"Ma Ma, Where's my Pa?"
“Ma Ma, Where’s my Pa?”
"Gone to the White House, ha ha ha!"
That was the political refrain in 1884 directed at Grover Cleveland who had fathered an illegitimate child 10 years earlier. Considering the times, that could’ve been considered a tad, umm… “divisive.”
Now the term “swift boated” is entering our lexicon. From my experience, that term means “citizens come forward and bring to light some facts about a candidate which he may find ...’inconvenient’.”
The way it’s being used, the term is synonymous with ‘mud-slinging.’
Now this ad is being called “Racist Gutter Politics.”
And?
Gotta admit; I completely fail to see the “racist” aspect of quoting someone’s words.
HuffPo claims an exclusive quote from Barack nevermind Obama:
Well, my understanding is that the Republican National Committee and John McCain have both said the ad is inappropriate. I take them at their word. And I assume that if John McCain thinks that it’s an inappropriate ad that he can get them to pull it down since he’s their nominee and standard-bearer.
He thereby avoids offering his own characterization of the ad—evading something he might have to answer for, later.
McCain’s response is different.
Within a few hours, McCain had written a letter to the chair of the North Carolina GOP, Linda Daves, saying, “From the beginning of this election, I have been committed to running a respectful campaign based upon an honest debate about the great issues confronting America today. I expect all state parties to do so as well. The television advertisement you are planning to air degrades our civics and distracts us from the very real differences we have with the Democrats. In the strongest terms, I implore you to not run this advertisement.”
This ad does not live up to the very high standards we should hold ourselves to in this campaign. We need to run a campaign that is worthy of the people we seek to serve. There is no doubt that we will draw sharp contrasts with the Democrats on fundamental issues critical to the future course of our country. But we need not engage in political tactics that only seek to divide the American people/a>. Once again, it is imperative that you withdraw this offensive advertisement.
Strategery? This way he distances himself from something that will set off a giant, all-to-predictable whine-fest. And his opposition guarantees the ad will be shown on all the talking head shows—for free—gaining greater exposure than just in the Carolinas.
OTOH, he looks almost prissy by condemning any discussion of something that is admittedly distasteful but entirely relevant and quite important in that it goes directly to the character and Values of that candidate.
I deeply appreciate the impulse toward gentlemanly behavior; but every gentleman knows that poop must be scooped as one of Life’s little chores and he develops a way to do so without getting any on himself. He doesn’t turn up his nose and leave the job to others. Unfortunately, the latter is the impression McCain’s letter leaves with me.
Just Me™?
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SideNote: Apparently, Wright’s timely retirement to that gated community entitles him to be called “Obama’s former pastor” further minimizing the relationship of 20+ years. Nice move.
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