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Attacking Obama's Missouri ‘Truth Squad’

September 29, 2008 11:12 AM

Republicans -- led by the Governor of Missouri and the Republican National Committee -- are alleging that there is something untoward about the "Truth Squad" the Obama campaign has set up in the "Show Me" State. The problem, these Republicans say, is that these "Truth Squad" members are prosecutors and sheriffs with law enforcement powers, thus creating an atmosphere where Missourians might be afraid of being prosecuted for criticizing Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

There is no evidence, however, that these prosecutors are threatening to use their prosecutorial powers in such a way.

And despite GOP complaints that the mere presence of prosecutors on the "Truth Squad" could intimidate Obama's critics, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have used prosecutors on their "Truth Squads" too, prompting no complaints from the GOP at the time.

**

The Missouri Truth Squad, an Obama campaign press release stated last week, would “respond quickly, forcefully, and aggressively when John McCain or his allies launch inaccurate claims or character attacks about Barack Obama, or when they distort Barack Obama’s record or plans.”

So what's the problem?

Many of the Obama Missouri Truth Squad members have law enforcement powers, such as St. Louis County Circuit Attorney Bob McCulloch, St. Louis City Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, and Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer.

A local TV story took those facts and then stated that, "Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign is asking Missouri law enforcement to target anyone who lies or runs a misleading television ad during the presidential campaign," which doesn't seem a fair representation of the formation of the "Truth Squad."

Republicans immediately began painting this as a situation where the Obama campaign is using its law enforcement friends to threaten to lock people up if they say something negative about Obama.

Gov. Matt Blunt, on official state stationery, said, “What Senator Obama and his helpers are doing is scandalous beyond words, the party that claims to be the party of Thomas Jefferson is abusing the justice system and offices of public trust to silence political criticism with threats of prosecution and criminal punishment."

None of the prosecutors or sheriffs on the "Truth Squad" have said they'd use their law enforcement powers as part of their task as "Truth Squad" members.

But Blunt said that wasn't the point.

"The only conceivable purpose of Messrs. McCulloch, Obama and the others is to frighten people away from expressing themselves, to chill free and open debate, to suppress support and donations to conservative organizations targeted by this anti-civil rights, to strangle criticism of Mr. Obama, to suppress ads about his support of higher taxes, and to choke out criticism on television, radio, the Internet, blogs, e-mail and daily conversation about the election," Blunt said. "Enlisting Missouri law enforcement to intimidate people and kill free debate is reminiscent of the Sedition Acts - not a free society.”

St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch called the notion that he was going to use his official powers to prosecute people who lie about Obama "nonsense." 

"I don't know what charge anybody could be talking about there is no such thing; libel is a civil matter entirely," McCulloch said.  "What I said was if it is a lie I'll call somebody on it and say that's a lie; tell us the truth. That gets morphed  by those with these very sinister motives," the prosecutor said.  He added, "It's morphed into 'they are trying to intimidate people into not talking.'"

St. Louis City Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce added in a statement: "As a citizen, I believe that elections should be about issues.  I also have enormous respect for our First Amendment and freedom of speech.  My sole purpose in participating in this initiative is about getting truthful information to the voters.  This has never been or never will be about prosecuting people. Clearly there are those who are attempting to twist the purpose of this initiative for their own benefit. This attack is a great example of how the truth is distorted in campaigns and what we’re trying to stand up against."

But the deputy chairman of the Republican National Committee, Frank Donatelli, told the News-Leader, that even though the Democratic prosecutors “haven’t specifically said” they would use their powers to fight for Obama, but “I don’t think you have to use the power. I think if you just call out somebody and you have the power, you’ve made your point. It’s not that you have to prosecute a guy, but people think you might.”

That's why prosecutors don’t typically become members of campaign truth squads, Donatelli said, because the prosecutor's presence on the truth squad “has a chilling affect on people’s rights of free speech.”

This story broke last week and has been building since.

Largely unreported is the dial-back from reporter John Mills, whose story seemed to imply exactly what the GOP is charging -- that Obama has enlisted a squad of prosecutors to go after anyone who criticizes the Democratic presidential candidate -- but has since said that "in the retelling of the story, it got out of control."

“If they think a group has put out a misleading ad, they’re basically going to call a press conference and say the ad is misleading," Mills told the News-Leader yesterday. "I’m sure the Republicans would do the same thing."

Of the concern that prosecutors should not be on truth squads -- which may seem a legitimate criticism -- it could be observed that McCain's South Carolina primary "Truth Squad" included Attorney General Henry McMaster and Seventh Circuit Solicitor Trey Gowdy, a prosecutor.

The recently created "Palin Truth Squad" includes District Attorney of Dona Ana County (NM) Susana Martinez.

