McCain presses Obama on pricey helicopters
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/02/23/art.maccopter0223.gi.jpg caption="Sen. McCain mentioned the hefty projected price tag for replacing the President's fleet of helicopters as the White House's fiscal responsibility summit ended Monday evening."]
(CNN) - President Obama said Monday he’s pretty happy with helicopter he has - though the new commander-in-chief joked he's never had one to compare it to.
During a fiscal summit at the White House Monday, Arizona Sen. John McCain - Obama's former rival for the White House - pressed the new president on the Defense Department's plan to overhaul the fleet of 28 Marine One helicopters, a process that began early in the Bush administration.
Watch: 'I've never had a helicopter before,' Obama says
The price tag for the new helicopters has been estimated at over $11 billion, more than the cost of Air Force One - a cost that Obama said appeared unnecessary.
"The helicopter I have now seems perfectly adequate to me," Obama responded to laughter. "Of course, I've never had a helicopter before.
"You know? Maybe - maybe I've been deprived and i didn't know it. But I think it is a - an example of the procurement process gone amok and we're going to have to fix it."
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His choppers?
The English language is a powerful tool, misuse of possessives gives the wrong impression.
The choppers were ordered by "compassionate fiscal conservative" George W Bush.
Correct your story and correct your reporting. The next time comments from Michelle Malkins web blong show up in a news story your company should be shut down for idiocy.
This is the most important news cycle of the past and likely future century, DONT MESS IT UP with ill concieved nonsense.
I'm sorry, I'm not certain why people are griping (other than they continue to stand fixed in their respective parties).
"Sen. McCain mentioned the hefty projected price tag for replacing the President's fleet of helicopters" ... "a cost that Obama said appeared unnecessary."
Did anyone read the article or did you just see there were two former rivals mentioned and soapbox up?
Lots of angry people still on this board. Too much hatred in my opinion. From both sides, but ESPECIALLY the left.
Well at least Americans make them,even if they areTexans.
President Mccain. Ooops,
It's President Obama!
Betcha Joh McCain would have kept the helicopters if was elected – in case he needed to get out of town FAST
Um... McCain pressed him how? I dont see anything about what he actually said. In any case, over the lifetime of these kind things it costs alot more to use them than it does to buy them. Compared to its operating costs the initial purchase of both Air Force One 747s were cheap. So... if the goal is to cut costs the simple answer is to not take so many trips. I remember as a kid how I thought the old WB cartoon phrase "is this trip really necessary" was funny. But now I know what it referred to and how it made alot of sense during troubled times.
They do realise that this was done by Bush and Obama has to rectify it, right? Just another thing that Obama has to clean up after Bush.
Mccain is trying to save the tax payers money and the people continue to Bash him.
Pretty odd.
Did McCain add the fact that these helicopters were order by the ush administration before he left town?Obama has spoken ill about these copters and said that he thinks the ones he has now are fine. In the end I think they may scrap the copters.
McCain is just a miserable SOB
@meh
John McCain paid for those houses out of his own pocket, and he's free to spend his own money as he chooses. The new helicopters would be coming out of the taxpayers' pockets. Big difference.
why is this guy stil campaigning,is he gonna run again in 2012 or what, if not go away loser!
The current helicopters are more than 30 years old. I don't disagree with having them replaced, especially given the improved security the new air craft boast. But do we really need a fleet of 28?
Sen. McCain mentioned the hefty projected price tag for replacing the President's fleet of helicopters.....
"You don't see me replacing my 7 or 8 mansions that I own," yelled out Sen. McCain..." But I'll have to get back to you about how many mansions and cars I am talking about" he added.
The main thing here is not to let McCain fly any of them, he can't seem to keep aircraft in the air very long.
McCain and Palin both are continue to attach President Obama. McCain know thing about the economcy. How are give one of his 9 houses to the poor.
The Rubs are going to complain about everything. If he does or does not, it won't matter, it will renerate a complaint. This entire party is all about obstruction and destruction. I for one, have had enough of them to last a lifetime!
They think we hated Bushie because he was a Rub... NO, we hated him because he was an idot!
Wake up Rubs, it's COUNTRY FIRST.... Remember???? No... I don't guess you do...
So much conversation gets focused the symbolic and highly visible But consider – when was the last time a sitting president took open mike questions from members of the opposition party? Happens all the time in England. What an amazing occasion. I'd support good, safe, helicopters for the President of the United States, whoever he was. Maybe now is not the right time for it. However – just wondering – would these new helicopters stimulate the aerospace economy?
first of all he is the POTUS, even the british dont complain about how rich the Queen is. Now look , as POTUS dont you think his helicopter should be protected from nutjobs like some on this blogsite who threaten him and his family. Of course it is gonna be expensive when it comes to transportation and security they go hand in hand.
Even Bush had this too, no one complained then.
if am not mistaken mcbush is up for election in 2010. he may not have to worry abount 2011
John, you're a liar because you said you were happy for Obama during your concession speech. it seems that every chance you get, you are trying to make him look bad. You're a sore looser!! it is 4 months later and U bet you have nightmares of how to get even. You are a nasty old man and I bet if Obama were of any other race, you would have an easier time accepting defeat.
Mc Cain we know you are senile, but just to remind you. YOU LOST!!!!!
Copter contract signed in 2005. What was that guy's name, oh yeah, BUSH. McCain is a fraud.
McCain had not problem with Bush and all his spending. McCain is looking like a poor old hateful loser. I can not stand him. We had to deal with McCain and his anger for two long years of his attachs toward Presdient Obama. I tired of the Republicans cry baby.