Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 24 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
McCain accepts nomination
Published Friday, September 5, 2008
ST. PAUL — Sen. John McCain outlined his beliefs, told what he will do as president and worked to set himself apart from his opponent Thursday night during his acceptance speech for the nomination for president at the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center.
But he wasn’t the only one making his case for president of the United States.
“There are people that have character, honor and integrity,” said Duane Quam Jr., chairman of Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District Republican Party. “And he’s one of them.”
McCain has incredible fortitude and a strength of character that is displayed in his experiences and “gives him a sense of wisdom and accomplishment that anybody would be proud to have,” said Erik Larsen, a Republican from Albert Lea.
“He’s almost an over-qualified individual to take on the task of being president,” Larsen continued.
As with many Republicans, Quam and Larsen said they don’t agree with McCain on everything. But Quam said he respects McCain for what he’s done for the country and his fellow soldiers.
“He showed what determination, hard work and never surrendering, never giving up can do,” Quam said.
Roughly a year ago, political pundits forecast the end of McCain’s bid for president following his public support for more troops in Iraq. At that time, McCain said he would rather lose an election than lose a war.
“John McCain has walked the walk, and he has always put our country first,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
McCain’s dedication to his country was a hot topic throughout the convention, with many Republicans bringing up his time as a prisoner of war and what he endured as a captive in Vietnam.
“I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner of someone else’s,” he said.
After realizing that America stood for decency, faith, wisdom, justice and courage, McCain said his country wasn’t just a place but an idea and cause worth saving.
Following his time as a POW, “I wasn’t my own man anymore, I was my country’s,” he said.
The senator’s service to his country and people make him ready to lead, he said.
“I understand who I work for. I don’t work for a party, I don’t work for a special interest, I don’t work for myself. I work for you,” McCain said.
As president he will fight corruption and big spenders, he said. He will veto the first big-spending pork bill to come across his desk. He will not allow excess government spending at a time when so many American families are struggling to make ends meet.
McCain said he will ensure the country remains safe from its enemies. He will lower taxes, open markets, reward hardworking Americans by allowing them to keep “the fruits of their labor.” He will make sure judges dispense justice impartially and don’t legislate from the bench.
The Republican nominee said he will make sure people have more choices and be able to make those choices for themselves rather than government making all the decisions.
McCain will reduce government spending and get rid of failed programs, he said. He will prepare workers to compete in a world economy and give the choice of education back to parents.
To solve the energy crisis, McCain said he will drill offshore and put more efforts into alternative energy sources.
McCain spoke of the war in Iraq and against terrorism. He said he will work to establish good relations with Russia and keep America safe from its enemies.
“I’m not afraid of them, I’m prepared for them,” he said, adding he knows how the military works, he knows how the world works and he knows how to stand up to his enemies.
He said he will restore the pride and principals of the Republican Party. Too many politicians are elected to change Washington but let Washington change them, losing the trust of the American people.
“We need to change the way government does almost everything,” he said.
Rather than reform government, McCain said, both parties made it bigger. He said he will recover America’s trust by standing up to the values and principals that are the foundation of his political party, which were carried forward by Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan.
“When we tell you we’re going to change Washington and stop leaving our country’s problems for some unlucky generation to fix, you can count on it. We’ve got a record of doing just that,” McCain said.
He gave an advanced warning to the “big-spending, do-nothing, me-first crowd: change is coming.”
Quam said he is proud to be voting for McCain’s endorsement, and a McCain-Palin ticket means “a fresh beginning, a new revitalization of the nation and government.”
Cindy McCain, the senator’s wife, said she knows of no other man better to represent the ideals of the Republican party — which date back to Lincoln, its founder — and lead the country than her husband.
“If Americans want straight talk and plain truth, they should take a good, close look at John McCain, a man tested and true,” Cindy said. “This is a good man, a worthy man.”
She spoke of McCain’s character. Cindy said he is honest, fair, honorable, self-sacrificing, steadfast and does not break with heritage. He never wavered or became a Washington insider.
“We need a leader who fits the times, not a candidate who feels it’s his time to lead,” said Tom Ridge, former Pennsylvania governor and the first secretary of homeland security. “It’s not about building a record, it’s about having one. And it’s not about talking pretty, it’s about talking straight.”
Sen. Barrack Obama will, according to McCain, raise taxes, close markets, raise government spending, force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages and force the American people into government-run health care.
McCain, though disagreeing with his opponent, said he still respects Obama as a worthy adversary.
“We’ll go at it over the next two months. That’s the nature of this business. There are big differences between us. You have my respect and admiration,” he said. “Much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans.”
McCain accepted the Republican Party’s nomination for president Thursday night “with gratitude, humility and confidence,” he said.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by earlhofert (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The only thing I learned from watching the speech last night was that the only way we can be saved from the last eight years of failed Republican policies is to elect more Republicans.
Posted by ginger_ale1 (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great point earl...
You know, that reminds me how I became sober by drinking more. How I lost weight by eating more. How I became a millionaire by maxing out my credit cards.
McCain = more of the same. We need change.
Vote Obama!
Posted by cascade (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree - Biden and co. = change.
Posted by mgdbottled (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I honor McCain's service to the country. But, everytime I hear him talk about his service in Vietnam, I can't help but remember the 60,000+/- names on that wall in Washington who gave it all. They came home in body bags yet they're never mentioned by McCain. I was also not impressed at all when I heard he criticized other POWs after coming home for not being patriotic enough while in that prison camp. That told me a lot about his character.
My biggest problem with McCain is the fact he seldom tells the truth and I'm really getting sick and tired of him bringing up that prison camp as an excuse and an answer to any criticism. It's getting old. That was 35 years ago. It's time to move on. The only difference between McCain and Bush is that McCain appears to be a bit more intelligent than Bush. Other than that, they're both basically the same.
Posted by holymoly (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If Democrats had any brains they would be Republicans!
Posted by buzzman55 (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McCain is an old wore out has been with old crusty ideas that are out of touch with todays world and todays society. All this old fool can do is another four more years of the disasterous Bush Adminstration policies that have wreaked our economy and our standing in the world. I can't believe how dam dum some of you people are and refuse to see the truth and the facts has they are. This election isn't whether a man is nice or not it's about the future of this country you foolish morons. Use youre brains if you have any and stopping playing with our future or watch this country sink even deeper into the cesspool of a mess that the republican party has left us. WAKE THE HELL UP FOR GODSAKE!!
Posted by otterfan (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't believe it's the republicans who have left us in this mess... it's the dems who are in control of the house at the moment. WASHINGTON SUCKS and they are the people who have this country in a mess. Obama wants more government control....can't you wake up and see that is exactly what we DON'T NEED. I totally disagree with obama and that is why I will be voting for mccain!!!!
Posted by mgdbottled (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Senate requires 60 votes to get a bill on the floor. The democrats have a one vote majority. Not enough. The republicans have blocked every piece of decent legislation the democrats have proposed. Including legislation that would have provided for a windfall profit tax on oil companies. Legislation that worked back in the 70s after the oil embargo that caused gas prices to triple. After the embargo ended, the oil companies failed to lower gas prices. After the windfall profits tax was enacted, gas prices returned to normal. So don't be so quick to blame the democratic congress. Their hands are tied by republicans. Bush would veto democratic legislation anyway. I'm shocked at people blaming a democratic congress for problems caused by the republicans. Vote em' out of office and give the democrats a healthy majority in the senate and a democratic president and then you'll see things getting done.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.mindfully.org/Reform/2004/Che...,
well I guess I'm going to co=opt Mr. Chenneys response this November!
thank you Republicans for establishing that using four letter curse words are now acceptable and apparently OK with Christians.
thank you for giving us a president who has publicly threatened WW3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqDy6H1bE...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk9_5OUWy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vACtnZIoA...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTNVSPto3...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ek5G6337...
the children suffering from this war have names, and had no hand in the 911 attacks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAOY1URRX...
Posted by mccain08 (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
4 more years
4 more years
4 more years
4 more years
Posted by pilsnerurquel (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
UGH!!!!!!!! This geezer is never going to bring change to Washington. What a joke!!!!!!!
Posted by freda (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John McCain is right, both parties in DC have failed the American people, and McCain and Palin are committed to shaking things up and getting congress back on our side, or we will continue to vote them out like in 2006. Big spenders who have lost their passion for service need to take notice from John McCain. Change is coming, and he has rallied the American people of both parties to stand up and fight. I loved his analogy that even after his captors broke him, his comrade encouraged him to stand up and fight again. Those in Washington will have John McCain and Sarah Palin to encourage them to get up and fight again and not succumb to self service but putting Country First again.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
putting country first or the wealthy first?
interesting word play.
how much of our money was sent to fund the Israeli army today?
and what are they doing with our money?
not much different than the police firing on protesters during the RNC in St. Paul.
rubber bullets have killed and caused permanent brain injuries!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buRfcFE1O...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tomdEkOgd...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f4fAKqnK...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ek5G6337...
stand up and fight?
against who? the Republicans?
no one else is targeting us!
Jamie Cooper
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"It is thus necessary that the individual should finally come to realize that his own ego is of no importance in comparison with the existence of his nation; that the position of the individual ego is conditioned solely by the interests of the nation as a whole..." Adolph Hitler
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
people wake up!, on the DJ website there are many who seek to silence me and have even threatened my life.
just because I disagree with them and decided to run for a city council position?
in St.Paul this past weekend we saw preemptive police raids and arrests against the press.
we saw our own people tear gassed and shot at for disagreeing.
the Republican leadership has personally profited from war.
if you profess to be a Christian, how can you condone this?
it was not the democrats that sent the national guard into a war without the consent of congress.
of course congress had to send more troops or all those guardsmen may have died.
George Bush lied to justify this war and sent troops without consent of congress!
He is responsible for starting this war!
He has mislead good decent people into believing he is a christian.
George Bush is a member of a society called the Bohemian club, and practices a child sacrifice ceremony worshiping Moloch every summer.
the ceremony is called "the cremation of care"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZD3WT3Vq...
look it up!
turn away from their empty promises!
Jamie Cooper
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRjKyUYKf...
Posted by 89Heritage (anonymous) on September 5, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jamie Cooper. I don't know you & I have read alot of your stuff with an open mind, trying not to be influenced by what others think of you. I have came to the conclusion that you probably don't have much of a clue about anything.
As for McCain & Palin, I think they are going to be the best thing that ever happened in the history of this great country. Not that Osama Barrack Binladin ever had a chance, for obvious reasons, But after Sarah Palin took the stage the other night, it was over for the liberals A.K.A. Cancer of America. A Government shake down is needed more than any promise of Universal health care ( Like that has worked anywhere before) Or any other socialist ideas. They have the potential to put alot of pride back into this country. The pride you Cancer of America keep trying to take.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 6, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Osama Bin Ladden is a Republican by the way.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 6, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
universal healthcare has and is working great in most civilized countries.
you feel what we need is a Govt.shakedown?
are the video links I've provided imaginary?
remember "We the people?"
there is definantly a "cancer" in America, and it is those who oppose freedom and would deny Us our liberties.
believe it or not, the Republican speeches we've been hearing have been said before.
the goal of communism was to downsize Government, and putting country first is called "nationalism",, one of the most notable advocates was Adolf Hitler.
your republican pals now intend to occupy Iraq, and soon invade Iran.
none of this will benefit you or I, but good ol Bush and his handful of real friends will get loaded to the gils even more.
you think somehow all these insane profits are going to trickle down?
when has that concept worked?
want to solve the national debt?
seize the assets of the Carlyle group, and Haliburton.
both have profited too much from this War!
and now that operation Brimstone is underway, they will be profiting even more from the Iran war.
Posted by 89Heritage (anonymous) on September 7, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where is universal health care working so great & at what cost?
I don't need your propaganda video links. I can look at my paychecks & see how much the government is taking. Then I can look at where that money is going & its not going to the things taxes were meant for. I can see what is happening in this country on a daily basis. I see the millions of people I'm supporting that don't belong here, most of whom are living better than me. And it is still going on after a strong majority of voters have said Throw them out. I see our government (Both sides) Catering to special interest groups with no concern of the effect it has on America. I see our roads going to crap Because my taxes are going to build multi cultural centers,State university's that promote extreme left liberal idealism And to students that want to write books on how to be a pedophile. These are just a few things that tells me we need a government shake down.
there is definitely a "cancer" in America, and it is those who oppose freedom and would deny Us our liberties.
Freedoms like smoking in a bar, the right to own a gun,the right to wear a seat belt or not, What you can & can not eat, etc.. WE THE PEOPLE didn't even get asked about these things. And who are the majority of these people wanting to take your freedoms? Special interest groups, mostly liberal. Putting the country first is a must & just because Adolf was an advocate of that common sense, doesn't mean its a bad thing. As for profiting from war? Its been going on since the beginning of man & that will never change. There are people all over this world profiting from Iraq, Afghanistan & any other squabble. If you own stock or a 401k,you are profiting from the war in some way. We do it in a far more humane way than most countries have or do. I make a little over 30,000.00 a year. I don't want government handouts because I Know its coming out of the pockets of people like me & everyone that works hard for there money. I don't want the rich peoples money either for the same reasons. You & the rest of the Cancer of America Don't really have a clue what this country is about do you?
Posted by freda (anonymous) on September 7, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McCain and Palin have the right stuff to win this election. Obama and Biden are just more of the same old Washington big spending pork barrel, cronyism politics.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on September 7, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pride? by denying 23 states worth of citizens health care, by enabling the richest in America to get by with paying no taxes at all while collecting all kinds of corporate welfare to fund their business?
these are concepts you think build pride?
I suppose the Republicans could enact another "Rex 84"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0IL7k3e...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_gD25lwj...
and just round up all these Cancerous you refer to in a final solution type campaign?
that might be easier than trying to actually throw everyone out of the country that disagrees with you.
even Hitler wasn't insane enough to attempt that.
Jamie Cooper
Posted by The_Nick (anonymous) on September 8, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bush is one of the dumbest presidents we have ever had, McCain has agreed with Bush over 90% of the time. What does that tell you?
Posted by chakk_zaos (anonymous) on September 8, 2008 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it tells me you need to get yorself a job son. jonny Mccain is gonna fix it all up un here. everone needs to just stop crying about the taxes and get going now.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)