Election Central Morning Roundup
Obama To Air TV Special Tonight
Barack Obama is set to air his half-hour TV special on most of the major networks tonight, an experiment in long-form TV advertising that hasn't been attempted since Ross Perot -- and not by any major-party nominee in many decades. This is in many ways a tribute to the massive fundraising ability of the Obama campaign that they could even think to attempt this, in contrast to Perot's self-financing.
McCain Ad: Obama Isn't Ready To Be President "Yet"
The new McCain ad, set to air nationally in order to pre-rebut Barack Obama's TV special tonight, rolls many of the campaign's attacks against Obama into one single spot for the home stretch -- that Obama is a vapid celebrity who will raise your taxes and isn't ready to lead the country in tumultuous times:
"The fact is Barack Obama's not ready -- yet," the announcer says. The use of the word "yet" seems rather odd here. The campaign seems to have hit a wall in their efforts to paint Obama as an extremist who shouldn't be trusted with the presidency at all, and are now saying that voters should wait a few more years if they really want to elect him president.
Obama Ad Hits McCain On The Economy -- And Palin
This new Obama ad, targeted at key states, uses text (but not an announcer) to remind viewers of all those quotes from John McCain where he admits he doesn't know much about the economy -- then proceeds to hammer him for picking an unqualified joke of a running mate to give him advice on these issues:
"I might have to rely on a vice president that I select," McCain is quoted in the on-screen text. "His choice?" we are then asked, followed by video of a winking Sarah Palin from the veep debate.
Obama In North Carolina, Then Campaign In Florida With Biden -- And Bill Clinton
Barack Obama is holding a 12 p.m. ET rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, a joint rally with Joe Biden at 4:30 p.m. ET in Sunrise, Florida, and then an 8:30 p.m. ET rally with none other than Bill Clinton in Kissimmee, Florida. This will be the first joint appearance by former president and the current nominee. Joe Biden is also holding a 10:15 a.m. ET solo rally in Jupiter, Florida. Michelle Obama is in North Carolina, with an early-afternoon speech before the North Carolina Baptist Convention, and a 3:30 p.m. ET rally in Rocky Mount.
McCain In Florida, Palin In Ohio
John McCain is campaigning today in Florida, with a 10:15 a.m. rally in Miami, a 1:15 p.m. ET national security summit in Tampa, a 5:15 p.m. ET rally in Palm Beach, and will be appearing as a guest tonight on Larry King Live. Sarah Palin is campaigning in Ohio, with a 9:30 a.m. ET speech in Toledo on energy policy, an 11:15 a.m. ET rally in Bowling Green, and a 3:30 p.m. ET rally in Chillicothe.
Report: Senate Dems Reviewing Plan To Oust Lieberman From Chairmanship
The Hill reports that the Senate Democrats are forming plans for committee assignments in what is expected to be a well-expanded majority -- and a notable change would be to kick Joe Lieberman from his chairmanship as punishment for campaigning against the Democratic Party this year. Such a decision would have a built-in tradeoff, though, as Lieberman would be less likely to vote with Dems on crucial cloture votes.
Obama setting media narrative for the next few days is truly EXCELLENT..
October 29, 2008 9:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
He will control AT LEAST the today and tommorow. That basically leaves friday for McCain to make some sort of headway. Considering the weekend doesn't do much unless they can make a story for Monday.
October 29, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe Steve Schmidt and Rick Davis can get Bristol and Levi to get married before the election. That'd steal the news for a couple of days.
October 29, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Took a shit in the copier drawer. DOMINATING THE NEWS CYCLE!"
/If you aren't watching the Get Your War on Videos at 236.com, you are missing out big time. Much needed comedy in these times.
October 29, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
Looking forward to the commercial tonight.
October 29, 2008 9:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'd like to know more about why the Obama advertising crew went with the written quotes rather than a voice-over. I may be untypical on this point, but I rarely sit down to watch television. The TV is background news while I do dishes, cook dinner, check email, etc. The effect of this silent advertisement would be nil on me -- but then again, I'm definitely not an undecided voter. Anyone care to explain the rationale for this silent advertisement?
October 29, 2008 9:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
The quote, I believe, was taken from a newspaper interview and as a result there is no audio of McCain saying it.
I think they decided they would rather run the text than have some narrator read McCain's words. Plus, I think the silence of the ad is punctuated by the wink at the end.
October 29, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah. One of the tragedies of our energy use is the huge number of people who use the TV as background noise, often 4 or 5 TVs in every home. Radio uses a lot less energy and is just as effective.
As for the ad - they may be working on the premise that those like you will hear the music and no voiceover and think something's a little weird and actually come and look.
The do want you to actually look, after all!
October 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yep, they want to make sure you see that wink.
October 29, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
The silence is deafening motif. The whole concept rests on the wink ;)
October 29, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely. As a media producer, one of the things people will pay attention to is the LACK of noise. "What's wrong with the TV?" if they're not paying attention and then all of a sudden the noise is absent.
People speaking in a din are more likely to garner attention if they whisper. It brings people closer, and then they can say what they want and be heard.
It rests on the wink.
October 29, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
For every person listening to but not watching the TV, there is probably a person watching, but not listening to, the TV. Think of all the bars and restaurants where the TV is on but muted.
October 29, 2008 9:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks to one and all for these enlightening comments. I was wondering, too, if a voice-over would have the effect of ventriloquizing McCain and thus would seem more negative, more slanted. The beauty of the Palin question and wink, of course, is that there's nothing said -- no trash-talking, bulletin board material. Of course, the McCain crew will complain, but there's really nothing there to offend (unless you already distrust Palin.)
So thanks again, and rest assured, elf, there's only one tv on at a time.
October 29, 2008 10:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
The goal of a tv commercial is to make the most powerful impact on the millions of viewers who are actually watching and paying attention to their televisions at the given time.
You can't start thinking-how will it impact those that aren't watching it.
The idea is to make the most powerful impact on those actually watching the commercial rather than alter it to make a minimal impact on those in another room at the time.
October 29, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Especially effective for people like me who mute all commercials just on principle.
October 29, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hear, hear. (pun intended)
I'm the only one who can find the mute button on my remote -- it gets used so much, the text has worn off.
Besides, wasn't it Karl Rove who said the most important thing in a political spot was what you saw with the sound off?
October 29, 2008 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I really liked it that way because the ad was so quiet and peaceful. We're all feeling political ad exhaustion. This ad treated me like an adult. It didn't say anything about Palin. It didn't say anything about McCain. It only offered McCain's own words and a picture of Palin that evokes a lot of thought response and then leaves me to think about it. It also slams you right in the gut with the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Palin choice, but it isn't because anyone forced you. It's your own response. At this point in the cycle with everyone weary, this was a very non intrusive, non pushy ad that was absolutely devastating in it's effectiveness because it was such a welcome change from McCain's attack ads and snarky voices and threatening music from the crypt. Great Ad!
October 29, 2008 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I really liked it that way because the ad was so quiet and peaceful. We're all feeling political ad exhaustion. This ad treated me like an adult. It didn't say anything about Palin. It didn't say anything about McCain. It only offered McCain's own words and a picture of Palin that evokes a lot of thought response and then leaves me to think about it. It also slams you right in the gut with the cynicism and hypocrisy of the Palin choice, but it isn't because anyone forced you. It's your own response. At this point in the cycle with everyone weary, this was a very non intrusive, non pushy ad that was absolutely devastating in it's effectiveness because it was such a welcome change from McCain's attack ads and snarky voices and threatening music from the crypt. Great Ad!
October 29, 2008 1:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
That ad with Palin's wink at the end may be the best Obama ad yet. I think it is really effective in demonstrating what kind of shallow joke Palin really is.
I see the race is definitely tightening this morning, which doesn't really bother me too much for three reasons:
1- Obama appears to be running up an early lead in nearly every swing state.
2- The appearance of a tight race will keep Obama supporters from becoming complacent.
3- McCain supporters know the race is effectively over and will not be motivated to go out and vote for a guy who clearly is going to lose.
October 29, 2008 9:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
number 2 and 3 contradict each other, no?
October 29, 2008 9:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not necessarily. You could have the situation where McCain supporters view the race as being over, while Obama supporters view it as tightening. The enthusiasm gap may help explain the discrepancy.
October 29, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's actually what I was saying Frog, that the appearance of a tightening race I don't think will change most republicans minds. They know McCain is going to take a beating on this one.
October 29, 2008 9:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
At the same time, I don't think a widening race will affect many Obama voters. The majority of Obama supporters can't wait to vote for him, whether it's a 1pt or a 15pt race.
October 29, 2008 9:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Totally agree. Obama supporters would never miss the opportunity to have a hand in getting this man elected. And his ground game out west will keep people going to the polls despite what appears to be a landslide victory after polls close in the east.
McCain's ground game? Not so much.
PEACE
October 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I really agree. There are a lot of people who want to vote this year to make history in any number of ways: some want to pound a stake through the heart of the Republican vampire; others see Obama as the redemption of liberal policies; still others see this as a historic 1st. Neither hell nor high water are going to stop these people from voting.
October 29, 2008 9:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't normally chime in to choruses of agreement, and, indeed, I'm contrarian enough to find choruses of agreement suspect, even when the go against the conventional wisdom. But this time, I'm chiming in to a chorus of agreement. The idea that Obama's supporters are going to blow off voting if they think its going to be a blowout is just stupid. Sure, there will be some people who will use that as their excuse for not voting, but I doubt those people would have voted even if it had been close.
The people worrying about this remind me of my grandmother, bless her heart and God rest her soul. Chronic worriers who just have to have something to worry about and, when all plausible worries are exhausted will readily reach for the implausible. They can't help it. Its how they show love.
Now that I think about it, I wonder if they also all always ask whether you're hungry as soon as you walk through the door and respond to a "no" with a complete inventory of every scrap of food, cooked or uncooked, in the house to try to tempt you into changing your mind?
October 29, 2008 11:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
My mother-in-law is both a big worrier and a major food pusher.
October 29, 2008 11:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree Gooner, I see any tightening in the race as just the undecideds(most of them I feel probably lean republican anyways) simply coming home.
October 29, 2008 9:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
"3- McCain supporters know the race is effectively over and will not be motivated to go out and vote for a guy who clearly is going to lose."
Tightening polls wouldn't give them hope of an upset and cause them to push harder?
October 29, 2008 9:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sarge is still in the "bargaining" stage, I see.
October 29, 2008 9:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Never quit!
October 29, 2008 9:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is such an effective ad. Simply uses mcShame's own words - against him. And his VP pick as well.
Devastating!
It's likely aimed at peeling away mcShame strength or appealing to the indies. Also works well for anyone with a hearing problem or who's got the mute on.
I hope they show this one everywhere! And especially in AZ!!!
October 29, 2008 9:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, yes. It tells us not so much what a joke Failin is (it's well-known already outside of the 20% lunatic fringe group) as how abysmal, country-last McScum's judgment is. This effectively fends off all the recent attacks against Obama about the economic policy plan, I think. Well done.
October 29, 2008 9:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
" (it's well-known already outside of the 20% lunatic fringe group) as how abysmal, country-last McScum's judgment is."
I'm sure that unbiased opinion is held by everyone else...that's why Obama's up 30 points in the polls.
October 29, 2008 9:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think this is pretty smart of the Obama camp - they didn't attack Palin right away, when people were still in the honeymoon phase with her. They waited for her to bring herself down, and then they went on the attack when people would be more receptive to it.
October 29, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great ad. We deal with this all the time though, because my husband is blind he gets frustrated with the silent ads. This one was so good I just read it out-loud to him and described the wink at the end. He loved it and will describe it to all of his visually impaired friends.
October 29, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great ad. We deal with this all the time though, because my husband is blind he gets frustrated with the silent ads. This one was so good I just read it out-loud to him and described the wink at the end. He loved it and will describe it to all of his visually impaired friends.
October 29, 2008 10:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Uh, feel free to boot Lieberman from the party's caucus while you're at it. The Republicans can have him.
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
October 29, 2008 9:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
The problem is all those election predictions that show the Dems inching towards the magical number of 60 seats in the senate include Lieberman as a Dem.
October 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just because he's in the caucus doesn't mean he'll automatically follow the party. That's obvious. Boot him.
October 29, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes - and just because Lugar, Hagel, Collins, etc are in the Republican Party doesn't mean they won't vote for cloture on bills they support. 60 seats would be wonderful but falling short doesn't mean Lieberman is the Dems only alternative.
October 29, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
True, but 60 isn't so magical either. Even if the Dems get 60 seats in the Senate doesn't mean EVERY Dem on EVERY vote will be on board. There will almost certainly be Dems who are more conservative on certain issues. Even if the Dems get to 60 they will like need a few Reps to get cloture. Don't get me wrong, I think 60 seats would be a great advantage for the Dems.
October 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
And there will be GOP moderates who won't vote in lock-step on cloture at the risk of being clubbed for it publicly by President Kal-El. Let Joe caucus with people with whom he feels such a strong affinity that he supports their Presidential candidate and turns his back on someone who stood with him in a time of crisis. If we risk some filibusters, we'll get through it. The minority party has a right to be obstructionist. The majority party has a responsibility to craft legislation that can pass, that will be effective, and that will appeal to folks on both sides of the aisle. The administration has the bully pulpit to shine a spotlight on anything that hinders their agenda. Let everyone govern accordingly. We will not cower before a coward.
October 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Our TV died on Friday. Anyone know if this will also be on the web?
October 29, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
As a possible alternative to TV: I don't get MSNBC, so I download daily podcasts of Olbermann and Maddow. I'm willing to bet that since it's already in the can (it has to be for distribution to all of the networks), the Obama ad will make it to the Internet possibly by airtime or shortly thereafter.
October 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
For some reason this instantly reminds me of Wolfson saying during the primaries that Obama had not passed the Commander-in-Chief threshold at this time. It was sometime in the post Super Tuesday when the campaign was getting uglier.
October 29, 2008 9:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think they are trying to thread the needle on that one. They know that all the polls show that the American people believe Obama IS ready to be president. The McCain camp thinks the average viewer who thinks that Obama is ready would be insulted if the ad simply said "No he's not ready."
By putting "yet" in there, I think it's supposed to allow someone who does think Obama is ready to reconsider that position without having their intelligence insulted.
The issue has been settled by the choice of Palin, though. As soon as Palin was chosen, the who "experience" argument went right out the window.
October 29, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
But she has more than Obama!
October 29, 2008 9:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
True...well excepy she hasn't written two books about herself... yet.
October 29, 2008 10:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
You should read those books. They're excellent.
October 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
About time. But that's why we've got to have a Roger Maris election year -- 61.
October 29, 2008 9:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Caroline Kennedy will also be in Florida today at a campaign event at the Savannah Center in The Villages.
And Barack Obama is the scheduled guest via satellite tonight on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
It's crunch time, and the Obama team is running on all cylinders.
October 29, 2008 9:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rachel Maddow has an interview with Obama tonight as well.
October 29, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rachel Maddow has an interview with Obama tonight as well.
October 29, 2008 10:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I believe that appearance is scheduled for tomorrow.
October 29, 2008 11:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama will be on the Daily Show tonight.
October 29, 2008 12:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lieberman has basically voted on most issues with the democrats. If we boot him from the caucus not only will he be despised by the democrats but by the republicans as he votes his basic instincts; unless he just disregards what he thinks and votes with the neocons. I say, boot his ass from the caucus.
October 29, 2008 9:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'd be willing to bet that if and when this happens, his voting record will do a 180 and he'll vote with the Repugs not just on Iraq but on most other issues. Then he'll sanctimoniously claim his flip-flops are a matter of principle rather than just sour grapes.
October 29, 2008 9:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'd be willing to bet that if and when this happens, his voting record will do a 180 and he'll vote with the Repugs not just on Iraq but on most other issues. Then he'll sanctimoniously claim his flip-flops are a matter of principle rather than just sour grapes.
October 29, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think he should be booted from the caucus for numerical reasons only. However I do want him stripped of his committee chairmanship. You don't get to speak at the GOP convention and get a plum Democratic committee seat.
October 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Gotta love that not so subtle heartbeat in the background. "One heartbeat away..."
October 29, 2008 9:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's very interesting, didn't notice that.
October 29, 2008 9:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hasn't the McCain campaign been doing a pretty good job bashing Palin for Obama? I'm not sure he needs to weigh in on this one. Obviously, the campaign thinks the latest Palin flap provides an opening to land the death blow, but I'm just not feeling it.
October 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bill, Barack, and Joe are going to look like power personified on the stage after the commercial tonight. But where's Hillary to fill out the picture?
October 29, 2008 9:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think that ad is really effective because it is subtle.
October 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nate at 538 has an interesting bit of news. Turn-out in Oregon is down this year, due especially to fewer returned votes in the red counties.
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/10/in-oregon-turnout-is-down-but.html
He's got some interesting graphics. And analysis.
This could explain the repub effort to make the election seem closer. They likely fear a low turnout - and heaven knows they lack the groundgame and the organization. So all they've got going is to try and make this thing look "close."
We've got huge enthusiasm and an outstanding groundgame, tons of volunteers, and a great candidate of course. We're on a roll.
The other side... still trying to shore up their base....
October 29, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rasmussen lead down to three for the first time in over a month. WTF???!!!!
October 29, 2008 9:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't fret, Stevie Y. Obama's symbol isn't a winged wheel, but we're still ready to roll!
October 29, 2008 10:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm a little confused. Eric writes that this has never been done by a major candidate, but I'm pretty sure that Goldwater did this back in '64-- had Reagan give a speech for him at the end of the campaign. Maybe it wasn't across all networks? And in general, I thought 30 minute blocks for campaign-related stuff happened fairly frequently back then.
But then, Elizabeth Hasselbeck thinks it "repulsive," and Halperin chooses to make it a big deal, so what do I know?
October 29, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
TheraP,,,, KO said MSNBC is streaming it, afterwhich there will be a discussion, then Countdown at 10 eastern.
October 29, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
I saw on CNN that McCain will be on Larry King. They are promoting it as McCain's rebuttal to Obama's infomercial.
October 29, 2008 9:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
In order to rebut it, he has to see it first. But there are only 30 minutes for him between the Obama airing and Larry King, so he will have to formulate a counterattack on the fly. Is he really capable of that?
October 29, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think that's shady. The pass on Obama's potential slot buy, but then bring on McCain to rebut it? Is Obama going to be given equal time offer on CNN before the election?
October 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
No disrespect to KO but I'm gonna be glued to the Daily Show for the post-interview with Obama :-)
October 29, 2008 9:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rasmussen lead down to three for the first time in over a month. WTF???!!!!
October 29, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
You really didn't think McCain was only going to get 45% did you? I expect his numbers to get up to 48%. The national numbers are going to be tight, but as it stands right now, the state polling numbers are pretty good.
And I think the coup de gras tonight will be Obama and Clinton appearing together at the end of the 30 minute block. Thursday will be all about Obama, just as today will be.
October 29, 2008 9:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
I detest Democrats sometimes, I really do. It will be 52-45 or 52-46. Other than that stop clinging to the damn tracking polls and get to work.
October 29, 2008 10:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think you may mean coup de grace, although coup de gras- "cutting of the fat" might work too.
October 29, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've got a better idea for Traitor Joe. Make him head of DHS and replace him in the Senate with a real Democrat.
October 29, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll tell you something - I think there's a real possibility that Obama will offer Lieberman some kind of position. Not sure what - but think about this:
Lincoln is one of Obama's heroes. Lincoln made a point of consolidating his power by appointing many of his opponents to positions in his admin. Lieberman has put himself in a terrible spot - he's going to lose his chairmanship, he's alienated the party in power, he can't suddenly become anti-abotion/pro-gun to win over the far-right Repubs - and he's doomed his chances at re-election.
If Obama offered him something worthwhile - not a major cabinet spot, maybe Ambassador to Israel, hey, who knows - Lieberman might jump at it. And Obama would secure a solid Dem in his place in the Senate.
Much as revenge looks tasty I'd much prefer Lieberman out of the Senate - though obviously not in a spot where policies are in conflict. I'm sure there are areas Obama and Lieberman agree on.
October 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ooooohhhhhh--I like the way your think!
October 29, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
The only problem with the is that the CT governor is a Republican, so a Republican would be appointed in Lieberman's place.
October 29, 2008 10:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
D'OH! Never mind.
October 29, 2008 10:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
There was a bill in the CT legislature earlier this year to strip the Gov. of that power and require a special election. Did this not pass? I thought it was a sure thing.
October 29, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Can that really matter? Lieberman is often as not as good as a Republican. Meanwhile, the Republican who would be appointed is not appointed for life. He would be either 1) a Lincoln Chafee style Republican (arguably an improvement over Lieberman) or 2) quickly booted out of office in favor of a Democrat at the next election cycle. In other words, seeing a Republican in there for two years strikes me as a small price to pay to be rid of Lieberman two years earlier (although I am not a citizen of the great state of Connecticut, so it is not for me to say).
October 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yup, yup!
It's the reason I voted against my Democratic congressrat this year (Matheson, DINO-UT). Trying to get a Republican in there for one cycle and then replace him with a real Democrat.
October 29, 2008 10:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Really? Less likely. I do not buy it. Which Senate matters usually face filibusters? Iraq funding bills; Lieberman already votes against us on those matters, even with his chairmanship, so he cannot get any worse on that score. Judicial appointments; well, Lieberman voted for Roberts even before he lost the democratic nomination in the 2006 senate race, so it is not as if he were a reliable vote before. Constitution-shredding efforts disguised as "national security" measures; Lieberman voted for cloture in the FISA debate.
In other words, when it really counts he already votes against us. How, then, can he become less likely to vote with us?
October 29, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Barack Obama is not ready to be President, yet. . ."
. . . Sarah Palin will never be ready to be President and McCain is far too screwed up to ever be a responsible President.
In any case, whoever is running the Democrat's show is ready, willing and able to make government functional again.
October 29, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent Ad. Classic Obama.
October 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why doesn't Obama hit McCain for supporting Bush's idea to privatize Social Security? That seems like a layup, especially in somewhere like Florida. Basically, the only reason Bush isn't an even bigger failure is because he failed to pass this... and McCain was cheerleading him on (which is odd considering he's from a retirement state like Arizona).
October 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll tell you something - I think there's a real possibility that Obama will offer Lieberman some kind of position.
It really pisses me off that the word is Obama will be offering high-level positions to Republicans. That's cutting off your nose to spite your face, an insult to those that voted for him (and change!) and a terrible mistake.
It will only delay any truly effective change (there's that word again). It will give Republicans the ability to obstuct, delay, hinder and distort Democratic policies (they love that!). The Democrats must have free reign to salvage the damage done by the very people Obama wants to reward for causing it in the first place. It makes no sense.
Obama should do just the opposite and appoint special prosecutors to go after, expose and prosecute the utter lawlessness of the Bushies and their enablers over the last 8 years. The Republicans must be made an example of what happens to America when greed, power and corruption become the guiding principles.
