McCain reaches out to his opponent twice:
Finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We’ll go at it over the next two months. That’s the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other.
That generated some… let’s say, polite smatterings of applause.
We’re dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn’t be an American worthy of the name if I didn’t honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement.
Again, some mild applause.
But let there be no doubt, my friends, we’re going to win this election.
But that brought the arena to its feet.
McCain looked prepared for the Code Pinkers. He’s got two great lines – “don’t be distracted by the crowd ground noise and the static”, and “The American people want us to stop yelling at each other.” Both generate roars of approval and laughter.
I can’t help but notice the two separate protesters seem to be coming from a point suspiciously near the press section.