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Do not fill this in! == 2008 presidential campaign == {{Main|John McCain 2008 presidential campaign}} {{Further|2008 Republican Party presidential primaries|2008 United States presidential election}} [[File:McCain25April2007Portsmouth.jpg|thumb|alt=White-haired man speaking at podium, with group of people behind him, some holding blue "McCain" signs|McCain formally announces his candidacy for president in [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]], 2007]] McCain formally announced his intention to run for President of the United States on April 25, 2007, in [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6593317.stm "McCain launches White House bid"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227135407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6593317.stm |date=February 27, 2008 }}, [[BBC News]] (April 25, 2007). Retrieved May 15, 2008.</ref> He stated that: "I'm not running for president to be somebody, but to do something; to do the hard but necessary things, not the easy and needless things."<ref name="announce">[https://www.usatoday.com/news/pdf/4-25-2007-mccain-announcement.doc "Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Senator McCain's Announcement Speech"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307125849/http://www.usatoday.com//news//pdf//4-25-2007-mccain-announcement.doc |date=March 7, 2012 }}, ''[[USA Today]]'' (April 25, 2007). Retrieved May 18, 2008.</ref> McCain's oft-cited strengths as a presidential candidate for 2008 included national name recognition, sponsorship of major lobbying and campaign finance reform initiatives, his ability to reach across the aisle, his well-known military service and experience as a POW, his experience from the 2000 presidential campaign, and an expectation that he would capture Bush's top fundraisers.<ref name="wapo021206">Balz, Dan. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/11/AR2006021101374.html "For Possible '08 Run, McCain Is Courting Bush Loyalists"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401041314/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/11/AR2006021101374.html |date=April 1, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (February 12, 2006). Retrieved August 15, 2006.</ref> During the 2006 election cycle, McCain had attended 346 events<ref name="vf0207" /> and helped raise more than $10.5 million on behalf of Republican candidates. McCain also became more willing to ask business and industry for campaign contributions, while maintaining that such contributions would not affect any official decisions he would make.<ref>Birnbaum, Jeffrey and Solomon, John. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/12/30/ST2007123002933.html "McCain's Unlikely Ties to K Street"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914165018/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/12/30/ST2007123002933.html |date=September 14, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (December 31, 2007). Retrieved January 3, 2008.</ref> Despite being considered the front-runner for the nomination by pundits as 2007 began,<ref>Kirkpatrick, David D. and Pilhofer, Aron. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/us/politics/15donate.html "McCain Lags in Income, but Excels in Spending"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031844/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/us/politics/15donate.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (April 15, 2007). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> McCain was in second place behind former [[Mayor of New York City]] [[Rudy Giuliani]] in [[Nationwide opinion polling for the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries|national Republican polls]] as the year progressed. McCain had fundraising problems in the first half of 2007, due in part to his support for the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, which was unpopular among the Republican base electorate.<ref name="cnn070207">[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/02/mccain-lags-in-fundraising-cuts-staff/ "McCain lags in fundraising, cuts staff"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119200652/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/02/mccain-lags-in-fundraising-cuts-staff/ |date=January 19, 2008}}, [[CNN]] (July 2, 2007). Retrieved July 6, 2007.</ref><ref name="npr070207">[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11663436 "Lagging in Fundraising, McCain Reorganizes Staff"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075318/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11663436 |date=August 27, 2018 }}, [[National Public Radio|NPR]] (July 2, 2007). Retrieved July 6, 2007.</ref> Large-scale campaign staff downsizing took place in early July, but McCain said that he was not considering dropping out of the race.<ref name="npr070207" /> Later that month, the candidate's campaign manager and campaign chief strategist both departed.<ref>Sidoti, Liz. [http://newsok.com/mccain-campaign-suffers-key-shakeups/article/3080495 "McCain Campaign Suffers Key Shakeups"], ''[[The Oklahoman]]'' (July 10, 2007). Retrieved February 9, 2017.</ref> McCain slumped badly in national polls, often running third or fourth with 15 percent or less support. [[File:BushAndMcCains.jpg|thumb|left|alt=White-haired man in dark suit looks on as gray-haired man in dark suit holds hand and greets blonde-haired woman in medium-colored suit, all in front of a white building.|[[George W. Bush|President Bush]] holds [[Cindy McCain]]'s hand as he endorses her husband for president, March 2008]] The Arizona senator subsequently resumed his familiar position as a political [[underdog]],<ref name="iowagaz" /> riding the Straight Talk Express and taking advantage of free media such as debates and sponsored events.<ref name="pol071907">Martin, Jonathan. [http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0707/McCains_comeback_plan.html "McCain's comeback plan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305035206/http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0707/McCains_comeback_plan.html |date=March 5, 2008 }}, ''[[Politico]]'' (July 19, 2007). Retrieved December 12, 2007.</ref> By December 2007, the Republican race was unsettled, with none of the top-tier candidates dominating the race and all of them possessing major vulnerabilities with different elements of the Republican base electorate.<ref>Witosky, Tom. [http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=85192 "McCain sees resurgence in his run for president"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120524000459/http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=85192 |date=May 24, 2012}}, ''[[The Des Moines Register]]'' (December 17, 2007). Retrieved December 29, 2007.</ref> McCain was showing a resurgence, in particular with renewed strength in New Hampshire—the scene of his 2000 triumph—and was bolstered further by the endorsements of ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', the ''[[New Hampshire Union Leader]]'', and almost two dozen other state newspapers,<ref>Sinderbrand, Rebecca. [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/29/mccain-clinton-win-concord-monitor-endorsements/ "McCain, Clinton win Concord Monitor endorsements"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102143132/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/29/mccain-clinton-win-concord-monitor-endorsements/ |date=January 2, 2008}}, [[CNN]] (December 29, 2007). Retrieved December 29, 2007.</ref> as well as from Senator Lieberman (now an [[Independent Democrat]]).<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/17/mccain.endorsements/ "Lieberman: McCain can reunite our country"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612174305/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/17/mccain.endorsements/ |date=June 12, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (December 17, 2007). Retrieved June 26, 2008.</ref> McCain decided not to campaign significantly in the January 3, 2008, [[2008 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses|Iowa caucuses]], which saw a win by former [[Governor of Arkansas]] [[Mike Huckabee]]. McCain's comeback plan paid off when he won the [[2008 New Hampshire Republican presidential primary|New Hampshire primary]] on January 8, defeating former [[Governor of Massachusetts]] [[Mitt Romney]] in a close contest, to once again become one of the front-runners in the race.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/08/nh.main/index.html "CNN: McCain wins New Hampshire GOP primary"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912000610/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/08/nh.main/index.html |date=September 12, 2020 }}, [[CNN]] (January 8, 2008). Retrieved January 8, 2008.</ref> In mid-January, McCain placed first in the [[2008 South Carolina Republican presidential primary|South Carolina primary]], narrowly defeating Mike Huckabee.<ref name="SC Primary">Jones, Tim; Anderson, Lisa. [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-01-20/news/0801190540_1_consistent-conservative-voting-record-sen-john-mccain-leader-in-national-polls "Moderates flock to McCain in S.C.; 2nd-place finish deals blow for Huckabee"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513100018/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-01-20/news/0801190540_1_consistent-conservative-voting-record-sen-john-mccain-leader-in-national-polls |date=May 13, 2012 }}, ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' (January 20, 2008). Retrieved November 2, 2008.</ref> Pundits credited the third-place finisher, Tennessee's former U.S. Senator [[Fred Thompson]], with drawing votes from Huckabee in South Carolina, thereby giving a narrow win to McCain.<ref>[https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0122/breaking85.html "Thompson Quits US Presidential Race"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011010516/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0122/breaking85.html |date=October 11, 2012 }}, [[Reuters]] (January 22, 2008). Retrieved June 2, 2008.</ref> A week later, McCain won the [[2008 Florida Republican presidential primary|Florida primary]],<ref name="cnn012908f">[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/29/fl.primary/index.html "McCain wins Florida, Giuliani expected to drop out"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325190455/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/29/fl.primary/index.html |date=March 25, 2021 }}, [[CNN]] (January 29, 2008). Retrieved January 29, 2008.</ref> beating Romney again in a close contest; Giuliani then dropped out and endorsed McCain.<ref>Holland, Steve. [https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2964765820080131 "Giuliani, Edwards quit White House Race"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201110249/http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2964765820080131 |date=February 1, 2008 }}, [[Reuters]] (January 30, 2008). Retrieved January 30, 2008.