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CAPITAL SOURCES

Dirty Tricks

A former political operative explains how they're done.

By Jeffrey Bartholet | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jan 8, 2008 | Updated: 9:55  a.m. ET Jan 8, 2008

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  • Posted By: getzie @ 01/16/2008 12:30:23 PM

    Comment: In response to Dan Maloy, this is the very thing the article is talking about. The intentional misleading statement that Obama used the Koran, knowing that it will turn voters against him. Check the facts: Press reports from Obama's swearing-in ceremony specifically mention that Obama took the oath of office by placing his hand on his own copy of the Bible. It was Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn. who converted to Islam and was the first Muslim elected to Congress. Another interesting fact is that Ellison actually used a Koran that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson (he borrowed the rare book from the Library of Congress). Talk about dirty tricks....

  • Posted By: Dan Maloy @ 01/15/2008 9:57:06 PM

    Comment: To "George in Seattle"......I'm sorry you feel repressed. However, voting for a black candidate JUST becauase he shares your same skin color is pretty irresponsible. Blaming all racism on Republicans just further highlights your ignorance. Sure there are racist Republicans but there are racist Democrats too. And please don't claim that all racism is thrust from whites to blacks; I lived in Lousisana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia for 9 years and I experienced discrimination and hatred from blacks to me because I'm not black. Study the issues and if you believe Obama is the best candidate then vote to your heart's content. What I don't like about Obama are the reports that he won't put his hand over his heart and face the American flag or say the Pledge of Allegience during flag presentation ceremonies. I don't like how when he took office he wouldn't put his hand on the Bible or some other traditional "American" book of scripture or cherished text when he took his oath. (Sorry, but in America the Koran doesn't cut it.) I also don't like his lack of political experience and quite frankly I don't like how the church he currently belongs to, and has made no attempt to distance himself from, blatantly says they try to push and favor "black causes". How would you feel if I said I was voting for a candidate who belonged to an organization that defiantly said they would push "white causes"? You may claim that caucasian Americans have held the majority of power in the USA too long and I would agree with you up until about 30 years ago. Now, it appears to me, that it's not so much that whites "hold the power" as it is that blacks have often refused to do what it takes to gain respect in our country's culture. Bill Cosby has been trying to say this for the last few years and he has been soundly criticized by MANY black Americans for telling them to get an education, etc. We all bleed the same, so good luck to you and our great country.

  • Posted By: Wilson7117 @ 01/14/2008 7:03:02 PM

    Comment: im sorry crystalsapphire, but with all due respect ur comment was entirely misleading and false. Push polls, as described in the article, are illegal polls done secretly by campaigns. The polls in NH were not push polls. We know this because they were done by legitimate organizations like CNN. They also all had legitimate sources. The notion that the Obama campaign ran push polls is ludicrous. If anything the Clinton campaign did so at the last minute causing the great disparities from the actual result and the !legitimate! polls.

    For everyone voting enitrely on experience make sure you atleast know what that experience was. Hillary's main years of experience came as first lady. She claims that she had a major role in that administration but fails to release the documents from the Clinton library that would back up that statement. If that were really true why wouldnt she release the files so we could verify it for ourselves.

    Instead of looking for experience, I urge you instead to look for judgement. Expereince does not always equal good judgement. Bush and Cheney were two of our most experienced pressidents but I think most of us can agree their judgement was lacking.

    As far as Obama'a judgement, I think it has been very good. He was one of the only people to speak out against the war from the beginning, unlike Hillary, and he didnt vote for Iran bill, unlike Hillary. As far as I can tell, during the time they were both in the Senate, Obama excercised better judgement than Mrs. Clinton.

    Obama's got about as much experience as Lincoln and JFK. Clinton wont even disclose her experience. Seems like a pretty easy choice to me.

  • Posted By: crystalsapphire @ 01/14/2008 6:46:56 AM

    Comment: I have never heard of a "push poll" before. That sounds just about right in explaining "The Big Upset" that happened in New Hampshire.
    A poll that appears legitimate but is actually misleading to convince voters of a different outcome. All the polls? What went wrong? They were "push polls" slanted towards Senator Obama's "Clear Win". "The unstoppable train." "Riding the wave of change."
    The attacks on Senator Clinton nonwithstanding- "So yesterday", "Panic", "End of an era". Sheesh.
    Obama's push poll just didn't work that time.
    And the press? Please. Scrambling amongst themselves to explain their grevious error of declaring a winner before America even had a chance to vote!
    Sure there's manipulation on both sides. Everyone wants your vote.
    As Americans, it's our duty to learn all we can about each candidate, and, with an OPEN mind, try and sift through all the press, pundit and fanatical garbage to what the truth really is.

    And that is, simply, who is the best person, that is ready, to take over as our next president, right now?

    I, personally, feel that my choice will have the experience, the record of getting things done, and can relate to all of us on a personal level .
    Be well.

  • Posted By: John william @ 01/12/2008 9:01:45 PM

    Comment: I understand that using Hussein as a "dirty trick" is wrong. But, I literally had an inner struggle making the following point: Why hide it? Why have shame on having a Muslim heritage? Who is choosing to embrace fear? I just feel something is wrong when you cant simply say: "My middle name is Hussein an I am proud of it".... "Although I have a Muslim heritage, I embrace Christianity" You cant negate your heritage and if so you cant represent America

    of who

  • Posted By: naytiv @ 01/12/2008 1:29:40 PM

    Comment: hhhmm. Sound familiar to anyone? Yeah, how about the whole Ron Paul being a racist news being dropped on us just before the S.C primaries.....I think the candidates are getting scared when they see Ron Paul starting to get people to think and they are terrified! Most educated and half way intelligent human beings are actually doing some research into the issues (for once) and beginning to see whats really going on. Ron Paul is the only real choice America has left......

  • Posted By: stopthebitch @ 01/11/2008 11:56:29 PM

    Comment: Overt or covert? www.stopthebitch.org

  • Posted By: gdognit @ 01/09/2008 3:38:55 PM

    Comment: My Reason For Change


    I was driving down the freeway on my way to work one day, with nothing particular on my mind. I started thinking about the way things are, the political climate and also the climate of the nation as a whole.

    Well let me begin with the hatred that that is shown toward African American, though nothing new but still, our forefathers fought for freedom, equality, and acceptance. As we marched through those thresholds, and started feeling like we were actually a part of this great nation, again and again we are slapped down. I don???t really have to go too far to find events that support my view.

    We can start with such recent events like the Jena 6 case, the young man in Atlanta, Ga. (Genaro Wilson), and the young lady in Virginia who was held captive, tortured, and sexually abused. And what is up with the nooses? Nooses everywhere, even a main street company like Jack in the Box has a commercial depicting the use of nooses. I personally think that the Republican Party is the reason for the sudden rise in this type of hatred being shown, they show this type of separating of people and the freedom to express this hatred.

    Just think in the year 2000 we had the opportunity not to go in this direction, but through scandals, cheating, and a bias Supreme Court, things has changed, or has it really?
    Remember back in 2000 after the election mess, there was a hearing in the halls of Congress and all we needed was 1 vote from a Senator to appeal the result of the election 1 vote mind you. Not 1 Senator would lend support to the efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus, not Hillary Clinton, Joseph Biden, or Chris Dodd and today these are part of the Democratic Presidential hopefuls. So really with these same people in these positions and we couldn???t get not one to see our view where is the difference. I remember President Clinton made a statement to the Congressional Black Caucus ???when they (the Republican) put fire to my tail, you came with the buckets of water to put it out ???. I see loyalty, and what did we get for that loyalty? Another disappointment, just angry Black Folks but they will get over it again. We looked so high at President Bill Clinton as if he was one of our own, but come to think about it the Voters Right Act is still an Act and not a Law, and he cared so much for Black Folks, to be truthful NAFTA isn???t good for Black Folks, the increased trading with China isn???t good for Black Folks or any American. Do anyone remember the motto made in the good old US of A, and love that Union Label, well my friends when we look at our poor brothers and sisters standing homeless and at the lowest levels of poverty remember NAFTA, and China.

    So this is my cry for change, this is my cry for Senator Barack Obama. We want change, and here he is, wanting to be the change we cry for.


    George in Seattle

  • Posted By: Theodosius @ 01/09/2008 10:05:25 AM

    Comment: I would be glad to see an organization devoted to sleuthing out the sources of dirty tricks in campaigns. It could be similar to other political watchdog groups that raise money through donations, and would have several full-time investigators on staff. Practical moves like creating such organizations do a lot more than whining about dirty politics.

    Even better would be for average citizens to become more involved and educated about government so they are less easily swayed. The problem in this country is not politics- it's the electorate. There are countries where people can be shot and killed for voting. Here, we whine and whimper about negative campaigning, and claim that's why we don't vote and participate. The lifeblood of democracy is the participation of the people, and the America of today is very anemic.

    • Posted By: dodacrazy @ 01/19/2008 23:25:43

      Comment: Well how do you feel about advertising companys and the filth of our news media with them using tags of a drug dealer that is changing American History by using their pride mascott Scott Monte the media drug supplier

      • Posted By: dodacrazy @ 01/19/2008 23:31:36

        Comment: Check out the Military Channel and their storys of history with the media using tags to promote illegal web sites of stars and real History names to committe consumer and wire fraud.

  • Posted By: cbugmom @ 01/09/2008 9:38:02 AM

    Comment: The Republican mind???? Don't be so ignorant on the subject as to blame one party. Politics is a dirty business, and they will do whatever to get ahead...all parties, not just one. It just goes to show you what a divided nation we have become. One quick questions, are you saying that grandmother's can't be lesbians? Opening up a whole new can of worms there....

  • Posted By: cbugmom @ 01/09/2008 9:33:03 AM

    Comment: Oh yes...it's all the Republican's...I know the Dem's are so innocent. Please don't make yourself sound so ingnorant of the situation. It is politics - and it's dirty, no matter what party. Instead of blaming the parties, why do we not make the politicians accountable for their actions?

  • Posted By: patriot08 @ 01/09/2008 1:07:10 AM

    Comment: Don't you know the Democrats are just as dirty or dirtier??

  • Posted By: Mwalimu @ 01/09/2008 12:59:56 AM

    Comment: I really appreciate this insight on the way the Republican mind works - albeit I knew this for years. Imagine - President Bush wants to bring democracy in the Middle East - yet he bases his power on the crappy tactics outlined here. (Remember, his operatives claimed his gubernatorial opponent in Texas, Ann Richards, was a lesbian - even though she was a grandmother.) In what way is American democracy worth emulating????
    Any competent school teacher knows it's"do as I do - NOT do as I say." Yet that's precisely what this country under Republican leadership is doing. Any way thanks for the book and the interview - it proves what I've known all along Republicans = scumbags

  • Posted By: bharvey @ 01/08/2008 11:20:34 PM

    Comment: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/1/8/185438/7845/186/433066

    RON PAUL'S RACIST NEWSLETTERS REVEALED. and he ADMITS IT!

  • Posted By: bharvey @ 01/08/2008 10:18:02 PM

    Comment: CNN debunks Bill Clinton's recent attacks about Obama's record right before the primary:
    it's worth a watch.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOe01_ww29U

  • Posted By: bharvey @ 01/08/2008 10:17:53 PM

    Comment: CNN debunks Bill Clinton's recent attacks about Obama's record right before the primary:
    it's worth a watch.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOe01_ww29U

    CNN debunks Bill Clinton's recent attacks about Obama's record right before the primary:
    it's worth a watch.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOe01_ww29U


    CNN debunks Bill Clinton's recent attacks about Obama's record right before the primary:
    it's worth a watch.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOe01_ww29U


    CNN debunks Bill Clinton's recent attacks about Obama's record right before the primary:
    it's worth a watch.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOe01_ww29U


    CNN debunks Bill Clinton's recent attacks about Obama's record right before the primary:
    it's worth a watch.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOe01_ww29U

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 01/08/2008 5:37:09 PM

    Comment: The Clintons strength has always been their ability to "REINVENT" themselves. Most notably, after the ninety four congressional elections. They lost that election to a movement, led by Gingrich. What did they do to counter this movement, they made life better for the average American.

    Hillary needs to reinvent herself as the candidate for the future. She needs to stop talking about the ninety's and start telling the people about her current proposals. Is Hillary's plan going to keep the American people safe. Is her "MIDDLE CLASS" tax cut going to be "BIGGER THAN OBAMA"S? , CAN HILLARY"S plan bring factions together for the common good more effectively than OBAMA's plan for the future.Somehow you have to convince voters, that your plan for a "prosperous and peaceful" future for AMerica is "STRONGER" than OBAMA"S. You have to stick to this message. What was once the Clinton's greatest strength, in now a big WEAKNESS. "REINVENTION". REINVENTION, is one of the principles that have been rejected by voters. They do not want you to keep changing yourself. They want someone who is genuine and who does not change every week. It makes people feel comfortable. In this case Hillary has no choice but to reinvent her message and plans for the future.
    What HILLARY SHOULDN'T DO,
    Hillary has to avoid going negative.She should attack her opponents with her plan and not with her ego. For example she laughed at Obama and dismissed his campaign as "JUST WORDS". What she failed to realize is that his words have inspired a nation. This made her look mean and arrogant. Hillary do not be afraid of rejection.
    Emphasize that your plan for the future is stronger and how it is going to improve the live of miniorities. You need to launch your new plan like a "blitzkrieg". Keep your message positive expecially in California and NEW YORK, the two states you must win.

    Do not use the race card= it is a lazy way out for a hard working individual. Be honest. If you use race you will be forced to lie. Remember that the masses can see through mirages. Do not use them anymore.

  • Posted By: mbdougan@hotmail.com @ 01/08/2008 3:36:26 PM

    Comment: I think Guliani might as well drop out unless he is looking for a future VP position, he just will not have the appeal with the southern and middle america voters. I believe Ron Paul will be a good to stay in the running to be another candidate likely to garner the independent vote on the GOP side. Thompson should go ahead and pack it in, maybe in his home state he might do well but that in effect is just like McCain in NH a one shot wonder.

  • Posted By: mbdougan@hotmail.com @ 01/08/2008 3:31:18 PM

    Comment: Per the Democratic side of the Ticket after NH, it's going to be Obama and Edwards and that's it. I do believe Richardson should stay on till we get out west just to make it interesting as he will do well there. Richardson may even have some high times ahead as Edwards will not go for a VP position alongside Obama, and therefore will hang so long as he stays in the 1 or 2 postions. Richardson will be the ideal VP with his foreign policy experience.

  • Posted By: mbdougan@hotmail.com @ 01/08/2008 3:26:19 PM

    Comment: I just have to say that I don't understand why the press is so impressed with Mcain and his showing in NH thus far when he doesn't really have a prayer after NH just like last time. You can bet when it all gets to the southern and midwestern states, huckabee will take it again, just due to the fact he is a southern boy and southern GOP will vote for him simply because he is one of them. Guys like Guliani haven't got a chance. have no GOP
    GOPOn the democratic

  • Posted By: NYC1973 @ 01/08/2008 3:22:37 PM

    Comment: Interesting how the illegal push-polling was done by a company in Utah, hired by a company in Oregon, which company does a lot of work for Senator Smith of Oregon, who is in McCain's inner circle. Was he involved? I don't know. I haven't seen any press accounts asking Senator Smith the question. However, the company is centered in Oregon and Senator Smith is basically the only Republican of any import in the State of Oregon. While he may not have been involved, I think the question needs to be asked.

    Most troubling of all is the failure of the Oregon courts to adequately cooperate with a criminal investigation initiated by the New Hampshire Attorney General. The Attorney General believes that the voters of New Hampshire deserve to know who planned the criminally illegal push polls before today's primary election. Oregon courts have dragged their feet and failed to compel production of the Oregon push-polling company's records. Shame on Oregon courts and shame on the media for letting this scandal attract so little public attention.

  • Posted By: ikie12pts @ 01/08/2008 2:41:43 PM

    Comment: To Carebear. Please care enough to find out everything you can about each potential candidate and then make your choice. Read something "Centrist" in its view because most printed material is very slanted left or right. Try the US NEWS and WORLD REPORT. That a middle of the road publication. Voting for the first time is soooo exciting. My first presidential vote was cast for John F. Kennedy and I was fortunate enough to meet him at a rally. I shall never forget it.

