Tennessee GOP ad: Are you prouder of your country than Michelle Obama?
posted at 4:12 pm on May 15, 2008 by Allahpundit
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Consider it a “welcome present” for her visit to Nashville. Risky business for the party or any of its arms to go after the opposition’s wife but they handled this the savviest way they could have, using only her own words against her and accentuating the positive via the witness testimonials instead of dwelling on her as negative. Even so, we’d better pick our spots with this sort of attack: There’s a reason the Democrats are farming out attacks on Cindy McCain as a sugar mommy to third-party groups instead of letting Obama’s camp handle them. Voters like to pretend there are certain lines an honorable candidate won’t cross.
Team Barry has already responded by doing what it does best, playing the victim and declaring this attack out of bounds even though it targets something she said while out on the trail.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Raaaaacist.
You know the white voter in the middle is going to get tired of each and every critique of Obama decried as racism, out-of-bounds, beyond-the-pale, and he is going to vent in the voting booth. Keep playing the victim junior.
Theworldisnotenough on May 15, 2008 at 4:16 PM
How long before McCain condemns the ad and ask the TN GOP to apologize.
3..2..1
Just A Grunt on May 15, 2008 at 4:16 PM
She said it. She can wear it.
a capella on May 15, 2008 at 4:16 PM
The next state should do the same thing, but with the picture of Ayers standing on an American flag. The one after that should be a clip flipping from the photos of the twin towers and Obama’s mentor screaming about chickens…coming home to roost.
Can anyone really believe this young machine politician with self-expressed racial hate has a real shot at becoming president?
iconoclast on May 15, 2008 at 4:17 PM
These sort of ads are going to be more effective then C.McCain references, just because of the video of people actually saying things like M. Obama did. It’s still thin ice to involve a candidate’s spouse, but much of that has been removed by Bill’s particular presence in this campaign season, and the accessibility of YouTube moments. Just my opinion.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Outstanding!
winemkr on May 15, 2008 at 4:20 PM
I thought Cindy McCain was a sugar trophy wife, not a sugar mommy, as she’s quite a bit younger than her septuagenarian husband.
McCain’s campaign slogan: I’ve been selling out the US for forty years since my public statements for the North Vietnamese.
jim m on May 15, 2008 at 4:20 PM
+1
Theworldisnotenough on May 15, 2008 at 4:21 PM
If you enter the political arena, you become fair game for criticism. Deal with it. Remember when Momma Heinz Kerry criticized Laura Bush for never having a real job? She handled it with grace. Now’s your chance, Michelle.
fossten on May 15, 2008 at 4:21 PM
loganthompson on May 15, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Cindy McCain responded to Michelle’s comments the day after she said them even though Johnny Mac had “no comment”, so Johnny Mac shouldn’t condemn TN GOP ad.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video_log/2008/02/cindy_mccain_always_proud_of_h.html
Brat on May 15, 2008 at 4:24 PM
snore. I’m already bored of bubble boy.
Topsecretk9 on May 15, 2008 at 4:25 PM
I don’t see how this helps Michelle Obama’s children.
amerpundit on May 15, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Yes you can expect the race card to get played, because they didn’t include an African American in the video. They got a Hispanic, a woman, and a white guy with guns.
C’mon guys in a political climate we have today, thanks to the Dems playing their group identity game you have got to think like a liberal, no matter how much you risk suffering a migraine.
Just A Grunt on May 15, 2008 at 4:26 PM
How does humiliating Michelle Obama help her daughters?
Chuck Schick on May 15, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Michelle O’Hussein, America’s battle ax in chief.
saved on May 15, 2008 at 4:26 PM
You know what the second guy needs? More guns.
Chuck Schick on May 15, 2008 at 4:28 PM
it is such a pity you cannot say that in person. You would reap the rewards that such a despicable statement deserves. And even after that well-deserved reward, you probably could still raise your hands above your head…something that John McCain still cannot do after being tortured enough to sign that confession.
iconoclast on May 15, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Piece of advice to Mrs. Obama, next time engage your master degree brain before your liberal mouth.
VikingGoneWild on May 15, 2008 at 4:30 PM
LOL I was gonna say ammo.
fossten on May 15, 2008 at 4:31 PM
I’m waiting for Hillary to jump on this opportunity to tell the superdelegates that she is the better candidate to handle this type of heat from the Republican attack machine.
Rick on May 15, 2008 at 4:31 PM
I didn’t realize she said it TWICE. What a dork. Dorkette?
