Governor Jennifer Granholm on John McCain: 'They want a change in the White House. They don't want a third Bush term'
By John Amato Monday Jun 16, 2008 11:02am
I heart Granholm. When have I ever said that? She's an incredible communicator who really captures the mood of the country and blue collar workers after living under the Conservative agenda for almost eight years. In the few minutes she had on The Situation Room Monday---Governor Granholm quickly and easily deconstructed McCain's talking points on every economic issue Wolf brought up. I guess after all was said and done it comes down to one word: "McSame." Michigan is lucky to have her.
Download | play 
Download | play (h/t billw)
GRANHOLM: I'll tell you what blue collar American wants. They want a change in the White House. They don't want a third Bush term. Here in Michigan, in small towns across our state, where we have seen jobs go on a slow boat to China, on the Internet to India, or on a fast track to Mexico, we want to make sure that we have an investment, a manufacturing policy in this country that supports our job providers so we can keep jobs here. Bush and McCain will further the unfair trade policies that have hurt states like Michigan.
People are mad in Michigan. We're mad that the Bush administration has stood idly by while we have lost almost 400,000 jobs since Bush became president.
Can you imagine that, Wolf? Four hundred thousand jobs. That's our own version of Hurricane Katrina, only it's {trickled out} over the past seven and a half years. So we need a change in the White House. That's what people are mad at. They're mad at a White House that has not paid attention to middle America.
I can imagine it. Michigan is not the only state that has been devastated by the Bush doctrine. I love the way she made sure to incorporate the "trickle down" principals of Conservatism in her response to McCain's camp. For McCain to say that Obama is out of touch with blue collar working Americans is laughable since he has stood side by side with the conservative agenda that has been an utter failure for our country. I will say that the White House has paid attention to the fat cats on wall street. They certainly have made a killing while Bush has been in office. That's why we will constantly hear screams of "Obama is a socialist---run for the hills," by the Saturday morning zombie stock show guests on FOX.
BLITZER: Well, we've been telling our viewers Michigan has got the highest unemployment rate in the country now. Serious economic problems, as you well know better than anyone in your state.
Here's what John McCain says -- as bad as it is in Michigan right now, if Obama's president, guess what? It could get a whole lot worse. Listen to McCain.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MCCAIN: I believe that there are stark differences between myself and Senator Obama, whether it be he wants to raise taxes, I want to lower them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: And he says everyone in Michigan, indeed across the country, would have higher taxes. He says given the hard economic times, this is about the worst time to go ahead and raise everyone's taxes.
What do you say to that charge?
GRANHOLM: Well, I don't know if he's been reading the economic plan, but the Obama plan has significant middle class, working class tax cuts. In fact, there was a national study that is a neutral study which said that average Americans, middle class Americans, would see three times as much of a tax break under Obama than they would under McCain.
I mean, the bottom line is, McCain, I'm not sure what his education policy is. I'm not sure what his energy policy is. But Barack Obama came to Michigan today, to Flint, Michigan, which is the heart of the auto industry. The reason why Michigan's economy is so challenged because of this massive contraction in our automotive sector.
So he came right to the heart of the auto industry. And what he said is that he is going to invest $150 billion in an entire energy sector of this country, creating jobs, millions of jobs in energy. That, for a state like Michigan, is hugely important to hear. He had specific plans for us.
BLITZER: All right. I guess what McCain is suggesting is that if you start raising taxes, even for wealthy Americans, families making more than $200,000 or $250,000 a year, and you start increasing capital gains taxes, and other taxes related to investments, that's going to hurt the aggregate, the overall U.S. economy. And it will further make it difficult for job creation and everything else you want in Michigan.
GRANHOLM: Well, the whole point that Barack Obama was making is that you have to make strategic investments in the areas that you know will grow jobs. He said that he would eliminate capital gains taxes on those entrepreneurs, the kind of jobs we want to create. But the very, very, very wealthiest, they can afford to contribute to the investment in our country to allow people to be able to go to college.
