McCain ad, a subtle patriotism swipe?

Posted: Friday, June 27, 2008 10:50 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Ads

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
McCain has a new ad, focusing on energy, that is "being cycled into" the campaign's current buy, the campaign says. Notably it will run on national cable and in Nevada, New Hampshire, Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Iowa.

Note that even though the ad focuses on energy, there is a new McCain campaign message that has emerged this week: "Country First." The patriotism-focused slogan appears on screen at the end of the ad next above McCain's name. "Putting country first" is one of the last lines of the ad. A campaign memo by McCain adviser Steve Schmidt echoed the theme earlier this week. The title: "Country First Vs. Self-Serving Partisanship."

Obama has fought accusations of a lack of "patriotism," including his stated opposition to wearing a flag pin. (He now often wears one.) Obama's wife, Michelle, has also been the subject of this patriotism line for her first-time-being-proud-of-her-country comments. Cindy McCain also invoked the specter of her counterpart's love of country in TV interviews by talking up how much she, in fact, loves America.

Script: "Purpose":
ANNCR: American technology protected the world.
We went to the moon, not because it was easy, but because it was hard. John McCain will call America to our next national purpose: Energy Security. A comprehensive bipartisan plan to: Lower prices at the pump; Reduce dependence on foreign oil through domestic drilling; And champion energy alternatives for better choices and lower costs.

Putting country first. McCain.

MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Wow
This McSame guy will not learn.
People are suffering. Taking swipes at Obama's patriotism will not work.
It's just supid !
And Americans are not.
McCain will still be saying he's more patriotic when Obama gets elected and is sworn in as POTUS.

It's history folks ... either get in the train or move out the way !

Steve NewYork NY (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:06 AM)

Yes because drilling for more oil and establishing a temporary 'gas tax holiday' will completely fix the high prices of gas.

If you buy all that, I've got some property I'd like to sell you...

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:07 AM)

Dosen't fly. Hard to do while keeping tax cuts for the wealthy in place, and paying to clean up and refurbish old outdated refineries; while also protecting the Oil Companies huge profits...

GA GUY (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:07 AM)

Talk about keeping your word. Here's another McCain flip-flop!!

http://www.washingtonindependent.com/view/when-actions

ya know (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:08 AM)

We know McCain is Country-First.

Not sure about Obama though. Has to do with those pesky preachers of his running down the country everytime they show up. The Typical White People plus the Bitter comments have taken there toll on Obama. Throw in Michelle's Proud statement, and there are seem real doubts who Obama really represents.

Stan Laurel, CA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:08 AM)

Its sad when it comes down to an old guy implying a vote for anyone other than him would have to out of a desire to put country second.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:09 AM)

you can not reduce the dependencs on forgein oil by drilling holes off the cost of america, the oil that comes out of that ground will go on the the world market!! and by swollowed up, we must reduce our consumption, invest in our rail system, and make our auto makers stop producing cars and trucks that don't get more than 25 miles per gallon!!!

jeff D evanston IL. (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:09 AM)

Like his very first ad, this doesn't actually say or do anything to convince the voters. He needs help.

Scott H (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:09 AM)

Country first? Why did McCain help enable the European Airbus company to win the contract for military cargo planes over Boeing?

Jim, Santa Cruz (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:10 AM)

This totally drives the point of the new calling for America. Furthermore, this would pave the way for any green/environmental initiative the McCain camp has in store.

I won't be surprise that the Obama bandwagon will jump into this issue to trump it --- bunch of double-talking MEDIA WH*RES.

Vote for Obama if you want promises and vote for McCain if you want done something right.

Just Me (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:11 AM)

Thats the republican formula...wrap yourself up in the flag...make every whiny issue about ones patriotism...scare a few of those flip flopping soccer/security moms...play some john phillip sousa at your events...and do absolutley nothing to change anything..just be a jingoistic cheerleader...like the bushies

Rick, NC (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:11 AM)

So does Cindy McBush also make a comment regarding McBush's "I never loved my country until......." comment.

I mean Cindy McBush sure had a lot to say about Michelle Obama's comment.

It only seems fair that Cindy McBush would want to comment on her husbands comment.

obama 08 (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:12 AM)

I am a pro-obama maniac; but I think this is the best ad McCain has come out with. And he finally found a tag that I think could resonate with him. I have heard it at least a dozen times this week and I think it makes sense. "Country First". I doubt he has time to salvage his campaign; but at least he has hit on a legitimate point to run on.

The whole "Reform, Prosperity and Peace" thing was so laughable, I still have a bad taste in my mouth.

Obama will win this election, it will be close because there are still enough 'value' voters that aren't hurting enough to let go of that one wedge issue (religion, abortion, etc).

I don't know about Kool-Aid, I really prefer margaritas; but I believe in this candidate. I believe he is capable of actually working across the aisle. I was impressed with the Fox article on his record in Illinois. When I looked at the percentage with which he won Illinois, it was crystal clear to me that people in his own state, who have seen him for 20 years LIKE him. They like working with him. He seems to be as genuine a 'real article' as is possible given that he is in the business of politics. I took my seven year old daughter to see him at a rally here in January and the energy was amazing. I just worry about his safety and some of the nut jobs like delusional, kenn and anders. Crazy hatred abounds and that scares me.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:12 AM)

Awesome YouTube of McCain vs. McCain. A walking contradiction to himself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c&feature=related

Priceless, I can't believe McCain thinks he has any ground to stand by pointing out an Obama position shift, however nuanced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c&feature=related

It’s a delicate dance, and John McCain is ‘liable to break a hip’
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/15924.html

100+ reasons NOT to vote for McCain (with sources cited )
kskirby.net — Have friends/relatives who are undecided? This might help
http://www.kskirby.net/mccain.html

banko (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:13 AM)

considering the continued escalation of energy prices has anyone figured out how they are going to heat their homes come winter? you may be able to cancel your vacation plans but how are you going to cancel winter?

MK,MO (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:13 AM)

McHasBeen is so predictable and boring. This ad is so generic it's pathetic.

Pearson. MD (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:14 AM)

John Mccain has no energy plan, he is recycling the miserable failure of a republican plan of drill drill drill and let the oil companies make billions from our oil. Too bad he and the bushies prefer paying the arabs over conservation at home

Ralph (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:14 AM)

From FR:

'...recommends Republican candidates show “deep empathy towards the voters...'

Looks like the Republicans are lining up for Academy Awards.
If they can fake 'deep empathy' for the voters, they deserve Oscars....

Does this mean they'll be voting for S-Chip, alternate energy tax rebates and ending the Iraq War ?

It's OK if Obama compromises in FISA and guns....
These are peripheral issues....
But, FISA is a little disappointing
15 Democrats stood up to the President, I wish Obama had been one of them.

Obama/Edwards '08
Simply the best

Msierra, SF (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:14 AM)

I have to keep asking myself if wearing a crappy flag pin that was probably made in China really makes one more patriotic. Also, why the double standard, I never saw a flag pin on Hillary's pantsuit lapel. Why is this???

I'm having a tough time with this unity thing today, does it mean that Hillary thinks that Barack has passed the Commander in Chief test now??? Oh well, I'll try to keep an open mind.

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:15 AM)

Mr Steve NewYork NY,

Obamites will always regard any GOP message as a swipe to their very deficient candidate even if it has a valid point... it only takes less effort to pull your head out of the sand to know right from wrong so please stop rallying on something outside of your common sense.

McCain 2009!

Just Me (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:15 AM)

NOBODY CARES about abortion/guns/gitmo/patriotism/education/religion/gay marriage/teen pregnancy, etc., . . all 'more or less'

US ENERGY PRODUCTION for 300 million: #1.

jj (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:16 AM)

CNN did a soft negative story on Obama this AM. (Finally, someone is asking questions!). I say soft because the story ran as the last story before the top of the hour. CNN was questioning Obamas comittment to engery production. Obama is in tight with the ethanol lobbyists of the country, and that work has been a huge failure at every turn, but yet Obama persists on that fuel. Being that Illinois is 95% corn farms has a lot to do with it, and so does the fact Obama advisor Tom Dashele sits on multiple ethanol related boards (along with his wife). So I guess Obama is tight with those lobbyists. The other fact presented was Obama total resistance to nuclear plants, mining, and domestic oil drilling.

Energy has become a national security issue. We need a President that is Country-First and is looking out for its citizens. Obama isn't it.

Laurie Johns, Medford, OR (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:16 AM)

The ad is pretty tame and so subtle that most will miss the swipe. No one has a short term solution to the energy crisis. I look for an Obama ad that will go to the big picture using innovation, new technology, harnessing winds, ocean tides, to present a real energy package. One that will make McCains ad look weak, uninspired, old.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:17 AM)

So in other words Sen McCain's 'plan' is to 'subtly' or not so subtly question Sen Obama's patriotism. That will solve the energy crisis?

1st: Sen Obama is not "anti-American"; "un-patriotic" or any other anti American slur anyone wants to try to smear him with. Sen Obama has demonstrated time and again his love of this country - and his commitment to serving and helping the people of this country.

2d: Sen McCain's energy plan is new? How long have the three ideas mentioned in this ad been floating around? They are hardly new and groundbreaking. Yet they still lack specifics. And I'm sorry - but the line about lowering prices at the pump - I mean who isn't for that? THIS IS THE BEST SEN MCCAIN CAN COME UP WITH? This is being 'grown up'?

It's laughable- at best. Frankly, it's kind of pathetic.

Sorry - but your smear attempt won't work Sen McCain (smearing someone is hardly 'grown up' is it?). And your 'plan' is a joke.

Obama '08

Liz, NY (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:17 AM)

Who's the self-serving politician here? Uncle Fluffy's had no interest in getting this country off oil dependence until he's running for president.

Drilling at home doesn't get us past the bigger problem.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:17 AM)

Liz, NY (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:17 AM)

If McCain was interested in putting country first he could have started almost 30 years ago when he first went to congress. Country first, with a 95% voting record with Bush administration? What country is he putting first Iraq or America? The money is need here. We not need to rebuild Iraq but instead we need to rebuild our economy. Where was he on the new GI Bill sponsered by Sen. Webb? Why is he in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy when the middle class needs it the most? Why is he pandering to Conservatives and right wing organizations? Why has he not voted to investigate and improve the levees that flooded the heartland of this country? Why is he willing to give oil companies more off-shore drilling rights when he knows it will have absolutely no effect on supply or price?

I'm afraid it's I'll do or say anything I have to in order to win, fear card especially. If that's country first, God help us all.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:18 AM)

The old saying that "patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels" applies to McCain. He'll ensure that $100 billion per year gets thrown down the Iraq rat hole with billions more for the war he wants to start with Iran. And the country's economy continues to collapse. Some patriotism.

No More McWar (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:18 AM)

"Energy Security"??? WTH! Double speak at its finest! Hey Senator Mcain, how about this:

We may or may not have gone to the moon (but not because it was "hard", because we wanted to be THE WINNERS!)
Lower prices at the pump; (How?)

Reduce dependence on foreign oil through domestic drilling. ( yes yes but my grandchildren will be grown before we get any of that- and the oil comapnies can't wait to sell it for 170$ a barrel)

And champion energy alternatives for better choices and lower costs. (Here here! Lets DO IT!)

You guys in spin city can fool some of the people some of the time....

Pam Husaein Obama (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:18 AM)

Obama's energy plan is to have alternative engery sources in place to reduce our dependence on foreign oil from 65% to 30% by 2030. Ooookaay, so what do we do for the next 22 years? Suck it up I guess. Either that or run an extension cord over to Al Gore's house and plug into one of his outside outlets.

Obama Has No Plan (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:19 AM)

Mcshame will ride the flag waver express for the benefit of those with bumper stickers but no blood in the game...they cheer...they have the faux patriotism thing down...they are the chickenhawks and they eat up this stuff

Roger, RI (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:19 AM)

yet... he continues to flip flop like a harpooned whale

http://www.washingtonindependent.com/view/when-actions

ya know (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:19 AM)

The Republicans are like old dogs that only know old tricks. They have no new solutions or new ideas to offer the country and the problems we face are a result of their failed policies of the last 7 years.

I don't think the smearing is going to work as well this time because we already know what happens when Republicans win. Everyone else loses.

AP from IL (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:19 AM)

A comprehensive bipartisan plan to:

Lower prices at the pump; really? How, pray tell, will you do this? The only strategy that can potential have an immediate impact on gasoline prices is a repeal of the Enron loophole, and new regulations on oil speculation in the futures market. I've heard you champion neither of these ideas.

Reduce dependence on foreign oil through domestic drilling; really? It's been acknowledged by energy experts, economists, and oil executives that this will have a minimal effect on world supply (in 10 - 20 years), and absolutely zero effect on gasoline prices. And what about environmental damage, and the potential harm it could reap on our state's coastal tourism industries?

And champion energy alternatives for better choices and lower costs. Be more specific old man river, I haven't heard any real solution on energy alternatives from you.

McCain may actually be better off attacking Obama's patriotism (even though he has no basis for his attacks) than by campaigning on his feckless, shortsighted so-called energy platform.

Obama 08

Rob, Denver (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:20 AM)

WORLD HUNGER, NUCLEAR ARMS, AIDS IN AFRICA:

-NOBODY CARES-

jj (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:20 AM)

Any one else notice how McCain can't ever resist reaching waaaaaay back to the 60's?

If McCain were interested in energy alternatives, he would not have voted against them. What's worse, he criticizes Obama for having voted for these measures when they were presented to Congress.

***********************************

Diane, from Illinois

Thanks for the mention, and good thoughts. All is well. Family visiting from out of town pulled my focus from posting to hostess, and rightly so.

*************************

New Indy,

My 'Easter' humiliation analogy was meant to illustrate Hillary's reaction by reason of her supporters badgering Obama to take her as his Veep, while she sits there squirming. I feel embarrassed for her.

Sorry to have made a mess of it. I hope you understand where I was coming from.

I meant no disrespect.

donna (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:20 AM)

Why shouldn't Cindy McCain love America? It's the place where she inherited a fortune and stole a prominent husband from his disabled wife.

Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:21 AM)

He IS more patriotic. I'm an Obama supporter, and I still have to give McCain his props for his patriotism and what he's done for this country. And so should all of us.

Tracy R., San Leandro CA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:21 AM)

Anything and everything that protrays Obama in a bad way is a dirty trick swipe at him. Racist too. Ask Obama, he'll tell you.

Greg, Spokane WA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:21 AM)

NOBODY WANTS TO SEE 'WANTED': another GI JANE.

jj (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:22 AM)

This ad by McCain is racist. Pure and simple. No way this runs against Kerry or Gore, who served their country admirabley I might add.

Obama Supporter (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:23 AM)

Hmmm.... That Ad really reminded me of Obama. Is McCain jumpin' on the Obama train now?

Tony (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:23 AM)

His campaign is quite hollow, just like this message.

He doesnt have any solutions, just likes to say he'll solve problems with blanket statements that have no meat on their bones.

SOLVE THEM HOW?!

One day its drill in our wildlife reserves, next day its "Who Wants to be a $300 millionaire?", then its build many more nuke plants, then the next day its a gas tax "holiday" ...

HOW ABOUT ACTUALLY GETTING TO THE SOURCE OF A PROBLEM AND OUTLINING A CLEAR SOLUTION?!

Try eliminating the Enron loophole that's ruined the economy and made all your advisors and party stalworts wealthy.

I cant believe the media doesnt call BS with this guy.

Everything McCain is doing is BS. Seriously.

You want a strong country, try electing a leader who doesn't regurgitate everything everyone's already said and tried before, and instead elect someone who atleast wants to try something different.

This country is seriously messed up, and no one wants to acknowledge the elephant in the middle of the room, especially not McCain. He thinks everything is just fine and dandy the way it is. Its not.

Come on media, do your job. This guy has no ideas of his own to make America a better place, and you know it.

Steve, Glendale, CA (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:24 AM)

I am always amazed how GOPers will put symbolism before deeds.

Hey John, country first should include the other 95% of us.

WDRussell, EL, OH (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:24 AM)

Yo, Steve New York NY: the ad lines do not mention the word patriotism or Obama's name. It simply says, Putting country first. How is this a swipe at Obama's patriotism? Next thing you're going to say is that it's racist. It seems that you Obama fans all wear your hearts on your sleaves and that you take anything that impinges on your candidate as a slight. Get over it. This is a full, free and fair election. You think that the Republicans should just roll over and die because Barack wants to get elected?

Billy G., Oak Brook, IL (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:24 AM)

John McCain has been on so many sides of so many issues it leaves me dizzy. His flips and turns remind me of a kaliedeoscope. An optical illusion that is interesting at first but soon gives you a headache. How can anyone be for something different on the same subject every day?

The only thing that is consistent about McCain is that he will say or do anything to get elected.

Sharon, Antioch, TN (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:25 AM)

Liberals always need to keep an open mind. That's so the wind can flow freely through their ears.

Jack Baughton, Mobile Alabama (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:25 AM)

I find it interesting that Senile OLD McFlipflop is trying to convince people of his patriotism. If Senile OLD McFlipflop is so patriotic then why does he NEVER wear a flag lapel pin? Why did Senile OLD McFlipflop vote agaist the GI Bill? It seems to me that Senile OLD McFlipflop hates America. He won't even wear a flag lapel pin.

Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:27 AM)

The republicans invented self-serving partisanship, and perfected the art since 1988. What a crock. Nothing will work for the republicans this time around, nothing. Too many Americans have been hurt physically and financially, killed, and manipulated by their policies.

Peter Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:28 AM)

For all those who keep bringing up Mrs. Obama's comments on '1st time I;m proud of my country", etc.

What about the comments that Sen McCain recently made - that sometimes it is hard to love this country, etc. I see that you conveniently forget his comments. But maybe it's because Sen Obama has chosen to take the high road here - and is not constantly trying to keep comments like those constantly in the loop. Why don't we ask Mrs. McCain what she thought about her husband's comments?

HMMMMMM?

Just asking

NY Says NO to McCain, NY (Sent Friday, June 27, 2008 11:28 AM)

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