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June 26, 2008
Posted: 02:14 PM ET
 Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.

Click the play button to see what Jack and our viewers had to say.

FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:

Turns out John McCain doesn’t work weekends…sort of.

The Politico reports that McCain has held only one public campaign event on a weekend since wrapping up the Republican nomination in February, more than 4 months ago.

McCain aides say he uses time on the weekends to return to Arizona so he can rest, work on policy and meet with aides. McCain has also hosted reporters and donors over the weekends, appeared on Saturday Night Live and visited troops in Iraq and at Walter Reed. His advisers say McCain will campaign on weekends for a lot of the summer, including a speech in Washington and a fundraiser in Kentucky both on Saturday.

Nevertheless it’s a topic that raises some eyebrows, particularly because of McCain’s age. Political experts suggest that the decision to not campaign on weekends was not the best use of the extra time McCain had when the Democrats were still going after one another. Ed Rollins – who ran Ronald Reagan’s re-election campaign – says it’s easier to draw big crowds on weekends when people aren’t working. Rollins says McCain could have used the time to go to less populated areas and “rejuvenate” the Republican base.

His defenders point out that it’s such a bad environment for Republicans right now that McCain could have exhausted himself and not had much to show for it.

Barack Obama has made 7 weekend appearances this month alone.

Here’s my question to you: Can a candidate be elected president without campaigning on weekends?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

R. writes:
“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Both Obama and McCain are good men who have earned the right, in different ways, to contend for the presidency. But, this is the people’s government, and the people want to know: Who will work hardest for us?

Mickie from Philadelphia writes:
I don’t think it would matter if it were only occasionally taking a weekend off, but I definitely think to hit the critical voters (i.e., those who are working, mothers who are running around taking care of their children, etc.) you have to be willing to get out there with those people when they are available.

Chris from Ocean Grove, Massachusetts writes:
If the candidate says all the right things during the week, why not? As long as he is the president during the weekends when he wins and not clearing brush on some ranch, I’m all for it.

Dave from Mission Viejo, California writes:
Not campaigning on weekends is a great idea. Not campaigning at all until about October 15 would be even better. I have heard so much from the candidates that I am beginning to think I could not vote for anyone . My plea to McCain and Obama is: please give yourselves and the rest of us a break. With three debates and two to three weeks of campaigning, I am confident these guys could tell us all they have to say.

Andrew from Arnold, Missouri writes:
If McCain feels that he doesn’t need to campaign on weekends, that’s fine. But when Obama starts swinging McCain around by his funny looking tie in November, we’ll know why.

Filed under: 2008 Election


Betty - AL   June 26th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Hey Jack

Why should he campaign? He’s tired.

Besides, he has Bush’s base to buy his presidency - you remember the base - “the haves and the have mores”.

If by some remote chance he makes it to the WH, sure hope the red phone doesn’t ring on a week-end. But then, maybe the blackberry should never ring - he doesn’t know how to use one. (How backward can one person be?). Maybe he should take PC and blackberry lessons from some of his great-grandchildren on the week-ends.

Thanks

Michael Lorton, Virginia   June 26th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Jack: The answer is “YES HE CAN.”

Joe St Louis, MO   June 26th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Jack,

I have to say yes to this. We had a man become President with an IQ below the global average.

Joe

St Louis, MO

Mark, Nashville   June 26th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Yeah, why not? It may be wise to do so, but its not a requirement to be elected.

Nora Corpus Christi Texas   June 26th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Maybe Mr. McCain thinks its an 8 hour a day, monday-friday job, boy will he be in for a surprise! Jack I won’t be his age for quite a while and I need the weekend off, it comes with getting older, you can’t go for 7 days straight without a rest. It happens to babies and old people, trust me I know.

JC from Georgetown, Texas   June 26th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Not in this day and age. If a person really wants to get a message out to all the people then they need to visit all of the states and in person share their vision. But in this case and this year a person could get elected if their initials are BO and running against a republican.

mitch martin arkansaw   June 26th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

obama could take weekends off,and still win,but,mccain can’t win,regardless.let the old coot have his much needed rest,so he can make it til nov.

Jim from BC   June 26th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Since most public events happen on weekends, perhaps a candidate should consider campaigning only on weekends.

Pope from TX   June 26th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Yes they should–some event with their family or near their homestead. When military members are deployed we are on duty everyday and both candidates should think about the ones serving our country and how they feel away from their families on weekends. They should take time to praise God.

AndyZ Fairfax, VA   June 26th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Anything is possible however it is not probable. How would a candidate be able to reach out to their adoring throngs if not on a week end? How would a candidate be able to throw out the sound bites we all savor if not on the week end? Do you actually think that a presidential candidate should be reduced to working Monday through Friday on the evening shift to get their adrenaline flowing with large groups of mindless, loyal followers cheering their every word? No my dear Mr. Cafferty, they have to work week ends. And once their elected they will get their reward - a four year vacation with pay.

Katiec Pekin, IL   June 26th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Jack,
Imagine they would draw larger crowds on the weekends as,
those who still have jobs, cannot attend during the week.
Also, weekends are designated by most as a time to do
something, and what better than a Barack Obama Rally!!
Although realize the candidates get tired, need down time,
the weekend is not the time to do it. Believe it is necessary
for them to get as much exposure as they can.

Ruthie, GA   June 26th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

I was not aware that being President of the United States was a 9 to 5 job. If you can’t handle running for President, you want be able to hold the job. Being President of the United States, is a 24/7. I hope this is not a sign of McCain’s age.

Ian from Bedstuy   June 26th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

If your critics, ROVE & republican party works 7 days a week. You best to work 7 days also.

Jeff, Boston   June 26th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Hey Jack-

I came up with an idea. One law that will completely change our political system. It’s a simple change, if implemented would immediately identify our charlatan politicians.

Let’s pass a vow of poverty law. This law simply says, ALL politicians must take a vow of poverty. All monies made as a result of being a politician will be donated to charity. Speeches, appearances, lobbyist contributions etc . . . will go to the charity of their choice. Of course, they will be allowed to keep their salaries (assuming they are working and not campaigning for a different office).

I bet we would lose over half of our existing politicians. But, that would be a good thing. Let’s get people in there that care about making our country better. As opposed to those who see the position as a vehicle towards wealth.

Willow, from Iowa   June 26th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

I don’t know. Its kind of like becoming a nurse, cop, fireman, etc. You need to be there when needed. More people can come out to rallies and meetings on the weekends. Maybe they should campaign on the weekends, and have a day or two off during the week. Its difficult to get a large group of people together on a Monday. But easy to get a huge amount on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.

Chris Ocean Grove MA   June 26th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

If the candidate says all the right things during the week,why not? As long as he is The President during the weekends when he wins and not clearing brush on some ranch I’m all for it.

Greg ...Cabot AR   June 26th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I would vote for ANY candidate that didn’t interupt my weekend TV programs with a silly, mud slinging commercials since television is about the only thing I can afford these days.

Terry from North Carolina   June 26th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Jack
Why not,wasnt it Ruthford B.Hayes that never left Ohio and let the people come to him ? Besides John McCain needs all the rest he can get.

Dave from Mission Viejo,California   June 26th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Not campaigning on weekends is a great idea. Not campaigning at all until about October 15 would be even better. I have heard so much from the candidates that I am beginning to think I could not vote for anyone. My plea to McCain and Obama is please give yourselves and the rest of us a break. With three debates and two to three weeks of campaigning I am confident these guys could tell us all they have to say.

Emma, San Jose, CA   June 26th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Jack, that is a great question! It is like wondering if the constant visibility is necessary, or if the quality and meaning of each contact has more power with voters. I hope it is the latter.

Fox in Florida   June 26th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Jack,
Why not! The voting system is set up so that we only vote on Tuesday, limiting the ammount of people able to vote due to employment constraints. Maybe if the candidates campaigned only on the weekends and voting took place only on Sunday we’d see a higher turnout at the polls and less money and resources being wasted just for an election.

cy gardner   June 26th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

If the two senators running for president don’t campaign on weekends, will they be taking vacation days from their day jobs to campaign during the week? cy gardner arlington va

josh j. Athens GA   June 26th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

You haven’t read me yet Jack, but I’m keeping the faith.

I’d say that if country-rock guys from Nashville like Aron Leigh, with his new song “Change” are supporting Barack (shhhh, don’t tell anybody Leigh is a blue collar type white guy), Barack can afford to be a candidate and a good husband and father.

Priorities are important: if a candidate can’t keep promises to his or her family, that’s a problem.

Josh Jeffries
member of Bikers For Obama

Squier   June 26th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Definitely not. A candidate must be on the job 24-7, unlike George W. Bush the Deceiver who has been off the job and “giving us one” for eight years.

Stacy from Loudoun County, VA   June 26th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Jack, being the POTUS is a full time job, so a good dress rehearsal is the general election campaign. To get out and meet people on the weekends shows that the candidate is willing to go to these county fairs and political rallies and meet their potential constituency and address their concerns about the direction of this country face-to-face. Not campaigning on the weekends gives the perception that this person really does not want to be the President. If there is a global emergency or terrorist attack, you can’t say, “I’ll wait to take care of it on Monday.”

Jan Davis, Knoxville, TN   June 26th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Jack, I don’t think so. Being out with the public on weekends signifies the candidate is really wanting to hear the concerns of ordinary people, most of whom work Monday-Friday and can only attend campaign events on the weekends. It also shows they seriously want the job of President. If a candidate doesn’t have the energy to campaign on weekends, he/she shouldn’t be running for the position.

Jesse Mehle   June 26th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Senator Obama doesn’t have to campaign on the weekends. He has this one in the bag!!

Hope is on the way

Obama 08

Jesse
Duluth, MN

janet in oklahoma   June 26th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Jack now they should be able to. Right before the election is the fall is when they will be at full throttle. The candidates need time to spend with their families, eat a home cooked meal, and sleep in thier own bed, to keep thier sanity. I ‘m sure campaigning is very hard.

Ed Reed   June 26th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

I don’t know about campaigning on the weekends, but George Bush proved that anyone can become president and as the late George Carlin said, “That’s the problem.”

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX

Mark, Oklahoma City   June 26th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

William McKinley campaigned for re-election from his front porch due to his wife’s ill health. There was not even television for him to get his “message” out and he still won. Personally, I think people would like a break from politics on weekends along with all the other garbage they have to deal with Monday thru Friday.

Geri Britt   June 26th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Yes, but only if he doesn’t want the general electorate to show up at his campaignes during the week since most people who are intelligent enough to vote usually work.

Geri - Mead, OK

JD North Carolina   June 26th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

It is understandable McCain doesn’t see the need to work as hard as Obama. McCain doesn’t think much needs to change.

Antonio Gomez   June 26th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Yes, I belive that campaigning seven days a week for this two candidates is perfect. Obama and McCain both favor amnesty for the illegals and both have already voted to give them our social security. If they can disrespect the American people they wont much respect campaigning on SUNDAY.

JD North Carolina   June 26th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

So what will McCain’s 3am call look like? Putin calling on a saturday and getting a voicemail response saying “Thank you for calling the White House… office hours are from 830am to 530 pm, Monday through Friday… “

Jan from Boca Raton, Fl   June 26th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

It depends on how much money you have. Since Obama refuses to accept puplic financing and has millions, he probably won’t have to campaign at all, he can just run ads on TV.

Betty - AL   June 26th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Side note - I wish McLame would take a week-end off and get that “Gawd Awful Whistle” out of his teeth. Geeeeezzz - how annoying. Like fingernails on a chalkboard !!!!!

And don’t tell me he can’t afford it !!!!

Betty

Dori in AZ   June 26th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Campaign during the week. Run ads and have the “A team” surrogates out on weekends. Hillary, Bill and Chelsea could stump from Friday night through Sunday! I love it when a plan comes together!

Linda in Virginia   June 26th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Well Jack, desire is something you have to think about . Working hard for what you want doesn’t have time frames. Doesn’t everyone know that? But I know you don’t work on weekends Jack, and I miss you when your not there. I guess it’s all about paying those dues.

sarah, indiana   June 26th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

come on jack, everyone likes some down time on the weekend! besides it give the voters a break from the constant whine of the media going on and on and on about the candidates. we get to hear other news (yes jack, there is real other news) and relax with a beer. hey let’s get crazy and give them a four day weekend every week.

Mary, Alabama   June 26th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

He might as well. Unless something drastic happens he isn’t going to win anyway.

Jamaal Kansas   June 26th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

No not in this election if you look back to the primary election Obama and Clinton was campaigning so hard that they could not tell the difference between a weekend and a regular work day John Mccain is going to have a hard time keeping up with Obama when Obama has been in one state in the morning an another state before the day is over and having massive rallies when he is sleep deprived if Mccain gets sleep deprived they might need to call a doctor for that old guy

Phil P. in NJ   June 26th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Jack, can a President of the United States afford to run the country working 40 hrs/wk and take the weekends off ? I don’t think so. We need someone who has both the stamina and drive to watch over us as a nation 24hrs/day- 7 days/wk. Oh by the way, that includes answering the phone at 3 am.

Daniel From Englewood Florida   June 26th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Jack,

Cant we have the weekends off. It’s like school or work, we go the whole week with the nonsense we need two days off. Then we come back Monday refreashed and ready to hear the same old things again.

Rodney- Stafford,VA   June 26th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

I would say yes Jack because anything is possible look at Bush……..Need I say more?.

JT from TN   June 26th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

It could be possible but very unlikely, neither canidate has a strong enough message to not campaign on the weekends. The president is on duty 24/7 I hope which ever canidate wins is truely ready for the job, if not getout now.

Shane Brigarde   June 26th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Jack I have to say yes he can. After everything that happened the last eigth years, you can never underestimate the fear and stupidity of the american people.

Shane, PA

George Carlin McxKinney, Texas   June 26th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Well I suppose he/she can become president without campaigning on weekends. Most people are not watching the news anyway so what is to report. Besides as diligent as CNN is if something dirty or illicit happens to a presidential candidate over the weekend we are sure to hear about it when we turn the TV set on or open the paper on Monday morning.

Mickie in Philadelphia, PA   June 26th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I don’t think it would matter if it were only occasionally taking a weekend off, but I definitely think to hit the critical voters (i.e., those who are working, mothers who are running around taking care of their children, etc.) then I think you have to be willing to get out there with those people when they are available. Why should a politician be treated so special, they already don’t work the full year in congress and yet they get a huge lifetime pension, which is more than I get after working 2 and sometimes 3 jobs as a single mother (and never took welfare). I’m 64 and will be lucky if I ever get to retire.

Ray, Florida   June 26th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I don’t see why not Jack. After all Mr. Bush ran the whitehouse while mostly on vacation!
If you don’t campaign on weekends you lose your overtime votes.
But I hear the health plan is pretty good!

Ed North Carolina   June 26th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Wouldn’t that be great? A weekend moratorium on campaigning, but how would CNN fill the air time?

Bill,Quarryville. PA   June 26th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

At Mccain’s age I guess he needs his weekends off. That is why he should not run for president.

Mike, Syracuse NY   June 26th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Why not. We have a President that doesn’t work weekends.

Fish, MN   June 26th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Jack,
It doesn’t matter which days; the point is who you’re targetting, white, blue, pink, or non collars. Ask cnn collar, Bill Schneider.

C. Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 26th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

I didn’t know John McCain wasn’t campaigning on weekends but now that I think about it McCain did have a few weekend cookouts at his home. If you didn’t know about those weekend cookouts, it’s probably because you were working.

Jay in Texas   June 26th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Yes. With the country in the clutches of the worst economic shape in our history, both Senators Obama and McCain sould be quarantined in Washington, D.C. . After all, they are being paid handsomely to work as senators while the rest of us struggle to figure out how we are going to fill up our gas tanks or pay our rent or house payment. They should not be allowed to campaign anywhere until they have proven they really can solve the drastic problems we face in the jobs they now have. Start by reducing the price of gasoline!
Brownwood, Texas

Dori in AZ   June 26th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

I know what it’s like to live on an emergency response pager 24/7 for years. Physically and emotionally draining, and intrusive. I did it because of my commitment to help others. I am no stranger to those horrific 3 AM calls…. Neither are my children!

With the love and support of his family and friends, Sen. Obama can do this. It’s just a rehearsal for the full swing Presidency where he will be “on call” 24/7!

jon hoffman   June 26th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Jack:
He couldn’t do this if he owned a 7/11. Those owners work hard. How can you be ready on Day 1. Oh, it is easy! Without information from the web to make decisions; there is nothing to do. Maybe he can become as computer literate as Bush and “dial up” the internet.
I’m working 2 jobs to keep my family running; so is my wife. We never drive anywhere unless we can do 3 +chores; I’ve cut 475 Kwh from my monthly electric bill. Get Tough America and vote Obama.
Jon
Oroville, Calif.

Rex in Portland, Ore.   June 26th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I would prefer that these senators worked all week and campaigned only on the weekends. Or better yet, work all week and just forget the campaigning altogether. After all, God will select whom He chooses, right? Right? Right. Whatever happened to the moral majority? The Contract With America? Where’s Gingrich when you need him? Bring back Reagan! Bring back Falwell, we need more guidance. Crank up those evangelicals to full RPM and make them all keep the Sabbath day holy. Why hasn’t Shuler weighed in? What does Benny Hinn think?

