Blogger Conference Calls
Senator McCain held a conference call with bloggers today, here's a quick recap of what went down.
Senator McCain first wanted to say that he has sent an invite to Senator Obama asking him to take part in 10 town hall style debates, running once a week up until the Democratic Convention. He said he's hopeful that Obama will accept. The first debate would be in Federal Hall, New York City on the 12th.
Senator McCain feels that the American people want a change in how we elect our President, and that a debate format where folks could participate with the candidates, would be something they would really want.
During the call Senator McCain was asked some questions. Here are some of the topics and his responses.
On his possible Town Hall Debates with Obama:
Senator McCain was asked if the reason why he wanted these town hall debates, was because he felt he was stronger than Obama in that format versus the long speeches that Obama is strong at doing.
Senator McCain responded that he felt the American people would like to be part of the process and get the chance to ask questions of the candidates rather than sit and listen to long speeches. He has no problem giving speeches, but prefers to hear what's on the minds of the American people and to answer their questions.
On the 527's, Moveon.org and future and past ads:
Senator McCain stated once again that he can't be a referee when it comes to what ads outside groups run. He cited the Moveon.org ad regarding General Petraeus as being an example of potential extreme ads. He also pointed out that Senator Obama has yet to come out and rebuke that ad. Obama also failed to vote for a resoultion that was created to condemn that ad.
On the Gay Marriage issue:
Senator McCain stated that a marriage is between a man and a woman. He supported the Defense of Marriage Act and that other states should not have to recognize gay marriage because another state does. McCain feels that this issue should be decided by the people of the states and not their judges.
On Juan Hernandez:
Senator McCain was asked about the role of Juan Hernandez and the problems conservatives have with his involvement in the campaign.
In response, he stated that he listens to many folks, but that does not necessarily mean he agrees with with them all. He also said that he would examine any statements that people find offensive and that if he felt they warranted it, he would ask that person to withdraw their support of his candidacy.
On Iraq and Iran:
McCain said he has noticed that Senator Obama has been changing positions on Iraq and Iran. Obama is now supporting the recognizing of the Iranian Revolutionary Army as a terrorist organization.
Obama still denies that the surge is working, but is showing a softening in surge opposition rhetoric. McCain feels that the American people won't buy it though.
Obama has not asked for a briefing with General Petraeus which Senator McCain cited as a lack of judgement.
Senator Obama is the most liberal Senator in the Senate, his record proves it. McCain pointed out that compared to his own, Obama has a very thin resume.
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This morning I sat in on a conference call that Senator McCain held with bloggers. Here's a short writeup of some of the highlights.
On his visit to Inez Kentucky yesterday, Senator McCain pointed out that this was where President Lyndon B. Johnson declared "the war on poverty" back some 40 years ago. He told bloggers that a lesson we should learn is that local government is more effective that large bureaucracies working in Washington DC.
On yesterdays walk through in New Orleans 9th ward, Senator McCain wants the American people to know that they deserve a better response to disasters such as Katrina.
Regarding the economy, Senator McCain wanted to make the point that if you believe in higher taxes, he is not your guy. Spending in Washington is out of control and we need to stop it. He pointed to some 12,000 earmarks that have cost the American taxpayers over $42 billions dollars.
Senator McCain believes that economic growth increases revenue. He raised the issue of capital gains and how Obama wants to increase the capital gains tax, despite the evidence going back over 40 years to President Kennedy that lowering the capital gains tax results in increased revenue. Senator Mccain believes that anyone who pushes for an increase on such taxes, does not understand the fundamentals of economics.
On his support of the Gas Tax Holiday, Senator McCain said that we need to give Americans a break this summer and that the tax holiday would save motorists 18 cents a gallon on gas and 24 cents a gallon on diesel.
Senator McCain was asked about Obama's relationship with Bill Ayers and if Obama is obligated to talk about him. Mccain called Ayers a "Unrepentant Terrorist," and pointed out that Ayers group "the Weather Underground" was responsible for the deaths of some folks.
Regarding the North Carolina ad, McCain responded that the ad was not the tenor of the campaign that he wanted to raise. He instead wants it to be about the differences between he and Obama in areas such as national security and the economy.
On Iraq, Senator McCain told bloggers that he was "rather pleased" with Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki and the Iraqi army's taking control of Basra. He said it has been a "pleasant turn of events."
Regarding Barack Obama being the choice of Hamas over McCain, the Senator replied that he would be "Hamas worst nightmare" and that he would naturally not want them supporting him. He believes that Senator Obama is sending "incorrect signals to Hamas" like how he would be willing to sit down with folks like Iranian leader Ahmadinejad.
Today Senator McCain will be heading out to Little Rock Arkansas where he will be joined by former governor Mike Huckabee. I'm sure we will have more info on that today here on Blogs For John McCain.
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