Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Ken Jacobs — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:29:23 GMT

Amen. The rediculous ongoing apologies from every politician or celebrity just simply ring false. If they didn't mean what they said, they wouldn't have said it in the first place. An apology should come when you've been wrong and had a change of heart, or done something you feel was improper, and you're remorseful. Apologies should not be used to appease anyone that might be offended at the honesty.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Mary Lieberman, Poughkeepsie, NY — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:50:39 GMT

Absolutely right. It's pathetic the way the political correctness police hold all candidates hostage. The loss of life in Iraq. IS a waste -- there, I said it. Mary Lieberman

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Andrew Yampolsky, NY, NY — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:57:26 GMT

"It’s really unbelievable. Even when you’re running for president you are not allowed to say what you really think." I think these two scentences make the entire artical a farce. Draw your own conclusions as to why.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Cassandra Neff, Grand Rapids, MI — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:03:18 GMT

Completely agree with what you said, if polliticians dont say what they mean and express it (which by the way is whay most of Obama's platform is based on) then there is a larger problem with our pollitical system.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

REP Clemson, SC — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:03:21 GMT

I totally agree. Why can't we say these things? Why can't our candidates say these things? It's a sad fact that the current administration's culture of fear is now preventing anyone from saying anything that someone might disagree with. I want honesty from my leaders...wouldn't that be refreshing?

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Philip Isaacs — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:05:07 GMT

They both need to go to therapy for saying that any soldier is a waste of his life. And they both need to resign from Presidency because we don't need that kind of leadership.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Walter Smith, New York, New York — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:05:21 GMT

I think what they meant by wasted is, we didn't get anything done except lose lives in Iraq. Although I do not agree with this, these men should not be considered bad people. They just have an opinion, but I agree with both sides, in a way. We didn't get too much done except get soldiers killed, kill Saddam (which made the war worse), and now we're going to get a new president who may get the U.S blown off the map! I think Barak should win the election (personally), but sadly it is too obvious Clinton will win by a lot.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Paulann H. Sheets — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:07:04 GMT

Fantastic! I couldn't believe my ears as I listened. Tell it like it is! The press is finally doing its Constitutional job. Oh WOW! BTW, I also heard/saw Senators Obama and Clinton today in Selma AL-they were really inspiring, awesome.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Barbara Dourrieu, Gonzales, La. — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:07:04 GMT

It sounds unpatriotic to say the lives were "wasted", because that might seem to make light of the personal life (as opposed to military "life") of the person killed. Better to say that their deaths were wasted - needless - they should never have been asked to go to this war, much less lay down their lives for such useless things.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Teresa Hill, Austin, Tx — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:07:31 GMT

I agree as an Veteran, the soldier's lives in Irag were wasted. That also include the thousands permanently wounded all for a personal agenda. On Law and Order that is a charge of depraved indifference. Speaking the truth should be be silence!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Sam White, Memphis, Tennissee — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:07:53 GMT

Don't jump all over people for having opinions. Heck, who knows; maybe their lives were wasted. Maybe our men were thinking that in those few seconds they were dying. It seems sad, but the government has messed up.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Dan Cornwall — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:08:21 GMT

The main reason this was on dateline is because you do not have many people logging on to this web site. (It worked this is the first time that I have ever been on dateline.msnbc.com) The secondary reason is a chance to say anything negative about the war at all. If you want others to not be politically correct, you should start yourself. NBC is nothing but politically correct. Look in the mirror before you criticize others.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Gary Yoakam Bellefontaine, Ohio — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:08:49 GMT

I am a Veteran of the Iraq war, I lost my left hand on Nov. 7th of 2003 and if you havent been a soldier in combat there then you have no idea what your talking about and only make yourself sound stupid by saying that any soldier dying or being injuried is a waste.Ive been there I know what I am talking about. Sgt. (Ret.) Gary J. Yoakam

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Audrey Mercer — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:08:50 GMT

Excuse me, but hasn't John Edwards apologized for voting for the war in the first place? Not that he's perfect, but he's probably the most forthright person running. A Mercer, Asheville, NC

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Cheryl Hatfield, Conroe, TX — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:08:53 GMT

I believe that being Iraq has been a mistake from the get-go, but our troops are there and should be supported in the job that they have been given. Do I cringe at the loss of life that has been totally unneccessary - absolutely! Unfortunately, politics has gotten to be such a mess - more gain for less opinion. I'm not sure what the answer it, but the only way to try and control the situation is to pay more attention to who you elect as a representative and senator and less attention to who the President actually elected. The power has shifted!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Patricia Moore, Granbury, Texas — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:08:59 GMT

Senators McCain and Obama were right on about American lives being wasted in a war we are not fighting to win. It reminds me of Viet Nam and the back and forth POLITICAL mechinations which also wasted lives. It would be so inspiring to have a politician stand up and stand behind what he/she believes. Yes, they probably have to take care what they say and how they say it due to the way the media and their opponents spin things. But I'd love someone who doesn't back down so much.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

mary fitzhenry — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:09:32 GMT

I don't believe Barack OBama said what you are alleging. I think you are twisting his words which is quite troubling.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

DAVID CRABNUTZ...Chicago — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:11:34 GMT

ALL OF YOU ARE ALLOWING MSNBC TO PULL THE WOOL OVER YOUR EYES. DONT YOU SEE THAT MSNBC IS SUPPORTING HILLARY???? IS THERE NOT A DISCREPENCY WITH ALL THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES? WATCH OUT EVERYONE. HILLARY IS COMING FULL FORCE, AND PLAYING DIRTY....IT LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS THE DECEITFUL SUPPORT OF NEWS STATOINS AND THE LIKE. I AM SO OFFENDED THAT DATELINE BLATENTLY TRYED TO THROW THIS GARBAGE AT ME AND TRY TO GET THE WORLD TO FOCUS ON NON-ISSUE BS. DAVID

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Jim, Glen Burnie, MD — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:13:32 GMT

It is insulting to think that their double talk is not obvious; that Americans would not realize their conniving intentions. It's also sad that the media would misconstrue the words of the two men so they, in turn, would feel the need to apologize. Why is it negative to think that lives were wasted? Were lives wasted?

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Katie Reynolds — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:14:18 GMT

What you said was completely liberal minded. Senators Obama and McCain are human. They mispoke, and certainly Senator McCain, a strong supporter of our efforts in Iraq, did not mean what you said he did. They chose the wrong word and now they are suddenly being attacked. The War in Iraq is the right thing to do and I hope that NBC, which has taken such a sharp left-wing turn, can start reporting the news fairly and without so much PERSONAL OPINION!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Brant Spring, Ontario Canada — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:14:43 GMT

As a Canadian and therefore an outsider to the US political scene, I am giving you a foreign perspective to your broadcast about honesty in speech. Since 9/11 I have found it frightening that more and more freedoms have been withdrawn from the US citizens (i.e. bashing celebrities for speaking out against the Iraq war), but now that even the highest officials of government are being restricted in commenting..... Does the USA really have a democracy? It does not appear so to those looking in on your country. President Bush appears to all the world as a dictator, tyrant and despot. What surprises me is that the US people don't impeach him for his reckless and irresponsible actions. Come on people! Get real.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Sheri Reindl Weyauwega, WI — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:15:33 GMT

I agree. I also would add that because of this insidious political correctness campaign having been forced down the throats of the American people free speech, as we know it, will soon disappear altogether in this country. It is too absurd that even well respected senators, espcially Senator McCain who is such a stand up guy, cannot speak the truth for fear of offending some faction. If the truth is denied us because some might be offended where exactly does that leave us? Lost in La La land? Speak the truth Senator and take no prisoners!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Robert Fawler, Washington D.C — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:17:19 GMT

Dan Cornwall made a good point when he said: Look in the mirror before you criticize others. Consider that everyone. I'd like to say that I was with Walter Smith when he posted that (I SWEAR!) and he forgot to say something. On the other side of this dash is him typing-Hey. Walter Smith here. When I said I wanted Barak Obama to win the presidential election, I meant if I had to choose between him and Clinton. I'd rather have someone else. These people just wouldn't be good presidents. I say, let Schwarzenegger run!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Katie Reynolds, Avon, Indiana — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:20:05 GMT

I think what you said was completely ridiculous. Senators Obama and McCain simply mispoke. Certainly Senator McCain, an avid supporter of the War in Iraq, did not mean to imply that the soldiers lives had been "wasted" as he said it. They mispoke, and now NBC, which has taken a sharp left-wing turn in reporting, is attacking these two men. Haven't Senators Clinton and Kerry also apologized for what they said about Iraq? Please NBC, start reporting the news fairly!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Christi Broersma, Holland, Michigan — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:21:51 GMT

What is so frustrating is that they lie, and get to the highest office in the land. They change the words so to please the nay sayers - not the real people. When are the politicians going to realize that many of us no longer believe in their blather to please? Viet Nam is the comparison I give you. They did a troop surge there as well. We underestimated the drive of the communists in the North, and we are doing the same with those in the Middle East backing the fight in Iraq...

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Edith Watkins-Gish, New Orleans, LA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:23:48 GMT

Wasted/Sacrificed, either way - they are dead. They were brave and good, the men who lied to the American people in order to send the there are not.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

J. S. GLENNIE — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:24:11 GMT

DEMOCRATE-REPUBLICAN-WHO CARES!!!I'M REPUBLICAN AND HAVE BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. BUT IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS I'M DISGUSTED WITH ALL POLITICIANS INABILITY TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS, LIKE THE WAR, SPENDING, DEFICITE, MEDICARE..I PROPOSE WE HAVE TERM LIMITS FOR ALL POLITICIANS, NOT JUST THE PRESIDENT. MAYBE 8 YEARS AND THEN THEIR DONE. MAYBE THEN THEY COULD MAKE TOUGH CHOICES-NOT JUST CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO GET RE-ELECTED AND FEATHER THEIR OWN NESTS. NONE SEEM TO HAVE ANY COURAGE TO 'JUST SAY NO' TO SPENDING. ANOTHER INTERVIEW ON TV TONIGHT WAS ABOUT THE REAL THREAT TO THE US AND OUR WAY OF LIFE IS THE UNCONTROLLED SPENDING AND GOVERNMENT ENTITLEMENTS, AKA 'FREE-FALL SPENDING'. AGAIN, LIMIT ALL POLITICIANS TERMS TO 8 YEARS! THEN JUST MAYBE THEY WILL DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THE COUNTRY AND NOT JUST WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THEM TO BE RE-ELECTED. ALSO, NO PENSIONS WHEN THEY LEAVE OFFICE-JUST GO BACK TO THEIR 'REAL' CAREERS-AFTERALL, SERVING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED 'PUBLIC SERVICE' WITH A DECENT SALARY..NOT A LIFELONG GROWING INCOME FOR THEMSELVES. LET THEM PAY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE, CONTRIBUTE TO 401KS OR IRAS WITH THE SAME LIMITS WE HAVE. WHY DO THEY EVEN GET TO COLLECT THEIR SALARIES EVEN FROM FEDERAL PRISONS. DON'T APOLOGIZE, YOU SAID IT. DON'T TRY TO 'SPIN' IT. WHO CARES. THANK GOD FOR THESE BRAVE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO CHOSE TO SERVE AND DO THE REALLY DIRTY WORK OF THIS NATION. IF WE ARE NOT SAFE AND FICALLY SOUND, WHAT DO WE HAVE? THE POLITICIANS IN WASHINGTON D.C. DON'T KNOW OR LIVE IN REALITY. LIVES LOST IN ANY WAR ARE NOT WASTED BUT SACRIFICED. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE AND KNOW THEY WERE APPRECIATED BY THE REST OF US WHO ARE HOME AND SAFE.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Ben Levine Duluth, Minnesota — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:25:43 GMT

It seems as tho' politicians can say whatever they want and then apologize when it seems feseable to do so. I've gotten to the point now that I believe very few of them. In the mean time our young are getting killed and mangled in a war brought on by false information. Let's get out of Iraq and Afganistan now. The voters have spoken. Why are we playing games with our troops and their lives.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Jeanne Day, Rutherfordton, NC — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:30:52 GMT

It is a shame that politicians can't (or don't) tell it like it is (honesty), but most of them are more afraid of losing their jobs, rather than caring about their country. It is mostly about money, not what is right or wrong, or being honest in their opinions which affect this country.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

roger mcannally — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:31:46 GMT

ask your seif when was the last just war we fought?Johnson had fifty five plus thousand of our own killed,unknown number vietnamies,while lying about being attacked,he was more intrested in a war economy than young lives,sound familure?

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Eric Yetman, Beltsville, Maryland — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:37:29 GMT

Can you really say your surprised about this. It's not like we have ever seen this type of question answering from politicians. Especially politicians running in a presidential election. Part of the reason I think is because we the public are too sensative to what people say and do when it comes to politicans. I mean we look at these people like there under a microscope. A good example is Howard Dean. A man shows some emotion and everyone thinks he's crazy. These politicans know this and don't want to end up the same way Dean did. The second reason is that any political election is a popularity contest. Not only that, most people don't even care about the canidates. They get all the information from the TV, radio, web and papper. Only a small percent actually take the time to do research on them and their policies. Most just vote what ever party they belong to. So why should these canidates speak the truth, especialy when it comes to the most important topic in the election. One wrong word or phrase causes heahlines and spreads to every American. The best thing for them is to research what the people like and say it, like they always have. Majority of the population thinks the war is not going well. Do you think anyone in a election will say otherwise. Will we ever see a politician that speaks the truth? I really don't think so. The political process has been going on for hundreds of years and hasn't changed. If there is a person that wants to try telling the truth for a change. Become completely truthfull! You need to cause, tell it the way it is and never say your sorry. If this ever happens in my lifetime, I hope this doesn't turn into another political ploy for votes.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Karen Rudiger, New York, New York — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:40:40 GMT

We all “out live” conversation every day of our lives, if there is something said in the interim which needs clarity, ask a question. And if someone has a better way to phrase a point of view, share it. We are all a part of humanity in a communication crisis, broken homes, greedy capitalist and in a war without tolerance of religious difference. Don’t we all wish for peace as a common goal? When are the great minds of leadership going to assemble the puzzle together and start problem solving, ask questions to gain understanding and stop bashing one another? If anyone has a better way to convey a point of view, speak up! It’s time we all work together for peace and charity. Politics is we the people not these immature political party‘s.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

J.S. GLENNIE MICHIGAN — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:41:17 GMT

AFTER CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR BLOG AND READING ALL THE OTHER COMMENTS, I REALIZE THAT ALMOST ALL OF THESE COMMENTS ARE BASICALLY DISGUSTED WITH POLITICIANS AND THEIR 'LIES' TO GET ELECTED. AGAIN...TERM LIMITS...IT'S THE ONLY WAY TOUGH DECISIONS CAN BE MADE WITHOUT THE WORRY OF 'JOB SECURITY' FOR THEMSELVES. WE NEED 'REAL' PEOPLE AT THE HELM AND NOT 'CAREER' POLITICIANS WHO VIEW THEMSELVES AS INFALIBLE AND VIEW US AS 'STUPID'. GET REAL WASHINGTON!!!!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Patrick Culp, South Bend, IN — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:41:25 GMT

I dare any of you to say that our troop's lives were wasted in this war TO THEIR FACE. How can you use their deaths to further your political agenda, and live with yourselves?? Can any of you tell the difference between a wasted life, and one that was sacrificed without being partisan?

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

jg, jackson, ms — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:53:54 GMT

A BIG part of the problem with is with the media, esp. as it relates to Democrats. When Obama said it, it was on the front pages from coast to coast and the MSM covered it as a "stumble" or something that he had done/said wrong, mainly because that was how a lot of right-wing pundit types reacted (see Michelle Malkin). And the mainstream press took that as a que to critcize Obama. The reaction to McCain's "stumble" was WAYYY more subdued, and if not for left-wing bloggers, wouldn't have been mentioned. Your post is so disingenuous it hurts. If you are troubled by pols reluctance to talk straight, check out how you and your cohort react when they do? (see John Kerry botched joke for further example)

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Ronnie Sanchez, Port Huron, Michigan — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:54:13 GMT

Who are they apologizing to? I would like to know who is complaining about a person honesty. I sure would like them (policians) to be more upfront and honest with their statements and ideas of how they are going to make things better for this country. I am not only speaking about the issue about the war, but of all the issues that are spring up during an election of any kind. I think the majority of this country wants to hear the truth without getting the run-around. I am a hard working american from the middle class and I am sick and tired of politians protecting their seats and those who are holding this country back. Sorry for going off subject but its something that I've been waiting for someone to say on t.v. When someone has to rethink what they are going to say they aren't being themselves.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

T. Applegate, St Paul, MN — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:07:50 GMT

It is too bad that they did not stick to their original statements. It has been a waste. The UN inspection teams said there were no weapons, but we went to war to prove there were weapons. That was a waste. We went to free the Iraqi people from a dictator and now they are oppressed by factions from at least three sides in a civil war that shows no signs of letting up. What a waste. We went to stabilize the region controlled by an evil dictator and have de-stabilized the region and we cannot leave or that region will fall further in to chaos. What a waste. We have lost the lives of more than 3100 fighting men and women, maimed 10 times that amount, and killed or maimed even more Iraqi people to create this mess. What a waste. Don't apologize. Call it what it is.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Jay Payne, Aurora, CO. — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:10:54 GMT

All I know is that while the politicians are politicing this war, and it hasn't gotten any better since the Democrats supposedly won the mid-term elections, our men and women, our kids, Iraqi kids are still dying. It's time to bring them home and then the politicians can whine and cry and lie all they want.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

marie hayden — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:12:21 GMT

i think they said what they meant, and both are right thier lives were wasted and sacrificed,in a useless and trumped up war. it was for revenge and oil for the bushes(shurbs) and it is sicking and disgusting what they have put the citizens of this country and iraq thru. and u should not apoligize for telling the truth... never,sorry ....it hurts but its the truth!!!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

marie hayden jacksonville,ar. — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:13:06 GMT

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Dan Jacobsen, Phoenix,Arizona — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:15:06 GMT

It's sad that anyone would say a person fighting for our freedom is "wasted". I also feel sorry for the politicians who don't have the luxury of editors like Josh Mankiewicz and the rest of the media. My opinion is your all full of hot air (politicians & media) trying to sell your product at almost any cost.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Randy, Flagstaff AZ — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:15:58 GMT

War is a terrible waste of human life. Period. No one should have to apologize for speaking that truth.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Alfred Otula, Shanghai-China — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:22:22 GMT

If you spend resources doing something you should not have done in the first place, you will have "WASTED" those resources. If USA should not have gone to Iraq but did so and this has resulted in both human and material resources being SPENT, is it not enough to say that those RESOURCES have been WASTED? Those resources could have been more meaningfully employed. Any CEO who uses company resources this way deserves the sack.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

James Voegtline, Mesa, Az — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:25:20 GMT

This war has been a mess since day one, and the longer we stay there we will have wasted more lives, and i think its a shame that we had to lose even one live,and i am glad that you told the truth.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Paul Pickett, Atlanta, GA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:26:39 GMT

I don't think they need to appologize. They said one thing and totally meant another. Let's face it, we all sometimes say one thing and it is taken the wrong way simply because of the way we stated it. It is a mistake in their speech and they should only have to correct the language and tell the American people what they actually meant. It is no different as to what happened to Senator Trent Lott a few years ago. He was saying something to make the an old man feel good about himself in his last few days of life. I bet you Senator Lott does not really feel the country would be better off is Strom Thurman were elected president in 1948. People make mistakes and the media runs it into the ground when it is someone in the public eye.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Alfred Otula, Shanghai — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:33:28 GMT

"It's sad that anyone would say a person fighting for our freedom is "wasted". What "our freedom" is Dan Jacobsen talking about? I thought that this fight for the America's freedom was fought and won in 1776? I did not know that somehow the war in Iraq was meant to free Americans. I am confused here.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Jon Davis — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:33:57 GMT

The comparison of Obama and McCain was not appropriate. Yes, both men beat a hasty retreat recently on the use of the "w" word. But like it or not, US senators have NEVER been known for courage (except perhaps that long-forgotten senator who lost his seat after he blocked President Andrew Johnson's impeachment). What IS more striking to me is how John McCain ability to flipflop overnight on just about every position he's ever held. E.g., McCain showed his so-called maverick side when called Rumsfeld the worst defense secretary...but then immediately withdrew the criticism when he saw it didn't work.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Barbara Dourrieu, Gonzales, La. — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:57:17 GMT

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Alex, Irvince, CA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 03:11:51 GMT

"Wasted" means "lost in vain", "with no use". OK, let's then say the soldiers' lives were lost for nothing, which is true, by the way.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Mary J. O'Donnell, Mechanicville, NY — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 03:18:01 GMT

Politicians should have the same rights as the rest of Americans. Just as we enjoy the freedom of speech in posting our comments here they also should be able to freely voice they opinions.They need to remember as well as we all need to remember that somewhere in the history of our country an American soldier served, fought and died for all the freedoms and rights we enjoy today. They never questioned or disobeyed. They served and defended when we asked them to.They provided us with the freedom and right to collectively vote and elect politicians to represent us regarding decisions on whether or not to go to war.So let us all be honest.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Glenn N. Will, Broadway, Virginia — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 03:31:23 GMT

NBC DATELINE On NBC`S DATELINE, Josh Mankiewicz refers to persons serving in the Armed Forces as America`s "best and BRIGHTEST." This is in direct contradiction to the opinion of one of our bravest, Vietnam/Cambodia military heroes, John F. Kerry, who said Americans become members of the military because they`re too dumb and supid to do anything else. I eagerly/gleefully await the sacrifice/WASTE from the total destruction of midtown Manhatten by Islamic nukes if that`s what it takes to rid the most magnificent nation on Planet Earth of communists and socialists.........and their leftist, looney lackeys (the "main-stream media"). .......Glenn in Virginia

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Jim Newman, Durango, Colorado — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:03:22 GMT

Shame on you Josh, giving the rest of us a lecture on how polticians are incapable of telling it like it is and then couch your terms in the very same politically correct verbiage you seem to abhore. Did you not refer to the recent troop ESCALATION in Iraq with the Bushism, "surge?" If you're going to tell "them" to tell it like it is, perhaps you should start with yourself, or hire a better proof editor.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Dave Stone — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:04:16 GMT

Another call for political boldness. Yeah, right. Those bemoaning cowardice among our politicians will be the first to be offended at the next declarative statement and will be the first to seek grief counseling. I don't blame our politicians. They're merely responding to the wishes of the citizens. The citizens demand that every day be sunny. They don't want the truth, so why give it to them.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Gary Lewey, Las Vegas, Nevada — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:07:48 GMT

WAR Overview: The classic definition of war must be revised. We have the technological power to not make it an organized conflict between two or more groups that involve large number of individuals. Simple solution: No matter what the issue, be it range from terrorism, sovereignty, territory, resources, religion, ideology, etc. a surgical elimination of the head of the instigating government is all that is needed. Simply make it clear that anyone supporting an issue contrary to humanity will be removed. No troops, occupation, or millions in material and resources.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Austen, Laguna Beach, Ca — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:08:43 GMT

i absolutely agree. these apologies are getting worse every election period about what ever poloticians do wrong. tell them to suck it up and start saying what they mean so the dont have to clean up an unnecessary mess. this is the U.S. we are aloud to say what we want to a certain extent

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Hiroshi Ueha, Irvine, CA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:11:22 GMT

Yiu can see that all politicians are not honest regardless hwat party they belong. How many more our soldiers and innoncent iraq citizen lives and billios of billions of our tax money have to be wasted before some politcians say enough is enough. It is very sad that american people and many media can't see the war was immoral and illegal from the beginning. Can you see Bush and his govenment is detroying our nation and its value and what it stands for.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Dianna Little Susanville Calif — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:11:48 GMT

Say what you mean and mean what you say...too many thin skinned folks out there just don't get the idea of freedom of speech and honesty. I have my only child who the Marines just deployed last month to Iraq and I'd hate to think his patriotism is wasted. God bless our troops......oh my, is making reference to God not politically incorrect?

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Beverly J Raffaele — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:15:00 GMT

The politicians pander and they hold their fingers to the wind. A slip with their languade and they start back peddling from the truth into a lie. It makes it hard to vote, but I will try and wade through all the crap and do my civic duty... always.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Mario Normil, Boston, MA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:18:42 GMT

Our soldiers lives were/are wasted in all honesty, both Senators are very intelligent men and in my opinion they meant to use that exact word; wasted. the lives of our boys in WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam for the most part, Grenada, Panama, and Somalia were sacrficed. They fought to promote democracy, protect American freedom, save American lives, and save the world from communism and fascism. In Iraq they die to protect the interests of MNCs (multi-national corporations) and scores of others who benefit from the gruesome business of warfare and of oil/enegergy. Sacrificed in my humble opinion simply means one dies for a cause more valuable than life itself, and wasted means that our brave men and women died for a cause that is significantly less valuable than their lives were. I.E, if one dies protecting his/her loved one(s) that is a sacrifice, but if one dies in order to increase Halliburton's influence that is wasted. The latter is akin to succumbing to a heroin overdose at a South American brothel; WASTED WASTED AND WASTED LIFE.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Mel — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:24:43 GMT

For the high crime of lying to start this war, and bu doing so, wasting the lives of our troops; first Cheney, then Bush, should both be Impeached.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Marty and Karen Zwerling, Roseville, CA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:25:49 GMT

My wife and I wholeheartedly agree that these lives have been wasted as can readily be seen in the word's definition. Unfortunately politicians, whether they be Democrats, Republicans or other, will always say what they believe is politically expedient. They rarely, if ever, will verbalize their "true" beliefs or feelings. And so goes the American political system, down the drain.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Bob Stewart — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:48:46 GMT

The friends and families of those who died in Iraq would understandably be upset if they came to a realization that their loved ones' lives were wasted or, put another way, that their loved ones "died in vain." So, here's a quick scenario: someone comes home from the war, having been involved in building many buildings, roads, . . . , whatever, in Iraq. Once he or she is home, this person crosses the street, and a car runs over and kills the person. Did this person now "die in vain"? Or, if you dedicate your life to building a fantastic home, only to have a tornado or earthquake destroy it, was all that work you did "wasted"? I'm not sure what the right word to use would be, but the war in Iraq was certainly a mistake. We shouldn't have gone in without the support of the rest of the world. And, I don't know if I'm the only one who seems to remember this, but Saddam was complying (relunctantly, yes, and very slowly, yes) with President Bush's demands concerning the destruction of his weapons and missiles. Bush, however, acted like the robot cop during the boardroom scene on "Robocop", when the guy put the gun down, but the robot cop still kept insisting that he put the gun down or else. Bush was stuck on destruct mode. There were no weapons of mass destruction because the Weapons Inspectors, who did an extremely thourough search, did not find any. (I honestly don't know what our congresspeople were thinking; hello?!) My last sentence illustrates the whole point here: If you are a politician, don't worry about whether you get to be President or not; worry about telling the truth. The truth may hurt you. People may vote against you if you tell the truth. But you must tell the truth. There's nothing wrong with being careful with your words, but there is something wrong with fabricating stuff. Tell the truth!! Will not having a truthful politician leading our nation hurt us? Yes. But if we are so afraid of the truth that we vote against someone who tells it, we get what we deserve, even if that destroys our nation. We are so busy shopping for crap at Walmart, hearing about every little bit of nonesense concerning Anna Nicole Smith, and getting brainwashed at megachurches that we don't turn a critical, educated eye to what's happening with our nation and the world. This will certainly destroy our democracy, if it hasn't already. We will be (or already are) a shell of what we could be, of what we should be. Come on, people! Before complaining too much about the politicians that we have, let's do something about the type of voters that we are! Get educated! Look at things critically! And get out and vote!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Atiba Senghor, Hollywood, Florida — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 05:01:28 GMT

The war in Iraq is indeed a waste of human lives (both American and Iraqi). It is time U.S. presidents stop displaying this maverick attitude towards other countries. The world has changed, attitudes have changed, and the approach to warfare has changed. Any president who deliberately falsifies information to create a war will end up wasting lives and deserves to be impeached! This is exactly what Bush did. Come on Americans....open your eyes!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Ann Myers, San Antonio TX — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 05:01:56 GMT

In my local newspaper, today I read a statement from a young man severely wounded in the early days of the war in Iraq. He said he was wounded protecting the rights and freedoms of this country and one of them was the freedom of speech. Now it seems that any word spoken in public is fair game for interpretation by the media . . . even when it is easy to understand what is meant by the context in which the word is used. Please, let's encourage our leaders to say what they really think rather than what they think is needed to make them look good.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Lovie Perry from Honolulu Hawaii — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 05:40:11 GMT

Spin cycle is right, as a veteran and an American who can we trust? We are all mistaken from time to time. My thoughts are, If you want to take over as Commander and Cheif, than this is it, there has been innocent blood spilt and are you ready and capable to clean it up? and if so, you better not be wasting your time or mine time.....

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Murray Ukraine — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:44:16 GMT

America's servicepeoples lives were sacrificed through the incompetence of a wasteful US military policy. Former Viet Nam Era soldier now living abroad in country more free than the USA if using a libertarian or democracy (Jeffersonian) index.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Vickie Allison — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 07:48:49 GMT

The answer to this issue is to be found in The Declaration of Independence. “When in the Course of human events . . . We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes;” (e.g. This Administration’s term in office) “and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.” (Newton’s Law - an object at rest, will remain at rest, unless acted upon by an external force) “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, IT IS THEIR RIGHT, IT IS THEIR DUTY, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain” (or in our case George W. Bush of Crawford, Texas) “is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.” I submit that; it is the DUTY of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, to throw off such Government as our Declaration of Independence instructs us to do. Most of our government is broken, but it does have in its design a system of IMPEACHMENT to address the circumstances we are faced with today. That part of our governments design will also be broken if it is circumvented and not used.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Joan Barton, Inverness, FL — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:11:52 GMT

I think it is time to cut through all the verbiage and all the tricky headlines in order to address the truth: THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SHEEP! We elect (or think we elect) a President and Senate and Congress. Do they carry out the will of the people? Not so far as I've seen. Is it the will of the people to have young people die because a war is good for big business? Is it the will of the people to have young people lose their limbs because they are in the middle of a civil war thousands of miles from home, where no weapons of mass destruction were ever found nor will be found -- and they lose their lives and limbs often due to not being equipped with proper arms and armor? Is it the will of the people to allow the decision makers to exempt their own families from serving in this war? Is it the will of the people to allow the decision makers to live by another standard entirely? They don't have to worry about Social Security -- they don't even partake of Social Security. They have voted themselves their very own retirement fund and have secured perfect medical coverage and will be paid their salaries from now until eternity. I digress, but can no one see that sheep are led to slaughter? We are being led -- by the govt, by that part of the media that is controlled by the govt, and by our own stupidity or wishful thinking -- we are being led to the slaughter, both abroad and at home -- and we have no one to blame but ourselves. When will we wake up and demand good government? We appear to be doomed...

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Robert Kubit, Pittsburgh, Pa. — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 13:42:34 GMT

Why aren't we all honest and state the truth: President Bush,Dick Cheney, and others, by invading a country (Iraq)for reasons that have proven to be untrue, wasted the lives of those who went to Iraq and are continuing to waste lives.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Tom Devol, Zanesville, Ohio — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 14:52:48 GMT

Let's get something straight: we are supposed to be the land of the free, right? Then why do we have to be so careful of what we say? Senators Obama an McCain were right in their choice of words: The loss of life in Iraq fighting President Bush's personal war has been nothing but a waste. What has it gotten us? What has it gained for the Iraqi people? And before you condemn me for being a coward, know this: I come from a family that has proudly served in the military; between my brothers and me, we have nearly fifty years of service. I don't consider any of that time serving our country wasted, but we didn't serve under an amoral idiot like Mr. Bush

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Liza Sullivan — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 15:01:48 GMT

It's a tragic truth when showmanship and posturing is forced on politicians. Maybe the truth should be said out loud, what they really meant to say is the these brave souls were murdered. By whom? Well by our babbaling Puppet of a President or course! And for what? For oil and money and power of course! Why is it that Clinton was impeached for trivial sex issues and yet lying to all the American people, The House and the Senate about a war, goes un-questioned? This is beyond belief, that in todays world the obvious goes completely ignored! It makes me sad, sick and angry, every day I watch the news and hear of more casualties dying for a war that was not only un-necessary, but a ploy for power, oil and control! Wake up, impeach Bush, and arrest him for murder! He's the one who will benefit from the oil profits, him and Cheney, we, the regular folks, just keep lining there pockets as we pay higher gas prices! Will the American people ever wake up and smell the truth!?

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

M. Brice, Chicago, Ill. — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 15:30:45 GMT

You are so absolutely right that neither one of them should have had to apologize. The one who should really apologize is Geroge Bush. Who knows what these young soldiers might have become or done with their lives had they not been so needlessly taken. The human and financial resources that we have poured into this war have indeed been wasted!

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Toni Bourlon — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:56:02 GMT

If a General sends troops into a battle that cannot possibly be won, then yes the troops lives are "wasted." Nor am I interested in "sacrificing" good people for a losing cause. I don't care about the words, I care about the results. Some American lives were "wasted" in some battles of WW2, but it was definitely NOT a losing cause, the world became a better place after that. I don't know if Iraq will come close to anything that WW2 was, it's possible that it was a symptom of a greater problem instead of the problem itself. I think many of the battles were poorly planned, and many soldiers were poorly equiped, so I don't have any problem with saying those soldiers lives were wasted. It's no disrespect to them, it's a disrespect to their inept commanders, Donald Rumsfeld, and the politicians who got us into Iraq in the first place.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Alicia Cobb, New Orleans, LA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 17:31:51 GMT

Impeach Bush and fire Chaney for their lies that took us to war and caused so many men/women to lose their lives. This is so much worse than Watergate ever was. Shame on the Bush Administration. Shame on Americans everywhere for not stopping this war. If Congress cuts the funds, they WILL bring our troops home. Not even the Bush Admin. will be able to send more or keep troops there without funding. In Vietnam, our troops did KP and all other support jobs. In this war, we pay civilian services for all support jobs. This war is lining many pockets. Like most other crimes - follow the moneytrail. We all know one corp. that has made a killing- Haliburton, but I am sure there are more. This war has not been about freedom or terrorism or even about ridding a country of an evil dictator (did we bother with Idi Amin), it is about momey - big money. I don't want to see anyone Americans killed or horribly maimed so corporations can get rich. I support the warriors but not the war. I am sad, depressed, disgusted and yet hopefull. You can't fool all of the people all of the time (per the last best Republican- Lincoln).

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

S Florance, Springfield, VA — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 18:17:35 GMT

Why does Everyone have to stop being and feeling human because of a man who was at fault in the first place for all this inhumanness of war. The person who choose for us to be there and most of all why we are still there, but George Bush. We are upset over words that people are saying instead of where a person has placed us with all this sadness. That is where our focus really needs to be, not on every inch of words an individual says and gets upset over it. What is really worth your energy words or lost of lives over war.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Jewel — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 19:51:50 GMT

I agree that Obama shouldn't have to apologize, but republicans would have paint him as being anti-troops and some Americans would agree! With McCain it's different because he is a republican and fairly or unfairly democrats are seen as being against the troops.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

S. Enriquez, Texas — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 05:43:03 GMT

Are politicians really allowed to be truthful?? People say over and over that they want them to be honest but what it comes right down to is they want them to be honest with the general view...coining the phrase "Political Correctness." They aren't allowed to agree with the President's tactics because not many believe in this war, so they disagree and gain higher public approval ratings. We can blame the media, we can blame the politicians but how about looking in our own backyards. People are quick to turn on the very person they themselves voted in to office. I voted for President Bush, do I agree with everything he's doing....No I can't say I do, BUT I will say that I will stand with him, because I first believed in him to do right by this country. We certainly believed in him after 9/11 as we watched our loved ones die needlessly. And yes the polls showed Americans agreed with our President's strategy to combat terrorism. If you believe in a democratic way of life and voting in our representatives, then you have to support whom you've elected into office. Don't waste your vote by not researching who your supporting with your vote. And stop complaining about who has been chosen... they aren't going away and it isn't going to unite this country. And maybe then....politicians will feel free to "be honest" with their views and maybe then they will take action. The Outside World Is Watching.... Lets live by what we are called U N I T E D S T A T E S!!! P.S. Lives are NEVER wasted but they are given...it's the choice these brave soldiers signed up for.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

mark poyhonen, Crivitz, Wisconsin — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:41:40 GMT

Of course they are sorry. What they want to say is, "Give me power - Bush is bad, I am good." Some politians will,(and have), said anything in order to gain power. They apologize for not being able to openly tell the populace that they want power and must disguise their ambition in messages of fear, distrust, and slander.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Mike Etten, Spokane Washington — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 19:15:48 GMT

I think maybe "wasted" is a harsh word in this context. No American soldier is a waste at all. Their lives are precious to us all as fellow countryman that love their country enough to give all their is. The "waste" may be that the country our young men and women fight to help build, maybe does not appreciate the sacrifice given for them. Our soldiers have fought to bring about a peace that may never come, and that in itself is sad - that so many die and the results remain the same and all the president can do is send more men and women there to continue this. Where is the end of this tunnel?

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Kathy Kattenburg, Belleville, New Jersey — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:12:54 GMT

I could not agree more with what Josh Mankiewicz wrote. And I haven't seen anybody else in the media say it. Whether you agree or disagree with the sentiment, there is nothing wrong with saying the Bush administration has wasted the lives of American soldiers in this war, if that's what you believe.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Steve, Vancouver, BC — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 05:01:07 GMT

To all those that are indignant over the use of the word wasted just remember where it came from; it was the troops themselves in Vietnam who first used the term - along with others like 'greased' and 'scattered' (ie, 'he got greased' or 'his shit got scattered to the wind') - to describe what many came to see as the essentially pointless deaths of their fellow soldiers in that war.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Fred, New York, NY — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 03:29:59 GMT

Tom Englehardt has a moving essay that strongly reinforces and amplifies Josh Mankiewicz's point, on his TomDispatch blog at http://www.tomdispatch.com/index.mhtml?pid=171859.

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain, why apologize for honesty?

Kathy Austin, Denver, CO — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 01:34:15 GMT

What this country needs is someone who can say it like it is and not apologize for it.

After all, was it not Churchill who said "A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen."

There was really no need to apologize.