Election Central Morning Roundup
New Obama Ad Uses McCain's Own Words About Supporting Bush
The Obama campaign has a new TV ad in response to John McCain's "Original Maverick" ad, rerunning a video from 2003 of McCain himself boasting that he's voted with President Bush more than 90% of the time:
Obama Campaigning With Evan Bayh In Indiana Today
Barack Obama is holding a town hall event today in Elkhart, Indiana, with the focus on energy issues. Accompanying him at the event is Senator Evan Bayh, whose name is enjoying a lot of media attention as a potential vice president -- indeed, this very event has been the cause of some speculation that he would be announced as the running mate.
McCain Visiting West Virginia And Ohio
John McCain has no announced public events for today. (Late Update: McCain is spending the day in West Virginia and Ohio.)
McCain Camp: Paris Hilton Supports Us On Energy!
The McCain campaign has responded to Paris Hilton's Web video from last night: "It sounds like Paris Hilton supports John McCain's 'all of the above' approach to America's energy crisis - including both alternatives and drilling. Paris Hilton might not be as big a celebrity as Barack Obama, but she obviously has a better energy plan."
Obama Camp Targeting Florida Voters Right At The Gas Pumps
Talk about targeting an ad: The Obama campaign will be running this ad, which was first rolled out yesterday, on a network of TVs that are placed on gas pumps throughout Florida. The ad tells viewers that John McCain isn't to be trusted on energy issues, because he's been around for 26 years and hasn't gotten anything done:
McCain: I Don't Disagree With Obama On Tire Pressure
John McCain is apparently backing down from his campaign's mockery of Barack Obama's call for Americans to keep their tires inflated. "I don't disagree with that. The American Automobile Association strongly recommends it," McCain said last night -- though he added that it's still not enough.
Michigan Congresswoman Kilpatrick Narrowly Survives Primary
Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, mother of the scandal-plagued Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, narrowly won her re-election battle in last night's Democratic primary. Kilpatrick won 39% of the vote over her closest challenger's 36%, with the fact that the opposition was split with another candidate almost certainly making the difference.
Poll: Dem Ahead For GOP-Held Seat In Ohio
A new SurveyUSA poll shows the Democrat narrowly ahead for the open GOP-held 15th Congressional District in Ohio: County commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy (D) 47%, state Sen. Steve Stivers (R) 44%. Kilroy previously ran in 2006 and just barely lost to incumbent Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, who announced her retirement last year.
Shit, someone wake McCain up and tell him that it's not the weekend yet and that he needs to actually work today.
August 6, 2008 9:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
...it's not 11 yet...
August 6, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
and? It's a Wednesday, and where is McCain?
August 6, 2008 9:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Everyone knows Wednesday at noon it's Bingo at Shady Acres...he'll be up and around by 11. Hold your horses.
August 6, 2008 9:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Some quality rebuttal snark there SFCWallace.
August 6, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
See, as long as we don't talk "politics" we all get along great!
August 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Truer words have never been spoken.
August 6, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
HA!
August 6, 2008 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL.
August 6, 2008 9:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
haha, okay, good point.
August 6, 2008 9:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Still waiting on the next GA-8 poll to come out...GOP is looking to take both GA-8 and GA-12 back from the Dems, a Statewide sweep... We should be up by at least 10 in GA-8.
August 6, 2008 9:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Question about the Obama spot that smacks back on the "Maverick" meme - does anyone know where it's running? I'm concerned it's just a web ad because it doesn't have "I'm Barack Obama, and I approved this message" on it - and yet, it's the best ad I've seen all cycle from him. Anyone?
Also, playing devil's advocate - slightly - on Bayh:
http://strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/08/06/devils-advocate/
August 6, 2008 9:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
It does have a "I'm Barack Obama and I approve of this ad" message. It's cut off in the video clip presented here.
August 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Phew. Good news Slink.
That is EXACTLY the kind of ad they should be running from now until November. McCain = Bush.
And if there isn't an ad that features McCain saying "I don't know much about the economy," I'm going to start a 527 and make it myself.
http://strategy08.wordpress.com
August 6, 2008 9:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Congratulations, you just made a staff member of your presidential campaign devote energy to writing up a response to Paris fucking Hilton.
August 6, 2008 9:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
haha, I think that makes it official: McCain is not ready to be President.
August 6, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
If he can't handle Paris, how can he handle al-Qaeda?!
By the way, Bill Burton's response to the ad was "Whatever."
August 6, 2008 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
The funny thing is that everybody knows Hilton's "all of the above approach" is the Obama plan. McCain's energy plan was drill, drill, drill right up to the moment of McCain's response to Paris Hilton's ad. Paris Hilton was able to force McCain to change his energy policy. McCain looks like a world leader now.
August 6, 2008 9:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
McCain's energy plan used to be logical. One of the few things I liked about the guy. Now, I think the Obama and Hilton plans are the best. Maybe she's the next Nader.
(sorry, only now sipping my first coffee)
August 6, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting use of closed circuit advertising at gas stations.
Wonder if politicians will start advertising in supermarkets checkout lines. Maybe talk about high food prices, or some such.
August 6, 2008 9:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'd love to see video of McCain reading milk prices off a note card and then getting crushed in an avalanche of tomato soup cans while I'm at the grocery store.
August 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
...I'd rather see Paris checking her tire preassure...
August 6, 2008 9:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
With her mouth?
August 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
After yesterday it is pretty clear John wants you to see Cindy checking tire pressure with her mouth.
Frankly offering his wife up for a topless beauty contest was the most disgusting thing I have seen this cycle.
August 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Frankly offering his wife up for a topless beauty contest was the most disgusting thing I have seen this cycle."
...I think him topless would be worse...just saying.
August 6, 2008 9:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
HA! man, you're making my morning.
August 6, 2008 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Can tires get herpes?
August 6, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Only if they're not properly inflated.
August 6, 2008 1:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
You mean you'd rather see Paris checking your tire pressure.
August 6, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think the second ad here is on to something: New Energy versus the Old Gas Bag.
I hope Obama hammers some more on the idea that he's new energy. It's a double entendre.
August 6, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, McCain might have a new career once he loses the election.
"Hi, I'm John McCain. When I had trouble remembering my childish attack lines during the election, and, let's be honest, that happened a lot [forced grin], I turned to Oxford brand notecards. My friends, only Oxford brand notecards allowed me to attack my opponent even when my mind was, well, somewhere else. So, remember, if they don't have my picture on the front, then they're not Oxford Brand notecards."
August 6, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh god, I'd never buy those notecards ever again. Or I'd put them in a locking drawer out of fear they'd break into my fridge and eat all of my onions.
August 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like Rachel Maddow's comment that it looks like 47 year Barack Obama wants to win this election as oppose to 46 year old Obama.
Since Monday, Obama's birthday, "Slick Barry" has replaced Obambi!
Way to fight back every single day. Always remember if there isn't a day that you are on OFFENSE than it's a day that you have lost.
OFFENSE OFFENSE OFFENSE
August 6, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Go over to JebReport to see a Mccain video from 4-12-08.When Mccain was asked what could be right now his anwser was cut down on driving and turn off lights.Obama camp needs to get this video out to counter the tire gauge flap.
August 6, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
McCain stepped all over his message on the tire gauge story last night. His lack of discipline killed whatever momentum they had with this tactic. Best solution is to just remind everyone that McCain now agrees with Obama--that is unless McCain was not authorized to speak for McCain.
August 6, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama's back up on Rasmussen.
See Obama it pays to FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!
August 6, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm wondering if this is going to be blared on Drudge or if it will get its own post here at TPM.
August 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Even when we like the swing it is just statistical noise.
August 6, 2008 10:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yaabut where do they stand on ROTATING tires?? Back to front and cross fronts to rear? How often? For the love of all that is holy, check your owner's manuals, people!
Good grief.
August 6, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Greg
Are you sure that is an official Obama Ad?
August 6, 2008 9:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
by time rnc come around mccain gonna work only 3 days a week............
August 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
i have to admit, i was getting nervous earlier this week when it appeared they would flame out just as kerry did; but i've been very reassured these past couple of days with how quickly and aggressively they are pushing back.
first read had an interesting tidbit yesterday about a heckler and how obama dealth with it. i thought it brilliant; cause you know if he'd been shouted down, it would be on an msnbc loop:
Early in Obama’s remarks, there was a notable disruption, when Obama acknowledged someone standing near the press riser in the back of the Baldwin-Wallace College gymnasium here who was shouting about the Pledge of Allegiance. Learning that the pledge was not recited in the pre-program before he arrived, Obama then asked the heckler to lead the crowd in doing so, immediately putting his hand over his heart.
“We usually do an invocation and the pledge before we start,” Obama explained. “I don’t know what happened. But I’m glad this young man reminded us.”
August 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Rasmussen stuff was just statistical noise. Obama is ahead by about 5 points, which I expect will be the case all the way through.
The odds of the election turning into a landslide are greater than turning "too close to call" - that's why you see Team McCain throwing so many "Hail Mary" passes.
Calling them out for their blatant, proud ignorance is a good way to fight back. Doesn't look whiny, but it effectively diminishes McCain's stature.
August 6, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yep that McCain is "no orignal Maverick" ad is an OFFICIAL ad.
I have seen it during "The Situation Room", "The Verdict", "Race for the White House", and this morning's "Morning Joe".
During "Morning Joe" they talked about the heartbeat in the background.
During "The Verdict", Pat Buchanan even praised the ad and said it beat McCain's ad.
Hell did freeze over.
August 6, 2008 9:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
maybe not frozen but there frost in hell
August 6, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
What is the effect of the heartbeat? Heighten anxiety?
August 6, 2008 10:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
If getting in the Leno monologue is the goal to the masses opinions, I like what Leno said last night.
In response to McCain comparing Obama to spears/hilton..the Obama campaign released a response ad comparing McCain to ZsaZsa Gabor and Bea Arthur.
Those lines are as good as Paris' video, especially for the demographic that won't get to see the video..the over 60 crowd who for the most part like McCain do not use the 'internets'
August 6, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Now if you're the John McCain campaign, do you really want to say that an ad where your candidate is called the "crinkly, old white haired guy" and compared to the Golden Girls and the Crypt Keeper agrees with you on policy?
And I thought you got all whiny about ageism when he was called confused.
August 6, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
O/T slightly, but today's WaPo story on bundling stinks to high heaven.
Headline should be "Shady oil company routs illegal corporate donations to John McCain through its Arab connections."
That's not a direct quote, you understand. But after you line up five non-denial denials in a row, it might as well be.
August 6, 2008 10:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
My beef with the Obama "Original Maverick" reponse ad is that McCain specifivally says the last four years, and the Obama camp uses a McCain quote from 2003.
Now there is quite a few recent McCain quotes where he is championing McCain, though admittedly they are longer than the time probably allows to fit into the commercial. There is the McCain gushing to Bill O'Reilly that "he voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004, and even more than voting campaigned for him both times and did everything he could to get him elected" That video is incredibly damning to the Maverick McCain image as he is giddy in his support of Bush.
August 6, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Specialist Warner;
My memory of Civil War history is that most battles in Georgia were fought back and forth inclusively and it was a slow campaign of attrition (on a national level) until eventually Sherman and the North took over. We aren't going to worry if the tide changes temporarily.
I may be wrong however, ask John McCain, I think he was there ....
August 6, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
mccain has to feel bad to get owned by Paris Hilton
August 6, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
John McCain's Presidential Energy Agenda:
- See what Obama does and then follow his lead.
John McCain. Ready to Follow on Day One.
August 6, 2008 10:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think you have that backwards...
August 6, 2008 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
NO! You Do! Neener! Neener! Neener!
August 6, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Neener! Neener! Neener!"
That caused some serious flash backs...lol
August 6, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looking in from outside the US, its amazing to realise that Mccain's infantile Celebrity Ad could, in fact, influence polls. Does US voters have brains? Just wondering and no disrespect intended!
August 6, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's a little soon to tell. Low-information voters are a permanent majority but I suspect even they can tell the celebrity ads are just a gimmick having little to do with the actual merits of the two candidates. Also, before the celebrity ads, McCain had the MSM parroting his talking points, for the past few days they've just been laughing at him.
August 6, 2008 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, we don't have brains. No apology needed. We have a larger concentration of idiots than should be possible under Darwinian view of history. The best arguement against evolution is the United States itself.
You are watching a great civilization implode and deconstruct itself. That has to be more interesting than the reverse. But such a civilization deserves no homage of respect.
All civilizations collapse. We've been flirting with our own demise even as we ascended. Now its finally coming to fruition.
Even if we dodge a bullet this time don't count us in. Republican policies in the 1920s lead directly to the Great Depression which nearly sank western civilization into a new dark age (per Churchill in his 'Finest Hour' speech). And here we are again facing similar demise. We are a stupid, stupid, people. There is no greater evidence of this then ascendancy of George W. Bush. Only a nation of suckers would elect such a rogue.
August 6, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ringtone-ready audio from the ad, at Entertonement.
August 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink