McCain: "I Am Called 'The Sheriff'"
KALAMAZOO, MICH. -- John McCain was asked whether he's able to bring about change even though he's been criticized by his rivals as a Washington insider. He cited the shift in Iraq war strategy and his lead in the Abramoff investigation as examples of change he's responsible for.
"I've brought about the biggest change and that was among others the strategy that is succeeding in Iraq. None of the others did, in fact Governor [Mitt] Romney supported a phase withdrawal. I was criticized at the time," he said.
"I led the investigation of Jack Abramoff which has caused a change in the ethics and lobbying rules in Washington. I have stopped a $6 billion ripoff of the taxpayers in a Boeing tanker deal. I know how to stop pork barrel and earmark projects. That's why I am called "the sheriff" by the chairman of the appropriations committee. I know how to do the changes," said McCain.
"You've got to know what the system is in order to bring about the changes and I've been an agent for change ever since I've been there; which is probably why I haven't been elected Miss Congeniality in the United State Senate in 20 years."
UPDATE, 4:18pm: The Romney campaign responded to McCain's comments on Iraq saying in a written statement, "Senator McCain is knowingly making inaccurate statements about Governor Romney's position on security issues. Governor Romney's strong position on supporting a successful and secure mission in Iraq is an important part of his aggressive national security posture to combat radical Islamic jihad around the globe. Senator McCain doesn't need to engage in brazen deception in order to promote his own position."