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As Ike Bears Down on Texas, Obama Bears Down on McCain

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September 13, 2008 11:49 AM

ABC News' John Berman, Sunlen Miller, and Ursula Fahy report:

At the top of a rally in front of 8 thousand supporters in Manchester, NH, Barack Obama made a brief nod to those bearing the brunt of Hurricane Ike.  "We are enjoying a beautiful day in New Hampshire," he told the crowd, "But it is appropriate for us to begin by thinking about those families that are having their lives upended as a consequence of hurricane Ike in the Gulf...I think it's important for us to make sure we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers today."

Senator Obama went on to say his supporters should be willing to help those in need.

But Obama then transitioned to a political stump speech using the weather-inspired segue, "a lot of people are going through their own trials and tribulations, there are a lot of quiet storms taking place across America." 

Obama continued what is a new campaign effort to sharpen attacks on John McCain, saying, "he is out of touch with the American people."  Obama said the McCain team is trying to divert focus from the economic difficulties facing Americans

"They don't want to debate on  the issues," he said. "They are running on 8 more years of what we have seen." 

Obama also made reference to some of  the media-frenzies of the past weeks and months.

"They are going to spend the next  7-8 weeks trying to distract you, they're going to talk about pigs, they're going to talk about lipstick, and they're going to talk about Paris Hilton, and they're going to talk about Brittney Spears."  But he promised, "I believe we will not be distracted this time, we will not be diverted."

At the very moment that Obama was promising to keep the focus on the issues, his campaign announced the release of a new campaign ad attacking John McCain's ties to lobbyists. "His campaign manager lobbies for corporations outsourcing American jobs," the ad says, "the campaign chairman he picked last year…a bank lobbyist." The campaign says the ad will air nationally on cable and in "key" states.

The tenor from the Obama campaign in the wake of Hurricane Ike was vastly different than their tone when Gustav hit less than 2 weeks ago.  Then, Obama delivered short speeches at giant rallies largely devoid of politics.  But now, with his standing in the polls having slipped, perhaps he cannot afford to be so charitable.

September 13, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (157)

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Keeping hit the liars for what they are Obama....lies lies and more lies. They can't run on the issues because they're Bushs. Not this time.....never again....

Posted by: linda n carolina | Sep 13, 2008 12:10:15 PM

Speaking of Paris Hilton....

givemeamillionparishilton.com

Posted by: A. Nobody | Sep 13, 2008 12:10:22 PM

He's a loser. He doesn't give a crap about anyone but himself. That bag he is married didn't even care about the memorial for 9/11. She wasn't in New York. She was in Ohio campaigning event. Telling people she is Christian. LOL! They are disgusting! NOBAMA!

Posted by: rockthebleachers | Sep 13, 2008 12:14:07 PM

I like Obama alot. He has class and dignity. He will make a great President. President Obama, kinda has a magical ring to it. Say it often enough and you will believe too! Peace and love to all! Obama/Biden Time!

Posted by: Bobba | Sep 13, 2008 12:15:31 PM

Larry blows BO

Posted by: ooooo | Sep 13, 2008 12:16:12 PM

The depth to which McCain's campaign has fallen is breathtaking, even more disgusting than Bush's '00 and '04 campaigns. And to think John McCain once wore his honor on his sleeve, like a badge of courage. No more.

Posted by: Steve Kusheloff | Sep 13, 2008 12:17:37 PM

Kind of a cynical report.

Gee it is just a day off for John Palin, oops I mean McCain.

Posted by: Thinking | Sep 13, 2008 12:20:05 PM

I am afraid by McCain and continue to choose more of the same

Waaberi

Posted by: Waaberi | Sep 13, 2008 12:20:09 PM

Yeah, all McCain wears on his sleeve now is a POW button.

Posted by: Jo | Sep 13, 2008 12:20:10 PM

The Republicans remimds me of the bible phrase "wolves in sheep clothing"

Posted by: Robert Boyd | Sep 13, 2008 12:20:32 PM

Its not just Obama and McCain scaling back today. Its everyone.

Obama scales back campaign events in Ike's wake from The Associated Press - 20 minutes ago.

This is for everyone affected by Ike. Hang in there ...

Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint"

Posted by: Cooday | Sep 13, 2008 12:22:43 PM

I'm sure Sarah 'the celebrity' is busy raising money for the victims of this storm. Perhaps she'll call her friend Paris for money raising advice.

Or, Ms. Palin is busy looking up the meaning of hubris in the dictionary.

Posted by: Gus | Sep 13, 2008 12:23:46 PM

Obama negatives...

The short list:

Inexperience

Drug abuse

Involvement with slumlord Rezko

Support from and involvement with bomber and anarchist Bill Ayers

Failure to take a stance on a 130 issues by voting present

Association with Black Separatists

Adoration of political mentor/Sprirtual Adviser, Racist Jeremiah Wright, Jr., for over 20 years

Affiliation with Louis Farrakhan, Nation of Islam Leader

Denial of his family background and deep Muslim roots

Racist remarks about Jews referencing "Himeytown"

Views 2nd ammendment and religious rights as bitter--clinging to guns and religion

Deception - Pretending not to support the war but actually voting to fund the war

The short list...

Anybody But Obama...

Posted by: Jayhawk | Sep 13, 2008 12:24:25 PM

Mcain is a bold faced liar he sat there on the view and lied with a straight face how sad and just to think people want this mcbush for president sad sad sad!

Posted by: angie | Sep 13, 2008 12:24:48 PM

Yeah, I voted for McCain in the primary! What a mistake!!!! He's clearly showing the TRUE McCain these days. A very DIShororable man with ZERO intergrity. He disgusts me. And I used to think he was the greatest. Sad.

Posted by: Jennifer | Sep 13, 2008 12:26:21 PM

Love you Hillary.
From this day forward, you are the only democrat I will EVER vote for.
This party shamed us all with its favoritism and it ugly attacks on you.
We will not give in.
Greetings, John McCain. I can survive 4 more years.
Dems…. learn from this. NO unity by cheating, hating, attacking, denigrating and corruption.

Posted by: eddie | Sep 13, 2008 12:28:02 PM

Angie, Yes it is a sad thing for America, and the world if Mcsame is elected. He isnt the only liar on the ticket either. Sarah has lied to us, and this is disturbing, considering we are depending upon her to be truthful to us to prove her worth. I just think I can trust the democrats more this time, the republicans are up to dirt..

Posted by: Jo | Sep 13, 2008 12:28:57 PM

Now it seems that Sarah did know that the little village she ran was charging for rape kits when she was Mayor. She approved the idea.

How many more lies is the woman going to tell? I suspect after Fox News she won't give another interview.

Posted by: Keith | Sep 13, 2008 12:29:20 PM

I wish the Republicans here would stop pretending to be Hillary supporters. No one buys it.

Posted by: Keith | Sep 13, 2008 12:32:17 PM

Thank G-d you've awoken and "seen the light!" It's time to stand up to McCain for what he is: a hypocrite and far from being a straight-shooter with the American people. Stay focused on the issues and you and Biden will, most assuredly, win this election on November 4th! Howard Gallas, Reno, NV.

Posted by: Howard Gallas | Sep 13, 2008 12:32:36 PM

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