Obama’s “His Administration” Ad Only Partially True
If you believe the latest by Democratic nominee Barack Obama, a big Washington lobbyist is leading the McCain transition team. They’re the people who will work with the Bush administration to plan the handover of power should McCain win. Here’s Obama’s take on Timmons:
Obama’s camp seems to suggest that Timmons is leading up the whole effort. Not so fast, says Time Magazine. Well, they don’t actually say “not so fast,” but they provide details Obama leaves out. Such as this tidbit (emphasis mine):
A prominent Washington lobbyist who has worked for every Republican President since Richard Nixon has been tapped by the McCain campaign to conduct a study in preparation for the presidential transition should John McCain win the election, according to sources familiar with the process.
Conducting a study, huh? Seems far from leading the transition team. But don’t take my word for it, take Time’s (emph. mine):
Timmons, who is not leading the effort, is working on the McCain transition-planning with former Navy Secretary John Lehman Jr., a friend and traveling companion of McCain’s who runs an investment bank and recently served on the national commission that investigated the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
So is a lobbyist working for McCain’s transition team? Yes. Is he planning an administration? He might have a part, but who knows for sure? Is he leading the team, as insinuated? Doesn’t seem to be the case. Note that Obama’s camp never actually says “leading the team.” But the meaning behind the ad is clear. That’s been one of their shticks with McCain for months: that McCain has a whole bunch of lobbyists heading his campaign.
On a side note, if you haven’t noticed, I’m beginning to have a fascination with finding out the truth behind political ads. As both campaigns gear up to get down and dirty in the next seven weeks, a good fact checking will be needed to clear up the distortions and lies. Expect more of this kind of post.
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Thanks for making it clear! You cut right through it!