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PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Sen. John McCain reached out to veterans in New Hampshire on Monday, delivering a scathing critique of President Barack Obama's foreign policy while attempting to portray Republicans as the only party willing to compromise over the contentious issue of defense sequestration cuts.
McCain - the 2008 GOP presidential nominee - visited the Granite State to campaign for Mitt Romney and held town halls at three Veterans of Foreign War posts in the state he got to know well during his previous bids for the White House. A veteran himself, McCain said support from the men and women who served in the military will be vital for Romney to win here.
In each of the town halls, the Arizona Republican gave a harsh rebuttal to the foreign policy decisions made by the current administration. His most passionate argument centered around the recent attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya which took the lives of four Americans, including Libyan Ambassador Chris Stevens. U.S. officials such as Susan Rice, ambassador to the United Nations, characterized the attack as "a spontaneous reaction" to a video mocking the prophet Muhammad.
It's a characterization McCain called "disgraceful."
"This was a well-orchestrated attack. They had indirect fire, direct fire. And somehow there were reports that they knew where our ambassador was. That is not a spontaneous demonstration," McCain told a crowd gathered at the VFW post in Portsmouth. "That is wrong to tell the American people that it was. It's disgraceful to tell the American people that it was a spontaneous demonstration."
McCain was joined for part of the day by New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte. The two have been part of a group of Republicans who have toured the country to warn about the dangers of automatic spending cuts to the defense budget, known as "sequestration." The cuts, which were agreed to by Congress and the White House last year as part of deficit-reduction plan, will take place unless Washington can agree to an alternative way to slash spending.
During a stop in Nashua, McCain called on the president to "invite us to the White House. We'll compromise. We'll prevent a devastating effect on our ability to defend this nation."
Later in the day McCain said Republicans are "willing to put everything on the table for the sake of our national security." But he said the president has been unwilling to negotiate and cited it as an example of Obama's failed leadership.
Much of McCain's energy on Monday was also aimed at defending Romney's foreign policy credentials, which have come under new scrutiny since the GOP nominee criticized the president's handling of attacks on American outposts in the Middle East. The former Massachusetts governor was viewed by some as trying to politicize an event which took U.S. lives. McCain defended Romney's statements, likening his world view to that of former President Ronald Reagan.
"When Ronald Reagan came out of governor of California, he wasn't the most versed in national security issues," McCain told a VFW crowd. "He had been a movie actor and governor of California. But he had the instincts. He spoke up for the oppressed ... Mitt Romney has those same instincts."
But it was not just Romney's foreign policy experience that McCain found himself defending. Throughout the day, he faced questions from conservatives worried about their prospects come November.
One voter asked -- given the country's bleak economic outlook -- why Romney isn’t leading in the polls. Another asked why the former Bain Capital CEO will not be more specific about his plans for the country.
McCain cited the contentious Republican primary where the Romney campaign had to endure an onslaught of negative attacks as part of the reason why the candidate is having such difficulty winning over voters. "I've never seen in modern times such vicious attacks," McCain said. "Bain Capital, allegations that he was quote, lying; even one person said he had committed a crime. There was a saturation. And so, it's regrettable."
When a woman said she worries Republicans will not be able to spread their message far enough to garner electoral success, McCain said, "I do, too."
The concern on display from voters today came in the wake of a Politico article citing in-fighting in the Romney campaign for recent blunders and missed opportunities at the Republican National Convention. It's a narrative McCain knows well; his unsuccessful 2008 run was plagued by similar stories.
"There's always some disagreements amongst campaigns, but you know, political folks need to write a story every day," McCain told NBC News after his Portsmouth town hall. "But look, these things are always there. We saw about dissension in the Obama campaign between Chicago and Washington. There's always those stories. Most Americans are not too concerned about it."
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McCain's rhetoric reminds me that in terms of foreign policy, electing Romney would be like rotating bald Republican tires.
Poor Mccain...he will never get over losing to someone he considers to be so inferior to himself...never. anything Obama does, Mccain will oppose..anything.
Is McCain the same guy who said in the summer of 2008 that the economy was doing great and things were getting better? Enough said.
Yeah he was just 'aping' Obama (if that is his name) and believe me no pun intended.
I can't wait for the debates....It will be EPIC.
Obama 2012
Obama-Biden 2012.
@Robbo
You're assuming there will actually BE any debates.
I think a plausible tactic over the next week or so would be for the President to come out in favor of breathing and watch half of the GOP pols and their base drop dead from asphyxiation.
