July 23, 2008
Posted: 09:37 AM ET

From

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Barack Obama is not the only presidential candidate who will be front-and-center in Berlin this Thursday. Well, sort of.

In the latest effort to counter-program Obama’s tour of Europe and the Middle East, the Republican National Committee will air radio ads promoting John McCain’s candidacy in three different Berlins: Berlin, New Hampshire; Berlin, Pennsylvania; and Berlin, Wisconsin.

Not the most expensive media markets for the RNC to buy time – but certainly a clever way to gain some national press and perhaps gain some buzz in these three battleground states, while Obama delivers what is expected to be one of the biggest speeches of this campaign cycle in the European capital.

(An early look at the copy of the RNC ad after the jump)


Title: Obama Chooses Washington Over Our Military (60 seconds)

VO: There are few votes as important as funding our men and women in uniform.
VO: But when our military needed necessary resources, Barack Obama failed to stand up.
VO: Obama said that nobody wanted to play chicken with our troops on the ground.
VO: But when it came time to act, he voted against critical resources: no to individual body armor, no to helicopters, no to ammunition, no to aircraft.
VO: The bill Obama opposed even had funding for veterans’ medical facilities and rehabilitation programs.
VO: And why did he say no?
VO: Obama chose Washington politics over the needs of our military.
VO: And Senator McCain?
VO: As a veteran and someone who has always put the public interest first, John McCain stood by our troops.
VO: If Obama can’t rise above politics to support our soldiers in a time of war, then how can he claim to have the strength to change the way Washington works?
VO: John McCain is ready to lead. Barack Obama is not.

Filed under: John McCain


Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   July 23rd, 2008 11:07 am ET

Can you smell the desparation?!?!

Uncle Sam   July 23rd, 2008 11:07 am ET

John Magoo has no clue!!!!

JA Cook   July 23rd, 2008 11:09 am ET

Old man yells at cloud!

Attack Mac is really working hard to get some attention. But it's all gaffes and negatives.

I've lost a lot of respect for this man after his distortions and accusations that to disagree with his Iraqi ideas is paramount to being a traitor.

Mel   July 23rd, 2008 11:09 am ET

MCCAIN JUST CAN'T HANG WITH OBAMA…….GIVE IT UP DUDE.

OBAMA…….08

bill for barack   July 23rd, 2008 11:09 am ET

How dare McShame ignore that jewel of Holmes County, Ohio - the city of Berlin ?
What a farce this senile old man is.
Someone please take him by the hand and lead him back to his rocking chair because one thing is painfully evident - he's off his rocker .

Jamaal Kansas   July 23rd, 2008 11:09 am ET

sorry Republicans it is funny how desperate they are they know that know one is watching what they do so they try to throw gimmick at the new media so they can bite REPUBLICANS will lose this year becasue they are using fearmongering and the karl rove play book

Naomi, Texas   July 23rd, 2008 11:09 am ET

Lame…

Mo   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

It seems Grand Pa campaign is desperate and lame. Hungery for attention. You are the one who asked for this. What a judgement you had when you ask Obama to tour the world.

jim   July 23rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

I think Mr McWar is starting to lose it. I sure don't want McCains fingers on the button.

JA Cook   July 23rd, 2008 11:13 am ET

"VO: But when our military needed necessary resources, Barack Obama failed to stand up."

Umm, but Attack Mac voted against the GI Bill. According to most vet organization it's McCain who has the lesser record of supporting vets.

It seems that the McCain campaign has nothing to offer but negative spew. Criticize, attack, deride,… Where's anything of substance in this ad?

Dani   July 23rd, 2008 11:13 am ET

they are so retarded

Phil, FL   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Give me a break !!!!!!!! Give the whole world a break from this bumbling idiot !!!!!!!

Pick Me! Pick Me!   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

McCain keeps mentioning his "service." I believe the only Veteran he backs is himself.

MCCAIN: ‘I Received The Highest Award From Literally Every Veterans Organization In America"

The recognition McCain has received from veterans groups is not "high awards" but FAILING GRADES:

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)

Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)

In a list of "Key Votes," Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain "Voted Against Us" 15 times and "Voted For Us" only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)

Vietnam POW Activists Called McCain ‘Songbird’ and ‘Manchurian Candidate’ We aren’t talking about a bunch of republican paid and funded operatives, we’re talking about all those who had to suffer at the hands of the Cong while McCain received special treatment.

Sequentially, integrity is what I look for in someone running for President. Self-aggrandizement without end is a characteristic flaw that cannot be overlook in anyone running for that same position.

Some Vet's might have forgotten, I haven't.

bij   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

WACKKKKKK!!! SO WACK!
Please stop trying…please?!

James Hussein, SC   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

YAAAAARRRNNNNN

Desperate clowns!!!

Emma, San Jose, CA   July 23rd, 2008 11:14 am ET

Wow! Too bad the Germans do not vote in the American GE. Is this the piece the New York Times rejected?

nerakami   July 23rd, 2008 11:15 am ET

whoop-ti-doo !!

Is PUMA contagious? I don't want to catch it!   July 23rd, 2008 11:15 am ET

Interesting… now McCain thinks we should speak to Americans… but not while he was in Columbia and Mexico discussing trade, right? So now that Obama is overseas… its a bad thing, right? Oh I forgot, its McPancake flipping on something else.

Richard   July 23rd, 2008 11:16 am ET

The guy can't get traction in this country, what makes him think he will in Germany. They probably have a more informed and enlightened populace. This guy is surely grasping at straws.

jason   July 23rd, 2008 11:16 am ET

What a crock!

theresa in Prattville   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

Oh please. We know what Obama is doing. The Republicans don't know. That's why they are so scared. They don't even know how to fight Obama. Please. McCain, please go to bed and get some rest. You will definitely need it REAL SOON….

brad   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

one word. WEIRD?. maybe two. WHY?

P, CA   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

There it is again, a highly prominent, highly used, but ridiculously stupid (to the less gullible people, at least) political tactic: SELECTIVE MEMORY.

McCain's campaign is ignoring the fact that Obama wouldn't even have had us over there in the first place. There wouldn't BE a "time of war" in a country that we had no reason to fight. And his idea to hold back funding for the troops was an attempt (political, yes, but everyone on Capitol Hill does it!) to get conservative leaders to see how much suffering is going on here in the US.

Support the soldiers, forget the civilians. Good idea.

Auntie Coosa, Blairsville, Georgia, USofA   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

Sen. Obama is no John Kennedy. I want to hear the speech to see if there's any substance in it and not just media sound bites.

A well modulated voice with a prepared speech is not a qualification for POTUS.

