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McCain's New Attack Ad
On the eve of Barack Obama's announcement of his vice-presidential running mate the following bears repeating: the McCain team takes Obama's ability to play the religious card very seriously. And it would like to do everything within its power to pulverize that appeal to hanging-chad sized smithereens.
To this end, the campaign has released a variant of the infamous "The One" spot that it unleashed three weeks back. This contribution is entitled "The One II-Road to Denver." It has an afterthoughtish, let's-empty-out-the-cupboards quality about it, recycles old footage, and will probably, and rightly, be ignored.
Yet as an indice of some of the lines of attack that the McCain camp is employing it is of great interest. It also raises some urgent tactical questions for the Obama people (who had better stop "high-roading" it on F and V issues):
McCain wants Obama-curious Independents and Undecideds to feel like they are joining a cult: The campy/creepy quality of both ads tends to mimic low-budget propaganda produced by fringe political parties or campus-combing "new religious movements." There is a sort of sickly malaise that characterizes these commercials. They induce nausea . A tribute, I guess, to their director's powers of cinematic composition.
In the previous ad I was struck by an image of a staircase ringed by throngs of cheering Obamaniacs. The ascending steps led to nowhere and the implication was that these people and their false prophet were about to take the plunge.
In this new contribution three Obama supporters speak in new-age-y tones about the "synergy" they feel for the man. I also notice that two of the speakers rarely blink--the surest sign of chemical dependency, membership in a cult, or extended viewing of baseball. These commercials are asking fence-sitting voters: do you really want to be a part of this?
The oscillating narratives: These spots cleverly switch between two distinct narrative messages. The first, and most obvious, is that Obama takes himself for a prophet, god, etc. Hence the reference to Moses, or the caption "A Worldwide Sensation."
The second is that the True God disapproves of these shenanigans. In one sequence we see footage of a surfer--is that the Senator from Illinois?--being swallowed by a wave. This comes on the heels of a scene from The Ten Commandments where the sea parts and the heathen multitudes are obliterated. God himself, the suggestion seems to be, has set Obama's divine wipe-out in motion.
Visual, scriptural, and subliminal hi-jinxs: That there is more than meets the eye going on in these ads is something that has been noted by the pro-Obama Matthew 25 Network. The new piece features more of the same and again raises the possibility that certain types of Evangelicals are being targeted. The final image of the Sun lying adjacent to the Washington Monument--those two enduring icons of paganism in the minds of certain Christians--does not strike me as a coincidence.
On two occasions, we hear the line "it is written." Are gospel-savvy Christians being prompted to equate Obama with some sort of liberal pharisianism?
Obama must respond: Senator Obama has the real bad habit, but perhaps sterling personal virtue, of being high-minded in Faith and Values politicking (see for example his classy break-up speech with Trinity United Church of Christ , or his puzzling refusal to mug for the masses at the Saddleback event this past Saturday).
Yet it seems to me--this has been the point of my column for the past year--that religious politicking is among the nastiest, most brutish forms of politicking out there. The Obama team never countered the first "The One" ad. Insofar as McCain has not only impugned the Obama brand name, but its customers as well, the time has come for an effective response.
By Jacques Berlinerblau |
August 22, 2008; 10:28 AM ET
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Posted by: GL1 | August 25, 2008 5:09 PM
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BE HONEST BERLINERBLAU:
The McCain campaign is just parodying what Obama's people, the media, and the faces of ObamaCult members have always been telling us:
Barack Obama - "Personal Jesus"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UhXaE_XL_8
Watch Reflect and Realize-
When his campaign presents him as a "saviour"- they just cry out to be parodied -
End Result-
His faithful followers are crazed nuts with glazed over eyes and a serious loss of critical thinking.
Those planning on voting for him listen carefully how his "life story" has been changed when they attempt to re-sell him and his wife this week in Denver. See if any one of his "zombies" question the differences. Be sure to watch the words and faces of his followers. That's the REAL story being told.
Posted by: marco | August 24, 2008 10:50 AM
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Yet it seems to me--this has been the point of my column for the past year--that religious politicking is among the nastiest, most brutish forms of politicking out there. The Obama team never countered the first "The One" ad. Insofar as McCain has not only impugned the Obama brand name, but its customers as well, the time has come for an effective response.
**********************************************
Silence is consent. Maybe Obama is telling us that he thinks he is the ONE!!!
Posted by: Rick | August 24, 2008 9:45 AM
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: )
Posted by: nobama | August 23, 2008 11:42 PM
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Fox news has been talking about Joe Biden for 8 straight hours now-
Now, they've been pitiably trying to get Hillary's supporters angry- or rather telling them that they should be plenty mad becuase she wasn't picked for VP.
Anyone think Hilary was surprised? Last night she seemed pretty cool and prepared for that likelihood.
