McCain Assertions From His Acceptance Speech It’s Tough to Argue With
1) "Again and again, I’ve worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That’s how I will govern as president. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Sen. Obama does not."
(Obama does have a record of reaching across the aisle — but he doesn’t have any scars from it, meaning he didn’t do it in a way that entailed any repercussions from voters.)
2) "I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn’t a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I’d rather lose an election than see my country lose a war."
- jpt
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This is a speech that is completely written by lobbyists and the fringe. This man has gone completely bonkers.
Posted by: Willem van Oranje | September 4, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Hi,
McSame is talking now…
SNOOOOOZZZ!!!!
WAKE ME UP WHEN HE STOPS..!!!
Posted by: mcsame-dumb | September 4, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
He shouldn’t have used that word. Stability. It’s exactly what I’m questioning him on right now.
Posted by: Willem van Oranje | September 4, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
Jake,
Name the instances where Obama reached across party lines. How often and how significant/risky were those decisions to do so? Did he ever go against his party to fight for a cause?
Thank you in advance Tapper for not answering me but censoring. You’ve completely fallen in the tank for Obama, it’s despicable.
Posted by: JA | September 4, 2008, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
Another assertion that is hard to argue with:
“In every case where I bumped heads with my party, I found it necesary to REVERSE MY POSITION during the primaries”
“The ‘unconscienceable’ Bush tax cut is now conscienceable.
The unacceptable risk of off-shore drilling, which will at most increase world production 1%, is now acceptable.
AND I WOULD NOT VOTE FOR MY OWN ‘IMMIGRATION REFORM’ LEGISLATION!”
Posted by: John's conscience | September 4, 2008, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm
This is horrendous. I can’t believe I heard all of this at the RNC. They totally ripped the entire Ron Paul discography, so to speak. No one likes big government, no one likes the special interests, the power comes from the people. Doesn’t anyone realize this? Doesn’t anyone see? Yeah it was written by lobbyists. Lobbyists for America’s destruction, like David Frum, the Axis of Evil speechwriter for Bush.
People think, understandably, that Palin was meant to grab the female vote. Yet, when you see the sexualized way she was initially presented to the public, and how men are reacting to her, you can see that she was really meant to grab mostly the male vote. This is what you will get with McCain. Not even his fellow senators trust him. And they’re crooks themselves.
Posted by: frankencain lost his bolts | September 4, 2008, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm
Are you kidding Jake? McWar sold his soul to the conservative wingnut fringe of his party in hopes of getting elected.
Posted by: jim | September 4, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
tto bad he didn’t use number 2 before he fought for us to go in…not just a vote but literally fought for us to go in the week after 9/11.
and when exactly did he do #1…
oh he means John Mccain from 2000…
oh yeah that guy did reach across the aisle …unfortunately that guy’s dead… Palin and her creationism and anti sex ed/”passionate conservatism” over any safety for the country …
pretty much killed him.
Posted by: dl | September 4, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
BORING.
Posted by: Anthony | September 4, 2008, 10:57 pm 10:57 pm
Jake
Jim’s right…sorry but McCain sold out the first issue with this election and the Palin game kind of sealed the deal with the devil (i.e. the right wing…what was that Jesus said about the pharaohs)
Posted by: dl | September 4, 2008, 10:57 pm 10:57 pm
What a TOTALLY uninspiring speech! McCain could win any war by simply putting the enemy to sleep!!! No way could I ever vote for him because in my heart of hearts, I don’t believe a word he says — with the exception of his broken-record POW story. Howard Gallas, Reno, NV.
Posted by: Howard Gallas | September 4, 2008, 10:57 pm 10:57 pm
Another assertion that is hard to argue with:
“We are spending over $10 BILLION a month on a war in Iraq that serves no American interest.
Not one dime of this money will help us educate our children, repair our bridges, or change to a renewable energy economy.
Iran is stronger, now that their enemy, Iraq has been neutralized.
Russia feels free to do whatever they want since we are so overcommitted in Iraq.
Only a fool would have said ‘Ta Ta Bin Ladin. We are off to a war we don’t need that will only serve to weaken our worldwide position and strengthen Iran and our other enemies.’
I, John McCain, am that fool.”
Posted by: John's conscience | September 4, 2008, 11:00 pm 11:00 pm
ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……
He can barely read the tear-jerking teleprompter story of his own life.
Must have great lobbyists
Posted by: will | September 4, 2008, 11:01 pm 11:01 pm
Is this an acceptance speech or a bedtime story? Zzzzzzzzzzz….
Posted by: Zzzzzzzzzz | September 4, 2008, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
There is no ‘right strategy’ in a war of aggression. The attack on Iraq was a war of aggression, the ultimate war crime. Neither candidate has the guts to tell the truth – that the war was flat out wrong.
You cannot ‘win’ an occupation.
Posted by: Mike | September 4, 2008, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm
Wait a minute…the Republicans say that Obama is an empty suit? I haven’t heard a single policy point this whole convention besides “Obama sucks, he’s going to raise your taxes! I like low taxes! I like freedom!”
Obama has been put through the ringer for not being substantive, and there’s absolutely no difference here.
Posted by: AB | September 4, 2008, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
It’s been 4 days of attacks on obama mixed up with rightly impressive but repetitive McCain war stories.
Kind of ironic that he delivers that zinger about he’s not running because he’s been chosen from on high…
after a convention that was all about glorifying his biography…
The lobbyists who wrote this garbage went a little too far
Posted by: mgks | September 4, 2008, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
“Is this an acceptance speech or a bedtime story? Zzzzzzzzzzz….”
Hahaha…good one.
Posted by: Mike from NV | September 4, 2008, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
That’s issues for him. I am not as impressed as I was with the Palin speech, but guess what, my whole Puerto Rican family of Clinton Democrats are talking about how he is it. I’m think huh? But this is about McCain and his better nature as Bob Schiffer put it.
Posted by: irma | September 4, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
How is this a party of compromise. THey sure did a poor job of getting that message out. They only preached a scorced earth policy.
3 of the last 4 presidents were republicans who called themselves fiscal conservatives and they ran up 10 trillion dollars of deficits, 1 of the last four presidents was a “tax and spend liberal” democrat who left office with a budget surplus. Who are you going to believe; the facts or the republicans? Vote Obama. We can’t afford anymore of the republican’s fiscal conservatives.
Posted by: The Unshrub | September 4, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
If McCain wants to shake up Washington, why the heck does he vote with Bush 95% of the time?
Speech was a pathetic attempt to cynically portray himself as an outsider after almost 3 decades lurking in the halls of power.
THROW THE BUMS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mgks | September 4, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
OK.
He has worked with members of the other party to “fix problems”. That’s true.
But what problems has he really fixed ?
Most of what he has worked on never made it through the Senate and the famous one which did (McCain-Feingold) has largely died away from a series of loopholes and judicial decisions a mere decade later.
Posted by: Benjamin | September 4, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
Not sure about that first one. McCain has enjoyed extremely high approval ratings in a state that prides itself on political mavericks. They also elected Jeff Flake after all! I can’t recall any McCain actions that might have cost him votes in Arizona… the only state that has votes for him.
Now that the whole nation votes for him, is he still taking Maverick-y, politically inexpedient positions?
Posted by: AC | September 4, 2008, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
The POW thing, lower taxes, asking for decency among one another, Old fashioned Democrats are eating it up, I am watching/observing as it happens. Small group of family and friends, about 50 or so people gathered for the RNC here at my cousins. Weird, but true…….Prez. McCain? OH OH!
Posted by: irma | September 4, 2008, 11:11 pm 11:11 pm
Well, a pathetic end to the worst political convention in history.
They made it through the whole thing without staking out ANY policy positions except DRILL BABY DRILL.
Hmm…. who owns this party again? Oh yeh the
OILIGARCHS
Posted by: will | September 4, 2008, 11:12 pm 11:12 pm
I like how small government McCain comes out feeling our pain and spelling out about 15 new big government programs. WTF?
Posted by: kek | September 4, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
Joe Biden versus Sarah Palin? ROTFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Change v. Plagarism.
Posted by: geevill | September 4, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
Not the best speech by McCain. Palin was a bit better. As an independent I will now support the Obama/Biden ticket. I think what I saw today by the republicans will be more of the same.
Posted by: Bill | September 4, 2008, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
Most Americans want drilling. Most Americans are thinking about their immediate needs and McCain spoke to that. We all talked to them about people we feel should be president because of who they are for so long, that they just don’t care. They want cheaper gas…. Wow.
Posted by: irma | September 4, 2008, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
Well you’ve lost the darn country on multiple glaring levels – down the tubes – with your votes which have taken this country into a downward spiral. The sarcastic and negative tone of your campaign (which you promised would be respectful) is because you want to win a campaign no matter who you take down or no matter how many lies are told. Campaign first should be your motto.
Posted by: cds | September 4, 2008, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
Well, let’s recap: I’m a war hero, I hate war, I hate high taxes and everybody else likes them. A few of the repub stump points, and the POW story (which is moving and we all feel that). Throw in a couple of lies and misleading anti Obama statements so the crowd can boo.Pretty thin and pathetic.
Posted by: shelleyt | September 4, 2008, 11:15 pm 11:15 pm
Palin sounds like the mom of Bobby Generic from “Bobby’s World”
McCain just sounds generic.
Posted by: Goon | September 4, 2008, 11:19 pm 11:19 pm
Come on people, face it. This guy was set up as the kind that would be there, stick with you, stand up as a Maverick. Plus, your gas will be cheaper, drill, like they all want. Change is coming, cause the hero will take care of you. Combine that with the Democrats who are not for Obama, that’s most of Middle America, the white and spanish working class among others.
Posted by: irma | September 4, 2008, 11:20 pm 11:20 pm
It’s not as funny as it was yesterday. I was laughing. Today, I am stunned.
Posted by: irma | September 4, 2008, 11:21 pm 11:21 pm
“1 of the last four presidents was a “tax and spend liberal” democrat who left office with a budget surplus.” Then why didn’t you get Hillary Clinton as your nominee??!!!!
Posted by: Jeff | September 4, 2008, 11:22 pm 11:22 pm
McCain tried very hard to appeal to independents and moderates, but Iam sorry he will still lose.
McCain ran fron GWBush to the extent he will not even call his name, but he will still lose.
McCain even bashed the Repugs as corrupt and power drunk (amazing, it has never happened before), BUT HE WILL STILL LOSE.
POTUS OBAMA SALUTES YOU.
Posted by: Steve_NJ | September 4, 2008, 11:23 pm 11:23 pm
Wholly C! They just took count 57 people, there are 59 adults, my husband went ouside and I am working hard at the computer so I am laying low, but they are in unison saying they’re voting for McCain. They’re Democrats!!!! They always have been…. WEIRD.
Posted by: irma | September 4, 2008, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm
Okay, my family is mixed Puerto Rican race, most are black. I just asked about that and they said; “What does that have to do with anything?” John McCain, to them is like a no brainer….I am still going third party, I don’t care what my dad says.
Posted by: irma | September 4, 2008, 11:28 pm 11:28 pm
I have never seen such a display of CODEPENDENCY from the Republican voters. They are slaves to their own voting patterns and they don’t even know it. It’s as if they are making excuses for the faults of the people they elect. For example, here comes their elected officials apologizing for their behavior and promising to never do it again. “We’re going to change, you’ll see.” Then, BAM, off they go with their addictions to oil, lying, cheating, stealing, and killing for it. The voters then say they just can’t leave their party in this time of crisis. They love their party and must help them to get back on their feet. It goes over and over and over again.
Posted by: JV | September 4, 2008, 11:31 pm 11:31 pm
I am a life long African American democrat who is voting for McCain. I find Obama to be very insincere and the sort of politician that says what he needs to to get into office. I look at Obama’s actions as a senator from Illinois and I see nothing. Obama did not go to Washington for Illinois. He went for himself.
Obama will not wear a US flag pin so why would I expect him to stay in a cell and be loyal to his comrades. Obama strikes me as the sort of guy that would sell the US out.
Tonight I saw man that at least told the truth about his past unlike Obama’s books which are embellished and filled with mis truths. Why would I respect someone that belongs to a church and then severs ties with them after 20 years of membership?
I am black. Obama is black. that is not a reason for me to vote for him. He did nothing to improve my life as an Illinoisan. or an African american. In fact I find him to be a very divisive person. He will do nothing to improve my life as an American. Obama = the change we need is More garbage This is the same stuff he said during his senate race.