  • Posted By: shortjames @ 01/08/2008 2:09:00 PM

    Comment: Between the posts on this and similar boards and the infantile behavior of hisl supporters in front of the TV cameras I finally figured out what the Ron Paul campaign really is: the world's biggest fratboy prank. Id love an independent Republican voice but the kiddie show the Ron Paulies put on is just embarassing to watch.

  • Posted By: carebear_0518 @ 01/08/2008 2:03:34 PM

    Comment: this is going to be my first year to vote. someone be brave enough to discuss the people just in general with me.

  • Posted By: annevilla @ 01/08/2008 1:57:10 PM

    Comment: "OBAMA PORTRAIT MUSIC VIDEO" on Youtube - Don't Miss It!

    For those of you who still have not heard:

    There is a WONDERFUL and INSPIRING music video on Youtube.com entitled "Obama Portrait Music Video by Bjarne O."
    You can use the free downloaded high-quality stereo version from the composer's website in DVD form to show at house parties. Even people who knew nothing at all about Obama have been moved: either a thrilling introduction, or further inspiration for those of us who already know and fight for Obama.
    The music soundtrack, which incorporates excerpts from the famous 2004 speech, can also be downloaded separately in high-quality.

    It is an uplifting and informative campaign tool - so please, SPREAD THE WORD!

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=mCPwbozpIzM

    Together for Obama,
    Anne

  • Posted By: ozzyman1203 @ 01/08/2008 1:48:37 PM

    Comment: If "any' other country did what "WE" are doing, it could be considered an act of aggrestion, so... WHY ARE "WE" DOING IT? The founding fathers said to be friends with other nations, trade with them NO NATION BUILDING... HELLO????

    • Posted By: anonymous72 @ 01/08/2008 13:55:07

      Comment: Ozzyman, STOP. You're doing Ron Paul and his campaign a huge disservice by acting like a jackass and spamming this board. Your obnoxious style will only turn people off. THINK beforeyou post. Ron Paul has a great message and people will turn away if you turn them off.

  • Posted By: ozzyman1203 @ 01/08/2008 1:46:51 PM

    Comment: I can't believe people ARE NOT hearing Ron Pauls' message. He would create a strong nation, DOING WHAT THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED ON! "friends and trade with others, NOT CREATE NATIONS TO BE LIKE US!!! If ANY other country did what "we" are doing ALL OVER THE WORLD... they'd be condemed and said to be "threating"... so... WHY ARE WE?

  • Posted By: ozzyman1203 @ 01/08/2008 1:46:47 PM

    Comment: I can't believe people ARE NOT hearing Ron Pauls' message. He would create a strong nation, DOING WHAT THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED ON! "friends and trade with others, NOT CREATE NATIONS TO BE LIKE US!!! If ANY other country did what "we" are doing ALL OVER THE WORLD... they'd be condemed and said to be "threating"... so... WHY ARE WE?

  • Posted By: ozzyman1203 @ 01/08/2008 1:45:47 PM

    Comment: I can't believe people ARE NOT hearing Ron Pauls' message. He would create a strong nation, DOING WHAT THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED ON! "friends and trade with others, NOT CREATE NATIONS TO BE LIKE US!!! If ANY other country did what "we" are doing ALL OVER THE WORLD... they'd be condemed and said to be "threating"... so... WHY ARE WE?

  • Posted By: rjones @ 01/08/2008 1:31:34 PM

    Comment: If these politicians havn't the morals or scruples to run an honest campaign, how can anyone expect them to behave any different while running the country once they win? Funny thing is, this type of behavior isn't new - it's been happening for years. Only the party with the best cheaters makes it to the top.

  • Posted By: zibadoo @ 01/08/2008 1:03:06 PM

    Comment: I don't understand why people think this behavior is acceptable! And they wonder why the voters are turned off by the electoral process - it's completely full of *#(^$)*!

  • Posted By: OldGamer007 @ 01/08/2008 12:09:20 PM

    Comment: This is sad... He's lucky prison time is all he received. He's lucky someone didn't put him in the hospital, along with every other numbnut that helped pushed this through.

 
 
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