Jay Bookman

By AJC/DNC Management

September 9, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

The culture of corruption?

Like Pelosi said she would but didn’t.

By "The Corporal"

September 9, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

The most important reason I am voting for McCain (who wasn’t my first choice) is the difference in future Supreme Court Justices. That’s it pure and simple. In the long run, that has a greater impact on what happens in (and to) this country than any four/eight year administration ………

P.S.

Private G.I. Obama thought about going into the Army in 1979 but ….

“Hup, two, three four, I’d join the Army but there ain’t no war” !

Laughable …..

By Capitol Hack

September 9, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Give them a minute or two, Jay….they’re thinking.

Meanwhile, we’ll take this opportunity to bestow the 2008 Political Chutzpah Award on the McCain team for taking much of what they’ve been criticizing Obama for and adopting it as their own. Are the American people so dumb that we’ll fall for it? We should be offended that the cynical McCain advisors think so.

By ByteMe

September 9, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Corporal, give reading comprehension a try. Jay isn’t asking for examples of McCain vs. Obama, but McCain vs. Bush.

I see a symbolic 10% difference, but — like McCain the man — that difference doesn’t seem to have an ideological purity to it. More whim than anything.

By Flex

September 9, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Jay

Real funny how you bleeding heart gravy sucking liberals love to forget or ignore all of the time and effort that was put into having Iraq submit to the UN inspections that it had agreed to when they surrendered after Gulf Storm. People like you were the same types that tried to reason with Hitler.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 9, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Under a McCain presidency the United States will experience robust economic growth, and Americans will again have confidence in their economic future. A reduction in the corporate tax rate from the second highest in the world to one on par with our trading partners; the low rate on capital gains; allowing business to deduct in a single year investments in equipment and technology. Doubling the size of the child exemption will put more disposable income in the hands of taxpayers, further stimulating growth.

Need more?

By jasper

September 9, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Jay - Its not Beef, its Pork. The primary change will be to the culture of corruption that is our federal government. The vast majority of Americans see our government as wasteful and dishonest, as evident in the abysmal approval ratings of congress and the president. McCain’s stance and record on wasteful pork spending not only substantiates but accuarately predicts that he will call out the offenders and make them famous. This simple but crucial act will deter the pork barrel spending, save taxpayer dollars and redirect them to areas of the budget that need it, reduce the deficit spending, and moreover spark a rescucitation of trust in the government.

Next will be an expansion of all energy sources. I won’t bore you with the details.

Yes, both candidates are touting change, but with McCain its Change that will actually happen.

By "The Corporal"

September 9, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

To ByteMe

1) You’re the one who needs reading comprehension. Read it again. “John McCain has joined Barack Obama in arguing that it’s time to change …..”

My point was that it’s time to change the Supreme Court with even stronger “originalist” judges who will interpret the Constitution instead of legislating from the bench.

2) What about Private Obama and his claim about the Army. Ha, Ha, Ha !

By T

September 9, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

By “The Corporal”

We agree and. However, that is why I am voting for Obama not McCain.

Capitol Hack Are the American people so dumb that we’ll fall for it?

It happened last election. Well, kind of.

By bubbatech02

September 9, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Just look at any number of bill’s will McCain’s name on it and a democrats name on it, and you will see that McCain is a different sort of person. Oh, i would have looked for the same of Barack, but as you left wing liberal nutcases like to forget, he has none.

also, you keep on harping on McCain for his approach to foriegn affairs, but isnt it interesting that as Barack has had to face making decisions about FAs, his viewpoints have come closer to those espoused by McCain and Bush. interesting, though you will likely not report on that either.

Barack: blind support McCain: informed support

By Tony

September 9, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

More media bias for the do-nothing Obama and the least liked do-nothing democrats!!!!!!

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Here’s a great piece from the New York Times listing side by side what they agree and disagree on.

By getalife "whiners"

September 9, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

He spewed, “change is coming.”

And the gullible believe him.

I guess he is talking about Obama.

Why Americans believe anything they say is beyond me.

By ByteMe

September 9, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

@bubbatech02: you call everyone you don’t agree with a “nutcase”, but then you don’t operate with facts, you’re just enamored of your own opinion. A guick google of the facts:

Obama voted in favor of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and cosponsored the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act.[56] In September 2006, Obama supported a related bill, the Secure Fence Act.[57] Obama introduced two initiatives bearing his name: “Lugar­Obama,” which expanded the Nunn­Lugar cooperative threat reduction concept to conventional weapons,[58] and the “Coburn­Obama Transparency Act,” which authorized the establishment of www.USAspending.gov, a web search engine.[59] On June 3, 2008, Senator Obama, along with Senators Carper, Coburn and McCain, introduced follow-up legislation: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008.[60]

Obama sponsored legislation requiring nuclear plant owners to notify state and local authorities of radioactive leaks.[61] In December 2006, President Bush signed into law the “Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act,” marking the first federal legislation to be enacted with Obama as its primary sponsor.[62] In January 2007, Obama co-sponsored the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, which was signed into law in September 2007.[63] He introduced S. 453, a bill to criminalize deceptive practices in federal elections.[64] Obama also introduced the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007.[65] Obama and Richard Lugar visit a Russian mobile launch missile dismantling facility Obama and Richard Lugar visit a Russian mobile launch missile dismantling facility[66]

Later in 2007, Obama sponsored an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act adding safeguards for personality disorder military discharges.[67] He sponsored the “Iran Sanctions Enabling Act” supporting divestment of state pension funds from Iran’s oil and gas industry, and co-sponsored legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism.[68][69] Obama also sponsored a Senate amendment to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program providing one year of job protection for family members caring for soldiers with combat-related injuries.[70]

So much for your “informed” disdain of Obama.

