October 16, 2008
Posted: October 16th, 2008 09:08 AM ET

From
McCain is out with a new ad that's critical of President Bush.
McCain is out with a new ad that's critical of President Bush.

(CNN) – Hours after he flatly declared "I am not President Bush," John McCain is out with a new campaign ad that implicitly takes aim at his party's leader and pledges a new course in the years ahead.

"The last eight years haven't worked very well, have they? " McCain says in the new one-minute spot that features the Arizona senator looking directly into the camera. "I'll make the next four better."

"Your savings, your job and your financial security are under siege. Washington is making it worse – bankrupting us with their spending," the Republican presidential nominee also says in the new spot.

McCain also takes aim at his Democratic rivals in the new spot, highlighting Joe Biden's "patriotic" comment and Obama telling the now-famous ‘Joe the Plumber’ in Ohio that we need to "spread the wealth around."

Filed under: John McCain • President Bush


Jackson   October 16th, 2008 10:57 am ET

You can't fool us MacSame! Maybe this will get Redneck Joe Six-pack all worked up in a frenzy, but 78% of Americans are on to you.

"My Friend " don't forget to turn off the lights on the way out, this race is over.

Will-South Dakota   October 16th, 2008 10:57 am ET

You can put lipstick on a Pig, it's still a Pig. A little to late to say how your different fom the last 8 years of Bush/Cheney....just more of the same .

joe   October 16th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Many of the Obamazombies are so blind. BHO has run a more negative campaign, will expand our already dysfunctional government, tax the populace during a recession, and give your hard earned tax dollars to people who curently don't pay ANY federal taxes. All this from someone who has all of 4 years in teh Senate and hasn't sponsored a single legislative bill.

Together with our wonderful congressional leaders, Pelosi and Reid, (wow, they've gotten a lot accomplished since they've taken over haven't they?) BHO will take us into the worst recession since the 70's. IMHO, McCain is the right person for teh job right now. The country (thanks to Bush) is too screwed up to trust it to a rookie like BHO who we know nothing about.

If you vote for BHO, within 2 years you will wish you hadn't. But by then it will be too late. Think BEFORE you vote!

indiePA   October 16th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Talk about rats deserting a sinking ship........ If he'd said this when he first stated his intention to run, the polls might look a little different, but probably not. His votes as a Senator speak loudly and clearly.

Greg in Mpls   October 16th, 2008 10:57 am ET

Always stealing from Obama aren't you John? Obama started with these "look into the camera and talk to the nation" spots and you have to copy him.

So, if one of your big selling points is that you stand up to your party leadership...why didn't you stand up to Bush 4 years ago? Didn't you see how his ecomonic plan was going to ruin America? Why did you flip-flop on opposing his tax cuts during a time of war and now support them will all your heart?

Why didn't you RUN against Bush in the 2004 primaries John? If you didn't agree with him, then you should have "stood up" to your party leaders back then and said "I think I should be the GOP candidate". But instead you gave a speech at the RNC convention saying that Bush was the right guy for the job.

You aren't George Bush...but you are LIKE him enough that I don't want 4 more years of GOP rule.

E for Obama   October 16th, 2008 10:56 am ET

"spread the wealth around" So McCain thinks that the MAJORITY of americans think that this is a bad idea? This only charges up the conservative base. Speak to ALL americans McCain.

Lynn   October 16th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Why does John McCain think that Sarah Palin's child is Autistic. He reference that twice during the debate for "special needs" children. Her child is Downs Syndrome...quite a difference but still "special needs.
Lynn
Florida

Frank   October 16th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Of course we want someone that can keep cool. It is due to the Bush/Cheney "Its my way or the highway" attitutde that has done so much damage with our allies. We need to have good relations with other countries and we no longer do.
McCain comes off as confused half the time and the other half just gives out right wrong information. He doesn't even know what "special need" his running mates child has. It isn't autism John it is Down Syndrome. Simple fact to be getting wrong.

Chuck   October 16th, 2008 10:56 am ET

HEY, HP:

COOL AND INTELLIGENT IS DEFINITELY WHAT WE NEED THIS TIME. WE WILL LEAVE 100% OF THE ATTACKING TO THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN, ESPECIALLY THE LITTLE ATTACK PUPPY FROM ALASKA.

This one is for That One   October 16th, 2008 10:56 am ET

McCain is still sulking like a spoiled child and is blaming his dirty politics.......on the fact that Obama wouldn't play by his rules !!
"Town hall meetings and 85% funding"...........Obama didn't need this sophomoric way of campaigning............he had a better way for the 21st century!!!! Mr. Magoo will never understand and neither will his Roarunner. OBAMA& BIDEN 2008/12 VOTE EARLY

Randy Tibitts   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

And because John said it you had BETTER believe it.... I don't really want my Dad as a President, let's go with the young guy.

NYCVOTER   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

McCain destroyed Obama yesterday. Had him on defense all night long and Obama never took a question head on. The media can call the man "angry" for showing emotion and "tired" at other debates for being reserved because they are in the tank for Obama and will go negative on McCain no matter what.

By the way Obama addressed Ayers and Acorn but not in the way McCain wanted nor should the people. No Obama is not a terrorist and never did I think he was. But based on his answers he continues to be a liar to the American people which is THE issue and has the Liberal media to put a bow on everything for him. Did anyone hear Obama address why he gave ACORN $800,000 to get out the vote or in other words to "destroy the American voting process".

Also he never addressed McCain's TRUE claim that his Tax plan , you know the "95% farce" by Obama (I'm an accountant, tax and hedge fund and yes it is a farce of a plan), will give those 40% of people that don't pay Income Taxes a Tax Credit. In other words its not that your money is going to people who work hard and can't get by but also a majority of them that either don't work or cheat the system and work off the books while at the same time they will collect a Tax Credit.

There is so much more. Again McCain had Obama on defense all night long.

McCain-Palin 08

"Senator Obama, I am not George Bush, if you wanted to run against George Bush you should have ran 4 years ago".

Some of the most important issues such as energy (even to Obama this is the #1 priority) Obam has agreed with bush on not McCain. One would have to think there would be more issues of agreement between Obama and Bush if Obama didn't for the most part vote "present" and not stake his name to anything because it might have harmed him in doing the only thing he seems qualified to do. Which is run a campaign for President. That does not mean that you are the right person to be President. Put your name out there already and stop hiding behind lies, the media, and your "present" button.

Made in the USA   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

John McCain has been childish throughout these debates and his townhall meetings. He's not someone you can trust to keep his composure under extreme circumstances. He's someone that put the worst qualified running mate in history at his side and put our country at risk.

JOHN MCCAIN SCARES ME.

WHEN I LOOK INTO JOHN MCCAINS EYES I SEE WW III AND THE RETURN OF THE DRAFT.

SHOP FOR AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS AND HELP SAVE OUR COUNTRY. ESPECIALLY AMERICAN MADE CARS AND TRUCKS.

M.H.   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

I admire that Obama handled the personal attack stuff that was brought into the debate with grace and dignity. It's true when he says that's what McCain's campaign has been about, since he said he was turning the page on the economy. I also hope spending SO MUCH time on this attack stuff backfires in McCain's face. It has no place in a debate when the country is in the mess it's in. McCain is so all over the map that it's impossible to get coherent thoughts from him. He oscillates with his statements with whatever direction the wind blows. He appears MORE than volitale and angry. Obama looked tired last night as if he has had enough of McCain's BS, and he was just letting him babble. I'm still going with 'That One' .... the steady, level-headed attorney. Old angry cry baby warmonger needs to put himself out to pasture.

veterans For Obama   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

"i'm 10% not like Bush"

the world has been laughing at us   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

HP: nice job of spellchecking. Why is it that mcidiot supporters seem to be the most illiterate and upper-case friendly?

how did those last 8 years work for ya??

chelle   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

Why oh why would he put this ad out? Talk about dumb advisors....now all the Obama campaign has to do is point out this ad and remind everyone that McCain voted 90% of the time with Bush!!! and say "even John McCain agrees" Who is running the McCain campaign?? A bunch of 5th graders?

