Politico's Smith uncritically quoted McCain misrepresenting Biden proposal for Iraq
SUMMARY: The Politico's Ben Smith uncritically reported Sen. John McCain's false claim during the third presidential debate that Sen. Joe Biden has proposed "dividing Iraq into three countries.' " In fact, Biden introduced a plan to "[m]aintain a unified Iraq by decentralizing it and giving Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis breathing room in their own regions."
In an October 15 post on his blog, Politico senior political writer Ben Smith uncritically reported that during the third presidential debate, Sen. John McCain "hit[]" Sen. Joe Biden "on specific foreign policy issues" including "his 'cockamamie idea about dividing Iraq into three countries.' " Smith did not note that McCain's claim -- which he has made repeatedly -- is false. In fact, as Media Matters for America has previously noted, Biden introduced a "five-point plan" to "[m]aintain a unified Iraq by decentralizing it and giving Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis breathing room in their own regions." Biden's plan also stated that "[t]he Iraqi constitution already provides for federalism" and that "[t]he central government would be responsible for common interests, like border security and the distribution of oil revenues."
Smith's blog post, headlined "Biden's views":
McCain praises Biden, but hits him on specific foreign policy issues: his "cockamamie idea about dividing Iraq into three countries" and his opposition to the first Gulf War.
Some observations on coverage after the debate:
The media seem to only care about how someone "performed" and of course that's somewhat subjective, especially to partisans. I thought grampy looked even more unhinged than usual. Obama kept the focus on policies, grampy kept wandering over to attacks. Grampy had a grumpy look and his smile looks ghastly. But he did seem to enjoy saying good job to Obama afterwards, like a kettle letting off steam.
Which brings up the press ignoring reality. McBush attacks unfairly; distorts Obama's positions, and outright lies. But the press somehow likes that as him being "on the attack." Oh goodie, this is how you "win" a debate?
And then they bring in the dreadful "undecided voters" [also known as "morons."} Anyone who claims they don't have enough information about the two candidates and their policies is willfully ignorant. Yet the press panders to them.
Blast it, Mary! Your cockamamie post got in there before mine! Dadburnit!
By cracky, I feel just as addle-pated about those undecided voters as you. Who the hell is straddlin' the fence at this fork in the road? Land o' Goshen!
OK, that's tiring talking like McCain.Mary, I know you're concerned about my frequent trips to WingnutWorld, but I had to check in on Sean Hannity's analysis. The following words were used to describe Obama; "on his heels", "flustered", "retreating on every issue", and "prevent defense". Poor Sean. At least he had Mitt Romney there to enable him.
My overall take on the debate tonight-- For a man who so easily accuses others (like "that one!") of not understanding, or being confused, Grampy McCain sure seems out to lunch. He may be hanging around that goofy hockey mom to much, the delirium seems to be rubbing off.
I imagine Mary was good naturedly ribbing you about getting converted or something like that. But I do notice others who seem mortified that anyone would listen in. I for one very much appreciate these reports. It's so much easier than having to do it myself.
Yes, I encourage the Colonel to press on with his reporting on the wingnut world. It's much more entertaining to hear about them via the Colonel: so, dad-burn them torpedos and full speed ahead.
I know MMFA is trying to limit their item to the media,but even better than using the word "cockamamie" again, and being confused about Biden's position again, was Grampy's followup declaring the wonderful, united Iraq that exists today in his scrambled old brain.
Fox News Poll results at 8:52 pst-- McCain 87%, Obama 11%
I think Sean Hannity gets 5,000 vote per text. Unless the question was "Who looks most like a disoriented angry mummy?"
Biden's 1st point in 5-point Iraq plan:
"Maintain a unified Iraq by decentralizing it and giving Kurds, Shiites and Sunnis breathing room in their own regions"
Clearly Biden wanted to split the country into three. Regardless of how you and MMFA want to spin it. It's mistake.
Biden has nothing between the ears and has proven it time and again. As have you Col. with you moronic posts on this site.
You got me there, Nolefthemisphere. That was quite a spin I put on Biden's plan by... uhhh, not even mentioning it. I'd recommend you read the Biden quote you provided more carefully, and compare it to your childlike interpretation.Talk about yer moronic posts.
No left might need more time to digest information; perhaps another zillion years. He thinks partioning the country into three sections is the same thing as creating three different countries.
This may explain a lot about the right wing and those "undecided voters."