June 2, 2008
Posted: June 2nd, 2008 08:27 PM ET

From
 John McCain told supporters Monday he admires the campaign Hillary Clinton has run.
John McCain told supporters Monday he admires the campaign Hillary Clinton has run.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (CNN) – During a town hall meeting on Monday afternoon in the historical home of the Grand Ole Opry, John McCain attacked Barack Obama on no less than six different topics, ranging from the Illinois senator’s single visit to Iraq in early 2006 to not supporting the nominations of Supreme Court justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito.

However, McCain had nothing but kind words for Hillary Clinton whose candidacy has been declared all but dead.

“I have known Senator Clinton, I admire her and I respect her,” said McCain in response to a questioner who noted that Clinton is still in the race. “She has inspired generations of American women to believe that they can reach the highest office in this nation.”

“I admire the campaign that she has run, she deserves a great deal of credit,” he added. “A few of us who have been around politics for a while learned a lesson way back in 1992 that you better never count a Clinton out of any race.”

McCain said that they have had their differences on the Senate floor, but drew applause from the Nashville crowd for emphasizing his respect for Clinton.

Clinton has insisted that if she fails to win the Democratic nomination, she would work with Obama to unite the party ahead of November’s election. But there is no doubt that if her campaign fails, McCain will – and may already – be targeting her white, working class and older voters Obama has had trouble winning over.

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • John McCain


Oscarin   June 2nd, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Thank you Senator McCain - Hillary's supporters will vote for you in November. Watch out Hillary haters!

Obama and Michelle Obama SUCKS....

james   June 2nd, 2008 10:44 pm ET

And long before this time has come I've stated that I cannot and will not vote for the Obama boy. NEVER. For me the best candidate is Hillary and I had hoped McCain would become the GOP candidate (thank God) so I could have a true American Patriot as an alternative.

Thank you God for having a second best choice in McCain.

McCain'08 for Clinton '12

Jack & Kate   June 2nd, 2008 10:44 pm ET

How can the DNC Rules Committee determine that 1/2 vote and 1/2 person in Michigan and Florida are ok? It's ludicrous. The Democratic party cannot be in the business of disenfranchising voters. It calls to mind the ole Jim Crow laws when blacks were considered 3/4 a person. THIS is worse! The Democrats should be ashamed. Obama should be ashamed. Stay in this race Hillary, no one will be nominated until the end of August at the convention.

lou   June 2nd, 2008 10:44 pm ET

You Hillary fans crack me up. I cant believe that you are foolishly pandering for that habitual liar (Bosnia, $10M after Penn primaries,etc, etc).

And for you to cry about the DNC ruining your chances if a joke also. Even if they had given Michigan and Florida all of the votes, Hillary would have still been short of Obama by over 100 delegates.

While i applaud your enthusiam, I am very disappointed in the person that you decided to put so much hope in. I used to be a Clinton fan (Bill and Hillary), but they have shown their true colors during this primary. I hate to admit it, but my Republican friends have been right about the Clintons all along.

V, Chicago   June 2nd, 2008 10:43 pm ET

"I'll give McCain my vote becuase the DNC thinks my vote is only worth half."

Are you crazy? Did you forget that it was the Florida republicans that created this fiasco in Florida and that RNC ALSO took half the delegates from states that jumped ahead? Has spite caused you to have amnesia? How ridiculous can you folks be?

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   June 2nd, 2008 10:43 pm ET

WHO CARES WHAT THE OLD CRAZY WARMONGER THINKS.

R Cooper   June 2nd, 2008 10:43 pm ET

I can't wait to see who the West Virginian's vote for after Dicky Cheney called them in-breeders.

H. Ali Tosis   June 2nd, 2008 10:42 pm ET

So McCain loves hillary eh?? Can anyone say pandering slimeball???

donna   June 2nd, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I am over 60 and came from a pure democrat family and have voted that since I was 18. I am so sick of the racist thing. Everytime something is said if it is not praise for him then it is a racist thing. But now thanks to obamas preachers and his crybaby campaign people I have to consider voting for mccain. or praise be maybe there will come forth an independant that will run and I will consider them. I do not do the blog thing but do read them and it makes me sick to read the blogs now and this kind of thing is what is changing my position on my voting democrat.

Bitter Tommy Hussein in St. Louis   June 2nd, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Leftist June 2nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

McCain is a liberal conservative.

--------------–

A liberal conservative??? I'm laughing so hard it hurts. Can you tell me what that is, exactly? Is it anything like jumbo shrimp?

The truth is, the McCain we see this summer and fall is not the same guy who used to vote against Republican bills in the Senate. He has sold out to the right wing of his party in order to win the nomination.

NoHitwomanHillaryOnVpTicket   June 2nd, 2008 10:41 pm ET

It is quite obvious that most of those who dislike Obama are motivated by hate of his race. The truth is Hillary does have more in common with McCain and maybe she should jump onto his ticket and they can get all of the white, hard working white uneducated voters.

Sandy   June 2nd, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Here is another democrat switiching to McCaine. After what the DNC has done and cheating Hillary and disrespect from the media, i am all for him. Just to make sure Obama is not voted in.I do not want an idiot for president.

Nick Wright   June 2nd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

Jack & Kate – the only thing making Barack "unelectable" is the idiocy of turncoats like you who care more about a frequently abused campaign slogan than the actual issues. Wake up!

Anonymous   June 2nd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

"I'll give McCain my vote becuase the DNC thinks my vote is only worth half."

But it is the Florida republicans that did that to you. And in case you forgot the Florida Republicans took half the votes from the delegates in the states that jumped in line too. Yeah – republicans punished those states too.

Newly Independent in Oregon   June 2nd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Can you imagine having to train your new boss?

This is what Hillary would have to do as VP to Obama.

Hillary would make a great Secretary of State.

Sandra, FL   June 2nd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

I won't bring myself to vote for Mccain. I was for Hillary but I now support Obama. Their policies are basically the same. He seems like a good man to me. Come on sisters, let's all support him!

samatha   June 2nd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

Awe! Isn't that sweet McCain praises Hillary Clinton. McCain won't have any more help fighting Obama. Now it's mono to mono. Let's rock!

Obama 08!!!!

mobspeak   June 2nd, 2008 10:38 pm ET

michael June 2nd, 2008 10:04 pm ET
I'll give McCain my vote becuase the DNC thinks my vote is only worth half.

Personally, Rethug troll, I think you are worth less.

Bill PA   June 2nd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Hillary all the way

Scott FL   June 2nd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

It is amazing how many people have no clue what they are voting for. The reason our country is in the pits is not the leaders, it is the people who choose our leaders. Take responsibility, and if you are voting solely on emotion, for the love of our country, stay home and let the people who actually understand the issues elect our leaders. Only then will our country succeed.

Democrat in major swing state   June 2nd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Why are you censoring my comments?

I would think that a journalist, especially, would
promote freedom of speech.

C-Double   June 2nd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

McCain is just sorry that he doesn't get to run against Hillary. He would much rather face her because he knows how polarizing she is. People either love her or can't stand her. She is showing her true colors as a sore loser. I am tired of the arguments about popular votes. Didn't we learn any thing from the vote in 2000? If popular votes mattered, Al Gore would have been president. The rules are the rules, and only losers ask for rule changes at the end of the game....

Alice in FL   June 2nd, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Ummm, Bearings – the word os polE, not polL (polE is what you crash into, polL is something dufus news stations take to determine that Barack is electable in November

You're so ignorant – just like all the Obamabots

Doc Sinn   June 2nd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

McCain is pathetic. Truly pathetic.

All through his campaign he's been bashing HRC and her "liberal" policies......

Then when it turns out she's not going to be the nominee he tries to gain her ignorant supporters, who are mad and threatening to jump party lines because their Queen "didnt win".

Go ahead, Hillary supporters. Follow McCain into the abyss of $5 gasoline and 100 years in Iraq and the inevitable oveturning of Roe v Wade. Stupidity becomes you.

barry   June 2nd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

i have voted democratic since 1992 but this year since I cant vote for a clinton i will be with senator mccain

David, Chicago, IL   June 2nd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

Vote Independent! Hillary in 2008!

TEXAS TRAIL DOG   June 2nd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

JOHN McCAIN PLEASE ASK HILLARY TO BE YOUR VP RUNNING MATE. YOU TWO WOULD TAKE THIS COUNTRY BY STORM. AND TALK ABOUT UNITY. OVER HALF OF THE DEMOCRAT PART WOULD JOIN AUTOMATICALLY WITH THE REPUBLICANS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THIS COUNTRY. McCAIN/CLINTON 08

Ray jay   June 2nd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW UTTERLY STUPID YOU TURNCOATS ARE JUST BECAUSE YOUR CANIDATE LOST
GOD HELP YOU AND THE STATES WITH JERKS LIKE YOU GUYS

Sarah L, Fayetteville, AR   June 2nd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

This country is ready for a woman president–just not Hillary Clinton. Why can't her supporters understand that she lost because people don't like her?

Paul C   June 2nd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

You are against Obama, plain and simple

Bill PA   June 2nd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

CNN keeps downing my veiw point.

Bill PA   June 2nd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Hillary all the way,don't drop out.

The Clear Thinking Independent   June 2nd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

Isn't this the same respectful praise that has Senator Obama has been graciously lavishing on Mrs. Clinton for the past 3 months or more?

Moreover,

1.) Hillary shares his views on the major issues
2.) Mr. Obama is hiring away her key staff as we speak and they will have influence in the Obama Campaign.

No open minded, thinking voter is going to shift from the Clinton camp to McCain. A few bitter, angry folks might ... like the kind that were protesting at the DNC rules & bylaws committee meeting on Saturday.

But it would seem Mr. Obama never had them anyway.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 2nd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

On that note John McCain, for your information Clinton would makes a far superior candidate than yourself. You are a leftover from the Bush administration and I personally don't like leftovers. It's too bad Republicans have such a poor choice in candidates in a time when the country needs to heal from all you and Bush have done. We will never elect you as our president.

Jack & Kate   June 2nd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Right on McCain. We'll vote for you if the Dems foolishly nominate an unqualified and unelectable Obama. Keep fighting Hillary, stay in through the DNC convention where you can prevail., The delegates are not really "pledged" to any one candidate They can vote for whomever they wish. Their job is to nominate the most electable candidate and that is Hillary Clinton.

Matthew from Lincoln, NE   June 2nd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

For all of you whispering about a McCain/Clinton ticket, I have one thing to say – You Have NO knowledge of politics. Seriously, people don't join forces because of someone they're both fighting (Obama). John McCain and Hillary Clinton have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in common.
To those "Clinton Supporters" who say they will vote McCain, I wonder why you'll be voting against your candidate – after all, Hillary WILL be supporting the democratic candidate, and to try to convince yourself and others otherwise is doing a disservice to the intelligence of the people reading these posts.

Bill PA   June 2nd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

Hillary has been cheated by the DNC.....bunch of bums...

McCain gets my vote in November...........................Obama sucks

Andrew from Birmingham   June 2nd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Note to the radical DNC leaders who worked to destroy Hillary since the beginning. Asking her to quit when she is behind Obama by 1%.

Consider us going to McCain the last time you will choose a nominee based on your corrupt wishes rather than the voters.

You picked your puppet and molded him nicely, but you failed to realize how deep our love is for Hillary.

We are voting McCain, and it's all your fault.

We want a moderate, not a liberal.

Elizabeth   June 2nd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

He is after the losers who to this day are thinking that the nomination has been unfairly taken away from their candidate! Namely uneducated, sore and angry old white women, thank goodness I am not one of them! And if these women will vote for him in November, they should go right ahead for they have no place in my party. If you are a democrat, you vote for a democrat no matter who is the nominee but if you are not a core democrat, you can do whatever you want to do and we real democrats don't give a rat's rare end about it. So please go right ahead. Obama will bring out as much new voters as the ones who are going to vote for McCain if not more. Losers will continue to be losers no matter what. And to CNN... If you won't publish this, I will be 100% sure that you are what people say you are that is Clinton News Network (CNN)

paul, nyc ny   June 2nd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Thank you, Mr McCain, for showing the true change in a politician and the race. By just showing your respect for Hillary, the person I support, you have shown that you can see the true person and acknowledge her. It would be amazing for you to ask her to be your running mate. Nothing has ever been written that you can't do it and histroy is rife with 2 parties tickets.

HeIsOlderThanDirt   June 2nd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

...got a 15 year old son...if this fossil gets in, him and Joe Lieberman will reinstate the draft and send the current young generation off to fight the Iranians.....big price to pay for being a bunch of sore losers.....

JAMES IN AL   June 2nd, 2008 10:28 pm ET

MCCAIN KNOWS ALOT OF US CLINTON SUPPORTERS ARE LOOKING AT HIM FOR NOVEMBER. AND HE IS DOING WHAT HE NEEDS TO, TO MAKE SURE WE KNOW HE IS ALOT CLOSER TO US THAN OBAMA IS. AND HE MAY WIN ENOUGH OF US TO MAKE IT A LANDSLIDE IN NOVEMBER. I STILL HAVE NOT MADE MY MIND UP WEATHER ILL WRITE IN CLINTON BECAUSE I JUST DONT SEE MYSELF VOTING FOR A REPUBLICAN. BUT I DONT SEE MYSELF VOTING FOR OBAMA EITHER. BUT PLAIN AND SIMPLE................... NO-BAMA FOR ME IN 08' !!!!!!

Nick   June 2nd, 2008 10:28 pm ET

McCain and his advisors are smart. They know that there's a demographic of Hillary supporters that feel cheated from the DNC Rules outcome. With a little nudge, they might be persuaded to vote for him, knowing that these voters care little for issues - they'll just vote out of spite and vengeance.

Looking for McCain's Bearings   June 2nd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

:D

McCain, I'll still looking for your bearings. Should I look under that telephone poll you crashed into while taking one of your naval flights? :D :D

Army Vet from the 60's   June 2nd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

McCain will make it alright and since HIllary has been kicked to the curb by DNC and Obama supporter unfair practices, he gets my vote.

Luis villa   June 2nd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

McCain, make sure you are taking your psychotropic medication from your being a hero you said.
Definitely.... I don't want any person with psycho problems taking over the white house, that RED BUTTON is very close to his fingers. You all MORONS, think about it.

king from toronto   June 2nd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

wow!!lolllll i would not want to be lol ''smithtown jim right now loll

Army Vet from the 60's   June 2nd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

I don't trust the country to Obama. I trust McCain way more. Hillary was cheated the last time for me with the Michigan and Florida phony methods. McCain gets my vote.

Andrew from Birmingham   June 2nd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Mr. McCain.

You were my senator when I was in Arizona, you earned my respect then, and you continue to have it now.

These Obama supporters have been disrespectful to you and Hillary, saying the most vile things.

We Hillary supporters support you regardless of whether Hillary chooses to or not.

Such a travesty the Democratic party has become.

Still hoping Hillary runs as an independent, but if not.

The Mighty McCain '08

The Obama people call Hillary a Republican anyway, so why are they mad we are leaving the party?

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   June 2nd, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Of course, if McCain was running AGAINST Clinton, his tone would be a TAD different. Don't ya think?

He's basically kissing her butt and trying not to say ANYTHING that would be considered mean, as not to get the Clinton backers angry!

If Clinton were the Dem nominee, there would already be venom out.

memefor obama   June 2nd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Mccain secretly wants hillary to win-cos then he may have a chance(just maybe) at winning the white house.

madison   June 2nd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

Right.

Army Vet from the 60's   June 2nd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Dem all my life. Ist republican vote, for McCain. You don't smear my candidate all over the map disrespecting her like that and I'm talking to the DNC and Obama and his supporters. Hope you have a bad time of it dems.

Misty   June 2nd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Too Bad McCain and Republicans– You are Gonna get OBAMA!!! Our Future and President of the USA.

Cannot trash him like you all did the Clintons!!

Now you can praise Hillary and Bill as much as you want - but you will forget. Oh! did I say that you will say just like after Lieberman-Snake reminds you the diffrence between the Shia and Sunni/ Apples and Oranges– they are the same to you– Enemy.

Jody Monroe   June 2nd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Ring, Ring.

Obama: I’m calling to discuss offering you the VP position. The media’s been pushing.

Hillary: Yeah, I heard.

Obama: You know you don’t want to be my VP.

Hillary: Definitely not.

Obama: You know I don’t want you to be my VP.

Hillary: But we still have to discuss it.

Obama: Let’s don’t, and say we did.

Hillary: Good idea.

Obama: Bye.

Hillary: Bye.

Click.

Press Release: Obama and Hillary issued a joint statement saying that (policital mumble-jumble) and therefore Hillary did not wish to apply for VP.

Cheryl L. Swaim   June 2nd, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Well, if it takes $5.00 to get people to dump their gas guzzling SUVs, then so be it. You got your candidates mixxed up. Obama will not end the war in Iraq, and he'd be the first to institute the draft. McCain would never beat Hillary. I'm not so sure about Obama. He's a fake and a hypocrite.

I reject McCain, Louisville, KY   June 2nd, 2008 10:23 pm ET

All you Hillary supporters have to be stupid to buy any of this crap....just plain stupid! Hillary supporters, if you are truly a democrat, then you know better

Kenneth Woodard   June 2nd, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Mr. McCain, why should I vote for you? Will you bring peace to those who seek it? Will you create a medical system where good care can be received with reasonable cost? Will you be tough on corporate folk who don't play by the rules and scheme? Will you have an administration that brings pride to this country and not disdain?

If you promise to do this then sir you have my vote.

Thank you Mr. Mccain

Army Vet from the 60's   June 2nd, 2008 10:22 pm ET

McCain you have my vote. No HIllary, no vote for the dems for me. Dem all of my life, first time I've voted republican.
Good luck dems, you'll need it.

Jody Monroe   June 2nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Hillary, is the Vanity Fair article about Bill that "BANANA PEEL" you've been waiting for??? Watch out, don’t slip!

Leftist   June 2nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

McCain is a liberal conservative. If any of you young dumb Obama supporters understood history you would know that McCain has voted against republican bills many times. There is a reason conservative democrats will vote for McCain instead of Obama. This is why Hillary Clinton was the better canidate.

Army Vet from the 60's   June 2nd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

This is a clear indication that McCain wants the votes that she represents Mr. Kollie! Get real!
He knows she is out and Obama is in. Where do you think he wants those votes of hers to go?!
You got my vote McCain since Hillary lost the nomination due to nothing but trickery by the DNC and the press, and Obama's childish supporters. McCain can lead the country, Obama doesn't have a clue.

Ulese   June 2nd, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Roberts and Alito are fascists. We need someone like Obama to prevent the Supreme Court from becoming a Kangaroo Court.

LettuceB1   June 2nd, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Too bad McBush voted this year, against woman getting protection from wage discrimination in the work place. All woman need to get paid equally is "more experience and education." I guess he's got to pander for the womans vote some how!

s.boat   June 2nd, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Hillary Has Been Given The Nod To Get Behind Barack!

Vig   June 2nd, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Guess what folks, if Obama gets the nomination, John McCain will be the next President. If you think the people who voted for Bush in the last election are going to vote for a bull slinger like Obama, I have an oil well in my back yard for sale.

Susie   June 2nd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Instead of inspiring this young woman, Hillary Clinton's campaign has saddened me. I now realize that this country is not ready for a female leader and that we find it easier to discuss issues of race than gender. Clinton has been treated horribly and, as an educated woman, I'm ashamed of this process. Obama is not the better candidate, but he will be the nominee.

Terrence (Winston Salem, NC)   June 2nd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

Hmmm. Nuff said.

Well, I guess he should thank her since all her supporters will be voting for him.

Army Vet from the 60's   June 2nd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

You got my vote too McCain if Hillary doesn't make the nomination, which of course she won't. I won't accept her as a vice president on Obama's ticket either. She's too good to be his vice! Spare all of the Hillary people and her, the indignation!
I've been a democrat all of my life and this is the first election I will vote republican. At least McCain has character and the ability to lead a country in war time. Obama is a translucent and empty shell. Good luck democrats, you'll need it.

s.boat   June 2nd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

I Will Vote For Hillary When She Stops Wearing Pant Suits!

David in Illinois   June 2nd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Attack on one hand, praise on the other. Can this courting gesture be any more blatant? And could it be any more phoney? Democrats... especially Democratic women... don't fall for it. He doesn't stand for your interests. You might be angry and saddened at Hillary Clinton's imminent departure, but I sure hope you're ready to vote your interests, and those of your children. And John McCain isn't about your kids' future. Unless of course you want your young sons and daughters to be drafted into the military to fight his 100-year wars.

Dr.G. P. Matthews   June 2nd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

McCain is too old. He was in elementary school during WWII. This guy even said he actually can recall when Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941.

Give us someone new..not some old ,grumpy so-called hero.

Eric, Durham, NC   June 2nd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Oh poor Clinton supports....

Our candidate does not have a chance to win so we will go cry in our clinton colored Kool-Aid and vote for McCain.

You are some of the most simple minded crybabies I have ever seen.

Don't worry, I have been converting a few republicans and a few of my friends who don't vote to come out for Obama, your vote won't make that much of a difference. Have fun with John and losing in November...

I would vote for Clinton although I do not like her if BO did not get the nomination. I unlike you are not a self absorbed crybaby...

Good luck being a New Repuglicant...

chris   June 2nd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Jim you sound like a 36 year old child that doesnt know how to loose!
If you want your kids and their kids fighting in a war then vote McCain!
dont be a simple person!

Allen In North Carolina   June 2nd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I really believe that the so called democrates screaming.... I'm voting for McSame.... Have gone off your rockers?.... Have you people absolutely lost your minds?..... Please.... Tell me what happy planet you lunas have been living on so that I can live with you guys in your puple haze world..... Because this one has been hell for the last 7, plus years......

The reason this presidential campaign has been so vigorous is that we all have been suffering and doing without the basics of life, And we all want something, or somebody to hear how we people feel, Someone to make our voices heard. We have our nominee.... The ratic Party.... Yes We Can!!!!

Common Sense   June 2nd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Amy I couldn't agree more when you say "Your threats are old"

I can't believe people who supported Clinton would vote for McCain if Obama wins the nomination. That is undoubtedly elementary logic.

OHIO VOTER   June 2nd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I'm with you Smithtown Jim, you can count this Hillary supporter in your corner too, Senator McCain. I will never vote for Barack Obama after he, the DNC and the main stream media STOLE this election from Hillary Clinton.

This Election has been a joke and an insult to all American Voters.

Tony, Miami   June 2nd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

What's funny is that she will join Obama and "She will do whatever it takes to bring the party together to win and whatever is asked of her to make sure the Republicans are defeated." and her supporters will be voting McSame.

M   June 2nd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Hey people can vote for whomever they want. Just don't come crying to the rest of us when things don't change under McCain. Remember who put him there in the first place.

s.boat   June 2nd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Hillary Ran A Terrible Campaign. . . Just How She Would Run The White House!

Alan   June 2nd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Senator McCain should spend more time on focusing on the economy, healthcare, alternative fuel sources, the lowering of fuel prices and their current impact on the economy and cost of living/goods, education, than his attacks on Senator Obama. Senator McCain has spent so much time with mr bush lately, however, look at the mess mr bush has gotten us into over the past 8 years. and to you ohio, you have about the highest rate of un-employment and economic chaos in the country, so if i find that you again hand the election to a republican this time by 100,000 votes and screw this entire country for another four years, shame on you, you are as stupid of a state as i thought you were.

Andi   June 2nd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Wow...why the praise all of a sudden? It takes a snake to know a snake.

Dee   June 2nd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

SmithtownJim,

You won't be hurting anyone but yourself with your vote for McCain. Senator Obama will be alright. He won't suffer one day because you voted for McCain. Some of us already know how to make when things get rough. But you will defintely find out just how tough it is when you give Senator McCain your vote. There is always a first time for everything. So be all of our guest and vote republican.

David Goldman for OBAMA   June 2nd, 2008 10:14 pm ET

TOO BAD HE CAN'T PRAISE HIS OWN.

rural american for Clinton or McCain.   June 2nd, 2008 10:14 pm ET

McCain can give me and others a call if Hillary is not the nominee. Republicans do not have caucuses which are undemocratic like Democrats do. The Democratic Party DNC has no guts. We are selecting another nominee who will lose in the fall, just like we have for 40 years, except Carter and Clinton.

In Texas, Hillary Clinton won the primary by 200,000 votes only to lose the caucus which you had to vote in the primary to vote in the caucus. So by losing the caucus, Obama won more delegates. This system is screwed up and is selecting the weaker of the 2 candidates for a fall election. No soldier in Iraq or Afganistan has had the right to vote in a caucus. Ironic huh?

Obama will find out that the difference when all people can vote!

s.boat   June 2nd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

No Gas Tax Holiday. . . No V. P. Spot!

Otto   June 2nd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Any Dem voting for McCain in November is in fact not a Dem but Republican writing garbage.
Don't try to fool anyone with your scapegoat, we know much better.
The sad thing is that you know someone who lost a Son or Daughter in Iraq for a war that should never authorized.

You know many who lost their homes and pension and savings and should I go on with the "and's".

I would call that choice gross stupidity.

Sam   June 2nd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

What an opportunist. He's simply trying to grab Hillary's voting bloc while sliming Obama because Obama can and will destroy him.

mike   June 2nd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

So why you don't take her for #2? both! take vacation and share your experience.

Dan, TX   June 2nd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

McCain is dreaming. Clinton supporters intend to vote for Clinton and whoever she wants us to vote for. No Clinton supporter will support McCain.

Nina Dorn   June 2nd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Yes,
And, she has to withstand an old style Chicago dem. political machine.
Like, now... Bill Clinton is a target of accusation off the air.
Why for fairness you guys at CNN give the same level of coverage to another non-credible source like Sinclair vs. Obama (see Youtube).

First Vanity... puts the article, then you guys cover it, so the same with this Sinclair guy....... just to repudiate him!!!!!
(Well, your biases are obvious, I guess).

jb   June 2nd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

have fun voting for him in January, considering he told a crowd in Tennessee today that he's going to "win in January".

Norma. Franklin   June 2nd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Demo's just don't seem to get it right. Why are they backing Obama over Hillary is awful since his knowledge is lacking in politics.

David D Kollie   June 2nd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

McCain is greatly disappointed that Hillary did not win. How can an oppositional candidate keep complementing another when all is not yet over? This is a clear indication that the republican wanted Hillary so that they can win over her. Any way McCain, keep up congratulating Hillary. Hope she will congratulate you too when you return to the senate after all.

Joel   June 2nd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Jim – You're a fan of the failed policies of the last 7+ years? You know Obama and Clinton and very similar on policy issues, and she may well be Obama's VP nominee. Would you still vote McCain?

RB   June 2nd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Poor John. Still trying to run his juvenile, reverse psychology on Hillary supporters hoping they really will vote for him in Nov. News flash: You're a loser and will lose BIG in Nov. In terms you might understand "that dog don't hunt". Do you really think democrats are so simple as to not know that you have little republican cronies trying to divide the party by posting crap like SmithtownJim? You over-estimate your appeal....

OBTW, I am a republican voting for Obama because I see right through your BS. Better try something else cause I am one of millions of republicans who will never vote for you! Smoke that in your peace pipe.

hillary supporter!!   June 2nd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Yea Mcain/Hillary ticket would be monster!!! I will vote for Mcain. But a Mcain with Hillary as V.P. would be a dream!

king from toronto   June 2nd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

well if this is what it takes to win the clinton supporters.i must say, that is pretty cheap.are the clinton supporters so blind??

MCCAIN LIES   June 2nd, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Go to youtube and type in The Real McCain and see how he lies and lies and lies.

This is just an attempt to woo her voters... McCain lying yet again to try to get elected.

Jim Richmond   June 2nd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Another Democrat for McCain.

Allan   June 2nd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Will the people realize that Romney wants to burn social security to the ground !!

jason   June 2nd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

sorry, but hillary can only talk tough to rally people against obama. She will be powerless, weak, and an easy quitter when it comes to uniting the party again. She will not succeed at changing a single person's mind, when it comes to getting her supporters to vote for Obama.

and it's not the contradiction of bashing Obama all this time to suddeny being in favor of him invalidating her original claim – no, it's because those of her supporters who have decided "mccain or hillary '08" relish negative emotion, and she will lose their attention if she suddenly becomes positive. If she wants them to support Obama, she will have to turn negative towards McCain – but they are like pre-school pals, so that won't happen.

michael   June 2nd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

I'll give McCain my vote becuase the DNC thinks my vote is only worth half.

OregonianForObama   June 2nd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

And you can count on the small number of insane clintonites who, despite your policies being almost 180 degrees away from both Clinton and Obama, believe somehow that you would be a better president than someone who won't go around repealing Roe v Wade, won't go around invading every country that looks at you funny, and won't help speed along the economy's downward spiral like you will. You can count on the support of 'democrats' who aren't really democrats at all. Anyone who holds any of the Democratic Party's ideals close to their heart could never vote for a George W Bush third term, and that's exactly what a McCain presidency would be. So go ahead, John, take the measly handful of crazed voters, the coalition built against you through years of your Boss's lies, deceit, torture and hate is more than strong enough to withstand a little biting at the heels by the insignificant and dishonorable people who 'switch sides' to vote for you.

yes we can   June 2nd, 2008 10:03 pm ET

ahhhh yesss, say good things about her to get her voters , nice move.

Mike in Calgary   June 2nd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

McCain is RIGHT! Hillary has run a much better campaign than John McCain.

McCain and Hillary both skipped the "Required Reading" or the Intelligence Report and voted to initiate the War in Iraq. They both favoured a short term Gas Tax Holiday that might save motorist $27.00 and would pull the rug out from under the construction jobs on highway and bridge projects – all the more shocking and shortsighted in view of their promises after the I-35 Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis last August. More "mere words" from John McCain and Hillary.

I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF McCAIN PICKED HILLARY FOR VP AS HIS RUNNING MATE! CAN YOU IMAGINE THE NEXT WAR THEY WOULD AUTHORIZE TO SQUANDER THOSE HEALTH CARE DOLLARS ON!

Mike

Toot   June 2nd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

McCain will win over many of Senator Clinton's supporters because we know that Obama will only damage the US further and there are still skeletons in his closet!!

Sharon Minnesota   June 2nd, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I'm right there too John. After 30+ years of voting Democratic, I'm going to vote for John McCain in 2008, November. I'd love to see McCain ask Hillary to join his ticket. He would have the whole thing sewn up the day after that announcement was made.

Either way, no Obama for this older white lady.

Democrat Regardless!   June 2nd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

I see and understand what McCain is trying to do here, he knows who his opponent is there is little doubt Obama will be fighting for the presidency in November. A nice little voting block for McCain to win would be the disenfranchised Hillary supporters who are so angry their #1 choice was brushed off that they will exact their revenge by voting against the party.

However he must be careful to prevent himself becoming anti-Obama and stick to anti-Democrat. By praising Hillary but attacking Obama he runs the risk of being branded a racist.

The Hillary supporters need to know that the differences between her and Obama are there yes but they are NOTHING compared to the differences between her and McCain.

rachel   June 2nd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

CNN POST Go McCain go after us hillary supporters who no longer have a home in the democratic party we have been called ignorant racist, and uneducated by our own party leaders our voices don't matter and Obama surrogates and supporters say to heck with us they don't need us . I will look more into your policies. I may cast my vote for a republican for the first time. (and no this is no operation caos) as over confidante Obama supporters like to suggest.)

W.H. Thomas   June 2nd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

So..... Hope you like paying $5.00 worth of gas in 09...And please spit in my face again Mr. Smithtown Jim. I am a Police Officer who also served 2 tours in Iraq as an activce duty Marine and one in Afghanistan as a Reservist. I can tell you there are a lot of servicemen really happy about you keeping our troops there just because you are mad Hillary didnt win. Get over it.

