John McCain continues to attack Barack Obama on the “celebrity issue”, coming out with a new ad that contrasts Obama’s “celebrity” with everyday Americans struggling to make ends meet. I have criticized the McCain effort up to this point as a mismash with no real “message” to impart, but he is shaping up in that regards, using ad after ad to portray Obama as an “elitist”, “not ready to lead”, and now as a tax hiker. The Republican talking points are starting to sink in, and some in the Obama camp fret that he is not being forceful enough in response. Is this ad effective, and is the theme of Obama the elitist starting to sink in? From Obama’s perspective do you think he needs a more forceful response quickly? I do, as I think Obama runs a risk here of being defined by McCain. We have seen Republican success at this level in defining Democratic candidates, leaving the dems scrambling to undo the damage and forever playing defense. Good ad for McCain.
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Bill Manzi.com 
Your Honor,
It’s a slick ad. Quiet, short and to the point.
With McCain hitting him with ads and the Clintons seeming to be getting their way at the convention, Obama has major problems.
The most effective thing he can do is to take on McCain in a one on one free for all town Hall debate. He won’t do it though.
Usually it’s the new guy on the block that challenges the experienced guy to try and make points, and the experienced guy will avoid the challenge (as in O’Reilly vs Kerry), but this one is reversed. Is Obama scared? does he lack confidence? Could be a chance for him to strut his stuff, if he has any stuff to strut.
Jules
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On this score I must agree with you on Obama debating frequently. I think he ought to open this thing up and debate as much as possible with McCain. I cannot see sitting on what is an imaginary lead. There is always a fear of mistake, but that could happen anywhere, and to either candidate. I think Obama benefits from more debate.
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Your Honor,
Mistakes or no mistakes we would get to see a truly remarkable debate that this country may have not seen or heard since the Lincoln Douglas debates.
But, it can’t be one of those staged things with journalists trying to show off their stuff.
Jules
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