Obama camp response to McCain speech

Posted: Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:48 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
"Tonight, John McCain said that his party was elected to change Washington, but that they let Washington change them," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement. "He's right. He admonished the 'old, do-nothing crowd' in Washington, but ignored the fact that he's been part of that crowd for twenty-six years, opposing solutions on health care, energy, and education. He talked about bipartisanship, but didn't mention that he's been a Bush partisan 90% of the time, that he's run a Karl Rove campaign, and that he wants to continue this President's disastrous economic and foreign policies for another four years. With John McCain, it's more of the same."

"That's not the change Americans need. Barack Obama has taken on the special interests and the lobbyists in Illinois and in Washington, and he's won. As President, he'll cut taxes for 95% of all working families, provide affordable health care to every American, end the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas, and eliminate the oil we import from the Middle East in ten years."

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Comments

Oh, is that what voting present is - taking on the special interests and lobbyists? I'm really curious to know more about that poster I saw hanging on Barack Obama's office wall in Illinois - it read "IT'S ALL ABOUT POWER". Nothing else on the walls but that - scary thought.

Crandall (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:20 AM)

John mccain is the biggest joke there is in washington. He does'nt talk about the facts, all he does is scare people into voting for him but, not this time. This time belongs to Obama/Biden

OH -- I almost forgot about the hockey mom from Alaska, What a fear mongering joke she is!!!Do people really want to put her in the seat of V.P. ---- I mean really!?! Once people look at the issues it should be a vote for OBAMA/BIDEN

XAVIER FROM FAYETTEVILLLE,GA (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:25 AM)

Obama will raise taxes on businesses. There is not a business in America that pays taxes. The consumer pays taxes by paying higher prices. This is a common Tax & Spend Democrat tactic. And, when dealing with our enemies, people who want another 9/11, Obama will have a dialogue with them. No thank you.

David APO, AP (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:28 AM)

If for one moment we forget McCain's resume, we would think he was a Democrat speaking to hardcore opponents of Republicans. Hey guys, let me tell you the news. You are all Republicans, who are responsible for this mess. You are the ones bringing Bush there and supporting him 95% of the time. We all now that all you are going to change is yourselves, as you did many times.

Rob, Baltimore (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:28 AM)

HOW CAN ANYONE WHO LOVES THIS COUNTRY, VOTE FOR A GUY THAT IS FRIENDS WITH TERROSIST BILL AYERS, HIS PASTOR GD AMERICA,TONY REZCO, LOUIS FARRAHKAN OVER A WAR HERO AND A WOMAN THAT HAVE BOTH FOUGHT THE ESTABLISHMENT, IF OBAMA IS ELECTED THEN I WILL BE LIKE HIS WIFE, BUT THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME IM NOT PROUD OF MY COUNTRY.

DAVID ANDERS TX (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:30 AM)

Both canidates say one thing and do the other. This has been going on since the beginning of the political races. They all say anything just to get elected. If the democrats had their way all the time we would have lost every war we was in.

Matt Verdeyen, Champaign, IL (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:30 AM)

I am a republican but will vote for Obama as McCain is just having another 4 years of Bush. Our country cannot go for another 4 years of Bush as we're getting more and more in debt to China, etc.

Wanda Weston (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:30 AM)

Empty promises from a man (hussian) that knows he, nor we, can achieve. Sounds good on stage but the reality is quite the opposite. He can yell bring the troops home, stop buying oil and anything else that might get him a vote, but he knows that it cant be done. Just empty words to make the mindless cheer.

mw,m/ville.tn (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:31 AM)

I think the speech was sad in that it was mostly about war and Vietnam. The Republicans need to acknowledge that during that 5 yr period, America changed and has been changing every since. The world is now more global too. Heroes come from all walks that have made just as big of a sacrifice. While we do respect the one that John made, he doesn’t seem to realize that the Vietnam war is over. Last show the police officers and teachers and nurses and hard working parents as the heroes they are. A large percent of the American public do not even know about Vietnam nor care. What they to know is higher gas, lower salaries, and now today the announcement that health cost will go up. Lastly, I am so offended that the Republicans have put this out as their best and not care about the true Americans that were not even represented at their convention. Why did they not offer the best to inspire the country to do better rather than offer role models that as a parent we can’t even use. Is this truly the legacy they want for America? Lord, I hope not.

Kofi, Richmond, Va (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:34 AM)

The simple fact that hussain says he can stop buying oil and "yank" the troops out and run with our tails tucked, shows what he is. FULL OF IT. Anyone with a brain knows you cant do these things. Without oil our country would stop, and almost instantly. Without a strong military and the strenth to use it, out enemies would attack us freely and laugh at us when they did.

mw.m/ville,tn (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:36 AM)

I dont know, maybe change is good. I mean the english launguage is very hard to learn, and this whole freedom of religion thing is getting old. SHEESH.

mw.m/ville,tn (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:39 AM)

"I was pretty independent then, too. I liked to bend a few rules, and pick a few fights for the fun of it. But I did it for my own pleasure; my own pride. I didn't think there was a cause more important than me. "
Oh yes... HERE is a man I want in charge of our military. Obviously a level-headed, even-handed picture of tact and diplomacy. NOT!!!!

Need anyone say more??????

Tired Dem. OKC (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:39 AM)

Nothing is what the GOP is offering America. The only thing the entire republicant convention offered was a lot of military rah rah rah. I'm a vet and trust is not what I get from the crowd in there now. They are not Reagan's party anymore and certainly not Eisenhower or as they tried to trump up T. Roosevelt. They have damaged the military greatly and waged unjust war. They have nothing...especially judgement or wisdom. Vote Obama!

subgruvet, ok (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:41 AM)

I totally agree. He wants us to believe that the party that got us into this mess is the only party that's going to get us out...ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Yeah, we trust you that much....NOT!!

Most sincerely (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:41 AM)

How long has Biden been part of that Washington crowd? When all of our businesses get nailed with higher taxes, who pays for that? They go across the boarders...and there is more jobs lost. Or the higher taxes get passed on to the employees or the prices of their products. Again, the rich do not care, the poor will be supported by government, and again, the middle class pays. I am in the 95% that Osama, I mean Obama, claims he wants to help. His tax ideas, will either cost me my job, or I will be paying more of my hard earned money for everything that I have to purchase. My taxes may be cut, but I will be spending more money if my company decides that it can still survive here in our country getting taxed to death. Bush did try to cross party lines, and the left rejected his every attempt. Osama, I mean Obama, is the most liberal democrat in congress, and all he could do was vote "present". How often has he reached out to actually creat a bill that was bipartisan?...NEVER. He could not even vote on legislation created by his own party. He just voted that he was there. Good choice Mark. It is too bad that NBC is so one sided. It is you elitist, like your favorite presidential candidate, that don't care about jobs and the middle class. GO MCCAIN!!!!

Jason Brock, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:42 AM)

This is the same old typical downplaying retoric coming from the Obama camp as usual. Denies the achievments Bush has made, ignores the differences between Bush and McCain and the Fact that Obama says nothing of substance. The same "I will do this" "I will do that." With less than a year in the Senate, no substantial resume to speak of, member of a racist American hating church for 20 years, ties to a known terrorist and associations with Muslim extremist, I don't understand what this country is thinking. How can anybody with a sane mind be for killing babies???? I just cannot comprehend that way of thinking. It does not register. And as for the support of gays , have any of you seen what their gay pride parades look like. You got to be kidding me!!! And look at the democratic protesters tearing up the city... Is that what the Democratic ticket represents??? Why doesn't the left media report what is really happening in Iraq??? It is a sad day in this Country when everyone has lost their integrity, spin and purposely misinform the public, and has flat out gone astray... Instead of wanting a handout people need to get off their butts and take responsibility for themselves. I am a Mechanical Designer making 70+k a year with only a GED and steady experience. I wasn't given anything from anyone. I worked for what I have. My daughter will graduate college next year and my son is an A student in High School. My department consist of A Hispanic, 2 Vietnamese, an African American, an Indian, and 2 Caucasions. We are for what is logical and what makes sense and Obama doesn't fit that bill. I wish I new what the real agenda was because it absolutely makes no sense what is going on in this country.. A bunch of angry mean spirited people from both camps.... I hope you represent equal opportunity and will post this comment. Thank You

Patriot, Houston Texas (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:43 AM)

John McCain as usual spends his time telling lies about Obama. He puts fear in the "Rich" telling them Obama will raise taxes. He conveniently does not mention the taxes will be lowered on the middle and lower class. He's pathetic!

Dan Schaffrin, Groveland, Il (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:43 AM)

Good response from the Obama team. There were so many lies in McCain's speech. And I am so sick of hearing about his military service. I didn't realize that being a war hero automatically makes you ready to be president. He is ready to retire--not lead us to change. I am so fired up about McCain's lies and Pallin's lies about her "support for kids with special needs" (ha - she cut their funding in Alaska) - that I am going to contribute to a campaign fund for the first time - Obama's! I have a child with special needs and I trust only Obama/Biden to look out for my son and people of all races, abilities, sexual orientations, and so on. Go Obama!

Jen Watland, Bristow, VA (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:44 AM)

IF OBAMA CLAIMS TO HAVE CHANGED THINGS IN WASHINGTON THAN WHY IS IT THAT THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING DONE IN 3 YEARS SINCE THE DEMOCRATS TOOK OVER. I AM SO TIRED TO HEARING HOW ALL THE IS BUSHES FAULT, WHAT ABOUT CONGRESS AND THE SENATE. THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO HELP THIS ECONOMY BUT FIGHT.

JANE DOE (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:46 AM)

McCain's speech was lacking substance! Reclining home values, millions lacking heatlhcare, rising food and gas prices, and no mention of solutions! In his speech he said "he will be on our side", however, it looks like he will be on the "sidelines" helping the rich and fortunate, not the suffering middle class!

Orlando, Florida (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:47 AM)

Mark your blind to the truth. McCains record shows him fighting his party, fighting the Dems, doing what is right in his eyes. "Opposing solutions on health care" only because it was an idealistic approach not a realistic approach. "Energy" again, the solution is not to just invest in new energy, but to capture existing energy and invest in future. Wake up, neither canidate is the "perfect" man for the job, but... who is the least prepaired to lead us?

Cory (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:47 AM)

I look forward to the end of this presidential race, I was a strong McCain supporter but that was based on on thing which was the service of his country as a fighter pilot. To my dismay, after researching the canidates, I found out a lot I did not know about McCain. I know now that a presidential bid will not change who you are, I would rather vote for the person who is going to surround themselves with the specialist and leaders in their respective fields to get this country on track.

Byron Jones, Columbia, SC (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:47 AM)

We tried it their way for eight hellish years, John McCane was a part of that. Now he wants to divorce himself from Bush but he can't divorce himself. Now is the time to send a strong message and not reward this party by re-electing them.Vote the bums out, all of them.
John McCane maybe forgetful but I will not forget how this party has trashed our good name,our sense of fairness and our sacred constitution!
As Bush said once so famously Your either with us or against us,well now we should once and for all say ENOUGH,never again, never!

John Bohlman (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:48 AM)

One of the reasons why they are the "old, do-nothing crowd" in Washington is because they spend so much time FIGHTING one another. Many politicians don't get anything done because they busy themselves in divisive partisanship and "slash and burn" politics.

Despite the fact that most Americans are neither on the right nor the left. We are in the MIDDLE.

The weird thing about McCain's choice in VP is that, before Palin gave her speech, I might have believed that the "Maverick" McCain could indeed reach across the aisle to Democrats in order to get things done in Washington. I remember the old McCain who seemed to be the "sensible" Republican when it came to things like immigration and ethics reform.

But after hearing the nastiness that came out of Palin's mouth, I can't imagine this team being able to work with ANYONE who doesn't agree with them 100%. She didn't attack Obama's policies; she attacked HIM!! McCain promised a campaign of civility. If he can't deliver on that promise, I doubt he'll deliver on others.

Bush promised to be a "uniter" not a "divider." But his campaign was rather divisive and mean-spirited too. Consequently we have had a stalemated Washington for 8 years.

A vote for McCain-Palin will be a vote for Bush on steroids!

