From The Hotline for Tuesday, June 24, 2008

MCCAIN

A Charlie Black Christmas

Tue. Jun 24, 2008


In a recent interview with Fortune, Charlie Black, a senior adviser to John McCain, said another terrorist attack on U.S. soil would be a "big advantage" to McCain -- drawing a "sharp rebuke" 6/23 from both McCain and Barack Obama's camp (Johnson, AP, 6/23).

In the Fortune article, Black said that the Dec. '07 assassination of ex-Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto was an "unfortunate event. ... But [McCain's] knowledge and ability to talk about it reemphasized that this is the guy who's ready to be Commander-in-Chief. And it helped us."

Black also conceded "with startling candor after we raise the issue" that if there was another terrorist attack on U.S. soil, "certainly it would be a big advantage to him" (Whitford, Fortune, 6/23).

Outside a fundraiser in Fresno, CA, on 6.23, Black read a statement from handwritten notes: "I deeply regret the comments -- they were inappropriate. I recognize that John McCain had devoted his entire adult life to protecting his country ... and placing its security above every other consideration." A senior camp official said that the context of Black's argument was that McCain is favored on nat'l security issues, and that any day that nat'l security leads the news is a good day for McCain (Aigner-Treworgy, NBC/National Journal, 6/23).

Questioned about Black's comments during a presser, McCain said: "I cannot imagine why he would say it. It's not true. I've worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear." He added: "I cannot imagine it, and so, if he said that -- and I don't know the context -- I strenuously disagree" (AP, 6/23).

Obama spokesperson Bill Burton also responded, saying: "The fact that John McCain's top advisor says that a terrorist attack on American soil would be a 'big advantage' for their political campaign is a complete disgrace, and is exactly the kind of politics that needs to change" (release, 6/23).

Washington Post's Shear notes, the comment "reinjected the fear of terrorism into the campaign as both candidates had been shifting their conversation to the economy." It also "vividly recalled" the '04 WH race, in which GOPers "repeatedly questioned" Sen. John Kerry's (D-MA) ability to protect the country. The comments "also returned the political spotlight to McCain's advisers and, in particular, to Black, who has drawn criticism for his long lobbying career and his representation of controversial" foreign gov'ts (6/24).

You Can't Do That On Television

Reacting to Black's comments, several people said he was probably correct, but erred in his delivery:

• Fortune editor-at-large David Whitford, to whom Black made the comments, on his reaction: "I was surprised. Not by the sentiment, but by the fact that he would express it. ... I don't think there's anybody in either camp who would dispute the essential truth of what Charlie Black told me. The surprise was that he expressed it" ("American Morning," CNN, 6/24).

• Newsday's Riley writes, "it remains unclear to us what was so awful. If he said they were hoping for a terror attack because it would help McCain, that would be awful. But we've talked casually here in the newsroom about who would benefit from another terror attack on several occasions during the last seven years. It seems like a reasonable question to think about, and Black's answer -- probably McCain -- is probably the right answer" ("Spin Cycle," Newsday.com, 6/24).

• CNN's Bash, on McCain: "I was with him that day where Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. We were in Iowa. And he scrapped his entire town hall, what he had planned to say on the stump, and he started out talking about the fact that he knew Benazir Bhutto, he knows the region, he's been to Pakistan, been to Waziristan. So, despite what everybody is talking about here, the reality is, he knew right then and there, back during the primaries, when he was running against what he thought were other Republican candidates who didn't have the same experience as he did on the national stage, that that could benefit him" ("AC 360," CNN, 6/23).

• Dick Morris: "Crazy choice of words, of course, but the point that he meant, which is basically true, is that anything that reminds us of the severity of the danger that we face from terrorism is going to help McCain because he's seen as better able to deal with it. ... It's appropriate to attack Charlie on it but I think it's important for us to understand the broader meaning of what he was trying to say" ("Hannity & Colmes," FNC, 6/23).

• Pat Buchanan: "It certainly was inappropriate to say it, but it is not untrue" ("Morning Joe," MSNBC, 6/24).

