Rockefeller Apologizes to McCain

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Posted: 4:16 PM Apr 8, 2008
Last Updated: 4:16 PM Apr 8, 2008
Reporter: Scott Saxton
Email Address: scott.saxton@wsaz.com

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WASHINGTON D.C. (WSAZ) -- United States Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) issued an apology to fellow Senator John McCain (R-AZ) Tuesday. McCain is the presumptive presidential nominee for the Republican party.

In an interview published in today's Charleston Gazette, Rockfeller said, "McCain was a fighter pilot, who dropped laser-guided missiles from 35,000 feet. He was long gone when they hit. What happened when they get to the ground? He doesn't know. You have to care about the lives of people. McCain never gets into those issues."

Tuesday afternoon, Rockefeller issued a statement saying he called McCain to apologize.

“I have deep respect for John McCain’s honorable and noble service to our country. I made an inaccurate and wrong analogy and I have extended my sincere apology to him. While we differ a great deal on policy issues, I profoundly respect and appreciate his dedication to our country, and I regret my very poor choice of words,” Rockefeller said.

Rockefeller's release states that he was attempting to make the point that the person elected President needs to focus on the needs of every day people.

Senator Rockefeller has publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

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Posted by: Frank on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:44 PM
J.Rock you couldn't pack John McCain's lunch

Posted by: bring it on on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:53 PM
With the tailspin our country is in now, thanks to our great elected officials, the country folks down here are the only ones that will be able to survive. We can take care of ourselves better than the government.They stick it to us at every turn. Let's wise up come election time and vote for candidates that are not crawling out of big businesses pockets, if there are any left.

Posted by: Old Bigin on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Hay ron: They the party has always been able to controll the elections with state employees and promises of state jobs. Now with the shaft they have gotten lately plus the fact of the gas prices might be enough to change a lot of minds. Peopole are waking up when they can't afford to buy food and get to work at a job that don't pay a living wage or even have a decent health care/workers comp. ins. You know who and what i'm talking about WV.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:06 PM
C'mon people give the man a break. At least he was man enough to apologize for his ill choice of words. I don't think that he dishonored everyone that ever served in the armed forces. I can understand what he was saying. There would be a difference in the roles of the front line on the ground and a fighter pilot.

Posted by: always informed b 4 I vote on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:54 PM
If the old dems would find out just what their party stands on today they would turn republican. Old time dems would never support things like gay marriage and abortion on demand---people PLEASE see what your party is now supporting !! Vote your issues not a party that may or may not be your views. Its is no shame to do a split ticket either. WV is in bad shape and Byrd & Rockerfeller have had their time in office and not made it any better---boot them out! Send them to Mississippi

Posted by: ron on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Probablt be re-elected? Give me a break! This guy is a lifer, and he doesn't even have to campaign to win.

Posted by: Conservative taxpayer on Apr 9, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Sadly, Rockefeller will probably be re-elected. Too many people in this state are registered democrats and vote a straight ticket because their grandfathers were democrats. If they were to stop and think, their grandparents probably worked from dawn until dusk to earn everything they had. It wasn't handed to them because someone else worked hard. The democratic party today is socialist, personal responsibility is out the window. I live and vote in West Virginia, but I don't feel I am represented by any elected officials on the federal, state, or local levels. Talk about taxation without representation.

Posted by: Dwayne on Apr 9, 2008 at 02:56 PM
How dare a person who ran to VISTA and Peace Corp rather than serve his country question the service a John McCain. While McCain was being beaten and tortured Rockefller was busy buying his political future in WV by help the poor appalachians in WV.

Posted by: Rich on Apr 9, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I don't live in WVa. but I feel sorry for you residents for having to put up with a senator as loony as Rockefeller.

Posted by: Janette on Apr 9, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Mike, Rockefeller will never get re-elected on my vote or my family's either, not now not ever. We don't forget and can't be bought. We will be there to vote too ! If I am the only vote against him I will be able to sleep at night knowing i'm not apart of this downfall of America ! That goes for Old Bomber too...

Posted by: Tess on Apr 9, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Eric, your post was so good, I hope you don't mind if I repost it for you. Posted by: Eric Nordstrom on Apr 9, 2008 at 06:10 AM I hope you all realize that each of your candidates need to apologize and beg for mercy to the American people. They have spent America into financial oblivion. I realize that you are brainwashed and no amount of reason will convince you otherwise. All I ask is that when our economy crashes, you need to remember you had an opportunity to save the nation. Vote for your nation. Vote for the constitution. Vote Ron Paul. http://ronpaul2008.com

Posted by: mike on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Matt, Rockefeller will be re-elected no prob.

Posted by: Beth on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:19 AM
The senator from WV just insulted the integrity of every American service man and woman. The personal insult to Senator McCain is outrageous. I hope the good voters of the beautiful state of WV remember this jerk come the next election and give him the boot.

Posted by: Janette on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Even the sight of this makes me feel the urge to puke, Buster you know what you're talking about..

Posted by: Doug on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Rockefeller apologize, who cares what the Captitalist, Tyrant pig says. This just goes to show how important it is not to vote in a president, that this kind of people endorses. He is becoming an embarresment to the Obama campeign is why they told him to apologize, they just want his money now and will have to do what he says later. Everyone knows that Rockefeller spent a lot of money buying his way into WV, a place where votes could be bought at that time. Look at the truth, Vote for our only real change Hillary. Then everyone will have a chance to consider McCain in the fall. Your American way of life is at stake here and the future of your children.! !

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:23 AM
lay off people,jay is a great senator,and represents wv. very well

Posted by: Debbie on Apr 9, 2008 at 10:20 AM
As well he should apologize. He was a a fighter pilot, what does Rockefeller think they do? I may not be real pro McCain for president, but I have the utmost respect for him.

Posted by: Joe on Apr 9, 2008 at 08:00 AM
What has Rockefeller done for his country? His family has racked billions over the years. What a hypocrite. Rockefeller was a Republican that carpet bagged to West Virginia as a democrat because he knew he could throw some pennies to the poor and they would worship him...

Posted by: Eric Nordstrom on Apr 9, 2008 at 06:10 AM
I hope you all realize that each of your candidates need to apologize and beg for mercy to the American people. They have spent America into financial oblivion. I realize that you are brainwashed and no amount of reason will convince you otherwise. All I ask is that when our economy crashes, you need to remember you had an opportunity to save the nation. Vote for your nation. Vote for the constitution. Vote Ron Paul. http://ronpaul2008.com

Posted by: Matt on Apr 9, 2008 at 02:12 AM
He is gone next election anyway. You don't endorse "the Obama" and expect your loyal voters to support you again. Same goes for Rahall. Truth is I would rather vote for a woman than Obama, and thats not saying much. McCain will be our next President. This will teach the Democrats to run two candidates who are as unliky to be elected President as the Man in the Moon.

Posted by: Buster on Apr 8, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Would someone, anyone please run against this man. He Moves to west virginia, Changes partys, spends more money on an election than anyone in history and it still takes him two tries to get elected. Someone please tell me one thing he's done for W. Virginians. Where does his family call home in Wv? Anyone know?

Posted by: Rob on Apr 8, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Senator Rockefeller, Please resign now!!No wonder people look at West Virginians the way they do. The rest of the United States just shakes their heads and wonders why we elect the people we do.

Posted by: patriot on Apr 8, 2008 at 10:39 PM
WV deserves exactly what we get. This is only half of the reason we are last in everything that can possibly be measured. The other half of the reason is Robert Byrd. All he is interested in is making sure his name is on everything possible. WAKE UP PEOPLE OF WV!!!! NOW!!! Jay obviously did not have the guts to serve his country. He let his family forturne buy his way out of service just like it bought him into politics. Our two senators make me want to puke. Jay should have done us all a favor and stayed in NY!!!This is just another reason why we should have term limits in Washington!!!!

Posted by: Mandy on Apr 8, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Mr. Rockefeller should be proud and thankful that there are people like John McCain in this country that are not afraid to defend it. I am increasingly ashamed of the politicians from this state. What they say in public reflects nothing that I believe or stand for. Unfortunately, until a person can get elected based on merit, and not based on how rich they are, i'm afraid this is all that we have to look forward to.

