Obama itches for a fight with McCain
HARTFORD -- Super Tuesday hasn't even dawned yet, but Mitt Romney's sun has set, if you listen to Barack Obama.
Nary a day goes by now where Obama doesn't take aim at the man he expects to face in November: John McCain, war hero, long-time Arizona senator, and magnet for independent voters. Obama continued his assault today, criticizing McCain on CNN and at campaign stops on the East Coast.
On CNN this afternoon, Obama said he honored McCain's "half a century of service to this country, and I think that it’s something that we have to all honor, because he's been a war hero and I think he's done good work in the Senate." But, Obama said, McCain "is not the person who is going to lead this country in a new direction."
"He is wrong on foreign policy. He is wrong on economics. He essentially wants to perpetuate the same failed economic strategies of George Bush by providing tax cuts to the wealthy as opposed to working families who need relief," Obama was quoted as saying. "He wants to continue the failed foreign policy of leaving our troops in Iraq ... That is not what the American people are looking for."
Addressing more than 16,000 people here in Hartford's XL Center this afternoon, Obama amended his primary argument against Hillary Clinton -- he represents the future, she represents the past -- to target McCain. "I like that match-up. I'm happy to have a debate about the future of this country," Obama said. "We need a clear-cut contrast" between the politics of the past and the politics of the future, he said.
But it's an argument Obama, 46, has make artfully against McCain, 71, in the general election if they face off. Done the wrong way, Obama could be accused of ageism. Of course, McCain's retort would likely be that Obama was only a kid while he was being tortured in Vietnam.
Obama interrupted his speech in Hartford briefly when someone in the crowd needed medical attention. He stopped and asked for an EMT. "Could people make some space?" he said. Obama then reached under his podium, grabbed a water bottle, and tossed it to his afflicted supporter. It earned him a major ovation.
UPDATE: McCain spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker responds, saying an Obama presidency would make the country "less safe."
"Senator McCain will enhance the security, opportunity, and freedom Americans need to pursue their dreams and values," she said in a statement. "Senator Obama will make them less safe, tax their opportunities, and build a bigger government that will burden their dreams and overrule their values."
Republicans resorting to a politics fear...
I've seen that storyline before
This is going to be a great race.
In Barry Goldwater's book he talks about how he was really looking forward to running against JFK, and it was mutual. They were talking about traveling around the country together, on the same plane, doing a series of debates across the country.
Maybe these two won't do this, but I think we can expect a gloves-on campaign that focuses on the issues, and presents a clear choice to the public. I am really looking forward to it.
.
Our policies are devoid of innovation because creativity is the work of the young, active and fluid minds. Our statesmen are mostly too old and people do not grow with advancing age. Why consider a 72 year old man when Obama offers a superlative alternative from any stand point?
The McCain camp pulls the fear card...how original.
Bottom Line:
Like all of you. I know that health care is the most critical, and important issue facing the American people. Now, and in the coming elections. And like the vast majority of the American people, I want HR 676 (Medicare For All) passed into law NOW! "Single payer, Tax Supported, Not For Profit, True Universal Health Care" free for all as a right. Like every other developed country in the world has. See: http://www.house.gov/conyers/news_hr676.htm
“HR 676:
For church goers: less money to insur. companies and more to the church- lots more.
Srs on Medicare: save way over $100/wk. Because no more medigap, long term care & dental insur. needed. No more drug bills.”
But if we the American people fail to bring enough pressure on our current politicians to get HR 676 passed into law before the elections. We will have to identify, and replace all the politicians standing in the way of passage of HR 676. And, I think the best first place to start is with the politicians that blocked the bipartisan SCHIP bills for the kids. Passed by congress twice.
But what about the President. It was Bush after all that blocked the bipartisan SCHIP bill passed by congress to assure more health coverage for Americas kids. So which of the presidential hopefuls do I think will be most supportive of implementing the demand of the majority of the American people to have HR 676 (Medicare For All) passed into law immediately!
We have some very fine presidential candidates who would make good presidents. But none of the top Presidential candidates directly support HR 676, the only true Universal Health Care plan. So I am supporting Hillary Clinton. She is the only top candidate that has ever actually fought for universal health care before.
I have enormous admiration, and respect for Hillary Clinton. She fought a pitched battle against overwhelming odds back in 1993. To prevent this disastrous health care crisis that is now devastating the American people, and America. She fought so hard for the American people that she risk almost completely destroying her husbands presidency. I haven't forgotten her heroic effort. If any Presidential hopeful for universal health care deserves my support, it's her.
Also, if we the American people fail to bring enough pressure on our government to give us HR 676 which we all so desperately need NOW! Then we will need the most skilled politician we can get on our side to broker the best health care plan for the American people that we can get. Though it will be less than we need, and less than we deserve. The politician I think to best do this is Hillary Clinton. The Clinton's are probably the most skilled politicians in American history.
The insurance industry, and medical industry that has been ripping you off, and killing you has given Hillary Clinton so much money because they fear her. They have also given Barack Obama so much money because they fear Hillary Clinton. They think they can manipulate Barack Obama against the best interest of the American people better than they can manipulate Hillary Clinton. There is no race issue with Hillary Clinton. The Clinton's are the poster family for how African Americans want white people to be towards African Americans.
As always, African Americans are suffering, and dieing in this health care crisis at a much higher rate than any other group in America. The last time there was any significant drop in the African American death rate was when Bill Clinton was president.
My fellow Americans, you are dieing needlessly at an astounding rate. In higher numbers than any other people in the developed world. Rich, and poor a like. Insured, and uninsured. Men, women, children, and babies. And we the American people must stop it. And fix it NOW! Keep Fighting!!! Never! give up hope. There are millions of lives at stake. Bless you all... You are doing great!
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