June 11, 2008
Posted: 12:35 PM ET

From
John McCain said Wednesday that he'll win the state of Pennsylvania in November
John McCain said Wednesday that he'll win the state of Pennsylvania in November

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. John McCain on Wednesday blasted presidential rival Sen. Barack Obama’s controversial statement in April about “bitter” Pennsylvania voters.

In a town hall meeting in Philadelphia, McCain said he doesn’t agree that voters in the state “cling to their religion and the Constitution because they are bitter. I am going to tell them that they have faith and they have trust and support the Constitution of the United States because they have optimism and hope and that is the strength of America.”

McCain was referring to remarks Obama made before the state’s April 22 primary that decades of lost jobs and unfulfilled promises from Washington have left some Pennsylvanians "bitter" and clinging "to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

WATCH more on the 'bitter' controversy.

Democratic rival Sen. Hillary Clinton used Obama’s words to attack him as out of touch with Pennsylvanians. Obama later said that the remarks were badly phrased, but accurate.

McCain made it clear that he will “compete and win” and even “carry this state” in the general election – a state that has voted for the Democratic candidate in the last two presidential elections.

“I will carry this state and I will be the next president of the United States.”

Full Story

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • Pennsylvania


Informed voter from florida   June 11th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

The only "bitter" person they need to be talking about is Michelle Obama and the factn that she hates "whitey".

Jerry in Boston   June 11th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

CNN moderators, you are a disgrace.

You deleiberately censor vigorous criticism of Obama and only post those kind of comments when the authors complain about you not posting their comments, in a transparent attempt to make them look foolish.

You disgust me.

Dickson   June 11th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

That is non issue, Americans are far more inteligent than falling for that crap,………… Macsame,!!!!! the real issues will determine this election, period.

Heather   June 11th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

First he's nattering about Jimmy Carter and now he's talking about stuff that happened months ago. *shakes head* Give us something new, McSame.

Brian, NJ   June 11th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Olivia,

Powers that be did not shut Hillary down, she LOST to a Senator in his first term. She BLEW it. She runs a schitzofrenic campaign that's millions in debt and THAT's who you want as President.

Is it worth another soldier's life to get Hillary in 2012?

You won't get Hillary in 2012 anyway because if he loses, we will enact retribution in 2012 to make sure she loses. You support Obama now and we'll support her in 2016.

Karen   June 11th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Don't give HIllary too much credit. Hillary was just using the same old politics.

Ron L   June 11th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Interesting he can remember that, but he can't remember what HE said just 3 days ago….

YOU JUST GOTTA LAUGH..

OLIVIA and all you other Hillary supporters… SHE LOSS!!!
IF she was a good as you claim, how did she BLOW a 20 to 30% lead in ALL the major polls, and a $30 million dollar campaign fund advantage.
AND PLEASE DON'T BLAME THE MEDIA!!
FACE IT…she is a very smart woman but she has quite a few personality qualities people (male and female) REALLY can't stand…

YOU NEED TO TURN THE PAGE….this chapter is OVER.

RRO   June 11th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

All of you blaming Hillary for this are unbelieveable. Obama said that, the Republicans would have used it weither Hillary used it or not. Let the guy take responsability for his own comments.

Weither he likes it or not he is going to need those rural vote if he is going to "change the electoral map". That comment sure seemed like the "politics of division". It was no ones fault but Obama's, you jump up and down on Hillary for any gaff she makes, well Obama did it to. Until Obama can move past this it will keep comming back.

Democrats…maybe 08′

George   June 11th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Sen. McCain has lost in his own mind somewhere out there on the campaign trail. This guy doen't know what kind of campaign he wants to run. The first part of the day he want to run a clean campaign focused on the issuses and if he misses that mid day nap he want to play dirty.

He reminds me of that old uncle that wants to keep telling you the same story over and over and over again like it was the first time he told it to you. Then he sits there wondering why you're not interested.

I think he just happy to have someone listen to him talk.

Hillary fanatics, why is it so hard to face reality? If you want to vote for Sen. McCain that is your right as an American citizen. The question you need to ask yourself is do you want Sen. McCain to be the one nominating the justices for the 3 or 4 Supreme Court seat that will be coming up within the next 4 year? If you are happy with that and the war vote in Sen. McCain.

58 yr old white guy   June 11th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

McCain voted against Martin Luther King JR's birthday as a recognized holiday. This guy is a creep. He would never see my vote.

MAC IS WACK!!!!!!!!!!   June 11th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

McCain is desperate to get our attention off of the economy and the war so he's resorting to this shameful tactic. He has voted against everything we, Barack and Hillary stand for. He does not support our troops. He votes against them. He supports the war though which has killed our economy. He votes against women and people of color and homosexuals and wildlife and forests and farmland.

Anyone Dem who would vote vote him is no Dem

George   June 11th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

so what ? no matter we are bitter or not , we will vote for Obama. Even if he says bitter we will get universal healthcare. Mccain thinks that he cares about us. He cares about drug companies. we knwo rupublicans very well.

Reality Check Richmond Virginia   June 11th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…………………

Natalie   June 11th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Wow! This from the man who wants to run a civilized campaign based only on the issues huh? McCain is a liar, hypocrite, warmonger, elitist, and flip-flopper! I hope the US is smart enough to vote for Obama in Nov.

Obama/Clinton '08

Phil in KC   June 11th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I'm surprised we had as many good candidates this year as we did. It's a wonder anyone would want to go through the scrutiny and nit-picking that has been the hallmark of this campaign.
And to Hillary - thanks for the negative campaigning. It showed the Republicans exactly where they need to focus.

Norb   June 11th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

McCain could have replaced Billy Bob as the lead in Sling Blade.

ANTIPATHY WAS THE KEY WORD   June 11th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Highlight the ANTIPATHY part.

The media conveniently forgot to quote that part IN ALL their analysis.

So Obama was able to lie and twist it around to say I did not mean turning to God or Guns was a bad thing. I meant that people turn to their traditions and faith.

Yeah… what tradition of antipathy would he be refering to?
THE ONLY HATERS OUT HEAR ARE THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS.

Well the second part of the sentence was turning to ANTIPATHY for other Americans.

WE ARE NOT ALL AS STUPID AS THE BLINDLY LOYAL OBAMA SHEEP.

Mike in Calgary   June 11th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Hillary for VP - but for which Party?

Mike

aware   June 11th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

McCain 08 the only wise choice. :)

Our troops will come home when and how it is prudent to bring them home. If you want failure and multiplied carnage in Iraq, just pull them out per Obama's schedule. As for the economy, if you want to see a stock market crash, vote for Obama. If you want extreme left-wing judges, vote for Obama.

Obama is a far-left wing elitist, and I totally agree with Senator Lieberman's response when asked if Obama was a Marxist. This is a good queation, and there is more evidence to support it than not.

However, the extreme Left-wing Democrats would not see Marxism as a negative. I learned this in an American University! :)

Patricia in Las Vegas   June 11th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I am bitter that we have to endure this man!!!
Does not make me an elitist … I'm a hard working, white, over 50 woman who is voting for Obama!!!! Can not wait for that breath of fresh air come January 2009!!!!

Sam Houston, GA   June 11th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

There are MANY reasons McCain was defeated in 2000 by the worst President in this country's history. Do some research.

whatever   June 11th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Excuse me Olivia, but obviously you've only been following your candidate Hillary. If you were following Obama you would've realized that he's used the same rhetoric since he began his campaign. Hillary stole ideas from him and she didn't even have a withdrawal plan until late in January at one of the debates when she realized Obama had one already proposed. She changed her slogan I don't know how many times and she didn't find her voice until late in the campaign. She copied off of many of Obama's proposals and I followed both campaigns. So get with the program and do some real research.

aware   June 11th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

McCain 08 the only wise choice. :)

Our troops will come home when and how it is prudent to bring them home. If you want failure and multiplied carnage in Iraq, just pull them out per Obama's schedule. As for the economy, if you want to see a stock market crash, vote for Obama. If you want extreme left-wing judges, vote for Obama. :(

Obama is a far-left wing elitist, and I toally agree with Senator Lieberman's response when asked if Obama was a Marxist. This is a good queation, and there is more evidence to support it than not.

However, the extreme Left-wing Democrats would not see Marxism as a negative. I learned this in an American University! :(

Ron   June 11th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

To UrbanTexan (among others):
Are you seriously dumb enough to think that the Republicans wouldn't have thought of these avenues to attack Obama unless Clinton brought them to their attention?
All that information was in the public domain.

Ted (NC)   June 11th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Obama doesn't care about all Americans… just enough Americans to get him to the White House.

Alice in Florida   June 11th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Poor crybaby Obama - he doesn't like it when his OWN chickens come home to roost. LOL! This is gonna be fun - I can't WAIT for the debates. Oblahblah is gonna get creamed, just like he did with Hillary. What will he do then? Refuse to have another one because he's "too busy?" Oh, that's right, he did do that before…….and the media didn't make a big deal out of it. Too funny! Too "busy" to debate or go to town hall meetings, but not too busy to reply to emails from ditzy starlets, or go on vacation, or bowl, or ride a bike, or play basketball, or have closed-door meetings with religious people.

What a clown! I can't wait to say "Bye Bye Bam Bam" in November.

Will in Richmond, VA   June 11th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Looks like this old war hawk is out of ammunition.

You'll have to do better. And a lot of people are bitter about a great many things. Getting desperate too. But not as desperate as you seem to be, McCheater.

Dee   June 11th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Delusional my friend, if you think that people care. been there done that. People already heard that before. Maybe if you losyt your job can't afford your house or car and cutting corners when it comes to nutrition, maybe your lame behind will be bitter too. Come up with solutions or just shut up.

Linda   June 11th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

It didn't work before and won't work now. But the old guy is doing the best he can. Sad, sad, sad.

Steve   June 11th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Hillary didn't invent those phrases and proposals. Politicians have been promising them for decades. McCain just recently started adopting them when the Republicans figured out no one wants a country run by knee-jerk religious panderers.

Mr. McCain, before YOU a fat cat Republican start calling Obama an elitist, go look up the word "backfire".

Verna   June 11th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

DREAM ON MCSANE! DREAM ON!

@everyamericans   June 11th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

who is bitter?

John McBush is NOT A BITTER VOTER, because he is married to a STEPFORD WIFE billionairess!

I AM BITTER, AND I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR 4 MORE YEARS OF GDUBYA McBUSH!!!!!

jim - phila.   June 11th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Reading you lib idiots makes my day fun. Keep it up

Sean Lloyds   June 11th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

What a scum bag !!

Tony From Michigan   June 11th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Please….. McIforgot can't remember what he said 5 minutes ago. Oh, by the way he forgot his flag pin!!!

karen   June 11th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

McBush had better watch what he says. There is sooooo much the Obama camp can use and so far they are being very "gentlemanly" about what they say. McBush and the great "Keating 5″!!! How McBush divorced his first wife and how he lives off his second wife!! Not to mention he collecting 100% disability from the Navy. How can he be healthy enough to be President if he is getting $58,000 100% disability? Any more questions about McBush trying to use dirty tackticks against Obama?

Michael   June 11th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

To Woman for Barack:

You really want to compare Obama's past to McCain's. Perhaps incredible bravery, loyalty and love of country don't automatically qualify someone to be President. But it matches up pretty well with a term in the Illinois Senate, don't you think? Or do you think at all?

Cincinnati girl   June 11th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Hey John, have you heard that Obama is black? Just wanted to make sure you were up on the latest news.

Rhoda   June 11th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Get over Hillary, its Obama vs. McCain. It is so obvious where you McCain lovers are from and what your upbringing is!!! Vote for him if you want and boy you thought Bush was bad!!!

Change is something that every American breathing is afraid to do. Let's start making a change and stop the foolishness!!

OBAMA 08

Ohio voter   June 11th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Despite what people think about how he said it, Obama was right, people ARE bitter. I'm a bitter voter holding on to whatever freedoms the Bushies & GOP have left us! McSame promises to take even more of those freedoms away if he gets to appoint some Supreme Court justices.

McSame is Bob Dole all over again. No new ideas, just the same old backwards, Cold War, voodoo economics mentality. The GOP sent out a loser and Republican voters are falling for it again. Just like Bob Dole, the GOP has given McCain absolutely no chance to win in a Democratic-leaning election year. They don't want to spoil the future chances of a better candidate, so they just shoved out the guy they couldn't stand eight years ago to fail miserably. The sad thing is that McCain probably doesn't even see it. Obviously, since he has no new ideas and an outdated view of the world. Guess what, Johnny-boy, the Cold War has been over for 20 years and trickle-down doesn't work–get it now?

Time to put an end to cranky old man politics: "Grr. Get off my lawn you darn kids! And 1000 more years in Iraq, or Iran, or wherever the heck we are!"

