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DEL.ICIO.USMcCain revives campaign with scrappy smarts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Updated 8:30 a.m. Monday
The entire country noticed the week that the John McCain campaign sprang to life. The polls confirm it. Both the Gallup and the Rasmussen tracking polls released Sunday put the race with Barack Obama as essentially tied. Gallup has Obama 45, McCain 44. Rasmussen has Obama 47, McCain 46.
Obama, starting certainly with his “we are the ones we have been waiting for” speech back in February has solidified an image as somebody who sees himself as larger than mere mortal — a messiah, says Rush Limbaugh.
That continued, certainly, with the knock-off presidential seal that made a brief campaign appearance and with his European tour. McCain is taking note. With humor. His latest Internet commercial captures Obama’s grandiose statements and concludes with Moses (Charlton Heston) parting the Read Sea in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments.”
This is clearly a race John McCain can win.
For months, I’ve thought Barack Obama has a problem he’s incapable of overcoming. He doesn’t know when to quit talking. He’s really not disciplined, especially when he’s before a like-minded crowd. And he is arrogant. As we saw through the Democratic primaries, he does not wear well. It’s infatuation at first eye-lock. But then, when the potential partners start sizing him up for long-term commitment, the flash fades.
Ummmn, no, don’t think so.
McCain nailed him last week, picking up immediately something the American people clearly sensed from his Berlin rock-star tour: Obama is a celebrity of the Britney Spears/Paris Hilton variety who just says things. Sometimes they sound insightful. Sometimes they hint at profoundity. Always, when prepared in advance, they are a beautifully written script. Connecting Obama to politically dilettantish Hollywood and by inference the Hollywood left is an indication that the McCain organization can get it together and mount a smart, aggressive campaign over the next three months. “He’s the biggest celebrity in the world,” the McCain ad asserts, “but is he ready to lead?”
Obama’s assertion that we won’t need to drill for oil if we just put more air in our tires is a Hollywood-starlet alternative to a national energy policy.
McCain affirmed his intention to play hardball, too, in his response to Obama’s casual use of the race card. After referring to President Bush and to McCain, Obama had said: “What they’re going to try to do is make you scared of me. You know, ‘He’s not patriotic enough, he’s got a funny name, you know, he doesn’t look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills.’”
McCain responded immediately, expressing his disappointment that Obama had chosen to play the race card — the only possible inference to be drawn from his observation that he “doesn’t look like all those other presidents.”
Obama’s a tough guy to run against for any Republican. The hit squads of the left are positioned on the periphery of the campaign battlefield to pounce at the first use of a word or phrase that can be interpreted as calling attention to Obama’s race. Republicans are stereotyped. Even straightforward efforts to curtail voter fraud like, for example, requiring legitimate proof at the polls of a potential voter’s identity has created a cottage industry among Democratic partisans determined to establish it as evidence of racism.
Be prepared: Any clumsy or stupid utterance by anybody who ever voted Republican that can be interpreted as racism between now and election day will be represented as an extension of the McCain campaign. It’s standard drive-the-vote business.
McCain, in any event, demonstrated that he’ll not allow this advantage to be one-sided. Calling Obama’s hand early on the use of the race card is a signal that he won’t be intimidated on the issue.
McCain recovered well, too, on the issue of higher taxes. For a Republican to indicate an openness to higher taxes with a Democratic Congress is suicide. McCain appeared to do precisely that in speaking with reporters on the campaign bus and later in an ABC interview.
When asked whether he would support higher payroll taxes to fix Social Security, he responded that nothing is off the table. “Nothing” includes, of course, higher taxes.
McCain thus appeared to have given away the franchise. Any Republican who agrees to a dollar of new taxes with this spendthrift Congress will get a thousand.
McCain quickly recovered.
When asked on Tuesday by a young girl in Sparks, Nev., whether he would raise taxes as president, McCain gave a one-word reply: “No.”
He’d promised that repeatedly, before appearing to drift away. The simple, emphatic “no” is the correct answer.
It was a good week. He can win.
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By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Three thoughts here. First, McCain doesn’t want to fight a campaign on policy so he isn’t bothering to “craft” policy positions. Indeed, that’s precisely the point of the entire campaign strategy — it’s about winning, not governing. It’s been the hallmark of Atwater/Rove/Schmidt for a generation. Second, if we “fight” on the “core questions,” McCain loses. It wouldn’t even be close. This is Campaign Strategy 101 — don’t debate the issues if you’re on the wrong side of the issues. So, what’s the campaign message been over the last 10 days? Race, celebrity, arrogance, presumptuousness, patriotism. It is, in many ways, the nail in the coffin of “conservatism as a coherent governing philosophy.” It’s dead, and it won’t be back for quite a while. But the polls are tight, and as far as McCain is concerned, this is, again, about winning, not governing .And third, like Kevin, Andrew’s concerns seem kind of familiar: “Cultural insecurities are the foundation of modern American conservatism. Surely we’re not just now noticing this?”
AND
Stop what you’re doing and read this article. Very acute take on the latest turn of the campaign.
By ron
August 4, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Good morning Jim,McCain can win,but only if every Republican in America votes for him.As I’ve said before,People that are going to dabble in the fringe parties are going to go a long way toward electing Obama.If Republicans are interested in winning,their votes have to go toward their candidate. McCains campaign has scored some big hits lately and contrary to some opinions,these are the issues.Is Obama only a celebrity?Is Obama black and what is that going to mean?These are real issues that are being played out here. Obama is right about one thing.He doesn’t look like the Presidents on the American money.He doesn’t resemble a President at all.
By GOPs got to go
August 4, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Jim, If you think that pathetic attempt at name calling McCain put out is actually going to change any voters minds, then I believe you may have bumped your head recently. I did have to LOL when I saw the ad, like I said before, pathetic. You know I actually liked McCain before this election and was happy when he won the Republican nomination. I though I can live with him. Then he started pandering to the Right Wing Christians. When will they ever get that there are more than just their own opinions on things. Do they honestly believe that the most advanced country in the world will step back in time 30 years and take back women’s right to choose? Do they really believe that Intelligent Design should be taught in place of Evolution? As an ex-Catholic, I am completely through with having a man, elected by men, think they are in charge of my reproductive system. Especially hypocritical ones that turn a blind eye on child rapists, but tell me I am going to Hell for taking birth control pills and voting for Kerry.
Obama draws crowds for one very good reason, he is a gifted speaker and has new ideas, ideas which are highly needed in the tired city of Washington. So no matter how much lip stick you smear on John McCain, he still is the OLD established Washington Senator who no one cares to listen to anymore. That being said, if he does, win at least he can speak English with more eloquence than Dubya.
Quotes from the Shrub:
“We got an issue in America. Too many good docs are gettin’ out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren’t able to practice their — their love with women all across this country”
“This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. And having said that, all options are on the table.”
“I want to thank the President and the CEO of Constellation Energy, Mayo Shattuck. That’s a pretty cool first name, isn’t it, Mayo. Pass the Mayo
I think Natalie Mains has been vindicated.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
McCain starts all the silly games with this ad with Obama on the dollar, Mt Rushmore and Lady Liberty
By Ga Values
August 4, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
The Wall Street Journal A GOP Choice: Tom Coburn or Ted Stevens By JOHN FUND August 2, 2008; Page A11
The Republican Party is facing what Ronald Reagan called “a time for choosing.” A real argument is raging over how much it should turn its back on the bad habits that cost it control of Congress in 2006.
Just after that debacle, Alaska’s Sen. Ted Stevens, the father of the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere,” encountered Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, the antipork crusader who had held up many of the projects so many members believe are the key to their re-election. Mr. Stevens said, “Well, Tom, I hope you’re satisfied for helping us lose the election.” Mr. Coburn replied, “No, Ted, you lost us this election.”
Martin Kozlowski The data favored Mr. Coburn: 2006 exit polls revealed that corruption in government was second only to the Iraq war as the driving force behind the Democratic takeover. A major part of that corruption was earmarks — pork projects members often secure in secret. Earmarks were at the heart of the scandals that sent Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff and former Calif. Rep. Duke Cunningham to jail.
This week’s events further discredited the earmark culture. On Tuesday, Mr. Stevens, ranking Republican on the Appropriations Committee, had to step down after being indicted for failing to report over $250,000 in gifts from a firm that sought earmarks from him. The day before, Republicans enjoyed a rare success when they beat back an attempt by Majority Leader Harry Reid to ram through an earmark-laden omnibus bill that Mr. Coburn had refused to help pass by the often-abused “unanimous consent” process.
Mr. Reid had wanted to get the $10 billion package passed without debate. But while containing some worthwhile projects, the “Tomnibus” bill — a name picked to mock Mr. Coburn — was also stuffed with money for the Smithsonian’s orchid collection, a $5 million museum in Poland and a traveling exhibit on the War of 1812. Mr. Reid claimed his package merely authorized the spending of money rather than appropriated it and thus “doesn’t cost a penny.” Republicans ridiculed that logic and stood by Mr. Coburn, who says earmarks serve as “a gateway drug on the road to spending addiction.”
Mr. Coburn notes that many members feel compelled to vote for bloated spending bills, fearing their local projects will be stripped out. But he says that with each new scandal, the political value of earmarks goes down: “If only one-tenth of one percent of the 15,000 earmarks we have involve corruption, that’s 15 headlines a year Congress can’t afford.”
John McCain won the GOP nomination and retains support from independent voters today in part because he vows to veto any bill containing pork-barrel projects. Arizona Rep. Jeff Flake, Mr. Coburn’s antiearmark counterpart in the House, thinks voters in GOP districts are now disgusted enough to make the political costs to a member seeking pork greater than the benefits.
One reason Congress now has even lower approval numbers than in 2006 is the failure of Democrats to make good on their vow to clean up the earmark process. A “moratorium” on earmarks has been quietly set aside; and the Congressional Research Service has been directed by Congressional leaders to no longer respond to requests from members on the size, number or background of earmarks. “Democrats claim the earmarks will now be transparent, but they’re taking away the very data that lets us know what’s really happening,” says South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint. Democratic earmark reform, concludes Mr. Coburn, “not only failed to drain the swamp, but gave the alligators new rights.”
Mr. Coburn’s main point on earmarks is that senators must choose between a culture of parochialism and a culture that puts the national interest first. He stipulates that few members are corrupt, and that most go with the flow. He has even offered to release his holds on earmarks — if their sponsors will propose reducing federal spending elsewhere, so “we aren’t just dumping more debt on our kids.”
His offer hasn’t been popular. Included in the Reid package was $1.67 billion for ocean and coastal programs that were pet projects of Mr. Stevens. But the Alaska senator has refused to even discuss spending offsets to pay for what he calls “Stevens money.” In 2005, there was so much “Stevens money” that Alaska snared almost $1,000 in earmarked federal funding for every resident, 30 times what went to the average state, based on population.
Mr. Stevens was a big reason the earmark culture had such a grip on Senate Republicans: Few dared risk his wrath. When he became chairman of the Appropriations Committee in 1997, he proudly proclaimed, “I’m a mean, miserable Edited to Remove Profanity ——Edited to Remove Profanity ——Edited to Remove Profanity ——.” When Mr. Coburn dared challenge his $228 million “Bridge to Nowhere” in 2005, Mr. Stevens warned fellow senators “if we start cutting funding for individual projects, your project may be next.”
In the House, GOP Rep. Don Young of Alaska — the former Transportation Committee chair who stuffed the last highway bill with over 6,000 earmarks — played a similar intimidation game. “Those who bite me will be bitten back,” Mr. Young warned Rep. Scott Garrett last year. Mr. Garrett, a New Jersey Republican, had tried to kill a $34 million earmark sponsored by Mr. Young.
Now Mr. Stevens is almost certain to lose his Senate seat — either through defeat or conviction on felony charges. And Mr. Young is trailing in Alaska’s August 26 primary to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, a protégé of Alaska’s reform Republican Gov. Sarah Pallin. Here’s hoping the removal of both men from Capitol Hill stiffens the spine of more Republicans to forswear the earmark culture.
They may not like it, but Mr. Coburn is showing Republicans how the GOP can return to its small government roots. Consider Ronald Reagan, who in 1987 vetoed a highway bill because it had a mere 121 earmarks in it.
Reagan quoted a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote to James Madison in 1796, warning that allowing Congress to spend federal money for local projects would set off “a scene of scramble among the members (for) who can get the most money wasted in their State, and they will always get most who are meanest.” Reagan didn’t think that represented good government or good politics. Republicans today should heed his warning.
SAXBY plans to KEEP the $15,000.00 Stevens gave him.. guess which side Saxby Special Interest Chambliss is on.
By Dutchman
August 4, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
From an investment article ([Seeking Alpha])(http://seekingalpha.com/article/88816-canadian-oil-sands-penn-west-energy-protected-on-the-downside?source=yahoo)
“A potential punitive windfall profits tax that would unfairly discriminate against U.S. producers may drive up oil price further to the benefit of Canadian and non-U.S. producers.”
With so few US producers, seems we are targeting the wrong folks, With BP and Shell having free rein to earn profits and reinvest, I guess BHO just doesn’t like US producers.
By @@
August 4, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Uh Jim? According to OBlahMa, “words matter”. Are ‘ya sure you wanna use the words “scrappy” and “racism” in the same column. What with scraps from the table and all that it could entail.
His problem is he doesn’t know when to stop talking.
Amen!
During a town-hall-style event on Florida’s so-called space coast, the Democrat said he no longer favors slashing NASA’s budget, declaring that the U.S. “cannot cede our leadership in space.”
Obama had previously supported delaying NASA’s manned missions in order to pay for early childhood education programs. Aides say he has now found other means to pay for his education plans.
John McCain’s campaign immediately jumped on the announcement labeling it a flip flop. “Barack Obama once again demonstrated that his words don’t really matter,” the campaign said in a press release.
An Obama aide calls the criticism “a complete exaggeration” saying Obama found an alternative means of payment through reducing earmark spending and reforming federal contracting procedures. This frees the Illinois senator up to say he would continue to fund the space program.
Now correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t John McCain talking about reducing earmark spending, and hasn’t he already intervened on some federal contracting issues before OBlahMa decided it would be a good idea?
And another thing……..wasn’t Hillary calling for Florida and Michigan’s votes to count during the primaries? OBlahMa objected. Seems now that he has the nomination, he’s all for it. Something about unity and blah blah blah.
Lanny Davis, a Clinton supporter is a little late to the game.
The only answer is that the words “rational,” “sensible” and “fair” are usually oxymorons when associated with the phrase “the Democratic Party’s presidential nominating system.”
Seems like the dems have a lot to learn from Republicans. They’re just slow in getting started.
By Josh
August 4, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe Obama finally stooped to low levels and played the race card the other day by sayin “i don’t look like the other presidents on the dollar bills.” I was waiting for the day he finally played the card, and he played it from the bottom of the deck. Also, why is he so scared to debate McCain more than the usual 3 times?
Ok all you obamamaniacs…start defending your man.
McCain ‘08
By BFKaJ
August 4, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Dear Mrs. Godzilla @ 9:27, I think you err in asserting that McCain avoids the issues.
McCain has no difficulty calling the “surge” a success, and certainly his perspective is clearer than Obama’s convoluted view.
McCain has no difficulty saying taxes are a bad idea, his single instance of waffling last week notwithstanding; I don’t know yet how Obama came to believe that higher taxes are a good strategy for a weak economy, but I am anxious to learn.
McCain smartly talks about the types of justices and judges he would appoint - I think he always cites Roberts and Alito (even though I think he expressed reservations about Alito at the time of appointment.) I have yet to hear anything from Obama about the judges he admires, although he did go out of his way to praise the Roberts - Alito - Thomas minority view (written by Scalia) in the child rape case. Does that mean he would appoint justices like Roberts and Alito and Thomas and Scalia? I have a nagging doubt.
Indeed, it is Obama’s blank slate that has opened the way to McCain’s humorous ads. That McCain (“Bomb, bomb, bomb. Bomb, bomb Iran) has a Reaganesque sense of humor is still arguable, but Obama’s thin skin is not. Temperament may matter, but not in the way I envisioned during the primaries.
By AJC/DNC Management
August 4, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Buh-bye barry:
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows the race for the White House is tied with Barack Obama and John McCain each attracting 44% of the vote. However, when “leaners” are included, it’s McCain 47% and Obama 46%.
Bwa.
By Common Sense
August 4, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
McClain cannot win this race. Only people who cling to something that the Replubican believe is going to be taken away will vote for McClain.
No one is going to take away your guns!
Mr. Obama is the best choice instead of a 71 year old acting like a child. I don’t get enough television coverage.
Just run a good campaign and more people would have faith in you!
It is disappointing that a 71 year man is going with the usually denigrating politics when this country is in real trouble.
Mr. McClain sounds like my niece when she wants something,
I will not raise taxes, I might raise taxes. I will not drill off-shore, I will drill off-shore.
It so much it’s a waste of time to list of the flip flopping the Senator does on major issues.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Also Josh, don’t forget Obama skipping the visit to Germany to visit wounded troops. Who cares what people think, visit wounded troops. They are the ones fighting for our freddom you moron!
alright, i’m getting the popcorn and watching people excuses for Obama. let the fun begin.
McCain ‘08.
By BFKaJ
August 4, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
The most interesting issue is developing now. The conservative republicans are holding a talkathon on the empty house floor. We now have two competing mantra – Pelosi’s “More drilling will not make any difference in the supply of energy” vs. the conservatives’s “Drill, everywhere, now.” I think the shorter phrase likely to register – it has the virtue of making sense. Even Chauncey is pulling the run out from under Nancy.
By Chaz
August 4, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Obama’s a coward. He can’t handle hard questions (pleease can we replay the Charlie Gibson debate?) and is running from an ongoing dialog between candidates, leaving us to another 3 months of ‘attack ads’ where the two of them just maneuver their positions and shout past each other.
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
By BFKaJ
August 4, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
The most interesting issue is developing now. The conservative republicans are holding a talkathon on the empty house floor. We now have two competing mantra – Pelosi’s “More drilling will not make any difference in the supply of energy” vs. the conservatives’s “Drill, everywhere, now.” I think the shorter phrase likely to register – it has the virtue of making sense. Even Chauncey is pulling the rug out from under Nancy.
By Copyleft
August 4, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Right-wing drivel is always amusing, but McLame’s latest “celebrity” jab was especially funny.
See, he posed the argument that Obama is too popular to win. That’s right—so many people LIKE Obama, that it’s making him unelectable!
Oh, that’s a knee-slapper, that one! Why bother to parody the fascists, when they do such a good job torpedoing themselves?
(snicker)
By Inspector Clouseau
August 4, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
JOSH..You copied Exactly what Rick Davis (karl Roves)protege stated! Any original thoughts JOSH?
As for the debates, again you state the obvious “THE USUAL 3”
The leader, in this case OBAMA doesn’t need to give McCain an extra sounding board!
Obama will draw the crowd wherever he goes .. McCain won’t!
So what would be the point, JOSH?
By BFKaJ
August 4, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Dear Common @ 10:19, “Only people who cling to something that the Replubican believe is going to be taken away will vote for McClain.” Right. Freedom. Money. Peace of mind. Even Walmart – is there anything more American than Walmart? - warned its managers about the risks of democrats.
By Tuffy, The Airborne Soldier
August 4, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Jim,
Sorry Buddy. But I have to agree with Rona and GOPs Gotta Go. Ms. Godzilla, sorry but you and Jim’s hope of having a GOP white house is fading as fast as my jeans. For McCain to suggest these petty ads as being humorous and non attacking is as Ludacris as Ludacris. These tactics obviously renews hope in people who think like you and Ms. Godzilla, but, to be sure, the American Public wants comment on substantive issues. Not humour at the electorates expense. Mccain has said nothing on the economy. Nothing on the mortgage meltdown, healthcare, education, race relations, the defecit, etc., etc. We’ve had bumbling, mis-communications, confusing positions. This is the McCain Campaign. And you see him Presidential?? I think the American people have had quite enough of the GOP. I for one have.
By Gary Indian Jones
August 4, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Obama 08: We’ll always have Paris.
McCain 08: Wet start this, old man…..ew…..run!
By Gary India Jones
August 4, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Obama 08: We’ll always have Paris.
McCain 08: Wet start this, old man…..ew…..run!
By Drew
August 4, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Oh haven’t you heard? Obama now says he might ‘have a role’ for off-shore drilling… that reversal will be seen as somehow different (as in more pure and wise) than McCain’s reversal on the issue… if anyone questions it at all. Just watch.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
McCain can say the surge worked till he’s blue in the face….however it didn’t.
Benchmarks dude, benchmarks!
McCain stance on taxes is just as you noted this or that or maybe this again. What I can’t figure out is how anybody supported the only war time tax decrease ever? What a great thing that has turned out to be for economy!
McCain talks about the judges he wants to appoint….problem is most Americans still support a woman’s right to choose.
McCain, I think, is the man of thin skin. Look at his temper! Obama continues to elevate the discussion.
Sorry, BFKaJ….I think you are dead wrong.
By fearless fosdik
August 4, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
PEADAWG..AKA JOSH,
Or is it pea brain…Get out your popcorn!
I don’t know how many times you’re going to reitirate that now DEBUNKED fairy tale about Obama not visiting the wounded at Landstuhl hospital..Got anything new to add?
By hillbilly ragger
August 4, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Drew @ 10.31, what Obama’s saying about offshore drilling is exactly what I’d advocated (and what got reprinted in the dead-tree edition, actually) on this here blog.
You want to drill in protected areas? Fine. Just agree to extremely painful conservation measures first. And put a ton of effort into alternative energy sources, preferably those that can be done on a micro level (personal solar/wind/geothermal) as well as gridwise.
Show you’re serious about that, and then by all means, let’s see about developing more on public lands. But not before.
Obama seems open to that. Good for him.
By Dennis
August 4, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Give it up, Mr. Wooten. Unless something really earth shaking happens, Obama is already the next president.
Now the issue is, will he be successful or another corrupt disaster like George W. Bush?
Having heavily criticized Bush with my comments on here, I’m now ready and willing to criticize Obama.
Unlike a conservative who must follow the script, being liberal allows me to do that.
Being a conservative as you are, you aren’t allowed to say your boy, George W. Bush, has been a DISASTER.
And you know what? Although Obama has a long, long way to go to catch up with George W. Bush, he’s already flip-flopping.
You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By hillbilly ragger
August 4, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Dear Big Fooking Kludge, who asks: “is there anything more American than Walmart?”
yeah. Representative democracy, unions, and a strong middle class, among hundreds if not thousands of other things, you whiny, no-account dolt.
By Fix-It
August 4, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Finally America is coming to its senses, they are listening to the issues not the baloney. Do away with earmarks and drill is enough to elect the next president.
By Time for Wooten's Nap
August 4, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
YAWWWWWWN!
This column paid for by citizens for McCrusty and more of the same s—t.
By dirty harry
August 4, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
DENNIS…You are right on spot with your comment at 10:38 AM.
I am not sure about Obama, but, I’ll NEVER, ever vote for McCain!
And, when the hens come home to roost, and Obama is president, and if he proves to be as incompetent, and corrupt as these idiots we now have occupying the white house I’ll be the first to say Ah Sh!!t!
By hillbilly ragger
August 4, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Anyway, to get back on topic (and I apologize for first responding to other commenters rather than to Jim’s actual column—mea maxima culpa): sure, McCain can win.
He’s got corporate media management on his side; a lot of reporters have publicly professed genuine fondness for the guy. He’ll be able to attack Obama and, generally, behaving like a guy who’s looking to lose by around 60-80 electoral votes according to a lot of statewide polling, without really getting called out on it.
And Obama could make a mis-step whilst Campaigning while Black. You never know what is going to upset Joe Voter’s delicate widdle ego.
But Jim, seriously, that ain’t the way to bet. And keep in mind, Obama hasn’t really gone after McCain yet. He’s mildly criticized some of McCain’s latest campaign oddities, but Obama’s generally remained above that fray (and his surrogates haven’t exactly gone around calling McCain “McSenile”, either.)
Obama’s assembled a scary-smart ground team, he’s poised to do battle in states like Indiana that haven’t gone Dem since 1964, he may very well take VA and NC. Should Obama decide to kneecap McCain with personal attacks—and there is plenty in McCain’s political and personal history to go after—McCain will likely never recover.
Yeah, the national polling numbers are still kinda close. But have you been watching the state-by-state polls? Whole ‘nother story.
By Paul
August 4, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla 10:33
[[McCain can say the surge worked till he’s blue in the face….however it didn’t.
Benchmarks dude, benchmarks!]]
Something for your calendar - a few months from now - if you could please pencil in “Obama’s benchmarks for victory in Afghanistan” to answer if Obama’s surge strategy worked.
Think he’ll let us know what those benchmarks are before November?
As far a judges, my impression is Rep senators vote “Aye” if the nominee is qualified. That’s why McCain voted for Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg. Even though the Rep right was aghast. Dem senators put in the litmus test, which is why Sen Obama voted against Edwards and Alito - so the Dem hardLeft wouldn’t be aghast (‘course, he hadn’t secured the nomination and was still appeasing the MoveOn crowd. Or perhaps it’s a core belief. Who knows?).
By Get Real
August 4, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I guess if you call ads about Britney and Paris, and not talking about this issues springing to life then yeah he has. What Wooten isn’t saying is that McCain also said that EVERYTHING in on the table to get social security back on track. An increase in payroll taxes is also in there. Don’t let Wooten fool you, he know Republican’s resume this year is really thin, so the only way McCain, can yes win, is if the issues are put to the side and it becomes a mud fest.
By dirty harry
August 4, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Paul…May I ask who is “EDWARDS”?
Or do you know?
By GMAN
August 4, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I am quite amused at the call by Old Man McCain for debates BEFORE the conventions. There have NEVER been debates between opposing party candidates before and why start now? Maybe its because Old Scarface wants more facetime without having to pay for it. Ya think? The next thing you know Old Methuselah will want to dictate the location, date, time, and questions. What a BLEMISH on society!
By Paul
August 4, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
dirty harry
Shoulda been Roberts. Must’ve been listening to the latest news on the radio while typing -
but I don’t know if it’s true or not - he’s not saying.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
GMAN @ 11:05 AM
That’s your best excuse for not wanting to go ahead and debate? Why not start now? Could be interesting but it looks like Obama is a cowardly dog with his tail between his legs. He can’t think for himself…he gets all of his advisors to write his material for him.
By dirty harry
August 4, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Paul..It seems you need a little hint to answer my last question because there is no EDWARDS .. At (my last count) on the supreme Court!
Could you have meant John Roberts?
Jeez do conservatives get anything right?
By Fix-It
August 4, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Hey Dennis, I know a brain surgeon that is 143 days into med school; do you want him to operate on you? Why would you think Osama, I mean Obama would not be more of a disaster that Bush?
By Paul
August 4, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
GMAN
According to the Associated Press:
“In May, when a McCain adviser proposed a series of pre-convention appearances at town hall meetings, Obama said, “I think that’s a great idea.”
“When the idea first came up from the McCain campaign that May, Obama was still battling Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Obama said then: “Obviously, we would have to think through the logistics on that, but … if I have the opportunity to debate substantive issues before the voters with John McCain, that’s something that I am going to welcome.”“
Obama then went on to counter with an offer of a different format for the debates. Obviously, the timing wasn’t an issue. As far as what’s traditionally been done with timing, don’t forget the mantra: “Change.”
By Scraps of What
August 4, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten blew a serious gasket on this one. He finally broke down and started talking about McCain’s loyal base and how he panders to them. That’s what he really means with his line about scrappy smarts. McCain’s clowns throw out scraps to his base and his base eats them up like they were bits of bacon and all of a sudden they’re all smart and knowledgeable on subject matter that they never even heard of during their 5 years of schooling. Scrappy smarts it is. Even McCain starts drooling when he sits and listens to it. Of course, that could just be a sign of other issues.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
The story about The Dunce not visiting troops in Germany has been debunked????
Some people are insanely gullible in this country. It was on his schedule and he didn’t go once he found out that his campaign staff couldn’t accompany him and he was reminded that the press couldn’t go although he says he already knew that part and planned to leave them sitting in the plane on the tarmac. Why he intended to bring them, but leave them in the plane remains unexplained since if that was the plan they could have stayed in Berlin. Debunk that.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Fix-It:
Obama’s advisors wouldn’t be that big of a disaster. They are all probably very smart and do Obama’s work for him since he don’t know shyt :) I 100% agree with you on the brain surgeon thing. Obama was a 2yr junior senator that got nothing done.
By Paul
August 4, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
dirty harry
Pls see my response posted six minutes before your last -
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Anything can happen with this election stealing GOP machine.All the more reason that anyone who wants to see positive progress in this country must go to the polls vote and pay close attention to what is going down at the polls .THE GOP WILL TRY TO CHEAT. IT IS THEIR ONLY HOPE.
By dirty harry
August 4, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
“Can’t think for himself”
At least Obama knows the difference between the Sunni and Shiite tribes…Obama knows there is not a country called chekoslovakia…Obama knows that al-Qaeda is not going into Iran and receiving training.
By all accounts McCain thinks so. Until his advisors whisper in his ear, and say not so JOHN!
By Curious Observer
August 4, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
When are people going to understand that polls of the national sentiment are meaningless? If the national popular vote elected a president, Al Gore would be finishing his second term right now.
Look at the state polls. Include Barr and Nader in the tally—strangely, both Barr and Nader draw votes away from McCain. Then you will have a better idea of where the race stands.
By Chicago
August 4, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
**Anncr VO: Every time you fill your tank, the oil companies fill their pockets.
Now Big Oil’s filling John McCain’s campaign with 2 million dollars in contributions.
Because instead of taxing their windfall profits to help drivers, McCain wants to give them another 4 billion in tax breaks.
After one president in the pocket of big oil… We can’t afford another.
Barack Obama… A windfall profits tax on big oil to give families a thousand dollar rebate.
A president who’ll stand up for you.
Barack VO: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.**
RW, I wonder if you were a reporter would you let the plane that brought you to Europe leave you in Berlin, while the plane takes off. Use common sense man. He saw injured troops in Iraq, and at here in the states. The exact same thing happened to McCain on his trip to Iraq and Europe as well, but that seems to not be important.
By Paul
August 4, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
dirty harry
and what have I said that you label as “conservative”?
Or do you subscribe to the ideological lockstep of “if you point out any inconsistencies or shortcomings in our party, principles, or candidates, you’re the enemy!” (Rather the same thinking as Pres Bush’s “You’re with us or against us.” ) Ain’t diversity and the free exchange of ideas great?.
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Not visiting the troops is a non starter.Total BS blown up out of proportion from lack of real substance from Mclame, he should seek endorsement from Depends. Dried up old loser.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Paul,
Actually I think you’re right about Obambi voting against Edwards. There’s a pretty good chance that every time Edwards does a Benny Hill routine to keep from facing reporters while he’s visiting his mistress Obambi votes him further down the chain of relevance in an Obambi administration.
By Common Sense
August 4, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
To Bkjabc:
McClain has stated he wants to institute several spending programs. I have not heard one idea as to how we the government would pay for his federal programs.
Can you tell me what senator McClain has proposed to pay for his federal programs.
Since Mr. McClain just flip-flop on taxes recently how is he going to fund his programs?
By fearless fosdik
August 4, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Yes RW…DEBUNKED..DEBUNKED..DEBUNKED
These allegations against Obama were almost immediately debunked. NBC News chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell, who accompanied Obama on his overseas trip, reported on the morning of July 25 that Obama met with wounded soldiers in Iraq “without photographers” and that the plan for the Landstuhl visit had been to “leave the press corps on the tarmac.” Mitchell and others would revisit the allegation several times, each time declaring it to be “false” or without factual basis. Nevertheless, the claim that Obama canceled the Landstuhl visit because he could not bring the media along continued to drive media coverage.
Enough said about this topic…
WERE YOU THERE?
By Paul
August 4, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Curious Observer 11:29
[[When are people going to understand that polls of the national sentiment are meaningless?]]
You need to change your name to “Astute Observer.” Every once in a while we see a poll where people are asked a question based on feelings or sentiments, such as “are you for protecting the environment” or some such. Then the followup question: “Would you be willing to pay $N more in taxes to make this happen?”
The sentiment goes out the window.
RW-(the original)
Another good point. It seems a couple of sources would cover this story only from the standpoint of “Has this ruined Edwards’ VP chances?”
If this is true, ya’ gotta wonder what the child support is. So, will a liberal committed to “fairness” take the standard court formula of “this is my worth, this is what child support should be” and pay that without being ordered to by the court?
Alas, we’ll never know…. too much secrecy…
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
To Common Sense:
We know how Obama will pay for his programs…just like every other democrat…by taxes the living hell out of everyone!
By Dutchman
August 4, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
I just wish one liberal would give me one good reason - and not a sound bite - to vote for this inexperienced, 3 year senator?
His policies regarding the economy are disastrous, his litany of new rights is dangerous - imagine, college is going to be a free ride and a right??? who shall pay? Health care the same thing - all glitz and no way to pay for it.
What will happen when most small businesses find their tax burden sky rocketing - increase taxes on income over $250 k. Most small businesses are not incorporated and are single proprietary run. income from the business is filed on owners tax forms.
It is all spend, spend and more spending - and that means more taxes taken from the working man.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Chicago,
Yes. If he told the press they weren’t allowed to go they would have no choice, but he could also have just ditched them like when he sent them to Chicago while he had his late night meeting with Hillary. let’s see some documentation as to your claim that McBushie did the same thing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Look what I just won!
We are delighted to inform you that you are one of the THREE LUCKY WINNERS whose e-mail address won the sum payout of Ł500,000 pounds.(Five Hundred Thousand Pounds Sterlings Only)
Good thing I’m not one of you fool moonbat(ic)s® or I might answer the email.
By @@
August 4, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
McCain’s campaign made fun of Obama’s energy proposal Monday by distributing tire pressure gauges to McCain’s traveling press corps.
The gag was meant to mock Obama’s remark last week that “making sure your tires are properly inflated” could help conserve gasoline.
Before departing for Pennsylvania, Mark Salter, a top McCain adviser, told the press on board McCain’s plane that campaign staffers had brought along copies of Obama’s energy plan for reporters to study on the flight.
After takeoff, Salter re-emerged with his punch line, passing out the pressure gauges reading “Obama’s energy plan” to the journalists on the flight.
The Republican National Committee said McCain supporters in Michigan were planning to distribute the same gauges at Obama’s energy speech in Lansing today.
Well it isn’t the racist “oreos” that liberals found funny at a Michael Steele appearance.
It’s FUNNY.
Gauging OBlahMa’s gas.
By Common Sense
August 4, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
To Pea Brain,
What has a 25 year Senator done? Voted for the war and the surge? Should we give him credit him for the war strategy? You are very funny you want to give the old guy credit for being a 25 year senator and a war hero who was captured and tortured.
Quite a few of the Replublican guard has mention Mr. Obama is a brained washed mulsim but Mr. McClain was capture and tortured and we are suppose to believe captain hot head is O.K.
Their is not way I would trust someone who has been torture and a hothead with the button!
Wake-up America it time to take this country in a different direction.
By AJC/DNC Management
August 4, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
IT has been a tough year for the high priests of global warming in the US. First, NASA had to correct its earlier claim that the hottest year on record in the contiguous US had been 1998, which seemed to prove that global warming was on the march. It was actually 1934. Then it turned out the world’s oceans have been growing steadily cooler, not hotter, since 2003. Meanwhile, the winter of 2007 was the coldest in the US in decades, after Al Gore warned us that we were about to see the end of winter as we know it.
Fear and ignorance, Hume concludes, are the true source of superstition. They lead a blind and terrified public to embrace any practice, however absurd or frivolous, which either folly or knavery recommends.
The knaves today, of course, are the would-be high priests of the global warming orthodoxy, with former US vice-president Gore as their supreme pontiff.
Nothing more than a kult of Godless heathens, creating their own perverted religion so that they can have meaning in their shallow, empty, sorry little lives.
There are plenty of things out their for these spineless wonders to “fight,” Islamic terrorism, rogue dictatorships, but notice how these sissies find a fake problem to man up against, stupid, worthless cartoon warriors.
Fools all.
By SaveOurRepublic
August 4, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Of course “McAmnasty” could win…especially with the aid of those rig-prone Diebold (Premier Election Solutions) voting machines. By that notion, so could Globalist Elite shill #2, “Bacrock Obummer”.
That being said, the GOP’s chances of winning have greatly been reduced since the Neocons sold out the (true) conservative base (over the last 8 years). Instead of embracing real conservative principles of less government, protection of American jobs/middle class, defending U.S. sovereignty & borders, limiting foreign aid & entanglements & ridding us of the private Fed & the un-Constitutional IRS, the Globalist Elite controlled GOP/Neocon “leadership” has gone in the opposite direction. Many Republicans I’ve spoken too are leaning towards a 3rd party candidate (Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin) or not voting at all…it’s this aspect that may cost the GOP in November. Conversely, many well-meaning folks will surely be duped into the “voting for the lesser of two evils” fallacy & casting a vote for “McAmnasty”. So, it largely depends on how many of the GOP’s (real) conservative base will sit out the election or vote a 3rd party candidate (as will I).
As I’ve said many times on these blogs, there is no true difference between “McAmnasty” & “Obummer”…they are controlled by the exact same Internationalist ma$ters & are two sides of the same coin!!! I’d strong suggest anyone who cares about saving the last remains of our (quickly fading) Constitutional Republic, check out Constitution Party nominee Dr.Chuck Baldwin (who’s platform is nearly identical to patriot Ron Paul’s)…
http://www.baldwin2008.com
By Dutchman
August 4, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Question to all liberals
If BHO is so good and will make everything perfect, why can’t he pull ahead of a 71 year old man? I mean, John McCain served 23 years in the military and served in Congress for almost that long.
Surely, BHO can convince folks that his vision is too good to be true.
By Skeptic Tank
August 4, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
What rankles me beyond words is that you would herald such a hollow victory, Mr. Wooten. Republicans will have to hold their noses when they pull the lever and vote for McCain. You know it, I know it, and the rest of the planet knows it. The man only espouses conservative values when he’s pandering to the likes of YOU. Your partisan grandstanding merely shows your utter abandonment of your core conservative values. It’s all about winning, isn’t it, Jim? Good luck trying to sleep at night.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Common Sense:
Stop bringing up all the muslim bs talk. I know Obama’s a christian, seen the video of him being sworn in on the Bible, not the koran. I’m not voting for McCain b/c Obama’s black or “muslim”. I would vote for Mrs. Rice or Mr. Powell in a heartbeat over McCain or Obama.
i’m voting for McCain b/c he shares my christian views. He is opposed to gay marriage, opposed to abortion(murder), and will not tax us into poverty.
By Soothsayer
August 4, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Hello all. I have to leave after this post so you can respond but I will not be here to answer.
This post is about the rise of the Right in this country. I know that every person who considers themselves conservative also considers themselves to be good and honest and decent persons.
However, as you listen to your talk radio, I want you to be aware of some goals and ideals that were advanced some years ago. They were advanced by one of the greatest propandists of all time—Adolph Hitler. Maybe you’ll hear some of these on the radio:
Create external enemies (Islamic fascists) Create internal enemies (Liberals, etc.) A need to fight for one’s nationality Create territorial and ethnocentrism Create the appearance of aggression against our country. Need to defend our culture against [Islamic fascists] Intolerance of views different than your own Strong central government and control over media
“I will provide a propagandistic casus belli (cause for war). Its credibility doesn’t matter. The victor will not be asked whether he told the truth.” —Adolf Hitler
One of the most central themes of Nazi propaganda was that all problems were someone else’s fault.
Will this country ever “tip?” Something to think about.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
ff,
You just said the same thing I did, so how exactly is that debunking the statement…..He scheduled the visit and then didn’t go?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obumbler is speaking right now and he just repeated his insane claim about meeting some guy that couldn’t afford gas to go look for a job. Where did he meet this guy and how did the guy get there?
He also just said he doesn’t want to make the perfect the enemy of the good. Where have I heard that before?
By AJC/DNC Management
August 4, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
The main lesson is that Barack Obama’s record, throughout his career, demonstrates conclusively that he has never been a reformer, that this image of “change and hope” that he projects is really a great lie. In fact there’s never been a single time in Senator Obama’s political career where he did something that was difficult and would cost him politically for the sake of needed reforms and change.
Matter of fact, the Wingnuts have written a book about it:
Happy Birthday, Barack! Swift Boat publisher Regnery is sending Barack Obama a huge unwanted birthday present today…
Can you say done dealing?
By Hillbilly Deluxe
August 4, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Anything more American than WalMart? Hell everything in there is made in China. Remember when Sam Walton prided himself on selling US made goods? If you know a longtime WalMart employee, ask them how things changed after Sam died.
By fearless fosdik
August 4, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
By Paul
August 4, 2008 11:30 AM
NO, Paul I subscribe to no “ideological lockstep!” I vote, with what I think is the countrys best interest!
That’s why I voted against Bush Twice. You want to know why?? The guy is an absolute moron, incompetent at best, and corrupt down to his cowboy boots!
If you look back at his past history it’s not hard to understand this pinhead…Without daddy’s help this guy Couldn’t get a job at the local Dairy Queen.
But, having said that. I’ve voted republican before..But, on all accounts most turn out to march to the “ideological lockstep”with which you mention.
Over the years I have found most democrats march to their own tune..A tune which is good for the people, the economy and the country!
What was the defecit when BUSH took office? What is it now?
What was the Dow when Bush took office? What is it now?
You don’t have to be a Mensa candidate to figure it out Paul…..
By AJC/DNC Management
August 4, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
There is a hurricane headed towards oil country and the price has dropped $4 a barrel??
Say what?
Oil falls $4 after weak US spending report, blah, blah, blah-Alternative Universe Press
Gee, I wonder if it has anything to do with all thee talk of drilling, hmmmmmm?
By hillbilly ragger
August 4, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Well, Peadog, if you’re stupid enough to believe that a blastocyst is an autonomous human being, and vile enough to believe that a women’s uterus belongs to the state and not to herself, and out-of-touch enough to deny gay Americans equal rights (a solid majority disagree with you) then you probably deserve a President McCain.
However, I do want to take issue with your notion that Obama will, as you hilariously put it, “tax the living hell out of everyone”.
Where did you get this idea? Please post it.
By Common Sense
August 4, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
See Dutchman,
Supporting a candidate does not mean we think Mr. Obama is the messiah as you incredibly simple minded replublicans or whatever you call yourselves want to paint.
We support Mr. Obama because he has assembly a great team and we know Mr. Obama is willing to listen and work with other replublicans to get this country back on track.
Now I know one person in 4 year is not going to solve the incredible mess the United States is in but Mr. Obama has shown poise, confidence and the ability to organize plus make good decisions when it comes to policy.
Let’s face it you can talk tax increase all you want but if McClain wins he will have to raise taxes. The life blood of this country is the middle class and according to Mr. Obama that is where his tax break will go to.
Their is not going to be a tax for the small business person.
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
This neo-con infested GOP is undeniably sliding down the toilet as we speak.
The evidence is overwhelming and the facts irrefutable.
And alll but the most brain-dead on the right wing’s lunatic fringe know it.
Yet ALL they can do is bash the mulatto.
Their own scandal ridden house of cards is about to come crashing down, yet NONE of the power brokers, chickenhawks and paid off wh0res in that party seems to be able to even admit it, much less change their sorry ways.
My gawd, wake up, Republicans!
You are going to get absolutely hammered yet again this fall. All over the country. Do you honestly believe that is NOT going to happen?
And even if the RINO is the next CIC, he can’t (and probably wouldn’t if he could) change that.
Unless you want ANOTHER forty years on the outside looking in, you had best have an epiphany and soon.
And in the meantime, how about growing a pair?
By Brad Bishop
August 4, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
The worst part about all of this is that as much as people bicker back and forth about these two, they’re actually really close in stance on most issues (if you can track their changes).
Neither one of them really stands for anything but what the crowd they’re talking to that day wants to hear.
I’d much prefer someone who stands up and just says it outright what their beliefs and ideologies are and then let me decide based on that. Then I have something to work with.
Obama has gone back and forth on many issues, so has McCain (“reaching across the aisle”). While I’d love to say, “Yeah, Obama/McCain changed their mind on that topic and it was because they really thought it through,” the more likely scenerio is that they saw the poll numbers on that topic that day for the people they were about to speak to and then started spewing out whatever matched the poll numbers.
That’s not a leader, that’s a follower.
The both stand for nothing.
Worse, the citizens of this country wouldn’t accept them standing for anything. They’d be ‘extremists’ if they did.
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Yes MCcain has been compromised and broken. no telling what they put in his head in Korea. talk about your manchurian candidate
By fearless fosdik
August 4, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
By Dutchman
August 4, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Question to all liberals
DUTCHMAN … Can you spell the word C-O-L-O-R!
Answer your question?
By GOPs got to go
August 4, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
I have heard enough about the experience needed for the Presidency. There has been a President with as little, or possibly less, political experience as Senator Obama, a President who led this Country in the time of greatest difficulty, Abraham Lincoln. You see it can be done, and done well. I want to hear what the man has to say, not what is said or insinuated about him in some juvenile ad.
By Paul
August 4, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
fearless fosdik/dirty harry 12:03
Thanks for the clarification. Your original comment was in response to one of mine pointing out McCain would vote for someone for the Supreme Court who didn’t share a litmus test ideological view while Obama wouldn’t. Then I erred in naming a Justice.
your 11:12 read “Jeez do conservatives get anything right?”
I just asked why that made me a conservative and wondered if ultraliberals still followed the “with me or against me” line of thought.
But your 12:03 was a diatribe against Pres Bush.
So I still don’t know the answer.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
hillbilly ragger:
so a woman can kill a child whenever she wants…ok makes sense lol.
gay’s can have equal rights, no problem. but it’s a civil union or something, not marriage. marriage is for 1 man and 1 woman. i got no problem w/ equal rights, just don’t call it marriage.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Why Obama is losing the pundit race … and winning the election…..Barack Obama’s charisma, combined with his outstanding campaign staff, make him a threat to the MSM monopoly on political awareness. Unlike a traditional candidate, he doesn’t need to kowtow to reporters or pundits in the hope they’ll portray him in a good light. He can, and has, and will go directly to We the People. The MSM don’t like that one bit, and that’s why Obama is losing - and will likely continue to lose - the pundit race. But as for the election…. A week ago, Barack Obama was a 3:2 favorite to win the election. Today, Barack Obama is a 2:1 favorite to win the election. A week ago, Barack Obama was likely to win 273 electoral votes (EVs). Today, Barack Obama is likely to win 303 EVs. Those statistical predictions are far more important than how many pundits wrote or said what because every election is, by nature, a statistical event. Specifically, an election is a statistical estimate of the vox populi - the voice of the people. It’s only an estimate, because not all of the people vote. But it’s an estimate based on the set of people who are legally eligible and are motivated enough to go cast a vote. “But Crissie,” you say, “the polls show this is a dead heat!” No they don’t, because national opinion polls don’t estimate the same process. We don’t use a national popular vote, which is what national opinion polls estimate. A presidential election is a simultaneous series of fifty state elections. National opinion polls are as meaningless as the nationwide popular vote on election day, and the total of runs scored by each team in the baseball World Series. That’s not how either event is scored.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
In the middle of John McCain’s dopey Britney & Paris attack ad, the announcer gravely asks of Barack Obama: “Is He Ready to Lead?” An equally good question is whether McCain is ready to lead. For a man who will turn 72 this month, he’s a surprisingly immature politician—erratic, impulsive and subject to peer pressure from the last knucklehead who offers him advice. The youthful insouciance that for many years has helped McCain charm reporters like me is now channeled into an ad that one GOP strategist labeled “juvenile,” another termed “childish” and McCain’s own mother called “stupid.” The Obama campaign’s new mantra is that McCain is “an honorable man running a dishonorable campaign.” Lame is more like it. And out of sync with the real guy.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Cute new ending for Obambi’s speech
change the country, change the world
Are the writer’s of Heroes writing his speeches now?
save the cheerleader, save the world
By Chicago
August 4, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
RW, ditching them overseas is completely different than putting them on a plane to Chicago without him being on it. Common sense again, man.
Obama seems to have good judgment, and has shown to be a good campaigner. Based on how he beat the Clinton juggernaut, and raised a significant amount of money this election. His judgment on foreign policy seems to be good, as the Iraqi PM has agreed with him on troop timelines. Bush agrees, even though he has to use the lame ‘time horizon’ wording to make it appear as not the same. Very childish. 8 years ago, experience didn’t seem to be the catch word of the election. It was someone you’d ‘most want to have a beer with.’ Do you Republicans recall that. Look where that got you. I don’t see how McCain has such a wealth of experience, being that he voted to go to war in Iraq, said we’d be greeted as liberators, and the oil money will pay for the war. Militarily the surge has worked, but very little political gains have been made. And either way you add it up, this war will be looked at as a complete failure. What did it accomplish? How has it protected this coutry? If McCain had so much experience and tends to stand up against BushCo, then he should’ve stood up before the war and said it wasn’t worth. You can put lipstick on a pig, but its still a pig. Sure violence has gone down in Iraq, but that doesn’t change the fact that this war wasn’t worth it. You can use Wooten’s math, and it’ll still be the same.
By Just Nasty and Mean
August 4, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Good Afternoon Jim, et al,
On Jim’s topic, as the campaign rolls out we will see Obama steadly but surely start to slump. The reasons are obvious to all:
1) The more Obama talks, the more people find his is a purely political beast and nothing else. He’d throw his own grandmother and his preacher under the bus for politics (oh yea, he’s already done that).
2) His arrogance is undeniable. If there is anything the electorate can’t stand, its an elitist Harvard Lawyer passing out condescending remarks (bitterly clinging on to their guns and bibles) (“people of the world—this is OUR moment”). Arrogant A$$
3) It doesn’t take a rocket scientist, or a government school teacher to see the obvious that Obama has the experience as deep as your average mud puddle.
4) Clearly, Obama is scripted—-as evidenced by the fact he stumbles, gaffs, uhhhhs, every time he is not giving a speech. The public KNOWS why Obama won’t debate McCain in a town hall meeting. It’s the same reason as Hillary’s—he can’t control the questions and fumbles the response. America sees his weak principles and lack of core beliefs (“I would no more disown Rev. Wright than….And then he did…)
5) When Obama spoke at all the photo-op occasions in Europe and the Middle east, America saw Obama’s was a campaign by the making of Manchurian Madison Avenue Marketeers. You’d have to have your head in the sand to not see his positions moved to the center since he barely stumbled across the finish line against Hillary.
6) After all, this guy is a die-hard chain smoker. Anybody that can’t control his own self-destructive compulsions (can you say Bill Clinton?) has no place as leader of the USA.
There was no Obama bump in the polls because we are learning that Obama is an empty suit..
C’mon Mrs. Godzilla—stand in front of the mirror and ask if this isn’t true.
By Devastator
August 4, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla,
That’s an excellent article you posted @12:17.
I hardly watch media coverage now because of the negativity toward Obama. I have long since cut off FoxNews and they’re brainwashing, but I have been noticing lately that Pro McCain coverage has been on the upswing in most channels.
I feel sorry for the RWs and Dustys of the world that are being led on for ratings and are going to think they actually have a chance, but then are going to get their precious hearts ripped to pieces in November.
By Paul
August 4, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla 12:17
Could it have anything to do with the idea that many saw “the media” as adoring of Sen Obama - so much so that it became grist for Saturday Night Live - heck, even with Jay Leno on the Tonight Show:
Link: Jay Leno Obama Mia
you have to wait for the commercial to finish for the video to play.
So the pendulum swings back with a vengeance as ‘the media” tries to recover some semblance of professionalism.
NYT had a good article on this:
Link: Starry-Eyed Media Breed Green-Eyed Candidates
By ron
August 4, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly Ragger,Let’s see,Obama,Taxes.Democratic Congress,Pelosi,Reid,Spend Spend.Taxes are going to go up under Obama.That’s pretty near a given.Not set in stone mind you,but a near enough certainty to bet on it.
By BoneHead
August 4, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
I love it; NOBAMA has finally got to add some meat to his campaign. Where’s the beef? The polls show that the people finally realize that he is a post turtle. LOL I can’t wait for all the liberal reasoning as to why 143 days of experience is enough. RLOL Hahahaha
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Just nasty and mean…..
You are wrong. Plain and simple.
By hillbilly ragger
August 4, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Peadog, terminating a pregnancy in the first trimester is not now legally equivalent to “killing a child,” nor has it ever been. And that you would “lol” over such a matter is just plain weird.
As for your stand on civil unions, good for you. You’re actually where most Americans are; they’ve come a long way in a few short years. Why you fret so over calling it “marriage” is beyond me—so long as your own church (I’m guessing) wants to only recognize hetero marriages, isn’t that what matters to you, personally?
Again I ask, and you’ve not yet answered: where’d you get the idea that a President Obama would “tax us all to death?”
Is it from the same economic genuius, Rush Limbaugh, who told me in 1992 that a Clinton Presidency would “ruin the economy?” (yes, I remember those exactly words.)
Remember, it’s true that Clinton DID raise taxes… a whopping 3.6% of income on joint accounts above a quarter-mil per year. Hoo boy, that sure was confiscatory, huh?
By Skeptic Tank
August 4, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla
What’s truly amazing is that the right-wingers continue to cling on to the notion that the MSM is liberal!
The press has been instrumental in allowing Bush’s failed presidency to continue unabated and unquestioned. And still, the conservative pundits use the straw man “leftist media” as their raison d’etre. How ironic!
By GOP= tired old men
August 4, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
John McMassah aka McCain was recently asked about his civil rights voting record, he out right lied to a reporter and said he voted for MLK’s birthday to become a federal holiday back in 1983 when nothing could be further from the truth. Most republicans voted for the measure to become law, however McMassah and every other congreesman from Arizona at the time voted against it, along with a certain congressman from Wyoming who is VP right now. Big Suprise!!! McMassah also supported South Carolina’s right to fly the stars and bars above the state captitol, McMassah is a joke I dont think he is racist, I just think he is a wh0re for getting votes and being elected into office.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Chicago,
BS. He doesn’t have to allow anyone he doesn’t want on his plane and all he had to do was say he was going to the military hospital where they weren’t allowed. The press understands that, but Obama was scared to go without his military advisers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mrs. G,
Were you shocked to read that the Kos kidz understand that the popular vote is meaningless?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What Chetry also misses in this exchange, and which Romney didn’t mention either, is the extraordinary amount of tax companies like ExxonMobil already pays. They paid three times as much in taxes as they made in profit in 2007. Government makes a lot more money on the backs of these “average Joes” than shareholders in these companies, many of whom are the same average Joes, thanks to the vast expansion of the investor class over the last 25 years.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
McCain’s Working Class Whites Problem? WaPo poll: Obama leads by 10 points — among working class whites.
By Francisco Solano
August 4, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
By golly, Wooten’s Right again! Obama’s speech in Lansing today, announcing his “energy policy”.
Thirty-two minutes. First half, fluff. Second half, an unbridled spending spree on The People’s plastic, with a segue back into fluffyland for the concluding five minutes.
P.S. @@ has been jacked, rather incompetently.
By Devastator
August 4, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Paul,
The media is in it for ratings. Most of the daytime viewers are retired McCain supporters. Obama supporters are too busy working and using cell phones(the reason for competitive poll numbers)to be sitting at home with nothing to do but watch cable news.
Also, speaking to poll numbers, The average Obama supporter is younger and they are more likely to just be using cellphones and have no lan(home phone) lines which make it difficult if not impossible for pollsters to reach them. While McCain supporters are watching ‘Gunsmoke’ reruns on a friday night, Obama supporters are both out enjoying life and using cellphones as their primary means of communication.
I would bet that if everyone was truly polled, Obama would be ahead by 10-15 points.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
hillbilly ragger:
i lol at the fact that u think murder is ok…god help your soul. i can see where u r not on sundays…
and for an answer to ur question: he’s a democrat, plane and simple. all democrats talk about is taking money from the rich who work and giving it to the poor who sit on their a* and have babies and expect us working people to pay for them. Robin Hood was FICTIONAL! It’s like a child trying to immitate a cartoon…it’s all fiction. Don’t try to imitate it u morons.
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Given his age i think it would be fair to ask McCain how much medication he is taking daily.
By GMAN
August 4, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Peadawg alias “peed-on-dowg”, what I said was not an excuse. It is a fact! McCrackface is desperate and will do anything, including airing ridiculously senicle campaign ads that speak absolutely nothing of what he’s going to do for the American people. He’s a tired old man using tired old campaign tactics. Can you say Lee Atwater. Obama isn’t a coward, JUST SMART!
By Get Real
August 4, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Wooten, isn’t calling any Democrat elitist and arrogant standard get-out-the-vote for Republicans? Trying to tell them he’s not like you, even though every Republican for President the last 20 years has been a rich, elitist… The Bush’s aren’t middle class. They’re eastern elitists even though Bush potrayed himself as being a cowboy from Texas. McCain is married to a millionaire beer heiress and wear’s $2,000 Ferragamo shoes. I highly doubt he’s an average guy. His father and grandfather were Admirals in the Navy, and thats how he got in and graduated. Meanwhile, Obama came from a middle class family, worked his way through Columbia and Havard and made something of himself. Isn’t that supposed to be the American story? McCain feels the pain of what Americans are going through about as well as Bush does. They’ve never had to worry about their jobs, paying bills, and healthcare. They’ve always had it. Obama just paid off his student loans, something we can all relate to. Obama IS more experienced than McCain on everyday working class issues. Call it what you want Wooten.
By Skeptic Tank
August 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Given the chance, the rich would never cough up a dime for their country. Greed is avaricious, and unrestrained capitalism only encourages further greed. That being said, we have far too many lazy people in this country who live off the rest of us, middle and upper classes included. As long as our welfare laws continue to discourage employment, or are woefully administered, our people will debate this forever.
WHERE WERE THE REPUBLICANS FROM 2000-2006, when they had the White House and the Congress and could have DONE SOMETHING about this debacle? No, they would rather let things remain status quo, and use it as a campaign tool to get elected. And that, my friends, is more despicable than the welfare state itself.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Dhimmistater,
Fox News plays every second of every Obambi appearance, blowing through all the hard breaks so as not to miss a word. Every so often they show a tiny snippet of a McBushie appearance. I have no illusions of where the hearts of media are.
By Chicago
August 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Just Nasty and Mean, Bush went to Yale and got his MBA from Havard, but he fooled you guys to make you think he was one of you. McCain got into the Navy because of his lineage. Obama on the other hand had no legacy ties to Columbia or Havard, rather he worked his way there. So who’s the elitist? Get your head out of the sand. McCain is married to a millionaire.
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Peadawg i am a Liberal democrat who works his as*off everyday paying taxes so some fat trailer trash breeding republican can live off welfare.
By Devastator
August 4, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
RW,
When they play Obama’s speeches or apperances, look at the comments below it. It will almost always show what McCain says about whatever the Obama clip is. McCain camp says……
It’s that way more often than not.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
FRANKLEEDARLING @ 1:00 PM
all I can ask is why? and please give me a good answer
By Maniac is accurate
August 4, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Obama has skated by on charm, without much accomplishment. The public is discovering there’s very little there there. He’s a political Tonya Harding.
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
FRANKLEEDARLING @ 1:00 PM
all I can ask is why? and please give me a good answer
and also…the ones on welfare are usually dems.
By ron
August 4, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Everyday working class problems are hardly what makes the world go round.An understanding of them is a nice thing,but hardly what is needed in a President.I’ve had working class problems all my life and no President ever made me a priority.That’s more the job of the House than the President if it’s their job at all.What I want from government is security from attack,both foreign and domestic.I want the Constitution upheld so I don’t lose rights.I lost some ground,rightswise under Bush,but I still feel more secure with Republicans than I do Democrats.I do not trust anyone that is on the outer edges of either party and that is exactly where Obama stands.He’ll pander toward the centrists to get electedbut he’s a far lefty through and through.
By Yoda
August 4, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
The race card was played very subtly by the Republicans long before they can claim Obama did so.
Calling a popular and intellectual candidate “arrogant,” “presumptuous,” etc. is code for “This negro doesn’t know his place” in my view.
What is interesting is that neither Obama nor anyone associated with his campaign started this “Messiah” or “The One” crap - it’s all come from the other side. Hmmm.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
House conservatives boo veterans organizations who urge a clean military funding bill. On Friday, the House considered a bill providing needed funding to veterans and military organizations. House conservatives tried to attach an offshore oil drilling amendment to the bill, threatening its passage.
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Some VERY interesting analysis of Sen. Obama today.
Many will think I’m nuts for saying this but is some ways he eerily reminds me of our Texas ANG hero, King George II.
Nasty’s first point that he is a pure politician is IMHO correct. But then that is essentially irrelevant, as who now isn’t? (There is one presidential candidate, but most can’t even fathom a guess).
And as for Obama “throwing his preacher under the bus”, though technically correct, that too is not the salient point.
His having a “spiritual advisor” in the first place is. Emulating the worst aspects of the GOP is NOT wise for the Democrats. Drop the mythology/religion cr@p.
We’ve just endured eight years of “christian” knuckle-draggers in the White House (actually nearly thirty going back to Ronnie and Eddie Meese) pandering to the Robertsons, Falwells, Dobsons et al in this country (i.e. the VERY worst people to have involved in ANY policy decisions) and McCain has shown superior judgment by giving only token lip-service to these monied frauds and the hyper-myopic “base”.
And would an Obama administration include Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton as “advisors”?
Perish the thought.
So, like not very curious George, who surrounded himself with awful Reagan castoffs, neo-cons out the arse and thugs not seen since Nixon, Obama’s choices of “advisors” seem at first glance, suspect.
ALL politicians are arrogant now. In and of itself, no big deal. And again, look at the beloved Darth Rove, Gin Rummy and Dickhead as three who would practically throw tantrums when they got advice or news they didn’t want to hear. Arrogance and willful ignorance is a deadly combination. See Iraq. Nuff said.
Experience IS important, but it is also greatly overvalued and misunderstood. Yet again people, look at King George - his lack of character was VASTLY more important (and obvious) than all of his “experienced” failures yet apparently nobody in the GOP cared.
McCain, should he NOT swing to the right between now and November, will earn the votes of most independents and centrists because of his character.
And if elected, lets all just pray he stays with his reasoned and reasonable RINO approach and gives the GOP’s completely corrupted and inept “conservatives” reason to continue loathing him…
By B. Frank
August 4, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) said Sunday Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is not ready to be president, and Sen. John McCain’s ads from this past week were merely trying to illustrate that point.
I vote that as the understatement of the year.
WASHINGTON — As the presidential candidates enter the three-month sprint to November, Barack Obama must be wondering: If that did not do it, what will?
I vote that as the question of the year.
As of today, Obama and McCain are tied in polling data with a slight margin to McCain. You idiots on the left must be so proud of your Messiah after all the pluses he has in his corner, especially from the left wing media in this nation.
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Clinton did more to dismantel the welfare state than any republican.Govement has grown huge under the republicans.I dont think you are looking at the big picture do the math
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Yoda @ 1:10 PM:
give me a break. So, if i say Bush has big ears like a monkey and i call him a idiot redneck who can’t talk correctly(which i think he is)…is that being racist?
I call Tim Tebow(florida qb) arrogant all the time. i don’t mean “This negro doesn’t know his place.” your an idiot.
By SaveOurRepublic
August 4, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
To quote Dr.Baldwin (from the July Ron Paul Freedom March on DC)…
“This one thing I surely believe: our liberties and freedoms, yea, the Constitution itself, are hanging by the thinnest of threads. Both major parties have sliced and diced constitutional government to the point that there isn’t much left. And the two presumptive candidates for President from the two major parties will only continue to eviscerate what few freedoms and liberties are left. Both Barack Obama and John McCain will do nothing to secure our borders and ports. Neither will do anything to quench the thirst of our federal government for intrusions abroad and meddling within. Neither will do anything to stop the machinations and lust of the power-elite for globalism and corporatism. They will do nothing to stop the NAFTA superhighway or the burgeoning North American Union. They will do nothing to rid our country of its dependence on foreign oil, and neither will they do anything to stop the infatuation with spending billions and billions of taxpayer dollars on foreign aid. Elect either John McCain or Barack Obama and it will be business as usual in Washington, D.C.”.
http://www.baldwin2008.com
By M D Hedger
August 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Congress has done left the building with the possible exception of a few Republicans who like to kick things around in the dark. So, that pretty much takes care of those drill, drill, drill some more yapping pieholes’ chances of seeing any legislation for drilling more holes under water and yet oil prices keep falling. That also shoots down that stupid Republican pinhead chant about oil prices dropping because the politicians were chanting about drilling more holes. Anyone that really bets on oil futures doesn’t listen to that crap from the Republican politicians anyway. The real story, a.k.a, the truth, behind the falling prices is apparently beyond the grasp of these Republican pinheads. It’s called less demand. The Bush administration has driven the country into a recession, you Republican pinheads.
By Abomi Nation
August 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
New Gallup poll out.
Looks like McCain’s bump is gone. Obvious backlash from the Paris Hilton and “Chosen One” ads. Maybe Americans will demand a real debate this time.
Obama…46%
McCain…43%
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
FRANKLEEDARLING , there is no doubt, NONE, NADA, ZILCH, that this country was MUCH better off under Bubba than BushCo.
By ANY measurable indicators.
And it absolutely infuriates the neo-cons…
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
POLLS POLLS POLLS
By Peadawg
August 4, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Yoda @ 1:10 PM:
Race shouldn’t even be the issue, but people like you and obama, with remarks like that, make it an issue.
By BFKaJ
August 4, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Dear Paul @ 11:30 and 11:42, you may think of yourself as a moderate, but you cannot conceal your analytical abilities. You used a revealing term, “thinking” approvingly. Leftists only “feel” as you noted @ 11:42.
Dear Common @ 11:49, “Voted for the war and the surge? Should we give him credit him for the war strategy?” Actually you do have to credit McCain for the surge. He argued for it before President Bush was ready. McCain’s strategy won the war for Bush. I have grave doubts about many elements of Captain Queeg, but I have to credit him for the Iraq strategy. Looks a world smarter than the democrats “cut n run” doesn’t it? Especially now that Al Qaeda is essentially wiped out. @ 12:07, “Let’s face it you can talk tax increase all you want but if McClain wins he will have to raise taxes.” I am sure I have heard that somewhere before.
Dear Dutchman @ 11:55, of course He can, He is The One.
Dear Fosdik @ 12:03, just what do you have against Mensa?
Dear Ragger @ 12:07, “However, I do want to take issue with your notion that Obama will, as you hilariously put it, “tax the living hell out of everyone”. Where did you get this idea? Please post it.” Here it is: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121728762442091427.html?mod=mostviewedopinion7
Dear Common @ 12:07, “Let’s face it you can talk tax increase all you want but if McClain wins he will have to raise taxes.” I am sure I have heard that somewhere before. http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/conventions/chicago/facts/famous.speeches/mondale.84.shtml
Dear Mrs. Godzilla @ 12:41, the Rasmussen Reports™ “daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows the race for the White House is tied with Barack Obama and John McCain each attracting 44% of the vote. However, when “leaners” are included, it’s McCain 47% and Obama 46%. This is the first time McCain has enjoyed even a statistically insignificant advantage of any sort since Obama clinched the Democratic nomination on June 3… A week ago today, Obama had a three-percentage point lead and the candidates were even among unaffiliated voters. Today, McCain leads 52% to 37% among unaffiliateds.
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Sad isn’t it?
By getalife "whiners"
August 4, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
So, the one has an attack ad on McCorrupt stating he got 2 million after flipping on drilling.
The one will get the same leading the dems to cave on drilling like FISA.
Here is the elephant in the room.
Until they address this legal bribery elephant, nothing will change.
Nada, zip, zero.
This election is much to do about business as usual. Period.
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
dhimmistater,
I seriously doubt that since the crawl tends to be over an array of issues, but I’ll try to check next time. I’m generally too busy laughing at The Dunce swiveling his head left to right so fast, never once pausing to look at his audience, so he doesn’t miss a word on the teleprompter. If that thing ever breaks in mid speech it’s going to be hysterical.
By BFKaJ
August 4, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Dear Frank @ 1:18, you correct credit Bill Clinton for signing the welfare reform bill passed by the Republican Congress. Clinton’s courage there has to be respected since most democrats opposed the legislation. As to your thesis, I agree Republicans spend too much, but Democrats spend more.
By bit
August 4, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Comparing Barack Obama to Britney and Paris is like comparing Albert Enstein to George W Bush and claiming that Albert Einstein is a lightweight.
If John Mccain claims Barack has no substance, he also has to be asked the question: Where is John McCain’s substance?
Offering a $300 million prize to anyone who builds a better battery, when whoever does so will be a multi billionaire. Is this a policy that makes economic sense?
And if the McCain administration hires people from the same tainted talent pool that George Bush has hired from, how will the policies and outcomes of a McCain administration be any different than a George Bush administration?
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Its not who spends more. its who spends more on what
By FRANKLEEDARLING
August 4, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
and really you cant call republican fiscaly responsible come on these guys are living on barrowed time
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Billy Jeff and strange bedfellow scenarios.
McCain’s victory on this point should suggest a re-examination of the Bill-as-race-card-player meme of the primaries. Obama’s attack now looks like a pattern. He wants to pose as a post-racial candidate, but whenever anyone criticizes him too effectively, Obama retreats behind a my-opponents-are-racists defilade. Bill can hope that McCain’s victory and exposure of this strategy will retroactively give people a chance to reconsider their previous condemnation of his own behavior.
And the reverse is also true. Bill’s continued and impassioned defense against these charges help bolster McCain’s efforts this week. That’s why Clinton told ABC that the conversation would be “counterproductive”, but he couldn’t restrain his anger for very long in the event. The “post-racial” pose is collapsing, and it benefits both McCain and Bill Clinton.
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
FRANKLEEDARLING, your 1:40 says a ton in a few words.
Most Americans have failed to grasp a useful understanding of the word VALUE. What one gets for their money.
Most are completely hung up on price…
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Best ad of the campaign, ladies and gents. “Every time you fill your tank, the oil companies fill their pockets. Now Big Oil’s filling John McCain’s campaign with 2 million dollars in contributions. Because instead of taxing their windfall profits to help drivers, McCain wants to give them another 4 billion in tax breaks. After one president in the pocket of big oil, we can’t afford another.”
And McCain slings Paris, Britney and the antichrist…..
By Paul
August 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Devastator 12:46
I know your point is well taken – I have members of my own family with no land line – just cell phones. I wonder how the pollsters address this.
Yoda 1:10 Re: racism. It’s only code for those who know the code. Such as those who say it’s code. No one else has broken the code. If it really is code. It may just be uncoded noncode.
Mrs. Godzilla 1:11
Great! So when Congress reconvenes Dems will not offer any amendments that aren’t germane to the bill under consideration? Really great!
BFKaJ 1:31
I’m a moderate?!!?
On some things I thought I was downright radical!
By Just Nasty and Mean
August 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Chicago*
Obama’s daddy went to Harvard, you dolt.
Obama elitist? You bet—-more proof.
Now suck it up and say you’re sorry.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Multiple Oil Company Executives Gave Huge Contributions To Electing McCain Just Days After Offshore Drilling Reversal
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
RIP Skiip!
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
A somewhat effective unofficial response to the latest McCain fusillade:
By Maniac is accurate
August 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Mensa rocks. I’ve never spent quality recreational time with a Mensa chick that wasn’t a near spiritual experience.
By Paul
August 4, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Mrs Godzilla 1:56
The best ad of the campaign yet to come out:
“Every time you fill your tank, the Democrats send more of your money to the oil sheiks. 70 billion a year. Because instead of drilling here, so we don’t have to pay for their oil, Democrats want to keep us tied to the Middle East. After five Presidents in the pocket of Arab oil, we can’t afford another.”
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
I just heard that the oil price drop today is being credited to Obambi flip/flopping on off shore drilling.
This should be interesting.
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Yes, I agree RW.
I always loved Skip as an announcer.
Even through those insufferable years, he would crack me up with his acerbic wit.
And back then in an era before political correctness took over, he would imbibe freely!
Hopefully Like Sid Bream, he slid home under the tag…
By Gary India Jones
August 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Well, now we all know why Brangelina got 14 million for baby photos. Celebrity. McCain showed pictures of Paris, and his short polls popped, not because he’s actually being considered as a viable candidate by those polled, but because they like to look at Paris and think about the porn video she starred in. (how about how she was vogueing during the BJ, man, who else does that? Not my wife.)
Of course an uberpudwit like RW thinks he can call a play-by-play minute-by-minute poll ticker and then actually believe that he can spin credible punditry about why the polls are different from day to day. Cut and paste trolls have big dreams, (and who can blame them.)
Too bad RW and Corporal Glennduhng use those italics. I’d love to read their comments, but I’m not willing to wade through the torture of squinting my eyes to see whatever is in italics. It’s impossible. I’ve kindly tried to inform them that they’re not being read by anyone except their own aliases, and each other, but then I repeat myself.
Cnn just reported that McCain’s 90 year old wet nurse claims that he never once had dry diapers as a baby, and coming full circle, the same is true of him today. . He wet starts every day. If elected, McCain has threatened to ban any movies that depict bed-wetters, wet starters, wet nurses, or wet thangs, in fact anything wet, including the Paris video.
McCain 08: The wetness protection program starts here.
Obama 08: America4America (copyright 2008)
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Amvet,
Back in the bad times it was fun trying to guess what inning we would get to before Skip would give permission to walk the dog.
I’m glad he got to call the good times too.
By Bad S Mitten
August 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Gary in dia an a love your stuff dude. Really, a do. RW can’t get you but that’s her loss. She gets Anduh as a consolation but no prize.
By Pat
August 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I’m encouraged how McCain is hanging around in the polls despite his lackluster campaign. There’s hope for America after all. Let’s hear it for Obama fatigue.
http://www.cafepress.com/DefiningChange
http://www.cafepress.com/NObamaforPres
By BoneHead
August 4, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Dimocrats, remember Pelosi saying how she will run an open bi-partisan congress? How come she rams over 800 bills with no voting on them? Wow how open bi-partisan is that? How many earmarks did they not vote on that got the dimocrats billions of our dollars? Pelosi and Reid are more corrupt than the republicans. Why won’t she allow a drill ban vote? The only thing sleazier than her Pelosi and Reid are the idiots that vote for them, I would vote for Mickey Mouse before a democrat.
By Captain Freedom
August 4, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Of course, Jim is Right. It is in the bag for our War Hero McCain, the man who always tells it like it is, except when he was signing false confessions for his North Vietnamese captors and declaring the Bush tax cuts to be nonsense. But never mind those errors of youth…America prefers a Straight Talking Mavericky Maverick Man to that skinny, white woman stalking, airy fairy man like Obamandingo. Nuff said.
THE Captain actullay stopped by today to sneer at the latest p^s$y idea from that uppitypresumptiousfancynegro who thinks we should all inflate our tires properly.
Upon reading this, THE Captain hurried to His 1991 Suburban and let ALL the air out of His tires. If a LIBERAT thinks we should inflate our tires, then THE Captain knows that it is only Common Sense to do the opposite.
Driving on your rims. It is the Right Thing to do.
By Captain Freedom
August 4, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Good news, BoneHead. Mickey isn’t running, but one of his favoritest Disney pals is the GOP candidate.
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
RW, I grew up listening to Skip’s dad and Jack Buck do Cardinal games on AM radio when I was a kid in the Midwest.
And when I moved here in 1979 the Braves of course were gawd-awful. (I used to joke how many guys they put in the Hall Of Fame. How many Dodgers, Cards, Reds, etc!)
When my company at the time, flew me down here to visit and see if I wanted the transfer, I was in the hotel bar one night watching a Braves game and they had a BIG lead against the aforementioned Cards. Something like 10 to zip in the fifth.
Of course they blew the lead and lost a 12-11 game if memory serves correct. And I though, OMG this is my new team???
But I was determined to be a die-hard Bravos fan nonetheless as this was my new home town and have pulled religiously for them through thick and thin.
And like Skip, I too FINALLY got to see some of the most wonderful and memorable baseball of the past two decades.
BTW though I rag on George relentlessly I actually very much enjoyed listening to him recently in the booth on Sunday Night Baseball with John and Joe.
Had MLB just made him the commissioner!
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
AmVet,
Even if all the awful things people say about President Bush were true he couldn’t be a worse commissioner than the one we have.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Republicans remain at work doing the people’s business
Be sure and write to your Dem congressman, if you have one, and ask them how their vacation is going.
By Spence
August 4, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
It must really drive Bonehead crazy, the fact that the Pelosi House could pick up another 15-20 seats this November.
America loves Pelosi!
By GaLiberal
August 4, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Moron Jim demonstrated his complete lack of intelligence when he said: Obama’s assertion that we won’t need to drill for oil if we just put more air in our tires is a Hollywood-starlet alternative to a national energy policy.
What Moron Jim doesn’t tell you is that Obama was not proposing this as a “national energy policy”, but as a rebuttal to the Rethuglicions moronic and unsubstantiated claim that offshore drilling will cure our energy ills. Obama is right that we can cut imports by properly maintaining our cars. Probably by more than offshore drilling would provide and definitely a whole lot sooner. But the Rethuglicon bobble-head bootlickers don’t want to hear about their ‘personal responsibility’ to maintain their cars. No, they want to pollute the air with excess emissions and then have the government subsidize Big Oil with huge tax cuts for offshore drilling. Punching more holes in the ground to pump out what oil is left faster is not a “national energy policy” either. But the Rethuglicons think it is the end all to our energy needs. Typical Rethuglicon thinking.
Yes, McCain can win. With the prototypical Bush league Rethuglicon character assassination and racial attacks. He can take the low road because the Rethuglicon brain only understands how to attack and lie. No intelligence there. Lights aren’t even on. But, that’s all they have. Attacks and lies. No new ideas. Just more of the same.
We’ve had eight years under Bush and what has he brought to the table? Leadership? Hardly. How about death for over 4000 American soldiers fighting a reckless and unnecessary war. How about $500 million deficit that will get bigger before it gets larger draining the economy. How about $4+/gal gas because he paid for the Iraq war and his tax cuts for the uberrich with borrowed money causing the dollar to tank to third-world status. Vietnam won’t even take our money so why would any other country. McCain is just more of the same. I’ll remember in November. Will you?
When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And John McCain is living proof.
By GaLiberal
August 4, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Moron Jim demonstrated his complete lack of intelligence when he said: Obama’s assertion that we won’t need to drill for oil if we just put more air in our tires is a Hollywood-starlet alternative to a national energy policy.
What Moron Jim doesn’t tell you is that Obama was not proposing this as a “national energy policy”, but as a rebuttal to the Rethuglicions moronic and unsubstantiated claim that offshore drilling will cure our energy ills. Obama is right that we can cut imports by properly maintaining our cars. Probably by more than offshore drilling would provide and definitely a whole lot sooner. But the Rethuglicon bobble-head bootlickers don’t want to hear about their ‘personal responsibility’ to maintain their cars. No, they want to pollute the air with excess emissions and then have the government subsidize Big Oil with huge tax cuts for offshore drilling. Punching more holes in the ground to pump out what oil is left faster is not a “national energy policy” either. But the Rethuglicons think it is the end all to our energy needs. Typical Rethuglicon thinking.
Yes, McCain can win. With the prototypical Bush league Rethuglicon character assassination and racial attacks. He can take the low road because the Rethuglicon brain only understands how to attack and lie. No intelligence there. Lights aren’t even on. But, that’s all they have. Attacks and lies. No new ideas. Just more of the same.
We’ve had eight years under Bush and what has he brought to the table? Leadership? Hardly. How about death for over 4000 American soldiers fighting a reckless and unnecessary war. How about $500 million deficit that will get bigger before it gets larger draining the economy. How about $4+/gal gas because he paid for the Iraq war and his tax cuts for the uberrich with borrowed money causing the dollar to tank to third-world status. Vietnam won’t even take our money so why would any other country. McCain is just more of the same. I’ll remember in November. Will you?
When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And John McCain is living proof.
By GaLiberal
August 4, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Moron Jim demonstrated his complete lack of intelligence when he said: Obama’s assertion that we won’t need to drill for oil if we just put more air in our tires is a Hollywood-starlet alternative to a national energy policy.
What Moron Jim doesn’t tell you is that Obama was not proposing this as a “national energy policy”, but as a rebuttal to the Rethuglicions moronic and unsubstantiated claim that offshore drilling will cure our energy ills. Obama is right that we can cut imports by properly maintaining our cars. Probably by more than offshore drilling would provide and definitely a whole lot sooner. But the Rethuglicon bobble-head bootlickers don’t want to hear about their ‘personal responsibility’ to maintain their cars. No, they want to pollute the air with excess emissions and then have the government subsidize Big Oil with huge tax cuts for offshore drilling. Punching more holes in the ground to pump out what oil is left faster is not a “national energy policy” either. But the Rethuglicons think it is the end all to our energy needs. Typical Rethuglicon thinking.
Yes, McCain can win. With the prototypical Bush league Rethuglicon character assassination and racial attacks. He can take the low road because the Rethuglicon brain only understands how to attack and lie. No intelligence there. Lights aren’t even on. But, that’s all they have. Attacks and lies. No new ideas. Just more of the same.
We’ve had eight years under Bush and what has he brought to the table? Leadership? Hardly. How about death for over 4000 American soldiers fighting a reckless and unnecessary war. How about $500 million deficit that will get bigger before it gets larger draining the economy. How about $4+/gal gas because he paid for the Iraq war and his tax cuts for the uberrich with borrowed money causing the dollar to tank to third-world status. Vietnam won’t even take our money so why would any other country. McCain is just more of the same. I’ll remember in November. Will you?
When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And John McCain is living proof.
By John
August 4, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Hey GaLiberal…why are u saying Rethuglicon? Aren’t all the thugs w/ 6 babies and 6 baby’s daddys the on that vote democrat and for welfare?
I don’t want my hard earned money going to the lazy as*es
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
198 Republican members in the US House of Represntatives…..
How many exactly are still at work?
All 198?
150?
100?
75?
50?
News Reports say “handful”
Anybody got a number?
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Even if all the awful things people say about President Bush were true he couldn’t be a worse commissioner than the one we have.
I believe you’re correct. Selig is worthless, and has been for 15+ years.
And if I were King ! (I mean commish!), the DH would go away for good and home plate umpires would call the actual strike zone (instead of the one they keep tinkering with) or they’d all be calling softball games in Paducah…
By Whatever
August 4, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Who is really the elitist Wootie?
Like the current President Bush, John McCain is the product of the affirmative action America’s elites dole out to their own children. Given his poor record in High School, on what basis could McCain have been accepted into Annapolis if not because his father and grandfather were Admirals? And then, though he was in the bottom 5 percent of his Annapolis class, he got to be a flyer in the Navy, a highly sought specialization. Likely his family’s prominence took care of him. As it probably did when he flew several aircraft into the ground (or water) in accidents where there was no evidence of mechanical failure. How come he was not drummed out of the service? Basically, McCain is the mediocre product of America’s WASP elite, just like the current President Bush.
* ProduceMan's diary :: ::*
A telling silence is the fact that none of McCain’s military classmates or military colleagues who served with him appear to be prominent in boosting his candidacy. Contrast the McCain & Bush entitlement syndrome with the testimonials we heard from John Kerry’s colleagues (as opposed to phony Vietnam vets who did not know him) in the Navy - Kerry served where the fighting was and his service was noted at the time. All we know about John McCain was that he was shot down by the Vietnamese and that Vietnamese now favor his candidacy. It would be nice to hear from colleagues who actually served with McCain.
So where is our eager media with regard to McCain? They are allegedly searching for term papers written by Obama and telling us about his law school teaching style. And we know all about his Chicago political career.
But all we know about John McCain is that he was shot down (and that he had the fortitude not to use his status to get freed by the Vietnamese ahead of his fellow prisoners). If he has such a track record as a military leader where is the beef? Where are the testimonials? Wes Clark got in hot water for making the point that McCain was not a flag officer who had experience in the nexus of politics and military action (like Ike, Marshall, Westmoreland and yes Wes Clark). But we don’t even know about McCain’s track record leading a squadron. The silence is deafening.
The irony is that John McCain used his celebrity as a POW to launch his political career. Yes his celebrity. He went from POW poster boy to the Halls of Congress without passing go, except to pick up money via a wealthy second wife (another trick America’s WASP elite know well how to do when they have the status but not the bucks for their ambitions.)
By Captain Freedom
August 4, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
“When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And John McCain is living proof.”
Wait just a consarn minute!!! John McCain is still alive??? He must have just been resting his eyes.
I knew he would win, but now that I know he is not dead, he’s a shoo in.
By Common Sense
August 4, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
To Bkabcd:
I am having a hard time with the oil statement. You do not blame speculators for the increase in the gasoline prices but with Congress having the discussion it is causing gasoline prices to decrease.
You have answer the question about speculations.
Here is a knowledge drop Replublicans, Americans continue to drive less and conserve. Airlines have grounded numerous flights and truck companies plus truck operators are now longer running as many routes. Therefore supply is increasing and their is no one available to buy this additional supply on the market at the current prices.
Let’s look at the speculation that drove the oil market high.
Prediction the cost of gasoline will go under $3 by the end of October.
But with cheaper gas prices it will not solve the mortgage crisis, nor the foreclosure crisis, nor the umemployment crisis which you candidate has not mentioned lately.
Although Mr. McClain does have a funny t.v. add about Mr.Obama!
By Midori
August 4, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
WHITE HOUSE REJECTS GOP ‘PROTEST/White House Says No To Helping With GOP Stunt’
snicker
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
AmVet,
Don’t leave out the insanity of letting an exhibition game select the home field advantage in the World Series.
Mrs. G
Why don’t you ask Nancy Pelosi to let C-Span turn the cameras back on so you won’t need to ask that question.
By Bad S Mitten
August 4, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Anyone with real Common Sense would not believe that junk tossed out by jbwhatever in the first place. After all, he’s second from the bottom only because Andy beat him there. They had a race — down the stairs — and Andy was determined to win so he jumped — first — head first. Ouch. That’s gotta hurt.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
RW…I simple I don’t know would have sufficed! But noooooooooo….
Hey Midori
Thanks for the link!
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
“We don’t have plans to call Congress into session — it won’t make a difference if Democratic leaders are unwilling to bring up a bill for an up-down vote,” said White House spokesman Tony Fratto
That sounds more like the White House will gladly call for a special session once the Democrats are willing to allow a vote. What was it America’s Mother-in-Law said about how she was going to run an open and bipartisan house?
snicker
By V-Dog 84
August 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Amvet,
I believe that GWB wishes to serve as Commissioner of Baseball in his retirement. No kidding. And the owners are smart enough to welcome him.
BFKaJ,
You’re right on with your analytical observation that playing Obama’s seperciliousness back against himself is the most effective tactiic McCain’s yet employed. Jim Wooten was right to paraphrase W. Bedell Smith’s adminition of Patton: “Your worst enemy…is your own big mouth.”
Agree with your use of Rassmussen, too. I’ve noticed over the past 5 cycles or so that he’s been consistently the most reliable, accurate and predictive of pollsters. This is a tricky one, though, what with the wild cards: the inflated youth vote (they always flag by Election Day; indeed the’re already starting to do so, having whiffed the stench of real politics); and Obama’s numbers, puffed up by white Obama supporters without any true intention of voting for him at the polls. But Rassmussen is the best bet to catch the tune of these WhiffenPuffs.
Baa, baa, baa.
RW,
Democrats not only feel, but also intend, and organize and “consense”, and advocate, and just generally help to achieve things accomplished by others. Democrats hope. A lot, in fact.
By StevenCee
August 4, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Interesting to see “My campaign will take the high road” McCain calling Obama so clueless, & so traitorous, that he’d be willing to “lose a war to win an election”. Oh, and then DENY that he’s impugned Obama’s fundamental sense of patriotism???
Sorry, it makes him out to be a pathetic, small-minded liar……
As for his cute “Obama is nothing more than a vacuous celebrity” ads, well, again, it only points out McCain’s character flaws, that somehow a candidate’s popularity is a negative, & worse, some flaw in the candidate, well, that’s crazy, & nothing but sour grapes….
The GOP loved it when Bush had widespread support following 9/11, I didn’t hear anyone demean him for being popular…..
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Well, far be it from me to point out the obvious, but the more cars we have that use “plug-in hybrids”, the more demand for electricity will increase. Apparently, this didn’t catch the attention of the Harvard-educated candidate, but it should catch the attention of the voting public. Transferring the burden of transportation from gasoline to electricity will vastly increase the need for more generating stations.
And why worry about electrical demand if Obama believes that we will have emission-free mass-production sources on line in the next 10 years? Electricity in and of itself is completely neutral to the global-warming debate; it’s the source that matters. If we have solar energy perfected, as an example, why worry about electrical demand?
I’m sure I must have mentioned it, but this guy really is a dunce.
By Midori
August 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
RW,
If there were ever an Olympic event in straw grasping, you’d win the platinum.
By AJC/DNC Management
August 4, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Bill Clinton Insists, ‘I Am Not a Racist,’ Despite Anger Over His S.C. Comments
Bwahahahahahahahaha, yeah, o.k.
That’s like these idiots saying the the pinko media is not liberal.
Klowns, all.
By Midori
August 4, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
On Friday, the House considered a bill providing needed funding to veterans and military organizations. House conservatives tried to attach an offshore oil drilling amendment to the bill, threatening its passage. Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Chet Edwards (D-TX) denounced the tactic. When he read statements from veterans groups urging Congress not to meddle with the legislation, House conservatives booed. Despite the Republicans’ stunts, the House passed the bill.
By hotlanta
August 4, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Wooten sounds kinna happy.Don’t get mad when McShame goes down. I am still asking you where is McShame flag pin? Mcshame has played the POW card. His claim is you have never went to war so you don’t know what you are talking about. Obama was not playing the race card he was dealt it. Stop taking race from the top of the deck and we won’t want have to deal with it.
By hotlanta
August 4, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Wooten sounds kinna happy.Don’t get mad when McShame goes down. I am still asking you where is McShame flag pin? Mcshame has played the POW card. His claim is you have never went to war so you don’t know what you are talking about. Obama was not playing the race card he was dealt it. Stop taking race from the top of the deck and we won’t want have to deal with it.
By Captain Freedom
August 4, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Hey hotlanta, you’re out of line questioning the heroism of a man who survived crashing five military planes before he went and got himself captured and signed all those false confessions in Hanoi. And clearly, the man knows how to win a war. He has done so several times.
Look, the man always says he doesn’t like to talk about his experiences in Vietnam, right before he tells long stories about his time in Vietnam. You call that playing the POW card? No wonder they call you people Dumocrats.
By V-Dog 84
August 4, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Erratum: “admonition”.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
RW….
Is that America’s famous
“Can’t do “
Attitude?
By Just Nasty and Mean
August 4, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Whatever @3.22
So you thinkJohn McCain is the celebrity candidate??
No doubt, you suffer from reverse cranial @nal insertion syndrome!!!
Don’t you remember the swooning women @ Obama’s campaign speeches?
Have you been in a cave, or have you seen Obama and/or his entire family scattered across virtually every magazine in the nation? Haven’t you??
Are you SERIOUSLY denying that 85% PLUS of the mainstream media isn’t a registered democrat and pro Obama?
Do you deny McCain is portrayed as just risen from the coffin and barely able to stand up and take nourishment by the mainstream press?
You call THAT celebrity???
Drink some more Demo-crap Kool-Aid and go back to bed. You’ve got your head stuck where the sun don’t shine.
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Do you deny McCain is portrayed as just risen from the coffin and barely able to stand up and take nourishment by the mainstream press?
Maybe you better pay more attention to Fox Media…..
*Fox is actually using eight year old video to discuss today’s activities,” Abrams laughed. Abrams then concluded using Fox Nutwork’s own propaganda, “They report — you decide.” *
Got Facts?
By Mrs. Godzilla
August 4, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
August 1st, 2008 by Ron Chusid
McCain’s celebrity attack on Obama was ridiculous all along, but now it looks even worse for McCain. Digby found this article had been removed from McCain’s web site, but it remains in the Google cache. (Hat tip to Crooks and Liars).
NEW YORK (AP) - Republican Sen. John McCain said he will officially enter the presidential race … with a formal announcement in early April after a trip to Iraq.
The Arizona senator discussed the timing of the long-expected announcement with reporters at an awards reception Wednesday evening a few hours after taping an appearance on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman.”
On the talk show, McCain told Letterman: “I am announcing that I will be a candidate for president of the United States,” then added that he would give a formal speech to that effect in early April.
[…]
There had been no doubt that McCain would eventually become a full-fledged White House candidate, and he had been expected to make his candidacy official in the spring.
The 2006 midterm campaign had just ended when McCain took the first formal step toward a presidential run in November. He formed an exploratory committee and gave a speech casting himself as a “common-sense conservative” in the vein of Ronald Reagan who could lead the party back to dominance after a dreadful election season by returning to the GOP’s core principles.
A political celebrity, McCain is considered a top contender for the nomination.
By V-Dog 84
August 4, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
RW (the thoughtful),
I suspect that the blame rests, not upon the candidate’s three years of graduate study (well, two-plus-practicum) at Harvard, but rather upon his two indubitably stupifying years of undergraduate study at the benighted Columbia.
It couldn’t have happened at Oxy.
By AmVet
August 4, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Are you SERIOUSLY denying that 85% PLUS of the mainstream media isn’t a registered democrat and pro Obama?
Again Nasty though you are entitled to this quaint opinion, you miss the MUCH bigger point regarding the American free press.
Since 1983 the number of corporations that control the majority of the media has dropped from 50 to five.
Yes, five.
Five huge corporations — Time Warner, Disney, Murdoch’s News Corporation, Bertelsmann of Germany, and Viacom (formerly CBS) — now control most of the media industry in the U.S. General Electric’s NBC is a close sixth.
Your “free market” at work, I guess.
There is just one tiny problem with this scenario, the public airwaves belong to the American people. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is supposed to be our trustee in managing this property. The people are the landlords and the radio and TV stations and affiliated companies are the tenants.
The problem is that since the Radio Act of 1927 these corporate tenants have been massively more powerful in Washington, DC than the tens of millions of listeners and viewers. The result has been no payment of rent by the stations for the value of their license to broadcast.
These multinational companies are using the public’s valuable property for free. This freeloading on the backs of the American people is called corporate welfare.
Payment of rent for the use of public airwaves owned by the American people is the conservative position. Real conservatives oppose corporate welfare. Real corporatists feed voraciously from hundreds of billions of dollars in corporate welfare gushing out of Washington, DC yearly.
So if you want to b!tch, go b!tch to the General Electrics and Rupert Murdochs who own the MSM and who gladly suck off the American teat at your and my expense…
By Bad Brad
August 4, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
I see we got some bootleg Captain Freedom on here. The real one must’ve died. That one was clever and funny. This one … well, seems kind of dense.
By cc
August 4, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Now Obama thinks he’s the savior of the world and not just running for President of the US. And you don’t think he’s dangerous? I do. And I’m certainly not going to vote for him. Coming from a black woman.
By Bad S Mitten
August 4, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Then, there are the ones that are just Mean and Nasty. They’re just mean — and nasty. Did I mention mean. Oh yes, I did. How about nasty. Yep. Got that one. Did I miss anything. Oh yes. No, not that. How about. No, not that. What about Republican. Yes, that sound right. They’re always moaning about everything and looking for someone to blame their problems on.
By Midori
August 4, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
cc,
i’m quite sure Sen. Obama is heartbroken, and shaking in his boots.
shall he launch an all out initiative to capture the cc vote?
LMAO!!
By catlady
August 4, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Oh, wait! I thought the title said “Crappy smarts”! Well, that title would have been better! I find it incredible to believe the pass some people are willing to give McCain when he flip flops spectacularly. (Can we get him to do it off the high dive at the Olympics?) And his “quick answer” about taxes? That was about all he could think of, I guess.
Yeah, McCain can win, but what?
By SaveOurRepublic
August 4, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
AmVet @ 4:55 PM EDT - Good insight on Corporate Welfare and the fraud of Capitalism (as b-stardized by the Neocons). Well said that *true conservatives detest welfare of ALL kinds! Coin Side A is GOP = Party of corporate welfare & Globalist Corporation(s) entitlements via American taxpayers and (coin-side B) DNC = party of welfare/social handouts to goldbrickers, illegals aliens, global warming shamsters & foreign handouts, etc. Again, no true difference between the Globalist controlled GOP & DNC!
These deceived yuppies (Necon supporters) think they’re part of the Elite…because they drive a BMW (with the ubiquitous vanity plate of their “ritzy” subdivision on front), live a $400-800K house & have a +5 golf handicap (which they love bragging about & fawning over). What these sheeple fail to realize is that their “big” portfolio (they also love bragging on) is pegged to the fiat U.S. dollar (or other fiat currency) and will implode right along with the (quickly devaluing) dollar & economy!!! The key fact that these self-important yuppies don’t seem to grasp is that they are not part of the Empire!!! The true Globalist Elite have billions, with (totally paid for/owned) multiple mansions, private jets, fleets of chauffeured cars & direct control over the puppets on “Crapitol sHil”. The real Elite are the ones who sit on Board(s) of Directors, fund these billion dollar Trusts/Foundations (which fund both supposed “liberal” and “conservative” causes) & could/would buy & sell these fooled yuppie Neocon supporters with the blink of their (evil) eye!!! Those lemmings who support corporate welfare (thinking they’re part of the Empire) just don’t get that they will never see real, tangible gains from their smoke & mirror investment portfolios, because when the economy implodes, so will all their “net worth” (pegged to the fiat dollar) & the ponzi scheme that is Wall $treet!
http://www.jbs.org
By catlady
August 4, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Oh, wait! I thought the title said “Crappy smarts”! Well, that title would have been better! I find it incredible to believe the pass some people are willing to give McCain when he flip flops spectacularly. (Can we get him to do it off the high dive at the Olympics?) And his “quick answer” about taxes? That was about all he could think of, I guess.
Yeah, McCain can win, but what?
By V-Dog 84
August 4, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Midori,
The leading veterans organizations have not heretofore, accepted federal monetary assistance, and the American Legion, to name but the largest and oldest such organization, would have to amend its charter to do so. They remain strictly uninvolved in electoral politics, though of course most of them, especially VFW, apprise their membership of legislation of special consequence for veterans, and most take positions on legislation, and advocate for or against the stand-out pieces. When asked for their counsel, they give it.
But helping veterans, and playing fiscal pupeteer with them are two different things. It’s akin to the difference between spending money to support the high school booster club or debate team — or to buy computers or pay raises for teachers — and spending it instead on improvements in the actual conditions for student learning.
The bill never should have been introduced. The vets organizations must not be entangled in government pursestrings. It would be disastrous.
My guess is that the pro-drilling GOP schemers were trying to “gut and amend” a fundamentally bad bill, using it as an expeditable vehicle for what they must see as a higher and better use if the “Bill Number”.
AmVet may have the lowdown.
By Bob blah Blough
August 4, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
V dog writes a 4 page essay and says absolutely nothing.
Another blabbering fool that wants to be the smartest anonymous blogger ever.
I bet he’s related to bfka or Glenn.
By Gary India Jones
August 4, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Veteran organizations lost all credibility when they swiftboated Kerry, a vietnam vet.
It’s a shame that the actions of a few scoundrels ruined the reputation of the veteran. I dont believe a word any veteran says about any other veteran now.
How could I after swiftboat. This is the same reason McCain hasn’t a chinaman’s chance. We simply dont trust anyone who is an insider elitist military veteran business as usual candidate. We wont get fooled again. (guitar solo here).
YEEEAAAAHHHHHHHH! (love that part)
We’ll be fighting in the streets, with our children at our feet, and the morals that they worshipped will be gone.
By Frederick Douglass
August 4, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Cindy looked simply flawless at a NASCAR event this past weekend, and squired by Keifer Sutherland no less. I think Michele judged a pickled pig’s feet eating contest in Opp Alabama, it ain’t right I tell ya!
By RW-(the original)
August 4, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Mrs. G. @ 4:21,
If you’re going to address a question to me would you mind at least making it have something recognizable so I can tell just what you’re babbling about?
Thank you in advance. .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why the tire-pressure gauge stings
By hillbilly ragger
August 5, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
BFK @ August 4, 2008 1:31 PM, if you’re going to quote a WSJ hack to support someone else’s notion that Obama is going to tax “all” of us, try finding one who can define what “a lot” might be.
Because your hack seems to think that “a lot” of Americans earn over $250K per year.
I’m thinking that, percentage-wise, you’re looking single digits. Which ain’t “a lot.”
By candide
August 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
John McCain should sit back and relax. There is no way this country, part Christian redneck, part Catholic bigot, but fully white in spirit will vote for a black man in the White House and a black first lady to walk barefoot on her big black feet on the WH carpets.
By Lane Randall
August 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I don’t doubt that McCain can win the election. At least, “win” with the combined assistance of a compliant national corporate media cartel and the Karl Rove/”Swiftboat” Win-By-Whatever-Means-Necessary Election Machine!
For instance, Sen McCain whined and grumped unceasingly —- and his surrogates in the national press obligingly parroted the charge —- that the allegedly “liberal” media favored Sen Obama by spending more time reporting on Obama’s trip to the Middle East and Europe than it spent covering McCain’s trip to a grocery store in Berlin, Pennsylvania. But it was almost never pointed out by supposedly “neutral” journalists and TV talking heads that (besides the rather painfully obvious relative importance of the two trips) the media followed Obama not to cheerlead him, but to criticize him and, hopefully, to catch him in a so-called “gaffe”.
Journalists and TV reporters constantly ask tough political questions of Sen Obama —- as they should —- while Sen McCain is almost never pitched anything but the softest of softballs. And while Obama is quite rightly brought to task for his changes of position on issues, only he is designated a “Flip-Flopper” by the media, in complete disregard of the fact that, with the exception of the war in Iraq, Sen McCain has repudiated just about every stand he ever took on any issue before starting this run for the presidency!
It all reminds me of the 2000 election. After Al Gore quite reasonably took credit for helping to “create” the internet through legislation when he was a senator, the extremely partisan FOX “News” channel changed the word “create” to “invent”, and the rest of the media took up the narrative thereafter, that Gore was somehow a “serial liar/exaggerator”!
For the rest of the campaign, the slightest, most irrelevant deviation from precise, strict fact was trumpeted in the media as more “proof” of Gore’s supposed pathological “lying” and “exaggerating”. And all the while, candidate George W Bush loudly told one whopper after another, on subjects ranging from his drunk-driving arrest record to the intended recipients of his taxcuts, with barely a mention from the press.
If Barack Obama loses this election, it will partly be due to the usual Republican methods (i.e., mass voter suppression, cynical manipulation of emotions like fear and hatred of the “other” and, of course, to outright cheating and vote count fraud as in 2000), but even more to grossly unfair reporting by an ever more dangerously concentrated media that increasingly allows the corporate boardroom to overrule or even to make editorial decisions.
By Ms.Tucker If ur nasty!
August 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Okay Candide, let me get this straight, its alright for McCain to sit back and allow his “White rights” to work their magic in getting him elected, but blacks shouldn’t vote for Obama simply because he’s black. There’s a special area in Hell for you, if not, request one upon your arrival.
By Mike Toreno
August 5, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Wooten is right, Obama is certainly getting above his station. He doesn’t know his place. Wooten needs to tell him that no one likes an uppity Negro. And the idea of inflating our tires is absurd. The fact that Obama was right and that his simple proposals would save more oil than McCain proposes to obtain by increased drilling doesn’t enter into the matter.