Bloggers' call with Sen. John McCain

I just had the pleasure of participating in a blogger's call sponsored by Patrick Hynes of American spectator with Sen. John McCain, who's also been in the media this morning explaining to the American public the consequences of the Democrat's horrible bill by which they are bribing their own members through pork to limit funding for the troops in Iraq and setting time limits for troop withdrawals.

Sen McCain suggested that Pres. Bush read the list of pork to the American people.

He also stated, "Yes, we lost in Viet Nam, but they didn't follow us home. Is there anybody who doesn't believe that this [war] is not part of the gigantic struggle between ourselves and radical Islamic extremism? That's the huge difference."

As to the 15 British troops held hostage by the Iranians, the Senator didn't mince words,

"This kidnapping has upped the ante. It should serve as a cautionary tale, particularly with Israel. It should send a wake-up call to our friends in Europe, the UN... this is a radical group of very dangerous people. Weakness in Iraq reflects all around the world, particularly in the Middle East.

The US should do an examination of all options, and also make clear that we will not allow Iran to destroy Israel."

More at The Corner

Update: Others blogging on the call:
Granite Grok
David All Group
Ooutside the beltway
Eye on 08
Matt Lewis from Townhall Blog
NY Sun Politics, who asked,

McCain-Feingold having had its five-year anniversary yesterday, and with so much campaign activity on YouTube and elsewhere on the Web these days, do we need new regulations to ensure transparency?

The senator's answer fell short of unequivocal, but he essentially said he'd be quite skeptical of the need for any new Internet-related campaign-finance controls.

"I'd be very reluctant," Mr. McCain said. "I think, clearly, it's added a whole new dimension to informing the American people. … This is what we want to happen."

"Young Americans are really profiting by this," Mr. McCain added, as the Internet is aiding their getting more involved in politics. "I think it's a marvelous change."

He reiterated, the short answer to my question: "No."

While this is certainly the answer conservative bloggers — including this one — would want to hear, the issue will bear close observation

American Spectator

Update 2 Sen. McCain has an on-line petition
(h/t Cassandra