John McCain lauds Barack Obama's strategy on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'

LA Times ^ | Scott Martelle

[indcons]

We can't tell if this is a barometer of how the fall general election might feel, but John McCain today compliments Barack Obama on his political acumen in a televised interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," a curious appearance for a candidate still trying to gather support from the Republican Party's social conservative base.

Host Ellen DeGeneres asks McCain about Obama's contention that "a vote for you is basically a vote for" a third George W. Bush term. Says McCain: Good strategy.

"I think it's a very intelligent campaign tactic. Obviously the president's popularity and approval ratings are low. So I think it's a pretty good tactic. I don't think it happens to be true, and I believe that I can show people not only where we have diverged, but serious differences: the issue of climate change, which is a huge issue out there in the state of California; the issue of spending; the way the war in Iraq was conducted for nearly four years, which was terribly frustrating.

[Man50D]

still trying to gather support from the Republican Party's social conservative base.

McCain has a strange way of trying.

[arderkrag]

I like how they conveniently leave out that he has yet to win over economic conservatives. But, yes, he does have a strange way of trying to win conservative votes.

[McGruff]

...the way the war in Iraq was conducted for nearly four years, which was terribly frustrating

That's what I love about McCain. Not afraid to throw anybody under the bus.[/sarc]

[Disturbin]

This is a strange circle of politics:

Hillary rips Obama.
Obama rips McCain.
McCain praises Hillary and Obama.

[Nervous Tick]

The POTUS job is McCain’s to lose.

And, darned if he won’t figure out a way to lose it.

[vietvet67]

“I think it’s a very intelligent campaign tactic.”

Geeze John. Why not just appear at the end of THEIR attack ads and say “I’m John McCain and I approve this message.”

[popdonnelly]

Obama’s strategy is great. He doesn’t let anyone know who he is or what he stands for.

[353FMG]

I think that McInsane is trying to get the VP spot on Obama’s ticket.

[Man50D]

This is a strange circle of politics:

Why is defending fellow socialists strange?

[SeanOGuano]

“Host Ellen DeGeneres asks McCain about Obama’s contention that “a vote for you is basically a vote for” a third George W. Bush term.”

When people say that to me I reply “I’d rather have a third Bush term than a second Carter term.”

[theDentist]

McCain is trying his damnedest to make sure we vote for a 3rd Party and he fails.

[TADSLOS]

"I think it's a very intelligent campaign tactic. Obviously the president's popularity and approval ratings are low. So I think it's a pretty good tactic.

If McCain trolls made the same comments online, would they still be eligible for fabulous prizes or be taken to his virtual woodshed and water boarded?

[stravinskyrules]

Actually McCain should make abortion the main issue and spray blood on Ellen screaming she's in favor of butchering the unborn.

That'll rally the base and win the election for him!! < /s> (Especially during a year when the Republicans are going to get whipped in Congress and the President's approval is dismal.....!!!)

Good god folks, I'm glad you kids aren't running Macs campaign.

[cameraeye]

This guy is going to single handly kill the Republican party. I wanted to give to his mailing request, now I hear this! This guy is such a loser it makes me gag!

[indcons]

LOL

[Beagle8U]

“Ask about queer marriage, McCain replied by asking Ellen if she and her partner would be up for a threesome.”

[Man50D]

Obama’s strategy is great. He doesn’t let anyone know who he is or what he stands for.

It reminds me of an episode of cheers when everybody loved a silver tongue incumbent assemblyman who Frasor was running against. The AM talked a lot but didn't say anything and everyone applauded him while admonishing Frasor for saying the Emperor isn't wearing any clothes.

[Argus]

climate change, which is a huge issue out there in the state of California

No to me. But if it's global, why is it just an issue in California? Is McCain actually admitting that he's just pandering on this to win in California? Criminey.

[NeoCaveman]

“Ask about queer marriage, McCain replied by asking Ellen if she and her partner would be up for a threesome.”

Tell me he did not say that. I mean he doesn't need to reinforce the image of being a creepy old man. Nothing sadder, even in jest, than for an old man to try to pick up to lesbians.