McCain Wants Romney to Play Nice

By: Andante Higgins
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' Dante Higgins:

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Far away from the ice and snow in Iowa, John McCain campaigned with his mother Roberta, first at a speech to the Rotary Club and later they'll ride together in a Christmas parade.

At the Rotary Club, he criticized Mitt Romney for attacking his fellow Republicans, whether via TV ads or pamphlets mailed to voters.

"I wish we could talk about our own qualifications and vision rather than attacking other candidates which apparently the Romney campaign seems to be doing rather frequently and I don't think it helps," said McCain. "I think the ultimate result is that we get low voter turnout and that's the opposite of what we all want."

McCain did have kind words for the new Republican front-runner in Iowa, Mike Huckabee: "I think Gov. Huckabee has proven that debates matter. He has performed well in debates... I like him. I have been very favorably impressed by him."

He's also been weighing in on Russian President Vladimir Putin's endorsement of presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev is pushing for Putin to be Prime Minister if Medvedev wins election in March.

"President Putin by the way... we all knew there was going to be a puppet show, in the succession but now we know who the puppet is."

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by giantrobot2 December 12, 2007 8:45 AM EST: Mike Huckabee facts:

1. He will Eliminate the IRS:
This means you will receive 100% of your paycheck.

2. He will drastically reduce Gas prices:
Switch to alternative fuels, changing supply/demand.

3. He will reduce global warming.
Switch to alternative fuels, no carbon dioxides.

4. He will reduce threat of terrorism.
New fuels cause middle east gov. crack down on them.

5. He will reduce rising Health care costs.
New programs that prevent diseases, not just fix them.

6. He will lead up not just hard right or hard left.
Excellent communicator, will bring parties together.

7. He will lead with principles rather than money.
He cares everybody not just those on Wall Street.

8. He will give Hope to America and enthusiasm.
He plays bass guitar in a band, dynamic personality.

9. He will carry out his goals, not talk about them.
Lost 110 pounds, kept it off, ran 4 Marathons-26.2m

10. He knows the American people is the real boss.
As Governor, his picture frame only shows citizens.

Vote for Mike Huckabee, otherwise you will not be able to enjoy these benefits

Since the other candidates don''''t have anything to say on what they can do for America, they take the easy road and resort to taking cheap shots at Mike. Don%u2019t fall into their trap any longer with negative attacks, let''''s show the critics and the naysayers that Americans have pride and we are ready to elect an honest, humble, trustworthy man for US President.; Reply to this comment


by tylerlloyd December 12, 2007 12:10 AM EST: Could any political calculation be more obvious than McCain criticizing Romney (who leads McCain in New Hampshire- McCain''s last great hope) and praising Huckabee (whose recent surge in Iowa could provide McCain what he desperately needs- a loss for Romney in Iowa which might give McCain a fighting chance in New Hampshire)? While I don''t agree with McCain on every stance he takes, I at least always respected his honesty and "straight talk." Now he seems to be just as calculating and manipulative as any other politician.; Reply to this comment


by tylerlloyd December 12, 2007 12:05 AM EST: Could any political calculation be more obvious than McCain criticizing Romney (who leads McCain in New Hampshire- McCain''s last great hope) and praising Huckabee (whose recent surge in Iowa could provide McCain what he desperately needs- a loss for Romney in Iowa which might give McCain a fighting chance in New Hampshire)? While I don''t agree with McCain on every stance he takes, I at least always respected his honesty and "straight talk." Now he seems to be just as calculating and manipulative as any other politician.; Reply to this comment


by tylerlloyd December 12, 2007 12:02 AM EST: Could any political calculation be more obvious than McCain criticizing Romney (who leads McCain in New Hampshire- McCain''s last great hope) and praising Huckabee (whose recent surge in Iowa could provide McCain what he desperately needs- a loss for Romney in Iowa which might give McCain a fighting chance in New Hampshire)? While I don''t agree with McCain on every stance he takes, I at least always respected his honesty and "straight talk." Now he seems to be just as calculating and manipulative as any other politician.; Reply to this comment


by dhspoon December 11, 2007 9:11 PM EST: Mitt doesn''t have experience in playing nice. When one wife gets upset, he just goes to the next one...; Reply to this comment


by gdbforever December 11, 2007 8:46 PM EST: No surprise that slick Mitt is attacking Governor Huckabee, Mitt has always had to try to tear down others to build himself up. Mitt you can%u2019t buy our vote. Ths ad will backfire now that Minutemen founder endorses Governor Huckabee, this ad will not be able to paint the picture that Governor Huckabee will be weak on immigration.

GO HUCKABEE; Reply to this comment


by econprofssor December 11, 2007 8:35 PM EST: The National Review has just endorsed Mitt Romney for president. A sure sign that the Huckabee serge will soon take its place among the short-lived serges of McCain, Giuliani, and Thompson.

Mitt Romney weathered the McCain serge last year, he weathered the Giuliani surge earlier this year, he weathered the Thompson serge this past summer, and he has weathered the short-lived Huckabee serge that is quickly fading into a puff of smoke. This should be no surprise given the mighty challenges that Mitt Romney has weathered in the past, including the Olympics and the Massachusetts budget crisis. I''m voting for Mitt Romney on February 5th because he weathers the storm when others get swept out to sea.; Reply to this comment