Last July, when asked if Barack Obama is a socialist, John McCain replied, “I don’t know.” But now McCain seems to be fairly certain Obama is a socialist. After all, his campaign has spent the past couple weeks trying to scare Americans into believing that Obama’s economic policies amount to socialism.
Yesterday during an interview with a local Miami CBS affiliate, McCain took his skepticism of Obama’s political and economic philosophies further, expressing uncertainty as to whether Obama is a communist:
Q: Florida Senator Mel Martinez talked about Barack Obama’s “spread the wealth” policies and he described them as “communism.” Is that fair?
MCCAIN: Hmmm, I don’t know what label you put on it but clearly its not the way to economic prosperity.
Also during the interview, when the reporter noted that the Tax Policy Center concluded that Obama’s tax plan gives more to “middle income Americans,” McCain falsely claimed that “is simply not true.” Watch it:
McCain is wrong. The non-partisan Tax Policy Center did indeed find that “Obama would give larger tax cuts to low- and moderate-income households.” In fact, for most Americans, Obama’s plan would offer three times the benefit.
At the same time, McCain’s tax plan heavily favors big corporations and the wealthy. Indeed, a recent analysis by the Center for American Progress Action Fund found that John and Cindy McCain would have saved $730,000 over 2006 and 2007 under McCain’s tax plan.
But seeing that McCain’s policies have little to offer the average American, it seems he is now forced to acquiesce to the fringe right wing talking point that Obama just might be a Marxist.
What have facts got to do with trying to scare the bejesus out of people??
October 28th, 2008 at 2:29 pmTaking tax rates back to Sir Ronald of Reagan is unclear as to its communist orientation.
What does that make General Dwight Eisenhower with his tax rate, nearly three times as high?
Words have no meaning anymore.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:30 pm“Don’t know much about history
Don’t know much biology
Don’t know much about a science book
Don’t know much about the french I took
But I do know that I love you
And I know that if you love me too
What a wonderful world this would be
Don’t know much about geography
Don’t know much trigonometry
Don’t know much about algebra
Don’t know what a slide rule is for
But I do know that one and one is two
And if this one could be with you
What a wonderful world this would be
Now I don’t claim to be an “A” student
But I’m trying to be
So maybe by being an “A” student baby
I can win your love for me….”
– John McCain’s campaign, channeling Sam Cooke. He’s trying, folks. He’ll do — and say — anything….
Cheers,
October 28th, 2008 at 2:33 pmWell, seeing as how “middle income” is defined by McCain as stopping at $5M, maybe it starts about $1M – which would mean that it is absolutely not true that Obama would give that bracket more than McCain.
Plus, you gotta give him a break for not knowing whether the label “Communism” applies to Obama’s tax proposal, since he’s admitted to not knowing very much about economics.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:34 pmMCCAIN: Hmmm, I don’t know what label you put on it but clearly its not the way to economic prosperity.
Yet, he doesn’t have any trouble with Sarah “spreading the wealth” as she pissing away $150,000+ on clothes and makeup at Saks 5th Avenue.
Poor John can’t even control the spending in his own campaign and yet wants us to let him control the largest economy in the world.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:35 pmMCCAIN: Hmmm, I don’t know
McCain responded by saying, “I don’t know what, frankly, you’re talking about.”
YouTube – “Don’t Know Much” TV Ad
Aug 22, 2008 … “Don’t Know Much” demonstrates Senator McCain’s desire to offer four more years of failed Bush economic policies. On the air…
McCain Admits He Doesn’t Know How To Use A Computer
McCain doesn’t know how many houses he owns -
John McCain Doesn’t Know the Price of Gas
Jun 27, 2008 … 4) John McCain may not know what gas costs or when he last pumped … I’ve been on the campaign trail for so long I don’t remember when I …
ABC News: John McCain to Murtha: ‘Lighten Up,’ ‘Get a Life’
Apr 26, 2007 … John McCain, right, and Jon Stewart talk during a break in taping … McCain Relaunches Campaign Ship. “I don’t know how to react to that …
I’m starting to see a pattern here…
October 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pmOh gimme a break. This is like Hillary Clinton saying that Obama wasn’t a Muslim “as far as I know”. It’s a sneaky way to cast doubt while not actually asserting the opposite of what’s obvious.
It would be like Obama saying that he was “not sure” if McCain had no intention to bring back slavery…
October 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pmYes you do, you lying sack of crap!