Posted by: Rebecca on Apr 8, 2008 at 08:01 PM
I think Sen. Rockefeller needs to rethink the role of the military. Sen. McCain, then a fighter pilot, did his job by dropping the bombs that Sen. Rockefeller mentioned. However, just because a pilot drops bombs doesn't mean that they don't care about people. It is unfortunate but war has been and continues to be a horrible necessity at times. Whether or not you agree with the Vietnam War or not, Sen. McCain's service, as a Naval fighter pilot, was above and beyond. If you want to support another candidate for President, Sen. Rockefeller, so be it. It is because of those willing and ready to put it on the line that you are able to exercise your democratic rights in this country. I'm glad there was an apology but the comment was distasteful. Why don't we all stick to the issues at hand this election year and leave the unnecessary personal attacks based on poor opinions of our brave military personnel out of it.

Posted by: John on Apr 8, 2008 at 07:07 PM
This also reveals that Rockefeller does not know what he is talking about. Laser guided bombs were not around during the Vietnam War. The level of stupidity of our US Senators is astounding. Where did Jay spend 5 years? Not at the Hanoi Hilton. While veteran status does not qualify or disqualify one for the office. It is something to be RESPECTED, wheather you agree or disagree with the person. Rockefeller should have kept his mouth shut about McCains service. McCain is not the Republican candidate I would have selected, but Hell will freeze before I bad mouth his sacrifice for this country. What does Jay know about the plight of the average US citizen? Oil made his family wealthy. Big Oil. His family was behind Standard Oil. So the next time you talk about oil men, remember who is an oil man.

Posted by: jtb on Apr 8, 2008 at 06:44 PM
rockfellar is a parasitehe makes me wanna puke even if i hear his name, why do the people of wv keep putting him back in office is way beyond me where was JAY when mccain was in vietnam you can bet your bottom dollar he didnt go probally hid behind some politician or his millions jusy what has he done for the people of wv someone please tell me

Posted by: don on Apr 8, 2008 at 05:48 PM
CAN'T BEAT ON HILL ANY MORE SO HE DECIDES TO TAKE A SWIPE AT McCAIN ! WHAT A JOKE WV IS EVEN OUR/WHO'S SENATOR.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 8, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Just one more black mark on WV in the nations spotlight. What's sad is we backwoods hillbillies keep sending him & Byrd back to DC

Posted by: Me on Apr 8, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Show your true colors Jay, thanks for reminding me not to vote for you, or your bumbling cohort Byrd. Its time for a change. The wealthies man in the government that made his money off of oil. Another point dems don't realize yet are fast to bash W over oil. They don't represent me in no way, so time to go away

Posted by: Frank on Apr 8, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Nice first step Senator. Now all you have to do is apologize to about 900,000 West Virginians.

Posted by: Sabrina on Apr 8, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Did the inept senator not remember that McCain spent 5 1/2 years as a POW, so I would assume that, yes, he does know what it is like on the ground. I would think he knows all too well. I'm sorry, what war did Rockefeller fight in as military personnel--that's what I thought! I am not a history buff, never claimed to be one, but did they have laser-guided missiles in Vietnam? Senator Rockefeller you are really starting to embarrass your state. Yes, I am embarrassed that a man of this caliber has been elected by my state since 1984, but proud to say that he has never received my vote, nor will he ever! WV it's time to show Rockefeller we are sick & tired of his lackluster performance as our senator--if he would spend less time criticizing John McCain & more time doing what he is elected to do, our state may be in better shape than it's in now! Further more, what would our elected senator know about the needs of every day people, he did buy his vote in this state with his MILLIONS!

Posted by: PROUD-N- WV on Apr 8, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Rockerfeller should be ashamed of himself! McCain has my total respect for his service to the USA He could have left the prison camp he was being held in but his CHOICE not to showed what he is made of. Ever seen anything like that from Obama or Hillary? or Rockefella? I personally wouldn't vote for any of the 3 of those liberals who I think have showed themselves to be ANTI MILITARY

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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4

Posted By: Ari: Cheers to Rob-I feel ya!
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Posted By: Robert: Although I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
Posted By: Boyd: If the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.

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