On Election Eve, Flashing Billboard Irks Obama Supporters In Ohio

NILES, Ohio -- On Election Eve in Niles, a small town in the northeastern part of the state, a privately funded digital billboard was flashing "Say NO to Socialist Barack Hussein Obama" all night long. To the right of the flashing words, a photograph of the Democratic candidate was crossed out with a white "X". According to the Youngstown Vindicator, the billboard has been up for more than a week.

Niles is located in the nation's former industrial belt, traditionally Democratic country. The city's economy was undermined in the 1970s when the steel industry -- already in decline -- collapsed. Niles is also known as the birthplace of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States.

It's hard to miss the high-tech billboard because it stands across the street from Eastwood Mall, one of the largest shopping and restaurant complexes in the United States, a high-traffic location. The controversial sign has come under criticism by local Democrats. "It's the most ridiculous, inaccurate billboard that could ever be put up," said state Rep. Robert F. Hagan (D) of Youngstown.

Obama billboard photographed by Niles Reporter Shelby Shroeder.

Comments

[JohnRawlsInOveralls]

Even though McCain himself admitted to Larry King that he doesn't think Obama is a socialist, that apparently is no obstacle for red-baiting. It reflects McCain's inability to function as a respected leader for his supporters.

This appears to be one of many problems the McCain campaign has had. He cannot rally his supporters around a single, positive message along the lines of "I'm John McCain, and I stand for _____." Instead, the campaign (and its supporters) has dissipated into several negative messages, as in "I'm John McCain, and Barack Obama is a _____ [socialist/arab/terrorist/etc.].

Mr. Kapp put that sign up there for one reason: He thinks it is going to help. This suggests to me two things, both of concern. First, he wants people like Gayle Quinnell, a.k.a., Crazy Hair Lady, to come out and vote. This leads to the second point of concern, which is that he thinks there are enough Gayle Quinnells out there to make a difference. God save us if there are. If you're not a Gayle Quinnell, log off now and get to the polls.

P.S. Sorry, Ms. Quinnell. I'm sure you're a very nice lady. It's not that you're voting for McCain that disappoints people. It's the reason why you're voting for McCain.

[DBtv]

The American People are repudiating the failed politricks of prevarication and demagoguery.

The New American Renaissance begins NOW.

Vote early, vote often, then volunteer to get others out to vote.

It ain't over 'til it's over.

[reuscel]

I saw the same Reverend Wright ad on TV in Boston 4 times this morning. Needless to say, I'm not concerned about the GOP's chances in Massachusetts.

[TaylorB95]

Same here in NYC...5 times during 2 hours of news viewing yesterday on MSNBC/CNN.

[Stravinsky]

I think people recognize this as the shrill lies of a desperate, empty, republican candidate, and will vote accordingly.

[sticksnstones]

I'm surprised that the spelling on these thugboards is correct....they must have hired a sign company owned by a Democrat. It's the only explanation !

[LesserFool2]

If the American people elect Senator Obama despite the fear-mongering, red-baiting and name-calling of the McCain campaign, I will be impressed by their ability to come through when it mattered. I had all but given up hope after the American people elected our present retarded POTUS twice.

If Obama is elected, I predict this charge of "socialism" and "socialist" is going to come back to bite the GOP. In addition to (re-)making it part of our political vocabulary, a successful Obama administration will be linked to the term. This, in turn, could pre-dispose more Americans towards supporting a greater welfare-state; especially coming on the heels of the disaster that is unfettered markets.

I realize I'm speculating here. But, were things to develop this way, it would be the ultimate in irony -- the GOP facilitates American's willingness to embrace socialistic ideas.

[FogBelter]

The Republican Party has proven it is Socialist by bailing out Wall Street with taxpayer money ... so someone is confused and wasting a lot of money on this sign. As a side note, with the pitiful state of education in the area of History in this country, the likelihood many in Ohio even know what socialism is is slim.

[Herders4Me]

And McCain is STILL running those damn hateful ads in VA.

I swear - the only thing I know about the man is that he HATES Obama.

[Teeninchee]

They are running on MSNBC so they are anywhere MSNBC goes, I would imagine. Oregon is a blue state. Nothing you run in Oregon is going to change that. But I see two awful ones over here the last 2 days.

[Teeninchee]

running on the west coast too.

[NYCSocialWork]

Paid for by Jack Kapp

Google his name...in that area of Ohio, he is listed as the contact for Central Appalacian Petroleum.

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

This will backfire. People HATE flashing, blinking advertisement.

[downtherabbithole]

Too bad a billboard of Todd Palin standing with his AIP buddies(you know those hate America folks)hasn't been put up.

[Demster]

Yeah, it is amazing how Palin's husband, and his membership in an anti-American organization seeking secession from the US, has not been investigated by the media. I guess Alaska is not the REAL America she has been campaigning in.

[shakadara]

Ain't that the truth, talk about spreading the wealth and socialism, Palin is a real socialist, she takes from the oil companys and sends out checks to the alaskan people, ha Sarah socialism.