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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



'Don't know much about the economy...'

Posted: Monday, August 25, 2008 1:40 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:

From NBC's Mark Murray
In a spoof of the classic song "What A Wonderful World" ("Don't know much about history..."), the Obama campaign has a new TV ad mocking McCain for once saying that "economics is not something I've understood as well as I should."

Per the campaign, the ad will air on national cable and in battleground states beginning today.

Script:
I'm not up on the economy
Don't know much about industry.
Really can't explain the price of gas,
Or what has happened to the middle class.
But I know that one and one is two.
And if I could be just like you
What a wonderful world this would be.


McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds responds, "Barack Obama has proposed raising taxes on small businesses and America's working families during an economic downturn. You don't have to 'know much' to understand that Barack Obama's plans to raise taxes will hurt an already struggling economy. And it's particularly revealing that the Obama campaign feels forced to cast flimsy attack ads during his own convention."

Of course, the McCain camp and RNC are running TV ads during Obama's convention. And once again, Obama's tax plan raises taxes only on families that make more than $250,000 a year, and it provides a bigger tax cut than McCain's does to those making less than that amount.

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Comments

Great Ad!  Let's expose old man McSame for what he is, a shallow, Bush Clone.
Tee-hee-hee.  Cute.

I still think the Obama camp should be hitting harder though.  This is a nice start.

http://thepajamapundit.com/
John McCain would be a mediocre—at best—president.

Like George Bush, McCain got his first career breaks from the connections and money of his family, not hard work.

The son and grandson of Navy admirals, he attended Annapolis where he did poorly (graduating 894 out of 899). Nevertheless, he was commissioned as a pilot, where he performed poorly, crashing three planes before he failed to evade a North Vietnamese missile that destroyed his plane. McCain spent more than five years in a prison camp where he gave away important information concerning the whereabouts of his "brothers" in arms.

After his release, McCain knew his weak military record meant he'd never make admiral, so he turned to politics. With the help of his new wife's wealth, his new father-in-law's business connections and some powerful friends he had made as a lobbyist for the Navy, he was elected in 1982 to a Congress in a district that he didn't reside in until the day the seat opened up. A few years later he succeeded Barry Goldwater as a senator.

McCain hasn't accomplished much in the Senate either. Even his own campaign doesn't trumpet his successes. His campaign finance law failed to significantly reduce the role of money in politics. He failed to get a big tobacco bill through the Senate. He's failed to change the way Congress spends money; his bill to give the president a line-item veto was declared unconstitutional, and the system of pork and earmarks continues unabated. He failed to reform the immigration system.

Every Senator misses votes in Washington from time to time, but between the beginning of 2005 and mid-2007, no senator has missed more roll-call votes than John McCain, except Tim Johnson, who was recovering from a near-fatal brain aneurysm. He even failed to show up for a vote on Social Security. Even Ted Kennedy, who has a brain tumor, showed up for that vote. McCain hasn't voted on any issue in the Senate since April 8, 2008.

McCain, himself, says he doesn't know the economy. He's demonstrated that he doesn't understand the workings of Social Security, or the political history of the Middle East. He doesn't know who our enemies are. He says he wants to reduce global warming, but then proposes ideas that would stimulate - - not reduce - - demand for fossil fuels.

John McCain is still fighting the Vietnam War. But he's not fighting the real historic war, which taught us the mistake of injecting ourselves into a civil war that was none of our business. Instead, McCain is fighting an imaginary war, where sure victory could have been achieved with just a "little more" bombing, just a little more "pacification", just a little more will to win at home. This fantasy clouds McCain's judgment on foreign policy.

All this not to mention his whore-mongering, moral depravity—and McCain thinks Obama’s the one getting the free-pass from the media.
John McCain's major accomplishments, both in the Senate and in View Nam has been merely to survive. Just surviving doesn't make you a hero...or a decent president. America needs to do more than survive the next four years.

If you would do your homework you would see that the John McCain of 2000 is NOT the John McCain of today and realize that we cannot afford to put him in the White House in November. American cannot afford another mistake.
And Obama knows a great deal about the economy, what with his wealth of experience as a community organizer and all.  
Now this what I'm talking about...keep it coming!!
McCain may not know much, but Obama and Biden know less. Please, Senators Obama and Biden, please explain how raising income taxes, corportate taxes, ignoring the soaring gas prices, implmenting new and expanding old social welfare programs, and sending out rebate checks helps the economy?
Is Tucker Bounds turning into Bagdad Bob right before our eyes?  Mansion accomplished!
I'm so sick of that 'small business' attack by the republicans!  They play that card every election, not buying it!  Same ol' same ol' routine!

I would like to see an article on the bank business with Andrew Mccain since the repubs feel free to attack Senator Biden's son.  Also, let's see some pictures of Cindy Mccain's half-sisters houses as compared to her houses!  Should be interesting!  Do the ignorant republicans ever give one thought to blowback when they attack?  Apparently not!

Let's go Obama staffers.  Get busy with this information please!
Way to get the party started. i find it refreshing to see my canidate Obama states the facts and McCain does the opposite

Straight Talk On The Economy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVVIw7oZEyk&eurl

McCain: "I Would Imagine That We Are" In A Recession
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rULwkZ7tqkg&eurl
John McCain & Miss Teen SC on Economics
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HcdLO3jKkPo&feature=related

McBullsh*t Busted Lying about Lying on Economic Incompetence
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/7/2/165221/4740/567/545564
I'm so sick of that 'small business' attack by the republicans!  They play that card every election, not buying it!  Same ol' same ol' routine!

I would like to see an article on the bank business with Andrew Mccain since the repubs feel free to attack Senator Biden's son.  Also, let's see some pictures of Cindy Mccain's half-sisters houses as compared to her houses!  Should be interesting!  Do the ignorant republicans ever give one thought to blowback when they attack?  Apparently not!

Let's go Obama staffers.  Get busy with this information please!
FIGHT, BARACK OBAMA, FIGHT!

I'm sorry Mccain if you thought we were going to take this lying down. Get ready for a fight.

Hit 'em where it hurts, Obama.

Obama/Biden 08
So last I looked, Joe Biden voted for the Iraq war. So how does he get a pass for his vote, but Hillary Clinton does not? He's a man, she's a woman perhaps.
Hillary was wrong, there is no glass ceiling for women. It's really made out of concrete.
The song ought to be about Obama.  Consider this:  George H.W. Bush was pushed by a Democratic congress to raise taxes to 'close the budget deficit'.  The compromise worked out included a 'luxury tax' that would only impact 'the rich', banking on the idea that luxury goods are what economists call 'relatively inelastic'-minor fluctuations in price do not affect the demand for such goods.  In actuality, the pleasure craft industry was decimated, and thousands of middleclass workers were suddenly unemployed because the demand for boats tanked.  "Soak the rich" may work as a battlecry for those hellbent on turning elections into class warfare, but it does not work in life.  THINK, read, learn-you'll find yourself backing anyone but Obama.
Once the general public gets a chance to see and contrast Obama/Biden with McCain/Romney, or McCain/Pawlenty or whomever, on the economy, it'll become crystal clear that the Democrats provide the best antidote to eight years of failed economic policy. Who "gets" the plight of the middle class more, Obama (raised by a single Mom) and Biden (working class roots, $100K net worth) or country club Republicans cast in the Bush mold.
The Obama camp's claims that they won't raise taxes on families making under $250K is so ridiculous.   Can any of you Obamabots explain to me how he intends to pay for universal health care?  
This Catholic veteran and union member can't take 4 more years of the economic down spiral.  I can't buy the same foods I've bought for the last 20 years, saving has halted and all extra driving is out.  Hopefully my house won't need any major repairs.  It makes me wish I was still in the military...except for the unnecessary and unjust war Bush duped America into and McBlinky would continue, possibly to include Iran.  A one time republican I now reject that party and its' politics of lies and divisiveness.  I like the ad and the tune and I like Obama/Biden.
Wait, so the McCain campaign lies?!  I guess that what happens when you can't talk about the issues due to lobbyists running your campaign.

http://infogiant.wordpress.com/
Wow will this crap never end.  The Republicans distort things so much I hardly recognize the truth anymore.  Whatever happened to the Straight Talk Express and a civil campaign?  Oh Yeah--he hired Karl Rove basically to win at all costs.  Forgot that.
there is a danger that this ad will cause those who are proud of being ignorant to identify with McCain
Maybe Barack and Joe could have a debate? If their past debates are any indication, Joe has some real serious questions about Obama's leadership, accomplishments, and lack of judgement on many important issues.
Is this the best that the Nobama tribe has?
All the Obama campaign can do is hammer away at McCain - hard and nasty - and hope that the convention is enough to convince the working-class that Obama is safe and understands them well enough.

http://www.political-buzz.com/
 
Nice jab in the gut!


Obama 08/12
To Barack Obama Supporters:  Please - if the media is getting to you, turn them all off. Don’t let anything prevent you from enjoying this historical week.  

Watch Keith Olbermann & Chris Matthews & Rachel Maddow. They will articulate quite well what this week means to our country. Everyone else, forget about if you feel there is too much Barack Obama bashing. This is our week. Take all the joy you can take from it.

Most of these pundits you see on tv never went out and fought for anything. They have nothing to offer by way of perspective. Stick with Keith & Chris & Rachel. These 3 are it for me from here on out. This weekend was the last straw for me with all the McCain love-ins and Clinton supporters media attention. We’re supposed to bow down to McCain’s service, despite what was done to John Kerry. We’re supposed to bow down to McCain’s excuses for the number of homes he owns, yet Barack Obama is the elitist. And we hear nothing important - like how far we as a nation have come.

Don’t let anyone get you down. This is our week. Don’t look at polls, don’t listen to the GOP, don’t listen to 90% of the pundits, don’t listen to right wing talk radio, Fox Propaganda, CNN.  Just sit back and watch the exquisite campaign Barack Obama has put together with David Plouffe & David Axelrod. We all can’t wait, especially if Ted Kennedy gets up to speak.

News: Kennedy arrived in Denver Sunday night and got a checkup at a local hospital. He plans to attend to watch a video tribute to him and may even address the convention if he feels up to it, said a senior Democratic official who talked on the condition of anonymity.

Obama/Biden-2008. Yes We Can.
The reprehensibles turn will come...mcsame wants to continue the bush policies that 70% of America disagree with...it is amazing that mr pow is within 25 points...a noun a verb and a POW...thats all he has
Watch what you wish for Johnny...you wanted some humor from the Obama/Biden campaign and you got it. Now suck on it.
GREAT AD!

McCain = Bush for the next 71 Days!
Such an old song.  If they wanted they could have easily gone with something from the 80s, 90s, or more recent.  But this song is probably aimed at the older voters, who are probably the demographic most targetted since the Biden pick.
"Of course, the McCain camp and RNC are running TV ads during Obama's convention. And once again, Obama's tax plan raises taxes only on families that make more than $250,000 a year, and it provides a bigger tax cut than McCain's does to those making less than that amount."


Yay! Thanks Mark Murray for actually pointing out the blatant lies that the McCain camp is spewing.  All the other MSM just lets them go without confronting them and, you know, actually doing their jobs as journalists.   You're standing just went up in my book!
In other words, Tucker Bounds is lying about Obama's tax plan.  Do you ever call him out on it?  Do any reporters ever call people out who tell bald-faced lies, or do you just relay the message, over and over and over?


Very cleaver and catchy tune.  
Love it!

Hill supporters... be careful, you just may get what you're asking for with McCain...

Mccain = more PAIN

Romney is a MUST pick now.
McCain likes to pretend Obama will raise taxes on working families, but the truth is McCain will tax working families MORE than Obama so that he can provide tax breaks for the wealthy.  In addition, McCain promises to run a larger budget deficit, that working families will have to pay taxes on for decades to come.  Moreover, McCain does not want to turn the responsibility for defense of the Iraqi government over to Iraqi forces, even though the Iraqis themselves feel it is time to begin that process.  McCain would rather continue spending $10 billion plus a month than lose an election!
Looks like Nancy Pelosi got caught with her pantsuit down again, and was caught investing in Big Oil. Real nice Nancy, on one hand you profit off the backs of the common people, but on the ohter hadn to bad mouth the oil companies. Real slick. Real sick too.
Brandon Weeb, NY NY (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 9:52 AM)

Brendan,

She was asked, not caught. She was not caught investing in Oil. Get your facts straight. You are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts; (not sure who first said that). She invested in Clean Natural Gas. Brokaw, (an apparent communist who hates capitalism by this  red meat line of questioning), tried to embarrass her for her support of ‘Clean Natural Gas’ in Congress, among other alternatives to carbon fuels, as a conflict of interest. She gave him the big smack down with her defense of capitalism, saying, ‘I believe alternative fuels are the future, and I’m investing in the future‘! Nice one Nancy!
Isn't the RNC's response interesting? They can't counteract the claim, so they go to their stand-by, "ohh, a scary Democrat will raise your taxes" when it's been proven over and over again that Obama proposes raising taxes on those making OVER $250,000 a year and offers a larger tax cut than McCain on those making less. The Republicans are squirming in their headquarters as they try to figure out how to handle Obama. Now add Biden and they are near hysteria! I sure hope McCain picks Romney for his VP because we can then add the fact that between the two of them, they have 14 houses! Can you say "out-of-touch" with middle America? Can you say "elitist?" Looking forward to be debates! Obama/Biden '08!
My friends I've always loved Beatle tunes but only traitors would heed a msg. like this....I was in a POW camp for 5 years you know....hell is for heroes.
It's called carpet bombing McSame. You should know a little about that.
Bomb bomb bomb McBush!
So last night I was reading some hilarious post on PUMAPAC due to Hillary letting her delegates go...I could not believe my eyes but...and I did leave her a message...one of the bloggers gave Darragh Murphy's cell number away!  Please call: 978-505-3933 and let her know how you feel about PUMA!

This is NO JOKE...CALL IT AND YOU WILL SEE!!!

Obama/Biden '08
Are people really buying these often debunked tax claims by the McCain camp?
I like this easy to understand for low information voters!

He needs on now about how mcCain degrades women:

1. Calling his wife the "C" word!

2. Wanting his wife to go topless at the Buff Chip. contest!

3. How women should only speak if spoken to.

4. How women do not deserve the right to choose!

5. How he will not let Cindy speak at the Retughlican Conv.
Great Ad
Time to check the credentials of the PUMA people that are getting on TV.  They are all Republicans.  Please ask for credentials before you put them on.

Capt SMash: He didnt know what the Buffalo Chip was.  His campaign is so inebt they can't google.( I  was a contestant about 4 years ago LOL unless your a Biker you don't know what it is LOL)


Why can't I get any of my comments posted?????????????
Janis T., WV.  You need to pay attention.  Biden did vote for the Iraq war and came to regret it and said so publicly.  Your "idol" couldn't bring herself to say she made a mistake!!!
"the pleasure craft industry was decimated, and thousands of middleclass workers were suddenly unemployed because the demand for boats tanked."

Donna, this industry tanked because of the outrageous gas prices!!
The Olympics was only the latest evidence that America is not as strong as she used to be. A communist country effectively used their rising middle-class to put on the greatest show ever AND win the most gold medals. There were just too few Moms’s and Dad’s like Michael Phelp’s or Shawn Johnson’s who’s sacrifice was enough to propel their kids to the top. The rest were too distracted by mortgage failures, medical expenses, gas prices and educational budget-cuts, all problems that grew during two+ decades of rising corporate tax-cuts and profits.

This election is possibly the last chance to save the working middle-class and everything it does for this country. It is unbelievable that many voters are still voting based on identity politics..."my vote will only go to a 'woman' or 'war vet' or "someone more like me"  Wake-up America.  The election is not a popularity contest.  It is your future.
you have got to be straight out stupid to to believe that mccain cares about regular american people. O say can You see? if dont want to party with us DEMS take your old, tired,mouldy GOP selves home.WE DEMs are ready to rock.we are going to reunite and HEAL our American FAMILY.thats what GOD LOVES and thats what we are going to do. now back to the party.  
Of course, I'm glad you pointed out the truth.

"Of course, the McCain camp and RNC are running TV ads during Obama's convention. And once again, Obama's tax plan raises taxes only on families that make more than $250,000 a year, and it provides a bigger tax cut than McCain's does to those making less than that amount."

But when the lies are so easy to refute, why isn't that the headline?


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