Why "Maverick" McCain's "Dems like me" ad is pointless

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS
by Amy Weiss

The latest McCain ad, "Praising McCain" features clips of prominent Democrats saying nice things about him. Many of these clips are years old, some are not given in full context, but it proves a point that yes, some Democrats have said nice things about John McCain.

What's silly about this ad is its assertion that a few kind words mean McCain is the most bipartisan politician ever. The ad uses the word "maverick" twice in the 60-second spot as if saying it enough makes it true.

DNC Chairman Howard Dean, who was one of the Democrats featured in "Praising McCain," was quick to point out this statement in response to the ad:

John McCain a maverick?  The John McCain of 2000 wouldn't even consider voting for the John McCain of 2008.  The American people are learning that the John McCain of 2008 represents more of the same failed policies we've gotten from George Bush for the past eight years.  Senator McCain is clearly in the tank for Exxon and big oil, for keeping our troops stuck in Iraq for decades to come, and for an economic policy that puts tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations above relief for hardworking families.  John McCain has changed: he's taken the low road, leveling false, negative and misleading attacks against Barack Obama.  John McCain is no more a maverick within the Republican Party than Dick Cheney is. He's just more of the same. 

This kind of substance-free feel good ad is pretty easy to do for anyone. Members of Congress are often friends with their ideological opposites (just ask Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch) and it's not uncommon to say things like "Sen. _____ is my friend" and "I have great respect for Sen. ______." The ad fails to note those statements are usually followed by a "BUT..."

Sen. McCain is certainly not unique in receiving some bipartisan praise and it's strange his campaign would capitalize on something with such an easy, automatic response. Sen. Obama has received plenty of praise from Republicans, and most of it more recent.

Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck said, "I think that Barack Obama is the most exciting candidate we've seen in a very long time... he's exactly the kind of candidate that ignites the imagination of America."

Conservative politician and pundit Bill Bennett said, "He's a cool guy, a handsome guy, has a fabulous voice. A leading Democratic candidate, a black man in America, and he does not talk about race, does not play the race card. It appeals to the better angels of all our natures." (This quote is a little strange and the race comment caused a bit of controversy. But still, when's the last time John McCain appealed to the better angels of anyone's nature?)

Former presidential candidate and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee said Obama has reached "a landmark achievement."

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said, "I think he's a phenomenon."

Conservative columnist Peggy Noonan said Obama won the primary "with a classy campaign, an unruffled manner, and an appeal on the stump that said every day, through the lines: Look at who I am and see me, the change that you desire is right here, move on with me and we will bring it forward together."

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said "I think Mr. Obama has done an incredible job... I'm terribly excited, I'm impressed, and I'm happy for Obama."

Republican congressman turned TV pundit Joe Scarborough called Obama's post-Iowa win speech "one of the most remarkable speeches I've ever seen" and said "This is so damn great for America."

Republican Senator Gordon Smith (OR) highlighted the work he did with Obama as a positive accomplishment in his own campaign commercial.

And finally, the $400-million man Rush Limbaugh said Obama (and Huckabee) "had really uplifting, inspirational speeches."

See, Obama could run an ad with a voiceover: "Even Rush Limbaugh thinks Obama is 'inspirational'" and it would be as accurate and meaningful as the one McCain came out with today.

Check out the DNC response ad, parodying McCain's ad and using the same Dems criticizing McCain.

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS

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