By Earl

September 9, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

And you libs actually thought Obama wasn’t going to tank sooner or later? How funny. Behind 10 points in the polls, being kicked to the curb by a Mayor from Alaska and Mr. Designer Glasses from MANBC news and his buttsurfing buddy Chris Matthews all demoted in one week. There is a God indeed and he likes McCain!

By steve

September 9, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

How will McCain change “corruption” in govt, when he’s been part of this corruption as a member of the Senate, voting right along with Bush, for decades?

America, if you keep voting for this corporate elitists who have sold their souls long ago, you get what you deserve.

If McSame wins,I don’t want to hear ONE person whine about the mess this country REMAINS in the next 4 years.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

BUBBATECH02

Please post the data to support your post at 9:39

IT IS A LIE.

By marko

September 9, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Republicans are a really swell bunch of guys they took us out and showed us a great time. They just forgot to tell us that they were using our credit cards to pay for it. Out of the fear of coming across as negative, I’d like to comment that Sarah Palin looks pretty damn good reading insults from a teleprompter. While I’m at, Doubya looks pretty cool prancing around in a flight suit. I’m finding it’s really nice to say nice things about people. That guy that’s not really a doctor but, plays one on TV, He looks pretty good too.

By ByteMe

September 9, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Earl @ 9:45: so if McCain loses, there is no God?

Does your religion have a name yet?

By TC

September 9, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Obama has voted with the Democrats 97% of the time. It doesn’t look like he is going to change much either. With the worst Democratic congress in history (an approval rating of 15%), having a Democratic President is frightening.

By Copyleft

September 9, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I see that McCain’s “staunch defenders” are stubbornly refusing to actually answer Jay’s question… or to say anything about McCain himself, really.

They’re basing their entire campaign on “going negative” against Obama—and that’s a desperation tactic. They have nothing good to say about their own man—heck, they don’t even KNOW what he stands for!—and yet, they’re absolutely determined to vote for him.

This illustrates the cluelessness of conservative American voters quite clearly.

By Stop Sending The GOV your tax

September 9, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Folks there is one solution to all your problems.

Simply stop sending the government your federal tax and demand a consumption tax instead.

The current system is slavery/government sponsored theft.

By notmyfirstbbq

September 9, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

what’s the difference between sarah palin and a hockey mom? sarah palin misrepresented herself in front of 38 million americans……seriously, bearing false witness is a sin, and i’m in the obama camp now. i’m praying for sarah palin’s soul, come the rapture…

By Ilene

September 9, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

America votes for the TRUTH, and you sure as heck aren’t getting that from McCain.

When did anyone ever write that the Republicans are the only Patriots here? Do you think it is just Republicans in Iraq dying for you and this dumb administration — I think not. Someone on another blog actually called Democrats terrorits. You have just insulted these brave men and women by calling people terrorists that vote or Obama. SHAME ON YOU. What would you call one of our dear servicemen/women that are going to vote for Obama. They’re sitting in 100 degree temperatures for you and your dumb war and you’re calling them terrorists?

Anyone that will vote for that ticket just isn’t right in the mind. Oh wait a second, you have to have a mind in the first place to be right in it.

Do you seriously want to vote for a party that never mentioned any issues at the convention that touch normal, every-day people? They never ONCE mentioned healthcare (do you have health insurance — be prepared to pay taxes on whatever your employer pays for you on that). Have you never lost a job or had a family member lose a job?

Do you really want your president to never have heard of Microsoft Corporation — without Microsoft Corporation, you’d not be able to post these messages —**, they brought computers and software to the “average man.” Do you really want your president to not even use email — my gosh, he’s so out of touch with every day life.

Do you really want your presidential party to be trying to relate to the common person and then have the wife of the presidential candidate come out in a $300,000 outfit. When’s the last time you or someone in your family wore a “mansion” out in public — that woman dressed up in an outfit that cost more than some houses in America.

What are you people inhaling — it sure isn’t COMMON SENSE.

To truly get us out of this Fall of the Roman Empire repeat story, vote for Common Sense and Hope, vote for OBAMA.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

TC

Yes, Obama voted with the dems 97% of the time

BUT….it remains Bush and the GOP who are responsible for the state of our economy and our reputation around the world.

By Midori

September 9, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Earl,

isn’t it kind of difficult to type on a keyboard while wearing a strait jacket?

By RW-(the original)

September 9, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Obama voted in favor of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and cosponsored the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act.

ByteMe,

Are you trying to help or hurt Obama? You’ve just told us that Obama voted for Bush’s energy bill, which McCain voted against and that Obama signed on to cosponser McCains immigration bill.

