Republican Sen. John McCain said Thursday that President Barack Obama is “directly responsible” for the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, because Obama has allowed the growth of the Islamic State group on his watch.
McCain, who lost to Obama in the 2008 presidential election, made the comment to reporters Thursday while Obama was in Orlando visiting with the families of those killed in Sunday’s attack and some of the survivors.
The gunman, Omar Mateen, killed 49 people and injured more than 50 in the attack at a gay nightclub. The 29-year-old Muslim born in New York made calls during the attack saying he was a supporter of the Islamic State. But he also spoke about an affiliate of al-Qaida and Hezbollah, both of which are IS enemies.
In the aftermath of the shooting, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has accused Obama of putting U.S. enemies ahead of American’s own people. Trump also has suggested that Obama himself might sympathize with radical elements.
Democrats criticized Trump and some Republicans tried to distance themselves from his remarks.
McCain is seeking a sixth term in the Senate from Arizona and is locked in a tight race.
Democrats quickly pounced on McCain’s criticism.
Adam Jentleson, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said McCain’s “unhinged comments are just the latest proof that Senate Republicans are puppets of Donald Trump.”
(AP)
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2 Responses
Democrats quickly pounced on McCain’s criticism because they know John McCain is so correct, and they are petrified this may hurt Hillary’s bid towards a 3rd Obama term.
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McCain seems to be losing it. I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are simply uninformed.
President Obama actually requested Authorization for Use of Military Force against Islamic State SEVENTEEN MONTHS AGO. McCain and his fellow Republicans refuse to bring it to a vote. If Hillary is smart she will make hay of the Republican obstruction of the fight against Islamic State.