Bloggers sniff out anti-Palin astroturf campaign– and the cover-up begins Updated with Ethan Winner response

By Michelle Malkin  •  September 22, 2008 04:44 AM

Scroll down for updates…Response from Ethan Winner


Follow the disappearing YouTube account…

The blogosphere is doing the job the MSM thinks no one else can do.

A collaborative investigative effort by our friends at The Jawa Report to expose an apparently astroturfed, anti-Sarah Palin smear campaign seems to have caused late-night panic in Barack Obama-linked p.r. circles. The bloggers digging into the provenance of anti-Sarah Palin smears on the web got results last night/early this morning while most elite journalists were still in their pajamas sleeping.

First, read this. Read the whole thing. Rusty Shackleford — with help from Jane of Armies of Liberation, Stable Hand, the Jawa team, Dan Riehl, Ace of Spades, and Patterico – traced a Palin-bashing YouTube video to a Democrat public relations firm, Winner and Associates, and one of its employees, Ethan S. Winner. They believe the voiceover for the ad — which spreads the lie that Sarah Palin belonged to a fringe third party, the Alaska Independence Party — was done by a professional whose voice they believe was also featured in several Obama ads and other spots produced by Obama top strategist and astroturfer extraordinaire David Axelrod’s firm.

The Jawa Report’s bottom line:

While not conclusive, evidence suggests a link to the Barack Obama campaign. Namely:

* Evidence suggests that a YouTube video with false claims about Palin was uploaded and promoted by members of a professional PR firm.

* The family that runs the PR firm has extensive ties to the Democratic Party, the netroots, and are staunch Obama supporters.

* Evidence suggests that the firm engaged in a concerted effort to distribute the video in such a way that it would appear to have gone viral on its own. Yet this effort took place on company time.

* Evidence suggests that these distribution efforts included actions by at least one employee of the firm who is unconnected with the family running the company.

* The voice-over artist used in this supposedly amateur video is a professional.

* This same voice-over artist has worked extensively with David Axelrod’s firm, which has a history of engaging in phony grassroots efforts, otherwise known as “astroturfing.”

* David Axelrod is Barack Obama’s chief media strategist.

* The same voice-over artist has worked directly for the Barack Obama campaign.

This suggests that false rumors and outright lies about Sarah Palin and John McCain being spread on the internet are being orchestrated by political partisans and are not an organic grassroots phenomenon led by the left wing fringe.

Now, here’s the juicy part. Within an hour of publication of the Jawa Report’s investigation, “eswinner” deleted the smear video that he had uploaded several times on September 11. Here’s a screenshot of the cached copy:

Let me underline that: At some point between approx. 12 midnight – 2am Eastern, “eswinner” logged into his account and tried to erase all traces of the deceitful, Palin-bashing ad.

And at 4:26am Eastern, here’s the message that appeared when attempting to view “eswinner’s” previously accessible account:

That was fast.

“Eswinner” didn’t just delete the Palin/AIP smear ad and his entire account. A related YouTube account, “Gocamerica,” that was spreading the lie has now also tried covering its tracks and has been closed. Ace and Dan Riehl are tracking the cover-up.

The Jawas, who have been at the vanguard of smoking out jihadis on the web, of course saved the video and all relevant websites.

Rusty wonders:

“If ‘eswinner’ isn’t Ethan Winner of the Publicis Groupe, then why did “eswinner” yank the video so quickly? Or if this was just an innocent homemade ad, then what does he have to hide? You’d think he’d want more attention for it.”

Indeed. Here it is, captured by a quick-thinking watchdog and reposted on YouTube.

I highly doubt “eswinner” will dare to send a takedown notice and reveal himself — and the lawyers and money behind him.

But it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out.

Stay tuned.

***

Update: Patterico on the cover-up…

In the criminal law business, we call evidence like that “consciousness of guilt.”

There needs to be follow-up to this story. The connection to the Winners and their PR firm is solid. The evidence tying in Axelrod and Obama is circumstantial but suggestive. The lightning-quick cover-up goes a long way towards convincing me. Now the baton needs to be passed to a media organization that can demand answers from the parties involved, who are unlikely to respond to a bunch of bloggers.

Update: Ethan Winner has responded.

September 22, 2008

1:30 pm PDT

Statement of Ethan Winner

The following is in response to questions I have received regarding the post on the Jawa Report website.

I produced and posted on the Internet the video entitled “Sarah Palin: A Heartbeat Away.”

The idea for the video was mine. No one paid me to produce it. The only out-of-pocket cost will be the fee for the voice-over narrator, which I will pay personally when I receive an invoice. Contrary to the allegation in the Jawa Report, the voice-over artist has never done any work for the Obama campaign. I retained her through a talent agency based solely on the quality of her voice.

Neither the Obama campaign nor any independent political action committee has had a connection with the making and/or posting of this video. Just like the thousands of Americans who have posted videos on the Internet regarding the current Presidential campaign, I produced this video as an expression of my right to free speech, which is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

I believe the American people have a right and a need to know information about candidates for political office and their views. I made this video because I think it is important for the public to be aware of the association between Sarah and Todd Palin and the Alaskan Independence Party. The New York Times has reported that the Alaskan Independence Party website describes the party as seeking, in the words of the party, “a range of solutions to the conflicts between federal and local authority,” including “advocacy for state’s rights, through a return to territorial status, all the way to complete independence and nationhood status for Alaska.”

While a number of media outlets have said that reports that Sarah Palin was a member of the Alaskan Independence Party may have been erroneous, her attendance at the party’s 1994 convention, her video speech to the 2008 convention and her husband’s membership in the Alaskan Independence Party have not been called into question.

Some people have asked why I have pulled the video from the Internet. The reason is simple. Following the posting of personal information about me by the Jawa Report, my family began to receive threatening and abusive phone calls and emails.

Rusty Shackleford’s response:

Do I find his response hard to believe. Yes I do. I would especially note the carefully crafted future tense usage for when he will pay the voice over artist.

It’s almost …. Clintonesque.

So, he produces the video. He pays for the video production — out of his own pocket. He then posts it to YouTube using multiple phony identities.

Then he gets his friends at one of the largest PR firms in the world to post it on the internet, to suggest to others that they pass it on, and spend company time defending the outright lies in the video — all for free?

And the multimillionaire who is President of the firm also spends his free time defending the lies on his “homemade” — yet professionally voiced over — video?

Hey Ethan, with that business savvy no wonder you were forced to rent out the family yacht! Maybe it’s time to also get rid of those courtside seats.

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Comments


  1. #1
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:07 am, Fat Jolly Penguin said:

    A lot of people are up past their bedtimes watching this story. (I’m one of them — ugh…) And with good reason, too: Rusty’s piece was damning enough, but the fact that Mr. Winner Epic Fail tried to cover his tracks speaks volumes.

    Beddy-bye now… I can’t wait to see what happens with this in the morning. (Later today? You know what I mean!)

  2. #2
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 am, L.N. Smithee said:

    Cool, I’m first up on this thread.

    Magnificent work by all involved! Hope Rush & Sean & Glenn & Laura & Levin get all over this. It will take a collaborative effort to drag this off the web and onto the front page. DON’T say it can’t be done.

  3. #3
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 am, L.N. Smithee said:

    OK…second.

  4. #4
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:12 am, darkpixel said:

    Well, as Charles Johnson often puts it “Imagine my surprise”.

  5. #5
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:25 am, Bill Grant said:

    Well done to Dr. Shackleford.

  6. #6
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:28 am, graysonret said:

    These people put up this stuff, then quietly delete it, when questioned. The damage has been done, though. That’s the tactic. It’s the old way of mud-slinging…”throw enough of it against the wall, and hope something sticks.” My personal favorite is the Jackson/Adams campaign of 1828-virgins from Russia, murders, adultery, and personal violence. Election Day is just ahead, thank goodness. 2 years of this nonsense is enough. But, I have a feeling, by January, it will start all over again.

  7. #7
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:34 am, BruceB said:

    The only reason they are doing this , is because the guy he works for is Black.

  8. #8
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:50 am, Brian72 said:

    I’ve been up most of the night following this over at AoSHQ. There may be more coming as it relates to the nutroots side of the equation. Frankly, I was waiting for Michelle to get her some coffee and jump in with both feet!

    This smells like Rathergate, doesn’t it?

    Begins to make you wonder about all the other filthy, sick rumor mongering that seemed to spring from out of everywhere at once, hours after that Ohio announcement. Axelrod’s dirty fingerprints are all over this, and I hope he pays for smearing and slandering one terrific lady.

    Hot Damn, release the hounds!

  9. #9
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:51 am, _Great_Red_Dragon_ said:

    The way of the left. Tell a lie enough they think it becomes the truth.
    Makes me sick.

  10. #10
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 5:58 am, Brian72 said:

    Seems that somebody was on their toes already!

    Ace says in the comments:

    35 michelle was always in the loop

    Posted by: ace at September 22, 2008 05:48 AM (1WR4H)

    Excellent! Never underestimate our Michelle. These jerks are in BIG trouble now!

    I’ve got to hop in the shower and get going for work this morning. This group of bloggers on the case makes me feel really good about nailing this down.

    Go get ‘em Michelle! This is what you live for!

  11. #11
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 6:18 am, Fuller said:

    OUTSTANDING! love this place. Thanks MM

  12. #12
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 am, fighterDC said:

    keep it up. The only problem will be, once the evidence is collected it will be hard to get the MSM to carry the story and really blow it wide open.

  13. #13
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 6:28 am, bloghooligan said:

    I <3 the blogosphere!!! Keep up the good work guys.

  14. #14
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 6:36 am, JHSII said:

    I wonder why no one else has made the connection to what the liberals did to Senator Joseph McCarthy? It’s a much better comparison than Rathergate.

    The left isn’t getting away with it this time!!

  15. #15
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 6:48 am, bloghooligan said:

    You know, after reading Jawas, it’s terribly clear that these leftists don’t have an imagination. Is this because they feel they’re so beyond question, they feel they can be blatant? Is is because they’re used to these sockpuppet games without anyone investigating? Or is it because they have a get-out-of-jail free card handed to them from someone unknown?

    Of course, if Axelrod is ever forced to go on the record about this, then he’ll say there’s no proof. But he’ll need to remember that this isn’t a court of law, but one of common sense. I’ll believe Axelrod just like I believe Edwards mistress is getting help without his knowledge.

  16. #16
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 6:50 am, Jaded said:

    You see these stupid people over at Obama’s campaign keep using these young kids and who catches these young punks older IT professionals……my husband does the same thing for his clients and he is”older”…..that is why Obama will lose he is putting to much of his campaign into the youth….idiot!

  17. #17
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:11 am, zorro said:

    Wow. More dirty tricks from a Chicago thug. The One’s positive image is quickly fading.

  18. #18
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:11 am, ssnark said:

    I’m shocked! Shocked I say to find Mr. Obama’s campaign indirectly associated with this kind of low, lying, disingenuous attack on his opponents.

    After all, isn’t this just like the man who promises hope and change but in reality has been a part of the dirtiest, most corrupt machine politics for years. A man who exhorts the “rich” people of the US to help “the least of my brothers” and has never helped his own half brother George. Isn’t this the man who claimed in Elko, Nevada last week that he supported the people’s 2nd Amendment rights but whose voting and previous positions contradict him. Isn’t this the same Barack Obama whom the New York Post has pointed to statements by both the Obama campaign and the Iraqi Foreign Minister that he asked the Iraqis to delay a Status of Forces treaty until after the elections; a possible violation of the Logan Act?
    Change I can believe in? Looks more like “It’s the new boss, same as the old boss”.

  19. #19
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:17 am, franksalterego said:

    Stay vigilent,

    We have to be squarely on top of these weasels 100% of the time.

    They only have to get away with it once.

    We can only imagine what these people are capable of, with the full weight of the F.B.I., the C.I.A., the N.S.A., and the I.R.S. at their disposal.

    Scary, indeed

  20. #20
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:17 am, ex-expat said:

    You’d think that after ‘Rathergate’, they’d have learned a lesson or two, but I guess not.

  21. #21
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 am, RetFireman said:

    Wow…great job…great catch!!

    I would not be surprised if this does not go all the way up to The Tarnished Bovines campaign itself.

    In fact, I would love for more in depth stuff done on ALL these attacks on her.

    His campaign WREAKS from the stench of all the slander and libel out there against GOVERNOR Palin.

    There can be no doubt that before this is over on November 4th, that his campaign will be exposed for incredibly illegal actions against the McCain/Palin Campaign.

    The real important question is, will the MSM be willing to expose them for what they are, what they have done…or will they carry his banner the whole race.

    My hope is that their thirst for blood in the water is stronger than their desire to carry him into the Oval Office. That will be the only chance we have of exposing this Socialist thug for what and who he is.

    And when it does happen, it will be comical to watch as the MSM tries to make it look like they not only knew it all along, but that it was them who brought it to light and that it was always their intention to do so.

    The evidence of the fact that the Democrats can never be permitted to ever again take back the Presidency is stacking up like cord wood

  22. #22
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 am, Lindsay said:

    Thank you Rusty, Ace and Michelle.

    Expose Obama and gang of thugs!

  23. #23
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:34 am, sparky1962 said:

    Just proves that when you are sure to lose you resort to dirty fighting. Keep up the good work. People remember to get this out to the people, who don’t follow the blogs or have access to the Net.
    Amazing how all the news about the One’s past relationships is true but gets washed away by MSM, but the false accusations about Mrs. Palin wind up on the MSM. Even though they report it as false they still bring up the story. But never bring up the stories about obama…hmmmmmm

  24. #24
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:40 am, travlinman said:

    I’m shocked! Shocked, I tell you. You mean that there just might be a smear campaign directed at Palin or McCain with some direct links to the Obama campaign? Shocked. I am without words… Speechless, I tell you. This can’t be true… Wait, I need to get a bag. Hyperventilating… shww shww shww…that’s a little better. Now, let’s get this straight. A link between the ‘One’ and a smear on Palin!?!?!? Oh dammit… shww shww shww… Ok I think it is sinking in now. I’m just shocked! I mean how could such a nice Christian man from that small town near Chicago be involved in such a thing? What about the damage to his repution and what about his children. Have you people no mercy? /smart-a$$ off/

    I hope that this can linked to the lying SOB and that the truth will be shouted from the highest roof-tops across the country. Change we can believe in, my rear-end. More like, Quick change we can believe in!
    Obama is like an iceburg. All you see is the small part sticking out that he wants you to see. It’s the crap hidden beneath the smoke & mirrors that scares me. Remember that a leopard cannot change its spots. BTW, even a black leopard has spots if you look close enough.

  25. #25
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:44 am, travlinman said:

    iceberg, not iceburg… my bad. I guess the arugula got to me brain and polluted it!

  26. #26
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 am, kcnut said:

    Good job now crush borat and get sarah in the white house.

  27. #27
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:50 am, RedWinged Blackbird said:

    Amazing. The whole investigation began with a Google search on the username “eswinner”, which is the moron’s real name. How stupid can you get?

  28. #28
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 am, travlinman said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 7:50 am, RedWinged Blackbird said:
    Amazing. The whole investigation began with a Google search on the username “eswinner”, which is the moron’s real name. How stupid can you get?

    Stupid enough to support the ‘messiah’. After all, this “Winner” guy is a lefty crap-weasel. That club does not require much intelligence to join.

  29. #29
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:04 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    Michelle did you get one of those calls at 3AM?

  30. #30
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:05 am, tennistari said:

    Great investigative effort, and I’m thankful for it personally, but I don’t see how this hurts Obama at all. The story has to get to the persuadable voters, and I don’t see how it does.

    People like us read the blogs and stay informed, people like them watch the network coverage of this election. *sigh*

    Anyway, well done to Rusty and Ace, and of course Michelle.

  31. #31
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 am, iamsaved said:

    When you see the libs using this kind of low life deception; Al Franken as their resident spokesman; and a Democrat’s college kid hacking into personal email accounts, no wonder conservatives don’t want to put McCain/Palin bumper stickers on their cars – all they serve to do is to place a big “vandalize me” sticker on your car which the libs are only too eager to accomodate. What low lifes.

  32. #32
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 am, gunslingerpatriot said:

    Thanks to the JAWAs, and all those geeks that are doing what some of us technophobes only dream about doing while the msm sleep in their jammies.

    GSP
    A salute of a slab of beef brisket to you! 8)

  33. #33
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 am, flaming_o said:

    Wow!! Brilliant leg-work by the Jawas. When lies are spread at the speed of light, we need our cyber-bloodhounds to get on the trail and stay on it. No justice, no peace.

  34. #34
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 am, MarcoPolo said:

    Wow. They really suck at this, don’t they?

  35. #35
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:34 am, Socky said:

    The good guys thwarted them, this time, which is good.

    But if this is going to break through to the mainstream, it has to be simplified and pounded on the same way the lies about Sarah were pounded on.

    In it’s simplest form: Obama broke Federal Election law to spread lies about Sarah Palin through the internet and tried to cover it up.

    Even apathetic voters whose minds have been jellified by constant exposure to ‘The View’ should be able to grasp that.

  36. #36
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 am, bradley said:

    If this Winner jerk is working for a company that’s part of the Publicis Group, he’s working for a French advertising company. Publicis also owns, among other ad agencies et al, Leo Burnett in Chicago, home of Tony the Tiger and other tired ad icons. For what it’s worth, Burnett’s former CEO was a member of the SDS when he was in college, and is an avowed liberal, since retired.

  37. #37
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 am, radio relay said:

    Man! These people are diabolical!!

    I read the entire report, and am amazed at the depth of complexity, but at the same time, the stupidity of these democrat propagandists.

    Joe SixPack, would never in a million years figure it out. Thank God there people out there like MM, and Jawa, and the others who will.

  38. #38
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 am, Jim M. said:

    Obama creates the lies and puts them to video. Then, his 300 paid bloggers and his thousands of volunteers cause the video to go viral. I was wondering just what purpose those paid bliggers served other than existing to disrupt rational thought. NOW it makes much more sense. It is very possible that this was part of the campaign strategy from the very beginning.

  39. #39
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 am, englishqueen01 said:

    And this is why the left is clamoring for the resurrection of the (Un)Fairness Doctrine. Not for “fairness”, but to shut down the talk radio shows, news outlets (read: Fox), and conservative blogs to prevent them from getting the truth about any Democratic policitian out there.

    In it’s simplest form: Obama broke Federal Election law to spread lies about Sarah Palin through the internet and tried to cover it up.

    Once that’s 100% verified and if it’s found to be true, this would make an excellent campaign ad for McCain.

  40. #40
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:43 am, ackvil said:

    It must be driving the libs crazy that Palin is proving to be so popular. Here in FL she brought out anywhere from 25,000 to 60,000 enthusiastic people on a blistering, hot day in The Villages, FL. People said that they traveled for many miles to hear her speak. Even the pro-Obama St. Pete Times commented that “The speech had the crowd so excited it could have passed for a visit by the Pope, instead of a mere running mate.” Interestingly, she drew more people than any other candidate – including the Chosen One when he visited FL.

  41. #41
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 am, MtsEdge said:

    That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

    Even though I think Gov. Palin’s association with this group is patently untrue, isn’t the United States a voluntary federation of individual states? Not just a glob of contiguous real estate, but separately functioning entities that willingly come together for the betterment of the whole, and that reserve the right to challenge that “wholeness” when it is no longer for the betterment of all. That’s not a bad thing.

    BTW, Hollywood types are always screaming that they’re going to renounce their citizenship if they don’t get their way in an election.

  42. #42
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:50 am, Rob Roy said:

    We knew they were astroturfing all over the place, but it’s great that they finally got caught.

    As far as the MSM goes, they feed astroturfing by using it as news. It’s a self perpetuating cycle of bullsh1t.

  43. #43
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 am, Just A Grunt said:

    David Axelrod is as smarmy as they come. His normal modus operandi is to try and find divorce records and get them unsealed. Remember how Obama got elected to the Senate in the first place. While it is well known about the nasty divorce of Jack and Jeri Rayn that was made public, what wasn’t so widely covered is he did the same thing to his Democrat opponent. There has already been one attempt at Palin in regards to divorce papers which went nowhere.
    While looking in to the Winners here is another name from Chicago liberal political circles to look into, BettyLu Saltzman. Information on her is hard to come by although she is often mentioned as the person who introduced Barack to Azelrod. She also got Barack to appear at an anti war rally in Chicago and give a speech in 2002.
    Just more fuel for the fire.

  44. #44
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 am, MtsEdge said:

    I know, AK and HI aren’t contiguous to the rest of us. :oops:

  45. #45
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 am, Rob Roy said:

    This is not the dirty tricks I knew.

    -Richard Nixon

  46. #46
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 8:55 am, UnknownSailor said:

    To those wondering what these people would do with the abilities of various Federal agencies at their disposal, please keep in mind that we have had a taste of what is in store for those not buying what The One is selling: Remember what happened to everyone who ever raised a scandal affecting Bill&Hillary Clinton? IRS Audit.

  47. #47
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 am, swmbo said:

    Hot Damn, release the hounds!

    AND GET IN THEIR FACE !!!!!

    Freedom of the press at it’s finest. Rooting out filth and rotten garbage.

    I really hope BARAKADOODLEDOO has lots of it hanging off of himself. Of course, those who worship him will bring out the hoses and wash him off.

  48. #48
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:07 am, DirkBelig said:

    I see that the WebWasher at my work is blocking conservative political sites again:

    Forbidden
    You were denied access because:

    Access denied by WebWasher DynaBLocator content category. The requested URL belongs to the following category: Extreme.

    I’ll have to make do with the synopsis here. Thanks.

  49. #49
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 am, meatpieandtatters said:

    Great work!

  50. #50
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 am, mojoe said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 am, fighterDC said:
    keep it up. The only problem will be, once the evidence is collected it will be hard to get the MSM to carry the story and really blow it wide open.

    And that right there is the real problem.

    All the hard work uncovering these stories really goes for naught, because few people outside our little (relatively speaking) web-world here will ever hear of this. As a matter of fact when these stories do make it outside of the conservative blogs they are portrayed as “right wing propaganda” by the reporting parties.

    I’m getting the reputation as “angry political guy” where I work, and I see people’s eyes glaze over when I try to tell them what’s really going on.

    Why am I in this handbasket and where am I going?

  51. #51
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 am, Paul Revere said:

    Axelrod and his boy keep forgetting this isn’t Chicago. No one is scared of him or their thug tactics. I dare say it only makes the resolve stronger. Can’t wait for more shoes to drop.

  52. #52
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:19 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Well done!

    All the hard work uncovering these stories really goes for naught, because few people outside our little (relatively speaking) web-world here will ever hear of this.

    Michelle has access to a major news network; in addition, to her columns for major newspapers. All is not lost.

  53. #53
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 am, johnsteele said:

    This is a monumental effort at investigative reporting, especially considering that these folks lack the extensive resources of a major news organization. But what they lack in dollars they made up for in dedication, manpower, and “smarts.”

    This will,of course be all over the blogosphere by the end of Monday. There will, of course, be no mention in the MSM. All of the investigative effort of JAWA and company will come to precisely nothing. It will, of course, remain on the Internet for all to see. And it will roll off of Obama’s back as water on a duck.

  54. #54
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 am, UnknownSailor said:

    I brought this to the attention of Glen Reynolds. I hope he picks up on it.

  55. #55
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 am, lgm said:

    Huff&puff doesn’t change the fact that there is truth in the allegation. Palin did make a very warm video for this anti-American organization. Her husband was a member.

  56. #56
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 am, ajmontana said:

    DUCK! another lgm urine balloon!

    It’s Killin em and
    I Love it!!!

    McCain/Palin 08′
    Image: lgm at the park loadin balloons and tappin in stalls.

  57. #57
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:36 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    The truth is Obama’s enemy on this one, lgm… and you know it.

  58. #58
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    aj you crazy. ;-)

  59. #59
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:40 am, sonofdy said:

    Huff&puff doesn’t change the fact that there is truth in the allegation. Palin did make a very warm video for this anti-American organization. Her husband was a member.

    There is no proof to the allegation that Palin was ever a member of this party which BTW supports the US constitution. That is in the first bullet of thier party platform. You did read thier website right?

  60. #60
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:40 am, Just A Grunt said:

    lgm
    Sooooooo! I think the distinguished Senator from HI, Daniel In No Way has also supported groups in HI who seek independence from the Great Satan, United States also. yes I know he is a veteran and no I ain’t said a word about his patriotism. What else do the liberals immediately attack with? Oh yeah that ain’t racist to say.

  61. #61
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 am, Misscheryl said:

    You gotta get up pretty early in the morning to fool these people! Thanks for being diligent! I’m in awe of all of you!

  62. #62
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 am, flutejpl said:

    That ad was way too well done to be done for free… hence, there’s got to be law breaking going on with it. No wonder it got pulled so quickly… just like rubico, they knew that, if this (bleep) got out, they’d be (bleep)ed.

    Time to find the money and then follow it. Those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it, and a candidate that thinks we have 57 states certainly doesn’t know his history very well. The Republicans had to drink their Watergate, and now the Democrats are about to eat dirt in the form of their astroturf. Talk about stuck on stupid…

    This has to be forced into the MSM. It will take a heroic effort, but coverage has to be demanded. John McCain, are you listening? You, the one who authored the most convoluted campaign finance laws in history, ought to be able to claim some moral and intellectual authority to be publicly outraged over this issue. Now might be a good time to throw one of your tantrums.

  63. #63
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 am, Mister P said:

    This is what you get with the Chicago Political Machine. Where is Mike Royko when you need him? For Republicans, this is an election, for Democrats it is war. One that George Bush may have already lost.

  64. #64
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 am, powerpro said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 am, lgm said:

    Huff&puff doesn’t change the fact that there is truth in the allegation. Palin did make a very warm video for this anti-American organization. Her husband was a member.

    Exactly how much Kool-Aid do you drink in a day, anyway?

  65. #65
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:46 am, franksalterego said:

    I need someone to straighten me out…

    From the “TheTrollhammer” video:

    “I’m governor Sarah Palin, and I am delighted to welcome you to the 2008 Alaskan Independance Party Convention.”

    Would someone be so kind as to point out, what’s wrong with this?

    Is this something, she actually said, or not?…I know, there’s something fishy about it…I just can’t put my finger on what.

  66. #66
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 am, mojoe said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:19 am, 30 pcs of silver said:
    Michelle has access to a major news network; in addition, to her columns for major newspapers. All is not lost.

    I hope you’re right 30, but it is discouraging.

    What worries me is that the largest voting segment, senior citizens, still rely on most of their news from the alphabet networks and newspapers. When I ask my parents (who idealogically are somewhere to the right of Archie Bunker) about political issues they parrot what they hear from the MSM.

    I’ve tried to get them online, but their VCR is still blinking 12:00 (if you know what I mean).

  67. #67
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:48 am, GraniteMan said:

    Isn’t America great or what? Here are all these rich, corporate fat cats that rent out their yachts and are still supporting the Democrats, The party of the working man (person nowadays). It gives me the warm fuzzies knowing they have nothing to gain and are still looking out for my welfare.

    Yeah, you bet’chm Red Rider

  68. #68
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    These are the best posts at Michelle Malkin to date. There was some heavy investigative digging here. Bravo.

  69. #69
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    lgm said:

    Huff&puff doesn’t change the fact that there is truth in the allegation. Palin did make a very warm video for this anti-American organization. Her husband was a member.

    I smell turd.

  70. #70
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 am, Socky said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 am, lgm said:

    Huff&puff doesn’t change the fact that there is truth in the allegation. Palin did make a very warm video for this anti-American organization. Her husband was a member.

    Which would be just awful if the AIP had, I don’t know, set off bombs in the capitol or the Pentagon or something.

  71. #71
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 am, DBNinKY said:

    Democrat water carriers like Winner and ACORN are scum. They can’t win honest elections, so they cheat anywhere, anyway, and by any means available. If the FEC doesn’t act on this, then they should be disbanded as the ineffectual ninnies they have shown themselves to be.

  72. #72
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 am, dan708 said:

    But-but-but, the Obamessiah would NEVER associate with anyone evil!

    Phew, it’s good to know that the Jawa folks are keeping their eyes open. They’re doing all of us a great service, not just McCain/Palin.

  73. #73
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:00 am, DBNinKY said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 am, lgm said:

    Huff&puff doesn’t change the fact that there is truth in the allegation. Palin did make a very warm video for this anti-American organization. Her husband was a member.

    This from someone who made the same AIP charge against Vice President Palin himself just a few days ago – you’re a caution, LGM, a real caution!

    Clue: next time you cast aspersions against Republicans, VP Palin in particular, maybe you ought to be more selective with your sources?

  74. #74
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:03 am, DBNinKY said:

    Oops!”…they [will] have shown themselves to be.”

  75. #75
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:04 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 am, mojoe said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:19 am, 30 pcs of silver said:
    Michelle has access to a major news network; in addition, to her columns for major newspapers. All is not lost.

    I hope you’re right 30, but it is discouraging.

    What worries me is that the largest voting segment, senior citizens, still rely on most of their news from the alphabet networks and newspapers. When I ask my parents (who idealogically are somewhere to the right of Archie Bunker) about political issues they parrot what they hear from the MSM.

    I’ve tried to get them online, but their VCR is still blinking 12:00 (if you know what I mean).

    I know what you mean but it pains me to learn that so many of my fellow conservatives are dejected. This is what they (the other side) wants. Chin up. All is not lost.

  76. #76
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 am, bear1909 said:

    The Dhimmicrats are imploding. They read Dan Rather’s book on how to be an inflammed posterior portal in order to turn an election.

    Look where it got Ol Dan. ROFLMAO

  77. #77
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 am, franksalterego said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 am, lgm said:

    Huff&puff doesn’t change the fact that there is truth in the allegation. Palin did make a very warm video for this anti-American organization. Her husband was a member.

    Advocating “States Rights” doesn’t make an organization “Anti-American”

    Just the opposite.

    It makes them as American as Apple Pie.

    All states have the right to sovereignty…Or, didn’t you know that?

  78. #78
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 am, swmbo said:

    Hey 30, I’m a fellowette conservative and I’m not dejected. Mr. SWMBO says I wear rose colored glasses, but I’ve always felt good guys win in the end.

    I like white hats, and the people who wear them.

  79. #79
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    Good work by the Jawa folks.

    I hope this makes it into a syndicated article Michelle. It really needs to get out there.

  80. #80
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:15 am, Misscheryl said:

    The marxists have awakened the sleeping giants! I agree with swmbo and 30, good will rule the day and whoever rules the day, makes the rules.

  81. #81
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:15 am, Misscheryl said:

    correction: “goodness” oooppsss

  82. #82
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 am, lgm said:

    franksalterego asked (#65):

    I’m governor Sarah Palin, and I am delighted to welcome you to the 2008 Alaskan Independance Party Convention.

    Would someone be so kind as to point out, what’s wrong with this?

    It’s an anti-American organization. Watch the video.

  83. #83
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 am, ajmontana said:

    factcheck.org just busted Odopey on his latest ad…..

    It’s Killin em and
    I Love it!!!

    McCain/Palin 08′
    Image: expect the puppets to mimic this BS. 8)

  84. #84
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 am, franksalterego said:

    As far as my #65 comment…

    Forget it,

    I followed a few links – what I should’ve done first, and seen the WHOLE uncut video.

    Much different, than what is implied in the smear-video.

  85. #85
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    It’s an anti-American organization. Watch the video

    More anti-America than yourself lgm?

  86. #86
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 am, travlinman said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 am, franksalterego said:

    Advocating “States Rights” doesn’t make an organization “Anti-American”

    Just the opposite.

    It makes them as American as Apple Pie.

    All states have the right to sovereignty…Or, didn’t you know that?

    Well said. Maybe we need to adopt the AIP movement in every state and assert our constitutional position of getting the states back into control of their own destinies. Federal powers were purposely limited in the U.S. Constitution for good reason. We are seeing proof of that every day. One would think that an esteemed law professor like BHO would have known that.

  87. #87
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 am, GladzKravtz said:

    mojoe, I’m with you, and re: Eye’s glazing over;
    Besides the people who will vote dem even if satan were their candidate, I believe the internet maze is still over many heads and to them, this sleuthing is TMI. It will be some time before the sleuth bloggers become main stream and I worry about how far the Fairness Doctrine will reach. Laws need to be updated. I got one of those blank stares recently from a law student when I asked her about what was being taught in law schools about ‘internet laws’. I hope it was just her….she was going into community advocacy…grrrreat…

  88. #88
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 am, WarEagle82 said:

    And they claim McCain is internet afflicted. Obama’s minions must be truly, truly stupid to think people aren’t watching them and to not understand that the web leaves trails that can be difficult to erase.

    Expect another big “yawn” from the MSM. Charlie Gibson is too busy dreaming up his next “gotcha” question for Sarah to worry about investigating this stuff.

  89. #89
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 am, DBNinKY said:

    The Great Equivocator, LGM moans:

    It’s an anti-American organization.

    That’s quite pithy for someone who routinely comes here to defend every piece of anti-American trash on the planet! To borrow from the late, great Benny Hill: LGM, you’re full of pith.

  90. #90
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 am, travlinman said:

    Keep up the good work kids. I have to head into the office for afternoon meetings. Never let the lying socialists have a moment’s rest. They are scurrilous when at their best. We are seeing their worst. Remember, the light of truth will disperse even the most brazen of cockroaches.

  91. #91
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:27 am, franksalterego said:

    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 am, lgm said:

    It’s an anti-American organization. Watch the video.

    Is there something “Anti-American” about asking for a vote on an issue?

    If you think there is, I’d suggest you move someplace, where you don’t get that option.

  92. #92
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:28 am, sonofdy said:

    LGM: How many times do I have to post this?

    http://www.akip.org/platform.html

    Platform
    We pledge to exert our best efforts to accomplish the following:

    1/ To effect full compliance with the constitutions of the United States of America and the State of Alaska.

  93. #93
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:30 am, letget said:

    Thanks Michelle and all who are on top of this issue. I knew with all the blog brains out there, these people would be found. Good Monday news.
    L

  94. #94
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:30 am, jsr said:

    This is what you get with the Chicago Political Machine. Where is Mike Royko when you need him?

    If Mike Royko was still around Sen. Hope and Change would never had made it out of the Illinois legislature. Nobody was better at exposing and humiliating Chicago’s corrupt, inept political class of which Obama is a card carrying member. Man do I miss him!

  95. #95
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 am, vickisoup said:

    Ethan & Charles Winner, now there’s a couple of real cyber-geniuses. I mean, can’t we imagine, with some certainty, that these two were among those who were howling with laughter, besmirching Sarah Palin for thinking her Yahoo e-mail would be private, because it’s so easy to hack?
    Tracking doesn’t get much easier than using your own first initial(s) and last name, now, does it?
    Idiots. :roll:

  96. #96
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:32 am, Jim M. said:

    A similar smear against Hillary got swept under the rug during the primaries:

    http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Hillary_1984_ad_creator_lived_with_0323.html

    “Anti-Hillary ’1984′ ad creator once lived with Obama spokesman Michael Roston
    Published: Friday March 23, 2007

    The creator of the viral “Hillary 1984″ video that sparked controversy between the presidential campaigns of Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama at one time lived with at least one member of Obama’s staff. A photograph obtained by RAW STORY showing former Blue State Digital consultant Phil De Vellis with current Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt conflicted with a claim by Senator Obama that his campaign had “no way of knowing who this person was.”…”

    Now, the first time this happened the MSM gave Obama a pass and bought the line that he was not aware of it. But what we have here is a clear pattern of intentional deception linked directly to Obama. If the MSM ignores this, they will be outed not only as partisan, but as STUPID. They might be willing to live with the “partisan” tag, but liberals hate being labeled as stupid.

    And frankly, if they didn’t know it before, this is clear evidence that they have been USED. And again, they don’t like to be seen as having been duped and used as “useful idiots”. If their credibility was not at stake before (it was all but gone with the right), it is on the line now. One of them will break and run a story at how they were taken in by dirty tricks. And when one breaks, the rest will follow.

  97. #97
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:34 am, Marshall Russ said:

    I heard Mike “the Barnacle” on Imus this morning say,”If the Democrats can’t win this time they should start selling aluminum siding”. We need to help them out.A lot of republicans stayed home in 2006 to teach republicans a lesson. The problem is, is that it came back on us. The leadership in the House and Senate went to the Democrats. Along with all the committee chairmanships which is where the power in congress is. The Dems were so bent on losing the war in Iraq they ignored the dark clouds on the horizon.
    Bush and McCain, in 2005, tried to push through reform but, were blocked by the Democrats and some liberal Republicans. After the 2006 election forget any reform getting through. Even if late coming reform would have helped the country, Bush derangement was the order of the day.

  98. #98
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 am, Marshall Russ said:

    In Congress were the oversight is. Leadership matters. Even if it’s weak leadership. We can’t stay home this time.

  99. #99
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 am, bear1909 said:

    …. and Hell followed with him.

  100. #100
    On September 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 am, franksalterego said:

    So, lemme’ see if I got this straight…

    “LGM” thinks, the AIP is “anti-american”

    Obviously, “LGM” has never been to Chicago, and seen politics played the way THEY do it.

    He’s never seen Aldermen going to public places handing out cash for votes…He’s never been someplace, you can pay your way out of a traffic ticket.

    If “LGM” wants to see REAL “anti-americanism” and corruption, he should take a trip to Chicago.

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