McCain: Talking to terrorists is OK if you're a Republican

Tough talk from Mr. Maverick last month regarding talks with Hamas.

"I think it is very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States … I think that the people should understand that I will be Hamas' worst nightmare," McCain said when asked about the group's recent statements about Obama.

[Campaign spokesman Brian] Rogers said plainly that "the reason for Hamas' praise of Senator Obama's foreign policy is his commitment to meet unconditionally with Iran … It is not only responsible to raise these critical issues in this election, but it would be the height of irresponsibility not to have this discussion with the American people."

But turn the clock back, and it looks like McSame was for talks with Hamas before he was against it ...[with video]

"They're the government; sooner or later we are going to have to deal with them, one way or another, and I understand why this administration and previous administrations had such antipathy towards Hamas because of their dedication to violence and the things that they not only espouse but practice, so . . . but it's a new reality in the Middle East. I think the lesson is people want security and a decent life and decent future, that they want democracy. Fatah was not giving them that."

And this maverick stance wasn't just limited to Hamas, it applied to talks with Syria, too. [April, 2003]

 MATTHEWS: So you don't agree with Newt Gingrich dumping all over him? You don't agree with Newt Gingrich dumping on the Powell trip?

   MCCAIN: You know, Dick -- Richard Armitage is Powell's deputy. And he's a wonderful guy. He served in Vietnam. And he's a really tough guy. And he was quoted someplace today that Newt Gingrich is out of therapy.

McCain added:    Colin Powell is going to look Bashar aside in the eye and say, look, you know. You better clean up your act here. It's a new day in the Middle East. And I think it's entirely appropriate to do that.

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