In TV Ads, Third-Party Liberal Groups Attack McCain’s Health, Temperament
EmailTwo third-party liberal groups have teamed up to run this TV ad seeming to imply that Sen. John McCain , R-Ariz., will die in office.
Showing pictures of McCain’s cancer scar, the script is as follows:
Text on screen: John McCain is 72 years old and had cancer 4 times .
Dr. Michael Frakin: The relevance of knowing the details of his course with melanoma are very important. Another bout of cancer for John McCain while he is president of the United States would profoundly impact his capacity to lead.
Noah Craft, Ph.D.: Melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers and the chances of survival, if you have melanoma spread through your body, are very, very slim.
Text on screen: Why won’t John McCain release his Medical Records?
Announcer: Brave New PAC and Democracy For America are responsible for the content of this advertising.
Another Brave New PAC TV ad features former POW Phillip Butler saying of McCain, "he would blow up and go off like a Roman candle. John McCain is not somebody that I would like to see with his finger near the red button,"
These ads are more what is called "flares" — with little-to-no presence on TV, but a big internet presence that the groups are trying to use to get free media attention.
Republicans are insinuating that the Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign has something to do with them. Obama told Democratic contributors to refrain from contributing to these independent groups, but The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder reported this month that "after a year of telling donors not to contribute to 527 groups, of encouraging strategists not to form them and of suggesting that outside messaging efforts would not be welcome in Obama’s Democratic Party, Obama’s strategists have changed their approach. An Obama adviser privy to the campaign’s internal thinking on the matter says that, with less than two months before the election and with the realization that Republicans have achieved financial parity with Democrats, they hope that Democratic allies — what another campaign aide termed ‘the cavalry’ — will come to Obama’s aid."
The Obama campaign says this is not true.
The Republican National Committee’s Danny Diaz points to the fact that Democracy for America is run by Jim Dean, the brother of Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean, to insinuate that Obama and the DNC are behind these ads. He also says that Larry Lessig, an adviser to Obama on technology issues, is chairman of the board of Brave New Foundation — which is separate from Brave New PAC, though both were founded by film director Robert Greenwald.
"The fact that Howard Dean’s brother and an adviser to the Obama campaign are behind despicable and cheap smear ads against Senator McCain is deeply disappointing, but in no way surprising," says Diaz. "Barack Obama has promised Americans an elevated debate offering nothing but gutter, Chicago-style politics."
The Obama campaign insists it has nothing to do with the ads at all, and argues these connections are pretty tenuous.
- jpt
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Posted by: historyforgotten | September 26, 2008, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
Third-party ads are always tough. The candidates can’;t stop these things. They’re grass roots extremists who are out of anyone’s control.
Posted by: matt | September 26, 2008, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
John McCain: Erratic, Cowardly, Dishonest, Unfit To Lead.
Posted by: RD | September 26, 2008, 7:27 pm 7:27 pm
“These ads are more what is called “flares” — with little-to-no presence on TV, but a big internet presence that the groups are trying to use to get free media attention.”
And I’m sure they thank you for your contribution! :-)
Posted by: Aengil | September 26, 2008, 7:28 pm 7:28 pm
Why won’t John McCain release his Medical Records?
Posted by: Deep Release | September 26, 2008, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm
So did Obama’s campaign denounce the ads?
Posted by: whl837 | September 26, 2008, 7:29 pm 7:29 pm
We have seen McCain’s medical records, his mother is 96. Where are Obama’s medical records??? With his family medical history, maybe we should have a look at his. Being younger doesn’t mean better health, especially with him being a smoker.
Posted by: samhiguchi | September 26, 2008, 7:30 pm 7:30 pm
Nothing anybody who’s had the misfortune to work with/for John doesn’t already know. Just ask Dan Schnur or Mike Murphy in private. You wouldn’t believe the crap John gets off pulling. Be happy your not around him when he screws up, cause it’s never his fault. Robert Wexler learned that back in ’88. Gave him hell with both barrels for not having the podium low enough to John’s liking. If this is how he treats those folks he calls “my friends”, just look at how he treats those he hates even wife’s and mothers of fellow pow/MIA’s. (Google McCain and Dolores Alfond) Despicable the way he treats a woman who just wants to know what happened to her family member, disgraceful.
Posted by: hmn | September 26, 2008, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
Why doesn’t Barrack Obama release his medical records? what is he hiding?
Posted by: Jim | September 26, 2008, 7:34 pm 7:34 pm
Agreed, 3rd party adds are just trash. I am sure these will not be funded enough to be shown regularly. Besides Dems don’t need to bring up the age issue. Lately John McCain seems to be doing that on his own.
Posted by: DMR | September 26, 2008, 7:39 pm 7:39 pm
Re: “So this whole meeting yesterday essentially was established bu the DNC”
No it wasn’t. Bush invited Obama to the White House to discuss the economy.
GOP=Liars
Posted by: McHooverville | September 26, 2008, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
Actually, we have not seen John McCain’s medical records. The statistics I’ve seen is that there’s a 1-in-3 chance he would pass away in office, if elected. That calls into question his “judgment” in the Palin pick, a clearly political move designed to rally the flagging conservative Republican base. His temperament is also a fair issue. Numerous reports emerge of his extreme flashpoint temper, indicating perhaps post-traumatic stress syndrome. The bizarre stunt over “suspending” his campaign (although it was not suspended), resulted in a lot of crazy drama over the debate and no bailout compromise. This put the economy – which he does not understand – even more at risk, for the benefit of dominating the day’s news cycle with grandstanding political moves.
Posted by: Greendale | September 26, 2008, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
This is a despicable ad. Hopefully anyone with cancer or who has a family member with Cancer or lost to cancer will react strongly against this ad and it’s sponsors.
Posted by: s.b. | September 26, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
I guess this is probably as gross as it gets … anybody see where the obama-con is denouncing this?
Posted by: Francisco Cardenas | September 26, 2008, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
Dear hmn: You could turn that around the other way. What about Obama making a fool out of himself in the meeting yesterday? Word is the Democrats tried to set it up for him to be the hero and he blew it. That wasn’t his fault either was it? He had no clue without his teleprompter. His comment afterwards was presidential politics shouldn’t be involved. You can bet your rear end he’ll milk it for all it’s worth tonight. His arrogance far outweighs his talent. He couldn’t afford to wait on the debate-all his memorizing would go to waste.
Posted by: RL in Illinois | September 26, 2008, 7:50 pm 7:50 pm
The ad company is run by Howard Dean’s brother.
This is no third party ad.
The far left democrats have taken over this country.
This is change? The far left takeover of Dean and Obama who cheated Hillary.
Posted by: Jeff | September 26, 2008, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
If you apply for a job, any job out there, your age and health condition will be factors that matter. They matter even more if you’re running for the highest office and most responsible job in the country.
Posted by: hill | September 26, 2008, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
Jake- I live in California and I saw the Cancer ad several times yesterday on MSNBC (as an ad, not as part of a story about the ad).
Posted by: MayBee | September 26, 2008, 7:53 pm 7:53 pm
I have to say, now that Dean,s brother has brought up health issues I would like to know more than one paragraph about Obama. I am the same age as Barrack and also smoked, I just quit after having a stint open up my left coronary artery that was 90% blocked, just 2 days ago. I was lucky but stupid.What is Barack’s health like? We don’t know because he won’t release any records. WHY?
Posted by: Jim | September 26, 2008, 7:56 pm 7:56 pm
Re: “the representation that a “Great Depression” will happen if we don’t cave into the Democrats is pure bull.”
It’s not the Democrats who asked for this bailout, you liar. Bush and Treasury Secretary Paulson did. They are REPUBLICANS.
They want unfettered access to our tax money.
Posted by: McHooverville | September 26, 2008, 7:57 pm 7:57 pm
Jim: Obama’s doctor of the last 21 years issued a statement to certify that Obama is in good health. He stated that Obama has seen him for regular checkups, and minor ailments such as rashes, upper respiratory infections, and minor injuries. He gave details of blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol (all fine).
There’s no indication of any major problems there, unless you think his doctor is lying.
Posted by: Aengil | September 26, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
I wonder if the prosecutors and sheriffs in MO are aware of these ads. Oops, I forgot. I guess they only keep an eye out for ads against Obama. (See Drudge for link – OBAMA ‘TRUTH SQUADS’: Campaign asks Missouri law enforcement to target anyone who lies, runs misleading TV ads…)
Posted by: mak | September 26, 2008, 8:05 pm 8:05 pm
“Why won’t John McCain release his medical records?”
Uh, he did, in May.
May 23, Chicago Sun-Times:
“McCain releases medical records”
“three-time melanoma survivor John McCain appears cancer-free, has a strong heart and is in otherwise general good health, according to eight years of medical records reviewed by The Associated Press.”
This ad contains a blatant, intentional lie. There is no other explanation for such ignorance of the facts.
Posted by: Wade | September 26, 2008, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
Wade
They didn’t release the medical records, they just allow reporters to view them for 3 hours in a lock room with no cameras, cellphones, or laptops. How’s that for transparency.
Posted by: MM | September 26, 2008, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
BOTH canidates would rather spend 1 billion a year in Iraq and 700 billion as a gift to there buddies on Wall St. rather than return your phone call. Never forget it.
