What if Obama were to bring up McCain’s crowds at the debate?
Serious question I think but it begs to answer a larger question. Is the importance of McCain and his ability to run this country also lie in his candor in handling his crowds?
Let us be honest for a second. In comparing the crowds of Obama and McCain, they are starkly different. There has been on report of someone yelling out “Kill Him” at an Obama rally wen referring to McCain. There is not sense of desperate and begging intentions to get tougher. However, at McCain’s rallies there is a different tone. I live in Wisconsin, the state they visited recently, and I heard the things being said about Obama. It seems as though it has not become an issue of character nor has it become an issue of race or anything else. It has seemingly become an issue of hatred. Some people in my city, and trust me I live in Milwaukee which is majority ethnic but the state is so far from it, just speak about how much they hate Obama. How they do not understand why he is up in this state. How they do not get why their candidate is not getting tougher and ahead in the polls. But there is one thing i noticed as well. No one I talked to spoke about issues. There was no talk at all of the economy, which is the biggest issue for me, or things like foreign policy. There was just one focus, hating Obama and his lead.
But what if Obama was to bring this up at the debate? What if Obama speaks out against the fact that although the McCain camp has issued small statements saying that they do not condone the kill me behavior, McCain himself has not shown leadership by formally annoucing that although he will engage Obama in a character debate, he will not approve of or condone shouts that consist of the nature of the things some have said already. I think that would show an impossible amount of leadership in speaking directly to “his friends” and say hey I want to engage Obama on his character but I do not approve of the kinds of comments my rallies have been throwing out.
I think that would show something to this country that would surely mean something more than saying very little. My issue is not with McCain but in the divisions that are being caused by what their doing. People already disagree on political ideals and religion. Do we really need the country to get in a mode where shouting out killing a fellow American is the kind of things we want the world to see? And our children?
If this is a rant I apologize as that was not my intention. It was just to ask the question stated beforehand. It bothers me that this country could possibly become more divided than it has ever been because of a stirring hatred that is undeniable. It needs to be addressed.
Recent update: McCain just did exactly what I thought he should do. He denounced the rants at a recent rally in Minnesota and did so at least with respect. It was a step in the right direction. I respect him a little more for that. As far as this question goes, anyone with a great answer can get the easy 10 points.
Yeah, Thats crazy. People yell out “kill him” at Mccains rally, and John Mcbush just laughs. He is a evil man, and if god does exist, he needs to be the first person into hell, maybe he can go and really find Bin Laden instead of just rambling like he does
Simple answer to the main question. No, Obama can not go after supporters. He’s running on unity and all that stuff…you can’t attack members of the electorate in that way. It doesn’t play well.
I don’t think it would be worth it to bring it up at the debate. McCain could easily shoot it down by saying how there will be a couple of nutjobs in every crowd, and what they shout out doesn’t reflect his own thinking.
Then McCain would have to mention the Obamabots marching in their black paramilitary outfits.
And don’t worry about the country becoming more divided I have seen more intense campaigns than this.
While I see the gratification in that, I think Obama needs to just keep on moving forward and let the people see that he can lead and not be drawn into the politicking. That’s his strength. Let McCain deal with his ignorant supporters.
I agree with you totally about the country getting divided again. The problem is threefold.
1. Even though no one in your area is talking about it, economy IS the issue on their mind, and they are venting it out. They have to take it out on someone and who better than the opponent by taking cheap shots.
2. There ARE nutjobs out there, and all they need is an excuse. And that’s what makes #3 VERY dangerous.
3. McCain has been reported to ‘hate’ his oppenent before debates. This comes from his own friends and its not how it sounds. It’s like an actor getting into character. McCain can’t tear down someone he admires and respects, so he prepares before a debate to be able to attack his oppenent. That’s all well and fine. BUT when you go out on the campaign trail, and your VP and spokespeople are spewing vial lies with racial undertones, meant as red meat for the crowd to rile them up, it can get dangerous, especially where race is and terrorism is concerned (and throw in a few of those nutjobs). Sarah Palin and John McCain OWES this country an APOLOGY for using citizens to pit hatred against one another. They single-handily pushed race relations WAY back, and for what? An election??? McCain has lost a lot of top level republican backers this week because of the tactics he and his camp decided to use. They are offended by these actions and say he is not the friend or person they used to know, and they have taken back their endorsements.
And yes, McCain did correct a few people at his rallies today. And what happened? They BOOED HIM! He wasn’t even that forceful! It has gotten so far out of hand, his own base don’t want to listen to him anymore. He REALLY needs to get a bullhorn and start apologizing to EVERYONE.
If Obama were to somehow bring this all up at the debate and lay it all on McCain (he can’t just throw it out there), then this would be McCain’s chance to set the record straight.