Savage's reporting on Bush's signing statements on a Pulitzer for good cause--he is thorough and writes clearly. In the current example, he traces a change in MCCain's stated position on presidential power re warrantless surveillance in a move that is winning praise for McCain from conservatives who previously doubted him. He interviews legal scholars and attempts to interview McCain and his top aide, but is refused. He traces the emerging story and credits other reporters and their publications by name (although not by story title). My problem is w. the Times, which refuses to print hyperlinks and thus makes a reader google those other stories. I had trouble finding the McCarthy story in the National Review, but was able to ... More »

An outstanding piece of journalism on McCain's position on warrantless wiretapping, one of the most controversial issues facing the candidates in the presidential campaign. Using McCain's own public record, Savage then brings together an impressive spectrum of viewpoints on the issue from the campaigns, from legal scholars, traditional and independent media, This is how journalism should be done.

Excellent journalism. It gives a chance for the McCain side to explain (read: obfuscate) its position, but doesn't fudge the facts or hesitate to bring up a sharp critic like Greenwald. With journalists like Charlie Savage and more stories like this one, NYT might begin to restore its tarnished reputation.

This story is well-sourced and very important reading for those trying to learn about John McCain's true positions on matters of vast importance.

This was much better journalism than many of the articles over the last few days. The story supports the title's assertion. The writing is straightforward and the context, while bumpy, is provided throughout the story. There is relevant quoting that offers a balanced view of observers from both sides of the political fence in addition to the commentary represented by sources quoted. The candidate's own contradictions in position are supported by his own words and the words of his proponent, which are as often concurrent as they are in opposition. The article proposes to explain the adviser's position, but the subtext additionally points out the divergence of the candidate and the adviser with supporting evidence and raises a ... More »

Well written and well researched article describing McCain's latest position on wiretapping and his changing statements. It is an important topic since it shows his current view on executive power. What is interesting to note is that McCain states that he is not Bush III but his flip-flops on key issues reinforces that he is running on the Bush platform. The article discusses how last year he had a different position on wiretapping that opposed the Bush policy but now McCain embraces Bush's program. If he has so much experience why does he change his position so frequently on issues that have been around for years. If he is just now understanding the topic more thoroughly as his staff indicates, then his decision making process ... More »

By reading this article I have a strong inclination to seeing flip flopper restored in our election dialog. McCain will do anything to be elected and pandering to his base is the norm for Republicans. This story is well documented and changing his mind many times is nothing new for this career politician.

Pretty straight forward story regarding McCain's position on wiretapping overseas communications. Gets quotations from all sides as to whether his position has changed.

Some what confusing article but after sifting, it shows McCains' committment to our constitution except when it's not convenient. Same appears to be true for the Geneva Convention concepts.

This is an extremely well documented assessment of McCain's changing his mind on an issue -- this time on the legal issues about detention and surveillance during the so-called War on Terror. It presents both sides of the story, i.e. quoting people who say that McCain is flipflopping to get votes, and others who say his opinion has evolved as his understanding of the issue has grown. Excellent article.

Assuming Mr. Savage quoted the communication from the campaign correctly, I can only say "huh?" This is mangling of the English language that rivals George Bush. Flip flopping on a scale that makes John Kerry look like an amateur. Lying in the grand tradition of big Dick Cheney. And pandering that would make Karl Rove proud. Thanks to Mr. Savage for such a comprehensive overview of what we can expect from Senator McCain on the campaign trail. Straight talk indeed!

In informative article on a very important subject. McCain's change of position on warrantless wiretapping is reported, as well as reactions, both critical and approving, to that change. Also, the article talks about McCain's position on telecom immunity as well as whether he believes a president's wartime powers allow him/her to break domestic laws such as FISA.

Yes. It speaks directly to the issue of whether a presidential candidate understanding the three co-equal branches of government. More aptly stated, Mr. McCain, does not understand that the US Constitution was created as a check and balance system so that one rogue branch of government cannot overstep its bounds. Additionally, it shows Mr. McCain is practicing law without a license- he is arguing both sides of the case based on which sides retains him (or in this instance, supports him).

Excellent article on John McCain's change in his position on warrantless wiretapping.

Charlie Savage is making a genuine effort to determine where Mr. McCain stands on this issue. It appears that Mr. McCain is moving closer to President Bush's opinion that the president is above the law during a national security crisis. My personal opinion is: War powers should never be granted to a president in response to terrorist acts. Only for real wars like World War One and World War Two.

More people than the ACLU and trial lawyers oppose the warrantless wire tapping as pursued by the Bush administration. There are many constitutional scholars and laaw professors who also believe the President is exceeding his authority in this matter and the FISA law should be followed.

The story delivered context beyond campaign talking points. It presented relevant background information. It didn't tell the reader what to think. Good journalism in my opinion.

The story is well written, information, and appears accurate based on the sourcing, but the most important piece of information is that McBush or McFlipper (I cannot call him by his real name) has again shown his ability to change his mind, time and time again. The two more egregious examples are wiretapping, and his support of Bush by voting against the CIA funding bill which would have limited the CIA to following the Army Manual when interrogating prisoners. The two examples clearly identifies to me an individual who DOES NOT believe in the rule of law, and is following the Bush party line.

An honest presentation of the various views McCain has presented, leaving the reader to decide for her/himself.

It is a decent summary of the changing views regarding McCain's thinking regarding Executive Power. However, I have read more in-depth articles on this, which had more of McCain’s quotes and not the quotes of his handlers. I do think that it would have been helpful to include a link and/or summary of what and where McCain is referring to in Article II.

From what I read in the paper and on all the blogs, I am extremely worried and scared should by accident Senator McCain wins the General Election. I have been following his speeches during the Primary, also on all the TV Stations and on Youtube and various Internet Newspaper. Personally I think Mr. McCain is having some mental problems or memory disorders, my reason for saying so, is because husband recently died form Dementia, which led to Alzheimer's Disease. This Article, was well written and very informative. I have reading everything about Mr. McCain but, was unable to review the article because, I had problem signing in. Keep up the good work.