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DEL.ICIO.USObama a crisis ornament
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John McCain demonstrated Wednesday that he has the instincts, skills and leadership ability required in time of crisis.
Barack Obama, faced with the opportunity to reveal himself as presidential-in-crisis, flunked. He’s a stand-around kind of guy. Oh, if they need him, he’ll be there where the administration and Congress are attempting to save the nation from possible financial meltdown. But the campaign is more important and, besides, a President has to demonstrate that he can do two things at once — presumably campaign and save the nation by phone. He is, after all, talking daily with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others.
He’s a crisis ornament, repeating now the pattern of his public life. He’s best at second-guessing. His gig is to let somebody else do the heavy lifting in taking risks and making decisions and then to declare when they are imperfect afterwards that had he made them, they would have been smarter, wiser and better. In this campaign, he’s revealing why his life’s accomplishments outside politics are so thin. He’s a talker.
The debate scheduled for Friday night is useful and somewhat important. But it’s utterly inconsequential when compared to the importance to the country of the financial rescue now being attempted by the Administration and Congress.
Both political parties bear responsibility for failure and for a solution. It truly is one of those occasions where bipartisanship is required, where politicians are obligated to put aside their petty games and pass legislation that addresses the specific problem without turning the rescue effort into a Christmas tree.
McCain’s insticts were right. Put the distractions aside. Sit down, finish the job responsibly and demonstrate to the nation that in time of crisis, politics recedes. As President Bush said Wednesday night, a failure to act could trigger “a long and painful recession” with consequences that represent “a distressing scenario.” He’s invited both McCain and Obama to meet with congressional and administration leaders today at the White House and both have accepted.
As for the debate, Obama campaign spokesman Robert Gibbs said he expects it to be held even if Washington hasn’t done it’s work and addressed the crisis. “My sense,” he said, “is there’s going to be a stage, a moderator, an audience and at least one presidential candidate.”
Nothing could more dramatically demonstrate the difference in the two candidates than the scenario Gibbs envisions. If Washington hasn’t acted and the one-actor performance goes on, Obama will lose this election. It will be a reminder to all America how out-of-touch with their problems politicians can be.
Bill Heard Chevrolet closed its 14 dealerships Wednesday, putting 2,700 people out of work. Tell those now-unemployed workers that it’s more important that they know a tidbit more about where Obama and McCain stand than that the two of them are at work in Washington, doing the job they were elected to do, addressing the nation’s financial woes. Tell them. And then tell Obama to perform his one-candidate show.
Comments
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
Good morning all. I finally believe I understand the Paulson plan enough to talk intelligently. The WSJ has a puff piece today, but there is sufficient substance in the article the make the program understandable.
As I suggested to fellow blogster getalife a couple of days ago, the Paulson Plan (“the Plan,” to remove personalities hereafter) seemingly has made unusual bedfellows. The conservatives, especially the House conservatives, seem to be nearly unanimous in their opposition to the Plan. The democrats are seemingly willing to support the Plan – in the spirit of bipartisanship, I will not disparage their motives for doing so.
The WSJ is less kind to Captain Queeg than is our genial host, but equally disparaging of Chauncey Gardner. You are all perfectly competent to read the editorial, to the extent you wish others to tell you what to think. The gist of the WSJ argument is that “presidents are expected to multitask,” and so McCain should be able to negotiate the financial seizure and prepare for debate. Lest there be any doubt on the matter, if John McCain says he opposes whatever resolution is negotiated, the resolution will fail. The democrats will run for the hills – they lack any principles to stand on, and will cower without cover from McCain - and it will be every man for himself.
To a great extent, Obama is getting a free pass here. Nobody really cares what he thinks, and he is not a player in the resolution. Thus he can stay cloistered, practicing saying whatever he does not know on foreign policy, so he can look slick Friday night. His usual vote, “present.”
Yes, I do think McCain is grandstanding on the issue, but he is the decision-maker here – he has a right to grandstand. This is his baby, whatever happens.
By AmVet
September 25, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten’s quaint analysis is typically and uncommonly senseless neo-conservatism.
The thoughts of a man who is light years ahead of him:
Senator John McCain’s decision to suspend his campaign and participation in the first presidential debate is pure and simple showboating. The Washington DC bailout by Bush and his Congressional allies of the Wall Street crooks and speculators is not dependent on Senator McCain’s return to Washington.
He has been an advocate of the deregulation that caused this debacle and offers nothing significant to address it. However, tens of millions of Americans depended on Senator McCain to show up at Friday’s debate in Old Mississippi.
They expected him to do so and have arranged their plans to watch him interact with Barack Obama. By turning his back on at least 50 million American voters anticipating Friday’s debate, he has dishonored his commitment and undermined the respect which he hoped the American people would accord him during his presidential campaign.
I urge him to restore his honor and self-respect by ending this political stunt and maturely fulfilling his commitment on the presidential debate stage this Friday.
Should he choose to maintain his present, impulsive course and leave an empty chair on the stage, I would be most pleased to take his place as the number three Presidential candidate in the race.
Ralph Nader
By The Anti-Wooten
September 25, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Another example of exactly what we DON’T need 4 more years of. Since neither Senators McCain or Obama have involvement with the committees that are overseeing the negotiations why do they need to be there? Isn’t this just another time that McCain has no idea what to do or when to do it? Sorry to tell you Mr. Wooten but this doesn’t pass the smell test, in other words it stinks for what it is. The only thing that John McCain has in his brain is “How do I approach this to my greatest political advantage, do nothing until I’ve seen which way the winds of public opinion are blowing and get some distance from the results of my horrible decisions and policies”.
The Bill Heard workers are now getting the same treatment that many of us have gotten over the years, bad decisions made by the corporatists that result in losses for American workers. With economic advisors like Phil WhinerBoy Gramm, Carly - No American is Owed a Job - Fiorina and Rick - Fannie May Paid - Davis any American that needs or wants a job should be running for the hills.
McCain needs to show up to debate, America wants it no matter how scared he is.
By steve
September 25, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Ha! You are delusional. I am fairly certain that the Senate can pass this bill (which will pass overwhelmingly) with 98% of its members present in the chambers.
What is it that John “I need to be more educated on the economy” McCain is going to help with in Washington?
Face it, this is just another attempt to keep his inept VP choice from having to answer questions.
“Oh lets postpone our debate conveniently to the night that the VP debate was supposed to have happened”
I never thought that McCain would speak at Bob Jones University after criticizing them. I never thought that McCain would turn against his own campaign finance reform bill. I never thought that McCain would turn to Karl Rove after the way Rove embarassed him in South Carolina with the “black illigitimate baby” lies. And I never thought that McCain would chicken out of a debate.
But, I was wrong. McCain isn’t who he once was.
McCain/Palin what a joke.
By Reaity Check
September 25, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Jim,
By al accounts, the “Corporate Welfare” deal is all but done. This whole stunt by Mccain to grandstand in front of the congress is a trick and a ploy to continue to fool the American public. We are smarter than that ( I hope!) I can tell when the wool is getting pulled over our eyes. Last Monday Mccain said ” The fundamentals of our economy are strong!” If he is so on top of things, why was he so off base then? and if he was so wroing then, What can he possibly bring to the table now? Just asking…..
By What're you an idiot
September 25, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
How very presidential of McCain to put his campaign on hold and head back to Washington to fix this mess AFTER learning that he was slipping in the polls.
How very presidential of McCain to pull out of Friday’s debate rather than stand up and present his case to the American people. Methinks the presidential thing to do would have been to call Obama and propose the topic of the debate be changed from foreign policy to domestic economic policy.
How very telling it is that the people put in charge by President Bush to manage the economy and financial markets failed to recognize the oncoming catastrophe. These guys look like a few more “Heckuva Job” Brownie(s).
How very telling it is that America elected and then re-elected an obviously incompetent President.
“C students — you too can be president.” - Bush at May 2001 Yale commencement.
What he forgot to say: “…just not a very effective president.”
By Patman
September 25, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
I’d never go broke betting on your predictability Mr Wooten. I’d respect you a bit more if you had an original thought instead of the same old right wing talking points. anyone with half a brain (wondering if that includes you) knows that John McCain is simply punking out and using this crisis, which he said didn’t even exist a week and a half ago, as an excuse to not get himself exposed. Lord help you right wing lemmings.
By bearcasey
September 25, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
We get it, Jim. You are for McCain. Why don’t you retire and quit boring us with the “same old same old?”
By Reaity Check
September 25, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Jim,
By al accounts, the “Corporate Welfare” deal is all but done. This whole stunt by Mccain to grandstand in front of the congress is a trick and a ploy to continue to fool the American public. We are smarter than that ( I hope!) I can tell when the wool is getting pulled over our eyes. Last Monday Mccain said ” The fundamentals of our economy are strong!” If he is so on top of things, why was he so off base then? and if he was so wroing then, What can he possibly bring to the table now? Just asking…..
By Reaity Check
September 25, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Jim,
By al accounts, the “Corporate Welfare” deal is all but done. This whole stunt by Mccain to grandstand in front of the congress is a trick and a ploy to continue to fool the American public. We are smarter than that ( I hope!) I can tell when the wool is getting pulled over our eyes. Last Monday Mccain said ” The fundamentals of our economy are strong!” If he is so on top of things, why was he so off base then? and if he was so wroing then, What can he possibly bring to the table now? Just asking…..
By Ms. Writer
September 25, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Jim, you are such a hater.
Mccain is too old, Palin is too stupid, Barack is too inexperienced and Biden is too partisan…
Can Americans get a do over?
By KA
September 25, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Question Mr. Ragnar, what is McCain going to do in Washington with regards to this crisis? Is he on the finance committee? No.. Is he going to work on drafting another bailout bill? No.. I understand was must ALL be aware of what is going on in the economy, but I don’t want someone who can’t do two things at once, someone who is going to panic when trouble hits and someone who is going to just show up for the sake of showing up, but doesn’t do anything.
We have some very smart and intelligent people working to craft a bill and legislation that will hopefully get us out of this mess. Yes, there are going to be some hard times, but this is not the time to throw stones.
I would advise that you spend more time trying to understand what is going on in Washington, how this issues were caused, how we are going to pay for this huge bailout of our banking system and also pay for the war, than trying to bash a candidate who loves his country and trying to make the very best decisions for ALL..
Free pass, are you serious? I guess the picture of Obama hanging from a tree on a college campus is a free pass? You appear to be somewhat smart and educated, demonstrate your intelligence.
McCain is a great american who made a huge sacrifice for this country, no one argues that. Is he the right person to lead this country, the voters will decide, ALL the voters.
By anne
September 25, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
I’m a Republican who has had enough of McCain. First the pandering to the conservative right-wing with his ridiculous choice of Gov. Palin, now this.
What a meglomaniac! Trying to insert himself as the “leader” of an economic recovery package overstates his true role in the process, makes him look power-hungry and doesn’t do the Republicans any good. Trying to postpone the debate just makes it worse… it’s like the old “dog ate my homework” excuse for the teacher … he’s not prepared, and he’s part of the problem, so let’s call the debate off. THIS is the time we need to hear these two men debate.
I’m not sure I can vote for Obama but I’m sure as heck not voting Republican this year!!!
By Tea Time
September 25, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
That’s a fine bit o’thinkin’, jbmlaw, but McCain’s stated mission to DC can only be to fire the person he said he’d fire last week over the AIG news.
A curious separation is occuring between the campaign’s polls and editorial priveledge. Wooten has long since stopped making any sense. The “obama didn’t say mother may I” logic Wooten relies on has disconnected the events of this campaign from stark electoral reality.
The specter of the brutishly-stumbling McCain being buried alive by the landslide avalanching down on him from snowy peeks he should never have visited is beginning to resemble a bigfoot hoax.
By Steven d.
September 25, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
McCain has no more idea whats going on nationally than Sonny Perdue does locally. They, like all Republican politicians are dolts for big business, the oil companies and the Wall Street speculators. Maybe after November, we can once again have some honesty in Washington. Get on the ship Jim, with the rest of the rats, and put on your jumping shoes.
By Road Scholar
September 25, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Oh my God! Jim, are you feeling OK today? With your quote “Both political parties bear responsibility for failure and for a solution.” You are actually right! It wasn’t Clinton’s fault. It wasn’t Reagan’s fault (remember him). All responsible for the past legislation failed. Esp Bush since he is in charge during this meltdown (with 6 of 8 years of a friendly Congress).
Now for the drivel contained in the rest of the editorial, you miss the point. McCain “invited” himself back to Washington to attend a meeting of the Committee he is not a member of. Alledgedly only members are invited. Bush set up a photo opt for him by inviting the committee, Obama, McCain, and the Cogressional leadership to a meeting at the White House. Too many people to get anything done.
While I would like Obama (and his advisors) and McCain (keep his advisors and Phil Gramm away) be in attendance as audience, the present Committee needs to get down to business. The leadership needs to “sell” the solution since Bush has no credibility (WMD?). We need economic experts w/o ties to lobbyist and the financial markets to review the discussions and results for an unbiased review.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Lest our leftist friends forget the past, the fundamentals of the economy remain strong. Inflation and unemployment are each in the 6% range, and that “misery index” remains less than half that of the true crisis time of 1979.
I would respectfully wish to see one of our leftist friends defending Obama’s position, or perhaps more accurately, stating Obama’s position. He is a cipher as best as I can tell.
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
I’m sure McCain’s desire to postpone Friday’s election has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the recent revelation that his campaign manager, Rick Davis, was receiving fifteen grand a month from Freddie Mac as recently as last month.
Aren’t these the same people who just last week said “the fundamentals of our economy are sound?
I’m not an Obama supporter, but the McCain campaign (and Bush administration) has zero credibility here.
These Republicans also ominously warned of the imminent threat that Iraq and Saddam posed. How’s that working out?
By Dennis
September 25, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten writes, “Both political parties bear responsibility for failure and for a solution.”
Not doing a little “flip-flop are you”?Y
You’ve been one of these people who write about free markets and free interprise and what the market will bear types until this “crisis”.
“…regulating the passion of capitalism is not socialism… It is national security.”
You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By Squirmy
September 25, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Jim, I hear that Karl Rove has a swamp in Arizona and a desert in Alaska he wants to sell you. I see that you will buy ANYTHING this guy has to offer. I have to wonder if you are really this stupid or just trying to provoke some sort of response…
By Sapphirine
September 25, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
I agree 100% with you about Obama. I sold cars for 13 and was the top performer at my location. Last year, I had to give it all up. With gas prices and the economy where it is right now. No one can afford to buy cars. Even if you have a gas guzzling SUV there is currently no way to trade it, because it isn’t worth anything. I am not that surprised that Bill Heard had to shut it’s doors, what really surprises me is that more haven’t had to shut their doors. Obama is a poser. The only reason that he is in the running as President is because he is African American. He has not got the qualification necessary to run this country. My question is if he wasn’t African American would he really be at the place in the election that he is? This guy is a poser. Like every many other American in the United States I want us to have our first African American President. But to be totally honest I don’t believe that the right choice for America is Obama. We have already seen what McCain is willing to do for his country. Not many people can survive being a POW and continue loving and fighting for his country the way McCain has. So come on people wake up - ask yourself this one question and if you answer isn’t yes. How can you really vote for Obama? If Obama wasn’t African American would you still vote for him as President? McCain/Palin 2008
By Tom
September 25, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
The opening of Wooten’s column if it had been Obama calling to postpone the debate: “Barack Obama is a coward. A pure yellow-bellied cut-and-run coward. Obama is so terrified of losing the debate that he just runs away. John McCain, meanwhile, has shown the wise leadership we expect of this hero by demonstrating his skills at multitasking. How Presidential. Did I mention that Obama is a cut-and-run coward?”
By Redneck Convert
September 25, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Well, now I know this uppity Obama ain’t got a chance.
He’s up against two McCains, and he don’t know which one is going to show up.
Just when Obama was ready to land a haymaker against the first McCain over this economy, the second McCain calls a halt and says he ain’t going to fight no more till this economy thing is settled and he ain’t going to attend no debate.
And just when the first McCain finished 26 years of fighting against regulation of Wall Street, the second McCain shows up and wants this SEC chairman fired and wants more regulation.
And when Obama thinks he’s got McCain over supporting My President 90% of the time, the second McCain pops up and talks about what a maverick he is and how much he’s been against his own party.
Anyhow, it beats all I ever seen. I guess you got to tell a few stretchers if the times require it. And we got to keep the White House to keep the librul Democrats from naming librul judges and passing librul laws.
So when Obama wakes up on Nov. 5 and learns McCain done been elected, I guess he’ll be like the rest of us. Wondering which McCain is going to be President.
I got all excited last night when I seen this Sarah Palin get a preacher’s hands laid on her to drive off witches. I almost broke out in tongues. Now I know we got a good old-timey Christian ready to take over next time McCain gets cancer. We won’t need no rescue bill or nothing like that. She will be just like old Sonny—handle all the problems by prayer. I only wish the Revs. Oral Roberts and Jerry Falwell was alive to see all this.
Hallelujah, and have a good day everybody.
By claude
September 25, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Thanks Jim you hit the nail on the head. What is too bad is the fact democrats will never admit to this - nor take credit for the electing of this do nothing if elected and drives us into the ground.
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
*debate (not election)
Somebody needs to lay off the scotch.
Although I agree that Obama is sort of an empty-suit poseur, I also agree with Tom that if it had been Obama who had reneged on the debate, “cut and run, yellow bellied coward” would have been the cry from the right.
By will4obama
September 25, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
This is exactly what I would expect from you. You are so lame and predictable. Most Americans were looking forward to hearing from both candidates now. Especially now that we are in this fiscal crisis. When would McSame like to reschedule? November 5th?
By Rob
September 25, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I think that the debate should go on, and if not then the VP’s should debate. By the way isn’t that what a vice president is supposed to do…stand in when the president is unavailable. I think it is unresponsible to bail out wall street with tax payers money. In fact, why don’t we all just stop paying our mortgages, maybe the federal government will bail us out also. Did the big oil companies pass on the 200 billion dollar tax credit that they got? Oh, I forgot that was for research and development. Then, why oh why is gas 3.65 a gallon? I think that this bailout is Bush’s last opportunity to make all of his friends a lot of money at taxpayers expense again. Finally, I hear a lot of financial people saying that this bill will free up capital to lend to the public. Who are you going to lend the money to, the people that defaulted on the loans in the first place? This makes absolutely no sense, and I think that the government is stealing from the American public yet again.
By Saying the news
September 25, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Hey Reality Check….I think more people might take you more seriously if you could learn how to operate the posting equipment on this blog instead of continually hitting the button. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha….moron
By Davo
September 25, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
“Obama a crisis ornament”…nice Jim.
Might I suggest you change your column title from ‘Common Sense Conservatism’ to ‘NeoCon Cheerleader’?
I especially like the classy way you end it by implying that people who just lost their livlihood would be less interested to hear from one of the 2 guys who will be (hopefully) on top of this mess.
You must think we’re stupid.
By Rob
September 25, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
I think that the debate should go on, and if not then the VP’s should debate. By the way isn’t that what a vice president is supposed to do…stand in when the president is unavailable. I think it is unresponsible to bail out wall street with tax payers money. In fact, why don’t we all just stop paying our mortgages, maybe the federal government will bail us out also. Did the big oil companies pass on the 200 billion dollar tax credit that they got? Oh, I forgot that was for research and development. Then, why oh why is gas 3.65 a gallon? I think that this bailout is Bush’s last opportunity to make all of his friends a lot of money at taxpayers expense again. Finally, I hear a lot of financial people saying that this bill will free up capital to lend to the public. Who are you going to lend the money to, the people that defaulted on the loans in the first place? This makes absolutely no sense, and I think that the government is stealing from the American public yet again.
By Steven d.
September 25, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
I expect better from you JIm! This pitiful.
By Road Scholar
September 25, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Sapphirine: I bet you didn’t sell many cars to African Americans did you? Obama only an African American? McCain only a tortured war veteran? Who has sold his soul to Carl Rove? Give me a break!
Oh, by the way, learn to asemble yor thoughts in paragraphs!
By Churchill
September 25, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Today’s Palin bit, wish Jim would get back to interesting things..
Palin’s American Exception By ROGER COHEN Published: September 25, 2008 Sarah Palin loves the word “exceptional.” At a rally in Nevada the other day, the Republican vice-presidential candidate said: “We are an exceptional nation.” Then she declared: “America is an exceptional country.” In case anyone missed that, she added: “You are all exceptional Americans.” I have to hand it to Palin, she may be onto something in her batty way: the election is very much about American exceptionalism.
This is the idea, around since the founding fathers, and elaborated on by Alexis de Toqueville, that the United States is a nation unlike any other with a special mission to build the “city upon a hill” that will serve as liberty’s beacon for mankind.
But exceptionalism has taken an ugly twist of late. It’s become the angry refuge of the America that wants to deny the real state of the world.
From an inspirational notion, however flawed in execution, that has buttressed the global spread of liberty, American exceptionalism has morphed into the fortress of those who see themselves threatened by “one-worlders” (read Barack Obama) and who believe it’s more important to know how to dress moose than find Mumbai.
That’s Palinism, a philosophy delivered without a passport and with a view (on a clear day) of Russia.
Behind Palinism lies anger. It’s been growing as America’s relative decline has become more manifest in falling incomes, imploding markets, massive debt and rising new centers of wealth and power from Shanghai to Dubai.
The damn-the-world, God-chose-us rage of that America has sharpened as U.S. exceptionalism has become harder to square with the 21st-century world’s interconnectedness. How exceptional can you be when every major problem you face, from terrorism to nuclear proliferation to gas prices, requires joint action?
Very exceptional, insists Palin, and so does John McCain by choosing her. (He has said: “I do believe in American exceptionalism. We are the only nation I know that really is deeply concerned about adhering to the principle that all of us are created equal.”)
America is distinct. Its habits and attitudes with respect to religion, patriotism, voting and the death penalty, for example, differ from much of the rest of the developed world. It is more ideological than other countries, believing still in its manifest destiny. At its noblest, it inspires still.
But, let’s face it, from Baghdad to Bear Stearns the last eight years have been a lesson in the price of exceptionalism run amok.
To persist with a philosophy grounded in America’s separateness, rather than its connectedness, would be devastating at a time when the country faces two wars, a financial collapse unseen since 1929, commodity inflation, a huge transfer of resources to the Middle East, and the imperative to develop new sources of energy.
Enough is enough.
The basic shift from the cold war to the new world is from MAD (mutual assured destruction) to MAC (mutual assured connectedness). Technology trumps politics. Still, Bush and Cheney have demonstrated that politics still matter.
Which brings us to the first debate — still scheduled for Friday — between Obama and McCain on foreign policy. It will pit the former’s universalism against the latter’s exceptionalism.
I’m going to try to make this simple. On the Democratic side you have a guy whose campaign has been based on the Internet, who believes America may have something to learn from other countries (like universal health care) and who’s unafraid in 2008 to say he’s a “proud citizen of the United States and a fellow citizen of the world.”
On the Republican side, you have a guy who, in 2008, is just discovering the Net and Google and whose No. 2 is a woman who got a passport last year and believes she understands Russia because Alaska is closer to Siberia than Alabama.
If I were Obama, I’d put it this way: “Senator McCain, the world you claim to understand is the world of yesterday. A new century demands new thinking. Our country cannot be made fundamentally secure by a man who thought our economy was fundamentally sound.”
American exceptionalism, taken to extremes, leaves you without the allies you need (Iraq), without the influence you want (Iran) and without any notion of risk (Wall Street). The only exceptionalism that resonates, as Obama put it to me last year, is one “based on our Constitution, our principles, our values and our ideals.”
In a superb recent piece on the declining global influence of the Supreme Court, my colleague Adam Liptak quoted an article by Steven Calabresi, a law professor at Northwestern: “Like it or not, Americans really are a special people with a special ideology that sets us apart from all other peoples.”
Palinism has its intellectual roots. But it’s dangerous for a country in need of realism not rage. I’m sure Henry Kissinger tried to instill Realpolitik in the governor of Alaska this week, but the angry exceptionalism that is Palinism is not in the reason game.
By claude
September 25, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Thanks Jim you hit the nail on the head. What is too bad is the fact democrats will never admit to this - nor take credit for the electing of this do nothing if elected and drives us into the ground.
By claude
September 25, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Thanks Jim you hit the nail on the head. What is too bad is the fact democrats will never admit to this - nor take credit for the electing of this do nothing if elected and drives us into the ground.
By Peter
September 25, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Poor McLost…….
The Republican Socialist System now Firmly in Place……… Has become VERY CONFUSED…..tough getting OLD !
the Americans are seeing for the first time McLost can’t work during the day and talk in the evening……That is all Very confusing for him I am sure……can you imagine HOW TIRED HE WILL LOOK DURING ALL OF THIS ?
Gee how does a computer work ? E-mails ?
He has had ZERO to do with the BUY OUT NEGOTIATIONS……..and is basically afraid to work all day then show his true Ignorance at night.
Sarah Palin……Now that is real Window dressing !
Her solution probably is, go out in a helicopter and shoot some WOLVES….something she does best……..slaughter wild animals !
Hopefully McLost who graduated about last in school, along with Palin might be able to put their two heads together, and avoid their REPUBLICAN SOCIALIST CRISIS!
What Jim fails to mention under the “BUSH WATCH”….America is now how mach in DEBT ?
Gee Jim as Bush Thinks…..his buddies should continue to get RICH off the American Taxpayer !
Yes the Basic’s of the Economy are sooooooo Strong the REPUBLICANS are FREAKING OUT……AS KING George cries “Please push MY $700 Billion Dollar plan or we will fail as a Nation economically” …… ALL because the nation is Economically Sooooooooo Strong !
REPUBLICAN”S FOR SOCIALISM…….
VOTE REPUBLICAN FOR SOCIALISM……
Bailing out Corporations NEAR YOU SOON !
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Dear KA @ 8:57, good questions. I think perhaps you misunderstood my argument – I did not argue that Captain Queeg would write the bill, I said he has a veto power. He will have to enmesh himself into the negotiations to take a position, and the democrats will embrace whatever position he takes. And I stand by my view of Obama’s irrelevance to the financial panic – nobody really cares what he thinks, Obama knows that, and the only thing of any importance in his life right now is his campaign. He is truly a cipher on the negotiations.
Dear Anne @ 8:59, your comments contradict your assertion of party. There are no republicans unhappy with Palin, and even the RINOs giver her a pass due to her sex.
Dear Tea Time @ 8:59, I fear your mind operates on a plane much higher than mine. When your plane lands I’ll attempt to get my arms around the argument.
Dear Sara Jane @ 9:06, I urge you to check your facts. The firm Davis founded was doing business with and receiving money from the corrupt government agencies, but Davis has not received a dime of compensation from the firm in more than six years and is not associated with the firm in any sense. No, the bribery is almost exclusively of democrats.
By No More Foreign Aid
September 25, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
The Idiot of the AJC, Jimmy Woodenhead, places the fate of the Western World in the skills of a fool who graduated third from LAST in his college class, John McCain. What more can one expect from a journalism graduate of UGA, one of the least academically inclined schools in the WORLD? This bailout is about one thing and one thing only: keeping the illusion of a good economy going until after 1/20/2009 so the Republicans can leave office on a positive note, and all the blame for economic collapse will fall on the Democrats. There should be no taxpayer bailout of shareholders and executives of these failing financial firms, rather the debt holders and the federal government should become the new owners, and only then should taxpayer money be pumped in the keep the financial circulatory system functioning. Anything else is just plain and simple theft by the lying fat cats, and their fully owned and operated mouth pieces, like the Idiot of the AJC.
By Manny
September 25, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
When it was first evident that McCain will be the Republican nominee and that Obama will be the Democratic nominee, I thought of the Obama ticket as the ticket that will make rookie mistakes, but a ticket that will probably bring about the change we need. I saw the McCain ticket as a ticket that will be more solid and that the judgement will be sound on with them. At the onset, I kina wanted Obama to win simply for history, but I secretly wondered as to how Obama will act in a crisis. At the same time, I thought that McCain is simply the safer pick, and if he won, the country will still be in good hands.
Additionally, I thought it was unfair that the Obama campaign characterized a McCain administration as the 3rd Bush term. And I still consider it unfair. Unfair to George W. Bush.
Simply put, John McCain scares me. My first thought of that fear was when he selected Sarah Palin, a neophyte with some executive experience, but no foreign policy experience to his ticket. She has absolutely no grasp on the issues at hand. Zero. Charles Gibson showed it. Sean Hannity was spoon-feeding her and you can see that she was merely agreeing with Sean’s logic and added her stump buzzwords. And then the Katie Couric interview. Wow. That was terrible. And that makes me afraid.
But then, I’m looking at McCain’s thought processes leading up to her selection. It was like a spare of the moment thing!
Then, we have this crisis. Within a span of 3 days, I saw him change positions at least 5 times. By the end of the week, he was in full panic mode. There was no continuity. It’s scary.
Now, as of Wednesday, he suspends his campaign to head back to Washington DC to “work on the bailout bill.” But as of 9:19AM, he’s not there. He’s speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. And he’s talking about his leadership ability.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama was talking about this crisis for over a year. And when it came to a head, he wasn’t rattled. He laid out his strategy, talked to the powers-that-be, and made sure that his framework is included in the policy. And the policy is going through with his framework included.
At the same time, he’s campaigning and getting ready for the debates. He’s constantly on the phone and on emails and making sure that the bill gets passed.
That’s leadership. A good leader doesn’t need to be in the room in order for his presence to be felt. For his plans to be endorsed. And that’s what we’re seeing. Someone who thinks clearly and isn’t rattled.
So I’ve been thinking. I’m no longer thinking that it’ll all be OK if McCain wins the White House. I think that if he won the White House, we will all long for a 3rd Bush term, because McCain will be worse.
For me, I’m voting, with vigor, for someone who can multi-task. For someone who doesn’t get rattled. For someone who thinks clearly and not make rash decisions. For someone who provides leadership by talking directly to the policy-makers and the American people.
This is no longer funny. McCain is right now giving a stump speech in New York during the Clinton Global Initiative. And his campaign is suspended, right? We don’t need anymore of this kind of President.
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Is Sane Jane suggesting that America is poseur-whipped?
