[via the ap]:

At the root of the dispute is McCain's decision to call attention to a Hamas adviser's apparent affinity for Obama. The adviser, Ahmed Yousef, said in a recent interview: "We like Obama and hope that he will win the election."

...

"This is offensive, and I think it's disappointing, because John McCain always says, 'Well, I'm not going to run that kind of politics,'" Obama said. "And then to engage in that kind of smear, I think, is unfortunate, particularly since my policy toward Hamas has been no different than his."

The Illinois senator added: "For him to toss out comments like that, I think, is an example of him losing his bearings as he pursues this nomination. We don't need name-calling in this debate."

[via foxnews.com] we get Hamas political adviser Ahmed Yousef' words:

“We don’t mind–actually we like Mr. Obama. We hope he will (win) the election and I do believe he is like John Kennedy, great man with great principle, and he has a vision to change America to make it in a position to lead the world community but not with domination and arrogance,” Yousef said in response to a question about the group’s willingness to meet with either of the Democratic presidential candidates.

(Full interview)

First, it's offensive?  To point out Hamas seems to have a preference for one candidate over the other?  Second, it's a smear?  It's their position, right?  McCain hasn't said Obama likes it or accepts it or is grateful for it or endorses it et al.  It's just the facts.  Third, it's name calling?  Ok, I haven't heard every time McCain has brought this fact up or read everything on it but what name is he calling Obama?

Obama to his credit did say, "We must not negotiate with a terrorist group intent on Israel’s destruction... We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel’s right to exist, and abide by past agreements.”

But McCain is drawing the distinction that it's Obama's stance on foreign policy that seems to get Hamas's thumbs up:

The McCain fundraising e-mail says Obama’s stands have earned him “kind words” 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."

If I was Hamas and I'm hearing a presidential candidate who wants to pull out of/surrender in Iraq, says he believes we should be having talks with the "Iranian regime" [who seem "...intent on Israel's destruction..."], I would like him too, despite Obama saying "we must not negotiate with a terrorist group..."  Because it means there is hope that I won't get shocked and awed.  I might be able to convince him not to attack us, that we just need to talk just a wee bit more.

McCain is saying nothing more than Hamas likes Obama's foreign policies better then his own.

~tohu.va.vohu