OBANA: NOT AN "HONORABLE" MAN

Patrick Hynes of the McCain Campaign sent me two e-mails today, one about Barack Obama's false, malicious statement that McCain wants to continue the Iraq War "for 100 years," and another about the Obama supporter who called McCain a "warmonger." I sent Patrick two responses, both of them making the point that McCain is being much too nice to Obama.

Response one: Patrick: Thanks for the piece on "Mr. New Politics.' I'm not sure that Senator McCain is aware what kind of campaign the Democrats will wage in the general election -- and are already beginning. John McCain seems to believe that Barack is a good man -- and even an honorable one. In those assessments, he is dead wrong. Obama is a Chicago pol whose main financial backing comes from Moveon.org types, and he's only too willing to do their bidding. It's time to start hitting back -- hard and often.

Response two: Patrick: I agree that bloggers should react to the Ed Schultz remarks (calling McCain a "warmonger") and the tepid comment by Obama's "spokeswoman." But that's not enough. John McCain has to step up to the plate and question the honesty and character of Barack Obama and his campaign. He cannot proceed under the illusion that Barack is "one of the guys in the Senate," somebody to go across the aisle to, pat on the back, and josh with (as McCain did two weeks ago). Obama will interpret actions like those as a sign of weakness.

Steve adds: If I believe Barack Obama was an honorable man who loved his country I'd probably be voting for him. After reading what Obama has written and what his "spiritual advisor" had taught him, I believe no such things about him.

Patrick Hynes has provided a great deal of information about the McCain family's remarkable record of serving their country. The McCain family must be a mystifying group to someone like Barack Obama, whose life demonstrates service not to our nation, but to himself.

If you want to receive daily updates from Patrick Hynes with the McCain Campaign, you can do so by e-mailing him at: phynes@calypsocom.com. If you want to contribute to the McCain effort -- and I hope you do -- go to: http://johnmccain.com/ and click on the contribute button. McCain needs your vote, your vocal support, and your donations.

Note: Patrick was nice enough to respond to my comments above, and I replied:

Here's Patrick's reply to me: Stephen: I appreciate the note. However, it would be a mistake and out of character for Sen. McCain to personally question Sen. Obama’s character. But we have already called Sen. Obama’s remarks on “100 years” dishonest and McCain criticized Obama himself. -- Patrick.

Here's my reply: Thanks Patrick. If a man makes dishonest statements -- even Hillary Clinton says Obama is "mischaracterizing" the 100 years comment -- then he defines his character himself. Obama is saying that McCain wants to continue the Iraq War ("live on CNN!") for 100 years -- and he will continue saying it. If he doesn't get challenged ferociously, then voters will believe it. If Sen. McCain thought South Carolina in 2000 was nasty, he hasn't seen anything yet.