April 2, 2008
Posted: 05:18 PM ET

John McCain's campaign struck back shortly after Clinton's team released a new ad that makes the case that Hillary Clinton is better-prepared than the Arizona senator to handle the nation's economy.

(The McCain campaign has increasingly sparred with Barack Obama, criticizing the Democratic presidential hopeful in daily press releases, and on the trail — but the statement issued Wednesday afternoon in response to the Clinton contrast ad does not mention the New York senator by name.)

Full statement:

“John McCain is ready to lead with a pro-growth economic plan to lower taxes, cut government spending, empower America's entrepreneurs and get our economy back on track. Americans can’t afford the Democrats' liberal agenda to raise taxes, nationalize health care, cut off trade and crush the economy under big government.” — McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand 

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • John McCain


hispanic voter   April 2nd, 2008 8:25 pm ET

The little girl in the ad is grown and an OBama supporter. What kind of idiots has Hillary hired. OBAMA all the way!!

kim portland, oregon   April 2nd, 2008 8:00 pm ET

MATT, we all know that!!!

the problem is your man Mccain supports the continuation of the iraq invasion, invading iran next, and has said "there will be more wars." how on earth do you have a war without any "Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed…”

AMERICA DOESNT WANT ANYMORE WARS, AND CANT AFFORD ANYMORE WARS—-FINANCIALLY AND MILITARILY!!! he's a war-mongering old fool, and any american who buys that straight talk express and "my friend" crap needs to do some serious reading!!! he's a phony!

The Wizard   April 2nd, 2008 7:52 pm ET

It's probably bill collectors about unpaid campaign debts calling her at 3 AM. Probably they can't get ahold of her in the daytime at a reasonable hour.

Big Ed in NC   April 2nd, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Why are we consistently misled about cutting taxes? Last time I checked we aren't doing so hot fulfilling our oblications or paying our government bills. Can we at least be honest about the fact that the Iraq war bill is coming due in addition to the Chinese interest payments? Who's paying for that? Social Security and Medicare fiasco? What about the next big mega bank bail out? Who's paying for that? What about your next door neighbor's foreclosure bailout? Who's paying for that? It's almost as bad as listening to someone say they have a "victory" strategy in Iraq when they don't even know who they're fighting! Misleading.

Matt   April 2nd, 2008 7:42 pm ET

CNN PLEASE POST THIS COMMENT!

@ 58 old white ladies for OBAMA (and everyone else who has and believes the 100 year war thing)

McCain never said he wanted a 100 year war. The comment that this comes from was taken out of context. Here's what he really said (in response to a question about a statement that Bush made by Bush saying we might be in Iraq for 50 years):

“Make it 100. We’ve been in Japan for 60 years. We’ve been in South Korea for 50 years or so. That would be fine with me. As long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed, that’s fine with me.”

I got this from Politico.com

John   April 2nd, 2008 7:37 pm ET

Yeah! The democrats just want to ruin this country, take our money, and give it to people who are too lazy to work.

Netty   April 2nd, 2008 7:35 pm ET

I'll save you the time: Waiting for moderation!
If HC is elected & her phone rings at 3am, it will be me asking to see her tax returns - were they mysteriously lost?

Teddy   April 2nd, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Why did not Clinton run the ads in Ohio, but in Texas? That was because she had confidence to win in Ohio. If the race in Penn state becomes tight again, she could run the original ads again in Penn. If she maintains a comfortable lead, she will not risk running the orignial 3am ads.

Teddy   April 2nd, 2008 7:28 pm ET

This is a clever way for Clinton to get free media coverage. The media will all talk about the famous 3am ads that was run in Texas. The media focus will be on that ads, not this one.

I do not think this ads will do any big damage to McCain who is too old to be considered in lacking experiences handling crises and most Republican supporters suspect government help. Remember Reagan's famous sentence: Government is not the solution, government is the problem. So this ads is actually indirectly targeted at Obama, but Obama campain cannot say anything on this. The Clinton team is afraid of media backfire if they run that original 3am ads against Obama.

DM Arlington Texas   April 2nd, 2008 7:26 pm ET

1. Hillary Clinton is using the little girl in picture who supports Senator Barack Obama. Secondly, she still needs to pay her bill. last but not least where is those past and current tax returns.

Hillary we still focus…. not distraction……

ACitizen   April 2nd, 2008 7:24 pm ET

When did a republican president shrink the government?

Reagan, Bush and Bush II have all grown the size of the government and made the agencies worse during their terms.

Clinton actually shrunk the size of the federal government and wiped out the deficit during his presidency.

Republican presidents talk about shrinking the government and end up expanding it, where as the one democrat that we have had since 1980 shrunk the government.

Michael   April 2nd, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Hillary attacking McCain as if she's the nominee is disrespectful and boring. Yet again another 3 am phone ad when McCain isn't even debating in Penn yet.

She's so pathetic

Sue   April 2nd, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Ring….ring…ring…
HRC: Hello
Caller: Hi, Hillary, it's Howard…Howard Ickes. I know it's 3 a.m., Hillary; but, we're out of money! We don't have money for more ads! We overspent! Hillary, can you, you know, maybe, lend the campaign another $5 million? Hillary?…Hillary? How about $3million? Come on, Hillary…please!!!

You don't say   April 2nd, 2008 7:17 pm ET

You would think she would have learned from her first 3 am ad. I bet it helped her lose Texas - opps, nobody was to notice that she lost such an important big state.

Jeff in WI   April 2nd, 2008 7:16 pm ET

""Um..why would a president get a 3am phone callabout an economic crisis? Economic crisis can take years to happen not hours. What new sudden economic development would warrant a call of that time in the morning?""

Bill collectors. That campaign doesn't like paying them…

Denis, NYC   April 2nd, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Um..why would a president get a 3am phone callabout an economic crisis? Economic crisis can take years to happen not hours. What new sudden economic development would warrant a call of that time in the morning?

D Jessup   April 2nd, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Obama backers are so filled with hate, if you can't say anything of substance keep your mouths shut. You are only hurting your candidate. Wake up this is not a High School football game.

go obama   April 2nd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

First it was Bill, hillary, chelsea and mccain attacking obama, but now mccain is targeting clinton

what gives?

No Hillary, No McCain   April 2nd, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Who cares what Hillary said to McCain and vice versa. Hillary is almost defeated by Obama and McCain will be next.

Dave, SC   April 2nd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Nando,

Stop insulting McDonald's managers!

You don't say   April 2nd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

McCain/Hillary 08 - You know what's scary? They could pull it off with the number of people who see no difference in voting for one over the other.

geez   April 2nd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Obama is the teen idol. The media loves him. If he winst he nomination , Then all he wins it is only as poster idol of the year.

Even so he had to cheat to win the nomination. Adults and true Americans do not like cheating.

Come Nov, he would not win against any Republican.

Hillary at least has a good agenda and has crossover appeal.

oliver   April 2nd, 2008 7:08 pm ET

The Clintons don't tell the truth.

Who can trust anything Hillary says?

An American in Canada   April 2nd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

I SEE BARACK H. OBAMA IS STILL SHADOWING HILLARY R. CLINTON, OUR NEXT PRESIDENT. I HAVE YET TO HEAR HIM SAY ANYTHING ORIGINAL…

LISTENING TO HIM IS LIKE HEARING HILLARY'S SOLUTIONS AND PLANS ALL OVER AGAIN..

BUT YOU CAN'T BLAME OBAMA HER PLANS AND SOLUTIONS ARE THE BEST..

WELL OBAMA IT IS 3 A.M. AND IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO WAKE UP,

YOU HAVE BEEN HAVING A DREAM IN TECHNICOLOR, THINKING

YOU WOULD EVER BE OUR PRESIDENT.

HILLARY R. CLINTON PRESIDENT OF AMERICA 2009-2012

WITH HILLARY AS OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF OUR FUTURE WILL BE SECURE, AND

WITH HILLARY OUR ECONOMICAL AND HEALTH ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED , AND

WITH HILLARY, AMERICA'S GREAT NAME AND REPUTATION WILL BE RESTORED, BACK TO HONOR THROUGHOUT THE WORLD!

Sham   April 2nd, 2008 7:04 pm ET

I am Obama all the way, but who is Mccain to attack Hillary????

Can I get a Dems '08!!!!!!!

Unity   April 2nd, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Obama doesn't want to risk criticizing McCain- McCain is actually well liked by the media.

Obama only attacks Hillary- she is the woman the media loves to hate. So he can safely bash her.

JOHN   April 2nd, 2008 7:02 pm ET

IT'S 3AM AND THE CALL IS FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO HILLARY, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE QUESTION IS. HILLARY WILL YOU EVER RELEASE YOUR TAXES? HILLARY'S ANSWER, YES WHEN I WIN THE ELECTION. I GUESS WE WILL NEVER SEE THOSE TAXES.

George, Los Angeles   April 2nd, 2008 7:02 pm ET

You idiots!

Arie   April 2nd, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Ok Seriously. How did a Clinton that is critical of McCain and McCain responding to the add become a way to bring Obama in and bash him? If you are going to respond then RESPOND to the story at hand.

Obama 08′

Annamica, OH   April 2nd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

I find it funny that women need to point out that they are women supporting Obama. Wow, that's such a big deal.

Let me point out:

I am a young, college educated woman voting for Hillary!!!!!!!

mimi de la cruz   April 2nd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

SHUT UP!!! EMERGENCY WOULD BE OVER BY THE TIME YOU

WAKE UP THAT GREAT-GRANDPA.

AS FOR HILLARY, TOO MANY INTELLIGENCE REPORTS TO READ.

SHE DOESN'T DO THAT KIND OF STUFF.

California girl   April 2nd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Whichever Democrat wins the nomination, the Dems will unite and fight the evil corrupt Republicans. I cant' wait until November when the Dems get the White House back and clean it inside and out!

stephanie   April 2nd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

I think it's pretty smart to start slinging in his direction. It shows she knows who the real target is.

She needs to put the Bush endorsement of McCain in a constant loop and then suggest she is the only candidate who can beat him in November. And remind people of his plan to make the Bush taxcuts permanent and that one of the reasons we are in this financial crisis.

3 am in the morning where is Bill   April 2nd, 2008 6:55 pm ET

it is always 3:00 am in her world. is this person so out of touch with reality or what? I think it is very sad. she really has lost it, and people do not want her, she does not understand. My worry is who will place the phone call to Hillary at 3:00 a.m. to tell her that she lost the nomination,…………..
uuhh that will be ugly she will not let it go easy, besides with all her personalities…………….. no wonder why many superdelegates and other people are afraid to come out and support Obama…you know all of the ones that have called her to tell her that they will support Obama, they all have said it was not a nice conversation (to put it nice and midly)

58 old white ladies for OBAMA   April 2nd, 2008 6:54 pm ET

MCCAIN AND HILLARY DON'T HAVE TO GIVE IT A THOUGHT.

WE DECIDE WHO WILL ANSWER THAT PHONE, NOT THE AD.

WON'T BE SOMEONE THAT IS FOR THE 100 YEAR WAR.

WONT BE SOMEONE THAT WON'T READ INTELLIGENCE

REPORT, BEFORE VOTING FOR THE 100 YEAR WAR.

Ellie   April 2nd, 2008 6:49 pm ET

I wonder if Mccain bought his book on econoimics. As for the Obama supporters, Cool it. I agree he is easy to like. But every plan he has he copied Hillarys. Now he wants the Clinton cabniet because he can't run the white house himself. And don"t you find it strange hes trying to copy the person he criticised. It would be interesting if someone would check back and see how many times Obama changed his program to Hillarys. And that is why everyone says they are so close in thier plans And that is a fact. Ellie

JOHN   April 2nd, 2008 6:49 pm ET

WE ALL KNOW WHAT HILLARY WILL DO WHEN THE 3 AM PHONE CALL COMES. LIE LOL. OBAMA GETS TWO MORE ENDORCEMENTS SINCE SUPER TUES. OBAMA + 55 SUPER DELEGATES CLINTON -5 OUCH. CAN YOU READ THE WRITING ON THE WALL?

vote for Monica L   April 2nd, 2008 6:49 pm ET

All I can say is that at least Senator McCain and Senator Obama are honest and have integrity and if they make a mistake they acknowledge it, and they both conduct themselves decently in politics, their campaigns, and overall.

Unity   April 2nd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

At least Hillary Clinton is willing to take on McCain. By doing so, she is trying to help out Obama if he is the nominee. And she is doing this because she has the best interest of the party at heart.

She is the uniter. She is willing to fight, even if it ultimately benefits Obama.

She is the true leader.

Obama is the divider

UnPatriotic   April 2nd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

What does McCain think the government we have right now is? Does McCain reallly believe that the Veterans Administration and TRICARE programs don't constitute government sponsored healthcare? We spend more money on our military than any other part of our budget–that doesn't constitute big government?

"Big Government" is a just a codeword that only applies when its government you don't like.

i know it wont be published but here it goes   April 2nd, 2008 6:48 pm ET

;; I’ve heard from some Texas Democrats that Clinton’s ground troops in the Lone Star State, in preparation for the state convention, were given marching orders to do “whatever it takes” to nab more pledged delegates from her rival, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)….,,,,

this was an article i read

Nathan   April 2nd, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Hillary and Economics??

The venues she's campaigned in, have NOT been paid!
The health insurance, of her staff have NOT been paid!
She has LOANED her campaign millions.
And WON'T release her TAX RETURNS.

Go figure …

Don't waste your time John   April 2nd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Hillary will soon be out of the race. She has no money, no ethics, and no stamina. Her campaign is bankrupt. Were it not for the fact that Bill is her husband, no one would be paying attention to her right now.

Set your sights on Obama. He's the one you'll be doing battle with in the fall.

Independent for Obama   April 2nd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Everyone has to admie this is the most stupid ad every run. She insults all of our intelligence by this ad. Manage your own accounts Hillary. Maybe if you got up at 3 AM to balance your own checkbook, you might say something. Since you haven't, don't tell me about 3AM economic. The American People are smarter than this.

Patrick, Chicago, IL   April 2nd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Has anyone besides myself realized that economic emergency calls don't come at 3 am? I mean, the market is closed long before that!!!

Judy   April 2nd, 2008 6:39 pm ET

" So McCain says that; Americans can’t afford the Democrats' liberal agenda" Does McCain beleive that Americans can afford the Republician's agenda? In todays Charlotte Observer; profits from oil company's; ExonMobil $40.6 billion, Shell Oil $31.3 billion, BP Amaco $20.8 billion, Chevron $18.7 billion and ConocoPhillips $11.9 billion. Gas is over $3 per gallon yet Americans are footing this so these companies can make BILLIONS. It comes as no supprise that Congress is now asking these companies about this, why was Chaney allowed to consult with oil company exectuives in private and not have to release transcripts of these talks.
By the way CNN, I checked your home page and did not find anything on this (oil company's profits), why was this not a top news story?

Dan from Minnesota   April 2nd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

What 'Economic issue' would merit a 3am phone call to the President? A sharp drop in the Nikkei? A sharp rise in the overnight price of a barrrel of crude oil (if so when would the President get ANY sleep?) A enthusiastic citizen calling to let the President know they saved a ton of money by switching to Geico? Weird, ineffective ad.

mimi de la cruz FOR OBAMA   April 2nd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

MCCAIN WON'T REMEMBER WHAT THE CALL WAS ABOUT.

HILLARY WOULD WANT TO KNOW IF OFFENDER A LOBBYIST.

glhf   April 2nd, 2008 6:37 pm ET

…I got news for these 2. It's going to be Obama since the party doesn't want to lose in the general election. You can't expect a candidate to win with a 37% approval rating…Sorry Hillary.

Susan MO   April 2nd, 2008 6:36 pm ET

McCain is being critical. Starting to sound like Obama ( who we were for first ), but not anymore.

Voting for Hillary Clinton!

LOL,LOL   April 2nd, 2008 6:35 pm ET

LOL, Hillary is a piece of work. She should concentrate on winning the primaries–oh I guess she knows that's a lost cause.

God bless her, and I'm so glad she's going home with Bill.

Bye, bye Hill, on your way out, leave your taxes.

Obama 08

x4faith - Mobile, AL   April 2nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Latina's not voting for Barack if he's the nominee??? Who are you or they kidding. They'll only hurt themselves. Then who'd be laughing!!!! Get serious Dems and lets take back the whitehouse regardless of who the nominee is. Threating to vote Republican wont solve ANY dems problem. THINK!!!

osuji okey   April 2nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

To all you so called republican hispanics,wake up from your racial bias cos you are about to be made politically irrelevant because your votes for MCcain wont stop the democrats in november.
Go Obama 08.

Blayze Kohime   April 2nd, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Whenever the words "liberal agenda" appear in a statement, it automatically looses credit. Its like they treat the whole thing like some kind of goofy conspiracy theory.

OBAMA FOR SURE WILL WIN PA. 2008   April 2nd, 2008 6:33 pm ET

I love Obama!!!! We pray for a win in Pa!!!!! Those people are too
smart to let Hillary's lies fool them. I just know it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kim portland, oregon   April 2nd, 2008 6:33 pm ET

sean—-EXCELLENT, and funny, comment!!!!

my brain cant even compute that logic. the only thing i can think of is that the fools who will vote mccain if it's not hilary are the republican limbaugh lugnuts who voted for her in their primaries!

david goldman   April 2nd, 2008 6:33 pm ET

DANGER KEEP HILLARY & MCCAIN AWAY FROM THAT PHONE.

MCCAIN HAS NO JUDGMENT.

HILLARY HAS BAD JUDGMENT.

Jackie, VT   April 2nd, 2008 6:32 pm ET

I like Al, but I hope he won't take a position unless he really wants it. I also hope he will not be VP again. He's been there, done that.

Obama 08

JFK   April 2nd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Nando, I sure you could do a better job right? Thats what I thought!

HAM   April 2nd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

I don't know why McCain is even responding… he doesn't need too. Hillary and Obama are murdering each other. By the time their done with each other McCain can just relax until November and then go celebrate…

This is rediculous… Somebody get the nomination already!

kim portland, oregon   April 2nd, 2008 6:29 pm ET

hilary needs to drop this stupid 3 a.m. thing! it's not even how it would happen if there WAS a presidential emergency in the middle of the night, so it doesnt even matter or apply to the reality of that situation.

of the three, there's no question obama would be most capable of dealing with a middle-of-the-night phone emergency.

they wouldnt even be able to wake up grampa.

and hilary's already shown us how SHE handles a serious emergency when she flew into bosnia under gunfire and casually strolled along, smiling, with her young child at her side! not exactly the best way to handle such a serious situation, Hils!!!!

obama/edwards. America's DREAM ticket!!!!

Tim   April 2nd, 2008 6:28 pm ET

I can't wait for six months of press releases like that, cramming in every possible cliche Republican boogeyman catchphrase. It will be an astounding contrast to the Obama campaign.

JFK   April 2nd, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Sean, your dellusional if you think you get the complete truth from any president or politician. Wake up! This is a job interview and she is the best candidate.

BG - Texas   April 2nd, 2008 6:28 pm ET

I'm waiting for Snoop Dog to join 50 Cents in endorsing BHO before I change my vote from McCain to Obama.

JFK   April 2nd, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Give me Hillary any day over these guys. By the way, Voter for Truth, your comments are very ignorant. Many people support Hillary and not just women. The more people like you bash her, the more support she will get! Just cause you do not like her does not mean you have to vote for her. After 95,000 postings, WE GET IT!!

And it wont change my mind one bit. If anything, it reinforces my belief in the naiveness of some people. This is a job interview, not a popularity contest. Act like a retired professional and not a high school girl!

Dave C - NJ   April 2nd, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Hey nobillary, we spend more bailing out GOP buddies in BIG BUSINESS than we ever did or will anyone else. The lenders created the mess by giving out the loans.

And did I mention Iraq costs more than the health care plans?

Pick up a newspaper once in awhile, fool.

Chris from San Antonio   April 2nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

"Americans can’t afford the Democrats' liberal agenda to raise taxes, nationalize health care, cut off trade and crush the economy under big government.” — McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds"

Apparently even the staff of the McCain campaign is suffering from Alzheimers to forget the past 7 years under a Republican White House and Congress.

Carrie PA   April 2nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Hillary is wasting her money on these ads. What economic experience does she really have? Everyone knows that it's the people around the President that make up these economic plans. With this, the president needs the judgement to pick the best experience people behind him/her. I trust Barack Obama to do this.

Mike   April 2nd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Oh, man, I don't think I can handle the liberalism of nationalizing health care. Who would do such a thing? It's absolutely horrible! Who would want EVERY American to be covered by some sort of health care plan? McCain sure doesn't.

Wendy   April 2nd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Hillary is better than anyone at dealing with the economy. Love her or hate her, it's the truth.

It's about time the two REAL contenders for the White House start dealing with each other.

Dave C - NJ   April 2nd, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Hey Nobillary, pork is at an all time high NOW.

And Hillary's and Obama's health plan will cost less than Iraq does.

Warren   April 2nd, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Hillary lied about ducking like Bush lied about Iraq. So you see how She would lie if she got in. Don't want her to lie me into something that's wrong for the U.S. How about you?

Chris in Va.   April 2nd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

The Repubs didn't mention the New York senator because, with the exception of herself and her braindead supporters, the real world sees her as irrelevant.

Dv   April 2nd, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Even though I am Obama supporter and Hillary's 3 AM ad was miserable..I have to say..MCCain is wrong here…

Don   April 2nd, 2008 6:17 pm ET

And what government spending would McCain cut? And how would he pay for the war? And how would he reduce the national debt and stop selling us to Japan and Asia? Republicans have used the "cut taxes" mantra so much, they even believe cutting taxes will help the nation pay its bills.

Vee   April 2nd, 2008 6:16 pm ET

It is funny to see some of Hillary supporters bashing McCain now when they SHOUT OUT LOUD that they are going to join the same old McCan't in a few weeks time….I PITY SUCH PEOPLE….they are yet to see the REAL Republicans bashing Hillary…

CHERYL   April 2nd, 2008 6:15 pm ET

WE WILL NOT FORGET THE WRIGHT CONTROVERSY!!!!!!

OBAMA IS NOT ELECTABLE!!!!!!

bigben   April 2nd, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Quiet McCain , you olf feeble man

CHERYL   April 2nd, 2008 6:14 pm ET

OBAMA,

GIVE SOME OF YOUR MILLIONS TO THE POOR!!

INSTEAD OF USING IT TO SMEAR HILLARY!

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

MAYBE YOU WILL BE DISENFRANCHISED??

LIKE WE WERE FROM OUR VOTES IN FL AND MI!!!

YOU ARE A HORRIBLE PERSON!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!

Joe Black   April 2nd, 2008 6:12 pm ET

Unfortunately for the Democrats, everything McCain said in that short paragraph was true and correct.

Bailing out individual homeowners who made bad economic decisions is not the answer.

I have a friend who spends every penny he makes and lives in a huge house that is over-financed. He should get a bailout for not being frugal and careful with his money?

If he does, what does that 'teach" the consumers in this country?

Spend it all, live it up, let the taxpayers bail you out.

Let the economy take its course. History has shown that bailouts and pump-priming have only served to extend recessions into depressions.

Jen DFW   April 2nd, 2008 6:12 pm ET

The only tax increases the dems are talking about is the ones for the rich… They can afford to pay a little more. McCain has no real plans except to sit back and do what BUSH has done for the last 8 years. I guess he will be on vacation too.

HILLARY 08

CHERYL   April 2nd, 2008 6:10 pm ET

SENATOR CLINTON IS THE BEST ONE TO LEAD THIS NATION!!!!!!!!

YOUR OTHER CHOICES ARE A WAR MONGER OR A LIAR AND DISENFRANCHISER!!!

THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!

WE HAVE RIGHTS!!!!!

PEOPLE……… DO NOT LET OBAMA BUY THIS ELECTION!!!!!

THE WAY HE HAS RUN THIS CAMPAIGN– CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT HE WILL DO IN THE WHITE HOUSE???

VOTE FOR REAL CHANGE HILLARY CLINTON 09

Paul   April 2nd, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Hillary, the best chance we have to improve and fix our economy

HIllary-President of The United States of America

VOTE DEMOCRAT-VOTE FOR CLINTON

Oluwarotimi Kehinde   April 2nd, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Restated for emphasis.

IT’S 3AM AND THERE IS A PHONE RINGING…
HRC: I GOT IT!
MCBUSH: NO, I GOT IT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: HELLO
(original poster: Doug, FL)

Mark B'ham, Al.   April 2nd, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Hillary, like Barrack are Lawyers who only know how to regulate and economy hurting free trade. Lawyers know as much about the economy as fighter pilots not more!

Jeff in WI   April 2nd, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Jon McCain needn't worry about Hillary. She won't be his opponent.

Lily   April 2nd, 2008 6:06 pm ET

If HRC is the nominee, I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN !!! She is a big fat liar.

Jason   April 2nd, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Hillary wasn't even aware that her campaign was going broke and she had to loan 5 million to her campaign. Hillary puts loyalty over competence in the choice of her aides. Hillary can't even pay her campaign bills. She has 8.7 million in campaign debts. Hillary has never run anything.

Charlie   April 2nd, 2008 6:04 pm ET

I wonder why Republicans talk about cutting government spending. Do they think Americans are not aware of the facts? More than 70% of the total national debt was racked up under Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II. The irresponsibility of cutting taxes while going to war, and then borrowing trillions from the Chinese that our grandchildren will have to repay, is breathtaking.

Bryan T   April 2nd, 2008 6:01 pm ET

This is hardly the McCain camp "firing back" over a Clinton ad. In fact, the statement's silence (in its failure to directly criticize Clinton) is deafening.

VOTER FOR TRUTH AND DIGNITY IN AMERICA   April 2nd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Even the Republicans hate Hillary!!! Who Don't? Oh women! Yes.

Obama 2008
Retired Professional White Woman for Obama from Day. No doubt!!!!!

Independant   April 2nd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

McCain doesn't mention Clinton by name because he don't need challange someone who's already lost.

Obama 08′

Sean   April 2nd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Democrats for McCain? Get serious people. Rappers for Country Music. PETA for Outback Steak House. Clintons for the truth?

Ken, LA California   April 2nd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

McCain will probably have another senior moment if the phone rang at 3 AM as for Clinton, we now know she would lie to Americans about Snippers and lead us to another worthless war.

Doug, Florida   April 2nd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

It's 3AM an McBush is changing his diaper in the Nursing home

roger2008   April 2nd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Another 3 am ad. Is it always 3 am in her world? I hated the first 3 am ad and this one is just plain ridiculous.

tomdavie   April 2nd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Again, you can see how this Mc Cain reply would only offend the far left wing. Not the core base of the clinton supporters. The core base of the Clinton supporters are reagan democrats. Who feel Hillary is the best leader period.

Mc Cain crafts this reply to read 'liberal' , something that most Obama supporters identify with, but not clinton supporters .

Nando, Florida   April 2nd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

HILLARY PAYS YOUR BILLS OF 8.1 MILLION and GIVE THE MONEY YOU OWE TO THE GIRL SCOUTS !!!!!!!!!!!

YOU ARE HORRIBLE AND CANT RUN A MCDONALDS LET ALONE THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!

Joe   April 2nd, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Hillary got it PARTIALLY correct about McCain not answering the phone, but she got the reason wrong. It wasn't because of philosophical differences over the economy. He just slept through it.
One of the perks of old age.

Anita   April 2nd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

"Cut Government Spending"

At least he is consitent with that motto. That was his prerequisite to the Bush tax cuts. Cut spending, (GOVERNMENT WASTE), before cutting the taxes. That puts integrity into the equation and a measure by which to judge sucess.

Among other things, Bush and his legislative dwarf lemmings gave us an escalating national debt increasing to universal heights thru this war and unfunded mandates. Weak Dollar, still wonder why?
Our government spends money without a concsience or any evaluation of the intended effect. It has borrowed and continues to borrow money on the open world market like a gambling addict.

David, Silver Spring, MD   April 2nd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

That's funny. Johnny McCain thinks lowering taxes is good for economic growth. Where has he been the last seven years?

Maybe we could really get the economy going if we just gave businesses money. Oh wait–oil subsidies, no bid contracts–I guess we're trying that one, too.

Leah DiMarco, TX   April 2nd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Mr. McCain don't worry about Hillary's ads, because it will be Senator Obama that you will be running against up until he wins in November!

Obama '08/'12

Tejano   April 2nd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Obama or Clinton will be trounced by McCain. Hispanics will vote Republican in numbers the Democrats never imagined. He has my entire family in the Southwest already in the fold. He also has my church, my veterans group and by November we will have everyone that has been screwed by the Democrats over the past 40 years in the McCain column. Don't believe this check out the comments made by Adelfa Callejo before the Texas primary.

No Bama in 08.

D.Kimbro OHIO   April 2nd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

You are so funny!!!! Hillary will lead this country to ruin…Atleast with John Mccain he will admit his areas of weakness, and not just make up stories. It is funny to read these post and see just how misled some people are. Stop talking about accomplishments she may have witnessed in the white house and talk about, the flawed policies in Bosnia, and the banking system. These are both Clinton legacies.

Nobillary Andobama   April 2nd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

CAN I GET AN AMEN!

BIG GOVERNMENT IS NOT THE SOLUTION

Liberals are living in a dream world if they think a Federally adminstered National Health Care system will actually work…not to mention how it will be financed.

How are liberals going to pay for the bailouts of all the irresponsible people who got into mortgages they had no business getting into???
Since when is it the government's responsibility to compensate bad decisions???

Liberals would love to turn the clock back to the '90s, when spending on social programs and pork barrel projects were at an all time high…and spending on foreign intelligence activities and national defense was alarmingly low…..the result of which set the conditions for the rise of al Qaeda and an unchecked Saddam Hussein.

America…please do us all a favor this November…Keep the socialists out of power!

sophia nyc   April 2nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

What does Hillary have to do with McCain? She'll never be the nominee.

Senator Clinton: release your tax returns.

democracy   April 2nd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Senator McCain, all you have to point out is :

HIllary's campaign finances
Hillary support of NAFTA
Hillary's tax returns not release
Hillary lending money to her campaign
Hillary not paying for her campaign worker's health care premiums
HIllary's management of her own finances and marriage

this is very very simple…………..besides when the phone rings, it will be Monica , or any other intern, or other woman looking for BIll……….

Observer, Jacksonville, FL   April 2nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

McCain rightly did not have to mention Hillary in his response because he knows that would be a waste of time. She will not be the Democratic nominee. If it had been an Obama ad, you bet he would have gone an extra mile in his response (which would have included Obama's name).

Bob   April 2nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Hillary is desparate. Her ad is totally silly. I'm not sure why she would run an ad againsts McCain while Obama is eating her lunch.

Liz, Pittsburgh PA   April 2nd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

GO HILLARY !!!

Both Hillary and Obama need to use all of their media attention to attack McCain. Her still being in the race helps bc Obama's attacks will backfire since he said he will be practicing the "politics of the future". Hillary will be able to hit him harder!!!

Doug, Florida   April 2nd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

IT’S 3AM AND THERE IS A PHONE RINGING…
HRC: I GOT IT!
MCBUSH: NO, I GOT IT
PRESIDENT OBAMA: HELLO

Rose - Baltimore, MD   April 2nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Belle,

I can always count on you to be negative. Atleast this time you stayed 50% on the the topic. Try some positive comments sometime, it will do good to your heart.

mp   April 2nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

McCain, we've heard it all before - from your buddy Bush and his entourage. How on earth are you going to cut taxes in this economy? Just how out of touch are you? The next president of this country is going to spend at least his first term trying to repair the godawful mess that will be left behind by this present regime. You need to get a shot of reality if you want to be taken seriously.

Anyone but Obamination   April 2nd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I'd rather see anyone but Obama answer anything, he can't take a stand on anything, not even the Olympics. The ahem..humm ,I a, I a. humm, ahh……………

Tjaye   April 2nd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I'm for Obama all the way, but even I agree with the ad.

Obama '08!!

Grif   April 2nd, 2008 5:38 pm ET

White!!! Is Right.. You can't afford, to get lost in the Dark.
In a Power Shortage… Turn on the Light!!

Mike   April 2nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Was McCain awake during the commercial? He slept during Bush's address.

DMitri NYC   April 2nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Government has been expanded more by Republicans in the last 7 years than it has in, um, ever. Republicans = Big government. Hypocrisy at it's finest.

ANTI CLINTONS   April 2nd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

McCan't is a lib dressed in repubs clothes.

Belle   April 2nd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

McCain…you cream puff…is it hard to throw mud at Clinton…especially when YOU worked with her several times over the years….

Don't worry…if Obama gets the nomination…Democrats for McCain will join forces! Obama won't stab you in the back again like he did over the Ethics Bill…the ONE and ONLY ONE WEEK time he crossed the aisle.

Ifeanyi Azubike Houston Texas   April 2nd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

I agree with Hillary. The McCain economic plan is no plan at all. It must have been crafted for Mars or Jupiter but certainly not for America.

Margi   April 2nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

McCain has nothing to worry about if Hillary runs the country the way she has run her campaign. My 8 yr old knows that if Mommy and Daddy don't pay the phone bill, the phone is not going to ring!

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