WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Thursday that Republican rival John McCain tried to smear him and was "losing his bearings" with the suggestion that Hamas preferred Obama for president.

"This is offensive and I think it's disappointing, because John McCain always says, well, I'm not going to run that kind of politics and that engages in that kind of smear I think is unfortunate, particularly since my policy toward Hamas has been no different than his," Obama said in an interview with CNN Thursday.

The Illinois senator added: "For him to toss out comments like that I think is an example of him losing his bearings as he pursues this nomination. We don't need name-calling in this debate."

McCain made his comment about the Palestinian organization that the United States has labeled a terrorist group during a conference call with conservative bloggers last month.

"I think it's very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president," the GOP nominee-in-waiting said. "If Senator Obama is favored by Hamas, I think people can make judgments accordingly."

Comments from Examiner Readers

5:04 PM MST on Thu., May. 8, 2008 re: "Obama accuses McCain of 'losing his bearings' with comment"

Examiner Reader said:
4:23 is correct. If you have any cash in investments, take the hit for early withdrawal, and stuff it in your mattress. Once either the Marxist Democrats, or the clueless,angry McCain takes control, our economy will finally be destroyed by these disgraces. At least you'll have something to by government rationed crackers and water with.

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4:03 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 re: "Obama explains comment about McCain"

Examiner Reader said:
Hi! I'm Barak Obama, let me explain once again what I meant when I said something that appeared to be idiotic and brainless...

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4:23 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 re: "Obama: McCain Changed Views on Tax Cuts"

Examiner Reader said:
Clinton & Obama both have shown themselves to be Alinski socialists & frivolous with the truth.... How sad for America. But even worse, Clinton, Obama & McCain are all supportive of illegal immigaration. Were headed for something bad here folks.

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10:20 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 re: "Obama Chides McCain on Economic Approach"

Larry said:
What's Obama's answer? A new tax? Take someone's money and give it to someone else. Now that's what I call a leader. Come up with some real answers, Barry. It's easy to point out fault.

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4:40 AM MST on Fri., Mar. 14, 2008 re: "Obama: McCain Changed Views on Tax Cuts"

Tim said:
Of course Obama changed his view on tax cuts. He is a two faced phoney who will do and say anything to get elected.

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3:44 PM MST on Thu., Mar. 13, 2008 re: "Obama: McCain Changed Views on Tax Cuts"

eyes are watching said:
I have notice more and more in the last week the media using pictures of obama that are pooly lighted or his face is looking down and away or just generaly with not a good expression on his face. But you the media continue to use pictures of clinton standing up in good lighting and smiling. Now if this was only one picture on two I could understand, but to constantly show such a good looking man as obama in such and unflattering way is a direct indictment of the media trying to present him in a bad light, and I for one am sick of all of you all doing this.

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3:24 PM MST on Thu., Mar. 13, 2008 re: "Obama says McCain switched tax views to win Republican votes"

Joshua said:
2:35-The President of the United States is not The Governor of all of the States in the union. He is also not the Mayor of all of the cities in those states. He is Commander in Chief of the U.S. Military, but that only means that he is responsible for making some tough decisions based on information he receives from his most trusted military and intelligence advisers. The Presidency is alot more choose the best option than it is come up with the solution to all our problems all by yourself. I will take good judgement over experience any day of the week. Just curious, you identified yourself as "Teamsters for Clinton" Are you sure you didn't mean to say "Teamsters for Clinton because we think she has the best chance of losing to John McCain?

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2:35 PM MST on Thu., Mar. 13, 2008 re: "Obama: McCain Changed Views on Tax Cuts"

Teamsters for Clinton said:
Senator McCain knows how to run a city, state, and an entire country. Senator McCain has proven his loyalty in representing his country in time of need and war. Senator McCain is the next commander-in-chief.

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4:44 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 1, 2008 re: "Obama Says He'd Be Better Against McCain"

shirley said:
The only experience Obama had before he becaome US Senator was his resume of Illinois Senator, while his friend of 20 years, and supporter, Rezko, was involved in corruption, influence peddling, and demanding kickbacks from companies seeking business from the state,all this under the watchful eyes of Obama while he was senator..

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