I agree that CNN's scoop was a bit gossipy. The news network's story could have just as easily been a quick-hit on one of the better political blogs. That, of course, doesn't change the fact that Charlie Black's comment was newsworthy—I just expect more insight and investigation from a major media organizaiton.

The Black comment is no longer really news, but the article nicely included balance: a sample of Obama's campaign staff's view and McCain's reaction to the statement. I agree with McCain and disagree with Black; the last thing Republicans need is another attack on US soil under Republican watch for the American voters to further confirm their belief the Republicans are inept at dealing with the terrorist dilemma and that a new approach is critically needed.

The CNN report does not investigate or do any analysis of this event. A senior campaign adviser states that if Americans were killed by terrorists before the election it would be an advantage to the Republicans. An outrageous fear mongering statement is made and then there is no follow up discussion if Black will step down for his statement and analysis if this is a treasonous remark. This article sounds like the media is giving McCain a pass.

The outrageous, absurd nature of this remark is indicative of the level of McCain and his campaign. Quoting the article: “A McCain campaign official said Black, the former chairman of the lobbying firm of BKSH & Associates, does not explicitly remember saying the comment, but does not dispute it.” Quite a remark "not to remember." If this statement had been made by an Obama aid, the media would have repeated it every second, 24/7, along with proper ancillary material condemning ... More »

At the risk of incurring wrath from my fellow liberals, this is "much ado about nothing." I had to go elsewhere to get the full context of the comment, but having done so I concluded that Black only said what many of us have said in private: Republican fear-mongering has worked before and it might benefit McCain if a major incident occurred. It's not so awful that he recognizes this possibility; it's that he didn't "zip it" for the magazine interview. It's arrogant, it's insensitive, ... More »