The McCain Rally
Senator McCain flew into town yesterday. The venue was fitting: The Aviation Museum at Richmond airport.
Framed by an enormous American flag and an A-4 Skyhawk once flown by another former Vietnam war POW, LCDR Galanti, the GOP heavyweights of Virginia rallied to support the front running candidate. The McCain team was introduced by LCDR Paul Galanti. Delegate Chris Saxman, a co-chair of the McCain team, spoke about why he supported John McCain. He said that it was Senator McCain's example that inspired Del. Saxman to serve others....
The other co-chairman, Jerry Kilgore spoke next, getting a round of applause with the line,"We don't need inexperience on the job." Another line that received applause was, "John McCain will reject higher taxes."
The list of GOP stalwarts on the McCain team includes former Governors Gilmore and Allen, Senator John Warner, John Hager and former Secretary Lawrence Eagleberger . Former Sec. of the Navy William Ball was in the audience in support.
The crowd was very enthusiastic. Critics, conservative or otherwise, did not make an appearance. Military veterans made up about5-10% of the crowd, per a show of hands. Many of the audience, including Mr. Wayne "Bubba" Ozmore, the former chairman of the 4th Congressional district, emphasized that the overriding priority for them was the Global War on Terror, and more specifically the Iraq campaign. Mr. Ozmore said that, as a veteran of the Gulf War, Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Provide Comfort, he feels that Senator McCain supports the "military wing" of the GOP. Other vets seconded that opinion. He was "glad to have one of our own up there." Mr. Ozmore and other conservatives expressed concerns about
Senator McCain's stance on other matters, from immigration to 1st Amendment rights, they felt that the war is priority and that any alternative would be a disaster. Mr. Ozore said, "Its critical that Senator McCain picks a solid social and economic conservative for Vice President."
Senator McCain's arrival on stage was greeted by wild applause and whistles. With the Navy jet as backdrop, the Senator thanked his team and joked with the governors. Appearing relaxed and energetic, Senator McCain's passion for the defense of this nation shown through. One of his first statements, "As President, I will never surrender in Iraq or set a date for withdrawal."
While stressing the War, he put forth his platform. He is due credit that he did not claim to be the "2nd coming of Reagan." However, as he did admit, he does steal Reagan's lines and ideas, "Always steal from the best."
"We are not safe, but safer." was the quote when the Senator asked the crowd to give President Bush due credit for no more attacks on US soil.
"If I have to follow Osama Bin Laden to the gates of hell, I'll get him."
"General Patreaus is the only man who should decide when and where troops should leave, not a senator running for President."
His conservative critics will demand action and not words, because of the Senator's history. But his words did sound the right note. Less government. No socialized medicine. Make the tax cuts permanent. Repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax. Because the USA has the 2nd highest corporate tax rate, cut corporate taxes to keep jobs in the US. Lower taxes and less regulation to attract more businesses to America.
"We're tired of borrowing money from the Chinese" brought forth cheers from the crowd. As did the phrase that he would control spending. "When we came to poser in 1994 to change Washington, Washington changed us. We became spendthrifts. President Bush signed $36 billion in earmarks and pork. In 36 years in Congress, I never asked for or received a pork barrel project for Arizona." "I will veto any bill containing earmarks or pork and publicize the authors."
While conservatives worry about the judges he would appoint, he stress that he would appoint judges in the mold of Roberts and Alito.
One very popular program that he on which he was very specific: Expanding the VA care and allowing vets to go to the doctor of their choice for their VA care.
Overall, Senator McCain is definitely the more conservative and experienced of the candidates. He appears to be striving to show his conservative credentials. No controversial topics came up in his speech or in the following press conference. I spoke to many people that were originally Thompson or Romney supporters, but, feel that McCain is the only alternative. They hope that, as a leader instead of just one Senator of 100, that he will be forced to fight for more conservative ideals or fight the left in Congress.
He has nine months to convince me. Senator McCain says, "I would rather lose a political campaign than the war." If he loses THIS political campaign, we may lose the war.
Framed by an enormous American flag and an A-4 Skyhawk once flown by another former Vietnam war POW, LCDR Galanti, the GOP heavyweights of Virginia rallied to support the front running candidate. The McCain team was introduced by LCDR Paul Galanti. Delegate Chris Saxman, a co-chair of the McCain team, spoke about why he supported John McCain. He said that it was Senator McCain's example that inspired Del. Saxman to serve others....
The other co-chairman, Jerry Kilgore spoke next, getting a round of applause with the line,"We don't need inexperience on the job." Another line that received applause was, "John McCain will reject higher taxes."
The list of GOP stalwarts on the McCain team includes former Governors Gilmore and Allen, Senator John Warner, John Hager and former Secretary Lawrence Eagleberger . Former Sec. of the Navy William Ball was in the audience in support.
The crowd was very enthusiastic. Critics, conservative or otherwise, did not make an appearance. Military veterans made up about5-10% of the crowd, per a show of hands. Many of the audience, including Mr. Wayne "Bubba" Ozmore, the former chairman of the 4th Congressional district, emphasized that the overriding priority for them was the Global War on Terror, and more specifically the Iraq campaign. Mr. Ozmore said that, as a veteran of the Gulf War, Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Provide Comfort, he feels that Senator McCain supports the "military wing" of the GOP. Other vets seconded that opinion. He was "glad to have one of our own up there." Mr. Ozmore and other conservatives expressed concerns about
Senator McCain's stance on other matters, from immigration to 1st Amendment rights, they felt that the war is priority and that any alternative would be a disaster. Mr. Ozore said, "Its critical that Senator McCain picks a solid social and economic conservative for Vice President."
Senator McCain's arrival on stage was greeted by wild applause and whistles. With the Navy jet as backdrop, the Senator thanked his team and joked with the governors. Appearing relaxed and energetic, Senator McCain's passion for the defense of this nation shown through. One of his first statements, "As President, I will never surrender in Iraq or set a date for withdrawal."
While stressing the War, he put forth his platform. He is due credit that he did not claim to be the "2nd coming of Reagan." However, as he did admit, he does steal Reagan's lines and ideas, "Always steal from the best."
"We are not safe, but safer." was the quote when the Senator asked the crowd to give President Bush due credit for no more attacks on US soil.
"If I have to follow Osama Bin Laden to the gates of hell, I'll get him."
"General Patreaus is the only man who should decide when and where troops should leave, not a senator running for President."
His conservative critics will demand action and not words, because of the Senator's history. But his words did sound the right note. Less government. No socialized medicine. Make the tax cuts permanent. Repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax. Because the USA has the 2nd highest corporate tax rate, cut corporate taxes to keep jobs in the US. Lower taxes and less regulation to attract more businesses to America.
"We're tired of borrowing money from the Chinese" brought forth cheers from the crowd. As did the phrase that he would control spending. "When we came to poser in 1994 to change Washington, Washington changed us. We became spendthrifts. President Bush signed $36 billion in earmarks and pork. In 36 years in Congress, I never asked for or received a pork barrel project for Arizona." "I will veto any bill containing earmarks or pork and publicize the authors."
While conservatives worry about the judges he would appoint, he stress that he would appoint judges in the mold of Roberts and Alito.
One very popular program that he on which he was very specific: Expanding the VA care and allowing vets to go to the doctor of their choice for their VA care.
Overall, Senator McCain is definitely the more conservative and experienced of the candidates. He appears to be striving to show his conservative credentials. No controversial topics came up in his speech or in the following press conference. I spoke to many people that were originally Thompson or Romney supporters, but, feel that McCain is the only alternative. They hope that, as a leader instead of just one Senator of 100, that he will be forced to fight for more conservative ideals or fight the left in Congress.
He has nine months to convince me. Senator McCain says, "I would rather lose a political campaign than the war." If he loses THIS political campaign, we may lose the war.
Labels: 08 election, GOP primaries, McCain
posted by Cargosquid at 9:00 AM
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