McCain Backpedals on Economy Quote

By: Andante Higgins
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' Dante Higgins:

TAMPA, FLA. -- John McCain tried to clarify comments he made during last night's Republican debate when he denied saying he wasn't an expert on the economy.

During the debate, moderator Tim Russert quoted McCain claiming not to be an expert on the economy and McCain responded, "I don't know where you got that quote from."

Opposing camps quickly sent out a Boston Globe article from last month showing he said just that.

Today, McCain explained that he was actually speaking in general terms.

"I was saying that in the context of the long conversation," he said. "If I made the impression that I am weak on the economy that is in contradiction to my record. He was later asked about this issue and he went on to list committees and economists who support his candidacy.

McCain also discussed his endorsement by the New York Times and how competitors say it's not such an asset for a Republican to be endorsed by a newspaper many Republicans don't feel is friendly.

"In the case of the Romney campaign which I understand is the one that is making the most of it, in all due respect, I got the endorsement of both of his hometown newspapers. The Boston Globe which is known to be more liberal and the Boston Herald which is very conservative. We got the endorsement of all the people who know him best in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts," McCain said.

"I appreciate anyone's endorsement. Because I received the endorsement of anyone does not mean that I necessarily share their views. It means, to me, that their endorsement means that they think I'm best qualified for the nomination of my party."

"Has he even gotten any endorsements?" asked McCain.

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by marinepatriot January 27, 2008 10:33 PM EST: I have no problem saying tha Mitt Romney continues to lie and change position on the issues.

We as a Nation, deserve a President that is honest and for the people. Like Abe Lincoln was.

It is up to us to choose the person we want for president. We all kow that media bias is controlling who people vote for. And some of the mainstream media is getting paid very well for what hey report.

www.catholic.org put a great article that supports Mike Huckabee and talks about the un fairness that is happening in this race. The article is called "Let Huckabee speak" It is front page! Please go and read it. Not only are Protestants and Evangelicals supporting Mike, so are Catholics. As well as people who live with morals an values, common Americans are choosing Mike Huckabee. Please look carefuly at the candidates.

Dan Campbell
Sgt. USMC; Reply to this comment


by michaellitz2 January 26, 2008 5:21 PM EST: There is ONE thing that is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE about McCain and it''s NOT his fiscal credentials or lack of them. It''s not his McCain Feingold mistake. The one thing that DISQUALIFIES McCain as our party''s presidential nominee is his position on Illegal Immigration. John McCain PUSHED for the AMNESTY bill for Illegals which violated every principle of justice and fairness that I''ve ever learned in my life from Sunday school to present! Even after the American people SCREAMED their outrage at the idea John McCain STILL supports amnesty for Illegals! No political candidate who sells out the interests of law-abiding CITIZENS to REWARD those who have BROKEN our laws and taken wrongful advantage of our systems should ever be our Commander in Chief!!!!!; Reply to this comment


by trans-mutant January 26, 2008 4:27 AM EST: This is extremely poor LEADERSHIP on MaCain''s part. What kind of a "leader" communicates, EVERYONE gets it, then he denies that he meant it to be something else. POOR leadership gets followers into TROUBLE because of what they say.

The bottom line is: MaCain is definitely DISHONEST and a poor leader.; Reply to this comment


by lnardozi January 26, 2008 2:31 AM EST: It is well known by now that Dr. Paul (who has written 6 books on economics) and stands head and shoulders over the other candidates as an economist. Why do you think the ''cool'' candidates denigrate him (except for Huckabee who copies his homework)? Every other candidate speaks in vague generalities.
Dr. Paul WILL put thousands of REAL dollars in YOUR pocket. Wanna see how?
Dr. Paul''s 4 point economic stimulus plan even includes legislation and is viewable online. http://RonPaul2008.com; Reply to this comment


by myviews1 January 26, 2008 1:23 AM EST: Looks like the media and the political hacks are afraid of someone who doesn''t owe anybody any favors. If voters have any idea of what challenges this nation is facing they will vote for Mitt Romney and strap on their seat belts. Otherwise we''re in big trouble. We can no longer do our national and international business "as usual." The road to which politics-as-usual has brought us is one that will require new approaches and a steady hand and to no longer look the other way while special interests drive the US into bankruptcy.

A McCain vs Hilary General Election choice is a disaster scenario. Its time to wake up!!; Reply to this comment