2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad, "Guts"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "GUTS"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad, entitled "Guts," to run in New Hampshire.  The new ad focuses on John McCain's long and often lonely fight against wasteful pork-barrel spending in Washington.
John McCain, named a "Taxpayer Hero" by Citizens Against Government Waste, has led the fight against wasteful spending his entire career. In one successful effort, John McCain saved the taxpayers up to $2 billion in wasteful and corrupt spending in the Boeing tanker deal.  The Armed Forces Journal said McCain "virtually single-handedly killed" the Boeing tanker deal.  McCain's investigation led to criminal convictions and exposed the largest Pentagon weapons scandal in 20 years.

McCain Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker stated, "All the candidates for president say they'll stop wasteful spending, but only one man has actually done it: John McCain." 

Script for "Guts" (:30-TV)

ANNCR: When special interests and bureaucrats conspired to spend 30 billion of your tax dollars on a defense contract boondoggle, everyone looked the other way.

Everyone except one man.

One man has the experience to know it was wrong and the courage to stop it.

Corruption exposed. 

Billions saved.

Wrongdoers jailed.

All the candidates for president say they'll stop wasteful spending.

One man has actually done it.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'll stop wasteful spending by Congress.   Restore trust in government.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

DR. JERRY ZANDSTRA ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

DR. JERRY ZANDSTRA ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Dr. Jerry Zandstra, President of the Pro-Life Federation of Michigan and former member of the Brownback for President National Steering Committee, has endorsed John McCain for President of the United States.

"I am sad to see Sam leave the race for president, but proud to announce my support for John McCain because he is the only pro-life candidate in the race with the ability to defeat Senator Hillary Clinton," said Dr. Jerry Zandstra. "I will volunteer nearly full-time over the next several weeks to convince other pro-life leaders and Brownback supporters that John McCain is the best candidate for conservatives to support."

John McCain thanked Dr. Zandstra, stating, "I am grateful to have Jerry's support. He is a distinguished leader among conservative organizers in Michigan and across the country. I look forward to working with him as we continue to build our strong grassroots organization in the Great Lakes State."

John McCain 2008 Launches New Televison Ad, "Woodstock"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "WOODSTOCK"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad, entitled "Woodstock," to run in New Hampshire.  The new ad focuses on John McCain's commitment to eliminating wasteful pork-barrel spending as opposed to Senator Hillary Clinton, who has in her short time in the Senate come to symbolize the problem of outrageous overspending in Washington.
John McCain, named a "Taxpayer Hero" by Citizens Against Government Waste, has led the fight against wasteful spending his entire career.  In one successful effort, John McCain eliminated up to $2 billion in wasteful and corrupt spending in the Boeing tanker deal.  On the other hand, Senator Clinton requested a total of $2.4 billion in earmarks in 2008.  Senator Clinton's earmarks included $1 million for a Woodstock Museum, $500,000 for a "Virtual Herbarium" and $1.2 million for research on growing grapes.

McCain Campaign Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker stated, "Senator Clinton is apparently still living in the 'Age of Aquarius' rather than in an age of fiscal responsibility."

Script for "Woodstock" (:30-TV)

ANNCR: It was a cultural event that defined a generation.  Worthy of fond memories. 

But worthy of a million of your tax dollars to build a museum?

Hillary Clinton thinks so.

John McCain disagrees.

He's been cutting wasteful spending for more than 20 years.

That's why Citizens Against Government Waste calls John McCain a Taxpayer Hero.

It's a matter of priorities.

John McCain says, if you want to relive Woodstock ... buy the record.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad, "Tied Up"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "TIED UP"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad, entitled "Tied Up," to run in New Hampshire.  The new ad highlights John McCain's classic line from the GOP debate this week in Florida opposing Senator Clinton's attempt to spend $1 million in taxpayers' money for a Woodstock Museum in New York.

Script for "Tied Up" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: "A few days ago, Senator Clinton tried to spend one million dollars on the Woodstock concert museum.

"Now my friends, I wasn't there.  I'm sure it was a cultural and pharmaceutical event.

"I was, I was tied up at the time."

(APPLAUSE)

JOHN MCCAIN: "No one can be President of the United States that supports projects such as these.

