New McCain ad: Palin an "Alaska maverick"

The spot argues that Sarah Palin has earned her reputation for reform, and says Barack Obama hasn't.

Published September 3, 2008 6:07PM (EDT)

When John McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate, he didn't quite give in to the realities of a so-called change election and ditch the experience argument completely. Instead, his campaign is apparently now trying a new tack -- a spot released Wednesday argues that when it comes to change, Palin has more experience than Barack Obama does.

The announcer kicks off the ad, dubbed "Alaska Maverick," by quoting the Wall Street Journal's editorial page: "Governor Palin's credentials as an agent of reform exceed Barack Obama's."

"They're right," the announcer continues, going on to say, "She's 'earned a reputation as a reformer.' His reputation? Empty words."

In the scheme of things, this isn't really the most convincing evidence. The Wall Street Journal's editorial page thinks a Republican candidate is more qualified than her Democratic opponent? Stop the presses. And, as NBC's First Read blog notes, other elements of the ad are factually dubious as well.

The McCain camp isn't giving out specifics about where this ad is running; it's saying only that it'll be shown in "key states." And that raises one more question about the campaign's truthfulness -- is this just another ad it's releasing without bothering to pay for a substantial amount of airtime?


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

MORE FROM Alex Koppelman


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2008 Elections Barack Obama John Mccain R-ariz. Sarah Palin