Washington GOP Takes Heat for Video Targeting Michelle Obama

Democrats are pushing back against yet another Web video that targets Michelle Obama for saying earlier this year that she is proud of her country "for the first time."

FOXNews.com

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Democrats are pushing back against yet another Web video that targets Michelle Obama for saying earlier this year that she is proud of her country "for the first time."

The Washington State Republican Party released the video just as Barack Obama's wife joined Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire, a Democrat, on Thursday for a fundraiser.

The video was nearly identical to one put out by the Tennessee GOP in May. Like that video, the Washington one intersperses clips of Michelle Obama's remarks with clips of Washingtonians explaining why they are proud of their country.

"These shameless attacks by the state Republican Party have no place in our politics. If John McCain is serious about running a 'respectful' campaign on the issues, he and Republican leaders ... will denounce this tasteless attack ad and tell the state Republican Party to pull the plug on it immediately," Gregoire said in a statement.

McCain's campaign quickly distanced itself from the ad.

"Senator McCain has spoken out very clearly that neither spouse should be a target during this campaign," McCain adviser Nicolle Wallace said.

Michelle Obama’s comments were made at Wisconsin campaign stops in mid-February.

There she said: “For the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.”

She later clarified that she meant she was proud of the way Americans are engaging in the political process, and she said she’s always been proud of her country.

Click here to see the video on Michelle Obama.

FOX News' Mosheh Oinounou contributed to this report.

 

RCP Poll

President Obama Job Approval

RCP Average: +5.6% Details
Approve 49.9%
Disapprove 44.3%

Congressional Job Approval

RCP Average: -37.3% Details
Approve 27.0%
Disapprove 64.3%

Direction of Country

RCP Average: -19.5% Details
Right Direction 37.7%
Wrong Track 57.2%