Polls: McCain Seen As Negative Candidate; Number Who Think He's "Honest" Drops
If two new polls are any indication, all the lying and adver-sleazements coming out of the McCain campaign could be starting to take a toll on his maverick straight-talker image.
Some advance numbers from a new New York Times poll tell the story.
Fifty-three percent say McCain is attacking the other candidate, versus only 35% who say that Obama is the attacker. Meanwhile. only 38% say McCain is explaining what he would do as president, while 56% say that about Obama.
Obama is also winning among independents on these questions: Forty-four percent of them say McCain is attacking Obama, while only 36% of them say Obama's attacking.
Separately, Steve Benen has a nice catch from the new Washington Post poll. Obama has a double digit lead on the question of which candidate is seen as "more honest and trustworthy," 47%-36%. Interestingly, this is quite a shift: The two candidates were roughly tied on this question in July and August.
The McCain campaign gambled that it could take the campaign to unprecedented heights of dishonesty, no matter what the press said about them, without it dragging him off the pedestal he's been placed on by a decade or more of glowing media coverage. Maybe not so much. We'll see.
"Adversleazements"?
I like that. That's a great word for all the crap that the McCain campaign has out there.
I think the worm just might have turned in the last month with respect to the press and McCain. When you've got Campbell Brown (Campbell Brown??) and David Letterman pissed off at you in the space of 48 hours, you're skating on thin ice.
September 25, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been using that word for weeks! been waiting for someone to notice
:)
September 25, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Love it. :)
September 25, 2008 5:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Adversleazement IS EXCELLENT NEWS!! FOR MCCAIN!!!
September 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
God I love you idiotic!
September 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain has finally crossed the Commander in Sleaze threshold, and I finally noticed the word "adversleazement".
September 25, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
gotta give made-up-word credit where it's due.
September 25, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain in retrograde.
September 25, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
No one deserves being dragged off of a pedestal more than McCain.
September 25, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think he's figuratively fallen off the pedestal of his own accord -- no need to drag him kicking and screaming -- much like Bob Dole literally fell off the stage in '96.
And I think Obama will be a much better president in 2009 than Billy Boy was in 1997.
September 25, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Has McSame suffered a mild storke in the last few days?
I'm serious. I watched KO's Countdown yesterday, and it showed McSame giving an address explaining his campaign suspension. It was very near the beginning of the program.
McSame's left eye wouldn't open all the way. It was very weird. He seemed OK in footage from Sunday.
Hmmm...
September 25, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I noticed that too. But I looked for signs of it in the Couric interview, and couldn't spot any problems with the left eye. Lot of other people noticed too, based on comments Ive seen today.
September 25, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
My dear granny Lucy had the same problem, but not until after Manhatten #4 or #5.
September 25, 2008 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol... happened to me once when my first wife hauled off and bashed me the face. It gave me a black eye, and knocked the whole side of my face numb for three days. Umm. Never mind why she did that.
September 25, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, now the $5K make up job makes sense. Covering up his usual decrepit self AND a shiner.
September 25, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Cindy pissed off about a wandering eye?
September 25, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is that Pee Wee Herman?
September 30, 2008 2:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mild stroke or Bell's Palsy.
September 25, 2008 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
(SQUAWK!)
Had B.P. at age 17 and the cure was steroids, which put me on another planet for about a month. A sad disease. No smiling.
September 25, 2008 5:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know it is sad - I didn't realize how damn common it really is. My dad had it, one of my husband's secretaries had it, the daughter of a friend had it...
I'm sorry you did -
September 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Others have brought it up. Here is something from HuffPost
http://www.americablog.com/2008/09/draft-anybody-else-notice-anything.html
September 25, 2008 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
The nerve damage explanation makes a lot of sense. That's the side they took the cancer out of, apparently.
September 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
The only question seems to be why it is showing up now.
September 25, 2008 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I read there that this has happened before - it's intermittent. I hadn't noticed it, but I haven't paid that much attention to him.
Who knows if they're telling the truth about it having shown up before - I don't.
:)
September 25, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
there = the Huffpo piece you linked to.
September 25, 2008 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Although it's at the local level in Michigan, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that,
And this is from Selzer & Co., who happen to be the most trustworthy and accurate pollster at FiveThirtyEight: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/search/label/pollster%20ratings
September 25, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, and sorry, here's the link for the Detroit Free Press article: http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/NEWS15/80925082
September 25, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
More interesting is that in its General Election polling, Selzer has NOT been accounting for cellphones. Gallup and such may, but Selzer has not, and Obama still gets a 13-point lead in Michigan. (read more here: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/09/selzer-co-correction-on-cellphones.html)
Furthermore, the Pew research center released an interesting article recently about the significance of cellphones in such circumstances. They found that Obama gained 2-3 points when factoring cellphones into the equation. Hm. (see here: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/964/)
September 25, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looking at the collective whole of Michigan polling it looks like Michigan has slid into Obama's camp. As long as the unions keep up their great work, Obama can focus his energy in the near future elsewhere.
September 25, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Those car ads that Andy Sullivan thought were so wrong are probably sort of effective.
September 25, 2008 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think so, because it was not only that he bought a few foreign cars (which in and of itself probably wouldn't be a big deal), but that he lied about it.
September 25, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
You could well be right, Greg, but every time I've ever seen the man speak the first thought that pops into my mind is, "what a bullshitter". Of course, I have an obvious bias. But perhaps the combination of adversleazments (great word btw ; ) and economic anxiety is beginning to wake people up. Nothing like having your wallet picked to raise your consciousness.
September 25, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seeing the light via a whack by a 2x4 methodology.
September 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Precisely. Unfortunately.
September 25, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
"nonundesuspensionization deauthorization of adversleazements"
I just want it to put those words together in the same sentence. I couldn't resist.
September 25, 2008 5:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
*giggle*
September 25, 2008 5:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
The title of the latest memo from McCain's Ministry of Truth?
September 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good news.
I think the country is moving along fine without him. I predict in the end he will be in a corner mumbling to himself about media bias.
Can't believe the republicans would ever miss Ron Paul: http://tinyurl.com/66o79q
September 25, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
For what it's worth, Hillary Clinton was also perceived as the one who was attacking more and explaining less, in the Ohio and Pennsylvania polls, but that did not prevent her from winning there.
September 25, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nor did it prevent Obama from winning the primary.
September 25, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
"McCain doesn't want to debate Friday because he doesn't want to debate." - Pat Buchanan.
September 25, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Out of the mouth of babes...
September 25, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pat said that?
Oh, please, what was the reaction?
September 25, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
The reaction was that Pat's explanation conforms to Occam's Razor.
September 25, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, if Occam's razor was mentioned on MSNBC, I'd be stunned.
September 25, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
With his blanket. In the corner with his blanket.
September 25, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
A minor thing slightly off topic but it needs to go somewhere: in the list of polls, the Maine senate race is listed as MI-SEN, which I assume means Michigan.
September 25, 2008 5:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not showing up for the debate will be a final nail on the coffin for McCain. I think after pulling this meaningless stunt, he will show up tommorow. I can't believe even he can be so senile to be a no show at the debate tommorow night.
September 25, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Especially since he has the time to do interviews tonight with ABC, NBC, and CBS.
September 25, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
He did it in 2000 too. ">http://tinyurl.com/3k8mh3/"/a>
September 25, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
whoops... you get the idea
September 25, 2008 6:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
here it is: http://tinyurl.com/3k8mh3
September 25, 2008 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's amazing - the situation was identical - he was tanking:
I
September 25, 2008 6:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm encouraged with the numbers but we still have over a month to go. I know that McCain will make a run during that time. As soon as the financial news dies down it will be back to sleazy personal attacks from McCain and he plays the politics of personal destruction better than Obama. I expect the numbers to get even tighter once that happens.
One thing I have noticed is that the number of undecideds is getting smaller lately. I guess that means that America is close to making up its mind.
September 25, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
So...Not showing up in the Senate hasn't hurt him!
September 25, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
No bailout deal has been reached. Does this mean that McLiar will not show up to the debate? I'm cool with Obama being there on his own having a ttownhall with the people and laying out his vision for the country.
September 25, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's still up in the air. My guess is the McCain camp is still trying to figure out they can try to attend and make look Obama look bad. I don't think they can do it.
September 25, 2008 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
The McLiar camp could not find its ass with both hands and a map.
Seriously, who is running his campaign?
September 25, 2008 6:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
CNN has a poll where readers want the debate to go on. What are the odds that the deal hasn't been finalized "in time" but McCain is forced to go to Oxford with his tail between his legs?
September 25, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would say the odds are very good he will show up. He and his people never thought that Obama would have the spine to stand up to him on this stunt.
September 25, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think McCain has just jumped his last shark.
His final noble deed reminds me of another famous interaction:
King Arthur: [after Arthur's cut off both of the Black Knight's arms] Look, you stupid Bastard. You've got no arms left.
Black Knight: Yes I have.
King Arthur: *Look*!
Black Knight: It's just a flesh wound.
Denial is a wonderful thing if you've become hopeless and helpless.
I thought my attempt at humor was a good one. But, again, real life is even funnier (see "Mighty Mouse") http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/barney-frank-gop-colleagu_n_129322.html
Enjoy
--
Kevin B
I'm saying it now: President Barack H. Obama, Jr., 2009 - 2017
www.VoteForChange.com
September 25, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
If McCain is seen as derailing the deal for political purposes today, do you think his neg numbers will go up?
About all he is doing is possibly making some red states redder, and pushing the swing state to Obama.
September 25, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
No. How could his poll numbers rise from this?
September 25, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I meant to say that negative numbers going up which would result in an overall drop in the polls. Many of the hardcore republicans are completely against this bailout -- it's socialism! If McCain derails this deal, it will rise his stock in some places, but those places are already red so it don't matter.
September 25, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
What, people don't trust Our Dear Johnny???
Karma can be a bitch!
September 25, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some initial reports have Karma planning to endorse Obama tomorrow prior to the debate.
September 25, 2008 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Holy shit. Did you all just see that ad?
Democracy for America.
It's all about McCain's skin cancer and asks why won't he release his medical records.
September 25, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just saw that out here in L.A. It's very powerful with all the scarring imagry, and doctors shaking their heads.
hyperDevastating, if I may, given St. Sarahcuda...
September 25, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, i saw it as well on cable. that was a sobering ad.
September 25, 2008 6:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
What ad? I saw some comments written by an oncology professional expressing serious misgivings about McCain's melanoma the other day. She seemed to feel he had to be at least a stage 3, rather than stage 1 or 2.
September 25, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/liberal-pacs-ready-attack-ad-on-mccains-health/
September 25, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
CNN has refused to air it.
September 25, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I saw it this morning on MSNBC during Morning Joe.
September 25, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think you are right. McCain will show up, he has to. So what does he say? "I was always going to be here, who told you differently?" Or will he wait for Obama to say "Glad you could make it." ?
September 25, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
BO to do live interview on CNN shortly.
September 25, 2008 6:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
pls keep us posted...
September 25, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
He handled himself well. Very diplomatic about the situation and McCain.
September 25, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
It looks to me like McLame has no choice but to show up.
However, I am through predicting what McLame will do. I don't have a clue anymore. I don't where this shit comes from, but he's not mavericky, he's feckless, rash, irresponsible and a mean little shit.
September 25, 2008 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tena:
Loved what George Will said, McCain has neither the judgment nor temperament to be President.
September 25, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah - never thought I'd agree with a comment that said "Loved what George Will said..." but yeah.
LOL!
September 25, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
It'll be interesting to see what Will has to say this weekend.
September 25, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not to mentions desperate, terrified, shitting himself with fear.
September 25, 2008 6:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
and jealousy.
September 25, 2008 6:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mon cherie - up that one to Envy! Add in a little Vanity. No a lot of Vanity.
;)
September 25, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Put all together and we get the McCain Cocktail: have one and you fly off the handle, shoot from the hip, call your loved ones bad names, confuse international borders, and hold the delusion that you should hold the most powerful position in the country, among other things.
September 25, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Letterman. Lying about Rick Davis and Freddie Mac. Canceling his debate. Trying to cancel Palin's debate. Not even reading Bush's bailout plan while he flies in to "save" the legislation. Is this the biggest flameout since Mt. Vesuvius?
September 25, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
A lot of pus oozing out of that big pimple.
September 25, 2008 7:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Toobin: He didn't suspend his campaign. We're being gullible.
September 25, 2008 6:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
According to Marge Simpson, "well, duh!"
I really do not have enough popcorn for this nonsense.
September 25, 2008 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
That we have someone speaking the obvious in the MSM is a major movement forward.
September 25, 2008 6:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
He did pretty well. Obviously, he's in the middle of this mess and he's doing the best he can without losing his cool.
September 25, 2008 6:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
This comment is about Obama's CNN interview.
September 25, 2008 6:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
It all adds up, acamus and Traitorjoe, to one scary mofo.
September 25, 2008 6:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Scary Mofo about sums it up.
September 25, 2008 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good observation about McCain's eye, jzap. Actually, it was McCain's RIGHT eye that was affected. His left eye was functioning normally. According to my internist partner, this is indicative of a neurological problem that keeps his right eye from closing properly. Possible cause: Bell's palsy perhaps or maybe a CVA (aka: mini-stroke). Perhaps his Melanoma has gotten into his brain. Anyway you cut it, it's not good and if he's on meds may explain why he can't remember well. Only his doctor knows for sure.
September 25, 2008 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is the exact thrust of the ad running out here. It ends with "why no public medical records?"
September 25, 2008 6:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
cheese N rice, that just played AGAIN! Twice in 15 minutes!
September 25, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Evidently McCain did allow his medical records to be viewed at one time but it was only for a short period of time with no copies or notes allowed. His psych records will NEVER be made public (any psych notes are private by law unless subpoenaed by a court).
September 25, 2008 6:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
heh heh heh
MI-Pres
Sep 25 Selzer
Obama (D) 51%, McCain (R) 38%
September 25, 2008 6:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
NBC news just ran the clip of Letterman asking John if he needed a ride to the airport, AND part of Palin's interview with Katie about Russia. God, I laughed so hard I'm crying.
September 25, 2008 6:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
These r words from john wayne mccukoo:I'd think it would b a time consuming matter in formulating a plan in launching a military assault on south america which is Brazil by the way to defeat our arch enemy SPAIN,WOW so much for experience in national security and foreign policy,mccukoo is shell shocked they must of beat tha fuck out of him wit a 2 by 4 board in honnoi,that's like President.George Bush waved across the room at Stevie Wonder at the white house or Bush said I would love to shake the hand of the american soldier that lost his arms WTF!
September 25, 2008 7:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why are people surprised that McCain would pull a publicity stunt instead of seriously vettting a serious pick for his VP? Why are people surprised that he would run a negative campaign? Tihs is a man who is remarkably unremarkable--who graduated at the bottom of his class at the naval academy--who would have been admitted if not foe his famous father and grand father, both U.S. Navy Admirals. An unremarkable cadet, and an unremarkable officer who lost around five aircraft in his short stint as an unremarkable pilot.
And now an unremarkable Senator and unremarkable maverick--how embarrassing!! How was John McCain ever to crawl out from the very long shadows of his remarkable father and remarkable grandfather--as an unremarkable politician now running the sort of sleazy campaign that speaks directly to the type of disdain Admirals and Generals typically have for politicians like McCain--unless he could secure one up his famous father and grandfather by becoming "Commander in chief?"
He didn't even prove himself remarkable as a husband--who screwed around on his devoted wife with his current wife. Remarkably unremarkable.
McCain did one remarkable thing, he refused to allow the Viet Cong to use him for their propoganda machine by accepting an earl;y release from their POW camp.
One heroic act--even several heroic acts does not a hero make.
This is no hero. A hero would have asked himself what was best for the country he purports to love when he picked a VP, rather that which one would stir up the republican base so he could make a succesful grab for power. A hero would not abandon his principles when he found himself sliding in the polls--who would smear a U.S. senator, by making him out to be someone who hangs with terrosists because he had this over keening need to be president, when in his heart of hearts he must know in his heart of hearts he is not suitable for that office.
John McCain is an ordinary man in a family of extraordinary men, but if he could accept that he was no one particularly special, then he could be a decent enough fellow. He did one decent thing years ago and has been trying to coast on that one act of heroism ever since. Sorry Senator, but you are no hero. But you could be a hero again--admit your ordinariness, admit that you do not have what it takes to be president of the United States. Do the heroic thing Senator, humble yourself, send the Governor back to Alaska, and go back to the senate. Make up your mind to be the best senator you can be, instead of a power-hungy politician. This is your chance Senator to be a hero.
October 12, 2008 5:50 AM | Reply | Permalink