I'm aware that the left side of the blogosphere and punditocracy is extremely partisan, but the brazenness of this still shocks me sometimes. This weekend is a good case in point. What do you call it when you cast aspersions on the Vietnam experience of a presidential candidate? Oh yes, swiftboating.
Only Andrew Sullivan did not have any first hand testimony when he went up against McCain's cross in the sand testimony, only a gut instinct that it smelled fishy. And that was enough for the left blogosphere (and check the links at memeorandum) to jump all over the story claiming, in essence, that only once this century could Christian captives and captors communicate the most common symbol of their faith using the most common substance in a POW camp.
Maguire and Riehl cover the absurdities well, and where oh where is Barack Obama, who has spent the entire campaign complaining about unfair and malicious attacks on his background now that his proxies are doing the same to John McCain. And much less than swiftboating no less.
So let's be clear, it's not that the left decries the swiftboat tactics, it's when they're used against Democratic candidates. Against Republicans, we don't even need testimony and an organized book.
David Stacy is a network administrator from Cincinnati, OH. Dave has been blogging at nixguy.com since 2004, and AOL's political blogs since 2006.
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WHY DOESN’T BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA ADDRESS THAT FOREIGNERS COMING TO THIS COUNTRY LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH --- INSTEAD OF TELLING AMERICANS TO LEARN SPANISH?.
How much is being spent in political announcements (and other communication) to show Spanish, as well as our English language?
Spanish people living in the USA are 40 million strong --- how many are illegal?
Why are we changing to meet their demands? THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE.
IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE IF OBAMA IS ELECTED.
Will he demand that the whole country is compelled to pay to imprint their communications with other languages?
Will this include: middle-Eastern Muslim countries, the 51 African Nations’ dialects (whose dialects are in accordance with every one of their regions and tribal chieftains), Haitian, etc.?
The cost to the taxpayers in the USA would be of staggering proportions! Just remember: Obama said in Berlin Germany that: “this is the moment that we ALL have been waiting for”. If he wants to be “president of the World --- he needs to go to the UN.
This man is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He cannot be trusted.
McCain in November!
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VOTE-COUNTRY-NOT-PARTY
9:37AM Aug 18th 2008
Obama thought that because the media gave him a free ride and Hillary went easy on him that the Republicans would do the same.
Barry Soetoro (Barack Hussein Obama) thought that he could re-write history and wipe the slate clean of his past life and associations. That misjudgment alone is enough to give anyone serious concerns about his ability to be president.
It should also raise questions about the character of a charlatan who lies so easily to suit himself, and lashes out at all who would question him.
Again, if the book, “Obama Nation”, is libelous the Harvard lawyer should pull out his team of lawyers and sue --- he was quick enough to use them to disenfranchise the voters of Florida and Michigan --- NOW, HE WANTS FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN TO COUNT!
Obama needs to either put up or shut up. He has based his entire campaign on lies.
VOTE FOR THE HONORABLE JOHN McCAIN IN NOVEMBER!
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RawleyCoop
9:33AM Aug 18th 2008
From the top story on AOL Elections this morning:
"Even so, Obama stepped to McCain's defense when a voter criticized his Vietnam era record. ... "Respectfully I'm going to disagree with you on McCain and his service," Obama said. "I think his service was honorable. He deserves respect." "
Yes Dave, there is scum and liars in every party and with every political view. Are you surprised?
But if you blame every Democrat, or every Obama supporter, or every liberal, for the actions of a few, you are as bad as the swiftboaters you are complaining about.
When people are lying (as many clearly are this election, on both sides), it is good to call them on it. Thank you for that. But let us be careful to not spread the blame where it doesn't belong.
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NO-MEDIA-GOLDEN-BOY!
10:09AM Aug 18th 2008
It doesn’t matter who Media Golden Boy Obama “selects” for VP. He was “selected” by the DNC and biased media — not the people of the USA. Hillary should be the Presidential Candidate.
Obama vs. McCain? McCain was spot on! Obama’s immaturity glowed! Funny how Obama said he did not favor the appointment of Clarence Thomas to the supreme court because he lacked experience.
I don’t think Obama is qualified to be a SENATOR — based on his experience (or lack thereof) and he has the audacity to present himself as a presidential candidate, while speaking of lack of experience over others.
Experience does matter.
I’m voting for John McCain in November.
P.S. ALL VOTER SHOULD PRODUCE A VALID PHOTO ID. TOO MANY “DEAD” PEOPLE VOTED IN THE PRIMARIES — THANKS TO THE DNC.
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Louis IX KingofFrance
9:41AM Aug 18th 2008
sacred cow vs. messiah, we now have two fabulous choices.
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joedenver60
10:06AM Aug 18th 2008
The democrats for their own good should not swiftboat Mccain on his expierences in viet-nam......I spent 9 months in the jungles of Nam, as a recon sgt and sometimes I can recall some things that happened out there, and l like to talk about it, because it makes me feel real in some odd way.........those who direspect our extreme situation will only loose their own credibility....what we did without question was for our country....and I would do it again
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grussoedit
12:47PM Aug 18th 2008
Come on, fellow Dems, let's not let the liars and cheats on the right draw us into the same pool of slime they routinely inhabit. There are plenty of legitimate points we can make that will unmask them for what they are.
As for why our kids should learn Spanish--or any other foreign language, for that matter--in school, what's your problem, NO-OBAMA? Afraid their minds might broaden, and as a result, they may find out first-hand that other cultures aren't nearly as nefarious as you obviously fear they are? Apparently, your "family values" include xenophobia, exclusion of other nationalities (by the way, did your folks come over on the Mayflower, by chance?), and "America, right or wrong".
In case you haven't noticed since the last time you voted, your beloved Republicans have been beset by scandal after scandal, your "values" have been left in the dust by your party in terms of legislation, our economy is in shambles, and if you're not already out of a job, you probably soon will be. Your dollar's value has depreciated by at least a third, your gas prices have risen by about the same, and the only Wall Street bottom feeders who have not benefited from the corporate feeding frenzy supported by Republicans (the bogus mortgage lenders) will now be bailed out by you the taxpayer, because the alternative, allowing our banking system to collapse, is unthinkable!
And you want to elect ANOTHER ONE? One who, by his own admission, knows next to nothing about the economy? How many more times are you going to let them fleece you before you get the picture?
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RIChris
10:11AM Aug 18th 2008
Dave; At the forum, McCain made Obama look like the inept, unsubstantial, inexperienced, morally challenged 'man' that he is. The Dems are still hurting, they need to strike out in the only way they know how. Ineffectually.
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suzy in sc
10:25AM Aug 18th 2008
Why wasn't Dave complaining about the "swiftboating" against John Kerry?
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Kwaayesnama
10:32AM Aug 18th 2008
Let’s see my choice is John McCain or that smart black man Barack Obama?
McCain who does not know how to use a computer but is willing to learn if we elect him – I’ll just vote for that smart black man.
My Choices are: John McCain who says the economic downturn is psychological? - Na! I'll vote for the smart black man.
McCain who says you are better off under George Bush? - Nope I'll vote for the smart black man.
Mc Cain who wants to continue killing more people looking for weapons of mass destruction that do not exist? - Gee! I'll vote for the smart black man.
McCain who believes that we should stay the course but is not willing to support the people he puts in harms way. - I'll take a chance on the smart black man.
Should I vote for a man that does not know that 9-11 was caused by Osama Bin Laden not Sedam Hussein? - Easy! I'll vote for the smart black man.
Vote for the man who does not know if the Sunnis or Sheits are our enemies? - No way I'll vote for the smart black man.
Vote for the man who helped put our government on the China, Saudi Arabia credit card? - Not a chance I'll vote for the smart black man.
Vote for the man with the worst temper in the Senate to have his finger on the nuclear button? - No way - I'll vote for the smart black man.
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Vera
10:36AM Aug 18th 2008
I was a Gore supporter. Every morning I wake up and wonder where the world would be today if Al Gore was president today. I wonder what the price of gas would be if Al Gore was president. I wonder how many good Americans would be alive today if Al Gore was president. Was this the man that was swift boated for being dull?
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CHUCK
10:39AM Aug 18th 2008
Does John McCain have a negro love child? Enough said.
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Louis IX KingofFrance
10:42AM Aug 18th 2008
richris----well I think everyone noticed that when mccain advocated the progression of a centralized imperial presidency with its associated bancrupted, enslaved population, the audience did indeed cheer. and that was also the moment it became irrefutably obvious that he hadnt been in an isolation chamber since he referenced his statement to obama's answer.
sacred cow vs. messiah, we now have two fabulous choices. ------------------------------------------------------ Go messiah, we can eat the cow.
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countryruger
11:21AM Aug 18th 2008
The controversy over language is only the fault of the people. We have no official language.
My maternal grandfather came here at sixteen as did many others, they "embraced" their "new" country by learning the American language and ways while keeping the traditions of the "old" country. Over time they became "Americanized".
We have gotten to the point of where we cater to the "new" class of Americans. telling them don't worry we will cater to your native language in our schools, business, and government. English was is the language of the business because America was the "super-power" of the business world.
I believe hyphenated geopolitical terming of people should put American first. "I am an American of Italian ancestry" is what I tell people.
But BO will fix that, He wants a one world order with no boundaries and he wants to be the first world president.
A universal tax code so he can fix the world. Remember he is the one the world has been waiting for.
I want a man or woman with the "balls" to say what they mean and mean what they say. Put America back where she was. The Land of Freedom and Choice. A place where We could feel safe at night. A Land of Opportunities. The division of this country by the politics and LACK OF PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES IS DOING THE MUST HARM.
The elitist thinking of the government is another thing killing America. The "Only the Government is smart enough to take care of you" has got to go!!!
We have let the public education destroy and dumb down the future generations of America. We cant let Johnny feel bad because Susy gets an A . Well let the teachers teach and not indoctrinate!!!!!!
Neither man may be the greatest choice BUT the FAULT IS THE PEOPLES. We have become so apathetic because our voices are not heard in Washington by EITHER party.
Of course I am a "bad man" for being conservative and want things like: Less taxes Secure Borders Responsible Government LESS Government A Constitutional Government More Personal Responsibility An Energy Program That really will work(We have had energy policies since Jimmy Carter and all have failed) Let free enterprise power the economy ( More people working = more money for the government. How sad they cant figure that out. Don't "Demonize me if I make more than you. get off your lazy ass and try!!!!!) A strong Military to defend this land and respond to our allies aid. A "FAIR AND IMPARTIAL" legal where Federal Issues are NOT based if political beliefs
But there again I ASK TO MUCH. How silly of me.
You tell me McCain is more of Bush but Obama will lead us to socialism and Marxism with his views and politics.
American 1ST ("Clinging to my guns and Religion.....) (Thanks for the line BO)
Conservative 2ND
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Bob Wilkinson
11:51AM Aug 18th 2008
MY, MY, MY, aren't we defensive! Nothing said this far desn't even compare with the out and out lies told about Kerry and his swift boating days' You know it, the whole world knows it and it takes so little investigation to prove it. I don't blame you for wanting to blame the democrats for tactics that were inspired by the Rove excesses for the republican party but we all know thats not likely because there aren't many that are so lacking in concience Rove. Or is there? at least them democrats haven't stooped that low yet and I'll be damned ashamed if they do.
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LF
12:05PM Aug 18th 2008
Andrew Sullivan is a republican.
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Hope
12:31PM Aug 18th 2008
My, oh, my !!!! How these dimwit, nincompops are so shocked at the swiftboating of John McCain !!!!! Pray tell me exactly where the hell were all of you when the Repuke party swiftboated John Kerry with lies, lies and lies ???????? Guess what nincompoops: what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Let's see how you like it now that the shoe is on the other foot ???????????? GOP - Grand Ole Party of Liars, Hypocrites and phony patriots wearing flag pins made in communist China.