McCain’s speech Sunday in Baltimore

Baltimore Sun

Heading into the first debate of the fall campaign, John McCain used a speech in Baltimore today to accuse Barack Obama of a pattern of lax leadership.

McCain revived an explosive line of attack against his Democratic rival by claiming that Obama had put his own presidential ambitions ahead of the country’s interests.

“Whether it’s a reversal in war, or an economic emergency, he reacts as a politician and not as a leader, seeking an advantage for himself instead of a solution for his country,” McCain told a gathering of National Guard members at the city convention center.

[…]

McCain, in his first Maryland public appearance of the general election campaign, sought to turn Obama’s cautious response to the financial meltdown against him.

“Senator Obama has declined to put forth a plan,” McCain told the National Guard Association annual convention. “At a time of crisis, when leadership is needed, Senator Obama has simply not provided it.”

[…]

Before the friendly audience of military officials, McCain hit Obama again for opposing the Iraq surge, and tied it to a broader attack theme: that Obama’s candidacy has been characterized by an overarching ambition.

“Behind all of these claims and positions by Senator Obama lies the ambition to be president. What’s missing is the judgment to be commander in chief,” said McCain, who was greeted enthusiastically by hundreds of Guards.

“Both candidates in this election pledge to end this war and bring our troops home. The great difference is that I intend to win it first,” McCain added, bringing the audience to its feet.

Senator Joe Biden will speak to the NGAUS conference today.