McCain's Way | A History of the Maverick's Presidency

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McCain's Way

In tribute to Senator John McCain's half-century of public service

President-elect John McCain greets his supporters after a stunning victory over Senator Barack Obama (November 5, 2008)

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Great idea of a tribute!

Thank you!

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Prelude

Senator McCain on the campaign trail

Senator John McCain and his running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, knew they were fighting an uphill battle against the Democratic ticket of Senator Barack Obama and Governor Tim Kaine. President Bush had suffered low approval ratings due to the unpopular Iraq War and the worst economy since the Great Depression. However, the Maverick politician was determined to become president.

In the first debate, many pundits were surprised with how well McCain performed against Senator Obama. In the vice presidential debate, Governor Pawlenty was seen as the clear victor over Governor Kaine, as many considered Kaine's constant interruptions of Pawlenty to be disrespectful and obnoxious. In between debates, McCain also ran a positive campaign and refused to attack his opponent, stating he wanted to stick to the issues and avoid needless attacks.

In the second presidential debate, Senator Obama went on the offensive Senator McCain and frequently stated that "a vote for McCain is a vote for four more years of President Bush." McCain fired back, stating "President Bush and I have had many disagreements throughout the last eight years, and I can safely assure you that a vote for me is a vote for a new beginning."

Senator Barack Obama accuses McCain of being another four years of George W. Bush

Many likely voters considered McCain's calmness and ability willingness to criticize the administration to be one of his strengths, and McCain most polls indicated that McCain scored a victory over Senator Obama in the debate. With McCain's poll numbers improving in key swing states, including taking the lead in Ohio, Florida, and Tim Kaine's home state of Virginia, the Obama campaign launched an advertising blitz against McCain and Pawlenty. When McCain was asked by the press on the negative attacks on him, McCain simply said "These ads do not matter at all for this country. What matters for this country is rebuilding our economy, reforming immigration, and making the United States, and the world with it, a better place."

In the third debate, Senator Obama continued to attack Senator McCain on his support of the Iraq War and claiming that McCain's victory would be akin to reelecting George W. Bush, however McCain deflected a majority of Obama's attacks. Most regarded the third debate to be the most intense debate of the election season, however most polls indicated a tie between the two candidates.

McCain on the campaign trail on November 1

Despite his gains in many swing states, McCain still lagged behind Obama, however the race was considered to still be competitive.

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The polls are missing something, I know it.

GO MCCAIN!!!!!!

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the best part of this world is no Palin tbh.

Undoubtedly

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Update coming Monday, I'm out of town for the weekend. Stay tuned.

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Election Night 2008 (Part I)

7:00 PM EST -

Polls have closed in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia. We can project that Indiana and Kentucky will go to Senator John McCain, and Vermont will go to Senator Barack Obama. Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia are too close to call.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 19 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 3 EV

7:21 PM EST -
We can project that the State of South Carolina will go for Senator McCain.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 27 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 3 EV

7:30 PM EST -
Polls have closed in Ohio and West Virginia, the former being a crucial state for both campaigns. However, we can project that Senator McCain will take the State of West Virginia.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 32 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 3 EV

7:43 PM EST -
We can project that Senator McCain will take the State of Georgia.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 47 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 3 EV

8:00 PM EST -
Numerous polls have closed across the nation, with many being lucrative for both campaigns. For Senator Obama, we can project he will win Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, his home state of Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. For Senator McCain, we can project he will win Alabama, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The states of Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania are too close to call. Senator Obama has now taken the lead with 78 electoral votes to McCain's 67 electoral votes.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 78 EV
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 67 EV

8:30 PM EST -
Polls have closed in Arkansas and North Carolina. We can project that McCain will take Arkansas, however North Carolina is too close to call.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 78 EV
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 73 EV

9:00 PM EST -
Multiple polls have closed across the nation. We can project that Senator Obama will take the states of Michigan, New York, and Rhode Island, while Senator McCain will win the states of Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 131 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 130 EV

9:08 PM EST -
We can project that Senator John McCain will take the State of Mississippi.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 137 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 130 EV

9:12 PM EST -
We can project that Senator McCain will take the State of Louisiana.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 146 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 130 EV

9:45 PM EST -
We have major projections to make; despite the Obama campaign's attempts at flipping these two southern states, we can project that Senator John McCain will win the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia. These two wins are crucial for McCain's path to the presidency. Along with this, Barack Obama's path to victory is narrowing as polls in Ohio and Florida have been indicating lukewarm turnout in urban areas, while other polls in Pennsylvania have indicated that a large shift in Republican votes in Western Pennsylvania pose a threat to the Senator's path to victory.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 174 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 130 EV

(sorry for the wait, I've been feeling a bit sick since I got back home)

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Election Night 2008 (Part II)

9:53 PM EST -
We can project that Senator McCain will carry the State of South Dakota

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 177 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 130 EV

10:00 PM EST -
Multiple polls have now closed at this time, and we can project that Senator Obama will take the State of Iowa, while Senator McCain will take the State of Utah. The states of Montana and Nevada are too close to call as the Obama campaign has focused heavily on those two states this year.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 182 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 137 EV

10:03 PM EST -
We have a projection to make, Senator Obama will carry the State of Wisconsin. This state barely went for John Kerry in the last election, however the Obama campaign can breathe a sigh of relief as they will win Wisconsin.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 182 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 147 EV

10:17 PM EST -
We have a major projection to make, Senator Obama will carry the State of New Hampshire. Despite its small electoral votes, New Hampshire can make a huge difference as we saw in 2000 when then-Governor George W. Bush carried the state over Vice President Al Gore.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 182 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 151 EV

10:25 PM EST -
We can now project that Senator McCain will carry his home state of Arizona.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 192 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 151 EV

10:32 PM EST -
Despite hosting the Republican National Convention and having its governor on the ticket, the State of Minnesota will stay in the Democratic column tonight.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 192 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 161 EV

10:35 PM EST -
We have another projection to make, Senator Obama will carry the State of New Mexico.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 192 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 166 EV

10:47 PM EST -
We have a major projection to make, the State of Missouri will go for Senator John McCain.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 203 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 166 EV

11:00 PM EST -
Polls have closed in multiple states, with California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington going to Senator Obama, and the State of Idaho going to Senator McCain. Senator Obama has now taken the lead with 243 electoral votes, while McCain trails with 207 electoral votes

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 243 EV
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 207 EV

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Election Night 2008 (Part III)

11:12 PM EST -
We have a very important projection to make, Senator John McCain has just won the State of Florida and its 27 electoral votes. This is one of McCain's largest wins of the night as his chance of victory tonight is nearing 50% as we speak. The loss of Florida is also bad news for the Obama campaign, however the race is far from over. Senator Obama is holding a 5-point lead over Senator McCain in Pennsylvania and a 3-point lead over McCain in Nevada, while Colorado and Ohio are virtually tied.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 243 EV
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 234 EV

11:18 PM EST -
We can project that Senator John McCain will take the State of Montana.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 243 EV
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 237 EV

11:52 PM EST -
We have another major projection to make, Senator John McCain will win the State of Ohio. This is another crucial win for the McCain campaign. As we look at McCain's headquarters, his supporters are growing more and more energized as McCain has now taken the lead in the electoral college. In contrast, Obama's headquarters is growing much more solemn as John McCain has a 60% chance of winning the presidential election. Along with McCain's victory in Ohio, Senator Obama's lead in Pennsylvania has shrunken to 4.5 points.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 257 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 243 EV

12:17 AM EST -
We have a projection to make, Senator Obama will carry the State of Nevada.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 257 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 248 EV

12:28 AM EST -
We have another projection to make, Senator McCain will win the State of Colorado. This puts him only four electoral votes away from the presidency, and if he wins traditionally Republican Alaska, Senator Obama will be eliminated from securing the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. With this in mind, all eyes are on Pennsylvania. If John McCain is able to edge out a victory over Barack Obama, he will secure the presidency. If Obama keeps his lead and hangs onto the state, the fate of the presidency will fall on the House of Representatives, making this the first time since 1824 where an election did not conclude with any of the candidates securing the required electoral vote total to win. Tonight, the Keystone State will truly be the keystone to the presidency.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 266 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 248 EV

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Election Night 2008 (Part IV)

1:00 AM EST -
We can project that Senator John McCain will take the traditionally Republican state of Alaska. This successfully eliminates Senator Obama from securing the required 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. If Barack Obama holds onto his narrowing lead in Pennsylvania, the election will go to the House of Representatives.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 269 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 248 EV

2:37 AM EST -

BREAKING NEWS

PENNSYLVANIA CALLED FOR MCCAIN WITH 99% REPORTING - JOHN MCCAIN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATESAfter a nail-biting night, with eyes fixed on the Keystone State for hours, and a stunning turn of events for both major presidential campaigns, we can project that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a state that has not voted for a Republican since 1988, will go to Senator John McCain. This effectively erases any chances that the Obama campaign had at winning the White House and puts John McCain as the President-elect of the United States. Pundits are now considering this the greatest upset since "Dewey Defeats Truman" in 1948, but we can assure that McCain's supporters are very pleased with the results. At Obama's headquarters, the mood has turned extremely glum and disappointed by Senator Obama's performance tonight.

✔ Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) - 290 EV
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)/Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA) - 248 EV

2:48 AM EST -
It has been reported that Senator Obama has called President-elect McCain to concede the race. This is truly a stunning night for both campaigns.

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Final election results

(House and Senate are up next!)

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Many likely voters considered McCain's calmness and ability willingness to criticize the administration to be one of his strengths

Wonder if we'll see a truly Maverick McCain in the White House?

Maybe

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2008 House and Senate results

With McCain's upset victory over Senator Barack Obama, the Democrats were also upset on the down-ballot. The Republicans barely managed to take control of the House, and the Democrats gained a measly two seats. Even Ted Stevens, the veteran Senator who was plagued by corruption charges, managed to defeat Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich by a 4-point margin.

Senate Results

The Democrats managed to win the seats of two retiring Republicans in the states of New Mexico and Virginia. Every incumbent managed to survive reelection, however many were by fairly slim margins.

House Results

Both parties were astounded by what had happened with the House of Representatives. The Republicans were able to hold most of their seats, along with gaining 21 more. This effectively gave them a slim majority in the House, with John Boehner being elected as the incoming Speaker of the House. Outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi, despite being removed from her post, said she will continue to serve as the Democratic House leader and will work with President-elect McCain in the next four years.

Republican gains:
AL-5
AZ-5
CA-11
FL-16
FL-22
IA-3
KS-2
LA-2
LA-6
ME-1
MS-1
NH-1
NY-24
OH-18
PA-4
PA-8
PA-11
TX-22
TX-23
WI-8

(If anyone wants any specific election results, feel free to ask! )

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Minnesota and Oregon results?

Certainly

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President-elect McCain lays out cabinet

Over the weeks following the election, President-elect McCain laid out his cabinet for his first term as presidency. His nominees go as followed:

Secretary of State: Joe Lieberman
Secretary of the Treasury: Robert Zoellick
Secretary of Defense: Robert M. Gates (retained)
Attorney General: Rudy Giuliani
Secretary of the Interior: Lisa Murkowski
Secretary of Agriculture: Ben Nelson
Secretary of Commerce: Mitt Romney
Secretary of Labor: John Engler
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Bobby Jindal
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Steve Preston (retained)
Secretary of Transportation: Bill Graves
Secretary of Energy: Joe Barton
Secretary of Education: Lisa Graham Keegan
Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Zell Miller
Secretary of Homeland Security: Peter T. King

Ambassador to the United Nations: Lindsey Graham
National Security Advisor: James Woolsey
EPA Administrator: Charlie Crist
Chief of Staff: Mark Salter

President-elect McCain announced the last of his nominees, Democratic Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, on January 7, 2009. McCain said the following regarding his planned cabinet:

"I've carefully selected each and every one of these fine individuals in hopes that we can all work to benefit Democrats, Republicans, independents, and any other citizen of this great nation in a time of such economic crisis."

Sen. Barack Obama talks political future

After being relatively quiet for nearly a month after the election, Senator and 2008 Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama spoke on President-elect John McCain's plans for the White House and his future in politics.

"I think President-elect McCain is doing a fine job transitioning to the presidency, and I hope I can work with him while he's president. Of course, uhhh, I don't agree with many of his policies, but hopefully me and him can find some common ground and, uhh, work from there."

When asked about running in the next presidential election, nearly four years away, the Senator said the following.

"I'm working right here, I don't have time to think four years away from now just yet."

(extra uhhs added to Barack Obama so it sounds more like him )

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TX-23?

Lyle Larson (R) - 47.4%
Ciro Rodriguez (D) - 47.1%

Minnesota and Oregon results?

Certainly

His did you do this? Which website did you use to do this?

I copied and pasted the infobox codes on Wikipedia into my Wikipedia sandbox and edited the code to change the results.

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Impressive. You found jobs for both Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham.

Also, why would Nelson accept the any cabinet nomination, knowing Republicans are going to pick up his Senate seat in a special election?

Well the Senate will stay in Democratic control (Napolitano selects a Democrat to replace McCain), not to mention Ben Nelson would be retiring in 2012 regardless.

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Impressive. You found jobs for both Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham.

Also, why would Nelson accept the any cabinet nomination, knowing Republicans are going to pick up his Senate seat in a special election?

Well the Senate will stay in Democratic control (Napolitano selects a Democrat to replace McCain), not to mention Ben Nelson would be retiring in 2012 regardless.

Not true, Arizona law says that the governor must appoint a senator who is in the same party of the senator they are replacing.

http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/vacancies-in-the-united-states-senate.aspx

My fault, a list of members of the 111th Congress will be coming soon!

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January 3, 2009

111th United States Congress In Session

Outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi passes the gavel to incoming Speaker John Boehner

On January 3, 2009, the 111th United States Congress officially entered session. The Republicans held a narrow majority in the House, however the Democrats held a majority in the Senate. Emotions were high for some, as many Democrats craved to have the White House for the first time in eight years, however would face another four years of a Republican president. For Republicans, many were gleeful for McCain's upset victory.

President-elect McCain spent many days visiting Congress, with many of his meetings being with Democratic leaders to try and find a bipartisan solution to the Great Recession. McCain also held a meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus, where his 2008 rival was a sitting member.

New faces emerged in the Senate, namely Senator Mark Warner of Virginia. Warner, who had won a landslide victory despite his state going to President-elect McCain, was seen by many to be a rising star in the Democratic Party, and a parallel to then-Governor Bill Clinton in the years of President George H. W. Bush. However, despite being suggested as a potential challenger to McCain in four years, Warner brushed the suggestions off and stated that he wished to work with the president, not fight against him.

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January 20, 2009

McCain takes office

At noon on January 20, 2009, President John McCain was officially sworn in, following Vice President Tim Pawlenty. In his inaugural address, President McCain announced that he was working with Democratic and Republican leaders in the House and Senate to pass an economic stimulus as soon as possible to help restart the economy. McCain also stressed the importance of a safe transfer of power in Iraq, and working with both parties in passing immigration reform.

McCain's inauguration speech was well-received by both Democrats and Republicans, however extremes from both ends of the political spectrum were critical of McCain's approaches to certain issues.

Reid, Pelosi: "Looking forward to work with the president on the economy, immigration"

At a press conference following the presidential inauguration, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said that they would look forward to working with President McCain on immigration reform and economic improvement, however would hold a firm line against any "radical right" actions that may come from the White House.

President McCain's Approval Ratings

President McCain with his daughter, Meghan, at his inauguration ball

Approve - 56%
Disapprove - 29%
Undecided - 15%

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January 21, 2009

Senator Ted Stevens Resigns

Republican Senator Ted Stevens, who had been in politics for nearly half a century, announced that effective January 22, he would resign as the senior United States Senator from Alaska. Stevens stated that due to his recent criminal convictions, he would be unable to properly represent his home state in the Senate.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced that Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell would be appointed to fill his seat.

More meetings held regarding economic redevelopment

President McCain spent his second day as President meeting with Speaker of the House John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Following the meeting, McCain told the press that he would stay true to his word regarding the economy, and was working with both parties to pass an economic package that would heavily benefit the American people.

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February 17, 2009

President McCain signs ARRA into effect

After weeks of negotiations, President John McCain signed the bipartisan American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into effect, allocating hundreds of billions of dollars to be invested in infrastructure, defense, and energy. Despite griping from conservatives in his own party, a majority of Republicans and nearly every Democrat in both houses voted in favor of this bill.

DeMint blasts President over ARRA

Senator Jim DeMint accused McCain of betraying his party's values

Republican Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina blasted President McCain's decision to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, saying that the president had "betrayed the Republican Party's values of conservatism."

"President McCain should let the private sector do the work to rebuild our economy, but instead, he decided to raise our debt and submit to the Democrats' ways of big government," said DeMint.

The president declined to respond to DeMint's attacks.

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Just for reference, here are the replacements for Senators in the 111th United States Congress between December of 2008 and February of 2009:

John McCain (R-AZ) → John Shadegg (R-AZ)
Ted Stevens (R-AK) → Sean Parnell (R-AK)
Joe Lieberman (I-CT) → Rob Simmons (R-CT)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC) → André Bauer (R-SC)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) → John Harris (R-AK)
Ben Nelson (D-NE) → Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)

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You should get back to this at some point.

I would, but I’ve hit a brick wall as to what John McCain would be doing at this point