Horserace
September 10, 2008 11:43 AM

A Lot Of Lipstick, And A Lot Of Pigs

As you've likely heard by now, the McCain campaign has expressed outrage that Barack Obama used the phrase "lipstick on a pig" while discussing John McCain and Sarah Palin.

“Barack Obama’s comments today are offensive and disgraceful," McCain-Palin spokesperson Maria Comella said in a statement yesterday. "He owes Governor Palin an apology.”

Obama's ostensibly offensive comment followed his mockery of the McCain/Palin ticket for professing to embrace change.

“That’s just calling something the same thing, something different," Obama said in Lebanon, Virginia. "But you know you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.”

“You can you can, wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change, it’s still going to stink after 8 years," he added. "We’ve had enough of the same old thing.”

We'll leave it to you to judge whether Obama was somehow implying Palin was a pig, as former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift suggested in a Republican conference call. (Marc Ambinder, Ben Smith, Mike Huckabee and others say no. "I do not think he was referring to Sarah Palin; he didn’t reference her," Huckabee said.) As you think on that, here are some other "lipstick on a pig" references for you to consider:

"I think they put some lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig." – John McCain, in reference to Hillary Clinton's health care plan, last year.

"George Bush has given a mission to General Petraeus, and he has done his best to try to figure out how to put lipstick on a pig." – Barack Obama, last year.

"Or as we say out in our home state of Wyoming, you can put all the lipstick you want on a pig, but it's still a pig." – Dick Cheney, 2004.

"It's all about withdrawal or not withdrawal, okay? I mean that's what it's all about. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig." – John McCain, last year.

"You can put lipstick and earrings on a hog and call it Monique, but it's still a pig." – Texas Gov. Ann Richards.

"John Kerry tries to put a bunch of fancy, fancy talk...but there is nothing you can do to really -- to really obscure that record. You can try, though. And in Wyoming, we've got a saying for what it is when you keep trying to make something that's not so good look good, we call it putting lipstick on a pig." – Lynne Cheney, 2004.

"It gets down to whether you support what's being done in this new strategy or you don't. You can put lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig in my view." – John McCain, last year.

The Obama campaign also emailed to reporters quotes from more than 10 Republican officials who have used the phrase, among them House Minority Leader John Boehner and Former Republican Senator Rick Santorum.
Tags:
lipstick on a pig
Topics:
In The News
Add a Comment See all 86 Comments
by Regensburger September 10, 2008 12:35 PM PDT
We let them get away with this garbage in 2000 and 2004.

Never forget what we got as a result.
Reply to this comment
by jefflz-2009 September 10, 2008 12:44 PM PDT
McCain knows his complaints about Obama''s use of the same phrase McCain used for Hillary''s health care plan is another cynical attempt to throw sand into the eyes of the electorate. Cynical like his attempt to steal the Change theme from Obama, cynical like appointing an airhead Christian fundamentalist as VP candidate, .. where is the McCain of 2000 - a so-called man of honor and dignity? He is now a puppet of the Rove/Limbaugh clique that with Cheney controlled the Bushies. The War Hero that hides behind a woman''s skirts and throws sand in the eyes of the voters - McCain has made hollow the word Honor .
Reply to this comment
by corinth72209 September 10, 2008 12:45 PM PDT
I do not think Obama was referring to Palin as a matter of fact he said fish still stink even though wrapped in paper speaking about the past 8 years she was no where around, why can''t he say what he said they sure are having a fill day mocking him (Obama), stay focused Obama you said nothing wrong.
Reply to this comment
by doctordonut-2009 September 10, 2008 12:50 PM PDT
This campaign is only going to get uglier...

