Tennessee GOP Attacks Michelle Obama, Obama Camp Hits Back

The Tennessee GOP hasn't yet had their fill of Obama dirty tricks. A few months ago, they circulated a photo of Barack Obama in traditional Somali garb. Now, they are going after his wife.

Today they have circulated a video of Michelle's now-infamous 'proud' comments, which have been combined with shots of Tennessee voters describing why they are proud of their country:

[WATCH]

The video came bundled with a sarcastic press release, which you can read after the jump.

The Obama camp fired back defending Michelle Obama:

This is a shameful attempt to attack a woman who has repeatedly said she wouldn't be here without the opportunities and blessings of this nation. The Republican Party's pathetic attempts to use the same smear tactics to win elections have failed in Mississippi, failed in Louisiana, and will fail in November because the American people are looking for a positive vision of real change. And if the Tennessee Republican Party has a problem with Senator Obama, maybe next time they'll have the courage to address him directly instead of attacking his family.

Tennessee Press Release:

NASHVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Republican Party welcomes Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama, to Nashville today, where she's the guest of honor at a Tennessee Democratic Party fundraiser.

To welcome Mrs. Obama to Nashville and Tennessee, we asked a few Tennesseans to take a few moments to tell her what makes them proud of their country. Viewers will find their statements stand in stark contrast to two incidents in February when Mrs. Obama announced that for "the first time in my adult life" she was proud of America.

And while Mrs. Obama has trouble being proud of the country where she earned degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and then became a multi-millionaire, her husband makes statements that belittle average Americans' response to the difficulties of life, including his recent statement that, in tough times, "it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

The Tennessee Republican Party has always been proud of America. To further honor the occasion of Mrs. Obama's visit, the Tennessee Republican Party has requested the playing of patriotic music by radio stations across the state.

Comments

[Chavez08]

Can someone tell me why Republicans hate America so much?

[guntotinganglion]

Part 2

Republicans hate America, because America once represented tolerance and intelligence, along with a foundation in human rights (at least on paper). Thanks to their tireless efforts over the last few decades (since Nixon and Reagan), the America of idealism and human rights no longer exists. It's possible to rebuild it, but it will never again be what it once was, which is, an idea, a concept, for equal rights, for tolerance of religion and beliefs, for true liberal democracy that includes EVERYONE, not just Americans. That is to say, our laws were established for the betterment of mankind, not just America...they were conceived for the world as a whole.

And this is all anathema to Republicans, because they are by their very nature, racist, intolerant and biased in their endless pursuit of all things that will bring them riches and power. They are the people the Constitution was attempting to protect us from. They are the nihilists, who have no real values, only hunger, greed, avarice and of course, cowardice in the face of those who would challenge them. And that cowardice is what gets the Democrats stabbed in the back EVERY SINGLE TIME they try to deal with the Republicans on a level playing field. The Republicans will NEVER cooperate, will never compromise, will never allow for tolerance of differing opinions and/or values.

[guntotinganglion]

Part 1

Because our laws and values stand in the way of their rapacious hunger for power and dominion. And thus, they have disassembled the Constitution, and corrupted every house of our government with their filth. The simple fact of their entirely obsequious servitude to the figure-head of their depravity (aka Bushemada), is evidence enough to prove the absolutely conspiratorial nature of what they have done over the last 30 years plus.

The "Reagan Revolution", like a snake biting it's own tail, blamed government for all of America's problems, while it was the government! The mind bending cynicism evident in that attitude has fueled the hard line extremists, beyond the right fringe, ever since. They have driven this country further into the darkness of chaos and anarchy than I ever thought possible. They installed a figurehead of astounding cynicism and depravity, all in pursuit of the destruction of this country.

[Jazzylady26]

This is the one instance in which I am going to defend Michelle Obama. I am 54 years old and a black woman, and believe me I know the race hatred of this country back in the day when it didn't have to be hidden. I stopped saying the pledge of allegiance when I was ten mainly because I realized how deeply my country hated and despised me. Blacks in this country have never been allowed to really participate in the "patriotism", the flag waving, and all that. Do you know your history? Then of course you know that blacks were not encouraged to serve in the armed forces during the wars, and yet when they did they served with great honor and heroism. How many ways do you think whites have to call a black person the n word? I can tell you. All those people in that video are white, all would have success in the this country because of the color of their skin. White people trip me the hell on out because they have no notion of who black people are, accept the picture they paint of them, and they don't know blacks, except what they make up. I have no love for Michelle Obama, but I think whites should shut the hell on up when it comes to what blacks feel about this country, and think about how this country has treated us.

[Midnightrain]

Amen. (applause)

[Doberman]

While we're on the subject, Rev. Wright is getting a bum rap, too. Nationalistic flag-waving isn't going to help any of us. It helped send us on the train to Iraq. Not being afraid to criticize our country is part of what being an American is all about.

The Republicans need to come up with some real issues to talk about. Oh, right, they don't have any.

[hinnis]

YOUR CORRECT, Doberman. Rev. Wright did get a bum rap from Obama, who knew darn well what he had been saying for 20 years, and then threw him under the bus when it became politically expedient.

[CheshireCat2]

Right Praise the Lord and G-d damn America!

[LiarLiarIraqsOnFire]

Well sure they do... Haven't you heard, Sen. Obama is an anti-semitic, Nazi-appeasing, America-hating, Chavez-lovin' Islamo-Socialist, Hussein-kissing Muslim who won't wear a lead-painted chunk of scrap-metal from China on his lapel.

He doesn't wrap himself in the flag (Like a 'Good American' politician), because he hates the flag.

He has not one, but TWO BLACK CHILDREN.

He doesn't know the words to the National Anthem.

He spits on Veterans.

He takes campaign contributions from Al-Queda.

He won't pledge allegiance.

He's been sighted in the men's room at the same time as Barney Frank. (nudge nudge, wink wink)

He was the 2nd in command of The Black Panthers.

He had an affair with 'Hanoi Jane' Fonda.

He eats Arugala (the Devil's Lettuce) and live babies during Ramadan.

He shot the Deputy.

He was on the grassy knoll in Dallas.

He tipped Castro off about The Bay of Pigs.

He carved Alger Hiss' pumpkin.

He sank The Maine.

He framed Roger Rabbit.

He Shot J.R.

He was the 20th high-jacker.

He got peanut butter on my chocolate.



Anyone else want to take a crack at it?

[LiarLiarIraqsOnFire]

Please don't paint all 'white' people with the same 'Cracker White' paintbrush. We may all look alike but we don't all think alike. My ancestors weren't slaveowners, they were abolitionists. My ancestors didn't fight for the Pro-Slavery Confederacy, they fought for the Anti-Slavery United States. My ancestors weren't KKKluckers, they worked and marched for equality and social justice. They also made sure that none of their pension money was invested in South Africa because of Aparteid. We are all from the same race - the HUMAN RACE.

Your country doesn't hate you - your government does, to it's own detriment.

I know that if it weren't for the Red Ball Drivers (a mostly African-American unit), the Allied Forces would never have been able to push the Nazis back to Germany and their defeat. No supplies - no Victory.

BTW if white people had shut the hell up slavery would never have been abolished and the Civil Rights movement would have turned this country into something akin to South Africa in the 70's. I'm not looking for a trophy or a pat on the back or even a 'thank you' because speaking out and taking a stand was the right thing to do, on the other hand I think I should at least get a pass when you start hatin'.

[guntotinganglion]

Thank you JazzyLady26 for your post. Michelle Obama has consistently struck me as an honorable woman who talks straight. And her comments in this regard were straight and true. I am white and 54, which means I can't truly understand, but I have to say, I think I got it immediately. I understood why this might be the first time she felt pride in her country. I understood that she'd seen racism throughout her life, and perhaps only now, with her husband in a position to give her pride, she might finally feel something good for this country.

I am happy she finally feels something positive, but I can't say the same. Over the last many years, I have continued educating myself on the ACTUAL history of this country, rather than the FANTASY history. In this, I can only find shame for the evil this country has done, continues to do, and for the obliviousness to the depravity that is inherent in Americans who deny those things. It is this very obliviousness, that allows for a tolerance toward these attacks against Michelle Obama. It is the inherent racism in this country that means there will be little sustained hue and cry to defend her against these spurious accusations...as if she has no right to NOT be proud of her country!

And excuse me if I overstep in an area in which I can only state an opinion not based in personal experience. Thank again for your post.

[hmmmmmer]

It would be nice if the GOP could get it into their moronic heads that this election isn't going to be won on a disgusting ad campaign that distorts the truth, but on real issues, something Republicans have totally gotten away from. The GOP is going down in the fall election.

[leftoflennon]

Aah....Tenesse GOP, when will u EVER learn?

[Sheridan1]

If this country wants people like those who appear in this ad to choose their president for them AGAIN - then they deserve McBush.

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

So, Mrs. Obama, Mrs. Clinton, and Mrs. McCain walk into a bar...

(I need a little help with the rest.)

[JamieJay]

You mean "Mr. (Bill) Clinton". With Bill Clinton's history with women, we're sure that someone will come up with a good one for this scenario! LOL!!!!

[Dailyfare]

FYI: most black people have "railed against whitey" at some point. Hello! Ya think? If that is a disqualifier for the White House, then we can just forget about ever having an African-American (or other minority) president, ever.

I hope, though, that people understand that "railing against whitey" is speaking out against a system, not individuals.

Those blue collar workers I've been hearing so much about should be "railing against whitey", too.

[Midnightrain]

Huh? Huff mods! Get on this one!!! I can't believe you let this by -

[k6007]

Note the quotation marks, usually indicates a phrase, not a mindset.

Hence "rallying against whitey" = rallying against a system of government.....it was famous back in the 60s.

Obama wants to move past the divisive politics of the past. So should his supporters.

[stepintothelight]

Same games!!!!

Same stupid population!!!

More of the same!!!

[karela]

Don't look now but a republican troll inserted the word "whitey" into our conversation and we all went ballistic and crazy. Repeat after me: republicans can mess with our minds on TV AND on the blogs-----­--------on­ly if we let them. Republicans are desperate. They just lost three elections using dirty old fashioned politics and they're trying it again. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I wonder if they really don't know how to run any other kind of campaign anymore even if they keep doing it and they keep losing election after election.

We the people let us trick them us before and we ended up with Bush, a bad war, a broken economy, no money to fix bridges and roads before they fall down and fall apart---------Do ya really think we'll let them fool us again? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

[OkieMon]

this sort of stuff worked against harold ford in the south and it will work against obama.

[Midnightrain]

That depends on if you really buy into it. Look at it like this Okie: if you can relate to the fact that the past eight years with Bush in charge have felt like a lifetime, then you take her comments in stride. If on the other hand (your heritage is European American, and your deepest fear is retribution for slavery) you could allow yourself to be controlled by an imaginary ghost and resist your ability to be rational and reasonable. In that case you relinqish all your power to that ghost.

[OkieMon]

maybe if you buy in to the idea that people are more tired of bush now than they were in 06 when ford was running. I've been so tired since the day he was selected by the supreme idiot court.

[1PALady]

It depends on if people let it work, i'm sure it'll work some places, but people want to get beyond!

Obama '08

[JackLivigni]

A wise man once taught me that feelings, like pride, are neither good or bad, they just are. What is good or bad is what you do with them.

Republicans are getting in Michelle Obama's face, notwithstanding her clarifying her comments, because they want to paint her as being unpatriotic. So lets look at how patriotic their pride has made them.

What worth is pride in your country when your party is ok with millions of American children going to bed hungry?

What worth is your patriotism when your party allows veterans coming back from war, the very veterans you said you were proud of when they were fighting, to wait for months for care, to suffer from post traumatic stress while you give instructions to deny their claims of PTSS so that you don't have to pay benefits?

What worth is your pride when you support a party that rewards companies that issue predatory mortgage loans to middle class Americans?

What worth is your pride when health-care is not available to millions, and is not considered a human right, but rather a priviledge for those who can afford it?

Michelle and Barack Obama SHOW THEIR PRIDE THROUGH WHAT THEY DO - YOU SAY YOU ARE PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY BUT WHAT YOU DO IS NOT RIGHT.

So, perhaps you should ask yourselves not if someone is proud of their country, but rather whether or not your country can be proud of you!

What worth is patriotism

[Dailyfare]

"Michelle and Barack Obama SHOW THEIR PRIDE THROUGH WHAT THEY DO - YOU SAY YOU ARE PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY BUT WHAT YOU DO IS NOT RIGHT."

Amen.

I guess the TNGOP is proud of the endless war their stupendously incompetent president started in Iraq - a country that represented no clear and present danger.

[kimbari]

This comment is made of WIN!

[jhink465]

I don't regard these right wing boobs as patriots or as Christians. They are idolators that worship symbols like flag pins and monuments. They don't have a clue what these symbols stand for but they will sing God Bless America with a full throat without ever knowing what the words are saying or what they mean.

[JamieJay]

This is the same group who circulated the picture of Barack in Somali garb? Hillary Clinton, and her campaign staff were the ones who dug up the photo and leaked it to the press!! Hillary Clinton, gave the GOP political fuel with using the photo in an attempt to damage Barack Obama. If John McCain believes that Cindy is immune from scrutiny, and attack then he should brace himself! LOL!

[pleeezzze]

Jamie...Stop your lying .
The pic of Obama in his dress was published in May07 in the Globe .
If Obamans insist on Hillary Bashing , maybe just ONCE they could tell the Truth .
Oh well , then again , first you have to Recognize Truth !

[moana]

Hillary who?

[JamieJay]

pleezzze....Get your story straight!
Everyone also knows that the Clinton campaign dug the 2006 picture up, and submitted it to Drudge (Feb. 2008), in a desparate attempt to claim that Barack might be Muslim. This further proves the "sleaze factor" that comes along with the Clinton two-for-one deal.

[EuroPreacher]

The GOP members have nothing good about themselves to talk about and all they can do is to talk about others negatively...

[Agentlady007]

Politics can be a vicious circle. I don't envy the process of becoming President. I however feel there should be an ultimate intelligence in handling these sucker verbal punches that verbally abuse the contenders. My advice is to not get emotional over it. This is exactly why they do it. To weaken the challenger and watch them look like they can't perform well under pressure or by pushing their buttons. So they take accept the back lashes and say in response things like " oh you see, these people can't perform in a case of emergency. They are too reactive. Our planet will blow up in two days if we hire them for the job. They are too emotional to see the forest through the trees."
Are we all are expecting these leaders to protect us and make us safe in a future that today seems very unsure or at risk for progress- without helping? Should we not all plant in our minds a tree in a new forest of hope, where one world is at peace in unity with eachother, and where each of us takes care of it? I miss this old fashioned way we all used to be, don't you? Well, The government is not God. The responsibilty to help America and preserve the planet requires more than just a vote for someone else to handle the mission to get it done.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/trees/stfttt.html

[MaureenSharkey]

Advice for Michelle Obama:

In a commercial say:

"I was speaking of how I am proud that America has come out in millions to vote for a Black man for President. It is absolute evidence that the walls of racism have finally come down.

There is nothing to be proud of from this White House administration. (List negatives.­..pre-empt­ive war; economy that favors the rich; full of lies; etc.

And there is nothing to be proud of with John McCain's neo-con ideas, either. (expand) He will create only a country we will be ashamed of.

[tea in the harbor]

Perhaps it is petty, but I wish we could change that to "I am proud that America has come out in millions to vote for a GOOD man." A choice we were not offered in recent elections.

[DesertLight]

That would have worked really well.

[k6007]

I second that.

[k2gardens]

I fourth that! :-)

Although any intelligent American realizes there has been litle to be proud of these past 7+ years. We've lost the respect of many countries. Sitting in the Atlanta airport, I was forced to watch Georgie Porgy and his inane comments about someone who would sit down and talk to enemies. Ummm hellloooo.­...doesn't Georgie realize you learn more from your enemies than you do your friends? I'll just bet George was a real pill when he played in the sandbox with other kids (that's if they could tolerate him for more than 3 minutes).

The Madness of King George: It's not just a movie.

[Roses]

If you don't take the quote out of context that is what she did say. The quote was also doctored from saying "REALLY proud" to just "proud". That "really" may be small thing but it did slightly change the meaning of the over-all quote, and it was important enough to anti-Obama forces for them to blip out and erase that word.
Political media of both sides is rife with examples of twisting words and taking things out of context. Especially lately with advanced media affects, and bumpersticker words.
Unfortunately, you have to almost study media and history and economy/finances to wend your way through political commericials. Most people don't take the time.

Obama '08

[Midnightrain]

Funny, nobody seems to be able to deduce that from her comment. Instead, it's been framed and characterized as evidence of her supposedly hidden black radicalism, anit-America, hate 'whitey' sentiments.

I can tell you, the last eight years have felt like a lifetime. I get what she was saying. But then again, I'm not afraid to think.

[Oldchef]

I suspect the Tennessee GOP will be just as sucessfull as the North Carolina GOP was with their attack ad. Most of us seem to be unswayed by these pernicious personal attacks. The GOP is morally bankrupt after 7+ years of Bush, Cheney and Rove.

[Okieborn]

I know where Michelle was coming from !!
The Clinton's Sex and back door deals, white water and the thievery of the White house furniture ,Nafta and the list goes on and on and then 8 more yrs. of the Slime and corruption from this administration seems like a lifetime to me !!
I feel a new Hope and Eneregy for our great nation, she has been "raped" by this administration and that I am truly ashamed of.
I have never in my 50 yrs seen one man get by with all of the crimes he has pulled off and is not in Prison !!
I will say again he is a danger to our country,George Bush should either be impeached or locked up in the basement of the White houseiuntil Jan. 1st 09 !!!!
He cannot be trustet to handle America's Business, a loose cannon should always be disarmed !!!!

[kimbari]

The GOP was morally bankrupt *before* the 7+ years of Bush.

8 months 6 days 18 hours 41 minutes 53 seconds to go...