Obama: The counterattack

Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:28 AM by Domenico Montanaro

Senator Barack Obama's campaign has been aggressively fighting back against an independent advocacy group's TV ad linking the Democratic nominee with Ayers… The advocacy group's main benefactor is a Texas billionaire who has given money to John McCain and other Republicans and who was also one of the main funders of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which went after Kerry.

Obama's "campaign has warned TV station managers not to run the ad and has asked the US Department of Justice to intervene. The Obama camp argued that the organization, the American Issues Project, is violating the law. Fox News and CNN have declined to air the anti-Obama ad, the AP says. But by Monday afternoon, the ad had run about 150 times in local markets in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Michigan, according to TNS Media Intelligence/Campaign Media Analysis Group, an ad tracking firm."

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Comments

What law are they breaking?

GDI in Michigan (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:32 AM)

At least the Obama campaign is on the counter-attack (unlike the Kerry '04 campaign).

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:34 AM)

Hardball politic's, Barack Obama style !!

Gotta love it !

Rick,Ky (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:34 AM)

"Riding the Rails" with Biden is a very good segment byu Mike Barnacle on the Today Show this morning.

Scott H (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:35 AM)

Obama became friends with a college rofessor, not a bomb-throwing radical---unless, at age 8, he was the youngest member of the Weather Underground ever. The ad is pure right-wing bs.

class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:36 AM)

So, the billionaire liar is at it again. Hopefully this second time around people won't be swayed as they were in 2004.

Marty in Kansas City (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:36 AM)

McCain continues his false attacks. If he didn't want them he would blast his major donor in the press but he won't or will do a Phil Gramm and have him leave the campaign for a few weeks.
What surprises me is these type of false ads were what brought McCain down in 2000 and he has pushed against since, now he is doing them. As a previous financial support of McCain I am disapointed with him.

An Independent from Missouri (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:38 AM)

Senator John Sidney McCain III (AZ)
voting record in US Senate...
http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=53270

Some one needs fess up on this record...

John McCain..liar for all his own reasons...

BJ, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:40 AM)

Illegal practices, Lies, . . .! what is wrong with you people in this country??! Why is McCain even CLOSE to Obama??! He is just like BUSH . . . probably WORSE!!
What is giving you guys pause? Obama and the Democrats policies are solid and benefit the people who are struggling the MOST right now and for the past eight years! McCain and the GOP ran us into the ground and want to continue it!! Are the people of this country THAT hung up on the fact that the Democrat this time name sounds 'funny' and that he looks 'different' than the ones that have come before?? My Goodness people! Why are we still stuck in the fifties!? Thousands of military families lives are destroyed for a LIE, and The VP says "So . . .?" and Rumsfeld says, when asked about the lack of equipment for the troops said something to the effect that:"Nobody ASKED them to sign up! The did that on their own. It is what it is. You get what you get!"

And this what MY FELLOW AMERICANS WANT!!!???

Wow! WAKE UP!!!!!!!

Matthew (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:42 AM)

This is a national disgrace. What will they think of next? It will now be next to a miracle that Obama can be elected. With the Clintons', the former advisors to them appearing as objective pundits on CNN, and the racial bias coupled with the smear tactics, I don't think Joe Biden or Obama stand a chance. Why do we even have elections? Let's just let the media and the Billionaires from Texas decide who our next President will be. Just leave us alone.

Demoralized (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:43 AM)

Obama is ALWAYS ready to talk... but never ready to lead America... Give him 24 years more and come back again to run again for President and then he will have enough experience to run the country.

Joel Vidden (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:44 AM)

Here we go again. That stinking billionaire liar from the bonehead state is at it again trying to smear yet another good Democratic candidate with lies. What's needed is the media looking into this clown's life and dig up the dirt on him. The IRS probably ought to audit him to make sure he's been paying his fair share of taxes, bet he doesn't. I'm both surprised and impressed that Fox wouldn't run his ad, that's pretty much a total change in honesty for Fox.

Hillary Clinton didn't find her voice in New Hampshire, she found it last night in Denver. She gave a truly excellent and inspiring speech, the best I ever heard her deliver. No How, No Way, No McCain! Whoever put together her introductory bio video did a truly brilliant job. Had she had that video at the beginning of the voting and she just played that and didn't do the kitchen sink bit she'd be the nominee.

