September 16, 2008
Posted: September 16th, 2008 06:20 PM ET

From
Fiorina is a top aide to McCain.
Fiorina is a top aide to McCain.

(CNN) - Hours after top McCain aide Carly Fiorina said Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin isn't qualified to run a major corporation, the former Hewlett-Packard CEO said she doesn't think John McCain is either.

In comments that are strikingly off message as the Arizona senator attempts to position himself as the candidate best positioned to fix the country's economic woes, Fiorina said in an interview on MSNBC Tuesday running a Fortune 500 corporation is not the same as running the country.

“Well, I don't think John McCain could run a major corporation, I don't think Barack Obama could run a major corporation, I don't think Joe Biden could run a major corporation," Fiorina, a top McCain advisor, said.

"But, on the other hand, a major corporation is not the same as being the president or the vice president of the United States," she continued. "It is a fallacy to suggest that the country is like a company. So, of course, to run a business, you have to have a lifetime of experience in business, but that's not what Sarah Palin, John McCain, Joe Biden, or Barack Obama are doing."

Fiorina was president of Hewlett-Packard until her high-profile ousting in 2006 after the company's uneven performance. Her comments Tuesday were immediately circulated by the Obama campaign as part of its continued effort to paint McCain as a candidate who lacks understanding of economic issues.

“If John McCain’s top economic advisor doesn’t think he can run a corporation, how on Earth can he run the largest economy in the world in the midst of a financial crisis?" said Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor. "Apparently even the people who run his campaign agree that the economy is an issue John McCain doesn’t understand as well as he should."

Fiorina made similar comments earlier Thursday to a St. Louis radio station when she was asked if Palin was qualified to run a company like Hewlett-Packard.

“No, I don’t,” Fiorina answered. “But that’s not what she’s running for. Running a corporation is a different set of things."

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain


Drew in Wisconsin   September 16th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Recall when the big Republican mantra was that the US was really nothing but a big business and should be run like one? Wonder if that one's going to be dropped now.

L.   September 16th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Mccain please STOP claiming Blackberry. It is invented by a Canadian Company named Research In Motion. I am a Canadian and I don't want Mccain to claim this at all – HE HAS NO RIGHT TO DO SO. PLEASE.

CindyN--PA   September 16th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

She's absolutly right about McCain and wrong about Obama.
Palin and McCain are crazy and just today McCain said the economy is strong. It's clear he couldnt run a company nor this country.
What does he offer, lies? Senility?
Just stopping earmarks alone would take 100years to rebound this economy. That isnt enough. He has no proposals that really work.

Down with the liars McCain and Palin. They are unfit to run this government.

shahid   September 16th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Erin Smith, Canana is a large country with lots of land and liberals. You'll fit right in.

She's not qualified either....   September 16th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

This is really funny......a FIRED corporate executive who completely FAILED in her role at HP now wants to tells us who is/isn't qualified to run the country. Why would McCain put her out as a spokesperson when she has a reputation for not knowing what she's talking about in business or in politics??

La Raza   September 16th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Ok, visiting time is over, it's time for Fiorina to return back to her cell.

change for texas   September 16th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

But Palin can part the water while McCain uses HIS blackberry, or is that too technical for him?

linda from prescott   September 16th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

what an idiot

Carol   September 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

This woman would know whereof she speaks, since she could not run a company, either. Just goes to show the old adage, "It takes one to know one." Where was I when the US became a plutocracy?

Pat Riot   September 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Answer: The president has neither the authority nor the ability to run the economy. The people and the markets run the economy.

When you get the federal government too involved in the economy to the point that it controls production that is called socialism and we are not and can never by constitutional definition be a socialist country. We are a free people.

Rich Los Angeles, Ca   September 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

CNN you are dumb a biased!

Quote completely cut off. She went on to add that Obama has the least ability to run a company, yes following Gov. Palin.

Our #2 is better equipped then your #1

You guys are a joke. CNN, MSNBC, CBS, ABC why don’t you just come out and indorse Obama? We’re “republicans” not dumb “only democraps”

Independent   September 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Fiorina also can't run a company according to the Board at HP.

go away mongers-Ventura ca   September 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

If the gop doesn't think mcsame & palin can run the economy-what are the rest of us supposed to think?
EIGHT IS ENOUGH!

Anne E.   September 16th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

This woman's sentences consist of a noun, a verb, and "sexist."
She needs to clam up, sit down, and remain quiet for the duration.

Chris   September 16th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

AND FIORINA COULDN'T RUN A COMPANY EITHER...FAILED EX-CEO HP, AND LOSER REPUBLICAN

Brandon, Pennsylvania   September 16th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

It's funny how you spin it in such a liberal direction. At least Fox News gave the whole quote right at the beginning.

Alvaro The Patriot   September 16th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Everyone should vote by their conscious and NOT by their party affiliation/ID. I am a Republican, but I'm not voting for John McCain. I'm voting for the individual who has the capacity to resolve the problems facing this country such as the rise of gas prices, mortgage/housing crisis, Wall Street, etc.

TO ALL WHO SAY IT IS A BAD HEADLINE   September 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Maybe you can explain why the moron was talking about it at all?

What is her point other than the 4 and her cannot run a corp. that adds what value???

John McCain   September 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

I am John McCain, and I support this... you know, crap again...

Folks out there, who say that CNN is distorting, forget that Fiorina is supposed to support ME, Johnny boy and could say anything but nice of my opponent. She said something that would have not been surprising if she said that about my opponents (hahaha, not true either, I know... smirk smirk) but she included me in that too!!
She is fireeeeeeed!
And I am JohnMcCain and I support this.... leave me alone!!!! Where is my medicine???

Aaron Pittsburgh   September 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Finally, some truth and honesty coming from a Mcsame supporter. What is even more shocking is that Mcsame is still competitive in the polls, unreal! Whats gives?!? Oh, thats right, Obama is black.

Oh give me a break   September 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Anyone with a bit of sense understands the meaning of her comment. You Obama supporters are so desparate that you jumb on every word that a person utters. John McCain can put rings around Obama every which way. I guess we are going to have to hear about this for several days now. Obama is no leader – he is teleprompter rock star with slogans.

shahid   September 16th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Does Obama or any of his supporters have the courage to be righteous to change the title of the article to reflect what she said?

Every time I read Obama's supporters' comments, I remember reading a line from some blogger:

"Obama supporters are like zombies in a low-grade horror movie where they walk aimlessly chanting their master's message 'CHANGE'"

Mary   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Leave it to CNN to headline it that "McCain can't run a company", when she said NONE of the candidates could.....how far in the Obama tank can you GET !?!?! THAT is why his numbers are falling: we are SICK of the media

Diane   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

How does she know Obama couldn't run a corporation? He's done fantasically well running his campaign. Do you really think a person who runs their corporation into the ground is someone who can judge if another person is qualified to run a corp?

Jimi   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

This stuff gets more ludicrous by the day. McCain's handlers apparently lack faith in his ability.

Rick S   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

My friends, for 5 and a half years I couldn't use a telephone so I invented the blackberry. My friends, for 5 and a half years I couldn't fly a plane so I cannot possibly run a company.

agnes   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

To Betty: I am so glad your son's voting patterns are based on hormones alone. You did such a good job (sarcasm) of teaching him to be an independent thinker.

Jim   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

It is ridiculous to think that the President of the United States has any influence on the economic policies that drive this country's financial situation. Who makes the laws and regulations? Ummm ... let me think ... the Democratic-controlled Congress!!! The President can say I want this and I want that but Congress is going to do what their greedy little minds want to do.