The Dems arent the naive idealistic folks they used to be-
The GOP pulled out all their nasty bag of tricks last time- Now- Dems are ready.
I hope they continue to underestimate the Dems.
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 23, 2008 10:55 PM
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Just a reminder- Victoria:
You aren't the only one reading my posts and links.
Posted by: nobama | August 23, 2008 9:03 PM
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I don't do wikipedia- not unless it is as a aupport for 2 or 3 solid sources.
I also don't do nasty slam sites- nobody's-
what do southern democrats in the 20s have to do with the price of tea in China?
If you have points to make- just make them. I'm not doing your homework for you- if you cannot make lucid connections on your own- I'm not very interested in making connections for you.
This is the second time you have made a sad attempt to make undue familiarity- or diminsh validity using my name, and now the name of my god.
My name is Victoria- my husband doesn't call me Vicki. Only my brother who died 18 years aog did that- it makes me sad to see it- you havent eraned the right to address me so-
if you don't want to bring an element of respect, civility, and intelligence to these boards- I'm too bored and frnakly- a little repulsed to respon to such negative passive aggressiveand childish exchanges.
Just letting you know-
keep your obsessive tendencies on the subject.
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 23, 2008 7:31 PM
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"Youtube videos and abortion?
Is that all you've got?"
- No
Here are two more links for your education:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_dog_Democrat
I've been wondering Victoria- what does allah think of your indifference towards abortion?
Posted by: nobama | August 23, 2008 7:21 PM
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Posted by: Anonymous | August 23, 2008 7:08 PM
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Nobama-
Youtube videos and abortion?
Is that all you've got?
I expect a series of vicious ads now-
Someone said that between Romney and McCain- they own a total of 12 houses-
Do we really want 4 more years of 2 old white rich guys- out of touch with middle class america?
Speaking of abortion- Romney made an 180 degree flip flop on that issue- adamantly pro-choice and vowing NEVER TO WAIVER on a woman's right to choose to get into the Massechusetts governor's mansion-http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Mitt_Romney_Abortion.htm
Now, with a (failed) eye on the presidency- he believes life begins at conception.
And is staunchly pro-life. I believe him, but will the rest of the red states?
Lieberman? Rat sellout to the dems? (bad on foreign policy)
Tom Ridge? Pro-choice- period.
Portman? Worked in Bush cabinet-
Pawlenty- I don't even know what he brings at all...
Speaking of flip-flopping- does anyone remember when McCain in 1983,as a freshman in Congress, voted against establishing a national holiday in Martin Luther King,Jr's honor.
Biden is already out of the box linking McBush inextricably-
McCain already has an ad being showed where Biden says Obama is not ready to be president-
I don't know if that is such a smart move- if he chooses Romeny there are plenty of really vicious attacks they made on each other-
I'm kind of surprised no ne has brought up Obama's half-brother in Kenya-
I don't see how Obama can possibly answer that to anyones satisfaction unless he just tells the truth- e onloy met him twice and they really don't know each other at all-
even if he wires a boatload of cash tomorrow- it'sll send the message to America that Kenya will become a welfare appendage-
I guess McCain's camp is leaving it alone because his own mistreatment of immiediate family is so overtly rotten- that no one wants to give the opportunity to open up that mutually destructive mudslinging can of worms-
abortion, eh?
You must think about that issue alot Nobama-
funny- you must think about Obama alot too- just like McCain- since it is your name after all-
When are you GOP's going to start thinking of something important to the american people?
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 23, 2008 7:03 PM
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I have formed an investors group to fund the construction of a monument to George W Bush. At 12:01 PM on January 20, 2009 all investors will pull from a rope and bring down that monument (in the best Saddam style). Those interested on participating please email me back at erikavanheusen@yahoo.com. Thank you!
Posted by: erika van heusen | August 23, 2008 6:27 PM
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Dear American religious nuts (or, as I call it, the American Taliban): When are you going to start to vote with your own brains and not the brain of your pastor, reverend, rabbi, bishop, etc? Please email me back when you do. Thank you!
Posted by: erika van heusen | August 23, 2008 6:23 PM
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"NoBama, Obama is not for abortion...so being a realist he wants to make this country a place where abortion is not neccessary for women. Where they can be supported with healthcare and childcare, with education and other options besides abortion, like adoption. You think making abortiuon illegal is going to stop it? Really? You are young aren't you?"
Obama is not for abortion??? You sound like a cultist who has no real knowledge of the man you worship. Listen up to your man speaking in his own words:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUl99id2SvM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3jsFs
"You think making abortiuon illegal is going to stop it?"
There are laws against murder and still people are murdered every day. Would you like to see those laws overturned in the same way Roe vs Wade overturned the law against abortion in 1973? If you or your family member happens to be murdered- oh well- we are trying to give your murderer better choices but since murder is not illegal it is still their choice whether or not to end your life..
Snap out of it.
Posted by: nobama | August 23, 2008 6:00 PM
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That was some interesting info Terra-
I'm from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania- when the Three Mile Island Nuclear facility core melted- we all thought we were going to grow an extra limb-
But that's not what I'm excited about now-
I wasnted Joe Biden from the beginning-
I've spent all afternoon watching the pundits- Biden created an ironclad marriage between McCain and Bush-
I couldn't be happier- I haven't been a big Obama fan so far- I'm warming up- but Biden-
he was the first one 6 years ago who warned us that a pre-emptive (read attack) incursion into iraq would result in an eventual civil war-
I watched the reactions of FIX- Bill Kristol, Karl Rove- immiediately after the speech at Springfield with Barak and Biden-
There was a definite pall- scurrying to find attacks- even subdued reaction-
yay!
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 23, 2008 4:30 PM
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Dear Terra (I drank the koolaid and can't think for myself anymore) Gazelle says:
"Maybe it is about Obama, a black kid (he's mulatto) that grows up in a home by a single mom (she was single for 3 years. he lived with her and her new husband in Indonesia for 4 years. then was shipped to live with his mom's parents when he was 10 yrs old and they raised him) that some times had to resort to food stamps (his mother was on food stamps while she was getting her Master's Degree at the University of Hawaii)."
You have FAITH and HOPE in Obama. Unfortunately you don't know a thing about him. But you have the Obama myth down and repeat it real well.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 23, 2008 4:13 PM
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VICTORIA:
O'BIDEN! O'BIDEN! O'BIDEN!
As we say in the South, YEE-HAH! Yes! We will win!
Posted by: Arminius | August 23, 2008 3:53 PM
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I normally ignore Anonymous posts, but Terra brought my attention to the poem.
This is MLK. This is our journey up that Mountain.
Posted by: Arminius | August 23, 2008 3:50 PM
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Friend Terra,
My God! Are your figures on the oil losses in the Gulf really correct? I have never heard them before. I know you to be honest and true, but do you have a link? Was this news suppressed by the oil lords visiting the Shrub, where he dutifully dropped trow and bent over? What the f*** is going on here?
I stand with you. Claymore handy if needed. I could be seriously pissed about this.
Posted by: Arminius | August 23, 2008 3:49 PM
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O'BIDEN! O'BIDEN! O'BIDEN!
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 23, 2008 3:46 PM
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Anonymous,
So what has Obama to do with that song? He neither wrote it or sang it. His campaign did not write it, sing it, or commission it. And where in that song is the name Barack Obama? I have been told that if you look for dirt you will find it..this song is about America.It reoeates what Martin Luther King said... about it's promise. Maybe it is about Obama, a black kid that grows up in a home by a single mom that some times had to resort to food stamps. But he put himself through Columbia University with a degree in Political Science/Foreign Relations, then put himself through Harvard Law with a JD degree Summa Cum Laude. He did not have a rich daddy and a name that opened doors...he had his own will and his own idea of self worth.
Isn't that the American dream? To be able to achieve what our will and hard work will take us? Why is it then that if its certain people then the American dream is closed to them? Well its time that this country grew up...its time that we had a color blind America and one that can disagree without being disagreeable...American Prayer is not about Obama...but us.
Posted by: Terra Gazelle | August 23, 2008 3:26 PM
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The Evangelicals are the evil ones since they elected Bush who proceeded to invade Iraq for no good reason except for made-up lies. We have made the Iraqis' lives miserable many more times than Saddam did because we want to get their oil. Bush had a hidden agenda which was sinister and wicked. If Evangelicals truly believe that Bush is doing God's work, then they should accept the fact that we have killed thousands of people and we are to be punished for it. Bush said God told him to invade Iraq - now that the most blasphemous claim any supposed good person can say. McCain is evil because he tells untruths about Obama.
Posted by: M. Stratas | August 23, 2008 3:02 PM
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I am so sick and tired of all this "faith and values" nonsense, as if those of us who have no faith also have no values. Frankly, I wish all the conservative religious nuts in the USA would go back to their churches, bolt the doors, and stay there for the rest of their lives. Or at least for the rest of my life on this planet. There is so much more to life than religion and guns.
Posted by: hgh | August 23, 2008 2:55 PM
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McCain has been exposed as lacking in honesty and integrity and his POW status of eons ago has been used as a PROP. For a 72 year old man, McCain is conducting himself like a swaggering juvenile that he was many moons ago. McCain is old, bordering on senility, and yet he says and does nonsensical things. He allowed himself to be re-formed by the Karl Rove thugs and spells DEFEAT FOR MCCAIN. Obama has the real religiosity, not a faked "epiphany" of McCain, the elite who owns 8 mansions, wears $500 shoes and has numerous servants waiting on him hand and foot. McCain is the GOP Gigolo, kept husbnand of Cindy.
