McCain Defends Call To Exclude Russia From G-8
EmailABC News’ Ben Newman reports: Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., defended his call to exclude Russia from the Group of Eight despite opposition from members, in an exclusive interview with George Stephanopoulos on "This Week."
"You have to take positions whether other nations agree or not, because you have to do what’s best for America," McCain explained. “I will do what I can to see that they reverse many of the behavior patterns, which have really been very unhelpful to peace in the world.”
The presumptive Republican nominee openly criticized Russia for straying from the G-8′s founding principles. “We need to improve their behavior,” he said. “They’ve become an autocracy.”
McCain also said he believes former president and current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is still in charge and is responsible for Russia’s destabilizing role in the international community.
“In the last week or so, look at Russia’s actions. They cut back on their oil supplies to the Czechs, because the Czechs made an agreement with us. They have now thrown out the — or forced out — BP out of Russia … They are blocking action in the United Nations Security Council on Iran.”
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I wonder how many G8 countries would provide America with a list of characteristics tis administration has undertaken with a 95% approval rating from McCain:
1. torture
2. illegally invading a sovereign country
3. banking and economic policies that reward the rich and influential
4. Gimo
….
Posted by: lynn | July 27, 2008, 2:19 pm 2:19 pm
McCAIN wants to promote war not peace wherever he goes. It is a mind set or flip-floping and using the military against the world and democrats in general. He pursues a politics of division and hate. Now he want us to go to war with Russia? Is he mad? No, it is worse. He is CAIN. Remeber the Bible.
Barack means ‘blessing’ CAIN means ‘spear and division’.
Posted by: Andy | July 27, 2008, 2:28 pm 2:28 pm
lynn
You don’t seem to understand the issue at hand!!!
Posted by: S | July 27, 2008, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm
Andy – get real. Maybe a remedial reading class would help???
Posted by: S | July 27, 2008, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
S: I do understand the issue at hand; McCain has listed reasons why the other countries should “kick” Russia out. I merely listed reasons why the other countries might have to ask the US to leave.
McCain’s vision for foreign policy is totally out of whack with our allies from removing Russia from the G8 to forming a League of Western Democracies.
Posted by: lynn | July 27, 2008, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
Mcain is to obsessed with the military and war war war for instance
MCAIN- BOMB BOMB IRAN
MCCAIN I KNOW HOW TO WIN WARS (what war has he won????) mccain does not know how to use diplomacy mccain wants to be A BIG BULLY AND USE ARE MILITARY IN ALL THE WRONG WAYS i am not against war if its needed but im so afraid with mccains obsession with wars we will be lead into world war three with him as potus JUST LOOK AT HIM WHEN HE TALKS ABOUT WAR LOOK AT HOW EXCITED HE GETS i feel if mccain were to be potus he would love to start a war so he could say hes in control MCCAIN IS DANGEROUS THIS IS NOT PLAYSTATION WAR GAMES THIS IS REAL STUFF OUR ECONOMY OUR MILITARY ETC REAL LIFE NOT MCCAIN WANTING TO PLAY WAR AND MILITARY GAMES LIKE LITTLE BOYS!!!!! HE IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: angie | July 27, 2008, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm
S.
What you think about McCain idea?
is it the best for America to make Russia an enemy? Mr. McCain, please, rebuild that wall back… ;(((
Way to go, Mr. Macbush.
Posted by: ghost | July 27, 2008, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm
lynn
That’s not what you wrote and you know it! Own up — you were attacking my making assumptions. Not a good sign!
Posted by: S | July 27, 2008, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
ghost
I’m sure you’re comfortable with the Soviet threats to put nukes back in Cuba. Maybe you should stop barking and give some valid reasons why the should be included in the G8. And no, the Europeans aren’t hot on the idea no matter how you twist it. Of course, some do and Obama is probably all for it since he wants to remodel the US into a European socialist state.
Posted by: S | July 27, 2008, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm
Thats really going to play well MCbush ,they are only one of the leading superpowers.
Truly AGE do eat away at your brain cell
What is he talking about.
Posted by: rollins | July 27, 2008, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
“You have to take positions whether other nations agree or not, because you have to do what’s best for America,” McCain explained. “I will do what I can to see that they reverse many of the behavior patterns, which have really been very unhelpful to peace in the world.”
————————
If the above is the test, then how would the other member nations regard the USA especially when it comes to Iraq and GITMO?
Posted by: Beto | July 27, 2008, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
S…
If we start analyze reasons why any member of G-8 need to be “kick out”, I think we find plenty for everybody.
Why do you think US can put missiles on Russia border, but Russia can’t put missiles near US border? Is it logical?
Posted by: ghost | July 27, 2008, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
ghost
Logical only in your little world!!
Posted by: S | July 27, 2008, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
I just hope we dont get fooled again this time around. We were fooled twice by the GOP. Not this time I hope.
What have we achieved by isolating Iran? They are on the verge of been a nuclear power.
What would we achieve by isolating Russia? Mr McCain over to you for an answer please…
Posted by: Rolland | July 27, 2008, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
S..
What you saying, make war not love ;)))
And..you didn’t answer the question. Why US can put missiles on Russia border, but Russia can’t put missiles on US border?
Go figure.. ;))
You are wright – it is no logic in this world. only in my little brain;)))
Posted by: ghost | July 27, 2008, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
It’s almost like McCain realizes he has been gaining on Obama, and suddenly he performs NEW flip-flops and takes WEIRD positions on things. Does McCain really NOT want to be elected? His speeches lack ANY enthusiasm, as if he is just plain tired of it all. Excluding Russia from the G8 conferences is strange, showing a lack of knowledge in global economics.
If McCain doesn’t want to be President, why doesn’t he just resign and let the Republicans pick a new candidate with some energy and foresight?
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
The New Messiah IS beatable, but I don’t think McCain is capable of accomplishing this. The GOP has made a BIG mistake in picking a weak candidate, just as the DNC made a similar mistake in not supporting Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 3:11 pm 3:11 pm
Rhys: Obama is leading in all of the so called “big” states Hillary supporters contended he would not be able win in, he is up by 9 in the most recent Gallop poll and he attracted world wide attention from both world leaders and citizens in his recent trip.
Your argument of a weak leader just doesn’t hold up.
Posted by: lynn | July 27, 2008, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
Really, you know how to win wars? What war have you ever won?
Let’s not speak to our enemies. Let’s just bomb them. That’s worked so well so far.
Does anyone want this guy near the button? Mushroom clouds for everyone with this guy in the White House. Now that is a scary thought!
Posted by: judesuper | July 27, 2008, 3:49 pm 3:49 pm
you all see the set up don’t you…for the “November surprise”
this confirms it in my mind…
the RNC Bush Cheney Rove and now McCain just took a step closer to have something going on.
something is wrong in Denmark with the series of steatements coming out of Mccain.
something smells seriously fishy.
Posted by: dl | July 27, 2008, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm
I wonder if this also has something to do with that Russian spy who was killed and who stated right before he was killed that he had trained al zawaheeri in russia for 6 weeks.
the problem is Mccain doesn’t realize that Zawaheeri and al qaeda’s strength comes from anti-US sentiment against statements like these that McCain just made “pre-emptively”…problem is we are the ones putting missiles near there country not the other way around…
I personally am okay with the missiles but not okay with this kind of language if you are going to do that becasuse…it …would …be…
ABSOLUTELY STUPID!
Posted by: dl | July 27, 2008, 4:01 pm 4:01 pm
Lynn… I understand your frustration with the status quo. EVERYONE is fed up with Bush (or at least ALMOST everyone).
But I feel we have been presented with two incapable “leaders”, neither of whom is capable of getting America out of our economic mess.
The DNC and the RNC made their choices in closed-door sessions a long time ago, and BOTH parties blew it!
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
As a senior citizen, I MUST look at taxation as an important issue. Obama has made no secret that he will DOUBLE taxes for me and my wife. Like many seniors, we depend on our steadily declining investments for a halfway decent living. In other words, those “evil” capital gains, which Obama wants to DOUBLE the tax on, regardless of the age of the recipients. This could easily cost us our house, which is why I will vote for McCain, even though I don’t like him otherwise. Why is this considered unreasonable by some folks?
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm
Rhys
Obama will up everyone’s taxes. His follower’s are to naive to realize that!
Posted by: S | July 27, 2008, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
I am kind of curious what the position of the G-8 countries are on the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) is: with 95 member nations? Why haven’t we heard about that? Is/was Russia a member of the MEA? Is that good for the nation? Let’s ask McCain about that! Let’s ask Russia about that too? Maybe all the G-8 should be joining MEA! Kind of like — GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
Posted by: MILLENIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT | July 27, 2008, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
I am kind of curious what the position of the G-8 countries are on the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA); 95 member nations and nearly 1,200 scientists came to the same conclusion)? Why haven’t we heard about that? Is/was Russia a member of the MEA? Is that good for the nation? Let’s ask McCain about that! Let’s ask Russia about that too? Maybe all the G-8 should be joining MEA! Kind of like — GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!
Posted by: MILLENIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT | July 27, 2008, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm
“S”… I realize that Obama will raise everyone’s taxes, but he has not told the truth about taxes on seniors. He keeps saying seniors’ taxes will not increase, and in the same breath says he’s doubling the capital gains tax. Aside from the super-rich, who will be most affected by doubling the capital gains tax? Seniors! Either he is a liar or has ZERO understanding of economics.
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
However, sticking to the topic of this forum… McCain appears to have only the barest comprehension of economics. Excluding Russia from the G-8 conference is just plain ignorant.
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm
Like most environmental promotions, the “Millennium Ecosystem Assessment” appears to make very little mention of Earth’s BIGGEST problem: overpopulation. Until our species is ready and willing to acknowledge that we MUST limit our numbers, the planet will continue to degrade until it becomes uninhabitable (by humans, anyway).
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
Ryhs..My frustration comes from Clinton supporters who refuse to accept the Obama win and move on. No one knows how Clinton would be faring right now.
As a 60 year old woman I do know that change involves being able to inspire especially young voters in order to bring change. I am completely confident with Obama’s world view and the calibre of people he has attacted to his candidacy.
I suggest you find out more about Obama’s tax plans.
Posted by: lynn | July 27, 2008, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm
REad the real truth.
http://larrysinclair0926.com/?p=623#comments
Posted by: Dean | July 27, 2008, 4:43 pm 4:43 pm
McCain wants to rekindle the Cold War. He likes wars of all types.
Posted by: Dennis | July 27, 2008, 4:45 pm 4:45 pm
lets see McCain knowledge of domestic issues..ZERO, and he admits that.
McCain knowledge on foreign policy, thats a MYTH, in the middle east he had no clue on the fighting fractions , now this BONEHEAD take on RUSSIA.
people who think McCain was the SAFE BET . OH REALLY!!!!
but this is a guy who finsh at the BOTTOM of his CLASS, why should we be surprise.
Posted by: ltn | July 27, 2008, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
McCain: ” They are blocking action in the United Nations Security Council on Iran.”
How dare they disagree with King George and Prince John. Don’t they realize that a “democratic institution” is one in which you do what the US tells you to do.
Posted by: Dennis | July 27, 2008, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm
Rhys:
I agree about over population. I cringe every time science comes up with a way to extend life. As Bill Maher said, we need to get “people on the fast track” out of here.
A major worldwide epidemic. preferably one that takes people out very quickly w/o pain, would be nice, too.
Posted by: Dennis | July 27, 2008, 4:52 pm 4:52 pm
McCain’t is a little belligerent idiot who wouldn’t mind another war!
Why antagonize the Russians WITH NUKES?
USA needs Russian input in on a host of issues: Iran, North Korea, loose nukes, islamic terrorists, who are also tormenting Russia in the Caucuses..
Posted by: Patriot | July 27, 2008, 4:53 pm 4:53 pm
Did anyone not notice that Senator McCain could not remember that Prime Minister Putin was no longer President Putin and had to be helped by George Stephanopoulos in this matter and he also didn’t seem to know the name of the current president of Russia either. Again George bailed him out.
Posted by: banderson | July 27, 2008, 5:07 pm 5:07 pm
Every time I (a half-hearted supporter of Obama), try to find something good about McCain, he shows himself to be a simpleton and a reactionary looking for conflict.
Posted by: Dennis | July 27, 2008, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
The idea of installing American missiles in the Balkans is probably about as appealing to the Russians as having Russian missiles in Cuba was appealing to US! When are we going to MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS?!?!
We’d better take care of America FIRST and stop being the world’s policeman. The rest of the world despises us anyway, so what’s the point?
But Obama wants to open our borders to anyone and everyone, and the Germans LOVED it when he said that in his speech.
How can anyone support Obama over McCain?
How can anyone support McCain over Obama?
Why are we arguing about this? What’s the difference?
This election SHOULD be between Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney. Then we’d have two REAL choices for President!
Instead we have the New Messiah versus the Crypt Keeper! Jeez!
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 5:19 pm 5:19 pm
He really is McBush. God help us if the stupit people vote for McAgain.
Posted by: GHM | July 27, 2008, 5:24 pm 5:24 pm
Please Please Obama Raise all the republicans taxes.
Its only fair!!
Under Bush the Republicans Raise Taxes on Millions of Middle Class Families
Posted by: GHM | July 27, 2008, 5:27 pm 5:27 pm
Gosh, I guess things really HAVE changed! I didn’t realize an IQ of 140 makes me “stupid”; I always thought it was average.
But I intend to vote for Old Man McCain because I don’t want my taxes doubled (and yes, I am middle-class, NOT rich, unless you count my payments).
Why is it that, to some people, anyone with a different view is automatically “stupid”?
If you support Obama, I disagree with you, but that doesn’t make you stupid or entitle me to call you names.
Posted by: Rhys | July 27, 2008, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
“I’m sure you’re comfortable with the Soviet threats to put nukes back in Cuba.”
You read the part of the story CBS printed. THere is no threat to put nukes in Cuba. The Russian military has said it ‘may’ refuel its bombers in Cuba IF ALLOWED. That’s no different than us using air bases in Turkey. The top Russian military official made it clear they would not be dumb enough to base their bombers within reach of conventional American missiles.
You have to see through the propaganda. As far is the G8 is concerned, the Russians have simply responded to a change in our foreign policy to a unilateral pre-emptive (empty headed) policy.
Posted by: Mike | July 27, 2008, 6:13 pm 6:13 pm
McCain is a huge mistake, we definitely don’t need another macho cowboy mentality in the white house.
Posted by: citizen voter | July 27, 2008, 6:14 pm 6:14 pm
“Oil and gas industry executives and employees donated $1.1 million to McCain last month — three-quarters of which came after his June 16 speech calling for an end to the ban (on offshore drilling) — compared with $116,000 in March”
Here’s McCain Straight Talk for ya.
Posted by: JR | July 27, 2008, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm
Bush uses propaganda to sell wars to americans.McCain will be worse than Bush bc he is dumb and propaganda is not his suit.all McCain knows is brut force. war and war to settle every problem. the worst thing to happen to the republican party is to have nominated mcCain
Posted by: John-has-gone-Mad | July 27, 2008, 6:35 pm 6:35 pm
McBush.
Your vision of the World is old,
out of time
out of sense.
I am sorry, You are just pretty stupid – exlude the most powerful state?
Give me a break.
We better exclude You from any consideration anywhere.
Posted by: Linda,Fl | July 27, 2008, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
no rhys
it makes you ill informed.
but from reading your statements for so long now I am starting to think you are stupid.
McCain will either tax you more…pass the burden on to the states who will have to tax you even more than the federal government… …or destroy our country…
it’s one of these…
as it is he is changing his tune on taxes already today.
and his tune on women
and on gay people
and one more time on the “timetable”
this guy is really ill – prepared for someone whose supporters seem to be saying he has so much experience.
maybe that is why his campaign originally went bankrupt.
sure people who vote for him aren’t necessarily stupid…
just like we weren’t stupid for voting for Bush…
because “he wouldn’t double our taxes”
stupid is as stupid does.
Posted by: dl | July 27, 2008, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Rhys.
Good post re. capital gains. Obama’s dropping tax break will surly hurt millions of people who rely on capital gains to pay for basics like electric and gas. To make it worse Obama’s reasons are economically wrong anyway – but it makes good press. Problem, Rhys, is that most on this site are either college kids or somehow enabled to the public pad and have no clue (nor care) what a capital gains tax is. That is why it is so frustrating to try to encourage rational discussion on the issues themselves. Must of this stuff is about McBush this or that. Not very profound.
Posted by: Jimbo | July 27, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
BEST PREPERATION FOR AN OBAMA PRESIDENCY:
DON”T BE NEAR NEAR A LAGRE CITY OR MILITARY SITE.
IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO HUNT, FISH OR TRAP…. LEARN
AND… GET YOUSELF INTO THE BEST POSSIBLE PHYSICAL CONDITIION POSSIBLE, YOU WILL NEED IT!!
