McCain’s attack ads changing your opinion?
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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Barack Obama is losing his lead over John McCain according to the latest polls. It is hardly an encouraging sign if your poll numbers are going down during the week you accept your party's nomination.
The latest CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows Barack Obama in a dead heat with Republican John McCain. 47 percent of registered voters like Obama, and 47 percent like McCain. And this poll was conducted AFTER Obama announced Senator Joe Biden as his pick for Vice President.
The Obama campaign had hoped for a bounce from that announcement. No such luck. And so far it doesn't appear the Democratic National Convention is moving the needle either. For one day this week McCain actually topped Obama by two points in the Gallup Daily Tracking Poll. Today Obama is back up by one. Last month, Obama had a 7-point lead in CNN's poll.
Maybe those negative ads are working. Painting Barack Obama as an out-of-touch celebrity, grabbing headlines like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears or "The One" parting the Red Sea like Charlton Heston's Moses. Now, the McCain ads are using Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton's own words in commercials AGAINST Obama.
Remember that Clinton ad: "It's 3 a.m. and your children are safe and asleep. Who do you want answering the phone?" The McCain campaign is re-running a version of it in key battleground states with the announcer saying at the end, "Hillary was right."
Here’s my question to you: Have John McCain's attack ads changed your opinion of Barack Obama?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
no.. but it helps form a negative opinion of McCain...
It has reinforced my opinion of Obama for the better. Obama sounds like a sane and reasonable man who doesn't have to get into a 5th grade level hissy fit (that will be Biden's job! : ) ).
It has 180-ed my opinion of John McCain. Two years ago, I really liked John McCain, regardless of a few of his wrong-headed positions. Now I see what is going on with him and I don't care if I ever see or hear from him again. He is a desperate child trying to avenge inner demons at the tax payers' expense. We can't allow that to come to fruition.
No, I thought from the beginning that he was inexperienced and an empty suit. That being said, I would vote for McCain when ducks start eating foie gras. It's pathetic with over 300 million Americans that we come up with these guys for presidential candidates.
Wildwood Crest, NJ
Not at all. They remind me of Hilliary's ads during the primaries and are as insulting to my intelligence. If attack ads work, it reflects the mentality of our voting populous.
They have changed my opinion of McCain. I'm from Arizona and I know Sen, McCain. His attacks ads show a lack of character and integrity that have surprised me. This is not the Sen. McCain I know.
No, I have always felt from day that the perfect plan was to have Hillary for President and Obama being groomed as VP. That would have ensured a minimum of 16 years of Democratic control of the White House. The attack ads are old news so far as I am concerned.
No, they've only reinforced my opinion of John McCain.
Yes Jack, John McCain's ads have definitely shown me just how liberal Obama is as well as convincing me he's not ready to lead
NO, they are obviously manipulative distortions. They raise the question, is this all you've got? How about explaining how giving everything to big business and wealthy patricians helps any of us? What about a little healthcare? Any apologies forthcoming for all the lying and stealing, the no-bid contracts, the secret energy policy, the intentional delay in Katrina relief? Any regrets about the 56000 fake felons that were turned away from the polls in Florida in 2000 and 2002? How about using the judiciary as an election tool? I didn't think so. Just attack ads. Nothing more.
McCain attack ads? More like McCain truth ads.
There's plenty out there to talk about when it comes to the truth, McCain/Obama, Democrats/Republicans. I just don't think the American public is receptive to the truth. The two realist candidates in this election, Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich, were laughed off the stage. Every time each of these realists spoke it was followed by two drum beats and a symbol (Bad-dum-chish).
The question is do you think you can handle the truth?
McCain's ads only show us normal thinking just how desperate he must be , to have to resort to untruths and tackiness.
They're forming my opinion of Joh McCain being a grumpy old codger.
They haven't changed my opinion of Obama at all. But I'm rarely persuaded by distortions like claiming working with a former Weatherman makes Obama a terrorist. By that logic, having a Jewish co-worker makes me Jewish.
Jack,
Mccains attack ads do nothing but disgust me. It further
supports that the republicans have nothing to run on
but lies, distortions and switfboating.
Perhaps just as disturbing is the media constantly playing
his attack ads, free of charge.
He doesn't have to spend money on campaigning as the
the media does it for him.
Jack, when will this bias end?
We are so very fortunate to have you to bring back some
stabilization, but, unfortunately, you do not have enough
air time to REALLY make an impact.
Absolutely! I used to think mccain had a smidgen of honor, now I see he not only is dishonorable but desperate too.
Only of McCain.
Seattle Wa
It has actually changed my opinion of McCain. I hear people like Carville screaming at Dems to attack McCain and that is not happening. It appears that when McCain was given the same advice he took it! It proved he has the stuff it takes for a general election and as a Republican I was worried about him having the back bone to do what it takes to win. I know one thing for sure if Hillary was the nominee there is know doubt she would be firing back.
Ya, that we really need to elect Obama, because I've heard nothing, absolutely nothing of substance from McCain but complain that Obama is popular and constantly reminding us that was a POW, as if we should vote for him solely based on that. Obama's ads have been based on issues, not that he should be President because he's Black!
It does not matter that John McCain was in the armed forces. It still does not qualify him to be the expert on National Security. If you have not been President of the US before you Do Not Have Experience. We cannot expect to do business as usual and expect different results. I do not know if Obama has all the answers, but I do know that with the old republican mentality John McCain certainly does not. So in order for complete change and difference in the administration we have to put a Democrat back in the White House. We always have to clean up what the Republicans mess up.
The attack ads of McCain's have only meant one thing to me–he has no real solutions to America's problems and the only way he can campaign is to make up stuff on Obama and use the fear factor. People are much more concerned about the economy and their job situation than about terrorists coming to get us. McCain's ads are sickening.
Another thing I would like to say is how the evangelicals can be so much for McCain with his long history of cheating on his wife. This doesn't seem Christian to me.
I ignor political ads of any kind. I view them the same way as an ad for SUV's and pick-up trucks claiming best fuel mileage in their class. It's misleading at it core. 16 MPG vs 15 MPG isn't much difference . It's going to cost you and not get you very far.
No! How can a man who only claims upon questioning that is only answer is that he was a prisoner of war! Kind of sounds like the mayor of New York and his replies to reporters being 9/11, 9/11, and 9/11. With all his attack ads, McCain's lack of appropriate answers linger and points to McCain as an empty suit. Obama is a black man who has answers beyond the prisoner of war response which actually deal with issues. If a black man is elected president, it is because President Bush was so poor at what he was supposed to do which makes a black man palatable. And despite McCain's attack ads being negative which shows that is all he has which isn't much, I believe that voters will look beyond the man's skin color and race issues because this country is so badly run that a black man will get the nod to govern. If it takes a black man to save my country, so be it!
The only thing his attack ads do is show how little substance he has. So much for his running a campaign about the issues!
It is a reminder that McCain is wrong for this country. America has real problems to solve so McCain can engage in these dirty tactics while we gear up to vote for Obama in Nov.
No. They're reinforcing my opinion, my opinion that McCain is a weasel who will do anything or say anything to get elected. The GOP is owned and operated by corporate America and has to mislead the public about their pro-rich policies. Every election their strategy is hide their real plans and smear the other guy. And you hacks in the media eat it up. Lies, dirt, deception are the GOP campaign modus operandi. Anyone who buys into this garbage is a moron. cy gardner arlington va
They have indeed. Before the attacks, I thought McCain was a good man who I just happened to disagree with on some major issues. Unlike McCain I feel abortion should stay legal, thought we should have gone after the people responsible murdering 3000 Americans and not instead lose our focus and inflame the Muslim world by invading a contained Saddam who had nothing to do with it, and I thought giving tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy during wartime was completely irresponsible - but due to McCain's copying the playbook from Karl Rove and smearing Obama for the last two months, my opinion of McCain has changed a great deal. I now feel he will do and say anything to get elected.
No. Many have been degrading to John McCain in that he approved their use. It's changed my opinion about McCain. He's the one I've grown to distrust.
Barbara, Houston, Texas
The attack ads on Obama remind me of what we tell our children about the bully at school: "It's OK, he's just putting you down to make himself feel better. Johnny is just attacking you out of his own shortcomings and insecuritites." I hope if we ignore him (by voting for Obama) Johnny will just go away. He can ride off into the sunset in his elitist shoes.
-Nova in Chandler, AZ
McCain's attack ads only confirm my opinion of the Republican party as being out of touch with reality and pandering to bigotry and ignorance. Of course, that's how we got stuck with W, so maybe ignorance will be the end of the U.S. as we know it.
McCain's attack ads have certainly not changed my views about Obama. But they have sure changed my views about McGoldwater. He is a negative, crotchety old man who is way past his prime in politics. I am continually amazed that people actually think he is cognitively able to be President.
Watching an interview a few nights ago, the question was asked of McCain, "With 78% of the people wanting us to get out of Iraq immediately, what do you say to those people?" His answer? "Well, I believe they are wrong and I am going to do what I know is right." How's that for a President for the people?
Obama Biden 08/12
nope , i always thought obama was a wimpy, arrogant, know-nothing, with a resume so thin you couldn't start a fire with it, and really ugly friends.
No. It's only changed my opinion of John McCain. It's sad to say, but the John McCain of 2000, whom I supported, would not vote for the John McCain of 2008.
Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX
Yes - it is clear that McCain is not strong enough to even change his own party's sleazy ways let alone this nation's future. After the last 8 years Republicans should not be asking for 4 more years , they should be asking for forgiveness.
McCain seems like the kid who goes into a fight just swinging, never looking up, never never looking back - then, out of nowhere comes the uppercut! Bam! He stops; looks around; then realizes the fist that made contact was his own.
Leesburg, FL
Sure. I'm beginning to think Hillary was telling the truth about Obama. Maybe all the trash talking during her campagne against him is true. McCain is just letting Hillary tell his audience about Obama. How great is that?
Incidently, what happened to Obama's "change, new, etc" and giving the government back to the people? A 35 year congressional party-line hack is not exactly fresh, new, nor change. It looks like business as usual at the moment. Obama had me believing him for a while. I even read his book. Oh well, it makes the special interest thugs happy to remain employed.
I agree with the above posters...the only opinion of mine that they have changed is of McCain - for the worse. Mr. "Clean Campaign" McCain is showing his true colors, and they clash with red, white, and blue.
Not really, ...I'm more interested in what each candidate says THEY will do and most importantly – HOW they will accomplish that goal.
To date, there is lots of talk, promises and attacks from both sides, but no real clear explanations of HOW.
It's the same old, same old ho-hum!
kerry diehl
grosse ile, mi
Absolutely! He's gone from 2000's straight shooter to a serious head case. God help all males between the ages of 18-37 if he gets elected. The draft will be back and war with Russia will be a distinct possibility.
Not about Obama but it sure has about John Mccain. I used to think he was a principled, honorable man. Now I see that he is just another smearing, war and fear mongering, race baiting republican.What a shame.
No, they've only lowered my estimate of the McCain Intelligence Quotient.(which frankly-didn't have far to go) There is NO one who has been more reviled at one time or another by members of his own party than John McCain has.
A Democratic ad would be a veritable who's who in Republican politics–from George W. Bush, to Pat Robertson, Rush Limbaugh and his own Veep possibility–Mitt Romney.
And though these right wing blow hards–oops, I mean die hards– may have changed their tunes for November, the negative footage coming out of the Dems political arsenal will make the American voters head's spin.
It makes me angry to see American politics stoop so low!!! But unfortunitly; it seems to work for some! Shame on us!!!!!
Yes! They've made me even more confident that Obama is "the one" who is "ready to lead".
-Jaye
Bay Area, CA
No, the ads have not changed my opinion of Obama, I still won't vote for Obama and the McCain ads have nothing to do with my opinion.
Obama is just not ready to lead this country.
Rose
Az
Not at all. I predicted a year ago this would happen, and you "ain't seen nothing yet"! Did you think that somehow Obama would not be attacked by the Republican machine? Why?
Any Dem would be attacked. The trick was to nominate someone the ads just bounce harmlessly off of, i.e., someone without a ton of baggage as bait. But the Dems have succeeded in picking the nominee who is the most susceptible to all this that they could find! Great job, guys...
McCain's attack ads actually make me a stronger Obama Advocate. I see that Obama is Diplomatic, Possitive, a Uniter and has the good judgement that we need.
McCain's Campaign signals what a McCain Presidency would be.....more of the same. Samed fear and smear techniques....same lies, distortion and spin.
Obama/Biden '08
Yes, now I see that Obama is the superior candidate. The Republicans like to say that Obama has a "thin resume" as evidence that he is not ready to lead. In 25 plus years in the Senate, McCain has co-sponsored just one significant piece of legislation, McCain-Feingold, which he now tries to work around the loopholes. This is experience that we can believe in, my friends.
They haven't changed my opinion of Obama, but I sure have lost respect for McCain. I thought he was better than that, but he has apparently turned his campaign over to the Bush/Rove people and I think he will regret that move in the end.
No, Jack. The ads have not told me anything more about Obama than what I have learned from you and from your award-winning teams.
No – McCain is as dumb as a door. His stupid ads are a big turn-off to me. If I had any thoughts of him being a gentleman, they are gone now.
No the opposite the ads just seem so juvenille. As I recall Mitt Rommney had a lot of negative words abou McCain. I feel the repulicans are attacking Obama because its easier then acknowleding they have made mistakes, were all in a mess, and they would like a chance to redeem themselves. I would have a lot more respect for them if they just admitted the errors.
It just goes to show how desperate McCain is getting. Obama will still take the high road and Biden can take care of McCain!
Jack
Every time I see a John McCain attack ad it gives me the sense of how desperate John McCain and the RNC sound. There can't possibly be enough gullable people in the USA to elect this out of touch Senator and his fear mongering tactics over a promising political superstar like Barack Obama backed up with the support of Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton.
The DNC are loaded with top end talent and the American people that haven't figured that out yet will before November comes around. From an outsiders perspective the DNC is moving like a Cadillac vs. the RNC who are puttering along at the pace of a cheap Chevrolet.
No Jack, it didn't change my opinion. It only cemented the opinion I already had that McCain would say anything to become President. First he lies his teeth out about Obama's tax proposals, etc., then he brings up his POW background to excuse his own faults.
The only possible connection between being a POW and not remembering how many houses he has, would be that being a POW has affected his memory. Shouldn't Presidents be judged on whether they can remember what that Red Button is for?
Which brings up the point that he has never seen, the possibility of any war, that he didn't like. Where on earth does the media get the notion that he has ANY foreign Policy Experience? He lies and they swear to it. They are all more than willing to go to war with Russia or Iran? Or which ever country annoys this warmonger who wouldn't even sign the newest Veteran's bill, until it was finally made obvious that not doing so would surly cost him the Presidency.
Then, again with the all too willing help of the media, he lies about his fantastic record on Global Warming and the Environment. Yeah, he has a pretty fantastic record alright. Votes against every bill that comes up for either. His record is in the 20s. Obama's is in the 80s.
No Jack they have not but I fear far to many of my peers here in the middle class are not "considering the source" when they hear these ads and far to many believe "if it's on the radio it must be true".
I’d like to think that I am a whole lot smarter than to listen to an angry old man who can’t think for himself anymore and his lies. I’m an old man too, but at least my brain still works.
I don’t have much of an opinion on Obama, but all I need to know is that Obama is not Bush and is not McSame. I’d vote for Donald Duck given the choice my former Republican party has given me and has done to me over the last 8 years.
No and never will – he scares me and talk about don't trust him at all. He sends of the impression to me that he likes war.
The ads haven't changed my mind about Obama – I haven't made up my mind about Obama. But they have changed my mind about McCain. It was only a few months ago that I heard McCain saying that above all he wanted a civil campaign about the issues. What happened? I'm not surprised that the Republicans act as if the only way to win is to attack with innuendo and untruths and distortions. They have done that before. But I am surprised at McCain for jumping on that particular bandwagon with such enthusiasm; the 2000 McCain wouldn't have done it. In any case, a campaign only about the 'who' and never about the 'what' is a desparate campaign.
They sure have. They have given me a greater respect for Senator Obama who flatly refuses to lower himself to the level of Sen McCain, and Sen McCain was the first one to promise not to lower himself to these type of lying attack ads. So much for that idea.
My response is that McCain is showing himself as someone who needs to grow up before he is elected President. I have no confidence in a leader who behaves like he does.
actually it has changed my opinion of john mccain....mattituck, ny
The ads only want me to see Barack win. The democrates need to harp on McCain's vision of the economy.
I always liked John McCain and thought he was a maverick that would oppose anything he was legitimately against.
Unfortunately the attack ads McCain has launched have really lowered my opinion of him as a person and give a clear indication the "straight talk express" has turned in to the "all talk express".
I hate to say it but I'm starting to question just how sound John McCain's mind is at his advanced age as he sure comes across confused and appears to be living in the past without offering much hope for the future.
I am still waiting to hear what John McCain's policies and postions are but never see any other than drill here and drill now. Why doesn't the news media highlight his policies so people can make an accurate judgement if he comes close to representing their interests?
The GOP has complained that Obama is getting an unfair share of media attention for his campaign. Of course a campaign with significantly different policy objectives will get more attention than that of the status quo in that of McCain's campaign. McCain's attack ads are nothing more than grabbing at straws and a red herring designed to distract the American people away from the fact he has very little to offer in the way of change and promise from the current state of affairs. His attacks won't change my opinion, but sadly, there are likely to be many who will buy into the proverbial oceanside property in Arizona.
No Jack...they just reafirmed my opinion that the republicans have no class and think the american public is still stupid enough to believe all that stuff. Sadly, many Americans see their tactics as humorous. They're just like the bullies with nobodys tee heeing in the background praying that they're not next.
The McCain ads have not changed my vision of Obama at all. I believed from the beginning that he was a bunch of words and no experience, and my opinion hasn't changed an inkling. However, they don't make me want to vote for McCain either. McCain seems as though he'd run our country into the ground, but Obama can only lead us to grief.
Unbelievable, out of all the qualified people in America, we somehow come up with these two doofuses to try and lead us!
No, they simply reinforce my opinion of the party I used to be proud to claim as my own. Distort the facts. Lie. Make it ugly. All the while they ignore their own problems. Shout about how bad the other guy is and maybe nobody will notice how bad you are. And the Republicans are wondering why fewer and fewer people want to identify with their party.
Eight years ago I supported McCain. Now the more he talks the better Obama looks.
My opinion of either candidate has not changed due to the ads. McCain is a Republican so I expect nothing less. Obama's message is an end to divisive politics and putting reason back into the white house so I expect him to try and take the high road. What does suprise me is the voters falling for it without thinking about it. Take Ayers: Obama met him while Ayers was a professor-not while he was in the Weather Undersground. So one might argue that Ayers finally realized that the pen is mighter than the sword and that violence insn't the answer-then he met Obama. But of course that's too deep for some people-better to just believe the spin machine because it's easy-it does the thinking for you right?
Not about Obama. It only shows how shallow McCain is because if Hillary had won, McCain would have used the words of all the other candidates in the primary that are well known. When I saw McShame was quoted as calling Sen. Obama's children "brats", it shows exactly what kind of repugnant republican he is after deserting his crippled wife and children for a richer, svelter version. He is despicable!
I don't care what McCain says, he's a one trick pony. Defense, defense, defense. He apparently likes the idea of war, wanting to invade Iran, nevermind there are no forces to do so. No country has had a positive legacy from beating the drums of war. For someone who graduated 894th in a class of 899 at Annapolis you have to ask yourself if he attacked the 893 students who did better than him what fools voted for him in primaries? Apparently those who do not care about facts.
Yes John, I can now see that the republicans are afraid of this man, who they believe they have to attack so often. I have gained a greater respect for Obama as a threat to the Maverick John MCcain's campaign.
Wasn't it McCain who first stated he would wage a negative campaign? The same person who has abandoned all his previous positions? I remember not agreeing with his positions, but still having respect for him for being honest enough to stand for them regardless of the consequences. Nothing but contempt now. The ig question is how he will handle it if Obama or his 527s decide to attack on the issue of alzheimers symptoms? Say an ad with a split screen, McCain on one side and an Alzheimers suffererr on the other, comparing living in past memories, forgetfulness, confusion, etc.
No and neither does Obama attack ads change my opinion.
Nina Tyler
Maynard, Ar
Not at all. It has given me more insight into what a lying sleaze McCain is. Of course, it's the only way McCain can get FREE air time from you guys. Make lying, stupid, sleazy remarks about Obama and it's all over the news. Otherwise you people wouldn't even know he was running.
No ,my mind has not been changed between Obama and McCain.....these ads are just a reiteration how insecure McCain and GOP are. Where my mind has been changed is about Bill and Hilliary.I have a new respect for them which I lost in the primaries. As for the GOP and McCain are concern.... McCain has been bought off by the politicial lobbist and the diehard "leftwingers".They seem to do there voodoo to there everyone that they try too elect.
Jack:
Attack adds rarely influance my personal politics because usually when I check them for accuracy, they don't hold water. McCain is a
man that has very little understanding of middle class working men and women and their needs. Like most conservatives, he's against
using tax money for welfare for the poor and needy (nothing wrong with that outlook) but will use our tax money for corporate welfare and bail-outs or worse, giving it to other countries to gain friends through-out the world via bribery or gunboat diplomacy. I can't vote for a man like that.
Nick from Cutler, Wisconsin
McCain is no longer the maverick, but is the tool of the Republican Right-Wing, Christian Conservative, Moral Majority Party which loves smearing others.....but has no coherent plan for improving our country.
No,they have not changed my opinion of Obama,but they have changed my opinion of McCain. I thought he was a bigger man than this. I guess when McCain wants the presidency this bad McCain will sell his soul and reputation to the Devil. Barry Goldwater is turning over in his grave at seeing McCain besmirch and insult the state of Arizona.
It has not changed my mind on Obama one bit, but it has diminished what ever respect I had for McCain. McCain should just tattoo on his forehead, "I was a POW for 5-1/2 years". That should save him from verbally stating it everyday.
yeah. I'm surprised how these negative ads still play a majority role in politics, and how uneducated and informed he thinks about everyone of us.
unfortunately... many proved them right. many chose to be ignorant.
McCains attack ads have changed my opinion of John McCain. I didn't know he was so ambitious for the presidency to sacrifice his integrity.
June
Virginia
No, but they have reinforced my opinion of John McCain as being more of the same.
No Jack they don't changed my opinion. What else can the man do? he was beaten by Bush in 2000 , and this is the best the GOP has to offer us now. Tweedle Dum and now Tweedle Dummer. And believe me there are the conservatives that will still vote for him. A man that graduated the bottom 5 of his class instead of voting for the man that graduated at the top of his.
Political attack ads say more negative things about the person saying them than the target. In my opinion, over the past few elections, the Republican attack ads have had a worse track record for being truthful – and "approving a message" that then gets proven to be a lie is shameful.
No. The use of attack ads and especially some as juvenile as those presented by the McCain campaign just confirm that they have nothing better to offer and therefore should not be elevated to the highest office in the land. And frankly, Jack, would hire the same plumber to fix the bad job he did in the first place? The same mechanic that wrecked your car engine? I think not. So why would the American people re-hire the same management team that gave them the mismanaged Iraq war, the biggest deficit in history, millions of jobs lost to outsourcing. I hope not.
Because the Republicans have nothing of substance to offer voters, they feel that they must misrepresent and lie about anyone who opposes. Can you blame them? After all, it worked in 2004. This time, we must defeat the Republicans and put the swift boat machine out of business. Four more years of Bush/McCain and there may not be an America as we know it...
Meg
Troy, Ohio
Not at all, especially since most of the McCain attacks are flat out lies. However, I do have a much lower opinion of John McCain than I ever have. 8 years ago, he was a Republican that you could root for, now that he has thrown all that away in favor of Rove-ian politics and George Bush's policies; you can't help but think he's a Romney-esq politician who will betray his own heart for political gain at a moments notice.
The McCain ads have changed my opinion of him not Obama. This is not the John McCain of 2000. According to the lobbyists running his campaign McCain doesn't speak for the campaign, but he is still responsible for the content. His ads are all about character assassination and nothing of substance. The Paris Hilton ad made more sense than he does.
no.as a matter of fact i just signed a petition,today, to send to all major advertisers of media outlets, to stop advertising with stations, who air political ads ,based on lies and negative personal attacks. i have already stopped watching the convention on the major networks, and prefer to watch it on c-span, where there's not a bunch of 'talking heads' ruining it by spinning their bs.
[ sorry cnn, i cannot watch it on your staion either. i'll blog to jack, but that's it,for now.]
Makes you think McCain is running for president of his high school although he was probably not eligible because of his grades...
And you hope future candidates learn their lesson about what you should or should not say about other candidates of their own parties during the primary season.
Jack., quote, "McCain followed George W. Bush 95% of the time".
"He's not a maverick". He's a sidekick". unquote.
No, but it has reenforced my opinion of the vapid Republicans, who, unfortunately seem to draw the right-wing authoritarian personality types who believe whatever they're guru tells them to.
Jack, yes, anything the Republicans say I believe. Obama is an elitist with no leadership experience since he voted against the war in Iraq and is too intelligent and too skinny to assume the presidency. I'm joking, of course, but sadly, many Americans do believe the ads and actually think four more years of Bush policy is the way to go.
No, I haven't changed my opinion of Barack Obama. It has made me
more determined than ever to see him elected President. We don't
need a hatemongering liar like McCain in office. McCain was the
first one to say he would run a clean campaign but he already
broke his word so now he can't be trusted to be president.
Nope, I knew it all beforehand.
It has. I once thought that I could vote for the guy...but not anymore. I am really sick of divisive and hate filled politics. What makes me sad is to think that McCain believes the American voters might actually buy this stuff....after all look what the Swift Boaters did to Kerry. He actually believes that we will all start thinking that Obama is just like Brittany and Paris...and you know, he may be right.
The attack ads only remind me of what I dislike about McCain. He has nothing to make him a positive candidate and his ads are lame.
Yes. Each time McCain runs another of his idiotic ads, I become more convinced Barack Obama alone has the intelligence and vision to turn the country around. With no positive messages so far, it appears McCain can only lash out and attack. He has become the Barack-A-Bomber.
No I'm still voting for Senator Hillary Clinton
To win this Independent voter , it isn't enough to denegrade your opponent with attack ads, wrap yourself in the American flag, and insinuate that you have a monopoly on the best ideas for America. WIthout clear and concise language outlining those ideas delivered with a charismatic nature and good tone, I won't be listening, McCain. American can do better. As far as I can tell, Obama has far more charisma and character, and ideas that could very well chart a course for this country to brighter days, and he tends to deliver them with grace and good tone. McCain is still stuck on, "Obama would rather lose a war, than lose an election". Give me a break!
No, but I think the Obama campaign needs to go on the attack and hit the McCain campaign hard especially on economics and health care.
Jack, this has reinforced my opinion that John McCain has no plan for this country; constantly attacking Obama, while never saying what he will do.
McCain is being factual.
Obama is a good speaker, but lacks substance.
Obama in time might make a good VP, but not qualified now.
Jane Johnson
Las Vegas
In 2000 I supported John McCain. 6 months ago I no longer wanted him for President but still respected him for his service to the country. Now after his endless attack ads and "noun, verb,POW" schtick I have lost any and all respect for him personally. So while his attack ads haven't changed my opinion of Barak it most definetly has changed it towards McCain. For the Worse.
debbie
mesa arizona
McCain is counting on voters to be so jaded and negative from suffering 8 years under the Bush administration, that they'll only respond to negative ads. It is just completely wrong that this strategy is actually resonating with some people.
Jack,
Yes, the desparate disgusting behavior of John McCain has changed my opinion of the more restrained and temporate Barack Obama.
Hi Jack:
I think McCain is kidding himself if those attack ad's are going to work. My opinion of him sinks everytime I see one. In all veracity, going after Hilary's comments makes McCain look small.
Go Figure..
Ron San Diego
Nope. Each one reminds me more than the last that McCain's got nothing to say for himself. Heck, he had to use Obama's crowds in the ads because he doesn't have any of his own.
Boise, ID
Jack,
McCain's attack ads do have not changed my opinion of Barack Obama...they have cemented it. It has cemented my opinion that Obama is indeed the REAL candidate in this election. While the senator from Illinois has stayed above the scare tactics, hate-mongering and other juvenile foolishness, McCain and the extreme right wing hacks are only doing what they do best, and what they always resort to when they know that it is THEIR CANDIDATE that has no substance.
For all the right wing wackos who make the claim that Obama is an "empty suit" they are sure as hell stooping to alot of low, common tactics to try to undress him. Thing is, it won't work...not this time!!
NO! Taking a sentence out of the context we've already heard is dumb. Not only in Obama's speeches but also the words Hillary and Biden used when they were all competing against each other in the primaries.. Thank the powers that be that Obama has remained above such stupidity.
No more than Obama's attacks have changed my opinion of McCain. That is to say, I make up my own mind on the candidates and don't believe everything one of them says.
However, they do change someone's opinion, because they work. If either candidate refused to run attack ads, they'd lose and honestly, they'd deserve it for being a stupid politican.
Jack,
If McCain's attack ads are indeed having an effect on the electorate, and result in a McCain Presidency, than we Americans will get exactly what we deserve, four more years of lies and fear-mongering!
I wonder how many of the people who listen to these ads have taken the time to go on either candidates web sites to read about their tax or education plans, or their position on Universal Health Care or any other important issue?
I guess they would rather choose their President the same way they choose their toothpaste, or their shampoo.
Boy, are we in trouble!
It's only showing me how different I am from McCain..I have morals and don't like to be around negative people..certainly won't be voting for one!!!
For all the previous talk about him being an "honorable" man, all I see is a scared old man that has to constantly use "fear" tactics to gain a vote...he must have left his morals and values back at one of his 7 houses.....
Dee
Dallas
No, McCain's ads have not changed my opinion of Obama. But they have reinforced my opinion that McCain is not as honorable as he claims to be and that he is not capable of making his own decisions. Do we really want an old version of more of the same in the White House?
These attack ads are silly...funny but silly...
Let us look at the various Obama labels designed to pollute us voters...
He was too White for African-Americans; too Black to middle America, he's too Muslum to evangelicals, he's too inexperienced for the old guard, too much of an elitists for the bar brawler, too vague for the pundits and now he's a rock star, scheduled to pack a football arena with 75,000 supporters...
The McCain campaign is running out of material...Let's get back to the issues.
There must be something going on with the ads since the Democrats are afraid to do a full public roll call vote.
NO! But i shure do sleep a lot better at night, knowing he`s going to defeat "EVIL" for us. I just hope it doesn`t cost us another 10 TRILLION.
It's a pretty small mind that buys into a comment or statement taken out of context and spun in a direction it wasn't intended to go...second hand. Listen to the source of the original comment and decide what it means for yourself.
No, attack ads don't change my opinions. In the end it's just expensive gossip.
Absolutely not! It just futher solidifies my support for Obama. McCains type of negative ad's should have no place in this election.
Yes, they have increased my confidence in him. McCain has no substance and no ideals. He is basing his whole campagin on attacks. This just shows his fear that his competition is more powerful.
Steve,
Laguna Niguel
Whatever happenned to the man who said he would never run a negative campaign? It seems that his campaign is all about negative attacks. McCain has really turned me off in this presidential election. Go BaracK!!!!!!
McCain's ads are finally vetting Obama. Questions that were not addressed during the primaries are being asked now. Obama's camp is basically being forced to address these questions. don't forget this is politics, not a popularity contest.
After 8 years Of Bush only a fool will vote for Mcsame.GO OBAMA.
Ramon
Why is it that the Republicans always resort to the political practice of verbal assassination, using half-truths, distortions and outright lies or fabrications? Could it be that they suffer from an absence of ethics and substance upon which to build an actual platform to serve as a foundation for their party and positions?
Obama...Obama...i am a Hillary supporter and she moved me last night with a speech that made me even more confused to why she is not on the ticket! Obama's slogan is change, but know he's gonna deliver his acceptance speech in front of 70,000 people in a stadium built with a set from the Greek Empire! What...the Pepsi Center is too small, and i thought president Clinton was the one with the huge ego! Mr. Obama if you really believe and mean what you say you could have taken the millions it's costing to put on this show and done something great by donating the money to people who need it ! that would be a change! you could have backed up your words and taken action and made me a believer! I have seen enough these past two day's to know i will not give Obama my vote come this fall! I will judge the way he treated Hillary as to the way he will fight and defend women in this country...he is a snake in a new suite! have a great night and maybe you should wear a toga to the party!
No, but it sure reinforces my opinion of the Republican party. They always use the fear tactic to try to influence the American people because it's hard for them to relate to the middle class while trying to satisfy their corporate lobbyist buddies.
No Jack, McCain's attack ads have changed my opinion of John McCain. He promised a clean issue oriented campaign, but when confronted with a little adversity in the polls he flip-flopped like a salmon. If his words are meaningless, then why should we listen to him.
You can call them attack ads, but you can't dismiss the truth spoken in them. Barack Obama is arrogant in his thinking that he is ready to be the next President of the United States. A Hillary supporter said it last night in an interview on CNN best. She said you don't take a Harvard graduate and make him CEO of a company. She's right. Barack Obama needs to go back to the Senate and learn more about our government, about the people who sent him to the Senate, and how to be a good Senator before attempting to take on the Oval Office. Pretty speeches – a good President don't make.
It's not McCaines ads that have changed my views...it's Obama not making Hillary Clinton vic-President...
I'm a Black Woman who supports Obama, but it's truly sad how men are so afraid of strong smart women. Those two on the ticket would have the Democrats numbers soaring now.
It's disappointing how you Jack speak of Hillary....her intellegence and strength just blows you away to the point of even your speaking of her seems filled with envy.
This is an interesting race, and the display of the media makes it more circus like at times.
Not at all Jack! This is nothing new in an election year. Both candidates trashing each other all the way to super tuesday.
They don't with me because I know his policies are too much like George Bush's policies for me to ever vote for him. Mccain is even starting to run his campaign like George Bush. But when you have some people who believe such ads without checking out anything about the candidates who are running to be their next president, then you get a president like we had the last eight years.
Jack,
If anything, his attack ad has shown me what type of leader he(McCain) will be. Quick to jump into wrong solution like Bush did in the Iraq war.
Wichita, KS
No. Nothing McCain can say or do to change my allegiance to the Democratic Party. The People's Party. He is out of touch and has lost his everloving mind. He can try till the cows come home. I'm in it to win it for Obama/Biden '08. Fired up and ready to go.
They are undermining my likeness for John McCain. I thought he was better than that. Tell me how great you are, what you will do for the country. I can figure out for myself whats wrong with the other guy. Negative has been played out. Time to get positive or I'll stay home in November.
Dear Jack: Nope – it's changed my view of John McClone. Really didn't think ole Johnny Boy would stoop so low as to allow total mistruths to keep running in ads. But then, I never thought he would become bosom buddies with Karl Rove and George the Simple after how they treated him in 2000. Just goes to show ya – winning once again for the Republicans is more important than what's good for our country.
In a way they have changed my opinion of Sen. Obama. They have strengthened my resolve about voting a straight Democratic ticket in November and I will try to convince everyone I know to do the same. We cannot afford to continue this slide into oblivion with more of Bush/Reagan/Kemp economics. It is time to go back to the Clinton (Bill) economics and start trying to dig our way out of this mess that George Bush, Dick Cheney and their ilk have put us in.
John McCain ads have become increasingly more vicious and less informative. It seems to me that McCain has the best strategy to win the election, but the worst strategy to run this country... hmm sound familiar.
Mc Cains Attack Ads are very foolish and are not working for him. When you are down and out and he knows it..............you do everything in your power to smear the other candidate. Well, John McCain, we Americans can see through your smoke screen. You may fool some of the people some of the time, but not all the people all the time. We know how to use the internet, and I suggest you learn too!!
hi jack
only about McCain who said he wanted to run a different kind of politics,he had my vote until he ran the straight talk express in the ditch.just like not knowing how many homes he own what else is he not telling us.
clearwater,fl
Yes, I think the ads are extremely effective in raising more doubt about Obama's experience. I am a lifelong democrat and if McCain was not a republican, he would have my vote.
john mccain said that he would not go negative,and so did his wife we also heard obama say the same thing i think that is why he pick j.b. the only reason those adds are working is because many voters really don't do research they listen and just believe what they hear. that is why talk radio so famous, but only during the political season. no it does not change my mind...................
Jack, He has to run attack ads...He knows we already know his policies we have been living them for the last 7-8 years, doom and gloom!
