By Julia Hoppock

Jul 21, 2008 5:43pm

McCain: “I Don’t Need Any On the Job Training”

ABC News’ Jennifer Duck reports: Sen. John McCain touted his judgment and experience to a small crowd in Maine as his opponent traveled to Iraq and met with top Iraqi leaders.

Speaking on Sen. Obama’s past judgment on the surge, McCain assured the crowd he has the qualifications needed to be president. "He said it would fail and he refuses to this day to acknowledge it’s succeeded.  And my friends, that’s what judgment is about.  That’s why I’m qualified to lead and I don’t need any on the job training," McCain said to applause.

The crowd gathered at a picnic held at the Maine Military Museum.  Both American and P.O.W. flags flanked a small platform where McCain stood.  A sign reading "country first" on the podium tied into McCain’s theme.

"This is what my campaign is about.  Putting country first," McCain told the crowd reiterating his constant backing of the surge since day one.  "I’m proud that I was right.  I’m proud that we could defeat this evil.  I was proud that we can bring our troops home with honor and prevent a wider war.  An increased Iranian influence and the risk of having to send our brave young Americans back."

Before the public event, the presumptive republican nominee met privately with Former President George H.W. Bush at his compound in Kennebunkport, Maine.  At a press avail with both men, McCain was asked if comments made over the weekend from the Iraqi spokesman and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki undercut the McCain message against Obama.

"It doesn’t in the slightest undercut that it is based on conditions on the ground," McCain responded.  "And I also agree with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who said it would be very dangerous not –to do what Senator Obama has advocated. I hope we’ll pay attention to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Particularly someone that has no military experience whatsoever."

The former president chose to stay away from the policy debate saying he was "very happy" sitting by the ocean watching the tide come in and out but added he was "so strongly supportive of him [McCain] and his background to be for the right positions on matters of nation security."

When pressed on troops being withdrawn fully in two years, McCain said, "Oh I think they could be largely withdrawn.  As I have said we have succeeded. This strategy is not succeeding, we have succeeded. And of course as we all know it has to be based on conditions on the ground."

McCain added, "I am confident we have just removed the- or are moving the last of five brigades that were part of the surge and I am confident as long as we maintain the progress we have made and it’s fragile but it’s there but it has to be based on conditions on the ground. But whenever you win wars, and we are winning, then we will be able to come home."

With a lot of attention deflected to his opponent overseas, McCain was asked about "equal attention."

"I don’t know, but we continue to hard campaign, we’ll do the town hall meetings," McCain said. " You know, it is what it is. I’m confident we’ll do very well and we’ll succeed, so, but, it is what it is."

User Comments

ask him to describe his economic policies then in detail with reasoning for those details.
and the reason he does not know that Iran would never back a Sunni organization and if he says he does …then ask him why?

Posted by: dl | July 21, 2008, 5:58 pm 5:58 pm

Mr. Mccain our men and women in the armed services, have already served with honor, they defeated sadam Hussein and the iraqi army. Still you constantly say that if they come home they have will have “no honor”. How can you equate their honor with the time they come back as if to say if they stay another 12 months and I say they can come back home, they will come back with honor. i think your the one that must be missing you honor. These brave men and women did their job, the mission has been accomplished. Iraq is an elected government. Mr. Mccain, i think it’s you that doesnt have any honor. Please stop already. We want our soldiers home.

Posted by: Lovy | July 21, 2008, 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

Guess it depends on the job. How about experience on the economy John. As you have said, “The issue of economics is something that I’ve really never understood as well as I should”.
Maybe a little on the job training would be helpful or will you just not worry about it as usual?

Posted by: JR | July 21, 2008, 6:01 pm 6:01 pm

McCain has become “WHINER IN CHIEF”. All he has been doing is whine, whine, whine about Obama these past few days.

Posted by: Trixie | July 21, 2008, 6:01 pm 6:01 pm

Really? No on-the-job training? He doesn’t know the difference between a Sunni and a Shiite, and doesn’t know that Iraq and Pakistan don’t share a border.
At the very least, he needs a tutor.

Posted by: Jack | July 21, 2008, 6:02 pm 6:02 pm

Touting the surge is a lot like praising having a yummy dessert prepared after you’ve sent all your dinner guests to the hospital for food poisoning.

Posted by: R | July 21, 2008, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm

I don’t trust anyone who thinks he knows it all and has nothing left to learn.

Posted by: Billy | July 21, 2008, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm

Jack-I agree and what is more troublesome is McCain’s inability to remember key votes he has made as senator that are important issues to this campaign. I have asked at what point do the excessive number of McCain “gaffes” and inability to remember important legislation become a medical concern? He is fortunate he is not getting extreme press scrutiny as this is of great concern.

Posted by: Paige | July 21, 2008, 6:13 pm 6:13 pm

He may not need “training”. But that man sure could use an Atlas, LOL!

Posted by: Jane Hussein | July 21, 2008, 6:46 pm 6:46 pm

Wow ,nice to know this man knows it all.We would be so lucky to have him as our leader.I don’t like people who think the know it all in my book there is always room to listen ,read and learn.Things change all the time,That is one reason Obama is overseas for things have changed he IS willing to learn.

Posted by: indp voter | July 21, 2008, 6:46 pm 6:46 pm

Remember This
“I meant that as a joke”
It should get you a laugh.
And This
“I don’t need any on the job training”
Another laugh.

Posted by: EJLima | July 21, 2008, 6:48 pm 6:48 pm

Nat you sound like a real positive person, do you have any of your own original thoughts?

