Palin says Obama pals with 'terrorists'

[irvin88]

Very Smart Move. Need to inject Rev. Wright and how the "white man" created HIV to kill off blacks. Needs to become a cultural campaign.

Palin says Obama pals with 'terrorists'

ENGLEWOOD, Col., Oct 4 - Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin accused Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday of "palling around with terrorists," in the latest sign the campaign is turning increasingly nasty.

The comment by Palin, whose running mate John McCain is vying against Obama for president in the November 4 election, was dismissed by the Obama campaign as "gutter politics" and came shortly after the McCain campaign had already called the U.S. senator from Illinois a liar.

With polls showing McCain trailing Obama in many battleground states, including several won by Republicans in the 2004 election, Palin said "There is a time when it's necessary to take the gloves off and that time is right now."

Speaking at a fund-raiser in Englewood, Colorado, she launched an assault on Obama just days after both candidates urged Congress to set aside partisan politics to pass a $700 billion bad-debt securities package in a bid to free up frozen credit markets.

"Our opponent though is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough that he is palling around with terrorists who would target their own country," Palin said of Obama, also calling him an embarrassment.

Palin cited a New York Times story on Saturday that examined Obama's relationship with Bill Ayers, a former member of the Vietnam-era militant Weather Underground organization who is now a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Times concluded they were not close.

Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan said, "Today, the McCain-Palin team took their discredited, dishonorable campaign one desperate step further, announcing that they were going to try 'turning a page on this financial crisis' and launching more personal attacks on Senator Obama."

"Instead of offering solutions for working Americans and families struggling through a failing economy, they have offered more gutter politics and false attacks," he said in a statement.

Obama served with Ayers on the board of a foundation in Chicago, and has said he was only eight-years-old when the Weather Underground committed its best-known bombing. He has also noted that former President Bill Clinton pardoned two members of the group during the last days of his presidency.

Earlier, McCain's campaign called Obama a bald-faced liar in reference to how he characterized the Republican's plan to reform health insurance.

"When you read the fine print, it's clear that John McCain is pulling an old Washington bait and switch. It's a shell game," Obama said of McCain's plan to reform health insurance.

"He gives you a tax credit with one hand but he raises your taxes with the other," the senator from Illinois told a crowd of about 18,000 supporters in Newport News, Virginia.

[bootsy]

Very Smart Move. Need to inject Rev. Wright and how the "white man" created HIV to kill off blacks. Needs to become a cultural campaign.

Palin says Obama pals with 'terrorists'

ENGLEWOOD, Col., Oct 4 - Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin accused Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday of "palling around with terrorists," in the latest sign the campaign is turning increasingly nasty.

The comment by Palin, whose running mate John McCain is vying against Obama for president in the November 4 election, was dismissed by the Obama campaign as "gutter politics" and came shortly after the McCain campaign had already called the U.S. senator from Illinois a liar.

With polls showing McCain trailing Obama in many battleground states, including several won by Republicans in the 2004 election, Palin said "There is a time when it's necessary to take the gloves off and that time is right now."

Speaking at a fund-raiser in Englewood, Colorado, she launched an assault on Obama just days after both candidates urged Congress to set aside partisan politics to pass a $700 billion bad-debt securities package in a bid to free up frozen credit markets.

"Our opponent though is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough that he is palling around with terrorists who would target their own country," Palin said of Obama, also calling him an embarrassment.

Palin cited a New York Times story on Saturday that examined Obama's relationship with Bill Ayers, a former member of the Vietnam-era militant Weather Underground organization who is now a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Times concluded they were not close.

Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan said, "Today, the McCain-Palin team took their discredited, dishonorable campaign one desperate step further, announcing that they were going to try 'turning a page on this financial crisis' and launching more personal attacks on Senator Obama."

"Instead of offering solutions for working Americans and families struggling through a failing economy, they have offered more gutter politics and false attacks," he said in a statement.

Obama served with Ayers on the board of a foundation in Chicago, and has said he was only eight-years-old when the Weather Underground committed its best-known bombing. He has also noted that former President Bill Clinton pardoned two members of the group during the last days of his presidency.

Earlier, McCain's campaign called Obama a bald-faced liar in reference to how he characterized the Republican's plan to reform health insurance.

"When you read the fine print, it's clear that John McCain is pulling an old Washington bait and switch. It's a shell game," Obama said of McCain's plan to reform health insurance.

"He gives you a tax credit with one hand but he raises your taxes with the other," the senator from Illinois told a crowd of about 18,000 supporters in Newport News, Virginia.

This is not a smart move. You need to go back to hoping, praying and wishing for the Bradley effect to take place. This Palin chick is off the hook I tell you. She needs to be careful about calling out people because her background is pretty jacked up as it is. She isn't bringing anything new to this story. The Ayers story has been told plenty of times. Voters don't care because there is no connection between the two that could make it a big story.

[iceberg]

i'll never see anything as long as i've got jaded eyes. :)

[Beast_from_East]

Dumb, very dumb move.

Getting personal is not going to move the Independents (who really McCain has to have to have a chance, the base is already with him).

Did you guys watch CNN the other night during the debate? They had a focus group of Independents from Ohio and they had the tracking bars at the bottom of the screen for Men and Women. When they liked something, they turned their dials up and the lines move up and vice versa.

It judges how people feel about the tone and substance of what is said.

When either Biden or Palin went negative or critized each other, both bars flat-lined. Being negative was a HUGE TURNOFF for the independents.

Like I said in another thread, when 750,000 people have lost their jobs this year, the last thing they care about is personal attacks.

If McCain/Palin dont start talking about how they are going to fix the economy instead of this crap, they are going to get their arse handed to them on Nov 4th. NOBODY CARES!!!

[ZeroClub]

Strikes me as despicable desperation, but who knows how it will play with the masses?

Although she exceeded low expections in the VP debate, it is difficult to believe that she is now well positioned to go negative.

Perhaps the McCain camp thinks they have no other choice.

[Beast_from_East]

Strikes me as despicable desperation, but who knows how it will play with the masses?

Although she exceeded low expections in the VP debate, it is difficult to believe that she is now well positioned to go negative.

Perhaps the McCain camp thinks they have no other choice.

