McCain: I Have ‘An Extensive Background And Knowledge’ On The Economy
McCain: I Have ‘An Extensive Background And Knowledge’ On The Economy
Last night during an interview with CNN’s Larry King, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) tried to make the argument that, among the remaining presidential candidates, he is best suited to address “the economic challenges we face” because of his “extensive background” and “knowledge” of the economy.
Watch it:
McCain’s claim does not hold up to his own scrutiny. Throughout the past eight years, and as recently as last December, McCain has acknowledged on a number of occasions that he knows very little about the economy:
– Seeking to explain his shift to the left on economic issues, McCain claimed: “I didn’t pay nearly the attention to those issues in the past. I was probably a ’supply-sider’ based on the fact that I really didn’t jump into the issue.” [Jan. 2000]
– “I’m going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated.” [Nov. 2005]
– “The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should,” but “I’ve got Greenspan’s book.” [Dec. 2007]
On the issue of whether he’s prepared to lead on the economy, it sounds like John McCain needs to convince himself before he can convince others.
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Well shee-it, he certainly seems qualified… to continue Brusch’s policies.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:15 pmIt’s okay — McCain doesn’t have to worry about being called a “flip-flopper”. He’s a Republican. Republicans CAN’T be flip-floppers.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:16 pmDesperately Seeking the Right Answer.
sad, for an old guy to go through all that, and debase himself publicly that way. naked ambition must innoculate a person against feeling ashamed or humiliated. i bet his pretty wife feels embarrassed for him though.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:16 pmAs part of the Keating 5, I’m sure you do, Gramps.
A∞Ω
February 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pmIranian Oil Bourse Opening
The Iranian Oil Bourse establishing Euro-based pricing of oil is set to open on February 19th 2008 and could have devastating effects on the US dollar.
Currently all three major oil markets (WTI, NYMEX, IPE) trade barrels of oil in US dollars. Consequently any country buying oil needs dollars to pay for it. This enables the US Federal Reserve to issue huge volumes of dollars to meet increasing demand for oil. In return oil producing nations invest dollar proceeds in US treasury bills, allowing for the current US budget deficit.
But this balance may become unsettled after a fourth major oil market opens this month, trading in Euros: the Iranian Oil Bourse (IOB).
Unlike other bourses, the IOB relies on a peer-to-peer trading model, using the Internet. IOB has been in the works for several years and encountered many hurdles on the way, the last of which are severed underwater internet cables creating an Internet outage throughout the Middle East days before the IOB’s opening and prompting conspiracy theories. In recent years the US has outfitted some of its submarines with the capability to splice optical fiber underwater so these theories may not be far-fetched.
http://oil-price.net
THATS WHAT CUTTING INTERNET CABLE WAS ABOUT
February 15th, 2008 at 12:22 pmMy wife will steal pills from a company and I’ll sell ‘em. Instant money for the ailing economy. F&ck You Oldy.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:24 pmThe only extensive knowledge McJowls has is his own A-hole. He must like the view from there, because that’s where his head has been for lately.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:26 pmI call B.S.!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 12:26 pmEconomics and economic power players drive our world and influence our government more than any other.
I wonder how well any politician, on either side of the fence, understands the onion layers…considering that even economic specialists don’t agree.
What we need are leaders who at least recognize that corporate power players have subsumed the interests of earth and her people to a degree that now endangers us all.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:33 pmGUNS = BUTTER.
What else is there to know??
February 15th, 2008 at 12:36 pmHey, has anybody seen my “Economics 101 for Dummies?” It was just here a minute ago…
February 15th, 2008 at 12:39 pmIn addition during one of the debates Ron Paul asked McCain a straight up question about the “President’s Working Group on Financial Markets” and McCain had no clue…
See it here …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu-tg1kQ8dk
February 15th, 2008 at 12:41 pmHe’s old and feeble. He can’t remember that he said he knew very little about the subject a few weeks ago. He must have read something he has been able to retain (the statement perhaps?) and now he knows so much more that he “thinks” he knows. He will forget shortly and then let everyone know again. But he won’t remember it.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:44 pmKinda scary when you think about it. McCain knows nothing and Obama knows even less.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:44 pmI didn’t take any courses at all on international law†and added, “frankly I don’t think I missed a thing.†-John Bolton
Just replace ‘international law’ with ‘economics’, shake well and come up with BushLite
February 15th, 2008 at 12:47 pmMcCain: I Have ‘An Extensive Background And Knowledge’ On The Economy
“Less Jobs , More War” is not an economic solution , McInsane ; nor would anyone having an inkling of a background and/or knowledge of the economy would suggest something even close to that………
February 15th, 2008 at 12:47 pmGood god, doesn’t the man understand the concept of video technology?
It’s painful to watch this man spiral into dementia.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:52 pmTRoS: FYI, I received a reply to my inquiry last night:
Russell Merryman [russell.merryman@aljazeera.net]
I am in London on bsuiness and will be back in the Doha office on February 25th 2008. I will have access to e-mail while I am away and can also be contacted on +974 587 2917.
For editorial issues please contact the Web Newsdesk on +974 489 2529 - main editorial points of contact are Ranjit Bhaskar, Hilary Saunders, and Paul Taylor in Doha or Joe Havely in KL.
I don’t think I’ll be calling anytime soon!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 12:53 pmRoger_Roger,
Another baseless comment? Please release your garbage somewhere else.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:55 pmIn Barack’s victory in Virginia last night, he won 142,000 more votes than all of the Republicans combined, and his victory margin over Senator Clinton was larger than John McCain’s entire vote total. All of this, in what the Old Guard liked to pretend was “red state” Virginia.
Republicans had their chance to come clean… many did apologize for voting for Bush as they came to join us Ron Paul supporters… but way too many are still just as dumb as these “Liberal haters” that continue to show their asshat nature on this site year after year.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:59 pmKing and McCain, old and irrelevant. If you tossed the two of them a live brain, they’d still be a combined half-wit.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:00 pmNote to GOP. Thank you for proving yet again that we all should beware of what results torture provides us. After submission to a session or two of GOP torture he is now willing to recall economic prowess he never knew he had and he is now able to vote to deny his own tortured past. Be careful what you torture/wish for dear Republicans.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:01 pmPander Bear is trying hard not to look like he is in over his head. If by some fluke of devious actions or mass stupidity of the citizens this man becomes POTUS, we can expect more of the same amoral aggression, failing economic theories, unbridled power to the ultra rich corporate few. He looks like a desperate man treading water, afraid of the depths he knows are about to suck him under.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:02 pmPoor liberals. You have no idea what’s in store for you this fall. Here’s a hint - you won’t win.
Comment by Liberals Are Filled With Hate — February 15, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Bet you said the same thing about the ‘06 election , didn’t you , champ ?
February 15th, 2008 at 1:02 pmBTW
Being a Chimpy Adoration Brigade member like you are , your 0-for-7-years record puts you far below Miss Cleo and Jackie Stallone in the prediction department ; you’d do well to just knock that crap off……..
Republicans had their chance to come clean… many did apologize for voting for Bush as they came to join us Ron Paul supporters… but way too many are still just as dumb as these “Liberal haters†that continue to show their asshat nature on this site year after year.
Comment by ggibson1 — February 15, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
You of course , being such a “genius” , supporting a nut job like Ron Paul ; who is also a year older than McInsane , BTW……..
February 15th, 2008 at 1:04 pmBet you said the same thing about the ‘06 election , didn’t you , champ ?
BTW
Comment by MCMetal
Though I generally agree with you… I wouldnt be so brazen about it… the democrats not only used that victory to give the bushies even MORE power they all have done nothing to end the Iraq occupation…. just a whole lotta talk… oh and they also bashed the progressives for demanding they end the Iraq occupation….
February 15th, 2008 at 1:05 pmYou of course , being such a “genius†, supporting a nut job like Ron Paul ; who is also a year older than McInsane , BTW……..
Comment by MCMetal
You guys had your chance to prove the “nut job” talk and you failed… Ron Paul has put up…. the democrats have not… so they should shut up and support him… but they wont because they are part of the problem also…
And age has nothing to do with it except to people that have no other angle to work with…
February 15th, 2008 at 1:06 pmRon Paul is non issue as far as election concerned. I appreciate his voice on Iraq, not so much on other issues.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:09 pmOld = out of touch.
Last time I checked, my grandparent is about as far from progressive as you can get.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:10 pmBet you said the same thing about the ‘06 election , didn’t you , champ ?
BTW
Comment by MCMetal
Though I generally agree with you… I wouldnt be so brazen about it… the democrats not only used that victory to give the bushies even MORE power they all have done nothing to end the Iraq occupation…. just a whole lotta talk… oh and they also bashed the progressives for demanding they end the Iraq occupation….
Comment by ggibson1 — February 15, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
How am I being “brazen” ?
I didn’t make any claim , nor was I gloating ; I simply pointed out a Chimpy leg humper like the “hate” imbecile , should stop making silly predictions after being wrong for 7 years ………
February 15th, 2008 at 1:13 pmOld = out of touch.
Last time I checked, my grandparent is about as far from progressive as you can get.
Comment by DieNowForPeace — February 15, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Lots of WWII veterans realize the value of the NEW DEAL and there are many example of fabulous Progressive work being done by “OLD” people such as Granny Haddock.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:14 pmYou of course , being such a “genius†, supporting a nut job like Ron Paul ; who is also a year older than McInsane , BTW……..
Comment by MCMetal
You guys had your chance to prove the “nut job†talk and you failed… Ron Paul has put up…. the democrats have not… so they should shut up and support him… but they wont because they are part of the problem also…
And age has nothing to do with it except to people that have no other angle to work with…
Comment by ggibson1 — February 15, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
What do you mean “you failed” ?
Ron Paul’s only saving grace is that he opposes the Iraq War , and in every debate , that is all they grant him time to talk about.That isn’t a direct result of those of us who know he’s a loon…….
His economic policy beliefs , his racism , along with his voting record speak more about him than I can in a blog post……..
BTW
AGE has everything to do with it ; the job of president takes a huge toll on the individual , along with the fact that is the face of the US on a visual level.
Why does the GOP’s 3 remaining candidates all look like hell ? That is the image you want to present to the rest of the world after the last embarrassing 7 years ?
February 15th, 2008 at 1:17 pmDon’t sound so scared all you Mr. 28%’s, take a deep breath and watch your crooked, war profiting, political leaders take a big one - RIGHT where they have shown they like it, over and over again.
Oh yeah, and I forgot, don’t feed the fools, er, I mean the trolls.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:17 pm#20 would rather put it all on his credit card than pay his own way
nice example of personal responsibility there, wingnut!
February 15th, 2008 at 1:18 pmhttp://www.grannyd.com/
Granny’s page.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:18 pmHmmm, for an old, old, OLD politician like McCain, isn’t it about time he knows something, anything about economics? What’s he been reading since het got elected in ‘82?! Rambo?!
Sorry McCane, America needs a hippie for president, no stupid white men.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:19 pmRon Paul = full-on ranting kook.
Libertarianism = Anarchy, with protection for rich people.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:19 pmOut of touch = out of touch…..no matter the age. However as MCM stated age is an issue with the rigors and demands put on a president. As the last 7 years show, intelligence is also an issue.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:21 pmYeah, and turds taste just like chicken.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pmOld = out of touch.
Last time I checked, my grandparent is about as far from progressive as you can get.
Comment by DieNowForPeace — February 15, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Lots of WWII veterans realize the value of the NEW DEAL and there are many example of fabulous Progressive work being done by “OLD†people such as Granny Haddock.
Comment by jb — February 15, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
I myself , am not being critical of “old” people .
It simply is not the time and place for one in the Oval Office ; the mess that Chimpy the Wonder Monkey has created is my reaoning ……..
February 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm*reasoning*
February 15th, 2008 at 1:23 pmRon Paul = full-on ranting kook.
Libertarianism = Anarchy, with protection for rich people.
Comment by tombaker
Bingo! Anarchy with gates.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:25 pmYeah, and turds taste just like chicken.
Comment by ForTruth — February 15, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
I’ll simply take your word for it………….
February 15th, 2008 at 1:26 pmduh..otay gramps…
L U N A T I C S !!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 1:31 pmTranslation - I am going to lose so bad in the election that I might as well say just about anything the Reichtards want to hear.
I used my neocan’t 2000 translator.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:31 pmSo McCain has gone from “the issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should,” in December 2007 to having an “extensive background†and “knowledge†of the economy in February 2008.
That must have been a helluva crash course he went through in the past two months.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:41 pm48 - you take your advice, and go downtown with a cardboard sign, and tell everyone all about it, mmmm’k?
February 15th, 2008 at 1:47 pmHe’s better than tax and spend Hitlery and Osama.
You wish you could beat McCain. Maybe Obama, but definitely not Hillary. She’s a racist THUG and will look very liberal compared to the moderate McCain.
Poor liberals. You have no idea what’s in store for you this fall. Here’s a hint - you won’t win.
Comment by Liberals Are Filled With Hate — February 15, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Why are you so filled with hate?
February 15th, 2008 at 1:48 pmThe good news is that we don’t have to rely as much on the television media to inform people of McCain’s endless flip-floppery and cracked pottery. But even the television media are starting to notice that the reality of McCain is way off their existing narrative.
As far as Paul is concerned, his showing in the primaries is not surprising because to vote for someone, most people get to know them at least a little. Paul’s anti-war position was perfect, but in getting to know him because of that position, voters discovered other positions as well. Who the hell but a crackpot or a brazen corporatist thinks it’s a good idea to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency, the Dept. of Education, The FDA and the SEC???!!! Who thinks it’s a good move to cut off all funding for public libraries? Modern libertarian positions are profoundly undemocratic (a charge that drives libertarians crazy) and extremely unpopular, which is probably more important. The entire philosophy is just a kooky scheme to trick working class people into supporting policies which would lead to a powerful corporate oligarchy instead of any form of democracy.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:54 pmBy the way, I hope this is self-evident for all sane posters, but there really doesn’t seem to be any point in responding to a poster who refers to our Democratic candidates for president as “Hitlery and Osama.” Please ignore the moronic, sociopathic half-wit.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:57 pmRepublicans will retaliate by pointing out that Obama is a black Muslim.
Comment by Liberals Are Filled With Hate
What do you mean retaliate? They already tried to pull the Muslim thingy. Of course, they were lying and got caught. Obama is a Christian, and he did not attend a madrassa.
So now, all the Republicans have left to “retaliate” against Obama is to point out that he is black. Is that going to be John McCain’s campaign theme?
February 15th, 2008 at 1:59 pmOn a positive note, McCain could teach us the value of drinking our own urine, as a survival tactic for the next Depression, and surviving long periods of imprisonment when Martial Law is enacted…
Or the benefits of wearing adult diapers (you never have to leave your couch again and risk missing Falafel Bill!)
February 15th, 2008 at 2:01 pmAttacking McCain as “old†will backfire. Using the standard liberals set in 2004 for electing a President, Mr. McCain is the only candidate qualified to be President since he served in the military. Hillary and Obama certainly didn’t.
Also, attacking McCain’s age will be seen as below the belt. Republicans will retaliate by pointing out that Obama is a black Muslim. Can you see this campaign slogan running in Missouri and Ohio…..
Republicans Depose a Hussein. Democrats Nominate One
Take my advice hatemongers - don’t go dirty. It will backfire.
Comment by Liberals Are Filled With Hate — February 15, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
Chimpy also supposedly served in the military ; that didn’t work out so well , did it ?
And are you suggesting that telling the truth about McInsane’s age while lying about Obama being a Muslim is going to be detrimental for Obama and the Dems ?
Not likely…..
BTW How many “Republicans” were in the military when Saddam was captured ?
February 15th, 2008 at 2:04 pmI recall all former military personnel that have since gone on to be elected officials are all part of the Democratic party and not the chickenhawk GOP ; get a clue and some facts before continuing with more of your incessantly annoying , stupid and dishonest crap………..
Republicans will retaliate by pointing out that Obama is black…
Comment by Liberals Are Filled With Hate
Should make for an interesting bumper sticker.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:10 pmIn case he hasn’t revealed this yet, McCain finished 6th from last place (894th out of 899) in his graduating class of Annapolis (of which he obtained admission ONLY because his father and grandfather were admirals).
He was actively involved in the 1980s “Keating Five” scandal and will be 72 in August 2008.
We’ve had enough of mentally inferior, old-men in the last 20 years (i.e., Bush and Reagan).
Let’s try to elect someone who, at least, isn’t going to be in the advance stages of Alzheimer’s Disease half-way through the term (Reagan) or a moron (Baby Bush)!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 2:35 pmGrandpa McInsane flip-flops again. Isn’t a demented presidential candidate whoring for votes just the cutest thing?
February 15th, 2008 at 2:36 pmAs far as a pardon goes, do you think Chimpy would do it for the Gipper?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gipper
February 15th, 2008 at 2:38 pmSorry, wrong thread. My bad.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:38 pmTotally Stupid Comments by Liberals Are Filled With Hate
Obama is BLACK?
Oh, my goodness, I had no Idea that he was BLACK.
Guess that changes my vote…..NOT!!!
Do the Repukes not realize that being a repuke automatically makes them hateful bigots?
February 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pmMcCain is the only candidate qualified to be President since he served in the military. Hillary and Obama certainly didn’t.Take my advice hatemongers - don’t go dirty. It will backfire.
Comment by Liberals Are Filled With Hate — February 15, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
February 15th, 2008 at 2:50 pmBush deserted his stateside champagne squadron while some poor sap in Vietnam died in what should have been his place. John Kerry served with honor and distinction and was smeared for his service by rethuglican jackals. Plame was outed in an act of treason against the U.S. Osama remains free and al Qaeda stronger than ever seven years later. The dirt’s there, pal, your soaking in it now. Back to your spider- hole.
I must find out what these people are smoking! I try many things, but reality is still there… Please MacCaine, tell me what is it? Give us the recepie… I would love to be able to do what they do… not be in touch with reality!
February 15th, 2008 at 2:58 pmThe Mittster’s gone, so Johnny’s stepping up to take the title of king flip-flopper.
Makin’ it up as you go is his motto.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:03 pmWow, it looks like the fool tool troll Liberals Are Filled With Hate finally got his butt kicked by TP. All it’s posts are gone from this thread. I hope that means that it is gone too. But, alas, since TP doesn’t ban by IP address, it will pop back up soon still filled with hate.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:10 pmHe must have finished Greenspan’s book and now he is an economics expert.
Marlow #60 — excellent comment to the trolls.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:16 pmComment by Marie — February 15, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
February 15th, 2008 at 3:25 pmThanks, but don’t worry, he’ll be back.
Totally Stupid Comments by Liberals Are Filled With Hate
Obama is BLACK?
Oh, my goodness, I had no Idea that he was BLACK.
Comment by Buckie Boy
Yes, and we have it on his authority that the Republicans intend to make Obama’s blackness a major campaign issue. I can’t wait to see the campaign slogan.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:46 pmmcMaverick is so insanely desperate to win this before he’s (really way) too old that he will do anything, including wear blackface makeup and burn crosses.
ambition is so often such an ugly, ugly trait.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:56 pmSomething about shit and shinola, can’t exactly remember…
February 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pmObama is BLACK?
Comment by Buckie Boy — February 15, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
Now that is interesting… we call him “black”, which technically is the absence of color, and we call him “colored” at the same time…
Hmmm… cornfusing…
February 15th, 2008 at 4:04 pmDon’t worry. I’m sure the Republicans will go to great lengths to explain Obama’s blackness to us.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:11 pmFLIP-FLOPPER!
February 15th, 2008 at 5:16 pmWill Obama be our first black president?
What? He’s half black?
Doh! So close!
Anyway, I love how everyone is bashing Ron Paul when your beloved Democrats in Congress are about give Bush his amnesty plan for telecoms.
Hey, listen to this Glen Greenwald interview to realize how you’ve been duped.
http://antiwar.com/ radio/ 2008/ 02/ 12/ glenn-greenwald-6/
It’s pretty pathetic.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:38 pmQuick, get to Ebay and buy the latest RUC-UpToYourHipsInShit waders! It’s getting deep in here!
February 15th, 2008 at 7:03 pmHe’s too old to be President; he can’t even remember what he said last year!
February 16th, 2008 at 3:26 amObama represents our citizens. They are neither all black or all white. And many are a mixture of races. Our DNA shows that most of us living in N. America had common ancestors in Central Asia. I don’t know really why race is even a factor. Except, for the few that think some superior created different races so that we could all hate and kill people not of our race.
February 16th, 2008 at 3:32 amtombaker #34
Ron Paul = full-on ranting kook.
Libertarianism = Anarchy, with protection for rich people.
Ron Paul would probably seem like a kook to someone who is brainwashed by socialist ideas. However, to the rest of us taxpaying citizens who are compulsorily paying for your nanny state ideals he has sound ideas.
I’d take anarchy over the garbage both parties have shoved down our throat — if that reduces the intervention of government in our lives. We’ve been faced with the choice of having tyranny abroad in expanding our global empire, or tyranny at home in the erosion of our liberties.
I would rather be a rich anarchist than a poor socialist slave. Competition is a good thing, and striving to become rich is a better goal than striving to make everyone else poor. There is nothing wrong with being rich, or the desire thereof and nothing irks me more than people like you who want to drag us down and keep us poor so that you feel better for yourself.
Shame on you, for you are dragging down both meritocracy and the American dream.
February 29th, 2008 at 12:09 pm