Get real ...

Debbie   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Word was that Carly was being considered for VEEP. If McCain was REALLY interested in getting intelligent women to vote for his ticket, he'd have picked her. He picked Palin for two reasons: she was a total unknown, guaranteeing a media frenzy that would [temporarily] withdraw attention from Obama, and second, because Palin appeals to the right-wing religious extremists who dislike and mistrust him. Intelligent women are not fooled. And intelligent Americans should be INSULTED at this man who traded on his "integrity" for so long would take the low road simply to win. Of course that is a Republican thing, but I am not sure we want or deserve "Bush in a skirt".

Dave   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Hey Carly... you can't run a company either!

Folks, if you want four more years of the status-quo... vote McCain.

If you don't, vote for Obama.

It's that simple...

Davdi   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

This is the same person who got what McCain calls a "golden parachute" – a $21 million dollar severance package, despite the fact that she was FIRED and despite the fact that her company lost jobs.

Jewel79   September 16th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

I wouldn't let McCain or Palin run my kids Kool-Aid stand let alone this country.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

alan in baltimore   September 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

That's right vote for the guy who warned that Iraq would distract from Afghanistan. Just who did he warn? When he announced his candidacy for Senate, we were already in Kuwait preparing for Iraq. Maybe he warned his wife? Many of us did just that, but that doesn't make all of us qualified to be president. Nor does Obama's misrepresentations and his lack of real experience – can you say "present", don't qualify either.

Dee   September 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Carly Fiorina is not qualified to run a major company either. Just ask HP, why do you think they fired her?

David, Silver Spring, MD   September 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Gee, so maybe it should be the Fiorina / Palin ticket? Is John McCain good for anything?

Who are these people and why do we let them out in public?

By the way, did you hear the great presentation Obama made today on the economy. You can watch the video at c-span.org/politics. At least somebody gets it.

Obama / Biden 08

Lie-a-day Palin Ain't Ready for Primetime   September 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

This is why she's a failed executive from HP without an ounce of credibility. Another reason to keep her in the McCain ranks and out of the corporate world, our government and our lives. And to think, she's was in the running as a potential VP pick for Grampy.

Mario fl   September 16th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Wow she is out of the picture, because soon Obama will prove that he is the best one to lead. Watch the debate hihihihihihihihihihihihihihi

Phooey   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Well Carly, neither could you. The great thing you managed to do was take a 21 million+ parachute off the HP cliff Just the kind of person McCain says he despises.

"Executive" experience does not equal LEADERSHIP. It's a functional title and nothing more. We need LEADERS, not executives.

OBAMA-BIDEN '08

lil   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

So somebody finally told the truth in the mccain campaign.

MB   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Don't worry America, tu dud du duhhhhh the Chosen One will use that vast expance of community organizing experience to lead us to the promised land. Who exactly in this election has experience running a business...... Oh I almost forgot, Sarah Palin does.

Libs have no common sense.

McSmear loves Doug   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Doug: Stop Whining or Phil Graham will think you are an American worker.

Lyndon,CA   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Carly will be running the economy in a McCain administration. It would be a promotion from her gig at Hewlett Packard. Carly the Terminator, "I'll be back!"

Sol   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

The reason this is worse for McCain is because we would all expect the opponents people to trash each other, but when your close supporters don't believe in you then you KNOW you've got a problem. At least Obama's supporters truly believe in their candidate.

Ethan   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

How about we play a nice little game.

It's called "No More Corporate Fascist Republicans Running The Country".

It's easy to play. Step One is to decide if you want corporate fascists to run the country. Step Two, if you DON'T want corporate fascists to control the USA, vote for Barack Obama. If you DO want corporate fascists then you automatically lose. See? That easy!

Dal CA   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

HP Board gave Florina the correct answer. YOU ARE FIRED! and here is $41 Million to keep quiet.

JK in PA   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

“Well, I don't think John McCain could run a major corporation, I don't think Barack Obama could run a major corporation, I don't think Joe Biden could run a major corporation," Fiorina, a top McCain advisor, said.

What sound bite should we pick????

Not news

Todd   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

I wonder how the Blackberry inventor cannot run Fortune 500 company?!

Georgia Gal   September 16th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Oh and btw, Carly ... keep talking ... one of these times you are going to put your foot in your mouth and not be able to get it out.

Richard   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

And this from the lady who almost ran HP into the ground before being forced out!! Some advisors McCain has. OBAMA-'08

tydicea   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

These people are turning out to be their own worst enemy. Tomorrow they'll find a way to blame Carly Fiorina's statements on Obama. lol!

ivnprt   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Maybe McCain can run a corporation. I just heard on the news that he invented the Blackberry

Changing My Vote   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

That does it...Obama is my vote. Thanks Carly, McCain has no idea about the economy.

MaryMary   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Clearly, we all know that Carly Fiorina wasn't qualified to run HP and she certainly isn't qualified to run the country. Neither is Palin. But because we've been sidetracked by the *female* factor and not the issues nor the Republican platform, Americans are being duped. Focus on the issues and you'll see McCain and Palin don't have a clue about what's going on in the country. One of the comments said they are voting for Palin because she's pretty. Well if that's the case, we're all in trouble. We're not voting on looks, we're voting on issues people.

Fundamentally What?   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

I Guess she's only right about Obama huhhh? Maybe it's because he's more intelligent than both Republican candidates and his IQ just might be higher than McCain/Palin Combined.

I definitely think he could have run HP better than she did

mark   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

I missed the part where Ms. Fiorina admitted she was also unable to run a large corporation. Who the hell is she to say that Obama is not capable????? She was dumped unceremoniously!!!!!
Go Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden!!!!!
--
Using your logic, who the hell is she to say that McCain is not cabable??? You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Go Senator McCain and Govenor Palin!!!! The biased news and lying left won't con the majority of America. They can blog, but come November, they'll be crying again, again, again. They couldn't beat GW, the lowest rated President ever. Why? Because they have nothing to offer. They lie, and attack, and smear. They don't put anything new on the table. The only people the Corrupt Network News (CNN) or the liberal left fool are themselves.

Sammy   September 16th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Stop talking, right now. Even if she is right it is a dumb thing to say. She would have been better off saying yes and defending herself. As always there would be people who disagree, but it's much better than saying what she did.

Georgia Gal   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

So any bets as to how long Carly will have a job??

McSmear   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Carly the difference between "run" a corporation and "ruin" a corporation is 'I". So how that CEO job a HP work out for you, anyway? How big a golden parachute did you get?
McCain will kick her to the curb by the next news cycle

Fred   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Nor would 95% plus of all the politicians in the country be qualified to run a large corporation. They are politicians who hopefully understand government. They are not business people and most would fail at being one. That is why they are politicians.
Different skill sets. Lying to larger crowds is necessary for politicians.
Funny how the candidate with the thinnest resume selectively picked this up and ran with it but only as it pertained to republicans.

Read Again   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

She said the same thing for all Four, why pick up for McCain ?

Beth   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

lmao...riiiiiiiiiight, CNN is biased. Because we ALL know Faux News isn't biased at all.

The truth hurts, huh?

Obama/Biden '08!

Chris   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

This coming from the lady who said SNL was sexist because they made Hillary Clinton and not Sarah Palin seem to have substance. Hillary is a woman too, Carly. Now, she comes out with a sequel. Apparently, from her record, she wasn't very good at running a company either.

It is more than obvious that John McCain would run the country the same way he runs his incompetent campaign.

You pushed me away Senator. Obama/Biden '08!

Anyonmous   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Oh yeah TWO stories telling the same half truth????

Wow the wolves are loose in the chicken house.

You should be ashamed CNN. You won't be will you? The point is you are shameless.
How does it feel to abuse your rights given to you as the press? How long to you guys have to shower at the end of the day? Do you feel dirty? You should. You are CUTTING OFF THE VIDEO CLIP ON AIR!!!!

You say McCain is a lying YOU GUYS ARE MUCH WORSE.

YOU are digging your own hole and you keep digging.

Washing wont make you feel clean you know. How can you sleep at night.

Larry Mac   September 16th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

The Presidency and the campaign for it is become like reality television, Survivor, American Idol, or the Apprentice.

On 24, the powers discovered that America could embrace a black president, without 24, Obama wouldn't even be floated out here.

That being said, Carly was Way out of line.

BJGT   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Every time she opens her mouth it's obvious why HP fired her – she can't run a company either..who is she to talk?

anyonmous   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

hey voters i just heard that obama new ad come out and mccain say our fudemental of our economy are strong they still say that yes and i mean mccain

Mike   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Fiorina is goofy. She thinks Palin has 'executive experience'. What good is experience if it is negative. Like running up a twenty two million dollar debt in tiny Wasilla Alaska. And firing numerous qualified State employees and replacing them with her high school
buddies who have no qualifications,experience or education. Palin like McBush has exhibited very poor judgement in office. That is her 'experience'.

Dmitriy   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Obama is running a deceptive campaign. Fox reports that Obama Camp ‘Deceitful’ in Clipping Fiorina's Quote. Obama is dishonorable is his new politics of hope and smear. Too bad CNN is encouraging this nonsense.

shannon   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

apparently all she can do is run her mouth

Sohail   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Take away the tax break and she couldn't run one either.

Jack   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Dave, Michigan loves McCain/Palin? Uh, not in my neighborhood.

Allen   September 16th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

And celebrity loud-mouths are the only whackos?

Carly, add your name to the list of those who are incapable of running a company.

Bob (Illinois)   September 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

In fact, neither could Carly Fiorina!

Annette, Washington, DC   September 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Carly, finally said with millions already know, she told it, like it is! Neither McCain or Gov. Palin could be a Chief Executive Officer, Handle that!

jim in indiana   September 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Not only could Palin not lead a company..she couldn't lead a horse to water.

Matt   September 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Careful CNN. They're bating the media to set up their victimhood.

brian   September 16th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Obama doesn't even have to point the obvious out, McCain's own advisers keep sinking him! This is great democracy in action!!

RH   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

This is coming from a person that can't run a fortune 500 company either; just take the 93 million dollar bonus from the compaq buyout and run, Fiorina!

NOW WE KNOW WHY YOU WERE FIRED from HP   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

You are a raving lunatic!

Ex-Republican for Obama   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

She thinks none can run it. But here's a sad truth:

She KNOWS McCain and Palin can't because of her close proximity to them in the campaign...so while she indicates the same about Obama and Biden, her knowledge is by far less accurate in regards to those two.

Her job is to help McCain. Of course she will include Obama's name in the mix of her admittance that McCain and Palin aren't able to run the biggest economy in the world.. Because she's not only sexist, but racist as well (she fired black people...oooh...racist pig she is (sarcasm included))

Obama/Biden '08 (it's who McCain and Fiorina are voting for, along with all of the smart republicans)

Kate Fergus   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

AMERICA NEEDS A COMMON SENSE REVOLUTION!!! COMMON SENSE MEANS GETTING RID OF THE REPUBLICANS!!! THEY HAVE DONE ENOUGH DAMAGE DURING THESE LAST 8 YEARS.

WAKE UP PEOPLE AND SMELL THE FOUL ODOUR!! MCCAIN AND PALIN DO NOT REPRESENT CHANGE!!!!!

Mark   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

I can't believe a McCain aide is actually telling the truth for once and when she does she is in hot water. What does this say about the McCain campaign?

jt   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

He's a grand pa 72 years, should not he be retired by now...

Bob   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

It's interesting how CNN failed to add Obama's name to the headline. So biased. I'll be on the lookout to see if CNN once again blocks my right to free speech.

Rose   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

She is his "top aide" ???

Marcel - Atlanta   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Open Foot... Insert Mouth!

That Carly is a loose cannon. I'm glad she's working for McCain. Wasn't she the same person who raised the birth control equity flap?

You can't make this stuff up! I can't wait for late night TV to get hold of this sound byte.

Tibor Lin   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

CNN: Please do not suppress this comment !!
=====================================

Is this a joke ?? FIORINA STATED THE OBVIOUS

A politician without business experience cannot run a corporation,
this include living and deceased presidents as Bill Clinton, John Kennedy, Ronald Regan and Franklin Roosevelt.

The required knowledge of economics from a politiciam is fundamentally different to the one of a entrepreneur, as Fiorina states

Then, why is CNN run this story ?? Could it be that they think that Fiorina being a Republican, this could hurt McCain ??

TIBOR

Susan   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

She gives real confidence to the American voters doesn't she? McCain you have a winner in her- keeps tripping on her own feet!

Carl29   September 16th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Yeah ! ! ! You got to love Carly :-) You go girl; Express yourself.

Kate   September 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

Betty: Your son is voting for McCain/Palin because she is "smart and very pretty"? You must be so proud.

Wayne   September 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

what makes this news is that it comes from McCain's own camp...and from a woman who failed miserably at running her own company..and who has tried to pin the sexist label on anyone critical of Palin...

what makes it pathetic is her premise that being President or Vice-President is somehow less of a job than "running a major corporation..."

Jim   September 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

None of the liberal TV stations (including CNN) have mentioned the fact that Senator Obama is the second from the top of the list of those who received campaign contributions from Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac lobbyists. Do we trust him to recast our regulatory oversight process?

Missouri   September 16th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

I have a question for all of the candidates...I haven't heard a solid answer from any of them on this..

How can anybody fix this?

The company I work for is publically owned. We have been told by the "powers that be" that the management team will do what ever it takes to produce the best returns to their share holders. Long story short they are in process of moving another almost 1,000 jobs to Mexico. They can't hold down the material costs, so they are holding down the employee and building overhead costs. Mexico is close enough that the transportation costs aren't anything like the oversea transport costs and increased lead time costs. Most all of these folks will be forced to move from their "small towns" to find full time employment with some benefits in larger towns.

davinder   September 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Didn't she almost drive HP into the ground, layout 120,000 people and get fired?

Fiorina can run a company... into the ground, that is.

Typical that she is one of the sharks leading McCain's economic policies. Maybe thats why he thinks Americans are whiners like his other advisor, phil gramm, has said.

The fundamentals of the economy are strong... if you make a crap load of money.

g   September 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

as a former HP employee, it cracks me up to see this. Carly ran HP right. RIGHT into the ground. killed it.

failure in the business world = mccain advisor?

also, MIchigan does NOT love McCain/Palin.

OBAMA 08

BPIZZY   September 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I am liberal and I agree with her on both sides... For the most part the economy is autonomous... While the president can have a bigger positive impact by doing less than more as is evident in Clinton's decision to pay off the deficit instead of dumping the trillions of dollars in capital gains back into the economy, the president gets too much credit when the economy is going well and too much blame when it is bad. The economy is mainly driven by the FED, global markets and the decisions of the fortune 500 companies. None of the candidates could be the CEO of a major company and no CEO could run this county. CEO's focus on profit maximization, something the government cannot afford to do.

Still, whoever gets elected in Nov is sure to be a one-term president; the economy is not going to recover enough in four years and they will surely take the blame.

Will   September 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

CNN would post it if someone from Obama's group of advisers would have said it about him. But this is Carly "Crash and Burn HP" Fiorina saying that John McCain (who she is working for) can't run a business. It has more meaning when you say that about your own "boss" than someone elses "boss".

SO WHAT IS YOUR POINT CARLY?   September 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

YOU were fired from HP, you took $21 million in cash as a "golden parachute.

Looks like you cannot run a corporation either, so what point are you making, other than just non-chorent babblings?

Oops, hope that wasn‘t “sexist“.

Erin Smith   September 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

"What the Obama campaign must have missed is the fact that she said NONE of the four running for Pres/VP in the two major parties is qualified to run a Fortune 500 company. Obama's bobbleheads are so quick to point out McCain's shortcomings, but fail to see that Obama's are even MORE obvious, even to the ill-informed, than McCain's."

Either that, or this woman is full of hot air like the rest of the McCain campaign and her words are totally not credible. And I don't need her comments to know that McCain and Palin are NOT qualified to run a Fortune 500 company, let alone this country. How could their failed, tired policies possibly fix the problems that those policies have brought on in this country?!

A vote for Republicans is a vote for the past. Let's move forward.

Jack   September 16th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Will you people shut up about Palin's experience! She lives close to Russia, so she has foriegn policy experience? Her and her husbans have a small fishing business, so the know how to run a business?

I lived in Spain and sold a set of golf clubs, does that qualify me to be President? No, you know what qualifies me? Eight years of military service I never crashed one plane nor got caught by the enemy! I also know how to email and I understand the ecomomy, it sucks.

Matt   September 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

"Hi, I'm a Dem/Rep/Ind who is voting Rep/Dem because [insert talking points]. Boy am I sick of [insert candidate] and all their lack of qualifications. I've decided to vote for [insert candidate] instead because [insert latest spin]. Change. reform, the children the children, education, health care, oil, energy, blah blah blah..."

Nobody's buying this total crap from any of you. Please stop. And CNN, please stop posting it. You're only dumbing down the debate even further.

THE ELECTION IS NOT AN ETHICAL LIMBO: IT'S NOT ABOUT HOW LOW YOU CAN GO.

Bill   September 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Give me a break.....who would hire Obama to run General Motors or any other large corporation? He would be clueless.

Pachy   September 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Missing from BHO Resume:

CEO – Chief Executive Officer
COO – Chief Operating Officer
CFO – Chief Financial Officer

Present on BHO Resume:

CO – Community Organizer

mark   September 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Do any of you read the article before writing comments?

So many of you keep saying she said this just about McCain. She didn't, she said this about all 4 candidates.

I guess the truth has little to do with the some of your opinions. Oh yeah, it's repubs who lie, and distort the truth.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Of course, I suspect my comments will be "awaiting moderation" forever, just like always. CNN is so biased, I dare them to actually show this one, throw me a bone folks :)

Paula, Los Angeles CA   September 16th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Fiorina, it is blatantly obvious that you cannot run a company either! HP ousted you!

We already put one idiot into office for 8 years, lets give a chance to the intelligent guy with common sense and good judgment. It is obvious Obama is an innovator and a leader... So much so that McSame and Co. are imitating his every move, his every line! Great job Obama you are a leader in more ways than one!

FYI... Obama has run one of the most successful campaigns in history for the last 20 months.... Obama '08!

ANAG LOS ANGELES, CA   September 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

lol way to turn it around.

MaryMary   September 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Carly Fiorina wasn't ready to run HP either and they gave her the boot. She laid of hundreds if not thousands of HP employees and said that Americans are aren't guaranteed jobs. This is the kind of surrogate McCain wants in his camp?

Mark, B'ham., Al.   September 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Obama and Biden could not run a company either, the lawyers who ran the corporation I worked for ruined it so bad we were bought out cheap and lost alot of our benefits to boot. Running a company, a country, or a campaign are as different as apples and oranges. CEO's are suppose to know about their company and be able to understand even the engineers which I know lawyers cannot because it goes right over their head like it does reporters.

Allison- Mclean, Va   September 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

McCain nearly went bankrupt early in the primaries, remember?

Everyone counted him out because of how poorly he was managing his money, and thats how he got the slogan "mac is back" after NH.

The man is rich yes, and therefor out of touch with real Americans, which is how he can make ignorant statements like "the fundamentals of our economy are strong", but the only reason he is rich is because he married into money, and so its not like he's even had to have a personal budget. He can't even count how many houses he has, how is he suppose to fix the economy?

agnes   September 16th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Why does this idiot have a media forum? She ran HP into the ground. She has no authority whatsover. On the other hand, keep getting the Republicans off-message, Carly.

SONGBIRD MCCAIN   September 16th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

The headline is the way it is because she is McCain's advisor!! Saying that Obama is not qualified would be just partisan bickering. CNN headlines are pro-McCain/Palin the majority of the time regardless of the crux of the article.

What I have to ask is how McCain can still even be in this race???

His top economic advisor (Phil Gramm) basically created the foundation for the housing crisis, the oil speculation run-up, & the current financial melt-down.

And now Fiorina – who herself was canned for mismanagement – says that neither McCain nor Palin could even run a company.

P.S. what would McCain say about her golden parachute?

JJ   September 16th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

To Abby
McCain is qualified How?
Palin is definitely unqualified

JPM   September 16th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

McCain campaign has "foot in mouth" syndrome. Their ideas have been tried – Republicans were driving the car for the last eight years. Now that we've crashed, I think its time to turn the wheel over to someone else.

Louis   September 16th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Dear Carly: Aren't you special?!!

Que Quedas   September 16th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Fiorina.....the US is the biggest corporation in the world........I am glad u let us all know that your candidates are not qualified.......to Mike the poster at the bottom of the page.....fiorina is Mc Cains surrogate not Obamas so dwelling on her downing Mc Cain is gonna be a bigger story than Obama since she has been downing Obama for months.......so calm down.....its ok.....boy the republicans have been sensitive lately

RJ, NC   September 16th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

McCain has already run a company. Remember, he invented the BlackBerry

Olivia   September 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

You should see what NBC Andrea Mitchell did with this one. She cut the audio as soon as Fiorina said Palin and Mcain couldn't run a big co-op. , leaving out the rest.

The interview was then shown on Fox in its entirety.
Just can't trust the networks.

Also found out Obama took a lot of donation from Fannie Mae/ Freddie Mac during his short time in the senate. that is money from lobbyists, isn't it? So much hypocrisy1.

shadowgovt   September 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Fiorina can't run a company or, as she is now going "off-script", even a campaign.

William, from Cali!   September 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

The Nation is "Running on empty", hasn't anybody noticed! We don't need another CEO...........we need a PRESIDENT!

Lynette   September 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

McCain needs to fire this woman, she has a loose tongue. She keeps putting her foot in her mouth.

Impartiality   September 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

To CNN: Ms. Fiorina's view is that none of the candidates are qualified to run a Fortune 500 company. Why do you have a headline advertising that she said one or two of the candidates are not qualified? Also, to all the folks that bring up the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 against McCain, may I remind you that Democrat Bill Clinton signed that bill into law?

Mona in Colorado   September 16th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Apparently she can't run a company either, since she was ousted. Funny too that Obama only saw that she said McCain could not run a company - she put Obama in that same category. Again, a comment taken out of context to try to further the cause.

