From The Road
January 25, 2008 1:40 PM

McCain Says America Needs "Leaders, Not Managers"

By
Andante Higgins
Topics
John McCain
(CBS)
From CBS News' Dante Higgins:

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. -- With the economy a big issue on voters' minds these days, Mitt Romney has been touting his experience in the business world as an asset in dealing with fixing the economy. However, John McCain argued that while being able to run an investment company might be an accomplishment, it's not the right answer for America's economic woes.

"America is looking for leaders, not managers," McCain said this morning. "Governor Romney has touted his qualities and experience and resume as a manager. I am telling the American people, and they know it, that I am a leader."

"We hire managers all the time," McCain said. "Leadership is people who inspire. People like Ronald Reagan, people like Gen. [David] Petraeus. Leadership is people who have had the hands on experience and the patriotism and service to the country and the nation, putting all else behind love and service to the country. Leadership is the ability to inspire and the ability to make Americans serve causes greater than their self interests."

"I know how to lead and inspire," McCain said.

Add a Comment See all 12 Comments
by scottfromaz January 27, 2008 11:28 AM EST
McCain is a government leach who has NEVER worked in the private sector his whole life.

Never built anything.
Never had to balance the books and sign a paycheck.

Left his 1st wife for some Hot, rich woman after she wiated for him when he was in Vietnam.... The more I learned about the real McCain I said No thanks....

You see I used to like him, he was so good with the Media and they always portrayed him favorably. Then I looked deeper and saw someone I could not and will not respect.

NO TO MCCAIN
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by scottfromaz January 27, 2008 11:23 AM EST
Most Arizona Republicans loath McCain. No to McCain

Yes to to Mitt Romney.
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by tfuhriman3 January 25, 2008 10:41 PM EST
I respect McCain''s service to our country but do not see him or any of the other senators running for office right now as leaders. I see them as professional gabbers.

Leaders have to lead by doing. Romney is the one who will lead this country by doing what needs to be done to make this country stronger and America proud of its president again.
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by kmerrell January 25, 2008 8:08 PM EST
Romney DOES inspire!
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by kmerrell January 25, 2008 8:06 PM EST
Romney DOES inspire!
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by kmerrell January 25, 2008 8:04 PM EST
Romney DOES inspire!
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by Rational Thinker January 25, 2008 7:39 PM EST
If McCain is the leader he touts, how is it that so few follow his leadership? How is that he has failed to inspire his supporters, to the point that he can not even raise the needed monies to run his campaign? How is it that he has been unable to inspire and lead the Republican base? Whereas, Mitt Romney has inspired an army that follows his leadership; they have engaged their friends, they have contributed and sacrificed for his campaign? More than any other Republican candidate. If he wants to compare leadership skill sets, Senator McCain should look at the results of his leadership vs that of Governor Romney in the respective campaigns. One has led and the other has failed. Mitt Romney''s campaign is very well managed by Beth Myers under the vision and leadership of Governor Romney. John McCain''s campaign has been a shambles, poorly managed and with a definite lack of leadership.
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by JedMerrill January 25, 2008 6:37 PM EST
"I know how to talk smoke and inspire division!" McCain really said.

"I am going to eat my party from the inside out, and set an example for America''s families by running away from my wife and kids the moment I am a hero."

Actions speak louder than words.
Reply to this comment
by JedMerrill January 25, 2008 6:32 PM EST
McCain''s track record does not exactly scream leader. He bends to easily to the left to inspire much confidence from me.

Romney has a track record and a brain that are second to none. 200 companies, the Olympics, a failing state... It takes a leader to stage a turnaround, and Romney has proven himself one.
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by sonsando January 25, 2008 6:00 PM EST
Senator McCain needs to back up his self-accolades with some examples of his leadership skills. Relying upon his naval career doesn''t cut it ..... all subordinates in that case must follow or they''re reprimanded. McCain''s real record, instead, points to his lack of leadership skills. McCain''s namesake pieces of legislation indicate his shallow and short-sighted understanding of serious issues and more aptly demonstrate his well-known eagerness for self-promotion and publicity .... at the expense of his own party and its platform. If Senator McCain was such a great leader, the whole conservative party would be following him; but they''re not. Could be a clue.
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