Jack, I am beginning to think that it is getting crazy out here.

SkiMan   June 26th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Getting someone elected is like selling designer jeans. You have a product and with the proper mix of media and message, you can create an insatiable demand for anything.

America is the place where we routine convice people that they desparately need $400 jeans, $300 sneakers and $1200 purses.

With the right advertising team and funding like Soros can give, I can get anyone elected, even a fictional character like Alfred E Newman!

Working weekends is optional - And That’s change you can believe in.

Tina (Fort Worth)   June 26th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Leave the old man alone. He needs his naps on the weekend so he can make it a full week. You nap during the weekend don’t you?

bob, oshawa, canada   June 26th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Jack, yes. Even they need a rest from hearing their own voices going over the same old rhetoric. With so much re-hashing of candidates’ views in the media, most Americans have enough info about the issues to decide who to vote for even at this point. I believe that one of your presidential candidates did all his campaigning from his front porch. I can’t recall if he got elected but I admire his bravado.

Radiance   June 26th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Both Obama and McCain are good men who have earned the right, in different ways, to contend for the presidency. But, this is the peoples government, and the people want to know: Who will work hardest for us?

Marie   June 26th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

McCain may not have worked weekends, but he has been to Iraq but Obama apparently thinks going there to see for himself what is happening is not important, he just expects to buy the election, and of course pay off Clinton

Marie   June 26th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

He can take the entire campaign season off as far as I’m concerned. This guy is an old tied Repug. spinning the same old deceitfull web about the Dems. He needs a rest.

jeff reynolds alexandria in.   June 26th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Yes, if Barack Obama quits weekend campaigning he will still win.

Carl in South Carolina   June 26th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Well Jack just shows the ole man is out of gas. I don’t think if McCain is elected President the world will be put on hold over the weekend. Now if McCain knew how to run a computer he might be able to get by with blogs and emails.

Robert W. Brooks   June 26th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Jack,

McCain only plans to be president from 9:00 to 5:00 Monday thru Friday.

Robert
Forest, VA

Dan, Chantilly VA   June 26th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

It would probably make more sense to campaign from Wednesday to Sunday, and take a ‘weekend’ on Monday and Tuesday. Who wants to go to a rally on a Monday night?

Jenny Rome Ga   June 26th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Jack,

First of all McCain has not really had to work for his partys nomination yet. One hopes that that will change after the conventions. Second, he is elderly and needs his rest. Thirdly, maybe he will just concede to Obama,then Bush will be run out of town and we can begin to get ourselves out of this mess we are in. Hope springs eternal.

Dick B   June 26th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

I would never vote for anyone who campaigns on Sunday. It shows a disregard for family values and our religious beliefs. Of course I never vote anyway but if I did I would have principles that would not waver.

Pat,Lexington, Ky.   June 26th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Yes

joan ont.ca   June 26th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Jack, I can tell you how a 72yr.old operates, because my husband and I are that age. We need the weekends off and during the week we start to shut down early afternoon, also, need to make a list for everything, grocery list we forget to take with us. McCain is just too old to be president.

Andrew Gipson   June 26th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

If McCain feels that he doesn’t need to campaign on weekends, that’s fine. But when Obama starts swinging McCain around by his funny looking tie in November, we’ll know why.

Andrew Gipson
Arnold, Missouri

debbie   June 26th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Well I suppose if you spent the past 2 years or more collecting a nice hefty taxpayer funded Senator’spaycheck while working ZERO days a week it is amazing he only takes off on weekends. Apparentyly the concept of work=pay is a foreign concept to Senator McCain.

Tom in Desoto Texas   June 26th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Wasn’t that Fred Thompson’s approach?

Tom from Boston, Mass.   June 26th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Sure. And pigs can fly, too. There is no way that a candidate can win without campaigning on weekends, nor should they. First, the job of President is a 24/7 job. Second, the campaign machines on both sides will not rest, even on the Sabbath. And third, even if one candidate did announce that he would do so, the other would view it as a golden opportunity and take advantage of it. And finally, Ralph Nader would declare that the true candidates obviously aren’t serious about the job, he would break ranks and campaign on the weekend, and he would declare he should be elected because he is the hardest working candidate. Of course, in that case no one would care.

Karl in CA   June 26th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

I guess we will find out in November and hopefully the answer is NO.

Tom from Boston, Mass.   June 26th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Only if CNN agrees not to show McCain taking long naps on the weekend.

Karen, Idaho Falls Idaho   June 26th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Hi Jack,

Weekends–weekdays—What difference does it make. With the media covering both of them 24/7, either one could put a paper statue of themselves on a stage and CNN, Fox, etc would cover it.

Kristen- Philadelphia, PA   June 26th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

I thought being President was a 24hr on call kind of job. If McCain can’t work weekends now, what will he do in the White House? My mom says having babies is for young folks, well now I’m saying being President isn’t for old folks. Sorry McCain don’t mean to discriminate but I think your shipped has sailed.

Jan   June 26th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Jack,

Not campaigning on the weekend is not the problem — the real problem is that the work that he is being paid by the taxpayers to do in representing the state of Arizona has been completely abandoned. He is too busy to come to Washington to vote - only to make a speech. Apparently he will have time to appear “presidential” in Colombia and Mexico though. But that probably won’t be on the weekend either.

Judie   June 26th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Jack,
I am sure that the people could not stand seven days of McCain five days is more than enough. If McCain campaigned 24 hours a day seven days a week he would not get any more attendees at his sleep overs. Really Jack, have you taken a good look at McCains audiences. Now Barack Obama could fill stadiums 7 days a week and the people would still be excited and engaged. So it really does not matter unless someone “fixes” the voting machines McCain cannot win.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

J.R.   June 26th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Jack, you guys are really running out of questions. Who cares when McCain campaigns? He has to use the weekends to watch CNN, and hear what every other political figure is saying so he’ll know whether to flip or flop. T.G.I.F.

Janet, America via Toronto   June 26th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

McShame, part timer! Old Timer!

Jasmine in Germany   June 26th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Ed Rollins and the others are right, Jack. Perhaps McCain should change his weekly schedule and some habits. It would also be nice if his wife (or another close trusted person) would show him the basics of computer usage. McCain doesn’t have to become a whiz, but it would be nice if he could compose his notes for a memo, read and write his own e-mails, and be able to use a search machine.

Mark in PA   June 26th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Jack, I don’t know about you but I’m 58 and considered a high energy person, but I still need the weekends to rest up some to keep at peak performance mentally etc. during the week. Personally I can’t imagine why someone who’s 71 would have such an ego and delusions about themselves to think they really have the energy ( physical and mental)the presidency requires. For that matter I think congress could learn a few things along those lines as well- Oh I forgot they never work on weekends or most of the weekdays either, maybe thats why McCain thinks he can handle the white house based on his experience in congress. Mark in PA

Ruth Irwin ,Oglesby, IL   June 26th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I hope that not campaigning on the weekends will keep John McCain from winning the election. We do not need a third Bush term nor a sixth Reagan term.
Who needs that gang in the White House?

David,San Bernardino,CA.   June 26th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Why not? McCain already hasn’t shown up for his day job in the Senate for years. Maybe he should retire to Arizona permanently.

Deborah from North Port, FL   June 26th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

W was a famously lazy campaigner in 2000 — needed his own pillow and tucked into bed by 8. Al Gore blitzed the country. Remember the results?

Bruce St Paul MN   June 26th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

The sad thing is that it took four months for anybody to notice. Maybe it’s an intentional campaign strategy. Perhaps the “less is more” school of thought when trying to market a candidate who can’t draw a big crowd anyway, and even if he did, would promptly put them all to sleep. I think he is trying to stay out of the public eye so people can remember him as the 2000 John McCain.

Kelly, Philadelphia   June 26th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

No. I think McCain became comfortable with his schedule during the democratic primary season and no one has told him that his vacation days on weekends are over. If he can’t assess the need to campaign on weekends considering he’s behind in the polls and fundraising, then how can he accurately use data to drive his decisions as president. The Straight Talk Express seems quite comfy. Why not use it more frequently if he plans to win?

Julie from LA   June 26th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

McCain’s old, Jack. It’s mean to want him to work every day.

Look at Bush. He’s a decade younger and he has taken over a year’s worth of vacation days.

Why should McSame knock himself out when Bush has already shown the job doesn’t need that much work?

Obama/Clark ‘08

Caryn, Washington DC   June 26th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

It seems to me that John McCain is quite satisfied with the dozens of supporters that his rallies draw. If it ain’t broke…

D.J.Lauter   June 26th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Jack, I don’t think they allow “nap time” in the White House.
If McCain can’t keep up the pace now, he has no business being in the White House.
Doris
Ojai, California

Peter TX   June 26th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

yup, most of us dont care for politics at the weekend, either way, we still McBush

peter

Gerald Simpson   June 26th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

not if he’s a double digit underdog!

Vinnie Vino   June 26th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Jack,
An important prerequisite for a candidate to become our nation’s president is he or she has to be available 24/7. So the rigorous schedule of campaigning every day, including weekends and holidays, is absolutely necessary for anyone seeking the presidency…

C.I., New York

Toni Boutwell, Myrtle Beach SC   June 26th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

If he can’t be bothered to campaign for the job every day I shudder to think how cavalierly he would treat the job if he got it. No thanks, just one more reason to vote Obama.

Rosalynd Florida   June 26th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

A lot of hard working folks in Pensylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky can’t take the weekend off and McCain wants to show he understands their plight by taking a chill pill on the weekend. Good Luck with those voters GOP!

tap   June 26th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

the guy is old Jack,he also need time to get his botox done before a fresh week starts.

Mark   June 26th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Jack, Why should anyone care if McCain works on weekends? The silly ads still run. Both candidates spend way too much to get elected. It makes you wonder who thy have to pay back once elected.

Mark from Cherry Hill, NJ

Annie, Atlanta   June 26th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Obama is young enough to be McCain’s son, so it’s no surprise he’s out there campaigning on weekends while McCain naps. Then he looks fresh and ready to go on Monday, while McCain looks older. Is running the U.S. only a Monday thru Friday job?

george charles paree   June 26th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

no why would anyone think they care .but on the otherhand obama seems to need to jam it to us over and over. Why jack dont you ask him about larry sinclar and that problem or soros money conection

Vi   June 26th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Jack: John needs to put more energy into his campaigns. His speeches are so mundane and boring. If he is so tired - who is going to answer the 3:00 A.M. at the White House. The President cannot take time out to do cookouts on the weekend. If he really wants the job as the next President - he had better get with it on the weekends and wherever he can to meet the people and hear their concerns.

Keith from Irving Texas   June 26th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

We’ll get ole George to rewrite the constitution again before he leaves office, and make it mandatory for our president to have weekends off. That should do it for the GOP and John.

debbie   June 26th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Perhaps all the soldiers McCain wants to leave in Iraq and Afganistan indefinitely should take weekends off also………

debbie
mesa arizona

Jeff, Galena, MO   June 26th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

I’m sure he could. But if that is his work ethics, I hope that damn phone doesn’t ring on Saturday afternoon.

Adele   June 26th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Sure they can. But should they? No, being the president is a 24-7 job.

Los Angeles, CA

Patricia   June 26th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Ok… John McCain is going to be showing his age because he can’t campaign on the weekends. Barack Obama is going to be showing he’s a real family man because he won’t campaign on the weekends. Take your pick.
Patricia
Palmdale, Ca.

Gerald, Monroe Co. WV   June 26th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Not if he’s a double digit underdog.

Gene, Florida   June 26th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

I suppose he can but I’m more concerned about weather he has a “Crawford” stashed away somewhere if he happens to get elected.

Don Bezler   June 26th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Jack,Candidates should be with the public most of the time as they
get closer too election Obama has to watch McBushif he takes
time off so can Obama.

Henry Montgomery   June 26th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Yes,either candidate can. But the truth of the matter is this guy is running low on gas. This young guy Obama is going to run him in the ground in the fall. Didn’t McCain see the picture of Hillary Clinton forgetting where she was in Bosnia when matched up against Obama. This match up will be like an old horse run ning against a yourng horse. The Young horse wins everytime. Another concern McCain has is why did he flip-flop on campaign financing in the Primaries. He may have borrowed money from a Bethesda, Md Bank and used it illegally.

Bodo in Ann Arbor   June 26th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

When the two enormous battleships “Clinton” and “Obama” were firing huge salvoes at each other, they delivered votes to McCain’s little cruiser by the shipload. He probably won’t need to campaign all that much. Why should he?

Sheryl Hennika, Lake Wylie SC   June 26th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Considering that the only time I would have to see McCain in person (if he was interested in swaying my vote) would be a week-end. I really don’t think the bosses will allow me to leave for a political rally/speech during my working hours.

Depends on how bad he wants to be President. Isn’t airfare back home cheaper during the week?

Gwinn Oregon   June 26th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

In my circle of friends we turn the TV off for the weekend. We’ve had more than enough by weeks end. The media has worn out their welcome by Wednesday. By July we wouldn’t be around home to attend a Presidentual rally.
Gwinn

Darlene - Philadelphia   June 26th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

It’s almost as if he feels he doesn’t have to, like he knows he’s gonna win, what’s up with that?

Kelvin   June 26th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

He needs weekends off to do damage control from his weekday speeches. Example -”I’ll veto any beer that crosses my desk.” The less he talks the more likely he is to be elected. So the answer in his case is yes.

Liz - Winter Haven, Florida   June 26th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Yes, if you happen to be FDR running for your forth term. If, however, you are John McCain, the underdog, in the shadow of Bush, this weekend off schedule will really help Obama.

MMN-Milwaukee WI   June 26th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Jack:

For McCain, nothing ruins a weekend than a Monday morning campaign rally.

Shalauddin Ahmed   June 26th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Sen. McCain is too old to work on weekend. People should not elect a president of USA during his retirement time.

Victor in Saanich, B.C. Canada   June 26th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Jack, Republican remember!! Got to keep the Sabbath and have one day off to count your money etc.!! It also takes time to reinvent the reality of the nation, at present, into a Republican spin. Oh yes, and time as well to clean and starch those ‘white’ shirts!!!

Fred in Seattle   June 26th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

His defenders sure have a glum view of his election prospects. He doesn’t want to exhaust himself? What was that statement “his age is not an issue”?

Cynical   June 26th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

The job of President is on call 24/7 it is not a “day job”. Maybe he should reconsider if he can’t give up his weekends.

Ray Kinserlow   June 26th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I can envision the voters who who a normal workweek looking at the ballot in November and saying, “John who?”

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

Don M, Fair Lawn NJ   June 26th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

As I get older, I have come to appreciate the benefits of quiet, reflective thought. It helps one maintain perspective, which is a good quality for a president to have.

This country is facing grave problems, from enemies of our American way of life to the need to plan for energy independence to the internal cultural rot driven by a sex and youth-crazed media. If the man wants time to think about where he is and where he is going, I’m all for it.

Robert in Toronto, ON   June 26th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

From what I’ve seen, he doesn’t seem to work much during the week either.

Nicole T., Villa Rica GA   June 26th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

So whose home the majority of the time during the week to attend or watch this type of campaigning? Folks with money Jack. Folks with time to go golfing and teaing and sitting around the poole catching some rays. Which demonstrates once again who the Republicans cater to.

Emma Horton   June 26th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

No………McCain can’t win not campaigning on the weekends. Let’s face it Jack, the man is old, just plain old.

I am 60 years old and work a full-time job Monday-Friday and I look forward to doing nothing on the weekends. I need my rest and I lay in bed late on Saturday and Sunday.

I don’t care how the McCain campaign spins it………….McCain is old, read my lips OLD.

ms.sims   June 26th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Now i am by NO MEANS a McCain supporter, but even I think this is not a relevant issue. I don’t even wanna work 7 days straight every week and i’m way younger than him…it almost hurts to have to agree with McCain on something

Mark Webb, Chicago   June 26th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Sure he can get elected.
But, don’t expect him to answew 3am calls on week ends!

Peter   June 26th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Jack, McCain is going to lose, so he might as well spend the weekends not campaigning so he can LOSE in November, just let him live his life and on weekdays he can suffer realizing he won’t become the president

AG, Erie   June 26th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I’m sorry do you not take time off weekly for yourself. I do. I know I saw a picture of Obama riding bike on a day off. Newsflash: people who don’t know how to balance their schedule to create some time for rest and relaxation burn out. Shouldn’t the man who runs this country learn how to balance his schedule?

Terry, Chandler AZ   June 26th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Well Jack, the present resident of the White House does not appear to work on a lot of weekends, so I assume a fellow republican can do the same by not campaigning on weekends.

Lorenzo, Atlanta, GA   June 26th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Now Jack, you’re being too hard on him. He has to save his energy. You know as well as I do that he needs his rest so that he doesn’t start napping during the day. Soon, everyone will find it odd that he’ll start going to bed at 7:00 after drinking his warm milk and slipping into his jammies.

sandy in Ohio   June 26th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Jack, I know the importance for anyone to have down time to re-charge the batteries after all Bush seems to do that a lot. My question is that if you need every weekend off to rest and you’er just campaigning what will you be like as president?

Laylah B   June 26th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Wake me up from my nap if the red phone rings on a Saturday afternoon. No, don’t wake me up, I need my beauty sleep. It can wait until Monday.

rose   June 26th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

For now…let him be a daddy…when things heat up, he’ll be ready, willing and most able.

L.M.,Arizona   June 26th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

McCain should not win the presidency no matter what he does. He is long pass retirement age and to have him at G-8 meeting with younger people is scary.

Rudy NYC   June 26th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

No way. Every candidate that I have seen up close and personal was during a weekend event. Most of us work weekdays, or for some in the middle class weeknights. The weekend is the best time to reach middle class America. McCain must feel his message is reaching all of the people he feels needs to hear it.

Jim Tx.   June 26th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Jack…he’s OLD so weekends off an NAPS probably are a reality of his routine

Citizen   June 26th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

I see that John McCain has that legendary George Bush work ethic.

Krista, San Diego, CA   June 26th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

How about candidates ONLY campaigning on the weekends, and performing their Senatorial duties during the workweek (with an occasional day or two off)?

Since they already HAVE a job & are APPLYING for a future job -and this is how it works for the rest of the population- they should be working as hard as the rest of the country is…

and most of us don’t make 6-figure incomes.

LUCIE   June 26th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

He doesn’t feel that he has to work weekends because you have to remember that this man has been in Congress way too long. Remember, our faithful Congressmen and women only work Tuesday thru Thursday so this election thing is probably wearing the poor man out!!! That dang Obama, he’s just a show-off trying to make McCain look bad.

Nicholas   June 26th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Hey Jack,

What’s a weekend?

Franky, Chicago IL   June 26th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

“If by some remote chance he makes it to the WH, sure hope the red phone doesn’t ring on a week-end.”

LOL!!!!! Now that’s funny Jack!! LOL!!! But I care about the Senator I do, but that’s just funny! LOL!!!

kim portland, oregon   June 26th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

sheesh, the guy’s 1000 years old, what did you expect?

i hope he knows that being POTUS is a 24/7 job—–as in NO weekends off and very important phone calls to handle at 3:00 a.m.!!!

kidding aside, of course they both deserve time off from campaigning, but McCON DOES NOT deserve to be the leader of this country!

Christian Humes   June 26th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

If McCain needs to rest on the weekends should we expect a president who only works during the weekdays. I understand he’s a republican but the idea of taking Sundays off for work went out years ago. McCain should spend more time campaigning if he intends to win this election, although I personally hope he continues to occupy his weekends at the senior center playing bingo.

amber   June 26th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

hi jack i just want obama in white house so that i can see all the current administration getting whipped for their current irresponsibility.

Mike Nunn - Hot Springs, Ar.   June 26th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Hey, a man has to have his rest. When I was working I had a rule to never work on weekends so it seems good to me. Besides Jack I do not see you on weekends.

Michael Smith, New Orleans   June 26th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

If I thought McCain would only be President on a part-time basis, I might consider voting for him.

Rick Hendersonville,N.C.   June 26th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Well,after that so called speech that MCcain had today . I think he should work over time;if that means weekends for him, Please be my guess ,cause I had NO idea what he was talking about on any question that was asked to him.Maybe nights and weekends classes are a way of education on help him in this election..

Tony   June 26th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

He rests on the weekends… Sound like he wants a 5 day a week 9-5 job not the presidency, when president will he not work the weekends as well?

Mara Gordon   June 26th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

When you are as old as McCain, you need your rest!!

SJ in MN   June 26th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Not if they are 71 and running against someone who is tireless on the campaign trail. Not campaigning on the weekend just underscores the SEVEN generations of McCain. Maybe he needs some extra vitamins.

alice in ohio   June 26th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

so what if he takes the weekends off……………don’t you ? By the way aren’t you about John’s age also?????????????????

NoBushThirdTerm   June 26th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Jack, a better question is whether we can pay our bills without working on the weekends. I can’t. Can you?

Besides, gramps probably needs the rest from trying to remember what he’s said in the past!

Casey in California

Nancy, Tennessee   June 26th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

You know Saturdays are for watching cartoons, not campaigning or going to events. Sundays are for family brunches not campaign events. The American public can see the rehash of the weeks events on the news channels both days. So Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd don’t have to share their time with the Presidential candidates and they are lot more fun to watch. We’ll elect a President regardless of how many weekenders the candidates pull.

Gina - Lancaster, PA   June 26th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Hey Jack,

What if there’s a crisis and the phone rings at 3am Sunday morning? Will he answer it, or will he be “resting”?

Ken in NC   June 26th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Sure if the rest of us are allowed to take off on weeknds too.

Mike from Calgary   June 26th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Dr. No or Bush’s Yes Man - It doesn’t make a difference if they campaign on the weekend. I wish they would take the weekend to rest up and get their brains a rest! They don’t seem to be working too well lately - on BOTH sides!

Mike

mark (from Calgary   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Can they do any worse than Bush, who was asleep at the wheel most weekdays?

angie   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

whats he going to do if hes president not work weekends thats a full time job i dont think john mccain has the strenght to do it im not disrespecting elders but my dad is going to be 70 and he naps alot and likes to talk about the past alot im just saying at this age our brains are slower our body needs more rest we tend to like to stay in the past alot i dont think john mccain should be president hes too old

Hornet   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Jack, you don’t work weekends. So what McCain knows he has no chance to win. So why stress out.

Ralph, Long Island, NY   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

No he can not win without campaigning on weekends. However, things are so bad for the republicans in general and for McCain specifically this year that I kind of agree with his supporters. It doesn’t matter If he campaigned 24/7. Unless Obama’s head starts spinning like in the Exorcist, he’d going to lose, probably very badly.

Michael, Orlando, Florida   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

no, unless he is leading on opinion poll by 90% advantage. the main point is that John McCain is too old to be president.

Rachael in NJ   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

I think that the amount a candidate can or is willing to work during his campaign is indicative of how hard he can or will work during his presidency. Fixing the current state of our country is going to require a lot of overtime. While everyone deserves a little r&r, we need someone who can handle the load.
How many weeks has Bush spent at his Texas ranch during his term???

Steve Honig   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Not only can you become president without working on weekends, apparently you can also be president without working on weekends.

Tall   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Jack, leave the man alone. White haired man need not be disturbed on week-end, not even for church.

Tall

judy from wisconsin   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

He’s learned the role from the vacation master–Bush himself. Besides 8 yrs ago he said he’d be too old for the job in 2008–he was right about that anyway.

Raymond Duke/Gatesville,Tx.   June 26th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Sure he can. I am going to vote for him and I am not even going to listen to no more political pundits or debates. All I had to do was listen to Obama and his friends who love america so much and watch the democrat leadership shaft florida and michigan and the rest of the democrats with installing a selected canidate. Oh that remark you and wolf made about identifying with McCain being old. He looks to be in pretty good shape. He probably didn’t keep his head in the bottle most of his life. Read your book jack.

Caycee, Pearl City Hawaii   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Campaigns are different from normal “work”. The campaign works according to the candidates’ schedule to meet with people who want to see them. If one is working on weekends ,and the other isn’t, then you have to think that one has people who want to see him, and the other doesn’t.

Shanna   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

No way, running for president is a full time job. Maybe Mccain should schedule more weekend appearances in his blackberry Oh.. he doesn’t know how to use it.

Hope, Birmingham, Alabama   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It’s possible, but If they’re elected, will they take weekends off as President too? That three a.m. phone call isn’t going to just come 9-5 Monday-Friday.

Kiara   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Yes, he can Jack! Meaning Obama only.

Jared   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

No. If McCain is too old to work on the weekends, he’s too old to work for America.

Ernie Hinds from Maryland   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Jack,
I don’t really think this is a huge issue because it was only during the primary season. I think that (for once) the Republican strategists are correct in saying that he would have spent time campaigning for no reason. I think that it is going to be difficult for the Republicans to win this fall, even harder if McCain keeps running so close to Bush policies.

Donna Colorado Springs,Co   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

I don’t really think so, Jack. As much as we are sick to death of seeing them every day on tv , and how much this endless campaign has dragged on for what seems like years , you have to stay out there and appear fresh and interesting no matter how sick and tired of it you are yourself.

Heather   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Well, until recently many places in our country were closed on the weekends. There were even laws about it in some places. My mother in law ( who is old ) was just telling me about it. Maybe he’s just old fashioned like that. Old people tend to be. Hmmm…. I think the key word here is “old”

Robert   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Give McCain a break, Jack! He needs his weekend time to learn how to use a personal computer!

Erdell Maurice   June 26th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Sure, a candidate can become president without working weekends… if he is the democrat in the 2008 elections!!

Betty - AL   June 26th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Hey - no work, no eat.

Just like the rest of us (he is broke like the rest of us, isn’t he?)

Grant   June 26th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

As long as his aides unplug the White House phones by 3 in the morning on Saturdays, President McCain won’t have to run the world on the weekends either. He’ll have more time to poke around in his garden and chase those pesky terrorists off his lawn.

kate   June 26th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I don’t about getting elected (without working weekends), but he will certainly be able to slide right into Bush’s shoes……He didn’t like to work much either.

Charlie   June 26th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

If the President can take multiple vacations and put the country on auto pilot and STILL get reelected, sure he can.

Sean   June 26th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Jack,

Would Obama have been the Democratic Nominee if all the contests were primaries, probably not. You appeal to the working class by campaigning on the weekends, I mean do you want the potential leader of the United States to only keep store hours.

Herbert   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Cafferty,Ask Mcain if one one be President on week days and not weekends?

OH   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Jack,
What was George Bush best statement during the 2000 debate?

It was: Fuzzy math.

If America can vote for George Bush, I see no reason why MaCain or Obama need to campaign.

This goes to show that GW has the lowest IQ of anyone in public office yet he became President.

Something is seriously wrong with the way Americans think.

Donna Dawkins   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Probably not. I believe many people are only free on the weekends and are able to listen to political issues at such time. Barack is most certainly doing the correct thing by making himself available as much as possible.

Renee, Calhoun GA   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

If he accidentally got elected, do you suppose he’d close the
Oval Office on weekends? Of course he should campaign on
weekends.

Tim   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Hey Jack,
If Mr. McCain is satisfied with weekends off now, will he do the same if he is elected into office?

Bishop   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

G-D only rested ONE day, Jack. Imagine G-D sipping Margaritas on Saturdays AND Sundays; We could all still be waiting for Columbus to set sail…

garyhallentertainment   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

someone has to first let john mccain know what day of the week it is!! i dont want someone who does not know what day of the week , this is the same problem our current president has!!!

Robert   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

As McBush goes forward, to secure his place in History, he needs the weekend to rest up for the landslide that he knows is coming.
Robert - Spring, TX.

P S Sebastian   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Yet another policy of the BUSH administration, not working on week ends ! When you extend the 3rd term, why not all ??

mike   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

u dont have to do campainging on the weekends unless you dont care about being president but then again being as OLD as mccain is mayby he needs it.

Dan H ( North Carolina   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

why not … most of us that work all week tend to us the weekend for family time as well as “our time”. Last thing I want to do is go hear a canidate… just me I guess

Shirley-Ohio   June 26th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Maybe, maybe not, who knows. I don’t think anyone can predict this but I said from the beginning if Obama won the primary, McCain was not going to be able to keep up with the young whiper snapper. I should have put money on it.

Patsy Hodges   June 26th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Has anyone forgotten President Bush’s need to take a nap
every day and not just on weekends? While Govenor of Texas he
enjoyed jogging, lunching and napping. He is doing the same
as President, so maybe we had better be careful and not
elect another “napper” while Rome burns.

Ryan, Tallahassee, Florida</