March 26, 2008
Posted: 02:05 PM ET
McCain parted ways with President Bush on two foreign policy issues in his speech Wednesday.
McCain parted ways with President Bush on two foreign policy issues in his speech Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Senator John McCain strongly defended President Bush’s strategies in Iraq and the war on terror Wednesday, and sharply rebuked his critics — but he clearly deviated from the president’s national security policy on two major issues.

Speaking before the World Affairs Council in Los Angeles, he rejected the president’s determination to keep the U.S. military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba open. He also said it was time to negotiate a new global warming treaty.

“We can’t torture or treat inhumanely suspected terrorists we have captured,” he said. “I believe we should close Guantanamo and work with our allies to forge a new international understanding on the disposition of dangerous detainees under our control.”

On global warming and the international treaty that President Bush abandoned after taking office, McCain said: “There is such a thing as international good citizenship.” He added: “We need a successor to the Kyoto Treaty, a cap-and-trade system that delivers the necessary environmental impact in an economically responsible manner.”

But on Iraq, the senator remained firm to the president’s approach. “It would be an unconscionable act of betrayal, a stain on our character as a great nation, if we were to walk away from the Iraqi people and consign them to the horrendous violence, ethnic cleansing, and possibly genocide that would follow a reckless, irresponsible, and premature withdrawal,” he said.

The biting criticism of his two Democratic presidential challengers was hovering over those remarks – as well as several other passages in his speech — even though he didn’t mention either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama by name.

Related: Watch Bill Schneider's analysis of McCain's foreign policy speech

–CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer

Filed under: Wolf Blitzer


Jon   March 26th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

*crickets chirping*

BK   March 26th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I guess I better pay attention to what McCain is saying as I will be voting for him if Obama wins.

Independant   March 26th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

McCain gave this same tired speech years ago. No new ideas today your yesterday. McCain let me know if you need a ride to the home for the ages.

Grif   March 26th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Now He's SPEACH! What I heard of it….

Really was something…..

Steve   March 26th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Two outstanding ideas… Then a horrible one. Who do you care more about John, Iraqis or Americans? How many have to die, and how much of our resources have to be blown in that country before we can declare "success"?? I've been there twice John, at one year each–it ain't worth it.

Thomas   March 26th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

McCane is going to be the next president! He seems way more Democratic then Obama, and he is RIGHT about IRAQ you cant just leave without having a real good plan if that plan takes time then guess what it takes time!

Hillary or McCane 08′

Conan   March 26th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

“We can’t torture or treat inhumanely suspected terrorists we have captured,” he said.

I respect this man's thoughts on this subject since he was on the receiving end of real, honest to God, bone cracking, medieval type torture and not fraternity pranks that we saw at Abu Ghraib.

Terrence W   March 26th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Yes, Bush says 50 years of war, McCain says 100 years. BIG DIFFERENCE. YAY!

Tex   March 26th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Honestly, who cares about McCain?

Bayou Joe   March 26th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Spoken like a True Leader of the Free World. This is why Democrats will switch over if Obama is the Candidate of the Left. Obama is toast and you Dems know it. Save your party vote for Hillary. Your only hope.

Franky   March 26th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Well, Senator, since I'm the first here, what should I say???? I gotta say, it as an O.K speech, but not great. I'm not gonna lie Senator, I wanna help you personally and make you look good and not like what people claim you are but guess what? Yeah, your peeps. And yes, I'm sure they have some ideas and solutions(if that's what you guys call it) but you know what? I wish you the best Senator but you're on your own…..

The Austrian   March 26th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

It means little to say he's deviating slightly from Bush policy when he remains within the realm of Keynesian sohpostry. In fact, all three candidates belong to the same general economic philosophy; they only difference is how much emphasis they put on certain aspects of that philosophy,

Learn Austrian economics people; have peace AND prosperity AND freedom AND security.

Thomas   March 26th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

"According to a Gallup Poll released Wednesday, 28 percent of Clinton supporters may break ranks to back McCain in November should Obama capture the Democratic nomination.