Posted by: M. Stratas | August 23, 2008 2:53 PM
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"McCain wants Obama-curious Independents and Undecideds to feel like they are joining a cult"
Apparently, so does Obama. Talking about a creepy quality that induces nausea:
MY AMERICAN PRAYER
This is my American Prayer
This is my American Prayer
This is the time to finish what you started
And this is no time to dream
This is the room
We can turn off the dark tonight
Maybe then we might see
American Prayer
American Prayer
And this is the ground
That keeps our feet from getting wet
And this is the sky over our head
And what you see depends on where you stand
And how you jump will tell you where you're gonna land
American Prayer
American Prayer
My oh my
Couldn't get much higher
Lets not kick out the darkness
Make the light brighter
And these are the hands
What are we gonna build with them?
This is the church you can't see
Give me your tired, your poor and huddled masses
You know they're yearning to breathe free
This is my American Prayer
American Prayer
American Prayer
When you get to the top of the mountain
Will you tell me what you see
If you get to the top of the mountain
Remember me
Posted by: Anonymous | August 23, 2008 2:43 PM
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Victoria...
About the oil. Something people are not thinking about, where will all this oil be refined? The oil companies have not built any new refineries in 30+ year...when in a senate hearing they said new refineries were not needed, because it was supply and demand and they had the refineries for that. But the regineries are at campacity they say. So where are they going to refine? Building new refineries takes time and alot of money.
Living in Louisiana I went through Katrina and Rita and know what happened to the oil drilling platforms in those storms. To me this is where faith and religion comes in...such a simple thing as lieing. Lieing has much to do with honor and your idea of what is right and wrong and liuving that ideal and faith. McCain talks but his walk is one of pandering and falsehoods.
After Katrina and Rita “113 platforms totally destroyed, and 457 pipelines damaged, 101 of those major lines with 10″ or larger diameter.” It was almost 9 million galleons of spilled oil...darn close to the record set by the Exxon Valdez disaster when 10.8 million gallons of oil were spilled in the pristine coastal waters of Prince William Sound in Alaska. But the Katrina/Rita spills didn’t come from one big source, like a leaking supertanker. The Katrina/Rita spills came from multiple sources and were spread over the entire Gulf coastal region, impacting not only wildlife but also homes, businesses and schools. McCain is either touting lies or advocating things he has no idea about...kind of like nuclear power.
McCain and nuclear power...McCain needs to check out the French nuke plants he is touting..they are having real big problems. like leaking radioactive water into the drinking water of citizens, into the air and they do not have safe storage at all. So McCain wants to put the waste into Yucca Mountain, does the old, wrinkled, white haired dude know there is a fault line under the mountain?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7522712.stm
I am a Pagan, a Wiccan and the Sun is something I honor...not pray to, but honor as something we need to live. It also signifies the fire of truth and the fire of faith. I would never votye for someone that would lie to win...but I would vote for someone that tells the truth no matter how harsh to win, because first we have to win to make a difference. Leaving the field to McBush will only allow a liar to have the reward.
NoBama, Obama is not for abortion...so being a realist he wants to make this country a place where abortion is not neccessary for women. Where they can be supported with healthcare and childcare, with education and other options besides abortion, like adoption. You think making abortiuon illegal is going to stop it? Really? You are young aren't you?
terra
Posted by: Terra Gazelle | August 23, 2008 2:39 PM
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Ha! Ha! Ha! What a great ad by McCain!!! You wrote several hundred words about it saying it was silly--but it must be effective to get you liberals so worried.
Posted by: Robert B | August 23, 2008 2:27 PM
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As we all know that culture evolves and changes are made when society feels it is needed. Granted, I am a Wiccan and apart of the " New Age" feel as you put it. Bottom line is that religion should not be used to sway a person to vote. People should operate on their own independent thought beyond what the media and their own ignorance tells them to believe.
However, I do keep an open mind to both sides of the story and strict straight to the facts. We as a nation need to grow beyond the knit picky details and truly immerse themselves in the true conflicts that occur within America.
The only reason things still are the way they are, because no one has invoked enough change to honestly make a difference. It is going to still be the same old song and dance with a false promise for a clean election and then start mudslinging. It is going to be messy until people have the common sense to walk away from the TV set and actually bother to do their homework on either of the candidates.
Personally, I am niether for Obama or McCain. Our world is changing in ways that we as Americans have not foreseen. I want to bystand and keep observing things as they arrive. I will continue to look to the facts of both sides and then make my decision once my early voting ballot comes in the mail sometime in September.
Posted by: K.R. | August 23, 2008 12:28 PM
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Hey Hank what a great idea:
Then they can compare McCain's many years and accomplishments in the Senate to Obama's barely there senatorial career.
Posted by: tara | August 23, 2008 11:54 AM
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Yep, I think It's time to break out the, how does being a POW qualify you to be president ad, and if it does, why aren't all POWs qualified to be president.
Posted by: Hank | August 23, 2008 11:46 AM
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"Jacques Berlinerblau Smokes Marijuanna!"
He just does that to fit in with the rest of the faculty at Georgetown University...
Posted by: Anonymous | August 23, 2008 9:35 AM
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Jacgues B:
The link you gave has Biden saying the presidency is not for on-the-job-training and that Barack Obama is not ready to lead- then Biden praises McCain.
You are linked to:
Posted by: Anonymous | August 23, 2008 9:09 AM
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This is interesting. I have seen the ad but I didn't think much about it. I understand how a subliminal message can influence a person's thinking and if this negative devilish subliminal message is the intent of the McCain camp, then as a Christian, I am swayed to cast my vote for Obama eventhough I strongly disagree with his position on the issue of abortion. The reason being, the McCain camp appears to be, based upon these type of sinister tactics, the epitome of evil. On the other hand, by Obama refusing to respond in a sinister fashion, it appears that he is the better of the two men and I would rather have a Christian as president, although I don't agree with everything he believes, than to have someone who epitomizes evil. A tree is known by the fruit it bears!
Posted by: Larry | August 23, 2008 8:26 AM
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The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.
Things are less formal today than they once were. Too many people in formal wear with no wedding makes a funeral.
Posted by: deflag | August 23, 2008 5:51 AM
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ACHTUNG - ALLES LOOKENPEEPERS
original version, from the early 1960s:
Alles touristen und non-technischen looken peepers! Das machinkontrol is nicht for gefengerpoken und mittengrabben. Oderwise is easy schnappen der springenverk, blowenfus, undpoppencorken mit spitzensparken. Der machine is diggen by experten only. Is nicht fur geverken by das dumpkopfen. Das rubber necken sightseenen keepen das cotton-picken hands in das pockets. So relaxen, und vatchen das blinkenlights.
-http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article09-100
Followed in time by an advert for a science toy:
Practice for the big debate in style just like the President does with
the Time Trackers color coded flashing lights that let you know when your
time is running out!
Could be scary. Instinct of self preservation is a strong but silent perceiver lurking in the dark recesses of the human psyche.
Posted by: hillhopper | August 23, 2008 4:23 AM
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The USA is, of course, not Egypt, so if the McCain campaign wants to go down that road, then there is no need to respond to that.
(except, perhaps, bid farewell)
Posted by: Aquarius | August 23, 2008 4:18 AM
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And come to think of it, why should an ad saying "I'm ready to be your next pharaoh" be answered at all? It says it all, really.
Posted by: Aquarius | August 23, 2008 3:15 AM
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Or should that be:
"The Leader" /~cough~, iraq war pictures, iraq war quotes from McCain, Colin Farrell ~cough~ on a white horse/
"But where will he lead you?"
/more iraq war pictures, hellfires/
It's next to impossible to do a "Ze Leader" response without being damning of McCain, rather than artificially praising.
Posted by: Aquarius | August 23, 2008 2:48 AM
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One guess of mine was wrong but the thought having a Catholic VP was an important way to get support of Catholics was right.
So an experienced Catholic, Senator Jo Biden as VP. Very wise indeed.
Having a Catholic VP is as close to becoming a Catholic that Senator Obama could get, since Senator Obama's social and religious views, except on abortion, are Catholic.
A pro-choice Catholic can be accepted by those who do not vote based on the abortion issue alone. But when abortion becomes the deal-breaker, it is a different matter.
Posted by: Obama Well Wisher | August 23, 2008 2:29 AM
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I mean, seriously, it's gotta take some kind of *serious mental interrupt* to figure the 'wishy-washy intellectual 'elitist' nuance guy' is somehow a self-proclaimed 'messiah' as compared to the guy who 'saw the light' a few months ago and started quoting Religious Right bumperstickers and promising to 'chase down evil to the gates of Hell.'
Seriously.
Can you even *hear* yourselves anymore?
Posted by: Paganplace | August 23, 2008 1:04 AM
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" nobama:
"Obama is clearly still being sold as the messianic "one" we've been waiting for. Its just not selling well anymore."
Even if that were true in any way, what made George W. 'I Sealed My Records Of Heavy Coke Use While Governor, But God Talks To Me, Let's Invade Iraq With No Plan' Bush somehow more convincing to you in that role?
Posted by: Paganplace | August 23, 2008 12:58 AM
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Looks like pronouncing oneself as our most religious (hypocritically or not) Prez does not prevent one from acting and looking very drunk.
Look at these pictures of Bush from the Olympics.
http://sports.aol.com/olympics/photos/president-bush
so let's stop the religious hypocrisy, huh? same applies to McCain ... and Obama too.
