by John McCormick, updated
Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign harnessed two Illinois friends this morning to buttress a new, more aggressive stance being taken by the Democratic candidate following a one-day political truce in observance of Sept. 11.
In a conference call with reporters, Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Rahm Emanuel reflected themes in two new Obama campaign commercials that paint Republican nominee Sen. John McCain as out of touch and essentially representing a continuation of the Bush White House.
Obama's campaign is seeking to turn the discussion away from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate and someone who has stolen a fair bit of media attention in recent weeks.
Durbin said the "contrast is so clear" between Obama and McCain on the economy, which he called the central issue in the campaign. He said McCain has the "exact same job-destroying policies" as Bush, but would go ever further.
"He wants to give billions more in tax breaks to the biggest companies in America," Durbin said, calling McCain "completely out of touch."
Emanuel picked up on a comment McCain made last night at a forum in New York City where he said it is easy for members of Congress to go to Washington and lose touch with the daily lives and needs of constituents.
"I think John McCain is right about John McCain," he said.
Emanuel said Obama is an "authentic agent of change," especially when compared to McCain, whose campaign is "staffed from top to bottom with lobbyists."
Repeating a point made in the new Obama ad, Emanuel also poked at McCain for his admissions about not being very Internet savvy. "He's not in touch with what's going on," he said, noting the importance of the growing Internet economy.
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Comments
Anyone beleving Durbin or Emanuel -poof---
Posted by: LOAM | September 12, 2008 10:02 AM
Don't kid yourself - in many ways McCain will be much worse than Bush - At least Bush had a Doctrine, whether we agree with it or not. The McCain Doctrine is simple - recklessly challenge foreign affairs with the military. ...........
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/09/11/john-mccain-is-general-george-armstrong-custer/
Posted by: Ohg Rea Tone | September 12, 2008 10:09 AM
Right on, gentlemen, from Illinois. Speak loudly and proudly, about our great Senator from Illinois, Senator Barrack Obama. If things continue to go the way they are going, in this general election, Senator Obama should be sworn in , as our new President, in January, 2009. That will be a great day for Illinois and an appropriate occurence, since the last Illinoisan to be President, was the great President Lincoln. A President Obama would have a long way to fill those shoes, but the great thing is, he has President Lincoln to follow, to learn from and to emulate. It would be a great happening, especially for American, a country desperately in need of a change, from the incompetent Bush-McCain Republican !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | September 12, 2008 10:34 AM
Two additional thoughts:
Isn't David Axelrod a registered lobbyist?
Why did Senator Obama endorse Kwame Kilpatrick for Mayor of Detroit when he knew he was under investigation?
Posted by: Pat H | September 12, 2008 10:44 AM
What else would you expect from the Illinois spin doctors.
Posted by: paul | September 12, 2008 11:03 AM
John McCain is just a common everyday guy. I know tons of people who never use the computer or e-mail, that have more homes than they can remember, that fly around in their private jet and who's wives wear $300,000 outfits. He's just a typical middle class guy, just like everyone else that makes less than $5 million.
Posted by: JMel | September 12, 2008 11:46 AM
Consider the source, ladies and gents. When talking about these two doofuses (or is that "doofi"?), by all means consider the source.
Posted by: Vast Right Wing Conspirator | September 12, 2008 11:46 AM
Just read on Google that Palin is so full of lies...She makes herself sound like an angel to the people yet in Alaska she was noted for cutting funding many things that affect so many people in need. Drug addiction, housing, food banks etc. See Google..She and McCain will ensure that this Country goes down the drain...Her decision making ability is scary on a small scale in her state..Imagine what damage she could do on a large scale...We as Americans share many faiths. We do not need her radical views on war or her radical religious beliefs runnng our Country...
Posted by: kaye c. | September 12, 2008 11:49 AM
Sorry but a guy who spent 6 years in a 4*4 cell being tortured everyday for 6 years deserves a little good fortune later in life. Biden and Obama are both rich does that mean they are out of touch too. Biden has hair plugs. Sorry but I dont know too many "regular" guys who have hair plugs.
Posted by: Vinny | September 12, 2008 1:13 PM
I just wish Senator Obama would pay attention to Illinois.
He should demand Emil Jones brings up the ethics bill that "Blago" vetoed.
Posted by: Joe Jankovic | September 12, 2008 3:42 PM
Joe -- do you think McCain is paying attention to what is happening in Arizona? His attendance record is even worse.
Posted by: SouthSideD | September 12, 2008 5:39 PM
Vinny, Joe Biden is far from rich, especially by John McCain 's $5 million dollar standard. His latest financial disclosure report puts his net worth, after a lifetime in public service, as being UNDER $366,000. Heck, Cindy McCain wore an outfit at the RNC that cost nearly that much.
Say what you like about Biden, but this is a man who has spent the last 35 years working for the ebtterment of this country. He hasn't enriched himself. He's worked for the nation. He deserves our thanks, not your lies.
Posted by: JT | September 12, 2008 6:43 PM
Durbin comparing our troops to Nazis - who is out of touch? Someone who wants to limit free speech thru the Fairness Doctrine
Rahm - growing up in Winnekta - there is the common man and board member of Freddie Mac - nice political appointment from Bill on his way out.
Posted by: Terry | September 12, 2008 10:36 PM