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From the Fact Check Desk: Obama's New Spanish Language TV Ad Es Erróneo

September 17, 2008 5:53 PM

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., has launched a new Spanish-language TV ad that seeks to paint Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as anti-immigrant, even tying the Republican to his longtime conservative talk-radio nemesis Rush Limbaugh.

As first reported by the Washington Post, Obama's ad features a narrator saying: "They want us to forget the insults we’ve put up with…the intolerance…they made us feel marginalized in this country we love so much."

The screen then shows these two quotes from Limbaugh:

“…stupid and unskilled Mexicans”
—Rush Limbaugh

"You shut your mouth or you get out!”
—Rush Limbaugh

The narrator then says, “John McCain and his Republican friends have two faces. One that says lies just to get our vote…and another, even worse, that continues the policies of George Bush that put special interests ahead of working families. John McCain…more of the same old Republican tricks.”

There are some real factual problems with this ad, which is titled “Dos Caras,” or two faces.

First of all, tying Sen. McCain – especially on the issue of immigration reform – to Limbaugh is unfair.

Limbaugh opposed McCain on that issue. Vociferously. And in a larger sense, it’s unfair to link McCain to Limbaugh on a host of issues since Limbaugh, as any even occasional listener of his knows, doesn’t particularly care for McCain.

Second, the quotes of Limbaugh’s are out of context.

Railing against NAFTA in 1993, Limbaugh said, "If you are unskilled and uneducated, your job is going south. Skilled workers, educated people are going to do fine 'cause those are the kinds of jobs NAFTA is going to create. If we are going to start rewarding no skills and stupid people, I'm serious, let the unskilled jobs that take absolutely no knowledge whatsoever to do -- let stupid and unskilled Mexicans do that work."

Not one of his most eloquent moments, to be sure, but his larger point was that NAFTA would mean that unskilled stupid Mexicans would be doing the jobs of unskilled stupid Americans.

I’m not going to defend how he said it, but to act as if this was just a moment of Limbaugh slurring Mexicans is not accurate. Though again, certainly if people were offended I could understand why.

The second quote is totally unfair. In 2006, Limbaugh was mocking Mexican law, and he wrote:

“Everybody's making immigration proposals these days. Let me add mine to the mix. Call it The Limbaugh Laws:

“First: If you immigrate to our country, you have to speak the native language. You have to be a professional or an investor; no unskilled workers allowed. Also, there will be no special bilingual programs in the schools with the Limbaugh Laws. No special ballots for elections. No government business will be conducted in your language. Foreigners will not have the right to vote or hold political office.

“If you're in our country, you cannot be a burden to taxpayers. You are not entitled to welfare, food stamps, or other government goodies. You can come if you invest here: an amount equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage. If not, stay home. But if you want to buy land, it'll be restricted. No waterfront, for instance. As a foreigner, you must relinquish individual rights to the property.

“And another thing: You don't have the right to protest. You're allowed no demonstrations, no foreign flag waving, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our President or his policies. You're a foreigner: shut your mouth or get out! And if you come here illegally, you're going to jail.

“You think the Limbaugh Laws are harsh? Well, every one of the laws I just mentioned are actual laws of Mexico today! That' how the Mexican government handles immigrants to their country. Yet Mexicans come here illegally and protest in our streets!

“How do you say ‘double standard’ in Spanish? How about: ‘No mas!’”

But even if one is uninclined to see Limbaugh's quotes as having been taken unfairly out of context, linking them to McCain makes as much sense as running a quote from Bill Maher and linking it to Obama.

Asked for backup as to how Obama could link McCain to Limbaugh, the campaign provided this interview with McCain refusing to condemn the Minutemen from from the Kansas City Star:

Q:  ‘Are they a good thing?  The Civil Defense Corps, do you think -- do they help in the immigration fight, or not?’

A:  ‘I think they're citizens who are entitled to being engaged in the process.  They're obviously very concerned about immigration.’

Q:  ‘Are they helpful?’

A:  ‘I think that's up to others to judge.  I don't agree with them, but they certainly are exercising their legal rights as citizens.’

Asked about the “lies” they’re accusing McCain of telling, the Obama campaign provided evidence that McCain in July 2008 told La Raza that he would have voted for the DREAM act, a bill that provides scholarships for the children of illegal immigrants, even thought he earlier in the campaign season said he would have voted against the bill.

Let’s delver further into this.

In the November 2007, Myrtle Beach Sun-News, McCain said of the DREAM Act, which he had cosponsored in the past, "I think it has certain virtues associated with it. And I think other things have virtues associated with it. But the message is they want the borders secured first."

The newspaper noted that McCain said he’d vote against a temporary worker program, even though he supports the idea. "I will vote against anything until we secure the borders," he said. "There is no way we're going to enact piecemeal immigration reform."

Before La Raza, McCain was asked by a young Latina if he’d support the DREAM Act, and he said, “Yes. Yes.”

The full exchange, however, goes like this:

QUESTIONER: Hi. I’m a part of One Dream 2009 and I am one of the 6 million who either have an undocumented parent or is undocumented and I wanted to know if you would support humanity all around the world and support our Dream Act that we are trying to pass.

MCCAIN: Yes. Yes. Thank you. But I will also enforce the existing laws of a country. And a nation’s first requirement is the nation’s security, and that’s why we have to have our borders secured. But, we can have a way and a process of people obtaining citizenship in this country. And, we cannot penalize people who come here legally and people who wait legally. And so, that’s a fundamental principle on which we have to operate. Thank you.

The Obama campaign also provided a number of seemingly conflicting comments McCain has made about offering greater funding for education programs in the No Child Left Behind act -- telling the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in June that he “would fully fund those programs that have never been fully funded,” while not suggesting any greater funding for the bill when he’s talked about education in front of whiter audiences.

That ignores the fact that McCain has suggested reallocating the way the $23 billion for NCLB is spent.

McCain has changed his rhetoric and his emphasis when discussing immigration after almost losing the GOP presidential nomination because of it.

He now says the borders must be secured before anything else happens. And in that, he’s opened himself up to charges of flip-flopping, though the Obama campaign is quoting him selectively and unfairly to make their points.

The greater implication the ad makes, however, is that McCain is no friend to Latinos at all, beyond issues of funding the DREAM act or how NCLB money is distributed. By linking McCain to Limbaugh’s quotes, twisting Limbaugh’s quotes, and tying McCain to more extremist anti-immigration voices, the Obama campaign has crossed a line into misleading the viewers of its new TV ad. In Spanish, the word is erróneo.

-- jpt

September 17, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (614)

User Comments

It's funny to hear uninformed people call Obama a Socialist and many of them don't know what a true Socialist government is. Hint, hint...the biggest "socialization" in HISTORY is one involving a $700B BAILOUT. Bush just nationalized (i.e., SOCIALIZED) the banking system! We villainize Hugo Chavez for nationalizing Venezuela's oil industry, YET the US turns around and does the SAME THING. Does NO ONE not see the glaring hypocrisy in that???
The Republican Party of today is a grossly misguided joke. This ain't your father's Republican Party!

Posted by: VetForObama | Oct 14, 2008 1:11:03 PM

about healthcare

Posted by: Terry | Sep 29, 2008 9:16:17 AM

Obama's recent efforts are a sign of a floundering campaign. Obama just doesn't want to be President bad enough. Proof of this: picking boring Joe Biden. The way to win: sack Biden (cook up health reasons), get Hillary as VP. Get new campaign strategists from ranks of Clinton veterans. Effectively take the initiative and hold on to it through Election Day. Result: President-Elect Barack Obama. Likelihood of Obama embracing *these* changes and becoming President? Zero. (Obama = Dukakis II) Likelihood of "President Sarah Palin" in 2012? 100%

Posted by: Stacy A. | Sep 23, 2008 8:40:18 PM

While it might not be right to link McCain and Limbaugh, they are in the same party. McCain has chosen to run his race as a Republican. This is who he's gotten into bed with. Is it any less fair than Obama being tied to Raines or the Chicago Machine (Daly & others). If the Republicans are going to play guilt by association, why shouldn't the Dems?

Posted by: Elizabeth | Sep 22, 2008 10:37:43 PM

So Bush was bad because he divided us. Obama is good because he will unify us. Of course, he left out the "how". We are now seeing the great unifier unmasked as just another politician, albiet with a radicalized agenda. The only unification will be the form you get in an autoctatic, socialist state.

Posted by: overlord59 | Sep 22, 2008 7:34:09 PM

It would be nice to get all the facts on both sides, without all the name-calling. Looking at the background of the four involved in this election, a McCain-Palin administration is much more likely to effect humane - and why not say it - Judeo-Christian immigration reform. The side which is against any good comprehensive reform if it hints of "amnesty" has to go back to its Christian roots. There's plenty of hate on both sides, but the people who will effect reform are the ones who have character and have already risked their careers in going against their own party at times to work for the people. What's most ironic is that most Spanish-speaking undocumented immigrants are more conservative in their family values, beginning with the pro-life issue. Their "spokesmen" from liberal college campuses, with some exceptions, seem to be using them to gain more power.

Posted by: D. Fontes | Sep 21, 2008 7:50:43 PM

It's funny. Anyone who knows McCain like I do from C-Span knows this is totally wrong about him. Obama has no shame, he smeared Hillary up and down. He claims to be a nice guy but this is so stupidly dirty and ignorant that I think it will work. McCain has been doing outreach to the immigrant community for a long time. Heck, he is from a border state, like duh. Course, Chicago politicos who put ad together might not think about it, but what politician could get elected if they insulted their constituents over a course of decades?

So, in concluding, the left is desperate, on the ropes, the media isn't telling the real popularity numbers about McCain/Palin and this will prolly be reported as fact.

