Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > June > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWell, this ought to be interesting…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hillary Clinton is about to make her long-delayed concession speech, which will supposedly include an enthusiastic endorsement of Barack Obama. We shall see….
UPDATE I: There’s the endorsement of Obama, accompanied by some rather healthy boos from the crowd and a grim expression from Clinton. She’s saying the words, but I think it’s safe to say her heart isn’t it.
UPDATE II: She’s absolutely right about the historic impact of her campaign. She has dispelled any notion that women aren’t strong and tenacious enough to serve as president and commander in chief. Whoever our first female president might be — and it might still be Hillary — this primary season helped pave the way for that person.
UPDATE III: “A workmanlike job,” I guess you’d say. She did what she had to do, what she never wanted to do but in the end had no choice. It has to be difficult to admit that it has ended, that everything you put into the race and everything that others did on your behalf were simply not enough.
On to November — may the best man win.
Comments
By Slick
June 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Jay
I watched Hillary Clinton’s “endorsement of Barack Obama” because I hope it the last speech she makes for a while. I have “Clinton fatigue” for her and Bill, and I just hope they shut up for a while.
I think you are right that there will be a female president, but I do not think it will be Hillary Clinton. She brings way too much baggage!
By Shop Talk
June 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
On to November. McCain will get 37% of the vote.
I’m kidding. He’ll get 27%.
I’m being kind. He wont get one vote. I’m calling in all the favors America owes me to a man, and I’m asking each voter 2 vote for Obama, thank you.
Now we’re even, America.
McCain 08: He actually does have more vigor than a bowl of soup, but so does oregano….
Obama 08: He’ll deliver (conservatism’s head on a platter).
By Jeff
June 7, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Sure, there will be a female Pres one day. And she will be amazing! Might be Condi Rice for all we know.
As far as for Clinton’s insincerity: This is nothing new. She’s been this way for years. She says the words but you can tell through body language and facial expressions that she’s not sincere.
By Jeff
June 7, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Here’s the one thing that bothered me about Clinton’s speech: The vast majority of her thank you’s were specifically directed at women and it came across as extremely sexist. In one line she thanked women (first) and then in a different tone that I found disrespectful, she “and men” in a very derogatory tone. If this had been an NOW rally, that would have been fine, but this is a Presidential candidate that is supposed to represent everyone.
Many people will disagree with me on this and won’t see it, others will see it but blow it off and others will support me on this.
By Shop Talk
June 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Hillary 08: 16 years! 16 years!
Obama 08: A Man. An American. A President.
McCain 08: Sit down, Grandpa!
By Shop Talk
June 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I like to make ad hominem attacks on people. It’s much easier than making a relevant point.
I also don’t like people older than me because I am a bigot.
By jhavard
June 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Anyone that thinks Hillary wants Obama to win in 08 knows nothing about CHESS. Hillary knows an Obama loss would give her the presidency in 2012. By that time Obama will to too soiled through associations to be on the ballot. I just looked at a 2008 election survey on whats the most important issues. Fuel cost somehow was not on the survey. The one thing that effects each of us in so many ways. Some how technology has been applied to everything in our lives except auto mobile engines. The oil and auto industry lobbyist, along with our elected in DC wont allow it to reach us. What a shame, what a money train. What a crime against the people.
By Mother of Exiles
June 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Obama 08: He’ll deliver as promised.
By jhavard
June 7, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Obama will deliver? Can any one say GOVERNMENT GAS CARDS.
By GMAN
June 7, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
I’m not impressed with McCain’s credentials. I don’t see how crashing a plane on a carrier deck, getting shot down, wrestling with old men like Strom Thurmond, using the f-word liberally, dumping a cancer-stricken wife in favor of a rich one and committing adultery, and engaging in the Keating Five scandal qualifies him to be president.
By jhavard
June 7, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Heck, while McCain was doing all that, little did he know. He could have been spending 20 years being mentored by a white hating, USA hating pastor, then say he’s a uniter. Boy he would have the impressive credentials then. HERE’S YOUR KOOL AID
By jhavard
June 7, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
WHERE’S COLIN POWELL WHEN YOU NEED HIM?
By jhavard
June 7, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
WHERE’S COLIN POWELL WHEN YOU NEED HIM?
By Dusty
June 7, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Ah jhavard..6:54
Colin Powell is the finest of gentlemen with a notable resume of duty, honor and experience. But…
He has said before he does not wish to be a candidate for the office of President of the USA. I don’t think he has changed his mind.
I believe he is now 71 years old which gets us back to that sneaky question: Is he too old?
I can’t help but wonder if the people who have age bias against McCain would have the same feeling about Powell. I think “age” would be dismissed as “experienced”.
Fortunately, McCain also has a notable resume of duty, honor and experience. I will vote for him.
Colin Powell and John McCain have great leadership abilities. Both are outstanding Americans.
By Matthew
June 7, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
The most disturbing part of Obama’s popularity is that many (on this blog, for example) recognize his extremist agenda…and will vote for him, regardless.
Capitalism: It was cool while it lasted!
By ron
June 8, 2008 3:37 AM | Link to this
The centrist independents have now lost their first pick.
By Ray
June 8, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Message to caustic, needlessly cruel liberals
No matter what you might think of McCain, and you have a right to your opinion as well as I, don’t disrespect a man who has given more for his country than any of you could possibly hope to give. Perhaps being a guest at the Hanoi Hilton doesn’t qualify him to be president and maybe being 71 is not the optimal age to lead our country but quit calling him names and stop showing your ignorance. Stick with the issues and it will do more for your “cause” than all of the name calling and cruel rhetoric that only you seem to be able to use so well.
By Mother of Exiles
June 8, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
McCain 08: I’ve seen more vigor in a bowl of soup.
McCain has never taken responsibility nor apologized for setting fire to an entire aircraft carrier and the resultant great loss of life during Nam.
During the battle of midway, 1942, the japanese had open fuel lines and bombs stacked all over their carrier decks when our boys swooped down on them in the biggest military debacle in the history of war.
Similarly, McCain was on the deck of an aircraft carrier with open fuel lines and bombs everywhere. Somehow, he caused one of his jet’s sidewinder missiles to fire which set off a series of explosions that could have sank that carrier. McCain is still, like, “duhhh, I didn’t do nothing. It wasn’t my fault. I dont know what happened.” Shades of Gus Grisson and the space capsule hatch deploying prematurely and sinking. He said the same thing, “duh, like, I didn’t do nuthin”. (that scene with the full refrigerator in the “right stuff” movie is hollywood’s greatest moment)
We cannot afford to have a literal loose cannon on our ship of state.
McCain 08: He’s a loose cannon and his own worst enemy.
By TopCat
June 8, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
The United States of America has shown signs of constipation under the Bush administration in recent years, so it now appears that we will have to face that most unpleasant remedy, pinching the nose, swallowing a rather large dose of “castor’s oil.” ( in order to clean out the lower pipes) Obama, it seems is our table spoon in waiting….Our Country will groan on the throne for a period’ then after it works through the system, say by 2013, we will wipe, and move on to better times and prosperity.
By Matthew
June 8, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
TopCat, haha, I understand your assessment, but be careful not to underestimate what Obama can do TO this country. His agenda is a dangerous one premised on stripping away personal autonomy and breaking down American enterprise economics.
By Abomi Nation
June 8, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Interesting post at 8:13 Ray!
“Stick to the issues”
You mean we can’t swift boat your candidate? We can’t ridicule ones sacrifice for his country like Saxby Chambliss did to Max Cleland?
How about the great middle name issue that plagues America? Shucks, McCain’s middle name is not something like Hussein, we can’t make an issue out of that. I notice McCain sometimes doesn’t wear a flag lapel, another huge issue facing the country, too bad for us, Ray doesn’t want Dems to use that either. If there is a super pretend secret video of McCain’s wife saying the n word, darn, the media can’t get sidetracked for 7 days on that make believe issue. I guess it would be “needlessly cruel” to start a rumor claiming that McCain is not a Christian, that he is actually Jewish. Can’t have that.
Gosh, Republicans are so lucky they can deflect everyone of their negatives into a “liberal media” conspiracy. How lucky.
Talk about luck, now you have another brain dead issue, Obama is going to end capitalism!!!! Oh the humanity!
No Karl Rove for us. You guys are the best at finding push button nonsense issues and creating diversions! Fooling the Christian conservatives was classic! Which reminds me, them gays are at it again, and I hear they are burning American flags too!
Ha, all the Dems have this year is Bush’s record to run against. Little things like the falling economy, gas prices, the Iraq war and general incompetence.
