Wouldn't the flags be considered an illegal campaign contribution?

[dansolo]

McCain is in the general election phase of his campaign. He is taking public financing, so he shouldn't be allowed to accept any private contributions. So not only did the person break the law by stealing the flags in the first place, but the McCain campaign is breaking the law by using them.

[AZBlue]

1. This is a DISTRACTION! Don't fall for it.

[dansolo]

2. Why don't you answer the question?

If the story given by the McCain camp is true, aren't they then breaking the law?

[mcg]

3. That's a big if, someone said they don't remember seeing

any flags of that size at the Obama rally. Is there some evidence of flags of that size at the rally?

[justiceischeap]

5. Yes but a good point is being made by dansolo

If they are claiming that the flags were "thrown out" and then it was contributed to the McShame campaign and they are using them, then if it is illegal, call them on it. One of two things happen, the get in trouble for illegal campaign contributions or they have to admit the flags weren't really tossed out. It's a lose/lose for McShame; distraction or not.

[mcg]

6. Yes, a good point. The DNC is saying the flags were stolen by the GOP.

There's at least one thread on this now.

So it's even worse.

[the Sundance Kid]

4. all Swiftboating is a distraction, but if you don't respond you risk damage.

this has been proven again and again

[crimsonblue]

7. this would fall under "in kind"

They are not subjec to the same kind of retrictions as soft and hard money donations.