Felly   June 11th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Mcbush is too old to be our president. He is pandering to the old Washinton politics while Americans want a change and leadership we can believe in from Obama. McSame is a loser!

Sheila   June 11th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Game over Mclame

Raz   June 11th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

McBush has 2 faces, I don't like them.

Obama 08-12

Jordan   June 11th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

“I will carry this state and I will be the next president of the United States.”

I certainly hope not. Not much can scare me anymore, but thinking of McCain as president petrifies me.

Former Republican   June 11th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Here’s the thing, Obama is right! Lets not pretend he is not. I respect him for having the guts to say it out loud. We as Americans need to start by telling the truth out loud. McBush knows this to but will not say it because he is trying to get the vote.

Ron Paul   June 11th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

put my comments, you put dumb racist and profanity on here!

No McLame

Obama is perfect   June 11th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

NOTHING touches the great Obama.

He will change his position to a brand new spin.

The Media will give him time to speechify and change his position and words.

Then the media will never point out the contradictions, the obvious earlier/later lie (depending on which position was the true one) or dare call the contradiction and back-peddling what it is. They will spin the lies into the greatest speech in history. And then they will move on at the Obama's request.

Wow… and they think ALL of us are sheep and incapable of seeing the posturing?

Arizona   June 11th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Dirty politics!. Backfire right in his face. Senator McCain for Napal president not the United States.

Michael   June 11th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

He should keep talking about it. That comment says all that anyone needs to know about the Obamas, including his affirmative action wife, who have "suffered" so much.

Susan/PA   June 11th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

This was SO over-blown by Hillary Clinton during the Pa primary.
It actually became laughable.
If McCain thinks it will resonate with Pennsylvanians…think again…………..Obama is ahead in the polls there………and will stay ahead.

I think McCain should just stick to "vetoing BEER" McGaff at his best

Bill   June 11th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Hillary Clinton was able to twist those remarks about "bitter", and get a few miles out of them. John McCain, being a republican probably didn't understand what Barack Obama meant. He certainly doesn't know anything about the average working stiff who has lost a job to unfair trade. McCain is just another supporter of those who benefit from our jobs going overseas.

mollygonz   June 11th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Whatever McSame…we all know you have nothing on Obama so you have to bring up this old stuff. You are just trying to draw attention away from the daily gaffes that you have been making. You just made that statement that "it's not important" when the troops come home..you are unbelievable.

LIAR LIAR LIar   June 11th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

It didn't Hillary and her legion of supporters, do you really believe it's going to work for McCain??? So much for clean politics.
That and the fact that Obama is right in saying that!

OBAMA/Richardson 08

Ron Paul   June 11th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Game over McLame!

Ryan in MO   June 11th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Mr. McCain, this is old news, and it only makes you look more and more like an ignorant fool.

An old woman   June 11th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

If McCain really wants to resurrect anything, how about Keating 5, his divorce, and don't forget marriage 1 month later, or how about remarks he made in the Hanoi Hilton about the USA, how about sending soldiers to die on lie, enough yet? Wake up, America, we cannot affoed the old fart.

Debbi   June 11th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

John Mccain,

I will tell you this. I AM bitter. I am bitter that jobs are going over seas, I am bitter about this crazy war, I am bitter that everything has gone up except my paycheck and I am BITTER that you are running on values when you sir, have none.

I can't believe a man (McCain), who while married to his first wife, had an affair, with a woman (his now wife) who didn't care about what this affair would do to McCain's wife or children.

kayla   June 11th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

mcsame, you do not have a chance. dream on " my friend"

james   June 11th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

We have heard this foolish before,but we didn't elect the person. Now you are going dowwwwwwwwwwwwwwn too!

NORA, FLORIDA   June 11th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

I realize that the truth hurts but people are bitter about this economy. And the only other thing that they are bitter about is the fact that HRC did not win the nomination but I am a true DEM not a wanna be DEM.

Go DEMS and GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Army Wife   June 11th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

——-mr.mcBush,

————–as if u already didnt know, YES we are BITTER.

———————u just said today " Bringing the troops back home is NOT important", and that makes me BITTER.

===========go home mcBush, go home…u r not wanted here.

Agnostic Democrat   June 11th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Is this old tactic all that McSham has to "cling" to? Everytime he opens his mouth these days he shows less and less understanding of any pertinent topic. I guess when the going gets tough and bit of scrutiny is applied, the weak and infirm attack because he and his operatives really has nothing else to offer but the same old trash of politics in the past. McCain, we are so over your kind. Get with it, old man, this isn't the Dark Ages.

Proud1of 26% in WV   June 11th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

It didn't help Clinton it won't help McCain.

Photon Torpedo Dallas, TX   June 11th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Yawn.

I find the "Scarlett: Obama Email" article more interesting.

Yes We Can & Yes We Will
Obama/Johansson 08′

LOVING OBAMA   June 11th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

LIKE HELL HE WILL WIN
DON'T BET ON IT MCSAIN YOU WILL LOOSE

Sam Houston, GA   June 11th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Oh - I'd rather see HRC on Supreme Court - my daughters would be given choices in their future.

McShame wants to take away ALL of women's rights !!!!

R.I.F.   June 11th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Lost in the whole Bitter-gate whirlwind was the fact that what Obama was saying was that because politicans come in and make promises to improve their economic conditions, but rarely do, so voters cast their votes based on other issues , "wedge" issues. Look at 2004. Perfect example. Bush was already horrible as a president at the time but evangelicals and rural voters came out in droves to re-elect him because they thought that Kerry would inforce stronger gun laws and legaiize gay marriage.

It's a very true statement, but one that's hard to present to the public as a whole because, just like what has happened, people spin it and turn it out to be like you are saying something bad or untrue.

Uncle Sam   June 11th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

I must take exception. Senator Obama was not present when he made those demeaning comments about small town America.

j kothary, Blaine, WA   June 11th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

women every where should watch this anti-woman male c. P…..

what are his hidden agendas ?? Supreme court appointments for
one ?

he will set woman's lib movement 50 years back !!

arun   June 11th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

And there goes civil discourse on issues out of the window. Good one McCain, now how about those 100 years in Iraq ?

ProundToBeADemocrat   June 11th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

This old man does not have any thing to offer to the American people instead he is trying to talk about the things that do little to improve the life of the poor people who are suffering because of the stupid republican policy that Mccain is supporting. He is running politics of the 30′ to 70's he does not know we are in 2008.

Frantz (Atlanta)   June 11th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

McCain is pathetic!

The Republicans simply cannot win on the issues.

Obama '08!

Michele Bishop   June 11th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Surprise suprise, politics in action. He revives a little misquoted soundbite. And two sentences later says "this election is not about soundbites". My blood started boiling and I tuned to another station.

Hey John, wanna talk about hypocrisy in those sound bites???

McScary   June 11th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I think the picture of the crowd says it best. They plant a couple of young kids behind him, and the kids are totally checked out. This guy has nothing relevant to say.

Djools from the Netherlands   June 11th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

My friends I will veto every single beer.

FactCheck   June 11th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

McCain supporter: " How do we beat the (euphemism for female dog)"
(referring to HRC).
McCain: "That's an excellent question"

Wow!

YINKA LAWAL   June 11th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

This man is crazy, did anyone know how he treated his 1st wife because she was involved in accident. He don't even know how to use a computer, and he have know respect for the young life dying in irag. Presidency is for fresh ideas, not for old man that is ready to do the old things.

PWB   June 11th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I am a loyal democratic voter who is supporting Obama. However, I am over 70 years old. I find it offensive for my fellow democrats to belittle McSame over his age. You can complain about his policies if you want, but when you insult his age you insult me and a lot of other older voters. I fear some of them will not be inclined to brush off the retoric and will vote for McSame out of spite.

Obama 08

Damian Salter   June 11th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Look it's the 'Clean McCain Campaign'. LOL!
At least Obama's digs are about the issues…

McCain and the 100 year war!
McCain not thinking it's important to bring the soldiers home!
McCain not knowing the difference between Suni and Shia!
McCain not supporting the GI bill!
McCain supporting tax cuts for the wealthy!
McCain against universal healthcare!
McCain flip-flopping on his public campaign financing!
McCain thinking the same failed 40 year old international policies will somehow work if he does them!

McCain = InSane

And of course lastly, but I'm sure not finally…
McCain going against his promise to run a clean campaign!

TAllis   June 11th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

LISTEN PEOPLE,STOP THE FIGHT BETWEEN DEMOCRATE AND REPUBLICAN.WHAT IS SENATOR MC CAIN OFFEREING.BESIDE TO TRY TO BLAST OBAMA OVER BITTER STATEMENT.WHAT IS HE GOING TO DO TO CHANGE THE ECONOMY AROUND,BRING OUR TROUP HOME,STOP SENDING OUR $$$$$$$$ TO IRAQ.
DO YOU REALLY BELEIVE HE WILL DO SOMETHING TO HELP THE PEOPLE WITH THE HEALTH CARE,EDUCATION ETC…BUT IF YOU WANT TO GO TO WAR,YOU BET,MC CAIN WILL BE READY.
THINK IT OVER.­.

Ghetto politics   June 11th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

It's such a shame that McCain feels compelled to repeat these words that Barack uttered (has since indicated he mis-spoke) instead of telling us why he feels he should be the next president. It's the exact same as the 'fear" tactics that got Bush re-elected. The bigger shame however is that many Americans buy into this instead of really understanding the impact of electing one person vs the other. Stupid, lazy Americans. Go ahead and elect McCain then continue to suffer and blame the government for your problems.

Kenneth M   June 11th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

ONE HAS TO WONDER IF IT JUST DAWNED ON MCCAIN THAT OBAMA SAID THIS. SORT OF A DELAYED REACTION.

Why try 08   June 11th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

The main difference here is:

When Obama was speaking about bitter people, however badly stated it was when ask why do they have trouble getting their votes, he was trying to say they are upset about economy and lost hope about the government helping, so they vote for issues they have control over.

When John McCain said we would be in Iraq a 100 yeasr he meant it wasn't too important when they come home. He really is not concerned about bringing troops home.

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 11th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Mccain Is Being Racked Behind His Speech With His Green Backdrop! You Can Put Anything Behind Him! Its So Funny! You Can Have Fun Too If You Check Out The Colbert Web Site!

SHAME ON YOU!!!!!   June 11th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Obama or Clinton, Never McCain………I thought he wanted to focus on the issues, not on distractions? He said that…he said he wants a clean campaign free from distractions………JUST BECAUSE he is OLD and BITTER……….can't READ ,HEAR or SEE…….HE should be talking about the WAR and THE ECONOMY

Rich   June 11th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

It's fine to use this kind of attack on Obama. Just don't turn around and tell us you want to take the high road, OK? This has been hard to believe for a while. Oh, yeah, and stop referring to us as "my friends." It just makes us trust and like you less.

Think About IT   June 11th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

McCain is an old out of touch fool.

Sam Houston, GA   June 11th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Past? Let's talk about Carol McCain.

She waited, was disabled and gained a little weight.

The "war hero" came home and started dating a millionaire's daughter.

Want more? Google John McCain and read all 5 or 6 pages.

MDB   June 11th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I think I will give McCains economic plan a try. Apparently all the short sighted bloggers here don't remember that the economy was REAL, REAL, REAL good until about 2 years ago (construction was at it's highest point in US history). By the way 2 years ago would be right about the time that the Democrats with their fearless leader Betty Crocker Pelosi took control of congress. Or have we all forgotten that already???

Renee   June 11th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Some of Hillary 's supporters will not vote Mccain because we know this will go aganist EVERYTHING Hillary stands for Hillary had put her full support behind Obama and if we are true DEMOCRATICS we will not repeat NOT VOTE Mccain NO TO MCCAIN and YES TO OBAMA some of us Hillary's supporters are true DEMOCRATICS .

Michael Lorton Virginia   June 11th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

McCain is going to have to come up with a "different message" for the American voter. Old political rheortic is not what Americans want to hear……they ghave heard it before. If McCain is going cry over spilled milk he shuld at least try to condense it.

American Son   June 11th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

obama was right! i work with a guy from west virginia who is a rebublican and he told me that is how appalacian folks vote. not all, but a lot of them do.

he further stated that people he knows in w.va, pa, oh and ky all have been complaining for years about job loss, illegal immigration, abortion, gay rights, affirmative action and high food & gas prices.

this west virginia native said people in these states ARE bitter and cling to there guns and religion out of frustration!!!

like i said before, he is republican and said he will vote for mccain in november.

he ended by stating obama was 100% right in his statement. he agrees with obama on numerous issues and likes to hear his speeches but said he could not vote for obama because he is black.

this view came from a 30 year old white male doctor who was born and raised in chicago but moved to west virginia as a teen.

i respect his views as an individual but i cannot excuse his narrow-minedness.

obama '08

Rachel   June 11th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Obama still doesnt regret his words. I have some other ideas for the gop. Obama now trying to woo blue collar voters and women voters now is the perfect time to put a video together. Now that obama is claming that he and Hillary are bascially the same person, why not get the tape of michelle saying she doesn't know if she would vote for hillary and then ask WHY, why not get footage of Obama brushing hillary off his shoulders, why not get a video of obama arrogantly claiming hillary is likeable enough. So much coming from Obama and michelle can be used against them.

