Posted on 10/03/2008 10:33:47 AM PDT by mojito
Here is the big question of the moment that many GOPers are asking: Why is John McCain not tearing into Barack Obama and the Dems on the huge role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the Community Reinvestment Act in the financial crisis on Wall Street? In fact, the biggest criticism by conservatives of Sarah Palin's debate performance last night was that she had the opportunity to talk about Fannie/Freddie and the CRA but instead criticized the role of "predatory lenders."
Here is what Team McCain is telling me: Expect McCain to make the case on television, but don't look for him to turn to Obama in the next debate, point his finger, and say something like this (courtesy of the Ace of Spades HQ blog):
"I stayed away from making these partisan attacks, even though you lied ridiculously about me and your own attempts at 'reform.' I held back, because partisan attacks—even truthful ones—would harm our country and reduce the chances of getting a vital bill passed. Well, the bill is now passed. I put country first. You didn't, and you lied on top of that. And now—only now that this crisis has been dealt with, to the extent we can—I'm going to give you a bit of straight-talk about Fannie, Freddie, my attempts to reform it, and your attempts to block reform on behalf of your big donors and friends in ACORN."
Nope, that is not going to happen.
Why not? 1) It is a complicated argument, and McCain is not good at making complicated arguments, not even about earmarks. (Note, additionally, his lack of defense of the war in Iraq during his debate with Obama. Amazing.)
2) There is a racial component to criticism of the Community Reinvestment Act that can make it sound like you are scapegoating minorities for Wall Street's problems.
3) The campaign believes McCain's time is better spent talking about taxes and energy and healthcare. Really.
There is a newish TV ad about Fannie and Freddie. You tell me if it makes the point conservatives desperately want McCain to make. I don't think it explicitly or aggressively connects the dots the way activists crave. Here is the transcript:
ANNCR: John McCain fought to rein in Fannie and Freddie.
The Post says: McCain "pushed for stronger regulation"..."while Mr. Obama was notably silent."
But, Democrats blocked the reforms.
Loans soared.
Then, the bubble burst.
And, taxpayers are on the hook for billions.
Bill Clinton knows who is responsible.
PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON: "I think the responsibility that the Democrats have may rest more in resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was President to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."
ANNCR: You're right, Mr. President. It didn't have to happen.
JOHN McCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.
My bottom line: The McCain campaign is underestimating how absolutely furious conservatives are that free markets, and by extension Reaganomics and the last 25 years of American economic policy, are getting the blame for the housing and credit crisis. A real morale killer, they tell me. Over and over. Every day.
Either John McCain doesn’t want to win this election, or the Democrat Party has pics of McCain with a goat at the Hanoi Hilton.
If McCain doesn’t do exactly what was stated in this article, he doesn’t deserve to be president.
The answer lies in the grassroots.....pass this to everyone you know.
Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Crisis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Bump
Remember there was a Jimmy Carter before Reagan,
Obama before Sarah
I’m not sure I believe a word of this. If these “reasons” really restrain McCain, then he is beyond infantile stupidity, and while he was something like my 34th choice for the nominee, I really don’t believe he is quite THAT fricking daft.
LOL!!!
About what I and many others had guessed about the near silence on this volatile issue. McCain being McCain might cost Republicans the White House. But one bright spot is that Governor Palin did re-establish herself last night and will come out of this a star no matter how inept and clueless the McCain campaign might be on some issues.
Do we need to have a national protest at the doorstep of the media?
Take of the gloves and go at Obama HAMMER AND TONGS
Let the chips fall where they may!!!!!
Hillery Clinton made the same mistake, and look where it landed her!
“...It is a complicated argument...”
It’s not a complicated argument. The Democrats (Dodd and Frank) showed bad judgment on regulating Fannie and Freddie, and Obama showed bad judgment by going along with his party, accepting loads of Fannie/Freddie campaign cash, and choosing Jim Johnson, the former chairman of Fannie Mae, as a key campaign advisor.
Is that simple enough for you McCain?
They’ll change their minds.
It will get very ugly very quickly and John will lead the pack.
Hey McCAIN: Get a clue. Ask Sarah. She knows how to say it. Maybe can teach you. If you don’t learn how to do this, maybe you are not capable of this job.
This is nuts.
The GOP nominated yet another candidate who has difficulty explaining reality. Too complex?
Atrocious.
“Do we need to have a national protest at the doorstep of the media? “
YES!
Can someone in PA please tell me McCain is taking it to Biden on clean coal or some other energy topic?
If not, I am going to lose all hope, not just some of it.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Exactly, Exactly, Obama is attempting to destroy Reagan Conservatism. Note the references to Trickle Down etc. Obama Change means end of Capitalism and hello Socialism.
McCain needs to Destroy Obama over this or we all lose.
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