WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT JOHN MCCAIN'S VFW CONVENTION SPEECH
At Yesterday's Annual VFW Convention, John McCain And Hillary Clinton "Presented Starkly Different Assessments Of The War And The Strategy Going Forward"
The New York Times: "In back-to-back speeches before an audience of military veterans here today, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain praised the fortitude of American troops fighting in Iraq, but presented starkly different assessments of the war and the strategy going forward." (Jeff Zeleny, "Clinton And McCain Differ On Iraq At Veterans' Meeting," The New York Times, 8/20/07)
The Hill: "McCain used a large portion of his remarks to address the bond of loyalty that connects the men and women who have fought on the front lines." (Klaus Marre, "McCain Touts Military Credentials," The Hill, 8/21/07
John McCain "Won Their Hearts" With VFW Speech, As Audience "Roared With Approval"
New York Daily News: McCain "Won Their Hearts." "Hillary Clinton gave respect and won some yesterday from an audience of mostly aging vets -- but Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won their hearts." (Richard Sisk, "Hil Wins Cheers, McCain Hearts At VFW," [New York] Daily News, 8/21/07)
The New York Times: "[T]he Audience Roared With Approval." "When Mr. McCain presented an opposing view, saying the troop buildup in Iraq needed time to succeed, the audience roared with approval." (Jeff Zeleny, "Clinton And McCain Take Differing Stands On Iraq," The New York Times, 8/20/07)
The Kansas City Star: "McCain Was Applauded 10 Times, Including Standing Ovations ..." "McCain was applauded 10 times, including standing ovations when he came in (10 seconds) and at the end (18). No crossed arms when he spoke. Those on stage leaned forward, looking either directly at the senator or his image on the monitor." (Steve Kraske, "Sens. Hillary Clinton, John McCain Address VFW Convention In KC," The Kansas City Star, 8/20/07)
"Mr. McCain's Speech Was Interrupted By Friendly Applause From People Seated Throughout The Hall." (Jeff Zeleny, "Clinton And McCain Differ On Iraq At Veterans' Meeting," The New York Times, 8/20/07)
The Associated Press: "McCain, A Former Vietnam War Prisoner Of War, Received A Warmer Reception -- And Louder Applause During His Remarks." "The crowd was mostly friendly to Clinton and offered polite applause throughout her speech. McCain, a former Vietnam War prisoner of war, received a warmer reception -- and louder applause during his remarks." (John Hanna, "Clinton, McCain Split On Iraq Pullout," The Associated Press, 8/20/07)
"It Was The Most Outstanding Speech I Ever Heard"
Bob Tanner, Americus, GA: "It Was The Most Outstanding Speech I Ever Heard ..." "When the topic turned to McCain's speech, a stream of tears descended from [Bob] Tanner's [of VFW Post 4784 in Americus, GA] eyes. 'It was the most outstanding speech I ever heard,' he said." (Steve Kraske, "Sens. Hillary Clinton, John McCain Address VFW Convention In KC," The Kansas City Star, 8/20/07)
Sgt. Matt Stuart, Salt Lake City, UT: "McCain Talked To Vets On Their Level. I Liked McCain." "Matt Stuart, 28, of Salt Lake City, who was a sergeant with the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, said 'she talked about programs, but McCain talked to vets on their level. I liked McCain.'" (Richard Sisk, "Hil Wins Cheers, McCain Hearts At VFW," [New York] Daily News, 8/21/07)
Marilyn Nee, Whitman, MA: "I Like His Views Right Now ... We Could Be Fighting Another War On Our Own Shores If We Aren't Careful ..." "Marilyn Nee from Whitman, Massachusetts, who said she was an independent, favored McCain over Clinton. 'I like his views right now,' Nee said. 'We could be fighting another war on our own shores if we aren't careful.'" (Carey Gillam, "Clinton, McCain Woo Veterans' Group," Reuters, 8/21/07)
Carol Budzyn, Warren, MI: "I Liked McCain ... I Don't Like Us Being There (Iraq) But I'm Supportive Of The Effort." (Carey Gillam, "Clinton, McCain Woo Veterans' Group," Reuters, 8/21/07)
