YORK, Pennsylvania (CNN) - John McCain used one of his largest and most ambitious town halls to date to brandish a pair of surrogates, Joe Lieberman and Tom Ridge, who may help him shore up support among independents in this fall battleground.
The Tuesday stop began with some campaign stunt work that turned the typically-mellow format into a lively Pennsylvania event that resembled one of the noisy rallies that characterized the Democratic primary.
The audience on hand - estimated by the campaign as north of 3,000 people - far exceeded the size of a standard McCain event. And the audience, who had been warmed up by a pair of television screens broadcasting a biographical film about the candidate, rose to their feet when McCain, Lieberman and Ridge arrived.
The trio entered the York Expo Center in the Straight Talk Express, which motored into the indoor venue under a massive American flag that was hoisted up to reveal the campaign bus, all while the theme from “Rocky” blared.
Lieberman then marshaled the audience by seeming to question Obama’s patriotism and commitment to bipartisanship in Washington.
"In my opinion, the choice could not be more clear, between one candidate John McCain who's had experience, been tested in war and tried in peace. Another candidate who has not,” Lieberman said to applause. “Between one candidate, John McCain who's always put the country first, worked across party lines to get things done, and one candidate who has not.”
For his part, McCain plugged the moderate records Lieberman and Ridge, and praised their commitment to keeping the country safe.
Though he made a strong push to attract independents in his town hall performance, demanding that congress work together to solve the country’s energy crisis, the GOP nominee for the first time acknowledged he faces a deficit of support among younger voters.
Responding to a former Hillary Clinton supporter who asked what McCain will do for younger Americans, McCain said: “I'll give you straight talk. I need to do a better job with young voters in America.”
From CNN Politics
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Wow, reading the comments in this column shows that most of the obama supporters are really very racist against jewish people. I'm really sick of the name calling. The only real standup person in this election has been John McCain. He has not used race at any point. I am finding myself turned off more and more by obama and his supporters. Leaning farther to McCain every day.
It is crazy to say the least that these old men with ancient ideas are given a platform to make noise..
Obama has no allegiance to another country unlike Judas Lieberman who is only concerned about the state of Israel and is willing to put us at risk in order to protect its interests,
Well, Lieberman should know. He's never failed to put Israel first.
Lieberman puts Israel first. He would sacrifice American lives for Israel.
JD, did you get that from that contest McCain was having amongst his supporters about who can say nice things about him on blogs?
How cute
How does getting captured translate into "tested in war," exactly? The guy got napped and conducted himself honorably. That's not nothing, but it sure ain't experience. And let's not forget that McCain's been losing all the wars he's stood for so far - if we're talking about judgment, yeah, he's been tested – and failed.
Things younger than John McCain:
Howdy Doody
Area Codes
FM Radio
Peany Butter & Jelly sandwiches
Automatic Car Transmissions
40-Hour Work Week
ALF
I'm leaning towards voting for the presidential candidate NOT endorsed by the worst president in American history.
John McCain can brag about his 26 years in the Senate but it is a true duck and evade career. Did he propose any of these grandiose programs as a Senator?
He is putting forth a list of promises and dreams that he feels is necessary to spout to rally the faithful so they don't look at his accomplishments and the leadership he did not display during his
26 years at the public trough.
Lieberman's slavish, knee-jerk support of anything and everything Israel does raises this question: does he always put America first?
In my opinion, no. He puts Israel first.
Shame on this hypocrite neo-con.
Mcshame, Mcsane, Mcbush butt boys.
Redneck4Obama
I think Joe Lieberman is a hater. If he is really concerned about this country's economic situation, he would question the McCain's judgement regarding his proposed policies.
McSame is following Hillary and company to defeat. His campain is as fractured as was Clinton's. His negativity is not straight talk it is just more of the same Republican tripe. Who was the last consultant that he spoke with? It is the position he is now taking. It's beyond flip/flop.
I wish Lieberman had the opportunity to expound on what he meant. What is "not standing with your country"? Opposing the war in Iraq? Reaching out to the world as a leader of this country should do? Being a responsible member of the world community and preferring diplomacy to war rhetoric?
Lieberman's spiel rings hollow as it is not backed up with anything. Just like the posts on these blogs that use all of the right-wing buzzwords: socialist, elitist, un-American, Messiah.
GO LIEBERMAN! IT NICE TO HAVE YOU BACK ON THE MODERATE LEFT. GO LIEBERMAN!
OBAMA 08
Come on, CT! Shame the devil and impeach that fool!! He told you he was an independent who would caucus with democrats. HE LIED! I think he's putting HIS on needs before the country's. Wish I lived in CT just to start the ball rolling to impeach that moron.
Leiberman is a waste of human skin. His is an old and bitter man.
Lieberman the Republican political puppet. Why not the republicans pay for his campaign. He is jewish and will always support attacking arab country or a so called fake surge.
I have to laugh all the Obama supporters making fun of McCain and his small rallies but yet he is only 4 or 5 points behind him in the polls and Obama draws 75th. Something is wrong with this picture. LOL Lieberman is popular in Florida so he might be able to get the Jewish vote for McCain especially since 90% of them are seniors.
This is coming from a man who switches party like people switch under paints. Jo is a two faced back biting old fool, I sure next year McCain will do something to make him mad he will come back to the Dems.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS IDIOT.
Schedule the Debates. I'm very very eager to watch Obama be cool as a cucumber and watch McCain blow a fuse. Watch McCain stutter when he gets hung over the fire for lieing.
Obama has always put Obama first – that is glaringly obvious but it doesn't hurt to say it again and again until this those in this country who still have their heads up their own or Obama's arrogant posterior pull them out and realize that they could destroy our country by putting this inexperienced bumbler in the presidency. If you hate Bush's bumbling mistakes and arrogance, how could you possibly vote for his brother in attitude, Obama?
lieberman is so sad. he is not worth reporting on.
PEOPLE VOTE DEMOCRATS AND FOR OBAMA.
The great Senator Lieberman don't even know what Party he currently belongs to. He is as confused as his old buddy John. Lieberman is dying to be McCain's VP and I certainly wish that his wish comes true.
If Joe Lieberman gets the VP spot, the Republican Conservative base will have a field day when comes November, because they will stay home to show their discontent with McCain, and the Democratic go to the poll by the million. By 10 o'clock P.M on election day, McCain will be delivering his concession speech. Mark my words!