McCain Fakes Out Audience, Doesn't Take Questions

[struggle4progress]

By Matthew DeLong 10/13/08 4:30 PM

WILMINGTON, N.C. — ... The event was much smaller than the morning rally in Virginia Beach, where McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin appeared ...

But at the beginning of the event, McCain indicated that he would take questions from the audience. “Before our conversation,” he said, “I’ve got to give you some straight talk ...” — signaling his intention to talk with supporters.

But when he finished his speech, he abruptly left the stage, “Rocky” theme music blaring from the PA system ...

Still, the abrupt end to the rally was a bizarre moment that left more than a few reporters wondering aloud if this campaign has become a rudderless ship.

http://washingtonindependent.com/12204/mccain-fakes-out-audience-doesnt-take-questions

[truthisfreedom]

1. Hershey squirts?

[progressoid]

3. ...

:spray::spray::spray::spray::spray:

[DangerousRhythm]

4. ROFL!

:puke: :rofl:

[yodermon]

5. i am officially disgusted by your post

that said,

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[City Lights]

2. What a mavrick! nt

[Orsino]

6. How does "give you some straight talk" signal Q&A?

There are a few pieces missing from this story.

[stillcool]

8. I think the definition of "Town Hall Meeting"

implies Q&A..otherwise it would be billed as a speech.

Rumor had it that the event was originally scheduled as a town hall meeting; McCain’s daily schedule showed an hour set aside for the event. Normally, his staff does not block off such long periods of time for rallies.

But in the wake of the bad press generated by some of his town-hall rallies last week — at an event in Minnesota an audience member said Sen. Barack Obama was an Arab — it might be understandable why the campaign would pass up holding a town hall where it could happen again.

Still, the abrupt end to the rally was a bizarre moment that left more than a few reporters wondering aloud if this campaign has become a rudderless ship.

[Orsino]

14. Ah. Rumor.

Not officially billed as a town hall, but some folks got that impression. And Mr. Town Hall turned out not to be in the mood for such.

[stillcool]

18. nor a speech..

I guess people should not have been expecting anything. It seems the reporter drew the inference by the amount of time allocated for the speech/town hall/ whatever. Maybe he'll take questions today.

[progressivebydesign]

19. Someone posted elsewhere that he CLEARLY said he'd answer questions...

..then he did the same old stump speech, then left. People hung around for a while, and there were even volunteers in the audience WITH microphones waiting for the questions... then he just left.

[chalky]

12. I think, "Before our conversation" implies that there's going to be...well...a conversation.

n/t

[Orsino]

15. Well, that would do it.

Maybe this was just another clumsy McCain locution, and he never intended a real town hall.

A good politician will always term an appearance a "conversation," rather than a speech.

[chalky]

20. Hmmm...I'd think a "good politician" would know the difference between the two.

I don't recall Obama ever calling his speeches a conversation.
Or any other politician for that matter.
I suppose McCain is the only "good politician" out there....?

[Orsino]

21. Obama's "yes, we can" means that every appeance is a conversation...

...in theory, anyway (even when he's just giving a speech). That McCain feels he has to distinguish between the two speaks volumes about his elitism and isolation, IMO.

[chalky]

23. Wow. Okay. That's a stretch that would make copper wire out of a penny, but...

Ooookay.

[Orsino]

26. In what way?

As you say, both McCain and Obama are likely to understand the difference. It's just that Obama transcends that difference.

[struggle4progress]

27. "Before our conversation" seems deliberate enough a signal

[yellowcanine]

7. To be fair, he was just being mavericky.

[grantcart]

10. lol those geriatric maverick movements are so cute - he'll need a monitor soon

[madamesilverspurs]

16. Maver, not so much.

Icky? Yes.

[Democat]

9. McCain to supporters: Talk amongst yourselves!

He was probably off to save the world from terrorism! :rofl:

[high density]

11. Rocky theme?

Everything about this guy is old.

[Ilsa]

13. He didn't want to have to defend his opponent again at the behest of the SS. nt

[bullwinkle428]

17. But, but, but...I thought Grampy was the "Michael Phelps of the town hall format",

according to their campaign! That's why he wanted so many of them!

[Fire_brand]

22. . . .

[Raschel]

24. ROCKY THEME SONG?!!! Who the hell is running his campaign? How embarrassing. n/t

[ladywnch]

25. he probably just plain forgot about taking questions......a true senior moment. n/t

[Rambis]

28. Stunned!

:crazy: