Cindy McCain Republican Convention Speech

Read excerpts from Cindy McCain speech at the Republican convention, as prepared for delivery.

----

On Americans' duty to their country:
"That duty is what brings me before you tonight. And it's much larger and more important than just me or John or any of us: It's the work of this great country calling us together - and there is no greater duty than that, no more essential task for our generation -- right now."

On John McCain's character:
"It's going to take someone of unusual strength and character - someone exactly like my husband - to lead us through the reefs and currents that lie ahead. I know John. You can trust his hand at the wheel."

On John McCain leading by example:
"Forgiveness is not just a personal issue: it's why John led the effort to normalize relations with Vietnam retrieve the remains of our MIAs... to bring closure to both sides. That's leadership - national leadership. And it's leading by example."

Personal reflections on John McCain:
"If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain...a man tested and true...who's never wavered in his devotion to our country...a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider...who always speaks the truth no matter what the cost...a man of judgment and character...a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!"

Comments

[janchris]

Cindy McCain is like mother and father, all cheated on their spouses. To say that mcsame has great characte and honor is a trip, I wonder what his first wife thinks of that. If he had such great character he would have divorced his first wife before he cheated on her with Cindy. We all know that sometimes marriage doesn’t work out, but to cheat and then claim that you have character and honor is just wrong.

[FreeExpression]

I really tried to watch Cindy's entire speech; however, I was so uncomfortable watching her drama going from "high to low" that I had to turn off the coverage. I must admit after watching her I was asking myself if she was on valium or some other drug to help her "relax" - very disturbing body language.

Also, did anyone see the profile on John McCain when he first ran for politics in Arizona in the 1970s? He was called a carpetbagger because he was new to Arizona. His reply was that he had not lived in Arizona very long; the longest residence he had was in Hanoi as a POW. That's what helped him win his first political seat in Arizona.

It is AMAZING that the voters are still letting him use this same type of response over 30 years later; how is this relevant in 2008? Shouldn't he be judged on his actions in the United States Senate - voting record? Consistency in his position on issues?

[Beachlover1948]

I thought it was interesting that when John & Cindy first met, he, at age 41, claimed to be 37, and she, at 24, claimed to be 27. So their relationship began with mutual lies. Also interesting that Cindy forgot to mention that John was also married at the time. A double lie for John!

[Rhubarbarian]

In the video of her life, I couldn't help but notice all the things it left out. How her wonderful father met her wonderful mother, and failing to mention that both were married at the time. The wonderful story of how John and Cindy met, again failing to mention that he was married at the time. How her father became a "new" daddy when Cindy Lou was born, failing to mention that Cindy was his second child. Mentioning John's long POW experience, while failing to mention that it wasn't her and her children that waited for him during his ordeal, but his first wife and children who suffered through this.
The McCains must really be in denial about what the American public knows about their histories. This film was so over the top in its misrepresenation of these people, that I know millions of others where yelling out the missing pieces, in their heads if not out loud, as they watched this.
I have lost a lot of respect for Gary Sinese for narrating this fairy tale propaganda film. What a party hack!

[loofah]

I found it pretty offensive that two nights in a row Cindy draws attention to her daughter Bridget while telling the world that she is ADOPTED and came from "unspeakable" POVERTY and needed medical attention for her CLEFT PALETTE. Don't most people want their adopted kids NOT to feel differently from the rest of their siblings, rather than having their otherness paraded in front of millions of people two nights in a row? Don't most kids NOT like having their flaws, even "fixed" ones, pointed out in front of millions of people? I think showcasing your daughter as an object of charity so the world can know what a great person you are is mindbendingly insensitive. But hey, what else would you expect from a compassionate conservative?

[dpinmd]

As an adoptive mom, I totally agree with what you've written here. I cringe every time the McCains or the campaign brings up Bridget in the same breath while they are discussing Cindy's "charity work." My daughter is a blessing and we are the luckiest family in the world to have her in our lives. I would never, ever, in a million years want her to think that we did something "noble" or "charitable" by bringing her into our family, or that she should be grateful for having been adopted.

[alexandra88]

Well, if they didn't point out that Bridget is adopted it would certainly raise a lot of questions now, wouldn't it? I have an adopted daughter but she looks like me not like the mailman.
If Cindy didn't disclose, people would say she was hiding something and when she did shes insensitive. I personally believe that Cindy just went on ahead and told the story on national television rather than have some reporter from The Inquirer make it up to suit themselves.

I know lots of genuinely generous and compassionate conservatives. Conservatives are the empowerment party. How many lives have you changed lately with your generosity, medical skills, and compassion? Don't waste your good time being offended. Just get out there and do something with that energy that helps someone instead of using it to create separation with your disapproval.

Have you ever been in an office where the best employees get awards for accomplishment and ribbons for giving to the March of Dimes? Why shouldn't Cindy get credit for her good deeds? She changed a life forever and she is just telling the truth. Interesting that it bothers you so much.

[cnobody]

she lauded her father for being a war hero who never spoke about it and never sought praise. perhaps she needs to teach her husband about that.

[alexandra88]

Excuse me, they call this politics. You think if Obama had that feather in his cap he wouldn't be waving it ALL OVER THE PLACE?

I learned a lot about John Mc Cain last night that I never knew and I am so glad I watched the convention because up until then I was undecided.

The reporters afterward were a joke with their comments that McCain didn't say much of anything and quoted the Democrats like Al Gore. So what. The truth is the truth no matter whose mouth it comes out of.

[BLUEinReddeststate]

Did you learn he was a POW? Just in case you didn't know. The experience so humbled him that he came back to a wife that had dutifully waited for him. Even though she had been involved in a horrid accident in which she had been disabled. mccain, a changed man, ready to move on from his wild-adolescent ways was determined to put his country first... serve in Congress.
But he had this "drag of a wife."
Wait what is it I see ahead of me, a rich single beautiful women
One that could finance the service that I want to give to my country , screw my first wife Cindy has millions. Why wait for a divorce i love her money... I mean ahh her ability to help me serve my country first.
Serving country first can be expensive luckily the "Keatings" were able to help.
The important thing is the experience learned in life and how it changes a person.. John McCain was a POW and came back to be a self serving politician that couldn't get along with anyone. A maverick may just be a bully!
These people are liars and idiots.
Think America first... that's you and me.

[ex-pat]

The thought of them coupling makes me........­..........­...

[alexandra88]

Of who coupling? Why are you thinking of that? You're sick.

[dnels14]

mcsame is looking down at his 3ring notebook binder....

[alexandra88]

Have you ever done any public speaking? Let's see you talk for an hour with no notes to the entire country when every single word is being judged.

[talkingclock]

Cindy McCain , would not be a good first lady, she just does not fit the role.

[alexandra88]

Wrong.

[neurologymatters]

Cindy McCain said " John McCain is "A loyal and loving and true husband." To Whom?

[Quaoar]

His next wife.

[alexandra88]

His next wife won't be you and your husband won't ever run for president either will he. The man is a military hero from a family of military heroes. What have you done lately?

[alexandra88]

What??? Are the McCain's the only people in America now who are divorced and remarried? For crying out loud it's thirty years. Most young people today can't even stay married five years. Is this the country that has states changing the law so gays can marry? So do you support that? And you have nothing better to do than pick these people apart for being normal? Does the name Clinton ring a bell?????

[GloriaWEA1]

"...a loyal and loving and true husband and a magnificent father!"

I'll bet his first loving wife thought so too before he left her for BEER BARBIE!

[alexandra88]

Get a life. So you have never been divorced? Beer Barbie? I bet she's smarter and a lot more stunning than you are. Otherwise you'd never say that. Sounds like you are green blob.

[Rhubarbarian]

Divorce doesn't always involve adultery.

I honor John McCain's service to our country, but in my book, heroes don't commit adultery. Heroes don't abandon their families. This abandonment took place soon after he returned from Vietnam, not years afterwards. Both experiences point to his character, not just the Vietnam experience.

And let me go ahead and say before you say it that Cindy McCain is a lot more stunning than I am and probably smarter.

[dnels14]

why i look like the exorcist

[dnels14]

why i look like the swamp thing

[dnels14]

why i look like frankinstien

[donkeybasketball]

I had trouble reading aloud too (gave it up)... especially on valium. At least she didn't let on that she was having trouble. I loved the please stand up moment. Stick to the text Cindy. Stick to the text.