Anna   June 2nd, 2008 10:00 pm ET

I would never vote for John McCain.

John McCain's trying to pander to us Clinton supporters but I will not allow him to run a 3rd Bush term.

He's going to take away my right to choose... I don't think so. Once other women find out that McCain's going to take away our right to choose, no one will vote for McSame. McCain has gotten so many things wrong, including his continued persistence with wars.

I'm voting for Obama all the way. We need a democrat to win in 2008.

John   June 2nd, 2008 9:59 pm ET

YOu are an idiot my friend. vote for issues. If you vote for McBush, you should go to Iraq! Don't send my kid and i like hillary too but have a brain

Tamara   June 2nd, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Democratic Party watch out!!!!! As a Hillary supporter and a democrat all my life I am so upset with the way Hillary has been treated that I am waying my options. McCain is not your typical Republican and there is plenty of footage showing him standing with us on many issues. Do not think that the party will come together this time, this is a different day and time. Hillary should be President and if not President then Vice President. Think hard or she might just end up on McCains ticket. Obama has shown me nothing in the election and if he really want to make a stand PUT HER ON THE TICKET.

John Oni   June 2nd, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Mr SmithtownJim,

Vote for issues, not for colour, if voting for Mccain gives your conscience a clean slate, go for it, but if you are leaving your party to vote for the republican, because your candidate or colour didn't win, take a look at the mirror , are you still proud of yourself?probably not!!!

kj   June 2nd, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Thanks John, and since the Dem. party has seen fit to reallocate delegates from votes cast in Michigan for Hillary Clinton to a Chicago back room jerk politician , you'll be getting my very first republican vote.

Race is not the issue–honesty and integrity are Obama has neither.

NickNas   June 2nd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

LOL now he is pandering to the Hillabots. In Reality I will wager that less than 30,000 of the tantrum kiddies will actually vote for McSame. Don't forget..these are the same VOCAL but extremely CHEAP supporters who whined so much but did little el$e to help her.

David   June 2nd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Seantor McCain,
Obama too has inspired generations of Americans, blacks, mixed races and the whole youth that anything including running for the hiest office is possible. I used to think that you were a mavrik senator. This is nothing but a cheap shot. I wonder if you sleep at night these days without blaming senator Obama.
Geez

Carol   June 2nd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

SmithtownJim you are falling for McCain's ploy hook line and sinker if you did that. Please don't. No matter how you feel about Barrack Obama personally, even as a die hard Hilary supporter I have to say that a Democrat,ANY DEMOCRAT is better than the continuation of Bush's policies for FOUR MORE YEARS!!!!

That said if Hilary isn't Obama's VP I sincerely hope she'll serve in his cabinet and be in charge of healthcare or something of that nature. And I think it will happen.

Jim from Florida   June 2nd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

You are right! You have been a democrat because you are and you were a follower, not by conviction. So, I would strongly advice you to go back and think twice. We cannot allow another republican to sit in the oval office and continue with the bad politic they have been doing for eight years.

FLORIDA   June 2nd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Go back to the hole you crawled from, Smith. Democrats don't need vermin like you at the November contest.

JC   June 2nd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Good job! Senator McCain!
You can work across the aisle with not only the Clintons but also Ted Kennedy and Joe Lieberman.
We need to work together to reshape our nation.

Dan   June 2nd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Of course he likes her because with her gone, there won't be any distractions.

Amy, PR   June 2nd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Your threats are old and seem to be as old as you. If you want your grandchildren and great grandchildren to die in Iraq then you will vote for McCain

No McSame   June 2nd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

McSame you don't have to suck up to the Billary supporters they have already prostituted themselves to you.
I am glad that you don't have anything good to say about Obama because that would worry me. I want him to be as far down the road from you as he can you war monger. We will see to it that you get to spend time in your rocking chair with your corn pipe in you mouth like most old geezers do at your age.
Obama08 without Billary

Florida not for Barack Obama - Ever   June 2nd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

AND MANY MORE ESPECIALLY FROM ORLANDO FLORIDA A/K/A I-4!

Luke   June 2nd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

Haha....McCain your an OK guy, too bad about your never ending the Iraq war.
He can be in the NEW cabinet though.

Eddie G   June 2nd, 2008 9:55 pm ET

GIVE ME A BREAK. That old fart is just disappointed that he doesn't get to trounce her in November. He has more dirt on her than she has on him....

Go away Hillary. Go away McCain. Time for CHANGE!

Zagazaw   June 2nd, 2008 9:54 pm ET

He want her supporters

ErinOK   June 2nd, 2008 9:54 pm ET

SmithtownJim, That is the dumbest thing I have read in the last hour (and that says a lot). You've never voted Republican, but you'll do it for McCain? Complete ignorance. Why didn't you vote for Bush since you love his policies so much?

YES WE CAN   June 2nd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

McCain knows that he can beat Hillary. He makes me sick.

Barack Obma will be the next President of the United States. He will be one of our greatest President's of all times.

McCain hasn't got a clue about the Economy, Health Care, Jobs, Gas Prices, Housing, the War. Joe Lieberman has to travel around telling him what to say when he gets it wrong.

No to Hillary on the VP. Bill Clinton is a disaster. She can't be trusted.
Hillary has the highest percentage of 58% of the people don't trust her and believe she is dishonest. Hillary will destroy the Democratic Party. It is all about her EGO and the lust for POWER.

