McCain Camp Says ‘Typical’ Obama Doesn’t Stand By Principles

The John McCain campaign says Barack Obama choosing to not accept public funds Thursday shows Obama will not stand by his principles and is a “typical politician.”

“Today, Barack Obama has revealed himself to be just another typical politician who will do and say whatever is most expedient for Barack Obama,” McCain campaign spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said.

“The true test of a candidate for President is whether he will stand on principle and keep his word to the American people. Barack Obama has failed that test today, and his reversal of his promise to participate in the public finance system undermines his call for a new type of politics.”

Former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) echoed Hazelbaker on a conference call. “The only word for that is typical,” Thompson said.

Announcing his decision, Obama said he was choosing to opt out of a “broken” system that favored his opponents who had become “masters” of the broken system.

“It’s not an easy decision, especially because I support a robust system of public financing of election,” Obama said.

The McCain camp responded to Obama’s decision saying it would “undermine” and “weaken” public financing.

“This decision will have far-reaching and extraordinary consequences,” Hazelbaker said.