Video: McCain heckled in Denver
posted at 2:00 pm on May 27, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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If they’re still trying to get his goat, John McCain’s opponents failed again. During a foreign-policy speech this morning at the University of Denver, anti-war protesters twice heckled McCain, interrupting his address. After the first interruption, McCain noted that the protesters came to the wrong event — if they wanted a sincere dialogue (via Shawn Wasson):
McCain makes a good point after the first interruption. He holds town-hall conferences at almost every campaign stop. Why not just prepare a question that criticizes with some intelligence McCain’s position on the war? The obvious answer: it takes a lot more candlepower to do that rather than chant, “Endless War!” endlessly. They are afraid McCain will outargue them — and they’re right — so they’re taking the significantly less courageous route of trying to shout him down instead.
Also, as an aside: those griping about conservative bloggers cataloguing Barack Obama’s rhetorical gaffes can remember that Obama himself spreads the spurious “100 years of war” quote attributed to McCain, the same one that fueled this chant.
After the second interruption, McCain just laughs it off, telling the audience that this speech may go longer than anticipated. So far, the temper hasn’t erupted, and the protesters simply look foolish. Neither group can manage to hold up their signs properly, which gives viewers another indication of the goofiness of the perpetrators.
Last point, somewhat connected to the first: why don’t we see these kinds of protests at Obama rallies? Maybe because conservatives can put together coherent arguments rather than mindless chants and mishandled banners.
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So far, I have to say, McCain is handling things better than I thought he would considering his “pledge” not to fight dirty. On the other hand, with the ammo BHO is giving him, he don’t need any dirty politician tricks.
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 2:05 PM
We have real lives and real jobs. And the fact most people don’t see the point in heckling for the heck of it.
Or maybe I am wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:06 PM
He looks presidentual rather than foolish
William Amos on May 27, 2008 at 2:07 PM
The anti war hit Obama early in his campaign. He swung to the left to appease them now is swinging back around to the center. But will see how long that holds off the goofs of the anti war.
William Amos on May 27, 2008 at 2:08 PM
We all have jobs and better things to do.
Dash on May 27, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Free speech for me, not for the.
and
Short and sweet.
natesnake on May 27, 2008 at 2:08 PM
I’ve been impressed with his responses thus far.
As to the exit question, I saw a College-Republicans president from some college on FOX who said the reason liberals don’t need security at their events like conservatives do is because when conservatives go to liberals’ lectures they act like adults, asking questions and listening to the response, rather than yelling, throwing pies, and rushing the stage like the “progressive” children do when at conservative events.
NTWR on May 27, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Than again Ron Paul is still holding rallies is hard to be in two places at once.
William Amos on May 27, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Actually, when I attended a Obama rally back February there was a guy outside in the line holding up a sign read, “Have we forgotten 9/11?” Also, during his speech when talked about getting out of Iraq some man in the crowd starting booing loudly. I think the proponents of the war are just not as loud. Also, the media won’t report on it.
terryannonline on May 27, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Makes you wonder huh. But hey, everyone has a streak now and then of anger. I don’t care who you are.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:11 PM
There are still plenty of pot smoking hippie college kids in the 21st Century. I can picture them now going back to their dorm rooms, high fiveing each other saying, “Dude, we sure told McCain a thing or two.” To them, that’s toughness, of course in reality, it’s the epitome of wimpyness. But when did reality ever get in the way of liberal stupidity?
kirkill on May 27, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Correct. If they actually engaged him, they’d have to form an actually intelligent argument. It’s much easier to give two-word chants.
amerpundit on May 27, 2008 at 2:13 PM
Hey, don’t get me wrong. I actually like a streak of anger now and again. (I think it keeps your arteries cleared out) he-he-he.
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Zactly!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 27, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Liberalism is the ideology of children, so don’t be suprised when liberals act like children.
ernie on May 27, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Are we sure they aren’t McCain campaign plants, since this the war is McCain’s “differentiating” issue?
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 2:15 PM
That’s how the liberal argues a point. They are incapable of logic and reason. They never tell you what they want to do, instead they always so what they do not want to do.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 27, 2008 at 2:15 PM
“I will never surrender in Iraq” - Why I will vote for him
spacekicker on May 27, 2008 at 2:17 PM
I wanted to see him punch a hippie.
Oh, if only Fred was on the trail. (sigh).
VolMagic on May 27, 2008 at 2:17 PM
I strongly doubt that the demographic groups supporting Hillary Clinton have much in the way of spoiled progressive children who would act stupid at McCain events. The road to progressive rudeness goes through chants of “Yes, We Can”. It’s the new political paradigm.
thuja on May 27, 2008 at 2:17 PM
I heard Pelosi & reid were standing around the side of the building, giving out joints for disruptive volunteers. ; )
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Right. But why would we go to the time and trouble of formulating an intelligent question and coherent arguments when we have been shown that all it’ll get you is to be called “Sweetie” followed by a big brush-off.
db on May 27, 2008 at 2:19 PM
So what do you call it when MCain takes to screaming “Fu** You” on the Senate floor?
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 2:21 PM
I have to disagree, this same “giving McCain the business” would be happening if Hillary was the clear nominee. And who do you think those pot smoking hippies would be voiting for?
kirkill on May 27, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Liberals don’t know how to discuss things rationally. They are far too emotional and ‘passionate’ to do so. They are like children that throw tantrums. I think they all need to be put in time out. I suggest a 24-hour Liberal time out in, let’s say… early November. ;-)
cannonball on May 27, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Regarding your last point, I think the time has arrived for conservatives to adopt some of these tactics if we ever expect to be taken seriously by the MSM and get our views out to the average American.
Just A Grunt on May 27, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Has anyone investigated the condition of the glass objects in the green room? ;)
He handled it very well. Preview of Minnesota? Count on it.
Limerick on May 27, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Ok Troll, it is this history of anger that the pot smoking hippies are trying to surface. Because their only hope is emotion and feelings. No substance.
kirkill on May 27, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Have any of the anti-war groups said exactly why it is they are opposed to the war and want us out? Certainly they don’t care about the troops so what is the reason?
DerKrieger on May 27, 2008 at 2:25 PM
I saw it. Too bad somebody didn’t slap the crap out of those to brain dead punks.
rplat on May 27, 2008 at 2:28 PM
McCain: “The reason they are not listening to me is because they are out of touch with reality.”
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Saw a Liberal bumper sticker yesterday that said “Liberals Care” and that made me think two separate thoughts 1) Feeling is not a substitute for Reason and 2) Why is there an implication that Conservatives don’t care?
The Liberal gives a man a fish…
The Conservative teaches a man to fish much to the consternation of the Liberal.
Who is really the more caring?
DerKrieger on May 27, 2008 at 2:28 PM
An outburst of anger, not his entire schitck employed to get a point across.
amerpundit on May 27, 2008 at 2:28 PM
Yeah, War is bad. Military service isn’t for real fighting, it’s for summer soldiers - even if the soldiers themselves don’t feel the same way these anti-war groups feel.
kirkill on May 27, 2008 at 2:29 PM
I’d like to see a “protest” with members of the crowd holding up posters with some of Obama’s more - ahem - choice quotes.
Heh.
Lockstein13 on May 27, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Because “fairness” is all about feelings. “The numbers say raising Capitol Gains Taxes would be an unmitigated disaster, but I feel that income redistributionism is right, because it seems fair.”
Spc Steve on May 27, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Has any of these “protestors” actually been asked WHY they are so angry?
Do they have a child/sig other fighting for OEF and OIF?
What is it they “Do” for the money they make to support themselves?
I wish someone would ask them… and I am not talking the crazy Code Pinko’s either.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:33 PM
I am not a Troll. Neither I am an Obama supporter, which someone ridiculously speculated sometime last week.
The fact that McCain’s opponents are willing to use his anger as a campaign issue does not mean it is invalid, especially when there is documented evidence to make their case.
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 2:35 PM
We need a poll on the best counter-chant, something better than “John McCain, John McCain” blah blah. I think we need something witty and sharp that sums up the Conservative position, rather than a simplistic chant for the Republican nominee. Any ideas folks?
pecan pie on May 27, 2008 at 2:35 PM
McCain should ask the punks why aren’t they out somewhere trying to sully some hero soldier’s funeral?
The honorable Patriot Guard Riders must be succeeding at putting a stop to that hippie nonsense.
viking01 on May 27, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Also, McCain looks good here; very easy-going, then able to set it up with the “never surrender” line. I have a feeling that the DNC will grab that line for some kind of ad in the election, before they realize that McCain is staking his claim on national pride in not losing this war.
Spc Steve on May 27, 2008 at 2:36 PM
I’m in the same boat. 0.01% of these people actually have a personal stake in the war so what is their motivation? Will they keep up their protests if a Dem (socialist) is elected in Nov? What will these people do once the evil GWB and Darth Cheney are gone?
DerKrieger on May 27, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Not that I mind seeing wannabe-Chavistas delivered some justice, but McCain makes the same mistake a lot of them do re: “Free speech.” They didn’t deny his right to free speech - only the government can do that. They were just private citizens being stupid and rude.
Hannibal Smith on May 27, 2008 at 2:36 PM
PGR is a Non-Political Group. I doubt they would go to something like that unless asked and even then it is up to the SC’s and the BoD’s to make the call depending on circumstance.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Maybe a few more of our “representatives” ought to get mad once in a while. I’m sick of the false civility. If I were in the House or Senate I’d let the moronic Dems(socialists) have a frequent taste of my anger. They are mostly fools and need to be reminded of that fact, e.g. Maxine Waters last week telling the execs of all the Big Oil majors that in her opinion the government should take over their companies. What a disgrace. Someone should have ripped into her for that statement.
DerKrieger on May 27, 2008 at 2:39 PM
I’d like to be the bearer of good news but this mom-n-dad dwelling image of these idiots, while it makes us conservatives feel good, just isn’t the case. 34 million Dem voters is double the unemployment rate.
In a different thread I mentioned Charlie Rose’s interview with Ted Sorensen last night. His view of Barak is straight out of a politboro talking points memo. These people BELIEVE that Americans must allow the world to humble them.
This isn’t freshman year in college crap, these people are living and working down the street from you.
Limerick on May 27, 2008 at 2:39 PM
I call it “diplomacy”.
My collie says:
Just registering my contempt for a troll, that’s all.
CyberCipher on May 27, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Cool under fire.
whatnext on May 27, 2008 at 2:40 PM
You know Der, God only knows. I can see it coming back to haunt them as they look at those who have served (I am talking all Military) and ask them to save them if something, lets say another “attack”, happens in this great Nation.
What can the patriotic people do besides thell them ‘I told you So?!” I would wonder what those who understood would do.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:41 PM
We just put out emails about him being the Muslim Manchurian Candidate and make assassination jokes.
SnarkVader on May 27, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Oh sweetie! I actually work with them. The people I work with seriously make me wonder if they care about anything out of their own bubble and hobbies.
**Sorry about the Sweetie**
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:43 PM
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 2:43 PM
New slogan: Punch a hippie for McCain.
Farmer_Joe on May 27, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Don’t be sorry, I do have a softer side :)
Limerick on May 27, 2008 at 2:44 PM
I agree with that. As I understand it, McCain’s out bursts were against his own party.
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Hey, don’t get me wrong. I actually like a streak of anger now and again. (I think it keeps your arteries cleared out) he-he-he.
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 2:14 PM
surrounded on May 27, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Well Lim, it is actually weird to work with these people. They aren’t all bad, but their process of thining seriously stops you in your tracks.
Working in Oil and Gas, you would think there would be more conservative types… which isn’t the case. Most are un or anti political. Do not vote and so on, yet they complain about everything…. and that also includes enviromental laws. Some of these people ARE enviromentalists, which is even odder.
I can’t tell you the times I have had to be quiet and let them spew because of the crap they have heard on TV and believe. And most of these people are masters or PhD’s
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Fighting the spread of Islam through violence is an endless war. Thankfully the only candidate willing to continue the battle will win in ‘08.
Hening on May 27, 2008 at 2:51 PM
You are confusing free speech and censorship. Even if you were not confused, your premise that only government can censor is not literally correct.
Wade on May 27, 2008 at 2:52 PM
Oh! Oh! I’ve got it! How about “Yes we Can!” Awww shit, my grandchildren tell me that’s taken already. It belongs to Bob the Builder. Sigh…back to the drawing board.
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Just goes to show my Granpa was right when he said “A man can be book smart but it don’t help him none if he ain’t got walkin around sense”. : )
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 2:55 PM
As long as it doesn’t end up with the official getting physical and isn’t how they normally conduct discussions, it’s still an outburst of anger. I said I understood Obama’s getting testy over the interruption of his breakfast, too.
amerpundit on May 27, 2008 at 2:57 PM
tell me about it. I just keep quiet and look at them funny when they get out of line and walk away. That usually baffles them right there.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:57 PM
That was the most important thing I saw in the whole clip. Second most important thing? He is cool, funny, and doesn’t let idiots get the better of him.
Anyone who says he isn’t qualified to be President doesn’t know their ass from first base. I’m not a McCainiac. But I recognize a patriot when I see one.
Subsunk
Subsunk on May 27, 2008 at 2:57 PM
McCain is no conservative, and I probably will not cast a vote for president this year, but will vote in the congressional races hoping to find some conservatives to hold whoever is president in check, but still behavior of this type is not acceptable and is merely a reflection on the upbringing of these folks.
I wonder if they put it on their resume? You know provided they have a resume that is.
Just A Grunt on May 27, 2008 at 2:57 PM
I would much rather have someone witty, sharp and Conservative as a nominee, rather than searching for a bloody conservative “brand” slogan.
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 2:58 PM
Strike 29 for those maggots trying to get McCain lose
his cool. He gets better at every rally.
Go Senator Go
Texyank on May 27, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Why would you say that? Not casting a vote?
Why don’t you explain. Heck vote for Elmer Fudd for all I care, but at least put in a vote!
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 3:00 PM
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 2:39 PM
You’ve misunderstood me. The point being that the Patriot Group Riders have effectively displaced the protest punks from the former venue of soldiers’ funerals so demonstrators are having to move their protests to a veteran - POW’s speeches.
viking01 on May 27, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Resume!!?? I doubt they could even spell the word! They are probably like a lot of other left-hippy-hippy types. They are just in college to keep from working!
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Darn right.
Richard Romano on May 27, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Dunno. I generally have nothing against a little whup ass. It’s wussy wimpy Barry that’s got me more worried. Does the little O have a strategy to counter that? Maybe send the Mrs. out?
JiangxiDad on May 27, 2008 at 3:06 PM
yes I did misunderstand you.. to a point. My apologies as I re-read it.
And I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Political protesting junkies as I call them can be worse then the WBC in many aspects AND will at times assault you. Standing in a Flag line and having to listen to people like that, serious makes your blood pressure rise. If they did Military Funerals, that would just make them look even more the fools they already are.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 3:08 PM
Could I be right in assuming that nowdays our children and grandchildren are not learning the “cause and effect” lessons? You know, the, “for every action, there is a re-action?” Those lessons, which I learned in school, helped me to stop and think about the consequences of my actions. I think now they are teaching them that there really is no right or wrong and if it feels good, do it.
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 3:09 PM
If I said no, would that surprise you?
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Remember that “PhD.” stands for “Piled higher and Deeper.”
viking01 on May 27, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Sadly, no.
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 3:11 PM
By John McCain’s McCain/Kennedy amnesty bill, by his McCain/Feingold anti free speech bill, by his Al Gore Global Warming worship, by his Gang of Fourteen, by his “My freinds” snicker, by his “FUC# you, I know more than anyone else in this room!” by his expression - By each of these things the man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent inquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.
Holmes on May 27, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Maybe the only chance we have of keeping our country on the right track, is to raise our children as conservatives, which we do, and encourage them to become teachers. Especially college professors.
kcd on May 27, 2008 at 3:14 PM
What’s his motive?
JiangxiDad on May 27, 2008 at 3:18 PM
McCain is pure class. I hope jackasses heckle him all the way to November. They are worth 1000 pro-McCain votes each and their too stupid to know it.
RobCon on May 27, 2008 at 3:20 PM
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 3:08 PM
No problem. I could have better phrased that earlier post.
For those interested in the Patriot Guard Riders they have a website at patriotguard.org The website provides far more than just information about their group. They have links and information about those whom have given their lives for our freedom. Very respectful, heartfelt and from usually from the veterans’ perspective.
viking01 on May 27, 2008 at 3:24 PM
In my very unscientific survey, Memorial day seems to have enraged the Iraq derangement syndrome outpatients to the point of total incoherence.
Its been really easy to get their heads to pop like champagne corks, which is lots of fun but worth no points at all.
If we can just keep them in a constant state of Co2 agitation, party like its 1968 could be a dream come true.
Speakup on May 27, 2008 at 3:24 PM
McCain’s? His own self-glorification… You know — I give McCain everything he deserves as a war hero. But apart from that, he was a political opportunist who married a woman who, through and along with her father, was well-connected and very wealthy. McCain’s political career is due to Cindy’s dad. In fact, I have often wondered if his political affiliation is a tribute to Cindy’s dad, since he doesn’t seem to have any genuine personal love for the party itself.
His anger and self-righteousness precede his military career, by his own account.
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Revenge perhaps for insults real or imagined? I am not an American voter, but I represent justice so far as my feeble powers go.
Holmes on May 27, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Ha! I didn’t realize ol’ Bob was an open borders cartoon.
I guess I’m just not a big fan of McCain and would rather chant for a cause than for the candidate-specific.
pecan pie on May 27, 2008 at 3:31 PM
That McCain, boy…….he’s good on the war….yeppers….
nottakingsides on May 27, 2008 at 3:35 PM
I don’t understand why McCain is hawking his liberal agenda with conservatives in the first place. They must screen attendees at his speeches. Except for his position on Iraq, I can’t tell his policy positions from Obama’s.
orlandocajun on May 27, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Ideas for Bumper Stickers:
Have a Brain–Vote McCain
I Cling to God, Not Obama
Talk is Barack, Action is Mac.
Steve Z on May 27, 2008 at 3:49 PM
The strategy is all wrong.
McCain never looses his temper with liberals.
If they want to see him loose his cool, have them heckle him with CONSERVATIVE ideas: about his idiotic stance On GoreBull Warming (McCain-Lieberman), on Amnesty for Illegals (McCain-Kennedy), on his unconstitutional legislation against the First Amendment (McCain-Feingold), on him wanting to close Gitmo, bring all the detainees to the heartland and give them twenty lawyers each.
THEN you will see the famous temper arise.
LegendHasIt on May 27, 2008 at 4:08 PM
By John McCain’s McCain/Kennedy amnesty bill, by his McCain/Feingold anti free speech bill, by his Al Gore
Fine, take all these issues that provide your profound disdain for McCain—–multipy by tenfold—-and you may get 10% of the policies and agenda’s Barak Obama will reign down on this nation that will turn us all into socialist nanny state dependent on an already bloated govenment. Try for a moment to “conceive” the alternative Holmes. Or are you advocating it?
Rovin on May 27, 2008 at 4:11 PM
McCain says, “we don’t interfere with other people’s right to free speech”.
Has John McCain never heard of the McCain/Feingold campaign finance reform which does exactly that?
RJL on May 27, 2008 at 4:43 PM
What is it with these people who think because McCain has a temper that somehow will make him a bad president? Lot’s of very successful and intelligent people have tempers. Look at Naomi Campbell.
bloggless on May 27, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I just think whether conservatives like McCain or not, they had better hope he gets elected.
surrounded on May 27, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Wouldn’t we all. I just wish there had been a better line to shut the lunatics up than “McCain, McCain, McCain”. Something with meaning would’ve been/would be better. But, oh well, it is a room full of McCain supporters, so I don’t really expect much from them.
pecan pie on May 27, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Viking no worries. I am a very active member of the PGR. :) Every State is different in customs and such, but we all abide by the same rules.
upinak on May 27, 2008 at 5:02 PM
I agree that most should hope McCain gets elected uncomfortable as that prospect may be. Barak is suffering athlete’s mouth from all the gaffes he’s made lately. Any massive Obama screwups in the Oval Office during the Age of Terrorism could easily result in the martial law he declares impeding any election scheduled for 2012.
viking01 on May 27, 2008 at 5:03 PM
This is the fundamental debate that this site has raged over since McCain clinched Florida. I would agree that McCain would be less-bad for the country than Obama or Hillary, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that he represents “hope” for Conservatism. Although, I still fear how the political right will give in easier to McCain than Obama so they can keep their chips on the table. That might result in amnesty quicker than an Obama presidency.
So, I will not look forward to the day that McCain is sworn in as POTUS, but I will probably vote for him just to keep Obama from raising his right hand next January. It’s a subtlety that must not be missed. McCain stands in a position to do less harm to the country (the critical consideration in voting), but he actually represents a bigger threat to Conservatism as a movement in my view because the media, the Left and even many party Republicans will allow McCain’s centrism to redefine and dilute Conservatism. Ironically for many of us who would shudder at the thought, McCain will be painted as the poster child for “right wing” which many feel is synonymous with Conservatism. That wouldn’t happen with a liberal Administration.
But don’t get me wrong, I’ll hold my nose in November. My hope isn’t in McCain - it’s in our ability to constrain him.
pecan pie on May 27, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Okay, just for pecanpie, I am offering some slogans:
1. McCain for Prez … or Fu** You!
2. John McCain… Yes I Did, Goddam It!
3. Vote McCain .. or don’t… He Doesn’t Give a Shit
4. McCain/Graham … Viva La Raza!
5. McCain, McCain, McCain … Say it Again!
6. Vote McCain, My Friend
7. Be Offended.. Vote McCain!
BigD on May 27, 2008 at 5:11 PM
How about:
Politilally Correct PC or MAC
Wade on May 27, 2008 at 5:11 PM
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