Leaked McCain Memo: Paint Obama As A "Job Killing Machine"

John McCain was widely ridiculed several weeks ago for fielding reporter's questions in the cheese aisle of a grocery store. But the location of the impromptu press conference was hardly random. The McCain camp, in a strategy memo, has pinpointed grocery stores as an important venue for the Senator to push his economic agenda.

In a McCain campaign "Economic Communications Plan" that was obtained by the Huffington Post, an aide to the Senator lays out several themes, tactics and objectives to shore up the Arizona Republican's standing on the economy and paint Barack Obama as a "job killing machine."

"Our polling tells us that Americans are still not tuned into what the candidates might do to fix the economy," reads the memo. "We have an opportunity to fill in that gap."

The strategy, which was authored by Taylor Griffin -- a veteran of the Bush White House and Treasury Department who serves McCain as a senior adviser -- seems built around traditional themes. The McCain campaign will paint Obama as being "aligned with trial lawyers" and "unions (card check, trade, education reform)," and push the frame that he "raises taxes" and "will kill jobs."

In contrast, McCain will be positioned as a bold leader on economic matters, someone who has a "record of taking on corporate interests" and will "fight speculation driving up prices of oil and food" as well as "the lawsuit culture."

"People are tired of big corporations, lobbyist and special interests who they feel prosper at their expense," the memo reads. "People must understand that John McCain is not only thinking of their future, but their children's futures as well."

To do this, McCain's camp plans to utilize a number of tactics, including "family budget roundtables, grocery store visits," and "roundtable events heavily tilted towards women to discuss the pressures the economy is placing on family finances and how McCain's plan would help." The campaign also will work the fourth estate. As detailed in Taylor's memo, McCain will "provide compelling set of programming and surrogate activity to drive media interest," and "mobilize economists in target states supporting the McCain plan to engage the media in support of our plan."

Framing, indeed, is a major component of the strategy document. Aides to the Senator envision an "All Star Economists Project" that would "use prominent economists to bolster [the] intellectual case for the McCain plan" -- see the much-disputed list of 300 -- and "roll out Nobel Prize winners endorsing [his] plan." On a local level, the Senator will rely on a "Small Business Network," in which small business owners would serve "as local surrogates for the McCain plan... write letters to the editor, op-eds and participate in surrogate events."

One Griffin bullet point made its way into a recent public McCain statement: emphasizing similarities between the Senator's prescriptions for Iraq and those he is offering for the economy.

"Draw the parallel with the same kind of bold leadership that McCain demonstrated in pushing the surge strategy that allowed us to win in Iraq. Need that same vision, intensity and leadership to attack our economic problems."

The communications strategy is, according to Griffin's accompanying email: "working it's way around the campaign.... Think it can help us focus."

Reached on his cell phone, Griffin said he was in the middle of a conversation and couldn't talk. The McCain campaign did not immediately return requests for comment.

Comments

[TheEmptinessOfTruthiness]

Typical Repo-think.

Hmmm, since the media gives us our free pass on the bulls*it we spread, what areas of ignorance have been left untapped for us to drill more lies into the st*pid voters' heads?

[Redrover666]

Just for the record, would you mind too awfully much listing the media outlets that give the administration a pass? Not to make you have to go to a lot of trouble, how about six examples. Is that too much?

[research]

All media outlets except: KO, Stewart, Colbert, NOW, and air America.

[grata2ude]

Expose all the lies of McCain's Campaign

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
McCain claims in an ad released today that "Obama voted to raise taxes on people making just $42,000. He promises more taxes on small business, seniors, your life savings, your family."

But when it comes to promises, it's worth pointing out that, according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center's analysis of both candidates' proposed plans, Obama would cut taxes for those making in the range of $38,000 to $66,000 three to almost eight times more than McCain would.

Under Obama's plan, according to the center, by 2009, those making $37,595 would see an average increase in their income of 3.6%, or a tax cut of $892; those making an average of $66,354 would see an increase in their income of 2.4%, or a tax cut of $1,042.

On the other hand, Under McCain's plan, those making $37,595 would see an increase in their income of only about 0.5%, or $113 tax cut; those making $66,354 would see only an increase of 0.7% in their income, or a tax break of $319.

[AzRealProgressive]

Use the IRS figures for taxes collected in income brackets. People making 37,000 or under only pay 2% of the taxes collected, what do you propose cutting that figure to? When you get to the 66,000 figure and above according to the IRS that is where the majority of taxes collected are.

[research]

You are deliberately confusing percent of income paid as taxes with percent of budget paid by folks in your income group.All you are proving is how much more stratified incomes have become under the robber barons, as usual.

[MissDaphne]

Huh. When do you think John McCain actually went into a grocery store and bought his own groceries?
Not less than 30 years ago, I reckon.
I bet he's met with the good people who own WalMart much more recently.
Anita

[hopefulinflorida]

Lock up uncle fester fast.

[goodbyetoallthat]

McCain's latest ad begins: "Life in the spotlight must be grand, but for the rest of us times are tough. Actually, times are far from tough for John and Cindy; they own nine homes. Barack and Michelle own one, like most of us.

Then he creates outright lies about Obama raising taxes. The truth is Obama's plan is to raise taxes only on those making more than $250 per year, and would provide tax CUTS to those making less than that.

McCain will continue the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy; Obama will discontinue that.

These ads are more of the same Bush/Rove stuff: old, failed politics. No change here. McCain has long since reverted to nothing more than an old pol who will say anything to garner votes and discredit his far superior opponent.

[AzRealProgressive]

You may wish to reread his plan. There are some taxes there for everyone. Did you review the latest figures released by the IRS on who pays the most federal taxes ? If you earn 37,000 or less, that group pays only two percent of all federal taxes. If you make over 70,000, you and the rest pay over 80% of federal taxes. The people who make over 250,000 already pay over 50% of all federal taxes. Those are recently released IRS figures. So how much more should one group pay who is already paying 50% or more of the tax burden ? And if you are paying only 2%, how much less should that group pay?

[yaznaioutibia]

I smell a Ditto head

[research]

if those making over 250k$ per year are now paying 50% of all federal taxes, with a tax rate of only 22%, then just doubling it to 44% will pay for the entire federal budgets, and still leave the rich with 56% of their incomes of 388,000 or more leaving minimum of 217,000.

Weold folks will remember when the conservatives could always say "eve if you tax 100% of the top 1% income it wouldn't pay the budget. Now, the wealthy make SO MUCH MORE MONEY, they COULD pay for the entire budget with less then a 50% Tax. The USA has had tax rate in the 80% ranges and still grew economically.

seems they should thank the USA for supporting the economy that made them wealthy,

since the wealthy have gorged themselves at the conies war profiteer BushCo sell out, they can stand to pay more.

[research]

http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/250.html

[BruceNM]

I suspect all McCain strategy sessions have the theme: "What Lies Cqn We Tell About Obama Now?"

I furtherr suspect that McCawin is cutioned toa void having ideas about anything, and just to follow Rove and Co's directions to cvontinue smearing Obama.

This is the type of man we want for our President? McCain and Rove. Is that what we want?

[AzRealProgressive]

What has been said about O by McCain that is untrue? What smears has he put out there to date?

[BruceNM]

Well, for starters, the lie that BO is personally responsible for high gas prices. That alone is enough to galvanize the great red unwashed to swing even further to the right.

[yaznaioutibia]

Not visiting the troops in Germany. An out and out lie that has backfired

[kasinca]

Everything McSame says is a distortion of what Obama stands for. What does McSame stand for? All I ever read or hear is him attacking Obama for being younger, smarter, more popular. McSame stands for all the failed policies of the GOP (Greedy OIl Party). He has been part of the problem for twenty six years and he has voted with the filed GOP 95% of the time. He is no different than Boosh. He is the problem. If you cannot see that, you must be blinded by listening to the lies on the reich.

[rooks]

The Job Killing Machine? Doesn't sound like it will do good at the box office.

[Freakpower]

My friends, I will continue the "War on the Middle Class" until We, (the GOP) can defeate , and abandon, the undeserving American people- in the name of Victory!

" Mc.Cain- Country Clubs first!"

[FADUTA]

BO will increase taxes and the hit will be felt by all - not just us "rich" folks. Anyone with a retirement plan, IRA, or 401K will get hit by his plan to increase capital gains taxes. Plus - he wants to get at those currently protected-from-taxes IRA/401K's. After all - Reagan fostered those so they must be evil!

No economy has ever been taxed into prosperity. How many jobs won't be created because the Dem's refuse to allow increased drilling or the construction of new nukes?

You folks need to log off of liberal land and read some history. Everyone likes to compare BO to JFK. What did JFK do to turn the economy around. Here's a hint - it was just the OPPOSITE of what BO wants to do.

Nobama - Keep the change

[mscriblerus]

Wow. This is remarkable. Right now airlines are freezing 401ks and shortchanging employees while executives are using the tax benefits provided for those employees via that retirement fund to maximize there own earnings while slashing employee pay.
Worker productivity has grown exponentially while workers wages have remained stagnant and ceo pay has captured nearly all of that excess profit.
Bush 1 raised taxes, Clinton raised taxes. the result was a thriving economy and a budget surplus. There is reality, and then there are talking points. You can't prove anything you've typed. Not one single thing. It's all right wing propaganda based on unicorn feathers and hookers with hearts of gold. Nonsense......Please, read a book.

[AzRealProgressive]

Bush1 said, "No new taxes" and raised taxes. That is a good reason why he did not win the next election. Reagan prior to Bush 1 had cut taxes for the better part of his administration that created prosperity across the board. Bush1 inherited that propsperity. So did Clinton. As did Bush2. At least Bush2 had the sense to keep taxes where they are, and lower some.

People earned that money. They have a right to keep most of the fruits of their labors

You are right about the airlines and what they are doing. And hopefully someone will spank them. Speaking of reading, try reading a book on economics and taxes. Thomas Sowell a noted economist has one out about basic economics. He is a fellow at the Hoover Institute in California.

[chinacatsunflower]

nice try.

[RayPacNW]

The country needs more revenue, plain and simple. We've got a war on Terra to pay for.

It is not economically feasible to keep going in the hole like we are. If that hits you in the form of taxes, so be it. Keep at it though - all you've got to do is pull yourself up by your bootstraps and take personal responsibility and you'll be A-OK, remember?

[Strepsi]

"No economy has ever been taxed into prosperity."
*cough*CANADA*cough*

We Canadians are wealthier than Americans per person, we spend LESS on health care per person, but live longer. We have a higher quality of life and lower infant mortality rate (the U.S. has the infant death rate of a developing nation). We work slightly less hours than Americans, but earn slightly more. And oh yeah, our 2008 budget shows a SURPLUS.

[Redrover666]

Every word of what you said is absolutely true.

However, we Canadians are gripped by envy and loathing of the US. We want what they have but what we have is so freakin expensive that we can't afford it. A gas station attendant has to make what would be considered big bucks in the US, just to put a roof over his heads. On a whim taxes can be raised so high that it's enough to make you fall on your arse. I remember near twenty years ago when sales taxes on common items jumped to nearly 20% and a pack of cigarettes cost $6.00 or $7.00. I remember a gallon of antifreeze at $18.00.

Half the damned time one province or another want to separate, talks about printing their own money, Quebec wants to join the US and we took freaking years (just lately) to develop a constitution but installed so many loopholes and exceptions that most Canadians would consider it an embarrassment to toilet paper.
Typical television in Canada bashes the US, every day, all day. Yet, the first chance a Canadian gets, he immigrates to the US.

So give it a break brother. You know damned well that if you could get yourself a SSN number, you sneak in here darned quick. Eh!

[yaznaioutibia]

My Canadian friend, I am an American living in Canada, and Imust tell you that you forgot to mention that the US spends a virtual fortune on old people with very few years left of life because they are well insured, while the young productive (potential engineers, Beethovens) are left to die because thay are not insured or underinsured. As an example of humanitarian and good heartedness, I'll give an example. I brought my mother in law to live with us in Canada. She is indigent and has nothing and cannot take care of herself. This was a dilemma for us. The Quebec Government however, has accpeted to place her in the Medical care system as my dependent thereby relieving us of our burden. That is humane, that is what America was founded upon but has lost and that is why I LOVE Canada. A great nation that stands up consistently for rightousness with no deviation, and contiunnes to be a shining light of what is good about the human spirit, something us Americans lost a long time ago. If we are to survive, look at Canada. A truly great nation. I love you Canada.

[peskime]

We all know how well things have been under GOP rule. John McSame is nothing but a corporate lacky like GW Bush. One only has to look at the lobbyists that surround McSame from Phil Gramm (banking lobbyist), Rick Davis (he's the one who brokered the DHL plan that will cost 10,000 Ohioans their jobs and old Pappy McCain pushed the deal through.) Yes siree, republicans know how to run the country-INTO THE GROUND!
Obama 08
John McCain-No country for old men

[AzRealProgressive]

Both candidates seem to have lobbyists around their camps.

[moda31]

and they count on leaks to the media to help plant the seeds of their nonsense.

[JonW]

And there's that glazed look again! the one we seniors get after awakening from our nap!!

[tabrahams]

why have both of these candidates gone so negative...despite promising a better kind of politics?

both are attacking the other as much as they are laying out their own agendas:

http://thevote.abc13.com/2008/08/a-new-kind-of-p.html

[Hopeforward]

How laughable, as if John McSame has ever even been in a grocery store when he is out tooling around with Daddy Bush on the Golf course in his designer shoes. I sure hope the American people can see that this is the man that has virtually voted along WITH Bush and has paralyzed middle America while rewarding the rich.

And as far as the talking point about "the surge", how many times is McSame going to skirt the issue that there would have never been a need for a surge if there never was an invasion of a sovereign country that had nothing to do with 9/11? which by the way, not one reporter has yet to ask McSame just why he made the comment that the anthrax "may have come from Iraq" when there was nothing to indicate it did.

[dadw5boys]

I do believe this tells the whole story of Mc Cain the best !!!!!!

See what America can really expect .

http://static.crooksandliars.com/2008/08/greenberg21.jpg

[bmaggiemay]

Obama a job killer...ask the good people of Ohio who just lost them 8500 jobs....it was MCCAIN and his dumb advisor's....26 years in politics and John is a dumb as ever.