Yes, I am not kidding. A few days ago McCain dropped a whopper: "I know how to win wars" Well, it's about to get topped. Remember a few days ago when it was reported that the NY Times rejected McCain's Iraq editorial in essence because it consisted of little more than attacks on Obama and very little about McCain's OWN vision for Iraq?
That really gets to the essence of McCain's problem in a nutshell: his entire campaign is based on slamming Obama, with a few minor policy ideas, and essentially no vision for what a McCain presidency would look like.
Case in point, take last night's interview on ABC News. Watch his response to a question about the Israeli/Palestinian issue and how he would resolve it:
In case there was any doubt, Europe and the world are desperate for an Obama presidency, according to a brand new Gallup poll:
Substantial majorities of citizens of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom say that they would like to see Democratic Sen. Barack Obama rather than Republican Sen. John McCain elected U.S. president, and also that it makes a difference to their country who is elected.
Starts off with opening remarks on his reflections of their trip to Afghanistan, Iraq. Says he’s "extremely impressed" by the troops there, reiterates that Afghanistan is the "central front" in the war on terrorism.
"There is security progress. Now we need a political solution. the message we heard from Iraq’s leaders is they’re ready to do more and they want to take more responsiblity for their country...I welcome the growing consensus in the United States and Iraq for a timeline."
Calls again for his 16-month withdrawal plan, refocus troops in Afghanistan.
This could be one of those unexpected events that forever changes the way the world perceives an issue. Iraq's Prime Minister agrees with Obama, and there's no wiggle room or fudge factor. This puts John McCain in an extremely precarious spot: what's left to argue? to argue against Maliki would be to predicate that Iraqi sovereignty at this point means nothing. Obviously, our national interests aren't equivalent to Iraq's, but... Malik isn't listening to the generals on the ground...but the "hasn't been to Iraq" line doesn't work here.
Realizing, of course, that Obama can't make political hay of this fact now that he's overseas, I really hope his team is preparing a full court press upon his return. Imagine Obama saying something as simple as this:
Mike Allen's Playbook on Politico had this tidbit from Prince of Darkness Novak today:
"After Sen. John McCain publicly repudiated his close friend and adviser Phil Gramm's comments about a ‘nation of whiners’ and a ‘mental recession,’ the two old political comrades patched up their relationship. Gramm apologized to McCain for his remarks ... McCain told Gramm not to worry about the expected pitfalls of a campaign surrogate. Gramm will continue as an adviser and surrogate."
Catch that, mainstream media? Phil Gramm of "mental recession" and "nation of whiners" fame is STILL advising John McCain.
The race is still close between John McCain and Barack Obama in the traditionally red state of North Carolina. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds McCain ahead 45% to 42% in the Tar Heel State. When "leaners" are included, McCain leads 48% to 45%.
This represents a statistically insignificant change from last poll, which had McCain up 2 points (note: Bush won the state in 2004 56-44). Some interesting cross-tabs show room for growth for Obama as well:
Obama camp just held a call this morning with Susan Rice and campaign spokesperson Robert Gibbs and unloaded on McCain's flip-flops and unsure footing when it came to Afghanistan:
Rice calls McCain’s Tuesday speech on Iraq and Afghanistan "surreal." "He has no credible plans for either conflict or their resolution."
This is just the beginning, they essentially went on to mock McCain mercilessly on his foreign policy assertions. McCain came back with a weak-kneed response (all of this below). THIS is what happens when you go on offense, Obama, please keep it up. Let's re-cap just what McCain said about Afghanistan:
Timed to coincide with Obama's big Iraq speech today, here comes a strong new ad that highlights his experience with curbing loose nuclear weapons:
"The single most important national security threat that we face... is nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists."
The ad is going to be broadcast in the same 18 battlegrounds he's been working so far, including Alaska, Georgia, and North Carolina. More below, including script and video:
I realize that what I write is going to generate flames, but I feel strongly compelled to write it: the liberal blogosphere, in sync with the Obama campaign, is starting to let a landslide victory slip through our fingers. Why? The whining. (note: this is not a FISA diary, nor is it just a meta-diary, since it involves the Obama campaign itself).
Those of you who know me know I'm a huge Obama fan dedicated to winning, so you know I'm not a concern troll. Still, I first started to think about this narrative when I read the following great quote from a TPM reader in response to the "Obama has flipped on Iraq" dust-up:
As usual, there will basically be two responses to this story - both favorable to McCain. The first will be the hoards of dutiful reporters parroting whatever interpretation McCain feeds them. The second will be the righteously indignant Obama defenders with all their nuanced facts decrying his innocence. So, what we get is a strong and offensive position versus a correct, but overly cerebral and defensive argument. Strategy versus tactics? Come on - the wingnuts must laugh their asses off every time they see this script play out.
The WSJ is reporting an underwhelming $30 million for Obama in June - more than McCain, but combined with lower fundraising totals for DNC, this means our candidate is in a hole.
June fund-raising for Sen. Obama appears to be falling below the expectations of some supporters. The campaign hasn't released its June numbers, but people close to the fund-raising operation say the total will likely be just over $30 million. While this isn't a poor showing, it is an underwhelming haul for a campaign that has ballooned in recent months, has promised a true, 50-state electioneering effort and has told its biggest fund-raisers that it wants to collect $300 million in general-election cash by mid-October.
Now we are understanding just why his advertising buys have been low. This is a highly troubling development. One caveat: it's unconfirmed and I'd love to be wrong, but all signs have been pointing to a low fundraising month (Rachel Maddow last night said a top fundraiser called the money race "slow").
Some breaking quotes via TPM...McCain's chief economic adviser, Phil Gramm (also vice chairman of UBS and the guy most expect to be McCain's Sec. of Treasury) in an interview with the Washington Times, said the following:
"You've heard of mental depression; this is a mental recession," he said, noting that growth has held up at about 1 percent despite all the publicity over losing jobs to India, China, illegal immigration, housing and credit problems and record oil prices. "We may have a recession; we haven't had one yet."
That's right folks, this is all in the minds of the American people. There's no real economic pain being felt. But in case you're complaining about such pain, Gramm has more choice words for you:
All the pundits we know and love (or at least, know) continue to say that race is going to be a big factor in the fall election. Age is rarely talked about by the media, as if it were some sort of taboo that shows John McCain disrespect. Oops:
Twenty-three percent of Americans say John McCain's age would make him a less effective president were he to win in November, while only 8% say Barack Obama's race would make him less effective.
Hmm...is it time for the next media myth to be burst? Not bloody likely, as we all know this race is just a referendum on Barack Obama and any questioning of McCain is disrespectful. Still, the results are stark and clear: almost a quarter of the population thinks John McCain's age will make him a less effective President...more below...
Barack Obama is starting the day right: flying into enemy territory (Georgia), proposing new and innovative bankruptcy laws, and slapping McCain hard on his economic record, particularly as it relates to bankruptcy:
The Democratic presidential hopeful also accused Republican rival John McCain of repeatedly siding with the banking industry, saying, "When it comes to strengthening the safety net for hardworking families, he's been part of the problem, not part of the solution." (emphasis mine)
More below, including the substance of Obama's new proposals, more smackdowns, and lines around the block to get to the event in Atlanta this morning...
WOW. Big news in Veepstakes land. Senator Jim Webb just removed his name from consideration:
"Last week I communicated to Senator Obama and his presidential campaign my firm intention to remain in the United States Senate, where I believe I am best equipped to serve the people of Virginia and this country. Under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."
Hmm...this is certainly narrowing down the field. Bad news/good news based on your perspective. I promise to update with more news as I get it. Full statement below:
In honor of the long holiday, during which I'll be taking a break from posting diaries and I hope you'll be taking a break from reading them, I thought I'd share some vitally important information: THE NEW JAMES BOND TRAILER IS LIVE.
Yes, for all those fanboys (like me) and fangirls who thought Daniel Craig kicked serious ass in "Casino Royale," get ready for "Quantum of Solace." Not only does it continue in the tradition of "CR" - all stunts, no CGI, keeping it grounded in character - this one literally picks up minutes after the end of "Casino Royale" and continues the story.
Is anyone else incredibly excited for November 7th? Combined with the potential of electing Barack Obama, the release of the new James Bond movie may make that the greatest week ever. Kick-ass trailer after the jump:
The Politico runs a story which feels like deja vu all over again: yet another article in which GOP insiders vocally complain about John McCain's strategy, or lack thereof. It seems like every couple weeks, another publication releases an article that shows the growing unease among Republican circles over John McCain:
“McCain’s campaign seems not to have a game plan. I don’t see a consistent message,” said Ed Rollins, a veteran of Republican presidential campaigns. “As someone who has run campaigns, this campaign is not running smoothly. But none of this matters if they get their act together.”
As always, everyone notes that there is still time to get it together. On this, I actually agree. For all the hand-wringing around here over FISA, General Clark's comments, or countless other issues: I believe that most Americans haven't started paying real attention. Having said that, it's getting late early for the McCain camp, especially with the strides Obama is making...
Barack Obama took a brave step and came out explicitly on the side of equal rights. While he previously said the gay marriage issue should be left up to the states, he has come out forcefully against the proposed ballot initiative that would ban gay marriage in California:
In a letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club read Sunday at the group's annual Pride Breakfast in San Francisco, the Illinois senator said he supports extending "fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law."
"And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states," Obama wrote.
For those who suddenly find themselves "concerned" about where Obama's heart lies - here was an opportunity for a "Sister Souljah" moment to burnish his "centrist" credentials, but Obama did the right thing (and I should add, according to national polls, the unpopular thing).
