Can swift boat author sink two Democrats?
Author of swift boat book that attacked John Kerry in 2004 is now going after Barack Obama. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Summertime and the swift boats are sailing.
The author of the book that attacked John Kerry's record on a Vietnam War Swift boat, and ultimately torpedoed his campaign, is now going after Barack Obama.
Jerome Corsi is out with "The Obama Nation", which will debut at number 1 on the New York Times best-seller list this Sunday. It portrays Obama as a radical liberal who's tried to cover up his connections to Islam. The book also questions whether Obama's drug use as a youngster ever ended. Real nice stuff.
Critics say that a lot of the book's accusations are unsubstantiated or just not true. Corsi has a record of putting out lots of wild theories in other books that call into question his credibility. And, Obama's campaign says the book is "nothing but a series of lies that were long ago discredited".
Nonetheless, political attack books – like "Unfit for Command" about John Kerry – have become a pretty effective tool in campaigns. The former Democratic presidential candidate was criticized for responding too late to the swift boat attacks.
This is why Kerry along with some of his former top aides say the Democrats have to fight back hard and quickly this time around. Kerry launched a web site yesterday questioning the claims in Corsi's book. And, his former chief strategist says Obama's campaign has to "debunk every single assertion" in the book, although he acknowledges it's a fine line to walk in not drawing too much attention to the book in the process.
Here’s my question to you: Can the author of the swift boat book sink two Democrats in a row?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Deborah from North Port, Florida writes:
Absolutely he can. When we choose to be ignorant, it's easy to fool most of the people most of the time. Too many Americans can't think for themselves long enough to even try to discern the truth - and they don't care. If the truth really mattered, Rush Limbaugh wouldn't be making $400 million and Bush and Cheney would have long ago been impeached, removed from office, and deposited at The Hague. Truth? Please. It's a casualty of political war.
Mike writes:
Kerry's swift-boating demise was as much his fault as the swift-boaters. The guy couldn't give a straight answer to save his life, and was slow to pull up people who were there who could refute the swift-boaters’ lies. Obama has a machine in place that can rapidly expose the liars for what they are this time.
Nick writes:
Jack, The success of the swift boaters was in a large way due to the lack of due diligence on the part of the media. Instead of doing any real investigative reporting and finding that the swift boaters were, in fact, fabricating their stories, the media took what they said as fact and waited for Kerry to defend himself. I would hope the media would take a more professional, responsible approach to this.
Kathy from Stamford, Connecticut writes:
They can sink another Democrat if voters remain as utterly naive and stupid as they did in 2004. There are still educated Americans out there saying they're not sure about Obama because "he's a Muslim or something." I mean these are the folks who gave us Dubya - TWICE!
Mickie from Philadelphia writes:
He doesn't have to. Hillary is doing a fine job of sinking the entire Democratic Party herself. The Democrats always seem able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Susan writes:
Kerry sunk himself by not fighting back. Obama will show this book for the fairy tale it is. This author has a hole in his boat and his head.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
He can sure try Jack. The answer lies in how gullible people are in 2008. We know that in 2000 and 2004 they got fooled, so if they haven't become any wiser, America' s doom is imminent.
That is like asking if a single submarine can sink more than one ship. Of course it can, and will happen. Obama has tons more baggage than did Kerry, and we are only beginning to see what and how much. Despite the obvious fact that this is a Dem year, the two candidates are statistically tied; to withstand the coming assaults Obama would need a cushion of about 20 points right now, and he doesn't have it.
And now we hear that Obama might choose Kerry for VP. Are they taking leave of their senses?
I was angered at the Swift Boat attacks on Senator Kerry. This time around I really hope the smear works. Obama has little to no experience, is changing his position on issues as quickly as polling information is received, and still has not explained how he will fund every program for every one, not raise taxes and not bankrupt America. I love the presidential election. It's all about magic, smoke and mirrors and a-ha! You blinked. P. T. Barnum would have made a great president.
Not a chance this election. To many web sites,(snopes,Media Matters Obama.com etc) will de-bunk the lies and they are all ready on the job.
I think Obama and the Democrats learned their lesson and will come out swinging.
It's the Clintons that need to be watched.
The Democrats don't need the author of the swift boat book to sink the Democrats. Hillary will be able to do that on her own.
The author is an idiot whose writings are based on lies..he might have succeeded in bringing a democrat down,but this time he'll fail like a third grader...
No. NOT THIS TIME. This book is a joke and the joke is not always funny the second time you hear it. This book will not have the same impact as the Kerry book.
Of course he can. The American voter is as dumb as a post. The proved that by electing Bush twice!
No, Jack, this is a historical race with million and millions of Americans participating and educating themselvels on the candiates. Anyone judging a candidate by the cover of a book and a pack of lies, deserves what they get in a President just as they did when they judged John Kerry according to a book and got Bush.
Shirley
Akron, Ohio
Hi Jack, hope you had a nice day off. Now to your question, I don't think the swift boat ads will work this time, well maybe for the Hillary nuts they will.
Right-wing authoritarian personalities tend to believe anything they are told by a figure they deem authoritative, especially if it's about something they should fear, and this lying scumbag is peddling fear he invented. A lot of right-wing sheep will believe it because someone like Rush or this bozo gave them an opinion and one thing they do not need getting in the way of that opinion is fact.
Jack, oh my God, I would hope that Americans are smart enough to see through the steaming pile of bulldoody that Corsi wrote.
Unfortunately, however, this is the nation that elected Bush TWICE (fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me) and now has 42% of the country interested in installing a carbon copy of the guy.
There is no accounting for some people's taste or intelligence.
No, Jack; NOT THIS TIME. After '04 and the swift-boat debacle, the American can vividly see the results that such smear tactics produce, W redux. We're smarter now. That's the CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!!
Not this time. Senator Obama doesn't show any military service record, unlike Kerry. The book about Kerry's Vietnam chronology was on target and didn't fool any of those who had been there. Unless, the author finds some pretty serious pooh pooh about Senator Obama.
Jack, slimeball tatics by a neoconservative operative during a Presidential election? How original, I have not seen this tactic before. The fact that the media gives this “gentleman” any credence is beyond me. Americans will not get duped again, or if we do, then we get what we deserve: Four more years of gridlock.
I'd like to think voters will be more intelligent this time and instead of listening to attacks and innuendo's from a discreditted source they'll actually look at the candidates. Having said that, I'd like to urge everyone out there to be an informed voter. Don't vote because you heard this candidate did this or that, actually look at the qualities of the candidates and their positions. This is a vital election, and I would hate to prove the old quote true, "the biggest argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." It's time to roll up your sleeves and actually get informed, find the truth, it's out there and it's our responsibilities as Americans to know fact from fiction.
No- the difference between the 2 democrats is that the previous one had the personality of a wooden door and the 2nd one is a true champion of hope and change!
Only if the public or the voters are going to let the republicans prove that we are mindless. Fool me once shame on me. fool me twice shame on all of us.
Jack,
As long as McCain keeps opening his mouth, Obama is looking great.
Anyone who even reads this digusting book and the New one about Obama needs their head examined. It has been proven the Swift Boat Traitors made up a great deal of lies. It is just a shame many Americans believed them and they in turn ruined our Country the last 4 years. Hopefully they will see that this Book and the new one is nothing but a big Racist Republican Scam hell bent on retaining power over all of us.
Republican lies can fool a lot people as Bush has proven over the past 8 years. However, when the lies are put into writing in a book it's likely the people gullible enough to believe the garbage aren't literate enough to read a book. I guess this means probably not this time.
Not if Democrats learned anthing last time. They ned an immediate & intense campaign to disgcredit this guy and imply he was backed by the McCain campaign.j
The "yes" level of probability to this question is significantly increased by the fact that both Democrats will (and also have) helped "Sink" themselves.
If Obama chooses Kerry for VP....they had both better take a deep breath!
I hope that the Obama campaign will not shrug these attacks off with their standard, "People are tired of that". People are stupid and the majority of voters don't hang around the CNN blogs all day like us. They will fall for the lies. Step up and fight Democrats...we can not afford to lose to McSame.
If the National Enquirer and break the John Edwards story before the main stream media then anything is possible.
Yes, and he probably will. Anyone else notice that McCain's numbers suddenly rose when he unleashed his attack ads a couple weeks ago despite the fact that he was averaging one major gaffe per day?
well jack if the dems are going to continue to put forth candidates who are ultra left wing liberals, then we the average moderate voters of the party can only hope that it works again and again and again....
If Americans have not learned anything from the last election, and believe this filth, then I guess they deserve what they will get with a McCain presidency, and they thought Bush was bad!!!!!!!!!!
Jack,
Time will tell if the American voters have learned anything from the past or if they are doomed to repeat their previous mistake. Hopefully with the internet and all the different ways to find out the truth about things people will educate themselves and make a well informed choice in this election. To the person who wrote this book, fool me once shame on you ............... fool me twice shame on me. The author of this book has already achieved two of his goals, get a best seller and make lots of money. Hopefully he will not attain his third goal .......... to destroy the best candidate we have had in many years.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
There are some 'uninformed' (ignorant) people out there who blindly listen to the lies but for the most part I believe that people realize they were duped before and most have wizened up and won't let it happen again. Also it should show people how low the repuglicans will stoop to win at all costs. Obama seems pretty ready to handle the smears and attacks and has come out denouncing them before so I expect we haven't heard the last of this from his side that is.
I was born into a democratic family. In my 30tys, I was self-employed and a strong believer in less government and switched to being a republican. As time went on, I became disenchanted with my choice of candidates, and decided to make Lou Dobbs happy and become an Independent.
Being recently retired, I had the time to follow the primaries very close. Initially, I only had decided to vote democratic. I read Obama's book, and decided to give him serious consideration. In the process of trying to find out more about Obama, I brought up the Chicago Sun newspaper. As a result, I came up with many articles previously written about Obama. (About 53.)
Each raised questions but not one resulted in having a negative impact on Obama,s campaign. (In fact Obama got the nick name of Mr. Teflon.) After a while, I started to connect the dots and found that the big picture was very close to what was written in the book Obamanation.
I have bought and read this book. In conclusion, I could have used the many articles in the Chicago Sun Times and had enough material to write the book myself! Bottom Line. In general the book is pretty accurate and shows that Obama really is a media creation.
Phyllis
Media,PA
It's not the author that sinks the candidate, it's the easily manipulated American voters that can and WILL unless everyone who puts truth before politics stands up to this kind of garbage and says "We're not buyin' it anymore!"
(let's hope the record sales at Barnes and Noble is largely the far-gone right and the press. If not, truth has lost its battle once again)
I thought you folks loved to sue?
I didn't understand why Kerry didn't sue and I would hope that Obama would shove a $50 million defamation and willful negligence suit up this guy's butt!
Fool US once, shame on you. Fool US twice, I think not. The only people who will buy into this type of stuff are the ones who are not voting for Senator Obama anyway. Talk about being unpatriotics. Yet, some right wingers claim our guy is unpatriotic. Please, Jack. Tell them to give us all a break. OBAMA 08 – O YEAH!
Jack:
Fool me once, not twice. While Corsi's tome will be well received by the Limbaugh, Hannity & Coulter crowd, most americans will not fall for this "book" of coalated half truths, inneundo, and outright lies.
Corsi is just another right wing bottom feeder, who earns his daily bread by dis-paraging others.
Let's just see if McCain spotlights this book or any of these quotes in any of his official advertisements. If he doesn't do that, then the people who are reading the book weren't going to vote for Obama regardless, but if he does spotlight or bring up this book he will be hook, lined, and sunk into the mold of a politician Obama can beat in November.
The problem with Kerry was that he didn't fight back hard enough and took to long to fight back.
That won't happen this time. The Obama team will hit them with all they have.
And, if McCain continues to refuse to denounce this book, it will show us all how his talk of a "civil" campaign was a complete sham.
no.the book is full of lies.only a liar cant believe in anyone else.
There are so many lies in the book, I wish Obama would sick his lawyers on Corsi. The only thing worse than this character's Swiftboating of Obama is the mainstream media pimping the thing for him. What a shame it would be if this brought down Obama and we found ourselves with President McCain and a war with Russia. That would be WWIII, by the way, and we know the Russians have weapons of mass destruction.
Anyone who reads that book and believes in the crap that is sure to fill those pages isn't going to vote for Obama anyways. And on a side note someone is building an 'Anti Obama Nation' website that tears down every smear page by page. Plus I'm positive that whomever Obama picks as VP will be an effective attack dog for these sort of attacks. That was the downside of the Kerry/Edwards ticket smart & sophisticated + warm & fluffy = too soft for their own good.
Not this time as people are not as naive as in 2004 and see thru the lies that he is trying to sell. It's too bad the news media is even talking about people like him and helping him to sell more fictional books.
Yes Jack, because unfortunately there are millions of people in this country with the 'National Enquirer' mentality who would rather vote against someone for some reason than to vote for someone knowing there's no good reason to do so. And viola! Eight years of George W. Bush Jr.
Jack, These "Swift Boaters" are the lowest form of human life. They are still angry that Viet Nam ended because taking human life is better than sex for them. They are aware that the Osama/Bush plan of bleeding America into lifelessness and darkness are one and the same and yet they champion it because they are children of darkness and they follow their prince.
The last honest republican was Dwight Eisenhower who warned us of this new military industrial god. Swift Boaters worship at that temple.
It scares me that some people in this country actually believe the rubbish in this book.
Whether or not the info in the book is true, unfortunately many folks automatically believe that what is printed must be true, or it couldn't be printed. Go figure. Similar to feeling that if something is on the news, or in the paper, it must be true. Would that qualify as a "conundrum"?
I've never had occasion to use that word!
Personally, I figure there is probably some truth mixed in with the writer's version of "truth", but separating one from the other is
next to impossible.
At some point there has to be some accountability for these people writing these slanderous lies.
John Kerry should have sued the pants off the SwiftBoat Veteran's for Truth. I am not a "sue" happy person but.....these people have no problem ruining a person's life based on lies.
If this tactic works again, though.....then the dumb American's that fell for it can also be held accountable when this great Country of ours slips further down into choas.
If reading this trash changes your vote then you are one of those scary folks I warned my children about.
No. He is scum of the earth, and everyone know`s it. Absolute filth!!!
Never underestimate the average voters' power of stupidity if they continue to believe the opinions promoted by the media and any other journalists cashing on the sensationalism without regard to the issues.
People like this are no better than the supermarket tabloids we read at the checkout counter. We all should condemn these people who sell this crap.
Yes, and the Democrats are helping. People like Pelosi, Reid and the other bunch of left wingers are not in good graces with the voters right now. It is very likely that most readers will believe a lot of what is in that book including issues like The Rev. Wright and the doubt about Obama's background and why did Obama remove the U. S. flag from his plane, it just keeps going on and on.
Rose
Glendale, Az
Jack,
Yes, unfortunately, enough poeple are gullible enough to take the author's words at face value in the spite of the real facts. This the scary thing about the general public. They honestly beleive spin.
Obama is vulnerable on the Muslin issue, and I don't like facing this, but his ethnicity and heritage will support this falsehood that he is a Muslim in the minds of a lot of people regardless of what anyone says. Their narrow minds are made up. Barack could have studied multiple religions (which some christians should do), and still choose to be a christian. Does that make him less of a christian? Of course not; it might even make him a better (read: intelligent) christian than most! Too bad; neither religions nor the churches have any place in electoral politics.
Jack, I think people need to wake up and realize that sensation sells books and garners ratings. Voters need to do their own research and make up their own minds about the candidates from proven sources.
This book is noting more than fictious drivel and yellow dog journalism. Why not just read the tabloids and count everything they say as truth? This Corsi guy not only needs to be ashamed of himself for being a lowlife opportunist, but he needs to be sued for libel.
He'll sure try with every scare tactic including bigotry, religion, and pure hatred of anything liberal. It's heartwarming to know there are Americans out there who hate based on one's liberal views. And how can a publisher print this kind of crap as non-fiction?
Jack, I really believe that the only people who would believe the swift boat dude are people that weren`t going to vote for Obama anyway.
Sad that the chicken hawks have to resorte to such tactics to keep wars going for profit but guess that`s the way some people are. They don`t care about the country or your child being in a war only the bottom line for Blackwater, General dynamics, Halaburton etc.....
Jack,
Looking back on this authors impact on the Kerry/Bush election and the ultimate outcome should be enough for United States citizens to see his agenda. Yet I hear folks quote fictional email stories about Obama as if it is fact. The GOP runs on Fear, Lies, and Ignorance. Unfortunately this is the same formula for reality TV and we now how successful those programs are. God Help Us!!!!
Joe
St Louis,MO
Only if you let him. I hope, for your good and for the good of the rest of the world, that you don't.
Not at all Jack.This guy was on Larry King last night and he looked and spoke just like George Bush-–Garbage.He had no defense when questioned on the show.This guy should be ashamed of himself,his profession,and shame on all the Americans that buy his books.His book became a best seller by Fraud.Americans should sit and think what john McCain is saying to them.No matter how far this guy tries to seperate to seperate himself from Bush,he is still a Republican hiding under sheep"s clothing.Book or no Book it will be OBAMA all the WAY. Chuck.
One can only hope...
Jack:
That saying "fool me once". This stinks of the markings of Carl Rove, and his group of slime balls. Someone should step on Mr. Corsi just as you would a slug on the sidewalk. At the same time the media is building this book up with free publicity. Maybe Mr. Corsi should save his literary expertise to write the "Rise and fall of the Maverick, John McCain". This whole election is now a world wide joke, and Hillary just entered the arena again. Unbelievable!!!
Noone who reads and believes Corsi's fictions will be voting for Obama anyway. but it will make Corsi money and give the media and paricularly FOX NEWS fodder for new slurs.
Jack, With endless war, high inflation, jobs sent to Mexico, Korean cars sent to the US, increasing unemployment, Russia running loose, Karl Rove revealing cia agents, Iraq STILL unable to defend itself, ditto Afghanistan, gas closer to $4 than $3, lies about why we went to war in the first place, yes, I think that all of us smart Americans could be swiftboated again unless we perform a miracle and turn Baraq Obama white, then he would destroy George McCain and John Bush. Oh, and when is Colin Powell going to get some guts and endorse, someone, anyone????
The answer is YES! If there are enough Americans who buy into the Republican Big Lie or others who can't get their prejudice out of the way, it might work. It worked in 2004 and many people who's minds stopped functioning in the 1960s will still go along with everything they see or hear. They aren't thinking, they're just reacting.
Yes it can sink them especially seeing Kerry/Obama together in pictures.
Jack, I don't think it's going to work this time around. The American people are tired of this. If the republicans had a candidate worth his weight then Sen. Obama would have to worry. But with all the negitive ads and now a negitive book from someone that is full of it, well, we just aren't buying it this time.
Jack,
I hope not but somebody's buying this trash.
Jack,
As we all know anything is possible in politics, the one thing I can tell the room is Sen. Obama will go Shaft on their butts if he is swift boated this time...
C.I., New York
This clown Corsi is a smear-meister who knows that Americans have become so stupid that they eat up and believe this garbage. We have Limbaugh and fox news as proof of how low we have come in intelligence.
Jack,
With the advent of cable/satellite news programs and talk shows people like this author become "instant celebrities". Too many people are too easily influenced by these so called experts. I'm afraid sometimes the media creates these situations, were individuals are made more creditable than they should be, by appearing on all these shows, that eventually lead voters to make the wrong decisions because the information is either slanted or wrong.
Robert
Forest, Virginia
Jack,
Jerome Corsi's play on words of the title of his book just shows he is a hateful person. Many things he said about Kerry were false. I am a Viet Nam Vet that also did not support the war upon return. I guess stating what you believe in is enough to be sunk by some. To answer your question I do not think he will be able to do so now that people know what kind of an author he is. McCain"s boat is alreay sinking.
Paul
Round Rock, Texas
No one falls for the same trick twice Jack
I don't think the book will do anymore damage than those stupid internet rumors.
I personally think a book needs to be penned about the true McCain as an effective tool to fight back. It may seem a bit harsh and hypocritical, but the fact is John McCain has a record of anti american , anti veteran, anti religious actions that run longer and deeper then does Obama.
Obama can only be smeared using lies and propoganda, John can be credited with historical facts that contradict his patriotism and senate record.
America has experienced John McCain in action, and the results are not good. So I'll go ahead and judge Johns experience as everyone indicates I should, and it doesn't bode well for whom my vote goes to...it goes to Obama with out hesitation.
Perhaps Swift Boat and their authors of lies should be legally held accountable for slander and libel against those they attack to benefit the spin of the Republicans, who will stop at nothing to smear anyone in their path. John Kerry did not deserve this slander against his honorable Military record and I'm surprised he didn't sue those jerks into the ground. Regardless of political views, never attack personally an honest candidate. Just check who won the White House and where that got us.
He can try, but I believe that many Americans have awakened since the last presidential election, especially with all of the integrity gaps of the Bush administration and won't be fooled again (and again)!
Republicans for years have lied and misrepresented the truth. As a whole they enjoy the status quo even if their thinking are decades old.
Not this time Jack that is the exact reason Obama did not take public finacing because he knows that they are going to try to swiftboat him that is the reason Jack me and 2,000,000 other people donate to his Campaign to let Republicans Know this time every ad they put up we are putting up a counter Ad.
Not Obama Jack. The media will see to that just like they did during the prelims. Obama seems to be well protected for some reason. What makes me nervous is why? Why his stories get swept under the carpet time and time again, while stories on McCain go on and on makes me wonder who or what is behind him. Haven't decided who I'm going to vote for, if at all, because I don't like my choices. He will survive this just like everything else.
Because something like this can be so explosive for either Democrates or Republicans as well as Independents should be troubling to all Americans. It plays to the lowest of mankind.
Maybe this is what Hillary was waiting for. Did she know it was being written?
No Jack, he`s already been swift boated.....
If only America would wake up, we would`nt have to ask stupid questions about swift boaters...
This type of thing has and can affect an election and ruin a career.
Is there no legal remedy for this type of lies and slander? If not, there should be.
Jack,
Mr. Obama relishes in Chicago style Politics. The rest of us do not. With the kind lack of examination coupled with an oozing bias towards him, he will have an uphill battle when Mr. Mcain begins to disrob him.
Bill Clinton said it best, "it's a long and hard fall" when this happens.
Jack, I dare you to tell your following about Mr. McCains daughter and her blog site, it is truly an amazing place where any voter can draw their own conclusions about how Mr. McCain has been doing thrughout the country.
Visit McCainblogette.com
Dare you to print it.
Certainly, the real question can any of these accusations be shown to have credance. If they don't then file under political bovine scatology. If they do have substance then it better be before the end of the month in Denver before the corination.......
Can't be done! Why, a lot of reasons! First, there is no religious group here to pander to on the matter of "swift boating" as there was in the Bush and Kerry election! Second, those things such as the Wright Matter have waned and cannot be held to a greater concern, it doesn't hold water. Third, Corsi's information is not new, again, the things that were tried before, but didn't work! They will try to toss these things as much as possible and as quickly as possible to render a republican victory. Essentially, the things which worked for Bush(aka, by way of Rove) cannot work now. The Christian Coalition isn't a large factor! Bush may be a contrarian but Obama isn't! Staying above the fray does work and doesn't provide material for counter arguments. We all want to know, witness Edwards ordeal but there isn't anything here but old material. Move along, move along!
There may have been some truth to the single Kerry ‘swift boat’ story but, now, an entire book?? Sounds like one of those bullies who shouts one comment that gets everyone’s attention, then rambles on, louder and louder, with a bunch of nonsense, as everyone walks away. How has this country descended to the point that someone can publish a book full of lies, or spread vicious slander over the radio or the internet, without any responsibility? I would LOVE to see a libel lawsuit against Mr. Corsi, his editor, publisher and any other responsible entity. Sue for the entire profits from the book, possibly more, with the full proceeds going to charity – how about the families of military personnel killed and maimed by the unnecessary Iraq war. That’s a change, and a message, we could believe in.
Yep. But the problem is that the media should have been vetting Obama all along and failed the public. So, this is will do the medias job – just a bit too late.
I hope we all learned something from the swiftboating of John Kerry by the Republican right wing – if not, we are doomed to another 4 years of Bush tactics – I get emails from relatives in Red states all the time and the crap they are buying from rumors would be laughable if it wouldn't effect the next election – I guess you give some people bumber stickers or slogans that stick in their minds like an in- escapable tune and they figure they don't have to think anymore cause its just to hard. Dickens was right, man-kind will be doomed by ignorance and want.
I personally don't believe that this moron's book sunk Kerry, it was more about Kerry's message (or lack thereof) and his personal appeal (or lack thereof). Given the direction the counrty has gone in over the last four years and the problems we face today because of Bush, we can hope that a lot more people will actually think their way through this election rather than being influenced by this kind of nonsense.
Obama needs to be a little more vigilant of this kind of thing--this book is already a bestseller, and I'm sure it is'nt only Republicans buying it-independents are being swayed by this too...if Obama makes the same mistake Kerry made (the "ignore it and it will go away" trap) Obama is risking losing even more votes.....not to mention all the angry Hillary supporters he's lost who feel snubbed and talked down-to by both Obama and all his supporters (especially you, Jack).
John Framinghamt MA
Who cares!
Hillary is now up for vote at the convention! Thank God! We need an alternative to the good for nothing men in Democratic politics!
Hillary '08!!!!!!
What does one expect? The republicans can't win on good ideas – they have their special interest base to protect. So, out comes the fecal matter just in time for the election.
Aim high!
Hopefully the American people are beyond that level of stupidity by now. I realize many are not and never will be, but maybe the majority are. I recognize sleaze and slime when I see and hear it. That is why I never ever watch Faux News.
The question is not can he, but merely, will the people allow this book of "abominations" to succeed as a mortal weapon towards the Diplomatic candidate. So much has been done to crucify Obama that you would think he was the Christ himself. Obama knows that these onslaughts are far from over. The things people will do to kill the spirit of one. What an American dream.
People are either going to vote for you or not for whatever reasons
Some people just have too much time on hand to do nothing;;;;;;;
Why not? Americans love "bad" news about other people. Bad news sells the ad space in print media and commercial time on TV and radio. We are shown 29 minutes of murder, mayhem, and scandals and the last minute of the news show, or the last page of the last section of the paper might have that "feel good" story. Nothing new here and it ain't gonna change.
Not this time!!!!
Obama/Biden, 08
Jack,
Yes it's possible to sink two Democrats in a row. From what's been observed so far in this election, it seems that many people are ready to jump on any negative aspect of a candidate whether it's true or not. I don't understand why Americans are so willing to take the negative viewpoint but it seems to be a cancer growing within our democracy.
Hey Jack,
Never underestimate the ignorance of the average person.
Jerome Corsi is among the lowest form of human life, he is a bottom feeder that disguises rumor and innuendo in order to make a living. I respect crack dealers more at least they do not try and pass off their merchandise as something that it is not.
He does not care of the damage that he causes, and I'm not talking about to the subject of his "writings" but to the general population who is not smart enough to know better.
Do me a favor Jack, use your influence and give this guy what he deserves... obscurity.
Let him preach his hate to his own and have no influence on the rest of the population that is looking to you, the critical media, to give them well researched facts.
Peace.
He can try, but he won't win on this one. The book has already been debunked before it hit the shelf. People are now wise to the right wing wing nuts. There will be a few who read and believe, but that is because before thay read this ridiculous and abhorant book, the most reading they did was Beetle Bailey in the funny papers!
Well Jack,
I don't think it will work this time. America is in far worst shape now then we were in 2000 and 2004. America and the world simply can not afford a 3rd Bush term.
.
If he sinks 2 Democrats in a row then America is sunk as well. Land of the naive, home of the knaves.
Jack,
It was always said that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones but in Mr. Corsi's situation: people in swift boating should learn how to swim!!!
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!
If we as a nation are dumb enough to fall for this idiotic nonsense twice, then we deserve to be stuck with another clueless Republican for the next 4 years.
Jack, we don't need to worry about any books. Worry about Russia. United States, we better make sure we get the wright person in the White House. We got problems on our hands.
No Jack! Mr Jerome Corsi does not have any credibility. Moreover, annonymous sources have indicated that his PHD thesis was a Plagiarism and that his always wearing the confederate flag pin is a good sign of his affiliations..!
He couldn't even explain to Larry King why he lied previously regarding Kerry, he only said that he has appologized! So now he want again to tell bunch of lies, sell books, make lots of money and appologize, what an idiot, who thinks by flashing in front of his book with PhD after his name it will automatically legitimize all crap he has written about Obama. He could not even differentiate between a hear say and documented established fact and he calls himself a person with advanced degree? Give me a break!
I think it's too late to do that now. If it was released when he first won the election, maybe.. but now there are so many websites out there that are just made to debunk the lies that I don't think he has a chance. either way Obama will be president so people need to get over it.
If the media keeps giving press and credibility to this crackpot, maybe: also if the media keeps fixating on everything Obama does or has said about him and continues to give McCain a free ride, maybe.
What happened to the survey that McCain hasn't been getting enough press, Jack?? CNN reported it over and over and yet every day it's the Clintons, Edwards, Obama while the other candidate is saying in "the 21st Century nations don't invade other nations". The press' fixation with Obama will probably do him more harm than any book!!
Jack, your right.. "It is getting ugly out there".. Why cant we have an election based on ideas?? After years of this mess don't we Americans deserve it...
Ann
Memphis, TN
Unfortunately the answer is yes because there are still too many ignorant people living in America. Too many people that embrace ignorance and find it easuer to live their lives blind then to open their eyes and see the truth.
These republicans and conservatives act as if they are above the law, above the truth and above the people. They are masters of deception and carry out their lies openly and many believe them and follow them. Why do they embrace this life of hate, lies, and fear? I am not really sure why.
No, Because people are a lot smarter this time around and won't believe Jerome Corsi's nonsense. We as a nation need a leader who will give us hope and fix the problems of this country. People like Corsi, Rove and their ilk do is attack Obama when they themselves don't have any real solutions. Jack, I wonder if the Republicans have any real interest or ideas for fixing the economy or making healthcare more affordable for the average American instead of their same old tired tactics of blaming Democrats for their shortcomings.
Swift Boat was not the major reason why Kerry lost. President Bush's approval rate was around 50% at that time. That pointed out a close election and it indeed was a close election. If Kerry won a couple of hundred thousand more votes in Ohio, he would be the President. If President Bush's approval rate at that time was 30% like now, there was no way Kerry would lose.
Swift Boat had an effect. But it was not decisive. Most of the voters who voted against Kerry because of Swift Boat would vote for Bush anyway.
Well, you know, he had to publish the book very quickly. There's no time for things like fact-checking when you have deadlines to meet.
I sure hope no one with half a brain will believe anything writen by this bigot. The title of this book alone tells me he's biassed and a racist. But the ultra right "Lunatic" fringe wants to hear and believe anything that's anti-Obama and will believe it. Of course, they would have never voted for him in the first place.
Jack
I really dont think anything that comes out of this will prevent Barack Obama from the White House. If the grand old party had a younger and more vibriant canidate it could possibly make a difference. Its all about a changing of the gaurd in this one .
People believe a lie if it tells them what they want to hear. This is a fact about human nature which has been understood by tyrants and propagandists throughout human history. The Republicans do not want to lose power, and they will say and do anything to keep that power.
Jack–This is so crazy that the Republicans come up with these crazy tin foil hat books every four years and right-wing nuts buy and believe the stupid nonsense. Luckily, there are some smart people out there who know the score that these jokers are trying to scare us into voting against our own interests. These are decent hardworking people–like you and me–only I am not so sure about you!!!
The Author has nothing to do with it. Nobody really reads these things. In a few weeks, the books will be on the mark-down shelf selling for $1.95. The swift boat attacks are only effective if the media plays into the narrative. Since we are talking about this today, I guess that answers your question.
There is a recourse for Obama if he feels his good name has been tarnished by this... just ask John Edwards what it is. It's called a lawsuit. Edwards knows all about them. All Obama (and Edwards) have to do is slap a suit on the author and let the court system sort it out.
But neither seems to be doing that, even though both of them are saying that others are lying about them. And why do you think it is that we're presented a scenario where "the dog didn't bark?" Could it be that in a court case, they'd both be shown as the frauds they truly are?
Most definitely, the American people are the stupidest group of individuals ever, this will definitely work.
no jack , we the people have had enough . this time we will put the best person for the job in the white house , and Barack Obama will unravel the mess the bush administration has made.
Only if Americans allow this pathetic writer to direct our course in this historic election. Yesterday, I watch him trying to defend his previous write ups, including deragatory remarks about Catholic and others. He said he already apologized for those comments.
Its certain the guy is a right wing conspirator who is more deadly than Karl Rove. Certainly all his claims are hear says and very questionable. I know many people still prefers to buy lies but certainly all Americans should be able to see through his latest antic which is aims at giving Bush and McCain four more years of the same.
We won’t fall for this this time.
Like the music group WHO said "we won't be fooled again!"
obama seems to be a lot more politically savvy than Kerry was. I have a feeling he has a response plan all ready to go.
I have read that 17% of Americans believe Joan of Arc is Noah's wife. Of course you can be fooled again.
He didn't attach Kerry in 2004. He published accounts from soldiers who served with Kerry in Vietnam. The truth sank Kerry.
His current porject also reports the truth about Obama. If the truth sinks a candidate (any candidate), it is probably a good thing.
Because of the nature of this race it is going to be very close. The swiftboater's are going to do what they do. You just have to fight back hard and fast. But what do I know I thought the democrats were stupid for not going with John Edwards.
Kerry has been there and done that. He knows what he should have done. Hopefully the Obama campaign will take his advice. Can't this sleaze bag (Corsi) be sued? It just amazes me the ca ca people will believe.
This is a lose lose situation for Obama. If he answers it he risks giving it credibility and will waste time on it that could be better used to put his message out. The answer is, if the Republicans want to use this tactic then the Democrate need to Swift Boat McCain. Fight fire with fire, it will at least level out the playing field.
All opinions and implications, and zero facts. Republicans hired-hands business as usual. The Republican politicians are fine, but the kind of people they use and employ are dispicable.
They can try, but I hope the American public has wised up in the last four years. It's disgusting to have these liars peddle their garbage as though it were truth. I'm hoping the Obama supportuers will not hesitate to shed light on the lies by these troublemakers.
Jim
Boise, ID
Sure, he could sink two Democrats in a row, but he'll have to wait until after Obama runs. Whether you like Obama or not, it's obvious he's running an effective and smart campaign. He defeated the Clintons when they used the same tactics, I'm sure he can handle this clown. In the end all this book will do is provide Obama and opportunity to disprove his biggest perceived weakness: that he's too inexperienced to handle adversity.
JAck,
Two words JOHN KERRY !!
Yes, it can occur again. I agree with an earlier poster that Obama has a lot of baggage. However, we should know everything about a presidential candidate BEFORE he takes office. If Hillary Clinton were the presumptive Democratic nominee, you know there would new books about her record. The bright spot for Obama is there is no possible way he could have as much baggage/sleaze as do the Clintons.
I doubt it; but never under estimate the gullibility of Americans, especially if it relieves their anxiety about voting for a "black" man!
I was for John McCain before I was against him.
Jack, can people just play fair, I would suggest that those guys take there OLD BUTTS some where and find a real job before someone start looking in there closets.
Jack, if this book sinks a second Democratic nominee, it will speak volumes about who we, as Americans say that we are, and what we as Americans act as if we are. How can the whole world, whose eyes are upon us, hear what we say for looking at what we do.
Absolutely he can. When we choose to be ignorant, it's easy to fool most of the people most of the time. Too many Americans can't think for themselves long enough to even try to discern the truth - and they don't care. If the truth really mattered, Rush Limbaugh wouldn't be making $400 million and Bush and Cheney would have long ago been impeached, removed from office, and deposited at The Hague. Truth? Please. It's a casualty of political war.
Going by past success, Mr Corsi may well be a threat. He has already shown that US voters can be made to believe just about anything. Isn't it strange that candidates have a hard time convincing voters on real issues and, then, in comes a muck-raker and sways more idiots with outright lies?
The 'legitimate' media should make sure the electorate realize just how ridiculous Corsi's claims are. If he succeeds this time, I think the Press and TV media will have to take a great deal of the blame for destroying democracy in the USA. My admiration for some political pundits has already diminished because they have not spoken out against lies and distortion.
The new book will not sink Obama; Obama's campaign will run aground because he has so little substance and changes directions more often than the wind.
If is't fact, I hope so
No, all his oponent has for an asset is negativety and cue cards. The Democrats must continue showing MCCain's voting record, volitile outburst in the Senate, the disrespectful way he spoke of his wife and his constant blunders in the media-then every time a lie is put out by the Republicans and the toadies, expose it and then start some insidious rumor about McCain. Fire with fire-it's what the people seem to want and what they understand.
It won't sink two in a row Jack, Corsi's negative thought provoking book does nothing but make him look like a skeptical right wing blubber, He should be ashamed of himself. best seller right, all purchased by the right wing groups who want to fluff and inflate this book, it won't work this time. Note to Corsi: America is smarter than that.
I do not think these sort of smear campaigns will work now. I believe, a more informed voter via the reliable internet resources will get the right information. I may be a few of the older generation or people who just do not like Obama will believe this junk. Same goes for McCain. In this 24/7 internet world and with reliable sites, it is very easy to check on what each candidate stands for, what they have said etc.
Can't sink a ship that isn't vulnerable. But then, who isn't? The difference being, whether the vulnerability is a true and relevant weakness or a contrivance of the media and pedestrian "I don't care for that" b/s.
Dear Jack
It no longer matters.
Neither candidate for either party is telling the American people what we want to hear.
Neither is saying we are going to outlaw lobbying. Neither is saying they are going to outlaw outsourcing of American Jobs nor are they saying they are going to bring our jobs home, by the way we hit the 200 Billon dollar mark in outsourced jobs.,Neither is saying they are going to redue all trade agreements.
Until this happens, all candidates are unworthy of holding the office of president and are not representing the American People.
God help us all
Obama has said earlier that the voice of the cynics will only grow louder and more dissonant. These are just a few of what we are going to witness this election season.
Obama was made in and for America so no one fool or a group of them can do anything to stop his presidency.
I'll be laughing so hard when Obama takes the stage to give his inauguration speeach in Janury 2009. I'll be laughing at these cynics, the PUMAs and the entire McCain crew!
The people that want to believe the drama will believe it. Obama could use this as an opportunity to sue the author for slander, then Obama could use the money to help pay Clintons campaign debt. I wouldn’t want to be to optimistic about a lawsuit though because lying is a precedent in this day and age, thanks to the rotten Bush administration.
The only reason this book is debuting at #1 is because it is being bought up in bulk by right wing groups and contributors to artificially give it legitamacy. The only way it will sink the campaign is if the false acusations are repeated and go unchecked by the mainsteam media.
(i forgot to include my location)
Fall River, Ma.
Even though Kerry was a Yale Bonesman and has the wealth and privilege that stinks for America politics, he would have avoided much of the misery Bush has dumped on us. I doubt the type of credibility that Corsi brings will do much this time. If an author came out to display McCain as a 'Manchurian Candidate' do you think the right would run scared? I doubt it.
You say people don't make the same mistake twice, ha. Look, they voted for Bush twice. What a joke.
If you know anything about the Obama Swift Boat, you surely can sink it, it has too many holes in the turth.
Jack,
If this new book sinks Sen. Obama, then I think I'm gonna pack my bags and look for another country to call home. Maybe we should just ask Mr. Corsi who he wants to be president, since he wields so much power. I gon't get it Jack, have we become a nation of total idiots?
Duane from Fort Worth Texas
Yes! If the same number of fools who voted for George Bush the second time, have access to the book, their three teeth, and their personel photos of themself with Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, also have access to a voting booth in November.
Very possible that these sleeze authors can sink Obama, so must be vigilant in responding to all their lies.
Note about the convention: Hillary's name going on the ballot is a trick to steal the nomination from Obama. I advise Obama to pay very specific attention to the details to be sure he does not get taken out.
Jack, Obama has one important bit of ammunition in his arsenal to fight the tide of "swiftboating," one that Kerry never had: Charisma. Obama is loaded for bear with the stuff and, because of it, McCain and his ilk are running scared. McCain supporters are fighting dirty because that's the only weaponry they have. Sad, sad little scared rabbits ... run, rabbit, run!
No it won't sink Obama, even though Obama does not want to sink to that level in the end he will have to. Believe me, the DNC will use swift boat tactics against McCain and the GOP. The difference though will be that most of the ammo the DNC will use will all be true.
I hate to tell you Jack, but it was not the swift boating alone that "sank" John Kerry. His liberalism, his perceived elitism, and his shifting stances on many issues were his downfall. Even as a staunch Republican, I thought the attacks on his heroic Vietnam service were disgusting, and if similar, unfounded, smear-type claims against Senator Obama are made in this current book, they should be denounced by all sides. However, Mr. Obama's campaign will likely fail because of many of the same issues that plagued Senator Kerry, including, but not limited to: liberalism, perceived elitism, and shifting (or non-existent) stances.
Jack:
If the media does not do its job in not only thoroughly questioning Obama's past but demanding answers to it, then let someone else run with it.
Karl in Quakertown PA
Jack, even yesterday when I first heard of this book on The Situation Room, Corsi was identified as someone who plays fast and loose with the facts. And there was concern that the real damage to Obama would not come from the book itself, but from the undue media attention. And here it is, the very next day, you folks are still talking about him and his slanderous book. Do Obama and everyone else in the country a favor, will you?: Stop giving this bum Corsi any more free publicity; let the GOP do that.
I don't think so. I believe that Americans are a much more informed voter than in 2004. I do think that this book will help people convince themselves that they are not racists when they know deep down inside that they are not voting for Obama simply because he is black.
Let's hope Americans are not going to fall for another round of unsubstantiated attacks on the Democratic nominee. What a sad commentary on the state of affairs here in the good old USA. Are we better off having George Bush as our president than we might have been had Kerry won the election? – how much does this author care about this country when his only aim is to defeat the Democrat ?
I would think anyone swayed by this nut the first time is feeling a little foolish now so I bet this will backfire.
Jack,
Only if the purchasing demographic does not include those who cling to their guns and religion because they've arleady been alienated by Obama.
JR
Las Vegas
Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice shame on us. Its time for swiftboating to sail away.
I hope not...However there seem to be a lot of people in this Country who believe anything they read or anything they are told whether it's true or not. Want proof? Bush was voted to a 2nd term. Scary.
He can try all he wants, Jack, but I don't think past drug use is a big deal to Americans. Look at who we elected twice this decade.
"We don't know who Obama is?" Duh. Obama's own autobiography has been out for years. He's not a secret, he's pretty darned impressive. But, this new slander and libel filled work comes out and it's on the front table of a book store I visited today! Whatever happened to publishing ethics and fact checking! Shame on them.
"The Obama Nation" is #1 on the best seller list. Even the "unsinkable" Titanic sank. You can't run from the truth, and you can't run from your past. It will always be there waiting to drown you.
Sure he can. It's obvious this country is made of mostly fools who believe everything they hear. And in this case, they'll believe it because they want to believe it (too many bigots in this country). People would rather have continued war and continued oil dependency than have a black man for president. McCain is a war monger who is bought and paid for by the oil industry. Under him, nothing will change; this country will continue to go down the tubes.
As unfortunate as it may sound, the American population is very gullible. The fact that it is #1 on the Best Seller's List may seriously affect the election. Although the information is CLEARLY not true, the smears may harm the Obama campaign, and for that I am ashamed of our mindset and suspicious attitudes to those who want to help us. Two Democrats in a row, possibly; but let's hope that if Obama loses the election, it will be because of the issues and not a flurry of smears from conservatives.
–Jeff from Los Angeles, California
God help us as a society if we haven't learned anything from the fringe campaign tatics of the last two elections. The reactions this book generates plays well regional demographics of the people who eat this stuff up. The media will play up the loud reactions of these people, instead of promoting the cooler truth of the middle ground reality. Sensationalism at its best.
Jack, In my opinion the book will probably draw some votes away from Sen. Obama but I also think that after eight years of "dummy" and his band of crooks the American people, as the Who sang, won't get fooled again.
This swift boat book should be thrown out to sea along with the author. I can't believe all the smut that has been coming out lately. The false ads by John McCain, some guy praying for rain on the day Obama gives his main speech and now this book. I can't wait for the debates so that we can see these candidates side by side and their solutions for the many problems this country faces.
Joyce
Michigan
Jack, the swift boat author only wrote the book. The cable news networks were the ones that legitimized the lies by giving them 24 hour coverage about Senator Kerry. Not once did anyone just call them liars and demand that President Bush condemn such tactics. Now we will see if Senator Obama gets the same treatment by the media.
Corsi's book will be a weapon of fear if the Democratic National Committee and other "Democratic statesmen" like Bill Clinton allow it to – this is a time for the party to step up and demonstrate Obama is not alone in combating this malicious gossip.
Kathleen Davis, Royersford, PA
They say once beaten, twice shy. Americans have fallen for the same con twice already, bet you jack, they might fall all over again.Losers if they do.
I am' Jack Caffery. And everybody else is wrong but me....
Of course! And it probably will. The crap that gets reported as fact from the right-wing media , which is pretty much ALL of the major media outlets -includeing CNN, combined with the stupidity of the maxed-out 'Murikan sheeple and Diebold election machines will without a doubt produce a McBush presidency.
Just how many of "you people" have read the book? OMG, none of you? Gee, if book-burning were in order I'm sure that would be starting. You fail to realize Kerry has not been able to substantiate anything against the Vietnam Vets claim about his wartime activites. We've been waiting but, alas, he doesn't have any proof that the Vets were lying.....it just happens to be fact cause they were there.
Not only was he lying about throwing his medals away, but he spent the next few years testifying again his fellow soldiers --- that he cannot deny.
I certainly hope not, Jack. Please- just keep pointing out the lies that are in this book, -If the American people would just listen once in awhile, this kind of trash would go where it belongs – in the trash can.
I never under-estimate the gullibility of the American electorate.
They are easily led. These folks get e-mails full of lies, claim that snopes verified it, and don't even fact check it for themselves.
They are lazy and sheep-like.
So yes I can see this being effective. I am glad Obama is fighting back. I think he should, but I never under-estimate the sheer stupidity of my Fellow Americans.
And when McSame is elected, and he guts their healthcare and guts Social Security, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
I hold this guy's books in about the same regard as those magazines in the check out lines at the super market. Someone just wants to make money and sway some dumb people. I really hope someone digs up some dirt on Corsi and writes a book about him. Maybe make up a story about how his mommy used to dress him up like a girl and parade him around the neighborhood or another lie.
the only people who are not voting for Obama are racist, nuff said
why is this race so close, you got MCcain who sounds like he is senile,old ,warmonger,and is very forgetful.
This race should not be enen close .I think alot of American's need to look at themselves truly.
As a comon lower middleclass Irish American that knows first hand how the average American thinks and the answer is yes. You would not believe the crap average Americans are believing and it all coming from right-wing propagandist on Fox and radio. Every day I hear something stupid about Obama and the person saying believes ever word of it, because they heard it from some right-wing propagandist. Enough Americans aren't smart enough to tell truth from fiction, just look at the last election and lies people belived about Kerry. These propagandist are nothing more than con artist that are ruining this nation to fatten their off shore accounts. They are all unAmerican traitors and should be dealt with as such.
I feel so uncomfortable as an American. If our candidates lose an election based off of someone's opinions and lies, we are in deep dodo. What is going on with our country? Joh McCain thrives off of war. He is so happy that Russia attacked Georgia. We better wake up Americans!!! The days of the "Friendlys" are over. We need youthfulness and a new perspective in Washington.
I wish we had another candidate other than McCain then maybe I would pick that person over Obama. But I would never vote for someone like McCain. I've had enough of the old guard.
I feel like I would do my country an injustice. Wake UP Americans!