If McCain brings up Ayers, Obama brings up G. Gordon Liddy

[zulchzulu]

Media Matters is on it. The Liddy story has a whole lot more legs.

As Media Matters for America has noted, Liddy served four and a half years in prison in connection with his conviction for his role in the Watergate break-in and the break-in at the office of the psychiatrist of Daniel Ellsberg, the military analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers. Liddy has acknowledged preparing to kill someone during the Ellsberg break-in "if necessary"; plotting to murder journalist Jack Anderson; plotting with a "gangland figure" to murder Howard Hunt to stop him from cooperating with investigators; plotting to firebomb the Brookings Institution; and plotting to kidnap "leftist guerillas" at the 1972 Republican National Convention -- a plan he outlined to the Nixon administration using terminology borrowed from the Nazis. (The murder, firebombing, and kidnapping plots were never carried out; the break-ins were.) During the 1990s, Liddy reportedly instructed his radio audience on multiple occasions on how to shoot Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agents and also reportedly said he had named his shooting targets after Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Liddy has donated $5,000 to McCain's campaigns since 1998, including $1,000 in February 2008. In addition, McCain has appeared on Liddy's radio show during the presidential campaign, including as recently as May. An online video labeled "John McCain On The G. Gordon Liddy Show 11/8/07" includes a discussion between Liddy and McCain, whom Liddy described as an "old friend." During the segment, McCain praised Liddy's "adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation great," said he was "proud" of Liddy, and said that "it's always a pleasure for me to come on your program."

Additionally, in 1998, Liddy reportedly held a fundraiser at his home for McCain. Liddy was reportedly scheduled to speak at another fundraiser for McCain in 2000. The Charlotte Observer reported on January 23, 2000, that McCain's campaign vouched for Liddy's "character":

His campaign officials said Liddy's character will appeal to many voters because he was following orders from President Nixon and kept silent afterward.

"His (Liddy's) judgment might be in question, but I don't think his character is," said Ed Walker, the York County chairman of McCain's campaign. "He was following orders just like any good soldier, and he didn't tell on anybody. He felt like he was on a mission and kept his silence."

Liddy's 2000 speech was reportedly canceled due to bad weather.

http://mediamatters.org/items/200810040004?f=h_top

[msallied]

1. There are so many skeletons in the McCain closet.

And only 30 days to bring them out. This gets ugly.

[Imagevision]

2. Liddy and McCain - now that's a Kodak moment...

[zulchzulu]

3. I would use Liddy as a separate issue from the Keating 5 scandal

Tie the Keating scandal to McCain with the economy. Tie Liddy if McCain brings up Ayers. Additionally, throw some hot acid in Avon Lady's face with Troopergate and her husband's (and her) ties to Alaskan secession groups, which certainly are "anti-American".

[MercutioATC]

4. G. Gordon Liddy? THIS G. Gordon Liddy?

Wherever his name is posted, there shall I be posting this pic...

[cali]

5. no, it doesn't have more legs than Ayers.

and after Ayers comes Wright and Khalidi. McCain will NEVER have to fight the perception of being "not American enough". What will win this, is Obama's superior strategy, better ground game, better financing and the tanking economy. In the short run, look for Obama to lose some of his edge in the polls.

[zulchzulu]

6. I can see McCain agreeing with Liddy's Watergate break-in

Liddy is a convicted criminal...McCain is his buddy.

[EndElectoral]

7. kick