McCain Campaign's Prepared Speech for Denver Town Hall Meeting with Question and Answer Session

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McCain Touts Plan to Create Jobs, Help Workers

Republican presidential candidate John McCain is touting his plan to help the U.S. economy. McCain is pledging to cut taxes and encourage free trade.

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MCCAIN: Well, let me say, first of all, sir, on the issue of the G.I. Bill, I have great respect for Senator Webb. And I appreciate his efforts and his service to our country.

The issue was we need to increase our educational benefits for our veterans. And we were dedicated to that proposition.

The problem that some of us had who were career military people was that there were studies that showed that we didn't have incentives for people to become career military people. I think those who have served understand the importance of the noncommissioned officer and incentives for people to stay in.

So we argued for an ability of veterans after -- of active-duty service personnel, after they'd been in for a period of time, they could transfer those educational benefits to their spouses and/or family members. We felt that that was, one, appropriate so that a career military person doesn't have to worry about providing educational benefits in that way and, also, an incentive to stay in.

Well, we reached an agreement. In case you missed it, we reached an agreement, and we passed the legislation, and we will now not only have the increased educational benefits, but we will also have incentives for people who become career military people and be able to transfer those benefits.

Now, I'm disappointed that it only went back to 2001. And I was disappointed that Senator Webb didn't support making it permanent. And Senator Graham and I and other veterans will be looking to try to extend that to all veterans, not just 2001. I'll hope you'll urge Senator Webb and others to agree with that.

My friend, I -- all I can say is I don't know what you're pointing to, but I've received every award from every major veterans organization in America. I've received every organization in America their awards, sir.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

MCCAIN: I don't -- I don't know what you're referring to, nor do...

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

MCCAIN: ... sir, I'm responding to your question. And then I will let you speak again, if you'd like. But you want to -- the way we try to conduct these is let people finish and then I will go back to you. I'll go right back.

(APPLAUSE)