McCain's Victory Speech
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- Within ten minutes of polls closing tonight John McCain was declared the projected winner of the Wisconsin primary and appeared on stage to address supporters at his election night party. In his victory speech he claimed that he would be the GOP nominee. He also went after Obama's "change" theme, and addressed recent events in Cuba and Pakistan.
"Thank you, Wisconsin, for bringing us to the point when even a superstitious naval aviator can claim with confidence and humility that I will be our party's nominee for President," McCain said to a roar of applause in Columbus Ohio.
McCain's victory speech, like his last one following last week's Potomac primaries, jabbed at Democratic rival Barack Obama's campaign theme "change."
"I will fight every moment of every day in this campaign to make sure Americans are not deceived by an eloquent but empty call for change that promises no more than a holiday from history and a return to the false promises and failed policies of a tired philosophy that trusts in government more than people," he said.
McCain included recent events like the election in Pakistan and used them as an opportunity to showcase his familiarity with foreign affairs while taking swipes at Cuban and Venezuelan leaders.
"An old enemy of American interests and ideals is leaving the world stage, and we can glimpse the hope that freedom might someday come to the people of Cuba. A self-important bully in Venezuela threatens to cut off oil shipments to our country at a time of sky-rocketing gas prices," he added.
"Each event poses a challenge and an opportunity. Will the next President have the experience, the judgment experience informs, and the strength of purpose to respond to each of these developments in ways that strengthen our security and advance the global progress of our ideals? Or will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested invading our ally, Pakistan, and sitting down without pre-conditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists and are intent on destabilizing the world by acquiring nuclear weapons?"
McCain went on to make his case for the importance of the national security and outlined how he's the most qualified.
"I'm not the youngest candidate. But I am the most experienced," he said as his audience chuckled. He went on to list all the areas - education, health care, and economics - that he would address as president.
"Don't tell me we can't make our country stronger and the world safer. We can. We must. And when I'm president we will."