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McCain Repudiates Backer's Anti-Obama Rant

Radio host attempts to smear likely opponent; candidate quickly disassociates himself

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2008 3:20 PM CST

(Newser) – John McCain is distancing himself from a conservative commentator who introduced him at a rally today and launched into a tirade against Barack Obama, CNN reports. Talk-radio host Bill Cunningham called Obama a “hack” and used his middle name, Hussein, three times. McCain called the speech “disparaging” and vowed, “It will never happen again. It will never happen again.”

Cunningham blasted the national media as liberally biased, sniped at Hillary Clinton, and painted Obama as un-American, saying, “The world leaders who want to kill us will simply be singing Kumbaya around the table of Barack Obama.” McCain begged to differ, calling his fellow senators “honorable Americans.” An Obama spokesman offered thanks and said McCain's reaction was a positive sign about general-election discourse.

Local radio talk show host Bill Cunningham speaks to Sen. John McCain supporters before the Republican presidential hopeful's arrival at a campaign event at Memorial Hall Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008, in Cincinnati.... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivers a statement of apology to the news media after local radio host Bill Cunningham made disparaging remarks about his Democratic opponents... (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is applauded as he speaks during a campaign event at Memorial Hall Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/David Kohl) (Associated Press)

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McCain Repudiates Backer's Anti-Obama Rant

Radio host attempts to smear likely opponent; candidate quickly disassociates himself

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Barack Obama • John McCain • negative campaigning • Bill Cunningham

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More Newser Stories

Righty Host Furious After McCain Apology

Talking head vows to join Ann Coulter in supporting Clinton

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McCain, Obama break with tradition and carry their negative campaigning into the election's final days

Mac's Tactics Time-Tested ... But This Ain't the Time

'Tinny and trivial' attacks are too small, and in any case too late, in momentous election

Mac Should Muzzle Staffers, Drop Robocalls, Talk Security

Remind voters why they admired him: Kristol

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Poll finds Obama ahead 53% to 14% after McCain blows fail to land

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McCain Repudiates Backer's Anti-Obama Rant

Radio host attempts to smear likely opponent; candidate quickly disassociates himself

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • John McCain • negative campaigning • Bill Cunningham

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Righty Host Furious After McCain Apology

Talking head vows to join Ann Coulter in supporting Clinton

Candidates Keep Punching

McCain, Obama break with tradition and carry their negative campaigning into the election's final days

Mac's Tactics Time-Tested ... But This Ain't the Time

'Tinny and trivial' attacks are too small, and in any case too late, in momentous election

Mac Should Muzzle Staffers, Drop Robocalls, Talk Security

Remind voters why they admired him: Kristol

Obama Lead Up to 14 Points Amid Mac Attacks: Poll

Poll finds Obama ahead 53% to 14% after McCain blows fail to land

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?