DAVENPORT, Iowa — Republican John McCain turned away Saturday from visceral attacks on his rival to pivot back toward policy differences.
McCain returned to a note of civility as his quandary became clearer: He needed to excite his party’s base without inciting them, challenge Obama while being an honorable opponent, and find a game-changing strategy for his campaign without crossing the line.
When a war protester interrupted him, McCain watched what the crowd would do. The protester was hoisted on shoulders, and McCain’s supporters chanted “We want John.”
“You know, my friends, there’s a perfect example of some people who just don’t get it,” McCain said to thunderous applause. “As people are trying to stay in their homes, keep their jobs and afford health care, is what they want for us to yell at each other?” he asked. “No. They want us to sit down together, Republican and Democrat, to work through this terrible time of crisis.”
