Obama Gets It

2008 Election, In a Nutshell

2008-10-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

It began with arguments about flag pins. And who was the most "American". There were some contenders, and some pretenders. Mitt Romney was the GOP's favorite, then Huckabee was the favorite, then Mitt, then Huck, then ("don't write me off!"), much to the chagrin of the Religious Right and hard-core right-wing conservatives, John "The Centrist Maverick" McCain came out of nowhere to clinch the GOP nomination.

Hillary was a shoe-in for the Democratic Primary- but Bam! Or rather- Obama! Along came the Junior Senator from Illinois who had a vision and way of communicating ideas that voters couldn't resist.

Florida and Michigan lost their Primaries for breaking party rules by trying to jump the gun and hold their elections too early... The most riveting part of this election cycle was the Democratic Primary. After all was said and done Obama won it- which was no small task. It was a triple-overtime bloodbath which actually gave Obama the strength he would need in the General Election. The "Hillary" Campaign left no stone unturned, and beat the GOP to the punch- on Ayres, on Rev.

Wright, on drug experimentation as a teen and college student at Occidental, on just about everything the Republicans had planned on using if this Obama guy actually had the muscle to take down the Clinton machine.

Take down the Clinton Machine he did. After what will forever be known as the Primary war that spawned "PUMA" (Party Unity My Ass) and other Hillary supporters who defected from the Democratic party, Hillary begrudgingly ceded the Democratic crown to the guy with the funny name that got Republican voters all freaked out and led to viral emails purporting Christian Barack Obama to be a closet Muslim terrorist, that spanned the nation (and globe) and that spared no Inboxes.

Unfortunately, anyone who wasn't an avid O'Reilly Factor or Hannity and Colmes watcher saw the lies for what they were, and kept watching for some substance from either candidate. Obama was accused of mere "oratory"- an "empty suit", they said. But meanwhile, his stirring speeches made his opponents public speaking skills painful to watch.

Then Obama got down to business. He built the biggest network of small donors ever seen in an American election, utilized cutting edge technology and a cadre of politically savvy staff who knew just how to tap into the ire of voters pissed off over what had transpired since W took office in 2000, and keenly understood the new dynamics of 21st century politics. Huckabee got a TV show on Fox. McCain retired his Maverick image and sold his soul to the ideological ultraconservative side of the GOP, turning his statement to "rather lose an election than lose his integrity"- into a joke.

Obama, carrying the message of "Change", ironically selected entrenched Washington Senator Joe Biden as his Vice Presidential pick- ostensibly for his foreign policy credentials- certainly not for his flare for foot-in-mouth campaign trail moments. McCain on the other hand, who, like Hillary Clinton, chided Obama for his lack of experience, selected the most inexperienced and naive politician to ever grace a US Presidential ticket in Sarah "You betcha!" Palin- former mayor of Wasilla, Governor of Alaska, just over a year into her first term. But Palin subscribed to the far-right politics that the GOP needed to assuage the fears of the disenfranchised "base" who were leery of McCain- and she trumped the celebrity status that Obama had been reaping (and was so criticized for by his opponents).

The Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado was an all-out Peace/Love/Hope/Change Fest (besides being a giant spectacle complete with Roman Columns and an Obama acceptance speech at a 60,000 seat football stadium). Bubba Clinton delivered a rousing introduction for Barack, comparing Obama's youth and inexperience to his own in 1992. You can take a wild guess how Obama's acceptance speech went over (think- very, very well). Hillary and Obama put their differences aside, ironically, for "Party Unity". Some of the PUMA and other Hillary defectors started creeping back into the Democratic fold..

The Republican National Convention was an all-out Fear/Terror/"Country First!"-Fest which failed to actually describe what the abstract notion of "Country" really is, and why Democrats (or anyone who doesn't vote Republican for that matter..) isn't putting "Country First". Guillani mocked Obama's community organizing; Sarah Palin flaunted her vast experience as a pit-bull with lipstick, hockey mom, just your average "Joe-Six Pack". McCain gave his acceptance speech and recited the words "Bush" and "Middle Class" a total of exactly "ZERO" times.

Obama began connecting the dots on his policy stances and proposals. The United States economy collapsed under it's own weight of bad loans and bogus corporate income statements on a Depression Era scale. The Dow Jones lost almost 6,000 points in a little over a week. McCain "suspended" his campaign, and paraded into Washington only to nearly unravel the government bailout which staved off complete chaos in the stock market. McCain threatened to pull out of the first debate. McCain was widely criticized- so he un-suspended his campaign and went ahead to the first debate in Mississippi. Obama won the first debate. Obama won the second and third debates, which started to make Senator McCain pretty angry. Obama began riding a wave of momentum. McCain began his "kitchen sink" strategy, trying (in vain) to link Obama to former Weather Underground founder David Ayres, Tony Rezko, Chicago Mayor Daley, "Chicago Machine Politics", ACORN, and other shadowy nefarious figures which, as it would turn out, Obama really hadn't all that much to do with.

Nothing seemed to stick. McCain and Palin, in their visible and audible desperation, kept throwing sh%t at the wall of Obama-enthusiasm sweeping America. Slime, fears, smears, race-card, inexperience-card, terrorist card. Nothing stuck. The only buyers were members of the crowd at his rallies (already solidly McCain voters) who began to chant and shout threatening phrases and epithets at nearly every stop of the "Straight Talk Express". Obama continued to stay positive and tap into voters struggles and aspirations; he kept talking about "Hope" and "Change" and a break from the failed policies of George W. Bush and the extreme right-wing ideology of the Republican Party. His economic plan? Tax breaks for the middle class; tax increases on those who don't need the Bush tax cuts. McCain's plan? TBA (-er, something or another about socializing the mortgage crisis....).

Some plumber from Ohio questioned Obama on his proposed tax policy (lying about wanting to buy a business when in fact he didn't even have a license to "plumb") became famous and exploited the McCain campaign for his own personal gain. Obama was branded as a "Socialist" by McCain and Palin at every turn and talkshow hour. This became the sad rallying cry of what is left of the enthusiasm behind the McCampaign. Palin's excessive "New York City" thread-shopping was revealed. Palin went Rougue. Palin went off the reservation. Palin started positioning herself for 2012 and her status as the future face of the GOP (good luck with that Sarah, or whoever buys that idea....). More Hillary defectors began to feel the horror of a McCain-Palin vote set in, and flocked to Obama.

