Bush Calls McCain About Anti-Kerry Ads (UPDATE)

AP on Yahoo ^ | 8/26/04 | Deb Reichmann - AP

[NormsRevenge]

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - President Bush (news - web sites) wants to work with Republican Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record) to pursue court action against political ads by "shadowy" outside groups, the White House said Thursday amid growing pressure on the president to denounce attacks on John Kerry (news - web sites)'s war record.

"The president said if the court action doesn't work, that he would be willing to pursue legislative action with Sen. McCain on that," Bush spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Mexico.

McCain, R-Ariz., has called on Bush to condemn the anti-Kerry ads, even as he is actively supporting Bush's re-election. McCain told The New York Times that he plans to personally "express my displeasure" to the president, the paper reported Thursday.

Bush called McCain from Air Force One and the two had a brief discussion about the matter, McClellan said.

The debate over Democratic nominee John Kerry's service in Vietnam has dominated the presidential race in recent weeks after the group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth aired ads questioning Kerry's decorated record.

[Wphile]

I don't know what to make of this. I think W has said enough on the issue and by looking to work with McCain he gives legitmacy to Kerry's claim that the Swift Boat Ads are wrong. We can whine and whine about the inaccuracies of all the anti-Bush 527s but the media isn't going to cover those. The only one they are covering is the Swift Boat guys. It's a double standard for sure and having Bush meddle in it gives the charges against the Swifties credence. I think he should stay out of it.

If they want to fix it, they should repeal CFR and require full disclosure of political contributions.

I also heard the FEC chairman on Brit's show say that as long as the 527s collect money only from individuals - and not corporate or union dollars - they are exempt from the 60 day rule for issue advocacy ads.

[Mr. Mojo]

I just wish he'd identify himself as a liberal jerk

He's identified himself as exactly that through his Senate votes; the guy votes with the Dems almost straight down the line.

[logic]

And people actually try to argue with me when I tell them we don't have a Constitution anymore......Just look at the second amendment for full confimation.

[js1138]

I really believe Bush does not want to make free speech illegal; he wants top call attention to the failure of CFR. He also wants to call attention to the fact that the dem 527s are supported by millionaires, corporations and unions, whereas the SwiftVets are supported by tens of thousands of individuals.

Political reality forces the Republicans to approach ths from the back door. The goal is to get their words in print without the press being able to twist them.

[jpsb]

Only those knowledgable on a topic should be allow to address that topic in public discourse. When it come to politics and elections only politicans should be allow to speak and use public infrastruture (TV, Radio, print and internet).

The above appears to be the view of both major parties, this is looking very bad for free speech. This issue could push me into a third party.

[kellynla]

Since when is "free speech" wrong?
If the Swiftees are lying then sue them or put a muzzle on it and quit complaining!! LMAO

[BufordP]

He shouldn't be going after any of them. He shouldn't be joining in this unconstitutional call to restrict 1st Amendment rights of free speech. It's just like gun control. Ever step they take which fails to meet its goal calls for more of the same crap.

This is the wrong direction to be traveling. Bush should be touting their right to speak instead of jumping on the band wagon. That's not leadership.

[P-Marlowe]

Nothing like consulting with the Devil on how to stop people from sinning.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Shut up and go get a job.

[Mr. Mojo]

I think W has said enough on the issue and by looking to work with McCain he gives legitmacy to Kerry's claim that the Swift Boat Ads are wrong.

Precisely.

[EllaMinnow]

You shouldn't be believing more than 25% of any AP article.

[gortklattu]

I do a lot of work for one of the bigger sports in the olympics. One staffer is a BIG Michael Moore fan and keeps telling me that they can't believe I'm a conservative.

The Olympic Committee is based on hand-outs. I believe that the athletes should be honored, but the dining hall in the OTC in Colorado Springs is named for a bureaucrat, not an athelete.

[Vigilantcitizen]

I'm with you on this one.

[Guillermo]

Truth hurts, doesn't it.

[VadeRetro]

McCain, R-Ariz., has called on Bush to condemn the anti-Kerry ads, even as he is actively supporting Bush's re-election. McCain told The New York Times that he plans to personally "express my displeasure" to the president, the paper reported Thursday.

Has he expressed his displeasure over Moveon.org, Michael Moore, George Soros, and the Tides Foundation?

[diamond6]

If this makes you angry, as it does me, call:

White House numbers:

Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard:202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461

TTY/TDD

Comments: 202-456-6213
Visitors Office: 202-456-2121

E-Mail
President George W. Bush: president@whitehouse.gov
Vice President Richard Cheney: vice.president@whitehouse.gov

[mystery-ak]

This is posturing...it's a shame that Bush has to even try to rein in McCain....McCain, choose a party and stick to it!

[Leatherneck_MT]

Yep, makes sense to me. Don't let the peasants have any say. We are the Rulers after all, we shouldn't have to be bothered by the facts.

Another slippery slope we descend and if we do not stop this crap now, then we will be in another civil war to preserve our rights later.

[NeoCaveman]

I know. Triangulation sucks.

[funkywbr]

It may not be leadership, but it is, let's not forget, an election.

If you and I help reelect President Bush, I am sure this CFR along with a lot of other problems will be fixed.