Thinking Right

By lrd

September 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Bail out of Financial industry, bail out of the automakers… do tell Jim what industry is left that the President does not wish to socialize? And will McCain as President continue to subsidize American Industry?

And please post proof of what exactly McCain did to show leadership to get the GOP House members to vote to give away our tax money?

By Steven d.

September 29, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Jim, What planet are you on?

By Reaity Check

September 29, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Jim,

WHAT!!!! John McCain is coming across as a nervous and scared old man. He is tripping and darn near falling at every turn. What he did last week was not lead, but panic and run around like chicken little. From Monday to Friday, His thoughts on the state of the economy went from “fundamentally strong” to “dire”. He really looked like a lost old man, and everyone that is not a blind loyalist knows it.

By Churchill's Mom

September 29, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Here’s today’s Palin

Palin Is Ready? Please. Will someone please put Sarah Palin out of her agony? Is it too much to ask that she come to realize that she wants, in that wonderful phrase in American politics, “to spend more time with her family”? Having stayed in purdah for weeks, she finally agreed to a third interview. CBS’s Katie Couric questioned her in her trademark sympathetic style. It didn’t help. When asked how living in the state closest to Russia gave her foreign-policy experience, Palin responded thus:

“It’s very important when you consider even national-security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and comes into the airspace 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.”

There is, of course, the sheer absurdity of the premise. Two weeks ago I flew to Tokyo, crossing over the North Pole. Does that make me an expert on Santa Claus? (Thanks, Jon Stewart.) But even beyond that, read the rest of her response. “It is from Alaska that we send out those …” What does this mean? This is not an isolated example. Palin has been given a set of talking points by campaign advisers, simple ideological mantras that she repeats and repeats as long as she can. (“We mustn’t blink.”) But if forced off those rehearsed lines, what she has to say is often, quite frankly, gibberish.

Couric asked her a smart question about the proposed $700 billion bailout of the American financial sector. It was designed to see if Palin understood that the problem in this crisis is that credit and liquidity in the financial system has dried up, and that that’s why, in the estimation of Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Fed chairman Ben Bernanke, the government needs to step in to buy up Wall Street’s most toxic liabilities. Here’s the entire exchange:

COURIC: Why isn’t it better, Governor Palin, to spend $700 billion helping middle-class families who are struggling with health care, housing, gas and groceries; allow them to spend more and put more money into the economy instead of helping these big financial institutions that played a role in creating this mess?

PALIN: That’s why I say I, like every American I’m speaking with, were ill about this position that we have been put in where it is the taxpayers looking to bail out. But ultimately, what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the health-care reform that is needed to help shore up our economy, helping the—it’s got to be all about job creation, too, shoring up our economy and putting it back on the right track. So health-care reform and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans. And trade, we’ve got to see trade as opportunity, not as a competitive, scary thing. But one in five jobs being created in the trade sector today, we’ve got to look at that as more opportunity. All those things under the umbrella of job creation. This bailout is a part of that.

This is nonsense—a vapid emptying out of every catchphrase about economics that came into her head. Some commentators, like CNN’s Campbell Brown, have argued that it’s sexist to keep Sarah Palin under wraps, as if she were a delicate flower who might wilt under the bright lights of the modern media. But the more Palin talks, the more we see that it may not be sexism but common sense that’s causing the McCain campaign to treat her like a time bomb.

Can we now admit the obvious? Sarah Palin is utterly unqualified to be vice president. She is a feisty, charismatic politician who has done some good things in Alaska. But she has never spent a day thinking about any important national or international issue, and this is a hell of a time to start. The next administration is going to face a set of challenges unlike any in recent memory. There is an ongoing military operation in Iraq that still costs $10 billion a month, a war against the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan that is not going well and is not easily fixed. Iran, Russia and Venezuela present tough strategic challenges.

Domestically, the bailout and reform of the financial industry will take years and hundreds of billions of dollars. Health-care costs, unless curtailed, will bankrupt the federal government. Social Security, immigration, collapsing infrastructure and education are all going to get much worse if they are not handled soon.

And the American government is stretched to the limit. Between the Bush tax cuts, homeland-security needs, Iraq, Afghanistan and the bailout, the budget is looking bleak. Plus, within a few years, the retirement of the baby boomers begins with its massive and rising costs (in the trillions).

Obviously these are very serious challenges and constraints. In these times, for John McCain to have chosen this person to be his running mate is fundamentally irresponsible. McCain says that he always puts country first. In this important case, it is simply not true.

By Churchill

September 29, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Today’s Palin

Poor Sarah I spent the past week in New York, helping my mother recover from surgery. It was a new role for me, taking care of my mom. It must, I think, have been somewhat destabilizing.

Perhaps when previously untapped wells of care-for-others are accessed, there’s no stopping the flow. Or perhaps it was just that, after five days locked in stare-downs with my mother’s cat, my eyes were playing tricks on me.

This may explain why, on Tuesday afternoon when I went to The Times Web site and saw the photo of Sarah Palin with Henry Kissinger, a funny thing happened. A wave of self-recognition and sympathy washed over me.

That’s right — self-recognition and sympathy. Rising up from a source deep in my subconscious. I saw a woman fully aware that she was out of her league, scared out of her wits, hanging on for dear life. I saw this in the sag of her back in her serious black suit, in the position of her hands, crossed modestly atop her knees, and in that “Mad Men”-era updo, ever unchanging, like a good luck charm.

Governor Palin met with former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger. (Photo: Stan Honda/ AFP-Getty Images) Why, all of a sudden, was I experiencing this upsurge of concern and kinship? I knew, on the one hand, that this new vision of Palin had to be a mirage. Only a few hours earlier, I’d nodded along knowingly as a band of old-school liberals, gathered in my mother’s apartment to cheer her through her convalescence, tore the Alaska governor apart.

“He’s probably the first Jew she’s ever met,” one older gentleman, who himself had grown up as one of the only Jews in pre-World-War-II Lincoln, Neb., said of her meeting with Kissinger.

“No, there was Joe Lieberman,” his wife reminded him, putting me in a mind of the comedian Sara Benincasa’s utterly hilarious Palin parody, as a chorus of “despicable” and “disgusting” filled the room.

My friend Mary has long said that I have a tendency to develop a Stockholm-Syndrome-like empathy for the people I write about. But I don’t think that’s what was going on here.

I think — before I blinked — I had an actual flash of insight. I think I finally stumbled upon a major piece of the puzzle of how it is that so many Republican women can so passionately claim that Sarah Palin is someone they relate to. (It’s worth noting that polls have definitively shown that John McCain’s Palin gambit has not paid off in attracting disgruntled Democratic women voters.)

That the women who agree with Palin would also like her is not surprising. But the whole business of relating? That has remained mysterious for me. What, I’ve wondered, could the kinds of suburban moms I met, for example, at the McCain-Palin rally in Virginia, some of them former professionals with just two children apiece, one a former grad student making links between Palintology and the work of Homi Bhabha, have in common with a moose-killing Alaska frontierswoman with her five kids, five colleges and pastoral protection from witchcraft?

I think I’ve seen it now. In her own folded hands, her hopeful, yet sinking posture, her eager-to-please look. Sarah Palin is their — dare I say our? — inner Elle Woods.

I had thought of Elle Woods, the heroine of the 2001 and 2003 “Legally Blonde” and “Legally Blonde 2” films, a great deal during the week that Palin became McCain’s running mate and made her appearance at the Republican National Convention. The thoughts didn’t actually originate with Palin; my daughter Julia had recently discovered the soundtrack of “Legally Blonde: the Musical” and then the movies that inspired the Broadway show.

Re-watching the movies with Julia, I’d been surprised at how time, and motherhood, had tempered my affection for Elle Woods — a frilly, frothy blonde who charms her way into Harvard Law School and takes the stodgy intellectual elitists there by storm with her Anygirl decency and non-snooty (and not-so-credible) native intelligence.

I’d found the “Legally Blonde” movies fun the first time around. Viewing them in the company of an enraptured 11-year-old, who’d declared Elle her new “role model” after months of dreaming of growing up to be a neuroscientist in a long braid and Birkenstocks, was another story.

“You can’t,” I’d admonished Julia, “accomplish anything worthwhile in life just by being pretty and cute and clever. You have to do the work.”

“It’s just fun, Mom,” she protested.

Right.

You don’t have to be perennially pretty in pink — and ditsy and cutesy and kinda maybe stupid — to have an inner Elle Woods. Many women do. I think of Elle every time I dress up my insecurities in a nice suit. So many of us today — balancing work and family, treading water financially — feel as if we’re in over our heads, getting by on appearances while quaking inside in anticipation of utter failure. Chick lit — think of Bridget Jones, always fumbling, never quite who she should be — and in particular the newer subgenre of mom lit are filled with this kind of sentiment.

You don’t have to be female to suffer from Impostor Syndrome either — I learned the phrase only recently from a male friend, who puts a darned good face forward. But I think that women today — and perhaps in particular those who once thought they could not only do it all but do it perfectly, with virtuosity — are unique in the extent to which they bond over their sense of imposture.

I saw this feeling in Palin — in a flash, on that blue couch, catty-corner to Kissinger, as her eyes pleaded for clemency from the camera. I’ll bet you anything that her admirers — the ones whose hearts really and truly swell with a sense of kinship to her — see or sense it in her, too. They know she can’t possibly do it all — the kids, the special-needs baby, the big job, the big conversations with foreign leaders. And neither could they.

The “Legally Blonde” fairy tales spin around the idea that, because Elle believes in herself, she can do anything. Never mind the steps that she skips. Never mind the fact that — in the rarefied realms of Harvard Law and Washington policymaking — she isn’t the intellectual equal of her peers. Self-confidence conquers all! (“Of course she doesn’t have that,” said Laura Bush of Palin this week when asked if the vice presidential pick had sufficient foreign policy experience. “You know, that’s not been her role. But I think she is a very quick study.”)

Real life is different, of course, from Hollywood fantasy. Incompetence has consequences, political and personal. Glorifying or glamorizing the sense of just not being up to the tasks of life has consequences, too. It means that any woman who exudes competence will necessarily be excluded from the circle of sisterhood. We can’t afford any more of that.

Frankly, I’ve come to think, post-Kissinger, post-Katie-Couric, that Palin’s nomination isn’t just an insult to the women (and men) of America. It’s an act of cruelty toward her as well.

By jmoss

September 29, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Hi Jim,

As a voter, McCain scares me. Why doesn’t he scare you?

By catlady

September 29, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

NOBODY WINS. Least of all the middle class taxpayer who pays through the butt both ways.

By fearless fosdik

September 29, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Jim, One understands that you are part of the right-wing spin machine.

But, to say “credit should go to John McCain for pushing their concerns to center stage.” Is totally ludicrous!

McCain when asked about the proposal admitted he hadn’t even read the 3 pages put forth by Paulson.

Even his fellow republicans said he had nothing of substance to offer at Fridays meeting.

Mr. McCain doesn’t know much about economics — he’s said so himself, although he’s also denied having said it.

And, where was McCain Saturday night as negotiators were working on the “bail-out?” Was he part of the negotiations that he rushed back to Washington, DC to rescue? Was he valiantly battling the forces of the status quo to get something done for Main Street?

NOOOOOOOO!!!! McCain was dining at one of Washington’s most expensive restaurants!

Jim, at least tell the truth…It doesn’t hurt that much.

By hillbilly ragger

September 29, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Riiight. Just like “we’re winning in Eye-rack.”

By jim d

September 29, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

jmoss,

Don’t know about jim—or anyone else for that matter. But Mc doesn’t scare me because he seems to understand you can not tax yourself out of a recession. He also realizes that we can not continue to spend our way out of it.

By Peter

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

The “Songbird of Hanoi” had zero to do with the bailout process except make it more political that it already was.

The Funny THING JIM….

BUSH was wanting to give away Millions to his Buddies, they guys that were at the TOP of the Chain…… but both parties were against that…….

Your own party Particularly P**……and NOT willing to cave to our King George…….good job to that !

You are a funny GUY JIM……why don’t you try to SPIN the real truth about why Vietnam POW’s don’t like McLost ?

Tell the truth about this guy who has blocked all the legislation to help find the MIA’s around the world !

Vietnam Vets hate this guy for all the legislation he has blocked to help them…….on the other hand Ron Paul, has voted to help vets 100 % of the time !

Your party doesn’t really like McLost, and I am sure all is hoping after the loss he fades away !

They will also find out Palin is all for PORK Jim, her record shows it…….Americans will understand the numbers her state has received, and realize change for McLost / Palin, is like putting the Wolves in charge of the Hen House !

The Youth will find out Jim, they look at U-Tube….and they won’t vote McLost, and Soccer Mom !

By Manny

September 29, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

This $700 Billion bailout makes us all losers. And I am personally offended that someone would actually think that some politician or political group claimed some benefit from this debacle.

This entire thread should be taken down, because now I have to go to work to pay for this mess. And my sons. And possibly my grandchildren.

By Senator Saxby Chambliss

September 29, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Stop sending me letters without checks attatched. My staff barely has time to take care of the important stuff, like shaking down bankers, so something has got to go. You will be proud that I am selling your vote to the highest bidders and will make all citizens of Georgia happy with the amount we collect. If any of you big moneyed bankers want to buy a little extra please contact my son Bo at his Lobbyist office. Thank all of you who have sent money & you suckers who are going to vote for me.

By Jimbo Christ Uber Shill

September 29, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Finally, the long awaited sequel to Jesus Christ, Superstar:

Jimbo Christ, Uber Shill,

Kiss McCain’s hiney on the bailout bill

By Commander Guy

September 29, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

I realize it’s a tough job carrying water for a team as spectacularly inept as Palin/McCain. I sympathize with Wooten on one level…I’ve been asked to do the impossible before, with no way to do the job without bending one’s principles and integrity beyond the breaking point. But some things are just not worth the degradation you bring on yourself, and the only wise choice is to walk away.

Wooten seems to sense this, as he fritters column inch after column inch away on such non-topics as judicial elections and other such like. On those days, it is as though he cannot bear to swallow another spoonful of bu|l5hit, and so he writes about something — anything!! — else in a flailing attempt to keep even a shred of dignity. But somebody must have a cache of photos or incriminating documents, because Jim is soon back to spouting the kind of patent foolishness as today, knowing full well that all the thanks he’ll get for his self-abasement is a dismissive, “Your money’s on the dresser, sweetheart, I’m through with you.”

You’ve done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?

By The Anti-Wooten

September 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I was fully prepared to take Jim to task for his utterly erroneous ramblings today but it seems that my fellow thoughtful people have already done so.

Jim, from the moment that McBush “suspended but no not really suspended” his campaign, loitered around NY for a day and a half and finally went to a posh Washington hotel to hang out that he was nothing other than an empty suit on the bailout nagotiations. In fact, many on both sides of the aisle have now taken him to task for interrupting the process and making it worse. His erratic behavior should scare anyone that is even considering voting for him, this is not someone that we can trust to run our tattered nation.

Bush has instituted policies during his presidency that have caused the economy to be a cash engine without restraint or good judgement. Then his tax policies have placed burdens on the middle class unparalleled in history. His response was to borrow, borrow and borrow some more. Now we get to pay for it.

As the number one Atlanta area shill for Bush and McBush you should have your right to vote and that of your descendents revoked for at least a generation.

By AnonyMoose

September 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Am I the only one who heard either CNN or MSNBC comment, very briefly, that a staffer for Congressman Boehner said that last weeks bailout negotiations were halted after the White House meeting in order to allow McCain to take credit for whatever new plan they could come up with. That’s not putting Country First.

By AnonyMoose

September 29, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

My Republican friends, check out the latest polls:

NORTH CAROLINA Rasmussen Obama +2 Civitas/TelOpinion (R) Tie PPP (D) Tie CNN/Time McCain +1

VIRGINIA Rasmussen Obama +5 NBC/Mason-Dixon McCain +3 ABC News/Wash Post Obama +3 SurveyUSA Obama +6 InAdv/PollPosition McCain +2

COLORADO CNN/Time Obama +4 Rasmussen Obama +3 InAdv/PollPosition Obama +9 PPP (D) Obama +7 Quinnipiac/WSJ/WP Obama +4

MICHIGAN Detroit Free Press Obama +13 Strategic Vision (R) Obama +3 NBC/Mason-Dixon Tie CNN/Time Obama +5 National Journal/FD Obama +8 Det. News (EPIC/MRA) Obama +10 FOX News/Rasmussen Obama +7

PENNSYLVANIA Morning Call Obama +4 Rasmussen Obama +4 SurveyUSA Obama +6 Strategic Vision (R)Obama +1 CNN/Time Obama +9 National Journal/FD Obama +2

Now, my Republican friends, practice saying this with me: President Obama.

By Peter

September 29, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Having Sarah Palin for VP is NOT PUTTING AMERICA FIRST……..

So we see the “Songbird of Hanoi”, still up to his old tricks………Me First……..

Say McLost passes……..Sarah Palin for President ?

HA HA HA……… yes here is a woman who knows about foreign policy………

Here are her credentials………

She stayed at a “Best Western” Last night ……..I guess she could see Russia from the window !

By CTG

September 29, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Wow Jim….McCain wins and the House Republicans win. So much for putting County First!!