Every economist will tell you that the smartest economic development strategy is making sure you have a skilled work force for those employers. And that's exactly what Barack Obama's plan is.
BLITZER: McCain's really been hitting Obama hard over the past few days about those so-called "bitter" comments he made during the primary against Hillary Clinton. Listen to this latest -- this latest statement that McCain made just today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MCCAIN: I won't tell them that in small towns across America and in Pennsylvania, that they are bitter or angry about their economic conditions, so therefore they embrace religion and the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. I will never do that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: All right. Do you want to respond to that? Because he's suggesting that Obama is simply out of touch with blue collar working Americans.
GRANHOLM: I'll tell you what blue collar American wants. They want a change in the White House. They don't want a third Bush term.
Here in Michigan, in small towns across our state, where we have seen jobs go on a slow boat to China, on the Internet to India, or on a fast track to Mexico, we want to make sure that we have an investment, a manufacturing policy in this country that supports our job providers so we can keep jobs here. Bush and McCain will further the unfair trade policies that have hurt states like Michigan.
People are mad in Michigan. We're mad that the Bush administration has stood idly by while we have lost almost 400,000 jobs since Bush became president.
Can you imagine that, Wolf? Four hundred thousand jobs. That's our own version of Hurricane Katrina, only it's trickled out over the past seven and a half years. So we need a change in the White House. That's what people are mad at. They're mad at a White House that has not paid attention to middle America.
BLITZER: How big of a deal is it that Senator Obama's going to have a special guest in Michigan with him later tonight. The former vice president of the United States, Al Gore, will be in your beautiful state to make this ringing endorsement.
GRANHOLM: Well, if you're making that announcement, I can't confirm. But if it were true that Al Gore was coming here, I could tell you that it is a great statement.
We in Michigan want to reinvent Michigan. We want to rebuild a clean, green state where technology and green technology and alternative energy and renewable energy is the sector of growth for job creation to replace those lost manufacturing jobs. And I tell you, if you look at what Al Gore has done in elevating the dialogue about climate change and in taking action, he will tell you that this is -- yes, it's good for the planet, but it's also good for the economy and for jobs. And that's where Michigan stands right there.
BLITZER: Michigan's going to be very busy over these next few months. A battleground state.
Login or Register to post comments.
Too bad she cant be VP
For once I'm proud to live in Michigan. Jenny rocks!
"Governor Jennifer"?
Is she 6?
Does Wolf look like he's getting tired of carrying water for his corporate masters to you?
I don't dispute the Gov., but the main reason the American auto companies and their workers are hurting is that Detroit has refused to stop turning out crappy cars.
You love Granholm?
You've not been lucky enough to live in The Great Lakes State.
She's equally to blame for the fiasco, as is Former Gov. Engler, Bush, and the whole of the Michigan Legislature.
Michigan is my home state, and what this administration has done to it and all the other states (in other ways) is criminal.
I have seriously been thinking of moving out of this country if Grampa steals the office, as did his predecessor. THIS is what fascism feels like; it crept up on us over a period of 7 years, and it is relentlessly suffocating us.
I'm tired of corporations having more rights than me, having welfare when they don't deserve it, owning the media, vacuuming out our pockets by artificially raising energy prices...the list goes on and on.
"Hurt" doesn't describe my own personal situation: It's just intolerable. I couldn't stand another republican in office.
I admit that I don't know that much about her, but has there been any talk of Granholm as a VP candidate? She seems really well-spoken and she would help clear the rift between the Obama campaign and the Michigan voters who feel disenfranchised by the Democratic Party. She would also help strengthen the women votes that everyone says Obama would get if he picked Clinton or Sebelius as his vp.
Just a thought.
I dont understand how the republicans in 8 years did so much damage. Maybe the democrats are weak. From what I understand in the senate is that 60 votes mean you basically cant be filibustered. Could someone tell me if that was the case? The republicans had more then 60 votes each time to pass these idiotic laws? Right now the democrats have more votes then the republicans but not the 60 required. How come they cant get anything done? Unless the repubs did have 60 votes to basically have power of the senate at the peak of the bush administration.
I really think the republicans lost this. The democrats didnt win this. Our party is weak. The republicans no matter how dumb there views are, at least they are a strong party and get the laws they think are right passed. We cant even make headway on any topics right now without getting to 60 votes.
Why do I feel like I am watching this once great country crumble before my eyes?
Anyways my main question is: At the peak of Bush power did the republicans have 60 or more votes in the senate? They did a ton of damage and I havent found any source that would tell me this info.
I'm all for Obama and all, I just fear that he'll be as ineffectual as our Canadian Governor has been.
Splendid rhetorical talk, and no show...
She got my vote twice, but sadly, Jenny's let me down.
Craig @ 8:
She's a Canuck.
Lollimom @ 7:
Memo to Americans looking to come into Canada: You better support a party early and you better support it with vigor. We're dealing with our own little mini Bush in Stephen Harper and the revitalized Conservatives, and the only reason he hasn't been ousted is due to our Liberal Party being in embarrassing shambles.
Craig @ 8:
No can do. She was born in Canada and is, therefore, constitutionally ineligible. Sad.
j @ 3:
Why do you ask? Are you looking for a date?
Le Roi Est Mort @ 6:
Engler and dubyah are one in the same. Engler took a flourishing state economy and slowly destroyed it with his reckless economic polices. dubyah did the same thing to the Country.
McCain would be a third Bush term and Obama is for change.... never heard that one before.
A Democratic governor in a Democratic state blaming a Republican president for her inability to improve a situation she promised to improve. Never heard that one either
A May 2008 Michigan State University poll marked Granholm's approval rating at 20%.
Impressive woman. With her leading the way, Michigan is in the bag for Obama. Done deal.
jmike @ 13:
When are you guys going to change that?
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
Oh, and make sure to tell them that they can't be President. I mean, we love immigrants and all, but come on."
Hypocrites.
I'll play a bit of devil's advocate. What did Bill Clinton do to help create manufacturing jobs in the US, keep companies from outsourcing, and stop business from using Mexico as their dirty little factories? Not much. Nobody's cared much about Michigan or blue collar jobs -- be they Democrats or Republicans -- over the past two decades. Also, Ford, GM, and Chrysler have shot themselves in the tires by designing the wrong cars for today's $4.50 gas reality (and gas will only get more expensive), so the US manufactures have doomed Michigan's blue collar workers through bad management and inferior engineering. The working man gets screwed no matter who is power. Bill Clinton and Bushco would love to turn all the hard working blue collar people into burger flippers, FedEx couriers, and Starbucks baristas.
hey, you know who else sucks?
DEMOCRATS!!
http://www.batesvilleheraldtribune.com/statenews/cnhinsall_story_1691015...
Craig @ 8:
She was born in Canada.
VietVet8666 @ 5:
I agree that they used to but have you driven one lately? If you want to send the profits to overseas companies, you are part od the problem.
Lone Rogue @ 12:
I didn't say Canada, BTW.
Canadians better watch out for themselves or they'll lose everything they rightly deserve with the taxes they pay.
I don't understand how "conservatives" get into office (and what is so conservative about them? What aren't they called radical regressives???)
The USA has turned into a corrupt, back-stabbing corporation, and the trickle-down effect to The People is too often best described as "dog eat dog."
j @ 3:
Hey, she's Governor of a state. You're just some dillweed on the Internet.
You don't even have a fucking vowel in your name!
I wish all the spokesfolks for Obama would watch how Howard Dean does it. He disagrees with the premise right out out of the box, or says No, that's not right. Bang. Then he says this is what is really happening or this is what the truth is. He pivots from any subject to say that McCain is a Bush third term. He explains in bullet points, then repeats until he is cut off. Subject verb object. Short sentences. Who else is this clear and on point? John Edwards. Sen. Kennedy. Gov. Gregoire of Washington. Gen. Wes Clark. Who isn't? John Kerry.
Michigan is going down the tubes and the mainstream media force its governor to defend Obama against content-free personal attacks by McIdiot. Setting the stage for a campaign season of no substance, CNN strikes again.
Le Roi Est Mort @ 6:
rethugs have been in control in ALL the states, INCLUDING Michigan. So please explain to me how she is responsible for the Godawful job situation there.
I'll bet you cant. youre just parroting the rethug party line, troll!
Northern Trombonist @ 17:
You're not up to date, pal. We don't want any more "teeming masses" invading our shores - we want them to stay in their own damn countries so we can outsource all our jobs to them to enrich our wonderful corporations. Oh, but we'll take all your technology professionals and white collar executives, though.
But we still don't want no damn furrner as President (unless it's a conservative, then we'll scream loudly about it.)
slippy hussein toad @ 23:
I think you missed the point. The intention post 3, I believe, was to show how "Governor Jennifer" is actually a demeaning and dismissive title. Why such a nasty attack on the poster because he/she came to the defense of the Governor?
Rosanne @ 26:
Republican? I voted for this woman TWICE, and I will still NEVER vote for a republican. Never ever.
Shut the fuck up, you horrid bitch. Si quæris peninsulam amœnam, circumspice!
princess @ 16:
They also rated herr dubyah with the same low marks. In fact, dubyah was rated "poor" by 53 percent, while Granholm earned a similar rating from 44 percent. Go figure, you happened to leave that out. Impressive man. With herr dubyah leading the way, the presidency is in the bag for McGrampa. Done deal.
Michigan here, I like Granholm, she is very capable. She has done well in an extremely difficult situation.
She was a very effective Attorney General who handed the Republican Legislators theirs heads when they messed with her.
She was born in Canada so she cannot be VP, too bad, she would be an otherwise excellent choice.
Le Roi Est Mort @ 11:
CANUCK??!! Hey, troll. Have a little respect for a woman who is so much more intelligent and successful than you! Not only are you a troll, you are a sexist PIG!
Matt in Texas @ 27:
It also shows that your Constitution doesn't trust democracy, even as the flag-wavers among you never shut up about it. Think about it: What if most Americans WANTED as President someone who was born elsewhere? Nope, you can't have that. Your forefathers knew best.
Rosanne @ 32:
I'm only a Troll in the sense that I live south of the Mackinaw Bridge. I was born in Saginaw, MI. I've lived in my beloved State for all of my 24 years.
Go choke on some delicious Mackinac Island fudge, you revolting blockhead.
Le Roi Est Mort @ 29:
OK, dead king, I'll bite: what does the latin phrase at the end of your post mean?
I wonder if Democrats are going to "change" the WH like they "changed" the Congress.
NAFTA was the official beginning-of-the-end for the automotive/trucking industry (thank you for working for what republicans wanted, Bill Clinton).
The republicans in the USA effectively removed fair import taxes for goods coming into our country from overseas or Mexico. This has effectively crippled manufacturing within the USA. Nobody can compete with the unfair advantage that foreigners and their products were given in the USA (its called corporate welfare, not "free trade").
Big Oil and its monopoly on energy control and its distribution network squash alternative energy development.
And as somebody above said, don't kid yourself on what comes out of Detroit nowadays: Theeir products are no longer "crap" (yes, yes, everybody has a horror story, as do I about the import I used to own).
To Matt in TX:
It's our state motto. "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."
On the Shield, is found "Tuebor," or: "I will defend."
j @ 3:
I copied her last name on to the title and it didn't appear when I uploaded...My bad...I'll fix it now..
kep306 @ 1:
Even if she hadnt been born in Canada, the fact that she's a woman would guarantee a loss for Obama. To expect white males to vote for a black man AND a woman is just expecting too much from them. Obama must give them somebody they WOULD vote for; someone like themselves - ie a white male. There are plenty of good men to choose a vp from. For Obama to chose a woman running mate would be to throw the election to insane mccain. WE CANT AFFORD ANOTHER BUSH TERM!!
FINALLY !
We're getting some trolls in here to slap around like rented mules.
Republicans seem to be misunderstimating just how much America really, really hates George W. Bush, his fascist party and their destructive policies. They think Americans are just angry at politicians in general like they've always been. Yes, Americans still hate politicians like the old days, but the Bush administration is just off the charts. Bush has been a uniter all right, he has united liberals, conservatives and indies into compltely rejecting his warped view of Ameirca's future.
It's pretty clear who has been in charge and is largely to blame for the economic downfall we have seen since Jan 2001. EVERYONE is feeling the pain and the culprits cannot hide.
So please, quit with the attacks on the messengers like Gov Granholm and prepare for the wrath to come. It's inevitable, you may as well lay back and enjoy it.
Northern Trombonist @ 33:
Actually, they did. They gave us the means to change the Constitution (any part of it) through peaceful, legislative means - amendments. After all, the
Constitution in its original form only applied to white male landowners. (Kinda makes ya wonder about all those "strict constructionist" types, no?) The fact that we still have certain requirements for office holders is more of a reflection on us than it is on the founding fathers. We just haven't had the desire or need to change these requirements, so it hasn't been done. Doesn't mean it can't be done.
wheyghey @ 36:
Sorry but you gotta wonder how long it will be til: "Withdrawal from Iraq is off the table..."
Le Roi Est Mort @ 34:
rethug troll
dennis @ 16:
I take trolls don't know how to read, from the article you linked her approval rating is 55+%.... not 20%.
The figure you cited is about the people who think she is doing an excellent job, not just a good job, 40% disapprove of her governorship.
Obviously your lack of reading and comprehension skill is only surpassed by your intellectual dishonesty.
Impressive troll... not.
What has she done to get the 400,000 jobs back besides blame w?
We all know w is a disaster but where are the solutions?
Enough with the blame game and time to step up and do something.
Le Roi Est Mort @ 38:
Thanks!
Wolf Blitzer and some of the other news personalities on cable won't care about job loss until we have a nice, well-spoken Indian gentleman or woman reading the news from a studio in Delhi, where the help works cheaper, the technicians have no union, and the networks can work the talent as many hours as possible.
Sounds far-fatched, but did you ever think that you would be speaking to someone a half a world away to get the bug out of your computer? Now it's commonplace.
wheyghey @ 36:
Even an empty White House with cobwebs and peeling lead paint would be a welcome 'change' over what we've got now.
Rosanne @ 44:
earl @ 43:
Sorry, but McSame aint winning in November.
More clearly:
Roseanne (that conjures a wretched image…),
I’m voting for Obama. I voted for Granholm. My parents are both Union (UAW, CWA) workers. What more do you want, you dolt?
Engler destroyed the Michigan governmental infrastructure. Then the manufacturing sector turned really dire. Gov. Granholm has had two terms to straighten out the mess and has yet to get Michiganders back to the starting line. She has had to deal with a bankrupt state, an economy that discriminates against American manufacturing and a small group of die hard Republican legislators that stall every attempt at movement. Watch and learn folks. What is happening here in Michigan will be repeated on the national level should Obama win. It will take commitment and patience from the nation if we are ever to undo the damage that has been done.
CrooksandLiars.Com needs to wake up. John Amato needs to wake up. Obama will be just as bad as McCain! Why didn't CrooksandLiars.Com post about Obama sucking up to AIPAC?! Do you know who bankrolled his campaign? The Wall Street Boys did!
Wake up! Democrats = Republicans!
Please do not censor this post, you have censored my posts before! Let the truth be told!
The Exotic Chico Hussein Escuela @ 51:
Certainly hope not. Eight years of unending disaster is enough.
"People are mad in Michigan. We’re mad that the Bush administration has stood idly by while we have lost almost 400,000 jobs since Bush became president".
This is an untrue statement!!
Actually the Bush administration has been actively involved in all kinds of legislation to help Corporations do exactly what they have done to MI.
They do it under the guise of "Free Trade". NAFTA, CAFTA, and any other Free Trade agreements benefit only Corporations at the expense of the working class.
So don't say they stood by idly and watched.... they helped.....just not the right people!
American Native @ 54:
I'll bet AIPAC has Amato by the balls as well.
Governor Granholm you are one impressive lady. If only you had a clone and she/he lived in NY... I'd love to have you as governor here.
toosinbeymen @ 58:
Take her. Please.
American Native @ 54:
Wha? Have you been asleep for the last 8 years? You're either blind, crazy or a rethugnican shill.
The Dude @ 45:
Also, Michiganders give Gov. Jennifer Granholm low marks of approval that rival those of President Bush. Both were rated "good" or "excellent" by 20 percent of those surveyed.
I don't know where you read that her approval rating was 55%+, The Dude. Unless you a re quoting where hers was toward the beginning of her term. Bush's nationally was at 67%, but her approval rating has fallen much lower than has Bush's. Not that I'm at all expecting it, but in a normal civil discussion you'd owe me an apology.
Might the people in Michigan be...bitter?
I live in Michigan, and I'm a democrat, but Jennifer Granholm is NO LEADER. She's spineless and lets our Repug Senate get EVERYTHING they want. Currently, the list is pharmaceutical immunity from lawsuits, more permits for coal plants, millions of TONS OF CANADIAN GARBAGE in OUR GREAT WASTE STATE!!! She won't even remove an embattled, lying mayor!!! She sucks!! Oh yeah, they're allowing a new oil refinery to be built right on the banks of the Lake St. Clair that feeds into the Detroit River etc...
Kathy in St. louis @ 48:
Why DON'T we outsource our news people? Anybody can read a teleprompter. Actual investigative reporting is dead anyway.
Le Roi Est Mort @ 6:
I have lived in Michigan my whole life, and you don't know what the hell you are talking about.
Equally to blame? The repukes controlled both houses of the legislature for the last 26 years! Engler was governor for twelve, and she had to work with the wingnuts her first 4 years in office.
Now, even though the people gave the democrats massive victories statewide in 2006, she still has to deal with a senate "majority?" leader (the republican bastards only got 46% of the popular vote in statewide senate races) who (like all repukes) torpedoes any initiatives that will help the people.
Do you think you would be better off if Bush-clone Amway-heir Dick the "psycopath" Devos (Eric "Blackwater" Prince's brother-in-law) would have been elected? What would he have done? Oh yeah, massive tax cuts for multi-multi millionaire/billionaire trust fund brats like him and Bush. That sure has worked out well, hasn't it?
Name me one thing, just one thing she could of done as governor to stop the bleeding, once the Bush family crime syndicate put the northeast and Greal lakes region in their sites - in order to destroy the unions that existed there?
Frankly, I amazed she has managed to keep us afloat! I am also amazed at how many clueless people haven't figured that out yet!
Hey, Dennis. Your numbers correlate with the mood on the street, for certain. Even my tried and true democratic parents have a hard time saying anything good about Granholm. They've even donated to both of her gubernatorial campaigns!
And what is it with branding one a "troll"? Simply because one has a different perspective, they are then immediately ostracized for not towing the party line?
How despicable.
I'm watching several more American cities drown today or fight ON THEIR OWN, to stave off drowning. Another Bush term?!?! This country may not be able to handle another month of the Bush"league" Administration.
I'll refer you to the office of Speaker Dillon and Majority Leader Mike Bishop. I work in the Romney Building where the Gov's working office is located on the third floor, and I see this shit every single day. She's great talk, though.
NoGWBpolicyleftinplace @ 65:
Lollimom @ 7:
ditto..
62 years and when we had a Democratic leader in our state or federal ,the times where great ...
but when we had a repuck i ca'nt even tell you how bad my family suffered
Everybody's sensitive because we know the Repubicans like to send trolls out to liberal/progressive sites to stir things up. I can't say whether LeRoi is right to excoriate the Governor or not. I can say that it's a shame she's ineligible to be VP. Her record in Michigan may be arguable, but she is a good looking, intelligent, articulate woman. Blitzer seemed almost like he was interviewing her for the VP slot in Barack's behalf -- and, dammit, she nailed it!