National press as Dumb as McCain   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

EOM

Bob Indianapolis, IN   July 23rd, 2008 11:17 am ET

He better pay them in Euros..thanks to Dumbya, after an 8 year slide the dollar's not doing so well…

Didine - Maryland   July 23rd, 2008 11:18 am ET

McCain is so desperated and frustrated that he does not know what to do. Start running an exciting campaign if you want people to listen to you Senator Mccain. Stop complaining because you are digging yourself to the grave.

lady in michigan   July 23rd, 2008 11:18 am ET

Does CNN recognize its journalistic duty to analyze ads rather than re-air them free of cost? I find this quite shocking… esp when it comes to ads so full of lies and hypocrisy as to take your breath away

pam Eugene OR   July 23rd, 2008 11:18 am ET

Does anyone really believe these attack ads? When is McCain going to air an ad about McCain?

jean HUISSEIN (WHAT HAPPEN TO THE GREAT COUNTRY WE USED TO BE?)   July 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

MC ALZHEIMERS IS GOING INSANE. IF I WERE HIM, I WOULD FOCUS ON MY POLICIES RATHER THAN FOCUSING ON OBAMA.

Arkay, MI   July 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

How about Berlin, czechoslovakia :-)

Linda. Boston, MA   July 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

And yet, it was Obama, not McCain, who voted FOR the recent GI bill. McCain's excuse: "it's too generous".

seth   July 23rd, 2008 11:19 am ET

What is more interesting is that McCain is pummeling Obama while he is on foreign soil. This has always been considered and "off-limits" and distasteful political practice.

Does McCain care? Nope.

Tina, NC   July 23rd, 2008 11:21 am ET

I smell desperation coming from the McGaffe Camp

Becky   July 23rd, 2008 11:21 am ET

Clever. Too bad McCain is just going to spread more lies and negativity. Someone give him an ice cream cone and let him play in the sprinkler or something. He's getting really bitter.

katiec   July 23rd, 2008 11:22 am ET

McCains goading Obama into a trip abroad has back fired on him
and he is left sputtering, trying to undo the respect and attention
Barack Obama is receiving.
His ads are laughable and highlight that he and the republicans
can resort to nothing but swift boating and dirty politics.
They certainly can not run on their accomplishments as there
have been none unless you call the diasters they have
created for our country as accomplishments. Of course,
they are so out of touch with reality they cannot see or
admit to all the harm they have done.

carlo   July 23rd, 2008 11:22 am ET

This McCain tactic is about as dumb as it gets.

D&D   July 23rd, 2008 11:23 am ET

This became an obsession: the old man would do anything to get attention from the media…how about actually running his own campaign?

McBUSH   July 23rd, 2008 11:24 am ET

This ad sounds like a child in the playground whining since another kid stole ther toy!

Herman in LA   July 23rd, 2008 11:24 am ET

CNN why is this garbage making news?

Phil, FL   July 23rd, 2008 11:24 am ET

McWarmonger is putting his lies in ads now - he's a loser and is desparate. Shame Shame Shame Shame

Go Obama '08

McBUSH   July 23rd, 2008 11:25 am ET

OLD POLITICS!!!

Get with the times and stop the SMEARS!!

Ludovic   July 23rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

this is a joke or what?
they are really looking like desparate in the mccain campaign

chris (hartford, ct)   July 23rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

I'd love to hear a McCain ad illustrating why he should be president that doesn't include any references to Obama.

Chanda Cincinnati Ohio   July 23rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

He told Obama he needed to visit these places, and he did. Now that McCain sees how well Obama is being received, he is scared!! Be careful what you ask for Johnny!!!!!!!!

Damian Salter   July 23rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

poor McCain.

Wayne, Greenville TX   July 23rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

Personally, I think Gramps McCain should go to Hell, Michigan. :-)

al   July 23rd, 2008 11:27 am ET

************************************************

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?

WILL DO EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK. SHAMEFUL.

Peter   July 23rd, 2008 11:27 am ET

Interesting attack ad. However it sort of looks through a political prism. The reason Obama (and most other Dems) voted against the bill is: 1) the Dems wanted to include a timetable for withdrawal in any budget plans and 2) the funding was still insufficient for the troop needs. Votes from both McCain and Obama in the senate are never as simple as this (i.e. McCain opposes the troops b/c he voted against an increase in the G.I. bill… when he only opposed it b/c he preferred a law that tied the $ to time spent in the military)… and it's not "new politics" and a "clean campaign" to insinuate otherwise.

Obama-Junkie, IL   July 23rd, 2008 11:27 am ET

A clever (and cheap) way to get the mainstream media interested in covering these three places with a total population less than 20,000.

But really who cares? The world will be tuning into Obama's speech in Germany tommorrow!

Tina, NC   July 23rd, 2008 11:27 am ET

I wonder why the IAVA, Vietnam Veterans of America and DAV gave Obama higher marks

McCain: and his grade
IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America) - John McCain “D”
Vietnam Veterans Of America (McCain is one of course) - He voted against them 17 out of their last 26 scored votes
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) - John McCain has a 20% rating

Obama: and his grade
IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America) - Barack Obama “B+”
Vietnam Veterans Of America - He voted for them all but 1 time.
DAV - Barack Obama has an 80% rating

McCain voted against the GI Bill while Obama voted for it.

JDM   July 23rd, 2008 11:28 am ET

Mcain's Camp is really dumb to think this will work.
Mcain is trying to become the US Pres. not local dog catcher!
Dumb! Really Dumb? Yes Really Dumb!

Texas trail puppy!   July 23rd, 2008 11:28 am ET

McSame is quickly becoming a national joke even the MSM can't take him seroiusly anymore.HaHa.
Obama 2008

Gary Chandler in Canada   July 23rd, 2008 11:30 am ET

To figure out what kind of a man McCain is, all one has to do is compare the tone and content the comments he made about Obama in front of the NAACP to what he says in a room he fills with Legionnaires.
He turns from 'what a wonderful fellow' into 'he will sell out his country for votes'. Not very 'heroic' to pander to a black audience by saying what he really thinks.

Watermann   July 23rd, 2008 11:30 am ET

In these days the ads go well below anything what can be called fairness and truth. What I have experienced during the last weeks is that Senator Obama looks more presidential and more like a gentleman. It`s getting dirty.

Barack Obama is Our 44th president! YES WE CAN !   July 23rd, 2008 11:30 am ET

When Bush 41 was asked his thoughts about Obama's planned events, the former President replied, "A LITTLE JEALOUS, IS ALL."

This is exactly what's going on with McCain. All of us can rightfully say - He is an idiot and so very wrong for this country as president.

It's time to turn the page and chart a new course in America…enough of the same old Washington…enough of the failed policies of the past…enough of McSame !

It’s time for REAL change in Washington, it’s time to elect Barack Obama for president !

Brad   July 23rd, 2008 11:30 am ET

I am tired of all this out-of-context nonsense. Obama voted no because someone tried to tack on ugliness to what were previously good bills and good intentions. McCain has done the same (Viagra/Birth Control). Stop trying to feed America half-truths, you're making yourself look pretty ugly and ignorant and uninformed, McCain.

Claudia   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

John McCain never stepped up to the plate when the Generals on the ground asked Rumsfeld for better equipment and he replied "you go to war with what you have"(as a result thousands of troops killed), McCain said nothing, he stayed silent. Now that McCain is running for president he wants your support. Think about it and if you don't believe the truth go back and look at the facts when Rumself was in office.

J. Richter   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

Correct title: McCain fake Berlin sideshow.

McCain needs to stop focusing so much on Obama to the point of making so many gaffes and seeming so disagreeable. Soon, no one will wish to see him in charge of the red button (especially with a confrontation brewing with Russia over our star wrs program).

Lorna, NY   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

McCain is INSANE!

Tommy   July 23rd, 2008 11:31 am ET

More from McGrandstanding and McPandering.

Give it up gramps!

Jerry in Boston   July 23rd, 2008 11:32 am ET

What a stupid, cheap gimmick.

What other juvenile nonsense can the Republican's come up with?Perhaps while Obama is making a speech at the Brandenburg Gate, McCain can be photographed eating a piece of Battenburg Cake?

Lorna, NY   July 23rd, 2008 11:32 am ET

CNN, WHY DO I NEED TO GO TO HUFFINGTONPOST.COM TO GET THE NEWS! YOU GUYS ARE SLIPPING.

American   July 23rd, 2008 11:33 am ET

McLame is spending more and more time attacking Obama and not explaining what he would actually do for the American people.

He is looking and acting more and more like an angry old man.
………..Very sad and pathetic……..

Americans want a true inspirational leader… and that is OBAMA!

LILA MACH   July 23rd, 2008 11:34 am ET

McCain is desperate and is a convenient liar. But, of course, he will wage a "civil" campaign. Well … so much for that. McCain just has NOTHING going for him but ridiculous attacks on a great presidential candidate. Hopefully those Republican lies will be seen for what they are. Remember, "YOU CAN'T FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME …"

Alex   July 23rd, 2008 11:34 am ET

this is beyond retarded? Who runs his camp, 12 year olds?????

Loretta from California   July 23rd, 2008 11:34 am ET

I don't understand. Senator McCain has an opportunity to talk about the thing that matters most to the American people, but he continues to attack Senator Obama on Foreign Policy. Sir, Please begin to address the issues that we need to confront here at home.

It's The Economy, Senator McCain.

Gary Chandler in Canada   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

Did you know the McCain advertising department has a MOLE!?
The two most recent ads, in the blur of the modern, cluttered media world actually help Obama. There was one showing a great photo of Obama with a blue background and American troops, then a long clip of endorsements by MSM.
Both of these plant a better picture of Obama in the viewers' minds!

McCain = War   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

This just looks very desperate and very weak on McCain's behalf.

Phil, San Jose, CA   July 23rd, 2008 11:35 am ET

I wonder which "lucky" aide got to tell McCain that the "wall" wasn't in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania OR Wisconsin. What a ridiculous campaign stunt. In terms of the content (or lack thereof), let's not mention the fact that McCain has voted against FOUR separate troop funding or veteran's care bills in the past several years. Three of which Obama voted for (for one he wasn't a Senator yet) and one of which was vetoed by the worst president ever.

Kathy   July 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

I think it's about time the McCain campaign called out Obama on his DOUBLE-SPEAK. He says one thing and does another.

My impression of Obama is that he can't be trusted to make a DECISION and stand by it…he's completely driven by POLITICS.

The more I see and hear from the arrogant/ "know-it-all" Obama, the more I like McCain!

Billy   July 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

He forgot Berlin, Czechoslovakia.

wait one second here   July 23rd, 2008 11:36 am ET

other than crying about the media, attacking Obama and making these HUGE gaffes, what "message" does McCain or his camp have to offer? oh i got it noun, verb, surge…repeat.

rumpusgoopus   July 23rd, 2008 11:38 am ET

It's amazing what CNN thinks is "clever"?

Frank   July 23rd, 2008 11:38 am ET

Pathetic.

John Anthony, MN   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 am ET

Who cares what the McSame campaign does? He's nothing but a crabby old crybaby anyway. Any more whining about media coverage and the spoiled little brat ought to be made to go sit in the corner. I'm sick of his bellyaching, and I'm sick of how out of touch he is with the realities in the Middle East, Europe, AND here at home! The guy is not mentally fit to be President. Czechoslovakia? The main battleground for the war on terror is in Iraq and not Afghanistan? The surge occurred months AFTER the Sunni turned on alQaeda, but the surge caused that change in the Sunni attitude anyway? REALLY, McCain? What else can you make up? You're out to lunch, pal! You're not fit for the White House. Why don't you just retire and do us all a big favor?

ProudToBeDemocrat   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 am ET

Our military have done marvlous job lowering the violence in Iraq. What we are missing is a leadership who understands the price we are paying by stay in Iraq, it is time we say no to the Bush/Mccain policy and vote for change this November.

smile!!!!   July 23rd, 2008 11:39 am ET

lead where, ARIZONANS don´t even want him anymore

why doesn´t the ad mention the GI BILL????complete silence, and he favors the troops?
how many homeless vets on the streets of this great country, mc c just doesn´t want to help them….SHAMEFUL

but why is this ad about WAR WAR WAR instead of ECONOMY ECONOMY ECONOMY?????they do not know anything else, PATHETIC!!! Talk about the ECONOMY…….Stupid!!!

California Gold   July 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

Anyone want to take bets the McCain ads are criticizing Obama? Thus far that is the thrust of the McCain campaign: Obama.

Mike, TX   July 23rd, 2008 11:40 am ET

Ok Obamabots, your turn to insult McCain….

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   July 23rd, 2008 11:41 am ET

Vell, Herr McCain. Vhat do zu think that zu kann offer zee German people zat zhey don't already have? Herien?

Ve have your dollars. Ve have your housing loans. Ve have your McDonalds. Aber, ve shall no longer have your back. First zee stupid hanging chads. Zhen zee stupid war. Now zee stupid republicans. Go back vhere you come from Herr. McCain. Ve don't need your Vorld Var 3 mentality.

BrendaF, Mesquite, TX   July 23rd, 2008 11:42 am ET

McCain = So sad!

sherry   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 am ET

McCain is sure straving for some attention

Rather pathetic I must say

Obama 08

Minnesota against Johnny McSame   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 am ET

CNN keeps feeding the troll. How many articles will the media show saying " mCCain did this in an attempt to counter positive buzz from Obama tour"??? When you know why McCain camp is trying to make news, why do you keep getting played by them?

Berlin   July 23rd, 2008 11:43 am ET

Pitiful campaign and useless Ads.

proud army and navy mom   July 23rd, 2008 11:44 am ET

mcmoron has voted against improving the lifes of our troops over and over again. Is mccain confused again? He seems to want to blame Sen Obama for his own lapses in memory and judgment.