YES WE CAN – WHEN WE UNITE.

Realist   June 2nd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

Thats the whole idea "SmithtownJim" he wants people who are basing their vote on emotion rather than on sensible decision making to swing his way.

Vote for the war in iraq, the tax cut on gas this summer, keeping the GI bill as is etc. etc. rather than voting real self interest. People are making this too much about the persons and less about the proposed policies. This, of course, favors McCain.

In the end, who ever Americans vote for is who the American people deserve.

darrell   June 2nd, 2008 9:53 pm ET

smithtown jim..so I guess that you want 4 more years of Bush Policy? 4 more years of the Iraq mess? 4 more years of a flailing economy? Don't cut off your nose to spite your face, it really isn't worth it. Better yet, give me 5 good reasons to vote for McCain. Tell me what he stands for that you agree with? What are your arguments for choosing McCain over Obama that have only to do with where they stand on policy and issues? Last time I looked, Clinton and Obama were pretty much on the same page on every issue. You being a Clinton supporter, I would think that the values Obama holds would be more in line with your beliefs..

steveda - poconos   June 2nd, 2008 9:52 pm ET

Lifelong dem huh Smithtown Jim? You wold perpetuate the ridiculous and harmful policies of the Bush Administration to make some petty point about what?

Well bud, your children will pay for that choice with their taxes as they ae charged with the deficit McCain will continue to run, and they will pay for the Republicans war for profit (profit for te rich that is) with their blood. the shame is that with the Supreme Court justice McCain will appoint your children will probably lose much of their free speech rigthts so they wont even be able to complain publicly.

Frankly, I don't carfe what you do. You don't have to explain it to me, and i don't want to hear it anyway. It's your children and grandchildren you will owe that explanation to. Have fun with your petty little snit. Just remember who you are really punishing.

Joe   June 2nd, 2008 9:50 pm ET

He wants her to win because he knows that he doesn't have a chance against Obama. It wouldn't make sense for him to praise her campaign if he considered her a serious threat. The more he can help to try and get her to win the nomination, the less likely it will be that he has to run against Obama in November.

Freddie, La   June 2nd, 2008 9:50 pm ET

And again that is sad to know that people are so sore about the primary race that they would rather have another 4 to 8 yrs of Bush/McCain policy that they completely over look the stark difference between Dems and Republicans. I am an Obama supporter but if for whatever the reason HRC gets to be the nominee I will support her for the good of the country...

Alexander   June 2nd, 2008 9:49 pm ET

Now I call that typical republican pander, when they need you ,they praise you but if they don't need you than you are a bunch of inbreeds from West Virginia.

Ian, Maryland   June 2nd, 2008 9:49 pm ET

Well Smithtown Jim, you're showing your strong Democratic roots by voting for a third Bush turn. Way to sell your values out because you're bitter because your candidate didn't win the nomination. I'll see you when the bombs start falling.

BC   June 2nd, 2008 9:48 pm ET

MaCain + Clinton'08!

Franky   June 2nd, 2008 9:48 pm ET

"Senator McCain, count one of Hillary's supporters in your corner!

McCain '08, and that's from a man who has NEVER voted 'Republican' in his life!

(And who has been a Democrat for 36 years!)"

Ohhh man that was crazy guys!!! Is crazy outside guys!! Is crazy!! Ohhh and by the way, as for this supporter of Hillary, tell him that is not a matter of accepting it, is a matter of dealing wit it.........if you are fine with it, then you'll have no problems, TRUST ME! LOL!!!!! Boy, I came just in time, huh? LOL!!!

Mark   June 2nd, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Jim, you can't be serious, are your bank accounts dry, gas too expensive, like the idea of your wife or Girlfriend having the ability to choose what to do with her reproductive parts?..

or do you know anyone who has or does the above?...

If so you know well your voting democrat, if you didn't you would be voting for higher gas prices, over turning roe vs wade, and giving more of your tax dollars to the rich..

Or the more obvious answer your a republican trying to get Hillary supporter to follow you ..

Donna   June 2nd, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Of course he complimented her campaign...they basically ran the same campaign...

darrell   June 2nd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....does anyone really listen to what this guy says? His politics are so all over the map, I can't make heads or tails out of what this stands for.

USAF Staff Sergeant   June 2nd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

What a crazy old man! Haha.

The Truth   June 2nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

OK everyone the word you are looking for is PANDERING......

He is just trying to shore up the votes from Hillary supporters who are upset.....Attack Obama?...Nothing but kind words for Clinton?

Be afraid McLame......Yes Obama will defeat you.

OBAMA '08!

FOOD FOR THOUGH   June 2nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

MIND YOUR BUSINESS.

SmithtownJim   June 2nd, 2008 9:39 pm ET

Senator McCain, count one of Hillary's supporters in your corner!

McCain '08, and that's from a man who has NEVER voted 'Republican' in his life!

(And who has been a Democrat for 36 years!)

THANK YOU SENATOR McCAIN   June 2nd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS TO MRS CLINTON! SHE HAS BEEN UNFAIRLY TREATED ESPECIALLY IN THE MEDIA AND THE DNC. FOR THAT REASON, YOU HAVE MY VOTE. THANKS TO YOUR SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY

kady   June 2nd, 2008 9:36 pm ET

What a slimeball. He knows she's toast and wants to make himself look good to woman by touting her. I don't think thats what he would have said if she was winning the primaries.

Your true colors will be outed once Obama gets going on you, Johnnie!

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