McCain Says He'll Bring "Every Pressure To Bear" To Stop Obama/Wright Ad -- But It's Still Set To Run
John McCain promised at a town-hall meeting today that he would bring "every pressure to bear" to stop the North Carolina GOP from running that ad hitting Obama over his controversial pastor, an issue that McCain said wasn't a legit one.
Take a look:
The North Carolina GOP's spot has McCain in something of a jam. He has come out and condemned the ad and said he doesn't want it to air, but he's now taking hits from Democrats who are demanding that he do more as the GOP's standard bearer to stop it from running. And if he can't get that done he risks looking weak.
Indeed, a top McCain strategist is now telling Time magazine that the ad won't be running at all -- the implication being that McCain managed to put the kibosh on it behind the scenes.
But guess what -- a spokesperson for the North Carolina GOP just told me that this isn't the case. Here's the statement I just got from the spokesperson, Brent Wilcox:
I'm not sure where this gossip is coming from but that is not the case. The ad is still scheduled to run early next week.
The spokesperson added that it's set to run statewide.
Hmmm. It looks like McCain still has a bit of work to do if he really wants to stop this thing from running.
I didn't expect him to nor did I ever think that was the objective.
The objective is to force him into lying about it and into saying it's wrong and then not doing anything about it.
So he's a public liar and jackass over it.
April 24, 2008 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
HOW MANY TIMES MUST I APOLOGIZE
Tena, Cindy said she was sorry for forgetting to send you the invite to the Tupperware party. I don't know what else to say other then buzz off skank. (sorry about that too) Besides "jackass" is a Democratic term and I have not made that decision yet.
Yours truly
J. McCain
p.s. we still have some Stuffable mini sets left over if you want to drop by!
April 24, 2008 7:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
this is a win win for Old Man War.
he gets credit for condemning the ad, but he also benefits because its still going to run.
I expect we'll be seeign a lot of this type of thing. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes part of the "unofficial strategy" of the McCain campaign.
April 24, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yah if you think they'll fall for this.
Again.
O perhaps Howard Dean will make a further statement.
I don't think this will really help Himmary much in NC.
We aren't going for the racist vote in NC.
;)
April 24, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
97% of black Democrats are voting for Obama. 3 percent are voting for Clinton.
Yep. Nothing racist about that.
April 24, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
To assume that ALL of us are voting for Obama just because he's Black is ignorant as hell, and insulting to us as a group. We're not some monolithic race who all thinks alike, genius. It's obvious that the race-baiting that has been coming from the Clinton camp since Iowa has turned a LOT of us off, and while I don't think the percentage is as high as you claim, it has every right to be that high. It wouldn't be nearly that high if Edwards were still in this.
April 24, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's funny... I don't remember anyone complaining when African-Americans were voting 90%+ for white Democratic candidates.
April 24, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I heard a lot of neocon radio bemoaning the fact that very few African Americans were voting for Bush in the past two elections. Other than that, nothing. Nonetheless, you're right about Dems not making a fuss.
April 24, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because we can smell bullshit from politicians a mile away.
You all should check out the commentary on abc.com.
Its pretty uummmm gross:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/rev-wright-defe.html
April 24, 2008 11:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
How is that racist, EastWest? Did the 97% of blacks get together and all agree to vote for Barack Obama to keep poor, white Hillary Clinton down?
April 24, 2008 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a loss for Rove and the RNC. They wanted this used during October, not now.
April 24, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's really interesting here is that Rasmussen polled a couple weeks ago, and found Obama and McCain tied in the state, 47-47; Clinton trailed McCain 40-51.
You could read it as an attempt by the state party to weaken Obama, or to tilt the primary toward Hillary. But ads that run in April rarely have an impact in November, and Obama's gonna win this state irrespective of what the GOP does. That's particularly true because we're talking about Democratic voters, who are unlikely to be sympathetic to GOP attacks.
So what's actually happening here is that the state GOP decided to drum up some controversy as a fundraising tool. As the post points out, the ad's not even going to run until next week. What I find most fascinating is that they chose Obama, and not their bugbear of the past few decades, Hillary. It's a sign that, after a slow start, the GOP base has used the Wright incident to whip itself into its usual lather of hatred and fear. This is about mobilizing the GOP base and raking in donations - and the longer they can stretch out the controversy before McCain forces them to say they're not going to air it, the better they'll do.
April 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, condeming this and then not being able to have sway with local republicans who probably would have voted for Huckabee. That's going to come across just great. McCain will appear even more impotent.
April 24, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is interesting you mention this....I think it would be a killer for McCain if it did get out that he cant "get it up".
I know...as a man....especially if your much older, its like "fuck it....so what?" as long as you get yours right...whether it be viagra or whatever?
