They purport that this is some sort of silver bullet to stop the criticism of Michelle Obama for saying she hasn’t been proud of her country in her adult life. Not so. Allah explains:

McCain took America for granted until he spent five years in a tiger cage thousands of miles away, and Mrs. Obama took it for granted until her hubby became a global political superstar.

Here’s another comparison from Ace:

The left is attempting to claim this is the equivalent of Michelle Obama’s remark. McCain’s statement? I didn’t really (that is, wholly and completely) love America until it was taken away from me and I could reflect on all its greatness.

Michelle Obama’s? I was never proud (not “really” proud, but proud at all) of my country until I had the chance to be one of the most politically powerful leaders in the country.

And here’s one from Steven Brown:

However, there’s quite a difference between saying you didn’t truly love something until you actually had to do without it — seeing the contrast between America and other countries and realizing how wonderful America is and how you truly love it –, and saying you haven’t been proud of your country in your entire adult life.

I only thought I was thankful for living in this country until I spent time in China and other non-free countries. After spending time with the citizens of these countries, realizing how wonderful my country is, I truly became thankful. And I have a feeling that’s the same sentiment McCain is offering.

Indeed, but that won’t stop the left from going forward with the issue.

Update: And here’s Abe Greenwald:

I can’s speak for anyone else, but I’m pretty sure that if I survived two years in solitary confinement inside a brutal enemy camp I’d come out thinking I hadn’t an inkling about love of country before that experience. In fact I’m certain that, compared to John McCain and others who have lived through similar circumstances, I don’t really know what love of country is. McCain’s statement is nothing less than a spiritual declaration of higher love for the freedoms of the U.S.