McCain to Hold "Virtual Town Hall" To Woo Clintonistas

(Update: initial post-town-hall report on this special "Independents and Clinton Supporters" event here.)

Given how beaten up the Republican "brand" is these days -- wars and rumors of wars, recession, foreclosures, joblessness, floods, and record low approval ratings for the President aren't helpful for the party in power -- John McCain knows the only way he can win in November is to snake some voters away from Barack Obama's broad coalition of Democrats and moderate Independents. And he's been trying his best to do just that -- from his horribly delivered but very well-written "green wall" speech praising Clinton and saying how terribly she's been mistreated (audio here), to his creation of a so-called "Citizens for McCain" group for people who are "Americans first," which is headed by Joe Lieberman, the "man without a party" who has turned Connecticut Democrats' rejection of him into what I've previously called "something resembling lemonade, but more sour."

It's designed to look like nonpartisanship, but it's really all about maximizing the schism that the Clinton campaign created in the Democratic base. McCain says he's reaching out to "independents" and "Americans", but he's really speaking directly to two groups:

(1) "hardworking white voters" (Clinton's term) who openly admitted that race affected their voting, who remain upset about "bittergate," and who suspect Obama of being either a Rev. Wright Christian or a stealth Muslim or both; and

(2) "paleofeminists" (my term), the women who cling bitterly to the belief that sexism is a barrier in America while racism isn't, and who think Hillary lost because of misogyny instead of seeing that she was given an equal chance and lost fair and square because she simply wasn't as appealing, and didn't run as good a campaign, as Obama.

That's McCain's strategy: snake the folks Clinton separated from Obama. Oh -- and if he can look "hip" and modern and techno-savvy while he's at it, so much the better.

Ergo, this press release, just in from the McCain campaign:

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's campaign today announced that John McCain, along with RNC Victory Chair Carly Fiorina, will participate in a virtual town hall with Democrats and Independents this Saturday to discuss McCain's record of putting country before political party. Many town hall participants are expected to be former supporters of Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Press release reproduced below.

Follow M.S. Bellows, Jr. on Twitter: www.twitter.com/msbellows

Comments

[mamajama]

I signed up for McCain's virtual town hall meeting, was accepted as a caller, got the call at 3:30, posted my questions (education questions: What about funding NCLB? What about funding IDEA?), but was never called on.
I think McCain responded to my NCLB post late in the hour, when he said that he would fully fund NCLB. It will be interesting to see if he stays with that, or backs off from it.
At any rate, except for one strongly anti-war caller, and one woman who questioned him about Roe v Wade (his response: "I'm against partial birth abortion"), he took only very gentle, almost obsequious calls.
I could also hear, either in the background of the actual meeting place of the town hall, or from other callers on line, shouted anti-war slogans.
I'll look forward to seeing if those protests are included in the campaign-edited video of the virtual town hall meeting.
Let's get this guy on a stage with Obama, talking about real issues. I can't wait.

[SanityClaus]

They never called me. I guess my questions offended someone. Because they spotlighted McCain's anti-family and anti-woman policies, behaviors and beliefs.

[Americanium]

Why would they need a home number for a virtual meeting?

[SanityClaus]

Sign up for the call today, follow the URL from the press release:

cityhall.johnmccain.com

I wonder if they'll ask any of the questions I submitted!

[iswideopen]

To "woo" them where? Further into the poor house; reversal of roe v. wade; continue the war, in which the surge is so not working; privitizing social security; ripping the constitution to shreds on a whim, just because he thinks he can; McBush, have at it. And good luck with that, ok. The media is also being derelict in their duties yet again; McBush invited Obama to a town hall that was staffed with his supporters only, and get this......­..........­FOX NEWS. Americans, what does that tell you? McBush would never get my vote. Have those computer lessons started yet, McBush? Oh yeah, Lieberman can't be your brain because he doesn't have one either. Any more "senior moments" lately? We are watching you, McBush....­..........­...you are for the rich and wealthy and have proven it by your voting record. You don't care much for women's issues, do you?

[TrueBlueMajority]

why is Joe Lieberman at McCain's side everywhere he goes lately?

[Arleen1]

He is trying to be McCain's Brain.

[MaybeMilo]

I was wondering about this also - it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Lieberman were to be selected as McCain's running mate.

[LeaveArtieAlone]

To allow yourself to be wooed by McCain who has every intention of treating you like dirt (read his policies on women’s health rights, the economy and war) once he gets what he wants----I simply fail to see how that will make anyone feel better. Used yes, better no!

[CommittedDem]

It's actually very tough for us Clinton supporters. We don't agree with McCain on anything. But we've received more abuse, hatred from Obama supporters and surrogates than we ever had from Republicans.
Result = Many people will stay home. McCain is unacceptable and on the other hand why vote for a candidate that inspires such incredible hatred within his supporter.­s

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

Don't forget that Clinton was never in a contest against McCain -- his supporters had every incentive to pander to Clinton's supporters (and to reinforce the memes she was pushing against Obama). Obama, on the other hand, was in a close and hard-fought contest against Clinton, so his supporters would naturally be more adversarial. That's a reality that I hope Clinton's supporters learn to tease apart.

As to "hatred" from Obama's supporters: I've been sorry to see instances of that. I've also been on the receiving end of "hatred" and "abuse" when visiting pro-Clinton sites, like Taylor Marsh's blog -- much stronger, more abusive sentiment expressed there than I ever saw from anyone supporting Obama. It's a little like Yossarian in Heller's "Catch-22," who complains, personally offended, that "They're shooting at me! Every time I fly over the enemy to drop bombs on them, they shoot at me!" When friends say, yeah, but they're shooting at everyone, he answers, basically, "so what? They're still shooting at ME!" Clinton's backers shot at Obama and his backers. Obama's backers shot at Clinton and her backers. Now that the war's over, the question is: will we make peace and advance our interests together, like America and Japan after WWII, or will we keep fighting, like America and the Iraqi resistance?

[UncommonSenz]

I think it is important to distinguish "hatred" (not the word I would use, but whatever) against TACTICS versus "hatred" against people.

If someone disagrees with the gas tax pandering, the use of racial division as a wedge issue, pronouncing her democratic opponent as being less capable of being Commander in Chief than McCain, calling FL and MI "Zimbabwe" while also saying that they wouldn't count, and the numerous other underhanded tactics, those are legitimate issues. But you make it sound like any attack on those issues is an attack on her followers.

Also, by refusing to concede on the night Obama became the nominee, and claiming that, no matter how many explanations are put forth for why she lost, misogyny is the primary reason she lost, that doesn't exactly endear people to your cause.

You can vote for anyone you want (or not vote), but America foots the bill for the choices you make. If your non-vote helps McCain, then you let your emotions over her loss cloud your judgemet.

[LeaveArtieAlone]

You value the opinion of strangers whom you will never meet over your own virtues and self interest? That is absolutely one of the most illogical ways of thinking ever!

[MegInPA]

Many of the So-Called Obama supporters who have been "abusing" you were actually Republicans who have been working to create division in our party. Don't fall for their trickery.

[harriscrl3]

I'm an Obama supporter and I've never abused any clinton supporter yet and if you make your decsion based on Obama supporters I think that says a lot about you. We have been insulted by Hilary to no end we've been labeled foolish latte sipping anti war people who doesnt really need government but hell would have frozen over before I put an X for McCain even if Clinton had won. I would be angry I would but I would vote democratic like I do every election that I've been voting in I didnt care for those democrats but I voted because the alternative is just frightening. So I would have groan and voted democratic like I've always done. I dont know why people are acting like in the past we had democrats that we could proud of well imo we didnt. I'm not exactly thrilled with my party as a matter fact I can't stand them they are inept and easily coopted by republicans. But I vote for them anyway. No one is saying you have to be happy when you vote but just think about what the alternative would do. Imagine 4 more years of GWB with the ability to bring on more supreme court justice and thats the reality of a McCain presidency.

Carol

[Senella]

I have gone to both Obama and McCain websites. On the main page of McCain's site are a lot of negative things about Obama. On Obama's main page I see thank you Sen. Clinton, get well Sen. Kennedy, help the midwest flood victims and messages to encourage us to come together to win this election. It is a petty little man that tries to make himself look good by making someone else look bad.

This is why I would not vote for John "Elmer Fudd" McCain!

