McCain is pathetic. Obama backed him into a corner on Ayers.

[ProSense]

October 14, 2008

THE BAITING WORKED....

Last week, it seemed as if the Obama campaign went out of its way to bait John McCain on the Bill Ayers "issue." Obama, Biden, and surrogates said they were surprised McCain talked all about Ayers leading up to the debate, but not at the debate itself.

"Well, I am surprised that, you know, we've been seeing some pretty over-the-top attacks coming out of the McCain campaign over the last several days that he wasn't willing to say it to my face," Obama told ABC's Charlie Gibson. "But I guess we've got one last debate."

Obama, in this sense, was almost daring McCain to make these attacks directly.

The taunting apparently worked. This morning, McCain told a St. Louis radio station that he feels compelled to make the attack now, and it's Obama's fault.

"Oh, yeah. Y'know, I was astonished to hear him say that he was surprised for me to have the guts to do that, because the fact is that the question didn't come up in that fashion. So, y'know, and I think he's probably ensured that it will come up this time. And, look Mark, it's not that I give a damn about some old washed-up terrorist..."

He doesn't care about Ayers, but he feels compelled to keep talking about Ayers, and has now effectively promised to bring up Ayers at a debate. Not that he cares, though. Not at all. Perish the thought.

So, what happens now? Kevin noted the other day that there are three possible angles here.

First, McCain does nothing and ends up looking like a coward. Second, their taunts get under McCain's skin so badly that he goes over the edge and does something really stupid. Third, McCain takes the bait and decides to bring up Ayers at the next debate.

The first two possibilities are obviously good for Obama. And the third? I guess they must be really sure they have a dynamite response ready in case McCain decides to unload next Wednesday. Either that or they're trying to fake McCain into thinking they have a dynamite response, thus scaring him into not bringing it up. Or else, by being so obvious about it, they're actually trying to sell McCain on the fakeout theory -- and then when he falls into the trap and brings up Ayers, they're going to crush him.

I guess we'll find out tomorrow night.

McSucker.

[Ian David]

1. McCain doesn't know it's a trap.

Because Admiral Ackbar supports Obama.

[NJmaverick]

2. The third possibility would violate the "let proxies and ads do your dirty work"

When the politician is seen doing the mud slinging, it muddies them as well.

[ProSense]

4. McCain is in full desperation mode.

It's a lose-lose situation for him.

[Terran]

3. I think the "dynamite response" Obama makes at the debate

is simply to say that when he did a fundraiser in Ayer's living room, he didn't know what the history was 20 years prior when Obama was just a kid--and why should he? He's clearly and repeatedly repudiated what Ayers did, but when he first knew the guy he was a respected academic.

Of course, if he *really* wants to go there, he could also discuss what a double standard is being applied here and talk about the AIP and McCain's connection to that racist anti-communist organization. "Do I think that Governor Palin hates the U.S. government the way the members of the AIP say they do? Of course not." He'll sound calm and reasonable and McCain will once more look like the fool he is.

[Lerkfish]

5. honestly, no need for that at all, just ask if McCain wants to call ANNENBERG a terrorist, too.

and then go on to list all the RIGHT WING REPUBLICAN people on that committee.

ask McCAin: are they ALL terrorists, John?

Honestly, that's the only and best way to address it, IMHO

[NotThisTime]

6. This is the best way to handle it, and then remind McCain he has one of those board members on his

campaign staff

[DearAbby]

7. I agree

there is no reason to bring up Palin's past, or even the keating5. Just stick to the topic. I am sure Obama has a great response for this.

[Terran]

12. That would work too

Although the question is, "Did Walter Anneberg's wife pal around with terrorists too John? She was on the same board that William Ayers and I served on!"

Still, it doesn't address why Obama 'launched his political career in Ayers' living room', and I can just see McCain spluttering about living rooms...

[bunkerbuster1]

11. It's like we know the guy!

joking, kinda, but yeah, I'm sure that's how Obama would/will handle it. He won't be trying to deliver some knockout punch, he'll just be calm and answer the damn question rationally.

What a refreshing change.

[GalleryGod]

8. This is a guy who "overlooked" the russian made SAM at his 3 o'clock!

He didn't "smell the trap" because he was never "on the ground" with the rest of us!
Just another POG(people other than grunts)
Hoo-rah!

[matt819]

9. They probably already have an ad ready to go, either way

If he doesn't raise it, they'll simply modify the ad they have running on this subject, adding to the assertions of McFeeble running a smear campaign. And if he does raise it, and Obama undoubtedly has a zinger ready, then the ad will incorporate McSame's question and the zinger reply. This is a win-win for Obama. The RW base isn't going to be swayed, the democratic base knows its BS, and the moderates or undecideds (who can be undecided at this point is a mystery) should shift to Obama if they're honest with themselves.

[WeDidIt]

10. John McSucker

He's in the trap now and the jaws have closed.

He can chew his leg off (not bring up Ayers) but that will just weaken him.

Or, he could choose to wait for the guy who set the trap (bring up Ayers). Methinks he'll be clubbed rhetorically if he does that.

Lose-Lose

McCain has guaranteed he cannot win the debate.