Brzezinski and McCain adviser agree that McCain admitted lack of economic knowledge once -- but he's done so several times
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SUMMARY: On Morning Joe, co-host Mika Brzezinski and Carly Fiorina, an economic adviser to Sen. John McCain, suggested that McCain acknowledged his weakness on economic issues only once. But the Boston Globe has reported that "on numerous occasions over the course of the campaign, McCain has volunteered that he is unsatisfied with his lack of knowledge about aspects of economics."
Interviewing former Hewlett-Packard chairman and CEO Carly Fiorina, an economic adviser to Sen. John McCain, during the April 7 edition of MSNBC's Morning Joe, co-host Mika Brzezinski asked, "What about this whole -- I mean, I almost think it's been blown out of proportion, Joe -- but people are talking about the way John McCain, you know, once said, 'I don't know too much about the economy.' Is he prepared to lead this nation through a recession?" Fiorina responded: "Yes, he is prepared to lead this nation through tough times, and you know, I think that comment, which was made one time and blown totally out of proportion, is frankly more a reflection of John McCain's innate humility than anything else." However, contrary to the suggestion that McCain acknowledged his weakness on economic issues only once, The Boston Globe reported in a January 26 article that "on numerous occasions over the course of the campaign, McCain has volunteered that he is unsatisfied with his lack of knowledge about aspects of economics."
Further, while Fiorina asserted that McCain's acknowledgment of his lack of economic knowledge was "more a reflection of John McCain's innate humility than anything else," Brzezinski did not note that during the January 24 Republican presidential debate, when presented with a quote in which he claimed he knew "a lot less about economics" than "military and foreign policy issues," McCain suggested he had not said it, asserting, "I don't know where you got that quote from. I'm very well-versed in economics."
The Globe article included several quotes in which McCain mentioned his "lack of knowledge" about economics, going back as far as 2005:
"I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated," McCain told the Wall Street Journal in late November.
In December he said, "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should," as the Globe reported on its "Political Intelligence" blog at the time.
On at least one occasion, McCain has raised the matter himself. On Nov. 10, while traveling through New Hampshire on his Straight Talk Express bus, McCain was asked what he would seek in a vice presidential candidate if nominated.
After mentioning the ability of a potential running mate to replace the president, McCain said, "You also look for people who maybe have talents you don't, or experience or knowledge you don't, as well."
"What are those qualities that you don't -- that you wouldn't mind complementing?" asked David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times.
McCain paused. "Uh, maybe I shouldn't say this, but, somebody who's really well grounded in economics," he said.
"I think I understand the fundamentals, I talk to people all the time on economics - it's obviously a vital part of America's future," McCain continued. "But I know there are some people who have literally immersed themselves on issues of economics, how Congress works on it, the tax code, that sort of thing. I would look for that kind of talent not in a vice president but in close advisers."
"They are complicated," McCain said of economic issues, "and I freely admit I am not an economist."
The Wall Street Journal article by Stephen Moore is dated November 26, 2005, and the Political Intelligence blog entry is from December 18, 2007. Both have previously been noted by Media Matters for America.
From the April 7 edition of MSNBC's Morning Joe:
BRZEZINSKI: What about this whole -- I mean, I almost think it's been blown out of proportion, Joe -- but people are talking about the way John McCain, you know, once said, "I don't know too much about the economy." Is he prepared to lead this nation through a recession?
FIORINA: Yes, he is prepared to lead this nation through tough times, and you know, I think that comment, which was made one time and blown totally out of proportion, is frankly more a reflection of John McCain's innate humility than anything else.
And, not that this is relevant, anyone who takes on Carly "Let Me List the Companies I've Destroyed" Fiorino as an economic advisor needs to have their head examined.
Tommy, I think we all agree that McCain has said it more than once. It's subjective if that shows character or not. But what's being highlighted here is neither of those issues. It's the fact that he has said it many times, but Brzezinski and the McCain adviser said he only said it once. Maybe they're trying to play it off as a mis-statement? I don't know, but they are wrong in saying that.
Maybe they didn't know. Would that surprise you? Not me.
I've found myself on more than one occasion yelling info to the dimwits on TV. Info, they should know.
Yeah you'd figure one of his advisors would know, but it still wouldn't surprise me if they didn't. They are pumped with certain talking points & no matter what they are asked they usually just fire them off.