Posted by: Bushlooksdrunk | August 22, 2008 10:28 PM
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so how does he respond? ... his campaign has been pushing the "messiah" thing for months ... and then this stadium event in Denver is really going to make it look like a Scientology revival!
Posted by: Francisco Cardenas | August 22, 2008 7:03 PM
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A very interesting article. However, the nature of an Obama response needs to be carefully thought out and delivered. I keep wondering what Jesus would do. Barack obviously has a personal relationship with Jesus based on his responses to Rick Warren last Saturday night. In reality, McCain indicated that he hardly knows Him.
I pray that the McCain campaign will eventually self-destruct. How long can the McCain campaign run parallel coampaigns: the one McCain is running and the one the RNC is running?
When the lady at one of the latest asked her question and ended with her very clearly worded reference to the draft, McCain said that he agreed with everything she said. Then the McCain campaign spent time telling us that McCain did not agree with the lady, nor did he address the draft issue. Please! I can hear statements and hear responses - total statements and total responses. This is not the first time the McCain and his campaign have been running separate campaigns. I ask, how long can this garbage go on. More importantly, how long can McCain supporters stomach this?
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Let me now share with you what I received in my e-mail a few days ago and my reponses.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Not only should we pray, but we should broadcast this to the masses!!!!!!!!!
Hi. I bought the book "The Audacity of Hope" to make sure the last part of this email was true. It can be found in the book on Page 261. That is a very interesting part of the book to read
Think you know who this man is?
This possible President of the United States?? Read Below and Ask yourselves, is this REALLY someone we can see as the President of our great nation!!!!
Below are a few lines from Obama's books; In his words!
From Dreams of My Father: 'I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.'
From Dreams of My Father : 'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself , the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela.'
And FINALLY the Most Damming [sic] one of ALL of them!!!
From Audacity of Hope: 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'
* * * * * * * *
My response to the above:
There are notable quotes from John McCain also. Any quote taken out of context can be damning. Of course, no one other than people we disagree with has ever said anything in or out of context that could be so misconstrued!
However, the quote from "The Audacity of Hope" cannot be found on page 261 as cited. Who bought the book and verified the existence of the quote? Shame on you! Those who take well-intentioned words and twist and rewrite them to serve their own sinister purposes are to be pitied and shunned.
The quote from page 261 is, " "They [Arab and Pakistani Americans following the events of 9/11] have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific assurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction." Part of the paragraph talks about Arab and Pakistani Americans and the possibility that they may be treated like the Japanese Americans. One must also remember that not all Arab and Pakistani Americans are Muslin. Indeed many are Christians.
Because the above quote has been intentionally misquoted, I have doubts about the other quotes listed.
Before forwarding e-mails of this ilk, please check the facts. Usually, things of this nature are rarely above board.
Earl C
* * * * * * * *
My second response:
Exodus 20:16 states, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
It took me several minutes to transcribe a quote from John McCain. He said, ""My friends, I will have an energy policy that we will be talking about which will eliminate our dependence on oil from the Middle East that will that will then prevent us that will prevent us from having ever to send our young men and women into conflict again in the Middle East." (John McCain, Denver, Co. May 2 , 2008) I personally stand behind this quote, word for word. You can interpret this quote anyway that you like, but please use the words that McCain used.
For the full excerpt of Obama's quote, I give you from page 261 of The Audacity of Hope, "Of course, not all my conversations in immigrant communities follow this easy pattern. In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific assurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
I shall state in more pointed speech than before, those who misquote anyone to try to prove a point or to intentionally mislead should be sued in a court of law. There is absolutely no place either in church or in the political realm for people to lie about what others say. Yes, you may give your own spin after others have had a chance to see the source document or quote. It is not a first amendment right to misquote someone, especially intentionally.
I notice that some on the e-mail listing "refuse" unsolicited e-mails of this sort, even though they were original recipients of the first e-mail on this topic. It is too bad that they are reading garbage.
For those of you who profess to be Christians, you know what God expects.
Earl C
PS: Now I dare you to broadcast this e-mail to the masses.
Posted by: Earl C | August 22, 2008 6:57 PM
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Well you gave me a laugh- that's for sure- but I worry when people find humor in attacking others-
But apparently if you're tracking the time I spend, I'll counter that you're spending too much time chronicling my activities.
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 22, 2008 6:12 PM
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"Nobama- You REALLY need to see my response to your post on the last thread-"
Vicky- Settle down. I don't REALLY need to do anything but have some fun today. You spent too much time on that post. I'm only joshing with you and the rest of the Obama crazies. Its the joy of politics.. So do yourself a favor and lighten up a little. Its a long long time to November's Election Day.
And btw- Obama just lost the PETA vote.
Posted by: nobama | August 22, 2008 5:23 PM
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Obama is clearly still being sold as the messianic "one" we've been waiting for. Its just not selling well anymore.
from amazon's page for the children's book-
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope (Hardcover)
Product Description:
"Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together."
