Thinking Right

By Reid in EAV

October 2, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Early web deadlines? Palin still had 20 minutes to speak when this was posted. Can we at least wait for the event to end before we engage in punditry?

By Andrew

October 2, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

She has to actually answer a question with something other than “MAVERICK!” or “NUKEULAR!” to win.

By Matthew

October 2, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

What?

Palins performance was FAR better than McCain’s. Now, I don’t think it was enough to revive the McCain campaign, but she far exceeded expectations, and easily won on several key issues I didn’t expect her to do overly well on.

By Lee

October 2, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Palin did miss numerous opportunities.

When Jumpin’ Joe said he and Obama wanted to make America the most respected nation in the world again, she should have asked Biden which nation he (and Obama) respect more.

I hate to lose to a socialist.

By TMF

October 2, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten, for once, you have spoken the truth! Palin, although well, coached, was CLEARLY OUT OF HER LEAGUE!!! Palin could not stay more consistently on message/topic because if the subject was not written down in her playbook that she was reading from, she could not answer the question!

By Aquagirl

October 2, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Jim, did you miss the memo? The bar was set pretty low for Palin. Like a rookie quarterback, her team just wanted her not to lose the game. She’s on the ticket to keep the far-right crowd happy and headed to the polls. They don’t care if she generates a single brainwave. Mission accomplished.

By Jacki_Fraust

October 2, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

I agree with you.

Biden is experienced, knows the issues, and he and Obama are prepared to deal with the issues. Palin was vague, scattered, and clearly showed a lack of experienced. The question that kept occurring in my mind was, “What makes anyone think that Palin is capable of being Vice President of this nation”? Anyone who thinks so has got to be an idiot because Palin is clearly an idiot. She needs to just go ahead and dye her hair blond. Then she’d look as dittsy a* she is. “YOU BETCHA!!!”

By Omar

October 2, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Biden’s 35 years in the US Senate is “CHANGE” ?

He’s part of the damn problem ! We need term limits !

By SharonH

October 2, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Jim, are you okay? C’mere let me feel your forehead. I was sure you would be in here crowing about how straightforward and plain-talking little Sara was. Gosh, I’m worried about you.

I thought Palin did far, far better than I anticipated. Almost all of her sentences had a noun and a verb, she was even coherent quite a good bit. She stuck to the talking points and used the buzz words liberally as she was no doubt prepped to do over and over again, you’re darn right she did. I was disappointed since I thought the whole thing would be more entertaining than it was. Whoever coached her did one “heck” of a job (to use another one of her favorite words).

By Ray

October 2, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Home run time. It’s a whole new race.

By AWP

October 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Lee you need to get a grip with this socialist crap. Its old and tired just like John McCain.

By Owain Ozymandias Buck

October 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

I think she did alright. She showed good debate skill and answer shifting tactics. Not bad for either one. Joe did good, too. Neither one made a terrible blunder.

Joe couldn’t remember Gen McKiernan’s name—he was wise enough to just say “the commanding general in Afghanistan.” Sarah tried to one-up him by saying his name and called him “McClellan.” I sure hope they wouldn’t dig up McClellan and give him another chance!

I don’t feel so bad about Palin now. I still think she’d be a disaster as prez, but I was glad to hear her defend gay rights—it seems she supports gay marriage in all but name. I was also glad to hear her concern for middle class issues. By God, I think she’s a closet Democrat!

I’m still voting Obama.

By Captain Freedom

October 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Wow. Holy Cow. Our Sarah really hit it out of the park. What a winner.

But…

THE Captain wonders about two things.

First, the left side of her face kept on contorting on this strange spasm or rictus or something. THE Captain thought she was having a stroke, but Mrs Freedom said that she was winking and flirting. THE Captain still thinks she should be screened for an ischemic event.

Second…for the love of humanity, someone get that woman a laxative. While she certainly wiped the floor with O’Biden and completely and totally won the debate and thereby won the election for Johnny Maverick, the poor woman looked as though she had not evacuated her bowels for at least 5 days. Trust THE Captain on this. He knows.

Thus saith THE Captain, and it is very true.

By BigUnc

October 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Jim you must be sick to your stomach, kind comments for Biden?

Reid in EAV to deny Jim would know the outcome with time remaining would be for UGA faithful to have stayed in the stands late into the fourth quarter last week expecting a come back, the book had been shut.

By newsandverse

October 2, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT Spoken by either presidential candidate to his running mate after their debate

Your match before the TV throng tonight, Was to show if I was wrong or right In my selecting you to ride along, In hopes that you’d turn out more right than wrong.

You showed us all that you are strong with fight And that you try to be less wrong than right. But I am still prepared to smite the gong If you ever get the Bill of Rights all wrong.

www.newsandverse.com Light verse, ripped from the headlines

By AWP

October 2, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Lee you need to get a grip with this socialist crap. Its old and tired just like John McCain.

By Peter

October 2, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Come on folks she didn’t answer most of the questions, and she would scare the heck out of America if something bad did happen to McLost, and she became President !

She did a great SOCCER MOM…….

By the way I believe she had a very expensive Sports Complex put in Wasella, and as I understand they still don’t have a sewer system there.

I also understand she left the city with a very large DEFICIT as well……

If that is indeed the case, where are the priorities ?

By Juliea

October 2, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Jim. Not a great night for the McCain team.

By Help

October 2, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

That is all the Obama campaign is about: Help with your life.

Who will pay for all this help? You.

By Jacki_Fraust

October 2, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Palin is indeed out of her league.

Biden blew Palin away. Biden is experienced, has leadership quality, and has credibility. No one ever heard of Palin before they plucked her out of obscurity in Alaska, which is about as far away as you can get from mainstream America and still be in a US state. Palin lacked credibility before this debate and her lackluster performance showed that she is out of touch with the people she tried to talk directly to (mainstream America). McCain is finished. With Palin on his ticket, he is toast. It’s over the Republicans.

By Bobert

October 2, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Were you watching the same debate?

Wow. Jimbo. common, Joe did OK, but when he tried to start crying, that was awful.

Sarah did a fantastic job. She hit a Home Run!

By Charles I. Swann

October 2, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Damn Sarah, Thought you’d represent me better than that but I realize you are clearly out of your league and so am I. What did I just say?

By Charles I. Swann

October 2, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Damn Sarah, Thought you’d represent me better than that but I realize you are clearly out of your league and so am I. What did I just say?

By al

October 2, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

You are absolutely blind. Palin crushed him.

By M. Thomas

October 2, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Palin stated that she has only been at this for five weeks so she hasn’t promised much! She has five weeks of experience in Washington and she is a heart beat away from being president???? PLEASE! Obama 08!

By csquared

October 2, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Of course she did better than expected. She didn’t have to do more than show up and speak fairly intellegently for that low bar. But just showing up and spesking from the playbook and having a rational conversation without reorting to talking points would have required Bear Bryant to be her coach. More telling for the entire team is that on the heels of their pullout from michigan, which they acknowledge they can’t win, is the fact that she’s just not the person for the veep slot.

By nobama

October 2, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

*By AWP

October 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Lee you need to get a grip with this socialist crap. Its old and tired just like John McCain.*

Fighting Commies never gets old.

By dave

October 2, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

Brother Jim, Sarah was real, that my friend is what connects her with the people. McCain will probably lose this thing, but Sarah, she will be around for a long time… Palin/Jindal 2012

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 2, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Jim, I agree with you. Biden trounced Palin! She seems to think winks and shout-outs and canned answers to unasked questions is what the American people want. It isn’t! The American people, who have had a steady diet of lies over the last eight years, want facts, the truth!

By Midori

October 2, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I think I’m going to faint - an honest, truthful observation from a republican.

there is hope after all.

By RueDee

October 2, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Palin had already revealed her lack of knowledge and qualifications. Whatever came out of her mouth wasn’t hers; they were her handlers’ words.

By stacy

October 2, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

She was wearing a wire around her ear! Someboday was telling her what to say!

By Filster

October 2, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

While I would have liked to see Palin draw into the debate Obama and his cronies involvement in the Feddie Mac/Fannie Mae debacle (they got what they paid for), given all the rheotoric and talking heads negativity about her, i thought she did a pretty decent job. Personally, I would given Biden a slight edge. But a slght edge with 28 years in the Senate vs. what, a couple weeks preparation? Y’all have sold Palin short so much. Proven executive experience (80% approval rating from the state overal vs. the fes malcontents the media has ferreted out). Does W or the Congress have an 80% approval rate? A willingness to go against party lines, forthright speaking to Joh Q? Yeah, I’ll take Palin over Obama, and even Biden whom I respect. Shame it isn’t Biden-Palin. We might get some $hit done in DC.

By Lenny

October 2, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

i was going to vote Obama, but now i just might swing right on this, McCain/Palin. Both did very well tonight, but I feel Palin came out on top

By Dusty

October 2, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Lovely evening!!1 Sarah Palin was so good she has liberals stunned! She was so far ahead in this debate that the commentators are still stammering and stuttering, trying to find something ANYTHING they can complain about.

SHE WAS EXCELLENT! Even Biden knew it. She was smart and well informed and energetic. Joe looked tired. If I were supporting Obama I’d be tired too.

McCain is the strong man and Sarah is the energy. What a team. Yes, indeed, a lovely evening and a great debate.

By deegee

October 2, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

She’s a walking, talking bumper sticker. I would give her an 7.0 for style and a 2.0 for substance.

By b6542

October 2, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Wooten when did you write this article ? Were you actually watching ? I could UNDERSTAND what Palin was saying….. You must have been out looking for gas……Hope you found some.

By change1

October 2, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Body count: In the last six months 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago, 221 killed in Iraq.

Sens. Barack Obama & Dick Durbin,

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.,

Gov. Rod Blogojevich,

House leader Mike Madigan,

Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike),

Mayor Richard M. Daley (son of former Mayor Richard J. Daley)…..

the leadership in Illinois…..all Democrats.

Chicago is a combat zone. Of course they’re all blaming each other.

Can’t blame Republicans, there aren’t any!

State pension fund $44 Billion in debt, worst in country. Cook County (Chicago) sales tax 10.25% highest in country. (Look’em up if you want). Chicago school system one of the worst in country.

This is the political culture that Obama comes from!

He’s gonna ‘fix’ Washington politics? Yeah, right!

By Jean

October 2, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

She wasn’t bad, but the problem is that he was great. I honestly hadn’t seen him debate…I skipped the primaries. Wow. I really was impressed.

She was OK. Not great, but no huge issues. But I don’t have any more faith than I did before that she can take this role.

By Kurt

October 2, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Fine, she has short-term memory and can spout verbiage to fill the allotted time. Beauty queens learn early the importance of the Q&A section. It is sad evidence of the decline of our democracy that the American voter will by-and-large accept evidence of short term memory as qualification for high office. The fact is her mind is being shaped, carved and trained by the same kinds of ‘presentation experts’ that usually go to work on ‘Idol’ contestants.

Sarah Palin has said yes to the ultimate American Idol challenge: Can a nominally talented, average Jo be trained to hold the pose long enough to fool the public into believing she deserves to make it to the finals.

Sarah Palin’s candidacy is an affront to every self-respecting voter and to those (like Joe Biden) who have - however imperfectly - given their lives in sincere and noble service to our country.

In choosing her as his VP pick, John McCain has done the opposite of what he claims as his political signature: he has valued his political survival over the good of the nation. No amount of populist posturing on her part can cover the fact that she is absolutely out of her depth.

By Ray

October 2, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Watch the polls change in the next few days. If she just brings McCain up to even, they have won the election. Common sense and sincerity will win every time.

By art

October 2, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

People, step back and take a look at the two parties you are discussing. Neither is representative fo the American people. We are a fiscally conservative socially liberal people (at least I am) on the whole. The Democraps are fiscally liberal and socially liberal; the Retardicans are fiscally liberal and socially conservative.

Will somebody who represents most Americans please run for office!!!

This corrupt two-party system is going to be the end of America.

By carolyn j. williams

October 2, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Jim, I almost fell out of my chair when I read your comments. So the AJC must have finally delivered the warning, “No more columns based on bogus facts.” Thank you AJC. Palin could not talk about the difference between her party and Obama/Palin because she doesn’t know the difference and it more than likely was not on her cue cards. Keep up the “straight talk” Jim, I might be able to tolerate reading another of your columns.

By Wise granny

October 2, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

The saddest part of this debate occurred at the end when Palin’s baby was paraded up on stage late at night for an opportunitstic photo-op when any other caring mother would make sure her child was at home asleep. Middle america granny says get a sitter and stop torturing this child! Palin’s bad judgment was on view for all to see with this self-serving faux pas.

By WW5

October 2, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

LET’S SEE WHAT THE NEW POLLS SHOW COME THIS WEEKEND BEFORE YOU CROWN OBAMA. I THINK YOU WILL SEE IT HAS DRAWN EVEN AND IS NOW MCCAIN’S CHANCE TO BREAK OUT OR BREAK DOWN.

By Mrs.Godzilla

October 2, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

HEY change!

I google the first line of your post and it’s all over the place.

Are you taking a salary or are you getting McCain Campaign Points?

DAMN….I like our own local wingnuts better.

By @@

October 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

I think she did fine Jim. She didn’t disappoint. I was afraid she would.

She’s receiving positive response from some independent groups being polled on T.V.. They were pleasantly surprised. Some were even impressed.

I like Joe. I like Governor Palin. I’m objective on this one.

Neither did any harm to their running mate.

There were a couple of times when Palin used Biden’s own words against Obama — statements he had made while campaigning for president.

If Joe had a strong comeback to those, I missed ‘em.

Given the public’s distrust (bailout) of politician’s in general, folks saw an entrenched Washington insider alongside a fresh new outlook in Governor Palin.

Slight advantage to Palin under today’s circumstances.

By Jim Who?

October 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Jim Wooten,

Hence why you work for a newspaper whose readership has plummeted.. You don’t have a clue. Palin kicked a*&

You libs are so full of crap its unbelievable… Biden stumbled at every turn..

Hey Jim, McDonald’s is hiring. That is where you will be working when AJC goes under..

Amazing…

By Tom

October 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

.

I’m not impressed with her outfit. I think she should have gone with a little more of a sparkly gown and lower cut.

She promounced Akmagengawhatever’s name right. Yeah whatever. We’re gonna nuke him before the election as an October Surprise.

We don’t give a rat’s @ss about Darfur. You can’t even see it from Alaska.

I wish she had said, “put the wood to it”. Biden would have flipped out.

Biden was p!ssed ‘cause she stole the “change” line!

Vote Palin and stop the inbreeding among our politicians!

.

By Glenn

October 2, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Palin is truly the national hick - “Joe Sixpack.” She’s not DUMB, but is very STUPID. In the cases of Bushdrunk and non-hero McShame, both are dumb AND stupid. Everything in their backgrounds itemize that fact of life.

By Kurt

October 2, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Fine, she has short-term memory and can spout verbiage to fill the allotted time. Beauty queens learn early the importance of the Q&A section. It is sad evidence of the decline of our democracy that the American voter will by-and-large accept evidence of short term memory as qualification for high office. The fact is her mind is being shaped, carved and trained by the same kinds of ‘presentation experts’ that usually go to work on ‘Idol’ contestants.

Sarah Palin has said yes to the ultimate American Idol challenge: Can a nominally talented, average Jo be trained to hold the pose long enough to fool the public into believing she deserves to make it to the finals.

Sarah Palin’s candidacy is an affront to every self-respecting voter and to those (like Joe Biden) who have - however imperfectly - given their lives in sincere and noble service to our country.

In choosing her as his VP pick, John McCain has done the opposite of what he claims as his political signature: he has valued his political survival over the good of the nation. No amount of populist posturing on her part can cover the fact that she is absolutely out of her depth.

By getalife

October 2, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Come on Jim.

She finally learned McCain’s talking points.

She did well.

Joe had the debate of his lifetime.

He’s ready, she’s another McCain gamble and gimmick.

By Eric

October 2, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

If you looked at this debate and can honestly say that Gov. Palin did good, then you truly can say that the bar was set lower than a fifth grader. She was more prepared for this debate than I am running for king of Mardi Gras. The conservatives can spin this as much as they like but the fact of the matter is that she is the worst VP nomination in the history of the Presidential race. In five to ten years, she may be up to speed, but as for now….. Hell No!!

By GA4OBAMA

October 2, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

palin at least said something after she was asked a question and not “i’ll have to get back to ya.”. she did exactly what i thought she would do. she had her canned answers and repeated rhetoric. if she didn’t have a good answer then it always went back to energy. she didn’t cover for her running mate, mccain. biden constantly compared mccain to bush and she had no response. she doesn’t know mccain’s voting record in the senate. biden knows his voting record as well as obama’s.

OBAMA/BIDEN ‘08

YES WE CAN!

By Mat

October 2, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

How Commendable of her to have her family there and that includes the baby. I think she did exceptionally well debating Bidden, who has be in Washington thirty plus years. I give her an A+

By Joe Schmoe

October 2, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

LOL! Dick Morris just said Biden looked/acted like he was on downers. Gotta love it! Go Sarah Go!

By boots

October 2, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Any wonder that the AJC is shrinking as a force in GA journalism and an influencer of Georgia homes? How could the majority of your poll think Palin lost? She was AMAZING and clearly did a better job. The national polls and focus groups are already in and show Palin was incredible. Words like, “Unbelievable win for Sarah Palin” are being said by objective ex-Clinton aides, and this paper is calling it a Biden victory or a draw? And the editorials are being posted DURING the debate? Get real!

By scottnjaxbeach

October 2, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Jim?????

Did you and I watch the same debate? I thought she was articulate and spoke well. Clearly, she did better than any of the mainstream media expected. Even Ms Couric had to be amazed at her dominance this evening.

The depths this paper has sunk to really has saddned me over the years!

By courtney

October 2, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Again, she is a complete IDIOT. People are trying hard to convince themselves that she is good for this country but she is not. She did not answer most of the questions. All she came with was rhetoric and story telling which is what the Republican Party has been about for the last 8 years. She is a joke. They quote “lowered” expectations so she could have read the back of a cereal box and everyone would be saying, she is a breath of fresh air. she is a slap in the face to intelligent Republican women!!!

By Maryanne

October 2, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Palin was in clearly over her head. Especially in the discussions regarding foreign policy. She made a comment about ‘the Castro brothers’ being a threat to the US, but they haven’t been a ‘threat’ to us for over 40 years. Also in the discussions regarding Israel, she seems to forget tha Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation and was talking double-speak when she says we “will not talk to our enemies”—-yet, she is willing to talk to terrorists. Unacceptable. Advantage (and my vote): Obama-Biden ticket.

By Maryanne

October 2, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Palin was in clearly over her head. Especially in the discussions regarding foreign policy. She made a comment about ‘the Castro brothers’ being a threat to the US, but they haven’t been a ‘threat’ to us for over 40 years. Also in the discussions regarding Israel, she seems to forget tha Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation and was talking double-speak when she says we “will not talk to our enemies”—-yet, she is willing to talk to terrorists. Unacceptable. Advantage (and my vote): Obama-Biden ticket.

By Maryanne

October 2, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Palin was in clearly over her head. Especially in the discussions regarding foreign policy. She made a comment about ‘the Castro brothers’ being a threat to the US, but they haven’t been a ‘threat’ to us for over 40 years. Also in the discussions regarding Israel, she seems to forget tha Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation and was talking double-speak when she says we “will not talk to our enemies”—-yet, she is willing to talk to terrorists. Unacceptable. Advantage (and my vote): Obama-Biden ticket.

By M

October 2, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Wake up folks. Biden is the oldest political retread around. i’ll pass. Palin wins in my book.

By Eric

October 2, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

@ boots & scottnjaxbeach:

Are you on drugs are clearly a stupid? Just a question you should ask yourself!

By Eric

October 2, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

@ boots & scottnjaxbeach:

Are you on drugs are clearly stupid? Just a question you should ask yourself!

By Jim Who?

October 2, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

courtney

Get a clue girlfriend. Idiot, really. And what capacity did you serve? Mayor? Governor??

Go back to Macy’s and check the price tags.. You are a disgrace to women…

By getalife

October 2, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

To be honest

Congrats Jim.

There is a first time for everything.

It will be good for the country to have Joe as VP.

By TMF

October 2, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

…..and another thing, why does Palin continue to throw her family into discussions? Does she think that she is the only person in America with a family?? I was so glad that Biden shared his family tragedy!!! Maybe now people will stop making a big deal about her raising her five kids with her husband considering that Biden, who was left a widower, had to raise his remaining children, after one died, as a single father!!!

By Independent Voter

October 2, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Ok, I’m going to be really honest here.

McCain plucked an obscure politician from a very rural state, who is likeable but just is not prepared for the jump from local and rural state politics to the national stage. She was not going to be able to go toe-to-toe with a professional politician who has honed his skllls on the national stage in DC for many years.

It wasn’t a fair situation, and honestly - McCain did Sarah Barracuda no favors by asking her to shield him from the wingnuts of his party, playing to his base. If he was truly the maverick he claims to be, he would have made a better choice - Lieberman would have been more suitable than Gov. Palin.

By apackof2

October 2, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Governor Palin not only managed to bring the debate back time and again to one of her greatest strengths, Energy Policy but a very personable Governor Palin also used Joe Biden’s own words questioning the readiness of Barack Obama made before Biden joined the Obama ticket. Palin ruffled Biden’s feathers and put him on the defensive a great deal of the night.

Palin didn’t just talk about Main St. she WAS Main St. Decision? Palin won by a landslide

By tiff

October 2, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Wooten, I am a democrat have been all of my 42 years. I was hoping that people could see in this debate what an airhead Palin is. But you know she surprised me she did better than I thought she would. But the bar was so low, that isn’t saying much. But this shows what a good debate coach can do for you. You can send the average American with a little bit of education to debate camp and they would do just as well. Would I want the average American in the white house “NO”. Even though she did better than I thought she would, I knew she could never out score Biden on the issues and the concern for this country. I also agree with “RUEDEE” at 11:07pm when you are just saying what someone tells you to say and not thinking for yourself, Americans can feel and sense it. And thats exactly what the American people are mad as heck about, politicians being dishonest and disengenuous with us. Biden was more honest, for instance when Gwen asked the question about the economy being as bad as it is, and the deficit being what it is, what they would change in their spending. Most Americans know something is going to have to give, so when Palin said nothing, any one with a clue knows she was lying. Biden was honest and told of some of the programs he and Obama may have to cut. He knows thats not the popular thing to say, but it was the most truthful. Being truthful holds water with the American people. “VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN 08.

By courtney

October 2, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Jim Who?

You need to get a clue. Again, she is an IDIOT. I have right to my own opinion. Apparently, she speaks as if she has never been a Governor. Go back to your trailor park!!! You are a disgrace to the KKK!!

By Jim Who?

October 3, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

courtney

Might want to go back to school. Trailer is not spelled “trailor”

Proof positive of what an IDIOT you are!!!

By Andrew

October 3, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

The only people who think Palin won this debate are clearly too inept to see the light. At least Wooten is enlightened enough to see.

At the end of the day y’all really just want another Bubba candidate you can have a beer with. Really setting the standard high there. You get the government you vote for.

By Peter

October 3, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

Wow the Lemmings are drinking the cool aid tonight……

Yes Palin did ok, and had a pretty smile, but Please when asking a direct question, her wishy washy answers were not close to the reality at the moment.

She is a Congress person in the making, and I hope she does well where ever she lands………

But…… it certainly IS NOT THE White House this year !

McLost and Hockey Mom, Moose Hunter next time around !

By tiff

October 3, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

WW5 @ 11:30 wanna make a bet on those poll numbers. My son needs more money in his Disney Cruise fund. Hopely it won’t be as expensive as the last one.

By Jonathan

October 3, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Jim,

Are you serious? I can’t believe you decided what team had the best night before the debate was even over.

And people wonder why the AJC continues to lose subscribers?

By Billy

October 3, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Did you fall asleep during the debate? How could you conclude that Palin lost? Did she do bad in recent interviews, yes. Did she lose tonight, NO! Call it like it is.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Did you and I watch the same debate? I thought she was articulate and spoke well.

Did you finish third grade?

By Jim Who?

October 3, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Peter and Andrew”

Let’s see… Biden has been in Congress for 35+ years and has done NOTHING TO HELP THIS COUNTRY!!

Palin actually has worked for a living… You guys really don’t have a clue do you?

Time to go to bed.. I have to work tomorrow to support your lazy butts..

By CrazyPeeps

October 3, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

After 35 year of Washington D.C. air, I would hope Joe Biden would have debate skills and command of dem favorable factoids… on those points he “performed” well. Biden like Obama is a very good showman and if given the opportunity will play “slight of hand” with our country’s future.

Sarah Palin does not have the smoke and mirror skill set to shine on the American people. Nor does she desire that skillset.

Amreicans regardless of race or gender, who are truly looking for Washington to be shaken up and reformed, will vote McCain-Palin in November 2008.

They realize the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac debacle impact on this country. They know it was Clinton legislation that made Fannie and Freddie expansion possible.

Most Americans are also not blind to the mismanagement of these institutions by very senior advisors to Barrack Obama’s campaign that reaped millions while screwing Americans everywhere. Who by the way were Clinton appointee’s not Bush’s.

If that is change? I’ll be voted in as the next President.

BTW- How quick we are to forget that there has not been anther attack on Amreican soil since 9/11. The Dems will try to swing this to an advantage by giving sound bytes like ” Al Qaeda is stronger now than ever” “They are planning new attacks”.

I don’t disagree, and most Repulicans wouldn’t. The fact remains We are safe in America, because President Bush sacrificed his Presedential legacy for our safety. How quickly liberal Democrats will dismiss this.

How inferior a spotlight seeking rookie like Obama looks when standing next to a President that knows what its like to commit to a course of action that was the right thing then, as it is now no matter how unpopular the war has been made by the liberal media.

Barrack Obama for all his slickness does not have the credibility with the world, the experience nor the will to create meaningful change. How he got elected to state office/ the U.S. Senate and his track record speaks for itself.

Never mind looking at who his personal friends are…Byers, Rev. Wright plus other haters and criminals……..

Sorry all you folkes enamored with the notion of an Obama Presidency…. McCain - Palin regardless of debate performances is the ticket for “responsible & informed Americans”.

By nobama

October 3, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Good job courtney. Well spoken. BTW, someone who can’t spell trailer park is an idiot. Go out to your neighborhood entrance and look at the sign. Throwing the race card attack is a sign of desperation. I guess Palin did pretty well tonight since the socialist crowd is going over the top with the attacks again.

By Terry

October 3, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Republicans for Obama! Biden spoke the truth. Palin said wahe she was told to say.

By courtney

October 3, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Jim Who?

Thanks for the correction. At least I can say that you must have finished 2nd grade!!!! Poor white trash at it’s BEST!!!

By JJ

October 3, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

McCain’s strategy: Keep saying “Obama doesn’t understand” until it sticks.

Palin’s strategy: Keep saying “we’re mavericks” until it sticks.

Obama’s and Biden’s strategy: Focus on policies that benefit everyday Americans.

By Tom Zardoz

October 3, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

I knew Palin was marginally educated and dishonest as a sleazy preacher, but I didn’t realize she was deaf. Or was it the way the mean moderator asked the questions that prevented her answers from having any relationship to what was asked?

Would I see her in a cheap revival of Fargo? You betcha! Vote for her? Get serious…

By Juan

October 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Time to go to bed.. I have to work tomorrow to support your lazy butts..

Good point Jim Who?

We can’t all be on welfare.

By Alan Srout

October 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Did we watch the same debate? Governor Sarah Palin put Senator Joe Biden on the mat! It wasn’t even close! Looks like Sarah will be our first female president, our own Margaret Thatcher! She can relate to the common man and woman because she IS one of us. Poor Tina Fey…

By Terry

October 3, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Republicans for Obama! Biden spoke the truth. Palin said wahe she was told to say.

By Alan Srout

October 3, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Did we watch the same debate? Governor Sarah Palin put Senator Joe Biden on the mat! It wasn’t even close! Looks like Sarah will be our first female president, our own Margaret Thatcher! She can relate to the common man and woman because she IS one of us. Poor Tina Fey…

By Bemused Humanist

October 3, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Anyone who listened carefully to the responses know that Biden showed he is far more qualified to be President than Palin, in case (God forbid) the VP is called on to assume that role.

It is over. Demographically, there is no way McCain/Palin gets to 270 Electoral Votes. Check Nate Silver’s site, or Sam Wang’s, at Princeton.

The good news locally is the size of the minority turnout in early voting, for many reasons. Key among them is that Georgia’s electoral future is sure to see retribution against voter suppression experts — especially Karen Handel.

By Jim Who?

October 3, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

courtney

You’re such a leftist. Blame me for spelling “trailor” wrong. Typical of you..

Go out and spend a bunch on your Federal Debit Card tomorrow. Hopefully McCain - Palin will take that welfare program away from you..

JJ Were you watching the same debate?? Biden has been sitting on his a*& for 35 years and you trust him to get us out of this mess?? You may want to look up the CDA or CRA. Just a little history on why we are in this mess.. Courtney, they do have a picture version so you will understand what Biden voted for..

By osama bin biden

October 3, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Obama’s and Biden’s strategy: Focus on policies that benefit everyday Americans.

or could it be:

Mislead America and then raise taxes and make us all more dependent on government.

How can 95% of Americans get a tax break if 40% don’t pay taxes? Is that Manifesto Math?

By Chris in Marietta

October 3, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Another Republican, who voted for Bush in 2000 & 2004, voting for Obama/Biden.

McCain was wrong about Iraq, doesn’t understand the economy, and he’s too damn old. Palin does not strengthen the ticket and is not prepared to be Vice President.

By GOP More Funny

October 3, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Wow, Piglin supporters are delusional and funny. Well, if you like stupid liars, she’s the kind of thing you like.

By jethro

October 3, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

If Palin is out of her league then where the heck is Obama? From a British ambassador. Even world leaders can see through this scammer.

ir Nigel Sheinwald, Britain’s ambassador in Washington, wrote a seven-page letter to the British prime minister warning him about Barack Obama.

The contents of the letter were leaked to the British press late Wednesday, and they offered a worrisome view about the man who might be the next president.

Reportedly written just before Obama’s summer visit to Britain, the ambassador made clear Obama was a deeply flawed man whose political agenda may not be in sync with British interests.

Among Sheinwald’s observations, he notes:

Sheinwald also offered mixed praise for Obama, calling his speeches “elegant” and “mesmerizing.”

He is “highly intelligent” and has “star quality,” he added.

Nevertheless, his “policies are still evolving” and that if elected he will “have less of a track record than any recent president,” Sheinwald concluded.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

I don’t disagree, and most Repulicans wouldn’t. The fact remains We are safe in America, because President Bush sacrificed his Presedential legacy for our safety. How quickly liberal Democrats will dismiss this.

CrazyPeeps, i dismiss it now as total garbage! Safe from what? Our Constitution has been eviscerated, our treasure has been stolen, our citizens have been killed in a bogus war for oil, our jobs have been shipped to foreign shores, the oil companies have abused and raped us and Wall Street, free from any oversight, has gone bust and the American taxpayer, having never been kissed, is on the business end of an horrific gang bang. so, what is it George W. Hitler has kept us safe from? Just because we’re still breathing and walking around does not constitute safety. George W. Hitler has done something no terrorist group ever could! He’s overseen our descent into Nazi type torturing of prisoners. He’s lowered our reputation from the greatest country on Earth to the most despised. Osama bin Laden could never have done that!

By Tom

October 3, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

I am a Republican and I have to say that Palin was not a good pick for this ticket. I really wish that McCain would have used better judgement. This is not American Idol people!!!! This is serious and I just do not believe that she has the skills to take over if something happens to McCain.

By skippy

October 3, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Joe Biden was factually wrong at least 10 times. Let me say that again..Joe Biden WAS FACTUALLY WRONG at least 10 times even in his own eloquent style..I guess that’s ok for you libs…Palin ate his lunch in all areas.. This is our chance to put a real person, like us, in D.C….I just hope we get to see that…

By demsforPalin2016

October 3, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Terry,

You only have to hit submit once. Try to stick with that that in the voting booth too (unless of course you’re with ACORN.)

Yo Alan,

Poor Tina Fey? Tina Fey can do her impression for the next eight years. She can’t make it in the movies, so she should be happy some Nov. 5th!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

President Skippy, that does have a ring to it!

By courtney

October 3, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Jim Who,

I did not blame you. I thanked you. By the way, I am not on welfare. I have a job and pay taxes just like you do. We just have different views. All Black People are not lazy. We do contribute to society.

By Stupid Jethro

October 3, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

That your next desperate tactic, Jethro boy, as the McSame/Piglin ticket fades into the sunset? The British ambassador going to save your filthy party now?

John McCain - Change with Depends On!

By BS Aplenty

October 3, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

Top Ten Things To Expect during an Obama Administration

10.Cynthia Tucker discovers there’s life after racism but not much to write about

9.The National Anthem is changed to “Can’t Touch This (Country)” by M.C. Hammer

8.The Rev. Jeremiah Wright finally converts to Christianity

7.The Irish government mistakenly claims “President O’bama” as a native son and commends him for strides made since his ‘Potato Famine’ emigration

6.William Ayers is appointed Secretary of Defense and hailed by media as an “experienced hand dealing with terrorist groups”

5.Oprah moves to Washington, D.C. but claims she’s only there to redevelop the city - with her own money

4.Excessive faculty celebration leaves Tuscaloosa with a newly named “University of AlO’bama”

3.Chris Matthews “outs” himself and confesses to serious “leg tingling” for most of adult life

2.Jay Bookman finally gets an invite to a Presidential Inaugural Ball - but must clear tables afterward

And the number one thing you can expect during an Obama presidency

1.Alaska is put up for sale

McCain/Palin ’08 – The Right Kind of Change

By courtney

October 3, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

Jim Who?

I did not blame you. I thanked you. By the way, I am not on welfare. I have a job-in healthcare and pay taxes just like you do. All black people are not lazy. Some of us do contribute to society.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Poor Tina Fey? Tina Fey can do her impression for the next eight years. She can’t make it in the movies, so she should be happy some Nov. 5th!

i think she’ll be happy this Nov. 5th!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

McCain/Palin ’08 – The Right Kind of Change

it’s the right kind if you like George W. Hitler. That would be no change and more of the same!

By Jack

October 3, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

We won’t be fooled again!!! OBAMA 08 baby

By Jim Who?

October 3, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

courtney Funny, but I don’t ever remember stating you were black?

By Scott

October 3, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

Funny how the CNN poll and the CBS polls have Biden winning and the Fox poll which had far more people responding have Palin winning it 86% to 14%. It just goes to show that most of the Republican voters watch FOX news and most of the liberals are spread out over the other networks. If there was one news channel and one poll…. Palin wins the debate in the opinion poll.

By Jim Who?

October 3, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

Scott

Also interesting the the AJC poll does not go over 50% for Palin, although it’s been well over 60% for Biden…

And people say that the media is not biased…

By Robert

October 3, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

What a bunch of MAROONS!!!!!

By Citizen of the World

October 3, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

Sarah “Poser” Palin would respond extemporaneously, sometimes genuinely, albeit vapidly, at the beginning of her turn in each exchange, and then it would be like something snapped and all of a sudden, there she was, RoboPalin, spouting off her memorized talking points. It was frightening to watch.

And one thing I “also” noticed all night was how Palin’s response was always “we gotta do this, we gotta do that, we gotta do the other,” while Biden was saying “we’re going to do this, we’re going to do that, we’re going to do the other.” He was much more specific and substantive, as was Obama last Friday. I appreciate that in a political debate. I appreciate that in a leader.

By Gak

October 3, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Governor Palin proclaimed that Senator Obama demonstrated naivete in announcing that he would meet with the heads of state of rogue natiions, but before the debate was over, announced that she and Senator McCain would stop greed and corruption on Wall Street. She and Senator McCain are about as likely to do this as they are to train the lions on the Serengheti to be vegetarians. This is not unlike George W. Bush proclaiming that he was going to rid the world of evil.

By irritated English speaker

October 3, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Could someone PLEASE teach Palin that words ending with a g have the g pronounced. What an embarrassment she would be for this country. She’s IRRITATIN me!

By timthebrave

October 3, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe Mccain picked her to be VP of the United States. This has got to be a joke. She clearly doesn’t understand most of the issues. I can even be coached to answer 5 questions. If the question doesn’t fit the answer I have memorized. No problem. I’ll just change the topic. I like both mccain and obama but Palin has to be the worst pick for VP ever. Maybe it will get the women vote like they planned but most women I know are to smart to fall for that ploy.

By Jim Who?

October 3, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Citizen And what exactly has Biden done in his 35 years in Congress with an overall approval rating of 16%??

Stop drinking the kool-aid my friend, it will make you even more crazy…

By Tatiana

October 3, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Palin Was On Like Donkey Kong!!!

Babies in buckets?, read the facts at Bornalivetruth.com

By Tatiana

October 3, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this

Palin Was On Like Donkey Kong!!!

Babies in buckets?, read the facts at Bornalivetruth.com

By Trish

October 3, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

I thought she did better than the extremely low bar that was set, but that’s not saying much. She spoke in generalities and didn’t give any specifics, even with her copious notes she had to keep looking at. Her put-on accent and winking appeared forced and phony. I thought Joe won handily. He was respectful, thoughtful and showed he has the experience and gravitas to be President should the unthinkable happen. I don’t think she can erase the fact she’s a punchline with one average debate. Don’t look for more interviews with her either, I think those days are done!

By Gak

October 3, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this

Too bad Ralph Nader was not given the opportunity to debate. He is the best debater of all.

By alcue

October 3, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

By Gak Too bad Ralph Nader was not given the opportunity to >debate. He is the best debater of all

You are correct. Nader is a MasterBater.

By brad

October 3, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this

Good point Gak, but Ralph Nader is the LAST person that anyone from our 2 party dictatorship wants to debate.

By Anonymous

October 3, 2008 3:21 AM | Link to this

It WOULD have been interesting to have had debates that included one or two of the more significant minor parties.

By juan from CHI

October 3, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this

change1,

I live in Chicago and it is NOT a War Zone. You have a few neighborhood that have major Gang problems that have been their for years. You forgot to mention that last year Chicago had its lowest murder rate in 50 years.

For a city the size of Chicago the percentage is still with in reason. The total number can seem large when compared to smaller cities. The city of Chicago is about 4 times the size of the city of Atlanta. If the city of Atlanta had 80 murders to date that would give them a larger merder rate than Chicago.

During the late 80s and early 90s Chicago was having over 1,100 murders a year. Things have greatly improved under Mayor Daley. You can’t look at Raw murder numbers for such a large city. That is why they use the muder rate to determine how safety of a city.

If you list the number for the other large citys you will see large raw counts because of SIZE. Look at NYC, LA, Philly and Chicago.

By Gak

October 3, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this

I am glad that our country is headed toward totalitarian socialism. Bush is making the totalitarian part possible, while the rest of the Republicans and Democrats are ensuring the socialism part. It beats capitalism anyday. This form of government does make for a fairly objectionable national debt; but don’t worry, nobody voting today will ever live to have to pay it off. Let’s just have the government print money and electronically deposit each citizen a pile of money in their checking account each month. Nobody works. We just print money and hope for the best……wait a second ….we already do this….sort of.

By Gak

October 3, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this

Who among either party candidates could manage to debate Ralph Nader and do a respectable job? Vincent Bugliosi, even though he is not a polished politician with any notable foreign policy experience, could out-perform any of these candidates. Neither of them would dodge any of the questions. Republicans are as dumb as a sack of hammers while Democrats are as spineless as jellyfish. Both argue over who is not the worst debater. They both are full of nonsense and the American public has grown addicted to this brand of stupidity.

By lea

October 3, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this

Come on folks. Anybody who thinks Sara Palin won tonight’s debate is delusional and should be watched very carefully. She didnt fall on her face and start rambling nonsense which is what we all expected based on what we’d seen so far., but it was obvious that she cant begin to hold a candle to Biden.

That she was on the stage is a testament to John McCain’s bad judgement and erratic temperament. Sara comes across as an uninformed attack dog utters the same empty phrases over and over because someboy told her to stick to the script. I wonder if she really understood the implications of what she was saying. For the love of our country, please send Sara back to Alaska. She seems like a “nice” lady, but she isn’t ready to be vice-president.

Paraphrasing Lloyd Bentsen: “I know smart women who are ready and prepared, but Sara Pallin is NOT one of them.”

By Gertrude

October 3, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin is the best debater that I have ever seen. She gets an easy A+ for completely destroying Joe Biden. I bet Joe doesn’t even know what hit him. He is probably glad and relieved that the debate is over. I think he’s had enough of Sarah ‘Barracuda’ Palin. After this debate, there is no doubt that the polls will now favor Senator McCain and Governor Palin. Everyone knew that Sarah Palin was going to do well tonight. Now we have our proof!! I hope everyone out there votes for McCain-Palin. It’s obviously the right thing to do!!

By Gertrude

October 3, 2008 4:26 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin is the best debater that I have ever seen. She is poised, forceful, folksy, and very attractive. She commands the language and facts well. She is obviously intelligent and articulate. She sticks to the issues and like John McCain is a straight talker. She did a marvelous job of answering the questions with clarity and precision. She proved to be extremely knowledgeabe of history, current events, economics, government, and foreign affairs. She made Joe Biden look like a novice. It was obvious that she knew what she was talking about and Joe didn’t. I hope all voters will decide to vote for McCain-Palin in November. Then we will have the best candidates in office…

By Acid

October 3, 2008 4:35 AM | Link to this

Gertrude, You are completely b******!! Nobody can possibly be that stupid.

By ericMann

October 3, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this

WOOTEN IS A F*!!!

By OBAMA NATION

October 3, 2008 4:42 AM | Link to this

Acid, In response to your remark: “YES WE CAN!!”

By OC

October 3, 2008 5:06 AM | Link to this

Gertrude, get a grip. I’ve got girlfriends and other ladies that know more about national and international policy than Sarah Palin. Most of her answers centered around Alaska and energy, come on I respect the people of that great state but this is bigger than Alaska. Folksy and attractiveness don’t make the White House. We need common sense in this election not more of the same thing! McCain/Palin ticket just don’t cut it! Obama/Biden ‘08!

By Gertrude

October 3, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this

OC, Give me 3 very good reasons why you won’t vote for Senator McCain and Sarah Palin?

By NoMcSame

October 3, 2008 5:39 AM | Link to this

Bush + Cheney = McCain + Palin = more of the same = more wars = higher deficits = poor housing market = failed Wall Street = failed banking system = disatrous FEMA = more dead soldiers in Iraq, dreadfull disrespect by countries around the world, high unemployment = high inflation = continued recession = possible depression= collapse of the US as we know it. This is the equation for disaster!

By McHater

October 3, 2008 5:52 AM | Link to this

By golly, she’s only been at this 5 weeks, give me a break. Don’t be fooled 3 times (or a fool 3 times). Last night was proof she’s only slightly more intelligent than the current white house occupant. Obviously, there is a need for a study on the effects of global warming on the human brain in Alaska, how did Ms. Clueless get elected there?

By Joyce

October 3, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin’s performance was dismal yet expected. Palin didn’t answer the questions, repeated her talking points constantly, and offered no substance in much of what she said. She knows next to nothing about her running mate’s record in Congress therefore she is unable to extol on it or correct Biden on it. Palin seemed to be confused about the meaning of some of the words in the question asked of her because she didn’t answer them. Or when she did answer you could tell from her answer she didn’t understand the question.

By Sandy

October 3, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin - still a mystery why anyone would want her a heartbeat from being President of the US - education, she is campaigning accompanied by a pregnant high school dropout

By Kent

October 3, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this

Have to admit it. Biden made Sarah look like the rookie to national politics that she is. I kept waiting for a Biden gaffe but he did all right. So did she but there were times when she looked like a student searching, and failing, to find the right answer and then giving a non-answer in a blizzard of words. And, God love her, I just don’t know if I can handle listening to that accent for four years even though it DOES beat the accent of the current Prez, whatever THAT is.

By jp

October 3, 2008 6:12 AM | Link to this

Hey right-wing geniuses, you know, those of you who can’t believe Biden called the people of Bosnia “Bosniacs” and who can’t imagine how much we’d hear about it had Palin made that “mistake”….

IT’S NOT A MISTAKE.

By Bookman's Homie

October 3, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this

Voter suppression. Now there’s an issue. They close the polls at 7pm on a workday, where most Americans get off work at 5:30pm and traffic takes an hour to get home. Throw in the German Shepherds armed with hoses and tasers to ward off any suspicious voters, (anyone without a fish symbol on their car), and America has 30 minutes to vote for it’s president. Even Dominos get more time to deliver a pizza.

The Domino Theory of Voter suppression. It’s all in my book, “If I was a liberal”, for which I was interviewed by Katie Courik last night. Here’s an exerpt:

Mr. PoFo, if you were a liberal, what would you do about free government cheese. (“I’d make nachos”).

But Mr. PoFo, you admitted that entitlements stunt productivity. Isn’t a welfare state a recipe for fat lazy stupids laying around in a stupor sucking on bongs and watching porn? (“with the new digital requirement for broadcast television, it looks like scrambled porn is back, and I’m loving it”)

But as a tax and spend liberal, if you indeed were one, sir, wouldn’t that stunt growth? (“They said the same thing about cigarettes. Look at me, do I look stunted?”)

Sir, please. Dont you take anything seriously.

“Now you listen. I hate your munchkin face worse than I hate Dan Rather’s pie hole. Who do you think you are, imposing yourself on America? Where was the audition process when Rather quit? How the H..E…double hockey sticks did you get picked to anchor? It’s not fair, and it proves that there’s no god. Now get lost. Moron.”

If I were a liberal is available on the internet at Analchord.bombbombbombIran, and Pofo.barbarbarbaraAnn.

Any reblogging of this comment is forbidden without the expressed written consent of major league ba

By spankmonkey

October 3, 2008 6:37 AM | Link to this

Thank you Jim for what was probably one the hardest blogs entries you’ve ever had to write. I can look at your work in a different light moving forward, knowing that at least this one time, you were actually fair and balanced… possibly even a little too hard on your guy/gal… Look she did great, but she ain’t W. Personable yes, but obviously more intelligent than W, so she shouldn’t have dumbed down to try and be like him, with the winks, aw shucks…, and little smirks, that’s not her. She also did well in talking to her base, but that’s not what all this is about is it? This was about swaying votes to your side, not convincing those that have already chosen you that it’s a good decision, that was her biggest failure.

In the global warming section I’d say she was closer to the truth than Joe B when she asserted that it’s a cyclical thing, that part is true, what she and other flat earthers don’t understand is man’s activities over the last century or two has accelerated the warming cycle, condensing a cycle that takes 1000’s of years into a couple hundred, Joe missed the mark there as well.

Oh…, and Andy stop using fake names like gertrude, it’s obvioulsy you… and your opinions don’t matter cause you are as partisan a hack as there is out there, now logoff and go to school little boy…

By ron

October 3, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this

Good Morning,I wake this morning to find opinions wildly different as to the outcome of the debate.The liberal press seems to be treating Mrs.Palin with respect.Not even grudgingly.Papers around the world are not declaring for either candidate.The U.S. papers that I have read seem to split the debate fairly evenly,with mistakes made by both sides.Mrs.Palin far exceeded anyone’s expectations it seems.

On the issue of fairness,the L.A.Times ranks Ms.Ifil as impartial,but they’re both on the same side,aren’t they?The Democrats could not have had a better choice than Ms. Ifil.She was a masterstroke of journalistic politics.

By Paul

October 3, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

Jim,

It is a shame that you had to write your column and go bed- y- bye half way through the debate. I doubt that your mind would have changed, but at least you would have been more credible. This election is strictly pop culture. Facts mean nothing.

By Bookman's Homie

October 3, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

The camera angle shifted frequently from full face close up to a view from the flank and rear which revealed Palin’s tight skirt and amazing calves. Palin mentioned how she admired Geraldine Ferraro for breaking the glass ceiling, but after seeing Palin in that skirt, I sure wish it was a glass floor, (if’n you be knowin’ what I be intimating to you this day).

Life could be a dream.

Sha na na naaah.

PS. I also got a gander at curve of Palin’sass, (thank you 1080p) and people, let me tell you something: this aint no pork chop, this is U.S. prime. I didn’t see or hear much of the debate after those rear camera angles, because I was outside in my backyard howling at the moon. My neighbor had to turn a hose on me. Then my wife locked me out of the house. I spent the whole night in a tree with a horny possum.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

October 3, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. Did not see the debate, but Chairman Ann seemingly watched a different debate than Jim Wooten..

By Bo Chambliss LOBBYIST

October 3, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

Saxby Delivers—For LOBBYIST

Top 10 Tax Sweeteners in the Bailout Bill Categories: Federal Budget, Headlines By TCS Tags: bailout Pub Date: Oct 03, 2008

The following are some of the top tax sweeteners in the Senate passed Bailout Bill. Not all the provisions are per se outrageous, but collectively are intended to help Congressional leadership get final passage of the 2008 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.

Sec. 503. Exemption from excise tax for certain wooden arrows designed for use by children

Current law places an excise tax of 39 cents on the first sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any shaft of a type used to produce certain types of arrows. This proposal would exempt from the excise tax any shaft consisting of all natural wood with no laminations or artificial means to enhance the spine of the shaft used in the manufacture of an arrow that measures 5/16 of an inch or less and is unsuited for use with a bow with a peak draw weight of 30 pounds or more. The proposal is effective for shafts first sold after the date of enactment. The estimated cost of the proposal is $2 million over ten years, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

The Oregon senators were the initial sponsors of the provisions. According to Bloomberg News, the provision would be worth $200,000 to Rose City Archery in Myrtle Point, Oregon.

Sec. 317. Seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports racing track facility

Track owners want to be able write-off the cost of their facilities on their taxes over seven years - a depreciation timetable many of them have used for decades. But the IRS has wanted to stretch it to at least 15 years and has raised questions whether the increasingly popular tracks really belong in the same tax category as amusement parks.

Auto track owners are simply trying to get out of paying more taxes - which they’d have to do if they deducted less every year. These owners have gotten plenty of tax breaks over the years from states and localities eager to get speedways. The provision would be extended 2 years till the end of 2009 and would cost $100 million. The provision encompasses all facilities including grandstands, parking lots and concession stands.

Sec. 308. Increase in limit on cover over of rum excise tax to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Extends until December 31, 2009 a rebate against excise taxes charged on rum imported from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. A $13.50 per proof gallon excise tax is applied to distilled spirits imported to the U.S. Under this provision a $13.25 rebate is returned to PR and the VI, and is retroactive back to January 1, 2008. Permanent law sets the rebate at $10.50 per proof gallon, but the PR and VI provisions have generally been in place since the first Clinton Administration. The most recent extension of the $13.50 rebate expired January 1, 2008. Cost is $192 million.

Sec. 301. Extension and modification of research credit

The legislation reestablishes and extends the lucrative tax credit for companies doing research and experimentation in the United States. Companies that have benefited from this provision include Microsoft Corp., Boeing Co., United Technologies Corp., Electronic Data Systems Corp. and Harley-Davidson. The two-year extension is estimated to cost $19 billion.

Sec. 504. Income averaging for amounts received in connection with the Exxon Valdez litigation The bailout bill would give a tax break to Exxon Valdez plaintiffs, allowing them to average out their punitive damages awards over three years rather than suffer a one-time tax hit from the Internal Revenue Service, as well as other provisions. Rep. Don Young (R-AK) is a big supporter of this provision. Cost is estimated at $49 million.

Sec. 601. Secure rural schools and community self-determination program. Secure Rural Schools lead sponsors Reps. DeFazio (D-OR), Bill Sali (R-ID); Sens. Wyden (D-OR), Larry Craig (R-ID), are major boosters of this program that expired in 2006. In 1908 the federal government agreed to share logging revenue from Forest Service land with neighboring communities that could not tax the land because it was federal. As logging declined in the 1990s, the “county payments” program was initiated in 2000 to directly provide federal funding, more than half going to Oregon, to deal with the loss of revenue. The original version of this provision was introduced as a bill in early 2007 and was estimated to cost $2.2 billion when the OR and ID delegations came to agreement. To give the package more heft, Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) was added to the package, bringing the total cost to $3.3 billion. PILT provides more general funding to counties for federal lands located within their borders. Sen. Reid (D-NV) talked about the PILT program being one of the important elements of the package when the Senate passed the bailout bill.

Sec. 201. Deduction for state and local sales taxes

Allows residents of states that don’t pay income tax to deduct, from their federal taxes, sales tax paid over the course of the year. States that benefit include Texas, Nevada, Florida, Washington and Wyoming. The bailout bill extends this provision for 2 years at a cost of $3.3 billion.

Sec 502. Provisions related to film and television productions

In an effort to keep film and television productions in the U.S, they would be eligible for a tax incentive program. Under this program, the cost of production of qualifying films would be permitted to be immediately expensed — that is, fully deducted from income for tax purposes — in the year the expenditures occur. This provision also makes permanent other favorable tax treatments for production. Historically Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA) has been a supporter (dating from its creation in the 2004 corporate tax bill). The cost is estimated at $478 million over 10 years.

Sec. 325. Extension and modification of duty suspension on wool products; wool research fund; wool duty refunds The tariff relief (duty savings) is intended to benefit U.S. worsted wool fabric producers that use imported fibers and yarns as inputs, as well as U.S. tailored clothing manufacturers that use imported fabrics as inputs. This provision was originally introduced as a bill in December 2007 by Reps. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Melissa Bean (D-IL). It extends current law provisions until 12/31/14, and in some cases to12/31/15. The 2010 to 2015 cost is estimated to be $148 million.

Sec. 309. Extension of economic development credit for American Samoa

This extends by two years a previously approved tax credit, the American Samoa economic development credit. In general, this credit allows certain corporations operating in American Samoa a tax credit. The possessions tax credit allows these corporations to offset a portion of their U.S. tax liability on income earned in American Samoa from active business operations, sales of assets used in a business, or certain investments in American Samoa. The cost is $33 million, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

By "Spank" the monkey

October 3, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

Hey “spankmonkey” get your own friggin’ name or at least get mine right. You have balls to cry about someone else using fake names. You’re the poser on this board.

By Chip

October 3, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this

This is not difficult to assess. Biden is clearly the more informed candidate. He is a better statesman. None of that really matters as VP. Palin is warm, down-to-earth, winks a lot, and says,”Heck.” I like her.

By McHater

October 3, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this

Yeah, yeah she was attractive all right…seeing that pregnant drop-out Brisol Palin after the debate, proves the soon to be hockey-grandma needs to “ramp up” the educational talks at home.

By bobfromcanton

October 3, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this

posted By AWP

October 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

What is your problem AWP? You don’t know who Obama-yo-mama associates with do you? Marxists, communists, and socialists! Get it right bud…

By Eric C.

October 3, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this

Ok, it’s nice to have a VP candidate who connects with the people, but Palin is harping on the “soccer mom” theme a little too much…please don’t insult our intelligence. Being a heartbeat from having a soccer mom for a president doesn’t make me feel comfortable. I thought Biden made a great comeback to Palin’s “Heart of America” speech by discussing his own family struggles.

By T

October 3, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

McCain is finished.

By Greg

October 3, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

It appears Mr. Wooten was making and shaping news rather than reporting it by posting his “story” 20 minutes prior to the debates end.

Unfortunate but I think exemplary of medias perceived role of themselves today.

By tomhere

October 3, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

WHAT?!?!? This may be the FIRST honest thing that you’ve ever written! LOL… What REALLY impressed me about Senator Biden? He could have really ripped into her on several occasions, but he didn’t. It made me think that he is a gentleman and maybe he really can work across the aisle. Get ready people: President Obama is coming.

By ron

October 3, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

Ragnar,——I felt pretty good this morning until I read your post.I know this exists but people keep reminding me.From It’s origional 3 pages,the bill has expanded to 400 pages.You and I have to pay for this.I don’t have any idea what the per capita bill amounts to but I’ll bet it’s an interesting figure. Will I be allowed to pay it all at once and be done with it or are they going to drag it out over the rest of my lifetime?

One other question,Ragnar,why is it that every time the government decides to help someone I never qualify?I’m getting to develop a complex about this.But wait,I still have my stimulus money,so I guess all is well with the world.See,I cheated.I didn’t stim anything.I’ll probably need the money in the coming catastrpophe.

By Bookman's Homie

October 3, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

As usual, none of you trolls understood Wooten’s blog about the veep polemic.

He wrote, “You have 2 give it 2 Joe Biden..” Then, two sentences later, he wrote, “You have 2 give it 2 him, 2”.

I’m about to reveal a secret of professional journalism that may end up making me a target for a hit man hired by the RIF Guild, (Reading is Fundemental).

WHen a journalist repeats the same sentence like that it becomes the mime equivalent of crossing your fingers. He was putting us on to see how far the right would object and how obsequiously the left would coddle him, thus mining some back-door polling data that will be invaluable going forward in determing which swing states McCain can still win.

I know all this is WAY over your heads, but I had to rat Wooten out here; our civilization depends on it. (also, if you add up all the 2’s above, you get 10, subtract the two crossed fingers gives you 8. Add 8 + 10 gives you 17, which is the age of the unmarried Palin girl. And the number of wolves Sarah bags in an average day of hunting them). Wooten is no performing monkey. When I read him, I stare through the cages of sheer genius from a point well outside his orbit of perfect prose and poetic pleasantry.

The bailout explained: There wasn’t supposed 2B an Iraq War.

There wasn’t supposed 2B an Iraq War.

There wasn’t supposed 2b an Iraq War.

There wasn’t supposed 2B an Iraq War.

(If you say that one more time, I’m gonna fiddy cent your tupac-light, jamie kennedyAss..”

There wasnt supposed to..POOGHLL….that hurt sir.

(then shut tf UP!)

yes, sir, ooooh

By GaLiberal

October 3, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin proved that she is simply an empty-headed drone that can only repeat the lies of the Rethuglicons. If she ever became president, she would need a whole staff just to feed her lies she can repeat. The only thing I liked about Palin were her 4”+ stilettos. Too bad her skirt wasn’t shorter. When she loses this election and gets impeached in Alaska for abuse of power, she can earn a living being an internet porn star. I’ll bet she gives one hell of a b j. Oh Yea!

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Sarah Palin is living proof.

By Hmmmmm

October 3, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this

For the life of me, I have NO idea where the AJC gets the journalist that write for this paper! I don’t know which is the bigger MORON, you or Bookman! Palin did an excellent job last night. She handed Biden his “nuts” on a platter. The fact that the Senator can flat out LIE on several issues and get away with this is MIND BOGGLING! I would expect this from Bookman, but your at least supposed to be from the conservative side of the aisle. Please do your homework and maybe save the article for say, after the debate is over! Good Grief!

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

Time 2 get serious.

Palin SHINED! Debates on Television are won by appearances. Palin’s coup was that she looked into the camera immediately and consistently. Eye to eye. Biden looked at Gwen.

America is under Palin’s spell now. I know I am. Palin is the advance guard of a new tribe of elegant amazonian matriarchs with all the hypnotic power of the Furies, and for whom all non gay men will gladly surrender.

This is why we need the checks and balances of the Al KaKa Gay Men’s Choir. Yes, they’re terrorists and goat-people, but they are free of the tyranny of the booty call caucas, and the wardrobe malfunction filibuster, which has gridlocked our congress and threatens to annihilate our national will.

So we must fight the lust in our hearts, and in our minds, and on the nude beaches, and if the Al KaKa Gay Men’s Choir should last a thousand years, let them say, THIS was when Bristol was deflowered!!!

By Steve

October 3, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Palin ran over the Moose then skinned him on the spot. Isn’t it great that she has no policital baggage to drag along and cater to. She is main street America.

By reader110

October 3, 2008 7:42 AM | Link to this

Anyone who thinks that Palin did a good job apparently doesn’t know that in a debate you’re actually supposed to answer the questions. She didn’t.

By kinda surprised but unimpressed

October 3, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

I have to admit that Palin did better than I expected her to, but then again, I had extremely low expectations for her.

Unfortunately for her and the McCain campaign, that is how most of the country viewed Palin…low expectations. I don’t believe that is the best person as a potential VP.

Biden showed his experience and by that, highlighted her inexperience.

By wayne

October 3, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

Wooten sounds like Tucker.

By Manny

October 3, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin did herself a big favor last night. She was speaking as to her experience, and she made herself looks good. Plus, she didn’t look like an idiot.

But Palin didn’t hold the water for McCain and Biden did. That was the biggest blunder. Palin used to debate to repair her image. Biden used the debate to draw contrasts between Obama and McCain. If Sarah Palin was at the top of the ticket, there will be movement in the polls. But she’s not. Only McCain can do that.

In short, McCain/Palin will lose this election. Possibly by a landslide. But Sarah Palin will be the face of the Republican Party. And maybe a run in 2012.

But there were times when I thought she was running for re-election in Alaska. And that’s bad for McCain.

By John

October 3, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Let me be clear. I am tired of Palin and McCain blasting our President and the Republican Party. Palin went out of what should be considered civil discussion to talk about the “blunders”, “mistakes” and “wrong” direction of her President and her political party.

This is one Republican who wants his money back from the Palin\McCain campaign organization. If these two are so ashamed of their political party and two who want so desparately to “reach across the aisle”, I suggest they don’t stop there but go ahead and join the other party.

I will not support these demolicans and the democrat party offers me no alternative. I will skipp the presidential line on my ballot and concentrate on races where Republicans are proud to be Republicans.

By hillbilly ragger

October 3, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Jim, I tip my hat to you for this post. This is the Wooten I used to know and respect even when I disagreed: a columnist who’s honest, willing to face political reality even when it’s unpleasant for his side.

For what it’s worth, I thought Palin did OK, and she might have stopped some of the polling slide. However, McCain needs a miracle at this point and she was never positioned to deliver one for Thursday’s debate.

By John

October 3, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Let me be clear. I am tired of Palin and McCain blasting our President and the Republican Party. Palin went out of what should be considered civil discussion to talk about the “blunders”, “mistakes” and “wrong” direction of her President and her political party.

This is one Republican who wants his money back from the Palin\McCain campaign organization. If these two are so ashamed of their political party and two who want so desparately to “reach across the aisle”, I suggest they don’t stop there but go ahead and join the other party.

I will not support these demolicans and the democrat party offers me no alternative. I will skipp the presidential line on my ballot and concentrate on races where Republicans are proud to be Republicans.

By John

October 3, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Let me be clear. I am tired of Palin and McCain blasting our President and the Republican Party. Palin went out of what should be considered civil discussion to talk about the “blunders”, “mistakes” and “wrong” direction of her President and her political party.

This is one Republican who wants his money back from the Palin\McCain campaign organization. If these two are so ashamed of their political party and two who want so desparately to “reach across the aisle”, I suggest they don’t stop there but go ahead and join the other party.

I will not support these demolicans and the democrat party offers me no alternative. I will skipp the presidential line on my ballot and concentrate on races where Republicans are proud to be Republicans.

By John

October 3, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Let me be clear. I am tired of Palin and McCain blasting our President and the Republican Party. Palin went out of what should be considered civil discussion to talk about the “blunders”, “mistakes” and “wrong” direction of her President and her political party.

This is one Republican who wants his money back from the Palin\McCain campaign organization. If these two are so ashamed of their political party and two who want so desparately to “reach across the aisle”, I suggest they don’t stop there but go ahead and join the other party.

I will not support these demolicans and the democrat party offers me no alternative. I will skipp the presidential line on my ballot and concentrate on races where Republicans are proud to be Republicans.

By jack

October 3, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Jim, I’m stunned. You actually told the truth instead of tossing red meat to your “base”.

But note from the comments of right wingers that they aren’t intelligent enough to see that Biden had real knowledge and Palin mouthed slogans.

You would think after 8 years of “folksie” but dumb Geo W Bush, that people would learn.

God help us.

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

What was up with all of the winking. Was she a waitress or running for VP. Jim that flag pin wa so bright I almost had to get my sunglasses. It a shame that Biden had to change his tactics so that headlines this morning would not call him a bully taking advantage of a woman. I went to the office supply store looking for index cards and they were out. Looking at the debate last night and the number of times that Palin kept looking down I realized that she had all of them. Now that the debate is over there should be plenty left in the store.

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

What was up with all of the winking. Was she a waitress or running for VP. Jim that flag pin wa so bright I almost had to get my sunglasses. It a shame that Biden had to change his tactics so that headlines this morning would not call him a bully taking advantage of a woman. I went to the office supply store looking for index cards and they were out. Looking at the debate last night and the number of times that Palin kept looking down I realized that she had all of them. Now that the debate is over there should be plenty left in the store.

By Jay

October 3, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

What debate? A debate has interaction / rebuttal. This was a “Q & A” where both candidates quoted sound bites. One plus for Palin…..using Biden’s criticism of Obama’s stances on the war. Good jabs!

One BIG plus for Biden ….. He cornered Palin on McCain’s voting anti reform over the years, and when Gwen Ifill asked her to respond to that charge, she ignored the moderator and went back to taxes. Seems she didn’t know enough about his votes to defend him.

By ghgower

October 3, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Try as hard as they might, Gov Palin’s GOP defenders prove only the intellectual exhaustion of the right. It is pathetic — almost tragic — to see the once honorable party of Lincoln, Rockefeller and Goldwater reduced to talking points and missed points. Palin showed herself to be a vapid, coarse and shallow reflection of the GOP standard bearers of old. Even Ronald Reagan would have been embarrassed for her. I’m sorry … call me an elitist, but she clearly did not even know what the expression “Achilles heel” meant, as she launched into a lengthy spin on the virtues of the Bush years and McCain’s promise to continue them. Contrast her response with Biden’s, who clearly understood that the moderator was asking about. For an old-timer like me, who once admired some of the intellectually respectable leaders of the right — even when in disagreement, it is truly sad to see the GOP reduced to the ideologically blindered and academically challenged party of the likes of George W. Bush and Sarah Palin. Even John McCain, while no intellectual giant, seems sadly out of place in a party that has sunk to the level of Rush Limbaugh.

By Steve

October 3, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it amazing that in 5 weeks Pailin is as up on foreign affairs as Biden and it upsets some of you so much. Sorry Charlie.

By Opie South

October 3, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

Jim, You should be on CNN. You sound just like them. Dog gone it. I thought Palin was great.

By MJC

October 3, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

IT’S THE DAY AFTER THE DEBATE AND I’M STILL WAITING ON PALIN TO ANSWER HALF OF THE QUESTIONS!

I’m baffled that Palin spent most of the night dancing around the questions, and repeating memorized Talking Points which had nothing to do with the questions asked.

By Lewis

October 3, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Biden and hussein are on the same idiotic team. Fannie mays leader who was in the middle of the current banking crisis and was indicted for his part is now, guess where- on the Demos. top team. And guess who was one of hundreds of team members gathering people who couldn’t afford expensive homes lining them up for low interest no down payment? Right- Barak Hussein and hhe has a front age picture with a group of new home owners in an Illinois newspaper. You vote for them- you vote for real trouble. Again- what has he done???

By misterearl

October 3, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

Rachel Maddow listened patiently to Buchanan’s praise for Palin’s presentation and responded, “Boring but right versus exciting and wrong — that’s America’s choice?”

Palin

1-She looks great in black 2-Republicans are circling the wagons 3-She didn’t screw up 4-Republicans are greatly relieved

By the way, the US economy is still undergoing a major meltdown.

By GaLiberal

October 3, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin proved that she is simply an empty-headed drone that can only repeat the lies of the Rethuglicons. If she ever became president, she would need a whole staff just to feed her lies she can repeat. The only thing I liked about Palin were her 4”+ stilettos. Too bad her skirt wasn’t shorter. When she loses this election and gets impeached in Alaska for abuse of power, she can earn a living being an internet porn star. I’ll bet she gives one hell of a b j. Oh Yea!

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Sarah Palin is living proof.

By Annie

October 3, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

I doubt this debate did much to sway anyone one way or the other. If you were for Obama before you stayed that way and ditto for McCain. At least Palin found that folksy style that suited her so well at the RNC and she didn’t further embarass herself or McCain. He supports his choice of her by saying “She the most popular Govenor in the US”, not exactly the standard I would hope a potential President would use in choosing his running mate..Popularity. In spite of her claims of taking on the big boys and cutting taxes, she has also left her small town in swimming debt and built a Sports Arena without having clear title to the land.She forced the firing of the council which recommended closing the money losing dairy only to have to close the dairy one year and a lost million dollars later. She failed to answer direct questions put to her..and retreated to the safety of her printed cards. She’s simply not a good candidate for VP in spite of her valiant efforts..bad choice…You betcha!

By Williebkind

October 3, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

She changed my mind I am voting for McCain and Palin. She will make a great VP. Joe has been there 35yrs and he is part of the problem and not the solution. I loved the way she talks. Yep, it connected to me and my family. I am excited.

By Condorcet

October 3, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Everyone keeps saying that she surpassed expectations. My question is this; how low were peoples expectations? Did they expect a series of “umms,” and “likes?” Did they expect her to call Kim Jong Il a great ally of freedom? Did they expect her to say the “fundamentals of the economy are strong?” Oh wait, someone else important already said that.”

All this performance proved to me was that, if given weeks of preparation time, she can read a few minutes worth of talking points. I still doubt she understands the problems inherent in the Palestinian crisis, or the difference between Shi’a and Sunni Islam.

By Donna

October 3, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Palin is to McCain what Obama is to Biden. Clearly, both McCain and Biden are the ones with any REAL experience in this election, and while both of their running mates have excellent points, Obama and Palin are most definitely the better speakers.

By Bill

October 3, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Palin did her very best. She did hit a home run but please remember she was playing on a little league field. I listened to her last night and was reminded another really nice person who had debated 8 years ago. That person, George Bush, has led this country to the brink of disaster. Thank God she will not get that chance. As an Independent I have made up my mind. I do not want this little leaguer a heart beat away.

By Jen

October 3, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Palin appeared to have an agenda last night that had nothing to do with a debate. I found that she kept going off-topic by saying some random statements, almost as if she was trying to fit in talking points of a speech into a debate as opposed to going off the cuff in her answers.

By far she performed better than McCain.

By Concerned

October 3, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Palin finally learned to not answer the question asked when she didn’t have a coherent response.

That tactic served her well in terms of a TV show.

But, based upon the number of times she used the “answer the question I want to answer” technique, she still is extremely shallow in knowledge that would be required if she becomes President.

She “preaches” the new Republican Party ideology well. And, in spite of the countries financial market meltdown, she still “preached” the ideology.

It was interesting that she agreed that the financial crisis was a result of loose regulation and lack of oversight, but she still “preached” government hands off.

I guess if she becomes President some day and we have a critical international crisis, she will just explain on the “red phone” that she has only been in the job for a few weeks. And, then she will go on to explain that she reduced taxes in the small hamlet of Wasilla, Alaska.

The world is still a dangerous place and the USA can’t go it alone. We need the co-operation and support of other countries. And, we need a meaningful dialog with Russia.

We need a President and a Vice President who understand this and can create the type of dialog that is necessary.

And, it is not McCain and Palin.

By mscutie78

October 3, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

WOW!!! I am stunned that people on this blog saying that Palin came out on top! She danced around questions to not answering them at all - if you consider winking at the camera - saying ‘you betcha - darn right and heck ya’ as a measure for a win - you’re idiots! This is one SOCCER mom who will not be voting for the McCain/Palin ticket - GO OBAMA/BIDEN!!!

By GeorgiaPeach

October 3, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

This is no time for all the cutsy, soccer Mom, Joe six-pack, stupid grin stuff. Nor is it time for the ‘you keep looking at the past’ stuff. Sarah, Exxon John and the repugs need to learn that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, and we know what our present repug Georgie brought us — bankruptcy all around. Let’s get on with what we have to do and that’s elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden!

By JLK

October 3, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

I thought Palin did extremely well! Republicans and hockey moms should be proud. She proved she could hold her own once you get her away from those snarling liberal reporters and their GOTCHA questions like, What do you read?”

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

I’m worried. I actually followed Donna’s comment along. If palin is to mccain what obama is to biden, then that means dan quayle is to lincoln what alfred e newman is to peewee herman, which totally disproves your theory, sir.

moron.

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

The camera angle shifted frequently from full face close up to a view from the flank and rear which revealed Palin’s tight skirt and amazing calves. Palin mentioned how she admired Geraldine Ferraro for breaking the glass ceiling, but after seeing Palin in that skirt, I sure wish it was a glass floor, (if’n you be knowin’ what I be intimating to you this day).

Life could be a dream.

Sha na na naaah.

PS. I also got a gander at curve of Palin’sass, (thank you 1080p) and people, let me tell you something: this aint no pork chop, this is U.S. prime. I didn’t see or hear much of the debate after those rear camera angles, because I was outside in my backyard howling at the moon. My neighbor had to turn a hose on me. Then my wife locked me out of the house. I spent the whole night in a tree with a horny possum.

By whatfor

October 3, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten - I don’t what debate you were watching last night (was it SNL’s mock-up the debate?) - but I thought Palin did very well and held her own; particularly in light of the fact that she has only been on the national stage for only 5 weeks - compared to Biden’s 35 years.

By williebkind

October 3, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

By Condorcet October 3, 2008 8:20 AM Do you understand the Palestine crisis or the difference between Shi’a and Sunni Islam? Do you have the solution? Or are you just being a drive by medial specialist. I have had a choice of only “so called Washington politicians” who have been reared for that kind of life. It is like class warfare. Only those who speak a certain way, belong to a specific group, believe in a certain party, and always prey on tax payers stating they are for change. Most of you supporting Obama/Biden are the uneducated, yearn for the same “O” same “O”. The only change you want is complete power by the liberal democrats. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Palin was a refreshing reminder of the middle class and those who keep Amercia going.

By Nope

October 3, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Not only did she misstate the strategy of our military commander in Afghanistan, but she also got his name wrong… it’s “McKieran”, not “McClellan”. I don’t expect Joe Six Pack to necessarily know that, but certainly someone running for the second highest office in the land, who is trying to convince me of their capabilities.

By edge770

October 3, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Maybe Jim’s Geritol kicked in and night night,remember he hates mass transit so he has to get up at 3 to get gas and get to work.

I thought Palin did well, She could have cut some of the valley girl talk. But in general, I think she did ok. and what is it with Biden’s eyes? They looked a little beadier than usual. It’s columns like this that make you think what the hell is going on at the AJC?

By Not Really

October 3, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I find it hilarious that the Republican ticket has become so desperate as to even put Palin on their ticket. I digress, however feeble it is to state that Sarah hit a “home run” is simply sad. What Palin did accomplish is the overuse of the word “maverick” and I was so excited to see Biden shut that s** down when he responded with “John McCain has not been a maverick when…” That was the strongest statement of the night. She clearly could not come back from that.

Let’s face it folks, it’s a wrap. Palin was fed her lines and that’s exactly what she stuck. She’s a great hand puppet, but that shouldn’t make her VP material. The McCain/Palin ticket is a disaster of mass proportions. Obama/Biden will be in the white house and I can’t wait for it to happen!

By Amazed

October 3, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

WOW!!!! I can’t believe I actually agree with Mr. Wooten!! She sucked and everyone knows it! She sounded like a little doll and someone was pulling her string, repeating a rehearsed script over and over again! It would have been nice if she could have at least answered one questions instead of reciting her lines. Please be real with yourselfs she is definitely out of her league and is wasting our time. It is such ashame that “fear” is allowing this conversation even to exist. Fear of change, fear that someone that doesn’t look like you might actually be the president of our country. I say to all of you please face reality and realize that this isn’t someone that we need anywhere near the white house. Please, please, please wake up people wake up!!

By Steve

October 3, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Palin has done for Alaska what no govener has done in the lower 48 and that is address the tax issue and give back to the tax payers. She put the all the people first instead of a chosen few. By the way for all of you Biden supporters the lower 48 are states.

By GeorgiaPeach

October 3, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

“What do you read” is a perfectly legitimate question! I’m not a vice-presidential candidate but (thanks to the internet) daily I read the AJC, NYTimes, Washington Post,LA Times, MSNBC, CNN Money, Bloomberg, to name a few. If Palin can’t name anything that she reads regularly, we’d be in big trouble if she were elected!!

By 2012

October 3, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

This is SO obvious. Growing up with some knowledge of the Bible, I look at the world as a whole today. Richest country on Earth in financial trouble, stock markets look like a roller-coaster, mad-men wanting to “wipe Israel, who just happen to be ‘God’s chosen people’ of the face of the Earth”. If anybody were to read the ‘Book of Revelations’, you might get a clue to what’s described in the end times. I used to think that ‘if’ this were to ever come to during my life time, it would be so blatantly obvious that the general population would not ‘let’ it happen. Wrong. Laugh it off if you’d like, (which is generally what happens when people don’t know how to deal with the truth). Obama seems to have that ‘Rock-Star’ status, other country’s like him; Christians find a way to like him because he claims to be of Christian faith; Muslims will find a reason to like him because he’s friends with William Ayers, a know Terrorist and Obama’s father is a Muslim; Sound familiar?? For those of you who don’t know, there’s something called the ‘Anti-Christ’. Don’t take my word for it. Read it yourself.

By Bill

October 3, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

If Joe Biden is so great, how come almost no one voted for him in the primaries? Why do Democrats want Biden to be the president why didn’t you guys vote for him then.

By Bill

October 3, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

If Joe Biden is so great, how come almost no one voted for him in the primaries? If the Democrats want Biden to be the president why didn’t you guys vote for him then.

By hillbilly ragger

October 3, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

So wingers, for the home stretch, are you going to play the usual race card and step up this “blame the meltdown on them darkies goin’ bankrupt” meme?

Sure, it’s probably over for McCain, but maybe the down ticket races aren’t a total writeoff. Maybe you can cling to a viable filibuster threat with 42 or 43 Senators that way. Good luck!

By Frances

October 3, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Joe Biden did a fine job in articulating the issues all Americans need to be concerned about. In fact, he was so effective, that I sincerely hope Barack Obama borrows liberally from his playbook the next time he debates McCain! The delusional right is happily crowing that Palin exceeded expectations. What that means is that she remained upright and didn’t say anything patently ridiculous. I guess not, she did not answer approximately 70% of the questions she was asked; she stayed close to the script; she again either ignored or did not understand what the term “achilles heel” meant since she went on to describe her reputed strenghts, not her weaknesses, she did not articulate a single, cogent plan, continuing to refer instead to slogans and sound bites (I swear, if I hear the word “maverick” one more time…), and recasting McCain (who, in actuality, is more frightening than Palin) as an agent of change and someone who knows how to win wars (based on what, Vietnam?). Yet again I’m amazed at the extremely low expecations of Americans which, in no small degree, explains why our economy is in a shambles and our standing in the world greatly diminished.

By GeorgiaPeach

October 3, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

You need to stop that “Anti-Christ” stuff. It’s slander and completely uncalled for. Get a life, pls!

By Backwords

October 3, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

If Sarah Palin is so great, how come no one voted for her in the primaries? If the Republicans want Palin to be the president why didn’t you guys put her on the ballot?

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Palin has revolutionized the debate as much as Kennedy did with his dark suit, tan, and amazing hollywood looks, not to mention the power of his clenched hand, with the thumb over the top, pointed at the viewer for emphasis, a gesticulation that Kennedy coined and which every single successful politician had to mimic (ruining speech-making ever since.)

Until now. Sarah’s best moments came when she didn’t do the clenched fist, pointed thumb move. and guess what? She din’t do it at all.

If I see one more jackass use the Kennedy fist pump thing from hell one..more..time, I’m gonna fiddy cent his sign-language-reject, mime-school-dropoutAss.

That’s 4 sure, that’s 4 DANG sure!!!

Instead, Palin used herself. The eye contact, which I first noticed during her Courik interviews, was enthralling, engaging, endearing, entrancing, enticing, enrapturing, enslaving, enterprising, entertaining, ensnaring, ennobling, enveloping, enviable and effeminately unephemeral.

America has a new face, an instant icon, and new lady liberty. She’ll launch a thousand ships. She’ll break 700 billion hearts. She’ll rule and inspire legions of new women all over the world: in fashion, in poise, in girlness itself. It’s not just okay to be a girl, it’s great to be a girl. John Lennon said that women are the n-word of the world. Maybe they were in the seventies when he sang that. In 2008, women are the go-to guys.

If Paris is the new Zsa Zsa then Palin is the new Jackie, except this Jackie wont get into bed with an oil magnate.

By Curious Observer

October 3, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

King Mithradates had the right idea: take a little poison at a time and develop a kind of immunity to it.

This story from ancient myth can serve conservatives well. Start now, so that it won’t hurt so much in January. Say it:

President Barack Hussein Obama

By Generation X

October 3, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Hey Wise Granny,

Gone our the days that the kids should ramain at home and should be seen but not heard. Kids are part of the family and get to participate in family events. Next time you are at Longhorn and annoyed about the kids there, remember it is a family restaurant.

By constitutional adherent

October 3, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Palin is one scary chick:

“She mis-stated the Constitution as she made a blatant play for power. Here’s what she said:

‘I’m thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate and making sure that we are supportive of the president’s policies and making sure too that our president understands what our strengths are.’

The Constitution doesn’t say that, and apparently she doesn’t support the fundamental principle of separation of powers. It sounds like she wants to assume semi-dictatorial power over the deliberations of the United States Senate. It’s odd: Her original objective tonight was to convince a minority of voters - the Republican base - that she would be at least minimally competent to perform the duties of Vice President. Instead, she demanded far more than merely those historic duties. She wants to be more powerful than any Vice President in history.

Apparently Dick Cheney’s been too much of a pussycat for her liking. At least Cheney had some grounding in government when he started assuming authoritarian power. But Palin wants more power than Cheney - with vastly less experience. She made a play tonight for nothing less than an elimination of constitutional checks and balances, so that the Executive Branch can manipulate the Legislative.

Observers who think this was merely a poorly-thought-out phrase are gravely misjudging Palin. What she lacks in experience or skill she more than makes up for in blind ambition. This was not a randomly uttered sentence: It was a statement of intent which she will no doubt attempt to fulfill should her ticket win.”

RJ Eskow

By rc

October 3, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

judging by some of the pro Palin comments, you understand why our nation and GA are in the ditch. While Palin may evoke positive feelings, she clearly lost debate on points. We’ve had a “gut” leader for nearly 8 years, I say let’s go with something different. I do think Palin should be congratulated for public service, but I think after her stint as Gov she should run for Congress, where we need more everyday people.

By Wanda Morris

October 3, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Sara rules! Yes she is inexperienced in some areas. Thank God, a fresh new face. But, if she acquired that knowledge in one week, the woman must be a genius; the kind of mind we need in our leadership. Obama has been proven green time after time. I believe that the undecided will vote based on who seems the most honest and on their side. Gov. Palin is the most appealing of all the contenders in that area.

By courtney

October 3, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Jim Who?

You did not have to. I knew that’s what you were saying just by your racist comments. You need to get a life!!

By Jay

October 3, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Palin can’t say nuclear. That really scares me. Remember the last candidate who couldn’t say nuclear (Bush)? And look where we are today. Obama 08!!!!!!!

By BS Aplenty

October 3, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Georgia Peach

If you think that Sarah Palin doesn’t know what exactly who and what she reads, you’re just being silly.

ANY comment by her about reading automatically aligns her with every crackpot who might write for the rag.

Grow up.

By Frost

October 3, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Wooten,ur candidness might revive Mccain’s falling campaign.Keep dreaming and good luck buddy!!! I just hope its not too late…..

By B.Honea

October 3, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Are You Nuts? Obviously another left wing LIBERAL in the tank for Obama with a voice masquerading as a journalist. Unlike you most of us actually watched the debate and didn’t concentrate on a PRO Obama story to post in the AJC the following day. A piece that was actually posted a full twenty minutes prior to the end of the debate. We can probably get a more balanced analysis from the “Communist Cable Network” Look at item 9 below – Palin nailed it ! Biden blew it !

By loanman

October 3, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

The biggest thing that saved Sarah Palin from bitter humiliation was that we had basement-level expectations. When given the chance to be specific about a McCain/Palin administration, she chose to change the subject to Alaska and her family. Would she change the subject like that at a G8 summit…scary.

I can’t wait for Tina Fey and “Saturday Night Live”!!!!!

By Locke

October 3, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

AJC @ 11:07PM, Lies over the last 8 years? I think we can safely say lies over the last 16 years.

By Kevin

October 3, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I could not disagree with you more, Jim. She reminds me a lot of Reagan. She is upbeat, talking to the American people and connecting with them. She did not engage in Washington speak; she talked in a manner that Main Street understands.

McCain has to carry his own water. He needs to connect with Americans that he understands their fear and anger and tell us how he will address it and why Obama will not be able to. If he does not, than he will not win. But Sarah helped the ticket immensely. She got them back in the red zone. Now, McCain needs to punch it over the goal line

By JLP

October 3, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

I didn’t get to see the debate, but did Biden ask anyone to stand up who is in a wheelchair? Did he talk about his chopper having to land in Afghanistan due to enemy fire when it was actually snow? I love all you liberals. You and Washington people like Joe Biden are what is wrong with the country right now.

By Rusty

October 3, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin sounded like she was reciting her “party piece”. As long as she clung to the script and said what she was taught, rather than answering questions or rebutting she stayed out of trouble. Biden sounded like he knew what he was talking about, understood the issues and could have answered the questions without any prep. He gave her a lot of breaks. Anyone who thinks she is ready to be VP has blinders on.

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

“Can I call you Joe?” Governor Palin asked as the two veeps shook hands to a thunderous ovation from the polite partisans in the hall.

“Yes, sure” conceded Sen. Biden.

He never recovered from that pre-emptive strike. He kept talking to Gwen. He stammered and stuttered, and had difficulty with the word, “Characterize”.

Palin took the initiative immediately. She gathered the debate’s momentum with a persona the camera loved in a way not seen since the Vivian Leigh’s Scarlet O’hara screen test. Perfect.

She is electable. She is viagra-worthy. She is everything a president should be. We liberals must thank the stars that she’s only the veep.

She’ll be there in ‘12:

Palin ‘12: Nobody doesn’t like Sarah P.

PS: Viagra is now ten years old. You write the bit. Lets see if you horrid trolls can riff. I doubt it, but here’s your big chance.

By brian

October 3, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

More reason why AJC is deeply in the “red” (pun intended). Palin wasn’t amazing but neither was Biden. Only a true partisan can claim one or the other won/lost.

By Davo

October 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

The wink was pretty tacky imo. If there was a second debate maybe Joe could flex or something to counter her.

Interesting that each vp wannabee represented the others actual stance. Palin argued for change and Biden stood for experience; opposite of both campaigns mottos.

That just tells me there will be no real difference in policy either way.

By Andrea

October 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

OMG!!!!!! Mr. Wooten, have you finally woken up from sleepwalking?

I will admit that she did not flop as bad as I thought she would which means she has some decent cramming skills. However, as we have seen from day 1, there is no depth with Palin. You could tell that she really did not have a true grasp of any of the topics.

Instead of answering questions she would deflect back to one of her talking points because her talking points were what she had studied. You could tell that her handlers told her to redirect the conversion in an effort to try and maintain control of the debate. It didn’t work.

She is all fluff with no substance. One of Palins problems is that she doesn’t know what’s going on in the world outside of Alaska. Sure her debates in Alaska are one thing but to be President or Vice President you have to know what’s going on in the world and not just in your backyard.

I give Palin 5 points for even showing up to the debate.

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Palin has revolutionized the debate as much as Kennedy did with his dark suit, tan, and amazing hollywood looks, not to mention the power of his clenched hand, with the thumb over the top, pointed at the viewer for emphasis, a gesticulation that Kennedy coined and which every single successful politician had to mimic (ruining speech-making ever since.)

Until now. Sarah’s best moments came when she didn’t do the clenched fist, pointed thumb move. and guess what? She din’t do it at all.

If I see one more jackass use the Kennedy fist pump thing from hell one..more..time, I’m gonna fiddy cent his sign-language-reject, mime-school-dropoutAss.

That’s 4 sure, that’s 4 DANG sure!!!

Instead, Palin used herself. The eye contact, which I first noticed during her Courik interviews, was enthralling, engaging, endearing, entrancing, enticing, enrapturing, enslaving, enterprising, entertaining, ensnaring, ennobling, enveloping, enviable and effeminately unephemeral.

America has a new face, an instant icon, and new lady liberty. She’ll launch a thousand ships. She’ll break 700 billion hearts. She’ll rule and inspire legions of new women all over the world: in fashion, in poise, in girlness itself. It’s not just okay to be a girl, it’s great to be a girl. John Lennon said that women are the n-word of the world. Maybe they were in the seventies when he sang that. Palin has changed all that with one debate performance.

If Paris is the new Zsa Zsa then Palin is the new Jackie, except this Jackie wont get into bed with an oil magnate

By Gustav

October 3, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Don’t you have to have three people for an analchord? Or maybe just three, well, you know … which would explain a lot about you.

By Donna P.

October 3, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

This debate was so much better than the McCain/Obama one. They both were interesting and I liked their demeanor. Palin was impressive and funny as was Biden. I wish Biden and Palin were the Presidential nominees instead of McCain and Obama.

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

The camera angle shifted frequently from full face close up to a view from the flank and rear which revealed Palin’s tight skirt and amazing calves. Palin mentioned how she admired Geraldine Ferraro for breaking the glass ceiling, but after seeing Palin in that skirt, I sure wish it was a glass floor, (if’n you be knowin’ what I be intimating to you this day).

Life could be a dream.

Sha na na naaah.

PS. I also got a gander at curve of Palin’sass, (thank you 1080p) and people, let me tell you something: this aint no pork chop, this is U.S. prime. I didn’t see or hear much of the debate after those rear camera angles, because I was outside in my backyard howling at the moon. My neighbor had to turn a hose on me. Then my wife locked me out of the house. I spent the whole night in a tree with a horny possum

By Banger

October 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

In the AP story on the debate last night, the writer quoted Palin and rather than write “craving,” (as in Americans are craving change), the reporter wrote “cravin’.” The story did not also characterize her pronunciation of “you,” as “ya,” which it clearly was.

I say you’ve got to put the quote out there straight, not trying to recreate the person’s pronunciation. Did anyone ever quote JFK in an AP story as saying “BAHS-tun?” What was done in the debate story, to me, is risking the objectivity of the piece. Or am I wrong here? Anyone?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

October 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Now I am beginning to wish I had watched the debate. Peggy Noonan evidently dislikes Sarah Palin, but she said Palin destroyed Joe Biden. Odd article, Peggy looking down her nose at Sarah. Between the fawning Chairman Ann calling it a Palin victory, and the disdainful Peggy calling it a knockout, Jim’s essay makes it sound like there were three different debates running last night.

By Donna P.

October 3, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

To Analcord: “If Paris is the new Zsa Zsa then Palin is the new Jackie, except this Jackie wont get into bed with an oil magnate.” You did know that Jackie married Onassis whom was an oil magnate.

By Maniac is accurate

October 3, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Have you already paid Bookman his dollar yet? Geez, Wooten, get a grip. You are inconsolable. And you are wrong. Yes, Palin is not experienced enough at this point to see all the openings to jab back. Biden did well, but he’s just more Washington slick, which is what the problem is. But, she did well enough to tamp down the concerns of Main Street. That, my friend, is good news. Now pick yourself up off the floor, splash some water on your face and come back to reality.

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Glad you liked the material, Gustav. Oh, feel free to steal. Then folks’ll think that YOU’RE the genius instead of the trianguating ball-sac guidance system your face truly is.

By Caroline

October 3, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

They both seem like really nice people.

But who was this ‘McCain’ loser they kept talking about?

By anonymous

October 3, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Did anyone else get the sense that she was reading from notes at times?

By Gustav

October 3, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

My comment was solely on the name, not the material. I would never try to steal material from a street hustling meth addict. Your wallet, yes, your material, no.

By getalife

October 3, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

They are debating the bailout for 90 minutes, no amendments, on C Span.

By Reggie L

October 3, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I won’t say the Empress had no clothes on, but I think she had a thong on. Who the heck could vote for a Vice President who wears a thong? My Mother is McCain’s age, and I love her dearly. She sometimes call my three other brother’s name before she gets to mine. I wouldn’t want her running the country either. McCain is too damn old and forgetful…he is stupid for even thinking of running. Sit down and enjoy your last few years Mc Old Dude. Sarah is perfect for small time America, but to run the country we simply need someone who has a clue. Nuff said. Vote Obama!!!!

By Opie South

October 3, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Some of you smart educated people explain something to me as I am just a South Georgia redneck with no sense. If all of the problems are with Washington and Biden has been there for over 30 years, what does that say about Biden? Is he not part of the problem? Looks to me like Sarah Palin is the only one running that was not part of the Washington problem. And tell me why Biden is so great now but he was not in the primaries. He must have had a huge makeover. In my view liberals that have Obama as their idol are not going to change their mind and conservatives will not either. Independent undecideds are totally confused and are basically silent. These are the folks that are going to make the difference on election day. Shucks and golly they just may vote for McCain and Palin and save our nation.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Jim, I have a question for you. Who looked like they resonated with the American people last night? Answer: Palin.

Now, here is a REAL opinion column from someone who knows how to write a real column and a real respected newspaper.

Palin the Populist Joe Biden was no match for “Joe Six-Pack.” by Peggy Noonan

She killed. She had him at “Nice to meet you. Hey, can I call you Joe?” She was the star. He was the second male lead, the good-natured best friend of the leading man. She was not petrified but peppy.

The whole debate was about Sarah Palin. She is not a person of thought but of action. Interviews are about thinking, about reflecting, marshaling data and integrating it into an answer. Debates are more active, more propelled—they are thrust and parry. They are for campaigners. She is a campaigner. Her syntax did not hold, but her magnetism did. At one point she literally winked at the nation.

As far as Mrs. Palin was concerned, Gwen Ifill was not there, and Joe Biden was not there. Sarah and the camera were there. This was classic “talk over the heads of the media straight to the people,” and it is a long time since I’ve seen it done so well, though so transparently. There were moments when she seemed to be doing an infomercial pitch for charm in politics. But it was an effective infomercial.

Joe Biden seems to have walked in thinking that she was an idiot and that he only had to patiently wait for this fact to reveal itself. This was a miscalculation. He showed great forbearance. Too much forbearance. She said of his intentions on Iraq, “Your plan is a white flag of surrender.” This deserved an indignant response, or at least a small bop on the head, from Mr. Biden, who has been for five years righter on Iraq than the Republican administration. He was instead mild.

The heart of her message was a complete populist pitch. “Joe Six-Pack” and “soccer moms” should unite to fight the tormentors who forced mortgages on us. She spoke of “Main Streeters like me.” A question is at what point shiny, happy populism becomes cheerful manipulation.

Sarah Palin saved John McCain again Thursday night. She is the political equivalent of cardiac paddles: Clear! Zap! We’ve got a beat! She will re-electrify the base. More than that, an hour and a half of talking to America will take her to a new level of stardom. Watch her crowds this weekend. She’s about to get jumpers, the old political name for people who are so excited to see you they start to jump.

Her triumph comes at an interesting time. The failure of the first bailout bill was an epic repudiation of the Washington leadership class by the American people. Two weeks ago the president of the United States, the speaker of the House, the secretary of the Treasury and the leadership of both parties in Congress came forward and announced that the economy was in crisis and a federal bill to solve it urgently needed. The powers were in agreement, the stars aligned, it was going to happen.

And then the phones began to ring, from one end of Capitol Hill to the other. And the message in those calls was, essentially: We don’t trust you to fix the problem, we suspect you may have caused it. Go away.

It was an epic snub, aimed at both parties. And the bill tanked.

We have simply, as a nation, never had a moment like this, in which the American people voted such a stunning no-confidence in America’s leaders in a time of real and present danger. The fate of the second bill is unclear as I write, but the fact that it has morphed from three pages to roughly 450, and is festooned with favors, will do nothing to allay public suspicions about the trustworthiness of Congress. This, as a background, could not have helped Mr. Biden.

We have never seen an economic meltdown like this? We’ve never seen a presidential meltdown like this. George W. Bush’s weakness is not all lame-duckship. In the last year of his presidency Ronald Reagan met with Mikhail Gorbachev in Moscow and helped change the world. In the penultimate year of his presidency, Bill Clinton sent U.S. troops, successfully, into Kosovo.

After the first bailout failed, Mr. Bush spoke like a man who was a mere commentator, not the leader in a crisis.

We witness here a great political lesson. When you are president, it matters—it really matters—that a majority of the people support and respect you. When you squander that affection, you lose more than mere popularity. You lose the ability to lead when your country is in crisis. This is a terrible loss, and a dangerous one, for the whole world is watching.

Young aides to Reagan used to grouse, late in his second term, that he had high popularity levels, that popularity was capital, and that he should spend it more freely on potential breakthroughs of this kind or that. But Reagan and the men around him were wiser. They spent when they had to and were otherwise prudent. (Is there a larger lesson here?) They were not daring when they didn’t have to be. They knew presidential popularity is a jewel to be protected, and to be burnished when possible, because without it you can do nothing. Without the support and trust of the people you cannot move, cannot command. You are left, like Mr. Bush, talking to an empty room.

We saw this week, too, a turn in the McCain campaign’s response to criticisms of Mrs. Palin. I find obnoxious the political game in which if you expressed doubts about the vice presidential nominee, or criticized her, you were treated as if you were knocking the real America—small towns, sound values. “It’s time that normal Joe Six-Pack American is finally represented in the position of vice presidency,” Mrs. Palin told talk-show host Hugh Hewitt. This left me trying to imagine Abe Lincoln saying he represents “backwoods types,” or FDR announcing that the fading New York aristocracy deserves another moment in the sun. I’m not sure the McCain campaign is aware of it—it’s possible they are—but this is subtly divisive. As for the dismissal of conservative critics of Mrs. Palin as “Georgetown cocktail party types” (that was Mr. McCain), well, my goodness. That is the authentic sound of the aggression, and phony populism, of the Bush White House. Good move. That ended well.

We must take happiness where we can. Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin has become, in that old phrase, a national sensation, and Ms. Fey is becoming, with her show “30 Rock,” and now the Palin impression, one of the great comic figures of her generation. Her work with Amy Poehler (as Katie Couric) in last weekend’s spoof on “Saturday Night Live” was so astoundingly good—the hand gestures, the vocal tone and spirit—that it captured some of the actual heart of the Palin story. Ms. Poehler as Couric: “Mrs. Palin, are you aware that when cornered you become increasingly adorable?” Ms. Fey as Palin mugs, adorably.

To spoof someone well takes talent, but to utterly nail a political figure while not brutalizing him takes a real gift, and amounts almost to a public service. After all, to capture someone is a kind of tribute: it concedes he is real, vivid, worthy of note. We are not as a nation manufacturing trust all that well, or competence, or leadership. But some things we do well, and one is comedy. Ms. Fey plays characters who are sour, stressed and who, on “30 Rock,” live in a world that is cynical, provisional and shallow. But to observe life so closely takes a kind of love.

By 2012

October 3, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Georgia Peach, get the facts: Obama WILL raise taxes. There is NO WAY the Fed.Gov. can provide Health Care for every American. With 300-Mil Americans, it is mathematically impossible to do without raising taxes on the middle class ($42k-$110k). Do the math. Obama will NOT drill for oil. Fact: It will take 18-36 months to start reaping from the benefits of drilling at home. Fact: We have more oil at home than the ENTIRE Middle East. FACT: Obama is against it. He has even said that gasoline should be $12/gal so that we will be pushed into alternative energy. Great idea Obama. This will sure help the economy & the middle class. You can’t ‘Rush’ technology. Higher taxes, higher Gas prices. Terrible health care (ask any vet). Bigger Government means Bigger Waste. And don’t look at it as ‘slander’. Look at it as a ‘warning’.

By Analchord

October 3, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

You’re scaring me, Donna P.

This is Y i think i’m wasted, like wooten surely is, on the trolls who infest this blog. They just dont get it.

Did I know that Jackie O married an oil magnate named Onassis, from which Jackie got her “O”? Did I? Or was it just coincidence that Palin is the new Jackie O who wont get into bed with an oil magnate?

Well, Donna P., 2U I say, “follow your “O”

This is also Y I’m so lonely. There’s nobody out there that can riff with me. I work with a young guy who keeps up pretty good.

It’s not fair that people R this ignorant, and I mean, now I know how Hitler felt when nobody got his prequel to Mein Kampf, “Mein Pet Goat”, which Bush was reading on 911 to that assembly of Hitler Youth.

It’s just not fair.

Bookman is the worst troll of all. He doesn’t get me. How could he? He’s not from out culture. at all. I dont know who he is. But what a waste of a blog. What a total troll coddling wrong-way Harrigan. Honestly.

BOOKMAN!!

BOOKMAN!!

you troll coddler!

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

anonymous, Yes, she did read from notes. NOTES THAT SHE HAD WRITTEN ABOUT BIDES GAFFES. Who has not read from note cards in debates? Obama read from them, Bill Clinton read from them, W read from them and so did his dad. What is your point? Biden has been debating for 35 years. She is new and so is Obama. Those two idiots are both lawyers who are TRAINED to debate. Neither one of them are leaders.

By Mirror

October 3, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Look at me. No, really look. Stop drooling and rubbing feces into your hair and look deeply. Troll, thy name is analchord.

By bush go away

October 3, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Reading Peggy Noonon gush make one realize that even women can suffer from that certain “serious medical condition lasting four or more hours” that Hannity and Limbaugh seem to be afflicted with.

Ignoring the moderators questions is “straight talk”? Wonder if she’d said the same thing if someone was ignoring her questions?

Typical GOP hypocrite.

By norman ravitch

October 3, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

That Sarah Palin could be vp and even president is so appalling that there must be something radically wrong with our political system and some deep mental health problem among Republicans. Crazy people should not be running our country. Unfortunately there are not enough existing mental wards for Christo-Fascists and Republicans.

By Paul W

October 3, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

The biggest opportunity that Palin missed was not jumping on Biden with both pumps when he said that their administration “might not be able to double foreign aid” like they hoped.

Our economy is melting and Obama-Biden wants to double foreign aid???

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

bush go away, Umm… your logic is flawed. If I had to answer questions in a debate from an Obama supporter with a new Obama book coming out I’d try to talk over her head and to the American people too.

Typical Dem hypocrisy at its best.

Can anyone guess the total number of gaffes Joe Hairplug spewed out last night?

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

If you saw last night’s debate, you saw Governor Sarah Palin give a spirited defense of the same disastrous policies that have failed us for the past eight years.

She couldn’t identify a single area where she or John McCain would change George W. Bush’s economic or foreign policy positions.

If you want something different, Barack and I need your help.

Will you make a donation of $25 or more right now to bring about the change we need?

The change we need is fixing this broken economy from the bottom up — not tax breaks for the wealthy and huge corporations that ship U.S. jobs overseas. We need to focus on defeating al Qaeda and the Taliban and restoring America’s standing in the world — not an unending commitment in Iraq.

Let’s be clear: Governor Palin and Senator McCain are offering nothing but more of the same failed Bush policies at home and abroad, trying to disguise them in the rhetoric of change.

Americans need real solutions and real change.

We’re in this together and there’s a lot to do before Election Day. Please make a donation of $25 or more right now to support this campaign for change:

https://donate.barackobama.com/changeweneed

This is the most important presidential election you’ll be part of in your life.

Thank you for all that you’re doing.

Now let’s get to work and change this country,

Joe

By CrazyPeeps

October 3, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Debates matter not……….

It comes down to who you beleive…….

Who has your best interest at heart, and how that interest will play out for the country at large (that is secondary though for most ppl.).

So the questions are:

1 Is it so important to shatter the racial ceiling in the office of president, that voters will vote for skin color over substance and experience for President?

2 Is age really a concern in this day and age when the best healthcare in the world is on call for a President 24/7?

I submitt to you people that neither skin color nor age is an appropriate reason, to vote or to avoid voting for a candidate. Get real with yourselves when you perform your daily self evalutions.

It comes down to who you believe put the country first, and who will have success in the next 4 years:

• Cleaning up Washington
• Protecting our country from terrorist threats
• Protecting our country from economic threats *Reducing taxes, and giving hard working citizens more control over the money they make

All of these things will considerably improve our standing in the world. Right now the world is afraid of America. “Is it better to be respected or feared?”

Politics is knowing the difference and when to be one or the other. this comes with experience only. Experience needs to be in the office of President.

While Joe Biden has it, who can guarantee that Obama will listen?

Morover is his experience so valuable?

If it was? Would he not have been elected previously???

Another question: If your candidate does get elected, and god forbid (as was discussed in the debate last nite) something does happen, would you be confident the VP and cabinet of advisors will be able to step in and carry on the agenda you voted for?

Or would you be nervous about a directional change in the administration??? I personally believe Palin is to inexperienced to come to Washington with a side agenda..

Gov. Palin would carry out the agenda set forth by McCain. Sen. Joe Biden after 35 years in Washington D.C. probably has other plans given that his ego would not allow following somone elses agenda.

He is a smart man, no question. he is also a rogue in wating. A politician that can play smoke and mirrors with the best of them.

Hope this helps the uniformed voters make a more informed choice on election day.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

norman ravitch, I’m confused at what you are appalled at? You say its radically wrong for her to be VP YET YOUR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE HAS NEVER DONE A SINGLE THING IN HIS LIFE!!!! HE HAS NEVER PASSED A SIGNIFICANT BILL, HE HAS NEVER LEAD ANYTHING, HE ORGANIZED A COMMUNITY, WHATEVER THAT MEANS, HE GOES TO A RACIST CHURCH, HE HANGS OUT WITH CONVICTED TERRORIST, HE THINKS THAT THERE ARE 58 STATES AND HE THINKS CHINA IS A BETTER COUNTRY THAN WE ARE. WOW, WHAT FLAWED LOGIC YOU HAVE. GO SELL STUPID SOMEWHERE ELSE.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Paul W,

Biden said they might not be able to double foreign aid. Why? Because like you just pointed out, the economy is melting.

Pay attention to your own post.

By ObamaGirl

October 3, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin should go back to Alaska and train little girls on being in beauty pagents…oh but wait, she lost! Oh well, she does have a great smile and can wink alot and look into the camera well. Maybe she can work on an entertainment show!

On a more serious note, she was not good at all. She avoided all questions that didn’t involve energy. We get it, you understand energy. Unfortunately for her we have more problems than just energy. She looked like a nervous wreck. She was very uncomfortable with these questions. As a soccer mom, she is quite unappealing. Yes Ms. Palin, we are definitely scared, but it’s of you being vp or god forbid, president!! For the first time, I agree with you Mr. Wooten.

Sarah Palin, you didn’t fool me. And anyone that thought that she answered the questions in a “presidential” manner, please don’t vote!

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

CrazyPeeps, You’re not talking to people who make clear minded decisions. The left does not think in terms of whats right and whats wrong. They think in skin color and “feelings.” These people cry sexism when it comes to Hillary BUT when it comes to Palin she is is just a B-I-T-C-H. The left is so full of hypocrisy it makes Judas look like George Washington.

By GMAN

October 3, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Sarah “Elly Mae” Palin is that cute little car saleswoman trying to sale a car to a horny goober. Wear a tight skirt, wink at the poor soul, talk about how sexy he looks, and hope the deal is done. That’s it! You guys that were “impressed” with Elly Mae are a bunch of horny goobers!

Bush/McCain - Gambling with our children’s future!

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

ObamaGirl, Obama should go back to Hyde Park and train little girls on how to hate white people like his pastor does. Do us all a favor and stay home on election day. Let the educated people vote.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

October 3, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Dear PoFo, after reading most of the comments above, I think you may be the only one who got it right, including Peggy and Chairman Ann, both of whom I adore. Political debates are pure theatre, as Billy Flynn would call it, razzle dazzle. You are the only one who analyzes it that way.

Did she really wink? Paglia probably had an orgasm.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC,

Thanks for outlining Republican talking points. I’m sure their proud of your obedience.

By Opie South

October 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Sorry ObamaGirl, I already voted for McCain/Palin. Now you stay wherever you are as YOU scare me as you like most that idioize Obama have no idea what you are talking about.

By GMAN

October 3, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC, you’re thinking skin color and “feelings.” You people cry sexism when it comes to Palin BUT when it comes to Hillary she is is just a B-I-T-C-H. The right is so full of hypocrisy it makes Judas look like George Washington.

Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures!

By WTFer

October 3, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

It is reported today that Mark Buse… McCain’s Chief of staff earned $460,000 as a lobbyist for Freddie Mac in 2003 and 2004… And Rick Davis who earned more than $2 million defending Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac against stricter regulation. His lobbying firm, Davis Manafort, also received monthly payments of $15,000 from Freddie Mac as recently as August.

Tell me again who the maverick is?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

October 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Devastator sings for Chauncey.

By WTFer

October 3, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

It is reported today that Mark Buse… McCain’s Chief of staff earned $460,000 as a lobbyist for Freddie Mac in 2003 and 2004… And Rick Davis who earned more than $2 million defending Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac against stricter regulation. His lobbying firm, Davis Manafort, also received monthly payments of $15,000 from Freddie Mac as recently as August.

Tell me again who the maverick is?

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

GMAN, My children are not in the hands of a president. My children are in the hands of God.

Devastator, Talking points? They are facts my misguided friend. Facts that you can not disprove. I have yet to have any liberal explain what significant accomplishments Obama has done. Biden is a Washington insider. Everyone knows that and everyone knows Hillary would have been a better pick. He even said that himself. I’ll ask you. What has Obama done to be considered presidential? Give a speech? Sarah Palin is NOT on the presidential ticket. I wish she was because we all know governors make better presidents than senators. IE: Clinton and Reagan.

By catlady

October 3, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Ms. Palin: too provicial, too many Auntie Em stories; did not answer the quesntions asked half the time; with her “Can I call you Joe?” she showed how not ready she is for the national stage and a real debate where she cannot control (run over ) others.

Biden: too soft on her. If he had been debating a man, he would have aimed for the kill.

Moderator: should have cut off any “non answers” to make those idiots who think Palin did well realize that she was off topic.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Ragnar is so ugly, when he goes into a bank, they turn off the survelliance cameras.

By GMAN

October 3, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I’m amazed at how many people on this blog don’t understand what a tax credit is or how much health insurance actually cost. Health insurance for a family of four would cost roughly $15,000/year. So, you’re making payments of $1250/month which is a hugh bill. At the end of the year, you can claim $5000 of that as a credit on your income taxes. So, what you’re actually paying in the long run is $583/month which is a big bill. McCain’s requires you to have $15,000 up front! You do the math.

Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s future!

By hrw

October 3, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Palin did not have a clue about the questions she was asked! Nor did she answer any of the questions. She added, subtracted, put in, took out..did not know or just jitter-bug all of her so called answers. She performed very poorly because she did not know anything about foreign polocies.

By AmVet

October 3, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Paul W, I caught that comment about doubling foreign aid and agree with you.

We already GIVE away FAR too much at the cost to our own people, and seemingly ask for next to nothing in return. For example, fighting side by side with us in Bush’s chosen war.

A third of ALL US foreign aid goes to ONE country though it comprises just .001 percent of the world’s population and already has one of the world’s higher per capita incomes.

Since 1992, the U.S. has offered Israel an additional $2 billion (with a B!) annually in loan guarantees. Congressional researchers have disclosed that between 1974 and 1989, $16.4 billion in U.S. military loans were converted to grants and that this was the understanding from the beginning. Indeed, all past U.S. loans to Israel have eventually been forgiven by Congress, which has undoubtedly helped Israel’s often-touted claim that they have never defaulted on a U.S. government loan. U.S. policy since 1984 has been that economic assistance to Israel must equal or exceed Israel’s annual debt repayment to the United States. Unlike other countries, which receive aid in quarterly installments, aid to Israel since 1982 has been given in a lump sum at the beginning of the fiscal year, leaving the U.S. government to borrow from future revenues. Israel even lends some of this money back through U.S. treasury bills and collects the additional interest.

In addition, there is the more than $1.5 billion in private U.S. funds that go to Israel annually in the form of $1 billion in private tax-deductible donations and $500 million in Israeli bonds. The ability of Americans to make what amounts to tax-deductible contributions to a foreign government, made possible through a number of Jewish charities, does not exist with any other country. Nor do these figures include short- and long-term commercial loans from U.S. banks, which have been as high as $1 billion annually in recent years.

And before you reply with the standard knee-jerk, nonsensical, neo-conica,l anti-Semite retort, know that I’m an MOT.

And just imagine what we could do here at home with that ungodly amount of money…

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Sarah Palin is so stupid, she put lipstick on her head to make up her mind.

By norman ravitch

October 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

McCain was all ser to win by playing the race card, white vs. black. But thanks to the Hooverite policies of the GOP the economy has gone into recession and no Republican can win. Who says there is no God?

By catlady

October 3, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

One other thing: I LOL when she talked about what great things she had done for the taxpayers of Alaska. How much pork per person does Alaska get? And how much are they propped up by the oil they have? Make her the governor of Alabama, and see what she can “accomplish”!

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

GMAN, I’m amazed that you can walk and chew gum at the same time. How do you think health insurance became so expensive? Huh? Do you know? NOPE! It became expensive because of LAWYERS. That’s right my misguided troll friend. Too many lawsuits against doctors and insurance companies. How do you think the ambulance chaser John Edwards, who also cheated on his sick wife, got all his money? That’s right! Suing insurance companies for millions. How many lawyers are on the democrat ticket? TWO! Biden and Hussien. Nice try troglodyte but there are educated people on this blog who see through your BS! Go sell stupid somewhere else.

Hussein/Biden-The future of Socialism/Communism08

By GayGrayGeek

October 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I have a two-part query for the Republican’ts and/or Wrong-Wingers on this blog: Can anyone right-of-center pronounce the word NUCLEAR correctly? And can any of those folks who insist that it’s “Nu-cue-larr” please show us where the SECOND instance of the letter “U” is in the word NUCLEAR?

Thanks!

By Pat Gray

October 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

High Jump competition: Palin coming up; based on her record, set the bar at 3’6”. Oh. my God, she jumped 6’ in the air! Biden coming up; based on his record, set the bar at 7’; Oh, my God, he jumped 8’6”! She beat him in bettering expectaions. But it takes the higher bar to make it to the Finals. You go, Joe!

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Devastator, Barack Hussien is so stupid he thinks there are 58 states. Oh, wait a minute, that was not a joke, he really does think that there are 58 states. Nice presidential choice democrats. Let us all know how that works out once Russia has invaded Georgia. And I mean OUR Georgia.

By AmVet

October 3, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Ah, those nice, poor misunderstood insurance companies.

Heartbreaking…

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

catlady, How is life in the poor house?

By Opie South

October 3, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Catlady, Great idea. I would love for her to be the governor of Alabama, if she is not the vice-president, and do for them what she has done for Alaska and then Georgia. You are brilliant. If she could be the governor for 4 years at a time in several states what great work she could do and how great those states would become. Myself though I would prefer she be vice-president and then one day president.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC,

You’re so stupid that you can’t tell the difference between an actual belief and a misspoken statement.

Let us know how McCain feels when he’s still in the Senate next year moron!

By Dusty

October 3, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Well, looks like many libs deserted Bookman to visit Wooten and spread their hopeful hoopla. They are still a bit shocky over the obvious win by Palin.

But I do want to remind Jim Wooten. Please do not eat another one of those Volcano Tacos for lunch. Distorted vision is not usual with you and unless you got in the wrong office and used Bookman’s computer, it had to be the tacos.

I’ll be glad to send a bowl of chicken soup if that will help. It will make you realize that Palin was not any half Baked Alaska but meat and potatoes, something in which we all delight.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

AmVet, Good luck in government controlled hospitals. Maybe your DMV doctor will know what that lump on your leg is. Then again, maybe not.

By catlady

October 3, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Communist AJC: Life is pretty good. No debt. Own my home and cars free and clear. No stocks or IRA. Grow my own food. Have a PhD and good income. Kids are educated, married, and happy. Did all of it except conceiving the kids on my own. Thanks for asking. Hope yours is going well, too.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Dusty is so stupid that she can trip over a cordless phone.

By Jim Wooten

October 3, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

OK, Dusty. No more tacos.

I went back and read the transcript today. On a number of issues, she did score better than I had thought at the time.

By ObamaGirl

October 3, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Obama should go back to Hyde Park and train little girls on how to hate white people like his pastor does.

Hmmm…CommunistAJCplease tell me what dvd you saw where he stated that he hated white people? I’ll give you 100 bucks for it!

BTW, as a “black” person with a white mother, I can assure you that neither myself nor Obama hates what half of what we are! Gimme a break!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Devastator, I’m stupid? I guess my Duke education failed me.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC,

It must have. You should have gone to Uni of Florida.

Jim Wooten,

How does it feel to know you’re candidate is definetly, unequivocably, undoubtedly going to lose?

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

ObamaGirl, Um, are you capable of understanding the printed word? Let me say this in a way that your brain can, maybe, handle it. Ok. Obama has this racist preacher named Revvvvv Jerimiah Wright. Mr. Wright preaches hate and racism in his church. If you were paying attention 5 months ago then you would have seen this all over the world on tv. Obama attended this church for 20 years. Ever heard of guilt by association? Well there you go. And that is where my joke of Obama training little girls to hate white people came from. Get it? Doest that compute?

Hold on? If he is half white then why are people talking about him being the first african american president? Makes no sense? Would he not be the first african white american president? Gimme a break!

By GMAN

October 3, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC, we’re not talking about the cause of the current problem we’re talking about John “Mr. Magoo” McCain’s solution… $5000 tax credit for health insurance! I won’t stoop to calling you names TODAY because you’re still reeling from the abysmal bullsh1t performance of Sarah “Elly Mae” Palin and I wouldn’t want you to jump of a ledge.

Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures!

By Dusty

October 3, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Attaboy, Jim. I can tell you are feeling better already.

By AmVet

October 3, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Mr. McCarthy,

Thanks for the typical faux “compassionate conservative” concern.

Very heartwarming indeed.

Every time I drive down Clairmont Rd. I salute those amazing people in that “Government controlled hospital”.

They saved my life.

And from the beginning of my ordeal to now, I would rate them a 9.5, only because I don’t give 10s.

In every imaginable way, they’ve absolutely slaughtered the treatment and ongoing care provided by the “private sector”.

And based on my experiences with non-governmental doctors, hospitals, etc, those overpaid (marginally competent in many cases) clowns cannot begin to carry the jocks of these “DMV” people as you think of them.

Perhaps you have some relevant experience or knowledge to counter this, but who are we kidding here?

Show some discernment and educate yourself…

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Can you imagine Palin as President if something happens to McCain and she has to make the 3:00am call to us reading an index card. Frightening.

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Can you imagine Palin as President if something happens to McCain and she has to make the 3:00am call to us reading an index card. Frightening.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

GMAN, I’m reeling? Really, because right now I’m laughing at you. Why, because it was almost four years ago when people like you said that Kerry was going to win. Never happened. Have fun learning Russian. When Obama Hussein sells his country out you and I can be cell mates in Siberia.

Devastator, In 2004 Kerry led Bush by 15 points. How did that turn out? Yeah, that’s what I thought troll. I bet you also picked UGA to go undefeated.

By GMAN

October 3, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC, would like some Aussie Jack with that whine? The Rev. Wright angle is not only tired but rather sad.

Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures!

By GMAN

October 3, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC, don’t look now but Bush/McCain is going down in flames and your hate is poisoning your soul.

Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s futures!

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

AmVet, Yeah smart guy, but you don’t seem to understand that the ENTIRE country is not going to get veterans type of health care. My wife is a doctor. I’d love for you to tell her that she is a clown. Overpaid? Wow, imagine paying someone who can save your life like that, being overpaid. Educate myself? Sir, I have plenty of education under my belt. I don’t need a left wing nut job, such as yourself, to “educate” me on anything. I can read and discern right from wrong. Also, I love how, in some of your previous postings, bash Mccain, a fellow vet who actually survived prison camps, and yet play holier than thou politics with people who disagree with you. Go sell stupid somewhere else.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC,

Guilt by association doesn’t stand up dude. Not in court, not in the public eye. Why you keep persisting on dwelling on it is beyond me. Maybe it gives you the excuse you need to cover up the real reason you’re not voting for him.

You pointed out that the news about his former pastor was all over the world and yet he still won. Obviously,guilt by association doesn’t cut it.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

hotlanta, Can you imagine Obama getting a call at 3am? He’d be wondering which of the 58 states got attacked. Frightening.

GMAN, Rev Wright angle is old? Yeah, about 20 years old.

Hussein/Biden - Destroying your children’s future.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC,

I voted for Bush in 2004. However,I, like millions of others have learned the error of our ways.

The reason bush won was because of the war. Now that everybody sees what a farce he and his clone McCain is, the same thing will happen this year, only in the opposite direction. Obama will win because of the economy stupid.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Devastator aka Jesse Jackson, So you are calling me a racist? I actually thought you were smarter than that. Guess not. Nice try troglodyte but race tactics don’t work on me. I don’t let losers like you tell me that I am racist because I don’t vote for their preferred candidate. The real reason I am not voting for him is because HE HAS NEVER ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING SIGNIFICANT IN HIS LIFE. If you want to play the race card lets have at it. Wasn’t it B. Hussein Obama who called his grandmother racist? Was it not B. Hussein Obama who’s pastor rants about white people being evil? Your party is the party of racial divide. Why else would your party house the KKK Robert Byrd and the race baiters Sharpton and Jackson? Good luck explaining that one Jesse.

By D

October 3, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

it’s sad that the bar has been set so low by the Republican Party that not completely falling on your face is seen as some kind of victory. ladies I can tell you, no matter how many baby props she uses, I can not see Susan B. Anthony if she were alive today supporting someone like Sarah Palin. her shameless use of the baby as a tool of manipulation for her own personal and selfish gain was lacking integrity. I was surprised she didn’t come out wearing a red, white and blue dress carrying a big cross on her back. and her family is diverse, please! it’s about as diverse as the slices in a loaf of white bread. and why shouldn’t the American people be able to play the blame game when it comes to holding scumbags accountable that have hurt this country? that’s real patriotism, someone who stands against those that bring harm to America. but what isn’t patriotic is blaming those who care about the good of our country. and I for one don’t want an average Joan in the White House as she portrays herself. I want someone that’s a little more than average running the show. someone who’s qualified. McCain is old and is a cancer survivor, too weak in the health dept. for me to want Dan Quayle in a dress to be second in line.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

I never mentioned race.

You keep bringing it up.You brought it up several times to Norman, Obama girl and you keep bringing it up to everyone else who says anything positive about Obama. You also keep overemphasizing his middle name by either leaving his first name or last name out when referring to him to insight fear because of the ethnic background of it.

Practice what you preach hypocrite!

By Bigsky007

October 3, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Personally, I think McCain and Palin should be headed to jail about now. To wit: THE KEATING SIX: McCain obviously learned nothing for his experience with the Keating Six. Knowing that Sarah Palin was under investigation in Alaska, he, in brazen interference with official State of Alaska affairs, asked Palin to be his running mate. With his touted vast experience, McCain exhibiting absolutely no sense of propriety, reminiscent of the Keating affair, dared to inject national politics into the heart of an investigation being conducted by State of Alaska officials.
McCain has any knowledge, whatever, about Alaskan affairs. He hardly knew Palin. Yet, this is what this titan of experience has no compunction about doing to the State of Alaska and this country, which he claims, evidently false, to love so much. There is a minor Iraqi connection. McCain has repeatedly stated that we should to defer to the forces “on the ground” before making any decision about Iraq. Yet, when it comes to Alaska and the authorities there, McCain forgets his own touted principles. Surely, the Alaskan authorities, having “boots on the ground” there, know more, by far, than does John McCain, about their own affairs. How is it that McCain could so easily do to Alaska, ignore their officials, what he is not willing to do to Iraqis? Does he love Iraq more than he loves Alaska except for Palin? McCain went to Alaska and disrupted, interfered with and jeopardized an official State investigation. McCain’s assertion, that there is no substance to the investigation, serves to undermine the powers of the State of Alaska. We are talking aiding and abetting possibilities here. This is the decision-making and judgment of John McCain in action.
The U.S. Senate should investigate the actions of McCain and his staff in Alaskan affairs with a view, if warranted, to censure the Senator. This meddling by McCain in another State’s affairs should not be permitted to stand with impunity. Further, the appointing of a special prosecutor for the purpose of conducting this investigation would be the wisest thing the Senate could do. The lesson to be learned from the Keating Six was lost upon John McCain. He never got it. It’s time someone reintroduce McCain and Palin to the facts of life. This is a country of laws and his using national political power to compromise and kill and official local State investigation is not acceptable now or never. Additionally, McCain’s personal political ambitions do not trump the interests and affairs of the State of Alaska or any other State for that matter. Everyone needs to understand that if McCain became President, this is the mentality that he and Palin will bring to the Oval Office. The laws are for everyone except them. And, we will see further politicization of the justice system. Alberto Gonzales comes to mind. TO THE SENATE OF THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “IN THE NAME OF GOD DO YOUR DUTY”.

By AmVet

October 3, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Mr. McCarthy,

Yes overpaid clowns.

And given her choice of spouses, your wife could well be one of them.

Sadly your “education” has failed you.

And you are, as Jefferson described, “A slave to your own ideas”.

Intransigent and willfully blind. With an amazingly poor and selective memory.

And humorously, with no direct or pertinent experience or knowledge on these topics, you blubber on as if you do.

But OK, but I’ll tie one hand behind my back and fight fair with you chickenhawk.

Show me exactly where I’ve “bashed McCain” in previous posts.

I admire him as one of two Republicans in a position of leadership with ANY demonstrable courage and valor.

As a never-served, never-will chest-pounder you should heed the old adage, “Better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”.

Along with the others here laughing at you, I’ll be waiting for your evidence of those posts and proof of your idiotic claim.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Devastator, The only person on either ticket, who has handled budgets and an actual economy is Palin. Make sense? Obama has never been in charge of anything significant. I don’t give a crap if you voted for Bush in 04. The economy is messed up because of money lending to people who could not afford to buy a house. Who was it that warned us in 04 and 06? That’s right, Bush and Mccain. Who blocked it? The democrat party. I wonder though, libs cry foul at republicans but republicans are not in control of the house and senate. Dems are in control. Or should I say, lack of control because they are stupid people led by Nancy and Harry. Why else would the democrat congress have the lowest approval rating in the history of the country?

By ObamaGirl

October 3, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

CommunistAJC, maybe it is you that needs to understand the printed word. My question was “where” did you see this, and I now add, “see” the words “I hate white people.” Since you were not sitting in the pews when the entire sermon was being given, I doubt that you truly understand what was being said and how. Now, do you understand?

I’ve said it time and time again, it is you, White American Male that refuses to acknowledge that a bi-racial person is both black and white. You call us African Americans.

Bottom line, Palin was a mess and this country deserves better!

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Devastator, Wow, you really are that dumb. Can you not read? I brought up and talked about Obamas racist preacher? Get it? He went to a racist church for 20 years. Any sane person does not go to a church where a pastor preaches hatred like that. Also, I call him Hussien because THAT IS HIS MIDDLE NAME!!!!! Fair game my friend. If you can rail on Palin then I can sure as hell rail on Hussein Obama who thinks we have 58 states. Go sell stupid somewhere else.

PS: Maybe you should have gone to Duke instead of UF.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Commie,

I’m no fan of congress, but the reason their ratings are so low is because America expected them to help bring home the troops when we had the elections in 2006. It was when they failed to stand up to Bush’s war policies that their ratings dropped that low.

Now are you willing to explain why Bush’s approval ratings are the lowest of any president in the history of the country?

By jethro

October 3, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Fools go and come but Barack is the fool that fools all of the fools that vote for him. Israel bombed a Syrian nuclear plant under construction several months ago. The world claims to want to support Obama but in reality, they don’t because they depend on the US for their military security. You can play name games all you want. Barack is dangerous and a liar.

Barack’s associates make him look like a mob associate and people hate George Bush so much that ignorance is in play in this election. Look at William Ayers, Tony Rezko, Frank Raines, Saul Alinskey, ACORN, Fannie Mae-Fredie Mac financial corruption, and tell me this guy doesn’t smell like a rat.

Here are the facts, if Barack is elected in November, expect an Israelie attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Next expect a response from Iran.

Expect another respond from Israel.

Expect Hezbolllah to increase their rocket attacks which the news media refuses to cover.

Expect a mult front war against Israel and the US drawn into this.

Expect Obama to make the wrong decisions.

Expect the justice department if Barack elected and the investigation start to look at his shakey ties with corrupt executives likek Raines, Rezko and Fannie Mae.

Expect businesses and the evil rich to quite spending and move more of the Trilion dollars they already have oversees to more of those destinations.

Expect to poor to get poorer.

Expect the liberals to keep blaming the Republicans for the situation the Democratic congress created with CRA act and other social policies which help cause the financial downfall in the mortgage industry, which caused those evil white contractors that hired the poor to have a job.

Expect many of those white contractors to go bankrupt.

Expect those evil snake handling right wing Christians to continue to pray for all humanity like we do every hour of the day for the evils of liberals and Obama with his trimester abortion support.

By jethro

October 3, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Fools go and come but Barack is the fool that fools all of the fools that vote for him. Israel bombed a Syrian nuclear plant under construction several months ago. The world claims to want to support Obama but in reality, they don’t because they depend on the US for their military security. You can play name games all you want. Barack is dangerous and a liar.

Barack’s associates make him look like a mob associate and people hate George Bush so much that ignorance is in play in this election. Look at William Ayers, Tony Rezko, Frank Raines, Saul Alinskey, ACORN, Fannie Mae-Fredie Mac financial corruption, and tell me this guy doesn’t smell like a rat.

Here are the facts, if Barack is elected in November, expect an Israelie attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Next expect a response from Iran.

Expect another respond from Israel.

Expect Hezbolllah to increase their rocket attacks which the news media refuses to cover.

Expect a mult front war against Israel and the US drawn into this.

Expect Obama to make the wrong decisions.

Expect the justice department if Barack elected and the investigation start to look at his shakey ties with corrupt executives likek Raines, Rezko and Fannie Mae.

Expect businesses and the evil rich to quite spending and move more of the Trilion dollars they already have oversees to more of those destinations.

Expect to poor to get poorer.

Expect the liberals to keep blaming the Republicans for the situation the Democratic congress created with CRA act and other social policies which help cause the financial downfall in the mortgage industry, which caused those evil white contractors that hired the poor to have a job.

Expect many of those white contractors to go bankrupt.

Expect those evil snake handling right wing Christians to continue to pray for all humanity like we do every hour of the day for the evils of liberals and Obama with his trimester abortion support.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

In January 2007, Obama and Senator Feingold introduced a corporate jet provision to the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, which was signed into law in September 2007.[65] He introduced Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act, a bill to criminalize deceptive practices in federal elections.[66] Obama also introduced the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007.[67]

On June 3, 2008, Senator Obama, along with Senators Thomas R. Carper, Tom Coburn, and John McCain, introduced follow-up legislation: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008.

United States Subcomittee on Foreign Relations:

The subcommittee is chaired by Democrat Barack Obama of Illinois, and the Ranking Minority member is Republican Jim DeMint of South Carolina. The subcommittee has not met since the appointment of Senator Obama as chairman, because Senator Joe Biden, chairman of the full Foreign Relations committee, has been holding those hearings himself.[1

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

AmVet, Previous posts as in OTHER BLOGS FROM THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. Clown? No not so much my friend. We’re both educated people and she choose well. She’d be happy to tell you so. As for overpaid, nope, not at all. She, and many other doctors, are well paid for good reason.

ObamaGirl, Stop drinking the dailykos koolaid. Do your own research and you’ll see the truth.

Devastator, THE TROOPS ARE NOT COMING HOME. AMERICA DOES NOT WANT ANOTHER DEFEAT LIKE VIETNAM. OBAMA, NOR BIDEN, NOR HILLARY WOULD BRING THE TROOPS HOME.

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

You over emphasize his name you don’t just call him by that!! BARACK IS HIS FIRST NAME but you avoid it pig.

As i said before, practice what you preach.

By JohnnyComeLately

October 3, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

In the really big picture, none of this bickering and arguing means, and accomplishes, nothing. We’re all so busy calling each other ignorant, retarded, etc., we fail to see that it’s our entire government that’s failed us. You can’t blame one party or the other because BOTH are responsible for the problems we now face.

I’m not talking about supporting Bob Barr or Ron Paul, either. I’m just tired of our only choices being between the lesser of 2 evils, as we’ve had to endure the last 4 elections.

We should all be smart enough to KNOW, that whovever is elected, in the end, he will be nothing more than the same old, same old. Kinda of sad we’ve come to this.

By AmVet

October 3, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

McCarthyite,

Then provide these OTHER BLOGS FROM THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS, coward.

It is really a simple request.

But we all know you never will. They don’t exist, fool.

We’re both educated people and she choose well.

Best line of the day, Mr. ESL!

By Bo Chambliss LOBBYIST

October 3, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Saxby Delivers—-For Lobbyist

Top 10 Tax Sweeteners in the Bailout Bill Categories: Federal Budget, Headlines By TCS Tags: bailout Pub Date: Oct 03, 2008

The following are some of the top tax sweeteners in the Senate passed Bailout Bill. Not all the provisions are per se outrageous, but collectively are intended to help Congressional leadership get final passage of the 2008 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.

Sec. 503. Exemption from excise tax for certain wooden arrows designed for use by children

Current law places an excise tax of 39 cents on the first sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any shaft of a type used to produce certain types of arrows. This proposal would exempt from the excise tax any shaft consisting of all natural wood with no laminations or artificial means to enhance the spine of the shaft used in the manufacture of an arrow that measures 5/16 of an inch or less and is unsuited for use with a bow with a peak draw weight of 30 pounds or more. The proposal is effective for shafts first sold after the date of enactment. The estimated cost of the proposal is $2 million over ten years, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

The Oregon senators were the initial sponsors of the provisions. According to Bloomberg News, the provision would be worth $200,000 to Rose City Archery in Myrtle Point, Oregon.

Sec. 317. Seven-year cost recovery period for motorsports racing track facility

Track owners want to be able write-off the cost of their facilities on their taxes over seven years - a depreciation timetable many of them have used for decades. But the IRS has wanted to stretch it to at least 15 years and has raised questions whether the increasingly popular tracks really belong in the same tax category as amusement parks.

Auto track owners are simply trying to get out of paying more taxes - which they’d have to do if they deducted less every year. These owners have gotten plenty of tax breaks over the years from states and localities eager to get speedways. The provision would be extended 2 years till the end of 2009 and would cost $100 million. The provision encompasses all facilities including grandstands, parking lots and concession stands.

Sec. 308. Increase in limit on cover over of rum excise tax to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Extends until December 31, 2009 a rebate against excise taxes charged on rum imported from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. A $13.50 per proof gallon excise tax is applied to distilled spirits imported to the U.S. Under this provision a $13.25 rebate is returned to PR and the VI, and is retroactive back to January 1, 2008. Permanent law sets the rebate at $10.50 per proof gallon, but the PR and VI provisions have generally been in place since the first Clinton Administration. The most recent extension of the $13.50 rebate expired January 1, 2008. Cost is $192 million.

Sec. 301. Extension and modification of research credit

The legislation reestablishes and extends the lucrative tax credit for companies doing research and experimentation in the United States. Companies that have benefited from this provision include Microsoft Corp., Boeing Co., United Technologies Corp., Electronic Data Systems Corp. and Harley-Davidson. The two-year extension is estimated to cost $19 billion.

Sec. 504. Income averaging for amounts received in connection with the Exxon Valdez litigation The bailout bill would give a tax break to Exxon Valdez plaintiffs, allowing them to average out their punitive damages awards over three years rather than suffer a one-time tax hit from the Internal Revenue Service, as well as other provisions. Rep. Don Young (R-AK) is a big supporter of this provision. Cost is estimated at $49 million.

Sec. 601. Secure rural schools and community self-determination program. Secure Rural Schools lead sponsors Reps. DeFazio (D-OR), Bill Sali (R-ID); Sens. Wyden (D-OR), Larry Craig (R-ID), are major boosters of this program that expired in 2006. In 1908 the federal government agreed to share logging revenue from Forest Service land with neighboring communities that could not tax the land because it was federal. As logging declined in the 1990s, the “county payments” program was initiated in 2000 to directly provide federal funding, more than half going to Oregon, to deal with the loss of revenue. The original version of this provision was introduced as a bill in early 2007 and was estimated to cost $2.2 billion when the OR and ID delegations came to agreement. To give the package more heft, Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) was added to the package, bringing the total cost to $3.3 billion. PILT provides more general funding to counties for federal lands located within their borders. Sen. Reid (D-NV) talked about the PILT program being one of the important elements of the package when the Senate passed the bailout bill.

Sec. 201. Deduction for state and local sales taxes

Allows residents of states that don’t pay income tax to deduct, from their federal taxes, sales tax paid over the course of the year. States that benefit include Texas, Nevada, Florida, Washington and Wyoming. The bailout bill extends this provision for 2 years at a cost of $3.3 billion.

Sec 502. Provisions related to film and television productions

In an effort to keep film and television productions in the U.S, they would be eligible for a tax incentive program. Under this program, the cost of production of qualifying films would be permitted to be immediately expensed — that is, fully deducted from income for tax purposes — in the year the expenditures occur. This provision also makes permanent other favorable tax treatments for production. Historically Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA) has been a supporter (dating from its creation in the 2004 corporate tax bill). The cost is estimated at $478 million over 10 years.

Sec. 325. Extension and modification of duty suspension on wool products; wool research fund; wool duty refunds The tariff relief (duty savings) is intended to benefit U.S. worsted wool fabric producers that use imported fibers and yarns as inputs, as well as U.S. tailored clothing manufacturers that use imported fabrics as inputs. This provision was originally introduced as a bill in December 2007 by Reps. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Melissa Bean (D-IL). It extends current law provisions until 12/31/14, and in some cases to12/31/15. The 2010 to 2015 cost is estimated to be $148 million.

Sec. 309. Extension of economic development credit for American Samoa

This extends by two years a previously approved tax credit, the American Samoa economic development credit. In general, this credit allows certain corporations operating in American Samoa a tax credit. The possessions tax credit allows these corporations to offset a portion of their U.S. tax liability on income earned in American Samoa from active business operations, sales of assets used in a business, or certain investments in American Samoa. The cost is $33 million, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

By SANE SAM

October 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Five enemies of all Republicans and Democrats: 1. Truth 2. Facts 3.Logic 4. Intelligence 5. Justice…Ralph Nader for president. Forget the Republicans and Democrats who are working diligently at destoying this country. The Republicans are dumb as a sack of hammers. The Democrats are spineless. Other than that, they are wonderful people. RALPH NADER FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!

By Devastator

October 3, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Oct. 3 (Bloomberg) — The country got smaller for John McCain yesterday.

His campaign said that it is effectively ceding Michigan and its 17 electoral votes to Barack Obama.

Pennsylvania was another, and that state, too, is looking more challenging. More Clinton Democrats are moving to Obama, as are more independents and more women,'' said G. Terry Madonna, professor of public affairs and director of the Franklin & Marshall College poll that now shows Obama with a 7 percentage- point advantage.There is a fundamental shift in his favor.”

The race at this point is less of a national contest and more of a battle for individual states, prompting a shifting of resources and a redrawing of victory plans, analysts say.

Operations will be scaled back'' in Michigan, McCain political director Mike DuHaime said on a conference call with reporters yesterday. While he said the campaign won't completely abandon the state,some staff and other resources will move” to Maine, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Obama was in Michigan yesterday, where he campaigned for the second time in Grand Rapids, a Republican stronghold in a state that has gone for the Democratic candidate in the last four presidential elections.

The economy is a major issue in Michigan, the center of the U.S. auto industry and the state with the U.S.’s highest unemployment rate, 8.9 percent. In the past year, Michigan has lost 40,000 manufacturing jobs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“I’m running for president to make sure the cars of the future are made in the same place they’ve always been made, right here in Michigan,” Obama said in Grand Rapids.

The auto industry, already hobbled by higher gasoline prices, has been hit by the credit crunch that has roiled financial markets. U.S. auto sales tumbled 27 percent in September, the steepest monthly slide since 1991.

Obama leads in Michigan with support from 49 percent of voters, compared with 44 percent for McCain, according to an analysis of the most-recent polls compiled by Pollster.com. All but one of those surveys were conducted before the first debate between Obama and McCain and the congressional negotiations over the financial-markets rescue plan.

Duhaime said the McCain campaign isn’t planning any more advertising in Michigan. They will monitor polls in the state and be ready to “re-engage” if the political climate changes.

McCain senior adviser Greg Strimple called Michigan the worst state of all the states that are in play'' for the Republican campaign.It’s an obvious one from my perspective to come off the list,” he said on the conference call.

By Locke

October 3, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Both candidates performed well last night. Not as much sniping as I would have expected.

Just couldn’t stop looking at Biden’s Botox forehead.

By D

October 3, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

anybody that think oil is the answer is part of the problem. we should use the oil we have, but supporting the oil companies that have done so much harm to America is just unpatriotic. the most patriotic people we have in this county today are the ones that truly realize that green technology and renewable engergies are the way. we should be samrt about nuclear energy and we should be smart about using oil. but if you truly care about our children’s future we need to be smart about the future not one-sided. and as Jack Handy said, I am not in agreement with Sarah Palin about our children’s children, because I don’t think kids should be having sex. but obviously she doesn’t care. with her family dropping their pants every time the wind blows. morals are only words to her, the actions of her slutty daughter proves that.

By D

October 3, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

anybody that think oil is the answer is part of the problem. we should use the oil we have, but supporting the oil companies that have done so much harm to America is just unpatriotic. the most patriotic people we have in this county today are the ones that truly realize that green technology and renewable engergies are the way. we should be samrt about nuclear energy and we should be smart about using oil. but if you truly care about our children’s future we need to be smart about the future not one-sided. and as Jack Handy said, I am not in agreement with Sarah Palin about our children’s children, because I don’t think kids should be having sex. but obviously she doesn’t care. with her family dropping their pants every time the wind blows. morals are only words to her, the actions of her slutty daughter proves that.

By Ricardo

October 3, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

My favorite moment is when Palin referred to Obama and O’Biden. I was offended when Palin blamed the ‘toxic mess on Main street causing the mess on Wall street’.

Face it folks, the McCain campaign is starting to resemble a Spinal Tap concert tour - We’re pulling out of Michigan, don’t worry, it isn’t a blue collar state. Dropping out of Florida, not enough senior citizens. Sorry, no Ohio, not a rock and roll state.

By FACTS1

October 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Thought you might like to read the following: A little over one year ago: 1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high; 2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon; 3) The unemployment rate was 4.5%. Since voting in a Democratic Congress in 2006 we have seen: 1) Consumer confidence plummet; 2) The cost of regular gasoline soar to over $4.10 a gallon; 3) Unemployment is up to 5% (a 10% increase); 4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value evaporate (stock and mutual fund losses); 5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion dollars; 6) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure. 7) Food prices skyrocketing over 30% in 1 year. America voted for change in 2006, and we got it! Remember, it is Congress that makes the laws and spends our money -not the President. He has to work with what’s handed to him.

By so what?!?!?

October 3, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Well, it is only a few more weeks and the fat lady will have sung…and I hope that all the unnecessarily caustic comments and retorts do not send any tormented souls to hades…it is a political process…not a feud of warring nations…and btw, yes Palin did better than most ppl expected…granted, I think she more fluidly articulated on issues with which she had a more intimate knowledge and understanding…and although she did not falter, her voice registry changed greatly when she articulated on issues that were less intimately familiar to her knowledge base…happens…but her crash courses served her well enough under the circumstances…it was a political debate…they debated…nuff said.

By SANE SAM

October 3, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

The Debate, No Big Deal. It’s common to observe human beings lie, dodge the truth, dodge questions, minimize the importance of facts, if not make every attempt to ignore them altogether, share the insanity of their nonsense with others, and do it all with utmost composure. Democrats and Republicans are well-trained at this. The American voting public is addicted to this lunacy. Vote for Ralph Nader, the real winner in any debate. Both of these political parties are such moral cowards in avoiding Mr. Nader. If his voice received as much amplification as these other candidates, he would win by a landslide. Why? Because he makes sense. They don’t. These two parties have the money and power to afford something that Ralph Nader does not have….a voice that is heard. Who decides what the threshhold for a legitimate candidacy is? Reason and logic are not a serious part of American culture. Why? Because it takes too much mental effort to make a sensible choice! These two parties are 100% responsible for our government’s calamity and yet the doting public sends these charlatans back to office as if some evil alien monster from outer space created this gigantic mess.

By Cal

October 3, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Facts1, I appreciate those figures.

Palin won the debate easily. Biden came across as a politician, spewing facts that were wrong and boring. Palin came across as an American, down to earth person.

Seeing the figures above, I think the country needs some fresh new blood in Washington to wake up the politicians to seeing that we are not happy with them, any of them.

By FACTS

October 3, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

I apologize if this finally shows multiple times. I was having trouble getting it to post I believe because of the imbedded links that support the stats…I will try one last time here and delete the world wide web prefix, maybe that will clear the filter:

You think the war in Iraq is costing us too much? Read this: Boy, am I confused. I have been hammered with the propaganda that it is the Iraq war and the war on terror that is bankrupting us. I now find that to be RIDICULOUS. Read on…

I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again until they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them. I have included the URL’s for verification of all the following facts.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Palin came across as an American, down to earth person.

Down to Earth and without a clue! Dumber than a doorknob and shoutin’ out to some third graders. Nothing wrong with that but her performance was abysmal. The McLame campaign is awful. And defeated!

By Sarah P.

October 3, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

facts1 you are playing the blame game, that’s wimpy, that’s liberal, that’s not patriotic and that’s not a Republican value! a real man takes responsibility for his actions and doesn’t play the blame game. it obvious to everyone that the Republicans, George Bush and Dick Cheney are the ones responsible for this whole mess we’re in. you put an oil man in the White House and America will get screwed ecverytime. now take responsibility for your mistakes and stop cowardly blaming others.

By ncgreybr

October 3, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I understand the AJC has contacted the APD to see if they can locate the person who hacked into their computer system and wrote this column under Jim Wooten’s name!

Did Wooten actually tell it like it really is? WOW! There is a first time for everything!

I agree with ‘tomhere’ (7:20) that Biden could have ripped Palen apart several times but didn’t. That shows class…something Palen is severely lacking. (Oh, heck!)

I also agree with ‘hotlanta’ that Palin acted more like a waitress (at the Waffle House no less) than a VP candidate with all the winks and smiles.

The problem is that all those smiles and winks were meant to cover up the fact that Palin is just Dick Cheney wearing lipstick. (Scarey!) My Golden Retreiver is smarter than their pit bull with lipstick!

We have had a loose cannon Maverick (if I hear that term one more time, I’ll barf!) in the White House for the last 7 years. Do we need 2 of them in there again?

By SANE SAM

October 3, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Why are Republicans and Democrats such doting fools? John McCain and Sarah Palin do not have the mental acuity to successfully manage a government with the size and scope of the United States. John McCain, while he was patriotically screwing around as a student at the Naval academy and being perfunctorily assigned to a fighter aircraft squadron (though mentally unqualified) and with utmost patriotic duty, ignoring the important details of flight in his flight manual, and while patriotically involving himself in a Savings and Loan scandal, and patriotically supporting a fool’s errand for George W. Bush in the unnecessary and wreckless adventure into Iraq, insists he always puts his country first. It seems the facts indicate that he always puts his country …..dead last. He was a war victim possibly because he was an incompetant pilot (careless and wreckless). He certainly was no hero by reasonable standards. Who did he save? nobody. He credits himself as a hero because he refused to go home before Pow’s who were captured before him, but this is military protocol. He wants to be a hero for following military protocol. He loves to maximize his victim status with the exageration that he is a hero. Republicans are such serial exagerators and when it cannot be further exagerated , they simply lie… That is there MO. Democrats are cheezy, spineless creatures who were forlornly born with no backbone. They never challenge the ‘serial exagerators’ and oft-time liars of the Rebublican party. It is very difficult to determine which is the most pathetic. Vote for a real man, who does not exagerate ….or lie for anyone, especially for himself. Vote for Ralph Nader!!

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Wooten did you feel a tingle when she said I have only been on the job 5 weeks so I can’t answer that question. Her family had on so many flag pins I thought that it was the 4th of July.

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Wooten did you feel a tingle when she said I have only been on the job 5 weeks so I can’t answer that question. Her family had on so many flag pins I thought that it was the 4th of July.

By FACTS

October 3, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Facts are facts SARAH…no one is playing a blame game…this is no game it is life and life is about personal repsonsibility and accountability..lib dems are always looking for drama and hand outs and when faced with facts like..don’t want to lose your house…buy one you can afford and pay for it! Read and weep my dear…it is what it is.

By atlsitcom

October 3, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Im glad I was at the Lewis Black show last night at the Fabulous Fox Theater, he put on a great show, He needs to run for President

By Timus, Powder Springs, GA

October 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Palin was REAL!! REALly rehersed! REALly out of her league! REALly pathetic!!!

How could anyone want this lady to potentially be President as early as next year boggles my mind!!!

By Common Sense

October 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

I guess Governor Palin stating she has a child going to college and the at pipeline that has not been approve by the Alaska Government is the truth.

How many times can you skip the questions asked and go straight to energy talks?

How many times can you call yourself a maverick?

To Commu:

You need to relax, you are going to have a heart attack!

Why so much hate Americans? The people will vote for the person they believe will best serve their interests!

By Vonnie

October 3, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten, I am completely aghast that you thought Biden won and that Sarah missed the mark. However, I respect your opinion and must say I have to look at you with new respect. That’s all I want is for people to be honest. It’s not about gotcha and I think Gwen did a good job in not influencing this debate. She asked good questions, but I do wish she would have insisted that both candidates answer her questions. Both candidates skirted around her questions a bit. Sarah at least did not look like a bimbo, and I have to admit that this is a new arena for her. She has shown that she can be a quick study. I enjoyed watching the debate and thought both candidates did a good job.

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Sarah the great white hope is really the great white dope. SNL is gonna be really funny this weekend.

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Sarah the great white hope is really the great white dope. SNL is gonna be really funny this weekend.

By Love Reagan

October 3, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Sarah’s big problem was she was trying to support a cooked spaghetti noodle. No way was she going to be able to hold it upright all night. Dump McCaint.

By Left Nuts

October 3, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Fact: The oversight on Fanny and Freddy were removed during Clinton’s time in office

Fact: McCain tried to reinstate those oversights in 2006 but it was killed by the New Congress.

Fact: The financial meltdown rests solely at the feet of the left.

The old saying is still oh so true, Ignorance is Bliss. The left prove it every day.

McCain Palin 08

By Marnie McMasters

October 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Devastator smells so bad when she drives past chicken farms, the hens complain.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

The old saying is still oh so true, Ignorance is Bliss.

How would you know?

By Matty

October 3, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

It’s interesting that some are saying that the governor won the debate - “in light of the standard she set for herself since the convention.” That’s not a win, folks. That’s just sad. I’m not voting for either party!

By D.S. Brown

October 3, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

blog.2rulesof3.com

I have to agree with Hotlanta. I said the very same thing halfway through the debate. SNL is going to be positively hilarious.

People, here’s the bottom line: Right, Left, or Independent, we should desire to have Critical Thinkers as our leaders. Ideally, we should strive to be individuals that can vote for people we don’t even like … because we know they will be better for us, our families, and our country. In an ever-increasingly complex world, our elections should no longer be popularity contests.

Honestly, and I think you all will have to agree, Palin is a very likable person (I do like her), but she doesn’t even make it to the low-water mark in qualifications for high office. She governs a state with about a quarter-million more people than the city of Atlanta. Not to make light of her load, but you should consider the comparison as part of your Critical Thinking exercise. She’s not qualified. I’m sorry, but it’s the truth. Come on, people.

blog.2rulesof3.com

By ron

October 3, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Ragnar—-It’s over,they passed it.We are now so far in debt we’ll never see daylight again.Any bet as to when they’ll be back for more?

By Tom

October 3, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it, but I saw nothing from governor Palin last night. She was vague and just repeated herself… didn’t answer any of the questions. I think she should stay local - that’s where her strength is. I really believe she’s not cut out for politics at the national level.

By Andrea

October 3, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I heard that Queen Latifa will be playing moderator Gwen Ifill on SNL.

LOL

By Bemused Humanist

October 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

So what do you think the over/under is for Obama’s final Electoral Vote count? Remember, you are attempting to divide the money wagered in half. Here is a site to help your calculations

My best estimate is 319 right now. Anyone else?

— B.H.

By GayGrayGeek

October 3, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Left Nuts @ 2:17 -

Fact: The Republicans controlled both the Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. Government for 6 of the past 8 years.

Fact: At any time in those 6 years, the Republicans COULD have reinstated oversight of Fannie and Freddie at any time.

Fact: The Republicans in control decided that “free market capitalism” was more important than prudent oversight.

Fact: The Republicans totally, utterly failed their country.

Fact: The financial meltdown lays solely at the feet of the Republicans and their supporters in the “Business Community”.

Fact: You are neither Left nor Right. You’re simply Nuts.

By Kindergarten Teacher

October 3, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

No way can anyone argue that Palin won the debate last night. It would be hard to argue that Biden “won” either. Their job was to argue their case for being part of the better team which will lead us for the next four years. If you are a staunch Republican or Democrat you’ll likely feel that your person won simply because neither candidate made an obvious gaffe. Looking at the debate objectively, you ought to consider which person answered the questions clearly and convincingly. For me, that was Senator Biden. I don’t know if that makes him the victor of the evening - just the better debater.

By chris

October 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Over the last several elections I have heard many people on both sides lament that we need a shake up in Washington. Someone who isn’t so entrenched in the same ole same ole. Low and behold someone who fits that bill to a T, and well, she just doesn’t have enough experience in Washington seems to be all I hear.

The only side bringing anything new to the table is the side I will vote for. It doesnt bother me in the least she doesn’t have the “national political experience”. In fact it encourages me greatly.

By - Joe

October 3, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Not happy at all with Palin. Does McCain take the American public for granted? Something is wrong with his judgement if this is the best candidate for his ticket.

My prediction: Obama gets 283 electoral votes.

By Common Sense

October 3, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Can someone please tell me why Mccomedy is being called experience?

What is he experience to do? Except for being pals with Mr. Keating who cause the first major banking crisis!

McStupid is experience at noting te Iraq war would not last, the Kurds, Sunnis and Shia get along just find!

McSilly is experience at the economy, McEconomist suspended his campaign, talked with the House of Representatives which they voted no and the markets went spiraling down.

The minute McFinancial wizard got involved I immediately sold all my stocks!

By Jake

October 3, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Chris - I could care less whether she has national political experience also. But I do care that she seems less informed about issues than I am (granted, I am a political junkie). She’s a mom… a nice one from the way it appears. She happened to make her way to the top of the Alaskan political scene. However, she does not appear to be equipped - between the ears - for anything more. Frankly, I was embarrassed for her responses to questions in the media and was again last night.

By Jean

October 3, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Next debate I want someone to ask McCain “If you and all the other Republicans predicted this financial crisis and Bush knew about this 2-4 years ago AND you couldn’t stop Barney Frank & crowd, how are you going to do it now?” I’m still undecided and really want to know the answer.

By mix

October 3, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

how sneaky and sad was that when palin asked biden if she could call him joe, as if she was being polite and respectful, just so she could try to slame him later with the folksy reaganesque ‘there you go, joe’ ‘playing the blame game’. got news for ya, this country’s in trouble, and you right i’m gonna be playing the blame game on the people who have done so much to hurt this great country. i wouldn’t be a good a american if i just sat around and watched people harm america and then do nothing. and how hypocritical for republicans of all people to blame others for blaming others, it’s their biggest tactic. they know they have nothing to build themselve’s up based on merit so they must invalidate, discredit and tear down others to level the playing field. it’s totally un-american behavior. john wayne would never act that way, he didn’t have to and neither did our country before reagan arrived. and up yours to anybody that wants to critique my text!

By Common Sense

October 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Can Mr. Facts please let us know what bills the Congress of 2006 passed that currently has an effect on today’s economy?

The 2 wars we are in!

The 2 million or more homes in foreclosure!

The 700,000 plus new umemployed workers this year!

The 700 billion dollar financial bail-out package!

Please Mr. facts-1 please tell us what measures was passed by the 2006 Congress.

By Matty

October 3, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Jean, stop Barney Frank and crowd…. from doing what?? For 6 years Bush had his crowd as the majority in congress. There has been a CONSERVATIVE Fed. Chairman since before Bush… Republicans have allowed industries complete free reign by never failing to repeal a regulation on any industry, not to mention how they gutted CONSUMER PROTECTION agencies by turning them over to those they regulate. It’s time for them to stop blaming others and take responsibility!

By Mark

October 3, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Wise granny is grabbing for straws in regards to her remarks about Palin’s baby. Just looking for something to blame Palin for. If Obama wins the presidency, there will be a lot of finger pointing with quite a few voices saying “I told you so” !!! America needs to wake up, and wake up very fast !

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

You’re right Mark. America needs to wake up and kick the Republinazis out of government. They’ve ruined the nation!

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I wonder what will be the rage in Halloween outfits this year. I wonder if all of those women who are trying to look like Sarah Palin will change their look by this weekend after the Couric interviews. I still have not hear a peep from PUMA since the debate

By hotlanta

October 3, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I wonder what will be the rage in Halloween outfits this year. I wonder if all of those women who are trying to look like Sarah Palin will change their look by this weekend after the Couric interviews. I still have not hear a peep from PUMA since the debate

By Larry Moe and Curly

October 3, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Mark - Get with it. America has already woken up… they’re saying - fairly loudly - NO to Bush and his ilk! And as for Palin’s baby… does it already have those nerdy glasses…you know the ones not-so-smart people wear to try to make themselves APPEAR smart?

By g

October 3, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Were my wife and I the only ones to walk away thinking, could Palin sound more like a robot. I know the fascist support pumped her to give canned answers but please, she couldn’t even answer half the questions, I guess the support only guessed right 50% of the time. To be trying so hard to be “one of us regular folks” she has no ideas on matters us “normals” are dealing with, unemployment, foreclosure, bankruptcy, I guess they don’t talk about that at soccer Mom meets. Hockey Moms must just rely on the Hockey Dad for all the worldly concerns past the right supersized SUV and every move their overpriviliged hell kids make.

By SeriousSam

October 3, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Thankfully, there will be no more vice-presidential debates. It is excrutiatingly painful to listen to such mountains of nonsense from this woman. Everyone already knows that Sarah Palin is not fit for any kind of public office. Even Republicans, who wearily give her their perfunctory support and offer the kindness of lies in their obvious faux support of her are fading. John McCain’s judgement in choosing Sarah Palin as a vice-presidential running mate unequivocally precludes him as a qualified candidate for the office of the Presidency of the United States of America. Her vacuous mind is perfectly unfit for any public office; Alaskans are exceedingly, no…excessively generous when it comes to evaluating executive fitness.

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Common Sense, Heart attack? I know that would make you happy. People will vote for whoever P Diddy tells them to vote for. That’s the problem with this country. No one knows that history repeats itself.

Obama=Jimma Carta.

By Jenn

October 3, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Thank you for the honest review of her performance. It’s a refreshing change from other conservative pundits.

By SeriousSam

October 3, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Philosophical Questions: Why are Republicans so dumb? Why are Democrats so sleazy and spineless? Why do the American voters return these embiciles to office with such permanent regularity Why are there so few intelligent Americans….ones who are smart enough to vote for a candidate who represents neither of these two completely worthless parties?

By REALLY SMAAAT!

October 3, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Communist AJC… Obama=Jimma Carta, eh? YOU REALLY SMAAAAT! YOU SOUND LIKE ONE OF THEM THAR RED-NECKS FROM THE BOONIES… YOU FLY YOUR NAZI or STAAAS AND BAAAS FLAG OVER YOUR DOUBLE-WIDE? HERE’S SOME HISTORY FOR YOU: HOOVER=BUSH You really showed da viewers on dis page sompin wit your witty comment!

By REALLY SMAAAT!

October 3, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Communist AJC… Obama=Jimma Carta, eh? YOU REALLY SMAAAAT! YOU SOUND LIKE ONE OF THEM THAR RED-NECKS FROM THE BOONIES… YOU FLY YOUR NAZI or STAAAS AND BAAAS FLAG OVER YOUR DOUBLE-WIDE? HERE’S SOME HISTORY FOR YOU: HOOVER=BUSH You really showed da viewers on dis page sompin wit your witty comment!

By Common Sense

October 3, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

To CommunistAJC:

What does Bush/cheney= disaster!

To all conservatives: Lying is really o.k. as long as you get away with it! Is that you motto?

PALIN: “Barack Obama even supported increasing taxes as late as last year for those families making only $42,000 a year.”

BIDEN: “The charge is absolutely not true. Barack Obama did not vote to raise taxes. The vote she’s referring to, John McCain voted the exact same way.”

THE FACTS: The vote was on a nonbinding budget resolution that assumed that President Bush’s tax cuts would expire, as scheduled, in 2011. If that actually happened, it could mean higher taxes for people making as little as about $42,000. But Obama is proposing tax increases only on the wealthy, and would cut taxes for most others. In the March 14 budget resolution supported by Obama and Biden, McCain actually did not vote.

PALIN: Said Alaska is “building a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipeline, which is North America’s largest and most expensive infrastructure project ever to flow those sources of energy into hungry markets.”

THE FACTS: Not quite. Construction is at least six years away. So far the state has only awarded a license to Trans Canada Corp., that comes with $500 million in seed money in exchange for commitments toward a lengthy and costly process to getting a federal certificate. At an August news conference after the state Legislature approved the license, Palin said, “It’s not a done deal.”

By Think,Sam

October 3, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

SeriousSam, I have a feeling the answer to your question: why do people vote for the Dems or Reps is because…. we have a TWO-PARTY SYSTEM IN THIS COUNTRY! I believe we haven’t migrated to a parliamentary system yet. Do you mind checking on that for me though?

By SeriousSam

October 3, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

A CONVERSATION WITH SARAH PALIN: Interviewer:”What’s you favorite flavor of icecream?” Sarah Palin: ” My dad was a school teacher!” Interviewer:” What did your dad teach?” Sarah Palin: “We’re going on vacation next week!” Interviewer: “Where are you going?” Sarah Palin: “My son joined the United States Army!” Inteviewer: ” Governor Palin, Do you ever answer the question that is asked of you?” Sarah Palin: “I always say what I want to say; pertenance is irrelevant!”

By CommunistAJC

October 3, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Common Sense, Hussien/Biden = Socialism, disaster, nuked america, and JIMMY CARTER part two.

By D.S. Brown

October 3, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

BLOG.2RULESOF3.COM.

Obviously, we’re all lacking Critical Thinking skills. We appear to be degenerating. Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised, considering where I’m posting. THINK, SERIOUS, AND COMMUNIST, please, please take it up a level.

BLOG.2RULESOF3.COM.

By SeriousSam

October 3, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Philosophical question: Why is Think,Sam the same kind of moral coward that the Dems and Reps are? Why is the world destined to contend with such low IQ individuals. Can Think,Sam qualify for gene therapy to improve his IQ under his ‘adopted 2-party system of socialism? What are the chances that low IQ Think,Sam can read and actually comprehend this blog. (Special help on this question for low IQ Think,Sam)(for low IQ Think, Sam ..only) THE ANSWER IS THAT LOW IQ TS, LIKE ALL DEMS AND REPS CANT’T COMPREHEND THE QUESTION AND THE CHANCES OF HIM COMPREHENDING THIS BLOG IS ZERO.

By GMAN

October 3, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

CommunistAJC, you are a pitiful human being. I personally fel sorry for you. The hate that flows through your veins will eventually destroy you.

Bush/McCain - Gambling with your children’s future!

By Steve

October 3, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

MCCAIN/PALIN have my vote.

Obama:

-Bad character/judgement - Wright and Ayers -Increased taxes -Universal healthcare -Less experience than Sarah Palin -Minimal foreign policy experience -Sleazy campaign by a sleazeball

I am voting for a war heroand a down to earth nonpolitician.

By Common Sense

October 3, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

To Steve:

A war hero who lies about the competition and lies about his running partner!

I see you value honesty!

BIDEN: Warned that Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s $5,000 tax credit to help families buy health coverage “will go straight to the insurance company.”

THE FACTS: Of course it would, because it’s meant to pay for insurance. That’s like saying money for a car loan will go straight to the car dealer.

PALIN: “Two years ago, remember, it was John McCain who pushed so hard with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform measures. He sounded that warning bell.”

THE FACTS: Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska led an effort in 2005 to tighten regulation on the mortgage underwriters — McCain joined as a co-sponsor a year later. The legislation was never taken up by the full Senate, then under Republican control.

By tiff

October 3, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

It was fun at work today, to see all the republicans that were mad as heck. They know Biden sealed the deal for him and Obama last night. Palin was cutesie but that won’t pay off this deficit and it sure as heck won’t get our economy back on track. I think America is getting it now. They are really understanding that this election is about the issues, not where they can get a pair of glasses that look like Palin’s. Intelligent Americans are not concerned about where she gets all those God awful black and brown outfits, or how her pregnant under-age teenage daughter gets her booze. Or why that little girl is posted all over the internet spit-shining baby Trig’s hair. In November we are going to the polls to elect OBAMA/BIDEN as president and vice president of the United States of America. They always put their spin on everything, to convince their base they may actually have a chance. The spin is not working, because all the republicans are fit to be tied.

By tiff

October 3, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

It was fun at work today, to see all the republicans that were mad as heck. They know Biden sealed the deal for him and Obama last night. Palin was cutesie but that won’t pay off this deficit and it sure as heck won’t get our economy back on track. I think America is getting it now. They are really understanding that this election is about the issues, not where they can get a pair of glasses that look like Palin’s. Intelligent Americans are not concerned about where she gets all those God awful black and brown outfits, or how her pregnant under-age teenage daughter gets her booze. Or why that little girl is posted all over the internet spit-shining baby Trig’s hair. In November we are going to the polls to elect OBAMA/BIDEN as president and vice president of the United States of America. They always put their spin on everything, to convince their base they may actually have a chance. The spin is not working, because all the republicans are fit to be tied.

By SeriousSam

October 3, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

President Obama will have his way with both houses being Dems. It is probably that he will appoint two supreme court judges, maybe three, before his eight years are up. By then, America will be ready to vote for Ralph Nader. The Republican manner of government went out of fashion first, soon to be followed by the Democrats. The new parties will be the Libertarians and Independents. So long Reps and Dems!!!

By SANE SAM

October 3, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

I kind of feel sorry for the Republicans because they seem condemned with a permanent pool of small minds. Both the candidates and the people who support the party are doomed by low IQ personnel. They hold fast to tenets of religion that they loathe to keep, but do so out of showmanship and phony morals. As limited as their intellectual acuity may be, even they don’t believe most of the things they espouse to the world because nobody can be that stupid….not even Republicans. They rhetorically ask why people perceive them to be so dimwitted, but they really already know why. Nobody is dumb enough to believe that Sarah Palin would make a credible Vice-President, but they do believe that she is cheesy enought to project that faux moralistic attitude that typifies the Republican party. None of them believe that John McCain can now win after the nation has seen for itself the vacuous nature of Palin’s intellect which reflects accurately on John McCain’s intellect, which too, is quite limited. It will be a short month to election day. For a while I thought that Obama would fail to make his case due to his poor judgement, but John McCain’s poor judgement in choosing Palin eclipses all Obama’s shortcomings. What was he thinking? or was he thinking..at all???

By John

October 3, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Palin did not say anything of substance last night and did an even worse job of answering the question asked than candidates usually do. It is amazing that people are saying that she held her ground simply because she did not fall on her face and completely blow it. Do we want a VP candidate who is measured at such a low standard?

By "Spank" the monkey

October 3, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Algonquin - there you go with the “repulbinazis” again. Do you think this makes you sound clever? So there are people out there that don’t believe the way you do, does that make them Nazis? You’re an idiot and an embarrassment to the Democratic party. Obama 08

By GayGrayGeek

October 3, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

John @ 7:42: Do we want a VP candidate who is measured at such a low standard?

His name was J. Danforth Quayle.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

October 3, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Spank your own monkey twit! I’m sure you do. Fact of the matter is that when Adolph Hitler came to power he engineered an attack upon the Reichstag and seized absolute power. When George W. Hitler was selected by the Injustices of the Supreme Court, he, along with his partner Osama bin laden, destroyed the World Trade Center in order for him to seize absolute power, which he did. In Nazi Germany the Reich pried into the lives of the people to ferret out Jews and Jewish sympathizers. In America, the Patriot Act was passed to protect citizens. In order to protect them phone calls were listened in on, emails read and financial records examined and all of it was in violation of the Constitution of the United States. In Nazi Germany prisoners were tortured and killed. In prisons run by the United States, prisoners are tortured and murdered. At the end of the thousand year Reich, which lasted twelve, leaders and those complicit in torture and murder were tried for their crimes against humanity and either hanged or put into prison to rot. In a bill passed in 2006, hidden away, was a provision to pardon Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and other Republinazi stooges from being charged as the war criminals they are. Bush said the bill needed to be passed to prevent interrogators from being charged with war crimes. If legislation needs to be passed for such an eventuality then you can be sure war crimes are being perpetrated. Bush said it was to protect people who were merely doing their jobs. Just doing their jobs is exactly the excuse often given in the Nuremberg trials of Nazis. If people believe that any of these sorts of activities are righteous then yes, they are more representative of the ideals of Nazi Germany than of the ideals that made this nation great. Your lack of eloquence and your argument, flimsy and slack like the Republinazi Party, tells me you are a Republinazi yourself. Don’t pretend to be a Democrat. Fly your swastika and polish your jack boots moron!

By CrazyPeeps

October 4, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

It never ceases to amaze me how easily it is to pick out first time voters on these blogs.

It used to be that having a difference of opinion fostered intelligent discussion between dems and repubs……….

Now with all the first time voters who think Obama is the proverbial “ship that came in” discussion has degenerated to personal attacks and insults.

The attitude is “I gotta go for mine” or “I gotta get some respect”.

Sorry if this comes off as thugish, but that is what all these insults, rambling diatribes, and double posting look like.

Silence the opposition with a bigger mouth. Not intellect, an informed opinion, or fscts a bigger mouth. Decorum and class go right out the door with these people.

Is this how you live your lives???? Unreal. Please grow up and argue your points without all this nonsense.

By CrazyPeeps

October 4, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this

Sorry for the spelling errors above. Very tired. Mostly of the “Spin” by any means necessary postings.

By D.S. Brown

October 4, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

BLOG.2RULESOF3.COM

Bravo CrazyPeeps Bravo!

blog.2rulesof3.com

We have to do what we can to spread the word. Critical Cognition! We have to be able to have positive conflict, we must be able to enter into dialogue the either creates cohesion, or agreeable dissension.

Again, bravo!

blog.2rulesof3.com

By SeriousSam

October 4, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

The Republican Party is on its way out the door with the Democrats close behind. Beginning in 1980, when the Republican Party was hijacked by the far right religious extremists, it has slid far away from its roots as a stalwart supporter and defender of the Constitution. Now its primary support comes from these fanatical religious kooks who have long dismissed the Constitution as an inconvenient and interfering instrument of their far-fetched and extreme religious notions. Additionally, these far right religious extremists have kidnapped the once honorable and respected religion of Christianity and with subterfuge and legerdomain, have transformed it into an unrecognizable and dangerous sect that is closely and carefully protected from honest challengers. It’s amazing how quickly they jetison many of the origninal precepts of Christianity for the b******* version that they fervently insist is right. The Republican Party loves to display the new faux morality of convenience and has commandeered the new role of being the ‘haut couture’ of their new brand of morality which is to observe the particular style of morals that they deem fitting to their extremism while ignoring all others. Their phony morals are limited only to their focus of interests and are insisted upon by them to be followed by others while they ignore all other manner of morality in the most grotesque fashion. Here is an example; there are many: The High Priests of their religion (George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Pat Robertson, the late Jerry Faldwell and most Republican Congressmen/Women) assert with the greatest amplification possible, the undeniable right to life of the unborn fetus and yet George W. Bush rushes from his prayer cloth to the situation room to plan the bombing of the Palace where Sadam Hussein lives, someone whose government never attacked or harmed any US citizen. There were citizens of Iraq who worked in this palace who, like most decent human beings, were simply employed there for the purpose of supporting their families. They were waiters, janitors, cooks, detail personnel who had nothing to do with any military operations. It was reported my our US media that 28 Iraqis died in this inital bombing. They were citizens of Iraq, not militia. These perfectly innocent human beings were murdered by our government for no good reason. A palace is not a military threat if that was an excuse for doing such a thing. Bombing such a place is a violation of the Geneva Convention which our government agreed to respect. It did not. Not only did it not follow the Geneva Convention, it did not follow any notion of the merest human decency. The US possibly enjoyed somewhat of a decent reputation before this outrageously criminal act. The people who worked in this palace, who died or were burnt or crushed beyond recognition, had the reasonable expectation that the US, a country they trusted to behave like a reasonable,civilized nation, would never act so egregiously evil. It is likely, that when these civilian workers went to work that day, they had no idea that they would be visited upon by such evil. They were wrong, much to their regret. Before their demise, these people were recognizable human beings; afterward they were gone, burnt and crushed to death and for some, mangled for life. This was not unlike 9/ll from the perspective of many Americans, save that it was on a smaller scale. The amplification of outrage from the moral giants of the Republican Party and from many religious people in America was tantamount to the roar of a timid titmouse. Did any religious figure in America express the slight discomfort that an American President had done such an immoral deed? The moral silence regarding this matter was deafening. Why? Because the Republican Party, controlled by moral lepreucans, pick and chose the fashionable moral issues to raise in their world of ‘moral fashion and convenience’. Facing such an obstensible immorality did not fit the agenda that the Republican Party and religious extremists were after. This kind of behavior did not go unnoticed or unchallenged by others though; but it, as an issue, was effectively demoted to one of insignificance. The intellectual soundness of a President is critical. It is obvious that George W. Bush and the Republican Party was and is lacking in this regard. This is one of the many reasons that John McCain and Sarah Palin are entirely unqualified for this office. They are hopelessly and inextricably connected to the Republican Party. All the while the Democrats sat idly and with the most modest objection possible, opposed George W. Bush. Sadly, the Democrats were born with the forlorn condition of having no backbone. If you are an American with the most remote condition of courage in your soul, you will vote for Ralph Nader for President of the United States of America. These two parties are 100% responsible for the 10 trillion dollar defict, the collapse of the stock market, the precipitous decline of jobs, the crash of the housing market, the colossal failure of the lending institutions, the assault on our Constition, the ruination of US prestige aroung the world, and the worst economy since the Fall of the Roman Empire. America does have a better choice. Never vote for a Republican or Democrat. If you do,you will be forever with regret!! Vote for Ralph Nader and all independent party candidates. Go to his website and see a truly great American.

By tdakngyie kotdivxjf

November 13, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

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By tdakngyie kotdivxjf

November 13, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

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