Posted by: hmn | September 26, 2008, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
Is Sarah Palin really that clueless or is she really going to show herself and kick bidens butt ?
Is it all a stunt ? Or is she really that dumb ?
Posted by: Ex Republican | September 26, 2008, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
mak, the truthsquad is about telling the truth to rebut lies. If Missouri has ethics laws about lying in TV ads then oh well. However, I never heard the prosecutors say one word about prosecuting regarding the ethics law, only the reporter. The prosecutors said they are there to tell the truth when they hear lies. Right-wingers aren’t going to get away with swiftboating free and clear this time without a fight.
Posted by: Liz | September 26, 2008, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
I am a staunch Obama supporter and a lifelong Democrat. I am not in any way a fan of Senator McCain.
I watched in shock this ad as it aired on MSNBC and I was disgusted.
There are important issues in this campaign, and there is no room for this garbage.
Posted by: Ira | September 26, 2008, 8:23 pm 8:23 pm
By the way you shouldn’t be linking to these ads Jake. That is also despicable. You are airing them for free. MSNBC has pulled them from their cite. You should do the same, although I think they will hurt Obama and the Democrats more than McCain.
Posted by: s.b. | September 26, 2008, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm
I understand this, Liz. But I do not hear any mention of searching for false or misleading ads put out by Obama’s campaign. And please, don’t tell me Obama’s campaign doesn’t put them out there.
Posted by: mak | September 26, 2008, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
Ira, that is not an Obama ad. It’s a third party group. Which is why Obama did not want 527 groups advertising on his behalf but after all the sinister ads of right-wing 527 groups on behalf of McCain he has said in the last month that he won’t stop the third party 527 groups advocating for him anymore.
Posted by: Liz | September 26, 2008, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
mak, it’s one thing being misleading. Fudging about political issues and such. That is expected in political advertisements. Unfortunately, all politicians do it. However, swiftboating is not misleading, it’s outright lying. That’s what doomed Kerry…outright lies. That is what the truth squad is about. Telling the truth whenever you hear a lie. Not letting a lie slide by without calling it out as a lie.
Posted by: Liz | September 26, 2008, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
I saw this ad and took it as, if something happens to McCain we will get Palin as pres. That scares me more than anything.
Posted by: erin | September 26, 2008, 8:45 pm 8:45 pm
samhiguchi states “We have seen McCain’s medical records, his mother is 96. ”
________________________________________________
Using your logic, McCain’s father died at the age of 70 so McCain should have been dead two years ago.
Posted by: Paige | September 26, 2008, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
I don’t like this ad – and I wish it would be pulled, but I want McCain’s medical records released. The man has cancer – and I honestly hate to say it – I’ve seen dementia develop – and the man has memory problems. As Cafferty says – the idea of Palin as President should scare the daylights out of regular Americans – and its not because she’s tough. It’s because she is such a weak candidate. it’s time for transparency – from John McCain – and it’s time Charlie Black let Sarah Palin off the leash they’ve got her on. Let the woman speak.
Posted by: mara | September 26, 2008, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm
Kindasorta reminds me of the time I was stopped by a cop because he THOUGHT that I was not going to stop for a stop sign. No ticket – just wanted to throw weight!! Same stuff – different setting!!
Posted by: Temagami | September 26, 2008, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm
Note to mccain campaign:
I have counted 7 times that Obama said “john is right” and “john is absolutely right”. Mccain should make a commercial out of it.
clearly Mccain is offensive and Obama is defensive…way too defensive.
Posted by: friead | September 26, 2008, 10:20 pm 10:20 pm
What a coincidence that these sleazy ads have come out at the exact same time as the Obama campaign began the exact same sleazy attacks, especially considering that Howard Dean’s brother is behind them and David Axlerod has a lifetime history of being a sneaky, underhanded bastard.
Posted by: OxyCon | September 26, 2008, 10:48 pm 10:48 pm
Fist Ad – John McCain has still not released entire medical records transcripts for medical critque by medical experts. He has only released to let people view quickly, but did not release records in transcript form, nor were records complete. Melanoma – the deadly skin cancer – x 4 does indicate these records are very important. American people have a right to all medical record transcripts.
John McCain has been well know for his violent temper. This is a legitimate issue. This POW statement is quite good and of significant importance!! I had read his comments before. McCain has a history of getting into two fight with fellow senators that had to be physically broken up- one physical and one verbal. These fights were verified and admitted by McCain Campaign. Fellow senators know of his quick violent temper. I worry about him being President – with past history of vilent temper
Posted by: Sharonklim | September 26, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
And Obama released a statement regarding his, going back 16 months…sounds like less to me.
Posted by: Wade | September 27, 2008, 1:21 am 1:21 am
I don’t agree with these style of ads . They are more like McCain campaign type. But you cant denie they have a point there.
