OpEdNews » McCain: You're Only Rich if You Make $5 Million a Year

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Tag(s): Abortion; Adoption; Class; Conception; McCain-John; Religion; Religion And Spirituality; Religion-Politics; Rich People; Rich White Fascists; (more...) Taxes (less...)
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August 16, 2008 at 22:28:25

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Headlined on 8/16/08:
McCain: You're Only Rich if You Make $5 Million a Year

by JC Garrett Page 1 of 1 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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At the "Saddleback Civil Forum" on Saturday, Pastor Rick Warren asked questions of both Barack Obama and John McCain about their views and what their respective presidencies would be like.

Warren asked Obama what the dividing line would be between the "rich" and the "middle class." Obama responded that he wanted a fair tax structure that didn't allow the richest among us to enjoy more tax breaks than the poor and middle class. He said that people making $250,000 per year were in the top 3 or 4 percent, and they were "pretty well-off." He said that under his tax plan, those making less than $150,000 per year would actually get a tax cut, while those making more than that would see a modest tax increase.

When asked the same question, McCain gave his standard answer: "I don't want to raise taxes on anybody." When pressed for an answer that was actually responsive to the question, McCain said that if it were to be decided solely on income, "rich" would be "around $5 million."

Yeah, that would definitely be "rich." I suppose that means McCain would consider someone who only makes $4 million a year to be middle class.

When asked which sitting Supreme Court Justices he would not have nominated, Obama's first answer was Clarence Thomas. He said Thomas did not have the background in the law that he should have had to be on the Supreme Court. He also said he wouldn't have nominated Scalia.

When asked about Chief Justice John Roberts, Obama said that Roberts was certainly qualified by his background, but that he had failed to "guard against the encroachment of the executive branch," and had shown a proclivity to allow far too broad an expansion of the power of a president. He said Roberts was too willing to let the executive have his way.

Warren moved on before Obama could reach the question of Justice Samuel Alito.

Asked the same question, McCain said that he would not have nominated Justices Ginsburg, Souter, Stevens, and Breyer. He cited the standard Republican code words of "judicial activism" as his reason.

McCain emphasized that he was completely pro-life and always had been. He said that he believes life begins at conception, and that his policies would always be pro-life policies, and that he would only nominate pro-life judges - not just for the Supreme Court, but all federal judges.

Senator Obama made clear that he believed the decision was a personal one that should be made by the mother, her doctor, and the counsel of her family, friends, and spiritual adviser as she sees fit. He said we should provide options for women that make it easier to avoid unwanted pregnancies, and easier to have the child, whether she decides to keep the child or place it for adoption.

McCain made clear where he thinks the powers of the Presidency lie. He said, "The President of the United States' greatest asset is the bully pulpit."

McCain also identified his "great hero and role model" as President Teddy Roosevelt.

The differences in the tone of the candidates couldn't have been more disparate. While Obama seemed to be thoughtful and attempted to give answers specific to the questions asked of him, McCain's answers seemed "canned," and he had obviously pre-planned anecdotes which he tried to work into his replies even when they had nothing to do with the question asked of him. He seemed to be more comfortable trying to get laughs from the audience than dealing seriously with the issues.

By JC Garrett

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18 comments

Just a guy
Jimmy SmitsJust a guy

You're joking right?

Ok, it was obvious to anyone watching and listening that he said that as a joke, to opt out of giving a real number. His answer was that he doesn't want to raise taxes on anyone, so the line where "rich" starts is irrelevant. Hence, he jokingly said, "so, I don't know, $5 million?" to laughter from the audience, which he promptly followed with "and I'm sure that comment will be distorted." And here you are.

by Jimmy Smits (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments) on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:07:40 PM

JC Garrett is a freelance writer and Constitutional scholar from the piney-woods of East Texas. He apologizes to the entire world that the great Lone Star State could have produced the neo-Neanderthal currently occupying the Oval Office.

"I'm not ashamed to be an American. I'm ashamed George W. Bush is an American."

Mr. Garrett owns and operates an independent recording studio, plays several instruments, writes, sings, and produces music.

His stories have ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
JC GarrettJC Garrett is a freelance writer and Constitutional scholar from the piney-woods of East Texas. He apologizes to the entire world that the great Lone Star State could have produced the neo-Neanderthal currently occupying the Oval Office.

"I'm not ashamed to be an American. I'm ashamed George W. Bush is an American."

Mr. Garrett owns and operates an independent recording studio, plays several instruments, writes, sings, and produces music.

His stories have ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Distortion?

It's exactly what he said.

by JC Garrett (40 articles, 65 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 604 comments) on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:19:20 PM

Just a guy
Jimmy SmitsJust a guy

re: Distortion?

Let's not be obtuse. We all know you can distort a comment even while quoting it exactly, by misrepresenting its context or meaning. It was obvious that he did not literally mean that, and to suggest otherwise is just playing dumb. Or else being dumb, in which case I'm sorry - that's not your fault.

by Jimmy Smits (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments) on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:50:09 PM

Of course - we shouldn't take McCain at his own word

Obtuse would be a presidential candidate trying to avoid giving an answer to the question of who he believes the middle class is.

That's the answer he gave to a direct question. The fact that he didn't want to give an answer at all doesn't change that, and actually should raise the question of why he would not provide an honest answer to a simple and fair question.

If Obama had given the same answer, there would be an uproar about how he is a stuck-up "elitist." Arugula and such.

by JC Garrett (40 articles, 65 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 604 comments) on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:57:38 PM

Just a guy
Jimmy SmitsJust a guy

re: Of course - we shouldn't take McCain at his own word

Fine, at least you're making a legitimate point now, and not creating a silly fuss about something he didn't mean. I do, however, think it was a question worth ignoring, as the specific number that one thinks defines "rich" has very little meaning, as opposed to the more relevant subject of one's general philosophy about taxation, which was what McCain chose to discuss instead.

by Jimmy Smits (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 12:02:36 AM

I'm a retired special education teacher who is disgusted with Nancy Pelosi and the Dems who won't protect the constitution by impeaching Bush.
Ellen HerdmanI'm a retired special education teacher who is disgusted with Nancy Pelosi and the Dems who won't protect the constitution by impeaching Bush.

John McBush

Comment from Ratings: Reading this made me want to listen to some of the program but not a lot because I think religion should be banned from the political process.

by Ellen Herdman (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 7:47:59 AM

I am a white female, 60 years old, and a school teacher. I live in the midwest. I have two grown children and 4 grandchildren. I am married. My husband has early onset of Alzheimer's Disease. I love governement and politics.
Linda BaileyI am a white female, 60 years old, and a school teacher. I live in the midwest. I have two grown children and 4 grandchildren. I am married. My husband has early onset of Alzheimer's Disease. I love governement and politics.

John McCain's "joke"

He isn't the least bit funny. Mr. Smits, have you ever read McCain's "10 worst jokes"? The man is demented. His "jokes" tell me what the man really thinks. The rape joke is the sickest. He jokes about Alzheimers disease. And, he called his wife, in public, the "c" word. What a guy. His responses to the questions at the forum were scripted. He said everything that particular audience wanted to hear. He is pandering. No substance, nothing new. Nothing about helping the poor, relief from health care costs, nothing, except he doesn't want government interference. He is prolife, he made that very clear. He is also pro-war, and pro-rich.

by Linda Bailey (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 52 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 8:41:29 AM

Just a guy
Jimmy SmitsJust a guy

re: John McCain's "joke"

I wasn't really trying to support McCain, I just hate it when people misrepresent what actually happened, which this article does, regarding the $5 million remark. As for McCain himself, I have no strong feelings about him.

by Jimmy Smits (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 9:29:37 AM

houston liberal, professional, self employed, believe that liberal means social justice, economic fairness, and human rights trump economic concerns.
Houston Radicalhouston liberal, professional, self employed, believe that liberal means social justice, economic fairness, and human rights trump economic concerns.

McCain WAS joking

go and watch the clip

I don't like McCain at all

In fact Kucinich was my guy, but this comment is definitely OUT OF CONTEXT and it serves only to reduce OpEd's cred.

by Houston Radical (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 82 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 10:44:46 AM

Recently retired. President of a AFSCME local from 1997-2007. More a commenter to a blog article than article writer. Really enjoy well-written analysis of our times.
Robert ArendRecently retired. President of a AFSCME local from 1997-2007. More a commenter to a blog article than article writer. Really enjoy well-written analysis of our times.

Luke 12:14

Obama's position is easily defined, that those who have profited so grandly from the exploitation of American resources and the American workforce should contribute the most to sustaining the nation.

That truth is obvious and very Christian: "For unto whomever much is given, of him shall be much required...." Luke 12:14

by Robert Arend (4 articles, 16 quicklinks, 19 diaries, 179 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 11:59:28 AM

I am an 82 year old widow. I have voted in every election since I was old enough. I am the Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 6. I am a Democrat, always have been and always will be. I have worked over 40 years and draw Social Security. My favorite sport, for myself is bowling. Started in 1948 bowled through 1995 when healthy enough. I love sports, football, basketball and bowling. My favorite quotation for years has been, "WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR, BUT FEAR ITSELF". I can just hear it in my...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Margaret DensonI am an 82 year old widow. I have voted in every election since I was old enough. I am the Mother of 3 and Grandmother of 6. I am a Democrat, always have been and always will be. I have worked over 40 years and draw Social Security. My favorite sport, for myself is bowling. Started in 1948 bowled through 1995 when healthy enough. I love sports, football, basketball and bowling. My favorite quotation for years has been, "WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR, BUT FEAR ITSELF". I can just hear it in my...

to see more of bio, click on member name

McCains words

Maybe some of you did not hear his first response to that question? McCain said he thought if you have a family and the necessities of life, you are rich. THEN he made the remark about money, because the Rev. waited for an answer, probably in the amout of money. I do not think, for a minute that he meant that to be truth. IMO Obama did absolutely nothing, gained nothing and IS nothing in my book. You people that are so sick of G.W. that now you would vote for anyone, NOT on the Rep. ticket. Just because he was appointed to be the Democratic candidate doesn't mean Obama can do a better job. If the person who was wanted had not been thrown out, we would have seen a much better candidate for the Democratic party.

by Margaret Denson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 25 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 2:33:06 PM

Currently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolevee.com
Mr MCurrently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolevee.com

Six of one - half dozen of other ...

Does anyone actually think this whole episode wasn't scripted for mass consumption?

Obama may be different than McCain in that one is a well oiled gun and the other is a rusty, old Blunder-bust, but they're both still guns and they're both financed by same people that fund all the wars, that both plan to continue and both have no interest in finding the murders of 9/11 because they are the murders.

So people, please, get a hold of your senses.

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 21 diaries, 1785 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 3:34:33 PM

I was born in 1951. I had the benefit of experiencing the naïveté of the 50', The Ozzie and Harriet years, when Dad went to work in a suit and tie and Mom stayed home in
high heals and an apron. Yea, that was life for me. I lived in a predominantly Irish neighborhood in South Boston. My Grandmother and Grandfather came to America from Sicily in the early 1900's and finally settled in "Southie", opening one of the many corner markets, a grocery and butcher shop. They learned English and ma...

to see more of bio, click on member name
PeterJI was born in 1951. I had the benefit of experiencing the naïveté of the 50', The Ozzie and Harriet years, when Dad went to work in a suit and tie and Mom stayed home in
high heals and an apron. Yea, that was life for me. I lived in a predominantly Irish neighborhood in South Boston. My Grandmother and Grandfather came to America from Sicily in the early 1900's and finally settled in "Southie", opening one of the many corner markets, a grocery and butcher shop. They learned English and ma...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Finally!

That's it in a nutshell and nothing else really matters!

One intelligent statement so far.

by PeterJ (13 articles, 2 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 169 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 7:55:07 PM

Dave Kisor was an Aviation Electrician, USN / USNR, starting in 1971, working on A-4F Skyhawks & A-7E Corsair 2s ashore and afloat on the USS Hancock & USS Coral Sea. AA Speech Communications, the BA and MA in Geography and presently working for the US Forest Service as a Physical Science Technician. It's not just an adventure, it's a job. He's politically & progressively Green, and owned by his magnificent cat, The Empress Panthera.
Dave KisorDave Kisor was an Aviation Electrician, USN / USNR, starting in 1971, working on A-4F Skyhawks & A-7E Corsair 2s ashore and afloat on the USS Hancock & USS Coral Sea. AA Speech Communications, the BA and MA in Geography and presently working for the US Forest Service as a Physical Science Technician. It's not just an adventure, it's a job. He's politically & progressively Green, and owned by his magnificent cat, The Empress Panthera.

McCain's jokes are his reality

He's trying to make himself seem impoverished after flailex about his making $165,000 and drawing social security, as if he needs it. His attempts at humor are at best questionable.

He's also known for his impassioned speeches on the Senate floor about pork, but when he's done, instead of doing anything about it, he'll apologize for wasting any more of their time and simply leave. Read "The Wastrels of Defense" by Winslow T. Wheeler to confirm this.

I've also read where a pilot who had known him said McCain was known for his unsafe flying and went on to say if he was an unsafe pilot, he'd probably make an unsafe president. And when he was shot down, the Navy's accident rate was cut in half.

by Dave Kisor (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 158 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 7:45:22 PM

Masters degree in social work. Activist 40 years worth. Favorite quote, "we had to destroy the city to save it" hobbies taxedermy,music,saving souls and respirating
robert braunsteinMasters degree in social work. Activist 40 years worth. Favorite quote, "we had to destroy the city to save it" hobbies taxedermy,music,saving souls and respirating

Petunia

John Mccain is pork. He oughta know what he's talking about. What happened to seperation of church and state?. The only Lucke they should be talking about is cool hand luke. It seemed Johnny had the questions. He probably bought them from god.How come these guys were not cross examined by reverand Wright? How come these guys were cross examined at all? why not star and cresant examined? What about swami Beladona? These guys are shameless heathen dogs..

by robert braunstein (33 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 diaries, 106 comments) on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 8:25:59 PM

Political Activism is a passion but I have earned a living since 1995 through my web page design and hosting business. I also do graphics design and offer business cards, fliers, brochures etc. My most recent venture which can be seen at http://www.locationpromos.com is to provide custom items via my China connections to the souvenir trade.
Paul KrugerPolitical Activism is a passion but I have earned a living since 1995 through my web page design and hosting business. I also do graphics design and offer business cards, fliers, brochures etc. My most recent venture which can be seen at http://www.locationpromos.com is to provide custom items via my China connections to the souvenir trade.

$5 Million huh?

I guess I am only $4,999,900 short of living in a card board box.

by Paul Kruger (33 articles, 1 quicklinks, 6 diaries, 275 comments) on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 2:09:03 PM

Americans for Fair Taxation District Director, GA 13 congressional district
Dewey715Americans for Fair Taxation District Director, GA 13 congressional district

Bigger Issue

I would like to see both candidates, but especially Obama begin a speech with the Pledge of Alligance. He has yet to convince me that he believes in this country and would defend it with his life.

by Dewey715 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 12 comments) on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 9:47:08 AM

It's all put-on.

My friend,

You have been hoodwinked by some of the viral e-mails distributed by Corsi-conservatives that are simply smears on steroids.

Obama is a Senator. He has led the Pledge several times on the Senate floor.

The other day at one of his rallies, there was a heckler who started yelling questions at him during his speech, something about why won't he say the Pledge of Allegiance. Obama laughed and said, "You wanna say the Pledge? C'mon, we'll all say the Pledge of Allegiance. You want to lead us?"

And right there, in the middle of his speech, the whole crowd said the pledge of allegiance, led by the confused and embarrassed Republican plant.

It's all bunk. It's all ridiculous, put-on, fake patriot lies. There are a lot of people who say the pledge, and wear flag pins, and end every speech wrapped in the flag and saying "God bless America," who work every day for her destruction.

by JC Garrett (40 articles, 65 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 604 comments) on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 10:44:24 PM