Didn't think poor John was the"Manchurian Candidate" when he ran for prez. but I'm having more and more doubts as I hear more and more from him about the 2 R's. I can't believe he can be thinking kindly of either one who hasn't served in the military to begin with and to be out in support of one who was in France instead of stepping up and serving in Viet Nam seems pretty incomprehensible.
McCain should stop wasting time for a man that does not care for 47% of the population.
What is the big deal with the Romney "secret video"? He is right. There are 47% of the population that will vote democrat no matter what. Many of them expect something from the government and blame others for their failures. I would say it is only about 40% insteado of 47%, but it seems pretty close. 40% of the public will vote republican no matter what.
It's not just that he said a certain percentage of Americans would vote for Obama; he said that, in effect, all of those supporting Obama were non-tax-paying government-swilling deadbeats. That is so incredibly false that it's just mind blowing. If I hadn't heard Romney's own voice making these statements, I would swear it was impossible. This man with such a low opinion of the American people must never become president.
Well it isn't any worse than Obama's "You didn't build it comment". I watched the video and I think that you could take it two ways. It looked more like rambling than anything else. Romney was stating how 47% of the people are voting for Obama because they are dependent on the government.....which for the most part is true. While they are not looking for handouts, government employees overwhelmingly vote democrat. They earn their money, but they also depend on the government for funding. Maybe we can agree that neither should be president since both have such a low opinion of the American people.
McCain is DONE-go home and quit "Helping" Romney the loser! You are embarrassing yourself again...
After picking Palin, I think he's beyond embarrassment!
Just think! A lot of people once thought he was an intelligent man.
Hey....don't knock people because of their VP pick. Obama picked Biden which might be as bad as Palin.
@PutAmericaFirst
If you honestly believe that Joe Biden and Sarah Palin are even in the same stratosphere when it comes to being fit to hold the office of President,then you're dumber than I've previously given you credit for being.
Joe Biden is prone to the occasional verbal gaffe. OK,duly noted.
Sarah Palin's entire existence is a gaffe.
"What do you like to read" is only a "gotcha" question...if you DON'T read.
And it's been all downhill for that bimbo ever since.
And that's saying something.
Okay, How about the fact that he use to be his own person until he sold his soul to the GOP.
The new McCain is but a shell of a man, who continues to allow himself to be used by the GOP and the Military Machine.
McCain is starting to flip-flop almost as much as Romney.
How can anyone respect a man that obviously chases the money?
kenny......Yep....that is how low of an opinion I have of Biden. I don't know if we have ever had a more unqualified VP in our history.
McCain thought we all were interested in EARMARKS. He couldn't stop talking a bout EARMARKS.
Frankly no one cared about EARMARKS.
What we cared about was the Mexican Invasion, the high price of government, the failure to control the so called 'banking' community, the continued allowance of frauds to steal our future by any means possible.
McCain is and always has been a loser. His 'war hero' status was largely promoted by a fubar press who had nothing better to do than lie.
McCain is a poster boy for TERM LIMITS and IQ tests.
Why Romney has this cretin anywhere near him is scary .
PAF, did ya forget Dan Quayle?
Brent,
PAF has enough problems when he forgets to put the little "L" and "R" signs in his shoes before he tries to put them on.
WOW kenny, I didn't know he was that inept. Just thought I could jog a memory. Would mentioning "Murphy Brown" be too much?
PAF-
Oh PLEEEEZZZZE!
Sorry network-gal, I just couldn't resist the set up. LOL! Enjoy.
Just who TF is McCain? Oh ya he is the person that said we should stay in Iraq for 100 years if that is what it takes! OK Mr McCain I am a vet just like you and spent far more years in service than you! You was POW I do respect that but shut TFU my Grandpa was a POW to and went through far worse conditions than you so STFU! Are you in your right mind Mr. Do you understand HISTORY do you! Shut up go home retire! There is a reason that all great Civilizations have failed in history! It is arrogant's and the assumption that you cannot fail! Guess what you and all that have come before you were wrong! So retire in piece and leave this world to the people who truly want piece!
This is hysterical. A failed Republican Presidential candidate supporting and endorsing a rapidly failing Republican Presidential candidate isn't news worthy but it is comical. Who cares what these two losers have to say? What's wrong with media covering this circus when Ringling Brothers is about as good?
This is hysterical. A failed Republican Presidential candidate supporting and endorsing a rapidly failing Republican Presidential candidate isn't news worthy but it is comical. Who cares what these two losers have to say? What's wrong with media covering this circus when Ringling Brothers is about as good?
Your circus is so dumb you post twice. Shows what a dummy you are!!!!!!!
John McCain, can TRY AND SHORE UP Romney all he wants. Romney is a TOTAL DISASTER. One Disaster, trying to improve upon another Disaster is somehow MORE OF A DISASTER TO ME.
John McCain cannot shore HIS own self up let alone Romney. McCain is STILL A SORE LOSER and fighting the 2008 Campaign. He is beginning to look like a DOODLING OLD MAN with nothing to do but sit around the Senate and SAY AS MANY NASTY THINGS as he can about President Obama.
President Obama has done NOTHING BUT SHOW McCain the Utmost Respect whenever he mentions him and all McCain can do is TALK about the President as if he LESS THAN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and is somehow tarnishing our Image around the World.
I use to respect John McCain as a Straight Shooter. Now he is the one Tarnishing our Image of Governance.
Instead of acting like an Elder Stateman of the Senate , he looks like he might have 2 marbles left and should retire. John Kerry has shown to be a true Elder Statesman of the Senate and how to Lose a Campaign Gracefully.
McCain made a Statement in Public Record of the Senate about the Tea Party and Went on Sean Hannity's Fox Show and Sean made McCain look like his little Bitch and back down on his Statement, which by the way a True Statement. I was totally through, a Man like McCain, Prisoner of War, Viet Nam Vet and a LIGHTWEIGHT, IDIOT like Sean Hannity makes him recant a Statement put in the Public Record of the Senate.
That is some Powerful Hate of the President and Man who shows you total Respect.
This from the man who once sang "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran" and then chuckled. Senator McCain, you really need to stop providing advice on any subject. But if Mr. Romney wants you to function as one of his representatives, keep opening your trap.
Romney has no foreign policy credentials. Who is McCain kidding? On immigration and China, Romney is shooting from the him and missing the target. Comparing Romney's recent gaffs to president Obama's steady concentration to detail on foreign areas and people, there is no comparison. Romney comments over the past seven years, coupled with recent primary accounts by himself and his contenders, make me wonder more about what he hasn't told the public. There are those who will never accept that McCain lost decisively to Obama. No budget numbers, no tax returns, no votes for Romney!
Now McCain is the flip-flopper!
Does anyone recall the 2008 debates? McCain weighed in then on Romney's foreign policy acumen:
In 2008, as the primary season heated up, the debate continued.
“It’s not worth moving heaven and earth spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person,” Romney said in a GOP debate. After that statement drew harsh criticism from John McCain and others, Romney toughened his language a few days later, suggesting that he would indeed target bin Laden.
Republicans all forget that their words are recorded for posterity.
9/17 - the day Romney lost the election. You can't insult 47% of the population and be president.
putamerica, please stick around. All the Paid Romney bloggers are cutting and Running, these blogs are only fun when we can rub your nose in Ryan and Palin. You hurt us when you leave, you ruin our fun!
They are all over on the Obama hits Romney blog!
It's pathetic that they can't see how fast their chosen one is falling.
Why would voters take a bad situation and make it worse?
I just had one joker say that the DOW isn't an indication of a strong economy.
WOW! These threads have really opened my eyes to just how ignorant people really are.
Mcain is just another desperate GOP spreading Romneys puke. In the next few weeks we must keep our ear plugs close for idiots like this.
This is like when McCain vouched for the qualifications of uhm - Sarah Palin...
John McCain lives in a crazy fog, and wants an America presided over by a corrupt, lying 1%'er. What a deal.
Romney is the most stupid bumbling fool that has ever been on a Presidental ticket and after today the idiot is threw. He called millions of his own voters moochers. Too ignorant to know that there are Republicans that get food stamps.
Sad thing about it is they will vote for him regardless of his foot and mouth disease!
9/17 - the day Romney lost the election. You can't insult 47% of the American people and be president. So much for "Christian" charity.
Time for your nap, John.
Let me get this straight. John McCain is the guy who selected Sarah Palin as his running mate in 2008. By selecting her he was saying that should anything happen to him Sarah Palin was qualified to be President of the United states. He still maintains that position to this day.
Now he is recommending Romney as President based on, among other things, his foreign policy expertise. Based on what? His track record in solving the world's problems?
I assume John McCain will not be running for office again after this stint in Congress. Alzheimer problems may have possibly set in. I say this the utmost respect for a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. Mr. McCain, perhaps you should rethink this.
NEWS IS DEAD.
NEWS IS DEAD.
NEWS IS DEAD.
It's election time and the mainstream political hacks backing the current incumbent want to talk about anything but policies and achievements. Because, they are lacking both of course. And they sure as heck don't want to talk about the DEAD AMERICANS and fires burning in the mideast (and how the protesters at some location were chanting "we are all Osama Bin Laden" threatening Obama's political tactic of bragging about killing Osama Bin Laden on the campaign trail. So they redirect the issue toward someone else and blame all that on a youtube clip that all those mid-east tech savy religious nuts saw on youtube in a country where youtube is censored.
We all remember Obama saying, "You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations"
Barrack Obama (got elected)- explaining why most of middle America won't vote for him. Can't be because they don't agree with him. Had to be because he is "different" than them and they are bitter and cling to their guns and religion. Otherwise they would have to see what a genius Obama is and have no other choice than to vote for him if they weren't just bitter and clinging to their guns and religion and despising anyone not like them (unlike Obama and his cronies - ha yeah right).
HOW DID OBAMA'S JOBS PLAN WORK OUT for you? Listening to his lecture then according to him it was better than both Bush's and Cliinton's work as he blamed both of them for middle America being bitter, intolerant and clinging to guns and religion and hating anyone not like them. Feeling good last few years? Doesn't matter, you just need to feel good for the last quarter if this year so he can get what he wants.
I wonder if this Hack media "Mother Jones" or MSNBC (the obama news network) broke and covered that Obama statement when he leveled such a racially, bigoted and prejudiced claim against many Americans. Somehow I don't think Mother Jones media cares about anything other than "they're guy."
If we are going to get out of this hole America better wake up, know that real news is dead and all we have is agitating "MEDIA" disguising itself as news.
We all remember MSNBC's credibility. When they reported that white people were at an Obama rally with guns and they clucked about on tv saying how it reminded them of the kkk and racsim and lynchings. Except, they edited the video to not show the man's skin, only the gun and his coat and panned around to show the white people around him. TURNED OUT THE GUY WAS BLACK. They manipulated the video footage to build their fake story and start race wars to get Obama victimized. (News and Video manipulation 101 by MSNBC - www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jwg-f3dqN4&feature=related)
NEWS IS DEAD.
GET THE FACTS.
DON'T GIVE THESE POLITICAL HACK MEDIA COMPANIES THE RATINGS.
Maybe MSNBC is the Obama news network channel but FOX is the GOP news network and they distort the news more than anyone else. America is waking up to what a sham the GOP party really is. They believe in government for the corperations, by the corperations and for the corperations. Be damned the bottom feeding 47% of the scumbag population of the United States of America who depends on there lavish welfare checks there going to vote for Obama anyway and be sure crush the unions and public sector so corperations can keep wages low and deny people access to decent health insurance. Maybe the poor will just die that would make thing much easier for the rich. Meanwile reward corperations for outsourcing all our jobs to China and India. Don't forget to get rid of that pesky EPA so corperations can poison the environment without any restrictions that might cut into profits. Don't forget to trample cival rights and declare more wars that aren't funded while cutting more taxes for the rich so they can get richer while the rest of us have to work full time (28 hours per week) at Wal-Mart and McDonalds for minimum wage and no benefits. Maybe we can work 3 jobs with no benefits to feed our families. Oh and I forgot lets pass a bunch of voter suppression laws to prevent minorities, the poor, the elderly and disabled from voting oops I ment to say laws that prevent "voter fraud" because if you can't win the popular vote you can always rig the election. Thanks GOP. You suck!
We all remember MSNBC's credibility. When they reported that white people were at an Obama rally with guns and they clucked about on tv saying how it reminded them of the kkk and racsim and lynchings. Except, they edited the video to not show the man's skin, only the gun and his coat and panned around to show the white people around him. TURNED OUT THE GUY WAS BLACK. They manipulated the video footage to build their fake story and start race wars to get Obama victimized. (News and Video manipulation 101 by MSNBC -
(News and Video manipulation 101 by MSNBC - www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jwg-f3dqN4&feature=related)
NEWS IS DEAD.
GET THE FACTS.
DON'T GIVE THESE POLITICAL HACK MEDIA COMPANIES THE RATINGS.