Is McCain Still Battling Obama?

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: Republicans ,; Campaign 2010 ,; State Politics

Arizona Sen. John McCain and his GOP primary challenger former Rep. J.D. Hayworth took some hard shots at each other over the weekend in a set of debates -- but they also took aim at President Obama, according to reports.

Hayworth attacked McCain on a series of issues during the two debates in Phoenix and Tuscon, but McCain repeatedly turned the criticism on the Obama administration, Politico reports.

While Hayworth criticized McCain for supporting the 2008 bank bailouts, McCain reportedly accused the Obama administration of "committing generational theft." He also called Mr. Obama an "uncertain trumpet" when it comes to the war in Afghanistan. While Hayworth blasted McCain for supporting "amnesty," McCain said the administration has failed to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

"I am proud of the leadership position I have taken fighting this administration," McCain said at the Phoenix debate Friday, according to Politico.

Hayworth also attacked the Obama administration as he lobbed criticisms against his opponent.

"John was sparing in his criticism of Barack Obama," Hayworth said in reference to the 2008 presidential election, Talking Points Memo reports. "If John had told the truth about President Obama the way he's spreading falsehoods about me, he would be president right now - and maybe he would do a better job on the border."

McCain also on Friday brought his campaign against the president to the airwaves with a new ad that features a group of sheriffs.

"President Obama has made protecting our border incredibly difficult," Sheriff Paul Babeu of Pinal County says in the ad, "but Arizona has a senator who has the courage and the character to stand up to a president who is wrong -- John McCain. A president versus a senator -- doesn't seem like a fair fight, unless that senator is John McCain."

Hayworth's primary challenge has driven McCain to the right on a number of issues, like immigration. Arizona's Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, who is up for re-election, also seems to have politically benefited from taking an adversarial position against the Obama administration. A recent poll shows her numbers up 22 percent since April, when she signed the state's controversial immigration measure into law.

While the president was on numerous occasions the subject of criticism during the GOP Senate debates, McCain certainly did not hold back from attacking Hayworth directly.

"After he was rejected by the voters of his district he came back and was a paid lobbyist, then was a talk show host, and of course was a late night star doing infomercials," McCain said about his rival, TPM reports. He also blasted Hayworth for porkbarrel spending: "They brought Congressman Hayworth in in 1994 and they pushed him out in 2006 because the spending got out of control," he said.

So far, McCain holds avery strong lead over Hayworth in polls. The primary is Aug. 24.

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by sunday42 July 25, 2010 12:15 PM EDT: If McCain is for amnesty, I'm for JD!; Reply to this comment


by Repubforlife July 22, 2010 12:13 PM EDT: McCain will NOT be voted out. WE DO NOT WANT JD, he is the worst possible choice for Arizona. JD cannot possibly fight Obama in the same, intelligent manner that McCain has. JD has zero knowledge in History, has the reputation of being the biggest blowhard, not to mention he is full of earmarks. JD is surely not the guy you want taking over McCain's seat, not by a long shot.; Reply to this comment


by Repubforlife July 21, 2010 2:30 AM EDT: ARE YOU SAYING YOU WOULD PREFER THE COMPLETE LIAR, THE BLOWARD, THE EGO MANIAC WHO ONLY CARES ABOUT FILLING HIS POCKETS? JD IS A JOKE AND DOES NOT DESERVE TO RUIN THE GOP AGAIN...; Reply to this comment


by mikelpond July 19, 2010 6:05 PM EDT: He's forgotten that the election is over. Who hasn't had that happen?; Reply to this comment


by babooph July 19, 2010 5:58 PM EDT: John is a great guy ,but all those gray cells are stuck in the ....; Reply to this comment


by MerrellObrian July 19, 2010 4:10 PM EDT: Hey... Now's a GREAT time to START worrying about the illegal immigrant issue after being Arizona's Senator for thirty years! Like the deficit, the economy, and the sudden "appearance" of the Democrats in Washington, this must all be Obama's fault, too. Wow.

Sir, I won't be derogatory to you because you are an America Hero and you did vote against your State on its decision to ban gay marriage. I appreciate you reaching across the isle and working with Democrats. However, you lost the election, Mr. McCain...and you plagued yourself and us with that dingbat Sarah Palin. Please stop before you completely erase everything good you've ever done. Your own family is on the other side of the issues. Retire with dignity. Please.; Reply to this comment


by Stainless-joe July 19, 2010 1:39 PM EDT: The JOKER McCain will be gone shortly once voted out
the American people see thru this want a be man now and will replace this
man who has done nothing for his State in 27+ years except take the money and fill his pockets. Think about it, nothing for our nation either in his political career
No Hero anymore!! (in his own mind that is); Reply to this comment