Republican John McCain asked the North Carolina GOP not to run a television ad that brings up the controversial former pastor of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
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(Photo: AP Images / Mary Altaffer)Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks to students and faculty at a town hall meeting at Youngstown State University during his 'It's Time for Action' campaign tour Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in Younngstown, Ohio.
North Carolina Republican party officials insisted the ad will run as planned despite McCain's request.
The ad opens with a photo of Obama and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright together and a clip of Wright, whose incendiary comments about race have bedeviled Obama.
"He's just too extreme for North Carolina," the narrator says in the 30-second spot.
"We asked them not to run it," McCain told reporters on his campaign bus in Kentucky Wednesday. "I'm sending them an e-mail as we speak asking them to take it down.
"I don't know why they do it. Obviously, I don't control them, but I'm making it very clear, as I have a couple of times in the past, that there's no place for that kind of campaigning, and the American people don't want it," McCain said.
McCain said the ad was described to him: "I didn't see it, and I hope that I don't see it."
Republican National Committee chairman Mike Duncan, campaigning Wednesday with McCain, said he had left a voice mail message for state party chairwoman Linda Daves asking her to pull the ad.
McCain, in an e-mail to Daves, said he will draw sharp contrasts with Democrats. "But we need not engage in political tactics that only seek to divide the American people."
North Carolina GOP spokesman Brent Woodcox said the ad will begin running statewide on Monday, a week before the state's crucial May 6 primary.
The ad actually targets gubernatorial candidates Richard Moore and Bev Perdue, Democrats who have endorsed Obama.
"We have a great relation with the RNC and we fully support John McCain for president," Woodcox said. "But this is an ad about two North Carolina candidates for governor. The ad is going to run."
Daves defended the ad, saying it "presents a question of patriotism and judgment."
"It is entirely appropriate for voters to evaluate candidates based on their past associations," Daves said.
North Carolina Democratic Party chairman Jerry Meek said the ad is an attempt to distract attention from real issues.
"It's one thing to criticize somebody for associating with somebody else," Meek said. "But to criticize somebody for associating with somebody who associates with somebody else is ludicrous. Where does it end?"
Obama has denounced the most inflammatory of Wright's comments, but says the pastor shouldn't be judged solely on a handful of remarks. Obama has expressed admiration for the pastor, who officiated at his wedding, baptized his two daughters and inspired the title of his best-selling book, "The Audacity of Hope."
North Carolina's primary will divide 115 delegates among the Democratic presidential candidates and decide the party's nominee for governor. Polls indicate that Obama holds a comfortable lead over rival Hillary Rodham Clinton in the state.
Associated Press writer Mike Baker in Raleigh, N.C., contributed to this report.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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I am a Democrat, but I might vote for McCain because he's able to take the high road. I love him for that. It shows a lot of maturity. It also shows that he doesn't have to be a mudslinger. In my eyes he's a winner and a man of dignity. Thank you, John McCain.
tamna
I could not have put it better myself.
I cannot blame McCain for taking full advantage of the situation.
Of course, here is a thought.
If we never see the ad, we'll never know if the ad really existed. Hmmm.
As a Christian (someone who wants to follow the teachings and examples of Christ), I often find myself apalled by the acts of others who claim to be Christians. I find many of the remarks of Robertson and Falwell to be as distasteful if not more so than Wright. I really don't know much about Hagee. I would not know any of the statements made by these three if they had not made national news. I don't know of anyone who actually listens to any of these people. Do you actually know anyone who listens to any of these Mr./Mrs/Ms. Scitsonga?
I applaud McCain for wanting to take the high road in this election.
Most of the Christians I know are hypocrites for condeming the statements of Rev. Wright, but dont have a problem with the hate mongering of Hagee, the late Fallwell and Robertson
C'mon, McCain, This story should run!!!! Obama-Wright needs to be exposed!!!!!! What, is McCain all of a sudden get touchy-feely with Obama? The citizens of NC need to be informed, McCain, and they are ready to be. NC Republicans are doing their patriotic duty!! But what do you expect from the author of the McCain-Feingold unconstitutional limits on free speech??!!?? McCain would silence those he is opposed to or who oppose him!!!
Vote Ron Paul for President!! Write him in!!!
REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND!!!!
Maybe if there had been a lot MORE fruit inspections in the past, America wouldn't be in the ungodly perverted MESS it is now in!
Oops, "...condeming the so McCain.... should read "...condeming the ad so McCain..."
So, let me get this straight. The NC GOP runs the ad and it damages Obama. McCain makes a very public announcement condemining the so McCain can appear to be "above the nastiness." McCain reaps the benefits of the ad's message while at the same time reaping the benefits of condemining the ad. It's a win-win for McCain!!! I'm impressed!
I think the GOP, and all people, need to take a look at the Reverend Jeremiah Wright issue, and how the "radical black theology" is affecting Senator Barack Obama.
I am not doubting that Senator Obama is a loyal American who loves his country. I am bothered a great deal by his pastor who would use the Lord's name in vain and then curse others in the name of the Lord. This from a pastor - when Jesus said that we are to bless and not curse.
I am troubled by this and other issues related to where Senator Obama worships. This can be done in a thought provoking and issue centered, positive way - and this is the only way to address it. However, how these ideas affect or are rooted in Senator Barack Obama need to be addressed - directly, in love and in respect for others.
Vance
Good for McCain!
Personally, im already sick of the whole nastiness of this campaign, which hasn't even really started yet.
egads...why does anyone want to enter politices? What a nasty business...