe Biden, Remarks At The National Press Club, Washington, DC, 8/1/07)
Joe Biden Said It Has Always Been The Policy Of The U.S. To Strike Terrorists Wherever They Are, But Said That Talking About It Is "Not Such A Good Idea." Biden: "Hey, look, it's been the government policy for the last two presidents. That if we have 'actionable intelligence' where al Qaeda is, that we would move on it, absent the ability or willingness of anyone else to move." ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "No matter what the Pakistani government says?" Biden: "No matter what the Pakistani government says. Now, the question is - talking about it's not such a good idea..." (ABC's "This Week," 2/24/08)

Joe Biden Says He Has Been A Leader On Pakistan And His Democrat Rivals Have Not

"And Pakistan? Biden Knew. When Everyone Talked About The Danger Coming From Iran, 'I Was The Guy Over In The Corner Of The Stage Going, 'No-No-No! PAK-Istan. PAK-Istan.'" (Libby Copeland, "Joe Biden, Seeing No Way To Lose What Is Most Important," The Washington Post, 1/4/08)
Joe Biden Said That His Democrat Rivals Were Not Talking About Pakistan Because They Were Either "Being Politically Smart" Or Thought "It Is Too Complicated To Talk To The American People About." Biden: "I find stark differences not between the candidates but with myself being the odd man out. Two debates ago when I mentioned Pakistan, there were blank looks on everybody's face. Literally ... Some people looked at me like, 'Where did that come from? Pakistan?' I keep telling myself that maybe my fellow Democrats are being politically smart, maybe they think it is too complicated to talk to the American people about. Or else they don't know what they're talking about. One of the two." Salon.Com's Walter Shapiro: "Which do you think it is: Do they not know what they're talking about? Or is it politically smart not to mention things like Pakistan?" Biden: "I don't know. I really don't know. Richardson surprises me because I thought he knew a lot better. It doesn't surprise me that Barack -- this is complicated stuff, and you have to have a little time with it. Hillary, I just don't know." (Walter Shapiro, "Biden Calls Himself 'The Odd Man Out' Among '08 Democrats," Salon.com, 11/21/07)

Debate Fact #10: OBAMA'S "NO WAY" UNCONDITIONAL TIMETABLES

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Barack Obama's "no way" timetable.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Has Consistently Said Troops Would Be Out Of Iraq In 16 Months. Question: "You just said that when you used the phrase refined policies, it did not -- you did not refer to the 16-month timetable. Does that mean you can tell us today you will not change the 16-month timetables?" Obama: "Here's what I can tell you: that I will bring our troops out at a pace of one to two brigades per month. And at that pace we will have our combat troops out in 16 months. That is what I intend to do as president of the United States." (Sen. Barack Obama, Press Conference, 7/3/08)

The Washington Post: "By Mr. Obama's Own Account, Neither U.S. Commanders Nor Iraq's Principal Political Leaders Actually Support His Strategy." "So it seems worthwhile to point out that, by Mr. Obama's own account, neither U.S. commanders nor Iraq's principal political leaders actually support his strategy." (Editorial, "Mr. Obama In Iraq," The Washington Post, 7/23/08)

ABC's Terry Moran: There Is "Unusually Open Disagreement Between Obama And Commanders" Over Unconditional Withdrawal Timetables. Moran: "Those different roles have led to an unusually open disagreement between Obama and commanders here over his plan to withdraw all US combat forces from Iraq on a 16-month timetable." (ABC's "Nightline," 7/21/08)
Gen. Petraeus Said That The Pace Of Withdrawal From Iraq Would Have To Be Based On Conditions On The Ground. MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell: "Is 16 months a reasonable time to get U.S. troops out and turn it over to Iraqis? Here's what he said." Gen. Petraeus: "It depends on the conditions, depends on the missions set, depends on the enemy. The enemy does get a vote and is sometimes an independent variable. Lots of different factors I think that would be tied up in that. The dialogue on that and the amount of risk, because it eventually comes down to how much risk various options entail." (MSNBC's "News Live," 7/18/08)
Barack Obama Admitted That Tribal Leaders And Anbar Governor "Expressed Concerns" About A Drawdown. Obama: "It is true that some of the tribal leader's as well as the local governor in Anbar expressed concerns about a potential precipitous drawdown of U.S. troops, which is why I haven't proposed a precipitous drawdown." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees," 7/22/08)

ABC News: American Commanders In Iraq Say "No Way" That Obama's Withdrawal Plan Could Work. "While Anderson and his troops have a positive attitude, several commanders who looked at the Obama plan told ABC News, on background, that there was 'no way' it could work logistically." (Martha Raddatz, "Obama's Iraq Withdrawal Plan May Prove Difficult," ABC News, 7/11/08)

CNN's Barbara Starr: "Realistically Obama's proposal to withdraw one to two brigades a month may be tough to accomplish. Military experts have long said it would take longer than a month to withdraw just one brigade of about 3,000 troops." (CNN's "American Morning," 7/23/08)

Debate Fact #11: EVEN JOE BIDEN SAYS OBAMA WAS WRONG ON TROOP FUNDING

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Even Joe Biden says Barack Obama was wrong to vote against troop funding.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Voted Against Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, Obama Voted Nay)

Barack Obama Voted Against The Emergency War Spending "After Pledging To Support Troop Funding." "After pledging to support troop funding, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama in May voted against $124 billion in emergency war spending, following the lead of Democratic presidential candidate and war opponent Sen. Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut. The bill nevertheless passed in a lopsided 80-14 vote. Mr. Biden, the only Democratic presidential contender in the Senate to vote for the bill, criticized his primary rivals for allowing liberal bloggers to dictate the war debate." (S.A. Miller, "GOP To Play Card Of Strong Defense," The Washington Times, 7/9/07)

Joe Biden Criticized Barack Obama For Voting Against The Troop Funding

Joe Biden: "My Colleagues Voted Against The Funding To Make A Political Point … There's No Political Point Worth My Son's Life. There's No Political Point Worth Anyone's Life." (Abby Simons, "Biden Blasts Rivals For Votes Against Iraq Money," The Des Moines Register, 8/15/07)
Joe Biden Attacked Fellow Democrats For Voting Against Funding U.S. Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan, Accusing Them Of "Cutting Off Support That Will Save The Lives Of Thousands Of American Troops." BIDEN: "Hundreds of lives are being saved and will be saved by us sending these vehicles over which we are funding with this supplemental legislation. And I want to ask any of my other colleagues, would they, in fact, vote to cut off the money for those troops to protect them? That's the right question. This isn't cutting off the war. This is cutting off support that will save the lives of thousands of American troops." (NBC's, "Meet The Press," 9/9/07)

Debate Fact #9: NO COAL PLANTS NOT OUT OF CONTEXT

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

On the rope line, but Joe Biden was not out of context.

The Facts About The Obama-Biden Policy:

Joe Biden Said That He Didn't Support Clean Coal And Said "No Coal Plants Here In America." PERSON: "Senator, Senator, wind and solar are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting clean coal?" BIDEN: "Say ... I didn't hear what you said." PERSON: "Wind and solar are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting clean coal?" BIDEN: "We're not supporting 'clean coal.' Guess what. China's building two every week. Two dirty coal plants. And it's polluting the United States. It's causing people to die." PERSON: "So will you support wind and solar?" BIDEN: "Absolutely. Before anybody did. The first guy to introduce a global warming bill was me, 22 years ago. The first guy to support solar energy was me, 26 years ago. It came out of Delaware. But guess what. China is gonna burn three hundred years of bad coal unless we figure out how to clean their coal up. Because it's going to ruin your lungs and there's nothing we can do about it. No coal plants here in America. Build them, if they're going to build them over there make 'em clean because they're killing you." (Joe Biden, Remarks, Maumee, OH, 9/17/08)

Watch It Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rXyTRT-NZg

Biden Was Not Taken Out of Context

Michael Goldfarb — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

On the rope line, but Joe Biden was not out of context.

Biden Was Very Clear:

Joe Biden Said That He Didn't Support Clean Coal And Said "No Coal Plants Here In America." PERSON: "Senator, Senator, wind and solar are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting clean coal?" BIDEN: "Say … I didn't hear what you said." PERSON: "Wind and solar are flourishing here in Ohio, so why are you supporting clean coal?" BIDEN: "We're not supporting 'clean coal.' Guess what. China's building two every week. Two dirty coal plants. And it's polluting the United States. It's causing people to die." PERSON: "So will you support wind and solar?" BIDEN: "Absolutely. Before anybody did. The first guy to introduce a global warming bill was me, 22 years ago. The first guy to support solar energy was me, 26 years ago. It came out of Delaware. But guess what. China is gonna burn three hundred years of bad coal unless we figure out how to clean their coal up. Because it's going to ruin your lungs and there's nothing we can do about it. No coal plants here in America. Build them, if they're going to build them over there make 'em clean because they're killing you." (Joe Biden, Remarks, Maumee, OH, 9/17/08)

Watch It Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rXyTRT-NZg

Debate Fact #8: BARACK OBAMA LOVES JOHN MCCAIN'S CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Barack Obama is the biggest fan of John McCain's climate change plan.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

In 2007, Barack Obama Said: "I Want To Thank Senator Lieberman As Well As Senator McCain For The Outstanding Leadership That They've Shown On This Issue." (Barack Obama, Hearing, Committee On Environment and Public Works, U.S. Senate, 1/30/07)

In 2005, Barack Obama Praised McCain's Leadership On Climate Change And Supported McCain-Lieberman. Obama: "So what can we do to protect our planet? The first step is to adopt the McCain-Lieberman amendment. This bipartisan approach is not only good environmental policy, it's good economic policy." (Sen. Barack Obama, Congressional Record, 6/22/05, p. S7008)

In 2005, Obama Voted For The McCain-Lieberman Amendment, Which Would Have Created A Cap And Trade Program For Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #148, Rejected 38-60: R 6-49; D 31-11; I 1-0, 6/22/05, Obama Voted Yea)

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY): "I've actually worked with Senator McCain on this issue … I commend him for …even talking about this issue and taking it seriously." (Chris Cillizza, "Clinton Praises McCain On Global Warming, Focuses On Women," The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 4/17/08)

Sen. Harry Reid: "We know that Senator McCain -- again a Republican -- has spoken out vehemently about what's happening with global warming." (Sen. Harry Reid, Remarks On Democrat Policy Committee Initiative On Congressional Oversight, Washington, DC, 12/13/04)

Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI): "I thank Senators Lieberman and McCain for recognizing the importance of climate change and taking the lead on legislation to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions in the 108th Congress and this Congress." (Sen. Daniel Akaka, Congressional Record, 6/22/05, p. S7010)

Debate Fact #7: Joe Biden Voted Against The Energy Bill in 2005

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Joe Biden voted against the 2005 Energy Bill saying it was "written by Big Oil companies."

The Facts About Joe Biden's Record:

Biden Voted Against The 2005 Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, Biden Voted Nay)

Biden Voted Against The 2005 Energy Bill “Because It Contained Massive Tax Breaks For The Oil And Gas Industry.” “The entire Delaware delegation - Biden, Castle and Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del. - voted against an energy bill last year, in part because it contained massive tax breaks for the oil and gas industry.” (Jennifer Brooks, “Biden Wants To Kill Big Oil's Tax Breaks,” The [Wilmington, DE] News Journal, 4/28/06)
Biden Complained That The Country’s Energy Policy Had Been “Written By Big Oil Companies.” “‘People from Wilmington and Los Angeles aren't paying $3 a gallon for gas because of our ‘addiction to oil,’’ Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., said on the Senate floor Wednesday. ‘They're paying $3 a gallon because this administration's national energy policy is written by big oil companies.’” (Jennifer Brooks, “Biden Wants To Kill Big Oil's Tax Breaks,” The [Wilmington, DE] News Journal, 4/28/06)
Biden Pointed Out That The Oil Companies Didn’t Want The Tax Breaks In The 2005 Energy Bill. “‘Guess what? It turns out they don't need them,’ said Biden, who grilled the six oil company executives about the tax breaks at a Judiciary Committee hearing last month. ‘I asked them under oath: Do you need these tax breaks? And they said: No. Each one agreed. No.’” (Jennifer Brooks, “Biden Wants To Kill Big Oil's Tax Breaks,” The [Wilmington, DE] News Journal, 4/28/06)

Debate Fact #6: WHEN OBAMA WAS "SILENT," JOHN MCCAIN WAS WARNING ABOUT FREDDIE AND FANNIE

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

John McCain warned two years ago about Freddie and Fannie while Barack Obama was taking their contributions.

The Facts About John McCain's Record:

John McCain Fought For Greater Oversight Of Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac

John McCain Cosponsored The Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act Of 2005. "'Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal. ... I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation." (Office Of U.S. Senator John McCain, "McCain Statement On Co-Sponsorship Of The Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act Of 2005," Press Release, 5/26/06)

At The Time, John McCain Warned That "If Congress Does Not Act, American Taxpayers Will Continue To Be Exposed To The Enormous Risk That Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Pose To The Housing Market..." "I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole." (Office Of U.S. Senator John McCain, "McCain Statement On Co-Sponsorship Of The Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act Of 2005," Press Release, 5/26/06)

John McCain Co-Sponsored The Federal Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2003 Which Would Have Created The Office of Federal Enterprise Supervision In The Treasury, And Given The New Office's Director Supervisory And Regulatory Authority Over Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac. (S. 1508, Introduced 7/31/03)

The Washington Post: In 2006, John McCain Pushed For Fannie And Freddie Regulation While "Obama Was Notably Silent." "In 2006, he pushed for stronger regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- while Mr. Obama was notably silent. 'If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole,' Mr. McCain warned at the time." (Editorial, "'Always For Less Regulation'?" The Washington Post, 9/19/08)

McClatchy: John McCain Called For Increased Regulation Of Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac. "In 2006, he called for tighter regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two federally chartered, privately run mortgage giants that the government now has taken over." (Steve Thomma, "Out Of Bounds! Obama Misstates McCain's Position On Regulation," McClatchy Newspapers, 9/20/08)

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Was "Notably Silent" On Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac

Debate Fact #5: Barack Obama Voted For the 2005 Energy Bill

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Barack Obama voted for the 2005 Energy Bill that included billions in tax breaks for oil companies.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Voted For The 2005 Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #152: Motion Agreed To 92-4: R 53-1; D 38-3; I 1-0, 6/23/05, Obama Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #158: Passed 85-12: R 49-5; D 35-7; I 1-0, 6/28/05, Obama Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, Obama Voted Yea)

The 2005 Energy Bill Included $2.8 Billion In Subsidies For Oil And Natural Gas Production. "The conference agreement provides for $14.6 billion in tax breaks and credits between 2005 and 2015, including: -- $2.8 billion for fossil fuel production..." (Toni Johnson, "CQ Bill Analysis: HR 6," Congressional Quarterly's "CQ Bill Analysis," www.cq.com , Accessed 7/14/08)

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY): "When It Came Time To Stand Up Against The Oil Companies, To Stand Against Dick Cheney's Energy Bill, My Opponent Voted For It And I Voted Against It." (Aaron Burns, "Clinton Questions Obama's Oil Company Claims," Fox News' "Embeds" Blog, 4/25/08)

Senator John Kerry (D-MA): "Instead of reducing our dangerous dependence on oil, protecting our environment and strengthening our economy, this policy gives billions of dollars to the oil, gas and nuclear industries." (Office Of U.S. Senator John Kerry, "John Kerry Says Energy Policy Fails Americans," Press Release, 8/9/05)

The Washington Post: The 2005 Energy Bill's Provisions "Turned Into A Piñata Of Perks For Energy Industries." "The provision was just one example of how the energy bill, touted as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil or moderate gasoline prices, has been turned into a piñata of perks for energy industries." (Michael Grunwald and Juliet Eilperin, "Energy Bill Raises Fears About Pollution, Fraud," The Washington Post, 7/30/05)

The New York Times' Thomas Friedman Said The 2005 Energy Bill Contained "Massive Pork Slabs Dished Out To The Vested Interests Who Needed Them Least." (Thomas Friedman, Op-Ed, "Too Much Pork And Too Little Sugar," The New York Times, 8/5/05)

Debate Fact #4: BIDEN'S "WRONG" HEALTH CARE ATTACKS

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:

The Obama-Biden attacks on John McCain's health care plan are "wrong."

The Facts:

The Obama-Biden Campaign Is "Wrong" In Their Health Care Attacks. "Joe Biden charged Thursday during a campaign stop in Pennsylvania that John McCain's tax proposals for health insurance would be 'the largest tax increase in the history of America for the middle class.' He was wrong." (Kevin Freking, "Biden Misleads With Accusation Of Tax Increase," The Associated Press, 9/26/08)

The Obama-Campaign Leaves Out "That McCain Also Proposes To Give The Insured A New Tax Break." "So, as Biden explained, someone who makes $40,000 and gets $12,000 in health insurance benefits would end up paying income taxes on $52,000. But what Biden didn't say was that McCain also proposes to give the insured a new tax break in exchange _ a $2,500 tax credit for individuals and a $5,000 tax credit for families." (Kevin Freking, "Biden Misleads With Accusation Of Tax Increase," The Associated Press, 9/26/08)

A Middle Class Family Under John McCain's Plan Would See Their After-Tax Income Rise. "To take Biden's comparison one step further, consider his $40,000 family whose insurance cost $12,000. That family is in the 15 percent tax bracket. So, multiplying that additional $12,000 in income by 15 percent means that the family in Biden's example currently gets an $1,800 federal income-tax break. McCain's tax break for that family would be $5,000." (Kevin Freking, "Biden Misleads With Accusation Of Tax Increase," The Associated Press, 9/26/08)

Tax Policy Center: "But Low- And Middle-Income Workers Would Still See A Rise In After-Tax Income.""By 2018, high-income households would be worse off under McCain's plan than they would have been under current law because the credit would be worth less than the current tax exclusion. But low- and middle-income workers would still see a rise in after-tax income, the center projected." (Kevin Freking, "Biden Misleads With Accusation Of Tax Increase," The Associated Press, 9/26/08)

Debate Fact #3: Obama-Biden Will Raise Taxes

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Joe Biden And Barack Obama Will Increase Taxes.

The Facts About Governor Palin's Record And The McCain-Palin Agenda

Governor Palin Has A Record Of Reducing Taxes

In August 2008, Governor Palin Signed Energy Legislation In Alaska Eliminating The 8 Cent-A-Gallon Gas Tax. "Gov. Sarah Palin signed legislation into law Monday to pay each qualified Alaska resident a $1,200 'resource rebate,' or personal share of the state's multibillion-dollar oil revenue surplus." (Wesley Loy, "Energy Legislation, Rebates Signed Into Law," Anchorage Daily News, 8/26/08)
In 2003, Governor Palin Signed A Pledge Saying She Opposed "Any Increase In The Federal Income Tax." (Zaz Hollander, "Group Jumps Gun On Palin Candidacy," Anchorage Daily News, 8/8/03)
By End Of Her Tenure In Wasilla, Then Mayor Palin Had Reduced Property Tax, Personal Property Tax, And The Business Inventory Tax. (Tom Kizzia, "Rising Star: Wasilla Mayor Was Groomed From An Early Political Age," Anchorage Daily News, 10/23/06)

McCain-Palin Has Proposed A Strong Pro-Growth Tax Agenda

McCain-Palin Will Keep The Current Income Tax Rates And Will Fight Attempts To Increase Taxes. John McCain believes that lower tax rates spur economic growth.
McCain-Palin Will Double The Personal Exemption For Dependents. John McCain believes the tax code should be less of a burden on those, whether they are mothers and fathers or single parents, who are trying to raise a family. He proposes to raise the personal exemption for each dependent from $3,500 to $7,000.
McCain-Palin Will Reduce The Business Tax Rate To 25 Percent From 35 Percent.
McCain-Palin Will Keep The Current Rate On Dividends And Capital Gains.

Total Biden Lie

Michael Goldfarb — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Biden said McCain voted “the exact same way” as Obama to raise taxes on people making $42,000/year.
That’s a lie. McCain didn’t vote on either bill:
Barack Obama Voted Twice In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget Resolution That Would Raise Taxes On Those Making Just $42,000 A Year. (S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0, 3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R 2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea)

#85: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00085
#142: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00142

Debate Fact #2: Deregulation

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:.

Joe Biden blamed the very same deregulation that he voted for.

The Facts:

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Was Supported By And Authored By Members Of His Campaign

The Washington Post: Barack Obama Attacks The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Despite The Fact That It Was Supported By Members Of His Economic Team. "One element of the Obama campaign's brief against Mr. McCain is that he supported repeal of the law separating commercial banks from investment banks. … Would it be churlish to point out that another author of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley law is former congressman Jim Leach, a founder of Republicans for Obama? Or that Obama advisers Lawrence H. Summers and Robert E. Rubin supported the repeal -- which was signed by President Bill Clinton?" (Editorial, "'Always For Less Regulation'?" The Washington Post, 9/19/08)
The Bill "Was A Widely Accepted Bipartisan Compromise" Even Supported By "Obama's Running Mate, Joe Biden." "It's true that Gramm authored the act, but what became law was a widely accepted bipartisan compromise. The measure passed the House 362 - 57, with 155 Democrats voting for the bill. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 90 - 8. Among the Democrats voting for the bill: Obama's running mate, Joe Biden. The bill was signed into law by President Clinton, a Democrat." (Joe Miller And Brooks Jackson, "Who Caused The Economic Crisis?" FactCheck.org, 10/1/08)
Joe Biden Voted For The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act Of 1999. (S. 900, CQ Vote #354: Adopted 90-8: R 52-1; D 38-7; I 1-0, 11/4/99, Biden Voted Yea)
Jim Leach – Leader Of "Republicans For Obama" And Speaker At The Democratic National Convention – Was The Co-Author Of The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. (S. 900, Signed 11/12/99)
Obama Economic Adviser Secretary Bob Rubin "Worked Very Hard On This" Bill. CLINTON: "But I do want to thank all the members here and all those who aren't here and I'd like to thank two New Yorkers who aren't here who have been mentioned -- former Secretary of the Treasury Bob Rubin, who worked very hard on this, and former chairman, Senator Al D'Amato, who talked to me about this often." (President Clinton, Remarks, Washington, D.C., 11/12/99)
Obama Adviser Larry Summers Was Involved In Negotiating The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, And Called It A "Major Step Forward Toward The 21st Century." "Mr. Summers, the Obama adviser, was among those who negotiated the [1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley] measure on behalf of the Clinton administration, and he praised it as a 'major step forward toward the 21st Century.'" (Michael M. Phillips, Elizabeth Holmes and Amy Chozick, "Candidates Call Upon Big Names For Advice," The Wall Street Journal, 9/18/08)
President Clinton Signed The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Into Law On November 12, 1999 As Public Law No. 106-102. (P.L. No. 106-102)

According To Non-Partisan FactCheck.org, The Act "Had Nothing To Do With Causing The Crisis"

FactCheck.org: The Act "Had Nothing To Do With Causing The Crisis." "Gramm’s legislation had broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Clinton. Moreover, the bill had nothing to do with causing the crisis, and economists – not to mention President Clinton – praise it for having softened the crisis." (Joe Miller And Brooks Jackson, "Who Caused The Economic Crisis?" FactCheck.org, 10/1/08)
FactCheck.org: "Actually, deregulated banks were not the major culprits in the current debacle." (Joe Miller And Brooks Jackson, "Who Caused The Economic Crisis?" FactCheck.org, 10/1/08)
Former President Clinton Said The Enactment Of The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Didn’t Have “Anything To Do With The Current Crisis.” Former President Clinton: “But I have really thought about this a lot. I don't see that signing that bill [the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act] had anything to do with the current crisis. Indeed, one of the things that has helped stabilize the current situation as much as it has is the purchase of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, which was much smoother than it would have been if I hadn't signed that bill.” (Editorial, “Bill V. Barack On Banks,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/1/08)

Debate Fact #1: Bipartisanship

Debate Facts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Obama-Biden talk about reaching across the aisle but they haven't done so in the Senate.

