Conservatives Fire At McCain Over Taxes

Anti-Tax Group Says Republican Candidate Is Backing Off No-New-Tax Pledge With Comments On Social Security

(AP)  Republican presidential candidate John McCain's signal that he may be open to a higher payroll tax for Social Security, despite previous vows not to raise taxes of any kind, is drawing sharp rebukes from conservatives.

McCain's shift has come in stages, catching some Republicans by surprise. Speaking with reporters on his campaign bus on July 9, he cited a need to shore up Social Security. "I cannot tell you what I would do, except to put everything on the table," he said.

He went a step farther Sunday on ABC's "This Week," in response to a question about payroll tax increases.

"There is nothing that's off the table. I have my positions, and I'll articulate them. But nothing's off the table," McCain said. "I don't want tax increases. But that doesn't mean that anything is off the table."

That comment drew a strong response this week from the Club for Growth, a Washington anti-tax group. McCain's comments, the group said in a letter to the Arizona senator, are "shocking because you have been adamant in your opposition to raising taxes under any circumstances."

Indeed, McCain frequently has promised not to raise taxes.

At a July 7 town-hall meeting in Denver, he said voters faced a stark choice between him and Democrat Barack Obama.

"Sen. Obama will raise your taxes," McCain said. "I won't."

In a March 16 interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, McCain said he would cut taxes where possible, and not raise them.

"Do you mean none?" Hannity asked.

"None," McCain replied.

Both candidates have said Social Security's funding formula needs to be changed to ensure the program's long-term viability. Obama has called for imposing a new payroll tax on incomes above $250,000. Currently, only incomes up to $102,000 are subject to the 12.4 percent payroll tax, which employers and employees split evenly.

When Obama announced his plan June 13, McCain's top economic adviser, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, told reporters that as president McCain would not consider a payroll tax increase "under any imagineable circumstance."

McCain has made no specific proposals for Social Security, refusing to rule in or out anything to strengthen the benefit program for retirees and the disabled. Both candidates have said that, if elected, they would try to work out details with Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Asked for an explanation of McCain's latest comments, campaign spokesman Tucker Bounds said the Arizona senator "has a clear and demonstrated record of opposing tax increases. John McCain is going to cut taxes" and improve government discipline, he said.

Promises never to raise taxes have bedeviled past Republican officeholders. Before being elected president in 1988, George H.W. Bush said, "Read my lips, no new taxes." But facing severe budget problems, he reneged on the promise. Some conservative groups never forgave him.

[briannorwood]

And the list of McCain''s flip-flops grows.

McCain is a disgrace!

[realpatriot1]

McCain is getting blowback from the right wing for his layests flip-flop. That can only mean one thing...
another flip-flop-flip is imminent.

John McCain...Ready on Day 1, not ready on Day 2, ready again on Day 3...Day4? Who knows?

[briannorwood]

McCain just plain forgot his other positions. That''s what happens when you start getting alzheimers!

[obama8years]

Obama organized a free rock concert for a crowd of 72,000 in Portland, Oregon.

Obama organized a free rock concert for a crowd of 200,000 in Berlin, Germany.

Obama was dead wrong about the success of the surge in Iraq.

Obama failed to visit wounded US soldiers in Germany because he wanted to go to the gym.

What do the above statements tell you. It says that Obama would make a better rock concert organizer than Commander-In-Chief of this country.

[neoconrcrazy]

Mc Higher Taxer, if elected, will have to do just that - raise taxes. Why?

To cover the billions and billions now missing from our national piggy bank thanks to bushit & henchmen who''ve made off with the loot.

The biggest heist in history!

[neoconrcrazy]

What do the above statements tell you. It says that Obama would make a better rock concert organizer than Commander-In-Chief of this country.

Posted by Obama8years

gotta luagh at these jokers with their "surge success" story - bombs are going off all day in iraq - all over the country - most go unreported. wonder why?

[skyhawk761]

Obama failed to visit wounded US soldiers in Germany because he wanted to go to the gym.

