McCain aide misspeaks, senator distances self from remarks

Heard what Charlie Black has had to say recently? Mr Black’s an adviser to presumptive Republican nominee John McCain.

The gist of it is this: that a terrorist attack on the United States in the months leading up to November would boost Senator McCain’s campaign.

Of course, Sen McCain quickly repudiated the comments: “I cannot imagine why he would say it. It’s not true. I’ve worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear.”

Let’s face it though — Charlie Black knew what he was saying is, to an extent, true. There are multiple versions as to how this may be true — the BBC’s Justin Webb believes that the terrorists would want a McCain presidency for certain reasons (funny, wasn’t Senator McCain saying at one stage Hamas would like Barack Obama in office?).

Charlie Black is right to an extent, in my view. An attack would serve McCain’s campaign by giving him a chance to show off his much-touted experience. Whether it would benefit Senator McCain’s campaign is another matter. And indeed, these remarks haven’t.