Obama began out-polling McCain in several swing states and more than a few solidly red states that W won in 2000 and 2004. McCain went on defense. Obama kept up his offense. Christopher Buckley endorsed Obama. Several other notable conservatives endorse Obama including General Colin Powell (dismissed as a purely racial endorsement by despicable McCain backers and staffers who couldn't muster up the mental power to accept reality). Obama ran a Ross Perot-like, 30-minute, 6 million dollar infomercial on every major network but ABC- in Primetime. Fox News began questioning the baseless Obama attacks of McCain Campaign's last great hope (Joe-the-Plumber!). (bad, bad, sign).

McCain got stood up by the now-famous plumber on the campaign trail ("Where's Joe the Plumber at? Joe? Joe's supposed to be here... Joe where are you at? [Silence]"). Just 96 hours remain before the next President of the United States is elected by over 120 million American voters. And that brings us to today. It has been a long, strange, trip indeed.... It all ends this coming Tuesday. Or rather, (if things hold steady and we aren't bamboozled) it all begins anew. Are we really ready to make history and start the next great chapter of the American Story? You betcha!

Do You Live in Real America? Can You Get Me a Visa?

2008-10-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

McCain Campaign Spokesperson:

Michele Bachmann, Republican Congressional Representative from Minnesota, apparently idolizes Joe McCarthy of the "Red Scare" time period:

Sarah Palin lays down this newest McCain "attack"/talking point:

It's Our Time Now

2008-10-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Most everything has already been said, and fact-checked, and either debunked or verified. The choice is up to you, but if you've been reading and watching and fact-checking enough about what each candidate has been saying, you might see the choice is clear- Senators Barack Obama from Illinois and Joe Biden from Delaware are the right choice to lead our country back to prosperity and face the challenges of the 21st century. Now it's time to cast our ballots (for those who are able to vote early- including my home state of Wisconsin). To see where your early voting location is, go here.

Also, you have probably already heard, but GOP General Colin Powell endorsed Barack for President of the United States today saying near the end of his reasoning behind the endorsement, "I'll be voting for Senator Obama". It is an honorable thing to be endorsed not only by a high profile member the GOP, but one of the highest ranking American military officials. Read the news release- Powell's reasons for supporting Obama are exactly why myself and many others (yourself included?) are voting for Obama in this critical election.

The McCain campaign has now stooped even lower, resorting to attacks against Obama suggesting he is a "socialist" because his tax policy cuts taxes for 95% of working Americans and ends the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% (ending the 15% capital gains tax). Call me crazy, but I remembered this, and found a passage from Barack's book, "The Audacity of Hope" in which Warren Buffet, dubbed "The Oracle of Omaha" (currently the richest American- he just eclipsed Bill Gates last month), says the following (this should give anyone pause):

"Though I've never used tax shelters or had tax planner, after including the payroll taxes we each pay, I'll pay a lower effective tax rate this year than my receptionist. In fact, I'm pretty sure I pay a lower rate than the average American. And if the president has his way, I'll be paying even less.

....Some of the wealth has to be plowed back into education, so that the next generation has a fair chance, and to maintain our infrastructure, and provide some sort of safety net for those who lose out in a market economy. And it just makes sense that those of us who've benefited most from the market should pay a bigger share."

I don't think that Billionaires should pay 1/2 of their annual earnings in taxes by any means. But I also don't think they should pay a much smaller percentage of their wealth in taxes than some average Middle Class worker earning less than $250,000.

Think about it. For those of us who can vote early- avoid the waiting in line on November 4th (there will be a lot of people voting this year), vote early.

The Windmill Warrior

2008-10-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Last night millions of Americans tuned into the final U.S. presidential debate broadcast live from Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. What was clear was the aggressiveness of John McCain’s personal attacks toward Barack Obama (one could argue that the attacks themselves seemed stale, tired, and completely off-topic). What remained quite foggy were the answers, if any, that John McCain had for our recession-bound economy. Johnny “Maverick” seemed rehearsed and anxious to score political points by attacking his rival at every turn (often completely altering the question in order to fit in some kind of smear against Obama).

Maybe it was just me, but I felt like McCain looked a lot like the fabled misguided hero, “Don Quixote” from Miguel de Cervantes' book of the same name. In that book, a formerly imprisoned "mad knight" named Don Quixote sets out on a quest to defeat an assortment of imagined foes (ie. he wildly attacks windmills throughout the peaceful countryside in his delusion, thinking that they are really malevolent dragons out to "get the people"). Does this kind of unrealistic fear mongering and ill-conceived crusading sound familiar to a party that has succeeded only in running this country into the ground? The GOP will apparently stop at nothing to scare people out of voting for Obama- they literally have nothing left to tell or sell us about their own candidate for the highest office in the land.

And what is Obama’s supposed dirty laundry? It has all been hung out to dry since the Democratic Primary (Barack can thank Hillary for that!)- he’s explained and clarified things that weren’t even yet brought up. I thought Obama did well in playing "high road defense", making McCain look like an increasingly erratic and grumpy individual who takes things very personally (ie. Sara Palin and her "Troopergate" misdeeds in office), and achieving the goal of soundly defeating McCain for a sweep of all three presidential debates (not to mention Biden winning the one VP debate). It seems to me that the majority of this country "Get's It". But we'll have to wait and see... Us voters will have the final say on November 4th.

While McCain and many of his closest supporters (esp. the staunch GOP “base”) probably thought he did a “heckuva job” lampooning Obama with everything from accusations of socialism to raising up, yet again, the dead horse of William Ayers to flog, others weren't particularly impressed. And then there is ACORN, who John McCain has no problem giving keynote speeches for (as he has in the very recent past), but whom are apparently “threatening the very fabric of Democracy” the moment that some of their workers try to pass off false voter registrations (which, are scrutinized and removed from the voter rolls before anyone actually votes!) in the selfish interest of an easier quick buck- the workers accused of falsifying voter registrations were being paid “per registration” and hence the false entries such as “Mickey Mouse”, “Tony Romo”, among others.