On the other hand, Republicans are lucky, Muslim communist B. Hussein Obama doesn’t wear a flag lapel so Republicans won’t have to stoop to Dem style rhetoric.
By Matthew
June 8, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I like how you avoid discussing Obama’s take on capitalism while dismissing the comments of others.
Nice.
By catlady
June 8, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
About Mr. Bookman’s points above (2) some folks doubt that she is female, and (3) its workwomanlike, not workmanlike.
By catlady
June 8, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
’m not impressed with McCain’s credentials. I don’t see how crashing a plane on a carrier deck, getting shot down, wrestling with old men like Strom Thurmond, using the f-word liberally, dumping a cancer-stricken wife in favor of a rich one and committing adultery, and engaging in the Keating Five scandal qualifies him to be president.
Gman: ya gotta admit, they are “better” credentials than Bush! Maybe THAT is the perspective we need. McCain is a survivor; he shows what can happen with the right spin doctors.
By Dusty
June 8, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Errr Abomi Nation,10:53… this too is interesting..
George W. Bush, Cheney & Rove are not running for election this year. You don’t have to campaign or vote against them.
I thought you might like to know that.
By Mother of Exiles
June 8, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
McCain 08. He actually DOES have more vigor than a bowl of soup, but then, so does oregano.
Obama 08: Justice 4 all Americans at last!
Vote Americans! Vote despite that you’re tired and poor, homeless and tempest-tossed. Vote out the storied pomp of those elite brazen giants. America needs it’s huddled masses, yearning to breathe free of being the wretched refuse of our teeming shores.
By Matthew
June 8, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Mother, when you say “justice for all Americans,” what exactly do you mean?
I’d love to hear what qualifies as “justice” in your mind.
By TV Junkie
June 8, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I am not at all excited about voting for Mc Cain, but he is a Godsend compared to the alternative the Dimocrats (spelling intentional) are offering. I would like for an Obama supporter to explain to me how higher taxes, which he has already promised us, and more and a bigger federal government is going to help the economy, or anything else.
By Abomi Nation
June 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Wow TV Junkie, you really ought to change the channel once in a while and try to get different perspective. These days there a lot more choices than Fox news.
What gives you any idea the the Dimocrats could possibly be any worse than the Republicans? Recent evidence sure doesn’t lead to that conclusion.
Lets take the Medicare Plan D drug benefit for example. This Bill that represents the largest socialist type big government spending program since the days of FDR will end up being a disaster. This Bill, that was kept alive late into the night by Republican Congressmen allows no price negotiating resulting in 58% higher drug prices than the comparable VA drug plan.
Next lets take the trillion dollar war. You would think that a country at war would be willing to sacrifice as we have done in every other war. Not with Republicans. Oh no. They handed out corporate tax breaks and start a trillion dollar war! Which of course has lead to huge deficits and a tremendous debt level. 20% of our national budget now goes to paying debt, mostly to China and other foreign countries. Of course the value of the dollar has suffered as a result of this and has helped oil prices go through the roof.
Bigger federal government? Like The Department of Homeland Security? No Child Left Behind? Warrant less wiretaps? Bloated highway bills?
You sound as brain dead as Matthew, maybe you’re the same poster.
By Matthew
June 8, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Haha, Abomi, who can’t substantively respond to anyone’s contentions, is now calling people “brain dead.”
I love it. Trendy liberals make my day.
By Mother of Exiles
June 8, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
On to November. McCain will get 37% of the vote.
I’m kidding. He’ll get 27%.
I’m being kind. He wont get one vote. I’m calling in all the favors America owes me to a man, and I’m asking each voter 2 vote for Obama, thank you.
Now we’re even, America.
McCain 08: He actually does have more vigor than a bowl of soup, but so does oregano….
Obama 08: He’ll deliver (conservatism’s head on a platter).
By Georgia Boy
June 8, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
The most important political development was not Hillary Clinton’s concession speech , but the .5% increase in the unemployment rate, the most dramatic increase in unemployment statistics since records have been kept. In addition to the unemployment data, there was a surge in the price of oil, and a 400 point drop in the stock market. These developments ensure that the presidential election will be a referendum on Republic management of the economy. The last time that there was a sharp uptick in unemployment before a presidential election? 1992 and Bill Clinton was elected president.
The real question is not whether Obama or McCain will be elected President, but whether the Democrats will be able to elect enough senators ( 60) so that they can invoke cloture and end the Republican the inevitable Republican filibusters. I think that 2008 will be similar to 1896, 1932, and 1980 and mark the beginning of a new presidential majority. I think 60 Democratic senators is a real stretch.
Senator Obama has said that it is time to transcend the partisan divide I Washington. Well, I think that he will get his chance to do exactly that. So far, I am not exactly impressed with his ability to transcend his partisan differences with Senator Clinton, so I am not exactly enamored with his chances of bridging a partisan divide in the Senate.
So stay tuned, this could be interesting.
By Mother of Exiles
June 8, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I am Lady Liberty, the Mother of Exiles. Listen American Heart: “Vote despite that Bush has left you tired and poor, homeless and tempest-tossed. Vote out the storied pomp of those elite brazen conservative giants. America needs it’s huddled masses, yearning to breathe free of being the wretched refuse of our teeming shores.”
Listen American Heart: “Obama can bring justice back to America. McCain is Bush with a mask and a prettier wife. Dont be fooled. It’s not nice to fool Lady Liberty!”
By TopCat
June 8, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
President Barrack Obama’ Hey I freely admit it has a nice jingle to it. I just do not see Senator McCain defeating this political juggernaut in the fall…….In fact I am not sure I even wish for someone who is a fence walker to win this election. We had an awful group who cow toed to the liberals in the Senate and the House, who like our President, has catered to everyone else’s needs, but has ignored its own constituent base. I dislike President Bush for “not” doing the very things you accuse him of time and time again.
Democrats have made a huge mess in the Congress, so I am in favor of letting a Harvard Radical, boogie woogie in the Lincoln bedroom for a few years. I imagine he will appoint “Little John” as Cabinet director, and Dave Chapel as Ambassador to Jamaica! This is all humor in good nature….France now has disposed of its socialist government and all the fires have stopped, their economy is going through the roof. Parisians actually speak to you again….Sometimes…Yet here we are with our lower lips pooched out demanding government entitlement programs, (health care/ lending buy outs) and yes we want a man who touts Change! Beware of what you wish for, when one rubs the monkeys paw.By GOPs got to go
June 8, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Hmm, what was this blog supposed to be about again?
Oh Yeah, Hilliary’s speech…
I did not even see it but have already heard the sexist comments from Fox.
I am happy with either candidate but would be giddy with BOTH on the ticket.
As to McSame, at least he left Alabama during the war. As Repugnacants, go he is less repugnant.
Liberals are caustic and cruel?
Now that’s funny. What about Jim’s bloggers? They tack on a PS. about being over joyed that a cyclist was killed by a truck, then threatening to run over a cyclist himself. Just how small is this guy’s privates that he is so afraid of a guy on a bike?
By TV Junkie
June 8, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Abomi Nation : In typical lib fashion, you evaded my question, and went on a rant about how awful Republicans are. I simply asked how raising taxes, which both BHO & HRC promised the American public, if we elect either of them as president, is going to help the economy? To McCain’s credit, he said he wants to make the “Bush tax cuts” permanent. Try to stay on point next time.
By Mr. T
June 8, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Taxes are going up. The Bush tax cuts are going to expire and Congress will not renew. McCain can jabber all he wants but nothing can change this. Given that the Democrats control Congress, and will for the next few cycles, voting for McCain because he’s “against” taxes is silly.
What you really need to ask yourself if which candidate is more likely to create an environment where we can prosper? We need innovation at home and peace abroad. Every great economic expansion of the modern era was a result of those two simple things. The country is poised for an explosion of innovation in renewable energy and other new technologies. If only we can find a way to bring the fighting to a halt and focus that energy here.
And being safe is about keeping those who want us dead from reaching our shores. That’s not as hard when you have tight relationships with other countries and everyone is responsible for policing. But when you run around the world’s most volatile region like a retarded kid on a sugar rush, even our reasonable friends keep their distance.
We can do better and while no one’s perfect, Obama shows more promise.
By Copyleft
June 9, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Matthew: Maybe someone will respond to your “charges” when you actually make one that makes SENSE?
Where has Obama said he plans to dismantle the economy, expand government, and declare war on individual freedoms?
And what on earth makes you think McCain is somehow a better choice, when it’s been the REPUBLICANS doing all those very things for the past eight years? If even half of America is capable of learning through experience, the Repugs are doomed this November.
By Matthew
June 9, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Copyleft,
They all make sense. Simply because someone else’s impressions regarding your favored candidate don’t agree with yours, doesn’t mean those impressions don’t “make sense.”
A) Numerous things make me think Obama is on the fringe of the academic left. His associations with people who incite class and race warfare, for starters. His absolutely absurd attack on corporations, especially seen with regard to the oil and gas industry. His intent to raise capital gain taxes and impair the continuation of the investor class. His ideology, which is shared by almost all on the left, that individual income belongs to the government, and the amount you’re allowed to retain is due to governmental grace. His extremely weak stance on the second amendment, shown through his support of the ridiculous DC regulations about to be overturned in Heller. His commitment to social engineering. His belief that things like healthcare are fundamental rights, which promotes government intervention, reliance, and autonomy-stripping. Of course, there is also his EU-like stance on foreign policy, but that doesn’t involve the statement you made.
B) I am not an avid McCain supporter. Unfortunately, like many years, this is a damage control year. We have enemies who hate us, and they are vast in number. They don’t simply hate the military or the entity of the United States, they hate us, me and you. I’m not interested in trying a socioeconomic and foreign policy experiment during such trying times. I’d gladly take a continued sluggish economy if it means personal responsibility and autonomy are not further removed from American culture. Granted, I think the economy will rebound, at least in the short term, regardless of who is elected. But to think that I’m going to vote for someone simply for the “change” of not having an (R) next to the President’s name is ludicrous. Your argument is that because Bush has been a mediocre (being generous) president, I should abandon the fundamental principles that I believe have been core to American success and vote for Barack Obama, for “change”? No thanks, friend.
By Copyleft
June 9, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Fair enough, Matthew. Given that Bush’s policies and responses to external threats have been a bungled failure, I think “more of the same” would be a formula for more failure. That’s what McLame promises, and it’s why I’d like to see someone a little smarter in the Oval Office.
The principles that are core to America’s success are NOT blind, stubborn international intervention, endless pre-emptive wars, and corporate-coddling economic policies. TRUE American values are individual freedom, diplomatic relations, social and economic justice, and saving military action as an absolute last resort.
That’s what Obama’s offering, and that’s why I’m voting for him. Call that “far left” if you like—America’s so far gone to the right that even basic centrist policies seem like radicalism at this point.
By Matthew
June 9, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Copy,
I think our disconnect is in what qualifies as true American values. I don’t think “social and economic justice” is an American value if it intends to strip Americans of their responsibility to provide for themselves and their families and promotes government intervention. I don’t think individual freedom involves confiscating guns during natural disasters or telling individual citizens what they MUST do with their income. I don’t think diplomatic relations should involve cowering to those who threaten us or bowing to international pressure where those pressuring us don’t share our interests.
Also, I don’t think Bush’s response to external threats have been a failure. I think he’s failed at managing, but I think his response has been bold, in a world of compromise. Finally America has recognized the threat terrorism poses, and the CIA said just last week that the Iraq war, regardless of whether this was our intent, has yielded substantial victories in the war against AQ. The “fight here or fight there” attitude is actually paying dividends. I’m not one to defend Bush, but I do object to the idea that his response to terror has been a giant failure. He at least acted on the threat, which is more than I can say for the previous administration. If Obama gets elected, I can only pray that he’ll do what is necessary to win this war. But from his campaign, where he allows political correctness to interfere with the simple acknowledgment of who we’re fighting, I have serious doubts.
Also, while I respect the tenor of your last post, I have to say that the idea of America having moved to the far right is absurd. Most Americans are on your side in this argument. Views on abortion have shifted. Views on government provided healthcare have shifted. Views on marriage and homosexuality have shifted. Views on government regulation have shifted. Please let me know what things in this country have shifted to the far right.
By Copyleft
June 9, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
The fact that equality for gays, abortion rights, and national healthcare are still even being debated, rather than already implemented, puts us far to the right of all other Western democracies.
But I appreciate your reasonable tone and candor. Very rare on a political blog.
By Matthew
June 9, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
I’m fairly sure the US is one of the few countries to have legalized third trimester abortion.
But my response would be that I don’t seek to be one of the other European democracies, a point which the parties differ on. I don’t want to restrict free speech like those countries have done or implement socialistic economic policy. Further, I don’t think these other countries are an accurate reference point for this discussion, but it doesn’t really matter, I still understand where your perspective comes from.