I get a laugh out of the repugnant one's dullard pundits who can't seem to understand English. They claim that just because she didn't say in so few simple words that the clueless ones could understand that she didn't say that Barack was ready to lead. I think she made abundantly clear to anyone with a brain and a command of the English language that she believes that Barack is ready to lead and is the best person to lead our country out of the mess that "Clueless" Bush and "Bush Hugger" McCain have dug us into.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:44 AM)

Matthew (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:45 AM)

What a democrat against free speech? I wish I could say I'm shocked. Look the fact is Obama hangs out with some unsavory folks. If he wants to avoid being questioned about his anti-American associations, he should stop having such poor judement. Besides how could such adds effect his election now that you have all that unity? NOT!!!

Sane in Ut (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:47 AM)

I thought Obama's defense of this association was 'but I was 8 years old at the time.' Why is he fighting it so hard?

Above My Paygrade (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:47 AM)

I'm waiting for John McCain to reject and denounce this supporter of his.

<crickets>

Not going to happen. McCain has wholly embraced the same Rovian scumbags that tried to destroy his own family in 2000. There is no honor in rewarding this behavior, Senator McCain.

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:48 AM)

Here it is in a nutshell...

The American Issues Project is registered with the IRS as a nonprofit 501c(4). There are limitations on the political activities in which such an organization can be involved.

They can not run an ad that is "electioneering"...that is, advocating for or against a candidate. Once they cross that line, the AIP must register with the Federal Election Commission as a political committee at which point, the $2.9 million they received from billionaire Harold Simmons becomes an illegal contribution.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:55 AM)

Yeah, I think it's pretty obvious that there's some collusion at hand.

Could anything be better at this point than a McCain campaign ethics violation?

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:56 AM)

The reason why Obama will lose...still resorting to old failed democratic strategies.

Stop always going on the defense!

Start going on the offensive!

Stop relying on idealism and dreams and hope, Americans see people like that as weak...hence the reason why they always vote Republican Presidents.

The dream ticket shall wait 4 years....Hillary/Warner2012!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:58 AM)

I saw it once here in Ohio. What a filthy piece of trash.
McCain and his campaign will stoop to any level.

Treebranch, OH (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:01 AM)

We cant expect any help from anywhere on the negative
attaks coming from the right wing. We have to fight them ourselves, talk to your neighbors and friends and your family, talk to the people on the street, we must all get out there and help. I will be going to my local Obama office here in Columbia, S.C. and I will do all I can, telephones, mailers, dancing a jig on the corners of this town. We should not let the Media take this last opportunity away the American people. FIGHT PEOPLE FIGHT.

Obama/Biden

marty holloman,columbia,s.c. (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:02 AM)

What's the big deal? Obama backer George Soros will outspend McCain's backer by a factor of 10. Teacher and other unions will pour on millions more in 527 ad money to defeat McCain. All in all McCain will be outspent by a huge margin by Obama and his backers. Will the major press outlets find anything wrong with this? Doubtful. The fact is that Obama is very familiar with William Ayers. Was the relationship a sinister one ? Probably not but the fact that he associated with Ayers for so many years says a lot about Obama's proclivities and his tolerance level of sworn enemies of the US. In Ayers case he is a guy who actually was a leader of an organization that planned and executed bombings of US landmarks. He was unrepentent and yet Obama still associated with him. Obama probably didn't think that much about Ayers at the time but it is what it is and Obama has to live with criticism of the relationship.

Paul (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:02 AM)

Good for Obama. I hope he makes tose lying sobs' lives miserable!

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:04 AM)

This a Republican Terrorist group. Their role is to throw political IEDs at the Democrats. Their IEDs are full of inuendos, vicious lies and hate. By their silence John McCain and the Republican Party are supporters of this terrorist group.

Marcelino, San Antonio, Texas (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:07 AM)

Obama is a typical lawyer. If you don't like something, then sue. Obama is fast approaching being labeled a "Whiner".

Warner Pete (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:09 AM)

I've seen this ad SEVERAL times. It's a load of crap. It's meant to scare the crap out of the LIVs - which is the RNC's usual MO. McWon't will say that he can't control it. Please.

My hubby even said (after he saw it the first time) - "hello, swift boat!"

I thought McCain was against the Swif Boat ads...?

MI Chick (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:10 AM)

NOT THIS TIME!!!!

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO MCCAIN!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Republicans for Obama/Biden (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:11 AM)

How do the Republicans get away with this every election year? Last election, Sinclair Broadcasting was airing the Swiftboat documentary in our local market. About a hundred of us picketed the station, and I personally stopped watching my local news show, after 20 years as a loyal viewer. (Stupid me, I thought of the news anchors as friends!) That was the beginning of my giving up watching TV. I say, sue the stations that run these lies.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:12 AM)

Good to hear that the Obama campaign is on top of this. I hope that the good people of PA, Ohio, VA, MI realize what an absolute vile crock this ad is!

There really are people out there with absolutely no scruples and no shame! Wouldn't it be nice if people like this man who have money do something fine and constructive with it instead of trying to shamelessly destroy another human being? How awful and vile can you be?

Obama/Biden '08

Liz, NY (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:14 AM)

Fox and CNN both ran it for "free" just like they always do.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:16 AM)

After spending the last few weeks reading everything I could find on McFraud and other POWS, I have come to the sad but honest conclusion that John McCain has been less than truthful about his experiances as a POW. I honestly beleive John McCain is a danagerous man wrestling with many demons. " Honor is somthing that once you lose it you become like an insect in the jungle.You prey on others and others prey on you, untilthere is nothing left. Once you lose your honor, all the gold in the world is usless in your attempt to regain it". U.S. Air Force Colonel Theodore Guy, Senior Ranking Officer, "The Plantion POW Camp,Viet Nam.

Leni,Michigan (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:18 AM)

Old man Murdock over at Fixed won't listen. He's as stubborn as his collegues. A.C. over at CNN has this one right. "The networks are giving him to much free airtime" therefore he doesn't even have to pay for the advertisement.

You guys know what you are doing. ***Cowards***

MIA in Miami (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:19 AM)

So, if his relationship with Ayers is NO problem, why is Obama fighting this so much? The Woods papers have been released from the library. Perhaps, Obama knows it's not going to be a good day when more on his relationship comes out.

How can the Justice Dept stomp on the truth (stomping is reserved for Ayers...stompin on the US flag). If the truth is the truth, why does Justice need to be involved?

NObama (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:25 AM)

I am amazed - not once has anyone mentioned the real reason that the Clintons should not be involved in the convention.

Bill Clinton was IMPEACHED. If not for the Senate vote he would have been removed from office.

Even now, his mysterious income from speeches in foreign lands and various hucksters is thwarting the FBI et. al in their investigation of his finances and his Clinton Library patrons.

C'mon folks, we are well rid of this couple - they are bad news and bad citizens.

J Chapman, Cheshire, Ct. (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:26 AM)

I would like to see a series of ads that post up bites from John McCain's ads and point out the lies in them. And then say something like "For the past 8 years we have lived with an administration in Washington that could never really manage to tell us the truth about anything. John McCain has chosen those very people to represent him in this campaign. Do you want four more years of the same? It is time for a change."

Mike, Texoma (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:29 AM)

What is he so afraid of? That his claims about their relationship aare false? (One of them, that one of the few things that they had in common was that their 'children went to the same school' is true, in fact, but not in context. Ayer's children are much, much older than Obama's, so while they might have attended the same school, it certainly was NOT at the same time.) Obama is starting to look flea-bitten, as in, if you lie down with dogs. . .

Donna, Lincroft, NJ (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:34 AM)

"The advocacy group's main benefactor is a Texas billionaire who has given money to John McCain and other Republicans and who was also one of the main funders of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which went after Kerry."

You are a news organization and you are keeping the name of the malefactor, I mean benefactor, secret WHY?

Who's Sane (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:48 AM)

These attack ads are working. Today McCain passed Obama in the Gallup Tracking Poll for the first time.

mabbott_jam1@comcast.net (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:57 AM)

I hope Barack Obama's campaign sues any and all network that willfully advertise this garbage.

Just because one is running for a political office does not mean they have to put up with falsehoods and blatant lies and innuendos.

We supporters will donate more money just so Barack Obama can sue these bastards...

NOT THIS TIME YOU NEO-CONS SCUMBAGS

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:06 AM)

CNN is airing the Ayers ad, at least here in Michigan. They have stooped to the sewer fields and have lost my respect.

Paul (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:13 AM)

University of Chicago released documents supposedly Faux News perverted town had linking Rezko to Obama. Nothing was there. Keep sticking it to amnesiac McCain. Give him an ad with Hillary’s cackle in it. That will kill him!

No way no how no McCain!

Btw:Cheeto Joe Scarbough is still spewing is right-wing wacko agenda. How many times and many people must appeal to you? Here’ the rap…
No more Joe;
Joe must go.
While at it; don’t let it be racist Pat B either
We need neither

Nobody but Obama
Obama/Biden 08/12

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:17 AM)

Contact Sinclair Broadcasting and tell them you will not tolerate this false ad running this election year. below is a copy of the email I sent to them. Everyone do this now and fight back. This is the year the middle class fought back.

http://www.sbgi.net/contact/contact.shtml

Corporate Headquarters

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
10706 Beaver Dam Road
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030
410-568-1500 (Main Telephone)
410-568-1533 (Main Fax)

Your choice to run the false anti-Obama ad by Christian Pinkston and the Swift-Boat style group is un-American and unacceptable. We will contact all of your advertisers forcing them to cancel advertising with all your stations if you do not pull this false ad from your stations immediately. We will have an election this year based on polices and the future of America not misleading ads that try and distract us from the real issues. Anything less will not be tolerated and your advertisers will face boycott and loss of income. Do what is right for your bottom line and America and cancel all ads with this group now and in the future. Thank you.

FL (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:17 AM)

Good on Fox, CNN others should follow, its time to stop false, negative ads from the tv. McCain would not like it if Madonna sent her video over to put on tv.

Steve,TX (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:21 AM)

This is the GOP playbook:smear and fear be afraid especially of people of color. We have shut out of american history book "That's mostly our fault."
except in examples of slavery and civil rights.
Historically, Blacks in this country have had to be twice as good as their counterparts for equal pay and recognition. Don't you dare have the audacity to call Obama an "affirmative action" candidate, especially when your pseudo war "hero" McLame was and is the product of nepotism and philandering.

Remarks like this ad only give credence to what racism is. African American built this country from coast to coast. Today, Barack a well educated African American can't get a cab based on his skin color; not to mention becoming the POTUS In other words the Blacks blood, sweat, tears, booming, being sprayed with fire hoses, bulldozed, and deaths are of no significant? If this is the face of America; surely the world will wonder how American can tout progress and equality for Georgia, Iraq etc; but not for its own. Believe me the world is watching.

Dwayne McClellan Baltimore Maryland (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:30 AM)

If Fox won't run it, it must be really obnoxious and full of lies. Creating ads like this is the only way these fringe Republican political groups can get any attention. Of course not a word from John McCain or Joe Lieberman. They're more than happy to sit quietly on the sidelines just hoping these ads get some traction. Why is it the Republicans have nothing for the country, no vision? They have no plan for the country other than a continuation of the Bush-Cheney administration dressed up in the form of John McCain. Pretty desperate politics from a very desperate Republican Party. No wonder many Republican senators and reps are skipping the Twin Cities dog and pony show.

R.Merrell (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:36 AM)

Republican SCUMbags! It is that simple. If a majority of Americans who vote in Nov. allow themsleves to be swayed by this pack of lies....well, you definitely deserve what you get. Don't quit that 3rd part-time job just yet! Your house trailers may be repo'ed if you do! If elected, McCain will destroy this country as we know it.

Check the facts before you let someone else do your thinking for you!

VOTE OBAMA 08!

Joe, White Bear Lake, MN (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:41 AM)

For all you haters out there maybe you did not actually LISTEN to her speach. she did give all the reasons she is supporting and why your selfish little neo cons should too. She did a great job and she is right. HOw in the world would you vot for Mc Cain if you actually knew what she stands for. There is only 1 person who stands for the same and then some and that is B.Obama. Get it!!!!
Wake up and stop hating the world around you and living in fear people. and let me tell you the DNC did NOT choose Obama .
WE the PEOPLE CHose Obama. Get it right!

ted (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 11:46 AM)

Here we go again. Another election destroyed by Republican billionaires manipulating low-info voters. And to think McCain said he would have none of this. He's welcoming them with open arms! For shame!

zorba (Sent Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:05 PM)

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