I feel sad for you liberals, because you have to lie, smear, demonize other Americans just so people will elect you leftists.

Axlerod, Obama and Soros, you can't win on your issues alone, no one likes them.

Posted by: my kol | Sep 20, 2008 11:43:49 PM

Rush is not running for president Mccain, and Obama are. A willingness to sacrifice the truth for ones political ambition speaks volumes about character or the lack thereof.

Posted by: arelvee | Sep 20, 2008 8:55:12 PM

Rush is not running for president Mccain, and Obama are. A willingness to sacrifice the truth for ones political ambition speaks volumes about character or the lack thereof.

Posted by: arelvee | Sep 20, 2008 8:55:10 PM

Wow Limbaugh supports Mccain..Hmmm so it must be true.. I always knew Obama would resort to full blown racism, But wait I think the best is yet to come..
Palin fixed roads, and infastrucure with the bridge to no where.. She never lied she says I said Thanks- No thanks DUH!!
Good Job reporting real facts on this story. I am proud of you.

Posted by: Debbie | Sep 20, 2008 5:40:38 PM

The cost for health insurance premium: Senator and House of Representatives. Is it a token amount? How much are the payment?

Posted by: BJ Kay | Sep 20, 2008 11:43:36 AM

You people cant be this ignorant. Mccain has been spewing lies for the past two months. What difference is this from Mccain saying Obama supported sex education for kids. WAKE UP...Its going to get nasty

Posted by: Concerned AMerican | Sep 20, 2008 9:35:47 AM

Mccain tries to associate the bank buyouts to Obama. How is this ad any different. Two wrongs dont make it right , but there are several ignorant people that cant tell the difference. So , stop crying. You have to fight fire with fire. Period

Obama 08

Posted by: Concerned AMerican | Sep 20, 2008 9:32:12 AM

No wonder they have a jackass for a mascot!

Posted by: starflyer | Sep 20, 2008 7:31:26 AM

Just a note, the Ad never says the McCain has anything to do with Limbaugh. Only quotes Limbaugh as a source of the insults mentioned. It doesn't say McCain is doing the insulting.

Posted by: Association | Sep 19, 2008 7:13:33 PM

I'll agree with you on the fact that a direct association with Limbaugh is tenuous at best, but I don't think they were twisting Limbaugh's quotes.

He was saying that he wants to treat immigrants like second class citizens. Whatever happened to the idea that we're a nation of immigrants? "Give us your poor,...etc..." What Limbaugh was saying was, in my opinion, more objectionable than what the quotes showed.

I think too, that McCain is supporting these sorts of policies. Maybe old McCain wasn't a bigot, but the jury is still out on new McCain. One thing is for sure, though, he certainly wouldn't object to being put in office by a bunch of bigots.

Posted by: Patrick in CA | Sep 19, 2008 7:10:12 PM

UNFORTUNATELY FOR McCAIN,THAT HOW WE (LATINOS) FEEL!

Posted by: Teresa Alves | Sep 19, 2008 4:30:22 PM

Stupid ad to quote Limbaugh. Limbaugh isn't running.
And it's lazy: there is no need to lie about McCain: just the truth would do him in fine.
Party hacks running the elections... fooey.

Posted by: gberke | Sep 19, 2008 3:05:36 PM

Democrats inciting fear in a minority for votes? What? Who knew??

Posted by: What? | Sep 19, 2008 2:59:57 PM

I have to love it. "Not one of his most eloquent moments . . ." Did Limbo ever have an eloquent moment?

Posted by: Matt | Sep 19, 2008 1:28:33 PM

This is the first race in memory where both candidates are scoring over 50% positives with voters. There's no need to bottom-feed and muck-rake, and it's clear here that Obama's followers can have the truth placed square in front of their face and they'll close their eyes and shake their heads. I may still vote for Obama but it might be more fun to see the look on Keith Olbermann's face if McCain wins.

Posted by: JT | Sep 19, 2008 1:23:59 PM

Nice job, Jake Tapper. And, thank you ABC for helping to set the record straight. Fair reporting, like this, will (hopefully) get recognition.

It is worth noting, however, that the comments from readers who recognize, yet condone Obama's attempt to mislead, obviously do not listen to Rush Limbaugh on any regular basis.

If they had been familiar with Rush Limbaugh, they would have known that McCain's viewpoint on immigration differs greatly from that of Limbaugh's.

Posted by: cmgirard99 | Sep 19, 2008 1:09:19 PM

Wake up Latinos!! This is clearly showing how Obama feels about us all. He wants your vote that's all, once he reaches his goal he'll forget about you. Mccain might be old but he has far more experience than Obama. Do you really think a President-in-training will help you at all?? With the way things are going on right now, you need someone with experience to lead you to a better tomorrow. Good luck!!

Posted by: Lil | Sep 19, 2008 12:55:51 PM

I just wanted to say thank you mr. tapper for telling the truth.I dont know that i will feel better about national media but i do feel better about your work.
thanks so much and keep up the good work!