The Facts About John McCain's Record:

John McCain's Bipartisan Record Is Broad, Having Taken On His Own Party Over Health Care, Immigration, Judicial Nominees, Tobacco, And Terrorism. "For more than a decade, on tobacco, health care, immigration, judicial nominees, creation of a commission to investigate the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks and more, McCain has championed high-profile legislation opposed by President Bush or others in his own party." (David Espo, "Bipartisanship Marks McCain's Senate Tenure," The Associated Press, 7/2/08)

The Wall Street Journal: John McCain Stood Up For The Iraq Surge "Even As The War Became More Unpopular And He Knew It Could Ruin His Presidential Candidacy." "Similarly with Iraq, Mr. McCain advocated more troops from an early date, as well as a counterinsurgency strategy along the lines of the 2007-08 surge. He stuck with this counsel even as the war became more unpopular and he knew it could ruin his Presidential candidacy." (Editorial, "The McCain Change," The Wall Street Journal, 9/5/08)

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

The Associated Press: "None" Of Barack Obama's Touted Bipartisan Efforts Paced Him "At Odds With The Leaders Of His Own Party Or Gave Significant Offense To Outside Interest Groups With Democrats." (David Espo, "Bipartisanship Marks McCain's Senate Tenure," Associated Press, 7/2/08)

NPR's Juan Williams: Barack Obama "Doesn't Have The Record" Of Bipartisanship That John McCain Has. NPR'S JUAN WILLIAMS: "You think about everything from campaign finance to immigration and on, and there's John McCain working across party lines. Senator Obama doesn't have a record. Now, he can make the claim and he can hold himself up as pure and trying to reach to a new generation of post partisan politics, but he has to do so largely based on rhetoric and wishful thinking because he doesn't have the record." (Fox News' "Special Report With Brit Hume," 5/7/08)

The Washington Post's Richard Cohen: "There Is Scant Evidence The Illinois Senator Takes Positions That Challenge His Base Or Otherwise Threaten Him Politically." (Richard Cohen, Op-Ed, "McCain's Core Advantage," The Washington Post, 6/24/08)

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "He's Pretty Much A Conventional Liberal On The Issues And Has Few Examples Of Breaking With His Own Party, So How Does Obama Try To Pull Off Being 'Post-Partisan?'" (Jonathan Martin, "Obama's Third Way: It's All In The Tone," Politico, 6/30/08)

Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK): "His Record Does Not Reflect Working In A Bipartisan Fashion." "Boren, the lone Democrat in Oklahoma's congressional delegate, said that while Obama has talked about working with Republicans, 'unfortunately, his record does not reflect working in a bipartisan fashion.'" (Tim Talley, "Okla. Dem Calls Obama Liberal, Declines To Endorse," The Associated Press, 6/10/08)

The Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes: "Despite Polarization, The Senate Is An Opportunity-Rich Environment For Bipartisan Compromise. But Obama Has Never Been A Leader In Crossing The Aisle." (Fred Barnes, "To Tell The Truth," The Weekly Standard, 4/26/08)

"The Record Shows Obama To Be A Fairly Doctrinaire Liberal Democrat…" (Editorial, "Obama's Rhetoric Soars, But What Does His Record Suggest?" USA Today, 1/28/08)

In 2007, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 97 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com , Accessed 3/3/08)

What to Expect Tonight

Michael Goldfarb — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Tonight, be sure to be on the lookout for Joe Biden’s tall tales. From falsely claiming he was “shot at” in Iraq during a Democratic primary debate last year to embellishing a story about his helicopter being “forced down” in Taliban country (it was a snowstorm), Joe Biden’s tall tales have so far generally escaped the attention of many in the mainstream media, though there are some notable exceptions (you know who you are).

See below for some quick background on Joe Biden’s tall tales, and you’ll hear from us soon.

More on Joe Biden:http://www.notyouraveragejoseph.com>

BIDEN TALL TALE #1: Said He Was “Shot At” In Iraq, When He Wasn’t -- And Didn’t Even Duck For Cover

After Telling Others To “Start Telling The Truth,” Biden Claimed He Had Been “Shot At” In The Green Zone In Baghdad. Biden: “Let’s start telling the truth. Number one, you take all the troops out. You better have helicopters ready to take those 3,000 civilians inside the Green Zone where I have been seven times and shot at. You better make sure you have protection for them, or let them die, number one.” (Sen. Joe Biden, CNN/YouTube Democrat Presidential Debate, Charleston, SC 7/23/07)

"Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) – Whose Garrulous Ways Have Led To A Number Of Verbal Gaffes Over The Years -- Has Revised A Dramatic Comment That He Was 'Shot At' In The Green Zone During A Trip To Iraq." (Susan Crabtree, "Biden Revises Claim He Was 'Shot At' In Iraq," The Hill, 8/8/07)

· Joe Biden Said A More Accurate Comment Would Have Been: "I Was Near Where A Shot Landed." "Biden said the incident happened in the morning while he and at least one other senator were shaving. Although he said it shook the building, he wasn't rattled enough to duck and cover. 'No one got up and ran from the room—it wasn't that kind of thing,' he said. '…It's not like I had someone holding a gun to my head.' Thinking about it now, he said, a more accurate comment would have been: 'I was near where a shot landed.'" (Susan Crabtree, "Biden Revises Claim He Was 'Shot At' In Iraq," The Hill, 8/8/07)

Joe Biden: "No One Got Up And Ran From The Room -- It Wasn't That Kind Of Thing. … It's Not Like I Had Someone Holding A Gun To My Head." "The senior senator from Delaware went on to say that some sort of projectile 'landed' outside a building in the Green Zone where he and another senator had spent the night during a visit in December 2005. The lawmakers were shaving in the morning when they felt the building shake, Biden said. 'No one got up and ran from the room-it wasn't that kind of thing,' he told the Hill. 'It's not like I had someone holding a gun to my head.'" (Bill Sammon, "Unlike Clinton, Biden Gets Pass For Saying He Was 'Shot At' In Iraq," Fox News, http://elections.foxnews.com <http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/30/unlike-clinton-biden-gets-pass-saying-shot-iraq/> , 9/30/08)

New Ad: Embarrass

Michael Goldfarb — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"Extremely Active"

Michael Goldfarb — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Yesterday MSNBC reported that had Obama "known earlier the deal was going down to defeat he would have worked the phones even harder." And Ben Smith reported that "Barack Obama began calling individual rank-and-file members Tuesday." Yet this morning on CNBC, Obama economic adviser Austan Goolsbee said:

"...we've got to do something. That's why Senator Obama has been extremely active in trying to get people to support the bill."

Senator Obama didn't even pick up the phone until after the bill had failed. By what measure does this qualify as "extremely active." For all the grief Senator McCain has taken for suspending this campaign and joining the battle over the bailout, Senator Obama has done nothing, and the media has rewarded him for it.

New Ad: Better Off

Michael Goldfarb — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Where Was the Leadership?

Michael Goldfarb — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

ABC reports:

"The McCain campaign has been hammering Obama suggesting he did not take a leading role in the financial negotiations."

SEN. MCCAIN: "At first, he didn't want to get involved. Then, he was monitoring the situation."

BERMAN: "Indeed, Obama aides say he did not make any calls to help round up votes."

Meanwhile, one Georgia Democrat told ABC News that "he felt no pressure at all to vote for the bill." And as Politico reported on Sunday, the Democrats were not even whipping votes for the deal.

One wonders whether the Democrats, and Senator Obama, ever had any intention of delivering this bailout, or whether they always thought there was more to gain, politically, from letting the package die on the House floor.

New Ad: Promise

Michael Goldfarb — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A Statement from the Campaign

Michael Goldfarb — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

"There was one man who was presidential tonight, that man was John McCain. There was another who was political, that was Barack Obama. John McCain won this debate and controlled the dialogue throughout, whether it was the economy, taxes, spending, Iraq or Iran. There was a leadership gap, a judgment gap, and a boldness gap on display tonight, a fact Barack Obama acknowledged when he said John McCain was right at least five times. Tonight's debate showed John McCain in command of the issues and presenting a clear agenda for America’s future."

--Jill Hazelbaker, McCain-Palin 2008 Communications Director

DEBATE FACT #16: BARACK OBAMA MISSTATES HIS MISSILE DEFENSE POSITION

Debate Facts — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Summary:.

Barack Obama lies about his missile defense stance.

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama: "I Will Cut Investments In Unproven Missile Defense Systems." Obama: "I will cut tens of billions of dollars in wasteful spending. I will cut investments in unproven missile defense systems. I will not weaponize space. I will slow our development of future combat systems, and I will institute an independent defense priorities board to ensure that the quadrennial defense review is not used to justify unnecessary spending." (Barack Obama, Caucus4Priorities Response, 10/22/07)

Barack Obama Said He Doesn't Agree With Missile Defense. "I, for example, don't agree with a missile defense system." (WTTW11's "Chicago Tonight," 1/17/01)
"In Addition, If Elected, Obama May Well Be The Only Senator In The United States Who Is Pledged To Cut U.S. Missile Defense System Research By As Much As $10 Billion." (Thomas Roeser, Op-Ed, "Think Kerry Is Liberal? Get A Load Of Obama," Chicago Sun-Times, 3/20/04)
Barack Obama Supported Legislation "That Would Move $50 Million From Missile Defense Accounts To The Cooperative Threat Reduction Program." (S. 1042, CQ Vote #311: Rejected 37-60: R 2-52; D 34-8; I 1-0, 11/8/05, Obama Voted Yea)

Debate Fact #15: Barack Obama's Unconditional Meetings

Debate Facts — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Barack Obama is wrong on meeting with the leaders of state sponsors of terror without preconditions.
The Facts About John McCain's Record:

Unlike Barack Obama, John McCain Will Not Unconditionally Meet With The Leaders Of State Sponsors Of Terror Like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. MCCAIN: "Rather than sitting down unconditionally with the Iranian president or supreme leader in the hope that we can talk sense into them, we must create the real-world pressures that will peacefully but decisively change the path they are on. Essential to this strategy is the UN Security Council, which should impose progressively tougher political and economic sanctions. Should the Security Council continue to delay in this responsibility, the United States must lead like-minded countries in imposing multilateral sanctions outside the UN framework." (John McCain, Remarks To AIPAC, Washington, D.C., 6/2/08)

John McCain Believes Channels Can Remain Open But There Should Be No Unconditional Summits. "This is not to suggest that the United States should not communicate with Iran our concerns about their behavior. Those communications have already occurred at an appropriate level, which the Iranians recently suspended. But a summit meeting with the President of the United States, which is what Senator Obama proposes, is the most prestigious card we have to play in international diplomacy." (John McCain, Remarks, Chicago, IL, 5/19/08)

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Has Repeatedly Affirmed His Position Of Unconditionally Meeting With The Leaders Of State Sponsors Of Terror Like Ahmadinejad

At A July 2007 Debate, Barack Obama Said He Would Meet With The Leaders Of State Sponsors Of Terror "Without Precondition." QUESTION: "[W]ould you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries?"... OBAMA: "I would. And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them -- which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration - is ridiculous." (CNN/YouTube Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Charleston, SC, 7/23/07)

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Oj7Jn9rv4

In September 2007, Barack Obama Confirmed That He Would Meet With Iranian President Ahmadinejad. QUESTION: "Senator, you've said before that you'd meet with President AhmadinejadÖ" OBAMA: "Uh huh." QUESTION: "Would you still meet with him today?" OBAMA: "Yeah, nothing's changed with respect to my belief that strong countries and strong presidents talk to their enemies and talk to their adversaries. (Barack Obama, Press Conference, New York City, 9/24/07)

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ2yJqWguCU

In An October 2007 CBS Interview, When Asked About Meeting With "Hugo Chavez And Etc. Etc.," Barack Obama Said "Exactly, And Without Preconditions." CBS' Harry Smith: "You said, 'I will talk to so and so and Hugo Chavez and etc., etc.'" Obama: "Exactly, and without preconditions." (CBS' "The Early Show," 10/15/07)

In February 2008, Barack Obama Said He Has Been "Absolutely Clear" On His Position: "I Will Meet Without Preconditions" With Leaders Of Iran And Other Hostile Regimes. OBAMA: "There has been no confusion. I have been absolutely clear on this. I will meet not just with our friends but with our enemies. I will meet without preconditions." (CNN's "The Situation Room," 2/4/08)

According To Barack Obama's Website, "Obama Is The Only Major Candidate Who Supports Tough, Direct Presidential Diplomacy With Iran Without Preconditions." "Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions." (Obama For America Website, http://www.barackobama.com , Accessed 5/12/08)

Joe Biden And Other Democrats Have Criticized Barack Obama's "Without Precondition" Statements

Joe Biden Said "Absolutely Positively No" To Unconditional Meetings With Leaders Of Rogue States. BIDEN: "Would I make a blanket commitment to meet unconditionally with the leaders of each of those countries within the first year I was elected president? Absolutely positively no." (Joe Biden, Remarks At The National Press Club, Washington, DC, 8/1/07)
Sen. Clinton Said Barack Obama's Position Was "Irresponsible And, Frankly, NaÔve." CLINTON: "I thought that was irresponsible and, frankly, naive to say that you would commit to meeting with, you know, Chavez and Castro and others within the first year." (ABC News,' "Good Morning America," 7/25/07)

America's European Allies Are Concerned About Barack Obama's Pledge To Meet With President Ahmadinejad Without Precondition

The Washington Post: Europeans "Increasingly Concerned That Sen. Barack Obama's Campaign Pledge To Begin Direct Talks ... Could Potentially Rupture U.S. Relations With Key European Allies." "European officials are increasingly concerned that Sen. Barack Obama's campaign pledge to begin direct talks with Iran on its nuclear program without preconditions could potentially rupture U.S. relations with key European allies early in a potential Obama administration." (Glenn Kessler, "Europe Fears Obama Might Undercut Progress With Iran," The Washington Post, 6/22/08)

Obama Adviser Philip Gordon: European Officials "Uncomfortable With Giving Up Precondition Of Uranium Enrichment Right Now." (Glenn Kessler, "Europe Fears Obama Might Undercut Progress With Iran," The Washington Post, 6/22/08)

The Washington Post: European Officials Say Precondition "Is A European Concept." "European officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they did not want to be seen as interfering with U.S. politics, said the demand that Iran first suspend its uranium enrichment is a European concept, not something forced on them by the Bush administration." (Glenn Kessler, "Europe Fears Obama Might Undercut Progress With Iran," The Washington Post, 6/22/08)

Despite Barack Obama's Claims, History Does Not Back Up Barack Obama's "Without Precondition" Statement

"If Barack Obama Wants To Follow In Kennedy's Footsteps, He Should Heed The Lesson That Kennedy Learned In His First Year In Office: Sometimes There Is Good Reason To Fear To Negotiate." (Nathan Thrall and Jesse James Wilkins, Op-Ed, "Kennedy Talked, Khrushchev Triumphed," The New York Times, 5/22/08)
According To Former Nixon Administratration Official, President Nixon Waited Until The U.S. Had Leverage Before He Met With Mao Zedong. "Nixon also recognized the Sino-Soviet Communist alliance was cracking, and we could exploit it by being China's great power counterweight to the Soviet Union. The threat of a loose Sino-American alliance gave us the leverage we needed to get the Soviets to the negotiating table on arms control. Nixon met with Mao Zedong only after he had the leverage needed to negotiate." (K.T. McFarland, Op-Ed, "Obama Needs A Quick Refresher Course In Cold War History," [New York] Daily News, 5/21/08)

Roll Call's Mort Kondracke: "But Reagan's First Summit Was In 1985, Nearly Five Years After He Took Office And After He Acquired The Leverage." "Obama and his advisers argue that President Ronald Reagan met with Mikhail Gorbachev despite calling the Soviet Union an 'evil empire.' But Reagan's first summit was in 1985, nearly five years after he took office and after he had acquired the leverage of the Star Wars program and Pershing II missiles in Europe." (Mort Kondracke, "Obama's Foreign Vision Is Exciting ñ And Also NaÔve," Roll Call, 8/2/07)

Debate Fact #14: Barack Obama Opposed Kyl-Lieberman

Debate Facts — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Summary: Barack Obama voted against designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization.

The Facts About John McCain's Record:

The Kyl-Lieberman Amendment Called On The U.S. To Designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) As A Terrorist Organization. The Senate approved the amendment on September 26, 2007 with support from 76 senators, including Sens. Reid, Schumer, Durbin and Clinton. (S.Amdt. 3017, CQ Vote #349: Agreed To, 76-22: R 47-2; D 29-20, 9/26/07)

John McCain Supports The Kyl-Lieberman Amendment. MCCAIN: "We must apply the full force of law to prevent business dealings with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. I was pleased to join Senators Lieberman and Kyl in backing an amendment calling for the designation of the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization responsible for killing American troops in Iraq. Over three quarters of the Senate supported this obvious step, but not Senator Obama." (Sen. John McCain, Remarks To AIPAC, 6/2/08)

The State Department's Recently Released Annual Terrorism Report Says That Iran Is The World's "Most Active" State Sponsor Of Terrorism. "Iran remained the most active state sponsor of terrorism. Elements of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were directly involved in the planning and support of terrorist acts throughout the region and continued to support a variety of groups in their use of terrorism to advance their common regional goals." ("Country Reports On Terrorism," U.S. Department Of State, Office Of The Coordinator For Counterterrorism, 4/30/08)

Senator Hillary Clinton Supported Kyl-Lieberman. CLINTON: "Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is in the forefront of that, as they are in the sponsorship of terrorism. So some may want a false choice between rushing to war -- which is the way the Republicans sound; it's not even a question of whether, it's a question of when and what weapons to use -- and doing nothing. I prefer vigorous diplomacy, and I happen to think economic sanctions are part of vigorous diplomacy." (Sen. Clinton, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 10/30/07)

Obama National Co-Chair Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Supported Kyl-Lieberman. DURIN: "It's rare that Barack and I disagree on an issue of this magnitude ... I have the same concerns that Barack Obama does about this administration and what they might do with the power that they have. But I don't think this resolution gives them a green light to do anything." (Julianna Goldman, "Durbin Says Obama Will Win Iowa Caucus; Disagrees on Iran," Bloomberg, 10/12/07)

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

"Obama Opposed The Kyl-Lieberman Amendment, Which Says We Should Use Our Military Presence In Iraq To Counter The Threat From Iran. Obama Believes That It Was Reckless For Congress To Give George Bush Any Justification To Extend The Iraq War Or To Attack Iran." (Obama For America Website, www.barackobama.com , Accessed 1/28/08)
Barack Obama: "There was another problem with the resolution that we haven't spoken about, and that was that it suggested that we should structure in some way our forces in Iraq with the goal of blunting Iranian influence in Iraq." (Barack Obama, NPR Democrat Presidential Debate, Des Moines, IA, 12/4/07)
Barack Obama Inaccurately Claims That The Kyl-Lieberman Amendment Could Be Used As A Legal Justification For The Use Of Force Against Iran. "Obama also introduced a resolution in the Senate declaring that no act of Congress – including Kyl-Lieberman – gives the Bush administration authorization to attack Iran. Neither Messrs. Kyl nor Lieberman ever said it did. It expressed a sense of the Senate, whereas the 2002 resolution against Saddam Hussein gave explicit authorization to use force." (Eli Lake, "Obama's Silly War On Fear," The New York Sun, 1/28/08)

Senator Durbin: The Kyl-Lieberman Amendment Provided No Justification For Attacking Iran. DURBIN: "If I thought there was any way [Kyl-Lieberman] could be used as a pretense to launch an invasion of Iran, I would have voted no." (Julianna Goldman, "Durbin Says Obama Will Win Iowa Caucus; Disagrees On Iran," Bloomberg, 10/12/07; S.3017, CQ Vote #349: Agreed To, 76-22: R 47-2; D 29-20, 9/26/07, Durbin Voted Yea.)

DEBATE FACT #13: BARACK OBAMA'S MUDDLED AFGHANISTAN QUOTE

Debate Facts — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Summary:.

Barack Obama muddled his Afghanistan quote.

The Facts About John McCain's Record:

FactCheck.org: Obama Campaign "Twisted McCain's Words" On Afghanistan. "He twisted McCain's words about Afghanistan, saying, 'When John McCain said we could just 'muddle through' in Afghanistan, I argued for more resources.' Actually, McCain said in 2003 we 'may' muddle through, and he recently also called for more troops there." ("FactChecking Obama," FactCheck.org, 8/29/08)
In 2003, John McCain Said He Was Very Concerned About The Rise In Al Qaeda Activity In Afghanistan. "Actually, McCain said in 2003 that the U.S. 'may' muddle through, not that we could or would. He also said he was very concerned about a rise in al Qaeda activity there. He said then that he was 'guardedly optimistic' that the government could handle it. McCain, 2003: 'I think Afghanistan is dicey. I think that there are certain areas of the country, particularly along the Pakistani border, that are clearly not under the control of either Pakistan or the Afghan government. ... There has been a rise in al Qaeda activity along the border. There has been some increase in U.S. casualties. I am concerned about it, but I'm not as concerned as I am about Iraq today, obviously, or I'd be talking about Afghanistan. But I believe that if Karzai can make the progress that he is making, that – in the long term, we may muddle through in Afghanistan. So I'm guardedly optimistic, but I am also realistic that the central government in Kabul has very little effect on the policies and practices of the warlords who control the surrounding areas.'" ("FactChecking Obama," FactCheck.org, 8/29/08)
The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs, Barack Obama Has Failed To Hold Any Hearings On Afghanistan:
Barack Obama Has Served As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs From 2007 – 2008. (U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Website, www.senate.gov , Accessed 2/15/08)

As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs, Barack Obama Could Have Held Hearings On The Role Of NATO In Afghanistan. "[A]mbassador John Ritch, who served for two decades as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's senior staffer on European affairs and East-West relations…[P]oints out that as subcommittee chair, Obama could have examined a wide variety of urgent matters, from the role of NATO in Afghanistan and Iraq to European energy policy and European responses to climate change…" (Joe Conason, "Obama's European Problem," www.salon.com , 12/29/07)

Barack Obama: "I became Chairman of this committee at the beginning of this campaign, at the beginning of 2007. So it is true that we haven't had oversight hearings on Afghanistan." (MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate, 2/27/08)

Hillary Clinton Criticized Barack Obama For Not Holding Hearings As European Affairs Subcommittee Chairman. Sen. Clinton: "But I also have heard Senator Obama refer continually to Afghanistan, and he references being on the Foreign Relations Committee. He chairs the Subcommittee on Europe. It has jurisdiction over NATO. NATO is critical to our mission in Afghanistan. He's held not one substantive hearing to do oversight, to figure out what we can do to actually have a stronger presence with NATO in Afghanistan." (Sen. Clinton, NBC Democrat Presidential Debate, Cleveland, OH, 2/26/08)
Barack Obama Voted Against Providing Funding For Operations In Afghanistan:
Barack Obama Voted Against Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, Obama Voted Nay)
Barack Obama Said American Troops Were "Just Air-Raiding Villages And Killing Civilians" In Afghanistan. Obama: "We've got to get the job done there and that requires us to have enough troops so that we're not just air-raiding villages and killing civilians, which is causing enormous pressure over there." (Philip Elliott, "Obama Gets Warning From Friendly Voter," The Associated Press, 8/14/07)

Barack Obama Has Been To Afghanistan Once. "Republican John McCain traded foreign policy barbs Saturday with the campaign of his Democratic rival Barack Obama, who arrived on his first trip to Afghanistan as part of a regional tour." ("McCain, Obama Trade Foreign Policy Jabs," Agence France Presse, 7/20/08)

Joe Biden Criticized Barack Obama's "Johnny-Come-Lately Position" On Afghanistan. "The Biden for President Campaign today congratulated Sen. Barack Obama for arriving at a number of Sen. Biden's long-held views on combating al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Much of what Senator Obama has proposed Senator Biden has already initiated or accomplished." ( Joe Biden, "Biden Campaign Congratulates Sen. Obama For Johnny-Come-Lately Position," Press Release, 8/1/07)

DEBATE FACT #12: BARACK OBAMA'S BAD PAKISTAN POLICY

Debate Facts — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Summary:.