Hmmm...   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

John McCain is as much like George Bush as Barack Obama is Muslim.

Misuse of Power   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

7 VP's have had to step into the role of President. Thats a 1 in 7 chance that that numbskull Palin would become the leader of the free world.

Are you willing to take that chance???

M. WINNERS   October 16th, 2008 10:55 am ET

True to McCain's extreme right-wing, evangelical, neocon roots he's blaming the "other guy" for our problems while wrapping himself up in the flag, waving a bible and taking away a woman's right to choose.

Here's a question for ya Johnny-boy – If you know how to get to fixin' the economy, end the wars and balance the budget in 4-years (Now that's delusional) why don't you tell us how your gonna do it. Oh wait, I know, elect me first then I'll be a tellin' ya – Right?

Thanks but no thanks McCain, don't want a whacked out religious zelot, fascist with hidden bad health as POTUS...

Paul   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Mr McCain wants to expand the same failed Bush policies

He certainly served our nation with honor during war, but nowadays, when it comes to do the right things for our people, he is simply wrong.

Now, it is our time to make a difference, it is our chance to improve our lives

Let us vote for

Obama-Biden 08
Yes they will!!!

Flip-flop Much   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

What DO you stand for Sen. McCain?
Who was that then casting votes on your behalf that resulted in your voting record being in step with Bush 90% of the time?
Your famous "stand up" speech is a recycled one you delivered on behalf of Bush 43.
Do you oppose abuse of power in Washington, but support it in Anchorage?
Are you for regualtion or against it? Are the fundamentals of the economy strong or do you need to suspend your campign because of the crisis?
Do you want people to keep money in the market or do you want to give tax breaks to remove capital?
Good golly, sir, your gyrations have spun you around to the point where you make no sense at all.
I cannot , in good conscience, ever support a de facto continuation of the Bush policies. I thank you for your service to our country, but you are not suited to lead this country. We need some new ideas, a new direction led by a brilliant mind that is a scholar of our great Constitution. That man is Sen. Obama.

Carl   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Nice observation McCain... no you are not "physically" George Bush but, despite all the bluster, nobody is actually claiming that.

What Americans are noticing is that you want to take the country in a "new direction" by offering almost exactly the same policies as Bush. Economic Policy. Same as Bush. Foreign Policy. Same as Bush. That's pure madness.

So, you're right that you have a different face and occupy a different body, but what you OFFER is the same. It's not personal... it's your ideas.

bill   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

This will never get posted but it needs to be tried. Lets talk turkey. You hate Bush, you see Obama as vindiction, a win, smackdown, OK. Then What? Just please I ask everyone to go into this eyes on what your changing to. Most American identify themselves at least as somewhat conservative, Do you really want Pelosi and Reid to have unchecked control over the direction of this country. We are not talking centrist variations of left and right, but unchecked extremism.

Address this question as an individual, go back 9 months, before all the focus groups, spin rooms, and forced denounciations, examine both mens records, beliefs, alliances, and battles.

Im not kidding myself I will change your mind, but likewise dont kid yourself that this nation can move that far one way without coming untethered from the central tenants of our founding fathers.

Eric from Columbus   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

We do need to spread the wealth around. When the highest paid person makes more then 1000x what the lowest paid person does at a company that's just plain greed. Why should the CEO make 50million a year when I'm working my butt off and only making 30k a year?

Made in the USA   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

John McCain has been childish throughout these debates and his townhall meetings. He's not someone you can trust to keep his composure under extreme circumstances. He's someone that put the worst qualified running mate in history at his side and put our country at risk.

JOHN MCCAIN SCARES ME.

WHEN I LOOK INTO JOHN MCCAINS EYES I SEE WW III AND THE RETURN OF THE DRAFT.

Frank,MO   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

October 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

he voted with bush on completely different issues, nothing to do with the economy. You don't just wake up into a recession. it takes years. Who was in office before Bush???
--------------------------------

YES ! Let's blame Truman or George Washington for it ! It takes reeeeeaally long to screw up the economy. I could impossibly been George Bush screwing this up. Noooooooooo !

Alex C. Rivas   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I believe that there is more to the abortion issue, for prolive is more then that-it is the continuation of live not only existance but live to the fullest, with the elder the sick and the working family. To be prolife is more theb anti-abortion which I am agaist too.
love for life.
alex c. rivas

NJ   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

experience and knowledge is what this country needs!!!!!!! Not an ammature!

H Jay From NYC   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I use to know John MCCain the man that I am watching now is no John McCain.

He lost his chance when he sold his soul to Bush/Rove republicans.

veterans For Obama   October 16th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Its over for you...my friend.

Bleebo   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

That cat McCain is insane. Can some one tell me why McCain hasn't worn his America Lapel pin for the last two debates, and many stumps that he has had in several states in AMERICA? What is now upset with America? And too, he is such a JOKE. McCain/Palin we are all LAUGHING AT YOU!!!!!!!

SHALOM

CANADA   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

TIM DID EVER STOP TO THINK THAT MAYBE SOME OF THE SOUNDS YOU HEARD CAME FROM MODERATOR? YOU PEOPLE AT CNN ALSO HAD A FIELD DAY I SHOULD SAY LAST NIGHT WITH DISECTING EVERY MOVE JOHN MCCAIN MADE.MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO BACK AND LOOK AT THE REACTION OF YOU ALL AT YOUR ROUND TABLES...THE BIAS AGAINST MCCAIN IS SO OBVIOUS....YOU ALSO GIVE THAT WIND BAG MARTIN TO MUCH AIR TIME....TALK ABOUT A DEER IN FRRONT OF THE CAR WITH ITS HEADLIGHTS ON .............THIS MAN IS SO NOT FOR TELEVISON,GO BACK OVER YOUR AFTER DEBATE AND WATCH IT AGAIN....YOU PEOPLE ARE SO IN THE TANK FOR OBAMA....YOU SEARCH FOR EVERYONE WORD AND EVERY EXPRESSION MCCAIN MAKES ......WOLF I REALLY THROUGHT YOU MAY BE ABOVE ALL THIS BIAS.........GUESS WHAT I KNOW THIS IS NEVER G OING TO BE SEE N B Y ANYONE OTHER YOU AND ME..........

Erik   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Peevish, unpredictable and small. How sad to see this once-honorable man stoop so low.

Jason   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

So, HP, liberals get defensive over Obama character smears because they "know they're true", but they also "believe his lies"?

*sigh*

I suggest you make an all-caps post about Obama's birth certificate so we can be SURE you're on drugs.

Scary   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Sen. Obama voted with the Reid-Pelosi Congress 96% of the time.

:-(

Sharon Kitchen   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

wow.....the McBush admits the "times" are bad. This after 19 months of campaign and the 3rd and last debate.......well.o.k.. But what about the 26 years he was in the Senate and voting right along all the time to help out all"his"fellow wealthy "my friends"?How are all Cindy's houses doing?Did he find a buyer for the 13 bedroom /6 car /3 outside fireplace-swimming area? no? times bad? money low? I'm sure there is at least one rich friend of his of hers who wants it.He could sell some of those cars and help spread the wealth.................
but realy.......on to the next lie after lie he will spread in his last ditch effort. I certainly hope he will STOP the hate speech. I wonder if he can control ms.Alaska.?????moose anyone? flute? dead wolf pups shot in the head? yep , she approved that also.....wait, are those handcuffs I hear rattleling for her....something about abuse of gov office in trooper-gate,or is it the house that Veco built -you know those friends of Todd's with no permitts.......near that all important hockey rink in court since 1999 belonging to Gary Lungdren and the town that now has to pay heim back for everything?Which charge will it be? McBush she may not be around to much longer.........jail and all......but she will still be able to "see you from her back door". Yeh, right........good bye wolf pup killer.....oh, they were only days old and shot in the head by people on the payroll to keep them alive. What a pair McBush and Palin are.If you want them you can have them.

Obama/Biden '08 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Connie   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Please save us all , John McSenile has learned a new phrase "Joe the plumber", add that to my friends, surge , POW,I know how to do that , get ready to hear about Joe for the next 19 days. If Joe the plumber likes the repubs taxes , why hasn't he already bought his own business by now? Joe wants privatized social security , he agrees with the war and all three of my kids are at work today , why is Joe the plumber home doing TV ?Joe is a talking head for McSenile , not middle America. OBAMA/BIDEN 08
Connie from Indiana

Jeanette   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Dosen't talk long for the attacks to start – thing is, it'll be interesting to hear the slurs from the Palin group today at her campaign rally.
Bet you anything the smears against Obama will continue.
Sorry Sara, you and McCain lost my vote.

Eric   October 16th, 2008 10:53 am ET

it's all too late John.

Chuck   October 16th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Everytime I see and hear McCain, he constantly attacks Obama and never do I hear talk about the issues. This is why his poll ratings are so low and Obama's polls are getting out of reach for McCain, even in some battleground states.

In last nights debate, it was troubling and concerning to hear grunting from McCain, Is he not well or has this become a nervous condition?

Also, I noticed that he seemed angry, provocative, and throwing every negative comment he could remember from past speeches into a 30 second opening. I believed he is becoming unhinged.

BJGT   October 16th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Do we really want a president who cleans himself with his own tongue?

Bulldog   October 16th, 2008 10:52 am ET

McCain's economic policies are almost identical to Bush's. That is indisputable. They both believe in the trickle down economics. Give money to the wealthy and hope it trickles down. The problem is that has not worked and has been proven to be a failied policy. But McCain wants to continue it anyway.

mitch   October 16th, 2008 10:52 am ET

mccain is finished.

joel halpern   October 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Too little too late

Wes   October 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Hi I'm John McCain and the Republican party and I have obviously done a tragic job governing America over the past eight years. Even those at the top of the income charts that we work so hard for are feeling a slight pinch.

This is why I am asking for four more Republican led years from the top. Please elect me and my party again and make me President of the United States.

And if, God forbid, anything should happen to me you know our nation will be in great hands with Sarah Palin in charge and a the helm of our great nation. She handeled Wasilla so you know she can handle Washington and the world beyond that she has yet to see.

I wonder on what other planets in the universe that, that reasoning makes sense?

Doug D   October 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

And the Obamanauts begin the unfounded attacks again.
Little clue, just because Obama says something – it ain't necessarily true.

Remember the line in the debate -
Obama: it absolutely is true! {speaking of the negative ads}
Truth Squad after the debate: it absolutely is NOT true!

and that sums up Obama's whole campaign.
Despite CNN saying they spent "about" the same on negative ads,
the numbers they quoted showed Obama outspending McCain by nearly $2 million on negative ads alone, and the only reason Obama has a lower percentage of negative ads is because he has more ads.

He is playing to the pop-star mentality and believeing that you'll believe the last thing you hear rather than find the truth.

82nd Airborne Division   October 16th, 2008 10:51 am ET

What a shame he knows better as a former Naval Officer, he knows
the game! No matter what your personal feelings are you never
insinuate anything that can be misconstrued as negativity towards
your Commander and Chief! John McCain needs to regain his
military bearing and start talking about our Nations pressing issues
if he intends too give Senator Obama a run for his Money on the 4th
of November!

GARY   October 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

THIS IS TO ALL YOU NAIVE HATEFULL STINKEN OBAMA VOTERS -YOU AND YOUR CANIDATE. THE MEDIA CLOWN WITH THE FREE RIDE.

Ryan   October 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

What is so wrong about sharing? If you have excess, share. That is patriotic. We share food, clothing with food banks, we share resorces with our partners, we share with other countries when in their need.
So, McStupid, share your 8 houses, 13 cars, 1 plane, 15 acres house and your wife's beer business with others instead of wasting your money on negative ads.
You are an angry man. Send your Mrs.Piggy back to Alaska. she has done enough damage to this country. All American women (majority) are ashamed of her. The ones that attend the rally (1%) are racists. Sad they probably die as racists.
You and your running (not talking to the press mate) sowed seeds of untruth, racism, deviciveness, spins etc.
It didn't work
Bye Bye Old Bird

Virginia Voter   October 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

A valiant effort, but I think it's too little too late for John McCain.

Joe Sixpack   October 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

LET'S FACE IT, 2 YEARS AGO WE UNFORTUNALEY WERE GIVEN A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS AND EVER SINCE THE ECONOMY HAS MADE A TURN FOR THE WORSE. PRIOR TO BUSH WAS SLICK WILLIE CLINTON. ALL HIS PUSH FOR EVERYONE TO OWN A HOME PUSHED THE MORTGAGE COMPANIES TO LOSEN UP AND PUT PEOPLE IN HOMES THAY HAD NO BUSINESS BUYING. THEY DESERVE TO LOOSE THEM. UNTIL THE DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS TOOK OVER UNEMPLOYEMENT WAS AT A RECORD 4.2%. THE OVERALL ECONOMY WAS GREAT!

Harry Wang   October 16th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Kudos to McCain for finally delivering some halfway coherent rhetoric about what he plans to do. Although, I think he unraveled as the night went on.

Unfortunately for him, Obama returned to true form later in the debate – upstaging McCain yet again.

I wouldn't be surprised if old McCain didn't vote for Obama when all is said and done.

Let's hope Obama can pull off what he promises and make us all proud of our decision to put him into office. As a side benefit, I hope that this will maybe alleviate some of the race tensions this country continues to have.

Harry "Obama for Prez" Wang

S in NY   October 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Well at least he's not Obama. Let's face it, Obama is shady as heck. I know he has a lot of fans and he's a popular guy. He's fun to watch and all but no way should he be President of the United States.

Frank,MO   October 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

4 MORE YEARS !
4 MORE YEARS !
4 MORE YEARS !

Marc in Canada   October 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Can someone in the GOP please tell John McCain that WE CANADIANS ARE THRILLED WITH OUR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AND TO STOP TAKING SHOTS AT US AND THE UK. HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT.

WE CANADIANS TAKE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR GRANTED. IT'S A WAY OF LIFE. I HOPE ALL AMERICANS WILL SOON HAVE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE. YOU DESERVE NO LESS.

ines   October 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

McCain = 'Bush-Lite'

At least his record doesn't lie – McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time, with 4 out of 5 economic plan issues. A TERRIBLE record, indeed.

Frank from Peterborough   October 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

John McCain is toast and it's fortunate he will be put out of his misery on the 4th which might help him save what ever is left of both his mental and physical health.

The paid GOP trolls will hit the blogs for a couple of days extolling the virtues of the party or slandering Obama but too little too late.

Jim from Middletown, CT   October 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

McCain is the biggest hypocrite I've ever seen Three more weeks of his nonsense and the country will have a new leader who won't be angry at everybody and everything.

Mikey   October 16th, 2008 10:49 am ET

John McCain is not Bush, just an incredible facsimile!

Question: If letting the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy expire is a "redistribution of wealth" from the rich, then wasn't the original tax cut for the wealthy also a "redistribution of wealth"? If that is the case, isn't letting them expire, simply correcting a redistribution that already occurred?

Comment: Obama supposedly voted to tax people with incomes as low as $42,000 when he opposed making the Bush tax cuts permanent. Those cuts went primarily to the very wealthy. So, McCain supported giving people with income of $42,000 a $50 tax cut, while giving himself and Cindy a tax cut of hundreds of thousands of dollars? Right? Sounds fair to me!

ezeonwuka   October 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

i think McCain is an angry chap at this moment and is only trying to clutch on to anything he could and has ended up firing blanks.......he has shown his real personality which shows he's unable to deal with his temper.....and one wonders how he'll be able to preside over a country with such a temper.

Concerned INDEPENDENT CT voter   October 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

too little too LATE...

he may have had a chance had he done this back in August thru October... now it looks like desperations... Changing your message every week doesn't help either...

-V

Marc   October 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

I don't know about the rest of America, but what I heard last night from McCain was the same stunt that Bush tried in 04. He won and we ended up getting screwed over. Even though Obama won't win because White America will not allow it, I think we are starting to understand more about race and about fair politics.

ffd   October 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Unfortunately for Senator McCain he has become more and more like President Bush during this election campaign.

Accountant Guy   October 16th, 2008 10:48 am ET

LOL, oh McBush, you are hilarious. You are right, you are not Bush, you are a wanna be carbon copy of Bush!! If you really want to put country first, please pack up and go back to Arizona and buy Palin a one way ticket back to Alaska, as we don't want her in the states.

Obama/Biden '08

eileen   October 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

No surprize here, but definitely a pathetic attempt to distance himself from the man he followed loyally for 8 year. As has been said, "Too little, too late!"
I did take Mr. McCain seriously until he picked Sarah Palin. It showed tremendously poor jugement and lack of respect for intelligent women everywhere.

John, Austin TX   October 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

I'm President Bush, and I approve this message.

joab   October 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Too old for me!!

We are ALL "That One"   October 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

I have read rumors that Joe "the Plumber" isnt even registered to vote in Ohio, that he makes now where near $250 K per year and he is realeted to Keating of Keating 5?

Is there any truth to this stuff?
CNN can you find out?

undecided: will I vote for Obama or against McCain?   October 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

McCain went from McDreamy to McCrazy McBlinky in the span of six months. Who is this insane man and what has he done with the real John McCain?

HP   October 16th, 2008 10:47 am ET

CHARACTER OF OBAMA -JOE COOL-GET A GRIP NOBODY WANTS A LEADER TO REPRESENT COOLNESS-WE NEED EXPERIENCE & SUBSTANCE THAT'S MCCAIN.WHAT I DON'T GET IS THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS SLAMMING MCCAIN FOR NEGATIVE ADDS, BUT OBAMA HAS DIRTY TRICK ON HIS ADS. THE REASON WHY DEMS GET ON THE OFFENSIVE ABOUT OBAMA'S RADICAL LIBERAL BASE IS BECAUSE THEY KNOW IS TRUE. INSTEAD THEY BELIVE OBAMA'S LIES. FOR INSTANCE HIS TIES WITH BILL AYERS AND ACORN WHERE HE WAS THEIR GUEST SPEAKER AS RECENT AS NOV 07
OBAMAS CHARACTER ????????????????????????????????????

FAYE, NV   October 16th, 2008 10:46 am ET

McCain you got rope a doped, you appeared extremely angry, bitter, and down right grumpy. Appearing as thou you despise Obama and the belittlement did not help.

Obama/Biden

Grog in Ohio   October 16th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Odd strategy for Republicans to be campaigning against their own records. I wonder how many Americans can be bamboozled with this approach?

96 days till the end of the Bush administration.

Yasriel   October 16th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Tim: October 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

In the days leading up to this debate, McCain was baited by......
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you just took the words out of my mouth. I remember reading Roland Martin's comments warning McCain not to go there and yet McCain fell for it. May be he thought Obama was going to bring up issues Keating 5 but Obama has proven to be a very disciplined and tactful person.

Renee Las Vegas   October 16th, 2008 10:45 am ET

As for the blogger stating Obama is not a citizen!
Do you honestly think the Government has not checked that out by now. Your Ridiculous!

Geoff   October 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

McCain came off as very smug for the first 30 minutes or so, then he just looked confused and tired. Has anyone filled him in that POTUS is a very full time position? Watching McCain defend Palin was priceless and by far the most entertaining moment of that snoozefest.

Obama/Biden '08 & '12

George W. Bush   October 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

. . . "You were with me before you were against me,"

That One   October 16th, 2008 10:44 am ET

McBlinky- your record speaks for itself.
90% of the time with Bush

Jan   October 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

McCain, you are like Bush, you have voted like Bush and your general political philosophy is exactly like Bush. It's an old say, but you still can't turn a pigs ear into a silk purse.

jake   October 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

he voted with bush on completely different issues, nothing to do with the economy. You don't just wake up into a recession. it takes years. Who was in office before Bush???

Rave   October 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Keeping aside the Hypocracy and all the Media Talk, the main reason for some people despite loosing their jobs, homes, savings and still vote for McPain / Palin is because he is white and Mr. Obama is black.
Did George W Bush being white, help you keeep your jobs, homes, savings, gas prices and a huge debt for your next generation?
One thing is clear, Mr. Obama is a family man and he can understand our problems......Unlike people like McCain who use their war stories to benifit in politics and leave their poor wife to marry a rich one. The buy foreign cars and homes that he can no longer remember. Fight for the rich, cause I am rich..says John McCain.

carlo   October 16th, 2008 10:43 am ET

McCain might want to lay off of Joe the Plumber, especially since it has been discovered that he is related to a major player in the Keating Five scandal.

Jim Schimmer   October 16th, 2008 10:42 am ET

IS McBush TALKING to McSame or VICE-VERSA!!!

ez   October 16th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Early voting is the way to go.

Registered Republican "voted" Obama/Biden 08

chuck   October 16th, 2008 10:42 am ET

But JOHN, you were so proud that you voted with the President 90% of the time. What a back stabber. This should truly show Americans your lack of character.

KAK   October 16th, 2008 10:42 am ET

I hope you all like paying higher taxes and having the government control your health care. Keep thinking Obama is for change. It will be change you will regret!

Deloies   October 16th, 2008 10:41 am ET

McCain your targeting Bush administration comes a lot to little to late, relax yourself and hang out with Joe the plummer, which by the way I understand is not even a register voter........Whattttttttttttttttttt. ROFL

Michael   October 16th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Turn your back on the person your supported and voted for 90% of the time.. Just proves McCain will go to any lenghts to get elected...

Tanya   October 16th, 2008 10:40 am ET

John McCain bets on American public having short memory span.
I do remember clearly summer and fall of 2004 when McCain campaigned for Bush!
He went with him everywhere, walking obsequiously three steps behind Bush and beamingly receiving Bush's special kisses on forehead. He was indeed Bush's poodle if I ever saw one!

Super D   October 16th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I think Obama has lost the election.

He will never overcome "Joe the Plumber" Obama told this hard working American small businessman that he's going to get taxed more to his face.

Finally we have a picture of the real Obama, nothing but an income redistributionist, socialist, hard left Liberal that he is. He's got no answers for anything, other than BIG GOVT and a bunch of failed socialistic policies of the 1960's.

Finally someone has pulled the mask of this charade of a candidate!

Indiana Joe   October 16th, 2008 10:40 am ET

The gross national debt compared to GDP (how rich we are) reached its lowest level since 1931 as Reagan took office. It skyrocketed for 12 years through Bush I. Clinton reversed it at a peak of 67%. Bush II crossed that line on Sept. 22 and hit 69% on Sept 30. That's the highest it's been since 1955 (53 years ago).

Bush did three things to skyrocket the debt from $5.7 trillion to $10 trillion:
1. He lowered taxes on the rich (by far the biggest item).
2. He invaded Iraq instead of winning in Afghan-Pakistan (another $600 B).
3. He loosened controls on Wall Street.

As it happens, McCain backed all three policies!

NO SEN. McCAIN you ACT like, you are Bush's twin!

Bridgette-PA   October 16th, 2008 10:40 am ET

It doesn't matter anymore, McKeating5, you have are losing this election because you are an outright LIAR! Get over it. Save yourself with some dignity and fire your entire campaign as so many of your conservative Republican followers have suggested. Campaign by yourself and remind people of who you really are....in the end, still a mean ole' LIAR!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08!

