McCain talks up vouchers, praises Obama to NAACP
CINCINNATI -- John McCain won plaudits if not support Wednesday for addressing some of opponent Barack Obama's strongest supporters: The NAACP.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee spoke to the nation's oldest civil rights organization, spotlighting his support for school vouchers to help low-income families send children to private or charter schools — a popular program among many African-Americans dealing with struggling public schools.
He also heaped rare praise on Obama, who addressed the group Monday.
"Don't tell him I said this, but he is an impressive fellow in many ways," McCain said to laughter and light applause. "His success should make Americans, all Americans proud. Of course, I would prefer his success not continue quite as long as he hopes. But it does makes you and me proud to know the country I've loved and served all my life is still a work in progress, and always improving. Sen. Obama talks about making history, and he's made quite a bit of it already."
The audience of about 3,000 people greeted McCain with applause, listened to him politely and gave him a brief standing ovation when he finished. He took a half-dozen questions after finishing his prepared remarks, including from one woman sporting an Obama T-shirt.
Still, the audience showed little of the energy and enthusiasm that greeted Obama, and there were empty seats scattered throughout the convention hall.
"It's good that he is appearing and willing to reach out," says C. Frederick Robinson, a lawyer from Flint, Mich. So which candidate will he vote for in November? "Obama," he replies, looking surprised that the question would even have to be asked. "That's a given."
McCain faces a Herculean task in appealing to black voters, a group that overwhelmingly supports Obama, the first African-American to clinch a major party's presidential nomination. In a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll last month, McCain led Obama among whites, 48%-42%. Among blacks, Obama swamped McCain, 90%-2%.
Of 138 African Americans surveyed, just one said he or she was certain to vote for the Republican.
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