[Janskats]

As a 60+ woman who has always fought for women's rights, I say that NO woman who believes women are still being denied those rights..wh­o believes sexism still exists in this culture..w­ho believes in workers' rights or any of the other planks in the Democratic platform..­could EVER vote for McSogyny & the Republicans! JM cheats on auto-injured wife with heiress Cindy, dumps said wife to marry her, then calls Cindy a c*** in public?? What about his stand on health insurance & other issues affecting working women and children?

If you can actually justify pretending McCain could be kept in check by a Democratic congress, you're a self-delusional fool!! A woman is initially defined as a "female adult". The "adult" part of that definition requires that we put aside petty, petulant acts of vengeance & look at the broader picture. If your primary concern now is only over your anger that something was "stolen" from you..and you're "gonna make 'em pay", then don't wrap yourself in some cloak of nobility over it, sister!

It's a childish, selfish act..nothi­ng else! As grownups, we don't always get our way. Absolutely, categorically, unequivoca­bly..any woman who votes for McCain is a traitor to all other women & I will not shed a tear over your departure. If you leave, you never belonged here in the first place..go where you're most comfortable. Do what you want..but don't tell yourself it is "righteous", dearie! "Self-righteous" is more like it!

[thecanadian]

100% right! Way to Janskats! We say the same thing. Ignore them Obama - they are not worth it. You don't need them.

Seniors for Obama!

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

But he does need them. The goal (and best strategy) isn't to ignore them or pander to them (or anyone); it's to keep reaching out to everyone in an honest way.

[zull2]

Hey, Clintonistas! Do you hate being made fun of? Mocked? Especially when you can't fight back? The rest of the civilized world (and even some of the uncivilized) have been doing just that about us for the last 8 years. We're the laughing stock of the world, you and I and all of us. We're the butt of jokes, the dummy being burned in protests, and the symbol of everything wrong in the world. It's not our fault, but it is too...some­how, some way, enough people in this country voted for an idiot that put us all in the punchline. By voting for McCain, you're voting not just to leave our soldiers in an occupation that makes no sense and only leads to death (and by association, you're partially responsible for murder), but you're keeping yourselves firmly in that punchline. You'll still be the object of ridicule, pathetic, stupid, ignorant, and lazy. The world is crazy about Obama just like they would have been for Hillary. Don't let the world continue making fun of you, if this all really is only about you. Don't do something incredibly stupid and make us all continue to be the butt of jokes the world over.

[DCtrain]

Clinton supporters­.. As you know McCain's policies are more of the same... more of George W. McCain has even stated that Cheney will have a role in the administration if he, McCain, is elected. If you're ok with George W's policies and a continuation of the Cheney era, by all means support them. If however, you agree with Hillary's policies, vote for Barak Obama. I think it's in the countries best interest to have Hillary in the Obama administration in some capacity..­. if not v.p. then Secretary of Health and Human Services. Either way, she would be on the senior staff and would be able to weigh in on many issues.

Please go in eyes open... McCain --- long history of womanizing, bad record on women's issues, a wife abandoned, a second wife that couldn't hold a candle to first ladies Hillary or Michelle Obama. And Lieberman, quick to betray, a complete lack of charisma, basically someone who should be pushed aside.

[AdamND]

I cant wait until and angry HIllary supporter asks him aobut his views on womans issues. They will come running back.

[snarkopolitan]

Perhaps he can start off with the joke he liked to tell about young Chelsea's looks. It's a perfect mirror of his embrace of Bush after Bush slimed McCain's adopted daughter.

[CommittedDem]

How would that be any different from what happens on this site? Chelsea was subject to a great deal of hate on this site.

[M.S. Bellows, Jr. - Huffpost Blogger]

About her looks, about Janet Reno being her father? I never saw that kind of sexist hatred here. Also, back then she was just the Clintons' child -- no involvement in politics, no excuse to say hateful things about her looks. Now, of course, she's an adult who's actively campaigning for a politician, which makes the content of her appearances fair game.

And, of course, you never heard Obama, personally, say anything hateful about Chelsea (or, frankly, anyone else). McCain, on the other hand, has called his wife a "cu*t" in public, laughed when someone called Hillary a "bit*h", and said a sitting President's child was ugly. That's pretty horrific stuff. I can't see any excuse to collaborate in the election of a man like that by petulantly refusing to vote for Obama in November.