September 4, 2008
Posted: 06:30 PM ET
Mark Salter, left, helped write McCain's speech.
Mark Salter, left, helped write McCain's speech.

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) — John McCain promises "change" in his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention Thursday, according to excerpts of the speech released by the party.

"Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country second Washington crowd: Change is coming," the Republican presidential candidate says.

Republicans have been trying to lay claim during their convention to the theme of "change," a key part of Democrat Barack Obama's message, and one which appears to be resonating with voters.

(Released excerpts after the jump)

"I’m very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can’t wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming."

"The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn’t a cause, it’s a symptom. It’s what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you. Again and again, I’ve worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That’s how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not."

"I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn’t my own man anymore. I was my country’s.”

Filed under: John McCain • Popular Posts • Republican National Convention


JHal   September 4th, 2008 8:26 pm ET

The only change you get with McCain is a name change from bad to worse.

Jessica in IL   September 4th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Chage? He's going with "Change?" Really??

O'8

Joseph   September 4th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

After listening to 3 days of nasty divisive attacks – not only on Obama and Biden – but hardworking Americans across the land, I already can see the "change" McCain wants.

And it is nasty and sneering and divisive.

No Thanks. I am absolutely disgusted with the Republican party. I want our country back.

Texas Family values   September 4th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

My husband and I are proud parents of 2 girls. Both in Texas colleges.

Sarah Palin does not speak or represent us. We are so sick of hearing that she is a hockey mom and have small town values.

High school, College and Professional Football, Basketball and Baseball is a average American sports games of choice. The average American purchase season tickets to those types of sporting events. Average American kids can recite football, basketball and baseball player names. Not hockey player names.

The Palin family small town values are an insult to all small towns across this country. A pregnant seventeen year old daughter with a shot gun wedding in the making. I wonder what Aunt Bea and sheriff Andy Taylor would say if all the scandals of one single family would have happen in Mayberry.

I will take my city life over small towns anytime. There is no job opportunities, variety of churches and schools in small towns.

I like being able to drive for short distances to church, schools, work,
movies, dining out, shopping in the mall, see a broadway show, amusement and water parks, zoos, etc, etc.

McCain and Cindy are the elitist. When I want to see the rich and famous, I will look at ET, Access Hollywood and Extra. I don't want to see the elitist in the White House telling average American how to live their lives. The average American is dealing with job loss, home foreclosure, health insurance, college tuition and how we are going to feed our families with the way everything keeps going up. The McCains can not relate to us. The war is right here in American. If tMcCain wins, this country will be set back to the 60's. Wars, rioting in the streets and I talking about right here in the United States, not Iraq.

The Democrats want to unify the country and the republicans wants to tear it apart. Race riots and protests will become the way of life for many people in this country.

Cathy   September 4th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

If McSame speaks about his POW years one more time, I am going to puke. This man is no hero. He has no clue on how to fix our economy or on how to run our government. He is clueless and past his time. All he knows how to do is bash other folks. Enough is Enough. Eight is Enough.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Peter of Oregon   September 4th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

I thought he was just going to talk about his experience as a POW.

Don   September 4th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Change !!
What does he know of change? I would say NOTHING!!!
He has been part of the do nothing Congress he talks about for how long??
Change. Again he does nothing for getting change completed. He gets a women to be his running mate for the only one reason, that he wants to win. He has been told (he does not have the ability to think that far ahead) that by having a woman on his ticket he will pick up many female votes.
It is sad to say that there are many women out there that are voting because of gender. Some would vote for a block of wood if it had the right sex parts. Remember all the females that said they were going to cross over because Hillary lost. We need a female in the White House, but this is not this one. Again, a sad state of affairs.
There is no change with John M.. He is just another old white guy who will play into the hands that feed him. The only reason he has ever gone against the flow is because he no one told him which direction the flow was going.
We can't afford another old white guy in the white house.
We need change and it will not come from these two…..

Evangelical for OBAMA   September 4th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

No Change from McCain.

Just another continuation from Bush
and even worse, McCain plans to invade Iran.
But don't we need all the monies at home?

Karen C   September 4th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Sen. McCain was in the Republican MAJORITY for the last 8 years, and in public service for a total of 26 years. And he's just geting around to biting the hand that feeds him? He's going to shake up Washington? What's he being doing for the last 8 years? Putting himself before his country? He was being paid to do a job he obviously didn't do. Why give him another 4? Come on, Mr. McCain, you have some explaining to do or give back your last 8 years of salary.

Quinn - Houston, Texas   September 4th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

What is John McCain's idea of change?

Not taking any more photos with Bush.

Republican Red Lip Stick Ticket   September 4th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

John McCain has been in Washington for the past 26 years and he never once thought of change until he heard obama talking about it.

Shame on him.

Observer   September 4th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

So, Mr. McCain, you're going to bring about change? Republicans have had the White House for 8 years, had both houses of Congress up until just a couple of years ago, and you voted with George Bush 95% of the time. What kind of change are you going to bring? You're not going to change the current stance on Iraq, you're not going to shift troops to Afghanistan, you're not going to change the tax giveaways to the wealthy and the oil companies, and you're not going to do anything to keep companies from shipping jobs overseas. What are you going to change? You keep saying change, but I haven't heard ONE THING from you that sounds any different than what has been going on in Washington for years and years. Give us specifics!!!

KenB, MI   September 4th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

American's First buddy

We the people first

We're tired of the Same Old Business

Son   September 4th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Boy, you people seem pretty scared huh ? What is exactly Obama is going to do ? Lower taxes for 95% of Americans ? Give me a break…Dimocrats do not lower taxes for anyone. Its much better for you that the Dimocrats take more of your money isn't it ? I mean seriously people, what planet do you people live on ?

Hillary Supporter   September 4th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

he GOP is so sad. They are hateful, spiteful people. Yes I supported Hillary and now I will support my ideals. This not about supporting the DNC its about my beliefs and my beliefs are the complete opposite from McCain and Palin.

Unempressed   September 4th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

"Change" – wasn't that Obama's?

""I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner " – you weren't proud or patriotic b4 becoming a prisoner??

Let me guess "I was a POW – vote for me!"

"end me first" politics – John, didn't you just select Palin? was that a campaign decision or a ME decision??

Super, you want to reduce big government – ok, but where's the leadership or the vision for tomorrow? Not going to change a nation without this.

s   September 4th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

geez, i hope he doesn't forget to tell the story of him been a POW because I've forgotten about how the story goes

Pointless   September 4th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

What change?????? It's clear that you have changed! You are not the McCain of 2000 — you sold out the the extreme base — and that is why you will loose. McCain — you offer nothing but the same. We would be stupid to vote Republicans back in.

Adrienne   September 4th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Nothing McCain says can take away from the ugliness of last night. McCain let those people poison the water way too much. Palin was not a success with most non republican women. She was harsh and low. Like a snake. not trustworthy or safe. Just mean and spiteful. she kept stiking over and over like a venomous viper with it's tail nailed to the floor. Her snark and snearing was ugly. She was mean to the wrong people. If she is a reformer than she should have gone after the people that have been in charge for the last 8 years. I know mccain plans on doing that tonight but mccain has voted with bush more than 90% of the time. It falls flat when mccain says it. Mccain has the history to go personal with Obama so it does not seem too out of place. Palin and mcCain got their speeches backwards, imo. But, the republicans have got everything backwards for the last 8 years. So, indeed, they offer no change there.

Ethan   September 4th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Who -specifically- is McShame talking about? How would he 'change' them? And how will this bring 'change' to the country?

It's just hilarious to think that someone who supported everything Bush/Cheney did in the last 8 years is going to bring 'change'! Just laughable. He's going to get destroyed for this obvious insane pandering garbage. A transparent attempt at scamming Americans into voting for hard-right anti-science, anti-progress George W. Bush policies.

service   September 4th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

i like how the first day's theme at the RNC was service…then the second day's theme was making fun of community organizers…now that's what i call a powerful, coherent message

raymond   September 4th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

i m sorry ,she didnt make any good point .her speech was off point; she didnt comment on job, healthcare, no hope for poor ppl;

Just Decided   September 4th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

The Republicans don't have a diverse base as Obama. The Republicans don't reach out to the black community…only the rich which community. I am ashamed to say that looking in the audience of the RNC there are 99 percent whites.

Frank in Pittsburgh   September 4th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

He is going to bring change. That makes sense. After 8 years of Republican nonsense, the best way to bring change is to vote Republican…………..What?

Keep Status Quo, Life Is Fine   September 4th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

What is he talking about change? Didn't he say we were making "progress" and that everything was fine with the Bush Administration? Either he is an idiot, or extremely forgetful. Oh no, he better not change, we want everything to stay exactly the way it is.

McCain/The No Change Candidate

Just Decided   September 4th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

It's funny how no other candidate ran for change for the White House until Obama came on the scene.

McCain ran just as a Republican candidate. Now he's running as a change candidate.

Jim   September 4th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

It's absurd how McCain and Republicans try to use the "change" theme that is Obama's campaign slogan. They recognize the country demands change (e.g. an end to the Iraq war and $1 trillion cost) and know they must pay at least lip- service to that demand.

Sen. McCain has served in Washington for decades and has voted with Bush 90% of the time: is that change? Gov. Palin agrees 100% with Bush/Cheney policies – I challenge anyone to name a single issue where they disagree: is that change?

Nothing McCain says tonight can changes these facts.

Connie, Tennessee   September 4th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Why hasn't all these changes been made by McCain since he's been in Washington 20+ years? He is so full of it!!

Leah   September 4th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

So McCain did NOT always love America!

And he apparently didn't love his first wife and his first kids either – since he left them for a beauty queen heiress!

pat C.   September 4th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

JUST LIKE OLD JOHN TO RIDE THE SKIRTS OF A PRETTY WOMAN. HE IS SHALLOW AND HOLDS NO KNEW MESSAGE.
AMERICANS ARE NOT FOOLED BY WHAT HE HAS DONE USING PALIN AS A PAWN TO GET HIM MORE VOTES. ALL HIS OLD CRONIES LOOK LIKE THEY SHOULD BE IN AN OLD FOLKS HOME OUT THERE ON THE STAGE.
BARACK OBAMA IS THE ONLY LEADER AMERICA NEEDS TO HELP US GROW AND GAIN RESPECT FROM THE GLOBAL NATIONS.

CM   September 4th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Change from what? You guys caused the problem and now you're really gonna try and convince us that you have the solution?

Why couldn't you suggest this solution before maverick?

Dori in AZ   September 4th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

McCain loves to revel in the "war hero" status that every speaker reminds of us. He needs to make it plain to Palin that by using her son's military deployment info in her conversations and speeches, that she is potentially endangering that group of military personnel.

They are not all her sons and daughters. If she is not concerned about what happens to the rest of them, some of us who have military family members most certainly are!

McCopy   September 4th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Did I miss something. Is 'Change' not the Obama motto. Is McOld so lame that he cannot even find a motto for himself.

Sean Chong   September 4th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Well, the talk of change by GOP seems very hypocritical. After 8 years of rule by an incompetent president who did not even dare to show up at the convention (and the vice president hiding in Georgia), the same supporters now supporting "change"? And put the blame on the Congress and Senate that have screwed up in the past 2 years? What change is Mccain talking about? He's a Republican, and if he wants to change, he should have done it 8 years ago, and not wait till now? you're seeing the same group of people who supported Bush/Cheney's policies and got us into this mess. Even the Republicans knew that they brought us into this mess and they want a change!

Scott L   September 4th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Go to YouTube and query "52 seconds Obama"

mzbond   September 4th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Oh No. We cannot afford another 350 point down day on Wall Street. Pleeeeez John, don't say anything, especially about being a POW.

Sylvia   September 4th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Paul Begala, I cannot believe that Candy, Wolf and Campbell let you talk positively about Senator Obama. What has gotten in to the pro-McCain CNN? Oh, they have to call themselves fair by adding you, Roland and Donna to their lineup for around 2 minutes each while they have the bias Gloria Borger and the hateful Leslie Sanchez all night long. Why don't you hire a young and progressive reporter? I guess you do not want to take any chances that he might support Senator Obama.

Kenneth "Voter" Rios   September 4th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

You're against the "constant partisan rancor"!? Have you been watching the RNC?

McCaint   September 4th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Here we go with the POW crap again

jennifer   September 4th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

I can't wait to see it all tonight!!

Ilona from Alberta   September 4th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

First off…..I think that McCain had his military experience because daddy and granddaddy were into it not because he was a maverick.
When in another country he fell in love with his (country)……what was up before then?
Having scars is good enough to persude people to vote for McCain because Obama doesn't? I don't get that one either.
The big old spending has everything to do with country first (ALL the people) and not the me first ( if you are rich you deserve it and poor "oh well" Republican attitude).
As far as Do Nothing – yes, Bush did a lot of that for 8 years!

Obama gets it!

Nicky, NJ   September 4th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

We've heard that before from the Repugs, from GW as a matter of fact. He changed things alright. We went from $28 dollars a barrel of oil to 120 dollars a barrel. That's not change we can believe in, and John McSame would do the same thing.

Obama/Biden 08

Beverly, NYC   September 4th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

John didn't you have 26 years to change things and fix what needed to be fixed. Better question what happened to your Mr. Fix It attitude during the last 8, when the country was headed no where fast?
I hope tonight you will finally explain what your're going to do with the 10 trillion dollar deficit, how you will fix the economy and get the dollar back to where it should be, and please, please, please explain what we are winning in Iraq and how we are going to get our troops home in Victory and Honor.

Stacey   September 4th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

From Factcheck :
"And so . . .

So to sum up, McCain has indeed voted to support the unpopular Bush 95 percent of the time most recently, but less so in earlier years. And Obama has voted pretty close to 100 percent in line with fellow Democrats during his brief Senate career."

change you can believe in? :)

angela gardner   September 4th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Palin must think shes wonder woman something or someone is going to go lacking and last night Who was responsible for changing that baby during all those speeches? I would like to know what lesson was she teaching her kids last night with all those negative comments .

Turnicate   September 4th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

If Mclames speech has any of the substance that media praised in Sarah Plain and Dull's speech had, I'll probably take a rain check on this speech as well.

Dennis   September 4th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Not only does Senator McCain have nothing new to say about any of the issues, he can't even come up with his own campaign slogan. There is no change with McCain.

Even Steven   September 4th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

"Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country second Washington crowd: Change is coming," the Republican presidential candidate says."

He's directing this at his Republican friends who have been in charge for the last 8 years right? In that case, he's talking about an impending Obama victory.

Go Obama/Biden '08!

Jeffrey   September 4th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

McCain talks about change and reform, him being the Maverick. But, the McCain of late is the same as Bush both in policies and tone. He's become divisive and mean-spirited and angry, as he embraces the right wing of his party. It was made more evident in his pick of Palin and her speech filled not with substance, but with bile and sarcasm.

If he had run as the McCain of yesterday, the one who stood up to Bush and his party, rather than Campaign McCain who's sold his soul and principles to win the nomination, he might have had a chance to attract those moderates and independents.

Dom   September 4th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Change…

The Republican's Real Plan for America = "Corporate Socialism"

I coined this term myself because I believe it to be the truth.

For far too long the GOP has attempted to portray the Democrats as communists and out of touch. Socialism already exists in our society because of the Republican's willingness to allow BIG CORPORATIONS, like Walmart, Exxon-Mobil, etc, to control almost every aspect of people's lives. True freedom is not a country whose people are bound to the will of those entities whose pockets run deep, whose power is obscene, and whose reach is far.

Whatever   September 4th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Yeah right. Well this is Woman who is not impressed will not be watching! What show is a season premier tonight?

eli   September 4th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

man they gonna use this Palin to just get elected and continue the Bush policies….

ARE FREAKIN BETTER OFF NOW THAN 8 YEARS AGO????

WAKE UP DAM IT!!!!

Molly   September 4th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Good Luck McCain – I'm sure you will do good BUT
GOV Palin was GREAT – this team has EARNED my VOTE!!

Robert   September 4th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Didn't Bush promise the same and the republicans the same in 94?

Mike Bulmer   September 4th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

John McCain didn't love America until he was a POW in Vietnam. You read it here first.

jason   September 4th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

hahahha mccain change?! crazy

mcsamemccain on myspace   September 4th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Change? As in the $50K that your buddy Keating (of Keating 5 fame) raised for your campaign just now?

dEMOBRAT   September 4th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Sarah palin is the REAL Annie oakley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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