Hamas leader Ahmed Yousef

Republican presidential candidate John McCain is looking to cash in – literally – on the recent endorsement of Democrat Barack Obama by Hamas terrorists.

The campaign of the presumptive GOP nominee sent out a fundraising letter Friday, quoting last week's interview by WND's Aaron Klein and WABC Radio in which Ahmed Yousuf, Hamas' top political adviser in the Gaza Strip, said Hamas "hopes" Obama will win the presidential elections and "change" America's foreign policy.

"Barack Obama's foreign policy plans have even won him praise from Hamas leaders," the e-mail from McCain deputy campaign manager Christian Ferry says. "We need change in America, but not the kind of change that wins kind words from Hamas, surrenders in Iraq and will hold unconditional talks with Iranian President Ahmadinejad."

The McCain fundraising e-mail noted "kind words" for Obama from Hamas.

"John McCain's foreign policy provides a stark contrast to the policies of Barack Obama," writes Ferry. "While Senator Obama would surrender in Iraq and hold talks with the Iranian regime, John McCain will never surrender in the struggle with Islamic extremists. Please join our campaign today by making a generous donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or $2,300."

In the exclusive interview with WND and New York radio host John Batchelor, Yousuf said, "I hope Mr. Obama and the Democrats will change the political discourse. ... I do believe [Obama] is like John Kennedy, a great man with a great principal. And he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community, but not with humiliation and arrogance."

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McCain's fundraising tactic is being blasted by Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla., a supporter of Obama.

"John McCain likes to talk about the civil campaign he plans to run, and yet today he has engaged in a shameful, divisive, and cynical kind of politics that he pretends to reject – all in reckless pursuit of campaign dollars," Wexler told CNN, calling the message "empty tough talk and divisive fear mongering."

"We call on Senator McCain to reject this embarrassing and outrageous tone, and to join with Barack Obama in calling for an America that is united in its determination to isolate Hamas and support our ally Israel," he said.

One poster reacted to the letter on a CNN messageboard by stating: "Wow, after reading this my check to McCain's campaign couldn't be in the mail sooner. I mean, c'mon, can you imagine a world in which our 'enemies' actually wanted to hold talks with the American president?"

To interview Aaron Klein, contact M. Sliwa Public Relations by e-mail, or call 973-272-2861 or 212-202-4453.

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