John Sidney McCain live (or as alive as he can appear)

By GottaLaff

Liveblogging:

President J Sid is trying to act Presidential while"uppity" celebrity President Obama is basking in a foreign exotic land called Hawaii, U.S.A.

He's pushing the removal of Russia from the G8, and adding Ukraine and Georgia, plus review their aspiration for WTO membership. He's saying Lieberman and Graham will be going to Georgia and hopes others will go, too. He wants to "avoid further escalation".

"This is not time for partisanship"... There was a president named Ronald Reagan who advocated democracy and freedom and was criticized. I know the President of Georgia well. Georgia has enjoyed freedom and are suffering mightily. Later we'll talk about whose comments and statements, but right now, let's resolve this.

Q: Lieberman's statements about Obama. Political, no?

Sid: Whatever we think at the moment, we can reserve that for a future time. Judgments will be made about this, about Iraq, and how much experience and background matters for the next commander in chief. There will be time for that. [Laffy Note: Like now? Like what you just said??]

In a NATO alliance, an attack on one is an attack on all, but no Cold War return, or nuclear standoffs. I want a dialog with Russia, and for them to leave Georgia. In the 21st century, NATIONS DON'T INVADE OTHER NATIONS. [!!!] You cannot justify the extent of the Russian intervention in Georgia, we need to show solidarity. All of us do what we can to make sure behavior in the 21st century is one of respect for the sovereignty of nations. [!!!]

No military force.

We need to join together to end the conflict. Cease-fire, Russian withdrawal. Supports Bush's statements.

Q: You took aggressive stance before Obama "came around to your position". What was the genesis?

Sid: My position has been clear for a long time. I've been concerned about Russian behavior, whether it's removing corporations doing business with them, or reducing the flow of oil to Czech Republic, or the rhetoric of Putin. This is an act of aggression that caused civilian deaths, the world should not stand for it. We should work it out without escalation and without further loss of life.
[Isnt' he coming around to Obama's position?]

Q: Obama said he was a citizen of the world. Are you?

Sid: I am a person who has had the honor of serving my country for years, put my country first. Advocated for cooperation with allies. My experience and background leads me to conclusion that U.S. is world leader, beacon of hope, including Georgia.

I'm not advocating Cold War. I'm advocating long term consequences... but still support agreements that are in our national security interests.

Q: Lieberman's comments, politicizing... out of line?

Sid: This is no time for that. [he's irritated] We have to act on behalf of Georgia, not partisan sniping.

Q: Loan guarantees to help auto industry...

Sid: I've had meetings with the Big 3 automakers. They are confident in hybrids, etc. and that will create jobs if they succeed. I worry about us predicting failure on their part... They're telling me they're confident in their new technology. I'll consider proposals to help them, including tax credit if you buy a hybrid, but we can't predict the doom of the auto industry.

CNN cut away. Suzanne Malveaux just said he tried to avoid the partisan stuff. Give. Me. A. Break.