Saxby Chambliss won his undeserved Senate seat in 2002 in typical Republican anything-to-win fashion, by swiftboating his opponent, Sen. Max Cleland — a triple amputee and decorated Vietnam War veteran.
Democrats all over America rightly condemned Chambliss for his lowdown, dirty attack ad that dishonestly depicted Cleland as being in league with Osama bin Laden, and they have despised Chambliss ever since.
Only one Republican we know of, to his great credit then, joined in condemning Chambliss’ ad, calling it “worse than disgraceful” and “reprehensible.” That was Sen. John McCain.
Does Chambliss, now destined for a Dec. 2 runoff with his Democratic challenger, Jim Martin, regret this 2002 attack ad?
Chambliss is quoted by the Politico’s Andy Barr as being anything but ashamed.
“If Cleland had won, you’d never have heard a thing about it,” Chambliss told Politico in response to a question about the 2002 spot. “That ad is so mild compared to the ads I’ve seen in campaign after campaign since 2002. Plus, the ad was truthful.”
Chickenhawk Chambliss, who never served a day in uniform, wouldn’t know truthful if it hit the flush lever and sent him where he belongs.
As for McCain, his principled condemnations are obviously time-limited. He’s scheduled to be in Georgia later this week, campaigning for Chambliss.
Whenever you think these right-wing Republicans have hit absolute bottom, they somehow manage to outperform.
The only thing missing from this stomach-turning scenario is Sen. Joe Lieberman adding some of his sleazy Joementum to Chambliss’ campaign.
on Nov 13th, 2008 at 5:52 am
That ad is mild compared to the things Sarah Palin had to endure.
When the roll of political martyrs is called, there are going to be more Republicans than Democrats. Let me lobby here a moment for HW Bush to be raised a notch. In hindsight his handling of the S & L bubble looks masterful compared to today’s floundering.
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I’m glad you posted about this. I was really pissed when I read that story, that McCain was planning to campaign for Chambliss. And McCain’s speech fell right back into his same old “tax and spend Democrats” drivel. Somebody ought to remind him the election is over and he lost.
I hope Chambliss gets trounced in the runoff election. What a sleazebag.
on Nov 14th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I am embarrassed that my state fell for this man’s sleazy politics. I hope all your readers - well I ’spose Fred is a lost cause - will send a few bucks to Martin to help get out the vote. In a run-off GOTV is just about the whole show.
http://www.martinforsenate.com/
on Nov 15th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Tom, you’re telling me McCain’s speech rose to the level of drivel? I guess he’s doing better now that the pressure is off.
Aloneonalimb, I’ll check under the mattress and see what I can do. I wish Obama and/or Biden, the Carters and maybe Mark Warner would show up in person to give Martin a boost.
on Nov 15th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
“I wish Obama and/or Biden, the Carters and maybe Mark Warner would show up in person to give Martin a boost.”
Me too, SW. A targeted stop or two by the President-elect would boost turn-out — maybe on both sides, but I’d still like to see it.