McCain Defends Obama

During a campaign rally in Lakeville, Minnesota, for John McCain on October 10, 2008, the Arizona senator was forced to defend his opponent after several comments from McCain supporters. Gayle Quinnell stood in front of McCain with a microphone and said that she couldn't trust Barack Obama because "he's an Arab." McCain corrected Quinnell as well as another supporter who said he'd be afraid to raise a child during an Obama presidency.¹

Fast Facts

McCain defended Obama, calling him a "decent man"²
Obama is a Christian
The rally took place in Lakeville, Minnesota
Much of the crowd booed after McCain asked his supporters to "be respectful"³

Quotes from Rally

"We're scared...we're scared of an Obama presidency."²
"I can't trust Obama. I have read about him, and he's not-- he's an Arab."²

McCain's Response

"And we want to fight and I will fight. But, we will be respectful. I admire Senator Obama and his accomplishments. And I want none of--and I want everyone to be respectful and let's make sure we are, because that's the way poltiics should be conducted in America."²
"He's a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign is about."²