Obama On McCain’s Grade School Campaign
ORLANDO, Fla — Barack Obama took his fight with John McCain back to elementary school, accusing his rival campaign of acting like a bunch of 5th graders calling names.
Speaking to volunteers at an Orlando phone bank, Obama ribbed McCain for taking the campaign into the gutter. “When we started this campaign, we were hoping for a more elevated debate. I mean, imagine — at a time when we face more challenges than at any time in our lifetime, these guys are running ads with Paris and Britney,” he said. “That’s frivolous. It’s desperate.”
Obama said the campaign tactics are a sign of a lack of imagination over at Team McCain. “It’s a sign that they don’t have anything to offer to the American people so they’re just going to try to call folks names like you did in 5th grade,” he said. “You remember that, back in 5th grade? You know, people’d be calling each other names and getting into these petty fights. We don’t have time for that.”
One might think that the Illinois Senator, who has two grade-school aged children himself, wouldn’t want to bring the freshness of youth to the 72-year old McCain, whose age is seen as a liability — although Obama did tell the crowd that McCain “wants to do the same old thing.” Never a bad idea to get the word “old” in a McCain riff.
Otherwise, it was a lovefest between Obama and his supporters, who he thanked for standing by him in good tiems and bad — and for helping him with those nasty internet rumors.
“18 months ago when I announced, nobody gave us a shot. We didn’t have the establishment in Washington behind us. We didn’t have all the big lobbyists and PACs and money behind us,” he said. “But what we had, that they didn’t understand, was the people. The spirit of ordinary Americans who wanted to bring about change. That’s always been our secret weapon. That’s always been the magic ingredient in this campaign — you.”
“Through victories and defeats, you guys have stuck with us and you’ve been there. And you’ve made phone calls and you’ve talked to friends and you’ve had to defend, you know, my positions, and explain to people, you know, those emails are wrong,” said Obama. “There’s just stuff you’ve had to do because you understand what’s at stake.”
Later tonight, Obama attends a fundraiser with his Senior Senator, Dick Durbin — who was at the organizing event along with former Clinton backer, Senator Bill Nelson.
“Not only is he one of the best Senators we have, nicest man you ever want to meet but the guy was an astronaut. That is cool,” Obama said of Nelson. Being a Senator is OK. But being an astronaut, tha’ts serious stuff.”
Tags: barack obama, Florida, john mccain
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McCain is the one putting out these childish attack ads full of personal invective with little to no actual policy stance, and you paint Obama as the childish one for correctly pointing out McCain’s embarrassing behavior? Exactly what I’d expect from Fox.
“want to bring the freshness of youth to the 72-year old McCain, whose age is seen as a liability”
Well, McCain is senile, and senile people act childish, so I don’t see any inconsistency in calling McCain childish.
Good call, Obama. All McCain is doing is showing that he has nothing to offer the American people except the same old BS politics of pandering, lying about or smearing his opponent, and attempting to cash in on fear, uncertainty, and doubt. After buying that bill of goods with George W. Bush, you’d think the American people would smarten up a bit, wouldn’t you?
It may seem childish to Obama, but John McCain has a definite point. In terms of qualifications for the job of President, there is very little to distinguish Obama from Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, etc. He spent four years in the Illinois Senate and accomplished nothing. He has spent three years in the US Senate and has accomplished nothing, except for voting “present” more times any other senator in modern history. He has NO record of any accomplishments in his entire political career! He is where he is solely because he is a product of the media. If it were not for the media’s love affair with him he would not be the presumed Democratic candidate.
Hey, Republican Party, won’t you please give us a real candidate to vote for instead of some broken down fool like John McCain? I can hear the Letterman jokes about this dunce if he were elected President. Good God, spare us the agony!
Obama has the resume of a fifth grader so I guees his comment fits. 5 years in the senate and no record to speak of.. why? 3 years writing books and running for President. 12years at University of Chicago Law School… Not a single paper published and no debates with faculty. NOBAMA
If Obama didn’t run a grade school “fluff” campaign, the pundits might not characterize him in that way.
Well Obama has the resume of a 5th grader so I guess it fits. Let’s see…. 5 years in the Senate and nothing to show for it… hmmm hard to do something and take a stand when you are writing books and running for President for three of those years…
Ok look further in his past… hmmm … 80 somthing Present votes in the Illinois legislature… way to take a stand…. OK.. cut him a break… 12 years at the University of Chicago Law School and not a single paper published… Dont want to put any postions in writing that may hurt my political aspirations! Change my foot!
No surprise the Bush (Fox) news network continues to slant the agenda towards the Republican Party. Hey why don’t you guys get out of the back pockets of the Republican party and heads out of your A_ _ es and start reveiling the truth because your scare tactics are growing old. No spin my butt its nothing but spin.
Then he is a 1st Grader! Obama was name calling in the Primary.
He is negative, but accuses his rivals, first Hillary and now Mccain, of being negative.
Additionally, he does the same with race. He is a HYPOCRITE!
OBAMA WANTS A DEBAT?!?!
“When we started this campaign, we were hoping for a more elevated debate. I mean, imagine — at a time when we face more challenges than at any time in our lifetime, these guys are running ads with Paris and Britney,” he said. “That’s frivolous. It’s desperate.”
OK LET JOHN MCCAIN TAKE THAT OFFER!!
Obama has been running from any debate like it was toxic waste.
I’m glad Obama has finally agreed to come to the plate and DEBATE!
You know the Republicans are in bad shape when the best line of attack they can come up with is that their opponent is too popular.
Our nation’s economy, our standing in the world, our sense of well-being are at the lowest point in a generation. John McCain’s party is largely responsible, and he cannot win the presidential election on the issues. So his campaign has adopted the politics of distraction to stop America from thinking about his party’s record.
Their strategy is to constantly refocus public debate from policy issues onto meaningless side issues through ads and advocates. Deflect attention to issues that are provocative but of little substance and not easily resolved. Keep the press and your opponent off balance. Control the debate by keeping it trivial.
It’s tabloid politics. The politics of distraction. Because you can’t win without it.
It is truly OBVIOUS that John McCain needs a NEW set of advisers! OsiSpeaks.com
Obama is “the One” that god speaks about in the book of revolations. All true Christians unite behind McCain! Save us from “The One” that god warned us about!
Mr.McCain, you are a small, little man.I had respect for you during this trial and gave you the benefit of the doubt, even respected you for the pain that you suffered while serving our country but this week had left me with a bad taste in my mouth. This week has shown me that you, yourself, are not prepared to lead this country with your juvenile and immature tactics. I’ve lost respect and trust for you and honestly can say that I don’t even know if I will vote at all this year.
Honestly, do we really need a 72 year old in the white house…a 72 year old who does not know how to work a computer…by the way, I am not young.
“like a bunch of 5th graders calling names…” pot… kettle… black.
So he calls them names for calling him names…
I am chuckling at Obama’s comeback. I must say well done!!! McCain and Rove company have been on an attack. And they are indiscreetly inserting race. They want news media to pick it up, Translate it. And ultimately broadcast it over and over again. Attack by John McCain Campaign will become more intense and more mean. I have found McCain lies so find I can never believe his words.
I hope John McCain has all these mean attack ads backfire on him. Republicans are now going to play dirty just as they have done in past.
Barack Obama has earned my support all ways. Not John McCain.
From A Republican
I would love to see Obama, and McCain debate. The people would then see who really is the 5th grader. Instead of acting like a 5th grader. It’s certainly not McCain.
Well, soorry NObama but we have to laugh at you…
This is supposed to be a news story? Maybe its a couple of facts rolled in a personal viewpoint.
BO also says HE will TAKE money from some American business, and give it to
those who have less?? HE will TAKE?? Do you think he will use current US law,
and maybe Congress and the Senate to do this, or is HE going to TAKE this money
by ‘himself’. How much money ? what HE determines the “right amount” —
What country is this? what country do you think he wants it to be?
Odd. I haven’t heard JOHN McCAIN call anyone names. Obama, on the other hand,…
Um…being an astronaut is, in fact, serious ’stuff’ as you put it. I’m not sure where you get off insinuating that being a trained astronaut is any less important or impressive than being a Senator? Does the title ‘journalist’ give you the right to decide which position has more clout, or was that just the best chance you had at taking a jab at Obama in this article?
This is offensive to grade schoolers everywhere.
Well - Since you are in the 5th Grade - YOU started it obama!!!!! - YOU played the race thing - AGAIN! - YOU are a FRAUD! Don’t have time for this - WHAT abut a DEBATE - a real chance to show your CHANGE politics.
Obama is using his typical Chicago Style dirty tricks - just like he did on Hillary.
I am concerned that McCain doesn’t seem to care about or know of copyright laws. McCain didn’t have permission to use Frankie Valli’s song in his Obama-Love video. Now, Paris Hilton said she didn’t give McCain permission to use her image in his latest anti-Obama rant. It would be refreshing to get a president that is aware of and complies with the law.
Seriously man you gotta do better than this…
This campaign has degenerated into a silly mess. Both candidates are guilty of questionable acts, but anyone will admit that McCain’s spate of recent ads and shenanigans are simply too much.
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Obama’s a masterful campaigner who, along with Karl Rove doppelganger, David Axelrod, has created a campaign that would make a used car salesman blush.
Yes, Obama’s a master at campaigning. But McCain is a master at leading.
It will be interesting to see if the American people learned from the country’s experience with an equally popular young guy (fraternity president George W. Bush) that you can’t simply elect the slickest candidate and assume s/he will outsource the work of the presidency to competent people.
For once I’d like to see Americans vote for substance over style.
DEMOCRAT FOR MCCAIN
As always with Obama and his supporters, it is everybody else being negative.
WHAT???? He is saying that McCain is acting like a fifth grader. No sir, you are. Everytime you speak (or just about every time) you bring up your race-and that McCain and the Republicans will use it against you? How do you know what any American is thinking- are you psycic? Maybe you are the new ‘Karnac’ (a Johnny Carson skit)?
herd this on the rush limbough show today befor president bush called him up, and just seen the ad, i found it histirical. it is i guess discribes how obama is to all the crowds he draws.
Same old stuff. What this country needs is to replace 535 members of congress!!!
John Cain is validating that he will bring the same ignorance, stupidity, and cluelessness that Bush brought to the White House. Everyone is concerned with the economy, the wars and the world standing of the United States. McCain is an embarrassment. He is either childish or has the beginning of dementia. This nation is sick and brain dead if McCain is elected to carry on the Bush agenda.
don’t you edit your pieces? spelling errors, missing quotation marks…
Pretty soon we’ll have to start callin’ Obama the straight talk express! He totally pegged McCain’s entire campaign right there. And did it without turning bitter or nasty. Good for him.
The Republicans and the right wing elite extremists of course must resort to trying to embarrass Obama or personally discredit him with racism, fear mongering and the like. This is because their views and policies are inferior and they have no strategy figured out for themselves other than to attack his character and also of course his wife’s character.
McCain’s dealing with all of this shows a small mind and a reactionary agenda. It shows he is not made of the right stuff to be a strong leader. I respect him. He is a patriot, he served his country, he suffered torture. However, that does not necessarily make him Presidential material. The more I see of him, the less I like.
I believe Obama is neither right or left, Democrat or Republican in his thinking and views. He is simply an intelligent commonsense person with a broad perspective. He also has a strong moral core, and I believe the steely determination to do what is right for America — yes, including the dealing with terrorists and the wars. I believe this is what America needs — what is right for America at any given one time is a mixture of the liberal and conservative ideologies. Not necessarily one or the other.
In fact, I would argue that neither ideology is particularly better or correct. America’s parties, particularly the Republican Party led by Bush and Rove, have tried to split America down the middle in order to execute a philosophy of 50% plus one vote is enough to govern the other 50% minus 1 against their will. This has been more than misguided — it has led to disastrous consequences for the country and indeed for other countries, and arguably the entire world.
I also believe Obama is in fact the mainstream here; he might not look mainstream on the outside, but inside, he is mainstream to the core. And, its what’s inside that counts.
OBi i REALLY LIKED IT WHEN MCAIN PUT YOU DOWN AND YOU REPLIED ‘IS THAT THBEST YOU COULD COME UP WITH
BLAH BLAH BLAH
Complaints about McCain’s campaign being without substance. How about calling the name callers names then not discussing plans for the real issues confronting America. It’s the same old with Obama as it is with all politicians. Love me and I will love you back until I have to make real decisions. Then I’ll be loving whoever is scratching my back with more money and power.
How about the fact that one of the lead articles on Barron’s is saying that America doesn’t make anything anymore just shifts money around? When are we going to realize that a service economy is only good in the short term? That globalization without having products to sell is a disaster waiting to happen.
Why is he in politics if he can’t handle petty negative sniping? You sure CAN’T be PREZ then!!! Also talking about old stuff………..SOCIALISM 101 & Obhamas plans are certainly VERY OLD and DO NOT WORK!!!!! Only keep people down for votes, but Dems just care about what SOUNDS & FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELS good……….talk about JUVENILES!!!?!!!!! Get REAL. Perhaps he can be Prez of Universe, start with Mars & take Pelosi & Reid……….PLEASE.
Obama’s responding like the class sissy. welcome to the majors.
I admire McCain but as the days draw to Nov. he is growing top be a dirty old man.Obama has become FOX’S number one foe. No matter what McCain utters it is gold to FOX but Obama can’t be right even for a second.McCain with the backing of Fox is becoming anti Non-White.Fox and McCain are third graders not fifth graders .There is difference between reality and truth.
Doesn’t matter who wins. It all about the bottom line.
GOD’S ME$$, AMERICA!
What ?? Baby Obama whinning again???? Can’t help but notice frazzled Obama’s poll numbers drop 9 points in less than a week.
Johns’ campagine is so dishonest and sad. John is yet another puppet. Do you actually think I would believe for one minute this unhealthy, stitched together being could originate the thinking necessary to simply WALK us, as a nation, through the next four years? Nay. Indeed Not. Put him away - better to Place him away high up on a shelf, as one sets the fractured china tea cup Aunt Anne loved so dearly and will never sip from again.
This is ridiculous.
I love how you conservative idiots swallow every spoonful fed to you by the republican party and fox “news”.
You see the chances of a republican retaining the white house crumbling all around you and your grasping for anything.
It’s clear McCain has decided negative attacks are the only thing that might save his campaign. Too bad it won’t improve his energy policies, or his health care policies, or any of the other standard horrible ideas that the republican party has used to destroy our economy, get us into two wars simultaneously, and destroy the nation I love from the inside out. Their greed is disgusting, and they will lose in november as a result.
John McCain had every right to make the point that Obama is an elitist “star” who thinks he does not need to explain his views. His campaign is about media glamour and not new ideas.
Obama will loot the oil companies, shut down top 1% investment, and increase inflation via his attacks on the free market. McCain is the best antidote to Obama’s socialism.
McCain gets it - John McCain on the Information Economy
McCain’s Celebrity Ad is right on the spot for Obama. Let’s google to see what accomplishments Obama has made over his career! Without the Affirmative Action Policy, Obama would not be today! Guess what, a few years’ community service or “Junk” law professorship would not make Obama a leader. Obama is the “ONE” for Europeans not the “ONE” on our dollar bills!
The Real McCain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c
Listen to Obama, he sound like a big JOKE!
This is our momment, We are the one we have been waiting for. We will change Washington, we will change the world. We will begin to heal the sick.
This Obama is just keep talking, talking and talking some more.
Obama is a big JOKE.
I love the ads! I think they hit the nail right on the head. Geez people, McCain is showing a sense of humor, can’t you handle it? Maybe because it hits too close to home? Obama played the dirtiest campaign I have ever seen against Clinton, now he’s working on McCain but McCain isn’t giving him any leeway like Clinton had to. Clinton had to hold back because of them both being Dems.
I wish Obama would debate McCain on the issues, I would be glued to the TV. Too bad he’s chicken. Can’t do it without his teleprompter. I just love watching him get all huffy and arrogant with his nose up in the air as he stutters to find an answer.
Dem voting for McCain.
The truth hurts, doesn’t it Obama (and fans)?
People want the townhall debate, have they forgot how Obama’s trip was well managed so if the townhall debate backfire on McCain what will RNC do, I will say this again people should be aware of what they wish for good luck everybody.
I wander how many 5th graders would like to be compared with those politicians……
Elections are popularity contest.
Not sure why John McCain is attacking his opponent for bein popular.
Americans should not allow an old man who does not know anything about economics or does not know that checkoslovakia does not exist anymore, or does not know the difference between shia and suni to enter the white house through the back door.
Just shows what a hypocript he is. First he knows more of girls like Paris Hilton who is famous for just being famous cause he dumped his wife for her. If i may add Britney Spears unlike Paris got famous for her musical talents, the fact that she is going through a rough phase does not mean Mccain should use her like a ladder to his lofty ambition any its a trend thats the same way he dumped his first wife for another Paris Hilton like heiress cause she was going through problems.
Now the one of the lords prophets is now an object of caricature.
Ride on old man you have got our votes.
Now that McCain is showing how childish he is, I wonder when we’ll start seeing his “anger management” issues…. perhaps the debates will bring that quality out.
I used to think very highly of McCain and supported him very enthusiastically in 2000 when he ran against Bush. But he has flip-flopped on so many positions in recent years and for whatever reason can’t sustain an argument why he should be president rather than his opponent.
The man has past his prime and doesn’t seem to have any ideas of how to solve the many deep and complicated problems we have. How ridiculous can his campaign really get? Brittany and Paris. Give me a xyxxin break.
All the McCain defenders sound pathetic. Why? Because instead of finding a way to defend a petty ad that could have been a golden opportunity to describe McCain’s stance, they change the subject.
Americans have become so used to straw man (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man) and ad hominem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem) attacks, that they do not know how to have a rational debate. Hence the name calling. Those that use Fox news as their primary news source internalize attacks like this and believe that they are an acceptable form of discourse. That is why they themselves do not see how ignorant and stupid they look to those that do not.
Remember what started this thread: “McCain ad calls Obama too popular” There is your example-made for the Fox crowd.
Challenge to the McCain defenders:
Let’s stay on the subject-why was this ad good? Is Obama being more popular than McCain a good thing for his campaign? Does it make sense to compare a Harvard graduate to Britney Spears? Is this the kind of high minded campaign McCain said he was going to run?
If you believe in McCain, I want to hear specific answers to these questions. (Hint: if you use a straw man or ad hominem attacks, or avoid the subject, you are not answering the questions)
Obama wanted a campaign with no barbs being directed at him because he can’t take criticism, only wants to give it to tear the other guy down, but, he as “THE ONE” should be above any of it. Watch the stance of his head whenever he speaks. His head is thrown back and he is looking down his nose at everybody. I believe Obama DOES think he is the “CHOSEN ONE”. That is why he thinks no one really has a right, or should criticize him. “The One” can do no wrong so, how DARE anyone try to find fault with such a perfect being?? You think Bush is arrogant and bullheaded? Just wait til you see how stubborn, self-centered and arrogant a President Obama will be. Good luck, idol worshippers. Wonder how you are going to feel when his feet of clay start losing their shape and disolving?
WHAT is this farce Obama is calling his Campaign? He gets up on his soapbox, throws his head back, looks down his nose at everybody and just as much as says, “Don’t pick on me. I have no faults. I am the “Chosen One”, the heavens opened up and sent me to you to save you from yourselves and all those nasty other people running your government right now.” He acts as if criticising him, is like defiling the word of God. I am beginning to think this man is so stuck on himself he honestly thinks he is man’s gift from God to us poor, foolish souls here on earth. Are the misled hoards of idol worshippers going to wake up in time or let themselves be led down the rose strewn path to destruction? I sure wish a movement would get going strong enough to force Obama into a couple town hall debates with McCain. It is so apparent that Obama is refusing to do any because he KNOWS he can’t hold his own in such a setting. Even you worshippers of Obama should insist he do them to prove his distractors wrong, okay?
Thank Bess for presenting the readers of this blog an ad hominem attack:
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_hominem)
Answer the questions Bess
Okay, Senator Obama has for the first time officially insulted me. I have a daughter who just finished the 5th grade and she has never acted as childishly and immature as Senator McCain has been for the past week. She knows there are serious issues at stake in this election and America deserves better from the presumptive Republican nominee for president and a sitting senator. Obama - there’s no need to go insulting 5th graders by comparing them to John McCain.