Posted by: William | July 21, 2008, 6:48 pm 6:48 pm

Mr. McCain.
It is time for America to become a symbol
for world Peace. Not world domination.
The only reason you are fighting so hard to be heard, is that you know, that no one is listening.
I wish you well, but you are still reliving your POW years, and I am afraid your temper is too
dangerous in today’s changing world.
As for Job Training. Are you unwilling to learn something New? Life is about change.
To not learn is to not grow.
We as a society must be willing to change.
Can you?

Posted by: Riverqueen | July 21, 2008, 6:49 pm 6:49 pm

According to the “Fact Sheet: The New Way Forward in Iraq ” (aka The Surge) issued by the White House, Is Rooted In Six Fundamental Elements” as follow:
1. Let the Iraqis lead;
2. Help Iraqis protect the population;
3. Isolate extremists;
4. Create space for political progress;
5. Diversify political and economic efforts; and
6. Situate the strategy in a regional approach.
So John McCain is saying ALL these benchmarks have been successfully completed?
REally? When did this happen, LOL!

Posted by: Jane Hussein | July 21, 2008, 6:51 pm 6:51 pm

Both of these candidates suck, but the verdict is in, McCain sucks worse.

Posted by: a reader in ga | July 21, 2008, 6:53 pm 6:53 pm

McCain:
I won’t start a pointless war with no way out, straining our military to the breaking point and rendering the country unable to act to protect itself.
OOPS!!! Too late!!!

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 6:54 pm 6:54 pm

“You know, it is what it is………………………………………………It is what it is”
???
You know, we know what you are.

Posted by: EJLima | July 21, 2008, 6:57 pm 6:57 pm

A reader in Georgia:
I’m glad you conclude that McCain sucks worst, but I wonder what could Obama do that would demonstrate that he doesn’t suck as a candidate?

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm

No on the job training? That’s why his camp released a notice saying that he was working very hard to “get up to speed with the internet.” Yeah.. this guy is still learning to use a computer. McCain… PLEASE take the time to get some training. Acting like you know it all is not what we need again. We need a pres that can learn new tricks. We don’t need a McBush who feels they already know it all. That hasn’t worked very well for us.

Posted by: BrBentley | July 21, 2008, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm

Mcain you have been in the senate for 25 years sir and you admit you know nothing about the economy, I will give you your credit on the military and respect for that but thats not the only thing required for presidency not to mention the last 7 years you have agreed with bush 95 percent of the time!! and just what is it we have won in iraq?? and just what war have you won???

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm

No. McCain doesn’t need on the job training; he needs retirement!
McCain doesn’t know his geography.
He didn’t know the difference between Sunni and Shia during an interview and had to be corrected.
He supported a war for Bush and Cheney’s oil buddies and Bush’s ego.
He wants to keep the troops in Iraq for 50 years and yet doesn’t support an improved GI bill for those same troops.
He thinks it’s a cute to joke about bombing Iran (renaming the song “Barbara Ann” to “Bomb Iran”).
He simply needs to retire and reminisce about his good ole days when he chased skirt and boozed around, dumped his injured, loyal first wife while messing around with his now second wife who just happened to be rich.
McCain, go home and give us all a break.

Posted by: abby0802 | July 21, 2008, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm

Two questions for John McCain:
You must be aware that the United States has suffered a remarkable drop in our reputation from 9/12 and today.
1. Do you want to continue the Bush policy of dissing “old Europe” or do you think we *need* the support of the rest of the world to keep America safe?
2. Do you think that you have a chance in he** of convincing the world that we are following a different path if John “big wet kiss for Bush” McCain is elected president?

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm

things change every minute everyday so by mccain pointing out he knows everything that should make one think he will be very stubborn he will stick to his ways he will not listen or embrace change well lets see he doesnt know how to work a computer he doesnt know his geography, mccain is really out of touch with the 21st century with the way our technology changes will mccain be able to keep up remember hes just now learning how to use a computer

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm

Two more questions for John McCain:
By now, most Americans are aware that we are quite vulnerable to increases in the world price of crude oil.
1. What have you done, during your decades in the Senate, to increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicles in this country?
2. Do you even UNDERSTAND that the price of oil is set on the world oil market and that the small oil quantity of U.S. reserves could never have more than a 1% effect on the quantity of oil available on the world market?

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 7:16 pm 7:16 pm

Looks like John McCain is ready to be wrong on day one.

Posted by: Phil | July 21, 2008, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm

According to McCain, a POW classification makes one qualified to lead a country.

Posted by: Steve Rosenthal | July 21, 2008, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm

Does anyone out there know that BHO wrote in one of his books that He would stand with the Muslim world in the end. Check it out!!!!!!

Posted by: Allen Miller | July 21, 2008, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm

Street Organizer for President!
Obama 08!

Posted by: Mack | July 21, 2008, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm

Where would this country be without great street organizers?

Posted by: Mack | July 21, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm

McCain’s memory problems don’t bother me nearly as much as his willingness to tell boldface lies to support his positions. McCain made the false claim that Petrius traveled outside of the green zone without special precautions, as was he, all while being filmed wearing a flack jacket.
This war was a mistake to start and McCain was one of the biggest proponents, while Obama was smart enough to see the invasion for what it was and opposed it. The “surge” in our troops is only one of the reasons that the violence in Iraq is down, and the diplomatic and bribery effort may deserve most of the credit.

Posted by: Javalation | July 21, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm

So McCain is all knowing?
Yeah, right.
Someone who doesn’t think he needs any on the job training for President is quite ignorant.
Saying he doesn’t need on the job training implies he knows all of the situations and decisions he will face as president. If something happens that he doesn’t expect, GOD help us.

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 7:51 pm 7:51 pm

I’ll forgive someone not knowing about the borders of other countries than I do about Obama not even realizing what states border his own state of Illinois.
Oh yeah, and that 57 state thing. And the 8-10 year gaffe.
Obama is the gaffe a minute candidate. Too funny. America is laughing.

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm

McCain is all knowing?
He’s mostly a cranky old ignorant fart.
I wonder if “Czechoslovakia” would agree that he needs no on the job training? Or Sunnis and Shiites?
Everyone should know everything there is to know, just like McCain.
He’s obviously perfect and peachy keen.

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 7:57 pm 7:57 pm

Obama lost his unique appeal weeks ago, when he started flip flopping and making huge mistakes/gaffes. The big drop in the polls is the result of it. The guy should be way ahead by now. I think the Obama love affair is over. It peaked and it’s all downhill from here.

Posted by: Rob | July 21, 2008, 7:58 pm 7:58 pm

Jo,
Sorry Obama’s not perfect and all knowing like McCain.
And it was 57 contests in the Democratic primary, not 57 states. Get the facts straight.
And where did Obama ever get the states bordering Illinois wrong? Show me a quote. (A true, not fabricated, quote.)

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm

The posts are hilarious. I have to agree that McCain is doing too much whining lately. I already thought his voice was not manly, and now with all the whining, he reminds me of bratty, whining, sore-loser kid.

Posted by: marie in tampa | July 21, 2008, 8:00 pm 8:00 pm

This is the same man that on the TV show’ the view’ said when he was president he would capture Osama bin laden, since when do you have to be a president to do this, the same man that said he would balance the budget that is already trillions in debt and stay in a war, now does he or doesn’t he need on the job training MCBUSH is a MCSHAME

Posted by: Rose Szymanski | July 21, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm

Street Organizer for President!
Obama 08!
Posted by: Mack | Jul 21, 2008 7:32:48 PM
Walmart Greeter and Alzheimer Patient for President!
Vote John McCain for more of the same.

Posted by: Mack Truck | July 21, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm

Do you know what we get with another candidate who doesn’t believe he needs on the job training?
Just another George W.!

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm

Topher it’s not surprising you never heard about it because the mainstream media protects it’s boy.
Back when Obama was having to explain ahead of time why he would lose Kentucky he said it bordered Arkansas and that’s why Hillary would win. What he didn’t mention was it also borders Illinois!
LOL. Obama is a laugh a minute. And the latest 8-10 years is hilarious too. Obama thinks 2 terms = 10 years.
Moron.

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm

Hey Allen Miller,
If you had even attempted to read his book, instead of listening to Hannity or Limbaugh, you would have noticed that he was referring to immigrants of all races and religions. What he meant was that he would not turn his back on them. Which is something I wish John McCain would say. Otherwise, I’ll just feel really bad for him on November 5th when he loses (he will either way) in a landslide.
PS. John McCain is no hero. Research the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs. He is garbage.

Posted by: justin | July 21, 2008, 8:03 pm 8:03 pm

McCain is better without a teleprompter, and Obama is lost without one.
That speaks volumes. I’ll take the guy who doesn’t need a teleprompter.
President McCain – get use to it!

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:05 pm 8:05 pm

Obama makes so many gaffes there is a website for them. And it gets updates daily! Lol.

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm

Jo,
You neglect to mention that the “other countries” that McCain was *confused* about happen to be countries we have soldiers fighting and dying in.
McCain is literally lost when it comes to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The question is whether you have seen that very troubling video where McCain says that the *shia* nation of Iraq was helping the *sunni* Al Qaeda, until he was corrected by Joe Lieberman in front of the cameras.
McCain is sufficiently confused that he could send troops to Iran thinking he was sending them to Iraq!
McCain: Confused from Day 1

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm

Jo,
I’m still waiting for your facts to back up your statements about:
the 57 democratic contests and Obama not knowing what states border Illinois.
If you’re quoting that stuff as fact, you must surely have the quotes on hand.
And McCain looks so lost when he strays from his stump speech he reminds me of Bob Dole.

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm

When he strays from his stump speech he says stupid ignorant things such as this no on the job training for all-knowing McCain thing. It’s pathetic.

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm

Q&A:
Q: Do you know what country the terrorists who attacked America on 9/11 were in when Bush/McCain initiated the invasion of Iraq?
A: Pakistan.
Now, could someone whisper this in John McCain’s ear?

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm

Topher,
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/37388.html
Read it and weep. Barack excuses his loss because he says the state is close to Arkansas and yet doesn’t realize it’s also next to Illinois.
LOLOL. I love educating libs.

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm

Most of those so called “gaffes” that Obama supposedly made are fabricated by the GOP or barely true or by people that they try to tie to Obama. McCain himself has made many more gaffes and ill-advised statements than Obama.

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 8:13 pm 8:13 pm

Barack did poorly in the debates because there is no teleprompter.
Even people who support him who have been to events without a teleprompter admit he turns into an amateur.
LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm

LOLOL.
Topher, I can understand why you don’t want to believe these gaffes, but they happened.
Your hero is just a fraud. You know it, and we all know it.
Barack makes gaffes DAILY. Even I find it hard to believe he’s so dumb, but there you have it. He is.
LOVE IT!!!! Topher is humiliated!

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:15 pm 8:15 pm

Will John McCain launch ANOTHER invasion of Iraq?
Prime Minister Maliki says this: “U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama talks about 16 months. That, we think, would be the right time frame for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes.”
So if John McCain wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years, he may have to bomb the new government of Iraq!!!

