(CNN) – McCain aides expressed relief Wednesday night that the Arizona senator “finally” used a line that took on one of Obama’s central campaign themes.
Watch: I'm not Bush, McCain says
“Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush,” he said. “If you wanted to run against President Bush you should have run four years ago. I will take this country in a new direction."
McCain advisors – who said they had been pushing him to stress that distinction more explicitly than he had in the past - immediately uploaded the quote to YouTube, and circulated it to reporters.
From CNN Politics
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Am disappointed that no one spoke about the immigration issue. However, I truly believe that Obama has the ability to carry people along with him and get the job done. A pro-dictatorship statesman like McCain is not required to manage this country.
Obama is intelligent and consistent...McCain is so condescending and arrogant...and completely a weirdo! I'm voting for Obama/ Biden.
-former Republican from Texas
While I respect Senator McCain for his years of service to the United States, I have to admit that his recent campaign choices are not representative of the change we need. Rather, his campaign shows us that his judgement in what's important to the American people and what's necessary to lead the American people, is severly flawed. No one cares about Bill Ayers. Sarah Palin is not ready for the White House. Enough with the "pork barrel spending." While McCain is no President Bush, he has yet to prove that he has any better judgement.
McCain is 100% correct. He's not George W. Bush. He's only 95% George W. Bush.
PALINS BAY HAS DOWN SYNDROM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOT AUTISM....UNREAL LMAO
One good line but way too many eyerolling, hand-gesturing, grumpy old man body language. Obama walked away with this debate, cooly, crisply and clearly. We can see it – CNN I don't understand your support of McCain. He sputtered, spit, whistled, fumed and acted anything BUT presidential.
It was a good line – but it has not been backed up. McCain really needs to show some policies if he wants to get any traction.
McCain did save his best for last, but he lost the first two debates and I am curious as to whether this debate will change many minds. McCain still did not offer as much substance as Obama in this debate.
I am sorry, McCain still has his nasty ways. Who want a man to lead with that attitude!!!! Yes he did a one line I am not Bush, yes he is. He seem very nervous and angry. GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did anyone notice how McCain was referring to "autism" while addressing special needs children? I think he is confused – Palin son has Down Syndrome – duh!
Yeah, right! Every candidate says they will not increase taxes, and that is a LIE. I do not believe McCain, he does not appear to be honest. He is going to increase taxes. He has to to get programs implemented.
Obama is being honest on what the change will cost. McCain is not be realistic.
Yawn. Ok, so now what John? I think McCain did well at the start but his anger got the best of him. Sen. Obama (once again) demonstrated a cool demeanor more in line of a President. That's the type of person we need in office. Not a child pouting when they don't get their way. Thanks but no thanks Sen. McCain.
Watch McCain drop further down in the polls. Republicans are standing up and supporting Obama. Say NO to Mccain and Palin.
JOE the PLUMBER means Palin's buddy Joe Six-pack got a job.
Senator McCain is definitely not Bush, but simply a republican supporting Bush's policy in voting more than 90% of time. According to McCain's campaign, fair to say, other than Bush, nobody is Bush and everybody is electable no matter which party caused what to this great country.
Yeah but you love his ideas...by the way MCCain, Palin's baby has down syndrome..not autisim....at least get that one right
McCain is not Bush. He's only 90% Bush.
McCain. I never knew you weren't George W. Bush. Please, give us more credit than that!
McCain is VERY much the same as his buddy, Bush. McCain has not defended himself from the fact that he's voted 90% with Bush. Doesn't this mean that McCain has the SAME attitudes and policies as Bush?
McCain may not LOOK like Bush but he sure does act like him!
As an independent, I have been leaning toward John McCain, however after tonights debate and the rude attitude, rolling his eyes as Obama's comments, showed total disrespect. On several occasions he showed disrespect. Obama didn't show disrespect at all.
Are you kidding me? Is this what the election has come down to, one liners? Wake up America, John McCain voted with George Bush 90% of the time. Because he says he is not doesn't make it so.
Mc-need-a-Caiin was gritting his teeth, rolling his eyes and neck and almost fell out of his chair. I can't wait to see his expressions analyzed on the News.
No change here... same rhetoric. 'You hurt my feelings and I want an apology, or I'm not going to play with you anymore.' He sounded like a little child!!!
And your name might not be George Bush, but you might as well be his shadow!
Obama in '08!
Since there is no way to reach Nancy Grace, can someone tell her to shut up about Caylee? Seriously, children go missing, children starve to death EVERYDAY! It is absolutely ridiculous that so much time is being spent on this. Let the court do what it will do, and shut the hell up! It's the new Teri Shiavo, it's the new Anna Nicole Smith. Its a waste of news feed, and the waste of a channel when it's being discussed. She's dead. MOVE ON!
90% of time McCain votes with Bush – close enough that is a B+ or A- in my book. lets vote for change. and then – make sure that change happens and leads our country onto higher ground both spirtually & integrity – its going to be a long bumpy road looks like....we all need to work together and start doing what we can to make a better place – and planet – and no more whining please.
It was by far McCain's best debate, and definitely Obama's worst, but Obama still bested McCain thoroughly.