McCain responds to attacks in S.C.
John McCain, who was slimed before losing the South Carolina primary in 2000, is sitting back this time around.
An Internet ad his campaign launched today uses rival Mike Huckabee's own words to rebut charges in automated telephone calls that McCain supports medical tests on fetuses and amnesty for illegal immigrants.
"Senator McCain, no matter what anyone may say, is a genuine conservative," Huckabee says in the web-only ad, which splices together comments from interviews and debates. "John McCain is a hero in this country. He's a hero to me. If you look at his record, he's got a solid record on things that really matter. He's pro-life, he's strong for our country's defense and security."
Then, it says on the screen, "If you want the truth about John McCain, just ask Mike Huckabee."
Thursday, McCain used another web ad to respond to mailers suggesting he put his well-being above that of his fellow POWs in Vietnam. That ad featured testimonials from some of those held captive in the Hanoi Hilton with McCain.
Eight years ago, McCain was also coming off a win in the New Hampshire primary. But in the final days before the South Carolina, he was derailed in part by false rumors that he had fathered an illegitimate black child. This campaign, McCain created a fast-response truth squad in South Carolina, and tried to pre-empt a reprise of those rumors by send out a mailer about his record against abortion and for adoption that featured his wife holding the daughter they adopted from "Mother Teresa's orphanage in Bangledesh."
If only those in S. Carolina would listen - but I'm afraid they believe all these attacks from lesser people/candidates. It really is a pity that slander can win nominations - but I suppose when you are Huckabee, and you don't have anything positive to say - that's all you have.
If only those in S. Carolina would listen - but I'm afraid they believe all these attacks from lesser people/candidates. It really is a pity that slander can win nominations - but I suppose when you are Huckabee, and you don't have anything positive to say - that's all you have.
As a resident of South Carolina, please understand that we know what is going on. We have seen these types of ads for months. No one believed the classless baby story in 2000. Really, no one is that stupid. Maybe a few back-woods rednecks ran with it, but they wouldn't have voted for McCain anyway. McCain lost South Carolina in 2000 because he was running primarily against Bush, someone seen as more conservative. McCain may win this primary, but only because conservative Republicans will split their votes between Thompson and Romney while the conservative Evangelicals (southern baptists) will vote for Huckabee. McCain wins by splitting the majority who despise him. Give us some credit, we aren't stupid enough to believe McCain fathered an illegitimate baby. We are just stupid enough to vote for Pastor Huckabee and his Disciples: Chuck Norris and Ric Flair.
I'm not a McCain supporter - but attacking the man's integrity while he was a POW in Vietnam??? Give me a break. That is the lowest form of campaigning I've ever seen. It will only hurt Huck.
Aww..come now! I like Chuck Norris...and Ric Flair. But then again...I grew up in SC :)
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
Send your comments to masspolitics@globe.com
browse this blog
by categoryInside Boston.com