Posted by: Doug | Sep 19, 2008 9:38:32 AM

As an ally of the U.S., I don't know which is scarier: Obama's obvious racism, or the seemingly-endless number of Americans who are being sucked in by this charlatan.

Sometimes the picture is more clear when you are standing outside if it.

Posted by: Leigh Patrick Sullivan | Sep 18, 2008 11:55:53 PM

In '00&'04 bush spoke some spanish and courted the hispanic vote.When it was time to fix the illegal immigration issue,republicans backtracked & yes I have heard republicans saying worse things about legal&illegal mexicans,as far as sensitivity,all the complaints are coming from a party.

Posted by: gramatoncleric | Sep 18, 2008 11:51:08 PM

*Actually, in Spanish the word is *injusticia*

Posted by: Claire | Sep 18, 2008 11:01:37 PM

I'm a republican. My wife, ours is a bi-racial marriage, is a legal immigrant. I am not racist, nor am I anti-immigrant. I am against people breaking the law, though. The immigration laws aren't arbitrary. I've also worked on national security issues, and immigration enforcement is necessary not just from a security standpoint but also because of social welfare concers. Illegal immigration (as opposed to legal) has a net negative impact on my community and many others accross the nation.

For Barack Obama to pander to Hispanics by misleading them with inflamatory false quotations speaks volumes about his character as a person. This is whom we will trust to lead our diplomatic missions around the world?

Posted by: Brian | Sep 18, 2008 10:49:10 PM

Lies-Hardly. Now that Palin Bridge to Nowhere is a damn lie.McCain being a Maverick that's another damn lie. This is only linkage to a Right wing group that McCain is groveling to get in his corner. Well I say take your rightwing base and forget about the Latino vote. WE don't want you John McCain.(Except maybe the Cuban Republicans who had favored immigration benefits once they touched land in the U.S.)

Posted by: Yonari | Sep 18, 2008 10:22:55 PM

Aw come on folks are you kidding me. This is ridiculous. Did this hurt somebody's tootsies? Sure it's guilt by association but isn't that the Republican way to question the person based on associations. The Republicans did it with that professor. The difference is Limbaugh IS a supporter and Limbaugh has said what's in the ads and worse.

Posted by: tito | Sep 18, 2008 10:14:51 PM

Excellent article, Jake Tapper! Thank you for pointing out the truth of the situation and calling Obama on the lies in this ad. Haven't watched network news in years, but maybe I should give ABC a second chance.

Posted by: Dianne | Sep 18, 2008 10:13:51 PM

Is this a joke or what? Palin lies-Bridge to Nowhere and that Barack is going to raise taxes for the middle Class. Palin believes Iraq is connected to 9/11. John McCain votes 19 times to oppose minimum wage, McCain has supported deregulation that has brought the U.S. economy to its knees, McCain's immigration ads in Spanish pander to the Latino vote and would never be aired in English for mainstream consumption. This ad essentially links JOHN MCCAIN to the bigotry of the number one anti-immigrant proponent of the Republican Party the same Right wing base that John McCain so desperately wants and this is disingenuous. Quit whining you cry babies. Own up now to your wedge issued anti-immigrant past. If McCain choses to disassociate from this element then let him speak up now. Let him show some cajones.

Posted by: Virgohunter | Sep 18, 2008 10:04:19 PM

I had to laugh at some of the sanctimonious comments because Obama has the audacity to link MCCAIN to LIMBAUGH and the right wing anti-immigrant rabid minions.Show your true face John McCain do you have the courage to stand up to your base on immigration now at this point in time and take on your anti-immigrant and no "amnesty" Republican platform. ..... Didn't think so.

Another Latina for Obama.

Posted by: Si Se Puede | Sep 18, 2008 9:49:57 PM

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM....now let me see....McCain is a racist or bigot???? I think NOT! ! ! In this race the ONLY person out of ALL the candidates going all the way back to the beginning of the primaries that has injected RACE into the campaign has been.................. Senator Obama.....His latest attempt to divide us by playing the race card should not surprise anyone, let us not forget where he and his family spent their Sunday mornings for the past 20 years when they were in Chicago and attended church...He has no real plan for this country other than to steal more money from those who work the hardest to succeed, and give it to those who refuse to even try. Health care, education, housing...I cannot find ANY of those things in the Constitution...there are no guaranties here...no free lunch here, but the FREEDOM to pursue happiness and finacial freedom...we do not need or want govt run (re)education disguised as public schools, and top flight medical care torn down and ruined by govt mandated and required healthcare. These lastest smear tactics do not surprise me it is what socialists do to try and deflect the focus off of them when they are guilty. Shift the focus away from the questionable behavior they took part in and shift the blame to another person or party or race...WAKE UP AMERICA

Posted by: used to be a D now an I | Sep 18, 2008 9:42:16 PM

McCain is no friend to Latinos and there are Dos Caras in the Republican campaign. I wish Obama's people would demonstrate what a COWARD MCCain is with respect to immigration just so he can win the presidency. McCain was present in May when there was a revote on the DREAM ACT.Rather than have his vote registered McCain walked off the Senate floor so he would not have to vote. Too COWARDLY to support this humanitarian measure and too COWARDLY to face his fellow Republicans and try to persuade them to vote to give innocent kids a chance for lawful status.