PS… Bush not showing at the convention is a blessing. If Bush had showed up they would have beat it death. Bush hates McCain and I applaud him for staying away. He did McCain a favor. Bush and Cheany are cowards. Hillary while your speech was great. You and Bill cannot stand BO. I would never have endorsed him. I admire your loyalty to the DNC but I saw through the act. I saw Michelle Obama frown during your speech and feign smiles when she knew the cameras were on her. The DNC was not united, it was an act. Michelle and Barry are divisive people. they will be the same in the oval office.
No Odrama.
Posted by: Samantha | September 5, 2008, 12:20 am 12:20 am
Anyone who wants to make a journey should have in mind right from the beginning, what he has to do at his last destination.
Barack had in mind “CHANGE”
McCain is trying anything: experience (he dropped it out), the war hero, and now jumping on “CHANGE”.
Independents have you realised this as well!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Peace | September 5, 2008, 12:20 am 12:20 am
Well, well, well.
Now Obama thinks the surge has been successful, or so he told Bill O’Reilly tonight.
He must have had a sneak peak at McCain’s acceptance speech where McCain mentions how he jeopardized his entire candidacy by fighting for the surge.
Posted by: Lee | September 5, 2008, 12:30 am 12:30 am
geeze even the DNC dead has risen. Dukakis what a loser. Please Larry King bring on people who are not bitter or Vogue cover models like the SF Mayor.
Posted by: Samantha | September 5, 2008, 12:31 am 12:31 am
Iraq isn’t “winnable” and because of that, we’ve already lost. And yes McCain, you will lose this election.
Posted by: pedestrian | September 5, 2008, 12:56 am 12:56 am
It’s an excellent argument – if you are the John McCain who hadn’t made a Faustian pact.
The main question is does he see himself as a one-termer.
What ego that seeks the presidency does?
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 5, 2008, 5:51 am 5:51 am
Jeff,
Republicans think you can repeat the past.
Democrats know this is illusion.
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 5, 2008, 5:55 am 5:55 am
I really dont see what’s so attractive about John McCain. He lacked self-control as a Naval Cadet. He was a POW along with thousands of others of that era. When he came home he ran wild until he military psychologists could get his head together. When his first wife had a serious auto accident McCain cheated on her and later dumped her to marry a wealthy beer heiress who set him up to run for Congress. He has never been able to get along with his party – not a team player. He said he wanted to run a clean campaign but he hired the Bush campaign team, and in the gutter he goes. He has a hair trigger temper – and we want to give him the nuclear red button. At age 72 his one criteria for choosing a VP was someone who could be President ‘on day one’ so he gives us Sarah Palin. What are we thinking?
Posted by: darklight46 | September 5, 2008, 6:27 am 6:27 am
Do you know that JOhn McCain was a POW?
Posted by: darklight46 | September 5, 2008, 6:33 am 6:33 am
Jennifer,
You go girl..
Sarah will give you everything you
lost with Hillary.
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 5, 2008, 7:34 am 7:34 am
If I have to hear that POW story one more time. THere were a lot of POW’s. He survived – many didn’t. Let’s talk slavery and the benefits McCains and others still receive from it. Let’s talk about the issues that Mike Moore continues to point out in his movies (no one has sued him for liable) he speaks truth. McCain changes support and issues daily.
I am not going to waste my vote on a 3rd party, its like helping these idiots. As a Mother I stayed home with my children (republicans were civil then and had Christian principles)now we want to flunt sex, lies and neglect of family in front of our kids. You go Family values – is a thing of the past. There were too many qualified women who have given theri blood, sweat and tears to the Republican party – only to receive this slap in the face. We not only need tosing God Bless America – We need to Pray it. We have went from being disliked around the world to being the joke.
Posted by: Tired of sympathy vote | September 5, 2008, 8:28 am 8:28 am
Two great points. He has a real record of change.
Posted by: rafraf | September 5, 2008, 8:57 am 8:57 am
Republican strategy: plug ears and hum as loud as you can.
Posted by: My poor country | September 5, 2008, 9:11 am 9:11 am
Obama has never battled his OWN party – and he never will.
Posted by: marylou | September 5, 2008, 9:43 am 9:43 am
marylou,
That’s because we actually agree with our candidates position on the issues.
(This is the freakin’ strangest election I have ever seen..)
Posted by: Leonard Peltier | September 5, 2008, 7:42 pm 7:42 pm