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September 17, 2008
Posted: 02:09 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:

We awoke this morning to news the government is loaning the nation's largest insurance company, AIG, 85 billion dollars to keep it afloat.

Then we sat back and watched the bottom continue to fall out of the stock market.

The former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, said we are experiencing a "once in a century financial crisis." which may be why democratic strategist and CNN political commentator James Carville said on the Situation Room yesterday that the comment from John McCain on Monday about the economy being “fundamentally sound” was a game changer.

Watch: Cafferty: Fatal McCain error?

That was the day that Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy and the Dow lost more ground than it had in seven years.

Carville said unless something totally out of the ordinary happens, the stupidity of McCain's remark virtually assures Obama of a win in November.

Oh, and you probably won't be seeing much of McCain adviser Carly Fiorina in the future either.
She told a radio host yesterday that neither John McCain nor Sarah Palin, quote, "could run a corporation."

That's the kind of stuff you expect the Democrats to say.

Here’s my question to you: Was John McCain's statement that the economy is fundamentally sound a fatal error?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

Bruce writes:
I don't know if it is a fatal error, but a lot of the people that vote are not the brightest light bulbs in the room. But it backs up the fact he is in another world from the rest of the working people. Oh yes, I only have one home. And I make under $5 million also.

Rick writes:
It really should be, Jack. But McCain seems to be getting a free pass from all the media and his supporters. I have not seen an election where a candidate, like McCain, can say so many gaffes like this and nothing happens. I am really beginning to subscribe to the theory floated recently that this election will be won on race.

Helen writes:
Quite possibly so. Sounds like Herbert Hoover saying the same thing as the Great Depression hit. Hoover was just another greedy Republican also.

Bob writes:
The comment is only an issue in the minds of the talking heads justifying their television shows and in the minds of Democrats who have already decided to vote for Mr. Obama. Yes, we are in a critical 'moment' but America is still a strong economic force in the world. I say it is the commentators who don't get it.

Luke writes:
Well, it's a matter of perspective. I mean, how many stupid things does a candidate have to say before America realizes he is stupid?

David from Fort Collins, Colorado writes:
How can John McCain even begin to understand the nuances of the financial markets when he can't even count the number of houses he owns.

Filed under: 2008 Election • John McCain


Jackie in Dallas   September 17th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

To any THINKING

Michael - Las Vegas   September 17th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

One can only hope.

Lynn Lahman   September 17th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

No. The mortgage meltdown isn't the only measure of the US economy. McCain may have been taking a wider view of the situation. Insensitivity isn't a crime. It may have been a dumb thing to say at the time though.

Lynn
Phoenix

Darlene Phila, PA   September 17th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Yeah for him. That was probably the only thing he didn't lie about when he said the economy was not his strong suit, he didn't know very much about economic matters.

Elle   September 17th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Is she???
I can't stand her !

Miko Kansas City   September 17th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

McCain told us already that he wasn't good on economics, this just shows you that he was truthful. He does 'nt understand the struggles of the working poor/middle class. The fundalmentals are strong? He was wrong and Obama needs to milk it up till election day!!

Carol c.   September 17th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Think about it, Jack! The man has no clue about anything but bomb, bomb, bomb Iran and bullying other countries. He cannot even stand on a stage without Cindy standing behind him–what is that about?

In the primaries and following, he had Joe Liberman to whisper in his ear when he made mistakes. Wow, can you imagine what Palin could say–on the bridge to no where, I told them, thanks but no thanks. That seems to be her contribution to the campaign!

Knoxville, TN

Katiec Pekin, IL   September 17th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Of course they have. It is more obvious the man does not
know what he is talking about.
Remenber when Mccain/Bush/republicans pushed to
privitize Social Security? Thank good ness public outrage
stopped them.
The American workers are strong. The problem is
there are no jobs for them to show that strength.

Jayne   September 17th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

I certainly hope Mr. McCain's comments have hurt him. It's terrifying to think this man and the underqualified running mate he chose might actually be in charge of the country. Bottom line, a huge amount of blame for our current crisis rests with Mr. McCain's economic advisor, Mr. Gramm, who managed to put the Republican dream of "deregulation" into action. So how has that worked out?

Carole from Oakland, CA   September 17th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Jack,

John McCain statement shows: "HE JUST DOES'NT GET IT"

mariel   September 17th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

McCain's statements have hurt his credibility with those that were supporting him on issues. Those that were supporting him based on race will sadly continue on with their original plan.

AndyZ Fairfax, VA   September 17th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Jack, I would argue with your verbiage. A "fatal" error would imply the end of life. I believe that Senator McCain is still very much alive. If you had asked if Senator McCain was suffering from a sucking chest wound I would have agreed.

Frank   September 17th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Normally it should hurt McCain but there are too many idiots who already vote for him and don't know the difference between the sun and the moon for it hurt him.

sylvia   September 17th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

yes, mccain is a fatal error, no to mccain yes to obama, it is time for change change change. jack give then hell

Jackie in Dallas   September 17th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

To any THINKING voter, McCain was already a big question mark. But when he proved the adage that opening your mouth and proving that you are a fool, when most people already think you are, is pretty stupid. The man is clueless. Of course, if I had $100 million, too many residences to count, wore $500 shoes, and spent my time with multimillionaires, I might think that the economy is "fundamentally sound" too. Sure we've got good workers, but considering the tax incentives that the current administration has given big business, most of their jobs have been sent off shore.

Gary in High Point   September 17th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Jack,
This isn't related to the question, but get someone to make a point of the comment below. Would De Rothschild make the same comment about McCain, who looks like he has grown 30 years older in the last three weeks. Thanks so much for your time, keep up the good work and make them [ both sides] tell the truth...it always works.

"In a statement released by his campaign, De Rothschild said:

In an election as important at this, we must choose the candidate who has a proven record of bipartisanship and reforming government, and that's John McCain. We can't afford a president who lacks experience and judgment and has never crossed party lines to work for meaningful reform. Amid tough economic times and foreign policy concerns, we need someone who is ready to lead. Although I am a Democrat, I recognize that it's more important to put country ahead of party and that's why I support John McCain."

Ed Reed   September 17th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Of course, especially the one about how he really doesn't understand economics. At least he told the truth on that one...he really doesn't.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, Tx

Ryan in Indiana   September 17th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Jack, I honestly don't believe that John McCain has ever made a more honest statement than the one he made about the economy being fundamentally strong...

Unfortunately, he is the only person in the country who actually believes it and therein lies the problem with the McCain/Palin ticket. The proverbial "bubble" these people seem to be living in resembles a society that doesn't reflect the current state of ours. It would be laughable if it wasn't so scary that it's a coinflip that these two could be leading our nation in such a difficult time.

My families thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.

Ryan in Indiana

JR in Norfolk VA   September 17th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

The fundamentals of the American economy are rooted in Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations", that is, free markets and minimal government interference. John McCain will do well do stick to these sound and proven principles and he will ultimately prevail against Obama's class-warfare doomsaying and socialist leanings.

Julie - Kentucky   September 17th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I believe it has and what does it take for the American people to see through all the rhetoric? Eveyone says the American people are smart and sees through it. That is certainly NOT TRUE or we wouldn't have GWB as President for a second term.

Dennis, Cleveland ,Ohio   September 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

HELLOOOO! McCain cannot cover up the fact that he is almost totally CLUELESS when it comes to the economy. He is a ONE TRICK military pony.

Kate Idaho   September 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Boy Howdy. I don't care what anyon else says, He is out of touch.How can we trust any of them? Washington long timers are so deaf to the pleas of the masses that not a one can hear them.

Phil from Canada   September 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

There is no fool like an old fool.
Your economy is in very very serious shape. It probably won't recover as it has in the past. There will be a new "America" made up of haves who held onto jobs and investments and the havenots. How anyone can take him seriously amazes me.

Precious Coker   September 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

That is his conviction!! He is too far removed from the world of ordinary Americans to know what 's going on or to care. with his limited resources(cranially), I still wonder how he got this far to be running for the precidency of the United States of America!!!

Donna Colorado Springs,Co   September 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Of course they have hurt him. He shows his total lack of knowledge on just about every subject on a daily basis and puts his foot in his mouth on an hourly basis. His wife shouldn't just stand behind him smiling.........she should poke him in the back when he says something stupid. That should keep her very busy!

Dave, Brooklyn, NY   September 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

To anyone worth less than 5 million dollars and having more intelligence than an insect it certainly should be. But in spite of a string of similarly idiotic remarks proving his complete isolation from reality, he is still even with Obama when his polls should be hovering around 0%. It just goes to show that you can never underestimate the intelligence of the American voter.

garrick   September 17th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

hi jack
this statment cant hurt McCain,look it hasnt hurt Bush so join the party of people that truly think the the USA is going in the right direction.peolpe arent voting for McCain their voting for Palin.
clearwater,fl

veronica   September 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

McCains comments that the economy is sound should be a huge red flag to the American people as to how out of touch this man is with middle class America. When you look into McCains financial background and see he has 7 homes and income in the millions and then look at the CEO's of these companies that had to be bailed out the resemblence to McCain is frightening. McCain is and always has been for big business and always will be... If he is elected God help us all.

Veronica, Milton Florida

Terrell Walker of Escondido CA.   September 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Jack This electorate voted in the current administation Twice!! I really dont have a clue as to what it's going to take to get people to vote on the issues as opposed the lipstick on a pig. So sadly...No it will not be fatal to him, Just the rest of the country.

JULIE FROM LOS ANGELES   September 17th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Sarah Palin..hides behind a curtain on planes??

she reminds me of the wizard of oz(only I like the wizard but not her)-
she has nothing to give to dorothy and friends...

when will Americans pull back the curtain??

oh great oz!!

KC - Twinsburg, OH   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

If it isn't fatal for him, it certainly should be Jack. Since he is self-proclaimed economy illiterate the Dems can't attack his position because he has none... He sould have at least boned-up on Econ-101 and made it look like he knew something.. Yes, he is a patriot and good-hearted but above the heart, there seems to be a lot lacking.

Frank from Peterborough   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Of course it is a fatal error as it clearly shows the conservative mind set and confirms just how much John McCain is in lock step with Bush.

McCain simply got sucked into repeating a Bush/Cheney slogan that they use to bolster their failed record over the past 8 years. If you check it out both McCain and Bush use almost identical political phrases.

McCain is still hand in hand with the Bush policy of privatizing Social Security which of course would take America back a hundred years. John McCain doesn't appear to have an original idea of his own and uses the Conservative rhetoric without fully grasping much of the meaning or consequences.

Willow, Sheldon Iowa   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Along with "I don't know as much about the economy as I'd like to."
Along with "My economic advisor, Dr. Gramm."
Along with "I don't know how many houses I own. My staff will get back to you."
Along with "just a nation of whiners in a mental recession."

I think McBush's line about fundamentals being strong is just the cherry on top of a very out of touch elitist rich person hoping that all of us won't notice.