</ref> On February 5, McCain won both the majority of states and [[Delegate (American politics)|delegates]] in the [[Super Tuesday, 2008|Super Tuesday]] [[2008 Republican Party presidential primaries|Republican primaries]], giving him a commanding lead toward the Republican nomination. Romney departed from the race on February{{nbsp}}7.<ref>Sidoti, Liz. [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-02-06-2354800962_x.htm "Romney Suspends Presidential Campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224000548/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-02-06-2354800962_x.htm |date=February 24, 2017 }}, [[Associated Press]] (February 7, 2008). Retrieved February 22, 2017.</ref> McCain's wins in the March{{nbsp}}4 primaries clinched a majority of the delegates, and he became the presumptive Republican nominee.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/04/march.4.contests/index.html "McCain wins key primaries, CNN projects; McCain clinches nod"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222653/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/04/march.4.contests/index.html |date=December 2, 2013 }}, [[CNN]] (March 4, 2008). Retrieved March 4, 2008.</ref> Had he been elected, he would have become the first president physically born outside the United States. This raised a potential legal issue, since the [[United States Constitution]] requires the president to be a [[natural-born citizen]] of the United States. A bipartisan legal review,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/28/politics/main3977521.shtml |title=Lawyers Conclude McCain is 'Natural Born' |publisher=[[CBS News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=May 23, 2008 |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808153346/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/28/politics/main3977521.shtml }}</ref> and a unanimous but non-binding Senate resolution,<ref>[[Michael Dobbs (US author)|Dobbs, Michael]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/01/AR2008050103224.html "McCain's Birth Abroad Stirs Legal Debate"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905175041/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/01/AR2008050103224.html |date=September 5, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (May 2, 2008). Retrieved October 24, 2008.</ref> both concluded that he was a natural-born citizen. However, other legal scholars came to the opposite conclusion that although he was a citizen, at the time of his birth he was not a natural born citizen; that is because the 1937 law that made him a citizen was passed one year after his birth.<ref>{{Citation| last = Chin| first = Gabriel Jackson| title = Why Senator John McCain Cannot Be President: Eleven Months and a Hundred Yards Short of Citizenship| location = Rochester, NY| accessdate = October 11, 2022| date = August 13, 2008| ssrn = 1157621| url = https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=1157621}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| issn = 0362-4331| last = Liptak| first = Adam| title = McCain's eligibility is disputed by professor| work = The New York Times| accessdate = October 11, 2022| date = July 11, 2008| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/world/americas/11iht-11mccain.14411311.html| archive-date = October 11, 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221011155001/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/world/americas/11iht-11mccain.14411311.html| url-status = live}}</ref> If inaugurated in 2009 at the age of 72 years and 144 days, he would have been the [[List of presidents of the United States by age|oldest person to become president]].<ref>Bash, Dana. [http://edition.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/08/29/mccain.birthday/index.html "With McCain, 72 is the new{{nbsp}}... 69?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607031508/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/08/29/mccain.birthday/index.html |date=June 7, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (September 4, 2006). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> McCain addressed concerns about his age and past health issues, stating in 2005 that his health was "excellent".<ref>McCain, John. [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/8245636 Interview transcript] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004215023/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/8245636/ |date=October 4, 2018 }}. ''[[Meet the Press]]'' via [[NBC News]] (June 19, 2005). Retrieved November 14, 2006.</ref> He had been treated for [[melanoma]] and an operation in 2000 for that condition left a noticeable mark on the left side of his face.<ref name="Altman">Altman, Lawrence. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/us/politics/09mccain.html "On the Campaign Trail, Few Mentions of McCain's Bout With Melanoma"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210084540/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/us/politics/09mccain.html |date=February 10, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (March 9, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> McCain's prognosis appeared favorable, according to independent experts, especially because he had already survived without a recurrence for more than seven years.<ref name="Altman" /> In May 2008, McCain's campaign briefly let the press review his medical records, and he was described as appearing cancer-free, having a strong heart, and in general being in good health.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081210064507/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/23/america/NA-POL-US-McCain-Health.php "Medical records show McCain is in good health"]. ''[[International Herald Tribune]]'' (May 23, 2008). Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref> McCain clinched enough delegates for the nomination and his focus shifted toward the general election, while Barack Obama and [[Hillary Clinton]] fought a prolonged [[2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries|battle for the Democratic nomination]].<ref>Page, Susan. [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4738053&page=1 "McCain runs strong as Democrats battle on"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129002016/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4738053&page=1 |date=November 29, 2020 }} ''[[USA Today]]'' (April 28, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> McCain introduced various policy proposals, and sought to improve his fundraising.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/31/mccain.tour/ "McCain tells his story to voters"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405213421/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/31/mccain.tour/ |date=April 5, 2008 }} [[CNN]] (March 31, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Luo, Michael and Palmer, Griff. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/politics/31donate.html "McCain Faces Test in Wooing Elite Donors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731073023/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/politics/31donate.html |date=July 31, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (March 31, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> Cindy McCain, who accounted for most of the couple's wealth with an estimated net worth of $100 million,<ref name="ap041808" /> made part of her tax returns public in May.<ref name=taxreturn>Kuhnhenn, Jim. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-05-23-1295131054_x.htm "Cindy McCain had $6 million income in 2006"], [[Associated Press]]. ''[[USA Today]]'' (May 24, 2008). Retrieved May 24, 2008.</ref> After facing criticism about [[lobbyist]]s on staff, the McCain campaign issued new rules in May 2008 to avoid [[conflict of interest|conflicts of interest]], causing five top aides to leave.<ref name="wapo051908lob">Shear, Michael. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/18/AR2008051802212.html "A Fifth Top Aide To McCain Resigns"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025233929/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/18/AR2008051802212.html |date=October 25, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (May 19, 2008). Retrieved June 4, 2008.</ref><ref name="az052608">Kammer, Jerry. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/05/26/20080526lobbyists0526.html "Lobbyists on John McCain's Team Facing Some New Rules"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415032011/http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/05/26/20080526lobbyists0526.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (May 26, 2008). Retrieved June 4, 2008.</ref> When Obama became the Democrats' [[presumptive nominee]] in early June, McCain proposed joint town hall meetings, but Obama instead requested [[2008 United States presidential debates|more traditional debates]] for the fall.<ref>Pickler, Nedra. [https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-4179825.html "Obama, McCain Fail To Agree On Town Halls"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509194951/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-4179825.html |date=May 9, 2013 }}, [[Associated Press]]. [[CBS News]] (June 13, 2008). Retrieved July 19, 2012.</ref> In July, a staff shake-up put [[Steve Schmidt]] in full operational control of the McCain campaign.<ref>[[Dan Balz|Balz, Dan]] and Shear, Michael D. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/02/AR2008070203038.html "McCain Puts New Strategist Atop Campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221140811/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/02/AR2008070203038.html |date=February 21, 2021 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (July 3, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> [[Rick Davis (political consultant)|Rick Davis]] remained as campaign manager but with a reduced role. Davis had also managed McCain's 2000 presidential campaign; in 2005 and 2006, [[United States Intelligence Community|U.S. intelligence]] warned McCain's Senate staff about Davis's Russian links but gave no further warnings.<ref>Birnbaum, Jeffrey and Solomon, John. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403383.html "Aide Helped Controversial Russian Meet McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527163327/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403383.html |date=May 27, 2019 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (January 25, 2008).</ref><ref>Carter, Sara. [https://www.circa.com/story/2017/09/22/politics/grassley-asks-fbi-if-the-trump-campaign-was-warned-about-possible-russian-infiltrators-but-gets-backlash-from-mccain-camp "Grassley gets backlash from McCain camp after asking FBI if Trump's campaign was warned about Russia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024448/https://www.circa.com/story/2017/09/22/politics/grassley-asks-fbi-if-the-trump-campaign-was-warned-about-possible-russian-infiltrators-but-gets-backlash-from-mccain-camp |date=November 7, 2017 }}, ''[[Circa News]]'' (September 22, 2017).</ref><ref>King, John and Raju, Manu. [http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/politics/chuck-grassley-fbi-letter/index.html "Grassley asks FBI if it warned Trump about Manafort"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207010031/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/politics/chuck-grassley-fbi-letter/index.html |date=December 7, 2020 }}, [[CNN]] (September 22, 2017).</ref><ref>Ames, Mark and Berman, Ari. [https://www.thenation.com/article/mccains-kremlin-ties/ "McCain's Kremlin Ties"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115055932/https://www.thenation.com/article/mccains-kremlin-ties/ |date=January 15, 2020 }}, ''[[The Nation]]'' (October 1, 2008).</ref> Throughout the summer of 2008, Obama typically led McCain in national polls by single-digit margins,<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html "General Election: McCain vs. Obama"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217083055/http://www.realclearpolitics.com//epolls//2008//president//us//general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html |date=February 17, 2009 }}, [[Real Clear Politics]]. Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> and also led in several key swing states.<ref name="fn062708" /> McCain reprised his familiar underdog role, which was due at least in part to the overall challenges Republicans faced in the election year.<ref name="iowagaz">Boshart, Rod. "McCain says he's underdog in Iowa during State Fair visit", ''[[The Gazette (Cedar Rapids)|The Gazette]]'' (August 8, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref><ref name="fn062708">[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/27/mccain-predicts-hell-overtake-obama-48-hours-before-the-election/ "McCain Predicts 'Underdog' Win in Final 48 Hours"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803192600/http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/27/mccain-predicts-hell-overtake-obama-48-hours-before-the-election/ |date=August 3, 2008 }}, [[Fox News]] (June 27, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> McCain accepted [[Campaign finance in the United States#Public financing of campaigns|public financing]] for the general election campaign, and the restrictions that go with it, while criticizing his Democratic opponent for becoming the first major party candidate to opt out of such financing for the general election since the system was implemented in 1976.<ref>Wayne, Leslie. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/us/politics/16mccain.html "McCain Raised $27 Million in July"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112832/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/us/politics/16mccain.html |date=November 7, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (August 15, 2008). Retrieved August 16, 2008.</ref><ref>Barr, Andy. [http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-passes-2-million-donors-2008-08-14.html "Obama passes two million donors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817022802/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-passes-2-million-donors-2008-08-14.html |date=August 17, 2008 }}, ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' (August 14, 2008). Retrieved August 16, 2008.</ref> The Republican's broad campaign theme focused on his experience and ability to lead, compared to Obama's.<ref>Kuhnhenn, Jim. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-07-31-1097990694_x.htm "Analysis: McCain tries to sow doubts about Obama"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315224456/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-07-31-1097990694_x.htm |date=March 15, 2012 }}, [[Associated Press]] for ''[[USA Today]]'' (July 31, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> [[File:McCainPalin1.jpg|thumb|alt=Todd Palin, Sarah Palin (behind a podium), Cindy McCain, John McCain together on an outdoor stage during daytime, crowd holding blue-and-white "McCain Palin" signs around them|The Palins and McCains campaign in [[Fairfax, Virginia]], following the [[2008 Republican National Convention]] on September 10]] On August 29, 2008, McCain revealed [[Alaska Governor]] [[Sarah Palin]] as his surprise choice for a running mate.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html "McCain taps Alaska Gov. Palin as vice president pick"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913120340/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html |date=September 13, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (August 29, 2008). Retrieved August 29, 2008.</ref> McCain was only the second U.S. major-party presidential nominee (after [[Walter Mondale]], who chose [[Geraldine Ferraro]]) to select a woman as his running mate and the first Republican to do so. On September 3, 2008, McCain and Palin became the Republican Party's presidential and vice presidential nominees at the [[2008 Republican National Convention]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]. McCain surged ahead of Obama in national polls following the convention, as the Palin pick energized core Republican voters who had previously been wary of him.<ref>Berman, Russell. [http://www.nysun.com/national/mccain-palin-surging-in-the-polls/85458/ "McCain-Palin Surging in the Polls"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080747/https://www.nysun.com/national/mccain-palin-surging-in-the-polls/85458/ |date=August 26, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Sun]]'' (September 9, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref> However, by the campaign's own later admission, the rollout of Palin to the national media went poorly,<ref>[[Adam Nagourney|Nagourney, Adam]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/09webnagourney.html "In Election's Wake, Campaigns Offer a Peek at What Really Happened"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415201332/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/09webnagourney.html |date=April 15, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (December 9, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref> and voter reactions to Palin grew increasingly negative, especially among independents and other voters concerned about her qualifications.<ref>Cohen, Jon and Agiesta, Jennifer. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/24/AR2008102402698_pf.html "Perceptions of Palin Grow Increasingly Negative, Poll Says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118124531/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/24/AR2008102402698_pf.html |date=November 18, 2016 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (October 25, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref> McCain's decision to choose Sarah Palin as his running mate was criticized; ''[[New York Times]]'' journalist [[David Brooks (commentator)|David Brooks]] said that "he took a disease that was running through the Republican party – anti-intellectualism, disrespect for facts – and he put it right at the centre of the party".<ref name="Smith">{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=David |title=John McCain opened Pandora's box – Sarah Palin came out, but Trump was right behind her |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/26/john-mccain-sarah-palin-donald-trump |access-date=August 28, 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=August 26, 2018 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827231829/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/26/john-mccain-sarah-palin-donald-trump |url-status=live }}</ref> Laura McGann in ''[[Vox (website)|Vox]]'' says that McCain gave the "reality TV politics" and [[Tea Party movement]] more political legitimacy, as well as solidifying "the Republican Party's comfort with a candidate who would say absurdities{{nbsp}}... unleashing a political style and a values system that animated the Tea Party movement and laid the groundwork for a Trump presidency."<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGann |first1=Laura |title=John McCain, Sarah Palin, and the rise of reality TV politics |url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/8/25/17779128/sarah-palin-john-mccain-legacy-trump |access-date=August 28, 2018 |work=Vox |date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827190421/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/8/25/17779128/sarah-palin-john-mccain-legacy-trump |url-status=live }}</ref> Although McCain later expressed regret for not choosing the independent Senator Joe Lieberman (who had previously been [[Al Gore]]'s running mate in 2000, while still elected as a Democrat) as his VP candidate instead, he consistently defended Palin's performances at his events.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Jonathan |title=At His Ranch, John McCain Shares Memories and Regrets With Friends |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/us/politics/john-mccain-arizona.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505180443/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/us/politics/john-mccain-arizona.html |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2018 |work=The New York Times |date=May 5, 2018 }}</ref> On September 24, McCain said he was temporarily suspending his campaign activities, called on Obama to join him, and proposed delaying the first of the general election debates with Obama, to work on the [[proposed U.S. financial system bailout]] before Congress, which was targeted at addressing the [[subprime mortgage crisis]] and the [[financial crisis of 2007–2008]].<ref>Fouhy, Beth. [http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1959&Itemid=206 "Obama rejects McCain's call to delay debate"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509090910/http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1959&Itemid=206 |date=May 9, 2013 }}, [[Associated Press]]. ''[[South Florida]] Times'' (September 24, 2008). Retrieved July 19, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5877644&page=1 "John McCain Statement: 'Suspending' His Campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826005201/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5877644&page=1 |date=August 26, 2018 }}, [[ABC News]] (September 24, 2008).</ref> McCain's intervention helped to give dissatisfied House Republicans an opportunity to propose changes to the plan that was otherwise close to agreement.<ref>Weisman, Jonathan. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR2008092603957.html "How McCain Stirred a Simmering Pot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421052651/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR2008092603957.html |date=April 21, 2018 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (September 27, 2008). Retrieved September 27, 2008. "In truth, McCain's dramatic announcement Wednesday that he would suspend his campaign and come to Washington for the bailout talks had wide repercussions."</ref><ref>Stolberg, Cheryl Gay and Bumiller, Elisabeth. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/27/us/politics/27mccain.html "A Balancing Act as McCain Faces a Divided Party and a Skeptical Public"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929000653/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/27/us/politics/27mccain.html |date=September 29, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (September 26, 2008). Retrieved September 27, 2008. "His greatest contribution," Mr. Bachus said, "was returning to Washington and standing up for Republicans who were refusing to be stampeded."</ref> After Obama declined McCain's suspension suggestion, McCain went ahead with the debate on September 26.<ref>[http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=723483 "McCain To Attend Debate, Resume Campaign"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927205109/http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=723483 |date=September 27, 2008}}, RTTNews (September 26, 2008). Retrieved September 26, 2008.</ref> On October 1, McCain voted in favor of a revised $700 billion rescue plan.<ref>[http://www.ny1.com/archives/nyc/all-boroughs/2008/10/02/senate-passes-economic-rescue-package-NYC_86538.old.html "Senate Passes Economic Rescue Package"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401080451/http://www.ny1.com/archives/nyc/all-boroughs/2008/10/02/senate-passes-economic-rescue-package-NYC_86538.old.html |date=April 1, 2016}}, [[NY1 News]] (October 2, 2008). Retrieved April 10, 2016.</ref> Another debate was held on October 7; like the first one, polls afterward suggested that Obama had won it.<ref>Steinhauser, Paul. [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/08/debate.poll/ "Obama picks up second debate win, poll says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219190620/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/08/debate.poll/ |date=February 19, 2021 }}, [[CNN]] (October 8, 2008). Retrieved October 12, 2008.</ref> A final presidential debate occurred on October 15.<ref>Daniel, Douglass. [https://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5921063.html "Obama backs away from McCain's debate challenge"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629132340/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5921063.html |date=June 29, 2011 }}, [[Associated Press]]. ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' (August 2, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> Down the stretch, McCain was outspent by Obama by a four-to-one margin.<ref>Rutenberg, Jim. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/us/politics/18ads.html "Nearing Record, Obama's Ad Effort Swamps McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731143440/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/us/politics/18ads.html |date=July 31, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 17, 2008). Retrieved December 30, 2008.</ref> During and after the final debate, McCain compared Obama's proposed policies to socialism and often invoked "[[Joe the Plumber]]" as a symbol of American small business dreams that would be thwarted by an Obama presidency.<ref>Drogin, Bob and Barabak, Mark Z. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081203122443/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign19-2008oct19%2C0%2C6341003.story "McCain Says Obama Wants Socialism"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (October 18, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref><ref>[[Elisabeth Bumiller|Bumiller, Elisabeth]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/us/politics/31mccain.html "In Ohio, McCain Is Everywhere Even if Joe the Plumber Isn't"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415032138/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/us/politics/31mccain.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 30, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref> He barred using the [[Jeremiah Wright controversy]] in ads against Obama,<ref>Smith, Ben. [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/McCain_pollster_Wright_wouldnt_have_worked.html "McCain pollster: Wright wouldn't have worked"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214202840/http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/McCain_pollster_Wright_wouldnt_have_worked.html |date=December 14, 2008 }}, ''[[Politico]]'' (December 11, 2008). Retrieved December 30, 2008.</ref> but the campaign did frequently criticize Obama regarding [[Bill Ayers 2008 presidential election controversy|his purported relationship with Bill Ayers]].<ref>Johnson, Alex. [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/27343688 "McCain hammers Obama on Ayers ties"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212005000/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/27343688 |date=February 12, 2018 }}, [[NBC News]] (October 23, 2008). Retrieved January 1, 2009.</ref> His rallies became increasingly vitriolic,<ref name="reut-back" /> with attendees denigrating Obama and displaying a growing anti-Muslim and anti-African-American sentiment.<ref name="huffpo-no" /> During a campaign rally in Minnesota, Gayle Quinnell, a McCain supporter, told him she did not trust Obama because "he's an Arab".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/oct/1/quinnell-where-are-they-now-gayle-quinnell/ |title=Where Are They Now?: Gayle Quinnell |work=The Washington Times |date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-date=February 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211071848/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/oct/1/quinnell-where-are-they-now-gayle-quinnell/ |url-status=live }}</ref> McCain replied, "No ma'am. He's a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues."<ref name="huffpo-no">[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-uptake/mccain-responds-to-arab-a_b_133820.html "McCain Responds to 'Arab' Epithet at Rally: 'Obama a Decent Family Man'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915144930/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-uptake/mccain-responds-to-arab-a_b_133820.html |date=September 15, 2018 }}, ''[[HuffPost]]'' (October 10, 2008).</ref> McCain's response was considered one of the finer moments of the campaign and was still being viewed several years later as a marker for civility in American politics, particularly in light of the anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant animus of the Donald Trump presidency.<ref name="reut-back">[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-campaign-treason-idUSBRE84616T20120507 "Romney backer sees treason, Obama's campaign cries foul"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924163835/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/us-usa-campaign-treason-idUSBRE84616T20120507 |date=September 24, 2015 }}, [[Reuters]] (May 7, 2012).</ref><ref>[[Matt Bai|Bai, Matt]], [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/us/politics/09bai.html "A Turning Point in the Discourse, but in Which Direction?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325233616/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/us/politics/09bai.html |date=March 25, 2017 }} ''[[The New York Times]]'' (January 8, 2011).</ref> Meghan McCain said that she cannot "go a day without someone bringing up (that) moment," and noted that at the time "there were a lot of people really trying to get my dad to go (against Obama) with{{nbsp}}... you're a Muslim, you're not an American aspect of that," but that her father had refused. "I can remember thinking that it was a morally amazing and beautiful moment, but that maybe there would be people in the Republican Party that would be quite angry," she said.<ref>{{cite news |last=King |first=Alexandra |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/10/politics/mccain-gray-zone-cnntv/index.html |title=Meghan McCain sees 'a lot of gray' with Trump voters and their views |publisher=CNN |date=February 10, 2018 |access-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210174224/https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/10/politics/mccain-gray-zone-cnntv/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:ElectoralCollege2008.svg|thumb|Results of the presidential election]] The election took place on November 4, and Barack Obama was declared the projected winner at about 11:00 pm Eastern Standard Time; McCain delivered his concession speech in Phoenix, Arizona about twenty minutes later.<ref name="cnn-conc">[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/mccain.transcript/ "Transcript: McCain concedes presidency"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110133628/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/mccain.transcript/ |date=November 10, 2010 }}, [[CNN]] (November 4, 2008).</ref> In it, he noted the historic and special significance of Obama being elected the nation's first African American president.<ref name="cnn-conc" /> McCain remarked that "whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans; and please believe me when I say, no association has ever meant more to me than that."<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2008 |title=McCain's Concession Speech |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/us/politics/04text-mccain.html |access-date=March 13, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313061430/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/us/politics/04text-mccain.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the end, McCain won 173 [[electoral college votes|electoral votes]] to Obama's 365;<ref>Franke-Ruta, Garance. [http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/11/19/mccain_takes_missouri.html "McCain Takes Missouri"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023022914/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2008/11/mccain-takes-missouri.html |date=October 23, 2015 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (November 19, 2008). Retrieved November 19, 2008.</ref> McCain failed to win most of the [[battleground state]]s and lost some traditionally Republican ones.<ref name="cnn-2008-pres-results" /> McCain gained 46 percent of the nationwide popular vote, compared to Obama's 53 percent.<ref name="cnn-2008-pres-results">[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ "President – Election Center 2008"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212014309/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ |date=December 12, 2008 }}, [[CNN]]. Retrieved November 19, 2008.</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Christianpedia:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window) Discuss this page