2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rod Pacheco Endorses McCain

PROMINENT RIVERSIDE REPUBLICAN ENDORSES MCCAIN
District Attorney Rod Pacheco Supports Arizona Senator's Record Of Leadership

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former California State Assembly Republican Leader Rod Pacheco will support the Arizona Senator's candidacy for the White House.

"Senator McCain has consistently shown the courage to stand up and lead on the issues that matter most," said Pacheco. "John McCain's unimpeachable record of service and his commitment to conservative principles make him the candidate most prepared to lead."

Senator John McCain said that he was proud to have Pacheco's support. "Rod has made important contributions to the Republican agenda in California and I'm looking forward to having him campaign by my side," said Senator McCain. "He will be an invaluable ally in Southern California as we work to remind voters why lower taxes, sensible immigration policy, and a strong homeland defense are crucial to our prosperity."

Michigan Attorneys Join Supporters Of McCain

MICHIGAN ATTORNEYS JOIN SUPPORTERS OF MCCAIN
Top Attorneys From East And West Michigan Co-Chair McCain Coalition

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that John Smietanka and Richard Zuckerman will serve as state co-chairs of the Arizona Senator's coalition of attorneys in the state of Michigan. 

"Senator McCain's leadership in the United States Senate helped secure the nominations of Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito," said Smietanka. "We look forward to working hard in Michigan to make certain that Senator McCain repeats his victory in the Michigan Presidential Primary." 

"John McCain is a leader who stands up and does what he knows is right regardless of political consequence," said Zuckerman. "That is the type of leadership we need in Washington today." 

Senator John McCain expressed his gratitude for Smietanka's and Zuckerman's leadership in Michigan. "John and Richard are highly respected members of the legal community and important Republican leaders in a key state," said Senator McCain. "I'm honored to have their support and counsel as we build a strong team in Michigan."

Statement By Senator John McCain In Recognition Of Memorial Day

STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN IN RECOGNITION OF MEMORIAL DAY

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain has issued the following statement:

"A grateful nation pays tribute today to those brave souls who gave their lives to protect our freedom.

"I once had the privilege to serve with men who never gave a second thought to making the ultimate sacrifice to guard this freedom. They were willing to fall from the line if it meant that America would remain in control of its own destiny.

"Their act of sacrifice was ultimate and final, but the immeasurable courage it required endures in our hearts and sustains us to this day.

"There was a time not long ago when some questioned whether America's youth was committed to service. This is no longer the case. So many brave young men and women have volunteered to put themselves in harm's way against an enemy whose reach is global, whose hatred is limitless.

"On this solemn day, we pause for a moment to pray with the loved ones of our fallen heroes, and give our gratitude to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who continue to do us proud. I say to each one of them, 'thank you and God bless.'"

Former Florida Senate President Joins McCain

FORMER FLORIDA SENATE PRESIDENT JOINS MCCAIN
Senator John McKay Supports Conservative Leadership

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that former Florida state Senate President John McKay will support the Arizona Senator's bid for the White House.

"Senator John McCain's commitment to a sensible tax code, budgetary restraint, and disciplined leadership makes him the best choice for our party," said McKay. "His proactive approach to solving problems makes him the right type of leader for our state and his conservative values make him the right leader for our time."

Senator John McCain stated that he was proud to have the support of former state Senator McKay. "John is a respected leader in his state and community," said Senator McCain. "He has a reputation for tackling important issues, and I look forward to working with him and reaching out to Florida voters."

What They're Saying, Part IV: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART IV: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain Knocked Questions "Out Of The Park"

Presidential Historian Michael Beschloss: Sticking To Convictions Is "A Big Part Of [McCain's] Persona, And You Saw It Last Night." MICHAEL BESCHLOSS: "It's hard, although I think the people running the debate did a great job. You know, one thing you really look for is conviction. And I love the fact that people mentioned Ronald Reagan so much." ... FOX NEWS' BRIAN KILMEADE: "So then John McCain should love what you just said, Michael. Because doesn't he stick with his convictions, right or wrong?" BESCHLOSS: "I think that that's a big part of his persona, and you saw it last night on Guantanamo and Iraq ... " (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/16/07)

National Review's Michael Graham: McCain Knocked Confederate Flag Question "Out Of The Park" As The Crowd "Roared Their Approval." "One Confederate-flag question for Sen. McCain, a reasonable one related to his 2000 campaign, which he promptly knocked out of the park by essentially saying, 'Don't we have more important things to talk about?' The thousands of South Carolina Republicans in attendance roared their approval." (Michael Graham, National Review's "The Corner" Blog, "The No Nonsense Debate," www.nationalreview.com, 5/16/07)

Graham: McCain Delivered "Effective ... Serious And Substantive" Answer On Iraq. "There were other effective moments during the debate ... McCain's defense of the Iraq war. They were effective answers because they were serious and substantive, not pandering ... " (Michael Graham, National Review's "The Corner" Blog, "The No Nonsense Debate," www.nationalreview.com, 5/16/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: McCain "Nailed A Number Of Key Policy Questions" And Showed He's "Best Able To Lead Given His Life Experience." "[McCain] nailed a number of key policy questions and generally stuck to his guns. Last night, McCain more successfully married style and substance. He was active without appearing antic and presented himself as [the] candidate best able to lead given his life experience." (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, "GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/16/07)

Cillizza: "McCain Flashed His Wit" With Joke About Drunken Sailors And Congressional Spending. "McCain flashed his wit with his ... story about a former drunken sailor who took offense at having his spending habits compared to those of Congress." (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, "GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/16/07)

South Carolina '08 Blog: "McCain stood his ground on several tough issues and expertly handled the Confederate flag issue." (Baufmuth, "South Carolina 08" Blog, "Thoughts On Last Night's Debate ..." www.southcarolina08.com, 5/16/07)

The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood: McCain "Had A Very Good Night." "[M]cCain had a very good night ... He was vigorous without being too energetic ..." (MSNBC's "News Live," 5/16/07)

Sen. John Thune (R-SD): "Nobody Understands The Issue Of Torture Better" Than John McCain. "You also have to keep in mind the importance of protecting men and women in uniform American men and women in uniform who serve beyond our shores. I think that was a point that John McCain raised. Nobody understands the issue of torture better than he does. I think he was responding in a way that's consistent with his experience but also understanding the importance of getting actionable intelligence that would prevent a future attack." (Fox News' "News Live," 5/16/07)

McCain Stood His Ground In Face Of Attacks, Delivered "One Of The Toughest Lines Of The Night"

New York Observer's Steve Kornacki: McCain "Put His Opponent In His Place." "After Mr. Romney very cutely referred to Mr. McCain's immigration plan as 'McCain-Kennedy' three times and then strained to tie it to 'McCain-Feingold' the Arizona senator moved to put his opponent in his place. 'I haven't changed my positions in even-numbered years, and I haven't changed my positions because of different offices I'm running for,' he said, to some surprising applause from the audience." (Steve Kornacki, New York Observer's "Bridal" Blog, "At Debate, Rudy Stops His Skid, Romney Wiltsby," thebridalblog.observer.com, 5/16/07)

Fox News' Carl Cameron: McCain Responded To Attack By Giving "One Of The Toughest Lines Of The Night." "[M]itt Romney, who took a shot at John McCain for some of the legislation that McCain is best known for, in each case working across party lines with Democrats. That prompted McCain to fire back about what some consider Romney's flip-flops in the past five years. ... Ouch. That was probably one of the toughest lines of the night." (Fox News' "News Live," 5/16/07)

Human Event's Jennifer Rubin: McCain Response To Attack Was "Best Counterpunch." "BEST COUNTERPUNCH: After Romney declared that he did not want McCain-Kennedy immigration reform to do for immigration what McCain-Feingold did for campaign finance, McCain retorted that he had taken and kept consistent positions on campaign finance reform and right to life and 'I haven't changed my position on even numbered years or changed because of the different offices I may be running for.' (Chris Wallace did not contain his laughter.)" (Jennifer Rubin, "Recap And Awards For Debate Winners," Human Events, 5/16/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "McCain Also Showed He's Not Afraid To Throw An Elbow." "McCain also showed he's not afraid to throw an elbow after former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.) criticized McCain's support for immigration reform and campaign finance reform. 'I have kept a consistent position on right to life,' McCain said. 'And I haven't changed my position on even-numbered years or have changed because of the different offices that I may be running for.'" (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, "GOP Debate: Winners And Losers," blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/16/07)

What They're Saying, Part III: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART III: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain Won The Debate, Continues On A Roll With "His Mojo Back" And "His Engine On"

NBC's First Read: "If This Were A Boxing Match" McCain Won. "McCain: If this were a boxing match, we probably would have scored it for McCain on points over the other rivals. He deftly handled every critique ..." (NBC's "First Read," 5/16/07)

Time's Mark Halperin: McCain Got "His Mojo Back" And Delivered "Genuine Views ... All His Aces." "[McCain] Got some of his mojo back. Several answers especially on twin vulnerabilities of Iraq and immigration channeled his genuine views and transcended mere debate prep. Sold bipartisanship, hard choices, fiscal discipline, anti-torture, and experience all his aces." (Mark Halperin, "The Second Republican Debate," Time, 5/16/07)

MSNBC's Chris Matthews: "McCain is really coming back ... he is tough." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

· Matthews: McCain "Looks Like He Has Got His Engine On." "I think we are going through one of these periods where McCain is making something of a comeback and getting much tougher and I think the fact that he looks like he has got his engine on helps him." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

National Review Commentator T.J. Walker: "John McCain is back!" ("The Second Date," National Review Online, 5/16/07)

Slate's John Dickerson: McCain "Had A Good Night." "McCain also had a good night. ... Perhaps the most impressive moment for McCain came when he reasserted his opposition to torturing terrorist suspects." (John Dickerson, "Fox And Frienemies," www.slate.com, 5/16/07)

The Politico's Jim VandeHei: McCain Delivered "A Great Exchange ... Very Crisp." "McCain is basically saying you're a flip-flopper and he is going right after him on what everyone knows is the fundamental weakness of the Romney campaign. It was a great exchange. Again, it was very crisp and people could clearly understand the dynamic. McCain went on TV afterwards and even amplified the remarks: said listen, I felt like I was under attack and I got to draw the line and I got to push back." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

McCain Showcased Strength, Experience, And Ability To Lead On Day One

NBC's Chuck Todd: McCain "Looked Strong," "Animated" And "Funny." "John McCain was John McCain. He looked strong, he looked animated and he looked funny again. He cracked jokes ... and I think that that helped him a lot." (MSNBC's "News Live," 5/16/07)

Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC): McCain "Passionate" And "Very Genuine," Showed He "Could Become President On Day One With No Learning Curve." "[J]ohn was passionate last night, he looked like a guy that could become president on day one with no learning curve. But more importantly, he's exactly where he's been his entire life on the issues. John McCain was very genuine and it was from the heart last night, and a year from now, he's going to be in the same position on those issues." (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/16/07)

· Burr: McCain Is A "Straight-Shooter" Who Understands The War On Terror. "I believe John McCain is going to be the same straight-shooter that in the year 2000 was very competitive in the presidential race, and more importantly, a person who understands how important it is to end the war on terror because we've eliminated the threat." (Fox News' "Fox And Friends," 5/16/07)

NBC's Andrea Mitchell: McCain "The Only Candidate ... [With] His Own Unique Credentials." "McCain seemed to be recapturing the old McCain. ... [H]e was basically saying, 'I am who I am. Take me or leave me. This is who I am.' He was the only candidate who really spoke out and has, you know, his own unique credentials for that against torture, whereas the others were all trying to outdo each other." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

Newsday's Dan Janison: "McCain, the former Prisoner of War, spoke with feeling against the use of torture both tactically and morally." (Dan Janison, [New York] Newsday's "Spin Cycle" Blog, "The Real Rudy Moment, Before And After ...," weblogs.newsday.com, 5/16/07)

Former Secretary Of State Bill Jones (R-CA): Debate Showed "McCain Clearly Stands Above The Field" And "Is Uniquely Qualified To Guide America Through These Challenging Times." "Last night's presidential debate in South Carolina showed that John McCain clearly stands above the field when it comes to the fundamental question of who is prepared to lead America, right now. To be sure, each of our Republican candidates offers their own distinctive set of credentials, but none are as uniquely qualified to guide America through these challenging times as John McCain." (Bill Jones, "Flash Report" Blog, "John McCain Will Do What Is Right For America," www.flashreport.org, 5/16/07)

· Jones: McCain "The Best Messenger On Stage For The Party Of Reagan ... In His Comfort Zone Railing Against Excessive Spending In Washington." "Last night, the best messenger on stage for the party of Reagan was clearly John McCain. His steadfast commitment to conservative principles and the defense of traditional values is what our party needs in its next standard-bearer, and his peerless experience in public service is what our country needs in its next President. ... Last night's debate also found John McCain in his comfort zone railing against excessive spending in Washington." (Bill Jones, "Flash Report" Blog, "John McCain Will Do What Is Right For America," www.flashreport.org, 5/16/07)

· Jones: McCain Exhibited "Energy, Passion, And Forthrightness," And "Is Only One Who Has Consistently Represented The Core Beliefs Of Our Party." "After having watched the debate and seen some of the commentary afterwards, I think it is now crystal clear that among the leading candidates, there is only one who has consistently represented the core beliefs of our party, and that is John McCain. ... We learned long ago that there's no quit in John McCain. His energy, passion, and forthrightness during these debates have reminded us that he has already been tested on the national stage; we can trust that he will never allow anyone or anything to come in between him and his obligation to do what's right for America." (Bill Jones, "Flash Repo rt" Blog, "John McCain Will Do What Is Right For America," www.flashreport.org, 5/16/07)

Power Line's John Hinderaker: McCain "Did Well." "McCain had several good opportunities, and did well with them. ... McCain also got in a slam at Congress under the Democrats its current approval level is accounted for by staffers and relatives ..." (John Hinderaker, "Power Line" Blog, "Impressions," powerlineblog.com, 5/16/07)

McCain's Remarks Won Laughter And Applause

The Politico's Mike Allen: McCain's Remarks On Spending "Got Laughter And Applause." "McCain got laughter and applause for: 'We let spending go out of control. We spent money like a drunken sailor, although I never knew a sailor drunk or sober with the imagination of my colleagues. By the way, I received an e-mail not long ago from a fellow who said I repeat this story "As a former drunken sailor, I resent the way that [drunken sailors continue] being compared to members of Congress."'" (Mike Allen, "Playbook: Fight Night," www.politico.com, 5/16/07)

Rich Galen: "McCain Performed Well" And Got Laughs Talking About Spending. "McCain performed well. ... He got another laugh by repeating his line about a drunken sailor e-mailing him complaining that he was tired of being compared to Congress." (Rich Galen, "The GOP Debate II," CNS News, 5/16/07)

CNN's John Roberts: McCain Delivered "Humorous Moment" On Spending. "And there [were] a couple humorous moments, as well. John McCain, trotted out again, it's a pretty tried and true line for him. But it worked really well last night, that Congress is spending like drunken sailors and you know I know a drunken sailor who said I take offense at that." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

What They're Saying, Part II: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART II: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain Turned In "Solid," "Passionate" And "Effective" Performance

The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood: McCain Was "Effective ... Looked Good." "He does have a fairly effective Republican rival in John McCain who was effective in last night's debate ... I thought McCain looked good ... he got off a strong response to Romney ..." (MSNBC's "Gregory Live," 5/16/07)

Slate's John Dickerson: McCain Turned In "Solid Performance." "McCain did pretty well. He stood by some of his decisions that have caused him trouble in Republican circles. That works for him because of his reputation of speaking his mind. and he had a pretty solid performance last night ..." (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

Spartanburg Herald-Journal's Michael Smith: McCain "Reasonable" And "Passionate." "Tonight ... John McCain made the most ground. ... [McCain] sounded more reasonable on the subject of Iraq and terrorism, pointing out that if America leaves Iraq , the conflict will follow us home. He was passionate in his rejection of torture, protecting the nature and values of this nation. He responded appropriately to the question of the Confederate flag, saying it was time to move on." (Michael Smith, Spartanburg Herald-Journal's "BlogHub" Blog, "Giuliani, McCain Make Best Impression," www.bloghub.goupstate.com, 5/15/07)

The Politico's Jonathan Martin: McCain's "Experience Showed." "One of the biggest benefits that the Arizonan enjoys in the campaign -- and it's not mentioned often enough is that he has run this incomparable gauntlet before. That experience showed tonight. He delivered his Iraq views effectively, had the chance to hit his spending message and concurrent drunken sailor joke (still a new line to hundreds in the audience) and, most impressively, was able to deflect tough questions in a way that also jibed with the broader themes of his candidacy." (Jonathan Martin, The Politico's "Smith And Martin" Blog, "SC Debate: Final Thoughts," www.politico.com, 5/16/07)

CNN's Jacki Schechner: Political Blogs Gave McCain "A Lot Of Kudos" And Say "He Looked Strong Last Night." "There was a lot of kudos for McCain [from political blogs] that he had good opportunities that he took advantage of, that he looked strong last night " (CNN's "American Morning," 5/16/07)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "I noticed that several other candidates, on several occasions referred back to things McCain said with, 'Sen. McCain is right ...'" (Mary Katharine Ham, "Townhall" Blog, "Winners, Losers And Slapfights, Baby!" www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

The Politico's Roger Simon: "McCain ... hit his talking points: He would reach across the aisle to Democrats; he has consistently been a conservative; and 'my life, my experience, my knowledge of the military and national security qualifies me most to lead.'" (Roger Simon, "Gloves Come Off At Second GOP Debate," www.politico.com, 5/16/07)

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC): "He's been to war ... He knows what war is about. He understands our enemy. He's going to make sure that this nation is well defended, and he understands what an American is all about. We're the good guys." (Byron York, "Giuliani Up, McCain Up, Romney Down, and Ron Paul Out Way Out," National Review Online, 5/16/07)

McCain "Drew Thunderous Applause" And Delivered "Most Important Answer Of The Night"

CBS' Harry Smith: McCain Answered Confederate Flag Question "To Thunderous Applause." CBS' HARRY SMITH: "[O]n that particular subject was the Confederate flag. He was asked about it last night. Let's take a look." SEN. MCCAIN: "I still believe that it should not have flown over the capital and I was wrong when I said that it was a state issue, but now I think it has been settled and I think it's time we all moved on on this issue." SMITH: "To thunderous applause, I might add." (CBS' "The Early Show," 5/16/07)

CBS' Jeff Greenfield: McCain Made "One Of The Most Important Local Comments," Discussing Confederate Flag To "Thunderous Applause." CBS' JEFF GREENFIELD: "That was also key, and that was one of the most important local comments if not the most important made. You're quite right. ... This was an appeal to South Carolina Republicans saying 'I'm with you ... It's over, you handled it correctly.' That thunderous applause was clear, at least in my mind, that McCain had made some points in South Carolina, which, as you point out, is a key early primary state." (CBS' "The Early Show," 5/16/07)

Charleston Post And Courier's Robert Behre: McCain "Drew Heavy Applause." "While the debate was held just blocks from where a Confederate battle flag flies on the Statehouse grounds, only one question directed to McCain touched on the flag. McCain said he was wrong to say previously that it was a state issue when the flag flew above the dome, but he then drew heavy applause from the partisan crowd by adding, I think it's time we all moved on on this issue.'" (Robert Behre, "Hopefuls Debate Terror Question," The [Charleston] Post And Courier, 5/16/07)

Los Angeles Times' Michael Finnegan And Mark Z. Barabak: McCain "Drew Thunderous Acclamation From The Crowd." "'I was wrong when I said that it was a state issue,' McCain said solemnly. 'But now I think it has been settled, and I think it's time that we all moved on o n this issue especially the people of South Carolina.' His response drew thunderous acclamation from the crowd." (Michael Finnegan and Mark Z. Barabak, "A Feisty Republican Debate In South Carolina," Los Angeles Times, 5/16/07)

TigerHawk Blog: McCain Won The "Biggest Applause Of The Night." "To McCain: The Stars and Bars question, summon[in]g moans from the crowd! 'It is settled. I think it is time that we all moved on on this issue.' Biggest applause of the night." (TigerHawk, "Tiger Hawk" Blog, "The GOP Debate Live-Blog Post," tigerhawk.blogspot.com, 5/15/07)

TigerHawk Blog: Discussing Iraq, McCain Delivered "A Solid Response, The Best Line." "First question to McCain: Why should Americans continue to fight and die when Iraqi politicians do so little? McCain: A solid response, the best line: 'When we lost the war in Vietnam, they didn't follow us home. They will this time.'" (TigerHawk, "Tiger Hawk" Blog, "The GOP Debate Live-Blog Post," tigerhawk.blogspot.com, 5/15/07)

The Heritage Foundation's Robert Bluey: "McCain Got It Right" On Spending. "Sen. John McCain got it right at the presidential debate when he said: Spending is out of control. We didn't lose the 2006 election because the war in Iraq. We lost it because we in the Republican Party came to Washington to change government and government changed us. We let spending go out of control. We spent money like a drunken sailor, although I never knew a sailor drunk or sober with the imagination of my colleagues.'" (Robert Bluey, "Bluey" Blog, "I Wonder What Tom Cole Thinks Of This?" robertbluey.com, 5/16/07)

Voters Praise McCain

David Haskins Of Greenville, SC: "I may not agree with him on every issue ... but I know he votes based on principle, not because that's what the head of the party wants him to do or even the [public] wants him to do." (Scott Helman, "GOP Foes Tout Conservative Credentials," The Boston Globe, 5/16/07)

Cicely Greaves-Vegas Of Yonkers, NY: McCain Is Gutsy. "[C]icely Greaves-Vega, 47, of Yonkers ... praised ... Arizona Sen. John McCain, whom she found gutsy for saying he was wrong' in a past position about the Confederate flag flying from the South Carolina Capitol building." (Maggie Haberman, "Abort Stance Clear: Panel," New York Post, 5/16/07)

Blake Bryson Of Lake Wylie, SC: "McCain is the only candidate who can win and work with the Democratic Congress ... He can get things done. He can handle the job." (Andrew Dys, "They Love Their Country And All Things GOP," The Herald, 5/16/07)

Bryson: It Is "An Honor" To Stand Up For McCain, "This Is Who I Want To Lead My Country." "'I'm here because this is my future, the future of all of us in this country. It is my generation's time to get involved.' Bryson called it 'an honor' to stand up for his candidate, with a 12-foot sign. 'People died in this country so I could vote, so I could stand here and say, "This is who I want to lead my country."'" (Andrew Dys, "They Love Their Country And All Things GOP," The Herald, 5/16/07)

What They're Saying: John McCain At Fox News Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE
McCain "Convincingly And Incontrovertibly Won Tonight's Debate," Delivered "The Line Of The Night"

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: "John McCain Convincingly And Incontrovertibly Won Tonight's Debate. He Was Strong, Confident, Answered Tough Questions With Ease And Dispatch, And Seemed The Most Presidential." "[I]n my judgment, John McCain convincingly and incontrovertibly won tonight's debate. He was strong, confident, answered tough questions with ease and dispatch, and seemed the most presidential." (Marc Ambinder, National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Blog, "Pre-Spin Room Thoughts: McCain, Rudy, Romney," hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "McCain scores a big laugh and lots of applause with his Drunken Sailor' line." (Matt Lewis, "Townhall" Blog, "The Drunken Sailor Line Meets John Edwards At A Beauty Shop," www.townhall.com, 5/15/07)

NBC's Chuck Todd: "There's the animated McCain ..." (Chuck Todd, "First Read" Blog, "Romney, McCain Score Points," firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 5/15/07)

National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Headline: "McCain To Romney: The Line Of The Night." "McCain: I've take and kept a consistent position on campaign finance reform. I have a kept a consistent position on right to life. And I haven't changed my position on even number years and haven't changed my position based on what offices I may be running for.'" (National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Blog, "McCain To Romney: The Line Of The Night," hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: McCain "Came Out Swinging" And Dropped "The Hammer." "In McCain's rebuttal, he came out swinging. He noted he had been a consistent supporter of campaign finance reform before dropping the hammer: I have not changed my position in even numbered years or based on the offices I have been running for.'" (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/15/07)

The Palmetto Scoop Blog: "McCain looked strong, and was by far the best of the frontrunners." ("The Palmetto Scoop" Blog, "Live: View From Stage Right," www.palmettoscoop.com, 5/15/07)

"Eye On 08" Blog: McCain "Made A Great Impression." "John McCain did well too. I think that he really had some good lines. He made a great impression." ("Eye On 08" Blog, "Eye On 08 Blog: Final Thoughts," www.eyeon08.com, 5/15/07)

McCain "Came On Very Strong Tonight" And "Transcended The Format And The Event"

Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R-MD): "I think John McCain came on very strong tonight. I think he was very clear and purposeful purposeful in his answers. I think he was direct." (Fox News' "Post Debate Coverage," 5/15/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: McCain Showed "Willingness To Lead And Reach Across The Partisan Aisle." "McCain seems committed tonight to standing by his support for comprehensive immigration reform and using that position as evidence of his willingness to lead and reach across the partisan aisle." (Chris Cillizza, The Washington Post's "The Fix" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 5/15/07)

National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru: McCain "Gave A Very Strong Answer" On Interrogation. "I think he gave a very strong answer, especially in disputing the likelihood of the scenario envisioned by the question." (Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review's "Corner" Blog, "McCain On Torture," corner.nationalreview.com, 5/15/07)

National Journal's "The Gate": "South Carolinians love their Confederate flags, but they also love it when McCain says everyone should move on." (National Journal's "The Gate" Blog, "Liveblogging The 2nd GOP Debate," thegate.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

National Journal's Marc Ambinder: McCain "Handled A Confederate Flag Question With Aplomb ... And His Responses To The Torture Questions Were, Simply, Moving - He Transcended The Format And The Event." "He handled a Confederate Flag question with aplomb. He wore the fictionally commander-in-chief hat ably, and his responses to the torture questions were, simply, moving -- he transcended the format and the event." (Marc Ambinder, National Journal's Hotline "On Call" Blog, "Pre-Spin Room Thoughts: McCain, Rudy, Romney," hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com, 5/15/07)

The New York Times' Katharine Q. Seelye: McCain "Underscored His Own Experience." "Mr. McCain then underscored his own experience as a P.O.W. and as one of the few candidates with military experience an important credential in South Carolina, home to one of the biggest populations of military retirees. He said there were sharp differences on the question of torture between those who had served in the military and those who had not. We should not torture people,' Mr. McCain said, noting that if the United States tortures prisoners, then other countries will feel free to do it to American soldiers. I think that if we agree to torture people, we would do ourselves great harm in the world. There's more to war than the battlefield,' Mr. McCain said. Every military person who has been in battle supported my position.'" (Katherine Q. Seelye, The New York Times' "The Caucus" bl og, thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com, 5/15/07)

Even Other Candidates Praise McCain's Record Of Conservatism

NBC's Chuck Todd: "Huckabee just became the second candidate to hat tip' his opponent, John McCain. Rudy Giuliani was the first to agree with something McCain said. Not looking like a debate with all this agreement ..." (Chuck Todd, "First Read" Blog, "Where's The Debate?" firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 5/15/07)

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "Rudy, citing McCain's line, notes that the terrorists want follow us home." (Jonathan Martin, "All Iraq In The First 15 Minutes," www.politico.com, 5/15/07)

Statement From Senator John McCain On The Loss Of Jerry Falwell

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain today released the following statement:

"I join the students, faculty, and staff of Liberty University and Americans of all faiths in mourning the loss of Reverend Jerry Falwell. "Dr. Falwell was a man of distinguished accomplishment who devoted his life to serving his faith and country. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Falwell's family at this difficult time.

McCain Unveils South Carolina County Leadership

MCCAIN UNVEILS SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY LEADERSHIP
Top Republican Activists From All 46 Counties Join Arizona Senator's Team

ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its South Carolina county chairs. The eighty-two member committee includes representatives from each of South Carolina's forty-six counties.

The county chairs will serve as the building blocks of Senator McCain's grassroots structure in the Palmetto State. Each chair will organize their respective county and provide the campaign with valuable leadership.

"Right out of the gate, Senator McCain has made clear his goal of building a top-notch operation in South Carolina," said Dorchester County Chair Arthur Bryngelson. "As someone who has been through a campaign or two, I can say without a doubt this is the strongest grassroots organization I have ever had the privilege of working with."

"Because of his proven record of conservative leadership, Senator McCain has had considerable success assembling a team of Republican leaders who will get results," said Lancaster County Chair Donnie Birchfield. "He has shown time and again that he's right on eliminating wasteful spending and winning the battle against extremists."

Senator John McCain expressed his confidence in, and appreciation for, the latest additions to his team.

"I am very proud of the team we are assembling in South Carolina," said Senator McCain. "I am thankful for their hard work and confident that with their support our efforts in South Carolina will be successful."