Strategist "Deeply Regrets" Saying Terrorist Attack Would Help McCain

The top political strategist to Sen. John McCain apologizes after saying a terrorist attack on United States soil would be "a big advantage" for the Republican presidential candidate. CNN

Charlie Black, a senior adviser to McCain, said he "deeply regrets" his comments to Fortune magazine.

"They were inappropriate," Black told reporters at a fund-raising event in California. "I recognize that John McCain has devoted his entire life to protecting his country."

On Monday, McCain distanced himself from the offensive comments and says he "strenuously" disagrees with Black's horrifying wish and says he "cannot imagine" why they were made. "It's not true," McCain said. "I've worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear."

Speaking of McCain's "record" ...Think Progress reports McCain "himself has made similar assertions in the past."

"In 2004, just three days before the presidential election, McCain argued that a recently-released video-tape by Osama bin Laden would prove 'very helpful to President Bush': ... 'I think it’s very helpful to President Bush,' said McCain, while stumping in Stamford for U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays. 'It focuses America’s attention on the war on terrorism. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but I think it does have an effect.' "

Adviser sorry he said attack would help McCain [CNN]
FLASHBACK: McCain Declared Osama Bin Laden Threats Are ‘Very Helpful’ To Bush’s Campaign [TP]

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Comments

[Robert Jones, Jr.]

He means that he deeply regrets that he said it out loud.