EJDolbow on May 15, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Boo-hoo. I pray the honeymoon is over for the Obamas and their sycophant followers.
ctmom on May 15, 2008 at 4:32 PM
If the mister doesn’t want the mrs. to be part of the campaign, on both sides, he should tell her to shut her pie hole.
Buford Gooch on May 15, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Facts dude. Stick with facts and make sure you have all of them. B.S. innuendo impresses only the adolescents reading today.
DocKen on May 15, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Selling out? You mean the guy who could was offered early release from the Hanoi Hilton by the Viet commies, but declined? Give me a break.
Bigfoot on May 15, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Wow, I missed that. Can you give me some quotes?
12thman on May 15, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Nice dig at the right Reverend Wright at the end “so if my pastor goes on a wild political rant I can just walk out.”
Brat on May 15, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Wear it proud Sweetie, like it’s a flag pin.
fogw on May 15, 2008 at 4:36 PM
I am proud of my country. This past New Year’s day at a small store where a member of the Army was buying some items with his girlfriend. The clerk told him to put his money away, I was proud of my country. Today as I was eating lunch a young Marine came in with his wife. I pulled their waitress aside and told her to put their bill on mine but not tell them. As I was leaving, this fine young man chased me down in the parking lot and said “thank you, you didn’t have to do that.” I told him no sir, thank you. I am still proud of my country and our brave service members who serve her.
Les in NC on May 15, 2008 at 4:37 PM
:-)
..so if my pastor goes on a political tyrant .. I can just walk out!!!
:-)
3-pointer!!
Texas Gal on May 15, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Fact: McCain signed and taped an anti-American propaganda “confession” that said, in part, “I am a black criminal and I have performed the deeds of an air pirate. I almost died, and the Vietnamese people saved my life, thanks to the doctors.”.
jim m on May 15, 2008 at 4:38 PM
I loved the last zinger of the young fellow, who said that he would walk out if he disagreed with his pastor. Apparently, OhBummer never figured out that response to the Rev. Wright …
onlineanalyst on May 15, 2008 at 4:38 PM
LOL
Rick on May 15, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Michelle Obama is a big girl. If she can dish it out, she should be able to take it. But knowing her, she will blame it on racism and Americans who are “not ready for change.” But the Obamas have the people of MSNBC and the rest of the MSM to defend them.
I hope McCain learned his lesson with North Carolina and not put his foot in his mouth. What he should say is that if Obama wants to be able to run for president, he should be able to defend himself and not wine like a baby.
jencab on May 15, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Good stuff. Way to go, TN GOP!
CP on May 15, 2008 at 4:38 PM
This is the same McCain who stayed and was tortured an extra 5 fears into his imprisonment because his fellow soldiers got there first, right? The same McCain who had his teeth smashed out of his mouth and can’t lift his arms above a certain height? The same McCain who was in solitary confinement for 2 years? The same McCain who only signed a propaganda statement after severe torture and coming down with dysentery? The same McCain that refused to meet with anti-war groups? The same McCain who, when tortured for the names of members of his flight squadron, provided the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line? The same McCain who, to this day, says he stills owes his country more than it ever owes him?
You know, just to clarify.
amerpundit on May 15, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Hussien’s people can’t be critical of what Bill Clinton says while campaigning for his wife, by the same calculus.
Akzed on May 15, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Read either of his books. Plenty of quotes there.
Les in NC on May 15, 2008 at 4:40 PM
“Team Barry has already responded by doing what it does best, playing the victim”
Team Barry has to be the most cowardly and gutless team I’ve seen in a while … or ever.
darwin on May 15, 2008 at 4:40 PM
yep
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Fact: I said make sure you have all of them… and you don’t. To mention the “confession” and not the torture is Bull Crap.
DocKen on May 15, 2008 at 4:42 PM
It took him about 20 years and other people pointing it out to him for him to figure it out.
Rick on May 15, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Yes, Ameripundit, the same McCain who gave aid and comfort to our enemy in the 1960s a
jim m on May 15, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Self-evident by now, but the most impactful campaign vids this year will not come from the studios of high paid ad execs, but out of the desktop computers of creative average folk.
Mike D. on May 15, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Tell us, jim m. How much severe torture, combined with the infliction of dysentery, have you endured? How many times have you had your teeth smashed and been bayoneted? How many times have you decided to endure another 5 years of torture, two in solitary confinement, rather than abandoning your fellow soldiers?
amerpundit on May 15, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I wonder what anyone here would sign or say after both of your shoulders were broken and your teeth were knocked out. I suppose you are tougher than most.
Les in NC on May 15, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I gotta say that last line was classic XP
“So if my pastor goes on a wild political tirade, I can just walk out.”
apollyonbob on May 15, 2008 at 4:45 PM
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 4:46 PM
I’ve never asked for anyone to be banned before, but you have gone beyond debate and alternate points of view. What you are playing at is repugnant, and no, I’m not voting for McCain. I don’t like his policy but I will not distort his service record, nor sit quietly while you smear him. AP, this guy is crossing the line, no?
DocKen on May 15, 2008 at 4:47 PM
McCain denounces in three…two…
see-dubya on May 15, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Sigh. jim m is a Ted Sampley/ Paul Wheeler acolyte.
If any readers want to know the truth about the smears against McCain, please read http://www.miafacts.org.
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 4:48 PM
That line was absolutely brilliant, and absolute truth as well.
We could make a long list of things that voters like to pretend, and it would explain our current, depressing political situation quite well.
thirteen28 on May 15, 2008 at 4:48 PM
that would be the confession the peaceful, Geneva Convention-observing N. Vietnamese extracted from McCain after a few months of torture and a few years of abuse, right?
I just wonder what you would confess to after a few minutes with people like that. Oh, that’s right. Since you have no honor or self-respect, your first question before being slapped around would be “where is the pen, sir”.
iconoclast on May 15, 2008 at 4:48 PM
We do it right in Tn.
MO is such a self-righteous ninny. What a piece of work.
VolMagic on May 15, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Then go for it, DocKen. I’ve posted provable facts about McCain that you don’t like. He did make the statement that I wrote. If you can’t handle the truth, then ask Ed to ban me.
jim m on May 15, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Fact: You are a horrible, horrible person.
Fact: You make the baby Jesus cry.
apollyonbob on May 15, 2008 at 4:50 PM
5 March 2008. As of early March 2008, a website titled “Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain” has appeared on the Internet. This site contains monstrous lies about John McCain’s behavior as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The site is the work of one Ted Sampley of Kinston, NC. I will post on the MIA Facts Site responses to Sampley’s lies about McCain. Meanwhile, start at this link to learn the background of Sampley and his attacks on John McCain.
8 July 2007. More about Hendon’s MIA claims. Check out this item — it’s quite relevant in view of Hendon’s new book claiming that hundreds of US POWs were abandoned in SEAsia. Ronald Reagan’s comment on Hendon: “. . . off his rocker.”
http://www.miafacts.org/#toc
http://www.miafacts.org/mccain.htm
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Fact: Under enough torture and threat of death to they and their comrades, one can be made to sign just about any meaningless confession.
You are a disgraceful imbecile unfit to tie McCain’s shoes much less comment here.
Hollowpoint on May 15, 2008 at 4:50 PM
UPDATE: Here they come again — May 2008.
Beginning in early March 2008, a website titled “Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain” appeared on the WWW. The site contains a collection of attacks on John McCain. As McCain moved to cement the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, the site added more and more attacks on McCain. Briefly stated, the site is bullshit. The website, “Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain” is the creation of Ted Sampley from Kinston, NC. Sampley is assisted by another individual, Jerry Kiley, and the bills are being paid by rightwingnut and former member of Congress, John LeBoutillier. This is a long and twisted tale. To fully understand why Sampley is attacking McCain, you need to start by reading this article after which you need to read the articles linked to this one.
http://www.miafacts.org/mccain.htm
The origin of the “True Conservative” hatred for McCain
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 4:52 PM
The problem isn’t your stating that he wrote the statement. He admitted it and endured 2-3 beatings a week after that for refusing to sign additional ones. He said he reached his breaking point. It’s that you’re accusing him of selling out his country by doing so.
Until “jim m” has been in the same situation and can say he made a different decision, “jim m” should shut the hell up.
amerpundit on May 15, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Who cares if McCain likes it or not. He’s not a real republican anyway!
Out of 300 million people, this bone-head is our best choice??????
colep on May 15, 2008 at 4:52 PM
she is another Hillary
jp on May 15, 2008 at 4:53 PM
funky chicken hearts Ted Sampley.
Valiant on May 15, 2008 at 4:53 PM
To mention the “confession” without even once acknowledging the torture is a repugnant distortion that goes beyond any acceptable understanding of healthy debate. People around here are not usually banned for their opinion, but for their inability to express their opinion without repugnance. How you chose to express yourself is unacceptable.
DocKen on May 15, 2008 at 4:54 PM
He did make the statement, didn’t he and it did give aid and comfort to the enemy didn’t it and he did seriously regret it did so afterwards, right?
jim m on May 15, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Other commenters who have slung the swill like jim m are “Valiant” “Buddapundit” “Redheaded Infidel” “highhopes” and there have been others as well.
Just for new readers to know
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Oh, come on. The guy is obviously about 11 years old, or a liberal. He’s arguing that a statement tortured out of McCain is meaningful. Be entertained by the sheer stupidity.
misterpeasea on May 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Jim m… you’re a putz!
colep on May 15, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Yeah, attacking the spouse worked so well against Bill.
Typhonsentra on May 15, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Since she is making political speaches on behalf of the Obama campaign, she is now a spokesperson, not just his wife.
Harpoon on May 15, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Loved the dig at the very end…but the little smile with it was even better.
jackmac on May 15, 2008 at 4:56 PM
If I had to wake up to a ray of sunshine like Michelle Obama everyday, I’d be hitting on chubby reporters too.
Chuck Schick on May 15, 2008 at 4:57 PM
I never heard of Ted Sampley until you started waving the bloody shirt in the comments at anyone who questions the suitability of McCain as a candidate for president.
Thanks to your efforts, maybe more people will want to know what happened to the propaganda tapes McCain recorded for the enemy and what he had to do to suppress their release. Keep up the great work!
Valiant on May 15, 2008 at 4:58 PM
UPDATE: Here they come again — May 2008.
Beginning in early March 2008, a website titled “Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain” appeared on the WWW. The site contains a collection of attacks on John McCain. As McCain moved to cement the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, the site added more and more attacks on McCain. Briefly stated, the site is bullshit. The website, “Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain” is the creation of Ted Sampley from Kinston, NC. Sampley is assisted by another individual, Jerry Kiley, and the bills are being paid by rightwingnut and former member of Congress, John LeBoutillier. This is a long and twisted tale. To fully understand why Sampley is attacking McCain, you need to start by reading this article after which you need to read the articles linked to this one.
http://www.miafacts.org/mccain.htm
The origin of the “True Conservative” hatred for McCain. Read the article to find out why former Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire is often featured by reporters when they need a “True Conservative” to tell them how much he hates McCain
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 4:58 PM
He signed the damn statement after severe torture, was beaten repeatedly for refusing to sign any more, refused to meet with anti-war groups, and explained that he’d reached his breaking point from the torture.
Again, how many times have you been in his position? How many times have you been severely beaten by the North Vietnamese? Then who are you to say that he sold his country out?
amerpundit on May 15, 2008 at 4:59 PM
I love it when these people make my point for me.
funky chicken on May 15, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Well, he is not a conservative, that is for sure. But there are some here questioning his patriotism because of things done under torture. No one can say what they would do unless they had been under the same conditions. Michelle O. has never been very proud of her country until her husband won a primary. I suppose I should not be proud as well. I didn’t get to go to Princeton etal. My family as am I are just middle class. I am still proud of my country.
Les in NC on May 15, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Expect this kind of nutroot and pocketprotector attack. It doesn’t take two brain cells to figure out the source, or the truth behind the lies.
When the commenters provide proof of their bona-fides with their Stockdale DNA tests let me know.
Limerick on May 15, 2008 at 5:01 PM
If Mrs. Obama wants to run her mouth, she and her comments are fair game.
And for anyone who hesitates to respond because they’re afraid of “how it will play in Peoria”, or any other reason, crawl back under your beds and leave it to those of us who speak our minds and don’t give a damn who likes it or not.
tomk59 on May 15, 2008 at 5:02 PM
I’ve had my arm broken, smashed, and smashed again in an effort to rebuild it. Permanent damage for life when I was in my mid-twenties. I’d have kissed Mao himself to make the pain go away. Dragging this up, even on a free-wheeling blog, is just about as wrong as anything I’ve seen people banned for. Sometimes we should just laugh at the children seeking atention. Sometimes we should send them away until they can behave.
DocKen on May 15, 2008 at 5:02 PM
It would appear jim m is putting McCain in the same light as h jane, ‘giving aid and comfort to the enemy’, as she did. No way in he@@ you can say that about McCain, and no, I don’t like him as my candidate. jim m would be among the first people high tailing it to Canada if asked to serve in the military for country.
