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McCain says he'll change Washington

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BY DAVID ESPO and ROBERT FURLOW / The Associated Press

Thursday, Sep 04, 2008 - 10:12:27 pm CDT

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- John McCain, a POW turned political rebel, vowed Thursday night to vanquish the "constant partisan rancor" plaguing the nation as he launched his fall campaign for the White House. "Change is coming" to Washington, he promised the Republican National Convention.

"I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again," McCain said in a prime-time address. "I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not," he said of his rival for the White House, Sen. Barack Obama.

McCain drew a roar from his delegates when he walked out onto the convention stage to speak, silhouetted by a single spotlight. He was introduced by a video that dwelt heavily on his service, a man hailed for "a faithful unyielding love for America, country first."

Story Photo
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. (left) and Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., smile during a walkthrough at the Exel Convention Center. (AP)

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Protesters interrupt McCain speech

Anti-war protesters briefly interrupted John McCain's acceptance speech Thursday night at the Republican National Convention. The nominee told supporters "don't be diverted by the crowd noise and the static."

One male protester and two female protesters were removed from the hall by security officers. The male demonstrator had a sign that read "You can't win an occupation" on one side, and "McCain votes against vets" on the other side.

The crowd tried to drown them out with chants of, "USA, USA."

"My friends, my dear friends ... please, please don't be diverted by the crowd noise and the static," McCain said. "I'm going to talk about it some more, but Americans want us to stop yelling at each other."

-- AP

"USA, USA, USA," chanted the crowd in the hall.

McCain's speech was the highlight of the final night of the party convention, but before he took the podium, delegates unanimously awarded the vice presidential nomination to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. She is the first female ticketmate in Republican history.

McCain, 72 and campaigning to become the oldest first-term president in history, faced a delicate assignment as he formally accepted his party's presidential nomination: presenting his credentials as a reformer willing to take on his own party and stressing his independence from an unpopular President Bush -- all without breaking faith with his Republican base.

Other Republicans were far more pointed in criticizing Obama from the convention podium.

In the race for the White House, "It's not about building a record, it's about having one," said former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge. "It's not about talking pretty, it's about talking straight."

McCain invoked the five years he spent in a North Vietnamese prison. "I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's," he said. "I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's."

Thousands of red, white and blue balloons nestled in netting above the convention floor, to be released on cue for the traditional celebratory convention finale.

He and Palin were departing their convention city immediately after the Arizona senator's acceptance speech, bound for Wisconsin and an early start on the final weeks of the White House campaign.

Palin has been the object of intense scrutiny since McCain tapped her as his running mate last week. "I'm very proud to have introduced our next vice president to the country," he said. "But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington."

The last night of the McCain-Palin convention also marked the end of an intensive stretch of politics with the potential to reshape the race. Democrats held their own convention last week in Denver, nominating Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden as running mate for Obama, whose own acceptance speech drew an estimated 84,000 partisans to an outdoor football stadium.

The polls indicate a close race between McCain and Obama, at 47 a generation younger than his Republican opponent, with the outcome likely to be decided in scattered swing states in the industrial Midwest and the Southwest.

Ahead lie the traditional major checkpoints -- presidential and vice presidential debates, millions of dollars in ads -- but also the unscripted, spontaneous moments that can take on outsized importance in the race to pick a president.

The Arizona senator paid a brief visit to the Xcel center at mid-afternoon to check out a speaking podium remade overnight to capture the intimacy of a town-hall meeting that has become his trademark.

He was accompanied by his wife, Cindy, as well as two close allies, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Sen. Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut Democrat-turned-independent.

Cindy McCain recommended her husband to the nation. "If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain ... a man tested and true ... who's never wavered in his devotion to our country," she said in prepared remarks. She called him "a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider."

Graham also had a speaking slot, and he used it to criticize McCain's rival. He said Obama and the liberal group MoveOn.org were the only ones who didn't realize that Bush's decision to deploy additional troops to Iraq last year had succeeded.

Ridge's turn at the podium came after he had been mentioned prominently in speculation about a running mate.

That was an honor that went unexpectedly to Palin, the first female vice presidential candidate in party history, a 44-year-old Alaska governor virtually unknown nationally a week ago.

In the days since, she has faced a storm of scrutiny, some of it relating to her tenure as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, and her time as governor, but most involving her 17-year-old unmarried daughter who is pregnant.

For the most part, McCain's aides have kept Palin out of public sight while vociferously defending her readiness to become president. She emerged Wednesday night during prime time to deliver a smiling, sarcastic attack on Obama that generated roars of approval -- and acceptance -- from the delegates.

She followed up in the hours before McCain's convention appearance with a meeting with Republican governors and a fundraising appeal that blamed Democrats for spreading "misinformation and flat-out lies" about her family and her.

Even so, there were fresh questions about her readiness to sit one chair away from the Oval Office.

McCain has cited her authority over the Alaska National Guard as one example. But in a memo last spring, Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell warned that "missions are at risk" in the state's units because of a personnel shortage. The lack of qualified airmen, Campbell said, "has reached a crisis level."

In an interview on Wednesday with The Associated Press, Campbell said the situation has improved since then, but not enough to eliminate his concern that shortages will result in the burnout of troops.

McCain won the presidential nomination late Wednesday night in an anticlimactic vote that followed a campaign lasting most of a decade. He first ran for the White House in 2000, but lost the Republican nomination to Bush in a bruising struggle. He began the current campaign the Republican front-runner, but his chances seemed to collapse last winter when opposition to the Iraq war rose among independents and conservatives grew upset over his backing for legislation to give illegal immigrants a path toward citizenship.

In one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent times, he recovered to win the New Hampshire primary in early January, then wrapped up the nomination on Feb. 5 with big-state primary victories on Super Tuesday.

Obama, campaigning in swing-state Pennsylvania on Thursday, said he wasn't surprised at Palin's criticism of him, and said Democrats intended to focus on her record.

"I think she's got a compelling story, but I assume she wants to be treated the same way that guys want to be treated," he said. "I've been through this 19 months, she's been through it -- what -- four days so far?"

Obama's campaign announced it had raised roughly $10 million from more than 130,000 donors since Palin delivered her speech Wednesday night.

Outside the hall, police on horseback thwarted plans by anti-war demonstrators to march on the convention hall. protesters calling for an end to the Iraq war vowed to march as McCain spoke.

More than 100 demonstrators were arrested earlier in the day after a concert by the rock group Rage Against the Machine.

Police arrested more than 250 demonstrators on the convention's first day on Monday, but the streets have been relatively quiet since.


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JB wrote on September 4, 2008 7:42 pm:
" Says the same stories over and over. Want a real answer! "

 Martin wrote on September 4, 2008 10:10 pm:
" Maverick McCain. Former POW, going to change Washington. Believe it folks, McCain is to be yet another shining example of the Republican Party can bring to the executive branch in the 21st Century. Believe it folks. By the way, I'm supporting Obama. "

 Josh wrote on September 4, 2008 10:11 pm:
" I noticed that McCain did not wear a flag on his lapel. Does that mean he is unpatriotic? "

 Brian wrote on September 4, 2008 10:19 pm:
" That was the most boring speech I've seen in a long time. Seriously folks, this is the best the GOP has to offer? "

 Brian wrote on September 4, 2008 10:36 pm:
" The Media (including the Journal Star) have been falling allover themselves fawning over Obamma for the past 3 months I almost forgot about the republicans. I am glad they did take the time to at least mention the GOP had a convention this week. "

 Yup wrote on September 4, 2008 10:38 pm:
" Tonight was the about the nomination, not the campaign. Stop and listen in the next couple of months and he'll answer your questions. "

 Don wrote on September 4, 2008 10:40 pm:
" A compelling story. McCain will be a great leader for Republican reform while he helps President Obama change Washington. Americans remain bitter with those Republicans who aided and harbored Bush-Cheney’s deception and reckless covert ops from the White House. As an Independent, I have gained a new respect for John S. McCain, but he will not get my vote. Whether habit or by design, he twisted, turned and contorted the message of Obama.. It might have made a difference if McCain had been honest about Obama’s tax plan is to reduce taxes for the lower 95 per cent of the nation; that is a significant change not in McCain’s plan. McCain’s energy plan is short sighted. Iraq remains unstable and neither McCain or Obama will change centuries old fighting between Sunni and Shiites. And, the choice of Palin was a disappointment, she lacks a special presence you know when you see a leader. Sure, a pit bull with lipstick, as she would describe a hockey mom, she’s a mom, a hard working mom, not yet seasoned to be next in line for the Presidency. I want to see a leader as my VP, not a cheerleader. "

 Issues wrote on September 4, 2008 11:01 pm:
" I still have issues with McCain/Palin ticket.They were not answered and I will have to look at other canidates. I did not hear the words I will protect your right to privacy. Something the Current occupant has had trouble remembering. I did not hear how he would work to restore our ecnomy, which has staggered under the huge deficiet that also was run up by the current occupant. I would have liked one of the canidates to mention how we are going to pay for all this stuff. It appears that Washington still is living on Credit "

 FAT CHANCE wrote on September 4, 2008 11:30 pm:
" He's been in Washington for 26 years and NOW he's going to change things? Funny stuff. "

 AN wrote on September 4, 2008 11:34 pm:
" I'm ready for a true American Hero who has actual experience to be in the White House. Go McCain! "

 voteMcCain wrote on September 4, 2008 11:41 pm:
" McCain gives real answers...especially over Obama. "

 JT wrote on September 4, 2008 11:51 pm:
" Shouldn't he have been changing it for the last thirty years? "

 Ej wrote on September 5, 2008 4:25 am:
" I hope people really listen to what these candidates have to say. I don't see how running for office for 19 months qualifies you for that office. "

 Laurie wrote on September 5, 2008 5:01 am:
" "Constant partisan rancor"? Isn't this exactly what we have heard these people spewing for the last three days? We're gonna kiss and make up right after he's president? That's what the last guy said. "

 Matt wrote on September 5, 2008 5:03 am:
" OK John, first step would be to change the hate speech spewed from your colleagues, especially your VP choice who most certainly promises more of the same partison rancor. The GOP is basing this election on the same fear and hate, your either with us or against us nonsense. This doesn't really inspire me to go out there and do something for my community or country.

I actually believed in McCain when he was leading the primaries. But now he seems to the be same puppet that Bush was to far right machine. Tell him to increase the deficit and he'll say how high. Tell him to go to war and he'll say which country first. This scares me more than Obama's lack of experience. "

 MY way or the highway wrote on September 5, 2008 5:58 am:
" This is not different from past republican claims of wanting to work across the aisle. Problem is there is no negotiation, "I'd love to work with you if you just do as I say." Until Republicans really become willing to work together McCane won't change a thing in Washington. "

 OJ wrote on September 5, 2008 6:34 am:
" What a jerk, he is not going to “change” Washington. Unless you make $250,000/year McBush is NOT your answer, however, to everyone else, Obama is the solution. As the great Jimmy Carter recently stated, John McCain is “milking” his POW experience. Don’t buy into the GOP same old fear tactics, we are better than this! "

 Flag wavers wrote on September 5, 2008 6:45 am:
" You know, it occurs to me that the over-the-top patriotic posturing we see from the Republican party exists to disguise the fact that the Republican party policies and practices of way too many members of the party, actually destroy this country. With friends like Bosh, Cheney, Abramhoff, Rove, Gonzales, Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, Scooter, DeLay, McCain/Palin, who needs enemies? Terrorists? We don't need no stinking terrorists to bring this country down. Harsh words, yes, deservedly so. When the bad guys come from outside we unite, when they come from the inside we divide in the interest of maintaining our party beliefs. Keep waving that flag and maybe no one will pay attention to the fact they just got robbed. There are so many things in this country to be proud of, we do some great things, I am patriotic and we have a country full of wonderful people but there are some crooks taking advantage of the trust we place in them to do right by us. The Republicans need to actually BE patriotic rather than just providing a garish display of patriotic symbols! "

 McCain Steals Obamas line wrote on September 5, 2008 6:47 am:
" This is a trend that has been going on more and more with the GOP. SO how will McCain make the change? Same old political rhetoric so far. Seems to me his course is the status quo. Not impressed yet. If you want change, Obama is still your best candidate. "

 Two Face detection wrote on September 5, 2008 6:50 am:
" Old John McCain wants to do away with "constant partisan rancor" the day after his VP candidate embraces it in her speech. Do the GOP think that Americans are so dumb that we can't remeber what happened 24 hours ago? Apparently so. "

 Pots and kettles wrote on September 5, 2008 7:06 am:
" That speach was full of a bunch of promises, but no substance. He didn't tell us how he was actually going to do most of the things he said. Who's McCain anyway, the Messiah? Let me go listen to Rush some more to get the rest of my points. "

 WCG wrote on September 5, 2008 7:26 am:
" It's funny how even the Republicans realize how badly they've damaged our country, isn't it? They're all promising to 'change' Washington. Well, the biggest change - and the most useful - would be to dump the people who've been running it for the past eight years!

McCain, the 'rebel,' has supported Bush 90% of the time in the past eight years - and 95% since he started running for president. Perhaps he used to be a 'maverick,' I don't know, but he's flip-flopped on every single issue. Maybe you think he's just lying in order to get elected? I don't know. He sounds increasingly confused to me. He doesn't even seem to know what his positions ARE these days. And he and his campaign are definitely lying about Barack Obama. But I guess ambition will do that to you, huh?

Let's face it, if you REALLY want change, you don't want to let the same people run things. Haven't they damaged us enough already??? And McCain is not just a Republican who's embraced George W. Bush. His campaign is filled with lobbyists and Karl Rove acolytes, and he's backed by the same people who've been in charge for the past disastrous eight years. We'd be crazy to want to 'stay the course' with this incompetent bunch of ideologues. "

 Patrick wrote on September 5, 2008 7:32 am:
" What's with the chants of USA,USA at the GOP convention? It's not the Olympics, and the Democratic Party is not the Soviets during the Cold War.
I also don't get how McCain can say he is going to vanquish "constant partisan rancor" when his VP candidate brought every culture war issue to the forefront of a campaign that had been about foreign policy and the economy. Palin is extremely partisan and regurgitating Karl Rove's GOP talking points like she is "Bushette".
I respected McCain immensely before the primary season, and would have voted for him over Hillary when they were both the favorites, but it's laughable to believe he is going to change Washington and be a rebel when his surrogates are running the same sort of campaign the GOP has for the last eight years. "

 Jody P. wrote on September 5, 2008 8:05 am:
" John McCain is the real deal, folks. He really HAS fought for change in D.C., but there's only so much one senator can do. He has fought for more changes and reached across the aisle more than Obama could ever dream of having done or doing.

You see, when the Obama supporters define change, they really mean is a change back to the same old Democratic policies. But what most of the vast center of American voters want is change from politics as usual in D.C. McCain is the embodiment of that. Obama embodies Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis (yikes!), Nancy Pelosi, with more than a dash of far-left loonies like Rev. Wright and William Ayers. That's not change. That's the late '60s on Berkeley campus. "

 Hey Patrick wrote on September 5, 2008 8:05 am:
" The USA USA chants were to drown out obnoxious far left protesters. Once again far left, grow up. "

 Outside the Box wrote on September 5, 2008 8:37 am:
" So we should be outraged and offended when Michelle Obama says she's "proud of her country" for the first time in a long time. But we stand and cheer when McCain says he learned to love America only when he was beaten within an inch of his life?

If that's not a double standard, I don't know what is. "

 jim wrote on September 5, 2008 8:43 am:
" neither candidate can "change" washington. washington is an unstoppable machine that rolls over the working class with out blinking. promises promises. but the last 8 years were horrible to the blue collar worker and the oil tycoons that happen to be 1 & 2 in the whitehouse have to be held accountable. so long GOP "

 MarkyMark wrote on September 5, 2008 9:08 am:
" If John McCain wants to do away with "constant partisan rancor", he probably shouldn't let his VP pick spew it from her loud, backwoods, redneck mouth. "

 WatchEnergy wrote on September 5, 2008 9:26 am:
" There is a myth gong around that our nation can be independent of foreign oil and natural gas. We've all heard the television commercials saying the USA has only 3 per cent of the world's oil reserves.

But, less has been heard about the finite/limited reserves of natural gas.

According to BP's calculations of natural gas reserves as related to annual production, it will only take 65.1 years to use up the natural gas reserves completely if conditions remain otherwise constant. In 1981 it was almost 60 years, and by 2001 the development of gas fields had caused this to increase to 70 years.
If each region were only able to utilise its own reserves, all of North America would have less than 10 years time until it would have to make do without gas; Europe and Eurasia would lie a little below the world average. Only the gas-rich Middle East could continue to use the same amount of natural gas for almost 250 years from their reserves

McCain is not entirely wrong but he is not correct as Obama acknowledges our best efforts to use up our resources are only a stop gap measure.

The sooner our reserves are consumed, the sooner we become MORE dependent on foreign oil and natural gas. "

 JB wrote on September 5, 2008 9:48 am:
" How many years has he been in Washington? Enough to prove he is a "maverick"? NOT! Very boring speach. "

 Diane wrote on September 5, 2008 9:57 am:
" When you defy the GOP vote in Congres only 10 per cent of the time, that is not a reformer and certainly not a maverick. Over 26 years in Congress and he is still confused about what change is. McCain doesn't get it. "

 Personally wrote on September 5, 2008 10:05 am:
" I thought the protesters were the only exciting and interesting moments in his speech. They kept me awake at least. "

 Patrick wrote on September 5, 2008 10:05 am:
" There were also chants of USA,USA on the evening that Fred Dalton Thompson and Joe Liebermann spoke, and from what I saw that evening there were no protesters in the building. To be honest, the vast majority of the audience that night was old, white men, with a few young white men sprinkled here and there. I didn't seen a woman besides Palin, and no minorities. "

 nemo wrote on September 5, 2008 10:05 am:
" You can believe it if you want, and Obama May raise taxes only on those upper crust, but that's who many of us work for and buy from and if you think that will not affect you then you have become blind and deaf from all of Obama's glitz and glamour. Get the stars out of your eyes and pay attention, the man wants to take money from your pocket whether he actually sends you the bill or not. John McCain has been trying to change things, it's why he's considered the demos favorite republican. You just refuse to see it. Don't you think it would be better to have someone in the white house that's known to have an ability to work with those who fundamentally disagree with him, I don't believe Obama has it. McCain for Pres. Wish I owned an oil well so I could pay my taxes that will be going up. "

 Darren wrote on September 5, 2008 10:09 am:
" The only thing I heard from Mccain last night was a guy that has spent the last 30 years making a living from being locked up in the hanoi hilton. Being a prisoner of war does not make you presidential and according to my neighbor who was also a prisoner of war it doesn't make you a hero either. It just means you were able to survive. With McCains voting record over the last 8 years a seriously doubt he can even change his shorts without permission from the GOP and Karl Rove and his henchmen. While we are talking politics can someone please explain to me why Rove isn't in a federal prison for contempt of congress and other vario0us and sundry charges? Are people like that what we really want running this country some more? You republicans might want to take a look at palin a bit closer too...she could possibly have some nasty situations coming up in court in her home state because of some undue influence she tried to exert on the state patrol in Alaska. She's no reformer she's just an unknown voice in the same old tired GOP choir. "

 John wrote on September 5, 2008 10:14 am:
" Nice to see Cindy has gotten over her drug addiction. She had a good speach, but Obama's wife can take her to the cleaners. "

 Bob H wrote on September 5, 2008 10:14 am:
" McCain is way past his prime. And thats the problem in Washington, we have congressmen and Senators that should have been retired years and years ago. But they are addicted to power and the free ride or whatever. And now we have a 72 year old Republican candidate
with health and mental issues, most likely a one term guy at best. I might feel a little different if John McCain would have chosen a qualified running mate, but no way is this lady ready or qualified to take over if something happened to John. I really like John McCain, he has served our country well, but his poor judgement in a running mate I think is just one of many more to come if elected. I've been a Republican all my life and it is disappointing to me to see what has gone on the last eight years. George Bush has really taken this country down, and I think it is time we as republicans or responsible Americans
face that fact, and do what is right for the country instead of just going for the win. We had other good candidates that were really qualified and on top of their game, and we chose on the bases of who had the best chance of winning, not the best man for the job. As much as
I hate to say it the Democrats have the best ticket out there. I don't know what i'll do in November. I can't in good conscience anyway vote republican for President. "

 Beaker wrote on September 5, 2008 10:19 am:
" We are McCain. Resistance is futile. Assimilation or death. "

 you cant be serious... wrote on September 5, 2008 10:21 am:
" "pots and kettles". There is no way you are serious. Did you listen to Obamas speech or were you to busy crying? Obama did the same thing he made many promises but no answers on how he is going to do it. Both of these canidates are terrible and I will not be voting for either of them. The fact that I have to choose between these two canidates makes me really lose hope for this country. Both of them are bold face liars. "

 BusinessMajor wrote on September 5, 2008 10:27 am:
" Want straight talk? If Obama were elected president Warren Buffett would finally have to pay taxes; with McCains plan Buffett would not. Buffett paying taxes would likely reduce what most citizen in any of the NE districts pay in taxes. But Obama wouldn't be able to do it alone, you have to REMOVE Fortenberry, Smith, and Lee from Congress to support a change to tax Buffett and his $billions. Vote for McCain and everyone sees a tax increase or cuts in quality of life. "

 Working Class wrote on September 5, 2008 10:39 am:
" Am I the only one who has noticed he never moves his neck? Is it rusted in place from all the B.S. that spouts out his mouth? Seriously, do we really want a 73 year old robot who is programmed with the same mentality as Bush? Do you really want a 44 year old Super Model Wannabe as president if "Stiffy" kicks the can? My guess is all the McCain supporters posting here are the ones who make 250K a year taking from the rest of the hardworking class. Reality is, post all the negative things you want. You won't sway my vote and the best man will win. End of story. So how about just getting back to work like the rest of the working class and stop posting useless comments because it won't change the vote. "

 JT wrote on September 5, 2008 10:46 am:
" Can the AP explain why John McCain is a political rebel? Is it his voting 90% of the time with Bush? Or was it his bowing to Karl Rove and selecting Palin? "

 John Flaherty wrote on September 5, 2008 10:56 am:
" I watched about half of the McCain acceptance speech and I thought he was very gracious and inviting. I read an even better article this morning in the LA TIMES (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-mccainprofile4-2008sep04,0,7438006.story?page=1) about McCain's life that was a little bit more balanced than the promo they ran in the Convention Hall. It made me appreciate -and even like- John McCain even more.

But here is the problem. McCain is running on being a maverick, and on the idea of "change"... but that's not what happens to GOP candidates when they get into the Oval Office. I remember reading the same stories about George Bush during his first election run... how he was willing to work in a bi-partisan manner and reach across party lines while Governor of Texas. It was a big selling point to moderates and swing voters. But we all know what happened over next the next 8 years and it was NOT bi-partisan by any means. Bush became a puppet of the Neo-Con movement and relentlessly pushed their agenda domestically and internationally.

So while I like John McCain, I don't trust the people who are going to run him when/if he becomes president. He may be a Maverick Senator but you can't be a Maverick Republican President. You WILL do what your party tells you to do and you will represent that parties' interests. This means at least four more years of the same policies and governing as we experienced for the past eight. John McCain the man is just the pleasant book cover with well written jacket flaps meant to get my vote. I feel like I could give John McCain THE MAN my vote, but I could never trust his party. "

 Zoomie wrote on September 5, 2008 11:00 am:
" Believing in John Sidney McSame is totally dependent upon not paying any attention to anything the says. Example - he keeps claiming Obama will raise taxes on every working American family. In fact, even conservative economic think tanks say Obama's plan will lower taxes on 95% of America, and raise them ONLY on the richest 5% (vice McSame's plan to reduce taxes on 100% of America, but while Obama will give the middle class an avg $1,000 reduction, McSame will give us only $300, while giving that richest 5% an avg $20,000 tax cut). Or the GOP oft-repeated claim Obama voted to defund our troops in combat. He did. But so did McSame (and Graham, and Lieberman)! And they also urged Bush to veto the funding for our troops! And after almost 30yrs, only now has he come up with a plan to reform Washington? Let's also note that the other day he said he has a secret plan to catch bin-Laden, which he'll use when he's in the White House! HUH?!?!?! You mean, catching the most wanted terrorist in the world is dependent on America voting for McSame? This is the behavior of a patriot? Why hasn't he told Bush this secret plan so we can catch bin-Laden NOW!?!?! Simple truth - McSame is promising to give us four more years of George W. Bush...tax cut on tax cut, ever more spending (no choice on that, since he wants to spend ever more on defense), ever growing deficits, an imperial presidency that spies on America like Big Brother in 1984, who only obeys those laws he likes, and just ignores the rest, relying on the filibuster power of 40+ GOP Senators to lock up Congress and make them incapable of legislating, relying on control of the Justice Dept to ensure (as Bush has done) that no subpoenas are served or enforced, and that no prosecutions of his cronies can be accomplished! Same old, same old, John Sidney McSame! "

 NOW Vietnam matters wrote on September 5, 2008 11:02 am:
" It's funny how Bush supporters -- who dismissed John McCain's Vietnam experience in the 2000 primary -- are playing the Vietnam card, over and over, now that McCain is their nominee. These are the same delegates who four years ago ridiculed John Kerry's service. Kerry is certainly not a hero like McCain, but can we at least admit that he risked his life for his country while George Bush was doing God knows what? Republicans, you are hypocrites. "

 Janee wrote on September 5, 2008 11:35 am:
" Well, if all the GOP has to offer is the same old fear, lies and nationalism our choice for change is certainly clear. "

 jo wrote on September 5, 2008 11:35 am:
" he should have ended his speech with his rendition of bomb bomb bomb - bomb bomb bomb iran. wow that would have been cool "

 Independent voter wrote on September 5, 2008 11:42 am:
" Just as expected, many continue to be close-minded as McCain geniunely tries to cross party lines and view all of us as what we are (and should be proud of)...Americans. To "says the same stories over and over" type comments...at least he HAS stories. And to those that comment on McCain's "boring" speech, at least his supporters are supporting him for reasons other than the ability to speak alone, as much of what Obama says is simply that...words. I guess, in my book, actions speak louder than words...and the only action that Obama has to fall back on is ASSISTING in writing legislation that was passed (not vetoed) by none other than the Republican party's GW Bush. Therefore, crediting Obama's "accomplishments" is, in essence, crediting George Bush. Keep that in mind when you want to refer to his "experience."

For those that think McCain/Palin won't bring change...let me tell you something...you either a) didn't hear McCain/Palin's speeches or 2) were not listening. They have an actual RECORD of bringing change...including McCain, who also has an actual RECORD of crossing party lines. If you heard the speech and still have questions as to whether or not they will bring change, start listening.

As to claims that the McCain/Palin ticket has not addressed the economy, here are a few questions:
1) Does "drill,baby,drill" and the movement of the US towards energy efficiency have somehing to do with the economy? If not, who is paying for YOUR fuel?
2) Does keeping corporate taxes lower have something to do with the economy? Again, if not, who do YOU work for? Along with millions of Americans...I work for a corporation...my pay raises are a direct result of the profitability of the corporation I am working for. You raise corporate taxes...you LOWER my income (and the income of millions of other middle-class Americans). "

 joe wrote on September 5, 2008 11:48 am:
" you cant be serious -

if you voted for GW then your comments can't be taken seriously. both of these guys are light years better than GW & his puppeteer. Tricky Dick. "

 Wake up wrote on September 5, 2008 11:52 am:
" And I quote: This morning Obama said: "I've never been to Alaska, guess I
have to go and check it out sometime. Heh heh (giggle)" The last I checked Alaska was part of the United States. Obama could go campaign in
every foreign country whose citizens can't even vote for a U.S. President,
but no sir folks, after alllll this long campaigning he couldn't even go
to little ole Alaska!!!!!! You think he cares a diddley crap about
Nebraska except maybe Omaha. Well of course not, he only cares about the
MONEY PEOPLE, don't be fooled!!! Where do you think his big money chest
came from? It wasn't your $5.00 you sent!!!! How the man could stand
there and LAUGH that "he had never been to Alaska" tells me a big big
story about him and his CARING about the little guy!!! He only cares about
HIMSELF!!!!!!!! Just check around, how many times has he been to Wyoming
and even KANSAS THE STATE HE WAS BORN IN?????? My word people, wake up!! "

 Independent voter wrote on September 5, 2008 11:53 am:
" In addition, a big question in this election is...who can you believe, Obama or McCain? And how are you, as an American voter, going to decide who you can believe? Are you going to base your decision on whether or not their speech got you out of your seat, which proves that the candidate can "play politics," which by definition means "to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement"? Or are you going to rely on cold, hard facts, such as experience, PROVEN character, etc.? "

 Pots Kettles wrote on September 5, 2008 12:02 pm:
" No, I wasn't serious. I was pointing out that what all the dittoheads said of Obama's speech was also true of McCain's. Hence the checking with Rush comment. I'm beginning to believe that these acceptance speeches are just pep rallies and aren't actually meant to inform. As long as both parties will agree that neither told much, then I'll be satisfied. That's why I called myself Pots & Kettles. Geesh. "

 Hey BusinessMajor wrote on September 5, 2008 12:28 pm:
" Buffett pays himself a salary of only $100,000 annually. According to the Obama fanatics, he'd get a tax cut being it's less than $250K. Good luck taxing any capital gains from Buffett, his accountant probably knows of a million loopholes. Plus, with all of the gifting of stock to the Gates Foundation, Buffett's write off is gigantic. I like the idea of Warren paying more taxes, but it's not as easy as you make it out to be. "

 Hey Wake Up Independent Voter wrote on September 5, 2008 12:39 pm:
" How dare you try to make these Kool Aid drinkers think about Obama consequences. You want to make their heads explode? You won't be able to talk sense into anyone that has Obama blinders on, it's been tried too many times on here. Let sense come the hard way, via disappointment of their leader which they are star struck with. Right now, any criticism of Obama sets people off. Someday, when he is president, they will be stuck defending him from everyone else that awoke out of their liberal trance. Good luck to everyone without the blinders. To those with the blinders, have fun defending this guy and the do nothing Congress for the next 4 years. "

 comparisons wrote on September 5, 2008 12:42 pm:
" You libs are comparing Barry O with Jimmy Carter? I remember the 21% interest rates and 40% taxes under Carter and I think it will be more of the same with 'Bama. "

 ah ok wrote on September 5, 2008 12:58 pm:
" "Pot & Kettles". Very good points then! I agree with you on all. Slow day today. That is exactly what these rallies truly are. It is like homecoming just gameday is someone becomes president. Just sucks we have to decide between these two(which I probably won't even do). "

 jll wrote on September 5, 2008 1:18 pm:
" Actually- what I heard McCain say last night was that he was going to change Warshington- which isn't the same place I don't think. "

 th century wrote on September 5, 2008 1:30 pm:
" jody p. want to accuse the dems of changing 'back to the same old democratic policies'. well we might learn a lesson from some of those democratic policies: roosevelt policies get us out of the great depression, truman contributes to the massive post-ww2 economic growth with the gi bill, kennedy, lbj create more opportunities and the only reason the 'war on poverty did not do as well as it could have is cause we started putting money into war rather than people. all of them created better quality of life for the masses of people rather than the elites. yes, from where we are now, let's go back to more democratic policies. since reagan, republicans have been taking us back to the 19th century with policies that only/mostly benefit the elites. the growing disparity of wealth is only one measure. "

 Calm Down wrote on September 5, 2008 1:46 pm:
" Calm down, "Wake Up." How many times has McSame visited Alaska or Kansas or any other small state? The fact is, no one ever came to the Nebraskas or the other small states until the Democrats' race this spring was so close. Do you really think every campaign can afford to travel to every little state, especially when most of them have their outcomes basically already decided? Get real! "

 Rob wrote on September 5, 2008 2:06 pm:
" Any one who claims we'll benefit from drilling domestically needs their head checked. Heres why:

1. The oil we have amounts to about 1/1000th of what is outside the U.S. amounting to about a 3 cent decrease per gallon cost. Whoopie!!!!!!!

2. It will take AT LEAST 5 years before we see a drop, in which time by then, a decent, cheaper bio-fuel could be in the market.

3. Even when the oil is tapped, you think the nice ol' oil companies will just sell the American market the oil at a cheaper price? No. They're out to make money and they'll sell it just as high after they release it into the world market.

4. And what would stop OPEC from shutting off their valves to balance out the oil we put in the market?

Drilling for oil is not an energy plan. Its a cheap reteric to get all the desperate, ignorant people to vote for McCain. Why give the oil companies more tax breaks to drill here when we could give other companies tax incentives to boost an alternative fuel? Just doesn't make sense. "

 Independent voter wrote on September 5, 2008 3:41 pm:
" Rob, valid points on the oil issue. A few comments: all of your comments are a result of corruption, not economics. Corruption is the exact issue that both McCain and Palin have and will fight if they are elected. In addition, the amount of oil that America has in comparison to other countries is irrelevant. What is relevant is the amount of oil that the U.S. DOES have, which is enough to buy time until other sources are available. "

 nemo wrote on September 5, 2008 4:51 pm:
" Actually Obama's campaign is always bragging about how much money they are raising that yes I think he could afford to visit every state. He really doesn't care about Nebraska or Alaska or Kansas, we are those "fly over and hold your nose" states. John McCain was the one flying coach at the beginning of his campaign. He's the one that's been fighting for campaign reform for years. "

 reply to independent voter wrote on September 5, 2008 4:53 pm:
" IV, exactly how are the facts Rob stated related to corruption, not economics? Especially when it comes to the prices oil companies charge and the amount of oil OPEC produces? Are you saying that Bu - whoops, sorry, McSame and Palin can force OPEC to pump more oil, or tell the oil companies how much to charge us? As for the idea of drilling being a temporary fix that will buy us time - even if we started today, it will be years before we see any effect on supply. Rob has it exactly right. "

 Yes sir wrote on September 6, 2008 8:10 am:
" we'll change Washington alright the same way Bush swore up and down he would change Washington in the 2000 election.
please everyone don't let McSame add an eighth house to his collection "

 Another Independent Voter replying to Independent Voter wrote on September 6, 2008 9:00 am:
" to your point :"PROVEN character"-mccain is a proven adultere and athat's a huge character flaw!
And as for "to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement"-why do you think he chose Palin.For political expediency of course-he thinks we women are so stupid we'll vote solely on gender!He has no regard for the good of our country-you cannot have someone with Palin's limited 2 year background needing to potentially step in as President in an emergency.Our country has too much at stake-if he had chosen wisely,voting for McCain would have come easily to me.Now I question his judgement,ethics and wisdom.The ends never justify the means! "

 If wrote on September 6, 2008 10:54 am:
" McCain were going to change Washington he would have done that in the first 6 years of the Bush administration. What change could there be since he voted with Bush 90% of the time? A vote for McCain is a vote for the same. "

 MJ wrote on September 6, 2008 7:07 pm:
" I loved hearing ole Rush grovel on the radio on Friday over John's speech. It appears I wasn't the only one who thought it lacked substance. I do admire the maverick and his contribution to this country during the Vietnam war, but fear the time for him to be the leader of this country has come and gone. After all, the first important decision of a presidental race is one's running mate. If Sarah Palin is the best he could come up with, we are doomed if he is elected. "

 Iana wrote on September 6, 2008 9:03 pm:
" Bush made almost exactly the same speech in 2000.
And look at what glorious change that's brought us.
McCain has lived off of being part of the Washington establishment for decades. "

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