They are starting to panic in my opinion, every poll on the planet has Obama ahead, even FOX.

The only thing they have left is to go negative and go personal. The problem is they are using information that is already known. Most people already now about Obama's associations so it is "already baked in the cake" if you will.

Bringing up old info is not going to move the polls, they need something new. I said it in another thread, people dont care about this crap when they are losing their job and having their house foreclosed on.

If McCain doesnt understand this, he is going to get his arse handed to him on Nov 4th.

[Sasquatch]

Strikes me as despicable desperation

That's the stench of a gangrenous campaign.

[iceberg]

That's the stench of a gangrenous campaign.

and that fits both campaigns, does it not?

that's the falacy of a 1 sided view.

[Heisenberg]

and that fits both campaigns, does it not?

that's the falacy of a 1 sided view.

I don't remember the Obama campaign doing any guilt by association stuff. Do you?

[ConcordCowboy]

The finale desperate move that we all knew was coming.

Can't beat him on the issues or beat him by just being a POW.

So try this...

It ain't going to work.

Bring it...and see your numbers fall even more.

:laugh2:

[Cajuncowboy]

The finale desperate move that we all knew was coming.

Can't beat him on the issues or beat him by just being a POW.

So try this...

It ain't going to work.

Bring it...and see your numbers fall even more.

:laugh2:

He's had his head handed to him on issues. Socialistic views, most extreme liberal in the senate and he picked a VP running mate who called him unqualified to be President.

You don't think that sound bite isn't going to hit the airwaves?

And I think it should be yelled from the roof tops that he has close associations with racists, terrorists and felons. It's all true. You want to vote for something like that?

[irvin88]

He's had his head handed to him on issues. Socialistic views, most extreme liberal in the senate and he picked a VP running mate who called him unqualified to be President.

You don't think that sound bite isn't going to hit the airwaves?

And I think it should be yelled from the roof tops that he has close associations with racists, terrorists and felons. It's all true. You want to vote for something like that?

McCain has to make sure the American People know that if you vote for Obama you are voting for a radical racist who has a wife w/ a nasty underbite.

He does that...he wins.;)

[ConcordCowboy]

He's had his head handed to him on issues. Socialistic views, most extreme liberal in the senate and he picked a VP running mate who called him unqualified to be President.

You don't think that sound bite isn't going to hit the airwaves?

And I think it should be yelled from the roof tops that he has close associations with racists, terrorists and felons. It's all true. You want to vote for something like that?


You can yell all that stuff over and over and over again like you have been and it STILL won't work.

Everything you said has been said and said again.

Hasn't worked and still won't.

But keep dreaming.

Cause that's all you and McCain have at this moment.

:laugh2:

[Cajuncowboy]

McCain has to make sure the American People know that if you vote for Obama you are voting for a radical racist who has a wife w/ a nasty underbite.

He does that...he wins.;)

I'd stay away from the wife thing except I'm pretty sure from reading her college paper that she hates whitey and she has never been proud of America.

Wait till you see the ads with Biden and his comments. This will be good.

[Heisenberg]

I'd stay away from the wife thing except I'm pretty sure from reading her college paper that she hates whitey and she has never been proud of America.

Wait till you see the ads with Biden and his comments. This will be good.

They ran those after Biden was announced. It didn't work, obviously.

[Cajuncowboy]

You can yell all that stuff over and over and over again like you have been and it STILL won't work.

Everything you said has been said and said again.

Hasn't worked and still won't.

But keep dreaming.

Cause that's all you and McCain have at this moment.

:laugh2:

So you think American's want to vote for a racist terrorist loving socialist?

And I'm dreaming?

We will see.

BTW, You almost got your rear end handed to you by Wisc. tonight. :D

[Cajuncowboy]

They ran those after Biden was announced. It didn't work, obviously.

Why do you say it hasn't worked? Has America voted yet?

you can site all the polls you want but they were obviously wrong the last two elections. Plus, the ones you see now are pretty much worthless because they are generally not likely voters. And most are weighted in one direction or the other. And most of them are weighted to the left.

[ConcordCowboy]

So you think American's want to vote for a racist terrorist loving socialist?

And I'm dreaming?

We will see.

BTW, You almost got your rear end handed to you by Wisc. tonight. :D

Like McCain...he's almost going to beat Obama.

But as they say...a win's a win.

:laugh2:

[irvin88]

So you think American's want to vote for a racist terrorist loving socialist?

And I'm dreaming?

We will see.

BTW, You almost got your rear end handed to you by Wisc. tonight. :D

Obviously they can't understand that this guy needs to be up A TON to win this thing.

Notice when he gives his speeches how many black people are staged behind him ? Maybe one ? Obama knows what is going down.

[Cajuncowboy]

Like McCain...he's almost going to beat Obama.

But as they say...a win's a win.

:laugh2:

Yeah well PSU beat Purdue tonight as well.

BTW, I went to the Vandy Auburn game tonight. Still can't believe Vandy won that thing by one point. The place was going insane.

[iceberg]

I don't remember the Obama campaign doing any guilt by association stuff. Do you?

you mean like calling mccain bush part 2?

never.

you got me there.

[Cajuncowboy]

Obviously they can't understand that this guy needs to be up A TON to win this thing.

Notice when he gives his speeches how many black people are staged behind him ? Maybe one ? Obama knows what is going down.

Well here's the dirty little secret and honestly I think it sucks. But there are way too many white people who do not trust him simply because he is black. It's just the cruel reality. Now, the fact that Obama will lose, I am happy over, but I hate that we have this crap going on in this country.

I don't think when it comes time to pull the lever for Obama, enough people will pull it.

[webby75216]

So you think American's want to vote for a racist terrorist loving socialist?



Why not

[Heisenberg]

you mean like calling mccain bush part 2?

never.

you got me there.

I don't believe that's the same thing, but you got me on a technicality. Damn it! :D

[Cajuncowboy]

Why not

:confused:

Seriously?

[Heisenberg]

Now THIS is guilt by association:

Palin's Attack On Obama's Patriotism Legitimizes Questions About The Palins' Association With Group Founded By America-Hating Secessionist
By Greg Sargent - October 4, 2008, 4:55PM
Sarah Palin attacked Obama's patriotism today over his association with former Weatherman Bill Ayers -- a move that makes it perfectly legitimate to raise questions about the Palins' associations with a group founded by an Alaska secessionist who once professed his "hatred for the American government" and cursed our "damn flag."

