McCain Ad: “Disrespectful”
posted at 7:30 am on September 12, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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See if you can catch the oxymoron inherent in the new campaign ad from John McCain:
He was the world’s biggest celebrity, but his star’s fading. So they lashed out at Sarah Palin.
Dismissed her as “good looking.” That backfired, so they said she was doing, “what she was told.” Then desperately called Sarah Palin a liar.
How disrespectful.
And how Governor Sarah Palin proves them wrong, every day.
The McCain campaign has called Barack Obama “the world’s biggest celebrity” for two months now, and not for bad reasons, either. However, after doing that, I don’t think they have much room to complain about a lack of respect from their opponent. “Good looking” sounds about the same as “celebrity” in this context.
Let’s not go down the road of becoming victims now, please. Republicans don’t win those kinds of arguments. The campaign needs to stick to the messages that really resonate with the public — energy policy, national security, and proven track records of reform. Attack ads should focus on Obama’s lack of experience and his doctrinaire liberal voting record, especially on the vote to protect infanticide in Illinois.
It’s Friday. Hopefully, this will be the last day of Victim Week.
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Yep, quite the whining junk.
Mr. Bingley on September 12, 2008 at 7:34 AM
I didn’t care much for the lipstick ad, either.
mwdiver on September 12, 2008 at 7:34 AM
I have to agree. Stick to the message. It’s what is working.
JellyToast on September 12, 2008 at 7:39 AM
Disrispectful is code. Female viewers will read: sexist.
That is what the ad is getting it. It accuses them of sexism without all the hang-ups of slinging that tag around.
cyclosarin on September 12, 2008 at 7:40 AM
Someone call McCain. Quick.
This is not us. This is the junk that makes us sick when they do it.
unmeritedfavor on September 12, 2008 at 7:41 AM
With all due respect, Ed, I think that the terms “Good Looking” and “Does what she is told” are meant to have special resonance with female voters. To us men, they might sound similar to “celebrity”, but to women, I suspect they are much more frieghted with sexist connotations.
So, this ad was not really aimed at you and me. Ladies, help me out here… Do I have this right?
In any case, I am hopeful that the bit about Governor Palin proving them wrong is going to lead into real-life actions and speeches where Governor Palin proves them wrong. It is the obvious next step, and I can’t see the McCain campaign failing to make it.
gridlock2 on September 12, 2008 at 7:42 AM
Agreed. No whining allowed, that’s an Obama/Clinton strategy. Allow Palin to continue defending herself as she has been, with a smile on her face and a 10 pound sledge hammer hidden behind her back (figuratively speaking).
Hog Wild on September 12, 2008 at 7:43 AM
I love going into Border’s Music and Books all the time, but when I walked into the store last night, I noticed that there were pro-B.O. books all over the place. I went looking for any pro-McCain books and instead found a book called “72 Things Older Than John McCain” shoved in the humor section. I also did find one pro-Sarah Palin bok, but it was liked pushed way in the back of one shelf. I complained to the store manager and also wrote an email to Borders telling them that if they are going to do stuff like this to make it more balanced by displaying pro material on both sides, instead of favoring one candidate over another. We’ll see what goes here.
pilamaye on September 12, 2008 at 7:43 AM
The longer McCain can keep the focus on Sarah Palin, the better off he’ll be. This ad is tailor made for that; to keep everyone complaining: “How dare Sarah Palin claim she’s less of a celebrity than Barack Obama!”
logis on September 12, 2008 at 7:44 AM
2 (OT)Points
1. On lipstick Palin should reply that she doesn’t think Obama meant any disrespect to her, just like he didn’t mean any disrespect to Hillary when he was doing his cute Hawaiian salute.
2. If someone asks Palin whether she is ready to take over, should heaven forbid, something happen to McCain, she should answer, she is more prepared than Obama, if he had to take over in case something happens to Biden.
Gaurav on September 12, 2008 at 7:44 AM
I prefer Governor Palin’s approach to sexism: Don’t whine, just work hard and prove your worth.
Then again, I think this ad will effectively tug at a large section of the voting public, mostly women, from which McCain/Palin still need to draw greater support.
Loxodonta on September 12, 2008 at 7:45 AM
More half truth bullsh*t from the experts at half truth bullsh*t.
It’s just more crybabying about microscopic sound bytes taken completely out of context and blown way out of proportion. I guess McBush is too afraid or incompetent to talk about the issues.
Keep dragging the level of dialogue into the toilet, McBush. You seem to like it down there.
Dave Rywall on September 12, 2008 at 7:46 AM
Because they don’t often fight back. They are “above” it except the undecideds pay attention to elections for about a week. They see all the accusations and insinuations from the democrats and they see that republicans don’t fight back so they believe the lies. I’ve had enough conversations and heard enough mind boggling stuff from people who appear halfway intelligent to know that the demofascist propaganda works. For God’s sake, even you guys believe the Dan Quayle stuff. Dan Quayle was a good guy who could have really helped the conservative cause. The demofascists saw that and intentionally destroyed the American peoples perceptions of him because they feared him. When democrats lie, they need to be called liars. When they are unpatriotic they need to be called on it.
peacenprosperity on September 12, 2008 at 7:46 AM
Victim politics will turn into an epic fail. Stay away John. Stay away.
TheNolan on September 12, 2008 at 7:46 AM
And Palin is indeed a liar. There’s ample proof with regards to the bridge to nowhere.
Dave Rywall on September 12, 2008 at 7:47 AM
Meh…lukewarm on this one. I want to see another ad with Bill Ayers in it. Pronto.
SouthernGent on September 12, 2008 at 7:47 AM
“The campaign needs to stick to the messages that really resonate with the public — energy policy, national security, and proven track records of reform”
I agree. However, a message that also resonates loudly with votes is also the massive media bias against Republicans going back decades (even a sizable minority of Dems admit this).
I think there is room to continue this tactic as long as it uses Obama/DNC’s words against them (and there will be plenty of ammo for that in the next 2 months, he/they just can’t help himself/themselves)
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 7:50 AM
This ad is for the women but I hope it is the last of its kind. There is enough material on Obama. We need people to vote against Obama, not necessarily for Palin.
ctmom on September 12, 2008 at 7:52 AM
They need to address the rumors about Gov Palin first (she cut funding for special education, wants creationism taught in schools, bride to nowhere, etc.)They are really widespread and being spouted with conviction by the liberal echo chamber. This is due in part, I’m sure, to the dishonest reporting from NYT’s columnist Maureen Dowd-y. They have to put the facts out there before the bloom is gone completely off our rose.
NightmareOnKStreet on September 12, 2008 at 7:52 AM
You talking about the same bridge to nowhere Obama voted for?
Pcoop on September 12, 2008 at 7:53 AM
This is the middle game.
The end game begins with the debates — that’s when you’ll see them start to hammer home two or three carefully chosen issues.
My bet:
1) National Defense: John McCain is ready, Barack Obama is not.
2) Economy (=Energy): Single biggest thing we can do to help restart the economy is to bring down the outrageous price of oil. (Drill, Baby, Drill!) This is a national security issue; it’s a balance-of-trade issue; it’s a basic economic issue — everything you buy has the shipping cost built in.
3) Clear out the Crooks: Here’s where you’ll finally start hearing about Obama’s earmarks for his wife’s company (and her enormous raise) (compare to Todd Palin resigning his job to avoid a conflict of interest…). Heck, even the Bush Dept. of Interior scandal — with Big Oil — plays directly into their hands. Sarah Palin made a name for herself taking on this cozy relationship in Alaska — give her a chance to do it in Washington.
ClintACK on September 12, 2008 at 7:54 AM
Yup. Let’s face it, as much as we’d like the next 6 weeks or so to be about policy, it cannot be as long as the media does not learn its lesson about the backlash to thier treatment of Palin (and there’s no indication they have).
It will not be pretty, but for Republicans to try to take the high road on this is just stupid.
Just ask Bob Dole.
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 7:54 AM
I think this is a strategy to get Obama more frustrated. it will be web-only
lodge on September 12, 2008 at 7:54 AM
They said she was “good looking” and she is proving them wrong?
Well, the dems got one right…she is good looking, and she makes the polls even better looking…
right2bright on September 12, 2008 at 7:55 AM
For a second there, I thought you were talking about the Obama campaign.
Pcoop on September 12, 2008 at 7:55 AM
LOL….Ed shows that he doesn’t get it about women…this ad will RESONATE…..keep pounding the sexist/marxist from Chicago.
ex-Democrat on September 12, 2008 at 7:56 AM
You’re overstating the “celebrity” parallel, but right on the ad itself. They’ve done this route and it’s done the damage they needed it to do. A different tack is needed.
Tommygun on September 12, 2008 at 7:56 AM
My sentiments exactly. Let the MSM keep making their knuckleheaded arguments that everyone who counts can see through, thereby doing the dirty work.
tru2tx on September 12, 2008 at 7:58 AM
I think the libs here need to go to Sears and get a torque wrench and re tighten their head bolts as the are about to blow their head gaskets ;>)
grapeknutz on September 12, 2008 at 7:59 AM
Okay Dave, who exactly DID, in the end, STOP it? Who exactly DID vote in favor of it OVER Katrina aid?
As far as the ad goes, McCain’s campaign has been out-thinking the Obama campaign for a couple of months now, so I think they probably know best.
CC
CapedConservative on September 12, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Attack ads should focus on Obama’s lack of experience…
But wouldn’t that be racist?
Tom_Shipley on September 12, 2008 at 8:00 AM
This ad was directed at women.
I don’t mind McCain fighting back in ads as long as our candidates don’t whine on stage. We’ll leave that to Barry. It’s the only thing he does well.
Cody1991 on September 12, 2008 at 8:01 AM
I agree this ad is directed at women (the contemptuously dismissive “she’s good looking” and the “do what you’re told” ["Iron my shirt!"] type of crap is the kind of sexism a lot of women are subjected to. Even so, I wouldn’t waste a lot of money running this ad.
I’d prefer to see the McCain camp come out with a hard-hitting ad on Obama’s horrendous “national security” plan — the one he had posted on his web site, in which he explains how he wants to gut out military and stop future weapons development, etc. Yesterday would have been a great day to run such an ad, when people were being reminded of what happened 7 years ago and how vital it is that we maintain strong defenses and stay a step ahead of all the vicious nutjobs who want to destroy us.
AZCoyote on September 12, 2008 at 8:01 AM
Please people, I enjoy reading this blog (especially Ed. I followed him from CQ). Can we just ignore Dryrot? There is no excuse for ignorance and he and alphie get no attention at any of their putrid sites and thats why they are here. Please ignore.
red131 on September 12, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Yes, but Obama doesn’t use it as an applause line in his speeches .
Whining about the media doesn’t have a very successful track record. Remember the last days of the 92 campaign… “annoy the media vote Bush”?
crr6 on September 12, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Twice. And Biden, too.
mwdiver on September 12, 2008 at 8:02 AM
It’s a good ad for a friday, people will see it and forget about it by monday.
Bishop on September 12, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Show me. I know you only have KOS bookmarked, but try to find a neutral source please.
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 8:03 AM
One more time:
Obama is a Bridge to Nowhere.
Loxodonta on September 12, 2008 at 8:04 AM
Listen to you…“Ample Proof”, as if.
HAHAHA! you crack me up…you so funny sailor man, you so desperate I bet you pay good money…
right2bright on September 12, 2008 at 8:04 AM
By the way, I don’t care for this ad and I’m a woman. Hope it dies over the weekend. Would rather see more about his ties to Ayers and Mudd and how it all happened during his Columbia days. Where is his senior thesis? We know McCain graduated at the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy. We knew the GPA of Bush and Kerry. What happened during Barry’s lost years?
red131 on September 12, 2008 at 8:05 AM
This nothing but bait. Bait up the hook and see who will bite. Either BO or Greasy Joe will say something stupid as they battle the VP candidate. I also think it expresses very well the indignation that women feel over the treatment of Clinton and Palin. I think it is OK for now, as long as the campaign continues to focus on reform.
bloggless on September 12, 2008 at 8:05 AM
The new anti-McCain ad from Obama shows Mac in an 80’s suit and then mentions his 26 years in office (forgetting obviously about Biden); Obama actually manages to make McCain’s experience a factor in his own ad.
I’m not going to worry about this Palin ad, the dems are destroying themselves all on their own.
Bishop on September 12, 2008 at 8:06 AM
I liked the ad. It shows very well how condescending The Chosen One (”Just a minute, sweetie”) is to 50% of the electorate.
Bush’s problem is that he rarely fought back. He just took it for 7+ years. I am perfectly happy to have fighters leading us. The Clintons fought like junkyard dogs. If that is the way The Chosen One wants to fight–let’s learn to do the same.
__________
RJGatorEsq. on September 12, 2008 at 8:06 AM
A patronising, not to mention bickering, advertisement. I have always viewed Chris Matthews as a 5 year old due to his constant dumb grinning and childish antics while “interviewing” guests. At least he looked like the child you feel some sympathy for – where are his MSNBC parents? This McCain/Palin advertisement beats the childishness of C.M., and that is truly to take this blame game a whine too far.
JC Silverberg on September 12, 2008 at 8:08 AM
Sorry, Ed
That ad is damn effective. If you want campaign ads all about issues then you are destined to for Dukakisville.
CanadianGuy on September 12, 2008 at 8:08 AM
Don’t feed the troll.
cyclosarin on September 12, 2008 at 8:10 AM
Not only is Senator Obama bombing and Governor Palin pumping up the ticket, the down-ballot appears to be looking up:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/110263/Battle-Congress-Suddenly-Looks-Competitive.aspx
Pay particular attention part way down the page to the “Likely Votes” breakdown…
CC
CapedConservative on September 12, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Republicans have a lot to complain about – especially this year with the MSM totally out of control – but they can’t afford to complain. Obama can whine as much as he likes, of course. It’s not fair, but that’s just the way it is.
I thought the lipstick ad thing was a mistake. Sure, Obama plays the race card every five minutes, but the MSM will always back him up.
btw the McCain campaign could have played the race card too. ‘Pig’ is a derogatory word used by blacks against whites. I’m sure Obama didn’t mean that, just as I’m sure McCain’s Britney Spears/Paris Hilton ad or poking fun at community organisers wasn’t racist.
infidel65 on September 12, 2008 at 8:17 AM
The One keeps denigrating Palin. Last night he said mayors fix potholes,trim trees and see that garbage is picked up. Obviously a mayor has these responsibilities but no mention of police/fire protection, supervision of department managers, leading a city council, managing a budget, planning for a communities growth and welfare. I have never been a mayor but I realize it is a position of greater responsibility than Obama and Biden are willing to admit. The truth that she has more executive experience than O/B
combined is driving them to minimize her abilities and experince. Her success and popularity as a governor is never mentioned.
The ad is defending her and is a statement of support for her by McCain–it is not Palin whining.
Pat in NC on September 12, 2008 at 8:18 AM
Ed,
this is about increase BHO negatives. He still has a 56% approval rating that needs to fall to attract new votes…
unseen on September 12, 2008 at 8:25 AM
Ed, better forward this post to NRO as well…
But I just don’t recall seeing anyone quiz Barack Obama on the details of any particular set of policies early on (or later). And, for the record, it just looks condescending and inappropriate for one of the great minds of the national media to sit, notebook in hand, quizzing this younger woman, as someone said, as if she were a grad student.
Tom_Shipley on September 12, 2008 at 8:27 AM
If only they ran this add INSTEAD of the “Lip stick” add.
DethMetalCookieMonst on September 12, 2008 at 8:29 AM
Liberals are womb to the tomb victims. It’s all they know. Pitbulls don’t whine and neither did Gov. Palin.
However, the double standard from the liberal DBM is glaring.
roninacreage on September 12, 2008 at 8:32 AM
Right now, Palin is the issue. The more you say “Hey, did you mean to insult Sarah with this comment?” The more they’ll step on the old crank with the golf shoes.
I told a friend, who was wearing an Obama T-Shirt the other day. Right now, the Democrats can’t seem to help throwing themselves on the Land Mine all alone in the middle of a big vacant lot. It’s the strangest thing to watch. Every possible mistake is being made by the Democrats, and they won’t stop.
They spent two weeks comparing their number one to the Republican’s number two. At best in that situation, you come off looking like you’re ready to be the VP, but not ready to be POTUS. McCain is a mediocre candidate at best, and I still don’t like him, and don’t see myself voting for him. The election belonged to Obama, and he’s melted down under the pressure.
It is a sad thing to watch though, now I’m going to be stuck with President McCain, and even the admittedly acceptable consolation prize of Sarah in the number two slot doesn’t really help here. I mean, with my luck, we’ll have eight years of President McCain.
Snake307 on September 12, 2008 at 8:37 AM
I think it will be very effective, however, I do agree that our side does not need to play victim. We are not victims…….we are winners!!!!!!
Winebabe on September 12, 2008 at 8:38 AM
regards to the bridge…
Dave Rywall on Sept 12,2008 at 7:47AM.
Dave Rywall: Its almost been a week Dave,and your still
stuck on the same bridge!
Do you need any assistance getting off that
bridge,or can you manage by yourself?
canopfor on September 12, 2008 at 8:39 AM
I don’t think these kind of ads do any good for McCain. I think he should concentrate more on the issues.
SoulGlo on September 12, 2008 at 8:40 AM
The longer McCain can keep the focus on Sarah Palin, the better off he’ll be. This ad is tailor made for that; to keep everyone complaining: “How dare Sarah Palin claim she’s less of a celebrity than Barack Obama!”
logis on September 12, 2008 at 7:44 AM
Marines for Mccain on September 12, 2008 at 8:41 AM
I typically am no fan of this kind of rhetoric or ad, but I think it worth mentioning that one of Obama’s key pitches has been “post-partisan”, obviously he is not, and that’s what these ads go for. McCain & Co have to reduce Obama from Demigod to Politician.
SlimyBill on September 12, 2008 at 8:41 AM
I hear Obama is going to be on SNL,
thats great,maybe he could do the
Whinners skit!
canopfor on September 12, 2008 at 8:42 AM
Well, it is a Bridge to NOWHERE (like Rywall’s arguements)
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 8:43 AM
Keep Sarah in his head every day.He is melting before our very eyes!!These ads are working, keep making the women of America mad as hell!!They will come out in droves ,along with their friends and family in Nov. Semper Fi
Marines for Mccain on September 12, 2008 at 8:45 AM
As someone who has heard several interviews with Governor Palin and realize that’s she’s a whole lot more adroit than she appeared in her baptism by fire last night.
Having said that, the McCain “Celebrity” attacks on Obama were very effective. They won’t be anymore because the narrative has changed. They need to be running ads of McCain and Palin saying one thing and Obama saying something different. Should they be negative ads? Probably. He’s, for some reason, too afraid to attack back, so keep on hitting him.
AYNBLAND on September 12, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Its time again to hit BO on issues and his lack of experience. You’ll never see the MSM ask the questions so JM/SP campaign needs now to get back to the issues. Especially before the debates. Once the gaffe machine gets rolling at the debates they’ll have some more material to work with….
jbh45 on September 12, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Big mistake by the BO. SNL may have some staffers “in the tank” but by and large they are cynical and will make him pay somehow. I predict a cringe-worthy episode.
Also, it’s pretty damned clear that Obama has no sense of humour. He would never “lower” himself the way that McCain/Guliani did (both were self-depricating, and funny).
I could be wrong…
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 8:46 AM
Well,it is a Bridge to NOWHERE(like Rywall’s arguements)
Waterboy on Sept 12,2008 at 8:43PM.
Waterboy: At the rate Dave Rywall is going to war over this
bridge,two bridges come to mind!
A Bridge Too Far!
Bridge over the River Kwai! haha:)
canopfor on September 12, 2008 at 8:49 AM
First I have to say, I do hope future ads will be about policy. But as a woman, I understand this ad completely and get the message, not that I needed it to be pointed out. All you have to do is watch how she’s treated by all the male pundits and it’s easy to see that they talk down to her. I’m sure she’s used to this, as are most women. She can handle it she’s tough… So I think McCain needs to move on from this.
It’s funny that we usually complain that Republicans never fight back hard enough, and then when we finally do, we all seem uncomfortable with it.
spypeach on September 12, 2008 at 8:49 AM
There are two different genders voting this fall. There are male and female. What is beginning to be very obvious how little men know of women.
My daughter and other women I talk with are getting it with the ads that the McCain campaign are doing. As far as the male vote is concerned we fairly well have the sewn up. The battle lies with the female vote. They understand the code words of “good looking” they get it.
The McCain campaign is getting it right. Leave them be and stop analyzing the commercials as a man and start looking at them through the prism of women.
Jdripper on September 12, 2008 at 8:49 AM
There you go Ed, from the horses mouth.
I, er, never meant to call Jdripper a horse. Y’all in the comments know it. Ed knows it. It’s just a cynical game we play.
Sound familiar?
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 8:52 AM
To compensate for their demise,I hear Biden is gonna have a baby in Oct.Unless,he has an abortion!You know how the Catholic faith is so unsure on its definition of when life actually begins.He will confer with pelousi first of course,if she aint too busy out saving our planet.Semper Fi
Marines for Mccain on September 12, 2008 at 8:53 AM
Obama has no sense of humour….
Waterboy on Sept 12,2008 at 8:46AM.
Waterboy:Ain’t that the truth!
This wouldn’t be a good idea,but if anybody wants
to see Obama crack,pop and fizzle and go nuclear,
mention OMama,Michelle in an ad!
Then sit back and watch the fireworks! a hem!:)
canopfor on September 12, 2008 at 8:54 AM
This is a GOOD ad.
I wrote elsewhere that the “lipstick” ad and “issue” as such are NOT a bad/victim thing, and can effectively be used to reach and appeal to more voters.
According to the saying, “They aren’t talking to you“: Not every ad is made to appeal to all Republicans, or even all Hot Air readers. (gasp!)
If lipstick is effective “cannon fodder” to win a battle on one stage, I think that’s GOOD. Many such “battles” make up “the War” of the presidential campaign, which is won by the support of many in November.
So “quit ‘cher B*tchin’!”
OF COURSE ads about “energy policy, national security, and proven track records of reform” etcetera are good and necessary as well…but ONE DOES NOT NECESSARILY EXCLUDE THE OTHER!
Lockstein13 on September 12, 2008 at 8:54 AM
Excellent ad, from this woman’s perspective. Just perfect.
texette on September 12, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Still bitterly clinging to a long-disproven smear, Dave? Is this all you have? This is the best you could do? How sad.
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Well while I agree with Ed that this vein is probably getting close to mined out, I do like this ad.
And the reason I like it is that promotes what I think is a gathering impression that Obama is yesterday’s news. To me that’s what’s most effective about it. It pushes the chanting crowds and the thrill up Chrissy’s leg into the past, and presents us with the new old politics reality of Barry and Biden.
And on that score, it’s damn effective.
Typhoon on September 12, 2008 at 9:14 AM
See, now there’s a problem right there. You left out things like education, the judiciary, abortion, sexism, etc. Maybe that’s why certain ads appeal to you and others don’t? I don’t have a problem with this ad. It’s just one of many to come. We’ll see more ads covering the issues, now that there’s been interviews and forums, and particularly after the debates. I for one am waiting for a 527 to get an ad out on the CAC.
Deanna on September 12, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Dude, what happened?
I used to defend you every couple of days as being reasonable and a valuable part of HotAir’s commenter block, even if you disagreed on pretty much every single issue.
Since Obama’s campaign started going south you’ve been going with him.
BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 9:15 AM
McBush. Now THAT is funny stuff, Dave. Very clever – and in perfect lockstep with Democrat strategy. Too bad you can’t vote in our election this November, as it would have the salutary effect of rendering the inevitable McCain/Palin victory even sweeter.
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 9:16 AM
I agree, Pat. Take those Obama lemon-grenades about Palin’s experience as a mayor and turn them into lemonade. Didn’t upinak say that Wasilla has grown during Palin’s stewardship? Focus on her positives in guiding and supporting that growth. Show how her executive experience is a plus in energizing American cities. Demonstrate that it didn’t pour money into failed programs that kept the community mired in dependence.
Other ads should play to Palin’s strengths in enregizing Alaska and thus by extension America. The theme can be American Energy Works! Using lots of photo clips of Alaskans at work in various aspects of oil production and/or Americans at work in other energy fields, play up Palin’s vision for a growing economy and development of cheaper, domestic sources.
Similarly, focus on her demonstrated ability to negotiate and cooperate to mutual benefit with other countries via the American/Canadian gas line. (Maybe this negotiated energy solution could be contrasted with the Putin’s power grab through aggression for resources. Provide a visual that emphasizes Palin’s diplomatic skills in achieving a positive outcome.)
Obama traveled on hiw “world tour,” posing for some grip and grin photos with world leaders. Charles Gibson implied in his interview that Palin has virtually no foreign travel experience to speak of. Build on her direct phone contact with the president of Georgia in support of a threatened democracy. Contrast that capability with photos of the self-serving O-plane doing touch and go’s to build the flimsy resume of THE ONE. Make it clear that her running mate travels abroad for a purpose and that as VP she will too.
onlineanalyst on September 12, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Dave still believes the bridge should be built simply because the One voted for it.
BobMbx on September 12, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Well put. I’ve been thinking the same thing too, that McCain’s team is holding back on several areas. That way once they start to hammer away the message will still be fresh in voter’s minds on election day.
You’re seeing the opposite from Obama. Tying McCain to Bush was his best weapon, but he’s been using it so regularly and for so long that the message is starting to get stale. Hopefully after the debates it will have lost all of its charm.
BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 9:18 AM
I think that he can go self deprecating.. BHO IS desperate enough to do so..
he might be as bitter as arugula about it..
but he will succumb..
DaveC on September 12, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Ditto.
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Dave Rywall is a citizen of both Canada and the Daily Kos fever swamp. Nevertheless, we appreciate his input, as he is a reliable KKCP barometer (Kos Kidz Cranial Pressure). For this reason alone I implore fellow HotAirHeads to join me when I try to talk him down from the ledge on November 5.
ManlyRash on September 12, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Still.. more responsible than a community organizer.. what do they do again?
DaveC on September 12, 2008 at 9:23 AM
McBush….
ManlyRash on Sept 12,2008 at 9:16AM.
ManlyRash: The whole Liberal campaign strategy,has been
about connecting Bush to McCain!
Palin comes along,and the monkey wrench is
thrown into the Liberal machine!!
SarahCuda has screwed up the Democrats plans
of connecting everything Bush!
Me thinks, the Liberals are in a slow process
of politicaly detonating!!
canopfor on September 12, 2008 at 9:23 AM
From IowaHawk…hilareous cause the buzzwords all over the job description are too very real and common in the industry…
Specifically, America’s community organizers:
reach out and work with communities in various ways.
liaise with, and for, community agencies for service within affected areas.
fight to make a difference.
raise awareness.
deal with community issues.
raise awareness in the community of how we are making differences about undealt-with issues .
when necessary, refer inquiries to outreach coordinators.
Help coordination agency administrators identify and address outreach opportunities.
model timetables and conceptualize benchmarks.
issue guidelines for poster contests and interpretive dance festivals.
Gather voter registrations, win valuable prizes.
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 9:29 AM
I spent about a year and a half posting over at dkos. I did what Dave used to do: Polite, respectful sarcasm. The point was to change people’s opinions on issues, and that wasn’t going to happen by being belligerant. I think Dave’s become frustrated by recent events, and you can see it in his posts.
I stopped posting when the General BetrayUs ad came out. Everyone over there was so happy about it, they couldn’t see how it was actually counterproductive to their goals. I decided it was better to just let them be.
BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 9:30 AM
If Dave Rywall’s still following this (or other threads), BadgerHawk’s comment should hit home.
This is a stupid comment thread on US politics, largely a waste of everyone’s time (unless some are killing time, etc). But it’s FUN. You know, not work or not mowing the lawn. Folks come here to discuss, have fun, and above all, make sarcastic comments to each other.
Dave, come back and make funny or sarcastic comments (triple points for encorporating both), burn us on Republican scandals, etc., but leave the “Chimpy McHitler Bush” or whatever the KOS chant is, at the door.
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 9:44 AM
“Potholes”? Someone has got to interview every Democrat that’s been a mayor, running for higher office (like Kay Barnes, who was mayor of Kansas City, MO, currently a candidate for the US House of Representatives) and ask them about that description.
And while we’re at it, let’s get Democrat governors like Kathleen Sebelius (who was on BO’s short list for VP) to comment on “Pontius Pilate”.
The Monster on September 12, 2008 at 9:48 AM
I see the ad as the McCain campaign weighing in on Palinmania. You must admit there’s been a very intense buzz, both pro-Palin and anti-Palin. They’re saying, Palin is proving the extreme anti-Palin group wrong “every time”. I don’t think they’re going to push it. I hope they they don’t. Palin’s own “no whining” stance is one of the most attractive things about her. That has a powerful appeal to most conservatives.
Paul-Cincy on September 12, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Dave rarely responds to me. I like to think it’s because he knows I’m intellectually superior.
BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 9:58 AM
/
BadgerHawk on September 12, 2008 at 9:58 AM
I don’t get victim here at all.
rightwingprof on September 12, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Oh, he’ll be back, with a bucket-load of crazyass
Waterboy on September 12, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Meh… it will keep Barry off message but it will also be media fodder, who will turn it into a victim ad.
Up side- it keep Palin at the top of the news cycle.
Down side- it comes from a position of weakness instead of strength. That could have been mitigated by simply contrasting their votes for the Bridge to Nowhere and her rejection of it, etc.
Damiano on September 12, 2008 at 10:25 AM
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