Posted by: foreclosure | September 27, 2008, 7:06 am 7:06 am
Well, that’s not the person who debated last night, is it. The proponents of these ads are NASTY CREEPS!
Posted by: chad3337 | September 27, 2008, 7:51 am 7:51 am
3 years ago I got melanoma cancer and this third party ad really hit home. I know now- who it will be. Having melanoma cancer is not a death sentance. For everyone who has had melanoma or any type of cancer for that matter.
Vote John McCain..
Posted by: Melanoma Survivor | September 27, 2008, 8:23 am 8:23 am
TELLING THE TRUTH about McCaint is fine!
Far better for Americans than Republi-cons TELLING LIES ABOUT Candidate Kerry!
If you are telling the truth; but your enemy is telling BOTH truths and lies, then your enemy would have an advantage!
Who would want to see an American leader surrendering to a disadvantaged position? lol
Unwise Americans should not underestimate Obama.
Obama is no Gore or Kerry, who will allow their opponents unfair advantages.
Posted by: Patriot | September 27, 2008, 9:32 am 9:32 am
At least the ads are FACTUAL, which is far more than can be said of the McCain campaign.
While McCain likes to cite his mom’s longevity, his dad died at age 72. While my paternal grandmother lived well into her 90′s, my dad died at 74. McCain is in denial about his mortality, and selecting Palin as his successor was an irresponsible choice.
Posted by: Deborah | September 27, 2008, 9:40 am 9:40 am
That’s about the best you can expect from Barack Obama and his thugs. I know ABC wouldn’t run the ad but their henchmen don’t mind putting it up on the web. Nothing new there.
Posted by: Lynn | September 27, 2008, 6:05 pm 6:05 pm
FACT: McCain’s father died at age 72.
FACT: McCain, now aged 72, would be the oldest man ever inaugurated as President.
Posted by: millie gernes | September 27, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
Deborah: And how long do you estimate your life. Aren’t you aware that young kids are dying of cancer and many of the stars have it. John McCain will die when God is ready for him. And his choice of Palin put a bomb in the democrats because she is drawing huge crowds wherever she goes. She had a crown of 60,000 at Lake Lake Florida and McCain drew five thousand more than Obama in Green Bay. Don’t underestimate McCain. He could win this election.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | September 28, 2008, 10:11 am 10:11 am
Jeff: I’m with you. You are absolutely right. Hillary did get cheated out of her delegates and Dean, Nancy, Obama and Reid made deals with the superdelegates to switch their voteto Obama. Nancy didn’t want Hillary to have a roll call or all her delegates counted at the convention for fear she would win the nomination. Obama is so underhanded he doublecrossed the woman running against him for the senate, took her to court and won the case which he should have lost. This was shown on TV. He ruined that woman’s career in politics. He is the worst candidate and has made more trouble than any candidate that ran for the office of presidency in this country. CNN polls had him winning the debate. No so. There are other polls that claim McCain won. CNN is pro-obama and so is MSNBC. And all this discussion that Palin should step down is nonsense. The democrats have fear of McCain winning the election because of her. Palin said she can’t wait to debate Joe Biden on Oct. 2nd. As far as Couric is concerned years ago when she was first hired there was talk that she should was wrong for that job and should be fired. She is no Diane Sawyer or Robin Roberts.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | September 28, 2008, 10:25 am 10:25 am
Melanoma Survivor: Good for you that survived it. My husband didn’t survive his cancer and died much younger than McCain. There are also many youngsters that have cancer and their mother’s hoping they can be cured. I feel sorry for anyone that has that disease because you suffer with it towards the end. No one should make comments about people with cancer no matter if your democrat or republican.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | September 28, 2008, 10:31 am 10:31 am
hmn: And where did you hear that news from. As far as I have seen on the TV the POW’s are for John McCain. And if a woman wants to know about her husband or son she should call the VFW not ask John McCain. He’s not a record keeper.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | September 28, 2008, 10:38 am 10:38 am
Who says McCain always has temper?
I watched the debate, Obama looked irritated and angry when McCain attacked him.
On the other side, McCain was so calm and acted like a good teacher.
Even when those “View” girls attacked him , he was very calm and patient to them.
My neighbor was diagnosed with melanoma 5 years ago and he still live ,healthy and he is 87 years old now.
Posted by: catleya | September 28, 2008, 6:43 pm 6:43 pm
McCain appeared lost and had to be walked off the stage yesterday when his eye started twitching.
McCain refuses to release his complete medial records because____________?
McCain cancer surgery took out 33 lymph nodes indicating it was a Level 3 melanoma cancer. His long term survival rate is not rosy.
Posted by: Lee-Usa | October 3, 2008, 1:16 pm 1:16 pm