McCain ad: “Fact Check”
posted at 12:55 pm on September 10, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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The McCain campaign comes out with its second ad today, another attack on Barack Obama for the mudslinging at Sarah Palin since her announcement. Obviously, they have decided to fight fire with fire, and this ad also doesn’t pull punches. While Obama cries “Enough is enough,” the McCain campaign puts the onus for the latest eruption squarely on his shoulders:
The attacks on Governor Palin have been called “completely false”…”misleading”. And, they’ve just begun.
The Journal reports Obama “air-dropped a mini-army of 30 lawyers, investigators and opposition researchers” into Alaska to dig dirt on Governor Palin. As Obama drops in the polls, he’ll try to destroy her.
Obama’s “politics of hope”? Empty words.
The McCain campaign has to take care not to overdo it. They came out swinging, setting Obama back on his heels, but they don’t need to start acting like victims — or worse, to cast Palin as some helpless woman needing protection. Palin took a much better strategy at the Republican convention by ridiculing the media and campaign attacks and turning them around as weapons against her critics.
After today, they should take a much lighter touch with this. Poke fun at the desperation of the Left instead of trying to define who’s the biggest victim in this race. That strategy worked wonders for McCain this summer, especially since it punctured the sanctimonious Hopey-Changey rhetoric coming from Obama. They should stick with that winning formula.
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Personally, I think it’s time for another Messiah video. Perhaps he can storm into the MSM temple and turn over the tables of the money changers…
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 1:35 PM
I agree with Ed, Obama is getting tv time with this ad, better drop it..
I do like the wolves, and good that they are getting it out there that they did that(drop 30 lawyers into Alaska)
reshas1 on September 10, 2008 at 1:35 PM
Community organizer … and Governor.
Oh. My. God.
And that guy looked like Ed Grimley’s scary uncle.
wise_man on September 10, 2008 at 1:36 PM
As I mentioned on the previous thread, Team McCain has been playing D’oh!bama with genius.
As others have said, this thread not only helps pre-blunt future attacks on Gov. Palin, it pulls Team O even further off balance and gets them all set to fight the “we weren’t smearing” battle.
So now it’s time for Team M to switch attacks.
Let’s see…
They’ve knocked huge holes in his ‘jugdement to lead’
They’ve flattened his ‘new politics’
Time to go after his ‘hope’ by contrasting his vague assertions with some solid plans. Say, how many jobs raising business taxes kills vs. how many jobs we gain here if we drill here.
KCSteve on September 10, 2008 at 1:37 PM
The point that you’re glossing over, is that the Obamessiah claimed to be a new type of politician. Such horrible, despicable tactics were beneath him.
Doesn’t this sort of blow his ‘new politics’ out of the water?
Darksean on September 10, 2008 at 1:37 PM
Drywall-
So what you’re saying is that Obama is just a normal politician?
So then the “change” from “politics as usual” is “just words”?
Chuck Schick on September 10, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Ed, lets not get too nuanced about this, the ad tracked the target and delievered its message.
dmann on September 10, 2008 at 1:39 PM
Here’s the new McCain-Palin ad.
Keep in mind that Obama interjected the lipstick comment as he was criticizing McCain and Palin on their earmark record. Unless I’m missing something, this issue is clearly with McCain-Palin. Thus, the ad should have McCain and Palin standing on different sides of a nice big chart that provides the dollar value of earmarks that McCain ($0 forever), Obama (huge figure), and Biden (some figure) have secured since Obama entered the Senate. McCain’s figure might note $0 forever. Biden’s might go back beyond 2004. Somehow Palin’s record as a governor would be factored in.
At any rate, McCain would speak briefly to introduce Obama’s comment. Maybe it’d be best to replay Obama’s comment. Then, McCain would pause, and Palin would say, “Senator Obama you said that we couldn’t put lipstick on a pig.” [pregnant pause as she glances at McCain, smirks, and produces a thingy of lipstick] “Well, I’ve got your lipstick, Senator Obama, and I’ve got your pig right here.” Palin would then take her bright red lipstick, walk up to the chart, and draw a big red circle around the numbers starkly contrasting the earmarks that the candidates have requested.
BuckeyeSam on September 10, 2008 at 1:39 PM
Beep beep, indeed Dave. Consider getting out of the way or the McCain/Palin Express will squash you flat.
Our victory is inevitable. Resistance is futile.
ManlyRash on September 10, 2008 at 1:41 PM
Exactly.
Y-not on September 10, 2008 at 1:41 PM
While true, I do hope this is the last of these ads put out by the McCain / Palin campaign.
desertdweller on September 10, 2008 at 1:41 PM
Sir, enough with the “f” bomb. You are an invited guest on this site.
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Having a little trouble expressing ourselves without the help of well-placed asterisks, aren’t we?
How can an ad pointing out Obama’s hypocrisy be hypocritical?
Slublog on September 10, 2008 at 1:43 PM
didn’t I see on HA somewhere that Dave Rywall is not an American citizen? Just curious..
meoky on September 10, 2008 at 1:44 PM
FWIW: I think it is a good ad and points out Obama’s hypocrisy.
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 1:46 PM
I’m thinking Canada? But then I had a neighbor who never voted in any election but reserved the right to complain about everything and knew how to solve all of the government’s problems. Go figure…
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Go figure…
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Indeed. This dumb ‘ole redneck from Mississippi can’t figure that one out either..
meoky on September 10, 2008 at 1:50 PM
meoky on September 10, 2008 at 1:44 PM
“Mars is amazing!”
dmann on September 10, 2008 at 1:50 PM
This is gonna leave a mark! Wolves indeed!!
Marines for Mccain on September 10, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 1:47 PM –
As they say around here, out in fly-over land “If you are not a registered voter, you are an unlicensed complainer.”
coldwarrior on September 10, 2008 at 1:51 PM
As soon I saw the wolves I wondered how the left would spin it and bam!
From TPM
186k on September 10, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Excellent! Far and away the best treatment of the ‘community organizer’ issue to date. Thanks.
petefrt on September 10, 2008 at 1:51 PM
I think this plays well for the Hillary folks who maybe haven’t been able to put aside the other issues and completely focus on Obama’s sexism.
Not anything in this ad directly says that. But when Obama got under fire in the Primary he got down and dirty and there are many people who didn’t like what they saw then and don’t like what they see now.
That’s the audience I think. I’d do an ad buy with this one. The pig one is good for the internet crowd (us).
petunia on September 10, 2008 at 1:51 PM
I’ve come to realize that I read this site as much for the articles as I do the posts and responses. You guys (gals) are funny…
meoky on September 10, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Personally, I think it’s time for another Messiah video. Perhaps he can storm into the MSM temple and turn over the tables of the money changers…
Mr_Magoo on September 10, 2008 at 1:35 PM
Marines for Mccain on September 10, 2008 at 1:55 PM
This ad is a work of genius. Every poll in existence says that the great majority of people say they believe the media is in favor or Obama and want him to win.
This ad is much more about the media then Obama. What they do in this ad is very nicely tie Obama to every negative story being written about Palin. Obama stepped all over his d**k yesterday and gave McCain the opening he needed and now they have him.
Davis and Schmidt are running circles around Axelrod and company. This is going to be embarrassing to the Dims if they keep this up.
Jdripper on September 10, 2008 at 1:59 PM
This is a superior ad. Doesn’t play on victimhood yet illustrates the nature of the attack. Very, very good ad.
Spirit of 1776 on September 10, 2008 at 1:59 PM
I agree. I don’t think it indicates Governor Palin is a victim – I think it indicates that Obama is a B/S artist, whose rhetoric of a different kind of politics is nothing more than words. And people need to know that.
capitalist piglet on September 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM
I thought that 04 ad was a good ad. But it may not play well on Palin and McCain when Obama gets a hold of it.
I hope someone has an answer ready to go when the obivious is said.
petunia on September 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM
This ad also provides a bit of innoculation to things that might actully be found in Alaska.
Oooh! THEN, when the things found are small and stupid, pull the ‘cry wolf’ action on them, further innoculating them in case something bigger comes up.
Darksean on September 10, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Back for more, eh mapleleaf?
Want to know the difference? The right dug up solid reasons of why voting for a junior liberal senator from Illinois that attended a documented anti-American for 20 years who is a friend of an unrepentant domestic terrorist and has a campaigning wife that hates America and is blatantly hateful towards white people(bittergate) that thinks that procreation is punishment isn’t such a good idea.
The left has stated that voting for McCain/Palin is a bad idea because:
McCain was tortured for his country
Palin was a Mayor and Governor
Palin is a woman
Palin has a pregnant teenage daughter
Palin cut taxes in her state and balanced the budget better
Both McCain and Palin have taken on the Republican party when they’ve displayed that they weren’t working for the good of the American public
McCain is 72
Palin has a special needs child (and decided not to ruthlessly murder that child or in liberallanguage – Punishment)
And you sick twisted people think that the smears have been equal in this race?
Dave do us a favor and keep your opinions where they belong. They aren’t welcome in my country. Nor are you.
leetpriest on September 10, 2008 at 2:08 PM
didn’t I see on HA somewhere that Dave Rywall is not an American citizen? Just curious..
meoky on September 10, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Rywall is a Canadian, but don’t blame all Canadians on Rywall. Canada has a load of really great principled people; Rywall is simply a typical nutter type of Liberal that can be found in most countries around the world. Sissy, whiny, angry Liberal…
Keemo on September 10, 2008 at 2:11 PM
This isn’t about playing victim, it’s about attacking his “new politics” brand and portraying him as the harball tactics pol that he is.
Heywood U. Reedmore on September 10, 2008 at 2:12 PM
Hmmm, a troll commenter is losing it as fast as his candidate. Drop an f-bomb. Flip off Hillary. Call an opponent a pig.
EconomicNeocon on September 10, 2008 at 2:12 PM
This latest ad is meant to offer some variety to the attacks on Obama. Just when he thought the derisive approach was all he had to worry about (Has anyone seen the lame Obama ad that tries to poke fun at McCain that came a good month after McCain started poking fun at him?), now come the uppercuts born of (yes, feigned) outrage. This also keeps Palin on the headlines, which Obama has yet to realize is the best way to guarantee a McCain victory.
Derision. Anger. Can’t wait for Shame and Humiliation.
EMD on September 10, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Sarah Palin did not just wake up one morning and say, “Gee, think I’ll be governor,” and just waltz into the State House.
Her road to the State House was filled with a lot of folks who didn’t want to see her anywhere near the governor’s office. A lot of mud was thrown at her. All of it public record. None of it stuck. Frankly, it was dust.
Now, a few years later, Palin is running for VP.
If the mud didn’t stick in her run for governor…there ain’t no mud there now…
This fishing expedition in Alaska is a waste of Obama campaign dollars, is costing Obama votes, and there is no there there…
But, if Obama wants to give more money to lawyers, investigators and reporters…and it comes to one hell of a lot of money, so much so, the Obama campaign can’t even donate stickers to a Girl Scout Troop…have at it, Barry.
If the Obama campaign wants to provide all sorts of choice material for GOP campaign ads…have at it, Barry.
And the morning of 5 November, when you and Michelle sit down to waffles, take a good hard look at yourself. Admit there is no one to blame for your loss, ‘cept, you, Barry.
Like this Alaskan fishing expedition, there just wasn’t any there there.
coldwarrior on September 10, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Rywall, this one’s for you…
The cost of yard work – $50, the insight of a child – priceless…
I was talking to a friend of mine’s little girl the other day. I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she replied, “I want to be President!” Both of her parents are liberal Democrats and were standing there. So then I asked her, “If you were President what would
be the first thing you would do?” She replied, “I’d give houses to all the homeless people.” “Wow – what a worthy goal.” I then told her, “You don’t have to wait until you’re President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I’ll pay you $50. Then I’ll take you over to the grocery store where this homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him
the $50 to use toward a new house.” Since she is only 6, she thought that over for a few seconds. While her Mom glared at me, she looked me straight in the eye and asked, “Why doesn’t the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?” And I said, “Welcome to the Republican Party.” Her folks still aren’t talking to me.
Just one of many basic differences between the Liberal mind and the Conservative mind.
Keemo on September 10, 2008 at 2:29 PM
I love the smell of fear. I hope M-P campaign keeps it up! She (Palin) has reved up the base and the left is spinning!
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Keemo on September 10, 2008 at 2:29 PM –
Priceless!
[I live in a college town, all sorts of liberals around here. One by one, I , along with friends, are converting them, one by one. ]
coldwarrior on September 10, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Bravo “leetpriest” . . . give him hell.
rplat on September 10, 2008 at 2:35 PM
I don’t have any problem with Democrat operatives being air-dropped.
That’s from a high altitude and without parachutes, right? If not, then I am outraged!
Master Shake on September 10, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Has there ever been a time in US history where a presidential candidate exhausted so much energy on their opponent’s running mate? Fine Obama, its your campaign funds, spend them the way you see fit.
GO McCain, Go Palin!
mindhacker on September 10, 2008 at 2:45 PM
The left has stated that voting for McCain/Palin is a bad idea because:
McCain was tortured for his country
——————-
You’re out of your mind. Nobody ever said this was a reason to not vote for McCain. Post a single link. Just one. Or stfu.
Palin was a Mayor and Governor
——————-
Who said this was a reason to not vote for her?
Palin is a woman
——————-
Nobody ever said this
Palin has a pregnant teenage daughter
——————-
Nobody ever said this
Palin cut taxes in her state and balanced the budget better
——————–
Better than whom? Write this in English and I’ll respond
Both McCain and Palin have taken on the Republican party when they’ve displayed that they weren’t working for the good of the American public
——————
Ahh, so you throw the entire party under the bus. Wyy can’t you take responsibility for the past 8 years? Why won;t McCain talk about the last 8 years? He supported Bush completely.
McCain is 72
——————
Well, he is of medium to poor health. How many pages was his medical documentaiton again? 200 pages?
Palin has a special needs child
——————-
Nobody ever said this was a reason to not vote for McCain.
leetpriest on September 10, 2008 at 2:08 PM
————–
You’re so full of sh*t it’s unbelievable.
Dave Rywall on September 10, 2008 at 2:46 PM
The difference here, though, is you’re either on offense or you’re on defense. Better to stay on offense with varying degrees of forward assault…
eanax on September 10, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Honestly, is a civil keyboard too much for you to manage?
Slublog on September 10, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Dude. You keep doing it backwards.
The other person’s words go INSIDE:
<blockquote> You can put lipstick on a pig </blockquote>
then your words go AFTER that. You’re putting your words inside, and the person you’re quoting outside.
The Monster on September 10, 2008 at 2:53 PM
We are conservative Americans. We wish to make the United States a truly free and truly prosperous republic. Your liberal political philosophy will be defeated and assimilated into the mainstream of normal American life. Obama’s political strength is overestimated and irrelevant. He will lose in November.
Our victory is inevitable. Resistance is futile.
ManlyRash on September 10, 2008 at 2:54 PM
I don’t spend a whole lot of time perusing the comment sections here, so maybe someone can bring me up to speed on who this badly misguided Dave Rywall troll is, and who or what made him so unpleasant.
Edouard on September 10, 2008 at 2:55 PM
I heard Picard as Loqutis (spelling?) when I read that post!
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Dave Rywall is a nutoots resident of Canada, kindred spirit of the Kos Kidz and resident of the fever swamp blogosphere who bitterly clings to his beer bong and his tattered copy of Das Capital.
ManlyRash on September 10, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Locutus. Trek on, my friend. I have lived long enough to remember Star Trek: The Old Generation.
ManlyRash on September 10, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Well stated. I don’t want to see the right engage in the same sort of victim-identity politics that the left has used for so long now. We’re supposed to be above that stuff. Besides, the American electorate hates perceived weakness. Let Sarah be Sarah. She’s clearly capable of fighting her own battles.
holygoat on September 10, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Why can’t people that don’t live in this country STAY OUT OF OUR POLITICS!!!? sorry about the yelling but sometimes it’s just too much.
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 3:01 PM
Edouard on September 10, 2008 at 2:55 PM
You must not spend much time around Liberals. Rywall is just a typical Liberal; angry, bitter, hateful, resentful, and to boot he has a very high opinion of himself.
Thousands of these creatures run around these parts.
Keemo on September 10, 2008 at 3:02 PM
YEs someone call McCain’s campaign and tell them to DROP IT!
Sarah Palin is a STRONG woman and we do not want her to be made out to be a whiny liberal victim.
On to something else PRONTO!
HoosierCon on September 10, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Why can’t people that don’t live in this country STAY OUT OF OUR POLITICS!!!? sorry about the yelling but sometimes it’s just too much.
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 3:01 PM
I agree. Strongly. While I do realize that what the USA does ultimately affects others (yep, we’re that good), I can’t wrap my head around the anger from outsiders…
meoky on September 10, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Rywall does dont speak for all Daves out here..
Please do not confuse me with him..
(doubt that would happen :)
Thank you.
Dave Corley.
DaveC on September 10, 2008 at 3:06 PM
just read on HA that “Mamoud I’m in a jihad” is coming to the UN Sept. 13- get the UN out of the US and vice-versa. I hope he spouts his love for the “One”- that will really piss off some people. Nothing like having terrorists on your side.
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 3:08 PM
ManlyRash- thanks for the spelling.
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 3:10 PM
I agree. I think this ad is a bit melodramatic. Don’t patronize and use the public…we understand and see what it going on. Don’t milk it…let it happen. It will and people will see.
Mommypundit on September 10, 2008 at 3:13 PM
But is he ready to lead?
No.
crr6 on September 10, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Youtube will be pulling this ad from the site in 5,4,3….
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 3:21 PM
My pleasure, Kareyk. The response I gave him is worth saving elsewhere for reference everytime he appears. Simply copy and paste it into your response and say nothing else. It works like a dose of Troll-B-Gone.
For your edification I’ll repeat it:
We are conservative Americans. We wish to make the United States a truly free and truly prosperous republic. Your liberal political philosophy will be defeated and assimilated into the mainstream of normal American life. Obama’s political strength is overestimated and irrelevant. He will lose in November.
Our victory is inevitable. Resistance is futile.
ManlyRash on September 10, 2008 at 3:21 PM
DRywall certainly does not speak for all Canadians either – just the stupid ones (which, granted, there seem to be too many of).
Paradox Drive on September 10, 2008 at 3:24 PM
ManlyRash- I hope you are correct- but I’m very nervous about a November surprise like, 5000 dead people voting in Chicago. Not that it would be a surprise….
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 3:27 PM
+100 Team Maverick… PLEASE read this!
dominigan on September 10, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Anytime you can get wolves into a commercial, the results are beneficial.
Oxybeles on September 10, 2008 at 3:51 PM
This ad will be pulled when, once again, it is discovered that McCain idiots failed to get permission to use various footage in it. More of the same, more of the same.
Dave Rywall on September 10, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Dave Rywall- you seem very angry. You call people derogatory names- a lot. What’s up? Not very effective.. people stop listening when you talk down to them. Not that your views are taken seriously but really you do sound angry and hostile. If you don’t like us- leave.
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 4:10 PM
As has been expressed by the author and commentors, the chance to overplay our hand here is great and would leave a really bad taste in my mouth.
I actually got out a pen and paper last night and wrote a letter to the campaign after seeing the Kindergarten / Sex Ed ad. I think that there are enough valid arguments against our opposition. No need to get out there and a) stretch the truth or b) play the victim.
I fell in love with Sarah when she came out swinging at the convention after a week of bashing. (There was no victim talk there – That was one of the main things that got me rooting for her!) In my opinion, there’s no need play the victim now (it does not become her) and it makes me like her less to see her framed that way.
Obama’s pig comment was seen by many, many people via youtube and the news programs. Clear thinking viewers could easily see that Obama was referencing her.
This new ad is unnecessary and I hope we won’t see more like this.
The American public is smart enough to see what a vile man Obama is without ads like this. Just let him keep talking. Better to let folks realize the truth themselves than to have it shoved down their throats.
That being said, I am still very excited about the Palin pick. As a working, conservative mom of three small children, she is inspiring and has definitely changed my enthusiasm about this election.
(Sorry to be so wordy! First time posting! Lots to say!)
PS – How do I get line breaks in here???
unmeritedfavor on September 10, 2008 at 4:18 PM
actually the sex ed thing is correct from what I’ve read. It seems that the original version was 6-12, but that was struck through and “K” replaced 6. I’ll try to find it and link it- I’m new also. Been reading this site for awhile but new to the process.
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 4:25 PM
ManlyRash: “Our victory is inevitable. Resistance is futile.”
Bite your tongue!
Remember the last politician whose victory was ‘inevitable?’
ClintACK on September 10, 2008 at 4:28 PM
read it here
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Mr.Drywall please visit this link and click the box at right. It might help you.
deptofredundancydept on September 10, 2008 at 4:47 PM
I agree. Less lipstick, more pit bull.
A better approach would have been to use the Obama quote as a lead-in to more substantive discussions. Something like:
“While Obama is busy refining his lipstick metaphors, we are forging our [energy/foreign/economic] policy…” and then actually, you know, talk about those policies. That does several things: it reminds people that Obama is being a jerk without actually playing the victim card; it emphasizes Obama’s weaknesses: elitist, image-centric, ineffectual, etc.; it demostrates that, ultiametly, Palin is tough enough to ignore the slime without actually letting the Dems get away with it.
JackOfClubs on September 10, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Excellent ad. I liked the wolves. Perfect.
UnEasyRider on September 10, 2008 at 4:59 PM
@kareyk:
Technically the bill did not require teaching sex ed in K-12, it just said that any such class must include the topic of HIV.
JackOfClubs on September 10, 2008 at 5:05 PM
“Each class or course in comprehensive sex education offered in any of grades K 6 through 12 shall include instruction on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including the prevention, transmission and spread of HIV
AIDS. I don’t know how or why any kindergartner needs to be taught about any of those things.kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Thx JackofClubs. like the handle!
kareyk on September 10, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Thats a damn good ad. The imagery of the wolves…perfect!
bagadeez04 on September 10, 2008 at 7:04 PM
I think we all remember what Gov. Palin recommends for an ovarabundance of predators, hm?
Claire on September 11, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Team McCain needs to keep doing EXACTLY what they have been doing and they need to NOT listen to those who are giving them bad advise to take it easy on “The Messiah”! These ads are wonderful!
sabbott on September 11, 2008 at 7:47 AM
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