McCain: 'I will listen to all people'

Posted: Monday, April 21, 2008 12:59 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Adam Aigner-Treworgy and Carrie Dann
SELMA, AL -- McCain's "Time For Action" tour is just beginning, but he's already facing tough questions about how effectively the presumptive Republican nominee hopes to win over black voters in some of the nation's most economically depressed regions.

McCain appeared this morning in front of the historic Edmund Pettus bridge, where civil rights leader John Lewis led the famous March from Selma in 1965. Praising his herosim, the Arizona senator linked Lewis' struggle to the ongoing effort for economic equality in America. But in a city that is 70% black, only a handful of African Americans dotted the crowd.

Asked by the press if the relatively homogenous crowd demonstrates the difficulty he may face in carving inroads to the black community, the senator responded that his own ears -- and not just those of his audiences -- will be fertile ground.

"I'm aware of the challenges and I'm aware of the fact that there will be many people who will not vote for me, but I'm going to be the president of all the people," he said. "I will work for all the people and I will listen to all people, whether they decide to vote for me or not, because this is the kind of opportunity where people have not only to hear from me but for me to listen to them, and that's the important part."

McCain's "Time for Action" tour this week will focus heavily on places rarely visited by Republicans, as he tries to frame his candidacy as a conservative who will not forget the woes of all Americans. He said today that his main goal is to listen to voters, not just to court them for their support.

"I'm going to places, frankly, in this country where there's the greatest need, and whether at the end of the day they choose to vote for me or not is not my major purpose," he said. "My major purpose is that if I understand the challenges -- and they are enormous -- that they face today, I will be a far better president of the United States."

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Comments

I find it odd how contrasting John McCain is to Barack Obama. When these two finally go head to head in the general, people are easily going to be able to make choice as to who can lead this country.

http://www.politivine.com

Cory (SC) (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:03 PM)

oh yeahhh, McCain will listen to ALL PEOPLE, just like Bush listen to the American people. give me a brake, even so, I will vote for McCain if Obama win the nomination, no question about it

Latino boy chicago il (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:07 PM)

Why isn't msnbc reporting the news like the Obama Minute or Obama's HQ broken into or that Gov Rendell praises Farrakhan???

Nelanie Sandusky Ohio (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:11 PM)

This sounds like Bush all over again.
Bush used the old 'Compassion' talk back in '00.
McCain is about politics as usual!!
He knows that once in office he and the GOP could give a hoot about the African American vote!!!

Johnson, DC, Washington (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:14 PM)

Did he mean he would be the president of all the people in America or Iraq? Yes, he will probably listen-and if you don't agree with him (and bush) he will throw you under the bus. Count me in as one of the many people who won't vote for you!!

Steve A Jonesboro IN (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:15 PM)

Republicans have won the presidency without black votes for decades. This year will be no different. Republicans can always talk to blacks, but that doesn't mean they will listen. You'd think at some point blacks would get a clue that Democrats couldn't care less about them except for their votes.

Jessica Landes, Boulder Colorado (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:16 PM)

Ok McBush Listen to this. 'Thank you for your many years of service,But we dont wont you for our President !!!!!!" Not to be disrespectful , you are a true Elitist and a very angry Old Man.Seeing how becoming president has aged all former presidents,you at 71 can not afford that to happen. I notice you still have not listen to people urging you to sign the New GI bill. Senator McBush you could just respectfully decline to make appearances.

NoMoreBushBoys (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:16 PM)

McCain, if you can remember, you never passed the MLK bill.

boogeyman, mamaroneck, ny (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:16 PM)

Good for McCain. This year is about the policies, but the media drags {race} around to get people off of the issues.

He is more of Bush, but he doesn't get it. President of all the people! Wonder if Clinton is listening, she is only president of the big states!

Michelle Zee (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:19 PM)

What is that supposed to mean? Oh, right, the Republicans don't do well when it comes to the obvious.

Rob (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:21 PM)

71 years old and he's only NOW getting around to visiting "where there's the greatest need?" MCain just wants to be President so he can play General in Iraq.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:21 PM)

I'm aware of the challenges,I really dought that.Here are some thoughts.The poverty level has not changed,people in the 60's fought for there right to a better life.They marched,they fought the police,they where shot with water cannons,the dogs where let loose on them,the night sticks got a work out,yet all these years later has anything changed?The last group of people that I would execpt to understand this is the repubs.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:21 PM)

I have serious concerns about McCain. With him forgetting, and mixing up facts so much, I wonder about early stage Altzheimer's. I also fear such a hot-head, with his finger on the button. He has real problems "crossing the aisle", because he blows up if anyone disagrees with him.

TLA (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:21 PM)

McCain might be listening to all people, but he is so out of touch with the everyday person that no matter how loud they speak, he will not be able to hear! He is NOT what our country needs right now. Obama is!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:22 PM)

Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran. At least he listens to the Beach Boys! But while the Beach Boys were into Endless Summer, McBomb is into Endless WAR. He's getting a free pass now to (re)define himself, while Hillary is busy trying to destroy Barack. This new compassionate, will listen to all the people McCain is as phony as Hillary's sniper fire. Don't believe his slick talk.

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:23 PM)

I appreciate the humility in these statements. My impression of McCain back in 2000 was that although I would never vote for him, he would be an okay president (I never felt that way about Bush and turned out to be 100% correct).

McCain still shows occasional flashes of decency, but for the most part I feel that he has sold out most of what he ever stood for. As a result, his time to be a relevant candidate has passed.

Doug P, Renton, WA (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:23 PM)

"time for action"?? What was the action he proposed? I think you left it out of the posting.

Keith in PA (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:24 PM)

Yes, Senator McCain, I'm sure you and "Barbie" are really in touch with the average American's troubles and challenges.

What, are we buying less beer from your Sugar Mama's distributorship?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:28 PM)

Lori (NC) (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:28 PM)

McCain, since you say you want to listen to the American people, get us out of Iraq. That is what the American people having been vocalizing for years. We don't want a 100 year war. We want out of Iraq. No occupation, no military bases and no embassy. We also do not want a war in Iran. If you want to do something constructive in foreign policy, capture bin laden. The one responsible for 911.

voter (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:28 PM)

Are you listening John? Most Iraqi's want us out of Iraq. Most Americans want us out of Iraq. Most Americans do not benefit from the corporate tax shelters you support. You know I think you listen...in your dreams.

bill, okla (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:30 PM)

McBush will listen to all people that don't want to end the war or help the middle class!

Brother Odd (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:32 PM)

John's notoriuos reputation for not listening to, and working well with others who disagree with him, does not support his claim he will have an open door policy. I don't believe McCain. He will do no more than practice the token Negro game, just like Clinton, and Bush. Clinton gave us Ron Brown, and Bush gave us Condi Rice. Hillary gave us Maya Angelou reciting poety on Bill's inauguration day.

A favor Maya has chosen to demonstrate her lap dog like appreciation for, regardless of Hillary's treatment of the women Bill wronged, and her character assassination of Senator Obama. Maya acts just like a field slave that got moved to the big house.

Obama '08

clairton, pa. (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:32 PM)

=== Ok McBush Listen to this. 'Thank you for your many years of service,But we dont wont you for our President !!!!!!" ====

Typical Obama-ite. All fired up, ready to go, but not a clue as to what's going on. We dont wont Obima as ourr precident ether.

Keeny G. (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:33 PM)

Time For Action Tour??? How much action are we going to get out of a president in his early 70's when he takes office?

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:34 PM)

Why isn't msnbc reporting the news like the Obama Minute or Obama's HQ broken into or that Gov Rendell praises Farrakhan???

Chuck and team please report (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:35 PM)

Electing Barack Obama would be like having the first term of Michael Dukas.

Razor Evans (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:35 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
He'll listen the same way he listen the same way he listened to the boeing workers.

twocanpete (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:37 PM)

McCain will be listening to all people all right. As soon as the democratic nominee is decided (Obama), he will be hearing from the ground swell of the unified democratic support (Clinton and Obama). It will be interesting what the polls will be looking like then.

JB, Blaine MN (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:39 PM)

""I'm aware of the challenges and I'm aware of the fact that there will be many people who will not vote for me,"....

....fortunately, for the right wing, it doesn't matter who you dough heads vote for - Diebold decides.

John - notice the number of Iraq veterans who kill themselves? Easier than taking care of them, huh? "Support the troops' caskets."

Me listen gud! Like Bush! (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:41 PM)

Dear MSNBC family,

You should investigate this story about Ed Rendell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXum_-8I1TA

Ozzy, NYC (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:41 PM)

Hey Chuck,

When will MSNBC blog about this video. It is a 6 minute video of Ed Rendell praising Louis Farrakhan. Ed Rendell is fawns high praise on Farrakhan. Here is the link. Watch and realize that Rendell is a Farrakhan supporter. That must mean Clinton supports and has close ties to Farrakhan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXum_-8I1TA

Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:42 PM)

PLease who cares about the money, what matters is what a President will do to provide good jobs, healthcare, a secure country, and a way forward in an ever changing climate. This is what Hillary clinton offers and thats what you will get. A proven leader with experience to get the job done right.

GO HILLARY
Michael, Miami Beach, FL (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 11:57 AM)"
****************************

You need MONEY to do all of those things - that's why we care about how she manages money. HELLO!

MI Chick (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:43 PM)

McCain won't listen to anyone who isn't republican and rich enough to gain his ear with copious amounts of money. He's just trying to fool those of the middle and poor classes that he cares about them yet has voted against their interests his whole career, that is when he bothers to show up to work and manages to stay awake.

Go Obama!