Jay B,

A top down review of all federal agencies has been promised by McCain and Governor Palin is just the person to do it. I can’t wait to see what ends up on EBAY.

His choice of Palin shows he’s ready to shake things up, while Obama’s choice of Biden shows when faced with a decision he turns to party insiders. We’ve always known that’s how he operates in Chicago and the VP choice shows that’s not going to change.

One of the biggest problems I hear from people that say we’re on the wrong track is because of the sheer size and intrusiveness of the federal government. McCain promises to shrink it, while Obama promises new programs almost daily. In that respect McCain is real change and Obama is Bush’s third term.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

HERE’S SOME PRIME BEEF

Washington Post comparing McCain’s and Obama’s Tax cuts

By Denver Dem

September 9, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

When Palin says she “stopped” the Bridge to Nowhere, that is just a flat out lie.

She was for it until she saw that it was a loser and was generating bad publicity for her state.

And she hired a lobbyist to try to get all the earmarks she could for her city as mayor.

Nothing wrong with that. I believe a mayor’s job is to get all they can for their city from the federal government.

Same as a Governor’s job. They should fight to get all they can for their state.

Just don’t lie about it and pretend to be something your not later.

By Pat

September 9, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Why punish 5% of the population to benefit the almost 50% who don’t pay any income tax at all? Why not provide tax relief for all Americans and cut wasteful government spending? Obama’s plan punishes success and rewards laziness. That’s not the America I want to leave for my kids.

http://www.cafepress.com/NObamaforPres http://www.cafepress.com/nobamarx

By GOPs got to go

September 9, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the link Mrs Godzilla. It was very informative.

By TC

September 9, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Ilene,

I will list the reasons I am voting for John McCain as you seem to think that I don’t have a brain.

As far as the $300,000 suit goes, she earned her money working (yes, much of it was inherited) but she does run the company, she can buy what she wants. She also works with many charitable causes as well.

By bubbetech02

September 9, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

i always have to laugh when the left cites all this Barack support of bills to compensate for the fact that he still has not accomplished one thing. all the bills he has introduced made it no where. this do nothing congress wasted their time on recognizing a watermellon month than actually doing anything.

oh, and btw, take the shine of your candidate, cause he stinks like everyone else in washington:

ON C(O)NN:

“Sen. Barack Obama is the No. 3 recipient of Fannie and Freddie campaign dollars, having collected $123,000 from the companies since he first ran for the Senate in 2004, according to the Federal Election Commission and the Center for Responsive Politics.

The former chief executive of Fannie Mae, James Johnson, was the original head of Obama’s vice presidential search team. Johnson resigned from Obama’s campaign amid controversy over discounted home loans he had received.

Sen. John McCain has received $19,000 from the two companies in the past ten years.”

and how exactly is barack different? He is not. get over it.

By dirty harry

September 9, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

It Seems Palin charges Alaskan tax payers per diem costs for nights she spends at home!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/08/AR2008090803088.html?hpid=topnews

She claimed and received $16,951 as her allowance, which officials say was permitted because her job is in Juneau!

The governor’s daughters and husband charged the state $43,490 to travel, and many of the trips were between their house in Wasilla and Juneau, the capital city 600 miles away, the documents show.

This is the woman who is going to bring changes to Washington? Sounds to me LIKE more of the same…Soak the tax payer!

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

PAT

Why reward 5% of the population and let 95% suffer?

That’s not the kind of America I want to leave for my kids.

By T

September 9, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

By Pat

So, only 5% of the American population are productive? Really??? Interesting.

By jasper

September 9, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

McCain will lower the coporate Tax Rate. Obama will raise it. Right now the US. has the second highest corportate tax rate among industrialized nations. China is at a tipping point with the price of their labor as the vast majority of their people have improved their lifestyles, consumed more and demand higher wages.

These higher wages combined with shipping costs are making many chinese investors look at opportunities to move manufacturing back to the US. Several states including GA are now courting the Chinese to create these micro manufacturing facilities, keeping them underneath the radar of labor unions, which helped drive these jobs to China in the first place.

A lower corporate tax rate will send this phenomenon into hyper drive, creating jobs and tax revenues.

Change that will actually happen!

By Dennis

September 9, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Ditto TC at 10:16 a.m.

By Original Rick

September 9, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

To quote Jon Stewart from last Friday’s Daily Show, when he was interviewing Gov. Huckabee:

“So, you’re saying that your party is the only party that can repair the damage done to our country by your party?”

Gov. Huckabee did not have a response, other than a startled look and an embarrassed laugh.

(I’m sure you can find the video somewhere on the internets.)

Whenever someone asks who I am voting for, my answer is always, “The intelligent one.” Without fail, they know which guy I am referring to.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

OH AND PAT

Please post data to support the notion that 50% of Americans pay no tax at all.

THAT IS A LIE

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

BUBBATECH02

THIS IS A LIE

i always have to laugh when the left cites all this Barack support of bills to compensate for the fact that he still has not accomplished one thing. all the bills he has introduced made it no where.

THIS IS DISGUSTING AND RACIST

this do nothing congress wasted their time on recognizing a watermellon month than actually doing anything.

By Jay Casey

September 9, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Those of us in business and international trade are impressed by Obama’s approach to leveling the playing field with our competitors like China and Russia. McCain has said he will continue the failed trade policies of Bush - the policies that have seen our trade deficit mushroom as China has continued to unfairly bar our products from entering their country. Obama is alone in demanding equal treatment from our trade partners. I’ve always voted Republican in the past but Obama is the only one that is even talking about fair trade and that is what those of us with medium-sized exporting companies need.

By RealityKing

September 9, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Hay Jay, you’ve already answered your own question! Remember that article on reducing spending? You know, that thing democrats promised in 2006..

Yeap, that’s something McCain offers that Obama can’t deliver. It’s a real simple concept..

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

PARDON ME JASPER

From the Brookings Institute

“The United States has the second highest corporate tax rate of the 30 countries in the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). But because the United States has so many generous special tax preferences for businesses, it collects the fourth lowest corporate tax revenues as a share of GDP among all OECD countries.”

By CommunistAJC

September 9, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

JAY BOOKMAN, Um, you and Cynthia Tucker better start looking for new jobs. I just read, yet ANOTHER article on how the AJC is tanking. By the way, Cynthia really does look short on camera. Caught her on O’Reilly last night. And her mentor, Chris Matthews, has been “re-assigned” to another position at MSNBC. Things ain’t lookin so hot for you guys are they?

By bubbatech02

September 9, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

mrs. godzilla

that was not meant to be racist, and if you took offense, i wont apologize because you took it too far.

the post was merely to show how ineffective this congress has really been, and yes, they did recognize a watermellon month in the same month that our gas prices skyrocketed.

By tcoach

September 9, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

The differeneces are not that grand at first glance. Here are some off the top of my head though. McCain is for more consultation and interaction with the senate and its leaders. This is something Bush was not for. McCain also understands and has stated that the tension over cival liberties taken away after 9/11. While he has also spoken about how ther is a fine line between protecting cival liberties and protecting the country. Also as a survivor of torture McCain is strongly against its use and practice. McCain is also for creating even more tax cuts for all americans not just those with heavy interest groups.

I have listed several items were there is proof look at votes( do not give me the 90% - 10% line, the only Bills Bush gets to vote on ae already passed through congress so that means like 60% of teh people in Congress had to agree as well, it is not an accurate depiction of teh stats). Now I would love to hear an answer how Obama is going to bring about change. He rants and raves about not acceptiong money from lobbyist yet more than $6,000 has made its way to his campaign. Also his party the democrates have accepted over $181,000 from special interest groups this past year. This is the same party that Obama voted with over 90% of the time. So someone tell me, how is Obama going to break away and change from the senate he loves to vote with, you know the ones with the lowest approval rating ever. Even lower than Bush

By Taxpayer

September 9, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

I think that just about any politicians claiming that they will reduce government waste and spending if elected cannot be wrong this time around. Let’s look at the “fine mess” we’re in and see why it just about has to work out that way.

First, you can’t spend what you don’t have, can’t borrow, can’t print, or can’t take. Japan, China and other countries that hold much of our debt have done started pulling the plug on their loans and the majority of the US population went bust a long time ago so there’s not a lot of available capital just laying around for the government to latch on to right now. Bush’s credit cards are maxed out and paper and ink for the printing presses have been priced out of reach by inflation. The green back just won’t buy what it used to buy. Our government had to borrow the money to give out the stimulus checks, it had to borrow money to fund the Iraq war, it continues to borrow money to bail out wall street and the failing banks…The only thing Bush has left to start wars with is his little red button but that approach doesn’t leave anything behind worth taking — so much for the spoils of war approach. So, what’s left. We’re going to be forced to cut spending and waste just to scrape up the money to pay interest on our loans and if we don’t manage to collect enough money to pay out Social Security, we might just see that old folks army come out in force — it just won’t be directed against Iraqis. Where’s the money going to come from. For one thing, Bush’s own plans to keep our budget in check requires the elimination of his “things that legacies are made of” tax cuts. If that isn’t enough or if the tax cuts are extended, then waste and unnecessary spending have to go and I see that as a campaign promise easily kept by whoever takes office. We’ll see.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

BUBBATECH02

I will accept you chose words poorly, rather than be racist and disgusting.

Now address the LIE.

By ByteMe

September 9, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

RW, you asked “Are you trying to help or hurt Obama?” Neither. Facts are neutral. It’s our own interpretation that determines whether it helps or hurts. I was addressing the LIE that Obama has never authored a piece of legislation and my posting effectively did that. So then — of course — the poster moves the goalposts, because he can’t possibly be wrong or misinformed by his favorite radio talk show host….

By AJC/DNC Management

September 9, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin dolls go on sale as John McCain’s running mate’s popularity soars. Two new action dolls have gone on sale of Sarah Palin, the Alaska Governor who John McCain has chosen to be his Republican presidential running mate.

“Action” being the key word here.

Gift idea for dimwit liberals- Community organizer rabble rouser figure, complete with bullhorn and a free box of Kleenex tissues.

Toga costume sold separately.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

tcouch

Why would Obama need to breakaway from the congress he has voted with?

