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GOP raises McCain

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MY SLC | 12:49 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
McCain gave a good but predictable speech. It was a major improvement from the hate fest of Wednesday night with the VP nominee "pit bull" topping it off.

I believe the GOP thinks it has nothing to lose and may gain ( at least with the right wing). But, with it�s VP nominee McCain and the GOP does not have a chance.
David O | 1:17 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
It is really sad to see McCain bow down to the extreme parts of the party, the same wing that destroyed his campaign 8 year ago.
ew | 1:44 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
John McCain is scary. "Fight with me?!" Seriously, does the republican warmongering have no end??? I, and the rest of thinking America, can't wait for Obama to be sworn in as the country's next president.
Comments continue below
Loving the double standards | 3:54 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
It's been fantastic to finally see the Republicans talk about sexism.

And have a little compassion for the family issue of teenage pregnancy.
Speech | 4:46 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
giving speeches is not McCain's strong suit but he got his message acrossed. The right kind of change. He is not George Bush. If some think that wednesday night was a hate fest then they really don't know what hate is. If you want to know what hate is then watch Bill Maher or read the Daily Kos.
Odd convention | 5:09 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
With previous speakers demonizing Democrats and claiming DC as "liberal" (Romney's quote), it seemed odd not to have the previous administration present or even honored with a video looking back at the achievements of the Bush Administration. Then, to have McCain say that Republicans are part of the problem and that he's going to reform the party... with his VP essentially touting right-wing retoric, the convention left us with too many conflicting messages and no fresh theme for change...

I loved the image of McCain standing in front of a mansion during his speech (what an image given all the hoopla that McCain couldn't remember how many houses he had -- so much for the GOP's appeal to the Sam's Club voter rather than the traditional Country Club voter)!!!! More importantly, all the distortion of Democrats' plans by touting the same old tired criticisms (Democrats want to raise taxes or reduce jobs, etc.) were all lies. Perhaps they didn't get the memo. Democrats are proposing incentives to create domestic jobs, investments in next generation energy technologies, reduced abortions, etc.

What the GOP must do now is articulate specifically how they'll change from the Bush years. I won't buy it!
JOHNJ | 5:16 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Being of veitnam era status the code is if you get caught, name, rank, and serial number then escape at all cost. Why did he stay at the hanoi hilton? The only reason was to stay out of harms way while are troops were getting it bad. mccains no hero he could of got out and helped our troops but he chose the chicken way out of the war, He should of went to CANADA!!!
oldman | 5:37 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The war monger who would gladly send more kids off to die for his corporate buddies. Bet he pulled out the prisoner of war card more than once. Yet, he loves war. McSame!
kind of sad | 6:02 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I am not planning to vote for McCain but I do still have a far amount of respect for the man, despite this current campaign, but I have to say last night was really sad and made me feel bad for him. He looked so uncomfortable and unsure of himself last night. I told my wife I felt bad for him. He did not make the best impression.
McCain | 6:14 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Dril drill drill for oil, get cheers. Here are the facts: we are at capacity for oil and gas refineries. It ain't the dril, John, it is the capacity, and the fact that we are not moving to conserve energy. Bush and you led us down that road to ruin.

The gop's party platform looks like something out of the book Fahr. 911. The religious nuts now control the gop, have for about 8 years now.

and he is running against the establishment: 8 years of Bush and 6 years of the gop in control of congress. incredible. the public must be asleep.

if you love Bush, you will love McCain. what a lieing hype game. If you don't believe that, ask yourself why no one mentioned the actual issues?
Because they don't care about you the middle class: it is still the party of the money.
Anonymous | 6:41 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Can you believe they argued for change....but their the party in power.

No Dick Cheney mentioned once, and a brief reference to the current president?

This last 8 years have been a disaster! Don't be fooled into thinking that a McCain presidency is anything more than the same failed policies, over and over again.

McCain has no standing to talk about Change. None.


Move on, old man, its time for a new direction. One that doesn't involved the corrupt failed policies of George Bush and company.
Mc | 6:39 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The hate spewed by many of the commenters before me is getting old and only shows their lack of judgement and objectivity in considering both sides of any issue. They can't see past their own hatefilled agenda to recognize heartfelt love of country and sincere service. John McCain knows more about war and pain than any of them and when he said, "I hate war" last night it rang true more than any anti-war protesters ever could.
Noun, Verb, POW | 6:45 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Typical McCain. Don't need him; don't want him. The country deserves better.
indepedent | 6:50 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I finally have decided who to vote for. Is McCain a slick speaker? No. Do I believe he is all about love of country and trustworthy servitude? Yes. He does seem uncomfortable in the ridiculous spectacle these conventions are. That just may be what I like best about him. I'm from AZ, have not always been a big fan, but I am convinced now he is our best choice. I am also beginning to the media. Wish Tim Russert were still here.
SlowS | 6:56 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Great character, bad leader. Four more of the same, he offered nothing new. It was interesting how he and others danced around their own incumbent President. We don't like how we ran the country for 8 years, please elect us again.
Anonymous | 7:03 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Yes Mc lets take the victim stance.
liberal Larry | 7:06 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I really feel sorry for the reasonable moderates, on the republican side. Romney and McCain have had to spout such nonsense, to appeal to the religious base of the party, that both of them seem to have lost their souls. Karl Rove's divisive political tactics have made such a hash of the conservative movement, that maybe if McCain and his lightweight running mate get waxed, a more nuanced conservative party will rise from the ashes.
Brother Chuck Schroeder | 7:06 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
President McCain said "My friends, our nation is in deep need of reform. Our government is broken and Governor Palin and I, along with other Reform Republicans, are ready to lead; ready to shake up Washington and bring this needed reform. Our ticket, from top to bottom, is ready to break our country's dependence on foreign oil, ready to reform the tax code and reduce your taxes, and ready to support our men and women in uniform.

Unfortunately, Democratic operatives have chosen to spend this week attacking us. They have stooped lower than anyone could have imagined. And with just 60 days left in this election, we must respond to these attacks with the truth. McCain-Palin Victory 2008 is a fund set up to do just this; to set the record straight and get the truth out to all Americans who support our cause."

GOD BLESS AMERICA - Vote for McCain this November 2008, Never forget a Veteran, and, pray for our troops.

Reagan | 7:12 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Let's see, If Reagan were running for office today and all we had to go on was Bush's ruins then we'd likely vote for the democrate and not for Reagan just because we are fooled into thinking that Reagan would just be a continuation of Bush. People, McCain will NOT be a continuation of Bush. He may be more like Reagan. I have found that Presidents that have military experience tend to handle conflicts better than those who don't have military experience. It is vital and I'm certain that McCain will not be a continuation of Bush but rather more a continuation of Reagan.
War | 7:28 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
In the Bible it says that "God is a man of war and God is his name" You democrates need to get over the fact that there is war. If you believe in God then you need to fight. You need to fight against abortion, gay rights, terrorists, evil, etc. Otherwise you are spineless. Our enemies NEED to know that we will end them if they come against us. Bush hasn't done it the right way but neither did Clinton or Carter. Two democrate presidents who could have and should have stopped terrorists when they could have. It was left to the Republican to stop the terrorists. During Carter's administration Iran held about 156 American hostages and then when a Rebublican took office Iran immediately released them. Clinton HAD Osama and let him go, the Osama thanked him by attacking the U.S. Now Russia, N. Korea and the terrorists all sit still until the elections. They all want a democrate in office, why? so they can push us around again.
Cats | 7:47 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The level of hatred and illogic from these far-left liberal boggers is astounding. Spewing your emotional problems all over the internet doesn't solve them.

I can't believe someone actually called McCain a coward for being in captivity at the Hanoi Hilton for 5 and a half years. That's got to be one of the LOWEST comments I have ever seen on a blog. I have personally visited the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam. It's a horrible, dark, evil place. Anyone, who would voluntarily stay there so someone else could go home is, a TRUE HERO.

Fortunately, I am happy to report, these far-left loons don't represent the mainstream of America. They only represent a very small percentage of pathetic people who have never succeeded at anything and want to blame the rest of the world for it.
Diversity at RNC | 7:52 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
More color in the balloons dropped from the ceiling at the conclusion than in the makeup of the GOP delegates at the convention. Hmmmm....America's party?
Cats | 8:03 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
To "Diversity at the RNC: You obviously weren't watching. There were a lot of people of all different colors at the Republican Convention.
Anonymous | 8:00 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
"After years of filling the role of political maverick, John McCain became the face of the Republican Party Thursday night."

It's the other way around. The Republicn Party became the face of McCain
@cats | 8:01 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
BLA BLA BLA.. see I can say nothing of worth in capital letters to.
Instereo | 8:10 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
McCain's speech touched all the soft spots on Republicans. The screen behind the speaker showed how they are patriotic. But the ideas talked about, even with the message of change, sounded like the same old thing. His talk of being less partisian ran hollow because his platform is based on partisianship. Ultimately McCain may end up being better then Bush but we've been down that road long enough and it's time to change the direction our country is going and I won't vote for him.
gf | 8:12 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Interesting observation: Obama walks with his wife, McCain walks in front of his.

Carter, Reagan, Bush sr, Clinton, Bush jr walked with their wives.

Maybe that's the change?
Bored Republican | 8:16 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Yawn. McCain certainly missed an opportunity, didn't he? Yes, his war service was exemplary, but I don't think the American public is too interested in that right now. People are concerned with the economy. A report is out this morning that 84,000 more jobs were lost in August, and yet McCain has offered no plan to get us back on track. Very disappointing. I must say, I am now leaning toward voting for Barack Obama.
McCain Reinstates the Draft | 8:25 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The army is sorely in need of recruits. I hope McCain doesn't try to reinstate the draft. I am afraid he will.

Reporters need to ask him what is his stand on this and does he promice he will not do it.
Rob | 8:29 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
If we could get past all the retoric about who is right and who is wrong and stick to the issues at hand, maybe we could get accomplished what really matters. Or maybe... politics never was about the people.
GeeBee | 8:30 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Their mantra should be "Say you hate war, but love money more"...
Paul | 8:30 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I watched as much of both conventions as I could. I have the greatest respect and appreciation for Sen. McCain's service and suffering. However, I watched four years ago as a similar hero was savaged by the far right with no defense from Sen. McCain. I think it says a lot about the parties and personalities involved that the Republicans are willing to belittle and lie about the service of a Democratic candidate for political gain, while the Democrats have been unanimous in their praise for Sen. McCain's service.

I think Sen. McCain gave up any claim to "maverik" status when he allowed his party, at his convention, to write the most conservative platform in history, abandoned any thought of giving the Vice Presidential slot to those he really wanted, and bowed down to James Dobson who thinks I'm going to go to hell because I'm LDS.

I'll vote for the candidate who gives me hope for the future of this country (a concept the Republicans ridiculed for three nights running), has never committed adultery, has not married into his fortune, understands and can relate to my generation, and has values like mine. That's Barack Obama.
BobP | 8:52 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Kerry was no war hero, he was a ticket puncher, who went to Viet Nam to further his political ambitions. Being well connected and basically useless the he was given his medal and his walking papers.

By the way, Jesus said: "I come not tro bring peace but the sword.
Re Draft Worrier | 8:56 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The reinstatement of the draft would absolutely be the right thing to do. If you go back to the old draft and noticed that the majority of people that have served their country have more respect for others and their country. I think is is without doubt the right thing to do. Look at this Iraq fiasco and the repeated tours of duty by a few servicmen and women, married and in responsible jobs, while a bunch of spoiled brats run the streets or are looking for the easy life and a free education so that they don't have to work hard or perform a service for the freedoms they will and do enjoy. Service to country will give you and others some respect that too many do not have today. Why do think this country is great? Not because of what has happened the past 20 or 30 years, but because of people that made sacrifices in their lives 40 years ago.
Anonymous | 8:59 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The GOP has clearly lost its collective mind.
Not a fan | 9:13 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
The most disturbing aspect of John McCain's speech was the use of the same scare tactics delivered by George Bush and company for the last 8 years. The GOP consciously tries to put a fear of the world into American's minds and make people feel unsafe. It is a shameful ploy to distract attention away from other pressing issues. The truth is the average American is at greater risk of being shot in their own community by a mentally disturbed individual than they are a terrorist. The truly scary aspect of American life is the nut job living a few doors down with 2 handguns in their bedroom. One only has to look as far as Trolley Square, Virginia Tech, Washington State, and the list could go on�

Diplomacy | 9:19 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
It was disappointing to see George Bush diplomacy back in force in John McCain's speech when he insulted Russia in one breath and then went on to claim he could build a good relationship with them in his next breath. Military rhetoric is not the best way to improve foreign relations. What America really needs is to elect a president that will actually be a diplomat. We seem to be fascinated with the idea of electing people who claim not to be politicians. We aren't voting for a bishop or a high school class president - we are voting for a politician. We don't go to a car mechanic for medical advice and we don't hire a builder to be an accountant so why do we try so hard to believe we aren't voting for a politician? As much as people love to hate them, we need politicians to do a politician's job. Anyone in Washington can claim they are different but the power and prestige of government office attracts the same type of people all over the world. It is about time we stopped pretending that anyone running for office isn�t a politician and look for the best diplomat.
Lee | 9:23 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Did anyone else think it was awkward at the end when McCain/Palin linked arms and started waving to the crowd. For a couple seconds it appeared that their spouses were confused as to what to do, before walking around together and waving at the crowd themselves. It just seemed a little weird.
Informed and Responsible | 9:34 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Be an informed and responsible voter.

Check out the following organizations:

VoteSmart

Factcheck

PolitiFact
Bottom Line Conservative | 9:41 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
This Presidential election is about the reform that Washington needs, and John McCain and Sarah Palin will be the one to administer that reform.

Barack Obama represents anti-semitism at its worse, and will continue to take the country in the same direction that the congressional Democrats have attempted to take us for 40 of the last 50 years. NOWHERE!

It's time for a change.

McCAIN/PALIN
Jim | 9:55 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
You may disagree with some of his politics,(I know I do) but you gotta love this man. Here is a TRUE American hero. But more importantly here is a man who is NOT petty, vain, and a man with the real deal type of deep character that we don't see often enough in politics. The message that came across was that this guy sees himself in the right light; he sees that America is much bigger than himself, not the other way around. He has maturity, authority, sincerity, experience, and he doesn't care about political posturing. In his own modest, humble way, this guy's character leaps out at you. I'll take a wise man with average oratory skills over a great speaker any day. Even if,(or perhaps because of the fact that), he's not a perfect man. He at least admits that he's not all that, and strives to do better.
Johny Fairplay | 10:06 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Funny headline.
matt | 10:10 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
yes lee, it was weird, It looked as if there was a diva
thing going on, between McClames wife and palin...
I think, in the future we will see a possible cat thing
going on!!!
meow!!!
Odd | 10:10 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Does it seam odd that the Palin family and the republican convention planners are dragging in the young father to Mrs. Palin�s daughter in the constant spot light?
I feel uncomfortable when, as I see it, a high schooler and to become father, is exploited for political gains.

Re:Speech | 10:13 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
I do read the Daily Kos and while they may act extremely juvenile and stupid from time to time, they don't hold a candle to the hate that is constantly spewing from the far right! My sister laughs at me and says I can't be a liberal because I'm a Mormon. But the condescending, hate-filled attitude of the conservatives is the reason why, although I consider myself to have high moral standards, I can never call myself a republican or a conservative!
Jim | 10:15 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
There's one word that describes the GOP convention.....creepy.
Active Duty AF | 10:29 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
There are a few things that I do not understand. Obama supporters saying that McCain's platform is the same as Pres. Bush. But Obama's platform is the same democratic socialist agenda that has been preached over the last 50 years. How in the world does Obama intend to accomplish them, without having all the working people of America pay for it, is beyond me. With McCain I have a record to review. How do I review Obama's? In addition, as active duty military, there is no real questioning as to who do I want to be commander in chief. When my life is on the line, I do not want to find out whether or not Obama has the ability to lead. I already know, McCain does. Funny how those parasites that enjoy freedom thanks to the sacrifice of men and women like McCain dare to talk about him like that. Finally, does anyone else thik it is funny how the liberals protest the war by using violance? Funny and sad.
Oh Please | 10:36 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
McCain 2008: "I am not in the habit of breaking my promises."
McCain 1965: "I promise to love and honor Carol until death parts us."
Promises, promises....
Grimble | 10:43 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
Does anyone else think it's kind of funny for McCain stand up in front of the party that's been in charge for the last eight years and yell "Throw the bums out!!!!"?

If he's a maverick by bucking the Republican Part, why not just pick the other party?

Of course, the maverick bit is a joke. Not only did McCain vote with Bush over 90% of the time, he bragged about voting for Bush over 90% of the time.

And hardly a word in his speech about the economy -- when the very next morning the newspapers report that joblessness us up past the 6% mark.
re: Jim 10:15 | 10:49 a.m. Sept. 5, 2008
You said it Jim!

"Creepy" is the best description for the wacked-out conservative fools.
Any group with the likes of Rush Limbaugh as their conservative guru deserves that distinction.
"Creepy" and Crazy as well.

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Paul Sancya, Associated Press

Arizona Sen. John McCain waves to the crowd as he takes the stage to accept the Republican nomination for president at the party convention in St. Paul, Minn.

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