(Sept. 22, 2008): "Hope, Change, & Lies: Orchestrated 'Grassroots' Smear Campaigns & the People that Run Them" (TJR)

[Rainsford]

The right wing blogs have been quietly recruiting election lawyers and experts for some type of look into Obamas campaign, and it appears as if we will know exactly what that was tonight! From Ace:

The basics? Axelrod's astroturfing. An attempt to get a blatantly dishonest anti-Palin ad to go "viral" on YouTube. Gross deception in pumping out fake "amateur grassroots" ads which are really cooked up by a big PR firm strongly connected to David Axelrod and Obama's officially-acknowledged ads. And likely bright-line violations of electioneering laws, which require those putting out "electioneering communications" to disclose the true creator and sponsor of such ads.

Right wing blogs have always been distrusting of the media, and the media of them, so we aren't too sure how far this will go, but it should pop up on: http://www.mypetjawa.mu.nu/
sometime around or before midnight tonight. I would normally brush somthing like this off, but considering how Axelrod is known for doing this in Chicago, I wouldn't be surprised if this was true.

Also, the founder of that blog was responsible for shutting down the Al-Qaeda website, which delayed the releaseing of their 9/11 tape and gave them a big headache, so he does know what he's doing.

[xfiles]

What would be the penalties if true and is this just another thing the campaign will get a slap on the hand for or even less. No reporting by the MSM?


The right wing blogs have been quietly recruiting election lawyers and experts for some type of look into Obamas campaign, and it appears as if we will know exactly what that was tonight! From Ace:



Right wing blogs have always been distrusting of the media, and the media of them, so we aren't too sure how far this will go, but it should pop up on: http://www.mypetjawa.mu.nu/
sometime around or before midnight tonight. I would normally brush somthing like this off, but considering how Axelrod is known for doing this in Chicago, I wouldn't be surprised if this was true.

Also, the founder of that blog was responsible for shutting down the Al-Qaeda website, which delayed the releaseing of their 9/11 tape and gave them a big headache, so he does know what he's doing.

[Rainsford]

Well I assume the hope is to have somthing so big that even the MSM can't ignore it, but again, if it turns out there really is somthing underhanded in the Obama campaign, McCain can at least make a commercial and force a response!

[Mrsawd]

I AM PRAYING AND I DON'T CARE WHICH ONE OF Obama's deceptions that comes to light that knocks him out of this race But really Praying Hard I believe once One is out all others will follow!

[AnnaB]

I'm "keeping hope alive", and I can't wait. Somethings got to give!

[adventures7]

Well, they usually wouldn't hype something in this way unless they thought it would be picked up by the MSM however...we've all seen BIG stories ignored about Obama every single day.

[ConservativeChick]

Well, if they actually have proof of him breaking electioneering laws that is a big deal, he will be prosecuted and will have to leave the campaign.. that will look REALLY BAD and OB's poll numbers may go *plop*

I am hoping it's something big. If Rush and others start talking about it the MSM will have a hard time ignoring a story that big.

[Annie]

Will this thread stay on the front page for the info coming through tonight? Or will we wait in anticipation for a new thread... with all the ++++ stuff on you know who...?

[Frances]

I sure want to follow this story...........I'm hoping that Obama has no wiggle room!

[SantaCruzen]

What happens if the Nominee was Disqualified?

[Optixmom]

Boy would I like a simple ad from the McCain camp on "How Obama committed a felony." *sigh*

[Horizon]

What happens if the Nominee was Disqualified?

We keep trying to figure that out.I think we don't know.If anyone does,and I missed that please inform us.In plain english we will all understand.

[Annie]

What happens if the Nominee was Disqualified?

Joe Biden takes the POTUS to be seat and ...the DNC trio will pick the backup. Doesn't matter who they pick ...

[SantaCruzen]

Boy would I like a simple ad from the McCain camp on "How Obama committed a felony." *sigh*

or Interfered with Military Operations in Iraq.

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/09/18/obama-and-his-nutroots-gangs-are-traitors-in-our-midst/

[Ijane]

Gross deception in pumping out fake "amateur grassroots" ads which are really cooked up by a big PR firm strongly connected to David Axelrod and Obama's officially-acknowledged ads. And likely bright-line violations of electioneering laws, which require those putting out "electioneering communications" to disclose the true creator and sponsor of such ads.

I don't understand this kind of stuff...Would the Obama Girl video fall under this? Axelrod and his people were behind the video despite denying it.

[SantaCruzen]

Joe Biden takes the POTUS to be seat and ...the DNC trio will pick the backup. Doesn't matter who they pick ...

Probably Dean Howard or JFK himself.

[Optixmom]

Probably Dean Howard or JFK himself.

Yeah, that is the only way that Dean or Biden can ever become POTUS. God knows neither of them can possibly be "elected" to that position...

[xfiles]

keep bumping the post or replying and that will keep it at or near the top of the page.

[Calico]

Boy would I like a simple ad from the McCain camp on "How Obama committed a felony." *sigh*

Me too . . . Oh, how I wish . . . :(

[Charlie Brown]

Howard Dean.....:rolleyes: Noway!!!!!!! We want Hillary not dumbass Biden or some other flunky....But Im not getting excited till the fat lady sings..

By the way Im typing on my new laptop with wireless internet.....yahoooooo!!!!;)

[NBM]

Maybe they'll replace BO and Biden with Harry Reid and Pelosi.

Well, one can wish... :rolleyes:

(bump)

[Agent 00½ FL]

This does not make sense to me if this anti-palin Ad is not on You-Tube yet, how can they prove this astroturfing?

[RachachaSharon]

or Interfered with Military Operations in Iraq.

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/09/18/obama-and-his-nutroots-gangs-are-traitors-in-our-midst/

I would think that the interference angle would really tick people off. Let's hope this isn't just another rumor and that something big is really coming out.

[mesofreee]

Boy would I like a simple ad from the McCain camp on "How Obama committed a felony." *sigh*

In the mornings when I fire up my computer, I always hope I will see pictures of Obama being hauled away in handcuffs, and the MSM wringing their hands. :D:D:D

[xj550]

update on ACE

Correction: The latest is that the law does not seem to require disclaimers naming the producers/sponsors of an internet ad if it was placed for free and not for fee. As it seems to have just been placed on YouTube in the normal course of things (that is, people from the firm just uploading it without paying YouTube), it doesn't look like this is outright illegal

[Tague]

In the mornings when I fire up my computer, I always hope I will see pictures of Obama being hauled away in handcuffs, and the MSM wringing their hands. :D:D:D

WOW - I thought I was the only one with that fantasy! :D:D:D
Dreams CAN come true

[Agent 00½ FL]

update on ACE

Correction: The latest is that the law does not seem to require disclaimers naming the producers/sponsors of an internet ad if it was placed for free and not for fee. As it seems to have just been placed on YouTube in the normal course of things (that is, people from the firm just uploading it without paying YouTube), it doesn't look like this is outright illegal

That is what I was thinking, or Obama could say he had no knowledge anything was being done and fire whoever.

[Avalon]

That is what I was thinking, or Obama could say he had no knowledge anything was being done and fire whoever.

Oh no this spoils my fantasy of Nobama being led away in handcuffs......darn it....I liked that image.:(

[xj550]

That is what I was thinking, or Obama could say he had no knowledge anything was being done and fire whoever.

He can't claim no knowledge. He said he is running things.

[CGP]

How many times know has a "big story" about Obama been coming. About 1,000 times since January! Invariably, nothing happens.

I have "Obama breaking news" fatigue. :rolleyes:

[Charlie Brown]

How many times know has a "big story" about Obama been coming. About 1,000 times since January! Invariably, nothing happens.

I have "Obama breaking news" fatigue. :rolleyes:

I doubt it will ever happen and if it does we wont believe it....:o

[Horizon]

It is now 10 minutes to 10:00,ya'alls time.I'm waiting.:D:D

[Amy Dugan]

Joe Biden takes the POTUS to be seat and ...the DNC trio will pick the backup. Doesn't matter who they pick ...

and biden will push for hillary potus

YouTube - Biden says Clinton would have been a better VP

[Agent 00½ FL]

How many times know has a "big story" about Obama been coming. About 1,000 times since January! Invariably, nothing happens.

I have "Obama breaking news" fatigue. :rolleyes:

I have breaking news Whiplash! :eek:

[sflady]

PLEASE let this not be a "rumor" like the MO tapes...

[Wyoming Dem]

Boy would I like a simple ad from the McCain camp on "How Obama committed a felony." *sigh*
Good one! I would like to see a picture of Barack Obama...really. On the wall of the damn Federal Post office with the big letters "F.B.I." & "WANTED" on the bottom.

[mcgowan.swan]

In the mornings when I fire up my computer, I always hope I will see pictures of Obama being hauled away in handcuffs, and the MSM wringing their hands. :D:D:D

ha!!! and i thought i was the only one with that dream scenario. lol :D:D

[drink_chai]

IT HAS STARTED TO BE HINTED AT:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/31323_Final_Approach_to_Astroturf#rss


Good hints here:
http://www.ace.mu.nu/

[Horizon]

Big Scoop Coming Down Tonight
—Ace

Probably at about midnight or just before.

It's Rusty's story. It'll be posted later. Midnight ET or maybe a bit after.

The basics? Axelrod's astroturfing. An attempt to get a blatantly dishonest anti-Palin ad to go "viral" on YouTube. Gross deception in pumping out fake "amateur grassroots" ads which are really cooked up by a big PR firm strongly connected to David Axelrod and Obama's officially-acknowledged ads. And likely bright-line violations of electioneering laws, which require those putting out "electioneering communications" to disclose the true creator and sponsor of such ads.

This is what story could be about.

[Tareli]

In the mornings when I fire up my computer, I always hope I will see pictures of Obama being hauled away in handcuffs, and the MSM wringing their hands. :D:D:D

Oh me too!

[Jill4Hillary]

bump

[Hillarysmygirl08]

Something has got to give. We keep hearing all these rumors when are they going to do something.

[santafek]

In the mornings when I fire up my computer, I always hope I will see pictures of Obama being hauled away in handcuffs, and the MSM wringing their hands.


That's my fantasy. In jail, in an orange jumpsuit, with... (fill in the fantasy...)

[VotingHillary]

How many times know has a "big story" about Obama been coming. About 1,000 times since January! Invariably, nothing happens.

I have "Obama breaking news" fatigue. :rolleyes:

Muzza,

I could not agree with you more. There will be no BIG breaking story about Obama because the MSM is the tank for him so it is going to be strictly up to the voters to see this farce of a candidate for what he is and VOTE McCain in November. We need to stop focusing on hopes for the bad with regards to Obama and spread the good about McCain/Palin.

[Rainsford]

Can't figure out how to edit the first post, but here's a bit more, from Ace again:

1) David Axelrod's client list is top secret. Partly that is to disguise the fact that when he's not running the political campaigns of left-wing politicians, he's conducting dishonest astroturf campaigns on behalf of large deep-pocketed corporations considered "villains" to the left, such as utility companies seeking rate hikes or AT&T. But that secret list of clients -- and associations -- also comes in handy for disguising his political astroturfing, too. The media, of course, has shown no interest in investigating this.

For example: Are Fannie and Freddie among Axelrod's secret clients? We don't know, Axelrod won't say, and no one in the media has even asked him. (Well, that's not quite true -- Business Week did and was told to piss up a rope.)

2) In 1984, Republican Senator Charles Percy faced off against Democratic challenger Paul Simon in Illinois, David Axelrod heading up Simon's campaign. Simon prevailed, edging Percy 88,000 votes, despite the Reagan landslide which brought in a lot of marginal Republicans.

The difference in the race seemed to be a huge (in 1984 terms) $1.2 million "independent" ad campaign against Percy funded by Michael Goland, a California Democrat businessman. (Simon’s campaign spent less than $7 milion, so $1.2 million of "independent" ads coming from an out of state Democrat was no small matter.)

Percy later filed suit with the FEC, alleging that Goland illegally coordinated with Simon and Axelrod. Goland was fined for $5000. However, he was later convicted for a similar "independent" ad campaign on behalf of Senator Alan Cranston (D-California). He was sentenced to 90 days in federal prison.

Bear these facts in mind about Axelrod tactics when the left begins spinning, "But this was an independent ad we had nothing at all to do with!"

Oh: And remember this guy who famously created an ad completely without the knowledge of the Obama campaign? (http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Hillary_1984_ad_creator_lived_with_0323.html) Yeah, he used to share a house with Obama's campaign spokesman.

A lot of people associated with Obama and Axelrod just sort of... do things for them, unbidden.

Actually... that 1984 ad was really the big start of Obama's viral marketing/astroturfing campaign, wasn't it?

[Rainsford]

I couldn't figure out how to edit my original thread, so if a mod wants to go ahead and do that, feel free! Here's a link to Rustys write up itself:
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/194057.php#194057

And here's a quick intro:

Our research suggests that a subdivision of one of the largest public relations firms in the world most likely started and promulgated rumors about Sarah Palin that were known to be false. These rumors were spread in a surreptitious manner to avoid exposure.

It is also likely that the PR firm was paid by outside sources to run the smear campaign. While not conclusive, evidence suggests a link to the Barack Obama campaign. Namely:

Evidence suggests that a YouTube video with false claims about Palin was uploaded and promoted by members of a professional PR firm.
The family that runs the PR firm has extensive ties to the Democratic Party, the netroots, and are staunch Obama supporters.
Evidence suggests that the firm engaged in a concerted effort to distribute the video in such a way that it would appear to have gone viral on its own. Yet this effort took place on company time.
Evidence suggests that these distribution efforts included actions by at least one employee of the firm who is unconnected with the family running the company.
The voice-over artist used in this supposedly amateur video is a professional.
This same voice-over artist has worked extensively with David Axelrod's firm, which has a history of engaging in phony grassroots efforts, otherwise known as "astroturfing."
David Axelrod is Barack Obama's chief media strategist.
The same voice-over artist has worked directly for the Barack Obama campaign.
This suggests that false rumors and outright lies about Sarah Palin and John McCain being spread on the internet are being orchestrated by political partisans and are not an organic grassroots phenomenon led by the left wing fringe. Our findings follow.



Now, all that's needed is an MSM followup! :rolleyes:

[vwatto]

The story is posted:

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/

[drink_chai]

OK..Details out here:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/31325_Jawa_Report-_Orchestrated_Grassroots_Smear_Campaigns


Our research suggests that a subdivision of one of the largest public relations firms in the world most likely started and promulgated rumors about Sarah Palin that were known to be false. These rumors were spread in a surreptitious manner to avoid exposure.
It is also likely that the PR firm was paid by outside sources to run the smear campaign. While not conclusive, evidence suggests a link to the Barack Obama campaign. Namely:
* Evidence suggests that a YouTube video with false claims about Palin was uploaded and promoted by members of a professional PR firm.
* The family that runs the PR firm has extensive ties to the Democratic Party, the netroots, and are staunch Obama supporters.
* Evidence suggests that the firm engaged in a concerted effort to distribute the video in such a way that it would appear to have gone viral on its own. Yet this effort took place on company time.
* Evidence suggests that these distribution efforts included actions by at least one employee of the firm who is unconnected with the family running the company.
* The voice-over artist used in this supposedly amateur video is a professional.
* This same voice-over artist has worked extensively with David Axelrod’s firm, which has a history of engaging in phony grassroots efforts, otherwise known as “astroturfing.”
* David Axelrod is Barack Obama’s chief media strategist.
* The same voice-over artist has worked directly for the Barack Obama campaign.



Very interesting stuff....the voice-over artist connection is one hell of a connection.

If this is true, your looking at major FCC regulations and FEC regulations being violated.

[ModerateRepublican]

I don't understand this kind of stuff...Would the Obama Girl video fall under this? Axelrod and his people were behind the video despite denying it.

Can you prove it beyond a reasonable doubt?

If you can't then it didn't happen. :mad:

As the old adage goes "it's only against the law if you get caught".
The difference here seems to be ( I will suspend judgement until I see some proof) that they can prove that the viral videos came from Obama campaign.

If true then
1) it is a scandal
2) makes media looks stupid for calling McCain on his ads when Obama was blatantly violating campaign finance laws.
3) good ad fodder for McCain
4) has to hurt Obama in the "trustworthy" and "shares my values" metric.
5) will tilt a couple newscycles against Obama
6) could knock him off his game going into Debates
7) he could be charged with a crime. :D

Of course if they can't prove anything then it is hot air so I wouldn't get too excited yet. Believing something and being able to prove something is two different things.