Meanwhile, 19 percent of Obama supporters say they will favor McCain should Clinton be the party's nominee. "

Looking better and better every day for McCane

Hillary or McCane 08′

Terrence W   March 26th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

I can't believe that Democrats are actually going to vote for this idiot all because they don't want to vote for OBAMA or CLINTON. Some people have the intelligence of a shoe. This shows us how far we've come in America. This has been a wake up call.

@americans   March 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

keep spinning McBush….your free fall is just begining!

California Independent   March 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Good speech.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

kathe oakland, california   March 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

I want to know that any of you - WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE think of a Presidential candidate democrat or republican, saying that he openly agreed with the terriorst who killed over 3000 Americans for no reason. Has McCain completely lost his mind.

I am not a republican, thank GOD, but I am an AMERICAN and I think that statement just told me just how unamerican McCain really is. I am sorry, but for an American sitting United States Senator, a person running for the position of Commander-in-Chief of my country, USA - oh no that is not acceptable period.

COME ON AMERICA what do you think about this endorsement of BinLadin, by of all people the war monger, John McCain.

Joseph   March 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

This is a perfect example why this man (if Obama gets the nomination) will get my vote. We need a mature leader that addresses urgent issues wisely no matter what their party stands for. Voting for McCain is like votting for a democrat anyway….

Terrence W   March 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

We wouldn't need to stay there this long if we HADNT waged war with IRAQ in the first place. Whatever happened to looking for BIN LADEN?

Dorothy in Canada   March 26th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

The Clinton's deny their connections with Rev. Wright and Rezko when there is a connection, like their is a connection with the Fanjul bros. donating large sums to control the price of sugar. The family runs sugar cane plantations in the Dominican Republic. The workers come from Haiti, their documents are confiscated at their arrival. They go to work hungry and without medicine if they get hurt.

I thought slavery was abolished. They work from sunrise to sunset for 2$ a day and they need to meet a quota or they don't get paid.

Hillary is for NAFTA. Changing her mind wherever the wind blows, how convenient and Naftagate was improper information according to the Prime Minister of Canada and unfair to the Obama campaign.

She even blamed Canada for the August 2003 blackout according to Michel Juneau in charge of security.

Shame on yourself Hillary Clinton, don't come to Canada, once again poor judgment like voting for the war in Iraq. Your foreign experience is questionable like the flying bullets in Bosnia.

Bob Stephens   March 26th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Same old, same old, and I mean OLD!!! If McCain gets elected, people will wish that Bush was still in office………

Chris   March 26th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

While McCain is hopefully against torture, he is perhaps more of a neo-con than Bush ever was, and is aligning a pretty extremist group of foreign policy advisors to his side. A little scary…

Mary   March 26th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Really hard to take anything he says seriously…Apart from Iraq & Iran I have no idea where he stands on anything…Not sure he knows either…Too many 'senior' moments of late.

An Agnostic Democrat   March 26th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

That's right, John hug Bush, act like Bush, walk like Bush and talk like Bush, then run the other way when you start running for president. Now you need to decide if it is the middle you want to move toward in order to masquerade as a moderate or fake your way to the right to appease the fringe. Can't wait to see how you part ways with that one, Mr. Straight Talk Express. Maybe you can channel Moses and get some advice on how to part the Red Sea. Good luck, McSame.

Shawn - Ga   March 26th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

To all you who like to call him McSame and so forth, today you are just now starting to see what will be an increasingly obvious gap in differences between this great man and the currant administration. I still believe that history will paint this time in a different more positive light than most believe. However having said that I am not for a second naive enough to think that Mr. Bush didn't make mistakes and rush to actions.

I am truly proud to be an American and work hard to support my wife and children in this great country. I am tired and long past annoyed at the infighting and wasted majority of the congress by the left.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   March 26th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

"I am not The Shrub" is an attractive pitch to many voters who can't stomach the thought of President Obama or Clinton.

John J   March 26th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Mccain reminds of that alien in the movie "The thing" (John carpenter version) where it keeps mimicking other's around him to hide it's true idenity (Bush) I wont vote republican again ever after the crap they got us into.

Obama/hillary 08 for sure.

arty   March 26th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Do we want a person who calls himself an afracan first and than an american to be our next president ? his wife is finally proud to be an american. what do they talk about in the Obama household?

California Independent   March 26th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

To Tex, you asked who cares about McCain?

Ha! Apparently nearly 30% of Clinton supporters (and another 13% will stay home and not vote for Obama.) Get a clue.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

David   March 26th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Bush/McCain…what is the difference? Four more years of this crap? It is really funny that the Republicans believe Obama is "toast" and that the Dems are tearing each other apart. Wasn't it just eight years ago that the Bush campaign smeared McCain with the illegitimate black child thing regarding his wife? Another example of Republican hypocisy!

Matt Canoga Park   March 26th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

This speech was truely great and should help define what his vision is for America should he become president. While the other two people deal with their racist ministers and imagined sniper fire and promoting the idea that pleged delegates do not have to follow the will of the voting people (not a very "democratic" idea) McCain comes on strong and smart and looks more and more what America needs.

McCain understands more than any other person running for the presidency what the horrible side of war can bring and looks to bring a smart solution to this problem. For that I am grateful he is running and has a good chance of being elected. I only wish people had the foresight to have done this 8 years earlier.

I understand Steve's opinion that they may not be worth it. I totally sympathize with it. But ask yourself what if the French did not feel we were worth it when we wanted independence from unfair rule. What if we did not feel the French were worth it when unfair rule was placed on them. All evil need is for good people to stand by and do nothing.

I don't want to be in a world where people feel that being a ostrich with their head in the sand is a smart world policy.

Damien   March 26th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Obama or McCain 08
Hillary Can't handle her own house hold. She can run the Free World.

Jimmy ,Florida   March 26th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Hillary is ruinnig the dem party….Thanks Hillary we owe you 1 another
rep. in the white house , but hey i rather have McCain then to ever vote for you ………

Ryan   March 26th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

I have the feeling that more Dems will deviate from Hillary if she is the nominee–I don't care what the polls say. Anyone that won't vote for a candidate just because their candidate didn't win is ridiculous and shouldn't be allowed to vote. Hillary and Obama have nearly identical policies. That's right BK, Thomas, Bayou Joe (honestly who writes that as a name and expects to be taken seriously)–I'm talking to you folks.

actxent   March 26th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

How many of you after living with your parents for 20 years did or agreed with everything they said? Did you not become your own person? You hypocrites.

hazel in london   March 26th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

McCain is all about the past. What can he offer anyone as a President at his age - more war - prolonged war? He is tired already! No, It's about the future - McCain is not the future America needs or wants.

Obama will make the best president.

Anybody but the BLACK guy, RIGHT??   March 26th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

IT DOESN'T MATTER 'WHAT' MCAIN SAYS… HE CAN GO ON FAUX NEWS AND BLOW HIS NOSE ON THE AMERICAN FLAG, AND HE WILL WIN NOW….

THANKS HURRICANE / SCORCHED EARTH, HILLARY !!!

Larry Buchas   March 26th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Perhaps the Hillary supporters willing to vote for McCain will volunteer for Iraq? And Iran?

Then they can claim to support the troops. Nothing like kissing up to liars.

E. loz Miami   March 26th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Hilary 08 or Mccain 08…Obama-NEVER!

To all registered Republicans   March 26th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Is McCain the best you've got? You gotta be kiddin me.

FrankSZ   March 26th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Not a word about the falling economy and the weakening dollar.

Way to go McCain-ites and of course the traitor Hillary supporters who are ready to switch party if their favorite candidate doesn't get elected.

Here is the reality:
-McCain is no real republican and neither Hillary a real democrat. Both are twisted Frankenstein monsters, born out of the mating of various ideas in the past 8 years and the ignorant people continue to follow them like lapdogs while the roof is sold off from above their heads and they can't even afford to buy gasoline anymore. BUT the war must go on, even if your sons and daughters get drafted and you are hitting the poverty level!
Way to go , hurrah!

Tommy   March 26th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Well Senator McBush this is just a reminder. The French walked away from Indochina (Vietnam) and we withdrew from the same conflict you were in, Vietman. Do you recall?

Were those actions by two super powers " unconscionable" acts of betrayal? Or "stains" on the character of the two great nations?.

We did walk away from Vietnam after losing 59,000 DEAD. Which is the lesser loss 4,000 dead or are you waiting to eclipse the 59,000 who died in Vietnam? The last time I checked we have Diplomatic and preferred trading relations with Vietnam and by all accounts Vietnam and the Vietnamese people are doing just fine.

Dr. Truth, Boston   March 26th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I don't believe a word of it. He is absolutely chomping at the bit to drop his 1st bombs on Iran and get us all killed

Dave, NY   March 26th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

If the Iraqis want a civil war, what purpose would US intervention serve other than prolonging the inevitable. McCain's purpose cannot be solely humanitarian, then he will conscript our intervention in Darfur. McCain should come clean with a clear and concise description of victory in Iraq. We shouldn't put our troops in between two factions that want to war with each other.

bond   March 26th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

McBush is an old fool. Just like his mentor Dubya, do the opposite of whatever they say.

kathleen "a typical white person" for OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008   March 26th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

A coat of many colors.
This man even sounds fake when he makes speeches. On
the economy he can't pretend he cares, because he don't.

jp/michigan   March 26th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

If Obama is the nominee, John McCain has my vote!

Doug R.   March 26th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

McCain is a two faced flip flopper.

Bill from Oklahoma   March 26th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

I guess he is not the mirror image, but he is still mcbush.

John McQueen   March 26th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

McCain is a decent man and has earned the right to be taken seriously for the office of President (unlike the last republican candidate/and president), but he has got to stop having senior moments…at least in front of the TV-camera.

Disgusted   March 26th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I believe that as the race for the White House gets going, McCain will distance himself more and more from Bush. I believe that was part of his strategy for his recent overseas tour. I'll never understand McCain's support for Bush after the 2004 election. Bush and his camp said horrible things about McCain. It was after this that McCain went soft on Bush. For anyone interested, read Naomi Klein's book, The Shock Doctrine. What an eye opener. We really need a 3rd, 4th party in this country.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   March 26th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

The "possibility" of leaving Iraq in worst shape than what it is now is nothing more than a "possibility". McCain and the Bush administration are as believable as chicken little running around saying the sky is falling in. McCain has no plan to exit Iraq as Bush had no plan going into Iraq. What we do know without "possibility" is are our economy is crashing and the costs of the Iraq war is still sky rocketing and we Americans weren't even told this would be a "possibility". McCain is part of the problem without solution, just stay the course.

kathleen "a typical white person" for OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008   March 26th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

What a phony!!!! Whatever he has to say to win.

Grif   March 26th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

How many horses die, on there way to Churchill Downs..

This is A Derby/Darby…………….To the winner go the spoils..

Ratgurl   March 26th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

McCain HAS to diverge from Bush policy in order to even be a contender in the GE. No one wants another 4 years of BUSH!

vjh   March 26th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

If memory serves me right, HRC stated she would start withdrawing troops within 60 days, reagrdless. Obama stated he would look at withdrawing troops from day one, however, he would need to be as cautious leaving as careless GW went in. Geez, I interpreted that to mean he wouldn't just start bringing troops home without considering the circumstance to our safety and to the Iraqi people. With all due respect Senator McCain, a vote for you is extending the Bush Admin.

Wayne   March 26th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Yep..he is so different than Bush. Bush would only send 120,000 troops..McCain would send 150,000 troops..way to break from the past.

Karen P   March 26th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

What worries me most about McCain is that he is as OBSESSED over Iraq as Bush…to the point of forgetting about a strong economic America. Now Iran gets into the act while Europe sits idly by just watching. We have always supported Europe during wars, yet they turn a blind eye to us now. Gratitude…not!

We need to get out, take care of our own country and put those "missing" sky patrols in place. Bush should've known what was going to happen when we entered Iraq and now it's going to be just like Vietnam

NW Independent   March 26th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Throught Senator McCain's career he has bucked his party to find real solutions to problems. He is showing himself capable of doing it again. I am a social and moderate fiscal conservative and am excited about a man that will take a stand no matter what his party thinks about it if it's the right thing to do.

