June 23, 2008

Republican presidential candidate John McCain spoke today at California State University, Fresno, where he called for a new national energy policy before fielding a wide range of questions from audience members.

“Our energy policy is in the hands of others,” the Arizona senator told more than 600 people in the Satellite Student Union, complaining that America’s dependence on increasingly expensive foreign oil is affecting other costs of living, such as food. “These are tough times in America, as we know.”

Before going on stage, McCain was greeted by a university delegation, including Associated Students Inc. President Mackee Mason, who presented him with a Fresno State baseball jersey and cap. Provost Jeri Echeverria joked that despite Fresno State’s defeat of Arizona State University in the Super Regional NCAA playoff in McCain’s home state, the senator still decided to come to Fresno State.

McCain took the cap onto the stage and congratulated the Fresno State baseball team on making the College World Series finals.

“I must tell you I have some mixed emotions about the College World Series,” he joked, adding, “Congratulations to a dark-horse team.”

Those in attendance included members of the public and the campus community. McCain was joined by former CIA Director James Woolsey, Fresno resident Bill Jones, a former California legislator and secretary of state, and Fresno Mayor Alan Autry.

McCain said there is a need to develop “flex fuels” – or gasoline blends with other chemicals – for vehicles. Following the more than hour-long event, he inspected two Tesla electric sports cars parked outside and answered questions from national media traveling with him in the campaign.

“It shows what innovative technology in America is capable of,” said McCain, noting that the car runs for 2 cents per mile. “This automobile is a breakthrough in technology.” While it costs $100,000, McCain said early cell phones once fetched $1,000 and that electric vehicle prices would similarly drop.

McCain also spoke about the environment, Iraq, veterans affairs and immigration.