Trish   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

First time I saw Fiorina I commented that she wasn't very professional or a savy Journalist. She proved me right! But I will thank her as I am just LOVING HER COMMENT! It's not only true but she's given the belief of many even more credence! WAY TO GO Fiorina but dont' expect your cell or home phone to be ringing anytime soon with interview offers! HA

White/female/age 55/Texan   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

How does she know what it takes? She was unsucessful at running HP. But seriously, the best training for pres or vp would be law school. Wow, especially constitutional law. GOBAMA

shadowgovt   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

The latest "Troopergate" item is closed for comments, but I need to add my two cents. No way this can be swept under the carpet. Listen, please, media - there is NO WAY that this would be left alone had the scandal been on the other side. It is your responsibility as journalists to make a stink about this. This is called using executive privilege to delay/dismiss a legal inquiry, which reeks of scandal. Get on it, please, CNN

Ben   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

If Guiliani is a noun, a verb, and 9/11...
Fiorina is a noun, a verb, and "That's sexist!"

Anyonmous   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

"Well, I don't think John McCain could run a major corporation, I don't think Barack Obama could run a major corporation, I don't think Joe Biden could run a major corporation," Fiorina, a top McCain advisor, said."

Wow CNN your bias is really bad today. READ it say NONE of the FOUR. Could your bias be any less apparent?

This says ALL FOUR not just McCain. She was making a point about running the country isn't the same as running a company.

This is getting so sad not just for your objectivity but a sad day for America when the news becomes so political.

Pat, Indiana   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

For all of you crying bias, Fiorina is a surrogate for McCain and she said neither member of HER ticket could run a company. That is the news. The fact that she would say the competition (Obama) couldn't is a given and should be discounted. I think you would find that an Obama surrogate would realize that Barack has exhibited the leadership throughout his career (especially in the last year running his campaign)and that would enable him to successfully run a large organization or company. I would expect that he could have done at least as well as Fiorina at HP.

MD in GA   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Wow, tell us how you really feel Carly... So none of these folks running for the highest offices in the nation could shine your shoes...

Ron   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Your title is misleading it should state that none of the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates could run a corporation. CNN distortion again. Can CNN ever be objective?

Marie in California   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Fiorina also said.....OBAMA OR BIDEN COULD NOT RUN A MAJOR CORPORATION EITHER!

Well, the Obama campaign is playing dirty with remarks again....pulling them all out of context, snipping out only what they want to use. Dirty. Dirty. Dirty lies.

And CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, and MSNBC are almost as dirty in their blatantly biased reporting and their fawning adulation and support for Obama. They want to decide the election for us. Puh.....leeeeze!

The way I see it.....the Obama campaign is as dirty as the air in South Chicago. The McCain camp is as refreshing as a clean Alaskan breeze.

McCain-Palin – 2008

Observer   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

If John McCain continues to surround himself with advisors like Carly Fiorina and Phil Gramm, he could lose the election from the old "foot stuck in the mouth" routine.

Mike   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Only a true pinhead would question the way this headline is titled. There is NO NEWS in a McCain supporter parrotting the party line, but when same parrot stupidly admits what we all know – that McCain or Palin have no ability to run a major corporation – then THAT is news. So far the republicans are batting 1000 for people who shoot off their mouths without thinking...from McCain to Fiorina. Is this the leadership you want in the White House again? Wasn't 8 years of being an international laughingstock enough for you? It is appalling to see political hacks flood these forums. It's all about winning the football game – that's their mindset...with no concern about your country. Despicable.

Michigan Mom   September 16th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

Wonder why she was ousted? I think she's doing a bang-up job for Obama-oops, I mean McCain!

chucky   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

I just watched Sara Palins news conference on an Alaskan news paper 'website.......and she goes on to say that she wasn't the one who pressured to have the trooper fired but it was her husband and members of her staff and she had no knowledge of them doing so....if she can't control her husband and members of her staff if just a govenor.....then how can she do it as VP or even president.

will   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Pretty humorous. After all, it was Carly Fiorina that tried to transmogrify a marketing resume into something that would qualify her to run IT. And, of course, she failed miserably.

Matt   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Who cares what she thinks and who she thinks could run a major corporation? She ran one into the ground, spied on her board and ran off with $23M and now 25,000 are going to be without a job BECAUSE OF HER. This is just more nonsense rather than addressing issues. It's also just republican backpedalling to make up for having thrown Palin under a bus today with her earlier comments. Don't be distracted by their games.

YO' CARLY   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Did you pop a "lude instead of the blood pressure meds?

Your WAY off the republican talking points.

Lipstick on a Palin   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Fiorina is such a dunderhead, thats why she was fired from HP.

geene   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

none of the 4 candidates are capable of running a major corporation, but hillary clinton could have.

blame the ridiculous rules and regulations used in the democratic primaries. and blame the democratic party apparatchiks for disenfranchising florida and michigan voters from voting in the primaries.

now your whole country ends up with these sad, sad options! more like oopshens!

J in NoVa   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

If McCain seeks to "fix" the economy through "reform," he could start by getting rid of economic advisors who ran their companies into financial straights but yet walked away some tens of million dollars richer by virtue of the same golden parachutes McCain now deplores. The problem with Fiorina is not that she is off-message in her comments, but that she's a representative of what's wrong with the economy, yet she is someone upon whom McCain relies. Can we really trust a member of the circle most benefited by our economic mess to fix it?

Amy   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Is this an example of the people McCain would appoint to leadership positions in his administration? If so, it's another great reason (among many) NOT to vote for him!

inga   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Oh, to be duped by the likes of John McCain – How pathetic!!!!!!!!!!

WE WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN!

Colo Sprgs, CO   September 16th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Do you like inflation, job outsourcing, poor economy, war, home mortgage crisis, high gas prices? You're in for more of the same if you elect McCain. Lies and corruption are what his campaign stands for, not country first, McCain first. Not this time, McCain!

Jaybird   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Bought an HP printer a couple years back......thing never did work right.....

Sarah....and my last name isn't Palin   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Hmm...but we knew that already!

We love Sarah   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to me right
here I am. Stuck in the middle again.

Why are Americans forced to lisen to this idiot???!!

Claudia   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Republicans for OBAMA NOW!

Doug   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Breaking News, CNN endorses Barack Obama for President.

This is exactly what your covereage of the McCain / Palin ticket is saying.

It's all things positive reported for Obama and all things negative for McCain.

Wow, keep it up. People will notice how biased CNN really is.

john   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

so why do think those two could run the country.......THEY CANNOT!! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

please   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

demobrat – this is a republican, how is it obama's fault? Just like SNL I guess.

politicians don't run companies   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Obama, Biden certainly could not run a corporation as Fiorni said. But of course the liberal cnn media can't seem to bother to make that a headline – they only make headlines that look like support for Obama even if the article is negative, and only make headlines that look negative for McCain even if the report is positive on McCain.

Obama is not qualified.

CNN is not a trusted source for truth or news of any kind.

Cory Linton   September 16th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

How does Carly Fiorina have any authority to comment on who can run a company –a former CEO who drove into the ground one of the great American companies until she was forced to resign before she completely killed it.

CARLY, THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

McCain: ”We will stop multi-million dollar payouts to CEOs who have broken the public trust”.

Does this mean that Carly Fiorina your new BFF, who took $21 million in cash as her departing gift after running HP into the ground, will be tendering her resignation?

Oops, hope that wasn‘t “sexist“.

TrueTrue   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

McCain is only using Sara Palin to get the female/woman vote to get in the White House. Once in the White House he will let this investigating pan out and give her the boot by her own doing. He will then be able to select the vice president he really wants. Sorry ladies your getting duped.

nad   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Why the emphasis on McCain when she said Obama,Biden and Palin could never run a company either. In fact she said Sarah Palin had more executive experience than Barack Obama who has none.

Obama backed by a Republican   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

It is clearer everyday why I am no longer a Republican. They just never know when to shut up or tell the truth.

John McPain   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Maybe if she stopped talking she would stop getting her foot in her mouth.

mark   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

She also said that Obama can't also, so if Obama campaign that disqualifies McCain it also disqualifies Obama.

They really need to think about what they say, before they say it, if they want to win this thing.

Peter   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Well – on the other hand - maybe the three of them together could run a dog-sled rental company in Alaska.

Darrel from Denver   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

It was only a matter of time before this circus had to start cleaning up after the elephants. It has now begun to unravel at an alarming pace, I must say.

McCain's desperation started showing during the summer, reached a climax with his selection of Palin, and is now going through withdrawals trying to grasp for another opportunity to try to fool more Americans into voting for him.

Daryl from Seattle   September 16th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Uh, how does your foot taste Ma'am? The government can be viewed as the largest corporation in the country. It is indeed just that under current Bush policy; a giant, aggressive, hostile corporation. If McCain and Palin can't run a billion dollar corporation, how can they run a trillion dollar nation. Oh that's right, they would run it...into the ground.

She'   September 16th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Okay, her vacation should start tomorrow. I've got a ticket to Alaska. She can take her buddy with her, and maybe Sarah can answer some questions for Trooper-gate.

MAndo   September 16th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

I love all the government worshippers that actually think running a public institution is harder than a major private corporation. Private corporation's don't have the leeway to fail miserably and continue on. If as a CEO you make a mistake you go out of business. If as a buereucrat you screw up, they increase your budget becuase you "obviously didn't have enough resources." The fact is the best and brightest are our CEO's, and their poor cousins in government represent the lower rung of the elite. Among the wealthy families of this nationIf you're smart enough... you get to run the family business, if you're the dumber brother you end up a lifelong Senator.

Chris   September 16th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

CNN would title the article that way. Her statement are pretty clear that none of them are qualified to run a corp. But it looks better for their liberal friends to make it a stab at McCain. Irresponsible news reporting.

Mike   September 16th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

What the Obama campaign must have missed is the fact that she said NONE of the four running for Pres/VP in the two major parties is qualified to run a Fortune 500 company. Obama's bobbleheads are so quick to point out McCain's shortcomings, but fail to see that Obama's are even MORE obvious, even to the ill-informed, than McCain's.

Dave   September 16th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Michigan loves McCain/Palin......

GA4OBAMA   September 16th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

ok i'm confused. your aides are supposed to support their candidate right? this has been a bad week for mccain and it's only tuesday. the things coming out of mccain's camp is laughable. they are a complete joke. mccain needs to keep the media away from his spokespeople as well as palin. HA!

Gary Chandler in Canada   September 16th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

America OR company?, they can both driven into the ground!

s.b.   September 16th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

She also said that Obama and Biden couldn' run a large company, so why do you keep distorting her remarks in your bylines? Gee I wonder. It was just Palin you singled out earlier, which was clearly just another attempt to slime her now you think including McCain makes it fair? She said that none of them could run a fortune 500 company. You twist it into a biased attack. Shame on the MSM.

John - New York, NY   September 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

JELOW:

The point in Fiorina's message has nothing to do with either campaign. They asked her a question that is unrelated to Presidential politics. I agree with her. It takes a different kind of person – with business and executive market experience, to run a corporation. Saying otherwise is plain stupid. NOW – if Fiorina had said Obama isn't qualified and McCain is – you would all pump up how "McCain obviously would be good at it, squashing the little guy and making millions." Get over yourselves. Seriously.

The Truth Hurts   September 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Freudian slip much Carly? That's twice so far today. Whose campaign are you really working for? You worried about Scare-rah Sarah's inexperience too? Don't worry, just take a number.

Erin Smith   September 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

To Abby: "OBama is NOT Qualified to lead us – McCain is – simple fact."

You'd rather have a liar than a forward thinker?
If you're how this nation thinks, I think I'll move to Canada.

vperry   September 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

I am scared that Obama is a fascist.

LBD   September 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Holy Crap Batman! Can't any one say anything and not have it taken completely out of context these days? I am glad she didn't say McCain could not take a crap. Because the next thing we would see is a campaign ad showing Obama and Biden showing us their dirty hands proving that they could!

Steve, Madison WI   September 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

When you own advisors start questioning your abilities, look out.

One would expect her to diss Obama and Biden but her own candidates?!

Open mouth, insert foot.

j   September 16th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

If she says none of them can run a company, why does the article title only mention McCain? Keep it balanced!!! BTW, ask most people at HP and they will say SHE doesn't know how to run a company! They basically had to pay her to go away...

Nan in Nevada   September 16th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

I missed the part where Ms. Fiorina admitted she was also unable to run a large corporation. Who the hell is she to say that Obama is not capable????? She was dumped unceremoniously!!!!!
Go Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden!!!!!

Alex   September 16th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Well now we know why Carly got canned! She doesn't know when to keep her comments to herself. But I do like the Democrat's reasoning....McCain-Palin aren't qualified to run a company, but Obama-Biden are! What a bunch of ROCKET SCIENTISTS!

Mary, NC   September 16th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

And that's why she no longer works for HP.

Moving on.....Obama/Biden 08

Betty   September 16th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

My son is voting for the first time and said he is backing Palin because she is smart and very pretty. He thinks she will do a great job along side of McCain in the white house. He is getting all his friends and more to vote McCain/Palin.

PALIN POWER   September 16th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

I agree with everything she said about Obama...

America The Beautiful   September 16th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

She's an idiot. She's the spokewoman for McCain. If he can't run a company, why do you think we believe he can run the government, with millions of employees.

Take your time on this one, you'll have to come up with a huge lie.

Obama/Biden 08

John Kaleto   September 16th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

The dumbocrats only hear what they want to hear. She also said, "I don't think Barack Obama could run a major corporation, I don't think Joe Biden could run a major corporation."

'Nuff said.

Voice of Reason   September 16th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Republicans doctrine: If I mess up just change the meaning of what I said but call it clarification. For example I say palin is not qualified just and say no one is clarified. I say fundamentals of the economy are strong just clarify and say fundamentals now mean hard workers.

KIR   September 16th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

FINALLY, A REPUBLICAN WITH SOME COMMON SENSE.

RoFL   September 16th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

LOL, and the jokes keep coming....How about putting the other foot in your mouth, as you demonstrate the Olympic backpedaling obstacle course for us?

The McCain camp has officially reached the level of absurdity. If surrogate Fiorina has no faith in McCain/Palin running a company, I do not want them running our country. Thanks but no thanks.

creative editing   September 16th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

more half truths and creative editing at cnn. Wonder why Fox news cleans up on the ratings.....

dEMOBRAT   September 16th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

OBAMA CAN RUN A CAMPAIGN THOUGH, THAT'S HIS EXPERIEINCE REMEMBER? THAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN RUNNING A STATE LIKE GOV. PALIN.

EZ   September 16th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

FIORINA IS NOW TRYING TO SPEEN WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT PALIN
HOW STUPID FIORINA ? YOU CAN'T UNRING THE BELL.

Will, NJ   September 16th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Apparently she can't run a company either or she wouldn't have been fired!

Hmmmm   September 16th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

You Rupugs who are commenting on this post make no sense. You agree that Mccain can't run a company then bash Obama for the same reason? This really shows who stupid half of America really is.

Miika   September 16th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

To Johnt

The title is about McCain, because she is his aide. There's nothing new about Dems mocking McCain or Reps discrediting Obama.
But how about your own aide says you're not capable for such a job.. a bit different.

Bob Smith   September 16th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

She is fine example for MCain/Palin. She laid off heavily and shipped jobs overseas. Forced a merger that benifited her and not the company so much so that the founder came out of retirement to voice his outrage.

and oh yes.... HP now is laying off more than 20.00 to stramline and move overseas.

The BOTTOM line..........   September 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

HOW CAN YOU NOT RUN A COMPANY IF YOU INVENTED THE "BLACKBERRY"....LOL.

Mario fl   September 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Wow the truth hurt... Palin, McCain ohohohohohoho

H E Y ----Y O U   September 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

W E --K NO W----H E----D O E S N' T --U S E-–A--P C-

N E X T--

Leslie   September 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Of Course he is not capable of running HP!

The republicans screw up the economy every time they are in office and it takes a DEMOCRAT to come back in and fix the mess.
We need a DEMOCRAT back in to get us back on track.

ARE YOU BETTER OFF NOW THAN YOU WERE 8 YEARS AGO?

IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!!

VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN '08

jelow   September 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Why don't you put the Ticker Headline as: Obama can't run company (or country for that matter) – oh that would reflect negatively on Barry so we can't do that can we?

Because what's news is the fact that this woman WORKS FOR McCAIN you fool. Of course they would say that about Obama, but you wouldn't expect her to think her own candidate is incompetent too.

CNN loves Palin   September 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Abby:

This is one DEM – moved to REP – and that is how I will VOTE

*****************************************************************

Puh-leeze Abby, spare us your DEM turned REP act. You are nothing but a GOP troll.

Was that sexist of me?

Women for Obama

Walter, Long Beach   September 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Carly Fiorina couldn't run Hewlett-Packard either.

Travis   September 16th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

With people having all the info that we do have it is hard to tell what to believe or how much acerbity is there when the ads from two sides of the take tell two different stories and how is allowed to be put on the air when one is true and one is not that makes me think that someone may be getting payoffs and if that is true than how can we think that any of what is out there is the facts

RealityKing   September 16th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Errrr, did you bother to ask the same question of Obama? Why do we even have to ask??

Eric Cooper, GA   September 16th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Why is this news?

Maggie   September 16th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I just read your article and I cannot believe that Fiorina said that John McCain/Barack Obama and Joe Biden could not run a major corporation but your heading only read "McCain can't run company either". I don't appreciate CNN running such a headline which is not true based on what was actually said. CNN YOU STARTING TO BE A SECOND GRADE NEWS MEDIA NOW. IF YOU CANNOT REPORT CORRECT ARTICLES THEN YOU DESERVE TO LOSE ALL YOUR READERS AND VIEWERS. SHAME ON YOU FOR YOUR SHABBY REPORTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give change a chance   September 16th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Well doesn't that just figure,
McCain can run a country but he can't run a company.
Companies and the presidency have many similarities, one is that

PEOPLE DEPEND ON YOU!!!!!!!

Dvon   September 16th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

open mouth insert foot

Pippen   September 16th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Once again we see partial headlines from CNN distorting the true message of the person speaking. Once again we see the Obama campaign... who time and again said they reject the politics of old... seizing on partial soundbites to distort the message of the speaker.

You should both be ashamed.

McCain/Palin = Liars   September 16th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Lol. This is hilarious. The truth hurts. McCain can't run this country either and if America puts him in office then America will suffer. Russia and China and India will overtake this country.

GET UP AMERICA!! GET UP!!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

NO MCCAIN, THANK YOU!   September 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Thanks Carly! First the Viagra statement and now this! I LOVE IT!!! I know you think you are special, but you couldn't run HP either. And now it seems that you can't run a campaign. Unfortunately, the United States Government is a tiny bit BIGGER AND MORE IMPORTANT than HP.

THANKS FOR YOUR HONEST OPINION!

MCCAIN/PALIN=UNQUALIFIED

ONE MORE REASON TO VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Voter   September 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Lifetime of "experience"??? She got FIRED because she was terrible!

Google seems to have done well without a lifetime of 'experience"

If she knows so much about business with her Marketing degree, and failed miserably at it... then what are her credentials for determining what's required to run the government???

Personally, I think the Government is MUCH harder.

Ted   September 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Neither can she.

johnt   September 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Also, anyone from CNN want to ask the Obama campaign if they think it is OK to criticize McCain for running a dirty campaign while doing the exact same thing (cutting apart quotes in this case)? Just a suggestion.

Jeremy   September 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

What a misleading headline, as Fioriana said Obama and Biden couldn't run a corporation either (and has never attempted to). Palin and her husband run a small fishing company, which is more experience in the real economy than the career Senators and "community organizers" put up by the Dems.

But can we really expect an honest headline from the Communist News Network?

Trysh, Los Angeles   September 16th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Did she switch sides??

CNN, can I PLEASE get off of your 'list'...   September 16th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

dAVE... 2 words for you....
Phil gramm

paulie_nj   September 16th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Hey biased CNN, how come the headline singles out McCain when Fiorina clearly said NONE of the candidates are qualified to run HP?

McCryptKeeper/Cruella 08   September 16th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Hey Johnt....because Fiorina is ON Obama's campaign team or a surrogate for him

Shannon WA ST   September 16th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.........Thats funny I think she might get fired from yet another job!!!!!

Jackson   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

More word twisting by CNN.

If you people don't realize how bias the major media outlets are by now in supporting OBAMA, you are completely ignorant!!

timber (ex dem)   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Obama could not run a lemonade stand without all his fancy advisors. What a phony.

Lisa   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

I expected her to say this about Obama and Biden or Any Democrat-But when she said this about John McCain and Sarah Palin it opened up my ears.

But how can this woman tell anyone they could not run her old company “Outsource HP”? I stop buying HP because of her....I went to Gateway Computer company. That is the only company that keeps jobs in the US.

I expect her to be leaving the campaign at the end of this week.

So, to recap...   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

John doesn't know how a computer or the economy works, can't run a corporation, knows how to fight a war because he was captured as a POW, and is a pparently maverick for voting with Bush 90% of the time.

Sarah doesn't know what the VP does, can't run a corporation BUT has "executive experience", and has foreign policy experience because she can see Russia across the ocean. She also welcomed an investigation she now calls polluted.

Got it? Good.

Michael   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

I don't know what to say about this, especially coming from the person that was fired from HP, meaning she didn't know how to run a corporation either!!!

But really, is being President that much different that being CEO of a major Corporation?

Don't we refer to "Business" of governement?

Don't ALL governement workers, from the lowest sanitation worker, to the POTUS receive a salary to perform their duties?

Is the CEO of a company the face of the Company to the rest of the world?

GO SARAH!   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

David Gergen, Anderson Cooper and Candy Crowley wishing and praying last night that the recent economic news gleefully fullfills Obama's great wish....

Do you think the recent stock market collapse or troubles in the banking system are good news?

Well, according to CNN's Candy Crowley, the Obama campaign does.

On Monday's "Anderson Cooper 360," after CNN senior political analyst David Gergen said "what happened over the weekend with the economy and the bottom falling out of the financial markets...is the opportunity for Obama to seize the momentum back on his side," Crowley actually said, "[J]ust as foreclosures were showing up on B-17, or in the real estate section, along comes this horrific headline out of Wall Street...I mean, this is what they wanted."

I kid you not. The transcript of this disgraceful exchange follows (video embedded right, h/t Steve Malzberg):

kobs   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

If he can not run a cooperation then what the hello he is doing running for president. To run the country down like bush ?!

Reasonable Observer   September 16th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Interesting Headline...

What Fiorina said was that NONE of the candidates (Palin, McCain, Obama, Biden) are qualified to run a business. Why did the headline not say that? No bias at CNN.

dan   September 16th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

well she says the truth about john Mccain since she ran HP into the ground the things we see happenning to hp is most of her doing

Dan
Tn

Jack   September 16th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Good point Fiorina, neither of the two fools that you support are capable of running anything other than their lying tongues.

For an unemployed CEO, you sure seem to have a lot of uninformed opinions that seem as useful as the advise you gave HP.

Honestlawyer mostly   September 16th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

The real story here is that the Obama campaign clipped the quote in what it said to the press and at campaign events, not only distorting the meaning, but making it appear that Fiorina thinks Obama is better qualified. The fact that this is not even mentioned in your story is one reason lies and distortion is alive and well in American politics. Regrettably, you and the other "journalists" are enablers.

MONI   September 16th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

is she sure.... John Mccain is a corporation and he has many corporate staffers! LOL

McSame/Pathetic 08   September 16th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Based on HP's performance, I'd say Fiorina is NOT qualified either

John Patterson   September 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Apparrently the board at HP didn't think Ms. Fiorina could run a company, atleast well, either! What a bunch of hot air.

JP

JunkNews   September 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Right right. The fact that George Bush ran a company (before becoming President) and ran that company into the ground has nothing to do with the way he ran the country and ran the country into the ground. Not the least bit of similarity.

Fed Up   September 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

This is great.

This only shows not only how inept McSame's judgment is in picking those who surround him. Palin, Fiorina, and that idiot Tucker Bounds are a nightmare at best. Throw them in with the lobbyists and other losers in his campaign.

At the same time, I don't know how Fiorina can be judging others. She wasn't very good at managing a company either. HP's announced 24,000 layoff is due in large part to her performance, or more appropriately, lack thereof. Congratulations Carly, you fail on every count.

Lesley   September 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

The straight talk express is veering off course once again. It appears that two more top advisors are about to be thrown under the bus, Fiorina and Holtz-Eakin. This campaign is coming apart at the seams.

JoelWhy   September 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

These comments were totally taken out of context. What she meant by her statements were that McCain and Palin are both just as qualified as she is to run a major corporation (or the country) into the ground.

EC   September 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

IS THE McCAIN-PALIN CIRCUS IN TOWN BECAUSE IT SURE SOUNDS LIKE ALL THEIR CLOWNS HAVE THEIR FOOT IN THEIR MOUTHS TODAY!!

HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!
HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!

PERRY   September 16th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

You're not reporting the quote accurately. Fiorina said that none of the candidates could run a corporation. You're not quoting her correctly. Another Palin bash job.

KenB, MI   September 16th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

I'm still laughing at the Blackberry comment...this guy doesn't email...I can't stop shaking my head...oh my GOD

tren   September 16th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Fiorina just can't shut her mouth! I mean, she is really jackin' stuff up for the GOP. She is just handing the election to Obama. And I don't mind it a bit:-)

Amy   September 16th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Somehow I think the McCain campaign is going to say,"Thanks, but no thanks" to Carla on the campaign trail.

dave   September 16th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

After yesterday's Mortgage crisis, we really want to know the dealings of Penny Pritzker, OBAMA 's finance director instead of this drivel. When is CNN going to start reporting on things that affect the working american and investigating people who break our backs?

MC   September 16th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

I have a feeling CNN is about to lose another interview with the McCain camp.

johnt   September 16th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Also, I wonder why CNN didn't' tile this "Fiorina: Obama can't run company either". One wonders...

gman   September 16th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

For that brief moment...she was insulted that someone could even think (someone like) SP could do her job. She (CF) has worked her way up and earned her positions. I dare you even compare her to someone like SP. She's a career woman...it's below her to put lipstick and pitbull in the same sentence. Then she caught herself and said well Obama nor McSame can run HP either. But the damage was done. Now everytime she goes on a talk show, she will have to defend herself not the McSame campaign as to why SP is not qualified to run HP, but she's qualified to run a country. But she forgot one thing...she can't run HP either.

Chris from San Antonio   September 16th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Nice damage control.

Charla in TX   September 16th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

If McCain invented the Blackberry, I'm dropping mine in the toilet.

inga   September 16th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

McCain's judgement to surround himself with THE WORST surrogates, advisors, and VP pick has to rank right up there with Nixon.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   September 16th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

And this woman is a McCain supporter? Further, if running a country is different than running a company, why bring up the comparison? This woman continually strikes me as a dud whenever she speaks and from the sounds of these latest "campaign efforts" on her parts, I'd say Fiorina is a prime example of the phrase, "with friends like her, who needs enemies?" McCain can't run this country either, honey!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08 & '12 YES WE CAN!!!

joe_pa   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Why don't you put the Ticker Headline as: Obama can't run company (or country for that matter) – oh that would reflect negatively on Barry so we can't do that can we?

mitchell   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

what can he run? anybody? i know. he's a former POW.

sharon   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

But smooth ole Barack decides to edit Fiorina's comments in his new ad so that his name isn't included on that list. Liar, liar, pants on fire.

dEMOBRAT   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Cheap shot. This BS is getting really old. Oh, yeah, same old politics as usual, right Obama?

values   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

SHE IS RIGHT AND SHE KNOWS HIM BEST. FOR THE FIRST TIME A REPUBLICAN TELLS THE TRUTH.

OBAMA.......08

Paul, NY   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

LMAO!!!

Neither of them are qualified to run a company, but she supports them as candidates for the most important position on earth!!???

Republicans are unbelievably stupid!!

Ron from Baltimore   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

OMG--now, are we getting a better idea of the type of people McCain would surround his administration with? Phil Gramm, Carly Fiorina, Sarah Palin....... where is his rudder?? How ever did he get where he is, out of people's generosity to a once-plain-spoken politician? Well, he's lost that mantle in recent weeks, and now his leadership skills just are not checking out.

Irony   September 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Well, now we kno, McCain, Palin, and Fiorina can't run HP well...

Brilliant!

If they can't run a company, they should not run a government!

Abby   September 16th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

And neither can obama!!!! This is NOT a job to run a company – we arre electing the President of the USA!
OBama is NOT Qualified to lead us – McCain is – simple fact.
This is one DEM – moved to REP – and that is how I will VOTE.

McCain/Palin – best for our country.

Zion   September 16th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Hey, whose side are you on chica? Which I do agree, Palin/McCain are a disgrace to the Republican party.

Republicans for Obama

Greg, San Francisco, CA   September 16th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Bwahahahaha!!! She's quite the bonus to your campaign John! Maybe she can share an office with Phil Gramm,

Peter (CA)   September 16th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Why is she still talking?
What is the point she is trying to make?? Shouldn't someone who can lead a country be able to deal with a company? Aren't there many similarities?

CNN, please ignore her from now on. She makes no sense. And, while you're at it, ignore everything Tucker Bounds says. These McCain spokespeople make my head hurt.

Julia in Eugene, Oregon   September 16th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

No, indeed, Ms. Fiorina – running a business is not the same as running the country. Running a country – OUR country – is a whole heck of a lot harder.

Oh, I'm sorry, is that SEXIST of me?

johnt   September 16th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Well, she is right about Obama.

j.williams, san diego   September 16th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

NO EXPERIENCE–NO OBAMA.

jelow   September 16th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

STOP DIGGING.

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