by Jim Tankersley
SALEM, N.H. – Democrats aren't the only ones packing New Hampshire gymnasiums.
John McCain drew an estimated 1,000 people – and a stifling crush of international news media – here today, further evidence that the senator's political career could be boomeranging toward a New Hampshire victory that seemed unthinkable a few months ago.
A relaxed McCain, whom polls this morning showed widening his lead on rival Mitt Romney in the state, stressed national security and fiscal discipline in an hour-long town meeting. He also took a dozen questions from the crowd, including several from voters who said they were independent and undecided – and curious about McCain's plans to cut the federal budget deficit and offset the costs of the Iraq war.
A gauntlet of supporters chanted "Mac is back! Mac is back!" as McCain walked off his Straight Talk Express bus and into the rally.
En route to Salem from Nashua, McCain held one of the back-of-the-bus question-and-answer sessions that have long been the hallmark of his presidential campaigns (now and in 2000). This particular session included several colorful McCain moments and candid insights, including McCain:
* Repeating his prediction that he will win New Hampshire on Tuesday.
* Bemoaning that Rep. Ron Paul, whose opposition to the Iraq war and criticism of U.S. monetary police set him at odds with the five other Republicans in last night's televised debate, wasn't invited to Fox News' debate today: "I'm going to miss him."
* Opining that "change" is as powerful a theme in the GOP primaries as it is in the Democrats', because the Republican base is so dispirited.
* Saying that his campaign is primarily targeting an unusually large number of undecided Republicans before Tuesday, followed by independents, and that his fund-raising is coming in "very well" after nearly going dry this summer.
* Admitting he enjoyed the Republican-Democratic candidate mingling on stage between last night's debates – and that the candidates just made "small talk" across party lines.
* Responding to a question about the diversity difference between the two candidate fields on display last night – six white male Republicans versus a Democratic quartet that included a woman, an African American and a Latino – by saying Republican leaders "haven't done as good a job as we need to do" recruiting minority candidates.
* Attributing a relatively sedate (in his estimation) debate performance last night to a caffeine cut-off: "You notice that I wasn't so wired last night?" he said. "It's because I didn't have any coffee from noon on."
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Have questions about what's happening on the ground in New Hampshire, or anything else related to race for the White House or Election 2008? On Monday, we'll host a live video chat at 12:30 pm central time from Manchester, N.H. with Tribune journalists who are covering the campaign.
E-mail your questions to us and we'll answer as many as time allows.
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Comments
Why does the press still call this nutty old man a "Maverick" and a "Straight Talker"?
McCain committed the worst political sin possible, he got trashed by the Bush/Rove slime machine in 2000 and instead of sticking to his guns he cut and ran to the Bush teams side.
Senile old man vows to keep us in Iraq for at least 100 years:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/01/04/john-mccain-lets-stay-in-iraq-for-100-years
Posted by: John E | January 6, 2008 4:36 PM
I like McCain a lot, and have to admit that he is way out ahead of anyone from either party in terms of experience (Hillary, this is what TRUE experience is all about!).
I also admit that I like Obama's energy and inclusive vision of America.
Should these two be our choices for President, then I think we will have a good campaign between two honorable leaders.
Posted by: Marie | January 6, 2008 4:38 PM
wake up people. Listen to what the military truly has to say!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uk-T46soz8
Posted by: Gigi Bowman | January 6, 2008 5:02 PM
The insistance to continue this war on terror by McCain and other candidates shows them to be true cranks.
Here are some FACTS about the war on terrorism.
At least 72% of Americans want us out.
A recent article in the Washington Post stated that the only thing competing factions in Iraq can agree on is they all want us out. They consider this idea that there would be a bloodbath when we leave to be propoganda.
10 billion was giving to the Musharaff regime and he is only liked by 8% of his people. Many think he was behind Bhutto's death.
The war in Iraq will cost an estmated 4 trillion dollars. That is $100,000 for every American family.
The funding continues despite a crashing dollar and the fact that we are coming into a recession. Gold, Oil and other commodities have hit record highs. Food is much more expensive as well as fuel and housing, yet these figures were basically removed from inflation reports a few years ago.
Per a recent Washington Post article all competing factions in Iraq want us out. This idea of there being a bloodbath in the wake of our leaving is factually untrue and even the people who live there don't believe it.
There is not a single hard fact that shows this country is safer against terrorism since this "war" started. As a matter of fact there is evidence that the opposite is true.
When British foreces pulled out of the Basra region of Iraq there was a huge drop in violence. The same thing happened in terrorist filled Palestine when we pulled out of there.
This "war" on terror is a war on an idea. It has no named enemy or country. You can't sign a peacy treaty with an idea. The only way it would ever end is if a politician decided it was okay to do that.
Military moral is very low with repeated tours of duty. Recruiting is at an all time low.
Posted by: bgodley | January 6, 2008 5:03 PM
What confounds the solution to most of America’s toughest problems is the US governments’ utter loss of credibility. When anyone in power speaks you just can’t believe them because again and again we have been tricked. The reason everyone is turning on Mitt is not just the Flipping, it’s because he lacks credibility. If somehow he could beat any Democrat, I simply can stand the idea or another 4 years of dishonesty. America can’t stand this. Our world wide prestige too a huge hit from this when with the events of 911 we should have had a bank of goodwill. Mitt simply is not authentic. He is fabricated. Last night he even said he never claimed that McCain wanted Amnesty. Does he think we are suckers? John McCain and the other are authentic. What separates McCain from the others is experience and a demonstration of courage under fire.
NH won’t be bought. Return credibility to our government. Vote McCain with me on January 8th.
Posted by: Peter from NH | January 6, 2008 5:08 PM
Credibility is THE issue; The Change we want is to believe our political leaders.
What confounds the solution to most of America’s toughest problems is the US governments’ utter loss of credibility. When anyone in power speaks you just can’t believe them because again and again we have been tricked. The reason everyone is turning on Mitt is not just the Flipping, it’s because he lacks credibility. If somehow he could beat any Democrat, I simply can stand the idea or another 4 years of dishonesty. America can’t stand this. Our world wide prestige took a huge hit from this when with the events of 911 we should have had a bank of goodwill. Mitt simply is not authentic. He is fabricated. Last night he even said he never claimed that McCain wanted Amnesty. Does he think we are suckers? John McCain and the other are authentic. What separates McCain from the others is experience and a demonstration of courage under fire.
NH won’t be bought. Return credibility to our government. Vote McCain with me on January 8th.
Posted by: Peter from NH | January 6, 2008 5:34 PM
Seeing Obama and McCain on stage for the final Repub vs Dem debate will be like watching Lincoln vs Yoda. McCain is part of the "club" in Washington and that's the only thing he has going for him. The repubs are all going after Romney because they're scared to death to deal with someone who actually has a brain.
Posted by: Kay Bergeson | January 6, 2008 5:42 PM
McCain favors the continuation of the war in Iraq. Personally, I see no rational reason to pursue the war. I believe the long term interests of our country (and of the world for that matter) are not served by what we are doing in Iraq.
We must have a president who sees the world as a community, and who sees some alternative to war as the best way of dealing with international problems.
Posted by: DKB | January 6, 2008 5:49 PM
DNC Swamp world: McCain is "widening his lead" on Romney in New Hampshire.
Real world (the world the Swamp doesn't want you to know about): latest Rasmussen poll of NH Republicans has McCain and Romney in a statistical tie (32%-30%). See
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election
for the facts the DNC Swamp doesn't want readers to know.
Posted by: Bruce | January 6, 2008 5:49 PM
I think McCain is correct. We will all miss Ron Paul at the Fox forum today. All we will have is a bunch of men trying to find something to disagree on. In reality all they want to do is to support the Bush status quo which is leading us to bankruptcy at home and abroad. I thought Ron Paul was awesome in the Saturday ABC debate. He kept the others honest and injected the economy into the discussion for the first time.
Am I the only one who thinks that Giuliani talks about 9/11 TOO MUCH? At least McCain seems sincere in his beliefs on the Iraq War, even if they are not as strong as Ron Paul's position. I can at least believe that McCain cares about the issue. Other than John McCain and Ron Paul the rest seem to me that they are as sincere, as used car salesment!
Posted by: DenisL | January 6, 2008 5:54 PM
I think McCain is correct. We will all miss Ron Paul at the Fox forum today. All we will have is a bunch of men trying to find something to disagree on. In reality all they want to do is to support the Bush status quo which is leading us to bankruptcy at home and abroad. I thought Ron Paul was awesome in the Saturday ABC debate. He kept the others honest and injected the economy into the discussion for the first time.
Am I the only one who thinks that Giuliani talks about 9/11 TOO MUCH? At least McCain seems sincere in his beliefs on the Iraq War, even if they are not as strong as Ron Paul's position. I can at least believe that McCain cares about the issue. Other than John McCain and Ron Paul the rest seem to me that they are as sincere, as used car salesment!
Posted by: DenisL | January 6, 2008 5:56 PM
McCain turned me off last night when he attacked the other candidates in a cynical and underhanded manner. I dislike that kind of stuff, and to see it on national TV during what should have been a dignified event, is preposterous. After seeing how respectful the Democratic candidates were towards each other, I'm rethinking my party affiliation.
Posted by: Pauline | January 6, 2008 6:01 PM
John E., for someone who more than a year ago said was being sent to Iraq to "fight," I think you are in no position of calling anyone "senile." In fact, aren't you still a wanted escapee from the Elgin Mental Health Center?
Posted by: John D | January 6, 2008 6:19 PM
John E.
1. Why call people names?
2. What have you done in your life to defend your country?
3. How long has the US been in Germany, Japan, and S. Korea?
Posted by: Lexie | January 6, 2008 6:49 PM
McCain has no intention of balancing the budget . He has too many wars on foreign shores to start and maintain.
He is the military industrial's complex poster child.
Bush's thirtd term - here we come -he wont raise taxes- just print money and leave our kids in debt.
Posted by: truthseeker | January 6, 2008 7:05 PM
Credibility is THE issue; The Change we want is to believe our political leaders.
What confounds the solution to most of America’s toughest problems is the US governments’ utter loss of credibility. When anyone in power speaks you just can’t believe them because again and again we have been tricked. The reason everyone is turning on Mitt is not just the Flipping, it’s because he lacks credibility across the board. If somehow he could beat any Democrat, I simply can stand the idea or another 4 years of dishonesty. America can’t stand this. Our world wide prestige took a huge hit from this when with the events of 911 we should have had a bank of goodwill. Mitt simply is not authentic. He is fabricated. Last night he even said he never claimed that McCain wanted Amnesty. Does he think we are suckers? Do you think he will get more honest once elected? John McCain and the other are authentic. What separates McCain from the others is experience and a demonstration of courage under fire.
NH won’t be bought. Return credibility to our government. Vote McCain with me on January 8th.
Posted by: Peter from NH | January 6, 2008 7:31 PM
2. What have you done in your life to defend your country?
Posted by: Lexie | January 6, 2008 6:49 PM
Sexy Lexie,I suggest you ask that question to Boy George and little dick.
Once again,my apologies to the real Boy George.
Posted by: Raving Loon | January 6, 2008 8:44 PM
for the facts the DNC Swamp doesn't want readers to know.
Posted by: Bruce | January 6, 2008 5:49 PM
Analdice, please explain to us why The Swamp would not want us to know this.
Posted by: conspiracy theorist | January 6, 2008 9:13 PM
NH won’t be bought. Return credibility to our government. Vote McCain with me on January 8th.
No thanks. I'll be voting Romney.
Mccain is a petty, vindictive, bullying crazy old man who isn't fit to be president.
Oh and he has a love affair with amnesty for illegals.
Romney is by far the most experienced, intelligient and resourceful.
Romney 2008
Posted by: Marcus | January 6, 2008 10:21 PM
John McCain was seen snickering like a rude, jealous child whenever Ron Paul spoke at the ABC debate. Presidential material?
And "100 more years" in Iraq is "fine" with McCain? Who is the "real crackpot" here, anyway?
Posted by: blakmira | January 6, 2008 11:18 PM
JohnE,
I hate to pile-on, but someday you have to move on and get into reality.
Ummmm... Do you still think your in Iraq? Or did Bush/Cheney send you back to mommys basement?
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | January 6, 2008 11:48 PM