Context Included: Obama on Iran

Summary
McCain's new ad, released on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention, quotes Obama saying that Iran is a "tiny" country that "doesn't pose a serious threat." It implies that he fails to see Iran's threat to Israel.

The picture changes dramatically when Obama's full quotes are considered:

Obama actually said of Iran, Cuba and Venezuela: "These countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union" (emphasis ours).

Likewise, he said those countries don't pose a serious threat to the United States "the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us." Obama has also said in speeches that Iran is Israel's greatest threat, and a serious threat to the region, and he has discussed its sponsorship of terrorism.

Analysis
John McCain's ad, "Tiny," was sent to reporters on the third day of the Democratic convention. The McCain campaign describes it as a "television ad" that "will air in key states." We'll add this caveat: Some recent ads – at least one from each campaign – have received far more play on YouTube and television news shows than they have as paid advertisements. That's a strategy that can save the campaigns boatloads of cash.

Missing Words
John McCain 2008 TV Ad: "Tiny"
Announcer: Iran. Radical Islamic government. Known sponsors of terrorism. Developing nuclear capabilities to "generate power" but threatening to eliminate Israel. Obama says Iran is a "tiny" country, "doesn't pose a serious threat". Terrorism, destroying Israel, those aren't "serious threats"? Obama – dangerously unprepared to be president.
McCain: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.

The ad paints a dark picture of Iran as a sponsor of terrorism that is developing nuclear capabilities and wants to eliminate Israel. That's all fair enough, factually speaking.

Where it goes way out of bounds is in quoting Obama:

McCain ad: Obama says Iran is a "tiny" country, "doesn't pose a serious threat." Terrorism, destroying Israel, those aren't "serious threats"?