Do it for Max Cleland

In 2002, Saxby Chambliss won his Georgia Senate seat against incumbent Democrat Max Cleland, a triple-amputee Vietnam Vet. He deployed tactics that would make Lee Atwater wince -- a barrage of ads against him pairing him with images of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, and questioning his commitment to a safe America. In one of the last accurate statements John McCain would make for many years, he called this ad "worse than disgraceful":

Thanks to Georgia law that requires 50% of the vote for the win, Chambliss's race against Democratic challenger is going to a runoff (Chambliss is at 49.9). There are a lot of reasons to help Jim Martin: his call for lower taxes on the middle class, his support of bringing troops home from Iraq, support for health care for every American, and an expansion of Veterans benefits to National Guard and Reserve soldiers whose current benefits are dwarfed by the huge burden they are currently bearing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Yes, those are all perfectly good reasons, but I'm appealing to your worse angels today. Please help Jim Martin defeat Saxby Chambliss in the name of sweet, sweet retribution for the scare campaign that painted a Max Cleland as unconcerned with the safety of our country.

He's going to need help to win. Please chip in -- for Max.

Follow Max Bernstein on Twitter: www.twitter.com/maxmarginal

Comments

[insanityfollows]

When Chambliss ran against Cleland in 2002 and whipped out the low-life Rovian tactics to do it, I felt ill. I grew up in Georgia knowing quite well who Max Cleland is and his record of service to the US and the state of Georgia. I had never in all my life (literally) heard anyone speak of Max Cleland with anything but respect, even if they disagreed with him. Chambliss' race in 2002 dogging Max Cleland just did me in. I was still stinging from 2000 and the Bush campaign's low life tactics against everyone, but notably John McCain (the old John McCain we all knew and loved). Politics is a dirty business, yes, but dogging one's opponent in a campaign fight vs. just shredding men with integrity to pieces is another. There has always been an element of that, but the way the GOP has run this tack the last few years, it is like the taunts of schoolyard bullies. They were winning by reducing the other guy to tears and forcing them off the playground. I think that is why so many of us had our hearts broken by the old John McCain who should have told Bush and the GOP to kiss his behind. Instead, he was whipped and he caved in. Ultimately, that will spell his demise. As for the Martin/Chambliss race, you are right. Martin should be elected for the redemption of Max Cleland. Amen.

[robiform]

I just heard on MSNBC that John McCain, who rightly criticized the ads that Chambliss made six years ago, is coming to Georgia to campaign for Chambliss. McCain gives a gracious concession speech, and then continues the erosion of the Straght Talk Express! I'd love to see President-elect Obama campaign for Jim Martin, but I guess he's rather busy!! People of Georgia, you have a chance to redeem yourselves--vote Chambliss OUT!!

[swellsoire]

I live in Georgia and I will vote for Jim Martin in the run-off, as I did in the general election. It will take an appearance by Obama to make his win a reality. I fear that there are many who won't go back to the polls.

[georgiaR]

The only thing the republicans said was that Max Cleland was not hurt in combat - THIS IS TRUE.
But he is still a hero

[SouthernBlueBelle]

Well that "R" after georgia says it all. Was it "true" to compare him with known terrorists? He was and is a hero for his valiant service and his determination to not let his injuries rob him of a life.

[Mildmannered]

"a barrage of ads against him pairing him with images of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, and questioning his commitment to a safe America"

[CyrusBeaucephus]

stop lying, we all saw the ads

[larry278]

Emulate Max Cleland, do it for America. That has been his purpose in life, all of his adult life. It's a career officer & enlisted thing.

[SJHS]

I live in Atlanta and I'm "in" for Jim Martin! I donated to him before and I will do it again. I will also remind my friends to vote -- for Jim Martin and/or against Saxby Chambliss. Both things accomplished with a single touch on the touchscreen voting machine. Saxby Chambliss is without conscience -- and is smarmy, to boot!

[Harry Scrote]

I have nothing of real value to impart here, but I'm just going to call an 'ace' an 'ace.' That Sax by character is a cartoon and a creep!

[Oldbuck]

Saxby Chambliss should be in the same jail the Karl Rove should be put in maybe a chain gang in Georgia.

[FDRbyGodDemocrat]

Ah the movie prospects: "Cool Hand Karl." With Saxby next to him: "My boy can eat 50 eggs!"

[kjstjohn]

Jim Martin (and Max Cleland) can count on my money and my time. I think I can talk my Dad (retired AF) into helping me as well.

[Mildmannered]

fantastic

[jstrick]

I'm here in GA and I've already sent Martin some more money, I just hope the Obama supporters show up to the polls. Hopefully Obama can swing through the state and give Martin a boost to get everyone out to vote.

[PaxChristi]

Exactly, We need the President elect Obama and his supporters to get out the vote once again in support of Jim Martin.

[CaptainStormfield]

I read on Brad Blog and Greg Palast that 50,000 were un-registered by the Rethuglican Secratary of State in Georgia? Is there time for them to register again? Anyone know?

[brynn6]

I heard on the news today that not all of the ballots have been counted yet. Has the run-off been officially declared? Please keep us posted on this, and yes count me in for Martin.

[tbone99]

Money sent- lets take the senate!

[Scarllatti]

I live in Atlanta and I cannot wait for all Obama supporters to focus their attention on the Georgia Senatorial race so that we will defeat Saxy Chambliss.

Please folks, come to our aid. This is not the time to drop your guards and quit. We need to send Jim Martin to Washington to help bring the CHANGE we all desperately need. Let us defeat this Republican ideologue to send a message that the GOP and Saxy Chambliss type of politics has no place in America.

We have to power to do just that.

[jennbeez]

A lot of people are feeling tapped out by campaign contributions, but this is an important race. The joy of seeing Chambliss go down due to his own bad karma is unimaginable. Even if you don't have much to give, remember how far Obama got with small contributions.