What has he voted on with them that is offensive?

Please be specific.

Here’s a little homework…..which of these plans - obstructed by Republicans - should Obama breakaway from?

By ByteMe

September 9, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Republicans play with dolls. Film at 11.

By Dusty

September 9, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Well, today’s subject will only be another “You lie!” followed by “NO, you lie!! and on into the night…

Guess I’ll wander over to Wootens to see if he has the meat Bookman cannot find (or wish to find).

And just for irritation I STILL LIKE BUSH, you ingrates. Go parade with Pelosi, Murtha, Boxer and Reid, and your hero of nothing, Obama. You are the Bridge to Nowhere in poltics.

By bubbatech02

September 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Mrs. Godzilla (love the name, btw, and that is meant to be a compliment)

What Lie are you all talking about? you mean that barack has yet to get any bill that he introduced passed in congress? okay, i have to admit that i was wrong on that one. he did get ONE bill that he introduced passed, in 2006

S. 2125, a bill to “promote relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo” became law in December 2006. (S. 2125, Became Law 12/22/06)

every other single bill that he has introduced has fallen by the wayside. he can only claim the fact that he supported the bills that actually do pass (which a majority of congress can do by default).

great leader. another prime example of the wonderful output of a do nothing congress.

By tiff

September 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

I like it when people like Jay Bookman are not afraid to ask the big questions of these candidates, even my candidate Obama. It says to me he is not going to give these politicians a free ride on the taxpayers dollar. Much respect to Bookman, I bet in a sit down with any of these candidates for president of vice-president, he would tear them apart. Unlike some of these high paid TV personalities you see on TV every night. They always ask the silly questions like “What kind of dog are you going to get for your kids?” or “What shade of lipstick do hockey moms prefer?” and my favorite “I wonder how she keeps her hair looking so perfect”. How in the heck does that help people who are losing their houses and their jobs. How does that help us cope with the rising cost of grocery and gas prices. How does that help someone who has no health insurance after working all of their life. How does that help with this multi-trillion dollar debt we have to pay back to China before they foreclose on AMERICA. But Jay laid this one on the line “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IF WE PUT YOU IN OFFICE?” Way to go Jay, I just hope no one sends their goon squad after you because of this article.

By RealityKing

September 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

John McCain spent 5 yrs in a POW camp. And Sarah Palin chose to keep and raise a Down Syndrome child.

Barack Obama, spent 4 yrs as a jr senator and voted 97% of the time with Pelosi and Reed. And Joe Biden is a 36 yr senate loud mouth doofus with no real legislation to his name.

One of these tickets defines courage under fire, the other defines self-absorbed socialism. Can you tell which is which??

By Anfernee

September 9, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

I’ve have decided to change my vote from Obama to McCain. I originally was voting for Obama just like all my friends and family were doing because he is African American. Now that I have heard and seen both parties talk about what they are going to do for the country, it is quite clear Obama doesn’t know what he is doing. He can’t make a decision without changing it later in the day (strike 1), he has no experience (strike 2), he wants to raise taxes (strike 3), he doesn’t want to drill for oil (strike 4), his VP choice is a absolute idiot (strike 5), his wife is a racist (strike 6), he shows bad extremely poor judgement with his choice of friends and religious associates (strike 7), and he doesn’t speak for everyone (elitist)(strike 8), which is not the way a president should act. He will put this country in grave danger with our enemies and that economy will just crash with his ideas. I ask my all my fellow African Americans to stop and think for a minute. You know you are voting for Obama just because of the color of his skin. We don’t want the first African American President to go and become the worst President of all time. We want Jimmy Carter to keep that dishonor. Vote McCain and we will see real change in our country.

By tcoach

September 9, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Can someone give me a real argument for why the top 5% must pay taxes at a higher rate than the lower. Anyone over 250,000 will pay more. Will that not cause a drop in the level of production. What is teh incentive for being sucessful, if there is free health care, and rich people are going to pay my taxes and the government is going to give me free money. What are the incentives for people to work.

By DiverDown

September 9, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Well it is sad but I feel it is the truth. Our government is no longer a goverment of the people, for the people, by the people. It is a goverment of the parites, for the parties, by the parties or you can substitue politician for party.

The candiate change their story in response to constituant changes in concern. Their only concern it ot get elected regardless of the story they tell. This is for all candidate not just republicans or democrates. I have seen where both Senators McCain and Obama have changed direction. Examples are Obama first said he would pull troups out imediately, then it went to various level of extention to make sure the transition would take hold. McCain now is the republican candiate of change.

There is also some nattering over Palin choice as well as the Choice for Joe Biden. Do not think for a minute they were chosen for their ability to lead. They were chosen for the votes they could garner for part.

By RW-(the original)

September 9, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

ByteMe,

If you were trying to show how he authored a piece of legislation why did your lengthy, unattributed cut and paste start with a vote and and a hop up onto somebody else’s bill. Why don’t you sort through your lengthy, unattributed cut and paste and find some actual meaningful legislation that Obama actually wrote and fought for? For bonus points it would be nice if you find something that didn’t pass by unanimous consent.

