A minor and unimportant gaffe at this point. Where the problem starts for me is the response of McCain advisor, and former lobbyist for the Republic of Georgia, Randy Scheunemann, presumably at the behest of McCain, who insisted McCain knew exactly who he was discussing - i.e. the leader of the government of Spain, knew that Spain was a NATO ally and that McCain INTENTIONALLY was saying he was unwilling to commit to meeting with the leader of a NATO ally who is fighting alongside us in Afghanistan. This is simply an outrageous, reckless and senseless position. IF McCain holds this view, then he is unfit for the Presidency. But we know that in April 2008, McCain did NOT hold this view - he stated that he WOULD meet with Zapatero. Thus, it is clear that rather than admit confusion in the interview, McCain is willing to alter his foreign policy views from a sound and sane one to a reckless and senseless one. It is an outrageous turn of events, whatever the political consequences.

Josh Marshall does a nice rundown here:

Here's the point - this actually matters. It is more than just a political gotcha. McCain has damaged US relations with an important NATO ally. And he is doing it, apparently, for political purposes - to avoid an age issue situation. It is a base and reprehensible act. The opposite of putting "Country First."

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only