Coakley dodges question about Afghanistan claim

Posted: January 12th, 2010 09:52 PM ET
From CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

Washington (CNN) – Democrat Martha Coakley dodged a pointed question Tuesday about her claim during a Massachusetts Senate debate the night before that terrorists are no longer in Afghanistan.

During Monday's debate with Republican Scott Brown, Coakley questioned why the United States still has troops in Afghanistan. She claimed that the al Qaeda terrorists who were originally targeted by American military action have migrated elsewhere, rendering the mission moot. "They're gone," she said. "They're not there anymore. They're in, apparently Yemen, they're in Pakistan."

A reporter asked Coakley about that claim after a Capitol Hill fundraiser on Tuesday. "Do you stand by that remark?" he asked.

Coakely, standing before a small cluster of reporters and cameras, listened to the question, then quickly looked in a different direction.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Did anybody else have a question?"

politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com...

Wow! Is this woman Washington material, or what?

There are two reasons I wanted to post this.

1) Regardless of what some here want to believe, saying dumb things is not restricted to one party. I am curious, though, if those who wait with bated breath for something to pounce on Palin about, will have anything to say about this.

2) "I'm sorry," she said. "Did anybody else have a question?" Not only did she say something dumb. She followed it up with this...While cameras were plainly present? How elitist is she?

Edit to add link

[edit on 13-1-2010 by WTFover]

[edit on 13-1-2010 by WTFover]

reply to post by WTFover

That's not the only question she's dodging.

Coakley Aid, Michael Meehan, Assaults Reporter While Atty. Genl. Looks On

link

“The AP reported that Meehan is working for Coakley.” Well, well, the thugs are out in full force for Martha Coakley. Weekly Standard reporter John McCormack was on the sidewalk outside the Capitol Hill Coakley fundraiser Tuesday night along with other reporters, when he allegedly was shoved to the ground after asking questions Coakley didn’t want to answer.

As I walked down the street, a man who appeared to be associated with the Coakley campaign pushed me into a freestanding metal railing. I ended up on the sidewalk. I was fine. He helped me up from the ground, but kept pushing up against me, blocking my path toward Coakley down the street.

Attorney General, could I ask you a question please?” I said. “We’re done, thanks,” Coakley replied. She walked back toward the restaurant, apparently searching for her car. She remained silent as I (politely) repeated my question. Coakley staffers told me they didn’t know who the man was who pushed me, though by every indication he was somehow connected to the campaign.

new link

Update 5:06 pm: Michael Meehan, the Coakley operative involved in the altercation, has apologized to Weekly Standard reporter John McCormack. When McCormack asked if Meehan disputed any of McCormack’s written descriptions of the event, he replied, “No.” I guess that puts the lie to Coakley’s stalker defense…

Update 4:39 pm: Coakley has responded to the incident by characterizing McCormack, the Weekly Standard reporter, as a “stalker.” She further told reporters today that, “I’m not sure what happened. I know something occurred, but I’m not privy to the facts. I’m sure it will come out, but I’m not aware of that.” This is a rather remarkable assertion in light of the fact that there is an AP photograph of Coakley looking right at McCormack while he lay on the ground.

Remember the picture?What an idiot she is.I wouldn't vote for anyone that stupid!

But never fear SEIU is here.

Purple Army to Coakley’s rescue: SEIU sends $685,000 more; And speaking of thugs…

Now, on top of all the manpower that the Big Labor army of Purple Shirts has lent her, plus the group’s primary endorsement, and the $214,000 they sent her for radio ad buys last fall, the SEIU is preparing to burn through another $685,000 in rank-and-file union members’ dues for the attorney general.

final link

reply to post by genius/idoit


Like I said before. She is the epitome of Washington's elite. I would really like to see an Independant take that race. Kennedy could be a surprise victor, based solely on name recognition.

reply to post by WTFover


Kennedy? I didn't know anyone but Cockly and Brown?

reply to post by WTFover

2) "I'm sorry," she said. "Did anybody else have a question?" Not only did she say something dumb. She followed it up with this...While cameras were plainly present? How elitist is she?

You gotta admit that is pretty hard for her to insert a third foot in her mouth considering she already inserted the only two she has.

I really hope that the people of Massachusetts show some sanity and vote for Brown.

reply to post by jam321


That gave me visions of her asking her staff to remove their shoes, so she can borrow their feet!

reply to post by WTFover


Funny!The one aide could only lend her one foot cause the other one was stuck in the reporters arse.