AP: “McCain draws distinctions between rivals on Iraq” and supports legislation aimed at improving safety for children in automobiles
While campaigning in Portsmouth, NH, on Friday, August 10, Senator McCain distinguished his position on Iraq from those of his GOP rivals. The AP article also mentioned McCain’s support for a bill - sponsored by Senators Hillary Clinton and John Sununu, that “broader safety upgrades aimed at preventing children from being backed over by vehicles or strangled in power windows.” The AP article was published by the Manchester Union-Leader; here are some highlights from the AP story:
McCain draws distinctions with rivals on Iraq
By HOLLY RAMER
The Associated Press
PORTSMOUTH – Presidential hopeful John McCain said yesterday he stands apart from his Republican rivals when it comes to Iraq.
Though all the major GOP candidates agree that U.S. troops should remain in Iraq, McCain stressed his early criticism of the war strategy pursued by former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
“I fought against it, I railed against it, I predicted it would fail and I urged and pled for the strategy they’re using now,” he told about 50 people in a law firm conference room.
McCain rebutted a claim during Sunday’s GOP debate in Iowa that there is little difference on Iraq between him and rivals Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney.
“Someone in the debate the other day said the three leading Republican candidates are the same — Romney, Giuliani and McCain — that’s not true,” he said…
McCain made a quick stop later at a real estate office owned by supporter Packy Campbell in Rochester, where the Arizona senator found himself upstaged by Campbell’s 14-month-old son.
“For all we know, he’s the next President of the United States,” McCain said as the toddler wandered around the room, mugging for the cameras. “He certainly has lots of charm and charisma.”
In 2004, Campbell lost another son, 21-month-old Ian, who was crushed to death by the family car when his 4-year-old brother accidentally shifted it into gear. The accident spurred Campbell to push automakers to have brake interlock systems in all vehicles by 2010, something automakers agreed to last year.
He also has been a strong advocate for broader safety upgrades aimed at preventing children from being backed over by vehicles or strangled in power windows.
That legislation, sponsored by Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Sununu, is pending in the House.
Campbell said McCain’s support of that bill was a critical tipping point in getting a public hearing in the Senate and praised him for putting politics aside.
“He has principles,” Campbell said. “Of all the candidates, you’re never going to agree on all the positions, but John McCain has the leadership ability we need.”
You can read the original story by clicking here.
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