The best campaign slogan I’ve ever seen for a Presidential campaign – especially when you consider that his opponent has wrapped himself in a logo based on the first letter of his own name.
Open for your responses and comments on the McCain speech.
The best campaign slogan I’ve ever seen for a Presidential campaign – especially when you consider that his opponent has wrapped himself in a logo based on the first letter of his own name.
Open for your responses and comments on the McCain speech.
Wow Kate, amazing how you’ve changed your tone on John McCain. Are you too dimwitted to realize that whether its Obama or McCain speaking that this is just political theater? Presumably you didn’t like McCain before because of his record, all 30 years of it. What makes you think the next 4 would be any different; a speech put together by a massive team?
We have chosen political theatre over armed conflict. We no longer chose our leaders by a fight to the death. Anyway, the first part of his speech was pretty dull- McCain looked uncomfortable. The hecklers didn’t help. He came alive toward the end of his speech and sounded like he was speaking from his heart. All in all, I’d give it a C+.
An eloquent, humble, inspired speech. And real.
That’s the theme that is running through both McCain’s and Palin’s agendas for America. Back to Reality: Cut the hype, cut the partisanship, cut the grandstanding and putting self-interest first. There’s a way forward which harnesses American ingenuity, can-do, and genius which doesn’t have to drag down the “other guy” or the “other party.”
Americans have to work together for the good of all. John McCain’s delivery was sincere and passionate. And he was clear: If he’s elected–WHEN he’s elected-POUTUS, it won’t be business as usual. He’s fighting corruption, self-interest, and dog fights across the aisle.
McCain and Palin are a winning ticket–and the commentators on WNED (Gwen Ifel was strangely absent) seemed less stunned tonight, except for Mark Shields! There seems to be a growing recognition that the Republican Party has been re-energized and one commentator said that Barack Obama is going to be in the fight of his life.
Excellent speech. Certainly a man of integrity and honour. He will serve his country well as POTUS.
hey Steve;
take it easy, you won’t be voting in the American federal election
and your liberal views are only embraced by a tiny fraction of the electorate…
as for McCain’s speech, it was brilliant and sincere
McCain is exactly the right man at exactly the right time to lead America – he’s the real deal – honorable, experienced and capable
Country First then Rock, Blues, Jazz and R & B in that order.
Who would of thunk it. “EH”, the old 72 year old has still got it. When the chips are down, he came thru with flying colors. He just got better as the speech carried on. Fight for change, do not expect it to be handed to you. Awesome.
Better by far than the “Dems” speechs by far.
“this is just political theater”
Cynicism is a coward’s refuge.
This guy’s the real deal, whether you agree with his proposals or not.
A singularly unfashionable kind of man: a patriot.
Steve;
The surest way to look like a dimwit is to resort to insults in order to make a point.
I would like to say that it was a very fitting song at the end. “Hearts” barracuda
“as for McCain’s speech, it was brilliant and sincere
McCain is exactly the right man at exactly the right time to lead America – he’s the real deal – honorable, experienced and capable
Posted by: Brad at September 4, 2008 11:38 PM”
absolutely! mccain hit a home run tonite, appealing to the “everyman”
obama and company better hang on, its a horse race now.
McCain drove that sucker home like Ron Jeremy after a day off!
What is it with guys like steve who just seem to have discovered that politicians have speech writers? Obama had the same lame-o criticism of Palin last night? Mystery Meat is too harsh with his C+. I’d give it a B or B+ for these reasons: it got much better toward the end, he was gracious to Obama, he was gracious to President Bush, he outlined some clear policy differences, he acknowledged that some Republicans had screwed up, and he handled the protesters with some humour. Personally, I’m not a big fan of the “fight” theme–too much like Gore, Kerry and Edwards, but it sure wowed the crowd at the end. Looking forward to the debates. But first we have to wipe the floor with Dion here at home. That will also be very entertaining.
Kate… MSNBC is reporting SARAH PALIN OUTPULLED OBAMA’S VIEWERSHIP!
I think his speech was exactly what I expected. A competent speech by an accomplished politician. What I did not expect was the woman at his side on the ticket. I hope you got a good look at her for I think you may have been looking at the next president of the USA after McCain serves one term.
My favourite moment of the convention was when the crowd spontaneously turned the Obama “O” into a zero and made it stick. I would be surprised if that wasn’t the end of that ridiculous gesture.(which kinda reminded me of something a third rate wrestler would do before attempting his finishing move).
I was wrong about those numbers! My bad.
All they did is take the PREVIOUS numbers and add 3.9 million for Palin due to PBS and add 4 million to Obama for the same reason.
Hard to believe, but McCain’s speech – while solid for the most part – was even more devoid of policy and detail and plans than Obama’s.
So we had a great expectation of a duke it out, policy/ideology-driven Republican primary that petered out when McCain ran away with it.
The Democrats had a duke it out primary campaign but underneath it there was hardly a hair of difference between Obama and Clinton.
And now two conventions back to back and blah blah blah blah. Even Palin’s speech – clearly the best, followed by Obama, then McCain and then Biden – was just about her family, partisan attacks against Obama and well, that was about it.
For all the talk of change and culture wars, this is shaping up to be a pretty boring campaign.
Here’s hoping the very large policy differences between Palin and McCain (how do you follow your VPs very very partisan speech with a claim that you think we should stop attacking each other??) and that Biden goes off message (you know he will).
Two more months of this?
Sorry that last paragraph should have read: “the very large policy differences between Palin and McCain get some air play”. And I should add my hope we get some good footage of Obama smoking.
His reaction to the Code Pink protester was the best part. “My friends, It’s just ground noise and static.”
He spent to much time repeating slogans and war stories we have heard so many times already.
It didn’t spend enough time talking directly to the independent and undecided voters wanting more specifics regarding shrinking income and increasing costs. Not enough time explaining what happened in the housing mortgage scam and what he would do to prevent it in the future. Not enough time explaining how Bushed tax cuts on unearned income capital gains helped those other than investors, while helping create an unbelievable debt to be paid by the rest of us.
I will vote for McCain because of his experience over Obama’s and his security stance, but I’m not sure Palin’s excellent speech and charisma is going to be enough to bail him out of his poor one, and the disaster Bush’s economic policy, or rather lack of one, he seems to want to perpetuate.
C minus on the speech.
So many people when for fist time saw the
Paris Hilton who talk McCain and support his elcetion was surprised how
this dum dolss Paris Hilton now sudenly talk so smart and when we did analyse that that Paris Hilton in 24 hours is not going to changet to become nice speakera nd talk so smart woman
it was good notes and as guy above said
good directore in Theather give good trancript before for her to talk
if we all agree she good to ok range converstaion as first Day for his nomeneese for Vp
next importnat thing is VP is vicer president it means she Sahra must tlak or we can say what every McCain said he must come and say to public in language they belive and take as order from top now we are not interested about Palin as we must be interested to know mcCain in more detail
now if we say old Guy McCain only choose VP I would say assitant or secretore to bring his voice to public she may is good at it.
If we even finihs all jokes aobut her family excepte when I saw the film of her family and I saw tie of her son ready to back to iraq the tie was too big probably from his grand father of him borrow and fmaily of her not signifiant we only can make them rather than nasty joke turn to nicer joke I said itthey find the OIL in their homw town like HILIBILI film I saw it two times Ibleive the film is made more than 30 years ago about thefamily in villiga in USA find the oil in their land and sudddenly got rich and came to big house of million but still keep the cow and chickenand same method of cooking with wood in that made the filmfuny to bring small town famrer daughter to big city except only we give her some kind of secretor or talk in be half of presidnet up to here we are still fine with it
US presidncy tacis is black Muslim and colour and discriminatinand figh for it is symbol of Obma and later idea of bring womn upfrom Hillay CLintonas first time I bleive inUSA
now we can say bring Black presidnet wwas notfirst time it was in past never happend
now the priority in USA is their racist and discriminaiton again colour and relgion is first in thelist therefore Obma is more chance to win
matter of woman to get elceted is excelent idea but still take anoteh 20 years to born orgorw new presidnt in US the corruption cuase woman in USA are not there in Cananda woman has better seating and figh for their right while in USA are not
theidea is good but USA is not there yet it tak in future still w oman need to get trained and probably VP as womanmay be next in future in USA theat USA may have it presidnet take anotehr20 years to come true
talking all fight and war and war in nuclear are nonsenese she said reduce tax on other hand she use people tax to made weapn to wasted for war
NO war plan of Omba made him succesful USA need brake of fighting let the war for future if nobody listne or eveil come up stop war is better
regard to tax also USA need to get tax
smal from regular employee in office up to 5% and bring it high to 15% for mide class income
and bring 25% or higher for rich people unless rich company and huge cooperation deal with matter of tax and hire nad help goverment of USA to reduce pressure from government
plus recent % still Obma is 47 % and McCian is 43% it means Obama is hihger in 20 million more htan McCain
who is win is not important should not peopel see too much serious becasue the all purposal of two president to resolve problems today in USA
we can get anybody come and try theirechances at the end of day they must reduce war and incrase profit for their countriy and who know not over Canada price to pay them they beomc happy
Canda need to focusin their own problems who is winning is not related to Canada this Canada need to get sepreation stragtey from USA not copy cat from them to run Canda becaue Canada and Canadian problmes toda is not compare with USA the election is Obama verses McCain not thier VP or their assitant while peopel get excited of mix two matter to each other
I think Obma will come because m ain prblmes i n USA is dicrimination an war and recsion bring womn more in power will happen in Obma time too but it take soem tiem in future thewoman will gte elected they re not there yet still woman here are act secretor or customer service desk not president or VP yeat I predict soon may be in next elxtion woman can be elcted as VP and that would be good idea to have them but VP is not important President is important in decision
nobody scare of her or she is not in danger she is kind of bullywoman and may harsh to listn as well as harsh to force her order and not afraid as she said to fight god know who she plan to fight here we are not Hockygame players and we like our teeth to stay right in our mouth nd not get cut by hocky stick NO way Sarah Palin not yet
One day the Repubes are telling us that they represent the Chistian right, (AKA Christers,) morality, anti-abortion blah blah blah. The next day it’s Ok to have sex before you’re married and it’s Ok to get knocked up!! Just don’t let it get in the way of getting elected.
In Canada, I’m a car bearing Conservative. In the USA, I wouldn’t vote for McCain if I had a gun to my head. Why?? Because the repubes lie, cheat, kill and steal.
Hey new,
try taking the marbles out of your gob or use a spell checker(it is the year 2009 after all).
Country First!
It’s reminiscent of Pierre E. Trudeau’s 1972 re-election slogan, The Land is Strong. And he did get re-elected, sort of, by two seats if memory serves.
Jack B. Nimble, love the sinner, hate the sin.
Watching McCain’s speech tonight I was left with a very strong image of what the underlying theme of the campaign might be:
“Character vs. Charisma”
http://keyes.ca/journal/2008/09/05/the-ballot-question-is-emerging/
New: You seem to have lots to say, but it makes one not waste their time reading any of your posts when you cannot take the time to proof read your comment first.
John McCain was very good tonight, lots of passion for his country. I think John McCain would be the best for protecting USA against terrorists.
I do not believe that you can sit down at the table and talk with the likes of Bin Laden and company.
McCain and Palin!
Not a bad convention speech for someone who has always performed better in more intimate venues like town halls. It reminded me of why I used to like this guy so much. Although pedestrian at times, it certainly crescendoed to a stirring and heartfelt close.
I was pleased with his focus on education reform. It marked one of the few times anyone at the convention talked about a policy that might be relevant to peoples’ lives.
I also appreciated his lack of blatant tub-thumping. His eloquent plea to vanquish the “constant partisan rancor” that grips Washington, however, would have gone over much better had it not been for the frenzy of said partisan rancor expressed in the negative attack speeches of Romney, Huckabee, Guliani and Palin the night before. No doubt those who salivated over the empty rhetoric in those diatribes will feel a little let down by McCain’s turn at the podium. But those Independents and wavering Democrats who were evidently (based on the published focus group responses) turned off by Palin’s shrill tone will probably appreciate the statesmanship shown in McCain’s talk.
Sadly the choice of words in the repeated “Fight” slogans near the end of the speech may not have sent out the right signal to a nation still recoiling from a costly and unjust war. The “stand up” lines struck me as much better.
In the end, I too like the slogan “Country First”, as it implies “God Second (or Even Further Relegated to the Back of the Pack)”. An apt choice for McCain, as he remains the last best hope to save true conservativism in America from the lunatic, gun-toting Christian right fringe that brought about the unmitigated disaster of neoconservatism and the failed Dubya presidency.
But sadly, McCain’s policy shifts over the past eight years to appease the fundamentalist, mean-spirited, parochial wing of the Republican party and his choice of Palin (an epitome of everything that’s hypocritical and small minded about the extreme right in America) over the infinitely better qualified Ridge or Lieberman has probably cost him the all-important middle ground in this election cycle.
I’m sure that conservatism can ultimately recover from the Bush presidency, but it will probably require someone more along the lines of McCain 2000 than McCain 2008.
My favourite line:
The first big-spending pork-barrel earmark bill that comes across my desk, I will veto it. I will make them famous, and you will know their names.
This speech reminded me that McCain is at the top of the ticket. Palin, it was great fun to witness her character and hear her say all the things that need to be said.
McCain gave me an idea of what to expect from his administration. I’m feeling OK with it.
Ah, yes. You know its election time when the American fifth columnists in Canada expose where their real loyalties lie. And I am not talking about party affiliation. America first. As always.
Its the “more Catholic than the pope” syndrome. Its a pity most are a bunch of American nationalists born on the wrong side of the border.
The comparison between the two convention events is striking. Obama went for the rock concert approach staged large and evangelical while McCain opted for a fireside chat with a few friends on an intimate stage.
Those that inhaled the thin mountain air of Mile High Stadium were giddy in the passion and excitement of the moment. They were in rapture as they swayed in unison to the soothing sound of the Obama sound. He sold the 75K Plus in the stadium which included reporters, pundits and commentators who were at the scene. This media babble instantly proclaimed this a great speech and a great event and to those in the immediate presence of Obama it was. The problem is I don’t think it sold the folks at home. Rock type events do not work on television and that is why you see so few of them on the tube. It is detached and remote. You feel like an unengaged observer watching a news event like a flood or a hurricane. Those in the storm feel the effects but those watching yawn and flip the channel.
McCain went for the television audience up close and personal. He talked directly to those watching him with honesty and sincerity. He engaged each person watching directly and personally. He was talking directly to them and it was effective.
I had never heard McCain give a speech before and so I was not sure what to expect. I thought that he might bomb.
The speech greatly exceeded my expectations. He effectively took the ‘change and hope’ Obama razzmatazz away from him. He also effectively presented himself as a humble, moderate, common sense guy and instead of looking like a warmonger, he talked about the issues affecting the average real American, and in fact his speech was directly geared to the large majority of average joe Americans.
I think average Americans got the message loud and clear and so he succeeded, big time, with this speech.
While Palin and Zero duke it out, McCain is running for president.
Meershaum: “the lunatic, gun-toting Christian right fringe”. Who are these people? Do these people exist, in reality? Or do they just exist in Democratic speeches and the MSM?
Perhaps one of our American commenters could enlighten me about this group of people, as I am not well travelled in the States.
I’ve seen lunatics, gun-toters, Christians and people who could potentially be referred to as “right fringe”, but not all wrapped up in one package. Penny? Silicon Valley Jim? Tim in Vermont? Beuler?
“While Palin and Zero duke it out, McCain is running for president.”
Tim, you’ve cracked the code.
I believe Obama has too but can’t get his supporters to settle down and centre on McCain, not Palin.
“the lunatic, gun-toting Christian right fringe”
Isn’t it odd such an analytical and deep thinking person can’t break the “gun-toting” cliche? And how does one “tote” a gun? Is it anything like carrying it?
What a simple-minded reaction.
C- from me.
The speech was too rambling with a lack of specifics. The grandfather-telling-his-grandchildren-a-bedtime-story voice doesn’t help; he needs to energize voters, not put them to sleep. And he repeated almost word for word the story of his Vietnam heroics that had been featured just 5 minutes earlier in the set-up video (great story none-the-less, but I got it the first time).
Perhaps this is a good cop/bad cop thing, where he’ll take the high road and Palin will take the Dems to the cleaners. But so far it ain’t working for me.
Your right, I keep hearing these phrases about the far right wing gun toting, religious people, right winged political establishment and so on.
I can not seem to find links to their posts, newspapers, blogs or commentaries. Could anyone left, right or center please supply these.
I would definitely like to read some of these people publications. I have for 3 years followed SDA and links supplied, I have read MSM all my life from newspapers and for the last 2 years stating reading the blogs and commentaries and links they have supplied.
I am still waiting for the Extreme right to show up?.
McCain rocks, Palin rocks and Obama/Biden are still looking for themselves. Keep putting the policies out there McCain, Obama/Biden are going to fight with the hockey mom and get their ass handed to them in a package. She will be nice about it and hand it back to them gift wrapped.
Meerschaum, quit spouting off patented liberal one-liners and think for a moment. Who exactly has displayed hypocrisy and meanness these last few days? The disgusting attacks on Sarah Palin of the last few days prove who really owns the intolerant, hypocritical and small-minded title. Hmmm.
There’s nothing mean-spirited about Sarah Palin. But she seems to bring out that trait in a lot of liberals who seem threatened by the value system she lives by. Is it hard for you folks to look in the mirror these days? Was it hard for many of you to see that beautiful baby boy on TV when many of you would have not hesitated to deny him his first breath? Hit too close to home? Good. Swallow hard and think which side really has compassion and caring here. Hint: it ain’t you guys.
I liked Mccain’s speech. Sure it was not Obama or Palin-like but I doubt that it was meant to be. It was solid, authentic and sincere. He came across as grandfatherly and dignified. Experienced and tough. Tried and tested. Independent but not impulsive. It follows along the theme that Obama is the opposite to all that and planting the seeds of doubt about what Obama would do in difficult situations. When hope and change is forced to confront fear and threat. It is directed at the mature crowd not idealistic followers.
The US campaign reminds of Tim Allens’s biography. When talking about marriage: Everyone thinks they want a hot sports car but in the end they choose a station wagon.
I think it’s a great ‘template’ to present to the people: the experienced, tough, slightly aloof, grizzled old warrior – needed in a time of war; and the young pragmatic, direct and yet immediately connected VP.
This is set-up as an offset to the Democratic template which has a self-absorbed, inexperienced, waffling individual who presents himself as a messiah – and an old and tired sidekick to who will along in the messiah’s wake.
The Democratic image is only one image: the Messiah Obama.
While the Republican image is not on any one individual, but on My Country. That hands the power to make images and to live – back to the people.
After all, Obama is taking that power away from the people; the power to make changes, he asserts, rests in him. Not the people. All they have to do is Believe in HIM.
Both McCain and Palin are emphasizing this fact; that they are coming to Washington to Serve the People. Brilliant; they are returning power, they say, from the Washington cabal, to the people.
Obama plans to go to Washington for his own ego and to Save the People. Because he’s the Messiah.
As the Messiah, notice how controlling the Obama camp is. They reject criticism of Obama; you aren’t allowed to debate, question, criticize his past.
So, it’s a humble Servant theme vs one based on the hubris of The Coming of the Messiah. Brilliant.
would like to say that it was a very fitting song at the end. “Hearts” barracuda
Posted by: Merle Underwood at September 4, 2008 11:53 PM
To bad they forgot to get permission to use the copyrighted material http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1594154/20080905/van_halen.jhtml and the group objected.
Why is it every election cycle politicians think they can just use any song they want for free and without permission.
John McCain made an excellent appeal to the American people to save themselves from the terrorist Bolshevik inspired rhetoric of hate and vengeance (on the well to do) that the O dishes out. I hope the American people were listening.
This is one courageous man – His speech inspired me to wish to be a braver, better person; all good, IMO.
Most of us are doing the Barracuda Boogie Woogie today!
I thought it was a GREAT speech. The part about his captivity was very personal and moving. The finish was from the heart, and very well-delivered.
Read it again. It’s good stuff:
I’m not running for president because I think I’m blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.
If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you’re disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.
I’m going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I’m going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I’m an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what’s right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children’s future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all. Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We’re Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
I give Mr McCain’s speech a B+. He started quite slow, and his smiles seems contrived, kind of what I expected. Then he got going in the final third or so, and had some very powerful moments:
– his experiential description of war as being unimaginably terrible was really something, no way the Obama camp could touch this type of idea
– his recounting of how he was shot down over Viet Nam. I thought his argument that he thought he was indestructible, that the world was about him then, was a vieled reference to Obama with his “I’ll go and talk to people and then we can solve our problems” naivete. He talked about how he wouldn’t cooperate with his captors, so they “broke him” and his friend in the adjoining cell got him to hold his head up high. That was a totally amazing moment, and the camera flashes to old vets, who were obviously so overwhelmed and moved. What a touching moment
– on the not so good, what was with bringing out Palin’s baby at end. I didn’t get that one, it seemed awkward to me, though no big deal.
– he did a nice job of contrasting viewpoints (I’m sure dems will argue he misrepresented them and maybe he did), but he got his point across without getting nasty
– his call to arms to all Republicans to unite, to admit they need to change their political culture was excellent. Too bad the Grits didn’t take this approach, they might still be in power.
Overall, fairly decent speech, but no home run, IMO. It will energize the base, as it was intended to do. The comments about non-specifity are misplaced; convention speeches are about mobilizing, not articulating policy.
The debates should be very interesting. Obama is lost without a teleprompter and a speech writer.
Will he do like his wife, when hosting the View, come with a list of questions NOT to be raised. A big mistake the dems made, IMHO, is doing a makeover of Michelle. She is still the woman who has never been proud to be an American until her man got into the primaries.
Obama has spent 2 years tearing down the USA, McCain spent 4 days building up the pride citizens have in their country, and how great the country is.
Poor Hillory, does she go with her plan to undermine Obama (without fingerprints left) so she can run in 2012, or does she help Obama to win, thus losing forever her chance at the White House. Wonder if she will ditch the pantsuits.
It is well known that McCain is not a great orator.
Think of this, Obama wants to sit down and talk with leaders of Iran, who will write his speeches for that. I don’t think it is McCains plan to undermine the USA just to be liked by socialist Europe and the the bin ladens of the world.
Remember also, Clinton could have had OBL killed or captured, and more than one occassion, but was busy denying affairs. (sexual, not world)
Tara Brautigam of CP has minimised McCain’s prisoner of war experience:
Quote “Unlike Obama, the 72-year-old McCain is not known for his oratory skills and is much more comfortable in smaller settings.
His personal story – from his five months as a prisoner of war in Vietnam to his penchant for going against Washington’s status quo – helped earned him the moniker, the Maverick.” end quote
Yes, 5 months not 5 YEARS! Either she is pretty ignorant or …
Saw this first in our local paper but one url for the story online is here:
http://macleans.ca/world/wire/article.jsp?content=w090482A