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McCain seeks to calm angry supporters

LAKEVILLE, MN — It was a surreal scene during John McCain’s town hall meeting Friday as the GOP nominee was forced at times to defend Barack Obama as he urged thousands of supporters to cool their increasingly vitriolic anti-Obama rhetoric.

McCain sought to calm his raucous audience by lightening his criticism of Obama at times and repeatedly pleading with the crowd to be “respectful” of the Democratic nominee only to be repeatedly booed today. Supporters at recent rallies have shouted out that Obama is a terrorist, traitor and criminal, among other choice words.

“We want to fight, and I will fight but we will be respectful. I admire Senator Obama and his accomplishments. I will respect him,” McCain said to a chorus of boos as he tried to answer a supporter who urged him to engage in a “real fight.”

“I want everyone to be respectful and lets make sure we are because that’s the way politics should be conducted…now I don’t mean that has to reduce your ferocity. I just mean its got to be respectful. OK,” he said.

But for the second day in a row, a McCain town hall meeting felt more like an intervention as staunch supporters repeatedly pleaded with the GOP nominee to attack Obama using his associations with people like Bill Ayers or risk losing in November.

“My wife and I are expecting (a child)…and frankly, we’re scared. We’re scared of an Obama presidency,” one man told McCain asserting that Obama also “cohorts with domestic terrorists.”

“I want to be President of the United States and obviously I do not want Senator Obama to be, but I have to tell you…he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared as President of the United States,” McCain said to additional boos from the crowd. He tried to assuage them by adding, ” if I didn’t think I wouldn’t be one heck of a lot better president I wouldn’t be running,” but received only a smattering of applause.

“Saying the facts about him, and the truth, that needs to come out,” another supporter urged McCain, as yet one other called on him to go to “the mattresses” with Obama at next Wednesday’s debate.

It didn’t stop there. McCain had to literally grab the microphone from one female supporter while she was still asking her question after she called Obama an “Arab.”

“No ma’am. No ma’am. He is a decent family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that is what this campaign is all about. He is not,” McCain repeated shaking his head.

The new message comes after days of multiple TV and web ads and campaign conference calls attacking Obama’s associations with Bill Ayers, ACORN, Tony Rezko and casting him as an unknown entity who has been dishonest with the American people. Last Saturday, Sarah Palin kicked off the more aggressive message by stating that he “pals around with terrorists” and it escalated with McCain saying Monday that America does not know “the real Barack Obama.”

Though at other times, McCain reluctantly succumbed to the pressure and attacked Obama’s Ayers connection and liberal voting record as farther to the left than socialist Bernie Sanders.

“In order to win this election…you have to talk a little bit, and bring to the attention of the voters, the press is not going to do it for you…some of the associations that have really marred Obama’s life,” former US Senator Rudy Boschwitz recommended during the event.

Noting that he doesn’t care about Ayers or his wife, whom he described as an “old, washed-up terrorists,” McCain said that the bigger issue is that Obama is not being forthright about his relationship with the 60’s radical.

“What we do care about is people telling the truth about their associations with these individuals. That’s what the question is about…Sen. Obama said that Mr. Ayers was a guy in the neighborhood, when in reality, Sen. Obama’s political career was launched in Mr. Ayers living room,” he said to cheers.

But when lobbed a softball question by another town hall attendee to talk about ACORN improprieties McCain punted on drawing the connection between the community organizing group and Obama–a relationship the campaign had been pushing aggressively all day.

He called for a “a full and complete and thorough investigation” of allegations of voter registration fraud against the group and left it at that.

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106 Responses to “McCain seeks to calm angry supporters”

Comment by frizzletoad

Maybe McCain has finally realized that he has created a crazed beast of a campaign that is promoting lies and hatred. He now realizes he could have blood on his hands if some crazed nut job does something stupid. Lets hope its not too little too late.

 
Comment by HawkTheSlayer

Obama loves to hand out with racists and terrorists… unless it threatens his own personal advancement of course.

 
Comment by Flex

I’m afraid of these parents who think they’re so self righteous. They should look, and listen to themselves. It’s like they’re part of a very weird republican religious cult. They’re out of sync with half of the country, and the entire world.

 
Comment by Flex

Who cares?! I’d rather befriend Ayers rather than a crazy right-wing christian! They’re poisonous!

 
Comment by K.F. Miller

I think all four candidates running are decent people, and McCain shows real character in trying to calm the crowd. Any kind of talk about violence should not be tolerated. That being said, a lot of the frustration can be traced to the media’s handling of this campaign and the fact they’ve consistenly given Obama a free ride. You know if President Bush had ever talked about there being 57 states the way Obama did, it would have been a punch line forever. But this inexperienced, liberal Senator says that - and a lot of other gaffes - and the media looks away. Instead, they do things like try to get Palin to name the papers she reads, basically insinuating that she’s uneducated, disrespecting a truly courageous politician that has fought real corruption. I think both the McCain and Obama campaign have conducted themselves well, but this year was a truly shameful one for the media. If they want to damp down the anger, they need to not be partisan but instead fufill their role as objective watchdogs.

 
Comment by Laura Crossland

If the extremely negative campaigning had not begun; people would not have turned so “violent” toward Obama. I applaud Sen. McCain for what he did to calm the crowd, but he should have stuck to the issues of the campaing instead of starting a smear job to begin with. I respect Sen. McCain, but Sarah Palin has done him wrong in this case, and has caused people to go literally crazy. I personally am turned off by negative campaigning and smear tactics on either side. Both Sen. Obama and Sen. Mccain need to stick to the issues and have an honorable campaign.

 
Comment by damian

Even Mccain is getting embarrassed by his supporters now.

His campaign is in a tailspin and total disarray.

 
Comment by Berry

I think these rednecks are under delvoped they screamin always the same things.
But they are the real terorist invading country voting for criminals.
Yall do anything for keep your consertive mind in the goverment.
We do need a change in the usa and the world.
Usa is behind with his economy China is the boss of the world headin Russia.
Usa is gettin les and less power american people need to unite and fix this big problem.
Made by Bush so let democrat do that this time.
Cuz palin cant and wont be in capable to lead this country.
Look at the facts palin is far under educated for the presidentcy and Mc cain has few heartbeat to live.
We cant make this big mistake.

With greets from a conusured republican

 
Comment by Aron

This is NOTHING compared to the way politics USED to be during the days of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall (NYC)!

Still it’s not surprising the anger that’s out there. Social evolution is painful.

 
Comment by Daniel
 
Comment by Philip

BARARK HUSSIEN OBAMA ! WHY HIS FATHER DOEN’T NAME HIM BY “AMERICANNAME ” ? AS THE LAWER WHY DON’T HE CHANGE HIS NAME ? AS FELL MONTHS AGO HIS WIFE SAID ” I SO LOVE MY COUNTRY TODAY” HOW ABOUT A YEARS BEFORCE THAT,IS SHE DON’T LOVE AMERICA ?
I THINK YOU DON’T HAVE TO ASK HIM BARARK HUSSIEN OBAMA , TO SAY ANNY THINK ABOUT HIM ( I’M SURE HE WILL NOT TELL YOU WHO HE’S STAND FOR) , WE CAN KNOW WHO HE’S ,THIS’S THE PRESIDENT OF U.S.A ??????????????????????????????????

 
Comment by Bill Brasky

This election has been over for a while now. Unfortunately Repubs havent gotten the memo. Sadly for McCain, actual news organizations (not fox) will be all over this topic. This is the last nail in the coffin for McCain.

I actually like the guy, but his campaign has been run so poorly that I would never vote for him. It started with the transparent VP pick, followed up by the fake campaign suspension then subsequent bailout disaster. More recently, his campaign has gone completely negative and have attempted to change the topic from the economy to character. 100% of the TV ads McCain is now running are negative. 100%! Compared to about 30% negative from Obama. These are the facts folks. McCain will not win by being negative. It hasnt worked and they know it. At this point Obama holds a 7-11 point lead depending on the polling. He has actually increased his lead since McCain started the negative attack plan. Its just sad to see McCain, who I think is an American hero, reduced to this.

 
Comment by Eduardo Bernard

I am deeply concerned after watching those videos that McCain has promoted this kind of behavior and now he can’t stop it. Nobody in the media wants to talk about it but we can’t tell what kind of wacko is going to be full of hatred or fear and may do something really really bad if Obama wins in November.

 
Comment by Tim Vining

John McCain is a class act. Focusing on issues, comparing and contrasting his positions to his opponents is to be commended. Negative campaining serves no purpose and dumbs down our electorial process. Joe six pack needs to be informed not inflamed.

 
Comment by AMERICAN

ITS OFFICIAL: MCCAIN ENDORSES OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!! ITS OVER.

LAKEVILLE, Minn. - The anger is getting raw at Republican rallies and John McCain is acting to tamp it down. McCain was booed by his own supporters Friday when, in an abrupt switch from raising questions about Barack Obama’s character, he described the Democrat as a “decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.”

 
Comment by Terrell

This is what happen when you stir anger and hate. If something happens to obama. God bless america because the revolution will begin and it won’t be televised. massive riots and anarchy. We will not let you take another black leader from us.

