McCain Town Hall(06/19/2008) 
5:47
Hello all!
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:47 
5:48
[Comment From bnelson44bnelson44: ] 
have fun!
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:48 bnelson44
5:48
Hoping to!   I actually thought I wouldn't get in tonight.
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:48 
5:54
[Comment From irshgrl1718irshgrl1718: ] 
Is this town hall being covered anywhere on tv?
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:54 irshgrl1718
5:55
I don't know.   It may be on public TV here in the Twin Cities, possibly C-SPAN?   Not sure.
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:55 
5:55
[Comment From ChrisMChrisM: ] 
Have you heard any advance info on the questions that might be asked?
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:55 ChrisM
5:55
Nothing.   I think it's pretty much free-form.
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:55 
5:55
[Comment From JessicaJessica: ] 
If you learned your lesson about amnesty, why is Juan Hernandez, the open-borders shill, your Hispanic Outreach Director? Why do illehgal aliens matter more to you than citizens?
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:55 Jessica
5:55
We'll see if anyone asks that.
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:55 
5:57
You know what this needs?   A hot dog vendor.
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:57 
5:58
[Comment From ChrisMChrisM: ] 
Do these things normally fill up with local or national media?
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:58 ChrisM
5:59
Local, but the network affiliates feed it back to the nationals.
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:59 
5:59
[Be Right Back Countdown]5 minutes 
Thursday June 19, 2008 5:59 
6:04
[Comment From Steve ZSteve Z: ] 
I hope somebody asks him about drilling in ANWR and going after shale oil in the Rockies.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:04 Steve Z
6:05
I think he's on board with shale, and Allahpundit posted about his opening today on ANWR.   We'll see.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:05 
6:06
They're playing the Kinks, "Well Respected Man"    .... interesting ....
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:06 
6:07
[Comment From irshgrl1718irshgrl1718: ] 
How long is this event scheduled for?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:07 irshgrl1718
6:07
Not sure.   90 minutes, maybe?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:07 
6:09
[Comment From NelsaNelsa: ] 
Recognize any other attendees?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:09 Nelsa
6:10
I believe Mark Halperin from Time is sitting directly behind me.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:10 
6:10
[Comment From ChicagoanChicagoan: ] 
When Does it start?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:10 Chicagoan
6:10
7 pm CT.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:10 
6:11
Press gallery is filling up, but only about six of the forum attendees.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:11 
6:11
[Comment From hotpinkpandahotpinkpanda: ] 
the soundtrack is definitely telling...wonder who's McCain's DJ?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:11 hotpinkpanda
6:12
"Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.   Reminds me of an old girlfriend.   Man, I hate that song.   ;-)
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:12 
6:12
[Comment From irishspyirishspy: ] 
Ed, will you be daring enough to ask a question? :)
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:12 irishspy
6:12
They won't take questions from the press at these events.   I'm not among the forum attendees.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:12 
6:13
I'm not seeing the event on C-SPAN's schedule.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:13 
6:14
"Centerfield", John Fogerty.   Is this an Edwards rally?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:14 
6:15
[Comment From misterpeaseamisterpeasea: ] 
Please, please ask him about the obscene profits of the beer distributors.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:15 misterpeasea
6:15
I think I have to buy him a beer first -- and then smile when I say that, pardner.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:15 
6:15
[Comment From RBMNRBMN: ] 
If you would let California and Florida have a veto to offshore drilling, do they have any obligation to consider the needs of the rest of the country, and what would you say to them about their obligations?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:15 RBMN
6:16
I'd question whether the states could stop drilling outside the 12-mile limit.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:16 
6:16

"Johnny B Good", Chuck Berry.

Thursday June 19, 2008 6:16 
6:22
[Comment From hotpinkpandahotpinkpanda: ] 
Did you see the new Rolling Stone article on McCain...really tasteful cartoon that was rendered accompanying the article...
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:22 hotpinkpanda
6:22
hmmm .... sounds interesting!
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:22 
6:24
[Comment From bnelson44bnelson44: ] 
Oh, yea, really tasteful: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/21129038/full_metal_mccain
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:24 bnelson44
6:25

"Superstitious", Stevie Wonder

Thursday June 19, 2008 6:25 
6:28
[Image]rs-mccaintoon.jpg  View
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:28 
6:28

