McCain's Convention Backdrop Epic Fail

Video Update: Sit Room's Abbi Tatton just reported on the story: icon Download | play icon Download | play

The internets were abuzz immediately when this strange shot of McCain during his RNC acceptance speech gave more ammo during closeups for another Colbert Report 'McCain Green Screen Challenge' to videophiles with a knack for chroma key effects, but what caught Josh Marshall's eye was the building being used as the backdrop with the green green lawn that was providing the fodder. Initial speculation that it was one of McCain's innumerable mansions quickly faded when his readers confirmed that it was actually Walter Reed Middle School in North Holllywood, CA (pictured on right, above), but why?

A local Bay Area reporter for NBC picked up on it and called the school to find out. The receptionist said, "We were all wondering that, What was that about? We don't know," but TPM is reporting that they do plan to release a statement. [see update below]

An odd fact, uncovered by TPM's Greg Sargent, is that the school actually served as the backdrop for Matt Santos' announcement of his presidential candidacy on The West Wing. Not really sure what to make of that, but it is quite an odd coincidence in any case.

At the time of this post's writing it seems to have been an amateurish mistake by someone in the McCain campaign who was tasked with getting an image of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Your guess is as good as mine on why the GOP would ever want to dredge up that image?). The incompetent screwup theory is perhaps given more credence by the fact that now there seems to be some finger-pointing going on inside the McCain camp as to who's to blame, but I'm still holding out for a more solid confirmation, because at this point Occam's Razor hasn't yet ruled out Comedy Central's managing to plant a mole inside the campaign. I'm sure there will be updates to this story as it continues to unfold.

Update: Donna Tobin, the principal of school has weighed in, and she is not a happy camper about it:

"... Permission to use the front of our school for the Republican National Convention was not given by our school nor is the use of our school's picture an endorsement of any political party or view."

One other interesting development: The California Democratic Party is actually holding a press conference in front of the school within minutes ..(more)

The McCain campaign is refusing to comment.



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154 comments

I don't watch West Wing but did Matt Santos win the election? Is it some kind of subconscious message to the tv watching people of the US?

It's only a rookie mistake by someone who is just learning to use the internets, tubes and all.

They used it because it looks "white-house-ish" without actually being the white house.

His speech was so long and boring...He sounded like grandpa Simpson going on and on

If I had to guess, since McCain largely spoke about education, he wanted an institution of learning as his backdrop.

I think the stupider thing was the 9/11 video at the beginning.

Utterly bizarre, just like the entire Republican convention.


Biden on the rampage in Pennsyvania

LOL. I don't want to hear any more GOP comments about a few columns after this one!

Ironically, McCain should be in the Walter Reed Medical Center while Palin should be at the Walter Reed Middle School.

The Principal of the School has castigated the GOP for using the school wihtout getting prior consent.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/school_raps_mcca...

I loved the puke green background against McCain's pasty white face. That was very appealing to the eye and gave me a feeling of what a McCain presidency would be all about.

Pukey.

Pasty.

I wondered if it was one of his houses, too, and couldn't figure out why they'd want us to see it.

Weird.

This seems to be the ideal place to correct a very popular misconception. It is widely believed that the description of McCain as a maverick is due to his non-conformist stance. The truth is that this term was applied to him in honor of the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile and it's ability to fly through the air before crashing and exploding on the ground. I would appreciate if this correction were brought to the public's notice. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.

I'm not sure why, but this is my favorite story of the day. It is hilarious... I can't wait to hear McCain's answer as to why that backdrop was chosen.

were they trying to convey the "old school" vibe?

First Gustov, now electrical failures. Is Karma trying to tell us something?

Miatch @ 12:

I'm not sure why, but this is my favorite story of the day. It is hilarious... I can't wait to hear McCain's answer as to why that backdrop was chosen.

Because they care about the children?

Miatch @ 12:

I'm not sure why, but this is my favorite story of the day. It is hilarious... I can't wait to hear McCain's answer as to why that backdrop was chosen.

It clearly represents the highest educational ambitions of the crowd before him.

Another attempt at blurring the lines between fantasy and reality in the mind of Americans.

even stranger, this quote from Wikipedia; "...According to West Wing writer and producer Eli Attie, Santos is based on Barack Obama.[1]" and this odd twist; "...Santos reiterated his commitment to greater federal involvement in public education, opposed oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge" and more "...supported a moratorium on the federal death penalty, and pledged never to go to war for oil."

I assumed the green screen was done on purpose.

That way more people would give him attention.

Even bad press is good press.

If enough people mock McCain some will feel sorry for him and it seems his campaign is really relying on the sympathy angle.

someone doesn't know how to use "the google"

The California Democratic Party is actually holding a press conference in front of the school within minutes, where Dems will hit McCain for not knowing the difference between the school and Walter Reed Medical Center.

That's more like it!

Why can't McSame use Walter Reed Elementary School as a backdrop? He was a POW for crepe's sake, he can do anything he wants!

And all the 9iu11annis sang: "9-11 do do do 9-11 do do do" behind McSame's rousing rendition of "Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran"

Also: It was incredibly ELITIST of Obama to make Cindy McSame wear that 300 thousand dollar dress, don't you all agree?

As per Americablog:

MCCAIN AND PALIN-A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE

Ernest Tee @ 23:

As per Americablog:

MCCAIN AND PALIN-A BRIDGE TO NOWHERE

Good t-shirt idea.

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

I assumed that it was one of McCain's houses, as well, initially. I wondered why on earth they would use an image of a house in light of the current curfluffle over McCain's 7 (10? whatever? ) homes.

How funny.. someone didn't do their homework on "the google" images... hahaha.

.

Johnny McCain't even play Hollywood right!

.

gaffes are so effective

Republicans: the Party of Teh Stupid.

Yeah, I was wondering why they would want to dig up the old green screen. I'm way too obsessed with this stuff, none of my friends understood why I was getting a kick out of the green screen. None of us knew what the hell that building was either.

Come one, people! They got the "Walter Reed" part right!

Besides, they couldn't very well use a picture of a big moldy building as a backdrop, now could they!?!

How would that look, this old, moldy, broken down dude, neglected and in disarray, a mere shadow of his former youth and vitality, in front of a building suffering the same sad decline... oh yeah, that'll get the votes.

working the refs with mistakes?

typical lazy "vetting"... someone did a google image search for "walter reed" and this is what they got... well, the best looking "walter reed" they got... and it IS a beautiful building...

Ya gotta laugh. The democratic convention had their act together and things went off without a hitch. Then along comes the republicans.

Their first night gets screwed by a hurricane on the Gulf Coast. Cheney doesn't speak and bush only spoke via satellite the following night. (Just for the record, go back and look at a tape of bush speaking that night, I believe I saw columns on either side of him. So if Sarah wants to know which movie lot they stored Obama's columns in, she should just ask bush) Then along came Sarah the Savior of the week on Wednesday, followed by that god awful speech last night in front of the wrong freakin' background.

VietVet8666 @ 25:

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

C'mon, don't rain on our parade. You just can't make this stuff up.

Whatever else happens, I think the RNC should be forced to disgorge a large fee to the school for using their grounds as a backdrop without their permission. Something on the order of the cost of a computer system upgrade, to help remedy the depredations of eight years of No Child Left Behind.

Checks should also be made out to Heart, Chuck Berry and John Mellencamp, et al for unauthorized use of their copyrighted music, in a venue which is anathema to their principles.

My conservative pop used to say that if I wasn't made to pay for my mistakes, I would never learn not to make them again.

Think that might be all that is wrong with the RNC?

No. Me neither.

Ya gotta laugh. The democratic convention had their act together and things went off without a hitch.

Really. And if you remember, the rightwingers were rumourmonger about how the Dems were running out of money for the Convention and that is was in disarray...

Walrus,

I'm pissed. Not kidding. But always respect your comments.

happy to have the answer to what and where - yay for whoever made the "mistake"!

[Comment Deleted By Administration For Violation Of Terms Of Service]

Lisa @ 30:

Yeah, I was wondering why they would want to dig up the old green screen. I'm way too obsessed with this stuff, none of my friends understood why I was getting a kick out of the green screen. None of us knew what the hell that building was either.

It was so random. That's why the whole thing is funny. The McCain campaign is so completely random. Like the Palin pick. It's just like he pulled the name from a hat. I can't wait to see what this moron does next...it's so exciting! Maybe during the debates he'll have Palin wear a dead moose carcass and come on stage in a snowmobile...who knows?

VietVet8666 @ 38:

Walrus,

I'm pissed. Not kidding. But always respect your comments.

We're all pissed. To a certain degree, I don't disagree with you.

theWalrus @ 37:

Ya gotta laugh. The democratic convention had their act together and things went off without a hitch.

Really. And if you remember, the rightwingers were rumourmonger about how the Dems were running out of money for the Convention and that is was in disarray...

Hell they even prayed it would rain on Obama's speech and that didn't happen.

if you have time listen to former bush speech writer
micheal gerson he pretty slammed the mccain speech

he basically mentions some of the obvious mccain was
powerful presenting his vulnerabilities....gerson
called it a typical republican speech NO POLICY
the speech did NOT reach to independents or democrats.
he basically did what many of us knew he would do and that is continue his good guy theme who will kill EVIL.
mccain if you know how to get bin laden then tell the president don't wait until feb./09

Georgia Eliot @ 39:

happy to have the answer to what and where - yay for whoever made the "mistake"!

McCain's chief has already said it was their ad man, Fred Davis who made the "mix-up".

He's gonna be leaving to spend more time with his family.

Walrus,

You're good at logic.

Bet you like math.

repubs are really not a smart bunch are they?

other samples
1. new-clear (palin's speech spelled nuclear like this for her to avoid pronouncing it as nukular which she did last friday)
2. mavrick (convention plackard)
3. ameirca (another convention plackard)
4. palin going to 5 schools in 6 years. no professor remembers her by the way.

talk about anti-inetellectual-ism.

the mccain people are having a hard time explaining this and perhaps hoping that the weekend will overtake the issue.

these are the same people who want 4 more years after they destroyed the country the last eight. they should go back to high school first.

constituent @ 43:

if you have time listen to former bush speech writer
micheal gerson he pretty slammed the mccain speech

he basically mentions some of the obvious mccain was
powerful presenting his vulnerabilities....gerson
called it a typical republican speech NO POLICY
the speech did NOT reach to independents or democrats.
he basically did what many of us knew he would do and that is continue his good guy theme who will kill EVIL.
mccain if you know how to get bin laden then tell the president don't wait until feb./09

It's very unlikely to happen under a Republican administration. You cannot catch your bogeyman and have him too.

At the RNC there were numerous signs with stupidly misspelled words like "Amereica" and "Mavrick" and there was one point where people held up an American Flag with 51 stars.

Oh, and John McCain failed to meet the deadline to be on the Texas ballot. August 26th.

He hadn't even picked his running mate by then.

Oh, btw, Obama failed to meet the deadline also.

http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/obama-mccain-fail-to-qualify-for-t...

This will be interesting.

First we heard that the McCain campaign was keeping him away from the press, limiting his cell phone usage and not allowing him to shoot the shit with reporters on his plane. Now we hear that the campaign will keep Sarah away from the press. WTF? So neither McCain or Palin will answer any press questions?

Obama's at 21%? Better than the 18% 10 minutes ago. Click on www.chase3000.com.

VietVet8666 @ 45:

Walrus,

You're good at logic.

Bet you like math.

These blogs are being carefully monitored by the NSA so I hesitate to say anything about myself. But thank you.

VietVet8666 @ 38:

Walrus,

I'm pissed. Not kidding. But always respect your comments.

theWalrus @ 35:

VietVet8666 @ 25:

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

C'mon, don't rain on our parade. You just can't make this stuff up.

Both major parties are owned by the Corporate Consortium; not a real "organization" but a group of wealthy corporations with common interests.

At this point, I think that Obama is the best chance for a break with that BS, but I won't be holding my breath. I'm gambling that Obama won't put another nazi on SCOTUS.

If the dems screw it up, I'll go back to voting Socialist.

Someone on Hardball said it looked to them like McCain was in an aquarium when he spoke last night.

pissed off patricia @ 49:

First we heard that the McCain campaign was keeping him away from the press, limiting his cell phone usage and not allowing him to shoot the shit with reporters on his plane. Now we hear that the campaign will keep Sarah away from the press. WTF? So neither McCain or Palin will answer any press questions?

they know sarah can't answer questions about national security/foreign relations and mccain might slip and tell
the truth about an issue by mistake.

oh my goodness! the mccain campaign also used stock photos of black people for the mccain video last night because they apparently couldnt find legit photos of black republicans. the photos are available at istockphoto.com for a few dollars.

Jusker @ 50:

Obama's at 21%? Better than the 18% 10 minutes ago. Click on www.chase3000.com.

Why. It's a dead end.

masha @ 46:

repubs are really not a smart bunch are they?

other samples
1. new-clear (palin's speech spelled nuclear like this for her to avoid pronouncing it as nukular which she did last friday)
2. mavrick (convention plackard)
3. ameirca (another convention plackard)
4. palin going to 5 schools in 6 years. no professor remembers her by the way.

talk about anti-inetellectual-ism.

the mccain people are having a hard time explaining this and perhaps hoping that the weekend will overtake the issue.

these are the same people who want 4 more years after they destroyed the country the last eight. they should go back to high school first.

If this is so clear to many of this, why are they trying to make Palin popular in the eyes of the public?

It's already a given that the military is a sacred cow in American society. You can't criticize them. You simply honor them for their service. And McCain is milking this all the way to hide his inaccuracies, criminal behavior (Keating Five) and lies.

So, when will people get tired of the BS and publicly protest for the truth behind these people?

constituent @ 54:

pissed off patricia @ 49:

First we heard that the McCain campaign was keeping him away from the press, limiting his cell phone usage and not allowing him to shoot the shit with reporters on his plane. Now we hear that the campaign will keep Sarah away from the press. WTF? So neither McCain or Palin will answer any press questions?

they know sarah can't answer questions about national security/foreign relations and mccain might slip and tell
the truth about an issue by mistake.

Word is that Palin has gone back to the tundra. Maybe she accidently left a wolf or a state trooper alive.

pissed off patricia @ 53:

Someone on Hardball said it looked to them like McCain was in an aquarium when he spoke last night.

that's the guy who replaced tim russert as wash bureau chief.

Both major parties are owned by the Corporate Consortium; not a real “organization” but a group of wealthy corporations with common interests.

My Irish bartender Republican friend Patrick actually says that Obama is owned by George Soros.

I chuckle.

Video added to the post, and this update:

Here's the statement from Donna Tobin, the principal...

"It has been brought to the school's attention that a picture of the front of our school, Walter Reed Middle School, was used as a backdrop at the Republican National Convention. Permission to use the front of our school for the Republican National Convention was not given by our school nor is the use of our school's picture an endorsement of any political party or view."

One other interesting development: The California Democratic Party is actually holding a press conference in front of the school within minutes, ...

Ouch!

Just thought I mention it here that Cafferty lost his wife Carol this morning.
I know he is loved by most of you,
Carol

Be pissed.

But be pissed the right way, the right direction.

Being pissed at Repubs is fine. But Repubs, as Nader tells us, are simply one side of the coin. The other side is Dems.

Ask yourself: Have the Dem presidents over the past 60 years been so much better than Repub presidents? Of course not.

Don't be manipulated.

By TV. By your daily newspaper. By this or any other website. Unless you want to be manipulated.

greg white @ 17:

Another attempt at blurring the lines between fantasy and reality in the mind of Americans.

even stranger, this quote from Wikipedia; "...According to West Wing writer and producer Eli Attie, Santos is based on Barack Obama.[1]" and this odd twist; "...Santos reiterated his commitment to greater federal involvement in public education, opposed oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge" and more "...supported a moratorium on the federal death penalty, and pledged never to go to war for oil."

Awesome- way to make that connection. Somebody in McCain's camp must like them some Obama.

theWalrus @ 60:

Both major parties are owned by the Corporate Consortium; not a real “organization” but a group of wealthy corporations with common interests.

My Irish bartender Republican friend Patrick actually says that Obama is owned by George Soros.

I chuckle.

I would LOL. If only it were true! Soros is fairly to the left; Obama is not.

Since Republicans are not reality based, it’s obvious that McNVPOW was pandering to the West Wing crowd.

This fake mansion appeals to all the greedy cronies, phonies and sycophants in the audience.

It is the message of greed that they want to spread, not how to fix this country that has been totally fucked up by Bush and 90% McSame.

Now that's sutpidity and incompetence you can believe in, my friends.

jebus.loves.me @ 4:

His speech was so long and boring...He sounded like grandpa Simpson going on and on

Jebus ... Thanks, that one gave me a good chuckle, grandpa Simpson with a Mr. Burns temperament.

VietVet8666 @ 25:

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

This is just a joke dude! If people are on this site making comments, you can est assured that they are the same ones who really care about the things happening and are very much aware of the real problems. This post is just alittle fun to keep our spirits healthy. Have a laugh or two while promoting peace, liberty, and freedom for all; it's healthy. :)

Yes, McCain sucks. Palin makes a great speech but is empty.

But what do Obama and Biden tell us?

That they will pull forthwith out of Iraq?

That they will dig for criminal charges against Bushco?

That they will...fuck, I'm too pissed.

Yes, it's true.

Neither Barack Obama nor John McCain can legally be on the Texas ballot.

Eh, no one cares.

It's similar to how Fox replaced the picture of Stephan Douglas with Frederick Douglas as Abe Lincoln's debate opponent.

VietVet8666 @ 25:

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

I've given up on trying to get people to listen to the fact about the corporate ownership of the government - at least til the election is over. People are excited and distracted by a dynamic Barack Obama. Wait until Diebold steals the election. Or two years into an Obama Presidency, where nothing has changed.

Please no clobber! I truly hope that Obama, for whom I am voting, makes me eat my words.

At this point I'm expecting Fox to have a big picture of McCain that says (D-Ariz) underneath!

You'll see, it will happen.

There are clear signs that US Bank that is headquartered in Minnneapolis, MN (the same place as our dear convention) may be about to go under. Multiple unexplained account closures and threats of closure and seizure have been made under the guise of the unconstitutional US Patriots Act. These accounts which have had significant amounts money and cashflow which US Bank does not pay for or give interest to, have been closed due to pressures and inquiries from clients about the bank's solvency, credit worthiness, and legal obligations to customers under federal law.

This a ominous sign of the continous perils of the US Financial and Banking system and US Bank in particular as the next domino in the failing bank chain. WE HOPE we may be WRONG, but history and more recent events leave the outlook very bleak.

Mick Angry Leftist Piobr @ 73:

VietVet8666 @ 25:

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

I've given up on trying to get people to listen to the fact about the corporate ownership of the government - at least til the election is over. People are excited and distracted by a dynamic Barack Obama. Wait until Diebold steals the election. Or two years into an Obama Presidency, where nothing has changed.

Please no clobber! I truly hope that Obama, for whom I am voting, makes me eat my words.

I'm with ya. If nothing else I want to hope that Obama would not put another scumbag like Scalia or Thomas on the SC.

Do these Repug bozos never vet a background? Can't tell a greenscreen from reality.

Perfect - a fictional character makes a fictional run for the White House on TV.

McChange: new president, same old policies.

We support the troops!

Now which building do we support the troops at again?

Sites like this attract both those who are fervent Dem voters and those who are insane at how fucked the American People are because both major parties are bought and sold by major corporations.

What a nice looking hospital, those wounded vets must be in "heaven".

VietVet8666 @ 70:

...
But what do Obama and Biden tell us?

That they will dig for criminal charges against Bushco?...

Well, I was going to reply with the story about Biden pursuing criminal charges, but instead found this, which debunks that story.

But VietVet makes very valid points, we get too caught up in the election season to remember that a lot of very important issues are flat out ignored by the democrats. While this election year definitely feels different than 2004 or 2000, I'm not holding out much optimism that a D in the whitehouse won't be corporate controlled and more Business As Usual.

Johnny-Sidney-McCain =

6-6-6

Repent!

theWalrus @ 8:

Ironically, McCain should be in the Walter Reed Medical Center while Palin should be at the Walter Reed Middle School.

She'll probably just get busted for having sex with a student. [cue "Hot for Teacher"]

Out of curiosity I just did a Google Image search for ‘Walter Reed Medical School’ and the first image was of Walter Reed Middle School. Hmmmm? Kinda like looking up info on Georgia on Wikipedia?

More blowback from the ReTHUGlican's Convention:
Heart Duo Furious Over Republicans' Use of 'Barracuda'

Heart stars Ann and Nancy Wilson have slammed U.S. presidential candidate John McCain for using their hit song "Barracuda" as his campaign's theme song without their prior permission.

Republican leader McCain chose the song as the theme track for his running mate Sarah Palin -- whose high-school nickname was "Sarah Barracuda" because of her forceful style of playing basketball.

But the Wilsons are furious their song has been linked in with the McCain campaign trail, and are demanding the track is scrapped from further promotional duties.

Ann Wilson first became aware of the use of her track after watching Palin's speech on TV on Wednesday.

According to TMZ.com, the pair has sent a "cease and desist" letter to McCain and Palin's representatives.

In the letter, a representative for the duo says, "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission.

"We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music. We hope our wishes will be honored."

VietVet8666 @ 70:

Yes, McCain sucks. Palin makes a great speech but is empty.

To bad with a little fact checking she is one great liar.

MountainMan23 @ 86:

More blowback from the ReTHUGlican's Convention:
Heart Duo Furious Over Republicans' Use of 'Barracuda'

Heart stars Ann and Nancy Wilson have slammed U.S. presidential candidate John McCain for using their hit song "Barracuda" as his campaign's theme song without their prior permission.

Republican leader McCain chose the song as the theme track for his running mate Sarah Palin -- whose high-school nickname was "Sarah Barracuda" because of her forceful style of playing basketball.

But the Wilsons are furious their song has been linked in with the McCain campaign trail, and are demanding the track is scrapped from further promotional duties.

Ann Wilson first became aware of the use of her track after watching Palin's speech on TV on Wednesday.

According to TMZ.com, the pair has sent a "cease and desist" letter to McCain and Palin's representatives.

In the letter, a representative for the duo says, "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission.

"We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music. We hope our wishes will be honored."

Ann and Nancy Wilson rule. 'Nuff said.

Walrus@76 Yeah, that is of the most importance - keeping more Opus Dei Nazis off of the court. I'm thinking that maybe Obama would do a good job there. Hillary would be a good SC Judge.

The simple explanation for this backdrop: they spent all the money they earmarked for columns on Cindy's outfits, so the best they could do was this green screen version of the real thing.

I would have to assume they wanted the Walter Reed Army Hospital and someone in the campaign had a brain fart when they Googled "Walter Reed" for images. They probably looked at various images associated with the name "Walter Reed" and chose that one because it was bright and white.

MarkC @ 83:

Johnny-Sidney-McCain =

6-6-6

Repent!

Repent? I haven't even begun to pent!

ThunderMonkey @ 88:

MountainMan23 @ 86:

More blowback from the ReTHUGlican's Convention:
Heart Duo Furious Over Republicans' Use of 'Barracuda'

Heart stars Ann and Nancy Wilson have slammed U.S. presidential candidate John McCain for using their hit song "Barracuda" as his campaign's theme song without their prior permission.

Republican leader McCain chose the song as the theme track for his running mate Sarah Palin -- whose high-school nickname was "Sarah Barracuda" because of her forceful style of playing basketball.

But the Wilsons are furious their song has been linked in with the McCain campaign trail, and are demanding the track is scrapped from further promotional duties.

Ann Wilson first became aware of the use of her track after watching Palin's speech on TV on Wednesday.

According to TMZ.com, the pair has sent a "cease and desist" letter to McCain and Palin's representatives.

In the letter, a representative for the duo says, "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission.

"We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music. We hope our wishes will be honored."

Ann and Nancy Wilson rule. 'Nuff said.

First Jackson Browne, now the Wilson sisters. Tsk. Tsk.

Can you believe Palin is above 50% approval rating? I hope the sheeple aren't this stupid when November rolls around.

Pete&Pete @ 82:

VietVet8666 @ 70:

...
But what do Obama and Biden tell us?

That they will dig for criminal charges against Bushco?...

Well, I was going to reply with the story about Biden pursuing criminal charges, but instead found this, which debunks that story.

But VietVet makes very valid points, we get too caught up in the election season to remember that a lot of very important issues are flat out ignored by the democrats. While this election year definitely feels different than 2004 or 2000, I'm not holding out much optimism that a D in the whitehouse won't be corporate controlled and more Business As Usual.

Nothing has been more disappointing that what the Dems HAVEN'T done since winning the majority in 2006. Granted quite a bit of that was because of obstreperous Republican filibustering, but it seems to me they could have found a way if they wanted to. It's unclear to me just why that is and you may be right - little will change, even with huge Dem wins in two months.

Pete&Pete @ 82:

VietVet8666 @ 70:

...
But what do Obama and Biden tell us?

That they will dig for criminal charges against Bushco?...

Well, I was going to reply with the story about Biden pursuing criminal charges, but instead found this, which debunks that story.

But VietVet makes very valid points, we get too caught up in the election season to remember that a lot of very important issues are flat out ignored by the democrats. While this election year definitely feels different than 2004 or 2000, I'm not holding out much optimism that a D in the whitehouse won't be corporate controlled and more Business As Usual.

But Barack has been telling us this whole time that Government will never solve these problems. We, ordinary people, have to do it and he knows that. He is a success and a perfect example of what we should be. Follow his lead; start a community group to help the poor that live around your town. Realize that your potential is as great as his and seizethe opportunity to be inspired by someone who is doing for the right reasons- the same ones you would do it for.

As far as songs go, they'd be better off sticking with country musicians. How about Gretchen Wilson's "One of the Boys" or "I'm Here for the Party". Seem more fitting.

CMINCA @ 97:

As far as songs go, they'd be better off sticking with country musicians. How about Gretchen Wilson's "One of the Boys" or "I'm Here for the Party". Seem more fitting.

Nahh - How about Napoleon XIV's "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha Ha" Or Cracker's "Mr Wrong"

My friends, 98% of the students at this middle school are more qualified to be vice president than Sarah Palin.

Mike Z @ 96:

But Barack has been telling us this whole time that Government will never solve these problems. We, ordinary people, have to do it and he knows that. He is a success and a perfect example of what we should be. Follow his lead; start a community group to help the poor that live around your town. Realize that your potential is as great as his and seizethe opportunity to be inspired by someone who is doing for the right reasons- the same ones you would do it for.

While were out helping the community I really hope he does his job in the White House, because I still have to worry about my families lack of access to proper medical care driving them into debt, and fear their imprisonment for medicinal use of marijuana when pharmaceuticals fall short. Also have to worry about my brother in law being slaughtered overseas, you get the point.
It's the libertarian line that the government can't do anything for anyone, when the reality is it has to be there to stop others from doing what we cannot protect ourselves from.

farming the design and organization of the convention out to a sixth grade class has come back to bite the gop in the ass.

Thiis (probably) unintended "West Wing" connection is just a hoot. You know, after Palin came on board, I started thinking about how this race was shaping up more and more like the final season of my all-time favorite show (remember, Santos' Republican opponent was also a semi-maverick Western senator who tapped an obscure Religious-Right governor as his running mate,) but come on, THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!

I guess all that's left to do is to paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen: "I've watched Matt Santos. Matt Santos is my favorite TV politician (well, after Jed Bartlet, of course!) Senator McCain, you are NO Matt Santos!"

Pete&Pete @ 100:

Mike Z @ 96:

But Barack has been telling us this whole time that Government will never solve these problems. We, ordinary people, have to do it and he knows that. He is a success and a perfect example of what we should be. Follow his lead; start a community group to help the poor that live around your town. Realize that your potential is as great as his and seizethe opportunity to be inspired by someone who is doing for the right reasons- the same ones you would do it for.

While were out helping the community I really hope he does his job in the White House, because I still have to worry about my families lack of access to proper medical care driving them into debt, and fear their imprisonment for medicinal use of marijuana when pharmaceuticals fall short. Also have to worry about my brother in law being slaughtered overseas, you get the point.
It's the libertarian line that the government can't do anything for anyone, when the reality is it has to be there to stop others from doing what we cannot protect ourselves from.

Absolutely! I agree with you 100%. And as long as we keep our communities healthy, by spreading the truth and waking people up, and getting everyone involved in living life the way it should be lived, and we keep the pressure on our elected reps to listen to us and work for us, we will live in a better world.

Mick Angry Leftist Piobr @ 52:

VietVet8666 @ 38:

Walrus,

I'm pissed. Not kidding. But always respect your comments.

theWalrus @ 35:

VietVet8666 @ 25:

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

C'mon, don't rain on our parade. You just can't make this stuff up.

Both major parties are owned by the Corporate Consortium; not a real "organization" but a group of wealthy corporations with common interests.

At this point, I think that Obama is the best chance for a break with that BS, but I won't be holding my breath. I'm gambling that Obama won't put another nazi on SCOTUS.

If the dems screw it up, I'll go back to voting Socialist.

As we learned in both 2000 and 2004, it probably doesn't matter too much who you actually vote for. It only matters who counts and reports the votes, and we have no freakin' way to ever know the truth about that. And, the same thing is true in the primaries.

The whole election system needs to be revamped, the electoral college needs to go away, only carefully monitored public financing should be allowed for campaigns, many more parties should be allowed to flourish and there should be good, enforceable standards for qualifying candidates, and a verifiable voting system needs to be developed. (Look at the campaign finance and lobbyist reforms McCain helped sponsor and used to brag about. He's been violating his own stupid rules.)

None of this is likely to happen while the big money folks own our government - the corporations and the international financial cabal. Our monetary system is just a big Ponzi scheme and we've seen some very large cracks in it over the past year or two. When the big boys decide to pull the plug - it won't matter too much to us regular Americans who is in the WH.

All that being said - I'll still be voting for Obama - 'cause the other choice isn't even a
choice, and I really don't know what else to do to help save this nation.

caught this on FARK;

The campaign should do a bit more research. Walter Reed High School was not named after the army general. It's named after the Broadway/Hollywood actor Walter Reed who played a wagon driver in Seven Men From Now in the 50's. He died in 2001 and his estate donated a large sum of money to the school so they renamed it after him.

Its a small mistake. . . A big mistake might be confusing Shiites with Sunnis. Or supporting the worst president in US history.

The only difference I have discovered between Democrats and Republicans is:
Democrats want to control the government,
And Republicans want to control you.

I have never met a Democrat that has tried to tell me:
Who I can date,
How I can make love,
Or what god I have to worship.

Is it possible that someone in the campaign was asked for a pic of "Walter Reed" to bolster his "wounded vet cache" and they came up with this by mistake?

With what the last poster pointed out, even better.

Grandpa Simpson isn't getting my vote.

It was a school?
Silly me, I though it was one of McCains mansions.

jebus.loves.me @ 4:

His speech was so long and boring...He sounded like grandpa Simpson going on and on

I only heard it on the radio, and I have to say it sounded much more like Hans Moleman.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Moleman

Mike Z @ 66:

greg white @ 17:

Another attempt at blurring the lines between fantasy and reality in the mind of Americans.

even stranger, this quote from Wikipedia; "...According to West Wing writer and producer Eli Attie, Santos is based on Barack Obama.[1]" and this odd twist; "...Santos reiterated his commitment to greater federal involvement in public education, opposed oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge" and more "...supported a moratorium on the federal death penalty, and pledged never to go to war for oil."

Awesome- way to make that connection. Somebody in McCain's camp must like them some Obama.

I have a feeling it wasn't so benevolent. McCain spent the evening stealing Obama's message, his ideas, and his lines. What better way to start the evening off than by planting a subliminal message that McCain IS Obama? There's even an Obama campaign ad out there that uses the West Wing scene for its obvious inspiring parallels to Obama's message of 'hope'. (The word hope is repeated at least a dozen times.) So McCain is Obama plus, right? Plus what? Oh, experience, heroism, "fight", etc.

Nuffsaid @ 110:

The only difference I have discovered between Democrats and Republicans is:
Democrats want to control the government,
And Republicans want to control you.

I have never met a Democrat that has tried to tell me:
Who I can date,
How I can make love,
Or what god I have to worship.

Well said.

By the way, why was an image of the Santa Monica pier at sunset used repeatedly during Palin's snarkfest?

I thought it was a picture of one of his houses.

abarts @ 108:

caught this on FARK;

The campaign should do a bit more research. Walter Reed High School was not named after the army general. It's named after the Broadway/Hollywood actor Walter Reed who played a wagon driver in Seven Men From Now in the 50's. He died in 2001 and his estate donated a large sum of money to the school so they renamed it after him.

Lol!

The Republicans, just like the Democrats on TV.

Hahahahahaha!

VietVet8666 @ 26:

I distrust and even hate both parties equally.

This level of criticism accomplishes nothing.

Focus on the problem.

The problem isn't McCain. Or Obama. Or Palin.

It's that major corporations are pulling the strings of both parties.

You can be sure that the next president will be installed (and controlled) by major U.S. corporations.

does this ring a bell !?

This is America!

Like it or leave it!

So when are you emigrating to the 'AIPeoples Republic of Alaska' !

Mick Angry Leftist Piobr @ 101:

Or Cracker's "Mr Wrong"

Cracker. Yes! What a perfect name for a band to play at RNC events. But I think the song they want is "Everybody Gets One for Free." Do the freedom hater's dance...

Vman @ 115:

Nuffsaid @ 110:

The only difference I have discovered between Democrats and Republicans is:
Democrats want to control the government,
And Republicans want to control you.

I have never met a Democrat that has tried to tell me:
Who I can date,
How I can make love,
Or what god I have to worship.

Well said.

By the way, why was an image of the Santa Monica pier at sunset used repeatedly during Palin's snarkfest?

fond memories of 'Hello Sailor'

If I remember correctly, Santos won the presidential election and his first act was to sign legislation into law that banned lobby groups.

Of course the Republicans have no intention of doing this, even if McGramps says he will.

abarts @ 108:

caught this on FARK;

The campaign should do a bit more research. Walter Reed High School was not named after the army general. It's named after the Broadway/Hollywood actor Walter Reed who played a wagon driver in Seven Men From Now in the 50's. He died in 2001 and his estate donated a large sum of money to the school so they renamed it after him.

What do you expect of the new wave of Repug activist, they are prepubescent Teenygoppers,
basement dwellers every one of them, the highlight of their week is watching Rambo movies and drooling over their gun 'n' muscle posters.

karen marie @ 104:

farming the design and organization of the convention out to a sixth grade class has come back to bite the gop in the ass.

A sixth grader would have done a better job. They get marked down for not reading the instructions. This was an in-house fuckup by a high-school jock who grew up and had to find a new bunch of suckers to skate by on.

Another odd thing on that big screen was behind I think Huckabee --- a picture of a parking lot. WTF? Is it because the GOP loves driving those SUV's so much? It's our American right to drill, drill, drill, and park, park, park? Bizarre!

VietVet8666 @ 65:

Be pissed.

But be pissed the right way, the right direction.

Being pissed at Repubs is fine. But Repubs, as Nader tells us, are simply one side of the coin. The other side is Dems.

Ask yourself: Have the Dem presidents over the past 60 years been so much better than Repub presidents? Of course not.

Don't be manipulated.

By TV. By your daily newspaper. By this or any other website. Unless you want to be manipulated.

By no means perfect, but would I rather live through FDR, JFK, LBJ, Carter and Clinton or Ike, Nixon, Reagan, Bush and Bush?

I'll take the Dems, hands down.

wow, how desperate are the LIBERALS hopelessly trying to cling to any completely irrelevant issue coming out of the RNC. What did it? Sarah Palin or the ratings (i know the last one was a huge blow, but guys, relax)? Well, either way, it's the end of the Obama machine, poor Barack actually tried to defend his record by adding that he also was ...... a professor. Yep, that's qualifies him as the Commander in Chief like nobodys business.

steven @ 128:

wow, how desperate are the LIBERALS hopelessly trying to cling to any completely irrelevant issue coming out of the RNC. What did it? Sarah Palin or the ratings (i know the last one was a huge blow, but guys, relax)? Well, either way, it's the end of the Obama machine, poor Barack actually tried to defend his record by adding that he also was ...... a professor. Yep, that's qualifies him as the Commander in Chief like nobodys business.

And of course Sarah Palin used her experience to sell off the Alaskan state plane to a lobbyist/ Repug donor at a bargain basement price.
Ran up monster debt then tries to do a runner to escape the consequences, as VP she thinks she could wipe all her past sins clean.
classy

IOKIYAR

steven @ 127:

wow, how desperate are the LIBERALS hopelessly trying to cling to any completely irrelevant issue coming out of the RNC. What did it? Sarah Palin or the ratings (i know the last one was a huge blow, but guys, relax)? Well, either way, it's the end of the Obama machine, poor Barack actually tried to defend his record by adding that he also was ...... a professor. Yep, that's qualifies him as the Commander in Chief like nobodys business.

Tell Karl hi.

Next time we'll try to get him the memo before he goes on the air and condemns the governor of a real state as being too inexperienced to lead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4qEynSx19E

And Tell David Bricknew hi. Those Jews sure do deserve all that terrorism for embracing a governor with executive experience like Pontius Pilate over a community organizer like Joshua bar Joseph:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uz_nPFfjYo

Oh, I get it! This thread is coming to an end, so the trolls sneak in and try to get the last word, or should I say , whimper?

This video should have been on the screen at the RNC, if they dared.

'The hostage speaks'

Mick Angry Leftist Piobr @ 132:

Oh, I get it! This thread is coming to an end, so the trolls sneak in and try to get the last word, or should I say , whimper?

Its shift change time for the Repug trolls.

I guess they wanted to use Walter Reed Hospital as part of their VEP (Veteran Exploitation Program), but realized how un-photogenic it's looking these days.

Peter G @ 12:

This seems to be the ideal place to correct a very popular misconception. It is widely believed that the description of McCain as a maverick is due to his non-conformist stance. The truth is that this term was applied to him in honor of the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile and it's ability to fly through the air before crashing and exploding on the ground. I would appreciate if this correction were brought to the public's notice. Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.

Wha?

theWalrus @ 8:

Ironically, McCain should be in the Walter Reed Medical Center while Palin should be at the Walter Reed Middle School.

LOL

repugs are the sloppiest, laziest fucks ever to invade the world of politics.

Photo editing is a skill. The Rethugs have no skills--only lies.

As a class of '61 alumnus I am deeply offended ...

VietVet8666 @ 65:

Be pissed.

But be pissed the right way, the right direction.

Being pissed at Repubs is fine. But Repubs, as Nader tells us, are simply one side of the coin. The other side is Dems.

Ask yourself: Have the Dem presidents over the past 60 years been so much better than Repub presidents? Of course not.

Don't be manipulated.

By TV. By your daily newspaper. By this or any other website. Unless you want to be manipulated.

At least the democrats haven't appointed right wing christian judges to the supreme court.

this is an obvious ploy to get back on colbert for another green screen challenge!

DR @ 143:

this is an obvious ploy to get back on colbert for another green screen challenge!

It's official, he announced on tonight's edition of the Report!

holy crap! they are using us against us!

“… Permission to use the front of our school for the Republican National Convention was not given by our school nor is the use of our school’s picture an endorsement of any political party or view.”

She's really misguided about needing permission to take a picture of a building. McCain doesn't need permission, and it's not up to the school. (Using someone's song is different.)

LOL! I thought they were doing it as an obvious joke to the last green back drop where McCain gave that terrible speech at. Maybe not.

Walter Reed Middle School was probably used in the West Wing because it is located near many of the movie studios in the San Fernando Valley, validating my personal
theory that All Roads Lead to North Hollywood.

The pretty foreign-accented woman took so long to say nothing at all. Christ, the question she should have opened with is the obvious, "Did they mistake the middle school for the medical center." Instead, what we viewers were treated to was a rambling hot chick who awkwardly thumbed forward through webpages that we could barely make out.

Man, CNN blows. Or at least, I hope she does.

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