No I just want them to be counterattacked.
No, they have changed my opinion of McCain. I used to respect John McCain and give consideration to his opinions. That respect and my willingness to listen has been lost with the negative attack ads. I guess if you don't have anything positive to say about yourself or your policies the answer is to launch negative attack ads.
They're not changing MY opinion but then I'm an Obama supporter. I do think they're working, which is just scary. If the American people are going to let the politics of fear work yet again, then we get what we deserve. Too bad the rest of us have to suffer because of the stupidity of others.
Jack, it's been a long time now since Mccain started unleashing his venomous ads. McCain is a very old Man, and He knows this is his last shot left. He is a desperate cranky man.
Why is it so hard to have a vigorous debate on the issues without campaigns turning to negative personal attacks? The McCain campaign should not make the mistake of evoking or cuddling up to Senator Clinton. They need to stake their case for Senator Mccain free of the baggage and negative appearances the Clinton's brought to the campign season. That way they win the White House on the issues they brought forward.
What else can he do when he has nothing of substance to say?
I wish both campains would just stick the issues . Attack ads turn off most voters in my opinion . What happened to both sides claiming to run on issues ???
Yea it has changed my mind; I think McCain is worse than I previously thought. He said in the beginning that he wanted to run an honest campaign but with all his attack ads that distort the truth I think less of him than I do of George Bush and that's not much!
No. It has not. But I believe those ads are effective reaching a lot of American knowing the general mindset. This is what republican machine would do. I said that a long time ago. Everyone said Obama can face it, and people choose him. Now the show has started. Lets see how Obama act. It is all interesting to watch.
– Nuwan from Houston, TX
It has changed my opion, that is my opinion of John McCain. I thought this was going to be a clean campaign about issues and the McCain campaign stoops to fearmongering and mudslinging. Once again we are stuck with a presidential campaign that can't seem to address the issues that have plagued the American People for the last 8 years. Why don't we just have a National American Idol television show and have it over with. We can call it the Next American President. I'm disgusted.
I think negative ads a for people who enjoy drama. I learned a long time ago that negativity breed negativity. It's sad to think people enjoy and earn a living do this kind of stuff. As far as changing my mind, no, negativity doesn't cause to sway. The truth is everyone has a little dirt.
No, most of us ALREADY know he is the most qualified to be President.
The ads only reinforce my own beliefs about Obama,that he is riding a spectacular wave of celebrity-ism into the White House. Nothing wrong with Obama doing that.Its up to McCain to effectively counter.I think his ads are doing that.
I like McCain, and I was hoping he would not stoop to do this type of advertising. Of course Obama's competitors are going to say negative things about him when they are running for office. They were trying to win by reducing him in stature.
Is it helping McCain? NO. Cut and pasting a few negative statements from competitors is a cheap way to make yourself seem better.
Jack,
Campaign ads are just that – campaign ads. Only ad executives take them seriously.
I'm waiting for the ad people to cloak Senator McCain as President Kennedy's true heir . . . Now there's a duel which would be fun to watch.
Brooke
No, But they have shown me that McCain has no intention of playing this as a clean campaign as he said he would.
Using Hillary's words to slander Obama is not only wrong but it represents Hillary in a way that she does not want. So to all of you Hillary people who say you will vote McCain do you really want this man who uses her words to point out a view that she does not believe.
NO WAY....NO HOW...NO McCain Jack, McCain ads reflect his short comings. NOBODY with a brain will vote for 4 more years of stupidity Sharon, CT
The ads haven't changed my opinion Jack, but I'm sure I don't speak for most of the voting public. 65 million of us voted for Bush, who clearly reflects America's collective intelligence. We're a pretty slow lot and it doesn't take too much to get us to support agendas or people that aren't in our best interest. We'll continue to get what we deserve, good or bad.
He is just continuing Hillary's message. We know Obama isn't prepared to be President but we will vote for him anyway because Obama is the lesser of two evils.
McCain is just saying what everyone is thinking!
Jack,
McCain said in his own book, the reason he ran for president is purely on ambition. While ambition can lead us to do amazing things, the truth is, it's an empty sort of motivation. In place of genuine beliefs, McCain will attempt to justify himself by trying to take down his opponent's reputation, it's all he has and frankly, his ads have confirmed this. McCain is running for McCain, not the people: that's what his ads tell me.
J.C. – El Paso, T.X.
Absolutely not ! The Hilary and McCain ads are insults to intellegent the voters. Seriuosly....who are they trying to fool???
McCain's comments have changed my mind about John McCain. He is not the person of honor that he used to be.
McCain's ads have shown me that he is not the honorable man that he touts himself to be.
I have always voted for the best qualified person for the presidency, regardless of the party. Obama's campaign selected Sen. Biden to compensate for Obama's lack of experience. Be reminded that the president is the decider, and your vote is for the president of the U.S.A.
A speech is composed of words full of promises, and fantasy that may never be accomplished. I don't live a world of dreams. I'm for real.
Don't be ignorant and believe what you want to hear. Believe in reality.
Raphael
Katy, TX
Jack,
Yes, the attack ads have changed my mind. I am now voting and campaigning for John McCain. I liked Hillary a whole lost and last night in her speech, she NEVER once said Obama would be a good leader. I think Mr. McCain's ads are driving home that point and are changing the minds of many, many voters to vote Republican this year.