Rubin Smears McCain

In the Washington Post, James Rubin writes an advocacy "article" for Obama, smearing John McCain and misrepresenting what McCain actually says about talking to the terrorist group Hamas.

Last night, SkyNews posted the entire video of Rubin's interview with McCain. The SkyNews video clearly shows that the craftily edited version of the interview Rubin published in yesterday's Post is misleading at best:

Jamie Rubin: “Do you think that American diplomats should be operating the way they have been in the past, in working with the Palestinian government if Hamas is in now charge?”

Sen. John McCain: “They’re the government and sooner or later we‘re going to have to deal with them in one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas is because of their dedication to violence and the things they not only espouse but practice, so, but it’s a new reality in the Middle East. And I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and a decent future then they want democracy. Fatah was not giving them that.”

Rubin: “So should the United States be dealing with that new reality through normal diplomatic contacts to get the job done for the United States?”

Sen. McCain: “I think the United States should take a step back, see what they do when they form their government, see what their policies are, and see the ways that we can engage with them, and if there aren’t any, there may be a hiatus. But I think part of the relationship is going to be dictated by how Hamas acts, not how the United States acts.”

That is much different than the way Rubin reported the interview in the Post:

McCain answered: "They're the government; sooner or later we are going to have to deal with them, one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas because of their dedication to violence and the things that they not only espouse but practice, so . . . but it's a new reality in the Middle East. I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and decent future, that they want democracy. Fatah was not giving them that."

John McCain absolutely did not advocate unconditional engagement with Hamas. Rubin edited his follow-up question so that it misrepresented McCain's clear statement that any actions would be “dictated by how Hamas acts, not how the United States acts.”

The interview released by SkyNews is consistent with other public comments and interviews made by McCain during the same time period:

After The Palestinian Election, John McCain Said In A Statement That "Hamas Is Not A Partner For Peace So Long As They Advocate The Overthrow Of Israel."

"In the wake of yesterday's Palestinian elections, Hamas must change itself fundamentally - renounce violence, abandon its goal of eradicating Israel and accept the two-state solution. These elections are evidence that democracy is indeed spreading in the Middle East, but Hamas is not a partner for peace so long as they advocate the overthrow of Israel." (Office Of U.S. Senator John McCain, "Sen. McCain Reacts To Palestinian Election," Press Release, 1/26/06.)

From Davos, John McCain Says Hamas Must Renounce Its Commitment To The Extinction Of The State Of Israel. CNN'S BETTY NGUYEN:

"All right, let's shift over to the global front. The Bush administration is reviewing all aspects of U.S. aid to the Palestinians now that Hamas has won the elections. And I do have to quote you here. A State Department spokesman did say this: 'To be very clear' – and I'm quoting now – 'we do not provide money to terrorist organizations.' What does this do to the U.S. relationship with the Palestinians?" MCCAIN: "Well, hopefully, that Hamas now that they are going to govern, will be motivated to renounce this commitment to the extinction of the state of Israel. Then we can do business again, we can resume aid, we can resume the peace process." (CNN's "Saturday Morning News," 1/28/06.)

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux: "Straight Talk For Hamas By U.S. Senator John McCain." SEN. JOHN MCCAIN:

"Hopefully that Hamas, now that they are going to govern, will be motivated to renounce this commitment to the extinction of the State of Israel. Then we can do business again." CNN'S SUZANNE MALVEAUX: "Straight talk for Hamas by U.S. Senator John McCain." (CNN's "Live Saturday," 1/28/06.)

So why would James Rubin lie about what Senator McCain actually said? Well, Rubin is a political operative for the Democrats. He worked for President Clinton as chief spokesman for Madeleine K. Albright. In addition Rubin worked for the presidential campaigns of several Democrats including General Wesley Clark, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton.

Now that SkyNews has released the video of the Rubin's interview, which shows Rubin's "misrepresentation," the Washington Post should retract the article and apologize for Rubin's lies.

Let the Washington Post know what you think about the failure to get this story right. Write Fred Hiatt, the editorial page editor of the Washington Post - [email protected] or Deborah Howell, the Post Ombudsman - [email protected].

We cannot have a civil and respectful campaign about the important issues facing the country if the papers, don't insist that the articles the papers publish accurately reflect what the candidates say.

Comments

[fouse, gary c]

If I am not mistaken, ins't Rubin the husband of Christiane Amanpour?