Another thought, maybe she did know, but since Mika didn't, she wasn't about to correct her by saying 'Oh he's said that several times'
The second option? Sure. I've no problem with that.
But if either didn't know then I'd say it was just ignorance.
It's all perspective Governor, if you think McCain gets anymore of a pass than the other candidate, simply because of the misinformation posted here, you need to get out more.
After all, and I repeat what many say here so often - this is a conservative misinformation site ONLY!
Hilarious!
There's always next year, Tommy.
Truth be known, I am far more upset about not winning the bathing suit competition than anything else.
:)
So he admits he doesn't understand the economy...
And he has embraced (and promises to contiinue) the most disastrous foreign policy in American History.
So WHY the HELL would I vote for a REPUBLICAN who's weak of the economy AND foreign policy?
Those are the two tops issues on the voter's minds (not to mention the two things the 'Pubs CLAIM to do best) and he's weal on BOTH OF THEM!
Great guy y'all propped up there. Way to go. GOOD LUCK IN NOVEMBER! (You're gonna need it!)
It might be refreshing, but I'd prefer that my president have some strong knowledge of economics. I like the idea of hiring knowledgeable advisors, but "the decider" should know enough to be able to intelligently evaluate the advice he/she's given.
Beyond that, with McCain we're seeing that he has a poor grasp of what's happening in Iraq, which is supposed to be his area of strength. The more I see of him, the less impressed I am with his intelligence or knowledge.
While I'll be forever grateful for that permission, I'd intended my comment to be more of a counterpoint. It appears to me that your admiration for McCain's candor comes off as faint praise against the negative of his admitted ignorance.
Admitting one's limitations is admirable, but I'd like to think we choose our president on the basis of not only philosophy, but genuine strengths.
Of course, I don't know of any politician in the 20th century that wasn't a slick panderer.
I don't know of any politician in the 20th century that wasn't a slick panderer ...
or couldn't be portrayed as one by the competition.
We need more Naders and third party types running for office. The two-party domination hasn't been yielding commendable results lately
We all choose for many reasons, a big one for me is candor, honesty, and truthfulness. A slick panderer doesn't warrant my vote, from any party.
I can't recall an election yet in which the options could be whittled down to those two.
"I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated."
November 2007
"I'm very well-versed in economics."
January 2008
Looks like somebody got what they wanted for Christmas.
As an Obama supporter I'm going to to agree - McCain probably does not know that much about economics. Of course, Obama has had plenty of great advice on economics from Hugo Chavez, Rev. Wright, Jane Fonda.
The choice is so clear - Go Obama!
Once in a while I have to make changes - After all, I don't want this to get stale or formulaic.
I'm implying nothing. I'm stating outright that NAC is a bald-faced liar when he describes himself as an Obama supporter. He's never once, that I recall, made a single statement about Obama that put him in a favorable light. Every time he uses the "Obama supporter" preface we all know that a backhanded slap of Obama is imminent. He as much as admitted that it's a shtick in his second post of this thread.
There are genuine Obama supporters who are willing to address his flaws with an open mind. NAC is not one of them.
thomp.steve9098 , don't feel bad, happens to everybody. You think "there's no way this can be too subtle", and it turns out it is.Keep in mind, one man's facetious out-there post is another's dead-straight comment.
;0)
"Investigative reporter Matt (the Hat) Drudge has a link on his website declaring that the preeminent economist, Alan Greenspan, an individual who is well-esteemed by experts on both sides of the aisle, is supporting the Maverick"
Did you know Alan Greenspan saw his primary job function as to keep down wage inflation? That his policies of lowering interest rates at the drop of a hat is partly to blame for our economic downturn?
The "Maverick?" I am assuming your tongue is firmly placed in your cheek, eh Thomp?
Thomp, NAC is no Obama supporter, read his posts. I assume you think of John Kerry as a maverick too, right?
Ya gotta love these cable channels with their continual news crawls....
" Did you know Alan Greenspan saw his primary job function as to keep down wage inflation? That his policies of lowering interest rates at the drop of a hat is partly to blame for our economic downturn? "
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It seems strange that someone who thinks keeping wage inflation down is his primary job function would use a policy of lowering interest rates . In my country the opposite policy has been used ( higher interest rates ) to control inflation .