Lorna, North Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:49 AM)

after watching that speech last night by John McCain, if i was a republican i would have switch to the DEMOCRATIC party, there was no substance, no solutions, just a campaign of memories and what he use to do, We need somebody who serves the people and for the people. Republicans, helping people who are less fortunate does not mean you are giving them a handout, its about love for your country and your people. think about it!

Obama '08

Mykal , Dallas, Tex. (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:50 AM)

WORST
ACCEPTANCE
SPEECH
EVER

Well, that certainly gave us a nice contract between Obama and McCain:

Obama motivated a huge crowd and gave specific policy statements about how he will CHANGE the government that the Republicans broke

McCain gave a boring speech, which literally put some delegates to sleep, was interrupted by anti-war vets, and had zero new ideas for change. It was nice to hear about his POW story for the 100th time, but is this really all he has? A tired biographical story and a pretty but snide and inexperienced running mate?

Comic Book Guy, Springfield USA (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:51 AM)

I am no fan of bipartisanship. As a narrow-minded, gun-toting, religion-clinging conservative I acknowledge my distrust of all things liberal. But the only way to stop the insanity of the pork barrel is through the veto. And only John McCain has promised to exercise that power.

Jenny Cafarchio, Ormond Beach, FL (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:52 AM)

As I watched McCain's speech I couldn't help but think are there enough Americans fooled by this good-old-boy to elect him president. He's sold his soul to the right to TRY to get elected. I'm a dem but in 2000 I respected him for being defiant and out spoken against his own party. Stereotyping, belittling people that don't look like or think like you and fear mongering to win = Karl Roves. No affirmative action or quotas question will isolate the dems this time. This display of age old prejudices that has filled this country for 100's of years, is itself un-American. America is a country of Various immigrants. Some of us have forgotten or simply don't know that we are all immigrants. So when we said american, do we mean inclusive or do we mean white american? Its your right to think the way you like, but this time Karl Rove, it won't work!!!

DurhamforObama (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:53 AM)

The article by Tom Curry is very "humorous" --- GOP fears "What if" ....Obama wins?

Are you KIDDING???

The bigger question is what if McCain wins & due to his age & health something happens to him ---- Sarah Palin becomes the President of the United States.

WAKE UP AMERICA ---- this is a no-brainer!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Obama Is Best For America (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:54 AM)

We saw a complete failure last night. John & Cindy McCain President and first lady for America? I don't think so. Cindy McCain's speech was a horrible disaster! At least Sarah Palin can read, I couldn't tell Cindy had a Master's Degree last night, all she had to do was read. And what was she saying? Absolutely nothing of substance. And John McCain kept up the boring tirade that his wife started. I actually fell asleep a few times during his speech, I was trying to hang on, but the ship was sinking fast! McCain is offering us more of the same. The same negative politics, the same stealing of ideas from others, the same violence Fight, Fight, Fight! That's all the Republicans ever do, is fight, never any true diplomacy. The first thing John McCain want's to do is sic his attack dog on other people. Sarah Palin compared herself to a pittbull dog. I remember some other dogs from a long time ago, they were the dogs of the "Jim Crow days." I think an appropriate slogan would be Sarah, the Jim Crow Dog with lipstick! No thanks to more war, more taxes, more lies! My vote is with Obama!

Kellie, North Olmsted Ohio (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:56 AM)

I don't exactly call voting present 130 times in Illinois as taking on any special interest groups. So what if McCain supported Bush's plans. He at least voted for what he believed and not a simple "Present." We Americans are tired of this bickering between the two political parties. Enough already. YOU work for us and we want you to work together to make this country better today than yesterday. Remember, the President of the United States has no vote on legislation. He or she are figure heads when you come right down to it. They can propose legislation, but it is Congress who must pass the laws.

Richard, Brighton TN (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:56 AM)

McCain is trying to wrest the mantle of change from Obama. It will not work, since he has been an integral part of the Washington establishment he now so fervently criticizes. Does he think that the American voter is not smart enough to see this, and will be mesmerized by his admittedly great war recoed?

T. R. (Joe) Sundaram (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:57 AM)

Fight! Fight! Fight! Has been the theme of this convention, apart from the constant bashing of Obama. I am truly disappointed in the Republicans theme, or lack thereof.

