Protestors greet McCain

Posted: Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:22 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Bethany Thomas
SALEM, NH— Once again, McCain pulled in a packed crowd at The Woodbury School here. Well over 500 people crowded together in a gym.

A new sign of rising momentum: protestors. The anti-war movement and a few anti-amnesty people peacefully held signs outside the event. Inside, when the senator was introduced, a group of people starting chanting and waving signs that said, “Early Treatment for People with HIV”. The crowd booed and some were quickly escorted outside.

McCain responded, “If one of them would like to come back, I would be happy to discuss it with them. I don’t think I’ve ever had a town hall where I didn’t listen to people."

McCain began his stump speech when one woman started yelling more. The senator pleaded with her to wait until it is time to take questions. Then, he warned that he had many veterans here -- and Wilfred Brimley.

She quieted down and McCain said, “There are people that obviously have a compelling issue that they want to talk about with me. I will do that -- but not forever."

A few minutes later another entire group with the same organization stood up and started marching around the gym chanting. The crowd booed them and then responded by chanting "Mac is Back". After a few minutes, the group was led out.

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Comments

This is pretty hilarious. It sounds like John handled it pretty tactfully, though, which is something alien to Romney.

Andy, Baltimore, MD (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:31 PM)

The anti-war folks have been protesting McCain since the summer, maybe even before. They were doing it when his campaign was dead. It doesn't mean anything.

BTB, Concord, NH (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:33 PM)

I don't agree with everything John stands for but, I do believe he can clean up the mess we are in right now much better and quicker than the others. His experience in dealing with crisis is proven. He listens to the people, answers all questions and doesn't try to dodge the bullet.

Marty CR Iowa (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:42 PM)

MC CAIN LAID IN A BAMBOO PEN FOR 5 YEARS SO THOSE SAME IDIOTS COULD BE FREE, AND THEY PROTEST HIM. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET A BASEBALL BAT TO SOME IDIOTS WE VE HAD ENOUGH.

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:55 PM)

Oh yes he should be elected so he can continue his 100 year war in Iraq.He said it not me.He is just another Buttox kisser to the Bushie neocons.

HMT-MI snowhite415@msn.com (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:57 PM)

The Mac is back! Go John!

Michael, FL (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:57 PM)

How can "Mac" be back, if no one ever used to call him Mac until just a couple weeks ago when the catchphrase was coined by his campaign. All policy disputes aside, it's staged Washington stuff like this which makes McCain just as unappealing as Hillary Clinton.

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:01 PM)

Oh yeah - NOW I remember some of the reasons we all had to forget about McCain several months ago!

He is a bitter old man who is devisive... He refuses to compromise - which would get him into huge trouble as a president.

He wants amnesty for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

He has a real nasty streak (Mitt Romney found that out last night - to Romney's credit he didn't take the bait).

Jim Johansen, Miami, Florida (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:03 PM)

I think a McCain / Liberman ticket would give real hope to a lot of people. Experience, proven ability,
new direction, confidence of direction, etc. Looking for a first to promote a new thought even though the party may have to approve, it still excites me.

Jim Paul, Louisville, KY (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:10 PM)

As an ex-Republican (now independent)I find it hard to trust any of the GOP candidates, but I do believe McCain is the only one (with a firsthand-unique perspective) who can thoughtfully and efficiently take care of Iraq and Afghanistan. And yes, he fought and would have sacrificed himself so those people could hold up signs and protest (however obnoxiously). How many of the other candidates can say that?

Patricia, South Dakota (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:16 PM)

McCain leads, Obama with the MoPosted: Sunday, January 06, 2008 10:32 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts
From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
MANCHESTER, NH -- McCain has doubled his support from a month ago in New Hampshire, and now has an eight-point lead over Romney (32%-24%), according to the latest MSNBC/McClatchy/Mason-Dixon poll. Those two are followed by Huckabee at 12%, Giuliani at 10%, and Paul at 8%. A month ago, the same poll had it Romney 25%, Giuliani 17%, McCain 16%, and Huckabee 11%. The McCain rise is thanks mostly to a recovery.

Mitt when you Flip Flop on all your answers see what happens to a flip flopper.

Joe, New Hampshire (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:23 PM)

I watched Russert dissect John McCain today... McCain had to admit he lied about amnesty and illegal immigration. Nice job, Tim.

McCain is best when he is a stately gentleman - last night during the debates he scared me... I'm concerned that he would be a devisive and nasty man behind the doors of the oval office.

He also has a horrendous moral problem - and that makes me wonder about his "other side" too.

Anne Schulters, Concord, NH (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:43 PM)

McCain and Huckabee showed a real nasty side to themselves last night... NOT presidential material.

Kevin Christopher, Pontiac, Michigan (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:44 PM)

I agree that John McCain was too negative and nasty last night - and his wannabe runningmate Huckelberry played the roll of the dumb sidekick to a tee!

Jenny Fairbanks, Tampa Bay, Fla (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:45 PM)

As an "independant" I don't think there is any way I could ever vote for McCain...

He's been around for 30 years and nothing has ever changed with him... The only real change for McCain is now he is old and even more set in his ways.

Kelly Thomas, Philadelphia, Pa (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:48 PM)

Those protestors show the ultimate respect for John and the suffering he went through. He suffered for their right to speak their minds. To limit that speach or to object is to cheapen his sacrafice. Go John.

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, MT (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:48 PM)

McCain's experience is admirable. His service is extraordinary. Up until the last 2 years, I might have considered voting for him. However, here's one Independents take on why he can't in good conscience cast a vote for the "Mac."

In 2006, McCain came back from a trip to Iraq in which a marketplace in Baghdad had been artificially protected by BlackHawks and had been swept in advance by US Troops. He knew that. And yet, what did he say in the midst of some of the worst violence in Iraq? Everything is going incredibly well. We're making tremendous progress.

At that point, I realized that the driver of the "Straight Talk Express" had finally crossed over and was more interested in his own Presidential ambitions than in "telling it like it is." He was throwing away his convictions in order to court that portion of the US that still was drinking the cool-aid, the group that he thought he had to win to get the GOP nomination.

An Independent Voter who won't be voting for the "Mac" (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 3:56 PM)

The fact is that most Americans want out of this war. Regardless of whether the surge is working or not. Americans feel as if we were conned into going to war in the first place. For me, it's not worth the sacrifice of our soldiers.

P.D. Bristol (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:04 PM)

Even as a Democrat, I have utmost respect for McCain. He suffered for his country, for our country, for our freedom and dignity. He is a straight talker. Just because he is around for 30 yrs doesnt mean that's something bad.

What is this new mantra? If you have done service for your country at a national level for more years, you are not eligible for being a President? Is serving your country for more years a crime?

If I was an independent, I would vote for McCain.

ConcernedCitizen, CA (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:14 PM)

Let's not forget - there are MILLIONS of Americans who served their country - Many even more valiantly than Mr. McCain.

But we're not voting for the top veteran... we're voting for a change in America - meaning NEW government leadership - not the OLD JOHN MCCAIN and his entrenched ideas and negativism.

Romney or Guiliani would be best.

Robert McMaster, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:15 PM)

I want to vote for McCain... I'm just worried I will regret it for the next four years.

Why is it that we completely pushed him aside a month ago?

R.J. Olson, Concord, NH (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:16 PM)

McCain has not intention of getting us out of the war - in fact, I guarantee you he will have us in ANOTHER, BIGGER war before his four years would be up.

Heaven help us all (Uh, not so fast Huckleberry)

Tom Reinart, New Hampshire (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:17 PM)

As the son of a Green Beret Ranger Scout (we lost dad in Viet Nam) I can tell you I appreciate McCain's service and Foreign Affairs intelligence.

I also like Mitt Romney's business sense...

Isn't there some way we can get them both? Our country will need economic help in the next few years - count on it!

Jim O'Donnell, Long Island, NY (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:19 PM)

What's worse?

John McCain and his morals of an alley-cat?
Mike Huckabee and his dumb-as-a-stick hillbilly outlook?
Mitt Romney changing sides on abortion?
Guiliani's changing wives at the drop of a hat?
(Insert McCain on that one, too!)

Sandy Clemens, Vermont (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:23 PM)

Tom Reinart, New Hampshire (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:23 PM)

Robert McMaster, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:23 PM)

McCain did not lie about amnesty. He has always stuck to his stance that each case should be treated as compassionately as possible--but with the proper penalties.

Also, about his 100 year war statement: he said that as president he would be willing to keep American troops in Iraq for a 100 years just as long as we had reached the point where there were NO AMERICAN CASUALTIES. This is certainly not a case right now, and therefore would not be the policy he would implement in the face of the current crisis. If you're gonna quote someone, quote the whole sentence will ya.

Its sad that all elections must come down to silly phrases such as "he said we should be in Iraq for a 100 years" or "he lied about amnesty". Perhaps thats why campaigns feel the need to use silly phrases such as "Mac is back".

Until the American people try to properly understand the issues and investigate these issues in depth; we cannot expect our politicians to do any better.

Hadi, Houston, Tx (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:32 PM)

I'd vote for "MAC" because he did this (Found at http://www.indianz.com/News/2005/007764.asp):

"McCain to address federal recognition concerns
Friday, April 22, 2005

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee has scheduled an oversight hearing on the federal recognition process that chairman Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) says has become tainted by gaming.

In the past decade, tribal casinos have grown into an $18 billion industry that many are eager to tap into. Investors have poured millions into tribal recognition petitions in hopes of joining the nationwide expansion.

Along with proposals for off-reservation casinos, the activity has led to added scrutiny, McCain said at the National Congress of American Indians winter session early last month. "The process of tribal recognition has been long criticized as being slow, opaque and unfair," McCain told tribal leaders.

"It's now being accused of being improperly influenced by outside interests," McCain added. "I intend to examine these concerns.""

Wayne, Austin, TX. (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:35 PM)

Hillary has the Democratic machine, Edwards has the organized labor vote and Obama has the young, the educated,the fearless and the independents. McCain has the old, the scared, the neo-cons and the homophiles. Hmmm.....I think I'll vote on Tuesday for....

Alan Lard (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:54 PM)

"McCain / Liberman ticket"! All we need is a "MAC" who believes in Fighting with everything if are going to fight married with a blind lacky of Israel who want to rebuild the Middle East buy democratizing Iran and Syria (Iraq - check). Great! lets start WWIII! Just in case we failed to start it by attacking Iraq!

Lieberman scarier than Guliani, Cleveland, OH (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 4:55 PM)

What confounds the solution to most of America’s toughest problems is the US governments’ utter loss of credibility. When anyone in power speaks you just can’t believe them because again and again we have been tricked. The reason everyone is turning on Mitt is not just the Flipping, it’s because he lacks credibility. If somehow he could beat any Democrat, I simply can stand the idea or another 4 years of dishonesty. America can’t stand this. Our world wide prestige too a huge hit from this when with the events of 911 we should have had a bank of goodwill. Mitt simply is not authentic. He is fabricated. Last night he even said he never claimed that McCain wanted Amnesty. Does he think we are suckers? John McCain and the other are authentic. What separates McCain from the others is experience and a demonstration of courage under fire.

NH won’t be bought. Return credibility to our government. Vote McCain with me on January 8th.

Peter, Dover, NH (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 5:02 PM)

McCain said on Meet the Press this morning that he would leave soldiers in Iraq for the next 55 years if necessary. Are any of you McCain supporters willing to offer up suggestions on how we are going to pay for that or consider how many Americans are going to die in that length of time? Republicans, here's how it's going to go down: either you go with Ron Paul, or the next president of the United States is a democrat. It's as simple as that. Here's the theory: If people don't come around to Dr. Paul in droves as they should, he will continue to pull in 10% of the vote nationally. He will take that 10% and endorse no one. He will likely not run as a 3rd party candidate. His supporters will NEVER vote for another republican candidate and will a) either stay home or b) vote for the democratic candidate as long as it is not Hillary (she voted for the war). If it's option B, that 10% is plenty for the Republicans to lose the entire election. Independents of New Hampshire: give Ron Paul another look because McCain does not stand a chance against Barack Obama in the general election. This country is tired of his warmongering and his alliance to Bush. He's just going to be more of the same.

Jo, CA (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 5:28 PM)

I agree with Jim Paul (Louisville, KY) that a McCain/Lieberman ticket would be great. I doubt that that would be a possibility. They have done some good work together, proving that McCain might be the only president to be able to cut through the party lines to effect change.

Cheryl, Oklahoma City, OK (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 5:34 PM)

McCain is all about war! Liberman is looking out for Israel and McCain's his man. McCain will be a third term Bush and draft will return if McCain is elected.

lee (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 5:43 PM)

sandy clemens post a picture of you scaggly looking hick

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 5:43 PM)

John McCain is the best of all of them but... I will be watching this guy and hoping he makes it but is he electable? There is a lot of time left between now and November

Charlie Dodge (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:08 PM)

David Anders - we all know you are a Huckabee Baptist who insists your women "submit graciously"...

What happens when a New Hampshire Catholic comes to your house and knocks your block off for abusing women?

Interested?

Ron Kellison, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:25 PM)

Want to know what is authentic about Mitt?
His MASTERS DEGREES IN BUSINESS FROM HARVARD...

Compare THAT to Huckabee's theology degree that HE LIED ABOUT HAVING.

Case closed.

James Whitaker, Dover (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:26 PM)

Mitt was the perfect solution to government in Massachusetts... if a foolish America chooses not to vote for him - you lose in the long run.

Christine Martin, Springfield, Mass (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:27 PM)

just what part of illegal do people not understand? they pay atxes yes, and then get it all back, they are taxing our social and health services to death , while at the same time native born citizens that have worked all their lives , paid their taxes and defended this country, can't afford or get the same services

Bobby, morganton nc (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:46 PM)

Most folks agree that this country needs a change in our governmental style. But those who advocate change are missing a major point. Our two party system has enabled party politics to the detriment of the country and greedy, corrupt polititions.

Ray Boes, Safford, AZ (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:55 PM)

THIS IS IN REPLY TO DAVID ANDER'S COMMENTS :

"MC CAIN LAID IN A BAMBOO PEN FOR 5 YEARS SO THOSE SAME IDIOTS COULD BE FREE, ..".
DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 2:55 PM"

DAVID, WHO IN THE HELL POUNDED INTO YOUR BRAINLESS SKULL THAT "MC CAIN LAID IN A BAMBOO PEN FOR 5 YEARS SO THOSE SAME IDIOTS COULD BE FREE..." MC CAIN WAS IN THE VIET NAM WAR (LIKE I WAS) EITHER OUT OF NECESSITY (WHICH I DOUBT, BUT IT CERTAINLY WAS MY CASE) OR BECAUSE HIS MISGUIDED-REPUBLICAN MENTALITY TOLD HIM THAT AFTER THE WAR HE WAS GOING TO COME BACK TO THE US A HERO (AFTER ALL, THAT LITTLE BACKWARDS COUNTY CALLED VIET NAM WAS SUPPOSSED TO BE A PIECE OF CAKE FOR THE US MILITARY MACHINE!!). NO, IF YOU STILL THINK THAT THE VIET NAM WAR WAS ABOUT FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY, YOU ARE OR HAVE BEEN MISINFORMED FOR A VERY LONG TIME (UNLESS YOU ARE PART OF ALL THOSE WHO ARE NOW OR SERVED IN THE US GOVERNMENT AND ARE TRYING TO JUSTIFY THEIR MISSEABLE JOBS).

JH, CHARLOTTE, NC (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 7:15 PM)

Christine Martin, Springfield, Mass - I completely agree! And he would bring that same energy and commitment to fixing Washington. We keep electing the same people and expect different results. Isn't that the definition of insanity?

Taifa Willis, SC (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 7:46 PM)

McCain may come out of the next primary in good shape as he seems less insecure as a personality compared to the others. Been tested in a deeply personal way. I think people may want that kind of strength. Also, in a very recently created site with the name LeastObjectionable.com, McCain has a lead among people who say he is the "Least Objectionable Alternative" among the candidates. Unfortunate that we look at the 2008 election that way, but many seem to have that perspective.

Scott Carlberg, Charlotte, North Carolina (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 8:07 PM)

MC CAIN IS A HERO AND YOU RE A COWARD JH AND RON AT LEAST I GET SOME YOU RE PROBABLY A 12 WIFE MORMON OR A CIGAR BILL, OR A GULLANI DRAG QUEEN

KING OF SMEAR (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 11:20 AM)

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