Obama: "American-made motorcycles like Harleys don't matter to John McCain"
While addressing the masses at Sturgis earlier this month, Republican presidential candidate John McCain appealed to the moto-crazy crowd by saying, "Not long ago a couple of hundred thousand Berliners made a lot of noise for my opponent. I'll take the roar of 50,000 Harleys any day..."
According to CBS, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama retaliated with a radio spot that claims, "American-made motorcycles like Harleys don't matter to John McCain... [he] opposed the requirement that the government buy American-made motorcycles. And he said all buy-American provisions were quote 'disgraceful.'"
The ad is being run in Wisconsin-- Harley-Davidson's home state-- and offers a lively allegation that touches on one of McCain's signature selling points: patriotism.
Should the U.S. government buy American-made products like Harleys and Victories? Is McCain being unpatriotic if there's truth to the allegations that he thinks buy-American provisions are "disgraceful"? Share your thoughts on the all-American bike debate with a comment.
Photo © Joe Raedle/Getty Images News
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Comments
First of all, I’m for competition and against protectionism. I’m also for monitoring for price dumping. I’m also anti-union.
That said, how many air-cooled, v-twin cruisers does the federal government buy on a regular basis?
I think most motorcycles are purchased by local police departments. NYPD rides Harleys, but the last time I was in Dallas the police were on water cooled Kawasakis, which makes a lot of sense.
Ronald Reagan, May 16, 1987….
My fellow Americans:
There’s been a great deal of talk lately about trade, some of it suggesting we should protect American companies from foreign competition. I don’t believe the American people are afraid of competition. That was made clear to me when I visited a Harley-Davidson plant recently. It’s a great story; let me tell you about it.
Not that long ago, it was being said that Harley-Davidson, America’s preeminent manufacturer of motorcycles, couldn’t keep up, that the company was running out of gas and sputtering to a stop. Well, one of the worst mistakes anybody can make is to bet against Americans. At Harley-Davidson the workers and management got together and decided not only to compete but to win. With unity of purpose and a commitment to excellence, they cut the hours of work needed to make a motorcycle by onethird. Their inventory was reduced by Two-thirds. And they tripled the number of defect-free machines they shipped. Productivity was improved. Prices were kept under control; on some bikes, they even lowered prices. While doing all this, they expanded their product line from 3 models 10 years ago to 24 this year.
Today, Harley-Davidson is once again a leader in developing new motorcycle technology. They’re now selling more and more bikes on virtually every continent of the Earth. In fact, they are the only major motorcycle manufacturer in the world to have increased production last year. And, yes, they have also increased exports. These Americans, confident in themselves and their product, have asked that their special tariff be removed so that they can meet their competition head on. Current law provides companies like Harley-Davidson breathing room by applying temporary tariffs. Unlike some of the broad, sweeping protectionist legislation being bandied about in Washington, the idea is, ultimately, to increase trade between nations, not impede it.
When you hear talk about a tough trade bill, remember that being tough on trade and commerce, the lifeblood of the economy, will have the worst possible consequences for the consumer and the American worker. First, it will drive up the price of much of what we buy. But worse than that, it could drag us into an economy-destroying trade war. I’m old enough to remember the last time a so-called tough trade bill passed Congress. It was called Smoot-Hawley, and it helped give us, or at least deepened, the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Well, the way up and out of the trade deficit is not protectionism, not bringing down the competition, but instead the answer lies in improving our products and increasing our exports. The Government should work to create the conditions in which fair trade will flourish. We should be trying to foster the growth of two-way trade, not trying to put up roadblocks, to open foreign markets, not close our own. As I told them at the Harley-Davidson plant, it’s time to gun the engines, not put on the brakes.
Well, after visiting the Harley-Davidson people, it’s hard not to have confidence that, in the years ahead, America is going to be even more competitive, more aggressive, and more productive. We can meet the challenge and bring the trade deficit down. And the same is true of that other deficit we face. Each year our government has been spending more than it receives in tax revenues, pushing up the Federal debt. Some elected officials would solve the deficit spending problem simply by taking money out of your pockets via tax increases. Well, that would be unfair to you and could well knock the legs out from under our economy. I believe the more responsible course, the fairest approach, is to get Federal spending under control.
This year total Federal spending is projected to increase only 2 1/2 percent over 1986, well below the rate of inflation. The U.S. Government will command less of the overall economy than it has since 1981, nearly a full percent of gross national product less than last year. But the budget and other legislation now being considered by the Democratic Congress threatens to undo the progress that we’ve made over the last 6 years. They would increase spending for a wide array of programs and raise taxes to reduce the deficit.
