October 7, 2008
Posted: October 7th, 2008 11:29 PM ET

From
McCain’s comment drew an immediate reaction from Obama’s campaign.
McCain’s comment drew an immediate reaction from Obama’s campaign.

(CNN) – Barack Obama's campaign immediately highlighted a singular moment in Tuesday's presidential debate when John McCain sought to criticize Barack Obama for supporting the 2007 Bush-Cheney energy bill:

"It was an energy bill on the floor of the Senate, loaded down with goodies, billions for the oil companies, and it was sponsored by Bush and Cheney," McCain said. "You know who voted for it? You might never know. That one. You know who voted against it? Me."

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton immediately emailed reporters noting McCain's seemingly peculiar reference to the Illinois senator.

"Did John McCain just refer to Obama as 'that one?' Burton asked.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • Presidential Debate


Raleigh, NC   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

McCain.......that one I'm NOT voting for!

PK   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

there are probally alot of sore losers out there... McCain Won the debate!

Paul, NY   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Obama won the Debate

Thed Weller   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Lol!

M. Gary-Smith   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

I was appalled by McCain's reference to Obama as "that one". In light of the question, his remark struck me as rude. I credit Obama in both debates for being civil and stepping forward to shake hands. McCain seemed irritated and bothered. That doesn't fare well with me as a voter. He should take notice of that.

Jen from IN   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

that was so un called for. He wouldn't even shake Obama's hand. What is he scarred of

Martha Nelson   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

When Sarah Palin says that her investment in the nation’s oil crisis and its related wars is built upon her experience as governor of an energy-producing state, it is wise to recall that Alaska is an oil state. In Palin’s world, controlling national policy means generating more oil, which comes with price tags many generations past this election: global warming, depletion of the ozone, loss of habitat for both animals and humans. Consider your great-great-grandchildren and what energy policy will best serve their great grandchildren. You vote in 2008 affects their future.

Joshua College Station Texas   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

McCain was very disrespectful in that moment. Unbelievable! If he wants to avoid rumors of racism, being disdainful and of an angry temperament, and grouchiness and the contempt of age, he needs to show more respect.

Bulldog   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

McCain once again being very disrespectful. Now that's what we need to unite this country, disrespect from John. That should definitely bring everyone together.

MDV   October 7th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Is that the sound of Obama desperation? Way to completely avoid the issue and focus on faux racism.

TyWebb   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

McCain and Palin are made for each other. Hey, "LITTLE JOHN", obviously, you jest.

Haris   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Really bad, although this is politic we still are brothers and sisters. you CAN"T refer to one of your countryman as THAT ONE. It's simply unacceptable.

Sean Camoni   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

This was just another example of John McCain trying to dehumanize Barack Obama. He can't look at him or treat him with an once of respect. McCain disrespects himself and our country. My minds made up. I'll be voting for "That One".

Dr. Roy   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Much ado about nothing.

Kisha   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

It was disrespectful, but I am not surprised. I think McCain is very condescending, and I do not identify with him at all. Also, I think he should drop the "my friend" line, its not working for me. He does not seem more personable when he says this.

Mack   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

No one won this farse called a debate..Was this the plan to have NBC and Tom Brokaw have a softball debate so Obama would look good. Call us when these two are asked real questions by real people. As for substance..McCain won..Obama was to scripted.

Nicolas Timerman Austin Tx   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Why is it that no one is discussing McCain's blatant refusal to shake Obama's hand at the end of the debate?

Amy in Texas   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

GIVE ME A BREAK YOU WHINING DEMOCRATS!!! It was nothing more than a comment. Anything to add race to it to win right democrats, you people are beyond low.

Liz Sullivan   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

I found McCain's reference to Obama as "that one" both demeaning and condescending...did he forget Obama's name or was he trying to be rude?

independent   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

I find it interesting how McCain holds so much resentment towards Obama. My first thought is that he's a sore looser. Say it ain't so, Joe!

Diane Dagenais Turbide   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

That one!

That was the reflection of the true McCain...the arrogance and the lack of respect! And I was expecting it to be this arrogant, disrespecful because he is facing his own failures of the past eight years and of this campaign!

changing times   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Oh did you notice he wouldn't shake Obama's hand at the end of the debate.

Gerard   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Believe Obama superior to McCain on almost all points. Strongest ondifference on health care and war. Weakest difference on how to solve the financial mess.

Deb, Allentown,PA   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Wow, wow, wow. While I'm an Obama supporter, I thought the first debate was a draw, other than McCain's inability to address Obama, which I thought hurt him.

This one, IMHO, was a clear, clear win for Obama. Incredible.

And by the way, I counted 17 "my friends", but I did have to leave the room for a few minutes. How many did everyone else count?

ines   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Bad choice of words by McCain.

Interesting that McCain's closing speech sounded exactly like a farewell speech (not just acknowledging the end of the debate).

Dan   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

The statement made me feel McCain was very angry.