Eric, Salinas CA (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:46 PM)

hear and listen. What about doing. Look how long it took you to finally get on board for civil rights and vote for Arizona to have a Martin Luther King holiday. You were against that for many years and now you say you will listen and hear. Give me a break. You only listen to yourself when you are begging to run this country to get back at your POW treatments and decalare war on who knows who next, just like Bush, a personal venture for what his own Dad didn't compete. Never should have started in the first place and now listen to the people, let's see how good you are and end this stupid war that is stripping this country and us the People !!!!

laura from missouri-formerly Arizona (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:48 PM)

I live in the state of Michigan, and for years the eastern half of this state has been black. This year Detroit ranked # 1 in crime. Jobs are living the state , and the state is falling apart. Unions are destroying the state. Every election cycle the Democrats come here making huge promises to the Black commuity. McCain is trying to reach out to the Black communities and basically saying hey we got the solution. My questions for those in the Black Community who blindly vote democrat, why? What has the Democrats done for you really? This is not about race! It is about reality! Democrats could care less about the Black community! Anyone who doesn't believe me, take a little visit to Eastern Michigan sometime, and you will see what type of job the Deomcrats have done here. High UNemployment rate near 14% in Detroit alone! Crime climbing through the ceiling! I pray for the sake of this country that the Black community will vote for the person will bring positive change. Don't be blinded by unrealistic promises. Nothing comes for free, not healthcare, not jobs, nothing. MCCAIN 2008!

Joseph (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:50 PM)

Look through the bull$^%$. Vote Obama!

Keith in PA (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:50 PM)

He will be president for ALL Americans?? Sounds awfully familiar to being a "compassionate conservative" and, therefore, very frightening. McCain cannot be trusted. Will he be president of gays, lesbians and transgenders; the homeless; the unemployed; the left-behind children (inter-city, suburban and rural?); teachers;???... Let's say it like it is... McCain is an opportunist and will do and say anything and kiss anyone's a** to get elected. Don't forget that "all the people" includes big business including oil companies!!

Tom Jones (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:50 PM)

A Republican who sees little chance of getting any major fraction of the African-American vote has two options.

He can ignore African-American communities entirely, or he can take at least a few steps to engage them as fellow citizens.

McCain has chosen the latter, better portion. That's a good thing for him, for his party, for our country.

I'm backing Obama but I appreciate a chance to see something positive in his fall opponent.

It's small, but it's good small in a world where petty meanness and giant evil are all too common.

Sporcupine, Kentucky (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:53 PM)

Yeah right! Only if he turns up his hearing aid!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:53 PM)

People complain about jobs, foreclosures, the war, but they still rather vote for Senator Clinton or Senator McCain the very people who voted for or against bills that could have made a difference.

Stop making up excuses not to vote for Barack Obama because he's the clear choice if you're looking for change. If he's not your choice then you must be for more of the same and in that case you shouldn't be crying about your situation because after all you voted for it.

Noexcuses, MI (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:57 PM)

John McCain said as late as 2000 this famous phrase "I HATE GOOKS", voted against the MLK holiday, and voted against hiking the minimum wage.

What makes us believe that McCain is going to be the president of all the people.

Maritza (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 1:57 PM)

latino boy chicago il....IF you vote for McCain only because Barack Obama will be the Democratic Nom...then you must be a Republican and who cares what people like you do....Smart and True Americans will look at the person that can bring positive change...idoits like you only look at Race and a person name....no one cares about idiots we care about the state of our country...DO us all a favor and just stay home come election time.

I love my country,Philadelphia,PA (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 2:04 PM)

When you continue to say leaving Iraq is "surrendering to the terrorists" it shows you haven't been listening to anyone and don't understand the reality of the situation in Iraq. Stop pandering to the radical right and I may listen to you again.

Jeff, Portland, OR (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 2:05 PM)

It's Good to hear McCain will be listening to all people...Check the national polls...Get us out of Iraq NOW...

...Stop bailing out banks and bail out homeowners!!

...Give the "middle class" the tax breaks, and cut out this played out "Trickle Down" policy!!

Thanks for listening!!

Tony, Dalton, GA (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 2:06 PM)

Well, big john mcshame sure isn't listening to 70% of America that is telling him Iraq is a mistake and we don't want to hear about occupying it for another 100 years...sheesh talk about being an out of touch senile old man

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 2:09 PM)

you people think obama is going to end the war in iraq he's lieing to you all 80% of americans dont want another vietnam you my be to young to remember that cut and run. Your 2006 new democrated house got in by saying we will end the war well that was 4 years ago morons keep listing to keith olbermann he will make you morins feel better.

brad elgin il (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 2:12 PM)

My Friends are all Old as me. My friends can be counted on my two very old hands. America wake up to John McBush his own mother said it very acurately her words not mine "If you hold your nose while you vote you can vote for my son." That should tell all of you Demcrats saying you would vote for him If the dem of your choice is not elected. Pat he has a hard time turning up his own hearing aids, he cant raise his arms that high

NoMcBushOrClintlebermanSayNoToBothRepublicansIn08 (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 2:14 PM)

brad elgin il (Sent Monday, April 21, 2008 2:17 PM)

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