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Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper is ABC News' Senior White House Correspondent based in the network's Washington bureau. He writes about politics and popular culture and covers a range of national stories.
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Oregon Pair Arrested for Trying to Torch Large McCain Yard Sign
October 12, 2008 1:50 PM
The Oregonian and KATU-TV report on the arrest of two men over the weekend for trying to burn down with a Molotov cocktail and a makeshift torch a 4' x 8' McCain for President sign in the southeast Portland, Ore., yard of Gene and Karen Scrutton
Investigators picked up Leslie Brockette Leudtke and Kevin Carl Robinson and both charged with manufacturing and possessing a destructive device. Leudtke was also charged with reckless burning. The two are scheduled to appear in Multnomah County Circuit Court tomorrow.
"They were obviously out to intimidate me," Gene Scrutton told the Oregonian. "But someone easily could have been hurt or killed or my house burned down."
- jpt
October 12, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (56)
Here in Texas (Dallas-Ft Worth)we have had vandalism and car damage to lots of homes that have McCain-Palin signs up. Not surprising that this is widespread. There are lots fewer signs than there were in the primaries.
We also witnessed widespread fraud and intimidation in the caucuses that no mainstream media will acknowledge. I understand from a friend in South Carolina that this is a big issue there to.
The economy may pull McCain down but the ever present thugism in Obama's behalf does not serve him well.
Posted by: Jackie | Oct 13, 2008 3:28:34 AM
McCain Conduct Unbecoming - who did report it?
Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 12, 2008 8:33:04 PM
Why was no one arrested for burning down an Obama yard sign 4 feet from a man's house in Missouri last night?
Hmmmm...Jake, why didn't you report on that one?
Again, McCain's base trying to cover his behind and make it look like Obama's supporters are the bag guys. We all know who set the racism genie free and we all know who is ultimately responsible for any violent acts directed related to it, that would be J. Sydney McCain.
Posted by: McCain Conduct Unbecoming | Oct 12, 2008 8:26:11 PM
A Molotov cocktail and a makeshift torch, huh?
Someone could have been killed.
I guess Obama and some of his supporters believe in the "by any means necessary" policy to win this election.
PUMA! McCain/Palin 2008 - In lieu of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
"No self respecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party which ignores her sex.” - Susan B. Anthony
Posted by: LeeLee07 | Oct 12, 2008 7:28:32 PM
What happened to the fundamental right of free speech? I have McCain and republican campaign signs in my front yard and God help the person who dares to deface them!
Talking about free speech; lets chat about the rights that Obama wants to take away from us. Do you know that he (the Messiah) wants to BAR conservative talk radio? Yep. Free speech, last I checked was in the Constitution.
Speaking of things Obama wants to take away; he wants to rip away our right to the pursuit of happiness. Let's tax the people who work their butts off and happen to get paid for it (I'm in that category) and make everything FAIR for everyone. Are you kidding me? So now, I not only have to pay for my family/house/etc. (which I work hard for), I now will be forced to support those "disadvantaged" individuals that choose to stay at home and soak up the welfare system, all the while getting stimulus checks (I didn't get one) and government bailouts. Hmmmmm.....does this sound like the man who we want to lead our country?
I say to those in Oregon (my home state~ Go Ducks), get another sign and another and another!
Posted by: heather | Oct 12, 2008 7:24:26 PM
"I want you to get in their faces (Republicans) and argue with them!" - B. Obama
“If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun,”. - B. Obama
"Don't mess with me! I'm skinny, but I'm tough! Bring it on!" B. Obama
“In terms of my toughness, look, first of all, I come from Chicago," - B. Obama
Obama's dangerous, thuggish rhetoric is obviously inciting his fanatical supporters to act out in violent rages.
Obama should tone down his combative, violent rhetoric. We do not want to see a repeat of the 1960's race riots and Obama's thuggish tone is lighting the powder keg.
Posted by: OxyCon | Oct 12, 2008 7:24:02 PM
So Obama is against free speech.
These jihadists only believe in free speech as long as it agrees with their speech.
Posted by: Sue k | Oct 12, 2008 6:40:53 PM
I guess McCain/Palin incited this, too.
Alex - your attempt to blame someone's actions on another person is ridiculous.
But I guess you think this is OK, too.
Disgusting.
Posted by: Bob | Oct 12, 2008 6:32:02 PM
How interesting, Jake.
How about a SERIOUS report on the rising tide of racism and in the final month of this campaign?
Doesn't that bother enormously, as an American journalist?