The reaction from viewers was one of shock and disappointment.

Sam de Orlando, FL   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

When McCain says things and does things that are condescending to Obama, I feel like that's how he would treat me if I were to meet him. He wouldn't listen to my ideas, he would call me naive, and he probably wouldn't look me in the eye and give me some respect.
That's why those tactics don't work.

Collier   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Why do both candidates always disregard the question that is posed to them? I'm about 95% Democrat, but if a Republican came in that actually spoke his mind and the truth without spending so much time talking about what they want to talk about and smearing each other, I would vote for them.

I don't want politics. I want truth, even if I don't agree with it.

BS VA   October 7th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Perhaps McCain had meant to say "You know which Senator voted for it? That one."

DV   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Oh please, obama is not being realistic.

deidre   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

uh, okay...don't get why this is a big deal.

LS   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Can't teach a old dog new tricks – McCain will always be rude and very disrespectful.

Jeremy   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Mcain and Bush took pressure away from BIN Laden for easy target called Saddam Hussein. Mcain and Bush should be held responsible for all the loss of life,destruction to property and environment.

George   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

I would highlight the moment when John McCain asked "what were those three things again?", made Tom repeat them, wrote them down, and then didn't answer the question. Senator McCain seemed very old and not mentally sharp in this debate.

Rachel   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

It was downright disrespectful. John McCain shows he's willing to go even lower than we thought he would.

How difficult would it have been to say Senator Obama, or even the Senator to my right., but that one.....simply wrong.

Erika   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

That was completely rude! That one is on the same level as you, a senator and running for president therefore he is NOT beneath you in fact he is ahead of you in the polls. I am done with McCain!

dreanotes   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

I was very surprised and taken aback by that comment. It was very disrespectful and not something I would expect to hear from a potential President of the United States. Even if you aren't President yet, you should still conduct yourself as such. NOT a good move for the McCain campaign.

Patrick   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

John Mccain is obviously disheveled to the point of a fifth grader. I dont think he meant anything bad towards Obama I just think he is on a downward trajectory and he is out of ideas and...words.

Smartstart   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

You Go Senator Obama, oh my bad President Obama! McCain was not on point and joked too much for me. This is a time in America that we should be serious and not play with words and promote good deeds. America is hurting and Senator Obama seemed to be the only one in this debate that took it to task for US, (The USA)

LITTLE JOHN   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Hey it looks like McCain won the debate hands down..good going J McCain

The Lady   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

We all know that McCain has a habit of calling people out of their name.

Robert Columbus, Ohio   October 7th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

i thought that was VERY rude!

Bianca   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

That was out right disrespectful... McSlime lost this election a long time ago lol.. so it doesn't matter!

Matt   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

almost had racist undertones

Marianne   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

"That one" ... how very disrespectful. The angry old man speaks!

Yikes   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

McCain looks so out of his league!

Hilary B   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

That comment really caught my attention while I was watching the debate. What did he mean by "that one"? My respect for John McCain continues to decline.

victor   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Please don't make a mountain out of it.

S. Holt   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Yes he DID. Did you notice that the Senator and his wife ran off the stage and did not mingle with the voters or acknowledge The Obamas? Where were they going in such a hurry? Alaska?

Darrell   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

It was a big "Bad" moment for McCain but he had many condecending moments.Did McCain also avoid shaking Obamas hand as I thought I had seen ? Obama had much more thorough ideas and answers.McCains main theme was once again to put Obama down and he continued to lie.

Sebrina   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

I thought the, "That one", remark was very unprofessional and just shows how smug John McCain is.

Tommy   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Obama campaign is desparate. That's was humour, stupid!

kath   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Yes he did call him "that one"....I wonder what he meant by that exactly...it's almost like the old man in your neighborhood yelling at you when you cross through his yard and step on his lawn!!

Jason   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Could have been worse. Could have referred to how Obama isn't looking out for "our people", like Palin...

Fitzpatrick   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

That's all you do when you do not have anything to say

Amanda   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

The man has no respect. He's very insulting, and this is not who i want for my president!

jesse sanders   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

OBAMA CLEARLY WON. IM A OBAMABOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS GET AMERICA BACK TO WHERE IT WAS IN THE 90'S

Robert   October 7th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

It was incredibly awkward, and it felt a lot like the xenophobic attacks McCain has steered his campaigns towards lately.

Yikes   October 7th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Poor old man!!!!!!!!!!

Jim   October 7th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Just like Palin toward Senator Biden, Senator McCain was disrespectful.

Dr. Roy   October 7th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

So What?! Is this the only thing the Obama camp can come up with?

Julian   October 7th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

that was rude, and very unpresident like, I see why he wont have foreign talks

Dale Schiff   October 7th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Go Obama GO!

soccer mom for obama   October 7th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

who does mcbush think he is.
what a rude old man.

he just needs to retire so that the country can get back on its feet.

obama

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