But to the small town voters? The ignorant asses who post on ABC.com "id like to see the full sermon, but I dont know how to do it"(youtube dumby), I think they might get hurt by it. Its sleazy trash...yes I know...and utterly disrespectful.......but it would be embarassing as shit and the jokes would never stop.
Its the kind of place you hit man and he may never recover(sorry if I dredge up old memories for anyone on this site).
McCains lady looks pretty good for her age, shes definitely still fuckin'....but is she fuckin McCain? Go after her and you prolly have his down fall. Plus his ex-wife, who he cheated on might be persuaded to do a interview maybe heh.
This was just a thought that made me chuckle.
Spitzer = McCain 25 yr age difference???
April 25, 2008 12:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
oh, I think that has been pretty well established by now, a new twist on Rovian smear politics.
April 25, 2008 3:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nah, McCain can muck up all on his own. He just torpedoed the equal pay for equal work bill and his claim is that it will promote more pay discrimination suits. Actually the law would have prevented so many suits from being filed cause it mandated equal pay for equal work. I am going to knock him over the head with this vote every chance I get. He has no concern for a woman working who is the lone support of her family and now she can be given much lower wages than a man and she just has to take it. No by golly, she can file a law suit and someone like my husband, a retired lawyer can go to court and get her what she had coming. McCain obviously has ALL the money he needs from his rich booze queen, but there are actually women who have to support their children and they often get paid far less than the going wage for men for the same job. Both men and women deserve a just wage.
April 25, 2008 5:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
if he really wants to stop this thing from running
Thanks for the laugh of the afternoon.
McCain wants to really stop this the same way I really want Clinton to continue all the way to Denver.
April 24, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Apparently, McCain Isn't Able.
April 24, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
There ya go - there's that as well.
It's a lose-lose.
Either he's lying and wants the ad on (and of course he does), or he's totally weak and can't control his situation.
April 24, 2008 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
if John McCain can't stand up to the North Carolin GOP, how is he gonna stand up agains Al Qaeda?
April 24, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
The media, once again, completely gives John McCain credit for "trying" to stop the ads or "speaking out" against them. Poppycock! They benefit him so therefore he will not use his position to truly stop them (and that's if he has no foreknowledge of them as I suspect).
Also, Obama should NOT make any agreements about public financing in the general if McCain does not actually stop this type of attack now. Actions speak louder than words, Johnny boy. Put up now and show yourself worthy of such an agreement or get clobbered financially by Obama in the GE. That simple.
April 24, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who's running the ad?
PEOPLE GET READY!
BOYCOTT!!
April 24, 2008 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who's running the ad?
All of the news organizations, over and over, for free.
April 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Which is exactly why in the end they may not run it, having already given us viewers the preview run.
I'd rather they ran it now instead of in the general.
April 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
In my benefit of the doubt moment, the spokesperson may be simply behind the curve on the information chain. And, as the case may be, behind us.
April 24, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm sorry but I do not understand anyone who gives any Republican the benefit of any doubt at this point.
That goes beyond being open and trusting to being absolutely stupid.
I'm sorry - but for the love of the gods and goddesses!
April 24, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Easy sparky. I wasn't cutting the party any slack. Only that our understanding of the full picture might be faster than the spokesperson's. I don't see how that's a matter of trust- merely putting forward a hypothesis. I would like it if McCain did stop it. That would set a precedent that will come back to haunt him when it's inevitably violated by a variety of uncontrolled minions.
No need for sorries.
April 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Watching Fox News and they announced Clinton called the ad outrageous and should take it down.
They also said Obama is taking the day off.
Clinton is still working.
April 24, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
well, Obama does have a young family, and I'm sure that his two little girls have some sort of school event today.
April 24, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
He can always drop out to spend more time with the kids, so we can have a nominee that will win the general easily.
April 24, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course Hillary could also drop out and spend more time with Bill and his many mistresses...
April 24, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yah - I was thinking about that. He's talked about that - said Michelle wouldn't let him run if they didn't have family on hand to take care of the girls and believe that. They're little.
April 24, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's embarassing that Clinton has to follow John McCain's lead...
April 24, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice point.
April 24, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Clinton's still working
And she's still behind...I'd be working, too, in that situation!
And one other thing: do you believe everything Fox News tells you?
April 24, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
She wants it, he does not.
Stop whining about the ad.
You chose him so deal with the consequences of his negatives.
He can't hope it away.
April 24, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I haven't "complained" about the ad at all, goofball.
Carry on!
April 24, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't give a rat's a$$ about the Clintons' marriage.
April 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
i honestly get no better laughs from the Internet than when gotalife tells all us bitter losers to stop crying, with tears in his eyes.
hahaha.
April 24, 2008 8:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
forgive me, byt after hillary clinton runs an ad featuring osama bin laden, she hardly has credibility to criticize someone else's ad as "outrageous".
April 24, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Man, too bad Obama doesn't want it, because he sure got it. That must make the loss all the more bitter, losing to a guy who doesn't even want it. Jeez.
April 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Until I hear that from a reputable source, I won't believe Clinton's "rebuke". I've seen nary a mention of such a thing on any major news site. Fox News, neither.
April 24, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Link, please - I can't find a single goddamn instance on any of the news websites about Clinton calling the ad "outrageous" - not even on your precious Fox News site. There's a huge article about St. McCain's denouncement but nothing about her. Don't make statements without backing them up.
Here's the Fox News article:
http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/04/23/for-mccain-rev-wright-is-off-limits/
No mention of Hillary. Sorry, I don't buy it.
April 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't see a statement on her website, either. I think you are not being truthful, GetaLife. Provide a link or retract your statement.
April 24, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
It was breaking. Keep looking. It will show up elsewhere.
April 24, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
HE'S TAKING A DAY OFF BECAUSE HE IS WINNING!!!!!!
Deal with it. He's spending the day with his family. Maybe she should do the same.
April 24, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, its going to be interesting to see the panic by the GOP after they shoot their negative attack ad wad, and then it has little effect on Obama support.
April 24, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I actually think that just as an originally war-supporting public has turned against it, the American people are growing weary of these types of attacks. Note that I'm not including the 30% who would support Bush if it was discovered he ate babies for breakfast.
To go along with what you are saying, I think these attacks will backfire in the end and catapult "new politics" Obama to the Presidency. McCain will go down as the old politics Bob Dole of 2008.
April 24, 2008 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
O I do too.
Exit polls are exit polls, but still - people said by a large majority that Hillary had unfairly attacked Obama.
I don't think this sells anymore with most people.
McCain's only hope is if Bush and Cheney promised him the electronic vote.
And I wouldn't be surprised, frankly.
But I'm taking off the tinfoil hat for now. It's too warm here for it anyway.
April 24, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama's friends should counter with a McGee ad and he can go through the motions like mcwar did.
Of course, they can't because he is using "a different kind of politics."
April 24, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
wuh? I think Obama should act like McCain. Of course he is not McCain.
Typing comments just to type them is fun.
April 24, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes! "Obama's friends" indeed. Like you're not one of us. I swear, Colbert has nothing on you, sir.
April 24, 2008 10:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
When will the Dems start Swiftboating McCain? Because, I'm sorry, but that's the only way that they're going to win this thing -- by playing no-holds-barred hardball. Pantywaist politics and hand-wringing over the "mean" GOP won't cut it, just like it didn't cut it for John Kerry in 2004. It's time to pull out the stops and show that we can do street brawling, too, using surrogates and shadowy organizations, just like the GOP does. And, God knows, there's plenty of good material on McCain to work with.
April 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just saw an ad in Wisconsin from the DNC hitting McCain on his comments about the economy being good. It was a great ad.
April 24, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right on Doofus! We need some fighters to take on the GOP, and fox news slime machines. Fight Fire with fire! we don't need Grandpa Mcsame in office.
April 26, 2008 10:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
You kiddies better get ready for it.
All that chump-ass whining about how Clinton is a big meanie monster and how she is such a hater for not loving The Dear Leader and boy-oh-boy is she ever a bitch blah-blah-blah....
This is just a taste. Only a sip. You joined this cult, now suck it up and watch your Dear Leader get his ass handed to him by the real haters.
April 24, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, we're ready.
April 24, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like you, asshat?
April 24, 2008 4:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well it's so nice to see another totally obtuse Clinton supporter.
The difference is that ostensiblty, Clinton is a Democrat and they don't attack other Democrats from the far right like that.
It's not right.
And all that shit she threw - got her a big ass 9 point win.
Whoop-ti-fuckin-do!
April 24, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here. Have a little cheese with that.
April 24, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
people who can't tell whine from the end of a fist are apt to spend a lot of time with red noses and black eyes.
April 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are fighting yesterday's battles. You can't step in the same stream twice.
While a bunch of people on both sides of the isle want to go backwards, overall this election will be about the American public's longings for the future.
April 24, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Can't step in the same stream twice...."
First time I've seen Heraclitus quoted on a political blog. Nicely done.
April 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
And I thought that was Kenju, the great zen teacher of the Meiji era.
April 24, 2008 7:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're joking, right? The empty-suited Dear Leader and his empty-headed cult are always chanting about change, blah-blah-blah.... Bush is all hat, not cattle; the Dear Leader is all talk, no idea. There's no freakin' substance! Yakkity-yak! Nothing else! It's like you think American Idol is real!
April 24, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why are you so angry? If you think there's no substance, why don't you look at his very detailed policy proposals? This kind of hate-ranting isn't going to change anyone's mind, you know. It only makes me more set in my support for Obama, quite frankly - if whackjobs like you are for Clinton, that tells me a lot.
April 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well doofus, where ya been? Did you miss the absolutely devastating ad that MoveOn made about McCain?
I hope they play that more widely.
April 24, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is that the one I saw? Did I mis-attribute it?
April 24, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know - where? I missed it.
busted!
April 24, 2008 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just above EastWest:
"I just saw an ad in Wisconsin from the DNC hitting McCain on his comments about the economy being good. It was a great ad."
April 24, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just above EastWest:
"I just saw an ad in Wisconsin from the DNC hitting McCain on his comments about the economy being good. It was a great ad."
April 24, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry.
I think that may be the DNC ad cause the MoveOn ad was only released in DC so far.
And as I said - I really really wish they'd release it coast to coast.
It started with the sweaty hug, then there was a whole series of shots of Bush saying something with certain gestures and it cut right to McCain saying the same thing with the same gestures.
It is incredible.
April 24, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Yeah, its going to be interesting to see the panic by the GOP after they shoot their negative attack ad wad, and then it has little effect on Obama support.
I don't think that's at all a safe assumption. Negative ads, particularly those playing on fears about race, "foreigners," and the like, have a powerful, visceral appeal.
April 24, 2008 4:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Saw that DNC ad here in PA as well. It is a great ad.
April 24, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think you have entertained us with your concern doofus.
I'm not interested in these big scary Republican fantasies.
April 24, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Those types of appeals have the greatest effect on the 30% of morons who still support Bush. They will never ever vote for anyone but a total "strong daddy" fearmonger and they are not our target in this election.
Obama can win the other 60+% of the US public and have the first true majority in 20 years. Downticket wins will just sweeten/solidify the "mandate."
April 24, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
WHAT ARE YOU SUGGESTING?
That the "other 60%" of us who DON'T support Bush are bed soiling pinko commie thumb sucking masturbatory whiners?
Not me buddy!
Sincerly hate you!
Jenna Bush
April 24, 2008 7:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm sure this is part of mcInane's campaign strategy, let the little guy get his hands dirty while he touts being fair and just. Have the media run the ad as a news story so its free advertising and then denounce it as being unfair. He has as much credibility as bush and the GE campaign really hasn't even started.
April 24, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
"John McCain promised at a town-hall meeting today that he would bring "every pressure to bear" to stop the North Carolina GOP from running . . "
Pretty much the same way Rove/Bush brought all their "pressure" to bear to stop the "McCain Love Child" story from running in 2000.
Please.
April 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
well no duh.
Where do you think McCain learned it?
April 24, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let them run their stupid ad. Why doesn't the DNC step up with an ad blitz and just bury this with the truth? Outspend the GOP 5 to 1, take on each and every lie and smear with a rebuttal. Frame this race baiting as what it is!
April 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wright is going to speak at the national press club.
April 24, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not an assumption. A prediction.
April 24, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
The MSM has been running the ad all day on the various news programs. Talk about your free publicity!
April 24, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know what, everyone? EastWest makes me wish votenic would post more often...
April 24, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I love you too.
April 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!!!! ;)
April 24, 2008 4:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
PLEASE CAROL HOLD IT IN !
Every time you LOL your green gums jut out and that just takes me off the Viagra, pronto.
Maybe you could just chuckle and fart like when you were reciting our marriage vows.
Sincerely
Mr. Soprano
April 24, 2008 7:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
A great piece in The New Republic on Obama's alleged electibility issue: http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/04/23/on-obama-s-electability-contra-judis.aspx
April 24, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I'm not interested in these big scary Republican fantasies."
Entertainment's not my goal. My goal is to urge the Democrats to NOT roll over, for once, and pretend that the public will recognize that the vicious attacks that are already underway (and soon to get more plentiful) are "unfair" and thus dismiss them. I really don't care if YOU are scared. Kerry wasn't scared either (which is why he barely responded to the Swiftboat attacks) and how did that work out for us? Chest-thumping is not a strategy.
April 24, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Please quit talking to us like we are children.
You think this hasn't been talked about over and over and over for years?
Goddamn!
April 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Listen, Tena - I'm being serious this time, not deliberately snarky; I am being very serious.
I do think Obama is going to get the nomination over Clinton. I am not happy about that, but that's the way the system works. At the end of the day, I pray to God he gets elected. The last thing this planet needs is 4 more years of Bush.
But here's the deal: The point I've been making in my own, subtle, making-friends-and-influencing-people sorta way, is that far too many of the hard-core Obama supporters sound like children. This is NOT a game. It's as serious as it gets.
This ad isn't the Republicans blowing their wad. It is part of what will be an ongoing, vicious assault on Obama. It won't stop, and it won't get better. Coming on-line and complaining and acting all naive, etc., etc., does not help your case. It makes too many of you sound like children.
This stuff is deadly serious. The Republicans are going to throw everything they have at Obama. It's not right. But it's life.
All I'm saying is, maybe it's time for Obama's supporters to move beyond the star-struck 'tweenie stage, to the grown-up realist stage.
The world needs grown-ups, Tena. Hopefully you and the other Obama supporters can be the grown-ups.
April 24, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dude, you're pathetic.
I mean totally and completely in the most condescending of ways, pathetic.
How fucking dare you condescend to Obama supporters and make that same goddamn accusation people make because we like our candidate.
fuck right the fuck off.
April 24, 2008 7:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Doofus, has Obama disappointed you once during this primary season with his ability to hit back - quick and hard? I have a lot of faith that this year it's going to be different. Different times, different candidate, different voters (lots of young ones who are not scared of the big bad black boogeyman). He's been very, very cautious with Clinton because she's in his own party, but he's already said that the gloves will come off when he faces McCain in the general. I think your concern is fine but this is NOT 2004.
April 24, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
If we just act a little more like Republicans with each passing election, we'll win!
Or, we can be proud of who we are and just play smarter.
As I said to eastwest earlier, while I was also thinking of your comment about Kerry in 2004 above that.
April 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
No shit - thank you.
April 24, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
What do we think would happen if some organization put out the McCain "VC Collaborator" story as has been floated? They would cry foul and the patriot police would have a field day.
I reject and denounce those tactics, but what would the "tough politics" pundits have to say then? Can't stand the heat . . .
April 24, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
How is John McCain supposed to lead the country when his own party won't listen to him?
April 24, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
The media is going to be on McCain's side.
That's a given.
Because in a fascist state the corporate media is the government and the government is the corporate media.
God how many more times do they have to get caught before we get this?
April 24, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
YES!!!! Now you're freakin' getting it!!!!
Don't complain when the media do something you don't like, or when they do something you don't expect. Accept that they are NOT independent, and that left to their own devices they will always go with the Republican.
Change the equation, people!!! Stop bitching about the press, stop bitching about Clinton, and stop bitching about McCain.
If as seems likely, Obama gets the nomination - Don't let "them" control the story.
I want Clinton to win, because I do think she's the most qualified. She won't win. Don't let Obama lose, people.
April 24, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, I take back my comment about votenic.
You're much more interesting.
April 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Anytime you really want to go at it with me, brain to brain, let's go.
You think I'm childish and I don't get it? Are you in for one real eye-opener.
April 24, 2008 7:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Hillary Clinton’s campaign also denounced the advertisement, which was released online Wednesday.
“The ad is outrageous and it should come down,” Clinton spokesman Phil Singer told FOX News."
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/04/24/mccain-camp-under-false-impression-that-nc-gop-obama-ad-was-killed/
I accept your apologies in advance.
Again, I do not lie like your hero trolls.
April 24, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Unfortunately, though, she didn't do this before McCain did. It's embarassing that a Republican responds to a negative attack ad more quickly than a Democrat does.
April 24, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
You said "Clinton called the ad outrageous and should take it down."
Phil Singer speaking on behalf of the Clinton campaign is not the same thing.
Either way, it's a start.
April 24, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice apology troll.
April 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you. Better than nothing, but you'd think the candidate herself could be troubled to defend a fellow Dem from such b.s.
April 24, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you, GotaLife - much obliged. Better late than never...
April 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another great apology .
Thanks.
April 24, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
AAARRRGGGHGHGHGHG!! Josh Marshall, do you know how idiotic you sound?
Why-oh-WHY are we depending on a Republican to protect Obama from GOP smears? This is ridiculous!
Is Obama going to call in McCain to stand-up to al Qaeda?
Stand UP, Obama! Punch em in the friggin teeth!
April 24, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama took the day off and I'm enjoying watching Himmary punch himself out and Hillary take the high road - once the Republican had cleared the path for her.
Things are fine.
Please chill.
April 24, 2008 5:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Chill out....You want me to chill out when guys like Josh are expecting McCain to stop the ads, instead of imploring Obama to come out swinging? Are we a party of limp wristed wimps or what?
Sounds like you're the one who needs to get a grip. The whole party does.
April 24, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, we are the gay party. Woo-hoo!! Wanna make out?
April 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
egad. Not funny.
But I can see how my comment would be seen as a slur. Not my intention. Sorry.
April 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree but Obama took the day off.
Maybe he will find a spine on his day off.
