# Obama campaign finally fights back--What do you think? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 12, 2008, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286 "2008-09-12T15:35:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/21 "2008-09-12T16:50:06Z")
But the dynamic here is different, because Obama is different. If one is on the fence, it can’t be the facts, can it? It must be based on some other motivation, almost certainly an irrational response. I could easily understand and accept an analysis that says “The fence-sitter is nervous about how strange and different Obama is, and inclined to vote for the devil he knows, therefore Obama must stick to a very non-threatening image.” ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/22 "2008-09-12T16:52:04Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > You can watch it live and in progress [right now on his website](http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG53Vr). Thanks! (I was hoping it would be in the evening, though. Video gets blocked at work.) ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/23 "2008-09-12T17:11:48Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > You can watch it live and in progress [right now on his website](http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/amandascott/gG53Vr). Did he just say “it’s a woman’s turn” when he was asking for the next question from the audience? I only started watching a few minutes ago, so was that in relation to something from earlier in the speech? ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/24 "2008-09-12T22:43:40Z")
> [@DoctorJ](#): > > Your larger point is true, but Gore isn’t a good example. He’s a pretty famous nerd. The internet didn’t have much of a role in politics in 2000 when he ran, but I’m sure that when the blogosphere exploded a few years later he knew all about it. Bit of a hijack, but when Gore was Vice President he famously invited the head of every government department to his office. He’d have their department web site up on his computer screen. If they didn’t have one, they had to have a good reason why not. “An Inconvenient Truth” featured plenty of scenes of Gore answering e-mails and editing his Keynote presentation. > [@](#): > > I mean, [check out that sweet monitor setup in his office.](http://robitaille.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/gore-office.jpg) I’m a gigantic geek and I don’t have freaking triple 30" monitors! (Oh yeah…I’m broke.) ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/25 "2008-09-12T23:11:12Z")
Now that the conventions are over, and respects have been paid to the 9/11 victims, I think we will see a much more aggressive Obama, as evidenced by [his remarks at a machinist’s union rally in Florida](http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/obama-implies-m.html): > [@](#): > > Team Obama has signaled a new aggression for the final 53 days of the campaign, and the candidate demonstrated that this morning during a satellite address to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers. > > According to the pool report, he reprised his convention speech line that his rival “doesn’t get it,” but also used a new line to blast McCain’s trade stance. > > **“When American workers hear John McCain talking about putting country first, it’s fair to ask - which country?”** Obama told the union, to applause. McCain is going to reap the whirlwind, and his only hope is to play the victim. ---
**Author:** ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/26 "2008-09-12T23:21:48Z")
I saw these earlier today. To be honest, I’m so turned off by negative ads that my brain didn’t even hold on to what the “Still” ad was about, until **Sampiro** quoted a bit from it and reminded me. The other was very strong and stuck with me. But maybe I’m different than the majority of voters- that silly stuff with the fonts and the colors and funny pictures of 80s glasses probably gets 'em all fired up in a way that totally eludes me… ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2008, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/27 "2008-09-12T23:23:37Z")
Has any President actually had a computer at his desk in the Oval Office? ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/28 "2008-09-13T00:18:09Z")
> [@Huerta88](#): > > That’s an interesting point. And you know, the truth is, Obama is probably the first candidate who really knows (if he does know) how to use a computer. Strip away all the crap about inventing the Internet, and I am quite sure Al Gore is as un-net-savvy as most 50 year old Dads are. Does anyone here think GWB could do an effective Google search? Could Joe Biden? I am pretty sure none of them could, as my own father could not begin to dream of doing, and it is not because they are “stupid” or “out of touch.” It’s truly a generational thing. If Obama is as computer savvy as some of us, and McCain isn’t, that is another way of saying, Obama’s the latest-born Pres. candidate you’ve ever seen, i.e., he’s younger. You seriously think that Clinton and Bush are less computer savvy than the average [AOL comment leaver](http://news.aol.com/article/bigfoot-hoaxers-say-it-was-a-big-joke/144328)? Really, really? That’s a pretty low bar, but these people are obviously capable of sending an e-mail. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/29 "2008-09-13T00:41:25Z")
I also read that McCain doesn’t use a computer because his _war injuries_ make it hard for him to type. If so, I worry, because that’s fine, fine hay for McCain to make. Worst part is, it wouldn’t be totally undeserved. ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/30 "2008-09-13T00:52:32Z")
Well Senator Obama lost my vote the _biggest_ reason I was on the fence was because his offer of a change. He is a politician, the can’t use a computer ad against McCain was a silly, old fashioned political dirty mud throw. As in it didn’t mean shit, it was just a round house smear. My mom doesn’t know how to use a computer, doesn’t email, and you know what? She isn’t out of touch, neither are my 80 plus y/o grandparents. I thought he would have the gumption to respond with facts to the slinging coming from the McCain camp. The people, I thought were losing respect for them even though it was expected. Now Obamas camp goes and starts the same ol’ shit. You know maybe instead of McCain cannot use a computer use some of the campaign money to have fact based ads, you know embarrass McCain using his own campaign ads that fib. I am trying to explain clearly, I disagree with many of both candidates platforms, but I am more conservative than most of you but way more liberal than Palin and more than McCain. But Sen.Obama impressed me with his change, I didn’t think it was just talk and I thought he brought a whole new breathe into this election. I hoped it would be carried on for many elections to come. I was wrong, the minute the Palin talk led to a minor poll bounce he decides time to forget change. Sad, this ad I hope was a fluke and he will stop trying to alienate people that are not like him, it will be confused with elitism. I am sure he is better than this. Same shit, different election. Such a shame. Looks like I will waste my vote this year, eventually a third party will succeed? I hope! ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/31 "2008-09-13T00:55:42Z")
Depending on how this plays out, for Obama to go after McCain for not being able to send E-mail could be a big gaffe. From the [Boston Globe](http://graphics.boston.com/news/politics/campaign2000/news/McCain_character_loyal_to_a_fault+.shtml) in 2000: > [@](#): > > McCain’s severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes. Great move, Obama. And you know, he’s rapidly losing the talking point that one of the things that qualifies him to be president is his splendidly run campaign. Someone should have thought to check into McCain’s injuries before throwing that out there. ---
**Author:** ![Indistinguishable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/90ced4/32.png) [@Indistinguishable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indistinguishable)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/32 "2008-09-13T00:56:46Z")
Obama hasn’t lost my vote, but I kinda feel like **RyJae**. Both these ads rather disappointed me. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/33 "2008-09-13T01:01:33Z")
Good point, **Sam Stone**! Wish someone else had brought it up! 😃 On second look, though, I see some claims that yes, McCain does so use e-mail. If true, that’s a lot better than the alternative (can’t draw attention to the war wounds in that way, and imply he’s insulting a veteran, if McCain really does use e-mail), but still an error. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/34 "2008-09-13T01:02:42Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > Has any President actually had a computer at his desk in the Oval Office? Clinton did; there’s a photo of him using it. It was a laptop (no pun intended) in a drawer. My understanding- I certainly might be wrong- is that the Oval Office is mainly ceremonial and formal and the president actually has another office that’s not for photo ops and meetings and solemn occasions. That would probably be where the “big computer” and cluttered desk ala Al Gore in that pic above. ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/35 "2008-09-13T01:03:24Z")
> [@Indistinguishable](#): > > Obama hasn’t lost my vote, but I kinda feel like **RyJae**. Both these ads rather disappointed me. You know I ignore most articles, news program talking heads with political coverage because I want to judge the candidate and not what other people think of them. And it may seem emotionally weird but the ad made me feel queasy like he snuffed out the light of a new kind of election. Sad thing is, I think McCain would have dropped back down in the polls, it was a bounce. He didn’t need to do this. Whoever talked into his ear that this was a good idea needs to get a new job. Respond to smears with facts, please. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/36 "2008-09-13T01:05:11Z")
> [@Sam\_Stone](#): > > Depending on how this plays out, for Obama to go after McCain for not being able to send E-mail could be a big gaffe. Gosh, if only Democrats took your advice, maybe we could win an election. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/37 "2008-09-13T04:29:34Z")
> [@](#): > > I also read that McCain doesn’t use a computer because his war injuries make it hard for him to type. Stephen Hawking uses a computer. Of course, Stephen has had to have special custom input devices built for him. Similarly, McCain would have to use an arcane device called a “mouse”. ---
**Author:** ![DirkGntly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/38 "2008-09-13T04:49:15Z")
I think the “1982” ad is walking a dangerous line for Obama. Traditionally, many retired folks voted Democrat. I don’t know about you, but if my Democrat candidate implied that being of advanced age and not completely computer savvy meant that I was an incapable person, I’d be _pissed_ (and so far, it looks like I’m right on that observation based on anecdotal feedback from my traditionally-Democrat-voting grandmother and uncle - they feel abandoned due to that ad). ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/39 "2008-09-13T04:58:22Z")
Both ads are ridiculous. The first is just a repeat of the feel-good populist BS that BO has been shooting from his asshole since the get-go. The second is laughable on its own merits, which turns into guffawable once the war injuries angle is considered. Obama’s going down in flames. ---
**Author:** ![panamajack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/47e85d/32.png) [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2008, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286/40 "2008-09-13T05:02:33Z")
> [@gaffa](#): > > I’m a gigantic geek and I don’t have freaking triple 30" monitors! (Oh yeah…I’m broke.) Kind of helps that Gore’s on the board of the company that makes those monitors. (And you don’t have to have money to be there. They pay the CEO only a $1 a year. Good medical benefits, I hear.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-campaign-finally-fights-back-what-do-you-think/463286.md?page=3)