Finally, McCain and Obama begin the dance

[midlifecrisis]

So finally, with Hillary all but a memory in this thing, Obama and McCain are beginning thier little dance. McCain fires the first shot today.

Let me ask you this. How can you possibly consider electing a man President who clearly doesnt know or beleive that Al Qaeda is in Iraq, ever was, or is really even a big threat to us? When confronted with his naive statement about Al Qaeda in Iraq, all Obama could do was run for home base and familiar ground.....attacking George Bush. "Hey elect me, I hate George Bush" Thats all these clowns have. No ideas, no plans, no nothing, but they can do it all better than George Bush. And so many are falling for it. Boy oh boy.


McCain mocks Obama's Iraq comments

By LIBBY QUAID, Associated Press Writer
Wed Feb 27, 1:08 PM ET



TYLER, Texas - Republican presidential hopeful John McCain mocked Democrat Barack Obama on Wednesday for saying he would take action as president "if al-Qaida is forming a base in Iraq."



"When you examine that statement, it's pretty remarkable," McCain told a crowd in Tyler, Texas.

"I have some news. Al-Qaida is in Iraq. It's called `al-Qaida in Iraq,'" McCain said, drawing laughter at Obama's expense.

Obama quickly answered back, telling a rally at Ohio State University in Columbus, "I do know that al-Qaida is in Iraq."

"So I have some news for John McCain," he added, saying there was no al-Qaida presence in Iraq until President Bush invaded the country.

Noting that McCain likes to tell audiences that he'd follow Osama bin Laden to the "gates of hell" to catch him, Obama taunted: "All he (McCain) has done is to follow George Bush into a misguided war in Iraq."

McCain said he had not watched the Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday night but was told of Obama's response when asked if as president he would reserve the right to send U.S. troops back into Iraq to quell an insurrection or civil war.

Obama did not say whether he'd send troops but responded: "As commander in chief, I will always reserve the right to make sure that we are looking out for American interests. And if al-Qaida is forming a base in Iraq, then we will have to act in a way that secures the American homeland and our interests abroad."

Throughout the primary season, McCain has repeatedly attacked Obama and Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton for saying they would withdraw troops from Iraq.

"And my friends, if we left, they (al-Qaida) wouldn't be establishing a base," McCain said Wednesday. "They'd be taking a country, and I'm not going to allow that to happen, my friends. I will not surrender. I will not surrender to al-Qaida."

He said that withdrawing troops would be "waving the white flag."

In the debate, Clinton did not answer the question about re-invasion of Iraq on grounds it contained "lots of different hypothetical assessments."

For years, McCain has urged sending more troops into Iraq, even before President Bush adopted such a strategy about a year ago.

"I knew enough from talking to the men and women who are serving that this new strategy was what we needed, and I'm telling you, it is succeeding," McCain said. "So what needs to happen, we need to continue this strategy. It should be General Petraeus' recommendation, not that of a politician running for higher office, as to when and how we withdraw."

He was referring to Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Iraq.

As he began a swing through President Bush's home state, which holds a presidential primary election on Tuesday, McCain made sure to play up a line he always uses: "I also think it might be nice for President Bush to get a little credit that there's not been another attack on the United States of America," he said to applause.

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[Tweak]

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

So finally, with Hillary all but a memory in this thing, Obama and McCain are beginning thier little dance. McCain fires the first shot today.

Let me ask you this. How can you possibly consider electing a man President who clearly doesnt know or beleive that Al Qaeda is in Iraq, ever was, or is really even a big threat to us? When confronted with his naive statement about Al Qaeda in Iraq, all Obama could do was run for home base and familiar ground.....attacking George Bush. "Hey elect me, I hate George Bush" Thats all these clowns have. No ideas, no plans, no nothing, but they can do it all better than George Bush. And so many are falling for it. Boy oh boy.

Yup, I'm right there with you.

I have no one to vote for. "At least I'm not Bush" isn't a platform. McCain isn't a conservative, or even a Republican. And Obama, while a very engaging speaker, can speak for an hour without actually saying anything. He speaks from platitudes, but with such assertion/confidence that he seems credible. He speaks in vague generalizations (I believe in a future/I believe in hope/I believe in a new tomorrow) but goes into no specifics.

Completely depressing.

[midlifecrisis]

Hey nice to hear from you Tweak!

Great synopsis right there, and Im in total agreement. It should get more interesting when Obama has to openly debate McCain. McCain has been there and back, so if Obama doesnt come up with something concrete that he can clearly verbalize other than all this window dressing stuff, McCain is going to eat his lunch.

Its about to be time to put up or shut up, and many are already saying that Obamas star could fall suddenly at any moment. The publis is fickle, and there is a saturation point where we get so much of something and just like that wham! We turn off. I think the media is oversaturating us with Obama right now, and its going to backfire on him suddenly. I think John McCain for all his faults, is likeable and will gather more followers as we see more of him in open debate. He is actually very witty and quick, and has a sharp sense of humor. You cant help but like the guy. Its going to be a really interesting election year. The dems think they have it sewn up strictly on George Bush's poor ratings alone. I think this false sense of security will be thier down fall and McCain will be our next President. Just IMHO of course.

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

Hey nice to hear from you Tweak!

Great synopsis right there, and Im in total agreement. It should get more interesting when Obama has to openly debate McCain. McCain has been there and back, so if Obama doesnt come up with something concrete that he can clearly verbalize other than all this window dressing stuff, McCain is going to eat his lunch.

Its about to be time to put up or shut up, and many are already saying that Obamas star could fall suddenly at any moment. The publis is fickle, and there is a saturation point where we get so much of something and just like that wham! We turn off. I think the media is oversaturating us with Obama right now, and its going to backfire on him suddenly. I think John McCain for all his faults, is likeable and will gather more followers as we see more of him in open debate. He is actually very witty and quick, and has a sharp sense of humor. You cant help but like the guy. Its going to be a really interesting election year. The dems think they have it sewn up strictly on George Bush's poor ratings alone. I think this false sense of security will be thier down fall and McCain will be our next President. Just IMHO of course.

I agree that McCain is witty and quick and can be at times somewhat charming. However, he is also old and ugly and I think that even though he might have more experience and substance behind his words, I just don't think he is going to blow away Obama on a stage like you think. Charisma goes a long way and Obama has a lot of it. Let's face it, Americans are stupid and they believe lies and whatever other bullshit is thrown their way if it is repeated enough or if it is said in a way that makes them feel warm and fuzzy. Obama has the ability to make people believe in anything and that just might be enough.

The other problem in your thinking here, IMHO of course, is that Bush won't be a factor. He will. Obama and Hillary have been battling each other and not the other party. As soon as either one of them can get on their own they are going to turn their attention to bashing the worst President in the history of the USA and that is going to hurt McCain.

[TheSuaveOne]

Originally Posted by Mickey

As soon as either one of them can get on their own they are going to turn their attention to bashing the worst President in the history of the USA and that is going to hurt McCain.

Why are they going to go after Carter?

[midlifecrisis]

Do you hear yourself Mickey? You are talking as though you beleive more in Oabama because of his looks and his ability to convince? Thats what Im talking about. THat can only carry Obama so long.

And I disagree. McCain isnt going to be hurt by Bush because he is not tied to Bush. He isnt a Bush guy, never has been. His moderate stance on many issues is what is helping him and shielding him from the Bush stigma.

Like I said in another post, a poll yesterday showed McCain ahead of both Obama and Hillary in a general election if it were held today. I personally believe McCain will only grow stonger. Short of a big skeleton in his closet or a big mistep on his part, he is what he is. Obama on the other hand is burning bright, a flash in the pan. His stock can easily fall from its mega-high of today.

I truly belive, as the polls are showing, that this is McCains to win so long as he doesnt do anything to ruin it. All indications are that the GOP governors around the country are getting thier folks on the ground fired up and making sure the voters get out for McCain. The more McCain continues to reach out to republicans, the more the ground efforts will continue on his behalf. I see it happening.

[TheSuaveOne]

Are you kidding MLC? The left is going to make McCain into Bush.



You will see this photo hundreds of times before the election. Why? I suppose this hug signifies that McCain is in Bush's pocket, on every issue.

[Ulter]

I think Obama has not been specific by design. It will make virtually no difference what his policy plans are they will be nit picked apart for months. That's politics. You wait for the other guy to go first so you can pound on his plan. He's not going to give specifics on policy 8 months out. There's no need to. You speak in generalities and ideologically. Was anyone here of voting age the last time there wasn't an incumbent? This is pretty normal.

[TheSuaveOne]

Originally Posted by Ulter

This is pretty normal.

But I thought Obama was all about "change"?

[Mickey]

Of course I hear myself. Unfortunately, whether you want to admit it or not, looks and the ability to speak and charisma are very important parts of why people are liked. Its just human nature. I think like Ulter said, Obama (and McCain too) has purposely not revealed any specific plans because he doesn't need to yet. That would just give his opposition more time to pick it apart.

I know McCain is slightly ahead in the polls, I saw that too. However, I find it funny that a couple of weeks ago you hated the man and now you are riding him so hard that I think you better check down below for rug burn. lol Relax bro, there are 8+ months to go!!!! Let's just take this one step at a time. Nothing that is happening now really means shit especially since we don't even know for sure who the Democratic nominee is going to be.

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by TheSuaveOne

But I thought Obama was all about "change"?

Why are they going to go after Carter?

You know TSO, you seem like an intelligent guy but I am kind of getting tired of your one sentence responses that are usually nothing but a useless question. If you go through your almost 2000 posts here almost every one is like that. Please fully engage in respectful discussion or just not respond at all.

[Tweak]

I just have nobody to vote for.

I'm a Reagan conservative. Maybe almost libertarian.

The Republicans lost in 2006 because they were trying to be Democrat Lite. When choosing between Republicans trying to act like Democrats, and actual Democrats, the public is going to choose whoever is appearing the most authentic. Why vote Democrat Lite if you can get the real thing?

I'm so disappointed. Nobody I voted for is representing me.

[TheSuaveOne]

Originally Posted by Mickey

You know TSO, you seem like an intelligent guy but I am kind of getting tired of your one sentence responses that are usually nothing but a useless question. If you go through your almost 2000 posts here almost every one is like that. Please fully engage in respectful discussion or just not respond at all.

You're just mad that I give concise responces.

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by Mickey

Of course I hear myself. Unfortunately, whether you want to admit it or not, looks and the ability to speak and charisma are very important parts of why people are liked. Its just human nature. I think like Ulter said, Obama (and McCain too) has purposely not revealed any specific plans because he doesn't need to yet. That would just give his opposition more time to pick it apart.

I know McCain is slightly ahead in the polls, I saw that too. However, I find it funny that a couple of weeks ago you hated the man and now you are riding him so hard that I think you better check down below for rug burn. lol Relax bro, there are 8+ months to go!!!! Let's just take this one step at a time. Nothing that is happening now really means shit especially since we don't even know for sure who the Democratic nominee is going to be.

Where did I say I hated McCain?

[midlifecrisis]

Originally Posted by Ulter

I think Obama has not been specific by design. It will make virtually no difference what his policy plans are they will be nit picked apart for months. That's politics. You wait for the other guy to go first so you can pound on his plan. He's not going to give specifics on policy 8 months out. There's no need to. You speak in generalities and ideologically. Was anyone here of voting age the last time there wasn't an incumbent? This is pretty normal.

He is going to get nit picked apart alright. And you sir are the biggest ideologue on the forum bro. Just so we know who holds what title