(krtphotos/newscom)
In Florida, McCain jabs Obama on NASA funding
By Jimmy Orr | 08.18.08
Another issue of the day emerges. This on top of the “Cone of Silence,” Bigfoot and VP speculation. The issue now? NASA funding.
Earlier this campaign, Barack Obama had received some criticism over his then-plan to delay funding for the Constellation man-on-the-moon program in order to pay for some education programs.
Back on August 2 in Titusville, Florida, Obama signaled a change of heart.
In fact, the Orlando Sentinel called the move a “dramatic reversal of policy.” Obama didn’t release any details then but said the U.S. “cannot cede our leadership in space.”
“I told my staff we’re going to find an entirely different offset, because we’ve got to make sure that the money going into NASA for basic research and development continues to go there,” he told a group at Brevard Community College. “That has been a top priority for us.”
Details, details
The details of Obama’s new space plan were released on Saturday. The 7-page document outlines Obama’s support for putting astronauts back on the moon and even further out.
“Human spaceflight is important to America’s political, economic, technological, and scientific leadership,” the policy paper said. “Barack Obama .. .. . endorses the goal of sending human missions to the Moon by 2020, as a precursor in an orderly progression to missions to more distant destinations, including Mars.”
Whoa there…
Not good enough for John McCain, however. Today, McCain was at another branch of Brevard Community College and said through a statement that there’s some flip-floppin’ going on.
“I know that earlier this year, Senator Obama proposed cutting the NASA budget and delaying the timetable for our return to the Moon and the Mars mission,” McCain said. “I believe that he later repudiated his own plan. Sometimes it is difficult to know what a politician will actually do once in office, because they say different things at different times to different people. This is a particular problem when a candidate has a short, thin record on the issues as in the case of Senator Obama.
“Let me say, just in case Senator Obama does decide to return to his original plan of cutting NASA funding – I oppose such cuts,” McCain said. “That position is a shortsighted approach that fails to recognize the benefits of space exploration and the technology and economic advantages that result from the space program.”
<< McCain: Cone of silence or no cone of silence? | MainComments
2. BUBBA GUMP | 08.18.08
Have you read Grumpy McCain’s statements? This is a man that thinks Iraq borders Afghanistan? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!?!
3. John McCain Shirts | 08.18.08
God forbid he realizes that NASA is important and realized his previous stance was wrong. Whats wrong with realizing you were wrong, admitting it, and putting out a solid plan and not just a 1 liner which McCain seems to be good at.
4. Jack B | 08.18.08
“Yet another flip-flop from Obama. Do we really need a president who’s learning as he goes and changes his views completely? Think people!”
I’d rather a man who is learning as he goes, than a man that never learned at all…If you voted for Bush, you are part of the problems America is facing right now. Blame the Democrats all you want, but history shows the truth.
5. space coast resident | 08.18.08
Obama came to the Space Coast and saw firsthand the importance of the space program. He modified his position as most thoughtful folks do when given new information to consider. Unfortunately, McCain seems to see that as flip-flopping. Too bad McCain didn’t flip-flop on his Iraq war position even after learning how we were hoodwinked into going to war, killing thousands of our men and women, and spending billions. That would have shown character.
6. 4ThePeople | 08.18.08
Agreed! It’s better to realize your mistakes and change than have your PR people make an explanation for you. eg McCain’s $5 million moment. google it
7. Menlo D | 08.18.08
Jack B,
Very nice response. Also, it’s a great thing that Obama isn’t all that close minded like McCain. People really should watch McCain on his speeches. He doesn’t know what he’s saying. He reads off teleprompters because his memory spans isn’t greater than a couple minutes. He looks down at the teleprompter every few thirty seconds. Additionally, I think Obama has realized the employment and scientific opportunities that NASA provides. There’s nothing wrong with that.
8. Ron | 08.18.08
Rick Warren…..
“How was it like in the CONE OF SILENCE ”
John McCain….
“I tried to put my head against the wall to see if I could hear any of the answers” Laugh Laugh
It’s not the deed … it’s the cover up…. Why is the McCain camp all riled up ? He cheated.
Why wasn’t his answer ” You know Rick… I have to be honest… but he wasn’t
9. Tom | 08.18.08
Gotta wonder. All these folks making big deals of Obama flip-flopping. Why don’t they make the same big deal about McCain’s flip-flops? Do some research on it online or take it easy and search a popular video site for “McCain flip flop” You’ll find about 500 hits… You’ll find close to the same for Obama as well but… Don’t you think trying to criticize Obama for flip flops while talking up McCain is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black?
10. Gator | 08.18.08
I think McFossil calling Obama a flip-flopper is a little like calling the kettle…uh…oh you know what I mean. Anywya, here are but a few:
1. Social Security Privatization
2. Raising - and Slashing - Defense Spending
3. First Term Balanced Budget Pledge
4. Off shore drilling
5. First Term Balanced Budget Pledge
6. FISA, Domestic Surveillance and Telecom Immunity
11. Diggy | 08.18.08
I for one am all for Space Travel! Love the idea. Hope to make it into orbit myself once we solve the energy issue at hand.
How about an Apollo program for Renewable Energy? Get the whole country involved in a race for Energy Independence and then tackle further space travel and exploration.
As a dreamer whom was born the week in 1969 that men left terra firma for the first walk on the Moon I believe it is within my grasp to someday go there, albeit in my old age. As a small business owner whom thrives to someday be rich, Obama rich that is not McCain rich (let’s be reasonable), I believe it is within my grasp.
Flip Flopping is not good, but refusing to alter course in the light of new compelling information is far worse.
12. brandon C | 08.18.08
“Yet another flip-flop from Obama. Do we really need a president who’s learning as he goes and changes his views completely? Think people!”
You and the rest of Republicans are why our country is in the state of disasters because you all voted for Bush AGAIN!
Next time you use your head to think, do remember that McCain is following most of Bush plan for another 4 more years; something that we do not want to happen again. Remember that we spent billions of dollars every day on Iraq because we wanted to get rid of WMA but didn’t find anything. Bush lied to us about why we are over there and McCain still endorses our troop being over there. We don’t we start taking care of ourselves instead of butting in other countries’ businesses? We are not in Iraq to spread democracy; we are there because we made a mistake of accusing Iraq of doing something that we do not have evidents of.
You all need to think before you talk with your DA*N mouths and your fearful hearts. Your votes for Bush is the result our country is in a state of Disaster.
13. Jack Burton | 08.18.08
McCain supported from the get go.
Obama did not, in fact the opposite.
So who do you trust?
The guy who never flip flopped?
Or the guy who does when he needs votes?
14. Jack B | 08.18.08
“The guy who ‘never’ flip flopped?”
You sir are and idiot.
That is all, have a GREAT day.
15. NoBama | 08.18.08
Why do I suspect that all of the above comments were posted by the same Kos Kiddie?
Truth be told, Obama will say anything to get elected. To the apologists who say that he is “learning”, I offer this:
1) If you are ignorant on a subject (like the space program), learn BEFORE you shoot your mouth off.
2) 6 months before inauguration is a bad time to be “learning” about major public policy issues.
McCain is a HERO
Hussein is a ZERO
16. Robert Tulloch | 08.18.08
Obama is just a lying commie sleeper. Looks like some fools post here have been sucked in by Obama.
No worry. We will never let him ascend to the throne.
17. No Snowbama | 08.18.08
Obama is not only dishonest, he is dangerously ignorant.
Putin and his KGB cronies would steamroller Obama if elected.
And we will be depending on the Russians to get our people to the space station after the Shuttle is foolishly retired. Outrageous decision!
18. Chris O | 08.18.08
You know, Barrack supporters really aren’t making themselves look all to intelligent with all these attacks.
Likewise, McCain supporter are demeaning themselves and everything they stand for by instigating.
People, be civil, your partisanship is what IS leading this country down the drain, not Bush. I’d be suprised if we didn’t see a civil war or partisan street fighting a couple decades down the line at the rate that this is going.
Why can’t you be INTELLIGENT AMERICANS, and actually DISCUSS topics rather than creating “humorous” and “clever” variations of the other guys name? Why don’t you actually act like you have some braincells rather than posting idiotic comments on a news site.
19. Priscilla | 08.18.08
Do you think just maybe he changed his mind because he was in FORIDA? Wake up, he was pandering like they all do. Obama is not a communist and McCain stabbed Bush in the back more than once. Lets stop the ignorant mud slinging and stick to the facts.
20. Joe | 08.18.08
Tell Me The Truth
When Does Obama reverse his opinion on the draft? PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (AP) — Vice presidential candidate John Edwards promised a West Virginia mother on Wednesday that if the Democratic ticket is elected in November the military draft would not be revived.
During a question-and-answer session, the mother of a 23-year-old who recently graduated from West Virginia University asked Edwards whether the draft would be reinstated.
“There will be no draft when John Kerry is president,” Edwards said, a statement that drew a standing ovat
on top of WSWS : News & Analysis : North America
Democratic Congressman reintroduces bill for military draft in US
By Joe Kay
12 January 2007
Charles Rangel, the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, reintroduced a bill on Thursday that would institute a military draft for all legal residents of the United States between the ages of 18 and 42.
21. steve t | 08.19.08
GOD HELP THIS COUNTRY IF JOHM McCAIN wins the election. another 4yrs of terrible leadership! that would mean that this country would be going backwards for {12}yrs folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
elected him is like elected george w bush again. You might as well leave that moron George W Bush in office!
OBama is our {only} choice people!!!
Do you really want an: old, mean, average intelligence, average educated, war monger in office?
Let’s turn this country around with a big u turn instead of driving into a dead end abyss!!
22. steve t | 08.19.08
You people are stupid making dumb coments about Obama’s foreign policies! At least he didn’t order bombing a country that didn’t have any weapons of mass destruction!! HE BOMBED THE WRONG COUNTRY YOU IDOITS!!!! When the Japanese bombed pearl harbor the US went after them! they didn’t just bomb any asian country with slanted eyes! Go back & read your bible! bunch of dopes! one person doesn’t make all of the decisions! They have advisors to help them! stop writing comments,becasue you make yourself look foulish & quite stupid! just becasue someone was a POW doesn’t mean they’re qualified to be president! you have to be pretty smart & humble enough to listen to the right people around you!
You don’t want Obama,becasue he’s black! why don’t you just say it! Obama is not only intelligent, but also represents what america is. he’s white & black! If you’ve looked around lately? there are other people living in this country, besides white people!
McCain is against obortion! Meanwhile, he’s for capitol punishment, that has been proven to kill innocent people before & bombing countries & killing more innocent people? Where’s the logic? You tell me?
23. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot | 08.19.08
McCain flip-flopped on the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007.
Guess who sponsored it? MCCAIN!!!
He also flip-flopped on his “This is going to be a clean, respectful campaign.” Who’s been spending millions trashing his opponent while steadfastly refusing to discuss the issues? MCCAIN!!!
Who has pocketed millions from the oil companies for his campaign? MCCAIN!!!
All you Bushies want to vote for Bush 3? You were wrong the first two times, you have no credibility to make any case whatsoever about who will “ascend to the throne.”
Unless, of course, you buy or steal the election, which is the only way to wrestle good choices away from “intelligent Americans” like you did in 2000 and 2004.
24. Draftage | 08.19.08
Tell Me The Truth
When Does Obama reverse his opinion on the draft?
“There will be no draft when John Kerry is president,” Edwards said, Democratic Congressman reintroduces bill for military draft in US
12 January 2007
Charles Rangel, the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, reintroduced a bill on Thursday that would institute a military draft for all legal residents of the United States between the ages of 18 and 42.
25. AnarchyintheUSA! | 08.19.08
Forget both of those idiots running for office. Nobody in 04! do we really need anyone to tell us how to live? All they are going to do is keep us down! I want true Freedom!
26. WakeUp | 08.19.08
All the Obama drones in here remind me of the Bush drones in 04. Get a brain people and stop being brainwashed by the media. Obama is about as worthless as Bush except for the fact that he can read a teleprompter.
27. Tom in Alabama | 08.19.08
NcLame admitted that he cheated on his first wife multiple times. Why is it difficult for McLame supporters to believe that he cheated on Pastor Warren by not secluding himself in the “cone of silence”. McLame is not real bright, just like George W. Bush, and as President he would defer to Cheney/Rove like aids to make decisions and further screw the country.
28. hiendurance | 08.19.08
Does anybody know any 72 year olds? Your mom or pop, or maybe your grandfather? How would you like them have control of the most complex and powerful government in the world? Honestly, just imagine the meds that McCain is on, how have they affected his mental acuity? Judging from appearances, he is on auto pilot, and would sleep through his presidency (if we are lucky), or wake up long enough to cause America even more damage than our cheerleader president.
29. rachel | 08.19.08
Yeap Obama will say anything and McCain is scary, Is there a box for none of the above on the ballot cause that’s who I want to vote for neither of these two.
30. John | 08.19.08
You want a candidate that can learn? You want a candidate that will admit he was wrong? And then you get mad that Mitt Romney changed his positions? My goodness people, all of you are so blinded by your party that you cannot see the good in people. Obama has changed positions, Romney changed positions, McCain has changed some positions… We are humans, we don’t stay constant. There are good people in both parties. If you are going to hold your party to one set of standards you better let the other party have the same standards as well. If you “allow” your candidate to flip-flop, you better not bash the other parties nominee when they switch positions.
United We Stand!
31. Charles Emerson Winchester III | 08.19.08
This election is a complete no-brainer. Obama recognizes the disaster we have on our hands and wants a clean break from Bush’s failed policies, “accomplished” at our expense by trashing the constitution and everything it stands for. McCain has said he agrees with most of Bush’s policies. If Obama wins, we could end up with the drastic reversal of course that we need. If McCain wins, things will improve slightly (since no one could be as bad as idiot George), but otherwise will remain as they are. If that’s okay with you, vote for McCain. Otherwise, you’ll be foolish not to vote for Obama. No-brainer.
32. Curious Orange | 08.19.08
Why would it take until 2020 to “get back” to the moon? If 1969 technology took us there over a dozen times?
33. josh | 08.19.08
4ThePeople, I googled it and ironically, your post right here came up in the top 10.
34. MrBlue | 08.20.08
Okay folks — I have a “flip-flop” for you.
This one related to Sen. McCain’s most recent vote in Congress regarding NASA funding, H.R. 3093, The Commerce and Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2008, the bill that included a $1B funding increase to $18.49B for NASA:
“Since the bill has been brought to the floor, over $1 billion worth of spending has been added. Specifically, the Senate voted to add $1 billion on top of the $10 billion the bill already provided to NASA… It is a shame and I can only hope that the American people will join me and the President in expressing their displeasure with this bill.” — Sen. John McCain
These were McCain’s remarks before voting “Nay” along with 18 of Republican friends. Fortunately, it passed anyway, 75-19.
Now this geezer agrees with Sen. Obama to give NASA a $2B increase. Yea right! Sounds like pandering for votes to me…
35. MrBlue | 08.20.08
Regarding the McCain and NASA funding, he voted “Nay” when he had the chance — see for yourself:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-3093
“Since the bill has been brought to the floor, over $1 billion worth of spending has been added. Specifically, the Senate voted to add $1 billion on top of the $10 billion the bill already provided to NASA… It is a shame and I can only hope that the American people will join me and the President in expressing their displeasure with this bill.” — Sen. John McCain
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
Leave a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. The comments feature is a forum to discuss the ideas in our stories. Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.
Tip: Do not write a novel. Keep it short. We will not publish lengthy comments. Come up with your own statements. This is not a place to cut and paste an email you received. If we recognize it as such, we won't post it.
Please do not post any comments that are commercial in nature or that violate copyrights.
Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.
Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. AngryDude | 08.18.08
Yet another flip-flop from Obama. Do we really need a president who’s learning as he goes and changes his views completely? Think people!