McCain Adviser: McCain Likely To Confront Obama About Ayers At Debate

[jefferson_dem]

McCain Adviser: McCain Likely To Confront Obama About Ayers At Debate
By Greg Sargent - October 13, 2008, 6:15PM

On Fox News this afternoon, senior McCain adviser Tucker Bounds did an unusual thing: He telegraphed a punch that he claimed John McCain is likely to throw at Wednesday's debate, asserting that it's likely that McCain will confront Barack Obama over William Ayers.

"Well, so much of a debate is determined by the moderator and the questions that are posed to the candidates," Bounds said, when asked if McCain would be going after Obama on his associations. "I expect that it could come up. And I expect John McCain will ask Barack Obama to speak truthfully about his relationship with friend and unrepentant terrorist Bill Ayers."

We'll believe that when we see it. It's unlikely that Bounds would alert the Obama camp in advance to an attack as potentially important and newsmaking as this one could be. And as much as McCain's supporters would love him to confront Obama about Ayers, it could cut against McCain if Obama effectively counters by wondering aloud why McCain wants to talk about something that happened when Obama was in shortpants when we have a massive economic crisis on our hands.

In other words, how such a moment would play is entirely unpredictable and probably too risky for a campaign in serious trouble, though they may decide they have nothing to lose but McCain's honor.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/mccain_adviser_mccain_likely_t.php

[tabatha]

1. Good! Let Obama set the record straight.

[Cha]

14. Yeah, I was hoping mccain would show some cajones at

the last debate..but tucker bounds being the lying piece of shit that he is undoubtedly just throwing shit out there.

[gateley]

2. I hope he does. Obama will be ready. nt

[InternalDialogue]

3. Since the Ayers accusations appear to be McCain's only ammunition at this point

I'd love to hear Obama address the question. His adroit handling of the issue would be the nail in the coffin of the McCain campaign (and I believe there's really only one nail left to go).

[Kookaburra]

4. And just as likely not to...

you know how he is.

[Vektor]

5. If he does, he's going to look like a complete fucking tool.

A desperate, paranoid, raving lunatic.

And a tool.

Obama will likely have trouble keeping a straight face while explaining just how ridiculous that accusation is.

And I TOTALLY hope Obama uses the phrase "shortpants." :-)

[Virginia Dare]

27. Well, if the shoe fits.....n/t

[Kittycat]

6. Didn't they say that last time?

:crazy: I'm not concerned. Obama was ready for it then, he'll be ready for it now. Assuming McCain grows a pair this time.

[DainBramaged]

7. Obama will PUMMEL him and leave him bleeding and confused

McCranky is going to have his ass handed to him on a platter.

[The Blue Flower]

8. Excellent

President Obama can tell everyone about all the money the Annenbergs have given to repubs.

[rufus dog]

9. I'm not sure how he can't

McLame has been called out and if he doesn't bring it up after publicly stating he would, he will look like a major wuss. The RW hacks are trying to give him cover but that won't cut it.

[Schulzz]

10. Wouldn't it be stupid to tell Obama before the debate?

Oh, I forgot, it's the McCain campaign. And I don't believe McCain will bring it up if it isn't asked. I believe McCain will try to push the positive campaign point to improve his reputation...

[MichiganVote]

11. Sure, let's talk about 8 year olds and "terrorists", while we sink off the economic map.

Makes perfect sense if you're a nutjob.

[Quixote1818]

12. I don't think he will. They know Obama is ready for a knock out with that one. nt

[blueclown]

13. Good.

Hopefully Obama has a zinger ready to combat the charge so we can finally dispel this Ayers nonsense for the rest of this campaign.

[wildflower]

15. I don't understand what he thinks he's going to do

Whip out a doctored photo? And I don't get why they're letting people know about this ahead of time.

[nyhuskyfan]

16. I'm trying to decide the best way to come back

What to focus on?

AIP?
Liddy?
Annenberg being a Republican?
Staying above the fray?


The "fires of Hell being glaciers" quote from Vogler is a good one and could resonate. Palin addressed their convention just this year, and McCain felt she was fit to serve with him.

But I think McCain's quote about being proud of Liddy and the values he stands for, coupled with Liddy's kidnapping and blowing up the Brookings Institute plots is a good counter punch. Plus Liddy is a convicted felon who served 4.5 years.

I'm sure Barack and Co. will have plenty of chances to practice, so they won't be caught off guard.

[KewlKat]

18. I was thinking Annenberg - repubs

as others who served on committee with Ayers as well......ae they too terrorists?

[Ozma]

17. Tucker Bounds: paid hit FOOL of the McCain campaign.....total

Total IDIOT!

Never will that person have an original idea.

[ej510]

22. I hope Obama counters with Gop donors.

[Tarc]

19. Bring it on, motherfucker

All Obama will have to do is touch on this issues of Ayers himself briefly in response, and then just absolutely lay in to McCain for worrying about such gibberish while everyday Americans are worrying about their homes and their kid's college tuition bills.

That will truly be the 'Game Over' moment of the campaign for McCain.

[Celebrandil]

20. Won't happen! McCain knows his own cards are weak.

Obama knows that if he answered McCain's calls, people would have started talking about his response instead of the economy. If questioned during the debate, he has to kill all further questions in one single sentence. I'm sure he'd be able to do that. He's had enough time to find a proper response. McCain won't dare, because it's a potential show stopper.

[Arrowhead2k1]

21. Obama has already been ambushed about Ayers at a debate.

What more is there to say? :shrug:

[KaryninMiami]

23. I think it's a trick so that Obama will be focused on the expectation- but

in reality, they have something else up their sleeve to sling at him. I'm not worried however- Obama is going to be ready to respond regardless of what he throws out at him.

[RichardRay]

24. Please oh please oh please, let him be that dumb...

Barack has so many ways to respond to that that McCain would have to be crazy to do it, but maybe he will do it!

[gravity]

25. Obama should call McCain out on it

If McCain doesn't have the balls to bring it up on the debate.

[stillcool]

26. Come on John..look Obama in the eye..

and ask Obama those questions that you have said over and over he needs to answer. Don't run away John, you can do it.