McCain talks education to NAACP, lauds Obama

Last update: July 16, 2008 - 8:03 PM

Republican John McCain on Wednesday called for more education opportunities for children in poor schools as he brought his presidential campaign to the annual convention of the nation's oldest civil rights organization.

McCain spoke to the NAACP in Cincinnati two days after Democrat Barack Obama, who is seeking to become the first black president.

In the mostly full convention hall, the scene was more muted than the overflow crowd that Obama attracted. In recognition of Obama's special standing, McCain began his remarks by praising the Illinois senator.

"Don't tell him I said this, but he is an impressive fellow in many ways," McCain said. "He has inspired a great many Americans, some of whom had wrongly believed that a political campaign could hold no purpose or meaning for them."

The Arizona senator then outlined his proposals designed to aid minority schools where dropout rates are high.

McCain backs expanded merit pay for teachers who improve students' performance and more money for tutoring poor students.

McCain also supports school vouchers, a position generally favored by conservatives and opposed by many Democrats.

OBAMA ON WAR

Barack Obama on Wednesday warned about the danger of "fighting the last war" as he pledged to focus on emerging nuclear, biological and cyber threats if elected president.

Among those joining him for a panel discussion at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., were two potential running mates, Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and former Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga.

Obama said two goals of his administration would be to secure all loose nuclear material, as well as rid the world of nuclear weapons.

"As long as nuclear weapons exist, we'll retain a strong deterrent. But we will make the goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons a central element in our nuclear policy," Obama said.

He added, "The danger ... is that we are constantly fighting the last war, responding to the threats that have come to fruition instead of staying one step ahead of the threats of the 21st century."

Obama called for investing in methods to prevent, detect and contain biological attacks.

Obama's upcoming swing through Europe and the Middle East is now guaranteed to be a major media event, certified by the presence of the three network anchors. Brian Williams, Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric will travel overseas next week, lured by the prospect of interviews with Obama. That means the NBC, ABC and CBS newscasts will originate from stops on the trip and undoubtedly will play it up.

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