"I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

Dan Hughes Joins John McCain's New Hampshire Leadership Team

DAN HUGHES JOINS JOHN MCCAIN'S NEW HAMPSHIRE LEADERSHIP TEAM

MANCHESTER, NH -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the addition of Dan Hughes as state Vice Chair of its New Hampshire leadership team. Hughes, previously involved with Fred Thompson's New Hampshire campaign, is the latest addition to the growing grassroots organization in support of John McCain's candidacy in the Granite State.

"John McCain has the experience to lead our nation, the ability to unite the Republican Party and is best prepared to win the White House," said Dan Hughes. "Senator McCain understands the value and purpose of New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary and the importance of building a strong grassroots organization in the Granite State."

"Dan is a crucial addition to our growing New Hampshire grassroots organization," John McCain said. "His dedication to our shared Republican ideals makes him a powerful advocate for my campaign in the Granite State."

What They're Saying About John McCain At The Florida GOP Debate

What They're Saying About John McCain At The Florida GOP Debate

"John McCain is showing the feisty, maverick spirit he has always been known for. It was on clear display tonight. What a night!" -- CBN's David Brody

McCain Earns "Standing Ovation," With "The Best Line Of The Campaign So Far" -- "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race"

Watch John McCain's Line On Hillary Clinton's Woodstock Museum: "I Was Tied Up At The Time"

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "A Standing Ovation. McCain Is On. McCain Could Be The Comeback Man Yet." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "McCain's Maturity," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Lopez: "Wow! ... John McCain Is Mixing It Up Man. No Holds Barred. He Went To Orlando Tonight To FIGHT." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Wow!" National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)<!--[endif]-->

The American Spectator's Philip Klein: "McCain Brought Down The House By Referencing Hillary Wanting To Give Money For A Woodstock Museum -- 'I Was Tied Up At The Time.' Even His Opponents Applauded." "But McCain brought down the house by referencing Hillary wanting to give money for a Woodstock museum -- 'I was tied up at the time.' Even his opponents applauded." (Philip Klein, "Hitting Hillary," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Klein: "McCain Showed A Mixture Of Maturity, Experience And Good Humor ..." (Philip Klein, "Debate Wrap," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)<!--[endif]-->

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race." (Jim Geraghty, "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race," National Review's "Campaign Spot" Blog, 10/21/07)

Geraghty: McCain "Gets A Standing Ovation. Best Line Of The Campaign So Far." "'Hillary tried to get a million dollars for the Woodstock museum. I understand it was a major cultural and pharmaceutical event. I couldn't attend. I was tied up at the time.' It gets a standing ovation. Best line of the campaign so far." (Jim Geraghty, "Thank God John McCain Is In This Race," National Review's "Campaign Spot" Blog, 10/21/07)

ABC News' Bret Hovell: "The Republicans Have Been United About Hillary, But They Were Just United About McCain Too." "ABC's Bret Hovell picks up on the standing ovation McCain got for the 'tied up' line. It also earned him applause from his colleagues on the stage. Hovell: 'The Republicans have been united about Hillary, but they were just united about McCain too.'" (Rick Klein, "Live-Blogging During Tonight's GOP Debate," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, 10/21/07)

Time's Ana Marie Cox: "McCain Isn't Bringing It On, It Has Already Been Broughten." (Ana Marie Cox, "Liveblogging: The Orlando Oral Exam," Time's "Swampland" Blog, 10/21/07)

Cox: "McCain Had The Best Line ..." (Ana Marie Cox, "Liveblogging: The Orlando Oral Exam," Time's "Swampland" Blog, 10/21/07)

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "A Great Moment For McCain ... It May Be The Line Of The Night." "A Great Moment For McCain ... It may be the line of the night. McCain, on why he didn't attend Woodstock: 'I was tied up at the time.' Loud applause soon followed, McCain couldn't resist a smile, knowing he got off a gem, and the entire audience soon stood up to show their appreciation for the former POW." (Jonathan Martin, "A Great Moment For McCain," Politico, 10/21/07)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "John McCain -- The Only Standing Ovation Belonged To Him For His Classic Line About Hillary Clinton's Woodstock Museum Earmark ... Substantively, He Was Crisp And Detailed." "John McCain -- the only standing ovation belonged to him for his classic line about Hillary Clinton's Woodstock museum earmark: 'I'm sure it was an historical and pharmaceutical event... I was tied up at the time.' He tried hard -- at times too hard -- to rise above his opponents, talking just a little too slowly and softly at times. Substantively, he was crisp and detailed." (Marc Ambinder, "The Republican Debate: First Take," The Atlantic Blog, 10/21/07)

The Wall Street Journal's Susan Davis: It Was "McCain's Moment" At Tonight's Debate, "Earning ... The Longest Sustained Applause So Far And A Standing Ovation." "Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) had a hit at tonight's debate in Florida, earning him the longest sustained applause so far and a standing ovation. Casting himself against Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton, McCain noted Clinton's support of a $1 million earmark for a museum celebrating 1960's music festival Woodstock -- which the Senate stripped out of a spending bill last week. A long-time opponent of earmarks, McCain deftly used the earmark to contrast himself against Clinton. 'Now my friends, I wasn't there. I'm sure it was a cultural and pharmaceutical event. I was tied up at the time,' he said to raucous applause. At the time of the famous 1969 music festival, McCain was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, from 1967-1973. 'But my friends, no one can be president of the United States that can support projects like these.'" (Susan Davis, "McCain's Moment," The Wall Street Journal Online, 10/21/07)

Power Line Blog's Scott Johnson: McCain Had "The Best Line Of The Campaign So Far." "McCain seemed to me to get in the best line of the campaign so far: 'In case you missed it, a few days ago Senator Clinton tried to spend one million dollars on the Woodstock concert museum. Now, my friends, I wasn't there. I'm sure it was a major cultural and pharmaceutical event. I was tied up at the time.' That line deserves an entry in Bartlett's." (Scott Johnson, "Best Line Of The Campaign So Far," Power Line Blog, 10/21/07)

National Review: "GREAT Line By McCain. Also, Showing Some Gravitas Relative To Most Everybody Else On The Stage." "'I would much rather lose a campaign than lose a war.' GREAT line by McCain. Also, showing some gravitas relative to most everybody else on the stage." ("McCain Showing More Signs Of Life," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

New Hampshire Green Mountain Politics Blog: McCain's Line Was The "The Moment Of The Night. John McCain Is An American Hero And The Candidate Most Qualified To Be President In 2008. Period. End Of Story." (Clacker, "I Was Tied Up At The Time," Green Mountain Politics Blog, 10/21/07)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "Tonight, John McCain 'The Statesman' Showed Up." "Tonight, John McCain 'the Statesman' showed up. He was energetic enough to show his virility, yet calm enough to demonstrate gravitas. He did a terrific job of balancing humor with seriousness, and his classy brand of humor served to underscore his serious points." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Candidates Mix-It-Up," Townhall, 10/21/07)

Lewis: "It Feels Like John McCain Is 'On' Tonight." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Candidates Mix-It-Up," Townhall, 10/21/07)

Lewis: "John McCain Is Coming On Strong Tonight ..." "John McCain is coming on strong tonight, too. He seems to be finally making the case in a very eloquent way that his background qualifies him to be president." (Matt Lewis, "GOP Candidates Mix-It-Up," Townhall, 10/21/07)

NBC's Domenico Montanaro: "McCain Throwing It Out There ... Very Aggressive For Sure." (Domenico Montanaro, "McCain Throwing It Out There," NBC's First Read Blog, 10/21/07)

The American Spectator's Jennifer Rubin: "McCain Is On His Game." (Jennifer Rubin, "Debate 3," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)

Rubin: "McCain Is Just A Delight -- Funny (OK Hysterical) And A Real Grown Up." (Jennifer Rubin, "Another Break," American Spectator Blog, 10/21/07)

"Plain And Simple, McCain Won" Tonight's Debate, Showing "Feisty, Maverick Spirit He Has Always Been Known For ... What A Night!"

