McCain ad: “God’s Children”
posted at 9:15 am on July 11, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Send to a Friend |
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Team McCain has its latest ad out today, taken from a New Hampshire debate in June 2007, when John McCain soliloquized on the contributions of Hispanic citizens and residents to our efforts in Vietnam and Iraq. Titled “God’s Children”, the ad matches imagery to McCain’s impromptu salute:
My friends, I want you the next time you’re down in Washington, D.C., to go to the Vietnam War Memorial and look at the names engraved in black granite. You’ll find a whole lot of Hispanic names.
When you go to Iraq or Afghanistan today, you’re going to see a whole lot of people who are of Hispanic background. You’re even going to meet some of the few thousand that are still green card holders who are not even citizens of this country, who love this country so much that they’re willing to risk their lives in its service in order to accelerate their path to citizenship and enjoy the bountiful, blessed nation.
So let’s from time to time remember that these are God’s children. They must come into country legally, but they have enriched our culture and our nation as every generation of immigrants before them.
Thank you.
About the best that can be said for this clip is that it was much more effective in context than it is here. During the debate, the other candidates had described illegal immigrants as not much more than a plague upon the land. This response came spontaneously from McCain, defending the contributions of Hispanics in the US as a reminder to Republicans to keep the rhetoric from getting overheated.
Now, though, this ad sounds like a non-sequitur. He and Barack Obama are close in policy on immigration, to the point where conservatives have resigned themselves not to bring it up if McCain won’t. Unfortunately, this sounds now like a deliberate provocation to the Right, who in fairness have never — never — discounted the contributions of Hispanic citizens and legal residents, especially not their long history of service to this nation. The issue is illegal immigration and border security, not whether we know that Americans of Hispanic descent have risked and given their lives for us.
This is a monumentally stupid ad. It spends a full minute saying nothing about the issue it supposedly addresses, and it insults the intelligence of the people whom McCain is trying to woo. And I’m someone who has a little more sympathy for McCain’s efforts on immigration than most on the Right. Take two big steps backward, Senator McCain.
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 3 4 5 [6] 7 »
esthier:
Oh, there are more than one of those kinds of posts, especially in comment threads. We all know that. But the point is that those people tend to get too much attention.
Yesterday Gramm makes a point that people are whining too much, which they are..and what happens? Apologies left and right and people all pissed because golly gee he does not feel our pain or whatever.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:08 PM
True, but not in the context of this ad.
If the candidate SINGLES OUT a group (race, religion, ethnicity, etc.) THAT is not showing respect.
It is pandering. The context of tha ad is clear. Read the (Hispanic) names. When you go to the AOR, you’re gonna see a whole lot of people of HISPANIC background. Green card holders (who are primarily HISPANIC) serving.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 5:15 PM
If we make the illegal “assimilation” reasonable and fair, and not look like a bunch of bullies, we will be better off.
I think the Hispanics accept a secure border, a process to come in. They are victims of the coyotes and mexican gangs. I think they want a fair, consistent immigration policy.
That’s the irony.
Now what do we do with the ones here?
right2bright on July 11, 2008 at 5:16 PM
All those Whiners should just eat cake
and vote for McCain
Paid for by the elect John McCain committee - Phil Gramm, co-chairman
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 5:16 PM
catmann:
They found the bodies today of the two young soldiers in Iraq who were lost. One of them was hispanic, his wife was illegal. I can remember people saying she should be deported, we had too many of her kind here anyway. That is the point. I think that most people are really only upset about illegals, but to say that there have not been comments made that insulted a lot more people than just the illegals is to show denial. I heard them, and read them and no doubt a lot of other people did too.
The Republicans loss of the hispanic vote was stunning in the last election and that should not be the case. If it is true that the only people we have a problem with are the illegals then there is no reason why growing numbers of hispanic citizens should feel unwelcome in the GOP.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:17 PM
I knew it was not only mean. What do the posts even support that notrightandnotsobright2 babbles on and on about anyway. Contradictions followed by 80 mixed metaphors.
It’s annoying.
Branch Rickey on July 11, 2008 at 5:19 PM
It’s our country, not the illegals!
Do you have any idea how Mexicans treat those who come across their southern border illegally?
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 5:19 PM
I don’t get it. I think it is a good thing that these people chose the right way to do it. I’m sure they will make proud Americans.
Their situation is a whole lot more respectable to be than lying, cheating, and stealing their way here.
Also, no one seems to understand the implications of rewarding 20 million law breakers with the highest reward of all. I can’t believe it is so hard for so many people to understand the implications and the cultural corruption this approach will nurture and institutionalize.
I see granting amnesty as a horrible way to welcome new citizens, because their citizenship is the fruit of lying, cheating, and stealing. Why is that so hard to understand, much less the implications on the immigrant mindset and the host mindset.
It’s like someone breaking into my front door and forcing his way to my dinner table, then having McCain insist that I feed him and find a room in my house for him. What next, give him my daughter?
Didn’t anyone learn from the three bears?
saiga on July 11, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Branch Rickey on July 11, 2008 at 5:21 PM
True, true.
My only point is that racist lunatic rantings have nothing to do with the issue at hand. Of course racism still exists, even racism against Mexicans or Hispanics in general, but it has nothing to do with illegal immigration, which knows no skin color, only the rule of law.
I understand then. Though I don’t see how that will help us with Hispanics.
The more we tie this issue to one race, the more insulting it must be to that race.
I respectfully disagree when the candidate is only giving respect to a select few dead who happen to have Hispanic-sounding last names.
Had he wanted to make a “Jesus Loves the Little Children” comment and pointed out that we’re a diverse nation that respects the sacrifices of all its servicemen and women, that would be one thing, but instead he spoke as though only Hispanics make the difference.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 5:21 PM
MB4:
No, they should vote for Obama and let the state take over the economy and run off all the plantation owners. Then everything will be fair and fair is what matters. a regular socialist utopia. where food is always cheap and gas is always cheap and everyone lives in a nice house and health care is cheap everyone lives in a nice house. most important the left will promise us that there will never be a decline in the business cylce and the unemployment rate will never go up and we will live happily ever after.
BTW, I hear that Obama plans on letting illegals into that nationalized health care system he is working on. After all, once he gives them drivers licenses why not?
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Esthier:
I think he is giving respect to those names to counter the claims by some that the hispanics have never made a contribution. I agree that it should not be necessary, but considering the fact that some of the rhetoric out there during the immigration debate was specifically targeted against hispanics, maybe the idea was to balance that out.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Deport the convicts immediately, especially the ones sitting in our jails.
Give the law-abiding (except for the law they broke to get here) and productive a chance to get out and get back in line and give them a chance to become a citizen, assuming they never stole a Social Security number or committed any fraud while in this country illegally.
To those who won’t leave, deport them as soon as they are found, though don’t necessarily search for them, and never again give them the opportunity to be in this country.
It isn’t right to allow someone to benefit from breaking the law.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:17 PM
I don’t disagree with you too much on this. But it isn’t about an active duty soldier married to an illegal and the grief she got or didn’t get.
It’s about what it IS. Reality is not emotional sophistry. The example you site is tragic. So should we make a special exception for her? Why not. If we did, that isn’t being inconsistant. It is dealing with the reality of the situation.
But making an exception to EVERYONE isn’t a reality based decision. It’s a cop out. It is the pols, McCain included, throwing up their hands and admitting the problem THEY HELPED CREATE is now to big to deal with, so let’s just make up more stuff.
The Republicans loss of the hispanic vote was stunning in the last election and that should not be the case. If it is true that the only people we have a problem with are the illegals then there is no reason why growing numbers of hispanic citizens should feel unwelcome in the GOP.
Why is it the GOP’s responsibility to make anyone feel welcome? When this becomes your biggest priority, the race is already lost (and I’m speaking in a larger context)
Hence the problems with our politics today and why this type of ad is dangerous and ineffective.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Nice idea, but it has the effect of making his detractors appear racist even if we aren’t.
And we’re not the ones who made illegal immigration about race. That was the amnesty supporters, and the people who took to the streets waving the Mexican flag.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 5:26 PM
They feel that way because people like McCain have been demonizing us on this very issue, making it all about race instead of rule of law.
It’s hard to prove we’re not racists when respected Senators say we are on a regular basis.
I think most people would support granting citizenship to any illegal who accepts military service, thus extending citizenship to their spouses as well.
I would.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 5:30 PM
If we make the illegal “assimilation” reasonable and fair, and not look like a bunch of bullies, we will be better off.
Why must assimilation be “reasonable and fair”?
Tossing names like “bullies” is a deflection and it stifles debate. I know your using it in a larger context, but still…
Our process is as it is. You make the mistake of wishing to accomodate the wrong party here.
It is the illegals who must be reasonable and fair. They are the ones who must abide by our laws.
Anything else is a classic liberal trap. Adjusting what WE do shouldn’t happen.
The referees at a football game don’t rewrite the rules everytime a player wants something changed. The players must play and abide by the rules, even those written within very narrow constructs.
To do otherwise cheapens everything, but most importantly, the LAW ITSELF. LAW shouldn’t be subjective. A persons perception of reality doesn’t change what reality is.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Esthier:
That is not true. Not every illegal immigrant is hispanic, but to listen to certain hardliners you would not know that. I have hear hispanics called all sorts of names. I have heard Jeb Bush’s wife called a Mex. I have heard the Presient’s name slanged up to Jorge. It was too much race and you are right, it should not have been. But I think that the blame for that can be spread around. I am not calling you a racist, really I am not. But I know what I heard and read and there were times when I cringed at some of the stuff.
And I hate to tell you but hispanics make up a large part of our military, they have for years. Acknowledging that is not a bad thing.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:34 PM
catmann:
A couple of hundred years the language of the Southwest was Spanish, even most of the Indians spoke it. Obviously the people of the region were able to assimilate. If they had not been states like California and New Mexico and Texas would never have been considered American at all.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:37 PM
esthier:
And I don’t think McCain is demonizing anyone. When Tancredo starts yammering about a time out on all immigration, not just illegal. When Buchanan starts patting himself on the back because so many people are coming around to his way of thinking..there is no need to demonize anyone.
I was on a comment thread once on some blog and someone said that we should just shoot the illegals, men women and children. And I was the only person who made a point of saying that was a bad thing. Would most of the other people agree with those hateful remarks? No, they would not…but they did not tell the guy to shut up either.
I realize that is an isolated incident and it is anecdotal, but at the same time I am also sure I am not the only person who saw and heard that kind of thing.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Brilliant Ad.
Once again McCain puts you racist xenophobe Americans in your place.
Once again McCain shows the truth to you idiots who think that there REALLY is a difference between American Citizens, LEGAL Immigrants and illegal alien invaders.
John McCain: The only hope for America!!!
VIVA McCain!
(This message has been paid for and approved by the Aztlans for McCain Committee.)
LegendHasIt on July 11, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Good Grief
516 comments?
I haven’t seen this much hyperventalation since O.J. beat the murder rap.
franksalterego on July 11, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Of course it’s not, but that’s not what he’s done here, at least not when viewed in the context of his past.
Maybe that’s true, but from my perspective, it was the pro-amnesty side that did it first. When early talks of illegal immigration were brought up, I don’t remember anyone making those slams either against McCain or Bush.
I don’t remember that happening at all until after the May 1st protests with Mexican flags and American flags upside down. Or after the “tell the bigots to shut up” comment, or Kennedy’s horrible singing in Spanish.
I could be wrong. That’s just how I remember it.
And the Jorge comments (wrong though they are), I believe, were frustration in response to those who had already equated illegal immigration with Mexicans, trying to make it a civil rights issue.
I believe you. Your comments have been respectful, and I’m grateful that we can discuss this without hostility.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 5:44 PM
One if half-Asian and the other is half-white and outside of the American black experience.
A better example.
aengus on July 11, 2008 at 5:49 PM
I’m sure that’s true, but again, this is after so many things have happened, after watching our country get disrespected over and over again at marches that have directly tied Hispanics to illegal immigration.
I’m not excusing it. I’m just explaining where the frustration came from.
And while I don’t agree with Tancredo, I don’t see what’s racist about his suggestion. Putting a temporary halt on immigration is just a policy suggestion. There are many other countries that accept far less immigrants than we do, including countries that won’t accept any to become citizens.
I don’t think there’s necessarily anything wrong with that. It’s their country. If they don’t want immigrants, that’s their right, as it would be ours if we thought that way.
But we don’t, which is why it’s a bad idea.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Esthier:
Did you know that Soros paid for that march? He even bought the flags. Why? Because he knew what the reaction would be. He wanted to cause trouble. That is why there was only one march, it served its purpose. It was like a red flag waved at a bull.
For one thing, not every hispanic in the United States and definitely not the ones whose names are on that wall were carrying American flags upside down in that parade. Blaming all of them is no more fair than it is fair to assume that all conservatives are racists because of the remarks of a vocal and obnoxious few.. The actual number of Latinos who want to take over the southwest and give it back to Mexico would not fill a large bus stop.
And who is proamnesty? Some people think that everyone who does not want to ship them all back is proamnesty.
I think we need to secure the border and create a guest worker program. I also think we should discourage the multi cultural impulse that seems to have taken over so much of the politics in this country..I definitely believe that assimilation is necessary.
But McCain’s intent here I think is to try and convince legal tax paying hispanic Americans that he respects them and their service. Should he have done it? I don’t know, but I think that some people are over reacting to it.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:54 PM
A couple of hundred years the language of the Southwest was Spanish, even most of the Indians spoke it. Obviously the people of the region were able to assimilate. If they had not been states like California and New Mexico and Texas would never have been considered American at all.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:37 PM
But that is one of the points in this whole debate on immigration isn’t it?
During those times, those areas of were under Spanish then Mexican control. It made sense. Even the treaty of 1824 between Mexico and American immigrants had stipulations addressed towards THE IMMIGRANTS. The Mexican government DID NOT change their laws to accomodate the immigrants.
Those areas you speak of are now english speaking, American states, so I’m not exactly sure what your point on that issue was. Maybe I just misread what you wrote.
And groups like La Raza do not want assimilation. In fact, most “immigrant rights groups” rail against that very thing, which is yet another reason people have a problem with pandering.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Here is a profile of Tancredo in the NYT from a few years ago. It impressed me that he did not take himself too seriously.
aengus on July 11, 2008 at 5:58 PM
I don’t know, I’ve heard otherwise from a friend in Chicago who used to think it was very few but over the years has met many Mexicans of this stripe.
aengus on July 11, 2008 at 6:00 PM
No of course he shouldn’t have done it. Its an appeal on racial grounds, full-fledged identity politics.
aengus on July 11, 2008 at 6:02 PM
And I hate to tell you but hispanics make up a large part of our military, they have for years. Acknowledging that is not a bad thing.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 5:34 PM
So I suppose McCain has ads on deck for all the OTHER ethnic groups which comprise the military?
The ad isn’t an acknowledgment of hispanics. It’s an ad pandering to hispanics. If he simply wanted to ackwoledge their service, you could have done without the whole second half of the ad.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 6:02 PM
I’m gonna stay home in Novenber so God’s Children don’t have to wait in a long line in the sun and or rain.
S. Florida, you never know what the weather will be.
Bicyea on July 11, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Theoretically, it should work. The reason it hasn’t is because of the indoctrination in our schools and colleges.
Connie on July 11, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Not to argue, but there was certainly more than one. The others just had less Mexican flags.
And whether paid for by Soros or not, the people at the march had a say in the matter.
I never said that; however, the people who did that made themselves the face of the movement. Blame them, not the ones who are angry about it.
It’s the same with Islam. Not all Muslims are terrorists, but 19 Muslims became poster boys for Islam one fateful day and several days since then, being more vocal than the moderate opposition.
But it happens anyway, which is all I really meant. It may not be fair, but public perception isn’t fair. It just is.
I believe that’s true. However, nearly all of them fit into organizations like La Raza, a group McCain can’t seem to find it in his heart to condemn.
That might go a long way to changing public perception, of him and of all amnesty supporters.
If you’re asking me, just the people who would reward illegal activity, which is what McCain’s program would do. Even if they’re forced to pay a fine, the net is a huge benefit denied to immigrants who are patiently waiting their turn.
I don’t think that’s necessary, but I might entertain the idea after the border is secured. Until then, I don’t trust our politicians to deal with it.
Certainly, but many of the pro-amnesty crowd seem to neglect that part. That’s another thing they could do (in my opinion) to change public perceptions.
I respectfully disagree. I think his intent here is to shove down the throats of legal and tax-paying conservatives who oppose amnesty the idea that Hispanics are people too and thus worthy of citizenship, turning the issue from the rule of law to an emotional appeal to breaking said law.
Maybe, but given his past, it’s completely understandable.
This is an issue where he repeatedly spoke ill of people in his own party, an issue where he finally claimed he “got it” during the primary shortly before reassuring the amnesty crowd that he still has their back.
This ad for McCain would be like Bill Clinton making an ad to extol the virtues of Monica.
Why would he even go there?
Sure, she’s been deionized, called a fat whore and other things I won’t dare repeat, and she is still a person, deserving of at least the common decency afforded to most people. But Bill’s just not the person to make that ad and bring up all those bad feelings again.
Had someone like Fred or Romney made this ad, it would have a completely different connotation.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 6:11 PM
Service to his country lacks recognition from the abuser named flenser. Don’t expect any display of respect for anything from flenser.
maverick muse on July 11, 2008 at 6:13 PM
catmann:
Maybe McCain feels like the other servicemen and women know they are appreciated.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Maybe he’s just pandering.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Why does America owe these people any easier “path to citizenship” than any which has been given before?
Third or fourth page this question has been on - no one wants to touch it?
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Do you really believe that?
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Esthier:
Oh come on. Maybe there is some projecting going on here. I don’t think that is what McCain is saying at all. Did McCain say that you do not think hispanics are people?
People are reading way too much into this.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 6:18 PM
catmann:
I am not saying they should. In fact over half of the illegals in this country, did not cross that border. They came here legally and did not leave. People from India are the fastest growing group of illegals. But somehow they rarely get noticed.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 6:21 PM
Topic: this McCain ad
Yes, it is directed to Hispanic Americans. So if you are not Hispanic, you are offended that he addresses them? Candidates are not permitted to address large segments of the population pertaining to what affects them specifically?
McCain pays homage to American citizens and green card legal immigrants who love our country so much that they are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for US. And you are offended?
McCain specifically states that LEGAL ENTRY IS PREREQUISITE TO OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP. And you get angry?
That so many here are bent on beating war drums against American citizens is something Michelle Malkin should actually think about presenting on her forum.
Review the ad if you still THINK it contains a negative message and discover your own error in judgement; put bias aside.
maverick muse on July 11, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Esthier:
Do I really believe that? yes, I do. 2004, 44% of the hispanic vote went to Bush. in 2006, it was 20% going to Republicans. Not all those people are illegals looking for amnesty. A lot of them are people who feel that their contribution is not appreciated. Numbers are what they are.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 6:27 PM
maverick muse:
Well Michelle loves this kind of thing.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Not in that ad.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 6:41 PM
You are wrong.
Yes. And you don’t know what the numbers are.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 6:41 PM
You have a very binary mindset where everything is black and white and if someone is against Juan “Sock Sucker” McBernie then to you he must be a big fan of Obama.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 6:42 PM
You’ve missed the point, and if five pages isn’t enough to explain it, then nothing I say will make a difference.
Actually, it was 38%.
I’m sure several are also those who are mad about amnesty. Republicans lost a lot of votes in 2006, not just from Hispanics.
Esthier on July 11, 2008 at 6:43 PM
You must have been watching a different ad. The one the rest of us saw only paid homage to Hispanic citizens and Hispanic green card holders who love our country so much that they are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 6:44 PM
Actually, it has the effect of making Juan “Sock Sucker” McBernie appear like a nasty old amnesty coot, which he very clearly is.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Well golly gee willikers, knock me over with a feather, I wonder where anyone would get an idea like that.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 6:48 PM
John McCain: He’s my man, if anyone can get me America, he can!!!
Larga vida a McCain!
(This message has been paid for and approved by the Make Vincente Fox and LaRaza the new power behind the Thrown.)
LegendHasIt on July 11, 2008 at 5:42 PM
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 6:53 PM
JiangxiDad on July 11, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Yes, we are endowed with different gifts. And the gifts that the Hispanics are endowed with are literally not gifts we need. Unless you want to do a Max Boot on me and say we need them to serve in our Imperial Army while we enjoy the good life. I have higher expectations for both Americans and Latin Americans.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 6:56 PM
David J. Stoddard, 27 year veteran of the Border Patrol said -
“Illegal aliens generally do NOT want U.S. citizenship. Americans are very vain thinking that everybody in the world wants to be a U.S. citizen. Mexicans want to remain citizens of their home country while obtaining the benefits offered by the United States such as employment, medical care, in-state tuition, government subsidized housing and free education for their offspring. Their main attraction is employment and their loyalty usually remains at home. They want benefits earned and subsidized by middle class Americans. What illegal aliens want are benefits of American residence without paying the price.
Mexico is NOT a friend of the United States. Since 1848 Mexicans have resented the United States. During World War I, Mexico allowed German spies to operate freely in Mexico to spy on the U.S.. During World War II, Mexico allowed the Axis powers to spy on the U.S. from Mexico. During the Cold War Mexico allowed spies hostile to the U.S. to operate freely. The attack on the Twin Towers in 2001 was cheered and applauded all across Mexico. Today, Mexican school children are taught that the U.S. stole California, Arizona, new Mexico and Texas. If you don’t believe it, check out some Mexican textbooks written for their schoolchildren.”
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 6:59 PM
JiangxiDad on July 11, 2008 at 4:30 PM
That seems very unlikely. For one thing, it assumes that the financial trajectory of Hispanics will mimic that of Jews. Everything we know about group differences says that Hispanics are much more like blacks.
The other problem is that even higher levels of income do not always translate into voting Republican. Voting is a tribal activity for the majority of people.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Did Max Boot say that? Then he must be muy loco. We would be much better off getting a bunch of Prussians and Gurkhas if we wanted to go that route.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:02 PM
right2bright on July 11, 2008 at 4:38 PM
You really are insufferable, not2bright. I keep asking you WHAT IS IT THAT YOU THINK THAT WE DID WITH BLACKS THAT YOU THINK WE SHOULD NOT DO WITH HISPANICS.
And you keep twisting and turning and slipping and sliding and evading.
And how do you propose that we do that?
Silly little twit.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Terrye can believe at least six impossible things before breakfast.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Well Juan “Sucks Socks” McBernie talked about all the Hispanics in Vietnam, although I didn’t see many, so I want him to talk about all the German Americans and Norwegian Americans and Swedish Americans who were there.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:09 PM
Damn it, there is not supposed to a whole people transitioning to our country! I must have missed the part where Emperor Bush invited the Goths to come live within our borders.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 7:10 PM
Rather the opposite of Juan “Sucks Socks” McBernie who thinks that he is the Center of the Universe.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:11 PM
I hope you don’t expect the brave truth teller to engage in such racial pandering! He’s above such petty behavior.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 7:12 PM
maverick muse on July 11, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Is the ad pandering or not?
If not, why not?
And like I said, if this is indeed such an innocuous “he’s only saluting military folks” (who he happens to segregate by race and immigration status) I’m sure the other ads addressing all the other specific ethnic and regilious and socio-economic groups are on the way…
in 5, 4, 3, 2, …
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Well you know a 5 sec spot would be nice. Like at the end of all the Hispanic Sock Sucking he could say a bunch of other groups names real fast.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:19 PM
I have heard Juan “Sucks Socks” McBernie say that as President he would not want to tell an American Soldier or Marine in Iraq that his parents or sister or wife or girl friend was being deported as an illegal alien.
Well, I wonder how, if he becomes el Presidente, he would like to tell an American Soldier or Marine in Iraq that his mother and father had been killed by a drunk driving illegal or that his wife or sister or girl friend had been raped and/or murdered by an illegal alien.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:24 PM
And if this ad is McCain trying to make sure we (Republicans) don’t lose more of the hispanic vote the ads geared towards the republican base are on deck?
Most (but not all) of the ads I have see for McCain are geared towards everyone but the Republican base - moderates, independents, hispanics…
I never said the ad had a negative message - MY argument has been that he’s pandering, along racial lines, with just a dash of immigration speak and a helping of “God’s children” thrown in -
Just to piss on conservative and illegal immigration opponents.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Usually when someone, particularly Juan, starts talking about you must do what he wants because they are “God’s children” you have just got to know that it’s time to hide the Women and the Booze because the barbarians are coming through the gates.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Dear ED, How do I respectfully say:
“you are “monumentally” full of it!”?!?
This is not an ad for you, but an ad to Hispanics/Latinos.
I think/feel it will resonate most positively among those “south of the border” immigrants who feel STRONGLY AND POSITIVELY about the United States and want to hear substantial words - i.e. no, you moron, NOT “si se puede although I can’t say anything else in Spanish” - from a presidential candidate. Plain old “verbal recognition as reward” can be a powerful thing.
This is NOT an ad directed at American conservatives, so don’t judge it as such! It’s about damned time McCain put out one such ad (but this is for another group…which is just fine in my book), but I have patience.
Lockstein13 on July 11, 2008 at 7:33 PM
catmann:
Ed can say that conservatives do not have a problem with legal residents, fine, this ad is not for illegals. It is for legal residents and people who have made sacrifices for their country. Now when I say that Republicans saw their support among hispanics plummet I was also talking about citizens, tax payers, not illegals. So somewhere along the way hispanics got the impression that at least some conservatives do not want them around. So, McCain does an ad to show respect for fallen soldiers. The very fact that so many conservatives have a knee jerk reaction to it like they did…makes you wonder what they are so sensitive about. Is McCain supposed to never acknowledge the existence of hispanics even in general terms?
These are soldiers who died wearing the uniform of the United States. Maybe some folks are protesting too much.
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 7:35 PM
It also shows McCain’s ignorance of Christianity. Not that you would normally care but I thought it might hearten you to know that McCain is even more wrong than he appears to be.
aengus on July 11, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Maybe it’s because they speak English and assimilate somewhat into society instead of making “Little India” ghettos.
For someone who claims to be sick of this whole subject, I notice you never fail to sing your tired refrain. Although I was glad to see that you finally said that you do want border security.
mrsmwp on July 11, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Soldiers of every ethnic group have died wearing the uniform of the United States. The vast majority have not been Hispanic. You would never know that listening to the old amnesty coot Juan “Sucks Socks” McBernie.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Despite my being firmly of the Mark Twain branch of religion, two of my heroes are Pope John Paul II and Pope Urban II.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Not true.
But they should be deported, because illegal is illegal.
flenser on July 11, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Mind your prepositions.
JiangxiDad on July 11, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Terrye on July 11, 2008 at 7:35 PM
And as I’ve said, repeatedly, if what you are saying was McCains true intent, if he wanted there to be ZERO (or as little as possible) correlation to immigration, he SHOULD have left out the last half of the ad. And by using “God’s children”, he ties it to past speaches and aswers he’s given on the subject of immigration - not fallen soldiers.
McCain is pandering, plain and simple. Your ok with it. I’m not.
There are plenty of soldiers who have died wearing the uniform, why no mention in the ad? Because he’s pandering to hispanics. And he’s pandering to them BECAUSE of his immigration stance and proposals.
Blacks don’t vote Republican in large numbers. Why no ad addressing them? Because he’s pandering to hispanics.
I have a knee jerk reaction to ANY politician who panders, not just McCain.
As I’ve stated before on this thread, if your ideas cannot stand on their own, without pandering, are they worthy ideas after all?
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 7:51 PM
True, not always. Voting is largely tribal for my tribe, but not for me. How about you?
JiangxiDad on July 11, 2008 at 7:53 PM
No, this sets the human terrain for the next ad to slam illegal immigration and for the Senator to thank our valiant troops.
HotAirJosef on July 11, 2008 at 7:59 PM
So with all the $hit there has just got to be a pony around someplace that will soon come trotting out?
- Ronald Reagan (paraphrased)
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Looks like McCains strategy of pandering to hispanics may be working…
by a 3 to 1 margin.
For Obama.
catmman on July 11, 2008 at 8:39 PM
My grandfather just said about the Hispanic names on the Wall and in Iraq. “You go to the prisons and see a lot of Hispanic names as well.”
- The Cat
MirCat on July 11, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Speaking of the Vietnam War Memorial, the Vietnam War was the first were Americans were no longer segregated. Platoon consisted of whoever that were whatever. His speaking like this is taking that and rechiseling the names by catagory.
- The Cat
MirCat on July 11, 2008 at 8:49 PM
I have a lot of ‘Hispanic’ friends…..
Well, that’s a lie.. I don’t really cultivate friends…
But I have a lot of short and long term acquaintances with whom I feel some affection, probably half of whom are ‘Hispanics’.
This includes descendants of the people who ‘Colonized’ the area first (excluding the descendants of the Anasazi and the Athabascans). People who are the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandchildren of the people who were given the original Spanish Land Grants 400 years ago.
People who CHOSE to become Americans when offered the chance many scores of years ago.
And more recent immigrants who have become American Citizens by choice. And several ‘Green-Carded’ LEGAL immigrants… All of whom would love to become American Citizens, and would have, long ago, if the INS were even slightly competent and not overwhelmed ALREADY with the work they are supposed to be doing.
THESE are the kind of people who gave their lives to put ‘Hispanic’ names on the wall.
With one exception, all of these people with whom I have spoken are against McCain’s (and the various Democrats, and half of the Republicans) ideas of ‘Comprehensive Immigration Reform’. The ones who are legally supposed to be voting don’t like it, So McCain can pander to the general idea of ‘Hispanics’ all he wants, but it won’t endear him to many Americans who just happen to be of Spanish or Mexican ancestors.
The ones here as LEGAL immigrants aren’t too thrilled with the idea either, because they resent having done everything properly, yet people who just snuck in will be treated as well, or better than they were/are.
The one exception that I mentioned above has mixed feelings about it. She has been here legally for 19 years, has tried many times for many years to get her citizenship, but the INS has ‘lost her paperwork’ every time. A lovely, trustworthy, hard-working, sweet lady, she loves America, hates Mexico.
The reason that she has mixed feelings about ‘Comprehensive Immigration Reform’ is because if it passes, she realizes that she will likely never get her citizenship… An already over worked and incompetent government agency will never be able to handle the additional burden of 20 million or so new people submitting their paperwork.
But she harbors some hope that she might get to see her adult son more often if he can be here legally if ‘Amnesty’ is given.
A fairly forlorn hope, as her son (not a ‘chip off the old block’)is a multiple felon on BOTH sides of the border…. Even McCain might not give HIM a ‘Z-Visa’ or make him a citizen. But she thinks he might be able to slip through the cracks, and finally become a decent man with the opportunities of being in America, and so she doesn’t have to cross the border into Juarez every time she wants to see him.
So, along with his July 3rd campaigning in Mexico, this once again shows that McCain continues to pander for votes among people who aren’t even supposed to be voting, at the same time ‘giving the finger’ to most of the people who ARE legal voters.
Has anyone ever opened a dictionary in front of McCain to show him that just because the letters l-e-g-a-l are found at the end of ILlegal, there is a difference between the two words?
Not everyone who is able to make that distinction is a racist xenophobe Buchannanite.
LegendHasIt on July 11, 2008 at 9:35 PM
The Hispanic race is superior.
I am a white man.
carbon_footprint on July 11, 2008 at 11:10 PM
The terrorists are Gods children also and they’ll kill you where you stand in the name of their god. Get real John and I mean this, “For Christ’s sake”.
mixplix on July 11, 2008 at 11:28 PM
MB4 and Felcher:
John McCain is a decent, honorable man.
He is our next president; get used to it or have four or eight years of frustration.
carbon_footprint on July 11, 2008 at 11:31 PM
You need to stop guzzling the McCoolaid. Juan “Sucks Socks” McBernie is a nasty foul tempered old F-you amnesty coot.
How could a conservative ever get used to Juan “Sucks Socks” McBernie? Beside the odds, as of now, are that he will not become el Presidente.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 11:41 PM
HUH?
Either there is some killer sarcasm there, and I’m too dense and overwrought to really grasp it;
Or you are chemically impaired this evening.
Four to eight years of frustration is the absolute BEST thing we all can hope for, no matter which of these idiots is elected.
LegendHasIt on July 11, 2008 at 11:44 PM
1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
The Devil has kids too.
labrat on July 11, 2008 at 11:52 PM
By John McCain’s McCain/Kennedy amnesty bill, by his McCain/Feingold anti free speech bill, by his Al Gore Global Warming worship, by his Gang of Fourteen, by his “My friends” snicker, by his “FUC# you, I know more than anyone else in this room!” by his expression - By each of these things McCain’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent inquirer is almost inconceivable.
MB4 on July 11, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Just what do you think you’re doing, bringing the words of a Border Patrol agent here when you know very well the McCain koolaid drinkers all know much more about illegal immigrants than he does. They are all experts on the issue and this guy is just a 27-year Border Patrol veteran. What does he know anyway??
Sheesh, what were you thinking?
Shay on July 12, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Okay, Madam, Regean granted amnesty to the Mexican immigrants. Was he so horrible? Answer if you can without quoting someone else.
So you would rather have Obama? Seriously? You are so wrong so much of the time. Does this make you hopeless?
carbon_footprint on July 12, 2008 at 12:05 AM
No ma’am.
No sarcasm or chemical impairment. Which race is family oriented, hard working and quickly becoming the majority? Yes, Hispanics. Get used to it. The great thing is they are a very caring people and will be great overlords.
Idiots you say? They are the two candidates that this nation has voted for. If they are idiots, what, pray tell, does this make you?
I thought so.
carbon_footprint on July 12, 2008 at 12:09 AM
And please tell me what McBernie entails?
You used to stick to McShamnesty.
What happened?
And I know how to spell Reagan.
carbon_footprint on July 12, 2008 at 12:12 AM
I must have gotten dehydrated.
MB4 on July 12, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Dehydrated because of all the McCain/Gore Global Warming.
MB4 on July 12, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Well you would probably prefer to remain in the dark.
MB4 on July 12, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Sighted.
MB4 on July 12, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Excuse me? MB4, please stop with the childish name embellishments. It just makes you look like the child that you are.
You make little sense.
carbon_footprint on July 12, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Are you insinuating that you have eye sight while the majority of the country is blind?
Hm, grand illusion much?
carbon_footprint on July 12, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Comment pages: « 1 2 3 4 5 [6] 7 »