The LuLac Edition #523, July 23rd, 2008

PHOTO INDEX: SENATOR JOHN McCAIN, 10TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CANDIDATE CHRIS HACKETT AND STATE SENATOR LISA BAKER.

THE McCAIN VISIT

For many residents of LuLac land, John McCain has been a guy on TV that ran for President against George Bush, railed against pork barrel spending and served time in a prison camp. His appearances to the area have been sparse but today that changed when Senator McCain visited with residents at the FM Kirby Center today before his fundraising lunch at the Westmoreland Club. McCain came on to the stage shortly after 10:15AM and received a nice round of applause. After a brief opening speech in which McCain talked about the economy, specifically gas prices and how they are crippling the state of commerce as well as his defense of the Iraq War surge, the Senator took questions from the audience. Here’s a brief recap:
On the gas tax holiday: McCain defended it as not a political gimmick but a break for the consumer. McCain pointed out (and this is the first time I heard a politico say this in this year’s race) that the people impacted most by raising gas prices were consumers with older cars and less income. While McCain conceded that the tax break might only be worth the cost of a loaf of bread or less, he did say it was a start.
Atomic Power: Pointing out that the U.S. Navy has power plants on many vessels and pointing to France’s recycling efforts, McCain said there should be a hard look taken at rejuvenating the power industry to stem the tide of high energy prices.
Pork barrel spending: McCain transitioned this issue with the gas problem. He took every opportunity to say that if Congress, which has a single digit approval rating would do more about energy and pork barrel earmarks, things might be better in this country. McCain also mentioned that as an Arizona Senator, he took no earmarks for his State while Senator Obama has taken over 900 in his short career in the upper chamber. McCain used this tactic many times answering questions on other issues related to the economy.
On the War: McCain was candid beyond belief. He essentially said we screwed up after we secured the country and defended “The Surge” as a strategy. McCain, while not belittling the Bush policy did distance himself from it saying it was wrong and ill conceived. McCain told the crowd he wants to leave Iraq in victory and never have to return as an occupying force.
Social Security: Again, McCain juxtaposed this question asked by a young lady, “will Social Security retire before I do?” with a denunciation of Congress, thrown in with the earmarks issue. McCain recounted how Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill fixed Social Security in the 80s with a bipartisan approach and said that was sorely lacking in the politics of today.
McCain answered questions calmly and actually encouraged follow up questions engaging in mini debates with some of the participants in the town meeting. For a candidate not well known to voters, the town meeting format was the best way for the Senator to introduce himself to Northeastern Pennsylvania. McCain was not shy about touting his qualifications, experience and independence. It seemed to me that the more independent he talks, the more it seems to take people aback and think, “I might not agree with everything this guy says but at least he has the guts to tell it like it is." He also pointed out that he did not care who got credit for a successful governmental accomplishment. His biggest round of applause and standing ovation came when he spoke of his own imprisonment in a prison camp during the Vietnam War. McCain impressed and did very well in what will be one of many stops here in NEPA.

MUSINGS

Well, we found out where Chris Hackett was today, didn’t we? Hackett, candidate in the 10th Congressional District was Master of Ceremonies for the event and was relaxed, funny and engaging……People started lining up as early as 4AM to get into the McCain event….State Senator Lisa Baker, (wearing a leg cast) gave the Arizona Senator a great introduction citing the Senator’s book “Why Courage Matters” pointing to McCain’s tough talk on issues some politicians might refrain from addressing. Using notes effectively, Senator Baker got the crowd on their feet alluding to McCain’s career as one of “public service as a profession, not politics as a profession”………….State Representative Karen Boback was behind McCain on one of the risers set up at the Kirby as was Carol Sweeney a very active volunteer in the Back Mountain Area for various causes…..Workman from Mountain Productions began to put the staging for the event together on Tuesday afternoon.......Reports were that the event at the Westmoreland Club was sold out and beyond that for the Senator….11th District candidate Lou Barletta was not in attendance citing an event in that thriving, pulsating metropolis of Berwick. This has to raise questions about why Barletta eschewed this kickoff rally. McCain, a supporter of immigration reform and Barletta, the anti immigration guru certainly do not see eye to eye on this so that fact alone will be a topic of debate……WNEP TV did live coverage. So did WILK Newsradio, both at the top of their respective games…..There are reports McCain will name a running mate soon. As I mentioned here earlier, McCain has never been a favorite of the right wing base in America and the Limbaugh listeners. He should just stop trying to please them and pick a Tom Ridge for veep in hopes of winning over many Democrats not comfortable with Barack Obama’s experience level.