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DNC Announces Second in Series of McCain vs. McCain Debates

WASHINGTON, Apr. 07 /PRNewswire/ --

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Democratic National Committee announced the second in a series of McCain vs. McCain debates to be broadcast today on www.mccaindebates.com. The debates, which show Senator McCain debating himself, make it clear that even John McCain doesn't agree with John McCain on the vital issues confronting the American people. No matter which McCain the American people hear, they'll see a third-Bush-termer and pandering politician who will say or do anything to win and has no qualms selling out his principles for political purposes.

During today's debate, the American people will have the opportunity to hear the old McCain and the new McCain face off on the economic issues facing America, such as the possibility of a recession, interest rates, and Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy. But the two McCains will have a lot of explaining to do to the American people, considering that with a sliding economy and job losses hitting a five year record high, 81 percent of Americans now think our country is on the wrong track -- the same track McCain would keep us on. And with McCain himself saying that he doesn't really understand economics and that he's not "smart enough" to come up with a plan for the mortgage crisis, it will take a lot to prove he is capable of fixing the economy, the number one issue on voters' minds this election. [New York Times, 4/4/08; AP, 4/4/08; Boston Globe, 12/18/07; American Banker, 3/11/2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTmIJ5Aag2Q]

Today's debate is the second in a series of McCain vs. McCain debates launched March 24 by the DNC and continuing in the coming weeks. The debates will concentrate on the issues most important to the American people this election season, with the first having concentrated on the war in Iraq. Additional details regarding specifics for the coming debates will be announced at a later time.

"We are so glad to have John McCain and John McCain back for a second debate today," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. "Since McCain has made it clear that he doesn't understand economics and is willing to switch his position on just about any issue in order to win an election, these debates are a wonderful opportunity for Americans to see the political opportunist speak for himself. We wish him luck as he tries again to argue for a third Bush term and convince voters he won't keep us on the same track so many Americans think is wrong for our country."

To watch the debates, go to www.mccaindebates.com.

Script of McCain vs. McCain Debate #2

The Economy

Round 1: Are we in a recession?

McCain A: "I don't believe we're headed into a recession." [GOP Debate, Myrtle Beach, FNC, 1/10/08]

McCain B: "I would say that it's very likely and more and more economists are saying that, that we are probably quote in a recession." [CNN Live Feed (Atlanta, GA), 3/7/08]

Round 2: Are you well versed on the economy and interest rate cuts?

McCain A: "I'm not -- don't have that kind of expertise to know exactly whether he has cut interest rates sufficiently or not." [CNBC/Wall Street Journal Debate, 10/9/07]

McCain B: "I'm very well versed in economics." [MSNBC Debate, Boca Raton Florida, 1/24/08]

Round 3: Do you believe in George Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy?

McCain A: "I believe that until we find out the cost of this war and the reconstruction that we should hold off on tax cuts." [Meet the Press, 3/30/03]

McCain B: "Well, for a long time, I have said that I thought the tax cuts ought to be made permanent." [ABC News This Week, 2/17/08]

McCain A Counterpunch: "I want to briefly discuss why, at this time, I cannot in good conscience vote in favor of tax cuts, irrespective of their size or to which segment of the population they are targeted." [Senate Floor, 3/18/03]

McCain B Counterpunch: "I'm disappointed because I think it's very important that we make the Bush tax cuts permanent. I voted to make them permanent twice already." [MSNBC Debate, Boca Raton Florida, 1/24/08]

Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, www.democrats.org.

This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.