McCain Makes Education Pitch to NAACP

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.”