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Will the "Willie Effect" Impact the Election? (McCain's Attack on Cunningham Seriously Risks Ohio)
WLW 700 ^ | 28 Feb 08 | WLW

Posted on 02/28/2008 7:00:23 AM PST by xzins

Will the "Willie Effect" Impact the Election?

Some speculate the controversy could cost McCain the White House

By 700WLW News

Thursday, February 28, 2008

( Cincinnati ) -- Some reports claim the on-going controversy involving 700 WLW talk show host Bill Cunningham (Willie Cunningham) and presidential candidate John McCain has the potential to impact the results of the 2008 election.

Ohio is a key state in the presidential election. For Republicans it is essential that they win as much support as possible in southwest Ohio to counter the strong Democratic party support in the Cleveland area.

Political Science professor Jason Johnson from Hiram College spoke to the Cincinnati Enquirer and told them John McCain needs radio talk show listeners and Willie fans to go his way, "John McCain needs those people if he has any hope of winning in November."

With other national talk show hosts like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity rushing to Willie's defense, it widens the rift between the party's conservative base and John McCain even further, at a time when the Republican party has only recently started to solidify around the likely nominee.


TOPICS: Editorial; Extended News; News/Current Events; US: Ohio
KEYWORDS: backlash; billcunningham; cunningham; husseinobama; mccain; oh2008; ohio; talkradio; wlw
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To: r9etb

What are the sins that Cunningham is supposed to have committed?

How many of them are illegal?

How many of them are untrue?

How many of them are not supportable?


241 posted on 02/28/2008 10:46:14 AM PST by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain -- Those denying the War was Necessary Do NOT Support the Troops!)
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To: CharlesWayneCT
Making fun of Barack’s middle name suggests we don’t have any serious issues with him. Since we do, making fun of his name is detracting from our message, and it’s time conservatives figured that out.

Exactly correct. Unfortunately, many "conservatives" are still mired in blaming the RINOs in the RNC for their own failings.

Perhaps it's profitable to look at our situation in terms the 5 stages of grief. Right now, conservatives seem mired somewhere in the range between denial and anger. Hence, the pissy name-calling and "it's the RNC's fault" that we see on this thread.

Eventually (or maybe not), we in the conservative movement will accept our faults and work to address them. We ain't there yet, though -- not by a long shot.

242 posted on 02/28/2008 10:50:59 AM PST by r9etb
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To: xzins

We’re not going to get another candidate. With Romney’s delegates, he’s already over the top. Even without them, McCain will have enough soon for the simple reason that there aren’t other candidates on the ballot with any statewide organizations, ad buys or volunteers to win votes.

We have to deal with reality. Time for the talk radio hosts to remember the 11th Commandment and put aside their aversion to the party’s nominee.


243 posted on 02/28/2008 10:52:34 AM PST by highball ("I never should have switched from scotch to martinis." -- the last words of Humphrey Bogart)
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To: r9etb

“Why have conservatives reached the point where they clearly hold no serious sway in the party?”

Constantly being satisfied with the evil of two lessers probably has a lot to do with it.


244 posted on 02/28/2008 10:52:44 AM PST by Grunthor (McCain voters believe that it's possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.)
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To: xzins
It was just broadcast on the news that the Tennessee GOP has been TOLD by the National GOP to stop using Barak Hussein Obama’s MIDDLE NAME!

LOL!!!! Maybe they should just call him BO.
245 posted on 02/28/2008 10:55:21 AM PST by Girlene
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To: xzins
Is Obama's middle name really a campaign issue? No, it's not -- but Cunningham clearly meant to make it one. That's enough, right there. He's trivializing the campaign down to a level that's commonly found on a 2nd grade playground.

To hell with that. We've got serious things to worry about. And if Cunningham were a serious political commentator, he would be more interested in the serious stuff.

246 posted on 02/28/2008 10:55:29 AM PST by r9etb
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To: CharlesWayneCT
Sorry, he can call people names all he wants, but McCain has the right to distance himself from petty name-calling. And since McCain didn’t call on Bill to apologize, this really isn’t about Bill at all, it’s about McCain not adopting the childish name-calling that the conservative movement has now too-often adopted in place of serious policy discussion.

Making fun of Barack’s middle name suggests we don’t have any serious issues with him. Since we do, making fun of his name is detracting from our message, and it’s time conservatives figured that out.

I have been saying this for weeks, but never so well. Thank you.

247 posted on 02/28/2008 10:57:48 AM PST by highball ("I never should have switched from scotch to martinis." -- the last words of Humphrey Bogart)
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To: Grunthor
Constantly being satisfied with the evil of two lessers probably has a lot to do with it.

THEN GET OFF YOUR WHINY ASS AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!

For God's sake, man -- you're bitching and moaning like a schoolkid. It's disgusting. Buck up and start acting like a man. If you don't like your choices, do something constructive!

248 posted on 02/28/2008 10:57:56 AM PST by r9etb
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To: DManA; r9etb
The consequences are that Cunninham probably will get a national talk show ...

Doubtful, on both counts.

Who do you think filled Drudge's syndicated Sunday night time slot? Answer: Billy Cunningham
249 posted on 02/28/2008 11:00:18 AM PST by SpaceBar
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To: r9etb
re: And? Why does "red meat" have to take the form that Cunningham used? Answer: it doesn't.)))

Cunningham was set up by the Rovites. Sucker punch the conservative at every opportunity--throw RED MEAT to the left.

I'm wondering--keep asking the McKoolaid bunch--how goes the fundraising? Getting lots of donations from Joe Sixpack?

250 posted on 02/28/2008 11:01:47 AM PST by Mamzelle (Time for Conservatives to go Free Agent)
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To: r9etb; jude24; Grunthor; P-Marlowe

I strongly disagree. “Hussein” is exactly what Obama is about right now.

No one knows who this guy is. They don’t know how a guy out of no place with less than 2 years experience in Federal government is about to be a major party candidate for the presidency.

I want to know about the “Hussein.” I don’t want some sound bite dismissal of that name and the history behind it.

It’s critically important I know about any Islamic connections. Don’t try to tell me it isn’t.


251 posted on 02/28/2008 11:04:04 AM PST by xzins (Retired Army Chaplain -- Those denying the War was Necessary Do NOT Support the Troops!)
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To: r9etb

“If you don’t like your choices, do something constructive!”

Why, I am. I have chosen to NOT eat the RNC’s excrement sandwich this year and spend much of my time attempting to convince others to pursue the same path.


252 posted on 02/28/2008 11:06:43 AM PST by Grunthor (McCain voters believe that it's possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.)
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To: Mamzelle
Cunningham was set up by the Rovites. Sucker punch the conservative at every opportunity--throw RED MEAT to the left

What a crock of BS. "Red Meat" can mean a lot of different things. Cunningham is the one who chose the words. To blame anybody but Cunningham is silly.

253 posted on 02/28/2008 11:07:05 AM PST by r9etb
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To: Pharmboy

“”That said I think Huck is a conservative. You bought into the opposing campaigns characterizations I think.
Nope...I just looked at his record and remarks on immigration and taxes. I think you bought into his superficial charm.””

MCCAIN IS THE FRONT RUNNER, NOT THE WINNER!!!!!!

Huckabee is the only realistic chance to stop McCain, and get to a convention.

It’s a long shot, but that’s better than none.

A VOTE FOR HUCKABEE IS A VOTE AGAINST MCCAIN!!

I trust Duncan Hunter’s judgment on Huckabee’s commitment to seal the border. I don’t trust John McCain on anything.

At least Huckabee is trying to appeal to conservatives, intead of trying to appease the MSM/Dems.

Or do you just like getting poked in the eye every day?


254 posted on 02/28/2008 11:08:44 AM PST by redinIllinois (Pro-life, accountant, gun-totin' grandma - multi issue voter)
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To: r9etb; Dane
THEN GET OFF YOUR WHINY ASS AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!

LOL. My own plan of action involves completely ignoring the usual gang of idiots on FR who, for reasons unknown, seem to get a big kick out of insulting, scolding, etc. conservatives on this site.

So much so that they seldom seem to have enough energy left to criticize the other side.

Its all they ever do.

255 posted on 02/28/2008 11:08:54 AM PST by skeeter
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To: Grunthor
While I will cast my vote in some alternative way against McCain, I'm concerned about the real republicans that are going to get caught in this "swell of indifferince." I think there needs to be an organized effort--"Even though you refuse to drink the McKoolaid, how can you support the conservatives that are running other races in 2008?'

The New Republic had an article recently about McCain, about how most republicans have no idea just how much damage McCain has done to conservatism just by being a Senator.

256 posted on 02/28/2008 11:11:37 AM PST by Mamzelle (Time for Conservatives to go Free Agent)
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To: xzins
I strongly disagree. “Hussein” is exactly what Obama is about right now.... No one knows who this guy is.

You surely must see that these are contradictory statements.

What you're doing, is exactly the same thing the fainting Fannies on the left are doing. Obama is a complete unknown, so you're defining him according to your own hopes and fears.

"Hussein" is the fellow's middle name. He was given the name at birth -- he had no choice in the matter. I have a fairly distinctive middle name, too, and I didn't have a choice either. The choices are to keep it or change it ... and I just can't fault the guy for keeping it.

For crying out loud, xzins -- can't you just step back and see what an infantile thing you're doing?

257 posted on 02/28/2008 11:12:29 AM PST by r9etb
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To: r9etb
No answer to my question about donations?

Well, McCain needs more than conservative votes. He needs their money and their footwork and their excellent political organization energies.

And he thinks kicking us in the teeth every few days is "inspiration"?

258 posted on 02/28/2008 11:13:55 AM PST by Mamzelle (Time for Conservatives to go Free Agent)
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To: Polybius
Oh please, cut the drama it does not work with me.

But, since you asked, here is a NEW interview (with a foreign paper) with “our” guy, denouncing OUR President of the United States as not credible, a torturer, a human rights abuser, a polluter of the earth, and damaging to the world.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,534459,00.html

SPIEGEL: Senator McCain, Europe is reserving a lot of hope for the next president of the United States. Will you try to win back trust in America around the world?

McCain: I know most of the leaders in Europe and other parts of the world and I have a long record of my positions and my ability to work together with our allies. I think I will start out with a level of credibility.

FROM THE MAGAZINE
Find out how you can reprint this DER SPIEGEL article in your publication. SPIEGEL: America has lost a lot of friends because President George W. Bush angered, indeed outraged, them. He allowed human rights to be violated at Guantanamo Bay, and he dismissed the joint effort to combat global warming. Under a President McCain, could we expect a change of course?

McCain: Yes. I would announce that we are not ever going to torture anyone held in American custody. I would announce that we were closing Guantanamo Bay and moving those prisoners to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and I would announce a commitment to addressing climate change and my dedication to a global agreement — but it has to include India and China.

SPIEGEL: So is America coming back to renegotiate the Kyoto Protocol?

McCain: I believe America is going to enter into negotiations to try to reach a global agreement. But, as I said, that agreement must include India and China, two of the emerging economies of the world. We would be foolish not to do so.

SPIEGEL: Will America attempt to go it alone less frequently in the future?

McCAIN: Well, we all hope that America will be multilateral again in the future. There were times when the United States acted unilaterally, but I think we would all prefer to work in concert with our friends and allies.

SPIEGEL: What role will the United Nations play? Bush always ignored the UN.

McCain: The United Nations always plays an important role. But right now we are having to deal with a Russia that is clearly intent on blocking action. That’s why the UN must act in a league of democracies that share our values and our common principles.

More...

AND, this is just a little bit of what he has been doing for years:

WASHINGTON - Sen. John McCain yesterday unleashed an attack on his own party, saying the GOP is ``astray’’ on key issues and criticizing President Bush [related, bio] on the war in Iraq.

*****``I believe my party has gone astray,’’ McCain said, criticizing GOP stands on environmental and minority issues.

*****``I think the Democratic Party is a fine party, and I have no problems with it, in their views and their philosophy,’’ he said. ``But I also feel the Republican Party can be brought back to the principles I articulated before.’’

*****The maverick senator made the remarks at a legislative seminar hosted by U.S. Rep. Martin T. Meehan (D-Lowell) as he again ruled out running on a ticket with Democrat John F. Kerry [related, bio].

*****The Arizona Republican took on President Bush for failing to prepare Americans for a long involvement in Iraq, saying, ``You can’t fly in on an aircraft carrier and declare victory and have the deaths continue. You can’t do that.’’

*****McCain said the U.S. should seek more U.N. involvement in Iraq. ``Many people in this room question, legitimately, whether we should have gone in or not,’’ he said, adding that that debate ``will be part of this presidential campaign.’”

(and he was mavericking on David Letterman last year, claiming GWB “wasted” the lives of our troops.

BTW, Gen Petraeus would laugh at your assertion that Bush and Rummy did not want a better plan to counter the insurgency, since he testified that the Pres and the DOD asked him to return and write the handbook on what had worked for him in his sector assignment, and then to return to Iraq and implement it. He was being called “King David” by the Iraqis in his orgininal post. All the Generals have testified to their thinking about big troop footprints, giving Iraqis responsibilities, training them, filtering out the bad guys. They Generals before Petraeus testified to all the tactics that worked and did not work.

McCain was agitating against the President (with the Dims) IN PUBLIC from the beginning, which aided and abetted, helping to prolong enemy belief that they could win. And obviously has some (you) believing that the President and Rumsfeld were just peachy with our men dying, while twiddling their thumbs. No statesman would do that.

No, obviously it is not me or some talk show hosts that spread lies about our President, and our mission. It is none of my business who you vote for, just do not pretend that McCain is some great guy, worthy of respect.

259 posted on 02/28/2008 11:14:09 AM PST by roses of sharon (Who will be McCain's maverick?)
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To: skeeter
LOL. My own plan of action involves completely ignoring the usual gang of idiots on FR who, for reasons unknown, seem to get a big kick out of insulting, scolding, etc. conservatives on this site.

Hm. Well, I guess I won't lose much sleep if you choose to ignore me because I prefer conservatives whose approach to issues more closely mirrors those of Messrs. Reagan or Buckley, than the mental midgetry of Sean Hannity.

260 posted on 02/28/2008 11:15:54 AM PST by r9etb
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