SubscribeWhy all of this Obama-McCain 'lipstick on a pig' noise is hogwash
When is it OK to talk about lipstick on pigs? It depends.
Sen. Barack Obama is being lambasted for his statement about Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin's policies not being about change but "just calling the same thing something different."
"You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig," Obama said during a town-hall style event in Virginia on Tuesday night.
As you probably recall, Palin got applause at the Republican National Convention when she said that the only difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom (meaning herself) is that the latter wears lipstick. I think there are a few other differences, but I won't go into that here.
Now McCain's camp is acting outraged, outraged! It is accusing Obama of talking about Palin, calling Barack's comment "offensive and disgraceful" and saying Obama owes Palin an apology. This war hero and his self-described pit bull are so sensitive!
Meanwhile, McCain may have conveniently forgotten (hey, the dude's, like, really old) that he once used the same analogy in a 2007 Chicago Tribune article about Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's healthcare plan. And I didn't hear anything about Hillary demanding an apology.
"I think they put some lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig," McCain is quoted as saying about Clinton's proposal.
If I were a pig or a pit bull, I might be offended. But right now I'm a little more worried about my mortgage, the price of gas and the economy, stupid.
Oh, and gorgeous actresses with waves in their hair.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images
When you think about it, it's really hilarious that the Republicans all thought of Sarah Palin when Barack Obama mentioned a lipstick-wearing pig.
Nevertheless, the Republicans are once again playing hard and fast with the truth, creating diversions rather than talking about anything that really matters, such as the economy or the war.
Thank you for providing some much-needed perspective on this non-"issue." Keep up the great work!
Posted by: tomk | September 10, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Hogwash until the LA Times idiots decide to sabotage the 1st Amendment, again, and again, and again.
Posted by: rural americans | September 10, 2008 at 01:34 PM
It's hogwash because it was a comment made about a Republican and not a Democrat. It isn't hogwash because of the timing the comment was made.
Posted by: Chaz | September 10, 2008 at 01:35 PM
He covers his eyes as he delivers the line. It is body language. His mouth twists into a sneer. Its a nasty shot.
He's trying not to show mirth in front of the cameras. But his fan base immediately pick up on the shot. They knew exactly what he meant which just adds to the confirmation. Though no doubt women in the crowd are conflicted and emotions are spinning in conflicted inner turmoil.
The shot about "Smelly old fish" directed at Palin needs no other comment as to its hateful Misogyny.
Posted by: LookUpLarrySinclair | September 10, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Had you printed the whole segment he is clearly directing that comment at Palin, followed by the next one toward John McCain. Is it a big deal? No, not till the media started falling all over themselves to spin it for Obama. This is just another elitest comment from Obama, and the reason I switched parties this year.
Posted by: JOyce | September 10, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I was one of those women who almost took the Palin bait. But, after this trick by the McCain Campaign, I have just decided today to vote for Obama.
Posted by: Susan | September 10, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Media: Senator McCain, can you tell us your position on the state of the economy in America?
JMcC: Well, you see, when I was a POW in Vietnam I did not have an opportunity to participate in the American economy.
Media: OK… how about health care reform. Would you like to tell us your thoughts about health care reform?
JMcC: You know, when I was a POW in Vietnam I did not receive any health care whatsoever. In fact, they were quite mean to me.
Media: Err… yes. Well, we know you have strong opinions about the war in Iraq. Would you mind sharing them with us.
JMcC: Ladies and gentlemen, may I present your next vice president, SARAH PALIN!! YEEEEEHAAWWWW!!
SP: (whispering to JMcC) What do I say?
JMcC; (whispering to SP) It doesn’t really matter. I just needed to find a female in the GOP, and you certainly have the qualifications for that!
SP: I’m a pitbull sent by God!! Argh!!!
Media: My goodness!! We are certainly glad to meet you, Mrs. Palin!
SP: I’m a pitbull sent by God!! Argh!!!
Media: Indeed you are! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
SP: I’m a pitbull sent by God!! Argh!!!
Media: I see. Well, I’m sure the American people would love to hear the platform you are running on. Please?
SP: I’m a pitbull sent by God!! Argh!!!
Media: Got it. Senator McCain, back to you, then. Our audience would love to hear your positions on the major issues facing the country today.
JMcC: Hey! Did he just say “lipstick”. He can’t say that! I’m the one with the chick on my ticket (hehe)! Did you all hear him say “lipstick” It’s an outrage!!!
Posted by: Chris in PA | September 10, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Intersting that you are so willing to defend Obama. If anyone said the same comment about Hillary in the same context it would have been front page news all over the US
Posted by: Jeff | September 10, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Are you really worried about the economy, stupid?
Top Recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Campaign Contributions, 1989-2008:
1. Dodd, Christopher D-CT $133,900
2. Kerry, John D-MA $111,000
3. Obama, Barack D-IL $105,849 (he's only been a senator for 3 of those 19 years!)
4. Clinton, Hillary D-NY $75,550
Posted by: Not Stupid | September 10, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Sorry Obama supporters but he did this to himself. The DNC has used this "lipstick" reference theme since Palin's speech. Had he said this before then, he would have been fine. Search the web for Obama supporters referring to Palin as "Bush with lipstick" and "Cheney with lipstick."
You made a mistake, admit it and move on. I'm an Independent waiting for the debates.
FYI, Now you get to defend Biden telling Chuck Graham (wheelchair bound) to "Stand up."
Posted by: Michael | September 10, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Elizabeth, here is a story for you . It is on my thunderings site..THis really tells it like it is...
F. P.
www.thunderingsofthequill.com
Posted by: Fred Pohlman | September 10, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Woe to us if decisions are made in November based on lipstick "smears" - every journalist the in the US, conservative, liberal or in-between should be outraged that McCain is repeatedly flatly lying that "Obama is ready to raise eveyone's taxes" - see CNN.Money's detailed analysis. Obama's plan hugely benefits the working and middle class vs. McCain's.
Palin is also repeating fully verified lies every day on the campaign trail - about saying "no thanks" to the bridge to nowhere, about selling her jet on Ebay and firing her chef, about being an earmark maverick, etc.
This is a clearly dishonest, dangerously misleading character to put near the highest office in the land. If the public doesn't know about her lies, it's because the press has completely lost its integrity as defender of the public interest in favor of tabloid gossip about lipstick, pigs and nonsense.
You and I may die based on a stupid decision Palin makes or lie she tells. This is a person who doesn't believe global warming is caused by humans and thinks Creationism should be taught in school - she seems like an attractive person - but absurd as VP in the 21st century. I can't believe this country is considering her for a moment.
Posted by: Kelly Jones | September 10, 2008 at 01:42 PM
amen. America, wake up. This is all just a distraction. Ask the candidates about the issues, not about silliness like this.
I'm tired of the politics of diversion and spin. I don't care which side wins, but I sincerly hope they win based on the merits of their platform and perceived ability to follow-throough, not on their ability to spin stories and use faux outrage.
Posted by: tlhwraith | September 10, 2008 at 01:42 PM
The difference between these two instances is the subject of the remark, and it illustrates a key difference between Republicans and Democrats. Obama's remark was in reference to Sarah Palin, the person. McCain's remark was in reference to one of Hillary Clinton's policies. People and policies are completely different. You can criticize someone's specific ideas without necessarily degrading them as a person.
But as the saying goes: Republicans think Democrats are wrong, Democrats think Republicans are evil...
Posted by: Jim F. | September 10, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Had you printed the whole segment he is clearly directing that comment at Palin, followed by the next one toward John McCain. Is it a big deal? No, not till the media started falling all over themselves to spin it for Obama. This is just another elitest comment from Obama, and the reason I switched parties this year.
Posted by: JOyce | September 10, 2008 at 01:43 PM
"The President has lead with great clarity and I think he's done a great job leading the country don't you?" -- John McCain
"The President and I agree on most issues, there was a recent study that showed I voted with the President over 90% of the time higher than even most of my Republican collegues" -- John McCain
Posted by: Democrats 08 | September 10, 2008 at 01:43 PM
You are an idiot. Luckily, you don't matter.
http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/elizabethberry/Cgsq
Posted by: Big Pearl | September 10, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Had you printed the whole segment he is clearly directing that comment at Palin, followed by the next one toward John McCain. Is it a big deal? No, not till the media started falling all over themselves to spin it for Obama. This is just another elitest comment from Obama, and the reason I switched parties this year.
Posted by: Joyce | September 10, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Same Republican Campaign you trying to bring personality into politics instead of the actual problems facing America
Posted by: Tony | September 10, 2008 at 01:44 PM
It is these types of comments that shouldn't even be in the political arena.
Obama should be delicate in his sayings and not given an opportunity for the Republicans to pounce on this issue. It derails Obama's message and gets them to quitter about something senseless and disappointing to the viewers.
Its a Republican victory if these types of comments on front page CNN news. Obama's message is not getting through, the only thing that is on getting through is this pig comment which shouldn't have been stated in the first place (ppl can misinterpret.)
Keep em at it Obama
Posted by: Ricky | September 10, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Sir: You are a left wing biased liberal. This just goes to show that the media, like you, are trying their best to steam roll over Palin and anything Obama does or says is OKAY with you. READ HIS LIPS "I am a muslim".
Posted by: Nicholas Roy Smith | September 10, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Another confirmation that I made the right move cancelling my 20 year subscription to the LA Times.
Posted by: David | September 10, 2008 at 01:45 PM
55 days before the election Schmidt, Rove and Davis distract voters from real issues by attacking a pig wearing lipstick.
Schmidt, Rove and Davis are attacking a Pig Wearing Lipstick? Because they branded Governor Sarah Palin as their Pit bull wearing Lip stick? What is the difference between a Pig and a Pit bull?
Pigs, also called hogs or swine, are ungulates which have been domesticated as sources of food, leather, and similar products since ancient times. From Wikipedia
Pit Bull is a term commonly used to describe several breeds of dog in the Molosser family that were historically used for dog fighting. From Wikipedia
Proof that they are attempting to steal the pet, lip stick and fashion vote.
I never thought this election might be decided on A Pig vs Pit Bull. Two different animals. I bet the whole world's online community is thinking “So this is America and Democracy?” Yes I say! This is our finest hour! 55 more days! In my storage room where I parked my computer this artist is looking for a quick response ...
Democrats courting all Republican and Independent voters who lovePets, Lipstick and Fashion
Lipstick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euSNghJULgM
Fashion show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCcTRjxP-Fc
Democrats are courting all Republican and Independent Pet owners
and their family! You heard right! Their Pets are their Family too!
We will not concede Talking Dog fans!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCYaw5tGYAs
We will not concede Funny Cat fans!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTasT5h0LEg
The real change team for the last 19 months
Change we can believe in!
Vote Obama/Biden '08
Posted by: Cooday | September 10, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Hillary may not be a pig...but she is an accomplished liar...and I think I would rather be the former! As for Obama...it is just a matter of considering the source and moving on. He will eventually earn some experience at something, perhaps it will be to tread softly. It is clear who your candidate is...but in case it isn't clear who mine is...It is McCain/Palin because I am not that "stupid" to vote for Obama!
Posted by: Debi Holley | September 10, 2008 at 01:45 PM
The issue is only unimportant because it is a gaffe by Senator Obama. Had McCain or any Republican said it you would be screaming to the heavens and you know it. It is hard to say who is more dishonest, you or MSNBC, but I will say this: Obama has drifted from gaffe to gaffe all year, whenever the megalomaniac is not carefully scripted. Just how long do you intend to keep apologizing for this idiot ?
Posted by: markm | September 10, 2008 at 01:45 PM