CBS’s Rodriguez Pushes McCain to Do More to Ban NC GOP Ad

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NewsBusters.org | Still Shot of Maggie Rodriguez and John McCain, April 25 On Friday’s CBS "Early Show," co-host Maggie Rodriguez interviewed John McCain and asked about the recent ad put out by the North Carolina Republican Party that criticized Barack Obama’s relationship with his pastor, Jeremiah Wright: "The Republican Party of North Carolina is planning to run an ad bashing Senator Obama. I know that you oppose that ad, but they're running it anyway. So what does that say about you, that you haven't opposed it strongly enough or that your own party is blatantly disregarding your wishes?"

McCain replied by once again denouncing the ad:

It means that the Republican Party of the state of North Carolina is dead wrong. They are an independent organization. I'll do everything in my power to make sure not only they stop it but that kind of leadership is rejected. And the overwhelming majority of Republicans in North Carolina share my view.

However, that was still not enough for Rodriguez, who followed up with: "But as the Republican nominee for president, couldn't you pick up the phone and call the head of the North Carolina GOP and say, don't run it?"

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On both Thursday’s "Early Show" and Wednesday’s "Evening News" co-host Harry Smith suggested that the North Carolina ad was a sign of the campaign getting "nastier."

Here is the full transcript of the Friday "Early Show" segment:

7:01AM

MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ: But first this morning one of the most controversial figures of the 2008 presidential campaign has been Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's former minister. His fiery words hurt Obama's campaign and may do so again in North Carolina. But Wright is now slamming those who he claims misrepresented him. We'll have more on that in a moment. The controversy over Reverend Wright came up in my interview with Senator John McCain, who campaigned yesterday in New Orleans, courting voters in a largely Democratic region.

JOHN MCCAIN: Well, I'm here to talk to the people, with their great governor, who happens to be a Republican, by the way, and I want to assure them that this will never happen again. Never.

RODRIGUEZ: When you say "this," are you referring to how the government handled Hurricane Katrina?

MCCAIN: Yes. The mismanagement of this disaster will never happen again, whether it's natural or man-made. It will never happen again.

RODRIGUEZ: Senator, I know that you plan to have Mike Huckabee along for part of your trip. Are you considering him, or anyone for that matter, as your running mate?

MCCAIN: Governor Huckabee is a great person and contributed enormously in the campaign into our Republican Party, but we're not discussing the process Maggie.

RODRIGUEZ: You haven't decided on a running mate. The Democrats haven't decide on a nominee. And your wife Cindy has said that this protracted battle is good for your campaign. How so?

MCCAIN: I don't know whether it's good or bad for the campaign. I have no idea. We're running our own campaign. We can't do anything about it. So we're just moving on.

RODRIGUEZ: The Republican Party of North Carolina is planning to run an ad bashing Senator Obama. I know that you oppose that ad, but they're running it anyway. So what does that say about you, that you haven't opposed it strongly enough or that your own party is blatantly disregarding your wishes?

MCCAIN: It means that the Republican Party of the state of North Carolina is dead wrong. They are an independent organization. I'll do everything in my power to make sure not only they stop it but that kind of leadership is rejected. And the overwhelming majority of Republicans in North Carolina share my view.

RODRIGUEZ: But as the Republican nominee for president, couldn't you pick up the phone and call the head of the North Carolina GOP and say, don't run it?

MCCAIN: I have communicated that in every possible way, and I will continue to communicate that.

RODRIGUEZ: Senator, you have criticized Senator Obama and continue to do so, calling him out of touch and elitist. Someone on the outside looking in might read into that, maybe he would prefer to go up against Senator Clinton in the election.

MCCAIN: I have no preference in this race and I have no influence over it either. I have -- I have said that Senator Obama's remarks concerning the heartland of America are elitist. I didn't say he's elitist.

RODRIGUEZ: Would you describe the difference for me.

MCCAIN: Sure. One is a person who's an elitist and the other one is a person who makes elitist remarks.

RODRIGUEZ: Senator, you're connecting with people who are facing two of the biggest issues in this election and in our country right now, the economy and health care. If you're elected president, where would your immediate focus be?

MCCAIN: My immediate purpose would be to get our economy going again. And to make sure that families make the decisions in health care in America and not the big government, as Senator Obama and Senator Clinton want to do. As far as the economy is concerned, don't raise taxes the way Senator Obama wants to do on capital gains. If you want to raise taxes, then don't vote for me.

RODRIGUEZ: Alright, Senator John McCain, thank you for your time.

MCCAIN: Thank you, Maggie.

RODRIGUEZ: And Senator McCain will campaign in Little Rock, Arkansas today, joined by Mike Huckabee.

—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.


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WHO SAYS SO!!!????

"two of the biggest issues in this election and in our country right now, the economy and health care."

The economy is not something the Chief Executive gets to dictate, although the media love to pretend it is.

And how does health care (a Hillary projection) have more importance than terrorism and immigration? Oh right, it's more important in the media's agenda...

<deep breath> I must remind myself to "consider the source..."

Maybe then I won't become bitter and turn to religion and guns... Maybe then I can become an irresponsible, opinion-spouting, dissembling member of the media... (and turn to what?)

America's handbasket will soon be arriving in hell.

Here it is six months before the presidential election and John McCain just made up my mind how I am going to vote.  I’M NOT!

McCain’s repudiation of North Carolina’s political ad for it’s Governor showing Obama’s Reverend Wright’s tirades against America proved to me that McCain is not serious about being President.

What we saw was not a decisive leader like Ronald Reagan but a “can’t we just get along” Rodney King - woos.

To further my decision, his trip to New Orleans, where he brought the pandering of blacks to new heights, was astounding.

However, when all is said and done, it will make no difference who is President because, if predictions are correct, the Democrats will win a majority in both houses of Congress thus giving them veto-proof power.

This will create an Imperial Congress, which our founding fathers so greatly feared as it will move decisions from the President to Congress.

Which ever happens, be prepared for four or eight years of pure hell.

and another thing...

"If you want to raise taxes, then don't vote for me."

Gotta admit, I like his directness.

"But as the Republican

"But as the Republican nominee for president, couldn't you pick up
the phone and call the head of the North Carolina GOP and say, don't
run it?"

Um, Ms. Rodriquez, he did. And he got told to kiss off.

I'm not voting for

I'm not voting for McCain.

Rush just made the point that McCain expects conservatives to be loyal to him as the GOP candidate, whereas it's OK for him to be disloyal to the party he represents.

He wants to be a "maverick", fine - I'll be a maverick too, and vote for the Libertarian candidate.

21st Century or the 'Twilight Zone'?

Suppressing information about other candidates doesn't serve America's interests, so Sen. McCain is really out of line. EACH and EVERY voter has the DUTY to know about BHO's close 20 year relationship with the anti-American, racist, antisemitic "Reverend" Wright. If McCain personally doesn't want to raise the issue, fine, that's up to him.

I can't count the number of times the Mormon Church came up in the MSM during the Republican primary. And Ron Paul got completely smacked around by everyone for VERY loose affiliation with antisemitic groups. Now we have a candidate who attends a "church" that espouses not just antisemitic but also racist and anti-American views for TWENTY YEARS!, and everyone is supposed to ignore this? Wow, is this the 21st Century or the 'Twilight Zone'?

MCCAIN: It means that the

MCCAIN: It means that the Republican Party of the state of North Carolina is dead wrong. They are an independent organization. I'll do everything in my power to make sure not only they stop it but that kind of leadership is rejected. And the overwhelming majority of Republicans in North Carolina share my view.

Not only did McCain say this here, I heard him this morning with Meredith Viera....I was furious once again...who in the heck does he think he is speaking for the NC GOP's..or any of us out here in any state listening to this RINO....

The only ONE who is wrong here McCain is YOU!

"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill

Keep talking ASS H....

I have had it. I will contribute to my local races with money and time, I'll send money to NC Republican party, I will go to the polls,

BUT

 I WILL NOT CONTRIBUTE TO OR VOTE FOR mccain!!!

Period!

I could not sleep at night.

And I now believe he is not better than the other two.

He had better start following what I say because I am not following him.

 

delsa -- always with the

delsa -- always with the Maverick of the Republican Party, it's one step forward, then ten steps back with conservatives.

Vote 4 change. Vote 4 anything. See Jack & Mr Shy's first campaign ad for the ONLY viable 3rd party candidate.

Will the real Jack Bauer please stand up

and take McCain on a vacation until AFTER our convention?

ha delsa -- unfortunately

ha delsa -- unfortunately the cells in CTU are so easy to escape, even the little Mac would be out before you could say MAVERICK!

Vote 4 change. Vote 4 anything. See Jack & Mr Shy's first campaign ad for the ONLY viable 3rd party candidate.

Delsa in NC... I had no

Delsa in NC...

I had no idea you live in NC. 

General question: Have you noticed that there seems to be an awful lot of North Carolinians that participate in political related blogs?

We seem to be a bit more vocal than the rest of the country. Do you have any clues as to why? 

"Abstain from McCain"

Dear Clear

I actually live in Florida,

I have a sister who has a home in Duck on the Outer Banks.

I'd love to live in NC.

As to why NC is more vocal? Cause they are smart "clear thinkers"!

Delsa... Thank you. NC

Delsa...

Thank you.

NC would welcome you with open arms anytime. 

"Abstain from McCain"

I'm with you Delsa

I have watched this old fool Demonrat give the finger to conservatives for years. To me, McPain is lower than whale crap. I wouldn't vote for him to be the President of Iran!

I hope Romney has the good sense to stay away from the VP position if offered.

 

McCain Stands Strong AGAINST Republicans

There is nothing wrong with that ad.  It talks about being "too extreme".  How is that offensive?  Why is McCain going against the GOP and trying to appease the left?

He is such a disappointment.

McCain seems to think if he

McCain seems to think if he plays nice on the swingset, the libs will let him back in the sandbox.  He forgets what cats do in open sandboxes.  The lib cats in that sandbox already have the ultra lib to play with them and they don't need John.  Besides, they're way too busy covering that cool cat's droppings to play with John anyway. 

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."  - Sir Winston Churchill

funny

McCain had no problem making up lies about Mitt Romney to secure the nomination. Now he's pretending to be above the fray. SNL couldn't write a more absurd premise.

McCain's half right, someone's out of touch with reality

Senator McCain thinks he's the LEADER of Republicans.

Errr, sounds like he's the one who's out of touch with reality.

Some leader. Some chutzpah. Somebody put a sock in it.

Vote 4 change. Vote 4 anything. See Jack & Mr Shy's first campaign ad for the ONLY viable 3rd party candidate.

Let's see, he had no

Let's see, he had no problem bashing/lying about fellow Republican Mitt Romney during the campaign, he had no problem bashing Bush yesterday in New Orleans, and he has no problem bashing the NC GOP, but he'll be damned if he will allow Barak the dem to be bashed, even though this ad by the GOP isn't bashing at all.

He's really making it difficult for me to vote for him. I'm hoping that he really wants the ads to run, but is pretending he is above it all to the media. I'm hoping that's the strategy. If he isn't careful though, it may backfire on him.

Urban Myth

McCain claimed in 2000 that forces attributed at the time to George W. Bush were questioning the racial background and lineage of McCain's daughter (she is actually an adoptee from Bangladesh by the way) -- problem is MCCAIN MADE THIS UP -- MADE IT ALL UP. McCain is a very sick man -- very sick indeed.

Calling ALL republican DELEGATES

When you get to the convention, DO NOT VOTE FOR McCain!!

Let us choose someone else.

We are the ones who should have brokered convention.

PLEASE!

Delsa... Amen! How in

Delsa...

Amen!

How in the world did we end up with 3 democrats running? 

"Abstain from McCain"

How in the world did we end up with 3 dems?

Easy

Our first primary's were in left leaning states that allowed cross over voting.

We need to change that. Republicans ONLY!

If Crist had not fouled up Florida, there would have been a different outcome.

My opinion re-Florida

Yep Fla. and NH hurt us

Yep Fla. and NH hurt us bad....plus McCain and Huck working in unison against Romney. 

"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill

Yep! My question was

Yep!

My question was mostly a statement of frustration. I know how we got here and hope to God we can fix it. Soon!!! 

"Abstain from McCain"

Statement of frustration

I knew that. I just could not keep my thought to myself.

Delsa... I wished that

Delsa...

I wished that would happen, maybe if McCain keeps it up, the citizens put pressure on their state delegates something could happen, also Romney did suspend his campaign as I said elsewhere this morning (I think the new poll thread)...although I'm afraid we are stuck with him....

I was disappointed in Fred Thompson last night on H&C defending McCain, but I expected that is how it would go...

I'm just having a deep sighing moment.... 

"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill

Bigtimer

Fred has to be nice when speaking of McCain. He does not want to speak ill of the dead.

Dead in the water McCain.

Romney has only suspended his campaign and we have to pray for operation chaos at our convention

And there's the

And there's the rub...

For me, Mitt is almost as bad a choice as McCain, so you won't see me climbing on that wagon. 

"Abstain from McCain"

Hey Ct... Well now I knew

Hey Ct...

Well now I knew that somehow....lol!

...as far as I'm concerned he is nowhere as bad as McCain.

....we're all only dreaming here I fear... no matter what.

Hope springs eternal...or something like that....it would take tons of us all across the country to rise up, don't think that will happen. 

"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill

bt... Dreaming is

bt...

Dreaming is right...... Ronald Reagan for POTUS in 08'. 

"Abstain from McCain"

McCain

John McCain is embarrassing me and many other Republicans. Please stop immediately! If you can't fight for us and our beliefs, step out of the fight. You were ONCE a brave man. You are no longer. You act like an "old fool" and maybe you have actually become one.

What it says about McCain

RODRIGUEZ: The Republican Party of North Carolina is planning to run an ad bashing Senator Obama. I know that you oppose that ad, but they're running it anyway. So what does that say about you, that you haven't opposed it strongly enough or that your own party is blatantly disregarding your wishes?

Perhaps it says we should nominate the head of the North Carolina GOP.  Vote Linda Daves in 2008!

When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.

Sadly, the Lesser of Three Stooges

I'm no more thrilled than most conservatives about John McCain being our candidate. At the same time, none of us wants to go through the Ross Perot bandwagon fiasco we created after we cursed Bush 41 over the new taxes. We ended up with Clinton 1. The result of our own self-destruction could very well be either Clinton 2 or Barack-Don't Use My Middle Name-Obama—each infinitely more dangerous.

As much as I would prefer McCain to at least pretend he's leaning to the right, I have less of a problem with him trying to ride both sides of the fence, than I do the FAR left aspirations of either Demo-crap left standing.

There's a saying that has served me well for many years now. "Do you want to be right, or do you want 'X'?" Being right will feel good… for about 11-seconds; up until you hear the words, "President-Elect Clinton/Obama" coming from your television set. The gasp you hear immediately following will be coming from you; as you instinctively cry out, "What have I done?!"  

Stop worrying about being right, and start accepting what the defeat of Clinton / Obama will take from each of us; starting with a boatload of antacids to pull the lever for McCain. Remember, principle/principal is spelled two ways. If you cling too tightly to one, it will generally cost you the other. So what's it gonna be?

How much in new taxes and (more) bloated government spending are you willing to accept, just to cling to the principal that McCain should emulate Reagan (knowing full well it will never happen).

Kevin D. Bakko

sorry Kevin

Democracy no longer exists when we are blackmailed into voting for those we hate and forbidden to vote for those we want. That's not a democracy, that's mafia politics.

When McCain chews on antacids while condemning global warming and criticizing Obama, I'll think about chewing on antacids for him.

Oh, and as for "President Obama" the shock of that threat wore off a long time ago.

It's really sad how McCain supporters have to threaten, scare, and demand loyalty just to keep the boat afloat.

Kevin

If I have to, in the end, pull the lever or push the button for MCain, then I will.

Although, today I feel like leaving the lever pulling/aka voting to you.

If I vote for McCain, I'll have to scream, "Forgive me Lord, What have I done?"

just sayin

I hate this election!!!

A Voice Crying In the Wilderness

Thank you.

I fear, however, your words will fall on the same deaf ears as have the words of those others of us who share the real vision of what a Clinton/Obama presidency will mean.

V/R
Clyde 

"...the aspirants to tyranny are either the...men of the state, who in democracies are demagogues,... or those who hold great offices, and have a long tenure.." - Aristotle, Politics, c350BC

About three weeks ago

I thought, OK, I'll hold my nose and vote for McCain.  After hearing his rant against President Bush and his reponse to Katrina (while completely failing to mention the ineptness of the La. Democrats in handling that issue), and now his utter arrogance in demanding that the NC RNC stop airing this Rev. Wrong ad (which by-the-way, isn't even remotely racist), I will write in a candidate in the general election!!  I simply cannot, and will not vote for a man who has consistently given his own party the middle finger, while sucking up to the Dems and Drive-bys!

McCain, you taught us the importance of being a Maverick and going against the "status quo."

Senator McCain, remember not to lose your temper as your GOP support dwindles. This is the bed you've made!

Sven... Boy... do I

Sven...

Boy... do I ever second that!

"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill

BT

I was so frosted, I went to his campaign website and told him exactly what I thought, and that I'd be writing a check to the NC RNC.

I really don't think this idiot has any clue as how much contempt the GOP base has for him!  Does he really think libs are going to vote for him, when they have Hillary or Obama??  This man is an abject moron! 

Sven... Delusional

Sven...

Delusional IMO...he and his planners, plus I have had it for years with the bigwigs behind the scenes sticking us with moderate/RINO's to have to vote for nationwide in the races instead of the conservatives they will not support...

The political mail I get in the mail, money wanted, ect...they go in the fire....I have had it, I too have said so.

"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill

BT

I agree completely.

These dolts never seem to understand that the GOP wins...and wins big when they run as conservatives!  Even the Dems knew this the last congressional elections when they ran conservative blue dogs.  They won big!

The political mail I get in the mail, money wanted, ect...they go in the fire....I have had it, I too have said so.

This is the best way to get their attention...cut off their funds!

Sen. McCain is a McDemocrat, through and through.

Not only will he be a flaming disaster for what little is left of the GOP, but he will be equally bad for this nation in the near to long-term, as well.

If he is somehow elected, I am pretty confident the GOP will not have another party member in the WH for at least twelve years. Maybe even sixteen.

I refuse to vote for this turncoat.

Theme for Election '08: Who cares?

That's it. I'm writing in a

That's it. I'm writing in a candidate.

McCain has wimped out on me for the last time.

And I don't even live in North Carolina yet, but I almost feel like donating a few bucks to their GOP out of sympathy for the amount of BULLSH*T they've had to put up with from McCain and those local news networks over a stupid ad. Then again, I don't know how many RINOs they have in their state...so in that case I better hold off until I know more. LOL

But at any rate, I don't want to see a supposedly conservative candidate tripping over his answers this reporter's (whose interests are quite obviously invested in other areas) questions. 

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

Grizzly Bear '08

Free Speech?

There is a funny thing in this country. It is called "free speech" and is guaranteed by our Constitution. Remember that document?

But the Democrats have the opinion that "those who disagree with me should be silenced". They do thi, by calling others racist or anything else that they think will stick. If Wright can be allowed his black power tripe and Obama listened and did not criticize, who cares, unless it points out that his beliefs are not as grounded as he claims? But more importantly, why do these media types, who rely on freedom of speech, want opposing opinions like the North Carolina Republicans squelched? Is it possible that they only want free speech for themselves? Is that not a totalitarian opinion?

And John McCain has again demonstrated the intellect that got him in the bottom part of his Naval Academy class. His crowning achievement is a law that that regulates political speech, al a McCain-Feingold. Thanks for nothing, John..

You have us heading toward Nazi Germany by censoring speech. You also know that most people don't get involved in campaigns until the last 30-60 days because they have better things to do (hence the large number of uncommitted voters even 15 days out from an election).. So, by blocking free speech in the last part of the election, you are taking away the ability to have a free and open exchange. John, a Republican who censors free speech is a VERY dangerous animal.

"What experience and history teach is
this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history,
or acted on principles deduced from it."


G. W. F. Hegel