By Goldie
September 25, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Wooten— Congress seems to be putting together a bipartisan plan this week with absolutely no input from your guy … they’re practically saying it’s a done deal. Why would McBush try to inject himself into the process now, when just last week he declared that “the fundamentals of our economy are strong” — did everything just go kaput in one week’s time???
By Goldie
September 25, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
John McBush whines just like W did in ‘04: “this job is haarrd!”
By Ga Values
September 25, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Bill Heard Chevrolet closed because they were dishonest, the state should have put them in jail years ago.
I actually have a no cost to the taxpayer solution to this mess. The modified Chineese program: 1.Cancell all passports for everyone involved. 2. Take the 2 most corrupt Clinton & Bush CEO’s at Fanny & Freddy, put them against a wall & gut shoot them. 3.Live broadcast their slow deaths. 4. Tell the Wall Street Executives, the same thing to another set of 4 will be done every 2 weeks until the Financial crisis is solved. 5. Problem solved in 48 hours without any tax payer money. We could actually make money by auctioning the right to be a shooter on EBAY.
By Kimi
September 25, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
But I thought the economy was stable?
That’s what McCain has been saying for a long time now. If there’s nothing wrong with the economy, why does he need to suspend his campaign?
Nice try McCain, you just showed that you’re scared to debate and/or talk about the issues in front of a national audience because you’ll be exposed.
Time for a change. Vote Obama/Biden.
By Stacey
September 25, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
I agree with you Manny.
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Jbmflaw: you cant get any more disconnected, far reaching, or higher thatn Queeg or Gardner. In fact they were both insane.
They couldn’t describe the bailout scenario any better than you could, you poseur.
And this blog aint poseur-whipped either.
ask sane jane.
I have a Q for sane jane: Do U have an older sister 4 me?
By lazermike
September 25, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Almost every week I think that this is the one that shows that Wooten has truly lost it. Well, I’m man enough to admit that I was wrong all those other times. THIS is the one.
This does not make McCain look presidential. It makes him look desperate at best and at worst, chicken. Before, I thought (or feared) that Wooten’s opinions represented those of some mass of the American people that were out there somewhere. This time, it’s clear as day that he’s just flailing around.
By Get the facts
September 25, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Hey Ka, since when did the finance committee even have a meeting set up for today? John McCain called Pres. Bush and set up this meeting. Get your facts straight if you want to tell us how much you understand what is going on in Washington.
And since when did there happen to be so many intelligent people work on this problem? We have a bunch of party members trying to one up each other. We have a president that wants this and a senate that doesn’t. Where does intelligence come into this? It’s about egos, just as it always is when it comes to politicians. The “what’s in it for me” politicians.
By hotlanta
September 25, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Wooten let’s talk about Palin reading off those index cards.
By hotlanta
September 25, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Wooten let’s talk about Palin reading off those index cards.
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
The Reagan Era ended last night; not with walls crumbling nor with cold wars ending but with the simple sound of a simple man simply asking, “Buddy, can you spare a dime?”
Not since Tiananmen Square has one man stood in front of such an irresistible force. Can I hear an amen?
Is the entire country guilty of causing the conditions that require this bailout? We all saw those $800K mansion going up like trailer parks with stucco. We all wondered, “Who can afford to buy so many of those amazing homes?” We need wonder no more. Nobody can afford those amazingly arrogant and now thoroughly obnoxious homes.
Oh, true, you can get that same mansion now for $700K but you’ll have to lie on the mortgage application about your place in the American Dream.
America forgot to enforce it’s securities regulations as readily as it forgot to enforce it’s no fat chicks rules. In fact, America is repulsed by securities regulations and fat chicks. The tomatoes we might throw at wall street should be conserved as part of a well balanced diet.
Johnny cant read, nor fathom securities fraud.
Does anyone really understand how a fat chick gets fat? Does anybody really care?
Our national metabolism has slowed down and we’re gaining weight. Forget universal health care, how about universal accounting?
I happen to have majored in accounting in college……and I can state that a dime in 1970’s money is worth your two cents today.
So express your opinion, friend. Tell us all what precipitated this rush to trust the very pirates who buried all that treasure under the desert sand in the first place.
I’ll give my two cents worth first: Either pay us back, Mr. Suit, or we’ll have to fiddy cent your sorryAss.
‘muff said
By ron
September 25, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
I don’t know if McCain pulled off another political stunner or has shot himself in the foot.Time will tell.
I like the idea of him going back to Washington until this financial bailout is either approved or rejected.He is ,after all an elected representative of the people and should be where he’s supposed to be.Obama,on the other hand,has been running for President since the sixth grade and should continue with what he does best.
One thing I don’t remember about anyone in government is a warning that the financial world was in any imminent danger,say as recently as 6 months ago.Where were Paulson and Bernanke?Playing golf?They touted the main street economy as being sound and it is.Not as sound as I’d like to see it ,but it is sound.
Maybe it’s time to let it all fall into a shambles and then sort through the rubbish to pick ut the pieces of what might work in the future. It’s a lead pipe cinch that what was cannot be any more.
By Cornbread Fred
September 25, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Hello, lefties & righties! What would either group of you do without the other to point fingers at? Or had to make up your own minds about how to run this wonderful land of ours instead of following and parroting a party formula? I will persist in this question as long as you persist in this destructive course of division. I’m sure America’s many enemies enjoy this. Beware, people, they lie in wait!
By Ga Values
September 25, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Good read about the underling valuation problem for yjr non accountants
http://www.nytimes.com:80/2008/09/25/business/25value.html?dbk
By reader110
September 25, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Jeez, Wooten, I don’t know how you can write this garbage with a straight face. (Perhaps you’re not…are you laughing hysterically as you write it? If I were you, I would be…Just write anything as long as it supports the Republicans and watch the comments fly, right?)
Admit it, McCain is only trying to bail out on a debate that he knows will make him look like the incompetent that he is. And, oh wait! Palin now thinks she should suspend her campaign, too. What a shocker. Admittedly, if I were spewing the kind of garbage out of my mouth that these two have been I would be afraid to debate, too.
What possible reason would McCain - or Obama, for that matter - have for suspending their campaign? It’s not as if they’re the “deciders”. You people elected Bush to do that, remember? McCain and Obama are only RUNNING for the Presidency - they ain’t there yet.
I understand the conservatives wanting all the help they can get with this problem since they’re the ones who put us in this mess, but seriously, what can McCain possibly do to help the situation? In case you haven’t been paying attention, the man can hardly form a sentence anymore without making a complete a* out of himself.
I’m glad Obama didn’t take the bait. I think he should show up on time and prepared. If McCain doesn’t show up, they can put a cardboard cutout of him up there - it won’t make any difference, anyway. (Thanks to Bob Cesca for the cardboard cutout reference…)
By Peter
September 25, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Gotta love Jim today with this comment……….”It truly is one of those occasions where bipartisanship is required”.
The Republican Congress has stopped legislation on about 72 occasions the last two years, and Jim say it is time to go to WORK.
HA HA HA……. JIM loves the REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM we currently will enjoy soon………But sorry folks only for the BIG GUYS !
By Tom
September 25, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
If Mr. Obama insist in debating rather than looking after the peoples business, I wish the Republican campaign would send Gov. Palin to stand in while Mr. McCain helps restore the nations economy.
I think she would do a great job in debating the most unqualified presidental candidate in history.
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten, you are a sorry excuse for an American. After this article, I don’t see how anyone could ever trust you. You either don’t know or don’t care what’s happening to this country. You and John “Mr. Magoo” McCain are cut from the same cloth… ABSOLUTLY NO CREDIBILITY!
Bush/McCain - Gambling with our children’s futures!
By claude
September 25, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Thanks Jim you hit the nail on the head. What is too bad is the fact democrats will never admit to this - nor take credit for the electing of this do nothing if elected and drives us into the ground.
By Frost
September 25, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
It was time to stop the bleeding and Mccain thought of a good stunt,suspend the campaign.We thought the economic fundamentals were strong…hehehe…What has chenged to warrant Mccain having to stop everything and go to Washington.Decayed brain indeed!! Mccain does not ned to go to Washington,he needs to multi-task,does he have no computer on his jet/bus??? The fundamentals of our economy are strong!!!
By Noelle
September 25, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Funny how Obama hasn’t had a problem doing the job he was elected to do while still maintaining his campaign schedule. During the current session of Congress John McCain has missed around 65% of Senate votes, including critical votes like defense funding and the new GI bill. Obama’s missed around 40% and has voted on most major legislation, including the defense and GI bills.
Obama’s proven for months now that he can conduct a Presidential campaign and still keep up with his Senate duties. Obviously McCain doesn’t have the same confidence in his own abilities. Doesn’t say much for how he’d manage multitasking from the Oval Office.
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Bailout explained so that even duhng can understand it:
It’s not greed. Greed, for lack of a better word, is good, as we all know. (I wont say it again).
It’s trust. Founding Fathers used to go around saying, “That’s not worth a continental.” Nobody trusted that the value of a dollar could calculated truthfully.
So we’ve come full circle, over 200 years later; the banks who loan us money not only dont trust us to pay them back, they dont trust each other to pay anyloans back. Worse, they think the dollar is again not worth a continental, but more of a yugo with a flat tire.
Datz right, Hanz, a little girlie yugo with no gasoline in the tank, and a flat tire.
Yah! Datz right Franz, you cant pump gas up. the yugo is no go.
Yah!
So, the pathetic loozers who run the girlie banks are saying that they need a free gas card, and a free get out of jail for stealing the yugo card, and a ribbed condom in their wallets too, just incase there’s a drive-in movie on the way to the gas station, and they can get their sister drunk enough to get in the yugo…
Datz right, Hanz, those pathetic loozers are incestual girlie mans with no money for gas, or popcorn, or nothing…..
Yah, Franz, dats right
So uncle sam is here to (clap) PUMP YOU UP!
(applause)
I hope this clears up the bailout so that even an einstein like duhng can understand it.
This has been a charitable act toward the greater understanding of my fellow americans because without understanding, a person such as myself could never tolerate persons such as yourselves.
I’m analchord and I approve this message.
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Considering how deeply flawed both candidates are, I’d say we ARE poseur-whipped. BOTH sides.
John McCain wants to run on character & integrity (but doesn’t want to talk about cheating on Carol McCain & marrying Cindy one month after divorcing Carol).
Obama wants to run on “change” but offers only an inspirational message & a thin resume.
Biden is a blowhard. Palin is a JOKE.
The level of acrimony on this message board (as well as Bookman’s & several other sites) suggests that the candidates are just avatars.
We’re behaving like road-ragers - keying cars that have bumper stickers you don’t like, tolerating absolutely NO dissenting opinions on either side.
How does one keep from becoming a cynic or falling into a deep despair?
I worry that we are on the downhill slope of civilization. The only question is, will it be weapons & warfare or disease/virus?
By Fred
September 25, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
McCain is the ranking Republican on the Commerce committee and as such, obligated to be part of the solution here. As a Presidential candidate, it’s very much in his interest because whatever solution they concoct will dramatically affect the next 8 years. What we have here is a dichotomy of leadership styles: one wants to talk about it on TV, the other wants to hash it out over a conference table.
Barack Obama demonstrated why he has no real resume to run on. He has, in effect, voted ‘present’ again… except he’s not even there this time.
By No More Foreign Aid
September 25, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
SMACK: The suck up Claude just got what was coming to him…up the side of his fat head with a 2 by 4….
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Considering how deeply flawed both candidates are, I’d say we ARE poseur-whipped. BOTH sides.
John McCain wants to run on character & integrity (but doesn’t want to talk about cheating on Carol McCain & marrying Cindy one month after divorcing Carol).
Obama wants to run on “change” but offers only an inspirational message & a thin resume.
Biden is a blowhard. Palin is a JOKE.
The level of acrimony on this message board (as well as Bookman’s & several other sites) suggests that the candidates are just avatars.
We’re behaving like road-ragers - keying cars that have bumper stickers you don’t like, tolerating absolutely NO dissenting opinions on either side.
How does one keep from becoming a cynic or falling into a deep despair?
I worry that we are on the downhill slope of civilization. The only question is, will it be weapons & warfare or disease/virus?
By Soothsayer
September 25, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
A primer on the mortgage crisis
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Try wingnuts to spin this crap and watch it get all over you! John “Mr. Magoo” McCain is the 2nd worst excuse for a presidential candidate I have ever seen in all my 52 years. I might have been brave in the 60’s but he’s a coward in the new millenium. He’s suspending his campaign and running back to Washington because he’s running scared and stupid. If he doesn’t show for the debate, it proves he has NO idea what’s going on and doesn’t want to get called on it. One sentence trite answers won’t get it anymore. The luster of Sarah “Elly Mae” Palin has worn off like the heavy makeup on a sweating Tammy Faye Baker. Mr Magoo & Elly Mae… Put a FORK in em’.
Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures!
By I'm With Tom
September 25, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I think Tom hit the nail on the head. If McCain can’t make the debate, send in Palin! We all need a good laugh…
By GOPs got to go
September 25, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Jim is having another TIA, much like McCain has on a daily basis.
Probably why is is ducking the debates.
Everyone sees it for what it is Jim.
Dontcha know?
By fearless fosdik
September 25, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
By Fred @ 10:16 AM
Fred,
McCain is NOT the ranking member of the COMMERCE , SCIENCE and TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. That would be Kay Bailey Hutchinson!
Besides, what does the commerce committee have to do with the financial situation..NADA, I would suppose!
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
SO sane jane is suggesting that what america needs is a good five cent avatar?
You use that word alot, sane jane, I dont think it means what you think it means.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Dear PoFo @ 9:56, you are still the best part of the blog.
Dear Tom @ 10:08, what a terribly interesting idea. Would Obama go on with a debate if Sarah walked in? That would be the ultimate dis of Obama by McCain, would it not, to say, Sarah has full authority to speak for me on foreign policy? Obama cannot win under that circumstance – maybe he looks better than the girl – big deal - and maybe he does not look better than another rock star.
By dannymono
September 25, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
If you think that things are bad now…. If the state of Georgia lands in the McCain column this election cycle then you have to take the responsibility for all of the bad events that will surely fall on the country for the next four years. The judgment of the Georgians who voted for Bush four years ago was as sound as their judgment is now. It’s eerily like the Germans in World War Two. Everybody in the world knew they were following a policy of hatred and racism - except the German people.
By Drew
September 25, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
The ‘debate’ goes on every day in the papers, on TV, on the internet. The televised ‘smackdown’ on Friday night can be easily rescheduled (as can frothy talk show appearances) in the face of a historic crisis that ought to demand the full attention of anyone who’d like to be called a ‘leader’.
Listening to people complain, it’s as if people put their TV viewing schedule ahead of the work that needs to be done right now. Honestly, if you don’t know where the candidates stand by now, you just haven’t been paying attention.
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
It just seems like we citizens are just itching for a fight. You can see it in how we drive & how we discuss politics.
We’re angry and we don’t have the tools to articulate our dissatisfaction in a constructive manner. So we demonize others.
Go check out the “bumper sticker” blog. A few McCain supporters are high-fiving each other for keying cars with an Obama sticker.
What gives?
By The Ghetto Prophet
September 25, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Obama is the biggest black joke since Amos & Andy! That house “N” has fooled alot of blacks & conned alot of whites! Obama is the most DANGEROUS “N” on the planet! Vote Jesus! He has a proven resume! He has one book! & One way! He’s the truth & the light!
By getalife
September 25, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
McDregulator cut and ran like a coward. Our troops do not take a time out. We have two wars and one on the verge. Cowards need not apply.
FDIC needs 150 billion to bail out local banks.
Car industry gets 20 billion loan. The raid and looting on the Treasury is out of control. Yet, the dow has not dropped below 10,000.
Millions are calling their reps from both sides.
This will not end well.
By J.B.
September 25, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Why should John mccain be in washington trying to help when he doesn’t know “SQUAT” about the economy!! He’s afraid! To you Mr. wooten, How can you say that when congress has nearly solved the issue by lending the money. I have respect for senator McCain but he’s trying to buy some time, and go in say his little speech so that he can use it in the debates. It’s all political “BS” he’s trying to pull. He’s part of the problem. I’m he shared in on some of the riches also in some way.
By Mike K.
September 25, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
I’m shocked, SHOCKED, that Wooten thinks that Mr. McCain Goes to Washington is a great idea while Begala thinks the idea stinks. TOTAL UNPREDICTABLE.
By Mike K.
September 25, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
I’m shocked, SHOCKED, that Wooten thinks that Mr. McCain Goes to Washington is a great idea while Begala thinks the idea stinks. TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE.
By BS Aplenty
September 25, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
In 1987, I worked for a regulatory agency in an area where farming was the principal industry. Most bank customers were farmers or worked in farm-related businesses. The financial fortunes of all, including banks, were tied together. But times were good.
In fall of 1987, a rumor began to circulate in one particular community that a large local tractor company and a local feed store were going to lay off employees - and they did. What happened next can only be described as the type of panic that grips people unsure of their financial circumstances.
On an early Friday morning, small lines of customers began to appear in front of both local banks in this community. Waiting for them to open - so they could pull their deposits out. Presumably to stuff the cash under their beds. Again, small lines, twenty or so, at first. The deposit withdrawals were easy enough for the banks handle.
But rumors in small towns have a life of their own, and by Monday the lines in front of both small local banks had customer lines approaching 100 - each. Someone spread a rumor that the implement store and the feed store were going out of business because local farmers couldn’t pay their bills. If farmers couldn’t pay their feed/seed/fertilizer bills, they probably couldn’t pay their bank loans, either. The rumor was unfounded but that didn’t matter.
By late Wednesday, both local banks were appealing to the local newspaper in an attempt to quiet the rumors because both banks, otherwise well-run and in good condition, were experiencing a liquidity crisis. That just fanned the flames.
The deposit withdrawals continued and when sizeable individual deposits were removed, both banks had to appeal to the Federal Reserve for financial assistance - temporary access to the Fed’s discount (borrowing) window. Because both banks were, otherwise, very sound. Federal Reserve examiners were on site at both financial institutions.
Within two weeks, the depositors had removed approximately 35% of the deposit base of both banks. But the Fed credit kept both banks running. After an additional month, the rumors proved unfounded, both banks were still operating, taking deposits, paying depositors as requested. Deposits returned right back to both banks, apparently a safer place than under the mattress, and the Fed credit was repaid.
But the survival of two well-run banks was put in jeopardy and had the temporary assistance of the Federal Reserve not been available they would have “failed” not because they weren’t well-operated, but because depositors lost confidence in their financial system. Confidence.
If you have experienced, first hand, how important simple confidence in the economic system can be to making the economy work, you understand why it’s important for the federal government to be present and on duty when such crises occur.
McCain seems to get that. I don’t know what candidate Obama is thinking. And this crisis is of far greater import than two small town banks. But I think that, much like those small town banks, the crisis deserves more than a just phone call. The Senator needs to show up and do his job to restore confidence in the economy.
Sometimes when you don’t know what to do, you multi-task.
By getalife
September 25, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Obama is on the campaign trail fighting for change. He wants to debate foreign policy with two wars raging and Pakistan is shooting down drones.
McDeregulator cut and ran from the campaign to fight for the bailout of companies under investigation by the FBI for fraud. He cut and ran from a foreign policy debate like a coward.
The choice is clear.
Our troops deserve a fighter not a coward.
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I would define avatar as “a representation of a particular set of beliefs.” Dictionary.com defines it as “an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life.”
If you’ve got a different interpretation, let’s hear it.
By Bush go away
September 25, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
You might want to alert the folks who enforce decency standards, because I’m about to undress Wooten in public and expose him for the shameless, partisan hack he truly is.
Jimbo, if an employee of yours missed four hundred and fifteen assignments, would you even give him even an ounce of credibility when he said he wanted to postpone his performance review to work on an urgent project?
That will be all Wooten. You’re dismissed.
By Tamika
September 25, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Obama HUSSEIN is a Fart Head! He is my hero!! I love you Obana
By Tamika
September 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
I cant wait for November 4th. Obama the Great Will be our next PRESIDENT!!!
BETTER DAYS ARE AHEAD FOR US ALL
By Fred
September 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Ahh, busted… bad info on my part. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that it would seem that the two senators who want to lead the country for the next 4-8 years might want to be part of what happens in the Senate this week, not gladhanding and posturing for the cameras. Politics and leadership aren’t necessarily the same thing.
Television will still be here next week.
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry, sane jane, that’s not the correct response. The correct reply was “So what PoFo is saying is that What this country needs is a good five cent nickel?”
That would not only explain the bailout, but would have trumped my facetious reply to you.
You could have gotten extra credit if you had asked me to use the word in a sentence, to spell it again, requested the language of origin or inquired whether I prefer boxers or briefs.
You did not win the contest, but there is a consolation prize, or in your case, a booby prize.
Wanna know what it is?
By fearless fosdik
September 25, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Here in a nut shell are Paulson’s own words on the financial bailout.
“We gave you a simple, three-page legislative outline and I thought it would have been presumptuous for us on that outline to come up with an oversight mechanism. That’s the role of Congress, that’s something we’re going to work on together. So if any of you felt that I didn’t believe that we needed oversight: I believe we need oversight. We need oversight.
Do you notice all the we NEED OVERSIGHTS?
What the proposal actually did, of course, was explicitly rule out any oversight, plus grant immunity from future review:
“Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency.”
Are you KIDDING me!!!!!!
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
The Blue Team is far from perfect, but after 8 years of this Red mess, it’s time for the other team to take a turn at the wheel.
By courtney
September 25, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
This was a complete JOKE!!! Just a few months ago, McCain stated he knew nothing about Economics but now he wants to suspend the campaign for the good of the country. Please!!! Then to top it off, he did not even tell the whole story that Obama called him earlier on the same day to ask that they come together to release a joint statement together. Please McCain stop trying to play Americans like we are stupid!!!! NOT!!!
By Sean Cavity
September 25, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Did the Governor just blame the residents of metro Atlanta for the gasoline short-fall in the area? Oh, so because we all enjoy having to purchase gas in 4 gallon increments, we’re to blame? If I weren’t so aggravtaed by having to purchase gas every 2 days, I’d be annoyed as heck.
By Devastator
September 25, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
This morning Barack called John McCain to suggest a joint statement of principles that would help Congress resolve the immediate financial crisis.
Then John McCain went on television and said he was suspending his campaign and that Friday’s presidential debate should be postponed.
Barack spoke about the crisis and took questions from reporters a few hours ago.
He also made it clear that — with only 40 days left for the American people to decide who will be responsible for leading our economic future — it is more important than ever that the scheduled debate takes place.
Please take a minute to watch the video of Barack’s press conference and share it with your friends:
http://my.barackobama.com/latestremarks This is an important time, and we have to keep this campaign focused on the crucial issues.
Thank you,
David
David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
By sane jane
September 25, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Anybody who thinks Palin is prepared to handle our country’s issues needs to watch her most recent interview:
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/
I mean, if she can’t handle KATIE FRIGGIN COURIC…?
This is like McCain promising to look our enemies in the eyes and stare down our foes… but refuses to go on CNN anymore because Campbell Brown handled Steve Schmidt so roughly. Wahh!
By ron
September 25, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
John McCain needs to make the folowing statement:I regret not being able to attend Friday’s debate due to pressing matters in the Senate,but since I believe the debates have importance to you I will send my running mate,Mrs.Palin in my stead.I will,of course, be available for further debate in the future if circumstances permit.
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Red Menace would have been better.
Geta, comeon, haven’t you ever taken a pot shot at a drone?
What you folks dont understand is that in 2000, at the congress’s xmas break night, in the dead of night, they passed legislation that outlawed any oversight on AIG type financing.
that law is still on the books, you morons.
Dont blog about the bailout unless you are at least as smart as a fifth grader.
This country really has separated into the haves and the half-wits.
By obamamania
September 25, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
As your future president, I will not vote on a bank bailout. It is my belief that once the banks fail, you’ll all be waiting on me to send you a government check each month. You will have to bow before me and kiss my @ss just to have enough money to buy a fried chicken leg from the roach coach circling your neighborhood.
By Shrugging Atlas
September 25, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
To Fred, Jim and the rest of you mindless sheep, ARE YOU SERIOUS!! I know McSame doesn’t know how to use email, but it’s the year 2008 and the technology we have makes these guys virtually able to be anywhere. There’s video conference, etc., and to think that everything needs to grind to a halt is a ridiculous ploy on the part of a scared old man who sees his final dream fading before his cataract’ing eyes. The American people need to hear from our leaders, John wants to cut and run to Washington to take care of the issues, but isn’t that what the campaign is all about, the issues? We have already come to an agreement, both sides of this blog, that neither McSame or Obama will have any real involvement in developing the plan, so to say he is going back to help is a complete joke. Wake up Fred, Ragnar, and Jim.
By AJ
September 25, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Um but the great economist and social commentator Sean Hannity said the economy is “phenomenal”, just a couple of weeks ago. So now conservatives agree that we are near a “financial meltdown”. What caused that? Ohh I see, we are near a financial meltdown, when Obama wants to continue a planned debate, we are near a financial meltdown when its the Liberals fault, we are near a financial meltdown when banks were “forced” to give loans to people who could not afford them. Makes perfect sense now. We just got near a “financial meltdown” as of last night or the last 48 hours, let conservatives tell it everything was fine until then.
By Grading Bookman
September 25, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Roach coach?
By real_conserv
September 25, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Any real conservative should be too embarrased to bring these topics up. This is as bad as it gets. McCain is not a conservative, he is not much of anything. He is a fool. His choice of religious nut girl from the North is irresponsible enough to eliminate him from consideration. This stunt is CLEARLY an effort stop the debates —both his and snogirls. Jim would turn this arguement around if Hope Boy had wanted to delay the debate. We conservatives like to claim a superiority in integrity but how can we with the performance of McCain over the last 4 weeks and now columns like this.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Dear ron @ 11:21, let me posit an alternative scenario. McCain campaign says repeatedly, “Mr. McCain will not appear for the Friday night debate,” and nothing more. Then, five minutes before the debate, Sarah waltzes in, “I’m here to debate.” All of Obama’s canned “old man” jokes are out the window, and she’ll come in with a bunch of “chauvinist pig” jokes.
By JLK
September 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
You think Obama messed up? HAHA! He wasn’t stupid enough to blow off Letterman! (“Doesn’t smell right.”) Here’s a tip: Don’t hide from the people and then ask for our vote. Scurrying around behind our backs, refusing to answer questions, granting interviews selectively with only pre-approved content, putting panic ahead of our right to know…. We’ll think you’re covering up something unseemly!
By JB
September 25, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Shame on you, Jim. McCain’s move is the most transparent ploy yet of this election. I always thought you to be a rational conservative, not one of the blind faithful residing on the lunatic fringe. Now you too have followed suit with the Republican party this election, abandoning the principles of honor and integrity that were once the foundation of conservative ideals, and resorting to tactics of fear and desperation in attempt to win votes. Truly pathetic. Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave.
By Devastator
September 25, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
McCain’s Ploy By Harold Meyerson, Washinton post
Slipping in the polls? Concerned that Americans may be paying more attention to the declining economy — and even supporting economic regulation again — than to your own stellar leadership abilities?
What’s a Republican presidential nominee to do?
If you’re named John McCain, the answer became apparent yesterday afternoon — make the solution to the economic crisis all about you. Suspend your campaign. Pull out of tomorrow’s debate — a trivial exercise merely allowing Americans to judge the two candidates side by side. Change the terms of the nation’s economic discussion from the course we should take, and the defects of the laissez-faire model that got us here, to the indispensability of John McCain, leader of leaders.
(Besides, if tomorrow’s debate goes on as scheduled, it will doubtless focus on the economy as well as foreign affairs, its announced topic. McCain sees foreign policy as one area where he can outshine Obama. Only by rescheduling the debate after the crisis has passed can he be sure he will have his moment in the foreign policy sun.)
Yesterday’s Post-ABC News Poll showed Barack Obama opening a nine-point lead over McCain, chiefly because of the economic anxiety flooding the nation and the belief of most Americans that Obama is more in touch with economic realities than McCain is and has a better sense of how to navigate both the current crisis and America’s long-term economic challenges. But the McCain plan for victory this November never counted on Americans picking McCain on the basis of the issues.
By Greg
September 25, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Let’s face it, both the republicans and democrats are responsible for the financial crisis, due to their continued passing of bills none understood that deregulated the market and allowed for the greed to take over. Asking these criminals to “fix” the problem is akin to having segregationists end racism. I have left the mainstream political arena and will be seeking answers from those without their interests completely determined by greed and selfishness.
By McCainIsAPussy
September 25, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
McCain is a p***, and that’s coming from someone who was once an ardent supporter of McCain (see the 1999-2000 prez race for more details of the man I once respected).
He has become an opportunistic douchebag over the last two years and I am so disappointed in him that I feel absolutely no remorse about labeling him for what he is: An enormous p***.
-He was pro choice before he became anti-choice (about a year ago he had a swift and decisive change of heart for some reason). He now feels that we need to overturn Roe v. Wade and so does what’s-her-name with the vagina. Keep in mind that the next prez will probably appoint two supreme court justices (and probably more like three).
-He was against the Bush tax cuts before he was for them - and now he wants them to be permanent (because we see just how well trickle down economics works right now, don’t we).
-He picks his VP based on the sole qualification of her genitalia… oh yeah, and she was governor of Alaska for 20 months - WOW, what a resume; she’s totally qualified to step in if (and more likely when) he keels over dead. Honestly, I don’t think anyone from Alaska should be in charge of our country, ever - that’s like saying the Governor of Puerto Rico should be our president. Alaska is an isolated, sparsely populated territory at best.
-He thinks people are stupid enough to believe that he doesn’t want to honor his commitment to the debates (and he wants to push Sarah “Why yes, I do happen to have a vagina” Palin’s debates back as well) because he is ‘above’ politics and feels that he can single-handedly solve the economic crisis he and his ilk (admittedly not just republicans) have brought upon our country - never mind the fact that we only have 40 more days before we elect our next president - so when do you think we should have these debates John? How bout never? Does never work for you? I bet it would you f*** p***.
I think Wes Clark said it best…
Crashing planes (yes, more than one) and being captured is no qualification for the presidency.
