Doctored photo used by GOP of Obama smoking...

Obama has admitted he has snuck a few puffs while trying to quit smoking, but that's not even what I'm writing about

AOL news has reported that the GOP used a doctored photo, that shows Obama smoking. The original picture does not have Obama have a cigarette dangling from his lips.

I am not surprised that any GOP organization would stoop to such tactics, Arizona GOP, being the one that ran with this.

What I have to say right now is that Obama and smoking is his business, I could care less if he smokes or not, that's his business.

What I am going to rant about is the dirty politics that is being used by groups to try to gain an advantage in 2010/12 elections. This is the side of politics that I do not like, and I really don't care who uses them, it shouldn't be done.

First and foremost AZGOP News should publicly print a retraction and apologize. Not only to Obama, but to the person who took the picture.

Will that happen? I doubt it, but it should.

Secondly I think there should be penalties for any party that stoops to these tactics and maybe even stiff fines......not only is it dishonest, but there could very well be copyright infringment (sp) as well.

This is the one thing I hate about politics, its going to get downright dirty and ugly in 2010, let the mudslinging commence.

I may not be an Obama fan, but I will say right now that I don't appreciate, as a photographer myself, seeing this done. What was done here is just plain wrong!

Mooch

Comments: 20

Mark H. Aug 15, 2009, 9:53am EDT

It will never happen.

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T Cheri P. Aug 15, 2009, 9:58am EDT

to see or in this case hear about the president of the USA smoking, It shows to me that he is just like the rest of the citizens and not this government oporated Robot.

Kudos for trying to quit, may one day you finally kick the habbit!

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anne ( way 2 crazy of a life ) c. Aug 15, 2009, 10:12am EDT

i agree, but it has become a part of life

Deloris Wright Aug 15, 2009, 5:28pm EDT

If I had his job I would smoke too

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Elsie C. Aug 15, 2009, 10:17am EDT

Since you saw this in the AZGOP News, wouldn't it be nice if the 2 GOP AZ senators would denounce this kind of behavior? You bet they will, just like they've denounced every other dirty GOP behavior of the past 12 years. McCain is a party to all of it and Kyl is the new GOP president wanna-be. Enough said.

Mooch -. Aug 15, 2009, 10:55am EDT

They should but you and I both know they won't. If McCain were to run again, I would put in Mickey Mouse as a write in candidate.

Elsie C. Aug 15, 2009, 11:10am EDT

LOL! McCain is too old to try it one more time. But he's already gearing up to push his buddy. How about Donald Duck for Kyl?

Mooch -. Aug 15, 2009, 11:56am EDT

I was thinking Elmer Fudd if Kyle Ran, maybe Yosemite Sam would be better?

Walker Bennett, SF Author Aug 15, 2009, 12:25pm EDT

I just abandoned the US from Arizona. Kyle and McCain were both of my Senators. I know both personally, which is why I voted Democratic (mistake, but who wants Sara in?)

McCain (a.k.a. the POW that everyone loves) is a bit more stable since Kyl is under investigation for several felonies.

Elsie C. Aug 15, 2009, 5:29pm EDT

That POW bit was a bit over-rated, too. Add Sarah the lip-stick queen to the pot and it really stinks!

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Debra C. Aug 15, 2009, 10:58am EDT

Its unbecoming any party to tolerate someone from their ranks doing this. The AZ GOP and national political figures should all denounce it. Perhaps, if they jump in, it will help get other misrepresentations on a more truthful level as well.

And, I hope the Dems keep an eye on their people so there is no tit-for-tat.

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Spencer T. Aug 15, 2009, 11:30am EDT

So this is the wonderful party of love and balance for the people. Will republican leaders stand up and be counted.

Oops, Limbo and Beck have already stood. Are they the real leaders? I never hear a peep from any others.

Nora J A. Aug 15, 2009, 12:20pm EDT

Hey Spencer, you need to give Palin some cerdit. She got the "unplug grandma" out of the senate proposal! : )

Hey did ya'll see the post about the fake doctor that was sooooo for the House Bill; in Houston that was Sheila Lee's "plant"? hmmmmmm

Spencer T. Aug 15, 2009, 1:11pm EDT

Nope not as yet. I can't even give her credit for that as yet.

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Dan R. Aug 15, 2009, 12:10pm EDT

Mooch, it is no different than Obama having his team send out those e-mails about the GOP Senators supporting the Health disaster bill, and they want a taown hall meeting with them. The thing was, none of the Senators knew about this until the people started showing up and wanting to talk to these senators, and ask them why they would support that crappy bill.

It goes on both parties, and with some it never ends.

Walker Bennett, SF Author Aug 15, 2009, 12:32pm EDT

Welcome to American politics. Nobody ever reads the bills, which is why there is an organization I belong to that is sponsoring a law for "read the bills act".

Mooch -. Aug 15, 2009, 12:52pm EDT

Dan,
you're right and its still wrong, it doesn't matter how you look at it, what Democrats are doing, what Republicans are doing...
It's wrong to be bussing in plants.
Mooch

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Deloris Wright Aug 15, 2009, 5:46pm EDT

I don't know if the town Hall meeting in Bozeman MT yesterday was a set stage oe not. Every one the president called on had a pice of paper in their hand. But is was peacful and nice. It was put on by Senter Max Baucas. Who is a dem.

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Leo Lemmer Aug 15, 2009, 6:39pm EDT

We can no longer trust any photo or video. I am not happy.

Fact: Fox news aired 'doctored' photos of those candidates they opposed. Dark circles, frowns sagging jaws, etc. I saws the photos side by side (You Tube?)

Mooch -. Aug 15, 2009, 11:17pm EDT

It wouldn't surprise me, I didn't follow the campaign on TV, I avoided it like the plague. And I'm currently avoiding every speech that is given by the POTUS.

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Doctored photo used by GOP of Obama smoking causes stir.......

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