Imus Covers Ground With Senator John McCain.
Autism, Possible VPs, Disappointment in Putin, European Missile Defense, Iraq, Iran, Middle East, Al Qaeda, Obama, Clinton, Withdrawal and American Sacrifices ( April 2, 2008 )
John McCain returned to IITM for the first extended interview since December 3rd. The discussion started off with McCain pointing out that April 2, 2008 is the inaugural “World Autism Awareness Day”. The Senator acknowledged Deirdre Imus for her advocacy on behalf of the parents of autistic children, including being a proponent of legislation and other aspects of this “terrible affliction”.
Don Imus led with a question on Senator McCain’s relationship with Mitt Romney. According to the Senator, Romney has been very generous. The Senator met with Romney in Boston after he suspended his campaign. Romney came out to Salt Lake City and Denver with McCain to do some fund raising appearances. The Senator also noted Gov. Huckabee, Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani have all been pretty good. In his opinion they have done a good pretty good job of uniting the party.
Imus followed up with a question regarding picking a Vice Presidential running mate. Specifically when do you make an announcement, before the convention or at the convention? According to the Senator they have just started the process although he would like to do it before the convention to avoid some of the mistakes of the past. He is aware of the importance of the issue given his age.
Imus taking a global tact probed Senator McCain regarding his view of Vladimir Putin. McCain did not hold back. Stating he has “been very disappointed in many things Putin has done”. His disappointment begins with the consolidation of power within Russia. Putin has been engaged in self perpetuating “in-office” policies which have characterized his behavior in the last four years. According to McCain, “We knew who the puppet master was, we now know who the puppet is!” Russia continues to block our efforts whether it be to impose meaningful sanctions on Iran or act effectively in Darfur or other areas. McCain is not very high on Mr. Putin. He doesn’t believe we are headed back to the cold war. Mac’s view? Russia does not have that capability. They have significant problems with an aging population, HIV AIDS etc.
Russia’s whole economy is based on oil exports. The Russians continue to cause problems in Georgia and other parts of Europe. They tend to bully other countries in Europe over threats to cut off oil and gas supplies.
McCain Summary; “Mr Putin’s behavior has not been in keeping with our expectations and frankly would not have him in the G8.”
Imus focused on the European Missile Defense System. He asked Senator McCain if he would support installing the system in Poland and the Czech Republic, even if Russia doesn’t buy the Iran provision?
McCain answers with a strong “Yes, Yes, Yup”. The Senator would work closely with Czechoslovakia Poland and other countries. McCain is concerned about Iranian nuclear progress in the acquisition of nuclear weapons, stating it should be a concern of all of us. From the Mac point of view the system will not work, or be activated unless there is an attack.
The Senator continues to be concerned about increasing Iranian Influence in the region. McCain states the problems we are seeing in southern Iraq are directly related to Iranian influence including the arming of the Shite Milita “Special Groups as they call them”. “So we live in rather dangerous times and interesting times.”
Imus refers to the level of violence in Iraq especially in Basra and Baghdad. Imus asks “What does that tell us about Iraq’s ability to become responsible for their own security?”
Senator McCain points out that Basra has been in the hands of Iranian influence. He also points out that the British (who are principally responsible for the area) have been “ensconced in an airport outside the city and there has been very little if any control.” McCain and others had envisioned a strategy to complete the battle of Mosul, where there is still an Al Qaeda presence, then move south. It was Maliki as Prime Minister who decided to go to Basra and conduct military operations. The opposition was very stiff. It was Al Sadr who declared the cease fire. Will see what happens over the next few days and weeks whether the cease fires holds or we see increased activity particularly in the southern part of Iraq and also in Sadr City.
According to McCain “I’ve always said this is long and tough and hard. When you mishandle a situation like this for nearly 4 years as Donald Rumsfeld has done, you pay a heavy price in sacrifice in American blood and treasure.
McCain reiterated his belief the surge has succeeded and General Petraeus is one the great generals this nation has ever been blessed with.
McCain then went on to question Senator Obama’s “strike force” in Iraq approach. “I am very curious, after he said he would have immediate withdrawals.” McCain states categorically “We can’t have immediate withdrawals otherwise Al Qaeda wins” as he points out “It was Osama Bin Laden that very recently said Iraq was the central battleground in the struggle to defeat the United States and destroy Israel.” McCain takes on both of the Democrat candidates. “But to do what Senator Clinton, Senator Obama seek to do would have catastrophic consequences in the region and in the world.”
