McCain Denounces Comments Made By Talk Show Host at Political Rally

By Joe Vardon, The Blade, Toledo, Ohio

CINCINNATI -- A right-wing talk show host three times invoked Sen. Barack Obama's middle name while speaking at a rally for GOP presidential candidate John McCain in Cincinnati Tuesday.

Bill Cunningham, a nationally syndicated talk show host based in Cincinnati, said "at some point the media will quit taking sides in this thing and start covering Barack Hussein Obama the same way they cover Bush, the same way they cover Cheney, and the same way they cover every Republican."

Mr. Cunningham used Mr. Obama's middle name later in his speech while making light of Mr. Obama's pledge to meet with leaders of enemy nations. He also repeatedly bashed mainstream media, telling the crowd that "the mainstream media is not your friend."

Mr. Cunningham was followed by former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, who introduced Mr. McCain to a crowd of about 500 at the Hamilton County Memorial Hall.

Following his own speech, Mr. McCain met with reporters and denounced Mr. Cunningham's comments.

"I've repeatedly stated my respect for Senator Obama and Senator Clinton, that I will treat them with respect," Mr. McCain said. "I regret that these comments were made about two honorable Americans. I want to disassociate myself from these disparaging remarks."Mr. McCain also said it was not appropriate to use Mr. Obama's middle name."I absolutely repudiate those comments," Mr. McCain said.

Mr. McCain said he didn't know Mr. Cunningham was asked to speak, but the Republican presidential hopeful said he takes responsibility caused by any offense caused by the radio show host's remarks.

Mr. Obama got his middle name from his father, the late Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., who was from Kenya.

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