In Colorado today, Palin seized on the big front-page New York Times story about Ayers and Obama, which concludes that the two men "do not appear to have been close," to launch her most vicious attack yet on the Illinois Senator -- a harbinger of what's to come.

"This is not a man who sees America as you and I do -- as the greatest force for good in the world," Palin said. "This is someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists who targeted their own country."

If Palin is going to say this, it is now perfectly legitimate to point out that she repeatedly courted a secessionist group founded by someone who openly professed hatred of the American government, cursed our flag, and wanted to secede from the Union. Sarah's husband, Todd Palin, was a member of this group, which continues to venerate that founder to this day, for years.


As you already know, the group is the Alaska Independence Party, which sees as its ultimate goal seceding from the union. Todd was a member, with a brief exception, from 1995 until 2002, according to the Division of Elections in Alaska.

And though Sarah Palin herself was apparently not a member of this group, there's no doubt that she repeatedly courted this secessionist organization over the years. In 1994, Palin attended the group's annual convention, according to witnesses who spoke to ABC News' Jake Tapper. The McCain campaign has confirmed she visited the group's 2000 convention, and she addressed its convention this year, as an incumbent governor whose oath of office includes upholding the Constitution of the United States.

The founder of the AIP was a man named Joe Vogler. Here's what he had to say in a 1991 interview, only a few years before Palin attended its convention: "The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government."

He also said this: "And I won't be buried under their damn flag. I'll be buried in Dawson. And when Alaska is an independent nation they can bring my bones home."

Vogler has also said: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."

McCain apologists will argue that Sarah Palin was not a member of this group. But Obama wasn't a member of any Ayers anti-American group, either. And again, Palin repeatedly courted the AIP, and her husband was a member for years.

The main takeaway from today's Times story is that Obama's ties to Ayers are, if anything, less substantial than commonly alleged. So if the Ayers association means Obama "palled around" with "terrorists," as Palin put it today, surely Palin can be said to have "palled around" with a secessionist party whose founder openly professed hatred of America.

If Palin is going to directly question Obama's patriotism over his association Ayers, surely all these facts are now fair game and freshly relevant.

[Cajuncowboy]

Now THIS is guilt by association:

Palin's Attack On Obama's Patriotism Legitimizes Questions About The Palins' Association With Group Founded By America-Hating Secessionist
By Greg Sargent - October 4, 2008, 4:55PM
Sarah Palin attacked Obama's patriotism today over his association with former Weatherman Bill Ayers -- a move that makes it perfectly legitimate to raise questions about the Palins' associations with a group founded by an Alaska secessionist who once professed his "hatred for the American government" and cursed our "damn flag."

In Colorado today, Palin seized on the big front-page New York Times story about Ayers and Obama, which concludes that the two men "do not appear to have been close," to launch her most vicious attack yet on the Illinois Senator -- a harbinger of what's to come.

"This is not a man who sees America as you and I do -- as the greatest force for good in the world," Palin said. "This is someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists who targeted their own country."

If Palin is going to say this, it is now perfectly legitimate to point out that she repeatedly courted a secessionist group founded by someone who openly professed hatred of the American government, cursed our flag, and wanted to secede from the Union. Sarah's husband, Todd Palin, was a member of this group, which continues to venerate that founder to this day, for years.


As you already know, the group is the Alaska Independence Party, which sees as its ultimate goal seceding from the union. Todd was a member, with a brief exception, from 1995 until 2002, according to the Division of Elections in Alaska.

And though Sarah Palin herself was apparently not a member of this group, there's no doubt that she repeatedly courted this secessionist organization over the years. In 1994, Palin attended the group's annual convention, according to witnesses who spoke to ABC News' Jake Tapper. The McCain campaign has confirmed she visited the group's 2000 convention, and she addressed its convention this year, as an incumbent governor whose oath of office includes upholding the Constitution of the United States.

The founder of the AIP was a man named Joe Vogler. Here's what he had to say in a 1991 interview, only a few years before Palin attended its convention: "The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government."

He also said this: "And I won't be buried under their damn flag. I'll be buried in Dawson. And when Alaska is an independent nation they can bring my bones home."

Vogler has also said: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."

McCain apologists will argue that Sarah Palin was not a member of this group. But Obama wasn't a member of any Ayers anti-American group, either. And again, Palin repeatedly courted the AIP, and her husband was a member for years.

The main takeaway from today's Times story is that Obama's ties to Ayers are, if anything, less substantial than commonly alleged. So if the Ayers association means Obama "palled around" with "terrorists," as Palin put it today, surely Palin can be said to have "palled around" with a secessionist party whose founder openly professed hatred of America.

If Palin is going to directly question Obama's patriotism over his association Ayers, surely all these facts are now fair game and freshly relevant.

So you want to compare Palin appearing as a gov. at a convention and welcoming a group like all gov.'s do to Obama accepting political aid from a terrorist? Nice. This should match up well.

Any more you want to try? :laugh2:

[Heisenberg]

So you want to compare Palin appearing as a gov. at a convention and welcoming a group like all gov.'s do to Obama accepting political aid from a terrorist? Nice. This should match up well.

Any more you want to try? :laugh2:

The point is, neither have any merit. Neither one of them has said they support the views of any of these people. Yet, what's a good explanation for one side isn't good for the other.

[Heisenberg]

Oooo. More guilt by association. :D

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20081020/ames_berman

[Cajuncowboy]

The point is, neither have any merit. Neither one of them has said they support the views of any of these people. Yet, what's a good explanation for one side isn't good for the other.

Well that's not true. Obama called his racist pastor his mentor. You mean he doesn't support his own mentor?

You mean he doesn't support a man whom he has served on several boards with and also took political help from? Someone he called a friend? Or his wife's racist paper? He doesn't support his wife?

Ok.

[ZeroClub]

All of the bellowing and smack not withstanding, after 8 years of failure in the executive branch, the the simple truth is that the republicans don't deserve another 4 years.

[Rack Bauer]

Palin says Obama pals with 'terrorists'


Well, it's the truth and it has been proven.


I don't know how any red blooded american can vote for this guy. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you?

[Beast_from_East]

McCain has to make sure the American People know that if you vote for Obama you are voting for a radical racist who has a wife w/ a nasty underbite.

He does that...he wins.;)

You McCain guys are living in a fantasy world, seriously.

You would actually advise McCain to go after Obama and call him a racist and then attack his family.

WOW...........McCain will lose by double digit points on Nov 4 if he does this.

[Heisenberg]

You McCain guys are living in a fantasy world, seriously.

You would actually advise McCain to go after Obama and call him a racist and then attack his family.

WOW...........McCain will lose by double digit points on Nov 4 if he does this.

That could potentially happen already. Just sayin. :D

[Beast_from_East]

Why do you say it hasn't worked? Has America voted yet?

you can site all the polls you want but they were obviously wrong the last two elections. Plus, the ones you see now are pretty much worthless because they are generally not likely voters. And most are weighted in one direction or the other. And most of them are weighted to the left.

I hate to rain on your parade, but Gallup is as close to a lock as you can get.

There has only been 1 presidential candidate that has been down 8% or more with 30 days to go on Gallup and came back to win. That was Ronald Reagan against Jimmy Carter in 1980.

So as far as Gallup, that poll does in fact matter, extremely.

[Beast_from_East]

Well here's the dirty little secret and honestly I think it sucks. But there are way too many white people who do not trust him simply because he is black. It's just the cruel reality. Now, the fact that Obama will lose, I am happy over, but I hate that we have this crap going on in this country.

I don't think when it comes time to pull the lever for Obama, enough people will pull it.

I am no Obama supporter, but for the Country's sake I hope you are wrong on this point come Nov 4th.

Maybe I am naive, but I would like to think that the country has moved past the racism of the past and that people with judge Obama based on qualifications and experience, just as McCain is judged.

[Cajuncowboy]

I hate to rain on your parade, but Gallup is as close to a lock as you can get.

There has only been 1 presidential candidate that has been down 8% or more with 30 days to go on Gallup and came back to win. That was Ronald Reagan against Jimmy Carter in 1980.

So as far as Gallup, that poll does in fact matter, extremely.

Once again, the polls are faulty because they are popular opinion polls. They are not using the likely voter weight.

[WoodysGirl]

Analysis: Palin's words may backfire on McCain

By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL, Associated Press Writer
23 minutes ago



WASHINGTON - By claiming that Democrat Barack Obama is "palling around with terrorists" and doesn't see the U.S. like other Americans, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin targeted key goals for a faltering campaign.

ADVERTISEMENT

And though she may have scored a political hit each time, her attack was unsubstantiated and carried a racially tinged subtext that John McCain himself may come to regret.

First, Palin's attack shows that her energetic debate with rival Joe Biden may be just the beginning, not the end, of a sharpened role in the battle to win the presidency.

"Our opponent ... is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough, that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country," Palin told a group of donors in Englewood, Colo. A deliberate attempt to smear Obama, McCain's ticket-mate echoed the line at three separate events Saturday.

"This is not a man who sees America like you and I see America," she said. "We see America as a force of good in this world. We see an America of exceptionalism."

Obama released his own loaded-word attack on McCain Sunday, calling the 72-year-old senator "erratic," a hard-to-miss implication that his age could be a problem.

"Our financial system in turmoil," an announcer says in Obama's new ad. "And John McCain? Erratic in a crisis. Out of touch on the economy."

The ad, slated to start running Monday on national cable, seeks to capitalize on John McCain's response to the nation's financial crisis while rebutting Republican attacks on Obama's character and judgment.

But Palin's reference questions Obama's associations and thereby his character. And her context is inaccurate.

She is referring to Obama's relationship with William Ayers, a member of the Vietnam-era Weather Underground, was exaggerated at best if not outright false. No evidence shows they were "pals" or even close when they worked on community boards years ago and Ayers hosted a political event for Obama early in his career.

Obama, who was a child when the Weathermen were planting bombs, has denounced Ayers' radical views and actions.

With her criticism, Palin is taking on the running mate's traditional role of attacker, said Rich Galen, a Republican strategist.

"There appears to be a newfound sense of confidence in Sarah Palin as a candidate, given her performance the other night," Galen said. "I think that they are comfortable enough with her now that she's got the standing with the electorate to take off after Obama."

Second, Palin's incendiary charge draws media and voter attention away from the worsening economy. It also comes after McCain supported a pork-laden Wall Street bailout plan in spite of conservative anger and his own misgivings.

"It's a giant changing of the subject," said Jenny Backus, a Democratic strategist. "The problem is the messenger. If you want to start throwing fire bombs, you don't send out the fluffy bunny to do it. I think people don't take Sarah Palin seriously."

The larger purpose behind Palin's broadside is to reintroduce the question of Obama's associations. Millions of voters, many of them open to being swayed to one side or the other, are starting to pay attention to an election a month away.

For the McCain campaign, that makes Obama's ties to Ayers as well as convicted felon Antoin "Tony" Rezko and the controversial minister Jeremiah Wright ripe for renewed criticism. And Palin brings a fresh voice to the argument.

Effective character attacks have come earlier in campaigns. In June 1988, Republican George H.W. Bush criticized Democrat Michael Dukakis over the furlough granted to Willie Horton, a convicted murderer who then raped a woman and stabbed her companion. Related TV ads followed in September and October.

The Vietnam-era Swift Boat veterans who attacked Democrat John Kerry's war record started in the spring of 2004 and gained traction in late summer.

"The four weeks that are left are an eternity. There's plenty of time in the campaign," said Republican strategist Joe Gaylord. "I think it is a legitimate strategy to talk about Obama and to talk about his background and who he pals around with."

Palin's words avoid repulsing voters with overt racism. But is there another subtext for creating the false image of a black presidential nominee "palling around" with terrorists while assuring a predominantly white audience that he doesn't see their America?

In a post-Sept. 11 America, terrorists are envisioned as dark-skinned radical Muslims, not the homegrown anarchists of Ayers' day 40 years ago. With Obama a relative unknown when he began his campaign, the Internet hummed with false e-mails about ties to radical Islam of a foreign-born candidate.

Whether intended or not by the McCain campaign, portraying Obama as "not like us" is another potential appeal to racism. It suggests that the Hawaiian-born Christian is, at heart, un-American.

Palin's words raise questions about whether the last month of the campaign will feature a new focus by McCain's camp on Obama's associations with Ayers, Rezko and Wright.

Bringing up Wright would contradict McCain's promise that Obama's former pastor is was off-limits. McCain, the victim himself of racially-tinged smear campaign in 2000, has promised a new kind of politics.

But the fact is that allowing racism to creep into the discussion serves a purpose for McCain. As the fallout from Wright's sermons showed earlier this year, forcing Obama to abandon issues to talk about race leads to unresolved arguments about America's promise to treat all people equally.

John McCain occasionally looks back on decisions with regret. He has apologized for opposing a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. He has apologized for refusing to call for the removal of a Confederate flag from South Carolina's Capitol.

When the 2008 campaign is over McCain might regret appeals such as Palin's perhaps more so if he wins.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE — Douglass K. Daniel is a writer and editor with the Washington bureau of The Associated Press.

[MetalHead]

Well that's not true. Obama called his racist pastor his mentor. You mean he doesn't support his own mentor?

You mean he doesn't support a man whom he has served on several boards with and also took political help from? Someone he called a friend? Or his wife's racist paper? He doesn't support his wife?

Ok.

I find it beyond comical how the Obama supporters look the other way at the obvious.
Rev Wright married Obama to his wife,baptised his children,and was his spiritual leader.
You mean to tell me Obama did not know how Wright felt about America?
After 20 years?
William Ayers,known domestic terrorist.
So Obama was 8 when Ayers did his thing,but,as an aspiring politician,would you come within 100 feet of that individual,knowing how things work?
I can only imagine the media frenzy if Palin was even in the same zip code of a man like Ayers.
Of course the media is enamored with Obama and they too look the other way.
It is incredible the contempt they have for the american people with their elitist mentality.

[sbark]

She has to do the job the "4th branch of govt" the media should have done long time ago.......

The media worked hard to do the vetting process on Palin.........

but the media has never made even a token effort to vette Obama.........

they dont even seem to care when obama uses lawsuits to shut down free speech as in Missouri...............

and that should be the media's home turf to protect...........

[MetalHead]

She has to do the job the "4th branch of govt" the media should have done long time ago.......

The media worked hard to do the vetting process on Palin.........

but the media has never made even a token effort to vette Obama.........

they dont even seem to care when obama uses lawsuits to shut down free speech as in Missouri...............

and that should be the media's home turf to protect...........

Liberalism makes you see only the things that fit your agenda.

[WoodysGirl]

Liberalism makes you see only the things that fit your agenda.
As does conservatism.

[MetalHead]

I am no Obama supporter, but for the Country's sake I hope you are wrong on this point come Nov 4th.

Maybe I am naive, but I would like to think that the country has moved past the racism of the past and that people with judge Obama based on qualifications and experience, just as McCain is judged.

But you'll vote for him,which makes you a supporter
You must be if you think race doesn't play a part on some voters.

[Cajuncowboy]

Analysis: Palin's words may backfire on McCain

By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL, Associated Press Writer
23 minutes ago



WASHINGTON - By claiming that Democrat Barack Obama is "palling around with terrorists" and doesn't see the U.S. like other Americans, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin targeted key goals for a faltering campaign.

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And though she may have scored a political hit each time, her attack was unsubstantiated and carried a racially tinged subtext that John McCain himself may come to regret.

First, Palin's attack shows that her energetic debate with rival Joe Biden may be just the beginning, not the end, of a sharpened role in the battle to win the presidency.

"Our opponent ... is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough, that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country," Palin told a group of donors in Englewood, Colo. A deliberate attempt to smear Obama, McCain's ticket-mate echoed the line at three separate events Saturday.

"This is not a man who sees America like you and I see America," she said. "We see America as a force of good in this world. We see an America of exceptionalism."

Obama released his own loaded-word attack on McCain Sunday, calling the 72-year-old senator "erratic," a hard-to-miss implication that his age could be a problem.

"Our financial system in turmoil," an announcer says in Obama's new ad. "And John McCain? Erratic in a crisis. Out of touch on the economy."

The ad, slated to start running Monday on national cable, seeks to capitalize on John McCain's response to the nation's financial crisis while rebutting Republican attacks on Obama's character and judgment.

But Palin's reference questions Obama's associations and thereby his character. And her context is inaccurate.

She is referring to Obama's relationship with William Ayers, a member of the Vietnam-era Weather Underground, was exaggerated at best if not outright false. No evidence shows they were "pals" or even close when they worked on community boards years ago and Ayers hosted a political event for Obama early in his career.

Obama, who was a child when the Weathermen were planting bombs, has denounced Ayers' radical views and actions.

With her criticism, Palin is taking on the running mate's traditional role of attacker, said Rich Galen, a Republican strategist.

"There appears to be a newfound sense of confidence in Sarah Palin as a candidate, given her performance the other night," Galen said. "I think that they are comfortable enough with her now that she's got the standing with the electorate to take off after Obama."

Second, Palin's incendiary charge draws media and voter attention away from the worsening economy. It also comes after McCain supported a pork-laden Wall Street bailout plan in spite of conservative anger and his own misgivings.

"It's a giant changing of the subject," said Jenny Backus, a Democratic strategist. "The problem is the messenger. If you want to start throwing fire bombs, you don't send out the fluffy bunny to do it. I think people don't take Sarah Palin seriously."

The larger purpose behind Palin's broadside is to reintroduce the question of Obama's associations. Millions of voters, many of them open to being swayed to one side or the other, are starting to pay attention to an election a month away.

For the McCain campaign, that makes Obama's ties to Ayers as well as convicted felon Antoin "Tony" Rezko and the controversial minister Jeremiah Wright ripe for renewed criticism. And Palin brings a fresh voice to the argument.

Effective character attacks have come earlier in campaigns. In June 1988, Republican George H.W. Bush criticized Democrat Michael Dukakis over the furlough granted to Willie Horton, a convicted murderer who then raped a woman and stabbed her companion. Related TV ads followed in September and October.

