McCain's words for Obama

Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:58 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, McCain, Obama

From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro
Who does McCain think will be the nominee? In his victory speech tonight after winning Wisconsin, McCain had some choice words for Obama. And in case you missed it, he paused, laughed, winked and waited for you to get it.

“I will fight every moment of every day in this campaign to make sure Americans are not deceived by an eloquent but empty call for change,” McCain said, pausing (get it yet?), then chuckling (how ’bout now?), and then with a wink (for reinforcement), “that promises no more than a holiday from history and a return to the false promises and failed policies of a tired philosophy that trusts in government more than people.”

Or…

”We live in a world of change, some of which holds great promise for us and all mankind and some of which poses great peril,” McCain said, then speakign on Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cuba and Venezuela. “Will the next President have the experience, the judgment experience informs, and the strength of purpose to respond to each of these developments in ways that strengthen our security and advance the global progress of our ideals? Or will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested invading our ally, Pakistan, and sitting down without pre-conditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists and are intent on destabilizing the world by acquiring nuclear weapons?”

And…

“I'm not the youngest candidate. But I am the most experienced.”

And he struck an inspirational chord at the end…

“Don't tell me what we can't do. Don't tell me we can't make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm President we will.”

All that’s missing in that last bit is, “Yes, we can.”

NOTE: Obama, by the way, referred to “straight talk” in his speech.

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Comments

Ladies and Gentleman the President of the United States John McCain.

Brian, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:10 PM)

It will be tough battle in November, but McCain will pull out the win.

gfh, sd ca (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:13 PM)

Can someone get John McCain his walker and help him back to the Senior Citizen home.....I think he forgot to take his meds...

Oh and don’t forget to take his wife Cindy with him

PLB (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:13 PM)

McCain -- the presumptive nominee of his grand old party -- gets only 55% in his primary.

Obama -- still fighting for his nomination -- gets 56% of his.

So who's got the unified party?

D Peterson, New York NY (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:14 PM)

Good. Let McCain underestimate Obama until it's too late.

Jack, Cambridge, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:17 PM)

Looks like it is all shaping up to be a great presidential campaign for Obama. Clearly, this is the one foe McCain truly fears. As has been previously noted, it is hard to run against a movement seeking change in Whashington DC, particularly when you are part of the status quo.

john, Kennewick, WA (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:21 PM)

Ummmmmm, didn't we just send a missile into Pakistan without checking with their peeps first? Isn't that pretty in line with the policy Obama suggested months ago?

Duh. John-boy is lucky Obama doesn't lay him over a barrel.

Randy Harris (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:24 PM)

McCain/Rice 2008!!!!!.

Take that stupid democrats.

Brian, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:25 PM)

I want Hillary to win but don't think it will happen, I have voted democrat for 45 years but if she doesn't win nomination I will cross party lines the first time in my life and I am not alone in this situation.

Dawn Gazzerro Downingtown, Pa (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:27 PM)

There is so much repeating of what one candidate says about another. More time should be given to what the candidates say about themselves and how they are going to go about doing what they say they are going to do.

Pretty Please?

Derrick, New Britain, CT (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:30 PM)

If Obama wins I will vote McCain or present.

lw (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:32 PM)

Obama hasn't beat Hillary yet but 12 a point win in Wisconsin pretty much says the end is near (unless the only people who go to the polls the rest of the way are 65 year old white women).
As for John McCain...
...all those first-time voters, a super-charged democratic party, the vast majority of independents, a modest amount of Republicans that think their party has abandoned them and the Bush legacy will seal the deal in Novemeber. Notice I didn't mention age?

Ian (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:34 PM)

Would somebody, somewhere, somehow tell me something McCain stands for definitely and unequivocally other than that he wants to be president.

J. J. Drautman (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:34 PM)

The important east side (UW-Milwaukee) and central city of Milwaukee are just starting to come in. Obama's going to trounce Hillary in the next couple hours.

http://elections.todaystmj4.com/G4009.htm
http://elections.todaystmj4.com/G4010.htm

J. Brown, Milwaukee (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:35 PM)

I wish Obama would tell us what changes he's going to make. All he is is talk, talk, talk.
Anybody can say we need hope and change, but what is it. I've heard nothing and would love to hear an positive ideas out of him. I want certain things to change too. So tell me what he's going to make better.

Sam Williams, Roseburg, OR (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:35 PM)

Unfortunately--it gets worse. Obama's rhetoric is not just empty words but 'perfected' words plagiarized from others. The Democrats appear to have chosen a man--with no experience (his two legislative victories in the Senate are 1) promoting democracy in the Congo and 2) naming a post office) or credentials.
Any substantive policies he comes up with-are largely plagiarized from Clinton. So the handsome jock walks in, swipes the smart kids homework, passes it off as his own--and the media says exactly NOTHING. The media have given this guy a total buy. Make no mistake: the media decided this election not the people.This guy has NO CHANCE against McCain. Hillary, on the other hand, would have been really great. SAD

Spega, Rockville, MD (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:35 PM)

My Friend, those job's are gone & they are'nt coming back. Now there's a winning line for barack if there ever was one.Get out the way John McCain, America has problem's to solve & you don't get it!

Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America!

Rick,ky (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:37 PM)

I can not believe the words of fear, hatred and revenge I just heard come out of MCCain's mouth. He makes W look tame and a pacifist! This old man is angry at the world and god forbid he have his finger on the button when he is feeling angry. He is trying to out scare W when it comes to fear. He, as W did, wants us to march in lock step, motivated by fear. Be afraid America of John McCain and his war mongering.

MG, St. Louis, Mo. (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:40 PM)

I am a Black Female who resides in Texas. Mr. McCain will make Mr. Obama accountable for all of his LIES AND FAKE CAMPAIGN THAT HE STOLE FROM HIS FRIEND THE GOV. OF MASS.

GO McCain show this junior senator the road back to Chicago.

Texas For McCain08 (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:40 PM)

JOHN MCCAIN DESERVES THE PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! OBAMA CAN TALK BUT STILL CANNOT
LAY OUT THE PLANS FOR AMERICA. HE DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH
EXPERIENCE AND MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT HIM EXCEPT FOR THE CHANGE WORD. I BELIEVE JOHN MCCAIN
HAS MUCH MORE FOREIGN POLICY KNOWLEDGE WHICH IS VERY
IMPORTANT! WHOEVER WINS (GOD BLESS THE USA)

SUSAN REYMANN B'ham,Al (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:43 PM)

There have been subtle comments relating to the age of Senator Obama and the drawbacks this may have but let us not forget age does not make a sage.

This tactic is not appropriate. Let each party promote on how he/she can make positive changes. The American people are savvy enough to know what they want for the best interest of this wonderful country.

The rest of the world is watching and if we want to show how democracy works, lets keep it clean and fair.

Heather Howell (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:43 PM)

I'm tired of hearing about the status quo! Based on what a lot of Obama supporters are saying is get rid of the status quo and we need to change blah blah blah! Yet I don't hear them saying all of the other Senators should go, other than Clinton. How about Kenendy. He's old, part of the status quo! Or Kerry! Or Reid! Or many other Senators or Congressmen who support Obama. If one is to believe the eloquent words of Mr. Obama, then let him list all of those he feels are part of the Status Quo and ask them to leave so he can do what he's hopefully going to be elected for! Then let him find his own, NEW, democrats who can lead the change. But then again, maybe when Obama talks about Washington insiders, he only mean Hillary and the rest is empty rhetoric. He doesn't even mention WaPo when he says business in Washington is Status Quo and needs to be chnasged. Why? Because WaPo reporters all kiss up to him on TV! As do those on MSNBC, especially Matthews.

jackwhitaker@mJack, Minn, MN (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:43 PM)

John McCain rocks, he's a christian standing for America, while Barack is Muslim and won't even admit it.

Kimberly Wilson,Salem Oregon (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:43 PM)

Well McCain will be the next president...I am a Democrat but I will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee of the party...you see, I won't drink the proverbial kool-aid that Obama is serving...

Laura, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:47 PM)

McCain's mantra is that he's not Obama. Wow, that's a great platform (I think).

just me, Phila, PA (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:51 PM)

Why don't these guys realize that PEACE IS PATRIOTIC?! The modern American way is to secure our borders and keep engaging our enemies until we reach a peaceful resolution. Obama has great plans, but people love his words and his words may do a great deal for our foreign policy and our global image!! Barack rocks!

Adrienne Little, Merrillville, IN (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:52 PM)

I just can't believe they came up with this guy...I can already imagine the Hawks giving him lessons on how to move his arms and what to say...Mc Cain: the come-back!!The old-Cons will be pulling their hair again this year. Please Republicans, don't give up! Find...SOME-ONE!

greg, athens,GR (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:52 PM)

Poor, angry John McCain. Hey, I think Bob Dole just called, he wants to congratulate you...

Scott (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:54 PM)

Whenever I read or listen about McCain, I can't help but feel like I'm watching a rerun of 300. McCain and his loyal band, standing there against an overwhelming tide as the rest of his party bickers and brays.

It's almost sad. McCain cannot win - The Republican orthodoxy will twist him like a pretzel to bend to their will and then STILL leave him alone out there after driving away a good portion of his independent base with their narrow-minded definitions of what it means to be a "good republican". Kinda like Nazi Germany during the last years of WW2. You've got the people for the job, you just won't let them do it because, y'know...they just aren't *LOYAL* enough. And of course, the Party knows best.

Into the jaws of death and all that. Godspeed John McCain, may your last battle be your finest and mayhap in defeat your party will rediscover itself.

And if John actually WINS...the Democrats need to a) dig a hole, b) shoot themselves.

Darren Loo (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:54 PM)

I am a Democrat and have been one in my entire life. If Hillary does not get the nomination I will be switching party and will vote for Senator McCain. I am tired of the negative blogs/comments/racist scare tactic Obama camp are using to win the nomination. I am tired of a ridiculous sanction by DNC who prefer not to have all votes counted. My only suggestion to Senator McCain will be to pick a very strong woman like Senator Dole who is admired by Republican and Central Democrat and will bring you the votes in South. And please promise me to examine Mr. Obama's past dealing in general election. Action speaks louder than words specially when the words are not even your own.

sam (Sent Tuesday, February 19, 2008 10:55 PM)

I'm a life long Democrat and my family also, but I like so many others will vote Republican if Obama is our nominee. My reason being, someone who does not salute our flag, wear our lapel pin, has a problem with the pledge of alligence, his wife ashamed of her country? He doesn't have a thought of his own, this is not the type of person I want or need to represent me or my country. I think of our vet's, the wounded and those who died for our freedom, those still fighting for our rights. Obama and his wife more or less slapped our face's and everyone had better take a long hard look at them both. Wake up America and put a true hardworking MORAL Democrat in office-Hillary Clinton.

Delbert Potter Coeburn, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:32 AM)

Cheez, at least give Obama SOME credit for HUGE numbers of people now--voting
DEMOCRAT. There has NEVER been such interest in elections before the Obamaphenoma. When it is the RIGHT time to Peak,you'd better believe anyne who has executed a campaign as well as Obama,KNOWS precisely WHEN to unveil its masterpiece. Every good story leaves a lot to the imagination as it builds up to the climax,to keep its readers interested. Everyone knows that!

whitejeans, Atwater,CA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:13 AM)

Apperantly the one who mentioned the walker for McCain doesn't remember that our President during the Pearl Harbor attack was in a wheel chair and did a awesome job from that chair. Wake up poeple. How many times have you heard the same promises from candidates about not raising taxes, fixing the education system and taking care of the elderly and none of them have ever fulfilled those promises. It's all talk and never any action. So why do we still believe what they are saying? Let's wake up already!

Andy, Newark, Ca (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:17 AM)

The rest of the world is "voting" Obama, hoping he will be the next President because the rest of the world expects America to become a positive power. The days of counter-terrorism are over. McCain is an old hawk and his politics obsolete. Clinton is the face of a Democratic party that has no difference from the Republicans - tied to the same big corporate interests. For the first time in many decades the US have an exhiting candidate that gives the American people reason to be proud. Its time for a truly democratic America, led by a young and progressive leader. Its time for peace to replace war so that we can all get down to the real problems this planet is facing - global warming, poverty, alternative energy etc. Vote Obama for a better America, for a better world! Yes he can bring change, yes he already brought hope, at last America can unite and work with the rest of the world to make people's dreams reality. Obama represents a great chance for the US,and for the rest of the world, go on Americans, don't let yourselves and everyone else down this time!

Maria G, Cavan, Ireland (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:23 AM)

McCain calls Obama's views "a tired philosophy that trusts in government more than people". Such deception from "the straight talker"! What a false caricature of Obama's refreshing campaign, based on an old stereotype. Nothing is more tired than that! We need a president who will lead us into a new time of peace, not back into the same old war. Senator Obama is clearly a great communicator, and I'm glad to be among those who trust him more than Clinton or McCain.

Bill F., Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:44 AM)

Who wrote that speech for him? Sounds like OBAMA did! Think we better get the magnifying glass and... Hey Hillary, we can accuse McCain of plaigarism too!
McCain is copying Obama with CLEVER words about OBAMA? Ya'll Please... The inside joke will be on him, when Obama becomes President and McCain is looking for retirement.

Dove Song, Anglet, France (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:48 AM)

Barak can't do any worst in office than what was done in the past. Put aside your prejudice, open your mind, and look at the candidates values?

Barak brings hope,fresh ideas and courage to Americans.

Jazzy, Nashville, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:48 AM)

Think we better get the magnifying glass and... Hey Hillary, we can accuse McCain of plaigarism too!
McCain is copying Obama with CLEVER words about OBAMA? Ya'll Please... The inside joke will be on him, when Obama becomes President and McCain is looking for retirement.

Dominique Dovesong, Anglet, France (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:56 AM)

Ladies and Gentleman - the second coming of George W. Bush....

Someone needs to explain to me why, if you want out of Iraq so bad, you would vote for this man.

If Hillary gets the nod, I won't be voting in November.

It's not about experience, it's about judgement. John appears to be lacking much, just like his boy George.

brian, ny, ny (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:15 AM)

I listened to John McCain's victory speech and about fell asleep in my soup.

Bonnie (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:18 AM)

I've voted as a Democrat since Bill Clinton's first election but apparently I'm completely out-of-step with the Democratics right now.

Don't trust Obama and can't vote for McCain based on the war.

Have always voted in the presidential election (Ford was my first vote) but I don't know what to do this year. Any third party candidates out there?

Shannon Wyczynski, Baxter Springs, KS (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:23 AM)

Mr John McCain has had a dream,for as long as he can remember.(if HE CAN)and that is to become the president of the united states of America.YES My name is JOhn McCain and i want to be President,Nothing less,Nothing more!

Muizz,Lagos Nigeria (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:30 AM)

Experience is a MUST. People are getting caught up on looks and charm. Tell us what these changes are. PLEASE!!!!

Darlene, Tampa, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:35 AM)

i am a democrat and am almost certain that maCcain wil not win.The republicans have hold status quo for long and its time for real change Americans want a track of peace and empowerment.Success Obama

reuben ,Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:08 AM)

McCain is a waffler! He was gung-ho for going after all those weapons of mass destruction in Irac. After that farce was exposed, he jumped right into George Bush's 'Nation Building' farce in Irac.

Wurly, Sioux Falls, SD (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:48 AM)

For what it is worth, yesterday I signed up to do what I could for the Obama campaign. I was undecided because I thought all three remaining candidates had somthing to offer. For the most part Obamas and HRCs policies are the same. If by chance HRC does get the nomination I will vote for her but it does'nt look like that will happen. I thought McCain was a person we could trust because he was a true American. But last week when he sold his soul to the extreme right just for votes I realized he is a Republican before an American. I will only vote for someone who I believe is an American first. I dislike the way the Clintons went negative in their campaign against Obama. So that is the reason I will back Obama. Now it is a campaign and all candidates are going to put a chicken in every pot. I look at what are they going to do to fix our problems. They have multiplied over the last seven years so it is not something that will be easy. But after the last few weeks it looks like McCain just wants to continue the failed policies of Bush jr. His hands would be tied just like the first Bush after Reagan who was unable to do anything for the economy because he was committed to the wingnuts... He could only see 1000 points of light. Right now EVERY citizen of the United States owes $30,000 towards the national debt. With McCain as President it will only get worse... For everyone that thinks they deserve a chicken in their pot, right now we cant afford it.. the bill this country has run up christmas shopping over the las 7 years is past due.

Veteran for Obama, Clermont, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:00 AM)

It seems to me there is alot of crying going on by democrats who currently support Clinton. Going to cross lines and such. Yet most of the reasons they give are exactly what people threw at Bill Clinton before he was elected. Too young, not enough experience, etc. That seemed to work out so stop being hypocritical.

Ken, KY (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:05 AM)

John McCain is a flip-flopping phony. Back when the old geezer was on the Straight Talk Express, he was very opposed to massive tax breaks for the super wealthy, now he realizes those rich jerks are his base. Jery Falwell was an agent of intolerence, now the so-called religious right are his friends. And so on and so on... Big deal he was a p.o.w., that's ancient history. He was a lousy fighter pilot more concerned with drinking and partying while real soldiers and Marines were in the heat of battle, not chasing oriental women in an officers club. McCain is a sham and I hope real Republicans object his pledge of a 100 year war in Iraq and giant tax breaks for oil corporations that are already setting records for unGodly profits, while average Americans struggle with heating bills and medical care.

Rush2112 (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:13 AM)

nothing more irritating than to read all of the quotes from lifelong dems who have said if Obama wins they are voting for McCain. well all I have to say about that is your all racist, period. A wise man once told me this quote that fits prefectly here. You can justify anything in your own mind up to and including murder. I'm a white male GO OBAMA

J buck maumee ohio (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:17 AM)

mcCain flip flops like kerry did.we dont need another bush wacker again to run our country, sounds like he needs to take a vacation and head to vietnam for a rest mabey he can run that country and wink over there to those cong people.

syd;meeker,co. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:19 AM)

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