September 16, 2008
Posted: 08:05 AM ET

From
McCain appeared on CNN's American Morning Tuesday.
McCain appeared on CNN's American Morning Tuesday.

(CNN) – Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain continued to back away from his assertion that the "the fundamentals of our economy are strong" during a CNN interview Tuesday.

Watch McCain on American Morning

On Monday, after taking heat from Sen. Barack Obama's campaign for his earlier statement, McCain adjusted his language to say the American worker was the strength of the economy.

Watch: McCain's economy comment hammered

On Tuesday, McCain said the U.S. economy will rebound with the help of the American worker, which he called "the fundamental strength" of the U.S. economy.

The problems with the American economy are the result of rampant government spending and poor government checks on corporations, McCain said.

"I'll restrain spending. That's the reason our economy is in trouble today," McCain said.

McCain also said the U.S. is "the victim of greed, excess and corruption on Wall Street," and the senator said he foresaw the crises with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago.

"The Fannie and Freddie thing was a very serious problem and we had to work on it," McCain recalled saying then.

The regulatory agencies charged with monitoring Wall Street, which he called outdated, have been "asleep at the switch the last few years." Those agencies should evolve to the global economy, he said.

"We have to fix this alphabet soup of regulatory agencies that's left over from the 1930s," he said.

Asked if Obama's economic plan did more for the middle class than his own, McCain flatly said no. He also said one of the greatest hindrances to the middle class is its inability to get "affordable and available" health care.

Filed under: John McCain


GINA, OHIO   September 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

AMERICA PLEASE!!!! CANT YOU SEE THIS MAN WILL BE A DISASTER FOR OUR COUNTRY!!! HE DOESN'T GET IT!!! AND YOU CANT TEACH AN OLD DOG A NEW TRICK EITHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian   September 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Those wrkers need to take paycuts to help the economy…. its the workers faults that we are in this mess. The Libs are the main cause.

McCain/Palin… for the rich!

Cathy   September 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

I loved how when McCain was "explaining" what he meant by "fundamentals of the economy are strong, " he had to read off of note cards. Basically meaning…he didn’t know what the heck he was talking about because his speech writer prepared it after his horrible statement at the previous rally.

McCain is right…HE DOESN'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE ECONOMY….and it's going to learn it in 2 months either!!!!

McCain would have to back track all the way to January 2008 to get away from his comments that the economy is fundamentally still strong.

Everyone knows what he said in the primaries. That people are overall better off then 8 years ago. NO WE ARE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JohnLee   September 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Restrain spending - does that include the mega billions for the wars?

Come on McCain - you can't take all sides of the issue.

Baze   September 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

The economy will rebound with help from the American worker. That's nice, I guess they'll help from the unemployment line. This guy is simply confused, by debate day he won't know which way is up.

ONE NATION

John in KY   September 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

The "TRUTH AIN"T IN THIS PAIR" McCain/Palen

Lee   September 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Carly Fiorina, one of his biggest mouths, was one of those greedy, corrupt fat cats that took a big corporation, ran it into the gound, got a big payoff, and now HP says they'll be laying off thousands of people in the next few years.

returntocommonsense   September 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Anytime the word deregulation comes out of a politician's mouth, it only means one thing - more money out of our pockets and into the company's coffers.

Poor checks on corporations?! How about no checks. Look at the obscene amounts of money going into the CEOs and other high ranking corporate officier's pockets while those who work in the trenches day in and day out get told that we should be "happy" with the 3% slap in the face that they call a raise.

McCain has no idea of what economic principles are let alone sound ones.

RePeat in Cville VA   September 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

"I'll restrain spending. That's the reason our economy is in trouble today," McCain said.

This comment proved that John McCain really doesn't know anything about the economy. How on EARTH has government spending caused Merrill Lynch to be sold, AIG to be in financial straights, and Lehman Brothers to go under? It's federal deregulation, supported by Republicans, that has caused this mess, NOT government spending.

And hasn't McCain been in DC for 26 years? Didn't the Republicans have control of Congress from 1994-2006? And the White House for 20 of the last 28 years? As Joe Biden said this morning, if a doctor has been found guilty of malpractice, you don't hire him to do a second surgery! Wake up, America. It's time for a REAL change … Obama/Biden '08

Barbara - NC   September 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Maverick - unpredictable, reckless.

Foreign Observer   September 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

"restrain spending" by extending the tax cuts for the rich, right? because trickle-down has worked so splendidly. Oh, I forgot, it was because the "American worker" didn't help enough….

sickening. Go Obama!

John from WA   September 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

God, I hate these political "clarifications". And notice how carefully he was reading the new statement. My guess is that the candidate who doesn't necessarily speak for the campaign (see quote from McCain's chief economic advisor on July 24th) is going to be on a shorter leash from now on. Face it: (a) the grind of a Presidential campain and the pressure to never make a mistake are absurd, and (b) McCain ain't up to it.

katrina   September 16th, 2008 10:46 am ET

The economy will rebound "with the help of the worker" — uh-huh. I don't think it tanked because the workers weren't helping, do you? Of course, there are all those slackers who lost their jobs…. and their homes…. only to see a Republican promise to challenge their votes if their names are on foreclosure lists (this is true: google Michigan Messenger for details).

JC   September 16th, 2008 10:46 am ET

The press and the public are just beginning to note the derailment of the "Straight Talk Express". Now with Governor Palin flip-flopping on the "full cooperation" with the so-called troopergate investigation, the reality behind the rhetoric sinks in…..

Lee   September 16th, 2008 10:45 am ET

He says the reason our economy is in trouble is because of spending. Really??? This morning he said we were in trouble because of greed and corruption.

He really doesn't get it.

Toni Jones   September 16th, 2008 10:45 am ET

I totally agree with Maureen. Colin Powell would not allow himself to be a puppet in the Bush administration as he is an independent thinker. They say a leader is only as good as
the people he surrounds himself with. And we all know the kind of people that Bush has surrounded himself with. If Colin Powell had run for President I would have voted for him.

Tony in NM   September 16th, 2008 10:45 am ET

just imagine if McCain were President……

very scary.

jason,tx   September 16th, 2008 10:45 am ET

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…. *wipes tears off face. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!

Catherine   September 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

McCain would have to back all the way to January 2008 to get away from his comments that the economy is fundamentally still strong.

Everyone knows what he said in the primaries. That people are overall better off then 8 years ago. NO WE ARE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carol- TX   September 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Has McCain been a POW for 26 years .. He's certain tying to convince everyone. This is why he's out of touch

S. Boatman   September 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

How Can The American Worker Be Strong Without A Job?

bill c.   September 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Am i the only one who is amazed that Carly Fiorina can still spout off about John McCain and his difference between him and George Bush on the economy. She is his chief economic advisor. Isn't she the kind of person McCain is supposed to be going after when he talks about the corporate heads taking big payoffs. Isn't she the one who got fired as head of Hewlett Packard and got over $100 million dollars in a severance package? Then yesterday she had the nerve, i an interview, to say that John McCain never said that the "fundamentals of the economy are still strong". Problem is, Carly, the interview was all over the news. Just more lying from the McCain camp.

