Obama Camp: It's not 1988

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September 04, 2008 5:48 PM

ABC News' Tahman Bradley Reports: A top Obama advisor said Thursday that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a cultural connection when she spoke to the Republican National Convention Wednesday night, effective politics for the Republican Party. Robert Gibbs argued, however, that unlike 20 years ago when the GOP successfully used hot-button cultural issues to defeat Michael Dukakis, the election will turn on issues like the economy and health care.

"I don't think it's 1988. Well, I know it's not 1988," Gibbs said.

"I don't think we're in the same type of political environment. I think people understand that we have far bigger problems that we have to get to. I don't doubt that there's a cultural connection for some voters with Governor Palin or Senator McCain….but I think in this election you have to make more than just a cultural connection. I think you have to have an answer, and a plan for ways in which you want to help voters get back up on their feet, and how you want to help them create jobs."

Gibbs also said that McCain selected Palin as his running mate primarily to excite the Republican Party's conservative base and that her convention speech helped shore up support with conservatives who may be a bit suspicious of McCain. "I think her speech played well inside the hall last night. I think the jury is definitely still out on whether it plays -- how it plays in a lot of suburban counties throughout the country where we think swing voters will ultimately decide this election."

Gibbs suggested that in selecting Palin the McCain campaign has sought to open a new battle front along cultural lines -- a fight the campaign has always wanted to wage.

"I think that's always been the game plan. I don't think that that's a development only as of a discussion at a deck in Sedona in picking her. I think for a long time this is an argument that (the McCain camp has) wanted to set up."

The 1988 reference is intended to invoke the year in which former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, the Democratic presidential nominee, saw a large lead over George H.W. Bush evaporate after Republicans thumped him with signs and symbols that made him look weak and unpatrioritic. He was slammed for vetoing a bill that would require school children to recite the pledge of allegiance, he was bashed for supporting a prison furlough program that resulted in the release of a convicted murder, Willie Horton, who committed rape after being set free and he was labeled as elite and out of touch.

Noting that Republican Convention speakers like Gov. Palin and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani used their remarks to paint Obama as unfit to be president and elite and out of touch, Gibbs expressed his belief that swing voters want more than traditional attack politics. Voters want to hear about the economy instead, said Gibbs.

"This convention has missed an opportunity for McCain to get his economic voice."

Gibbs made his remarks at a Christian Science Monitor briefing with reporters in St. Paul, MN.

September 4, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (85)

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McCain on Education:
"The worse our education is, the better chances I have to get elected. For this reason, I will cut all school funding!"

Posted by: JA | Sep 4, 2008 6:03:36 PM

It sure is 1988 - and he's Barack Dukakis. UNELECTABLE!!

Posted by: Foodforthought | Sep 4, 2008 6:04:49 PM

Republicans don't have a plan. Thats why they attack. If they had a plan they should outline it.

Posted by: Jeo | Sep 4, 2008 6:06:17 PM

Earlier today Charlie Gibson had an interview with John McCain. Not one hard, or revealing question.

Hey ABC, maybe it is time for you to hire Jon Stewart to do your evening news. He seems to be the only one asking questions:

http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/cc_insider/2008/09/jon-stewart-ann.html

Posted by: John | Sep 4, 2008 6:18:27 PM

CNN now playing the race card, Jack Cafferty is disgusting. He is actually insinuating that whites are racist if they dont vote Obama.The media has gone beyond their already biased Obama praise, and McCain sabotage. This is CRIMINAL. Wolf Cambell, Chris Mathews etc agents for Obama.

Posted by: joseph | Sep 4, 2008 6:19:55 PM

Of course it's not 1988. Back then, the hit piece on President Bush perpetrated by Dan Blather and CBS, ZerObama's ties to Ayers, Wright and Rezko and the efforts to smear Sarah Palin would be kept very conveniently under wraps. We should be really greatful to Al Bore for "inventing the internet"

Posted by: Joaquin B. | Sep 4, 2008 6:20:55 PM

OBAMA is now flipping and a flopping.. NOW he says the surge worked beyond his wildest dreams lmao reference: http:www.drudgereport.com

Posted by: truthnreporting | Sep 4, 2008 6:22:25 PM

Another DemWit being intimidated by a beautiful, intelligent woman that is not afraid to take on the DemWit party and Obama!

McCain/Palin 08!
Country First!

Posted by: david from texas | Sep 4, 2008 6:31:08 PM

LOL, Look at all the desperate Republicans!

Name calling, personal attacks, mud slinging, festering hatred and rage.

You lose!!!

Posted by: Laughing at YOU | Sep 4, 2008 6:31:55 PM

Cafferty, has ALWAYS been in the tank for NoBama, even in the primaries. He completely insulted and ripped Hillary on a daily basis. I dont watch CNN anymore, mainly, because they are so biased toward Obama. I can't stand Donna Brazille...talk about an idiot!

Cnn, like the DemWits, don't know how to handle Palin......and now, its killing them because the tide is turning to the Republicans and their "boy" Obama is continuing to flip flop all over the place. Just today, he is praising the surge! What is this all about...remember how he was completely against it? McCain/Palin are the ONLY choice for the White House this year. CBS has them tied at 42%. This is BEFORE the effects of Palin's speech. So long, DemWits....we'll see you in another 4 yrs!

McCain/Palin 08!
Country First!

Posted by: david from texas | Sep 4, 2008 6:37:17 PM

Okay folks,

Since her little town white daughter got pregnant teenage pregnancy is cool.

You all need to start saying how it's just fine to have an extra-marital affair just like a teenage daughter if you're a small town white girl.

Posted by: sdanielle | Sep 4, 2008 6:39:40 PM

After watching Sarah Palin last night, this Democrat has changed her mind and will be voting for McCain/Palin in November. I can't take the lies of Obama anymore and how unfairly they treated Hillary and now are treating Palin. Obama's campaign is all about sexism...which is now blowing up in their faces!

Posted by: tina | Sep 4, 2008 6:40:03 PM

Posted by: tina | Sep 4, 2008 6:40:03 PM
========================================

LOL, yet another fake Democrat pretending to "convert". Sure Honey, you go for it. We believe you.

(probably another middle-age republican male using his wife's name - he really likes Sarah's cleavage)

Posted by: Joe | Sep 4, 2008 6:46:53 PM

I hate you liberal scumbags!

Posted by: tina | Sep 4, 2008 6:49:18 PM

Tina,

Obama and Biden had nothing to do with the media's idiotic treatment of Palin. But who cares about details, right? I suppose the real issues are meaningless, and that this really just some fun reality TV show about personalities. What an awful and pathetic way to choose the leaders of the most powerful nation in the world.

Posted by: JohnC | Sep 4, 2008 6:50:15 PM

So Tina thinks her critics are "liberal scumbags." (1) Thanks for that perceptive and intelligent response. (2) Anyone using that kind of language wasn't going to vote for Obama or Hillary anyway. Just another phony "convert."

Posted by: JohnC | Sep 4, 2008 6:52:14 PM

Foodforthought.....

Contrary to what the DemWits believe, Obama will NOT win in November. He is already falling in the polls while McCain is gaining. Obama is only 13 projected electoral votes ahead of McCain and the swing states are now leaning to McCain. Obama is all "used" up. The media "darling" has let down the media and America. Remember, the GOP still has surpises up their sleeves. They mysterious tape of Michelle will be out for all to see in October. Obama, now flip flopped on the surge, among many other issues. The evangelicals and catholics are now behind McCain. Obama, does have the African American vote, not because they beleive in the issues, but mainly because he is a black man. Hang in there, don't give up. McCain/Palin is are headed to the White House.

Sorry about your job loss......hang tough!

McCain/Palin 08!
Country First!

Posted by: david from texas | Sep 4, 2008 6:53:09 PM

Obama wants to go back to 1976. His idols are Louis Farakhan, Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Jimmy Carter.

Can anyone say: G-a-s V-o-u-c-h-e-r-s.

If on the off chance Obama does get into office, I was thinking of opening up a Burkha store. But Obama's high tax hikes would run me out of business. Oh well.
I won't be alone, we'll all be screwed.

Posted by: S Adams | Sep 4, 2008 6:57:50 PM

Tina,

I agree to a certain extent. I don't think Obama was responsible for the media coverage, but I also dont think he tried to thwart the media either. Obama and the media put Hillary thru hell. Obama was, and I use that in the past tense, the media "darling". However, now, a NEW star is on the horizon, and her name is Sarah Palin.....her star will shine all the way to the White House!

McCain/Palin 08!
Country First!

Posted by: david from texas | Sep 4, 2008 6:58:20 PM

How about these #'s

CBS Poll

McCain 42
Obama 42

No wonder the bots are in a tizzy.

Posted by: Mack | Sep 4, 2008 6:58:57 PM

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