Jane Poordoe   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Idiots. Provincials. Peasants I believe they are called. Does he expect these people to not see through the plastic wrap he is handing out on Mom's corporate oven-baked cookies? Being the gambling man he appears to be I'd say the insulting underlying strategy is that fewer people will lift the wrap to see what is behind it then those who already know what is behind it and don't need the physical proof. After all digging into complex ideas takes energy and time as well as self-interest. The working class have little of both the first to spare when it comes to politicians. When it comes to self-interest they are being told essentially that Mr. McCain and Ms. Palin have their interest at heart so why bother looking before you buy?

It isn't just another one of Mom's cookies we are buying. The whole kitchen is in flames and connected to the rest of the house. Maybe we all should look a bit deeper before investing our vote said the fly to the spider. I'll wait on the porch instead of in the parlor if you don't mind.

Jane Poordoe
http://janepoordoe.blogspot.com/

ray carlson; florence, SC   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

All we have to do is get our last 7 tax returns out and we will have our answer.

Deb n Texas   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

McCain's statements that the economy is strong should hurt him. There is nothing strong about my savings account having to pull money out of it to keep up with gas prices. There is nothing strong about my savings when I have to pull money out to evacuate from hurricanes every other week. There is nothing strong about my 401k that is shrinking everytime I get a statement . When you have enough money that you don't have to look at your financial statements so closely – I guess you can say that the economy is fundamentally strong. McCain doesn't have a clue what middle Americans are going through right now. Go on people and vote for McSame!

David, Orlando, FL   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Absolutely. There are 100 million morons who heard it on TV and therefore believe it. That will cause them to vote for McSame which will be the fatal error.

Scott - Wichita, Kansas   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Jack, I take "fundamentals" to mean the basics which something is built on. The most fundamental aspect of our economy is the idea of a free market, where people are free to earn or lose money through good insight, risks, and mistakes. In this aspect I believe that McCain is correct, in that this is a sound economic theory. This remark has hurt him, because Obama's campaign takes the word "fundamental" to mean the economy at large, which everyone knows is doing poorly. It's just another example of one politician twisting another's words, like we've seen ever since politics were invented.

Scott Black - Silver Spring, MD   September 17th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

For McCain to back track and say he meant the American workers are "fundamentally sound" is absurb. Not only is he out of touch – he thinks we are stupid to boot. It is almost as if he thinks he is being patriotic in his comments about the economy. I want honesty and frankness about our tough problems not a cheerleader.

A.Sardone   September 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

No it was not a fatal error. The Fundamentals of our economy are indeed strong, obviously you don't know the definition of FUNDAMENTALLY.

Metuchen,NJ

Ms. Serevi   September 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

It has completely damaged McCain's campaign. I struggle to understand why the Government is giving billions and billions of dollars to huge corporations to stay afloat but then I suddenly remember where McCain is coming from. This entire mess was created by McCain's buddy Bush(which he as admitted to voting with 90% of the time) since he HAD to invade Iraq and cost US billions and billions of dollars with no reasonable way out of that predicament. Instead of spending billions on war why dont we spend billions on our economy. Instead normal people live paycheck to paycheck and guess what our paychecks dont equal millions a year and I cant just go out and borrow a couple of million from my rich wife. Nothing is sound about McCain-nothing.

mitchell ,arkansaw   September 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

after his vp pick? yes. the entire world can start to rest easy. america will choose the best man for the times. we need honest leaders with a brain. we need barack.

John   September 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Jack: McCain statements are stupid and arrogant, but fatal mistake only time will tell. McCain's lack of knowledge about the economy is very apparent to anyone with half a brain. Let's review for a minute: Bear-stearns gone; Country Wide the largest mortgage company purchsed by Bank of America for about 4% of its original worth 12 months before, Lehman Brothers a company more than 140 years old being carved up into pieces to pay its debt, Merrill-Lynch being purchased by Bank of America for $50 Billion, and now AIG being baled out for $85 Billion of tax payer's money. On second thought, McCain is D.O.A. on Nov. 4th.

John
Alabama

Jes (State College, PA)   September 17th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Hey Jack, maybe he was just trying to put lipstick on a pig.

Beverley, Fredricksburg Va   September 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Jack,

For the first time in American's economic history the "fundamentals" is code for the American worker. According to McCain, we're the most productive in the world and have never been stronger!

But last year we needed millions of Visas to fill jobs that McCain said Americans "didn't want to do" and others that Bill Gates said that Americans "we'ren't qualified to do".

The American Politicians and Corporations have been playing "keep away" with the American worker and fundamentally – it's been unfair.

Paulette Dallas PA   September 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

McCain is out of touch with the reality of the present economic situation. He simply does not understand it! How can he fix something he doesn't understand? For goodness sake, the guy can't remember how many homes he has! He is the elitist and does not relate to the avarage American.

C.L. Reid   September 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

I see where the Yemen's bombing is being used to show that McCain would be a better President than Obama. So are we also saying he would be a better President than Bush? Let's face it, all the examples being used to show that McCain would make a better President all happened under Bush's watch, who, by the way, just happens to be a Republican, and they also jsut happen with McCain being an active Republican senator? Am I missing som ething here?

derrick   September 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

i would say no jack because people arent looking at the issues there looking at the color of barack skin and there afriad to have an educated black man that can help this country but if they elect john mccain i would say those people are going to wish they vote issues and not color. jack sarah palin is cute though he did make one smart move

Toni   September 17th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Yes they have hurt him

He has shown again that he knows nothing about the #1 issue on voters mind this season. His celebrity status due to Palin is beginning to fade away and they are both looking silly.

Fundamentally sound? I think not

Terry, Chandler AZ   September 17th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

McCain continues to show his age and faultering thinking.

Dennis in Albuquerque   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Jack, his comments ought to be, but he's like the Teflon Don, everything bounces off him. His pants on fire lies and his lack of knowledge about the economy should have him out of the running, but he's leading Obama now. Go figure.

TJ   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Hurt McCain - only to the folks who have never taken an economics class.

Consumption and production drive a market economy. While the investment debacle's will slow the economy, it is not the fundamental strength of what we do.

The ignorant will hunker down, stop consuming and exacerbate the problem, but the majority of people will continue to drive the basic engine of the market.

Richard B.C. Canada   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

By his own admission John McCain has said that the economy was not his strong point however it is America's number 1 political issue.
Sarah Palin makes McCain look good on stage but that won't solve America's number 1 political issue. McCain says $5 million dollars qualifies as middle class – what percentage of Americans have even $1 million? McCain says the US economy is basically sound – yuh, if every American works 3 jobs which haven't yet been outsourced.
McCain is against government regulation – blink – Now McCain is for government regulation. Republicans caused the problems now they want to fix them. If you get hit by a bus you don't want to do it again.

pete in hamilton ont   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

definately, not having a reasonable economic plan is bad enough but to top it with the irresponsible statement that the "economy is fundamentaly strong", exposes mccain and the republicans as frauds.

Jason, Koloa, HI   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

McCain has no credibility left about anything, not just the economy.
The McCain campaign has flooded the media with so many contradictory things and has not mentioned one single specific solution to how they are going fix anything. He just yells angrily about how we can't trust Obama then offers no solutions. Credible? Not even close.

David, Tampa, Fl   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

No Jack, this is not a fatal error. McCain, and the rest of them for that matter, have no clue what it is like to live off of $10/hr of less, maybe as high as $20. Most voters know less about the economy than McCain does and actually believe that attack ads are based in truth. Most people vote not for ideas but out of habit, which is the major reason this country is in a tailspin. I am of the opinion that the economy will get much worse than it is now, regardless of the think (delusionally) positive message from Bush et al. It may not be fatal to McCain's campaign but it is to most of us.

Les Young Oklahoma   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Who is McCain kidding he does not even handle his own finances he sure does not give me a warn fuzzy feeling. McCain and his VP are about like Bush very light weight when it comes to smarts. What really tips my boat is how McCain and the Republican party want to blame this on someone else. What a joke this is economy is like the Republican shadow is not going away in the daylight.

Lorenzo in Atlanta   September 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

McCains statement shows that he is more than just out of touch. He and his wife combined earn millions every year. Of course he thinks the economy is strong. If McCain loses a house in the foreclosure market, he has a choice of 6 other homes to go to. I, on the other hand, would have to grab my favorite down comforter and head under the nearest bridge, and volley for space with the rest of the homeless people here in Atlanta.

I can't understand what 'change' McCain is going to make. He still doesn't know how to email. So what is he going to do different after he's been doing the same thing for over 30 years. You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Even if you put lipstick on it.

Timray   September 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

it is....almost everyone i know is working and a home owner. This is San Diego!!!

joe jenkins   September 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

no! no! it did not hurt him. don't forget he has an expert on the economy as his running mate. remember she cut taxes in alaska, although they really don't have taxes to speak of, but she did save studded tire buyers $5.00 per tire. she said thanks but no thanks to congress for the funding of the bridge to nowhere.what? congress already had killed the bridge funding. oh she did take the money anyway. what really hurt him in my mind was selling his soul to the guy that leaves a strong sulfer smell.

Victor   September 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

I think that statement is a small indicator of John McCain being in touch with the country. More indicative of how out of touch he and his campaign are on various issues:

Economy: "I'm a deregulator"

How do you stop the "greed" that permeates Wall St without having some form of controls to keep them accountable and for transparency

Iraq: "The surge works"

The surge was a military (and expensive) tactic and does not justify the war and is not a PLAN or a Foreign Policy platform. Why can't he tell me what the GOP plan is?

Palin: "Experienced maverick"

Lets be honest and call this what it is, a political maneuver aimed at women voters. Just like Obama's pick of Biden was a political maneu ver aimed at Catholics, Blue collar Americans, and it doesnt hurt that he has foreign policy experience. But Obama's choice does not endanger the future of our country the way McCains does.

I'm voting for Obama/Biden .. Its time for CHANGE and the only ones that can get us out of this economic and foreign policy disaster are the Democrats

Victor
NYC

Adam   September 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Of course it was Jack. His comment shows just how delusional and out of touch this man is with the current state of our country. I hope that this comment will drive focus back onto the economy and away from the Sarah Palin fiasco that has consumed our media. We need to get back to the issues where we belong and stop with the Karl Rove politics.

John in Puyallup   September 17th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Just keep hammering away Cafferty. I love to see your face get red on T.V. First it's "is Obama going to be voted against because he' black", now it's a total misrepresentation of what McCain meant to say about the economy. If you and any of your fellow libs had an ounce of brains you'd know that. Well, thank goodness that most americans have enough sense to see what you and your cohorts are up to. Also,on yesterdays question, no, I don't want a rapper in my White House!!

hongli in ont   September 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

i've said this many weeks ago on your show that John McCain was digging his own grave and he just buried himself on Monday with his outdated comments on the Economy.This guy hangs his mouth every where the soup drops so it's very easy to trap him with his own words.He choose to go on the View last week and defended Sarah Palin on Earmarks saying she did not take any Earmarks while she was Govenor.The world knows it was a lie.When Karl Rove can condemn McCain for not telling the truth and INSIDER Carly Fiorina says McCain and Palin couldn't run HP,what am I to believe.I Hope Americans are reading these scripts because we have a second coming of JERRY SPRINGER with Sarah Palin and her lawlessness and lies and John McCain a PATHOLOGICAL LIAR.

Robert From Alabama   September 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

How can you be helped when you talk about something you know nothing about. Your ignorance will only show. The other thing that is hurting both McCain and Obama is talking about what happened instead of what can be done about it. Give us answers, not soundbites.

Tina (Fort Worth)   September 17th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Jack all Republicans are out of touch with the working class. The working class should never vote in a Republican. When you live with a mutli-millionaire wife who wears designer clothes, what do you know about the economy? I am still squeezing into clothes I bought 5 years ago. I would not buy designer clothes even if I were lucky enough to be richer.

Jeff   September 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

It remains to be seen if the electorate will hold him accountable for this. My suspicion is that they will vote for him anyway because he's the kind of guy so many people want to invite over to their home to share a beer and watch a football game. We've already seen what a president like that can do to our country...and the world.

Jackie in Dallas   September 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Gary in High Point:

I don't believe that applies to John McCain 2.0 (2008). At one time, De Rothschild might have said it about McCain, but my guess is, it was at least 8 years ago. The McCain of 2000, and the McCain of 2008 are totally different people. I don't even believe McCain 2000 would vote for McCain 2008!

Jamara - Los Angeles, CA   September 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Yes, it does. How can Americans not see where the blame should be placed. How can you not tell and feel the struggle of the everyday folks, but continue to make statement and speeches like McCain. Look at it like this, if you enjoy stressing on your finances and being unemployed, vote for McCain. True change we need is with Obama. Let's stop being so foolish fellow american!!!!!!

EVERYDAY FOR OBAMA!!!!!

Jane M, S.Orange NJ   September 17th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

McSame is clueless on most everything. Not to change the subject...but if McSame invented the BLACKBERRY -how is it he can't send email and work the internets? That's just beyond my comprehension!

Al, Lawrence KS   September 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

McCain certainly made an error, but I doubt it was fatal. This election will hinge on the really important issues like lipstick, pastors, celebrities, bridges, tanning beds, and what kind of coffee they drink. What a candidate plans to do with the economy just doesn't stack up to issues like those.

laurie   September 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

I don't know..maybe. I decided months ago after hearing McCain state he did not know much about the economy, that he wasn't the man needed in the White House. His comments, which I find confusing to say the least, only has served to reinforce that belief. First he says the economy is fundamentally strong (not on main street) then he's for deregulation and now he's for regulation. Does anyone have a clue to what this guy is for or against? I sure don't.

CULLEN DORN   September 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

"Was John McCain’s statement that the economy is fundamentally sound a fatal error? "

It appears each time he opens his mouth, the content of which is then exposed would, in an intelligent society of thinkers, constitute fatal error or judgment. It is becoming clearer with each passing day that 'Cartoon McCain' is truly a parody of his former self. (If there ever was one). It is time he grew some vegetables in his backyard.

MW / Newman, CA   September 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It should be a fatal error for McCain. But unfortunately most of his supporters have tunnel vision and refuse to see the truth about him.

Mark - Asheville, NC   September 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Hurt him? Have you checked the latest polls in the swing states?

For example, PA is essentially tied – NO Dem nominee should have to even think about PA in September, yet that is the situation Obama faces. Michigan, ditto. Obama is behind in FL, OH, and tied in WI and MN. I could say more, but it would only be repetitive.

But as I have said many times, I am not impressed with either candidate's knowledge of economics. Their remarks greatly resemble the essays of C and D students that I have read and shook my head at. (Please excuse the dangling participle.)

nora CC TXAS   September 17th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

His economy is just fine. His comments show him to be out of touch with the regular people, the ones who will be voting for him or Obama. McCain can only talk war and he thinks he can continue to pull the wool over our eyes about everything else. Yes, it hurts him and it should!!!

W-Ray   September 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

McCain's statements have not hurt him – in spite of all attempts made by the political bigots like Cafferty who pose such biased questions. God help the economy of this country if the Democrats ever gain control of all three branches of government!

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   September 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Quote from Baltimore Sun; "The issue of economics is something that I've really never understood as well as I should. I understand the basics, the fundamentals, the vision, all that kind of stuff," he said. "But I would like to have someone I'm close to that really is a good strong economist. As long as Alan Greenspan is around I would certainly use him for advice and counsel."

McCain said his staff hates it when he discusses his shortcomings on economics, even though he has read widely and studied the subject........widley read and studied........McCain just shot himself in the foot with a gun......and it was not a lipstick gun.

Lisa   September 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

No it won't Jack. McCain & Palin have not only attempted to turn Americans against one another with their "Small town" vs. "Eastern/Urban Elites" rhetoric , they have also convinced those same Small town folk along with many of our so-called elites into thinking the "Liberal media" is out to destroy the credibility of Gov. Sarah Palin. What's so sad is that this tactic is actually working.......
This election will go down as the biggest hookwink in history!

TJ   September 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Ask Barack Obama's advisor, Jim Johnson, whose greed led to the fallout at Fannie Mae.

Or perhaps you can ask Democrat Jamie Gorelick, who took an enormous salary out of Fannie Mae for doing absolutely nothing.

These are the fundamentals that are crumbling thanks to the Obama-Pelosi-Reid party..

Betcha won't print this!!!!!

Wake Up America!   September 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

If people didn't know that McCain was dumb on the economy, they should know it by now.

j mccool   September 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

How can some people (Rove, Miers, Bolton, troopergate) ignore court orders to appear? Why do most people think that these orders mean they have to appear? What am I missing?

Caryn, Washington DC   September 17th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

No it won't hurt him...he'll just lie his way out of this. Then he'll trot out his trophy VP and people will forget all about the economy.

Maryann CT   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

No more than Obama's comments about folks who "cling to their religion"

Suzanne   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

John McCain's comments on the economy being "fundamentally sound" just reinforces, for those Americans who are actually paying attention, that he has lost his mind, and he is certainly not a "maverick". To be honest, John McCain is looking more and more pathetic and out of touch (and maybe, a little "touched" in the head).

Tyne from Colorado   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I would hope it's the end. Let's face it, our economy is taking a turn for the worst and John McCain is making remarks like these. Like Obama says, McCain just doesn't understand the economy. Unfortunately, as a younger voter, I can't take a chance on my future, voting for someone that doesn't understand, and doesn't want to make the changes we need. I hope that the American people feel the same way...but then again, we did vote for Bush twice.

Diane PA   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

One can only hope. McCain has a degree in aviation and Palin has a degree in Journalism.

Pliny - St. Louis, MO   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Jack,
McCain is wrong, the economy is not fundamentally sound, nor has it been for decades. However, his statement isn't a campaign ending blunder because the attention span of the public is not long enough and this election isn't really about McCain anyway. This election is still about Obama. McCain isn't really good Presidential material, but he'll do considering how extremely liberal Obama is.

Pliny,
St. Louis, MO

Jack Carlson   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

No, comments have not hurt McCain – we know that it is impossible to explain in detail all that is meant on a quick question from a reporter – that is to say an intelligent person understands that. McCAin is going to try and clean house – which will be difficult as Large Corps have a stranglehold on the USA. IT will take years to clean up the crap (Congress and Executives in Companies) that have high positions and that ultimately will be Palin's accomplishment.
For everyone's information however – Palin is the Pres of the future and will have enormous influence in the next 12 yrs.....she will clean up the good ole boy network that has been pilfering the American Taxpayers for years. No, it won't be perfect, but ACTION will be taken as she took action in Alaska.
Jack CArlson
Seattle WA

Ted, Rockaway NJ   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Bush has spent eight years cackling about how good the economy is, while ordinary people were going through real suffering. Now that even Bush's beloved Wall Street high fliers have been shown to be a house of cards, McCain's chronic cluelessness shows that he would be another Bush but without the good ideas.

Fred, Las Vegas, NV   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

No, they haven't hurt him politically because that was not the first time he has said that. May be some voters haven't heard him yet..

Ken in NC   September 17th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

When I herd him say that, I thought I was listening to SNL (Saturday Night Live). John McCain is as funny as Jack Benny. His wife admits their bones were picked clean on The View and now his brain must have been fried for him to make a statement like he did and then think we would be stupid enough to believe that response he gave claiming he was talking about the American workers.

james   September 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Yes, this shows how much he knows about anything.

Hans   September 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Jack,

While it was one of the larger mistakes this week, it’s just that…the mistake of the week. Let's face it, there's almost 2 months until election day, a couple debates and many more opportunities to miss-speak. This may be one of a multitude of mistakes that cost him the election, but it isn't the one fatal error that will put the final nail in the coffin....However, we have to remember that Obama/Bidden have the same amount of time to mess things up as McCain/Palin do. It's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Alex   September 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Yes i think his out of touch perspective on the economy will definitely hit home for the average American.

Alex- Minnesota

Scott   September 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Yes it will probably hurt him, but what he said is fundamentally correct. I believe that any objective reveiw of the economy as a whole would tell you yes, the fundamental are still good. For example, 3.4% 2nd Quarter GDP growth, 6.1% Unemployment (not good, but not bad either), factory orders up 1.3%, productivity up 4.3%, and still relatively low inflation are all the "fundamentals" of the economy. The ecomomy is slowing, no doubt, but there is still alot of good news out there.

Bo   September 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

No, McCain's RECORD on the economy is hurting him. Keep the tax breaks going toward the corporations and the wealthy elite. He was all for deregulation and look what it's led to. He CAMPAIGNS on 'expanding our nation's marketplace'...translation: ship more jobs out to the cheapest bidder. I want to believe this man is different from Bush, but he hasn't given me any examples that this is true.

less media more issues   September 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

It was an error. Fatal? I hope so. He has a problem having to keep correcting himself. Sometimes it's too late.

Steve of Hohenwald TN.   September 17th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I hope so. But as far as the greedy GOP is consernd, he could proclaim to be the devil himself . They would say , hell isn`t so bad.

Melissa from New York   September 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

McCain has said "the fundamentals of the economy are strong" before Monday's fiasco! He honestly believes this statement. During the Republican National Convention week, I tuned in to see if the Republicans would talk about our crumbling economy, and there wasn't any mention of it! Even during McCain's acceptance speech, he made no mention about our economy. Only when he received criticism for his 'foot-in-mouth' statement on Monday, he became passionate about our economy crisis! Obama has been talking about our economy for his entire campaign! McCain just doesn't get it...

Walter Buck (Hop) from California   September 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Jack, McSame is playing the concertina to every issue he is confronted with. He's for it then he's against it, he's for it then he's against it. The lobotomized sheep of the God Of Plantation are mesmerized by the trained monkey he's using while the crowds pockets are being picked by the criminal cronies.

sandy   September 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Of course, but what is new. Every time he opens his mouth it is an error!

LaVerne E Brison from Los Angeles, Ca.   September 17th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Jack: Nothing that McCain says or does will hurt him. He will be elected President simply because he is the old white man in the race. He can say the moon is made out of green cheese and people will still vote for him. He has made more gaffes , flip flopped on more issues, and outright lied more then any candidate for President I have ever seen and he is given a pass by the media and the voters. This is the worst eight years I have ever seen in my life with all the banks, mortgage companies, financial institutions, falling house prices, lower paying wages, job loss, etc . . Yet the voters are still willing to put this man in office. And lets not even mention that joke of a VP pick. The republicans like to say Jimmy Carter was a bad President, I don't recall any of this happening during his time in the White House.

Tom   September 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I have lost all respect for you now that you have played the race card. Are you aware that the Republican Party was founded to promote and abolish slavery? I f not for them it is likely that slavery would have spread to the West. I dought you will mention this fact on your show, as you seem to be very biased. Yours truly, Tom.

Mike, Syracuse NY   September 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

The only difference between McCain and Obama's economic knowledge is that McCain admits it's a weakness and Obama pretends he has all the answers. I haven't seen Obama and Biden leading a charge in the Senate for more regulation, more oversight, and closed markets. If they know so much why have they kept it a secret until the you-know-what hit the fan?

Janice Jones   September 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

The job of any Leader is to be positive to encourgage people to work and move ahead – then to tell it like it is. McCain then said "this is a crisis brought on by corruption", etc.
Let's be honest here folks....or read up on understanding leadership.
Janice Jones
Chicago, Il

robmidwestmo   September 17th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

John McCain's statements about the "fundamentals" are not as incriminating as his actual voting record. In May of this year, McCain could have voted "yes" to regulate the financial industry and he voted "no" instead. This farm subsidies bill had a subset piece of ending the Commodities Futures Modernization Act of 2000, the source of our current unregulated credit swapping mess. Ironically, Phil Gramm, McCains' current finanacial advisor, was the co-author of the Commodities Futures Modernization Act because it created a loophole for Enron helping Gramm's family investments. The "Enron Loophole Act," as it is known, is the root cause of this week's financial implosion. Now, McCain says he wants to reform the industry. Total phony.

Stacy from Loudoun County, VA   September 17th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Jack, repetition of a Herbert Hoover talking point will always be a fatal error.

conrad euless tx   September 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Well Jack when a person is sitting on millions they will think that the economy is sound this guy thinks we are idiots. I can tell you this later this year i will be getting laid off and will have to find a new job to support my family the only thing thats sound to me is that layoff letter that i recieved....

Rich Monk   September 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

I hope so!
McCain and Bush wanted your retirement account dissapearing on Wall Street?
Being homeless and poor isn't really that bad. After all, you don't have to drive in workhour traffic anymore right? You can have lunch whenever you want? And, no more worries about deadlines!
You get an "F" for poor Judgement Senator (Keating 5 bribary pal) John (The $100 million dollar man) McCain.

Marie Ontario   September 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Almost everything John McCain has said over this entire campaign should have been fatal to his candidacy but his numbers are still near the 50% mark.

Although I hope he doesn't get elected I find myself feeling very sorry for him as watch their stump speeches where he appears tired and confused well behind his pit bull with lipstick.

About the only thing John McCain seems to have going for him is that he is white but I hope my assessment is totally wrong as I am beginning to agree with many others espousing these same sentiments.

Jerry from Jacksonville   September 17th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

The thing about McCain the little pint sized jerk is that he can't remember what he said yesterday or what he did last week, seems like old George,McCain and the republican controlled congress relaxed or did away with the regulations that would have protected the american taxpayer. While a few of shrub Bushes buddies made millions, the outcome is the american taxpayer is now paying the price. McCain has forgotten he helped relax all the regulations, now he wants to put some back in place. He is getting in the habit of flip-flopping more than a dozen fish out of water. Are the american voters so damn stupid that they can't see what this little jerk is up to. People need to think about what McCain has done and will continue to do if he were elected.

Bob   September 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Absolutely. Only another cluesless individual could possibly think GOP ticket has any chance of accomplishing anything with substance.

jon hoffman   September 17th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Jack: forgot to add this "rich man" true story that this economy made me recollect: 1930, my father in law a '22 academy graduate is riding on a train w execs from socony-mobil and standard oil. He asked them why not reduce the price of gas to put more people back to work? Reply, we dont' have to, at 12 cents we are making more money. I think the story means: screw the worker, its all about us!
Jon in California

mitchell ,arkansaw   September 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

no. he lost my vote when he said he "will veto every beer that comes across his desk."

Sam Hill, Toronto, Canada.   September 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

If John Mccain does not know how many houses he has, how on earth can he know a bad economic period and how to fix it.

Yao - Detroit   September 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Oh Yes! That is an error that was also repeated by his Top Economic Advisor. "John McCain can not run an eighty billion dollar Hewlett Parkard" how can he run and manage over three trillion dollars budget? Government and Leadership are not cramped over night. McCain does not understand the everyday life. He is Not a leader, he should follow.

Michelle in Florida   September 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

It doesn't seem that anything McCain says hurt him. The media ignores his gaffes and erroneous statements as though he speaks the gospel truth. I am sure that if Sen. Obama had said any of the things that McCain and his cronies have said during this campaign, Obama would be so far down in the polls that he would need a fifty foot ladder just to see a chink of light. You guys in the media behave as though you are afraid to challenge the McCain crew. All I want to know is, "What'r really going on?"

rene oh   September 17th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

i hope so, if he spent more time concentrating on what obama is or isn/t doing he may have time to figure out what's happening to the economy, but that would be like beating a dead moose, no how no way, no mccain/palin

susan strobel   September 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Idaho
Jack when your running mates starts signing her autograph for her adoring public before he is though his speech it makes one wonder if she thinks he is a viable candidate.

sorry about your loss,

T.Angela   September 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

The whole thing is really pointless. The democrates made their bed when Hillary was eliminated and forced by her own party to bow out. There simply is nothing more to say. GO Mccain and Palin !!

gerry   September 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Jack,

Three things will ensure that the comment of Johnny Mac(who ought to be in the same shape politically as Freddy Mac is in financially) is not fatal: blind political partisanship,incredibly shallow voters, and a significant cohort of voters whose bigotry wprevents them from electing a non-White person to be our nation's CEO.

Lord have mercy, Jack, when Johhny Mac can persuade people to see him as a champion of the working class and Obama as an elitist, then you know he can get away with virtually anything.

Gerry

brenda from charleston,sc   September 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

No. I knew what he was refering to. The fundamentals of anything are that which provide a foundation for something to grow or to be built upon. hard working Americans Do make this world go around, they/we are the foundation.

Sherrie   September 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Jack, John McCain – in all of his 73 years – has NEVER had to deal with "kitchen table" issues. He lived off Mom & Dad, went to school, was a Navy man (living on base???), married his first wife then signed up for overseas duty, came back and met Cindy, divorced his first wife and then has lived off of Cindy ever since. How could he have any clue about the things that we discuss around our kitchen table??? There is nothing he could say that would help or hurt how I feel about him and his knowledge of the economy.

Sherrie
Florida

Bill - Bealeton VA   September 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I could only hope it was a fatal error, but somehow I think the media won't jump on him about "FLIP-FLOPPING" (remember thats the term all the media threw at Kerry when ever they could) on regulation, the Bush Tax cuts, drilling, Palins earmarks ...you get the point Jack, Long live Jeffrey Tobin, he seems to be the only one at CNN not afraid to call the Mcain camp out.

Ray, Florida   September 17th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

If it's sound I don't hear it Jack!

Elizabeth Mitchell   September 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

John McCain doesn't get it he's running for president like bush did giggle a lot, tell a joke, lie and he wins!!! we seen this re-run before

Dee from VA   September 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Get real. McCain's statements are not a one-time thing. We've heard it before. Of course he's hurting himself by being out of touch. But if this is what he believes, we need to hear it.

jospeh   September 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

You love to talk about the inexperience of Sarah Palin who the last time I checked is running for vice-president but you breeze right past the inexperience of the celebrity senator from Illinois who sits a top the ticked for his party. Your hypocricy is breathtaking. Thank God your program has such low ratings.

Lucky Col, Ga   September 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Jack condolences goes out to you and your family. Continue to do a great job and search for the truth.

The main stream on Wall Street probably all are Republicans. The Same guys that convinced Phil Gramm and McCain into voting for deregulation. The deregulator has no clue nor his sidekick Palin about the economy. They can't tell the American people what they will do to change notta,nothing.

One is good at counting beer bottle and the other counting moose dung. That's close as they will get to understanding numbers without a commission.

Bill - Bealeton VA   September 17th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Maybe we could commision a 9/11 style panel to hold hearings as to whether or not it was a fatal error.

Florio, Signal Mountain TN   September 17th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Jack, I think McCains comments on the economy are vague and they seem very angry. I would think for someone who hopes to be Commander in Chief he would give us more substance and less anger.
I for one am not looking for vague statements about who's at fault and CEO compensation, I am looking for proposal's to get us out of the mess we are in. I think his economic message is the same as his energy message, Drill baby Drill, Form a commission baby Form a commission. What's the difference, neither statement helps me or anyone I know anytime soon.
Unless of course he wants to pay me to be on his commission, big bucks, for the many years it will take to produce a report.

joy gomez of british columbia, canada   September 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

McCain by his own admission not knowing so much about the economy (though realistically he is surrounded by economic advisers)
talking about the present American economy as sound? And with what is going on with issue#1, does he know he lives in planet USA?
He could have picked a VP who is an "economic maverick" to help him where he is weak, like Obama picking Biden to complement what he lacks in foreign relations. But instead, he chose to swallow his words. Remember he was mocking Obama's celebrity? Until he strategically chose Sarah Palin, who had been a celebrity in her right since the announcement.

If the Mcain thought that placing Sarah Palin was a good strategy, sorry, but I think this will backfire.

Theresa, NY   September 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Hellooooo, "economy" "American worker"... Geez, how can you not get the connection?

Gene   September 17th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Jack, I think that him saying the fundamentals were sound, along with making the earlier statement that the economy was not where his strength really pointed out McCain's achilles' heel.

Dave ,St.Petersburg Florida.   September 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

While his statement is not in and of itself fatal , the resulting examination of McCain's past positions might be. He has , until yeaterday , been a champion of de-regulation , and in fact strongly supported the shameful policies that led to this mess . And it's not the first time , McCain was a champion of de-regulation of the S&L industry too. Keating 5 anyone?

Bill   September 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

America is the richest country in the world. It is BETTER than just "fundamentally sound."

McCain's comment is an understatement, but Obama's criticism that it is NOT fundamentally sound....is a lie.

*CW*   September 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Hey Jack,

Everytime he reads one of his new fortune cookie phrases, his crowd chants 'USA, USA, USA'...cutting him off before the fortune was finished...
Some of the comments he makes almost sound a bit like Obama speeches modified.... i dont get it.

either way... i just donated $50 to the Obama campaign...

I hope you all do the same.

Karl in CA   September 17th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Well, he said the economy wasn't his strong suit, and now he has proven it. At least that wasn't a lie. It's like the old John McCain has been drugged with Thorazine and has become a ventriloquist dummy. I can't believe he actually says the stuff that falls out of his mouth. Do the people in his campaign really remember who he was and what he stood for at one time?

Shane O'Sheeran, Las Vegas, Nevada   September 17th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Jack, How can they not hurt him, especially since he has said the exact same thing about the fundamentals being strong at least 22 times in the last two years. Not to mention that his economic plan was written by Phil Graham who is actually partly directly responsible for the entire financial crisis we are in. We can only hope the media will tell the whole story of McCain's role in all this, which since 1999 is a major role and he was with Graham all the way in de-regulating and changing the laws that made this possible! Not to mention the pattern of behaviour of McCain going back to the Keating five scandal!!!

Janice Pound   September 17th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

McCains constituancy caused these problems. The Reps are already using you SS funds to bail out some bnks. He wants to privitize SS and Health care so they can use those funds to continue to bail. The problem really started w hen investment banks started to infringe on commercial banking. Commercial banks are backed by the gov't. Investment banks are not and are quite aware they continued to over extend themselves over and over again without monetary backup. We have 7 regulatary bodies in Wash. Guess they were getting paid to look the other way .I guess the Reps think Obama is going to win. They are trying to lock down the problems so no future Pres can do anything about it. Obama has an excellent economic team One is Buffet and now is consulting with Clinton's past team. Those investment banks are called gamblers you do not bail out gamblers with tax-payer money. Paulson said Bush's economic policy was good. McCain said our economy is basically solid. and Bush said we just need a little economic adjustments. Do you really want this group back in D.C.

David,San Bernardino,CA.   September 17th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

The basics of the economy are sound? Does McCain read the paper or the wall street journal? The economy is crashing because of McCain,Gramm and other republicans deregulating of Wall Street. Unfettered greed will always end badly,not for those who caused it,but the investors and other people who end up paying for it. The completely dishonest and immoral bailout of AIG is further proof that the government is just a piggybank for the corporations. The only thing we as citizens are good for is to make sure that we assume all the risk but none of the benefits. Who will be the next to line up at the taxpayer trough?

Theresa, NY   September 17th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Revision:

Hellooooo, “economy” “worker”… Geez, how can you not get it. They're practically the same word?

Patrick   September 17th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Well let's see...John McCain picked an ill-informed small-town mayor / small- state novice governor for VP, lies repeatedly in his ads, claims to be anti-lobbyist when his past and present say otherwise and has switched positions on so many issues that he is running up his own 'national debt' on the currency of straight talk. ...and you think that something as small as "the fundamentals of the economy are sound" will stick to 'Teflon John"? No way! Not until some of his supporters decide to pour the Republican purlple Kool Aid down the drain!!!

Patrick O'Connell
Olean, NY

Chris Ocean Grove MA   September 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

No they haven't hurt him. Why not? Because too many Americans are too blinded and to afraid to admit that every word of the Bible is not truely the word of God. If it were wouldn't Jesus have said something against slavery when the Roman Centurian asked him to heel his slave? Doesn't God think as human beings we have certain inailiable rights? Among which are LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PERSUIT OF HAPPINESS. I find these truths to be self evident. The PEOPLE who wrote the gospell did not. Slavery was such an every day occurence back then that Paul wrote that slaves should obey thier masters. I think and The founding fathers agree with me that that sentiment is wrong

Cynthia   September 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

It should be because this is not the first time he has said something along these lines and I think that is what he actually means it! The campaign people make him come out and say something different. Remember he also said that he would have to read Alan Greenspans book. Remember the Keating 5.

Dan from The Villages, FL   September 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

God, I hope so!!

J.C. from Raleigh, NC   September 17th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Jack,
McCain's next -day retreat when he said he meant workers were the fundamentals he was was referring to is more egregious. His retreat highlights his intrinsic naivety about the economy. This new Republican cult of personality with the addition of Palin is either clueless or afraid to tackle fundamentals such as housing, health care, credit and employment which have suffered the last eight years on the Republican watch. Let's not even go back to the savings-and-loan fiasco that almost sank McCain at the start of his senate career.
Look to the future-imagine Phil Gramm as treasury secretary. No regulations -the fundamentals that McCain really wants.

Pat in MIchigan   September 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I hope so Jack, I can't help but watch this campaign and see George Bush lying to us all about the weapons of mass destruction....I don't care what kind of hero John McCain was in Vietnam.....that was then and this is now.......and he's lying to the American people just like his buddy Bush did.......McCain is no maverick he's four more years of lies and mistrust toward government

Annmarie in MA   September 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Of course John McCain's statement that the economy is fundamentally sound is a fatal error! We will have four more years of Bush if he get elected!

Look at all of the company's the Federal Government has bailed out. Instead of giving failing companies such as Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, AIG, etc. billions of dollars why don't they just pay off the mortgages of everyone in the United States? It would probably cost less than the debt the government is putting on the American tax payer each time they state they will bail out another company. I don't know about you but I'm not receiving millions of dollars in quarterly and year end bonuses such as the amounts received by the CEOs in many of these companies.

Economy! McCain doesn't even know how many houses he owns! How can anyone who has gone through or is in the process of forclosure vote for him! He is so out of touch with the average American no matter where you live.

The price of gas? His gas is being paid for by the American tax payer so of course he is out of touch with the American economy!

Dan - Michigan   September 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I'd love to say it is a "fatal error". It sure should be. But the Republicans will spin it to say that this is what a true patriot says when faced with the unpatriotic negativism of the oppostion.

Palin didn't hurt him, (she's a real economic and foriegn affairs wiz-kid). I doubt this will.

JIM   September 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

It didn't hurt him one bit. The economy is not nearly as bad as it was when Jimmy Carter was President. You remember him my "BUDDY" Jack Cafferty.

Bob from Las Vegas   September 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I am surprised McCain doesn't get it. Considering the problems in the economy are most closely compared to the S&L meltdown in the 1980's & 90's. Can anyone say Keating Five?

Scott in Oregon.   September 17th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Bigtime! McCain making that jewel of a statement during the stock market collapse will go down in history. This is like a gift from heaven for anyone who supports Barack Obama.

The Trippster of PA   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Does the name Herbert Hoover ring a bell? It's only a matter of time before the liberal PAC's pin that label on McCain. Next they will educate voters about his involvement in the Keating Five and the Savings and Loan Scandals of nearly twenty years ago. And about all those times that he committed adultery while married to his first wife. And about him graduating in the bottom 5% in his class from Annapolis? And about the time he almost drowned as a Navy pilot because he slept through the training regarding how to pop the cockpit while submerged. I do not want a President who has repeatedly demonstrated over his entire life such "poor judgment," to use the words of the Senate's Ethics Committee in reference to McCain's involvement with the Lincoln Savings and Loan.

Michele Marion, Ohio   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Fundamentally, not a fatal error,but a stupid case of foot in mouth. It just shows that mcSame is clueless and his pitbull is not far off either.

Bob S Philadelphia, PA   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Jack,

Not really because they will both have advisors that will be helping them make their decision, they will both be consulting with people that know more about economics then they do. Anyone who thinks that McCain or Obama won’t be getting help with decisions about the economy is just kidding there selves

Paul   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I think they have Jack. Everytime he speaks about the economy he always has to come back and say no I didn't say that I said this. What he is doing is supporting socialism for the rich and let the little guys eat cake. John we don't have the extra money to buy cake mix so stop standing there and calling us your friends and looking at us like a pit bull with a bone in it's mouth.
Paul
Round Rock, Texas

Kerry Diehl   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I spoke yesterday with my financial advisor regarding my small investments, IRA , etc.

Interesting enough, he echoed the same thing that McCain had said "The fundamentals are good" and all is not lost by a long shot. This means the foundation or building blocks of our overall economy by the numbers or percentages are still sound.

Not only did individuals over speculate on the housing market costs or growth and finance more than they could handle, the major financial institutions greedily took advantage of them by thinking this “never ending” market would handle any and all repossessions.

Most everyone with a financial background will agree that our overall economy will not improve until the housing situation has been fixed. The banking and lending institutions got away with some very "shady" dealings (understatement) in the name of short term gains and irresponsible ethics.

Wouldn't it only be fair to lay the majority of blame on someone (or committee) directly involved with and responsible for failing their governmental task of being charged with having the business sense and foresight in preventing this financial mess? This being said, this committee to be placed under scrutiny and criticism should really be the “Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.”

One of the loudest critics and sharpest finger pointers for our economic woes is Senator Chris Dodd (D). Strangely enough, Senator Dodd is the Chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Interesting enough, one of the key missions he and his committee are clearly charged with is as quoted from his website:

“Such Committee shall also study and review on a comprehensive basis, matters relating to international economic policy as it affects United States monetary affairs, credit, and financial institutions; economic growth, urban affairs, and credit, and report thereon from time to time.”

Before everyone laughs at McCain and reflects on how dumb or old he is, please take a deeper look at all the facts and who is really responsible.

kerry diehl
grosse ile, mi

Janet, Senior W/F   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Just finalizes that MCBUSH and his Republican Party has to go, and take their VP PalCheney with them!

Patricia F Pine Plains NY   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

McCain is just not a thinking man. He's a parrot who will repeat anything his "Advisors" tell him, over and over again. Reminds me of another non-thinker who calls himself the "Decider".

Yes, everytime the man opens his mouth, he seems to hurt himself.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   September 17th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

I've had his number for years. One more bad statement in a long line of bad statements. Then he tries to play cover-up. We don't need a maverick (unpredictable, reckless) in the whitehouse. He would kill this country and have us in every war possible. Fom what I've seen of him AND his running mate, we will have nothing but a continuation of secrecy and cover-ups.

NO NO NO NO NO We need that constitutional scholar. At least he thinks.

Greg Lancaster, Tx   September 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

No. People who are crazy enough to vote for Mccain and Governor Wingnut are not on issues but rather on race and probablya love of their masochistic side. Nothing will stop them. The only question is where the results will land after the undecided finally take a side. How the hell can you be undecided given the state of our nation?

Makes me wanna holler, throw up both my hands

Candace from Richmond   September 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

This is shouldn't even be a question. Definitely. For years Republicans have said that Democrats are elitist but they seem to be coming off that way this time around. I don't think he gets it because he said just as much a few months ago and he's said the economy is fundamentally strong 22 times since January. One time when he said it he said that he was talking about trade and some other stuff and now he's saying he was talking about the American worker (which last time I check isn't really the fundamentals of the economy). With all his houses and $500 shoes there's no wonder he doesn't understand what the average person is going through. If those comments haven't hurt him then the American people get exactly what's coming to them with this jerk.

Falease   September 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Yes it hurt him! It hurt him the moment he admitted that is was not well-versed on economic issues. Do you think I want a president who is out of touch with the economy? Jack, a conservative is the last type of leadership we need for this country at this moment and time in our history. We need the liberality of the Democratic party to massage the heart of our economy. Last point, Jack, if our economy fails in this country, we not only domestically but globally as well, making us that much more vulnerable for terrorist attacks. Think about it.

Chris from Atlanta   September 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Basically no because most people are too dumb to actually listen to McCain and the rest are looking at whatever eye candy he walked out with this time. If anyone bothered to listen to him they would realize that he helped cause all of this by trying to deregulate everything, but now that he is running for president he is for regulations. Flip flop, flip flop, McCain and Palin will never stop, until the election is over.

Hubert Bertrand   September 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

We need COLIN POWELL. I don't trust McCain or Obama. Please JACK hang in there we love you.

George   September 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Jack, it doesn't hurt McCain because the media is playing his rebutle more than they are playing his initial statement. It's not the first time he has said this and i am sure if he is elected President, he will say it again when Americans are bleeding through their eyes in debt.

Charlene   September 17th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

I don't know how anyone can be expected to fix a problem he doesn't recognize? If this doesn't shoe the American public how out of touch John McCain is, I don't know what will. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but right now we need someone who was at the top of his class, not toward the lower end.

Elizabeth   September 17th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Who the hell does he think he is talking about the greed of big business? How many houses does he own ?

carol   September 17th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

I guess it depended on what your difinition of IS, is.
I think the US is in great trouble but I think the older generation (McCain) in the US can and knows how to over come this depression. Our parents did, and we saw that "greatest generation" pull themselves up by their boot straps. I would never look down on the older generation for they have taught me how to servive. I laugh every time they say McCain is old. I look at his mother and I laugh to myself at those who down grade the inteiligence of of the older generation, knowing that they will one day be seventy and they now are teaching their children the respect that will be given to them.
Some people have a hard time learning and by the time they do... their children will put them out to pasture as they did their parents generation.

carol
Springfield, Oregon.

Sarah   September 17th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Dear Jack,
When you are dealing with a country as complicated as ours you will know that statement like this can not hurt John Mccain that much. Beleive me give or take just one week and every thing is back to norman for John.
I know this because even when we thought the world was coming to an end we still elected president Bush. I am guilty of it too because i voted for him twice. Let us just say that I am wiser now, he said it himself fool me once shame on me fool me twice ......emm!! emm!! emm!! emm!! you know what i mean.
For the rest of America not that much. They have one track mind. If they make the mistake this time who is going to suffer? Definately not Obama or Mccain. Obama will still be using big words to talk to poor pple with high school diploma while Mccain will live happily ever in his many mansions.
Sincerely,
Sarah.

Carrie from Brooklyn, NY   September 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Of course it was a hugely stupid thing to say, and adds to the mounting evidence that McCain is out of touch, but there are a lot of stupid people planning to vote November 4th. I'm scared to death.

Paul S. Columbia, SC   September 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

James Carville is the last person in the universe that I would ever pay any attention to unless I was wondering what I would get if I dragged a hundred dollar bill through a trailer park or was looking for a bait shop. By the way; Begala is the second last.

Deb in Lancaster, PA   September 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Probably not, as is seen by the polls. And that, Jack, is a reflection of the stupidity of the American people.
When a voter allows Rovian tactics to influence their lazy minds, they get the government they deserve. Witness the last eight years of "Idiot in the Oval Office." This is NOT a sitcom.
Unfortunately, when these lemmings get the government they deserve, I don't get the stable, reasoning, strong, prosperous government I DESERVE.
How dumb can America get? The Europeans are probably laughing their butts off. Goodbye, world, we're off to join the circus. Again.

Linda in smalltown Indiana   September 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

McCain has made many fatal errors, but he just keeps chugging along. Can't the people of this country see what a mess our economy is? I do not think McCain or Obama are either one capable of turning this country around. Can we just wipe the slate clean and start all over again????

Ed   September 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Come on Jack...Error...? No way!!! He invented the BlackBerry!!! HE owns 9 houses!!! He is doing quite well as far as the economy goes... I'd say from his point of view, he is right! The economy is fundamentally sound.. that is if your John McCain...

sesmie   September 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

welcome back jack, sorry for your loss you are in our prayers,
good work keep it up.

Pat in Hampstead , Maryland   September 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Jack – John McCain's comments on the economy are what Republicans believe. The people that need to wake up to the fact that McCain is for Big Corporations and not Blue Collar workers are the Blue Collar Democrats in all States, not just the swing States. McCain is as far out of touch with the average person that it is actually what will finally give the election to Obama. McCain will continue to tax the poor while the rich , who he says will create more jobs, will only create more wealth. McCains tax plan spells it out clearly. Four more years of Bush!! Wake up people! If you make under 250k a year and not voting for Obama than you aren't paying attention.

helen smith   September 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Quite possibly so. Sounds like Herbert Hoover saying the same thing as the Great Depression hit. Hoover was just another greedy Republican also.

James kane   September 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

we got a joker ( sarah ) and a clown ( mCcain )running ,and amusing the american people.
They don't talk about issues, and are continuing to lie.

Turner in Washington State   September 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Jack,

Nothing John McCain can say will hurt him. This election is no longer about the issues. I always hear people blame the media, and in this case I agree. It's truly a shame that journalists digging for the truth has become a thing of the past.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   September 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Not really.
There are aspects (metrics like exports, GDP, retail sales, even unemployment) that have been holding the line–and displaying some stability and a little growth–these fundamental metrics of the economy are benchmarks, arguably, agreed upon by our government–for decades.

What McCain does know–and has stated: a comprehensive look (by commission) on how we can change the current economic ethos and atmosphere (starting with nearly all MBA programs) so it is less severe on American workers–begins creating jobs again...and is less focused on short term wealth creation as opposed to long term stability and growth. The economic cycle we're in right now–is a serious message to corporate America.

Chris   September 17th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Yes they have, Jack! I can truthfully say that my family and I, who are middle class people, have grown weaker - especially this year. As a Republican myself, I feel that McCain is grossly out of touch when he said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." If McCain truly wants to argue change, he can't continue to reiterate that same line that Pres. Bush uses. For that reason, my family and I are supporting Obama.

Chris from NC

Luke   September 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Well, it's a matter of perspective. I mean, how many stupid things does a candidate have to say before America realizes he is stupid?

Dee in Canada   September 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

As one of your neighbours north of the border, I shudder to think what would happen were John McCain to be elected president of the USA. Yet, despite the missteps, the selection of a VP candidate whose life and that of her dysfunctional family is a soap opera, her use of her position and influence to fire her enemies and hire her friends, his total lack of understanding of the issues, especially the economic issue, his outrageous misrepresentations of fact, he's still running neck to neck with Obama. Amazing! Only in America!

Robert   September 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Jack,
I don't know if the statements will hurt him or not. It seems to me most people vote along party lines no matter what their candidate says, unfortunately.
I guess we can take solace in the fact that Social Security isn't privatized. Something McCain wants to do.
Robert
Kennewick, WA

Melissa Rodriguez   September 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Flushing, NY- I think the fact that republicans are still trying to assure us that the economy is fine is scary. It seems they would do anything to keep us at war with Iraq and yet not many of us even know why we're still there. The fact that we're spending over 10 million dollars a month on the war should be a red flag to ANYONE with common sense. It's a shame that people only notice what's wrong when things go south. Sen. McCain's remark is extremely ignorant and I haven't heard Palin say any different but then again she never says anything different or interesting.

Agnes   September 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

This is a turning point in the election. The voters can now see John McCain as he truly is: out of touch with the average American. Yes, his comments this week will be viewed as a fatal flaw in his election bid with a steep downhill run from here. His campaign is in shambles: even his ally Carly Fiorinna thinks he's not capable of running a US business. Weren't we just taking about who is read to become the President? Obviously John McCain is not. Cheers for the American public in realizing this before it's too late. Here's to President Obama!

serena   September 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Just confirms what little he knows about the economy in this country at this time. God help us if he is elected.

Curt W   September 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

You know if everyone runs around saying the sky is falling and everyone ducks their head, than noone will see the rainbow. My point is someone needs to try and maintain some sort of confidence or everything will collapse. This isn't about denial.

Marshall Stewart   September 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

NO......But it should have been fatal. If only the public wasn't so afraid and looking for people just like them and not what is good for them...

Chuck in MO   September 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

I'm beginning the think the economy is more sound that his sanity.

Richard   September 17th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

McCain has spent most of his adult life on the government payroll. He hasn’t had to bother himself with making house payments, Social Security, medical costs or insurance, saving for retirement or other costs that ordinary people have to pay. But he has been Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee for six years. “That’s the committee that oversights our economy – transportation, science, telecommunications, airlines – all of the factors that drive our economy.”

McCain has said many times, he has been against “too much regulation”. In fact he has been a part of the system that systematically dismantled the safety nets that were put in place during and after the “Great Depression” that were designed to protect ordinary people from “excessive exuberance” of the rich, powerful and greedy. But today he wants us to believe that he shares the pains of working people and small businesses and that he knows just how to fix the economy.

We have not been well served by McCain or his fellow Republicans in control of government, gridlock, or by Republican filibusters.

Does the American public really want to give this man, or his running mate, one more chance to “screw it up further? Common sense should tell us that it is time for a real change and that we should vote for people that have had some real experience, such as making house payments, etc.

He hasn't helped himself he's 27 years too late to make a positive change.

Maple Valley, WA

peter sask   September 17th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

he is good in one thing war that is all from here he is stupid

Linda, Ruther Glen, Va   September 17th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

I certainly hope that his comments cripple him in this race. He's not the person for the job at any time, let alone now with the situations that appear on a daily basis.

Richard Johnson   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Hi Jack,i do think what John Mccain said will some what hurt him,i just think he is pandering to his base,who is just struck with Palin,but the bottom is falling out slowly but surely...

Judie   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Fatal Error, not if he wants to retain his seat in the senate. As far as being President his statement along with all the other blunders he has made cemented his loss of the election . I can't wait each day to hear what Mispeak has to say. This is better than any comedy show I have ever seen.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

Bob Blackmon   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Jack,
Can we really take McCain Seriously? Over the last few years it seems John McCain decided to give in to dirty republican corrupt style politics of say & do whatever it takes to keep power. John McCain is so far out of touch with the common man. When he says the economy is fundamentally strong, it shows a man, who is too stubborn, to wake up, look around at your working class folks and see the despair. Obama seems to have a good sense of all Americans interest, and his policies are not Extreme.
Thank you Jack,
Take Care,
Bob
Grass Valley, CA

Spencer, Newport News, VA   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

His comments will cost him this election, but his lying most of all will cost him this election. Not to mention he picked G.I Jame as his running mate.

fanofann   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

FDR was an east coast elitist. He even used a cigarette holder, but he seemed to do a pretty good job .

Carol in Tehachapi CA   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

McCain's comments should begin hurting him by now, but the latest polls do not indicate this. I wonder how much more it will take? Since his initial admission that he knows virtually nothing about economics, his recent remarks have no disproven this. He really should cull the best economic minds out there, but will stick to the likes of Gramm and Fiorino, and others of their ilk, because it is too convenient. Economics, although an intricate and imperfect field of knowledge, has become so politicized that it may as well be moved to the political science curriculum in colleges. I cannot imagine McCain changing his litany and song about this miserable state of affairs we have fallen heir to, and the pit seems bottomless. He and his wife should try "slumming it" in any depressed urban or rural area if they really were sympathetic to "the working Americans," but they haven't empathetic natures.

Alan from daniel island   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

jack,

I would like to think that Carville is right, but there is a fool born every minute, or so the saying goes.

Now the same Republican strategists who have given us a $10B/month unnecessary Iraqi occupation; are bringing us a financial industry bailout to the tune of $100s of Billion of taxpayer money because they systematically dismantled regulatory oversight; are running on a health care approach that will undercut employer provided health care and apply the same “hands off” solution to healthcare that they applied to the financial sector; …. Believe they can hold the reins of power simply by putting a “K-Mart Mom” on the ticket.

Come November, I guess we will find out if the old saying is true.

Alan
Daniel Island, SC

Melissa from Paducah, KY   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Comments like this make it more obvious that John McCain is a typical out-of-touch, RICH, REPUBLICAN politician who lives in a different world than middle class America. The American economy is fundamentally broken in that we have a record deficit and depend ever increasingly on money loaned to us from foreign nations to financially keep our economy afloat..... I call that fundamentally NOT SOUND.

Mimi Fowler   September 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I'm not sure "the economy is fundamentally sound" comment is a fatal error. I am sure that Ronald Reagan is turning over in grave. McCain saying we need regulation? McCain saying that we must check unbridled greed? We can only hope we have come to the end of Reaganomics. If it took Nixon to go to China, maybe it takes Paulsen to end Reaganomics.

Susann, Cuyahoga Falls, OH   September 17th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

It left me almost speechless. I still can hardly believe he actually said that, or that people still don't see this man as the clueless wonder he is.

Matt from Albuquerque   September 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Not only is his comments a fatal error, but so is his record on deregulation of the deregulate the banking & insurance industry. Now that flip-flop is coming back to bite him in the rear.

Chuck in Warren, Oh.   September 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Welcome back Jack: John McCain was in our area yesterday for the second time. The first time was for a fund raiser and then yesterday to speak to us common people. His real erroe was to run for an office that is way over his head. He picked a running mate that talks more than him & she is in the same boat as McCain. The WALL STREET MESS and bailouts has happened on the GOP WATCH. AIG managers work for us now and should be paid no more than the higest paid hourly worker in the company. Getting back to John McCain the voters should send him a DEAR JOHN letter. I think his coffin is nailed shut.

Chuck in Warren Ohio.

Tim in Delafield, Wi   September 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

It should, but with their spin and lies, they will probably say “Obama said it”.
Sen. John McCain said he didn't know much about the economy, His trusted economy advisor is to a certain extent responsible for this melt down. If he becomes president, I’m afraid in four years we will third world country.

Carol from Minnesota   September 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

One on-line poll today asking "do these big business bankruptcies scare you"? 75% of respondents said "Yes". Another poll asked which presidential candidate would be better able to handle the financial crisis. 79% said Obama. Every time McCain (I'm a de-regulator) opens his mouth, he's further driving the stake in the heart of the failed Republican ideologies and methodologies that have destroyed this country. Gee, we've had Regan, Bush 41 and Bush 43. What did we get.? Tax cuts for the rich, tax increases for the middle class, union busting, outsourcing of jobs, lower wages, stock market crashes, financial corruption, bail outs for the rich, recessions, spying on honest Americans and war. Why would anyone ever vote for another Republican anytime or anywhere again.

Michael, Toronto, Canada   September 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Jack,

Unfortunately not.

There are many voters who have already made up their minds on who they are going to vote for. So no matter how many lies, distortions, cover-ups and blatant bad judgment that McCain has made, there will be very little impact from McCain's recent statement that the economy is fundamentally strong.

But why am I not surprised......

McCain could have picked Romney (who has experience with finance) as his VP, but instead picked a journalist major who has benefited from earmarks. So where is the common sense?

el-tee   September 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Jack - Last April I replied to an email from a friend in CA after he urged a vote for who ever the Republican nominee would be. In the contents of that reply was it didn't matter who the nominee would be as that the Democratic nominee would win on just one issue "economy"! James Carville more than likely will be proven to be right. The down side of what is economically happening is that it has a way to go before the nation hits bottom or so I opine. - El-Tee
From the lower right hand of ND

Dave from Toronto   September 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Jack,

McCain's position on the economy was fatal.. at least for a couple of days.

Politicians are like cats, they have nine lives, and always seem to land on thier feet no matter how badly they fall.

Not sure if that is a measure of a politician, or the general public.

hongli in ont   September 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

John McCain is like a bad odour that won't go away.Having said that I think his comments on the ECONOMY will send him packing. The worst person to have around anyone is an ARROGANT OLD WORN OUT MAN. Remember the old saying Jack,an old man is like an old car,you never know when it will go out on you.

Gale   September 17th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

From New York, NY

It should, but it won't. Between racism, outright stupidity and wishful thinking he may just squeak by. I'm giving up on my fellow Americans. We'll get what we deserve.

John in Columbus Ohio   September 17th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

In any sane country.

I sure hope America is sane.

Dave from NYC   September 17th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

In terms most American's can understand, let me ask a question. If you're stranded on a deserted island, who will most likely bring rescue? Mr. and Mrs. Howell are old money. Their lifestyle has made them soft and used to others doing things for them. Besides, what kind of moron would bring a suitcase full of cash on a three hour tour? Ginger? She'd be a slinky distraction, shattering your concentration with her glamour. Mary Ann? Everyone loves Mary Ann. If anything, her innocence would compel one to work harder. Everyone wants to rescue the innocent. Skipper and Gilligan? They're the reason you're stranded in the first place. Those two should be drowned in the lagoon. If anyone is going to figure out how to make a transmitter out of coconuts, or gather from the base of the volcano the ingredients for a signal flare, it is the egghead elitist professor. He should get the big white hut.

Barbara Wagner- OH   September 17th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

I hope McCains statement was enough to cost him the election! But one never knows how many fairly stupid people are out there to vote. Who would even think that the race woul be as close as it is now given all the "players"?

Maureen   September 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

His words hurt him because they reveal how he really thinks and how little he understands the fundamentals of lost jobs, loss of home equity, stagnant wages, and how his misguided invasion of Iraq has depleted our national treasury.

Maureen
Elmore, Vermont

Jenny from Nanuet, New York   September 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

With everything going against him, there's one thing he'll always have going FOR him-he's White. Hopefully, though, there aren't enough bigots to vote against the guy who will help ALL people.

Tom from Boston, Mass.   September 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Let's see. McCain has consistley sided with Bush's economic policies and allowed Wall Street to run amuck unregulated and unfettered. A few days ago he said that "the fundamental of our economy are strong." He says he's angry at the "greedy corporate investors on Wall Street" but his idea of punishment is $200 billion in corporate tax breaks! And if Carly Fiorina (who by the way was tossed out of HP by the board because of her poor performance and ethics) thinks neither McCain nor Palin could run with an eighty billion dollar budget how on earth can anyone believe they can run and manage a budget of over three trillion dollars?

Grandpa John McCain should finally learn how to use a computer and have a look at what is really going on in the world. And The Video Professor should release a couple new CDs for him: "Understanding Budgets for Dummies" and "How to Google Your Potential VP Candidate."

If the American public elects this guy given the economic melt-down we're in, I'm moving to New Zealand!

Rachel McDonough, GA   September 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

He probably shouldn't have said it because we Americans are whiners and we complain if our wallets hurt at all. Our ecomony is fundamentally sound, this is not the great depression. Things like gas and groceries are more expensive, but they are a lot cheaper here than they are in Europe. Yes, our housing market is awful because builders built more than they could sell and because many people signed up for an ARM mortgage with out reading the fine print. Our wallets are stretched, but this is not a third world economy. We Americans just like to think that we have it worse than everyone else. BREAKING NEWS - We have it better than over 90% of the world!!!

Chris   September 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Newsbreak: John McCain removes any talk about Sarah Palin in his recent add. Only the bumper sticker at the end showing McCain/Palin. I guess he is quite aware, like himself, she knows nothing about the present meltdown and how to fix it. so jack, you are on right on target target.

Jay- (Ohio)   September 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Jack,

That was no fundamental error by McCain. He's just plain Stupid. His remarks show how uncapable he is to run this country and its economy. He's either too old to realize, or too ignorant for politics. I hope this costs him. All he does is read off the teleprompter or piece of paper prepared by his speechwriters. He has no clue of what's going on. HE IS OUT OF TOUCH!!

Helen   September 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Jack,

McCain's statement was definitely a fatal error, because it proves not ONLY once again, but also in a manner more undeniable than ever, that McCain is too spoiled, too rich, too old, and too physically ill to be able to grasp the REALITIES the majority of Americans are trying to cope with. People who think McCain's ridiculously stupid comment is not fatal obviously don't remember what happened to Gerald Ford's bid for re-election when Ford made the exact same kind of error, claiming that the then Communist-controlled Poland "was a free country". His campaign became irredeemable after that - and so has McCain's.

sandy in ohio   September 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Jack, in the best of all world's the answer is yes but we live in the US and we all know that politicians get away with alot when it comes to voters. They are all ready working on the old "bait and switch tactics" at Republican headquarters and the Dems will let them. Obama needs to keep reminding voters that a gallon of gas and a gallon of milk are both almost double what they were when Bush first took office. We are working harder and earning less and that's even more true for women in the work place. If McCain could fix this mess he should have been able to see it coming and have done something to stop it. WE NEED A CHANGE AND McCAIN AIN"T IT!!!!!!!

Michael from California   September 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

his statements, and the fact that many of the people who caused this mess are helping him 'formulate' his economic policies should be his total undoing, unfortunately America has a penchant for voting against the candidate who has their best interest in mind.

given the lies and fear mongering that is being spread on conservative talk radio, there may still be enough feeble minded people in this country to actually elect John McCain.

Andy   September 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

We can always hope! McCain is so out of touch with reality that it's completely laughable. Maybe the economy is fine for people that can't even remember how many house that they own, but for people like me the rent check for the one house that I don't even own is getting pretty hard to come by.

Andy
Ft.Lauderdale,FL

Gayle Cates   September 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Is it possible to see the early (if not the first) message frim Osama Bin Laden in which he said that he would bankrupt the U.S.? At this point I think it should be reviewed again with what has happened with the U.S. economy. What do you , Blitz or CNN think?

John in Atlanta, GA   September 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Game Over. What was worse is he came back to try and change what he had said. In the words of Sen. Obama, "How stupid do you truly think we are??"

NANCY , Grand Ledge MI   September 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Do you mean "We need to deregulate" and " I'm the biggest free trader there is" McCain!! I certainly hope his statements mean that he won't win! If people are really listening to what he says, he's doomed! But most people seem to listen to the lies and the sound bites instead of the facts!1

Jenny from Nanuet, New York   September 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

He also said he doesn't know much about the economy. These comments need to be played over and over by Obama and his supporters from now 'til November 4th.

Deb n Texas   September 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I hope it costs him the election. We have had enough dummies running things in the White House. The White House is turning into an OUT House Jack, do you remember the Out Houses in the backyards that was used to whole sh..., well that is what the White House has been for the last 7 years and if McCain gets in well that will be another 4 of the OUT House.

Shirley   September 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

It should cost him Jack. Here is a man that flies around in his wife's personal jet, has so many homes he can't count them, thinks someone middle class makes under 5 million dollars a year & dresses in $500 loafers while his wife wear designer clothes & expensive jewelry. He has no idea what is going on with the middle class . He didn't know we existed until now that he wants our votes
Look for us in the unemployment line McCain!

Nancy   September 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

YES, and because McCain is so out-of-touch, I said thanks, but no thanks to the MCain-Palin ticket.

Roxanne   September 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Yes, Senator McCain is truly out of touch. Our country still believes, white men have all the answers. We never want to see things outside the white prospective.

So our ecomony is in turmoil and it appears, Osama bi Laden is getting what he wanted, to bankrupt the US. Remember the time when the Saudis and others were investing heavily in the U.S.

Now, Saudi Billionaire, Saudi billionaire Prince Al-Walid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, to Wall Street, "See You Later Having bailed out Citicorp on a couple of occasions — most recently by helping in its recapitalization earlier this year — Al-Waleed says he's not in the market for any more U.S. financial sector assets".

While our Senator McCain and our business leaders were so caught up in greed and selling our country off, it seems others leaders of the world were plotting to give us enough rope to hang ourselves. We must have change to look at the world from a different prospective.

Obama/Biden 2008

James   September 17th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

No more fatal than Michele Obama being proud of her country for the first time. San Antonio, TX

Malachi from PA   September 17th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Jack, If Puma and the lame republicans vote for McShame then we are all doomed. He admittedly knows nothing about the economy, thinks that Americans economically is fundamentally sound ( American Worker) what a barometer to use to judge the economy and also was apart of the last Savings and Loan fallout that negatively affected the economy. Here's the question Jack for America, can we afford to put such and illiterate person on the economy in office as our president when everything economically is so bad? Where would we be in the hands of a guy who graduated 5th from the bottom of his Miltary Academy class coupled with a VP selection who received her degree after touring 5 different colleges. These are two special people and I don't mean they are very smart either. They are smart enough to deflect attention off of the issues that are very pressing to America's future. America First Huh, what a joke. Stay on the issues that really effect our lives you out of touch person.

Dan Krivicich, Athens Ohio   September 17th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Jack,
McCain believes the fundamentals of our economy are sound. Over the last several months he has repeated this statement about 20 times. The difference this time he repeated it on "Black Monday". I think this will start his slide.

Larry   September 17th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Jack, as you know we're in this mess becuase of the lax government oversite. McCain said in a statement today that he would be the change president as he chaired the committee responsible for commerce. He sure did a great job as chair. Just look at what's happening on Wall Street these days. If we American's let the Republicans stear this ship of state for another four years, we deserve what we're certain to get, more of the same, capitalism for profit and greed and socialism for lost.

Kyle   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

The only thing that can cost McCainn the election is no nothing left wing propoganda peddlers like you Jack. Despite Obama having laid out no ideas of his own to fix the dire straits people find themselves in these days, people like you applaud him for attacking and distorting the record of of someone who isn't afraid to actually have ideas and expound on them. If you were to roll tape on on Fiorina's comments she said Obama and Biden weren't fit to run a corporation ethier. At least McCainn believes in the stong fundamental nature of the American worker instead of thinking of them as religous zealots who sleep with thier guns at night and need the federal goverment to step in to make everything in thier life better. You know Jack they should just cut out the midle man and get Al Franken to come up with these questions everyday. They would probably be more intelligent and have more truth in them.

Judy Fox   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Jack,
Can you believe you even have to ask that question? Where on earth has the thinking process gone with the American people? I expect to see I'm Stupid stamped right on the forehead of anyone who believes John McCain has not been part of the policies made for the last 4 years in Washington. But again someone who has enough money to own 7+ houses would not understand how I am having a hard time holding on to my one house. Cause I am the econmy with my hard working fundamently strong needs!!!!
unblieveable

R.marie & Stephen Carter   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Senator McCain's statement only chrystalizes how out of touch that he and his followers are in life. For instance, my family and I do have a trustfund with Merrill Lynch and all this financial negativity/uncertainty is cause us a lot of stress. McCain comment scares us and anyone who would still feel at ease with him, they're only fooling themselves. We certainly do need a change, because we cannot continue on this downward spiral path.

May God Bless America

Yours truly,

Reg.

Jeff DuShane, Flint, MI   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Jack,

This is just the last in a line of fatal errors on behalf of McCain. As the economy continues to crumble, their camp still wants to talk about sexism, unfair attacks and lipstick on pigs. ENOUGH of the GOP, they got us here to begin with, we can't expect them to right the ship.

Jeff
Flint, MI

Tony Schneider Jr   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

It's really, really scary to think that Mr McCain could become the next president, the man has no clue on what's going on in america. He's living in a rich mans world, who can't see down to the bottom of the american middle class and the poor of this country. God help america if this man becomes president and may god help the people who are supporting this man, they are clueless as well.

Tony

Elsa Bayly   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Not if we get the whole comment but we will not get that from you. Thank goodness we have Anderson Cooper who isn't afraid to reveal that the adds being run against McCain are taken out of context. When Palin was announced to be the VP pick it wasn't but minutes until you and Campbell Brown and a couple of your analyst were actually frothing at the mouth. Such bias is distasteful in spite of who you favor.

Joe   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

McCain has become a wizard of illusionary magic of late, things are one way.. say they're another. Now he's becoming a contortionist. After supporting the republican credo of "hands-off" by the the government –no regulation, no oversight, no help for the middle-class - for the last 100 years or so, now he's trying to turn himself inside out and proclaim himself the great reformer. Yeah.. that's why the economy is doin' so great after the last 8 years of McCain's "reforms". Send the man home to one of those 7 houses he owns.

Antonio Gramsci (with "Pessimism of the Mind, Optimism of the Will")   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

My alias pays homage to the Italian philosphere, since we're heading into a mild Depresssion – for a few years. McPalin's remarks will cost him some votes: only a lot should our ill-informed electorate actually wakes-up and wants to "kick the bums out" . His Republican spin-meisters will find a way to negate its effect – they are REActionaries, and not PROactive after all. How it got into his speech (he bumbled the words a tad on delivery) says a lot about his Speechwriter and his Machine, but McCain peruses and reads and approves his own speeches, right? And his Ads. But it's just not this comment that is worrisome, but McCain's TOTAL ignorance about Economics 101: ask him what the difference is between micro and macro is and he may (wrongly) say "it's about having a small or short-term view versus a big picture, and long-term". He has had a "greying of the brain" – he is 72 yo you know – and his physical reflexes must also have also deteriorated, as well. Do you want a bumbling Grandpa-like figure in the White House? Bush aged 15 years in 7 1/2 on the job – and he doesn't drink anymore – or work more than 8 hours a day! McCain must retire to Arizona @ 1 of his 9 homes. Send him home to Cindy.

Eileen   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Jack, read my lips: McCain showed how out of touch he is to those of us who make below $5 million. He is the elitist candidate, and it is readily apparent by comments like the economy is sound, or he'd get a commission to find out what happened, or he's against regulation as a rule. What about requiring these financial institutions to follow the laws already on the books? I don't think a commission is necessary. But someone should be held accountable. After Enron, not much was changed.

Thomas   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Fatal, no; just a convenient soundbite for the liberal media. Hope never accomplishes much; but, a lifetime of hard work does. I'd rather have a solid and stable leader at the helm than a brash student council wannabe. Mac knows how to survive!

jobless dave from ashevile   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Mccain has such a " winnie the pooh" attitude (and the looks) about lots of things that i suspect this is just the edge of the honey jar for future damaging remarks. Whne you don't know what you're talking about, then it becomes a very slippery slope.

Joseph   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Jack, YES!!!
The line of Priests, to give 'last rites', is longer than those 'WAITING!!?!' for relief supplies from FEMA.
'NOM, DA SONTO, DE SPIRITO SONTO' is the term I believe.

Joseph
Baltimore, MD.

Lance Schrader coram ny   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Hopefully it is a fatal error for his campaign. Although it is very apparrent whatever he says can be altered the next day in his mind.

wally Ruehmann las vegas nv   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

i hope so, its his own fault he didn't have Lieberman there to correct him.

Kevin in California   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Why is anyone surprised about McCain's inept economic comments? Did you see John McCain's response to Ron Paul's economic question during the GOP South Carolina Presidential Debate? I have one description on John McCain's answer: McTeenSouthCarolina

KIM   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Jack,
It's one more example of how wrong McCain/Palin are wrong for the times. I'm not confident that it will change the mind of those that are afraid of a 'non-traditional' candidate. What a sad commentary on our citizenry.

Erica   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Yes. We do not need an honorable figurehead who is clearly out of touch along with side kick who is an ambitious close-minded crusader for her own way of life. Please...we deserve a more intelligent choice than that.

Nell   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Jack,

Ideally it will hurt him but he will just lie his way out as in "Fundamently Sound means the working man,, etc." He really thinks we are stupid enough not to get it...unfortunately 50 % of the public falls for his diatribe. Incidentally, why is Blitzer giving that Rothchild woman so much air time? Who cares?

Keep up the good work!

C.Ross   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I don't think Obama posses the ability to control a country that is about to embark upon a national Draft. McCains efforts for the war will in time will bring about the economy issue our country now faces. Theirs just to many chickens in the barn yard. This draft will set things straight and weed out all of the dead weight in America.

Melody   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

If McCain wins and our place in the world continues to decline, it will be in large the fault of the voters that will have fallen for his empty words, fake smile and the Palin action. He is not a maverick, and he proved that with Palin. He followed someone else's lead to get ratings with her then to follow his heart with Lieberman, and to not run a campaign with integrity and good character. He has sold his soul!

He and the Republicans are hypocrites! They throw out ugly talk, half-truths and slams, then play the victim when Obama has to defend himself from their attacks! When he and his people complain about Obama, they are actually telling on themselves for what they had just done! About Hollywood...they are people too! and McCain had a Beverly Hills fundraiser a few months ago and the night before a $5M night in Miami! How much is his wife worth and how many houses? For their words and actions, I can't wait for the race to be over.

Veronica   September 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Any man that has to stand behind or by a girl (All The Time) is whimmpy, whimmpy, whimpy. Be a man McCain! stand up and take the Alpha Male position!!!

Oh yeah, by the way . . . I think McCain has hidden hostilities and aggressive tendencies towards American's enemies because of his torture as a prisoner of war. God Bless him for his service.

Bryan from MI   September 17th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Fatal? Unfortunately, no. The McCain camp will distort and lie their way out of this one and defend themselves with shields of honor and sexism. You'd think that running a campaign of honor and "country first" would encourage the republicans to mull those concepts over, rather than make them support the McCain camp all the more blindly.

Ruth Lopez   September 17th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Jack,

Are you kidding? Forget the economy! Don't you know there was a Streisand sighting?

No ever-more obviously disconnected gaffe by McCain, no endless series of whoppers by McCain and Palin, no ever growing list of one callous deregulating uber-lobbyist member of McCain's staff after another showing utter disregard for the lives of the bottom 98% of Americans, not even McCain's own $50,000 a plate private fundraiser for Miami highrollers compares to Obama's mega-sin.

Obama went to Hollywood. Yes, it's true. Obama is supported by actors. He had a fundraiser. The man is shameless. Streisand, (gasp, shudder), sang. It's the end of the Democratic Party. Hell, it might even be the end of civilization as we know it.

Ruth Lopez
Orlando, FL

chris   September 17th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Cafferty
Let's get it straight,the McCain spokeswomen said none of them could run a company.Everytime you in the tank Obama supporters lie,just makes us typical white bitter Hillary supporters more determine to help get John McCain elected.
Thanks

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