McCain Makes Education Pitch to NAACP

By: John Bentley
Topics: John McCain

(CBS)

From CBS News' John Bentley:

(ST. LOUIS) – John McCain will address the NAACP annual convention in Cincinnati this morning, where his focus will be on education. "For all the best efforts of teachers and administrators, the worst problems of our public school system are often found in black communities," McCain will say according to excerpts released by the campaign.

He will repeat his calls for more competition in the realm of education. "We've heard it in the endless excuses of people who seem more concerned about their own position than about our children. We've heard it from politicians who accept the status quo rather than stand up for real change in our public schools," McCain will say. "Some parents may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private school. Many will choose a charter school. No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity.

McCain was also invited lat year to speak at the NAACP convention, an invitation that he – and most of the other Republicans running for the nomination – turned down. Tom Tancredo was the only Republican who showed up to the event, joined on stage by nine empty lecterns. McCain, though, will offer up an explanation. "This is your second invitation to me during my presidential campaign, and I hope you'll excuse me for passing on the opportunity at your convention last year," McCain will tell the crowd. "As you might recall, I was a bit distracted at the time dealing with what reporters uncharitably described as an implosion in my campaign. But I'm very glad you invited me again."

2 Comments Have Your Say
Email Story Send to a Friend
Share This Tell Your Friends
Tweet This Tweet This
More Share It

Add a Comment


by mattcat25 July 16, 2008 5:37 PM EDT: Now see, John McCain isn%u2019t exactly the Same as GW Bush.
During the last Presidential Selection (by Diebold, and Republican Poll Workers in Ohio) GW didn%u2019t even attempt to speak to minority issues (in English) and completely disregarded the Black Vote Completely! Bush passed on an invitation to address the NAACP.

And, to Obama8years%u2026.there are many organizations that promote the advancement of WhiteFolk. One for example is Yale University where your President George %u201Cdoesn%u2019t care about black people%u201D Bush entered on a Legacy Acceptance.

I guess Obama8years is just in the wrong white family?; Reply to this comment


by obama8years July 16, 2008 11:50 AM EDT: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ADVANCEMENT OF WHITE PEOPLE.

I am a white person who cant get a job, and needs help in college.

I need an organization to turn to, how come there is noone.

Can someone please start the
NAAWP - National Association Advancement of White People; Reply to this comment