James   September 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

OK McSame: and where are you going to restrain spending? Pull us out of Iraq? Reduce spending on new weapons programs? Medicare? Social Security? Default on the debt?

Bush put us in the red by almost $750 billion. To come up with that kind of money you would have to disband the military and eliminate Medicare! If you think that is what it is going to take, you really are out of touch.

Pam   September 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Back peddle all you want, Grandpa. You've said things like this too many times for it to not be what you really believe.

gso-chris   September 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

The problems with the American economy are the result of rampant government spending and poor government checks on corporations, McCain said.

"We have to fix this alphabet soup of regulatory agencies that's left over from the 1930s," he said.

His "fix" is MORE deregulation … look at who is economic adviser is — Phil "mental recession/whiners" Graham, who wrote most of this banking regulation to get government OUT of the markets. McCain is delusional! Obama is like Alice in Wonderland, the only one who is sane in an election where up is down … Obama is "too popular" — but Sarah is not; Obama says people "cling to their guns and religion", Graham claims we are a naiton of Whiners; Tina Fey does a spot-on impersonation of Palin — and that's SEXIST?!?!? Obama was raised by a single-mother, is interracial, and his only "fame" are a couple of best-selling books, but McCain is down to Earth, since he is learning how to use the Internet and his wife is only worth $100 million.

I can't take it, my head is going to explode. It's as if someone took a decorated war veteran, ran a two-bit drunk who skipped out on reserve duty against him and somehow made the verteran the "wimpy" of the two.

I say again … HUH!!!

applecrispbetty   September 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Make up your mind, John. Hard to know what you believe on any given day.

Barbara - NC   September 16th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Yep - it's a duplicate - it keeps getting CENSORED out - this guy is as bad as Sinderbrand about censoring AM\ERICANS

What ever happened to the McCain that said "I'll veto every beer .."

What ever happened to the McCain that said "I'll veto every earmark .."

Now he says "I'll veto the 1st earmark and make them known .."

Only the 1st one John? Which ones will you let go thru? Any for the 600,000 residents of Alaska? How about the ones for the 300 million people that live in our decaying society? No? OOPS.

But then, "We'll never have to go to war for oil AGAIN ……."

Take our country back for US - Obama/Biden '08

Mary   September 16th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Let's look at this

Who pushed to get banks deregulized uh the republicans
Where is the Senator you pushed through deregulization uh he is now John McCains chief economic stratagist
Who helped back deregulization uh John McCain
Who really thinks that lobbyist are going to reform Washington

Duh John Mc Cain

Are you people so concerned with being the best and always being right that you would watch the rest of the country go down in flames for your pride? After all do you really think that after this election McCain is going to support you after you supported him. On top of that he said he was only going to run for 1 term and then leave. This needs a long term president not just one going for a visit.

Every ones to blame   September 16th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Every one's to blam for this economic mess right now, let's not forget, the Democract's controlled congress for the last 4 years. I don't think a new goverment figure head is really going to promote that much change regardless of who gets elected.

Greg PA   September 16th, 2008 10:41 am ET

He sounds like Mrs. Obama. I said this, what I ment was this. Crap politics all arrond. I belive he ment what he said the first time. I also belive She ment what she said the first time. Spending is out of control in this country. I don't think anyone argues that. But you can't cut spending without leaving someone out in the cold.

no trickle down...   September 16th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Yerh, McCain also still stated in this interview that Palin opposed the bridge to nowhere, in answer (strangely) to the question about earmarks… and the interviewer (as always) let the LIE slide!

When will the McCain camp be held accountable for their LIES in this campaign? I can't imagine what their administration would work like!!!

Disgusting!

J. Sully, New York   September 16th, 2008 10:40 am ET

AT LEAST OBAMA KNOWS HOW MANY HOUSES HE OWNS!! MCCAIN WANTS TO GIVE MORE TO THE RICH. DOESN'T EVERYBODY GET IT? OBAMA IS ONLY TAXING THE RICH. FORGET THE TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT. GO OBAMA BIDEN 08

inga   September 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Fact is - McCain said the same thing at least 3 times since January:

"I still believe our fundamental underpinnings of our economy are strong."
-Sen. John McCain (1/23/08)

"I still believe the fundamentals of our economy are strong."
-Sen. John McCain (8/20/08)

"Our economy, I believe, still, the fundamentals of our economy are strong…"
-Sen. John McCain (9/15/08)

We Won't Get Fooled Again!

helen557   September 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Based on McCain's recent record, everything he says should be considered lie until proven otherwise.

Enough is Enough, Senator.

Dylan   September 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

WHAT on earth is he talking about? Govt. spending is the reason why there is a banking crisis the worst since the Great Depression, all-time record high gas prices, and record debt to foreign nations???

Get a clue guy.

Mike   September 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Senator John McCain knows nothing about the "word" or meaning of "economy".., let alone the United States "economy". Which he has freely admitted. When did "Alzheimer's disease" set in ? Mike, Montana

lil jj   September 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

I think McCain said the economy is sound because he had no other choice but to say that. What do you expect him tosay? The economy is in terrible condition and this happened during the time my party controlled Washington. McCainis trying to win the Presidency. He is going to say what ever it takes.

La Raza   September 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

These times are too important to entrust the country in the hands of a McCain/Pain ticket. He is senile and she is clueless.

i am not dumb...nor a whiner   September 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

American workers are so strong ! that's the reason why we should tax them more…and cut taxes for the rich…

I mean obviously, the rich are the weak ones…

John McCain we beleive you….NOT !

Brian MacDougall   September 16th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Remember when Obama was excoriated for saying that McCain had "lost his bearings"? That was when McCain still had a shred of dignity.

Well, I think McCain has lost his bearings AND his driveshaft. The wheels are coming off, Johnny boy!

Tom   September 16th, 2008 10:35 am ET

John Mcain I think you are not going to on write way please just stop and think towice other wayice usa ti going to more and more problem please give chanice for other people

fixthebroken   September 16th, 2008 10:35 am ET

The easiest things to say to try to win an election are:

1. I will cut all taxes across the board
2. I will reduce wasteful government spending

Republicans say this all of the time. It is good to the ears. They get elected because people want to believe it.

But, guess what happens — taxes rise and spending rise anyway.

It is a great election ploy. At least Obama is being honest with the American people — he knows some taxes will have to be raised and he is going to try to cut spending where he can.

LB, VA   September 16th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Sentor McCain are you so out of your state of mind that you can not recall the lipstick on a pig comment that you called Senator Clinton healthcare reform. Truth be told, if Gov. Pailin called herself a pitbull let her defend herself. I am not buying your poor sexist comment since you have a way of insulting women too and turn it around and acuse someone else. When do you get off? You think like Bush and even have the same comments that he have said about economy. I was a Clinton supporter and I am not buying this Pailin person that all she has tell are lies for taking credits of things she has not done. If you call Gov. Pailin a reformer then we need to call all of our lawyers reformers too.

Pam - Long Beach, CA   September 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

…and your pal Phil Gramm and his lobbyist pals are responsible for the lack of oversight.

alvino   September 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Did anyone explain to John that deregulation may lead to some major problems? If we are to believe that the McCain/Palin "little engine of change" can be effective when the leader is a "big oil dipstick," then we deserve what we get.

banderson   September 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Senator McCain knows that he got caught making a statement similar to what his economic advisor Phil Graham stated a couple of months ago that the economy is sound. I would caution the democrats to be careful because this guy is obviously adept at changing his tune without pause. I think it is called flip-flopping.

Sarah   September 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

"Cut spending"?

This from a campaign which has been beating the drums of war against Iran and Russia almost from the get-go?! Give me a break!

allen   September 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Mccain is a dishonorable coward. He is too timid to stand up to the money, too afraid to stand up to his rich wife, and too cowardly to debate Obama. Mccain is a looser and if you support him so are you.

Nelson Colorado Springs Co   September 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

I think Sen McCain wasn't thnking. If my wife had his wife money I could say that also. Go Obama/Biden

The Voice of Common Sense (Independent Voter - Charlotte, NC)   September 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

How can the American worker be the strength of the economy, McSame, while that worker doesn't even have a job that allows them to work!!!???!!! I can't believe that so-called "educated" men and women say such nonsense!!! For McSame, maybe it has to do with him being rich and the American worker being out-of-work and poor? Out of Touch? Hmmm…I think so….

Baldwin/Castle 08!!!

Bluv   September 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

If you saw the interview notice how he keep repeating the same key terms over in a continous loop, illustrating that he knows little about the subject but is trying to put up a hoo-rah speech to build up the American worker and how hard-working they are. You can tell when McCain knows what he is talking about (like war, abortion when he is in front of a conservative religious crowd); he gets a certain pep and doesn't double talk like he does when he responds to questions he knows little about (like the economy!)

The Other Campaign Strategist @ 115th St & Amsterdam   September 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

John McCain is PRAYING for a Terrorist Attack right about now to play on his the imagery that his POW status has granted him with low information voters.

Barrack, know what you are going to do NOW … if this should happen.

Army Strong   September 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

You know I'm so tired fo this maylay that McCain is tryig destort from he's a big lier the amercian people know that. Let us wake up the way I look at this if you want another 4 more yrs of hell vote for McCain we need a change in amercian Palin is not a change nor McCain I vote for GW IN 2000 I though he was for military people found out he bag down for he he promoised us not I'm getting ready to retired after 24 yrs Of service I been OVER THERE 4 time McCain F him tired io lies so if you want another Bush vote for him people wake up Sarah Palin is a joke she went to 5 university before she received hr BA in journalism hell I have my BA hell I'm working ON MY MASTER AS WE speak I should run for VP OBAMA please call me I will your 2nd VP I can shake up washington

McCain Sounding Like Herbert Hoover   September 16th, 2008 10:29 am ET

I cannot believe how out of touch McCain is. McCain saying that the economy is strong and then quoting Herbert Hoover. McCain is not only out of touch. He is out of this galaxy. The world is affected by what's happening in our economy.

Herbert Hoover-McCain ???? This is too scary !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wendy Canada   September 16th, 2008 10:29 am ET

He is backing away from this statement but not others that have been proven false, misleading & lies? Strange way to put "country first".

Pat from Cali   September 16th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Too many houses, not enough time…

Chuma C. I'Aronu   September 16th, 2008 10:28 am ET

I love John McCain. He is all over the place with confusion. He is always backtracking , flip flopping and outrightly lieing, not to talk of plagarising Obama's slogans and ideas.

McCain, please stand on your own like a man. We love the former McCain, not this new Palin's handyman.

Chuma, for McCain.

MM   September 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

if he saw there was a problem with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, did he do anything to alert everyone else or to do anything about it?
just wondering…………………..

Ann   September 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

I would do more than back away from that statement. I would run!

KP   September 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

McCain spin is not going to work on anybody! How can people honestly back this man that continues to say what he truly feels, gets caught saying something stupid then back out and say that he meant something else. If he wants to be the Commander in Chief you don't have the chance to say one thing to a hostile nation then just take it back. Things like that can start wars! Please America for the sake of our great nation please vote Obama. We need to get this country back on track right now.

SPQR753   September 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

FLIPPING & FLOPPING & FLIPPING & FLOPPING ……..Poor OLD MAN he just DOES NOT GET IT !

Ed   September 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Three words: hypocrisy, lies, cover-up.

Take a nap Grandpa Simpson. NO MCCAIN!!!!!

jm for sc   September 16th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Don't back away McCain; hold on to your beliefs. The american people need to know what you are really about. McCain expects women to flock to him because of Palin, ignoring all of his positions on things that matters most. If America is fooled by this man, we will be purchasing a bridge to nowhere.

Obama/Biden 08

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   September 16th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Fool me once, shame on you. (W's 1st term)

Fool me twice, shame on me (W won again?!?!?!)

Fool me three times…not going to happen. No way, no how, no McCain, no Palin!!!

Republi-CON   September 16th, 2008 10:26 am ET

This is the first time he's mentioned the word WORKER in years..if it weren't so serious it could be funny. The repubs. are like CEO's ..killing the Goose. Our country is it's inhabitants… Why are u destroying our Nation?? "Country First" is just a slogan to you. A slogan u discarded last week..The hardships trickle up faster than profits trickle down.
McDumb said in his poorly delivered rebuttal yesterday afternoon that he was going to stop the GREED on Wall St…. HOW???????

Old Fart   September 16th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Yes, and by "economy" he meant US Olympic basketball.

Don't be so hard on McCain. He's getting up there in years. Sometimes his mind wanders.

Annie   September 16th, 2008 10:25 am ET

The media doesn't want to go there, but I will. Senator McCain is a liar, and he thinks most of us are fools. What in God's green earth are we doing here? The U.S. has become a joke, a bad one. Canada and Great Britain are aghast, Mexico has to be laughing hysterically because we not only look dumber than them, we've become more corrupt. McCain and Obama are tied. I've thought about it from every angle, and it has to be bigotry. There are few choices left. For those of you who feel this way, vote for the white half of Obama, and you'll be doing yourselves and all of us a favor.

McCain 2 Face   September 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Is it worth losing your job, your future, your retirement, your womans rights because your are afraid to elect a brilliant black guy?

It'll be ok, I promise.

Barbara - NC   September 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Hey McLaughlin - you gonna censor us like Sinderbrand does?

What ever happened to the McCain that said "I'll veto every beer .."

What ever happened to the McCain that said "I'll veto every earmark .."

Now he says "I'll veto the 1st earmark and make them known .."

Only the 1st one John? Which ones will you let go thru? Any for the 600,000 residents of Alaska? How about the ones for the 300 million people that live in our decaying society? No? OOPS.

But then, "We'll never have to go to war for oil AGAIN ……."

Take our country back for US - Obama/Biden '08

Allison   September 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

We need jobs in order to work.
HP are going to lay off 25,000 workers. Where are these strong workers going to find jobs in this doomed economy.

North Carolina   September 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

The American worker is the strength of the economy? Too bad none of us are working. Mccain you have no clue.

bill   September 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

IDIOT MCSAME WAKE UP AMERICA IF YOU LIKE LAST EIGHT YEARS THEN VOTE FOR PITBULL AND MCSAME

Paul from NYC   September 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

McCain read the same exact script on Fox and Friends and Scarborough this morning. These were barely 'interviews', just excuses to repeat the same lies and catapult the propaganda.

Leta   September 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Watergate/Iran Contral Scandal/Whitewater/Desert Storm/Iraqi War
The economy will be fine and the Economy has servived many a scandal….When CMD McDougal Realtors/McDougal Properties/Horizon Construction/ (Carloyn,Delbert,Mike, Mark/Marc teamed up with David Miller, Laura Miller, Arnold F. Mincey, Jr., Hillary Clinton, Al Gore the words from Arnold F. Mincey, Jr. They have a very good BANKER….In order to create an Empire you first have to remove the dynasty….I am sure this is built up to allow Hillary, Al or Bill to profit, embezzel, launder and hide more money retained illegally…..Now are we going to cry about it ….Just let it happen or prepare a firm foundation to build on. As I have said before when Bill was in office if you build a bridge to the 21st Century (yes Century 21) and you build it on faulty ground that bridge will not last……..Bridges are collapsing everywhere…..Thanks Bill Clinton, Hillary Rotham Clinton and Al Gore…..(Bill Clinton always had the dear in the headlight look). Don't tell me the Secret Service never allowed you to visit with Hillary and Al in Lubbock Texas while in office……IMAGINE THAT!!!!

Cecilia - Chattanooga, TN   September 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Keep on backing up Mr. McCain - here is a thought - you could move to Alaska and help Sarah run the state and keep an eye on Russia

spoton   September 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

i am an american worker.i look to keep what i earn not share it with someone unwilling to make the same sacrifices i did in school,eating balogne sandwiches every meal for 5 years thru school,working 60 hour weeks for 10 years.i dont expect someone better off than me to reach back and give me some of their wealth either.i expect every american worker to pay something in taxes to our government.its called having a vested interest.i do not expect to be taxed to pay for someone elses healthcare,i expect border security to keep out illegal workers that are driving down our wages and benefits.i do not expect govt to bail out irresponsible companies on wall street.i expect people to pay for their houses.i dont expect the govt to rush to every natural disaster.what beauracrat gets to decide how big the event is to be a disaster or whose district its in before aid is sent.i expect the iraq war to end soon resolution or not.i dont expect any war savings to be used on new programs as its all borrowed money.i expect honest dialogue face to face between candidates not spin thru their campaigns.every one should stop responding for these campaigns except the candidates themselves.dueling betweeen political candidates should be legalized.this would greatly diminish unsubstaniated reports against both candidates put out by both campaigns.

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   September 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

After he made the first remark, I bet they all went into a panic to figure out how to fix it.. And what they came up with was: What I meant was "the American worker"? Is Obama disrespecting the American worker? How stupid do they think we are?

Republicans can't fix what they broke. Recent history - think about how strong the economy was during the Clinton history. More history - look to the fact that the economy is always better during years of a Democratic president and look at when Reagan and the first Bush tried to fix the economy they eventually had to tax the rich. McCain is just wrong.

Frank Chase Jr,   September 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

John McCain is out ot touch and lives in another century. The straight talk express not only lost it's wheels but the engine has dropped out, too. As it stands, the McCain team is full of hot air, empty promises, hyperberly, and false statments to obscure that the America is broke and in a true drepression. When all the Execs, and money makers start jumping out of high rise building, maybe McCain will get it. McCain just does not get it.

Brian   September 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

RobinLC, allow me to answer your question:

MCain is crazy, stupid AND lying.

D from MI   September 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Sarah Palin is nothing more than a parrot … And John McCain is nothing but a baked potato that someone tried to heat up and fry …

Ron L   September 16th, 2008 10:21 am ET

THIS IS PURE..OOPS…I BLEW IT…TIME FOR DAMAGE CONTROL!! reaction.
He MEANT what he originally said, and it had NOTHING to do with the American workforce…
DO NOT BE FOOLED!!!! This man does not understand just HOW BAD it has gotten for MILLIONS of us…HE JUST DOESN"T!!
He may maybe a good Senator, he will make a POOR President.

Barbara - NC   September 16th, 2008 10:21 am ET

What ever happened to the McCain that said "I'll veto every beer .."

What ever happened to the McCain that said "I'll veto every earmark .."

Now he says "I'll veto the 1st earmark and make them known .."

Only the 1st one John? Which ones will you let go thru? Any for the 600,000 residents of Alaska? How about the ones for the 300 million people that live in our decaying society? No? OOPS.

But then, "We'll never have to go to war for oil AGAIN ……."

Take our country back for US - Obama/Biden '08

Ted van Tol   September 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

It is obvius that McCain is not on control in his own campaign.
His campaignleaders who are pushing the toughtalks of Palin and avoiding the real issues.
Why McCain aprove the nasty ads towards Barack Obama?
McCain is happy to have Palin next to him but he realy shows weak.
Palin is taking over the campaign and that looks very scary to me.
It is still about the next President of the USA and not about the VP.

What Barack Obama needs to do to win this election:

Use his insparationforce on every speech!
Stick to the issues that are importaint for all Americans
Ask the Americans what they want about the war: Stay in
the middle of 2 and provote to start another 2 or, end fhe wars and
talk with the enemy and provide another war.
He must tell his supporers that, if they realy want change, they have
to go out to family, frends, neighbours and people everywhere
and tel them that they have to vote for change and Barack Obama.
Blow on that wind of change and make it a storm for the better.

When he does, he will win this election and make this world a better place for everyone.

White Mother for Obama!!   September 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

LOL, McCain… you sure back away from alot of things.. Give it up!

Lima   September 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Dear Senator McCain't :

The strong american work force that you are speaking off has no job to go to. Over 600K and still counting are sitting home with their strong work ethics. They are actually wainting for your plans to fix the economy so that they can go back to work and not the other way around.

Kim, Charlotte NC   September 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

McCain wants to win soooooooooooo bad, he can taste it. Can't you see him drooling at the mouth win he lies?

This is only his 3rd try at becoming president. Has anyone ever wondered why Bush never picked him as his VP since he had so much experience?

So sad……………

RICK   September 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

MCCAIN LIE LIE LIAR DOW 504 points down

The Money map don`t look the same!!!

When Pres. Bush took office in 2001 compared to now!!
BUSH = MCCAIN
Figures don`t lie but liars sure do figure!!

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 2001 = 4.2%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE NOW = 6.1%

BUDGET 2001 = $281 BILLION SURPLUS
BUDGET NOW = $357 BILLION DEFICIT

NATIONAL DEBT 2001 = $5.7 TRILLION
NATIONAL DEBT NOW = $9.7 TRILLION

NET RESULT TODAY UNDER BUSH
DOW DROPS 504 POINTS
26,000 JOBS LOST

VOTE REPUBLICAN!
THE FISCAL CONSERVATIVES!
VOTE McSame/Moose Slayer!!

4 MORE YEARS!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Barbara Chicago, IL   September 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

HOW WHEN YOU WANT TO CONTINUE THE WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mccain is Bush   September 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Mccain is a Liar and he is Wrong for Americia let me give you a Few Reasons: He left his wife after she had a bad Car crash and start having a Affair with Cindy who is 20 years his Senior.2 He voted against raising the Minimum wage from 5.15 to 6.50. 3 He voted to Cut funding to Schools and After School Programs for Kids.4 He voted aginst {REFORMING) the healthcare system.5 He Voted aginst expanding Natural gas, Wind, and Biodiesel. Is this Really the Guy You want in the White House for 4 More Years? If You can, Can your Chlidren really afford 4 to 8 More years of American Schools?

NoMoreEvil   September 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Can Obama sue Mccain for spreading lies and rumors, distorting his ideas and copying their campain message?? Someone needs to stop Mcliar from this distortions. He will do anything to win, he has no morals, no ethics, no shame, what is he?? Human? I don't think so. It is really really scary. He still talks about stupid earmarks, that do not mean anything compared to the National deficit we have and foreclosures and wall street …etc.
He supports that stupid missrepresentation about the bridge to no where.. It is so irrelevant. I have no idea how is that message going to make changes we need. He keeps repeating the sentences over and over like a total jerk, his words are empty. I think he really thinks the American people are stupid and he wants to make sure they remain stupid because he has not talked about education. Why should we make Americans smarter (God forbid) they might realize the truth and we dont want that ..
Wake up People. These guys want wars. Large companies benefit from wars. Weapons manufacturers, construction companies…etc. Those are the only people that will benefit from the Republican adminstration.
Those of you who cannot see beyond skin color…well I hope you rethink this because the Creator or God that made white people is the same Creator or God that created Black people and therefore, "we created man equal"
Look at yourself and look at your family are you really happy with what is going on with this Bush adminstration? Mccain is Bush.

Obama08

VON BISMARK,Vienna.   September 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

I just can't understand.Since when in the world does the word "fundamentals" means workers? This can only be possible in the RULS(Rovian University of Lies and Smears) from where McCain graduated fourth from the bottom.
This also qualifies him to tell lies with a straight face with the lame excuse that Obama would not participate in town halls with him.McCain doesn't dictate the pace of the campaign.
THIS IS A SCARY SIGNAL TO THE REST OF THE WORLD! He will lie as President to declare many more senseless wars.

KJAB   September 16th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Oh my god. Please tell me the American worker will not fall behind this total b.s. McCain is a lying sell-out.

Roland   September 16th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Come on McLame, don't forget what you learned in the Rovian school of politics . . . keep telling your lies over and over again until people start to believe you.

(Just for clarification, the 'don't forget' had nothing to do with your age … I think since this is supposed to be a once-in-a-century financial crisis we need someone like McLame who remembers last century's crisis.)

haas   September 16th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Has America woken up yet? McCain-Palin will continue the past 8 years. They are bad for the economy, our standing in the world and for this country. No way, No how, No McPalin!!!

MurphyMorseJohnson   September 16th, 2008 10:18 am ET

How dumb and insensitive can a Republican get? Apparently, McCain doesn't really listen. If he did, he would see television ads for foreign cars outnumber U.S. car manufacturers' ads 4-1. This is the result of Republican job outsourcing due to Republican lobbyists and Republican greed. McCain has supported Bush/ Republican economic policy 90% of the time. The only real change will come from a Democrat, not McCain.

Tony   September 16th, 2008 10:16 am ET

McCain is absurd.

He understands and can relate to the average man or woman about as much as a millionaire can to a homeless person living on the street.

WAKE UP PEOPLE!

John   September 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

McCain thinks with a wave of his hand and some pandering rhetoric we will forget his actions during the past 26 years he's been in government - how he has steadfastly supported his party throughout years of misguided policies that are resulting in the mess we have now.

Yet all of a sudden, once he's elected, somehow all that will change - he'll be reborn as a new man!

Are Americans really this gullible?

blaising   September 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

McCain at Columbia University during a service forum featuring both candidates:

"It's easy for me to go to Washington," said McCain, "and frankly, be somewhat divorced from the day-to-day challenges people have."

Nuff Said…

facts are facts   September 16th, 2008 10:14 am ET

There is no animal in this world easier to skin than the average Joe regardless of what country they live in. McCain and the GOP have this figured out and have it down to a science on how to manipulate the bulkk of the population.

Fred Thompson state at the GOP convention Sara Palin can skin a moose. Although that likely makes her more qualified to be President than John McCain the Republicans still more work to do with her before she can skin the public but they'll get it done in time.

Susie   September 16th, 2008 10:14 am ET

I think McCain thought the economy must not be too bad if Obama supporters are willing to pay $28,500 a plate for an Obama fundraiser hosted by "Bab's".

So much money — does the average "Joe" understand that?

Dem for unity   September 16th, 2008 10:14 am ET

MCcain is so out of touch. At this point he is a joke. Mr. The Economy fundementals Are Strong(TEFAS). Lies and more lies. Thank you Mr. Hero. Thank you but no Thank you. No Way. No How. No MCcain.

PT   September 16th, 2008 10:13 am ET

He want's an Economic Commission…LOL

Scott NYC Independent   September 16th, 2008 10:13 am ET

These are the first 5 areas of economic fundamentals and none of them sound like poeple to me.

What do we mean by wealth; and what determines economic growth?
Factors affecting performance in the industrial economies.
Factors affecting economic and social development elsewhere.
Employment, engagement and exclusion.
Funding the state: sources of income, drivers of expenditure.