Independent in Albany   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Then you should have spoken up instead of voting with him. All the Republicans want to distance themselves from Bush now, but we the people know who his enablers were, and we will not forget.

And you are the next to get voted out Leiberman!

Bob   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Who is the real John Mccain?

John mccain voted with Bush 90% of the time. Now, Thats the real John Mccain!!

Joe Sixpack   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Thank you CNN Moderator. Why don't you just close your Political Ticker! You delete 90% of what people write about John McCain. You only print the BS from Dems and those wanna be dems.

Cry Baby McCain   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

For some reason unknown to me, McCain thought Obama should apoligize for what Lewis said but I never heard McCain apoligize that Palin not once turned to the crown at her rallies and said "We will not have that kind of unchristian talk at this rally" "I can not stand here and allow people to say "Kill Him" about a US Senator. That is a terroristic threat against a government official and I can not allow that. Instead she smiles and laughs when those comments were made.

leo   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

McCain just looked plain silly, He looked like an old crazy dude. He just makes me cringe and thinking he is so close to stroking out.

Candy West Virginia   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Um, i'm sorry mcclueless but we do need to spread the wealth around. See for years you and your 'kind' (ultra rich) have gotten richer while my kind have gotten poorer, so yes we do need a fairer redistribution of wealth. The fact that you take umbrage with that shows me you are not for my 'kind' but for the rich only.

TexicoFromMexico   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

McCain = Bush = McCsame

we want REAL change not a false misleading one like John McCain.

Here is the fact folks:

He asked Sarah Palin the most unqualified person in history one heartbeat away from the most powerful office in the world.

Is that sound judgement to you? Nope....thats just trying to get elected. His best bet is to dump her right now and try these last three weeks with Romeny or Liberman who are both so much more qualified!

Veterans for obama

WHO ME?   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Is it just me or does McCain remind you of Mr. Burns from the SImpsons? Everytime he said "my friends" that is all picture.

The facial expresssions and the heavy sighs were killing me. Could you imagine him sitting across from other leaders doing that. New nickname, No Pokerface Mccain.

rok   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Joe the plumber is Joe Wurzelbacher who is related to Charles Keating of the infamous Keating 5 scandal.

Trina   October 16th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Yeah .... ok. A person with "over 5" houses can't relate to a person with one. A person with "over 6" cars can't relate to a person with one. While people should enjoy the fruits of their labor, they shouldn't become wealthier at the expense of poor people. Sorry McCain, this Independent with one house and one car, making less money this year than she made last year, is not convinced that you are "that different" from Bush.

Udeme Alphonsus   October 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

John maccain has nothing new to offer Americans

arc, Lugano CH   October 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Senator McCain,

You are not GWB....believe it or not, you're the one person who the world would respect even less than GWB....with the exception of Palin.

Good Riddance Stupid Old Fool.

How many innocent women and children did you kill in Vietnam?

thomas   October 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Spread the wealth around? That's rediculous. How could I afford 9 homes if they spread the wealth around? I worked hard for what I have and if 100 people have to live on the street for me to enjoy it, so be it.

John McCain
Az

smitisan   October 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Gee, when Nancy Pelosi said it, it was enough to hold up the bailout. Good thing McCain isn't a Republican, or he'd lose their votes for sure.

Nari Kannan   October 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Alternatively, McPain looked like a hissing snake or an angry frog in the debate with a puffed up neck! He really thinks that the country owes him the Presidency! Doesn't he?

Let's watch out for the strategy of the day from the McSame/Fey-look-alike campaign! Today's strategy seems to be the I am not Bush so don't vote for a republican president one. I somehow have the vague feeling that this is not a wise strategy!

Obama/Biden '08!!!

WHO ME?   October 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Is it just me or does McCain remind you of Mr. Burns from the SImpsons? Everytime he said "my friends" that is all picture.

The facial expresssins and the heavy sighs wre killing me. Could you imagine him sitting across from other leaders doing that. New nickname, No Pokerface Mccain.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING *HOPE IS COMING   October 16th, 2008 10:38 am ET

WHO CARES "JOHN"

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008 – 2016

Matt F   October 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Is this a Dukakis last stand ad?

JD in Moraga, CA   October 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

He keeps saying he isn't Bush and that he "bucks his party" but he has failed miserably at providing specific policy differences in that regard.

"It's the economy, stupid!"

Randy Tibitts   October 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

To CNN:

Why was this article pulled ?

"McCain just can't escape George W. Bush"

Duh.....

well... if the shoe fits   October 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Gas prices are dropping.

Must be all that additional drilling we're doing

Brad, California   October 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

It's great to be critical or your hero 19 days before the election. If you were critical of Bush, why wait until now to spin it to make folks believe that you have always been critical of Bush? John McCain is no different than George Bush, just a little more dangerous for America.

Preco, NY   October 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

My friends:

Who is BUSH?
Who is McCain?

Here, we are talking of failed policies of the last 8 years!!!

Pig-headedness? even when you are dead wrong on any issue. On this point yes, McCain=Bush!!

Loud on rhetoric with distortions and lies? On this one, McCain=Bush!!

What else? McCain voted with Bush on all failed issues 90%. On this McCain=Bush.

Here, Americans I rest my case.

ChristineCT   October 16th, 2008 10:37 am ET

It's frightening to think this, but I'm actually wondering if Mr. McCain is starting to believe his own erratic rhetoric and the "misleading" information he keeps trying to cram down our throats. How many times did he interrupt Obama and the moderator last night? He had this air of entitlement about him, and his grunting and grimacing were anything but presidential.
As for his take on Joe the Plumber- McCain said he wants Joe to keep his money and "spread the wealth around" himself. Well, Joe was on the morning news shows today and he has NO INTENTION of parting with any of it for the greater good. It's not socialism- its responsibility before greed. A culture of living beyond our means and wanting more than what we need that started on Wall Street and ended up on Main Street. I have a master's degree, my husband and I each have TWO jobs and still make $125,000 less than Joe does a year. I pay my taxes, and make donations as well.
So much for personal responsibility Mr. McCain.
One final note: I thought it was a very nice sentiment he offered to Nancy Reagan, although Nancy and Pres. Reagan disowned him many years ago because of bad political and personal decisions.

American for a better Country!   October 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Bill Ayers- Obama's buddy, no matter how you choose to view it!

Want a better Country? Vote McCain/Palin.

Don't Believe McCain   October 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

McNinety%

Republican Voting OBAMA   October 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

This is placing the campain on defense and they need to be on offense and they are not getting it and will not in time for the election to be lost due to stupidity.

Obama/Biden 08/12

McWho??   October 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

NOw that Ayers has and the other garbage excuses have been put to bed what will he do now??? HE definitely lacks insight and his plan has been to focused on tainting Obama. Even though he did better in the debate he still hasn't shown how he would be a better president than Obama

Fenarkleman   October 16th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Hey, McCain had some good nose snorts during the debate. They frightened our family dog, who was right next to the TV at the time.

So there's that, right?

DST- Australian observer   October 16th, 2008 10:35 am ET

The fact of the matter is McCain can't campaign on domestic policy, because at the end of the day, his track record has been about towing the Republican line of laissez faire and deregulation. Ultimately, he looks responsible for the subprime and health care crises. All John McCain has is a bag full of more deregulation and that's more Bush.

Try as he might to distance himself, he ain't no maverick. No wonder all he can do is resort personal negative attacks such as this lame and incredibly pathetic Bill Ayers accusation.

To borrow a phrase (from Mr McCain): John McCain's use of unsubstantiated personal negative attacks are like nailing jello to the wall- it aint sticking, but expect more of it.

Trixie   October 16th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Obama is a gentleman. I wish he had mentioned McCain's support of ACORN's and when he served as a keynote speaker on February 20, 2006 in Miami, FL.

Don't Believe McCain   October 16th, 2008 10:35 am ET

McCain is trying to pull the old okie doke. He has already shown how he would run the econmics of the country via how he has voted along with Bush. Anytime you have a Senator running for the Presidency, their voting records always tell the true story. Obama did vote overwhemingly with the far left, but he had to because he was doing battle with Bush ever since he has been a Senator.

Dan   October 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

By the way, to all you high-minded, enlightened liberals who can't seem to do anything but make up childish names for McCain. Here's one for you..... Obamalosi....!

Sashka Yakimova   October 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

You are worst than Bush. Live with it.

Robert..   October 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Don't forget Sarah, soccer and six packs will see us through this soap opera.

NB, OH   October 16th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Senator McCain, you can run from Bush, but you can't hide from the facts. You have given George Bush a blank check on all major issues during the past 8 years, with an exception of a few. As a result of these policies we are in a deep hole in every sense. You are trying to separate yourself from this President and your party and saying that you can bring change to Washington. With due respect Sir, you ARE part of the problem and we need a new kind of leader to take us in a new direction. We can't afford 4 more years of the same.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE MCCRYPT, TELL US THE POOR OLD WARRIOR STORY FOR THE 4,157,819th TIME, WE JUST CANNOT HEAR IT ENOUGH WHILE THE ECONOMY DISSOLVES BEFORE OUR VERY EYES!!   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

You are equal to the shrub, but even if not, McCrypt is way too angry and bitter to be allowed anywhere near the atomic code or his inablility to focus on that 3:00 A.M. call.

Martha   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Bob Schieffer in tank with McCain. Very poor performance by the moderator.

Jeff Brown   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Grandpa Munster is still howling at the moon, trying to make it go away! What a sad way to close out a once proud career!

Bill   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

McCain has an anger management problem. You can tell he has a difficult time controlling his emotions. This is NOT the guy we want with his finger on the red button.

Obama on the other was calm, cool, and collected. Very presidential.

Say good night, John.

Women for Obama/Biden   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

The only thing funny to me last night was McCain trying to hide the fact that he wanted to put the Ayers' story out there...He couldnt even ask the question directly..He should have looked at Obama and asked him...Isnt that what Obama demanded...McCain instead used HRC as the bait for the question...Sorry McCain we need a President who can look at our opposition in the world in the eye and ask questions....

We are ALL "That One"   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Im not Bush!
Im shorter than Bush!
I am older than Bush!

Im...Im....Im not Bush!

Obama all the way....   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Nice try. Too late.

You R Bush- you are evil just like him too.

You and your rich cronies are done.

alvino   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Earlier in the campaign, (before the meltdown) I thought John said he agreed with Bush on every important economic policy.

Suem   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

I think Joe the Plumber was a man planted by the republicans and McCain.........so he could use it in the debate.........to whoop Obama's butt........backfired again...........because I wouldn't put anything thing past McCain and Palin........look for more stunts like this in the final weeks.

America the Stupid   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

It's fun watching the other side die......

kobs   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

I thought he had said that those critizing he policies which are like Bushs' should have run in 2004. Well if Americans trusted him more than Bush, they should have voted him way back in 2000. He was better then and he is wore now. Is that the change we need !!!
Obama from day one of his campaign told us where he hoped to move this country and he has been doing just that ever since to move us to higher purposed

Jim R. in NJ   October 16th, 2008 10:33 am ET

I saw two candidates last night. One of them was Upset, Cranky, and really seemed out of touch on HealthCare. The other was polite, intelligent, and looked like a determined born leader.

I am voting for the smarter team,
My country needs them NOW
Obama/Biden in 08!

Joe Sixpack   October 16th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Obama is a lier, a cheat and a low life scum to say the least! As I watch last nights debat again and I read your comments, perhaps there are more stupid, incompetent people in this country than I originally thought. Racism is alive today and it is only going to get worse!!!

Dan   October 16th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Obama voted 97% of the time with Pelosi. McCain wins this argument.

Alison B   October 16th, 2008 10:32 am ET

It is hard to move past the fact despite he says he is not George Bush but he has voted 90% with Bush how can you move so drastically to say that we are to believe that we are not expecting the same it is hard press to change ones tune to sing another song when you have been singing the same song for so long.

So we ask 'WHO IS JOHN MCCAIN' we see so many sides but which one is the real one.

Hispanics 4 Obama   October 16th, 2008 10:32 am ET

so let me get this straight: he's basically attacking his own positions of the last 8 years? you know, since he did vote with Bush 90% of the time.

OIF VET   October 16th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Senator McCain, the "health" of a mother does matter.

Know the truth   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Every voter… no matter who you are supporting should google:
Philip J. Berg esq and Obama.

You need to read about his lawsuit and how Obama and the DNC are trying to hide it from you.

Why is no one calling Obama out on his hiding truths from us? Another big issue is that McCain gave over tons of medical information, Obama gave a 1 page statement from his doctor. Obama is a long time heavy smoker who quit just to run for president. Cancer runs in his family. I know Obama has very good speaking skills, i am jsut very worried about all he is hiding and you should be too.

These are serious issues.

FLIndependant   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Dear John:

Shouldn't you have made this ad four months ago! You have been so worried with exciting your base that you forgot about the rest of us!

Sincerely,
FL Independant (and now a Democratic leaning one).

liz   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

but what will he do that actually differs from Bush? He has not stated a single thing that is different!

Mike   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Yeah right buddy as if we can belive someone that keeps on telling lies. McCain you are done for.....There is nothing you can do now to you sorry butt. Oh and by the way....That one is going to be your new Boss. HA HA.

Old white woman for Obama   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Bull
He is just the same only older and dumber.

Dee   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

He should have come out with this ad MONTHS ago...no one is really listening to him now other than his base...

NJ   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

maybe this ad will shut the Obama supporters mouth! He has stated soooo many times before....He is not Bush. He is John McCain running for the same party as Bush just like Obama is running for the same party as Carter........

move one and get over it!!

Frank G in Deerfield, IL.   October 16th, 2008 10:31 am ET

He's correct, he's not George Bush.
Amazingly, he is worse.

Spencer/Commonwealth of Virginia   October 16th, 2008 10:30 am ET

John is playing follow the leader. Sen. Obama was the first candidate to sit down and talk directly to the camera and tell the American people the solutions on how to fix the economy. McCain is always playing catch up and not necessarily telling us how he will fix the problem.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

lil   October 16th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Why is Mccain so angry at the American people?

Sue in MI   October 16th, 2008 10:30 am ET

My defining moment was when McCain again played the victim when asked about his campaign's increasing violent supporters. Instead of saying "We do not condone that talk, and we will end it" he says how hurt he was by the comments made in Obama rallies, and how there are some "tee shirts" that are bad. So it's OK to incite cries of "Kill him" but a tee shirt hurts HIS feelings? And incite they do.

Barack stops booing immediately, and say "We don't need that in this campaign." MCCain and Palin stand there and smile when the booing starts, let it continue, thus inciting more hatred and yes, violent comments. For him to think this is OK shows me more about McCain's character than anything else. This is the man who promised in the spring to talk issues and not character, but because he hates Obama so much, he actually is wishing for someone to take care of the problem. Otherwise, he would be the gentleman Obama is, and actually stop the name-calling before it starts. He is not.

GERRI   October 16th, 2008 10:30 am ET

McCain..excuse me, your the one who talked about Joe the plumber all night. What Barrack should have said is, you don't look like Bush but your ideas and morals are the same as his. You stink!!!

Baby B   October 16th, 2008 10:30 am ET

AM I THE ONLY ONE? Who heard John McCain twice refer to Sarah Palin as an "expert" and "no one knows better" about autism? Is he really that unfamiliar with his own running mate, or does he just not know the difference between autism and Down Syndrome? What a buffoon!!

Alex   October 16th, 2008 10:29 am ET

In the debate McCain came off like a grumpy, beady-eyed old man. Doesn't matter if he is or not, that's how he appeared. The idea of going after Bush is a good one. Too bad he waited till too late in the campaign to really do it; he should have been condemning Bush from day one. Or, preferably, since 2000 to avoid some of the "90%" arguments Obama is putting out. This is just Clinton vs. Dole all over again as far as I'm concerned.

jn   October 16th, 2008 10:29 am ET

nice try...ain't gonna work....I bet in a few days, you'll be"pallin around" with Bush. you can run but, you can't hide!!!! 90% of the time voting with him..Please John, explain that one!!!!

KJL   October 16th, 2008 10:29 am ET

He must have gotten permission from Bush to run this ad. Or does he even know what his campaign workers are doing?

OMG   October 16th, 2008 10:28 am ET

First get a walking stick granpa then talk about handling others issues.

Deb   October 16th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Too bad you voted with George Bush 90% of the time. Although you are so critical or earmarks you okays a $700 billion bailout package sweetened with pork. That was your time to shine McCain. As I see it right now, you would not change any of George Bush's policies.

Obama/Biden '08 & 12

USA '08   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

McCain needs anger management. He just doesn't have the emotional control and clear thinking that I feel a President needs.

Xavier, Saint Louis, Missouri   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

McBush, you and clueless Airhead Palin are the stoogies of the year. You may not be Bush, but your policies are the same.

GOP, can you say landslide victory?

YES WE CAN!

Beverly, NYC   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

The last eight years haven't worked very well, have they? " Thanks Captain Obvious! Did you realize that before or after voting with the current block head 90% of the time? I'm sure the last 8 worked out just fine for you and the other Halliburton stock holder rich guys. Someone maintaining 7 homes and 13 cars for the last 8 yrs cannot sympathize with me. The fact that you think after enduring the last 8 I should now take on additional burdens of paying for my neighbor's house with the flat screens in every room is artrocious. I for one don't mind if the house stays empty until someone who can afford it, buys it. And don't get me started on your health care plan McCain, because you have no idea how much health care cost. Here is a clue, a $5,000 voucher won't do it for any illness that requed even a 2 day hospital stay in NY. If my son has an asthma attack I will not be driving him out of state to seek cheaper alternatives with my voucher, I want him cared for with his doctors. AAArgh, the stupidity!!!

Jerry Atrick   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Honestly, Sen. McCain did better this time around although he was a bit too angry and flustered – like an impatient senior driver. The only thing which seemed to help him was his “I’m not George Bush” line. The worst: a tie – deliberately confusing Obama’s tax plans, and his reference to Ayers which has already been deemed a non issue. GMA managed to have an audience with Biden after the debate; however Republican strategists decided to let Palin sit this one out. No surprise! Obama’s cool and calm decorum while seriously sticking to the issues was, as usual, unparalleled. The moderator deserves 5 stars.

j   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

John McCain is freaky.

His most sincere moment from last night's debate was when he was making comments concerning a woman's health in relation to pregnancy and abortion. I found his comments to be completely insensitive but it did give me a clear view of John Sydney McCain, the man and his nature.

I'm now completely in support of an across the board win for Democrats.

Spencer/Commonwealth of Virginia   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

You can't deny that you voted with Bush 90% of the time John. We know you are not Bush, but your voting record shows that you will continue his ax breaks for the wealthy. Sorry, but no thanks.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Chris from San Antonio   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

I always forget who's been in charge the last 8 years. Thanks, McCain, for reminding me it was the Democrats.

Matt   October 16th, 2008 10:27 am ET

He's right though. He's not Bush. He's Bush's sidekick. :-)

Strong Hillary supporter   October 16th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Sir, don't give up. You will win this election.

Jan, Knoxville, TN   October 16th, 2008 10:26 am ET

True, McCain will make things better for the rich. But how about the rest of us? I didn't see McCain commenting last night on much that is relevant to the majority of Americans, especially on health care. His health care plan would make things worse!

GO OBAMA/BIDEN!

Tony   October 16th, 2008 10:26 am ET

YAWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Investigations on Palin   October 16th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Even McCain would not come out in the debate and say Palin was qualified to take over as President. The only credit he gave her was being qualified to mother a special needs child. Not the qualification I look for in dealing with foreign leaders, this economy or any other domestic issue.

Jason   October 16th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Senator McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time, and currently supports the two "big ones" of Iraq and the wealthy-favoring tax cuts.

Governor Palin was found, by unanimous ruling of a bipartisan investigation, to have abused her power and violated state ethics laws.

The likeness to Bush and Cheney is honestly eerie.

jason, tx   October 16th, 2008 10:25 am ET

What a joke this man has become.

Joseph Smith   October 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

George Bush was everything the neo-cons wanted and Karl Rove was going to establish a permanent Republican majority in the country. Now, eight years later, the Republican candidate for President is trying everything to distance himself from Bush's dismal performance and Rove's strategy.
Finally the country is waking up to what a bunch of bull we were sold by Bush, Rove and Republicans, in general, since Reagan.
Once again they have taken the country down paths it will take decades to recover from. Think this is any different than Hoover and 1929 – it isn't. Greed begat more greed at the top and the unholy alliance of Republican office holders and big business has seriously hurt middle America- AGAIN!

roland   October 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

America, what is the retirement age and health condition to be president in your country

African guy   October 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

McCain is such a hypocrite. He has been shouting from the top of the roof how he's willing to work across the isles. He has been demonizing Muslims throughout this campaign. I've a very simple question for John McCain, will you be willing to work with Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who is a Muslim.

With all the demonizing of Muslims that has been going on throughout this presidential campaign, America is very far from making peace with the Muslim community.

T from AZ   October 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

OH MY OH MY...... How Funny!

chris   October 16th, 2008 10:24 am ET

McCain needs a game changer. I would fire Palin and pick someone to get people to forget about the economy lol

karen-phoenix   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

McCain is just another Bush!!!! It's the republican party that made this mess and its the democratic party that will get us out of it!!!!
I've been a republican for over 40 years–NO MORE!!!!
McCain is old and his judgement throughout his life has been as bad a mess as the republican party the last 8 years!!! NO MORE OF the same!!!
God Bless Obama/Biden

Tired of W, OH   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Does anyone believe that McCain would actually be able to give tax breaks to everyone by cutting out pork barrel spending?

He also tried to steal Obama's energy initiative plan for creating jobs based on energy independence. How McCain would accomplish this while enacting an across-the-board spending freeze is anyone's guess.

McCain promises to be a Christmas tree but he's really just a Bush with tensil.

mama4obama   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

The only difference between McCain and Bush is DNA. The fact is that McCain has supported Bush and his views on how to run the economy, country, healthcare, war, etc. McCain has shown that he cannot come up with his own policies and actually have a plan for putting them into action...he simply thieves off others ideas and calls them his own.

We need a leader not a thiever.

Beverly   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

America....Did you see how long it took McCain to declare he is separate from George Bush? This is only a polical stance! I voted for Bush both terms and will not vote for McCain because frankly America can not afford the risk of the same! We need to try something new and not the same old politics! Christians watch out for the Republican Party! Bush said some of the same things to get christian votes and that is what helped him to win....The Replublicans are just now trying to tell America what they will do...(a few weeks prior to the election) Obama has been telling America throughout his campaign what he will do.....America do not throw away you vote but make your vote count!!!

Tony   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

TOO LATE JOHNNY!

barbara   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Maybe McCain can use the comment Joe the Plummer made during his interview with Katie Couric about Obama tap dancing like Sammy Davis Jr.

KD NY, NY   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Now lets see if Obama is strong enough to come out with an ad that attacks his party, especially Pelosi, Dodd and Frank and the contribution to the downfall of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Foreign observer   October 16th, 2008 10:23 am ET

I don´t wont just 5 % of people spending the money of this nation. All Americans should earn enough money to participate in Americas wealth.

