McCain Apologizes for Radio Host’s Obama Comments at Rally
Feb. 26: Radio host Bill Cunningham speaks at a rally for Sen. John McCain. (AP)
John McCain apologized Tuesday for disparaging comments about Barack Obama made by talk radio host Bill Cunningham at a McCain campaign rally in Cincinnati.
Cunningham, a radio host at WLW-AM, had warmed up the crowd at Memorial Hall with comments about Obama and Hillary Clinton, likening Obama to a “hack, Chicago-style” politician and saying the Illinois senator would “saddle up next to Hezbollah,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il if elected president.
When McCain addressed the crowd, he apologized for the remarks. “I regret any comments that may be made about these two individuals (Obama and Clinton) who are honorable Americans,” he said. “We just have strong philosophical differences, and so I want to disassociate myself from any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them.”
Though McCain apologized for remarks directed at both Democratic presidential candidates, Cunningham’s comments were directed at the Obama camp.
Cunningham had delivered remarks that painted a grim future for America if “Barack Hussein Obama” is elected president. He mentioned Obama’s middle name three times.
“Obama just came back from meeting Ahmadinejad; he’s got a meeting the next week with Kim Jong Il of North Korea. Then he’s going to saddle up next to Hezbollah; they’re going to have a little cookie-and-cream party. All’s going to be right with the world.
“When the great prophet from Chicago takes the stand, and the world leaders who want to kill us will simply be singing ‘Kumbayah’ together around the table of Barack Obama, it’s all going to be great,” Cunningham said. “Things are going to be wonderful.”
Cunningham ended his stump speech with “if you think about immigration, think about terror, think about success in Iraq, there is only one man who can get the job done, John ‘Wayne’ McCain for president.”
McCain later took the stage and apologized for the remarks.
“I will take responsibility in any offense that was inflicted,” the Arizona senator said.
Asked whether the use of Obama’s middle name — the same as former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein — is proper, McCain said: “No, it is not. Any comment that is disparaging of either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama is totally inappropriate.”
McCain said he didn’t know who decided to allow Cunningham to speak, but he said he was sure it was in coordination with his campaign. He said he didn’t hear the comments and has never met Cunningham, but “I will certainly make sure that nothing like that happens again.”
Bill Burton, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, applauded McCain’s remarks.
“It is a sign that if there is a McCain-Obama general election, it can be intensely competitive but the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues,” Burton said.
Last fall, McCain faced criticism for not immediately repudiating a voter in South Carolina who called Clinton a “bitch.” McCain chuckled in response to the voter’s question, but didn’t embrace the epithet. A few minutes later, he said he respected Clinton, a New York senator and colleague.
At one point on Tuesday, Cunningham compared Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Madeleine Albright, who he said “looks like death warmed over.” He also commented on the difference between former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman, whose wife is named Jane, and Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank, who is gay. “Jane’s the main difference. But that’s a different story,” Cunningham said.
As Cunningham finished, Portman, who has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate, took the microphone to introduce McCain.
“Willie, you’re out of control again. So, what else is new? But we love him,” Portman said. “But I’ve got to tell you, Bill Cunningham lending his voice to this campaign is extremely important. He did it in 2000, he did it in 2004. It was crucial to victory then and it’s even more important this year with his bigger radio audience. So, Bill Cunningham, thank you for lending your voice.”
Speaking to reporters later alongside McCain, Portman said: “I was backstage so I didn’t hear everything he said. Bill Cunningham is a radio talk show host who is often controversial so it does not surprise me that he was controversial.” He added: “That’s, I guess, how he makes his living.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Wow - I once again realize why the right to speak one’s mind is so important. The ideas and opinions that have been expressed here range from the ridiculous to the racist to the informed. This variety shows how challenging it can be for issues and reasoned debates to reach the millions of voters who are simply tuned out from what is actually happening in the world. This also reminds us all of how lucky we are to have a democracy where, albeit at times dysfunctional and abrasive, people can express their opinions. I certainly don’t agree with a lot of what has been written here - but God bless you all for participating with words rather than bullets.
Nobody likes to hear the truth and Cunningham is now in trouble. And Hussein’s wife, Michelle? Did anyone read her college thesis? The “whites” have certainly done her wrong, and I don’t care if she was twenty or 120, she is a racist also. Along with the church they attend, which is “black” centered and includes honoring Louis Farrakhan.
Even as my wife & I selected names for our children that have spiritual connotations for the good and for the direction, character and calling for their lives, we must consider how they are associated with culture and purpose. Many years ago and even today in some cultures, your name represents who you are, your integrity and character. Unfortunately, the U.S. has lost this custom in general.
In saying that, the literal meaning of parts of his name, Barack Hussein Obama, is something to consider as good attributes, but with what this man is associated with in his life and his upbringing definitely brings contrast to the meaning of his name. Obama’s first two names mean “blessing, the good.” Quraishi said Hussein is a common Muslin name, “which means handsome or beautiful. Now if he has problems with his name, well, that is his problem and it appears that he needs to have his self esteem healed up. I don’t think someone who is ashamed of his name needs to be President or is capable of handling greater pressures than being intimated by his name.
How can someone with these attributes in their name represent the complete opposite? Some say he belongs to a “Christian” church; just because you go to a pizza restaurant doesn’t make you a pizza. Based on the fact sheets of what he believes and the way he stands “votes” on issues there is no relationship between Christianity and his values. We must judge a tree by its fruit, its facts. An apple tree will produce apples. So, show me the fruit of someone who claims to support Christian beliefs. No, he is not perfect, but give me a break; I wouldn’t even say he represents good based on his voting decisions unless good has become evil and evil has become good.
What I find frustrating is allowing someone who has been part by name, family and practice of a militant - religion that promotes terrorism from its very scriptures, to be eligible to run for President or any other public office in the U.S.
Years ago, if you were associated with communism and any connected groups you were sought out as a threat to our nation. What’s the difference with people associated with terrorist religious groups?
Have you ever thought that Barak Obama might just be the Anitchrist and after he gets in the white house he can make people do as he wants the too! Most people don’t believe thier is an Antichrist well! will see,he has got the people allready even claping when he blows his nose! Is that not subjective to you!Could it be possible Christ will return?In the year 2009,he can come to get his Saints when ever he pleases!Obama will be the end of this world you just waite and see! This man comes outa know where and all of a sudden he’s running for President! BIG JOKE i’am sure to you all that think he’s just the most wonderfull thing that has ever happened! Well the one they auta be getting in to be President is Huckabee! He is a man of God Oh but NOOOOOOOOO the people of this world don’t want God only till another 911 happens and i’am here to tell ya this will if Obama gets President we’re in for a rude awakeing! Just ask the reallllllll preachers this day and time like John Hagee,Huchabee,Billy Graham they will tell you exactely what the Bible says! He allready wants to talk to Iraq i wonder why?After all he is a Muslim am i not right! well whatever happens,happens i’am a born again Christain and i’am not a bit afraid ,you know why —-I’AM A CHILD OF GOD AND I’AM READY TO GO!! THE SOONER WE GET FROM HERE THE BETTER!!
way to go bill. tell it like it is. nothing but the truth. amen. black people call themselves black african americans. so i guess oboma is a black muslum african american.
I dont think John McCain apologized for the Hussien comment. He apologized for Cunningham saying “Obama just came back from meeting Ahmadinejad; he’s got a meeting the next week with Kim Jong Il of North Korea. Then he’s going to saddle up next to Hezbollah; they’re going to have a little cookie-and-cream party. All’s going to be right with the world.” This is the comment that was offensive.
Obama has never said he is ashamed of his middle name. Those who mock him for his middle name are ignorant and unfortunately ignorant people automatically associate a person with a middle name “Hussien” as a terrorist.