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TOM SAWYER RUNS FOR PRESIDENT.
The McCain campaign is currently getting coverage on the networks for an ad they haven't even released. No one has seen it, no one knows what's in it, but the McCain flacks are running around promising "a historic ad. I think this is the first of its kind. Senator McCain is going to speak direct to camera to Barack Obama. I’m not going to give away many more details than that. But suffice to say it’s going to be a very exciting ad, and I think it’s going to get a lot of attention."
It's amazing how dumb they seem to think the press corps is. And its amazing how dumb the press corps is willing to be. It's like watching Tom Sawyer run for president: "You know what's great? Being a bad speaker! And having very few people show up at my events! Nothing better than the peace and quiet of an sparsely attended townhall. I'd hate to be cool and flashy and eloquent. What could be more suspicious then that? Meanwhile, you should see what I'm going to do later. It's going to be great!"
COMMENTS (9)
"Senator McCain is going to speak direct to camera to Barack Obama."
You mean like in pro wrestling?
Posted by: Jeremy | August 28, 2008 1:35 PM
It's amazing how dumb they seem to think the press corps is.
Seem to think? They're banking on it. You've encapsulated their entire campaign strategy down to a sentence.
Posted by: Jake | August 28, 2008 1:37 PM
Anyone else think this ad is going to end up being a direct positive spot congratulating Obama on his historic accomplishment?
Posted by: Dave | August 28, 2008 1:42 PM
Of course, as Ezra realizes, the problem is that the press falls for this kind of stuff, hook, line, and sinker.
Let's be clear. This is, first and foremost, about McCain stealing a little of the limelight from Barack Obama tonight. Remember his visit overseas? Every day the McCain campaign had some stunt staged. And for the most part, it worked.
Posted by: Jake | August 28, 2008 1:45 PM
Anyone else think this ad is going to end up being a direct positive spot congratulating Obama on his historic accomplishment?
That would actually work, get lots of buzz, and dominate the dialog for days.
I don't really think he and his campaign are that smart though. There's a little too much resentment of Obama for them to pull it off.
I won't be happy to be proved wrong, but I'll be impressed.
Posted by: Tyro | August 28, 2008 1:50 PM
Somebody needs to tell them that Barack won't be listening. He's got more important things to do.
Posted by: pedestrian | August 28, 2008 1:51 PM
Anyone else think this ad is going to end up being a direct positive spot congratulating Obama on his historic accomplishment?
It would make sense. Particular right before a GOP convention that is likely to attack Obama's character every single minute. Nobody does hypocrisy like the GOP.
Posted by: Jake | August 28, 2008 2:03 PM
Anyone else think this ad is going to end up being a direct positive spot congratulating Obama on his historic accomplishment?
Yes. And the Obama people better have a response. (The Senator McCain vs Candidate McCain trope from the convention might offer a foundation for an appropriate rebuttal..."Thank you Senator McCain, but please talk to Candidate McCain...")
Posted by: yes | August 28, 2008 3:45 PM
McCain to media: " Wow, painting a picture of my campaign and candidacy is such fun, I know you'll enjoy it if you do it for me while I go rest and ride on my bus. Here, you guys take the brush, and don't forget, every little panel needs a dash of POW! to keep it in place."
Posted by: bdbd | August 28, 2008 9:14 PM