- jpt

September 29, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (287)

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Mack: Anyone that is afraid of Obama has to have something wrong with them. Who cares about the truth squad. Say what you have to say and call it a day. Obama thinks he is the president already giving orders. He is what he is and he can't change that. An underhanded crook that was an attorney for a crook and an associate with the bomber Ayers. The whole country knows that but I can't believe the people of this country would still vote for him. He lies worse than a convict in prison.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 30, 2008 10:39:30 AM

Rick: You are right about the democrats. I am a democrat but voting for McCain/Palin. I believe that McCain is more experienced in the field of foreign policy and has the capabilities to run this country. Obama if elected would become a dictator and I say that because you can tell by the sound of his speeches. Next time take time to screen him when he's talking precisely and it will show.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 30, 2008 10:34:12 AM

The fact that people are actually voting for this clown tells me that something is really wrong here. The guy hangs out with a known terrorist (Ayers), he goes to a 'white hating' church, and now he is employing voter intimidation tactics. WAKE UP PEOPLE! Do you really want this guy running our country?

Posted by: Kim | Sep 30, 2008 10:28:26 AM

Sharon: Are you trying to say that Obama is a saint? He has faked and lied his way to the public since he started campaigning. Why do you think that Bill Clinton is hesitant in supporting him. The Clinton's don't like him. Hillary is camapaigning for Obama because she plans to run again for the senate and she doesn't want to upset the applecart. Obama is so underhanded he makes the crooks like like angel's. And I am one that wouldn't care about the truth squad. I say what I have to say and I mean what I say.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 30, 2008 10:27:37 AM

riley: Obama if elected will also show his dictorial ways because he is half Kenyan and that country is in a dictatorship. He hates when he is critized for wrong statements and I don't believe he won the debate. I think that CNN inflated the polls because they are pro-obama and like the rest of the networks they don't want the polls to show that Obama is losing ground. Obama has been a fake and liar from the beginning and he should stop trying to walk in the shoes of MLK and become himself. His speeches on the platform are from the book of RFK and adding words of his own. His words of hope and change RFK used in his campaign speech. For a Harvard graduate he certainly lacks wisdom.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 30, 2008 10:22:40 AM

Sarah......You say Republicans Attack? What did the demos do to Sarah Palin? They went so way out of the box that it was unbelieveable. So, look at what you say before you say it.

Posted by: Rick | Sep 30, 2008 10:19:47 AM

Blue in Michigan: Are you trying to say that Obama knows exactly what he is talking about or is he trained by his advisors what to say and what not to say. I know definately he is dumb to politics and only knows what is going on when it becomes known. Obama lied in his statement when he said he knew this would happen two years ago. McCain made that statement and Obama decide to use it like he used the speeches of RFK on the platform adding a few of his own words. He is the dumbest of the dumb

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 30, 2008 10:14:56 AM

Denise: You are so right about Obama. He is an underhanded crooked politician that belongs to the Daley machine of Chicago. I know what city hall is all about because I was born and raised in Chicago, still live here and I knew city worker's that didn't show up for work and got paid for there services. Obama was so underhanded he lied about the woman that ran against him for the senate and ruined her career. It was shown on TV months ago. Obama covered up all of Rezko's dirty deals that's why Rezko paid for Obama's house or gave him l/2 of the money to buy it. Rezko also bought the lot next door for him. We never had a candidate run for office of this country with the background of Obama. I don't know where the minds of the people are that vote for him. They certainly be true American's.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 30, 2008 10:09:38 AM

If these people were committed to bi-partisan "truth" I would say go for it....as it stands don't elected officials need to leave political campaigns at the door?

This neverending campaign has kept the taxpayers money tied up in salaries on the Federal level for millions...and now our local officials hop on the bandwagon.

Say no to Obama's fear tactics....say no to an America divided


As long as the media continue their longstanding effort to feed us the Obama's campaign talking points he will continue to rise in the polls.

We should demand that elected officials do their jobs not Obama's bidding.

Posted by: Jackie | Sep 30, 2008 10:07:07 AM

foreclosure: I don't care about Obama's truth squad. I say what I mean and I mean what I say and I don't care on bit is he likes it or not. Whatever is said about Obama is no doubt the truth if it is negative. He was an attorney for a crook named Resko, he has close ties to Ayers and he did attend a racist church for 20 years. How anti-american can you get. Its people like you that would vote for a candidate like Obama that didn't like this country and I believe he still doesn't. He fakes and is a good sincere liar as one commentor stated.

Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Sep 30, 2008 10:03:11 AM

So Obama has a truth squad much like Hitler had the SS. Squash all opposition is the only mantra. But, Obama is also trying to funnel funds to his old employers ACORN, a leftist organization who have been indicted in over 12 states for voter fraud.

Gee, is this what we have to look forward to if Obama wins? POliticaql hit squads whose only purpose is to serve Obama with no oversight except by Obama himself?

Sounds like a dictatorship.

Posted by: Don | Sep 30, 2008 9:25:01 AM

1. Obama challenges the 2nd Amendment ... The Right To Bear Arms.

2. Obama challenges the 1st Amendment ... The right of Free Speech.
Obama pressures all media who accepts NRA advertising.

3. Obama wants a Civil National Security Force ... with the same budget as the Pentagon.

So, Obama does not want any opposition, so he stops Freedom of Speech.
Then, to make any opposition defenseless, he wants to take away our right to bear arms.
Next, he wants a Civil National Security force to put down any insurrection.

Sounds like the stepping stones to a leftist dictator taking over this country.

Posted by: PAUL REVERE | Sep 30, 2008 9:13:19 AM

The use of title, earned from public office, to add emphasis or state political position, is illegal and violates both the provisions of office and public trust. If a 'Sheriff' or 'Prosecutor' endorses any political candidate or joins that candidate's campaign efforts, they are liable for criminal prosecution, removal from office, and prison.

Posted by: Jim Reinebold, Jr. | Sep 30, 2008 9:09:33 AM

“There is no evidence, however, that these prosecutors are threatening to use their prosecutorial powers in such a way.”

What has been at issue is what is not mentioned in this post - Missouri ethics laws. According to a WorldNetDaily article, “Prosecutors on Obama 'Truth Squad' sound retreat,” they talked to a spokesperson for St. Louis City Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, Susan Ryan, and, “When asked if the initial announcement suggested legal ramifications for ‘crossing ethics laws in Missouri,’” she answered that, "Unfortunately it did suggest that, but the 'Truth Squad' has no intention of prosecuting anyone for this."

In a somewhat similar controversy, an entry of Ben Smith’s blog at Politico, “Obama seeks to take down NRA ad,” talks about Obama’s general counsel sending a letter to radio stations in Pa. and Oh. “This advertisement knowingly misleads your viewing audience about Senator Obama's position on the Second Amendment,” the letter says. “For the sake of both FCC licensing requirements and the public interest, your station should refuse to continue to air this advertisement."

Posted by: Erika | Sep 30, 2008 3:43:40 AM

There's a reason Matt Blunt is NOT running for re-election as Missouri Governor. This is just one more example of his idiotic behavior.

Posted by: Tom J | Sep 30, 2008 3:30:35 AM

They said the first casualty of the war is the truth. Unfortunate that applies to John McCain campaign, His surrogates and actually most of the time himself, killed the truth spin by spin!

Posted by: foreclosure | Sep 30, 2008 3:15:38 AM

Don't we all have bigger fish to fry than fearmongering and slander?!

November 4th, can't come fast enough.

Obama/Biden 08
Class and REAL leadership in the White House.

Posted by: Tulani | Sep 30, 2008 1:05:22 AM

I live in southern Illinois across the mississippi river from Missouri. My news channel is out of St. Louis and our news reported that the police and sheriffs were in agreement with Sen. Obama to stop anything negative said about Sen. Obama in the state. We were put in fear on purpose about saying anything about him. Fear tackiest coming from law enforcement against or freedom of speech. What do you call this? I call it communism! I think that this is a small peek into the window of our future if Sen. Obama some how still gets elected. I wish people would just wake up before it is to late. Do not be fooled! I do not want to live in a police state-do you -really?
P.S. google-Sen. Obama and acorn

Posted by: koolmom21 | Sep 30, 2008 12:41:41 AM

For those who want the truth, try listening to today's(Sept.29) Mark Reardon show on KMOX radio. John Mills is a reporter for KMOV(channel 4)both affiliates in St. Louis. Apparently there was a call from someone in California who asked if "these law enforcement people" would be interested in a bumper sticker saying Obama is a Muslim and their answer was yes. When John Mills was told this, he immediately asked the host if HE believed Obama was a Muslim which had NOTHING to do with the bumper sticker story. Mr. Mills never did answer the bumper sticker statement and retreated when the host asked if he thought the "Truth Squad" made up of law enforcement officials crossed the line. So now it's gone from continuous infomercials on the morning television shows-the interjection of personal politics on news shows-to law enforcement "Truth Squads." The reason this is a story is because of WHO these people are. If this isn't a conflict of interest, I don't know what is. As single private citizens they are entitled to express their opinions. As a law enforcement group together it "crosses the line."

Posted by: RL in Illinois | Sep 30, 2008 12:24:45 AM

Where are the "truth squads" for Obama's blatantly false Spanish-language ad telling outright lies in a despicable attempt to race-bait Hispanics?

For that matter, where are the "truth squads" for the farcical sham mainstream media who purport to provide "journalism" during these dire times, but have instead, willingly and collectively, become a full-fledged propaganda machine for the deceitful, treacherous, hypocritical, socialist Democrats?

Where are the throngs of investigators bringing out the truth about Obama's Ayers/Rezko/Wright connections? Or the truth about the Democrats' culpability in this current financial mess? Or the Obama/Democrat connections to Fannie and Freddie?

Barack Obama has a history of covering up his past and silencing his critics.

Taken with his other political positions (when he wasn't voting "present"), one thing becomes clear:

Obama is a totalitarian, and is intolerant of the very concepts of individual freedom, individual responsibility, and individual expression.

Are we clear?

Posted by: Yosemite Fudd | Sep 30, 2008 12:02:39 AM

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