One difference between the two campaigns: competence
posted at 12:13 pm on August 29, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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The rollout of the pick of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate demonstrates a very obvious difference between the two campaigns. The contrast between the tight, focused operation at Team McCain and the botched announcement from Barack Obama could not be more dramatic, and it points to a competence gap between the two candidates.
Last week, Barack Obama promised an announcement of the most important decision of his campaign, but how did he do it? He relied on a gimmick designed to capture phone and e-mail information from a wide number of interested parties, instead of working it in relation to maximum media impact. He then delayed the announcement all week long, wasting days of earned media while needing it more than ever to boost his flagging poll numbers. When did he finally make the announcement? In the middle of the night, when most of the people who offered their personal information were asleep.
John McCain planned this with care and precision. I predicted months ago that the Democratic convention schedule made this the most obvious day to make this announcement. McCain took advantage of the opportunity to steal the thunder and media spotlight from Obama’s acceptance speech, and more importantly, his campaign made sure to tease it early in the morning to get the media humming. When the announcement came — at around 11 am ET — it was in plenty of time to ensure the maximum media exposure for today. McCain made sure he owned the next three media cycles.
Once again, McCain proved his experience and his competence. Team Obama buried their most significant announcement of the season, and threw away one media cycle and had the media buzzing about their failure in the next two, which stepped all over Obama’s uninspired choice of Joe Biden for running mate. McCain has shown that Obama has a lot to learn on many subjects, campaigning among them.
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i just gave the McCain campaign a donation…first time I have ever donated to any campaign…I love it
SoCalInfidel on August 29, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Now lets us all hope that people either come to their senses and vote McCain/Palin.
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 12:17 PM
upinak…I know you are up there in the AK…Someone asked you this in a thread earlier but I dont think I saw you respond…How well do you think Palin is going to do in a debate against Biden? She seems feisty to me and I think she should do well.
SoCalInfidel on August 29, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I thought this post would be much longer, but there’s plenty of time to add more examples.
forest on August 29, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I’ve been increasing impressed with how well the McCain campaign has been working the last 6 weeks. They seemed a little slow to get started, but once they did they’ve been on the mark.
ImRight on August 29, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I’m writing my check as soon as I send this. I never thought that I would be this excited about McCain, but this pick is awesome!!
McCain/Palin where can I get my bumper sticker?
caprian on August 29, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Its because of the nature of the VP picks…
Biden is a Washington insider who dilutes Obama’s messege of change… not an exciting pick, so don’t emphasis it…
Palin is a Washington outsider who is another Maverik, and is a VERY exciting pick for women and Evanagelicals… thus, emphasis it…
Romeo13 on August 29, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Obama got owned. Big time.
The orchestration, timing, and choice of McCain’s VP has been brilliant so far.
Kronos on August 29, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I cannot wait for the debate. I think Palin will make Biden look like a factless ogre.
Theworldisnotenough on August 29, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I was going to vote for McCain regardless (unless it was Lieberman – that would have been a different sort of game-changer) His choice of Palin is shrewd on a number of levels – and is another example of a campaign that’s been running on all cylinders lately.
I expect McCain is going to get a BIG increase in donations today.
Slublog on August 29, 2008 at 12:20 PM
donating to McCain! GREAT choice! I’m so excited!
bloghooligan on August 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I actually donated to Johnny Mac for a few months now. AND THE GAMBLE IS PAYING OFF HANDSOMELY…. and by all estimations HOTLY! Seriously, this is great news. I am still keeping my feelings low key, both not to jinx things and also because I live with a left wing professor at a major New York institution of higher learning (you can imagine who my neighbors are).
But I am getting jazzed about this election, and keeping this blessed land from being pushed over the brink.
GO MCCAIN/PALIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J.J. Sefton on August 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I love it!
Once again, (assuming I’m right and there is NO WAY Barry O’Hopenchange can win), the Republicans will lead the way actually accomplishing what Democrats talk about standing for.
And the Champion of Women and Minorities Party can forever live with the fact that the first female Vice President (and perhaps President?) was not only Republican, but a Conservative Republican, who likes to shoot moose and caribou!
Well done, Sen. McCain. You now have my vote, and not just against the Dems.
JamesLee on August 29, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Me 2!!!
I just got a campaign thing in the mail yesterday from McCain.
For the 1st time in my life, I feel compelled to give money to the GOP or any political party for that matter.
I seriously doubted McCain, always have. And he might be the person I end up giving some money to. How ironic.
TheHat on August 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
No no, use the Democrat talking point line…
Drinking Obama’s Milkshake…
Skywise on August 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
For all their elite “sophistication,” Team Obama sure is getting its butt kicked by the rubes from bitterland. They’ll whine about Rovian tactics, meanness and the rest like they always do but the fact will remain that Team McCain fundamentally understands the American people much better.
Because the McCain folks are the American people, as opposed to the haughty snobs who would deign to dictate to the ignorant masses.
Gilda on August 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
1. She will appeal to soccer moms who are mad that Obama didn’t even vet Hillary for veep.
2. She is an outdoorswoman who will appeal to men and the NRA money pot.
3. She has been gov for 2 years and Obama has been senator for 3 years (take away the year he has been campaigning). How can she be criticized as being too inexperienced to be Veep w/o throwing spotlight on how inexperienced Obama is to be president?
4. Right to life crowd will walk the last mile for her.
Labamigo on August 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Landslide. Count on it.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
A HAWT MILF JUMPS FROM MCCAIN’S BIRTHDAY CAKE…
Maaaaaan. AM I JUICED!!!
Obiden who?
(Hey Ed ;)
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Start sending money to Republican House candidates….NOW!!!
Let’s take back the House from San Fran (Do Nothing) Nan.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 29, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Has anyone looked around at the buzz on this? Not only is this story breaking records here and on other conservative sites, the left side is going completely and absolutely BONKERS about it. There are thousands upon thousands of posts over at Kos with a half dozen or more posts. Talkleft and Demo Underground are both looking like they’re going to break records for volume too. Wow. Who knew?
Immolate on August 29, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Stupification in Obamaville.
Yes, Team McCain has been masterful lately. When it comes to tactics, for the first time in a long, long time, our party is not the stupid party. Thank you thank you thank you!
petefrt on August 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
It’s a good pick. I like everything that I have seen from Palin so far. She’s a conservative who doesn’t have to convince you that she is a conservative.
ThackerAgency on August 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
A tingle is going up my leg…..
ANYBODY ELSE??????????
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
For the first time, I believe John McCain actually wants to be president.
drunkenmaster on August 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
More and more I believe that, a year ago, the Obama team did not think he had a prayer at being the nominee, and were just planning on getting a lot of exposure, campaign experience, and a possible VP slot, with the plan of getting him ready for 2012 (if Hilary loses in 2008) or 2016 (if Hillary won in 2008). He clearly hasn’t done his homework (you can make up for lack of experience, at least on the surface, if you have studied and have logical answers ready) and the campaign clearly isn’t ready for this, either.
exhelodrvr on August 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
This pick is absolutely BRILLIANT. BRILLIANT! I’m very excited about this woman possibly being our vice prez.
Metro on August 29, 2008 at 12:27 PM
I had my doubts, to be honest, about McCain, but have come around now. He seems to be running a very tight, intelligent campaign lately.
coyoterex on August 29, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Sarah Palin is an inspired choice by the old dog! For the first time this election season I’m actually excited about the Republican ticket and our chances of keeping the White House. Well done!
p.s. time to start donating to the McCain/Palin campaign
stu.b.con on August 29, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Alaska is about as far away from Washington as you can get.
AAnd please, Jobama, PLEEEEZ don’t even BREATHE the word “inexperience”.
OPRAH cried her her eyelashes out LAST NIGHT?
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:28 PM
DANG. I was hoping she would be in a FLAMING RED SUIT!!!!!!
BUT SHE LOOOOOOOOOOOOKS AAAAAAAAAAAMAZING!
…..here go my eyelashes…. **sniff**sniff**
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Oprah took a lot of grief in the primaries for supporting Obama over Hillary. It’ll be a lot more now, given the Obama snubbed Hillary on the ticket.
lorien1973 on August 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
McCain finally gets it right and in a big way. This will definitely be regarded as the tipping point in the 2008 campaign. The timing couldn’t have been better: Friday morning just before the Labor Day weekend. Genius, I say.
JimK on August 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Game over!!!
grapeknutz on August 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
omg, i just welled up with pride….not what i expected
Priscilla on August 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
I was just hoping McCain would nominate somebody that I could make myself vote for without choking. I was afraid that this would be the first time I stayed home since being old enough to vote. President McCain (forgive the audacity), thank you for giving me “hope”. I’ll see you at the polls.
Mini14 on August 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
I bet like many others here, everytime I got an RNC or McCain mailing asking for money I’d immediately toss it.
Now I’m going to open my wallet.
Well done, Senator!
SPCOlympics on August 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Yep, Me too… Love it! I am excited, this is gonna be FUN.
Sacwannabe on August 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Count me in as I do what I never ever thought I would do – put a McCain Palin bumpersticker on my car.
bill30097 on August 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM
McCain: Chess
OStammer: Checkers
Captain Hate on August 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM
How about “chewing Obama’s waffle?”
morganfrost on August 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM
WOW what a speech McCain just gave introducing Palin. WOW
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Ok, I’m tearing up…
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Is that the EARTH MOVING under my feet??….Is that the SKY tumblin’ down….
NOPE…..
THAT’S A LANDSLIDE IN THE MAKIN’ BAAAAABY!!!!!
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:32 PM
So much for the “experience” argument. Of course 2 whole years as governor should help her at 3AM when the White House medical staff cannot resuscitate Juan McShame. I’m sure someone explained to the governor how to dial 911.
DanKenton on August 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I’m watching Sarah and I’m elated. We can win this.
Baphomet on August 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I’m donating to a Republican for the first time as well, this is a great pick and one that will leave Obama’s minions muttering obscenities in the dark for months.
smfoushee on August 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I’m donating to Obama.
Given my donation history, every candidate I give to, loses.
So I repeat: I’m donating. To Obama.
choke on it, crime boy.
sulla on August 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM
SHE IS SO FINE!!!!! I AM LOVING PALIN!!!!! What a gal – mom of five, and she can kill and clean her own moose for dinner.
FRICKIN’ AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!
pullingmyhairout on August 29, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Yeah…me too….only now that she is talking about her son in the Army…its full fledged tears of JOY!!!!!!!!!!
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:34 PM
As a registered independent I guess I will have to make my very first political contribution online today.
I still have many issues with Johnny Mac but I believe now he is serious about saving the Republic from Obama.
That is good enough for me.
DeweyWins on August 29, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Ok, so many tears I can’t see the screen anymore…
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:34 PM
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
I just showed my husband the broadcast from Fox. (He’s doing a garage sale today.) He’s elated!
Where are the signs? I’m getting me one!
newton on August 29, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I am so pumped up by this!
I think I might even hold or a sign or two this time around!
kiakjones on August 29, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Anyone know her stance on border enforcement? That’s one of my big complaints about McCain…
SPCOlympics on August 29, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Where’s our Grue? There’s enough sour grapes in the leftosphere that he’s going to need medical attention after his feast!
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Man…she IS me……this is amazing…ED…..am I wrong?
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Committment.
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM
“If our state wanted I bridge, I said, we would build it ourselves”. Perfect.
amerpundit on August 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Lovin it
NOW i’ll back McCain fully to get Palin into office
Defector01 on August 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Of course you are going to see far more competence from the McCain campaign. This is why I can’t wait for the debates, so that the nation will be able to witness the absolute spectacle of just how incompetent B.O. really is on virtually everything under the sun.
pilamaye on August 29, 2008 at 12:38 PM
McCain’s team has done a GREAT job of working the media and the One. I much rather have a newbie as VP than President.
Fandango on August 29, 2008 at 12:38 PM
An NRA member? A hunting woman? Where can I find me one of these Palins?
freedom_nut on August 29, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Absolutely the right pick. Definitely a solid punch, hopefully a knock-out blow.
hburns on August 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM
My whole dang body is fizzing!
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM
My prediction will be that Hair Plugz (aka: Biden) will somehow be “removed” and “replaced” by Hillary.
FLIPPIZZLE.
Any takers?
jdubya on August 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM
LANDSLIDE IN NOVEMBER!
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM
DONATE DONATE DONATE….the only way to tell BIG MAC that we agree with his decision….I hope he sets an online record today…..
Just listening to her talk and comparing with Biden I can not wait for the debate….
SDarchitect on August 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I need to find a yard sign. FAST.
pullingmyhairout on August 29, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Yes, 150 days in the Senate before running for president is way better than that. And her actually having a real job before that is another negative (she once broke all her fingers working on a fishing boat). And to top that off, walking the pro-life walk is the final nail in that coffin. You’re right. Go obama.
drunkenmaster on August 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Capt’n Ed, I think many here are going to need some water after this…
Can you say… ahem… “Palin-asm”? Ahem…
newton on August 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Why wait for a BUMPER STICKER?
I am heading to the party store for a CAR MARKER right this minute!
I’m painting up the E320 wagon like a PALIN HOOPTY.
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM
She is ALL of us. She is every mom who stays home with her kids. She is every woman who wants to make her community a great place. And by God, she is now RUNNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT!!!!!
I feel like she is a kindred sister. And that is no joke.
pullingmyhairout on August 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Listening to her on Rush right now. The Dems are so toast.
bbz123 on August 29, 2008 at 12:40 PM
MCCAIN PALIN 2008: THE COMPETENCE AND HUMILITY WE DESERVE.
blatantblue on August 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Sarah is sounding a bit Reaganesque!
petefrt on August 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
RESOLVE, TOUGHNESS, STRENGTH OF HEART
You’ll never hear that out of Obama’s mouth.
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I think Mexicans like it warmer
Fandango on August 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
She is blowing last night’s speech out of the water. Minor mistake not featuring this in prime time.
Oh yeah, and she could beat Obama by herself if she were at the top of the ticket
econavenger on August 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Youth and exuberance is never a match for old age, experience, and treachery. Way to go, McCain! Woo Hoo!
Kafir on August 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
OOOops…need a referesher on how to pronounce “NUCLEAR”….yipes…
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:42 PM
YAY
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I didn’t think I would be quite this happy. She’s like if your next door neighbor was nominated for VP. I think this is pretty good! I feel re-engergized all of the sudden.
gator70 on August 29, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Obama who?
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
I am so excited I cannot to contain myself. I can’t wait for college to start again! It’s time to fight! Something to fight for finally!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHANGE WITH SUBSTANCE!!!!!
blatantblue on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Excellent point and spot on! I love it!
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Believe it or not, I think so, too!
newton on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
oooooooo Commander in Chief
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
It’s been so long since a VP has had to step up and replace a president, that I doubt very many people really factor in that possibility when deciding who to vote for.
MarkTheGreat on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Check “MATE” A gun toten, hockey playing mom! GREAT
theeyeman3410 on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Talk about letting the wind out of the Obama sails – fantastic!
And the Dems just got shown what a mistake it was not to nominate Hillary.
Common Sense on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Listening to Rush right now as he comments over Gov. Palin’s speech. He sounds elated. That’s a big change considering his bashing of McCain over the years. I’m sure he’s going to help solidify the base.
SPCOlympics on August 29, 2008 at 12:43 PM
want to be sickened – go to Huffington Post and read the progressive reaction.
Sexist, demeaning, and calling out her lack of experience.
Amazing.
Alan on August 29, 2008 at 12:44 PM
oooooooooooo women’s right to vote
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:44 PM
HOLY SHIT Geri Ferraro and Hillary Clinton
oh ho!
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
You might have something there, even though I believe that the Messiah himself believed his own hype and really started running for President during that speech at the 2004 convention. Whichever the case, his biggest problem, ever since he started getting some momentum, has been hubris . With the MSM so deep in his pocket, he actually started believing he is infallible. So when he’s thrown a curveball, he doesn’t know how to react and flails around like a chicken with his head cut off (I know. RAAAAAACIST!!!).
Their reaction to the Palin pick is a perfect example. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He, the Messiah, was supposed to be the one to Make History, and now McCain has stolen that from him. Now it doesn’t matter – whoever gets in will have made history. And not only that, but this was supposed to be his moment!! He should be basking in the praise of the MSM after the latest Most Awesome Speech Since The Invention Of Language Evah, and now McCain has even stolen that from him. How dare that old coot do this!!! He was supposed to just be a convienent foil on the way to his coronation as Emperor of all the World and now he’s actually running a campaign!! How dare he!!
Get Obama out of his comfort zone and he shows just how inexperienced he is. And Team McCain is doing a masterful job of keeping him out of there.
crazy_legs on August 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Palin: “We will shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.”
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
VERY impressive
Priscilla on August 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Sarah just busted that Democart glass ceiling WIIIIIIIDE open!
Howard Dean better grab a broom…he’s got a LOT of clean up ahead of him.
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Van Halen! Yeah!
gator70 on August 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
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