October 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think it is a fantastic idea. Come on man you are seeing this EXACTLY the opposite of how Obama is portraying it. He wants to end the partisanship and appoint the absolute best people no matter their parties. You can't come up with the best possible policies unless you have the best people from both parts of the isle to give you their take. Team of Rivals is a fantastic book, you should give it a read and I gurantee it will change your mind.
October 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Then we disagree on "best people". I see no "best people" on the Republican side. They have, as a group, supported some of the most destructive policies ever enacted in this country. Yes, there may be some "centrist" ones (although still extreme), but their allegiences are to a party that has lost its way and needs to be seriously taken down many notches. Only then might they see the tragic error of their ways and policies.
There are adequate supplies of brilliant, Democratic and/or truly independent minds out there that wouldn't hesitate to serve their country. Obama would be better served by them.
October 29, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for the book tip, but comparisons to Lincoln.....? Maybe not a good idea.
October 29, 2008 11:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I disagree. I would love to see folks like Hagel and Chafee in Obama's cabinet. Given his overtures to Obamacons and talk of bringing people together, how can we expect anything different?
October 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fool me once....
Does anyone really believe the Dems will be able to accomplish anything unless they get supermajorities? Of course not. The Republicans - all of them - ushered in an unprecedenting era of rank partisanship. Putting a few of the (alledgedly) "centrist" ones in an Obama cabinet will accomplish nothing other than putting some foxes in the hen house.
October 29, 2008 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
And they are getting their asses handed to them by the voters for it. Now is the time to pick off a few of the moderate Republicans, which has the effect of further marginalizing the remaining Wingers. The D's are not going to reach the 60-seat threshold in the Senate, so they're going to need a few moderate Republicans to get things done.
October 29, 2008 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why doesn't Obama hit McCain for supporting Bush's idea to privatize Social Security? That seems like a layup, especially in somewhere like Florida. Basically, the only reason Bush isn't an even bigger failure is because he failed to pass this... and McCain was cheerleading him on (which is odd considering he's from a retirement state like Arizona).
October 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Palin ad is RIGHT on the money, nice work!
October 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why doesn't Obama hit McCain for supporting Bush's idea to privatize Social Security? That seems like a layup, especially in somewhere like Florida. Basically, the only reason Bush isn't an even bigger failure is because he failed to pass this... and McCain was cheerleading him on (which is odd considering he's from a retirement state like Arizona).
October 29, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
He has done in multiple times, in multiple ads, bro.
October 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Love Obama's new ad that hits McCain on the economy but thought it should have used an announcer to maximize the impact.
Glad the Dems are finally getting serious about punishing Lieberman. Yes, there will be trade-offs. But Lieberman took the first step, and the Dems would lose credibility if they didn't retaliate.
October 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
"The fact is Barack Obama's not ready -- yet,"
. . . but he will be, as soon as he is elected.
I wonder why they added 'yet' instead of something to the effect that he is 'far from being ready'; or just a full stop after 'ready'?
October 29, 2008 10:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
One of Obama's most difficult obstacles will be to bring the country together after McCain has run a total fear campaign against him. There are a lot of people who actually believe that Obama is an anti-American muslim marxist baby-killing fiend who wants to destroy Israel. Bringing in Hagel or other Republicans might help to build some confidence and would defuse Republican attacks.
October 29, 2008 11:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Love teh Obama finally they are attackign Palin for dip shit she is.
In regard to leiberman. Fuck him. He sealed his own fate
October 29, 2008 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Appointing Liebermann as ambassador to the Vatican would be fun.
October 29, 2008 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
My favorite part of the Obama ad against the gruesome twosome is the heartbeat tapping in the music. As for the "...yet" -- it seems to be a misuse of a threatening line like "We're not done fighting... yet." ?!? Apparently it's not just McCain's personal circuitry that's screwed up. What's in the water they're drinking?!
October 29, 2008 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink