Today's McCain Blogger Conference Call

Thursday February 28, 2008 - 12:30PM AZ Time

Sen. McCain was in Fort Worth, TX heading to an event in Dallas....

McCain: We held a fundraiser this am in Texas where many generous Texans contributed. Obama's comment on Al Qaeda yesterday, well Al Queda HAS a Base there. General Petraeus has said that Iraq is the Central Ground in the war against terrorism.

We are happy to see we are 3 points ahead in the National Polls. We are working hard to win the Texas & Ohio Primaries next Tuesay. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson was with McCain today!

Q & A

Dan Nowicki - The Arizona Republic: Q - Will there be a change in strategy if you become the GOP Nominee next Tuesday?

McCain: Out Town Hall Meetings will continue. We held a Town Hall today @ Texas Instruments, later this afternoon we will be at Rice University. When we clinch the nomination, we will continue the Town Hall Meetings all across the country. We will make this a 50 state campaign!

Matt Lewis - Towhall.com - Q - What should Conservatives ask President Bush to do in his remaining time in office?

McCain: The 1st thing is to stay the course in Iraq. Continue the efforts to ban Nuclear Weapons in Iran. Succeed in Afghanistan. Veto ANY bills with Earmarks in them. Make the tax cuts permanent. Cut Corporate taxes from 35% to 25%. Send a signal to Congress that Earmarks won't be allowed.

Paul Mirengoff - Power Line Blog: Q - In today's George Will column, Will hits you on Campaign Finance reforms

McCain: We have taken the soft money out of politics. George Will and I have always had disagreement on this issue. There are many issues that George Will and I agree on.

Robert Bluey - Redstate: Q - Sen. Jim DeMint has proposed a 1 year moratorium on Earmarks in the US Senate. Do you support this?

McCain: Of course I will support this. Republicans lost in 2006, not because of the war, but because of out of control spending. As President, I will VETO ANY bill that includes Earmarks.

Michael Goldfarb - The Weekly Standard: Q - The NY Philharmonic Orchestra just returned from a concert they gave in North Korea. Your thoughts?

McCain: Evidence is showing that the nuclear materials in Syria have North Korea earmarks all over them. I wonder if any of the North Korean residents were allowed to see this concert, other than invited guests? The current leader is trying to cling to power. Trust but Verify

Jonathan Rich - Q - What is the difference between YouTube & My Space?

McCain: My Space is a social networking group that allows you to meet and interact with others on the Internet. YouTube carries videos, I should know there are many of me on there.

Jennifer Rubin - Q - 1. Are you dismayed to see the bi-partisan Free Trade Agreement upended by the Democrats?
2. Your thoughts on the passing of William F. Buckley?

McCain: William Buckley was a 'trail blazer' for Conservatives. National Revue has had a HUGE impact for decades.

On NAFTA, I am disappointed in the Democrats. NAFTA has produced millions of jobs. Free Trade is a fundamental of progress in America. The Democrats are trying to deny Free Trade.

Jim Geraghty - National Revue Online: Q - Thank You Senator for you kind remarks on William Buckley & the National Revue. The Democrats keep saying that you said we need to stay in Iraq for 100 years. How long should America be prepared to stay?

McCain: My parents were great friends with the Buckley's.

About Iraq: The turning point has occurred. After the war is completed, we may have a military presence in Iraq, or not. Iraq will struggle with Al Qaeda for a long time. Already in Mosul, Iraqi troops are now leading the surge. America will be in a support role as time goes on.

I am confident of success there. I absolutely understand the frustration of the people. 43% polled recently showed that they believe the surge is working.