August 8, 2008
Posted: 08:30 PM ET

From
Some are asking: was there a subliminal message in the McCain Web ad?
Some are asking: was there a subliminal message in the McCain Web ad?

WASHINGTON — It's not easy to make the infamous Willie Horton ad from the 1988 presidential campaign seem benign. But suggesting that Barack Obama is the Antichrist might just do it.

That's just what some outraged Christian supporters of the Democratic nominee are claiming John McCain's campaign did in an ad called "The One" that was recently released online. The Republican nominee's advisers brush off the charges, arguing that the spot was meant to be a "creative" and "humorous" way of poking fun at Obama's popularity by painting him as a self-appointed messiah. But even this innocuous interpretation of the ad — which includes images of Charlton Heston as Moses and culled clips that make Obama sound truly egomaniacal — taps into a conversation that has been gaining urgency on Christian radio and political blogs and in widely circulated e-mail messages that accuse Obama of being the Antichrist.

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain


thierry canada   August 8th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

so what is true and serious about making camp ,everything they said is a joke so do they expect us to trust them about our contry while they can t even be true to themself and all they do is to joke about everything (life of american people).go OBAMA

Down with Obama   August 8th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

fafa….neither is Obama!!!

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   August 8th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

A desperate action by a desperate wrinkly grey-hair dude……If you going to dish it out………..be available to accept the response.

dave   August 8th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Sick. Absolutely sick. Typical of our fallen american politcal system. You think John McCain will also "approve of this message" like he has so many other stupid ones?

MD for Obama   August 8th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

TO JASON:

Your reply doesn't make sense. This ad was put out by immature and desperate Republicans.

Down with Obama   August 8th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

CNN I don't care if you display my comments or not…..Your Obama is going down in November if not before. People are already seeing what he really is…so keep playing your game and watch your ratings keep on falling.

Were the most trusted name in news and now a tabloid!!!

Women for Obama '08   August 8th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Can McCain actually talk about this issues? Or is this his only tactic now? All of his ads are about Obama's "celebrity" (jealous much?) and are about as low as you can get. What happened to running an "honorable" campaign? I respected McCain, but that respect is just about gone. McCain, what about the issues??

Ken in Dallas   August 8th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

WE are the ethics board.

karen-phoenix   August 8th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

I've voted republican for over 50 years. I will NEVER vote republican again because of what the republican party has become. The republicans are in line with Satin and I pray to Jesus everynite to help Barack Obama become our president. Its the only hope this country has. God has sent us Obama for a reason. Jesus was also a lot darker skined than Obama is!!! People is you don't vote for Obama you will be getting worse than what we have had the last 8 years!! Your children will ALL go into a draft and be in wars forever.

Connie, Tennessee   August 8th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Apparently, he's pandering to the racist Southern people. They are so hung up on religion.

Barack the Vote in RI   August 8th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

gimme a friggin break…….mcsenile must be having another "senior moment" if he thinks the american public is dumb enough to buy into this rhetorical garbage…..he needs a new campaign manager.

he looks like a silly old man with nothing to argue about….hey – grandpa munster, can we please stick to the issues.

Down with Obama   August 8th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

All you have to do is listen to Obama to know that he thinks he is God!!!

He is an ID10T in a empty suit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan in Fla   August 8th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

That's jsut dumb. The ad clearly showed that Obama and his supporters act like he is God-like, but in actuality he is nowhere close. The ad goes to show how sensationalized his ampaign is. Just because he is not Christ does not mean he is the anti-Christ.

Pat_NC   August 8th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

What happened to Senator McCain's promise to run a clean campaign? Why would any US Senator think it is funny to demean a fellow Senator? Shouldn't they all respect each other? Senator Obama is one of the most Christian living politicians that I have ever seen. He is walking the walk and living Christian principles daily. Wonder if McCain can even recite the Lord's prayer or name some of the 10 Commandments! ! ! !

June   August 8th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Obama's own supporters have promoted his elevation as the one. They have put him on this pedestal that he is the one. Now the right wing is taking advantage of that. What did they expect? Some of the things Obama, his campaign and his supporters are saying about McCain are lies also. Neither candidate is good for America but I will vote for McCain over Obama. Anyone that is put on a pedestal and protrayed as perfect is a lie to the citizens of this nation. Obama supporters need to wake up and realize no one is perfect! The progressive Democrats are just as bad as the right wing Republicans!

Houstonpsp   August 8th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

OK….so Obama lead and bring people together. I'm waiting.

fafa   August 8th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I am not a christian but can imagine being offended by such an an. John McCain what a pity!

Obamalism   August 8th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

People see what they 'want' to see whether it's there or not…kinda like racism.

Someone on Obama's team is reaching really really far on this one.

Maria   August 8th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

The ironic thing about this is that if enough people believe Obama is the antichrist, and therefore don't vote for him – and he loses, they just proved themselves wrong!

If he does become president, he himself can prove them wrong.

Obama – 08

Chase   August 8th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Mitt Romney is the anti-christ

Jon   August 8th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

The Republicans are truly struggling. The McCain campaign is running on racial fear, religious fear, economic fear. It worked for Bush, but the American people are not going to vote for fear again.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   August 8th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Personal to Jason:

Re-read the story, then your reply and then explain your reply.

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA   August 8th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Good!!! I've been wondering when someone would come out and call this ad what it really is!!! There was nothing humorous about it!! I'm quite sure it would offend most religious people.

NOT THIS TIME!!!!

GOBAMA/Biden, 08

alan j   August 8th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Obama's problem is the perception that he has an utter lack of humility. After all, He has been the ONE ever since he was annointed by the media as the new Elvis of politics.

Obama comes across as being just a little bit full of himself, and full of "it", for that matter.

I'll take the beaten down, beaten up old guy, who really knows what despair looks like.

oldsoldierboy   August 8th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

I'm suprised at how many people continue to try to portray Obama as the antichrist or anti-american. They cannot accept the fact that he is intelligent and well liked by people of all ethnic backgrounds. These are the same (so called) christians who would rather send other peoples kids to fight in other peoples backyards so that nobody will fight in theirs. Typical hypocrites. Go Obama 08.

Drew   August 8th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

New low for the Democratic Party? It was the Repub's that put this thing on!

PEOPLE WAKE UP   August 8th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Creative or not it stinks!!! This is what I dislike about Politics in General. A man wants to represent America as it's leader and throws something out there like this as a joke to make his opponent look ridiculous??? McCain…..this is really not what I expected from you.

PELOSI SUCKS   August 8th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

LOL!

BO IS THE ANTI CHRIST

Cricket   August 8th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

The Reps. "create" this despicable ad and the Christians are screaming about Obama??? I've listened to Obama many, many times, and I've never heard him claim to be anything-Messiah, Saviour, or anything resembling these things. I've been a born again Cristian for 55 yrs.,- Southern Baptist at that-and I'll die one. It is beyond belief that these people are blaming Obama for something the McCain campaign did-commit blasphemy in my book. I have lost all respect for John McCain.
White grandmother in support of Barack Obama!

OBAMA/BIDEN

Dem   August 8th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

it was a humorous yet VERY disgusting ad no matter how one looks at it

Some things shouldn't be in politics – where's the ethics board??

Unshrub   August 8th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Anyone who thinks or tries to imply that Obama is the Anitchrist are extremists and they are no better then the Islam extremist; they are just dangerous and as a big threat to our way of life. People are fooling themselves if they think these nuts who think Obama is the Attichrist wouldn't force others to live their way if they could get away with it are only fooling themselves.

randy   August 8th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

This for my black people plz register and vote dont complain about injustice then when it comes to vote you cant.use your voice now.

Ok   August 8th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Way to go McSame! Way to tie Obama to Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, o yea and the ANTICHRIST! McBush, I do not see how this could be "creative" or "humorous", but I guess if you think that checking your tire pressure in your car is a funny way of saving gas then your antichrist comment is funny. Do you even drive McSame or do you pay a driver with your wife's huge fortune. Thanks for the laugh "my friend"! Too bad its AT YOU.

Ken in Dallas   August 8th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Here we see the kind of demagoguery the American people accept: subliminal, insidious, and outwardly deceitful.

America, don't let this be the kind of appeal that works on you. If McCain had any reasoned basis for suggesting what he's suggesting, he might work up the nerve to say it out loud. If all he does is make subliminal suggestions and then deny what he suggested, what he's trying to do is to manipulate your subconscious, to GET YOU.

Decide this thing on issues of policy, on what you reason out as being best for our future and for your children. If you let yourself be manipulated by propaganda, you give yourself away to someone who, by his tactics, shows you he wants not to serve you, but for YOU to serve HIM.

Choose wisely, while you have the chance.

Janet in MO   August 8th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

I can't believe the Republicans would stoop this low to compare Obama to Christ.
There is only one GOD, and that is Jesus Christ.
I will never vote Republican just becuse of this kind of talk.
Upset very upset!
Jesus is Lord!

BR   August 8th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Has nothing to do with the Messiah's race. It has to do with his communist background.

Will, NJ   August 8th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Hmmm, wasn't the anti-christ supposed to be white? Also everyone was supposed to love him and sweep him into power, obviously that's not the case. Besides, we've already had one anti-christ in the Oval Office so i think we'll be good for another millenia.

Louis   August 8th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Obama can't be the Anti-Christ because he is already here–Dick Cheney.

Steve, Chelsea, MI   August 8th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

People that think Obama is the Anti-Christ are morons. I'm voting for him, DESPITE the fact that he's a little TOO Christian for my tastes.

Totally Offended....   August 8th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I picked up on this immediately upon seeing the ad, and was frankly quite taken aback that the McCain Campaign would even think to run such an ad….Then they respond, smirking, that it's "all in humour."

I don't want a humorous President. We have tough problems, and need real solutions.

John McCain – This isn't funny at all.

Concerned in Alabama   August 8th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

McCain and his MOB knows exactly what they are doing. McMaverick needs to stop calling himself a Maverick because he is far from it. He is just like every other dirty, nasty, low-down, slimy republican politican.

McCain wants to call himself a Maverick but says and put out nasty comments and ads because Obama is confident……not arrogant.

Obama's confidence drives McNasty, the republicans, Hannity, O'
Riley, Limbaugh, and all the usual haters for the black man crazy. If Obama didn't exude confidence, McNasty and the others mentioned would drive it in the mud.

Shame on you McNasty! I used to respect you, but I don't now. You have proved yourself to be the same republican politician as your counterparts. You are not set apart from them…YOU ARE THEM.

KforObama   August 8th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

This is really sad.

Confusesus   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Too funny…

If anyone in politics is the antichrist, it's George Bush… and considering Christ defeats the antichrist in the final battle, perhaps Christ is a metaphor for time itself.

i.e. The antichrist "George Bush" gets defeated by the Christ figure, "time".

I guess that would make "term limits" The Holy Spirit.

john   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Nostradamus said the antichrist is "mabus" but if you put obama+bush together u find mabus in between.

Alva   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

WHAT!! COME ON.

Paris   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Why Obama and his supporter whine so much.

There hasn’t been an ad that they haven’t whined and complained about.
Get over it, we have bigger things to worry about like Russia and Ahmadinejad.
This is the big boys game and you need to toughen up.

fairandstraight   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Christians should not be upset at anything McCain does. It is clear that he will do or say anything to win this election. Obama has never claimed to be a saviour. In fact, he has said many times, "I am not a perfect man." However, since McCain's camp is trying to be funny, there are many people chosen by God to do the work he intends. In that case, if Obama has been sent to be president of the USA on November 4, 2008, nothing will stop it.

Obama 08.

Hayden   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

The Israelis don't like Obama, they sure know how to spot a devil when they see one.

Robert   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

McCain's campaign is feeding the most dillusional, misguided fears of the Evangelicals right under people's noses. This is amazingly dirty politics.

randy   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

As obama is going on much needed vacation i know the republicans will try to throw anything the got on him

TonyInKentucky   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Meanwhile, McCain only ever says the word God when he stubs his toe or curses out his wife.

Who are you kidding...?   August 8th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Stupidity at it's finest… McSame has no stategy for running his campaign. All he has done is attack Obama's ideas and speeches. I knew they would try to link him with the Antichrist due to his ability to unite people. Just because he is a great leader who can produce bipartisian participation in government does not make him a deity. This country is in trouble. The attempt to "dumb us down" is obviously working. It is time for a new approach in thos country… It is time for change….

OBAMA 08

Shari, NY   August 8th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Sacrilege is not nice, McCain camp. Here we go again poking fun but this time using religion. God is not asleep!

randy   August 8th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Fear mongering will not work this time we have learn our lesson.vote obama colour does not matter.

Keith R.   August 8th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

People will hate monger in any way they think others will listen.

Jason   August 8th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Wow.

A new low for the Democratic Party. (seems this happens on a daily basis)

The Democrats are using Campaign slander that would make Karl Rove blush.

Desperation.

JA Cook   August 8th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

"creative" and "humorous"

That's what they say about a lot of their ads. In other words, they have money to burn and these aren't serious ads with a lot of thought and motives behind them. It's just some fun.

kathy   August 8th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

thats funny……….if the shoe fits obama??????????????

Dan, Santo Domingo   August 8th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

[CNN Thanks for posting]
"The Republican nominee's advisers brush off the charges, arguing that the spot was meant to be a "creative" and "humorous" way of poking fun at Obama's popularity by painting him as a self-appointed messiah."

Right. Wile you're being "creative" and "humorous" , a "nation of whiners" is struggling to make ends meet by the minute. Shame on you, Republicans!!

I´m really sick of this. John McCain is crying foul to the press, but he ignores they're giving him a free ride by not bringing to public light all of his past mistakes (Keating 5, Dumped disfigured-former-wife-for a-richer-younger-blonde-girl, SongBird, not-brilliant-student, constant-flip-flopping-and-gaffes anyone?) while Obama is getting vetted even for the most stupidiest thing that anyone can come up with. Talk about public society and media bias. Shame on you, America! Should you keep it going the way it is, I won't be surprised that we will watch you going down in flames if you put a man like John McCain in office! I just hope the fool, brown-nose of a president we got here in my country won't join McCain when he decides to start WWIII. Jesus, God help us all!!!

Anonymous   August 8th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Stop posting stories that are only meant to attract morons.

This should be good.

JA Cook   August 8th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

But McCain promised a campaign of integrity.

Surely we can trust McCain to be honest with us and keep his promises.

Oh wait, that was the McCain of 2000.

M. Winners, Mesa, AZ   August 8th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

The right wing "Taliban like" evangelicals just eat this stuff up! Of course they're going to think Obama's the anti-Christ – he's black and they can't admit to themselves that the only reason they can't support him is because they are racists.
The McLame campaign continues to fan their fires of bigotry because its all part of repugs larger "fear, smear, mock and lie" strategy to this group to get their votes. Any normal person can see that….

randy   August 8th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Well the add john macabush and his fellow republicans are runig will not work this time this is not 2004 this time we fight to the end.plz vote obama for president of the great country of united state.

NoMcSame   August 8th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Well if he is I am with him. He would never enter his wife into a strip contest. He is with the same wife that he stood before GOD and man and said he love in sickness and in health. Did McSame do the same? NO. He ran out on his sick wife so who sounds more like the antichrist? McSame is the wolf in sheeps clothing that the word talks about.
Obama08

Otanes - Atlanta   August 8th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

So would be acceptable if he was talking to God as our current president does.

Pepou   August 8th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

This ad, like most of McSame ads is infamous. AntiChrist ! Please, let not become the laughing stock of the entire world once again !

Not sleeping at the switch   August 8th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Yesand we ALL are supposed to believe this UNPRECEDENTED HATE and unbelieveable level of scorn is all about Politics and has NOTHING to do with Racial issues in this country. Yeah right!

If this was in any other scenario people would be investigated as potential Hate crimes candidates.

john   August 8th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

obama could be just a sociopath

bridgette   August 8th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

McCain has just lost it. He has no more control over his campaign. I don't think he is even comfortable or believes the stuff that is coming out of his campaign.

Jon   August 8th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

More religious zealots whining about a spoof ad. Gee even though they are christians the are no better than the muslims that whined about the mohommed cartoon ad. Does not matter which side of the isle they are on they are still whacked out nuts.

Mike   August 8th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

That is exactly what the sleazy Rovian McBush team was trying to do
Fear, lies and hate are becoming the McBush trademark.

jen   August 8th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Why do you even report this crap. Everyone knows the Republicans will try to do anything to get elected.

Debby   August 8th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

This is the funniest thing I have read here. The add portrayed Obama as Godlike not Antichrist so where is this coming from. LOL

Franky   August 8th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

You know, there's a reason why every Republican household is not complaining about Senator McCain. Why??? Because they don't wanna get reminded of who Senator McCain is in the past! LOL!!! For crying out loud, I'm getting tired seeing my boy every time. And by the way, I know how it is, I know how…

What!!!   August 8th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Are we reaching?

AJ   August 8th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

I've been hearing this from various people in a joking manner. Now that people are talking about it seriously is partially ridiculous to me, and partially kind scary.

And I love Obama, but I think people are just looking for reasons to not vote for him.

DJ Los Angeles   August 8th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Yes everyone knew it would be just a matter of time until the Republic propaganda machine would go with the Willie Horton ads again.

Truly objectionable, offensive and beyond negative. Look for some blowback in the face of McSame.

DR. YES   August 8th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

this is crap

Mccain=Bush   August 8th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

You Don't mess with the Lord and he should not be used in attack ads MCbush is Not capble of leading this Country and this Proves it.

bridgette   August 8th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

McCain is just getting silly.

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