Obama Rips Into McCain On Lobbyists (VIDEO)

On Monday, The Huffington Post reported:

Just twelve years ago, when [Sen. John] McCain was politically recuperating from his involvement in the Keating Five scandal, he introduced legislation that would, if implemented today, cripple his presidential campaign.

In March 1996 and again the following year, McCain offered a bill that, in his own words, "would ban a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee from paying registered lobbyists."

During a rally today in Tampa, Florida, Sen. Barack Obama hammered McCain over the report. Check it out:

"Now, we need a president who sees the government not as a tool to enrich friends and high-priced lobbyists, but as the defender of fairness and opportunity for every American. And let me be fair about this. Now, John McCain has agreed with me on some of the steps we need to make our government more ethical and accountable. Almost a decade ago, he offered a bill that, in his words, would ban a candidate from paying registered lobbyists. Let me repeat that. This -- ten years ago, John McCain offered a bill that said he would ban a candidate from paying registered lobbyists. And he did this because he said that having lobbyists on your campaign was a conflict of interest. This is what he said ten years ago.

"Well, I'll tell you that John McCain then would be pretty disappointed with John McCain now, because he hired some of the biggest lobbyists in Washington to run his campaign. And when he was called on it, his top lobbyists actually had the nerve to say, 'The American people won't care about this.' Well, I think the American people do care about it and I know they have a clear choice in this election: we can either have a election in which we are taking on the root causes of special interests dominated politics in Washington or we can ignore the problem and we can wake up four years from now and still be talking about an energy crisis and still be talking about a health care crisis and still be talking about a tax code that's not fair to you. I don't want to wake up that way, neither do you. That's a choice we've got in this election. We're going to change how politics is done in Washington."

Comments

[thegreatgiginthesky]

John McCain in true Republican fashion has been out berating anyone who has ties to lobbyists but has no qualms about his associations with them. Typical two faced rat republican. The rules need to apply to everyone except me, that is the republican motto.

[OrganOfThought]

In my opinion, Obama needs Bloomberg for VP.

Bloomberg is a successful businessman (obviously), so he'll help get libertarians and independents. He will put Wall Street at ease if they think Obama lacks experience. He will draw some Republican votes since he was Republican for a while. He will help shore up Hillary's home state and "appease" some NY/NE voters that were hoping for Hillary. He will help eliminate the fear mongering that some are doing about Obama's Middle East and Israel policies.

He is financially conservative and socially moderate/liberal. He will add a significant number of voters to Obama's ticket without removing any. I cannot think of any group of people that would vote against Obama because of Bloomberg. I can think of many people that would be more at ease with voting for the Democratic ticket with Bloomberg as VP.

He would be like Chaney without all the evil. Obama needs an older, experienced, wise-man type VP. People voting will imagine him in the oval office with Obama constantly giving him advice (but again, without all the evil).

Bloomberg has all the money in the world and is a philanthropist. He loves his country. I think he would run as Obama's VP if he were asked.

[artsandminds]

Sorry, the last thing we need is a Jewish American on the ticket. I know I know anti Semite, but having that out of the way, we want/need honest brokers in the Whitehouse, if we are to get a handle on the Middle East. Having a pro Israel Jew on the ticket is the last thing we need. With Washington politics so controlled by the Israeli lobby, we need a Muslim on the ticket, but they will not let that happen (read the NYtimes front page today ‘Florida Jews scared of Obama because he is black and think he is a Muslim’). You can say anything you want in America about Muslims but if you say a word about Jews... I am agnostic and if I had my way religion would never be talked about in the public arena, it has no bearing, as Bush has shown.

[john77]

Sorry to break it to you, Erica, but I know many gay men who will vote for John McCain over Obama. Obama has consistently demonstrated homophobia in the way he addresses gay issues, the most stark example being his inclusion of anti-gay gospel singer Donnie McGlurkin on a tour several months ago. Obama is also black, which in my book automatically means "homophobic". Black culture in America is beholden to the Bible and its homophobic condemnation of same-sex relations.

My vote goes to McCain.

[Philly4Obama]

Clearly, John, you haven't explored this issue as much as you think. Obama has been an advocate for equal rights for homosexuals long before entering the race for President. Do some research to compare the efforts between Obama and McCain, and then get back to us all. Clearly, your post is racist among other things, because you are making some sweeping racial generalizations among other things.

Tell us, is John McCain and Barack Obama on the same boat when it comes to protecting the rights of homosexual civil liberties? Do they support the same type of constitutional theory when it comes to equality before the law? Do you think they will choose the same type of judge for the Supreme Court?

You want to talk about pastors speaking for candidates? Try Hagee on for size who said homosexuals were responsible for Hurrican Katrina killing innocents.­.. and size yourself up with that.

I have a hard time reading what you say and not thinking you are just a pathetic republican trying to stir up division.

[nerakami]

That is simply not true. The ONLY candidates who outright INCLUDES gays in many of his speeches is: Barack Obama. The ONly one. None of the others in the stump speeches does that. McCain by the way, is anti-gay. He embraces the views of the repugnant conservatives.

[Eoin45]

john77. All of my male gay friends are Obama supporters. Since you state that "Obama is also black, which in my book automatically means "homophobi­c"." you reveal yourself as being nothing but a bigot yourself, thus rendering your opinion worthless.

[artsandminds]

Wrong again, I am a 40year old gay man, and within the community I don't know one person who will vote for McCain, there was a time but that has long gone. From young to old they/we are big time supporters. I would say there is also a sizable pro clinton group as well but they will come over once she is out of the way.

[whizkid]

Hey Barry!
He who lives in a glass house (bought by Rezko) should not throw stones.
Jerry Wright said it best.

[1differentdrummer]

Whiz. Hmmm. Is that like a Rove?

[msemper]

hey hillary why are you up so early?

[Eoin45]

Who is this Barry you're referring to? Goldwater is not running.

[jergerb]

If funny (incredibly sad) that the rest of the media ignores McCain's hypocrisy.

The current McCain is no Maverick. He obviously is scrambling and changing his positions just to get elected. Today I'm a conservative, In Oregon I'm a%

[SuzieG]

HA, HA, HA, HA, HA - Stop I can't stand it - I've never laughed so hard. Obama the darling of lobbyists is attacking McCain? talk about hypocrisy!!!

[drtwo25]

oh ahahah McCain had buttsex with lobbyists!! hahahah im so funny making totally unfounded and unexplained accusations :/

[Philly4Obama]

I heard this narrative many many times by Clinton supporters trying to sway Philadelphians to vote for her. It is actually quite pathetic. They accuse Obama of being cozy with lobbyists (a ridiculous notion), they talk about bundling and all other sorts of justifications for their narrative, but all along their disdain for Obama being connected to lobbyists is not about lobbyists at all.

They don't care about lobbyists and their connections to Clinton, who thinks they are common Americans. They just want to paint Obama as the hypochrite in order to diminsh him personally.

Lets talk instead about the impact of lobbies on politics. Do you want to have that conversations Ms. Suzie? I didn't think so....

[TheKnownTruth]

We know which boob you're nursing on.

[Tellmethetruth]

Speaking of Obama's hypocracy. How is it that Obama is able to profit off the war in Iraq, not different than Halliburton or other war profiteers? He makes one speech and expects to become President based on one speech, yet he has voted consistently to fund the war in his time in the Senate. Isn't he profiting off the war in Iraq to advance his own political career? Has he kept the war going just to profit off of it?

What has he done for Veterans of the War in Iraq? How many VA hospitals has he visited? How many soldiers has he visited? How many families of those killed has he visited? Has he even cared about the people who have actually had to sacrifice for this war?

Or, is he too busy advancing his own political career at the expense of those who have suffered from the war? Again, he is enriching himself because of the war in Iraq. Obama is one more war profiteer.

[drtwo25]

1. there's a difference in voting to go to war and funding troops already in a war zone
2. visiting veterans? I'm sure he has done so but he's not a nurse and doesnt need to spend all his time with them.
3. are you for real? he's a politician, of course he's trying to advance his political carreer. But do you realize he has easily the best veteran care packages in his plans?

I'm sure you also believe he lives in a sky castle?

[1differentdrummer]

Would you know truth if it sat on your foot?

[vernonbc]

Bills introduced by Obama in 2005 and 2006 relating to veterans. There were more in 2007. He's on the Veterans Affairs Committee so he's very active in looking after Veterans.

S.1180 : A bill to reauthorize various programs servicing the needs of homeless veterans for fiscal years 2007 through 2011.

S.2358 : A bill to establish a Hospital Quality Report Card Initiative to report on health care quality in VA hospitals.

S.3475 : A bill to provide housing assistance for very low-income veterans.

S.3988 : A bill to improve benefits and services for members of the AF, and other veterans, to require reports on the effects of the War on Terrorism.

S.AMDT.390 to H.R.1268 To provide meal and telephone benefits for members of the AF who are recuperating from injuries incurred on active duty .

S.AMDT.314­4 to provide a $40 million increase in FY 2007 for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and to improve job services for hard-to-place veterans.

S.AMDT.422­4 to include assessments of Traumatic Brain Injury in the post-deployment health assessments of member of the AF returning from deployment in support of a contingency operation.

S.AMDT.440­9 to require a report on the provision of an electronic copy of military records to members of the AFupon their discharge or release from the AF.

S.AMDT.513­8 to require a report on the costs of the Comprehensive Service Programs for homeless veterans.

[TheKnownTruth]

Here's the truth. You have feeding at the McCain-Billary trough. You ahve not had the will much less guts to do the research to verify your assumptions. You seem to be incapable of thinking on your own so you adopt and repeat the crap you are fed.

Here's a thought. Do some research. Verify anything and everything you see or hear in this election ...no matter where it comes from.

Create a list of your own requirements for a President. Base this list on things you can measure. For example,

1) are you better off financially today than you were 8 years ago ????
2) what diplomatic polict do you support ... inclusive (work with and engage everybody) or and exclusive (work with those that are as good as we are) ????
3) do you want, expect, and can you handle the truth from your President. or do you like pandering ???

[GhostOfSchlesinger]

Note, as the truth about McBush comes out - the utter abandonment of his own principles and his late support for the transfer of the tax dollars of working Americans into the hands of the wealthy elite - the Republic Party guys start piling in with crapola . . .

"But, but, but . . . Obama has a friend that knows a guy that used to date this chick that once watched a television show about this dude that used to work for a guy that was best friends with a lobbyist . . . So there!!!"

Problem is that John McBush has built his brand on being a maverick . . .

WHILE, THE TRUTH IS THAT HE SUPPORTS:

- Higher taxes for the poor and middle class

- No taxes for the wealthy

- No taxes for corporations, particularly big oil, where he advocates policies that support higher gas prices

- Social Security and Medicare cuts for lower and middle income seniors

- A declaration of war on Iran and the expansion of military conflicts around the globe

- The lengthening of the war in Iraq for "as long as possible" to assure continued windfall profits for his friends in the weapons manufacturing industry

- THE ELIMINATION OF ALL EMPLOYER-PROVIDED HEALTH CARE and of ALL healthcare support for the poor and middle class

- The assurance to insurance companies that they can DENY CARE TO ANYONE THAT HAS BEEN SICK

Have I painted in the extreme?

Yes.

[GhostOfSchlesinger]

CONTINUED . . .

Why?

Well, let's get real.

Aren't the forementioned "policies" the likely outcomes of another four years of McBush rule?

What works-for-a-living human being could claim sanity after voting for John McBush?

[Dandrea]

I read this article about McCain's land deals he made for contributors and this man is really a hypocrite!!! He gets all sactimonious talking about the evils of pork when this investigative piece makes the rest of them look like pickers.

http://www.truthout.org/article/mccain-secured-federal-funds-aiding-developer

[KBAR]

How soon they forget:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/06/clinton-again-hammers-oba_n_80062.html

Saturday's debate, in the face of an explicit charge from Clinton, Obama denied that his New Hampshire co-chair Jim Demers is a lobbyist for the pharmaceutical industry: "That's not so."

Watch the exchange here.

In fact, as you can see here, it is a true fact that Demers is registered to lobby for Pfizer and PhRMA.
Comments for this post are now closed

[vernonbc]

Jim Demers is a STATE lobbyist, not federal. Barack Obama, as a federal official, would have no influence on the New Hampshire state legislature. Big difference. Get your facts straight before throwing smears around.

[jamo02110]

Obama will expose the real McOld..

[wanj]

Go-damn! Good point there Obama!!!!!
This man better get in the white house.... forget the whole conservati­ve/liberal argument, let's elect our leaders according to the issues... I've never had to discuss who I'll vote for president partly based on "special interests like lobbyists". It's good to add this to the ewuation b/c they really are running Washington­....

[NoLove4HillaryAnymore]

This is just the beginning of the many flip flop of the McBush era! I am afriad he may end up having stroke. I recommend quality medical professionals by his side at all times. By the time November comes, I am confident we will be close to the 2/3 majority in the house and 57-43 in the senate. Go Obama 08!

[sklfcats]

Shut the hell up Barack.

[buckygreen]

LOL I suppose you repugnants would like that, what with your record and the ridiculous candidate you have.

Too bad, but your 8 years of catastrophic misrule are going going gone. For many many years. Enjoy political oblivion.

Obama/Webb 08

[OriginalScreenName]

Seriously? That's all you got?

[DeSwiss]

But, but, but... Johnny NEEDS the lobbyists to tell him what to think and believe!!!

hahahahahaha!!!!

You guys are pathetic :-|

[U4IA]

Why?

As a side note, if you really want to convey a little emotion for ol' man McCain and the Double Talk Express, you should try using an exclamation mark.

Like this: Too little, too late, McBush!

[toby25]

Obama better just shut his mouth on this one. He has gotten HUGE contributions from law firms who specialize in lobbying and has bundlers with lobbyist within. McCain has not been very accomidating to lobbyists in his career. He turned them away empty handed MANY times. Obama can't say the same....ne­ither can his future vice president pick Hillary.

[buckygreen]

LOL Sure. Perhaps you can't determine the difference between campaign contributors and paying registered lobbyists as top level campaign advisers, consultants, and staffers. Your problem is that intelligent people can.

As far as McBush's accommodating (correct spelling) corruption­...Repeat after me:

Keating 5, Keating 5, Keating 5.

Obama/Webb 08

[OriginalScreenName]

I see McCain's comment troll campaign is working.

[butterworth]

First thing I thought of, too!

[iBgood]

mcsame is a spineless pandering POS and you are a deluded troll.

[buckygreen]

Heh heh heh. This is going to be a fun summer. Obama is just warming up going after McBush. He is going to absolutely eviscerate the flip flopping war monger in the debates and on the trail. Keating 5 anyone? In the middle of a recession, and a foreclosure crisis?

LOL McBush is going to end up like Bob Dole.

Obama/Webb 08

[Ariesjill]

Bingo. And nobody think elegance precludes fierce.

[flibjuckson]

but but..what about HILLARY!!??!! hhahah, just kidding.

[Ariesjill]

Under humor, like anger....t­here is often PAIN. In this, BIG pain.