GREENDALE, Wis. - The question from the floor was clearly one that has been on veteran Republican John McCain’s mind as he campaigns to replace his party’s unpopular two-term President George W. Bush in the November election.
“My question is, since Republicans have had the mantle of control as long as they have had, how in the world are we going to re-energize a base of totally disillusioned Republicans?” the woman asked at a town hall meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“While you are a Washington insider, how can you say it is going to be different for the next four years when we have been so bitterly disappointed?” she added.
“I thank you. That’s one of the questions that many Americans will be asking,” McCain replied, in front of a large crowd at the Martin Luther High School gymnasium, later conceding that he had “a lot of work to do.”
The Arizona senator will face either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, Democratic senators from Illinois and New York respectively, in the November election in which Bush’s handling of the Iraq war, a soft and jittery economy, and a weak housing market are key issues for voters.
In reply, McCain painted himself as an outsider inside the beltway with a record of battling special interests, and as a candidate who would stand up to scrutiny on key issues such as energy dependence and national security.
“I didn’t win Miss Congeniality in the United States Senate for a reason. Because I fought against the wasteful spending, I led investigations that ended up putting people in jail … So I have a record of reform and fighting against the special interests in Washington,” he said.
“I have to provide a vision for the future of this country and a plan of action to address our energy dependence issues, to address our housing crisis, to address our health-care needs, so that people … and to keep this nation secure. So that’s going to come when people examine the candidates.
McCain said he was happy with where his campaign was at present.
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
Photo: Reuters/Rick Wilking - John McCain waves to supporters in Denver, Colorado on May 27.
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3 comments so far
Would that we could simply fast forward to inauguration day here in the United States.
I only want to see Mr. Obama’s first 100 days. That finite period of time is the only thing relevant to me at the moment.
There is some famous Hollywood movie dialogue that goes something like this:
“Your kind of days are over.
My days? And yours, gunfighter?
The difference is I know it.”
It was a pronouncement made by Shane (Alan Ladd) about his days as a gunfighter…and those of his antagonist, Ryker.
Mr. McCain’s days as a “political gunslinger” are just as over. It’s time to retire, right along with the likes of Tony Blair, Henry Kissinger, George Bush and Bill Clinton. There are lots of others.
The difference between Mr. McCain and Shane is that, like Ryker, the former can’t bear to face reality. He’s been living inside the beltway bubble far too long.
Jack
- Posted by JackCondoleezza Rice should be a running as VP…to John McCain
- Posted by NilmaBostonRioYes he does have a lot to do.
Finding the right retirement home can be tricky.
Still - at his age, why be on a hiding to nothing?
Much better to retire honourably.
If you get my drift!
- Posted by The Truth Is...