McCain Myth Buster: John McCain and Jobs
May 7, 2008
John McCain says that "[j]ob security may well be the most pressing problem confronting Americans." But when he had the chance to fight for jobs here at home, McCain instead helped ship tens of thousands of defense jobs overseas. Reports show that McCain helped steer a $35 billion Air Force tanker deal to Airbus and EADS--a European defense contractor that three of the lobbyists in his inner circle lobbied for. On top of this, McCain sponsored an amendment in the Senate to end the Defense Department's buy American requirement and mocked buy America provisions. [johnmccain.com, accessed 5/6/08]
It's no surprise then that McCain told Michigan voters earlier this year, "I've got to give you some straight talk: Some of the jobs that have left the state of Michigan are not coming back." How's this for some straight talk: McCain offers more of the same failed Bush economy that has led to the loss of 269,000 manufacturing jobs in Michigan. [Boston Globe, 1/10/08; Bureau of Labor Statistics 1/2001 - 3/2008]
McCain Was "Disappointed" that the Secret Service Was Required to Purchase American-Made Motorcycles. "Lastly, I am also disappointed that the bill once again this year contains a Department-wide 'Buy America' requirement, and specific language directing the Secret Service to purchase American-made motorcycles. I firmly object to all 'Buy America' restrictions, as they represent gross examples of protectionist trade policy. From a philosophical point of view, I oppose such policies because free trade is an important element in improving relations among all nations, which then improves the security of our Nation. Furthermore, as a fiscal conservative, I want to ensure our Government gets the best deal for taxpayers and with a 'Buy American' restriction that cannot be guaranteed." [Congressional Record, 7/14/05]
McCain Mocked "Buy America" Provisions, Saying, "I'll Sleep Better At Night Knowing That All Our Carbon Plates Are Manufactured in the U.S." "This year's bill also includes a number of 'Buy America' provisions. For example, it prevents the foreign purchase of welded shipboard anchor and mooring chain four inches in diameter and under. Another provision ensures that all carbon, alloy or steel plates are produced in the United States. Whew. I know we'll sleep better at night knowing that all of our carbon plates are manufactured in the U.S." [Congressional Record, 10/7/05]
McCain Described "Buy America" Provisions As "Ludicrous." "Every year, Buy America restrictions cost the Department of Defense and the American taxpayers $5.5 billion. From a philosophical point of view, I oppose these types of protectionist policies, and from an economic point of view they are ludicrous. Free trade is both an important element in improving relations among nations and essential to economic growth." [Congressional Record, 10/7/05]
McCain Sponsored Amendment that Ended Defense Department's Buy American Requirement. In May 2003, Senate Republicans voted for a McCain amendment that would allow the Defense Department to forego a requirement to purchase American-made equipment if that equipment was manufactured by Australia, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands or Spain. [Senate Vote 191, 5/21/03]
McCain Voted Against An Amendment To Provide Assistance, Including Training, To Service And High-Tech Workers Whose Jobs Move Overseas. McCain voted against an amendment that provides that existing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits be made available to service and high-tech workers; clarifies that TAA benefits are available to workers whose company moves overseas to any other country; increases training funds to match anticipated enrollment; increases health care subsidy available to TAA beneficiaries from 65 percent to 75 percent; and provides economic adjustment plan assistance to communities that have significant trade-related layoffs. Clinton: Y [2004 Senate Vote #80, 5/4/2004]
McCain Tells Michigan Voters Jobs Aren't Coming Back. While campaigning during the primary, McCain told Michigan voters 'I've got to give you some straight talk: Some of the jobs that have left the state of Michigan are not coming back…They are not. And I am sorry to tell you that.'" [Boston Globe, 1/10/08]
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/10/staking_out_the_next_battlegrounds/
Air Force Tanker Deal to Outsource Tens of Thousands of Defense Jobs. According to reports, McCain consistently weighed in against a Boeing contract that would have resulted in the immediate creation of 44,000 new manufacturing jobs in at least 40 states. Under best case scenarios, the European tanker deal will create 20,000 fewer U.S. jobs, and most that are created will not be in the United States until 2010 when assembly is scheduled to move from France to Alabama. [AP, 3/8/2008:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5603827.html;
Business Week, 3/3/08 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23448928/]
Michigan Has Lost Jobs Under Bush. Recent federal statistics show that Michigan has lost 269,000 manufacturing jobs during the time President Bush has been in office. [Bureau of Labor Statistics 1/2001 - 3/2008]
After casting himself as a "Maverick" in 2000, the new John McCain is walking in lockstep with President Bush, pandering to the right wing of the Republican Party, and embracing the ideology he once denounced. On the campaign trail McCain has callously abandoned many of his previously held positions, even contradicted himself, in a blatant attempt to remake himself into a candidate Republicans can accept in 2008. So just who is the real John McCain? The Democratic National Committee will present a daily fact aimed at exposing the man behind the myth.