McCain for Pres.   September 16th, 2008 10:13 am ET

While there are a lot of people hurting in our country, there are still a lot of people making a lot of money. If the FUNDAMENTALS OF OUR ECONOMY WERE NOT STRONG THIS WOULDN"T BE THE CASE.

sandy   September 16th, 2008 10:13 am ET

I guess the straight talk express is flat out of tyres at this point!

Gerry   September 16th, 2008 10:12 am ET

McCain has not been and is not a friend of workers. He has voted for corporate welfare and against raising the mininmum wage repeatedly. Yet, he invokes the worker to cover a gaffe about the economy. Clearly, McCain has little understanding of the economy. We know he was reading material prepared for him by Bush aides because he made the same statement Bush had used many times before and just a few days earlier. We know he has little understanding of what he was discussing because he repeatedly emphasized the wrong words in making his points. When he made emphatic gestures, he spoke the wrong word. We don't make such mistakes when we speak with knowledge and conviction. McCain has said that he knows little about the economy; and it is showing.

Educate yourselves   September 16th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Go read a book people! Did anybody listen to Joe Biden on the Today Show? He is absolutely correct. It was the Republicans that allowed the de-regulation of Wall Street that caused this mess! Since John McCain agrees with GWB 90% of the time, it is fair to say that he would continue the same failed economic policies. Less government does not work! When we give these big companies tax breaks they pocket the money. Even John McCain is saying that now he is for stricter regulation when he called himself a "de-regulator" a couple of months ago.

PS Did anybody notice that oil is the lowest its been in months but gas prices are soaring? Here's a clue for all the "drill baby drill" sheep. Oil does not equal gas!!!!

DebM, Allentown, PA   September 16th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Senator McCain, it's too late. You let the cat out of the bag yesterday with your comments. And backtracking to say that you really meant American workers and American ingenuity are strong doesn't work for those of us who realize that you misspoke.

Combine this with the fact that Phil Gramm - he of the "nation of whiners" and "mental recessions" - is still your chief economic advisor and may be your Secretary of the Treasury should cause all of us who care about our economic survival to run screaming away from your ticket.

Vote smart!!

drone   September 16th, 2008 10:11 am ET

McCain, I hate you…. You are the lowest of the low.. Why isnt anyone talking about those provacative photos floating around the inernet of Palin.. Thas probly why her 17 year old daughter has a baby.. THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.. If Palin ends up in the white house, we are DOOMED.

si mwen te konen tou jou deye   September 16th, 2008 10:10 am ET

IS anyone else watching or is it just me. i mean this is no smear this is really ignorance by a potential candidate. what does he mean the fundemental of the american worker is strong. two words senator GLOBAL ECONOMY. the fundamental of the american worker can't be strong when china, bangladesh and dozens of other country are providing the same job we are doing over here for a quater of what we are paying over here. things will get worst if we put his man in the white house. people on wall street and people like senator mcprofit only care about themself and they'll do anything to keep the profit coming. we the so call fundamentally strong workers of this economy will keep on losing job while these big politician and greedy execs tripple up their profit by making good over see and selling them here. Nike cost 10 cents to make and it sold here for $100 on average. this is what we the fundamentally strong american workers are up against.

RobinLC   September 16th, 2008 10:10 am ET

John McCain are you crazy, stupid, or lying? My choice is all of the above but then you would have choice stripped away by the supreme court wouldn't you?

Typical White Person   September 16th, 2008 10:10 am ET

Obama wants a panic on Wall Street because he thinks it will help him win the election. Just like he wants American soldiers to keep being killed in Iraq because he thinks it will help him win the election.

Obama pressured the Iraqis to NOT negotiate a pullout of forces from Iraq until after the election. That is a fact. Google it for independent confirmation 'cause you ain't likely to see it here.

America the Stupid   September 16th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Either your completely stupid or a complete racist to sit there and back a complete fool like McSame. Which one are you?

ChrisP   September 16th, 2008 10:09 am ET

If he "doesn't get it" … he just doesn't … there's not enough backing up!!! It's our economy … he's from the old school - we need a 21st century president … just look at how professionally and within budget Obama's campaign was run … and he also "changed" campaign financing just by giving his campaign truly back to the people!!!

4 more years? Sorry, not this time!!

Obama/Biden '08/12

ran   September 16th, 2008 10:08 am ET

The solution to the economy problems and to our other problems is simple: Vote for Obama/Biden and other Democrats. The work will not be easy; but would you rather have a proven community organizer working for and with you or a pseudo-CEO type?(i.e. Fannie-maie/mack/Enron/Halliburton etc.)

My pick is easy and hopefully yours will be too. People we can not get this wrong this time and we can not let the courts decide for us ever again.

welches, oregon   September 16th, 2008 10:08 am ET

What a flip-flopper. What a liar. No Way No How No McCain.

Bob Stephens   September 16th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Another Senior Moment from the Double Talk Express…..

Scott NYC Independent   September 16th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Either he thinks we are stupid or he is ignorant of the economy and its current crisis. Anyone knows from eco 101 that when discussing economic fundamentals one is addressing the basic foundations of economic theory, not people. Things like M1, M2 and M3, loan rate, fed rates and the effects. Most of the country may not know those details but guess what - we all know that people are not fundamentals. So either we're stupid and he's talking down to us or he's ignorant and trying to deceive us into thinking he is knowledgeable.

Tired of W, OH   September 16th, 2008 10:08 am ET

If anyone believes that McCain was talking about the American worker when he said the economy's fundamentals are strong, they're lying to themselves. The American worker is only strong if they have WORK. McCain will keep encouraging corporations to out-source and put more workers out of work, like he did here in Ohio with his DHL deal.

Someone needs to put training wheels on the straight-talk express. It's not designed to do all this back-pedaling.

WHAT THE HELL, CNN? AM I BLACK-LISTED? POST THIS!

Celeste   September 16th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Senator McCain: I have completely lost respect for you as a politician but more so as a person. The way you have allowed others to manipulate your campaign and do to Senator Obama what those same people you have hired from George Bush's lot have done to you in the past. It is really shameful and downright dishonorable. It's really, really sad, I almost feel sorry for you - that you would do anything to be elected. May God have mercy on you all.

Moderate Republican for Obama   September 16th, 2008 10:07 am ET

I must be psychologically disturbed and fundamentally seeing things when I went to fill my gas tank up (mid-size sedan) at $4.19 a gallon for regular. I must also be fundamentally wrong when I saw that my stock investment fell a few hundred dollars! I must also be out of my mind when the money I used to fill my gas tank was money I wanted to use to by a few groceries on my way home from work.

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   September 16th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Senator McCain, the workers in America are the best in the world, it is just the management team that is the most incompetent group in the world. For instance, one of your campaign’s most influential people is Carly Fiorina who took a healthy company such as HP and totally decimated it. During her tenure, HP lost half of its value and incurred heavy job losses. She also said, “There is no job that is America's God-given right anymore.” She believes in sending jobs overseas to enhance a corporation’s bottom line.

