Posted on 01/17/2006 5:41:01 AM PST by 300magnum
SPARTANBURG, South Carolina (Reuters) - Republican Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), back in the state where a bruising primary loss crippled his 2000 White House bid, said on Monday his party had "lost our way" on spending and needed to clean up widespread influence-peddling and lobbying abuses.
The Arizona senator, a potential White House candidate again in 2008, praised President George W. Bush for his judicial nominations and for making what McCain said was steady progress in Iraq.
But he said the federal budget had spiraled out of control under Republican leadership. He called for tighter restrictions on earmarking -- the congressional practice of inserting local projects in spending bills -- and tighter controls on lobbyists in Washington.
"We have lost our way on fiscal responsibility," McCain told the dinner of Spartanburg County Republicans in South Carolina, a state that promises to play a crucial early role in the 2008 White House race. "Republicans have got to clean up our act, make these much needed reforms and get back on track."
McCain has sponsored a proposal to require more disclosure of lobbying activities and tighter control on the process in light of the widening corruption scandal centered on lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
But he said the congressional practice of quietly inserting pet spending projects into mammoth federal spending bills must be stopped before significant lobbying reforms can take place.
"Unless you take out the earmarking, there are always going to be people who will line up with their hands out to curry favor with individual members of Congress," he said.
McCain cracked a joke about his bitter loss to Bush in 2000 but made no other reference to the primary, which effectively ended his bid just weeks after he had pulled off a stunning upset of Bush in New Hampshire.
McCain has been a Republican team player since then, campaigning with Bush in 2004 and enthusiastically backing his decision to go to war in Iraq and the conduct of the occupation.
He praised Bush's leadership in Iraq and said it would be a mistake to set a timetable for withdrawal.
"What we can do is what we are doing -- we are making progress," he said of Iraq, adding the occupation was "going to be long and it's going to be tough."
Earlier in the evening, McCain appeared at a Spartanburg celebration of civil rights leader Martin Luther King's birthday, reading from the letter he wrote from a Birmingham, Alabama, jail during the early days of the civil rights movement.
"At the cost of his life, he helped save us from a terrible disgrace," McCain said. "He rescued us from a shame that would have destroyed us."
I actually agree with McCain's statements. But, he has been up there for years, what has he done about it? How has he fought the recent build up in domestic spending? He is part of the problem.
Hows that saying go, 'the pot calling the kettle black'?
Yes, McCain only likes to hear himself talk. Can anyone bring us the Penn/Teller STFU video?
My John McCain (up close and personal) story, from the 2000 South Carolina Primary.
Greenville SC - the 2000 Presidential primary - John McCain had just beaten ‘W’ in the NH primary and the “Straight Talk Express” rolled into South Carolina.
I was a McCain supporter - positive that he was the real deal.
I drove to a McCain speech and public appearance. It was a day I will never forget as long as I live.
That day I witnessed John McCain behave unlike any appearance I had ever seen on TV - the man was unhinged.
After a 15 minute canned speech - he decided to address his competition in the primary - George W. Bush. He did so by beginning with, “I am Luke Skywalker, and my opponents are members of the Empire. Together we will form the rebellion and defeat Darth Vadar”. He yelled this - first pumping - his voice full of anger - his face - beet red - and his eyes - well - they were scary.
The crowd instantly went from supportive - to bewildered.
He obviously didn’t pick up on the mood change - because he went on for another 5 minutes - ranting and raving about how everyone was lying about his record - his views - and he, “wasn’t going to take it any more” (remember the movie Network).
It was surreal.
When he finished - and with the prodding of an aid - he left the stage, while we in the crowd just stood there - stunned - and honestly - completely confused.
I asked a woman next to me: “what the hell just happened?” She answered: “that man is freaking nuts!”
I came home - walked in the house - sat on the couch and just looked at the wall. I suddenly realized - the man pushed on television - was not the man at all.
I have told this story many times - to many people - and I have heard the same story told back to me by others who have seen similar John McCain episodes.
I am not given to criticize anyone lightly ladies and gentlemen.
I am sure John McCain is a good man - but listen to me - and please believe me.
JOHN MCCAIN is NOT FIT TO LEAD THIS NATION.
John McCain is unstable. John McCain is freaking nuts!
McCain's Howard Dean moment. Hahaha.
It's not his fault. Too many years in a tiger cage in North Vietnam. He ought to be at a nice place in the country with manicured lawns, high fences, and no loud noises.
Sometimes I think they need to put him back in the cage.
Look in the mirror John!
More hot air from a posturing baffoon...typical DC politician
imo
Senator McCain has been having quite a few "Hillary" moments these days, as he realizes that the vote of the Conservative Right might be a ship that has sailed.
He has been saying all the right things, though.
If I believed that this represented the core of the man, things might be different. But whether or not he is being truthful, or just plain manipulative and opportunistic, it's at least refreshing to hear.
I actually agree with McCain's statements. But, he has been up there for years, what has he done about it? How has he fought the recent build up in domestic spending? He is part of the problem.
McCain may have a lot of faults, but being a big spender is not one of them. He has consistently ranked near the top of ratings by the various groups that track wasteful government spending.
Dear StatenIsland,
You missed the ferry.
Look at the film of his speech in Spartanburg - the man's collar is 1" too small and his demeaner is wacked.
I respect your opinion - but watch him very carefully - the man is nuts.
Why is it politicians only discover this after the damage is done? They must have been hypnotized while it was going on.
Don't remember seeing McCain's name as supporting Dr. Coburn in his fight to trim pork in the last session. Did I miss McCain voting with Dr. Coburn and Senator Allen to limit pork?
I seem to remember around the time of the '04 election, the Dems were wanting to spend even more tax money than the administration did. But that story got buried quickly by the MSM.
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