I know Clinton would counter with a McGee ad but he uses "a different kind of politics."
April 24, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
back to copy/paste comments again. poor guy, no one's noticing you anymore. i'll throw you a bone here, and admit I read your tripe
April 24, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Carol: Until someone shows me that negative advertising doesn't work, I will continue to be concerned about what it's going to do the eventual Democratic nominee, whether it be Clinton or Obama. Sure, Obama's done a very good job responding so far, and that's encouraging. But the Rethugs haven't even gotten warmed up yet. And I think our side needs to be prepared for the *hitstorm that's coming, because it will be designed to overwhelm whatever positive aura the Dem nominee is enjoying. You can't stop them from sliming him, but you CAN take the gloves off and show that you can rumble, too. And I think our folks would be well-advised to do so.
April 24, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hillary's negatives have gone up as her message has grown more negative. Obama's negatives have gone up more slightly than hers.
I ain't afraid of the big bad wolf. He ain't got no new tricks ain't been done before.
April 24, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
We all know the reason camp Clinton was slow to respond. They needed time to determine what response would most benefit her - party unity be damned is necessary.
April 24, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
thanks for your opinion.
April 24, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
should have read as: unity be damned if necessary.
April 24, 2008 5:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
All negative advertising does is make voters pick between which of two candidates is the worst.
And I don't think it's effective any more. And I do think and in fact have no doubts about how damn good Obama's campaign is.
They can handle it.
Shut the fuck up, please.
They have not misstepped once that they haven't recovered.
April 24, 2008 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Shut the fuck up, please."
This is the classic line seen on message boards when that person has nothing intelligent left to say.
Thanks for the laugh.
April 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
While we're talking about fucking, you wanna, RobbyLove? You can take all that aggression out on me, since you're obviously not gonna go and punch McCain in the face yourself.
April 24, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Troll alert.
April 24, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
no, just got my homophobia radar locked on you. and you're looking especially hot today. love your handle. mmmmmmm. and all that tough talk, I just wanna be spanked by you.
April 24, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're killing me.
I love your handle, btw.
April 24, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanx. And you are quite an attractive kitty if you don't mind me saying. I've enjoyed your comments, too.
April 24, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
TRY AND ADHERE TO YOUR COURT ORDER
You know perfectly well what your parole officer would do if he found out you were sexing kittens again.
Thank god your mother is in the nervous hospital and can't see what you're up to.
Sincerely
Uncle Tickles
April 24, 2008 7:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Stop it! You're not my type. I like Democrats.
April 24, 2008 9:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain will spend the rest of the campaign distancing himself from the Wright ads which will pop up everywhere. And of course by doing so he will draw more attention to them. Face it, folks, the attacks against Wright will hurt Obama far more than they hurt McCain.
I got to read all of Wright's comments to Bill Moyers today. It is quite clear where Obama learned his technique of playing the victim while going on the attack. Very disingenuous.
April 24, 2008 5:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
In other words, it's very effective.
See, McCain has shot his wad here - he screwed up. Once Wright is on Moyers, I predict this "controversy" will be over and anything that comes up later will be booed down.
Kind of like Hillary was there at the end when she started throwing shit. Like that.
April 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just a thought...
If the ad runs, could that give Obama cover to opt out of public financing? One of the arguments that Obama has floated for opting out, despite his pledge, is the need for a comprehensive agreement that would include third-party ads. If McCain pretends that he can't stop this ad, Obama could make the case that he needs to raise private money in order to counter third party ads that McCain can't control.
April 24, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brilliant!
April 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nailed it.
April 24, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good idea.
Post it on his blog.
April 24, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Many assert that negative hard hitting ads are effective in "contrasting" candidates positions and pointing out their hypocrisies.
OK, Let's roll.
Sen. McCain:
Since you are a staunch supporter of the War on Drugs: How do you feel about prosecuting individuals for prescription drug theft and abuse?
How do think that your intimate associations with individuals such as Rick Renzi (R-AZ), your campaign co-chair, who have been charged with corruption will impact your platform of personal integrity?
Do you believe that personal morality (hookers, boozing, etc.) and the sanctity of marriage apply only to Democrats?
Feel free to add your own.
April 24, 2008 5:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
add on
Would your feelings on the implication of the second amendment change if a mentally ill person were to acquire a firearm illegally and murder your family?
Do you draw a distinction between the abuse of prescription medication and illegal drugs?
If so, then does stealing prescription medication not therefore make it illegal?
Can you tell me the number of persons killed in the last year from the illicit use of prescription medications?
Can you tell me the number of persons killed in the last year in the acquisition if illegal prescription medications?
Sorry if I offend someones sensibilities but these are after all the types of attacks we should expect from the GOP.
April 24, 2008 5:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, I didn't know that Rev. Wright took Prof. Clinton's class in victimology.
April 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Shut the fuck up, please."
Maybe you should take a chill pill yourself, and try writing your comments without attacking and insulting the people whose comments you disagree with.
April 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
O tinkerbell, I am sorry I offended your delicate sensibilities.
April 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Qenghis-
Yes. Obama should get the public financing issue out of the way now by using McCain's inability to control his own party, let alone the 527s, as clear proof for why he must use his private financing advantage.
April 24, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
McSame's inability to control the NC GOP could be manna from heaven on the whole public finance brouhaha.
April 24, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think that would be a huge mistake. If Obama goes the public financing route it opens the absolute floodgates on the 527s and PACs. We certainly do not want to open that Pandora's box. The 'pugs are better at it than we are.
April 24, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree completely.
April 24, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
hmmmm.....the party of Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Reagan. Not sure about the first two, but when was Lee Atwater getting his start? I also notice that he isn't calling the GOP the party of Bush, although in this case it would certainly be an apt description.
April 24, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Best of all, Obama's need for private financing to fight the GOP attack machine has the virtue of being the plain truth.
April 24, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Robby:
I think you meant private financing. Taking public financing (from the Government) does not stop the 527s.
April 24, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I stand corrected. Thanks.
April 24, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
What was that the other day - wu wei? Genghis is on to something.
Have you noticed how Obama does not excavate dirt but does take the liberty of hitting it when it's pitched?
April 24, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have noticed, and I keep pounding on this, but it's really so very simple - Obama has an outstanding campaign organization and they handle things very well - best I've seen. '
April 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've no idea what I said. I plead inebriation. What's wu wei?
April 24, 2008 10:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, and I "really want to stop" Nicole Kidman from coming over later with pizza. This is Kabuki theatre ... GOP launches slime bomb, McCain wrings his hands over it, media kisses his ass for his saintly maverickness, ad runs anyway.
April 24, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right - it runs now, in the spring, during the damn primary - not in the fall when it could really mean something for Himmary.
It's too early. And the timing couldn't be worse for them because Wright is on Moyers. After that, things he said will make their way in to the rest of the media and eventually, long before the general cranks up, this will be a non-issue
And when Obama runs against Hillary in NC, are you really worried about the racists not wanting to vote for Obama? Cause they are the people who are going to pay attention to this.
It's aimed at Republicans.
April 24, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well it doesn't seem that it will matter much -
Stations won't run it.
LOLOLOLOL
Poor Republicans - can't hold onto candidates; can't find stations to run their nasty ads.
LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 24, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
ARE YOU REALLY LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY AT THIS...
or did you sit on a hunk of cheeze?
Just asking,
Signed
All the kids in your 8th grade class that saw you eat a booger.
April 24, 2008 7:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess I am most frustrated, maybe bitter, that it appears that the "manufactured issues" continue to hold some sway over the voters.
In exit polls 103 out of 100 voters say that the tone is too negative and the attacks are misleading yet with the handle in their hand the thought in their mind is of the bogeyman.
11 out of 10 Americans are frustrated by the advertising on TV yet rush out to buy their Viagra and wonder-bras.
It's no wonder that Fox News claims the ratings lead with their cast of porn-staresque (is that a word?) starlets and male enhancement pimps it's no wonder the right wing is tuning in.
Till the voters reject this at the ballot box the game continues, and I don't see that happening. Sen Obama speaks of making change from the bottom up rather than the top down, except in this regard where he is trying to make that change in tone from the top down. Voters need to take responsibility for the dialog in Washington at the ballot box.
April 24, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well the ad has apparently been pulled, so everybody who is sad, mad and upset can all have a drink and take a deep breath.
April 24, 2008 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can I have the drink (Bourbon up - Beer back) - and a paper bag please, I think I might be hyper-ventilating.
April 24, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Really? I was just listening to NPR with the NC Republican chair lady saying they were going to run it no matter what.
April 24, 2008 6:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
The historical reference to the Republican party up thread brought to mind some little-known facts about the origins of the Republican party. The folks who founded the Republican party were a group that started a community (a commune, really) around Ripon, Wisconsin. They were inspired by the writings of a French socialist (whose name I don't have with me...my reference is in my home office). Anyway, their goal in starting the party was to perpetuate a progressive agenda...in large part, to keep slavery out of the Wisconsin territories. Now THAT is the kind of GOP one could get excited about. It also makes all this craziness about race and Wright ironic and quite troubling.
April 24, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Guess that I will have to rethink my plan.
I was just "Photoshopping" my John McCain/Duke Cunningham man-love corruption response ad.
It would've been good.
April 24, 2008 6:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
O well that doesn't mean that every cable outlet and network having run it for free all day and will for several.
