TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

McCain Softens Tone, Anti-Obama Rhetoric

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

Published: October 12, 2008

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Republican John McCain, the clock ticking on a chance to narrow Democrat Barack Obama's lead in polls, turned away Saturday from visceral attacks on his rival to pivot back toward policy differences.

McCain kept his speech focused on the economy and other policies, a striking change from just days ago when his campaign redoubled its challenge to Obama over his association with a former '60s radical. McCain also claimed American voters didn't really know Obama and his own "radical" views.

The tone at McCain's and running mate Sarah Palin's events during the past week had been turning toward the sour.

Supporters had shouted "terrorist" and "off with his head" at the mention of Obama's connections to former Weather Underground member William Ayers, whose group bombed federal buildings in protest of the Vietnam War when Obama was a child. The two had worked together on community projects in Chicago, and Obama has denounced Ayers' violent past.

On Friday, during a town hall-style meeting in Lakeville, Minn., a supporter told McCain that he feared what would happen if Obama were elected. McCain drew boos when he defended his rival as a "decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States."

In another exchange, a woman told McCain that she didn't trust Obama because "he's an Arab." Shaking his head and taking the microphone from her, McCain replied: "No, ma'am. He's a decent, family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign is all about."

Obama, campaigning in Philadelphia on Saturday, acknowledged that the GOP nominee has asked his supporters to temper their attacks on him.

"I appreciated his reminder that we can disagree while still being respectful of each other," Obama told thousands of supporters at the first of four outdoor rallies.

McCain returned to that note of civility Saturday as his quandary became clearer: He needed to excite his party's base without inciting them, challenge Obama while being an honorable opponent, and find a game-changing strategy for his faltering campaign without crossing the line.

When an anti-war protester interrupted him, McCain nervously watched what the crowd would do. The protester was hoisted on shoulders, and McCain's supporters chanted "We want John."

"You know, my friends, there's a perfect example of some people who just don't get it," McCain said to thunderous applause.

In contrast to the reassurances to campaign respectfully, McCain's TV ads continue to attack Obama sharply.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT