Deseret News | Reader comments: Mitt, McCain intensify fight

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Mitt, McCain intensify fight

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Lee | 1:19 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Let's see of the McCain loving mainstream media reports on his outright lie. McCain must be getting desperate to go to such lengths, and his support from quasi-Democrat Mel Martinez (one of his gang of 14) combined with the support of the NY Times should hurt him with true Republicans.

Dave | 1:36 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain makes me sick!

Wanda | 2:45 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I think Mitt Romney has been the object of unfair attacks like this from the beginning. John McCain is such a manipulator that he will do or say anything just to get elected. I hate how they always act as if Romney started the fight when he is just plain defending himself against dishonest people like John McCain.

John McCain isn't very bright!

Comments continue below

william | 2:49 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain was dishonest about Mitt's comments. Full stop. Mitt called him on it. Now Mitt's the negative campaigner, and the Romney supporters are the bad ones that need to fall in line with the party? That's outright ridiculous. I should fall in line with someone who throws out the lies McCain does? It's documented what Mitt said and McCain's desperately trying to steer the debate away from the economy by mischaracterizing it. I'm not falling in line with that guy, and hopefully no one's dumb enough in Florida to believe him. Say it's over all you want McCain lovers, but that's really looking like wishful thinking. Oh, and by the way, the Bush tax cuts expire in 2010. Get ready to pay for your boy McCain if he does win. It's the economy, stupid.

Mac | 3:11 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain is desperate. Stick with your Story Mitt.

Go Romney

tom | 4:15 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain is now running scared. He knows Romney is ahead of him in Florida. It is too bad he has to resort to lying and half-truths about Romney, instead of coming up with a plan. Romney is presenting his ideas of what he will do as president, while McCain is just tearing down his competition with falsehoods.

Elect Mitt | 4:50 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain needs to speak specifically, and not generally. Otherwise, his speech sounds like an ad hominem fallacy.

Go MITT!!

Kay | 6:58 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain is desperate. THe powers that be want McCain, then they know that between the Democrat and McCain either way they will have their liberal candidate.

McCain does not know economics. THIs is a no brainer. WHo would you want to run your company. How about run the United States of America?

And further more ROmney has not flip flopped on his marriage. THe ultimate flip flopper are the ones who make promises to one spouse and then break them. He really is the smartest, most moral candidate.

Anonymous | 7:24 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Go, big mac!

Keith F | 7:27 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I understand tht McCain bases his allegations on a Romney response eons ago that both Pres. Bush and Prime Minister of Iraq should have a PRIVATE plan for success and withdrawal of troops. Of course they should have a plan. Then McCain equates that to Clinton's stance. Hogwash. McCain is desperate. Can people see thru McCain's smoke screen? McCain's twisting of the truth should be a nail in his coffin. If you don't like the way Romney is getting trash-talked, then go to his website and contribute money so he can defend himself. Romney has way more integrity than McCain. Suggestion: Google search "Keating Five" and you'll see how McCain was involved in the Savings and Loan scandal several years ago. Same McCain. CONTRIBUTE TO ROMNEY!

Ron | 7:41 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I like 'em both. either candidate would do a good job in the white house. The question is, Which one has a better chance at defeating either one of the two front running democratic candidates? I have nightmares about either Clinton or Obama becoming president. My vote will be for the one with the best chance of defeating the democrat threat.

Tbones | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain is the Manchurian Candidate.

riley | 7:53 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I was of the opinion that McCain was direct and clear on his stands. Now he seems to be just harping at any little chink he can find..whether it be true or his imagination. Solidly for Mitt at this stage.

adc | 8:03 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Simply stated McCain should retire and go home.He is tarnishing his standing as a war "Hero"!

David | 8:52 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Mitt Romney's talks on the economy are compelling. Without a strong economy democracy is at great risk. I was somewhat undecided but Mitt's obvious expertise in economics and John's current effort to create false impressions about Mitt and Iraq - has clarified my decision.

Political Observer | 8:59 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I understand that Hill and Bill have said they prefer that McCain get the Republican nomination. Well, sprise, sprise (as Gomer Pyle would say). With McCain being antique, addled,and easily manipulated, they know he would be the easiest to beat in the general election. Also, I understand that the New York Times has endorsed McCain. Could that be the kiss of death as it has been for previous candidates. Also, McCain will find that he now has a tiger by the tail. When he began to slip in the polls, in panic he desperately and falsely accused Romney of advocating withdrawal from Iraq "like the Democrats." McCain is now beginning to show his true colors--Stop Romney at any cost, even to shedding his straight-talking, truth-telling mantra for lies and deceptions.

Also, please note the number of Washington D.C. insiders endorsing McCain. Yep, the good ole boys are alive and well in Washington D.C. where Congress' approval rating is below 20%. Don't tell me Washington D.C. isn't broken and in need of from top to bottom fixing.

POW? | 9:07 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

In spite of the McCain stories of the last election I think it is awesome of Romney not to bring up the allegations about McCain giving up information to the North Vietnamese to keep from being abused. This was brought up in the last election and I never heard McCain deny it....

Ken Baguley | 9:08 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain has demeaned Romney from the very first and laughs like a barroom sot when he does so. Romney has always supported the president and the war and has never wanted to have a schedule of withdrawal...Only after Petraeus would see that it was the right time, place and safe thing to do.

Was it a lie? | 9:10 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I have read a few articles about this recent spat between McCain and Romney, but the obvious question has remained unaddressed: Was McCain being dishonest or not? What is the basis of his statement that Romney advocated for a deadline for withdrawal of troops? Why has no one addressed the issue of whether the statement was accurate or not?

Kris in AL | 9:11 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

So much for the "straight talk express" .. that bus is now on the highway to hell.

What doth it profit a man to gain the whole world (the presidency) but lose his soul?

McCain is losing his soul by being dishonest about other candidates positions.

Dale | 9:32 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Government is big business. War experiences don't solve domestic problems. We need someone to lead and get us out of the mess. Mitt is the ONE. Don't let Religion stop you from choosing the most qualified person. Let your good feelings tell you what you do. Leave party policies behind.Think this time FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY.

Jerry Hansen | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I am tired of the constant, MCCain is a "True American Hero". So what? I can name dozens of my neighbors who also were "American Heros". One even shared the cover of Time magazine with Gen. Douglass MacAuther. My Dad was a "True American Hero" also. He flew 32 bombing mission during WWII and like MCCain he was shot down and served his country as a POW for 11 Months in Nazi Germany. But none of this qualified him for the phony hero worship and adulation McCain is receiving. He and thousands of others are not qualified to be President of the Unided States because of their war service. MCCain is not even a real republican. RINO perhaps.

true blue | 9:41 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

the war in iraq is one thing mitt has held his position on the whole time. mccain is desparate and telling lies. i really didn't expect that since he's a straight talker. it's now obvious that their all politicians

Barry | 9:41 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

We need someone in the White House that is not afraid to dis-mantle and layoff to reduce costs. Will somebody get hurt? Probably. Will it cause change? Hopefully.

Arizona Mike | 9:49 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Living in Arizona and having McCain in the news and in the papers every day, I can honestly say that he is anything but conservative. (RINO as they say). McCain has shown his true colors many times. There is a good reason why he is loosing ground in the polls here in AZ as well. Conservatives are tired of being kicked in the head over and over again. Just keep you eye on the media and see who they are backing if you want to know who the liberal media darling is.

Rob | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Mitt is a real leader. The Government is a big business. I like that he has been successful in his lifes work. He knows how to turn things around and not criticize others in the process. He is a very respectful person even when others think differently than he does. He will be able to work with everyone from our country to other countries. We need someone in office who will be strong on principles but also respectful.

hedge? | 9:58 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

It sounds like McCain feels that its more prinicpled to misrepresent somebody else's views - and then to stick to his guns on such misrepresentation - than to change his story and apologize. That would be flip-flopping and we just can't have THAT, now can we?

Since Mitt pretty much "owns" the "economic recovery" theme right now, that leaves McCain to do his best to squeeze what he can out of the war theme, pandering to the vets and other seniors in Florida. I think this will hurt McCain in the final analysis as Mitt likely holds the yet-to-be-exposed cards of McCain's actual positions on Iraq (i.e. his "inside Washington" voting record)

Ryan | 10:03 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I agree with what has been said thus far. I can't believe that these superficial arguments that McCain keeps thrusting at Romney are continuing. Where are McCain's sources? Anytime I hear Romney counterarguing or presenting the beliefs of his contenders, it is almost always cited. McCain seems to be playing the "hurt" person so that people will feel bad for him. I am sorry, but that kind of thinking does not sit well with me.

POWER OF THE PRESS | 10:12 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

THEY WORK TO PORTRAY THIS GUY A CERTAIN WAY>>BUT JUST BEING THERE EXPOSES THEIR FALLCY.

o boy | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

what is wrong with mccain? he is shorter, less intelligent, rude, a little bit on the ugly side, living off of the government and off course not quite as eloquent. much to be admired of this man. these attribute sound and look like a DUMBmecrat to me.

To All | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

We all need to listen and ensure that Barack Obama is not the right candidate. His vision of change through the American people and not politics is where American needs to head.

true blue | 10:44 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain is obviously getting desperate because his poll avg in Florida is dropping. Dispite numbers a lot of early voting has already taken place in Florida. Giuliani could still win this. The good news is romney has been in second in Florida for quite awhile. McCain slipped out of the picture for awhile, so maybe Romney already has an edge.

Kent from Arizona | 10:46 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain has done nothing for Arizona. We have Illegals coming into this state at an alarming rate, committing crime and havic. McCain talks tough but pays no attention to any of the issues here in Arizona, how can anyone believe he would do any better as President. He is a typical Washington Politician , all talk and no action. Mitt Romney has a proven track record of action and getting things done. Mitt is the ONLY option to create action and change in Washington. GO MITT!!

michael | 10:49 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

To POW- I think it is really low to bring up allegations that McCain talked to avoid torture. What hogwash- was Mitt ever even in the military?
The latest polls (accessible on pollingreport.com) show that McCain is the only Replublican who will challange the Democratic nominee- whether it be Clinton or Obama. And the Republican establishment is falling in line behind McCain- I think it is almost a done deal that McCain will be the Republican nominee- the question is who will win the Democratic nomination. I liked Richardson, but he is gone- between Clinton and Obama, I tended to favor Clinton, but was offended by some of the comments Bill made recently - and I think this is really hurting her campaign nationally. It looks like it will be a race to the wire. But I think that McCain will win Florida- and then the nomination will be his to lose.

Ernest T. Bass | 11:05 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

It's too bad Mitt is such a horrible flip-flopper. If the Mitt who was Gov or MA was running, I could almost support him. Now that it's the born-again Mitt, I hope Barack wins.
Of course Barack is by far the best candidate regardless.

Ted Owens | 11:06 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

POW?, you and your ilk are pathetic! How dare you or anyone question John McCain's patriotism? How low are you willing to sink? McCain's experience, honesty and unflinching stand on the issues will propel him to the nomination and to the White House, for which all thinking, patriotic Americans are grateful.

michael | 11:14 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

To POW- it is really offensive to bring up whether McCain talked to avoid being tortured. After all, even though Mitt and all his sons support the Iraq war, none of them have served a day in the military. I think you need to get used to the fact that McCain will be the Republican nominee. He will probably win Florida, but more importantly the Republican establishment is falling in line behind him. I think it will be clear soon that McCain is inevitable and he has the best chance of beating the Democratic nominee, whether it is Obama or Clinton (see pollingreport.com). And I am not saying this because I support McCain- though I have a lot of respect for him and he would be a vast improvement over the disasters running the country now.

I actually liked Richardson, but he is out now (hope he will be VP) and then I tended towards Hillary until I was offended by Bill's recent comments- and I think this is going to have a major negative impact on the way her run is viewed nationally.

Anonymous | 11:25 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

i agree with pow. there are many pow that are not beating their chest and if you listen to some of the old pow they hate mccain. the strategy of trying to change the topic shows that he knows nothing about the economy. heck if you don't want job vote for mccain (so that he can get a pay raise by being in the white house)or vote for someone who will create jobs and bring jobs back to U.S.. AND on the subject of the military he would sink just like the titanic because of his narrow mindedness. remember he ran for the white house before and NEVER WON. ummm i wonder why?

Anonymous | 11:27 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

by the way having a president that worry about his next pay check is pathetic.

Business as usual | 11:33 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

One dishonest politician brands another dishonest politican as being dishonest. The second dishonest politican makes the same claim against the first dishonest politician. In fact, there's no real difference between the two of them (and nothing to show either of them would be good for this country (and the same thing can be said about the Demmocratic candidates).

It would be nice to have a qualified candidate running for President. Unfortunately this year, as in most years, we don't. Sad.

Bookaholic | 11:57 a.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Ernest T.--America needs Obama as a "motivational speaker", not as president. He is uplifting to hear but offers NO concrete ideas whatsoever.

Romney is the one we need! McCain is a dour, angry, bitter old codger. His hair-trigger temper would be a definite liability. He told whoppers about Mitt because his numbers are slipping in Florida. People are getting to know him better and don't like what they see.

McCain is anti-free speech, pro-tax, pro-illegals, has bought the global warming bunk, wants to hamstring the economy which will produce miniscule results. John wants to close Gitmo, bring the terrorists to a prison near YOU! He's against waterboarding. So, a terrorists knows about a dirty bomb ready to go off in a city nearby, and McCain doesn't think we should make him extremely uncomfortable (with no lasting damage) for 30 SECONDS in order to save THOUSANDS of lives? That's retarded!

Romney is sharp, decent, analytical, accomplished, fit, and ready. The economy is wobbling. We need his expertise. The rest of the candidates haven't so much as run a lemonade stand. Romney will decrease the size of our bloated government, revive the economy, and keep us safe.

Vote Romney, Florida!!! Mitt '08!

The Battle for Second Place | 12:17 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Looks like yet another election of no quality candidates:

Obama: mentioned that he'd be postured to attack Pakistan based on our targeting strategy and redeploying our troops in Iraq "elsewhere in the Middle East"

Clinton: stated the way to taper oil use is by putting a disclaimer on the pumps at the gas stations. Also, is it Hilary or Bill who is running?

Romney: Pro life? Pro choice? No, I wouldn't have a Muslim in my cabinet. Yes, I am a lifelong hunter.

McCain: Let's stay in Iraq for 100 years if we have to.

Is there a "none of the above" on the ballot?

Romney | 12:38 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Romney is your candidate for one reason and one reason only; HE IS MORMON!!! If McCain was MORMON, he would be your candidate. None of you can deny it.

Dishonest | 12:56 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Huckabee asked point blank on Chris Wallace's Show said "I have never known John McCain to be dishonest".

There you have it. EVERYTHING Huckabee says is a lie, therefore, simple logic, McCain must be dishonest and should apologize.

Mc | 1:00 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

To "Romney" who says Romney is supported here just because he is Mormon: You think that demeaning our intelligence will get us to see the light. You just can't accept that Mormons think for themselves and choose candidates on the basis of issues, experience, and values. If it makes you feel better, just go on telling yourself that.

If it makes you feell better.. | 1:06 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

to believe that the only thing people like about Romney is his religion, no one can change your mind. As a non-Mormon, Romney may have my support depending on the Democratic outcome. The sad truth is: I'm not thrilled with any of the frontrunners from either party. I will however pick whichever candidate I feel is the best one standing in November, from the way things are looking, that just may be Romney. I'm okay with that. There are Mormons who are bad people, being Mormon didn't make them that way, they just are. Romney is Mormon, but from everything I see, he's good people and a good leader.

Vietnam Vet | 1:25 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I have voted Republican in ten presidential elections and plan to do so again in 2008, regardless of the nominee. Having been a voter for over 40 years, I have seen the pendulum swing between Democratic and Republican victories. Some races have been close, others have not. After eight years of the Bush administration, and the present mood of the electorate, I am quite confident that this is the year for a Democratic landslide. As always, independents and swing voters from each party will decide the election -- not those of us who are firm in our ideology. Mitt Romney's business acumen will not win him the election because these voters are as leary of the private sector as they are of Washinton. In fact, many of these voters blame the private sector for many of the current economic ills. And note the popularity level of the successful businessman Dick Cheney. While McCain will do better with veterans, independents, and swing voters, that will not be enough for him to win the election. This will be McCain's last chance. Mitt can try again in four or eight years.

McCain | 1:29 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

I am a life long Republican. I have never voted for a Democrat for president, but if John McCain is the Republican nominee, I will vote for even Hillary before I will vote for McCain. Every one of the Republican candidates would make a better nominee than McCain even Ron Paul. I do not understand how any Republican could even be considering McCain after ï¿½McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, and the gang of 14.ï¿½ Do we really have such short memories? He will sell us down the river!

annie | 1:33 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

McCain says that Romney has a date in mind for pulling out troops. Romney has never said such a thing. Could it be that McCain is losing his memory and is imagining things? Heaven help us if he should get the nomination. He won't be able to keep any facts straight by the time he completes one term.

Sharon | 1:40 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008

Listen to Hannity & Combs Monday night - they have the tape of the Romney interview which was read word for word by Hannity last night, and will be covered again Monday. It was interesting how skewed Combs covered it...he read part of it and Hannity told him he left out the 2 sentences that made it clear what Romney was saying. Combs just said your've had your turn, now it's mine...they were interviewing a former congressman supporting McCain who maintained & supported the lie McCain was telling even after listening to it all. "Good ole' boys" is right. It's taken a while, but Romney has our support, and also our county's support in this part of Wyoming.

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