June 23, 2008 10:06 PM
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McCain Distances Himself From Adviser
From CBS News' Clifden Kennedy:
(Fresno, California) Sen. John McCain distanced himself from controversial comments made by a senior adviser to a magazine Monday. Chief strategist Charlie Black told Fortune Magazine that another terrorist attack on U.S. soil would be a "big advantage to him."
When asked about the remarks at a media avail, a seemingly flat-footed McCain said, "I cannot imagine why he would say it. It's not true. I've worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear. The Armed Services Committee and pieces of legislation. Sponsoring with Joe Lieberman the 9/11 Commission so we could find out the causes and how to fix the challenges that we face to fix the security of our nation. I cannot imagine it. And, uh. So, I would … If he said that, and I do not know the context, I strenuously disagree."
Black later told reporters, "I deeply regret the comments. They were inappropriate. I recognize that John McCain has devoted his entire adult life to protecting his country and placing its security before every other consideration. "
In a statement, Obama spokesperson Bill Burton said, "The fact that John McCain's top adviser says that a terrorist attack on American soil would be a 'big advantage' for their political campaign is a complete disgrace, and is exactly the kind of politics that needs to change."
Earlier Monday, McCain focused mainly on energy at a speech and a town hall at the University of California Fresno. He said that "energy security is the great national challenge of our time," and proposed a $300 million dollar government prize to develop a better battery to power electric cars. He issued a "Clean Car Challenge" to American automakers saying, "For every automaker who can sell a zero-emissions car, we will commit a $5,000 dollar tax credit for each and every customer who buys that car."
Tuesday, McCain attends an environmental briefing at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
(Fresno, California) Sen. John McCain distanced himself from controversial comments made by a senior adviser to a magazine Monday. Chief strategist Charlie Black told Fortune Magazine that another terrorist attack on U.S. soil would be a "big advantage to him."
When asked about the remarks at a media avail, a seemingly flat-footed McCain said, "I cannot imagine why he would say it. It's not true. I've worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear. The Armed Services Committee and pieces of legislation. Sponsoring with Joe Lieberman the 9/11 Commission so we could find out the causes and how to fix the challenges that we face to fix the security of our nation. I cannot imagine it. And, uh. So, I would … If he said that, and I do not know the context, I strenuously disagree."
Black later told reporters, "I deeply regret the comments. They were inappropriate. I recognize that John McCain has devoted his entire adult life to protecting his country and placing its security before every other consideration. "
In a statement, Obama spokesperson Bill Burton said, "The fact that John McCain's top adviser says that a terrorist attack on American soil would be a 'big advantage' for their political campaign is a complete disgrace, and is exactly the kind of politics that needs to change."
Earlier Monday, McCain focused mainly on energy at a speech and a town hall at the University of California Fresno. He said that "energy security is the great national challenge of our time," and proposed a $300 million dollar government prize to develop a better battery to power electric cars. He issued a "Clean Car Challenge" to American automakers saying, "For every automaker who can sell a zero-emissions car, we will commit a $5,000 dollar tax credit for each and every customer who buys that car."
Tuesday, McCain attends an environmental briefing at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
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