Banner Image
Get Adobe Flash Player to see this content.

Mike Dennehy
Title:

Mike Dennehy

Published:Fri, 3 Oct 2008
Description:The McCain campaign chief political adviser talks with Finneran's Forum the morning after the VP debate.
+Automatically Generated Transcript  (may not be 100% accurate)

" Obviously does that cost is they Tom -- hey we're delighted to go right up to New Hampshire and get on the line with our guy. Mike Dennehy from the McCain campaign. Father of three and may yet native of Weymouth by the way just local migrating -- which regulated -- migrated god how I have Mike. Great how are you doing this morning. We're doing great we're gonna make sure because we don't have -- Feinberg the studio that you don't get cut off this time. We have several pros and here we got a book Mecca drops a college -- as to why then. And I. Dissected this president -- dominant -- in this country. We love you might -- it's been a couple of a couple of tough weeks for the McCain Pailin. Campaign now pale and herself. Both couple less than impressive interviews in. John McCain may be just caught up in a Kennedy whirlpool if you will. Of the economic meltdown what's gone on on the ground and we have John do you guys see it."

" I think that's I think fair assessment -- little straight talk from time parent but that. You know things go -- things are going well it's yes there that the media has not been very good and and yes Sara -- and -- a couple of difficult interviews. I think they've gone better than the media is its custom. But all in all things are art are extremely tight as these peoples all across the country we knew would be tight and we don't think you're gonna go up and down right straight through political -- But I think what happened last night. With Sarah Palin has that she put all of everyone's suspicions aside and prove to the people -- is justice. As prepared as anyone else could be for vice president and she was every gay America last night she was right. My -- neighbors here in Concord, New Hampshire she was that. My best friend's mom growing up in South -- she it is you know Americans with real stories not a Washington insider. And and I think she proved that last."

" Mike here -- in order John McCain's chief political advises and assistance confidant if you will up there on the ground in New Hampshire you've been with senator McCain's through a number campaigns not just. This one in your opinion how does he in. His is is running mates are apparent how to they regain the momentum recapture the public conversation. About Barack Obama his judgment is naive it's okay she made reference to some of this last night. But I'm not sure that you drove home the point about really one how liberal this guy isn't too. How often he is in complete alignment with the body orthodoxy and doesn't get across the -- and a bipartisan way."

" No you're right nobody it and if there's she absolutely could talk more about that in this you know there's only so much you can do and in ninety minutes when questions are -- rather than being of the talk freely. So that's going to be up to John McCain and Sarah Palin and it's a tough job because you've got to get around to so many people. And there's there's only two more today. So it -- We have to get around to as many people we can't all of these. Targeted in important states are going to be so close in convince the American people talk -- you know if John McCain's. Straight talk about what's really happening and what people's records are because as Joe Biden proved last night he will watch. I at every every step of the way what can rise last night and not little white lies even major lives on taxes on health care on our energy. That -- Top major issues and Iraq and sorry or he won't buy if that's what it takes because that's what Washington's -- politician insiders will do."

" In my in my. Mike I can it. What if what if I want more from my candidate for vice president United States then she's like my next door neighbor or my next door neighbors mom I mean this this was -- you know. Popularity contest and she did a good job of getting out there and and getting her personality out that that she's a nice person. But the question is is she qualified to be vice president delegates there wasn't good girls. I let my next door neighbors you know. Alec a lot of people I don't like you're not they've I don't like me another ready to be vice president of the United States on how to -- that -- now."

" And -- first of all which you say that same thing about Joe Biden to John McCain a Barack Obama. Yes I that I want someone better than just a neighbor six."

" I -- and last night showed that he's more than vice president like additional that he was president I thought he addressed the issue was in and gave specific examples of what. He would do what do you know what his ticket would do but."