• CBS' Greenfield, on whether a terrorist attack would be a big advantage for McCain: "In this case, I probably agree with what Charlie Black said, but I disagree -- as most people probably do -- with his ability to say it as a McCain adviser" ("Early Show," 6/24).

• MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R): "Charlie was, I suspect, just trying to emphasize that Senator McCain rightly and understandably is viewed as the stronger candidate when it comes to national security and military affairs and international matters, and that's just a function of his record and a function of the facts. But the way that Charlie said that he has acknowledged was inappropriate and Senator McCain concurred" ("Morning Joe," MSNBC, 6/24).

Others, meanwhile, focused on the potential damage for the camp:

• ABC's Stephanopoulos: "The McCain campaign is tearing their hair out over this. ... This is the kind of thing you just can't say. It's too crude. It's too insensitive, and the bigger problem for the McCain campaign right now is that they can't seem to avoid what one aide called these 'unforced errors.' They were trying to drive home a message on energy policy yesterday. This got in the way. This clouded it" ("GMA," 6/24).

• CNN's Crowley, on how damaging the comments are: "It plays into Democrats perfectly. There is no doubt about that, because what they like to do is say, that's the politics of fear. ... So, insofar as it plays into that, I think it's harmful. It's always a drip, drip, drip process. And this is a drip" ("Election Center," 6/23).

• Ex-WH adviser David Gergen: "He gives offense because it appears that perhaps there are those within the McCain campaign, who, unlike the senator, would actually welcome an attack because it may help them win" ("AC 360," CNN, 6/23).

• Air America's Maddow: "The bigger question here ... is whether or not the underlying political point he is making there is still true. Obama is campaigning like national security is his bread and butter. What remains to be seen, I think, is whether Charlie Black and the McCain campaign generally are underestimating or misunderstanding a new politics around security in this country" ("Race for the WH," MSNBC, 6/23).

• Time's Klein: "It is perfectly fine to talk about your candidate's national security credentials. And John McCain certainly has a ton of those. But there's been a pattern in the Republican Party, going back to Karl Rove briefing the Republican National Committee in 2003 on the fact that the war in Iraq was going to be good for Republicans. This is another step along that same path" ("AC 360," CNN, 6/23).

• Washington Post's Milbank, asked if Black will be fired: "They are certainly going to hope that this becomes a 24-hour thing that blows over. Which it well could be, depending on what events happen in the coming days. But if it keeps being brought back to them, they'll have to take some action here" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 6/23).

• Ex-WH counterterrorism adviser Richard Clarke: "What Charlie Black did is reveal their thinking, not that they wanted terrorist attack, but that they do plan to run by scaring us. They're using the same playbook they've been using for years because it works. And if McCain is sincere in saying that he's shocked, that there's gambling going on in his casino, then he ought to part with Charlie Black" ("Countdown," MSNBC, 6/23).

• GOP strategist Brad Blakeman: "I think the only good thing that came out of this was Charlie Black immediately apologized for those remarks, and that's the saving grace with this. It was handled correctly. It was handled swiftly by the McCain campaign and life goes on" ("Verdict," MSNBC, 6/23).

• Independent Women's Forum pres. Michelle Bernard: "It probably hurt John McCain for 24 hours. The statement -- it's almost analogous to Hillary Clinton when she was giving arguments about why she should stay in the race and she made the huge faux pas in referencing the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy" ("Hardball," MSNBC, 6/23).

Do They Really Want To Bring Up The Whole Public Funding Argument Again?

The DNC filed a lawsuit today in DC's U.S. District Court to compel the FEC to investigate McCain's decision "to unilaterally withdraw from the FEC's matching funds program."

DNC Chair Howard Dean: "Whether it's using a taxpayer funded loan to keep his campaign afloat, refusing to reimburse for his campaign's use of a corporate jet, or violating federal laws on a foreign campaign trip, John McCain has shown an increasingly troubling pattern of impropriety" (release, 6/24).

RNC chief counsel Sean Cairncross, in response: "As expected, the DNC today filed the same frivolous lawsuit that was thrown out of court over a month ago. It appears the DNC's legal strategy mirrors its party's governing strategy: keep doing the same thing and hope for different results. ... The DNC should spend more time explaining why its candidate broke his word to the American people on public financing and less time on reckless lawsuits" (release, 6/24).

Meanwhile, shortly after the lawsuit filing was announced, the McCain camp released a new web video, "Words," focusing on Obama "breaking his pledge to the American people that he would accept public financing" (release, 6/24).

Keep Your Eyes On The $300M Prize

McCain "added an unusual twist to his emerging energy agenda" on 6/23, promising to award a $300M prize "to the inventor of a next-generation battery that could power electric vehicles" (see 6/23 Hotline).

Appearing at a town hall event at Fresno State Univ., McCain "spoke expansively" of "the potential of American ingenuity." McCain: "We are the country of Edison, Fulton and two brothers named Wright. ... Think of all the highest scientific endeavors of our age: the invention of the silicon chip, the creation of the Internet, the mapping of the human genome."

McCain said he came up with the $300M "by comparing it with a much-ridiculed" $233M earmark for the so-called bridge to nowhere in AK, noting that his prize would cost about a dollar for "every man, woman and child in America" (Levey/Bensinger, Los Angeles Times, 6/24). McCain: "Whether it takes a meeting with automakers during my first month in office, or my signature on an act of Congress, we will meet the goal of a swift conversion of American vehicles away from oil."

He called for "Clean Car Challenge" tax credits for low-emissions cars, including a $5K tax credit for zero-emission cars and lesser credits for other lower-emissions vehicles (Marinucci, San Francisco Chronicle, 6/24).

Also at the town hall, McCain was asked a question about the price of gas and the viability of various short-term solutions and made a "surprisingly candid admission" about his offshore drilling proposal. McCain: "I don't see an immediate relief, but I do see that exploitation of existing reserves that may exist -- and in view of many experts that do exist off our coasts -- is also a way that we need to provide relief. Even though it may take some years, the fact that we are exploiting those reserves would have psychological impact that I think is beneficial" (Aigner-Treworgy, NBC/National Journal, 6/23).

Meanwhile, Obama's camp "dismissed McCain's ideas as too little and too much of a shift" from his record. Obama economic policy dir. Jason Furman: "A bogus solution to a major problem" (Douglas/Thomma, McClatchy, 6/24). Obama spokesperson Hari Sevugan: "Nothing typifies the 'Washington mindset' more than touting a $300 million prize for a better car battery in an election year when you previously called a research grant into a electric powered vehicles that was a fraction of that size 'egregious'" (release, 6/23).

Among the other responses to McCain's proposals:

• DNC spokesperson Karen Finney: "Today's $300 million question is why John McCain repeatedly voted against promoting hybrid vehicles, cracking down on oil price gouging, increasing fuel efficiency standards, and using tax credits to promote alternatives to fossil fuels? How can Americans trust John McCain when he continually changes his positions during the election year?" (release, 6/23).

• Denver Post's Harsanyi writes about the $300M incentive: "Some campaign ploys are a cry for attention. Others just empty promises. And sometimes, candidates prove that they have absolutely no clue what's going on. Congratulations, John McCain, you've scored a natural hat trick" (6/24).

• New York Sun's Berman notes, in proposing a $300M prize for the invention of a more efficient car battery, McCain "is taking a page from the playbook of Newt Gingrich." Gingrich "has pushed the use of cash rewards to spur innovation, particularly as the country grapples with the challenges of reducing its dependence on gasoline-powered transportation and foreign oil" (6/24).

• Pawlenty, on the $300M prize idea: "I think it's a great idea. ... It combines the great innovative spirit of America, plus people's desire to make money, and it unleashes creative talent" ("Fox & Friends," FNC, 6/24).

Maybe The Deck Of The Exxon Valdez Wasn't Available

McCain is in Santa Barbara, CA, today -- the "site of a devastating 1969 offshore oil spill" -- where he will appear with CA Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). Schwarzenegger has opposed McCain's recent call for lifting the federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling (San Francisco Chronicle, 6/24).

Los Angeles Times' Decker/Finnegan notes, in Santa Barbara today, McCain is making the "calculated gamble that high gas prices have trumped voters' desire to protect the environment" (6/24).

Obama spokesperson Hari Sevugan also noted: "We hope Governor Schwarzenegger takes the opportunity to talk to John McCain about why his support for offshore oil drilling and tepid commitment to renewable energy are out of step with California, and would place at risk the coast and coastal economy while squandering an opportunity to create millions of new green collar jobs" (release, 6/24).

Meanwhile, "there are probably 40 people outside the Museum of Natural in History in Santa Barbara protesting John McCain's visit" -- "probably the biggest protest we've ever seen outside a McCain event" (Aigner-Treworgy, NBC/National Journal, 6/24).

What Happened To Miss Energy Independent?

McCain released a new web video on 6/23, "Energy Security." It focuses on his "plans to move America forward toward energy independence" (release, 6/23).

Dazed And Confused

Wall Street Journal's Meckler notes, McCain "is putting energy policy at the center" of his WH bid, "embracing a diverse array of positions that defies easy categorization."

He "is for more oil drilling and also for alternatives to oil. He wants to drill off the coasts but not in" ANWR. He "supports subsidies for nuclear power and clean-coal technology, but has opposed them for ethanol, solar and wind power." He "wants to lower gasoline prices by temporarily suspending the federal gas tax. But he wants to raise the price of gas with a cap-and-trade system that punishes polluting industries."

Center for Strategic and International Studies senior adviser Bob Ebel: "It's all over the map. ... I'm just sort of scratching my head" (6/24).

It's The Economic Advisers, Stupid

The DNC launched "an unflattering catalog" of McCain's economic advisers on 6/24, as part of its McCainpedia website project.

The site highlights McCain Victory chair Carly Fiorina "and her defense of outsourcing and alleged insensitivity over the mortgage crisis;" ex-Sen. Phil Gramm's (R-TX) "deregulatory work, UBS ties and role in an 'Enron Exemption' that 'set the stage for the current rampant oil speculation;'" and ex-Cong. Budget Office dir. Douglas Holtz-Eakin's "reversal on the cost of tax cuts since his tenure at the CBO" (Haynes, "Washington Wire," WSJ.com, 6/23).

Summertime, And The Living's Easy

McCain will participate in "a tele-town hall meeting" with registered indies and Dems from Broward and Palm Beach Co., FL, today (release, 6/24).

The McCain camp will also open its NJ/NY regional HQ in Woodbridge, NJ, on 6/25 (release, 6/24).

Meanwhile, McCain will make his first trip as a WH candidate to northeastern PA on 7/23. The trip "will include a luncheon and another event" (Krawczeniuk, Scranton Times-Tribune, 6/24).

You Know: Fish, Chips, Cup 'O Tea, Bad Food, Worse Weather, Mary F#%king Poppins ... London

Cindy McCain will host a fundraiser in London on 6/26 after she completes her humanitarian visit to southeast Asia.

The p.m. event is expected to raise more than $500K for McCain's camp. Ex-Sec/State Henry Kissinger was scheduled to join C. McCain as a headliner of the event (Fouhy, AP, 6/23).

Arthur, He Does As He Pleases

AP's Sidoti profiles McCain VP vetter/atty Arthur Culvahouse Jr., who "is such a mystery that few people even know who's in charge."

Culvahouse is a "consummate behind-the-scenes player" in DC -- a one-time WH counsel to Ronald Reagan and "someone whose work mostly has been so obscure that he likely isn't recognized outside" the Beltway.

McCain aides "won't confirm his position, but it's an open secret in GOP circles that while" McCain and mgr. Rick Davis "are running the show, Culvahouse is closely involved the process." Ex-Sen. Howard Baker (R-TN): "From my understanding, he has been asked to take a look at the potential candidates for vice president, look at their background" (6/24).

Talkin' 'Bout Friends Forever

With GOP fortunes "sinking under the weight of a prolonged war, a weak economy and one of the most unpopular presidents in history, a lot of" ex-McCain "foes are reaching out to him like a lifeline. That's because he's more popular among voters than is" the GOP brand itself, and "may be the party's best hope" for attracting indies.

Ex-Bob Dole mgr. Scott Reed: "We've seen a lot of the grumbling quiet down because the stakes are very high. ... He's going to have even more friends after the convention" (Nichols/Jensen, Bloomberg, 6/24).

I Wanna Get Back To My City By The eBay

McCain "regularly asserts" that 1.3M people worldwide "make a living off eBay." He "holds up the figure as evidence the world's largest Internet auctioneer is a model for job and economic growth."

McCain, "seeking to address voter anxiety about the economy, uses EBay to signal that he is 'fundamentally optimistic about the capacity of the U.S. economy to innovate, for that innovation to give new opportunities for jobs,'" according to senior economic adviser Douglas Holtz-Eakin. Holtz-Eakin: "We shouldn't be obsessed with looking backwards all the time, and saying, 'Gee, where did those jobs go?'"

This "affection for EBay as an engine for job creation, however, confounds economists" such as Penn. prof. Betsey Stevenson. Stevenson: "In terms of jobs, there's no net increase in GDP that comes from trading stuff that's already made. ... New people selling stuff out of their closet on EBay isn't growing the economy" (Nichols, Bloomberg, 6/24).

I Am Stuck On Band-Aid Brand, 'Cause Band-Aids Help Heal Me

McCain was sporting "two small bandages on the top of his head" on 6/23.

But McCain, who has "battled skin cancer multiple times," quickly dismissed that concern when a reporter asked him about it. McCain: "I was getting out of the car in Canada and I hit the roof a teeny bit. ... The car was much smaller than the one I am usually being ferried around in by our beloved secret service" (Holmes, "Washington Wire," WSJ.com, 6/23).

For The Boys

The McCain traveling press corps gathered for the morning security sweep on 6/23, "and it became apparent that among the two dozen men there was only one woman."

Although the 6/23 lineup was "a coincidence," on the whole, "the majority of press on the campaign trail are men -- courteous gentleman, to be sure, but men nonetheless." And "among the McCain staff on the plane, the female count amounted to only three" -- McCain spokesperson Brooke Buchanan, "a female campaign photographer and the woman in charge of press advance. A female secret service agent also stood out" (Holmes, "Washington Wire," WSJ.com, 6/23).

The Thin Red Bottom Line

Washington Post's Cohen writes, "here is the difference between McCain and Obama -- and Obama had better pay attention. McCain is a known commodity. It's not just that he's been around a long time and staked out positions antithetical to those of his Republican base. It's also -- and more important -- that we know his bottom line. As his North Vietnamese captors found out, there is only so far he will go, and then his pride or his sense of honor takes over."

Obama "might have a similar bottom line, core principles for which, in some sense, he is willing to die. If so, we don't know what they are. Nothing so far in his life approaches McCain's decision to refuse repatriation as a POW so as to deny his jailors a propaganda coup." In fact, "there is scant evidence" that Obama "takes positions that challenge his base or otherwise threaten him politically. That's why his reversal on campaign financing and his transparently false justification of it matter more than similar acts by McCain" (6/24).

Built Gerald Ford Tough

American Univ. prof. Allan Lichtman writes, McCain's defeat "by the liberal Obama and the advent of a strengthened" Dem Congress "would mark the end of the modern conservative era as clearly as" Franklin Roosevelt's defeat of Herbert Hoover in '32 marked the end of the conservative '20s.

And even if McCain were to win the WH, "he would likely preside over a divided government and become a transitional figure in the evolution of American conservative politics, a Gerald Ford to some future Ronald Reagan" (Politico, 6/23).

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