Quick Note: McCain's attempt to use Teddy Kennedy

[cali]

last night, disgusted me. Believe it or not, millions watching have no idea that Kennedy is a big Obama supporter. Millions are just tuning in.

[vanderBeth]

1. I forgot about that. I remember being shocked when I heard that.

[Cassandra]

2. I was disgusted too.

McCain has already proven that he will exploit anything to win.

[MissWaverly]

3. he's a name dropper

Kennedy, Eisenhower, Reagan, et al. I don't want to hear what good jobs they did, I want to hear his ideas on what he plans to do for the country. Real plans and not cliches, like I'll secure the peace. Details, please.

[lamp_shade]

4. Ted was already back home by the time he mentioned it.

[K Gardner]

6. Exactly. It was a disgusting pander, made worse by its inaccuracy.

[Bonn1997]

5. It was smart

It's exactly what I would have done if I were him. I think if your remarks are irritating those on the far end of the other side (as many of McCain's did for me last night), you're probably doing something right. I was wondering before the debate if Sen. Obama would say something about Sen. Kennedy. I wasn't sure myself what the best thing to do would be but in retrospect I think he probably should have said something.

[K Gardner]

7. Kennedy was at HOME, watching the debate. What would you have had him say?

[goclark]

14. I'm sure Obama knew he was at home

Obama had to make a quick decision that would have taken the time to explain it.
He could have said something like, " I spoke to the family just before we started and they said " Sen. Kennedy is now resting at home."

I'm sure he will fix it up today.

[1corona4u]

18. I don't think there is anything to "fix. Seriously.

It didn't need to be said by mccrap at all. Obama has nothing to "fix. :eyes:

[goclark]

20. You are right ~ Obama was so cool last night

and everyone should know that Kennedy respects Obama.

[Bonn1997]

16. How about

"There were reports earlier that my dear friend, Sen Ted Kennedy, had to go to the hospital for XXX. I want to re-assure everyone that his conditioned has stabilized and he returned home. My family's and indeed the nation's thoughts and prayers are with Ted as he battles cancer."

[ecstatic]

8. I hate to say this, but it was. At the time I didn't know Kennedy was home

and it seemed as though Obama missed an opportunity BUT it became clear that Kennedy was already home and his name didn't need to be exploited like that. :mad:

[cali]

10. that's a novel way of looking at it.

I don't think it mattered that McCain said something or Obama didn't. But on the whole I disagree that if you're pissing off the left or right you're doing something right. It may help with the base, but that's not where this election is at.

[Bonn1997]

19. I can't take credit for it

That's what political psychologist Drew Westen says in his fantastic book, "The Political Brain." He argues, and I agree 100%, that you can't try to appeal to everyone. You have to make compelling moral arguments. These arguments, if framed well, will rally your base and will show independents the overlap in your values but will also powerfully demonstrate how you view the world from a philosophically different value system than those on the far part of the end. By powerfully arguing for your values, it's inevitable that those on the far part of the other end (who fundamentally disagree with your values) will become irritated and angry. In contrast, if you're just saying something that's sounds nice and appealing to everyone, then you're probably saying nothing important. That's his point.

[genna]

13. no he should not have name dropped or place dropped

mccain did the same thing with john lewis. it is irritatingly pompous and high handed.

[RoccoR5955]

9. Oh, I was SO peed off when he said that...

...after all the times he has put down Kennedy. McCain is gonna rot in hell!

[votetastic]

11. I doubt it played well with his base,

consider how they feel about Ted Kennedy.

[FrenchieCat]

12. He's a user. Anything to win. Anything!

[Hepburn]

15. Yeah....my first thought was, "Panderer!"

I did not like that one fucking bit.

[blondeatlast]

17. Disgusting, disrespectful pandering. Obama was right to take the high road on that. nt