NPR: McCain Ad Congratulates Obama on Historic Nomination

McCain Ad Congratulates Obama on Historic Nomination

McCain communications director Jill Hazelbaker promised this ad would be "historic." I don't know if I'd go that far, but it's definitely a departure from the McCain camp's recent negative efforts -- including rare DNC-week contrast spots. In it, McCain, talking directly into the camera, congratulates Obama and adds, "how perfect that your nomination would come on this historic day" (i.e. the 45th anniversary of "I Have A Dream"). McCain doesn't overtly mention race, but he's clearly talking about the ground Obama is breaking as he becomes the first major-party black nominee.

So...genuine gesture of goodwill or gambit to grab a little airtime on Obama's big night and revive a fraying reputation for high-mindedness? (Or, well, both? The two don't have to be mutually exclusive, do they?)

-- Evie Stone

5:28 PM ET | 08-28-2008 | permalink

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A genuine message of congratulations hardly needs to be a public statement - surely a phone call would suffice. Clearly this is a message to the viewers, not Obama. It could be the sort of remark that seems magnanimous on the surface to those of a magnanimous disposition, but is pointed enough that those who are cynical about Obama's nomination can infer that he received it largely _because_ of his race? I suspect that people will hear what they want to hear in this message.

Sent by Nick | 7:05 PM ET | 08-28-2008

However much they may dislike each other, Obama is breaking new ground and McCain is not beyond recognizing that. Even if he didn't want to admit it, it is an historic moment. Not mentioning it would be an even worse statement. I'm glad he did it--even if I still hope Obama wins.

Sent by miguel madrigal | 7:06 PM ET | 08-28-2008

I agree with Mr. Madrigal -- I'm glad McCain seems to be heeding Obama's call for civility and respect in the leadership of this country from here on. I'm an avid Democrat and Obama supporter, tired of deadlock.

Sent by Liz C. | 11:56 AM ET | 08-29-2008

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