Obama Ad Calls Out McCain For Employing Lobbyists

In an ad that hasn't officially been released to reporters, the Obama campaign goes hard after John McCain for employing big-time lobbyists in high ranking positions.

The spot, entitled "Special Interest," leaked out on Friday despite what Democratic officials say was Obama's design of waiting until the weekend. The ad is indicative of the continued battle between the two candidates over who can best carry the mantle of reform.

"John McCain's chief adviser lobbies for oil companies, even from Russia and China. His campaign manager lobbies for corporations outsourcing American jobs. The campaign chairman he picked last year -- a bank lobbyist. If seven of McCain's top advisers are lobbyists, who do you think will run his White House? John McCain. We just can't afford more of the same."

The McCain campaign was out with a response immediately, claiming Obama was the one ineffectual when it came to taking on special interests.

"Suffering at the hands of his own underperforming, deeply partisan, do-nothing record, Barack Obama has hastily resorted to blatant hypocrisy or simple ignorance to his own lobby-driven campaign," said spokesman Tucker Bounds, spokesman. "The truth is Barack Obama's campaign is saddled with former lobbyists, and John McCain is the only candidate who has led the fight to root out the influence of corporate money in politics..."

So who is right? The fact that the question is still debated is, in itself, remarkable. David Donnelly, head of Campaign Money Watch, a national campaign finance watchdog group, offered the following statement regarding the back and forth.

"Under President Bush, Americans have witnessed Washington and the economy work well for the oil companies, the health insurance industry, and the big money players who can afford to hire one of John McCain's many lobbyists. During these difficult times, Americans want their government to listen to them, not to those who continue the pay-to-play system. Sadly, John McCain's campaign, as this ad describes, is captive to big money lobbyists, and he has refused in this campaign to support comprehensive policies that will clean up Washington."

Comments

[Tobiasism]

Excellent ad
Much better than 1982.
1982 could benefit form adding the clip from today wherein McCain says that he is in D.C. and out of touch.

[KiwisCanFly]

Anyone check out if it is factually correct and currently correct?

If it is good one.

If not, then it's like the McCain ads, distortion!

[green4good]

Not only is completely true, its only the tip of the iceberg. McCain in fact employs 169 lobbyists in his campaign. He hired Bush's campaign staff including Schmidt, the man responsible for the Kerry smears.

[StephanieF24]

its true. Great ad obama!!

[waverly]

McCain's entire campaign consists of lobbyists, lobbyist for Georgia (country), lobbyist who deregulated the market creating the bank and mortgage mess, and a whole lot more. If McCain is elected these men will be given jobs in his cabinet and administration. It is as scary as hell to imagine what our country will be like. We are doomed under his administration. Please do your homework before you vote...it is that important.

[nerakami]

How many lobbyists each candidate has in their campaigns?

McSame - 169
Obama - 0

Heard it on CNN... I didn't make it up.

[NicoleAnon]

You forgot about Axelrod - try doing some research on his career.

[mnash]

Yep, did that. He is no longer a lobbyist. That was in the past.

[JR49]

What is your point? I think 1 and 169 are big differences...byt yes of course you Republicans count it as even.

[KiwisCanFly]

NicoleAnon hope this clairifies:

"I never lobbied anybody," Axelrod said. "What I do is make ads and try to involve people in the process, people outside the halls of legislatures or city councils, to get involved in public issues. What lobbyists do is go behind closed doors and try to influence lawmakers sometimes with implied promises of support for their campaign and so on, It is fundamentally different. I have never lobbied a politician on behalf of a client in my life. And I certainly have never talked to Obama about any client. It is a red herring put up by a campaign that is being run by the most powerful corporate lobbyist in Washington in Charlie Black and being managed by a corporate lobbyist."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/29/axelrod-exclusive-obama-s_n_104064.html

[MrGill]

I heard that number too, same broadcast. I wondered if anyone verified it. If it's true...it makes me shiver.

[ShamusNYC]

.


Wow.

The scary part of this - from McCain's perspective - they can get material this good WITHOUT LYING!


.

[Lotus19]

WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Just in time for a good weekend. I've volunteered (on the urging of the fine folks here ) to go to PA and do some work. I spoke to someone in the NY campaign office earlier and I'm waiting for someone else to get back to me.


Go Obama! it's about time!!!!!

[SunshineDaydream]

way to go, lotus!! that's what it is going to take - each and every one of us donating time and money to this campaign, OUR campaign - informing and registering voters.

[PAposter]

Have you guys seen these answers from the 527's.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/12/brutal-ad-targets-palins_n_125975.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/12/plannet-parenthood-defend_n_125911.html

Oh, yeah, it's getting good now.

[LemonMeringue]

Why is "I'm Barack Obama and I approve of this message" at the beginning instead of at the end? Is that how it's being done these days?

[SunshineDaydream]

listen, when he says change, he means change. ;-)

[kas70]

Much better, O - keep 'em coming!

[ChristiB]

I want to see 4 more like this before Sunday ASAP.

[SunshineDaydream]

"sara h pa lin knows more about energy than anyone in america"

"being a small town mayor is the most difficult job in america"

[armadillious2002]

Yeah - that's what I'm talking about - this ad speaks to me. Good work!
!

[SunshineDaydream]

this ad came on two minutes after i turned the tube on this morning. what a great way to start the day.

[katiec]

GO BARACK!!
That is the kind of ad you need to run.
Thought the one about the computer was blah.
ENOUGH!!

[SunshineDaydream]

ENOUGH!!

[theone718]

ENOUGH!!

[PizzaGuy1]

Take note of the response by the ReThugs. Attack the Democrats by accusing them of just what you are being accused of. Echo back the accusation. Doesn't matter that there is no basis for the reverse accusation, just so you do it fast and vigorously. People believe it because you say it over and over.

We need constant, unrelenting and simple statements.

http://latenightpizzas.wordpress.com

[ComeOnAmerica]

I think, hope and pray that the original Obama ad will resonate more with people, even those on the fence, than the childish response from the rugs. On a related note, for those who haven't already seen it, I strongly urge you to read Paul Reiser's (sp?) entry on HuffPo today. He speaks to the childish, bullying replies of repugs when faced with facts. It's a great piece.

[GemNY]

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rossan]

Awesome!! That's exactly what would happen in a McCain White House. We must stand up-let's keep Obama campaign going. Please donate no dontation is to small or large just donate. I'm on board to take America back. I have small kids I can't overlook the damage a McCain Presidency would do to their future. Get involved & donate

[nikio1975]

This is why I'm voting for Barack. I normally try to donate at least $5 but this week I don't even have that much to donate!

[serecovery]

That was really G R E A T ad. Excellent.

The "divorced from reality" line will be in the next 1,000 Obama ads!!!