McCain Ad Uses President Clinton To Bash Democrats

Mr. President, it's your turn.

Sen. Hillary Clinton has already starred in ads produced by the McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee this year, which used her primary-season barbs against Barack Obama for general election purposes.

Now McCain is using President Bill Clinton in an ad that not only draws a contrast with Barack Obama, but with Democrats overall. At issue is the former president's appearance last Thursday on ABC's Good Morning America. In the ad, which will "air nationally," McCain's camp isolates a soundbite in which Clinton says: "I think the responsibility that the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress, or by me when I was President, to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."

In the context of McCain's ad, the selected clip of Clinton's interview bolsters the charge that Democrats sold out homeowners: "Democrats blocked the reforms. Loans soared. Then, the bubble burst. And, taxpayers are on the hook for billions. Bill Clinton knows who is responsible."

Except, of course, in the full interview with Chris Cuomo (viewable here), the former president distributes blame a little more evenly -- and, interestingly, even references the pointlessness of trying assign blame for the crisis at this particular point in time. When asked if Democrats were "playing politics" with the issue, Clinton said "well, maybe everybody does that a little bit."

Later, he said it was "important" that the country have "two candidates for president saying 'let's try to minimize the partisan differences.' We'll have plenty of time later to look at who caused this and what mistakes were made. Let's figure out what to do now and go forward." Clearly, though, McCain's latest ad is targeted for expressly that purpose.

Regardless, the use of Clinton in a McCain spot is likely to further rile observers who feel that the former president has been a less-than-enthusiastic surrogate for Obama this season.

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Full script:

ANNCR: John McCain fought to rein in Fannie and Freddie.

The Post says: McCain "pushed for stronger regulation"..."while Mr. Obama was notably silent."

But, Democrats blocked the reforms.

Loans soared.

Then, the bubble burst.

And, taxpayers are on the hook for billions.

Bill Clinton knows who is responsible.

PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: "I think the responsibility that the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was President to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."

ANNCR: You're right, Mr. President. It didn't have to happen.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

Comments

[Whatashame]

Bill Clinton is a wolf in sheep clothing. He's just another Joe lieberman.

[webstersmommy]

You know, I think he's worse. At least Lieberman doesn't pretend to support Obama.

[RepubLieResistant]

He did 2 years ago when he was up for re-election and he needed Obama to help get him in.

[gisellestwocents]

True.

[webstersmommy]

Well, so much for heros. When I think of how I defended him against so many of my friends and family when he was playing hide the weenie in the White House. Now he's all over TV singing the praises of John McCain. Does he really think we are that stupid? He sure as hell wouldn't take this approach if his wife was the candidate. So many people bashed Obama's brains out for not appointing her as his running mate. This is why! Clinton is attempting to sabotage Obama's election, thus placing Hillary in the top position for 2012. She has to get the nod then or will be too old (Her own words 'til a few months ago.) It won't fly.....ou­r memories are long. Go away Bill.

[doctordoubt]

I so hope you are right about t he memeory thing.

[RockySoldier]

bill clinton: always ready to throw every loyal supporter under his bus if it helps build him a positive legacy.

go back to arkansas. we're done with you.

[RockySoldier]

it's impossible for me to believe that clinton didn't know that every word he used to talk about anything after his wife lost the nomination fight wouldn't be used in mccain ads. he's doing it on purpose. if we are prepared to say 'bill clinton is an expert politician- absolutely one of the best we've ever had', then we have to assume that he knows what he's doing. and for that, he makes me sick to my stomach. loyalty is important to me, and bill clinton has been as disloyal as a stray dog since his wife lost.

get lost, bill. but before you go, gimme back the two votes i gave you. you make me sick.

[RJII]

slick willie knows exactly what he's doing.

[ajax2]

Many posters on this site correctly predicted a Bill Clinton move to support Republican McCain if Hillary lost the nomination. Only the Hillary supporters clung to the lie of good sport democrat Bill Clinton. Not even the trolls believed that crap.

[Tomasekbride]

I still supported AND respected Bill while he was getting blown in the oval office. But this???? Turning against his own party.....­I've lost all respect for him AND HER.

[Paul Peete - Huffpost Blogger]

A note to all tr0// spotters:
If you notice a troll like I just saw Lemmiwinks, don't bother to answer any of their posts, just say Please reference Lemmiwinks profile for a complete reading of his or her rants.
some Republicans make reasoned arguments that we can discuss with them, and then there are those who are here just to get off on their sick sense of ignorance. Lemmiwinks is for sure the latter.

[ProFromOre]

Paul,

a suggestion made by someone the other day who'd researched the troll payment process said they get paid on replies and recommended never replying directly to an obvious troll. Post a new comment, instead.

[tomjones44]

does the little jingle at the end of each of his ads bother anybody else????

[Paul Peete - Huffpost Blogger]

This ad is toxic for those gullible to not analyze it carefully. The dates of the WaPo quotes are indicative of the willy nilly cobbling of quotes to state a specious argument. Clinton as a former President knew he could be quoted out of context and has convinced me that he is ready to scuttle the whole Democratic Party to get Hillary a chance the next go around. I wonder if they plan on bolting to the Republican Party with Joe Lie- berman?

[mysterygirl18]

Oh Bill- come on...just when you think you've seen it all...



http://www.myspace.com/wakeupnowpeople

[MuchMadness]

What's the deal with the oh-so-concerned throaty female voice in this year's Republican attack ads? It's like fingernails on a chalkboard.

[ElBruce]

Wow, McCain is determined to push the "voters are stupid" card to the hilt. Neither Fannie nor Freddie were responsible for originating subprime mortgages. The definition of a "subprime" mortgage is one that doesn't meet their lending standards.

[ECB]

Seriously most repubs have a gag reflex whenever thry see Bill Clinton - not sure how much this really hurts BO.

[Anastasia]

Bill needs an intervention. Tragic.

[Avembe]

hear carefully at0'42 : there's a cut there!!!!!!Why is that!!!!!!!!!!!!
because the Reps certainly distord the statement!!!!
Well..;euh what's new from the reps!!!!!!

[Lemmiwinks]

keep deluding yourself commie

[oldfart1]

At the end of each interview, after throwing a lifeline to drowning Reps, Clinton always says, Vote for Obama.

That's good politics.

Remember, Clinton didn't have the Bush bust to campaign against, and yet he won twice.

Also remember what losing in a good cause is called.

It's called losing.

[theHardTruthFairy]

Why throw a lifeline to a drowning enemy? That's bad politics.

Remember, Bill never ran in the YouTube era were anyone can edit a video.

Just upload the part with him praising Republicans and snip off the "Vote Obama" part.