Some McCain camp insights...

Posted: Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:59 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Kelly O'Donnell

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell
Reporting on the road with the McCain campaign...

The "Biden" ad: Advisors say that spot has been ready for "a couple days." The McCain team says they assessed that Kaine "utterly disqualified himself" on the basis of the experience question and asserted that Obama does not particularly like Evan Bayh. "Who did that leave?" So they had the Biden spot ready to go.

"Passed Over" ad: McCain advisors say they assesd the 3 a.m. Obama text as an "avoidable" slight to Sen. Clinton and a belated elbow for the primary season 3 a.m. call spot. As First Read mentioned in First Thoughts, the campaign featured Hillary Clinton's words as an attack on Obama in the latest "Passed Over" ad.

Reaction to Biden selection: McCain advisors say Biden's career has not been covered in the Pennsylvania media market. They acknowledge his Scranton, blue-collar roots, but suggest Delaware, with a very small media market, does not have the kind of bleed over seen in New Jersey where NY politicians/issues are saturated. Biden "will fire up conservatives," they claim, because of his positions and conduct on the Judiciary Committee. "That gives us license there," advisors say. Think Roberts, Alito and Clarence Thomas.

The JUDGMENT question: McCain advisors say Obama has waged his candidacy on his "superior judgment" and they point out that Biden supported the Iraq war vote, then advocated partitioning of Iraq which McCain folks call "a terrible idea." Obviously, they will press on the readiness factor, saying Biden has "strongly and consistently" criticized Obama's readiness to be president while Biden "spoke glowingly about McCain on a number of issues."

McCain folks will, of course, repeatedly hammer at the notion the Biden pick "undermines the change message." Biden and Obama also differed on some foreign policy issues and advisors point to Biden's criticism of Obama on the issue of sitting down with rogue leaders in the first year of a term in office.

The ABORTION issue: Advisors ask, "What happens to pro-choice Catholics in politics?" They face criticism from Church officials and related groups, they said.

ATTACK DOG ROLE: McCain advisors' assessment is that Biden "doesn't wear well" in attack mode, adding ,"There is no way he's not gonna make mistakes of a big nature."

THE HOW MANY HOUSES? ISSUE: Advisors have gone silent on Romney and other short listers. On the wealth factor... McCain advisors say the senator's response in the Politico interview was "in artful." They knock its potency by saying that voters "hate class warfare" and that "McCain doesn't come across as an elitist."

Advisors say if Obama gets "nastier" on that issue that opens the door for them. Advisors say the "Rezko deal stinks to the high heavens." They will be prepared to show McCain's "home" in Hanoi by using images of his cell. They claim they have not overused the POW element and insist they have "underused it." They say Americans think most people in presidential politics are wealthy and will point out that Obama "made himself a multi-millionaire after he entered public life."

They suggest McCain should have responded, as he has before, that he is proud of Cindy's family and grateful for their success and blessings. That they have four homes, including his work week residence in the DC area, they claim. The others, advisors say, should be described as Cindy providing for other family members -- an elderly aunt, a daughter, etc., live in property she owns.

STATE OF THE RACE: Advisors say, "I'll take it." when describing the tightening of poll numbers. They call the ABC poll with them down six an outlier -- though most polls showed about that margin a month ago. They are most pleased on their move on economic issues and suggest Obama won't be able to catch McCain on the national security polling. They assert Obama's unfavorables have risen while "ours have not" -- though that assemssment does not hold up in the most recent NBC/WSJ poll.

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Comments

"...Everytime I see a post from you Obama supporters, all I can think of is how I wish I had some swamp land to sell. Why don't you start thinking for yourselves and stop regurgitating everything you read and hear." Karen (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 11:43 AM)
^^^^^^^^
Karen, seriously, this is priceless. If you were one of the top 1% in the country and a 'real' member of the GOP elite - you'd have plenty of land to sell to us poor, dumb Obama fanatics. You are using your own pretzel logic - it is twisting over on itself - can't wait to remind you of all the NASTY things Romney said about McCain (and vice versa) when McCain makes his announcement of Romney, next Friday night. Cue the Bush/McCain tarmac birthday cake footage on the anniversary of Bush's 2nd greatest Domestic Failure. Keep drinking the Kool-Aid though - as long as you believe you'll make it to the elite, you've still got hope on your side.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:18 PM)

Here's an idea for the McCain camp--worry about how horrible of a campaign they are running rather than pick apart Obama's.

