Obama Camp Thanks McCain — And Advances General-Election Narrative
Here's another sign that the Obama campaign is trying to shift their rhetorical gears towards a general election — and perhaps get the political and media classes to treat the Democratic nomination as a foregone conclusion.
The Obama campaign is now publicly thanking John McCain for distancing himself from derogatory comments made by Ohio talk-radio host Bill Cunningham at a campaign event. While the crowd was waiting for McCain to arrive, Cunningham declared among other things that the media would soon "peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama" and find out the truth about his "sweetheart deals" in Chicago.
"I did not know about these remarks but I take responsibility for them. I repudiate them," McCain told reporters. "My entire campaign I have treated Senator Obama and Senator Clinton with respect. I will continue to do that throughout this campaign."
"We appreciate Senator McCain’s remarks," said Obama spokesman Bill Burton, in a statement. "It is a sign that if there is a McCain-Obama general election, it can be intensely competitive but the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues."
Yeah, the candidates might keep it "respectful" and "civil", but no one else is going to.
February 26, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
So we can assume this means Obama won't be whining "Shame on you, John McCain!"
February 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think that's a pretty savvy and slick approach by Obama - it will make it a little more difficult for McCain to go extremely negative (at least for a while). CT, you're right, though - the surrogates will do all of the heavy lifting and both of them will stay above the fray...
February 26, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know. Somehow I just imagine John McCain is much more classy than his Republican peers.
Am I naive in thinking that?
February 26, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain could have been either snarky or quiet. He chose the high road and Obama met him there. That's all I'm going to take away from this right now.
February 26, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
So refreshing. Imagine how G.W. would have avoided criticizing Cunningham. I really look forward to an Obama-McCain race.
February 26, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Come on, this is exactly what Clinton did with the Somali photo.
What? The candidate never said anything about it and they tried to pivot off the story into a whine about the media? That doesn't seem very savvy.
February 26, 2008 6:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Generica, I'm with you there.
I know I'm naive, but I believe McCain and Obama will make a true effort to keep it respectful and stick to the issues.
I mean, when you think about it, the issues themselves are so much in opposition, why bring personal BS into the argument on top of that?
It will be surge-supporting McCain against timely and careful withdrawal Obama. Iraq alone could help Americans make their decision, you know?
That's my hope, anyway.
February 26, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sure, the straightalker has treated Clinton with respect as his picks on and makes fun of her daughter. As with opposing and then tolerating torture and so many other issues, a more dishonest pol than McCain there never was.
February 26, 2008 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is he implying that Clinton hasn't been?
Also, will McCain really say lets play nice, to his staff?
It would validate the media meme, that this is all about change, particularly with regards to this being a campaign of issues..
February 26, 2008 8:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seems there is something significant here. Seems there is is tie to an issue played out after the recent NYTimes story where meetings have been denied by the Honorable Senator McCain and confirmed by others.
In an on air interview Bill Cunningham stated having met McCain twice. Once at the invitation of former Ohio Senator DeWine for a dinner. This would seeme to tie to what seems to be another controversy over the ability to recall meetings and also a lack of attention to what is going on in his campaign events.
Does this sound familiar in other recent hearings involving Republicans? Cannot recall. No one told me. Here is the newspaper link to the the story.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS01/302270009
February 27, 2008 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink