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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Team Hope and Change responds:
Bwahahaha, big change…
reaganaut on August 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
OK, that was unbelievable,,,
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Van Palin
CanadianGuy on August 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
You know, I think she’ll do just fine with the attack dog role.
Slublog on August 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
BEST COMBO EVER!
GOP ‘08
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Ok everyone, what did you think so far?
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I’m so excited I’m typ-o-ing all over….
SO WAHT ABOUT THAT VanHalen? That didn’t suck.
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
OMG, Palin was awesome!
A W E S O M E !
Could well be a landslide in the making.
petefrt on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
You and me both.
Finally put my money where my mouth is this election.
$100 well spent IMO.
Yakko77 on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Hey, if I were in Barry’s shoes, I’d try to bury Biden too…
McCain/Palin
Mew
acat on August 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
V
Nicely done.
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
They are playing Van Halen in the background! Trig’s name is van Palin! I love it!
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I already donated to VfF a short while ago and I think it’s been a while since I sent the NRA a few extra bucks.
Thank God for overtime at work. I’ll need it this election. LOL!!!!!
Yakko77 on August 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
As I said, every politician would benefit with a degree in journalism. Palin delivers the message on target with gusto in time.
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Be sure to tell the McCain campaign you were referred by HOTAIR.COM when you donate!
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Um, no thanks. But I hope they drive away even more professional women from Obama.
The behavior of the Obamabots has been a real liability for him. Not as large a liability as Wright, Ayers, and Dohrn, but definitely a problem.
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
The song after Palin’s speech: Right Now (Van Halen?)
Count to 10 on August 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I’m pumped. Good pick, good speech.
p0s3r on August 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Damn, and Limbaugh is happy with McCain? wowzer
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
MSM saying this is a surprise selection – not to Hot Air enthusiasts!
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I’m not taking that. I’ll be surprised if that happens. 1) It’ll make Obama look like he’s running scared, and 2) Obama is way too arrogant to actually believe he made the wrong choice.
crazy_legs on August 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM
HA!
I think this thing is basically over, at this point.
urbancenturion on August 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Go to http://www.gop.com and http://www.johnmccain.com and send them money! Do it now!
D0WNT0WN on August 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM
MSNBC just can’t seem to let go of the fact they didn’t expect Palin.
And it still just baffles me that kos kidz think the VP having 10 years of executive experience removes the argument that their presidential pick has ZER0.
darury on August 29, 2008 at 12:50 PM
No fist bumping today…
Mr_Magoo on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Anyone doubt she can go toe-to-toe with Amtrak Joe?
CanadianGuy on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM
She just finished her remarks. Awesome. She will be in the White House for a long time. McCain for four years and Palin for the following eight.
She hit all the right notes, starting with the introduction of her family. She explained their oldest son couldn’t be there because he is getting ready to deploy to Iraq. Both candidates have sons in Iraq.
Mallard T. Drake on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM
that was an awesome display, i tearedup a couple time lol
trailortrash on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Oprah must be crying her replacement eyelashes off after seeing her beloved chosen one upstaged today and having to deal with the cognitive dissonance of abandoning the women of America in both parties.
econavenger on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM
wait, this is the old mccain thing….from the intro?
already heard this….Limbaugh is replaying the beginning?
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Lack of experience?!?!?!?
City Councilwoman, Mayor, and Governor?????
That’s “Lack of Experience”?????
I’m sorry, but someone has to say it: “Bulls***!“
newton on August 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I am pumped for this election now! McCain/Palin ‘08! Nobama!!!!!
keepinitreal on August 29, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Uh didn’t Lord Obama have some sort of speech last night?..funny I don’t hear anyone talking about it even though it was supposed to be the greatest speech given since MLK’s “I have a Dream”speech.
mlong on August 29, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I hope she napalms DC during her 8 years as VP, then roars into the Oval Office for another 8 years of anti-liberal carnage.
OUTSTANDING
LimeyGeek on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
‘I Have a Nightmare’, by Barak Whatsyacallit
Limerick on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
h/t: reaganaut on August 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
They’re going to to talk about foreign policy experience? Obama doesn’t have any. Bill Clinton didn’t have any–he practially still doesn’t!
urbancenturion on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I am speaking as a mother of two wild boys…as a sorority sister….I know five kids won’t leave a ton of time for hairdos—got it—but please***can we get her a hair makeover?** please**
Please don’t throw a shoe at me for saying that. I LOVE LOVE LOVE HER.
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
More like a magazine slap…
SPCOlympics on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I’m in shock, Limbaugh is replaying McCain’s introduction of Palin. Limbaugh doesn’t even like McCain, but it was a hell of a strong intro…
just in shock
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Chris Matthews has a tingle going down his leg.
IT’S URINE!!!
Sarah just hit the “brown note” for the Dumbocrats. They’re all sh!tting their pants.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Obama’s spokesman was supposed to do an interview with Fox in response to the selection. Apparently he didn’t get there.
amerpundit on August 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
——————-*burst*———————
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I am going to let that one slide this time.
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
+1
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
The trash-attacks began -9-8-7-6…..
Limerick on August 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
LAME stop sounding like a stupid, shallow woman. It makes the rest of us look suspect. You want women taken seriously? Don’t talk about her hair.
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
This is GREAT!
This could be the set-up for the first woman president of the US!
And a conservative at that!
I’m lovin’ it!
Or should I say McLovin it?
busparking on August 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Ain’t that great? No one’s talking about the Messiah’s speech anymore! She and McCain deflated the huge ego balloon right out!
Woo-Hoo!
newton on August 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
It looks like the Obama campaign is wasting no time in stepping into the bear trap. They’re bashing her for having been a mayor of a small town (yes, insult small towns some more) and being in bed with big oil (false).
What a bunch of morons.
forest on August 29, 2008 at 12:57 PM
I am glad everyone seem too like, my Gov., Sarah!
I am only sharing her with you all now. When she is done I would like to have her returned in one piece, please. :)
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 12:57 PM
How impressed am I? I just sent Juan $50 as a thank you. I LOVE THIS LADY!
What a brilliant move, both risky, unexpected and bold, putting the disaffected Hillary supporters into play. Someone at Team McCain knows what they are doing.
leftnomore on August 29, 2008 at 12:57 PM
I am sooooo happy right now! Can’t concentrate on work.
Did I say how HAPPY I am right now?
danjrussell on August 29, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I’m Techie, and I approve of this Veep pick.
Techie on August 29, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Hey! How did ya get the heart key?
newton on August 29, 2008 at 12:58 PM
McCain to Obama: “I drink your milkshake”
grapeape on August 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
McCain’s speech is so much better….in so many ways. Passionate, postitive, and actually introducing change, not just more liberal whining and handouts.
funky chicken on August 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Funny…the Party of “Change” is running on the same old same old, and their convention showed it clearly.
The alleged Party of “the Old” is running on real Change for America.
Gotta hand it to the McCain/Palin Team. Palin hit all the right notes, hit on a few things the Dems just throw words at, and demonstrated that the common man/woman has a place in the GOP. We, here in Ohio, have our work cut out for us…but this team, McCain/Palin, well, it is going to make that effort all the more easy.
coldwarrior on August 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Excellent summary in that whole post. And this is the cherry on the sundae. +1
BTW, am looking forward to sharp, relentless Palin eviscerating Biden in the debates. Just too fun. LOL
inviolet on August 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
OK so far. She is not the most dynamic speaker, but she didn’t blow it. We shall see.
So far so good.
saiga on August 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I bet the Sarah-Palin Hairdo is going to be imitated by masses of women.
evenfarer on August 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
This just in…
Olberman refuses to get out of his bathtub. All MSNBC staffers breathe a sigh of relief.
I can’t believe it, but I’m actually a little excited about Palin as a pick.
Nethicus on August 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
This is a great post and Palin is a great pick.
It makes McCain much more palatable, and does provide some much needed energy for the conservative base.
Obambi must be kicking himself this morning…
catmman on August 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Allah pours ice water on the party in 5….4….3…2…
Limerick on August 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Uncle Joe is a knife fighter. It will be interesting to see how Biden handles her. She may be up to it, but time will tell.
saiga on August 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Neither one of them said one negative word about Obambiden
pappy on August 29, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Remember that next time you see her.
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
The experience issue isn’t as big for the VP nominee as it is for the presidential nominee. Unless McCain keels over on Day #1, Palin can be groomed and brought along during the McCain administration. Obama, on the other hand, has to be ready to take the reigns from Day #1 – actually from the Day of the election.
Other than that, she has way more administrative experience than Barry has; but if the Dems want to have this debate, then bring it.
PackerBronco on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
WHAT? About the HAIR? …Its SO nothing…but I am a WOMAN, and I know that they have NOTHING ELSE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT with her…so I assume they will start to focus on her looks. We call Hillary a skank (and rightly so) …..so stand by for The VIEW chicks to start slamming the hair.
And they will have THAT, if NOTHING else. She couldn’t get the Pelosi, pre- inaugural makeover BEFORE TODAY but she can SURELY justify it now that the secret is out. Thats all I’m saying.
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Mika is gushing on MSNBC
CanadianGuy on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Rush seems to be really pleased with her, just like us. He thinks she’s tough enough, too.
petefrt on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Oh yeah! The “bitter gun-and-Bible clingers”! Lovely!
They are just reminding people of why they are so despised!
newton on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
I like it. A politician who knows how to say what she wants in a clear and fairly concise manner, and maybe most importantly she knows when to stop. We could use a bit more clarity of thought in DC.
lindensg on August 29, 2008 at 1:01 PM
The choice of Palin will draw those women who wanted Hillary, especially those obsessed with gender politics. McCain saw an opportunity and seized it, just as he has the past few months.
Now if only he’d get rid of “Juan” Hernandez…
Nethicus on August 29, 2008 at 1:02 PM
brilliant!! just made my contribution!!
neal7 on August 29, 2008 at 1:02 PM
If she can skin a grizzly, she can skin a biden.
PackerBronco on August 29, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Seejanemom-
I hear where you’re going, but as a news producer, I think her hair looks fabulous. It’s a great look for TV. But hey- rational people can disagree, and whatever- this is really, really exciting.
Talk about going in for the kill! Bravo, McCain/Palin campaign!
tmi3rd
tmi3rd on August 29, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Any MSM attempt at smearing Palin will be repulsed in every home by every woman. THEIR ratings will fall; not Sarah’s.
Again, as per the threat of losing life comparing cancer to double aneurysms, McCain’s the better survivor by far. Even if worse comes to worse, cancer leaves transitional time and aneurysms don’t.
Finally, Biden having already suffered two aneurysms, has no chance at surviving a third that could be artificially forced leaving no trace of the assassination. Obama would be left with a free hand in replacing his VP should Biden perform poorly for the Progressive Marxists.
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
a program called Text Edit, has a menu called special characters. Or google “unicode dingbats”
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Obama in a landslide – 55% of the popular vote, > 340 EVs
You heard it here first.
Big S on August 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Hello…Carl? Carl??? Carl Rove??? I know you’re around here somewhere!
sdd on August 29, 2008 at 1:03 PM
I think the old timers here can testify that I’m anything but a shallow woman…..
LIMERICK…????
seejanemom on August 29, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Did you notice that they played Van Halen’s “Right Now” when she finished? Awesome.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 29, 2008 at 1:04 PM
I don’t think Rush saw this coming.
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 1:05 PM
The RNC speech next week will be the true test. I will be watching. One has to admit, the RNC speech will be extremely intimidating I would imagine. If she can deliver the mail there, that would make a huge difference.
saiga on August 29, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Obama-lovers despise all powerful women. While conservatives have even softened and warmed to Hillary while nominating Palin.
That’s the new election meme for 2008.
econavenger on August 29, 2008 at 1:06 PM
.
She just proved it in her acceptance speech.
I CAN’T WAIT TO VOTE FOR HER WITH MCCAIN
and dethrone Pelosi-Reid in the offing.
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Thanks!
newton on August 29, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Rove was on FOX at around 4:30 AM my time (Alaska ) so 8:30 AM ET. I knew Sarah had gotten the VP because ROVE have the Skyline of Anchorage in the background. I still think it was great and still smile about it.
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 1:07 PM
ha ha ha. Go get some comfort food. Maybe some macaroni and cheese and a big tub of ice cream. You know you want to.
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Awsome choice!
Andria Mitchell at MSNBC is devastated, somebody needs to get her off the air before she blurts into tears.
And you know the lefties and nutroots like the Dailykos kids are in full panic mode when the head nutroot Markos puts up three posts in 30 minutes sliming Palin.
186k on August 29, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Sarah is phenomenal!!!! :)
Dariaanne on August 29, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Biden was a dud. With her, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating next week at her acceptance speech.
saiga on August 29, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Any guesses as to how Olbermann handles this tonight?
Any bets that Palin makes his Worst People in the World list?
MarkTheGreat on August 29, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Just wait until the attack ads start rolling. It won’t even be close…
Big S on August 29, 2008 at 1:08 PM
1st Polls after the weekend will be very interesting
Lets look for a McCain/Palin bounce before the convention
caprian on August 29, 2008 at 1:09 PM
On what? Wooten, the pyscho State Trooper who tazed his OWN SON! Give me a damn break. Sarah is squeaky clean…
upinak on August 29, 2008 at 1:09 PM
The entire dem narative is now smashed to bits.
ebrawer on August 29, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Just watch this Sarah Palin picture in the link.
Watch Leftists cower in fear!
This is too delicious!!!!
newton on August 29, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Terrific!
Pat in NC on August 29, 2008 at 1:10 PM
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