2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

What They're Saying About John McCain At The Michigan Debate

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

"The big story here I really think is John McCain. He's the comeback kid." -- Steve Moore, Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Member And Founder Of The Club For Growth

"The Big Story Here I Really Think Is John McCain. He's The Comeback Kid."

The Wall Street Journal's Steve Moore: "The Big Story Here I Really Think Is John McCain. He's The Comeback Kid." "The big story here I really think is John McCain. He's the comeback kid. I think he's back in this race. We all wrote him off six weeks ago, we all thought he had suffered the knockout punch. I think he actually did look presidential." (CNBC's "Kudlow & Company," 10/9/07)

Moore: "I Thought [McCain] Was Reaganesque Tonight." (CNBC's "Kudlow & Company," 10/9/07)

CNBC's Larry Kudlow: "Mr. McCain Had A Pretty Good Evening ... He Seems To Be On The Rise." "Mr. McCain had a pretty good evening, did he not? ... And he's kind of on the upslope now. It's an interesting story, from down in the depths, Death Valley days a couple of months ago -- he seems to be on the rise." (CNBC's "Kudlow & Company," 10/9/07)

The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood: "[McCain] Stood Up For Ronald Reagan Economics. He Talked About Cutting Taxes And Being Tough On Spending ..." "I thought John McCain was fairly crisp. He stood up for free trade. He stood up for Ronald Reagan economics. He talked about cutting taxes and being tough on spending, and the imperative also of trying to help the middle class by getting health care costs down. All those thematic were very good for John McCain ..." (CNBC's "Kudlow & Company," 10/9/07)

Watch Moore, Kudlow And Harwood Discuss John McCain's Debate Performance On CNBC

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "McCain Gets The First Applause Of The Night For A Comprehensive Answer On The Condition Of The Economy. And Then The Second, For Saying That Congress Should Vote Up Or Down On A 'Fairer, Simple Tax Code.'" (The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder Blog, "McCain Gets Cheers," marcambinder.theatlantic.com, 10/9/07)

"Go With The Straight Talk!" As John McCain "Goes To Town On Excessive Spending And Pork-Barreling In Congress"

Townhall's Matt Lewis: "Go With The Straight Talk!" "He's right about Social Security and Medicare going broke. Go with the Straight Talk!" (Matt Lewis, "Live Blogging The Debate," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, 10/9/07)

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza: McCain Delivered "Some 'Straight Talk' On The Economy." (Chris Cillizza, "McCain: Serious, Somber Straight Talk," The Washington Post's "Fix" Blog, blog.washingtonpost.com, 10/9/07)

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "McCain Goes To Town On Excessive Spending And Pork-Barreling In Congress ..." (Politico's Jonathan Martin Blog, "On-Message," www.politico.com, 10/9/07)

Heading Right Blog's Ed Morrissey Responds To McCain's Call For Straight Talk: "Yup." "The American people are prepared to face tough choices, but we have to be straight with them. Yup." (Ed Morrissey, "McCain Scores A Point," Heading Right Blog, headingright.com, 10/9/07)

Morrissey: McCain "Hitting His Stride." "McCain got better in the last period, I think, and is hitting his stride." (Ed Morrissey, "Second Break Winners/Losers," Heading Right Blog, headingright.com, 10/9/07)

Townhall's Matt Lewis: McCain "Proves He Gets It" On The Changing Economy. "McCain proves he gets it: 'I think we are in the midst of a revolution that we haven't seen since the Industrial Revolution.' He's right. We're not going to get back to the days where you make $20 an hour building cars with a high school education, and can provide for a family. I'm not saying this is the way I want it -- I'm saying this is the world we live in ..." (Matt Lewis, "Live Blogging The Debate," Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, 10/9/07)

Fellow Candidates Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney And Sam Brownback Praise John McCain

Fred Thompson: "I Think John Has It Right." (CNBC/MSNBC/Wall Street Journal Debate, Dearborn, MI, 10/9/07)

Mitt Romney: "Senator McCain Is Sure Right On That Point." (CNBC/MSNBC/Wall Street Journal Debate, Dearborn, MI, 10/9/07)

Sam Brownback: "[I] Worked With Senator McCain, A Number Of Us Did" To Cut Wasteful Pork Barrel Spending. (CNBC/MSNBC/Wall Street Journal Debate, Dearborn, MI, 10/9/07)

Watch Republican Candidates Thompson, Romney And Brownback Praise John McCain

Statement By McCain Campaign Manager Rick Davis Following Michigan GOP Debate

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS FOLLOWING MICHIGAN GOP DEBATE

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

"Today, John McCain proved once again he is the only candidate to restore Americans' trust in government by stopping wasteful pork barrel spending, simplifying the tax code and fixing Social Security instead of just passing the problem off to another generation. Unlike other candidates, John McCain doesn't just talk about cutting pork barrel spending -- he has a 20-year record of leading the fight against government waste on behalf of American taxpayers.