By Goldie

September 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Jay— and Luckovich’s cartoon is spot-on about the Palin lies… she’s a big lover of federal PORK. And she believes that’s gonna be a big secret she can keep?

And how does that old saying go: “you can put LIPSTICK on a pig, but…”

By T

September 9, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

By RealityKing

September 9, 2008 10:49 AM

I don’t understand your logic, sir.

I guess the ultimate dream team for the Republicans would have been a McCain/Jessica Lynch ticket.

By bubbatech02

September 9, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

since 1/3 of washington is congress, lets flip this question around and ask the democrats, what has barack done that leads you to believe that he will change congress? if i am not mistaken, he has never, not once, voted against party lines. in fact, according to his voting record (when he voted other than present), he voted along party lines over 95% of the time. that is more than mccain.

and btw, BUSH DOESNT VOTE IN CONGRESS. Get off this crap about mccain voting for bush 90% of the time. that is a stupid statistic with misconstrued and mischaracterized data designed to influence ignorant people.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

BUBBATECH02

You stated the LIE in the second paragraph of your post…and then you admitted making a mistake.

Well….your not done admitting mistakes…

how about

WASHINGTON - Legislation authored by U.S. Senators Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Barack Obama (D-IL) that will help keep weapons like shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles out of terrorists’ hands has passed Congress and will soon be signed into law by the President. Lugar and Obama authored the legislation (S. 2566) and included provisions of the bill as part of H.R. 6060, which was approved by the Congress early Saturday morning.

Please note that he reached across the aisle…he was bipartisan working with a Republican.

YOU SAID

“every other single bill that he has introduced has fallen by the wayside. he can only claim the fact that he supported the bills that actually do pass (which a majority of congress can do by default).”

Is it a lie or a mistake?

By bubbatech02

September 9, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

and before you all get in a hissy fit about the other 5% of the time, that is when he was either not present or voted present.

By Rob

September 9, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

I can tell you what the wrong direction is…the wrong direction is a country that allows Obama to even be considered as a candidate due to liberal white guilt and pansy political correctness.

By ByteMe

September 9, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

RW: I’ll let you do your own homework, thanks. I have real paying work to do today. I’ll pass along a clue: Try his senate web site for starters.

I’ll leave you all now with my latest fav joke:

What’s the difference between an Islamo-fascist and a Christian fascist?

“Lipstick.”

Enjoy your day.

By RW-(the original)

September 9, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

So where’s the change? Step up and point out particular places where a President McCain would alter the direction of this country, Republicans.

Jay B.,

I’ve got to run out until this evening, but since you have about an equal sampling of Republicans and Democrats here, wouldn’t it be fair to ask the Democrats for specifics about Obama as well?

By Jake

September 9, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

The beef is in reducing the runaway federal spending. First, he has an established record of standing up against the pork. Second, we’ll need a Rep President to veto some of the appropriations bills the Dem Congress is certain to pass. Start putting some numbers on the promises from the empty suit, $1,000 rebates, tripling earned income credit (BTW this isn’t tax reduction for the poor, this is an extra transfer to those that already pay no taxes), and universal health care and it’s clear Obama with a Dem Congress will spend us into a second Depression!

By jasper

September 9, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Pardon me Godzilla, but what the brookings inst. is referring to is Federal Revenues, as much as half of the collected tax is at the state level, not included in Brookings numbers. In addition many of the large corporations simply hide revenues in overseas investments, denying federal coffers illegally on average 1.2 Trillion annually. taxfoundation.org

Our penalizing tax rates must be cut at state and federal levels but coupled with severe efforts and penalties for those coporations that creatively use foreign tax shelters.

Nevertheless Obama seeks to raise this rate. That’s a change you can believe in, and should be scared of.

By W

September 9, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

This video from the Daily Show clearly illustrates the change John McCain offers and how it differs from George Bush: The Daily Show

McBush rides again!

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

BUBBATECH02

What part of that 97% do you disagree with?

Increasing the Minimum Wage?

Securing Loose Nukes?

New GI Bill?

The Government Transparency Act?

By Captain

September 9, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Jay, it depends upon what one means by change. It is very evident by listening to Obama, reading Obama, and understanding Obama that his change means a radical leap to the left. His change means a government which is more socialistic in its approach to issues. He proposes socializing medicine, he proposes more government regulation, he proposes increasing the tax burden to millions of Americans including small businesses to pay for his agenda. He is part of the Washington ‘Big Government’ establishment. During his time in the Senate he has earmarked millions, close to a billion dollars. Earmarks fly in the face of CHANGE. If Obama means real change he would have set the example rather than hopped on board the pork express. He opposes offshore drilling, drilling in ANWR, nuclear energy, and promotes alternative fuels such as solar. That’s fine, but those alternatives will take years and what do we do in the meantime? What do truckers do whose livelihood depends upon transporting goods and services? How do they pay for their rigs when diesel is $4 per gallon? Obama reprsents change, a change that the environmental left has supported for years, the same agenda many leftists have supported, the end of capitalism.

John McCain represents change away from the old Washington way of doing business. The backroom deals, favors for a few. It is a fact, a fact not in dispute that Democrats love to spend money on big government giveaways, and social programs. It is also a fact that the Republican majority, after the tax cuts enacted increased Federal revenues, could not wait to hand out money. They spent as if there was no tomorrow. McCain fought those interests, and Obama was part of the system.

In summary, Obama represents change, but he has yet to come forth and openly explain his change because it is so radical the American voters would overwhelmingly reject him. His change would take the country towards the French model of cradle to grave socialism where the government is in control of everything from health services, day care, wages to vacation time. We cannot afford Obama’s change.

By Goldie

September 9, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

There is a God indeed and he likes McCain!

Earl @ 9:45 — OH REALLY?

You’re just one reason that the Dems WILL defeat the Repugs in November — we can’t let the American Taliban-lovers like you take over the White House in Jan. ‘09. God doesn’t “like” your guy anymore than he likes Obama. Get over it!

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

BUBBATECH02

A presnt vote is an idiosyncrasy of the Illinois State senate (homework, dude) it is not used in the US Senate.

Hissy fit? I don’t think so.

Please tell us how you would prefer that we point out your errors?

By tcoach

September 9, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I was not speaking of anything being offensive, other than not doing anything thing they promissed to get elected. Does it not offend you that the senate said these same things a little over a year ago about how they were going to change Washington, and still nothing. His record of voting with party shows a lack of bi-partisanship, while also voting with people who claim change but offer none also show that he could be only talking with no intentions of getting anything done but his name in the history books. Wha has he done to bring about change. His record seems to point to more of the same.

By bubbatech02

September 9, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

mrs. godzilla,

wow. sorry about that. i guess that is two bill, in 2006, which is like TWO YEARS AGO. Great job Barack!! You really are a strong leader.

and its really awesome that he reached across the isle ONCE!!! wow, i guess the case is closed. barack does have the experience to lead since he did it twice in two years!!! wow, what an amazing record.

you liberals should be really proud of that. two bills in two years. wow. thats experience we can count on.

Obama 08 Osama 09

By Denver Dem

September 9, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

By RW-(the original) September 9, 2008 10:13 AM

One of the biggest problems I hear from people that say we’re on the wrong track is because of the sheer size and intrusiveness of the federal government. McCain promises to shrink it.

Hmmmmm. Didn’t Bush promise the same thing? Just wondering.

By Pat September 9, 2008 10:16 AM

Why punish 5% of the population to benefit the almost 50% who don’t pay any income tax at all? Why not provide tax relief for all Americans and cut wasteful government spending? Obama’s plan punishes success and rewards laziness.

In what way? Do you think ALL tax dollars goes to welfare? Sarah Palin’s granddaughter-to-be is lucky because she will have a rich family to take care of her. But what if a newborn doesn’t have a rich family. Do you think the federal government should help? Is this the “lazy” your talking about?

Just wondering.

By TC

September 9, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Well said, Captain!

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

PARDON ME MRS.JASPER

The piece compared and contrasted the two.

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

OH MY GOD OBAMA IS A LIBERAL!

A FLAMING PINKO COMMIE RADICAL!

WHO KNEW?

I mean…

He supports womens choice, most Americans do.

He supports withdrawal from Iraq, most Americans do.

He supports a national healthcare system, most Americans do.

He supports ending our dependence on terroist oil, most American do.

He supports tax cuts for the middle class, most Americans do.

He supports civil rights for gays, most Americans do.

OH NO!!!

WHAT DOES THAT MAKE MOST AMERICANS??

By Brad

September 9, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

I will take four more years of Bush any day over four more years of “Goober”Carter The Deocratic empty suit and his partner, “Big Bag of Wind” have nothing to offer but higher taxes, lhigher job loss and deeper in debt while they increase spending. Intelligent people will recognize that while other will vote Democrat and everyone will be losers!

By DebbieDoRight

September 9, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Few years ago I would’ve voted for McCain — however, ever since he’s come to realize that he needs the RNC’s money and blessings in order to run a succesful campaign, (he’d learned that during the first Bush road to the Presidency when the RNC “swiftboated” McCain by spreading rumors that he had a “black” child), ever since then he’s been the RNC’s “Yes man”. He’ll say whatever it takes to win. Period.

You want gas without the added tax for a few weeks? Well McCain (as did Hillary), said that’s a WONDERFUL idea — even though it’ll hurt the economy more. But hey, it made him look like he cared about the common man. Obama was the only one who told the truth — refusing to pander to ignorance.

You want change? Well McCain just figured out that he was for change after all!! Right after he saw the polls.

You want to drill for off-shore oil? Well McCain was against it, until the powerful Oil Lobbyists took him to the woodshed and reminded him about who buttered his bread. Now he’s for it 100%.

PS: Notice that you never see the child McCain and his wife adopted from Bangladesh anymore? I wonder why…hmmmmmmmm…..

By Peadawg

September 9, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Mrs. Godzilla, where are you getting you info on your “most Americans do” rant?

By Mrs. Godzilla

September 9, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

BUBBATECH02

OK, since it’s obvious you won’t put in the effort to find the truth about Obama

WILL YOU AT LEAST TRY TO DO IT FOR YOU CANDIDATE?

JUST WHAT BILLS HAS McCAIN AUTHORED AND PASSED IN HIS 4 TERMS IN THE SENATE?

It’s a glass houses thing, dude.

By 247liberal

September 9, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

As usual, AJC readers (and conservatives in general) can only spit out what they hear from Bill, Rush, and Sean (who are millionaires based on dollars culled from all you suckers). No wonder we’re in the mess we’re in. You idiots deserve the government you get! Half of the people in these posts are 2 paychecks away from being destitute, yet the only comeback they have are blurbs about lowering the capital gains tax and a reduction in the corporate tax rate. Maybe you should stop and ask yourself… what does that really do to help me or my children? Don’t attach a political party or race to the question. We’ll see how ‘lazy’ you are when your behind is out looking for a job because your comfortable position has been shipped overseas. What a bunch of yahoos!

By tcoach

September 9, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

tired of teh what if Palin’s daughter was not from a rich family. Well I’m not nor is my wife and 3 years ago as college students and unmarried we found out she was pregnant. I manned up and she womanned up. I finished my last year of eligibility with basketball and she continued her schooling as well. I also took a job at a hardware store, she took one as a waitress. We alternated who watched teh baby. Yes it was a sacrafice and we did not have social lives. Now both of us are college graduates, I am one of teh youngest head coaches in the state and she now works for DFACS. So yes I feel that people wanting a governmwent handout to help take care of tehir child are lazy. I went to school full-time, worked 25+ hours a week, and played on a nationally ranked basketball team. So no our house was not nice, and we did not live with expensive taste, but we took care of each other, and paid for our own insurance for our son. When i see tax dollars being offered up to any citizen who either is not working or not paying anything into taxes I am bothered. I guess teh difference is that my wife and I both had ambitions and were not going to allow ourselves to become dependant upon the government.

By Kevin Smoltz

September 9, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

liberal white guilt and pansy political correctness. Good one Rob that is EXACTLY why NObama is a candidate. I needed a one liner and you delivered. Thanks bud!

By Scott

September 9, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I tell ya what Jay, you tell us first what Obama supposedly thinks he is going to change in this country, and maybe I will think about answering your stupid question.

By bubbatech02

September 9, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

mrs. godzilla

enjoyed the time. yes, i had to go to the illinios senate (i never stated the us congress, but details are not a liberals strong suite) to get votes because barack has been too busy campaigning for president instead of doing his job in the senate.

a couple of questions: do you think the increase in minimum wage has anything to do with the increase in unemployment? who employs american, the rich or the poor? did you not read the fact that securing loose nukes was not obama’s plan (it was the prior nunn-luger plan)? do you think the IRS does a good job? what country with socialized medicine has a plan that works (i.e. no rich people having to fly to america to get real health care)?

just a couple of questions.

By jasper

September 9, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Jay - Here’s another Change that will happen.

McCain will push for more Nuclear Energy. We have not built a new power reactor in this country for almost 30 years. Beacuse of fear. Technological improvements have reduced construction costs by 40%, and improved efficiency by almost the same rate regarding power output, and reduced contamination to components. Nuclear power is now our cleanest most abundant power frontier. This will be essential in the proliferation of electric transportation as well as the regrowth of manufacturing in this country helped by cheaper energy costs.

Change that will actually happen.

By sunshine and thunder

September 9, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Change????

What change???

Almost 8 years of the economic equivalent of full employement, steady GDP growth, rising revenues to the Treasury, shrinking deficits and ZERO terror attacks on this country.

Yeah, leave it to dumb, class warrior left wing nuts to demand change.

I know. Here’s some change we can believe in:

Pass the FairTax and eliminated all income taxes forever.

Insitute school vouchers nationwide.

Eliminate the Federal Department of Education.

By TC

September 9, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

To Denver Dem: I think it was Kennedy who said, “Don’t ask what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”. It seems to me that this great country of ours seems to think the government should bail them out of everything. Where is it written in the constitution that our government is there to take care of our bad decisions from taking mortgages that we can’t afford to having children that we can’t afford? It is our own personal responsibility. My husband did have a child as a teenager. He had nothing to his name. He didn’t receive any help from the government or any parents. He worked two jobs and went to college all at the same time to make a success out of himself. It was hard but he did it. If you don’t have the means to have children, there are other options such as adoption. If not, work hard and you will get ahead.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 9, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

When she retaliated (justifiably) by mocking his stint as a organizer, the Obama camp was clearly rattled. Obama himself actually began arguing about the importance of community organizing. His supporters amplified this cry - claiming Palin’s attack was a racist slur and passing around e-mails titled “Jesus was a community organizer, Pontius Pilate was a governor.”

I’m Obama Bin Biden and I, uh, approve of that message, uh.

By DebbieDoRight

September 9, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

These higher wages combined with shipping costs are making many chinese investors look at opportunities to move manufacturing back to the US. Several states including GA are now courting the Chinese to create these micro manufacturing facilities, keeping them underneath the radar of labor unions, which helped drive these jobs to China in the first place.

It wasn’t “labor unions” that drove jobs overseas. It was greedy corporate executives. Less they pay workers = more they receive in bonuses and perks.

Do the math.