[Dems2008] Speaker at McCain rally repeatedly uses Obama's middle name... McCain Apologizes

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- One of the speakers before McCain took the stage used some noteworthy language this morning.Bill Cunningham, who I am told is a radio host
here, repeatedly referred to Obama as Barack Hussein Obama -- at least
three times. (Hussein is, as most know, Obama's middle name.)
Cunningham's tone was derisive on Obama's
positions, and he also spoke very critically of mainstream media
accusing the collective media of trying to get Democrats elected.
Rob Portman, former US Trade Rep. underPresident George W. Bush, followed Cunningham and lightly chided himsaying, "You're out of control again." But then thanked Cunningham forsupporting McCain.

Portman, who is widely rumored to be in the McCain veepstakes running, endorsed McCain this morning as well.
McCain is not on stage yet.
*** UPDATE ***Two senior McCain advisors say, "We do not agree" with the commentsmade by radio host, Bill Cunningham at today's event. Advisors say theyhad no advance knowledge of Cunningham's comments.
The campaign says it invites radio hosts to "warm up the crowd" at some events but that Cunningham has no role in the campaign.
*** UPDATE 2 *** McCain repudiates and apologizes for the comments.

Beforereporters could even ask about the provocative speaker, McCainaddressed the issue, saying he repudiated the comments and has respectfor his Democratic opponents. McCain said the use of "Husein" as apolitical jab was not appropriate.
"I never met Mr. Cunningham," McCain said, "but I will make sure nothing like that ever happens again."
McCain accepted responsibility for the speakerwhile also saying he had not been in the room and had not heard thecomments himself. McCain said he did not know how the radio host hadbeen invited but acknowledged there must have been some coordinationwith his campaign.

McCain also spoke more about his owncomments yesterday that the "war will be over soon." He did not give atime for what "soon" means. He reiterated that he accepts that hispolitical fortunes and Iraq may be intertwined. He seemed to bereacting to the print reports yesterday that he had "retracted" hiscomment that he'd "lose" if he failed to convince the American peoplethat US strategy is working.

Slainte,
Rob Harrington

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