McCain rejects his own admissions, denies ignorance on the economy

Earlier this year, in a nationally televised debate, Tim Russert confronted John McCain with some of his inconvenient admissions: “You have said repeatedly, ‘I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues.'” McCain was incredulous and dismissive, “Actually, I don’t know where you got that quote from.”

Soon after, McCain appeared on “Meet the Press,” and Russert returned to the subject and responded to McCain’s slight — “I got [the quote] from John McCain” — and highlighted McCain’s record of admissions about economic ignorance. “OK,” McCain said, no longer able to deny reality, “Let me tell you what I was trying to say and what I meant.”

This morning, in a disconcerting example of dishonesty, McCain went back to pretending his quote collection doesn’t exist.

For those who can’t watch clips online, ABC’s Robin Roberts prefaced a question about economics, telling McCain, “You have admitted that you’re not exactly an expert when it comes to the economy and many have said…” At that point, McCain interrupted: “I have not. I have not. Actually, I have not. I said that I am stronger on national security issues because of all the time I spent in the military. I’m very strong on the economy. I understand it.”

I know it’s best to be cautious about throwing around words like “lie,” but McCain has been confronted with his own remarks on multiple occasions. He knows what he’s admitted, and has been asked to explain his comments. What Roberts said was obviously and demonstrably true — McCain has admitted that he’s “not exactly an expert when it comes to the economy.”

Why would McCain appear on national television and say something he knows to be false? Given his emphasis, especially lately, on honesty in the campaign, why take the risk by lying like this?



Not only does it bring McCain’s character into question when he makes obviously false claims, but it merely serves as another opportunity to remind folks about McCain’s own admissions:

* Seeking to explain his shift to the left on economic issues, McCain claimed: “I didn’t pay nearly the attention to those issues in the past. I was probably a ‘supply-sider’ based on the fact that I really didn’t jump into the issue.” [Jan. 2000] * “I’m going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated.” [Nov. 2005] * “The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should,” but “I’ve got Greenspan’s book.” [Dec. 2007]

Even one of his top campaign advisors has admitted that McCain has made these comments. Why deny what is plainly true?

What’s more, in addition to the lie about his rhetorical record, it’s worth noting that McCain’s admissions happen to be accurate. He’s demonstrated over and over again that when it comes to economics, McCain is painfully confused.

McCain told an audience earlier this year, “Every time in history we have raised taxes it has cut revenues.” As a matter of reality, McCain was talking gibberish.

A few days prior, at a Republican debate, McCain said, “I don’t believe we’re headed into a recession. I believe the fundamentals of this economy are strong and I believe they will remain strong.” He then reversed course, said the fundamentals of the economy aren’t strong, and inexplicably blamed government spending for creating an economic decline that he didn’t believe existed

He also recently told a national television audience that he’s “glad” when interest rates fall, and “wishes interest rates were zero,” which really doesn’t make any sense.

Since then, McCain has badly flubbed economic tests on energy, the deficit, poverty, and Social Security.

Look, I realize this must be embarrassing for McCain. He’s admitted to not understanding economics, and then went about proving how right he is. But that’s no reason for McCain to go on “Good Morning America” and lie about what he’s said.

It’s all right for a candidate to spin his or her record, but bogus denials are likely to cause a campaign trouble.