Tipsheet

Re: Attacks on McCain's Honor

I suspect these surrogates may be testing McCain's well-known temper in hopes of a press-worthy blow-up.

After all, he admitted just last week this kind of disrespect has led him to making angry outbursts in the past. See my story here.

He said, "In all candor, as an adult I’ve been known to forget occasionally the discretion expected of a person and station when I believe I’ve been accorded a lack of respect I did not deserve."

Update: This statement comes from the McCain camp. They're demanding an apology from Obama.

ARLINGTON
, VA — Lt. Col. Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.), today issued the following statement demanding that Barack Obama denounce Senator Jay Rockefeller's smear against John McCain and the men and women of our military:

“Senator Rockefeller's statement is an insult to all the men and women who are serving or have served in America's military. Had Senator Rockefeller served himself, he would appreciate and understand that most who have been to war emerge with a much deeper concern for humanity than they otherwise might. If he knew what he was talking about, he would know that John McCain wasn't dropping laser-guided missiles at 35,000 feet in 1967.

 “Barack Obama has a responsibility to denounce Senator Rockefeller's smear against John McCain's character and military record. The question remains: Does Senator Obama have the courage to stand up and hold himself to the principles of ‘new politics’ he outlined in his book, The Audacity of Hope?”