 
Comment by Howard Green

I believe anger is in large part owing to frustration with the elite media’s one-sided handling of the candidates. We do not know Barack Obama, we do not fully know about his past, and we cannot know if the media does not investigate his background. Barack Obama has a troublesome past and virtually “came out of nowhere”. Is Sen. McCain really surprised that there are those among his supporters who are frustrated and angry? I do not believe Mr. Obama would pass security checks to be hired by government agencies that deal w/ national security because of his background and associations, yet he will be elected President unless the full truth of his past is disclosed (which could indeed benefit Sen. Obama if he has nothing to hide), unless Sen. McCain challenges him on his past associations, and unless Sen. McCain lives up to his reputation as a “hot head” and vents real visceral anger about the financial crisis, promising to bring to justice those in the government (both in the Republican executive branch and the Democratic legislative branch) and those in the financial community responsible for the mess. He needs to name names (many w/ close associations w/ the Obama camp) and promise thorough investigation and prosecution via special prosecutor (?Rudy Guiliani &/or Fred Thompson) and announce his selection for Attorney General under a McCain Administration (Rudy Guiliani). He also needs to announce his selections of responsible, trusted people as his Secy. of Treasury and Secy. of Commerce (Steve Forbes, Mitt Romney?). Moreover, there is the fear among Sen. McCain’s supporters that the elected is being “high-jacked” by ACORN & other organizations that are responsible for the voter fraud that is taking place.

 
Comment by Jerry

Although I will be voting for Barack Obama, its good to once again see the old John McCain that I once respected. It’s unfortunate that we did not see more of this during his campaign. I believe that by not challenging those on the extreme far right that have demonstrated blind rage may have cost him the independent vote and thus the election. This is truly sad to see this because John is a good man even if I do not agree with his policies.

 
Comment by faahope

The American people only need to remember one thing when voting.

McCain will keep us safe so we will have an economy. It may be a mess but we will have one.

Obama will not keep us safe. There fore we will not have an economy to worry about!

 
Comment by bill

McCain has poured gasoline on smoldering brush and now is trying to contain the raging fired? This fire he started is now out of control. I hope to God nobody tries to harm our next President Barack Obama.

 
Comment by Robert Sharpe

What has gotten into John McCain. Where has his strength gone. Is he becoming a democrat in front of our eyes. I have been a strong, strong supporter of John McCain and wish that he would take it to Obama, but it almost seems that he is trying to be a nice guy instead of the hard pressing guy that we Republicans want to see. I hate to see him showing a weakness to his supporters, and am now wondering if we should have voted for Romney or Huckabee instead. Come on John, start getting tough on Obama. He is not your friend, he is your opponent, and he wants to beat you. You should start showing the strength that we know you have. Please, Please John, get tough out there.

 
Comment by Shirley R. Van Hook

Someone needs to light a fire under our present “milk toast” candidate John Mc Cain. I’ve
supported him, still do, but wonder does he have the “fire’ anymore - or not. He can speak
to the economy AND the (1) lack of Obama’s character and discretionary ability by seeing Obama’s “birds of a feather” questionable past, from his preacher to priest to his 800,000 contribution to a group who sponsors that “fraud” susceptible agency ACORN. Personally, a good dressing down of Obama would at least let us know somewhere within JOhn there remains “guts”
sufficient to the task of becoming President. NO more “I can’t wait to introduce Sarah to
Washington”, no more “I’m never going to win Mr. Congen….” etc, etc, New words, NEW
behavior. It’s no good being courageous, kind, compassionate, and all those other good
time things if you can’t use them as President….You have the RIGHT POLICIES, THE
RIGHT PRINCIPLES, BUT THEY ARE USELESS WHEN NOT EXPLOITED ON OUR BEHALF.

 
Comment by Hubert Maloy

We should have a national rationality test for voters. Look, we have extremists on the left and extremists on the right. The problem for McCain is that the rational on the right tend to correct their extremists.
Perhaps I am just getting caught up in silly season (like politics has a non-silly season) but wasn’t the whole point of the media play on these rightwing extremists to demonize McCain as having extremists in his camp? Like Obama doesn’t? The difference is that McCain decried and corrected the extremists in his camp whereas Obama, to this point, has only pretended he never had any extremists associated with him. Are we supposed to miss that bit of disingenuous media sophistry?

Is McCain offering conflicting messages when he chastises and corrects the extremists to his right? Absolutely not. They are acting in a manner that is not American and when they start yelling, “Off with his head” etc. they are becoming precisely that of which they accuse Obama. I have always understood McCain’s point to be that Obamas associations were indications of inexperience decision making and therefore a sign that he does not yet have sufficient experience to lead the country. We have all made poor associations at some time in our lives. Then at some point we reached a level of experience that allowed us to see our error and distance ourselves and decry, these former associations. As I have understood it, the question McCain has been raising is whether or not Obama has reached that mature level of experience. If not, he is hardly qualified to be President. That being the case, McCain is not conflicting his message when he says to the extremists on his right that it is one thing to call into question Obama’s decision making experience, quite another to attack his fundamental character and absolutely unAmerican to act like a terrorist yourself.

Ironically, for the purpose of demonizing McCain, it has been the liberal media that has turned McCain’s questioning of Obamas experience into character assassinations of Obama.

 
Comment by brenda caldwell

I was amazed that McCain had his own republican constituents booing him. I thought he might be endorsing Obama! The republicans have the ticket backwards, it should read Palin-McCain!!

 
Comment by Susan

So McCain finally, finally wakes up and understands he is stoking a dangerous fire, but now it’s too late to put it out. I hope he’s really proud of himself and his running mate. By the way, where is she today? Hmmm?

 
 
Comment by Mary Thomas

It;s a shame we have reverted back to the 60’s. For those of you who don’t want to go back, vote OBAMA!

 
Comment by Robert

Obama is bringing this on himself by not answering the questions. He is good ask saying a lot and you think he is answering the question but when you go over you find he siad nothing. This will keep up even if he is elected unless we get some answers. On Wright he was defending him and then at the end he said well it isn’t the guy I knew, now that is crazy, he set in his church heard he preaching for 20 years and he says he didn’t know the guy was like that give me a break. He is not answering the questions truthfully.

 
Comment by Jack Johnson

The republicans quelled their hate for much of the campaign, believing that McCain would win and it wouldn’t have to come out…. but now that he’s losing, their true colors are showing.

Obama 08

 
Comment by Indy

John McCain’s friend and campaign advisor Phil Gramm was right: This is a “nation of whiners”

 
Comment by ruth stanton

I am very concerned that senator McCain is going to loose this election!!! I will vote for him
because I think he still is the only man for the job right now- how ever I sent a comment to
him a week ago and told him he needed to get a fire in his belly and passion in his talk-I just sent
another- stating that he is not addressing the people where they are hurting- he needs to leave
all the barbs to Palin-I stated that he needs to get in Obama’s face and challange him and make him answer the hard economic questions- we want some one that will name names and say that
the people that caused this ( there is plenty of blame to go around ) will have to leaglly pay!!!!
how about all those fat cats selling all their assets and giving back to the people-then throw
their butts in jail !!!! woulld sure make the people feel like some one is on their side and some
justice being done !!!!we need a strong leader- but one that is for the people- and in my opinion
OBama is not the man-It really concerned me when McCain told the people not to be afraid of
O’Bama-I wrote to him—- What was you thinking ????? nice guys finish last !!!!!!last I told him his
( Handlers) was taking him down the wrong road ) he needs to speak to the people about this
economy and what he his plans are to help get us out of this- my opinion about those putting all
this on the tax payer- is that the wolf is still in the hen house ( and I am not refering to President
Bush )

 
Comment by Linda

I’m glad McCain defended Obama as the good man he is. It restores a bit of his honor. Unfortunately, from some of the comments on the blogs, there are still some people who are making uninformed, angry statements. Then some blame the press. That is unbelievable. If you really listen to more than FOX (very biased towards McCain), you will find your statements untrue. If you really want to get the facts as to what the positions are, go to each of the candidate’s websites sections about the issues and also to factcheck.org. Seems like some of you are looking for excuses not to vote for Obama based on misleading information rather than really basing your decisions on facts and complete knowledge as to where the candidates stand on issues.

 
Comment by toonmili

well he made that bed… so he might as well lay in it.

 
Comment by David Sugg

McCain is experiencing the frustrations of the conservative base in America. Because the main stream media will NOT be critical of Senator Obama, Americans are not getting the real story that makes Obama who he really is, a radical left wing politician that is extremely dangerous for this country and the world. Until recently, we have not heard the truth about what caused the latest turmoil in the markets. The Democratic party has their fingerprints all over this mess, and we want to hear the GOP leadership report the names of those involved. Putting these idiots in charge of over $700 billion dollars to supposedly fix this problem is like putting the fox in charge of the hen house! We’re angry, and with good reason!!

 
Comment by vkarthik

Mccain’s supporters treat this important election as some sort of bad reality show like Big Brother et al. They just shameless brand Obama as a terrorist.

 
Comment by White Independent

McCain’s own adds tell everyone to be afraid and then he’s surprised when the sheep are. I’m amazed at the amount of uneducated people in this country. We have two men wh have different views on how to make a better country for us to live in. One who thinks you give as much as you can to to the elite few and hope that they behave responsibly and provide a decent wage and benefits. That has been the Republican way for 28 years now and it took a while but it finally broke the system. It’s a great theory unfortunately people in general are greedy. Obama believes that we let the little guy keep as much wealth as possible and let governament money be spent on his behalf instead of fighting wars we don’t need to be in and giving tax breaks to companies who send our jobs overseas. The only one anyone should be afraid of is Palin. She appeals to the lowest common denominator in the republican party because she is part of the lowest common denominator. A racist religious nutcase, with little or no world view who apparenly has no problem using her power to push other people around. The investigator’s report states Palin’s efforts to get Wooten fired broke a state ethics law that bars public officials from pursuing personal interest through official action.

 
Comment by Indy

The 10 Republican and 4 Democrats found an “abuse of power” in the governor’s office. Perhaps the 10 Republicans weren’t afraid to take on their party. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Two thumbs up for them.

Now both candidates on the Republicans on the general election ticket have been investigated by lawmakers and found wanting on poor judgment and ethics.

McCain – Keating 5
Palin – TrooperGate

 
Comment by Indy

The 10 Republican and 4 Democrats found an “abuse of power” in the governor’s office. Perhaps the 10 Republicans weren’t afraid to take on their party. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Two thumbs up for them.

Now both candidates on the Republican ticket have been investigated by lawmakers and found wanting on poor judgment and ethics.

McCain – Keating 5
Palin – TrooperGate

 
Comment by Sally

It is a shame that in the best and most advanced country on earth we have so much ignorance! Both candidates are great, McCain is the best candidate for the Republican Party. Why do his followers want him to attack Obama with insults and lies? The truth does not insult it convinces. Why booing McCain when he tries to maintain a healthy campaign? Dear conservative friends he is not endorsing Obama he is trying to avoid a disaster, plus maintaining a clean campaign. Please be rational here, do we want a civil war when our economy is in bad shape and our militia is weak. If the country divides then countries which hate us are going to take advantage and destroy us. We do not want that. Obama is a great candidate too, if you feel that you do not know him read his books then. We do not know much about Sarah Palin either but we trust that McCain made a good decision.

 
Comment by choman

I think the anger coming from McCain’s supporters is frustration at the media and the government’s slackness of investigating Obama’s background. I understand anyone can run for president in our country but Obama makes Sarah Palin look like Joan of Arc..Trooper Gate and all. Lets see…how many times has Obama abused his authority? The people are frustrated because no one is doing anything. Sometimes anger comes from fear and the people are afraid of what Obama will do to our country. Obama blaming McCain for the anger of the people, could be part of his plan …to blame McCain for the division of this country but its obvious to see who has divided this country and created fear and anger. Think about it. Revolution before Oligarchy. GET THE PICTURE.??

 
Comment by MN1234

Majority voting for minority! How can that happen? We as a human race are not advanced yet. So, instead of clearly acknowledging that people are making up stupid excuses!

 
Comment by MARILYN

I believe those persons making negative comments, anger and slander about Obama were plants to get the phoney response recieved from McCain. I believe it’s just political drama staged to add compassion to MCCain’s cold blooded character.

 
Comment by McCAin Cabinet

This one is getting out of hand. McCain just slipped on the banana peel that he set out for Obama.

 
Comment by McCain Cabinet

McCain just slipped on the banana peel that he set out for Obama. GOP=Old tactics, if you can’t win use lies and fear.

 
Comment by Thad

Aaron we are not into social evolution, what we are going through is SOCIAL DEVELUTION.

 
Comment by Kim

There are just as many crazy people on the Democratic side as the Republican. I watched both conventions, and this was never more evident. Just as in all things you can’t judge an entire party because of a few bad apples that claim they belong. This is true in families, religious groups, etc.

This fear of Obama did not start with the McCain Campaign. I recall the Clinton Campaign trying to give Obama the image of “Unamerican.” I really wasn’t paying attention to the McCain campaign until I found out the ending of the Democratic campaign. I found it interesting how Cliton and Obama could trash each other so badly and then act like all was “water under the bridge” at the convention. It just seemed so fake.

I am proud of McCain for putting a stop to the negative comments made by some uneducated, over-emotional people. This election should be about the ISSUES! I believe McCain has what we need in the time we are living. He has served our country with honor and dignity his entire life. I know that it is only America’s best interest he has in mind. I also believe that if he didn’t KNOW he had the experience and ablility to take this country in the direction we need to go, then he would not have run for President.

McCain gets grief from some about over using the fact that he was a POW. I ask myself, “How can one possibly over use that experience?” Would these same people tell those who were pulled out of the World Trade Center, or those who risked their lives going in to pull others out, that they need to get over it and quit talking about it. I’d have to say that those people have never experienced such hardship, pain, suffering, and sacrifice. I think the fact that John McCain returned from being a POW (tourtured, starved, and confined for 5 years) and continued to give his life to our country tells a lot about the character and integrity of this man. It also shows me with actions, not words, that he loves, honors, and will sacrifice his own life for this country.

Thank you John McCain for your sacrificial service tour country. I will never forget! The same is for all our men and women willing to fight for our country and freedom. It takes an amazing person to do such a thing. I only wish I could be as courageous.

 
Comment by S.A. Davis

It is very aggravating to many of us that the media is not doing there job. Even FOX, “the conservative network’” has failed the American people in bringing the facts out!
I myself am getting very angry at the cool aid drinking that is going on. I believe that in the world of psychology, not admitting the facts as they really are is called denial. Wake up people. Both candidates have their shortcomings, but only one is connected to a full blown socialist group. Even the democratic platform, if one is to read it instead of drinking the cool aid of the left, is carefully veiled socialism and redistribution of wealth. It is no wonder that they chose B.O. before the primaries even began.
Sad state of affairs that we are in today. This whole thing is a very serious state of civil unrest that is in the infancy stages. We need to hear the whole truth and hear it now from the entire media network!
It just dawned on me that most of the media is feeding the people propaganda just like the communist governments of the world. Gee, what a thought, only telling people what you want them to hear. This is America. When did we throw out the constitution and they became an arm of the government? Keep people stupid so that they don’t know that they are being taken advantage of…… Wow, this is some scary stuff.

 
Comment by Kim

There are just as many crazy people on the Democratic side as the Republican. I watched both conventions, and this was never more evident. Just as in all things you can’t judge an entire party because of a few bad apples that claim they belong. This is true in families, religious groups, etc.

This fear of Obama did not start with the McCain Campaign. I recall the Clinton Campaign trying to give Obama the image of “Unamerican.” I really wasn’t paying attention to the McCain campaign until I found out the ending of the Democratic campaign. I found it interesting how Cliton and Obama could trash each other so badly and then act like all was “water under the bridge” at the convention. It just seemed so fake.

I am proud of McCain for putting a stop to the negative comments made by some uneducated, over-emotional people. This election should be about the ISSUES! I believe McCain has what we need in the time we are living. He has served our country with honor and dignity his entire life. I know that it is only America’s best interest he has in mind. I also believe that if he didn’t KNOW he had the experience and ablility to take this country in the direction we need to go, then he would not have run for President.

McCain gets grief from some about over using the fact that he was a POW. I ask myself, “How can one possibly over use that experience?” Would these same people tell those who were pulled out of the World Trade Center, or those who risked their lives going in to pull others out, that they need to get over it and quit talking about it. I’d have to say that those people have never experienced such hardship, pain, suffering, and sacrifice. I think the fact that John McCain returned from being a POW (tourtured, starved, and confined for 5 years) and continued to give his life to our country tells a lot about the character and integrity of this man. It also shows me with actions, not words, that he loves, honors, and will sacrifice his own life for this country.

Thank you John McCain for your sacrificial service tour country. I will never forget! The same is for all our men and women willing to fight for our country and freedom. It takes an amazing person to do such a thing. I only wish I could be as courageous.

 
Comment by undecided95

It is just hilarious how all these people that are rabid supporters of McCain/Palin are terrible spellers. It shows a direct correlation between the hate they feel against a Harvard educated young candidate and their inability to write….Just look at some comments on this board FOR PETE’S SAKE! These people can speak!

 
Comment by agentmckay

McCain and Palin rallys remind me of Germany in the late 1920’s. I would expect if my by some miracle they were elected McCain would appoint Palin Minster of Propaganda.

 
Comment by Jhale

You know what you Liberal pukes… its not over. Not by a long shot. D day is coming.

 
Comment by Palin 2012

Nice Fox calling it anger and not hate…

Those people hate America, and they hate any thing outside their bible group

 
Comment by Michele

I am MAD also that McCain Won’t stan up for US, He says he is Truthful and I do believe that but Why is he Letting Oboma Run over us, When He McCain Has the Proof that Oboma is NOT A GOOD MAN, ” HE IS A MON TO OVERTHROW OUR GOVERMENT, HOW IS THAT GOOD

 
Comment by Jhale

You know what FLEX, Berry, Bill Terrell… Go stick a large pole up your butt.. Get a real job and stop looking for handouts from the government. Im certain you all think the government owes you something.. Looser Liberals.. I will stand up and fight for my country. I am a War Vet and I know you have done nothing in your pathetic lives to stand up and fight for our freedom. Please do us all some good and move to Europe.

 
Comment by Cindy

P H I L I P,

Could you re-type your post in the English language and use spell check?

 
Comment by gavintiegirl

Ruth Stanton: It’s over and there is nothing you can do about it. Start getting used to the sound of President Obama. People like you make our country look bad around the globe.

 
Comment by Robert Reno

What respect I did have for McCain dried up when he resorted to race bating and fear mongering by spreading malicious lies and slander; shame on him, for he has resorted to bearing false witness. He pandered to the worst of the worst in the republican party, and thereby gave the racists and bigots tacit permission to come out of the closet, and that is why he ended up having to defend Obama in public. It is his own fault.

 
Comment by Lindea

If it wasn’t such a serious matter it would be comical that is the way McCain had to calm his followers down in regards to their fears of Obama……What kind of leadership does this man have when his intent is to pit Americans against his opponent by using fear tactics?!?? First of all his strategy appears to send his sidekick Palin out to do the damage on Obama reving up up the crowds to see Obama in the light of a terriorist…… You are appealing to the single minded and the simple minded that can not get the facts for themselves sad and scarey! Mr McCain shame on you that you would stoop so low. People do not have to like Obama or vote for him that is their right but to attempt to put this patriotic man Obama as yourself in the light of doing or potentially doing harm to our country I can’t believe it!!!! I used to have respect for you Mr McCain however no more. This is politics as usual you have not set yourselves away from the others Mr Mccain…..And your solgan “Country First” what a line why don’t you get back to that if that’s what your beliefs are in and leave the dirty politcs go. Our troubles our serious in this country the economy, 2 wars, health insurance, immigration we need to be united not divided!!!!!

 
Comment by SKV

William Ayers, Father Flager, Rev Wright, Rashid Khalidi, Louis Farrakhan, ACORN, Woods Fund. Check these out!!! This campaign needs negativity! There is nothing positive about Senator Obama! He is dangerous for this country! The mainstream media has hidden the “real” Obama until now…the truth is emerging…don’t let the financial crisis bury the truth about Obama. Do some research, be an intelligent, informed voter!

 
Comment by Chandu

Who IS the real John McCain? Nyahahahahahahah!

 
Comment by Katherine Vork

McCain/Palin would like us to believe that we “…don’t really know..” Barack Omama, a man who’s given hundreds of interviews written books and had books written about him and has been the focus of media scrutiny since his electrifying speech at the 2004 Dem convention. The truth is, though, the more people get to know, the more they like him, which is why he’s polling so well, and it gets better after each debate.
Poor Sarah. I can see why they keep her hidden as much as possible, and scripted and tightly-leashed when we do see her. As we learn about Palin (including, today, that she has no respect for ethics OR the law when they get in the way of what she wants…), her ticket’s numbers drop: We didn’t know Sarah, and to NOT know her was to love her. The more we know, the less we like.

 
Comment by Scott in Seattle

As a devote Republican, I am appalled and disgusted by the way people are reacting to Mr. Obama. The hatred and racism that is being spread is harmful and dangerous for this Country. It is this type of ignorance that is ruining our party. For those of you spreading this type of rhetoric, do you even know or understand the guidong prinicples of our party? My assumption is you probably don’t. You are the stereotypical fanatical (soory but can’t put it a nicer way) right wing Christian, who probably is in your late 20’s early 30’s, never been out of your home State and born into the false sense of the Country and world that you now preach. My advice to you is expand your ability to look at more to life. I don’t know how you all function living in such false fear.

 
Comment by tech

I would rather support BillAYers than be seen anywhere close to Palin. At least Bill Ayers is educated and intelligent! His students love him and think the world of him. He is acquitted and Christianity teaches forgiveness. It is not like we are voting for Bill Ayers for President, or his wife. Althou my opinion is that Bill Ayers would make a better vp than Palin! The DUD is a drag on the GOP ticket. I only wish McCain had chosen Romney….this race would have been different.

If Palin does not stop and go back to Alaska, McCain is going to lose BIG and shamefully. To save face, he needs to let her go back. She is going to cause the downfall of GOP in all races including senate, house and Governor!. Not even “Joe six pack” thinks that Palin is representing their values!. They think Jo Biden represents the joe six pack!

 
Comment by c berry

Let me think about this. Sarah Palin, who McCain picked for VP and has now been proven to have abused her power and the Keating Five=McCain’s poor judgement. Obama has not been convicted of anything, even though the McCain/Palin camp has tried to paint him as a terrorist by association. Hmmm. Along with the messed up economy after the republicans have been in power for 8 years should make people think that just maybe, their candidate should not be elected for the highest office in the country. Now we see McCain telling his followers that Obama is a decent man and not to be afraid if he would be elected president after spewing hate and lies against him while campaigning. Doesn’t all of this evidence scare anyone? I does me and I wouldn’t take a chance on electing him and his “sweet” Sarah for office of the President of the United States. We need real change–vote for Obama.

 
Comment by Myles

I have been reading your comments and am extremely concerned about the hatred being portrait on the Internet. If we are not careful, we can start a race war and completely destroy our country. The same people that told outrageous lies about McCain in 2000 are now running his campaign. Why? I had the up most respect for the original Senator McCain, but do not recognize the person I see here today. I am Saved Sanctified and Holyghost Filled, and have love for everybody, just as my Jesus, who is my lord and savior did and DOES.

MAY GOD BLESS US AND FOREGIVE OUR HATRID OF OTHER RACES AND CULTURES, FOR GOD MADE US ALL.

http://mamacokethinktank.com/

 
Comment by Jae (Maryland)

Saw Senator McCain on CNN last night trying to calm people down at his rallies and I saw again the Honorable Gentleman from Arizona that has been missing for the past two years. Let me be clear, I am a liberal democrat and fiscal conservative and I have admired John McCain for a long time. I’ve been thinking about voting for Obama, but after seeing the senator inform people and remind them that his opponent is a decent man, it has made me reconsider my vote. I’ve personally hate the way our politics has veered from real debates on issues and into personal attacks. Both parties are guilty of it and it is a disservice to America. John McCain is finally showing his true colors and shows that somewhere inside, the decent and intelligent man is still within him. If he had shown me this side early in the campaign, my vote would be a definite instead of a maybe. God bless.

 
Comment by Ray Norris

Yes, we supporters are peeved, to put it very mildly. We know he is the only anti-Washington candidate. Obama frightens me, but I am afraid he will win because of the ineptness of McCain’s senior staff. They have never been proactive, hence they are all over the place. One junior staffer told me there are so many moving parts to this campaign he is amazed anything gets done. But McCain cannot defend Obama any longer. He has about 96 hours in which to turn this around or it’s all over. If you are upset, go ahead and email two members of the senior staff, Michael DuHaime at mduhaime@johnmccain08hq.com and Tucker Bounds at tbounds@johnmccain08hq.com.

 
Comment by James McConnell

What I really want answers to is why no news service (especially Fox) is not reporting on this case in the “United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, BERG v. OBAMA Civil Action No: 08-cv-04083″, where Obama and the DNC keep stonewalling a ruling reguarding Obama’s status to Run for or hold office? US Citizenship is a question that must be answered before election time, whats everyone waiting for here?
Whats the deal, are all Fox News reporters afraid of this one, or has it just been swept aside, force the issue , make it public, put it in the faces of everyone and force a descision before its too late to matter. Jim in Bristol, NH

 
Comment by Linda

I’m glad McCain restored some of his honor by defending Obama. Hope he and Palin both stop with the dangerous misleading rhetoric. It is disturbing that there are still those on this blog who obviously believe what was being said. Hopefully the right wing nuts will find a way to start thinking rationally and support their candidate for the right reasons. Politics is emotional but there is one thing about being passionate about a candidate’s position on the issues and his political record while in office and starting and fueling rumors about a candidate and then blaming the liberal democrats and the press. To vote responsibly, you need to be able to filter through the rhetoric of the candidates and press, check or listen to unbiased fact checking websites, read the candidates full statements on the issues, and note that many of the issues meant to inflame have already been thoroughly investigated.

 
Comment by Ray N

I am more than a little angry over McCain’s defense of Obama. Look at this guy — he has a very shady past with unrepentent terrorists, radical Islamists, etc. McCain only has until Wednesday night to turn this around or it’s all over. His senior staff should have been fired long ago. They are giving him horrible advice and it is going to cost him the election which is an American tragedy. They should be ashamed. If you feel that way please email them and tell them so. Michael DuHamie at mduhaime@johnmccain08hq.com and Tucker Bounds at tbounds@johnmccain08hq.com. We have to help get this turned around now and time is very short.

 
Comment by Phil Rezin

I was impressed for the first time when I saw this on CNN and had to come here and give a little respect to Mr. John McCain. When he said Obama is a decent man and that you don’t need to worry about an Obama presidency I was stunned. So thank you Senator McCain! Go Obama though!

 
Comment by Beverly

Look, the issue that many Americans have with the Republican rallies of late, are not with just “anger” Howard Green. Political rallies often have angry people in attendance, and believe me, there is whole lot to be angry about. What many people take issue with is the hate, and the racism, and the fact that until yesterday, Senator McCain did not offer a rebuttal to these people, and let the extreme right get out of hand. Calling publically for the assasination of a US Senator, whether it was spoken out of frustration or not, should never be taken lightly. I don’t believe that this type of hate speech is what the Republican party is about. I’m not sure when the party became more interested in winning and kicked integrity to the curb. I think Republicans should publicall