What about mcattack's handlers? are they just as senile and uninterested in the truth as mcliar seems to be or are they just sabotaging his presidential run because george w doesn't like him anyway even though he says he support him. With friends like w and mccain's staff, he doesn't need enemies.

Here's some advice mccain: take the log out of your own eye, before you try lying about Sen obama's record.

bernj   July 23rd, 2008 11:44 am ET

Another silly ad from McStupid. Full of lies and misrepresentations….just like John McCain.

Rise America Rise   July 23rd, 2008 11:44 am ET

Do we even know for sure that Mccain realizes Berlin Germany is not in the US? I think he is putting these ads on thinking that Obama must be in one of these 3 places, but he is not sure which one. Let's face it, geography is not McCain''s strong suit.

Stacy Clarks   July 23rd, 2008 11:44 am ET

The deperation of the mccain camp and the RNC is too funny to watch!

GO OBAMA!!!!

rbt   July 23rd, 2008 11:45 am ET

This may be the most innovative thing that the McCain campaign has done in this election season. I applaud the idea. Of course the message itself is pretty negative and deceptive. Go figure, he takes a good idea and then steps on it by airing an attack on Obama rather than touting his own policy. I guess you can;t teach an old dog and an old party new tricks!

John in Columbus   July 23rd, 2008 11:46 am ET

Wow.

Aside from how funny it is that this is the best McCain can afford, McCain's voting record is much worse then Obama's when it comes to the military.

"VO: And Senator McCain?
VO: As a veteran and someone who has always put the public interest first, John McCain stood by our troops."

Note that they provide no actual examples of that. McCain voted against the updated GI Bill.

-OEF and OIF veteran

Linda31   July 23rd, 2008 11:47 am ET

Oh my gosh, this is disgusting. I thought it was against policy to attack American officials/candidates aboard. Americans are voting, not Germans. McCain is looking more and more pitiful. What is wrong with his advisers? I'm starting to feel sorry for him.

gary   July 23rd, 2008 11:47 am ET

IAM SURE THAT MCCAIN WONT HAVE ANY MEDIA. THE MEDIA CLOWN O.B. TAKES IT ALL. WHAT A BIG JOKE.

Montana is Obama Country   July 23rd, 2008 11:48 am ET

Yeah, right..

John wear is your FALG PIN..??

Why did you vote against the GI Bill..

Why do you have washingotn insiders on your campaign who have taken millions from American's just to find their housing foreclosed on..??

Why do you NOT have a strategy to END the WAR..?

Why are you a critic when you cannot get your own message across ..?

Why do Americans feel like we have to have the WAR shoved down our throats again, and again..??

Why can't get get out to go fight the REAL WAR pn TERROR..?

Why haven't you been to Montana to see our REAL rural problems and economic hardships..

Why did you vote agains the Farm Bill that helps the farmers here in Montana..??

and John why do your surragotes lie to the American people..?

Linda31   July 23rd, 2008 11:48 am ET

I just saw the cities. Ooops. I retract my statements.

wait one second here   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

McCain only has an attack Obama platform….he better watch out because he will find he has far more skeletons in his closet…59 lobbyist running his campaign (from Charlie Black to Nancy Pfotenhauer), USS Forrrestal 7/29/67, Phil Gramm's ENRON loophole (google speculators) , adultery (google Vikie Iseman), drugs (Cindy), questionable relationship with Pastor Parsely, Keating 5, receiving $100,000.00 from Lowell Paxson (google Paxson FCC) , took $1,069,854.00 from big oil….and the list goes on.
McCain said the media was HIS BASE, i guess there is so much truth in that other wise we would have heard more about McCain's questionable relations and poor judgment. Obama might be getting more media coverage, but McCain is getting kid glove treatment from the media…lets talk about fair coverage

Susan   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

I smell fear in McbUSH'S cAMP!!!!!

check and checkmate   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

we new JFK and u are not him doesn't matter if carolyn is in your crew and really why are u campaining in Germany when is the last time they voted in Chi town or for that matter and American Pres., u r a phantom 98% of the people that come to your rallies stop thinking and project their wishes onto u but that is not what u are who are u today ? I'm going to wait to the last minute to pull the lever most likely will go for Repuke Pres. Strong Dem. congress check and checkmate, game that vote fella…….

David Newport, OR   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

Let's see…a person giving a talk to millions in Berlin Germany, vs a campaign add in Berlin NH, Berlin PA, and Berlin WI. The only press this will give McCain is what a pathetic attempt this is to try to get attention focused on him. What kind of morons does this guy have working for him? Hand-picked morons.

John Taylor   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

How about some facts tto back up the claims in the ad?

The "Say-Anything" Express.

Shame…

Richard   July 23rd, 2008 11:49 am ET

McCain is Bush part 3. All the ad time in the world wont save him.

karen-phoenix   July 23rd, 2008 11:50 am ET

No Way!! After watching Obama the last few days it is very clear who is the best man and most dedicated to peace in the middle east!! Obama's press conferences have been brilliant!!! His energy level is unbelivable and the world loves him. We need a strong, young, intellegent and highly educated leader to get us out of the mess the Bush administration has put us in. God Bless Obama!!!

Brian Phoenix AZ   July 23rd, 2008 11:50 am ET

and the folks in Berlin, Germany…Nein Mcsame!

Tammy - KCMO   July 23rd, 2008 11:51 am ET

McCain supports military/veteran funding? Do a little research and it's not hard to find what his real record is:

McCain Opposes the 21st Century GI Bill Because It Is Too Generous.
Voted Against Increased Funding for Veterans’ Health Care.
McCain Voted Against Adding More Than $400 Million for Veterans’ Care.
Voted Against Establishing a $1 Billion Trust Fund for Military Health Facilities.
Opposed $500 Million for Counseling Services for Veterans with Mental Disorders.
Voted in Support of Disabled Veterans Only 25 Percent of the Time from 2004-2005.
Voted Against Providing Automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustments to Veterans.
Opposed Increasing Spending on TRICARE and Giving Greater Access to National Guard and Reservists.
Supported Outsourcing VA Jobs.
Supported Outsourcing at Walter Reed.
Voted Against $122.7 Billion for Department of Veterans Affairs.

and the list goes on….

Berlin   July 23rd, 2008 11:51 am ET

Leader never proclaim he is a leader, it is the followers who proclaim that.
I don't see any one following McCain, except McCain following Obama.
24 hours McCain utters Obama's name. He has nothing to say on his own, Sad -Sad.-sad
McCain wishes so much to be with Obama, he even pick Berlin for his ads.
Pathetic-pitiful.

Not Impressed.   July 23rd, 2008 11:52 am ET

lame.

Christiane from Germany   July 23rd, 2008 11:52 am ET

Mr. McCain get not so much Attention like B. Obama, thatswhy he is angry. If McCain would come to Berlin, Germany not much People would come to see him.
I travel tomorrow 5 Hours to Berlin to see Barack Obama.

Maggie Muggins From Selwyn   July 23rd, 2008 11:52 am ET

Get real with your lead saying McCain message ready to hit Berlin Thursday…………..They don't have a message just a smear campaign with no other purpose than covering up their lack of policy and get attention for themselves cause no one watches them or cares about them other than the party faithfuls and many of them are sleeping through it.

Voter   July 23rd, 2008 11:53 am ET

Hope the old guy can keep his facts straight at least for a while today.

Greg   July 23rd, 2008 11:53 am ET

This ad is completely misleading. Obama was voting against a bill to fun the war because he knew it was the only way to try to force the President to get troops out of Iraq.

Also, Obama understands that continuing to bankrupt our country with this was is not responsible for the youth in the U.S.

He have borrowed every dime that we've spent in Iraq, and currently pay 9% of our annual budget in interest, a number which goes up every day as we borrrow more and more money from the chinese and other foriegn and special interests.

Janet   July 23rd, 2008 11:54 am ET

The McCain camp with help from the MSM is like a little spoiled child vying for attention. Why don't you implement some "true" journalistic policies by calling McSame on all of his mistakes?

Mike - Texas   July 23rd, 2008 11:54 am ET

Mccain doesn't talk about himself. Only talks about Obama.

I guess Mccain is bored with himself, like the rest of America has been.

Kate, Atlanta   July 23rd, 2008 11:55 am ET

Seriously, just how much more desperate can McOld get??? It is so sad, and yet I laugh….

Ken   July 23rd, 2008 11:56 am ET

Boy the [R] desperation continues. Sounds to me like a lot of whining from the McCain camp: "no,no, don't look at Barack; look at ME! Look at ME!"

This [R] ad campaign is really pathetic. It doesn't provide anything new or positive to sway new or indecided voters….its designed for the [R] few-believers, to keep them on-board the [R] attack machine. Those who liked Bush, now like McCain…because their policies are nearly identical……those failed policies are now the in-grown policies of the whole [R] party whose proud motto, like that of its deranged leader, is "stay the course". The whole [R] party is a failure.

Debra Austin, Texas   July 23rd, 2008 11:56 am ET

When are the media REALLY going to hold McNothing accountable. It's an 'offensive' move to put the media on edge by claiming Obama is getting so much more media attention than McNothing but the real scrutiny has never hit the ageless wonder. If the media were REALLY doing their job, they would have sliced McCain over his 'traitor' comment regarding Obama being more interested in winning a campaign than winning the Iraq war which is SHAMELESS. But nothing could have beaten his campaign's statement about Obama at Yad Vashem, the Holocoust Museum in Israel, claiming Obama is lying when he says "Never Again". As a Jew, I will NEVER vote for that OLD F@RT. He will no doubt say that it was not he who made the statement but nontheless allow his campaign to vomit excrement without any accountability. I agree that the media isn't doing their job but it's because they are hiding the hideousness of McFuddled.

Shasta   July 23rd, 2008 11:56 am ET

Too bad the ad is a lie. I'm sorry, who voted for the GI Bill of Rights and who voted against it?

Be careful what you ask for, J Mac- with all of this press on you, the completely ineptitude of your campaign is about to come under the harsh spotlight. Mazel Tov.

Nick from Maine   July 23rd, 2008 11:57 am ET

Dear Senator McCain,
How dare you criticize Senator Obama about military funding, claiming he was playing politics? It was YOUR political agenda that got us into the quagmire in the first place. It was YOUR vote who sent our troops off to be killed and disabled. It was YOUR vote that sent us to war unprepared. It was YOU who didn't support an expanded GI Bill. YOU are the one who continues to ignore the facts of the war and letting your own delusional ideas guide your decisions.

Sincerely,
Nick

R.I.F.   July 23rd, 2008 11:59 am ET

AttaK Attack Attack. Does McCain and the RNC have any of their own policies, solutions, or ideas to talk about to make this country better?

By running the ad in cities named Berlin the same day that Obama will be giving a speech makes the republicans look very very weak and afraid.

Oluwa   July 23rd, 2008 11:59 am ET

Another Gaffe from McCain!
This was McCain Last Night on CBS: McCain was talking about was caused the reduction of violence in iraq:
"I don't know how you respond to something that is as — such a false depiction of what actually happened," McCain said. "Colonel MacFarland was contacted by one of the major Sunni sheiks. Because of the surge we were able to go out and protect that sheik and others. And it began the Anbar awakening. I mean, that's just a matter of history."

The Anbar Awakening began 6 months before the Surge!
The 90,000+ Paid sunnis also contributed!!! Google it and read about it. It was a collective effort, NOT JUST the increase in troops!
Stating the facts does not take credit from out troops, they did a great job! But it was not only them, it was the IRAQ people also!
So stop exagerating the facts and STOP LYING about the surge to gain Political points!
He claims OBAMA would rather win an election that win a war,
Well it looks like McCain would rather change history and lie about the facts in order to win an election.

Ken N.   July 23rd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

My only hope is that the target audience of this tripe will take a little visit to factcheck.org before they make any conclusions.

Abby   July 23rd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

This is funny and orders on xenophobia.

rice, bryan   July 23rd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

i guess mccain thinks wwII just ended, or the berlin wall is still standing. someone better remind him that there is no longer a east berlin.

PUMA for BARR   July 23rd, 2008 12:04 pm ET

For more maturity, see pre-schoolers.

Chris, Denver CO   July 23rd, 2008 12:05 pm ET

That sounds like a pretty dumb idea to me.

Connie   July 23rd, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Wasn't it the John McSenile campaign that said Obama should not be campaigning overseas because they don't vote in our election. Now the RNC is spending money for ads in these countries, is this major flip-flopping.This ad is like pour money in a rat hole, the people over there will love Obama and he has the press to show the love. McSenile had one news person in New Hampshire ?This is funny. Connie from Indiana

Mike Dallas   July 23rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Once again, the McCrypt campaign tries to blame Obama for the ignorance of the Republican candidate. Just like the Pakistan/Iraq border. One would think, that after 8 trips to the area he would at least REMEMBER that! It is becoming apparant that his campaign cannot keep up with the "senior minutes" or keep his lies sorted out.

So, once again, this is more proof McCrypt is in the early stages of dementia with short term memory loss or is just a flat out liar.

Question: Is the the man you want attempting ANYTHING at 3:00 A,M?

Barack the Vote in RI   July 23rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

this ad is a joke….everyone knows Mcsame is the one who OPPOSES veteran's benefits. i think he was having another one of his senior moments when he approved this crap…..lol

larry buchas   July 23rd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Great, what about Berlin, CT?

McCain voted against a number of bills supporting our veterans.
Barack supported better armor protection for our troops.
Barack was against multiple tours of duty which hurt our soldiers families back home.
McCain has his facts wrong with events in Iraq and Afghanistan.

By the way, Barack was just overseas supporting our soldiers.
Barack has accomplished more in three days than Republicans have in 7-1/2 years.
Republicans practice political criticism beyond the water's edge. Barack has stayed away from criticixing Bush or McCain during this trip.

More people will trust Obama's judgment over McCain's.

Henry n New York   July 23rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

When McCain challenged Obama to go to the Middle East and ridiculed him for his lack of experience, in his opinion, what did he think would happen. Did he think that Obama would not go to the Middle East, did he not know the buzz all over the world about his candidacy after he became the Democratic Primary winner. His campaign blundered yet again in lacking foresight. Any entry level marketing exe. would have known what to expect. Now they scramble to get some of the spot light back after exercising yet poor judgment again.

McBoob   July 23rd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

What a tacky come back by McLame and the Jesusland puritans..This old goat is getting some bad advice.

Greg   July 23rd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Another shockingly dishonest ad from Gramps McCain (especially considering he got a D from a Vet's Group while Obama got B+). What does the press do? Just chuckles.

Lorna, NY   July 23rd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

DESPERATION AT IT'S HIGHEST.

SPQR753   July 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Poor McBush, nobody interested in what he says, when he says it and how he says it………. watching paint dry is more exciting…..

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   July 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

This is so sad. He has to pull this gimmick to grab headlines from Obama.

Mark Webb   July 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Ludicrous!!!
Pettiness and fact distortions will not save your flawed campaign, John McCain.
You are toast.

Monica, Texas   July 23rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

McCain should spend more time concern how he should over come the numerous gaffs he is making, that the media continues to dismiss….and less time trying to steal Obama's thunder. McCain is looking more and more desperate.

Dr.Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

IT'S A GOOD THING HE IS NOT "IN" GERMANY.

MCSENILE TRIED HARD TO MAKE PUTIN THEIR PRESIDENT.

YOU'VE GOT TO GOOGLE THAT.

HE GOES THROUGH A WHOLE SPEECH CALLING PUTIN

THE GERMAN PRESIDENT WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE.

THIS MAN COULD NOT PAS THE GED IF HIS MISERABLE

LIFE & MONEY DEPENDED ON IT. WE HAVE TRIED STUPID

DISHONEST, WITH CATASTROPHIC RESULTS. WE & OUR

ECONOMY ARE IN CRITICAL CONDITION. WE CAN NOT

AFFORD A GERIATRIC BUSH FOR PRESIDENT, FOLKS.

IT'S NOT US AGAINST THEM.

IT'S US AGAINST AN IMMINENT DISASTER,

IF WE DON'T CHANGE COURSE, IMMEDIATELY.

Phil, FL   July 23rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

RNC should save their money so they can provide more "whine and geez" at the convention. At least that will be useful.

Voter   July 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Less than 10% of Germans believe McCain would make a better president - according to Cafferty on CNN.

Obama Rocks 08/12   July 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

What a line of B.S. speaking of habitual liar which he keeps repeating and addin on moe bs ,a jealous flip flopper ,senile McLost is all that and more of the same.
Go back home great Grandpa Muiss Cindy has your cot ready.

Mike Dallas   July 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Once again, the McCrypt campaign tries to blame Obama for the ignorance of the Republican candidate. Just like the Pakistan/Iraq border. One would think, that after 8 trips to the area he would at least REMEMBER that! It is becoming apparant that his campaign cannot keep up with the "senior minutes" or keep his lies sorted out.

So, once again, this is more proof McCrypt is in the early stages of dementia with short term memory loss or is just a flat out liar.

Question: Is the the man you want attempting ANYTHING at 3:00 A,M that does not involve Viagra?

Obama Supporter from Texas   July 23rd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Again McSame, this will not work… Come up with a new strategy because noone is listening to this or you!!!

Obama '08

Texas Trail Dog!   July 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

CNN OUT OF THE TOP FOUR PRESS RELEASES THREE PERTAIN TO OBAMA. ONE TO McCAIN. DO YOU NOT SEE THE DISPARITY OF YOU MEDIA PEOPLE. WE KNOW WHO YOU'RE BACKING SO QUIT TRYING TO CONVINCE US TO FOLLOW SUIT. YOU PEOPLE ARE LIKE OBAMA'S SUPPORTERS, JUST A PACK OF JACKALS.

David Goldman for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

MCBUSH LOVES THE MILITARY FOR WHAT IT CAN GIVE HIM.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

HE VOTED NO ON VET COLLEGE TUITION AND OUR VETERANS

ARE ROAMING THE STREETS OF AMERICA HOMELESS.

THIS MINDLESS BIGOT IS LOYAL TO ABSOLUTELY

NO ONE BUT THE $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

A GERIATRIC VERSION OF BUSH.

patrick   July 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

More rhetoric as usual. I guess Mccain camp has selective amnesia too….Remember John, you voted against the GI bill….

Idiot!!

Judgement over experience   July 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Getting pretty desperate aren't we mcwar?

OBAMA Supporter all the way   July 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

McCain would you please chill? You are really coming across as a desperate old man trying to stay in the news in any way he can. Instead of making news you're forcing it. Please go sit down somewhere!!

You have got to be kidding!   July 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

With a strategy like that, how can the GOP possibly loose in November? (I ask with much sarcasm)

James   July 23rd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

THIS CONTINUES TO BE LAUGHABLE.

MCCAIN THREW DOWN THE GAUNTLET OF NOT VISITING IRAQ OR THE MIDDLE EAST AND NOW HE'S CRYING BECAUSE OBAMA NOT ONLY PICKED IT UP, BUT IS SLAPPING HIM AROUND WITH IT!!

HE AND HIS CAMPAIGN CAN ONLY BLAME THEMSELVES THAT OBAMA IS REPRESENTING HIMSELF AND AMERICA WELL AND LOOKING PRESIDENTIAL.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR MCCAIN. YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT.

Sick and Tired of the lies   July 23rd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

John McCain is absolultely pathetic. For the past few days I have not heard one single policy of his but just constant attacks against Obama who's not even in the U.S. to combat these false attacks. McCain knew that Obama has the integrity not to attack is opponent on foreign soil that's what makes McCain's antics lately even more pathetic and ridiculous. Why can't McCain share in more detail his non-existant economic policies? I sure would like to hear more than what I've been hearing, i.e. a stupid gas-tax holiday and more drilling. What's his health care plan? What's his plan regarding the housing market?

A NATION OF WHINERS   July 23rd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

IN THE MCBUSH CLUB

MULTI MILLIONAIRES——————–WINNERS

WORKING AMERICANS—————–WHINERS.

35 Southbound   July 23rd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Is this a joke?

On a side note, this PUMA crap is, well crap. The self described 2.5 million movement is really going to try to derail Obama, really? They are really going to derail the chance of a democrat in office, really? They are willing to put McCain in office, really? When you self described PUMA's complain about the cost of Health Insurance, the cost of fuel, the cost of food, the never ending occupation in Iraq, then you should complain amongst yourselves because people like me will resent you and your selfishness. Whether democrats control congress or not there will be many conservative members of the democratic party in there and if McCain becomes Pres you can't forget the power of the veto. You will hault progress!

Trish Hussien - PA   July 23rd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Yawn.

VON BISMARK, Vienna   July 23rd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

mcWAR is making a fool o himself.He shamelessly feeds the electorate with lies.Pitiful!

McLAME   July 23rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

LOL

McBush has one foot in the grave, politically and physically. Lie all you want John, it's not going to work this time.

Rick FL   July 23rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

It would nice to see the RNC and McCain camp reach out to Berlin in Europe in addition to the ones in the States. This could contrast the misguided flyer McCain sent out yesterday needlessly taunting Europeans in France. At this critical time, it is important that our next president works towards stengthening our alliances again in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world, not further any perceived isolation from the past seven years.

It is also worth noting that veteran organizations give McCain a D rating on his voting record against many of their causes, including opposition to the recent GI Bill. Obama received a B+ for his support of veteran causes, and he voted in favor of the bipartisan GI Bill.

TSAH   July 23rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

There they go again - playing DIRTY POLITICS!!! When McCain was visiting other countries did Obama send "SMEAR ads"???

When will the Republicans realize that the WORLD already knows what they are about and "sees through" their tactics and SMEARS. It means NOTHING and adds to the dislike these countries already have towards them!!! They want to see CHANGE!!!

John McCain is definitely going to get more AIR TIME if he and his supporters continue the SMEAR attacks against Obama. The differnece is - it's going to be BAD AIR TIME!!!!

a southern bell for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

OBAMA SUPORTS THE SOLDIERS BY PAYING FOR

1) COLLEGE TUITION, HELPING THOSE THAT NEED TO

2) GET OFF THE STREETS OF AMERICA,

3) BETTER MEDICAL CARE, FOR THEM & THEIR FAMILIES.

4) BETTER EQUIPMENT, WHEN IN SERVICE.

MCSLEAZO SUPPORTS THE WAR, NOT OUR SOLDIERS.

SUPPORTING THE SOLDIERS, HIS QUOTE "TOO GENEROUS"

Phil, FL   July 23rd, 2008 12:34 pm ET

CNN reports the truth in some articles, just not the ticker.

As for the economic arena, crude oil production is below U.S. goals, even though it has "improved for short periods," the GAO report said. Goals for water service are "close to being reached," but the daily electricity supply "met only slightly more than half of demand in early July 2008."

DflateMacsStr8TalkXpress: Econ MIA, AWOL on facts, POW from reality   July 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

FYI:

We're ignoring McCain't here in Wisconsin. We like 100% real cheese not some outdated, imitation cheese product in a can called Cheez Whiz .

Swanaay!   July 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

hahahahahahahahah what a waste of money.

Mccain Lies!   July 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Mccain, you are the one that voted against GI bills five to be exact. Your the one who supported this senseless war.

Mike from Westchester   July 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Doing a quick search, the only bill I found that Obama voted against was S.2340 titled, "A bill making emergency supplimental appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiacal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes."

I do not know the specifics of the bill or the rationale for voting against it. Does someone out there know? Two comments, however:

First comment: It takes a lot of gall for someone who did not vote for the new GI bill to accuse Obama of not supporting our troops.

Second comment: Guess what - MCCAIN ALSO DID NOT VOTE FOR S. 2340. T

Kiah   July 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

McCain McCain McCain…LMAO!

Kris from AZ   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

The scared right wing noise machine. Always at work to scare the undicided and republicans alike. Scarrrryyyyyyyy

CC   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

OK, so the best ad the GOP can put together starts with breaking down the competitor instead of solidly stating McCain's positions and voting record?

a southern bell for OBAMA   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

I FORGOT ONE MORE THING.

OBAMA WOULD SEND OUR SOLDIERS WHERE NEEDED

TO DEFEND OUR NATION, NOT TO FETCH OIL FOR HIS

OILMEN, AT THE EXPENSE OF THEIR LIVES & OUR ECONOMY.

Cas   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

This is really sad to take this type of non-sense overseas. McCain, shame on you. You are acting like a child. You should respect the fact that someone is attempting to make it better for the americans and as well as other nations. If you want to fight, keep it in our country. Sick old man.

Jon in scary Oregon   July 23rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Senator McCain, CNN won't let me post to the article so I'm going this way. DO NOT concider Pewlenty for your VP………

cricket   July 23rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

McCain is ready to lead alright…. right into the next 100 year war. McCain can't even remember his own lines, how can he remember correctly what Senator Obama did or didn't do? Senator Obama has not been met with resistance anywhere, he is touching on everything that is important to all countries. Obama is consistent with his message of a CHANGE IS GOING TO COME FOR THE BEST OF EVERYONE. Senator Obama will lead us in peace and prosperity.

Terrence (Winston Salem, NC)   July 23rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Can we say Distraction?

Lee from FL   July 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

All McCain seems to do is attack

now i know what his presidency will be like

JPK   July 23rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

That ad is just so stupid in its conception and its airing timing.

Latinos for Obama   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Oh please! McSame and RNC get a life!

Herve   July 23rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

i think john Mcain and the campaingn team are confuse!?

Brennan - Seattle, WA   July 23rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Oh they are struggling. McCain is not offering anything new. He spends 90% of his time attacking Obama. I almost felt bad for him the other day when there was only 1 reporter and 1 photographer greeting him in NH, but then I remembered that it is his campaign tactics and policies that are causing him to be in the position he is in.

Monti, MI   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

They forget to tell us that without some stupids our troops would've never showed up in Iraq. So there wouldn't be any need for rehab programs. No need for more ammu and weapons. Hups, I forgot. RNC is big buddies with the so called "defense" industry. Well, that would explain their stupid ad. That would explain why some stupids still tell us, we can win this war. Get in in your brains … most of the people of Iraq DO NOT want us to be there. Even if we stay there for 100 years and it will be still the same.

southern trucker   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Mcfool is deeply frustrated with Obamas success. Go away Mcidiot with your foolish repug lines. Am a true republican and truthful republicans supports Obama wholeheartedly

shadowgovernment   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Whoop-dee-freaking-hoo

Ricky - Hispanic/Educated and voting for Obama   July 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Wow thats kind of lame.

Am I the only one realizing that the Republicans are kind of jealous of Obama's appeal overseas? This trip has been a success for Obama no matter how much others try to downplay it.

kendall   July 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

how many people live in these towns, and will it compare to a world stage, i don't think so, unless there are millions of poeple living in the three towns of Berlin.

Bob K   July 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Yeah, just make sure that McCain realizes that he is not in Germany. People may get a bit confused if he says "Ich bin ein Berliner". Then again, it may be the least stupid thing he will have said in a while.

M.S. Indiana   July 23rd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Hey republicans try and promote McCain for what he is, instead of attacking like a sick puppy

thanks god we have Ron Paul this year

Janice   July 23rd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Mccain needs to focus on his own message and campaign instead of attacking Obama. Mccain can get his own message out with making yet another gaffe and all he does is attack Obama. Mccain is crazy. He going to these town hall meetings telling the public that the surge has succeeded but we need to stay there in Iraq because if we left it could be extremely dangerous. If he's worried about danger shouldn't he be concentrating on the capture of Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda who killed nearly 4,000 Americans on U.S. soil? The truth is Mccain is too old and confused and some of the times I don't think he remembers what he said.

Bobby, Triangle, VA   July 23rd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

John McCain, get a new campaign staff!

Frank, Missouri   July 23rd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Childish … if not just plain lame.

JOYCE BLACKWELL   July 23rd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Great, we get to listen to another speech from Obama. When will he start doing something on his own, besides being the rock star politician.

NY State of mind   July 23rd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

CAN'T WIN VOTES HERE, FIGURES HE'LL TRY OVER THERE BUT I THINK HE WILL LOSE THERE TO.

WASTE FRAID AND ABUSE OF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS!!

HOW WILL THIS GAIN SUPPORT OR VOTES HERE. KEEP SUPPORTING THE OLD GOAT AND THIS NONSENSE

Janice   July 23rd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Mccain needs to focus on his own message and campaign instead of attacking Obama. Mccain cant get his own message out with making yet another gaffe. All he does is attack Obama. Mccain is crazy. He going to these town hall meetings telling the public that the surge has succeeded but we need to stay in Iraq because if we left it could be extremely dangerous. If he's worried about danger shouldn't he be concentrating on the capture of Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda who killed nearly 4,000 Americans on U.S. soil? The truth is Mccain is too old and confused and some of the times I don't think he remembers what he said.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   July 23rd, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Lets not forget it was a powerful military and military backed foreign policy that broke down the wall in Berlin.

We need to apply the same resolve to Iraq, Palestine, and Libya to establish democratic governments and allies.

thewolf1   July 23rd, 2008 12:56 pm ET

My understanding is that the McCain campaign is trying to spend funds contributed during the primary season prior to the end of the month (in line with his acceptance of public financing for the general). Apparently they were unable to resist throwing money away on this foolishness to satisfy their funny bone. This is how an underdog changes into another kind of dog: Goofy.

nkc46   July 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

european capital! clearer language should be used here. i.e the german capital

Ken   July 23rd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Karl Rove type of ads. No dignity no substance. Slash and burn!

vINCe   July 23rd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Hey John…..what's up with voting for the new GI bill? WHY DIDN'T YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS??@@@!!

Bob   July 23rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Barack Obama is ready to lead, John mccain is not!

Dan , TX   July 23rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Everything in this commercial is demonstrably a distortion of the facts. And McCain voted against the GI bill because he said that if we give our veterans the means to have a good life outside the military, they might decide to leave the military.

McCain is a hypocrite and has treated our military personnel horribly. McCain is no friend to the military.

Dave, Illinois   July 23rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

I think it is telling that McCain is making rounds and taking punches at town hall meetings in America while Obama orates over in Europe in front of friendly crowds and teleprompters. Obama doesn't have the manhood to address real questions from real people.

An American Whiner   July 23rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

OMG!

How do you spell desperate and pathetic???

You spell them both: M C C A I N.

vjh   July 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

He forgot Berlin, CT ! I'm sorry, this is lame.

AntiBrenda   July 23rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Would make a good rap art at most.
Keep your day job cos I dont think this will sell to anybody sensible.
Is your McShame not the one opposing giving college grants to vets?
Its a shame you are mono-eyed and cant see wider than what you perceive good for McGizzar.

Will-South Dakota   July 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Promoting his 100 year war huh….

ali   July 23rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

obama voted for the new gi bill for vets. mccain did not support our veterans.he wants our troops to fight and die ,then gives them nothing when they come home.puhleeeze,this ad is nothing but lies,again.

jimmy velman   July 23rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

IRAN 'S LEADERS BELLIGERENT DRIVE TO ACQUIRE NUCLEAR
WEAPONS IS ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES.. IN OUR OWN BACKYARD , HUGO CHAVEZ DRIVE
TO GAIN HEGEMONY IN LATIN AMERICA SPURRED BY OIL WEALTH AND THE ACQUIRING OF MODERN WEAPONS FROM RUSSIA , INCLUDING A SUBMARINE , IS A THREAT AND WILL PUT VENEZUELAN REGIME ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH THE U.S. FACED WITH THESE DANGERS, WE WOULD BE WISE TO ELECT A STRONG NO NONSENSE COMMANDER IN CHIEF LIKE SENATOR JOHN McCAIN..

ali   July 23rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

mccain should not be losing his temper and hitting people from berlin.he probably thinks berliners are mexicans.

impudicus   July 23rd, 2008 1:14 pm ET

it would be incredible if mccain were to be so gracious and helpful to our veterans, unfortunately, with his 100 year war plan most of our troops now wont live to see the veteran status.

McCain, you are no JFK   July 23rd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

All John "I'll NEVER surrender" McCain has to offer on anything are gimmicks… this is news? Do you HAVE anything but "Obama says…"?

The REAL NEWS today should be how McWar's twin brother Dubbya's policies for strategic missile defense systems in eastern Europe have provoked Prime Minister V. Putin to state that by the time that happens, Russia will, once again, have missiles in CUBA.

Perhaps McGaffe could contact the head of Germany (nope, wait, that was ANOTHER mistake McCain made) and negotiate something up for us? Divert a Cuban Missile Crisis? Nah.

G. "DUMB" Bush is scary enough. John "DUMBER" McCain is even scarier. Can you imagine either handling a Cuban Missile Crisis? McCain will tell you "I know how to win wars. I KNOW HOW TO WIN WARS!"…. yikes.

I still remember the Cuban Missile Crisis, sir. I remember the weekly testing in schools where we would hunker down beneath our desks and hope we'd survive "the BIG one"…. I remember JFK getting us through it.

John McCain, you are NO Jack Kennedy.

Unshrub   July 23rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Obama is acting like a President and McCain is acting like a spoiled kid trying to get more attention.

Sammy   July 23rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

McCain has to do something but at least he could have waited for Obama to come back to the U.S. before attacking him. Otherwise what his ad says it the same ol same ol.

wmelpaul   July 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Are you sure McClueless isn' t just confused about which Berlin Obama is making a speech? You know, this guy isn't the sharpest cookie in the picnic.

Mike from Westchester   July 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

"VO: There are few votes as important as funding our men and women in uniform."

Defense funding votes McCain has not supported in the past year:
HR 2642 6/26/08 Iraq and Afghanistan War