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McCain Is Ready To Be President, Lieberman Says In Tampa

Tribune photo by ROBERT BURKE

Speaking Sunday at the University of South Florida, Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman said he respected Sen. Barack Obama, but Sen. John McCain is a better choice for president.

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2008

TAMPA - Calling Florida a key state that Sen. John McCain needs if he is to become the next president, Sen. Joe Lieberman visited Tampa today to speak with voters and drum up support for the Republican ticket.

McCain is "all about reaching out and bringing people in with him," Lieberman told an audience of about 40 at a meeting this afternoon with University of South Florida Hillel, a Jewish student organization.

Lieberman, an Independent and a former Democrat from Connecticut, told the crowd at the Alfano Conference Center that McCain, R-Ariz., has more experience and is better prepared to be president than Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

With the economic crisis and the ongoing war on terrorism, the nation is at a critical juncture, Lieberman said.

"So who we chose for our next president really matters," he said. "That's why I'm here."

McCain was "ready to be commander-in-chief since day one" and "puts country over party," Lieberman said.

Lieberman said he respects Obama, and may endorse him in the future when the young senator has more experience. "He's smart," Lieberman said of Obama. "He's well-spoken. But you've got to ask: who's ready to be president three months from now?"

Lieberman's appearance at the Hillel event was one of three in Tampa today. The senator, who ran for president as a Democrat in 2000, also visited with the Jewish community at a deli in Clearwater early this afternoon and at a Tampa country club tonight.

Lieberman will meet and speak with Tampa voters at three events on Monday: 8:45 a.m. at La Teresita restaurant, 3246 W. Columbus Drive; 10:15 a.m., Alessi Bakery, 2909 W. Cypress Street; 1 p.m. at University Village Auditorium, 12401 N. 22nd St.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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