McCain has no comment on anti-Obama book

[Ron Burgundy]

AP - John McCain's presidential campaign had no comment Friday about a controversial book that attacks Barack Obama and many say is riddled with errors.

Jerome Corsi's book, "The Obama Nation," depicts the Democratic candidate as a dangerous, radical figure filled with "black rage." It repeats numerous falsehoods, such as the claim that Obama, who is a Christian, is a Muslim.

The Obama campaign and its allies have criticized the book forcefully, citing dozens of assertions that they say are inaccurate. Corsi has espoused a number of unorthodox views, including claims that the federal government was untruthful about what caused New York City's Twin Towers to collapse after being struck by hijacked jets on Sept. 11, 2001.

Some independent groups, including Catholics United, also have called on McCain to condemn Corsi's book.

An Associated Press reporter tried to ask McCain for a comment Friday in Aspen as journalists were being escorted from a brief photo opportunity. McCain smiled and said, "gotta keep your sense of humor."

Campaign spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said McCain did not hear the question, and the campaign had no comment.

Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement, "What does John McCain think is funny about an intolerant smear artist who called Pope John Paul II senile and claims the government lied about 9/11?"

source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080815/ap_on_el_pr/mccain_obama_book [link]