Ankle Biting Pundits' Bull Dog Pundit: "Plain And Simple, McCain Won. ... One Word Sums Up His Performance -- 'Presidential.'" "Plain and simple, McCain won. ... One word sums up his performance -- 'Presidential.' That doesn't mean I agree with him on everything, but the man seems to be ready for the job and understands its enormity. He was especially strong discussing the real problems of the health care system, and what would happen if the Democrats take it over. I especially liked how he diffused the issue of his problems with Jerry Falwell. And let's be honest -- if there's a foreign policy crisis - who else would you want in office?" (Bull Dog Pundit, "The GOP Debate -- The Best So Far," Ankle Biting Pundits Blog, 10/21/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "Who Won? ... John McCain." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Who Won?" National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

Lopez: "McCain Had A Great Night." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "The Winner, Full Answer," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

CBN's David Brody: "John McCain Is Showing The Feisty, Maverick Spirit He Has Always Been Known For. It Was On Clear Display Tonight. What A Night!" "Then McCain got a rare standing ovation at the debate with this funny line that wrapped Hillary Clinton, wasteful spending and his time as a POW all in one. ... It was a masterful line. John McCain is showing the feisty, maverick spirit he has always been known for. It was on clear display tonight. What a night!" (David Brody, "Brody File Reaction To GOP Debate," CBN's Brody File Blog, 10/21/07)

Eye On '08's Soren Dayton: "McCain Wins The Debate ... Clearly Moved The Ball." "McCain Wins The Debate ... Well, McCain's lines dominated the narrative ... My hunch is that McCain wins. ... On a deeper level, McCain clearly moved the ball." (Soren Dayton, "McCain Wins The Debate," Eye On '08 Blog, 10/21/07)

Power Line Blog's Paul Mirengoff: "The Other Major Winner Was John McCain. McCain Brought The House Down When He Criticized Hillary Clinton For Supporting The Woodstock Memorial Museum." "The other major winner was John McCain. McCain brought the house down when he criticized Hillary Clinton for supporting the Woodstock memorial museum. McCain acknowledged that Woodstock must have been 'a cultural and pharmaceutical event,' but noted that he couldn't make it because he 'was tied up at the time.' McCain got off another great line when asked if President Bush had been naive when it came to Vladimir Putin. McCain said he didn't know about that, but when he (McCain) looked into Putin's eyes (he probably meant to say soul) he saw three letters, K-G-B. In addition to the one-liners, McCain gave sensible and concise answers on a range of issues." (Paul Mirengoff, "A Sleeping Giant Wakes Up," Power Line Blog, 10/21/07)

National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "Experience In Foreign Affairs Shows And McCain Just Showed It." (Kate O'Beirne, "Sober And Fluid," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 10/21/07)

Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell: "McCain Had A Good Night. He Sounded Confident And Classy ..." "McCain had a good night. He sounded confident and classy -- and like he knew what he was talking about on most every issue ... which is something that can't be said for everyone." (Scott Maxwell, "Winners And Losers," Orlando Sentinel Blog, 10/21/07)

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS FOLLOWING FLORIDA GOP DEBATE

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS FOLLOWING FLORIDA GOP DEBATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Rick Davis, John McCain 2008 Campaign Manager, issued the following statement on tonight's Republican presidential debate:

"John McCain once again outlined his optimistic and realistic vision for America's future in tonight's Florida GOP debate. McCain's life-long conservative record of reducing the size of government, eliminating pork-barrel spending, cutting taxes, supporting strict constructionist judges, and defending traditional values proves why he is the most formidable Republican candidate for President. He is the only conservative in this contest who can beat Hillary Clinton.

"John McCain's indisputable national security and international expertise demonstrate why he continues to be the only leader with the judgment and experience to confront the transcendent challenge facing our nation -- the struggle against radical Islamic extremism. McCain's unwavering dedication to our country and record of service and sacrifice continues to stand out among all other candidates on either side of the aisle, and he remains the only candidate who is qualified to lead America from day one."

