Everything new is “old” again
posted at 4:30 pm on September 14, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Earlier this week, Barack Obama promised that he would sharpen his attacks on John McCain in response to panicking Democrats watching their gimme election vanishing before their eyes. Instead of coming up with something new, Team Obama has decided to go with an old attack — by calling McCain old. Two days ago, they tried it with the blindingly stupid e-mail ad, and today they’ve apparently farmed the theme out to their surrogates:
On This Week with George Stephanopoulos this morning, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., a surrogate for the campaign of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., raised the age and health of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., when discussing the qualifications, or lack thereof, of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
McCaskill said she stood by her remarks that she’s “uncomfortable with anyone, regardless of gender, that is going to be vice president to one of the oldest presidents we’ve ever had that has never met a world leader.”
When Stephanopoulos asked her it was fair to raise McCain’s age, McCaskill doubled-down and mentioned his past skin cancer, saying, “I think what we’re talking about is a reality. Other people talk about his melanoma. We’re talking about a reality here that we have to face. This is someone who’s going to be one heartbeat away from the presidency. All of us know it. I just think that it’s the facts, George, and that’s something that we need to start focusing on, are the facts, instead of distortions and lies.”
Is age an issue in a presidential candidate? It could be, but McCain is hardly decrepit. His physical disabilities have nothing to do with his age, and his mind is as sharp as ever. In looking at both men, McCain seems to be thriving, while Obama seems to have aged years in the past few months. McCain’s 72 is a lot different than 72 would have been even 24 years ago, when the nation re-elected a 73-year-old Ronald Reagan to a second term.
While it’s not an illegitimate question, it’s not new, either. Voters have known about McCain’s age all through the electoral cycle, and he answered the medical questions in May when he released his medical records — something Obama has yet to do. His prognosis is excellent, and doctors pronounced him in fine shape, which certainly didn’t appear to shock his 96-year-old mother.
This smacks of desperation by Team Obama. They should have learned their lesson when they botched the e-mail ad. It makes them look like they’ve run out of arguments and have to go back to the ones that flopped on their first attempt.
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Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 12:39 AM
I don’t know, but there was a strange run-up all at the same time, with basically the same style.
It seems rather amateurish to me.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 12:42 AM
Well that rather neatly sums this whole foul case up. Good job, Watson. Remind me to give you a raise one of these days.
semloh on September 15, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Uh, no, um I was just uh…yeah. I can only watch so many rehashes of B.O. interviewing B.O.
It was the best laugh I’ve had all day.
Laura in Maryland on September 15, 2008 at 12:44 AM
How this all started.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:45 AM
If we’re counting years, then McCain / Palin have a combined greater age than Obama / Biden. Case Closed.
desertdweller on September 15, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Yes, us ‘trolls’ must stick together.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:47 AM
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:33 AM
I went back through the thread and the only real live statement I could find was that you think Gov. Palin is a bad pick because she is too young/inexperienced. That may be valid but it is a done deal. So where do you go from there? Nine pages later, nowhere.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 12:47 AM
… not sure why the blockquote did that… sorry, folks.
desertdweller on September 15, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Thanks. From the article you linked:
In this election, putting gender first:
I don’t believe in quotas for any group except for those who are well qualified. However, the Obama team’s response about the availability of qualified women in this country says a lot about few good women they acknowledge.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 12:48 AM
well, that is unarguable.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Not trying to do a dissertation here, Cindy. And you’re right, this was mostly a post to nowhere. But don’t put all the blame on my shoulders.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:50 AM
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Hey, when someone asks you a straight up question, (like “show me when Rush has fabricated a story”) you should put up the info.
Otherwise, it might be wise to say:
“You know what, I thought Rush was a fraud, but I might be mistaken. I’m going to look into this. Until I have more information I’m going to retract my accusation. Please accept my apologies in the meantime”
That would pre-emt any troll wars and you would have credibility with your adversaries here.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Did you see that article stating the Sen. McCain has more women on his staff and he pays them more. I don’t usually get offended at what some consider sexism but Sen. Obama seems to have some problems. I think the “Sweetie” thing was the first clue and his own staff speaks volumes. I have got to go to bed. Work tomorrow.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Indeed, Salty, but so much of what is posted is opinion, not fact, and I think we have to give each other a little slack, as opposed to rope enough.
I am neither anti-Rush nor anti-Palin. I get my news from multiple sources with multiple agendas and biases and try to sort out the truth on my own. I am old enough and experienced enough to know bullshit when its thrown out, from either side of he aisle.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:55 AM
yes. And are higher paid on average.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Should be easy unless, say, someone is too emotionally invested in the topic.
“What I have found is that conservatives have a deeper insight into their worldview than liberals have into theirs.”
desertdweller on September 15, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Plus the fact that this thread has gotten so out of hand I abandoned trying to read back every post, and some questions I didn’t feel like responding too.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Where was it that I saw a stat that during GOP administrations, womens’ income increased, but it was the opposite during Democrat administrations.
It may have been here, or in the Wall Street Journal last week.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 12:57 AM
You want to be given slack by people you have identified as being on your enemies list?
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 12:58 AM
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:50 AM
I am not big on the troll game, I would rather engage but people asked you straight up questions and you dodged. But you didn’t hesitate to throw down when the names started flying. And people would try to re-engage and more dodges. It’s okay, you accomplished what you set out to do. I guess, because you are still doing. it.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Loxodonta, we didn’t start out enemies. And I don’t hold grudges long. If you insist that I be your enemy, well, so be it, but that is not what I want.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:00 AM
But you did feel like making a list of other HA members who are your enemies?
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:01 AM
Age is relative. Obama’s parents only lived to 46 & 52 and he is the one who refuses to release his medical records.
Like everything else Obama gets a pass. The Obama people are the ones who have tried to make McCain’s health an issue.
I say McCain needs to hit him hard on transparency–starting with his medical records! Every issue Obama tries can be turned against him.
And Obama seems to have a real problem with anyone or anything coming out about him. Any real unbias information that is. Maybe he has AIDs or something and doesn’t want that known. Or is diabetic, I mean why won’t a 47 year old man put out his medical records if there is nothing to hide. He is definitely a closed book… unless he gets to spin it first.
And some things are completely off limits… like his time at Columbia, the housing projects in Chicago, Ayers, etc.
petunia on September 15, 2008 at 1:02 AM
I am old enough and experienced enough to know bullshit when its thrown out, from either side of he aisle.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 12:55 AM
Well, apparently, you’ve a little problem with your own.
When you refuse to answer, or engage with legitimate challenges to your own CW, you destroy your own credibility.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:02 AM
Again, it was YOU who called others enemies.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:02 AM
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Women out number men at colleges and are fast becoming the majority of CEO’s. I think we can stop whining now, except when folks are being rude.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:02 AM
petunia on September 15, 2008 at 1:02 AM
Excellent point on heredity, someone earlier mentioned his smoking habit. Holy cow, Joe Biden could be president. My ears will fall off.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:05 AM
Cindy, I have tried very hard to answer your questions clearly. Others have given me reason to be suspicious of their intentions and I have asked them straight up what those were, and never got an answer. I didn’t think a straight answer back was warranted.
Others have asked straight up questions but 1.) either seemed also ready to attack, so I avoided answering, or 2. This thread has been frikken nuts and I cannot physically reply to each and every one.
What I set out to do was enjoy an afternoon on HA, my favorite site, and I got caught up in whatever this was.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:05 AM
If you think you are doing the right thing, chances are it will back-fire in your face.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:06 AM
You go, girls!
Now, would you be willing to help old men? Being one myself, I would appreciate it.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:06 AM
All I ask, Salty, is a little slack for being human. I hope to extend the same to you.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:07 AM
Obama’s father died in a car crash. And I have been asking and asking here if car crashes are hereditary, and nobody will tell me!
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:08 AM
I really don’t know what the big deal is here, I don’t think he’s eligible for the US Presidency.
jawbone on September 15, 2008 at 1:08 AM
Now that’s a worthwhile post. Why, pray tell?
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:08 AM
Credibility on this site is overrated.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:08 AM
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:05 AM
We will all have to try again, it will be fine. Just focus on the give and take, these aren’t gotcha questions because there is nothing to get. We don’t know each other, our jobs don’t depend on the answers and nobody is going to change based on what is said here.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:10 AM
This is a great site for The Candidate
jawbone on September 15, 2008 at 1:10 AM
You know like a black hole where things go in but nothing comes out. It’s kind of like the mental version of that.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:12 AM
Agreed. Both you and Cindy beat me to responding with McCain’s percentage female staff and pay rates vs. Obama’s.
One of the drive-bys played a new ad (coming out tomorrow?) where Obama is attacking McCain on the equal pay bill. Obama surrogates were screaming over anyone who pointed out McCain’s opposition to the bill was because it was in defense of a Supreme Court decision on a dead woman for a claim made several years earlier.
I hope that most women who are not political junkies will be able to see the reality behind the fiction.
Damiano on September 15, 2008 at 1:12 AM
I have been known to argue for the pure joy of it. My apologies again.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:12 AM
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:08 AM
Oopsie, I did not know that, I thought he to had cancer. I must have gotten him confused with someone else. I would say automobile deaths would only be hereditary in NASCAR families. Does that sound awful? I mean it in statistical way.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:13 AM
I find Ed Morrissey & Allahpundit to be highly credible, as well as many of the members.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:13 AM
Amen, and amen.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:13 AM
If I am remembering this right, obama’s mother died of ovarian cancer.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:14 AM
The NASCAR line was funny. Humor is always helpful. Except at funerals.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Damiano on September 15, 2008 at 1:12 AM
I’d love to believe that actions speak louder than words but sometimes no one sees the action.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:02 AM
Well, I still think men need to protect women (especially when they earn all that money!)
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:15 AM
No matter how hard you try you can not push a string.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:15 AM
*puzzled look on my face…*
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:16 AM
railboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:12 AM
No apologies need for me, I have a son that would argue with a fence post. Not always an endearing habit.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:17 AM
If at first you don’t succeed destroy all evidence that you ever tried.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:19 AM
It’s difficult to hear the truth when there is so much screaming. I think the screaming & name-calling causes a lot of people to turn off the MSM filterers and seek their information elsewhere.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:20 AM
No, it’s not, but it’s what we used for entertainment in my large family of 11 kids. And we always loved each other all the more afterwards. It puzzles my wife, and I at times forget that others take it more seriously than I meant it.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:20 AM
Credibility down here in the comment section is only as good as the person who takes care to protect his or her username. That, is up to the individual.
Most commenters on this site are highly credible writers. That has been my experience.
As to the writers of this blog. They do an excellent job of vetting their information. And if they don’t, a commenter will catch it, and they adjust and update accordingly.
That has also been my experience here.
I’ve seen a lot of other sites. Very few, if any, reach the standard set here.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:22 AM
Actions do speak louder than words just not nearly as often.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:22 AM
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:08 AM
I have to assume you are taking about the posters. I guess credibility is determined on whether they agree with you since we deal mostly with opinions here. And I find that most posters who are stating other than opinion are pretty good about backing themselves up with links.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:22 AM
HA is the string and you are trying to push it.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:24 AM
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:15 AM
I don’t know, the last funeral I attended had a minister with a distinct Slingblade tick to his delivery. Only deep thoughts about where I was kept humor from winning that day.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:24 AM
Yes but the links must be only from currently approved sites or all hell breaks lose.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:25 AM
Absolute words of wisdom, Cindy. Kinda sums up Obama’s entire campaign.
Also, it put the all the attacks from the left into an interesting perspective. They seek to discredit McCain’s/ Palin’s accomplishments in an attempt to disguise Obama’s/ Biden’s lack of any significant accomplishments. I think the same is true with the griping about the POW story. McCain’s distinguished past shines a light on fact that Obama’s past deeds are better not looked at.
The DNC/ Obama/ Michelle O pushing the fairy tale BS about upbringing on further enhances the idea in my mind that they are doing everything possible to avoid having to discuss any of Obama’s real career.
Damiano on September 15, 2008 at 1:26 AM
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Well I know I would be lost without my husband. Women can sometimes be so lucky because we actually can do it all. A very few can do it all at the same time (Gov. Palin) but others of us take it in stages.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:26 AM
Ah. Thank you. You had taken issue with my method of news gathering and thought I might be taking the wrong tack, and I was interested in your reasons.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:26 AM
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:20 AM
Awesome I love big families. I am sure you had to fight to get a word in edge wise.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:27 AM
I have had similar experience and agree with you regarding EM & AP. As to members’ posts, I am still learning how to post and what other members mean. Sometimes, the cultural references & abbreviations leave me clueless. And some of the language makes my eyes get big. I am very old fashioned. I have not spoken or written a word that needs asterisks in it for at at least 30 years, perhaps much longer. So, I guess that means I’m this site’s old fogey.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:28 AM
Yes, words, mouthfuls of food, ya know.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:28 AM
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:26 AM
Just can’t get my wife to change the oil in the truck for some reason.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:28 AM
I was becoming concerned that your method of news gathering would get you lynched around these parts.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:29 AM
Indeed. I think I got lynched anyway. Rope burns anyhow.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:31 AM
The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:32 AM
Damiano on September 15, 2008 at 1:26 AM
I know it is thought that Sen. McCain uses the POW status to much but let’s face it, it was the defining incident in his life. Obama’s life is very sparse indeed. How do you write two autobiographies at his young age? I did get a kick out of the almost joining the service but since it was peace time it was relevant. The guy is a hoot. Let’s hope not a presidential hoot.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:34 AM
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:28 AM
It is interesting you should bring that up.
There is less bastardizing of the language here. Many write in complete sentences with good grammar.
I like that. I think that a lot of people at HA are educated and mature.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:35 AM
Where does that leave the realist?
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:35 AM
Sounds like the start of a women-and-map-reading joke.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:36 AM
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:25 AM
Have never heard anyone chastised for their link. Just their language and seldom that.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:36 AM
SOL.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:37 AM
*violins playing*
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:36 AM
LOL! Nope, I think he is going to receive some kind of GPS for Christmas, he couldn’t find his hindquarters with both hands.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:38 AM
No more of that.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:38 AM
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:31 AM
Hey, TB. How long have you been a member at HA?
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:39 AM
You have truly been blessed.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:39 AM
Trust in the media is at historic lows, I believe. I think that’s why a record number tuned in to see & hear Governor Palin speak as the VEEP nomimee to the convention. They wanted to judge for themselves as to whether she was an “air-head W in a Dress” or an “evil Cheney with Lipstick” or was something else.
And, I think a lot of people came away thinking that woman is something else!
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:40 AM
You’ll hate me for this, but why are you asking? :)
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:40 AM
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Realism, an excuse to never be happy.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:40 AM
Evidently not long enough to know better.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:41 AM
Well…it seems that you’re unfamiliar with the rough and tumble down here in the comment section.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:41 AM
Happiness, an excuse to never be a realist.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:42 AM
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:40 AM
Seeeeeee! If somebody asked me I would have to say I don’t know. I just know it was before this last open registration.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:43 AM
If all else fails hit this place with a big hammer.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:43 AM
Ah, yes. The my-guy-is-both-a-hopeless-romantic-AND-idiot line. Good comeback.
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Evidently not long enough to know better.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:41 AM
Hey, I’ve taken my licks down here, but I never felt like they all walk in lockstep. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:45 AM
Lurking member about 2 years. Actual member just since this last open
season. Open enrollment.Yes, I am intimately familiar, actually, I just truly like to argue far too much, and I try to give at least as good as I get, and I do have a couple soapboxes…
The rough and tumble I like. I have no fear of it. I know you think I have sounded the victim, but I don’t feel that way at all. I need to work on my presentation.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:46 AM
Im trying to be the funny man here. Dont try to show me up.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:47 AM
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:42 AM
You are another one who is so unhappy with the site but yet you stay exchanging cryptic remarks the Holmes spelled backwards. Looking down your nose at posters yet never contributing in any substantial way. You must really really like your assumed superiority.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:47 AM
Hey trailboss:
I’m asking because I’m curious–no more, no less–and, since I’m a woman, I’m allowed by nature and society to indulge my curiosity: Who ARE you voting for?
I’m voting McCain/Palin.
texette on September 15, 2008 at 1:47 AM
Try?
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:48 AM
Loxodonta on September 15, 2008 at 1:44 AM
No, he’s not either. Just a guy. I like him pretty well.
Cindy Munford on September 15, 2008 at 1:48 AM
I don’t think everyone walks in lockstep here either – if I did I wouldn’t be here. But my hackles go up when someone tries to force lockstep. My contention with MR was based on that sense.
trailboss on September 15, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Ahhhh. Your on your way, now. I wish you many wins.
Saltysam on September 15, 2008 at 1:50 AM
You certainly do. You must get more in step with the crowd. More than slight deviations are frowned upon.
Murphy9 on September 15, 2008 at 1:51 AM
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