election victory. briefing teerl ining tears even teerlts even said "do not congratulate," in all cabs. a white house official not disputing the language but saying the president did not read or see the notecard. >> the congratulatory message drawing harsh criticism including this from john mccain, "an american president does not lead the free world by congratulating dictators by winning sham elections. in days after waffling whether russia is a friend or foe, the white house press secretary gave a similar hedge on the election. >> does the president believe the election in russia was free and fair? >> in terms of the election, there were -- weep're focused o our elections. we don't dictate how other countries operate. what we do know is that putin has been elected in their