Senator John McCain: ' I admire [Obama’s oratorical] skills and ability but I think Americans are going to want the details.'

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

JOHN MCCAIN

McCain opened by congratulating Senator Clinton for her hard fought campaign. “It was a great campaign, but I think it is now obvious Senator Obama is now the nominee of the Democrat party. I congratulate him on his success and ability to marshal the support of so many people. I had an invitation delivered to his office inviting him to engage in 10 town hall meetings, one a week between now and the democrat convention. We would have an audience of several hundred, chosen at random, with a reputable person to identify questioners, and then just let them ask their questions. I've recommended first one take place at Federal Hall on June 12, in line with agreement with Kennedy and Goldwater many years ago.”

“Senator Obama continues to deny the surge has succeeded in Iraq. I think this is the 788th day since he was last in Iraq. He has never requested a sit down briefing from General Petraeus.”

Q: Do you feel the need to adapt your speaking style? Do you feel he’s better in long speaking style?

McCain: I’m happy with with the way I’ve done in town hall meetings – I think the 101 town hall meetings got me the nomination – pardon me, it was 102 in New Hampshire. I think it’s the best format by far. It’s how we participate in democracy. I think most Americans, if you asked them would say long speeches are not their favorite. When people leave the town hall meetings, they seem more than pleased with the format.

Q: Can you loosen up when giving a speech?

McCain: I’ve gotten messages since last night from people saying they were pleased with the substance of last night’s speech, the way it addresses the issues, was specific. I’ll try to please everybody, every single American, but I intend to address the issues in specifics.

Dan Nowicki, Arizona Republic: Obama’s historic candidacy — do you worry about outside groups making subtly a race an issue? Anything you can do to prevent that?

McCain: I’ve pledged to conduct my campaign in an honorable fashion. I cannot control the 527s I wish that they could.

He cites MoveOn’s General BetrayUs as an example of outside spending "about as bad as anything I’ve seen in politics."

Quin Hillyer, Washington Examiner: Senator, with all due respect…

McCain: I always like that beginning…

Hillyer: When you disagree with conservatives, you use language and anger of left. You question not only positions but integrity.

McCain: I fundamentally disagree with your premise. I treat everyone with respect, and continue to do so… I’m sorry you have the impression that my conduct was otherwise.

Hillyer: May I throw out some examples? During the immigration debate, you referred to opponents to nativists and compared them to supporters of Jim Crow—

McCain: I’ve never said that. Please don’t allege that. I’m proud of the way I’ve conducted myself and treated opponents with respect, whatever their views. I have to stop you there. I’ve never used those two words before that I can recall.

(While I cannot find McCain using the term "Jim Crow," this YouTube would suggest he came close in an analogy, arguing against an amendment to the immigration bill, “what next, are we going to say that work-authorized immigrants are going to have to ride in the back of the bus?”)

(trouble getting back to Hillyer)

James Kirchik, New Republic: Are you glad the people of California will be voting on the gay marriage amendment?

McCain: I’ve always supported the unique status of marriage of man and woman. I supported a ballot initiative in Arizona, and voted for Defense of Marriage Act. But people of the states should make that decision. We do not have to recognize the decisions of other states.

I agree with it – haven’t read it, but I agree with it – but that’s a decision that the people of California will make.

Me: Senator, last night, the big finish to Obama’s speech was,

"We will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth."

Is it accurate that June 3, 2008, was the moment that America began providing care for the sick? And on a slightly more serious note, when your opponent goes on these rhetorical flights of fancy, how do you bring him back down to earth? How do you persuade people that this isn’t so world-changing, and that Americans did in fact care for the sick before yesterday?

McCain: Jim, that’s one of the reasons it’s important to have these town hall meetings. Then both of us have to respond directly to the questions. When you’re in these town hall meetings, they say, ‘what’s your plan?’ I just concluded one in Baton Rouge with Governor Bobby Jindal , and they asked, ‘what’s your plan for dealing with teen obesity and young people’s fitness problems?’ People want specifics. That’s why town hall meetings are better rather than long speeches.

And I’m not sure how illuminating it is frankly with these kind of catch all phrases – I admire [Obama’s] skills and ability but I think Americans are going to want the details. When 80 percent of Americans think country is on the wrong track, they’re going to want to know how you’re really going to solve the problems. And they’re going to want to know how he’s going to do it as one of the most liberal and most partisan Democrats in the United States Senate. It’s easy to say, but when it comes ot record of accomplishment, his resume is thin.

Matt Lewis: Why are you taking advice from someone like Juan Hernandez, who has reportedly said things about Mexico First and wanting a completely open border?

McCain: I take advice from many people, and I don’t always agree with the advice they give me… If he’s made those statements, I’d be glad to examine that, or any statement by any of my supporters… If the disagreement is trong enough, I’ll ask that person to withdraw their support. And that’s about all I have to say on this.

Jen Rubin: What did you think of Obama saying he felt the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps should be designated a terrorist organization, after voting against a bill to do that a few months ago?

McCain: Well, he’s switched on several issues, but this one is remarkable. One he was categorical in his statement when he opposed that legislation. Then he goes before AIPAC and supports it. I know he’s changing on the surge, he’s trying to change on his pledge to negotiate with dictators without preconditions… The American people will not buy this… He doesn’t have the experience or the knowledge to make the judgments that are necessary.

06/04 02:09 PM Share