McCain, Palin Deride "Gotcha" Press

In an interview that appeared on CBS Evening News, Couric noted Gov Sarah Palin's statement that the US should absolutely launch cross-border attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan to, quote, "stop the terrorists from coming any further in." The position seems similar to that taken by Sen Barack Obama, but derided by Sen John McCain. Couric asked if Sen McCain if that was something that should have been said out loud. McCain answered, "Of course not. But, look, I understand this day and age of "gotcha" journalism. Is that a pizza place? In a conversation with someone who you didn't hear ... the question very well, you don't know the context of the conversation, grab a phrase. Gov. Palin and I agree that you don't announce that you're going to attack another country ..." After Couric asked Gov Palin if she is sorry she made the statement, Sen McCain said, "Before you say, 'is she sorry she said it,' this was a 'gotcha' sound bite.... she was in a conversation with a group of people and talking back and forth." Gov Palin said, "[T]his is all about 'gotcha' journalism."