MyDD :: Obama Exploits JFK

Obama Exploits JFK

by dpANDREWS, Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 05:54:56 PM EST

Barack Obama has again shown his approgant true colors. He is exploiting the image of John F Kennedy in a tv ad paid for by his campaign.

Lets point out one fact here to start. John F Kennedy has not endorsed Barack Obama. Regardless of what Kennedy family members have have, it is out of bounds for Obama to use JFK's image to further his political ambition. Would he do this if Jackie were still alive?

Lets look at John F Kennedy a bit further. Kennedy was more than optimism and hope. Kennedy earned his lasting legacy through deeds.

Jack Kennedy was a war hero who risked his life in battle to save the lives of others. Obama can make no such claim.

Jack Kennedy persued civil rights legislation at a time when it was not popular in his party and was not politically helpful. That took courage. Obama has shown no such courage as his 'present' votes in the IL Senate illustrate. Obama couldn't even vote NO on a lw banning sex shops within 500 feet of schools.

Jack Kennedy stared down the Soviet Union and averted a war during the Cuban Missle Crisis. What has Obama done that even comes close? Nothing.

Barack Obama is no John F Kennedy. If Lloyd Bentson was here today I would love to hear his take on the matter.

Barack Obama should pull his ad that uses the images of JFK. It is arrogant. It is insulting. It is shameless.

Tags: Barack Obama, John F Kennedy, 2008 Presidential election (all tags)

Permalink :: 45 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

Link to the ad?

You certainly can't be JFK and MLK at the same time, even if you're Barack Obama.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 05:56:25 PM EST

New today (none / 0)

Out nationally ... Matthews played it twice on Hardball.

Keith may weight in this negatively. He seemed to suggest last night that it was't cool to sort of imply an endorsement from someone who is not alive.

by dpANDREWS on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:01:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: New today (none / 0)

If I were JFK, I'd probably feel flattered... I mean, this is BARACK OBAMA'S ad you're in.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:18:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: New today (none / 0)

And they are both such good orators....

by georgiast on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:50:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

Out of curiosity, have you officially settled on Hillary in the event Edwards doesn't make a comeback? Just curious. If I was guessing, I'd say yes.

by HSTruman on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:22:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

Well, Mike Gravel does have some interesting ideas.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:24:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

I'm still hoping he or Dennis the Menace end up as VP. Although Gravel's rock throwing might make him a good AG if he's a lawyer.

by HSTruman on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:30:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

Pretty sure JFK only living heir, Caroline, is in the ad...save your moral outrage for the other side.

by chicagogene on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:01:15 PM EST

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

As a side note, where is Clinton? I've seen Obama over and over again here in NY, but not Clinton.

Restore America's Strength.

by RJEvans on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:03:39 PM EST

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

She was here on Thursday

vote blue in 2008

by sepulvedaj3 on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:04:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

I mean on the air. Where is her ads? I have not seen any.

Restore America's Strength.

by RJEvans on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:06:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

More specifically, i invited you to the event!

vote blue in 2008

by sepulvedaj3 on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:05:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

That was you? Well thanks for the invite.

But, I meant on the air. I've seen way too many Obama ads here in NY.

Restore America's Strength.

by RJEvans on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:07:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

"Senator, you are no JFK"

vote blue in 2008

by sepulvedaj3 on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:04:33 PM EST

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

Isn't touting JFK disrespecting the memory of MLK?

Is Obama using racist code to appeal to white voters? Was he using racit code to appeal to black voters when he spent last week quoting Malcolm X's anti-white rants to black audiences?

by hwc on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:09:08 PM EST

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

This post raises oh so many questions, but I don't even know where to start. Let me skip to the end and simply ask which Republican you will be voting for if obama wins the nomination. I assume any of them given your oft-repeated views regarding Obama.

by HSTruman on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:11:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's so funny. (none / 0)

I don't know of a single Hillary supporter that's said that they would never vote for Obama. But I sure as hell have read a lot of Obama supporter posts swearing they'll vote Republican before they'd vote for Hillary.

Where are YOU getting your talking points?

It does not take many words to tell the truth Chief Joseph - Nez Perce

by Gabriele Droz on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:14:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That's so funny. (none / 0)

Oh, I'm just an off-message, equal-opportunity, loyal Democrat who thinks that ANYONE that says taht kind of stuff is stupid. I have disagreements with HRC, but she'd be a perfectly fine president. Unlike the commentor above, I'm just not convinced that my preferred candidate's competitors are evil, racist, criminal scum.

by HSTruman on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:20:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: That's so funny. (none / 0)

There have been numerous Clinton supporters who've said they won't vote for Obama in the general. A couple of examples come to mind, namely, prisonbreak and gladiatorstail. I know there are others, though I don't recall the names.

by DPW on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:22:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

I'm personally shocked and appalled that a presidential candidate who run an ad alluding to JFK after receiving Ted Kennedy's endorsement. Truly a terrible, terrible action that provokes...yawn...outrage...!

by HSTruman on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:12:36 PM EST

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (2.00 / 1)

Can you imagine JFK turning his back on a woman? Not really. His distinguishing characteristic was grace under pressure. And if she was pretty he'd have wanted to get her in bed. But a wonderful man, his suits still look good fifty years later. Being serious the media are seriously overplaying the obama hand with all this camelot stuff.

by ottovbvs on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:14:28 PM EST

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

Great ads!!!

by puma on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:22:27 PM EST

Clintonite smear parade on Obama continues (none / 0)

in utter lack of conscience.

"Jack Kennedy was a war hero who risked his life in battle to save the lives of others. Obama can make no such claim."

At least he didn't dodge a draft.

"Jack Kennedy persued civil rights legislation at a time when it was not popular in his party and was not politically helpful. That took courage. Obama has shown no such courage as his 'present' votes in the IL Senate illustrate. Obama couldn't even vote NO on a lw banning sex shops within 500 feet of schools."

Obama worked on death penalty in IL when it had no political traction and got it passed overwhelmingly.

He got ethics reform bill (Obama-Coburn) passed.

"Jack Kennedy stared down the Soviet Union and averted a war during the Cuban Missle Crisis."

JFK did that AFTER becoming President. Obama isn't yet President.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:36:01 PM EST

Re: Clintonite smear parade on Obama continues (none / 0)

There was also that war that he opposed, which surely required a little bit of courage.

by DPW on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:38:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clintonite smear parade on Obama continues (none / 0)

In case it isn't clear, "he" = Obama in my comment above.

by DPW on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:39:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clintonite smear parade on Obama continues (none / 0)

You know Obama fandom has officially gone off a cliff when they'll compare Obama's work on death penalty reform in Illinois to John F. Kennedy's support for civil rights in the 1960's. Gosh.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:42:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clintonite smear parade on Obama continues (none / 0)

I think that example wasn't intended to show equivalence but rather an example of courage. The diarist claimed that Obama has shown NO courage.

Also, I think you're being a little excessive with the constant characterization of Obama supporters as delusional and uniquely unreasonable. There's no shortage of exagerrated praise and denial of fault from Clinton supporters.

by DPW on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:47:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clintonite smear parade on Obama continues (none / 0)

No, that's not what the diarist said, sheesh.

It's my judgment that the Clinton supporters online seem to be far more realistic about the strengths and weaknesses of their candidate than the Obama supporters. That's just my opinion.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:50:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clintonite smear parade on Obama continues (none / 0)

Well, he said "no such courage," which could be interpreted to mean "no courage of a certain kind" or "no courage of a certain magnitude." Because he cites a lack of courage on items of a clearly lesser magnitude, the implication is that Obama avoids any politically risky action.

Therefore, citing an example of Obama's politically risky work seemed perfectly appropriate.

Regarding the distinction between supporters, I think broad generalizations that cover such a wide range of behavior are worthless. Both camps have complete idiots as well as smart, honest advocates. Georgep engages in Clinton puffery as much as any Obama supporter. And, Susanhu, Seymour Glass, gladiatorstail, prisonbreak, hwc, and truthteller2007 don't exactly offer a balanced perspective.

If you want to call out individuals for ridiculous comments, that's fine. But, generalized insults are a little unfair, I think.

by DPW on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:13:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It's your obsession with bashing (none / 0)

Obama supporters that has gone off the cliff.

"they'll compare Obama's work on death penalty reform in Illinois to John F. Kennedy's support for civil rights in the 1960's"

No one said they were equal.

It's the fighting spirit and conviction which he brought to the issue and got things done against long odds that I was talking about.

Your compulsiveness to attack even a legitimate point (while in the process backing up an asinine diary) without even asking for a clarification is what is desperate and obsessive.

All of this incredibly harsh, extremely unfair, and relentless attacks and smears of Obama by Clintonites are unbelievable and unconscionable, and I think will not go without debilitating consequences.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:59:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's your obsession with bashing (none / 0)

When someone says "JFK showed great courage by supporting Civil Rights" and your response is "Obama also showed fighting spirit and conviction by creating the Obama-Coburn database of government expenditures," that seriously speaks for itself.

If someone brings up Kennedy's heroism on PT-109 I expect to hear how Obama shoveled his walk on a really cold day.

You kids putting Obama up on a pedestal are a far greater turnoff than the folks like me mocking you for it, I'd wager.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:16:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Here's the ad (none / 0)

Here's a link to the ad.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/c aroline_ad

You may want to update your diary so that people actually can judge for themselves. The ad is essentially a visual version of Caroline Kennedy's editorial, with Carolina narrating.

by DPW on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:36:14 PM EST

Re: Here's the ad (none / 0)

Moving ad!

by puma on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:39:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Here's the ad (none / 0)

Well, I don't see what's supposed to be offensive about it.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:39:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Here's the ad (none / 0)

Don't you see? They showed a picture of Caroline Kennedy's dad when she was talking about him! And they alluded to his accomplishments, which suggests Obama could achieve great things if elected president. The temerity! How dare Caroline Kennedy talk about her own father (and with pictures, no less!)

Visit Election Inspection for analysis, polls, and predictions!

by X Stryker on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:57:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Here's the ad (none / 0)

should say ". . . with Caroline narrating."

by DPW on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:40:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Here's the ad (none / 0)

I'm still full of feigned outrage, but that's just me.

by HSTruman on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:43:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Should Coke use John Lennon to sell soda? (none / 0)

Use his actual image in commercials and put out the idea that Lennon loved Coca-Cola?

by dpANDREWS on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:51:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Should Coke use John Lennon to sell soda? (none / 0)

I have absolutely no idea what point you're trying to make. The ad is about JFK's DAUGHTER endorsing Obama. In part b/c Obama inspires people like her Dad did. If Caroline isn't allowed to make that comparison, I'm really not sure who is.

by HSTruman on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:03:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You hit nail on head (none / 0)

DAUGHTER, brother. Thats it. JFK endorsed nobody. Use Teddy's image, use her image, but leave a person who cannot speak for themself out of it.

by dpANDREWS on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:34:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You hit nail on head (none / 0)

I think if she's allowed to talk about her dad she's allowed to put his picture up there on the screen.

I don't really have a problem with this. Surely she's qualified to judge what's appropriate, it's her own father.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:44:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Put another way (none / 0)

If JFK was alive today would he let Obama use his - JFK's - images in commercials? Would he endorse Obama?

What say you?

Who would have the nerve to speak on behalf of a dead man.

by dpANDREWS on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:41:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Great ad (none / 0)

Thanks for drawing my attention to that ad. I love it. Caroline Kennedy knows which candidate is most like her Dad. I'm looking forward to voting for my generation's JFK next week.

Visit Election Inspection for analysis, polls, and predictions!

by X Stryker on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 06:51:13 PM EST

Re: Obama Exploits JFK (none / 0)

dpandrews:

can you contact me at the email address on the my profile? i am interested in maybe taking this further ...

by texasdemocrat06 on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:17:15 PM EST

Should Clinton claim Bobby's endorsement? (none / 0)

Should she claim Bobby Kennedy's endorsement and use his image in her commercials? His kids endorsed her.

I don't think she should. I think it would be wrong. Obama is wrong.

by dpANDREWS on Tue Jan 29, 2008 at 07:43:14 PM EST

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