Free Republic

Despite the fact that he might have wished he had been the man who just finished his first address to a joint session of Congress as president, Sen. John McCain had kind words for President Obama's address this evening. "The president gave a very effective speech," McCain told Katie Couric on CBSNews.com's presidential webcast following Mr. Obama’s address. "His delivery and the theme of the speech was excellent."Still, McCain said, "now I would like to know how we are going to implement it." "I don't know where Social Security was,” McCain said. “I don't know how you increase all of...

And if there's any GOP governor who plans to refuse federal aid, he said he'd be happy to take it on behalf of California. BY ARI B. BLOOMEKATZ Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday defended his decision to raise taxes as a necessary step to stem California's staggering economic crisis. During appearances on morning news shows in Washington, D.C., Schwarzenegger said he would gladly accept money from the federal stimulus package approved by Congress last week even though some fellow Republican governors had balked at the program. And he predicted that although California's economy would begin rebounding next year, it would...

America recently reaffirmed its proud history as we inaugurated our 44th president. A huge crowd withstood bitter cold to be part of this landmark ceremony. I was struck by how well the musical performers reflected the diversity that is America's strength. President Obama's inaugural address was at once an uplifting tribute to the American spirit and a sobering reminder of the challenges confronting our nation. These are challenges that we must meet together. No challenge is more urgent than the current economic crisis. I am honored that my Senate colleagues have chosen me to serve on the Appropriations Committee, which...

Here is video of Sen. John McCain yesterday, telling Fox News' Chris Wallace that he views himself as the "loyal opposition" to President Barack Obama. McCain said he will continue to stand firm for the principles he ran his Presidential Campaign on. . . . . . . (watch video)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John McCain said Sunday the confirmation of President Barack Obama's choice for deputy defense secretary should move forward despite concerns about the nominee's role as a former defense lobbyist. The Obama administration considers William J. Lynn, Obama's pick for the No. 2 job at the Pentagon, to be an exception from its own ban on hiring lobbyists. As a lobbyist for Raytheon, one of the military's top contractors, Lynn worked on matters with far reach across the Pentagon. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs has said that even the toughest rules require "reasonable exceptions" for "uniquely...

GOP Sen. John McCain is positioning himself to be one of President Barack Obama’s strongest supporters, effectively giving Democrats the votes they need to override any GOP attempt to block the new administration’s legislative agenda. Obama heaped warm praise on his GOP rival during a dinner held in McCain’s honor the day before the inauguration, calling him a hero. Insiders duly noted McCain was granted a prime spot on the dais at the inauguration, sandwiched in a seat between White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The day after the inauguration, Obama and...

After returning from a world trip with Vice President-elect Joe Biden, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is now coming to the defense of the new administration’s pick for Tresurer Secretary, even in the face of criticism from fellow GOP members like, oh, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). “These are not the times to think in small political terms,” said Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, who … briefly met with reporters on Wednesday alongside Mr. Obama. “I think he is the right guy.” Mr. Graham thereby validated what the president-elect had just said: That Mr. Geithner, by bipartisan agreement, is “uniquely...