by Jill Zuckman
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. - Armed with a contingent of high profile veterans and former prisoners of war, Sen. John McCain hammered home his core message of keeping the nation safe from terrorism as he wooed voters in this heavily military region of the state before flying to New York to pick up cash and a key endorsement.
"As president, I'd like to serve this nation a little while longer and I'm asking for your support," McCain said at one of his largest events of the campaign at the Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. "And here, all across North Florida, is where I will be depending upon our veterans. I will be depending upon our servicemen and women."
Congressional medal of honor recipient Bud Day, McCain's roommate in prison, accompanied McCain, offering a quiet but powerful endorsement. He and a group of prominent veterans are also campaigning separately for McCain this week in Panama City, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville, among other areas where the military is predominant.
McCain raced up to New York in the afternoon for a fund-raiser that brought in more than $1 million, said Charles Black, his senior adviser.
And, in what could be construed as a slight to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Sen. Alfonse M. D'Amato, a powerhouse in New York politics, gave McCain a ringing endorsement.
"This is a man whose time is here, who will restore confidence and people will have confidence in what he says not only here in America, but in the world," D'Amato said. "He will be in my opinion, the strongest Republican candidate _ and for those of you who say, well, I disagree with him on one issue or another – if you want to win in November, John McCain – he's the man."
Two new polls in New York, which holds its primary on Feb. 5, show McCain leading Giuliani by double digits.
In Florida, however, McCain is in a dogfight with Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.
McCain got some help today from Sen. John Warner, the former chairman of the Armed Services Committee and the former Secretary of the Navy, who served in World War II and Korea.
"You need somebody who doesn't need any on the job training when he walks into the White House and that's John McCain," Warner said in Pensacola to a gymnasium full of voters. "John understands the challenges and threats that face America today and really have never faced any other president."
While McCain always talks about the economy and ticks off his plan for reducing spending, cutting corporate income tax rates and maintaining President Bush's tax cuts, he primarily offers himself to voters as a person who has been tested and is prepared to lead the nation and tackle its national security problems.
"These are difficult and dangerous times in the world. I've spent my life preparing to lead this nation. I have the knowledge and the background, and the experience and the judgment," McCain said in Pensacola.
"If we didn't face the transcendent challenge of radical Islamic extremism, I might not be running for president of the United States," he confided. "This challenge is myriad, this challenge is difficult, it's multifaceted and it's going to take everything we've got. And I know how to lead this nation."
The crowds at McCain's campaign events greeted his red-meat rhetoric warmly.
"The Democrats were wrong when Harry Reid stood on the floor of the Senate and said the war was lost. They were wrong when they said we couldn’t succeed militarily, we couldn’t succeed politically," McCain said to cheers.
"Senator Clinton was wrong when she told General David Petraeus 'I would have to suspend disbelief' to believe the surge is working," he recounted. "You would have to suspend disbelief to believe the it's not working!"
"I'm not asking the Democrats to apologize. No, don't apologize. But you were wrong and now it's time for us to return to the old tradition, that partisanship ends at the waters edge," said McCain.
"And I reach out my hand out to the Democrats – now let's work together to get this job done in Iraq," he said. "Make this world safe, fight back al qaeda and Put your country above your party!"
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Comments
Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran! Double Guantanamo! 100 more years in Iraq! The party of raving nut jobs.
This "brilliant" statement from Senator McGoo is going to be repeated over and over and over....:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/01/04/john-mccain-lets-stay-in-iraq-for-100-years/
Posted by: John E | January 22, 2008 8:43 PM
Speaking of $$$$$, how about that crowning achievement in GW Bush's legacy: An Economy that would make the Celtic Tiger purr like a spayed tabby.
Or is the MSM looking past GW Bush's accomplishments? Hmmmm?
Posted by: Smirky McFlightsuit | January 22, 2008 9:02 PM
Besides McCains war stories, he is not a patriotic american. Patriotism goes way beyond waving the flags of war.
Americans could look forward to further deterioration of their rights, more fear mongering, an economically inept politician and everlasting war.
Posted by: John Harding | January 22, 2008 9:14 PM
...ahem....McCain wants to close Gitmo, Willare is the one who wants to double it...
100 years with no casualties is just fine. That was his point.
Posted by: Peter from NH | January 22, 2008 9:14 PM
McCain was being rhetorical because the questioner was merely assuming the ongoing myths and prejudice that we should pull out regardless of the consequences. But if an impartial observer, like a Canadian like myself who has no dog in this fight - looks at the past interviews and votes and behavior of John McCain, he is not dumb, nor does he want to put troops unnecessarily in harm's way. He is the only canadiate who has actually served for his country - the troops know how much he cares. McCain just wants to fulfill that honorable position stated by Gen Powell when he told the President, "If you break it, you'll have to fix it!"
McCain was saying, 'let's no hightail it oout of there like girly men who have no honor, but let's succeed in stabilizing that country for the Iraqis - we owe it to them to do it right. Pull out immediately and there'd be a bloodbath - let's help them get on their feet - then McCain has said on other occasions, after that victory, we can redeploy.
Posted by: Spock | January 22, 2008 9:21 PM
A hundred-year-war. More tax cuts to not pay for the war or balance the budget. Just what we need, more voo-doo economics from the Republic destroyers.
Posted by: dt | January 22, 2008 9:22 PM
As a Republican, I don't get this enthusiasm for McCain. Is he really Republican? He's so liberal. McCain supported John Kerry and considered running with him, he sponsored a bill with Ted Kennedy that would flood us with illegals, and he likes the Middle East policy of Jimmy Carter, who helped Khomeini come to power in Iran. This is good for us? In my opinion, he would destroy the US.
Posted by: Madeline | January 22, 2008 10:22 PM
RON PAUL received 1.3 million
in donations for his MLK money bomb yesterday.
McCain is PRO-AMNESTY and a
WAR PIG!!!!!!!! We can't afford to stay in IRAQ for another 100 years John McWar!!!!!!
Posted by: Tina | January 22, 2008 10:35 PM
"It is better to vote for what you want and not get it than to vote for what you don't want and get it."
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes." -Dwight D. Eisenhower
A real Republican who warned us to the dangers that now exist . John , Mitt , Rudy and Huck ( Huck is gone in a few weeks along with Rudy also ) are who Eisenhower warned us about . Wake up America War is not good for us . Only for NBC -They profit off of dead Americans
Posted by: magnus andersson | January 22, 2008 10:40 PM
Sorry I retract that comment.
RON PAUL received $1.85 million in donations on the
MLK MONEY BOMB...
Posted by: mIKE | January 22, 2008 10:41 PM
Our country Needs Romney! Now as our nation faces adversity we need a president who will fight for our freedoms, build our economy, strengthen our national defense, secure our borders, control spending, keep taxes low, eliminate red-tape and bureaucracy, and establish efficiency in government. Romney is the man who can do it (not just talk about it). He doesn’t make excuses or justify mistakes; he fixes them and moves forward. Romney is a man of conviction and integrity with a proven track-record of success. Romney’s goal is to improve the quality of life for every individual . Your support for Romney brings us closer to better America for all.
Posted by: almanojodo | January 22, 2008 10:44 PM
McCain was probably the worst pilot in Naval history. Who else could lose 5 planes within 90 days, and blow up an aircraft carrier?
My high school buddy, Richard Owens was below decks on the Forrestal when flaming jet fuel poured down, and burned him alive.
McCain did nothing to help fight the fires, or rescue the injured. His daddy took him over to his ship out of harms way, and left the less fortunate there to fight the fires of hell.
McCain a hero? Yep, in Hanoi!
Posted by: Fred Sanderson | January 22, 2008 10:45 PM
"...McCain was saying, 'let's no hightail it oout of there like girly men who have no honor, but let's succeed in stabilizing that country for the Iraqis - we owe it to them to do it right. Pull out immediately and there'd be a bloodbath - let's help them get on their feet - then McCain has said on other occasions, after that victory, we can redeploy."
That is one hell of a paraphrase. You need to be a spokesman for that campaign so he can say all kinds of war-mongering shit and you can spin it to make it loo like he should be up for the next Nobel Peace Prize.
Posted by: Scott | January 22, 2008 10:56 PM
McCain = Mashed up Reagan wannabe, Bush poodle,
not loved, but tolerated
as the sacrificial lamb
he cultivates the vocal quaver
Not haiku, but wannabe haiku
Posted by: darkside | January 22, 2008 11:03 PM
McCain is a pro-war hawk who doesn't have a clue as to what to do about the economy.
The Democrats couldn't ask for a better candidate than him to run against in 08.
Posted by: Kendel | January 22, 2008 11:21 PM
The hundred year war idea is a fabrication created by campaign enemies. It has as much truth to it as "Barack Obama thinks republicans have had all the good ideas for the last 15 years."
See how easy it is to twist a man's words?
Posted by: Jeff | January 22, 2008 11:31 PM
Notice how he doesn't explain how he will pull the country out of economic distress it has entered, how he only paints pretty pictures without any plan - I hate to say this but Ron Paul's message is looking increasingly enticing - he is the only candidate who has served AND has a coherent message.
Posted by: Doug | January 22, 2008 11:35 PM
The hundred year war idea is a fabrication created by campaign enemies. It has as much truth to it as "Barack Obama thinks republicans have had all the good ideas for the last 15 years."
See how easy it is to twist a man's words?
Posted by: Jeff | January 22, 2008 11:31 PM
Jeff,
His words were twisted?
Me thinks not...
At a campaign stop in New Hampshire with booster Holy Joe Lieberman, Republican presidential contender John McCain shows that he has his finger on the pulse of the national mood (2/3 of New Hampshire citizens poll that they want the troops home now) by telling potential voters that he’d like to stay in Iraq for 100 years.
Q: President Bush has talked about our staying in Iraq for 50 years — ” (cut off by McCain)
McCain: “Make it a hundred.”
Q: “Is that …” (cut off)
McCain: “We’ve been in South Korea … we’ve been in Japan for 60 years. We’ve been in South Korea 50 years or so. That would be fine with me. As long as Americans …”
Q: [tries to say something]
McCain: “As long as Americans are not being injured or harmed or wounded or killed. That’s fine with me, I hope that would be fine with you, if we maintain a presence in a very volatile part of the world where Al Qaeda is training and equipping and recruiting and motivating people every single day.
PS - Are going to be down in Florida next week to help get our guy, Old Man McCain, the win?
Posted by: John E | January 22, 2008 11:45 PM
McCain is the one Republican clown who is running around saying "the surge is working", he's disaster in the making.
The surge is working? Is that clown serious? The six-month ceasefire agreed to by Al-Sadr and his Madhi army are to credit for the "reduced" amount of violence. However, the situation is only one decision away from returning to the previous state of affairs. That kind of stupid reasoning got us into this mess to begin with. The war is "largely" over ranks right up there with "we are in the last throes of the insurgency" or "Mission Accomplished".
Why did Al-Sadr agree to a six-month ceasefire? To recruit more personnel, gain more weapons and raise more cash for his efforts. Al-sadr isn't stupid, he knows that if they raise hell throughout the summer and into the fall, Democrats will be elected and will remove our army from their borders within a year or two. He also knows that McCain will stay there 100 years if needed.
What are American's real interest in Iraq? Nuclear Weapons program? It doesn't exist. Terrorism? We spread it through our presence. What else does that leave? Oil? Oh yes, texas tea. Perhaps the real reason why our brave men and women are dying.
This election is very clear for me, as military member. McCain = continued war with no end in sight and no objective for our army to achieve. Hillary or Obama = a dramatically reduced presence in the middle east and perhaps a hope that Iraq will learn to stand on their own two feet.
Posted by: Paulita | January 23, 2008 12:40 AM
McCain is 128 years old and will select Ted Kennedy as his VP.
A vote for McCain is a vote for Hillary/Obama.
Posted by: Muck DeFuslims | January 23, 2008 1:20 AM
McCain is one of the "Keating Five". If you don't know that is, google it!
You will be shocked.
Posted by: Rick Cain, Tulsa, OK | January 23, 2008 4:34 AM
"100 years with no casualties is just fine. That was his point."
Unfortunately, people are dying everyday.
Posted by: timmm | January 23, 2008 5:07 AM
Ahem. Isn't this 'great American hero' the same guy who betrayed his fellow POW'ers? Isn't he the one who leaked information to the enemy for food? Isn't he the maniac who enjoys war-games even at the loss of innocent life? This macho crap needs to end. This man is cruel, sorely lacking in principles and will drag us further into debt and annhilation. This is not the foreign policy American needs. Either way the Democrats and neo-con Republicans are the same.
Posted by: Terri | January 23, 2008 5:17 AM
John McAmnesty is an small angry man running on a 60 year old war record. What has he done for me lately?? Well, here in Southern California, where we are turning into Mexico, I would have to say he has tried to give illegals amnesty. I will NOT vote for McAmnesty and his shamnisty bill and his light in the loafers sycophant Lindsey Ghramnisty! It is going to have to be Romney or maybe an angry, white man in a third party. I guess you can call me a new xenophobe thanks to McAmnesty and the Mexifacation of my neighborhood.
Posted by: Rob | January 23, 2008 8:46 AM
Is McCain your Sheppard?
Then read...
McCain supporters are nothing more than sheep not knowing the Sheppard is feeding then false buzz words to attract as many to his flocks, bring them to the corral where they will be fed and milk to death not just them but the rest of their siblings.
So are you a leader? Do you consider a free thinker? If so then open your eyes, research, read and act as a leader and seek the truth and in doing so it will set you free!
Posted by: Roger | January 23, 2008 9:02 AM
Romney's business experience sets him apart from his rivals.
"He understands the economy like none of the other guys do," "We need someone who understands business to go to Washington. McCain's a great war hero, but he doesn't know business."
S. Romans
Posted by: afisher | January 23, 2008 10:18 AM
See Ann Coulter's an elephant in the room
Posted by: afisher | January 23, 2008 10:20 AM
McCain raises a $1 million in New York who cares New York is the most liberal state other than New Jersey.
George Will is right. John McCain is not a maverick when you support amnesty for illegals, oppose tax cuts, join Feingold to cut off free speech 60 days before an election,join Joe Loserman to help Algore's Global Warming religion you are not a maverick you are a Democrat.
As Rush Limbaugh says why let the driveby liberal media choose your candidate for a Republican President. As conservatives GOP say NO to McCain not only know but, HELL NO. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | January 23, 2008 12:49 PM
Amnesty, Shamnesty! 45% of the 12 million illegals now in the country overstayed their Visas. They didn’t sneak across the border or parachute in from outer space. I am so sick of people demagoguing this issue by talking only about fences and Border Patrol to solve the problem. I don’t care if you build a fence to the moon – it doesn’t address the problems with the State Dept. (called by Newt Gingrich one of the 2 most dysfunctional agencies in Washington) and its inability to work with state & local agencies, colleges, etc. to share information. Remember the 6 illegals that were arrested last spring for planning an attack on Ft. Dix? They had hundreds of interactions with NJ state & local agencies over 10 years, including police, school officials, etc. Why was it up to a Circuit City clerk to catch them? It’s a joke to worry about issuing driver’s licenses to illegal aliens when, during the 1.5 million U.S. Passport backlog last summer, a bad guy could have put in fake papers & now be sitting with an American passport good for 10 years.
Let’s elect John McCain, a leader, who’s familiar with the DC bureaucracy, to appoint smart Cabinet members (not Bush-like cronies) who will turn agencies upside down, get rid of incompetents & give them enough funding to do their jobs properly. The 400-page immigration bill was properly defeated. It tried to do too much and didn’t put the enforcement part first, but it was an attempt to fix a terribly broken system and it did bring the situation to the fore. If you want to be part of the solution, look to your own state "nanny" treatment of illegals. I lived in CA for 6 years, so I saw it in action. Stop parroting the word “amnesty” as if that takes any thought. We have de facto amnesty by doing nothing.
Posted by: Marge | January 23, 2008 4:22 PM