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Has McCain Lost His Media Touch?
By David KnowlesJul 23rd 2008 10:46AM
Filed Under:eBarack Obama, John McCain, Featured Stories, 2008 President, Media
As you know, when it comes to media love, one day you're in, and the next, you're out. So it must seem to perennial Project White House contestant John McCain, the media darling of the 2000 presidential election, who, despite a heartfelt bond with the Washington press corps, could not quite parlay his "Maverick" title into a runway stroll to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Eight years older and deeper in debt, the media and the country at large have shifted their spotlight away from McCain and found Barack Obama, the next big thing in political fashion. That's how the story goes, anyway.
But are there substantive reasons behind the image woes of the man who would become our nation's oldest elected president, or does the media simply like younger faces filling its screens and glossy magazine covers? We'll get to that in a moment. First, let's consider the latest "blame the media" line coming out of Camp McCain.
On Tuesday, McCain released a new campaign video titled, "The Media is in Love with Barack." Set to the lilting strains of Frankie Valli's "Cant Take My Eyes off of You," the effective ad is a greatest hits compilation of what the Arizona senator's team considers slam-dunk evidence of how the media fawns all over Obama. The snippets, some more out of context than others, paint a damming portrait of starry-eyed affection. Visitors to McCain's website can even vote on which of two versions of the ad they find more entertaining. Yet, on the very same day the video was put forth, McCain himself was interviewed by CBS News about the new spot:
Couric: Finally, Senator, your campaign released a video today complaining about what you call the media's love affair with Sen. Obama. (LAUGHTER) Clearly you believe you're getting unfair coverage. Why do you think that's the case?
McCain: I don't think so. I think ...it is what it is. I'm a big boy. And I'm enjoying every minute of the campaigning. And I'm certainly not complaining. And, in fact, I think it's fun to watch.
How's that for straight talk? In essence, when asked about McCain's highly choreographed complaining about Obama love, McCain responds, "I'm not complaining."
But even more interesting, when, in the very same interview, the subject was Iraq, McCain, suddenly a Human Gaffe Machine, scolded Obama for his "false depiction" of the surge because it was in conflict with what was a clear "matter of history." And, in the next breath, McCain went on to give Couric a false depiction of the historical chronology of the surge. To wit: My opponent doesn't understand the surge, as proof, here's my own rudimentary misunderstanding.
Ah, if the story only stopped there! But irony, she is as tireless as an Energizer bunny. If you are a CBS Evening News viewer (one of the few) you might be forgiven for not remembering the whole surge part of the interview depicted quite that way. Fear not, it isn't Alzheimer's setting in. Rather, jit's ust a friendly cut or two in the CBS editing room. You see, as Tommy Christopher reported earlier, McCain's latest gaffe didn't make it into Couric's report. Oddly, her question aired, but the network spliced in a different McCain answer altogether. How's that for media bias?
And even today, while McCain and his surrogates continue to peddle the story that the coverage is lopsided, McCain has suddenly canceled a scheduled "media availability." What, no follow-ups on the Sunni Awakening?
It is, of course, no coincidence that the McCain campaign has decided this is the right week to push the idea that the media love his opponent. Given that Obama took McCain up on his dare to go to Iraq, and then upped the ante by also touring Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, the U.K., France and Germany. What most irks McCain is that a small army of media is shadowing Obama, while, when the Arizona senator landed in New Hampshire the other day, just one reporter was waiting on the tarmac.
In truth, there has been no shortage of stories -- be they on TV, in print, or in blogosphere -- questioning whether the media is "in the tank" for Obama. In fact, that narrative itself is something of hit. Google the words "McCain Claims Media Bias." Never, it seems, has the media been so self-conscious about its own infatuation.
Let's not feel too sorry for McCain's shriveling media prowess. As we saw this week, even a little whisper into Robert Novak's ear regarding when McCain might disclose his choice for VP was enough inspire dozens of stories. Yes, McCain still knows a thing or two about manipulating the press.
I would argue that McCain's real problem isn't the medium, it's his message. Does our culture prize the new over the old? Certainly. And that's what made McCain such a novelty back in 2000. Here was man saying what he really believed -- criticizing his own party, calling out the religious right, taking principled stands. How novel! But the maverick is long gone. In his place is a man who has no problem speaking from both sides of his mouth. One day he pledges to run a civil, respectful campaign, the next he says Obama would just as soon lose the war in Iraq if it helped get him elected president. How's that for respectful?
Here's Time's Joe Klein on McCain's charge:
This is the ninth presidential campaign I've covered. I can't remember a more scurrilous statement by a major party candidate. I smacks of desperation. It renews questions about whether McCain has the right temperament for the presidency. How sad.
By firing the accusation that Obama's ambition to be president outweighs everything else (including a respect for the very lives of our troops), McCain has shown that his ambition to be president outweighs his desire to run a respectful campaign. Would the McCain of 2000 stooped to such depths? I don't think so.
You can't blame McCain for blaming the media for his woes, but doing so too forcefully is a sure sign of a sinking campaign. It's like blaming a football loss on the refs. Maybe the claim has some merit, or maybe you just should have been following a different game plan all along.
What with his love of the oldies ("Barbara Ann," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You") you'd think McCain would have remembered the one hit the media liked so much. I can almost hear it still. Something about a maverick.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 37)ME11:14AMJul 23rd 2008
YES...yes he has. Everybody was complaining when HE was getting all the media coverage in the 2000 campaign and even in the primaries this year against the other GOP's. I GUESS HE'S GETTING A TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE. GO FIGURE!!
Georgette11:17AMJul 23rd 2008
NO McCain HAS NOT lost his touch!! It's the media that's out of touch and to blame!!!
The media CIRCUS around Obama is bias to say the least and TOTALY unfair to the American people. As Americans WE have the right to hear both sides from each candiate and you the media denies us this! What gives you the news media the right. I for one am sick of having Obama shoved down my throat!!
Martin11:19AMJul 23rd 2008
McCain is just old, boring, and more of the same.
If there were someone on the Democratic Side as weak as McCain, no one would be remotely interested in this Presidential election.
Angela V11:23AMJul 23rd 2008
This biased article only proves that the media is "in the tank" for Obama. Vote for John McCain, a true American patriot and hero. Obama's inexperience and lack of judgement spell disaster for our country.
Kwaayesnama11:29AMJul 23rd 2008
Not only has McCain lost his media touch he has lost his mind. This is not the same man that he was eight years ago. The poor man wants to be president so badly that he sold his soul to the devil to achieve this. The American people see how much damage a mindless moron could do worldwide I pray that they will not be foolish enough to vote for four more years of the same.
Vera11:35AMJul 23rd 2008
Angela V11:23AMJul 23rd 2008
This biased article only proves that the media is "in the tank" for Obama. Vote for John McCain, a true American patriot and hero. Obama's inexperience and lack of judgment spell disaster for our country.
xzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxz
Please! Get over the American patriot bull! McCain got shot down and spent five years in a Vietnamese prison, so did many other good Americans. Do they all think we owe them to the highest office in the nation? When John McCain wanted to reintroduce himself to the American people he went on an I was a dummy in school tour? Scary that a presidential candidate went around the country telling people that he was a poor student in High school, and fifth from the button of his class at the Naval Academy. And he admitted that he has a bad temper. Nope! This is not the person that I want with his finger on the nuclear button.
Tommkatt11:40AMJul 23rd 2008
Case:NBC,CBS,ABC rating down and newspaper circulation down.Now who's out of touch!
Prayerfeathers11:41AMJul 23rd 2008
Lets think about this for a moment:
If we never went into Iraq looking for non-existent weapons of mass destruction there would have been no need for a surge.
If we never went into Iraq there would be over 4,000 beautiful Americans alive today.
If we never went into Iraq thousands of young Americans would not have their lives ruined with horrific wounds.
If we never went into Iraq our economy would not be in shambles.
If we never went into Iraq in the last five years we would have been able to find the people responsible for 9-11.
If we never went into Iraq we would have been able to concentrate on economics our own nation.
Nancy Ann11:47AMJul 23rd 2008
The media FLIP-FLOPPED! Eight years ago McCain still had all his senses. Today he is a scary shell of the man he was in the past. It would be irresponsible for the press to encourage him knowing the damage he could cause this nation.
nottheone11:48AMJul 23rd 2008
everybody knows the media is in the septic tank for obama. they are disgusting. personally, i cant wait for november to end the obama crap. ah,eh,er, a and hem, er em, ah.........mccain is so much more of a future president than stumbling, bumbling, muttering inexperienced obama. the american voter has figured him out and the media will be left with their mouths open when mccain wins by a landslide. mccain 08
Choices – Choices – Choices11:48AMJul 23rd 2008
Lets see my choice is John McCain or that smart black guy Barack Obama?
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.
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 who wants a right-wing Supreme Court? - I'll take a chance on 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.
Crystal11:52AMJul 23rd 2008
Chris Matthews laughed when he reported that there was only one reporter waiting for McCain when he came off the plane today. Matthews is too arrogant to realize he made the case regarding the - Media being in the tank for Obama. And now there's DK! LOL
Grandma for Obama11:55AMJul 23rd 2008
I love the people that predict that a vote for Obama will result in higher Taxes!
NO! What he should do is follow the Bush/McCain lead and put the US economy on the foreign credit card.
Then in a few years when the Chinese and Arabs call in the loans they will take over the US.
Then English will become our second language and Chinese and Arabic the language of the USA.
China owns over a trillion dollars of America's debt!
When are all you people going to realize that eventually you have to pay back your loans!
The US can't just file bankruptcy.
Or is that called a depression
MCCAIN’S MILITARY VOTING RECORD11:59AMJul 23rd 2008
McCain does not FLIP FLOP when voting for the American Military – He always votes against them:
John McCain claims that his military service is one of his qualifications to be commander in chief. I seriously doubt his dedication to the American military. His voting record shows his lack of concern for our bravest men and women.
John McCain missed 10 of the past 14 votes on Iraq.
John McCain in September 2007: voted against the Webb amendment calling for adequate troop rest between deployments.
John McCain in July 2007: voted against a plan to drawdown troop levels in Iraq.
John McCain in March 2007 was too busy to vote on a bill that would require the start of a drawdown in troop levels within 120 days with a goal of withdrawing nearly all-combat troops within one year.
John McCain in February 2007 didn’t even bother to show up to vote against a resolution condemning it. For such a strong supporter of the escalation, McCain didn’t even bother to show up and vote for it.
John McCain in June 2006, voted against a resolution that Bush start withdrawing troops but with no timeline to do so.
John McCain in May 2006, voted against an amendment that would provide $20 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for health care facilities.
John McCain in April 2006, was one of only 13 Senators to vote against $430,000,000 for the Department of Veteran Affairs for Medical Services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans.
John McCain in March 2006, voted against increasing Veterans medical services funding by $1.5 billion in FY 2007 to be paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes.
John McCain in March 2004, once again voted for abusive tax loopholes over veterans when he voted against creating a reserve fund to allow for an increase in Veterans' medical care by $1.8 billion by eliminating abusive tax loopholes. Jeez, McCain really loves those tax loopholes for corporations, since he voted for them over our veterans' needs.
John McCain in October 2003, voted to table an amendment by Senator Dodd that called for an additional $322,000,000 for safety equipment for United States forces in Iraq and to reduce the amount provided for reconstruction in Iraq by $322,000,000.
John McCain in April 2003, urged other Senate members to table a vote (which never passed) to provide more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment in Iraq related to a shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts, and tactical vests.
If he believes that we should stay the course for as long as possible he should be willing to support the people he puts in harms way.
John McCain is not a friend of the American Military.
Angel For Obama12:03PMJul 23rd 2008
John McCain is ready to be president?
Please!
Age does not give you wisdom.
The man admitted that he does not understand the economy. He wants to fight a 100 year war fighting the wrong people in the wrong country. I'm not saying that John McCain is not a nice man. But I don't want him in charge of my pocketbook. We have had 8 years with a moron at the helm it's time to get some new blood in the white house. That is why I am supporting Barack Obama.
(¯`’•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•’´¯)
Bob S.12:09PMJul 23rd 2008
The media is so biased, it doesn't seem to matter what McCain--or Obama--does. It makes one wonder if they don't have some personal stake in the election (beyond that of most citizens). Are they afraid a McCain administration might affect the broadcast licensing, the broadcasting industry or corporations in general in such a way that their thick paychecks might be negatively affected? There has to be some reason the media's in Obama's pocket to such an extent. After all, Obama's the candidate who thinks the US has 57 states (although the number hasn't changed once in his lifetime, Canada has a president, etc., yet the media never talks about these things.
Stan from AZ12:10PMJul 23rd 2008
The international regard for this nation is so bad that we need a candidate that will uplift the status of the US worldwide. The only hope for that is Obama.
Peter & Paul12:13PMJul 23rd 2008
Losers always look for someone else beside themselves to blame for their failings. Criticize the media; it can't be the lack of McCain's intellect?
Actually the less press coverage McCain receives the better for him. When people keep hearing him repeat himself continually then grin and say MY FRIENDS they cringe. It is actually painful to listen to his speeches.
Susan12:13PMJul 23rd 2008
Stating a fact is not complaining.
John McCain just said what all the rest of us have been seeing for months now.
First the news media shamelessly harrassed Hillary Clinton and now they are pouring on the love for Obama while picking on everything John McCain says and does.
It is ironic that the news media keeps promoting Obama because by the way he has run his campaign your options will be limited if he is ever elected.
He managed to successfully shut down the media to the extent that nothing bad about him was being released to the public, now he has hired thugs patrolling the internet to monitor what people post there.
If Obama gets elected we no longer have freedom of speech or freedom of the press. That should scare the hell out of every American.
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JOHN11:07AMJul 23rd 2008
Someone just sent me this link to a comprehensive video covering Barack Obama. In it...is a complete history of where he came from, what he thinks, things he's said (in his OWN voice) and I'm sure he hoped that they would be lost and forgotten forever, but someone has captured them and put them on this shocking video for all to see and hear. It is called "Connect The Dots."Please watch and listen to this video and share it with others. It is the only way we can wake people up in time and try and stop this "Changeling" from overtaking the White House in November.God help us all...!!!http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036