I just think Obama's campaign knows how to handle it.
April 24, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
O well that doesn't mean that every cable outlet and network hasn't run it for free all day and will for several.
I just think Obama's campaign knows how to handle it.
April 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry!
My bad.
April 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
NO PROBLEM TENA....
It's a relief to know you're human and from time to time to time after freakin endless time say something so vacuous you make baby bush seem like a gawdam pulitizer prize winnin geenyus.
Now go make me a sandwich.
Sincerely
Boris Yeltsins corpse
April 24, 2008 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
The NC Goopers will run the ad anyway. They don't care what McCain says. They say it's a local issue when they tie a local candidate to Obama and then get to bash Obama again over Rev. Wright.
April 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
HUH? So which is it now?
Is this Reuters story legit or not?
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2429689820080424
April 24, 2008 6:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, it wasn't set to air until next week. So, I guess it could have been pulled from the Web site.
April 24, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, it is true that 90 percent of blacks who voted in Pennsylvania cast their ballots for Obama, the black (half-black, actually) candidate. But remember, these are people who for all their adult lives have been voting for white candidates for president. It cannot be said that they do not or will not vote for whites; only that given the opportunity to vote for a black candidate, they did so.
There are white voters in the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania—a lot of them, in fact—who are simply racists. They will not vote for a black candidate for president. Period.
That is a far different thing from a black voter who votes for a black candidate, or a Catholic voter who votes for a Catholic candidate. Identity politics is not racism. A black voter might rationally feel that a person of color in the presidency could better understand the issues confronting the voter in question, just as a woman voter might think a woman candidate could better understand her issues. That does not make the black voter a racist any more than it makes the woman voter a man hater.
April 24, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, this comment got on the wrong thread.
April 24, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a good comment!
April 24, 2008 7:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
CHRISTIE: THANK GOD THERE IS SOMEONE MORE CONFUSED THAN ME!
Your inventory of black, half black and those who just wish they were some variety of black so their guilt could be reconciled, is as disturbing a trail of drivel as I could even conceive myself. Thank god for guilt stricken suck ups like yourself or Axelrod would have had to invent them!
Sincerely (and keep your guilt healthy!)
B. Hussein Obama
April 24, 2008 7:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you realize how stupid that sounds? You say it's okay for blacks to vote for blacks, and catholics for catholics, etc because of "identity", but NOT ok for whites to vote for whites (even at a LOWER rate than 90%)? Duh!
Maybe, just maybe, those clingy bitter white PA'ians think that Hillary is the candidate who best understands them. Did you ever think of THAT? But I guess you prefer to be just as condescending toward them as your candidate. Well, tough cookies. Just as Obama explained their anti-immigrant attitudes as blind expressions of their inner frustrations (the poor simple-minded dumbasses), you explain the fact that they didn't vote for Obama as being their deep underlying racism. Well, how lovely and how pat is that?
April 25, 2008 8:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Either he's complicit and doesn't want to stop it, or he's weak and can't control his own party.
If he's that weak and ineffectual in the RNC, imagine how weak a president he'd be. So which is it?
April 24, 2008 6:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
How about we fight our own battles? Why do we have to rely on McCain to slam these swift boaters? It's ridiculous.
April 24, 2008 9:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know if this has been discussed up thread, but I am starting to come down off of the idea that the good cop/bad cop will work for McCain on this one.
First, he is going to be seen as a weak leader - like he can't get his party operatives in line. Maybe he can't. That would be trouble, too.
Second, if he is constantly bickering with the operatives to tone down the rhetoric, isn't that going to drive down support among the base? I mean, if the base wants Wright slanders and McCain keeps saying no, isn't the base (or a swath of them) going to start to think that McCain's not with them?
I realize that the Wright stuff is supposed to drive the base, but if McCain is always publicly running counter-message, isn't that going to blunt the message?
April 24, 2008 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep.
April 24, 2008 8:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know I was completely against it before.
But Obama is going to get to have to real rough, real quick. The issue with his Pastor is going to get worst.
White caucasians seem to think they know something of Racism and hate towards them and they are setting it loose like wildfire.
My real pain is....where the hell is the NAACP......and other groups?
Its almost like, especially the higher ranking(government wise) Common Sense folks, Black Groups, Jimmy Carter? :P they just want to see Obama get hung out to dry.
I read about how Obama seems to know so many people, I think its time to call on them.
April 25, 2008 12:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Krugman's column today is really good. I mean REALLY! It echoes what a lot of us non-cultists have been saying for months now. He even brings up the big swing-state electability issue. I don't see a TPM link to his column today. TPM must have gone to DEFCON level 3.
April 25, 2008 8:29 AM | Reply | Permalink