By andyt

September 29, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

So by saying “i don’t like it” and then adding a minute detail to the plan you deserve credit? Oh please, I’ve had people try to do this with my work at the office and suffice to say it doesn’t go down well with folks.

McCain’s “suspension” of his campaign was a pure political ruse used to break the momentum of his sliding polls, it failed. What he did was put the country at risk for his campaign last week…and there is no way he is going to recover from his reckless, self-serving moves last week (and with his selection of his inept VP). His campaign suspension wasn’t even real…his ads were still going, his offices where almost all open and accepting donations and volunteers all through Wednesday and Thursday. I guess perhaps he has a different way of defining “suspension” just like his interpretation of “economic fundamentals”.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

September 29, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. The deal that has seemingly come together is pretty much as we forecast in this space last week. I am not conversant with the current version, but accept Jim’s analysis as likely, as that is where the negotiations were going. The conservative republicans got almost everything they wanted – everything except the potential amount of commitment by the government, which is much closer to the original Paulson level than that of the house republicans. McCain called the shots. When the house republicans objected to the Pelosi-Reid version of Paulson’s proposal, McCain stood with the conservatives – an encouraging sign of where he will be when the chips are down.

Mildly amusing to see President Bush and the Senate RINOs mostly siding with Paulson and the democrats last Friday, only to see McCain and the conservatives flip the deal. I have not heard any statement by Roy Blount – I think he was the negotiator for the house republicans – and that is ominous. Everyone is slapping backs and is seemingly pleased with themselves over the deal, and he is conspicuously missing from the news reports. I am unconvinced that House Republicans will vote for the proposal. I understand that, as the US economy is catching a cold, Europe is now in pneumonia. WSJ today has a headline – I am slow, have not yet read – that suggests the Lehman collapse killed Europe. May be an interesting week.

By jim d

September 29, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

AnonyMoose,

watch out for Sara as she hunts moose!

Fraid the press won’t be able to sway this election.

By Peter

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

The “Song Bird of Hanoi”………Today’s modern day Benedick Arnold………..

McLost is a Liar about his POW activities…….Thus he has blocked all legislation to HELP POWs still MIA………

How many video’s did he make for the Communists ? 32 is the number…….. How many Plans were shot down after McLost (Song Bird) sang…….. so many the Bombing routes, and supply routes had to be changed !

America’s Benedick Arnold……..(Song Bird of Hanoi) for President…….. Soccer Mom for VP………

Remember folks she see Russia from the boarder, she is soooooooooo knowledgeable about Foriegn Policy !

By Ga Values

September 29, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I will be voting for McCain but Jim your facts are a little wrong. We have been sold out to speciial interest.. The insurance soluation is only optional, the cap on bail out salaries is easily circumvented & McCain was really out of his element thursday. He needs to go back to talking about his sucesses on the surge & let Obama trip in the economics area. Bottom line is the Georgial Taxpayer is screwed in this deal & only our Republican Repesentaitives are trying to help. Saxby & Johnny are as usual RINOes are working for special interest & with Pelosi, Reid, & Franks. WHAT A MESS, this bunch of crooks have destroyed the USA.

By AnonyMoose

September 29, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

jim d, the polls don’t poll members of the press. They poll real live voters. Voters who are clearly favoring Obama/Biden. Numbers don’t lie.

As far as Sarah hunting moose, I think that’s great. She will have plenty of time for moose hunting post November.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

September 29, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Dear AnonyMoose @ 9:38, “Am I the only one who heard either CNN or MSNBC comment” – probably, nobody else watches either one.

Dear CTG @ 9:55, “McCain wins and the House Republicans win. So much for putting County First!!” You erroneously equate “Country” with “President Bush and the democrats.” The house conservatives were Horatius at the bridge, and I credit McCain with standing behind them. The story I heard is that McCain said only one sentence at the Friday meeting: “The Paulson Plan, as written, is unacceptable.”

By ron

September 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Good morning,To say I was disappointed in McCain’s actions last week would be an understatement.

Peter knows a lot about McCain’s service record and we don’t know a thing about Peter’s service record.We know about Jim’s.

Can you say albatross,Jim? The albatross of the Bush administration is hanging heavily around McCain’s neck and it’s a heavy albatross.McCain is gallantly dragging it along,but it’s wearing him down.

I still like Mrs.Palin.Even if she did talk to Couric,a person I can’t stomach.

You’ve got to write a lot more words on the subject,Jim,to convince me that McCain made any difference in last weeks negotiations in the giving away of taxpayer dollars.I’ll give him the benefit of being completely neutral.Neither useless nor ornamental.He has one vote in the approve,disapprove vote coming up.

By Jimbo Christ Uber Shill

September 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Next from Jimbo Christ Uber Shill, Wooten explains how Michael Vick was the real winner, by “suspending” his football career to bring awareness to animal rights issues.

By AnonyMoose

September 29, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

You’re probably right Ragnar, no one watches CNN or MSNBC. Their advertisers spend millions on ad time to broadcast to no one.

By The Anti-Wooten

September 29, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Ragnar posits that it should be an interesting week, well that’s just lovely. You are just another shill for where we’ve been led to the point that I’m honestly surprised that there’s no Clinton DeflectionÍ® in your statement.

Reagonomics, free-marketeer and trickledown economics have now been toally and completely debunked and shown to be the trash that they are. So have all of you that espouse those positions. It’s now coming back to bite all American’s on the tookus.

You should all be ashamed.

To use one of Jim’s favorite tropes: When I’m the king of this world, I’d order the compilation of several lists. Free-marketeers(maybe that should be Mooseketeers), Twice voters for Bush and Intellectually challenged pundits like Jim. You’d get an immediate bill for this mess.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

September 29, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Now that I have read the significant contents of the bill, I will affirm the accuracy of Jim’s analysis. Seemingly this is the House conservative bill except for the “golden parachute” provision added by democrats – this was not an issue for conservatives either way – and the level of potential commitment, which was pushed by Paulson.

By The Anti-Wooten

September 29, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Ragnar posits that it should be an interesting week, well that’s just lovely. You are just another shill for where we’ve been led to the point that I’m honestly surprised that there’s no Clinton DeflectionÍ® in your statement.

Reagonomics, free-marketeer and trickledown economics have now been toally and completely debunked and shown to be the trash that they are. So have all of you that espouse those positions. It’s now coming back to bite all American’s on the tookus.

You should all be ashamed.

To use one of Jim’s favorite tropes: When I’m the king of this world, I’d order the compilation of several lists. Free-marketeers(maybe that should be Mooseketeers), Twice voters for Bush and Intellectually challenged pundits like Jim. You’d get an immediate bill for this mess.

By Davo

September 29, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

JW is still in panic mode 7 years after 911. Is fear the only thing that you republicans can respond to?

Top 5 Reasons to Vote Against Wall Street’s $700 Billion Bailout http://www.ourfuture.org/blog-entry/2008093928/top-5-reasons-vote-against-paulsons-700-billion-bailout

Please read this article everyone and realize that our gov’t is totally out of control.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

September 29, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Dear Anti @ 10:22, you post a curious argument, that “free” market had something to do with the failure of the housing bubble created by the Federal Reserve and FNMA and FHLMC. Don’t you mean the “free” market exposed the brainlessness of the big government schemes?

By Shrugging Atlas

September 29, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

But don’t worry about Sarah Palin. She’ll be fine - she’s got special protection.

A grainy YouTube video surfaced Wednesday showing Sarah Palin being blessed in her hometown church three years ago by a Kenyan pastor who prayed for protection from “witchcraft” as she prepared to seek higher office.

The video shows Palin standing before Bishop Thomas Muthee in the pulpit of the Wasilla Assembly of God church, holding her hands open as he asked Jesus Christ to keep her safe from “every form of witchcraft.”

And who is Bishop Thomas Muthee? According to the UK Times:

The pastor whose prayer Sarah Palin says helped her to become governor of Alaska founded his ministry with a witchhunt against a Kenyan woman who he accused of causing car accidents through demonic spells.

(snip)

According to the Christian Science Monitor, six months of fervent prayer and research identified the source of the witchcraft as a local woman called Mama Jane, who ran a “divination” centre called the Emmanuel Clinic.

Her alleged involvement in fortune-telling and the fact that she lived near the site of a number of fatal car accidents led Pastor Muthee to publicly declare her a witch responsible for the town’s ills, and order her to offer her up her soul for salvation or leave Kiambu.

(snip)

According to accounts of the witchhunt circulated on evangelical websites such as Prayer Links Ministries, after Pastor Muthee declared Mama Jane a witch, the townspeople became suspicious and began to turn on her, demanding that she be stoned. Public outrage eventually led the police to raid her home, where they fired gunshots, killing a pet python which they believed to be a demon.

After Mama Jane was questioned by police - and released - she decided it was time to leave town, the account says.

Can it get any worse? Well, yes, as it turns out, it can. During the same sermon in which he blessed Sarah Palin, Muthee said this:

The second area whereby God wants us, wants to penetrate in our society is in the economic area. The Bible says that the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous. It’s high time that we have top Christian businessmen, businesswomen, bankers, you know, who are men and women of integrity running the economics of our nations. That’s what we are waiting for. That’s part and parcel of transformation.

If you look at the — you know — if you look at the Israelites, that’s how they work. And that’s how they are, even today.

By BS Aplenty

September 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

AnonyMouse

Your statistics class must have been taught on Fantasy Island. None of the data you reflect is adequate to draw much of any conclusion.

Unless you show the “Margin of Error” for each of those survey samples you cannot hope to interpret the results accurately. Depending on the sample size and methodology in these surveys you could have a Margin of Error approaching 5-7% - or more. That basically says you can conclude nothing in these close states.

Your brand of fantasy statistics may make for a better time for Dems with lotion and visions of Obama but in the real world these results are going to feel a lot more like a cold shower.

Poll on.

By BS Aplenty

September 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

AnonyMouse

Your statistics class must have been taught on Fantasy Island. None of the data you reflect is adequate to draw much of any conclusion.

Unless you show the “Margin of Error” for each of those survey samples you cannot hope to interpret the results accurately. Depending on the sample size and methodology in these surveys you could have a Margin of Error approaching 5-7% - or more. That basically says you can conclude nothing in these close states.

Your brand of fantasy statistics may make for a better time for Dems with lotion and visions of Obama but in the real world these results are going to feel a lot more like a cold shower.

Poll on.

By hillbilly ragger

September 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Ragnar, perhaps sharing bong-hits with Ayn Rand has made you a little loopy, but for the record, the only “big-government schemes” responsible for the housing bubble and subsequent big-sh!tpile manifestations were a lack of oversight and an unwillingness to step in when the lunatic securitization Ponzi schemes became a license to print money.

Face facts—an Administration that wasn’t obsessed with “victory in Iraq” and covering its @ss on torture, packing Justice with right-wing morons, and doling out patronage goodies to industry buddies could’ve nipped this in the bud. Bush didn’t.

By findog

September 29, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Jim, Did you read the bill, or even the highlights? The maverick insurance counter plan from the House GOP membership, section 102, allows financial institutions to cover 100 percent of their troubled assets on a premium basis that is not established. Not even a minimum like say the overnight Fed rate. If the secretary feels justified that the need exists he/she could set the rate at near zero. Hear is the high points for those too busy to read the 110-page draft bill, or even original three page plan:

SUMMARY OF THE “EMERGENCY ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT OF 2008”

I. Stabilizing the Economy The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) provides up to $700 billion to the Secretary of the Treasury to buy mortgages and other assets that are clogging the balance sheets of financial institutions and making it difficult for working families, small businesses, and other companies to access credit, which is vital to a strong and stable economy. EESA also establishes a program that would allow companies to insure their troubled assets.

II. Homeownership Preservation EESA requires the Treasury to modify troubled loans – many the result of predatory lending practices – wherever possible to help American families keep their homes. It also directs other federal agencies to modify loans that they own or control. Finally, it improves the HOPE for Homeowners program by expanding eligibility and increasing the tools available to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help more families keep their homes.

III. Taxpayer Protection Taxpayers should not be expected to pay for Wall Street’s mistakes. The legislation requires companies that sell some of their bad assets to the government to provide warrants so that taxpayers will benefit from any future growth these companies may experience as a result of participation in this program. The legislation also requires the President to submit legislation that would cover any losses to taxpayers resulting from this program from financial institutions.

IV. No Windfalls for Executives Executives who made bad decisions should not be allowed to dump their bad assets on the government, and then walk away with millions of dollars in bonuses. In order to participate in this program, companies will lose certain tax benefits and, in some cases, must limit executive pay. In addition, the bill limits “golden parachutes” and requires that unearned bonuses be returned.

V. Strong Oversight Rather than giving the Treasury all the funds at once, the legislation gives the Treasury $250 billion immediately, then requires the President to certify that additional funds are needed ($100 billion, then $350 billion subject to Congressional disapproval). The Treasury must report on the use of the funds and the progress in addressing the crisis. EESA also establishes an Oversight Board so that the Treasury cannot act in an arbitrary manner. It also establishes a special inspector general to protect against waste, fraud and abuse.

By Peter

September 29, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Hey……..By Ragnar Danneskjöld …..let’s get this Correct………the “golden parachute” provision..was part of the BUSH Proposal………

By getalife

September 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Vote yes?

Watching real conservatives on C Span and they are voting no.

Wow, Jim is a lib.

By rightytighty

September 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

The most successful thing about this bill is in its complete squashing of the trillion dollar socialization of health care. Investing in poor assests with growth potential is most definitely better than throwing away assests on growing asses with no potential…

By Devastator

September 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

We put together an ad today that captures Barack’s victory in last night’s debate in 30 seconds.

Take a look and make a donation of $25 or more to get it on the air for those who may have missed it:

After his erratic and reckless response to the economic crisis, McCain needed a game-changer last night to restore his campaign. He didn’t even come close.

In a CBS News poll, uncommitted voters see Barack as the debate winner. When it comes to the economy, 66% say Barack would make the right decisions versus 42% for McCain.

The CNN poll results are also clear:

Who did the best job tonight? Barack: 51 McCain: 38

Who would better handle Iraq? Barack: 52 McCain: 47

Who would better handle the economy? Barack: 58 McCain: 37

These are not the kind of reviews John McCain needed, but they show that Barack is offering the change we need.

Barack broke through last night with voters who were watching — but we need to get the word out to the millions who didn’t tune in.

Will you watch our latest ad and make a donation of $25 or more to show your support?

https://donate.barackobama.com/debatevideo

Thank you for everything you are doing,

David

David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America

By BS Aplenty

September 29, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

AnonyMouse

Your statistics class must have been taught on Fantasy Island. None of the data you reflect is adequate to draw much of any conclusion.

Unless you show the “Margin of Error” for each of those survey samples you cannot hope to interpret the results accurately. Depending on the sample size and methodology in these surveys you could have a Margin of Error approaching 5-7% - or more. That basically says you can conclude nothing in these close states.

Your brand of fantasy statistics may make for a better time for Dems with lotion and visions of Obama but in the real world these results are going to feel a lot more like a cold shower.

Poll on.

By carolyn

September 29, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Jim, It’s idiots like you and McShame, who see this as a battle between the Dems and Repukes, rather than what is right for America that are the problem. The more I read your articles, the quicker it is to conclude that you have become as delusional and senile as John Sidney McShame. I will be happy when the AJC recognizes this and you retire.

By getalife

September 29, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Ron Paul said this will destroy the dollar and makes the problem worse. He said the economists that predicted this are still ignored and they are listening to the ones that created this mess.

Many dems are voting no unlike Jim the lib.

Looks like this vote will be close but will pass.

By AnonyMoose

September 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Say what you want BS Aplenty, but when a poll comes out showing McCain ahead I would be willing to be that you’ll view it as proof positive that he is doing better than Obama. Keep on BS’n man!

By findog

September 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Peter @10:10

Have you ever been in prison? Ever been tortured? Ever even been in the American armed forces? Ever been in a debate where you could not hide behind Wooten’s skirt [sorry Jim metaphorical devise]?

By SayNo2McCain

September 29, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Jim Wooten,

They will be back asking for more BILLIONS, because the mortgage messs is NOT OVER.

If you don’t help the homeowners, you aren’t fixing the problem. I’m sick of seeing all the empty homes, buildings and half finshed construction projects.

Wachovia is a good example of where we are headed. It’s not over because CitiGroup purchsed the problems, it’s just going to be a bigger company with a PROBLEM.

So, if McCain wants to take credit, if I were OBAMA, I wouldn’t argue. Let them have it.

By TW

September 29, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Win?

By agreeing to spray water on the house they burned down, they won?

God I miss the real Republicans.

By Ga Values

September 29, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Davo

September 29, 2008 10:30 AM

Thanks for the link,, I have sent it to everyone in myaddress book..

By BS Aplenty

September 29, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

In the last debate, Obama looked like the proverbial underdeveloped deer-in-headlights. You know, the small-rack animal not comfortable dealing with mature alpha males. Stammers, stutters and constantly looks at the Big Buck (McCain) for approval. Continually tries to makes “friends” with alpha male by using first name.

Telling, very telling.

McCain/Palin ‘08 - they already have big racks.

By Peter

September 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

By findog

September 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Peter @10:10

Have you ever been in prison? Ever been tortured?

ANSWER……NO………..

So I never have been involved in KILLING AMERICANS…….. I have never been compared to the “SONG BIRD of HANOI”…..

I have never been involved in crushing HOPE for Veterans and POWs, and the families of those still MIA ……… by legislation…..!

Check you facts guy…….. POW’s hate McChicken !

He has voted against help for Vets, and for finding the remaining MIA POW’s !

See Ron Paul’s record, he is a guy they support !

By bit

September 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Ask the shareholders of AIG how they feel about insuring subprime loans. Republicans are delusional if they think the same fate will not await the federal government.

If the bailout doesn’t restore faith in the system, then bankers will continue to increase lending standards, and nothing will change. Maybe the government should penalize Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s and the other bond rating agencies for calling something AAA when it was just really junk. This whole crisis sounds like Enron all over again.

How can anyone pretend that there are winners in this bailout fiasco? Certainly not the economies of the United States and the world.

By $$$$

September 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

That was your perception BS. To me and everyone I have talked to about the debate, McCain seemed rattled and angry. I don’t trust anyone who can’t look the other person in the eye when debating them. He never even looked at Obama. Again, that’s my perception. We will see how most people felt when the votes are tallied.

By Glenn

September 29, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Jim, how simplistic. McCain “won” nothing. He’s no more than a common thug and never has been more than that. His childish act of playing “hero” (Yawn) by going to D.C. is but another example of this shallow little man. Did nothing. said nothing. Just sat there with that goofy little grin midst his host of demons and obsessive dysfunctions for power. The man is an empty phony and always has been. Your blind adoration of such inferiors is embarrassing. Or should be. How is it possible to be so empty, so blinded??

By Soulfinger

September 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Nice try, Jim.

By Peter

September 29, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Who WINS JIM ?

Do Americans ?

I doubt that……… when is the Victory Parade Jim ?

By findog

September 29, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

Ron @10:17 In golf an albatross is great — double eagle. It is although unfortunate that Senator McCain cannot golf…

Ragnar @10:25 I find it hard to give credit to the House GOP for an optional clause. Water always follows the path of least resistance, as I assume you might agree that bankers will do the same with this recovery bill. How could a banker justify the insurance option to his shareholders, the good of the country? I would have jumped all over this bandwagon if they had at least gotten a twenty-five percent requirement for their option. Looks like a RINO put a toothless lion into the bill to try and claim victory.

BS Aplenty @11:16 I do believe true Alpha male stares down the young buck; rather than gaze out at the herd as if there were nothing to be concerned with. I would agree that Senator Obama is a lightweight, but he did two things worthy of note: first he looked directly at Senator McCain when he called him on the mistakes on Iraq, and second he is capable of saying McCain was right in several [six] areas. Under the blind squirrel nut hunting act of 2006 McCain would have to found at least one thing Obama has done right to keep the bipartisan crown he claims to protect…

Peter @10:10 The one POW I actually know does not hate McCain. Therefore following your line of logic all POW’s must not hate him either. The only swift boat veteran I know liked Kerry so why didn’t all the other swift boat vets like him too? It Seam that, as Representative Paul is not on the ballot that your sources are taking this election cycle off. Too bad, I normally consider veterans to be engaged in the political process; especially in a time of war…

By Davo

September 29, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Hey JW…I found a real member of congress that gets it…Oh…but she’s a democrat. It’s funny though…she seems to be very conservative.

Sounds Like Insider Trading To Me! Rep Kaptur

http://cspanjunkie.org/?p=635

By catlady

September 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Too bad Obama did not call him on some of his bs. Like “John, it does not really matter which dead famous people you have known. We live in the here and now.”

On the bailout, I am urging all the congress to vote NO WAY. In 6 days God created the heavens and the earth. NO WAY our politicians can fix something quicker than God Himself.

The bailout stinks. It has NOTHING to recommend it. It is just another gift courtesy of the middle class and their hard work.

By BS Aplenty

September 29, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

findog

Can’t argue too much with that analysis.

By findog

September 29, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Ragnar,

The “Troubled Assets” definition (B) for other financial instruments … transmittal of such determination … to the appropriate committees of Congress.

Does not call on Congress to approve such non-mortgage related securities prior to the secretary acting. You being the lawyer, and me the mere engineer, is not that a fairly large loophole?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

September 29, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Dear Hillbilly @ 10:40, you err. “the only “big-government schemes” responsible for the housing bubble and subsequent big-sh!tpile manifestations were a lack of oversight and an unwillingness to step in when the lunatic securitization Ponzi schemes became a license to print money.” There were three big government schemes that created the housing bubble:

(1) The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates below the inflation rate, thus causing too much money to chase too few investment opportunities.

(2) The Congress created – long ago – FHLMC and FNMA, to “facilitate” home ownership via the implicit backing of the taxpayer. As investment opportunities became less attractive, rather than scale back operations, FHLMC and FNMA facilitated “creative” financing options, and greatly increased the level of potential funding per loan, both squarely placing the taxpayer higher on the hook. There is a partial truth in your affirmation – but for Congressional acquiescence in the elevated risk to taxpayers, i.e., avoiding regulation of the Federal entities although pushed by McCain four years ago, the bubble would not have grown. It was Barney Frank (in the house) who pushed Chris Dodd and senate democrats to kill the McCain proposal via threat of filibuster. Thus the democrats won that battle against regulating the government, to the everlasting cost of all of us.

(3) For 30 years, CRA, HMDA, FHA, and ECOA have been used as mallets by bank regulators to compel banks to “find ways” to lend to the less than creditworthy. We now know 700 billion reasons this was a bad idea.

Dear Peter @ 10:44, Hank Paulson, Secretary of the Treasury, is a democrat. I think we can all agree this was a bone thrown to the democrats, and it did exist in the Reid/Pelosi rewrite. That and the total amount are about the only things that are still there.

Spamalert @ 10:50.

Dear bit @ 11:23, great argument. The implications for social security and medicare and all other government schemes are fairly obvious. I wonder if there are any presidential candidates who think we ought to be cutting spending rather than increasing it?

Dear $$$$ @ 11:24, I think winning debates has nothing to do with presidential elections. Pretty sure the pundits proclaimed Gore the winner in 2000 and Kerry the winner in 2004. Probably smarter to look at debates as performance art – I cannot imagine someone so shallow that he/she would choose a candidate from debates or advertising, although I am equally certain such creatures exist. For the record Chairman Ann said the debate was not even close; she gave Captain Queeg an A-, and Chauncey Gardener a C+. I, of course, did not even watch; the Braves were on, and I was visiting with my parents.

By ButtHead

September 29, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I feel sorry for America that a loser like Obama even gets a chance at becoming president. The people that would vote for him are living proof that the education system is a failure.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

September 29, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Dear findog @ 11:37, good morning and good argument. You are correct about the “insurance” option. The only circumstance where that will be used is if things get pretty desperate. That sounds like the only time any of these options ought to be used. The one thing I like is the potential suspension of “mark to market” – that is a huge issue when a securities market is thin, as is demand for mortgage securities right at this moment. (And if I may jump in on your note to Peter, you are undoubtedly right about the military vote, McCain will take 70% +. Obama will get most of the black military vote, however.)

@ 11:48, the instructions for preparation of call reports have a specific definition for renegotiated troubled assets, but there is a lot of play in the definition. I listened into an FDIC accounting teleconference last week, and troubled assets were a significant portion of the conversation. FDIC gave every indication that it is bending the rules as much as it can to make life tolerable for the bankers. So that probably does mean more taxpayer relief is possible.

By Lorraine

September 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Conservatives get your head out of the sand! How can you possibly say you support McCain when this man isn’t truly a conservative? He spits in the face of every Christain when he continues to say that he believes in Evolution(see the article that came out this month on CBS.com). Would you prefer a president who does not believe that God created the world or one who says they are for a woman’s right to choose? How hypocritical to say that McCain’s views line up better with the view of Evangelicals. Dr. Dobson had it right the first time when he said McCain is no conservative!

By cal

September 29, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

This just in: The Obama campaign has asked the police in Missouri to arrest anyone saying anything negative about Obama. Check it out on the Missouri station kmov.com. How embarrassing for the democrats.

By Chaz

September 29, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Obama (reportedly) won the debate on ‘substance’? Whenever I read something so nakedly absurd, I remind myself of the millions of Americans that eat lunch at McDonald’s, thinking it’s ‘good’.

By Lorraine

September 29, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Conservatives get your head out of the sand! How can you possibly say you support McCain when this man isn’t truly a conservative? He spits in the face of every Christain when he continues to say that he believes in Evolution(see the article that came out this month on CBS.com). Would you prefer a president who does not believe that God created the world or one who says they are for a woman’s right to choose? How hypocritical to say that McCain’s views line up better with the view of Evangelicals. Dr. Dobson had it right the first time when he said McCain is no conservative!

By Peter

September 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Amazing………….By ButtHead

September 29, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I feel sorry for America that a loser like Obama even gets a chance at becoming president. The people that would vote for him are living proof that the education system is a failure.

Obama a guy with a FANTASTIC EDUCATION……..

McLost, a guy who almost finished last in his class…….

I see you would vote for LESS EDUCATION………..

This guy will vote for the “Song Bird of Hanoi”….a guy how was responsible for MORE AMERICAN DEATHS in Vietnam than any other American……..

Never mind the Deaths he was responsible for on the Aircraft Carrier…….

Please see his voting on Veteran Affairs…….He has blocked all those of legislation to help vets…….. INCLUDING those coming back from Iraq !

PLEASE VOTE FOR AMERICA’S……. Benedict Arnold !

By dave

September 29, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Peter the “song bird of hanoi?”

Can tell you’ve never served in the military, and are about as low a life as can be. Wish you’d had to have spent just one week and we’d see cry life and baby and turn in your momma to make them stop.

By DebbieDoRight

September 29, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

It looks like Jim is off of his dementia meds again. Jim, PLEASE SEEK HELP!! Before it’s too late. Oh, and ask about the discounted rate for republicans who suffer from delusions of grandeur; I heard it’s “fiscally conservative”.

By ron

September 29, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

FindDog—-The literary albatross was hung around the neck as a punishment.They’re punishing McCain for being a maverick.

FindDog—-Peter has never done much of anything except fish.,I mean carp,of course.

Lorraine,—-I support McCain because he’s not a conservative.You can either support him or you get Obama.Your choice.

Ragnar—-One of the big sticking points of the bailout is that the combatants don’t actually know the value of the assets,read repossesed houses.If they’re valued too high they won’t sell.If they’re valued too low,your house value drops like a rock.Ain’t this going to be fun?

Next comes the destruction of the main street economy.Banks will withhold needed credit until the economy implodes.Crdt has become the new 4 letter word.

By getalife

September 29, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Jim should hang this art in his office

Fiscal con?

No, Jim is a lib.

By jim d

September 29, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Manning Proposes to Vote for Obama

By Say what?

September 29, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Ummm the press said that when McCain returned to Washington on Saturday, he stayed at home in Arlington, went to his campaign headquarters around the corner and then went to dinner at a ritzy restaurant with Lieberman… So how did he save the world again?

By jim d

September 29, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Best of Manning

By fearless fosdik

September 29, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

By cal

You said this at 12:02 P.M.

“This just in: The Obama campaign has asked the police in Missouri to arrest anyone saying anything negative about Obama. Check it out on the Missouri station kmov.com. How embarrassing for the democrats.”

CAL…You heard that nonsense on Limbaugh’s morning COMEDY hour! Didn’t you?

The facts are .. Just like in any other campaign the two camps scrutinize what the other camp is saying and try to react to the lies, distortions and other misleading ads etc