McCain Calls Lobbyists "Birds Of Prey"

Politico.com:

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) called lobbyists "birds of prey" Wednesday and vowed to enforce a lifetime ban on lobbying for members of his administration.

"Whenever there's a corrupt system, then you're going to have these birds of prey descend on it to get their share of the spoils," McCain said in a half-hour interview with Politico following a town-hall meeting in the southern part of this swing state.

McCain, clearly weary of vice-presidential speculation, began by saying preemptively that he was not going to say anything about the hot topic. His mood initially seemed sour, and his answers were clipped, although he warmed as the conversation went on.

Read the whole story: Politico.com

Comments

[IowaKid]

The lies just spill out of McCain's mouth so easily. Of course that's easy when all you do is talk out of both sides of it. Can't believe he would make a comment like this with all the lobbyist in his camp. Pitty the poor ignorant americans that believe this BS.

[KiwisCanFly]

“Whenever there’s a corrupt system, then you’re going to have these birds of prey descend on it to get their share of the spoils,” McCain said.

So McCain thinks lobbyist are predators.
Yet, he has more current and former lobbyists working on his campaign staff than any other candidate in the 2008 presidential election. (Media Matters)

“John McCain’s campaign is overrun by lobbyists and the worst abusers of the pay-to-play campaign finance system,” said David Donnelly, Campaign Money Watch’s director. “McCain’s reform credentials are gone.“ 5/12/08

McCain artfully instituted a “conflict policy," (initiated more than a year into his campaign) which prohibits anyone paid to work for the campaign from being a registered lobbyist. In compliance with this policy, they recently retire, or take a leave of absence, and a few actually did leave the campaign.

McCain is confusing birds of prey with scavengers.
McCain is not a credible reformer. Just follow the money

[RRK70]

Since the media isn't calling McCain on his "reality challenged" statements, McCain is pretty much free to say whatever he wants. I somehow suspect if McCain takes the lead in polls that the media may switch sides once again.

[bibb]

While I don't expect FOX, the public relations arm of the McCain campaign, to seriously question McCain's hypocrisies, the fact that the other networks haven't been seriously confronting this man leaves the public to question their motives.

Following the money seems to be the only way to find the truth in today's world. The media's willingness to ignore McCain's past, his gaffes, and his true policy positions while dissecting Obama's life and words leads me to question the manipulation of this campaign for profit. Keeping the viewers tuning in for a close race would seem to benefit both the major networks, their corporate execs, and the sponsors.

Unfortunately, it does not benefit the majority of voters, who remain in the dark.

[JackNasty]

Calling lobbyists common leaches would be a more accurate metaphor.

[sharpz111]

This is about the crappiest metaphor of the election cycle.

Lobbyists are not "Birds of Prey". Would you liken the eagle on the Presidential Crest to Randy Scheuneman? With all its grace, power and stoic beauty?

If you want a better ornithological metaphor try: "Carrion" or "Vultures"

[cluelessinSD]

OK, this guy is loosing it big time. He does remember all the lobbyist who are working in his campaign right now, doesn't he? Some body call Dr. Doolittle, the little bird of prey is loosing his mind.

[luvangelHussein330]

...Birds of prey that feed on the flesh ot the American People

[mscriblerus]

Oh!! So now McCain is into falconry.

[Ajegunle]

HE OUGHT TO KNOW---HIS ENTIRE CAMPAIGN IS RUN BY LOBBISTS!

THE MAN IS A SHAMELESS HYPOCRITE.

[Tommygun264]

If they're birds of prey, then McSame is a helpless little field mouse. Squeak, squeak.

[Smirk]

Does that mean he's going to fire most of his staff? And if he was serious about enforcing it--as POTUS, would he have that power or have to seek it?--wouldn't they quit before the election? For the GOP, it's not about serving your country but making connections to exploit for financial gain after your "service" is done. And Dems who behave the same way are just as bad.

[HC4BO]

New Pro-Obama book coming out soon ...

Digg It :

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Obama_s_Challenge_by_Robert_Kuttner_Chelsea_Green

Pre-order at Amazon at Reduced Price ...

[Ramirez]

"Pre-order at Reduced Price."

Avoid the rush?

[Freakpower]

Democratic Legislature.. and a Maverick who will veto every bill and wants try to "scrub every government agency"

He will veto every bill with "pork"

And will start a war with Russia, Iran, China, Cuba, and who the hell else knows.
This is what we Need at a time like this!

"I believe in mavericks, I believe I can fly!"

[jteschke]

This is more breathtaking hypocrisy from a man whose campaign is lobbyists personified. Can we trust his foreign policy advisor, who is a paid lobbyist of a regime McCain is supporting against a nuclear armed power. Is his sabre rattling in US interest or in the interest of the lobbyist? McCain is so eager to impugn the loyalty of his opponent while his own actions show that his own loyalty to US interests is less than unconditional.

[3dtrix]

The post below is a punch line - the joke vanished - twice...

Sigh....