" What here's what I mean by every -- America she needs is someone -- it was if she's 100%. Brazil. And she's not just in -- politicians. Who's gonna say whatever it takes to get elected -- issue it's it's I think showed last night which is extremely intelligent she. Has done. The NATO reforms as governor and as mayor so she bashing. -- mama. And she's very impressive but she has done something as a governor so what I mean by everyday America's huge deal but people can relate --"

" I thought Joe Biden to act I can't imagine anyone come across as more real than a guy. Lost his wife and child and then he was a single parent you know not by choice it was a horrible situation and he talked about that and when he got emotional about talking about a -- I can't think about anything that that's more real and I thought there were -- bunch of times where he was clear about saying you know. John McCain was on you know agreed with this issue voted in this issue when you would you give credit where credit was still I thought he came across as pretty real."

" Not I didn't -- as you can probably -- he said that he gave much credit to John McCain that is now a credit to John McCain right before attacking him or lying about company daddy said. It's but that's what I'm getting you know he came across very smooth and unfortunately. People will look at that. But that's quite what what Tom was dead now what do we need to do we need to get across to people that it's. We need more than just smooth talking politicians to be running the country."

" You know like if it's okay with can actually will take some calls lots of people up that document -- what's gone on on the ground. Ground in New Hampshire so let's let's get right to them if we can let's go to Karen Colin from Bridgewater Karen Iran -- what Mike Dennehy -- Tom Finneran."

" Good morning Gary Yates thought my I I don't want my I apologize -- Yeah."

" Mike and the chief political adviser for the McCain."

" I. Haven't worked for my mouth about that I don't want to love my neighbor but he's not qualified -- some -- you're. We had that eight years would George Bush she could be -- He has no play therapy -- me is like abortion direct a -- scary how she doesn't know what -- on Joe Biden had actually my first choice for president. Why would you help mature content is eat it every do you every -- die happy to go."

" Days ago let us know what you are not going to -- Iran's I go ahead I talked. Let's give it to Mike Dennehy Mike your response is the -- call from Bridgewater. And that I."

" I appreciate clearly made up their mind and and I would obviously disagree that it's if someone wants -- 37 years senator Washington insider. To be running the country and that's what they want. The John McCain has been there for twenty years however he's been there. Fighting the establishment he bowed their fighting George Bush it's not in and let's all remember he ran against him in 2000. I -- Many many of the policies. That George."

" Yeah I I I think it pianist tonight to gospel and I can't get -- estimates last point McCain is actually -- much more the rambunctious -- for sure Obama what -- we have a long time so pushed down -- yes or no question about it let's go to Mary Mary's -- Mary you're on the air with Mike Dennehy he is the chief political adviser to John McCain in New Hampshire."

" I. Obama you know that it and yes it's not. That the campaign started I have to say I think their appeal is charming I really liked her. But no way no how is she qualified to be president I'm not sure -- should be that the governor. I got bought up about a lot. And that might issue that John McCain could be don't recollect that he. Can you selector -- make. And the warm weather history books are written about the campaign gonna be written about what you like it or not he really didn't. Once they're not being an optic cable. Upbeat outlook that the --"

" Mike Mike -- respondents but let me -- minute you know that was a great question by the way -- from what -- with -- it was a mature and -- question what -- anything -- scale back on because of the magnitude of the deficit in the that the fiscal meltdown -- missing right from a rise. My recollection is that Joe Biden. It would reach would probably have to slow down on promised that doubled far and yeah. But then we -- slowdown on education and on energy on rebuilding the infrastructure on healthcare which casts doubt on anything. You're about 500 or 600 billion Mary in deficit. Spending on less. You gonna raise taxes substantially. On everybody and yet they say they're cut taxes on 95% of people. I'm just saying this is a Democrat and I balanced budget better than anybody around those two irreconcilable. You couple that stop you just got to. But she never answer the question that they both can you know. He has a huge -- what do we want to Mike Dennehy but he is what she's if she's -- on the national -- 56 -- we haven't -- an abundance -- promises we don't have -- laundry list -- initiatives with talked about cutting spending -- talked about going -- don't have -- whole long list of very ambitious very expensive promises on the -- retreated. I -- he's been on it must mean he hasn't been five weeks he's been on -- but what what what he doesn't have any -- the spending plenty talked about bringing in about now McCain I think -- on nights and we'll make Mike Dennehy Mike you're gonna be McCain right now it is a serious. How are you going to. You gotta balance the budget and the next four years and don't give me any of Bologna I want it acts."

" Darn well I can tell you is what he's talked about it and make it comes down to first and foremost. Cutting spending it -- in. Reining back raining in government stopping a wasteful earmarks that you know we talk about -- so much. But I don't think people understand the gravity in the amount of money that are being spent -- remarks. It's phenomenal -- secret -- for about ten that the billion dollar programs. Is in and that would cover so much of the spending purples. You wouldn't cover Barack Obama's one trillion dollar in spending proposed bold."

" we have attempted to be fair about it too and in terms of how remarks -- under control look at these supposedly. Urgent apocalyptic. A rescue build out of Washington -- thrown a hundred billion. In tax subsidies for a auto racetrack you've got to be kidding me I don't mean to offend anybody but NASA job."

" But that's not what it's about. It's no it's not it's about inappropriate. Your heart's content funding for some of these important for. Those but you have to be don't know right when he did it have to be done with transparency."

" I'm. This was done in two weeks wanted to hear much -- auto race tracks one of them is going now Romania got what and bordering Iran now we like Puerto Rican rum running as a -- fought that -- don't know that. They and other gotta swing a few of these votes on this side to get this thing I've got to give you things that's -- spoken like a true neighborhood book -- right Basra at the US has. Generous dollop of gave it your idea what the bookie that's rap -- and -- Dennehy on. --"

" These -- might do all of the if I was at any more people call -- and he stated. -- isn't qualified to be president in pieces."

" It."

" She watched the debate last great or didn't perform while at a rate hit skills all. And I. It's just it's just don't went -- serious. The only thing she did what she did wrong last night she missed a couple of opportunities. One would talk about Friday. She -- trying to run it said and asked why. They just stick for Iraq butler he's so concerned about what went on -- Sorrell. Intent on reforming those institutions. Then how come you receive more money than anybody else from those institutions and -- from the people we used to run these institutions. What they would channel right would be. Up one federal criminal indictments. Turning his campaign. That's questionable whether they think there and hopefully the chances that a ball number two words cheapest opportunity. Where. British ambassador to US stock -- Barack Obama called a decidedly -- rebel was finding its feet and got diverted by his presidential ambitions. In a newspaper article that was in the -- it."

" I don't you know and I'm surprised like Danny let me toss it to might appreciate the call -- Mike I'm surprised that she did not and I know you say they're admitted things going on and limited amount of time. But she couldn't it seemed to me as much as she kept emphasize enough maverick on the maverick on the outsider on the -- she could have really emphasized Iraq's very very liberal. Posture and tendencies."

" Now you opened at that time and you're exactly right she could have she could talk more about that the caller was right Peters writes could talk more about Freddie Mac the Genoa G that it. She had been en route to the national stage -- first national debate. Obviously Joe Biden he's been debating on the Senate floor of the 37 years he runs for president a couple of aren't so -- and so forth. But you know what else the -- is also right about the fact that. People talk to people talking about her being an experience. You know its its. So hypocritical in my opinion of people who support Obama this species an experience that a guy who's been in the Senate -- years he's been running for president."

" But to a bachelor school now. And exactly. I mean it -- its greatest political Houdini trick on the all time it really has is absolutely amazing that they're going to say oh it's -- it's all about experience and going to pick I would."

" The venomous MW and have been looking at Wednesday that this this campaign early when I when I first came on the show we were talking about this is when Barack was in Germany before right at your apartment that's right we don't book make it. Now you really like. -- actually. Action number that's. It'll hurt college telecast so let's. Let's get your huge sharjah. That's about the strategy we're gonna go to Sheila pace she'd jobs REH you know what's going on."

" thank you aren't ideal -- I completely agree with Peter I'm actually wondering. It's a -- watched the debate slot I -- Yeah bite out of the water out and -- thought I'll let you can happen. -- it was. Wonderful I was. It about. Everything that he sat at a art art still can crop as being very straight forward. Keep -- Everett -- A straight talk he. The crowd of people that want to hear. How people. -- where people -- not going to. Here and Connell everybody and -- a lot about -- out. The adopt a lot have gotten. Are saying. She -- a great job for that and I'd Larry I might not. There are out of twelve people look back -- different up there of people out there I'd get a -- there hardworking people are trying to make that. -- had a blog a lot of bankers. I'd that they're -- out that you can get things got."

" Xena I gotta go ask your question will you -- over US Arab Pailin fan. Before the debate are is this and your conversion process."

" a patent I'm not okay all right I don't dismal dismal but I don't really like you that part article yeah. There the president because he's seen -- marked out out of you know not the typical she's yeah she's pushing I don't lie about things -- I -- outside."

" by you know by the typical politician that knowledge there was -- prepared for it not like I I actions not by it was very impressive must not want to keep -- and senate. Because I do think that -- in particular maybe -- reacted to. But did what they had to do that they -- said that do well not hurt elite credible they did a credible job both did a really good job what they had it was very important for her to do that pavement because the core individual not good personal. We have Mike Dennehy is the chief political adviser to Senator John McCain right up there on the ground in New Hampshire each with ticket calls with him. Let us go to Ron Pollack from Braintree good."

" Ron. -- I'd I'd put the clear winner at a command of the facts I answered the questions. Ellen I'm still -- short answer the question she awarded. Most if not all questions bite. You register reply I was term or talking points."

" What are I mean Ronald and I I asked another call this this question in my feel free to jump in but how do you feel about a presidential ticket and in this case I'm talking about my -- the Obama Biden ticket 'cause I'm a Democrat. But presidential ticket that is so hesitant on on offshore drilling as part of our response to the to the energy challenged. I mean in these guys I don't I honestly say that this is -- it's my ticket I don't know that they but really believe what they say that kind of forced to. It hasn't McCain a -- haven't McCain in -- shown the real leadership at least on that issue of energy independence."

" I absolutely not I think they've just given if you will responses to real baby gorillas -- comment she blinked. I don't think they have any real plans big plans are. Being no the offshore drilling it's not the answer but they're gonna say it begins at ups and it'll active. I think that ideal model plane is much more beat Hillary dated much more actually reg and it's complex. It's time for a complex president that thinks similar I wouldn't. Hire a cardiac surgeon because he's a good act. That helps good gal but she's not qualified that bet dollars to it."

" It I don't I expected jump in here on a couple of things evolve I think Sarah Palin that one that she did the phenomenally well it's. Talk about her experience in Alaska which is an energy producing states and she is kind of amazing things. I didn't he oil companies in Alaska. And let's face it she she has. -- pushed back against these guys these it ExxonMobil. And she he has she has reformed the industry and Alaska and in John McCain and and Barack Obama. I mean unbelievable all right Joe Biden and Barack Obama is saying -- talking about this windfall profits tax and -- Spewing his garbage that we've got attacked the oil company. And John McCain had been pushing for oil drilling because its top -- it's how we reduce prices of oil now. And in addition to that John McCain's been fighting for renewable energy for murders. It and so you know it's just it's so ridiculous to say that Barack Obama in Joe Biden have a more comprehensive way and the John McCain and he'd been fighting. In congress to pass this stock went Democrats like Joe --"

" Appreciate the call let's go quickly to while Lott RLR is Colin hey Larry Iran via what Mike Dennehy chief political adviser to Senator John McCain. "

" Good morning good morning. About the you've got meaning you get in the daily as having too much."

" I. Got an old runner and we have to follow. Up question."

" You said that mr. Biden said fourteen -- means you need at least one two lies and really short on time bind it to get help me with that. I guess I can't see said that John McCain voted the exact same way as Obama to increase taxes on Americans earning 42000 dollars. But McCain did not vote that way he said on offshore drilling. Bible said to really not the -- as opposed dot short filling in the even. Compared offshore drilling was quote unquote -- being the outer continental shelf on troop funding Joe Biden. Said that he indicated the John McCain of Morocco were bombarded the same way against funding for the troops John McCain opposed to build it included a timeline. And Mexico want to not according clean called voted Biden says it's always. Been or clean -- but he told the -- that was recorded our. On television that he's against clean coal technology. I can keep going."

" I I I recall Joe Biden himself very very specifically importantly to Barack Obama and one of the democratic presidential primary debates and that he was make a political judgments he was not qualified to be the commander in chief. He and that he was exposing United States troops to danger by having voted against one of the funding bills that actually provided the -- that's not protecting it was a very very pointed. Moment in those presidential debates let's go to Ian from Winchester in you are on the what Mike Dennehy chief political adviser to Senator John McCain. "

" Again I don't brilliant I got a threat that actually called and evidently could be these creepy. Obama -- they understand that you know. They they at you know at the vote messages to Europe Europe and answer right my."

" might have been millions. Yeah."

" They had to go to the the crazy Obama typed that yet and -- the so excited to even mention the word came that their eyes they grow bigger and like. Good. Body art. That -- they get that their argument I can't did not note that the do what I want to make you do is they'd be -- they have a lot of phone call. I think they they call I outcome in the about a to be amid some of -- dot com also much. I mean what -- the Republican Party that I'd make a phone call."

" That's -- we'll hear that a lot. I'm not sure what they're calling we obviously have very target list of folks we're calling. And you know what the other thing is that we also hear from people when we call one or two times they say they don't want to get more call because it's annoying and so. You know people get tired out Peyton did we have to -- a different way to reach out to voters."

" Yeah an and that just shows how sensitive Mike Dennehy is to Iraqis bookmaking operation if he clogs the lines -- take -- action which is a pretty good thing not a detriment I steady -- great -- I believe how fast a half hour ago whatever you want. You know you're always welcome we have stay in touch will continue to reach out this election is coming to a close we want to get your guidance from New Hampshire each and every day Mike Dennehy chief political adviser to Senator John McCain. "

Related Audio and Video

Charlie Baker Calls In

Charlie Baker calls in to talk with Tom And Todd

Audio|Fri, 12 Mar 2010|More from Tom and Todd
|deval patrickfound at1:51, 1:22

“…stuff I think there's also a very fair question to be asked Mitt Romney came and a lot of criticism you'll recall. When he tried to like get tough on immigration. What about three weeks left of his administration he had been if for the better part of three nappy is of people said. This is as phony as can be this is a contrivance for the presidential election you just got other things -- it was a very legitimate I think criticism Mitt Romney now the same criticism the same principle could be applied to Deval Patrick. . He's been in office for more than three years now has never uttered a word about the insurance premiums are at least …”

“…will make him look bad with voters. And I thought. Net the Deval Patrick -- in the Barack Obama -- was about doing away with these kinds of silly games in politics. And that we're going …”

Cooksey's Tribute To Patrick Kennedy

Cooksey calls the song "NO PRESS 1,2" Dedicated to Patrick Kennedy

Audio|Fri, 12 Mar 2010|More from Tom and Todd
|goofound at1:42

“…of delegates -- that experience. Why are there hot button goo eyes of Patrick and dead inside booklet can now of course ice I use some I see your email snack tubes and …”

Patrick Kennedy-530am

Kennedy is nuts

Audio|Thu, 11 Mar 2010|More from Tom and Todd

Hot Topics