Imus states given this situation needs to be resolved appropriately; with 4,000 dead and 30,000 injured and who knows how many Iraqis dead. Imus asks if this has been worth where we are now?
McCain position is; If this had not been mishandled for nearly 4 years. “Which I have spoken out as strongly as he could against it.” Given the correct strategy following the initial success we would not have had this enormous and terrible sacrifice of American young people.
McCain: “So was it worth it? Saddam Hussein posed a threat to the region and the world and I think we would have been satisfied if we handled it after the initial invasion. … We have the right strategy the right people in place I believe we can succeed it the casualties remain down.”
McCain on withdrawals: We will withdraw. “The Iraqi military will take over more and more of the responsibilities. Then we may or may not have a security arrangement with the Iraqis as we have with the Kuwaitis.
McCain takes another swipe at Obama. “And this baloney about us is being around 100 years.” McCain references security arrangements the US has with South Korea, Germany, and Japan. “It does not mean we will have Americans fighting and dying”. He believes we are succeeding and we can withdraw forces soon. Once we get this situation under control and the Iraqi military capable.
Imus closes the segment in classic format, making it about Imus. Points out that it would be great for McCain if he won as well as stating many believe it would be great for the country. “But it would be really great for me if you win – good luck in all this”
Wow. That reminded me of the old days with MSNBC’s website. Awesome. 🙂
Someone needs to get Bigfoot or Christie (sp?) to send out Daily Imus emails again. 😀
“Clearly having had enough of Republican colleagues putting their blind loyalty to George W. Bush ahead of American opinion and the lives of our troops, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) gave a powerful speech on the Senate floor Wednesday in which he ripped the GOP for their failure to lead and fulfill their duties to our country.”
Saying “our troops don’t lose wars, bad polices, bad leadership loses wars,”
I really want Joe Biden as our NEW Secretary Of Defense….
From Youtube:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/03/14/biden-to-bush-youre-leading-us-off-a-cliff-stop/
To be correct, the above link was from a Cspan broadcast made available on Youtube… from the website Crooks and Liars.
My apologies.
Joe Biden was right then…and still is. Just my opinion. I have great respect for Joe Biden. If anyone in our government knows about foreign policy…he is my choice.
Senator Joe Biden can sure talk. When was his last Imus appearance? Last week Senator Dodd said he was going to speak with him and well…
If Biden were to appear on Imus it would be interesting to hear if he has revised his view of the effectiveness of the “Surge” as well as his opinion of General Petraeus’ counter insurgency strategy and tactics one year after the YT video noted above.
Saying “our troops don’t lose wars, bad polices, bad leadership loses wars,” Based on the interview above McCain and Biden are in agreement regarding failure in the early phases of the war. That is, not enough troops on the ground and poor leadership. Also interesting is the surge tactically created a separation of the elements in Iraq including Baghdad. The strategy Biden disparaged and ridiculed achieved the very separation he is advocating in the YT video…
Secretary of Defense? In this example he has not demonstrated an ability to understand effective battlefield strategies. So he would not be my choice. Joe Biden would make a great Secretary of State, diplomats talk a lot and he is good at that.
To access Joe Biden Rips GOP On Iraq War Resolution YT video directly Click | Here
Anybody know what happened to the Borinquen Center (sp?) that Imus & Wife were hyping after he first came back.
Seems to have fallen way off the radar screen. Kind of interesting since Imus says they gave $250,000. Goal was $12 million as I remember?
Curious.
I was thinking about the Harlem Center today and wondering why we haven’t heard anything further from Imus..
BTW it is the Boriken Center and can be found at http://boriken.org/
That was a Most powerful speech by Biden. Why did he drop out of the Presidential Race. Was it because of what I heard regarding HRC and BHO being more popular? And he didn’t get his equal time?
I don’t know why. But one thing I do know. This Presidential race between Hillary, Barack and John McCain is a joke. Hillary lies. Barack is someone who can speak very well (BUT), and McCain is an old guy with the memories of being in a prison for 5 years.
Biden made points that cannot be disputed. Why are we there? All objectives have been achieved. We should have left a long time ago Slowly at first but then by the end of the Bush term the New President would have only US to take care of.