http://www.theweeklydonut.com/index.php/category/2008-presidential-election/
Reply to this comment
by alohaone1 September 10, 2008 12:55 PM PDT
Enough of this thuggish tactics from the Obama campaign . Everyone see that Obama was referring to Palin''s joke a week ago about lipstick on pitbull. Yes, other had used it too, but under totally different context and thus it means different things .Obama intentionally indirectly referred to that joke to draw a parallel to get a laugh out of his audience , which he did , so it is very clear here , unless you are on the Obama''s Kool-Aid. These are the things that you do not say outright , but people will see it just as clear . Why don''t you Obama supporters go back and listen to what Bill Clinton said in the primaries , or what the journalist said about Tiger Wood to get her suspended , Those are all LESS obvious than this remark ,yet people accused them of being racist and all , and NOW , they are about to give Obama a Pass on this??? I say after what he did in the primaries against Hillary , the women of America have to stand up to this kind of racism and gender bias more forcefully when they see it , Ofcourse the Obama camp see nothing wrong with it , but everyone sees it differently!
Reply to this comment
by tazheutlin September 10, 2008 12:57 PM PDT
PLEASE!!!! This is just another example of deflecting the media from the fact that McCAin-Palin have not given us any substantive plans for how they are going to set this country back on the right track. FURTHERMORE, THE MEDIA FEEDS RIGHT INTO IT!!!!! What is the matter with them. Are they afraid of some sort of accusations of sexism?
Reply to this comment
by skbrownie September 10, 2008 1:00 PM PDT
Sarah Palin looks more like the First Lady the way McCain can''t keep his hands off her.
Reply to this comment
by aj4321-2009 September 10, 2008 1:03 PM PDT
I was watching one of McCain/Palin capaign speeches (I know it''s a wastage of time). Am I the only one who noticed McCain ooogling Palin''s ***?
Reply to this comment
by alohaone1 September 10, 2008 1:04 PM PDT
Obama revealed himself !!! He is so used to everyone panderring to him as The Messiah that a little tough coverage from the press made him cry , a little criticism from CLinton in PA. got him whined , now , when another lady , by her own rights , got more popular than he does and Obama resorts to calling her names...Do we really want this kind of character to be our President??? Remember , when a man calling a man name , it is totally different , if Obama and Mc CAin slug it out fairly , I can care less , but this is a man against a Lady , are we to allow these kinds of behavior . Plus , when the lady mocked him , she did it in a polite and funny way using her great communication skills , and we are all fine with that , as long as it is polite and funny , but when Obama went after a lady in this kind of personal and unruly wordings because he is losing to her , we better stand up and make it clear to him that it is not tolerable . I know that Chicago politics can be tough ,but you have to be a gentleman at the same time , if you even want people to accept you , much less become the POTUS!
Reply to this comment
by thebob-bob September 10, 2008 1:05 PM PDT
This age old expression has long been a favorite of those enlightened Southern Senators of the Republican Party. What are they going to do now that McCain has decided that use of that expression constitutes a Sexist Attack On All American Women!!

Obama says it best:

I love this country too much to let them take over another election with lies and phony outrage and Swift Boat politics. Enough is enough."

"We''ve got an energy crisis," ... "We have an education system that is not working for too many of our children and making us less competitive. We have an economy that is creating hardship for families all across America. We''ve got two wars going on, veterans coming home not being cared for -- and this is what they want to talk about.

"You know who ends up losing at the end of the day? It''s not the Democratic candidate. It''s not the Republican candidate. It''s you, the American people. Because then we go another year, or another four years or another eight years without addressing the issues that matter to you."

A coherent, logical statement by a politician! Now that''s a change!
Reply to this comment
by alohaone1 September 10, 2008 1:10 PM PDT
Obama''s remark is an insult to women . Obama''s denial (thinking that we are not able to see his true motivations) IS an insult to all of US . Obama''s refusal to apologize in a timely manner to put this unfortunate controvesy away IS an insult to his supporters , who sent in millions to help him get elected !
Reply to this comment
by zorro08 September 10, 2008 1:11 PM PDT
i could not have said it better, the war hero hidding behind a woman skirt, destroying a family private life for his own purpose, exposing a pregnant teen in public while all other teens who are pregnant get to here "I told you so" McCain only care about himself, divorce his first wife for a younger girl, at 72 years old and 29 years in politics he think he got the solution. Obama was right when he said that "McCain just doesn''t get it" McCain needs to retire and let this new generation lead the future of America. Not the America he knew but the America we want today for tomorrow. The one that McCain may not see.
Reply to this comment
by koronin-2009 September 10, 2008 1:16 PM PDT
I thought McCain was supposed to be tough?

