Obama Wisconsin Radio Ad Attacks McCain Over Harley Quip


By Greg Sargent and Eric Kleefeld - August 11, 2008, 3:31PM
To our knowledge the Obama campaign didn't release it to the national press, but Team Obama is airing a new radio spot in Wisconsin -- the home of Harley-Davidson -- attacking John McCain over his recent quip at a biker rally that he'd much rather listen to the "roar of 50,000 Harleys" than the cheering of 200,000 Berliners.



The spot quotes McCain's joke, then calls him a phony for opposing a requirement that the government buy American-made motorbikes. "But when it comes to his record," the announcer says, "American-made motorcycles like Harleys don't matter to John McCain."



The standard Dem effort to turn GOP patriotism attacks on their head by painting Republican trade policies as anti-American worker has generally met with mixed success. But with the economy topping the list of voter concerns, particularly in industrial swing states, it's possible that such attacks will land on more fertile ground this time around. Full script after the jump.


(Motors revving)
Announcer: Listen to John McCain speaking to motorcycle enthusiasts in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Tuesday.

McCain: Not long ago a couple of hundred thousand Berliners made a lot of noise for my opponent. I'll take the roar of 50,000 Harleys any day...

Announcer: But when it comes to his record, American-made motorcycles like Harleys don't matter to John McCain. Back in Washington, McCain opposed the requirement that the government buy American-made motorcycles. And he said all buy-American provisions were quote "disgraceful." Surprised? You shouldn't be. This is the same John McCain who supported billions in tax breaks for companies who ship American jobs overseas.

(More motors revving)

Announcer: It's time to hear the roar of the strong American economy again -- and stop John McCain from shipping our jobs overseas.

Obama: I'm Barack Obama, candidate for president, and I approved this message. Paid for by Obama for America.