They don’t. Anymore than your taxing of our medical benefits is feudalism.
Wait…
October 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pmI’ll bet this nonsense really pisses off those who are communist.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:38 pmSpreading wealth? Like a wealth distribution? Like a cash distribution?
Like a stimulus check?
October 28th, 2008 at 2:39 pmI don’t know if Obama still horse-whips his children.
¶ AIO
October 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pmIn addition to being allergic to the truth, McPalin might want to comtemplate that in an era when a substantial number of voters have seen their incomes decline after inflation over the past eight years while seeing a small number of greedy ba$tard$ get rich by turning our fincial system into a badly managed casino, raising redistribution of wealth as an evil to be avoided may not be a winning strategy.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pmOr like Fox News saying, “We aren’t saying that Barack Obama is a baby killer, but what if he is?”
October 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pmIs it just me or is it too much to ask that anyone running for President actually be able to define the terms socialist, Marxist, and communist?
When your answer to most questions is either “I don’t know,” or (as he says when talking about terrorists) “I know, but I won’t tell you,” that doesn’t make me feel very secure about your ability to preside over this country.
Maybe he should ask his running mate, she could find the answers and “get them back” to him.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pmThis whole communist/socialist thing although sort of amusing is starting to get just plain old and tiresome…
October 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pmMcCain has sunk so low a snake could slither over him and not know he was there.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pmI don’t know if McIIIrd ever stopped cheating on Cindy!
October 28th, 2008 at 2:46 pmsinge_101 Says:
Spreading wealth? Like a wealth distribution? Like a cash distribution?
Like a stimulus check?
IMHO, the “stimulus checks” were the “bread” of the old Roman empire “bread and circus” routine.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pmThe “circus” part has been the wars against the terrerists, real or imagined, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars etc…
Obama’s proposals aren’t even as radical as FDR’s New Deal. Yet the Republicans aren’t even trying to compare Obama’s tax plan to that. Why? Could it be that Roosevelt is actually revered as one of our greatest presidents, and any attempt to tie Obama to him wouldn’t be seen as a negative?
October 28th, 2008 at 2:50 pmYeah john that’s right 300 billion in tax cuts to the ultra wealthy (can U say class warfare)is the way to economic prosperity , at least for the upper 1 %.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:52 pmThe Bush tax cuts and the deregulation of the mortgage industry , laws that regulate banks borrowing practices and the free market sorting it out have produced a financial calamity unmatched since the great depression .
We are all feeling the trickle down accept perhaps for the recipients of your tax cuts .
“I believe in a graduated income tax on big fortunes, and in another tax which is far more easily collected and far more effective: a graduated inheritance tax increasing rapidly with the size of the estate.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
One of the most effective popular programs we’ve had in the last three decades is called the earned income tax credit. It’s a program whereby, if you’re a working person, a working couple and you’re below the poverty line, the government will actually give you money. That’s a redistributed program. It’s a program which takes money from the upper classes and gives it to the lower — to the working poor.
Now who started that program? The earned income tax credit? Ronald Reagan, Republican.
McCain apparently believes in socialism only when it comes to corporations.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:54 pmIs McCain really trying to bring back slavery? It could happen.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pmOk, it’s time for Obama to start running ad ad showing McCain, in the past, agreeing that the rich should pay more to help the middle class. Then run clips of his calling Obama a “socialist” for advocating something McCain agreed with in the past. End with, “well, I guess that McCain must also be a socialist”.
I hope that Obama addresses this in his 1/2 hour speech. His policies aren’t “socialist”, but I see nothing wrong with a socialist approach to government. When you look at the most peaceful, stable and economically stable countries in the world, most, if not all, practice some form of socialism. I think that would be a good thing for people to know.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pmV is for Snark Says:
——————————————————————————–
Is it just me or is it too much to ask that anyone running for President actually be able to define the terms socialist, Marxist, and communist?
It’s too bad Joe “The Communist” Stalin is dead. Maybe he could have explained it.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pmThey’re just throwing ‘isms’ out and hoping something sounds scary enough to switch a few votes.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pmBob ~!~ Agreed, how about McIIIrd’s vision of Feudalism for the USA.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:59 pmMethinks John McCain has a time machine — he seems to have sent his brain back to 1959.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:02 pmIf Obama is a socialist, then McCain has lost his mind.
Then again, if McCain can’t handle his own VP how can he lead America?
October 28th, 2008 at 3:03 pmSo let’s add up all of the Obama smears to-date from the McCain slime machine and see if I’ve got them all … everyone’s help is greatly appreciated:
Obama is a socialist-communist-terrorist-celebrity-inexperienced-misgonystic-demogag-liberal.
But McCain & Palin abhor labels, too.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pmWhen the RNC needs a local news anchor in Orlando to dish out some of its dirty work, that’s an indicator to how bad things are going for the upright moral crusaders.
Good thing I flipped off those “Yes on Prop 8″ A-holes who gathered on a busy intersection yesterday afternoon, jumping up and down all happy to suppress gay rights.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:07 pmMcSame better back off. What he and the Bush Crime Family have done for the past eight years was fascism. End of story.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:21 pmNettles E6.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:23 pmThe rate difference is a lousy 3%. And those who got ahead used the system to do it. It’s OK if they pay a fraction more, think of it as well deserved payback to the society that helped them get ahead. Sheesh.
Oh, and while we’re at it Nettles E6, why is the cap on SS contribution not a tax break for those making over $102,000?
October 28th, 2008 at 3:24 pmrepublicans hate facts, missmolly makes more sense in her least persuasive arguments than you do in your best. So, back at you …
Grow up, let it go, and STFU you IDIOT!
October 28th, 2008 at 3:25 pmHi Nettles,
October 28th, 2008 at 3:29 pmWhy do you measure success by such a material measure? Have you considered that hard work, achievement, and success have have alternative measures? It is this flaw which has yielded a spoiled and excessively consumptive me first society
Does anyone else see an irony that communism isn’t liberal – rather extremely conservative ?
October 28th, 2008 at 3:32 pmI swear to God, I loathe that evil old fart more every single day…
October 28th, 2008 at 3:34 pmRHF is a whiny moron. MissMolly is one of the most gracious posters here. RHF needs to get over the fact that his candidate lost. And it’s exactly like Hillary saying she didn’t know if Obama was a muslim. She was losing and she channeled rove for a while. Deal with it RHF. You whining in ALL CAPS doesn’t convince anyone of anything other than you’re an ASS. So vote for McCain if you want. Sit in your basement and cry if you want. Hell, pick your nose and use the boogers to make little hillary and bill statues for all I care.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:35 pmNettles, is mccain still giving away green stamps for postings on liberal blogs?
October 28th, 2008 at 3:37 pmrepublicans hate facts Says:
Leave the Hillary Bashing at the door. Comparing what Hillary said to this statement from McCain is completely disingenuous and the same kind of dirty politics McCain is doing.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
_______
You’re right. McCain isn’t nearly as dirty as Hillary, but he’s catching up quickly.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:38 pmI don’t know about this.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:39 pm______
Marie Says:
One of the most effective popular programs we’ve had in the last three decades is called the earned income tax credit. It’s a program whereby, if you’re a working person, a working couple and you’re below the poverty line, the government will actually give you money. That’s a redistributed program. It’s a program which takes money from the upper classes and gives it to the lower — to the working poor.
Now who started that program? The earned income tax credit? Ronald Reagan, Republican.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
The earned income tax credit was increased by Reagan, but began in 1975.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:19 pmWell hey, Nettie, tell that to the people making minimum wage – or the people who are laid off when their company sends their jobs to Bangladesh.
Yeah, boy, we MUST protect those wealthy folks! God forbid they have to cough up a little more to fund the country that provides them with such a good life!!!
You’re an ass.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:47 pmLeftside Annie Says:
I swear to God, I loathe that evil old fart more every single day…
Gollum McCain is about to lose his “precious” in the lava flow that is the ballots cast for Obama.
Then we won’t have to see that yellow toothy smile or that “bouncy hop to it” cheerful note taking, split-screen ever again.
Then the beast of Alaskordor will be felled and have to retreat to her ice castle, in an attempt to learn to read above a fifth grade level while holding back the ravages of age.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:48 pmupright left — I stand corrected. You are correct that it began in 1975 under Nixon(?) Ford (?). Of course, my point is that it was a Republican administration program.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:53 pmyou forgot to say “hopium”…
October 28th, 2008 at 5:01 pmI’m skeered! The Commies are going to get me!
What is this, 1958?
October 28th, 2008 at 5:08 pmNettles
October 28th, 2008 at 5:16 pmSo if pride does not pay the bills why not learn to lower the bills? The average US citizens consumes an absurdly disproportionate amount of resources. There is simply no need for it. I too once lived in that world but I have elected to distance myself from it. I am a single parent of a three person household and I am happy and getting by with far less than 250 K. We confuse wants with needs…
dbadass, I was vainly attempting to have that same conversation with daughter Amber (5.5 years old).
She said she ‘wanted more stuff’. And I sat her down and discussed, food, clothing and shelter as things we need, and toys, tv and the other ’stuff’ that we ‘want’.
After all, Daddy wants to buy a new guitar every year, but daddy doesn’t need them, so he doesn’t…
May have fallen on deaf ears, but maybe not…
October 28th, 2008 at 5:19 pmvaliantvenusgrewfromuranus,
If we haven’t “gotten over the primaries”, why are you the one always bringing it up.
By the way, in the 60 minutes interview, she responded to the question of “Is Barack a Muslim” by saying…”No. No. As far as I know.”
Which does entail a question of doubt for the viewer, a non definitive statement.
Kind of like “rhf does not have oral sex with small domesticated farm animals, as far as I know.”
Now, enough with the attacks. It serves no purpose but to make you look foolish. You are more intelligent than that.
And if I may so incline, I’ve never attacked the non believers here regarding their beliefs (or non beliefs). Why should the believers endure your attacks. I would think your definition of PROGRESSIVE would include tolerance of Christians.
Guess I thought wrong.
I await your not so subtle venomous response, but be aware, I’m off for home, but will gladly continue this, in kind, tomorrow.
Good day!
October 28th, 2008 at 5:21 pmyou still forgot to say “hopium”
October 28th, 2008 at 5:34 pmI just think it is amusing when your head gets all bunched up. Some of those old totally out of control maniacal primary rants were pure genius… Sorry about the repeat on the hopium thing. I was just amazed that you said all that stuff without dropping one of your old favs.
October 28th, 2008 at 5:38 pmNettles Says:
$250K for a family of 4 is hardly what it used to be. You’re talking about the working-class end of the highest tax bracket (I dare say our country’s bread and butter), not the uber-wealthy.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Ah, no you are not. You are talking about the upper end the top 2% or so. You can dare say they are the Martians if you want that doesnt mean it will even APPROACH reality.
Full disclosure: I am not a Henry (not even close!), but incentive to earn is a pivotal factor in our economy. When incentive falls, so does production.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Are you really making the argument that no one is going to want to make a quarter of a million dollars a year and enter the top two or three percent of wage earners in the country because if they do they will have to pay a small increase of a tax on that revenue REALLY? I am sorry but anyone stupid enough to take that argument seriously is never going to make it. Its like saying I dont WANT to win the lottery I would have to pay taxes on it. Only the stupidest of the stupid could possibly think it makes sense
October 28th, 2008 at 5:47 pmThat’s the stuff. I really like the parts when you presume to know what others were thinking feeling and doing. It is hilarious. For awhile there I even found you more amusing than Daryll when he was in his Brazilian whore fixing mode and Huckabee god talking phase. You’re so silly…
October 28th, 2008 at 5:55 pmAwesome!
Haven’t enjoyed such a whiney rant in ages! Made my day!
October 28th, 2008 at 6:05 pmROTFL!! GOOD PROJECTION GOP
OK OWN MANIACAL RANT.
DELUSIONAL RAVING LUNATICS CHILDISH MONTHS. TARDS TRASHING OBVIOUS DISTORTION (LIE). NO BETTER GOP AS BAD OR WORSE CLAIM NOT (GOP)!
NOT WANTING WORSE, BY FAR, TARDS WORSE! IRRATIONAL INSANE NUTJOBS UP YOUR MEDICATION YOU RANTING LUNATICS!
This is what you get when you only print the yelling from #69. Hi-Larious!!!!!
October 28th, 2008 at 6:11 pmSo, I heard the McCain was an adulterer and a child molestor! Really, is this true? I mean, he hasn’t denied it, so it must be true!
October 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pmPlease rightwingnuts. I am begging you NOT to start telling us all the things you DONT know. That is hole with no bottom. Great libraries are filled EXCLUSIVELY with things wingnuts dont know.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pmMcLame’s purported hero, the Progressive Party nominee in 1912 and great trust buster Teddy Roosevelt, was a firm proponent of spreading the wealth via a graduated (i.e. progressive) income tax and the dreaded inheritance tax. Which by McLame’s and Palin’s logic makes good ole TR a Marxist Communist. Add to that the old time redistributionist himself, Ronald (Robin Hood) Reagan, herald of the earned income credit and McLame should be staunchly in Obama’s progressive corner.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:27 pmMy rebuttal ala rhf mode (because the kids are in bed, and I’m bored):
btruthful says:
ROTFL!!! What an ILLITERATE MORON! I DIDN’T bring it up, another OBAMAHEAD DID!
ROTLF!!! Actually, you did BRING IT UP when you accused misshusseinmolly of SMEARING, which she WASN’T! She was just stating a well documented FACT! Something your DUM BASS brain can’t COMPREHEND!
ValiantVenusGrewFromUranus says:
Yeah, because NO,NO is INDECISIVE!! ROTFL, you’re a
MORON!
Of course, you forgot the INDECISIVE conclusion, which was “As far as I know…” which leaves doubt in the listeners mind. ROTFL, you’re a MORON!
republicanshatefacts says:
Great ADVICE, now FOLLOW THEM and STFU on Hillary – OK – TARD?
I NEVER attacked HILLARY! I DEFENDED misshusseinmolly’s correct comparison, well documented from CBS. So, how about if you STFU on everything – OK – DUM BASS? And your childish name calling to the mentally challenged is PATHETIC!
JUST LIKE YOU! ROTFL!
ValiantTruthfulhatesUranus says:
People are free to believe whatever nonsense they want, whether it’s the world isn’t going through climate change, and the earth is flat – but I can point out it’s stupid in what still exists as free speech. Tolerance means I do tolerate them – it doesn’t mean I have to ignore how stupid their beliefs are and PRETEND they’re rational, logical or relevant.
Project much? ROTFL!
So your tolerance equates to demeaning those you don’t agree with. Nice progressive compassion. Of course, yours must be the only true way, in YOUR DELUSIONAL PSYCHOPATHIC world. ROTFL!!!
republicansVenushatesFrombtruthfulsArse says:
AWAIT? I think you mean INVITE… Of course you’ll continue it, you’ve committed yourself to BEING RIGHT in the face of ALL EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY – just like the Flat Earth XTians do… Help yourself, your IGNORANCE only harms YOU for the MOST PART. Except when you elect a candidate that’s not up to the job. I’m HOPING your candidate is, because HOPE is all we’ve got unfortunately!
INVITE? I meant AWAIT… The true verb of the post. Of course, you’ll continue attacking those who you feel smear your darling Hillary since you’ve committed yourself to BEING RIGHT in the face of ALL EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY… Help yourself, your IGNORANCE and hate only harms YOU for the MOST PART. Except when you support a candidate that conceded two states, then wanted them back after the ruling.
You seem to deal with anger associated psychosis. May I suggest you google “ZYPREXA”? ROTFL!!!
Dear gawd, in a strange way, that was pretty cathartic, and dare I say, almost pleasing.
October 28th, 2008 at 8:37 pmOh, the tangled webs we weave….
Come on now. Who has ever actually rolled on the floor and laughed their ass off? This isn’t the three stooges is it? G2G…
October 28th, 2008 at 9:18 pmBack from the gym.
rhf
HOLD ME!
October 28th, 2008 at 10:17 pmThe funny part?
October 28th, 2008 at 10:19 pmI think I heard rhf (or is it btrutful? or vvgfu?) vessels pop all the way up here in friggin’ cold Michigan.
Thank you, rhf!
Another joyful post.
Made my night!
ROTFL!
McCain knows what label to put on it. It’s called liberal capitalism. Whether you agree with it or not, that’s what it is. But McCain knows that’s not enough to scare people. So he and his campaign started red-baiting. So unless McCain can explain how a 3 point difference in the marginal tax rate (that’s about what Obama is advocating, which is only a return to what it was before) causes one to be a horrible socialist as oppossed to a good capitalist, then McCain should probably take an introductory political science class and learn a bit about different political and economic systems. http://straighttalkonmccain.blogspot.com/
October 29th, 2008 at 12:05 am.
SPREADING THE WEALTH…
… STIMULUS CHECK, ANYONE?
.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:12 amGee, I don’t know if McCain’s policies amount to Americanism..
October 29th, 2008 at 4:05 am