No, instead it''s whiny whiny whiny from the McCain camp.

What a bunch of wimps
Reply to this comment
by matericia September 10, 2008 1:20 PM PDT
umbrage at the Washington phrase ''lipstick on a pig'' used by presidential candidate Barack Obama about John McCain, actually interprets it as a personal insult to Sarah Palin. The whale blubber that is in lipstick is not the point. The point is these Republican women are willing to play the gender card. Please, ladies, lets keep cosmetics out of it.
"Truth, Women and Naked Ambition in Politics"

Boo!

44 WM Pennsylvania Mother of 7
Eldest a decorated and disabled USMC Sergeant
Reply to this comment
by geewiz9 September 10, 2008 1:40 PM PDT
She described herself as a dog wearing lipstick not Obamba. This lipstick thing goes all the way back and it refers to a term used in sale''s. Get educated people...
Reply to this comment
by keensn September 10, 2008 1:47 PM PDT
This is unbelievable the McCain camp called us a nation of whinners coz we complained about gas,Iraq war,loss of jobs and rising cost of basic needs and they dare ask for an apology from Obama for "lipstic on a pig" c''mon POW ur tougher than this
Reply to this comment
by rjonesthree September 10, 2008 1:48 PM PDT
You report that Obama was discussing Palin. HE WASN''T. He was discussing McCain''s absurd promises to reform Washington.
Reply to this comment
by mattcat25 September 10, 2008 1:50 PM PDT
Since nobody really knows Her, maybe the McCain Campaign is telling us that Sarah Palin is really A PIG!! And, not a pit-bull as earlier suggested%u2026
Reply to this comment
by pastdue1 September 10, 2008 1:53 PM PDT
Obama''''s refusal to apologize in a timely manner to put this unfortunate controvesy away IS an insult to his supporters , who sent in millions to help him get elected !
Posted by alohaone1 at 01:10 PM : Sep 10,
No apology necessary. Who created the controversy ? It is merely an attempt to avoid facing the issues in this election. Forget about lipstick, forget about pigs, they are euphanisms, they are not real. The issues are real, they effect all of us, and I, along with many, are tired of them being clouded by silliness. The real "red meat" in this election year is not personal attacks against your opponent, but how often the issues are attacked.
Reply to this comment
by fralene-2009 September 10, 2008 1:54 PM PDT
alohaone, you are obviously one of those "my mind is made up, don''t confuse me with the facts" sort of people. I''ve read quite a few of your hostile rants, and am amazed at the hypocrisy.

You are jumping on Obama for insulting Palin when no insult was meant, yet you don''t seem to mind that McCain has deliberately said foul and cruel things to women and about them. No one with half a brain will take you seriously. You might as well rechannel that anger into something more productive. And hey, make sure to keep both hands over your ears so your brains don''t fall out.
Reply to this comment
by rjonesthree September 10, 2008 1:55 PM PDT
You report that Obama was discussing Palin. HE WASN''T. He was discussing McCain''s absurd promises to reform Washington.
Reply to this comment
by duke0052 September 10, 2008 1:57 PM PDT
Hey Obama supporters: You can put an American Flag behind a terrorist and campaign him for President, but he is still a terrorist!
Reply to this comment
by duke0052 September 10, 2008 1:58 PM PDT
Shame on all Americans who support Obama. Your disrespecting your country and yourselves. Why not just go out and find Bin Laden and let him run for President. Not much difference there.
Reply to this comment
by duke0052 September 10, 2008 2:02 PM PDT
Why is it the democrats can attack Palin for her unwed pregnant daughter but no one is concerned about Baracks ties with Terrorists and his disrespect of our country where he is trying to become our nations leader. He doesnt deny it and doesnt try to hide it, so what, that makes it ok? WHo in thier right mind wants a president who doesnt like or respect our country? Wake up people!!
Reply to this comment
by freddin September 10, 2008 2:07 PM PDT
If Senator McCain said las year:"I think they put some lipstick on a pig, but it''s still a pig." %u2013 John McCain, in reference to Hillary Clinton''s health care plan, last year. Why now the McCain campaign does not like Senator Obama to say the same thing? This question ony can be answered by the McCain campaign; so don''t try to answer it.
Reply to this comment
by fralene-2009 September 10, 2008 2:09 PM PDT
wake up Duke0052. Obama has been investigated up one side and down the other . There''s nothing there. For the same reasons, the press is not hounding McCain about his ties to Charles Keating and members of the Mafia. Questionable judgement on both sides, but no wrong doing. Can''t we ever get past these personalities and deal with issues?
Reply to this comment
by freddin September 10, 2008 2:09 PM PDT
Senator McCain said last year:"I think they put some lipstick on a pig, but it''''s still a pig." John McCain made this point in reference to Hillary Clinton''''s health care plan, last year. The question is: Why now the McCain campaign does not like Senator Obama to say the same thing? This question ony can be answered by the McCain campaign; so don''''t try to answer it.

Reply to this comment
by duke0052 September 10, 2008 2:12 PM PDT
Wake up and smell the coffee people. Sure that statement has been used before and even by McCain but you have to look at the entire circumstances of its use not just the statement. Obama''s use was a deliberate personal attack against Palin and he knows it and you all know it too so quit with all you McCain sob stories. Why dont you ask why Obama can never own up to the truth about anything. He sidesteps and lies in his entire campaign and even admits to doing so. It is pathetic.
Reply to this comment
by duke0052 September 10, 2008 2:14 PM PDT
Hey Freddin, the difference is that one statment was made in referrence to a PLAN and one was made in referrence to a PERSON. Big difference there.
Reply to this comment
by duke0052 September 10, 2008 2:17 PM PDT
Fralene, get real. NO investigations were done. He has lied about his ties to his terrorist muslim past. He even admits this and quite recently when he joked about McCain not questioning his past. He lied to cover things up and everyone just blew it off. No investigation, no REAL investigating was truly done. He snaked his way out of it like he does everything else. THere is a story there, there is a lot there. Just no democrats want to face it because he is thier only hope.
Reply to this comment
by fralene-2009 September 10, 2008 2:26 PM PDT
No Duke, you need to get real. Don''t you think the boys of Fox News, the Weekly Standard, National Review, and others haven''t done their very best to find dirt? Don''t you know they are still trying? You hang in there, though.
Reply to this comment
by hillarynow September 10, 2008 2:46 PM PDT
Remember this, Bush and Cheney are the same as McCain and Palin. John McCain recently in his own words on his close ties and relationship with Bush during the disastrous Bush years, John McCain %u2014 %u201CThe President has lead with great clarity and I think he%u2019s done a great job leading the country don%u2019t you all?%u201D John McCain %u2014 %u201CThe President and I agree on most issues, there was a recent study that showed I voted with the President over 90% of the time, higher than even most of my Republican colleagues%u201D You will regret your vote if you make the mistake of voting for the two liars McCain and Palin that claim to put %u2018Country First%u2019 instead of the American PEOPLE.

Obama / Biden All the Way!!
Reply to this comment
by bellona2 September 10, 2008 2:55 PM PDT
"Lipstick on a pig" is sexist only if you think the pig is a sow (or a FEMALE pit bull). Political correctness is depleting our speech. Perhaps BHO will use his privileged position to reinstate the perfectly good word "*********."
Reply to this comment
by ohmama1 September 10, 2008 2:59 PM PDT
Maybe the pitbull needs a thicker skin instead of lipstick!
Reply to this comment
by mattcat25 September 10, 2008 3:02 PM PDT
Perhaps BHO will use his privileged position to reinstate the perfectly good word "*********."
Posted by bellona2

All Pigs are Republicans.

Reply to this comment
by smartmomof3 September 10, 2008 3:09 PM PDT
Shame on you CBS for reporting he was "referring to VP candidate"-he was talking about McCain''s policies, but then that wouldn''t be as entertaining, would it? In sports the refs/umps do "make up calls" well the media is doing one HUGE Make up call after all the RNC complaining. And Duke (David duke?)& "Bellonna2"-your comments are racist-it''s embarrassing to read your comments. there''s a difference between being politically correct and just vile and rude.
Reply to this comment
by jn122736 September 10, 2008 3:17 PM PDT
Why is it the democrats can attack Palin for her unwed pregnant daughter
Posted by Duke0052 at 02:02 PM : Sep 10, 2008
----
At what point did the Obama campaign EVER say anything about that? In fact, Obama is on record as saying Palins children are OFF LIMITS.
It was the media who attacked, NOT Obama.
I swear some of you are delusional. But really, you are just ignorant and stupid.

Posted by mortal3 at 02:23 PM : Sep 10, 2008
~~~~~~~~~~

mortal3;

I do not believe Duke0052, et al, are delusional, ignorant or stupid.

IMO, they know exactly what they are lying about.
Reply to this comment
by ne_patriot7 September 10, 2008 3:33 PM PDT
Jesus Duke0052, you really have to stretch the context in order to make that lipstick statement (used many times in past speeches by Cheney, Bush and McSame) a personal attack on old Barracuda.

Here''s one about the coward McSame... explain this to me Duke..

"As for never cooperating with Vietnamese, McCain also admits he eventually gave up information about his ship and Navy squadron. "I regret very much having done so,'''' he [McCain] wrote in his book, Faith of My Fathers.

You republican sheeple are all alike...


Reply to this comment
by airmanc5 September 10, 2008 3:57 PM PDT
How do you spell "airhead"...O_B_A_M_A
Reply to this comment
by airmanc5 September 10, 2008 4:03 PM PDT
DEER miss Hilarie, I b sorry I make u lok racist and i be sexist and everythig, but dem makcain folks makin me look bad, I''s need yo help plez. Da boykot my firned opie now and i tink we are in bad shape I make u prezident of canada ok, dat ok? plez help me thank you,hooked on ebonics Obamie
Reply to this comment
by briannorwood September 10, 2008 4:09 PM PDT
Ooooooooh, I am soooooooo offended by lipstick on pigs. This is an important issue that all Americans should focus on between now and November.

If I ever see anyone putting lipstick on a pig, I will report them to the GOP-L(Grand Old Pig Lipstick) committee.

For shame, for shame! Next thing you know, those commie liberals will want to put eyeshadow, and maybe rouge on a pig. What then? Pig nail-polish.

NEVER. I say the GOP motto should be "SAVE THE PIGS, VOTE REPUBLICAN" from now on!
Reply to this comment
by heartwords September 10, 2008 4:16 PM PDT
Barracudas and humans...

Like sharks, barracudas have long had a bad reputation as being dangerous to humans. Barracudas have been observed following snorkelers and scuba divers across a reef, which can make one feel uncomfortable, but they are harmless unless provoked.

Being formidable hunters, they should be respected, as barracudas are perfectly capable of defending themselves against humans that harass them.

Go!! Go!! Barracuda Sarah!!!

If what you (Sarah) and Senator McCain are saying is the truth and you will stand up to the Washington do nothing crowd. Being seperate thinkers able to make positive change for this country and it''''''''s citizens.

Then I know many will come aboard and support your efforts. Politics has to change and become a helping hand to those in need. Also a hand up to those who are forward visionaries.

We need to set aside petty issues and concentrate on what will bring respect and honor back to the presidency. Other nations are watching and waiting to see what happens in this election. Will we show them our strength (unity) or our weakness (confusion & division).
Reply to this comment
by car313-2009 September 10, 2008 4:21 PM PDT
are we having a Election of grown ups or is this preschool.

Repub should address issues.
1.GI''s are comminting sucide numbers not seen before
2.Jobs, that will allow us to buy a 300,000 dress/outfit.
3. Our 401k''s has lost over 30,000 and if we wanted to retire, we can''t. Thanks GW Bush...8 years of you and a Rep congress..(did get Dem until last year.)a little late to save anything at our age..but we can do what other Repub due..go bankrupt...which is up for all older people.

God Bless America and all of us, we are going to need it.
Reply to this comment
by oneamerican4 September 10, 2008 4:28 PM PDT
Barack Obama looks like he is on the verge of having a nervous breakdown.

I wouldn''t put too much hope on Obama making it all the way to the election...
Reply to this comment
by rowdyheckno September 10, 2008 4:34 PM PDT
Yeah, we know the expression had been used before, and we KNOW that Obama was using it in his attack, and smirking the whole time...but his point got across...

And frankly this pinko commie taking snips at Palin and McCain for ANYTHING is rather dubious practice...when his policies are on a par with a drug addict on hallucinagens!
Reply to this comment
by DCropp September 10, 2008 4:44 PM PDT
Thank you for finally pointing out how McCain repeatedly uses this phrase.

The first time someone uses it against a Republican candidate and they jump up and down crying to anyone who will listen.

McCain is the typical spoiled brat child. He''ll misbehave, skip votes, call people names, but the minute someone stands up to him, he cries.
Reply to this comment
by starleo146 September 10, 2008 4:58 PM PDT
Gosh Sarah has a 5 month old baby, her daughter will be having a baby by election time, and she is the running mate with Mc Same. Here is my question with a 72 year old man, a 5 month old baby and a grandmother of a newborn,how many diapers will she change in a day. I bet that is the change Mc Same is talking about

Posted by starleo14672 at 04:46 PM : Sep 10, 2008
Reply to this comment
by mattcat25 September 10, 2008 4:58 PM PDT
"A few weeks after the council meeting, the mayor fired the librarian, although she was reinstated after a community uproar," Ross reported. "The Wasilla librarian, Mary Ellen Edmonds, left two years later, and according to friends, because it was just too hard working for Sarah Palin."
Posted by makeitso928


I wonder what book(s) Sarah-cuda wanted removed from the Wasilla Public Library?

Charlotte''s Web???

Reply to this comment
by starleo146 September 10, 2008 4:59 PM PDT
Mc Same is for nothing, he hasn''''t told me anything he is for. He is for being President at any and all costs. The man is just a nut and he should just go to bed. Karl Rove can you imagine is in his campaign Rick Davis is his campaign manager said just don''''t say anything this will be about personalities not issues and the fools are going to there rally''''s. with the country in a state it is in, wouldn''''t you think he would tell us something, This is a election that will tell us where we are going up or down.
Reply to this comment
by nsttahir September 10, 2008 5:28 PM PDT
obama was not selected because of his command of the isues or his experience. Clinton was alot more qualified but he was a fresh face and made a good speech. Well, guess what- he is not a fresh face anymore, his change,change for 19 months is old news. There is a new star and a new great speaker and it is a woman to boot. Obamas goose is cooking-it is in the oven. if he loses in november he can thank himself for his great judgement in not picking Hillary
Reply to this comment
See all 86 Comments

About Horserace

Description for Horserace

Add to your favorite news reader
google
yahoo
msn
  • MOST POPULAR
  • Viewed
  • Commented