Dems pounce on McCain Web video

Posted: Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:22 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Democrats, Joe Biden, Ads

From NBC's Mark Murray and Ken Strickland
John Kerry isn't the only Democrat who today has weighed in on McCain's new Web video, which contains clips of Democrats -- including Kerry, Joe Biden, Howard Dean, Obama and Hillary Clinton -- praising the Arizona senator. The clips all appear to be at least two years old, except for the clip of Clinton, which is from the Democratic primaries.

In a statement released by Dean: "John McCain a maverick? The John McCain of 2000 wouldn't even consider voting for the John McCain of 2008. The American people are learning that the John McCain of 2008 represents more of the same failed policies we've gotten from George Bush for the past eight years. Senator McCain is clearly in the tank for Exxon and big oil, for keeping our troops stuck in Iraq for decades to come, and for an economic policy that puts tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations above relief for hardworking families. John McCain has changed: he's taken the low road, leveling false, negative and misleading attacks against Barack Obama. John McCain is no more a maverick within the Republican Party than Dick Cheney is. He's just more of the same."

And in a statement released by Biden: "The John McCain of 2008 is not the maverick of 2000. On the most urgent national security challenges we face - Iraq, Iran and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- there is no day light between George Bush and John McCain. He has embraced President Bush's failed policies and will continue them. It's unfortunate he's changed so much in just eight years."

Kerry said: "The McCain campaign is determined to give their Paris Hilton ad a run for its money in the desperation department, and they've succeeded only in shining a light on the fact that the John McCain of today is unrecognizable from the John McCain of just a couple years ago. The real question is what happened to the John McCain we used to know and why he changed overnight into a George Bush nominee with a Karl Rove campaign. The new John McCain supports the Bush tax giveaways for the wealthy he once denounced, opposes his own immigration bill, flip-flopped on torture, and runs negative ads after calling for an honorable campaign. Frankly, it tells you everything about this election that the McCain campaign spins its wheels recycling what we said about John McCain way back when while scrambling and sputtering to explain away Governor Pawlenty's praise of Barack Obama today."

*** UPDATE *** Now, the Democratic National Committee has produced its own Web video that has quotes from all of these Democrats hammering McCain.

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Comments

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:34 PM)

MEMO TO DEMS: release your own Ad showing republicans criticizing McCain. There are plenty of republicans who have a few choice words for McShame.

Tim, NY (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:34 PM)

Thanks Hillary - you're quite the Democrat!

ujw, ny (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:34 PM)

So what are the Democrats pouncing on? What's not true about the video? The only thing that's changed is that John McCain is now the Republicans choice for president, and that seems to have prompted the Democratic smear machine into action.

Gwen TR, Monroe LA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:37 PM)

Absolutely, the Democratic Party are a brave bunch and we will no longer stand for the Karl Rove's type tactics.

So - because John McCain has changed his ways from once being an honorable guy - to becoming totally disgusting under the guidance of Karl Rove.

John McCain - we the people will strip your once respectable title - and deem you hence forth – The Jacka$$

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:37 PM)

This reminds me of people who post pictures of themselves on dating sites that are 8 years old - before the grey hair set in or they gained 50 lbs. Some people simply cannot come to terms with who they evolve into being. In this case, the picture of McCain is trying to post is that of the daring maverick, instead of a crotchity old dude screaming at kids to get off his lawn.

Elizabeth, Nashville TN (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:37 PM)

McCain is really pounding pn Obama since Barack returned from that charade of a trip overseas. John appears to have found his voice.

Voice Lessons (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:38 PM)

As an ultra supporter of Sen McCain in 2000 and a lifelong republican, I can honestly say to Sen McCain of 2008 ("I knew Sen McCain (2000) and you sir are no Sen McCain!)" We need change. Something. The status quo is a one way trip to oblivion. (Oblivion, by the way, for you McCain supporters is not a good place. Not for the once great and hopefully future great U.S. of A.)!

CMSgt P (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:40 PM)

WOW -- I remember a lot of posts on the Clinton comments in high praise of McCain that would be recycled. Too bad for them -- but these a great responses - especially Senator Kerry...

Lauri Smalls, Providence RI (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:41 PM)

It's amazing how everyone, but McCain's blind supporters can see right through his bs, and phony ways. Just look how every last one of them compared the 00 McCain, to the 08. It is utterly absurd how Senator McCain has to distort the truth, just to try to win over the White House. If Americans are once again dumbed down by the disgrace that is the Republicans, then most likely I will never vote again. That's if Senator Obama is not our next president.

"The clips all appear to be at least two years old, except for the clip of Clinton, which is from the Democratic primaries."

Oh but of course. Wasn't Clinton the same idiot who said, that her, and John McCain are the only two qualified to be president? Nice going. Even if Clinton was the nominee, I would've loved to know how she would have handle going up against Senator McCain. Especially since according to her, he's more qualified than Senator Obama.

Californian for Obama (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:41 PM)

seriously what else does anyone expect from rethugnutz but lies, distortions and blaming evryone else when they screw up.

thats a fact jack (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:41 PM)

You shouldn't have set the Forrestal on fire, Johnny - then you wouldn't bowing and scraping to the likes of traitors.

Thanks for showing all that "integrity," Mr. Maverick.

Johnny-gone-crazy will set YOU on fire, too! (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:41 PM)

McCain should have known that big blowback was coming for that ad. This is a microcosm of the McCain campaign itself--no plan for tomorrow. Everything that they do is rash,ham-handed, and impulsive with no foresight or vision. This is what a McCain administration would look like and operate. Shoot first ask questions later. The American people deserve better but we will get what we deserve if we vote for Mr. Bush's third term. P.S. there is no such thing as PUMA Democrats, only PUMA Republicans.

Will of Steele from the land of 27 Electoral Votes (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:42 PM)

As a Republican, I think Pawlenty's compliments towards Obama are fine. Obama has an interesting story, and there is no denying that he's a popular candidate. But I'm not surprised that such behavior as Pawlenty showed in the last few days is not allowed by the Democrats. Those that aren't with them, are against them it appears.

Republican Swing Voter (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:43 PM)

Thanks to all the Democrats who spoke up against McCain. It's time to reveal the real John McCain to the American people and that isn't the John McCain of 2000.

Mudslide (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:45 PM)

Obama is taking the high road and showing class. Why is everyone wanting him to do something that is not in his personality? Sen. Obama needs to stay on message and let McCain crash his own plane.

Rodney, Gaithersburg, MD (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:45 PM)

Just added MoveON.org to the donations list!

(Your Fault John!)

GA GUY (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

We DEMS could post an ad from McGrouchy's visit to the Marshall football team yesterday.

"Are you going to vote for someone who hasn't seen the football since the kickoff?"

Chuk, NY (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

Dems, you really sure you want to put Kerry out there as an attack dog? Then you Dems wonder why the Democrats get the 'elite' and 'arrogant' taglines.

Jim Louis, Vermont (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

OBAMA is to mccant what Muhammid Ali was to boxing, first a little rope a dope before the conventions and debates then during the debates obama will come off the ropes with the Ali shuffle and float like a butterfly then STING like a bee then on election day OBAMA will will stand tall with hands in the air while mccant is dazed and dizzy wondering what the hell happened(kind a like he does everyday).

thats a fact jack (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

i get the impression obama is saving the heavy attacks - gaffes, flip-flops, $100 million net worth and $500 shoes, his bush-loving quotes, and keating 5 for the last 6 weeks.
their attacks have been steadily escalating in that direction.

mike (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

John Kerry, please be quiet. You are the worst surrogate for Obama. No one believes a darn word out of your mouth. The more a Massachusetts liberal is aligned with the Dem. nominee, the worse it is for the Dem. nominee. We all know you tried to get McCain on your ticket in 2004, but just 4 short years later you back pedal. Leave the surrogate work to good politicians like Biden, Clinton, and so on.

Chris (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:47 PM)

Cindy Lou, TX:

The problem with that is those nasty Republicans might respond with audio and video loops of Buh-rack Uh-bam-uh speaking without a teleprompter, endless repeats of his "57 states" flub, all interspersed with clips of Jeremiah Wright asking god to damn America.

Do we really need that?

Richard, Washington State (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:47 PM)

Every time Obama says we should "turn the page", I have. Now I've come to the end of the book, so what do I do now?

Confused Liberal (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:48 PM)

Howard Dean, John Kerry and Joe Biden all have something in common. THEY ALL LOST their bid for president. Tells you how popular they are to the country as a WHOLE. They might get their props in their little liberal inner circle but the country rejected all. Now go somewhere and shut up!

IntheMiddle, TX (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:49 PM)

I wouldn't give you a rat's patoot for John McCain, but the Democrat's continued use of the same old, tired party-line diatribe of tax cuts for the wealthy is so overused (and now has even been proven to be unfounded) that they appear laughable for not being able to let it go.

The fact is that according to IRS data, after the Bush tax cuts, the richest one percent of taxpayers paid an even higher percentage of the overall tax revenue legally purloined by the politicians from the pockets of the workers.

And if they think John McCain has changed since 2000 or since two years ago, I respectfully disagree with them. He was a self-serving out-of-touch incompetent back then too.

And finally if they think Barack is any better, they again are wrong. He is just one more in a long line of power lusting politicians like Kerry, Biden, Dean and the high priestess Hillary.

James Lee Chatsworth, GA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:49 PM)

Anyone notice the Democrat campaign is regressing into a one trick donkey? Bash Bush. So breathtakingly original and clever.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:50 PM)

Republicans...two weeks ago a subscriber issued a challenge to any of you to give one RATIONAL reason why one should vote for McCain. I have not read one response! During the past two weeks, McCain has continued his attack on Obama, seldom mumbling much more than lies about how taxes will be raised by Obama and that "he is out of touch". When will McCain reveal how he intends to do anything that will make our country a better place for all of us? When will any Republican give a RATIIONAL (intelligent) reason why I, or anyone, should vote for McCain?

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:50 PM)

Hee-haaw, that's how politics is suppose to work. You're friends today then you can stab them tomorrow and in the end, everything's not personal; it's just part of a normal day in Washington. So, is Barak suppose to change how Washington runs?

Devil's Advocate (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:51 PM)

I support Obama and the Dems, but the response by these prominent Democrats is kind of a wash. McCain might lose some independents, but gain in the repub base. There's a lot of voters who are comforted by the fact that McCain is now a party line guy.

Kevin, SF, CA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:52 PM)

Yes, Dems. This is unity. It is about time that the dems fight hard for this election. The republicans have left to many openings and the dems are not discussing. It is time the dems talk about the hyporcricy of the republican party. Oh, where is Hillary's statement denouncing the ad since she appeared in it. If she does not denounce it, then it tells us all we need to know about how Hillary feels toward Obama. In that case, she should be the V.P. of McCain. I heard rudy guilliani saying that McCain might choose a dem. Last time I checked, she is available.

voter (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:53 PM)

I wish the Dems would do an ad with McCain saying he's a maverick and not like George Bush with pictures of Bush hugging him! I think that would be hysterical!
The Dem leaders are all piling on McCain over thisone, though, aren't they? All, I might add, EXCEPT Hillary! Hope her "supporters" realize this, too. No wonder she can't pay off her debt!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:56 PM)

I'm sure they could find some video of McCain praising Dems (other than Joe Lieberman) and probably even Obama during those early cheery days in the Senate together. The video is really a silly premise for the McCain camp.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:57 PM)

Hillary should be Mc Cain's vp......they both took the low road and they can travel lower together. maybe the Republican will pay off her debt.

GW, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:58 PM)

Obama really needs to start throwing punches and put old man McCain on the defensive. Where is Obama's negative ad showcasing McCain's many gaffes? Where is the negative ad showing Lierberman whispering the difference between Sunni/Shia in McCain's ear? Obama needs to drive home the message that McCain is "confused" and losing his bearings.
Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:34 PM)

MEMO TO DEMS: release your own Ad showing republicans criticizing McCain. There are plenty of republicans who have a few choice words for McShame.
Tim, NY (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:34 PM)

-------------------------------------------------

4 Words...not going to happen!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:58 PM)

Yes, I have to say Hillary didn't do the Democrats any favors during the primary. A good Democrat would not have given away those talking points to the Republicans. One of the many reasons I lost respect for her.

Kathy (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:00 PM)

Its time for the Dems to step up. They cannot allow Obama to be Swift Boated again. Take off the gloves... lord knows there is enough dirt on McSame to fill the Astrodome.

Randy C, Seattle Wa (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:01 PM)

I am pretty sure the media is going to play this for free. Uhmnnn!!! corporate media in the back pocket of John McCain

Bee (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:02 PM)

I see the bushies are getting ready to cut and run in Iraq...let's see now...all combat troops out by October 2010...its not 15 months but us isn't john mcsames 100 years war either..

why do the bushies talk so tough and then flip flop though...they said there would be no timetables...blah blah blah

Rojer Ramjet, Hero of our nation (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:02 PM)

Hey First Read, I thought you would be all over this, but you have not reported on it yet:

the Rasmussen poll found 87% of FNC viewers as "likely to vote," for McCain, while 65% of CNN viewers and 63% of MSNBc viewers favor Obama.

71% of those watching ABC's World News plan on voting for Obama, with 70% for the CBS' Evening News and 67% for the NBC Nightly News.

So all the networks, CNN, and MSNBC are within the margen of error of being the same viewership yet only ONE network is alone with 87% for McCain?

Fair and Balanced, I don't think so. Feeding junk and lies the the only folks willing to eat them - Fox News.

Paul Dobro (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:06 PM)

I know McCain isn't the best republican candidate but he's getting my vote because I'm voting AGAINST OBAMA. I literally get sick at the thought of how Obama will destroy this country and the liberty we now have.

MK in MI (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:07 PM)

The Biden, Dean, and Kerry statements will suffice given the fact that McCain has had eight years to morph into a candidate which is the antithesis of what he was in 2000.

Hillary Clinton is another matter. She deserves to be on the outside of Obama's ticket looking in. So often I want to feel sorry for her, but then I'm reminded of her wretched behavior in the primaries, and my sympathies are better placed with others who deserve them.

Her defenders chirp non stop about Obama's resume. They pronounce it as thin. Yet Hillary was exposed as an imposter who shamelessly padded her 'ready from day one' credentials, (apparently with impugnity so far as they are concerned).

At least Senator Obama didn't lie to us. I'm proud, that he is proud of his community organizing. A humble post? Sure; but an honest one.

donna (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:08 PM)

The problem with Obama throwing punches back is then people will say see it's just the same old politics. It is like the Story that the used on him in Germany had he gone to see the injured troops at the hospital they had a response just like they had one when he didn't go. It is just time for the American people to stop believing the HYPE that the RNC feeds them. People need to get away from the WWE Raw and Smackdown Mentalities. Jabbing a finger in the eye of your opponant then rub salt in it does not make a better candidate. I think it's time America sit up and listen to truth , Not Fear and Lies , it is shameful what the American public has given in to. We are a smart people and we need leaders that treat us as such. It is time we stop seeing the color of a man or womans skin and just see a man or woman. So all of you people that are so against Obama ask yourself why and stop letting the RNC give you your talking points to babble in here. By the way I think things will work themselves out between HRC and Barrack so as an Obama supporter I ask that we not feed into the hype the media would like to stir by having us say things about Hillary. The proof will be in her campaigning for Barrack if she does a good job cool . If she behaves like Bill and some of her less gracious surrogates then I will join in on the Hill Bashing but until then I ask we chill. They didn't say when that UTube thing was taped did they? Sorry if they did I actually had some work to do at work and just glanced through this thing.

Brian M De. (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:09 PM)

The best the Dumbocrats will be able to do is release video of Republicans bashing McCain. But that will actually help McCain with his maverick image.

mike, winchester, virginia (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:11 PM)

Ad idea for democrats:
Simply put out an ad that shows past and present sound bites of McCain's flip-flopping ideals. "I am against off-shore drilling" "We must drill right here! *points under feet*"

Masrur Shareef, Toronto, Ontario (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:11 PM)

MCCain likes to stress honor, dignity and integrity. How does he square these values with all his negative and fals adds?

Ingrid Harris, Gainesville, FL (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 2:14 PM)

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