Can you see the toon?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:28 
6:29
OK.   That may come in handy for later.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:29 
6:31
[Comment From Terry AnnTerry Ann: ] 
The Rolling Stone article is written by Matt Tiabbi, he's one classy fellow.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:31 Terry Ann
6:31
Why does that name sound familiar?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:31 
6:33
Now they're just looping the songs ....
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:33 
6:33
[Comment From LoganLogan: ] 
Maybe you read his ULTRA-classy article, "52 funniest things about the upcoming death of the pope."
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:33 Logan
6:33
That's it!
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:33 
6:37
[Comment From DaveSDaveS: ] 
Is there a way to see or hear this townhall online?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:37 DaveS
6:37
Not as far as I know.   It's not on C-SPAN
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:37 
6:37
I hear it may be locally televised on WCCO or KSTP.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:37 
6:38
NPR is carrying it, according to the AP reporter sitting next to me.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:38 
6:39
[Be Right Back Countdown]5 minutes 
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:39 
6:43
ok back
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:43 
6:43
[Comment From DaveSDaveS: ] 
Dude... look out for those AP reporters sitting too close.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:43 DaveS
6:44
LOL!!   Be nice, I may show this to her.   She's from the local bureau.   Gentleman to my right is from The Economist.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:44 
6:46
[Comment From DaveSDaveS: ] 
Is she going to charge you a buck a word for the NPR tip? (Couldn't find it by the way.)
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:46 DaveS
6:46
I brought my wallet.   I can buy six words, but then I'll have to skip my late dinner on the way home.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:46 
6:47
[Comment From hotpinkpandahotpinkpanda: ] 
Do you have your famous headset on at this time?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:47 hotpinkpanda
6:48
No, but I did half-consider bringing all my equipment and trying to cover this through Ustream.   Good thing I didn't; wouldn't have worked anyway.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:48 
6:49
[Comment From greggreg: ] 
with cnn or foxnews or msnbc carry the town hall?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:49 greg
6:49
Don't think so.   They'll report on it afterwards, though.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:49 
6:54
[Comment From bnelson44bnelson44: ] 
live stream here: http://wcco.com/
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:54 bnelson44
6:54
[Comment From KennetKennet: ] 
According to this Minn. website, NPR will stream live...http://minnesota.publicradio.org/
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:54 Kennet
6:55
[Comment From steadyrocksteadyrock: ] 
I wonder if Hewitt's going to carry it. I've got an hour commute through LA coming up in about 5 minutes.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:55 steadyrock
6:55

Let me know if he does!
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:55 
6:55
Couple of good guys sitting behind me ......
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:55 
6:56
Michael Brodkorb, MDE
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:56 
6:56
Gary Miller, Race for 2008
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:56 
6:57
[Image]mccain2008 031.JPG  View
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:57 
6:57
Filling up now, about to start.
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:57 
6:57
Will Obama's rejection of public financing hurt him in the general election?
Yes
 ( 37% )
No
 ( 63% )

Thursday June 19, 2008 6:57 
6:58
[Comment From bnelson44bnelson44: ] 
I see a bald head in the press section
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:58 bnelson44
6:58
I'm wearing a brownish-tan shirt ....
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:58 
6:59
[Comment From VolMagicVolMagic: ] 
What does the audience look like,Ed? Lotsa older folks?
Thursday June 19, 2008 6:59 VolMagic
7:00
Good mix.   Young, old, middle-aged.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:00 
7:00
[Comment From DawnsbloodDawnsblood: ] 
Yep Ed, I can see you from the back on WCCO.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:00 Dawnsblood
7:00
That's my good side ....
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:00 
7:01
The Pawlentys just entered.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:01 
7:03
Pawlenty talked about how McCain sticks to his beliefs and considers what
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:03 
7:08

Recorded the opnening statement, at least a good chunk of it


Thursday June 19, 2008 7:08 
7:09
McCain made an endearing joke about not being a good pilot
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:09 
7:09
Said he thought he was until he intercepted a SAM with his jet
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:09 
7:10
Went after Obama hard on the public financing move, reading his statement pledging that Obama would "aggressively pursue" an agreement with the Republican nominee
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:10 
7:10
[Comment From NickNick: ] 
He always does that joke about blood relatives and paid staffers!
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:10 Nick
7:11

He also went after Obama on the town-hall dodge


Thursday June 19, 2008 7:11 
7:12
Low taxes, helping out borrowers to stay in their homes, oil independence
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:12 
7:12
Oil independence gets a big round of applause
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:12 
7:13
Emphasizing the national-security aspect of oil dependencies
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:13 
7:14
"If the state  want to do it [off-shore drilling], we should do it."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:14 
7:14

"We have to go to nuclear power."   In Europe, it takes 5 years to build a plant, and here it takes at least ten.

Thursday June 19, 2008 7:14 
7:15
"Peace is a precious thing."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:15 
7:16
He's talking about the resurgence of the Taliban, but that isn't really true any more.   Nice shout out for the Canadians, though.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:16 
7:16
Radical Islamists: "They are a malignant evil."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:16 
7:17
"WE are wining in Iraq.   A lot of people don't like to say that, but we are winning."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:17 
7:19
He's oming across as calm, determined -- not a great deal of warmth except for that joke about his piloting skills.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:19 
7:20
Cindy McCain is in Vietnam and jokes about her looking up his old residence.  
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:20 
7:21
Recognizes the younger people from One, the organization started by Bono and Bob Geldof
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:21 
7:21
"I will always put my country first."   Nice wrap to his opening remarks.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:21 
7:24
First question: A lot of misinformation on the internet -- are we getting the real story and the real positions instead of unfair attacks as Bush IIII?   It's a big softball, but there you go.   Jack Kennedy once said "Life isn't fair", and he appreciates it more as he gets older.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:24 
7:24
"I'm not running for Miss Congeniality."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:24 
7:25
Emphasizing his record of work against corruption, and his record of reaching across the aisle.   Record, record, record.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:25 
7:25
He says he's reluctant to talk too much about his "past experiences".
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:25 
7:26
Health care/insurance reform question ....
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:26 
7:27
A tougher question from a mom who has to spend thousands of dollars on medication for her son.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:27 
7:28
He's addressing the "uninsurables" -- the government has to establish risk pools and some subsidization at federal and state levels.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:28 
7:29
Pawlenty now gives more details about how Minnesota approaches the problem.   They make a pretty good team.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:29 
7:31
Nuclear power -- this guy is, I believe, a state GOP delegate.   It's not really a softball question, though.   He wants to know how he would address spent nuclear fuel.  
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:31 
7:31
"France now has a pro-American president, which shows that if you live long enough, you'll see everything."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:31 
7:31
[Comment From DryHeatDryHeat: ] 
Pawlenty for VP...thoughts?
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:31 DryHeat
7:31
[Comment From hotpinkpandahotpinkpanda: ] 
cohesion of prez + vp will be one of the keys to this race...
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:31 hotpinkpanda
7:32
I'd say McCain would like to have him on the ticket
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:32 
7:32
Pawlenty stuck with him when times got tough.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:32 
7:33
This question sounds rehearsed; alternate energy sources.   How would McCain provide leadership?   Wind, solar, nuclear .... investing in batteries.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:33 
7:34
"Let a thousand flowers bloom".
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:34 
7:34
"The internet came into being through the federal government," in explaining the government's role in R&D
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:34 
7:36

The economics of immigration, and the traffic accidents immigration causes ....


Thursday June 19, 2008 7:36 
7:36
"I am convinced that we need a temporary worker program that works."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:36 
7:37
"We must secure our borders, and that is a federal responsibility, and Americans want that done first."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:37 
7:38
"We have to address this situation in a humane fashion."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:38 
7:39
He is very serious and obviously engaged with the audience.  
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:39 
7:39
Education policy -- he believes in free trade, but we need better training for displaced workers.   A bit of a non-sequitur.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:39 
7:40
He disagrees with the questioner that No Child Left Behind should be scrapped.   He wants to reward good teachers, but fundamental to this is choice and competition.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:40 
7:41
New Orleans opened 30 charter schools -- and the quality of education has shot upwards as a result.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:41 
7:41
On education: "It isn't necessarily money that does the job."   Big applause line.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:41 
7:42
Questioner: "I'm a victim of too many sound bites."   McCain: "I've been the victim of a couple of sound bites myself."
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:42 
7:43

McCain explains the criteria for success in Iraq carefully, and emphasizes how fragile our progress is.   The militias are not yet finished, and if we leave too early, they will return.

Thursday June 19, 2008 7:43 
7:43
[Comment From NelsaNelsa: ] 
The questioner does not know the difference between Iran and Iraq!
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:43 Nelsa
7:44
She's a victim!
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:44 
7:45
He's very deliberately looking this questioner in the eye when he gives the answer.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:45 
7:46
Had we followed Obama's   suggestions, we would be embroiled in a wider war thanks to th ecollapse of Iraq.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:46 
7:47
She asked what he would have done differently, and he says that he has publicly called for the correct policies all along.   He became visibily energized by that question.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:47 
7:47
How can conservatives trust you, Senator?
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:47 
7:48
A: People should examine my record and my positions.   Also, Obama should be here with me to get the straight answer from both of us at the same time.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:48 
7:48
[Comment From GBGB: ] 
There's something very refreshing about this format -- It's total cowardice that Obama won't agree to join McCain for joint meetings, especially since his staff indicated that he'd be open to it. Makes all that talk from Obama saying "I'll debate mcCain wherever/whenever" seem like empty cowboy bravado.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:48 GB
7:48
yup.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:48 
7:50
He's talking about Ronald Reagan and straight talk.   He says that Americans will appreciate that kind of honesty.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:50 
7:50
[Comment From GBGB: ] 
(It's Guy Benson -- loving this live blog; wish the event were televised)
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:50 GB
7:51
Guy!   Chicago's finest radio show host!
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:51 
7:51
(because I'll be on his show this weekend)
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:51 
7:51
[Comment From DaveSDaveS: ] 
Is she hot? She sounds hot on the radio.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:51 DaveS
7:51
Dude, she's younger than my DIL.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:51 
7:52
I made two pledges about middle age:
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:52 
7:52
1. No combovers.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:52 
7:52
2. No leching after girls half my age.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:52 
7:52
I've kept at least one of those fairly regularly .... ;-)
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:52 
7:53
[Comment From DaveSDaveS: ] 
Dude... IT'S THE RADIO. Make sure people know that I am not some sort of pedophile. :-)
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:53 DaveS
7:53
I'm just busting your chops, Dave, I know you couldn't see her.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:53 
7:55
A good moment on the importance of governments with the young volunteer from One.   Zimbabwe got used as an example.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:55 
7:56
Senator McCain, you have a great record and life experience.   Will you be able to handle issues?   (That's the Readers Digest version -- the original was interminable.)
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:56 
7:58
[Comment From ZaggsZaggs: ] 
Do you have any idea what type of the ideological breakdown of the audience? Yes that was one rambling question, I want those 5 minutes back
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:58 Zaggs
7:58
I think these are mostly Republicans and independents.   I don't see any Code Pink protestors here.
Thursday June 19, 2008 7:58 
8:00
We have a Democrat who is a veteran of Iraq.   Unhappy about veterans care over the last eight years.   They have earned the highest standard of care.   How will McCain provide that?
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:00 
8:00
Good question, not unfair, and honestly delivered.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:00 
8:01
McCain applauds the VA workers for their efforts, wants to focus on PTSD and severe wounds
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:01 
8:02
Normal care should be handled by regular hospitals and clinics under VA insurance and let the VA handle their specialties
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:02 
8:02
I think that was a great answer.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:02 
8:04
[Comment From steveeggsteveegg: ] 
That questioner must've been listening to the Ed Morrissey Show this afternoon
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:04 steveegg
8:05
Indeed.   ;-)
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:05 
8:06
He hadn't heard about Hinchey?   He knows now!
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:06 
8:06
But Monkey approaching!
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:06 
8:07
Tell us bad stuff.   Er, okay.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:07 
8:07
McCain relates that he told bad news to Iowa, South Carolina, Michigan, and he won two out of three of those.   It's the Meat Loaf standard.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:07 
8:08
One of three, excuse me.   Romney won Michigan.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:08 
8:09
Then I endorsed Romney, and he tanked.   My bad.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:09 
8:10
McCain has read the Constitution!
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:10 
8:10
He had to explain that Presidents can't overturn SCOTUS decisions, but then ripped the Boumediene decision.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:10 
8:11
[Comment From MMMM: ] 
Hey, Ed! Great job. Can you elaborate on McCain not knowing about Hinchey? What was the question? What was his answer?
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:11 MM
8:12
The question was whether McCain had heard that Maurice Hinchey endorsed nationalizing the oil refineries, and McCain said, "I'll have to read that article!"   He seemed genuinely surprised.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:12 
8:12
He should be reading Hot Air!
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:12 
8:13
[Comment From joepubjoepub: ] 
How is the old man's energy?
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:13 joepub
8:13
Very good!
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:13 
8:14
"We're not working for the American people!   We're working for our party.   We need to change that."
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:14 
8:14
Wants to commit to having a press conference once a week or every two weeks.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:14 
8:15
What do you think of Pawlenty as VP?   Big laughter.   "This meeting is adjourned!"
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:15 
8:15
Calls Pawlenty one of the new breed in the party.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:15 
8:16
All of the press gallery suddenly discovered their second wind!
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:16 
8:16
OK, folks, it's over, and I think McCain did quite well. No mistakes, and a few high points.  
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:16 
8:17
[Comment From NelsaNelsa: ] 
Great job Ed-It was fun
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:17 Nelsa
8:17
Thanks!
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:17 
8:18
[Comment From DaveSDaveS: ] 
MPR said that they had talked to the audience, and they were prescreen and directly invited, and some were McCain supporters, some were strong democrats, and some were genuinely undecided.
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:18 DaveS
8:18
I gotthat sense as well.   It wasn't a softball game.  
Thursday June 19, 2008 8:18 
8:19

I'm going to shut this down and see if the campaign plans to meet with the press.   Thanks for coming along for the ride!   I'll have pictures later.

Thursday June 19, 2008 8:19 
8:19



 
 
 
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