McCain aide says he regrets terrorism comments

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

June 24, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - John McCain distanced himself yesterday from a top adviser who said another terrorist attack on U.S. soil this election year would benefit the Republican presidential candidate.

Barack Obama's campaign called the comment a "complete disgrace."

Charlie Black, an adviser already in the spotlight for his past lobbying work, is quoted in the upcoming July 7 edition of Fortune magazine as saying that such an attack "certainly would be a big advantage to him."

Black said yesterday he regretted the comment.

Black is also quoted as saying the "unfortunate event" of the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto earlier this year "helped us."

Questioned about Black's comments during a news conference, McCain said, "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," McCain said. "My record is very clear."

Citing his work to establish a commission to investigate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, as well as his membership on the Senate Armed Services Committee, McCain added: "I cannot imagine it, and so, if he said that - and I don't know the context - I strenuously disagree."

In a statement, Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, "The fact that John McCain's top adviser says that a terrorist attack on American soil would be a 'big advantage' for their political campaign is a complete disgrace, and is exactly the kind of politics that needs to change."

Black, interviewed by reporters as he stood outside McCain's fundraiser, said: "I deeply regret the comments. They were inappropriate. I recognize that John McCain has devoted his entire adult life to protecting his country and placing its security before every other consideration."