Apocalypse now in McCain ad?
Does John McCain's web ad that mocks Barack Obama as "The One" have a darker design?
Outraged Christian supporters of Obama say it does -- that it is intended to further Internet-fueled rumors that Obama is the antichrist. Deconstructing and analyzing the ad, they say the images and language play into apocalyptic themes, including those featured in the best-selling "Left Behind" series, fictionalized accounts of the end of the world.
McCain's campaign, which did not respond to requests for comment today, has insisted that the ad was intended merely to poke fun at what they see as Obama's arrogance.
But the buzz over possible apocalyptic subtexts in the ad, which has been viewed nearly 1.1 million times since it was posted a week ago on YouTube, has become so loud that today Time magazine and the Wall Street Journal reported on the controversy and the authors of "Left Behind" issued a statement about it. (The Globe's Braniac blog also had an item.)
Authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, in the statement issued through their public relations firm, said they don't believe Obama is the antichrist mentioned in the biblical prophecies in the Book of Revelation. Their series of 16 novels has sold more than 63 million copies worldwide.
"I've gotten a lot of questions the last few weeks asking if Obama is the antichrist," Jenkins said in the statement. "I tell everyone that I don't think the antichrist will come out of politics, especially American politics."
Added LaHaye, "I can see by the language he uses why people think he could be the antichrist, but from my reading of scripture, he doesn't meet the criteria. There is no indication in the Bible that the antichrist will be an American."
Those analyzing the ad point to the opening words that flash across the screen -- "It should be known that in 2008 the world shall be blessed. They will call him The One" -- and a clip of Obama saying in a speech: "A nation healed, a world repaired. We are the ones that we've been waiting for."
In the "Left Behind" series, the antichrist is a charismatic young political leader, Nicolae Carpathia, who is founder of The One World religion and promises to heal the world.
"Short of 666, they used every single symbol of the antichrist in this ad," Eric Sapp, a Democratic operative who advises Democrats on reaching out to faith communities, told the Journal. "There are way too many things to just be coincidence."
LaHaye and other believers say the antichrist will come from Europe, maybe Romania and possibly a leader of the European Union.
But for the last few months, there have been viral emails that compare Obama to Nimrod, whom some evangelecials believe was the first evil king of world history and who is black in some accounts, said James Tabor, chairman of the department of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
While the Obama-as-antichrist accusation is on the fringes now and not seriously mentioned from the pulpit, Tabor said, "I think that could come."
After reviewing the video today, Tabor, a specialist in ancient apocalyptic thought, said that while the ad's creators might have wanted to play with apocalyptic themes in a tongue-in-cheek way, it could have "serious consequences."
"Is anyone naive enough to believe and watch that and say, 'Oh no, I won't vote for him becaue he's the anticrhist?' I'd have to say in our country, yeah," Tabor said.
And, he noted, another biblical prophecy is that the antichrist gets wounded, and a disturbed believer could try to fulfill that prophecy. A man has been charged in Florida for threatening to assassinate Obama, who received Secret Service protection last year at the earliest point for any presidential candidate because of threats.
"This stuff is very, very dangerous," Tabor said. "It can be seen as playful, but too many times in history it has led to armies marching and people dying. The ad is really unfortunate."
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What can one say but "ghastly" as a description of this monstrous piece, which is a clear attack on Sen. Obama from religious grounds. Cannot the authors of this propaganda see that similar, even identical, ads are placed in Iranian or Iraqi campaigns, except those have turbaned "prophets" and quote different verses from other holy texts. I don't know how the Founding Fathers did it but they saw and authored the separation of church and state. Muslim mullahs lead to inevitable disaster; Christian ones do the same, we have stunning evidence to this behavior. The man went to the Wall in Jerusalem and left a note as tradition supports; to my surprise it was published by a reporter who snatched it as Obama left. "Help me to be humble." was the content. What profound arrogance authored this video clip? If Sen. McCain himself approved this, I grieve for him and for what once was his public courage and honesty. In America, at least, religion is not a sword with which one slays one's enemies.
is anyone actually taking this seriously?
this is such a stupid ad.
I'm not seeing how this compares Obama to the Anti-Christ. Anyone else with me? Great example of the media putting their own spin on things.
The campaign that used a cheese display in a supermarket as the backdrop for McCain sorry attempt to explain what he really meant when he said "the surge" is now putting cryptic messages in ads alluding to the antichrist. They are simply too stupid to pull it off.
Republicans of late seem to be more into marketing and fear mongering than substance. It worked for the Bush.
Wow!!! McCain is starting to scare me. I thought no one could ever sink to Bush's level but McCain seems to surpassing him. If McCain is willing to paint these type of pictures to become President, what is he willing to do as President?
I personally have had enough of the gloom and doom. I personally have enough of the "end of time" messages that have been popping up with increasing frequency. I want to go back to the pre911 optimism.
IMHO, the worst casualty of 911 has been our hope for the future. We need to cast off the dark cloud that has been over this country since 911 and McCain is not the way to do it.
To say that obama is a fraud and has accomplished nothing is ignorant. He's a black man whose won the democratic nomination for president. That's a serious accomplishment considering how many other people have done that (all while having no plan according to you). Maybe he isn't ready to lead, neither was bush, but to claim that certainly justifies the rest of America's impressions and stereotypes of new jersey.
This add is blatant mudslinging. Trust me, I've been an evangelical all my life. This add depicts Obama as the Anti-Christ, and it will get the attention of voters. I'm sorry to say it, but many of them will be lower income voters. Obama should return to attacking his opponent for avoiding the issues--the economy, gas, healthcare, and Iraq. I don't know who wrote this commercial, but I bet they formerly worked for Fox News. This kind of propaganda is unbelievable.
There's nothing here to analyze from a subliminal standpoint.
And as far as seeing through things (byrdland) there's nothing wrong with pointing out Barack's paper-thin resume. Or, would that be considered "swift-boating'" by the ultra-sensitive net-root faction of the party that has foisted his canidacy upon us?
McCain is a fraud, and has accomplished 0.000, and has no plan for anything.
(Wow, you're right, Mike from NJ - it IS so easy to debate issues when you offer no back up for any of your statements! Thanks! I also like your LIBERAL use of commas too! Yay for Mike from NJ!!)
"...there are some that believe it is intended to further Internet rumors, fostered by some conservative evangelicals, that Obama is the Antichrist."
And these "some" would be conspiratorial losers..Its an internet ad, relax..The Obama Camp has taken on religious themes to his message, so poking fun at it is fair game...Oprah, in fact, referred to his plans for us, "here on earth" as if Obama has a say in plans for us somewhere else..To read in some hidden message with this ad is a bit much.
Regarding to McCain and the issues, if you don't know where he stands on things, you haven't been paying attention. He's been running for year. If you need to know more about where either of these guys stand on the issues, wake up and pay attention. Political ads aren't designed to educate you, they're designed to win elections...That's it.
This is just another example of Big Media trying to paint Obama as a poor victim of the ill tempered meanies on the right...waaahhh..A presidential election isn't a twinkie tossing contest. Toughen up you goo goos
"When will we discuss the real issues?"
We would be seeing plenty of real spontaneous issues at town hall meetings but Obama is too scared to attend. He needs teleprompters, scripted questions and partial moderators to shine.
Reply to 5 -
Please outline McCain's big plans, for anything. So nice of him to alienate people that donate to his own campaign. That's a great to make friends and influence people. So far, all I've seen from him is a lot Bush-like "I believe what I believe it right" BS.
I'm neither a Democrat nor a Republican, but McCain has to put more up for the public than Obama is too arrogant. Why not focus on his own plans for change?
One word - obfuscate.
NObama, NObama, NObama
We are on the verge of victory in Iraq. Our troops are coming home soon. Obama's "one-trick pony has left the barn".
The Dems are weak and would have been more than happy to lose this war. Thank god for people like McCain, who have the guts to finish the job.
In this age of "The Daily Show" "The Colbert Report" "The Tonight Show", and so on... Obama should have seen this coming when he uttered these phrases - he has opened himself up for jokes. As Obama likes to say to supporters of other democratic candidates, "get over it". I would say that perhaps he should take his own advice and "get over it", or at least show a glimpse of a sense of humor.
Both Time magazine and the Wall Street Journal report that Democrats who are Christians see darker designs in the spot. What a joke, these must be Obama Christians. True Christians do not believe in abortion.
Throughout his career, in both the Illinois Senate & the US Senate, Obama has stood up for a women's right to choose, consistently earning 100% ratings from pro-choice groups.
“Look, I’ve got two daughters, nine years old and six years old,” Obama said. “I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby.”
The press does a great job creating something from nothing. Nice job Foon, what's next a compelling piece about the phallic images displayed on the jacket of the Little Mermaid video?
This says a lot more about the Republicans who sponsor such drivel than it does about the Democrats. Nowhere in this clip is there anything about the economic, domestic and international issues that confront this country.
Obama makes his own presidential seal, has a throne on hus jumbo jet that says "Obama 08', President". When he talks about health care reform he says he will get it done simply because he will have the :biggest chair in the room", what the cabinate secritary or senators in the room get highchairs? this guys is just in love with him self.
What's next a crowne and septor?
how about a president who cares more about his country than his ego.
"When will we discuss the real issues?"
We would be seeing plenty of real spontaneous issues at town hall meetings but Obama is too scared to attend. He needs teleprompters, scripted questions and partial moderators to shine.
So where are the Jewish voices of outrage? Sarcastic comparisons of Barack with Moses and the mean-spirited twist on the Jewish Messiah myth should be provoking some sort of official response from the ADL the COPOMAJO and AIPAC, but there is not a peep of protest from the Jewish lobby.. On the contrary, Joe Lieberman,an Israeli agent and US Senator, is McCain's biggest cheerleader. What gives?
It seems that old man McCain is limited to name-calling and race=baiting, real debate on substantive issues is obviously too difficult for this tired tool of the War Lobby.
Sadly, this poor excuse for a presidential candidate will probably win the election by default; America is not quite ready for a black family to occupy the White House.
Dave at #2, why do you have to say that those worried about the Antichrist are all Republicans? This is precisely the type of broad brush-stroke that leads to a sectarian divide in this country. Christianity has both Democratic and Republican appeal and criticizes it both the Democratic and Republican platforms. To cast the name of Christian solely into the Republican camp may be precisely why the right sees the left as smug and superior: because the left is so quick to equate faith with ignorance and ignorance with Republicanism.
I'm a Democrat. And I'm a Christian.
It's a little frightening in my mind, the suggestion that Obama is the Antichrist. I have had that sort of thought in the back of my mind for a long time. Anyone who is familiar with the story of the Antichrist can probably see the similarities too. A leader who gains immense support and popularity, who's supporters view them as the "righter of all that is wrong", somewhat of a white knight leader for a population who desperately needs him.
