October 13, 2008
Posted: 08:17 AM ET
McCain is unveiling a new stump speech today.
McCain is unveiling a new stump speech today.

(CNN) – With Election Day just three weeks away, John McCain will unveil a new stump speech Monday that will signal his campaign's closing push. McCain's remarks will speak to the need for Americans to evaluate and consider the new direction this country must take, and which candidate has the proven record, experience and readiness to deliver against growing challenges.

An excerpt from his prepared remarks below:

"Let me give you the state of the race today. We have 22 days to go. We’re 6 points down. The national media has written us off. Senator Obama is measuring the drapes, and planning with Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections, and concede defeat in Iraq. But they forgot to let you decide. My friends, we’ve got them just where we want them.

"What America needs in this hour is a fighter; someone who puts all his cards on the table and trusts the judgment of the American people. I come from a long line of McCains who believed that to love America is to fight for her. I have fought for you most of my life. There are other ways to love this country, but I’ve never been the kind to do it from the sidelines."

Filed under: John McCain


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SANDRA   October 13th, 2008 9:08 am ET

MCCAIN IS A RUNNING JOKE AND PALIN IS A POISON WE SHOULD SEND PACKING AS FAST AS WE BACK HER BAGS TO ALASKA SHE NOTHING BUT TROUBLE GOOD RIDDEN .

Informed...try it sometime   October 13th, 2008 9:08 am ET

"Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid to raise taxes." —- If you make $250,000 a year.

Cmon McCain just because you say it a million times doesn't make it true.

King   October 13th, 2008 9:07 am ET

Oh puulizz..mr. McSenile. You must love this country more than evryone else i can see that but do you love the people who live in it when their homes are foreclosed, their jobs and savings taken away from them? You might not get the cry of the people since you and the people surrounding you are millionaires. So get real!! Obama 08

priysmom   October 13th, 2008 9:07 am ET

are you trying to convince us or you?

dan - N.M.   October 13th, 2008 9:06 am ET

McCain is up against all of worldwide "Pop Culture" in this election. It cannot be done.

Wally from Gladwyne, PA   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

If Senator Obama is measuring for drapes, he's doing it from the road.
He had 4 rallies here in Philadelphia in 4 hours this past Saturday and moved on to Ohio where he went door-to-door.
He's working pretty hard for a man that McCain says is basking in his current lead.

Clovis   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

And when the people do decide, Big John, you and the Moose Hunter can board the Straight Talk Express and head home.

Barack Obama will head to the White House!

Obama-Biden '08

Abby   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Measuring the drapes? Are you kidding?

Dzster   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

….and folks, don't forget this too….Sarah Palin will be just a "heartbeat" away from that "Big Red Button" that will seal everybody's fate for once and for all!!!!!

Shelly   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

oh brother…..

John   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Yes!!!! McCain needs to clearly define the choice on the ballot. We need a stable, experienced, reliable hand at the helm. That is John McCain.

Uninted. Centralist. Party   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

We are trusting our judgment John Mccain…..That's why some of us arn't voting for you…..

Obama/Biden 08/2012   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

I am so sick and hearing McCain/Sarah's rallies. All the lies and deceit….There is a huge difference between both the campaigns.

Obama: unite, excitement, +ve changes.
McCain: lies, bias, negative changes. During their speeches, either my remote is in MUTE or change it to another channel. I have quit watching Fox News or Tucker, he makes no sense, just as dumb as dumb and dumber.

Good network so far: MSNBC: Keith Olberman and Rachel Maddows.

Don   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Well, if "we've got them just where we want them" means Obama's ten point lead in the polls, I guess McCain doesn't want to win the White House after all! Geesh!

ATLian   October 13th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Get real. We are not buying it.

waziri   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

desperation talk, politics to try to psych folks, kicks of a dying horse..

Irmiya M Sauka   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

The only way you can show your love for your country according to McCains statement is to go to the war front and fight for America or vote for war all the time. It is either you do it as he did it or you are fighting on the side line. Yet he wants the so called "sidliners" ( teachers, laborers, community organisers, mothers to vote for him? What a synic and what a pride. America is not "Animal farm"

Linda Pickard   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Please, please, please stop saying "My friends."

Tyler From Columbus   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Give me a break please. The reason the media has written you off is because you ARE finished. You claim to be "mavericks" yet your policies and behavior say otherwise. America, let's not be fooled into 4 more years of suffering by these two fearmongering, politics as usual "mavericks". Make a real change and get the GOP out of here for good. And let's call this speech for what it really is. It's fourth and long, 10 seconds left on the fifty yard line. It's time for the Ol Hail Mary.

Let's have some common sense!   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

No, Senator McCain, what our country needs now is someone with the good judgement to lead us out of the mess that has been made in the last 8 years.
You agreed with President Bush 90% of the time on his bad choices. We don't need your kind of help.

ELF   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Sounds "good" not "go".

Jason   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

How come you havent done all that in the years you have been in the senate?

Devon Spencer   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

No, Senator, you are 10 points down. 353 electoral votes are predicted by politico. I don't see how McCain could make up that kind of ground. I think it is safe to say he'll be losing! =]

KIM C,RICHMOND,VA   October 13th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Why are we still entertaining this guy? He really needs to retire.

obama/biden 08

Gabriele   October 13th, 2008 9:02 am ET

This is not what the american people need to hear. Maybe he wouldn't be behind by 6 points or more if he would tell them what he wants to do to change things? And not just propagate the same twisted half truths or outright rubbish again and again. This vote is for the future and not for the past.

Mick   October 13th, 2008 9:02 am ET

Sounds like more of the same.

ELF   October 13th, 2008 9:02 am ET

It all sounds go to be ready to "take it him", Obama that is. But it is hard to fight or argue alone. That has been a point of strength for Obama and one of contention for McCain. You can stand, rant and rave all you want, but when the fervency is not returned, you're at a loss. It is frustrating not to be able to get under someone else's skin.

Neal   October 13th, 2008 9:02 am ET

I feel like being AHEAD by 6 is right where you want to be, but I may be wrong.

Diane   October 13th, 2008 9:02 am ET

I guess it's a good thing to be optimistic. Anyone that has changed his mind as much as "this one" is not fit to run this country. How on earth could you trust his decision??? Sen. Obama has ran a consistent, disciplined approach to his campaign, a way that I personally feel he will run this country and get us out of this mess. Anyone who votes for the McCain/Palin ticket does not care about their own personal welfare. check the facts…… McCain/Palin lie, lie, lie.

Sandro   October 13th, 2008 9:02 am ET

McCain's appeal to emotions may unfortunately only resonate with his racist and intollerant base; however, the undecided will need substance; which is not part of McCain's vocabulary. Bush appealed to emotions as well, and look where we are now… you can see that in politics it is imperative to think with a brain and not with emotions.

Obama: the only rational political choice for America

PS: I do tremendously respect McCain's service for our country. I was in the military too, and beleive that service should be part of everybody's lives.

Tab Cocovillea   October 13th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Let the insanity begin… or in his case, contnue.

Anonymous   October 13th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Wow.

Random Dude   October 13th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Dude,
First up, try to keep Arizone in the GOP column. Going by the looks of it, Obama is gonna whip 'you you know what' in your home state.

Gallup poll shows Barack opening up a 10 point lead.

I guess the economy is not the only thing you are out of touch about

CAROL from greensboro, nc   October 13th, 2008 9:01 am ET

it doesn't matter what strategy mccain comes up with, obama is the coolest dude on the planet, and he will stick with the issues, mccain's name-calling has only worked on the ignorant and uninformed people who still have a stigma about black people or people of any other color. what time has taught me is if you wait long enough, bigotry will die out. so many of them are already dead.

Joey, MN   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

HEADLINE: "Delusional old man barks at any camera willing to point at him."

STEFANY   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

Sure just like the last two debates, huh Johnnie!

Paige   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

I feel like I am spinning. Every day it's some new sound bite "An American hero", "the Maverick", "Country First", and "Change is Coming".

There's another one? Poor bastard. He just doesnt get it.

Sway the Course   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

At this point, no matter how good an idea he might promote, McCain has proven that he is erratic, impatient and reactionary.

After eight years of a cowboy, we can't afford a maverick who shoots form the hip.

CR   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

Sure…. why wouldn't any campaign want to be 10 points down!

Rob   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

Excuse me… I just vomited. You need a long vacation John. A very long vacation. In one of your 11 or 12 houses. Goodbye now. Take Miss Thing with you.

Kiah G   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

I'm so sick of the tactics and games from this idiot and his supporters. When the American people wake up and realize that McCain has no interest in them only in his latest line of attack. I can't wait for the day when I no longer have to look at this man!

Mike D   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

John, you've never fought for anybody in your career except YOURSELF.

Sherri   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

Go get em John. May God be with you!

cann   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

You're a day late and a dollar short, Senator ! Why should any intelligent voter think that you when you woke up yesterday morning, your incompetence since the day you chose Sarah Palin as your running mate was just a dream ? Facts are more powerful than fantasy.

Too little, too late

Obama/Biden 08

Michigan Voter   October 13th, 2008 9:00 am ET

The economy's collapsing. Is he going to address THAT?

Overseas Obama supporter   October 13th, 2008 8:59 am ET

What makes him think we'll buy it this time… my friend?

God Bless America   October 13th, 2008 8:59 am ET

ha ha ha ha.Go tell that to ur moose killing wrong choice of vice president.I use to like you but I dont think you will make a Good President.You have no clue about the 21th century needs.You will make a better elder stateman and veteran.John Sidney McCain Not Good for POTUS.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Phil   October 13th, 2008 8:59 am ET

McCain to little to late. It is time for fresh blood in the White House. Obama is that new blood that will bring the change we all have been waiting for.

kamenwati   October 13th, 2008 8:59 am ET

The rantings of a delusional and angry old man. People have been casting votes in this election for the last two weeks. I'm willing to bet the majority of them have not been going to McCain and his ethics violating running mate.

Geeque - Chicago,IL   October 13th, 2008 8:59 am ET

McShame, your ideas are outdated, you are done, you are just a clone of George Bush.

Vote for Barack Obama.

Rosemarie   October 13th, 2008 8:58 am ET

blablablablabla BLA!!

Bart   October 13th, 2008 8:58 am ET

What America needs is an old fighter, that barely moves, that has anger problems, that has no clue on economy and that has completely untested VP… Yeh, yeh - that is exactly what America needs in time of the biggest financial crisis.

Brandon from Ohio   October 13th, 2008 8:58 am ET

I wonder if he's actually fooling himself…Daily Scandal Palin has convinced herself that she hasn't been found guilty of illegal and unethical activity, so maybe John McLiar has convinced himself that having the majority of the American people seeing through his lies and failed attempts at manipulation really means that he's got them right where he wants them. Too funny.

T.R.   October 13th, 2008 8:58 am ET

With all due respect to Senator Mccain and nothing to do with his age. This man is weak ,wasted , unstable and judging by his choice for vice-president he is not mentally fit to be our president.

3D   October 13th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Here he go again, changing up. Who in their right mind would vote or consider voting for this man. Presidential, McCain is not. Too old and done. Erratic and desperate . . . The man will do and say anything to be elected president. of these great United State. America . . . WAKE UP!

ej   October 13th, 2008 8:58 am ET

yea… good luck with all that…

AMSTERDAM   October 13th, 2008 8:58 am ET

I am one of those . I.ve have written you off also

yen   October 13th, 2008 8:57 am ET

That is exactly what Americans are tired of. Bush/McCain have directed the country so far to the present day economic meltdown. You had eight years to bring the country to this point. Worse than the Iraq war, the American people ae losing everything they worked for. Who will believe you when you say you are the one to lead us out ? You lost that chance when you brought in Palin to the mix . She is out there to stir fear, hatred and division.McCain, you were much better without her .You legacy is now tarnished by S. Palin.

w.l. jones   October 13th, 2008 8:57 am ET

After twenty years years in the Senate…..now …want to fight for the American people.,to little to late.

Darin   October 13th, 2008 8:57 am ET

Is this his stump speech or his speech to his corporate backers and lobbyists?

Rachael, Orlando   October 13th, 2008 8:57 am ET

McCain is the biggest loser I've ever seen—Sarah Palin will be rid of him in 2012 and she'll easily win the Presidency—-

The only person more pathetic than McCain is Hillary Clinton who lost the primary because of hubris and stupidity.

Sarah Palin 2012 & 2016

ntnorton   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

McCain you couldnt crush a can with a bowling ball.

Susan in SC   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

"Senator Obama is measuring the drapes, and planning with Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections, and concede defeat in Iraq."

Who writes this continuous line of lies for this guy? Seriously, this type of misleading garabe should be illegal!!! It seems so wrong that Grampa Grumpy thinks it is fine to lie to and mislead the American people in a sad attempt to gain his ultimate goal - the Oval Office. I honestly think it is all about ambition with this man (and Palin, too). I have seen zero evidence that they care about the average person.

And I am an average person…..

Sérgio Santos   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

"My friends, we've got them where we want them"…. which is ahead?

RG, Tampa, FL   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Lying and Fearmongering: It's the Republican Way!

Open Your 3rd Eye   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

John McCain-

The level of absurdity your campaign has reached will only push voters further away from you. This is not a time to spread negativity when people's attitudes have already reached boiling point.

Sir, with all due respect you will have to decide whether or not you will be taking your honor back with you the day after the election.

As of right now, those prospects look bleek.

Remember,

WE=ARE=ONE=NATION

Brian in VA   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Oh john is your age catching up again? I think behind the eight ball isn't somewhere anyone wants to be with less than a month in the campaign.

Swing for the fence john, so when you strike out you can say you "tired"..

OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!

Holden Caulfield   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Is he serious? Like this election reality is slipping away from Senator McCain

Michigan Voter   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

that is a really stupid speech!
if the dems were smart they would play off this before McCain even delivers it. He's right about one thing, there are 22 days and counting and I can't wait this this is all over…. when we can swear in President Obama!

lindapuma   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

who say things like that? "I'll crush him" grow up you fool.

hoc   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Sorry John, what America needs now is a President bright enough not to pick Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Vic of New York   October 13th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Dear Senator McCain.

Thank you for being a fighter for us. I believe in my heart of hearts that you would fight your heart out for us.

That is why I would ask you to re-enlist into the Armed Services and go fight for us in Iraq, or Afganiatan, or anywhere really. Just go fight somewhere, anywhere, and get lost!

Your fellow citizen,
Vic

Griffin   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

John McCain, Sarah Palin and their handlers have told so many lies that they wouldn’t know the truth if it smacked them upside the head
McCain, I used to think that you stand for honesty and integrity, but that disappeared some months ago. It’s really a pity.

Lindsey   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

I dont want to pay more for healthcare. Boo McCain. I want lower taxes and McCain does not want to help me.

Redneck from Kentucky   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

The country is going to ask why it took until 22 days before the election to finally come up with a message. Obama has been on message for almost 2 years. McCain has been inconsistent and basically just responsive to what he thinks the voters are wanting to heear at the time. Too little too late!

Hank   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

The final attempts of a failed campaign. The Straight Talk Express is derailed!

Emiel   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

Anyone remember that Iraqi Minister of Information? For some reason he just sprung to my mind…

Brian   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

The national media hasn't written the McCain campaign off. His campaign is just "decent" and happens to disagree with the Obama campaign when it comes to the economy, health care, equal rights from women, and the war. If America needs a fighter, then let McCain go fight in the war. I will not let my children be forced to fight in a war that could be avoided by a single vote for Barack Obama.

Obama/Biden 2008

debra driscoll   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

People have already made up their minds who they are going to vote for. Time for you to concede, old man. Give it up gracefully. We all know who the next president is going to be.

OBAMA | BIDEN 2008

GOBAMA!

dharmas   October 13th, 2008 8:55 am ET

It just seems so strange when an older man lies , with no integrity.
Oh this was all planned ,fall behind in all polls by double digits and then reveal how a corrupt VP(SP) and an confused Mccain with their campign under schmidt of Bush fame , will convince the voters to throw their fate to bushonimcs again
With no homes to live in and no jobs CAN America gamble with the GOP?

Narwick   October 13th, 2008 8:54 am ET

The plan to raise taxes is on the top 2% of the tax bracket. Why does he speak so much Misinformation??

Maggy   October 13th, 2008 8:54 am ET

I am so sick of McCain and that joke of his VP pick. Thank you Obama, for not turning this into a circus.

