McCain calls Obama 'reckless'

Kentucky - Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain lashed out at Democratic rival Barack Obama on Friday, calling him "reckless" and questioning whether he has the judgment and experience needed to lead the United States.

"Talking, not even with soaring rhetoric, in unconditional meetings with the man who calls Israel a 'stinking corpse', and arms terrorists who kill Americans will not convince Iran to give up its nuclear programme," McCain said during a speech to the National Rifle Association in Kentucky.

"It is reckless. It is reckless to suggest that unconditional meetings will advance our interests."

Obama said in a debate last July that he would be willing to hold talks, without preconditions, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba.

McCain has said Hamas wants Obama to be the next president, after Hamas aide Ahmed Yousef reportedly said he hoped the Illinois senator would capture the White House.

McCain said he "welcomed" a debate with Obama on national security, whom he painted as an idealist out of touch with the reality of the current geopolitical situation.

"It would be a wonderful thing if we lived in a world where we don't have enemies. But that's not the world we live in," McCain said.

"And until Senator Obama understands that reality, the American people have every reason to doubt whether he has the strength, judgment, and determination to keep us safe."

- AFP