NPR: McCain Apologizes for Talk Show Hosts Remarks

McCain Apologizes for Talk Show Hosts Remarks

Talk show host Bill Cunningham is not on the list of Sen. John McCain's favorite people today. McCain apologized for remarks Cunningham made while warming up a campaign crowd.

The Associated Press reports that Cunningham referred to the Democratic senator as Barack Hussein Obama three times during his talk. Hussein is his middle name, but many conservatives pundits use it as a way to remind people about Obama's family connections to Islam.

"Now we have a hack, Chicago-style Daley politician who is picturing himself as change. When he gets done with you, all you're going to have in your pocket is change," Cunningham said as the audience laughed.
The time will come, Cunningham added, when the liberal-leaning media will "peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama" and tell the truth about his relationship with indicted fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko and how Obama got "sweetheart deals" in Chicago.

McCain quickly distanced himself from the radio talk show host after his appearance.

"I apologize for it," McCain told reporters, addressing the issue before they had a chance to ask hium about Cunningham's comments.

"I did not know about these remarks, but I take responsibility for them. I repudiate them," he said. "My entire campaign I have treated Senator Obama and Senator (Hillary Rodham) Clinton with respect. I will continue to do that throughout this campaign."

McCain said that he wasn't sure who had arranged for Cunningham to address the crowd, but he was sure it was in coordination his campaign. McCain, who has never met Cunningham, said nothing like that would ever happen again.

6:43 PM ET | 02-26-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Bill Cunningham, felt he had nothing to apologize for, he and fellow talk radio zealots like Rush Limbaugh taunted Sen McCain for appearing weak for apologizing instead of polite and dignified as I am sure he perceived himself to be. Meanwhile the acerbic Bill Cunningham & Rush run on about how "their guy" is not their guy by not being "Conservative enough" Yet Cunningham is the warm-up guy! One has to wonder who on earth is calling the shots in "McCain's camp"

Well at least McCain has what appears to have a conscience while Bill & Rush blather with name calling (Bill) and childish (Rush)roll playing. One has to wonder who are they playing to? How is it that they can justify acting as if no one will notice such behavior for what it is childish & ill mannered, Bill & Rush did no favors for Sen McCain, & that's a fact!

Sent by CTD3 | 7:49 PM ET | 02-26-2008

once again, another reason i wouldn't mind McCain being president. the guy is a genuine human being, which is a rarity in the republican party. props to him.

Sent by joe k. | 7:52 PM ET | 02-26-2008

how about mccain dumps the person that put that clown on in the first place - apologies mean nothing w/o doing something solid - they are obviously worried about obama [clinton included]so they are creating fantasies - the republicans are masters at sleight of hand - they know how to distract - look they got bush in office twice w.o ever really being elected

Sent by pete margo | 11:04 PM ET | 02-26-2008

We are facing such serious problems in this country that personal attacks come off looking very petty and out of touch. The public is not in the mood for nonsense this time around. Bravo for McCain.

Sent by Dan | 12:48 AM ET | 02-27-2008

These so-called conservative talk radios -
I think they have some personal issue, probably lack of respect for the people who is trying to do something...
They praise so much their quality as a republican's conservative but in the past 2 year all we could hear is how some house representative or senator has been caught in reprehensible acts in airport restroom -- or with teenager boys...
Please preach something that you will be able to model.

Sent by Creed Sanders | 3:06 PM ET | 02-27-2008

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