That is all I will comment on for now, for fear of igniting a holy/political feud.
I am stunned by how goofy and amateurish the McCain ads have been so far.
I'd glad you are from NJ Mike....thankfully your vote won't matter.
Mike from NJ,
"Obama is a fraud, and has accomplished 0.00, and has no plan, for anything."
A very thought out opinion. I like how you used references to prove your theories. I'm glad there are smart people like you who will vote for McCain. I can't imagine America as anything but a country that is full of hate-filled, oil gulping rednecks. I'm glad there are still people like you, who will blindly follow their leaders off cliffs.
Isn't America grand?
I'm an Independent who would've supported McCain in 2000, but watching him this past year or so, I have been stunned by his behavior and back-stepping on his main core values and issues - from the environment to campaign finance reform... I could never vote for him now.
MIke from NJ,
Sounds like you have done ZERO homework on Obama. If you look at his record in the Illinois State Senate and in the U.S. Senate, you will see he has been an extremely active legislator. And if you go on his Web site and read his blueprint for change, you will find enough plans to keep you reading for a couple of hours.
But you won't look. I guess it's easier to remain ignorant.
This video is hilarious. Obama is the prototypical Holywood "Magic Negro" character . . . a mystical and wise black man providing guidance to the white folk. Obama is conducting the ultimate feel-good campaign and McCain is pointing out the vacuous nature of it.
Obama has taken Deval's script and made it 100 times better. The Big O is brilliant.
I am an avid supporter of Obama. Logically, I'm not the biggest McCain supporter. But this ad is downright funny. Obama's campaign is more than that... its a movement. Everyone knows that. And McCain is playing on that, trying to relate more to the voters through humor. I can't see the ad doing much, but at least he's trying, and it's a little bit better than the negative ads he's been running recently.
I think this ad is hilarious! Oh my! With all of the liberal comedians out there, you would figure they would be able to take this ad and laugh a bit.
The Charlton Heston part was the best!
I am an avid supporter of Obama. Logically, I'm not the biggest McCain supporter. But this ad is downright funny. Obama's campaign is more than that... its a movement. Everyone knows that. And McCain is playing on that, trying to relate more to the voters through humor. I can't see the ad doing much, but at least he's trying, and it's a little bit better than the negative ads he's been running recently.
Obama is arrogant and unfit to lead.
In the words of Al Gore,
THE DEBATE IS OVER
Barack Obama is an empty suit. This man has never lead anything in his life, and now he wants the american people to hand over the keys to the country and trust that he knows what to do. Mr. Obama has not earned the respect nor given up enough to become the leader of this country. A true leader he is not. Most people who are following Obama now are merely grasping at the silly notion that somehoe Obama respresents change from the way things are done in Washington. I suggest these people look behind the curtain and see all the same ole folks pulling the strings for Obama and the same ole folks writing his speeches and giving him advice. Wake up people.
This will probably play well among the slack-jawed yokels in Bible-thumping country. But McCain can package it any way he likes. It won't make any difference. He and the Republicans are still going down to inglorious defeat in November.
I can see this add maybe being interpreted that Obama has a God complex as stupid as that may be, but the Anti-Christ? This is coming from the same people tht "saw the images of Christ in che clouds" before the war started. If McCain is elected we will continue the killing "with God on our side."
Okay, even for a die-hard conservative like me, this is a little over-the-top. Obama is closer to a closet communist than the anitchrist, and although he is probably a Muslim (if he is he needs to admit it--I used to think he wasn't one until Hillary Clinton raised the issue, and her people must have found something) and like all Democrats wants to surrender to the terrorists, there's no reason to have these ads out there. Just weird.
I've lost all respect for John McCain... His campaign is making Karl Rove's tactics look tame in comparison. I think McCain is a bitter, disgusting old crack-pot.
The fact that so many YesWeCanHopeChangers got upset by this ad just shows how effective and on-target it is. Anyone seeing it as a claim that BHO is the "antichrist" needs to visit a medical professional to get his meds adjusted. Do you also imaging seeing Leaning Towers of Pisa and phantom penises in his other ad (like Keith Spittle-boy Olbermann and other kooks in the thrill-down-their leg club)?
"Obama isn't The One". Thats what I think the message is here. Many good points made on this string, but if this ad was indeed sanctioned by McCain, it is beneath him. No time for mockery, let just stick to issues, no image. What are the distinctions between these two front runners? What do they stand for? These are the questions we need to focus on. Don't get distracted by "style" from either side. May the Force, God, Karma, Fate, or Luck be with you! ;-)
Thing is, if Obama really is the Anti-Christ, doesn't that mean, if you're a Real True Christian (tm), that you *have* to vote for him because it's God's will?
One thing that I have noticed about the Obama "movement" is their total lack of humor. ANY humor aimed at The One is met with howls of indignation by his devotees whether the humor comes in the form of a silly magazine cartoon or a funny political video ad.
You'll notice, by comparison, that you didn't hear any outrage erupting from the other side when Paris Hilton bit back at the wrinkled old white guy's ad that had mentioned her name.
If the Liberal reaction to poking fun at The One is in any way a reflection of His own uber-senstitivity, then imagine for example if Hugo Chavez or the president of Iran makes fun of The One's big ears or (horror of horrors) refers to Him by using the N-word ! Will The One suffer an emotional melt-down? Will an emergency therapist have to be called to the White House to put Him back together again?
If there were any cooler heads over on the other side they'd script The One to roll with the punches, use the lines the McCain Advertising Machine is handing them instead of whining over them, and make useful political fodder out of them. But alas, emotion seems to have replaced good solid "politicing" from His apostles.
McCain never talks about religion. It was an ad to poke fun of Obama comparing him to Moses. It was in no way comparing him to anti christ. My god the media has destroyed McCain by taking him out of context constantly. The media has taken a good man and destroyed him.
Just goes to show that McCant is a puppet for the same Repug puppet masters as the shrub. NO THIRD TERM.
Instead of addressing the domestic and international mess the current administration has caused, wrinkly old botoxed white haired guy (McCain) is trying to shift the dialog to bogus swift boat type issues and worse. Is this the type of leader we need? I think not.
Wait a minute... John McCain is running for President???
wow its hard to follow those comments....
what can you say to a die-hard ignorant to get him to use his brain?
Obama can't be the anti-christ, because W already is. ;-)
What is funny is that almost all of the speaking in this commercial is from Barack Obama.
Interesting to note how when he is on one of his grandiloquent ego trips where he is going to save the world single handedly he uses very powerful words. He has zero experience to back up any of these words so he renders them for self promotion and applause lines.
Also, interesting is when it comes down to talking about specific policy, his preacher talk turns more into politician / lawyer speak. You see him use very powerful rhetoric to win a Democratic primary and then quietly utter some disclaimers that give him a way to weasel out of them when it comes time for the General Election.
The OBAMA BUBBLE IS FUELED WITH IRRATIONAL EXUBERANCE AND HE IS THE KING OF WEASEL WORDS.
Is this guy for tapping into the Strategic Oil Reserve? No, Wait, Don't forget about his WEASEL WORDS.
Is this guy for a timetable withdrawl from Iraq? Yes, no wait, Don't forget about those WEASEL WORDS.
Got to admit, the ad has people talking! Now if we all could actually have a discourse on what really matters, like health care or environmental concerns, two that immediately come to my mind. Statically speaking, there will always be ignorant people who have no idea that they are (Hello Mike from NJ for one, and we all know others.....), but since we are a nation that honors each and everyone's right to their opinion, that forces the mostly astute of us to work really hard at making our government do the job it was set up for - to lead us in our pursuit of happiness. This to me is exactly like the headlines that are on the "newspapers" for sale at the grocery store checkout lines, and I'm doing the same thing that I do there - namely chuckle, and realize just how insane the individuals responsible for the drivel are, and get on with my life.
Nowhere in this video does it state or even suggest that The Big O is the anti-christ.
What's wrong with you people ?
As usual when something hits at the very truth people are offended.
How about when Keith Olberman and Rachel Maddow say joke about John McCain is so old he needs to wear Depend's diapers? Is that a respectful tone? Are these left wing Obama bubbleheads acting like the inspired flock?
When people who yearn for meaningful discourse about issues that really matter like environmental concerns, and health care, why don't the same people support a candidate that actually had experience in these issues?
Obama is a socialist and socialists are either lazy latte drinking sloths that expect Government handouts, or wildly aggressive predators like the Nazi's.
Obama's does not ask people to step up and pay their own freight, to stand up and defend their way of life, or pay their fair share. He is telling people that it is ok to be a deadbeat and get a Government entitlement / handout / stimulus package or whatever deadbeats choose to call it so they don't feel guilty. The bottom 50% only pay 2% of the price of Government. Obama will manufacture more deadbeats that expect handouts.
I know lots of you hate George Bush, but aside from the War, what has driven up the cost of Government isn't discrectionary spending, it is the social programs we already have in place i.e. the Babyboomers retiring and more and more people gettting social program benefits. We can't keep up with the current pace and we're talking about expanding programs? Obama will plunge us into a Depression.
With respect to the Military, Obama's naive approach and lovey dovey conflict resolution that wouldn't work on Stuart Smalley or Mr. Rogers, won't work with Iran. Ask a State Trooper how conflict resolution goes when someone is holding a gun. Obama is using conflict resolutions as if he is dealing with a Law School study group, not Iran, a country that has a leader who thinks that the Holocost didn't exist and wants to anihilate Israel.
Mccain does not have anything that is with a true substance to offer the regular Americans. Our nation needs help why does he need to use Bibical analogies, Holloywood Stars ( Hilton etc.) to make an ad that is not useful. MccBush for another four years is bad for the country. We need a true Leader to addresss the common issues.
1. enegy (oil companies making historical profits and gas is at $4)
2. healthcare
3. unemployment is very high (6%)
4. higher education is expensive
5. people losing there homes
6. social security is broken
7. the Iraq war is costly
8. our transportation infrasture needs help maybe we should use the money spent in Iraq to fixing our bridges
Some of the more conservative Christian websites have been blogging for months about Obama as the Antichrist, based on prophesies from Revelations (which appears to be written by folks with some real mental health issues). One early column claimed that ( AHA!) Revelations said that the Antichrist would be a Muslim.
On several sites, hundreds of commenters supposedly knowledgeable about Revelations said, in various formats, "See that? See that?" Even after someone pointed out that Islam was not founded for several hundred years after Revelations was written, the hysterical rants continued. These are the folks pushing the Antichrist theme, and McCain has made a very serious error with this ad.