L
letget on May 15, 2008 at 5:02 PM
I question the patriotism of all liberals who want to shred the Constitution as McCain does. I take nothing away from his service to the country.
Valiant on May 15, 2008 at 5:03 PM
We need to hear more about that in the campaign. But not yet.
Harpoon on May 15, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I like the ad, I do, but I think it crosses the line. Not that it is wrong, but because the left will use this as a “you are attacking a wife” chant.
right2bright on May 15, 2008 at 5:03 PM
When did quoting someone become an attack? I’m sure it’s a racist attack, too. Don’t say that kind of ridiculous crap, and you won’t be “attacked.”
—————
It’s obvious that Faline was being honest. Lots of liberals feel the same way. They are honestly ashamed of America.
I’d hate to be a liberal. They must feel just awful most of the time.
misterpeasea on May 15, 2008 at 5:05 PM
let’s kick your teeth out and break your shoulders and see what you would admit to.
Les in NC on May 15, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Cool. Since there are plenty, would you mind sharing 2 or 3 with me? Thanks.
12thman on May 15, 2008 at 5:10 PM
If you are going to tell the truth, make sure you tell the whole truth, not just taking the bits and pieces that support your position. What you have done is pathetic by trying to smear McCain in that way – if you disagree with him on the issues, then have at it – if there was a question about his service to our country, I could understand, but there isn’t – and so you’ve crossed the line.
Rick on May 15, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Michelle big mouth Hussien get’s exactly what she deserves from her statements. She is the one who is racist and she is the who said it. DUH!!!!! If B. Hussien does not want his wife to say anything stupid then put a friggin muzzle on her.
Excellent for you TN GOP.
Jim m…..you are a complete buffoon and libtard weasel of a man.
Winebabe on May 15, 2008 at 5:10 PM
It’s unseemly to attack the wife of a guy who’s too much of a pansy to defend her.
Just sayin’
Cicero43 on May 15, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Please don’t feed the troll
pseudonominus on May 15, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Uh, yeah, I guess all those ‘witches’ during the Salem witch trials and the ‘heretics’ during the Spanish Inquisition were telling the troof, too, because they all signed confessions. I supposed being racked and burned and having their fingernails torn out, their hair ripped by its roots from their scalps, being boiled alive, etc., had nothing to do with their signing of confessions.
LickyLicky on May 15, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Here’s actually a video of them in his voice.
amerpundit on May 15, 2008 at 5:14 PM
whyareyouproud.com can be purchased. If someone wants to do that and need help building the website let me know.
seanhackbarth on May 15, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Signing any sort of statement after prolonged torture means nothing. There was no tactical or strategic advantage gained by it unlike Jane “Hanoi” Fonda ratting out American POWs resulting in additional torture and death, sitting on AA guns for the propaganda machine of the Viet Cong and actively spreading lies about the war to bring about an early end that resulted in the deaths of at least a million Vietnamese.
Prisoners sign these sorts of things all the time, often with false names or obvious misstatements signifying that they were done under duress. Even the one that Jim Moron is going on about includes the phrase “I am a black criminal”
Don’t know about you but Johnnie boy looks to be a few shades shy of black.
No harm no foul in this case.
Just A Grunt on May 15, 2008 at 5:18 PM
I’m not trying to feed him, I’m trying to make the case why he should be banned. There is a line, and I think he crossed it. I’ll let it rest now, since I don’t believe endless repetition makes a thing any more true. I said my piece, and that’s that. He should have been banned.
DocKen on May 15, 2008 at 5:20 PM
I just followed the link to the “sugar mommy” ad that was prepared by the Democrats and it bears noting that there are huge differences of style between the two ads. The Republican ad uses Obamas full sentence quote and provides no pre-reference for what it means, nor any judgement associated with the words, instead, allowing the viewer to determine what it means. The Democratic ad ask the question, what does John McCain think of poor people, and then takes bits of speech from unrelated subjects, pieces them together, and forms an absurd answer for the viewer. Huge difference.
Basically, the Republican ad maintained a positive message far more so than the Democratic ad, which took a very sarcastic approach and infused a biased and false message upon McCain. Basically, the Dems had to manufacture their message. The Republicans simply replayed a Democrat speaking and then added the feelings of other Americans in to show a difference of opinion.
This is a good ad, and in no way can be considered negative advertising.
Wise Golden on May 15, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Exactly. This is a complete non-issue.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Thanks amerpundit. Much better than the quotes I was going to submit. In his own voice is classic.
Les in NC on May 15, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »