April 22, 2008
Posted: 11:02 AM ET

From
 Sen. John McCain speaks to supporters at a rally in Selma, Alabama on Monday.
Sen. John McCain speaks to supporters at a rally in Selma, Alabama on Monday.

(CNN) — Sen. John McCain launched his week-long journey to poverty-stricken areas of the nation Monday with language that would have been at home in any Democratic stump speech.

And it came at a location — the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama — that is inextricably identified with a top congressional Democrat, Georgia Rep. John Lewis.

"I've seen courage in action on many occasions in my life, but none any greater or used for any better purpose than the courage shown by John Lewis and the good people who marched for justice with him," said McCain.

Full story

Filed under: John McCcain


Justin   April 22nd, 2008 4:02 pm ET

John McCain doesn't care about black people.

DENISE   April 22nd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Good afternoon,

Sen Clinton has had run a negative campaign. She has changed her attitude from fake nice to pointing fingers, to threats. Now she is saying Sen Obama is spending 3:1 as much as she in adds; well she as three people campaigning on her behalf on a daily basis. That seems even to me Sen Clinton 3:1 speakers; Sen Obama 3:1 adds running. Why complain out his adds, he is not complaining about the fact that you have 3:1 campaigners. You have been given time to clean up your evil negative campaigning, now since you can not stop the people of Pennsylvania will show up and show out on Sen Obama's behalf. What will you have to say when this happens.

I pray that God will put it on the people's heart to vote for Sen Obama and put an end to this costly ordeal. We could be collecting these millions and helping those suffering in this time of depression, slow down, mortgage crunch, call it what you will be people are suffering.
You guys are flying around in planes from state to state, paying TV stations millions, paying hotels millions, paying analyst millions who already have millions. Please stop this madness and people vote for
Sen Obama and bring this event to a close.

Grace and peace

Jamie   April 22nd, 2008 3:31 pm ET

He can try to put on his Independant Hat all day long…
In the end, HE IS STILL A REPUBLICAN.

let me get this right...   April 22nd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

You applauded Kerry four years ago and curse McCain, yet they are the same in terms of their monetary income and rich spouse…

I heard nothing from people telling Kerry to donate his future retirement in SS and his rich heiress wife to dump their money… you do it with McCain…

I'm not even for this guy, but the comments on this board prove to me that this country is a rotten group of pathetic, ignorant, unintelligent people…

Hannah the bigot   April 22nd, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Hannah, GA April 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

More photo opps you mean. Have you ever noticed that Republicans and Hillary go out of their way to find a black person to stand behind them when they're in front of the cameras. This is a ploy to make them look "inclusive". It won't work, the American people, especially minorities are on to your tacky, despicable tactics.

Obama 08

About 2/3 of the time I see Obama on TV, he is SURROUNDED by all black crowds. But when any other politician goes to talk with minorities… OH MAN AWFUL TACTICS. What you are implying through your words is that Obama should stay talking to the Blacks and the other candidates should stick to white people

how dare you…

Your double standard is pathetic, and it shows you have an emotion with white people that is bigoted and racist in nature.

Sharon Minnesota   April 22nd, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I am a retired Health Care Worker and have been a democrat all my life. There has never been a primary election as nasty and mean as this one. The Obama campaign and their supporters are tearing apart a good party and trying to change it for the worse not the better.

After all the rehtoric smearing Hillary, her family and John McCain on these blogs, there is no way any type of medicine will heal the democratic party before the General Election. I love Hillary but I do not agree with her or any of the democratic officials on the healing of this party.

Hillary Clinton or John McCain NO WAY OBAMA

LifeLongDemocrat   April 22nd, 2008 3:10 pm ET

MCCAIN/HILLARY 08

Bill in Columbia MD   April 22nd, 2008 3:07 pm ET

I'm amazed at how angry the supporters of the "hope" and "yes we can" candidate have become. Folks, here's a couple of facts for you. This country is center-right in its political philosophy. The only thing that could have conceivably gotten Mr. O elected was a further meltdown in Iraq and that's not happening. So what does that mean for all the O fans? Yep, a McCain presidency. A leftist still isn't going to be elected president. He's not.

Conan   April 22nd, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Does he know we have more than 40 now?

Vee   April 22nd, 2008 3:00 pm ET

WHo is this guy- McCain?

Call it like I see it   April 22nd, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Anyone notice how juvenile Obama supporters are?? Calling John McCain "McLame", "McSame", etc. Seems Obama attracts the "happy meal" crowd.

Ian   April 22nd, 2008 2:54 pm ET

He's probably going around teaching all the guys how to ditch their current wife for a rich one. No morals.

Nora   April 22nd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

/ Huffington Post , Los Angeles Times /

McCain is getting disability payments from goverment/ 58.358 / that are tax-exempt - /100%/ becouse his disability !!!
McCain - commander in chief???

Tamika   April 22nd, 2008 2:51 pm ET

And he's no maverick either… its just indigestion!

kim portland, oregon   April 22nd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Vietnam veterans against john mccain.com

GREAT site! thanks for the link guys!

it's DISGUSTING enough how this fraud is out there using his POW experience as a political tool over and over and over again.

but what's even more vile and completely unnacceptable is how he treats our veterans—cutting benefits, voting against benefits, etc. he is part of the whole disgusting administration and mindset that put our men and women in a disastrous invasion that could never be "won", under false/illegal pretenses, that they didnt even have an exit strategy for—-and not only does mccain SUPPORT those disgraceful "strategies", now he's out there promoting an invasion of iran!

and to all you idiots who would actually vote for mccain, if you think 9/11 was bad, JUST WAIT til you see what happens if these dangerous freaks attack iran!!! and if you think i'm a crazy consipiracy freak, that's what you all said when we were saying that bush/cheney were planning the invasion of iraq, and look at what that fiasco has cost us—money, reputation, respect, and most importantly PEOPLE'S LIVES!!!!!

the idea that this expensive and completely FAILED "war" is making us stronger is completely LUDICROUS!!!!

and if mccain is SUCH A PATRIOT, why hasnt he mentioned a single word about finding and capturing the person who TRULY DID attack our country on 9/11??!?!!?

and that loser bush—-who mccain now all of a sudden at election time flip-flops 180 degrees to support 100%—- is joking around looking for bin laden behind curtains and arrogantly telling us that he "doesnt give much thought to bin laden". how on earth are these people patriotic to you?? oh yeah, they wear lapel pins and have a yellow ribbon on their limos and hummers!!!

open your eyes, people.

you like to call obama elitist, but these people are SO ARROGANT and think they are so above the rest of us, their actions have actually KILLED some of us to fight their lying war that is making them even MORE billions! THAT is the ultimate in "elitist" people!!!

and mccain supports these criminals 100% now!!! mccain is a dangerous FRAUD!!!

dems in 08!

Tamika   April 22nd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

not worried.. once his medical records are released… it'll be C_YA!!!!

Steve   April 22nd, 2008 2:49 pm ET

That website is contradicting itself in the first 2 articles. Either he was singled out for "softer treatment" (I really don't know what that means, it's not like he went on a 5 year vacation), or he was mind f'ed so bad he wouldn't be fit to hold office today, due to lingering effects. You can't have it both ways. Make up your mind, or base your website on hard data that can be substantiated in an unbias way. This is parallel to Republicans attacking John Kerry's record in 2004.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 22nd, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Why would anybody even consider voting for this guy?
Haven't we had enough of these wars and "free market" crap that has never worked and has brought on so much corruption in the business sector.

Does anybody actually think that McSame will be effective?

I am still amazed that people always seem to create their own realities instead of openning their eyes and paying attention to where they actually are.

Wake up sheepole.

Alfred   April 22nd, 2008 2:31 pm ET

You got it Carl! thanks for your post!

Liz   April 22nd, 2008 2:30 pm ET

CNN - You only have to cover one John McCain story since they are just about all the same. Same POW, same cry for the impoverished, same lack of substance on any issue BUT the war, same as Bush, same as, same as…I wish this nasty old bad-tempered weirdo would just disappear.

kim portland, oregon   April 22nd, 2008 2:27 pm ET

it is an insult that this FRAUD is campaigning in the South in the way that he is. we're not that stupid and gullible anymore, johnnycakes! he is a hypocritical liar and this is another example of just how out of touch he is with reality. this is like OJ showing up at a Marriage Encounters event (do they even exist anymore?)!!!

hey, mcsame, take a gander out into the crowds at your rallies there in the south—THEY ARE ALL WHITE, MY FRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

no more republicans!

EITHER DEMOCRAT IN 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doug R.   April 22nd, 2008 2:27 pm ET

McCain is a liar and a fraud. He continues to play the victim and patriot card to pander for votes. He will say anything to anyone anywhere anytime to get a vote. Everyday he looks older and says things that don't make sense. McCain could care less about the average American. I would love to see this old fart lose his cool, blow his top, and throw a temper tantrum.

James from Hawaii   April 22nd, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Where was McCain during Katrina? Where was McCain during the vote on the Dr King holiday vote? Where was he on issues that matter to average Americans and especially those of color? He's as fake as a $3 bill.

david goldmen for OBAMA   April 22nd, 2008 2:22 pm ET

LUNIE OLD MAN HASN'T HAD AN IDEA THAT COULD HELP ANYONE

BUT HIMSELF SINCE HIS MISERABLE SOUL WAS BORN.

LOOK AT ALL THE MILLIONS OF OUR $ HE SPENT TRYING

TO LOOK PRESIDENTIAL, THEN FORGOT WHO WE WERE

FIGHTING IN IRAQ. THAT MONEY COULD HAVE FED MANY OF

OUR CHILDREN. IF HE DIDN'T HAVE BUSH IN WHITE HOUSE ,

THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ELECTION FRAUD.

Alonzo Demetrius   April 22nd, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Hey, you B.O. lovers: don't you know your taxes will go up if B.O. is elected? He has promised this. He has big plans for the little bit of money you bring home today.

Mike - Texas   April 22nd, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Somebody has to stand up for the little people now that the democrats have become the party of the rich.

Just look at all of the rich people donating to OBama.

DonewithDems   April 22nd, 2008 2:17 pm ET

McCain is going to need one huge broom to sweep up the broken pieces of what was once a Democratic party.

Johnny   April 22nd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

MCWAR will invest in missles and guns

OBAMA will invest in America and Peace

how is it that people are not sick of Bush yet if theyre willing to elect MCWAR?

god help us

Sharon, Seattle   April 22nd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Has John McCain never heard of the saying "you can't unring a bell"? What a colossal waste of time trying to suck up to people your Republican party has left behind for so many years.

I'm disgusted.

John Smith   April 22nd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Given the "name recognition" and advances in all the polls at the start of the Democratic primary, if Hillary is still not able to close the deal (even with the help of Bill and Chelsea), that says a lot about the integrity of Hillary's campaign.

1. Super Tuesday was Hillary's day to seal the deal
2. "Come meet in in Texas" was the day for Hillary to seal the deal
3. Big states, including Ohio, was expected to seal the deal for Hillary

Here we are today in PA talking about some "unkown" challenger– Obama–. This man is still "standing." Even if Obama wins this nomination by:
1. 2-3 more delegates
2. 4-5 more popular votes

The world will know that Obama won this Democratic primary.

Amy Jacobson   April 22nd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

McCain, you are a true American hero! We need YOUR style of change. The uniter style!

PJ, New York Independent   April 22nd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

I am supporting Hillary right now but will be jumping on the McCain band wagon if Obama wins the DEM nomination. McCain will work well with the Democrats, should he win the general election.

JB Cali   April 22nd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

They have him touring these states bc he thought that there were only 13 still.

Uncle Sam   April 22nd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

I applaud Sen. McCain's efforts to travel to high poverty areas of our country. I do not usually respond to the nature of other comments, but the insults leveled at John McCain are disturbing. I am specifically referring to those made against him for his attempts to reach out to those Americans often ignored by politicians. What someone could find negative in this outreach is simply mind-boggling. We may not support the same candidate, but we can remain respectful of one another and our leaders. How do ever expect to achieve any level of civility, much less unity, with such behavior?

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 22nd, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Screw McCain. I am sick and tired of all his lies. He's crazy. Say NO to the war and yes to Hillary Clinton.

cvr924   April 22nd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Better start listening to McCain, Obama makes him electable, very electable

Kel from Auburn, AL   April 22nd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

McCain has been so far under the radar in this election. The democrats really have been spending all their money to campaign against each other, mostly not against McCain.

Hopefully we can wrap this thing up today and move forward. Obama 08!

miles   April 22nd, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Vietnam veterans against john mccain.com

Please check it out people

connie   April 22nd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

McCain,
GET REAL, you'll be tooooo old next year to even know your name!!!

Why would you want to be our President? Do you not know that this is a lot of bagge? Can you handle this? You need to sit down with your wife and you two discuss this stuff!!

Worried in SC

Farren Ballanst   April 22nd, 2008 1:58 pm ET

It will be truly shocking if a Republican can pick up a red state like Alabama.

Chris, Silicon Valley, CA, USA   April 22nd, 2008 1:58 pm ET

2 GOOD ONES: MICHIGAN & FLORIDA.

christi   April 22nd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Will he reinstate the draft????? When asked he said "I don't think so". Today, it was on CNN that criminals are getting pardons if they join. Isn't this exactly what happened before the draft in Vietnam?

***AMERICAN***   April 22nd, 2008 1:51 pm ET

I am surprised the Dems haven't blasted this yet. Is CNN that slow on posting comments?

Jack Cavanaugh, Portland, Or   April 22nd, 2008 1:50 pm ET

sorry Mccain us democrats will not vote for you!

Hillary or Obama come November!

Julie   April 22nd, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Yeah right. McCain is a fraud. Go sing some more songs, song bird McLame.

Michael Lorton, Virginia   April 22nd, 2008 1:46 pm ET

The best way that McCain can help poor people is to not be one of them because In a change of the Presidency, the poor change nothing, except the President's name.

CNN moderators.... Please let me out of "awaiting moderation" purgatory   April 22nd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

do you know 'why' McCain has the time to work on putting more states in play????

anyone?????

anyone??????

carrie   April 22nd, 2008 1:41 pm ET

i am for obama but
i seriously love maccain
rather him than witcharry

history repeats   April 22nd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

wait a minute!!! wait one minute this man is talking to impoverished people about how much he cares? well maybe he can donate the $58,000 he recieved in disability last year to some poor people!! him and his wife are worth over $100 million and he has the nerve to still collect disabilty becauase he was a POW?!?! isnt he the guy that is saying how physically fit he is? what kind of patriot that cares about the american people and what we are going through with the economy and housing market milks off the system like that. if your worth more then $100 million what do you need that extra $58k a year for??? get real america

sl   April 22nd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

The sky is falling–a Republican goes to Selma, AL and talks about race
and civil rights! Oops, I guess it's just pandering again. Nice try John, but you sure didn't fool anyone.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 22nd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Just call him Charlatan John McCain, a name he justly deserves.

Really?   April 22nd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

McCain better tend to his own house before he starts a general election strategy. He can't win with independents, but without conservative support. This is dumb.

honkey white guy from cali   April 22nd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

I feel so sad for him. He has tried so many time to get this job and he really stand no chance this time ! The Republicans will regret putting up such a weak candidate! He does not know the economy any more than Bush,Wants to keep the war machine going! He would be better than bush only in that a field mouse or a chimp would be better than Bush.

Go Obama 08 Yes We Can

Bitter _issed off American!

proud army and navy mom   April 22nd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

be careful mccain, you might get accused of having a child by a black woman, just like Bush did in the 2000 election.

Patrick   April 22nd, 2008 1:32 pm ET

McCain will be competitive in almost every state in the country. His policy and history appeal to independent voters like myself. Republicans definitely got lucky picking him as their candidate, I believe he was the only candidate they could have offered that would have made this election close. Who he picks as his VP will be very important.

Gorbashov, Long Beach, Ca.   April 22nd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

This elitist has no clue what the average man/woman has to go through in life.

He is a poster boy for the Corporatocracy that lords over us.

Obama/Nunn in 2008!

58 old white ladies for OBAMA   April 22nd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

MAYBE SOME OF OUR CITIES SHOULD CHANGE THEIR

NAMES TO CITIES IN IRAQ. THEY WOULD GET MORE AID.

