(CNN) – After a week of bare-knuckle political brawling on the trail, it seemed Friday John McCain’s campaign had found religion.
In a Web ad e-mailed to supporters, the McCain team painted Barack Obama as a recipient of near-messianic hype – and a candidate all-too-willing to believe it.
“It shall be known that in 2008 the world will be blessed. They will call him ‘The One,’” says the announcer in the minute-long video, over images of light shining from the heavens and a gospel music-like soundtrack, interspersed with clips drawn from Obama speeches.
“And he has anointed himself. Ready to carry the burden of The One,” continues the announcer. “He can do no wrong. Can you see the light?”
By the end of the ad, Obama seems to have received a promotion from mere Messiah to possible divinity: Charlton Heston’s Moses is shown parting the Red Sea, proclaiming “Behold His mighty hand!” as Obama’s presidential seal rises from the waters.
“Barack Obama may be the one. But is he ready to lead?” concludes the announcer.
On a flight to Panama City Florida, McCain senior adviser Nicolle Wallace told reporters that the video had been designed as a bookend to what the campaign believed had been a very successful week.
In a CNN poll of polls Friday, the Arizona senator cut Obama’s Monday lead by half, to three points.
Wallace added that the ad – which she described as respectful of all faiths - was intended to rally the presumptive Republican nominee’s supporters, and that there was an "important role for humor in all campaigns. I think all of us would slit our wrists if it wasn't for that."
From CNN Politics
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Now this election has become a whole bunch of crap
This is so disgusting. John McCain is an idiot.
This is just ridiculous. What the hell is wrong with McCain? His campaign is destroying him, and frankly, giving the election to Obama on a silver platter...
How can the more experienced candidate be the more childish one?
He's more qualified than you, McBush.
Pathetic. And these people call themselves Christian. Whatever happen to "blasphemy?"
Now McCain is making fun of religion. How pathetic!!
Mccain is such a LOSER ! Why does he think we are so stupid? He is insulting our intelligence with these dumb ads. What about the economy Mccain? Oh yeah forgot you care more about Britney and Paris ( you do have a "thing" for blondes don't you?
I'm speechless.
It's nice to see McCain disregard the needs of American families to create more amusing ads! You're killing me McCain!! Keep up the great work!
McCain '08!
McCain could go even lower! Bravo! Running a respectable campaign indeed - what a blobbering Idi*t! He is so jealous but what does he really offer - I mean seriously, where is an ad about the issues?
You're kidding. This is a dignified campaign? I know it must be very frustrating that Obama does give a great speech; is actually inspirational; and consistently draws large crowds . . . but this is how you respond? By belittling these positives that ANY AMERICAN LEADER should be proud to have? You're kidding.
PU McCain. Ask for your money back, you just got taken. LOL!!!!
Out of curiosity, is McCain capable of running an ad that doesn't make Obama out to be a great and popular guy?
Is Obama paying McCain for these?
This is so stupid, I couldn't even read the whole thing! Somebody's clearly got a wild hair in the wrong place!!!
OBAMA '08
I am not the most ardent Obama supporter by any means...but this McCain ad, coupled with the Paris Hilton ad, is really ridiculous and insulting to my intelligence.....I can't imagine ever voting for McCain now.
Why doesn't McCain talk about the issues in his ads? What does he stand for other than these negative attack ads?
Blaspheming republicans!
That was a great scene in the movie. Charleton Heston was one of the
greatest actors who ever lived. This just may help Senator Obama.
Obama 08.
Its getting even worse. McCain, you are pathetic.
I find this wildly offensive.
This ad is SICKENING. As a Christian, whether this is a movie or not, I am offended beyond belief. McCain is online right now defending this commercial and saying Obama's only plan for energy is for people to "inflate their tires." Give me a break!! Now, McCain says his campaign is not negative-with an ad like this?? LIAR!! The only reason McCain wants town hall meetings is because he is low on money and they are cheap. McCain could not compete with Obama in a crowd.
McCain is pathetic. Like a spoiled child not getting attention he is throwing a tantrum and mocking his opponent. Too bad he isn't mature enough to campaign with ideas instead of name calling
If the Obama campaign mocked religiion in this fashion, then would the McCain campaign find it so funny?
McCain is getting disgusting. I think he has a serious 'man-crush' on Obama. To paraphrase Biden's dig on Giuliani, all McCain can must is a noun a verb and Barack Obama.
Sounds like McCain is jealous of Obama's popularity, his genious clarity on the issues, and the fact that he is going to win.
Being salty is never cute McCain. Green is definitely not your color.
Obama 08