Andrew Sullivan Isn't Letting CROSSGATE Go

[berni_mccoy]

In "Salter On The Cross Story" ( http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/08/salter-on-the-c.html )

He shows how Salter's accounting of McCain's recollection contradict Robert Timberg's accounting ( the man who wrote "The Nightingale's Song", a book about THREE of McCain's Christmas times as a POW, including the one in question).

He also destroys Orson Swindle's verification of the story in "McCain Responds" (http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/08/mccain-responds.html ):

Here is how Swindle describes it to Byron York:
"I vaguely recall that story being told, among other stories."

Convinced? The answer as to why McCain never mentioned this in his first account or for a quarter century since and didn't even recall it when asked to recount memories of three separate Christmases in captivity is dismissed with the usual gambit:

This story is now being picked up by CNN and other MSM because McCain was FORCED to respond. Why? Because of the Blogosphere. Don't let them make you think this is over. Swindle is CAMPAIGNING for McCain and his defense is WEAK!

It's in this MSM now. This is a BLOG WAR!

[C_U_L8R]

1. They should go ask the guards

I bet they have fond recollections of McCrash

[thereismore]

3. Yes, by all means, send someone to VietNam and get those testimonies! nt

[JackORoses]

2. Right Arm!!! Sullivan is quickly becoming my favorite rehabilitated Bush voter

[pennylane100]

4. Score one for the good guys.

[Spazito]

5. I must admit, Sullivan is impressing the hell out of me on this....

and I agree with his stated reasons for examining this question further. It goes to the heart of political expediency lies.

[JackORoses]

6. Sullivan knows that this is much more powerful than Cone-gate

McCain lied about his POW experience.
He has damaged his most valuable asset.
If the people are made aware of this, McCain's campaign is through.

[Spazito]

7. That certainly is my take, too, re this being powerful....

McCain and his campaign have only ONE leg to stand on and that is the 'unassailable POW John McCain' and once that is in question their whole strategy collapses, imo.

[JackORoses]

8. Attack McCain's strength and he will be left floundering

[berni_mccoy]

9. It's What Rove Would Do.

[JackORoses]

10. except Rove would base his attack on lies

McCain has given us real ammunition to use.

[berni_mccoy]

11. True. We're using McCain's own lies (and now Orson Swindle's) against him.

[gordianot]

12. If McCain was so moved by this why doesn't he try to find the guard?

He could then thank him publicly for affirming his faith in a time of need, after all he met the villager who pulled him out of the water and he sort of got a hug. Saying thank you would make good theater. Maybe the guard also read about the gesture of the cross in the sand?

[kristyt]

13. Unless You Have Evidence He Lied, Just Drop It

That was the whole point of the dumbass story; it can't be verified and brings up his POW status.

It's a honeypot if I've ever seen one. Leave it be.

[berni_mccoy]

15. Please, worry about your own self.

[Spazito]

16. Disagree, the question is valid....

and his POW status does not make him sacrosanct no matter how hard the repubs try to make it so.

[AtomicKitten]

14. I'm content to have Sullivan drive this puppy home. Obama needs to stay upwind from this.