Scott, Wichita   April 22nd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Yet again, we see how McCain benefits from the Democrats incessant squabbling

Just watch, come time for the general election, campaigning in Pennsylvania will be amazing to watch:

"Obama/Clinton (whichever wins) get out of here, we had enough of you when you were infesting our state in April"

And all this time, McCain gets to appeal to the voters who are starting to get fed up with the fight. It doesn't matter that the news still only reports on him half as much as either candidate, he's out doing what needs to be done to win another so-called "impossible" election

Matt, Nebraska   April 22nd, 2008 1:30 pm ET

While the democrats wallow in the mud, McCain is out being presidential.

The best thing for this country would be to elect John McCain president and end the bitter divisiveness the democrats have represented the past 8 years.

McCain '08!!!!!!!!!

Ernest   April 22nd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Thank you, but no thanks.

100 Million Dollar Boy   April 22nd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

A Republican in a poverty-stricken community, this really is silly season.

This 100 million dollar man is WAY out of his element, and will do anything to pretend he "feels the pain". He can go back to Barbie Doll and all of their millions, and stop trying to fool the American people. We are on to you Daddy Moneybags, and your stupid war.

mimi de la cruz for OBAMA   April 22nd, 2008 1:28 pm ET

MCWAR HAS BEEN REBUILDING IRAQ AT 50 BILLION A MONTH

OR SO FOR OVER 5 YEARS, BUT LOUISIANA & THE REST OF OUR

NATION NOT IN HIS BUDGET, WHICH HE PROBABLY CANT READ

ANYWAY. AS HE STATED HE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND ECONOMICS.

HE DOESN'T HAVE TO, HE IS TOO BUSY SPENDING OUR MONEY.

Ian   April 22nd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Great, so while Hillary drags the Democratic Party into the mud, McCain can establish a ground game.

Hillary   April 22nd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Go away Mcsame no body is going to fall the 1930's old politics. You are too old.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   April 22nd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

McCain–has always recognized couragious morally forethright acts, and has tried to handle himself as a man in the same manner. That is why so many men/women from both political parties respect and admire him.

It's a good thing in the prelude to the national elections that he reach out to people of all communities–particularly the communities not typically visited by a Republican to show them he is a man who can be counted to do what is morally right, ethically true to his nature, and right for all Americans in the present and in the future.

Clearly, his actions and vision of America in the future–is more realistic and in tune with the values of a majority of Americans. He'll have no problem in November.

NoHillary   April 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

What's this? Does he plan on making Iraq a US state now?

Hannah, GA   April 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

More photo opps you mean. Have you ever noticed that Republicans and Hillary go out of their way to find a black person to stand behind them when they're in front of the cameras. This is a ploy to make them look "inclusive". It won't work, the American people, especially minorities are on to your tacky, despicable tactics.

Obama 08

Stacy Clarks, TX   April 22nd, 2008 1:23 pm ET

im so over the hype about mccain…..NEXT!!

OBAMA08!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carl   April 22nd, 2008 1:22 pm ET

The last "non typical" republican was Ronald Reagan… who reached to both parties for support and showed how working together can make our country great.

What we need is a president like this. Obama refuses to talk with republicans, and Hillary has done little.

At least McCain is willing to work together with people he doesn't agree with on issues. The smug, arrogrance I read on these boards suggests a great many of you do not care one bit about another person's opinion or view other than your own…

Obama will be President   April 22nd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Shouldn't he be wearing a hat in the sun? I'm just saying with his recurring skin cancer and all.

Veterans For Obama   April 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Pay back the 5 planes you lost. Not a hero in my book!

Veterans Against McCain   April 22nd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Please see our website: Vietnam Veterans against Mccain

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

McCain is an honorable man. Best of all, he doesn't have Pill Clinton in his campaign !!!

Jo Ann   April 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

McCain could care less about these people or states if it was not for
the elections. He is 71 years old have had plenty of time to travel and let the good folks know how he him. He is such a phony and I just hope America can see through all of this . He only apologize for not voting for MLK day for his state because he wants the votes. People see this for what it is.

Jim   April 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I believes me and my common law wife is representating the average Clinton voter. Bill and Henllarry is good ol down to earth folk likes me and the misses. If’n you all wana get real good president for the good ol U.S. of A. then get on down to yer voting house and vote fer Henllarry and her husband. Them some good ol folks. Bill and Henllary in 1908!!!

Obama is a GODSEND   April 22nd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

No Country for Old Men!

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