Sue in MI   October 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

The Fox crowd is sure that McCain is the savior to lead us into the light, while Obama and his "terrorists buddies" will send us into oblivion. I'm more worried about McCain and Ms. Gun bombing Iran and sending us into oblivion for real. I'll be voting Democratic, and praying that Cindy Sheehan beats Pelosi so we get some common sense and fewer Bush ties in Congress.

Tracy   October 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Mccain should have fired his entire campaign staff earlier on. This ad should have been on air months ago when Obama and team continued to compare him to Bush – now I see why the McCain strategy seems so erractic – no one is really leading it.

That one is Karl Marxs friend too   October 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Sorry John. You are a patriot. Please try to do whatever you can to stop this once great society from becoming Canada. The sheep and lemmings that want change simply for change cannot see their actions will turn a bad economy to the complete depression with taxes. How can Obama say he will not raise taxes when he will get rid of the current tax cuts? We will still pay higher taxes so Obama can spread the wealth.
Obama is a smooth talking man. Perfect for the courtroom. He can defend well.

Musicpromo Ca   October 16th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Did everyone notice how he had to write it down to remember it? That's seems a little scary to me, when someone has pick up his pencil EVERYTIME he has a thought. What? Did he think he would forget it?

It looked ike he was going to poop on himself everytime he thought of a "zingger" statement to hit Obama with, But the fact is he supported and supports 90% of Bush policies. A Bush he is not. But a mirror image he is.

The Truth hurts when you look at it. From where I stand.

Jen, California   October 16th, 2008 10:21 am ET

AFTER LAST NIGHT’S DEBATE, I FINALLY GET IT, OBAMA:

Wealth distribution = wealth dries up = no more wealth to
distribute =

WELCOME TO THE GREAT AMERICAN SOUP KITCHEN!!

No soup kitchen for my family — NO OBAMA!

RG   October 16th, 2008 10:21 am ET

This strategy would have worked better on the earlier stages of his campaign. He waited too long to distance himself from Bush. The damage is done and he should make sure not to burn his bridges in case he does not win as his political future may depend on it. In any case, the only ones who truly believe he will be different than George Bush are his unconditional followers. God bless America and remember to vote!

Trixie   October 16th, 2008 10:21 am ET

When someone changes their position on an issue, McCain calls it "flip-flopping."
When he changes his, he calls it "evolution."
How convenient.

fella from Chicago   October 16th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Does John McCain appear angry? You betcha; we're about to put nuclear warheads in the hands of a left wing "pinhead" whose best buddy wanted to destroy this country in the past and whose preacher said "goddam America" and preached for its destruction. I'm mad as well.

midwesterner   October 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

HAHAHAHAHA – this is laughable

Ketly Blaise Williams   October 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

PLEASE stop saying that "Joe the Plumber" makes $250,000....he does NOT. He wants to BUY A BUSINESS for $250,000! He himself said on Good Morning America that he doesn't make that kind of money....'far from it." I'm not begrudging him how he would feel IF he made that much, but we just need to report the facts.
I thought Senator Obama won the debate last night on the points of statesmanship, his plans for the American people, tempermant, diplomacy and intellect.
Thank you!

Joseph Adewole   October 16th, 2008 10:20 am ET

BUSH The Third!!

Dannette   October 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Mccain stated last night that we captured Hussein because he threatened our connections to oil! We were told that he had nuclear weapons! What liars!

Baze   October 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

McCain=little brain

America think for you   October 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Barack Oboma won all 3 debates and it not true that the DNC pair will raise your taxes if you make $ 42,000. These are all fear tactics using by the DNC pair.

White Christian Mother for Obama   October 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

LOL... he flip flops like a fish!! I guess this is where he is trying to prove something with so little time left. But he did vote 90% of Bush Policies instead of taking a stand like Obama did sometimes because it wasnt the right thing it was missing things that were crucial to Americans!!

Its a bit late in the game now.

Stay in Arizona the next 4 years, that'll make it better   October 16th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Sorry McCain, you should've started your "not like Bush' speech a long time ago.

Too little too late.

Virginia Veterans
Obama/Biden
Warner

Bring on November 4th!

watching   October 16th, 2008 10:18 am ET

weak

Mike in IL   October 16th, 2008 10:18 am ET

Obama decides to run a negative ad and McCain comes out with something positive.... it seems like Roland got the "rope a dope" twisted...

It looks like Obama took the bait and McCain is going to use it to his advantage!!!

Running Against Bush?   October 16th, 2008 10:17 am ET

John McCain, if you wanted to run against George Bush you should have done that four years ago. Oh wait, you lost to him eight years ago.

John in Ohio   October 16th, 2008 10:17 am ET

John McCain – Third Times The Charm
Right? Right?

Independent   October 16th, 2008 10:17 am ET

WHAT IS HIS PLAN...Oh my goodness I have had enough of ths nonesense

Lyndon   October 16th, 2008 10:17 am ET

Except for voting with George Bush 90% of the time, McCain is right. The idea that he takes false outrage in the mess that he helped create over the last eight years is laughable. Americans aren't stupid enough to fall for the same nonsense again.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 16th, 2008 10:17 am ET

PNAC loves McCain. He's the next in line to continue a very bad thing.

We need Obama/Biden to get us back to living under our CONSTITUTION – not the bullying and subpoena-dodging Cheney, et al.

Bill   October 16th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Right from the outset, I knew that Obama wold win his third debate.

He looked cool and presidential all the way.

McCain tried hard to link him to Ayers and ACORN but lies and false accusations don't win an election, he should have learned from Hillary's mistakes. Obama cleared up all those recent attacks from McCain and Palin and came out shining.

But there are still 18 days to go and McCain and Palin will continue
with mudslinging, as they have nothing left to reverse their current
downhill trend.
He only can blame himself, on wrong judgements and failure to loose control of his campaign.

It is refreshend to see, that the old republican slogans and smear tactics don't swing voters anymore.

What is left for McCain? Go out with grace John McCain and do not destroy your reputation completely and the republican party..

Obama / Biden 08

Linda32   October 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Too bad you voted 90% of the time with Bush. Just highlights the fact that you, McCain, are wrong for this country.

blaising   October 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

John McCain...Who is he??

Tim   October 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

In the days leading up to this debate, McCain was baited by Obama and Biden into his approach during the debate. It was very smart for the Obama campaign and a lack of vision for the McCain Campaign. McCain came off looking angry, frustrated, and ranting. Someone in his campaign should have told him that there would be a spilt screen and to keep his gestures in check. They also should have tested the position of his lapel mike because it picked up every sound he made while Senator Obama spoke and it was very noticeable and irritating. Between the Grunting, sighing, eye rolling, scary stares he looked kind of crazy at times and about to blow his top the next. Saturday Night Live will have a field day with this debate.

Niky   October 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Isn't it too late for him to understand that his target should have been mostly Bush!

Don't Call Me McBush   October 16th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Just call me "Mr. 90% Bush."
Too funny, nice try at eating your own John. But.....You.....ARE......FOOLING.......NO ONE

lindapuma   October 16th, 2008 10:14 am ET

He is so angry he can't control himself. Not a man I trust in the Whitehouse!

ChrisB   October 16th, 2008 10:14 am ET

John McCain should have a new nickname, then: John McAin't! Because even though he AIN'T Dubya, he AIN'T gonna be our President, either!... and there are so many other things he AIN'T.

Although he did a nice job at the debate last night, old habits seem to die hard. In one breath he talked about getting back to a relatively civil campaign, and in the very next breath he demanded answers about Bill Ayers! Is that the best he can do? He also kept making claims that Obama is going to raise taxes for most people, despite Obama's repeated denials & explanations to the contrary. Is that the best he can do? Haven't those issues been dragged through the mud long enough? Doesn't he have any real solutions for this country's woes? Nope. He AIN'T got a clue.

Obama '08

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