The sad part about the comments above is that I am serious.
Posted by: Temagami | July 27, 2008, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm
McCain says, “we need to improve Russia’s behavior.” I never heard such an ignorant remark in my entire life. Russia, has a right to be concerned about missiles near its borders. Russia, would be a good friend of the United States, if we made half an effort to be friends. The Bush Administration and those like McCain, have ruined our overseas relationship. Being overly-involved overseas and ignoring the needs of the American people is plain STUPID.
Posted by: pointman | July 27, 2008, 8:04 pm 8:04 pm
It’s very interesting that as recent polls show an overwhelming support for McCain over obama re. foreign affairs and national defense, two days later Obama seems to become the “Expert” on same and McCain takes some heat (as on this post). TALK ABOUT THE POWER OF THE PRESS!!
Posted by: Manitu | July 27, 2008, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
It is indeed interesting that as recent polls show an overwhelming support for McCain over Obama re. foreign policy and national defense, two days later begins “OBAMA THE EXPERT” ON SAME. TALK ABOUT THE POWER OF THE PRESS!!
Posted by: Manitu | July 27, 2008, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
Poor Ole John McNero. He does remind me of Nero – Singing his Iraq, Iraq, Iraq song while the rest of our country burns down around him. Crap health care, economy in the dumps, outrageous gas prices, environment in peril…. But Ole John McNero just keeps on with his war song cause that is all he knows.
Scary !!
Posted by: Clarence | July 27, 2008, 8:31 pm 8:31 pm
Hey Jimbo – DID CLARENCE EVER PROVE YOUR POINT! TD!!
Posted by: Manitu | July 27, 2008, 8:36 pm 8:36 pm
Oh brother. Haven’t we pisssed Russia off enough with the missiles in eastern Europe. At the end of the day this type of rhetoric just creates resentment. Russia is becoming an economic power. They can cut the gas and electricity to Europe. McCain should think twice about what the ramifications are.
Posted by: Huh | July 27, 2008, 8:50 pm 8:50 pm
I thought I was watching a clip from the 50s today. McCain’s politics reveals that dinosaurs do exist. I have a real hard time seeing how anyone could support McCain and his hate rhetoric.
Posted by: edge | July 28, 2008, 1:21 am 1:21 am
“You have to do what’s best for America.”
The point is, excluding Russia from the G8 *wouldn’t* be best for America. This is about judgment. This is about management. This is about having a cool head.
This is about recognizing and leveraging America’s soft power–something we haven’t done effectively in years and that McCain doesn’t seem to grasp.
Posted by: fivecard | July 28, 2008, 4:11 pm 4:11 pm
This is all fallout from the Bush/Republican administration policy of forcing missle defense shield propostion down the Russians’ throats in Europe.
What that will ineveitably lead to IS another cold war lie relationship between America and Russia…And that will lead to the same old bottom line for the Republicans – Industrial war contracts to the defense contractors in this country.
We put our allies at risk, we put our own soldiers at risk with this reckless behavior. Enough is enough. I’m done with the Republicans.
Posted by: Wakeup | July 29, 2008, 2:35 am 2:35 am
McCain would be the very best US president that would serve Russia’s interests and ambitions much better than Obama! McCain would continue where Bush let off and totally bankrupt USA, which is absolutely needed for a power shift in the world. McCain is the only man for the job! Obama would rebuild US ans make it stronger. Obama is a nightmare for Russians, Chinese and otehrs. McCain is the man everyone abroad hopes to become president of US. He would finally let USA on the path to destruction! :)
Posted by: Foreigner | July 29, 2008, 2:59 am 2:59 am
lol people you are being manipulated, dont vote neither for obama neither for mccain
Posted by: Myrddin | July 29, 2008, 7:28 am 7:28 am
I am really tired of this stupid American government and all those candidates. This old man wants to give lessons or teach Russia? Well, Russia doesn’t care really. It is not Iraq where the US troops can just walk after paying some money to Saddam’s generals who betrayed him. And after all, who said that the US should be in G-8. Probably, everybody will be happy to get rid of this country for good. I hope that it will happen soon.
Posted by: Real Boy | July 29, 2008, 10:52 am 10:52 am
Hey “Foreigner” obama has won
Posted by: cheap international calls | January 13, 2009, 6:35 am 6:35 am