McCain's first negative ad

Posted: Friday, July 18, 2008 3:49 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
McCain is out with his first negative ad of the general election. "Troop funding" goes right after Obama for having "never held a single Senate hearing on Afghanistan" and for not having "been to Iraq in years."

"Positions that helped him win his nomination,” an announcer says. “Now Obama is changing to help himself become president. John McCain has always supported our troops and the surge that's working. McCain. Country first.”

McCain has had negative Web videos of Obama, but nothing on paid television.

The new ad is being cycled into the campaign's buy on national cable and CO, IA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NM, OH, PA, VA (NoVA) and WI.

McCain's ad, "Love," had several veiled shots at the presumptive Democratic nominee, but the focus was on McCain's biography -- not Obama.

*** UPDATE *** The Obama campaign released this response: "While Barack Obama wants to change American foreign policy to wind down the war in Iraq and address the grave threat posed by a resurgent al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan, John McCain offers this patently misleading negative ad," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said. "Given his calls for a civil campaign, it's disappointing that Senator McCain has slipped so easily into the same, tired campaign tactics that have become so familiar to the American people."

Script for "Troop Funding" (TV :30)
ANNCR: Barack Obama never held a single Senate hearing on Afghanistan.
He hasn't been to Iraq in years.
He voted against funding our troops.
Positions that helped him win his nomination. Now Obama is changing to help himself become president.
John McCain has always supported our troops and the surge that's working.
McCain. Country first.
JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Ok, MSM, this is your test: do you have the um, what did Jesse Jackson call them...to call out McCain on running an ad criticizing hearings when he hasn't shown up to ANY hearings himself the past 2 years?

Where's Edward R. Murrow? (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 3:55 PM)

McCain DID NOT support the troops via the GI Bill. McCain DID go to Iraq. He tried to make a trip through the market with kevlar vests, armed troops and a helicopter overhead look like a casual shopping trip! The Straight Talk Express has Casey Jones at the wheel - and we know how THAT went!

Action talks, b---sh-t flies on his wife's plane! (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 3:56 PM)

When was the first negative ad of 2004 run? Seems early for a negative ad.

Kent (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 3:56 PM)

L I E S

McCain hasn't attended a hearing on Afghanistan in 2 YEARS...

McCain supported the troops by voting against the GI Bill?

L I E S

JessicaElaine (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 3:58 PM)

What!!?? McCain NEGATIVE!! NO WAY!!

It's all he has left; GWB just cut the KNEES out from under his campaign!! Look for lot's more "NEGATIVE" from here on out!!

IT"S ALL HE HAS LEFT!!

The Iraqi's request for a withdrawal timeline is based upon the simple knowledge that they are perfectly capable of keeping Al Qeada out of their country. It's the US Forces they cannot contend with!...Malaki has come to realize that the US presence just delays the inevitable necessity of dealing with their own internal issues, and actually further slows down their progress on those issues; because each faction is depending upon the US to "defend" their position! With the US gone, progress WILL be made!!

Put yourselves in their place!! Then you can start to "get it"!!

GA GUY (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:00 PM)

When was the first negative ad of 2004 run? Seems early for a negative ad.

Kent (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:04 PM)

Obama has not been asked by Senator Biden the chair to hold any meetings and only voted against funding once giving a specific reason regarding the legislation. The surge is just another name for more deployment of troops. Whether or not it is working is not yet evident. Violence may be down in Iraq but that happened before the "surge" as well. Overall, the ad is misleading of course, just like McCain would be "if" he were elected president. The ad does match closely with the grumpy old man syndrome.

Joe, Virginia (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:04 PM)

Nice ad. Puts some light on Obama's real accomplishments or lack there of.

Truth guy (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:06 PM)

to paraphrase Pat Buchanan, "...it's all he's got..."

I can smell the desparation. Can anyone say when Bob Dole knew he wasn't going to be elected in 1996? I mean even though these guys surround themselves by 'yes' men (& women), someone has to be feeding them the proverbial gut check.

So telling that he can't run on his own merit; but on how he's 'not as bad as the other guy'. I guess we were all lulled into thinking he was a real change agent. Not so much.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:06 PM)

Isn't McCain even running a negative ad yet another flip flop? I thought he said he wouldn't do that, but maybe I'm mistaken.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:06 PM)

"He voted against funding our troops.
Positions that helped him win his nomination. Now Obama is changing to help himself become president."

Are you gping to fact check this ad? It seems to me, there were many funding bills Obama voted for, and his position on iraq has been consistent.

Atlliberal (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:08 PM)

This is easy to refute. McCain has missed 63% of votes in the Senate this term, more than any other senator and 20% more than Obama missed. Heck, Sen. Tim Johnson from South Dakota, who had a brain hemorrhage, only missed 50%!

J.D. Rowan (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:08 PM)

The sheer gall of McBush to run this ad after VP Biden announced yesterday that they have had 3 meetings on the topic and Barack had input. The continuation of this boulderdash is coming to a close, and not soon enough. Thanks for supporting our women and their rights and our vets and their lack of rights.....McBush.........toodles

don, kalamazoo, mi (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:08 PM)

McOldy, you haven't been to one of the Afghanistan meetings in the Senate for at least a year. I really couldn't tell you the last time McOldy voted on any bill or measure that the other Senators have, that is apart of their job, right?

Maybe someone can clear this up for me

Lee-- Dallas, TX (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:08 PM)

I know you guys won't post this comment because you never post any of my comments ... but I'll send you this message anyway.

McCain votes AGAINST our combat troops ...

5/2008: McCain voted AGAINST the Webb GI Bill.

9/2007: McCain voted AGAINST bill to minimize periods of time between deployment of units sent to Iraq.
http://senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00341

5/2006: McCain voted AGAINST $20 Million to VA for health care facilities.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00111

4/2006: McCain voted AGAINST $430,000,000 to VA for Medical Services.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00098

3/2006: McCain voted AGAINST increasing Vet-medical services $1.5 billion in FY2007.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=2&vote=00041

3/2004: McCain voted AGAINST increasing Vet-medical care by $1.8 billion.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=2&vote=00040

10/2003: McCain voted to TABLE an amendment for $322,000,000 for safety equipment for USforces. "Table"= vote never hits floor.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00376

10/2003: McCain voted to TABLE a vote for $1 Billion for National Guard and Reserve Equipment in Iraq dueto:shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts, & tactical vests.
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00116
http://capwiz.com/vva/e4/cinfo/?id=157301

Here's your test MSM -- will YOU all inform the viewers/voters of McCain's ANTI-MILITARY voting record?

c. proffit, Lexington, Ky. (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:08 PM)

So McCain does not attend the 6 committee meetings on Afghanistan (of which he is a member) and does not vote for the Webb bill supporting benefits for our military but he "always supports the troops"? I certainly hope the media will report the facts and not the fiction!

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:09 PM)

John McCain's the guy who supported this stupid war in the first place.

john McCain's the guy who supports sending troops back for 4th, 5th and 6th tours of duty, even when soldiers are suffering record rates of divorce, suicide and mental illness.

John McCain's the guy who supports keeping benefits low that enlisted soldiers will have fewer opportunities outside the military and will have to stay in.

jbentley,chicago,il (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:10 PM)

McBush just put his shoes in his mouth. McBush voted against funding the troops twice. Obama should put that in an ad. Also, McBush is too old to know what he voted for or not voted for. LOL. Plus McBush is still reliving in the past. Sad, just sad.

rosie, crestview, fl (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:11 PM)

This add is REALLY PATHETIC!!!!

How many time must they be told?: A larger body calls Obama's sub-committee to meet. Oh and they simply forget that McCain Hasn't Done JACK for even longer . . .!?

And he's following Obama on Foreign Policy . . .!

Buchanan, what has he got now!??!

Matthew, Newark NJ (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:12 PM)

THE TRUTH!

Finally.

HD-MI (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:13 PM)

Too bad it's not gonna help.

All those millions down the drain.

Pity.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:13 PM)

Republicans have made troop funding the world's largest, most effective human shield (for their war abuses in Iraq and Constitutional abuses at home) ever.

Combined with negative ads that only serve to remind us of the troop-funding human shield, I see no reason why McCain deserves a Presidential term (my disappointment in practically every other named candidate from Obama to Barr notwithstanding).

game kid (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:15 PM)

This Ad that implies Obama does not care about our Troops is deceitful, fear-mogering and just plain BS. We all know that Bush and his supporters in Congress tied one's patriotism and concern for our Troops to there stupid Iraq war funding bills. If anyone including Obama voted for Bush's requests for Iraq War funds people understand why they voted the way they did. So our Troops already there would be taken care of, not because they were in support of extending this policing action. If anyone voted against these funding requests including Obama people understand why they did this as well. Not because they didn't care about our Troops but because they had had enough of Bush's war and losing American lives (our Troops) in this sensless police action in Iraq.

When we see McCain and his Republican surrogates twisting and jiving the truth as they do because McCain is so desparate to win this election it makes one sick to their stomach. This guy has nothing, nothing to run on but his war hero status. So be it. I'll show the man respect for his service to our country. I'll vote for him to be named the Honorary Amercian Service Hero of the Cenutry or to be awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and service to this country if he does not already have one. But I'll be damned if I would vote for him to be President.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:18 PM)

McCain opposed the G.I. Bill.

McCain supports spending for our military, but he does not support the troops and their families.

Dan, McFarland, WI (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:18 PM)

Negative ads are used by those who are behind, know they are behind, and are on the wrong side of the issues. Because Barack will be gone for a few days does not mean Axelrod is setting back watching the world go by. No swift boating this time. By Monday expect a rebuttal. I'm disappointed it will not be shown in Indiana. It is now a purple state. Maybe the McCane camp has not figured it out yet.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:18 PM)

McCain is going negative already -- that's a sign that he's in BIG trouble!

Obama/Biden '08

Eric, Indiana (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:21 PM)

Could the Repulsive ones get any sillier?? Running a bogus ad about these hearings?? The truth/facts (okay okay I know that's not in their vocabulary) show McCreepy himself is on this committe and hasn't shown up for one in 2YEARS??? And they have the B@LLS to actually run a TV ad pounding OBAMA??

And here's a dare for you Chuck & your squad - call him/them out on this BS!! You explained in detail the other day on Newsvine about the pro/con coverage and Obama being the new guy... WELL this has nothing to do with Obama being NEW - this is a bold FACE LIE and MSNBC etc need to call him out on it!

Obama ROCKS! YES WE WILL!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:21 PM)

Okay, First Read........the last time McCain showed up in the Senate for a vote was April 8, 2008. Any news about THAT? Couldn't even bother to vote on the Medicare issue for the old folks he panders to. Let's see some fair and balanced reporting for a change.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:22 PM)

Didn't McCain say something years ago about "NOT LOVING" his country until it had been taken away from him. And didn't McCain work and vote against the original G.I. Bill as well as whine about the current version before it's passing. I'm a veteran and I don't know what this guy's talking about when he or his lackeys lament "country first". Most, if not all (including SO-CALLED patriots here on this blog), never spent anytime in the military or found safe haven in the National Guard while REAL soldiers did the heavy lifting. Now the NG has become REGULAR soldiers and they are stretched to their limits. I applaud them for their efforts. And BTW General Clark was spot on about McCain!!! Service to one's country is NOT a test of one's fitness to be POTUS/ neither is experience. Neither Lincoln, FDR nor many lesser but effective presidents ever served. So just get off it!!!

Nero, CA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:27 PM)

Mccain is for mccain first, nothing else. He doesn't support veterans, he has been in Washington forever and has accomplished nothing. He is nothing but a lapdog for bush, a fraud and hypocrite.

Steve A Jonesboro IN (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:27 PM)

Did anyone notice that the Prsident stepped all over this ad's message today?

Obama is on his way to Iraq...what's the point of saying he's never been there?

As for the cmmittee hearings, Biden steped all over that days ago.

Tell me again.....how does this help McCain. He is regurgatating information that is outdated or refuted.

Ira, Freehold, NJ (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:33 PM)

The McCain camp is really batting a thousand today, lol. Bush following in Obama's steps
Comments about Muslims made by Budd Day - repudiate
Comments about spectacular attacks out of McCain's own mouth
Non-factual, hypocritical attack ad on Obama

It seems to me that they (Repugnant ones) are getting desperate. Obama's overseas trip will get all of the media's attention, but I also hope the media will not let McCain & company slide on daily gaffes, flip flops and outright lies.

Obama/Biden, 08

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:36 PM)

CAIN is lying as usual.

CAIN cheated his 1st wife, divorced her, married a rich woman, and lives out of the proceeds of dirty alcohol money.

CAIN promotes SIN and addiction among Americans.

Remember the Bible. No CAIN come back.

voter (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:47 PM)

Don't underestimate McCain's willingness to play fast and lose with the facts in lauching slimy negative ads. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/02/19/mccain_has_shown_willingness_to_attack/
Straight Talk my a--.

Andrea Westchester (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:48 PM)

UH, First?

What about that moronic Dr. No ad?

Shel, SLC UT (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:53 PM)

um. how brilliant is it to put out an ad saying that Obama hasn't been to Iraq in years when his plane is in the air??

Sen. McCain: "a day late and a dollar short"

Shel, SLC UT (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 4:56 PM)

Weak.

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:01 PM)

The "surge" itself isn't what improved the situation. We also hired 300,000 Iraquis to fight on our side.

TLA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:06 PM)

McCain hasn't showed up for senate votes after the Arizona voters sent him there for years. He should pay his salary for the last fifteen years back to us. How many people think they should get paid for NOT showing up to work?

Bruec Whitehouse, Corona AZ (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:07 PM)

You may call it negative, many others would call it the truth. McCain may have voted against some funding, probably because it wasn't ENOUGH.

W. O'Malley, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:09 PM)

You call this a negative ad? The truth is the truth.

Stan Ashburn Clarksville, TN. (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:11 PM)

c. proffit, Lexington, Ky; you're on the air!

Problem is that no one is willing to hear or read these things about McCain. However, if they were about Obama, they would have been plastered all over FOX and any other bought and paid for media outlet.

Nice Post!

Old Soldier, Freehold, NJ (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:12 PM)

You call that a negative ad? Wow, you all have too much time on your hands. That points out the differences between the two. Nothing negative I see at all.

McCain opponents need to nitpick little things, because they know he is a real threat to the "democratic superstar" they think has this election all wrapped up. Mark my words, folks, you better brace yourself if you think that is a negative add. Schedule some therapy and counseling sessions, buy your tissues, cry all you want, but Senator McCain is going to win this election. Our country depends on it.

Go McCain! Senator McCain 2008!

Scott in Iowa (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:13 PM)

Obama's campaigb has been running "negative" ads all along. MSNBC just doesn't choose to call them negative.

ROY WILSON, CRESTLINE, CA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:14 PM)

And getting shot down and captured by the enemy does NOT make a guy better qualified to run anything than a school on how to survive in a bamboo cage. Straight talk express? Give us a break.

Bruce Whitehouse, Corona Arizona (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:14 PM)

Stating facts is negative? NBC is the first to go negative on McCain, while fawning over Obama from day one.

LARRY TABOR, FAYETTEVILLE, AR (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:15 PM)

Let's be real. The only time McCain votes against benefits for veterans is when the Democratic congress piles on $billions in pork for their pet projects. Make the bills clean, and then only Democrats will vote against them.

ROY WILSON, CRESTLINE, CA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:17 PM)

Johm McCain flip-flops, gaffes, distorts

He deserves to be called McBush, that might be a compliment

GW Vancouver, Canada (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:18 PM)

It's obvious that the majority of the people posting here have drunk the Obama-Kool-Aid: once most Americans realize that Obama has NO, repeat NO experience other than messing up Illinois, they will come around.

Leon, Williamsburg, VA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:19 PM)

News Definition by a liberal. An adv comparing postions criticizing the Democratic viewpoint is an attack adv.
Congratulations MSNBC. You have just demonstated that you are in the tank for Obama.

Rick Katze, Framingham MA (Sent Friday, July 18, 2008 5:20 PM)

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