The Vietnam-era Swift Boat veterans who attacked Democrat John Kerry's war record started in the spring of 2004 and gained traction in late summer.

"The four weeks that are left are an eternity. There's plenty of time in the campaign," said Republican strategist Joe Gaylord. "I think it is a legitimate strategy to talk about Obama and to talk about his background and who he pals around with."

Palin's words avoid repulsing voters with overt racism. But is there another subtext for creating the false image of a black presidential nominee "palling around" with terrorists while assuring a predominantly white audience that he doesn't see their America?

In a post-Sept. 11 America, terrorists are envisioned as dark-skinned radical Muslims, not the homegrown anarchists of Ayers' day 40 years ago. With Obama a relative unknown when he began his campaign, the Internet hummed with false e-mails about ties to radical Islam of a foreign-born candidate.

Whether intended or not by the McCain campaign, portraying Obama as "not like us" is another potential appeal to racism. It suggests that the Hawaiian-born Christian is, at heart, un-American.

Palin's words raise questions about whether the last month of the campaign will feature a new focus by McCain's camp on Obama's associations with Ayers, Rezko and Wright.

Bringing up Wright would contradict McCain's promise that Obama's former pastor is was off-limits. McCain, the victim himself of racially-tinged smear campaign in 2000, has promised a new kind of politics.

But the fact is that allowing racism to creep into the discussion serves a purpose for McCain. As the fallout from Wright's sermons showed earlier this year, forcing Obama to abandon issues to talk about race leads to unresolved arguments about America's promise to treat all people equally.

John McCain occasionally looks back on decisions with regret. He has apologized for opposing a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. He has apologized for refusing to call for the removal of a Confederate flag from South Carolina's Capitol.

When the 2008 campaign is over McCain might regret appeals such as Palin's perhaps more so if he wins.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE — Douglass K. Daniel is a writer and editor with the Washington bureau of The Associated Press.

And here the race card is played yet again! Don't people ever get tired of this???

[MetalHead]

As does conservatism.

Oh please,back up your statement.
Look at what the media is doing to Sarah Palin.
If you think they have scrutinized Obama as much(or even close) then there is not an honest bone in your body.

Obama is nothing than a fabrication.
A media fabricated candidate.

[WoodysGirl]

Oh please,back up your statement.
Look at what the media is doing to Sarah Palin.
If you think they have scrutinized Obama as much(or even close) then there is not an honest bone in your body.

Obama is nothing than a fabrication.
A media fabricated candidate.
Point is no matter your viewpoint, you will always see it through your specific belief system.

If you're a hardcore conservative, then anything written or reported remotely negative is going to be spun as liberalism...with hardcore liberals touting it as another reason why their guy is better.

If you're a hardcore liberal, anything written or reported remoted negative is going to be spun as conservative...with hardcore conservatives touting it as another reason why their guy is better.


General partisanship and the lack of objectivity pretty much drives it all.

[jimnabby]

Oh please,back up your statement.
Look at what the media is doing to Sarah Palin.
If you think they have scrutinized Obama as much(or even close) then there is not an honest bone in your body.

Obama is nothing than a fabrication.
A media fabricated candidate.

Wow, talk about proving her point. The media has scrutinized Obama far more than Palin - there were months during the primaries where they dug up everything they could. Note that the McCain campaign hasn't come up with anything that he hasn't already been raked over the coals with time and again.

Palin has been treated with kid gloves by comparison - the difference is that she doesn't stand up to even the tiniest bit of scrutiny.

[Cajuncowboy]

Point is no matter your viewpoint, you will always see it through your specific belief system.

If you're a hardcore conservative, then anything written or reported remotely negative is going to be spun as liberalism...with hardcore liberals touting it as another reason why their guy is better.

If you're a hardcore liberal, anything written or reported remoted negative is going to be spun as conservative...with hardcore conservatives touting it as another reason why their guy is better.


General partisanship and the lack of objectivity pretty much drives it all.

Gonna disagree. Surprise! :D

Here's an example why you are are wrong on this. When Liberals win an election they try to shove their policies down everyone's throat. And honestly, if they win that is their right, since they won.

When Conservatives win, they act like they lost and "reach across the aisle" to appear to be good winners. (Bush handing the reigns of the education bill to Ted Kennedy being on example).

Liberalism has only pone perspective. Theirs. Conservatism is willing to look at everything and take it all into consideration. Now, generally the liberal perspective will go against that conservative view but we have a lot more history of going across the aisle than the liberals.

[Cajuncowboy]

Wow, talk about proving her point. The media has scrutinized Obama far more than Palin - there were months during the primaries where they dug up everything they could. Note that the McCain campaign hasn't come up with anything that he hasn't already been raked over the coals with time and again.

Palin has been treated with kid gloves by comparison - the difference is that she doesn't stand up to even the tiniest bit of scrutiny.

LOL. I like parity posts. :laugh2:

[MetalHead]

Wow, talk about proving her point. The media has scrutinized Obama far more than Palin - there were months during the primaries where they dug up everything they could. Note that the McCain campaign hasn't come up with anything that he hasn't already been raked over the coals with time and again.

Palin has been treated with kid gloves by comparison - the difference is that she doesn't stand up to even the tiniest bit of scrutiny.

Even you don't believe that ridiculous statement.

[MetalHead]

Point is no matter your viewpoint, you will always see it through your specific belief system.

If you're a hardcore conservative, then anything written or reported remotely negative is going to be spun as liberalism...with hardcore liberals touting it as another reason why their guy is better.

If you're a hardcore liberal, anything written or reported remoted negative is going to be spun as conservative...with hardcore conservatives touting it as another reason why their guy is better.


General partisanship and the lack of objectivity pretty much drives it all.

Disagree.
I have a system of beliefs that places right and wrong above party.
There are some things that as a thinking individual I have to question.
The numerous Obama associations for example.
Every time they are put on the table,all I get is "McCain did this and the Keating five...blah blah blah."
Not a single straight answer.
Not a single "you know what,we better look into that"...or'that was poor judgement.
Is McCain perfect?
Not even close.People who know me know that I refer to him as a closeted liberal.
McCain voted for that ridiculous amnesty,and voted for that horrible bailout.
He heard from me on both.I held him accountable.
He was wrong on both.
Is Obama wrong for his associations?
Have you ever questioned him on that?

[CowboyPrincess]

I don't remember the Obama campaign doing any guilt by association stuff. Do you?

nahhh... Instead they went after the mans wartime disabilities and tried to make him look unfit cuz he has physical limitations and couldn't email among other things

I stopped listening to the liberal views after that. I'm the widow of a disabled vietnam vet and it sickens me to hear people still taking jabs at disabled soldiers. I don't care if it's on the street or to get elected to office.. tacky and unforgivable I can care less about Obama now.

After that, I feel nothing is off limits now. If Obama can't take it, he shouldn't let his people dish it out either

JMHO

edit...

And my son who liked Obama just reminded me of the jokes made of the down sydrome baby...

you're right.. they don't attack over guilt by association, they attack the disabled....

[ZB9]

anyone see Obama on O'Reilly strongly defending Ayers, and Barack making a comment prefaced with "when he was blowing stuff up"? So Barack knew Ayers was "blowing stuff up" in the past (including the Pentagon), yet he still worked with him and used him politically.

It was a pretty interesting comment and section of an interview that got zero attention. I guess no one noticed. Either that, or everyone is paranoid about being "PC". Obama has not gone through much vetting at all, and has not been held accountable for anything. It's a dangerous game people are playing.

[Maikeru-sama]

As does conservatism.

Yup, guys like HH, Bumfard, Ninja and Cajun is proof enough.

[Maikeru-sama]

Well, it's the truth and it has been proven.


I don't know how any red blooded american can vote for this guy. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you?

And I don't see how any red blooded american could have voted for Bush a second time.

[zrinkill]

And I don't see how any red blooded american could have voted for Bush a second time.

Guess Roger Staubach nor I are red blooded Americans.

Oh well ....... I tried my best.

[Heisenberg]

nahhh... Instead they went after the mans wartime disabilities and tried to make him look unfit cuz he has physical limitations and couldn't email among other things

I stopped listening to the liberal views after that. I'm the widow of a disabled vietnam vet and it sickens me to hear people still taking jabs at disabled soldiers. I don't care if it's on the street or to get elected to office.. tacky and unforgivable I can care less about Obama now.

After that, I feel nothing is off limits now. If Obama can't take it, he shouldn't let his people dish it out either

JMHO

edit...

And my son who liked Obama just reminded me of the jokes made of the down sydrome baby...

you're right.. they don't attack over guilt by association, they attack the disabled....

No. Actually they were just portraying him as out of touch. It wasn't a good ad, but they were in no way going after his disabilities. The guy can use a computer. He's admitted that he wants to learn more about using the Internet. Hell, he uses a laptop on his campaign plane.

And I'm sure you can come up with something from the Obama campaign making fun of down syndrome children right? I bet you'll have difficulties with that considering Obama has said that families are off limits and anyone on his campaign caught saying anything about anyone's family would be fired.

[ConcordCowboy]

And I don't see how any red blooded american could have voted for Bush a second time.

Me either.

[Rack Bauer]

And I don't see how any red blooded american could have voted for Bush a second time.

Just look at who he ran against.

Nuff said.

[CowboyPrincess]

Just look at who he ran against.

Nuff said.

:america: :hammer: :america:

[BrAinPaiNt]

Just look at who he ran against.

Nuff said.

Kerry was a bum of the highest magnitude, but that is still no excuse to vote for another bum of the highest magnitude.

[REDVOLUTION]

I don't remember the Obama campaign doing any guilt by association stuff. Do you?


Let me just say... I dont have a dog in this race. Yes, I do like the Palin Factor. But I just dont like McCain leading the ticket.

An Independent would be nice. The only one who talks issues and wants to solve problems.... ~sigh~

With that said..... back to the question... do you mean like when Obama has McCain guilty of being a Bush term 3?

[Heisenberg]

Let me just say... I dont have a dog in this race. Yes, I do like the Palin Factor. But I just dont like McCain leading the ticket.

An Independent would be nice. The only one who talks issues and wants to solve problems.... ~sigh~

With that said..... back to the question... do you mean like when Obama has McCain guilty of being a Bush term 3?

Yes, someone already pointed that out to me. I've conceded that point. :D I don't think it's the same thing as making you out to be a terrorist sympathizer because you've crossed paths with one, but yes, I guess technically it's guilt by association.

[BrAinPaiNt]

Yes, someone already pointed that out to me. I've conceded that point. :D I don't think it's the same thing as making you out to be a terrorist sympathizer because you've crossed paths with one, but yes, I guess technically it's guilt by association.

I guess that means they must think W is guilty or a terrible guy.:D

[ZB9]

I don't think it's the same thing as making you out to be a terrorist sympathizer because you've crossed paths with one, but yes, I guess technically it's guilt by association.

Barack sure does defend Ayers a lot for someone who just "crossed paths with him". Obama says "It was a good bill" that he did with Ayers. Although, granted he did admit Ayers was a questionable guy, quote: "When he was blowing stuff up"....Youve got to be kidding me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFKDICn-Mu4

[REDVOLUTION]

Yes, someone already pointed that out to me. I've conceded that point. :D I don't think it's the same thing as making you out to be a terrorist sympathizer because you've crossed paths with one, but yes, I guess technically it's guilt by association.


I see that you watch and listen to sound bites.

See below.

Barack sure does defend Ayers a lot for someone who just "crossed paths with him". Obama says "It was a good bill" that he did with Ayers. Although, granted he did admit Ayers was a questionable guy, quote: "When he was blowing stuff up"....Youve got to be kidding me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFKDICn-Mu4


Again my issue with both parties is that supporters choose to defend them when its indefensible. Repub or Dem I dont care.

[Bach]

Barack sure does defend Ayers a lot for someone who just "crossed paths with him". Obama says "It was a good bill" that he did with Ayers. Although, granted he did admit Ayers was a questionable guy, quote: "When he was blowing stuff up"....Youve got to be kidding me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFKDICn-Mu4

I bet he thinks Osama bin Laden is just a questionable guy too.

[Heisenberg]

I bet he thinks Osama bin Laden is just a questionable guy too.

Well, hell, McCain didn't think Osama was such a bad guy back in 1998:

"You could say, Look, is this guy, Laden, really the bad guy that's depicted?"

http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/1998/11/vest.html

:D

[jimnabby]

I bet he thinks Osama bin Laden is just a questionable guy too.

No, that would be McCain: "Look, is this guy, Laden, really the bad guy that's depicted?"

[Heisenberg]

No, that would be McCain: "Look, is this guy, Laden, really the bad guy that's depicted?"

Haha. Beat ya to it! :D

[Bach]

And that was before 9/11/01.

[trickblue]

I don't remember the Obama campaign doing any guilt by association stuff. Do you?

ummm... they spend every day trying to tie McCain to Bush...

[WoodysGirl]

ummm... they spend every day trying to tie McCain to Bush...
Just FYI, that was pointed out three times already in this thread. :)

[trickblue]

Just FYI, that was pointed out three times already in this thread. :)

Fourth times a charm...

[BrAinPaiNt]

Fourth times a charm...

I was going to use the You and Everyone else pic, but just did not have the heart to use your own pic on you.:p: ;)

[Wheat]

http://texmexnet.com/home/images/article/1/68-996.jpg

How can you NOT try to tie them together? Its a much cleaner fit than the Ayers thing. Plus, its recent and Bush has a good chance of going down as the worst President in modern history.

If you're a Dem and running for office and you DON'T mention the connection between the other guy and Bush. Then you're dumb. You know if it were the other way around, McCain would be connecting Obama to an awful President. Well, he tried with Jimmy Carter. But, it just dated McCain badly.

[Bach]

How can you NOT try to tie them together?


Good question.

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080315/080315-wright-obama-vmed-7a.widec.jpg

[Wheat]

Hmmmm, using Wright opposed to using the current and very unpopular President from the same party when you're slipping in the polls.

Interesting strategy.

[masomenos]

Good question.

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo_StoryLevel/080315/080315-wright-obama-vmed-7a.widec.jpg

McCain doesn't even believe they are tied together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed1Tb-vrEww

Nor does Mike Huckabee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNwMPNxwHmQ&feature=related

[trickblue]

McCain doesn't even believe they are tied together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed1Tb-vrEww

Nor does Mike Huckabee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNwMPNxwHmQ&feature=related

It's one of McCain's biggest faults... he doesn't have the killer instinct...

Usually those with an ego as large as his will destroy anyone in their path...

[masomenos]

It's one of McCain's biggest faults... he doesn't have the killer instinct...

Usually those with an ego as large as his will destroy anyone in their path...

It's funny (in a sad way) that McCain's biggest political fault is something that we would consider a virtue if he were outside of politics.

[Bach]

McCain doesn't even believe they are tied together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed1Tb-vrEww

Nor does Mike Huckabee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNwMPNxwHmQ&feature=related

It's called trying to take the high road.

But, there's no way he didn't know what Wright was all about the last 20 years.

[masomenos]

It's called trying to take the high road.

But, there's no way he didn't know what Wright was all about the last 20 years.

The high road?

McCain loves this country right? I mean, there's no question that he wants what's best, in his mind, for America. Do you really think that if McCain believed that Obama shared Wright's sentiments that he wouldn't go after him? If he did believe it, and he didn't attack Obama on it, then he wouldn't be able to claim that he would do anything to protect this country.

McCain's war record shows that he is willing to do anything to protect the country, you don't think that he would bring this up as a real topic if he were fearful of a radical taking office?

[Sasquatch]

It's funny (in a sad way) that McCain's biggest political fault is something that we would consider a virtue if he were outside of politics.

McCain is not losing because he's a nice guy. He's losing because he's run a lousy and rudderless campaign, and because Obama possesses superior organizational skills. Some people scoffed at the idea but the difference is becoming more and more apparent.

[Bach]

McCain is not losing because he's a nice guy. He's losing because he's run a lousy and rudderless campaign, and because Obama possesses superior organizational skills. Some people scoffed at the idea but the difference is becoming more and more apparent.

I agree with this. McCain hasn't run a good campaign. Obama and his group have done a much better job at organizing, all the way down to the grassroots level. That goes back to even the primaries.

The interesting thing is McCain's campaign looked to be falling apart last year and then he came into the primaries and ran away with it. I guess the conservatives split their votes between Romney and Huckabee, while Guiliani had the worst strategy in modern times waiting til Florida to get involved and that was too late.

Anyways, I don't think it'd matter much who the Dems put out there, there is just too many who will vote for anyone they think will be a change. This was event back in the winter and spring when the Dems were having record turnout for their primaries.

[Bach]

The high road?

McCain loves this country right? I mean, there's no question that he wants what's best, in his mind, for America. Do you really think that if McCain believed that Obama shared Wright's sentiments that he wouldn't go after him? If he did believe it, and he didn't attack Obama on it, then he wouldn't be able to claim that he would do anything to protect this country.

McCain's war record shows that he is willing to do anything to protect the country, you don't think that he would bring this up as a real topic if he were fearful of a radical taking office?

Spin how you want, but I don't think McCain wanted to personally get into Obama's pastor's issues.

[masomenos]

Spin how you want, but I don't think McCain wanted to personally get into Obama's pastor's issues.

Maybe because he doesn't think there is an issue?

[ABQCOWBOY]

McCain is not losing because he's a nice guy. He's losing because he's run a lousy and rudderless campaign, and because Obama possesses superior organizational skills. Some people scoffed at the idea but the difference is becoming more and more apparent.


I don't agree with this at all. He's losing because of our current Economic situation. He's linked to Bush because he's a Republican. Bush is blamed for everything because he's in office. Simple as that IMO.

[Sasquatch]

I don't agree with this at all. He's losing because of our current Economic situation. He's linked to Bush because he's a Republican. Bush is blamed for everything because he's in office. Simple as that IMO.

The democrat's strategy has been on display for over a year. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. What has the McCain campaign done to counter it? What's the central message of their campaign? What has been their overall strategy? McCain's campaign has been haphazard and erratic. His victory by default in the republican primary is hurting him because he was never forced to hone his organizational skills and message in preparation for the general election.