August 24, 2008
Posted: 10:14 AM ET

From
Clinton is the star of a new McCain campaign ad.
Clinton is the star of a new McCain campaign ad.


(CNN) –
John McCain’s campaign is making its boldest pitch yet for disaffected supporters of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, releasing a new TV ad Sunday that claims Barack Obama’s discomfort with her honesty cost her a spot on the Democratic ticket.

“She won millions of votes. But isn't on his ticket. Why? For speaking the truth,” says the announcer in 'Passed Over.'

The spot uses primary season footage of the New York senator criticizing Obama’s policy proposals ("You never hear the specifics"), his links to convicted Chicago developer Tony Rezko ("We still don't have a lot of answers about Senator Obama"), and his campaign trail attacks ("Senator Obama's campaign has become increasingly negative").

“The truth hurt,” says the announcer. “And Obama didn't like it.”

The spot was officially released at 3 a.m. — the hour that became a campaign catch-phrase after a Clinton ad asked voters who they’d like answering the phone in the Oval Office if a crisis broke in the middle of the night.

In the wake of the announcement of Joe Biden’s selection as Obama’s running mate, some Clinton supporters have expressed outrage at news the New York senator was not vetted for the vice presidency by Obama aides — a report that seems to suggest she was never seriously considered.

The new 30-second spot is part of a major, months-long campaign by the McCain team to reach these voters. Soon after Clinton ended her presidential run, McCain’s campaign launched a special outreach effort, headed by Democratic-turned-independent Senator Joe Lieberman, to woo disgruntled backers of her White House bid.

Clinton’s team immediately dubbed the ad misleading. "Hillary Clinton's support of Barack Obama is pretty clear,” said Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand. “She has said repeatedly that Barack Obama and she share a commitment to changing the direction of the country, getting us out of Iraq, and expanding access to health care. John McCain doesn't. It's interesting how those remarks didn't make it into his ad."

The spot is McCain’s second of the weekend to feature criticism of Obama by his primary season rivals. On Saturday, the McCain camp launched a spot spotlighting comments by former presidential candidate and current Obama running mate Joe Biden, who suggested during the primary season that the Illinois senator was not ready for the presidency.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John McCain


Curt74   August 24th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

This just goes to show that the GOP candidate has no substance. We already know how much Republicans dislike Obama. When is McCain going to run ads about his issues. I really think McCain campaign firmly believes that the American people are sheep that will easily be persuaded by negative smears and falsehoods about Obama. I may not agree with Obama on all issues, but this independent is not willing to spend 4 more years under Bush/McCain rule.

Obama/Biden 2008

Denise   August 24th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Must they twist everything? HRC was not selected because she does not qualify. So much for "experience."

ken hare   August 24th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

a sad, sad day when we're left with mc-0 =zero. I truly felt hillery's honesty and sincerity. too bad she didn't have the $$ to keep up with 0. and where did all the $$ come from???

Min   August 24th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Sue, you are the most reasonable Clinton supporter that I have heard
on this board. If you believe in what Hillary says and she did not get the nomination, why would I vote for some one like John McCain who is just the opposite of Hillary. I have two son's and Mc Cain will not get his hands on them in this draft he's talking about!

Shannon   August 24th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Seanie, you should be ashamed to call yourself a Democrat, I know I am.
True Democrats don't vote for the Cheney Energy bill, FISA, or support off shore drilling. Since Obama supported all those things, I'm glad you're ashamed! I would be if I supported him!

C. B.   August 24th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

McCain don't know anything. Let him pick Mitt Romney. He want win in the South. The Southern people don't like Mormons. So if he choose pretty boy Mitt. He will loose for sure. He better pay more attention to his own choice for VP. Have the media forgot Mitt didn't win any Southern States. So tell McCain to worrry about that.

RIPPED OFF DEMOCRAT   August 24th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

PUMA!!

THANK YOU MCCAIN FOR SHOWING US SUPPORTERS THE RESPECT WE SHOULD BE GETTING FROM OBAMA!

I know many Hillary fans that will be supporting McCain this election cycle. We don't even recognize the democratic party anymore.

McCain '08

HILLARY '12

Wisest one of All   August 24th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

War Hero McCain is correct! And then Hussein Nobama picked the biggest politics as usual person in D. C. to be his running mate. So much for his fraudulent claims of change. Proven fact!

Obamabots you were fooled by a cult leader. The teleprompter messiah. Another Proven fact!

javone77   August 24th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Here we go. the old divide and conquer trick. don't fall for it people!

razy, British Soldier   August 24th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Mrs Clinton and her faithful lot should grow up. Who do these people owe their loyalty to, anyway? Is it Clinton or the UNITED states of Amarica. If these so called Hilary supporters had anything to do, they would have done it in the primaries. A greater majority them support Obama anyway, so these few lot can etiher join the winning team or live with their conscience for the rest of their lives. I hope Americans are aware that the WHOLE WORLD (including the remotest places) is watching their judgement.

RyanD.   August 24th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

So, why did he pick Biden then? I thought Biden was "his biggest critic"?

Make up your mind, McConfusion.

Sue in MI   August 24th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Nice try, McCain. But those of us upset at Obama will never vote for you. We'll go independent first, or maybe Libertarian. HHmmm.

Jim Warner   August 24th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

The McCain campaign is showing the Clintons more respect than that other guy running for president, whats-his-name? I guess my Democratic vote will be for McCain in November.

South19   August 24th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

How was she snub. She has a fruad court case coming up, her husband has millions in the bank he won't account for, and her underlings have been secretly bashing Obama b/c to deflect from them running her campaign into the ground.

Seanie   August 24th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Senator Biden is an awesome choice for vice president. I am ashamed to call myself a democrat; because of all those outraged Hillary supporters. They are so angry and hurt because she was out campaign by Obama. I admit both candidates Senator Clinton and Senator Obama both played dirty both one were dirtier than the other. Now, if the shoe was on the other foot, Obama had lost to Clinton. Obama would have been gracious and wholeheartly supported Hillary and his supporters for president. These angry dems say they are voting for McCain or not going vote for president is election because he did not pick Hillary as vp should be ashamed. Obama has the right to pick whomever he chooses. He chose Senator Biden a great choice.
You are dems that are playing right into the Republican hands. This is what they want to see a house divided. I prayed that we all come together and win this election because another four years under republican reign is terrible thing to waste.

You guys rather see McCain win this election and for more American families to hurt and suffer than to vote for Obama the Democratic Nominee. McCain policies do not help the working families only the wealthy families. So really think before you vote for McCain or not vote in angry because your candidate is not on the ticket.

Obama-Biden 08!!!

fixthebroken   August 24th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

More rediculuous propoganda that, sadly, our uneducated electorate will buy into — especially those mad Hillary Clinton supporters.

No one knows the real inside story. Maybe Clinton didn't want to be Obama's VP. Maybe Obama and Clinton have made other arrangements if Obama becomes president (Cabinet, possible Supreme Court nomination, etc.). No one knows.

However, if the Hillary Clinton supporters are really Hillary Clinton supporters, then they will (1) Do as she requests of them, which is support Barack Obama (2) help pay down her debt.

But, by no means is Obama being the Democratic nominee for president his fault; he did nothing wrong nor illegal. And I find it disrespectful and selfish that anyone who would vote for Hillary Clinton would now vote for John McCain even though they are antagonists on almost all policy while Clinton and Obama agree on nearly every policy issue. Voting for John McCain, as he himself would say, would not be putting country first.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com