Fight! For your right! To...

Posted: Monday, October 13, 2008 1:01 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy

NORFOLK, Va. -- After a weekend full of rumored policy rollouts and strategy suggestions from prominent conservatives, McCain this morning gave nearly 20,000 Virginia voters a peek at what his campaign has planned for the next 22 days: a fight.

“We have 22 days to go,” McCain said. “We're six points down. The national media has written us off. Sen. Obama is measuring the drapes, and planning with Speaker Pelosi and Sen. Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections, and concede defeat in Iraq, and concede defeat in Iraq... My friends, but you know what they forgot? They forgot to let you decide. My friends, we've got them just where we want them.”

Although the substance of today’s speech wasn’t entirely new, McCain’s new fighting spirit was evident in his big finish.

Video: Saying "nothing is inevitable", John McCain tells his audience it's up to them to "go win this election."

“Don't give up hope. Be strong. Have courage. And fight,” McCain said. “Fight for a new direction for our country. Fight for what's right for America. Fight to clean up the mess of corruption, infighting and selfishness in Washington. Fight to get our economy out of the ditch and back in the lead... Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. America is worth fighting for. Nothing is inevitable here. We never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.”

The attacks today were far less pointed compared with recent speeches given by McCain and his running mate, but McCain's resurgent message was clear. Rather than bring up Obama’s personal associations, his refusal to answer questions, or the mystery surrounding his rapid political rise, McCain today stuck to policy distinctions. He hit Obama on health care, government spending, taxes and the differences in their energy policies.

“The last president to raise taxes and restrict trade in a bad economy, as Sen. Obama proposes, was Herbert Hoover,” McCain said. “That didn't turn out too well. They say those who don't learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. Well, my friends, I know my history lessons, and I sure won't make the mistakes that Sen. Obama will.”

*** UPDATE *** By our count, McCain uttered the word 'fight' -- or some variation of it -- nineteen times during his remarks.

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Comments

Poll Ignorer (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:07 PM)

Yawn. The old man yelling at the clouds is back.

Kate, Atlanta (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:07 PM)

What a lemming.

His advisers turn him East - he bumps into a wall. His advisers turn him North - he bumps into a wall - his advisers turn him West - he bumps into a wall. There is no place left for McCain to turn but South.

BEWARE: Following McCain and will lead you in circles.

*************

RE: MCCAIN: HERE'S THE BACKSEAT DRIVING

<<"...they were concerned that he and his advisers seemed to be adrift in dealing with an extraordinarily challenging political battleground and a crisis on Wall Street.">>

You could have stopped at "adrift." The McCain campaign is just sorta sitting out at sea, bobbing up and down in the water, waiting to get knocked over by a huge wave.
Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 9:43 AM)

It is perfect. I just had to repost it!

*************

Thanks Erik, PA and Eric, Salinas - Eric, I‘ll be driving down the road and just bust up recalling “Sinner Sarah” or “The Wicked Witch of Alaska.” I don’t get exactly why but just the thought of these phrases any time of day or night just cracks me up. I’m literally LOL!!!

Thanks also to all the posters new and old who offer enlightenment, a unique perspective and lots and lots of levity!!!! Nothing like those grassroots community organizers to bring Americans together for the common good! You betcha! *Wink *Wink

Obama/Biden 08: And Proud Of It!!!

Libratine (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:07 PM)

I have no issue with McCain attacking this way. I doubt I'd ever vote for him but at least he's basing his attack on issues as opposed to trying to slime his way into the white house. Now, lets have some real debate about issues.

Tired of Political Games (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:08 PM)

The man is full of himself and poop!!

William in Houston (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:09 PM)

McNasty and his sidekick decided to play dirty politics and stir up hatred in his supporters. leaders like that we can do without.

I'm voting for Obama .. a true leader.

Oscar, Rio Vista CA (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:09 PM)

If Obama is Herbert Hoover....John McCain is Mr. Potter in "It's A Wonderful Life". For all you young people, see the movie played around the Holidays this year.

Barbara C - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:10 PM)

During the primaries the Republicans said if Hillary won Bill would run the country. GOP meet ToP - Todd of Palin co-governor of Alaska!