Posted by Obama8years at 11:42 AM : Jul 29, 2008


Once again the sheep of Hannity and Limpbaugh spread their lies. He did not go to the injury ward because the press wanted to follow him and he said he didn''t want to have the wounded men and women used for photo ops. As far as working out at the gym, take a look at the pictures taken by the press, he played b-ball with the troops. If you are going to spread lies try to do a better job than just repeating what Hannity and Limpbaugh say.

[likeitis5050]

If Obama doesn''t get elected it will be because the majority of people just can''t stand him...because McCain seems DETERMINED to kill his own chances at becoming president!!! He is clueless and IF he wins, it won''t be because he is better...he was just less obnoxious than Obama. C.rappiest election options EVER in the history of the USA!!!!

[jwritesel]

Looks like McCain is caught again lying about not raising taxes. If the media would just quit being so biased against Obama he might just stand a chance of getting elected. Obama told us the truth from the start about Social Security. He supports the troops and vets far more so than McCain. Just have to check McCain''s record to see that this is true. Obama got high ratings from 2 different veteran support groups while McCain got low ratings.

[likeitis5050]

Once again the sheep of Hannity and Limpbaugh spread their lies. He did not go to the injury ward because the press wanted to follow him and he said he didn''''t want to have the wounded men and women used for photo ops.
Posted by Obama8years at 11:42 AM : Jul 29, 2008



This is a man who has proven he can do no harm...so spare us the REPORTED reasons....he is just as manipulative and opportunistic as any other politician and you are showing your lemming side now, too! Of course he COULD have had he been determined to do so....come on!!!!

[jasonmcj]

@Obama8years what a sheep. Educate yourself before you post and look like a fool to infomred people, like the rest of us do. There is a new thing called the "internet".....use it. It will help you understand why people call you an idiot.

[jasonmcj]

Uninformed voters will elect McCain. That is the sad truth that is America. Keep them ignorant so they vote with ignorance. Surge = success, is a lie at best.

[jasonmcj]

McCain blast Obama for not visiting Iraq.

Obama visits Iraq.

McCain complains of new coverage.

You can''t make this stuff up. GOP is a monkey show of deciet and games. Games games games.....they don;t give a *** about YOU. they want power, and they will use each and every one of you BITTER lemmings to do it.

It''s amazing to me how many poor white Americans vote againt their economic interest. Sad how easily you are brainwashed.

[skyhawk761]

This is a man who has proven he can do no harm...so spare us the REPORTED reasons....he is just as manipulative and opportunistic as any other politician and you are showing your lemming side now, too! Of course he COULD have had he been determined to do so....come on!!!!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by likeitis5050 at 11:56 AM : Jul 29, 2008

I agree that he is just another politican, but that wasn''t my point. The poster (Hannity and Limpbaugh sheeple) said he went to the gym without visiting soldiers which was an outright lie.

[mcsuicide247]

mccain is all over the place, like a drunk driver...

[superdem]

McCain and his Republican cohorts have raided the cupboards and given away everything of value to his corporate and military friends - there''s nothing left and America is broke. Now he worries about Social Security ? Bush''s own government says we are 480 billion in debt, and that''s WITHOUT counting the war debts - can he let America''s old folks just rot away in the poor house ? That''s conservative government for you. America''s in the crapper because of REPUBLICAN POLICIES, there''s no doubt about it. But spend one nickle on the American people and the Conservatives scream bloody murder. What hateful monsters - VOTE OUT ALL REPUBLICANS !!!!!

[docpeter-2009]

From the article, "There is nothing that''s off the table. I have my positions, and I''ll articulate them. But nothing''s off the table," McCain said. "I don''t want tax increases. But that doesn''t mean that anything is off the table."
________________
OK with me Johnny Boy, as long as you make them for the wealthy corporate execs, say the ones making over $500K per year. Flat tax them up to 90%. And if they have a contract that says the company will pay their income taxes for them make it 99%.

Leave us poor slobs making less than $50K alone.

[mcsuicide247]

McWithDraw - supports a 16 month timetable for withdrawing....flop....flop....flop....

thats a great idea... who thought of it?

[jsl45]

McBush...the same old bullsh*t.......there''s only one difference McBush is to old to remember from one moment to the next what he said...flip flop....flip flop.

[mcsuicide247]

480 billion in debt?

i got a great idea lets put another republican in the whitehouse..

maybe he could make the debt into 960 billion

[terrapin78]

McCain had a stroke.




Not really but it made you think, didn''t it (except Repugs, they don''t know how to think).

[rudy654-2009]

McCain blast Obama for not visiting Iraq.

Obama visits Iraq.

McCain complains of new coverage.

You can''''t make this stuff up.
***********

Exactly! You can''t please these people because they simply cannot be content.

[stn_sage]

McCain is NOT being honest with his fellow ''CONS!

He KNOWS with ALL the impending things that will NEED to be done, that taxes will HAVE to be RAISED!

If he promises them no new taxes, he''s lying! And, he''ll have to go back on his word! If he doesn''t go back on his word, and Congress can''t or won''t override a veto, than America will become a sprawling mess in years to come!

[jimfinster]

Why should McCain be any different? He would continue to run up record deficits, just like bush has. Really, I think the neocons seek to destroy this country from the inside out.

[RaferJanders]

Yeah, First you have Obama, Yes he has Charisma and he is a amazing orator preaching change, Kind of reminds me of another amazing orator with a lot of Charisma and little if any politcal experiance, The Germans are still trying to live down that vote, and Jon the Angry little troll that flip/flops more than Kerry ever did, Come on America are you people just sheeple or what, This not the best we can do, I know some of you believe everything that the TV tells you, I think if you would just let go of the cable and read books on economics and history You would understand we cant keep borrowing money from China to shore up our economy or borrow money to give to other countries like Israel or Pakistan. I don''t really care who you vote for These guys are two sides of the same coin that is in the pocket of Mr. Big Corporation, I am sure the founding fathers would be plotting another Revolution, Or how about just a no confidence vote on our current government, If you or I had a 20 to 30 percent rating a our current job, we would be fired! The only time this troop of monkeys in Washington work togeather is when it is time to give themselves a raise, then they vote as one, when it comes to America and it''s people they could not give a ***. They remind me of my teenage daughters fighting over a par of jeans

[stzon]

Each position Obama has taken the GOP seems to flip and change their policies to mirror Obama''s position.

- talks with Iran...NOW Bush wants to talk
- 16 month withdrawal timetable from Iraq...NOW McShame agree''s, but with military approval.

Everything they say is after Obama has given his position.

[nmsuip]

The McCainiacs will vote for McCain regardless. No point arguing with them. You might as well go argue with a brick. If you don''t want McCain for President, just make sure you get out there and vote against him.

[chris22683]

Raising the payroll tax sounds like a great thing, the rich pay more and companies also pay more. Oh wait that means less profit for the company. Who do you think is going to get hit with that loss? Shareholders, the execs? Nope you will in the form of a lay off. Top guys arent going to get fired and the shareholders expect their dividends. Any tax increase is bad.

[dapoogundimu]

"Read my lips, No new taxes". Sounds familiar? Oh yes. Here we go again with another Republican popular saying. McCain promised "no new taxes under any circumstances. Now he is saying "nothing is off the table. We just need to read between lines to get his true message. And talk of a "sail boat" that goes where the wind directs it. And for someone who would say anything just to win the White House. The wind has blown and we''ve seen the back of the duck.

[wellhell3]

Raising the payroll tax sounds like a great thing, the rich pay more and companies also pay more. Oh wait that means less profit for the company. Who do you think is going to get hit with that loss? Shareholders, the execs? Nope you will in the form of a lay off. Top guys arent going to get fired and the shareholders expect their dividends. Any tax increase is bad.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by chris22683 at 01:12 PM : Jul 29, 2008

Yeah, and because of such a stupid plan, 8 of employees won''t have a job! Would you like to come pick out the ones I''ll have to dismiss because of Obscamma''s stupid plans?

[wellhell3]

Each position Obama has taken the GOP seems to flip and change their policies to mirror Obama''''s position.

- talks with Iran...NOW Bush wants to talk
- 16 month withdrawal timetable from Iraq...NOW McShame agree''''s, but with military approval.

Everything they say is after Obama has given his position.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Stzon at 01:07 PM : Jul 29, 2008

Hogwarsh!

[tawpdawg111]

July 28, 2008

"Obama now holds a 6-point lead in CNN''s average of national polls, 45 percent to 39 percent, "

*******************************


lets see here.... 45 plus, uh...39....equals...yep ...84. When those 16% undecided all side with McCain it will be a LANDSLIDE on November 4.

[hasher471]

Yeah, and because of such a stupid plan, 8 of employees won''''t have a job! Would you like to come pick out the ones I''''ll have to dismiss because of Obscamma''''s stupid plans?
Posted by WellHell3 at 02:14 PM : Jul 29, 2008
---------------------------------------------------
Did YOU even read the 1st paragraph of this article?
"Posted by WellHell3 at 02:14 PM : Jul 29, 2008

"(AP) Republican presidential candidate John McCain''s signal that he may be open to a higher payroll tax for Social Security, despite previous vows not to raise taxes of any kind, is drawing sharp rebukes from conservatives."

THIS IS MC CANCER"S Plan...idiots...u repugs are all idiots!

[hasher471]

Excerpt from article:
Obama has called for imposing a new payroll tax on incomes above $250,000.
------------------------------------
WellHell3, Do you make over $250K?

[hasher471]

McCain''s top economic adviser, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, ???
I thought Phil "they''re in a mental recession" Gramm was top economic adviser. Oh, I know they said he quit the campaign...but he''s ridin'' the bus.

[hasher471]

"McCain has made no specific proposals for Social Security, refusing to rule in or out anything to strengthen the benefit program for retirees and the disabled"
TRANSLATION: McCancer does not have a clue.

[realpatriot1]

Tawpdog,
When have undecided voters ever gone 100% in one direction? Keep dreaming!

When McCain has to debate he won''t have Lieberman at his side to correct his gaffes. He''ll have to do more than impugn Obama or offer up gas tax holiday gimmicks.

No one knows how the undecided will vote or which voters will show up at the polls in the greatest numbers.

Predictions like yours are meaningless. You might as well be pissing in the wind.

[realpatriot1]

Chris22683,

You seem to be confusing payroll taxes with corporate taxes. Are you a McCain economic advisor?

[zerato-2009]

I wonder waht all those conservatives are thinking now. "I thought mccain said he wouldn''t raise taxes and now he saying he is thinking about it. Is it too late to draft romney?"

[realpatriot1]

Wellhell3,

People making above $200,000 annually are exempt from the payroll tax. What''s being proposed is to end the exemption and make them pay into the system. It won''t effect the taxes of people already paying into the system.

You must be another McCain economic adviser.

[hasher471]

I wonder waht all those conservatives are thinking now. "I thought mccain said he wouldn''''t raise taxes and now he saying he is thinking about it. Is it too late to draft romney?"
Posted by zerato
--------------------------------
Right! Do you remember "Read My Lips..No New Taxes, George H.W. Bush? They''ll say anything to get elected. The RepugToids believe them like the little small minded people they are.

[dothemath3]

"Sen. Obama will raise your taxes," McCain said. "I won''t."

It all comes down to the definition of "your."

If your income is over $200,000, and/or you believe in trickle-down economics, McCain is your man. Go ahead and vote for him.

If your income is under $200,000, please do yourself a favor and read both candidates'' plans instead of assuming that McCain is talking to YOU when he announces who will and will not raise "your" taxes.

You may also want to research McCain''s gaffes and decide for yourself whether you feel secure relying on any information he provides.

[citadelma]

Posted by Tawpdawg111 at 02:25 PM : Jul 29, 2008

lets see here.... 45 plus, uh...39....equals...yep ...84. When those 16% undecided all side with McCain it will be a LANDSLIDE on November 4.
-------
With this latest McCain flipflop gaffe, the more likely outcome will be a sweeping Obama victory. I can see this might be very painful for you, poor baby. So is there any chance you and the rest your right wing, goose stepping Neocon comrades will leave the country in protest...please?

[liberalme]

Each position Obama has taken the GOP seems to flip and change their policies to mirror Obama''''''''s position.

- talks with Iran...NOW Bush wants to talk
- 16 month withdrawal timetable from Iraq...NOW McShame agree''''''''s, but with military approval.

Everything they say is after Obama has given his position.

Posted by Stzon at 01:07 PM : Jul 29, 2008

That is absolute fact and you watch--the repugs will turn it around to make it look like something they were going to do all along.

America is listening to every word these fools are saying and they can no longer fool us (the majority that is).

[benighse]

AT LEAST ALL THE NEWS STATIONS WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE THEIR NIGHTLY SEGMENT ENTITLED===MCCAIN''S SENIOR MOMENT===OR===THE MCFLIP-FLOP SEGMENT:

I WON''T RAISE YOUR TEN YEAR OLDS'' TAXES, BUT I WILL RAISE YOUR GRAMMA''S TAXES ON SOCIAL SECURITY

MAKES YOU FEEL ALL WARM AND FUZZY INSIDE, DOESN''T IT???

[benighse]

MCCAIN AT THE SPARKS TOWN MEETING SAYS HE WON''T RAISE TEN-YEAR-OLDS'' TAXES---THE OTHER HEADLINE TODAY IS MCCAIN WILL RAISE TAXES ON SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS--MCFLIP-FLOP AGAIN===MCCAIN===TAX THE SENIOR CITIZENS; SAVE THE RICH PEOPLE!!!

OBAMA SEEMS TO BE THE ONE PERSON WHO IS FOCUSED ON UNITING THE COUNTRY....

AND SO FAR HE IS THE ONE CANDIDATE WHO WHO IS GENERATING SUPPORT FROM MY TWO COLLEGE GRAD DAUGHTERS AND EVEN MY REPUBLICAN WIFE. FOR ONCE SHE WON''T CANCEL MY VOTE FOR OBAMA....

NOW EVEN MY 80 YEAR OLD REPUBLICAN MOTHER-IN-LAW SAYS JOHN MCCAIN IS JUST TOO OLD AND GRUMPY TO BE PRESIDENT. SHE SAYS OLD MEN ARE TOO EAGER TO SEND YOUNG MEN TO UNNECESSARY WARS, AND THAT HAS TO END....

WHEN 80 YEAR OLD REPUBLICAN WOMEN START TALKING ABOUT IT BEING TIME FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO STEP UP AND START DOING THE JOB TO MAKE AMERICA A LEADER IN THE WORLD AGAIN, YOU KNOW THINGS ARE GOING WELL FOR OBAMA....

LET''S ALL PUT OBAMA TO WORK FOR AMERICA.

[caldwellptr]

Who Cares!

The only time I have seen my paycheck go up directly from a tax cut was during the term of Bush Sr.

Otherwise all tax cuts have been for the rich, or at least richer than me. There has never been a direct increase to my take home pay from a tax cut in the 30+ years I have been working.

My guess is there never again will be. Rich people need their tax cuts more than I do.

[chrisbieber]

as Rome continues to burn...

the Right and the Left BOTH refuse to attack and/or question the PROBLEM(unConstitutional FedGov and interventionist debtridden policies)and Thoreauian like continue to "hack away at the branches"(symptoms).

And the Marxian Income Tax and Socialist Security is defended by the "conservatives"...

so NOTHING will change...except MORE Government and MORE Governmental Controls and FederalReserve controlled debt and servitude...

A real Hobson''s Choice...2 false alternatives...

[zerato-2009]

Remember George H Bush famous quote "Read my lips no new taxes" Mccain made that statement and went back on it all in the same campaign. he didn''t wait to flip flop in office

[dmgenet]

Ouch, George Bush the First all over again.