Thank you Donald.
And Channel I was wondering the same thing about the Boriken Center. No more promoting of that fight for refurbishing the building. Instead (And with all due respect) we have to listen to Deirdre’s Growing Up Green promotion.
It’s time to stand up and listen to what makes sense. Biden said it well. More powerful then any wishy washy speech by Hillary, Barack or McCain. BS on shooting ducks in the farm her Uncle built and owned. No more elitist comments by Barack. And no more weak speeches, with a voice that sounds like he is afraid to bellow out anything, McCain.
This Presidential race is a joke. Woman, African/American/Old Guy (War Hero). Well as things are going it will be McCain by default because the Democrats are blowing themselves up every time they speak. They should just shut up and get to the issues as Biden talked of. Hillary can’t pull it off because she lies too much. Barack could if he wasn’t in bed with Reverend Wright. McCain should take speaking lessons and not sound like Shirley Temple in a suit.
God help us All.
Anyone got any insight on this?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/11/tavis-smiley-quits-radio_n_96246.html
Marty Davis, is funny, Obama used Annie Oakley to compare Hillary to, well Marty thinks it is more like Clamity Jane, too funny.
http://chickaboomer.blogspot.com/2008/04/hillary-campaign-calamity-jane.html
Keith,
I don’t listen to Tom Joyner Show- is this an Air America Radio show or NPR? I am not familar with the radio program that Tavis Smiley quit.
I think Biden is Biden his time 🙂 I think Joe will surface after a Democrat nominee is choosen…which by the way it appears MSNBC and CNN are in the tank for Obama now..like it is a for gone conclusion and they think this last sniping in the newscycle is the worse thing Obama is going to get attacked with? Honestly pretending to be naive much or what (Remember how Obama was going to win New Hampshire by a landslide puleeze)…I think the Clintons have something loaded and ready to send up but it is going to be timed not to allow Obama enough time to respond in the MSM. Sometimes I think I am the only one who remembers what the Clinton administration was like…these are not “newbies” to politics and they are not the least bit “green” I wonder what James Carville is doing right now?
I think this fall it is going to be Clinton vs McCain…and then Joe Biden will of course endorse Hillary 🙂 he isn’t new to politics either.
You are probably right about Carville sitting in the “Clinton War Room” plotting strategy and tactics. Wouldn’t surprise if Harold Ickes is sitting right next to James whispering Carville’s sweet nothings to the Super Delegates on behalf of Hilary.
There was an item today reporting on Obama’s campaign activities. According to reports Obama is spending time in IN and NC as well as PA. Significance? Hillary is working to make PA Obama’s Waterloo. Ignore PA at your own risk.
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/iran_nuclear_strike/2008/04/14/87887.html?s=sp&promo_code=4948-1
For Ree and anyone else who wondered,
Tom Joyner does a morning show primarily for African-American stations. A little talk, mostly comedy, and some R&B/soul music. I was hooked on it for awhile during our 8 month “timeout”. It’s not bad…..not great either, but not bad.
http://www.blackamericaweb.com
or http://www.tomjoyner.com
Bruce,
I hope not, my husband said, we need to leave Iran alone, those peope on the inside of the country, the citizens like the West, they want to be like Westeners..In my husband’s words leave them alone, let them fall from the inside. Viva la Revolution. Well maybe hugo chavez could explain to his Iranian buddy how that stuff works!
DJAACK
The show D.L. Hughley was a guest on last summer? Tom Joyner is broadcasting out of Baltimore? I think I remember checking this site last summer because of D.L. Hughley.
Hey, I shot a flintlock rifle once…and hit the target! I figured that meant I was Annie Oakley in a previous life!
Imus mentioned a recent news article about RFD…did anybody catch the name of that…I’d like to get a link if there is one.
