PA Gov. Rendell Goes On Offensive For Obama Against McCain-Palin Attacks

PHILADELPHIA - "John McCain promised a decent and honest campaign," said Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell at a press conference in Philadelphia this morning, "but his campaign has been anything but honest; it is desperate and dishonorable." Rendell called the press conference, held at the Obama campaign headquarters in Center City Philadelphia, to challenge lies being spread by Republican presidential and vice presidential candidates Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin in rallies across the Commonwealth. With Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter standing next to him, Rendell challenged three issues specifically: the Republicans' claim that Obama will raise taxes on the middle class, the accusation that Obama is a socialist, and misinformation about Obama's health care policy. While the polls continue to give Obama a lead, most recently a nine-point lead, McCain and Palin are waging an all out assault on Pennsylvania, small towns in particular, in an attempt to stage a last minute upset.

"Senator McCain and Governor Palin have been practically living in Pennsylvania," Rendell said, "They should start paying taxes."

For the past few days, Rendell has been on a bus tour across the state on Obama's behalf, correcting misconceptions about the Democratic presidential nominee along the way. "It's important to set the record straight," Rendell told the spacious, but packed room of volunteers, staff and media. He explained that he'd sent a letter to McCain requesting that McCain stop lying about Barack Obama, but that the letter had gone unanswered. Rendell didn't pull any punches in confronting the McCain campaign's mendacity, "They are trying to scare the people of Pennsylvania," the governor said, "Because they have nothing else."

He began by debunking the GOP claim that Obama's will raise taxes. "It is not true that Obama will raise taxes for middle class Americans," he said. Rendell went on to explain that according to a nonpartisan think tank [The Tax Policy Center], Barack Obama and Joe Biden will cut taxes for middle class families at least three times as much as McCain would. He emphasized that Obama will, in fact, cut taxes for 95 percent of all working families and that no family making under $250,000 will see their taxes increase. Rather, they will receive a $1,000 tax cut. Under Obama's plan, senior citizens earning under $50,000, including 430,000 Pennsylvanians, will not pay taxes; and the average family will pay tax rates that are 20 percent lower than they were when Reagan was President.

In contrast, Rendell said, "Under McCain's plan, 101 million Americans--including 4.7 million Pennsylvania households and 97 percent of Pennsylvania's seniors--will receive no tax relief."

Rendell talked about Exxon-Mobil's record profits, reported yesterday, "the largest profits of any corporation in the history of the world," and how McCain wants to give Exxon-Mobil a 1.2 billion tax cut at the expense of working, middle class families.

The audience robustly applauded the governor several times during his remarks. Addressing the cost of higher education, Rendell reminded Pennsylvanians that Obama will provide a refundable tuition tax cut for families with children in college, which will allow all middle class families to send their kids to college. For families with small children, Obama will extend the child care credit to $6,000.

Rendell tackled head-on McCain and Palin's accusation that Obama is a socialist. The governor, offering a brief history lesson, explained that the graduated income tax in which those who are in the highest income bracket pay more has been in effect for one hundred years--and started under a Republican, President Teddy Roosevelt, whom McCain has referred to as his hero. The governor explained that the earned income tax credit, which offers relief to poor families so that they can continue working, started under another Republican, Ronald Reagan who was hardly a socialist.

Further, Rendell pointed out that as governor, Sarah Palin in her own words has "spread the wealth" in Alaska to reduce taxes for Alaska residents. The governor pointed out, also, that in 2000, McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts saying it was okay for people of wealth to pay a bit more in taxes; but that ironically since he's become a presidential candidate, McCain has fully embraced the very tax policies he once denounced.

In a strong, resonant voice, Rendell said, "Obama wants to give tax cuts to the people who need them most. Remember, Republicans called FDR a socialist, too." Indeed, Franklin Roosevelt's administration gave the nation social security and unemployment benefits, programs we take for granted today. Yet, when he proposed those programs, which offered much needed relief to millions of Americans during the Great Depression, Roosevelt too was accused of being a socialist.

To illustrate, to prove, how ridiculous McCain and Palin's claims are, Rendell reiterated that under Obama's health care plan, "You can keep the health care you have" if you're satisfied with it, at a lower cost. "This," he said, "is not socialism."

Mayor Nutter spoke after Governor Rendell and directly addressed the falsehoods the GOP ticket has been spreading, as well, "Senator McCain and Governor Palin have been lying," he said, "but Philadelphians, Pennsylvanians, Americans--are not stupid. The lies will not work, not this time." Nutter said that the Republican candidates are in a place that is long gone, using tactics that no longer work.

"As they try to scare people," he said, "They are becoming scary themselves."

Feeding on the energy and excitement across Philadelphia from the Phillies' World Series victory, Nutter said, "Senator Obama is trying to move the country forward in a new direction. This is our World Series; this is about us and our interests." He encouraged everyone to defeat the lies being spread by the Republican ticket by working hard over the final eighty-one hours of the campaign. "We're going to elect Barack Obama President and Joe Biden Vice President and there's nothing John McCain and Sarah Palin can do about it," Nutter said to hearty cheers and applause.

Comments

[wship111]

Messieurs Nutter and Rendell are not my favorite pols by any stretch of the imagination. Nevertheless I am grateful for their belated support of Barak Obama. Their explanation of Obama's position on taxes and the like will not, unfortunately, inspire the Repubs and other bigots to alter their vote. Their, Nutter and Rendell, support of Obama for President does not diminish their unvarnished support for the witch of the East.

[PT6]

"Joe the Plumber" is McCain's way to bring Reagonomics back into the discussion:

McCain could NOT say "Middle Class" in the debates as it appeared to "CHOCK" him, so he adopted "Joe the Plumber" as a surrogate for the Middle Class.

McCain uses "MAGIC MIRRORS" to portray "Joe of Wall Street" who wears a suit and tie and makes $500,000+ net income per year to look like "Joe the Plumber" who earns less than $45,000 net per year and wears a T-Shirt.

McCain knows "Joe of Wall Street" appears "Corrupt" in the minds of Middle Class voters!

But McCain thinks "Joe the Plumber" is acceptable to the Middle Class!

This lets McCain avoid the apperance of "SERVING the RICH" with TAX CUTS and instead makes it look like he is "Serving the Middle Class."

Obama's approach is honest and serves the Middle Class having incomes less than $250,000 Net.

[TrooAmerican]

"Rendell tackled ..the..accusation that Obama is a socialist. He.....explained that the graduated income tax in which those who are in the highest income bracket pay more has been in effect for 100 years--& started under a Republican President, Teddy Roosevelt, whom McCain has referred to as his hero. The governor explained that the earned income tax credit, which offers relief to poor families so that they can continue working, started under another Repub, Ronald Reagan who was hardly a socialist."

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This is all well and good for us obama supporters on this website, and those in the crowd that Rendell was addressing. But it is just redundant to those who know the truth.

The real issue is, Why cant they challenge Fox News to carry his remarks like these, to force them to reckon with the truth instead of having their media personalities pushing fraud?
Why is it that we cannot, as a nation, government, populace, an overwhelming political party push truth onto a major media Source that should have their FCC license revoked for purposely spreading lies for a political agenda?
There is NO comparison between Fox & any other Media org. FOX makes up their own info, they push false witness, & give time to liars while shutting off the mic of people speaking truth.
Yet the media, & the people let Fox digest truth & reality, then regurgitate BS out the back.

[JMBrodie]

I wonder how many of us would try to do what Obama is trying to do -- faced with raw hate from some in our nation who cling to a shameful past. He truly is putting his life on the line.

This is why so many of my older relatives feared his campaign. They didn't want to see him get hurt and leave his family alone. But to my surprise, they have come around. They were the ones who marched and withstood the hoses. They see a finish line that they could only dream of. They essentially are telling Barack, "we got your back. If you really want to do this, we are with you."

I know a few of our white brothers and sisters have a hard time understanding this. For for a lot of us this is a moment to pass on to a younger generation. That we have to endure the Palin/McCain taunts and threats is really not so big a deal after dealing with Bull Connor, George Wallace and the boys (and girls) in the white hoods.

As a nation, we will get through this and be stronger, and more united, than we ever have been. This is the year America starts to grow up.

This is an election that is 400 years in the making.

O/B 08

[IowaKid]

Nicely said and thank you. Oh and I am a white woman over 50 years old that voted for Obama/Biden.

Also thank you Gov Rendell. Also thank you Hillary and Senator Biden who are also in PA today.

[elsrks]

As a white , middle aged woman, I can relate to much of what you say, although I have not experienced the same brand of discrimination.
This election has highlighted the dramatic change that has evolved in this country--
Many of my friends (and myself) have been Obama supporters from the start and also feared for his life-- and we TOO recognize that Obama is a GIFT to "our children" - prejudice and racism has substantially decreased over the generations--our children are more accepting and tolerant beings..
Obama transcends race-- he is an honorable, decent and respectful Man and I expect Obama will nurture the best parts of our nature and foster strong values that will make us all feel good again..
Clarence Page spoke of his elderly father (92) and mom--in her late 80's who are both so happy to be alive in order to experience this election..
I predict Obama will be (if not our most--one of ) our most venerated and beloved Presidents!
So many of us are deeply touched by the symbolic nature of Obama's Presidency for the Black community...
Obama/Biden '08!

[bogues]

Thank you Gov. Rendell, keep on speaking the truth as loud and to as many people as possible. We absolutely must win this election to put the country back on track and see our nation once again strive to be united.

[alady]

I feel if people want to continue suffering fir 4 more years, let them suffer, especially if "hate" dwells in their hearts.

[TullyMars]

The GOP fully understands their base and they know these people do not read the news... they do not try to educate themselves on the issues... they rely on word of mouth and sound bites.

The GOP would have to completely alter their platform if everyone voted, so... GET OUT AND VOTE! It's the true American thing to do.

[longislandlol]

Pennsylvania should have had early voting

[SMP]

1.2 million more democrats registered here in PA........­.........i­f McCain pulls off PA....there is absolutely voter fraud and voter supression by the republicans.


PA VOTERS.....before completing your electronic vote.....CHECK IT...........MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE FOR POTUS COUNTS!!!!! DO NOT LEAVE POLLING PLACE TILL YOU FEEL CONFIDENT YOUR VOTE HAS BE SUBMITTED PROPERLY!!!!!!


CHANGE IS IN THE AIR.......His name is BARACK OBAMA..THE PEOPLES PRESIDENT!!!!!

[Brian Ross - Huffpost Blogger]

Nationalizing banks is socialism. Shoring up investment banks with state money is socialism. Nothing wrong with either, but let's call it for what it is. The hypocrisy of Red baiting in this day and age is really stunning.

[trollslayer]

Why is it stunning? Republicans have offered nothing but lies and hypocrisy for the last 3 decades. You think it's ever going to get better? It won't. The more ignorant of the electorate believe the lies and spread them. The only difference this election, is that a larger majority of people have woken up to the tactics. It doesn't mean Republicans will ever stop lying. They accept no responsibility for the mistakes of the last 8 years. Gingrich is already trying to rewrite history as I pen this comment. Republican strategists have been blaming Clinton for the economic crisis. They'll never take responsibility and they'll never tell the truth. They are fundamentally dishonest.

[AndyatHuff]

Quit fretting about undecideds... Volume baby volume..!! These folks are voting McCain, but he still loses

[schicklett3]

Excellent article!!!

[txranger]

I'm expecting that Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and Virginia will be the states with the most instances of voter suppression and intimidation done by Republicans. Republicans know that if McCain loses any two of these states, it's over. Also, these states have significant minority populations (more likely to support Obama), therefore, it's easier for the Republicans to identify these likely-Obama voters (this would much tougher in a state like Iowa).

[blair771999]

We should be nervous of the so called undecided voters. Undecided =not voting for Obama meaning I hope they sit this one out.

[Kuroneko]

I wonder many of them will. You have to be a pretty strong supporter of one or the other if you have to line up for several hours to cast a vote.

[hortonhearsawho]

they don't vote untill the 5th...

[Softnsweet]

There are no undecided voters. After almost 2 years everyone has made up their minds.

[cre8ive]

Well, it's about time! Rendell's support has been lukewarm at best until now. He was a big Hillary guy. I'm glad he finally put the party first and threw his substantial political weight behind Obama where it belongs.

[DrCahill]

You are mistaken! Governor Rendell has been a team player from the time Hillary lost the Primary! How do you think Senator Obama managed to get all those working class folks on his side so quickly, such that he leads all the polls? Rendell has been out campaigning like he is the one running for office himself - and he's done a brilliant job! He's been in constant touch with the Obama Campaign, calling in for reinforcements whenever they are needed.

[morefromLA]

You are exactly right.

[Softnsweet]

Yes, Governor Rendell has been a team player since Hillary lost. You have to give him kudos for it.

[Solange]

Ed Rendell was one of the first people, along with Charlie Rangel, to tell Hillary to concede. Immediately after Obama won the number of delegates needed to secure the nomination, Rendell told Hillary--you don't bargain with the nominee. He did this--the day after Obama went over the top and has been working committedly for Obama ever since.