thinkprogress.org/2008/03/09/chalabi-mccain/

One of his key backers has been John McCain, who was one of the first patrons of Chalabi’s grand-sounding International Committee for a Free Iraq when it was founded in 1991. McCain was Chalabi’s favored candidate in the 2000 election since Chalabi knew that he would be able to free up the $97 million in military aid plus millions pushed through in Congress and earmarked for Chalabi’s exile group, the Iraqi National Congress, but held up by the Clinton State Department.

Sources familiar with the situation said the Bush-McCain event was not selling enough tickets to fill the Convention Center space, and that there were concerns about more anti-war protesters showing up outside the venue than attending the fundraiser inside.

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/mobile/stories/2008/05/19/daily77.html?surro

best youtube I’ve seen on McSame

“SHOW ME THE MONEY!”
John McCain sacked for choosing football money over veterans’ education

WASHINGTON - Senator John McCain failed to show up for a vote on an amendment that included the 21st Century GI Bill, offered by Senators Jim Webb and Chuck Hagel, instead choosing to raise money in California, including events sponsored by San Diego Chargers owner Alex Spanos.

Fortunately, the GI Bill passed, but McCain’s absence from the important debate irked Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

“We’re certainly pleased that the GI Bill has passed and now will likely go to the President, but disappointed that Senator McCain put his own coffers ahead of this crucial debate, and chose not to vote,” said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org. “Senator McCain knows how tough things are for those fighting in Iraq, and when they get home. All of us would love to spend time getting money and talking football. But, sometimes there are more important things to do in life. This is one of those times when Senator McCain could have showed some leadership by canceling his events and heading back to DC for this debate.”

VoteVets.org is a pro-military organization committed to the destruction of terror networks around the world, with force when necessary. It represents the Voice of America’s 21 Century Patriots - those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. It primarily focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on behalf of troops, veterans and their families.

After Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) criticized McCain’s opposition to the bill yesterday, McCain went on the attack, first in a lengthy and vitriolic press release and then in a press conference, during which he insisted that he had the support of “literally every veterans organization” in the country:
I believe that I have earned the right to speak out on veterans’ issues. As a matter of fact I received the highest award from literally every veteran’s organization in America. I don’t know if the American people will judge Senator Obama as to whether he has military experience or not, but they may judge him as to whether he has experience and knowledge to make the judgment necessary to care for the veterans.
In fact, his stance against the GI bill not only places him squarely in the minority of the Senate, but puts him in opposition to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The recognition McCain has received from veterans groups is not “high awards” but failing grades:
— Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)
– Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)
– In a list of “Key Votes,” Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain “Voted Against Us” 15 times and “Voted For Us” only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)
McCain frequently cites his own experience as a POW in Vietnam as the ultimate evidence of his dedication to his fellow veterans. Unfortunately, his record belies his rhetoric.

Where was John?
by BarbinMD
Fri May 23, 2008 at 08:00:02 AM PDT

As reported here and elsewhere, while John McCain had time to throw a hissy-fit yesterday, he couldn’t find time in his busy schedule to show up in Washington to vote for funding his favorite war or to attend the confirmation hearing for the guy in charge of that war.

Instead he spent the day fundraising in California, giving supporters in Atherton the chance to have their picture taken with him for a mere $25,000. And if you’re going to charge $25,000 for a photo, Atherton is the place to go…medium income, more than $200,000, average home, $1 million plus, more than 85% white…definitely much more worthwhile than worrying about educational benefits for veterans, food stamps, heating assistance for the poor, levee repairs in New Orleans, and so on.

Of course McCain did oppose the Webb bill (and God knows there were no food stamp recipients lobbying him), so shoring up his less than stellar fund raising rather than showing up for work to vote “no” on veteran’s benefits made a lot of sense. For John McCain.