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McCain Rips Bush On Economy

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 14, 2008

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Republican John McCain delivered his toughest criticism so far of President Bush's economic policies as he unveiled a new campaign stump speech that promised an energetic fight to reverse his slide in the polls.

"We cannot spend the next four years as we have spent much of the last eight: waiting for our luck to change," McCain said while campaigning with running mate Sarah Palin in this once reliably Republican state that has become a battleground this year. "The hour is late; our troubles are getting worse; our enemies watch. We have to act immediately. We have to change direction now."

The Arizona senator insisted that he understood Americans' concerns about the deepening financial crisis, even as fears about the meltdown have moved voters firmly in Democrat Sen. Barack Obama's direction in recent weeks.

The repudiation of the Republican incumbent's economic policies came as McCain has struggled to find a message that would reverse his sagging poll results nationally and in some battleground states. Yet, McCain echoed a line from President George H.W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush, about Democrats "measuring the drapes" that proved ineffectual for the GOP in 1992 and 2006.

"Sen. Obama is measuring the drapes, and planning with Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi D-Calif. and Sen. (Harry) Reid D-Nev. to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections, and concede defeat in Iraq," McCain said, targeting the prospect of one-party government with references to the Democratic leaders of the House and Senate.

PALIN MISTAKES BACKERS FOR HECKLERS

RICHMOND, Va. - Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin mistook some of her own fans for hecklers Monday at a rally. A crowd of about 20,000 spread across the parking lot of Richmond International Raceway. "Louder! Louder!" they began chanting, and the cry spread across the crowd to Palin's left. Palin stopped her remarks briefly and looked toward the commotion.

"I hope those protesters have the courage and honor to give veterans thanks for their right to protest," she said.

Some in the crowd tried to shout toward her what was really being said, but she couldn't hear them.

The Associated Press

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