RFD is movin’ on up, thanks to Imus show
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2008/04/15/2008-04-15_rfd_is_movin_on_up_thanks_to_imus_show.html
Frec,ChannelX,
We are still having issues with the MHA, Melungeon Heritage Association, they are still supporting the ATAA this is the latest this is what Joseph Biden Dem of Delaware, has been doing odd how my interest overlap. When the MHA joined as an Association of the ATAA they were used by the ATAA when they lobbied our Congress over the Armenian Genocide issue. We have been doing all we can to get the word out to all who will listen Melungeons do not descend from Turks, we have no problem with Turks or Armenians. Melungeons are Americans it has nothing to do with Melungeons Melungeon descendents or Melungeon researchers. We were getting harrassing turkish propaganda in Turkish type:) on our group the MHRG Melungeon Historical Research Group, and had to expunge some people and close our Archives…I was discussing it with my sister retired Univeristy of Montana, My eldest sister has a Masters degree in History, when the propaganda internet techies get involved…well they know how to flood you with “stuff” We have a copy of Virginia E DeMarce PHD who reviewed the book by Brent Kennedy, that was the baises for all this SHAM she tore him up her PHD is in History his is in Communication..She used to be the President of the National Genealogical Society. The Turks are taking Brent Kennedy’s word that Melungeons descended from Turks…Melungeons descended from tri racial isolates…some American native heritage these folks got abused by Walter A Plecker back in Virginia before WWII and now it is happening again this time it is the MHA by association with ATAA their relationship with Turkish Association…anyway here is the article and where Joe Biden comes in.
2008-04-15 17:16:00
HRANT DINK RESOLUTION GAINS STRENGTH AS LAWMAKERS OFFER SUPPORT
YEREVAN, 15.04.08. DE FACTO. A congressional resolution condemning the
assassination of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, gained additional support
as Representatives Michelle Bachmann (R-MN), Charles Gonzales (D-TX), Zack
Space (D-OH) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) signed on as the bill’s latest cosponsors,
the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) reports.
The lawmakers added their support following meetings with the Armenian
Assembly in Washington, bringing the current number of cosponsor to 59. They join
Representatives Jerry F. Costello (D-IL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Stephen Lynch
(D-MA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Ed Royce (R-CA), Paul
Ryan (R-WI), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), and Chris Van
Hollen (D-MD) who have added their names to the list of supporters in recent
months, calling on Congress to adopt H. Res. 102. The Assembly-backed bill,
introduced last January by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY), condemns Dink’s
murder, honors his legacy and calls on Turkey to take appropriate action to
protect freedom of speech by repealing Article 301 of the Turkish penal code.
“I am proud to cosponsor this resolution and help to ensure that the life
and legacy of Hrant Dink are not forgotten,” Bachmann said. “I applaud the
Assembly in their efforts to support America’s Armenian community.”
“The Assembly appreciates the growing bipartisan support for this important
human rights legislation, ” said Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director of the
Armenian Assembly. “Hrant Dink was a law-abiding citizen who believed in
democratic ideals and peaceful change. It is only fitting that in his memory,
Congress takes a strong stand against Turkey’s inexplicable use of Article 301 to
indict citizens for openly discussing the Armenian Genocide.”
To note, Dink’s life was violently taken in broad daylight, in front of his
office at Agos, the newspaper he founded and directed since 1996. An
outspoken advocate for democratic reform, he stood trial several times for his public
comments on the genocide and was convicted in October 2005 for “insulting
Turkishness” under Article 301.
H. Res. 102 is currently pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE)
introduced a similar measure in the Senate last February, which passed on March
29, 2007. The Biden resolution condemns Dink’s assassination and urges Turkey
to take appropriate action to protect freedom of speech by repealing Article
301.
You don’t have to like Jackie Mason but what he says is true in my Eyes.
Take a few minutes and watch. Will get some YT highlights of Imus up later.
Jackie Mason’s Vlog-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAGWNgEu_d4
The debunked turkish theory, I don’t see how the ATAA can keep up the charade, that Melungeon’s have Turkish heritage…..they have this propaganda all over youtube all you have to do is put in Melungeon in the search engine for youtube. I don’t understand why “Foggy Bottom” is not looking into this liason MHA and ATAA. Some real Melungeon descendents are considering protesting when these two associations are in Washington D.C., next month.
http://historical-melungeons.blogspot.com/2008/04/removing-cornerstone-of-turkish-theory.html
A reply to the Daily News article from me.
In answer to these two comments.
So you see there are idiots out there that think they matter. They don’t. It is just like (Not you DJJack) “AVATARD”. Do not know what they are talking about.
Laree,
Interesting historical material…I’m reading through the links…doubt I will find clues to my family’s connects…they are too deeply buried. I will keep reading, though. Thanks.
Daria Werbowy…
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….