Don Judson, Woodburn, OR (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:10 PM)

Rah rah rah...pull out the Bush playbook of cheerleading and fear mongering...the poorly educated and easily conned of the right will fall for it...no one else will though

Rick, NC (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:10 PM)

If you want higher taxes, then vote for Obama. If you want restrictions on speech, then vote for Obama. If you want a weak foreign policy that opens the country up for another attack, then vote for Obama. If you want a dog and pony show president that doesn't have a clue on how the world works, then vote for Obama.

If you want something other then what's described above, then vote for that other guy.

G Tullman, Illinois (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:10 PM)

Attack words again. McCain America hasn't alway been at war. Before and between each Bush America was at peace. Please the me McCain where are you different? Where is the America that my mother told me about. Why am I crying because I have to choose between putting gas in my car or food on my table for my kids.

Diffran Grate, Summerville, South Carolina (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:10 PM)

<<"They say those who don't learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.">>

Just one of the many reasons I refuse to vote Republican in this election. Thanks for the reminder, John!

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:10 PM)

I wonder how many times he told his wackos to FIGHT???
How many times was the word used? Stellar advise for those mobs! Jeeeeeezzzzz.

Libratine (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:11 PM)

As much as I resented that wise-guy Republican who told McGovern that he was going to get creamed in the 1972 election, to which McGovern famously responded "Kiss my ass", I'm starting to feel like him myself. Senator McCain, I still believe you are a decent man playing on the wrong team. Please do not let your party destroy your dignity in the next couple of weeks.

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:11 PM)

They never hide from history? Yet they're trying so hard to coverup the Keating 5 history, the Troopergate history and their being sidekicks of the worst president in history. Just more lies from the most hateful and dishonest campaign in history.

Now they dredge history back up as they use the same old tired repugnant one's lie about a Democrat measuring the drapes. Nothing new here just more of the same old tired lies that the repugnant ones trot out every election.

"Incompetent Fighter" McCain was a failure as a warrior and now he wants us to believe he will fight for us Mainstream Americans when all he's done his whole career is fight against us. Just more hypocrisy from the Circular Talk Express.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:11 PM)

Oh we're going to fight all right. We're going to fight to make sure that McCain and Palin do not have any chance at winning in November. Their despicable campaign of hate and smears is not what this country needs. We are much better country than that.

Enrique, Chicago (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:11 PM)

Poll Ignorer:

John Kerry never led in the national polls. But whatever makes you feel better.

Just A Guy, Cincy, OH (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:12 PM)

GET OFF MY LAWN!!

John McCain, La-La Land (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:13 PM)

McCain knows how to fight.

Obama knows how to litigate.

Sue Me Now Obama (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:13 PM)

read his lips

even though his numbers don't add up

He is promising "no new taxes"

sets him up perfectly for when he concedes he has to and "all Americans must sacrifice...his taxes will be on both the haves and the have nots...

staying within that 40 year republican tradition... to keep the tax burden ratio rate for the middle class growing at double the rate of the top 5% of wealthy Americans like himself.

don't be fooled this time.

when you read his lips...he is lying.

dl, exeter, nh (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:13 PM)

Can you imagine someone like this leading our nation and making serious decisions? He is all over the place. Erratic.

Ralph, Madison (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:14 PM)

You can't be serious MSNBC. If you're truly going to give INFORMATION FACTUAL, you'd write here the truth that John McCain was suppose to give A PLAN he has for the economy. HE DID NOT!! As an independent voter, I was hoping he GAVE FACTS ON WHAT HE WILL DO AS PRESIDENT. I get it that he doesn't think Obama isn't read....WHAT IS McCAIN GOING TO DO????? Come on Chuck et al. Call McCain on this...it's 3 weeks out and STILL NO PLAN FROM McCAIN!!!!!

Chelsea H. (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:14 PM)

.
REMEMBER THE "TRUMAN & DEWEY" ELECTION OF THE EARLY 1950's?

HISTORY IS ABOUT TO REPEAT ITSELF.

THE NEW YORK MEDIA WAS SO PRO-DEWEY THAT THEY PRINTED ELECTION RESULTS HEADLINES OF DEWEY BEING ELECTED PRESIDENT BEFORE THE VOTES WERE COUNTED ...

GUESS WHAT?

THE MEDIA WAS WRONG & EMBARRASSED.

... McCain & Palin WILL WIN ELECTION !
.

OBAMA'S UNREALISTIC POLL NUMBERS ... (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:14 PM)

McCain: "The last president to raise taxes and restrict trade in a bad economy, as Sen. Obama proposes, was Herbert Hoover"

Not true. The National Bureau of Economic Research says the recession in the 1990's began during the administration of the first President Bush and lasted from July 1990 to March 1991. U.S. Treasury says President Bush raised taxes in October, 1990.

Dan, Tallahassee, FL (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:15 PM)

McCain states he knows his history lessons. We already know he plans on repeating history by following the Bush policies. Guess his hearing is going too, the fat lady is singing and he is oblivious to it. McCain and Palin are finally realizing that all their dirty fighting and nasty words and inuendos have got them nowhere. They have sunk as low as a human being can go and the polls are showing it. Now, they are singing a different tune. Sorry, too little, too late. Thank Rick Davis and all your other PR people for the mess you're in. Sarah thought she was real cute with her "remarks" about Obama paling around with terrorists. Well, it backfired in her face. Miss Goody Two Shoes who abused her power as governor and allowed her snow boarding husband to do the same in the Governor's office. Just imagine the damage she would allow him to do if she became VP !!!! She is definetly a very scary person. No class, no tact and obviously no concern for anyone other than herself.

Jacki Limite Wayne, NJ (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:15 PM)

"Fight my friends...fight a losing battle" He forgot to add that part to his big finish!!

Robert (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:15 PM)

Yawn. Great speech, but where's the beef? Where's the policy ideas?

Oh, right...You don't have any!

McSame-Failin 08: A Bridge to NoWhere (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:16 PM)

In synchronization with Bush, McCain has given America a ten trillion dollar debt and taken away the means to pay for it. What else can he do for America?

Somehow he will even manage to forget the unnecessary war, misguided tax focus, and all the other Bush-McCain policies that led to these problems.

The next president will have to deal not only with the economic crisis but also with the means that Bush has chosen to deal with that crisis short-term.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:16 PM)

Can we please get this over with?
Sen. McCain is way past his time in his ideological
pursuit towards the way our Nation should be managed.
No one wants to hear the "Fight" theme, as though we
are attending an Army/Navy football game!!!
His policies are eratic and hasty for the sole purpose of bringing up his numbers in the polls.
I really can't stand much more of this hypocrisy.
Please everyone - review the policies, review the posture of the men running and cast an educated vote for who has the best temperment to deal with world issues, who has their pulse on the needs of the middle-class, who has a well thought out plan of action to combat our economic crisis, who has demonstrated the best judgement in their campaign
administration including their selection for Vice President and who will best benefit our country at "such a time as this".

Vote: OBAMA/BIDEN - 2008

Jo Anne - in Colonia, N.J. (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:17 PM)

We've had "Fighters" and in-fighters in Washington for the past 8 years. What's needed now is not someone who wants to beat others into submission with their own will, but someone who will WORK WITH others to get things done. That is the change Obama has been about, and his approach will carry the future with him.

And Obama as Hoover? Give me a break. If voters want to see Hoovervilles springing up all over America, then elect McCain, the candidate who admits he knows nothing about the economy.

Carrie in TX (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:17 PM)

free falling

yes, he's free falling

free falling

McCain is free falling

...Out into nothing

bsmith (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:17 PM)

"...My friends, we've got them just where we want them."
-----
Sounds like McCain et al are voting for Obama, too. Apparently they all want him ahead. Finally, he's decided to vote 'reason' even if he can't talk it or lead it.

He had me worried about senility; but now I see he has been 'with us' all along.

Thanks, Gramps - you had me worried, there.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:18 PM)

Okay John. The rest of us will fight to keep both you and the beauty queen OUT of the White House. Clean up Washington? Yeah, the only way to do that is get rid of the idiots who have been there for 26 years and have done nothing...opps, that's YOU, isn't it? Oh well, thanks for playing. Obama/Biden '08/'12

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:18 PM)

He knows how to win in Iraq

He knows how to get Bin Laden

He knows how to fix the economy

He knows how to win an election

Gimmicks First - Palin McCain 2012

billy smith (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:19 PM)

Issues are what this campaign should be about. All the mud-slinging has ruined the McCain campaign and it just may be too late now for them to recover from it.

Vince Allen, Cocoa, FL (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:19 PM)

A peak is a mountain. You mean peek. Where is your journalism degree today?

Joey Thompson (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:20 PM)

America, if possible GO VOTE EARLY, ALL OF US! Because as they told us on Democracy Now, they will try their damnest to stop you at the polls!!!And in Ohio, ask for the provisional ballot, not the machine. Those hard copies go to a republican headquarter. And let's make sure we all vote. Our country is going to hell in a handbag and we need to stop it.

Finally wised up, OH (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:20 PM)

McCain can not point out what he would do differently for our economy from what Bush has done. All he wants to do is take the same path, tax cuts for top 1%, and expand it. That is not different!

It is amazing that he wants to do the same thing with our economy, and expect a different result. Obama has the most brilliant economic mind on his team (Warren Buffet). Obama has shown time and again that he actually understands the economy, and would appoint people in his admistration that understand it as well. McCain is a confused follower. That is dangerous during these times.

Chad, Los Angeles (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:20 PM)

God, I wish he would just go away. Can we move the election up a couple weeks? 3 more weeks of this is tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment. Even the giddy enjoyment that comes from watching him pivot almost daily is gone. Just let him lose already.

PS - The COUNTRY is in the tank for Obama, folks. The media is just reflecting that fact.

Michael Todd, Chicago IL (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:20 PM)

My friends - nobody is measuring the drapes for heavens sake...where did he steal that line from?? give me a break...EVERYONE in America is a fighter...and WE ARE ALL AMERICAN'S the last time I looked....and implying that Obama isn't in his speech today is appalling...as Reagan used to say "There you go again" John...I thought the attacks were finally going to stop and stay on policies...oh I forgot, he doesn't have anything to add. Oh well.

Jacie, NY (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:20 PM)

I am amazed that more folks, inlcuding the media, are not concerned by the fact that Sarah Palin abused her power. After all, reform in Washington is one of her principal talking points!!

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:23 PM)

Enough "fighting". It is time to come together as a nation. A leader says "everyone come together and follow me." A maverick says "everyone else can go their own way, I'll go mine."

People admire a maverick, but they follow a leader.

What we need right now is a leader. McCain is a comeback kid. He's a great underdog. He's a pretty good gadfly. But he isn't the leader that can bring the country together.

A Maverick is not a Leader (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:24 PM)

Yawn...Got 'em right where ya want 'em, eh? Uh huh. Yea, Johnny. You run right out there and git 'em, okay? We'll be seein' ya!

BamaBoy - Smarter than the average redneck (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:25 PM)

Nice job John. Polls, smolls. They showed Bush down at this point too. Media is so much in the tank for Obama, most if not all of these polls are fabrications anyway. People, once they get in the privacy of voting booth, will make the right choice, and that ain't Barry.
Poll Ignorer (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:07 PM)
-----------------------------------------------------
You are so wrong! Bush was ahead of Kerry at this point in 2004..Kerry lost his lead at the end of August and never recovered...just like John will not recover!

Alison, FL (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:26 PM)

You keep saying Obama wants to raise taxes..That is a lie..So your entire premise is a lie also..You were once a good man..See ya!!

Brad, Portland,OR (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:26 PM)

Too little too late McCain! You should have been giving that kind of speech from day one, but instead you opted to play dirty politics and it backfired on you and your immature camp. Obviously, you haven't learned from your mistakes and you are destined to repeat them so we will fight, but only to keep you from getting elected!

MBlack, Texas (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:27 PM)

Poll Ignorer:

John Kerry never led in the national polls. But whatever makes you feel better.
Just A Guy, Cincy, OH (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:12 PM)

Is he president?

Kevin, Southern Maine (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:28 PM)

"Fight for my Viagra, Fight for my laxatives, fight for my lawn."

Fight to get this loser and Bozo the Palin out of here.

Q Pulpit (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:28 PM)

This gross plagerism of Hillary's exact campaign strategy is bizarre. 1) attack Obama for being weird, 2)then realize that doesn't work and 3) then your are fighter for the people. The only difference is Hillary actually is a fighter for the cause of the middle class, as she has dedicated her life to it. McCain cannot even say the words "middle class." It is going to to be interesting how he's going to pull this one off.

because8yearsistoolong (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:31 PM)

Echoes of Clinton...

First she ignored Obama, then she attacked Obama, then she retreated into "We will fight to the end!" rhetoric. All while her campaign was imploding from within. (See William Kistol column today in NYT).

The oddest thing about McCain and his staff is that they seemed to learn nothing from watching the primaries.

Kris (Sent Monday, October 13, 2008 1:31 PM)

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