And he shouldn’t be able to hide behind that either. That’s what a p*** would do; Hide behind their former glories to obfuscate their current incompetence.
Let’s call him what he is and forget about all of this over-the-top politically correct respect for his service crap: He’s an old man with a giant vagina who can’t make up his mind about his priorities and who should not be elected to the presidency.
The prosecution rests your honor.
By Wise Man
September 25, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
*If Mr. Obama insist in debating rather than looking after the peoples business, I wish the Republican campaign would send Gov. Palin to stand in while Mr. McCain helps restore the nations economy.
I think she would do a great job in debating the most unqualified presidental candidate in history. by Tom @ 10:08 am*
I had to repost this one. This is hillarious! I guess you didn’t watch the Katie Couric interview yesterday, huh?
By AJ
September 25, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
His gig is to let somebody else do the heavy lifting in taking risks and making decisions and then to declare when they are imperfect afterwards that had he made them, they would have been smarter, wiser and better. In this campaign, he’s revealing why his life’s accomplishments outside politics are so thin. He’s a talker.
Isn’t exactly what you do, isn’t this the very thing that keeps you employed you doucheb@g?
By Alvin
September 25, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Michelle Obama is so hideously ugly, unintelligent, unattractive and filled with blind, venomous rage, she made poor Clay Aiken switch to boyz after he experienced the trauma of having her hit on him at a recent Democrat fundraiser.
Yuck!
By jm
September 25, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten if Senator McCain is as concerned as you say he is about what is going on in Washington, he would have resigned his Senate seat when he decided to run for President (or at least when he got his party’s nomination) so that that people of Arizona could have had full time representation in the Senate. This has been a major pet peeve of mine for years. If an elected government official decides to run for election in a position other than the one they currently hold, they should have to resign their current position first. When I vote for someone, I expect that person to perform the duties of the office, not run for another office.
After listening to Senator McCain and his handlers slam Senator Obama for not agreeing to the town hall meetings Senator McCain craves (essentially free campaign air time), it seems a bit disingenous to want to back out Friday’s debate.
By TomL
September 25, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
I hope McCain b*** slaps Barney Franks.
By findog
September 25, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Jim,
Is Senator McCain or Obama on the committee that is negotiating the final bill with the executive branch? If so they are late, if not they will be in the way; Peggy, the Reagan era speechwriter and MSNBC political commentator, called McCain’s dramatic announcements theatre.
Senator McCain should reconvene the GOP convention to modify their platform.
“We do not support government bailouts of private institutions. Government interference in the markets exacerbates problems in the marketplace and causes the free market to take longer to correct itself.” — Republican Party platform, 2008
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
McCainIsAPussy, you are a great American!
Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures
By yankee
September 25, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Latest quote from Palin “help me I’m melting”
By Tired of the d******* on the AJC blogs
September 25, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
You people never stop do you? Racists, conservatives & republicans (or is that redundant) make me sick to my stomach. Let’s look at this from a different perspective. If Obama had come out first and asked McCain to cancel Friday’s debate and said he was going to suspend his campaign to help with the U.S. financial crisis, all hell would have broken loose. All the republicans, racists and conservatives on all of these AJC blogs would be writing about how Obama is and that this decision proves he is irresponsible and inexperienced. There would be McCain ads on every TV network in all major markets criticizing and ridiculing Obama’s decision. The idiots at Fox News, including Hannity & O’Reilly, along with Rush Limbaugh, would question Obama’s rationale and try to justify that he is ready to be Commander-in-Chief. But McCain refuses to attend the debate and suspends his campaign to supposedly address the financial crisis and he’s a “die-hard american for the american people. He’s Wonderful! He’s just what we need!” You hypocrites on here repulse me. You would rather have a white man lead you to hell than have a Black Man lead you to prosperity, which truly shows how ignorant you folks are. I can’t wait for Nov. 4th when Obama not only makes history, but us realist voters get rid of the same, tired politicians running our country into the ground. God Bless America and Barack Obama.
By ron
September 25, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Ragnar @11:28—Your idea has the merit that Obama would either have to debate or walk off,and the added merit of a complete surprise to the viewing audience.I like that,but I also like the slow twist that my idea would bring.Subtle nuances and all that.
By gg
September 25, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Most of the world has access to the internet, and people from other countries are probably reading this blog. We look like fools to the world. The U.S. dollar is worthless abroad. We have no respect from other countries anymore.
We used shake our heads in disgust of news images of other countries fighting in the streets, fighting in political settings, and claimining one religon over the other was better.
I am ashamed, and I don’t blame others for feeling the same way.
By Devastator
September 25, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
(CNN) — Shortly after Sen. John McCain announced on Wednesday the suspension of his campaign to tackle the economic recovery plan in Congress, his opponent questioned the timing of his decision.
Sen. John McCain said Wednesday that he will not attend Friday’s presidential debate.
Sen. Barack Obama said he called McCain about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, “after determining that many of the principles that I had set forth were ones that Sen. McCain adopted as well in terms of how this financial proposal should be structured.”
Democratic presidential nominee Obama said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Oklahoma, came up with the idea of issuing a joint statement agreeing on some “broad principles” that he and McCain shared on resolving differences in the rescue plan.
McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers said the Republican senator did not take Obama’s call but rather called him back later in the day.
Obama said, “[McCain] called me back at about 2:30 this afternoon after our rally, and I asked him to join me in issuing a joint statement to let this Congress and this administration know where we stand and what we expect from this proposal, because of the past few days, it’s been clear that we have come to agree on some broad principles.”
Obama added that McCain agreed to the suggestion of issuing a joint statement.
McCain, according Rogers, suggested that the two presidential candidates have a meeting in Washington “to lead a bipartisan effort to solve this problem” and that they both suspend their campaigns and hold off on Friday’s presidential debate.
Obama said his intent was focused on issuing a joint statement first.
But shortly after the call ended, Obama said, his rival appeared on television announcing the suspension and the subsequent debate no-show.
By Sue Lewis
September 25, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Jim you are a TRUE CONSERVATIVE RED-NECK!!Please fire this born again Klan member!!!!
By Sue Lewis
September 25, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Jim you are a TRUE CONSERVATIVE RED-NECK!!Please fire this born again Klan member!!!!
By Sue Lewis
September 25, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Jim you are a TRUE CONSERVATIVE RED-NECK!!Please fire this born again Klan member!!!!
By Karl
September 25, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
The McCain camp is to be applauded for reminding us all that a woman is to be seen and not heard. And ain’t that an obedient little chicky?
By Mr. Snarky
September 25, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Do you make this stuff up or just get it directly from the McCain campaign? Jim, please tell me exactly how McCain’s presence is going to help the crisis.
By dirty harry
September 25, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
I’ve been glued to C-Span all morning and have yet to see Grandpa McCain step to the plate, and explain his proposal for this BAILOUT!
Perhaps he’s busy doing the Katie Couric show!
By Nick
September 25, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten is always quick to compare Obama with former President Carter’s credentials. Today, it’s Mr. McCain who is pulling a Carter - anyone remember when he refused to leave the Rose Garden during the primary season?
Let’s just hope this one doesn’t last for six months.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,920864,00.html
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Dear ron @ 12:06, you may be right. In any event, McCain is now in control of all circumstances. He can twist the debate to fit his needs, he controls the legislation of the day. He actually is calling the shots now.
By BS Aplenty
September 25, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Why Obama Should Not be President
To know a man is to understand the gods to which he kneels.
A man’s speech may be used to inform or misinform others but his worship seeks to edify his own soul. Rarely is there need for deception. And so the journey to understand the candidate Barack Obama must pass through his place of worship, the Trinity United Church of Christ. A congregation where he worshipped, sang, taught and learned for twenty years. A congregation where he also found a life’s mentor in the person of TUCC’s erstwhile minister, Jeremiah Wright.
TUCC is a numerically significant and unique church among the United Churches of Christ. How unique? Unique in that it has adopted as doctrine the teachings of one James H. Cone, the theologian who systematized black liberation theology. And it is in the doctrine of Cone where one finds candidate Obama’s genuine worship. To many Americans that doctrine would differ markedly from what they view as Christian worship. In fact, one wonders what this archaic, racist doctrine has to do with Christianity at all as demonstrated in a doctrinal passage from Cone’s A Theology of Black Liberation:
This understanding of blackness can be seen as the most adequate symbol of the dimensions of divine activity in America. And insofar as the country is seeking to make whiteness the dominating power throughout the world, whiteness is the symbol of the Antichrist. Whiteness characterizes the activity of deranged individuals intrigued by their own image of themselves, and thus unable to see that they are what is wrong with the world. Black theology seeks to analyze the satanic nature of whiteness and by doing so to prepare all nonwhites for revolutionary action.
In passing, it may be worthwhile to point out that whites are in no position whatever to question the legitimacy of black theology. Questions like “Do you think theology is black?” or “What about others who suffer?” are the product of minds incapable of black thinking. It is not surprising that those who reject blackness in theology are usually whites who do not question the blue-eyed white Christ. It is hard to believe that whites are worried about black theology on account of its alleged alienation of other sufferers. Oppressors are not genuinely concerned about any oppressed group. It would seem rather that white rejection of black theology stems from a recognition of the revolutionary implications in its very name: a rejection of whiteness, an unwillingness to live under it, and an identification of whiteness with evil and blackness with good. [7-8]
It seems that for non-black Americans to know the soul of candidate Obama, that is, to understand what he thinks is soul-edifying for himself, his wife, his children, one must slog through Cone’s racist doctrine of yester-year. The candidate’s ‘Change You Can Believe In’ sloganeering now reveals a typical politician all-too-comfortable with the politics of deception. Obama’s genuine worship shows him as wed to a doctrine wherein there is little tolerance for the larger American community.
The candidate then seems easy enough to parse, but what are we to make of his avid supporters who well-know the philosophical background of his church, who cheer on their candidate even with his well-known acceptance of racist thought like Cone’s? What are we to infer about an American media that seems decidedly negligent in reporting this to the voters? I’ll leave that to you good people.
Did I mention this guy wants to be president of the United States?
By obamamania
September 25, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
When my man Obama is elected, he is going to pimp all you b1tches out. To h3ll with the banks, we gona cash in on all that white women punany.
By findog
September 25, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Ragnar @ 9:03
Sorry to be late today, and while I am not an Obama leftist I do try to play one from time to time here. You answered your own question. Obama does not have a position. It appears that he has figured out that in a DNC year he can do the minimum required to get elected with nothing concrete in his proposals. He has set himself up for his reelection campaign that will begin on November 5, 2008. No one could give you a specific response because one does not exist. Just like how Governor Palin could not point to where John McCain had ever previously been for government regulation, it does not exist. So that in essence is Obama’s position, he is not John McCain, or George Bush, or Newt Gingrich, nor Ronald Reagan…
There, the perfect political non-answer.
I would like to hear your thoughts on the relative merits of the chicken little pronouncements should, “The Plan,” not be sent to the President in a clean form by tomorrow.
By Mr. Snarky
September 25, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Do you make this stuff up or just get it directly from the McCain campaign? Jim, please tell me exactly how McCain’s presence is going to help the crisis.
By No More Foreign Aid
September 25, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Vote any congressman or senator out of office who votes for this fat cat bailout….We mean you Saxby, Johnny, and all the little congress people lurking around the bathrooms at Hartsfield…..
By T
September 25, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
This is a blog for fifth graders.
By tcoach
September 25, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Didn’t McCain already offer like 10 times to have debates with Obama, and all 10 times Obama said NO. Why? Is he above the people of the town hall meetings or what is it? Why is this the debate that must happen as scheduled, could it be because he has been craming for weeks and does not want to forget things like he did in his address last night.
Anyone saying McCain is scared of the debate is an idiot and refuses to face history. Obama was asked at least 10 times to debate, and every time was scared and said no. Give me 1 answer why he could not debate any of those 10 times.
By bush go away
September 25, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Funny Wooten the shill mentions “ornaments,” as he’s been dropping his drawers for all the world to see that’s his ornament has had a “four hour medical condition” ever since Palin got the nod.
Now he’s got a man crush on McCain for “presidential” stand. Sounds like you got a lot of sinning going on there Jimbo. Better get thee to a church, pronto!
By @@
September 25, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Tell me Jim, does it really matter who goes and who doesn’t? McCain and OBlahMa are basically on the same page when it comes to this bailout. After 20 months on the campaign trail a debate is overkill anyway. The fact, however, that the democrats continue to send the message “You don’t need to be here” is all the more reason for him to GO!
I’m reconciling myself to the fact that this snowball is rollin’ and there’s not much I can do about it.
Let’s see now, my membership is gonna cost what……..$2,300?
I would commend McCain if he were to be honest in saying. “And for opening up a new account with us @@, you get a booby prize…….a toaster oven.”
Just hold the butter fellas. It does nothing to enhance the flavor of the stale toast.
Apropos, don’tcha think Jim?
By findog
September 25, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Ga Values @ 9:47,
No cost? It will take at least $3.96 for the four rounds of ammunition…
By GeezG
September 25, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
By Tired of the d* on the AJC blogs
Now that was really a stretch!
By Filster
September 25, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Chris Dodd and Barney Frank can be trusted to do what needs to be done with respect to the bailout. After all, those two are within the 3 or 4 highest receipents of lobbying money from such entities as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Nope, no conflict of interest here. U think McCain’s instincts were to go and try to right what’s wrong, and what was wrong when he spoke about it in 2005. He seemed to have an idea back then. Maybe he’s just tying to get folks to listen. As to the debate, I guess folks forget that Obama doesn’t tend to fair too well when he has to talk off the cuff. prepared speeches? Powerful orator. Interviews, town hall meetings, etc? he sort of bumbles a lot. With respect to the bailout, if so much as $1 of it goes to line some golden parachute of an executive, I am probably going to vote against every incumbent I can across the board. Those sob’s cooked the books, etc., and if my tax dollars are going to beused to give them seven-nine-digit severance packages, I’m with Todd Palin for succession from the union. Sure are interesting times we live in.
By Trevor
September 25, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Interesting that McCain, once again is trying to beneifit from Obama. First he is stumping CHANGE and now after receiving a call from Obama for the both of them (together)to show unity in this time of crisis, he anounces that he’s on his way to Washington to solve this problem. Please! We have a President and Vice-President, 98 other Seniors and a full house of Reps. What can McCain do?? He don’t even have orginial thoughts! Maybe he will send in his ACE - Sara - to work her magic. I guess next he’ll want to delay the election!!!!
By Famuan
September 25, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Jim Wooten is a complete disgrace. He is so blinded by his racism that he can’t even hide it anymore. Pathetic.
By getalife
September 25, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
How Is John McDeregulater Going To Help Solve The Financial Crisis?
Keep calling and tell them no to the bailout.
Vote early and fire the gop
By Famuan
September 25, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Jim Wooten is a complete disgrace. He is so blinded by his racism that he can’t even hide it anymore. Pathetic.
By obamamania
September 25, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I have pictures of Biden giving Hussein Obama a rimj0b.
By RUKiddin
September 25, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Maybe there are some Senators out there that understand that it’s more important to be involved, big or small, than to vote Present.
By Bo Chambliss LOBBYIST
September 25, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Where Saxby Chambliss gets his money::
Agri Business—-$1,368,000 Banks, Insurance, Real Estate—-$1,332,000 Lawyers & Individual Lobbyist——$641,000 Misc Business —-$679,000 Other ——$606,000..
The Agi Business got a gift of $20 billion waste from Saxby’s Farm Bill. The Banks, Real Estate & Lawyers just got a $2 TRILLION gift from the Bail Out the Banks act which Saxby & Johnny voted for. Not a bad return on your money.
Source:http://www.opensecrets.org/politicia…&cid=N00002685
By Time for an overhaul
September 25, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Flister…my sentiments exactly. I am sick to death of being taxed to support a bunch of lazy a*******es who don’t want to work, support illegals, crooked businesses and politicians. If Barney Fife & Chris the Clod had been doing their jobs to begin with we might not be in this mess!
What we don’t need right now is someone who’s just standing around being “present” and we sure don’t need anymore of this ridiculous fingerpointing by both parties. The DEMS & the REPUBS lead us to this disaster and once again, we the taxpayers will foot the bill!
If the best explanation we can get from any politician about what is wrong with the country or what is their plan - if the response is to blame the other party and offer no real suggestions -DON’T VOTE FOR THEM!!
Part of what has gotten us here is all of the Pork add ons to legislation - THAT HAS GOT TO STOP. Get a President with a backbone who will VETO PORK.
JUST SAY NO TO PORK!!
By airheadmotorcycle
September 25, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Oh Jim, that’s funny. You can’t seriously think anyone in their right mind doesn’t think McCain’s actions are anything but political.
Thanks for the levity in this trying week.
By Ga Values
September 25, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
By findog
September 25, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Ga Values @ 9:47,
“No cost? It will take at least $3.96 for the four rounds of ammunition…”
The winners of the EBAY auction must provide their ammo.. The only question, do you think it’s in bad taste to stuff & mount these crooks?
By truth seeker
September 25, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Seems like there is an awful lot racial bias on this blog: How racism works
What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review? What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class? What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said “I do” to? What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards? What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization? What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard? What if Obama were a member of the “Keating 5”? What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker? If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are? This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference. Kelvin LaFond, Fort Worth, Texas (source: 9/9/08 Letters to the Editors Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
By Lauren
September 25, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
You Republicans are really grasping at straws. Everyone is laughing at McCain and his attempts to get himself and Palin out of their debates. Wooten you choose to see what you want to see but only the kool-aid drinkers agree with you. Everyone else sees that it is McCain who is running scared and I can’t say that I blame him after seeing his lousy polls. Pathetic old man!
By M Tramontano
September 25, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Barney Franks, chairman of the committee who is responsible for working out the bailout bill, said it best last night. He feels that McCain, who is not a member of this committee, is rushing back to Washington to position himself to take credit for an agreement others have been working on allt week.
Now I learn that McCain wants to hold Friday night’s debate the evening scheduled for the VP debate. Is this just another instance of not letting Palin answer the tough questions?
By Ga Values
September 25, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
good summary of the mess from real papers:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2008/09/25/BL2008092501776.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
By findog
September 25, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
ron@ 12:06
Wasn’t the Reagan I paid for this microphone how he blindsided the first Bush in 1980? Dragged all the other GOP candidates into what was to be a one-on-one and just killed Bush-I’s lead in the primaries.
By Ga Values
September 25, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
My wife had the LIBERAL CNN on at lunch,, they interviewed a staff worker in a Senators office, she said they had not got a single call in support of the Bush bail out plan but many thousand against. Wonder what our Senior Senator Saxby special interest Chambliss is going to do?? He has collected the money from the banks, will he go with the money or go with what the taxpayers want? Only a fool would bet on the GEORGIA TAXPAYER.
By Reggie L
September 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me??? McCain publicly stated “there is no crisis” a scant 7 days ago….REMEMBER!!!! How dare you pin a star on him for this woefully weak decision to pause the most important election in history. Bush has one of his size 11’s out the door, and all of this is their mess. Obama will inherit this mess, so let him fix it once they’re gone. Do you really think there wil be any short term impact on the average American between now and election time? Wooten you are an old, rascist..yes I said it..fogey who is much better suited to be a Walmart greeter instead of writing this anti-Obama crap. McCain is clueless..his VP choice (what a joke!) is still being coddled and sheltered..and you can’t possibly see this any other way except for the fact that you, like many others, are completely blinded by color. When do you retire? It cant be soon enough.
By Peadawg
September 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Even though I’m voting for McCain/Palin…this is pretty pansy on their part. McCain asked for 10 debates, right? And now he wants to back out…
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Dear findog @ 12:27. “I would like to hear your thoughts on the relative merits of the chicken little pronouncements should, “The Plan,” not be sent to the President in a clean form by tomorrow.” You are a discerning reader, in that you correctly infer that I do not see disaster everywhere. There is a true liquidity problem in the market right now, but it is more of a fear of the unknown rather than any true lack of funding sources. No matter what our overlords do, the construction industry is dead until 2010. No matter what our overlords do, Chrysler is in bankruptcy next May, and GM in January 2010. GE will dismember itself at bargain basement prices in 2010. These are all long-standing systemic weaknesses. Strong economic growth masks many problems, and the failure of FNMA and FHLMC take the fizz out of the economy.
The upside of that “doom and gloom” of course is that it will inherently limit the potential of government growth, which will itself stimulate the economy again for long-term growth. Odd of a recession, with or without The Plan: 50%. Likelihood of a “Great Depression” – i.e., 20% unemployment, 16% homelessness, etc – around 5%. The smartest course to recovery would be for the Fed to support the dollar with higher interest rates – that will draw investment from all over the world, wiping out the “liquidity problem” nearly instantly.
Hope you saw Chairman Ann’s joke:
Email Warning! – If you get an e-mail with “Nude Photos of Sarah Palin” in the subject line, do not open it. It might contain a virus.
If you get an e-mail with “Nude Photos of Hillary Clinton,” do not open it.
It might contain nude photos of Hillary Clinton.
By melissa
September 25, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Truth Seeker, huh?
What does any of that blather have to do with Racism? Are you auditioning for preacher at Obama’s church?
By filster
September 25, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Here’s an idea. How about for every finanical institution that accepts bailout money to save its sorry @ss due to bad decision making, it has to agree to reduce the outstnading principal of all its mortgages, loans, etc. to 75% of current value. They get bailed out, and we regular tax payers get a break too. It’s not like they’re actually going to pay the mone back, so why can’t John Q benefit as well. If they don’t like the reduction, let them go it on their own. Also, for all those screaming “racist,” it is possible, you know, to dislike or disagree with someone of another color and have the basis for that dislike/disagreement to be on something other than skin color. Stop hiding behind race for your failures, and blaming all your troubles on whitey. Jeez!
By Sagegirl
September 25, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
I’ll admit, I’m on the fence here, but I’m beggining to lean.
I’m not a fan of either candidate. Both are bad choices IMO, but I’m forced to make the best of a bad situation. However, McCain/Palin does not represent me. He’s old - She’s slow. Everytime she opens her mouth we see what she’s made of — not much! And McCain may be a war hero, but he’s not a leader. If he can’t multi-task, which is a minimal requirement, then he doesn’t fit the job in my book. And the certain thought of 4 more years of the same ole same ole scares me to death.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
September 25, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
McLame, headed for certain defeat if an election is held, suspended his campaign that is on the road to nowhere. he is done and only a Republinazi, hack mouthpiece would find virtue in this sort of desperate move!
By findog
September 25, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Ga Values @1:05 I had heard that the taxpayers’ might make a profit; I just had not realized you had that built into your plan. Maybe it could be a lottery with $100 tickets and only seven billion to be sold…
As far as the mounting I am not sure you could get a permit for the hazardous waste handling.
By gg
September 25, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Told you the world was watching (and laughing at us!). Quote from today’s Washington Post:
“Peer Steinbrück, the German finance minister, countered in a speech in Berlin that the conditions that gave rise to the current turmoil in the markets were allowed to develop because of a reckless pursuit of short-term profit and huge bonuses in ‘Anglo-Saxon’ financial centers — along with a lack of political backbone to stand up to what he characterized as bankers’ greed.”
(He’s talking about us, of course)
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
The idea of 10 townhall meetings was just a smoke screen. You now know that Mr. Magoo had no intentions of going through with it. This is something that Senator Obama and his team knew because they know McCain. Besides, why run around the backwoods of Tennesee, West Virginia, and Mississippi at Jethro Bodine’s request talking about what Jethro Bodine wants to talk about. McDoophus is a “New Millennium” coward and everyone in Washington knows it but won’t say it because it doesn’t look good to talk about the present character of a 60’s POW. Wake up sheeple and smell the pig droppings. Mr. Magoo & Elly Mae are the laughing stock of the freeworld!
Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s future!
By anjen
September 25, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten, you say that Senator McCain has good instincts and leadership qualities, yet he has not had daily conversations with the finacial committees, the Treasury Secretary and the Chairman of the Fed as Senator Obama has. Where has he been, if it had not been for the President scheduling the meeting today, he would have had nothing to do when he got to Washington and you know it!
By Saying the news
September 25, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
You know…all you folks that keep saying O’Bama Lama and Palin are the most unqualified candidates ever are blowing smoke up your own a$$. The Constitution says that you must be a citizen born in the United States and at least 35 years of age, period. Thats it….which means that there are about 100 million people living in the U.S. that are legally qualified to be president or vice president. I don’t know where the notion of you must be an attorney or in government for 348 years or sucking on the public t** for 50 years to be qualified to run.
By gt3802b
September 25, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Your article is stupid and misleading. Both candidates are going back to Washington to deal with the financial mess. It’s just that Obama is also keeping his appointment for the debate as well. The two events are not mutually exclusive even though you make it seem that way. McCain is simply dodging a fight and he should. I can not see how a debate with Obama would go well for him.
By Obama?Your Mama!
September 25, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Geesh, you people don’t pay attention. The president asked McCain and Obama both to come to Washington. These guys are the heads of their parties and asked to come to Washington to put an end to all the partisan bickering over the bail out. Yeah there’s a real bi-partisan effort going on, that’s why they been trying to get this done for two weeks. For you Dems, why has Bill Clinton been all over TV lastnight and today showering praise upon McCain and throwing your boy to the curb? That’s party unity huh? Keep drinking the cool-aid and smoking that crack. Your boys gonna save us all and we all gonna get some government assistance!
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
CONGRAULATIONS, JIM WOOTEN, YOU GOT THE LIBS ALL STIRRED UP! All two dozen Libs in Georgia are posting like crazy. Their assorted IDs would fill a phone book.
They have an info list for McCain with headings such as age,education, wife, children, military, associates, bad photos, connections, insinuations, insults, Palin, Rove, Bush, bad usuable nicknames. They give a short course in undercover work taught by Captain Freedom and RedNeck Convert. Three more are assigned to search blogs for exciting new lies. The rest of the two dozen, all of whom work for AJC, help Bookman and Luckovich try to please SuperLib Tucker.
Yes, sir, Jim Wooten, HOLD THE FORT! Keep ‘em fuming while McCain does his job in Washington and Obama keeps on talking and walking. But he’s no ornament of any kind. He’s the light bulb that burned out. Blip..flip…gone…
By getalife
September 25, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
The dems say the deal is done.
McDeregulator who helped create this problem will take the credit.
The debates are on so that gamble looks weak.
For the uninormed it might work but for the informed, he rolled the dice and came up a loser.
BTW, Palin is a moron.
By Donald I
September 25, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Oh spare me the old song-and-dance about McCain putting the country before politics. The only reason he wants to avoid this debate is because he is slipping in the polls and does not want to be taken to task in a debate over a mess he is responsible for helping to create. He supported the deregulation that has put the average American investor and homeowner at risk. He did display a natural instinct, though—of a coward. Avoid the public until everything blows over—that is real courage for you. There are 100 senators and 435 congressmen and congresswomen. If they cannot craft a resolution without two senators, we are in more trouble than I thought. In-the-tank columnists and people like you are what is wrong with America. You cannot let go of party ideas—even when they are not working and imploding before your very eyes. Short-sighted and narrow-minded conservatives like you would vote for Bush all over again if you had the chance, even if the regular Joe has suffered mightily over the last eight years. After the 2004 election, a London newspaper headlined “How can 60 million Americans be so stupid?”. I read your article and find myself asking the same question about you and the other 59,999,999 people like you. I have said this before and I will say this again: If Americans are STUPID enough to put another Republican in office after what has happened the last eight years, they deserve whatever they get.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Dear getalife @ 2:06, what happens if McCain says, “I plan to vote against the bailout.”?
By Juan
September 25, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
John McCain is not being presidential. He is trying to take a political timeout. The way college coaches takes a TO to stop the spurt/run by the opponent.
The Financial Crisis started last week. McCain waited until the polls showed Obama taking a bigger lead to decide it was time for a TO.
One thing has been clear from the beginning. The Voters have considered Obama better on the economy and McCain better on defense. When the Georgia, the country, issue happened this summer McCain gained in the polls. That is why the race got close. Now with the Economy/Financial issue front and center that would explain why Obama has started to take a bigger lead and why McCain would like to stop it since it is only 40 days until the election.
The voters probably feel Democrats will do better to reign in the financial industry with regulations.
By fac
September 25, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
YOU ARE KIDDING ME RIGHT. MCCAIN IS IN PANIC MODE AND TRYING TO SAVE HIS CAMPAIGN NOT THE COUNTRY. HE IS IMPLUSIVE AND IRRESPONSIBLE. HE WILL NEVER HAVE MY VOTE. THIS LATEST ATTEMPT IS PATHETIC. PLEASE
By Donald I
September 25, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Oh spare me the old song-and-dance about McCain putting the country before politics. The only reason he wants to avoid this debate is because he is slipping in the polls and does not want to be taken to task in a debate over a mess he is responsible for helping to create. He supported the deregulation that has put the average American investor and homeowner at risk. He did display a natural instinct, though—of a coward. Avoid the public until everything blows over—that is real courage for you. There are 100 senators and 435 congressmen and congresswomen. If they cannot craft a resolution without two senators, we are in more trouble than I thought. In-the-tank columnists and people like you are what is wrong with America. You cannot let go of party ideas—even when they are not working and imploding before your very eyes. Short-sighted and narrow-minded conservatives like you would vote for Bush all over again if you had the chance, even if the regular Joe has suffered mightily over the last eight years. After the 2004 election, a London newspaper headlined “How can 60 million Americans be so stupid?”. I read your article and find myself asking the same question about you and the other 59,999,999 people like you. I have said this before and I will say this again: If Americans are STUPID enough to put another Republican in office after what has happened the last eight years, they deserve whatever they get.
By tiff
September 25, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Wooten, have you and McCain been drinking from the same glass of “unreality”. When polled over 80% of the country have said they think that McCain was just using this as a ploy to make himself look more presidential than Obama, and that the debates should go on. McCain looked absolutely pathetic on TV yesterday. I almost sent him a sympathy card, expressing my condolences on him dead campaign. It seems that you and a few of your racist rightwing airheads are the only ones still pulling for this man. Everybody else is picking out their nice outfits for the November 4th ball. If your nice, and come down off this summer-love thing you have for McCain, us democrats will invite you to our after parties.
By fac
September 25, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
YOU ARE KIDDING ME RIGHT. MCCAIN IS IN PANIC MODE AND TRYING TO SAVE HIS CAMPAIGN NOT THE COUNTRY. HE IS IMPLUSIVE AND IRRESPONSIBLE. HE WILL NEVER HAVE MY VOTE. THIS LATEST ATTEMPT IS PATHETIC. PLEASE
By No More Foreign Aid
September 25, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Dear AJC: Please fire Wooten for being a stooge of the Stinking Republicans….fire him with extreme prejudice….five seconds to git out of the building….no severance….PLEASE….
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 25, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Dear Filster @ 1:34, a nice sentiment, but banks rarely have more capital than an amount equal to 7% of their assets. If you quash down “all” debt more than the amount of capital, you wipe out the bank.
Dear Sagegirl @ 1:35, I understand your desire, you believe you are stuck on the leftist plantation and are unable to escape without risking a severe beating. I cannot help you – the leftists treat badly all apostates.
By Johnny Mac is a Chickensh!t
September 25, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
McCain Begs Obama to Not Kick His A$$ For the Sake of National Unity
Brave Sir Johhny ran away.
Bravely ran away, away!
When danger reared its ugly head,
He bravely turned his tail and fled.
Yes, brave Sir Johnny turned about
And gallantly he chickened out.
Bravely taking to his feet
He beat a very brave retreat,
Bravest of the brave, Sir Johnny!
He is packing it in and packing it up
And sneaking away and buggering up
And chickening out and p** off home,
Yes, bravely he is throwing in the sponge…
By Sean Cavity
September 25, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
So now that both parties have agreed in principle to a deal and both parties have sent banking/finance leaders to the microphone to announce the deal, now what does this say about McCain’s statement a few hours ago that “the deal is dead?” And his announcement that he needed to ride to the rescue? His own party members (in both the Senate and the House) were able to get the deal done in principle before McCain showed up. So now what will be his excuse for missing the debate? That he needs to personally inspect the agreement to ensure that every i is dotted and every t crossed? Come on folk, call it like it is… the ultimate stall. He’s doing to the debate what we all wish we could have done in school when we weren’t prepared for a big test. Create a plausible excuse to delay so that we could cram some more. At best, he was trying to help his 10-watt running mate. At worse, they were both ill-prepared for their imminent debates.
By Get Real
September 25, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
First, I am NOT for the bailout. I think it’s a risk the government should not be taking. Second, I do think there was mismanagement in the banking and finance industry. However - those of you (including Nancy Pelosi) who are trying to lay this at the door of the republicans are forgetting some important details. The democrats instituted acts to get more low income and minority people in homes. The banks were required to have a % of their loans to these groups and the only way to do that was to loosen the credit requirements and accept loans they normally would not have written. Over 3 years ago John McCain said there would be a mortgage/financial crisis and was shouted down by Barney Franks and others (in both parties) that there was no crisis.
So - there is plenty of blame to go around - including people who agreed to loans they knew they couldn’t pay off and took risks they shouldn’t have.
When are we (Americans) going to get back to saving for something we want instead of believing that we should have what we want now and worry about paying for it later. The banks, the government and the individuals are all at fault.
By Stone
September 25, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
SUE LEWIS SUE LEWIS SUE LEWIS everytime you post you hit the PLEASE WAIT botton at leat three times. Are you an idiot?
By Mr. Juan
September 25, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
McCain is not being more presidential. He is trying to call a political timeout. The way a college coach calls a TO to stop the opponents spurt/run.
The financial crisis started last week. McCain waited until it start showing in the polls before he decided it was a good time to stop.
One things has been clear from the beginning. The voters have considered Obama better on the economy and McCain better on defense. When the Georgia, the country, issue occurred this summer that is why McCain gained and was able to make it a close race Now that the financial issue is front and center you see that Obama has moved up in the polls. With only 40 days before the election and early voting already started in key states, CO,VA and NV, you can see why McCain wants to put a stop to the spurt.
Voters are deciding the Democrat and better prepared to put regulation on the Financial Markets to avoid this in the future.
Romney may have been a better VP for the financial crisis.
By Juan
September 25, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
McCain is not being more presidential. He is trying to call a political timeout. The way a college coach calls a TO to stop the opponents spurt/run.
The financial crisis started last week. McCain waited until it start showing in the polls before he decided it was a good time to stop.
One things has been clear from the beginning. The voters have considered Obama better on the economy and McCain better on defense. When the Georgia, the country, issue occurred this summer that is why McCain gained and was able to make it a close race Now that the financial issue is front and center you see that Obama has moved up in the polls. With only 40 days before the election and early voting already started in key states, CO,VA and NV, you can see why McCain wants to put a stop to the spurt.
Voters are deciding the Democrat and better prepared to put regulation on the Financial Markets to avoid this in the future.
Romney may have been a better VP for the financial crisis.
By Captain Freedom
September 25, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Most of the loyal readers here at Wooten’s slog, uh, blog, have no doubt been pining for THE Captain’s essential insight into the affairs of today. What with the economy falling in tatters and the blessed and glorified news that Our Sarah asked for and received forgiveness from Our Lord and Savior for her extramarital indescretions (the ones Todd knows about, anyway, not that episode in the back room of the Wasilla pool hall where the insatiable Sarah kept bleating “Bring it on, bring it on!” while glassy eyed and raw membered oil riggers and moose trappers backed away in terror from the gaping maw of her exposed pleasure pouch but the less said about that night the better), anxious Americans turn their lonely eyes to THE Captain so that they might know what to think and how to respond to smartalecky islamunistoliberal eggheads who mock Us of True Belief with their facts and logic and arugula.
Well, bad news chums. THE Captain has been forced by events to suspend His Campaign to Scourge the Internet Tubes of Liberals and other Subhuman Scum and will be unavailable for further posting until He has knocked some heads together on Capitol Hill and forged a workable agreement to save our economy and all of humanity from the looming threat of Blackazoid Obamandingo.
Now many shall keen and wail, and there will be those like Dusty and jbm and Wooten who know their lives will be as an empty husk of grain until THE Captain re-emerges upon the scene triumphant. But He must put country first!
Carry on, brave ones. THE Captain shall return.
By Eric
September 25, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
This is the kind of editorial that helps keep our country in its sad state. The most important Thing that Obama and McCain can do is get their messages out. One of them will inherit this mess. There have been crisis situations for the last 8 years. They should concentrate on learning what the problems are and developing plans to resolve them. The writer is no different from the person who says if a candidate did not support going to war, he does not support the troops. Please stop putting out false messages. Unfortunately people listen to your rhetoric and you know you are being duplicitous.
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Cry your eyes out, lonely libs. I HAVE ALREADY VOTED FOR THE HERO OF OUR TIMES…JOHN McCAIN.
Early voting was open yesterday. I voted for the man doing his job at that moment right in Washington….JOHN McCAIN.
Here’s a man that knows what DUTY means. I did my country a favor and voted for him. He is exactly what we need…a strong honorable leader with experience.
John M:cCain…he’s the MAN most certainly.
By Peter
September 25, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
WELL Problem solved……. we are now the …..
Socialist Republic of America
Thank you Republicans………….
OK NEXT………………is the McCoward going to show up tomorrow ?
By JB
September 25, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
The debate couldn’t come at a more perfect time to test which candidate can take the pressure of leading our country. What a perfect time to see what each candidate has to say in the face of a financial crisis. Shame on McCain for showing his lack of leadership and ability to handle the crucial responsibilities of leading our country in the right direction. My mind is now made up as to who I will vote for. McCain has stood behind the current president, his name not worth mentioning, on the financial policies that have now put us in this crisis we are in. He knows that the debate will turn towards this issue and he has no good answers for the questions he will face. Please don’t insult my intelligence Mr. McCain. You are the elitest one in this race, not your opponent. You have proved you are totally out of reality with what is happening in our country and that at your age this might be too much for you to handle at one time.
By Leonard Cohen
September 25, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your vigilance Craptain Freedumb. I’ll evacuate better knowing you are on the knob, er, job.
By gg
September 25, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Dusty: Early voting (Absentee voting) was open Monday, not yesterday.
By Peter
September 25, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Gee Jim…..everyone is PREPARING FOR THE DEBATE…..
In Oxford, Miss., debate organizers continued to prepare.
At a news conference, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a Republican, said he expected the presidential debate to go ahead, though he said he had no inside information. “This is going to be a great debate tomorrow night. We’re excited about it,” Barbour said.
Television networks, too, were moving forward. “We’re proceeding as if it’s on and will until someone tells us that it’s not,” ABC spokeswoman Cathie Levine said.
Is McCoward going to show up ?
Maybe it is really past his BED TIME !
I guess you had this all WRONG JIM…….
The WUSSY you guys selected is AFRAID……….and really not capable of handling too much pressure at once…….we will see how he handles pressure tomorrow…….
IF HE ACTUALLY SHOWS UP !
Looks like he really has been BROKEN…….that is twice now……..Just because he got shot down, doesn’t mean he is qualifies to do anything but hang with his Coke loving wife !
By dirty harry
September 25, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I remember when all the right wingers were bemoaning the fact John Edwards paid $400.00 dollars for a haircut…
Well, how about John McCain spending $5,583.43 to a 2002 beauty-school grad for her services, this is according to the Federal Election Commission.
She has also done make-overs for contestants on “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol.”
A cynical person would wonder if this is to hide some of the effects of both age and battles with melanoma.
Why has McCain not released his medical records? What is he hiding?
By Peter
September 25, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Gee I was voting for Dusty or Obama…….not McCoward !
By fearless fosdik
September 25, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
By gg
September 25, 2008 3:03 PM
GG .. Allow Dustmop some leeway here!
As you can tell by her posts she’s not quite all there…I understand she sometimes has problems finding her way home from the Kroger Store!
Monday or Wednesday .. What’s the big DEAL?
By Commander Guy
September 25, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
McCain Accepts Early Release, Throws Palin to the Wolves
API/UPS, Sept 25 - Confronted with the prospect of suffering a landslide beatdown and unrelenting bi+chslapping at the hands of Barack Obama in the general election campaign, Sen John McCain (R-Scaredsn!t!stan) accepted an offer today from his campaign captors to be released from any further campaign events, effectively throwing the election to “the enemy”.
Reminded that the Code of Honor demands that VP candidates be released before the head of the ticket, McCain snapped, “F~+K that noise. Get me the he|| out of here. I’ve taken all I can bear. For the love of Jesus, I’m an old man.” Then he broke down weeping and wimpered, “Do what you want to the girl, just leave me alone.”
Close aides, who could not bring themselves to even look at the pathetic old ex-maverick, told of the moment when McCain realized during debate preparations that he would surely suffer more severely at the hands of the more prepared and competent Obama than he did during his famed stay at the Hanoi Hilton, which hindsight has shown was the one truly admirable act in his long, dismal life.
“He realized that debating Obama was going force him to destroy every last shred of dignity and self-respect he had left, just trying to keep up. He said more than once, ‘Jesus, the gooks did their own work. They didn’t make me break my own bones. What is this Obama anyway? Some kind of booogety boogety witch doctor from the Congo’.” Then the former Navy pilot wet himself in terror.
Reaction from conservative pundits was nearly unanimous in their recognition that this was a doomed candidacy from day one, and that it was best for the nation that McCain be put out of his misery in private, rather than belabor his defenestration before a rapt television audience. Alone in dissent, Atlanta-based columnist Jim Wooten declared this development a “bold stroke” and expressed “confidence that this would mark the turning point in McCain’s comeback and eventual victory”.
By Common Sense
September 25, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Can someone tell Rags to not respond to someone statement when it does not agree with his weak thinking?
This is typical thinking of why our country is sinking in the sink hole! Just what we need someone who has admitted the fundamentals of the economy is strong to go back to Wachsington and somehow assist getting this bail-out done when we already know it is going to get done!
So Jim calls this leadership, Jim just called the presidential campaign a distraction.
I give-up I have heard it all!
The car dealership goes out of business because they sell the wrong type of cars and too much cheating the consumers!
Mr. Wooten columns have sunk to a new low, both senator only need to cast their vote because neither senator is on the finance committee.
By Southern ATL
September 25, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
IF OBAMA IS AN ORNAMENT, WHAT WOULD YOU CALL SARAH PALIN? HERE IS PART OF THE CBS TRANSCRIPT OF HER INTERVIEW WITH KATIE COURIC::
COURIC: You’ve cited Alaska’s proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that?
PALIN: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and on our other side, the land— boundary that we have with— Canada. It— it’s funny that a comment like that was— kind of made to— cari— I don’t know, you know? Reporters—
COURIC: Mock?
PALIN: Yeah, mocked, I guess that’s the word, yeah.
COURIC: Explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.
PALIN: Well, it certainly does because our— our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They’re in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia—
COURIC: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?
PALIN: We have trade missions back and forth. We— we do— it’s very important when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where— where do they go? It’s Alaska. It’s just right over the border. It is— from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on this very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to— to our state.
By fearless fosdik
September 25, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Here is the expertise McCain is bringing to the table…..questions asked by
MARIA BARTIROMO CNBC: “Sen. McCain, has Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke cut interest rates aggressively enough?”
McCAIN: I’m not…I’m not…I don’t have that kind of expertise to know exactly whether he has cut interest rates suffiently or not. I’m glad that whenever they cut interest rates. I wish interest rates were zero.
Um, huh? Interest rates at ZERO???? Oh yeah, this is the guy I want negotiating the bailout. ‘Course, it might help if he bothered to read the Paulson plan.
Are you kidding me?
By Game Over
September 25, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I think it is game over for McCain this week. He fell behind in the polls and from the looks of Palin’s media saviness she won’t be able to pull him out on top again.
The decision to go to Washington as the bailout deal is being finished showed that he wasn’t needed and can still get back for the debate Friday.
McCain just opened himself and Bush to a world of blame for the economy. Bush sank the ship, McCain said until recently, that the ecomomy fundamentals are strong.
They should and will both sign the legislation, no problem there, but stop campaigning and reschedule the debates is a bizarre over reaction.
McCain/Palin are definately loosing more independants this week and you know this is not the last we will hear of the economic crisis before Nov. 4th.
GAME OVER GOP!
By getalife
September 25, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
“You are so like me” - Chavez serenades foe Bush.
Russia is going to make a nuke deal with him. Pakistan is shooting at us.
I think we must have the debate. Man up McCoward.
Told ya Sarah is a moron but does make Hillary shine.
By Taisha
September 25, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Barack Hussein Obama will wind up in a prison cell with “Mike Vick* as a cute little pair of “CUDDLE BUDDIES.”
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Southern Atlanta, probably Clayton county,@3:30
Answer these questions for us, please:
Is Alaska VERY close to Russia, Africa or Australia ?
Does USA have airbases in Alaska?? Why?
Does the Governor of Alaska know what goes on in Alaska?
Has Russia ever invaded our air or sea space around Alaska?
Has Obama, running for President of the USA, ever had ANY foreign engagements, service, or diplomacy with ANY country?
Has Obama ever been a Governor or even mayor of Chicago?
Are you manager of the supply Dem News Service in Atlanta for bloggers? NOw take your time.
By Filster
September 25, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
All those people blaming McCain for this mess must have missed his warning in 2005 about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Ans also missed that the ranking Dems Dodd and Frank received huge sums from them as well. And let’s not forget Obama, despite only being in office for 2-3 years, ishe second largest recipent of Freddie and Fannie’s largesse. But let’s ignore those facts and blame McCain.
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Taisha, go back on the corner and make me that money. Don’t come back until the Wafflehouse closes.
By Devastator
September 25, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Dusty,
Answer these questions for us, please:
How does it feel to support a candidate so inept that he has to dodge debates to stay competitive?
Does it matter if you’ve been a governor or mayor if you you’ve been a U.S. Senator which covers an entire country instead of a state or town?
If experience is an important issue, why is a candidate who lacks it so much that they have to avoid being asked a question by the press on the ticket? Why?
By hotlanta
September 25, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Let’s talk about Palin interview with Katie when she said I will get it for ya.
By hotlanta
September 25, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Let’s talk about Palin interview with Katie when she said I will get it for ya.
By GA4OBAMA
September 25, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
wooten…you shouldn’t have even wasted your time writing this. didn’t you vote for bush? don’t you trust bush to take care of the situation? he is potus.
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
DustyButt, Alaska is closer to Russia than Africa or Australia. AND YOUR POINT IS? The USA has airbases in Alaska for security reasons. AND YOUR POINT IS? Has Obama, running for President of the USA, ever had ANY foreign engagements, service, or diplomacy with ANY country? No. AND YOUR POINT IS? Has Obama ever been a Governor or even mayor of Chicago? No. AND YOUR POINT IS? Am I manager of the supply Dem News Service in Atlanta for bloggers? No. AND YOUR POINT IS?
I see England. I see France. I see Sarah ain’t got a clue!
Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures!
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Devestator, you want answers?
I’ll try to find you some and I’ll bring them to you.
By Curious George
September 25, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Why are none of the “OBAMA SUPPORTERS” able to type a coherent thought in English?
By downtown guy
September 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
I feel sorry for Jim. He and McCain are long past being ready for retirement. I wonder how many of those folks formerly working for Bill Heard are voting for McCain? They had the grand misfortune of working for a company that was affiliated with General Motors. They made millions with those trucks and truck based SUVs. They are paying a stiff price for corporate boneheads. GM should have learned its lesson 30 years ago. Those folks might still have jobs now.
By Rod
September 25, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Jim you have truly missed your calling since you are clearly a comedian. Being able to handle more than one thing at once is the American Way. The people at Bill Hears were fired but I bet they still made breakfast for their children, took their children to school, tried to find some gas and went to file for unemployment all in one day. Since when does one stop everything to focus on one problem. We all have more than one problem to deal with. But you are right McCain should quit his campaign since his party serve the liquor to Wall Street and now we all have a DUI guy trying to run us down!
By Wendy
September 25, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
OBAMA is dumber than a sack of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and so are his Fanz.
By Devastator
September 25, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Curious George,
You need to learn how to read dude. I know some good literacy programs I can recommend.
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Curious George, if you could read with comprehension, you would see that they are coherent thoughts. Now that VP candidate with moose in the headlights look is a whole different story.
Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures!
By GMAN
September 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Wendy, go back on the corner and make my money and don’t come back until the Wafflehouse closes!
Bush/McCain - Gambling with your childern’s futures!
By Rod
September 25, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Jim you have truly missed your calling since you are clearly a comedian. Being able to handle more than one thing at once is the American Way. The people at Bill Heard were fired but I bet they still made breakfast for their children, took their children to school, tried to find some gas and went to file for unemployment all in one day. Since when does one stop everything to focus on one problem. We all have more than one problem to deal with. But you are right McCain should quit his campaign since his party serve the liquor to Wall Street and now we all have a DUI guy trying to run us down!
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Devastator,@4:10 Why don’t you answer my questions?? I asked first. I know you usually give us Demo Spam but try an original answer.
McCain is in Washington doing his elected job as USA senator. Yu don’t like that?
Obama has been in the Senate a few years doing so little it is hard to find anything but his few answers. “Present” is the usual. Now he wants to be PRESIDENT!! I hope they are still hiring “community organizers” after the election.
Obama refused to debate several times. Did you forget? A crisis in Washington foregoes a political debate elsewhere. Sorry you don’t know what is important.
Hotlanta,4:14
I see you are interested in VP activity.
Why don’t you tell us about Biden asking the paralyzed man to get up out of his chair and take a bow? Or acting disgusted about Obama’s smear poster about McCain and then saying it was OK the next day.
Yeah, that Biden is as smart as a “whip”. He reminds me a lot of Gore, only he weighs a few pounds less.
By Cherokee
September 25, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Give me a break Jim
McCain’s suspended campaign looks very much like his regular campaign - his offices are open, he’s running ads, and Sarah is putting her foot in her mouth or hiding from the press.
It was a stunt, and you know it.
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Do all of you smarty pants want to know why women like me adore Sarah Palin? Its because shes just like us, except she does not have a bunch of junk in the trunk like me. Sure, a little ‘hippy’, but not a real trailer load like mine. But its still close enough that I can identify.
But thats not all. Just like Sarah, I am sure that if I had to sit across from a snarling beast like Katie Couric I would get all flusterated and piddle my pants just like Sarah did. And that’s why I know that she is plenty qualified to be President.
What’s the difference between Katie Couric and a pitbull? Nothing, they are both b—tches. Ha ha. And you thought I was going to say lipstick. See, you arent as smarrt as I is.
So fiddle dee dee you liberal poopy heads. John McCain is going to win in a landslide and Sarah Palin is going to be right there with him. In fact, they are already ahead in the election because I voted already. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
By Devastator
September 25, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Dusty,
Your question was addressed to “Southern Atlanta not me.
Obama turned down town hall meetings not debates. McCain doesn’t get the luxury to decide how they are to meet each other! The usual presidential format will do.
I am aware of McCain’s senatorial career, I was responding to you asking if Obama had been mayor or governor in you attempt to compare him to Palin.
You’re an idiot.
By jm
September 25, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
you know I have read some pretty bizarre things here but describing Katie Couric as a “snarling beast” ranks pretty close to the top of the list.
By AnonyMoose
September 25, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Everyone here knows that if Obama had been the one to “suspend” his campaign (I use quotes since McCain’s campaign has been chugging along all over the country despite his claim to have put the brakes on it) Wooten would have said that it showed an inability to deal with multiple issues, was a clear sign that he wasn’t prepared for the presidency, that he was just politicizing a national emergency for his own personal gain. It’s hard to get angry at Wooten anymore when he posts his silly arguments since he is so friggin’ predictable. I mean, we all know he doesn’t really believe a word he says. He probably doesn’t believe in anything. He has positioned himself as a conservative and will take whatever position he needs to take in order to bolster that image. Wooten is a fraud.
As far as McCain goes, I guess he looks pretty silly showing up in Washington to save the day when there was really nothing for him to do. For those of you who disagree, please tell us what committee of jurisdiction the Senator serves on that would have had any hand in negotiations over the bailout package. Oh, I can’t wait for your response: He doesn’t serve on any committee of jurisdiction for the bailout, and therefore would have no role in negotiations.
By Stan
September 25, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Gessus! Mcshame, Palin, and the entire GOP goose-stepping goons of conformity are a moral, intellectual, and ethical disgrace. But you tiny little lower-class people lack the guts to admit to any of it. You’re every bit as much a “hero” as is non-combat McShame. Pitiful. Just pitiful.
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Well, jm, I think that Katie Couric person is pretty darn scary. It is really really hard to imagine the horror that someone might feel if they had to look her in the eye and answer those really really hard questions about what John McCain did and stuff. And all the time remembering the special she did about colon cancer and how they put that really really teeny weeny camera inside her poop chute and the ickyniss of the whole thing. And then wondering why she cant be more like us instead of acting all smart and better than me I hate her. And that Meredith Viagra is pretty scary, too.
If it was me, I would have said thanks, but no thanks, to that interview. But Sarah is a fighter and would never hide under the bed and piddle like me.
By walterrhett
September 25, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Wooten, we luv ya! Your logic is complete reversed—like Marx, you stand common sense on its head in defense of the conservative view. Instaed of charging willy nilly straight ahead to win and defeat those who stand in the way of victory, McClain needs to get over his commander flashbacks and be delibrate, balanced, less strident. Bull headed reactions, however, well meaning, is not leadership. Standing in the light doesn’t mean you have a clue. Reference? George Bush. But you write well, aviod cliches, and offer a fresh approach. Keep me laughing!
By CommunistAJC
September 25, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
This entire mess is the democrats fault. Here is a 1999 article written by the NY Times. It’s all here folks. You can’t make this stuff up. Bye Bye Democrat Socialist Party.
Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending
By STEVEN A. HOLMES Published: September 30, 1999
In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.
The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets — including the New York metropolitan region — will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.
Fannie Mae, the nation’s biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.
In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates — anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.
”Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990’s by reducing down payment requirements,” said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae’s chairman and chief executive officer. ”Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.”
Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.
In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980’s.
”From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us,” said Peter Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. ”If they fail, the government will have to step up and bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry.”
Under Fannie Mae’s pilot program, consumers who qualify can secure a mortgage with an interest rate one percentage point above that of a conventional, 30-year fixed rate mortgage of less than $240,000 — a rate that currently averages about 7.76 per cent. If the borrower makes his or her monthly payments on time for two years, the one percentage point premium is dropped.
Fannie Mae, the nation’s biggest underwriter of home mortgages, does not lend money directly to consumers. Instead, it purchases loans that banks make on what is called the secondary market. By expanding the type of loans that it will buy, Fannie Mae is hoping to spur banks to make more loans to people with less-than-stellar credit ratings.
Fannie Mae officials stress that the new mortgages will be extended to all potential borrowers who can qualify for a mortgage. But they add that the move is intended in part to increase the number of minority and low income home owners who tend to have worse credit ratings than non-Hispanic whites.
Home ownership has, in fact, exploded among minorities during the economic boom of the 1990’s. The number of mortgages extended to Hispanic applicants jumped by 87.2 per cent from 1993 to 1998, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. During that same period the number of African Americans who got mortgages to buy a home increased by 71.9 per cent and the number of Asian Americans by 46.3 per cent.
In contrast, the number of non-Hispanic whites who received loans for homes increased by 31.2 per cent.
Despite these gains, home ownership rates for minorities continue to lag behind non-Hispanic whites, in part because blacks and Hispanics in particular tend to have on average worse credit ratings.
In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed that by the year 2001, 50 percent of Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s portfolio be made up of loans to low and moderate-income borrowers. Last year, 44 percent of the loans Fannie Mae purchased were from these groups.
The change in policy also comes at the same time that HUD is investigating allegations of racial discrimination in the automated underwriting systems used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to determine the credit-worthiness of credit applicants.
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Communist AJC has a good point. If the liberals had not made banks give loans to minorities and other bad people like minorities, none of this ever would have happened. It just goes to show that doing something nice for a minority will only end up backfiring on you.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
September 25, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Only a Republinazi moron would believe McLame is suspending his campaign to come to America’s aid. He’s doing it because it’s a disaster!
By getalife
September 25, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
And McCoward is a sad joke too like that moron Palin.
Boxer: McCain Crawling into Corner with Blanket
Letterman, Colbert suspending his show, they are going to have fun with this one.
Man the gop is pathetic.
By Jungleland
September 25, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Where is the cadidate who is AGAINST the bailout?
Why is McCain (and Bush) being so BIG GOVERNMENT about this?
If McCain had said, this is a free market and it lives and dies by the sword, then I would start TODAY to campaign for him.
So now I am CONVINCED that Bob Barr is the only candidate worth voting for.
By Jim Jr.
September 25, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Things to look forward to
1st – Democratic President
2nd - Democratic Senate
3rd - Democratic House
4th - Republican Bush tried for war crimes
5th - ummmmm ———————————————————
By Dusty
September 25, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
GMAN,4:16
You are about as crude as they come but what’s new. The point is, Sarah Palin is more familiar with geography than you or Canned Couric. Russia is one country that we watch closely. That is why we have airbases in the top of the world where Alaska and Russia spread. I believe Sarah Palin is somewhat acquainted with Putin country. She doesn’t claim to be an expert, just learning.
That is something new in Washington. Honesty! Americans are glad to see it. You can’t stand it, can you? Couldn’t get a point if it jabbed you.
4:18 is not real DUSTY but ID thief
Does every liberal here eat at Waffle House? They mention it often. GMAN @4:34 also tells us he is a pimp. Liberals and their credentials!!!
By TrueBlueRepulian
September 25, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten;
You are right. We Republicans are proud and don’t need no handouts from the govenments. There plenty of educations without no one payin for us to go. I finished 10th grade which plenty enough for anyone and my wifes done got her ged dipoma. Both got us good payin jobs and don’t need no welfare. Couple of paymjents behind on my picku truck but plan to get some part time work when the fair comes to town. Don’t want no one payin for ourn doctors. 10 teeths enough for anyone. Need them commandts put back to schools. You tellm the old librourals that we is right.
By Commander Guy
September 25, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Dusty is nearly correct, which is about as close as that blind squirrel will ever come.
Dusty is not familiar with Putin country. She is familiar, with the help of her tutor Brad Hanson, with poontang country. Close enough for Dusty.
By Commander Guy
September 25, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Wooten posted late so he could bail out on Friday (geddit). But here’s the thing…
Yes, McCain is a chickenSh!t for trying to dodge this debate. Saddleback was in front of a stacked, friendly audience; the moderator (if by moderator you mean snake oil huckster and flim flam man RIck Warren) is an unabashed Christianist conservative; and The Last Honest Man cheated by cribbing the questions ahead of time. What a cheater.
McCain knows to the core of his soiled undies that in a fair debate with Obama, he will suffer a fate worse than the broken bones of the Hanoi Hilton. He will be revealed as an empty shell of naked ambition, a petty tempered paragon of utter dishonesty that has characterized his entire public service. The guy showed some courage 40 years ago. Bravo. Ever since, he has been a cheapjack grifter and bagman for hire. Pitiful.
Coward. Chickensh!t McCain.
By Andrea
September 26, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
LOL; Mr. Wooten is still delusional.
Do you all smell that? Smell what? VICTORY!!!!!
McCain may not know this but he has helped Obama get into the White House. Not that Obama needed his help but we all know that Obama had an uphill battle because no matter what some DON’T want a Black president even if the Republican candidate is crazy with a clueless VP. Fortunately, McCain’s ineptness, poor judgment, self centeredness and grandstanding has pretty much clinched Obama’s win. You Republicans can hate all you want but you need to be mad at McCain because he has been his own worst enemy with no help from the Democrats. Thank you McCain for your support of Obama. It’s greatly appreciated! BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!!
By StevenCee
September 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
McCain “stayed on message”? What were all those long-winded, anecdotal & diversionary stories all about? Nothing but obfuscation…
To base an entire campaign on one tactical move, in a war that has been all wrong from its inception, and miserably executed, one McCain supported by the way, is ludicrous!
He even admitted being wrong in allowing Afghanistan to fall into the hands of the Taliban, what happened to his “knowing how to win wars” & everything else security-oriented?
By John1147
March 26, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this
Very nice site!