McCain advisor confirms: I will not be party to a campaign against Bambi
posted at 2:14 pm on March 28, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Yeah, it’s that guy. He originally said this last June, when both Maverick and Obama were the longest of longshots and the Wright scandal was but a twinkle in Brian Ross’s eye. How’s he feel nine months later, now that Bambi’s 20-year relationship with a church that evidently believes Israel is working on an ethnic bomb has been more thoroughly vetted? Does his nuance regarding “white folks’ greed” add any extra variables to the character equation?
Nope. He’s “gayer 4 Obama” than ever.
Q: So you’ve said that you will leave the McCain campaign if Obama is the nominee. Does that still hold and why?
McKinnon: Yeah. Well, this goes back to a memo that I wrote to the campaign when I came aboard more than a year and a half ago, and I simply let them know that I had spent time with Obama and read his book and I like the guy. I think he has strong character and a fascinating life story, and I disagree with him fundamentally on issues like Iraq and trade and a number of others. But I just flashed forward to the improbable scenario, at that time seemingly improbable, that John McCain and Barack Obama might face off against one other. And I just told them at the time that I thought that I would be uncomfortable being on the front lines — being as aggressive as you need to be in a presidential campaign — and not only that I would be uncomfortable, but that it would be bad for the campaign, and that if that circumstance were to come to be, that I would just take a step to the sidelines and continue to support John McCain 100 percent and be No. 1 fan and cheerleader. But just kind of take myself out of the front lines…
Q: And it’s because, what, you don’t want to run negative ads against Obama?
McKinnon: Yeah.
Q: Or is there also a concern on your part that you don’t want to run ads against Obama, the first African-American candidate to have this kind of a chance? Is that a factor as well?
McKinnon: I suppose that is in part, but it’s more just that I like and admire the guy. I’ve come to a point in my life where I think character is important. I think he has great character. Again, I think he’s really wrong on fundamental issues, but yeah, I just don’t want to — you know, I kind of want to put my guns down. It’s just a matter of degrees, and like I said, I don’t think I’m the best person to have in that slot for the campaign. So it would just be better for me to step to the sidelines.
Exit question: If he’s so terribly worried about Obama being attacked unfairly, why not stay on and exercise some control over the campaign’s message to stop that from happening? Or is he suggesting that any sharp criticism of Bambi, however substantive and impersonal, is a bit too Godzilla-ish for him?
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This guy needs to get tossed under the bus like Obama did to his honky grandmother.
Loose cannon.
Hening on March 28, 2008 at 2:17 PM
I think its the right way to go for McCain. The less fuel against him from the left’s massive media machine, the better, even if it means tossing Bambi a few compliments that will get ignored by the MSM anyway, because they don’t jive with the “Republicans is teh evil!” story they’ve been running for 5 years.
jimmy the notable on March 28, 2008 at 2:18 PM
If he thinks he’s so great then go worship at his feet and get the hell out of the McCain camp. This is going to be hard enough without some yo-yo that doesn’t know for sure where his loyalty lies.
rplat on March 28, 2008 at 2:18 PM
I will vote and campaign for McCain because the other two will bring tragedy to the US, but for someone on the McCain staff to say that a man, Obama, who is a 20 year follower of an avowed anti-American bigot, racist, jew hater, conspiracy nut case, has good character is just beyond comprehension. Are these folks with McCain really that dumb???????
georgealbert on March 28, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Why doesn’t this guy just quit the McCain campaign, and go work for the Messiah?
JetBoy on March 28, 2008 at 2:19 PM
That’s okay, McCain’s not going to put up much of a fight himself.
Darksean on March 28, 2008 at 2:19 PM
But will he attack McCain once he is gone…Me thinks he will
tomas on March 28, 2008 at 2:20 PM
All I know about the story is what I read here. I respect the guy for stepping down.
It also shows of course that McCain attracts Dems.
JiangxiDad on March 28, 2008 at 2:20 PM
I wonder if Mccain will also vote for Barack Obinga.
SaintOlaf on March 28, 2008 at 2:20 PM
After actually working in a Presidential campaign I can see McKinnon’s point. You end up doing things that later on you’re not so fond of.
I don’t think McKinnon is so worried about unfair attacks on Obama. Look at how they suspended Soren Dayton for simply passing on a link on Twitter? He just doesn’t want to deal with those dilemma day-in and day-out. He’s gotten older and is in a place where he doesn’t need to help a Presidential campaign. And he’s always radiated a bit of a peace-loving, hippie vibe.
seanhackbarth on March 28, 2008 at 2:22 PM
Well, isn’t that a quaintly sensitive and metrosexual view of the world? Off for a manicure now Mr. McKinnon?
Montana on March 28, 2008 at 2:22 PM
And why McCain has or had a gay advisor? And a former Mexican government official who wants to annex parts of America to Mexico?
Makes you wonder why Conservatives don’t like John McCain.
Indy Conservative on March 28, 2008 at 2:23 PM
And McKinnon’s value to McCain is what, exactly? Is he the keeper of some highly special knowledge? Why does he keep making these distracting and nearly threatening comments?
Hmmm.
Terrie on March 28, 2008 at 2:23 PM
He ‘fundimentally disagrees’ on major issues. Other than that, the guy is okay. McKinnon sounds like a very able politican, he can straddle his own beliefs. Nothing like commitment.
GarandFan on March 28, 2008 at 2:25 PM
What does he say about this?
McCain
on the Attack against Obama?
I would like to apologize to you for assuming that your private assurances to me regarding your desire to cooperate in our efforts to negotiate bipartisan lobbying reform legislation were sincere. When you approached me and insisted that despite your leadership’s preference to use the issue to gain a political advantage in the 2006 elections, you were personally committed to achieving a result that would reflect credit on the entire Senate and offer the country a better example of political leadership, I concluded your professed concern for the institution and the public interest was genuine and admirable. Thank you for disabusing me of such notions with your letter to me dated February 2, 2006, which explained your decision to withdraw from our bipartisan discussions. I’m embarrassed to admit that after all these years in politics I failed to interpret your previous assurances as typical rhetorical gloss routinely used in politics to make self-interested partisan posturing appear more noble. Again, sorry for the confusion, but please be assured I won’t make the same mistake again. …
But I understand how important the opportunity to lead your party’s effort to exploit this issue must seem to a freshman Senator, and I hold no hard feelings over your earlier disingenuousness. Again, I have been around long enough to appreciate that in politics the public interest isn’t always a priority for every one of us. Good luck to you, Senator.
Chakra Hammer on March 28, 2008 at 2:26 PM
is that the “hat guy”??
therightwinger on March 28, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Me thinks someone wants a job with the next president no matter who it is
William Amos on March 28, 2008 at 2:29 PM
I can see wanting to run a campaign like that for political purposes, but:
He’s such a great gosh darn guy, that we shouldn’t do everything we can to keep him out of the White House. Heck, he can destroy the country and tax us out of oblivion, but he’s nice.
amerpundit on March 28, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Kind of like a doc who won’t perform abortions, but won’t prevent others from doing so. Maybe?
mikeyboss on March 28, 2008 at 2:31 PM
McCain needs to stay above the fray. Allow Hussein and Hill to fight it out.
saved on March 28, 2008 at 2:31 PM
“I disagree with him fundamentally on issues like Iraq and trade and a number of others.”
Isn’t McKinnon the same low life country singing bottom feeder who worked for GW’s campaign in 2004?
This is the direction of the New Republic(an) Party.
Angry Dumbo on March 28, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Based on the Wright, M. Obama, and other sagas, I question Mr. McKinnon’s character, and judgment.
Entelechy on March 28, 2008 at 2:32 PM
But a doctor has no way of preventing other doctors from doing it. McKinnon does; he works for the campaign and could influence the message.
Allahpundit on March 28, 2008 at 2:32 PM
Who? McCain or McKinnon?
Weight of Glory on March 28, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Buh-bye.
CP on March 28, 2008 at 2:36 PM
He is in the McCain Camp. WHAT else do you expect from this “character.”
Branch Rickey on March 28, 2008 at 2:38 PM
As long as the current situation exists, where the media is forced to report on charges against both the Obama and Clinton campaigns due to pressure from both campaigns and the divided loyalties of key people in the big media, McKinnon’s statement and strategy are OK. Why throw red meat to the left when they’re busy digging it out of each others’ hides.
But once the Democratic nomination is decided, and if Obama wins, McKinnon’s strategy is going to be as flawed as Jack Kemp’s decision not to attack Al Gore during the 1996 VP debate. Kemp got no points from the press by being a “nice guy” while angering his supporters, for failing to counter both the Clinton attacks on Dole that were taken up without scrutiny by the media. I’m not sure why McKinnon would think 2008 would be any different — the press may like McCain more than they liked Kemp, but Obama’s already as big or bigger a rock star among much of the media than Bill Clinton ever was.
jon1979 on March 28, 2008 at 2:39 PM
It is demonstrative that the differences between McCain and Obama are so minute that they are almost inconsequential. McCain rubs the GOP conservatives the wrong way by appeasing the dims.
volsense on March 28, 2008 at 2:40 PM
McCain should rid himself of this guy immediately. Even (hell, especially) if the dem is Hillary, you don’t need a pussy like this on your side.
BuzzCrutcher on March 28, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Yeah. Maybe he knows the dirty work must be done, but doesn’t have the stomach to do it himself. Like, I will eat meat, but probably wouldn’t kill the cow myself. Maybe that’s weak or inconsistent, but a person is entitled to make that choice.
mikeyboss on March 28, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Bizarre.
But, a good liberal like McCain wouldn’t want to attack a fellow liberal anyway.
McCain and McKinnon are on the same page.
misterpeasea on March 28, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Join the friggin club pal.
We overlooked the fact that the MSM would decide who was likeable, who could win and who they would cram down our throats.
fogw on March 28, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Yes. Makes one cringe, no?
Branch Rickey on March 28, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Compassionate Conservatism version 2.0
Valiant on March 28, 2008 at 2:45 PM
McKinnon needs to step aside because Bambi needs to go–for the greater good. Am I too judgmental by saying that his tool is part of the reason why McCain’s campaign has been mismanaged?
This reminded me why I thought Obama chose Wright as his pastor/mentor and why he wept after he heard one of Wright’s sermons for the first time…Just like Hitler over-compensated for his shame of being part Jewish, BO suffers from the ‘guilt’ of his white blood. He must not only get the street cred he needed from Wright, he must show the black community that he is no Uncle Tom and will act only with the impulses of his black heritage.
BO threw his white granny under the bus, and McKinnon, well he’ll leave ol’ John to drive the bus himself. It looks like McCain is better off without this ‘adviser’.
Christine on March 28, 2008 at 2:46 PM
McCain better try to get metro guys like this. How many conservatives do you think are staffing his campaign or volunteering. Some large number of Obama/Hillary fans are McCain voters, and vice-versa. This time around, there are two Dems running, and vying for many of the same voters.
JiangxiDad on March 28, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Why does McCain surround himself with idiot losers.
Does he really want to lose that badly?
Revenge against the GOP?
Kini on March 28, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Maybe, during the debates with Obama, McCain can just stand there, with his hands in his pockets, looking down [like a little boy who’s just finished kicking his little can around, and now has nothing else to do] and saying nothing.
Go get ‘em, McCain.
OhEssYouCowboys on March 28, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Amen
It is just un-friggin-believable that so many of the voters in this country are such weak minded cows!
brtex on March 28, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Should be: Am I too judgmental by saying that THIS tool…Freudian or maybe Clintonian typo?
Also, what Buzzcrutcher said.
Anymore, I consider ‘Compassionate Conservatism’ an oxymoron.
It’s like saying someone is a ‘Logical Liberal’.
Christine on March 28, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Ha! That’s funny, Christine!
mikeyboss on March 28, 2008 at 2:55 PM
The tool part, I mean.
mikeyboss on March 28, 2008 at 2:55 PM
“But I will be party to screwing conservatives.”
Branch Rickey on March 28, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Everybody understands this is the campaign that has as an advisory Juan Hernandez, right?
This should not surprise anybody.
EJDolbow on March 28, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Exactly!
Branch Rickey on March 28, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Adios you pussy.
omnipotent on March 28, 2008 at 3:06 PM
The seeds of Socialism are illiteracy and ignorance. The Socialists have known this for a long time; and our public schools are the proof.
OhEssYouCowboys on March 28, 2008 at 3:10 PM
See Kmiec, Doug.
Terrie on March 28, 2008 at 3:12 PM
As an ad agency senior copywriter, I was once tasked to write a series of political attack ads on behalf of the local Democratic organization. As a Republican, I was less than delighted with the assignment. As a professional, I did the best job I could.
This guy obviously doesn’t have the sense of professionalism to discharge his duties. He should get out, or be thrown out, now.
Bluto on March 28, 2008 at 3:13 PM
I thought it only needed a tiny adjustment.
funky chicken on March 28, 2008 at 3:16 PM
There are plenty of ways to make an inexperienced Chicago empty suit look like the wrong choice without once failing to be a gentleman.
Sekhmet on March 28, 2008 at 3:18 PM
You can be a compassionate conservative without being a moron. All you have to be is a conservative. Conservatives are the only ones who care about people and helping them help themselves to be the best they can be, liking getting a job and working hard and not being a victim.
flytier on March 28, 2008 at 3:20 PM
McCain in the debates with Obama, redux:
“My good friend, Senator Obama, …”
I can hear it, now.
OhEssYouCowboys on March 28, 2008 at 3:21 PM
McCain is simply not an authentic Republican, will not surround himself with Republican staff, and will not preside over our country in a manner consistent with Republican principles. He’s going for the middle, losing the Right along the way.
I think he’s going to lose in Nov. Then we get Hillbama.
Crap.
cs89 on March 28, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Yup, and if McCain thinks Obama’s campaign and the media will play by “nice guy” rules after the messiah is annointed the nominee, he’s delusional — or, shall we say, more delusional than previously thought.
Nichevo on March 28, 2008 at 3:37 PM
There you go Mav, keep it up. Own the moral high ground, then when Obama sees he’s losing he’ll fire the first dirty shot. Then you can counter with your War Hero status and it will be the final death blow. Not to mention, on issues and policy this isn’t even close. again, Reagan v Mondale part II.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 28, 2008 at 3:55 PM
McKinnon’s keeping his word. That’s worth respecting.
Mister Mets on March 28, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Whatever. McKinnon’s a btfkr, but I’m sure he fit in perfectly witht he rest of the rinos there. Adios, mf (my friend).
Jaibones on March 28, 2008 at 4:04 PM
I worry most about McCain not being tough enough against Obama. We know he can be sharp. (Remember how he treated Romney in Florida?) We have to see how much he’s willing to tick off independents who don’t like “negative campaigns.”
I think both sides will have this difficulty. So I expect to see surrogates taking most of the shots. That appears to be a disadvantage for McCain because he campaign won’t even tolerate a staffer linking to a negative Obama video.
seanhackbarth on March 28, 2008 at 4:28 PM
You got to remember that Maverick didn’t exactly have the pick of the crop when he was staffing his campaign. Now that he is the candidate, one can only hope (dream, pray) that he’ll make better choices than this blithering tool. I may not hold my breath.
Sugar Land on March 28, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Stomp Hussein. And then McCain.
Rush was right: if the country’s gonna go to hell in a bucket, better a painfully flawed Democrat like Hillsbury do it. She’ll be impeached by lunchtime.
Spanglemaker on March 28, 2008 at 4:46 PM
seanhackbarth on March 28, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Oh he’s tough enough alright. Just ask Mitt Romnee about Maverick playing dirty in Florida. Mav learned after South Carolina in 2000 that is ok as long as it is in response. Mav knows that when they are on stage together and Obama can’t write a speech for the audience, that policy and position will rise to the top. However if Obama wants to play with the pigs, Mav will have no problem rolling up the sleeves. Hopefully, after Obama attacks Mav’s character, McKinnon will realize what we here at hotair already know. Barak is very smooth, but no different than any liberal who wants to drastically change our lives. Then, McKinnon(The best add man in the business) will lay down a few spots that will have “Hope” and “Change” begging for mercy. Can’t wait.
THE CHOSEN ONE on March 28, 2008 at 5:28 PM
The fact that McCain would employ someone like this is exactly the problem with his judgment. I don’t trust him and could never vote for him.
Mormon Doc on March 28, 2008 at 6:54 PM
Another starry eyed dreamer joins the army of the doomed. Do you want a hug before you go…
Hog Wild on March 28, 2008 at 8:31 PM
I know those gays need to stay out of public life, we dont want them giving us AIDS.
One of the Flt 93 heroes was a gay mccain supporter, wonder why conservatives dont like him..
Squid Shark on March 28, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Squid Shark on March 28, 2008 at 9:58 PM
The guy is a plant and mccain needs to get rid of him yesterday to minimize the damage he can do. juan hernandez and a barry plant. It’s almost like mccain doesn’t want to win. If he picks someone for vp like crist or grahm we will know he is the manchurian candidate.
peacenprosperity on March 28, 2008 at 11:48 PM
mckinnon just told you he won’t fight hard against barry. Where the heck do you get this opinion?
peacenprosperity on March 28, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Then why the hell is he there?
barry is corrupt, a fascist, a racist and a liar. This guy is a liar or an idiot. This guy will sabotage the race.
peacenprosperity on March 28, 2008 at 11:54 PM