McCain Mocks Media 'Love Affair' with Obama
By Howard Kurtz
John McCain's strategists have unveiled a new weapon against what they view as fawning coverage of his Democratic rival: mockery.
The campaign has posted two online videos, filled with clips of journalists saying nice things about McCain's opponent, and an e-mail message to reporters declaring: "It's pretty obvious that the media has a bizarre fascination with Barack Obama. Some may even say it's a love affair.... If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny."
The gimmick: asking people to vote on which video they prefer and promising to put that one on the air. Privately, though, McCain aides say they will be satisfied if the videos go viral, firing up supporters and donors, and that it isn't clear any of this will find its way into a campaign ad.
The tactic is reminiscent of a Hillary Clinton commercial during the Democratic primaries, urging voters to ignore the pundits, some of whom were seen denigrating her chances. McCain himself has not voiced such criticism, deflecting a question yesterday from ABC's Diane Sawyer about intense coverage of Obama's trip to the Middle East and Europe by saying "it is what it is."
McCain communications director Jill Hazelbaker says they are just having a little fun.
"It's done with a light touch, especially this week, when it's at its height," she says, referring to the Obama trip coverage.
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