McCain's new ad contains dubious claims

Posted: Friday, August 08, 2008 10:20 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Ads

From NBC's Mark Murray
The McCain campaign has announced it's running yet another TV ad hitting Obama for his "celebrity" and for wanting to raise taxes.

The campaign says the ad is being cycled into its buy in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia (Northern Virginia), and Wisconsin.

But the ad makes some dubious claims:
1) When it says that Obama voted "to raise taxes on people making just $42,000," that was on a non-binding budget resolution vote that didn't actually raise or lower taxes. From Factcheck.org: "The resolution does not contain a specific provision to raise tax rates, but rather assumes that most of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire as scheduled in 2011."

2) According to Obama's economic plan, he would raise taxes only on those making more than $250,000 per year, and would provide tax cuts to those making less than that. Factcheck.org: "Obama has stated repeatedly that his plan would increase taxes only for those making more than $250,000 per year."

The script:
ANNCR: Life in the spotlight must be grand, but for the rest of us times are tough. Obama voted to raise taxes on people making just $42,000.
He promises more taxes on small business, seniors, your life savings, your family. Painful taxes, hard choices for your budget. Not ready to lead. That's the real Obama.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.

*** UPDATE *** Says Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan in a a statement: "This ad is a lie, and it's part of the old, tired politics of a party in Washington that has run out of ideas and run out of steam. Even though a host of independent, nonpartisan organizations have said this attack isn't true, Senator McCain continues to lie about Senator Obama's plan to give 95% of all families a tax cut of $1,000, and not raise taxes for those making under $250,000 a single dime. The reason so many families are hurting today is because we've had eight years of failed Bush policies that Sen. McCain wants to continue for another four, and that's what Barack Obama will change as President."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

More lies and celebrity obsession from the McCain campaign? Say it ain't so.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:25 AM)

It is time for Obama and the DNC to start attacking McCain for what he is which is a lying sleezeball who cheated on and left his wife, and was invoved in the Keating 5 scandal.

jim Mi (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:26 AM)

When is the media going to brand John McCain as a LIAR.

Because that is what he is.

P.S. Thanks First Read for debunking the lies in the post - I could get used to that!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"If I were Obama's grandmother and he called me a "typical white person", I'm not sure I'd let him come visit! How disrespectful. "
-2ez
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You're joking right?

What is really disrespectful is the number of people who are willing to insult our intelligence by constantly trying to change the subject from

How the Republican Party has brought the American economy and military to it's knees in less than 8 years

to

Should I be scared of Barack Obama?

That dog is not going to hunt. This year, we are going to throw the "typical lying politicians" out. And no amount of spin from the corporate media or lies from paid McCain bloggers is going to change that.

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:27 AM)

Last time it was $32,000. So they increased the lie by $10k. WOW

Thanks FR for pointing out the LIE right up front. Good job!

JessicaElaine (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:28 AM)

OK, I know Obama is taking a vacation in Hawaii, but hope his campaign staff isn't on vacation...they need to counter attack McCain's lying ad, with one showing that this guy is nothing but a liar with an Obama ad showing what McCain claims Obama did or will do, and right next to it, showing that McCain's ad's representations are false and lies.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:28 AM)

It's amazing to me that McCain's campaign gets away with lying like this. But then, the conservatives think that dishonesty is simply a campaign tactic.

Ken, San Francisco, CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:29 AM)

i don't understand. i'm in advertising and if i make a claim that's false, the networks refuse to run it. but this gets on the air? so much for the "liberal" media.

phil, philly (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:30 AM)

BUT ----once again, you fully embed McCain's ad but only link to Obama's new ad

I appreciate that you debunked the lies, but can you please be a little more fair in this regard.

JessicaElaine (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:30 AM)

Forget the contents of this ad. Small potatoes compared to the garbage coming down the Republican pike. The bigger question is why anyone would believe that McCain's party would have any interest in improving the lot of those making $42,000 or less. It does not and will not.

Pete Caloger Bushkill, PA 18324 (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:30 AM)

"I'm John McCain and I approved this lie."

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:31 AM)

Senator Obama has proposed that Seniors making less than $50,000 should be EXEMPT from taxes - so what the hell is John McCain talking about?

The bit about raising taxes on Small business? Another lie!

"McCain's Small-Business Bunk
He claims 23 million small-business owners would pay higher tax rates under Obama. He's wrong. The vast majority would see no change, and many would get a cut."
http://www.newsweek.com/id/146210

John McCain has never had to earn his own way in his ENTIRE life - whose out of touch again?

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:31 AM)

Seriously, campaigns should not be allowed to take out ads that are blatant lies. This is just sickening.

Billy, MI (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:31 AM)

Just got to post this. I heard it on the way home last night on Market Place.

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/08/07/conservatives/

A conservative commentator who is making a case that all of the Free Trade, Low Tax and Deregulated approaches that started with Reagan but then went to the extreme under Bush have created a Preditor State.

Even economic conservatives are talking about regulation, fair trade and progressive taxes!!!

Obama 08

James C., Arizona (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:32 AM)

The real truth is which candidate is offering all the socialist, left-wing goodies with a promise to "...tax the wealthy to pay for it"?

Get serious people. Neither large companies nor the rich don't pay taxes. We do. So, it's out of your hip pocket and into you front pocket with a little taken away to fund the system.

Jenny J, Portland, OR (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:33 AM)

At some point the DNC needs to take the gloves off and go for the jugular on McBush and his cronies, because this is just plain absurd.

The amount of outright lies being peddled to the voters by McCain is staggering.

Tired of GOP BS (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:35 AM)

That dog is not going to hunt. This year, we are going to throw the "typical lying politicians" out. And no amount of spin from the corporate media or lies from paid McCain bloggers is going to change that.
Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:27 AM)
-----------------------------------------------------

Amen to that, hopefully the rest of the country will wake up and take the stand....

I'm right there with you fellow patriot. Let's send a message to the world!

GP Chicago (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:35 AM)

I never liked the work of 527's. But I think it's high time that someone step up to the plate and not let these lies continue. Now I can see why McCain cannot talk about his personal relationship with G-d because apparently there is none. Or else he would not continue these blatant LIES. How can these people sleep at night.

Call out the dem attack dogs--NOW!

Pearson (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:35 AM)

Thanks for making these points. Over the past three weeks, in addition to making general smears on Obama's character, the McCain has released a slew of ads making untruthful and misleading claims about Obama's record and his agenda. Instead of calling the McCain on its dishonesty - which should be emphasized given McCain's undeserved reputation for "straight talk" - most of the media (including Matthews, Scarborough,Buchanan, Mitchell, Gregory, et. al.)applaud McCain for "landing blows" and "throwing Obama off his game." (Nevermind that McCain still trails in every single poll and consistently fails to crack 45%). While the media should not take sides, it is it's duty to inform the public when candidates are not speaking the truth.

jbentley,Chicago,IL (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:35 AM)

What a surprise - McCain trying to smear Obama with lies and distortions.

I know that the Obama camp is going to have to run a response ad, but I hate that this is a defensive position they keep finding themselves in. They need to run thier own attack ads. And they don't even need to lie: there's plenty of damaging truth to work with.

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:35 AM)

Dubious indeed. People making $31000 will see their taxes go up. So McCain is off a little.

And, because Obama's only plan for the energy crisis is to pass out tire gauges, fuel costs will continue to rise. That could be considered a regressive tax because of Obama's non-action on the enrgy problems the country faces.

Trudall O., Pine Grove AR (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:35 AM)

Obama needs to take a page out of Hillary's book....hold up a screenshot of the ad at a presser and proclaim "shame on you, John McCain...you wanted to run a clean campaign, yet you continually 'approve messages' that a blantantly false and have been repeatedly debunked by independent factcheck websites....shame on you, John McCain"...

get strong Barack...this will push McCain into defensive (as it did with you when Hillary used it on you during Texas/Ohio primaries)....it's a very smart card to play...

sean, atl, ga (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:35 AM)

MORE LIES.

The media has so far thought the rest of his lies were cute and clever, so now McCain is empowered to lie some more.

When are you MEDIA FOLKS going to start playing fair????

Andrea, New York City (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:36 AM)

OMG !!!!!
Just when you think this man can't stoop any lower, he does.
I think McCain and his croney's are lower than dirt, and I don't understand how anybody can elect him president.
It's even lower to attack Obama when he's on vacation.
Seems to be the McCain way.

What a liar !!!!!!!

Treebranch, OH (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:36 AM)

The problem with the media bending over backwards so as not to be criticized for "being biased toward Barack," is that nobody has the guts to call this what it is: John McCain and his campaign are LYING. But, since we'll hear nothing but euphemisms and tut-tuts, and, since these lies and infantile campaigning, they'll keep doing it.

What happened to Straight Talk? (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:36 AM)

I'm getting tired of hearing McStupid cut down Obama. Can't he talk about the issues? I would guess not, since he has not the intellect to do so. He says Barack need experience in order to understand. As far as I know, it is not experience that helps one understand, it is intelligence, a quality that McStupid has never possessed. (5th from the bottom of his class of 899.)

I guess all the sheep will follow that dunce.

Judy Arizona (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:37 AM)

For all of Obama's promised handouts, someone is going to have to pay for them. And you liberals think it will just be the "rich" doing the paying. That makes you just as naive as the candidate you support.

A.Grost, Reno, NV (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:38 AM)

McCain is dishonest and corrupt. McLame tax cuts benefits only the rich. Same as Bushes tax cuts.

Obama vs McCain on Taxes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNyNv_UfFUo

Non-Partisan Tax Center: McCain Plan Favors The Wealthy
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/12/1136892.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage

Tax Progressivity Discussed on CNN !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fbxpMw4mco&eurl=http://www.daily

banko (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:38 AM)

Obama is in REAL DANGER of getting swiftboated on this taxes issue: McCain and his campaign continue to make these claims. Unless the obama campaign hits back and hits back HARD (come out and call these claims LIES), 3 months from now, you're going to hear gullible low and middle-income Americans leaving exit polls and saying, "well, i just didn't want my taxes raised."

Time to Fight Barack (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:38 AM)

You notice how in Obama's add where he uses lines they are supported with news articles, voting records, independent analysis.

McCain's spots are just false and madeup. This is the guy that people want to lead this country!

All policy issues aside, is this really the guy? With this type of approach, I'm sure if elected he'll be able to bring out that new ream of ivory paper with the Iranian Letter head alreay printed on it.

Haven't we had enough of this for the last 7.5 years.

Please people say it isn't so.

James C., Arizona (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:38 AM)

umm just a question.
If the tax cuts are allowed to expire isn't that a defacto tax increase?

And to the earlier post as to whether the Exxon tag was fair.
It’s all fair this is politics, time to pull up your big girl panties and play ball. No offense but is anything no fair?

GDI in Michigan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:39 AM)

I can't imagine what it must be like to be Barack Obama.

- To attempt to engage in a mature dissertation on the future of our country with the embarrassingly fraternity-like McCain campaign.

- To have to coddle and handhold the frustratingly infantile egos of Bill & Hillary Clinton.

- To have every word you speak ripped from context and parsed beyond recognition by a media hungry and desperate for a close presidential contest.

If only all involved would rise to half the maturity level Obama wishes to elevate this conversation to, we might as a nation actually get something done.

Obama '08

Jay, The Batcave (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:40 AM)

http://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/09/obama_tax_plan.php

Obama Tax Plan

- Cutting taxes for 150 million Americans and their families, allowing them to get a tax cut of up to $1000.

-Easing the burden on the middle class by providing a universal homeowner’s tax credit to those who do not itemize their deductions

- Immediately benefiting 10 million homeowners, the majority of whom make under $50,000 per year.

-Eliminating the income tax for any American senior making less than $50,000 per year

-Eliminating income taxes for about 7 million American seniors.

- Simplifying tax filings so millions of Americans can do their taxes in less than 5 minutes.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Is it possible for the Obama campaign to get a federal injunction to stop these patently false adds from running? What ever happened to truth in advertising?

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:40 AM)

this ad is actually kind of sad, he isn't lying (completely), but he isn't telling the truth either (completely), this is what politicians do, But to stretch it this far is just sad. McCain must be getting desperate!

Adam, St. Louis (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:40 AM)

Just more proof that this "tired old fart" John McCain is a pathological liar. His campaign operatives are liars, he is a liar, and a puppet of George W. Bush.

If this country elects John McCain, then it deserves what it will get. Perpetual war, no health insurance, and more devisiveness in the world.

Do you really want that? The media is also to blame for not going after John McCain on his lies. It's really scary to think that John McCain could become our president. He is not qualified.

Joe, White Bear Lake, MN (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:40 AM)

McCain hasn't been 'the rest of us' since he dumped his wife for Cindy Hensley and became a multi-millionaire overnight.

Does this campaign have any credibility left?

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:40 AM)

So much for John McCain being "sorry" for going negative with the tone of his campaign.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:41 AM)

Really, when the McCain camp repeats accusations shown to be demonstrably false by independent sources, why won't the MSM (other than FR) jump on this?

eric, VT (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:41 AM)

when is the hell is the MSM going to go after John Mccain for the all out lies he is telling in these ads he puts out. Obama voted to raise taxes on people making just $42,000.
He promises more taxes on small business, seniors, your life savings, your family.
this is a lie!!! if my kids lied like this i would beat the crap out of them, but the white MSM just lets this crap just go by. i'm starting to wonder what john mccain has on the MSM because of barack lied like this they would be all over him, barack has said time and time again that 95% of american will get a tax cut and seniors making less than 50,000.00 will pay no taxes. MSM its up to you to call him on the lies, because if barack has to spend all his time and money defending these lies time and time again then race, john mccain would have gotten away with the worse crime there is and that is lying his way to the top job in the free world !!!!

MSM GROW A SET OF BALLS AND STOP THIS!!!

jeff D Evanston IL. (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:42 AM)

I am always amazed at how the media does not follow up on Mc Cain. Talking about a free pass.

Jean (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:42 AM)

...and, once again, who needs an ad buy when you'll run it for free?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:43 AM)

MORE LIES.
AMAZING
Lie and lies and keep pushing talking points.
McShame is a real disaster
I cant wait for the response. Obama needs to smack this idiot down.

Nj (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:43 AM)

McCain is a poor pathetic, lying, old man who is so obsessed and jealous of Obama’s popularity. Good thing FR and fact check will debunk this ad this Lifeless McCain candidate.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:44 AM)

When does the national TV media hit the McCain campaign hard about all these lies/un-truth/mis-information... in there ads??? Most Americans believe the ads! And will vote because of the distortions in the ads.
What happened to the media needing 3 sources prior to having a story. It also should report when others do not have correct information as much as they report on "celebraty" ads or aqusations.

An Independent looking for TRUTH (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:45 AM)

Thank you First Read for doing the Fact Check...Now will you pass this information on to MSNBC so the "talking heads" and pundits have this information also. I know the Olympics have started, but as you cover politics, let's stay with the facts. Lies from either party should be addressed.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:45 AM)

McJellyHead does the GOP real good again...
Taxes...
Like the President has the right to raise taxes...
Johnny Boy's been in the US Congress long enough..
He should know taxes are levied by that very same Congress...or has Johnny Boy been away to long?

Totally unreal smear tactic crap again...
Sounds like crap, walks like crap, IT'S CRAP!

BJ, CA (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:46 AM)

So your headline reads "dubious claims" So just when will outright lies cease to become "dubious claims" for MSNBC and become what they really are: LIES

patwal (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:46 AM)

Jeff D...
I agree wholeheartedly with you!!!!!

I hear all the time how Obama gets more press coverage, but it's all negative press. McCain gets a free pass. I get livid when I hear MSM say that it's just McCain being McCain.
Makes me want to puke.
I'm so mad I could spit.

Treebranch, OH (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:47 AM)

The real truth is ...

Over the last 8 years of economic expansion more people have slid into poverty, more middle class families have lost real wages.

If you look at the economic increases over the last 8 years, the top 2% enjoyed more benifit than the other 98%.

The largest gap between the rich and everyone else since the 1920s!!!

So if it between socialist, left-wing goodies by taxing the wealthy... OR darwinistic, right-wing dog-eat-dog anything for a buck at the expense of America; then I guess I'm a socialist!

Oh, and one of those small business owners that actually will be affected by Obama's tax plan.

Obama 08

James C., Arizona (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:48 AM)

Go ahead FR keep posting the LIE EXPRESS, it`s what you guys at FR are good at, posting the LIES.

Call them what they truly are...LIES.

Just Lies.........
That is what to look forward to if McCain somehow LIE his way inot the WH.

LIES ON TOP OF LIES, THE McCain express bus, let us just lie they will beleivie us, just keep posting these ads and the media will post them for us as they have always done, the more LIES we tell the more they will start to beleive us.

MORE LIE ADS PLEASE.........I`m John McCain & I
APPROVE THIS AD OF LIES!!!

Go ahead FR keep posting the LIE EXPRESS, it`s what you guys are good at.

Littleoldme (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:48 AM)

They must have pulled together a study group of likely voters that responded "Celebrity = Bad". Unfortunately this years "likely voter" has changed, acutally because of Obama's Celebrity status. More young people and those who usually "don't follow politics" are paying attention to Obama. They are not offended, but inspired by the Celebrity brand.

Charles Goodwin, Ohio (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 10:49 AM)

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