Obama accuses McCain of smear campaign

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters


ASHEVILLE, N.C., Oct 5 (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama counterattacked on Sunday against a new Republican tactic by saying rival John McCain was more interested in a smear campaign than fixing the U.S. economy.

With McCain losing ground in opinion polls, a campaign strategist was quoted as saying the Republican presidential candidate needed to "turn the page" on the economic issue and make the election about Obama's experience and character.


That effort started on Saturday when Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin accused Obama of "palling around with terrorists" in reference to his acquaintance with Bill Ayers, a former member of the Vietnam War-era militant Weather Underground.
Obama came back at the Republicans at a rally in Asheville, North Carolina, a swing state where the Democratic presidential candidate was preparing for his second debate with McCain on Tuesday.

"Senator McCain and his operatives are gambling that he can distract you with smears rather than talk to you about substance," Obama said in prepared remarks. "They'd rather try to tear our campaign down than lift this country up."

"It's what you do when you're out of touch, out of ideas and running out of time," he said a month before the Nov. 4 election.
Obama's improvement in the polls was fueled by the public's perception that he can best handle the ailing economy. The Illinois senator tried to keep the focus on the economy and used the "turn the page" quote as a way of keeping the issue alive.




Read more: http://www.iii.co.uk/news/?type=afxnews&articleid=6929762&action=article

[hedgehog]

1. In other words.......

[Haole Girl]

2. The American people do not care about issues...

Time to take the gloves off.

I have little doubt the Dems have dirt on both McSame and Palin-- real dirt.

Time to do a little mud slinging, too?

I don't want to see Obama take the high road, like John Kerry did in 2004. Screw that. Let the American people know what sleaze bags both McLiar and Palin are... spell it out for them!!

:grr:

[cosmicone]

4. It is best if our 527s play in the mud. Keep Obama clean and

continue on the high road.

[elocs]

11. Most people are not swayed or convinced by rational and logical arguments supported by facts.

Republicans understand this and that is why they go for the emotional hot buttons. It's not mudslinging to fight back to defend your good name and reputation and call McCain out on it.

[Jackpine Radical]

17. Jeez, quit advising Obama.

Whatever he's doing has works so far, and I think he's got the instincts to get through the rest of it. It's not like any of this stuff is new, or he hasn't already proved he can deal with it.

Palin & McCain are throwing dirt, alright--they're digging their own political graves.

[elocs]

26. The reason they are throwing dirt is that true or not, dirt work.

If it didn't work, they wouldn't use it. How did the swiftboating of Kerry work out? Did it help him or hurt him? Like it or not, people make decisions based upon their emotions and feelings. Their emotions or feelings about McCain may have turned them more to Obama because that door can swing both ways. People are having a good feeling about Obama and confidence in him and this is not based upon rational and logical arguments. It is their gut feeling. I do believe that Obama understands that he must use emotional appeals to voters to bring them his way and he uses it.

[Jackpine Radical]

29. It worked on Kerry because they started earlier, were more persistent,

and were able to stifle his replies.

It's too late in the season for this business to work on Barack. People already have a pretty good idea of who he is and, if you want to mess with psychological theories, there is one that suggests people are less likely to change their opinions once those opinions are clearly formed. They may take in disinformation uncritically early on, but as their ideas harden, they become less vulnerable to disconfirmatory data, and are more likely to either ignore the disconfirmatory stuff or seek reasons to reject it.

[elocs]

30. I stand by my original point: people make decisions based upon emotions, their gut feelings,

not upon reasoned and logical arguments backed by facts. That point should not be ignored.

[Jackpine Radical]

31. I agree with you in large measure.

As an aside, have you read Drew Westen's book The Political Brain? In it he describes the psychophysiology underlying emotionally-based thinking in politics.

[elocs]

32. I'm not sure, I have heard this brought up more than once on Wisconsin Public Radio.

Here is a good article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/opinion/18brooks.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

The truth is that many of the theories we come up with are bogus. They are based on the assumption that voters make cold, rational decisions about who to vote for and can tell us why they decided as they did. This is false.

In reality, we voters — all of us — make emotional, intuitive decisions about who we prefer, and then come up with post-hoc rationalizations to explain the choices that were already made beneath conscious awareness. “People often act without knowing why they do what they do,” Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel Prize winner, noted in an e-mail message to me this week. “The fashion of political writing this year is to suggest that people choose their candidate by their stand on the issues, but this strikes me as highly implausible.”

Later it adds:

It is no accident that the major candidates in the Republican field are a pastor, a businessman and a war hero. These are the three most evocative Republican leadership models. Nor is it an accident that the Democratic race is a clash between a daughter of the feminist movement, a beneficiary of the civil rights movement and a self-styled proletarian. These are powerful Democratic categories

Anther interesting one: http://thehill.com/mark-mellman/emotions-often-guide-voters-2006-09-27.html

Cognitive neuroscience teaches us that our brains construct a reality for us based on relatively limited external input. Not only is the input limited, 95 percent of the processing is unconscious, involving those parts of the brain that are implicated in our emotional reactions.

Rarely do voters make deliberate decisions by consciously contemplating the attributes of each candidate, understanding their issue positions, digesting their messages and logically processing the information. Rather, decisions emerge from a complex interplay of unconscious habits, emotions, and reason.

snip

Some races will be won simply by having a better slogan, a tighter political argument or highlighting a different set of issues. Many will not. Focusing exclusively on these facets of communication is to miss how people process information. The 95 percent of processing that is unconscious does not receive, and cannot even use, that kind of information. A winning argument is only part of the battle.

[breadandwine]

18. The other day Biden criticized one of Obama's own ads attacking McCain on his computer illiteracy.

This is all "Oh boo-hoo! Johnny stole my tricycle! I'm telling the teacha!!!!!" And in the debate Biden was all over himself with how much he LOVE LOVE LOVED John McCain. Once again we expect somebody else to do our dirty work. This is why Democrats lose every four years. Because we always bring a knife to a gunfight. Oh no! McCain is going negative! Somebody please stop him! But me? I'm busy going to my positive thinking seminar. Yeah, keep that up....

[DirtyDawg]

3. The one thing you don't do...

...is touch McLame's service record. Nevermind that he got into Annapolis on a pass...he stayed in Annapolis on that same pass...he got into flight school despite finishing near the bottom of his class, also on that pass...he crashed four planes (or was it five), he was arguably responsible for the fire on-board the aircraft carrier that killed scores...he was said to be the 'go to collaborator' in the Hanoi Hilton...he dumped a faithful wife for a rich-bitch - later to be drug-addicted (probably because it's what it took to live with a habitual-philanderer). No we won't go there. What we do need to do is for Obama, or perhaps Biden, to ask the question of McLame - 'Tell us John, would your father and grand-father be proud of the kind of politician you've become and the kind of campaign that you're running?'

[breadandwine]

19. No, you're right, DirtyDawg, don't go there. That were be FISTICUFFS! Gads!

Did you know that GOP presidential nominees always have better character than the Democratic ones? Just ask any Democratic nominee. They will grovel to their GOP opponent every time.

[Baby Snooks]

5. The worst of the smear...

They don't realize that they have smeared themselves since they have disgraced the memory of Ronald Reagan and Walter Annenberg. Do they not know what the Annenberg Challenge is? Do they not know that Walter Annenberg saw Bill Ayers as a respected educator whose ideas were revolutionary rather than some radical who went around blowing up buildings to protest a war that in the end both Ronald Reagan and Walter Annenberg had to concede to the reality of as did so many others who supported it? Everyone except John McCain of course. And the Swift Boaters.

Do they realize the implication of what they have said and about whom they have said it?

They are truly a reflection finally of the Republican Party and explains why so many Republicans are distancing themselves from the party and from these two absolutely abominable human beings. Neither belongs in public office. Nancy Reagan must be wondering what on earth possessed her to endorse John McCain. What on earth did?

[paparush]

6. I was at that rally!!! WOO HOO! Barak ROCKED THE HOUSE!!

Huge turn out in Asheville.

[young_at_heart]

7. How many were there?---I live in Asheville but couldn't make it

We watched it live on TV though----he was great!

[paparush]

10. There's no telling. I heard they were letting 10,000 into the stadium which was absolutely packed

When we finally got in, the line was still probably a mile long behind us.

[Don Davis]

8. Desperate McCain Campaign to Launch the ULTIMATE Negative Ad

http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=3767

[sce56]

9. Should have the Pukes read the Rolling Stone Article on the Maverick

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/23316912/makebelieve_maverick/print



And I wonder if they will look at the web site for the VP Granny www.votefortheGILF.com which directs you to the JohnMcSame web site with the GILF herself introducing on video!

[no limit]

12. Why hasn't Obama mentioned G. Gordon Liddy yet? Do they want to lose?

[breadandwine]

20. I haven't heard about a Liddy connection to McCain. What is it?

But if it's something damaging you can be sure Obama will not mention it. That would be unfair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[no limit]

35. McCain has appeared on his radio show as recently as May

where they refered to eachother as old friends. This is a good read on the topic:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/05/g-gordon-liddy-john-mccai_n_100134.html

[angryvoter]

13. Smear tactics

:evilgrin: "KEATING 5"

[breadandwine]

21. Oh, we can't bring up Keating 5. That might hurt McCain's feelings!!!!!!!!!

And we love John so much......

[democracy1st]

14. here's the video link

Barack Obama On McCain's Plan To Ignore Economic Issues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhrYisk3xhk

[President Decider]

15. Tell 'em Barack, this "smear" campaign = more proof this is just more of the same Bush politics

[breadandwine]

23. This is what the GOP always does and how we react is why we lose.

The Republican attacks. The Democrat says, "Oh boo hoo! The Republican attacked me! No fair!" Then the Republican attacks again. Every four years we do this. Instead of hitting back we run to the teacher. We've been doing it at least since Dukakis wouldn't respond to attacks. When a bully hits you the standard procedure is not to run to the teacher and ball your little eyes out that Johnny hit you, but to take it outside. Democrats never do that and we end up looking like sissy wimps who can't command etc. We always think that if we just say the other side hit me, that everyone will listen to the little cry baby who can't fight and vote for him. And while we're at it, don't bring up McCain's berserker rage. That would be wrong. THAT WOULD BE UNETHICAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sunnyshine]

16. Good job Team Obama. Call it out everyday.

McGOP and Failin will continue aggrandizing everything just to manufacture controversy. Gotta incite doubts and raise fears amongst undecided voters dont'cha know. They look absurd for using these to hide from their constant squandering and utter incompetence.

[breadandwine]

24. No. They only look absurd to well-educated people who think, which is not most people.

This is a pipedream to think that we can ignore GOP attacks. We make this mistake every four years. This is why we lose.

[Sunnyshine]

33. Who said anything about ignoring attacks? That's why I posted keep calling them on it everyday...

They look very absurd to more than half of the American people and to 3/4 of the rest of the world. Regardless of ones educational background, a broad and diverse grass roots movement is rising up and fighting back like never before. People are fed up and the GOP is about to find out what we really think about their dysfunctional leadership and executive manipulation. GOP- You're fired!

[humbled_opinion]

22. Obama knows..

Exactly what he is doing. The polls are all going positive Obama because finally, enough people have been awaken to the corruption and lies and that the Repukes have attempted to destroy the country.

Obama has put out a narrative that gets this country back on track. Thats what Americans want. Who cares who Obama has known or not known in the last 20 or 30 years. How does that solve the Economic crisis? How does that lower gas prices? How does that lower Health care costs? How does that educate our children? How does that defeat Usama Bin laden?.....

McCain is desperate but it was inevitable. The last 8 years have been a wreck. What person in their right mind would vote for more of the same?

[breadandwine]

25. Maybe you haven't been keeping up with current events but...

there are an awful lot of people in this country who say "You betcha" and "Dang!" The problem is that Obama is afraid to go negative. It's no secret. He's afraid he'll look "angry." The GOP knows it. They can smell his fear and that is why they go ahead with their attacks.

As for Obama being up in the polls, that is mostly now because of the Wall Street crisis, which just got something of a bailout and will fade from the headlines by Election Day. Once again, Democrats are bringing a knife to a gunfight. As usual, every four years.

[humbled_opinion]

28. Not the way I see it.

Call me Ms. Rose colored glasses but, it is apparent that there has begun a sea change for Obama a tidal surge soon to be a Tsunami. I agree we should be ever vigilant but I can kind of feel it in the air, everytime I hear him speak on TV the feeling gets stronger still.

It is the Change that is coming. It is the truth that is needed and I really don't think that a pretty face and cute smile, gosh golly gee whiz Joe everybody mom, can compete with him.

[Sunnyshine]

34. Enough negativity. Obama doesn't need to. Internal polling is off the charts and GOP knows this.

Republicans privately know they will not be retaining their abuse of power this year. We are bringing the fight to them this time through mass action and greater involvement. The hard facts and national calls for justice are THE best weapons of all and are squarely on Dem side. This has kept the GOP on the defensive. "Once again" is not applicable to us this year. No way, No McPain.

[JI7]

27. McCain is resorting to SwiftBoat Campaign