Barack Obama has gotten Pakistan wrong and even Democrats told him so.

The Facts About John McCain's Record:

John McCain: "The Future Of That Country Has Deep Implications For The Security Of The United States And Its Allies." "Given Pakistan's strategic location, the international terrorist groups that operate from its soil, and its nuclear arsenal, the future of that country has deep implications for the security of the United States and its allies. America must stand on the right side of this ongoing struggle. In my numerous visits to Pakistan - to Islamabad, to Peshawar, even to the tribal areas of Waziristan - I have seen first hand the many challenges that face the political leadership there, challenges so graphically portrayed by today's tragedy. There are, in Pakistan, brave individuals who seek to lead their country away from extremism and instability and into the light of a better day. America, I believe, must do all we can to support them." (Office Of U.S. Senator John McCain, "Senator McCain Statement On The Death Of Benazir Bhutto," Press Release, 12/27/07)

John McCain: "It Is Critical That The United States Continue To Work In Partnership With The Pakistani People…" "The situation in Pakistan's frontier regions requires immediate and continued attention, and I hope that the elections for President Musharraf's successor will serve to reconcile the Pakistani people behind a leader who can solidify their government internally. It is critical that the United States continue to work in partnership with the Pakistani people and their democratically elected government to tackle the many challenges we both face." (John McCain, "Statement By John McCain On The Resignation Of Pakistani President Musharraf," Press Release, 8/18/08)

John McCain Was Critical Of Pakistani President Musharraf's Rule:

In November 2007, John McCain Said He Was "Deeply Concerned By President Musharraf's Imposition Of Emergency Rule In Pakistan." "I am deeply concerned by President Musharraf’s imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan. Americans should value President Musharraf’s friendship and Pakistan’s help in the war on terror, but this cannot sway us from our concern for Pakistani democracy." (Office Of U.S. Senator John McCain, "Senator McCain Statement On Imposition Of Emergency Rule In Pakistan," Press Release, 11/3/07)
McCain: The Move Was A Step In The "Wrong Direction" In Pakistan's Move Toward "Full Democracy." "Having traveled to Pakistan numerous times, I have heard firsthand the President’s expressed desire to move his country back toward full democracy. Today’s action takes a disappointing step in the wrong direction. Anyone who has read recent news reports understands that Pakistan is dealing with real challenges, including a violent extremist challenge. But by suspending the constitution, replacing the Supreme Court’s chief justice, and cutting communications in the capital, the government is likely to make matters worse, not better." (Office Of U.S. Senator John McCain, "Senator McCain Statement On Imposition Of Emergency Rule In Pakistan," Press Release, 11/3/07)
John McCain Said The Resignation Of President Musharraf Was A Move Toward "More Stable Political Footing." "The resignation of President Pervez Musharraf is a step toward moving Pakistan onto a more stable political footing. Pakistan is a critical theater in countering the threat of al Qaeda and violent Islamic extremism, and I look forward to the government increasing its future cooperation." (McCain-Palin 2008, "Statement By John McCain On The Resignation Of Pakistani President Musharraf," Press Release, 8/18/08)

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Conceded That His Policy Was Really Only A Restatement Of U.S. Policy:

When Questioned Whether It Was Current U.S. Policy To Go After Al-Qaeda In Pakistan If The Pakistani Government Failed To Act, Barack Obama Conceded That It Was Current Policy. LOGAN: "Isn't that the case now? I mean, do you--do you really think..." OBAMA: "Well..." LOGAN: "...if US forces had Osama bin Laden in its sights and the Pakistanis said no, that they wouldn't fire? They wouldn't go after him?" OBAMA: "Oh, no, I think actually this is current doctrine. There was some dispute when I said this last August. Both the administration and some of my opponents suggested, well, you know, you shouldn't go around saying that. But I don't think there's any doubt that that should be our policy and will continue to be our policy." LOGAN: "But it is the current policy." OBAMA: "I believe it is the current policy." LOGAN: "So there's no change then?" OBAMA: "I don't think there's going to be a change there." (CBS' "The Early Show," 7/21/08)

Barack Obama Had Expressed Sympathy For Musharraf's Precarious Position:

"The Candidate…Expressed Sympathy For Musharraf, Who Faces A Growing Militant Backlash In His Muslim Nation." (Scott Lindlaw, "Obama Expresses Sympathy For Musharraf," The Associated Press, 8/9/07)

"'President Musharraf Has A Very Difficult Job, And It Is Important That We Are A Constructive Ally With Them In Dealing With Al-Qaida,' The Illinois Senator Said." (Scott Lindlaw, "Obama Expresses Sympathy For Musharraf," The Associated Press, 8/9/07)
Democrats And Editorials Have Criticized Barack Obama's Statements On Pakistan:

Joe Biden: "The Last Thing You Want To Do Is Telegraph To The Folks In Pakistan That We're About To Violate Quote 'Their Sovereignty.'" Question: "Senator Obama said in a speech today that he would send troops into Pakistan. Do you think this is a good idea or does this show inexperience in foreign policy?" Sen. Biden: "Yes." Question: "Does this show inexperience?" Sen. Biden: "My answer was yes to the question. … The last thing you want to do is telegraph to the folks in Pakistan that we're about to violate quote 'their sovereignty,' putting Musharraf in a position that makes it virtually impossible for him to do anything other than what he's done." (Sen. Joe Biden, Remarks At The National Press Club, Washington, DC, 8/1/07)

Senator Hillary Clinton: "Senator Obama Said, Yes, Last Summer He Basically Threatened To Bomb Pakistan, Which I Don't Think Was A Particularly Wise Position To Take." Clinton: "And on a number of other issues, I just believe that, you know, as Senator Obama said, yes, last summer he basically threatened to bomb Pakistan, which I don't think was a particularly wise position to take." (Sen. Clinton, NBC Democrat Presidential Debate, Cleveland, OH, 2/26/08)

Senator Chris Dodd: "It Was A Mistake In My View To Suggest Somehow That Going In Unilaterally Here, Into Pakistan, Was Somehow In Our Interest." Dodd: "It was a mistake in my view to suggest somehow that going in unilaterally here, into Pakistan, was somehow in our interest. That, I think, is dangerous. And I don't retreat from that at all." (Sen. Chris Dodd, MSNBC AFL-CIO Presidential Candidates Forum, Chicago, IL, 8/7/07)

Los Angeles Times: Barack Obama's Vow To "Violate Pakistani Sovereignty And International Law" Could Possibly Show That Pakistan Is A U.S. Puppet And Could "Empower Radical Islamists." "Second, the best way to empower radical Islamists in Pakistan is to offer proof of their views that Musharraf is a U.S. puppet and that the United States is a fair-weather friend with no respect for the Pakistani nation. Democratic presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton did our national interest a disservice last week when, to score political 'tougher than thou' points, they recklessly vowed to violate Pakistani sovereignty and international law. Pakistanis of many stripes were outraged." (Editorial, "Strategic Silence," Los Angeles Times, 8/7/07)

Daily News: Barack Obama's Statement That He Would Bomb Pakistan Was "Not A Display Of Presidential Wisdom." "It would not be unreasonable, under the right circumstances, to bombard an Al Qaeda aerie in Pakistan. But saying so outright is not a display of presidential wisdom. Pakistan is, after all, a nuclear-capable ally under intense pressure from Muslim hard-liners." (Editorial, "Bumbling Obama," [New York] Daily News, 8/3/07)

McCain Is Right

Michael Goldfarb — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

DEBATE FACT #11: OBAMA HAS AFGHANISTAN PLANS BUT A BAD RECORD

Debate Facts — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Summary:

Barack Obama talks about his Afghanistan plans but he has a poor Afghanistan record.

The Facts About John McCain's Record:

John McCain Has Outlined A Comprehensive Strategy For Victory In Afghanistan That Will:
Work With Our Allies To Ensure Unity Of Command In Afghanistan. (McCain-Palin 2008, "John McCain's Comprehensive Strategy For Victory In Afghanistan," Press Release, 7/15/08)

Appoint An Afghanistan Czar To Ensure Commanders Have What They Need To Win. (McCain-Palin 2008, "John McCain's Comprehensive Strategy For Victory In Afghanistan," Press Release, 7/15/08)

Send At Least Three Additional Brigades To Afghanistan. (McCain-Palin 2008, "John McCain's Comprehensive Strategy For Victory In Afghanistan," Press Release, 7/15/08)

Double The Size Of The Afghan Military. (McCain-Palin 2008, "John McCain's Comprehensive Strategy For Victory In Afghanistan," Press Release, 7/15/08)

Increase Our Non-Military Assistance To The Afghan Government. (McCain-Palin 2008, "John McCain's Comprehensive Strategy For Victory In Afghanistan," Press Release, 7/15/08)

Enhance Our Regional Diplomatic Efforts By Appointing A Special Presidential Envoy. (McCain-Palin 2008, "John McCain's Comprehensive Strategy For Victory In Afghanistan," Press Release, 7/15/08)
In 2006, John McCain Said That The U.S. Would Commit More Troops To Afghanistan If Needed. "McCain told reporters at a U.S. base in Kabul, the Afghan capital, that the U.S. would commit more troops to Afghanistan if needed. 'But the focus here is more on training the Afghan National Army and the police, as opposed to the increased U.S. troop presence,' he said." (Alisa Tang, "McCain: Afghanistan Needs Europe Troops," The Associated Press, 12/16/06)

John McCain Has Been To Afghanistan Four Times. "A former Navy pilot and prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain, 71, has traveled extensively during his 26 years in Congress. He has made eight trips to Iraq and four to Afghanistan." (Michael Finnegan, "A Trip Full Of Opportunity And Risk," Los Angeles Times, 7/19/08)

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs, Barack Obama Has Failed To Hold Any Hearings On Afghanistan:
Barack Obama Has Served As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs From 2007 – 2008. (U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Website, www.senate.gov, Accessed 2/15/08)

As Chairman Of The Subcommittee On European Affairs, Barack Obama Could Have Held Hearings On The Role Of NATO In Afghanistan. "[A]mbassador John Ritch, who served for two decades as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's senior staffer on European affairs and East-West relations…[P]oints out that as subcommittee chair, Obama could have examined a wide variety of urgent matters, from the role of NATO in Afghanistan and Iraq to European energy policy and European responses to climate change…" (Joe Conason, "Obama's European Problem," www.salon.com, 12/29/07)

Barack Obama: "I became Chairman of this committee at the beginning of this campaign, at the beginning of 2007. So it is true that we haven't had oversight hearings on Afghanistan." (MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate, 2/27/08)

Hillary Clinton Criticized Barack Obama For Not Holding Hearings As European Affairs Subcommittee Chairman. Sen. Clinton: "But I also have heard Senator Obama refer continually to Afghanistan, and he references being on the Foreign Relations Committee. He chairs the Subcommittee on Europe. It has jurisdiction over NATO. NATO is critical to our mission in Afghanistan. He's held not one substantive hearing to do oversight, to figure out what we can do to actually have a stronger presence with NATO in Afghanistan." (Sen. Clinton, NBC Democrat Presidential Debate, Cleveland, OH, 2/26/08)
Barack Obama Voted Against Providing Funding For Operations In Afghanistan
Barack Obama Voted Against Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, Obama Voted Nay)
Barack Obama Said American Troops Were "Just Air-Raiding Villages And Killing Civilians" In Afghanistan. Obama: "We've got to get the job done there and that requires us to have enough troops so that we're not just air-raiding villages and killing civilians, which is causing enormous pressure over there." (Philip Elliott, "Obama Gets Warning From Friendly Voter," The Associated Press, 8/14/07)

Barack Obama Has Been To Afghanistan Once. "Republican John McCain traded foreign policy barbs Saturday with the campaign of his Democratic rival Barack Obama, who arrived on his first trip to Afghanistan as part of a regional tour." ("McCain, Obama Trade Foreign Policy Jabs," Agence France Presse, 7/20/08)

Joe Biden Criticized Barack Obama's "Johnny-Come-Lately Position" On Afghanistan. "The Biden for President Campaign today congratulated Sen. Barack Obama for arriving at a number of Sen. Biden's long-held views on combating al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Much of what Senator Obama has proposed Senator Biden has already initiated or accomplished." ( Joe Biden, "Biden Campaign Congratulates Sen. Obama For Johnny-Come-Lately Position," Press Release, 8/1/07)

"John Is Right"

Michael Goldfarb — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Fox reports:
Obama has said “John is right” five times in the debate so far. Fodder for the next McCain political ad perhaps?
It's like they have the place bugged.

What Kissinger Actually Said

Michael Goldfarb — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Obama imagines that the elder statesman actually agrees with his absurd policy of direct, and unconditional, presidential diplomacy with the world's worst tyrants. He doesn't. The actual quote:
Kissinger: "Well, I am in favor of negotiating with Iran. And one utility of negotiation is to put before Iran our vision of a Middle East, of a stable Middle East, and our notion on nuclear proliferation at a high enough level so that they have to study it. And, therefore, I actually have preferred doing it at the secretary of state level so that we -- we know we're dealing with authentic..."

Sesno: "Put at a very high level right out of the box?"

Kissinger: "Initially, yes. And I always believed that the best way to begin a negotiation is to tell the other side exactly what you have in mind and what you are -- what the outcome is that you're trying to achieve so that they have something that they can react to. Now, the permanent members of the Security Council, plus Japan and Germany, have all said nuclear weapons in Iran are unacceptable. They've never explained what they mean by this. So if we go into a negotiation, we ought to have a clear understanding of what is it we're trying to prevent. What is it going to do if we can't achieve what we're talking about? But I do not believe that we can make conditions for the opening of negotiations. We ought, however, to be very clear about the content of negotiations and work it out with other countries and with our own government."

DEBATE FACT #10: EVEN JOE BIDEN SAYS OBAMA WAS WRONG ON TROOP FUNDING

Debate Facts — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Summary:.

Even Joe Biden says Barack Obama was wrong to vote against troop funding.

The Facts About John McCain's Record:

John McCain Voted For Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, McCain Voted Yea)

The Facts About Barack Obama's Record:

Barack Obama Voted Against Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, Obama Voted Nay)
Barack Obama Voted Against The Emergency War Spending "After Pledging To Support Troop Funding." "After pledging to support troop funding, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama in May voted against $124 billion in emergency war spending, following the lead of Democratic presidential candidate and war opponent Sen. Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut. The bill nevertheless passed in a lopsided 80-14 vote. Mr. Biden, the only Democratic presidential contender in the Senate to vote for the bill, criticized his primary rivals for allowing liberal bloggers to dictate the war debate." (S.A. Miller, "GOP To Play Card Of Strong Defense," The Washington Times, 7/9/07)
Barack Obama Voted Against Funding Our Troops After Saying He Would Never "Play Chicken With Our Troops On The Ground"
"'I Think That Nobody Wants To Play Chicken With Our Troops On The Ground,' Said Obama." (Mike Glover, "Obama Says Congress Will Fund Iraq War After Expected Bush Veto," The Associated Press, 4/1/07)

Barack Obama: "[W]hat you don't want to do is to play chicken with the President, and create a situation in which, potentially, you don't have body armor, you don't have reinforced Humvees, you don't have night-vision goggles." (CNN's "Late Edition," 4/1/07)
Joe Biden Criticized Barack Obama For Voting Against The Troop Funding
Joe Biden: "My Colleagues Voted Against The Funding To Make A Political Point … There's No Political Point Worth My Son's Life. There's No Political Point Worth Anyone's Life." (Abby Simons, "Biden Blasts Rivals For Votes Against Iraq Money," The Des Moines Register, 8/15/07)

Joe Biden Attacked Fellow Democrats For Voting Against Funding U.S. Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan, Accusing Them Of "Cutting Off Support That Will Save The Lives Of Thousands Of American Troops." BIDEN: "Hundreds of lives are being saved and will be saved by us sending these vehicles over which we are funding with this supplemental legislation. And I want to ask any of my other colleagues, would they, in fact, vote to cut off the money for those troops to protect them? That's the right question. This isn't cutting off the war. This is cutting off support that will save the lives of thousands of American troops." (NBC's, "Meet The Press," 9/9/07)