For all of you who don't understand the economy, any tax increases now would be a bad idea. maybe once the economy is strong again a good look at the current tax structure is in order but not NOW!

If either Dem. nominee's plan for Iraq is put into place we will see gas prices double or triple and a humanitarian nightmare come to fruition. I have lived in Iraq and there is no doubt we will have to go back if we withdraw too quickly.

Senator McCain is attempting to go green without sinking our industrial base further. For all of you blue collar types you should seriously thing about that because enviromental factors have played a huge role in our industrial base being shipped overseas!

Just some thoughts……

cly   March 26th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

FIVE REASONS WHY I THINK AMERICANS ARE STUPID.

1) FOR ELECTING GEORGE BUSH.

2) FOR RE-ELECTING GEORGE BUSH.

3) FOR BORROWING MONEY FROM CHINA.

4) THE DEMOCRATS FOR WASTING THEIR TIME VOTING WHEN PARTY INSIDERS ARE THE ONES WHO DESIDE NOMINEE.

5) FOR THINKING HILLARY CLINTON CAN BEAT JOHN McCAIN.

Trollmaster CA   March 26th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

If McCain was for real he would have opposed Bush's policies years ago, not now when he's up for election and trying to shed the coattails of an unpopular, incompetent, and failed preident

Darth Vadik, CA   March 26th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

This guy was the default least creepy Republican candidate. He only got nominated after the stories of the rest of the Republican contenders started coming out, and the Repulicans said: "are these freaks really members of our party", then they got scared and voted for McCain.

What they don't understand is that this guy is the King Freak. He mumbles, stumbles, loses his mind, and is just plain wrong. Beating him will be like taking candy from a baby.

For his health sake I hope Hillary is not the Democratic nominee, she will give the poor guy a stroke or a heart attack.

Michael (Houston)   March 26th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

I am a Hillary supporter , who clearly likes what I see in McCain. He may be a republican in name, but he is not like the rest of the republican devils. I will definitely vote for him if Hillary cannot pull it off.

Stretch   March 26th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Seriously, if you are a Democrat and would rather vote for McCain than Obama you need help. Clinton and Obama are nearly identical on the issues so you should support either one of them. If you support McCain, you may as well elect Bush another 4 years.

Independent   March 26th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

This man is such a hypocrite it is not even funny,. He claims war is the root of all evil yet nhis entire family is embedded in war itself and every idea of his revolves around war, terror, and security.

And any democrat, whether an obama supporter or clinton supporter that votes for mccain over a dem is a MURDERER just like McCain is. YOU SELFISH dems care more about your ego than the LIVES of our msoldiers and iraqis.

Grif   March 26th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

And still? Isn't it strange how Dubai manages to Isolate itself??

From all this,,, Kings????

Tim   March 26th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Oh Senator McSame. Except for guantanamo and global warming, how are you different from Bush these days? Oh yeah, you arent. Old McLame is going to have his chances ruined by selling out to conservatives and following 8 years of the worst president in history.

McSame   March 26th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Nothing is going on over here.

Boring!!!

I'm going back to watching my soap "All Hillary Children"

Melanie   March 26th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Thomas, it's McCain not McCane. You want to support someone, learn how to spell their name.

My opinion : McCain is worse than Bush.

alg   March 26th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Go Hillary!!

mat   March 26th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

"…and not fraternity pranks that we saw at Abu Ghraib."

I'm sorry, but are people murdered during fraternity pranks, having been beaten so bad that their bones turn to pulp? What the US is and has done under the bush regime is not considered fraternity pranks.

Angela   March 26th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Obama is the best choice for president. It is obvious that MCain is senile and Ms. Clinton is a liar.

Joelle, Racine, WI   March 26th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Sounds like BUSH III to me!

We need to address global warming…. "Kyoto Treaty, a cap-and-trade system that delivers the necessary environmental impact in an economically responsible manner.”

Everytime a Republican says he wants to address something in a ECONOMICALLY RESPONSIBLE MANNER that is code speak for IT IS NOT GOING TO BE MEANINGFULLY ADDRESSED!