"John McCain is the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to reform the unemployment insurance system to assist workers who have lost a job that's not coming back to find a job that won't go away.

"Michigan voters witnessed again today what they admired about John McCain in 2000: Straight talk, experienced leadership and bold solutions for America's future."

John McCain 2008 Announces Third Quarter Fundraising Numbers

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER FUNDRAISING NUMBERS

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced third quarter fundraising numbers:
The McCain campaign is expected to report $6 million in contributions for the third quarter.  The campaign will report approximately $3.6 million in cash on-hand.

Campaign Manager Rick Davis said, "We are thrilled that with so many Americans supporting John McCain, we're now on sound financial footing and running a robust campaign gaining clear momentum in the early states.  Heading into the fall, we have the resources to communicate that John McCain is the only candidate with the experience, character and judgment to lead as commander in chief from day one."

John McCain 2008 Launches Televison And Radio Ads In New Hampshire

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES TELEVISION AND RADIO ADS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced a statewide New Hampshire ad buy.  The new ads highlight John McCain's experience, character and judgment that Americans trust to lead our country and reform Washington.  The campaign is launching two television ads and one radio ad, entitled "One Man," "Live Free," and "Courage," respectively.
VIEW THE NEW ADS HERE: http://www.johnmccain.com/tvads/

Script for "One Man" (:60-TV)

INTERVIEWER: How old are you?

JOHN MCCAIN: Thirty-one

INTERVIEWER: What is your rank in the Army?

JOHN MCCAIN: Lt. Commander in the Navy ... Hit by either missile or anti-aircraft fire, I'm not sure which. I ejected and broke my leg and both arms.

INTERVIEWER: And your official number?

JOHN MCCAIN: 624787

ANNOUNCER: One man sacrificed for his country

One man opposed a flawed strategy in Iraq

One man had the courage to call for change

One man didn't play politics with the truth

One man stands up to the special interests

JOHN MCCAIN: Stand up. We're Americans, we're Americans and we'll never surrender. They will.

ANNOUNCER: One man does what's right, not what's easy

John McCain

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

Script for "Live Free" (:30-TV)

ANNOUNCER: America at risk

Americans lost trust in their government

They're looking for leadership

A leader with the judgment and experience to keep us safe

The courage to change Washington

Fix our toughest problems and restore our trust

The character to put America's interests before his own

New Hampshire, you know who he is:

JOHN MCCAIN: Live free or die!

ANNOUNCER: John McCain

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

Script for "Courage" (:60-RADIO)

ANNOUNCER: John McCain, prisoner of war, Hanoi, 1967:

INTERVIEWER: How old are you?

JOHN MCCAIN: Thirty-one

INTERVIEWER: What is your rank in the Army?

JOHN MCCAIN: Lt. Commander in the Navy ... Hit by either missile or anti-aircraft fire, I'm not sure which. I ejected and broke my leg and both arms.

INTERVIEWER: And your official number?

JOHN MCCAIN: 624787

ANNOUNCER: One man believes Americans want a leader, not a follower

"No other candidate has the guts to do the same," wrote the Union Leader

One man has the courage to stand up to the special interests

And the judgment and experience to be commander in chief

New Hampshire, you know who he is:

JOHN MCCAIN: Live free or die!

ANNOUNCER: John McCain

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

John McCain 2008 TV Ad: "One Man" :60

John McCain 2008 TV Ad: "One Man" :60

John McCain 2008
:60 Television
"One Man"
September 27, 2007

Audio  Video 
Interviewer: How old are you?

John McCain: Thirty one.

Interviewer: What is your rank in the army?

McCain: Lt. Commander in the Navy. ... hit by either missile or anti-aircraft fire, I'm not sure which. And the plane continued straight down and I ejected and broke my leg and both arms.

Interviewer: And your official number?

McCain: 624787  John McCain interviewed in Hanoi prison

CG: John McCain
POW 1967 - 1973 

Anncr: One man sacrificed for his country  John McCain board

CG: McCain logo
Courageous Service
Experienced Leadership
Bold Solution

One man opposed a flawed strategy in Iraq  McCain campaign b-roll

CG: "McCain was dead on in his analysis." Newsweek, 7/26/2007 

One man had the courage to call for change  CG: "...Americans want a leader, not a follower. No other candidate has the guts to do the same." Manchester Union Leader, 5/24/2007 

One man didn't play politics with the truth McCain and President Reagan 

One man stands up to the special interests McCain photo in flight gear  

McCain: Stand up. We're Americans, we're Americans and we'll never surrender, they will  McCain speech at convention
CG: www.JohnMcCain.com

Anncr: One man does what's right, not what's easy  McCain saluting 

John McCain.    

McCain: I'm John McCain and I approved this message  McCain profile 

CG: Paid for by John McCain 2008

John McCain 2008 TV Ad: "Live Free"

John McCain 2008 TV Ad: "Live Free"

John McCain 2008
:30 Television
"Live Free"
September 27, 2007

Audio Video

Anncr: America at risk  B-roll

Americans lost trust in their government  CG: "Bridge to Nowhere" "Hurricane Katrina" "Congressional Scandal"

They're looking for leadership  B-roll campaign rally

CG: "The spirited commanding character New Hampshire fell in love with...." Manchester Union Leader, 9/7/2007

A leader with the judgment and experience to keep us safe    

The courage to change Washington    

Fix our toughest problems and restore our trust  McCain and President Reagan

The character to put America's interests before his own  b-roll prison camp footage

New Hampshire, you know who he is  b-roll of McCain and veterans

CG: www.JOHNMcCAIN.com

McCain: Live free or die  b-roll handmade sign

Anncr: John McCain  McCain still profile

McCain: I'm John McCain and I approved this message  CG: McCain logo

McCain Campaign Introduces New Web Feature

MCCAIN CAMPAIGN INTRODUCES NEW WEB FEATURE

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's campaign today introduced a new web feature on www.JohnMcCain.com that chronicles the Senator's leadership on Iraq and in the larger fight against Islamic extremists. The page, entitled "Fighting Islamic Extremists: Progress in Iraq," features a four year timeline of John McCain's unrelenting call for a new strategy for victory in Iraq -- the strategy currently showing signs of success on the ground. The page also features video of speeches and related news articles, as well as links to photos and blog updates from the "No Surrender Tour."

Senator McCain Announces Iowa Statewide Steering Committee

SENATOR McCAIN ANNOUNCES IOWA STATEWIDE STEERING COMMITTEE

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today introduced its Iowa Statewide Steering Committee that will guide and lead John McCain's effort to win the Iowa Caucuses.

The team consists of a state chairman, three state co-chairs, and regional chairs in seven Iowa regions who will oversee activity in their assigned counties. As previously released, David Roederer serves as state campaign chair; Auditor Dick Johnson, Dr. Greg Ganske, and State Senator Jeff Lamberti, as state co-chairs; and Chuck Larson as a volunteer senior advisor to the campaign.

"I am proud to have strong support in every corner of the state from these active and committed Iowans," said McCain. "The Iowa Caucuses are all about volunteer leadership. The level of volunteer support and dedication I receive from Iowa's community leaders is exceptionally gratifying."

State Campaign Chair David Roederer served in the same capacity in 2004 for President Bush's re-election efforts. Under Roederer's guidance, President Bush became the first Republican to win Iowa in 20 years.

Statewide Co-Chairs, former Auditor Dick Johnson, Dr. Greg Ganske, and State Senator Jeff Lamberti, each have extensive Iowa policy and political experience and have been instrumental in getting John McCain's message out across the state. Proven organizers, the co-chairs will be focused on building a winning statewide team of dedicated volunteers in all 99 Iowa counties.

Additionally, Chuck Larson, Jr. is serving as a senior advisor to the campaign. As a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, Chuck served in Iraq for a year. Chuck is a former Iowa State Senator and served as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa from 2001 until January 2005.

Newly released regional chairs bring a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the campaign, leading the organizing efforts in their home areas:

Bob Abel, SE Iowa Chair
Melanie Bates, SW Iowa Chair
De Byerly, Northern Iowa Chair
Jim Goff, East Central Iowa Regional Chair
Isaiah McGee, Central Iowa Chair
Barb Smelzer, NE Iowa Regional Chair
Jerry Tweeten, Northern Iowa co-Chair
Richard "Doc" Zortman, NW Iowa Chair

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: JOHN MCCAIN AT FOX NEWS DEBATE

New Hampshire Voters Tell Fox News: McCain Won Tonight's Debate

McCain Dominated Fox News Focus Group Led By Frank Luntz. LUNTZ: "One individual for the first time exceeded expectations in all the debates that we've been testing for Hannity & Colmes. ... What is it about John McCain?" (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)

NH Voters "Give It To McCain -- He Exceeded Their Expectations" As "The Word 'Leadership' Is Being Repeated." "Yes, Frank Luntz's 29 Republican voters give it to McCain -- he exceeded their expectations. The word 'leadership' is being repeated." (Kate O'Beirne, National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

Watch New Hampshire Voters Tell Fox News That McCain Won Debate

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "I think John McCain sounded the most presidential, even the other candidates were quoting John McCain during their responses." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "I think McCain just has the experience and it came through in his answers." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "[H]e was very passionate about being a leader. And that's what we need in this country: a leader who's not afraid to do what he says." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· NH Voter: "He exhibits leadership a lot better than other candidates seem to ... He was direct. He spoke forcefully in support for the war in Iraq." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 9/5/07)<!--[endif]-->

McCain "Roared Back With A Strong Debate Performance"

Fox News' Carl Cameron: "[J]ohn McCain Reasserted Himself." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes", 9/5/07)

Christian Broadcasting Network's David Brody: McCain "Roared Back With A Strong Debate Performance Where He ... Looked Like A Very Strong Commander In Chief." "John McCain ... roared back with a strong debate performance where he highlighted his military service, honor and leadership credentials. ... McCain looked like a very strong commander in chief. He had a game plan going in to let people know he's the man to lead in Iraq and beyond and if the military surge keeps working and political reconciliation begins to take hold, he may be in a position for a comeback." (David Brody, "McCain And Huckabee Shine In GOP Debate," Christian Broadcasting Network's "Brody File" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Rich Lowry: "I Think McCain Won" As "His National Security/Military Experience [Was] His Real Strength Tonight." "I think McCain won (but all my judgments are being poisoned by the Luntz focus group as we speak). Republicans tend to disagree with him on immigration, the tax pledge, and interrogation, but he scored against Romney on immigration, had a fine answer on the tax pledge, and put his interrogation position in the context of his national security/military experience, which was his real strength tonight. His answers on Iraq and Iran were passionate and deeply informed. It also helped create the impression that he had the upper-hand tonight that Giuliani and Huckabee gave him props three times. Combine all this with the fact that he was relaxed, feisty, and fluid, and it was a strong night for him." (Rich Lowry, "My Take," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

The American Spectator's Jennifer Rubin: "McCain Helped Himself Tremendously -- Reminding Us Why It Is Better To Have An Experienced, Sober Adult At The Helm Of American Foreign Policy." (Jennifer Rubin, "Wrap," The American Spectator's "AmSpec" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "[M]cCain Is The Winner Of This Debate ..." (Rich Lowry, "Rudy On Iran," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

Town Hall Blog's Matt Lewis: "McCain Looks Good Tonight. So Far, He Seems To Have More Energy, And Be More Comfortable ..." (Matt Lewis, "1st Fall Prez Debate ...," Townhall Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Seth Leibsohn: "McCain's Night So Far. ... He's Looked More Fresh And Sounded More Clear Than Any Debate This Year And He's Finally Relaxed." (Seth Leibsohn, "Rich Is Right," National Review's " The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

McCain "Fabulous" On National Security

National Review's Andy McCarthy: "McCain On The Surge. Fabulous." (Andy McCarthy, "Not Apparently. It's Working," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Mark Hemmingway: "My Mother-In-Law's Response -- 'I Love It When He Gets This Way.'" (Mark Hemingway, "McCain Insists The Surge Is Working," National Review's "The Corner" Blog, 9/5/07)

The American Spectator's Jennifer Rubin: "This Is Where McCain Shines." "McCain says 'Governor, the surge is working.' Romney tries to interrupt with 'apparently.' McCain cuts him off. McCain 1-Romney 0 on that. McCain repeats 'Not apparently.' This is where McCain shines." (Jennifer Rubin, "Foreign Policy," The American Spectator's "AmSpec" Blog, 9/5/07)

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "It's McCain At His Best." (Jim Gerarty, "The New Hampshire Republican Debate, Part Three," National Review's "Horserace" Blog, 9/5/07)

McCain Even Praised By Fellow Republican Candidates

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee: "Senator McCain made a great point, and let me make this clear, if there's anybody on this stage that understands the word honor, I've got to say Sen. McCain understands that word because he has given his country a sacrifice the rest of us don't even comprehend, and on this issue, when he says we can't leave until we've left with honor, I 100 percent agree with him ..." (Fox News Republican Presidential Debate, Durham, NH, 9/5/07)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· Watch Huckabee Praise McCain's Service<!--[endif]-->

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani: "I have tremendous respect for Sen. McCain. I think I've said, more than once, if I wasn't running I'd probably be supporting him for President." (Fox

Statement By New Hampshire State Chairman Following GOP Debate In Durham

STATEMENT BY NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE CHAIRMAN FOLLOWING GOP DEBATE IN DURHAM

MANCHESTER, NH -- Peter Spaulding, New Hampshire Campaign Chairman for John McCain 2008, issued the following statement on tonight's Republican presidential debate.

"Tonight John McCain showed voters in New Hampshire why he is the most qualified candidate to be our next president.  John McCain's unquestionable national security credentials, record as a reformer, and inspiring lifetime of service set him apart from the other candidates on the stage at UNH.

"John demonstrated a command of the issues and an ability to give honest, straight-talk on each one, from the importance of reducing America's dependence on foreign sources of energy, to cutting wasteful spending and protecting America from Islamic extremism.  Tonight was simply another example where John McCain, unlike any other candidate, displayed the experience necessary to lead America and change Washington."