McCain vs. Obama

[babylonsister]

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/general_election_alert_mccain.php

General Election Alert: McCain Mocks Obama Over Iraq
By Greg Sargent - February 27, 2008, 12:06PM

Uh oh -- the pre-general election skirmishing over Iraq is starting in earnest. At an event today, John McCain mocked Obama for saying at yesterday's debate that he would act as president "if Al-Qaeda is forming a base in Iraq."

At the debate, Obama said:

"As commander in chief, I will always reserve the right to make sure that we are looking out for American interests. And if al-Qaida is forming a base in Iraq, then we will have to act in a way that secures the American homeland and our interests abroad." The key being the word "if."

McCain rejoined today: "When you examine that statement, it's pretty remarkable. I have some news. Al-Qaida is in Iraq. It's called `al-Qaida in Iraq,'"

We have some news, too, incidentally: If the war McCain supported had never been waged, there wouldn't have been any Al Qaeda in Iraq in the first place.

It's worth noting, incidentally, that recent history shows that Republican presidential contenders have proven better at using such mockery to their advantage than Dems have. George W. Bush got a great deal of mileage out of mocking both Al Gore and John Kerry in a way neither Dem could manage.

Obama, of course, is far more verbally dexterous than either Dem, so he may be able to parry such stuff far more effectively and even use humor as an effective weapon himself.

Either way, it's a bit of a preview of what's to come. We'll see how the Obama camp responds.

Late Update: Obama responds:

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/obama_to_mccain_there_was_no_a.php

Obama To McCain: There Was No Al Qaeda In Iraq Before Your War
By Greg Sargent - February 27, 2008, 12:45PM

So Obama hit back at McCain's mockery of him over Al Qaeda Iraq by saying what we'd hoped he'd say:

"I have some news for John McCain," Obama said, according to The Politico. "There was no Al Qaeda in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain" started their war.

That will likely become a stock message for Obama. He also uncorked this:

"John McCain may like to say he wants to follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of Hell, but so far all he’s done is follow George Bush into a misguided war in Iraq."

The Obama campaign has been arguing that he can draw a sharper contrast with McCain than Hillary can because of her support for the war. Such high-profile skirmishes over Iraq with McCain can only help Obama, because they do drive this point home while signaling to Dems that the GOP, at least, views his nomination as a foregone conclusion.

[KaryninMiami]

1. Excellent response from the Obama camp- glad to see they are ready to roll!

Because it's going to get ugly pretty fast and Obama had better be stockpiling some pretty powerful amnuition to launch at whatever McCain throws at him. I for one, am looking forward to this and I truly believe that McCain may be in for quite a ride. The combination of the Obama's brillance, Ted Kennedy's wisdom and the leftover anger from being swiftboatred that I'm sure Kerry is just dying to release could make this a very exciting election.

[babylonsister]

5. Their rapid response has been awesome! I'm excited, too! nt

[Happyhippychick]

2. Schwing!

[Dhalgren]

3. Good exchange. Obama has the ability to hand McCain's head

to him almost at any moment - if the media will cover him. We'll see...

[LakeSamish706]

4. I have no doubts that Obama will be ready on day one to lead this country out of...

the mess that Bush and his buddies got us into.

[Finishline42]

6. Somebody said it going to be 'Youtube vs Feeding Tube"

Obama will return serve and McCain will looking for his rocking chair.