[ModerateRepublican]

* Evidence suggests that a YouTube video with false claims about Palin was uploaded and promoted by members of a professional PR firm.
* The family that runs the PR firm has extensive ties to the Democratic Party, the netroots, and are staunch Obama supporters.
* Evidence suggests that the firm engaged in a concerted effort to distribute the video in such a way that it would appear to have gone viral on its own. Yet this effort took place on company time.
* Evidence suggests that these distribution efforts included actions by at least one employee of the firm who is unconnected with the family running the company.
* The voice-over artist used in this supposedly amateur video is a professional.
* This same voice-over artist has worked extensively with David Axelrod’s firm, which has a history of engaging in phony grassroots efforts, otherwise known as “astroturfing.”
* David Axelrod is Barack Obama’s chief media strategist.
* The same voice-over artist has worked directly for the Barack Obama campaign.

I am .... disapointed.

There is nothing there. I was hoping for paper trail or misuse of campaign funds.

An artist (who likely is pro-Obama) worked for both Axelrod and this company.
That is laughable as a "smoking gun". If anything the PR firm may be in trouble over not filing as 527 and not disclosing the funding source. That is it.

A "revelation" like this wouldn't even hurt a "normal" candidate. Obama is the teflon candidate, he has gotten away with a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT worse.

[Michelle M]

zzzzzz

[CGP]

zzzzzz

As in, nothing new?

[Bad Kitty]

As in, nothing new?

EXACTLY

[Rainsford]

I am .... disapointed.

There is nothing there. I was hoping for paper trail or misuse of campaign funds.

An artist (who likely is pro-Obama) worked for both Axelrod and this company.


The point is that the voice-over lady works for the same firm that makes the official Obama ads. What are the odds that a kid sitting in his basement managed to get the women who does Obama's OFFICIAL videos to sit down and voice over a Palin attack ad?

The whole idea behind this is to give enough of a kick to get the WSJ or FNC to ask for the campaigns financial records, and Axelrods client list, to really blow the thing open. What you're seeing is the start of a full fledge investigation into Axelrod and the Obama camps whole M.O. that could end up with Axelrod in the big house. Let's just hope this pops up in a WSJ editorial so Drudge can front page it.

[kwise]

Pretty funny all the Id's that were mentioned have suddenly changed at DU and KOS and all the video's pulled from youtube 10 minutes after the story posted.:rolleyes:

[Rainsford]

Pretty funny all the Id's that were mentioned have suddenly changed at DU and KOS and all the video's pulled from youtube 10 minutes after the story posted.:rolleyes:

Yep, which goes to show you that Obama's campaign burns the midnight oil. Fortunatly, everything was screencapped and saved in advance, expecting this, but all it does is help prove the point. Does anyone really think that all these "viral video" pushers were up at 12:30 AM, and just happened to pull down their videos at the same time? Hmm..

[HillWill]

I don't care what anybody says, I just don't believe John McCain is gonna pull anything out of a hat anytime soon. He doesn't want BO disqualified. That would be John McCain's biggest nightmare because they know one thing for sure, if there's no BO and if Hillary was brought in to save the day for the Dems, we would all switch back and leave the McPalin team high and dry. The only way to beat BO, is to actually win the election.
Now, that's not saying McCain won't come up with something right before election day, but he surely won't reveal anything to disqualify him. That's why I beleive the whole Iraq issue was dropped by the Repubs. If they proved BO committed treason, it would have been disaster for John McCain - because our gal Hillary would be back on the scene.
my 2 cents.

[samurai007]

Ok, having read the story, I'd say it's certainly interesting, and IMO almost definitely true given the circumstantial evidence and the histories of the people involved, but ultimately unprovable. Yeah, Axelrod is astroturfing again, some of these smears and Youtube video supposedly made by private citizens are in fact created by big PR firms, but that probably doesn't surprise all that many people. We'll need something far more concrete to nail Obama. IMO the Logan Act violation is far more tangible, visceral, and inflammatory than this story.

[Annie]

The point is that the voice-over lady works for the same firm that makes the official Obama ads. What are the odds that a kid sitting in his basement managed to get the women who does Obama's OFFICIAL videos to sit down and voice over a Palin attack ad?

The whole idea behind this is to give enough of a kick to get the WSJ or FNC to ask for the campaigns financial records, and Axelrods client list, to really blow the thing open. What you're seeing is the start of a full fledge investigation into Axelrod and the Obama camps whole M.O. that could end up with Axelrod in the big house. Let's just hope this pops up in a WSJ editorial so Drudge can front page it.

It's the beginning of the obama/axelrod/democratic thugs melt down.... Interesting that the FBI got on to the Hacker so quickly and now getting this going on.... Seems Palin has good friends who will work for her in attacking all kinds of corruption....

We are learning a lot this campaign cycle.... We can never take America for granted...

[gaziza]

I am .... disapointed.

There is nothing there. I was hoping for paper trail or misuse of campaign funds.

An artist (who likely is pro-Obama) worked for both Axelrod and this company.
That is laughable as a "smoking gun". If anything the PR firm may be in trouble over not filing as 527 and not disclosing the funding source. That is it.

A "revelation" like this wouldn't even hurt a "normal" candidate. Obama is the teflon candidate, he has gotten away with a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT worse.

It isn't something that the MSM is going to touch, but I sort of like it. These bloggers have gone after Axelrod, not Obama. A lot of people would say that you could totally discredit Axelrod in the public arena and it wouldn't hurt Obama because seedy associations are everywhere with Obama. But the difference between Axelrod and everyone else is that Axelrod is running the show. If they rattle him or disrupt his networks a little, that isn't an insignificant thing.

The firm alleged to be behind this is part of a large PR concern and has a lot of important clients. It would be interesting to know if they'll have any fallout, but it might also make some of his other collaborators hesitate.

[PA_Voter]

I don't care what anybody says, I just don't believe John McCain is gonna pull anything out of a hat anytime soon. He doesn't want BO disqualified. That would be John McCain's biggest nightmare because they know one thing for sure, if there's no BO and if Hillary was brought in to save the day for the Dems, we would all switch back and leave the McPalin team high and dry. The only way to beat BO, is to actually win the election.
Now, that's not saying McCain won't come up with something right before election day, but he surely won't reveal anything to disqualify him. That's why I beleive the whole Iraq issue was dropped by the Repubs. If they proved BO committed treason, it would have been disaster for John McCain - because our gal Hillary would be back on the scene.
my 2 cents.

Good points! And maybe that's why they're not bring up BHO's US citizenship/birth certificate.... Although, I think they'll go for putting "doubt" in people's minds by about mid-October.... Enough time for people to question who he is, but not enough time to have him disqualified prior to the election.

[Rainsford]

Good points! And maybe that's why they're not bring up BHO's US citizenship/birth certificate.... Although, I think they'll go for putting "doubt" in people's minds by about mid-October.... Enough time for people to question who he is, but not enough time to have him disqualified prior to the election.

Right, one of the huge things that McCain is going to try to do is say "looking at who Obama has assosiated with, do you really trust him to run the country? Do you really think he will be anymore truthful in the presidency?". I believe Obama's real worried about this, which is why they came out swinging and gave the media it's marching orders to smear McCain as a liar. Unfortunatly, McCain reputation preceeds him, so it's not going to stick. This whole story (and there's more to it besides what's posted, this is just the tip) only helps feed into this. What would stop Obama from setting up similar groups to push for his presidential agenda, once no one is there to stop him? It should be enough to nudge those swing voters over.

In other news, http://www.youtube.com/user/gocamerica account is now deleted. Hmm.

[samkm]

You have not read the full article.. Just click on the "MOre link" and the article expands. THis is HUGE!! There is about 20 times as much material as you have quoted above.. so be sure to read it all.

How to popularize this? Can it be put in DIGG? I did not see a handle in there.

[Kbentleyis]

I don't think in a million years, if BHO were thrown out of the race, they'd put in Hillary. The DNC is BHO's now and Hillary, other than getting her for votes pandering for him, would never take over.

Whatever threat they used on Hillary and Bill must be awfully strong.

Even though this is crazy to think that would happen, if I were Hillary, I'd tell them to kiss off. Let them sink.

[Horizon]

Whatever threat they used on Hillary and Bill must be awfully strong.

Not to play into any conspiracy theories,but,I think they were threatened in a multitude of ways.I keep waiting for January.When Bill said he would tell all.I wonder if that has changed now.They certainly do NOT want him talking.
But I do suspect they were threatened in some pretty large and serious ways.

[lynfreedom]

Addrssing some questions from above.

If Obama is not qualified to run, Biden will NOT be the one to replace him. DNC will choose and I am betting and so would McCain that they would not choose Hillary. They have proven they do not want her regardless.

McCain is playing it safe not bringing up the birth certificate. He knows about the lawsuit and that Obama has to have his info to them by the 24th. If he were to bring it up and then the court rules that everything is in order, McCain is the one that would look bad.

Haven't read this article yet so wil wait on comments. However, if Samkm says it is huge, then I know it is.

[Laura Cereta]

bump

[adventures7]

Bump---

[greenleaf]

I see it as a story that can hurt Obama, but not something that will change the ticket. Realistically, we're stuck with Obama but this should at least put a damper on astroturfing. It would really expose Obama's campaign if proof is found that Ethan S. Winner and Winner Ass. were hired by the Obama campaign for these activities. That would be BIG.

[HeatherL]

Holy moly! There have been several updates. This story looks explosive. I hope Drudge picks it up!

[adventures7]

They won't put in Hillary because Soros can't control her.

Remember everyone, this is how the whole Rathergate story happened: a blogger (http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/) put the pieces together, the whole blogosphere was talking about it and pretty soon the MSM had to pick it up. It didn't happen overnight.

[NBM]

Just read the full link. I think it's a 'must read' and potentially huge - if word can get out.

If this could ever be explained to the public, it could create a public distrust of any ad Obama/Axlerod puts out.

It shows how complexly devious, corrupt and spiteful that campaign is. Astroturfing - manufacturing fake grass roots organizations. :mad:

link again: http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/194057.php

[foxyladi]

I AM PRAYING AND I DON'T CARE WHICH ONE OF Obama's deceptions that comes to light that knocks him out of this race But really Praying Hard I believe once One is out all others will follow!

AMEN TO THAT..:D:D:D:D

[Agent 00½ FL]

I think the best thing that McCain can do at this point is to create as much doubt about Obama competency for President. This will swing enough voters his way, if he is low in the polls come the weeks before election day then he may go full guns with disqualifying the candidate at this point it will be way too late for the DNC to recover the election.

[hipelayne]

Smells of George Soros to me

Why are they trying to get Sarah Palin on the very thing that BHO is the absolute master of - unpatriotic associations etc., Can they never think of anything new?

[DC_Mark]

The story made it onto National Review Online. It should reach WSJ and Fox News at some point. The McCain campaign can then comment on it, at which point the MSM can't ignore it any longer.

[HeatherL]

Michelle Malkin picked it up -- it is definitely getting traction!!!


Bloggers sniff out anti-Palin astroturf campaign– and the cover up begins (http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/22/bloggers-sniff-out-anti-palin-astroturf-campaign-and-the-cover-up-begins/)

Follow the disappearing YouTube account…

The blogosphere is doing the job the MSM thinks no one else can do.

A collaborative investigative effort by our friends at The Jawa Report to expose an apparently astroturfed, anti-Sarah Palin smear campaign seems to have caused late-night panic in Barack Obama-linked p.r. circles. The bloggers digging into the provenance of anti-Sarah Palin smears on the web got results last night/early this morning while most elite journalists were still in their pajamas sleeping.

First, read this (http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/194057.php). Read the whole thing. Rusty Shackleford — with help from Jane of Armies of Liberation, Stable Hand, the Jawa team, Dan Riehl, Ace of Spades, and Patterico – traced a Palin-bashing YouTube video to a Democrat public relations firm, Winner and Associates, and one of its employees, Ethan S. Winner. They believe the voiceover for the ad — which spreads the lie that Sarah Palin belonged to a fringe third party, the Alaska Independence Party — was done by a professional whose voice they believe was also featured in several Obama ads and other spots produced by Obama top strategist and astroturfer extraordinaire David Axelrod’s firm.


Now, here’s the juicy part. Within an hour of publication of the Jawa Report’s investigation, “eswinner” deleted the smear video that he had uploaded several times on September 11.

Let me underline that: At some point between approx. 12 midnight - 2am Eastern, “eswinner” logged into his account and tried to erase all traces of the deceitful, Palin-bashing ad. And at 4:26am Eastern, here’s the message that appeared when attempting to view “eswinner’s” previously accessible account: [This account is closed]

That was fast.

“Eswinner” didn’t just delete the Palin/AIP smear ad and his entire account. A related YouTube account, “Gocamerica,” that was spreading the lie has now also tried covering its tracks and has been closed. Ace (http://ace.new.mu.nu/anti-palin_astroturfing_traced_directly_to_axelrod-connected_pr_firm) and Dan Riehl (http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2008/09/did-obama-fund.html) are tracking the cover-up.

Updates are coming quickly! Definitely the story to watch today. :D

[Lillie]

Very interesting read. Thanks for bringing it here!

[DC_Mark]

The Weekly Standard has picked this up:

I just spoke with Liu-Klein on the phone and asked him about the matter, but he said that he would have to get back to me later. I gave him my email address and asked if he could give me a simple yes or no answer if he had ever posted a video on the Internet about Sarah Palin and the Alaskan Independence Party. Liu-Klein replied: "I'll have to get back to you as soon as I can." Then he hung up the phone. I'll post Liu-Klein's response if and when I get it.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2008/09/is_the_obama_campaign_behind_a_1.asp

Ethan Winner admits that he produced the video:

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/194180.php

[kwise]

Ethan Winner responds! Admits that he produced and "will pay for" the voiceover" of the video, but no one told him to do it...hey I got a bridge to sell ya too.
Funny it took them half a day to come up with this.

[greenleaf]

If Liu-Klein had not posted the video, why wouldn't he just say no? I think that John McCormack, of the Weekly Standard Blog, just backed up another supposition.

[gaziza]

Ethan Winner responds! Admits that he produced and "will pay for" the voiceover" of the video, but no one told him to do it...hey I got a bridge to sell ya too.
Funny it took them half a day to come up with this.

This is good. There isn't much time left, but now they have to take resources they might use elsewhere and try to go back through their dirty dealing and see what other trails they have left.

This also may have some effect on these types of hit pieces going forward. Obama's campaign doesn't work well when it moves into defense mode, so hopefully this will be a distraction internally.

[HeatherL]

This is good. There isn't much time left, but now they have to take resources they might use elsewhere and try to go back through their dirty dealing and see what other trails they have left.

This also may have some effect on these types of hit pieces going forward. Obama's campaign doesn't work well when it moves into defense mode, so hopefully this will be a distraction internally.

Absolutely! I can't believe that they nailed the guy!!

[lynfreedom]

Obama's campaign doesn't work well when it moves into defense mode,

I agree. He starts making more mistakes

[DC_Mark]

The Obama camp has responded:


For the record, here is what Obama campaign spokesman Tommy Vietor has to say:

"This one ranks as one of the most outlandish conspiracy theories in a campaign that has had its share of them. Neither our campaign nor any of our consultants had any involvement with this YouTube video, and the McCain campaign should provide a shred of believable evidence before advancing false allegations and misleading voters yet another time."

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/is_obamaland_spreading_antipal.php

Pretty lame excuses proffered by the liberal blogger, all boiling down to "Obama folks are too smart to pull a trick this dumb."

[DC_Mark]

Story has reached Fox News:

YouTube - Michelle Malkin on possible Obama sockpuppetry

(hat tip to Hot Air)

[efemall]

Do we all recall this gem, that unofficially kicked off the HOPE and CHANGE brainwashing of america?
Article on Axelrod Astroturfing;
http://archives.neuralgourmet.com/2007/03/22/obama_campaign_astroturfing

YouTube - Vote Different

[Strongwomenrock]

Send this to the Drudge Report. There a box to send tips anonomously. Every little bit helps. Plus if true a lot of people read Drudge and it will definitely get picked up by the MSM.