Well, that’s not my idea of deficit reduction, and I don’t think it’s yours, either. This is not just an issue for Washington power brokers. It is something all of us should be concerned about, and I hope you will let your representatives know where you stand. Until next week, thanks for listening, and God bless you.
Where was Obama when John was handing out in Sturgis?
I am a union member but not a Democrat and I’m against protectionism. I don’t ride a Harley because they don’t make a model that suits my needs in a motorcycle. Government agencies should also be able to make the same choices.
Steve – Well said!!
The same applies to GM crying about hard times and they yell for the Gov’t to step in and fix it…
What would they have the Gov’t do? Buy a few hundred thousand gas guzzling pick ups?
Obama? Thats an odd name for an american…
BAT, Don’t forget the name Hussain.
A text message? Yeah, i’m gonna vote for this jackass…
Well, I like what Ronald Reagan said. Let local PDs or governments choose what to buy that best fits their needs…when we are not talking about national security issues. I wouldn’t support buying F-16s from, say, Iran or Cuba. Buying “American” could be ONE of many considerations; all other things equal, buy American. But I think it’s great that our local county/city government in Miami has bought a fleet of Toyota Priuses…(Japanese)
I am a democrat and Obama supporter BTW… I do think McCain was being a bit of a poser at Sturgis, but that’s what politicians do!
Obama is just another politician who says ‘whatever’ to get noticed. Does he ride? I don’t think so.
The question to ask is, Who went to Sturgis, and who did not. A personal appearance speaks louder than words. McCain knows who matters, and makes sure to visit. As far as police departments riding motorcycles, I’m from this area, and you have to realize that all expenses, such as purchasing(autos, motorcycles, computers, ect.) have to proceed through the bidding process. The company with the lowest price should get the business. Competition is better for all of us.
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/05/22/gi_bill/print.html
Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition
The bill includes funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but an amendment on troop withdrawal is rejected.
Alex Koppelman
May. 22, 2008 | By a vote of 75-22, the Senate approved an expanded version of the GI bill today. Proposed by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., it’s the biggest expansion of the bill in the past quarter-century, according to the New York Times. But it has also been opposed by, among others, President Bush and presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain.
Bush, McCain and the others who’ve opposed Webb’s bill argue that the expanded provisions — the government would pay tuition and expenses at a four-year public university for anyone who spent three years in the military after 9/11 — will hurt the military’s efforts to retain its troops. Bush has threatened to veto Webb’s bill, and McCain introduced one of his own. He did not vote today.
The vote provoked some heated rhetoric between McCain and Barack Obama. Speaking from the floor of the Senate, Obama said, “I respect Sen. John McCain’s service to our country … But I can’t understand why he would line up behind the President in his opposition to this GI Bill. I can’t believe why he believes it is too generous to our veterans.”
In response, McCain released a harsh — and lengthy — statement. “It is typical, but no less offensive, that Senator Obama uses the Senate floor to take cheap shots at an opponent and easy advantage of an issue he has less than zero understanding of,” McCain said. “Unlike Senator Obama, my admiration, respect and deep gratitude for America’s veterans is something more than a convenient campaign pledge.”
The Senate also approved funding for the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a domestic spending package that will be included in the war funding bill. An amendment that included language about troop withdrawal was rejected, 34-63.
– Alex Koppelman
In this day and age in America, the MOST patriotic thing we can do as citizens of this country is to make sure our government buys American! The Bush regime has sent way too many jobs over seas, with it’s stupid tax cuts to the companies who do that! Any President who gives out Incentives, to companies to do just that, is nothing more than a Traitor! There is said it!
John McCain proudly says he is the biggest free trader of them all . I have seen Bush and regan both at Harley factories and seen McCain at sturgis but as yet to see any of them ride.I have seen a lot of posers and those 3 stand out in the crowd.At least Obama isnt trying to blow smoke up my ass and act like he is a bike rider. I dont really support Obama but I sure as hell wouldnt support McBush .Just remember the next job to fall to free trade might just be yours.
when I see McCain all I see is an Old Man who is using his POW background as a reason to vote for him. I’m afraid he’ll have flash backs. He’s another Nixon has bin
At least McCain knows that the word commitment isn’t something you say just to get elected. Read a book and find out what he gave up when he made a commitment to his fellow POWs . I am so tired of people saying silly things like McCain is too old or his time as a POW has reduced his mental capability.
BARRACK? Isn’t that the name of a movie that came out a couple of years ago starring Sacha Baron Cohen? BARRACK, Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan
I get this newsletter to read about motorcycles, not politics. Why do we need to get into this here? I think that you can leave the politics to the other blogs and keep me informed about bikes, if you cant you can remove me from your list.
I am sick and tired of this, we have a socialist and a marxist running for president, so whats the point?
Steve said: “Government agencies should also be able to make the same choices.” This was back when this post was about motorcycles, and not politics, and Steve is correct. There are different bikes for different needs, and different agencies have choices to suit their needs. Can you imagine if olice deparments were only permitted to buy 250cc dirtbikes? Having choice is good. Being forced to make a choice is bad.
I think they are right. American companies should always be considered, but the Government should have a choice based on the facts and what best suits their needs. As a tax payer, I don’t want them spending more of my money on Harleys, just because it’s a Harley.
Neither candidate rides, and McCain at Sturgis was merely a “Photo Opportunity”, as it would have been if Obama was there. And anyone who votes for President based solely on if they ride or not is an idiot. There are more important factors at stake.
Barack Osama is popular because he is a black man running for president. Take away his color and you will find a normal easy speaking people without experience in public administration. Same happen with Paris Hilton, take away her last name and you end up with a common girl without any special abilities.
As I was reading down the passages I really got upset. Atleast McCain took the time to notice we riders exist. Something in Sturgis may have touched him in a beneficial way for all of us. Maybe he can not ride because of his shoulder issues, maybe he chooses not to but he was there. Politics on this forum, not wrong, especially now. I will watch the debates and make a concious choice like every American should do but I do like the insite and opinions of my fellow American riders. As for sending our companies out of America with tax cuts, I believe Clinton started that, along with this war by not taking Obama’s head(the terrorist who bombed America not the politician) on a platter any of the 3 times it was offered. I am listening but I can not get over the fact that I may have to say the words President Obama to my children.
Agencies having the choice to pick the best product promotes product development & free enterprise. H-D has survied on it’s history and image, exluding the V-rod not on product development. I would like to see more models and accories for the V-rod, a light weight tourour? ABS Plastic frame mount fairing, instead of the heavy fiberglass fork mount, then maybe they could get more police contracts opposed to BMW,Kawa, and everbody eles that builds a better bike. Competion in the market place is good! Other wise we might be riding 80″ flat heads? For Mcain’s MC appearences, I think it’s more of a hookup for the groups like Patriot Gaurd,POW’s, Veterns riders ect, easy access to groups he can make the vetern connection. I don’t a riding president would be much influence, riders need to look at this more at the state level,(congess, senators) thats were the most legislation comes from that affects us daily. Even if Obama were a biker still wouldn’t vote for a muslum, black, tax hiking president.
I would not vote for B.H.O. if he was the last thing left on earth. As ex Military I see him as another Jimmy ( No good) Carter And Bill( Arkansas Pig Boy)Clinton. I`ll take the OLD MAN
I thought this blog was about Motorcycles and not another left wing hijacked blog. All forms of Gov’t need to buy what will work for them. I know I work for them and it is the lowest bidder that gets the contract. Also Harley does not make ATV’s and dirt bikes. However we do have Polaris ATV’s. Also why are all of the sponsored links in support of Obama here???
Craig (#18) and Keith (#25),
Yes, this is a motorcycle blog. And sometimes bike issues intersect with other aspects of life, like lawmaking, business, and public perception. Those issues won’t be shied away from here, even though the vast majority of my coverage tends to be reviews, buyer’s guides, and how-to articles.
Keith, by entering into the debate I think your passion reflects the fact riders care about the issues mentioned in this post. And regarding your thought that this is a “left wing hijacked blog,” I’m afraid you’re mistaken; I am simply delivering news without taking any sides (just as I have in my earlier post about McCain.) And regarding the sponsored links- which I have no control over- I see both Anti-Obama and Anti-McCain ads… but thank you for your comments.
Basem
Whoever rides a Triumph, that’s who I’m voting for! Buzzing on a Bonnie shows thye got good head, on their shoulders!
You bunch of fake American Cu*ts – just keep buying foreign goods and see where it gets you.
I worked hard for my money and when it goes to taxes – I don’t what it sent over to China.
Buying American isn’t protectionism. It isn’t protectionism to expect our government to look out for our interests and unfair trade policies.
You bunch of Wal-Mart, flag-waving(Chinese made), fake patriots are willing to see your country ripped off by NeoCons and Asia investors – you’ll get what you deserve.
Better start learning Chinese ladies.
Is he gonna take away dirt bikes, like honda crf 80s for just backyard play
Growing up as a baby boomer i have seen too many good jobs lost to so called free trade .Not everybody should be pushed through collage.We need a balanced work force .If it means some higher so be it!Wake up America be American!