McCain Still Considering Tanker Deal

[Terri]

By MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press
March 4, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. John McCain said Monday that he hasn't made up his mind on a $35 billion Air Force contract awarded to the parent company of French plane maker Airbus.

McCain, the likely Republican nominee for president, helped scuttle a previous deal that gave the contract for the next generation of Air Force refueling tankers to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. and its U.S. partner, Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman, won a new competition with Boeing Friday to build the refueling planes in one of the biggest Pentagon contracts in decades.

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[Jamble]

This is the sort of information the public Should know. Unfortunately not only does the public not know, it doesn't seem to care enough to read about it.

[Charie]

''I've never believed that defense programs, that the major reason for them should be to create jobs,'' he told reporters in Phoenix. ''I've always felt that the best thing to do is to create the best weapons system we can at minimum cost to taxpayers.''

This, to my way of thinking, is the way contracts should be awarded. It's also providing jobs in this country through Northrop Grumman.

[jhunt]

As an x airforce GI, Iwould not like to see a tanker made by parts from all over the world trying to refuel any airplane I was flying in/on (in-flight re-fueling)

[elmerck1]

I cannot believe people think just because the planes are going to be built in Mobile Al. that they will be foreign made.Maybe the air frame will be built in France for the first year or two, until we can get hangers and assemblyline going, they will be built here. Engines will come from General Electric, which has two or three plants in the u.s. Avionics will be made in the U.S. and may other pieces will be made locally or shipped in from other businesses in the U.S.This is going to be the best thing the Airforce has done in contracting in years. Ever since they were caught stealing from us, and big wheels are in jail, proves that there are better companies like Northrop that build aircraft. So lighten up people, and be glad for the people down south that will get some good playing jobs, since the Gov. closed Brookley in 1966.

[nanajan]

Post #5 is a good example of not getting the full story on any subject. It is always slanted by the reporter.
That is another reason we should be careful of who we put into office. We have to depend on them weighing all the information before making a decision.

[schillerbjr]

I must concur with NANAJAN post # 6, well said!

[elmerck1]

If post 6and 7 know anything about the deal, why didn't they tell me what they knew. John McCain caught Boeing stealing from us, and that is a fact. If people don't know about that call John and ask him and talk to the people in jail that were caught. Post number 5 talks like they know it all, but told nothing. I guarantee what I said was the truth and I can back it up.

[elmerck1]

nanajan from kentucky. What about the statement I made was doubted by you? I know what I am talking about, and if you don't believe it, tough stuff.

[Cynical Pete]

I keep wondering why the The Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union are so upset at losing jobs and why Senator Todd Tiahrt and Senator Patty Murray is fighting this.