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McCain pledges in N.C. to 'always, always put my country first'

Monday, October 13, 2008

(Updated Tuesday, October 14 - 5:38 am)

By Mark Binker
Staff Writer

Arizona Sen. John McCain spoke to a rally in Wilmington today, firing up a crowd of about 2,000 with pledges to reduce taxes, fix the mess on Wall Street and defend the nation.

Although the Republican presidential contender said at the beginning of his speech that he would take questions and the event was billed as a "Town Hall Meeting," McCain left after speaking for about 25 minutes and without taking questions.

The crowd was very friendly toward McCain, frequently punctuating his remarks with applause and friendly shouts.

In addressing the current economic crisis, McCain acknowledged the country was worried and he pledged to restore order and stave off panic.

"I know what fear feels like, it's a thief in the night that steals your strength, your courage," McCain said, answered by at least two voices from the audiences who shouted back "Like Obama!" Although McCain hit his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, over his tax policies, he did not attack on social issues or over controversial figures such as former Weather Underground Bill Ayers.

Today was McCain's first public appearance in the state since he was in Winston-Salem on primary day. His running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is scheduled to attend a fund raiser in Greensboro Thursday.