August 14, 2008
Posted: 02:20 PM ET

From
This mailer is expected to reach 50,000 seniors Friday.
This mailer is expected to reach 50,000 seniors Friday.

WASHINGTON (CNN)—The AFL-CIO launched a new offensive on Thursday, the 73rd anniversary of Social Security, looking to paint John McCain as a wealthy elitist who is unconcerned with the needs of senior citizens.

In a mailer expected to reach 50,000 seniors Friday in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan, the labor organization focuses in on McCain’s plans to privatize social security and increase the minimum age for eligibility above 65 years old.

“John McCain started receiving Social Security when he turned 65,” the mailer says. “But now he has a risky scheme to privatize Social Security—threatening our benefits.

“McCain’s worth over $100 million…,” the mailer also says. “He walks around in $520 Italian loafers. If John McCain lost his Social Security, he’d get by just fine. Would you?”

In 2006 the Arizona senator earned $3.9 million and has a net worth of $40.4 million, which Democrats have noted in an effort to paint McCain as out-of-touch with the average voter.

McCain’s net worth far succeeds Obama’s $1.3 million. In 2006, the presumptive Democratic nominee earned $991,000.

The presumptive Republican nominee has said that he supports a partial privatization of Social Security — which the AFL-CIO is using to try to tie his positions to President Bush’s unpopular 2005 attempt to overhaul the system.

According to the AFL-CIO, their efforts will be expanding over the coming weeks to reach a larger number of voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan—with the potential of extending outside those swing states.

Filed under: AFL-CIO • John McCain


VB in NC   August 14th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Another thing they might want to point out is just how McCain got rich. Was it by being a smart businessman or investor? No, it was marrying into money after he dumped his first wife.

The worst campaign in history   August 14th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

….and how many people will Obama be beholden to who helped in buy this election. I'm not talking about the average Joe who contributed, I'm talking about the big bundlers and the entrenched politicians in Congress who jumped on board to support this unknown, resume thin candidate

Lance   August 14th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

I just wish people would realize that unions, not free-trade, are at fault for most of the manufacturing losses in the united states. I mean I live in one of the cheapest places to live in america and our union went on strike last year because appearently $16/hr is not enough for unskilled labor that anyone with a functioning brain and a minimal work ethic could perform. Maybe this is also the problem with our education system. I mean why work hard when you can just party your life away and still make triple minimum wage.

Erika, KS   August 14th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Oh, geez, what do you expect from this group? You didn't really think they'd call Obama an elitist do you? Even though that would be the truth. This is hardly newsworthy.

Venus   August 14th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

This should be a national tv ad!

Go Bam!

Venus   August 14th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

He,he,he,he!

Yeah! Yes we can! This is what I am talking about!!!

Go Bam! You are the man!

Cynthia   August 14th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Correction: Senator McCain is an elitist. He owns nine houses across the country, wears 500 shoes and is married to a million heiress – sounds like an elitist to me.

Nova from NV   August 14th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

If the qualification of an elitist includes being shot down by an anti-aircraft missile and then being shot at with AK-47 while on the parachute then count me out!

jimmy   August 14th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

MCCAIN IS NOT THE ELITIST HERE . NOBAMA IS AND HAS BEEN.

Ron   August 14th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

I would like to know how many American citizens can afford to go to the hospital because of a sore wrist. My My , I wonder if they had to divert Cindy McCain's jet in order to get her immediate treatment.
It must have been a big deal… It made front page news. I really think that the McCains only have 9 houses, but do you really think that they will dispute the number.

Bill Tampa   August 14th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Hey Cindy, you better watch out. McShame has a history of abandoning his wives when they get hurt. I'd fake that carpal tunnel sprain if I were you.!!!!!!!!!!…..I'd take shelter in one of the 8 castles.!!!!!!!!

Fat Cats can't relate   August 14th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

McCain reminds me of the character on the Monopoly board game "Chance" cards …

Tel It Like It Is   August 14th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

BEND OVER AMERICA

NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION, THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER LOSES ANOTHER PORTION OF THEIR PAY CHECK

LYNETTE IN CA   August 14th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

He is an elitist and so is his wife! Privatizing social security and increasing the minimum age for eligibility isn't going to help me. I'm not that age yet, but will be sooner than later. This doesn't just affect your mom and dad, it will soon affect all of us and we better think about that!

OBAMA '08 and beyond!

Steve in DC   August 14th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Its about time…now we need to get that business about his ex-wife out there.

tpipe Owosso MI   August 14th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

How much is Obama worth?????
Lets show our liberal jealousy talking about someone who is sucessful.
Lets vote Obama into office so he can even out the playing field so factory workers can make as much as Bill Gates.
I have worked hard all my life, I still am trying to figure out how to retire but I cannot even begin to see how you Liberal(socialist) people think someone who makes alot of money owes you something.
If you work for a company, they don't owe you anything. They hired you to do a job, make money from that job and live. If not for that company, how would you make money?????

jimmy   August 14th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

Send you 10 to 25 dollar contibution online and you will get a text message and find out Obama's VP choice. Good idea from Obama camp to raise campaign funds.. Now we can all watch the real Campaigning from the McCain and Obama camps. I just wish they will come up with some really sensational stuff that Americans
can pay attention to and get their eyes glued to the candidates. because both of them have failed to get their campaigns into high
gear.. None of the large and decisive voting blocs of Americans : the Rural and Blue collar folks, white women , white men, Older men and women, The big Latino vote , the midwest voters. the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Michgan, Florida , Texas
South Dakota voters are the crucial States that either candidate
has not been certain of getting into their column of electoral votes.

Tim   August 14th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

Oh yeah!!! Hit him hard and hit him often. McCain is such an elitist. His dad was an Admiral in the navy. He got special treatment and was put ahead of other more qualified applicants for pilot training. Not taking his 5 years in captivity away from him, but he has no clue what the average american is experiencing. Senator Obama just finished paying his school loans. He even pumped his own gas at the pumps until he was forced to accept Secret Service protection.

Great add!!!

Abe Froman - Chicago   August 14th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

What is Obama worth? Doesn't he fly around in a Corporate Jet? The AFL-CIO should be careful, they backed Senator Clinton who is worth more than Senator McCain……

I also don't want someone who doesn't know how to make money running our economy, do you?

Poadarian1   August 14th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

If he still cashes a SS check, he should hang his head in shame!

Terry, Dallas Texas   August 14th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Aww. What's wrong Republicans? Afriad of getting swiftboated? I love it when you can dish it out but when someone attacks your canididate you start screaming.

Like Bush told McCain after attacking him during the 2000 Republican primaries…"It's not personal, it's politics."

gladis   August 14th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

.Hillary started to call BO elitist. I would like to know how much money the Mccain and Hillary and Bill .have

Obama Supporter VA   August 14th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Is it me or does Tom Ridge have a Moose Head!
Gosh that man's head is huge.

ken   August 14th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

OH NO!!!! A man that knows how to make and save money. How could we possibly elect him. And either way, Obama is worth a lot too. Would Obama get by if he lost his social security check?

Pat Riot   August 14th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Most elitists get tortured for 5 1/2 years in Vietnam internment camps. Wait what? Since when did anyone ever trust what a labor union have to say? Talk about lobbyists in your court. The AFL-CIO and Israel Lobby are huge and they love ol' big government Obama.

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   August 14th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

IAM SO GLAD SOMEONE IS FINALLY STEPPING UP AND ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

THIS GUY IS REALLY AN ELITIST

CM   August 14th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

And still some people are trying to force Obama into the 'elisit' role. Its getting pathetic now. Hawaii isn't 'exotic', the man was born there. There are poor people in the Bahamas and South Pacific too.

McCain did what for his money again? At least Obama got the education and wrote some good books. He turned down the big corporate jobs to work with the people and its paying off for him.

If he was McCain you red kool-aid drinkers would be crowing about this.

Chris, Denver CO   August 14th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

It's about time. I've been wondering how a rich old white guy who "earned" his fortune by marrying an heiress can get away with calling a self-made black guy an "elitist."

Jason   August 14th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Wait a minute.. How did John boy get away with filing these amount for taxes? SUMMARY OF SENATOR MCCAIN'S ACTUAL (NOT COMMUNAL) INCOME FOR 2006 AND 2007

[FROM STATEMENT A OF TAX RETURN]

2006 2007

Senate Salary: $161,675 $161,708

Book Royalty Income: $80,390 $176,508

Social Security Income: $22,104 $23,157

US Navy Pension *: $56,496 $58,35

And he earned $3.9 million.. Something seriously wrong here!!

Chi4Obama   August 14th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Obama and his family reside on the Southside of Chicago amongst the "common" folk (yes still)……

This is why it is truly hysterical that out of all of the Presidential candidates, he is the one that wears "Elitist" label. Give me a break.

Let's talk about the McCain's and their $100M+ empire. I don't think either one of them has done a hard day''s work in their lives.

Thus, MCCAIN = ELITIST. Hey, It is, what it is…..

Pat Riot   August 14th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Ya but when Obama raises your taxes and turns the country into a welfare socialist state noone will have any money because the dollar will be worthless.

Viet Vet   August 14th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Hey billy Soretoe ; How to you get $4 Mil. out of /41.3 mil as reported in the story line? OHHH you didn't read it!!You most likely heard it from Rush Limplips while partaking in some hillbilly heroin (Hence your name) moron.

EDW   August 14th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

He married into a rich family. Strategically getting rid of first wife and first three kids in order to do that.

Gene   August 14th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I said it before when this crap was thrown at Obama, and I'll say it again even though I hate McCain. There's nothing wrong with having an elitist run for president. I don't want Joe the Fry Cook running for president. I want someone who aspires to be and considers himself to be elite. God forbid we have an elitist running for the most elite job in the entire world!

Catherine   August 14th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Clinton, no, wait, McCain Supporter:

I'm a REAL American and have always seen McCain as an elitist.

I am bitter and pray to God every night that things will get better for American. America is in a rough state right now…and there is NO denying it. The economy is horrible and every other day, another person I know has been laid off and struggling to pay their bills.

So for your sake (with or without your vote) you better hope Obama is our next President or you could be losing your job and standing in the unemployment line next year.

May God heal the bitterness of disappointment in your soul.

Kitten for Obama   August 14th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

McCain does not understand how it feels to be without. He is trying to get into a position for self-gain. He did it when he left his first wife for Cindy that was self gain now being elected as President is self-gain.

Joe   August 14th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Both McCain and Clinton are elitist and I would never vote for either one.

Peter (CA)   August 14th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

How hard can this be?
He is the scion of military royalty. Both Dad and Grandad were admirals. He had an easy ride to Annapolis (where he was a lousy student).
He leaves his first wife when the going gets tough to marry an heiress. He has 6 homes and is worth hundreds of millions. So, what does he have in common with 95% of us??

Of course he is the elitist. His policies favor his friends, his advisors are a bunch of lobbyists, and in the last several months he has flipped on his positions to appease his new "masters".

He is not a maverick, he is a politician.

Catherine   August 14th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Clinton, no, wait, McCain Supporter:

I'm a REAL American and have always seen McCain a an elitist.

I am bitter and pray to God every night that things will get better for American. America is in a rough state right now…and there is NO denying it. The economy is horrible and every other day, another person I know has been laid off and struggling to pay their bills.

So for your sake (with or without your vote) you better hope Obama is our next President or you could be losing your job and standing in the unemployment line next year.

May God heal the bitterness of disappointment in your soul.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   August 14th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

So McCain's net worth is more than Obama's. He's also 30 years older, so why wouldn't you expect that? If you want to cast stones, start with Edwards, Kennedy, and Kerry; all of whom are worth more than McCain. How is it that just a few years after paying off his college loans, Obama is a millionaire with a multimillion dollar house? So, Obama ONLY earns $1 million/year. It sure doesn't seem like he's eating many leftovers. The fact of the matter is that more US Senators are millionaires than not. what's Obama's plan to save social security? Let me guess, raise taxes.

Viet Vet   August 14th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Well Patick: People aren't able to save, so look at Social Security as forced savings so people will have a small fixed income when they
are old and no one will hire them. (Sort of like McBomb) If not for Social Security the people who could save would ultimately wind up
supporting them from welfare rolls or the would simply starve, freeze to death, die of heat exhaustion, get beat up by our teenagers who demand respect that they haven't earned. (Pick one) If you have control of your own money, saving it for retirement, and you have to have that new car, new furniture, new TV for the big game, where ya gonna go? Straight to your retirement savings

Que Quedas   August 14th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

he's living with the heiress that is worth 100 million dollars

Soldier 4 OBAMA   August 14th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Awesome….compareing McBush Oranges to Obama Peanuts,…no comparison, MCBUSH is a oil Mcnate and a Lobbyist Poodle!

morefromLA   August 14th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Finally, some real money to show the facts. Let us see the net worths of the two candidates, the home value of one versus the home values of the other. Let us see which candidate wasn't able to pay off his college loan until he was 40? Elite? Of course McCain is. There's no necessary harm in that UNLESS he is attacking his non-elite opponent for being elite. That is why McCain has a very large HYPOCRISY problem.

Charlotte   August 14th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

When Michelle was on the View she said when she first met Barrack he was pathetic, I think he still is…

Red Blooded American   August 14th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

To open minded american,

Are you sure you are open minded.

I've always voted Republican. I would vote for Condi Rice if she ran for President. I would vote for Colin Powell if he ran as a Republican for President. So stick your racist inuendo you know where.

America is for everyone, even jerks like you. I value the Republican platform of small government, low taxes and personal freedom and resposiblity. I don't want a big govenment run by elitist idiot Democrats taxing the hell out of my hard earned income because they think they can do a better job running my life. I could care less what race or religion they are.

Mary, Kansas City, Missouri   August 14th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

People who support McCain support him because they are die hard Republicans not because they believe he can fix our problems, some are even elitist like him. Most of the Repubs in the USA would never vote for a Democrat. John McCain is what he is, a mean, bitter old man who was forced to follow in his Father and his Grandfather's footsteps. So listen up, I know you don't want to hear that he is an Elitist but if the $500.00 shoes fit, ask him if you can borrow them!!

Nando, Florida   August 14th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

RUMBLE YOUNG MAN RUMBLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA 08,12

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 14th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Lisa, your comment to PUMA Murphy was incredibly rude. I trust that there are a number of times any one of us would like to have said the same thing to you (I know I have!), but we hold our comments out of respect for your opinions, no matter how horribly wrong they are.

Linda31   August 14th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

McCain is an elitist if I ever saw one! So many homes he can't remember to pay the property taxes on time.

Jay   August 14th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

finally someone to return McSame what he has been dealing out, cuz Obama wasn't gonna hit back cuz that's just not his style.

BARACK THE VOTE!!!

I don't understand how McCain can call someone an elitist and he's worth a hundred times more money that barack(litereally). America, we would be stupid if we don't make this election a blow out for Obama.

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 14th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

dollorbill, was that comment to me? I'm quite familiar with labor unions, having been on both sides of the fence. My family, while growing up, had what we had because the work of the labor unions within the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Now, my husband works in management and deals with the unions from a different perspective, some of it good and some of it bad.

Unfortunately, I believe that the unions are what has driven many companies out of this country. There are a number of reasons for my thoughts on this matter, but as an example, their protectionism of all members, even those that should be kicked to the curb, is detrimental to the overall benefit they provide.

Therein lies my conflict…many positives offset by many negatives.

wilfred   August 14th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

afl-cio = Anarchist For Liberals – Center Is Obsolete
Paint yourselves as the elitists while you take the workers dues and acomplish nothing

curly   August 14th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

I don't think Obama knows what elitist means. He just needs to look in a mirror.

Ann, California   August 14th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

This is exactly the kind of ad the Obama campaign should be putting out but maybe it's better if it comes from a surrogate organization. Whatever the case, I'm glad it's finally getting out there who the real elitist is.

trust   August 14th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

IT'S ABOUT DANG DARN TIME. GO TO WIKIPEDIA AND SEE THIS MAN'S NET WORTH. HIS $500 SHOES AND HIS HEIRESS BARBIE DOLL WIFE. IT'S ABOUT TIME HE TAKES SOME OF THE ELITIST FLACK.

Sherry, Atlanta   August 14th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

McCain's not an elitist. He's just NOT A VERY SMART MAN

The Truth Is!!!   August 14th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

THE AFL-CIO John McCain as a wealthy elitist who is unconcerned with the needs of senior citizens.He is an "elitist."He has a private jet and $500 shoes That is why he doesn't feel comfortable talking about the economy and does not feel our pain as far as the struggling economy is concerned …….that is why he is so negative his every sentence begins Senator Obama…… Senator Obama…… Senator Obama ….. I don't envy him
TO-fella from Chicago-Obama Your white mom and grandmother made sure you got what you wanted. Hypocrite! Don't HAtE
I wonder -Y- you stated Your white mom and grandmother …….color doesn't matter or does it ? IDIOT!!!!

KC   August 14th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Lets not forget that our founding fathers were all elitist. Who do you want running the country the guy serving you Starbucks?

steve   August 14th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

surely nobama's 1 million dollars he made in a single year puts him in touch with every day americans.. yeah right. with a million dollars a year (and that's before his book sales went big) i'm sure he can afford 520 dollar loafers. he just took his family vacation to hawaii. how many of you do that?
a day late and a buck short nobama. i know your campaign of change has changed to negativity and attacking, but it seems all you can do is parrot what the other guy says

Why are people so uneducated   August 14th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

We need higher education in this country because for lack of a better term as a whole we are "STUPID!" Obama takes a vacation to Hawaii and we call him and elitist, come one it where he was born and his grandmother is there. Be pretty stupid for him to vacation in "small town Alabama" when his family is from Hawaii.

All of you who live in a different state from your relatives, if that state is more of a tourist state than the one your from, your and elitist and you can't go!

dollorbil   August 14th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Tejano,
Boy are you uneducated. Most unions fought tooth and nail against Bush and his cronies to keep jobs in this country. The republicans have made an atmosphere of union busting going back to Reagan. I think you need to read up on your rights and how the unions helped you get them.

Open-minded American   August 14th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

To Red blooded American:

Don't hide behind the American label, just call yourself what you really are: White bigot with a bike. Voting for the white guy is a safe vote, am I right???

fella from Chicago   August 14th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

To Republican for Obama- You need food stamps if you live in Hawaii; moron

To Obama/Hillary 08- Shut up!!

Morningstar   August 14th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

It was about time. McCain health care system cannot provide McCain cancer treatment if he was an average US citizen. This is in contrast with Obama who want all Americans to have the same heath insurance that McBush has. This old hypocrite goes about scaring and lying about Obama

cevans, tx   August 14th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Lisa,

Why don't you SHUT UP and post some where esle.

You HATEFUL little person…

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!!

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   August 14th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

I wouldn't do well at all without my social security.

And, while I understand that all who pay into the system are entitled to draw social security when they reach the proper age, I think it is ridiculous for wealthy persons to do so. It's a drop in the bucket to them, meaningless, in the face of a system that struggles to survive. I feel the same way about some wealthy friends of mine, so this is not a slam against McCain in particular. It does smack of greed, however.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   August 14th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

McCain supporter from 4:50, you're messed up on drugs or something.
Guess what, in tough times, I do go to my bible for direction. You, go to the local bar, get drunk and try to start a fight.

Obama had the trip already planned WITHOUT the cameras. But, when the Pentagon called and suggested it might be political, he did the right thing in his mind by not going. By the way, do you know how many times he's been to Walter Reed Army Hospital? Too many to count on two hands, but you wouldn't know that because Obama DOESN'T want to politicize his support of the troops.
McCain allowed Senator Clinton to be called a b*** and he just laughed about it. Further, he champions NOTHING for womens rights, NOTHING.
If McCain had taken some responsibility, he'd still be married to Carol as opposed to feeling the hots for a young 25 year old with lots of cash.
Your turn. '-)

steve   August 14th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

obama made 991,000 in one year and he's only worth 1.3 million??
sounds like a typical spend-happy liberal.

fiscally responsible?? i think not.

Obama is the dumbest candidate ever   August 14th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Hahaha, the only elitist I see is Obama.

dollorbil   August 14th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

I'll bet most of the hourly workers at wal-mart would love to be represented by a union. Better working conditions,health care,not having to absorb overtime, ect…..

One United States of America   August 14th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist
McCain is an elitist

Joe FoneBone   August 14th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Did the AFL-CIO run the same against Hillary Clinton (pretty high net worth) or John Kerry (wife worth about a billion)? Apparently, democrats with money are OK, and republicans with money are not.

Lee-- Dallas, TX   August 14th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

'I'm Barack Obama and I support the truth.'

'I'm John McCain and I support lies, fears, and smears.'

–Lee

a southern bell for OBAMA   August 14th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

I HAVE VOTED REPUBLICAN MY ENTIRE LIFE.

THE FOLKS WE HAVE IN THE WHITE HOUSE

AND MCSLEAZO ARE NOT REPUBLICANS.

HOW DO YOU CALL YOURSELF AN AMERICAN PATRIOT

& VOTE 100% OF THE TIME AGAINST OUR INTERESTS ?

SOMEBODY PLEASE EXPLAIN IT TO ME !!!!

McSAME   August 14th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

$520 shoes?! This man's a pimp.

Jon from Indiana   August 14th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

McCain has never tried to hide his wealth, nor should he. he shouldn't have to apologize for it either. He married into a rich family. So what? I don't understand what the argument is. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy. The McCain's have never had to struggle financially. That's about as important an issue as Obama's middle name. Another non-issue tossed about in an election being played exactly like every one before it.

CJ   August 14th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

No need to paint McCain as an elitist, we all already know that. What gripes me more than anything though at this time is to hear him criticize Russia for "invading a country," never acknowledging that is what the US did to Iraq and he supported it! What is even worse, we sat idly by and watched a hanging. Wow, is that the pot calling the kettle black?

Nik   August 14th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

ObamaLied.com wrote:

"Obama claims he could not disown reverend Wright yet two weeks later after polls indicated otherwise, he trashed him so hard and tossed him under the bus. Wait until Rev. Wright comes out swinging again…he will definitely make some waves in the runup to the election. Anyone seen him hanging out with Rev. Jackson lately?"

-So does this mean that you're not going to vote for Obama? Gosh, what a shame. Oh well…

Carl from MI   August 14th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

McCain IS the original ELITEST!! He is SOOOOOO out of touch with the average voter. There's a REASON why unions are against Repuglicans, and rightly so. If not for unions, we would still all be working 12 hour days/ 7 days a week WITHOUT healthcare, WITHOUT vacation, WITHOUT life insurance, WITHOUT safety in the workplace… all these things are brought to you by ORGANIZED LABOR!!!

And why did it take organized labor to bring you these things… why didn't employers just freely offer such benefits? Because they were too cheap and too greedy!! You can bash organized labor all you want… and do it while you're on vacation this summer… or on your way to the Dr.'s office… or as you're coming home from your 40 hour workweek…

Thank you, organized labor!!!! It's nice not being a slave to employment like many people are in 3rd world countries.

anonymous   August 14th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Like the former mob ran AFL-CIO cares either! Pot/Black

V from London   August 14th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Yes Obama doesn't like to get his hands dirty…

he just happened to graduate from Columbia and instead of taking what probably could've been an amazing, high paying, powerful job, he decided to become a community organizer in the slums of the southside of chicago…yea, real elitist, get a clue before you speak

Republicans for OBAMA   August 14th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

USED TO BE THAT REPUBLICANS TOOK CARE OF

THEIR OWN FIRST, NOT THIS REPUBLICAN COLLECTION

OF SLEAZOS. THEY ARE OUT TO GRAB, RUN & RUIN US

IN THE PROCESS. THEY HAVE HIJACKED OUR PARTY.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   August 14th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

The only thing McCain wants from seniors is their vote no matter how they make it to the polls. McCain's money and power separates him from senior citizens so don't let his age fool you but he does need your children and grandchildren to go to war.

Tejano   August 14th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

The unions finally got their Marxist candidate. Unfortunately or foruntunately for our country , the Unions are irrelevant and are part of the problem with the loss of jobs in American Industry. Socialists are not what we need at this time in our country.

Veteran for Obama   August 14th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

It is not very hard to factually point out the McCains ARE elitists. Just look at Cindy's before an after pictures. She has clearly transformed her entire body with surgical procedures and paid cash for all of them.

tom   August 14th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

$500 for a pair of shoes is a better deal that a $400 haircut that Edwards got, also McCain is a pauper compared to John Kerry. This is America and you are hating on people for being successful? At least McCain gives money to charitable causes unlike Obama.

AFL/CIO is what is wrong with America. Unions are why GM/Ford et al are going broke. Why not shoot for Wal-Mart next?

Nevada dude   August 14th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

theres nothing wrong with being rich. theres everything wrong with being sanctimonious. McCain wants to be the 'average guy' that feel's everyones pain. hard to do in fancy shoes and a choice of vacation homes spread out across the country. oh and by the way, this average guy helped sell out 30,000 jobs in ohio, and is short-changing Veterans healthcare.

ShirleyY - Seattle   August 14th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

WHO IS THE ELIST? MCCAIN WILL SMEAR OBAMA'S NAME TO HIDE WHO HE REALLY IS.

MIKE – TEXAS

CLINGING TO RELIGION IS A GOOD THING, IF I DIDNT DEPEND ON GOD EVERYDAY, MY LIFE WOULD BE WORTHLESS AND SOME DO RELAXING BY HUNTING.

CINDY MCCAIN SPEND $750 IN ONE MONTH AND MCCAIN SHOES COST MORE THAN MY RENT, THE MCCAIN DONT CARE ABOUT THE ECONOMY, HE IS RICH FOR LIFE.

Debby   August 14th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Isn't this considered a 527 and the big cheese at Move On is condeming these adds?????????

Red blooded American   August 14th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Sorry, I can't find any thing in common with the elitist that calls himself 'The One'.

I don't care how much either one is worth, it's their values and how they relate to main stream Americans that matter to me.

Obama calls me bitter.
McCain was at ease hanging with us biker guys. We are red blooded Americans who absoulty love this country and are sick at how the Democrats want to destroy it.

McCain is one of us. Obama has no clue who we are.

Ex-Republican for Obama   August 14th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

McCain Policy Mathematics:

Ship jobs over seas
+Ship our young to new wars and murder them
+I'm already rich
____________________________________
= We don't need social security nor veterans benefits

KenB, MI   August 14th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

McCain is on the agenda…

…the agenda of elitist.

vb   August 14th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Don't forget about McCain's $500 pair of shoes

Willy   August 14th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

A union aganist a republican, How Shocking!!!!!

Griff   August 14th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

They keep talking about: the minorities of America! The minorities are "The None Visible"… Every Nation on the Planet, is an 'American'.
But the Minorities want to divide that beleife… And they will always be! "The Minority's"… One America… Black, Pink, Blue, or Green…
Democracy, or The Hypo……………..

Mike - Texas   August 14th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

That's a hoot.

Obama is the one that talks about us clinging to our religion and our guns with antipathy to those who are not like us.

Obama is the real elitist, just look at who he hangs around with.

dollorbil   August 14th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Deb,
I wish you would do some research on labor unions. You will find that all the good things like days off, paid holidays, vacations, labor laws, and worker rights and protections were all brought to you by labor unions.

Reasonable Observer   August 14th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Can someone explain to me why "lobbyists" are bad, but unions doing what lobbyists do is not lobbying?

pam Eugene OR   August 14th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

I have always wondered why people like McSame and Clinton with their millions have tried to paint Obama as an elitist. How can that be? They both wear $500 shoes and have over $100 million. I bet neither of them have ever been inside a grocery store.
Yes, Barack went to wonderful schools but on full scholarships. He wasn't born rich and he did not marry money.
Leave my SS money alone McShame. I need it and I earned it!!!!!

Truth   August 14th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

To me, the funny part of all these is mrs McCain going to hospital due to a hand shake!. That's pretty remarkable. Elitism just found its place in the McCains

DR. YES   August 14th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

he is the ultimate elitist and everyone knows it!republicans just dont care cuz their elitist ,too.

Roger from CA   August 14th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Excellent. But this should be core to the Obama argument, not limited to union members.

Clinton, no, wait, McCain Supporter   August 14th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

You can't be serious?

Here is Obama: the arrogant, chardonnay sipper who prefers brie cheese and calls the American workforce a bunch of gun toting miserable people who clutch their bible to feel good about themselves.

Obama: the guy who wouldn't think of getting his hands dirty or risking his life for the rest us.

Obama, who wouldn't take the time to visit wounded servicemen in Iraq because he couldn't bring the TV crew and use it for personal gain.

Obama, who calls women without a great deal of power, "Sweetie."

Obama, who lectures his own on responsibility and makes sure it's broadcast on national TV.

WOW. Apparently you guys don't get out much.

You've got big job to demonstrate to REAL Americans here that McCain is an elitist!

Obama/Hillary 08   August 14th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

God Jesus christ my Lord will come back to take us christian in heaven with him and in that day your social status will not be able to take you to heaven. You need to accept jesus Christ as your personal savior and water baptize to be eligible for heaven. George Bush, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton to name a few wil not go to heaven unless they have Jesus in their lives.

BlackMan4Mac   August 14th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Whatever, how the heck can Mac be elite??? He is much more down to earth and average American than "The One"

Barry Soetoro   August 14th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

We know his wife is rich… big shocker…

Barry made 4 million last year… and his moron wife when talking about the 600 dollar tax incentive said… "what can you buy with that… ear rings"… now that's elite!

No Bama… No Way…

Hillary 08

paulie_nj   August 14th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

And all of you Obama supporters are willing to trust your country to a man that CNN contributors describe as "a little-known state lawmaker from Illinois"?

bridgette   August 14th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Oh please my fellow citizens let's stop with the elitist crapt. The reality of it is it is not a bad thing to strive to be elite. That just means you are the best at what you are trying to accomplish. Let's stop falling for this foolishness and focus on the real issues.

Generation X   August 14th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Of course he is. How many of us can afford $520 pair of shoes? Don't let that baseball cap fool you, folks!

Republican for Obama   August 14th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

fella from Chicago:

Thanks for reminding me of Obama's silver spoon childhood, and don't forget to add that his food stamps were printed with real gold, just for him.

You are an idiot.

BJGT   August 14th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Good! It's a very balanced and truthful mailer, that should be a warning to anyone who receives or will receive Social Security.

How dare McCain call Obama an elitist? Obama was raised in a single parent family, lived in a one-room apartment, and just recently paid off his student loan.

McCain abandoned his crippled wife children to have an illicit affair with Cindy and marry into her money – they own at least 8 homes and he had the nerve to tell Americans to get second jobs and skip vacations in order to pay off their mortgages and avoid foreclosures.

Lensa   August 14th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

$ 520 dollars shoes? That is enough money to feed my family of five for a whole month!!!!

Rise America Rise   August 14th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Has anyone else noticed that McCain does not cast a shadow in any of his pictures? Hmmmmmm

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 14th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

While I'm very conflicted about labor unions, I must commend the AFL-CIO on the work they're doing on Obama's behalf.

NotFallingInLine.org   August 14th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

What a pathetic attempt to defend Barack Obama's own delusion of elistism. Do you really expect define John McCain as elitist? Do you really think the American people will buy it?

Thanks anyway, AFL-CIO. We already know that the Democratic Party's positions are important. That's why we want real leaders to champion them.

Barack Obama offers nothing but flowery rhetoric and empty promises for each and every American.

Once we're done handing the Chosen One the electoral humiliation that he richly deserves, we'll be able to take our party back from the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Donna Brazile.

Midgea NFIL

A NATION OF WHINERS for OBAMA   August 14th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

MCSLEAZO HASN'T WORKED A DAY IN HIS LIFE.

HE HAS MOOCHED AMERICAN TAX DOLLARS

FROM DAY ONE. AND COLLEGE TUITION FOR

OUR VETS IS "TOO GENEROUS", DIRECT QUOTE.

Debby   August 14th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Hey Seth Obama doesn't need to leave his wife he has donors like you paying his freight hahahaha.

Sarah   August 14th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

PLUS, don't forget that McCain's "net worth" doesn't even include his wife's huge inheritance. They're obscenely wealthy.

Debby   August 14th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Well its McCain's money earned not like Obama who uses the campaign jet with contributed funds from donor even seniors contributing. It could be alot of seniors are paying for Obama's trip to Hawaii also. We will see I guess when it comes public on his tax return if unfortunately he becomes President.

Clintons have alot of money to but it didn't stop the people of PA and Ohio from voting for her in those battleground states. People are going to vote who is better to lead not on how much moola they have.

Shari, NY   August 14th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Interesting! An ad from a labour union and not from the Democratic Party.

ObamaLied.com   August 14th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Obama claims he could not disown reverend Wright yet two weeks later after polls indicated otherwise, he trashed him so hard and tossed him under the bus. Wait until Rev. Wright comes out swinging again…he will definitely make some waves in the runup to the election. Anyone seen him hanging out with Rev. Jackson lately?

Lisa   August 14th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Murphy/PUMA what ever…. Shut up!!!Post some where else.

Reality Check Richmond Virginia   August 14th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

well, duh? he is, and he has worked his butt off to get there……..just ask his 1st wife.

I guess he and the GOP have brought this on themselves. They just love the name calling instead of talking about their )screw eveyone but the ultra rich) policies.

NoMcSame   August 14th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

They don't have to he is and so is his wife. Hurt her poor little hand from shaking hands. WOW. Never worked a day in her life. Send them back to the ranch. Labor, what does McSame know about labor? Nothing. No to the enemy colaborator. He is no HERO he helped the enemy. Let it be known.
Obama08

California Gold   August 14th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

$520 Italian loafters. Why isn't he buying and wearing "Made In America".

Obama-Junkie, IL   August 14th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

And CNN stop playing politics as usual by just focusing on John McCain's earnings as reported in his tax Form. His wife my file her taxes separately but she spends her money with him in mind. Report their total income!

Republican for Obama   August 14th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

The most despicable point is that he still cashes his Social Security check. And they have the nerve to paint my generation as the selfish ones.

mello doug New Mexico   August 14th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

With the rich getting richer and paying less and less taxes and corporate America paying little to no taxes while the rest of us are losing jobs and homes the Republicans are the elites of this country. Its fine for the rich to be rich but not at the expense of everyone else. I'm sorry but too much greed is just bad for everyone.

Seth   August 14th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Truth!!

Obama doesn't have a private jet, and he certainly didn't leave his wife for a silver spoon-fed heiress to accelerate his political career. McCain should look no further than past his own nose for the true "elitist."

Poadarian1   August 14th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

If the McPuppet has $100 million, why was his campain almost bankrupt in the primary?? Hope Billary doesn't spoil this!!

Obama-Junkie, IL   August 14th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Nice! Accurate and all true!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   August 14th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I am so glad so many people are trying so hard to fight back this time.

Luis   August 14th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Labor organizations………….HELLO!!

no neck morons, who cares…………………….

Vote McCain or join the insane…

Scary Reality   August 14th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Too late – Obama has that title!

By the way, the major money is his wife's. They even file taxes separately.

Independent in DC   August 14th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

This could prove quite effective…we shall see.

fella from Chicago   August 14th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

If Senator McCain's loafers cost $520; how much did the Harvard boy's cost? And who was born and raised with a silver spoon in their mouth in Hawaii and attended Harvard? Barack, don't play the poor black kid who had to fight for everything to get ahead. Your white mom and grandmother made sure you got what you wanted. Hypocrite!

Peter of Oregon   August 14th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

My friends, McCain is an elitist. Let me give you some straight talk, take some time and read about his history, and who's funded his curent and prior campaigns… and the truth will reveal itself.

dollorbil   August 14th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

They might paint him as an elitist but someone needs to paint Obama as the Left wing Socialist that he really is.

JJ   August 14th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Someone who wears $500 loafers is an elitist. This isn't an attack….It's the truth!

John   August 14th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

More crooked politics from the left.

Lies and Deception define everything democrat.

Obama/Hillary 08   August 14th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

you cannot be more elitist than that $1.1million a week for a weekend get away ranch in Arizona while others are struggling to put bread and water on the kitchen table.

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   August 14th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

This is the TRUE JOHN McSHAME:

John McShame is worth over $100 million… He owns 10 houses… He flies around on a $12.6 million corporate jet… He walks around in $520 loafers. If John McCain lost his Social Security, he'd get by just fine. Would you?"

More: "John McShame wants to gamble with our Social Security… John McShame started receiving Social Security when he turned 65. But now he has a risky scheme to privatize Social Security — threatening our benefits."

IF JOHN McSHAME IS NOT ELITIST & OUT OF TOUCH, WHO IS? HIS SIAMESE TWIN – GEORGE DUBYA!!!

Patrick   August 14th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Sigh… if only labor organizations would take the time to figure out why we need to privatize social security. Who would you rather handle your retirement money; George Bush or yourself? It doesn't matter wether you're a dem. or rep. you should be in control of your own money. It's obvious that the political gridlock isn't going to end and therefore our retirement money in the form of social security isn't going to be there. Why should I keep paying into a system that isn't going to pay me back? McCain is totally right on the issue; and his position is better for the average worker. You invest your own money, make better returns, and only have yourself to blame if you lose it all.

Shiloh Everett   August 14th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Just take a photo. He is elitist. Shine those $500.00 shoes , first though.

Latinos for Obama   August 14th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Finally the real picture of Panamanian McCain is for all to see. For too long the media has kept silent on this issue. It is obvious and evident that the elitist here is McCain.

Rise America Rise   August 14th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

John "let them eat cake" McCain has always been out of touch with the average voter. Hard to be in touch when you have that much money and don't even know how to use the internet. I just really don't understand how, when he has access to that much money, he could be so greedy and crooked to be one of the Keating 5. I guess when you don't have integrity, you just want to beat the system at any cost.

Mike   August 14th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Not that hard to paint this guy elitist. They somehow managed to do it to a guy that just finished paying off his college loans, so a millionaire should be easy. It's too bad people need to be sent a mailer to get the real news. These same people know how to check their email, but they don't know how to surf the rest of the web to find out if the email sent by the guy selling Viagra talking about Obama's faith is true or false.

PUMA-PAC - Murphy   August 14th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

..Obama comes from a hard-working, single-parent home.. his mom is white and his dad is black and they were able to overcome the challenges of a multi-racial family IN THE 1960's until they got divorced. He's been all over the world.. I know.. he's not been in the senate for a LONG time.. but the guy has so much great life and law experience…

love him or hate him, he's a contender for the presidency of your country.. you need to educate yourself on who this guy is…. it's your dute as an American to do so.. period.

Griff   August 14th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

John McCain! The Man, the Cause, and the Answer… If I could have only had a Granddad; like this Guy…. A future to build on, for any young folk….. Go John. GO!!!!

Jim   August 14th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Guy's wife is worth 100 million alone, CNN when will you do a story about Mccain's x wife and how he left her? C'mon if it was Obama it would be everywhere, why does Mccain get all of these free ride's??

Kelby from Houston, TX   August 14th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

With PUMA and Hillary haters and this new book by Jerome Corsi. Obama is going to need all the help he can get just in fighting TOTAL AND UTTER LIES about the man. These people are mean. I am glad that there are so many organizations out there that's willing to fight for what is right. It is not difficult to see what's going on here. People who protect the status quo are attempting to bring Obama down.
WE MUST FIGHT FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IN!
We must HOPE for the best.
We will not be taken by lies fear and deceit EVER AGAIN!
WE CAN DO IT!
WE CAN CHANGE AMERICA FOR THE BETTER
YES WE CAN!!!

OBAMA'08 DEMOCRATS'08 AND FOREVER

Barack and Hillary 08   August 14th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

What does McCain know about the struggles of working families?

He and Cindy own nine homes and he doesn wear 500 dollar shoes, although the media waited forever to report on this.

His own surrogate, Gov Mark Sanford, couldn't even name one way McCain is different than Bush on economic policy.

I'm pleased to know Hillary will cast her superdelegate vote for Obama at the convention and will encourage her supporters to do the same.

Hillary and Barack are going to walk all over the right-wing Republicans this November!

Denise   August 14th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Lets hear it for the AFL-CIO!!!!

PUMA-PAC - Murphy   August 14th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

…and Barack Obama just finished paying off his student loans 6 years ago..

Who's elite?

VON BISMARK,Vienna.   August 14th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

The true potrait of a man who wants to wade off his real description.

Caryn, Washington DC   August 14th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Finally…bring it Demcrats, bring the pain!!!

Mike   August 14th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

It will not take much paint to show McBush is an elitist. With his multi millionaire hieress wife. Eight plush homes. Big Private jet. Vacations in the Hamptons. Custom made Italian shoes. If McBush does not personify an elitist then scrap the word from our vocabulary.

Concerned INDEPENDENT CT voter   August 14th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

& the Truth comes out for those NOT paying attention… I hope these facts get "TODAY Show" -type Coverage… why is no one mentioning this anywhere else?

-V

R.I.F.   August 14th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Perfect! Make sure the mailer has pictures of each of his eight houses and his $500 shoes.

Bob Indianapolis, IN   August 14th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

FINALLY! SOME REALITY!!! How will Faux "News" spin this one???

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