McCain on owning eight houses: I didn’t have a house for five years as a POW; Update: Romney fades as houses meme takes off?
posted at 3:35 pm on August 26, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
The left’s been hammering him for awhile for using his Vietnam experience as an all-purpose excuse but it was Maureen Dowd — bestower of the original Absolute Moral Authority laurel wreath upon Cindy Sheehan three years ago — who broke the idea big on Sunday. I take his basic point, that we shouldn’t begrudge a man who had his limbs broken for his country a nice house or eight, but Team Maverick has been, shall we say, inartful in fully articulating that argument, using it to shut down scrutiny the way Silky uses family misfortune. His POW heroism is his most valuable political asset; as with any asset, the greater the supply, the less valuable it is. Why he’d feel obliged to supply it here instead of borrowing Obama’s “distraction” rhetoric or mentioning Kerry’s houses to deflate the charge of plutocracy, I simply don’t know. But the worst thing the campaign could do, much worse than even overusing the POW meme, is to use it in circumstances that make it seem ridiculous. Especially since ridicule is what McCain himself has used so effectively to knock Obama’s own, very different sort of halo clean off.
Update: Lowry noted this morning in his Huckabee post that McCain’s going to have problems now adding another guy with several mansions to his name to the ticket. Advantage: Pawlenty.
Sources close to Romney tell us that his camp has not had vice presidential talks and dealings for a while, leading them to believe that the other running mate topping McCain’s list has edged him out. Of concern is the likelihood that the Democrats would dub a McCain-Romney ticket the richest ever. In fact, at a breakfast today, when I asked Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow if the Romney name would help in the industrial state once governed by his dad, she turned the question to Romney’s wealth. She even added up the number of houses Romney and McCain have, coming to a total of 12.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 3 Next »
Not your best moment, McMaverick.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 26, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Tired.
Fletch54 on August 26, 2008 at 3:38 PM
All he needs to say is, “Our homes were bought with hard earned money and without the aid of any convicted Felons.”
Elizabetty on August 26, 2008 at 3:39 PM
I’d like to hear him hit back by noting that Americans don’t hate wealth, we hate arrogance. Most people look at those with nice cars or big houses and say ‘good for them’. We only get mad when the guy with the big house pretends he’s the smartest, most awesome guy in the whole world.
The class warfare stuff will only work if McCain lets it.
BadgerHawk on August 26, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Agreed. Stop flogging the POW angle. There are other and better options for a response.
DerKrieger on August 26, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Maverick, remember Rudy Giuliani? He rode 9/11 all the way out of the race. Don’t make the same mistake.
Kafir on August 26, 2008 at 3:40 PM
I hope no one is tired of all the ridiculous “How many houses does he own?” talk because once Mitt is the VP choice we’ll be hearing about all of his homes too.
BrianBoru on August 26, 2008 at 3:41 PM
McCain’s Wife is in Georgia doing humanitarian Aid work while Michelle is giving lame sappy speeches trying to give a false sense of who she is.. awesome..
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 3:42 PM
I thought it was a brilliant move on McCain’s part. Where does Obama come off on attacking McCain for being wealthy or owning multiple houses? What has he EVER sacrificed for his country to be in the position he is now? McCain laid it all on the line.
I know Allahpundit doesn’t like McCain that much, but give it a rest already. Sheesh.
nickj116 on August 26, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Don’t wear out the POW story.
BJ* on August 26, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Dumb, but not Barack America dumb.
Cardiganfox on August 26, 2008 at 3:43 PM
McLame. Could have said, “I don’t have any houses. They belong to my wife, and we have a prenup. I’m interested in getting people into houses, having a good economy that keeps people in their homes. How’s your house, Jay?”
Karl on August 26, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Can we all now agree that George W. Bush was the superior pick in 2000? All these stupid missteps by McCain would have been happening 8 years ago if South Carolina hadn’t stopped him. The Dims would have been bringing up pretty much everything they are now i.e. the first wife, his current wife’s wealth etc. The only mistake Bush made was not disclosing that 30 year old DUI. If only there had been a George W. Bush this year!
Speedwagon82 on August 26, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Every other word out of this guy’s mouth is POW this and that. Sing a new tune McCain.
Same story as Rudy and 9/11.
Xolom on August 26, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Brilliant
cat-scratch on August 26, 2008 at 3:44 PM
He has a home in Massachusettes, a lake house in New Hampshire and a Western Retreat in Utah.
My middle class Aunt has more homes than that.
Elizabetty on August 26, 2008 at 3:44 PM
I’m honestly expecting Lieberman to be tapped for VP. Someone very close to me works at McCain HQ in Arlington, and without being too specific, the clues all point to the first R/D ticket ever.
Troika37 on August 26, 2008 at 3:44 PM
Maverick, there’s a message from the tower,”Negative Ghost Rider, the pattern’s full”.
CFL on August 26, 2008 at 3:45 PM
I heard him on GMA or someplace explain that the houses were investments and they don’t live in every one of them. The American people are smart enough to realize that is an okay thing, to own real estate and sell at a later date for profit. He should push that as well as the “our homes were purchased legally and honestly; How about you, Barry?” response.
Mallard T. Drake on August 26, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Making it worse, he plays the POW card on a comedy show.
Jay Leno: What about the 8 Houses
McCain: I married a hot woman whose dad became rich selling booze. I did well and I’m not apologizing for it.
CanadianGuy on August 26, 2008 at 3:45 PM
IMO he is overplaying the sympathy card…
Let OTHER people play that card FOR YOU…. that works… just don’t use it yourself.
Romeo13 on August 26, 2008 at 3:45 PM
The democrats are beginning to use their same attack that they used on Rudy not too long ago, now with McCain.
Attack V2.0: For every question to McCain, the answer is: A noun, a verb, and ‘I was a POW for 5 1/2 years.’
McCain, you can use this reply less from now on, otherwise they will hit you with this as much as Kerry was hit with his “did you know I was in vietnam?” or mentioning that he won 3 purple hearts.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Sweet! Sign Elizabetty up to work on the campaign now!
Rhinoboy on August 26, 2008 at 3:46 PM
+1 lol
upinak on August 26, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Well, I can’t imagine ME living 5 f====ing days as a prisoner of war being torutured let alone 5 years so I’ll give him a break and say I admire you and your service. “Lame” “Give it a rest” ??? Has this site been invaded by HuffPo castaways?
Marcus on August 26, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Exactly. If any McCain people see this, mention it to the maverick, huh?
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 3:47 PM
C’mon. Knock it off. If McCain selects Mitt Romney…so what? Just point to John F. Kerry’s number of homes each in excess of several million dollars and call those liberal weenies hypocrites.
With pictures of JFKerry’s houses:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/kerry/homes.asp
Capitalism…we all believe it except the liberal weenies don’t want to admit that. We have two presidential candidates who are millionaires, and so what is your beef about accumulating wealth?
Kokonut on August 26, 2008 at 3:48 PM
I wonder how much of his money came from exploiting illegal immigrants. Does he want to give them homes here too at taxpayers expense?
You bet.
saiga on August 26, 2008 at 3:48 PM
It’s my thought, Marcus – that we can see how this might be viewed by non-political people, and want to offer advice on how we see this being received, and still support McCain in the process.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 3:48 PM
The question that I have for all of these retards that continue to play up the “houses” issue is this: How would YOU like to have John McCain’s 8 houses or whatever and all of his wife’s wealth? One catch. You also have to have lived his life including the shootdown, the decision to tell the NVA to fuck off and stay in prison, the torture, and never lifting your arms above your head for the rest of your life. Deal? What, not interested? Then shut the fuck up.
Froggy on August 26, 2008 at 3:49 PM
“Why doesn’t he just say 9/11 more?” – Rudy
Benaiah on August 26, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Thank you Marcus!! Exactly what I was thinking.
Five years of captivity and torture and they’re busting on him for talking about it. Unbelievable.
nickj116 on August 26, 2008 at 3:50 PM
both better responses.
However, he may be trying to bait the Obama camp into attacking him on this basis. McCain and his advisors are winning the battles with the Obama camp right now, so perhaps their judgement is better than mine on this issue.
funky chicken on August 26, 2008 at 3:50 PM
McCain’s response went over very well with the audience if you observe how quickly Leno glided to the “negative ads” topic. Unlike Kerry, McCain doesn’t need medals or dubious personal claims about his sacrifices.
McCain also got a good reception for being in California for his drill offshore, drill now comments which may be more reflective of the percentage of out-of-state tourists in the audience. On a national audience scale he knew what he was doing.
About the only comments he made which made my skin crawl was the “respect for Hillary” statements.
viking01 on August 26, 2008 at 3:50 PM
How about “As a conservative, I believe in economic growth and taking risks with personal responsibility to gain prosperity in all ways and at all levels, including myself as an example”…but wait, McCain would choke on the lie of being a conservative, so that wouldn’t work. I guess claiming life membership as a POW will have to do.
Fletch54 on August 26, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Yes! And KOSkiddies opening up the registrations was a bad idea, just because you get a mention on Limbaugh that isn’t a reason to open the registration.
Once a year thats was the rule the already extended it once so this is now the 3rd registration.. sheesh.. just let anyone in..
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Sorry, the guy is up 2 points in the middle of the DNC and I’ve noticed a lot of “lame” posts. Up 2 points in the middle of the DNC (probably a historic first) is “lame”? I think I see an agenda.
Marcus on August 26, 2008 at 3:52 PM
I think he has a point in this case. The Dems chose this meme to suggest that he can’t relate to the simple living conditions of the common folk because he lives a life of luxury. The fact is, that as a career Navy man and certainly as a POW, he has lived under more austere conditions than most people — something BO has never experienced.
Nosferightu on August 26, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Which was fine for John “I served in Vietnam” Kerry (who served in Vietnam) to use his Vietnam experience. Because he served. In Vietnam.
Double-standard, thy name is the Left.
crazy_legs on August 26, 2008 at 3:53 PM
McCain on Keating Five: I didn’t have any money for five years as a POW.
McCain on McCain/Feingold: I didn’t have any free speech for five years as a POW.
McCain on McCain/Kennedy: I didn’t have any Senate bill named after me for five years as a POW.
McCain on saying #uck you to Senator Coryn: I didn’t get to say #uck you to Senator Coryn for five years as a POW.
McCain on praising Nancy Pelosi: I didn’t get to praise Nancy Pelosi for five years as a POW.
McCain on praising Al Gore: I didn’t get to praise Al Gore for five years as a POW.
McCain on making campaign commercials with Britney and Paris: I didn’t get to make campaign commercials with Britney and Paris for five years as a POW.
McCain on having Juan Hernandez on his staff: I didn’t get to have Juan Hernandez on my staff for five years as a POW.
McCain on paying homage to LaRaza: I didn’t get to pay homage to LaRaza for five years as a POW.
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Liberals do this to try and take away someones strengths and make it a taboo to talk about, don’t let them, why should McCain be ashamed to have been a POW? He shouldn’t.
Go McCain.
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 3:54 PM
I want to clarify that I don’t mind him talking about his POW experience. It’s one of the main reasons I’m voting for him. I’d just like to see him go to the well a little less often.
BadgerHawk on August 26, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Some people pointed out how there are new members commenting …
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 3:55 PM
I concur with BadgerHawk (3:40).
That class warfare stuff only works the the childish, immature juvenile (some of whom are old enough to draw social security; calendar age has nothing to do with it) who are consumed with envy and jealousy.
Making the argument that someone else has more than you do, and it’s not fair is just childish. Believing that argument is foolish.
Politicians who feed that envy and jealousy for their own political profit are just despicable.
rockhauler on August 26, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Oh! This does much more than that. It’s such an irrelevant way of answering the question about how many homes he owns it makes him seem disconnected from reality.
highhopes on August 26, 2008 at 3:55 PM
And some of the trolls have been here for longer.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Dude, he should have said “Better a sugar momma than a slum lord.”
ninjapirate on August 26, 2008 at 3:55 PM
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 3:56 PM
Don’t worry Chakra. The trolls will eventually be weeded out and all will be well.
BadgerHawk on August 26, 2008 at 3:56 PM
I liked it better at Saddleback when he said something along the lines of “All Americans should aspire to such wealth”…hell, I’d LOVE to own eight houses! He should should embrace the wealth and his answer should be “DAMN STRAIGHT!…next topic…”
ocbrat on August 26, 2008 at 3:56 PM
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 3:57 PM
whats wrong with the Paris Hilation and Spears Ads
LMAO..
BTW, Keating 5
4 Democrats
1 Republican
Only John McCain testified and got Keating convicted
McCain was found to be innocent.
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 3:57 PM
I think Mack did a fine job with this answer. “It’s not about houses, it’s about putting people into houses.”
The left can’t attack his policies or track record, so they have no choice but to find stupid, menial crap and repeat it ad nauseum.
cannonball on August 26, 2008 at 3:58 PM
And right before the election too.. Oh well…
TheBigOldDog on August 26, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Troll, McCain didn’t do anything wrong. If you watched the fox report on Obama and McCain, you would have seen the entire events. Kranston was the one who was corrupt. The other two were rebuked, and the last democrat and McCain were told they used poor judgment. McCain answered reporters questions for an hour and a half, and was the only of the five to be a wittness at the keating trial.
You are a pathetic troll, and most good people here see you for the toilet bug that you are.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 3:59 PM
drop dead, troll.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 3:59 PM
The KOS kids got the memo on open registration, huh.
upinak on August 26, 2008 at 3:59 PM
So was OJ and he did not have as corrupt a jury.
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Go to hell troll.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 4:00 PM
I watched the whole of Monday’s Tonight Show on NBC.com, which of course actually owns the rights to the video (bad HA, bad).
McCain was terrific. The key was he just was himself. He didn’t try to come off on anything. He had some pat lines to throw in, all of which are good and still fresh. He had a new joke about who he would pick as his VP.
When Leno jabbed at him about owning many houses, McCain was taken aback, then he responded, laying it all out there. It was a true home run performance.
If we lose this election, …. I don’t know. McCain has to win. The difference is huge. McCain is the man.
indythinker on August 26, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Responding to the Madonna stupidity with the phoney outrage response was a bad idea too–sounded just like the Thin-Skinned One. I like Mac best when his sense of humor comes through, spiced with just a touch of malice. Can it be that hard to come up with response that blows this houses issue off without seeming out of touch?
Fortunata on August 26, 2008 at 4:01 PM
He paid the price, he can say anything he fekking wants. Complain all you want about John McCain, just so long as you get your grumbling asses to the voting booth on time and pull the lever for him.
Don´t fool yourself. Obama can still win this. His chances? – slim. But the chance is still there. Shut up and vote!
And thank you Marcus.
james hooker on August 26, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Buzz off, flea.
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 4:02 PM
is spreading false propaganda reason for ban?
i say yea if it were my website..
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 4:02 PM
We all would like to marry well.
And that fortune is made from an all-American product: mediocre beer.
Even as someone who has many disagreements with McCain and his often-stupid ways, I see nothing wrong with this.
TexasJew on August 26, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Since when did being void of possessions become a presidential pre-requisite?
leetpriest on August 26, 2008 at 4:03 PM
MB4 propaganda troll
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Agreed. For extra points, he should add- “Who do you want running the economy? The guy that owns several homes or the guy that get’s help from felons to by one, even though he makes 4 million a year.”
McCain should not be back peddling on this, especially with the POW story. He should run at it head on and call it for the nonsense it is.
Sheesh! Say it McCain- “Yeah, me an the Mrs. are loaded. I know how to make and invest money as well as I know how to win wars and deal with hostile nations. But if you don’t like that, vote for the poor multimillionaire. His brother doesn’t seem to mind living in a shack, why should you?”
Damiano on August 26, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Absolute Moral Authority.
Boy, this is such refreshing honesty. No one can criticize McCain because he was a POW!
Tom_Shipley on August 26, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Great list depicting McCain’s true depth as a candidate.
Fletch54 on August 26, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Nicely put, and I agree.
Just a guess here, but when you find yourself on stage in front of a mass of adoring fans, you begin to crave that attention. You feed that attention by repeating what brings the greatest reaction.
When McCain turns the attack into something positive by saying he wants to see everyone prosperous he gets a somewhat muted reaction because most people never accept the idea that they can be prosperous also.
rockhauler on August 26, 2008 at 4:05 PM
I wish McCain would mention other parts of his military service more. You know, the military service Democrats thought was so vital when they ran John Kerry. All of a sudden, it doesn’t matter anymore. Talk about what he learned from his father and grandfather.
Speedwagon82 on August 26, 2008 at 4:05 PM
That’s 7.99999 more houses than Obama’s neglected half-brother owns.
TexasJew on August 26, 2008 at 4:06 PM
My impression from McCain’s answer was that after his POW ordeal he really doesn’t care about material wealth enough to be concerned with how many houses he owns. I could imagine him to lose all his houses on one day and not be too bothered about it.
It’s more important for him to know facts and figures about the USA.
Look at Obama: he gets the name of the city he’s at wrong, he talks about 57 states, he says committees that he’s not even a member of are his…
evenfarer on August 26, 2008 at 4:06 PM
It’s very clear many on here are tired of McCain’s POW references.
What I’m hoping is that the general public will listen and think “what sacrifice, or for that matter what service, has Osama Obama performed for his country?”
It may have been years ago, but as long as McCain bears the scars, he’s entitled to the stars.
Patriotism has no expiration date.
Lies, inexperience, questionable associations and Messiah complexes do. In fact. I’d say Obama is already well past his sell-by date.
MrScribbler on August 26, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Great list depicting McCain’s true depth as a candidate.
Fletch54 on August 26, 2008 at 4:03 PM
saiga on August 26, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Blood’s in the water. MakoBarracuda4 and the Great wise_shark are already going at each other’s throats. Just need MadisonHammerhead and there’ll be a full-fledged frenzy.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 26, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Let’s analyze the attack. They are accusing McCain of greed. “You own 8 houses. You must be greedy.”
The POW story, the story of Cindy’s father, and the story of Cindy’s charity work make for the perfect reply because that proves McCain is greedy. In fact he’s the opposite of greedy. He and his wife are very giving.
indythinker on August 26, 2008 at 4:09 PM
And if I had wings I could fly.
Maybe if McCain becomes el Presidente he will get some kind of legislation passed by like minded people in congress, confiscate Hotair and give it to you.
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 4:09 PM
STUPID!!
To not pick the most qualified and intelligent person because of a TEMPORARY blip is just silly.
Elizabetty on August 26, 2008 at 4:10 PM
I agree, not the best answer but I will still vote for McCain even if he used it for every question ever asked of him.
Bishop on August 26, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Using poor judgement is “doing something wrong.” It wasn’t criminal nor even as poor as the judgement that Murtha showed during ABSCAM (where he was an unindicted co-conspirator). Nevertheless, please stop with the lies that McCain was completely exonerated. They call it the Keating 5 for the reason.
highhopes on August 26, 2008 at 4:12 PM
This is just one big joke for you, isnt it?
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 4:12 PM
He made his money the good old fashon way: He married it. No problem with that. My problem with him is Amnesty, amnesty, amnesty, and amnesty.
saiga on August 26, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Grue in the Attic on August 26, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Toss in jpark and st. olaf and you might see a full fledged riot.
Bishop on August 26, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Perhaps not but it does have a credit limit and McCain went over that long ago.
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 4:14 PM
How does he not pick Romnry over this silly house issue? He will set the example that we are EMBARRASSED by success! Thats a great conservative capitalist message! Work hard, buy things, but don’t let anybody find out. Sheesh.
ctmom on August 26, 2008 at 4:14 PM
without the aid of any convicted Felons.”
AMEN
flytier on August 26, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I’ll call the cleanup crew. Nets and solvents and all.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on August 26, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Welcome to the United Socialist States of America
TheBigOldDog on August 26, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Cindy McCain: John, can you please have one of the servants take out the garbage.
John McCain: You tell them to take out the garbage! I only had garbage to eat for 5 years as a POW!
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Do you know what % McCain give to charity?
STFU and go away already.
socialist
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 4:19 PM
The fox news report on McCain that showed the keating five controversy showed that the democrats didn’t want just 4 democrats to be investigated. They wanted to drag one republican into their investigation so it would be ‘non-partisan.’
I happen to believe the fox news version of events, not the MB4troll/kos/huffington post version of events, thank you very much.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 4:19 PM
What if you were a penguin?
BadgerHawk on August 26, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Congratulations, you’ve turned this page into the MB4 show. Goodbye.
wise_man on August 26, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Obviously he is right and you all don’t have a clue…none of the house stuff has stuck at all with REAL people.
tomas on August 26, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Another racist comment..
Chakra Hammer on August 26, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Electing McCain will postpone the next “Reagan Revolution” for many years. Electing Obama will hasten the next “Reagan Revolution”.
McCain will grant amnesty and he will have the juice to get it done. Obama is too lame to get it done.
Obama is bad for the short term, McCain is a catastrophy for the long term.
Write in David Petraeus and make a statement that niether one of these shmucks is worthy.
saiga on August 26, 2008 at 4:20 PM
He’s kinda approaching Rudy’s over-saturation of the “9/11″ line
YellowDawg on August 26, 2008 at 4:21 PM
I don’t think that idea was ever so much that McCain had so many houses as it was that he didn’t seem to have a clue as to how many he had, let alone anything else. Most Americans know how many houses they have as well as how much they paid for each one, what their monthly payments are and how much they pay in property taxes.
Of course that’s all OK as John McCain was a POW.
MB4 on August 26, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 3 Next »