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:17 pm 8:17 pm

Jo,
That whole articles about false rumors and misinformation that was spread through Kentucky by the GOP and Fox News.
In reference to Arkansas bordering Kentucky he was going up against Hillary Clinton, whose husband Bill, if you remember was the very popular Governor of Arkansas and that’s why he mentioned Arkansas.
Where in the article does it say Obama forgot Kentucky borders Illinois? Just because he didn’t mention his home state doesn’t mean he forgot it borders Kentucky.
This is weak evidence, not even evidence really.
Good try.

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm

Maybe a little training in humility would be nice.

Posted by: Ben Straub | July 21, 2008, 8:19 pm 8:19 pm

Jo,
Have you explained that the Shia and Shuni are different sect of Islam to John McCain yet? And that they often don’t like each other? And that Iraq and Iran are both majority Shia?
Because John appears to be confused when it comes to ISSUES OF NATIONAL SECURITY.

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm

Topher, I’ll take that as a humiliating admission of defeat on your part.
By the way most of these gaffes are on videotape. You’d know that if you tuned into other news other than the cheerleading mainstream media for Barack.
By the way again, Obama’s latest gaffe is saying these leaders he’s meeting with are the ones he’ll meet with for the next 8-10 years! 10 years?? Does two terms = 10 years?
Lol. That’s also on videotape. Even Jake Tapper noticed this latest one.
Nice try though. If I were an Obama kool-aid drinker, I’d not want to acknowledge these gaffes either.
President McCain – get use to it!

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm

Jo,
Can you name ONE case where John McCain’s policies on foreign relations be different from George “ruin America’s reputation” Bush’s?

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm

Jo,
Czechoslovakia
Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran
I don’t need any on the job training.
Sunnis and Shiites
Czechoslovakia again
The Pittsburgh Steelers
“Mental Recession and Nation of Whiners”
via surrogate Phil Gramm.
and most of those are just the most recent McCain gaffes.
Need I say more. (and there is evidence to back every single one of those up.)

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 8:22 pm 8:22 pm

Okay, I admit Barack makes gaffes. I’d really rather not know about them though.

Posted by: Topher | July 21, 2008, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm

Topher,
Thanks. It’s great when the Obama kool aid drinkers can admit they’re wrong.
Next.

Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm

Jo,
I still see Bill Clinton meeting with world leaders. He was elected when?
Of course George “ruin America’s reputation” Bush may not be invited to talk with world leaders… except on April Fools day.
But you have to admit that George “And they have no disregard for human life” Bush is a “special” case!
[Full quote: "And they have no disregard for human life."—Describing the brutality of Afghan fighters, Washington, D.C., July 15, 2008]

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:27 pm 8:27 pm

Obama doesn’t need any on the job training either! He has been trained to listen to the racists and extremists for the past 20 years. What he needs now is to blow everything up!

Posted by: JK | July 21, 2008, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm

Topher,
Funny, you don’t look humiliated.
Now if you had invaded another nation, resulting in thousands of American soldiers dying, with no other reason than to show you were a bigger man than your dad, then maybe you would have reason to be humiliated.

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:30 pm 8:30 pm

Jo,
Were you at Obama’s church? On a day that Obama was there?
Then you have no infomation whatsoever regarding Obama’s experience at that church, do you.
But I really do understand. You are a Republican. You are not afraid to lie.

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:33 pm 8:33 pm

What wars will John McCain start?
US – Syria
US – Iran
US – North Korea
US – Czechoslovakia
US – NATO
US – Russia
US – Mexico
US – Venezuela
US – Columbia
US – France
John McCain: So litle time and so many wars!

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm

Obama = Flip Flop!
Obama = an empty suit!
Obama = professional liar!
Obama = divisive and racist
Obama is the most unqualified candidate in US history!
have enough??? Need to know more?

Posted by: JK | July 21, 2008, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm

McCain: “I Don’t Need Any On the Job Training”
But may some training in geography:
McCaine:
“We have a lot of work to do and I’m afraid it’s a very hard struggle, particularly given the situation on the Iraq/Pakistan border.”
Look at your map and then go to “Czechoslowakia”!

Posted by: Hegelfan | July 21, 2008, 8:43 pm 8:43 pm

How will McCain learn to write a good article for the press? To me he is the one that will be receiving on the job training.
McCain said that obama has no military experience. This is very very dangerous. McCain seems to believe and saying that only somebody with a military experience can become a president.

Posted by: leche | July 21, 2008, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm

JK,
Your post completes your quota of lies, you can go back to sleep.
Here are some facts:
John McCain worked day and night to make the anti-Catholic, anti-semite John Hagee part of his campaign.
The last time John McCain visited Nevada, he said he might change his mind regarding the opening of the national nuclear waste dump (in Nevada). But the very next day (different state) he said he wanted the nuclear power (A-bomb proliferation) plants and the waste should go to Nevada!
McCain was in the Senate for decades and voted against EVERY increase in the fuel efficient standards, then stands up and says boo-whoo why are we so dependent on the world price of oil. Which is it, John?
McCain voted for the pointless war in Iraq, voached for Bush as “most qualified” for commander in chief. *Now* he says he was a critic of Bush’s handling of the war. Which is it, John?
McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts saying it was *unconscienceable* to hand such a huge tax break to the people who didn’t need it at a time when the rest of America was hurting. Now he is for this UNCONSCIENCEABLE act. Which is it, John?