McCain may be a POW but it is Obama who has honor.

darkcreole   October 13th, 2008 8:54 am ET

That's funny. I don't recall seeing any articles on here, see any segments on HGTV about Sen. Obama doing a Designer's Challenge for the White House, nor recall seeing him laid back on the couch watching the game saying he doesn't have to campaign anymore.

Sounds like another very weak tactic which doesn't reflect positively on Sen. McCain. Mr. McCain, if you want to win, how about talking about issues instead of trying to use these jr. high school antics??

One more for McCain/Palin   October 13th, 2008 8:54 am ET

When you look up the word patriot in the dictionary…it says John McCain. There has never been a man who loved his country more.
We are blessed indeed to be able to tap into this great man's ability to lead this country out of the pit we are in economically and moraly.
Thank God… if God is with us… John McCain will be the next president of the United States of America.

james in s.c.   October 13th, 2008 8:54 am ET

pfffffft, a little too late for that mccain!! mccain and palin blew up to many bridges. funny mccain said the same thing last week before the debate and those hate rallies, i don't like it, mccain-palin are nothing but lit match stick and we're all gasoline. sorry my vote still going to OBAMA-BIDEN 08!!!!

PEACE

J R   October 13th, 2008 8:54 am ET

So based on the excert, it looks like McCain's "new" strategy is to keep right on lying,

Brilliant.

Republican for Obama/Biden   October 13th, 2008 8:54 am ET

Winning a debate doesn't win an election. The dirty way McCain/Palin are playing is horrible. The country doesn't need hate and division.

Willis Meadors   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

I'm sorry to inform all Americans, Mr. McCain is so out of touch he has no idea what the American public needs.

Elizabeth, Philadelphia, PA   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

McCain is too much…so desperate, so willing to lie. He makes me sick. Please don't fall for his garbage. He does not care about anyone but himself!

Ian   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

John who?

Mike   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

I thought "my friends" was just a verbal crutch he used in the debates. No, he actually writes them out and puts them in his written statements, too. We really are his friends!

Celeste Hinnenkamp   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

If Mr. McCain was a wise man he would be detailing (and I stress the word detailing) his new policy plans instead of referring to the measuring of drapes for the oval office by his opponent. Where is the substance to this campaign?

Judy Zukoski, Barnesville, PA   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

At least with some of those lines, after he loses the election, McCain can have a career as a stand-up comedian. Maybe his first gig can be on Letterman's show.

no way, no how no mccain, no palin   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

You keep changing your startegies sir. Stick to one!!

Judy   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

McCain were are they? You have been so negative until we don't know where you are to say such thngs as that to the public.

McCain=the draft   October 13th, 2008 8:53 am ET

Thanks but, no thanks.
"That one" gets my vote!

M Smith   October 13th, 2008 8:52 am ET

your a bit more than 6 points down, John.

Cricket   October 13th, 2008 8:52 am ET

6 pts. behind-and that's where he wants THEM!! O.k. Sounds like his rather unusual logic of late!!

OBAMA/BIDEN

Simmy   October 13th, 2008 8:52 am ET

McCain: Shut Up!

Tommy T   October 13th, 2008 8:52 am ET

Blah blah blah. We know what you're offering, John. More tax cuts for the rich, no abortions for women and girls who have been raped, environmental "solutions" that favor big polluters, and WAR, WAR, WAR. You vote with Bush 90% of the time. No thanks, John!

McCan't   October 13th, 2008 8:52 am ET

McCain–you're wrong.

Obama/Biden '08.

W Spivey   October 13th, 2008 8:52 am ET

John you do come from a long line of fighters. The problem is that you are a knot in the line.

Seth   October 13th, 2008 8:51 am ET

The country has seen McCain's true nature, now. They have lost most of their respect for him due to his negative and erratic campaign. They can no longer trust his "steady hand" or his word.

Kevin in NC   October 13th, 2008 8:51 am ET

Try again McComedy, Fear won't work this time my friend. Wonder why your folks are angry with you? It's because of this kinda crap, the notion that your war rhetoric, and record will somehow scare people into voting for you and that wanna be Hillary. We're sick of war, we're sick of fearmongering, and we've had enough of you too. See ya Nov 4th

Candia   October 13th, 2008 8:51 am ET

Deluded.

Meh   October 13th, 2008 8:51 am ET

Too little, too late, McCain.
You've already been exposed for the dishonorable liar that you are.

Susan   October 13th, 2008 8:51 am ET

John McCain better hire new economic advisors. The gap today, according to the polls is 8 to eleven points down. Wishful thinking John. You and Palin have disgraced your country with your campaign based on innuendo and lies, not on facts.

Kerry in VA   October 13th, 2008 8:51 am ET

I think he has put a spin on the old politics which are still old politics. McCain has no clue that we are in a new era and need new ideas. If he wanted changed he should have picked a candidate that knows what change is all about. If he cannot come up with something other than what he has been saying he does not have a chance.

nancy   October 13th, 2008 8:51 am ET

i think its wishfull thinking. i think the new young registered voters will put obama over the top. we need real change. not more of bush policies.

Richard Schladen   October 13th, 2008 8:50 am ET

Fighting is NOT a virtue. We have had our fill of violence. Violence is your answer to everything. Try telling to truth and using reason once and a while..

Adam   October 13th, 2008 8:50 am ET

No one wants to be losing. McCain is trying to save face. He keeps talking about national polls, but he is falling further behind in Colorado, New Hampshire and Virginia. He has to run the table with the toss-ups and that's not where you want to be at all.

Robert Nicholson   October 13th, 2008 8:50 am ET

Where are the specifics? Stop with the patriotic rhetoric and provide some specifics about how your going to take the country in the direction it needs to go.

"Concede defeat in Iraq" is exactly the kind of hate speech that you lot were pushing during the convention and it is exactly why you are where you are now with your supporters.

John   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

You can't be serious. "We've got them just where we want them"? They're ahead of you. Where have you been. Stop the smear and focus on the issues. It's the economy stupid. You should have been stumping on this from the beginning. Too little too late.

Frank Lee   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

McCain is running out of straws to grasp.

Which of his many faces will we see Wednesday? I hope it's the angry, unstable one - the real McCain.
-

South African for OBAMA   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

How many times is McCain going to trumpet the same lie..OBAMA IS NOT RAISING YOUR TAXES if you earn $250,000 or less

Oh I get it , when McCain says Obama will raise your taxes, he is refering to his fat cats friends , you know those earning over $250,000 maybe fact check is wrong afterall

Scott L   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

He's right, Obama is going to get crushed on November 4th.

Can't wait to get Obama off the news and onto something legitimate.

Woman with enough credentials to be VP   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

Riiiight..

Keep living in delusional land John.

Anita   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

This is the same old stuff we have been hearing from him since day one. What are you going to do help increase jobs, and fix this economy. We need a plan not more talk about being a figther, we all know you were a POW and at this point that is not going to make people vote for you, especially when we didn't care to go to war. What we need is a plan and it seems like all you are focusing on is jabs w/ Obama…

Upset   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

Loser

Spencer/Commonwealth of Virginia   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

It tickled me somewhat when I saw some young kids the other day unearthing a "Virginia is McCain Country" billboard. They didn't even look old enough to vote, but even they know that McLame is a loser and not right for the country. McSame is sadly mistaken if he thinks he's going to win Virginia.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Jan, from Madison, WI   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

What happen to the John McCain of 2000 primaries? This is the MCSAME thing that we have been hearing over and over again. There is nothing new proposals, it all the same lies about President Obama increasing tax. I don't know how clear MCSAME and SARAH PAIN needs to hear about President Obama's tax plan. OH I get it, President Obama will increase both MCASAME and SARAH PAIN's taxes. This is the only way for them to fight President Obama's tax plan is by politice of smear, lies, and fear. HAHAHAHAHA, this will not work this time Mr. MCSAME and Mis. SARAH PAIN.

Bitter in Texas   October 13th, 2008 8:49 am ET

….let's get this thang over with….I can't stand any more Rethuglican lies and smears (sad to say I was a diehard Republican for over thirty years when the party stood of something..not any longer). I'm going to vote early, as soon as I can get a ballot. And my vote goes to "That one" and "Say it ain't so Jo".

Demo   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

My friends, vote for me to guarantee another 4 years of "big oil" profits… Smaller government but larger deficits, More Wars less Jobs. My friends, do not vote for change, tax cuts for the poor (those making less than 5 million).

Rufus   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

So sad…

ellen   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

how much more proof does it take that this guy has lost his marbles?

McLame   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

"New stump speach!?" My friends, that sounds like more of the McSame. Got them just where you want them? Riiight… down by 6 (or more) points in mid-Oct. Yep- that's just the position I'd want to be in right about now. Great tactic. Or was it strategy? I clearly don't know the difference.

Ron   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

McCain, We have had enough fighting. We want a leader with intellect and temperment to win the war, not just fighting forever.

alvino   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Don't forget that McCain was involved in the Iran Contra Affair and took pride in supplying the Afghan Freedom Fighters with arms. Maybe, thanks to McCain, Bin Ladin is now using our own armament against us.

McCain lacks judgement and does not spend much time thinking of the consequences.

jeanne from Duluth   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Didn't we learn lesson from Bush and his grand-standing - remember when he said "bring 'em on. . ." So not only is McCain taking a page out of the Bush book, he is now taking lessons from Palin on how to talk tough!

Becky   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

This is just getting sad. McCain has proven that he can spin anything, even how it's good that he's down in the national polls. What will be his spin if he loses another debate? That he meant to do that?

President Obama!   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Yea, just like he's crushing you in poll #'s!

Docb   October 13th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Where is Cafferty!!!!! He will tell it like it is and not pander like little wolfie….Know he has had a personal tragedy but we need him…Hope CNN is not keeping him off to cover for the repubs??

McShame does not know where he is- let alone where he might want to take the country!!!

What is up with cutting the comments off at such a low level…Must be getting too many that disagree with managements politics—Turning into another FOX news1

idahosa   October 13th, 2008 8:47 am ET

McCain says "My friends, we’ve got them just where we want them."

and you know WHERE?

"the white house…"

Mark Dover, Delaware   October 13th, 2008 8:47 am ET

It's over Johnny! America does not want any more Bush-Cheney policies! Time for you to retire! Go spend some of Cindy's $$$. Maybe you won't be so angry ! Oh, by the way, your new economic "plan of the week " sucks just as bad as last week's!

John F   October 13th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Right where they want them? I guess it's easy to keep an eye on your opponent if they are consistently running ahead of you.

I expect that the "figher" McCain should think more about using his head instead of his fists. Maybe he should just imitate pro-wrestling and do some promo action at the debate, possible followed by a chair shot.

Obama/Biden 08

Prince Iheanyi Ogwuru   October 13th, 2008 8:47 am ET

These remarks are touching but the question is : can we separate Senetor Mccain from the "bad guys" who destroyed washington, and wrecked wall street according Gov. Palin? This so calling "fighter" strategy did not work at the peak of Clinton/Obama tussle, will it work now?

Jason   October 13th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Yeah whip his butt, just like all the racist voters that support mccain. Of course Mccain wont turn them away, because thats all the GOP has…uninformed, scared, and racist…yes racist supporters.

ron   October 13th, 2008 8:47 am ET

This guy is a complete idiot if he thinks the majority of the public is going to fall for his bull all over again.

Lets get this over with and send the repubs packing

Patricia in Las Vegas   October 13th, 2008 8:47 am ET

No, you are wrong Senator McCain, we do not want a fighter, we want a leader. As for trusting the judgement of the American people, are you trusting the judgement of people who yell out "kill him?" That scares me a lot!

brad   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Ugh, My friends…
I hope I don't want to shoot myself after the last debate this week.

Mccain is a Liar   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

so that means he wants to lose and he concedes this election to the Obama Campaign that is fine with me Mcshame we all known you were going to lose months ago it is about time you admit that you are losing the Next step is admitting that You ar Bush III!

John Paul Cable   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

I wish he would stop calling us "MY FRIENDS" after this economic crisis I feel more like one of his " FELLOW PROSONERS "

Bill   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Republicans are for big business and the rich.

Democrats are forythe working man.

Simple as that.

Kevin   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

"What America needs in this hour is a fighter; someone who puts all his cards on the table."

You're right, Johnny, nothing like a gambling metaphor to stop what you term a "casino culture" on Wall Street.

Stop the Madness   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

blah blah blah …..blah blah blah blah blah….whatever!

Pattie Vandling   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Blah, blah, blah!
Not enough of us Americans trust or believe you, but in desperation, you have to say whatever you think we want to hear, just as Bush did to get re-elected, now look where we are!!

Mike   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Jeeeezzzzzz… That's new, exciting, and Jeeeezzzzz boring.

anne   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

He talks about being down in the polls but hasn't got a single idea about how to make our country better. He's a joke. How is mainstream media keeping him down? They print every idiotic lie he can think of saying. It's disgusting having to read it all. McCain and Palin are both insulting to anyone who actually cares about our country. One look at their horrible education plans (or lack of) and you can see why they don't want anyone to have a brain.

Marvin   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

sounds a little like Hillary Clintons closing push

Coop182   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Let me give you the state of the race today:

Senator McCain is down significantly in the polls, to include the battleground states that were traditionally red;

His running mate, freshly found guilty of abuse of power, is relegated to talking about Obama's stance on abortion (de-fanged);

His crowds of race-baiting hooligans have gone too far, to the point where he's had to defend Obama (perish the thought);

His campaign staff, from admittedly unconfirmed scuttlebutt from RealMoney.com, may undergo a fairly major shakeup this week; and

He has said that he knows how to fix what's going wrong in all aspects of his platform, but has not offered many specifics.

I'd say he's got Obama right where he wants him.

If you believe that, I'd like to offer you the opportunity to purchase a bridge; I believe it goes to nowhere.

TheDonald   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Most inept campaign in history, even worse that Bob Dole's

Nicole   October 13th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Ha Ha so funny. More nonsense rattling from a republicans mouth. Havent we had enough of that i mean 8 years is enough i think America is tired of it. Regardless of what everyone says I think America is ready for CHANGE.

Patrick   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

See ya bye bye… and thanks so much for the fish.

…and the 5 trillion republicans added to the debt.

Mikey from San Antonio   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Sen. McCain, with all due respect you have had two opportunities to "kick the you know what out of" Sen. Obama. Yet, you have not been able to. So what is going to be so special about this debate? It is 3:00 a.m., go to bed.

Sam Attikpo   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

The past is not necessarily a good predictor of the future. Therefore experience alone is no guarantee that McCain will be a better leader. Leadership is about vision, creativity and innovation. If experience were a guarantee, Pres. Bush would have done better in his last four years than the first four years.McCain has not been a president before, where is the experience for the presidency?
McCain laying emphasis on personality rather than leadership quality a bit below the belt. We need a visionary to take us out of the current chaos and lead the world out of the crisis.
All hands on deck to make this positive change a reality.

Barnhardt in NC   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Rediculous strategy. You can only meet or fail expectations this way. Another poor decision from a man whose known for them.

James   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

bye bye old man…and take ur racist hockey mom with you

values   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

THE ONLY CHANCE MCCAIN HAS IS THE UNEDUCATED VOTER AND FULL RIGHTWING NUT JOBS . BUT I THINK THE ECONOMY HAS FORCED MOST AMERICANS TO USE THERE COLLECTIVE BRAIN. ELECT THE SMART GUY OBAMA.

no cocky wacko   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Palin says she "has been cleared of any ethical wrongdoing" while the commission's findings say she "violated State ethical rules". Is this a new feature of the 'straight talk express' - the click your heals and just pretend version of the truth? McCain says he'll woop Obama, and I'm sure that's more of the same.

Huh?   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Obama is where Mccain WANTS him? What does that mean? Looks like where he's headed is to the White House!

brad   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Got to give it to them. They are trying to find every angle to use. Do agree with one thing. And that is that this is about the direction of this country. I just prefer Obama's direction more. I look forward hearing McCain"s if he truly going to talk about the issues and not character lies or half truth. Same goes to Obama's team.

Just Joe   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

This is pathetic.
They are behind now because they have planned it that way?
Yeah, that sounds like a real fine strategy. I suppose this is the same strategy they will use to deal with all of the issues facing America?

Barry   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Sounds like a drowning swimmer gasping for a last breath before he goes down for the last time.

Joe From Ohio   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

I guess Mccain is starting to realize that this magnitude of negative attacks are not the way to win. The only thing that does not make sense about this attempt at a momentum change is; the Obama campaign has been very careful about not seeming to confident. MCCAIN, YOU CANNOT WIN WITHOUT A COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PLAN SIR!

Take a page out of the Obama campaign. They are coming out with a detailed economic plan today, not spin on the political situation. People cannot afford simple things now and days. (sigh…)

frieda   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

ANGRY ANGRY ANGRY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO MORE OF DICK CHENEYS, WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

TC   October 13th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Tell Senator McCain that a lot of people have served their country and they did not do it from the sidelines but this does not me they need to be President of the United States. Just so he know the McCain's are not the only ones who love this country and fights for it all the time. How about all the people in this country that have to fight on a daily basis to be a part of the country they were born in.

alvino   October 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

What America does not need is four more years of an economic message that is a failure, an erratic president, a VP that abuses power, a person that thinks the Iraq war is justified, a person who surrounds himself with the people that caused this mess, and a person that has spent the last two weeks trying to divide our nation.

Vote for Obama!

P.   October 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

Another example of McCain failing to deliver a consistent message. This is one of the reasons why Obama is so far ahead at this time: he consistently and persistently delivers a clear concise message of change. No one really knows what John McCain's message is, because it's different every week.

KJL   October 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

McCain IS confused, isn't he? We won't be fooled by a new script.

The USA is tired of fighting, just like almost every other country in the world. We don't need more dead soldiers and civilians, we need a leader who is calm, collected, and intelligent. Someone who can work constructively with the governments of other countries and not provoke them.

Paul   October 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

Dear John
I have tremensous respect for your service and sacrifices. After Vietnam those sacrifices were by choice not by demand or in repayment..
Again, Thank you but maybe now is a good time to rest and recover.
Please stop the politics of fear. It's unamerican….

Red   October 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

I hate to say it, but repeated failures is not experience. Constantly having to play catch-up is not strategy. Senator McCain was the pick after his party found the other candidates too unpalatable (as evidenced by greater enthusiasm for Gov. Palin).

I had been happy when McCain won the nomination because he was the only Republican candidate who was opposing torture. Since then he has run a crude, inept campaign that lacks vision or leadership.

Frankly, I'm more concerned about McCain's relationship with his campaign staff than about Obama's relationship with Ayers or Wright.

Frank   October 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

This man is a delusional fool. He will ruin what's left of America.

RET   October 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

ZZZZZZZZZ….

your probably asking who sleeping, the target audience or McCain.

Obama Supporter outside US   October 13th, 2008 8:43 am ET

What a load of cobblers…

I hope the majority of Americans are intelligent enough to see the MCBush/Piggy campaign for what it is - a racist ticket with little to no idea of what to do about anything except to incite hate and anger.

Do the world a favor - give them the 'finger' and elect Obama.

ATL   October 13th, 2008 8:43 am ET

WHATEVER! YOU LOSE.

Sali   October 13th, 2008 8:43 am ET

I think we all recognise Mr. Mccain's sacrifice and his service to the country. T
his speech like all the others before it smells of blind ambition. He will do anything to win this election and become the president. In this speech again Mr. McCain lies: Is Barrach really measuring the drapes (even metaphorically speaking)? Planning with the speaker et? Barrack knows that the election is not won untill all the votes are counted. He knows tat his opponent has a lot of tricks up his sleeves, including some not so honorable one.

WhatTheHolyHeck   October 13th, 2008 8:43 am ET

Desperate words from a desperate man who's out of ideas. If he and his proxies hadn't spent their time and energy continually lying in their campaign, he'd be better off now. He has only himself to blame.

Bob Indianapolis IN   October 13th, 2008 8:43 am ET

Again with the gambling analogies…Hasn't America suffered enough from deregulating Republicans and their Wall Street counterparts gambling with taxpayer money?

Buh-bye, "Maverick"!

Angela, Cleveland, OH   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

First you need to deal with your unethical VP choice. Just because it was not clearly against the law, she did violate ethics. And just what is this thing with the husband hanging out in the Governor's office? Would he be attending meeting in her place? Were they both elected? And no this was not something Senator McCain's opponent started this shady ethics issue stems from long before the nomination. Contrary to what Gov. Palin said, she has not been cleared of unethical activity. We do not need 4 more years of what we have had to endure for the past 8.

EdgSight   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

This is the best comment ever, "take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections." When a losing man wants to win, he would say anything….

John B. From New Hampshire   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

i'm sorry, we've had a fighter for the last 8 years. what we need right now is a leader! someone with sound judgement and concrete ability to think on his feet. my friend, you are NOT that person! and by the way, these lies about taxes need to stop. your fear mongering Karl Rove style politics will not work!

OBAMA '08

P.S. the whole fighter strategy has already been tried against B.O. it failed!

John Dubai   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

McPallin and never ending lies. The American people decide who will get us out of this mess. Where were you in the last 8 years?
……ooh you were busy renovation your 13 homes.
Thanks….but no Thanks

A Ajayi   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

You are a true American Hero, Senator McCain and us in the other side of the Atlantic appreciate your patriotism and fight for America. Unfortunately, this is a new world now, the new world do not need a fighter any longer, every soul is tired of fighting, what we need is diplomacy, treating one and another as equal, and having respect. No matter what happens after Nov 4, this will have impact on the rest of the world as well…there was no gain or any advantage from both wars.. Even on the health care and others that Americans care for, fighting will not solve these problems, rather care thought, judgment and understanding both sides of the equation..

Doug R.   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

I wouldn't trust you for anything McCain (or that pig with lipstick running mate of yours). You are a liar and a fraud and have run a dirty and dishonest smear campaign. This election will be all about the economy stupid and you have nothing to offer there.

Dominick   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

I do have a complete plan/project for McCAIN to build a fort along the border of Iraq and Saudi Arabia, where we will concentrate some troops and guard the entire region from further terrorism.A complete work,to be exposed before the elections.Consider it.The results will be safe territory and strong possibility to reduce oil price import, period.

Adrian Veidt   October 13th, 2008 8:42 am ET

Um, yeah. That's nice, grampa.

howie   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

Delusionary much?

Dealt, Portugal   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

That long line of McCains believe fighting for America is fighting wars. And if fighting a war is sometimes necessary, that long line of McCains fought some that were not necessary, namely this one in which a McCain sent so many sons and daughters other than his own into harm's way.

Is that what McCains have to show the world? A record in wars?

JDC   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

He is too wimpy to whip anybody.

pray2008pray   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

I am not an economist…..Can America decrease its debt by lowering taxes?

Frostlanta   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

What!!!!! R U serious, I guess you love this country enough to keep lying to the american people about OBAMA and then turn around and proclaim to be Mr. STRAIGHT TALK or Mr. MAVERICK. I just don't see how anyone can vote for lie machine known as the GOP. We will see on the 4th of Nov. when americans from coast to coast will make a stand and say EIGHT IS ENOUGH!!!!!!! no more Bush Politics.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08′-12′

Jeremy-Columbus, OH   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

Uh ok McCain, keep living in your dream world, I'm still not voting for you.

Waya   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

McCain needs to be honest and stop the lies. Sarah Palin needs to be muzzled to stop her nasty hate-speak, which is stirring up kooks and crazies to talk about killing a senator, which is closer to domestic terrorism than anything Ayers did back in the 60's! Better yet, it isn't too late to replace Mooselini with Lieberman or Romney. I'd have more respect for McCain if he admitted he made a mistake with Palin.

Dave in RI   October 13th, 2008 8:41 am ET

Lame McSame.

You know none of thats true, and you know you got nothing left.

Why don't you just walk away, with what very little of your honor you have left. And Take Ethics violater and Powermonger Winky Palin with you.

Molly Weasley   October 13th, 2008 8:40 am ET

The man is delusional. He should spend some time listening to real voters instead of the lobbyist hacks on his team and the wingnuts who come to his rallies.

I hope he starts spending more time in his Senate office — that's as close to the White House as he's going to get.

dharmas   October 13th, 2008 8:40 am ET

Sorry Mccain talk time is over , your running mate is a powe abuser and ignorant , you change ur campaign strategy every day , How can any American vote for you , my friend

A White Male For Obama   October 13th, 2008 8:40 am ET

John McCain will be the death of America.

Kevin PA   October 13th, 2008 8:40 am ET

OH SIT DOWN GRANDPA !!!!

Lynn   October 13th, 2008 8:40 am ET

Sounds like "whistling through the graveyard" to me.

Ashley   October 13th, 2008 8:40 am ET

The American people need jobs. The American people need to be able to stay in their homes. The American people need to be able to pay for school. The American people need affordable healthcare. Perhaps this is what McCain should be "fighting" for. If not ,the only thing he will be "fighting" for is votes.

Obama/Biden!

Jennifer B   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

A Republican talking about taking away people's right to vote. Now that is just some real audacity.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Sorry, Sen McCain - your on-going close personal relationship with G Gordon Liddy (subvert Constitution) and the secessionist and power abuser, Sarah Palin, tells me otherwise.

I'll be voting with 6 other adults in my family Oct. 16 for Obama/Biden.

McCain/Palin are chronic liars.

Mrs. South for Obama   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

WOW!!!! If you will stop and think, MAYBE we will take you serious

rich   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Please McCain..please. I think you are indeed out of touch. It is you who is just where Obama wants you….that is down in the polls deperately gasping for political air. lol. You cant make this stuff up. It's just keep coming. Talk about delusions. lol

Hankers   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

"My friends, we’ve got them just where we want them."

Ahead by 6 points? Who is he kidding? 9th inning, down by 4 runs and he says "My friends, we’ve got them just where we want them."

Sad.

mb   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

Can anyone tell me why the palin/mccain ticket keep lying?

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

I've circled the wagons, my friends. Anything that comes near me I am going to shoot it within every inch of its life….

This is the same rhetoric we keep hearing time and time again, Senator McCain. You treat this whole thing like it's Bunker Hill, not Capitol Hill. You have once again squashed your "reaching across the aisle" argument and blame the Democrats yet again. It is "Us versus them".

And you want to tax health benefits?

NC in MD   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

This should be interesting…. The real McCain is emerging???

awaker   October 13th, 2008 8:39 am ET

FAIL

DavidB   October 13th, 2008 8:38 am ET

How sad!!

clem   October 13th, 2008 8:38 am ET

Can someone tell McCain to stop telling us what he can't do
This whole thing is funny to we who see the election outside the State as funny, what on earth is McCain thinking when he pick that Woman called palin, nothing Good is coming from his camp, just like what the Uk press said 4years again might come back this year..
How can 4Million Americans be soooooo Dumb to Vote for Bush the second time and what we are seeing now is another 4years of thesame Bush, i just hope this people are seeing what McCain have to offer..
What a Shame to the People of US… if McCain Wins

Alex   October 13th, 2008 8:38 am ET

The media sure does love a comeback, so they might just give him one. I hope not, but it is possible.