Sorry John, back to the home for the terminally senile for you…

Trooper A   March 26th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Well, if Senator McCain believes that a partial move away from President Bush's policy will enhance his chances of residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 2009, then he is dreaming. Iraq, corporate greed, and the health insurance mess will propell a Democrat into the Oval Office.

Very Concerned American   March 26th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Many Democrats that I have recently spoke to would rather vote for McCain if Obama was the Democratic nominee.

Obama's support for his pastor instead of distancing him from him came as a surprise.

Many actually have commented that they felt deceived by Obama. He was not upfront with them in the early primaries.

If they knew then, what they know now, they would have done an about face right away.

The polls were taken before the Pastor Wright issue. They don't even think there would be a race to the White House if in fact Obama was honest about his views from the start of the campaign.

Chuck in Oregon   March 26th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

If McCain would honestly state that he promises to do all he can to put the heat to the Iraq Government to get their act to gether and take over their own destiny and to bring our troops home as quickly as possible; he would make greater headway.

DFW   March 26th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

What does McCain Stand For? He's not for the majority of the american people. He's for Businss. He don't see him making America better for the people, but for business he will make some difference. He will only hurt the little guy, the ones who go to work everyday and pay taxes. He will only hurt family's, just like he did his own. He will only hurt America and do the legal citizens any good.

I will never vote for him.

Chisom   March 26th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Beware, Sen Mccain will not do anything for you guys facing home fore-closure. He said in California, that it is the irresponsibility of the home-owners and the lending companies. If you want a secured home next year, Vote for Obama!!

Wendy, Missouri   March 26th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Yes, McCain did say that he thought this would be a short war when it started, but you know if any of us could predict the future we'd all be rich and wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. In Iraq we do need a good plan to get out of their, but it is not possible to leave their within the next year or two without an amazing plan that works for all.
Also, if we shut down Guantanamo, it doesn't mean that the torture will stop, it will just move elsewhere. Besides were would we send our prisoners of war?
McCain needs to stick with the facts and be a straight shooter if he wants to win this election.
To all the nominees, playing games with the American people can only go so far and we are tired of watching you rip each other apart. Stick with what matters (the economy, the war, and immigration) and maybe we can all get something accomplished. I would like to see some straight politics.

McCain is the Man   March 26th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

You go MAC.
What true American would not support brave you Americans die for cheaper oil. We need to keep gas below 2 dollars, I mean 3 dollars .. I mean 4 dollars..

Yea keep gas below 4 dollars, vote for McCain.

charlotte   March 26th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

He is the one we have to beat in November. Let all the states vote before we give it to McCain. Hillary is our best debater and we are going to need the best. Pretty speeches won't cut it in November. How important are the republican votes now? They won't even bother unless there is something else on the ballot and even then the turn out is low. There are about 800 superdelegates to be heard from and they need to know who can win in November not just the primary. They need all the states to be heard from and they need to take Florida and Michigan into account, even though they don't have state delegates, they have millions of votes to be weighed, even though Obama wants them to remain uncounted.

U.S. Citizen   March 26th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Regarding his foreign policy comments, they sound good but I sense it's just rhetoric and, somewhat Machievellian. He still voted for an ill-conceived, illegal and immoral war and he still talks about us deciding what's best rather than understanding the anger regarding some of our actions in foreign nations (which don't justify terrorist attacks on innocent civilians).

Even though we should not have invaded, we are stuck with a moral obligation to somehow restore some sort of infrastructure and stability to the nation and hope the Iraqis install a relatively democratic government. To show good faith, he should acknowledge our mistake and support the development of Iraqi oil resources with the majority of the profits going to the Iraqi people or regulated Iraqi-owned oil companies and very little, if any, going to us.

While I like some of what he said, I still think he's another borrow and bomb conservative.

Dave, SC   March 26th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

VIVA LA BUSH III Except not as smart!

LionHeart (Ft Worth)   March 26th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

John,

What are you going to do about Al Queda in Afghanistan while you are fighting your 100-year war in Iraq? Your folks did remind you that Al Queda wasn't in Iraq and being trained in Iran like you said, right?

Joe   March 26th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Unfortunatly, on the biggest issue,IRAQ! McCain is in lock step with the goose stepping AXIS OF IDIOTS,Bush,Chenney and Rummy.

Kevin B   March 26th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Good for him. I think he needs to let people know he will not be McSame. I think that if he gets elected, as he is likely to because one should never underestimate the ability of the Democratic Party to destroy itself, he will work to end Global Warming. And torture is wrong, he knows, he was tortured

Darth Vadik, CA   March 26th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

What McCain just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point was he even close to anything that can be considered a rational thought. Every one in that heard the speech is now dumber for having heard it.

Doug   March 26th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

I like John McCain. I agree with him on many issues. I would consider voting for him…. BUT anyone that agrees with or defends Geoge W regarding going to war and the conduct of the war will never get my vote. Is he dead wrong or is he just being "loyal"? I think it is the latter and loyalty is a good thing, but if someones is driving a school bus over a cliff - you don't sit back and say "atta boy" to the driver out of loyalty.

Manuel TX   March 26th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

BK,

I'm with you.

McCain is closer to a center than the right. I can live with that.

My first choice is Hillary…my second choice is to write in Bill…and the third choice might just be McCain. :)

Conservative   March 26th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

mc cain can't fool me, he's plans on being a jerk if elected President. Look at his record. He pretends to be nice until he gets what he wants. No thank you, I'll vote for Ron Paul.

William Feliciano   March 26th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Democrats biggest mistake is that they are forgetting the voters of Michigan and Florida who, if their votes are not counted in the primary will not vote democratic in the general election and that means McCain will be our next President and take the 44 electoral votes those two states offer.

Paul   March 26th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Here's to the only responsible adult running for president. I may not agree with everything Senator McCain says, but he's right about all three things in this article. It is both amusing and sad that so many Democrats think we need to get out of Iraq, thereby creating a genocide, yet these same Dems think we should intervene in places like Darfur. Could a Democrat who reads this please explain by what principle you decide which battles are worth fighting and which are not? I have yet to get a straight, intelligent answer out of any Dem I ask. And please don't waste everyone's time talking about how we should have never been there in the first place. That's water under the bridge. We're there, and we have to deal with it.

Tyler in Raleigh   March 26th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

I still prefer Obama…. but McCain makes serious sense on the economy (which is somewhat insane). After all, personal responsibility…. crazy and un-American.

If he can tone down Iraq I might actually vote for him. Anything but Clinton works in a pinch though.

jesse sturkens   March 26th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

if a person stoop,. so low to get caught. in a lie and say afterward they just miss spoke,why should we trust them when they get into office.

kathleen "a typical white person" for OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008   March 26th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Dear Mr. McCain
You are on your own.

CHERYL   March 26th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

ONLY HILLARY WILL BEAT THIS MAN!!!!!!!

SHE IS SMART AND EXPERIENCED!!!!!!

GO HILLARY GO!!!!!!!!

dominic digiovanni   March 26th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

nancyreagan s endorsement,was very touching, GO JOHN.

CHERYL   March 26th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

HILLARY POLLS ARE GOOD!!!!!

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!

ben   March 26th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Are we Americans so naive we actually think our government is run by politicians?The house of representatives, the senate, and the president, really dont control anything. The are controlled by big business or else
they wouldn't be up there in the first place. It takes money to win an
elected office. Up till now, both paries have been supported by this big money. Along comes Obama and with small donations from millions of ordinary people has managed to keep abreast of these power makers
If Their puppets allow Hillary to steal the nomination. It will prove my point!

Amy Jacobson   March 26th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

With the exception of his position on abortion, I think McCain will be the most moderate president in recent history. A real uniter who stands for what he believes in regardless of party affiliation.

To those stuck on the 100-year comment: Do you know that we still have troops in S. Korea, Japan and Germany?

Now, real quick, can you name three politically stable and economically prosperous countries that are strong allies of ours?

Austin, Texas   March 26th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

And people wonder why Hillary Supporters support McCain over Obama. It's because McCain is a moderate Republican, and Hillary is a moderate Democrat.

Obama is far far left wing. He can't even reach the moderate Democrats much less across the aisle to the Republicans. How can a man so liberal say he is a Uniter… I lol'd

Armando Marroquin, Jr.   March 26th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

As you well know Ralph Nader presently has a 6% share of voters throughout the country without money, and media exposure. Don't you feel that dis-satisfied Republicans and Democrats might support the Nader campaign once the media demonstrates to Americans across the nation that they will cover an Independent as well as a Democrat and/or Reblublican with equal exposure?

santy   March 26th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

many billary campaigne in this blog just pretending somebody else..really slick

J. Forbes, Texas Independent   March 26th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

McCain is the best leader for the United States of America!

Tracey   March 26th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

If Obama is toast, then there is a typical 'White American" when it comes to race. And, there is probably no hope for America. Because, if you are against Obama due to Rev. Wright’s comments with out research, then your mind is racially set. Get the full sermon it enlightens, it encourages, and it tells the truth. To all you Christians the truth will make you free, and I Love you ALL

xtina   March 26th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

McCain won't please the die-hard Republicans; I figure he will be 65 to 70 percent conservative; but most Republicans will still turn out for him.

Juan Grain   March 26th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

We have created a monster of co-dependancy with this war. the best way for us to help them is to leave them. When that becomes a reality to the players involved then they will pull up their boot straps and make the changes needed to survive the withdrwal of US forces.

David in KC   March 26th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

The fact that the Party of God (GOP) has moved so far Left with McCain as their nominee we can all rejoice in the obvious defeat of the neocons and the religious right in this country. Finally.

kathleen "a typical white person" for OBAMA/EDWARDS 2008   March 26th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Look, Mr. McCain, we all know who your boss is and will always
remain thru party lines.

You cannot be against Bush, you fool. You have to follow his orders!

kathleen   March 26th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Look, Mr. McCain, we all know who your boss is.

You wouldn't be saying all this without HIS approval.

kathleen   March 26th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

You cannot part from Bush. He is part of who you are, Mr. McCain.
Say what you will, Americans will never believe that. Obama will win.

Rush Goebbels   March 26th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Spoken like a true dementia struck ditto head.

Jackie   March 26th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Why is everyone forgetting that we also have the right to write in for our candidate? If Hillary does pull off some kind of miracle then I will simply write in and place my vote for Obama.

I have two daughters both near age 40. And, neither of them have ever had the opportunity to go to the booth and place a vote without a Bush or a Clinton being on the ticket.

I know this comment will probably simply sit in moderation as I am an Obama supporter.

But, truly Hillary you represent the past and the old Washington. The majority of voting Americans have made it very clear that we want change. And, Obama is the only way we will get it.

Voting for Hillary will simply be voting for politics as usual in Washington.

Grif   March 26th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

You can't be any kind of a Super Power, without paying the

Ultimate Sacrifice. The loss of some of you're oung folk..

Better than living in Tibet… Where you have nothing stable…?

kelly WI   March 26th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Stop it. you know a presense in a country is not a WAR.
Are you being stupid on purpose.? I haven't seen much Warring going on in Japan, Germany, and a 100 other places even tho we are STILL there.
OPen your ears once in awhile.
No Hillary. NO Obama. No more liberal socialist failed policies.
New numbers. Hillarys negatives going up more.
Go McCain.

let the people choose!!!!!!!!   March 26th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

YOU MEAN TO TELL ME WE COULD POSSIBLY HAVE FOUR MORE YEARS OF THIS!! WE ALREADY HAVE A PRESIDENT THAT PEOPLE ONLY WATCH JUST FOR LAUGHS!

McCAIN IS ANOTHER IDIOT!! TO THE FIFTH POWER!, BUT OH WELL I GUESS WE'RE IN FOR MORE LAUGHS IF HILLARY COMES UP WITH MORE DIRTY POLITICS AND WINS THIS NOMINATION!

GET YOURSELF PREPARED FOR IT: COME NEXT YEAR BUY YOURSELF A FOUR YEARS SUPPLY OF POP CORN, A COMFORTABLE SITTING CHAIR ONE WITH A FOOTREST TO PUT YOUR FEET UP AND GET READY FOR A LOT OF BELLY LAUGHS!

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