…IS NOT MUCH OF AN ATTACK AT ALL
By Mande Wilkes
FITSNews – July 30, 2008 – As Salt ‘n Pepa astutely observed, “opinions are like assholes and everybody’s got one” – particularly those seeking to determine the advisability and effectiveness of John McCain’s new ad attacking Barack Obama. But opinions aside, was it advisable? And is it effective?
On both counts, the answer is an emphatic “no.”
It’s not just the Britney and Paris cameos that render it entirely effete, nor the “vote for a hero, not a celebrity” theme. In fact, the “Obama-as-celebrity” angle is just fine, maybe even a little inspired.
But while that’s the thrust of the ad, the meat of it is that Obama’s a tax-raiser and an environmental zealot – two things which, of course, are decidedly positive characteristics to a lot of people. Not to Sic Willie, obviously, but to a lot of other people.
McCain’s ad addresses exactly two issues: Taxes and domestic drilling.
The first issue is easy … as far as the politicians and MSM are concerned … taxation is simply no longer a bad word, no longer a necessary evil that should be carefully controlled.
The millennial view of taxes is (sadly) much, much friendlier, and, judging from the astronomical government appropriation of our money in this ostensibly Republican state and within an ostensibly Republican federal administration, Democrats are truly represent only half of the “tax-obsessed” system.
In fact, as far as we can tell the two major parties are currently competing for the title of most fiscally irresponsible – and the Republicans are winning.
And the offshore drilling conundrum?
Considering that an Arctic ice sheet broke apart today, the occurrence of which is of course a consequence of global warming (which we now know is racist) gas would have to go up way more than it has to get the nature-nutty left to ratify domestic drilling.
The bottom line is that McCain didn’t vilify Obama by asserting that he supports tax increases and opposes offshore drilling.
On the contrary, he actually reinforced Obama’s platform. And the worst (best) part? The ad ends with “that’s the real Obama.”
As if, prior to this ad, we didn’t know homeboy was a liberal.
By yonnick July 30, 2008 at 9:45 pm
the mccain ad is a good ad. now, is it an attack ad of the sort that south carolinians are used to seeing? or does he hit obama as hard as many on the right believe he should…perhaps not, but that is not what we should be talking about. instead, we should let the electoral math do the talking for us. this ad does a lot to draw contrast between the two candidates and their positions, as you mentioned, on taxes and gas prices; two issuses of great importance in the states mccain needs to vote red come november. in states like PA and OH which are needed, the fact that the blue-collar workers of those states (which obama has not faired well with and handed hillary two primary wins) are able to more identify with a hero rather than celebrities of the likes of britt and paris go a long way to build the mccain brand. in MI where the phrase, “it’s the economy, stupid” is on the back of every voter’s mind; mccain must advance a narrative that he is the only choice to put americans back in control of their pocketbooks. stealing MI from the D column and putting in the R column provides the mathematical advantage to seal the deal for the republican candidate in 08. while there is nothing wrong with those who are in love with the environment, americans are simply ready for a change from high energy prices, foreign oil, and heavy tax burdens; and will vote for the candidate who best positions himself on those key issues. to get ahead on these issues, john mccain attempts to create the mathematical advantage required to win the white house by focusing on taxes and gas prices and drawing distinction between he and obama.
By Not a RINO July 30, 2008 at 11:04 pm
McCain isn’t exactly a cerebral stud. What were you expecting?
By CL July 31, 2008 at 8:26 am
Good idea, poor execution. The script is terrible. Why call Obama the biggest world celebrity? Just say “Obama is a celebrity, but is he a leader?” Why start applying superlatives to him (unless it is “world’s biggest ego”)?
The theme of this ad is that Obama is an empty suit, all hype and no substance. Thus, the stuff on oil is too specific and belongs in another ad. Just hit him on his constant “nuancing” (i.e. lying) about his prior statements.
By Tim July 31, 2008 at 8:41 am
What’s with the wind-up music-box music at the end?
By rick July 31, 2008 at 9:17 am
McCain needs to really define his position so that all voters regardless of leaning is able to say “This is McCain”. Obuma is all over the place and has few discernable concrete stances, this is his soft spot. By contasting the two candidates in such a manner, this will force all Obuma supporters to begin to feel uncomfortable. These milk toast ads, “I’m afraid of being thought polarizing or racist”, will kill him in November. Politics is an ugly mud wrestling contest….he’d better learn before he continues to clone the “Dole” loss. Just because you’re breathing is no license to being the candidate of choice.
By Dan July 31, 2008 at 4:18 pm
McCain will be lucky to get more than 150 electoral votes: http://www.zogby.com/50state/index.cfm