November 17, 2008
Posted: November 17th, 2008 01:30 PM ET

From
Georgia Democrat Jim Martin's new ad bears a striking resemblance to an earlier ad by the Obama campaign.
Georgia Democrat Jim Martin's new ad bears a striking resemblance to an earlier ad by the Obama campaign.

(CNN) – If Jim Martin’s new ad evokes a sense of déjà vu, there’s a reason.

The 30-second television spot recently launched by the Democrat in his run-off race against Sen. Saxby Chambliss bears a striking resemblance to an ad released by the Obama campaign in mid-September just as the country’s financial crisis was appeared to worsen.

Just as Obama’s ad used footage of McCain saying “the fundamentals of our economy are strong,” the new Martin ad “Recession,” utilizes footage of Chambliss saying, “We may not be in a recession. I don’t know what that term means.”

“For six years, he voted to get us into this mess,” an announcer also says in the Martin ad.

Responding to the ad, John Randall, the online communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said "Jim Martin campaigning on the economy would be laughable, if his own record was not so tragic."

"The out-of-touch liberal has indicated a desire and willingness to raise taxes on those making less that $75,000 a year. Perhaps, he is willing to put the economic squeeze on millions of Americans because he believes the middle class is a state of mind and not an economic reality," Randall also said in reference to comments Martin made to NPR in August.

Shortly after major investment banks appeared on the brink of collapse, McCain told his supporters “the fundamentals of our economy are strong” – coments that immedietly were highlighted by the Obama campaign in seemingly endless television commercials.

"In mid-September, only 32% of all voters agreed with McCain that the economy was fundamentally sound, and that figure would probably be a lot lower today if we asked the same question now," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Throughout the campaign, economic issues were McCain's Achilles heel, and the financial crisis only made the problem worse for him."

Filed under: Barack Obama • Georgia • John McCain • Senate


albert j. Wilson   November 17th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

I am looking towards an america,after the obama election,as a more open,inclusive society where people of all persuasions can speak their minds.What they have to say can be shared and not be afraid. I was impressed by Gov.Halley barbour of mississippee when he recently spoke on cnn and nbc.He struck me as a person who could share a great deal especially with young people whose minds will be influenced by the legacy of the present. I regret not knowing enough of max cleland but sate elections,unfortunately dont i nfluence national audiences.albert J. Wilson florida

Matt   November 17th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Chambliss is a racist who should be taken out back to the woodshed and whooped within an inch of his life, period. Voting for him or, god forbid, electing him is basically flipping the bird to what our nation just accomplished by electing Obama. Go go GA racism...you must be so proud of yourselves.

Larry - Hazleton, pa   November 17th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

I mean really – after what saxby and his crew did to max cleland in 2002 it is hard for me to imagine that those good folks in Georgia would even consider voting for saxby. He is part of what got us into the trouble we are in. So with all due respect may I suggest that you give Martin a chance to return our country to all and not just to the likes of saxby.

Rob   November 17th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

To – MikeH November 17th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

My only concern about kicking Saxby out of the Senate is that he might return to his roots and become a White-Robed Grand Wizard.

You mean like Robert Bryd?

Frank   November 17th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Ooops. Reality bites, doesn't it Senator?

ken   November 17th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I remember Saxby's lies about Max Cleland. That is enough for me to vote for Martin!

MikeH   November 17th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

My only concern about kicking Saxby out of the Senate is that he might return to his roots and become a White-Robed Grand Wizard.

MikeH   November 17th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Hollyb, you're making too much sense. Most of these bitter religious gun-huggers won't understand, others don't want to understand.

The argument has to be made with words at a 7th grade level education, 5th grade level for Utah. Also simplify the concept as much as possible.

Good set of arguments though.

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

I am HOPING and PRAYING that the good citizens of Georgia will REJECT the vile politics of the Republicans! What Chamlbiss did to a WAR HERO, Max Cleland, is horrific! I pray that there is JUSTICE and that people will SEE the evil that Chambliss has spewed has no place in their state!

COME ON GEORGIA, REJECT THE VILE POLITICS OF HATE, LIES, FEAR AND DIVISION SPEWED BY THE GOP!

VOTE FOR MARTIN!

Thanks, but no thanks...Chambliss   November 17th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

It is smart strategy for Martin to use actual quotes. How could Chambliss admit not knowing what recession means?? Ridiculous and out of touch. I cannot see how any decent Georgian would vote Chambliss anyway after what he did to veteran Cleland.

Jim Martin is the clear choice.

IamJustinM   November 17th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

"We may not be in a recession, I don't know what that term means."

Wow...

NoMoreBush   November 17th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

It's amazing that Saxby's supporters poked fun at Obama's first name. Guess you can't fault the ignorant, for they know what they do nor even have a clue as to what they "think".

Glenn Doty, Columbia, SC   November 17th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Without the presidential race, and without the social issues... this race has shifted QUICKLY to favor Martin.

They're giving Martin only ~16% in the odds, but I'd bet it's closer to 60%. We'll see.

Of course, long before Dec 2 we'll know the outcome of Minnesota. If Franken manages to win, the Chambliss will generate some (little) enthusiasm to stop the democrats from reaching 60 seats... But that's a very small amount of enthusiasm.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   November 17th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Flip a coin already!

Rob   November 17th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

To Ed, Santa Fe, NM November 17th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

who would vote for anyone named SAXBY ?

-Apparently not the same idiots that voted in an inexperienced greenhorn that's gonna run the country into the ground.

Nathan,   November 17th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Hey Don,

You should run for office as a Republican. You have that tired, old losing speech down pat. Take my guns, take my money. How about a new tact before talking politics. Its call thought. Now I know the eight track you listen to to get your Republican talking points never mentions thought. You should live a little and try it. It could be so liberating. Thats not liberal Don, its just how the word is spelled. If you ever need someone to put that string back into your back so that you could utter something different and useful call on a Democrat. We'll be happy to teach you something thats come to light in the last 30 years. Anything short of that how about just shutting up.

Dennis Dillard   November 17th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Now that you guys at CNN are done helping elect Obama, arent u happy there is at least this run off in Georgia so your propaganda skills can remain sharp!!!

rayjay   November 17th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

If you GA folks support Saxby after going after Max, then you should not be given a vote cuz you don't know what to do with it.
Saxby is revolting and should pay for past deeds

w.l. jones   November 17th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Remember Dem. we are family but we have cousin on the other side. Invite them to join us just this one time for our country future.

C.W.   November 17th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

The US Senate would be a better place without Saxby Chambliss in it. Ask Max Cleland...

GA for Obama   November 17th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Wise White Guy- you sound like an Indie Racist Piper..get over it..come to reality

Doug   November 17th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

What's gonna happen when you can't afford the bullets for all of your guns? Since that is about the only issue people vote for here in Georgia.
You should be worried about exotic things like"recession" and "depression". Wow, big words aren't they?

michael   November 17th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Problem here is that the media doen't even know what a recession is. Just look at all the headlines saying we were in a recession while our economy was still growing! For it to be a recession the economy must shrink for several months.

Ted van Tol   November 17th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Today on TV in the Netherlands: Barack Obama will close quantanamo Bay! No torture by Americans.
He does what he promised!

Gram   November 17th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Between Saxby's treatment of Max Cleland and his golf playing during the Iraq war hearings....trick knee kept him out of Vietnam...so he still plays top game...This is one GA resident who will never vote for him. Time to get him OUT>

Peter (CA)   November 17th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Of all of the Republicans, this is the one I had hoped would have his clock cleaned.
A guy who got a deferment from Vietnam slandered a hero who lost three limbs there. Disgusting!
It's up to you Georgia!

Vote JIM MARTIN   November 17th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Early voting has started in Georgia! get out and cast your vote for JIM MARTIN!!! Voting ends on election day December 2nd! JIM MARTIN for Senate!
Please Georgians, get that arrogant, cocky Chambliss dude out of there!

Bean   November 17th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

"I don't even know what that term means" HAHAHA WOW.... Kudos to the Martin campaign for finding that. I can't believe a senator would let himself come across as so dumb.

This is much better than the misleading Martin ads I was seeing before the election. He has my vote. (as I hold my nose)

Frank, Las Vegas   November 17th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

The truth often shows more than the lies generally issued by the Republicans. If the Republicans learned anything from this past election cycle, it should be that you have to have a plan, not just attack the other guy with false or misleading or outright lies. the American people, even in GA have shown that they need much more than just attacks from the Republicans.

Turner   November 17th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Don-4:27
Who CAN fix a paper bag? What about a paper bag would need fixing? Your comment was weird! Did you skip your meds today?

Nija   November 17th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

The Republican party do not understand the problems of the common man on the street or may be they just turn a blind eye. Some Republican told me this "The Party comes first before ANYTHING." and to be honest , I believe him.

Tim Tsantoulis   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

You insecure gun nuts are part of the reason theGOP got their bible thumping tails whipped Thanks Don .GOBAMA

Carter from ATL   November 17th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

It's sad that the republican supporters here in the "red" state of Georgia are still so heated and upset over the Obama election that they're lining up in droves to re-elect Chambliss; not because he's good for it just because they want to win "something"...anything!! It's too bad, but he may just take this one... GO JIM MARTIN!!!

Karl   November 17th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Don, it appears your negative Obama fixation will get you nowhere. You failed to realize that the Republicans made this mess were're presently experiencing. It's going to take a forward thinking person to correct this mess and return America back on the right road. So far, Obama has performed well, although he's not the President. He gathered learned people across the board to accomplish this endeavor. As for you, you felt the need to simply focus on this faux tirade that Obama can't do anything but raise taxes. My question to you, what would you do?

illwill1029   November 17th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

takin a page from a real winner

TyWebb   November 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Hopefully, Saxby will be out soon.

ken   November 17th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

is this Keating of Keating 5 of mccain scandal?

E   November 17th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Georgians need to remember that Saxby is the jerk who tore Max Cleland apart, claiming he was unpatriotic after Max lost both legs and an arm in Vietnam. Most politicians are sleazy, but Saxby Chambliss is discusting.

Georgia Voter   November 17th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I hope this works. There are a lot of racists in GA who have a problem with the democratic party. I hope fear of the economy creates change in GA.

thomas   November 17th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

This could be a real educational experience for Chambliss. Once he's voted out, he will have a better understanding of what recession means.

hollyb   November 17th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

People who are already bashing Obama because he is going to raise taxes...Let's see I make $70k a year and pay $10k roughly in taxes....If Obama raises my taxes 20% (incredible amount) I would pay $2000 more a year let's say he is in office for 8 years that would be a $16k increase to my taxes. Now consider my Roth IRA's and 401K's lost $120,000 in the last 1 year under Bush.....They grew 500% under Clinton....So based on that wouldn't it suggest A tax increase would benefit me if Obama's policies are the same as Clinton and not like Bush's? I see Obama as a higher tax way to a $400,000 profit for me in the next 8 years.....

Ian   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

The sad thing is that most Americans think the economy is manageable by anyone. It's like throwing an apple in the air and expecting it to stay there.

Allen in Hartwell, GA   November 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

There are a lot of unhappy Georgians who voted for Saxby in the past, even after he swiftboated Max Cleland. They might not be voting for him (Chambliss) on Dec. 2. I didn't vote for him in 2002, in November, and won't vote for him in a few weeks.

Don   November 17th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Obama can't fix a paper bag. You watch. More of the same except that taxes will go sky high along with the interest rate and our guns will be banned. No thanks!

Barbara in NC   November 17th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Wise White Guy   November 17th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Time to get the backwards thinking Republicans out. Best thing they can do is give Obama all the support in Congress that he can get so he can get things done. The Republicans had their chance with Bush and full congressional control for a good part of it. The time is now for the Dems chance at control to fix the mess.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   November 17th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

who would vote for anyone named SAXBY ?

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