9:10 PM: Wisconsin win has McCain talking like nominee
John McCain started talking like the GOP nominee and not just the party's frontrunner for president tonight at a rally in Columbus, Ohio, following his win in Wisconsin.
While others have talked of the nomination over the last week as a done deal for McCain, he avoided doing so while visiting Wisconsin. But not any longer.
"And thank you, Wisconsin, for bringing us to the point when even a superstitious naval aviator can claim with confidence and humility that I will be our party's nominee for president," McCain said. "I promise you, I will wage a campaign with determination, passion and the right ideas for strengthening our country that prove worthy of the honor and responsibility you have given me."
McCain made a series of swipes at Barack Obama without mentioning him by name, saying he will fight "to make sure Americans are not deceived by an eloquent but empty call for change."
McCain said that American voters can go with an experienced candidate, or "will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested invading our ally, Pakistan, and sitting down without pre-conditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists and are intent on destabilizing the world by acquiring nuclear weapons?"
McCain did briefly recognize former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, but more as a colleague than a real challenger.
"I, again, want to commend Governor Huckabee, who has shown impressive grit and passion himself, and whom, though he remains my opponent, I have come to admire very much," McCain said.
See the whole speech here
-- By Matt Dolbey
Labels: 2008 spring primary