April 15, 2008
Posted: April 15th, 2008 08:00 PM ET

From ,

(CNN) - Sen. John McCain, who will be the oldest person ever sworn in to a first term as president should he win the White House in November, made it clear Tuesday that he is going to fight hard for the youth vote notwithstanding his age.

“I will contest every vote of every young American,” McCain told MSNBC’s Chris Matthews during an appearance on Matthews’s show set at Villanova University.

“He’s extremely eloquent,” McCain said when asked by Matthews why McCain thought so many young people are excited by Sen. Barack Obama’s oratory. “I think that there is a desire for change out there in America,” McCain added, sounding Obama’s dominant campaign theme.

“And the kind of change that I think I can make is reaffirm Americans’ faith in their future, in their ability to educate their children, to serve this country, and I think that I can provide that motivation,” McCain added.

Obama has overwhelmingly won over young voters in the Democratic primaries t so far. Should McCain face off against Obama in the general election, an age gap of some 25 years would separate the two men.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain


Joe   April 16th, 2008 1:08 am ET

First, I find it disturbing and somewhat hypocritical where on the one hand our culture exhibits hyper-sensitivity to racial or gender based discrimination, but then tolerates age discrimination without objection. Sure McCain is old, but like many of the elderly, he still has much to offer. Moreover, he's proven his resiliency time and again, most recently on the campaign trail – he quite possibly has the most demanding schedule of all the remaining candidates.

Second, why do we accept the dumbing down of our democratic process? I'm not particularly interested in the day to day politicking of the candidates. I, and I hope you as well, evaluate them on the basis of the policies they support, and the likelihood that they will carry through. Unfortunately, such a task proves too much of an intellectual challenge for the American public. Thus, we have the current system where buzzwords and sensationalism dominate rather than independent thought and principled logic. Good luck America.

New Mexico   April 16th, 2008 1:05 am ET

John McCain is the man that can get the US Mexico fence build. If you are a real American patriot vote for McCain.

Concerned   April 16th, 2008 1:02 am ET

It seems incoherent rants are helpful? Thanks for making that clear Joe and Independent.

Open minded   April 16th, 2008 1:02 am ET

Wow really senator mccain can connect with the youth vote. Maybe he can connect to us with a good old story about what it was like to grow up with electricity or walk up hill both ways to school, in the snow. Senator McCain would be better off if he didnt playcate to his idiotic conservative base. With any luck the conservative movement started by former president Regan will be dead and we can get back to cleaning up the mess they have left that youth vote senator McCain wants to connect too. I have a good way he can connect to them, register as a democrat. With any luck senator Obama will be like FDR and fix up another mess republicans have left the country.

jo   April 16th, 2008 12:45 am ET

I would love to vote for you sir. but I don't like your iraq policy. If Mrs. Clinton wins ( that won't happen) I will just stay home. I know you are a good man except?
Obama08

jeremy   April 16th, 2008 12:44 am ET

mccain just won't win the young vote. no offense to mccain, but Obama has that demographic locked up.

Craig in Texas Democrat and supporter for Obama   April 16th, 2008 12:43 am ET

Independant learn to spell or get a browser with spell check.

Mike O Plano, TX   April 16th, 2008 12:42 am ET

"Obama has overwhelmingly won over young voters in the Democratic primaries "

And overwhelmingly loses the older vote. And who actually turns out to vote on a regular basis? And which block is most fickle and inconsistent? After the drumbeat of the campaign goes on and Obama becomes more clearly a product of the Chicago political machine of Rezko and company, how charged up will young people be?

steve   April 16th, 2008 12:41 am ET

Carl Rove and the Rethugs are working very hard to elect Mcbush.
8 years of economic collapse & disastrous war is quite enough.

PA Student   April 16th, 2008 12:38 am ET

I'm a young voter as a college student in PA and I will be voting for McCain. Not all of us are ignorant enough to think Obama would know how to lead our country. No experience and no stances on issues make for a lousy president.

POWER 2 OBAMA   April 16th, 2008 12:38 am ET

You gotta love a man who tells it like it is.

http://www.power2obama.com/small-town-americans.html

The people of small-town America are nothing but a bunch of small-minded, gun-totin', bible-thumpin', ignorant rednecks.

Alex   April 16th, 2008 12:37 am ET

Right, as if an older, white republican warmonger representing political stagnation is going to win over a youth vote that is very much galvanized for Obama. As a 21 year old student, I'm totally certain that McCain will institute a draft when we inevitably declare a pointless war with Iran. As somebody who believes we're only going to destroy ourselves under these circumstances, the prospect of McCain becoming president outright scares me, as it likely scares millions of othes.

This doesn't have to be. I don't care who gets elected at this stage of the game, just so long as we don't get the guy who's going to start WW3.

My_Self   April 16th, 2008 12:35 am ET

McCain, you need to get rest. You know you can't win over Obama, he is a mechine who conversts the negative attacks to his advantage. Not only that, he is the one, so I suggest you just chill. You have no idea about Economy, the only thing you good at is war, and we are not looking for any more war. We want to have peace in the world. We respect your service as a soldier, and we very much appreciate your service and I am sure no one will question that. thanks this note, just because you serve the country, it doesn't mean you are ready to lead this great country.

I admire your hopefullness and achived thisgreat deal. Don't make no mistake about this, it is not a game. We americans are bitter with the goverment and we dont' need another 4 more years in the white house.

Respect Mr Mc Caine and much love...

Stephen in Canada   April 16th, 2008 12:32 am ET

McCain's a good man, but a presidential candidate completely out of his decade. Why couldn't he have been there 8 years ago? Who wouldn't want advice on life from their grandfather, but would you also trust your grandfather to plan your financial future, that of your childrens' and the defense of your home? I love my grandfather but I surely wouldn't give him my bank card...of course, he won't carry a bank card because them new fangled things are ku-ray-zee!

Retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 16th, 2008 12:31 am ET

And Cris, you really shouldn't be hanging around McCain too Much.
The Republicans have failed our Country. Their "elitist" ways will
rub of on you.if it hasn't happened yet. I would not sit in the same
room with the man.

M   April 16th, 2008 12:31 am ET

I'm a young person, and there is nothing McCain could say that would make me vote an ancient warmonger into office.

I'm going to go for someone who speaks for my generation, the generation that's inheriting a ruined, twisted world!

Go Obama Go!

Kevin   April 16th, 2008 12:30 am ET

It's commendable that Sen McCain at least comes across as sincere in his quest for the youth vote. Unfortunately, he older then most young voters' grandparents and therefore his ability to connect with the aforementioned demographic is out of his reach.

Obama '08

Retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 16th, 2008 12:29 am ET

McCain will promise you the world for your votes but none of it
will be helpful to our country, because they are lies. Lies to win.
I can not stand the man.

Susan Moses   April 16th, 2008 12:27 am ET

How could McCain possibly compete for the votes of people he hardly represents? At 26, this will be my 3rd election, yet McCain is still as old as my grandfather. It isn't just the number either... he thinks old.

Supporting a loosing war with the idea that it will somehow have a "domino" effect of spreading democracy in the region... that seems decidedly a Vietnam-era wisdom.

Blake   April 16th, 2008 12:25 am ET

I am in the voting block he is talking about at 23. The only way he can contest my vote, is if he connects with me the way a grandfather does. Seeing wisdom, life experience, and a loving know how to make me smile. I am sorry John, but you just do not have that loving grandfather feel to me. You are angry at life it seems to me. You do not speak with wisdom. In fact, you find it easy to stumble around words and facts. I do not find any of your jokes on national television funny. I am not voting for you sir. I respect what you have done for this country. Now is time for a new generation and beyond. I want an America for my grand children, and that is not with you.

Matt   April 16th, 2008 12:25 am ET

Apparently "Independant" didn't get the memo. Shes done.

ariel   April 16th, 2008 12:13 am ET

Think Obama's an elitist?Just wait.you're about to hear from the Republicans.They drive social wedges into the electorate for political power. Once in office,they deregulate.CEO's make tons of money.Average workers earn less and pay more.Republican office-holders get wealthy donations,and smile.Because they're the elite.

Wade   April 16th, 2008 12:03 am ET

There is no young American that would vote for McCain. They all want a bright future.

An American in Canada   April 15th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

While John McCain is competing for the youth vote maybe he can tell them to check out the Real Barack H. Obama.

He can send them to the awesome revealing article
by Andrew McCarthy entitled

“The Bad Company Of Barack Obama”

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/11/opinion/main4009369.shtml

An article that every true American should read before they even think of voting for Obama.

Smart   April 15th, 2008 11:56 pm ET

I am not considering McSame at all.

I listened to the Pope.

He stressed the damage sex scandals has caused the catholic church. I felt bitter about it.

As a PA undecided catholic, that is enough for me to decide. Sex scandal = Clinton.

Now I will vote Obama.

Al, Sacramento Ca   April 15th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Yeah, right!

This guy is Mr. Status quo, there is no future in his hands. He will be serving Bush's third term.

No Change McCain!!

Jay   April 15th, 2008 11:54 pm ET

Not mine. Mr. War Monger!

independent   April 15th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

it'll be funny to watch him try :)

bill pike   April 15th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

my dad also was an officer in the navy in WWII, my uncle Tommy a west point graduate and decorated war hero in Korean and i served from 63-65. My dad was republican chairman for our county, everyone in my family thinks it's a sin to vote for a democrat but i have to say this time I AM BITTER ABOUT THE WAR YOU AND BUSH AND CLINTON GOT US IN WHEN THERE WAS ZERO REASON AND NOW WE CAN'T GET OUT WITHOUT A WORSE PROBLEM. I AM BITTER that there are families welcoming their loved ones back from iraq in a casket, I AM BITTER that we had a republican president and congress and did not help the people who the Bible says we are supposed to. I am voting for Obama and I am not a kid-I am old enough to see what you have done to this great country of ours and I am so ashamed.

If you meet St. Peter in Heaven please explain why the greatest country in the world is so self serving and why we have babies going to bed hungry--in this country. I AM BITTER AT WHAT YOU AND BUSH HAVE DONE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY and see a young Ab Lincoln in Obama who one day will have students studying his works as we do Lincoln. SHAME SHAME SHAME

John Elite McCain   April 15th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

McCain is someone who is elite and out of touch with us common folk. If he becomes president, know that gas prices will become higher and the war on America's poor will continue.

He is a corrupt person that will keep us in war and will cater to big corporations.

He is talking about caring for America now because he has already received much criticism about not acknowledging the recession.

Time for a change. Fight the powers that be.

David D Kollie   April 15th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

How can one mix clubs with hearts on a play of a card game?

Shirley   April 15th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

John McCain is not a bad man, he really believes war is the way to peace, I think, but John will keep our young American's at war. He suggested we may need to think about war with Iran in the near future. John is not a diplomat.

Dave   April 15th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

McCain will get only the geezer vote.

Mike   April 15th, 2008 11:35 pm ET

Democrats still don't get that it doesn't matter who they nominate, there is no way that will ever beat a Republican candidate. For the last 28 years the Presidental election has been about a single issue - abortion. The Republicans have been smart enough to get on the right side of this issue. It doesn't matter how corrupt they are or how they destroy this economy with their negligence and unjustified wars, Christians will blindly vote for anyone they feel will overturn Roe vs Wade. John McCain could be Satan himself and he would still get elected if Christian voters thought that there was a chance of making abortion illegal again.

John   April 15th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

Obama has received the younger vote only because they are pacifist. He is a radical muslim through and through. He befriends losers like the Rev. Wright, Mr. Ayers, Resco and Larry Sinclair. God help us all if he is elected.

Bill, PA   April 15th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-15-obamainside_N.htm

To all the votes in the 10 states yet to vote, please read this article before going to the polls.

Mariposa4Life   April 15th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

Of course he will contest every vote of every young American. He's going to need to know how many young Americans there are for him to draft for his 100 year war!

I however will not be fooled.

Obama 08'

Doug Anderson   April 15th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

In the same statement, he also said he went on The View and Letterman's show to vie for the young votes.. Is that his view of Young America..

clintons out of control   April 15th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

he is really out of touch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

balthus   April 15th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Part of the "change" McCain has voted for is to authorize official agencies of the United States of America to use torture techniques that date back to the Spanish Inquisition. Think about it. Thanks in part to John McCain, the United States is a country that tortures people, spies on its citizens without them knowing and without a warrant, and detains suspects without granting them the ability to meet with a lawyer or to even know why they are being held.

I want a President who will put an end to these barbaric practices, not one who endorses them. I want a President who will defend our freedoms under the Constitution, not one who will seek ways to undermine them. I want a President who will put an end to our costly and counterproductive war in Iraq, not one who vows to keep us there for another 100 years.

I want Barack Obama to be my President.

Obama '08 Yes, We Can!

Amit   April 15th, 2008 11:21 pm ET

No McCain please. No 3rd term for BUSH/CHENEY. There is a saying that goes "When you are in a hole, stop digging". America is in a very deep hole thanks to the Republicans and those who voted Bush into office twice. America needs to stop digging NOW, NO TO a 3rd Bush term. Lets get it right this time American, NO REPUBLICAN IN OFFICE!

wisconsin badger voter   April 15th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

I am really starting to believe that the only non-connected, Rich and famous voters who will support Hillary Clinton are the self proclaimed abused women of America who feel they have to hurt and destroy all who have not been a victim sometime in their life. Of course there are also the weak, fumbling, fearful and low self esteem men who will support her as well. And we must add the Rep. Geoff Davis types as well.

These are people who are just like Hillary and Bill Clinton. These types of people will abuse, lie, cheat, and steal in just about any form to get their fix for themselves. It seems, this is what happens to Americans who lose their jobs, homes, health care. They cling to these feelings for the rest of their lives and they teach them to their children. It’s no wonder so many American's are voting for Hillary and John McCain

See, it’s not hard to analyze the Clinton's.

Venus   April 15th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

Well said Mc Cain! I have been watching you and if Obama doesn't win – I will vote for you!

Texican   April 15th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

John, you already have two in my household, a 20 yr old in college and my 18 year old Marine. They will get you more like them. Freedom loving Americans that love our Country like their parents and Grandparents do.

Tom   April 15th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

There is no way McSame is going to make any changes that will be positive for the majority of americans. He embraces Bush's failed economic polices, he is not going to get our brave men and women out of Iraq. If he is elected the flow of money up to the top 5% of the population will continue and since 70% of the economy is consumer spending, if we have less to spend the economy will continue to tank.

Bayou Joe   April 15th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

Now that is the John McCain I have known for 15 years. Yes we will,
the Youth of America deserve a better future than what the Democrats have to offer them.

No surrender
No socialism
No to Obama and the left wing of the Democratic Party.

Bring it on George Soros and Moveon.org. We welcome this fight for America's heart.

z   April 15th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

“I think that there is a desire for change out there in America,” McCain added.

He THINKS there is a desire for change in our country?

Please Senator....time for you to retire if don't KNOW that people what change.

Ratgurl   April 15th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

“... the kind of change that I think I can make is reaffirm Americans’ faith in their future, in their ability to educate their children, to serve this country, and I think that I can provide that motivation,” McCain added.

riiiight..... my faith in America's future does NOT lie in more war. And you think the education system in America is any good? Have you asked a kid lately what they're learning in school? It's glorified daycare! So much for "no child left behind"! Are you planning to build a bigger army? Is THAT your plan? I'm definitely NOT voting for you!

aware   April 15th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

Go for it Sen. McCain. Obama may well buy the Dem primary but he won't win the general!

His audacity has destroyed his hope message, and his condescending arrogance and egomania are a hugr turn off. He is far left and a big cookie cutter Dem. The Americans he thinks are stupid will not vote for this obfuscating phoney.

If not Hillary then McCain 08! :)

Tom   April 15th, 2008 11:04 pm ET

I loved my grandfather but, I could'nt see him running a country at the age of 71 no matter how good of shape he is in. Send Mccain into retirement and enjoy life. I think it is about time for youth and vitality to run the country and bring in new(not old fashioned) ideas.

What really worries me is that Mccain is from a war generation and it seems he wants more. Remember who his spirutual advisor is and what he thinks–Rod Parsley-"America was made to destroy all islam".
With Mccain your're looking at a larger war–is that what we want?

Christian, Tampa FL   April 15th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

As a young American, I must say that while I respect John McCain as a person, he cannot have my vote. My vote will go to a candidate who's foreign policy outlook, campaign style, and ideas for governance are fully up to date with my generation – Senator Barack Obama.

I also do not believe that my generation will support someone who supports the War in Iraq particularly.

Independant   April 15th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Most teens , have brains eneough to slaute our flag. Some of them should explain that to Him. Not, UH , An learn him to try an finmd a lapel pin. Then they have to tell him, or install it for him, may not know which side to put it on.

No , Obama is not Smarter than a fifth grader.

So , go Annie Oakley , Go

John in KY   April 15th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Yes he is going to swoop them up in a European Made Airbus instead of an (American Boeing Co Airbus) made in the USA! by Americans.
What a sorry excuse for a presidential candidate (Lame Brain McCain)!

notfooledhere   April 15th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

This should be good, can't wait to see him pandering to the 20 year olds.

Carl from Pa   April 15th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Well, I'm confused. If there is such a strong desire for change out there why do you want to make Bush's tax cuts permanent and why do you not want to pull troops out of Iraq? Well, I'm a democrat so I suppose I'm biased, but I don't agree with any of your policy though did agree with you when you were against the tax cuts and high spending.

Corey, Bloomington IN   April 15th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

I think he means that he will try to have their votes thrown out.

jon   April 15th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

hi mr mac the youth cant connect with you you are a old school i bet you cant help them with their homework .how will you lead them?

NickNas   April 15th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

Well he had better get them young enough so that they can't tell that he is now making the SAME promises that Bush did for his first term and we all know how many of THOSE were fulfilled.

One of my favorites is cutting government and Taxes. Bush Reduced the IRS. yes he did but what we ended up with the equivelent of a Police Department without a internal affairs department. ALL of the protections that had been in place to protect the Tax payers from abusive IRS agents were DISOLVED. You have a problem with us? Go Pound Sand LOL!!!

Cathy   April 15th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

POWER TO THE "BITTER AND ANGRY'" PEOPLE

IF MCCAIN WINS, WE ALL REVOLT.
NO TAXES
NO MILITARY RECRUITS
NO NOTHING

CHECK OUT LOU DOBB'S POLL AND SEE JUST HOW MANY OF US ARE 'BITTER AND ANGRY'!!!

honkey white guy from cali   April 15th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Ok I think he just lost his mind!! He sounds completely delusional! What is he trying to Xerox Obama's hope message. give me a break!

Obama 08 Yes We Can

That's Reality   April 15th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

I'd rather have an older, experienced man for pressident than a young, inexperienced guy, especially with the terrorists waiting for an apportunity. Let's not forget that a lot of these young voters' brains are not even fully developed yet. No offense, but it is a fact.

Laidetea   April 15th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Old McPain, I don't think so.....I am 18 years old and I do volunteer work for the Obama campaign along with 100's of freshman college students. U think we're that stupid to vote for U? Think again old, old, old man. Even, if you become president your first year will be miserable. Because you are a Bushionite and me and my friends are not into the Bush polices....we will rally against you. U can count on it old man, if you can keep up....LMAO

Obama 08/12

Marjorie Helms, Amherst, NY   April 15th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Oh, please! McCain wants young people; there's no doubt about that. If he were to be elected, he would want them to head to Iraq, in order to finish off George's crusade. Oh, even worse, he would want young people to start McCain's crusade in Iran. Enough already, we don't need McBush in the White House!

JIM, MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA   April 15th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Good grief. This is a horrible year.

First of all, I was going to vote against Osama, Obama and Chelsea's mama, but now I am not too wild about McCain either.

This is a terrible year. Frankly I don't think it makes much difference who the president is.

Having said that, I will probably vote for the GOP for the first time in my 60 years of life.

I am most persuaded by Democrat Jimmy Carter working full time on the dstruction of Isreal, and working full time for the palestinians.

That stinks.

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