Advisors say they haven't overplayed the POW card but are ready to use the image of McCain in his Hanoi cell? That's not overusing it? Give me a break!! I'm sure Obama's camp is just so fearful..I'm sure he's expecting more overplay of the POW card.

Kim W Virginia Beach VA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:22 PM)

I say ..women unite.."Think, Roberts, Alito and Clarence Thomas."....and don't forget Scalia.

It was reported on Meet The Press this morning that someone in the McCain camp is floating Colin Powell's name as on the VP shortlist. What say you, First Read?

Jen, Mi (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:22 PM)

IS IT POSSIBLE as I just heard on MSNBC by one of the guests, that Hillary Clinton WAS IN FACT vetted and she didn't pass muster? Or rather, Bill Clinton didn't? And the Obama campaign is keeping a lid on it?

PUMAs: The GOP will do nothing for your childrens' future. They sold out to the working class many years ago. They are the party of the rich. Everyone knows it. Just take a look at the shape our country is in. after all these years of republican rule. They are nothing but a bunch of empty suited bullies, who as Joe Biden said correctly, exploit us all to make a buck or start a war.

Mitt Romney knows nothing about the economy. Again, it's all talk. He lost $45 million trying to buy the presidency. $45 million gone, just like that. He takes credit for our healthcare system up here. He had nothing to do with it.

The GOP is full.of.it. They always were and always will be. They don't care about every day people who work hard trying to raise a family.vJust go and read about their #1 hero, Ronald Reagan.

Beware. The myth makers are everywhere. But that's all they are, myths.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:23 PM)

John McCain is the slimiest politician I have ever had the displeasure of seeing! He will say and do anything to be president. He is full of hate and will be a great danger to this country as well as the world. He hates women and minorities. I'm really afraid that there will be a World War III if he is president. He's even admitted that he is open to it! This guy is only comfortable when there is a war and he will make sure there is always a war!

People be smart - and if you care about the lives of your children do not vote for this guy. He's really scary!

Miri (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:24 PM)

One thing I have come to believe in this campaign is that McCain really despises Barack Obama. He is a very angry, nasty and spiteful man. The attacks that he is a part of is expressing a deep personal resentment and jealousy. This transcends political posturing.

And he will not go after Joe Biden—I betcha'.

My take on the Biden pick: Barack Obama made a very shrewd and smart decision. If you get to watch Barack closely you will find out just how superior he is in judgement, intelligence and strength. He does not do broad strokes and the American public is not patient enough to notice this. I do! And hopefully others will take a long and thoughtful look and notice these traits.

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

That Rezko issue is really getting tired: It is a non-issue:

Facts about The Obama's home: "Obama, the new senator for Illinois, and his wife Michelle, were flush after signing a $1.69m publishing deal on his book, "The Audacity of Hope". The couple paid $1.65m for the house - $300,000 less than the asking price, according to the Chicago Tribune. Rezko's wife Rita purchased the adjacent lot, formerly the yard of the house, for $625,000, the full price. In a lengthy interview with the Chicago Sun-Times in 2006, Obama said the seller, a University of Chicago doctor, required that sales of the two properties close at the same time. He said the house had been on the market for months, the listed price was too high, and the sellers were anxious to move. He said he approached Rezko about the two properties. After the purchases were completed, Rezko agreed to sell a 10-ft sliver of his land abutting Obama's, so the senator could build a fence separating their properties. The Chicago Tribune reported an appraiser valued the slice at $40,500, but Obama paid $104,500. The amount represented one sixth of Rezko's original purchase price, for one-sixth the land."

I don't see any deals made in this information. The McCain campaign is using the usual lies and spin to cover up the fact that they got nothing to offer us ordinary Americans who are desperate for help and consideration.

Andrea, New York City (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:26 PM)

How much longer are we going to have to listen the fact that Senator McCain was a prisoner of war? Why does this automatically make him a better candidate for President? The McCain campaign claims they have not overused his POW element but, I can tell that I have read numerous articles in various publications that say differently. These articles claim that this issue has been overused and overused and overused it is time to move on to why Senator McCain should be President just because he was a POW. If the McCain thinks this is a winning argument, the are badly mistaken.

Dottie Swarthmore PA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:30 PM)

the mccain campaign is really starting to sound like one of those old batman cartoons....remember? every punch was a big POW on the screen....enough already!. why not bring some positive stuff to say about your candidate?.....oh right!!!THERE ISN'T ANY!!

grace, san jose, california (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:31 PM)

Cripes, more biased journalism by government-controlled corporate media. You journalists are sooo 20th century. America is on to your quest to dupe the public in hope of steering voters over to the right. No thanks, I'm trying to quit.

mediawatch Carson NV (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:32 PM)

Question--why does this piece begin "Reporting on the road with the McCain campaign." I did not think that simply writing down and passing on campaign spin counted as reporting. Holy Colbert.

Neesh (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:33 PM)

I knew that Biden ad had been "in the can" but I'm surprised how weak it was coming from a team of hitmen that would make the Anti-Christ proud. The 3AM ad, while pathetic to anyone paying attention (I got my email at 2:48AM), is probably more effective until Tuesday night when Hillary speaks.

BTW, Kelly O'Donnell is McCain's "special little girl".

Ian (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:33 PM)

As has been reported, when the GOP's side of cell phones, and blackberries went off at 3am Saturday morning, they were tellingly silent, while the dem side was gratefully relieved.

In so far as some people feeling Hillary was slighted, being pushed here by team McCain, we will see their spin, and raise them McCain's many votes that have 'slighted' women his entire time in Washington. The last of which was his vote against women to have the right to sue for 'equal pay, for equal work', just this past Spring.

Biden has written, and worked to passed, the most important legislation on the behalf of women during his tenure as a Senator, including, but not limited to, 'The Family Leave Act', and specific legislation to protect women against abuse.

The Obama/Biden ticket deserves anyone's vote, concerned over women's issues.

Voter (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:41 PM)

Why is it that McCain can never talk about the issues is it because he can’t remember what they are.

PBrown (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:45 PM)

Wait 'til people realize McCain is an ex-POW! (He doesn't like to bring it up, himself).

Eric, Homestead, FL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:46 PM)

Remember people it won’t be John McCain running the White House it will be the same people running his campaign. John McCain is nothing more than a prop.

John McCain is intellectually and mentally incapable of running our country and people can’t lose site of that.

justwaitandsee (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:49 PM)

Then I guess McSame isn't planning to pick Romney because the Dems can run plenty of ads showing him saying equally critical things about McCain. Either that or McCain and/or the strategists he may or may not be in touch with aren't smart enough to look past the next 5 minutes?

McClueless? (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:52 PM)

BUSH McCain: BUSH McCain: BUSH McCain: No matter how you look at it it's always the same. McCain's way to handle national security; 'BOMB BOMB BOMB, BOMB BOMB IRAN'. Economy, I'll sell all the homes I have and clear the national debt. This man is DANGEROUS by his own words. If he is elected you will be able to miss the lives of your children between the age of 18 and 25, girls and boys. Remember McCain is not responsible for McCain's campaign,again his own words.

politicalguy, Green Bay, Wis (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:54 PM)

Wow!!!I am not surprised at how low that the McCain camp will go. Out of this entire article, I do not see anything about debating the issues with Obama/Biden or what he plans to do to help everyone achieve the "American Dream".
I don't care who lives in any of the seven houses that he/they own, the fact is that no matter how bad the economy gets, they will still be wealthy while the rest of us suffer. Specifically the middle-class. $4 per gallon gas doesn't hurt them, but for most folks it a choice between getting to work and purchasing medicine or food. The Republicans/John McCain do not care about about us "regular folks". They are just good at tricking the uniformed into making them THINK that they care about them. The past eight years have proven this. It saddens me when the ones that are suffering the most are still supporting McCain. WHY??? They are working overtime, two and three jobs just to make the ends meet to sustain a middle-class lifestyle. Middle-class hard working people, protect yourselves and your families. Break the cycle of mind control. John McCain and the Republicans will throw you under the bus as they always do.
Also, Most Hillary Clinton supporters will think about what's best for their families and their future and will come back to the Democratic party once the anger has subsided. McCain is trying to exact mind control on them also, but I don't think that they are weak enough to fall for it.

Vernissia, Montgomery, AL (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:56 PM)

Wow, what a lot of hooey. McCain's unfavorables will assuredly rise due to the seven houses flap. And the POW card will soon become late night comedian fodder. Expect Stewart and Colbert to nail him for it, followed by Leno and Letterman. And Obama's 4 million was made on 2 books he wrote without ghostwriters,one before he entered public life.

Raymond A (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:57 PM)

WOW BIDEN, This is one power House man Obama will always be looking over his shoulder at! Biden will be Obama's Chenney, No doubt!!! Biden is his own and will out shine Obama, needless to say he has been a Washington self serving paper hanger and is truly Loyal to T,Kennedy. No wonder we Have a derailed Congress. The Demo's are drooling to take over this country. Control Freaks and rodents which have no qualms about my way or the highway. Question: Do we really want a next to being a police state, where is your voice?

Hammering, AZ (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:58 PM)

Hammering, AZ (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:59 PM)

McCain, you just keep on talking about your POW days. There are fellow POWs who discount this part of your life. Plus, your POW days do not, repeat do not, make you a hero. You did not save any lives so why would one consider you a hero.

Doreen Augusta Maine (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:00 PM)

The McCain campaign offers us a subtly racist ad and then accuses Obama of playing the race card from the bottom of the deck. McCain ads are now immunized against racism. McCain’s ads are scurrilous and they promise to become more so. The campaign complains that the press is pro-Obama and wants to sit down with the President of NBC News to discuss the way in which Andrea Mitchell reported a claim by the Obama camp. The McCain campaign is now immunized against bad press coverage. In a New York Times Editorial, Frank Rich points out that Obama’s Press Coverage was 28% positive, 72% negative, while McCain’s was 43/57.

JTatEHT, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:02 PM)

I'm dizzy from all the spinning and back-pedaling. :/

O-Joe 08

JessicaElaine (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:03 PM)

They suggest McCain should have responded, as he has before, that he is proud of Cindy's family and grateful for their success and blessings.
********************************************************

Could'a. Should'a. Would'a. Too late now. The proverbial genie is out of the bottle and the Dems are going to beat McCain over the head with it. Whether it is justified or not.

He's simply out-of-touch with mainstream America.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:04 PM)

This post is nothing more (or less) than a data dump from McCain HQ. If this qualifies as news then fair reporting demands an equal length data dump from Obama HQ. There is not even any apparent attempt to do anything other than hold a "e-print" megaphone up to the McCain spokespeople with no questions asked just the opportunity to speak uninhibited for as long as wished. I can accept this provide you allow Obama's spokespeople the same open mike for the same time length.

LL (tommi) T, Rochester, NY (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:05 PM)

Good Gosh, Get ready for UGLY Season, McCain has NO idea how to beat Obama and now with Biden on the ticket, it scares them and they should be scared, so they (repubs) will go on the attack with the nastiness only they know how to give and the issues will fly out the door. Why they feel the american people will fall for the same is yet another indicator they are out of touch. They may see poll numbers as being proof there tactics are working, but we the people will tire of these ads VERY FAST. This is there only course, so let it fly and we shall see at the end of October where it lands. Bring it ON!!!, but be AFRAID McCAIN!!!!

Dee Vague (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:08 PM)

I just watched the VP roll out in Springfield for the second time. Does any one else get the old "tingle up the leg" feeling, (as Chris Matthews would put it) at the end of his introduction when Obama said he would not accept four more years of Bush's policies, for the sake his daughters? That line took my breath away. I think we are about to see the no-more-Mr. Nice Guy side of Obama. And note, Hillary supporters, he never took that tone with Clinton. He was always polite. With McCain, I think, we are about to see a different story. I welcome that. I really do.

Amy B Portland, Me (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:09 PM)

You talk about Biden but do you whom the Mcains choice is? stupid media !! which always annoints UsS presidents! stands against them now and ever! No more media and lobyist influence!!

Texas (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:09 PM)

They think they haven't overused the POW issue? They think using the Hanoi Hilton in ads will be helpful to them? Oh please, please use that tactic. Those of us living in the 21st century just can't get enough of that stuff from 40+ years ago. Way to show your guy is ready to move this country forward.

McCain = noun, verb, POW

BMS, NC (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:12 PM)

Poor misguided foolish people !!!!!!

Treebranch, OH (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:15 PM)

Obama, will not have enough focus on the economy or how taxes effect small buisness owners to win this election. The economy,alternate fuels and to many social programs will be his down fall. I am in the midwest and no one is very public in the support of Obama.

Eric (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:16 PM)

McCain will never get it. It isn't the fact that you have all that money. It's the fact that you dare to call Obama an elitist as you stand there in your $500 shoes, your wife only buys designer clothing and your worth is at least 100 times more than the average Amercian. We hate class warfare? HAHAHAHA only wealthy people would make such a dumb statement. I'm truly looking forward to all the ads with Republicans criticizing McCain.

Shirley S. Bethlehem, PA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:18 PM)

John McCain is running one of the most disgusting campaigns. How he can be proud of himself is beyond me. He has no positive ads up. Just tens of negative ones. Apparently he thinks he can buy the presidency by making himself the lesser of two evils. Not this year!

Sean, Boston MA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:23 PM)

i guess the mccain people forgot about the keating five.

george, casselberry fl. (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:28 PM)

Does the McCain camp really want to focus on the "heartwarming" story of how Jim Hensley made his money and provided for his family? Given the eau de mob that story reeks of, not to mention the first generation version of despicable "family values" Cindy's half sister's story raises, this seems suicidal. Of course the McCain campaign does seem able to count on a media that spend its money stalking vp doorways, rather actually investigating anything. Really Rezko's nothing on Joe Bananas.

cxs (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:34 PM)

McCain's advisors "say Americans think most people in presidential politics are wealthy and will point out that Obama 'made himself a multi-millionaire after he entered public life.'"

Please, please let them point this out. And then let them figure out that Americans can also see a difference between one lucrative book deal (for a book you wrote yourself, I might add) and marrying into $100 million.

professordarkheart (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:34 PM)

It's just a bit "strange" for McCain to be airing an ad that says Obama passed Hillary over for VP because he 'didn't like the truth of what she said'. Yet out of the other side of their mouths they run an ad that shows Biden criticizing Obama in the primaries? And yet Obama choose him over Hillary. Isn't there some disconnect on their reasoning here?

Oh, I forgot - he was in a POW camp. He didn't have to do much thinking there.

Terre, Sandy, OR (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:35 PM)

Considering that all we get from the Republicans is negative, attack poliics, the "politics of division", I think at some point the American public will require more of McCain than just attacking the opponent. And
the only unfavorables I see rising will be associated with the GOP tactics in general, and McCAin's role in them specifically.

Don, Sacramento (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:37 PM)

What a warped way to see the American Voter. I would hope that we will all look at the issues, look at the canidates and what they offer for solutions. McCain needs to provide more suggested solitions and less of the war-prisoner story.

Helen in Kansas (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:39 PM)

Helen in Kansas (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:40 PM)

Politifact.com has already debunked the Rezko lie being harped on by the mccain camp. Mccain is spreading and repeating bald face lies. Some 'hero'. Mccain is just a low-life liar! mccain is a disgrace wiht all of this lies and cheating!

Way to go evangelicals, go and vote for a lying adulterer! Better than a black man with a loving marriage, right? You racist bigots! The truth is no where near you! Bunch of vipers!

Evangelicals are racist bigots that believe lie after lie (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:43 PM)

I was surprised this morning to hear on Chris Matthews' show a general consensus that since Senator Obama has picked Senator Biden, Governor Romney sesms a more advantageous pick for Senator McCain as his running mate. I'm curious why no one pointed out the glaring disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage being that if Romney is picked he wins whether McCain wins or not. His name on the ticket makes him his party's next presumptive nominee with or without a McCain victory. Romney and McCain reportedly do not like each other, yet Biden seems generally fond of Obama, and his political future will only be brighter with an Obama victory.

Romney will also be seen as more compensating for McCain's weaknesses than Senator Biden is for Obama's. Senators Obama and Biden have the opportunity to present themselves as American Dream success stories. Different as their lives and paths have been, they will be seen as an historical match. In contrast a McCain/Romney ticket could turn out to be a deal reached but not equal to the sum of its parts.

J Vincent, Tampa Fl (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:46 PM)

Wow. This is what the McCain camp comes up with? How lame can they be? Seems to me, the inane response they have made indicates what a powerful choice Joe Biden is as a running mate.

Linda from Parkton, Maryland (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:47 PM)

McCain tries to discredit Obama on his judgement, but Obama's judgement is, in fact, far superior. Obama was one of the few who opposed Bush's war from the outset; McCain was one of Bush's most eager supporters. Looking back, it is quite clear who had the better judgement.

John Mehan, San Francisco, CA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:47 PM)

Negative accusations fueled with garbage, misinformation and even lies are not all that unusual in political campaigns, but as seen in 2000, 2004 and again in this campaign the Republican Party has made it their art form (Rove strategy). While they accuse the Democrats of negative attacks, which they have done, the Republicans have literally done nothing else from beginning to end and rarely address the real issues or their own positions. John Kerry lost in 2004 when he allowed the Republicans to get negative without adequately responding and now the Republicans act offended if Obama does respond. The Bush administration has been grossly dishonest throughout the last eight years and the Republican Party has supported that and now fully emulates it. But why does anyone buy into it? The Republicans accuse the Democrats of advocating a ‘tax and spend’ government with too many programs for the people while the Republicans clearly demonstrate a ‘spend and owe’ mentality that generates a humongous deficit, negatively impacts the economy, and only benefits a select few. History indicates that the average American typically enjoys a better economy, more spending power and a more just society with the Democrats in power, which of course then also benefits the wealthy. As an ex-Republican now Independent, I’m just wondering how anyone justifies overlooking what seems in their best interests and rationalizes a current Republican bias. The Christian Evangelist literally has to be sold on maintaining a limited conscience to overlook the sins of arrogance and gross dishonesty, the countless dead and injured in a falsely justified war, the government’s belligerent neglect of responsibilities and of most people and the flagrant and arrogant self-serving focus on benefiting Special Interests and a select few. Those honestly concerned with the economy have to be sold on accepting government spending, including excessive pork-barrel, that exceeds everything ever done before and again greatly benefits Special Interests and a select few. Those prudently feeling they are right-wing oriented have to be sold that ‘conservative’ really means to benefit only Special Interests and a select few and that benefiting the majority is ‘liberalism’. The public has to be sold that neglecting America’s infrastructure, Global Warming and other issues to focus on corporate America’s priorities and tax cuts for the wealthy is rational and is what should be done ignoring the penalties to be paid later. I’m sure there is more and that the Democrats are far from totally pure but my point is that it simply seems there are a lot of people who are convinced, ‘sold’ to accept things that are not in their best interests and who then strongly support those that really and continually do benefit. Why?

REG in AZ (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:55 PM)

"McCain folks will, of course, repeatedly hammer at the notion the Biden pick "undermines the change message." Biden and Obama also differed on some foreign policy issues and advisors point to Biden's criticism of Obama on the issue of sitting down with rogue leaders in the first year of a term in office."

By "McCain folks", I assume you mean Ron Fournier. Very astute observation.

Bill in Chicago (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:55 PM)

To think that I believed the Mccain camp could not sink any lower and they release the so called 3am ad. This the man some HRC fans want to vote for over Sen. obama. Sick, just sick

Common Sense, Boston, MA (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:55 PM)

Dear John,
Please know that my family and I are Independents that normally vote Democrat. This year you will have our full support. If Obama had choose Hillary well we would have gone that direction. Please pull away from the Bush policies, we're putting our trust and faith in you now !
Good Luck and God Bless

Johnson Family , Detroit MI (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:55 PM)

The real policy debatable issue should be the inequities/destructiveness and the economic warfare that the present tax system is waging agaisnt the American public and taxpayers.

The US economy is being handicap-ed by the present tax system and there is a need to change to the flat tax which would promote more benefits to all Americans.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Sunday, August 24, 2008 2:01 PM)

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