Steele on McCain at NAACP

Terry, Great Plains — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:53:36 GMT

To bad his VOTING RECORD on education does not match his rheteric.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:54:59 GMT

Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, NAACP.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

BSS Memphis, TN — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:57:11 GMT

Let us not forget that McCain refused an invitation to the NAACP's last year's convention.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Bobby H., Miami, FL — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:57:26 GMT

Here's a question for you McCain: "Why did you vote against the MLK holiday?" After all, MLK gave more to this country than you ever did and paid the ultimate price for it. He's a hero too. What do you have against the Reverend?

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:58:05 GMT

McCain to NAACP: we can fool you as easily as we fool many white voters if you'll just give us the chance.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Gretchen C. NY — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:01:27 GMT

Nice bounce back day on the stock market today. It's a amazing what a President actually doing something like recinding an executive order that prevented drilling will do. Sure Congress has to get off their fat butts and do the same. But Bush is providing leadership on the issue, and sooner rather then later Pelosi and Reid are going to have to actually do some real work.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Californian for Obama — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:05:13 GMT

Whatever. There is no way in hell, that McCain is going to get the black vote. So, Michael Steele can just stop talking about him as if McCain is some hero to the black community.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:06:14 GMT

Question: McCain was invited to speak at the NAACP convention as was Obama. Does anyone think he could have refused?

It's not pandering. The political fallout from his refusal would have been catastrophic.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Linda. Boston, MA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:10:35 GMT

"And I think that says a lot about the kind of president he is going to be -- that he doesn't just see this as an election opportunity, that he sees this as an opportunity for America to right a lot of wrongs certainly but to grow together --"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

First of all, he WONT be president. Secondly, that statement might be more meaningful if it weren't for the fact that this is the only time McCain has given black people the time of day. And there is no doubt that once the campaigning is over he wont be seen in front of a black audience until he needs their votes again.

As for him opening it up for question while Barack did not - Obama has had an open dialog with the black community since forever. He hears and addresses their concerns on the regular.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:10:55 GMT

In the year 2008 the Republican Party is now reaching out to the African American community? The southern states went Republican after the Civil Rights legislation was passed in 1964. And it was just accepted. No one in the Republican Party in all these years said one word about it. No one in that party stood up against it.

They even exploited it by constantly bringing up affirmative action and saying the liberals were more concerned with blacks than they are whites.

Not true. Blacks are Americans. That was always the point. White society did not want to give them jobs, housing - nothing. Liberals knew that. So they needed to have legal protection until racism ran its course. Which it hasn't yet.

I always wonder what would have happened if the Founding Fathers had abolished slavery - or if they never held slaves to begin with.

Can you imagine what the black community would have contributed to our society? It would have been enormous.

2008. Must be an election year for the Republican Party.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Brian M. De. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:11:06 GMT

This story was a bunch of Republican dribble. Ok talk up your guy but stop talking down the opposition. McBush wanted to engage the AA people so much that he would not sign legislation for MLK day. He care so much about soldiers that he wouldn't sign on to the new GI bill. The Repukes talking point always has to take a cut at the opposition. Not our guy is great and keep it above ground.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Matt, Idaho — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:12:10 GMT

Meh. Non story.

Obama has been more engaging than Mccain on dozens of occasions, and actually cares about our concerns, even those who disagree with him. McCain is isolationist just like Bush, hiding behind a wall of yes-men.

Again: non-story. Prove me wrong.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

bill, okla — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:12:14 GMT

And so is the Lt. Gov. implying that most African Americans aren't being realistic? As for the GOP they are becoming, thanks to the politics of military aggression, social minority repressions and exclusions, deregualations, and blindness to corporate corruptness; less and less in touch with the needs of the nation. McCain is just another nail in their coffin.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Class Warrior, D.C. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:13:28 GMT

Steele's a nimrod which is why we didn't elect him. Nonetheless, he evidently wants us to know his opinions anyway, God alone knows why.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

OneOleMan - Seattle, Washington — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:13:49 GMT

May I suggest that Lt. Gov. Michael Steele learn how to speak English? "They were like, ‘No.'" Lt. Gov. Steele please describe to me what, "like to know", looks like.

Yes this is getting a little bit picky but shouldn't government officials have better command of the English language?

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Daniel, NY — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:14:38 GMT

Obama got some strong poll numbers today as he is very close behind in North Carolina and has a huge lead in Oregon and California. In further good news for Dems, Jeff Merkley is ahead for the first time in OR! Full roundup: http://campaigndiaries.com/2008/07/16/wednesday-polls/

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Matt, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:15:11 GMT

What sort of questions was McCain asked? How did he answer them? How was he received?

How about some friggin' details instead of just praising McCain for going before the NAACP?!?!?!?! I swear to God, you MSNBC guys have no backbone when it comes to McCain. Why is that?!?!?!

Steele on McCain at NAACP

MK,MO — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:15:50 GMT

I don't like mccain but at least showing up and giving a speech for the naacp was a nice gesture, my hats off to the old cogger

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Ted HSV, AL — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:18:50 GMT

Zero comments on this subject is what it deserves. Everyone at the venue knew that McSame was about towing the old party values of non-inclusion so why bother.

Also, Mike Steele nice job carrying water for McLame.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

jeff D Evanston IL — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:22:22 GMT

ok what question were asked, what were his answers. its easy to take question like he did, but obama did not have to because his message has been out there for every body to read, john McCain had to do that because the AA community knows not much about him.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Billy, Texas — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:23:34 GMT

McCain is only interested in the black vote, not the black people.

If he is so interested in African Americans, why hasn't he talked to the NAACP before this election year?

Steele on McCain at NAACP

camie — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:24:03 GMT

i doubt mccain did all that good

Awkward Exchange between McCain’s press aides and St. Louis Reporter
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/16/awkward-exchange-between-mccains-press-aides-and-st-louis-reporter/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

Steele on McCain at NAACP

John Herzog Sacramento, Cal. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:24:16 GMT

I vote primarily Demo, but haved crossed over to vote for Schwartzenegger and Reagan. The real question now is "Is the Republican party a reasonable choice"? 9 out of the last 10 recessions started during a Republican presidency. Every single stock index has done (collectively) at least 50% better when a demo was in office, no matter what time period you use going back. 65% of all deficit increases, over the past 60 years, have occurred during Republican presidencies. Irresponsible? Bad Luck? My newly formed opinion is that supply side economics do not work as advertised and until they re-tool their platform, it will be an ongoing mistake to consider a Republican president as a reasonable option.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Dan, McFarland, WI — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:24:37 GMT

History shows John McCain voted against MLK day.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

margaret,baltimore,md. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:25:48 GMT

Dear Michael Steele: That is too much too little too late! John McCain is only at the NAACP meeting at the urging of you and the other black republicans. He will not be forgiven for all those years voting against the MLK holiday in his state. If by a remote chance he won the election, he would forget blacks, the NAACP and the whole conversation(as he probably already has as soon as he walked off the stage).

Steele on McCain at NAACP

idtt, laurel, md — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:26:51 GMT

Given the recent gaffes and campaign problems on both sides, there's probably a half dozen jokes about viagra, birth control and pregnant pauses that can be made here. Although Steele is probably not the best one to make the point, I agree with him about the Republican party needing to do more to court the black vote. To further our interests there needs to be more black independents and republicans. Voting democrat 95% leads to that vote being taken for granted by both parties.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

The Truth Hurts a lot — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:28:37 GMT

Sen. McCain might be old and forgetful at times, but he can handle his own when it comes to Q&A's and debates.

Sen. Obama is a stammering, stuttering speaker without a script and teleprompter. That's why you will not see many Q&A's from him.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:30:09 GMT

Please. Where were he and the other major Republican candidates last year? I felt McCain was a disgusting panderer in his speech. I'm sure he was surprised when he read in his speech to paraphrase, that the NAACP is the most imprtant organization to him. Where he stands on the issues that effect all minorities is quite clear. It's not who he is representing and it's not his priority. In fact in many cases his support comes from people who want to supress minority rights. He is just trying to grey the issues thinking that maybe he can tamp down the Black vote. And maybe he can capitalize on Jesse Jackson's tasteless comments and get some of the African American community to turn on their own. Don't be fooled Obama is the best chance to advance the cause of all minorities, the middle class and the poor.

To clarify- these comments come from a white graduate level educated woman. I am in no way calling John McCain racist, but I am saying that a significant # of his supporters are.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Clara Kansas City, MO — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:31:57 GMT

I am a rabid Obama supporter; and I don't have a problem with Joe Scarborough. He is a fairly rabid Republican. When you know that going in, it is pretty easy to take what he says with a grain of salt.

I actually have true empathy for him. He has a child with Asperger's disease. That can't be easy. He is just another person with a belief system. Yes he has a microphone; but he is as decent as his experiences and value systems allow him to be. He talks down to woman, and it is irritating; but I know where he's coming from - so I get over it.

My role is not to change individuals, my desire is to change their viewpoint or their policies and to level the playing field. Just my opinion.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Ian — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:32:35 GMT

And on his return home, John McCain said, "Cindy. Meet Michael, my new black friend."

Steele on McCain at NAACP

coninPA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:33:38 GMT

BIG clue here....Steele....(R) Repubublican.
gee you think he would say anything different?
Bush answered LOTS of questions leading up to the war...and they were ALL LIES! Just b/c a REPUBLICAN ANSWERS a QUESTION doesn't MEAN IT'S THE TRUTH!!

(Executive privilect)

(Executine privilige...)

McCain is just practicing his lies....
just in case he can say the words...just like his mentor GW on any question AFTER he got to the White House!

EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE!!

He IS a mini-G!

Steele on McCain at NAACP

matt — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:34:22 GMT

I don't think the GOP can count on much black support when the polls show McCain getting 1% of African American voters. It's time to stop the charade that the GOP is really the party best suited to help blacks.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Steele on McCain at NAACP

ID,GA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:34:58 GMT

“Barack is going to take more than the lion's share of the black vote.
*****************************************************

Lt. Gov. Steele...........we are proudly casting our votes for Barak Obama the Lion.........He's not taking anything.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

donna — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:35:04 GMT

John McCain, and his shameful attempt to prove how fearless, and sincere he is by daring to go near Black people is a politically motivated, pandering roadshow. What a colossal sham.

Micheal Steele is to African American's, what 'Dathan' was to Moses, and the Children of Isreal. The Republicans are his Pharoah.

McCain making an daredevil-like appearance for the sake of a vote, is campaign theater, nothing more.

Steele asked, "did Barack do that"? He's a eunuch. When is the last time he sat amongst the members of the NAACP, or was he just there to keep his head up McCain's stinky place?

EW!!

Steele on McCain at NAACP

PThomas — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:36:17 GMT

Thank you for the Republican interpretation of how it went. Cleaning up and avoiding all the small details, like his voting record, his refusal to speak previously. And the fact that the voucher system is hardly doable in most areas-due to transportation, enrollment avaiability etc. Great he took questions - but did he answer them or just say he will get back to them when he is more informed on the subject......

Steele on McCain at NAACP

MAMMA MIA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:41:49 GMT

O.K. MSNBC, where's the BREAKING NEWS HEADLINE:

JOHN MCCAIN REFINES AFGHANISTAN PLAN (Oops! After hearing it from Mr. Obama)? Geez, talk about giving someone a free ride! Why isn't this the foreign policy "firestorm" for today? Probably because you are too busy removing your noses from his backside and calling McSame a "maverick" instead of the Great Pretender.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

idtt, laurel, md — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:49:48 GMT

Clara, I feel the same way about Pat Buchanan. A couple of times, I've caught him throwing up his hands and saying "It's all we've got" when talking about a particular strategy for McCain v. Obama and you could tell he could barely contain his laughter. Not that I like him anymore, I just know he's trying to work up support for his candidate. Who needs a reality show when we can watch the pundits go at it?

Steele on McCain at NAACP

sotiredofignorance — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:50:25 GMT

Clara:

I have a young adult with Tourette Syndrome, but I don't feel it gives me the right to be rude and dismissive of others.

When I watch a news program, I want it to be about the issues. With Scarborough, it is always about him. He is arrogant, especially to women guests. Though I do like seeing Rachel Maddow shut him down.

MSNBC has a proud tradition. They should try to emulate what Tim Russert did and not play to the lowest common denominator.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

ya know — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:52:39 GMT

McCain can handle his own during Q&As? yeah... we saw that when that vet handed his a$$ to him on a silver platter when referencing his record on backing VETS.

McCains Q&A sessions are filled by republican cronies. We'll see how he responds during the debates. There will be at least one in town hall format. Obama isn't as crisp, only because he's trying to think about how he's going to say what he's got to say so he doesn't get attacked for it later...

McCain speaks off the cuff and we've seen his gaffes... 100 years, Czechslovakia, and he flip flops thinking he won't get caught (See Countdown from last night).

The real question is... have you ever seen obama look as dumb as McCain did when that reporter asked about Viagra and birth control?

didn't think so!

Steele on McCain at NAACP

lindahend — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:53:25 GMT

John McCain now wants the AA vote but turned down the Tavis Smiley event at Morgan State, Baltimore, MD. We don't forget.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

lindahend — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:54:03 GMT

John McCain now wants the AA vote but turned down the Tavis Smiley event at Morgan State, Baltimore, MD. We don't forget.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

ginny halter, yountville, ca. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:59:18 GMT

My comment will not appear, why ? simple.........
I'm voting for McCain. I beleive Obama is a joke, a very sad joke. If Obama fools enough people, he will take great pleasure in seeing the United States of America fail and die.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

FREE AND THE BRAVE — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:02:08 GMT

Substance over "style" my what a novel concept! By the way,the democratic party was founded by the slave owning southern states.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Diane from Illinois — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:04:48 GMT

If the NAACP is "so important" to McFossil, what kind of meaningful legislation has he voted on to show that importance??????? Nada. Zip. WHO'S the candidate with "just meaningless words", i.e., pandering? Sounds like McFossil to me.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Smick — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:15:31 GMT

McCain is a panderer...always has been!

It's rather a shame his voting record on civil rights doesn't match his recently acquired desire to start a dialogue with the black community..

Will the REAL John McCain please stand up!!

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Lina, Biloxi, MS — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:25:21 GMT

I am a black woman who is voting with Obama. John McCain and the Republican party is "Johnny come lately" on this issue. Last year, he and many other Republicans rejected an invitation from NAACP. So why now??? This election is not about race although race is a factor. Obama is not going to be beholden to any one group of people (except women because of his wife and two little girls). I live in Mississippi and here there are poor black folks as well as poor white folks. Poor whites have a lot of the same problems that poor blacks have. Obama should approach America's problems from an issue of poverty and education. This will be of the most help in both impoverished communities.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Keep it REAL, Va. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:26:09 GMT

Dear Mr. Steele, did anyone ask Mr. McShame why he didn't bother to attend the meeting last year?? Oh, was it becasue he wasn't running against an African American?? What a polititcian you are Mr. McShame!!

Steele on McCain at NAACP

eric, minnesota — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:32:43 GMT

How can they say its not an election ploy. Do you ever see McCain reaching out the the black community any other time? Not really, so thats exactly what it is, an election photo op.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Might Go for Mac, New York, NY — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:38:00 GMT

Excellent speech by McCain, who was not only addressing the NAACP and black Americans, but also (via the media) independent and moderate voters of both parties. He was moving and his views on education made a lot of sense. It was actually the first time I have heard McCain deliver a speech so effectively. His advisors must be working with him for hours, and he is now memorizing key passages. He has also stopped saying "my friends" all the time. I am thinking of voting for him, and I have voted for Carter, Clinton, Kerry, and even Dukakis in the past. Obama is a weak candidate, closer to Kerry than to Kennedy. He was right about invading Iraq, but he has been wrong many times since then: on leaving Iraq too soon; on ethanol; on free trade; on immigration.

Steele on McCain at NAACP

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:38:10 GMT

Ira, Freehold, N.J.:

Perhaps it was OBAMA who couldn't refuse the NAACP invitation because McCain had already accepted. Imanagine the outcry at the NAACP if Obama had refused the invitation.

McCain 08/12!

Steele on McCain at NAACP

BESSIE JACKSON — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:42:50 GMT

PLEASE,MCCAIN IS TO LITTLE TO LATE!