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm

Now come on Republican supporters. Do you really think that the country should support 4 more years when it is completely clear that using economic, security, diplomatic and military indicators that our country is much, much worse off than 8 years ago? What is your limit as to how bad it needs to get before you change your voting habit? If the government was a vehicle manufacturer and you bought the car you would take it back for a refund.
Obama is a regular American guy who is well educated, not part of the political establishment and is talking in an intelligent way with thoughtful policies. He has a Presidential gravitas that is clearly appealing to the majority of our citizens (and the world). That is why he will win.

Posted by: Mike | July 21, 2008, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm

Does anyone out there know that BHO wrote in one of his books that He would stand with the Muslim world in the end. Check it out!!!!!!
Posted by: Allen Miller
********************************************* Many of the thinking people here have actually read the book Allen. You are wasting your time.
Better go pull the covers back up over your head before the boogey man gets you. BOO!

Posted by: Truth Matters | July 21, 2008, 8:54 pm 8:54 pm

come on guys give JO abreak anyone can see shes in denial about her gramps or maybe shes a paid rove or mccain blogger because she sure the h– makes no sense!!!

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 8:54 pm 8:54 pm

FINALLY, JOHN MCCAIN SEES A PROBLEM IN AFGHANISTAN. But Barack Obama saw the problem 3 years ago!
We lost 3 times as many American soldiers in the actual war on Al Qaeda (Afghanistan, of course) as in Iraq.
The Karzi government is unable to bring law and order to Afghanistan.
The people of Afghanistan feel as if we have abandoned them again (and we have) just like when the Russians were defeated (the political vacuum led to the creation of the Taliban and 9/11).
The Taliban have thousands of fighters who can retreat to safe havens in Pakistan with virtually no chance of being harassed by American forces.

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm

I am proud to be an American and proud of Barack Obama. God bless America and Good night!

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:57 pm 8:57 pm

JO
are the cult leader for limbaugh and fox news because your quotes sure sound like limbaugh

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm

PS. A slight correction. I meant that we lost 3 times as many Americans in Afghanistan than Iraq for the last 3 months. Us Democrats like to keep it truthful.

Posted by: John's conscience | July 21, 2008, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm

John what is the difference between a Sunni and Shia? And what do you know about when and where we lost contact with the al-Quaeda (the database) in the years after the Afghanistan war, up into the year before 911??? Care to answer these questions John? You were on the Armed Services Commitee. You had security clearance. What did you know about al-Quaeda before, during and after 911? I think we as Americans have a right to know.

Posted by: jeez! | July 21, 2008, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm

What a joke!! What judgment is he referring to?? For supporting an unwarranted invasion to Iraq that has cost us thousands of lives and billions of dollars?? I’d be ashamed if I have to tout such judgment. As for experience, he claims that he does not know anything about the economy, does not keep up with the times, will drive us back another 100 years. Do we really need that kind of experience? Look at his decades in the senate and you can find our his records on all the issues he was against and which he claims to now support. With this kind of forked-tongue, we truly do not need his experience and judgment!!

Posted by: Karen | July 21, 2008, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm

rodney
mccain has to be trained on how to live daily in the 21st century you know like computers, cell phones ipods etc..And from there maybe someone might want to teach him some geography

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 9:19 pm 9:19 pm

come on guys give JO abreak anyone can see shes in denial about her gramps or maybe shes a paid rove or mccain blogger because she sure the h– makes no sense!!!
Posted by: angie | Jul 21, 2008 8:54:57 PM
Come November, I fear for the well being of people like Jo, Rob, JK, Allen Miller, Mack and other McCain supporters. I sure hope the emergency rooms are ready for the surge.

Posted by: Tecumseh | July 21, 2008, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm

mccain has pressured obama for months on this trip now its backfiring wake up johnny learn the more you bash him the more it backfires on you ha ha love it

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 9:22 pm 9:22 pm

Rodney
dont you find it strange how he didnt bash obama at the naacp, but he pandered and sucked up HE IS SUCH A PHONY FAKE UNINTELLIGENT MAN my 10 year old is smarter than him

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 9:25 pm 9:25 pm

angie
it is funny how mccain bashed obama to go overseas—-and when he did mccain bashes him for going—there has to be definition for this behavior.

Posted by: rodney | July 21, 2008, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm

Did you hear the anguished groan from the McDork campaign about a dozen minutes into Countdown? MSNBC ran a clip from GMA… in which McBraggard who touts his international expertise gave conclusive proof, in addition to not having a grasp of the various Islamic sects, this doddering buffoon proved he does not even understand simple geography!
The McBabble jaw was offering a lecture to Dianne Sawyer about the common borders of Iraq with Afghanistan and Pakistan … apparently oblivious there is NO such thing. I would have missed this, if not for the Olbermann (virtual) finger on the map! Now… let’s get this into an O-Ad featuring this interview… with map B roll over McWhereAmI’s voice.
Let me set up my (cable to ‘puter) vid grabber for the 10PM feed… and I will try to edit a MoveOn like spot in the morning. Geez… maybe I will turn this into a cottage industry. Ya’ll send me ideas… I have the tools to turn them into propaganda that works… just not as fast as I used to be!
McBush, you do need on the job training… more evident each time you open your mouth…and apparently a map too!

Posted by: Rhonda Davis | July 21, 2008, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm

RODNEY
maybe mccain forgot he kept insisting he goes or now it has backfired on mccain and he cant stand it the way i see god is in control of this election and you cant stop what he intends!!!

Posted by: angie | July 21, 2008, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm

mccain dont need training—guess he has told us—you cannot teach an old dog anything new—and he wants to run this country—scares the hell out me.

Posted by: rodney | July 21, 2008, 9:57 pm 9:57 pm

It’s a shame. With two liberal Democrats like McCain and Obama running, the Republicans could have won if they had nominated one, oh well…

Posted by: jeez! | July 21, 2008, 10:00 pm 10:00 pm

when mccain constantly bashes obama it shows he has something to hide

Posted by: rodney | July 21, 2008, 10:03 pm 10:03 pm

BREAKING: McCain Makes Historic First Visit to Internet In a daring bid to wrench attention from his Democratic rival in the 2008 presidential race, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) today embarked on an historic first-ever visit to the Internet. Given that the Arizona Republican had never logged onto the Internet before, advisors acknowledged that his first visit to the World Wide Web was fraught with risk. But with his Democratic rival Barack Obama making headlines with his tour of the Middle East and Europe, the McCain campaign felt that they needed to “come up with something equally bold for John to do,” according to one advisor. McCain aides said that the senator’s journey to the Internet will span five days and will take him to such far-flung sites as Amazon.com, eBay and Facebook. With a press retinue watching, Sen. McCain logged onto the Internet at 9:00 AM Sunday, paying his first-ever visit ever to Mapquest.com. “I can’t get this [expletive] thing to work,” Sen. McCain said as he struggled with his computer’s mouse, causing his wife Cindy to prompt him to add that he was “just kidding.” Having pronounced his visit to Mapquest a success, Sen. McCain continued his tour by visiting Weather.com and Yahoo! Answers, where he inquired as to the difference between Sunnis and Shiites. Sen. McCain said that he had embarked on his visit to the Internet to allay any fears that he is too out-of-touch to be president, adding that he plans to take additional steps to demonstrate that he is comfortable with today’s technology: “In the days and weeks ahead, you will be seeing me rock out with my new Walkman.” — Excellent snark from Andy Borowitz

Posted by: zbob22 | July 21, 2008, 10:05 pm 10:05 pm

during his twenty five years in the senate – what has he done to decrease our dependacy on oil? What has he done to force automakers to increase mpg? Does he even know anything about the average american’s economy – especially since he is married to such a poor woman? Give it up…

Posted by: jozy | July 21, 2008, 10:10 pm 10:10 pm

jeez,
dead on about McCain… i’m still not sure which wing of the Republican party he is supposed to appeal towards…

Posted by: 1percenter | July 21, 2008, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm

Lesson #1 McSame
Iraq does not border with Pakistan.

Posted by: Omentum | July 21, 2008, 10:36 pm 10:36 pm

It is appropriate for McCain to point out that the cause he has championed, unpopular at the time, is on the brink of allowing us to leave Iraq with a real measure of victory and political stability.
McCain was right. Obama was wrong. It highlights their difference in experience. It is a factual issue, not an ad hominem attack.
The progress in Iraq, highly unexpected based on the conventional wisdom of 1 year ago where most news agencies were bandying about the word “revolution,” deserves real coverage. When the media fails to point it out, it is appropriate for McCain to do so. It is sad that his policy was not enacted sooner, when it may have prevented much of the uprising we were forced to endure.
Obama fans would be more credible if they would admit the truth that McCain was right on this issue. It doesn’t mean you have to vote for him; just give respect where it is due.

Posted by: Richard Saunders | July 21, 2008, 10:42 pm 10:42 pm

Obama has a unique plan to become President: Get the AA vote, register the college crowd, stiff arm the caucus states, speak only to large adoring crowds with many signs, heavy on the soundbites, avoid debates at all costs (that would include town hall meetings), get the media photo-ops, and try to look cool, even when you are eating waffles…oops, missed one! Oh, and yes, make speeches in historical settings so as to invoke martyr heroes. I understand the Brandenburg Gate will be in the backdrop. Is Oophrah directing that one?

Posted by: georgia | July 21, 2008, 10:44 pm 10:44 pm

Jozy, do you want to have the president tell US companies how to run their organizations. If so I feel sorry for all the retirement and savings plans will be destroyed or reduced. Just great

Posted by: William | July 21, 2008, 10:46 pm 10:46 pm

McCain needs new talking points. Although he was once pegged a maverick, those days are clearly over!!

Posted by: Jennifer | July 21, 2008, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm

Geez, McCain claiming he doesn’t need on the job training is like Clinton claiming he doesn’ t need to be neutered !!! Sometimes it’s good to laugh at politicians in both parties. It lightens the mood !! I may be able to joke about Clinton’s infidelity, but at least it doesn’t threaten national security like lying about a war.

Posted by: T L J | July 21, 2008, 11:09 pm 11:09 pm

Geez, McCain claiming he doesn’t need on the job training is like Clinton claiming he doesn’ t need to be neutered !!! Sometimes it’s good to laugh at politicians in both parties. It lightens the mood !! I may be able to joke about Clinton’s infidelity, but at least it doesn’t threaten national security like lying about a war.

Posted by: T L J | July 21, 2008, 11:09 pm 11:09 pm

McCain has a new campaign commercial in which he blames Barack Obama for the high price of gas. Is this old geezer for real?

Posted by: Jordan | July 21, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm

Richard Saunders ,
Even though the surge temporarily reduced violence in Iraq, it’s not rocket science. If the cowardly Taliban and other intolerant terrorists fled Iraq, it’s only because they were flushed out like rats down a toilet. They merely scattered to Afghanistan and other terrorist -harboring areas.

Posted by: T L J | July 21, 2008, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm

“Obama is the most unqualified candidate in US history!”
So George W’s many failed businesses, his lackluster leadership of Texas and is “military service” made him qualified?

Posted by: Bryant | July 21, 2008, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm

Posted by: Sandy Koufax | July 21, 2008, 11:21 pm 11:21 pm

You can Google McCain Gaffes and find thousands, here are a few of my favs (after reading them ask yourself is this the man we want running this country):
“Did you hear the one about the woman who is attacked on the street by a gorilla, beaten senseless, raped repeatedly and left to die? When she finally regains consciousness and tries to speak, her doctor leans over to hear her sigh contently and to feebly ask, ‘Where is that marvelous ape?’”
“Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno.”
McCain: I appreciate his support. As you know, the lieutenant governor is our chairman.
Q: Why snub the governor?
McCain: I didn’t mean to snub him. I’ve known the lieutenant governor for 15 years and we’ve been good friends….I didn’t intend to snub him. There are other states where the governor is not the chairman.
Q: Maybe it’s the governor’s approval rating and you are running from him like you are from the president?
McCain: (Chuckling) And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago…”
REPORTER: “We’ve learned that exports to Iran increased by tenfold during the Bush Administration, the biggest export was cigarettes. Given that the, yeah… supposedly that the…”
McCAIN: (interrupting) “Maybe that’s the way of killing them. (chuckles) I meant that as a joke.”

Posted by: Bryant | July 21, 2008, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm

You can Google McCain Gaffes and find thousands, here are a few of my favs (after reading them ask yourself is this the man we want running this country):
“Did you hear the one about the woman who is attacked on the street by a gorilla, beaten senseless, raped repeatedly and left to die? When she finally regains consciousness and tries to speak, her doctor leans over to hear her sigh contently and to feebly ask, ‘Where is that marvelous ape?’”
“Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno.”
McCain: I appreciate his support. As you know, the lieutenant governor is our chairman.
Q: Why snub the governor?
McCain: I didn’t mean to snub him. I’ve known the lieutenant governor for 15 years and we’ve been good friends….I didn’t intend to snub him. There are other states where the governor is not the chairman.
Q: Maybe it’s the governor’s approval rating and you are running from him like you are from the president?
McCain: (Chuckling) And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago…”
REPORTER: “We’ve learned that exports to Iran increased by tenfold during the Bush Administration, the biggest export was cigarettes. Given that the, yeah… supposedly that the…”
McCAIN: (interrupting) “Maybe that’s the way of killing them. (chuckles) I meant that as a joke.”

Posted by: Bryant | July 21, 2008, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm

On the job training or not , last i check you never held the post as president or run any company in your lIFE , what are you talking about???>
And this time its bigger than you and Barack, It about ISSUES and PLATFORM’ and as usually you have NOTHING to offer the American people BUT fear AND MORE WAR .
NO thanks we will PASS.
And you didn’t have a clue who the fractions was, who were involve in fighting in Iraq, Joe Lieberman had to BAIL you out more than once.
NEW POLICICIES and VISION for the 21st century.. Barack platform carry those just visit his site.
We had enough fail policies , you neo-cons know how to make a mess of things.

Posted by: sfe..... ...... | July 21, 2008, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm

poor McBush he doesn’t know this eletcion is all about bringing new policies to the table and getting rid of the fail ones.
universal healthcare =democrat have that cover.everyone will have coverage regardless if you have your job or lose it.
Also you will not lose your home like so many trying to pay for ongoing medical cost.
jobs= Dems will invest money in to make sure people get hired.
school= democrat will spend to build better schools and offer the tools so kids can compete in the world.
infrastructure= DEMS plan to spend billions to build better roads and bridges and in the process it gives people jobs.
Environment= well need i say more you can count on the DEms to deliver on this.

Posted by: helen | July 21, 2008, 11:44 pm 11:44 pm

Mr. McCain your comments show just how out of touch you and your policies would be with what the American electorate want from their next Comander-in-Chief and President. Your self proclaimed statment that you know very little about economics should disqualify you as our next President. We do not need in this country another President to follow our current one who knows nothing about economics. Yet you vote on economic policies before the Congress as if you understand what you are voting for. What a hipocrit.

Posted by: Tony | July 22, 2008, 12:20 am 12:20 am

McCain has a new campaign commercial in which he blames Barack Obama for the high price of gas. Is this old geezer for real?
Posted by: Jordan | Jul 21, 2008 11:13:37 PM
McCain doesn’t mention that a few years ago he voted against legislation that if there was drilling in Anwar the oil could be used for American consumers. He wanted the oil to go on the open market for anyone but americans.

Posted by: Chicago Cubs | July 22, 2008, 12:31 am 12:31 am

Really interesting posts but I still want to add this.
All day today McCain claimed his judgment on the surge was right and if the country had listened to Obama, the U.S would have been defeated. McCain therefore claims that he is best qualified than Obama to be the commander-in-chief. Well, not so fast Senator McCain, because actually if the country had listened to Obama, this war would not have been fought in the first place and your second chance at getting the foreign policy and security questions right would not have been necessary.
In fact McCain is acting like someone who makes the worst mistake of his life and then finds a solution after many wasted years and then pats himself on the back and says … oh what a genius I am.
It’s all gimmick people!!!!!!!

Posted by: Eben | July 22, 2008, 12:37 am 12:37 am

he is right. he lacks the basic intelligence requisite to be President. The old guy used to make mistakes and people chalked them up to senior moments, but the fact is he is a not so bright, bottom of his class guy who got by on family connections. He is way out of his league and it shows. The fact he has visited Iraq over 50 times and was clueless to the pulse of the elected Iraqi govt. and the will of out frontline soldiers says it all. he is correct he does not on the job training, he needs to aim for a lower level job.

