2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

What They're Saying About John McCain At The Hofstra Presidential Debate

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT JOHN MCCAIN AT THE HOFSTRA DEBATE

"This Was His Best Debate So Far. He Was Able To Set The Agenda On A Lot Of Issues Like Taxes, Especially With Joe Wurzelbacher."

ABC News' George Stephanopoulos: "I think the fact that John McCain was able to make Joe Wurzelbacher a character in this campaign, I'll bet you we're going to see him in campaign ads starting tomorrow, shows that, why this was his best debate so far. He was able to set the agenda on a lot of issues like taxes, especially with Joe Wurzelbacher." (ABC News' "Vote 08: The Final Debate," 10/15/08)

"HUGE Moment For McCain. Slams Obama For Comparing Him To Bush. VERY Savvy. AND, He Looked Directly At Obama."

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: "HUGE moment for McCain. Slams Obama for comparing him to Bush. VERY savvy. AND, he looked directly at Obama." (Chris Cillizza, "The Fix Twitters The Final Debate!" www.washingtonpost.com, 10/15/08)

· Cillizza: "McCain with a break from Bush Administration -- 'disappointed' with Paulson's approach on financial crisis." (Chris Cillizza, "The Fix Twitters The Final Debate!" www.washingtonpost.com, 10/15/08)

· Cillizza: "McCain has done well for himself so far -- kept Obama on defense." (Chris Cillizza, "The Fix Twitters The Final Debate!" www.washingtonpost.com, 10/15/08)

The Politico's Jonathan Martin: "John McCain creates an instant headline with some of his firmest language yet to distance himself from President Bush. 'Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush,' McCain said, in a line clearly in his pocket. 'If you wanted to run against President Bush you should have run four years ago. I will take this country in a new direction.'" (Jonathan Martin, "Your Morning Lede (So Far)" www.politico.com, 10/15/08)

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "McCain's best line so far: 'Senator Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago.'" (Jim Geraghty, "If You Wanted To Run Against President Bush, You Should Have Run Four Years Ago," www.nationalreview.com, 10/15/08)

"I Think He Clearly Won It ... It Was His Best Performance"

MSNBC's Pat Buchanan: "I do believe that this was John McCain's best campaign. I think he clearly won it on points. It was his best performance. He was intense and ideological and he's appealing to the base, clearly." (MSNBC's "Post Debate Analysis," 10/15/08)

· Buchanan: "Joe the plumber gives round one to McCain on points!" (Pat Buchanan, "Buchanan And Maddow: Live Debate Commentary," firstread.msnbc.com, 10/15/08)

· Buchanan: "McCain much more aggressive and specific, and more compassionate on John Lewis, issues of ACORN and Ayer." (Pat Buchanan, "Buchanan And Maddow: Live Debate Commentary," firstread.msnbc.com, 10/15/08)

Los Angeles Times: "McCain again shows that he came into this debate more focused and more disciplined than in the past ones." (Don Frederick and Kate Linthicum, "Live Blogging The Final Barack Obama And John McCain Debate," latimesblogs.latimes.com, 10/15/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "McCain's doing well on the issues..." (Marc Ambinder, "Live Blogging The Final Debate," The Atlantic's "Marc Ambinder" Blog, marcambinder.theatlantic.com, 10/15/08)

Commentary's John Podhoretz: "Good zinger from McCain; Obama mentions he wants Warren Buffett to pay more taxes and McCain says we're talking about Joe the Plumber, not Warren Buffett." (John Podhoretz, "Warren Buffett Vs. Joe The Plumber," Commentary's "Contentions" Blog, www.commentarymagazine.com, 10/15/08)

Commentary's Jennifer Rubin: "McCain says sure he's qualified but then points out his record of bad ideas. Digs at his 'cockamamie' idea about dividing Iraq. Maybe his best answer." (Jennifer Rubin, "Joe Biden," Commentary's "Contentions" Blog, www.commentarymagazine.com, 10/15/08)

National Review's Mark R. Levin: "I am impressed with McCain tonight. Obama is off his game, as they say." (Mark R. Levin, "A Different Debate," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, corner.nationalreview.com, 10/15/08)

· Levin: "McCain came ready tonight, he has Obama resorting to his stump speech answers and a bit unnerved, IMHO. And for the most part, he is not letting Obama get away with his endless dissembling." (Mark R. Levin, "Ready. Set...," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, corner.nationalreview.com, 10/15/08)

Statement From McCain-Palin 2008 Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker On Tonight's Presidential Debate At Hofstra University

STATEMENT FROM COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR JILL HAZELBAKER

ARLINGTON, VA -- McCain-Palin 2008 Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker issued the following statement on tonight's Presidential Debate:

"John McCain won tonight's debate with strong, clear straight talk about setting a new direction for our country and fighting for working families. He outlined a specific, bold plan for creating jobs, helping those near retirement, keeping people in their homes, curbing spending, lowering health care costs and achieving energy independence. He vowed to fight for 'Joe the Plumber' every day he is President and he affirmed his belief that we shouldn't raise taxes just to 'spread the wealth.' While Barack Obama is measuring the drapes and campaigning against a man not even on the ballot, John McCain demonstrated that he has the experience, judgment, independence and courage to fight for every American."

Eduardo Verastegui Endorses John McCain

EDUARDO VERASTEGUI ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

CENTENNIAL, CO -- Today the McCain-Palin campaign announced the endorsement of Eduardo Verastegui, one of today's fastest rising Latino stars. Best known for his starring roles in the 2006 movie Bella and other Mexican soap operas, Verastegui was voted by People en Espaol as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in the world. He has made appearances in the popular TV series, Charmed, as Mr. Right, and in Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't It Funny" video and her new perfume commercials.

"John McCain is the only candidate for president that shares my values of life," Verastegui said. "He truly recognizes that we are all God's children. John McCain is someone we can trust to do what is right and follow through on what he says -- as opposed to Barack Obama, who does not share our traditional values of defending innocent life and the sanctity of marriage. Obama has proven this time and time again. During his personal experience as a POW in Vietnam, McCain renewed and strengthened his faith. And early this year in the heat of a political battle, he had the courage to stand against his own party and support comprehensive immigration reform. His resolve serves as a reminder to us all that we must vote our values and our conscience, and not vote simply by party. We can't afford a president who lacks experience and judgment and would stand for values that are out of step with the Hispanic community and this country. Although I seldom thrust myself into political campaigns, I recognize the stakes and that it's most important that we put our values first and support John McCain."

A devout Catholic who attends Mass daily, he will talk about his values and announce his endorsement of John McCain during his Values Tour through the state. He will also hold a series of private events and meetings to drum up support for John McCain and Sarah Palin in the Hispanic and faith based communities.

Todd Palin, Husband Of Governor Sarah Palin In Northern Minnesota

Todd Palin, husband of Governor Sarah Palin will be making five stops in northern Minnesota this week.

Thursday, October 16 - 2 PM
Gander Mountain - Hermantown
4275 Haines Road
Hermantown, MN

Thursday, October 16 - 4:30 PM
Timberlake Lodge Inn
144 SE 17th Street
Grand Rapids, MN

Thursday, October 16 - 6:30 PM
Bemidji Woolen Mills
888 Industrial Park Drive SE
Bemidji, MN

Friday, October 17 - 9:30 AM
Arctic Cat Factory
601 Brooks Ave. South
Thief River Falls, MN

Friday, October 17 - 2 PM
Scheel's Sporting Goods
505 Center Ave.
Moorhead, MN

Hispanic Business Leader Richard Aguilar From Minnesota Endorses John McCain

HISPANIC BUSINESS LEADERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- McCain-Palin 2008 today announced the support of more than 50 influential Hispanic business leaders from across the country. They will work to communicate John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin's economic plan which will create jobs, ensure energy security, reform government spending and bring relief to American consumers.

"I am supporting John McCain because he has always done what is right for all Americans," said Mary Jean Duran of California, "He will continue to give Hispanic-American-owned small businesses the opportunity to compete in the global markets, while Barack Obama proposes billions in higher taxes, more spending and isolationism from global economy."

Jerry Natividad from Colorado added, "John McCain will fight to ensure the American dream is still achievable for us and for our children. He has a plan to get our economy back on track, create jobs, and keep people in their homes. He understands that small businesses are the job engine of America. Our economy simply cannot afford Barack Obama's plans for trade, health care, taxes, and energy."

HISPANIC BUSINESS LEADERS FOR MCCAIN

Frank C. Rivera, Arizona
Ruben Alvarez, Arizona
Claudia Bermudez, California
Donald C. Garcia, California
Fred Armendariz, California
Issac Barcelona, California
Jarryd Rudolph, California
Josh Valdez, California
Mario Rodriguez, California
Mary Jean Duran, California
Matthew Venegas, California
Pablo Wong, California
Solomon D. Trujillo, California
Tom Garcia, California
William Jerry Silva, California
Willie Wulff, California
Jerry Natividad, Colorado
Eric Rojo, Washington, D.C.
Jose A. Fuentes, Washington, D.C.
Juan Carlos Benitez, Washington, D.C.
Roberto Jose Coquis, Washington, D.C.
Al Cardenas, Florida
Roberto Espin, Florida
David Hernandez, Florida
Eric Carson, Hawaii
Gloria M. Campos, Illinois
Vinicio E. Madrigal, Louisiana
Jose Nino, Maryland
David Olivencia, Michigan
Richard Aguilar, Minnesota
Jeannette Hernandez Prenger, Missouri
Fernando Romero, Nevada
Tibi Ellis, Nevada
Dr. Horatio Villareal, New Mexico
Ramon Tallaj, New York
Dr. Cynthia Lama, New York
Dr. Carlos Aviles, New York
Alfredo Gutierrez, New Jersey
John Regis, Puerto Rico
Ignacio Veloz, Puerto Rico
Maria Taxman, Missouri
Jeannette Hernandez Pranger, Missouri
F.H. Guzman, Tennessee
Raul Lopez, Tennessee
Sylvia Marcela Gomez, Tennessee
Adryana Boyne, Texas
Jacob Monty, Texas
Jenny De La Rosa, Texas
Jose Cuevas, Texas
Rick Jaramillo, Texas
Rolando Pablos, Texas
Massey Villareal, Texas
Nina Vaca, Texas
Ted Cruz, Texas
Tom Covino, Texas
Sylvia Haro, Utah
Jacqueline Krick, Virginia
Jo- Ann Chase, Virginia
Luis Quinonez, Virginia

2008 Republican Presidential Nominee Sen. John McCain to Visit CBS' 'LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN,' Thursday, Oct. 16

2008 Republican Presidential Nominee Sen. John McCain to Visit CBS' 'LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN,' Thursday, Oct. 16

Marks Senator McCain's First 'Late Show' Appearance Since His Last-Minute Cancellation Last Month

NEW YORK, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 2008 Republican Presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) will visit the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, Thursday, Oct. 16 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

This will mark Sen. McCain's first return to LATE SHOW since canceling his appearance on Sept. 24. His 13th visit to the program, it will also mark Sen. McCain's first LATE SHOW appearance since formally accepting his party's nomination at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. on Thursday, Sept. 4. He announced his candidacy for President on the LATE SHOW on Feb. 28, 2007.

In the 2008 race for the White House, the LATE SHOW also hosted Democratic Presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama, who visited the broadcast on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN is a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated. Barbara Gaines, Maria Pope, Jude Brennan and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.

Source: CBS Television Network

NASCAR Legend Richard Petty Endorses John McCain

NASCAR LEGEND RICHARD PETTY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- McCain-Palin 2008 today announced that Richard Petty, widely known as the greatest driver in NASCAR history, is endorsing John McCain for president. Petty is announcing his endorsement at today's Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.

"What we need right now in these uncertain times is a steady hand on the wheel -- a leader we can trust to put country first, ahead of politics," Petty said. "John McCain has always done that, and if you need proof, think about the sacrifices he made for America. I don't think there is any question that John McCain is a proud American and he has done more to better America than anyone.

"John McCain has a plan to get our economy back on track not only for the folks here in North Carolina but also nationwide. He understands that higher taxes will only make things worse and he'll support small businesses and create jobs. He will get us on the road to energy independence and give our troops what they need to succeed in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm proud to support John McCain for president."

Petty won 200 races during his career, a NASCAR record, and won a record seven Winston Cup championships. He won the Daytona 500 seven times, also a record, and won 27 races in 1967 alone.

Other participants in the McCain-Palin events at Lowe's Motor Speedway include Cindy McCain, former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer, country music star Cowboy Troy and Doug McCain, son of John McCain. Team owners Jack Roush and Joe Gibbs will serve as Mrs. McCain's hosts, with Roush accompanying her to the drivers' meeting and Gibbs joining her for a tour of the garage area.

John McCain Straight Talk Town Hall Photos Lakeville Minnesota

John McCain Straight Talk Town Hall Photos Lakeville Minnesota

John McCain Straight Talk Town Hall Photos Lakeville Minnesota