Statement By McCain Iowa Chair Dave Roederer And Senior Advisor Chuck Larson On The Caucus Date

STATEMENT BY MCCAIN IOWA CHAIR DAVE ROEDERER AND SENIOR ADVISOR CHUCK LARSON ON CAUCUS DATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's Iowa state Chair Dave Roederer and Senior Advisor Chuck Larson today issued the following statement on the Republican Party of Iowa's announcement that it will hold its first-in-the-nation caucus on January 3, 2008:

"Over the next 79 days, John McCain will continue to take his message of service, sacrifice and bold solutions for our country directly to Iowa voters.  We are convinced that as he continues to visit the state, Iowa Republicans will agree that John McCain is the only candidate with the experience, character and vision to restore Americans' trust in their government and win the struggle against radical Islamic extremism.  Further, our strong and growing grassroots organization will play a vital role in ensuring a successful caucus night for John McCain."

John McCain Announces Iowa Health Care Coalition Leadership

JOHN MCCAIN ANNOUNCES IOWA HEALTH CARE COALITION LEADERSHIP

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its Iowa Health Care Coalition Leadership. Dr. Kelly Wren will serve as coalition chair.

"John McCain's plan focuses on quality care and that's what I went to medical school to deliver. These reforms make the U.S health care system more responsive to patients and their families and will afford doctors the opportunity to concentrate on patient care," said Dr. Wren.

John McCain thanked the coalition leadership for their support, adding, "We must reform the health care system to make it work for American families. By addressing the fundamental problem with our health care system -- the rapidly rising cost of care -- and by harnessing market competition, we can build a system that is more responsive to our needs and is delivered to more people at lower cost."

IOWA HEALTH CARE COALITION LEADERSHIP

Dr. Kelly Wren, Chair
Robert Hopkins, P.A.
Teresa Long, R.N.
Angela Peterman, P.A.
Dr. John Wright, M.D.

John McCain Unveils Health Care Reform Plan

JOHN MCCAIN UNVEILS HEALTH CARE REFORM PLAN

ARLINGTON, VA -- In a speech today in Des Moines, Iowa, John McCain will unveil his vision for reforming America's health care system.  McCain will outline a comprehensive plan to make the American health care system responsive to the needs of families, assuring quality care at lower costs by harnessing market competition.

"I believe Americans want to be part of a system that offers high quality care; that respects their individual dignity and is available at reasonable cost," said John McCain.  "I offer a genuinely conservative vision for health care reform, which preserves the most essential value of American lives -- freedom.  We can build a health care system that is more responsive to our needs and is delivered to more people at lower cost.  We must reform the health care system to make it responsive to the needs of American families."

John McCain: Bold Solutions For American Health Care

John McCain believes health care reform should make the entire system responsive to the needs of American families -- assuring quality care at lower costs by harnessing market competition.

• Put Families In Charge Of Their Health Care Dollars And Give Them More Control Over Their Care While Improving The Quality Of Care And Lowering Costs By Promoting Competition.
• Reform The Tax Code To Eliminate The Bias Toward Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance And Provide All Individuals With A Refundable $2,500 Tax Credit ($5,000 For Families) As Incentive To Buy Health Insurance.  Individuals purchasing innovative -- portable, multi-year -- policies that cost less than the full credit can deposit the remainder in health savings accounts.
• Promote Open Health Care Markets To Encourage Competition And Lower Costs To American Families.  Promote open health care markets by permitting providers to practice nationwide, allowing families to purchase health insurance across state lines and through any willing sponsor, supporting innovative delivery systems, and thus promoting rapid deployment of 21st century information systems.
• Pass Tort Reform To Eliminate Frivolous Lawsuits And Excessive Damage Awards To Lower Health Care Costs.  Provide a safe harbor for doctors that follow clinical guidelines and adhere to patient safety protocols.
• Promote Personal Responsibility And Prevention Of Chronic Conditions To Lower Health Care Costs And Foster A Healthier Population.  We must do more to take care of ourselves to prevent chronic diseases when possible, and more to adhere to treatment after we are diagnosed with an illness.  Childhood obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are all on the rise.  We must again teach our children about health, nutrition and exercise.
• Foster The Development Of Routes For Safe, Cheaper Generic Versions Of Drugs To Lower The Costs Of Vital Treatments.  Develop safety protocols that permit re-importation to keep competition vigorous.
• Reform The Payment Systems In Medicare To Compensate Providers For Diagnosis, Prevention, And Care Coordination, Improving The Quality Of Care While Lowering Costs.  Medicare should not pay for preventable medical errors or mismanagement.