Posted by: nobama | August 22, 2008 4:56 PM
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Paganplace:
"do you ever get the feeling the Repubs aren't so much playing to *win* these days as to make sure and degrade any actual popular enthusiasm to actually make anything *better?*"
Absolutely. Any criticism of "the way things are" is criticism that every Republican takes personally as an affront to clear superiority from clear inferiors. This goes with winner-take-all mentality and disgracing anything they don't like with the label "liberal."
Posted by: L.Kurt Engelhart | August 22, 2008 4:43 PM
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Victoria,
As to Nobama: the ability to look at things clearly and with reason is obviously WAY above his pay grade. He is merely another right-wing hate-filled knee-jerker.
Posted by: Arminius | August 22, 2008 4:40 PM
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"The Leader"
/phalanxes march into Asia, Colin Farrell brandishes a sword/
"But is he the One? No."
/jesus pictures/
trivial
Posted by: Aquarius | August 22, 2008 4:27 PM
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Ron,
Sadly, I feel that you are wrong about the nut vote. Just reflect on who elected that nut case currently dragging his knuckles around the White House. Or is he on vacation again? Fully 1/3 of his tenure has been spent away from the White House, taking it easy in Texas or Camp David. Real go-getter, that guy....
Was it H L Menken who said, "Nobody ever lost any money by betting on the stupidity of the American public"?
Be afraid. Be very afraid - of four more years of disaster.
Posted by: Arminius | August 22, 2008 4:26 PM
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Nobama- You REALLY need to see my response to your post on the last thread-
Are you sure you are not an Obama plant?
You sure aren't doing McCain any favors...
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 22, 2008 4:13 PM
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Anybody who actually believes there is such a thing as an antichrist is already nuts.
You don't sell ice cubes to eskimos, as the saying goes, you have to deliver your message to the intended victim ... I mean target audience.
A commercial written by nuts, for nuts. This is an effort to get the nut vote.
It is curious though, I mean the nut vote is only so large. Perhaps this is also aimed at the temporary nuts, people whose insanity only lasts for a few hours every sunday.
Posted by: Ron | August 22, 2008 4:08 PM
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But... Frankly, do you ever get the feeling the Repubs aren't so much playing to *win* these days as to make sure and degrade any actual popular enthusiasm to actually make anything *better?*
Gods forbid we should have statesmanship and leadership and some *productive* enthusiasm, as opposed to just fearmongering and hysteria.
Posted by: Paganplace | August 22, 2008 4:07 PM
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My. Goddess.
And here I was not too many months ago saying, 'At least McCain would be a respectable opposition candidate.'
That was of course, before he did the wholesale pandering to the Religious Right we've seen lately.
Posted by: Paganplace | August 22, 2008 4:01 PM
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Tericka states-
"Why did they choose a staunch Republican pro-life unknown Pastor (Joel Hunter) to give the benediction after Barack Obama's nomination speech at Invesco Field?? If this is the best they can do- why pray at all?"
That is positively hysterical-
Now- not only do we have a litmus faith test for politics-
we have a litmus political test for faith!
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 22, 2008 3:55 PM
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"Obama will defend the poor,"
Hilary-
Doesn't charity begin at home?
George Obama - Barack Obama's Brother Fights For Life In Slums Of Kenya
Posted by: Anonymous | August 22, 2008 3:36 PM
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Obama will defend the poor, McCain will abandon the poor. Any Christian who supports McCain is a fraud. End of discussion.
Posted by: Hilary Smith | August 22, 2008 3:17 PM
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"It also raises some urgent tactical questions for the Obama people (who had better stop "high-roading" it on F and V issues)"
Why did they choose a staunch Republican pro-life unknown Pastor (Joel Hunter) to give the benediction after Barack Obama's nomination speech at Invesco Field?? If this is the best they can do- why pray at all?
Hunter claims he falls to the right of Attila the Hun on the major issues- abortion and gay marriage. I know they couldn't pick Pastor Wright but couldn't they find a God-fearing, left-leaning Pastor in all of the USA?
Posted by: terika | August 22, 2008 3:14 PM
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The ad is low-class, corny and childish like McCains campaign staff that says "frickin'" when they're angry with Obama for pointing out McCain can't even remember how many houses he has.
This old white man is an antique - a relic of the cold war. He's sold out to Cheney and Bush's Rovian thugs have taken over this campaign.
He'll be nothing than another pathetic neocon figure- head manipulated by the men behind the curtain.
No more years.
Posted by: Roy | August 22, 2008 2:47 PM
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It could backfire, too. They might be happy to vote in the anti-Christ in order to hasten the "end times." Praise be. Start spreading the word...
Posted by: Pam | August 22, 2008 2:36 PM
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I agree with Victoria, they are trying to convince evangelicals that Obama is the anti-Christ.
Only the most deluded of the crazies are going to get this message and take it to heart. How many of them does the McCain campaign think are out there? I find it difficult to believe that this is such a big bloc that the election will turn on its vote. Especially when the ads are so creepy and weird to all the rest of us.
And how does McCain suddenly convince them that he is an evangelical like they are, when he's spent years in Washington never darkening the door of a church, and was raised Episcopalian? He may attend a Baptist church now (when he's in Arizona), but he has not been baptized into it.
Posted by: Pam | August 22, 2008 2:24 PM
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"The underlying point of this line of reasoning seems to be- that any rise in popularity equals the Anti-christ."
From my viewing, the ad simply appears to accuse Obama of having a messiah complex. But it's been suggested that the ad has a subtext aimed at "Left Behind" readers, suggesting that Obama might be the Antichrist. I didn't pick up on that myself.
Posted by: Tonio | August 22, 2008 2:24 PM
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ARGENTINE DOG SAVES ABANDONED BABY
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7577275.stm
I would definitely vote for this yellow dog if she could only run against Obama.
On the issue of life- she is one clear thinking dog.
Compare her deep compassion for the helpless of another species to Obama's muddled answer to "when does a baby gets human rights."
“Well, uh, you know, I think that whether you’re looking at it from a theological perspective or, uh, a scientific perspective, uh, answering that question with specificity, uh, you know, is, is, uh, above my pay grade.”
Posted by: nobama | August 22, 2008 2:03 PM
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Fear not Evil. Fear the cat 'o 9 tails.
Posted by: Inquiring | August 22, 2008 1:48 PM
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They appear to be the same ads.
(Except for the change from Charloton Heston to the Pharoah)
The underlying point of this line of reasoning seems to be- that any rise in popularity equals the Anti-christ.
Barak needs to promote his stable family life-
McCain's own fractured family history seems to be unscrutinized and conveniently forgotten.
The lies told jointly by Warren and McCain about being in the cone of silence- and as one poster noted- what about the imaginary "coin toss"?
Yesterday McCain agreeing with a questioner in New Mexico that we should re-institute the draft.
McCain is not talking about the economy-
His tactics are comprised entirely of trying to scare the american people-
I hope Obama's people keep on message-
putting forth positive ideas like energy independence-
health care
the recession that we are in the middle of-
(technically we have experienced downturn of the GDP in the last 2 quarters)
We have had 7 years of being frightened into submission, allowing our civil rights to be revoked-
Scandal after financial scandal has broken under Bush's reign of terror-
McCain has voted in concert with his party.
He has no new ideas- no new proposals.
Offshore drilling won't affect our market for 5 years- and then it goes into the global market-
People seem to think that if we drill tomorrow, next week that oil will be magically refined and in our gas tanks.
it doesn't work that way.
McCain promised he wouldn't go negative at the beginning of his campaign.
He hasn't kept his word, and is baiting Obama to allow this election to degenrate into an all-out viscious war of lies and accusations.
Obama needs to promote his own family, faith and values.
McCain is lacking miserably in this area.
I'm a believer, and a self-defined religious person- but I am disgusted with what passes for faith here.
Posted by: VICTORIA | August 22, 2008 1:39 PM
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At Saddleback, McCain vowed to defeat Evil in our lifetimes, not his. Fear not Evil. There are 9 ways to skin a scaredy cat.
Posted by: ghostbusters | August 22, 2008 1:36 PM
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I'd like Obama to keep to the high road, even if it means losing the election.
It ultimately doesn't help the country to have someone in the White House who has sold their soul.
Posted by: Enemy Of The State | August 22, 2008 1:35 PM
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The comments to this entry are closed.
Jacques, I'm not sure I'm understanding your column.
It seems that you are saying that you recognize that the McCain campaign is cleverly using alternating narratives --an "obvious" narrative and a "subliminal" one-- to target Evangelicals of a "certain" type with the message that Obama is a false prophet of whom the "True God" disapproves. You also sense that a wider audience is being addressed with a warning not to join the "creepy" religious cult of, well, enthusiastically supporting the Republican's political opponents. Is McCain's ad not religious politicking? of a particularly creepy and subliminal kind?
That's not quite what you said about the first ad when you wrote a previous column while snorkeling in sunny Sicily. You welcomed McCain's "The One" ad as a "much-needed" send-up of faith-based politicking.
I'm sorry if I'm missing your point, but it seems to be McCain who is doing the nasty, brutish religious politicking. Frankly, I'm not sure I'm really seeing it in Obama except as a reflection of McCain's creepy subliminal religio-political message. Yet you seem to admire it in McCain's attacks against Obama while decrying it in Obama.
Can you clarify what you're saying? By the way, do you think there are racist subliminal messages in McCain's ads as well as religious politicking?