Becky   June 11th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

I'm in PA and voting for Obama. Please just stick to the issues, McCain. Why don't you enlighten us more about your plans with Iraq?

Oh, and I read a comment that said "Real Women back HRC". Um, that's totally sexist. I'm woman and a person's character is more important to me than a person's gender.

richard   June 11th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

EVERYONE LOOK UP THIS STORY ON CNN:

"What they'll do to your tax bill" posted June 11, 2008.

Summary is as follows:

McCain: The average taxpayer in every income group would see a lower tax bill, but high-income taxpayers would benefit more than everyone else.

Obama: High-income taxpayers would pay more in taxes, while everyone else's tax bill would be reduced. Those who benefit the most - in terms of reducing their taxes as a percentage of after-tax income - are in the lowest income groups.

Demo   June 11th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Desperation! .. LOL ………..

Democrats 08!!!!!!

hmmm   June 11th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

If he and his supporters are going to use "bittergate" then i think we should use the "veto beer", the "withdrawal from Iraq date not important", the "100 years in Iraq", the "Iran training Al Quaeda", etc on him. Actually this list could be longer, I just don't want to waste all my time typing every single one of his "mis speaks". Try again McCain and this time try hitting one of the issues.

Luis   June 11th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Love the lame Liberal attacks……………………………….truly lemmings for Obama….drink the Kool-Aid and walk off the cliff with him……soon

rajah kahn   June 11th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

The old man "McCain seems to be "not bitter",,,,,,but "VERY BITTER". it was Rendell who blew this bitter comment out of proportion, and not Billiary.

SaneTexan   June 11th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Oh, but you Obamaites…McCain is right. Obama bought the Democratic Party but he cannot buy the states that he will need to win in November. And yes, I AM a Democrat…not a Republican like you naive Obama supporters claim everytime someone says something negative about Obama. You are the stupid, uneducated voters if you ask me. It's always "you're a racist:, "Hillary did this…" Real Democrats who care about our nation will have the last word in November. But of course, you'll blame Hillary when Obama loses. One thing you are good at- Obama, Michelle and you supporters- the blame game.

Cici diAngelo   June 11th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Bitter people choose to be that way. We all have to face times when everything is not going our way, but that doesn't give us leave to lose our heads and think some elitist, arrogant upstart has the solution to make us un-bitter.

Michelle   June 11th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Actually, the last time Obama was in Philly, Hillary kicked his butt in a debate.

No criticism allowed   June 11th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Welcome to the Club.

The Obama is infallible and above all criticism.

ASK HRC and her supporters.

May you be treated with more fairness and less biased coverage.

The MSM drools over Obama.

And Obama is so obviously insincere and pandering for votes.

Phil Newton Murphy, Oregon   June 11th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Oh, but we are bitter, my friend.

Bitter about the GOP wreckage. The war dead. The destruction of our unions. Our land. Our social fabric.

We are bitter.

Go back to the rarified air of Arizona.

My friend.

obamacrat   June 11th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

McCain can't help but contradict himself. Immediately after making the "bitter" reference he goes on to talk about the townhall style of debates he keeps asking Obama to agree to. One of the reasons he sites for needing these townhall style debates is because he (McCain) is tired of comments being taken out of context.

Cindy in Boston   June 11th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Bittergate will not solve problems. McCain get real.

MD   June 11th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Obama supporters should really do their homework themselves regarding what McCain did or did not say (re: 100 years, not important, etc.).

I sense a valid frustration with President Bush has turned into a false hope in Obama. If there were not such bitterness towards the current president, Obama would never have been considered "presidential material". If Obama "supporters" are able to sit quietly and really analyze their candidate, they would probably not support him for any other reason than he is a democrat.

Unfortunately, blogs tend to be dominated by simpletons who scream "mcBush", "too old", "can affort another…etc.". This, in my opinion, illustrates a general lack of independent thought among the democratic electorate which resulted in the defeat of many qualified democratic candidates and the victory of an individual with no qualficaitons whatsoever.

Olivia   June 11th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Dang!!!!

Hillary must have been even a better campaigner than she got credit for.
Both Obama and McCain are using her ideas, her proposals, her expertise on the trail. Verbatim…..words and phrases…word for word.

She is the best. The powers that be shouldn't have shut her down.
Hillary 2012! We will wait.

Michelle   June 11th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

So much for a clean campaign
he is just as bad as dirty Carl Rove tactics
problem is Americans are tired of it MCSAME!!!

Obama08

interesting   June 11th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Face it Obama and your supporters, your naive and liberal views in a San francisco lobby with Pelosi and other far left wing liberal democrats is going to have you LOOSE the electoral map in Nov-08.

Obama supporters are new to this process. Remember Kerry, Gore, Dukakis and Mondale. Far left wing liberals with no ability to win the Heartland.

Welcome to your next president, McCain in 2008.

Dan   June 11th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

McCain shouldn't have opened up the can of stupid comments. In the last 3 months, he's repeated said things that show major problems for his mental awareness of the world around him.

Ronald Reagan was more mentally aware 5 years after he left office than John McCain is right now.

McCain said he will veto "every single beer" when talking to small business owners yesterday.

McCain said America has fewer troops in Iraq now compared to pre surge levels. Oops, there's 20,000 more there.

McCain said a market in Baghdad was safe when he went there, but the US military said there were 3 gun fire incidents that day and the market was considered highly dangerous.

McCain confused Shiite and Sunni (not once but twice). Both times while he traveled in the middle east and was giving speeched to foreign governments. Both times, Lieberman had to correct him. The people in attendance to the speeches were outraged. After these two speeches, immediately oil prices rose.

McCain wants war so bad that he sings Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran.

McCain used his wife's Budweiser jet to fly around the country. This is in violation of the financing rules that McCain proudly talks about..

KMAN   June 11th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

I think the past 7 + years has left a lot of bitter citizens across our great land … we have a lot to be bitter about … a constant flow of lies from this administration which McWar-Monger is so closely aligned has given us all reasons to be bitter! Yes, some folks cling to the things mentioned by Obama and there are also many others just trying to cling to sanity because of the insanity of the Bush era!

CB   June 11th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

SAD SAD SAD!

Down with Obama   June 11th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Nevada…..we are still in Japan, Germany, Korea…etc
We will be in Iraq forever…longer than you or I will be alive.

I thought they said that the Obamabots were educated????????????

tren   June 11th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Who cares? It's old news. Were are well informed. America knows that was not what Obama meant. That's the reason why the comments for this article are few.

vw   June 11th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Senator Clinton won less than 10% votes from the black though her husband was awared a nickname "black president" due to his contribution to the black community.

So, believe or not, McCain absolutely cannot get more than 10% votes from the black WHETHER you talk about McCain did not support the Martin Luther King holiday or not.

richard   June 11th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Obama and Mccain's voting record (sample):

Obama has 90% approval for "womens issues" and 100% pro-choice.
Mccain has 15% approval for "womens issues" and 0% pro-choice.
Obama has 90% approval for veterans issues.
Mccain has 25% approval for veterans issues.

I, too, was surprised by the veterans issues numbers. I ask you all to look it up yourself to confirm.

Vote smart

snaz   June 11th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

shame on you CNN all your blogs is full of negative towards Obama

ObamaIsAlrightWithMe   June 11th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

MCCain certainly knows how to beat a dead horse. It takes one to know one.

Ryan kr   June 11th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

McBush is a nut. I wonder how y Mcbush going to win this election with sink economy. Bush is in Europe talking about sanctions and military actions toward Iran and ignored economy, foreclusures, credit crisis,unemployment, gas approaching 5 bucks and many more—this is clearly madness, and stupidity.

fred II   June 11th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Yes I am BITTER at you low life, why didn´t you vote for the GI BILL scumbag

that smirk will dissapear very soon

DEMOCRATS…..RISE UP against the repugnants

dc   June 11th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

this man is losing his bearing.

nick   June 11th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

COMEON HILLARY SUPPORTERS AND LET US ALL WELCOME YOU TO THE TEAM CARRYING THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, JOHN MCCAIN!!!!!!!!!

He is trusted more by americans than Obama, and so is his wife.

I would like to discuss something that i dont understand. Why do Obama backers think Cindy Mccain is such a bad person?
Is it because they dont like John so they think they should be prejudice and just not like Cindy? I THINK SO!
She founded a non profit organization which: emergency medical care to disaster-struck or war-torn third-world areas, thats a GREAT thing SHE DID!
Did you know while in Bangladesh she met two infant girls she decided needed to be brought to the United States for medical treatment and She also decided to adopt one of the girls?
that is also soo NICE of them, yet Obama supporters are prejudice towards her, and she did nothing wrong, unlike Michelle Obama Claiming that "for the first time in her adult life she is proud of her country" thats pitiful.
Well like i said welcome Aboard!

David Goldman for OBAMA   June 11th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

GOT ANOTHER IDEA FOR MCWORTHLESS.

INSTEAD OF GOING BACK TO TOWN-HALLS,

GO BACK " IN TIME". IF ANY ONE HAS ONE OF THOSE

BACK TO THE FUTURE MACHINES, PLEASE LENT IT TO

HIM. HE REALLY, REALLY, NEEDS IT.

Glenn   June 11th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Republican attack dupes, like Romney, have been attacking Obama's economic policies and stating their are the failed Democratic policices of the past. What an idiot! Look at our economy for the last almost eight years. Are we better off today than we were eight years ago?…Hell no! National debt is out of control, $4 + a gallon gasoline, trillions of dollars wasted on illegal war (not counting the 4100 military killed and tens of thousands wounded), national mortgage scandal, unemployment rising, economy is "slowing down" and that just's to name a few items. These have all come about due to George Bush and the GOP in Congress for the last eight years. Guess what? McBush supported these failed Republican economic poliicies and even worse McBush wants to continue them. What idiots!

genius   June 11th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

he is starting to sound a lot like hillary

Dismayed   June 11th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Of course he will play dirty. I am sure Obama knows it is coming. Too bad for McCain that most Americans don't fall for the negative politics of the past anymore. Everyone knows what he is doing and where he stands on issues.

Patriot Patrick of Houston   June 11th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

How can John McMonger compare troops in Iraq to troops in Japan? Come on! Does he think we're so stupid that we'll believe that nonsense? Troops are NOT being killed in Japan or Germany. Our troops being in Japan is not why Iran is angered. There are NO suicide bombers in Japan, willing to die while murdering anyone near by. I could go on and on. It's important to me that when we wrongly invaded Iraq oil was $20 a barrel. When do we pull out? when it reaches $300???!!!

Robert in Toronto,ON   June 11th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I agree with "Woman for Barack". I'd also like to "thank" Hillary Clinton for helping gvie John McCain ammunition like the term "elitist" that she labeled Obama during that Bittergate flap. And she wants to be the VP????

Btw, I didn't hear anyone from the Clinton supporters complaining about the coverage on Obama when he was getting torched about those comments. I guess at the time it was just "good journalism".

Obama '08 - '16

fafa   June 11th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

is that all you've got mr. McCain. Anybody but you!

Brian   June 11th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Obama will win Philly easily. Ed Rendell can get him the suburban Philadelphia counties. Those counties, plus the handful of votes he will get in the state's many college towns will keep Pennsylvania Bluetiful in Nov 08.

R   June 11th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

NickNas, since when has America EVER had the best trained troops? Israeli troops are far better trained. The US actually sends our Green Berets and Navy Seals to Israel to be trained. Russia also has a better trained military and many other countries are superior. Our military consists of people who couldnt do anything else with their lives. In other countries, military service is mandatory

Sooo   June 11th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

It worked for HRC so why not give it a little more mileage? I guess we can expect to see a replay of the kitchen sink strategy. Just great. Get a new playbook McCain!

fred II   June 11th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

debby and california girl one and the same filth

leon   June 11th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Obama is good student from the corrupted school of politics from Chicago. Reserach who his senior Strategy David Axelrod is and you will find how he has been involved in a lot of dirty businees there.

Obama had not been consistent on his political positions and change his opinion based on votes he wants to gain. he is a typical politician that cares more about his political ambitions that anything else.

Read Bill Cosby's article about Obama and his church. A great piece that shows why the link between Barack and his Church is important as it helped to mold his political thoughts and values.

THe DNC selected Obama as his nominee but Hillary Supporters do not have to elect him as the DNC did. Let's excercise our rights to vote not blindly for the Democratic Party but for a president we believe in and Obama is not that one.

Write in Hillary's name on the ballot on November or stay home.

Smart   June 11th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

I trust McCain.
He will veto every beer; em sorry, bill that will seek relief for victims of hurricane cathrina; unemployed or home owners facing forclosure or wounded vertans. Correct! But he will sponsor any bill that will keep our troops in Iraq, Iran or wherever forever!
GOP's new strategy - More economic hardship means more people get bitter and vote for GOP. Please hike the gas price!

That is the change Americans deserve, the right change.

Joe   June 11th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

wow, what a contrast. Obama is appealing to that is best in us while this guy want low low road of old politics. Johny, you just lost my vote. Obama is walking into the hospitals looking after those who work long hours. I know they feel encouraged and someone cares about what they go through everyday.
I guess Republican party don't have anything to run on!

mike   June 11th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

You got it. isn't it? old stories like old people. sometimes its good to have that but not for a leader. please don't wast lobby's money, give-up your campain you are already surrendered.

TunnelVision   June 11th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

If America falls for Republican Rubbish they deserve what the Republicans have in store for them ….lol

Crush Rush   June 11th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Even Limbaugh says John doesnt have a clue,now what does that tell you?

No More Clintons, CA   June 11th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

McCain does not understand economy and will keep spending the money we do not have on unnessary wars overseas.

We will be even more desperately BITTER about the incompetent Bush/McCain policies!

Nikole   June 11th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Let's be clear. McCain, like others, has misrepresented the meaning of the "bitter" comments. Obama's statement was essentially saying that people often vote against their best interests, and instead vote on issues such as guns, religion, etc. They do this b/c they are bitter about their situations and do not feel they are in a position to change anything. In fact, Obama's comments have proven to be true by all of the Clinton supporters that are bitter about their candidate losing. They will now vote AGAINST their best interests for McCain.

Kristen- Philadelphia, PA   June 11th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Great point Woman for Barack. McCain would have a tantrum for sure if Obama brought that up.

so scared   June 11th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

His smile ( or whatever you call it) really scares me!!! People will have nightmares after townhall meetings

vw   June 11th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Senator McCain is absolutely right on this issue.
Anyone who want to win the presidency should love this country and love his fellow citizens. Based on what they have done and what they have said, we believe John McCain is the ONLY choice for the future of USA.
GOD BLESS AMERICAN

Kiah   June 11th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

This is so funny to me. All McCain can do is pull from old topics and smear campaigns to try and discredit Obama.

Obama '08!

Holly   June 11th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Like he has a clue what its like to be a citizen in this wonderful country. How much does he make per year? His wife? They are the definition of elietest, just pretending to understand manipulating the emotions of the people getting beaten down by our current affairs.
what a smug looser.

Steve   June 11th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

thats right rs. they vote for nothing (not what i will do) but expect something (he never gave you a soln's in the first place)

Michelle   June 11th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Looks like Obama is too chicken to show up at these town hall meetings!

The last time Obama was in Philly, he had a teleprompter and eight flags to prop him up. Phony!

There is a good chance that PA will go red in the electoral college.

I am from PA and Pennsylvanians can see right through Obama.

I used to HOPE that the electoral map turned blue. Now I have had a CHANGE of heart and HOPE for red.

Why   June 11th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

So Ed Rendell says his state is racist but these people are not bitter. Interesting?!?!?

After further review,Texas   June 11th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

His policies will make sure we lose more jobs to out-sourcing and open borders for killers and druggies to come in.Next thing John will do is start shooting stray cats for sport, just to show us how manly he is.

EGabelli   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Here is a subject worth talking about:

All women who want the freedom to decide for themselves issues that concern their own bodies must realize that McCain is anti-women's rights, and against the right of women to choose.

McCain is anti-abortion and will pack the Supreme Court with justices who will overturn Roe vs Wade.

Wake up women of the United States of America!

Do not vote against your own best interest, and the best interest of your daughters and granddaughters.

Vote for the only Presidential nominee who will respect women's rights; vote for Barack Obama in order to protect yourself and future generations.

TunnelVision   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Someone throw this warhead a lifeline..

KJ of Ohio   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

So did Obama say that all or did he say some people? Which brings us to reading the facts in front of us, some is not all. And the truth is some people are very bitter about losing their jobs, due to outsourcing and are bitter because of the cost of living (gas & food prices skyrocketing). After all this is the U.S.A. I would agree that he could have said that a little different, but some people were going to not like what he said no matter what. The Truth do HURT sometimes.

dorothy   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Clinton has taught her friend well. Only problem is…IT DID NOT WORK FOR HER!!!

MICHAEL YEBOAH   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

I BELIEVE ITS THE SAME JOHN MCCAIN WHO SAIDTHE CAMPAIGN SHOULD BE ABOUT ISSUES BUT NOT DISTRACTIONS. HYPOCRISY AT ITS BEST.

MD   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Go away, you pathetic old man.

Is this your idea of having a civilized campaign?

You disgust me.

urbantexan   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

I'd like to say thank you Hillary, Bill & Chelsea you taught him well.
He'll just use all the ammunition from your gun…..cause he forgot his a home !!!!!

mkn   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Maybe McCain should spend more time remembering what HE has said instead of digging up old news on somebody else.

fairandstraight   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

To the writers of McCain speeches:

This is old news which did not really benefit Hillary to use and will not benefit McCain. The voters in Philadelphia will not fall for this trick.

If the price of gas continues to climb, there will be a lot bitter people making choice between a gallon of gas and a gallon of milk.

Von Bismark Vienna   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

McCAIN WAS BITTER HIMSELF WHEN HE LOST THE 2000 PRIMARY TO BUSH.WILL SOMEONE WITH ECONOMICS DIFFICULTIES RECEIVING NO ATTENTION FROM WASHINGTON NOT BE BITTER?

THIS SMACKS OF INTELLECTUAL DISHONESTY!

Xavier, St. Louis, MO   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Wake up old man McCain and look at our economy. How can you not be bitter with gas at $4.00 a gallon and billions being spent on a useless pointless endless war? McCain is truly out of touch with reality.

My Friends.   June 11th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

McSame should have left this one alone. I sit on both sides of the fence on this one. Obama shouldn't have said it the way he did but in a way he's 100% correct. Some people are "bitter" and clinging "to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations." Obviously McSame can't see what real americans are like because he's shacked up with the $100 million dolar woman. Ask anyone who's had their job shipped overseas, or watch immigrants come into their towns and take lower paying jobs that squeeze the people that are suposed to be able to have those jobs. Every american supports the Constitution, the constitution dosn't bring
strength, it brings a set of rules this country should follow that can lead to it being strong.

Obama '08

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   June 11th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

He can't even quote Obama correctly. It is clinging to "guns and religion" and not faith and constitution. How hard is it to get the statement correct? Apparently, it quite hard for McCain. For some people, those are the only things that can be considered safe and stable in uncertain times. I am sorry to hear that McCain doesn't go into the real meaning of what was said.

Lee   June 11th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

I am just sick of this guy already.He plays on our fears and pitch gimmick like gas tax holiday.i lost my job this year,i have a family to take care of so i would like you to start talking about our economy and stop talking about Iraq.

I dont live there, i live in the United States of America so lets focus on the issues here.what can you do to show me you will not be more of the same?

And for all the hillary folks out there that would love to cut off their nose to spite their faces.i am very disappointed in you.you are not spiting Obama,you are sending my friends and family to die in Iraq and you are making the future for my children that much harder.
grow up!!!!!

OBAMA RICHARDSON 2008   June 11th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

McCain as a change candidate is pretty far fetched. People ARE bitter and Bush and McSame's failed policies of the past 7 years. They're HOPEFUL that Obama will finally bring some light to the darkness.

Down with Obama   June 11th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Hey rs….you must not be listening to Obama….that is all he does!!!!!!!!

Obama has no mind of his own!!!!!!!!!!!

Shelly in IL   June 11th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

"FIST BUMP" on that one @ rs

Bob   June 11th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

wow, talk of low low road.
I am getting tired of this man!

Vote "NO" To a 3rd Bush Term   June 11th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

#1 Issue in America= Economy

McCain admits that he knows nothing about the economy.

#2 Issue in America= War in Iraq

McCain offers the same failed-stragety in Iraq. Polls show that majority of the people in the U.S. Supports PULLING OUT of Iraq. While McCain, (Like Bush) Does not care what the people want and does what he wants.

#3 Issue in America= Healthcare

McCain wants to do nothing about the rising price of healthcare. While Obama wants everyone to have it.

#4 Issue in America= Terrorism

McCain wants to stay in Iraq 100 years and spend billions of our tax money on a war most people do NOT WANT. He even said and I quote "Date of withdrawal of U.S. Troops Not Important" Osama bin Laden is the one who attacked us, not Saddam Hussein, the guy wasn't an angel, but he killed terrorists. We should have been focusing on Al Quida in Afganistan. Not Iraq, they posed no threat what-so-ever to the U.S.

#5 Issue in America= Home foreclosure crisis

McCain said that it is the HOMEOWNERS' Fault that their house got foreclosed. This is so out of touch, it's not even funny. Blaming the citizens of this country for everything is going to be the result of a McCain administration.

SG   June 11th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

thanks Hillary and Bill. Dufus….PIMPED again…

SHAME ON YOU!!!!!   June 11th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Obama or Clinton, Never McCain………I thought he wanted to focus on the issues, not on distractions? He said that…he said he wants a clean campaign free from distractions………JUST BECAUSE he is OLD and BITTER……….can't READ ,HEAR or SEE…….HE should be talking about the WAR and THE ECONOMY

Tom in New hope, MN   June 11th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

I guess John's campaign is short on content about what he specifically will do for America. I guess it seemed like a good idea to bring up irrevelant junk. An example of what we could expect if he were to become president. Vote wisely!

Still for Hill   June 11th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I'm just bitter that I may have to look at Obama's Oppie style ears and listen to his vocalized pauses for the next four years. Ummmm, Ahhh, Well, blah, blah, blah.

Obama=Jimmy Carter II

Hillary 08 or McCain if necessary

Praetorian, Fort Myers   June 11th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I think there will be a lot of bitter, unemployed, and disillusioned people in this country clinging to guns and religion–if Obama leads the ultra-left chanting towards socialism and further economic despair.

HIs knowledge of global economics is just as vapid as hisexecutive resume. As they say in Korea–"we are in deep Kimchee".

Dennis   June 11th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

These are the words of a desperate politician. He came off really bad the last time he gave a televised speech. It was only magnified by Obama's excellent speech later that evening. Now, he is doing exactly what he has said he wouldn't do. McCain's comments about the gas tax holiday show how out of touch with the average voter he is.

Holly   June 11th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

This smug errogant jerk has no shame and Americans, hard working under paid Americans will continue to suffer at the lead of this tool!
Remember he thinks people dont work hard enough or study hard enough to make theit lives richer/profitable. He must pay real good wages to anyone who does his cleaning or gardening or tip like a rock star. I was going to call this guy a donkey but I realised I would be insulting the donkey.

knigge   June 11th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Is this the best he can come up with. Kind of like the Carter comment. The things this man says just leaves many shaking their heads. Way, way out of touch with the people.

Paul, Riverside, CA   June 11th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

"McCain said he doesn’t agree that voters in the state “cling to their religion and the Constitution because they are bitter. I am going to tell them that they have faith and they have trust and support the Constitution of the United States because they have optimism and hope and that is the strength of America."

They might not in Pennsylvania, but I sure as hell do here in California. God, Guns, and my wife are all I have left. My job is gone, I can't afford gas or groceries, and my faith and trust in the constitution went down the drain thanks to Bush. SO, for all of you folks in Pennsylvania that have it so good that you have nothing to worry about, then congrats. Because while you get to live the HIGH-LIFE, the rest of the country gets the crap at the bottom of the barrel.

AND TO ANYONE WHO IS NOT VISABLY UPSET WITH WHERE THIS COUNTRY IS RIGHT NOW, THEN YOU HAVE NO RIGHT CALLING YOURSELF AN AMERICAN.

jackson from Iowa   June 11th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

He is to old .He repeats his words and cant keep his mind on what he talks about and he talks about a mistake on bitter remarks. Iam bitter and mad at what the rebulicans have done with nafta and the borders ,gas prices ,jobs ,etc. There is no end what they have done .Including the war which is the worse crime on the American people and Iran!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CB   June 11th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

This guy says Obama is launching a "false attack" - for responding to something McCain actually said ("doesn't matter if troops come home from iraq").

And then goes on to mention the "bitter" comment to try to gin up votes because it worked for Hillary in the same state - and he doesn't see the hypocracy in that???

Rus in St. Paul, MN   June 11th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

McCain, here's a hint. We've just gotten through the most drawn out primary ever in our nation's history. Most people are tired of it, republican, democrats and independants. Bringing it back up, isn't really doing much other than boring people, or re-enforcing people who are already going to follow you.

You need to figure out how to excite new people to supp