And how about islamophobia is the USA. Replace the word "muslim" by "jew" oe "jewish" in political blog as yours, and you'd imagine we're in Germany, in the 1930's.
As a European Rabbi recently and quite courageously said: in the west, the muslims are the jews of these times.
Very alarming, if you ask me.
Posted by: herta | Oct 12, 2008 5:28:21 PM
angie "McCain/Palin's Level?" Since when/where/name one time a McCain/Palin supporter has gone THIS far - by the way, do you KNOW what a MOLOTOV COCKTAIL is? Do you know that the RNC protesters did the same thing plus other henious crimes in Minnesota? Then the protesters complained that they got arrested for it. These were all planned actions, people were trained - yes, TRAINED to do these things - including attempting to KIDNAP Republican delegates. It just goes to show, I guess, the intelligence level of Obama supporters...
Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 12, 2008 5:23:12 PM
Barack Obama's caustic words are causing his supporters to strike out and act in violence.
I also find the veiled threats of race riots if Obama loses to be extremely troublesome.
But the media will not attack Obama over his supporters vile acts they way they do to McCain.
Posted by: OxyCOn | Oct 12, 2008 5:03:32 PM
I am an Obama supporter but thats terrible, listen up Obama supporters dont sink yourselves to Mccain and Palins level! us Obama supporters are better then that! no need Mccain and Sara are pulling theirselves down!Senator Obama does not play dirty like that
Posted by: angie | Oct 12, 2008 4:51:56 PM
These two misguided disciples were just following orders from The One Himself.
Posted by: Concerned in OH | Oct 12, 2008 4:44:13 PM
I am an Obama supporter, and I condemn the alleged actions of the men in Oregon. There is no excuse, and I am sure the overwhelming majority of Obama supporters share my feelings.
But I doubt that these men would have acted as they allegedly did if the McCain campaign hadn't stooped to the filthy tactics they have adopted in recent weeks.
Go after Ayers -- no problem. Obama can show that the relationship is tenuous and insignificant. (And can certainly respond with better ammunition against McCain and Palin.)
But to morph that relationship into "palling around with terrorists" and to play on the racial and xenophobic prejudices of the mob is another thing.
I haven't been to any Obama events or read about any where members of the crowd called out "kill him."
McCain and Palin are responsible for the exciting the extremists in both parties.
Posted by: Alex | Oct 12, 2008 4:34:08 PM
I totally agree with you. I seen on TV what some his supporters look like. What a mess. And if they look a mess what do his worker's look like. I have the feeling that McCain is going to win this election. The public was extremely mad in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Palin is going to Ohio today. And Obama is not leading in Ohio, McCain is. The polls that you see are inflated to make it look good for Obama. Palin said she doesn't pay attention to the polls. I remember during the primaries the media had Obama winning in NV, NH, NE, CA and PA plus OH. Hillarw won all of them. And it looks like Oprah has the jitters that's why she had a fundraiser in Chicago. She should have went to the southside.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Oct 12, 2008 4:32:17 PM
dl: Didn't they teach you anything in school. The evidence is all over the TV and it is a known fact Ayers and Obama are close friends and had ties together with Acorn. Obama may have been 8 years old but in 1995 he wasn't 8. He know how to wheel and deal and play dirty pool when needed. He deserves every bit of scandal they can give him. His polls dropped 2% and will drop again.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Oct 12, 2008 4:21:46 PM
Hope, Change, Hate
Um, how many Obama supporters with vandalized signs would have been listening to the conservative radio host?
Methinks your sample might be a little biased.
Posted by: jock59801 | Oct 12, 2008 4:12:43 PM
HopeChangeHateObama: Obama already his when three times someone wanted to kill him. I am sure they will do jail time. I don't know McCain was in Oregon but that's good news. And Obama just dropped 2 points today. After campaigning for Obama, if Hillary was running again I wouldn't vote for her. After the dirty pool he played with Pelosi over the delegates I find her to be a fool along with Bill Clinton. I hope Palin fills that 100,000 seat McCain rented in Richmond at the NASCAR race track. I understand each person is buying four at a crack.
Posted by: Mariann Pepitone | Oct 12, 2008 4:05:22 PM
This is just one little story, but here in L.A. one of our conservative radio hosts had people call in who had had va ndalism with their homes/signs/cars, whatever....FUNNY THERE WERE DOZENS OF CALLERS HAVING THEIR McCAIN/PALIN SIGNS SLASHED, SPRAYED, STOLEN, HOMES EGGED, CARS KEYED, and not one caller from an Obama supporter who had had damage to their property. Here in L.A. county, really pitiful, since this liberal state is voting Bozo anyway.
I have my signs everywhere (3 actually, as I thought they'd be stolen).
If you like the radical thug crowd that is attracted to Obama then you get what you deserve.
Posted by: Hope, Change, Hate, Nobama '08 | Oct 12, 2008 3:46:43 PM
Trying to torch yard signs? Really?
Seriously, violent acts or calls to violence should be condemned by both sides.
This is a Presidential race, not a gang war.
Oh and Nicholas - primaries are held state by state because no one running could possibly afford to campaign in all 50 states at that point. Holding primaries all at once would mean that only candidates known nationwide would be chosen. That favors people who have previously run for president, political dynasties and those who have managed to get nationwide press before their campaign.
Posted by: johnTX | Oct 12, 2008 3:43:35 PM
karen dear, Republicans are a quieter, less revolting bunch....we will see less McCain/Palin signs in probably any state, but we REVOLT IN THE BOOTH, when the "Messiah" and his cronies aren't in our face.
COUNTRY FIRST McCAIN.
Posted by: Hope, Change, Hate, Nobama '08 | Oct 12, 2008 3:40:51 PM
I'm waiting to be told that this is what the McCain campaign gets for having zealous reporters yell out pernicious things at rallies. For that McCain gets the blame for this ...? Never mind Biden, Lewis, and other Obama people telling us that the McCain campaign is dangerous. Hey, maybe these were just stepping up to stop a dangerous campaign.
Posted by: Judasmac | Oct 12, 2008 3:40:02 PM
Amazing.... a McCain/Palin sticker in Oregon. I live in North idaho and saw my first MCCain/Palin sticker two nights ago. My husband was on his way home from work the other night in Coeur d'Alene...and of the four cars at the stop light....one had McCain sticker...two Obamas and one Barr.
Can you say landslide?
Posted by: karen | Oct 12, 2008 3:33:58 PM
This is so typical of this nasty election THAT IS ONLY LIKE THIS BECAUSE OF THUG CRIMINAL types ATTRACTED to Obama and his campaign. People in my neighborhood feel intimidated to put their McCain/Palin signs up, as there is vandalism and damage to property, cars keyed if you have their stickers in your window. I was flipped off on the freeway the other day.
A woman here in So.Cal had her garage banner ($250) ripped off by two teen age boys. Funny, I never hear of McCain supporters doing any of this vandalism and destruction.
Can you imagine the riots that would possibly errupt if Bozo doesn't win?
Pathetic...if that happens you'll never see a black man run for higher office for decades. This election feels like the '60's to me....we've been thrown back in time....something tells me, if Colin Powell had ever run IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN LIKE THIS, but Obama EXCITES RADICALS.
HILLARY SUPPORTER FOR McCAIN
Posted by: Hope, Change, Hate, Nobama '08 | Oct 12, 2008 3:31:08 PM
Oh for Gawd sakes this goes on all the time in the country. Heck, we would steal each others signs and put them in fields, start bon fires (if there was no danger of it getting out) and all kinds of mischief. People that were cranky and hateful were fun targets. It's been going on for years, sort of a right of passage for country kids.
Posted by: Sam | Oct 12, 2008 3:16:21 PM
Joe in Chicago
you represent the best of the Mccain Palin ticket right now...
isn't that sad.
lie lie lie
well we had 8 years of those lies...
we are done.
we want our country back.
and I hope their will be lawsuits for all this slander.
Posted by: dl | Oct 12, 2008 3:14:25 PM
Imagine is Obama lose the election????
We'll have riots and mobs going around destroying things and attacking people.
Obama cult people sound like the Chavez, Castro and radical groups devoted to cult of personality. Remember that Farrakhan call him the new Messiah!
That's scary!
Posted by: Peter-DC | Oct 12, 2008 3:14:06 PM
was this done before or after last weeks...
"bomb Oabama" and "kill em"
etc?
violent sensationalism begets violent sensationalism.
Posted by: dl | Oct 12, 2008 3:12:43 PM
Man,you guys who support both McCain and Obama are nothing but big government communist/socialist liberals.The sad reality is you guys(especially McCain supporters)don`t even realize it, and probably won`t until it`s to late.
Posted by: AJ | Oct 12, 2008 3:10:59 PM
The most shocking part of this is ABC actually reported on it. I thought my neighborhood was bad... It's insanity that the Democratic byline is so against hate, violence, etc. and it's exactly what they are doing. And if we stand up against ANYTHING they say or do - WE have to live in fear of retaliation. It seriously reinforces my vote for McCain. If the Democrats are this out of control without the Presidency, what will happen when they do have the Presidency. I live in a neighborhood where we don't lock our doors at night. If Obama is elected, I may get a security system to make sure I have some protection from not the terrorists, but the terroristic actions of the Democratic Party.
Posted by: hummingbird | Oct 12, 2008 3:09:12 PM
Why isn't the media all over this? Obama supporters as arsonists! Why isn't the Obama truth squad on the scene?
Yeah right..they will get a pat on the back and another sip of kool-aid.
"You don't know my state," Biden crowed. "My state was a slave state". Imagine the media firestorm that would have ensued if a Republican candidate had uttered such an outrageously racist comment.
Posted by: CrystalD | Oct 12, 2008 2:51:51 PM
Come on McCain, your supporters DEMAND that you send SARAH PALIN out to Oregon this minute!!!
She is the best one to get the ANGRY MOB fired up!! We can't let them get away with this!!!
Sure now it is a couple of drunk teenagers on a Saturday night trying to torch a yard sign, but what is next, bumper stickers??
!
ANGRY MOB SCENE, MOB SCENE, MOB SCENE, MOB SCENE!!!
SARAH, SARAH, SARAH, SARAH, SARAH!!!!
Posted by: Davis | Oct 12, 2008 2:50:21 PM
And?
Did it have anything to do with an Obama Rally?
Posted by: Thinking | Oct 12, 2008 2:48:24 PM
Someone actually has a McCain sign? I live in a red state and have yet to see a single McCain bumper sticker.
--------------------------------------
Maybe because if they do they are afraid Obama supporters will torch their car, or their home, or yell obscenities at them going down the road, or throw things at their car, the list goes on. Its not mccains supporters being evil, its obama supporters wanting control of this whole election and not allowing others to back someone other than their messiah. watch the tv and you will see anytime someone questions this, obama supporters get angry as if to say their candidate is too perfect, or his supporters are justified in their attacks, where mccain is not. it works both ways. when you sling mud, expect mud back. so get a life before your messiah takes it away from you in the socialistic world he wants to place upon all of us. get a brain, read the true stories, find out the truth about your messiah. if you have the guts to find out the truth!
Posted by: she will | Oct 12, 2008 2:45:51 PM
The guys who did it were conservatives! They were just embarrassed by McCain.
Posted by: bubba | Oct 12, 2008 2:45:17 PM
Ayers must have grandchildren, great-nephews and nieces and assorted other spawn helping Nobama with the Molotov Cocktail campaign. Well, there is a lot at stake for Ayers, he is Nobama's choice for either Sec. of Defense or Homeland Security! God help us all, and forgive the Democrats for their brown shirt tactics.
Posted by: gvrush | Oct 12, 2008 2:42:50 PM
Attn. DETROIT AUTO-WORKERS:
Even though the all of your employers are at the brink of bankruptcy, you can trust Obama's promise to save the industries. He never make tactical empty promises.
Posted by: Ted | Oct 12, 2008 2:40:30 PM
You remember Dan Quayle? He is the guy whose reputation has been restored by the nomination of Srah Palin.
Posted by: ricky | Oct 12, 2008 2:30:04 PM
Looks like the crazies and the criminals supporters are out to help Obama win the election by any means possible. Does Obama aspproves these tactics? He sure does nothing to stop his supporters.
Posted by: Mary | Oct 12, 2008 2:27:14 PM
Come on McCain/Palin supporters, we can't let them get away with this!!!
ANGRY MOB SCENE, MOB SCENE, MOB SCENE, MOB SCENE!!!
Let's get the pitchforks and the torches and storm the jail !!!
Posted by: Davis | Oct 12, 2008 2:25:38 PM
I am so sick and tired of these Democrat Liberals, and their wealthy phony Hollywood Actors, Entertainers and Rappers dramatizing that stupid ridiculous phrase, "I'm so scared". They can't act for beans, and they've lost many fans because of their involvement with this and other elections. They should keep their political opinions to themselves and stick with making money from pictures.
It's not halloween YET, and if you're really scared of something or someone....you BETTER BE SCARED OF MUSLUM TERRORISTS WHO HATE US AND WANT TO HARM US BY TAKING OVER OUR COUNTRY!; and who has admitted more to that association by association than that one person who doesn't even want to use his American name......
BARACK OBAMA !!!!!
Posted by: Piza Pie | Oct 12, 2008 2:24:50 PM
Obama leading Hate across America.
Obama leads people to hate Bush
Obama leads people to hate the Government
Obama leads people to hate McCain
What's Next.
Evident by Obama leading hate against Hillary, Most democrat voters can not turn that off and accept her.
He pits
people against people
party against party
group against group
citizens against leaders
citzens against country
blacks against whites
When will it end
Can Anyone Stop the Hate he stirs
Posted by: seah | Oct 12, 2008 2:24:28 PM
Just more tolerant liberals holding a candlelight vigil for the One....
Or in honor of socialist Obama the two Obama fans were using Molotov cocktails to celebrate the Soviet Union Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov for which the fire bombs are named after....
Posted by: Robert F. | Oct 12, 2008 2:24:15 PM
frieda
Many media outlets have already looked into the birth certificate allegations and found them to be groundless.
Posted by: jock59801 | Oct 12, 2008 2:21:02 PM
This doesn't fit the McCain mob narrative being pushed by the Obamedia.
The faux outrage from the left is a JOKE.
Posted by: sigh | Oct 12, 2008 2:20:51 PM
Not acceptable on any level by any party, plain and simple.
Posted by: This is SO Old | Oct 12, 2008 2:19:21 PM
Hey - they were just trying to help out.
McCain is busy burning down American Democracy.
Posted by: Ed from MA | Oct 12, 2008 2:15:11 PM
Jake,
could you please look into to the lawsuit filed against Obama to produce Birth certificate? if has nothing to hide, why is he hiding his BC, or why won't he release his college transcripts? this is serious and I hope you are not covering for him. Please help.
Posted by: frieda | Oct 12, 2008 2:11:19 PM
Tomorrow McCain or Palin will declare that Obama instigated their actions.
Posted by: JR | Oct 12, 2008 2:11:02 PM
well Mccain side started it and well you know the rest .....
I dont think this type of war McCain and his followers should be getting into, they will get TORCH ( no pun intended) so to speak.
Posted by: cyberhawk | Oct 12, 2008 2:10:37 PM
Wonder where did they got the cocktails from anyway?
Posted by: Lee | Oct 12, 2008 2:10:07 PM
THE PROBLEM WITH THE CURRENT ELECTIONS
BEGUN WITH THE PRIMARIES........
OUR SYSTEM FOR NOMINATING A PARTY
LEADER WITH THE PRIMARIES,CAUCUSES
MUST CHANGE FOR THE NEXT ELECTIONS...
WE MUST ALLOW ONE DAY FOR BOTH PARTIES
TO VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE JUST LIKE
WE DO ON GENERAL ELECTIONS......
WE MUST STOP THE PROLONG PRIMARIES AND
CAUCUSES TO GO ON AND ON FOR MONTHS AND
STATE BY STATE,BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THE
MANIPULATION OF THE SYSTEM BY THE
CANDIDATES,JUST LIKE OBAMA DID......
WE END UP WITH OBAMA WHICH OVER 40%
OF WHITES DON'T LIKE HIM AND WITH
McCAIN AND OLD MAN 72 YEARS......
WE MUST PUT A STOP TO THIS SYSTEM NOW..
BY REFORMING THE PRIMARIES AND CAUCUSES
TO ONE DAY ELECTIONS.......
Posted by: Nicholas | Oct 12, 2008 2:08:43 PM
McCain has put so much hate into this election ,he is scary, his time bomb of a running mate is bad too.Imagine him in the white house dealing with a serious matter ,ops wait can not do two thing at once don't like then tell dirty stories and make people hate them flip flop on all subjects.All he has left nwo is fear and hate to pass on tho his voters.
Posted by: indp voter | Oct 12, 2008 2:08:39 PM
No offense, Jake, but yard sign wars
occur in every race from county commissioners on up. They are usually ignored at all levels by the press because the individuals involved are juvenile enthusiasts who have no real connection to a campaign. Are you giving this national coverage becasue this incident is part of a new national or state Obama tactic?
Posted by: ricky | Oct 12, 2008 2:06:57 PM
Someone actually has a McCain sign? I live in a red state and have yet to see a single McCain bumper sticker.
Posted by: bubba | Oct 12, 2008 2:05:43 PM
How about McCain headquaters broken into in south carolina.
How about 4 dems holding a sign outside a palin rally with the C word.
How about general mcpeak Obama's top military advisor saying the problems in the middle east are because of jews in miami and new york.
How about samantha power Obama's soulmate on policy blaming the financial import of american jews for the mess in the middle east.
How about Code Pink the head of Code pink is an Obama bundler and they go around the country interupting McCain speeches sometimes as many as 4 times during a speech and tried to rush the stage at the RNC.
Posted by: Steve | Oct 12, 2008 2:05:07 PM
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