NO TWO FACED COWARDLY MCCAIN, NOT NOW, NOT EVER! Another proud Latina supporting BARRACK OBAMA

Posted by: KICKBOXERMOMMA | Sep 18, 2008 9:33:24 PM

Is it just me or are the Republicans starting to freak out with their plummeting poll numbers now that Palin has been exposed as a know nothing fraud and McCain as a liar?

It's ok, guys. There's always 2024

Posted by: Lonn | Sep 18, 2008 9:30:09 PM

Whoa...I really was spooked today when I heard the recording of John McCain "forgetting" what or who Spain is. That's the way it started with my Grandpa and the next thing we knew he thought it was 1929. I was strongly leaning McCain, but I'm going to have to go with Obama now.

Posted by: Pari | Sep 18, 2008 9:27:59 PM

I guess he did learn a thing or 2 from the Master Liar. McCain lies and his numbers goes up.

Obama lies.....

well, Obama stop it!

Posted by: MyAudacity | Sep 18, 2008 8:58:04 PM

Anyone saying that Obama is "race baiting" when it comes to Pills Limbaugh . . . well . . . that is hysterical in it's absurdity. McCain is anti-immigrant and has tied his train to bigot central. Deal with it.

Posted by: Scy | Sep 18, 2008 8:50:13 PM

Jake: Great job exposing Obama's dishonesty! May your tribe increse!! I challenge you to keep getting more truth out there in the MSM regarding the REAL Obama. Please keep writing articles like this that show his true character (or lack thereof.) John Adams prayed that "only good and moral men" would live in the White House. It is my prayer, too, that men like John McCain, a decent and honorable man, who loves our country would be priveleged to own the title of president. Keep up the great work, please!!!!

Posted by: dawleymama | Sep 18, 2008 7:45:24 PM

This talk of taxing the rich by the democrats really bothers me. If they (the rich democrat lawmakers) really believe the rich should pay more why do they complete their tax returns by taking advantage of all the deductions available. If they really believe the rich should pay more just submit the tax return by paying at the standard rate. Example, John Kerry and his wife's net tax liability was 12% the year he ran for President. Ours (my wife and I) was 22% and we made far less than the Kerry's. There is no law that anyone has to take deductions when completing their tax return. Yes, I know there are rich Republicans that also take deductions but they aren't the one's clammering for more taxes.

Oh, by the way, I'm on Social Security and because of the Clinton tax on SS (the tie breaking vote was cast by Al Gore as VP)we seasoned citizens pay tax on a portion of what was supposed to be an untaxed retirement benefit according to FDR. Even during periods of Republican control of Congress the law wasn't changed because the liberal repubs wouldn't go along with the idea of repealing this tax.

Posted by: mountain grandpa | Sep 18, 2008 7:34:12 PM

In regard to Raj Mujahadeen post | Sep 18, 2008 7:07:50 PM:

Will McCain stand up to racist anti-immigrant factions in the Republican party?

I am a republican. I am not a racist. I support immigration. I am against illegal immigration from any country. If you want in to this country, do it the correct way.

Different rules for different people only apply to liberals. It seems they want everyone to be tolerant of them but they can't stand it when others have a view that is different from theirs.

Posted by: Hank Taylor | Sep 18, 2008 7:31:02 PM

Let me express my personal admiration to the author(s). Actual reporting of facts is so refreshing! Honesty, intellectual integrity and fairness!! Wow! It's been years since I've associated ABC with fair and factual reporting.

No sarcasm intended. Thanks for a good job of straight forward reporting.

Posted by: Bill Browning | Sep 18, 2008 7:29:16 PM

Limbaugh was quoting BRUTAL MEXICAN IMMIGRATION LAW AND THE HOSTILE HYPOCRISY WHEN ILLEGALS PICKET OUR LAWS

Posted by: Raj Mujahadeen | Sep 18, 2008 7:07:50 PM

Did Limbaugh say it?

Yes.

Is Limbaugh a McCain supporter?

Yes.

Is Limbaugh a proud representative of the Republican party?

Yes.

Will McCain stand up to racist anti-immigrant factions in the Republican party?

Why should we believe that he would?

Posted by: Not at all inaccurate | Sep 18, 2008 7:05:05 PM

Whatever the issues are, it's a breath of fresh air to see the facts reported clearly and without the sleazoid spin that so much of the American media is falling into in this election season. Thank you.

Posted by: carolyn | Sep 18, 2008 6:55:10 PM

Refreshing to hear national news media in factual discussion! Cheers to ABC News! Take the lead, be fair, and win the millions of disillusioned readers.

Republican or Democrat we all benefit when we remove the hatred and bias. Demand the same of your candidate today.

Posted by: Frank C | Sep 18, 2008 6:45:39 PM

Mr. Tapper, Thank you for an intelligent and honest analysis. Hope you make it to the very top of your profession, you just might bring credibility back to the MSM.

Posted by: ReaganMan | Sep 18, 2008 6:43:09 PM

The ad by Obama was so disgusting and insulting I cannot believe even Rush could have said that, When it says, Stupid and unskilled Mexican," but when it said "Callete el hocico y largate de agui." this is so disgusting one would not even talk to a dog in this way. "it actually means (callate el hocico y largate de agui) shut your pig snout,and get the H. out of here." this is the lowest of low insult in spanish. I am a hispanic and I know what this means.Obama, watch what you endorse, because this will bring you down. I know MCCain would not even conceive of speaking this way.....

Posted by: CMHinsley | Sep 18, 2008 6:43:05 PM

This is tricky:

If McCain ran an ad just like this against Obama (just as W and HW did against their opponents), it would probably not be shocking at all.

I think Dem candidates are held to a higher standard because conservative points are usually at least partially fear-based (fear of change/being wrong), which doesn't require rational honesty, and progressive points more often involve overcoming a fear, and require careful and honest arguments to be accepted. All I want though is for Obama to win, please!!

Posted by: Dem | Sep 18, 2008 6:36:21 PM

A dishonest liberal. Big surprise.

What *is* surprising is a mainstream-media outlet actually reporting on this glaringly false political ad put out by this sham of a candidate.

I think hell must have frozen over.

Posted by: Yosemite Fudd | Sep 18, 2008 6:29:16 PM

This ad does indeed appear to be misleading.

It would be a pity if Obama descended to the level of McCain in terms of lies.

Though hardly surprising...

Posted by: John | Sep 18, 2008 6:13:13 PM

Hispanics and Latin American's with the right to vote should think twice before voting for Obama. The man is disrespectful to his own race!! Don't expect him to support any other minority when he won't even support his own!!
And to those of you who hate immigrants just remember the the United States was a nation started by immigrants. Not all immigrants are unskilled; there are a lot of people up there that are actually hard-working individuals looking for a better tomorrow for their kids, and most importantly, they're doing jobs that Americans and other minorities aren't willing to do for very low wages. My advise...keep the hard-working ones, the ones that grew up and went to school there and get rid of those with a criminal record.

McCain/Palin 08

Posted by: Lil | Sep 18, 2008 6:08:19 PM

Dear Mr. Tapper, I am only commenting to reflect sentiment for, tragically, what has become a real rarity in media, an honest presentation of facts...after all, that is, in my opinion, media's greatest purpose: to keep politician's honest. If, as BO has been demonstrating for months, politicians can say anything they please without honest, critical reflection, then what differentiates the media from being a news (an inherently unbiased term) reporting entity to a propaganda machine?

Posted by: Dr.Rob | Sep 18, 2008 6:05:26 PM

I guess this is what Sen. Obama thinks is going to bring us all together.

If you win, you are going to inherit a very divided country, and I havn't seen a shred of evidence that you have a clue what to do to bring us together, except to blame Pres. Bush for everything.

You may not know it yet, but the press will turn on you in a second, if it will benefit them.

Texas Biker

Posted by: txbiker | Sep 18, 2008 5:52:20 PM


Obama, you are a disgraceful liar!

Posted by: Texan | Sep 18, 2008 5:51:44 PM

Come on everyone, both candidates are vying for every last vote they can. Of course its going to be a slug fest. These two guys are running for President of the World. Honestly, I'm tired of listening to you all complain about one or the other. They are obviously both inherently evil candidates, who when elected, will push the agenda of their respected political parties. If you are upset about this, either turn off Faux News or vote for a 3rd party candidate. If you are unaware of what they stand for, take 5 minutes and look them up. It seriously takes that long to view their policies and voting records. End the corrupt injustice of a two party system and stop voting for the lesser of two evils. YOU ARE NEVER THROWING AWAY your vote by voting 3rd party because "he/she has no chance of winning." VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE even if it is unlikely your choice will not win the election. Otherwise this government will continue to get larger, take more of your hard earned money, and slowly take away your civil liberties with the false promise of "security."

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GOOD WAR, OR A BAD PEACE.

AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND THE WHOLE WORLD GOES BLIND.

Posted by: jonathan fryer | Sep 18, 2008 5:49:29 PM

Jake,
Thanks for pointing out who is running the ads with the lies in them.

Posted by: new republican | Sep 18, 2008 5:46:59 PM

Speaking of taking things out of context: unfortunately, it is a perception in America that showing strength means “getting down and dirty” in insults and jabs. Obama unfortunately has been engaging in a bit of this lately, but even if you’re a McCain supporter, you can’t say that McCain is innocent of this type of behavior.

Furthermore, during the Primaries McCain was postulating himself as a “maverick”, a different kind of Republican vowing to run a different kind of campaign. “We are running a different kind of campaign because John McCain is a different kind of candidate.” What exactly did he mean by that? It just so happens that we have heard that message before, from the Republican Party no less, when Bush styled himself as a "compassionate conservative" and a uniter in his 2000 campaign.

For example, how is it that day after day McCain-Palin go out with a straight face and say to prospective voters: "Obama and his liberal congressional allies want a massive government… billions in spending increases" including "painful income taxes, skyrocketing taxes on life savings, electricity and home heating oil…Can your family afford that?" Just today McCain said on the campaign trail that Obama "claims that paying higher taxes is 'patriotic'". Obviously, those remarks take the statements made by their opponents, Obama-Biden, out of context, too. When these statements were made, Obama-Biden said that taxes would increase for those whose income is greater than $250,000 per year [something McCain-Palin conveniently omit when they make reference to this issue]. And Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday that paying more in taxes is the patriotic thing to do “for wealthier Americans” which again, is a blatant omission.

So, if McCain and Limbaugh want to sue for slander / truth distortion / defamation / etc., let the fun begin.

Posted by: Marve1 | Sep 18, 2008 5:45:48 PM

I will never vote for a black man who lies. It will not happen.

McCain has my vote because a black man in the white house will ruin america.

Posted by: Jesse Delgado | Sep 18, 2008 5:40:00 PM

Most of Obama's ads are smears, 77% of them actually.

And Limbaugh kicks his cat across the room when he even hears the name McCain.

Its a good opening for McCain to reinforce his support for immigrants.

Posted by: s.b. | Sep 18, 2008 5:29:15 PM

I see Obama has located another community he would like to organize. It looks like he will be using the same techniques. He will be using lies and emotional maniputlation based upon those lies. Be affraid America, this man is a smooth operator.

Posted by: ubu1991 | Sep 18, 2008 5:28:52 PM

Bravo! I am not conservative or liberal (registered Independent) and have been sitting here in the bleachers watching the muddy tennis balls of mistruths being slung back and forth over the net.

Like many I am fed up with this campaign that feels like it's been going on for a decade; and I am particularly disgusted by the outrageous lies, disgusting pandering, and blatant BS that keeps that muddy ball in play.

Reporting, such as Mr Tapper's excellent piece, was like the ref calling the game on account of bald-face lying, and a change of balls!

Kudos to ABC for publishing this piece in spite of its usual Obama love-fest.

Posted by: DaveyDe | Sep 18, 2008 5:23:17 PM

Sound bites- Does this ring a bell? Was this not something Obama was uttering over and over again when the utterances of his pastor surfaced. He did not approve of the use of these "Sound Bites", yet now he is doing the same, but intentionally leaves out the punch line, "These are the Laws of Mexico." When he was exposed the punch line was stated, "G--Damn America".

The hollywood crowd-Lets consider what they do, they act, they live in the fantasy world of made up stories. They should be considered as responsible knowledgable individuals. Hey most of their talking points, scripts, are written for them, without the script most would be lost. Having them on your side could be not advantageous.

The ploy of using the ad was silly, in Spanish may be an affront to those immigrants that want to become Americans, those that are really trying to assimilate. Guess what, they are the ones that influence the ones who are here illegally. So the net result my just be more a negative than the positive that the Obama people had hoped for.

Posted by: Brian | Sep 18, 2008 5:18:26 PM

Wasn't Obama that talked about a civil campaign no personal attacks. This Spanish ad is completely false. Will the media state the facts. They do every time Palin speaks they come back with well that's not completely true. Come on media this is the time to stand up for truth or show your complete bias.Today he's telling a crowd to get in the face of the opposition.

Posted by: pohcd | Sep 18, 2008 5:16:57 PM

The fact is that McCain has backed away from his initial support for amnesty in order to court the extreme right in his party. Everyone knows that Rush Limbaugh belongs to that category. He has opted for an enforcement first approach which basically means that the ICE raids will continue for another few years till the border fence gets built. He himself has said that he will not vote for the CIR, which he drafted himself.

I do not consider McCain to be anti-immigrant or anti-Latino but he has caved in to the pressure exerted by the extreme right. A man who calls himself a maverick should have stood up to them.

Obama has been consistent in his support for amnesty and for improving the family based immigration system. He is only against excessive skilled immigration that might hurt the interests of the American workers.

Posted by: src | Sep 18, 2008 5:10:45 PM

UCLAdy04: Your comment makes no sense. Just because you don't agree with someone's politics doesn't mean they aren't protected by slander laws.

According to your comment, Rush should be allowed to be quoted out of context and slandered in a public TV ad simply because you don't agree with him?

Laws only apply to those you agree with?

Rush's comments were intentionally taken out of context and aired in a public setting where their meaning would be misunderstood and damaging. If Rush wants to sue for slander, he probably has a pretty good case, whether the judge likes his politics or not.

Posted by: Interested08 | Sep 18, 2008 5:10:19 PM

Thanks for a great analysis. Do you think the (W)itches of the View will say to Obama: "Now Senator Obama, you ran ads that are untrue regarding John McCain." I don't think so. Their show should be called The Democratic View. Oh, and let's hear it for Diane Sawyer ticking off the Mayor of Rome, New York for portraying his town as going down the tubes while there on the Whistle stop tour. ABC is now the All Barack Channel.

Posted by: J. S. | Sep 18, 2008 5:07:13 PM

(a) How is Obama’s ad portraying Limbaugh and McCain as immigration unfriendly untrue? McCain has flip-flopped on pretty much every issue of importance to Americans [case in point: Wall Street deregulation was his stance until 72 hours ago when he realized that this is an unpopular position during this election] and immigration reform is no exception. Just this past March 3rd it was reported [and I quote] "McCain went so far at a debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in January to say that if his original proposal came to a vote on the Senate floor, he would NOT vote for it." So, today he is not for immigration reform that would help the Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S.

(b) There is a saying “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” McCain chose Palin as his running mate. If you are a Hispanic or Latino living in the U.S., she is not good news for you. She is of the same vein as Limbaugh, believing that the ideal America is white & Christian, not diverse. If McCain does not subscribe to this idea, why does he have someone on the ticket who does? Talk show host Laura Ingraham stated on her radio show that she spoke with Palin, who told her she was against "comprehensive immigration" reform. The reason appears to be that this viewpoint will help pick up more GOP votes from those that oppose open borders legislation and comprehensive immigration reform.

If you are a Hispanic or Latino registered voter in the U.S., make sure to consider if the in the last 8 years change has been positive for the Hispanic/Latino community. If you don’t like the direction the country took with respect to the Latino immigration, then DON’T vote for McCain, as it will be more of the same. Not only is McCain wishy-washy on issues of importance to the American people bu he is also 72 years old, with serious preconditions, and if he were president and became incapacitated, Palin is it --- and she is not a friend of Hispanics / Latinos.

Posted by: Marve1 | Sep 18, 2008 5:07:02 PM

So much for the politics of Hope. Not only has Obama proven to be a first rate fear-mongerer, capitalizing on the latest financial crisis by preaching doom and gloom and "Blaming Bush-McCain," for partisan political purposes, he's proving that he doesn't take a back seat to anyone in the sleaze category. But let's face it, this is really the only way he can win.

The latest smear ad on Limbaugh and McCain is about the most divisive act of desperation I've seen in politics. This from the man who preaches the politic of hope and inclusion. This from the man who promises the nation that he'll bring people together. This from the man who promises to end devisive politics. I'm an American with a Mexican background (Not a "Mexican-American), and I condemn Obama's despicable devisive politics. Anyone who will take to time to learn the facts will ultimately do the same.

The real Obama has shown himself to be nothing more than a low-ife politician who wil do anything, say anything, promise anything, to be President.

God help us all if he wins.

Posted by: MSARM | Sep 18, 2008 5:02:36 PM

Obama is completely out of control. All he does is attack. He even told his cult followers to "get in their Repupblican friends faces". But he can't even answer the question about what to do to save the banking insudtry? And he took 3 days to comment on the Russian Georgia invasion/occupation. He is clueless...just a stuffed shirt ith a chip on his shoulders!

Posted by: James | Sep 18, 2008 5:02:26 PM

Pete Kent - you are 100% correct about this. The "Sex Ed to Kindergartners" ad was indeed truthful. In fact, the original bill was amended to specifically INCLUDE Kindergarteners, when the information to be taught included STDs, contraception, sexual preference, etc. Anyone who wants can read this information in the bill proposal.

I'm not writing here to debate that bill - what I"m saying is, the ad McCain aired was totally correct and yet it was slammed by the MSM and called "a lie" on The View. Yet, the ad was actually truthful.

Let's hope this Spanish Language ad, which IS full of lies, is given some attention by the same media.

Posted by: Interested08 | Sep 18, 2008 5:02:20 PM

It is pretty hilarious to see the media go out of their way to defend a racist scumbag like Limbaugh.

The FACT is Limbaugh is a huge voice of the Republican Party. The MSM reports on Limbaugh as though he is in touch with the Republican voters and nobody winces when he spews his vitriol everyday.

So now that Obama has called out the Republican Party for the HYPOCRISY in embracing Rush and reaping the benefits of his racism...he is at fault?

So it is PERFECTLY acceptable for Racist Rush to get on the radio day in and day out to inflame racial intolerance...it is PERFECTLY acceptable for the Republicans to benefit from this....yet it is WRONG for Obama to put their feet to the flame? lol...Give me a break...this outrage is a joke. And anyone defending Rush should be ashamed of themselves.