Posted by: chris | July 22, 2008, 12:42 am 12:42 am

The scariest thing about McCain is that he doesn’t know the difference between “military policy” and “foreign policy.” To him, every foreign policy decision is a military decision. The only foreign policy tool he recognizes is military intervention. This is crazy. The more thoughtful elements of the press should call him on this.

Posted by: Sarah | July 22, 2008, 12:59 am 12:59 am

“I find it ironic that he is emulating the worst mistake of the Bush administration by waving the ‘Mission Accomplished’ banner prematurely.”

Posted by: JR | July 22, 2008, 1:02 am 1:02 am

Lets try again:
In McCain’s rejected Times op-ed piece he said, “I find it ironic that he is emulating the worst mistake of the Bush administration by waving the ‘Mission Accomplished’ banner prematurely.”
Isn’t HE the one who keeps claiming “we’ve succeeded in Iraq”?

Posted by: JR | July 22, 2008, 1:03 am 1:03 am

I’ve been sitting here watching some liberal pundits on CNN admit that Barack has now crossed the fine line into the very presumptious area.
His trip has been a big fat failure and these pundits are admitting he’s making a huge mistake.
Love it!

Posted by: Jo | July 22, 2008, 1:30 am 1:30 am

To John’s Conscience: Maybe he could put Canada on the list. He could always say their great big beavers came across the border and attacked us!

Posted by: World Citizen | July 22, 2008, 2:40 am 2:40 am

CAIN is one sad man filled with fear. Probably it is a war scar…fear of the world around him.
CAIN is old, and when we become old, we become more intensely attached to our old system of beliefs…for CAIN it is fear and insecurity in life. This is why he married a millionaire alcohol distributor…to feel secure economically and to forget the past hard times.
We need someone young, strong, strategic, and intelligent…we cannot have and old fearful man in the White House.

Posted by: Andy | July 22, 2008, 3:12 am 3:12 am

Wow all the college crowd seem to be blogging tonight. Obama can keep yelling he wasn’t in support of the war, BUT HE WASN’T EVEN A SENATOR ABLE TO VOTE ON IT. Monday morning quarterbacking is always easy. The emotional climate on defense, so soon after 9/11 should be revisited. The MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SUPPORTED IT AT THE TIME because of the freaking terriorist attack on our home turf. Try and remember people. So now it’s a mute point. We just need to have someone in office who doesn’t look like a kid playing world politics with the big boys…B. Hussein. NOT NOW, NOT EVER. Millions of us want someone who puts THIS country first, can’t trust the newbie who has the great judgement to hang with Rev. Wright for 20 years. It’s not being covered much lately, but millions of us aren’t forgetting all the Obama negatives just cause he’s getting all the biased liberal media press coverage.
McCain ’08/Hillary ’12

Posted by: Deb | July 22, 2008, 3:23 am 3:23 am

I do not see ANY qualification in McBush.
View from that prison window?
I am not buying that.
Plus – with shaking hands, hardly moving, no ability to use compuer, avoiding driving a car, forgetting names and countries, mental;ity and memory due to Berlin Wall time.
Give me a break .
He is DISABLE to do anything on the state stage.

Posted by: Linda, fl | July 22, 2008, 5:39 am 5:39 am

Can someone please tell McLame that Iraq does not have a border with Pakistan? He doesn’t need OJT, just Geography 101, Economics 101, International affairs 101 and don’t forget Honesty/ethics 101. Mcbush should be CINC material in about six years.

Posted by: James | July 22, 2008, 9:42 am 9:42 am

What McCain needs is a padded cell.

Posted by: Thomas Mc | July 22, 2008, 9:54 am 9:54 am

Just a personal observation…With media bias and left wing mean-spirited attacks plus dis-repectful comments toward Senator McCain; McShame, McSame etc., thus far in this campaign; you are making it VERY DIFFICULT for Republican voters to accept Senator Obama as their Presdident if he is elected. And, that is going to make it very difficult for him to govern this country in hard times…..Let’s GROW UP and behave as adults. Express your opinions based on fact not personal outrage..and leave the grade school behavior to children.

Posted by: RR | July 22, 2008, 11:07 am 11:07 am

My gosh, he’s even trotting out that Clinton talking point.
The bottom line is that the media was giving McCain a pass for a long time regarding his claims of readiness and even national security expertise. I’m sensing the media pendulum is about the swing the other way, though, as McCain making ignorant statements has become a somewhat weekly if not daily norm.
Sen McCain, you’re readiness to assume the presidency was once assumed. But somewhere between confusing al Qaeda for having shi’ite connections and a third repeat of a reference to a country that hasn’t existed for 16 years, you’ve lost the benefit of doubt.

Posted by: Paul | July 22, 2008, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm

“I don’t need on the job training” (McCain is perfect and has reached the apex of knowledge).
Spoken like a politician which has been entrenched in the same old tired system for years.
Has anyone ever looked up the definition of politician? Here it is from Random House Unabridged Dictionary:
1. a person who is active in party politics.
2. a seeker or holder of public office, who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.
3. a person who holds a political office.
4. a person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.
5. an expert in politics or political government.
6. a person who seeks to gain power or advancement within an organization in ways that are generally disapproved.
What about “statesman”? Again from Random House:
1. a person who is experienced in the art of government or versed in the administration of government affairs.
2. a person who exhibits great wisdom and ability in directing the affairs of a government or in dealing with important public issues.
Clearly, we need more statesmen running our country.

Posted by: J Shepard | July 23, 2008, 8:01 am 8:01 am

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