John McCain claims he is a straight talker. He's not the only one, but he's the one running for President. Rush Limbaugh makes the same claim about straight talk as he crowns himself a "truthseeker" on an almost daily basis. Bill O'Reilly is another "straight talker" direct from his "no spin" zone. I can't tell you how many times Hannity has used the "let me get this straight" lead in to a question. But as I was reading a summary of McCain's challenges stemming from the Times article, it seems straight talk bears a strong resemblance to "spin". It seems the "100 years in Iraq" doesn't really mean 100 years in Iraq, it really means "100 years in Iraq". Savvy? Only a somewhat conservative with a liberal dose of militance can truly grasp the subtle differences. As McCain tried to dodge his own words, he raised another bit of "straight talk" destined for a dizzying trail of spin-strewn segues:
Earlier in the day, talking to reporters about Iraq, McCain, who is a staunch supporter of the troop surge, said he would lose the general election in November unless he can convince Americans that the United States is winning the war. Then moments later, he retracted what he said.
"Let me not put it that starkly," McCain said. "Iraq will play a role in their judgment of my ability to handle national security. If I may, I'd like to retract 'I'll lose.'"
Well Mr. McCain, you could just as easily retract your application for general campaign finance. Or maybe your song and dance and hideous giggle about bombing Iran? Or maybe your deposition that contradicts your rebuttal to the Times allegations of favoring lobbyists? Or maybe your statement that there will be more wars, more PTSD to treat and we will be in Iraq for 100 years? There are worse things you might like to retract as well, but the answer to your request is "No, you may not retract 'I'll lose' " from your "Straight Talk".
Earlier in the day, talking to reporters about Iraq, McCain, who is a staunch supporter of the troop surge, said he would lose the general election in November unless he can convince Americans that the United States is winning the war. Then moments later, he retracted what he said.
"Let me not put it that starkly," McCain said. "Iraq will play a role in their judgment of my ability to handle national security. If I may, I'd like to retract 'I'll lose.'"
Well Mr. McCain, you could just as easily retract your application for general campaign finance. Or maybe your song and dance and hideous giggle about bombing Iran? Or maybe your deposition that contradicts your rebuttal to the Times allegations of favoring lobbyists? Or maybe your statement that there will be more wars, more PTSD to treat and we will be in Iraq for 100 years? There are worse things you might like to retract as well, but the answer to your request is "No, you may not retract 'I'll lose' " from your "Straight Talk".
