Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > October > 07 > Entry

U.S. grip on Afghanistan slipping

By Jay Bookman | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 06:47 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Obscured by the presidential elections and the drama on Wall Street, our grip on Afghanistan seems to be slipping.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has publicly invited Mullah Omar, the Taliban leader, ally of Osama bin Laden and one of the top people on the U.S. most-wanted list, to return to Afghanistan under Karzai’s protection to run for president. Secret peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government were reportedly held in Saudi Arabia last week.

Our top NATO allies are making it clear that their patience is running out. Brigadier General Mark Carleton-Smith, Britain’s top general in Afghanistan, told the Sunday Times of London that the war against the Taliban cannot be won.

“We’re not going to win this war. It’s about reducing it to a manageable level of insurgency that’s not a strategic threat and can be managed by the Afghan army,” the British commander said.

That echoes a leaked assessment by Britain’s ambassador to Afghanistan that the present NATO policy is “doomed to fail.” And last week Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper warned that NATO could not stay in Afghanistan forever.

“One of the things I disagree with some other Western leaders is that our [NATO] plan can be somehow to stay in Afghanistan militarily indefinitely,” Harper said.

American officials don’t seem much more optimistic. There is widespread recognition that the current Afghan government has lost legitimacy in the eyes of its people, a serious if not fatal problem that is impossible for Americans to fix. And Gen. David McKiernan, the commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, says he needs another 10,000 troops in addition to a combat brigade scheduled to arrive in-country in January. With the administration committed to keeping a high troop total in Iraq, he’s not likely to get them anytime soon.

Without them, McKiernan says, security conditions in the south and east of Afghanistan continue to deteriorate.

Permalink | Comments (148) | Post your comment |

Comments

By AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

The AJC calling the scumbags that run the Taliban “ambassadors,” sort of lays out what they would love to see in Afghanistan.

Status quo pre 9/11, a terrorist run nation oppressing their population and training for attacks on the US homeland.

But whatever, there will be no defeat in Afghanistan unless Oblahma wins the election, then you can bet on it.

Why do you think kookman is trying to lay the blame now?

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

It’d be nice if the citizens of this nation were sufficiently grown-up to accept a grown-up conversation about our obsession with use of military force, and how it’s bitten us in the butt over the past decade.

But we aren’t, so I can expect to read many more columns like yours in the years ahead.

guess I’ll call “sheets” down below.

By TW

October 7, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

It’s not su much that McCain was in bed with the former Nazi group pivotal in Iran-Contra, as it is his pitching a beach ball he knows is gonna get slammed in his face. Judgement much?

Just be quiet and go away John. And take your dog with you.

Expect a call from the Jerry Springer Show sometime next fall.

By Joey

October 7, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

My view is that we never had a firm grip on Afganistan. President Bush and his advisors learned from history, specifically, the Soviet Union’s failure in this part of the world. Hence Bush never fully committed to an invasion. A decision that will prove to have been a good one.

If Bush had done what the Democrats claim that they would have done, and what Obama claims he would still do, we really would be stuck in a Viet Nam type quagmire.

What the Democrats and Jay would like is for Bush to begin a surge there so that the failure would be his. But it does not matter the Democrat Press will paint that picture any way.

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

Downstairs @ 6.42 the basement-dwelling, Momma’s- panty-sniffing Luckotrooool gave us:

“Volunteers supporting Barack Obama picked up hundreds of people at homeless shelters, soup kitchens and drug-rehab centers and drove them to a polling place yesterday on the last day that Ohioans could register and vote on the same day, almost no questions asked.-NY Post”

Care to explain what’s wrong with legally registering American citizens to vote, you pathetic little worm?

By SC Birdflyte

October 7, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

Throughout its history (except for very brief periods), Afghanistan has been a country that thwarted all efforts at central government. As to what to do about it, d* if I know.

By GOPs got to go

October 7, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

If you have not read the book “Three Cups of Tea” you need to.

SO much could have been avoided if America had done a tiny amount of investing in Afghanistan after Charlie Wilson’s war.

That being said, there is a rally for Jim Martin at Manual’s Tavern this Sunday. It is a mailing campaign, so bring 10 stamps and a pen. From 2pm-4pm. Please don’t bomb us Management.

By Dennis

October 7, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

The next Blog entry by the even-handed and fair-minded Jay Bookman will be about Resko and his connection to Democrat politics in Chicago and Illinois. And to Senator Obama in particular.

Oh! Oh! Sorry. I forgot. That Bookman is no longer with us.

By Bud Wiser

October 7, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this

And this is where The Token One thinks we need to make a stand? The Rooskies were right next door and pulled out in frustration, fighting a hidden enemy in uncharted mountains.

“We’ve got to get the job done there and that requires us to have enough troops so that we’re not just air-raiding villages…. ,” - Obama quote.

“The Afghan government needs to do more. But we have to understand that the situation is precarious and urgent here in Afghanistan. And I believe this has to be our central focus, the central front, on our battle against terrorism,” Obama said … on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

  • “For at least a year now, I have called for two additional brigades, perhaps three,” he told CBS. “I think it’s very important that we unify command more effectively to coordinate our military activities.”*

As I have been saying and will continue to do so, we need a man of good, solid character to be the President, a man that can lead through the abilities and strength of that character. What we do not need is a good character posing as a President in his off time; we’ve already had a few of those.

For just a moment, let’s put all political beliefs aside. Who are the people that Barack Obama chose to look up to and associate himself with over his career—William Ayers, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Saul Alinsky, Tony Rezko, ACORN and others like them

These are far more embarrassing associations than Obama would have us believe. It is more that 20 years worth of choosing to surround himself with hateful racist speech; corrupt, slumlord fat cats and socialists who advocate and practice violence.

Very few of Obama’s followers would ever allow themselves to run with this crowd, yet they choose to close their eyes to the painful facts.

Uh, folks, this comes from the Detroit Free Press, yet another media tool of the left, and supposedly in Obama’s corner. And they like this guy?

Obama/Biden ‘08 - making it easy to be stupid, and blind to the truth

By AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

By hillbilly ragger October 7, 2008 7:40 AM Downstairs @ 6.42 the basement-dwelling, Momma’s- panty-sniffing Luckotrooool gave us: “Volunteers supporting Barack Obama picked up hundreds of people at homeless shelters, soup kitchens and drug-rehab centers and drove them to a polling place yesterday on the last day that Ohioans could register and vote on the same day, almost no questions asked.-NY Post” Care to explain what’s wrong with legally registering American citizens to vote, you pathetic little worm?

No, not at all, I just thought it was quite telling to see which political party is counting on the votes of psychotics and the drug addled for victory.

I guess you could say that you have to be stoned to vote for a democrat.

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Dennis @ 7.51, if you want a right-winger who whines about Obama’s shortcomings, I think you know where to click on this website, ‘k pal?

By H.A.Monteiro

October 7, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Americans seem to think money will never run out fighting wars in Iraq, Afghanistan etc, even though we’ve been “borrowing” every penny of $1 million per minute for years in order to keep a lid on Iraq, while the US economy is literally crumbling under our feet…

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Luckotroool, if you think that “hundreds” of voters are going to be Obama’s margin of victory in November, you’re stoned.

(Actually, that would explain a lot.)

By TW

October 7, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

H.A.Monteiro - that’s the beauty of it. At the end of this rainbow is a society where there is no middle class, just the wealthy and the military.

Republican Utopia.

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

It was a mistake to send in troops to start with. It was a law enforcement problem that had a limited need for covert military operations. By doing it overtly it affirmed our reputation of the Great Satan, and became a recruiting tool for al Qaeda and the Taliban.

Karzai is more like the mayor of Kabul in an ungovernable country. He travels with a huge security force, much like our fearful misleader.

The Clinton administration had a submarine stationed in the Indian Ocean targeting UBL. Does anyone know when and why it was moved?

By ByteMe

October 7, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

AJC/DNC: No, not at all, I just thought it was quite telling to see which political party is counting on the votes of psychotics and the drug addled for victory.

As opposed to the political party running the senile old man at the top of the ticket?

By Dennis

October 7, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly:

So you and I are Pals. I guess that means that Obama and Ayers are Comrades.

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Charles Keating

Jack Abramoff

John Singlaub

Rod Parsley

John Hagee

Craig Berkman

G. Gordon Liddy

Carl H. Lindner Jr

Phil Gramm

Rick Davis

Rick Renzi

George W. Bush

Charles Black

Richard Quinn

Raffaello Follieri

James Hensley

Donald R. Diamond

Randy Scheunemann

Giuseppe “Joe” Bonanno

Get to googling wingnuts…..

By Eric1

October 7, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Uh, Bud, you must have nuts the size a beach ball to accuse anyone of being stupid.

By Tall

October 7, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

If you want to win the war in Afghanistan, you have top fight it correctly. NATO forces have to cross into Pakistan and kill the insurgents - end of story. If the Pakistanis don’t like it - too damn bad!!! This is OUR problem and they are harboring the fugitives. They have attacked the U.S. and Europe already and will do so again.
Politcial correctness doesn’t work with ruthless terrorists.

By Bud Wiser

October 7, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

Downstairs @ 6.42 the basement-dwelling, Momma’s- panty-sniffing Luckotrooool gave us: “Volunteers supporting Barack Obama picked up hundreds of people at homeless shelters, soup kitchens and drug-rehab centers and drove them to a polling place yesterday on the last day that Ohioans could register and vote on the same day, almost no questions asked.-NY Post”

Care to explain what’s wrong with legally registering American citizens to vote, you pathetic little worm?

There is nothing wrong with legally registering American citizens to vote, you pathetic little hillbilly worm. What is wrong is registering drifters and those with no permanent address to vote in local, as well as national elections. Are they legal residents of that district? Can they prove it? These miscreants and losers in life have a stake in nothing local, because * they don’t live anywhere permanently* and could care less about the national picture.

Despite your primitive level of intelligence, perhaps even a troll like you knows the meaning of the phrase “all politics are local”. What kind of favor are you doing yourself and your community by dragging in a group of uninformed, could-care-less idiots that could sway an issue you might be very interested in, against you? Ever thought that far ahead, you pathetic little hillbilly worm? No, I didn’t think so.

You and I have to show verifiable ID:

a. to write a check in a store;

b. to use a credit card to prove it is MY credit card;

c. to be admitted to a hospital, along with proof of insurance

d. to vote in my own precinct where I have lived for the past 23 years, trying to protect or upgrade my community’s facilities and that of my fellow neighbors

A group of moronic ‘activists’ (and Obama supporters. I might add) haul the dregs of humanity to a polling site, no way to verify if the are permanent residents of that district, no way really to verify a single damn thing about them, but only to cast a single vote for The Token One. The stupidity of it all is astounding to anyone of any intelligence, and you have made it clear which side of the issue you reside.

Idiotic.

Purely and simply idiotic.

Obama/Biden ‘08 - making it easy to be stupid

By Bud Wiser

October 7, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

*By Eric1 October 7, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this Uh, Bud, you must have nuts the size a beach ball to accuse anyone of being stupid. *

Not being a good Democrat like yourself (and Barney Frank), and interested in the size of another man’s nuts, I care not to answer that question, if it was a question.

And, I don’t have to accuse anyone of being stupid. You have demonstrated quite adequately your low IQ.

Obama/Biden ‘08 - making it easy to be stupid

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

“I guess that means that Obama and Ayers are Comrades.”

Sure! They had a plot worked out—Ayers would make the IED, and little grade-schooler Obama would ride his trike past Bank of America HQ…

Seriously, Dennis, you think this latest act of change-the-topic desperation is likely to work?

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Bud @ 8.20, thank you for answering my question; it speaks volumes about your contempt for humanity, for the democratic process, and for representative government.

I never thought I’d say this, but you actually make the Luckotroool seem grounded and rational.

By Taxpayer

October 7, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Andy must have misplaced his drugs this morning. He can’t even keep up with the posts. Andy, quit drooling. You’ll rust your scissors and then what will be left of you — a pasty little squirt from dried up Elmers bottle. Come on Andy, try to keep up.

By Jen

October 7, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

GOP’s got to go,

After your Martin Rally and Manual’s please stop by the beer tent at the Candler Park Fall Fest. I will be working there (hey, I’ll be a beer girl!) selling Sweetwater while festival goers listen to King Sized.

And, hey, Bud Wiser, this is your chance to see for yourself my size 52 (size 6) self. Look for the long red hair.

Oh, and Bud, those voter rules you listed? They have exceptions. Here’s a nice veterans resource cite about homelessness and voting. Because a lot of homeless are war vets, doncha know?

http://www.veteransparty.us/homeless.htm

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

H.A.Monteiro

October 7, 2008 8:03 AM

You got that right. And Congress still doesn’t get it.

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Butt Geyser and the Luckotrool enjoy a moment of levity.

By "The Corporal"

October 7, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Jay

You are correct that the war in Afghanistan will be “lost” but for a different reason - the lack of will of the American people. It’s just that simple. We are not the nation we were in 1941.

This quote applies to Afghanistan as well:

“If there was immorality in the war in Vietnam, it was that a democratic nation called her citizens to war, had them killed by the tens of thousands, and then, like a faithless lover, turned and scorned the survivors. Oh, perfidious nation!”

By @@

October 7, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

You act like this is “noo” news jay. Calls for negotiations such as this have been ongoing for three years. I’ve been reading about it at Stratfor for two of those years with access to archival pieces back to 2002.

There are three regional factions within the Taliban. Not all share an allegiance with Al Qaeda’s.

There was a good article at CNN about these recent calls for negotiations.

Stratfor has always argued that tribal conflicts within Afghanistan and Pakistan were best resolved by regional players. NATO and coalition efforts were always intended to discourage, not defeat.

Al Qaeda is the intended target. The SPLIT has begun.

Off to work.

By AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

I see that Duhzilla has officially open the blog to general discussion at 8:15, so I should be safe from the angry blogmaster, I think:

The presidential campaign of Senator John McCain, the Arizona Republican who once seemed poised to be his party’s nominee in 2008, acknowledged yesterday that it was in a political and financial crisis as a drop in fund-raising forced it to dismiss dozens of workers and aides and retool its strategy on where to compete.-NY Treason Times

Is that better taxpayer?

I got lots more I can link to if you want.

By Ray

October 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

In David McCullogh’s book, “Truman”, he relates that Joe Pendergast hired people to go to different polling places during local elections in Kansas City, changing clothes and wearing wigs to change their appearance so they could vote as many as 10 times in the same election. Chicago under Daley did much the same in his golden years. The Annointed One might make a brief stop at the local wine store on the way to the voting booth so that concerned, informed voters can cast their ballot and feel good about it at the same time. Good tax paying, devoted and informed Americans voting for their president . I think that he found a lot of these lib bloggers on this net in the same place.

By AmVet

October 7, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Good morning all.

Less than four weeks until the election!

My, my, my! The rabid right is particularly vitriolic this morning. To paraphrase Hunter Thompson - Fear and Self-Loathing in the Moron Belt!

Bud needs to drop the self-righteous indignation schtick. It’s not working.

And to educate himself about the program he has nary a clue of. Or the previous ones like it.

The chickenhawks believe that other American’s kids are always going to be expendable in some poorly thought out militaristic folly.

The Bungle in the Non-Jungle known as the botch Iraq occupation is just the most glaring example.

Why wouldn’t they?

They have never served in the US military. (Like Bill O’Reilly they have to lie about being in combat.)

They never will.

Nor will their children.

They’re hiding among the women and children. Rousing the rabble from under the bed and talking real loud at the back of the crowd.

Pitifully transparent…

By GOPs got to go

October 7, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Jen, I may just do that.

One problem though. Now Bud may stalk and Uni-Bomb me instead of you as we both have long red hair and are size 6.

Corporal, Move on past 1973 and please come up with an original quote a time or two. OH perfidious Corporal

By GMAN

October 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

This is what the American people should be talking about…

It’s the economy stupid!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDofbll86dY&eurl=http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/keatingvideo

By Tonto

October 7, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Jay,

What is going on with the Public Debt? You mentioned in your editorial yesterday that the Debt had exceeded 10 trillion dollars as of September 30, 2008, but failed to go into detail. Why did the Debt increase by 379 billion dollars last month when the previous record monthly increase was only about 120 billion dollars? Why did the Debt increase by over a trillion dollars during the last fiscal year ending in September when the deficit is only supposed to be 500 billion dollars? Are the costs of the Iraq War off the books and only show up in the Debt? Did the republicans issue all these Treasury bonds, bills etc in anticipation of the Bail Out? Why is the media ignoring this story about borrow and spend Republicans? I haven’t seen one article on this from the AJC.

By Dennis

October 7, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly:

Seriously, Polls are tools, especially at this stage of the game, and it is a game, a serious game, to the pollsters and poll interpreters.

Polls that are shared with the public are intended more to influence possible voters than to educate possible voters.

Look back to 2000. Polls indicated Gore would win. Networks announced Gore had won before voting ended in the Central Time Zone. In 2004 the pollsters were clear Kerry had a lock.

I think that you, if not you, others who post here, say that this is a place where Jay expresses his opinion. I say that this is a place were Jay campaigns for Democrats and attacks Republicans.

It is his blog. He can say what he wants. But that does not mean that his words or yours should go unchalenged. It does not mean that Jays comments are not void of integrity.

By Taxpayer

October 7, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Psc Corporal,

Have you put together that coalition of the willing faux-military to go fight in Afghanistan. Perhaps you could host fund-raisers for your supplies since your Republican leadership has already borrowed everything the taxpayers will make for the rest of their lives to pay for the mess they already have us in. How about a Dunkin Donuts for bullets drive. By the way, see if you can get Andy, CommunistAJC and Bud Wiser to join your cause. You four should really hit it off if you haven’t already.

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Have you seens the videos of recent McCain and Palin rallies?

Aside from no longer releasing the number who showed up (they have been telling lies about those numbers for months anyway), AND not allowing reporters to talk even to supporters…..it seems those gatherings are less rally and more ugly mob.

By T

October 7, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Anyone forget that our troops are under staffed and lack the monitary and logistic support to do anything meaningful in Afgan?

Anyone forget that the man who attacked us on our own land fleed to Afgan then retrieted to Pakistan, while we stormed Iraq?

Where are the cries of outrage for those Afrgan. soldiers and people that are dying for the cause of freedom.

By Dawggy Style

October 7, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Ms. Lizard Lips,

We have been googling, starting with Pelosi, Reid and Frank, and then we always puke on our keyboards and just shake our heads in disgust!

Georgia’s 2008 Electoral Votes:

McCain/Palin -15 Dumb & Dumber - 0

By "The Corporal"

October 7, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

To GOP’s got to go and Taxpayer

I’m sure you have heard this one also and chosen to disregard it as well.

Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

P.S. South Vietnam fell in 1975 not 1973. You need to brush up.

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 9:02 AM

That was 2004. Spring forward.

By Jen

October 7, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

GOP, well then if we’re both size 6 red head then he won’t know who is who and he can’t uni-bomb both of us…especially not in a crowd the size at the CP Fall Fest.

My hair may be red but my skies are blue…not the other way around like Bud as the sun sets on his elderly ideals.

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Dawggy Style (lovely name!)

New name? Same old coward.

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 9:25 AM

She’s still drawing big crowds of groupies.

By AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

By TN Gelding October 7, 2008 9:26 AM AJC/DNC Management October 7, 2008 9:02 AM That was 2004. Spring forward.

Gosh, you reckon? What would we ever do without your amazing intuitive powers, horsey?

For the rest of you, did this nimnull really just claim that since Fannie Mac didn’t fail in 2004, that Bwarney Fwank must be right that the problems with them were being exaggerated?

Huh.

By AmVet

October 7, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Dawggy, you are probably correct. McCain will likely take the Peach State.

And that POS senior US Senator of ours will probably go back to DC.

But it is beginning to appear that what happens here in Georgia, as a (w)hole, is pretty much irrelevant, at least in terms of national thought and certainly any kind of progressive, realistic dealing with today’s issues.

Like it used to be.

And how it will likely be again…

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Dennis @ 9.09, fair enough on most points (although I think “void of integrity” is hardly a fair assessment of Jay’s work in print and online, particularly the former—I think he does make an honest effort to give an informed opinion, and not just an opinion.)

I did want to answer one thing, though: you wrote “In 2004 the pollsters were clear Kerry had a lock.”

Not really. Yes, there were some leaked reports about exit polls on the day of the election that indicated a couple of surprises in a couple of swing states that didn’t pan out. But Kerry never had a “lock”—scroll through the pages over at electoral-vote.org, like this, from October 25th, or this, from Nov. 1 - it was in a state of flux and was a true toss-up.

I’m not saying it couldn’t wind up turning out very close for McCain and Obama, come November; of course it could. But that doesn’t appear to be the way to bet.

By mm

October 7, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Wingnut philosophy:

Republican start war - GOOD

Democrat start war - BAD

I thought Dems were afraid to protect America?

Hypocrites.

By GOPs got to go

October 7, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Ah, another McCullough fan. Whilst Pendergrass was a crook, Truman was not. Times have actually changed a little since the 1930’s Ray. Stricter polls, TV, the Internet…….a few things your candidate should be introduced to.

I look forward to the debate tonight with my elitist bottle of Pinotage and dark chocolate. You do need to get your daily dose of flavonoids in.

By AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

And Im free, free fallin

Yeah Im free, free fallin

Free fallin, now Im free fallin, now im

Free fallin, now Im free fallin, now im

Democrat Barack Obama has a narrow 3-point lead in the U.S. presidential race on Republican John McCain less than a month before the election, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Tuesday.

By hillbilly ragger

October 7, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

oops, bad link above—here’s the correct one to Nov 1, 2004.

Must run and put food on fambly. Be excellent to one another.

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

From Senator Obama this morning:

“He’s out of ideas. Out of touch. And running out of time. But with no plan to lift our economy up, John McCain wants to tear Barack Obama down, with smears that have been proven false. Why? McCain’s own campaign admits that if the election is about the economy, he’s going to lose. But as Americans lose their jobs, homes and savings, it’s time for a President who’ll change the economy. Not change the subject.”

By GOPs got to go

October 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I prefer Clarence Darrow’s quote: “History repeats itself…..That’s one of the things wrong with history”

Oh, loquacious and repetitive Corporal!

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

*OH NO A CANDIDATE HAS A FUNDRAISER yesterday at home of corrupt, SEC-fined Wall Street investment company executive *

Guess Who?

Her initials are SP.

By Ray

October 7, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

GOPs Got to Go,

That’s bioflavonoids to you, my dear. Those antioxidants work wonders as we age. If you think that politics has changed since the days of Daley and Pendergast, you are living in a different world than I do. The internet and TV has just enabled us to point out the irregularities a little more quickly than we used to. I prefer a Beringer Knight’s Valley Cabernet with some Brie and a stack of crisp saltines with a fresh, sliced Japanese pear. May the best man win.

By GOPs got to go

October 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I may just have a large arugala salad with sesame encrusted Ahi tuna, seared to perfection. I am an excellent cook. Love the Red’s, the Pinot has the most resveratol though Ray

By GOPs got to go

October 7, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Ray, Keebler’s Zesta beats Nabisco’s Premium, Hands down. Although I insist on whole grains, even in my crackers.

By Paul

October 7, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Jay,

I’m surprised you haven’t done a follow-on article tying this into the Obama-Biden plans for expansion of the war in Afg and bleed-over into Pakistan. Biden chided Palin for not recognizing “Afg is the central front.” Obama and his supporters have made much of the notion “this administration took it’s eyes off the ball in Afg and launched a needless war in Iraq – a strategy supported by McCain. We will draw down in Iran and put more troops into Afg.”

Oh, really? To what end, Sen Obama? How will we know when you have achieved victory? What are the measures of progress, as you demanded of Gen Petraeus in Iraq? Is your plan, as Sen Biden outlined in the debate, to use Afg as a launching pad for an expanded war in Pakistan?

I’ll take an explanation from anyone who’s an Obama supporter, who thinks he really has a plan for ‘victory’ in Afg. Or if not ‘victory’, than as a staging area to somehow kill bin Laden.

So at the same time our NATO allies, American officials and Mrs. Godzilla’s NIE are not optimistic, Obama-Biden offer us expansion of the same. Remind me again, just who is it who is continuing the failed Bush policies?

By E

October 7, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

There’s so much hatred at McCain/Palin rallies now. Shouts of “Terrorist” and “Kill him”. If you don’t believe me, just Google it for yourself.

I know they’re losing, but there is no excuse for this kind of behavior. If anything happens to Obama - it will be the fault of McCain and Palin, conservative TV and radio, and let’s not forget Rove.

McCain and Palin should be charged with inciting violence - all they need are white sheets!

Next we’ll be hearing about intimidation of Obama supporters and at Obama headquarters in some states.

There will be someone hurt, you wait and see, and then they will blame that on Obama as well!

The whole world is watching and the US reminds me of times before the Civil Rights Bill was passed. How sad!

I am praying for Obama’s safety. All of you who are inclined to do so, please join me.

Obama/Biden ‘08

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 9:42 AM

No, it was just pointing out he changed his tune in 2005 and since.

Take the time to listen to those that are trying to enlighten you. Stop pointing fingers. There are many culprits in this debacle.

By Truth

October 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

“The whole world is watching and the US reminds me of times before the Civil Rights Bill was passed. How sad!”

Give me a freaking break…

By Bosch

October 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Paul,

I knew it wouldn’t take you too long to bring that up. Well, I don’t have an explanation except that Obama is trying to look tough to all the wingnuts who are pro-military and to the rest of us who want to catch bin Laden. He is a politician after all, and does say things to get votes.

BUT, I don’t think for one minute that Obama would carry out a shock and awe type military operation in Afghanistan like we’ve seen in Iraq. It would be disastrous if he did, and I’d be the first to call for his resignation immediately. I believe he’s said that no options are off the table, but I truly believe that Obama has enough sense not to go in full force with guns a’blazing if you know what I mean. Considering all options also means, using small covert militatary operations to take out strategic targets.

But considering I’m no military genius, what do I know. Again, it’s all a matter of who do you think would keep a cool head and do the right thing, listen to advisers, not just yes men, and between Obama and McCain, the choice is pretty clear to me.

By Ray

October 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

GOP,

We can only assume that Ms G’s choice would be a vintage Thunderbird or maybe the Ripple Red. Goes well with Velvetta fresh from the squirt can spread generously over a nacho chip. Ahi is the Hawaiian word for fire, that burning feeling in all of your muscles that you feel when you try to land one of these beasts in the 250# class.
Long red hair, well toned derriere, size 6…… might need some of that resveratrol.

By Ken Kimsey

October 7, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Sen. John McCain’s accusation yesterday that Senator Obama responds to McCain’s charges by calling McCain a liar seems to fit the pattern of Rush Limbaugh: projecting his own actions onto the object of his attack.

It’s easy to read Limbaugh’s mind. You just listen to his critique of anybody else and ascribe the motives and behaviors to Rush.

McCain’s charge that Obama responds to criticism with angry denial seems to describe perfectly McCain’s patterns of behavior. Likewise, McCain’s accusation that Obama responds by calling him a liar calls to mind McCain’s own pattern of approving ads which are quickly shown, by objective fact checkers, to be false.

By mm

October 7, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Paul at 10:20,

I rest my case.

By tcoach

October 7, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

E I guess you did not notice the near riots caused by democrates at the RNC.

Both parties do and say things that are wrong and uncalled for.

Wasn’t Obama that said we are bombing villages and children though.

Those are kinda dangerous words as well.

By Bosch

October 7, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Truth,

Use “frakking” —it’s cooler, and from what I saw at some of the rallies last night, and from some of the hate I’ve seen on this blog alone, I’d say E had a legitimate concern.

AND, from what I saw on the John Stewart show when they were interviewing folks from Main Street Wasilla, Alaska, wow - what idiots!

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

A quick look at all the polls today:

Pres ‘08 Oct 7 Zogby Obama (D) 48%, McCain (R) 45%

Pres ‘08Oct 7 Rasmussen Obama (D) 52%, McCain (R) 44%

Pres ‘08 Oct 7 Res. 2000 Obama (D) 52%, McCain (R) 41%

Pres ‘08 Oct 6 CBS Obama (D) 48%, McCain (R) 45%

Pres ‘08 Oct 6 NBC/WSJObama (D) 49%, McCain (R) 43%

Pres ‘08 Oct 6 CNN Obama (D) 53%, McCain (R) 45%

Pres ‘08 Oct 6 Gallup Obama (D) 50%, McCain (R) 42%

Pres ‘08 Oct 6 GQR (D)Obama (D) 48%, McCain (R) 45%

Pres ‘08 Oct 6 GWU Obama (D) 50%, McCain (R) 43%

Pres ‘08 Oct 6 Hotline/Diageo Obama (D) 47%, McCain (R) 41%

Let’s add some points to this tonight….

Fired Up!

Ready to Go!

Shooting for 60!

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Paul

October 7, 2008 10:20 AM

I agree. It’s one of the things I disagree with Obama on, and have let his campaign know.

By "The Corporal"

October 7, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

To Gops got to go

Like my Dad always said:

Repetition is historical mucilage - it sticks.

By Ray

October 7, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Bosch,

This has been the main concern of a lot of people since this whole thing began. Alma Powell was very vocal in her opposition to her husband running for public office. There are a lot of knuckle draggers out there, from both parties, who yearn to be another Oswald. If you think this economic crisis is a big thing, just let something happen to Mr. Wonderful. I am really surprised that we have let ourselves get into this position. We are just not ready yet.

By Truth

October 7, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Bosch… It works the other way as well but you never hear any race card comments from “white” people.

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Paul

October 7, 2008 10:20 AM

Also see this.

By Paul

October 7, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

mm

I’m not sure I see your case, as I’m not sure an expanded Afg operation with the current strategy and overt expansion into Pakistan is necessarily ‘protecting America.’ It doesn’t seem to be much different than the Bush strategy.

Bosch,

Ah, but you’re about the only overt Obama supporter who tackles this issue. I know I get repetitive on this, but it seems to me it is an issue of critical significance, one which many Obama supporters will not even acknowledge.

Maybe Obama does want to ‘look tough’ to the wingnuts – gotta cover all the bases. Perhaps, though, that’s really what he wants to do? I, too, do not think he’d do the shock and awe thing. Likely cruise missiles, Predator strikes, special ops… then small units, larger units, Predator strikes in support of larger units… and on it goes.

I do not think that smaller, more covert invasions will be any more palatable to the Paks than larger invasions. I do not think AQ will much care for our semantics “oh, Obama’s doing only small, covert invasions, so we’ll let it slide.” Coup, anyone?

I think that’d be a much more effective issue than this Ayers business. But considering I’m no political genius, what do I know? Answer: it’s our job to raise the questions. It’s their job to answer them. So far, both sides are failing.

By Bosch

October 7, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

TN Gelding,

Like I said earlier @ 10:32, I don’t think for a minute that Obama would go in guns a’blazin’ like McCain would.

Part of good leadership, is listening to advisers, real advisers and experts, and those from other countries who also deal with a threat, and I am confident that Obama would not only do that, but would also learn from the past mistakes of this administration (wow, long sentence).

I also think that many here in this country want to see something done in Afghanistan, but many of us who do, don’t necessarily think huge military operations are the answer. I think Obama will listen to people like Jay mentioned.

After all, we are dealing with a country (Pakistan) who actually has nuclear capabilities, and that puts a whole other spin on the situation. It’s one thing to say something big and tough, but we are dealing with a country who can carry out their tough talk, and I don’t think anyone on the planet wants to see a nuclear war.

To me, it’s all about who you trust, and I trust Obama a lot more than hot-headed old fart McCain.

By Soothsayer

October 7, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

For those of you who wonder why we, the United States, always seem to be involved in a conflict of some kind here’s why.

By Bosch

October 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Paul,

Yes, I think both sides are failing - the main reason because smart people (like Obama) know that you can’t say what you’d do until you are in the situation. Any “situation” in Afghanistan can not be addressed until, one you are the POTUS, and two what the actual situation is in present context. It’s easy to say what you’d do now, but that’s dishonest, and politically stupid to do.

I think it’s a smart move to say “no options will be taken off the table” - it gives wiggle room.

And let’s be frank, well, not frank, but honest with ourselves, who has shown the coolest head between the two? Certainly not McCain.

By AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Ayers got a $50 million grant for the Chicago Annenberg Challenge. Obama was put in charge of giving out the money and funded left-wing groups like ACORN for a program that’s now billed as “school reform” but amounted to political indoctrination.

As Stanley Kurtz wrote in The Wall Street Journal, Obama and Ayers “worked as a team to advance the CAC agenda,” namely “Ayers’ educational philosophy, which called for infusing students and their parents with a radical political commitment, and which downplayed achievement tests in favor of activism.”

“Driving thee crackheads to thee polling place and how to get a fat government grant for it- B. Hussein Oblahma-democrat, Kenya”

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 7, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

[Worse, Palin’s routine attacks on the media have begun to spill into ugliness. In Clearwater, arriving reporters were greeted with shouts and taunts by the crowd of about 3,000. Palin then went on to blame Katie Couric’s questions for her “less-than-successful interview with kinda mainstream media.” At that, Palin supporters turned on reporters in the press area, waving thunder sticks and shouting abuse. Others hurled obscenities at a camera crew. One Palin supporter shouted a racial epithet at an African American sound man for a network and told him, “Sit down, boy.”] (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/06/AR2008100602935.html)

Seems after she took of her gloves, she slipped off her hood too.

By Paul

October 7, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Bosch

You ever watched Leno’s “Man on the Street” interviews? Idiots aren’t restricted to Wasilla, Alaska.

TN Gelding

Excellent link, thank you. Worth a read, especially by Obama supporters. Lots of questions. Seems to me he’ll continue the expansion of the military, continue to increase spending on the military and continue the militarization of what should be the realm of the diplomats and aid organizations. Page one, the outsourcing bullet – oursourcing is required by Federal law, has been for decades. Seems either a cheap political point or they really don’t understand the implications – which include hiring more military do to non-core military functions at a greater cost to the taxpayers. The “redo our military away from the Cold War” – quoting from Donald Rumsfeld, LOL! They still include unilaterism in their policy.

Well, considering the same people advising Obama are the same guys who’ve been around for decades, that’s about what I’d expect.

By Bosch

October 7, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Paul,

I didn’t answer your question, but I think you made a good point earlier about small operations won’t be too effective.

I think the situation, like Jay said, needs to be gotten under control and “managed” - and afterwards, keep an eye on those AQ/Taliban cooks. I think that can be done, and if we cooperate with other nations who are in direct line of a nuclear attack - like Europe - we’ll have much more support and can actually do this instead of like the mess we’ve seen in Iraq.

European countries are in much more danger than we are and I think it would be in our best interest to listen to them.

By ByteMe

October 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

tcoach: they were anarchists at the RNC, not Democrats. Anarchists don’t belong to parties, or did you not know what “anarchist” means?

The problem with the McCain Campaign tactics is that the very people you want to woo — the swing voters — don’t consider the MSM to be a bad thing and actually like Katie Couric. It’s just the loonies who thinks that the MSM is tainted, so attacking the one avenue where you want good coverage is just a bad tactic (or is that a strategy, John?).

McCain-Palin: Two boobs too many.

By E

October 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Truth at 10:31 Yes, the whole world is watching. And you really need to pick up a history book.

tcoach at 10:38 One thing has nothing to do with the other. I don’t know how violent the Repub convention got. I know this is a completely different situation though.

I don’t know if Obama said it or not, but it’s the truth. Google it.

Obama/Biden ‘08

By AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Unmentioned at the trial was a purchase by Rezko’s wife, Rita, of property adjacent to the Obama home near the University of Chicago on the city’s South Side. Obama and his wife, Michelle, purchased their home the same day that Rezko’s wife closed on her property. And she later sold some of her property to the Obamas to enlarge their lot.

Rezko was convicted in June of mail fraud, wire fraud, attempted extortion and money laundering. Several of the charges carry 20-year maximum sentences. A deal with prosecutors could reduce his time considerably.

Give it up Tony, give it up.

By TN Gelding

October 7, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

AJC/DNC Management

October 7, 2008 10:58 AM

If only you were as intelligent and rehabilitated as Ayers. You’re kicking a dead horse. Give it up.

By RW-(the original)

October 7, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I think that’d be a much more effective issue than this Ayers business

Paul,

From a political standpoint it’s not an issue at all. There isn’t a dime’s worth of difference between what Obama and McCain say they will do in Afghanistan. At least if Obama has finally realized his flood of Arabic translators will be worthless. Getting to what one really thinks they’ll do is the real issue and that’s where past judgment comes into play.

By ByteMe

October 7, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Paul: Larger units won’t work in Afg. The terrain hinders large-scale movement of troops and equipment. Small-scale is the only way it works unless you nuke the area and let God sort them out.

By Truth

October 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

E…. What exactly am I looking for in my text book? All of the times the race card has been pulled in this Presidential cycle?

By Bosch

October 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Ray,

Colin Powell is one of my heroes, and I think he didn’t want to run for office because he is embarrassed to have been a part of such a failing one. I think he’s done with politics and has enough sense to enjoy the rest of his life in peace.

I don’t read too many books of those of the Scott McClellan type, but if Colin Powell ever wrote a book (which I think he is WAY too