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McCain Camp's Debate Response: Our Town-Hall Proposal Is "Beneath A Worldwide Celebrity"
Here's the McCain campaign's response to Camp Obama's acceptance today of the four-debate framework put forth by the Commission on Presidential Debates, complete with the obligatory reference to Obama as a "celebrity":
"John McCain looks forward to debating Barack Obama as often as possible, but it's disappointing that Senator Obama has refused his offer to do joint town hall meetings. We understand it might be beneath a worldwide celebrity of Barack Obama's magnitude to appear at town hall meetings alongside John McCain and directly answer questions from the American people, but we hope he'll reconsider. The American people expect and deserve no less. Unfortunately, it appears that Barack Obama's tough-guy talk on 'duels' this week was just more empty words. Americans are quickly coming to the conclusion that it's better to look at what Barack Obama actually does and not listen to what he says."
Nothing on whether the McCain camp accepts the Commission's proposal.
Meanwhile, a Deluxe TPM Lava Lamp to the first reader who can find the most recent McCain statement that didn't have the now-apparently-constant "celebrity" sneer...
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Comments (359)
Good lord... Team McCain is like a group of middle school Mean Girls.
August 2, 2008 5:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain is on the path to a mental breakdown. I predict it will happen before the end of this month.
August 2, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
An excerpt from Garrison Keillor's column on the Salon.COM web site:
August 2, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
At best McCain is getting his base worked up so he can he can close the "enthusiasm gap." But this will in no way make the independents/moderate conservatives who are still undecided move over to McCain.
August 2, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, two of my most favorite things in the world: making fun of McCain and Garrison Keillor.
August 2, 2008 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Enjoy yourself. If Obama's numbers keep declining he is going to be begging McCain to debate.
Actually Obama's campaign probably made the right call in refusing to debate. The debates hurt him in his race against Hillary. He's not good when not scripted.
August 4, 2008 9:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. Is this for real? I'm speechless.
August 2, 2008 8:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Me too. How inane.
August 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
We can't call them school girls anymore. Lieberman went on Meet the Press and assured everyone that McCain is all MALE!
And I think ass-kissing Joe ought to know!
August 4, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's become clear that McCain and his campaign are incapable of talking about anything without taking a shot at Obama. It's beyond repulsive.
August 2, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Correct, and further, McCain is lying down in the bedbug infested bed with the people who created that VERY nasty campaign ad about McCain's adopted "black" daughter. Southern "black" states, Arizona mcCainiacs and it was so diespicable I would not let mu grandchildren read such a disgusting thing. then, but behold, the GOP national leadership followed that disgusting episode with the anti-Ford ad with Ford and a white woman who was seductively inviting Ford. Though his picture may be more subtle than the anti Ford ad. Still i guess associating Obama with the Jewry of our county seems totally disingenuous of McCain. McCain knew we would get his sad, disgusting racist ad for exactly meant to do that, make white women fearful of electing a black President. On the other hand, that ad was suggestive that somehow or rather, Obama was tied to two young women, all young enough to be his daughter and decidedly white. As far as the really stupid attempt to align Obama with Moses, who would not vote for someone who embodied the heart and fairness of Moses. Jews are getting their ire up at McCain because of his race baiting in the first instance and then involving one of their most revered and kind patriarch, Moses. McCain needs to fire his media folks. They lose votes for McCain every time they think up some really stupid garbage like this that only demeans his candidacy. And to think, tonight he even bragged about the comment.. He is so pathetic that he does not even get it. His handlers seem to be in in total charge of his election and even Bush assigning Rove to assist McCain is a stupid move. Imagine with Rove facing contempt sanctions, McCain still listens to the bandit.
August 3, 2008 1:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think John McCain needs an intervention. He is becoming obsessed with Obama and its affecting his judgement. He is also putting on full display his "jealousy".
August 2, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
STOP PICKING ON MCCAIN
*sob*
~
August 2, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is central to my point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWSjUe0FyxQ
All you people want is more more more!
Leave McSame ALONE!
~
August 2, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bobbe Latte (see title in recommended posts at right) is right: McCain has become the meatspace equivalent of a rightwing internet troll.
And we all know how beloved and effective they are, don't we?
August 2, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seems that team McCain is going downhill pretty fast. Exactly who in the campaign thought these latest round of ads would play to the independents??? I would imagine that such ads would alienate the moderate and independent voter base that McCain and the Republicans would require to pull off even a half decent showing.
With Bob Barr and Ron Paul taking away the fiscal conservatives and Libertarians, looks like John is only going for the religous right....yeah this strategy is sound.
For the Republicans that are down ticket, be afraid be very very afraid.
August 2, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jon Stewart on Thursday played a clip of the McCain surrogate on GMA that morning - the illiteration used to skewer Obama (i.e "latte-drinking, limo-driven, liberal")
was christened as soemthing "arugula eating" blah blah yada yada.
It was hilarious.
OMG he eats arugula. and walk me through the mental jump that Obama is the marked one we are warned about in the book of revelations?
If ever we need proof that the gopers are totally INSANE and in need of a medical intervention, this is it folks.
August 2, 2008 10:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Listen, McCain's strategy is to paint Obama as a celebrity. His Ad has been running in NH all day long. Obama needs to find a way to counter that Ad.
August 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama should counter with an add that shows McStain speaking with no appreciable response, in half-empty town halls. Ask the viewer who is ready for the world stage, someone nobody cares to see, or someone the WORLD cares to see?
August 2, 2008 7:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
How about...
John McCain hosted "Saturday Night Live" and appeared as an actor on "24".
Is John McCain a member of the Screen Actors Guild?
Does he get residual checks from NBC and Fox?
August 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is just silly...
August 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know it is silly but that is the only strategy they've got. Obama's response to this Ad is tepid. He needs to be very aggressive with Mclame.
August 2, 2008 5:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
So your idea is that Obama responds to every little crappy thing that McCain says. So on Monday, Obama wants to talk about the jobs, but McCain campaign puts out another negative "celeb" ad/statement about. Obama needs to respond. On Tuesday, Obama wants to discuss gas prices, but McCain campaign puts up a negative Web Ad about Obama. Obama needs to respond. On Wednesday, Obama wants to discuss education, but McCain sends out a statement to their supporters saying Obama hates the troops. Obama needs to respond.
On Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Obama wants to talk about the real issues that Americans face everyday, but McCain continues to put out attack ads. Obama needs to respond.
As I've said before, it becomes a cycle, where more time is spent discussing the negative attacks than actual time used to let the American people who may actually be looking for a reason to vote for Obama (not the ones who never planned to vote for Obama, let alone any democrat) what is is Obama wants to do for America.
August 2, 2008 7:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
He shouldn't "respond to" the McLame ads... he should put out his own ads to get the media talking about them. And sorry, but they have to be negative. Truthfully negative, but negative.
Like this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyBwMy27Aoc
String a few like that together. Limited ad buys.
Not that hard. It's not like there's a lack of material.
There is a danger: the new media narrative could become "Obama said he wasn't going to go negative, now he is." But of course McLame said that too.
Not that any of that matters to the corporate media.
It could, however, get the ads the same free airtime the McSame ads have been getting.
August 4, 2008 2:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Someone please take a shotgun to this zombie of a news story.
August 2, 2008 5:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wanna go quail hunting?
August 2, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Calling Dick Cheney......
August 3, 2008 11:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
What an embarrassingly silly response. Maybe they should have pull out the ol' "triple dog dare" next time...
August 2, 2008 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's really just pathetic.
August 2, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Everyday that McCain and company spend on this drivel and not on the economic issues that families of rust belt are facing is a day that Obama takes a step toward being President
August 2, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Town hall-style debates are below Obama.
Traditional-style debates are above McCain. He can't handle them. Bends under the pressure.
McCain is just pissy because he didn't get what he wanted. But I don't know why he's such a cry-baby about it. Obama took him up on his challenge to go overseas to Iraq, and it blew up in his face. Why does he want to continue to make himself look like a total jackass?
If I were McCain, I'd let it go and spend the next month or so preparing day-and-night for the debates with Obama. I'd know I was going to get my ass handed to me on a silver platter. Silver... How elitist!
August 2, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Town hall meetings are a joke. I saw the clip from one where the young girl asked whether McCain would raise taxes, then she 'sat' on her mother's lap ?! Yes, that is really serious debating. It made me laugh, so there is some humor to them.
August 3, 2008 11:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Reading the comments here, I'm saddened once again to be reminded of the chasm between the latte drinkers over here and the bitter gun-loving workers watching the Britney ads in their homes all day all.
August 2, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I had a chai latte the other day. It was damn good.
August 2, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yesterday I split my latte on my $500 Ferragamo loafers. Damn, I was pissed.
August 2, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
How do you split a latte? Must some fancy French thing...
August 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gah. You got me! haha
August 2, 2008 6:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
what's a chai?
i was just playing with my gun today, shot a few rats, nothing too exciting. still feelin kinda bitter, with gas prices and all.
that Paris is girl is HOTTT! probably just an airhead, but man, nice rack!
August 2, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
"What's a chai," he says.
Man, oh man.
August 2, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey take it easy. Not everyone mingles with celebrities for a living you know
August 2, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, just so's we're all clear, who's side are you one, these days, exactly?
August 2, 2008 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm on my side. I have no horse left in this race.
I dislike them both a lot, so it's fun to watch Obama's ass whipped like a schoolboy.
I keep waiting for a knock-out counterpunch but it's not coming, do you know why?
August 2, 2008 6:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, ideally who would like to be President?
August 2, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Personally, I think Angelina Jolie should be President. She would adopt all of the Iraqis so they will become Americans like us. So peace and end of war right there. And she's a dragon slayer. And she's HOTTT!
August 2, 2008 6:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
No thanks.
August 2, 2008 7:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Come on, this is the fastet way to solve the energy crisis too, will the children ever refuse to provide it for free??
And think about those lips on a dollar bill!
August 2, 2008 7:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think my made myself rather clear. =)
August 2, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm sure deep inside you like the idea. Why don't you sleep on it and we talk again tomorrow?
LOL
August 2, 2008 7:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
No. I don't like Angelina Jolie very much as an actress. Why would I support her for President?
August 2, 2008 7:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
What do you mean, why? She's a celebrity and she's HOTTT! Just think about what she can do for the country.
August 2, 2008 7:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
*yawn*
August 2, 2008 7:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
You do realize that being mindless is not the same as being irreverent?
August 2, 2008 7:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why don't you tell me why, at the same time you let me know the specific of your presidential preferences.
August 2, 2008 6:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
So if you like drinking a chai you have to mingle with celebrities? Just how closed-minded, culturally-repressed are you?
August 2, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just an average Joe. I don't understand you windsurfers sometimes.
August 2, 2008 6:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
I messed up and didn't hit the reply to Lalo35adm checkbox, so my reply is below, but my question to you is doing really think this country will be better off with McCain as the leader? Given the image you have chosen for your photo you are motivated more from an anti-Obama than a pro-McCain p.o.v.
August 2, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I do mingle with celebrities. ;D You ever seen The King of Queens? A few months ago I had lunch with Victor Williams, the actor who plays Deacon. I'm an elitist pig, that's for sure.
August 2, 2008 6:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, I can't afford the TV, man, I spent all my money on my gun. Can you donate something maybe?
August 2, 2008 7:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
So is it your gun what you're clinging to in these difficult time?
August 2, 2008 7:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
You don't need a TV to watch The King of Queens. I'm sure you can find a website out there that lets you watch the show. So, sorry, you don't get to use that excuse this time.
I own a TV, but I don't have any channels (strictly for my DVDs). I spend too much money on my lattes to afford a luxury like cable or satellite.
August 2, 2008 7:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
The computer and cable modem eatin' up all your cash, eh? Maybe it's that $800 Glock?
August 3, 2008 8:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
John McCain is a "kept" man. That man is so pitiful he actually was forced to signed a prenuptial agreement because his mistress "Cindy McCain" did not trust him with her money.
August 2, 2008 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
huh. i shot a gun the other day and had a latte. damn minnesotans!!!
August 2, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
"beneath a worldwide celebrity of Barack Obama's magnitude to appear at town hall meetings alongside John McCain and directly answer questions from the American people"
Someone call out McCain on this. Does McCain not now that Obama DOES hold town hall meetings? Most of his interactions are at town hall meetings. The only thing is that McCain isnt there. Last i checked those supposed "race card" comments were made... at town hall meetings!!
August 2, 2008 5:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's been doing at least two town halls a day since he came back from his overseas trip.
August 2, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, it's really daring to do town hall meetings with an adoring crowd fainting and swooning over your every word. "Obama, are you perfect?" "Obama, can I kiss you on the jaw?"
I think the town hall debates that McCain is talking about are ones where Obama might face slightly tougher questions than he gets at his personal appearances - I'm sorry, "town hall meetings" I believe you call them.
If Obama is so wonderful, so brilliant and McCain is so old and stupid, why on earth wouldn't Obama JUMP at the chance to do town halls with him? It's the obvious question. Any answer?
August 2, 2008 6:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because it gives McCain free airtime. The same reason Hillary wanted more debates.
Next question?
August 2, 2008 7:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, no, that doesn't answer the question.
So if Obama is running from the town hall format because he doesn't want to give McCain free airtime, then why isn't Obama running from the standard hackneyed old-politics "debates"? They give McCain free airtime as well. You know, the kind of debates where Obama and his staff can spend hours rehearsing questions and practicing responses, which he'll pretty much steer into no matter what the moderator asks.
August 2, 2008 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't hop on the Low Road Express. Tell the truth here.
Obama counter-proposed 2 town halls, instead of McCain's 10. McCain's advisers ridiculed the counter-proposal.
So, if McCain is so superior in town halls (as though Obama's never held one or taken hostile questions), why turn down the counter-proposal?
August 2, 2008 8:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because it was never about Town Hall meetings...as you probably know as well. I think they should play a game of 21...that's all I need to know to pick the next president.
August 3, 2008 9:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just off the top of my head...
(1) 10 town halls (which was the McCain proposal) means 10 free commercials for McCain. It's also 10 times for McCain to (a) co-opt Obama's proposals on various domestic items, (b) refine/flip his own positions, and (c) to draw audiences he couldn't dream of on his own.
(2) A basic rule of politics is that the candidate in worse shape wants more debates.
(3) Do you recall that the Obama campaign proposed 2 town halls in addition to the debate commission's 3 formal debates? This was their counter-proposal to the McCain 10-town-hall deal. McCain rejected the counter-proposal.
So, if McCain is so eager to have town halls, why reject the Obama counter-proposal?
August 2, 2008 8:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh so McCain has to either take Obama's offer of two (assuming he actually seriously made that offer) or none at all, huh? Our lord and master has spoken, and it shall be two?
It's Obama that's now rejecting any town halls, and only accepting the 3 standard "debates". If he really wanted to do town halls he could work something out with McCain. It was all just talk about how Obama said town halls would be great, and blah blah yeah I won't do 10 but I'll do 2, oh no, now I'm only going to do the 3 regular debates.
Has Obama ever been in a town hall format facing non-friendly questions? My impression is that it's not his style.
August 2, 2008 8:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ul8gPo4zwo&eurl
August 2, 2008 9:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain was the one who said "10 or nothing"; that would make him your "lord and master".
August 3, 2008 2:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why does Obama have to do 10 Town Halls or any at all? Do you honestly not know what their positions are? And if you don't...how can you post here with any educated opinion at all.
I really don't think Republicans want Town Halls for their educational merits. They think they can embarrass Obama. Hell, maybe they're right, but it's always been my experience if you're waiting for your opponent to make a mistake so you can win...you're screwed already.
August 3, 2008 9:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
The old fart's lookin to ride Britney all the way to the WH
August 2, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hear he's also coming out with a new ad comparing Obama to that hip-gyrating punk Elvis. Nor does the McCain campaign like this new fangled hipity-hoppity.
August 3, 2008 9:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
At this rate, we'll be seeing press releases from the McCain campaign that just say "Nyah, nyah, nyah!!!!" within a couple of weeks.
August 2, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
How many millions of Americans endorsed Obama during the primaries? How many millions more, once the contests were finished, threw in with the democratic nominee?
Obama need only drive home that glaringly obvious point to upend this latest GOP slander.
August 2, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ummm..... About the same number that supported McBush?
Listen, children. The Dear Leader's numbers have been slipping lately; His World Tour 2008 PR stunt did nothing but give more ammo to McBush.
August 3, 2008 1:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
That McCain camp press release is MORE than pathetic. It's unbelievably revealing. Can an entire campaign be emotionally ill? I think so. Astonishing, simply astonishing, that there's no one in that crew who sees what they're really telegraphing.
(Good times are a-comin', folks. Believe it! :-)
August 2, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pathetic is only word that can be used to describe this. I think it is good sign that the Obama camp is not freaking out about the 1% to 2% bump that McCain is getting from this. In the short and long run, this strategy will turn on McCain.
August 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
The part of me that worries (and has been doing a lot of that lately) fears that the McCain camp "gets" repetition. They're doing a good job of branding, something that takes repeating over and over. Something the Obama camp can take a page out of.
On the other hand, there is part of me that sees a backlash coming. A real one.
http://strategy08.wordpress.com
August 2, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
What kind of backlash do you predict? If you don't mind me asking. =)
August 2, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe, hopefully something along these lines?
http://www.newsweek.com/id/150477
August 2, 2008 7:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
His own mother denounced the ad? HAHA! That just makes his assertion that he's proud of it all the more hilarious. Thanks for that. =)
August 2, 2008 7:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would say "you're welcome", but quite frankly your avatar is kind of freaking me out.
August 2, 2008 7:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aw! Why is that? =(
August 2, 2008 8:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, maybe not me....but my six year old who was looking over my shoulder probably won't be sleeping much tonight. :-)
August 2, 2008 9:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, geez, I'm sorry. =(
It wouldn't be the first time I scared a little kid. I played The Devil in a play once, and this kid in the audience was so scared of me she was on the verge of tears. ...I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was proud of my performance. On the other, I felt bad for scaring the kid so badly. =\
August 2, 2008 9:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is it wrong that I laughed at your story? Actually, you probably did her a favor...you wouldn't want her feeling all warm and fuzzy about the devil now, would you?
Seriously, don't worry about my daughter. She's since moved on to Spongebob...
August 2, 2008 9:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, that was the intended effect. ;D
SpongeBob always helps, no matter how young or old!
August 2, 2008 10:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Heath avatar....it is kind of in your face in that small picture. Although I heard he did a bang up job in the movie.
August 3, 2008 11:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's probably one of the best performances I've seen this decade. And that's saying something. There have been some truly magnificent performances. I'm a huge movie buff... I really need to get my review-site up and working...
August 3, 2008 7:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Have you seen Senator McCain's "dollar bill" web ad. This ad is definitely set-up to scare votes. Camp McCain puts Senator Obama's face on every American landmark including the DOLLAR Bill. You tell me, who was the first to injected race into campaign? The lack of research coming from writers and reports is frightening. I have yet to hear a peep or glimpse of McCain's "dollar bill" web ad among all the MSM discussion of Senator Obama saying, "he doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills" -- a direct reference to this ad. The McCain camp gets away without blemish when they said that Senator Obama “pull the race card from the bottom of the deck.” Check out the ad on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPARec32KMI
August 2, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope I live to see the day Obama is put on a dollar bill. It's just unfortunate that McCain will be long gone by the time that day would ever come.
August 2, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
God willing, it will be a long, long time before Barrack's eligible for the honor, but I'd be all for bumping Jackson's genocidal ass off the twenty for him when he is.
August 2, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Damn straight! Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!
August 2, 2008 6:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm right there with ya.
let's start something - the "ditch Jackson for Obama on the 20 movement."
August 2, 2008 7:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, of course Jackson hated Amerindians, but we could sure use some intelligent Jacksonian skepticism towards centralized banks.
Read Robert Remini (or Wikipedia) on the Bank War and tell me where you think Old Hickory would've stood viz. the IMF, predatory lending, credit card usury, etc.
August 2, 2008 9:33 PM | Reply |