McCain Apologizes For Speaker's Rant

By: Andante Higgins
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' Andante Higgins:

CINCINNATI – John McCain had to apologize for the statements of a radio talk show host today after he assailed Barack Obama at a McCain campaign rally.

"We have a hack, Chicago-style Daley politician who is picturing himself as change," said Bill Cunningham, a conservative talk show host in Cincinnati. "When he gets done with you, all you're going to have in your pocket is change."

Cunningham repeatedly used Obama's middle name and attacked the media for their coverage of Republicans. "At some point in the near future, the media – the stooges from the New York Times, CBS – the Clinton broadcasting system – NBC – the nobody but Clinton network – the all Bill Clinton channel, ABC, and the Clinton news network at some point is going to peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama," he said. "At some point, the media will quit taking sides in this thing and maybe start covering Barack Hussein Obama the same way they covered Bush, the same way they covered Cheney and the same way the cover every Republican. I'll look forward to that day when truth comes."

After the event, McCain's first words with reporters were to distance himself from Cunningham's rant. "I regret any comments that may be made about these two individuals who are honorable Americans," McCain said, referring to Hillary Clinton and Obama. "We just have strong philosophical differences. And so I want to disassociate myself from any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them."

McCain said he had never met Cunningham and would make sure none of the speakers at his events denigrated his opponents. "Any comment that is disparaging of either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama is totally inappropriate and I have never done that on any of my campaigns," he said. "I absolutely repudiate such comments."

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by owlofma February 27, 2008 3:53 PM EST: When I saw on TV the way that Mr. Bill Cunningham attacking Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, I could not believe my eyes. I thought that was just unnecessary rant. I would be very uncomfortable if I had to stand with him on the stage and listen to him. It was quite embarrassing to see him aggressively attacking Democratic Party''s candidates just because he did not agree with them.; Reply to this comment


by tunnl February 27, 2008 4:03 AM EST: llewoh1 - Ron Paul is also still in the race. He also doesn''t stand a chance but should be given as much attention as the other four. Cry me a river. The media typically has 30 minutes minus 8 minutes of commercials to bring you the news of the day, so they have to be choosy. The most contested race at this point is Clinton-Obama. If you really cared about Huckabee, you would give to his campaign so he can buy some commercials.; Reply to this comment


by missglo February 27, 2008 2:33 AM EST: What a sight, turn on your TV and see a Bigot speaking for a person that is running for President of the USA.What the World must be saying.; Reply to this comment


by wardoglrs February 26, 2008 10:59 PM EST: If Americans Knew For god''s sake wakeup.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/if-americans-knew-aipac-adl-zionist-control-of-america/2704972319; Reply to this comment


by llewoh1 February 26, 2008 9:52 PM EST: I am so sick of hearing Obama, Clinton, Clinton, Obama every time I turn on to TV. What about McCain and Huckabee? I hear McCain once in awhile but very seldom do you mention Huckabee. I realize he probably doesn''t stand a chance but he is still running and should be given as much attention as the other three. No wonder he isn''t gaining in the race because none of the major news staions hardly ever mention him.; Reply to this comment