June 22, 2008
Posted: 10:45 AM ET

From
Sen. John McCain's accused of flip-flopping on immigration policy.
Sen. John McCain's accused of flip-flopping on immigration policy.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — In recent days, Sen. Barack Obama has backed off his harshest criticisms of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and he's changed his stance on campaign financing, electing to decline the federal funds for the general election — prompting charges of flip-flopping.

Obama's campaign says Sen. John McCain has contradictions of his own, namely on illegal immigration.

On Wednesday night, McCain held a private meeting with more than 150 Chicago, Illinois-area Hispanic leaders.

According to The Associated Press, several people who were at the meeting said McCain assured them that he would push for comprehensive immigration reform if he's elected president.

In 2007, McCain's sponsorship of comprehensive immigration reform angered conservatives and very nearly derailed his presidential campaign.

At a Republican debate at the Reagan Library in January, McCain was asked whether he would still vote for his original measure.

"No, I would not … because we know what the situation is today … that people want the borders secured first," he said.

McCain's critics were reassured.

"The original proposal, I opposed. Sen. McCain's new proposal, I support, which is to ensure you have border security before you have any other type of reform," L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said.

After the Chicago meeting, the Obama campaign's communications director, Robert Gibbs, charged that McCain was trying to have it both ways.

Full Story

Filed under: John McCain


judy, Wisconsin   June 22nd, 2008 3:41 pm ET

"My Friends–vote for me, I have more experience than my Democratic apponent–as a liar, a flip-flopper, a republican puppet, and Joe Lie-berman's side-kick. I am also under observation for dementia and a bad temper.
Sincerely, John McBush

Speechless   June 22nd, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Some of Those Endorsing Obama:

– Louis Farrakhan ( Nation of Islam Leader, racist, anti-Semite)
– Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades ( Islamic Terror Organization)
– Raila Odinga ( Fundamental Islamic candidate, Kenya,poss. cousin)
– Daniel Ortega ( Marxist Sandinista Leader. Nicaragua)
– Raul Castro ( Hard-line Communist Leader, Cuba)
– Socialist Party ( Marxist Political Party)
– The New Black Panther Party ( Black Militant Organization)
– Hamas Terrorist Organization ( Islamic Terrorist Organization)

Why are so many American enemies rooting for Sen. Obama???

Marie in California   June 22nd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I'm with McCain on this one. He's long been a senator from Arizona, a border state, and knows the immigration situation well. I trust his judgment.

Monica for Obama in Indiana   June 22nd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

What? A private meeting? Ha, he got yah (the media) again.
Private just so, no one can record exactly what he said. So by now, he actually has forgotten what he said?

Poooorrrrr McCain

Go get um! Obama

Helen, NY   June 22nd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

John McCain's immigration policy is better than what Barack Obama is talking about. Also I am sure independents and reublicans will make sure that John is fair to everybody. I have full trust in him. Vote John McCain.

H. Thompson   June 22nd, 2008 3:02 pm ET

"My friends," John McCain has got to spend $10 on some over-the-counter tooth whitener. His hair is 10 shades whiter than his teeth, which one sees every time he pulls out his goofy grin that his handlers have told him to flash to the cameras when he has his senior's moments.

Phil, FL   June 22nd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Not even his first flip-flop. And won't be his last.

Divorced (changed his mind? circumstances changed, wife got fat and became disabled? flip-flopped about promise before God and Man).

RONNIE   June 22nd, 2008 2:48 pm ET

The North American Free Trade Agreement should be outlawed on security issues alone.

karuna bertam   June 22nd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Have more faith and trust in a man who is willing to change his stance, and I don't mean to a "wide stance", even with the odds of being named "a flip-flopper". It is more honorable and honest to do this rather than to carry on with the same old stubborn stand which is doomed to failure. Explain your reasoning behind your change, perhaps apologize and then move forward! Better to do this than like GW, who has proceeded in the wrong direction for seven years, five years of war so far, destruction of their country, our economy and lives of millions. What a change if he had admitted to being wrong, and changed course four years ago. We would certainly have been much better off, not have wasted thousands of lives, billions of dollars and all for naught. McCain is still living the "old" life, insisting that any change is a flip-flop, whereas he is not able to see that we are being to the brink of disaster, especially if we vote for him.

ObamaSupporters   June 22nd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

New name for John McCain,
FlipFlop McBush

Pat Va   June 22nd, 2008 2:36 pm ET

And he's shown himself to be a racist from time to time. What more could the democrats ask for during this elecction cycle?

bernice   June 22nd, 2008 2:19 pm ET

SCARY!!

Cynthia   June 22nd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I see Senator McCain's flip flop on immigration as much more serious than Senator Obama changing his mind about receiving public funding. I think it is great that Senator Obama chose not to take it – he doesn't need it so why use it. If Senator McCain's fundraising capacity has been anywhere near Senator Obama's he would have done the same thing and we all know that. But, the immigration issue – I can't be sure where Senator McCain stands.

Enlightened Voter   June 22nd, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Let's be honest, the ONLY reason why the repubs and mcwar want immigrants is so they will have cheap labor to work in their companies and factories. No one buys for a second they actually care about these people.

Peter E   June 22nd, 2008 2:03 pm ET

So… he is being criticized for ADMITING that he changed his mind? It's called learning, people! When new information presented to you contradicts your previous stance you adjust! It's perfectly acceptable. "Staying the course" in the face of new information is the real insanity.
However, changing one's mind but then pretending that one never changed his mind is called lying! Very much like McCain's flip-flop on taxes, drilling, or Obama's total flip-flop on NAFTA, campaign finance, and a million other things.
Vote Ron Paul! Change you can TRUST in!

I Used To Be A Democrat   June 22nd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Obama is definitely a flip-flopper just like John Kerry.

However, this article does not prove the same of McCain. In fact, McCain's ideas seem way more based in reality than ANYTHING I've heard from Obama.

@everyamericans   June 22nd, 2008 1:57 pm ET

McBush needs to tell us where he stands on these issues….you can't eat your cake and have it too, old man

saga for Obama   June 22nd, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Obama doesnt have to mud sling…all he has to do is let Mc Cain keep digging his own grave. ol mccain had a farm ee i ee i oh, with a flip flop here, private jet there a loan from PF, flip on off shore drilling, a flop on taxes, immigrating and supporter of war…ol mc cain had a farm ee i ee i ohhhhhhhh!
GOP, Obama haters wake up if mc cain gets into office we are all going too buy the farm.

Mike Obama   June 22nd, 2008 1:47 pm ET

For the first time in my adult life i am not proud to be an American when a democratic presidential nominee is ashamed to talk or take his full name during presidential campaign. Is this kind of a role model do we need for our kids and our country.

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   June 22nd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

ALL THIS OLD MINDLESS FOOL WANTS

IS TO TAKE A CRACK AT ANOTHER WAR,

& THEREBY MAKE HIS LOBBYISTS MORE MONEY.

HE HAS VOTED DOWN ANY INVESTMENT IN

AMERICA OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, EVERY TIME.

drop McCain   June 22nd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

what was that awful noise i just heard….oh, another flip flop

Roger   June 22nd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I agree with McCain. Both ways is good for Americans. We need to secure the borders. We also need to get these illegal immigrants legal or stop letting them take all of our jobs and our benefits. I'm married to someone from another country and she is now a U.S. Citizen (she came here as a student).

58 old white ladies for OBAMA   June 22nd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

THE SENILE OLD FOOL CHANGES HIS DEMENTED

IGNORANT SMALL MIND EVERY TIME HE GETS A NEW

LOBBYIST WITH A DIFFERENT AGENDA. HE HAS

NEVER SHOWN ANY CONCERN ABOUT ANYONE

GROUP OF US, INCLUDING OUR VETS.

David Goldman for OBAMA   June 22nd, 2008 1:37 pm ET

THE SENILE GREEDY OLD BIGOT IS ONLY

CONSISTENT POLICIES, WITH A FEW POLICIES.

WAR MUST GO ON FOR ANOTHER 100 YEARS

BOMB, BOMB, BOMB, & THEN BOMB SOME MORE.

SPEND AS LITTLE TO NO MONEY ON AMERICAN TAX

PAYERS, INCLUDING OUR CHILDREN,WOMEN & VETS,

NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

SPENDING A BILLION A DAY IN IRAQ IS OK.

ANYONE EVEN CONSIDERING VOTING FOR HIM

NEEDS THEIR HEAD EXAMINES.

Mike   June 22nd, 2008 1:35 pm ET

It does not matter what side of an issue that mcBush is on today. Because tommorow he will flip over to the other side. McCain is worse than Kerry when it comes to flip flopping.

Crush Rush   June 22nd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

And next week he will give up and just say"I changed my mind again and will allow everyone to come in including evil doers,because Cheney told me to".

FactCheck   June 22nd, 2008 1:34 pm ET

And an uphill battle on NAFTA, the economy, the energy crisis, the housing crisis and just about anything that would be of relevance to anyone by those earning more than $250,000/year.

Bishop   June 22nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

More WORD games by the Republicans…

STRAIGHT TALK RHETORIC   June 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

AH- TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR, RUN ON A PLATFORM OF WAR HERO, PROTECTOR OF THE COUNTRY, THEN TURN AROUND AND SELL THE LEGAL CITIZENS OUT FOR SLAVE LABOR, THEN MAKE THE CITIZENS PAY FOR THE SOCIAL, MEDIACL BILLS BECAUSE OF THE ILLEGALS.

THEN GO SPEAK TO SPECIAL INTREST GROUPS AND TELL THEM YOU WILL FIGHT FOR OPEN BORDERS AND AMNESTY.

WAR HEROS DON'T SELL OUT THE PEOPLE AND THIER CONSTITUION WHEN THE COME HOME FROM BEING TORTURED IN AN UNCONSTITUIONAL WAR.

I WOULD TRADE MCAIN FOR ALL OF THE POW'S AND MIA'S WE HAVE LOST DUE TO THESE ILLEGAL WARS. OR MAYBE HE SHOULD RUN FOR PRESIDENTE OF MEXICO, HE LIKES DRUGS RIGHT?

Jason   June 22nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Obama flip flopped on the fence at the border. In 2006 he voted for it. Now he is against it to win votes with latinos. He said he won't have any border construction also because of enviornmental concerns.

Obama also is for illegals having drivers licenses. At the debate with Clinton he tried to flip flop and the media didn't go after him for it.

The person going after McCain was looking for publicity. This lady has in the past made horrible comments about catholics. She has zero credibility if you look at her past statements. This shows the media bias to give her this credibility.

susie   June 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

McCain changed his mind on a policy stance. Regarding public finanacing, Obama changed his mind because of that he isn't trustworthy.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   June 22nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

McJose he will flip on this one too.

sarah   June 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

y'know it is okay when people think the situation over, realize it has changed, find out what the voters really want and then change their stance. this is not flip-flop it is paying attention to a fluid situation and accomodating changes that need to be made. i think sen. mccain is proving that he is nothing like gw bush by actually listening to the voters and adjusting for this. bush does not listen to anyone except cheney and that is his biggest mistake. obviously mccain is not like bush

Crush Rush   June 22nd, 2008 12:54 pm ET

This is the issue both candidates will never address or really do anything about in an election year, other than pander to minority groups and or slave labor Republicans both of whom want AMNESTY.Most Americans want the border secured and those that want to jump the line to become citizens to go to the back of the line and wait like millions of other folks from around the world are doing that are trying to get in.In my opinion there is nothing worse than a LINE JUMPER,wether its at the movies,store,gas station,parking spot or concert hall etc.

Anonymous   June 22nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Private meeting with Hispanic leaders???
Over illegal immigrants????
WHAT WAS HE THINKING?

The Blind Lady of Justice   June 22nd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

McCain sells himself as a person, not a politician, who never sways with the wind, and whose willingness to be consistent in the face of pressure is proof of his character.

Republicans have spent the last four years or so making policy reversals the single most serious political crime in presidential politics. The dreaded “flip-flop” is, according to the GOP, the latest cardinal sin for someone seeking national office.

If this is a backbone of the Republican party …. McCain doesn't make the cut.

linda from South Dakota   June 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

mccain will do anything he can including lies, to get the nomination,, just like bush and his dad did,, then turn around and do what they want,, like the bushes are oil people, so as long as they get the profits from oil, they wont help the americans,, mccain is a follower of bush,, plus maybe alittle more senile,,, mccain has many back issues from his past that arent too kosher,, check out http://www.mccain99.com.. you may be surprized on his millitary backround, ummm

Charlotte   June 22nd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Hyperbole on both sides of the fence, (pun intended) neither Obama nor McCain have any idea how to fix the problems facing this country. Kevin, on another post. Loved your post turtle story. May I borrow it? It fits Obama to a tee. I had never heard it before, and find it hillar-ious. I remember the Robin Williams movie where he accidently wins the election. Didn't have the foggest idea what to do. Obama fits that mold, also that movie is where Obama got the, "we are not red states, we are not blue states, we are the United States." I got to admit it has a nice ring to it. Obama, is a POST TURTLE! I will write Hillary Clinton on my ballot in November, watsted or not my conscience will be clear.

S. Boatman Warrensburg Mo.   June 22nd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Will The Real Mccain Please Step Forward!

seanm   June 22nd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

It seems like you can't even tell what McCain believes in any more. Does he favor amnesty or not? I guess it depends upon the day of the week.

GOP flip flops in the public   June 22nd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

how can the GOP maintain any semblence of integrity and unify its party? they'll be flipping and flopping left and right to try to integrate all of the extremes within their party – the only thing they can unify on is xenophobia, anti-nonchristianity, macho-gender-centrism, homophobia and race – of which they'll try to pin everything on Obama and hope it sticks. Let the hypocrisy begin…

maramara   June 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Mccain is the flip flopper for the century. Obama may still be hoping for change but I tell you Mccain is Change in itself

MaryL- Ca   June 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

McCain should consider all people with the issue of Immigration as well as the Hispanic voters. It is important to see all sides of Immigration and the downside of not enforcing Immigration into law. America is long overdue closing the borders and this should not be flip-flop matter just to win votes.

Neutral   June 22nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

McCain might as well wear some flip flops when he campaigns.. he flip-flops too much. It is as clear as day that he doesn't want illegal immigration, he is just telling Hispanics whatever they want to hear to get votes. I think McCain would be better respected if he stood by something solid and stopped dancing all over the place. I don't like childish unsults I have seen about him but can one blame those sometimes harsh and uncalled for statements? He doesn't seem to know what he is doing, what the current political climate calls for or what in the hell he is doing!

independent   June 22nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

if mccain becomes president,immigrants will be rounded up like german jews were ,in the mid-20th century.latinos do all the work,pay taxes and social security,but,recieve none of the benifits."bring me your tired your weary,………" maybe we should sell the statue of liberty,for scrap copper.

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl.   June 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Obama is the biggest Flip Flopper in history, plus he lies about
everything and everything that suits him at the time.

Texas Trail Dog   June 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

The borders should be secured. This should not be an issue with the Spanish Smericans who can legally vote. The illegals should try to come into the country the legal way. No one in this household has a problem with them being here other than we believe everything should be on a legal status. This is the only way and they need to understand it's not against them but our only security measures of keeping the bad guys out. We don't need them if they're criminals or terrorist. As for McCAIN, Spanish Americans you need to understand he will be the only one who will take your interest to heart. OBAMA will not. He speaks with a forked tongue and will say and do whatever it takes to get into the Oval Office. Don't let it happen to you. HIS SESSIONS WITH THE REV. WRIGHT, REZKO, HIS LIES, AND HIS WIFES REMARKS OF NOT BEING PROUD OF AMERICAN UNTIL NOW OUGHT TO TELL YOU SOMETHING. SINCE WHEN HAS BLACKS EVER HELPED YOU SPANISH AMERICANS. YOU NEED TO ASK SOME HARD QUESTIONS. WHO HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO BE EDUCATED? WHO HAS TO FEED AND PROVIDE MEDICAL AID TO YOUR PEOPLE? IT CERTAINLY WAS NOT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY.

randy   June 22nd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Yes he is big time flip flopper.and it is not even on on news anymore.even his own fellow republicans dont even know where he stand on some issues.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 22nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

From POW to Senator, there's a big gap in John McCain's life and I don't understand why people aren't asking. Obama has given his life history from childhood. John McCain only talks about his POW experience and his 30 something years as a Senator. McCain has never volunteered anything about his life other than his 90 year old mother, something is wrong with this picture.

Spider   June 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Barack Obama is a "different" kind of politician. Caring, fair and not "in it just to get elected".

Read this and tell me if you believe the above.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/29/obamas.first.campaign/index.html

Franky   June 22nd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Well, well………..all of a sudden I changed my mind and is O.K, huh? I'm gonna give some advice to Senator McCain……..if there's one thing I know about being a conservative is that you don't always forget….

E. C., Houston, Texas   June 22nd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Senator McCain must re-evaluate his support of Amnesty for Illegal Aliens. There is a Federal Law that prohibits Illegal Aliens from staying in this country and supports deportation. That these people have been crooked enough to live here for years, undetected, means absolutely NOTHING. Further, there should be a Federal Law that prohibits an Illegal Alien from giving birth on American Soil and being allowed to stay, because of a new American Citizen. This Law is STUPID, and it should be changed. If McCain wants Change….start here! All this ridiculous Law creates is more dependency on the Federal Government and Taxpayers to feed, provide free health care, education and housing. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP NOW!!!!!

Phil, FL   June 22nd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

McCain lies thru his teeth depending on which special interest group he is talking to.

Thank God other journalists tell the WHOLE TRUTH.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP