NAACP gives McCain a respectful reception

He did not draw the crowd that greeted his Democratic opponent here Monday, where, as one organization official put it, "even the overflow room had an overflow room," but McCain received a respectful reception for his speech on education reform.

"After decades of hearing the same big promises from the public education establishment, and seeing the same poor results, it is surely time to shake off old ways and to demand new reforms," McCain said. "That isn't just my opinion; it is the conviction of parents in poor neighborhoods across this nation who want better lives for their children."

Obama has the overwhelming support of black voters, few of whom are Republican. (In a New York Times/CBS News poll released this week, 89% of black voters supported Obama, and 2% backed McCain.) But McCain's appearance had symbolic value and might be viewed as a plus by independent or undecided voters who appreciated the respect he showed.

In his speech, the Arizona senator did not shy from a cause dear to conservatives' hearts -- school vouchers -- and noted that Obama, who opposes them, derided the "tired rhetoric about vouchers and school choice." That, McCain said, "went over well with the teachers union, but where does it leave families and their children who are stuck in failing schools?" He received only a smattering of applause.

He also advocated better pay for good teachers, new teacher recruitment programs and fully funding No Child Left Behind, the Bush administration's controversial program for improving school performance by imposing standards and accountability.

McCain apologized for missing last year's meeting of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People, but pointed out: "I was a bit distracted at the time dealing with what reporters uncharitably described as an implosion in my campaign."

Now that he is the presumptive Republican nominee, he began by praising his foe.

"Don't tell him I said this, but he is an impressive fellow in many ways," said McCain, a line that drew the loudest cheers of his speech. "Of course, I would prefer his success not continue quite as long as he hopes. But it makes me proud to know the country I've loved and served all my life is still a work in progress and always improving."