Rep. Wexler: McCain "broke the law" on campaign finance
By SilentPatriot Monday Jun 23, 2008 11:50am
Robert Wexler is a surrogate that Barack Obama should be grateful to have on his team. The Florida Congressman squared off against Republican Eric Cantor yesterday on "Late Edition" and did what every surrogate should do whenever the issue of campaign finance comes up; namely point out that John McCain is breaking his own campaign finance laws as we speak.
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CNN:
And one other thing -- Senator McCain's not in the position to speak about this. He used his public financing as collateral to get a loan, and then, low and behold, he didn't use it, and he broke the law.
I didn't watch all the Sunday news shows last week, but I'm pretty sure Wexler was the only person -- surrogate or otherwise -- to make the observation that John McCain has absolutely no standing to lecture others on "failing to keep their word" on the issue of campaign finance reform. Why Democratic spokespeople aren't on top of this talking point is beyond me.
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Foist Again!
Ah....could that be sweet sweet justice I'm smellin?
(Looking for this story in the media)
No luck, nothing but stories about a pact amongst some high school girls to all get pregnant.
darn liberal media !
after this case of double speak,...go to raw story and watch that good for nothing---- laura ingraham tout how that tyrant in north korea kim j ill has endorsed Barak Obama..(it's a lie)
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Laura_Ingraham_annouces_Kim_Jong_Il_0623.html
Fox news should be punished for perpetrating that malicious propaganda.
i have referred this complaint to my congressman and the FCC
It doesn't matter, we need to focus on Obama's campaign not letting some Muslim people stand behind him.
I just wrote Senator Feingold about this very issue. I tried to impress upon him that McCain snubbing finance rules that they worked on together was somewhat insulting. I understand Russ is very busy with the FISA fight he'll have on his hands, but hopefully he'll find a little time to pile on and help Representative Wexler by making his own statement about this very issue.
McCain Opts IN, to Public Tap Dancing System
mock turtle @ 4:
But, they have super duper mega ratings and they are "fair and balanced".....they told us so.
Why Democratic spokespeople aren’t on top of this talking point is beyond me.
My thoughts exactly ! ! ! ! !
Equally infuriating AND curious.
What? The Democratic talking heads don't know this?
Or do they consider it "off the table"?
What?
Why is McCain's hypocrisy, again, left unchallenged?
I guess it is just another reminder of how much we owe to the netroots, without which we would be drowning in
spinelessmoderate bullshit... No doubt that no matter how much the tide turns towards the Dems, without the netroots they are only too happy to shill for corporations and strive forlet's all get along AND DO NOTHINGcomprimise...- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Democratic spokespeople are spineless sissy cowards, that's why.
The quote is "lo, and behold", not "low".
Sorry, but I saw the phrase "Low and behold" engraved into the plinth of a statue over the weekend and it's on my mind...
Report Sees Illegal Hiring Practices at Justice Dept.
McCain already broke the law, yet is there any accountability? Nope.
McCain's campaign should be finished over this. If we as a nation had any integrity.
Why Democratic spokespeople aren’t on top of this talking point is beyond me?
...because they are sitting in their offices, heads in their hands, pulling their hair out over Obama's FISA lies!!!!
Can you say 'Collusion'?
...I knew that you could.
I am not saying that all Democrats are corrupt...but let's face it, Nancy Pelosi owes the American people an explanation. Do we have to wait for Dennis Kucinich' prophesy to come true...that impeachment is the only way to prevent an invasion of Iran?
How do you become Speaker of the House...and pledge change...and the first thing you do is nominate the pork barrel king as majority leader? I call that giving up the high ground.
I feel very badly for those Democrats ....and some Republicans who are actually trying to work for the American people and are being obstructed by members of their own party.
Why aren't Americans asking questions? Where is the outrage?
then make a deal out of it .........i am tired of mcBlame getting a free pass with his soft spoken lexicon bullshit
if he broke the law penalize this guy and spread it on the news at an 8th grade level
marko @ 14:
They cover each other's asses.
The dem leadership were briefed on all w's crimes.
marko @ 14:
Amen Brother
did somebody call the democrats a bunch of PUSSIES....
well... maybe after 8 years of being pussy-whipped by this president and having them cower in the corner for all this time... some people are finally getting their voice....
Mark @ 13:
well, how would it look if we only had 1 candidate for President...because 1 was eliminated for criminality?
It sure wouldn't look like Democracy in action...and as we all know, in Washington, appearances are everything.
Could someone please post a link to a list of laws Republicans are required to obey?
xoites defends Constitution @ 21:
Are you counting with or without the Judicial branch in their pocket?
xoites defends Constitution @ 21:
Can't. Bush has issued signing statements on all laws saying that they do not apply to Republicans or himself - the King!
Bravo Wexler! He is a loud guy, but he is right! And he is from Florida! You are right Silent, he should consider himself very lucky to have Wexler on his side.
robert wexler for house majority leader.
The worst is that as soon as Wexler started making his point, Blitzer started to cut him off. Wexler appeared to have more to say, but he only managed to get out "he's breaking the law."
Jeremy @ 24:
I live in Florida and Wexler got hammered by his local constituents for endorsing Barack. This is one stand-up dude. He actually seems to care about what makes sense and is best for the country than short-term political game. May be shooting for some longer term position - but he is sure sticking his neck out with little hesitation.
xoites defends Constitution @ 21:
Check the Satanic Bible, that would be a start. But, I did find a little jewel for you, I believe this is a prayer republicans recite, either before or after they swear an oath to Bu$h:
"Bu$h is my emperor, I shall not want. He layeth me down in fields of greenbacks, he leadeth me besides mercury and arsenic
filled waters; he restoreth corporate welfare and tax cuts for the wealthy, he leadeth me in paths of self-righteousness, greed, and intolerance of others;
Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evildoers (all non-republicans), for he is with me; thy Cheney and thy Rice protect me.
Bu$h preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (all non-republicans), he anoints my head with Iraqi oil and American blood; my Humvee’s gas tank runneth over. Surely wealth and piety shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the white house of Bu$h forever."
xoites defends Constitution @ 21:
It would be the shortest list ever!
Wexler has branded himself as a fire-breathing liberal. He just sort of came out of the blue. We'll see where he goes from here.
xoites defends Constitution @ 21:
.
At some point, the FEC will have a quorum, and the issue will be resolved. The later this goes into the election season, the worse it will be for the McCain campaign. Imagine McCain being sanctioned right now as opposed to after his convention.
Did anyone else notice how Wolf cut Wexler off on this talking point, though?
We Democrats always let the Republicans get
away with murder. That's why W is a two term
president & McCain will probably sneak in. It's
a damn shame that as a Democrat I feel powerless
to make a valid point.
h/t should go to Josh Marshall on this one, I'm sure he's how Wexler knows this himself. its been frustrating, I've seen like 29 different debates about this on TV and NOT ONCE, never, did I see the Dem even bother to mention that McCain is currently in violation of the law on this issue. Wexles is one of very few Dems who doesn't store his brain in his ass, and yes every Dem who is going to speak about this issue should simply follow his lead. STOP defending Obama. it doesn't matter. if you are defending you are LOSING. attack McCain, there is a mountain of ammo. attack.
josh marshal gives a good review of mccains campaign finance........i would like to see it exposed..this guy is suppose to the straight talk express...watch this video some interesting gems
http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/30633-tpmtv-campaign-finance-deformed
Wexler is most definetly one of the true good guys ala- Reps Kucinich & McDermott and Sens Feingold & Reed, just to name a few of the few.
Why do I keep hearing Beavis & Butthead singing, "Breaking the law...breaking the law..."?
15 AlZuben Says: Can you say ‘Collusion’?
_____________________________________________
I let my collusion insurance expire.
The Exotic Chico Hussein Escuela @ 3:
Do they need any help?
"listen, the bottom line is ..." is getting as annoying as "that being said ..."
Wexler--The Balls from Boca.
Why Democratic spokespeople aren’t on top of this talking point is beyond me.
They like to be the bottom.
When are people going to start listening to me? >/snark< While the pundits have been tossing around terrible names like Sam Nunn, Chuck Hagel, Michael Bloomberg, Hillary Clinton - basically DLC'ers, Blue Dogs or announced Republicans, I have been steadfastly calling for a serious look at Robert Wexler for VP. He is a much needed fighter for the Constitution; not afraid to go up against the powers-that-be, whether Republican or Democrat; would help carry Florida; can't hoit wit da Jewish vote (He's such a mensch!); and fully represents the "change" which Obama keeps espousing. With the exception of a mention of Russ Feingold (always quickly dismissed), all the other suggestions I've heard are Washington Establishment bulwarks for the way things are.
Spend a little time with YouTube clips. Pre-order his book, Fire Breathing Liberal. Write letters and emails to both Obama and Wexler (use his own Boca address in the online form to bypas "district only" email requirements) showing support.
Wexler has been one of Obama's biggest supporters, I have never been disappointed at an appearance on a talking head show. He filed the resolution to impeach Cheney, and has signed on to Kucinich's Impeach Bush resolution. He votes correctly, And he's NOT another Senator.
Please, give it some serious thought. The alternatives scare the living crap out of me. Obama has surrounded himself with some pretty scary policy people (imho) and I can hear in his words a move to the Right which could spell his doom if he overdoes it. He needs a pit bull to back him up and Robert Wexler is that guy.
Oh, and I live in Oregon, about as far away from his district as I can be, have never talked with him or any of his staff, have no horse in the race other than a long, long line of disappointments with the Democratic Nominees.
Yep, I certainly caught the fact that Wolf cut Wex off as soon McCain was mentioned. Blitzer is a schnitzel.
MedfordTim @ 44:
Agreed about Wexler for VP; finally, a good politician from SoFla.
onceler @ 35:
Good point. The best defense is a godd offense. Attack!!
Fanon @ 47:
Well, not a god offense, but a good offense.
Wexler has signed onto a declaration of war with Iran.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/6/21/144412/857/181/539848
This is a sideshow. When is crooksandliars going to post a thread on this?
Are you going to wait until after the resolution passes and then speak out against it?
John McCain’s Beer company has opposed such groups as Mothers Against Drunk Driving in fighting proposed federal rules requiring alcohol content information on every package of beer, wine and liquor.
Its executives, including John McCain's son Andrew, have written at least 10 letters in recent years to the Treasury Department, have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to a beer industry political action committee, and hold a seat on the board of the politically powerful National Beer Wholesalers Assn.
Hensley has run afoul of health advocacy groups that have tried to rein in appeals to young drinkers. For example, the company distributes caffeinated alcoholic drinks that public health groups say put young and underage consumers at risk by disguising the effects of intoxication.
The involvement of McCain's family in federal regulatory issues could create a conflict of interest for a future McCain administration, according to advocacy groups and political analysts. McCain has recused himself for many years on alcohol issues in the Senate. As president, however, McCain would face far more difficulty distancing himself from an issue with such broad scope.
Can John McCain run a beer company and also be president?
The Exotic Chico Hussein Escuela @ 3:
The funny thing is that 'teen pact' story is looking more and more like it was made up.
Imagine that; GOP owned corporate media is making up stories to distract us from the real issues? Who could have imagined such a thing? (sarcasm)
Come on. I get better news about what's happening in America from the BBC. In other words; in order from to find a reasonably reliable source of news about what's happening in THIS country, I have to watch the news coming from OTHER countries.
About Frakin time!!! What the hell is WRONG with these lame ass dems who don't say what's up with McCain and the campaign finance laws???
WHy doesn't at least Feingold say something ??? It's his fracking law!!!
FRACK!!
EVery dem on earth can SLAM McSame on this one, mr black tar pit calling the kettle black...... jeeeeeez!
Jeremy @ 24:
Bravo Wexler. He is my most excellent CongressCritter and I am very proud to have him. It's funny that I never really thought of him as being "loud" - to me he sounds "normal" .. But he's also bold and good karma for justice.
I think Obama should be grateful to have him, and so should the Demoratic Party be grateful. He is very underappreciated by our so called leaders; they are the ones who roll over like dogs everytime a Republican farts - sorry for mixing my memes or whatever.
linda @ 25:
YES! Perfect
I'm so fed up with the histrionics of cable TV .... I don't even hear what anyone's saying anymore. It's a waste of time.
mock turtle @ 4:
A nice thought, but -- 100% useless. See below.
Numinous @ 51:
neoconned @ 49:
I never said Wexler was perfect...:-) However, I would like to point to a possible - repeat, possible - saving grace in this admittedly ham-handed and wrong-headed bill. With any luck, summer vacations will take Congressional precedence over bill passing and it will die in Committee. (Yes, a best case scenario).
Sure a lot better than the blank check Congress gave Bush after 9/11!
Last week on the Today show, Mrs. Greenspan was reporting on Obama's withdrawal from the public financing system and stated (I paraphrase) that Obama's camp "claimed" that McSame was not living up to his earlier pledge to participate in public financing of his campaign. Did she then follow it up with the results of her own investigation of that "claim" ~ like whether it was a fact or not? Nope, not her.
Then this in today's Wapo (I know, why bother) they have a total of five cartoons lampooning and misstating Obama's position on this same issue. But not a thing about McSame's flip then flop on his abuse of the campaign financing system to his own benefit.
It's a vast reich-wing conspiracy I tell ya. (:>
mock turtle @ 4:
Question for the site monitor: Why didn't the response I submitted to this comment
get posted? This is the second time that's happened, although the first for this thread.
No error message, no nothing, it just didn't appear...??
McCain broke some campaign finance law??? Well, hell, I guess that makes him the perfect candidate for the republics......JD
And Congressman Wexler is a co-sponsor to more radical stances against Iran.
Read this resolution that Wexler is in support of that is slipping under the American publics noses, and pushed by Aipac. Folks this is a slippery slope. Remember the Kyl Lieberman amendment last fall. These people are committed to attacking Iran. THEY ARE IGNORING THE RECENT NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE ON IRAN
H.Con.Resolution 362
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=hc110-362
Read this article about how the warmongers are pushing for more radical legislation having to do with Iran
http://www.truthout.org/article/congressional-resolution-demands-bush-ac...
SHAME ON YOU WEXLER
good review of what mccain has been caught at
http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/.....e-deformed
I'll tell you why they aren't all over this: The issue is too complicated and arcane for the general public to understand or appreciate.
If "Joe Blow who knows nothing about campaign finance laws" hears McCain used public financing as collateral for a loan he later didn't actually use, his response will be, "so what?"
Of course, I think "Joe Blow" really doesn't give a hoot about Obama not accepting public financing for his campaign - except to appreciate the minor reduction in stress on the treasury.
The entire "issue" is a non-starter among the vast majority of voters - on both sides. I don't have any polling figures to back that up. It is just my own "gut impression"... not to mention my own view.
Kathleen @ 60:
"Whereas nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization of the use of force against Iran:" It's in 362.
Be vigilant, call them as you see them. but please get ALL the facts and don;t mislead. That for Republicans to do.
neoconned @ 49:
"Whereas nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization of the use of force against Iran:"
See the response to Kathleen, please
MedfordTim @ 63:
And we all know that Bush/Cheney follow the letter of the law. They would never take this bill as an authorization of force. Naive doesn't even begin to describe you. Willfully ignorant is a much better description.
If they do a blockade that is called for in the bill than they won't have to start a war. Iran will act against American ships and then Cheney will have his war.
It's really sad the hero worship that many people still do with the Democratic Party. They will only answer to the American people if people stop worshiping them and start holding them accountable.
This is no time to worship Wexler. This is time to contact him and ask him: Did you purposefully mean to vote to start a war with Iran. You have a few days to take your name off the bill or you will be voted out in 2008.
From bill 362
demands that the President initiate an international effort to immediately and dramatically increase the economic, political, and diplomatic pressure on Iran to verifiably suspend its nuclear enrichment activities by, inter alia, prohibiting the export to Iran of all refined petroleum products; imposing stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains, and cargo entering or departing Iran; and prohibiting the international movement of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiating the suspension of Iran’s nuclear program.
SORRY. NOTHING TO SEE HERE. GO ON WITH YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM.
Wexler for House Speaker!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Obama has 1.5 million donors who have given $100 each...LOL...exactly the inverse of mcsame...
Did anyone else notice that Wolfie started cutting him off when Wexler started talking about McCain's loan from the Public Funds? You can hear Wolfie say "alright, alright" and Wexler closes his sentence, with "he broke the law."
What happens when a welfare cheat gets caught? don't they lose the welfare because of fraud. He should be shouted down at every turn for this out and out lie along with all those talking speads that spread this bs. When I first heard that Davy ( applebee's has a salad bar) brooks said he flip flopped on this issue well what's worse a flip flop or an outright lie(s) The msm is just mad because their message of Mccrazy as the next big thing isn't getting through.
In a perfect world when obama gets into office all those illegal hires in the JD will be looking for another job and/or made to prosecute the criminials of the last 7 years oh and scalia will face a impeachment for his inept ruling
Mark @ 13:
Dude, Cindy McCain got the rock star rehab deal when she was hooked on painkillers back in the 90s. Never mind that she was stealing them from her own friggin' charity and having them prescribed for other people. Do you expect anything *but* do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do from these people? Granted, I believe in treating addiction, not incarcerating it. But prescription fraud and theft and she pays a fine and works a few hours in a soup kitchen? WTF?? Can you imagine what would happen if Michelle Obama had that skeleton in her closet? But all you hear about--if you hear anything, 'cuz it's old news--is Cindy overcoming her addiction. Not Word One about fraud or theft. Double-WTF.
Feh. These people live in an alternative reality, and they're trying to tell us how to run ours?
An Other Greek @ 9:
Exactly!! I saw Joe Biden being interviewed about this on MTP and there was Lindsey (The Queen) Graham blabbing on about Obama changing his mind blah blah blah and Biden went off on some tangent that nobody cared about. why didn't Biden just say the Reason Obama didn't take public money is because Obama could not trust McLiar to stick by his word and not break the law... Again.
neoconned @ 67:
Two things - one, at least it is spelled out in clear language this time that force is NOT authorized.
2. We've been at war with Iran for quite some time. As in this and this
A blockade is only a physical manifestation of what is already going on. I wish Wexler would lighten up on Iran sanctions, but luckily I'm not a one issue voter. Every forest has trees which need thinning, but you don't clear cut the forest to get to them (unless you're a Republican)
MedfordTim @ 74:
Let me see if I have the logic straight.
1. Boarding Iranian ships and choking off the petroleum necessary for their economy and the operation of their military is comparable to sanctions and freezing their assets. A point well taken. How could I not see that?
2. Focusing on the beginnings of a disastrous war that would eclipse the disaster of Iraq makes me a one issue person. And one issue people are normally Republicans. Another excellent point.
If only I could focus on other trees instead of the impending death of thousands of innocent people.
You're Right!!!! I think that I have got it. Obama is ahead in the polls. Robert Wexler made some great points. I hate Bush. I think I have it now. You have been so helpful.
All I know is Jon Stewart ripped on Obama about this last night while failing to point out McCain's glaring hypocrisy.
Colbert didn't let McCain off so easy.
So what's with Jon Stewart giving McCain such an easy time? I think he's voting for McCain. I really do.
In that clip notice how as soon as Wexler starts to bring up the fact that McSame is breaking the law, Wolf jumps in to cut him off. Wexler has to stop his answer short with a simple note that McCain is breaking the law. No explanation allowed.
Wolf can't let that message out to the public. The "best team" must keep the sheep in the dark. And just in........breaking news on the two year old case of the guy drowning his wife on their honeymoon........Wolf the Weasel.
onceler @ 35:
Absolutely agree, but I'm beginning to think that one big problem is there are so many McCain/Republican problems/sins that everyone is just accepting them and moving on to the next. While the sheeple are firm on Obama is a Muslim, liberals are tax/spend, Repubs are defenders of the Republic, etc. the Dems never stay on anything long enough to have Repubs be branded with their sins...well maybe sexual misdeeds. Why can't we just hammer them over and over. Dems should read Animal Farm again.
neoconned @ 75:
Glad I could help. Need a couple of my Clonazepams? You seem overwhelmed.
neoconned@74:
"1. Boarding Iranian ships and choking off the petroleum necessary for their economy and the operation of their military is comparable to sanctions and freezing their assets. A point well taken. How could I not see that?"
Well, if you replace "Iranian" with "Japanese" and add the words "and steel" after "petroleum" you will have the same formula for Japan's motivation for attacking Pearl Harbor. The U.S., Britain and the Dutch used the same blockade mentality against Japan's hegemony in the Pacific and Asian theater until they went, well... mental. The result wasn't pretty. It's not going to be any better with the proposed blockade of Iran. Oh boy, $12/gallon gas by November! Can't wait. (:>
Ever notice when Dem's are on with CNN, and they are making a point about the right wingers, that the anchor tries to cut them off???
Wexler for Vice President!!!!!
onceler @ 35:
A F**king Men!
Donald Hussein Cormac @ 80:
Donald I think that a Democrat with a spine will step up to stop it--- what we need now is real Democrats not these phony democrats like Wexler.
I tried to explain what McCain did to someone today and it went nowhere.
(btw it took the guy 7 minutes to kind of explain it on the video from the link)
It's hard to condense it and even harder for people to get outraged.
McCain is following the Bush playbook. Do what he wants. Break the law. Because no one is going to do anything about it.
"Why Democratic spokespeople aren’t on top of this talking point is beyond me."
Well Silent Patriot, I can only say we the grassroots are much better read and informed than a bunch of old rich politicians. Wexler seems to read and investigate things for himself, and does his own thinking and writing... and there are not many like him these days.
The reason the dems are not all over mccain breaking public finance law is because he didn't and they know they cannot prove he did.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/26/america/NA-POL-US-Elections-Mc...
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/06/how-mccains-pub.html
If you read the facts, the stories with quoted sources such as the bank who gave him the loan, you will see he did not use the public financing money as colleteral to get the loan. Also he never took any money from the public financing.
Don't you realize if the dems could prove he used the loan they would be screaming it from the roof tops. The evidence proves them wrong so they can't yell too loud or the people will get curious and find out the truth.
"I don't know what would make a draft happen unless we were in an all-out World War III." ...
"I do to some extent. I think it's important to recognize that we have terrorist organizations which -- who are dangerous by themselves, are now being supported by radical Islamic governments, i.e., the Iranians, which makes them incredibly more dangerous because they are trained, equipped, motivated and assisted in every way by the Iranians." McCain
Connect the dots Crooksandliars.com
McCain knows that if HR 362 passes then a war is likely and he can get the rally around the flag vote and win the election.
CONNECT THE DOTS AND DO A THREAD ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP! THIS FIX IS ALMOST IN!!!! IT WILL MAKE EVERYTHING ELSE IRRELEVANT!!!
Hey guys.... McCain has done some dumb things, and trying to skirt the campaign finance laws is just one example. As a McCain supporter I am less impressed with his jockeying to win over the "far right". He ought to be who he is, and not who they want him to be. And if he is elected, I think he will do the right thing for the country, if sometimes that means vetoing the left, right or center. I believe that he will see this as his last opportunity to leave a legacy to be proud of. I sort of believe that of Obama as well.
Neither he nor Feingold are happy with their campaign reform bill after it was hacked by McConnell and DeLay, but the one thing you can be assured of is that he WILL sign a full public funding bill if it ever reaches his desk. But for that to ever happen we need a Democratically controlled senate that is filibuster proof.
Why? Because the fat cats now own congress and when the taxpayers own them we'll see them acting on our behalf. They can't work for US while their elections are funded by THEM. Simple as that.
See MoneyedPoliticians.net and WiCleanElections.org
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