Dems Launch $40M Assault on McCain

Group headed by David Brock revs up attack machine

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2008 10:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – David Brock, the once-right-wing journalist who led an assault on Bill Clinton in the early '90s, is taking the lead in a Democratic attack campaign against John McCain, Politico reports. The Brock-helmed group Progressive Media USA is planning a $40-million media blitz aimed at McCain; the group currently has $7.5 million in commitments.

Brock stepped in after another independent group, Fund for America, struggled to raise cash to weaken the GOP candidate. “There's a sense of urgency,” Brock tells Politico. “The question is bringing the money in to say we're ready to go.” Brock is seen as a Hillary Clinton ally, but has also met with Barack Obama supporters. “This is a unity play,” he insists.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., addresses the crowd during a town hall meeting Wednesday, April 9, 2008 in Westport, Conn. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

John McCain listens to testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The cover of David Brock's latest book, which accuses the media of complacency in its coverage of John McCain.

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[PRES] Anti-McCain: McSame As Bush:http://politicalrealm.blogspot.comA new campaign ad attacking John McCain from the Campaign To Defend America. (PoliticalRealm)

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Dems Launch $40M Assault on McCain