When is Obama going to learn that he has to take an offensive stand? Dukakis and Kerry both laid down and played the weak role to the Republican slander machine. Bill Clinton stood up and punched them right in the mouth.
Take a stand and don't roll over for the right wing extremists.
How about some ads to demonstrate how far into the oil companies McCain is. Tell the lazy and ignorant American public that drilling for oil will have minimal effect on price and may serve to delay true alternatives. Show the ever maliable dolts that adding this small amount to the supply will be priced on the world market. American's don't get a break just because it would be American companies drilling.
I'm beggin you Obama, don't be McCain's bitch.
For anyone who says that the Democrats want to lose the war is an idiot—no one wants to lose a war. For anyone who wants to say that only Republicans are religious zealots is an idiot—zealots are in every party (e.g., Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Communists, Socialists, Green Party). The simple moral: Don't make stupid, overarching generalizations. Also, when messages are vague, it allows each audience member to create a meaning that appeals to him or her. Obama is the Anti-Christ. Sure. McCain makes stupid commercials without substance. Why not!? Maybe Obama is egotistical. Of course! Point being, everyone here is going to see what they want to see.
Also, has anyone ever thought that the two (main) parties in this country want to achieve the same thing, but, have different ideas on how to achieve that??? Profound isn't it?! Maybe we should all examine what we perceive the government's role to be (i.e., is it meant to provide for its people or simply make laws governing how we live?) and what goals the country (as a whole) should shoot for (i.e., well-being for all citizens or unsurpassed military power [n.b., these aren't intended to show dichotomies]). Look objectively at the issues and make a choice based on logic. Don't be ignorant and espouse the same rhetoric that "your" political party does—anyone hear of groupthink?
I grew up in a Fundamentalist household in the 70's and 80's. I was convinced I wouldn't make it through high school because the Antichrist would arrive and tattoo me with a bar code. The ad doesn't have to specifically mention Antichrist in order to fill the communities I grew up in with paranoia. While I did not get that out of this ad, this is probably due to the fact that the only thing I "Left Behind" was my parents brand of paranoid heterodox Christianity.
This ad might be funny on Saturday Night Live. However, as an actual campaign ad, I find it juvenile. It begs the question "WHEN will we finally address the multitude of serious issues facing this country?" I expect more from a candidate regardless of which Party they are from.
Is McCain that white haired wrinkled guy? Mccain is the poster child for carpet baggers. McCain is running a disgusting campaign and should be ashamed of himself. You have to wonder, if he is willing to pull sophmoric antics during his campaign, what is to stop McCain from being sophmoric in the White House. McCain is an old tired wannabe...who never will be.
Not so, Lionus! (#47) I am not a liberal, but I do support Obama, and I fully supported the New Yorker cartoon and thought the outrage was misplaced. He's a politician, so anything is fair game in political humor.
I am not religious so I can't claim to understand what might make someone think this ad has a message that Obama is the anti-Christ.
I see the ad as one that pokes fun at Obama's high opinion of himself as well as the vacant adoration of his supporters who worship a man that has done virtually nothing.
People that take this so seriously as to conjur up this anti-Christ crap really need to get a grip. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and sometimes a funny ad is just a funny ad.
Anti-Christ?? Where!! Are we seriously discussing this? The ad is brilliant , which is why the Dems are upset...... it's working. Finally the media's love affair with Obama is beginning to backfire. Ironically, the constant one-sided exposure is finally exposing Obama for the empty-suit that he is. Free advice to media outlets for the next election: When you are trying elect a politician make sure to choose a candidate who has useful experience, a reasonable plan that the American people can get behind. Or attempt to practice journalism for a change. One or the other.
This ad is so effective because it lampoons on the most glaring features of Obama's personality.... arrogance, self-absorption, and illusions of greatness. Thanks for the one-sided exposure....it's working!!
As an Obama supporter I thought it was pretty clever. If you read it as a knock on his messiah complex, it's very funny.
But as a "reformed" Pentecostal Protestant I have to tell you this- they are always speculating about the anti-christ, so it's legitimate to question the ad's intent.
I see one indication that McCain's campaign is speaking in code and implying that Obama is the anti-christ- the use of the term "The One".
"The One" would have made sense in a parody of the film "The Matrix" but in this biblical parody the phrase "The Second Coming" would have been the appropriate way to imply Barak thinks he's the Messiah. Using the term "The One" implies Obama is something else- the anti-christ.
All these words debating this ad are giving me a headache. The ad is terrible creatively and juvenile in its message. You can find better amateur work on YouTube. Heck Bob's Discount Furniture and Bernie & Phyl's ads could win a Chloe Award compared to that drivel.
Within a weeks time this guy put out an ad comparing Obama to Paris and her friend with the shaved hoo ha. Then he goes to Sturgis (the notorious and most morally liberal of Harley rallies) and ignorantly offers his wife up for the "Beauty Pageant", which makes the scene at Centerfolds look like a family Yahtzee tournament and now this. The guy is so out of touch with reality right now that you could vote for Obama on the criteria that he's capable of getting himself dressed in the morning whereas I wonder if McCain can..
Oh my God!!! (
What is so appalling about this ad, is not the attempt to make Obama seem arrogant and self-deifying, but rather the blatant lies and the misleading editing that was done to create a false message. Some may call it a brilliant ad. I see it as a mark of McCain's character and it's not a positive one. And if McCain approves of his message, can you say you want a misleading liar as your president? The Obama campaign has not mislead or lied. McCain has made it a practice to abandon the straight talk for bogus talk. If he wants to challenge Obama on health care, the economy, energy policy, the war, fine. the people need that but to tear down his character because Obama is exciting people like no one since JFK, that's cheap and makes McCain look desperate.
Religious zealots are the scariest aspect of the modern world and using them for political gain is a truly anti-American and otherwise horrible strategy. Moderates from ALL religions must step forward to curb their own lunatic fringes b/c no one can tolerate 'outsiders' being critical on one's own faith.
Obama is the anti Christ... Great ad!
DID OBAMA SAY THOSE THINGS........YES.........HE WHO PUT FOOT IN MOUTH. BITES OFF OWN TOES.
This is a real add...? It looks like something some bored kid on youtube put together... The add kinda seems conflicted with itself.
I can't see it swaying anyone in either direction...
My favorite statement so far in this thread (or whatever it's called) is "We are on the verge of victory in Iraq" posted by some imbecile. It has a nice indeterminate Orwellian ring to it. And the answer to person who asked "when will we discuss the real issues?" is "Never!" The Republicans learned a long time ago that character assassination and fear-mongering, not issues, are what win elections in this country.
C'mon number 67. You wonder if McCain's "capable" of getting himself dressed in the morning!!!. How about being blown-up and injured on an aircraft carrier....REQUESTING to go to another aircraft carrier while badly hurt.....shot down, ejected himself into a river as his plane crashed....two broken arms, broken leg, dislocated shoulder from being beaten with a rifle's butt end by the locals, imprisoned for 5.5 years, 2.5 years in solitary confinement, and to top it off refusing to go home on principle when given the option. I dunno but "capable" is one quality that jumps to mind. Wouldn't you agree MSGiro?? Courageous is another. Then serving in the Senate for 30 years....Armed services committee....etc....
It's Obama who started all this mission from god stuff. McCain is simply highlighting Obama's self-presentation.
Okay, even for a die-hard conservative like me, this is a little over-the-top. Obama is closer to a closet communist than the anitchrist, and although he is probably a Muslim (if he is he needs to admit it--I used to think he wasn't one until Hillary Clinton raised the issue, and her people must have found something) and like all Democrats wants to surrender to the terrorists, there's no reason to have these ads out there. Just weird.
"Wow!!! McCain is starting to scare me. I thought no one could ever sink to Bush's level but McCain seems to surpassing him. "
Lol at the suckers on both sides of the aisle that read too far into things; especially at this point the Bush haters that try pinning everything bad in the world on Bush (which by the way isn't much different than Clinton haters 8 years ago except for media spin). Better make bigger tin foil hats to keep the Bush mind control machine from taking you over before the election.
"I personally have had enough of the gloom and doom. I personally have enough of the "end of time" messages that have been popping up with increasing frequency."
I assume you're referring to the scare tactics used by both political parties. Both parties have become masters of playing off of fears often irrational ones.
Republicans primarily use national security in several questionable ways including playing off of 9/11 fear among other things.
Democrats use global warming, "the children", and "big business" ( a 50s mentality of business versus "the people" that conveniently forgets a tiny thing called globalism).
I don't understand the antiChrist interpretation, but when I saw the ad, it resonates with my impressions of Obama. To me, he is simply a ridiculous clown. Grandiose hand waving, and speaking at the top of his lungs. In the beginning of his campaign, reporters kept referring to this as "great oratorial skills." To me, he looked ridiculous. The difference between Obama and MLK is that MLK spoke from the depth of his heart. Obama does not have that depth. He is as shallow as Ms. Universe or American idol. He has fans, but not followers.
Hey # 21
Umm. this was the whole quote about children from Obama.
“When it comes specifically to HIV/AIDS, the most important prevention is education, which should include — which should include abstinence education and teaching the children — teaching children, you know, that sex is not something casual. But it should also include — it should also include other, you know, information about contraception because, look, I’ve got two daughters. 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby. I don’t want them punished with an STD at the age of 16. You know, so it doesn’t make sense to not give them information.”
Not talking about abortion. Talking about contraception and sex ed. So if you want to bang a drum about something, at least try to bang it with correct information.
"Obama can't be the anti-christ, because Cheney already is. ;-)"
Fixed that for you ;)
I've read Left Behind (all 16 books!) I can very much see why people are striking parallels between Obama and Carpathia (the Antichrist of Left Behind).
That said, although I wouldn't rule out "Obama the Antichrist", and I'm keeping an open mind, I think it's pretty unlikely. Far more likely to be someone who stays in the background for a good while, pulls somebody else's strings, and only comes to the fore when it's too late. See my first line.
But I agree that it's some very clever dog-whistling by the McCain campaign -- creating an ad that says one thing on the surface but has a very clear and different subtext to a lot of the base, that the rest of the world won't pick up on unless somebody points it out. The "is he ready to lead" part at the end is just an excuse for the ad to mean something to those who don't know the subtext.
I just returned from visiting my Dad in East Tennessee. He has been a life-long Democrat, but his friends (along with conservative talk radio) have convinced him that Obama is a Muslim. As much as I tried to convince him otherwise, he's already been brainwashed.
As for the subtle humor of the Daily Show, Colbert Report, New Yorker covers, etc., the last joke that my Dad "got" was on a Hee-Haw rerun.
Why do I have to continually choose between the lesser of two evils? Both these candidates are terrible. No leadership, No insights, No accomplishments. Employing class warfare, politics of envy and the 'race card' is growing old.
We need a complete overhaul legislative talent. (don't even think of placing Barry here)
What is funny is that almost all of the message from this commercial comes from Barack Obama's mouth.
For those of you who don't know Barack Obama's record includes:
Almost breaking the record for voting "Present" in the Illinois Congress.
Voting for over $300 Billion for a War he was supposedly against.
Voting to confirm Condi Rice to Secretary of State despite being one of the primary people to sell the War to the American Public.
Has a completely crazy Pastor whom he first compared his devotion to his own Grandmother, and then he threw the guy under the bus and pretends he doesn't really know him.
Best of all, when Obama uses lofty rhetoric he speaks with such certitude. He devalues powerful words by having no experience to back them up.
When Obama talks about Policy he is much less grandiloquent. OBAMA USES WEASEL WORDS, WEASEL WORDS, WEASEL WORDS, WEASEL WORDS, WEASEL WORDS. Lawyer's Weasel Words.
Weasel words are those litte disclaimers that he can weasel out of. He must have learned them at Harvard Law School. He knows what key words to put out to win a Democratic primary, and what quiet little weasel words he can use to slime his way out of a position when it becomes politically expedient to do so.
Was this guy for tapping into the Strategic Reserves or what? WEASEL WORDS
Was this guy for a timetable for withdrawl from Iraq? WEASEL WORDS.
How many times does he say "I didn't say this or that". He is so grandiloquent when he is speaking in "Themes" and self promoting lofty ego trip to the Moon, but when it comes down to policy; he uses LAWYER'S WEASEL WORDS.
Anti-Christ doesn't exist, so who cares.
Couldn't agree more with number #79.......... There's little substance to the man, which is coming out gradually the more he talks about the issues. The media coverage is backfiring according to recent poll numbers. I find it hard to believe that anybody over the age of 25 can honestly dicipher a shred of leadership quality from Obama. Every time I see him on TV he's behaving like a donkey with his yelling and preaching meaningless promises without any realistic plan. I've never seen anything quite like it. He's the pop-culture candidate, a cartoon, and the dictionary definition of an empty-suit.
I think I will sit this election out.
Ok, and why are all of you sick idiots trying to determine if Obama is tha anti-christ.....God, don't you LOSERS have anything better to do???!!!!
The antichrist is no going to be a man at all! Just read the scriptures will ya!
You err because you do not know the scriptures
For anyone who says that the Democrats want to lose the war is an idiot—no one wants to lose a war. For anyone who wants to say that only Republicans are religious zealots is an idiot—zealots are in every party (e.g., Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Communists, Socialists, Green Party). The simple moral: Don't make stupid, overarching generalizations. Also, when messages are vague, it allows each audience member to create a meaning that appeals to him or her. Obama is the Anti-Christ. Sure. McCain makes stupid commercials without substance. Why not!? Maybe Obama is egotistical. Of course! Point being, everyone here is going to see what they want to see.
Also, has anyone ever though that the two (main) parties in this country want to achieve the same thing, but, have different ideas on how to achieve that??? Profound isn't it?! Maybe we should all examine what we perceive the government's role to be (i.e., is it meant to provide for its people or simply make laws governing how we live?) and what goals the country (as a whole) should shoot for (i.e., well-being for all citizens or unsurpassed military power [n.b., these aren't intended to show dichotomies]). Look objectively at the issues and make a choice based on logic. Don't be ignorant and espouse the same rhetoric that "your" political party does—anyone hear of groupthink?
Ok - I hate writing comments BUT...
"True Christians do not believe in abortion."
This is offensive and beyond stupid, oh yeah, I forgot that YOU are the one
who can comment about TRUE Christianity. Perhaps you should do
some reading about the crusades.
"Obama doesn't have a plan/not ready to lead"
Well I am glad we have such an intelligent group here. To say 'Obama doesn't have a plan' is, again, stupid beyond belief. He, like McCain are both light on details but I wouldn't expect nor trust anyone who says that 'they have all the answers'.
Furthermore, I would like any McCain defenders to show me that he is ready
to lead. He got shot down in combat - big whoop. So is he ready to run the
country not according to some very high (albeit biased) generals.
There was a time when I respected the man, but then he gave up all his
principles and kissed Bush's behind.... Is that true leadership?
Finally, for all of those who voted for Bush, well you have shown your
intelligence and should not be allowed to vote - as it has been shown that
your judgment is poor.
Oh, and I am happy we are 'about to win the war' in Iraq - let's send that
gentleman over there to get a better look...
Looks like the media's plan to elect Obama is finally starting to backfire. Ironically the constant Obama exposure is starting to expose him for the empty-suit that he is. Free advice to media outlets: When your trying to elect a candidate, make sure to find one with a reasonable plan and ideas that American people can get behind. Or you can attempt to practice journalism. One or the other.
What a great ad...it's an accurate parody of Obama's arrogance and self-absorption.
Ok - I hate writing comments BUT...
"True Christians do not believe in abortion."
This is offensive and beyond stupid, oh yeah, I forgot that YOU are the one
who can comment about TRUE Christianity. Perhaps you should do
some reading about the crusades.
"Obama doesn't have a plan/not ready to lead"
Well I am glad we have such an intelligent group here. To say 'Obama doesn't have a plan' is, again, stupid beyond belief. He, like McCain are both light on details but I wouldn't expect nor trust anyone who says that 'they have all the answers'.
Furthermore, I would like any McCain defenders to show me that he is ready
to lead. He got shot down in combat - big whoop. So is he ready to run the
country not according to some very high (albeit biased) generals.
There was a time when I respected the man, but then he gave up all his
principles and kissed Bush's behind.... Is that true leadership?
Finally, for all of those who voted for Bush, well you have shown your
intelligence and should not be allowed to vote - as it has been shown that
your judgment is poor.
Oh, and I am happy we are 'about to win the war' in Iraq - let's send that
gentleman over there to get a better look...
Anti-Christ?? Where!! Are we seriously discussing this? The ad is brilliant , which is why the Dems are upset...... it's working. Finally the media's love affair with Obama is beginning to backfire. Ironically, the constant one-sided exposure is finally exposing Obama for the empty-suit that he is. Free advice to media outlets for the next election: When you are trying elect a politician make sure to choose a candidate who has useful experience, a reasonable plan that the American people can get behind. Or attempt to practice journalism for a change. One or the other.
This ad is so effective because it lampoons on the most glaring features of Obama's personality.... arrogance, self-absorption, and illusions of greatness. Thanks for the one-sided exposure....it's working!!
Get over ourselves! We only live 80+ years (if we are lucky) the world is millions, if not trillions of years old! We could only be so lucky to see the end of the world !(which is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard)
Oh my God!!! (
I will really go against the grain, I still like George Bush. Cmon now almost 8 years and were still safe. Yeah, he made some mistakes but so has everyone in Washington. Beyond that Obama scares me, he is certainly a muslim I don't care what color he is and they are committed to destruction of the free world. I am nearly the same age as McCain so my fear is more for my grandchildren than for myself. Everyone expects the President to fix every thing, the economy, gas, health care, etc. He can't and won't do it alone. Sports teams win when they play as a team and that is what is needed in Wahington and McCain has proven he can work as a team, while Obama says he will dictate even to the Military, that is not team work. And we "The People" are to blame as well, we buy all that inferior product from other countries.
John Paul II was probably the Antichrist since he preached the doctrine of the Antichrist right in the Vatican with hardly anyone noticing. Benedict XVI would be the false prophet of Apoc. 13.
John Paul II preached the gospel of Antichrist. No Salvation Outside the Catholic Church. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God and founded the Christian (Catholic) Church on St Peter the rock (first pope).
Visit www.mostholyfamilymonastery.com to see what Jesus' one and only Church- the Roman Catholic Church-teaches about salvation and damnation. (not Antipope Benedict's Vatican II "church")
McCain has not looked desperate at all. The ad is simply brilliant. They have tapped into exactly what most Americans are picking up on in Obama's personality...arrogance and self-importance. He's our new celebrity. It's so glaringly obvious which is why a recent Pew Poll shows that 64% of Americans are sick of Obama and the media's one-sided coverage. The ads resonate in a real way for people. Obama has no clear and functional plan for energy, health care, or the war. The media's constant coverage has exposed Obama's lack of a clear message. Excuse the dumb cliche, but Obama is all sizzle and no steak. He does excite many people, but that is waning according to the latest polls. I think he has peaked and I expect him to start his steady descent back to earth. People respect McCain's longstanding independent streak and his obvious leadership and experience. The man has been to hell and back, and he offends his own party on a consistent basis because he's a leader. The self-preserving Political hacks in Washington hate true leaders. We don't need another political hack from either party. Obama can only talk meaningless plattitudes about "judgement" but what does that mean. WHO IS HE!! I think he's a decent guy but clearly lacks the substance to lead. If you want to vote for change... vote McCain.
Obama is the anti Christ... Great ad!
Ronald Wilson Reagan.....666.......He will rise again to start the final conflict .....don't say you haven't been warned!
I will really go against the grain, I still like George Bush. Cmon now almost 8 years and were still safe. Yeah, he made some mistakes but so has everyone in Washington. Beyond that Obama scares me, he is certainly a muslim I don't care what color he is and they are committed to destruction of the free world. I am nearly the same age as McCain so my fear is more for my grandchildren than for myself. Everyone expects the President to fix every thing, the economy, gas, health care, etc. He can't and won't do it alone. Sports teams win when they play as a team and that is what is needed in Wahington and McCain has proven he can work as a team, while Obama says he will dictate even to the Military, that is not team work. And we "The People" are to blame as well, we buy all that inferior product from other countries.
what does any of this have to do with our failing economy?
what does any of this have to do with our failing economy?
what does any of this have to do with our failing economy?
what does any of this have to do with our failing economy?
what does any of this have to do with our failing economy?
Republican economics have flushed the American economy down the drain. Anyone stupid enough to vote for them again deserves to go broke.
Check out all of the anti-zerObama ads on Johnmccain.com... BRILLIANT...ALL OF THEM!!!!!! BRILLIANT!!!!!!! That's why the poor wittle Dems are so upset....the ads are working because they RESONATE!!! "The One" ad compares zerObama to a Moses or Christ figure, not the anti-christ!! But everybody knows that, including the Globe-bama!! I have never witnessed a bigger fraud than this Obama character. The fake yelling, hand-waving, empty talk is just too much. But the people are waking up FINALLY! The polls show it! Please....please..please continue the non-stop Obama coverage...expose his stupidity by letting him take center-stage....what beautiful irony- as the media tries to elect Obama they destroy him!!!! Gotta love it. Try practicing real journalism for once, or continue to lose credibility..