Whilst we should honor John McCain for his incarceration in Nam, I see a man who is still imprisoned in that tiny cell and this saddens me. Until he can put the past behind him and move on he will always be on the battlefield. When there is no need for war he could create it, after all fighting is the thing he knows how best to do.

He says he will reach across party lines. He will have to if America decides to vote for another four years of Bush. I have watched time and again Republicans ‘borrowing’ Obama’s theme even while bashing him and declaring he is not ready. Well if he is not ready how come his policies are ready? How come? I hear the words ‘change’ ‘fired up’ ‘Washington is broken’ and now I am hearing about a proposed education policy that is very similar to Obama’s. When John McCain reaches across the aisle, if he is elected POTUS, does he plan to reach across and borrow Obama’s manifesto, and if not when will we be privy to his?

This country has suffered over the past eight years; people are out of jobs and losing their homes. Everyone needs to know what you will be doing for me. How will you ease my pain? So far Obama is the only one offering solutions.

spicegirl MD (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:57 AM)

Tired dem, do you for a second think any politician is in this for someone other than themself? Please. Noone joins the military without a some brash and self pride and "cockiness". But then again someone (hussain) without the courage and pride for their country could'nt understand.

mw.m/ville,tn (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:59 AM)

Jenny: If that is how you really think, then I feel sorry for you.

Put your head back in the sand (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 8:59 AM)

How can anyone talk BIPARTISANSHIP when they use to many "I's" in negotiations...another either different meaning of the word or just plain false statement..

John McCain ..crashed and burned again tonight..along with every republican ever born..he took on the misery of past and claimed it to be his right of passage to the White House...sick...
His dementia is not our guilt...

BJ, CA (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:00 AM)

Everyone needs to really think carefully about what could happen if McCain gets elected. If, heaven forbid, something happens to him, Sarah Palin will be running our country. That scares me. Her way of thinking will not provide change for our country. It will take us several steps back. I am a woman and have no issue with her gender. It's her policies that frighten me. She will only bring about a more divided America.

Tracey Lawson, Middletown, Ohio (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:01 AM)

McCain's speech
1/3 flubbing about his vision..missing queues
½ talking about himself POW with no flubs
1/6 talking about issues that Obama wants too..
1/6 PEP Rally about stand up and fighting
(like fighting is the only way Americans should do and make history)

A pretty lossy speech..from a man with real retro.
issues...maybe more money should have been spent on veteran mental issue
after Vietnam?
This is not the republican party of Presidents Reagan or of Eisenhower.
This is the party of small man syndrome..and it's sorry we have sunken
from whiners to sentimental cry babies...

How can anyone talk BIPARTISANSHIP when they use to many "I's" in negotiations

Straight talk express from those that should be expressly in straight jackets..

BJ, CA (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:03 AM)

Hey Matt Verdeyen, you are aware that FDR, Truman and Wilson were Democrats, right? Maybe you forgot.

Texdude, Houston, Texas (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:04 AM)

mcbush & pain another 4 years of the same 8 coruption years of bush cheny

JAMEY HARRIS CONYERS GA (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:04 AM)

I would like to know what planet some of you live on?
Up until last year the congress was run by Republicans so if you think that they are going to fix the mess they have made think again, my parents taught me never look for a fight, seems to me thats all the John McCain is going to do, the same thing the Bush has done for the last 8 years, also the house mess started with BUSH and his Rebuplican run congress. Talk about hope, thats what the right wing is doing Hoping that John McCain will fix the mess that the republican party got this country into in the first place. So as the old saying goes "wish in one hand and Sh.. in the other and see which one gets full first"

Anne/Ohio (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:04 AM)

The same tired arguments from Obama. Yes, McCain agreed with Bush 90% of the time. So did everyone else. Most votes are for things like "should be congratulate the winner of the World Series?"

Maybe Obama won't raise my taxes, but he will on businesses. So my employer won't be able to give me a raise, and prices at the stores will be higher. Obama's plan will still mean I have less money.

Go McCain/Palin!

Dan G, Boise, ID (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:05 AM)

At least Mrs Palin loved her country from the beginning, Did'nt have to wait till someone was doing something for her.

mw (Sent Friday, September 05, 2008 9:05 AM)

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