CRAZY   September 16th, 2008 10:06 am ET

ANYONE OUT THERE CARE TO DEFEND MCCAIN ON THIS ONE . AND IF YOU EVEN TRIED YOU WOULD BE A MORON. AND IF YOU VOTE FOR HIM YOU ARE A MORON .

OBAMA…..08

Joe Green   September 16th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Restrain spending? What like Bush did? Or Sarah Palin, who left her city $22 million in debt and took every earmark she could for Alaska (the most $$ per capita of ANY State) INCLUDING THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE?

I guess if you just SAY you are going to change things, that is more important than your actual DEEDS.

DEEDS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN WORDS!

martin   September 16th, 2008 10:04 am ET

John tell us again that the government needs to get out of the way. Also tell us about your afvisers who deregulated wall street. Reformer? God yes. You just hide the adviser.

Vote4Obama08   September 16th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Did he really say the U.S. is "the victim of greed, excess and corruption on Wall Street"??? Him and his whining wife own 7 houses and we're the victims of greed? I think him and his wife's eyes were bigger than their stomachs because they definitely consumed more than they could handle. If he really saw this crisis coming…he should have warned his best pal BUSH to pay closer attention to avoid this crap. McCain and Palin make me want to vomit all over their campaign.

MikeH   September 16th, 2008 10:04 am ET

As was pointed out by Paul Krugman, McCain is talking like Herbert Hoover, the Republican President who's ignorance and corruption helped drive the US into the Great Depression.

Of the all the people most responsible for the economic mess we are in, one of the top two is Phil "Nation of Whiners" Graham, McCains buddy and covert economic adviser.

If anyone could push this country into a Third-World type exploitative Plutocracy, it is Mr Graham.

America, if you are ignorant enough to put this man into power, you deserve what you get.

Beth in TN   September 16th, 2008 10:03 am ET

McCain is a BIG JOKE! We are smarter than this, America. He will make all of us look like clowns! He insults us all with his "mumbo jumbo" -

Joe the Bartender   September 16th, 2008 10:03 am ET

This just in. McCain's been backing up so much and so fast that he's developed a case of "knobaphobia". What's that? The fear of backing into a cold door know.

It's the economy, stupid and it's fundamentally unsound. This guy is clueless

Sandra   September 16th, 2008 10:02 am ET

The republicans had 7 years to screw up our country and they've done an a great job.Four more years of the same will finish us off.We all know that this mess has been created by pure greed and put in place by 6 years of a Republican Congress.Enough is enough.Throw the bums out..a real change is a clean sweep of both Houses and the White House.These folks were never supposed to be in their positions for 20-30 years.We need to have term limits for a starter.

Paul Dobro   September 16th, 2008 10:02 am ET

You can twist like a Chinesse gymnist, but your still 14 years old.

To think The View can through off a presidential canidate shows how un-prepared he is for this job. While Obama has challanged himself by going onto Fox for interviews (and actually getting some good coverage from fox!), McCain-Palin RUN FROM THE MEDIA.

You can only run so far before you run off the cliff.

BTW - Remember when McCain said you need a sense of humor refering to his Celebrity ads in August? Now, his campaign has lost it's sense of humor and can't laugh at SNL!!!!!!! Does he know the differnce between parody and reality????

Gary Chandler in Canada   September 16th, 2008 10:02 am ET

another 'he never said it' he never meant it that way" another and another,,, how could he deal with China, Iran, Russia?
And people keep saying Biden goes off topic!!!???

Democracynow2008   September 16th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Senator Mccain is out of touch with the American Worker.
He can change his words but that does not change what he really thinks.
Say anything to get a vote hey Senator Mccain.
Flip Flopping all the way to November .
Obama/Biden 08

Oh! The Irony   September 16th, 2008 10:01 am ET

This guy is a fundamental liar. I heard his speech and he was not talking about the American worker. This war hero packages lies in a nice shiny box for the average misinformed American to open with pleasure.

Monica, Texas   September 16th, 2008 10:00 am ET

McCain was "angry" on MSNBC Morning Joe and Good Morning America….What's up with that? He did present himself as the old grumpy guy yelling at the kids to get off his lawn. Besides still saying if Obama had agreed to townhall meetings he would have used such slanderous ads….His temperment really needs an adjustment.

Misha   September 16th, 2008 10:00 am ET

I don't know what is wrong with Journalists these days, even CNN,msnbc,foxnews.. journalists and reporters. What happened to the time when we used to get facts from all reporters and journalists. now all media is letting US decide. we always hear two sides of a story.well..cnn what is the truth? Do you expect we, the citizens to do OUR OWN investigation? geez..all Journalists and reporters are OBLIGATED to tell us how THEY feel. stop giving us two sides of a story " "they said this and that but…their opponents said this and that" that's all you tell us.how about what's on your mind? how about some investigation for Truth. The news media cannot be trusted anymore.what a shame.

Funny   September 16th, 2008 10:00 am ET

John could always go hide in one of his many homes.

LOL, when he says "the fundamentals of our economy are strong", there's a guy sitting behind him who turns his head to look at John. It's as if the guy is saying "Are you crazy".

Watch the tape, it's too funny.

Obama/Biden 08

Anonymous   September 16th, 2008 10:00 am ET

If McCain seen our countries collapsing situation some time back he did NOTHING to abate it. We can expect the same of him if Palin gets him to the white house. His words are full of bull and presently searching for methodology to justify his failures. His claims of success need to be challenged in the debates. As well as Palin's. The color of her lipstick should also be questioned.

It's not going to happen, he should bail out and let Palin take his place.

linda n carolina   September 16th, 2008 9:59 am ET

The trickle down theory…..trickle this……I'm tired of getting peed on!

Bulldog   September 16th, 2008 9:59 am ET

McCain was all for his top economic advisor, Phil Gramm, who was the major pusher for deregulation. McCain voted for Gramms deregulation bills and now all of a sudden he says we need more regulation. What a liar.

RealityKing   September 16th, 2008 9:59 am ET

Yesterday, the dollar was up against the euro, and other foreign currency, even as our market drop 5+ percent..

Just a Mom   September 16th, 2008 9:58 am ET

As I watched his interview this morning, I was not impressed with his evasive answers about the economy. Does it even make sense to say American workers are strong when there is no work to be found? Also, he was still talking about Palin's "Bridge to Nowhere" - I don't know why.

Barbara GA   September 16th, 2008 9:58 am ET

I found it very destrubing watching John McCain on one of the cable channel this morning. This man has a bad temper. He was asked about his statement concering the economy. This man lit into the host of the show ( MEKA) as a new voter I was outragaged. I will never vote for someone out of control as he is.

Get some help Mr. McCain ANGER MANAGEMENT!

Tejash   September 16th, 2008 9:57 am ET

McCain has no idea of where our economy stands. I think Geroge gave him that quote to make him look like he cares.

tigerakabj   September 16th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Nice try McCain. This isn't the first time you've said that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong." You even said you don't know as much about the economy as you should back in Dec. 2007.

Everybody, vote for Obama.

Obama/Biden 2008/2012.

J roll   September 16th, 2008 9:57 am ET

This coming from a guy who says he's not good with economics saw the fannie/feddy collaspe coming two years ago? Please, does he really think were stupid. I also notice he not usng his fundamentals line anymore. The fact of the matter is mccain had 6 of Bush's and the republican congress' 8 years in which do something and our economy has been sliding the past five years. Now all of a sudden he sees it all brokemn and he can fix it. Again why trust a guy who says the economy is not his strong suit. If he didn't mean it why did he say it.why did he concede to fit his party's base. Some maverick he is .

mark from england   September 16th, 2008 9:56 am ET

maccain is a moron

Sue   September 16th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Spin, baby, spin. It's no wonder McCain can't make a sensible statement. he's backing away and spinning at the same time. That would make anyone dizzy, let alone a senior citizen who's also trying to defend the blatant lies of his CHOICE for VP. He made his own (tanning) bed, now he doesn't want to lie in it.

John in Ohio   September 16th, 2008 9:56 am ET

McCain: backtracking, misspeaking, distorting, lying, flip-flopping, waffling, misleading.

John McCain, more of the same.

SGJ   September 16th, 2008 9:55 am ET

This guy has no honor.

The past few weeks - with his sex ed for kindergarteners add - he has shown he is the one with the blind singular ambition to be president at any cost.

McCain Is Shocked...   September 16th, 2008 9:55 am ET

"Oh God, the people aren't listening to my lies anymore. Let's bring out Sarah Pigs and Lipstick. That will distract them."

larry   September 16th, 2008 9:55 am ET

The only thing McBush has said that I agree with is his comment on economics not being one of his strong suits. Yeah, I'll say…..he hasn't a clue.

Kaye- Jacksonville FL   September 16th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Oh dear - poor John just gets more confused everyday. Can't figure out what he thinks, what he'll do, what he should say to win. I'm dizzy just listening to him spin his useless positions and old proposals. Good thing he's got Caribou Barbie popping up in all the key states to keep the right excited about the "Palin-McCain" ticket…too bad that bubble is about to burst with all that's coming about Ms Sarah….she is same old, same old republican politics…just like him!

BigTallMatt   September 16th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Although rampant government spending UNDER A REPUBLICAN DOMINATED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT is part of the problem, McCain neglects to mention Phil Gramm, who drafted McCain's economic proposal, and the many lobbyists working for his campaign who drove legislation through a Republican controlled Congress that deregulated the financial industry and set up the current economic crisis. He's trying to defer blame for the mess that he himself helped this country get in, and it won't work.

Obama/Biden - The change we deserve.

McCain/Palin - Thanks, but no thanks.

Rob   September 16th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Many people I talk to who typically vote Republican claim that repubs are for small government and privatization of corporate America. I don't see it though. John McCain and the GOP want more military, and now apparently more financial regulation. I guess by small government, they don't want the federal gov't to provide health care or other social initiatives.

Dave   September 16th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Lie, Lie, Lie…. Deny, Deny, Deny…. That's all the republicans ever do! Oh, that's not what I meant! Sure it wasn't John…. and your running mate didn't attempt to abuse her power either!

Obama/ Biden!!!

Susan, IN   September 16th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Wouldn't you back away from such an idiotic statement. McCain can run, but he can't hide. The chickens are coming home to roost. i heard that Phil Gramm had a huge part in the de-regulations and wrote the legislation for Congress.

Obama/Biden 08

Will-South Dakota   September 16th, 2008 9:50 am ET

When wa s the last time McBush fed his family on $120 and had to make that last for 2 weeks, when was the last time he stretched out his paycheck to make it to the end of the month…when was the last time McBush told his kids no, I don't have the money for that or thats to expensive right now…….Oh Wait he spent it all on his $500 loafers!!

John   September 16th, 2008 9:50 am ET

If the American worker is the fundamental strength of our economy, why are so many jobs being sent overseas? I don't think McCain, Obama or any of the folks in Washington get it yet. I personally plan to vote AGAINST every incumbent I can.

JusLaugh   September 16th, 2008 9:50 am ET

What???? McCain ot taking responsiblility???? Shocker!

It seems his true colors are starting to show through the smoke screen. He only cares about other rich guys, he could care less about the rest of us.

Mb   September 16th, 2008 9:49 am ET

American workers, as strong as we are, can only do so much. We work hard but this administration has ignored us. The policies they enacted hurt not helped us now they want us to give them 4 more years to stick it to us again - NO WAY, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Keisha - Atlanta   September 16th, 2008 9:49 am ET

Lies, lies, more lies… He'll be singing a different song next week..

Accountability   September 16th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Just like he backed away from confusing Shia and Sunni….just like he backed away from "America as a country of whiners"…just like he backed away from how many houses he owns….

Does this sound familiar America? It's what we have become accustomed to in the last eight years of the George Bush/Karl Rove Republican White House. Some Maverick huh?

Want more of the same…vote McCain

Tony Z-MD   September 16th, 2008 9:48 am ET

Stop the Spin. McCain is not ready to lead.

Open Your 3rd Eye   September 16th, 2008 9:48 am ET

SORRY MCIDIOT.

SPENDING IS NOT THE SOLE REASON:

FREE TRADE
SUBPRIME MORTGAGE MELTDOWN
LACK OF GOV. OVERSEEING & MANAGEMENT
IRAQ WAR
JOBS DISAPPEARING
HIGH PRICED OIL
EARMARKS
CREDIT CRUNCH
ETC. ETC,

THE LIST GOES ON SIR. AND YOUR PARTY IS RESPONSIBLE.

PERIOD-POINT BLANK-END OF STORY-FULLSTOP

tornado1972   September 16th, 2008 9:48 am ET

This is not the first time for such a statement, we know what McCain is all about and his party know they are on the wrong side but just don't care. How can they say country first, it's just a shame where this contest has gone

I love Obama   September 16th, 2008 9:48 am ET

This man really makes me want to throw up.

Arielle Yanaba   September 16th, 2008 9:47 am ET

John McCain…you are a joke, I'm sorry. I once had respect for you but that is all out the window now!

nader   September 16th, 2008 9:47 am ET

NOW HE IS TRYING TO GIVE SPIN TO IT. TO WHOM HE IS GOING TO FOOL. WE KNOW WELL THAT HE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE PAIN OF THE REGULAR JOE.

Walt   September 16th, 2008 9:47 am ET

You know thsi would almost be funny, but for the fact that there are many millions that support this man. Wall Street crumbles. The housing market crumbles. Unemployment rises, and he says things are fundamentally soun