Obama made his plan very clear- if you, like 95% of America, earn less than a quarter million dollars per year (< $250,000.00), you will see you taxes decreased- moreso under Obama than under McCain- 3 times more savings according to independent reviews. McCain snickered about Obama saying he wanted to “spread the wealth” as if the Illinois Senator had demanded the nationalization of all privately owned businesses in America. What Obama was trying to illustrate, is that someone making $250,000 or more doesn’t exactly need a tax break of an extra 5-10k as much as the working class citizen who is struggling to get by on $24,000/year. It’s by no means “redistribution of wealth” or even “spreading the wealth around” (I thought those were a bad choice of words by Obama and they guaranteed a GOP talking point in this last debate). The refusal to lower taxes for those who earn far more than 95% of Americans is simply a matter of fairness. In the past 10 years, we have seen the biggest increase in the gap between the middle and upper classes. When the wealthiest people in the world (like Warren Buffet, who very recently eclipsed Bill Gates as the richest American) are supporting Obama and openly admitting that they don’t need the “tax cuts for the rich” that have become the hallmark of the Bush Administration, well, you’ve got a problem with “the Democrat wants to take your hard earned money” argument. Correction- the Democrat in this election wants to make the ultra-rich (and other wealthy individuals who can afford not getting another tax break to help pay for the BMW convertible collecting dust in the 3rd garage) pay their fair share. When you have 95% of people paying 30-35% of their annual wealth to the government, and the other 5% paying (in some cases) a small fraction of that, you’ve got a disparity problem- now more than ever, the government needs tax money to help dig us out of debt and reform the dilapidated state of many government programs. Reducing taxes for everyone across the board sounds like a good thing- but not if it leads to the kind of economic disparity that has been developing for the past decade. I say lower taxes for you and me, and the other 95%, and so be it if the Bush tax cuts expire for a few of the most well off- those folks are not going to be lining up at the unemployment office any time soon.

McCain sees the kind of smears his campaign has unleashed in recent weeks (and subsequent fervor of the “base”) as his last best hope at stemming the rising tide of Barack Obama’s campaign and Democratic politics in general amidst this mounting economic crisis. And it’s not over. In the absence of any sensible policy or any alternative recourse, over the final 19 days John McCain and his attack “Barricuda” Sarah Palin are going to do everything in their power to paint Obama as unpatriotic and unfit to serve as our Commander in Chief because of his very loose past associations with radical peoples (the Obama campaign (with the exception of the very relevant “Keating 5” documentary) could very easily point out that McCain and Palin can both be (much, much more closely) linked to very controversial reactionary and criminal figures….. but why would the front-runner have to stoop to that level anyway?). The trouble is, Independent and undecided voters have overwhelmingly rejected this smear and fear ploy. The only ones excited are those already voting for McCain- and with the current state of the race, that does not bode well for his presidential hopes.

Regardless of what happens in the final stretch or what happened last night (John McCain lost that's what)... I've had enough for quite some time.

I’m still voting for "THAT ONE".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_quixote

http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst/politics?type=politicsNews&w1=B7ovpm21IaDoL40ZFnNfGe&w2=B7tmRCRJt2YFzDsa7MJ1CblL&src=blogBurst_politicsNews&bbPostId=BF6o6Ah6YbQsBzEEoxEXTVdiCzETk4D412NRcB8O16d734rO8&bbParentWidgetId=B7tmRCRJt2YFzDsa7MJ1CblL

The Final Debate

2008-10-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

John McCain "shook things up" once again today by announcing a new economic plan. Obama continued to deflect smears of his "Bill Ayers terrorist" associations (turns out a wealthy Republican, and big-time McCain donor (Walter Annenburg) was the founder of the public education project ("The Annenburg Challenge" of whose board Obama, Ayers, and others sat on), but has been mostly prepping for tomorrow night's debate.

This may be John McCain's last chance to slow down Barack Obama's nationwide momentum. Obama is up anywhere from 4 to 14 points in all major polls and is leading in enough states to virtually guarantee his election- were that the election held today! Polls mean nothing and ballots mean everything. Only on November 4th will we know how the two campaigns end.

This race will get much closer before the end- the media will ensure that (they have an interest in making the elections as close as possible, and exciting- it brings more viewers which bring more advertising dollars). I think though, that Barack Obama and Joe Biden are going to continue convincing people that they are our country's best opportunity for a return to great leadership and prosperity for all rungs of the economic ladder (the wealthy, the middle-class, and those who don't have much at all).

This the third and last presidential debate of the 2008 Election airs at 8:00CST on all major broadcast stations (ABC, FOX, CBS, etc.) as well as PBS. Do yourself a good deed and watch it, even if you think you've made up your mind. You might be inclined to reconsider casting your vote for that McCain-Palin ticket....

Obama/Biden '08
United We Stand

Obama Wins Second Debate According to Independent Voters

2008-10-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well once again, if you looked to foxnews.com to see who won last night's debate you see that McCain was the heavy favorite. But if you then went over to cnn.com, msnbc.com, or abcnews.com the voters decided largely in favor of Obama taking the night handily and looking and sounding more presidential.

Let's be honest- after the ramped-up attacks coming from both sides leading up to this showdown, the debate was underwhelming to say the least. I think voters wanted to see the candidates get even more personal, and really drive home the contrasts us voters face in this coming election. But, then of course, the candidates have to weigh risk when considering breaking out of the conventional. Even a minor gaffe can cause poll numbers to dip- this is something McCain cannot possibly afford right now (Obama is up 52-41% in the latest Gallup tracking poll); and this is not something that Barack Obama is interested in, while already in the midst of solidifying his lead without using any kind of "game-changing" tactic(s)).

I've scoured the net, and most reviews are as partisan as you'd expect. Something that might bode well for the current front-runner though, is that far more editorials and articles agreed that Obama was the clear victor last night. At best, McCain lost by not convincingly (to anyone other than his current supporters) winning the debate.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/07/politics/horserace/entry4508356.shtml

The Keating 5

2008-10-06T15:03:00.003-07:00

In a move that's being called "political jujitsu", the Obama campaign is hitting back hard- before being fully punched themselves. The McCain campaign's strategy is now to go increasingly negative, putting Barack Obama's character into question by exacerbating Obama's association with the infamous David Ayers, Tony Rezko, and Obama's former fiery pastor Jeremiah Wright. Because well, all else has obviously failed.

What is interesting is that all of these so-called unacceptable associations of Obama have been deeply scrutinized by the press and the public- vis-a-vis, the long, drawn out, patience-trying Democratic Primary. Yes, we know that The Weather Underground committed some terrible acts (some of which included pipe bombings) in the early 70's when Barack was around 8 years old. And yes we know that Tony Rezko has been accused of inappropriate campaign financing and generally being a "slum lord" of low-income Chicago neighborhood housing projects.

And we also have already been told about (and have seen and heard- over, and over, and over again) Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church. The people of America saw these guilt-by-association charges (almost exclusively by the Hillary Clinton campaign), and a majority of them saw that, really, this was merely unflattering coincidence, and Obama had done nothing wrong by simply coming into contact with and knowing these figures.

But... in the interest of non-partisanship and full access to information (however dubious), here's a quick reminder:

1). First Obama met Bill Ayres when he was recommended by another community leader in Chicago to sit on the board of a city committee to improve education (and again later on a committee fight poverty in Chicago). Obama and Ayers (now a Professor of Education at UIC) live in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. I sure hope I am not considered equally as culpable for past events as some people who have lived in my neighborhoods or whom I have worked with or gone to school with.

2). Barack met Tony Rezko during his time in Chicago politics as Rezko was a big name in the inner circles back then (esp. Democratic political inner circles). The hoopla of the GOP-attacks is that Tony Rezko is currently under indictment for improper campaign financing. This is something Obama had nothing to do with. Then there is the case of Obama seemingly getting a favor by purchasing (jointly) a piece of land in Chicago with Rezko's wife, making the land Obama purchased slightly cheaper than he would have paid had he not included the piece that Rezko's wife paid for. Obama himself has asserted that while he did nothing illegal, it was a "bone-headed" move. Again, Barack Obama did nothing wrong simply by knowing Rezko- after finding out that (the now-indicted) Rezko had made campaign donations to his presidential bid, all of the funds were donated to charity.

3). Lastly, we have the lovely accused un-patriotic (despite the fact he was a Marine), racist (despite the fact that Trinity United has many white members and Rev. Wright is constantly working with white Catholic and Protestant churches across Chicago), and all-around crazy pastor that Obama sat and watched attentively for 20 years. The problem with this charge is that Obama was not in attendence for most, if not all of the so-called "inflammatory sermons". Which brings us to the next point- the (then) Hillary, and (now) GOP-created ads show only snippets of those sermons. If you see any of the entire sermons (or at least more than the sound bite- to get real "context") and actually listen to what is being said, you'll see that Rev. Wright is not being racist or unsympathetic or unpatriotic at all- he is simply try to make a much larger point, which is actually, much more Christian sounding than you'd think after hearing those cheap sound bites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOdlnzkeoyQ

Heck, if I am responsible for everything my priest (and any I have heard sermon from) has said, I'm in big trouble. I don't agree with everything the "Church" or the "pastor" says, but that doesn't mean I don't get some spiritual nourishment from going to church. I know I am not the only American who feels this way.

The issue of this 2008 election is The Economy. It's no secret that Republicans have long been opponents of federal regulation and oversight, and staunchly believe that "business knows best; let government get out of the way". Well, here's where this mess landed us (the Dow Jones just dropped over 500 and closed below 1000 points for the first time since 2004). If you're old enough you may remember a scandal back in the 80's and early 90's called "The Savings & Loans crisis". At the forefront of that crisis was an influential group of Senators who accepted bribes from an investment banker named Charles Keating in exchange for "political services" aimed at decreasing federal banking regulation which eventually allowed making the buying and selling of (and keeping on the books) ultra-risky and junk investments completely acceptable- nation wide. What this illusion of wealth did, was create exactly the same kind of perfect storm of accounting scandal on a grand scale that we are seeing right now in the current economic crisis. Without strict regulation and governmental oversight, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past- like we just did.

And this isn't character assassination, or "guilt by association", nor is it partisan. In fact, 4 of the Keating 5 senators were Democrats- only McCain was a Republican. I guess its no wonder why Newt Gingrich, Anne Coulter, and other extreme right-wing conservatives are embarrassed by his nomination as their candidate, especially now (although they feign to argue that, "W-w-well, that Obama guy is worse! He's a terrorist, y'know!!"). And so, I guess this is why John McCain freaks out every time someone mentions the national economy. He remembers his own, "guilt by involvement":

(this should come as no) October Surprise!

2008-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Obama is doing pretty good in opinion polls across the nation, but! The campaign must remain vigilant- this is far from over, and politics is a funny (and very dirty) business.

Do not falter. Do not be deceived. I can give a 97% guarantee that the McCain camp, staring down the dark and dismal tunnel of defeat, has no other choice than to pull a stunt, devoid of any tangible or coherent facts, that will attempt to derail the Obama/Biden momentum in the run-up to Election Day.

I may be wrong, but if it does indeed infect TV, radio, and the internet- those in the "Grand Ole Party" that would "lose their integrity to win an election" may actually influence a few gullible Americans. But they will not deceive the most of us; they will not deceive HOPE; they will not deceive TRUTH. Good luck with that story GOP faithful... it's legs are broken.

"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."

-Abraham Lincoln

Obama vs. McCain (McCain didn't exactly win as he predicted)

2008-09-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

Overall, the debate last Friday night was a draw (or you could argue, a "victory" for each candidate, at least as perceived by their respective supporters). You go to the conservative leaning "DrudgeReport" and see that a straw pool indicates that out of 300,000+ visitors, McCain won the debate handily around 65%-35%. But wait? Then I checked cnn.com and msnbc.com (both tagged as decidedly left of center by many) and both had polls of over 400,000 people, however their polls had McCain getting beaten soundly by Obama. Not surprising, foxnews.com had McCain as the clear victor by a huge margin.. I searched several other less politically associated websites and the overall average of margin was just around what Gallup Daily estimates from their recent polling on the debate: Obama won the debate by a healthy margin, 46%-34%.

The debate didn't seem to be a major coup for either candidate. Obama has begun to steadily increase his lead since the debates; however that is likely due more in part to the dire state of our economy (Obama is seen as the better candidate to be a steward of our national economy by a majority of polled likely voters). Obama was criticised after the debate for familiarily referring to and addressing (they do work together, no?) Sen. McCain as "John". McCain on the other hand, took on the posture of someone very uncomfortable standing on the same stage as his opponent. From the initial friendly embrace (requisite no doubt, but not surprisingly initiated by Obama) McCain never once so much as looked Barack in the eye. Throughout the entire 90 minute debate, the GOP candidate for President of These United States could not look his opponent in the eye. That's not only disrespectful (more so than referring to a colleague by their first name), but it shows a profound weakness in public discourse which is not a trait we need in any of our future presidents. Dialogue and direct communication is constantly required by world leaders.

We need an intelligent- no great communicator. Pardon the ironic cliche- but that is just one of the many leadership gifts that Obama brings to the table. If you still don't see why an Obama-Biden administration would be the best choice for our country, keep paying attention- this is far from over, but before the end I gather that most of the people reading this will agree with me.

For his sake, I hope McCain improves by the time next two presidential debates roll around- this one he just fumbled was supposed to be his bread and butter... his "Game Changer". The Vice Presidential Debate is on at 8pm CST on Thursday. I am confident that Joe Biden will put on a great performance; there could be nothing better than winning the first two debates and entering the final stretch with momentum in the polls and on very strong footing for the sprint to Nov. 4th. Gov. Palin better be careful during the debate- this is no T.V. interview where she can rely on acquiescent editing. It is live and unscripted- and to both Palin and Biden, we want direct, understandable, and sensible answers to these questions.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/110779/Debate-Watchers-Give-Obama-Edge-Over-McCain.aspx

McCain Defends Palin Against the "Gotcha" Media

2008-09-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

The following is an excerpt from a CBS joint interview with McCain-Palin after Palin stated remarks at a Philly cheese steak restaurant that contradicted one of McCain's oft-quoted unilateral action against terrorists inside of Pakistan policy stances. You can't make this up (I'm still waiting for the answer to at least 4 of Couric's questions):

Couric: Back now, from Columbus, Ohio. John McCain and Sarah Palin were here today for a campaign

rally. And in their first joint interview, I asked them about a statement Governor Palin made the other day, because she seemed to contradict one of Senator McCain’s policies in the War on Terror.

Katie Couric: Over the weekend, Gov. Palin, you said the U.S. should absolutely launch cross-border attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan to, quote, “stop the terrorists from coming any further in.” Now, that’s almost the exact position that Barack Obama has taken and that you, Sen. McCain, have criticized as something you do not say out loud. So, Gov. Palin, are you two on the same page on this?

Sarah Palin: We had a great discussion with President Zardari as we talked about what it is that America can and should be doing together to make sure that the terrorists do not cross borders and do not ultimately put themselves in a position of attacking America again or her allies. And we will do what we have to do to secure the United States of America and her allies.

Couric: Is that something you shouldn’t say out loud, Sen. McCain?

John McCain: Of course not. But, look, I understand this day and age “gotcha” journalism. Is that a pizza place? In a conversation with someone who you didn’t hear … the question very well, you don’t know the context of the conversation. Grab a phrase. Gov. Palin and I agree that you don’t announce that you’re going to attack another country.

Couric: Are you sorry you said it …

McCain: …And the fact …

Couric: Governor?

McCain: Wait a minute. Before you say, “is she sorry she said it,” this was a “gotcha” sound bite that, look …

Couric: It wasn’t a “gotcha.” She was talking to a voter.

McCain: No, she was in a conversation with a group of people and talking back and forth. And …I’ll let Gov. Palin speak for herself.

Palin: Well, it … in fact, you’re absolutely right on. In the context, this was a voter, a constituent, hollering out a question from across an area asking, “What are you gonna do about Pakistan? You better have an answer to Pakistan.” I said we’re gonna do what we have to do to protect the United States of America.

Couric: But you were pretty specific about what you wanted to do, cross-border …

Palin: Well, as Sen. McCain is suggesting here, also, never would our administration get out there and show our cards to terrorists, in this case, to enemies and let them know what the game plan was, not when that could ultimately adversely affect a plan to keep America secure.

Couric: What did you learn from that experience?

Palin: That this is all about “gotcha” journalism. A lot of it is. But that’s okay, too.

Couric: Gov. Palin, since our last interview, you’ve gotten a lot of flak. Some Republicans have said you’re not prepared; you’re not ready for prime-time. People have questioned your readiness since that interview. And I’m curious …

Palin: Yeah.

Couric: … to hear your reaction.

Palin: Well, not only am I ready but willing and able to serve as vice-president with Sen. McCain if Americans so bless us and privilege us with the opportunity of serving them, ready with my executive experience as a city mayor and manager, as a governor, as a commissioner, a regulator of oil and gas.

McCain: This is not the first time that I’ve seen a governor being questioned by some quote, “expert.” I remember that Ronald Reagan was a cowboy. President Clinton was a governor of a very small state that had “no experience” either. I remember how easy it was gonna be for Bush I to defeat him. I still recall, whoops, that one. But the point is I’ve seen underestimation before. I’m very proud of the excitement that Gov. Palin has ignited with our party and around this country. It is a … level of excitement and enthusiasm, frankly, that I haven’t seen before. And I’d like to attribute it to me. But the fact is that she has done incredible job. And I’m so proud of the work that she’s doing.

I would say something.... but I think the interview speaks volumes on its own.

Obama/Biden '08

http://thepage.time.com/palin-and-mccain-on-cbs-evening-news/

McCain Won't Debate.... No Wait- Now He Will! No Wait- He Already Won! (according to his campaign's advertising gaffe)

2008-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

The advertisement above appeared on the Wall Street Journal website at approximately 1:00pm ET on September 26th, about 8 hours before the debates are scheduled to take place. The ad was an "accident" and has since been removed. So, apparently John McCain plans to solve this nations problems by using his nifty time machine. That's just great to know.... Quick! Where is Marty McFly and Doc Brown? John McCain has stolen the Delorean!!

There aren't enough words in the English language to express how ridiculous John McCain's campaign has become:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/26/113724/157/938/611306

Who do you think is "fit for command"? At this point, I am not even sure McCain is fit to serve on the Senate (he did a great job of pulling a media stunt to derail all bipartisan efforts to confront this once-in-a-century financial catastrophe with legislation). Great job Senator McCain, even your own supporters are beginning to question your motives. Obama called McCain's bluff, and succeeded brilliantly. And the Junior Senator is right- does a president just drop everything and completely shutdown when a crisis occurs? Hell no!

A President is constantly required to multi-task and take a huge variety of issues- both large and small, head on. McCain didn't even go to Washington to help, as he so craftily suggested. It was merely an elaborate photo-op to make him look like the Rescue Ranger (-er "Maverick") when and if a bill passed (or was rejected in the name of "saving the taxpayers") and it backfired badly. He has succeeded only in inflaming partisan tensions and making things worse. That, and he proved that he is (or has transformed into) a selfish, inept politician who is all politics and no help for our country right now.

Don't take it from me though. Tune in to the debate tonight and make up your own mind. You owe it to yourself to know exactly who it is you might be voting for.

Obama/Biden '08

Meet Rick Davis: Fanny-Freddie Deregulation Lobbyist and John McCain's 2008 Presidential Campaign Manager

2008-09-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

It has recently come to light that the McCain camp is accusing the Obama campaign of having made calls to former Fanny Mae CEO Franklin Raines for advice on mortgage and housing policy. The Obama camp does not deny knowing Mr. Raines but asserts that he in no way officially advises the campaign or is on the paid staff.

The McCain campaign on the other hand does not understand the phrase, "don't throw stones if you live in a glass house". Accusing the Obama campaign of calling on a former mortgage giant executive for economic advice? Utterly laughable compared to this: Rick Davis, who is McCain's campaign manager, has now been revealed as a former deregulation lobbyist and recently 'retired' political consulting firm executive for Fanny and Freddy whom received $35,000 per month as recent as, August 2008 (last month, before the two companies collapsed).

Davis' tallied $2,000,000 in total from Fanny and Freddie payments for his "services" over the years. Note- as campaign manager, Davis is in charge of and behind everything the campaign does- he did not simply offer some advice because he got a phone call asking about mortgage and housing information. My, how the court of public opinion doth turn.

Now, ask yourself again, who do you trust to (surround themselves with the best economists and) make wise economic decisions for our country? Certainly not John McCain. If anyone remembers the Savings & Loan debacle (particularly the Lincoln Savings & Loan failure) of the 80's and the "Keating 5"- a senatorial grift-enabling crew which allowed it to happen (which McCain was a member of), then I think you already know who you trust. If you haven't already, do the research. You'll be glad that you did.

Obama "Gets" The Economy - Click Here and See How

Obama/Biden 2008

Change is not a (stolen) slogan.
It's what we need as a nation right now.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_09/014823.php

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/19/_the_ad_obama_has.html

http://www.daylife.com/topic/Franklin_D._Raines

It’s the Economy, Stupid. [can you see how now?]

2008-09-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

If you’re not familiar with the above phrase, I apologize- I’ll let Wikipedia clarify for me: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_the_economy_stupid. Since last weekend, this nation’s economy has taken a plunge so drastic, that Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan called it, “a once in a century [financial] crisis”. American workers have been feeling the pinch for some time. Falling or stagnant wages, ever-shrinking job market, increasing layoffs and unemployment rates, falling value of the dollar (which has significantly reduced our purchasing power) have all pointed to a gigantic problem that was bound to rear it’s ugly head on Wall St. (despite a mostly rosy stock market picture up until this point). Bottom line- there is a big difference between having ready-to-spend cash in the back of your pocket and a company claiming they have “securities" on their income statement.

Those “securities” could be millions, or (in many cases as we are now seeing) billions of dollars in bad debt that has been passed from company to company at discounted values in order to pass the buck and temporarily make investors think that these companies are in good or decent financial shape- on paper. They are essentially just legal IOU’s whose real monetary value depends completely on the person whom the IOU trail leads to. It’s really not that much different than what happened in the corporate crimes of Enron, Arthur Anderson, Raytheon, etc. Creating artificial value only weaves a spiderweb of deceit which sooner or later, is bound to trap the weaver and everyone associated with it (ie. investors- that includes everyone with a 401(k) plan).

Those company’s had slick finance and accounting people who were able to manipulate accounts, corporate loopholes, and various other shady accounting practices to dupe investors (on Wall St. and Main St.) into thinking that they were bringing in tons of money. In reality, they were losing tons of money and using investments by us the public, to pay off their mounting debt (all the while paying executives and board members exorbitant salaries and bonuses that will last them for several generations).

In many cases, higher-ups who got wind of the “B” word first (bankruptcy that is), dumped all of their stock before the news went public, effectively diminishing any value that others (usually lower-lever workers) with retirement stock options may have had. What might one of those (now happily "resigned") executives say to the line worker or service technician at one of these companies who lost everything because it was all tied to the (now worthless) stock price of the (now defunct) company?

So the Fed has dumped hundreds of billions of our tax dollars (which are already being stretched thin to fund the wars- Iraq alone is costing us $225,000,000 per day) to bail out these companies as a quick stop-gap measure.

Pardon Uncle Sam, but what happened to fiscal responsibility? While it is likely necessary to infuse the stock market with our tax money to keep it afloat, this could have all been avoided had some people in government opposed the increasing deregulation that allowed it to happen. And make no bones about it- this is not just another problem created by the Bush Administration. It started long before that, when then-President Clinton was the head of the show and his good friends at Fanny Mae and Freddie Mack started making some very irresponsible lending decisions.

That is not to say that Bush helped the situation, because he certainly worsened it, but rather I mean to say that this has gone unchecked for far too long- enough is enough. This already mounting trillion plus dollar debt is going to dig us into an insurmountable hole. It’s a mess out here- and the world economy is being adversely affected as well. There needs to be far better accountability and regulation of how companies are valued and how stocks are traded. No more white collar grifting.

John McCain declared (the Monday morning after the collapse of Lehman Bros. was made public) that "the fundamentals of the American economy are strong". Really? That was a very poorly timed statement at best. Sarah Palin on the other hand, apparently doesn't "Get It" in the most remote sense of the phrase. Palin stated on a recent campaign stop that government must "overhaul the financial regulatory system" (which is already regulated to a point). This would imply more regulation in light of what happened and why it happened. She then followed that up with, (complete oblivious to the contradiction in her words) "government has got to get out of the way of the private sector". So an overhaul of the financial regulatory system means, eliminating the financial regulatory system? Mrs. Palin- that is exactly how we got into this mess in the first place. And this is who John McCain picked to be his next in line for the leader of These United States. Think things might be a little shaky economically if they get in office? 'Shaky' would be the best-case scenario.

What has turned into a sort of free-for-all or “you snooze you lose” type market, has tanked big time, and it may not fully rebound just because of the Federal bailout. Keep in mind that the money being loaned to these companies is merely a temporary band-aid for a gaping head wound- somehow they are going to have to pay it back eventually. If not, they will indeed succumb to bankruptcy protection and level this same kind of havoc (or worse) on the economy at another date sometime in the future. It doesn’t take Alan Greenspan to figure out why we are in this quicksand. We need to fix it, and to do that we must elect a president and vice-president who will make sure that this never, ever happens again. So while you ponder about whom you'll cast your vote for November 4th, keep this question in mind- who do you trust to bring in the best, non-partisan economic advisers to help make wise, fiscally responsible decisions that will both repair and ensure the growth and health of our national economy for years to come?

http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article5702.html

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15377059/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2817995.stm

http://russabbott.blogspot.com/2008/09/palin-on-government-subsidies.html

So You Think Obama Will Raise Your taxes?

2008-09-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

My, you must be a very wealthy American then. I'm shocked that this information is not being made more clear to the American public by the Obama campaign. This tax bracket underscores Obama's commitment to everyday, hardworking Americans. And to the millionaires who may stand to lose a few hundred thousand bucks? Sorry folks, the Iraq war has cost us a lot of money, has earned you a lot of money, and someone has to pay up. We can't afford to- you can (darnit! ...there goes that next luxury vehicle I planned to buy and keep hoarded in my garage along with 5 others for most of it's lifetime). And keep in mind, the ultra-rich, still pay a lower percentage of their income in taxes. A million dollars is valued differently to someone who is worth $300, 000, 000. Get it?


Income	Your avg. tax bill under McCain	Your avg. tax bill under Obama
Over $2.9M	-$269,364	+$701,885
$603K and up	-$45,361	+$115,974
$227K-$603K	-$7,871	+$12
$161K-$227K	-$4,380	-$2,789
$112K-$161K	-$2,614	-$2,204
$66K-$112K	-$1,009	-$1,290
$38K-$66K	-$319	-$1,042
$19K-$38K	-$113	-$892
Under $19K	-$19	-$567

So you mean to tell me that in my bracket of $38k-66k, I will actually save $723 more under the "Obama the Tax Man Cometh" plan? I would never vote my wallet in the first place, but this would be a pleasant bonus to an Obama presidency (a little payback for my support and campaign donations? lol). How many people who earn more than $227k does John McCain really think America has? Ohhhhhh, riiiiight. His wife and many of her Anheisure-Busch fortune friends are among those people (and they most definately do vote their wallets)... now why would he care about us little guys and gals?

Source:

http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/11/news/economy/candidates_taxproposals_tpc/?postversion=2008061113

Family and Politics

2008-09-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

My sister and I recently had an interesting email exchange concerning the 2008 election. I thought she raised a very interesting point when it comes to taxes and government spending (she spent six months abroad teaching in the Dominican Republic):

.....at least we can see many good things coming from our taxes- spend 6 months in the Dominican Republic where the trash doesn't get picked, and the streets have uncovered manholes and potholes, the mail may or may not get delivered and an ambulance may or may not come if you call it- and the power goes out several times a day....Americans are so out of touch with how good they have it- even the poor ones- because there ARE Safety nets in place funded by tax dollars. Plus, its not like people who save all this money in taxes will not figure out another way to get themselves into debt by continuing to live above their means- so they're still working poor and we still have problems that are not being solved by programs because there is less tax money to fund them- stupid, stupid, argument.

These are the facts people. It's one thing to think that government wastes money (which they always have, under Republicans and Democrats). It is another, completely irrational thing, to believe that Americans can just "go it alone" with no taxes to pay a government to perform vital services that most countries can only dream of.

I can't understand why many of my own friends vote exclusively Republican (have no real answer as to "why"...) simply because, "I am conservative- that's how my parents raised me". I am glad as hell that my Mom and Dad did not shove politics down me and my sisters' throats during our upbringing (in fact I never, ever remember the topic ever even coming up (ie. an impassioned tirade about "Us vs. Them" or why one political party or the other is responsible for everything right or wrong in the world)). I've heard it said about both sides, and it does not add up- there have been countless successes and failures on both sides of the aisle. Let us talk about the here and now, and what is best for The United States of America in 2008.

In fact, just recently, my father told me he has only voted for Democrats a handful of times. He would never persuade me to vote for someone though (or be angry with me because my political beliefs differ from his own). But hey, I've voted for a handful Republican state/national congressional candidates in my lifetime, and if there are more out there that I find to be effective legislators, I will again. I try to hear all of the candidates out and call it like I see it (as should you!).

This election is too important to vote the will of your parents or spouse or favorite celebrity or talk show host... or anyone other than- YOU.

"He worked as a.... comm-u-inty org-a-nizer"

2008-09-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bravo. Thank you RNC, for letting all of us Americans know how much you care about people who choose to serve the needs of those who have it worst above serving themselves. Maybe by the end of this election I will finally understand what this abstract concept of "country" is, why it is so important to Republicans, and why We The People (if we are not Republican-voting People) just, don't really matter. It will prove the undoing of McCain's propped up, desperate campaign. Remember people- a majority of G.O.P. voters did not even want this man as their candidate; he now simply represents the alternative to (gasp!) the well-spoken "black" guy.

As if Rudy Guilliani and Sarah Palin's RNC speeches were not disturbing enough, I got a viral ultra-conservative email deriding Senator Obama's work as a community organizer on Chicago's South Side forwarded to me from my Uncle (awesome guy- a tad extreme in his political beliefs) who seems blind to anything that is not pro-Republican or anti-Liberal. Ah, if only the world were so black and white. The following is an excerpt:

What deserves ridicule is the notion that Obama’s brief stint as a South Side rabble-rouser for tax-subsidized, partisan nonprofits qualifies as executive experience you can believe in.

What deserves derision is “community organizing” that relies on a community of homeless people and ex-cons to organize for the purpose of registering dead people to vote, shaking down corporations, and using the race card as a bludgeon.

As I’ve reported previously, Obama’s community organizing days involved training grievance-mongers from the far-left ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). The ACORN mob is infamous for its bully tactics (which they dub “direct actions”); Obama supporters have recounted his role in organizing an ambush on a government planning meeting about a landfill project opposed by Chicago’s minority lobbies.

While usually calm, collective, and tolerant to opposing views, this was far too over the top not to call out on its ridiculousness. So, I responded in kind:

"Ya, I bet Barack Obama specifically chose to move to a shitty area of Chicago with little but his clothes and a car (and forgo a far more secure and lucrative career in NYC) so that he could build up the notorious and ever dangerous "ACORN" group for such devious (dubious) purposes outlined [above]. And exactly how does being a "rabble-rouser for tax-subsidized, partisan nonprofits" equate to the kind of evil this woman is trying to convey? The secret is out! Most non-profit groups are more in line with Democratic politics which tend to favor government social programs. That's not a shocker to anyone. Their have been some very important "rabble rousers" in American history. Believe it or not, sometimes people have to challenge the status quo. (said the people who brought us the 8 hour workday)

But, that has been "His" scheme all along. We are all just being duped by the grand celebrity puppet master. He's a closet-Muslim, and so we Christians should be (not tolerant!) scared out of our boots. His wife is a Black Panther. They both plan to eat all of our first-born children and paint the White House black with a mosaic of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro on the roof. Blah, blah, blah. I don't want to hear any more of this bullshit. How can anyone claim to be a champion of the people yet mock the selfless concept of volunteerism and community involvement? I find it incredibly disturbing that Rudy G. and Mrs. Palin would say such insulting words and find a perfectly receptive audience. I literally had to turn off my television set. That's not the Gospel I was taught. That's not the America I know. I was trying to hear about the G.O.P.'s outlook on America's future. I guess I was expecting a bit much from a political convention. Maybe they who would throw stones around their glass bubble should imagine walking a mile or two in someone else's shoes... someone outside of their cul-de-sac. It's gotten beyond pathetic- tell me something about John McCain."

John McCain and George W. Bush, on the day that Katrina made landfall. Boy, they sure look very concerned about those folks down in New Orleans, don't they?

I reiterate that question to whoever crafts these kind of sociopathic messages in the McCain camp: tell me something about John McCain.

John McCain and His Own Celebrity Pick

2008-09-11T10:40:00.001-07:00

Funny how just a few weeks ago, the McCain campaign was putting out television ads comparing Barack Obama to Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears, and even Jesus of Nazareth. What in the heck was up with that? Does McCain and Co. really think Barack Obama supporters are trying to elect someone they think is the next American Idol or the second coming of Christ? Get a little tighter grip on reality, Straight Talk Express- your wing nuts are coming loose. My how a woman G.O.P. vice presidential selection can make you seem like a hypocrite. Make no mistake- right now Sarah Palin is stealing the '08 campaign show. However- contrary to what many hand-wringing staunch Democrats might think right now, that is a very, very good thing. Popularity had been one of Obama's weaknesses- voters are suspicious of anything they are told they must be in adoration of. Think of how movie reviews can really suck the enjoyment out of good films- even great films are tainted by reviews as the viewer never really has a chance to decide for themselves how good the film was. See what I mean here?

While Barack Obama was becoming more known, and increasingly popular, Republicans sought to portray him as just a "celebrity" pied piper who would lead us all to our doom (hey now, wasn't the actor Ronald Reagan a pretty popular celebrity when he ran for President?). Now with Palin being the new flavor of the season, Obama can get back to being a normal elected offical trying to bring this country out of the Bush rut and into a new era of prosperity for all of us (not just those who's financial lives ebb and flow with the stock market).

The nation is obviously very fascinated about John McCain's historic VP choice. Governor Palin did something that seemed almost impossible just a month ago- she made John McCain's campaign look fresh and exciting (sound familiar?) to galvanize the Republican base. Many in that "base" have held intense contempt for McCain and his more centrist views over the years. That is- over the years before he started running for president and began changing his position on nearly every centrist stance he's ever had. All this in a calculated effort to "fall in line" with the far-right wing base that sees him as a last bastion of refuge for their slowly loosening grip on American political power. At the end of the day (-er, two months ahead) though, I strongly suspect that the debates will flesh out the policy stances each of the candidates have, and Obama/Biden will be the choice for a majority of Americans (electoral and popular).

The last 8 years under the G.O.P have been more than a disaster- the first 6 of those years ushered in an unceasing swarm of ultra-conservative sweeping changes to our government and the Constitution, and 2 of those years (2007 and 2008) have been atrophied by vetoes from George W. Bush on every piece of legislation the Democratic Senators on the Hill attempt to pass. And people wonder why Congress has an approval rating lower than Bush....? Their hands are tied. Essentially, President Bush unflinchingly overrides any "majority powers" they might have thought they had after 2006. A new and open-minded approach is what Obama brings to the table. McCain? Well, more of the same "smashingly successful" Bush policies that he helped legislate a whopping 90% of the time. I'll admit, I am not a registered Democrat (although I vote Democratic more than 90% of the time). I do however believe in Barack Obama's message of Hope and Change. These aren't just campaign slogans- they are realistic ideals that we as a nation have never been in more need of.

Let your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors realize- ignorance is the mother of mistake. The election of our next leader is not something we can afford to screw up. Inform the masses with the facts I lay out here on this blog and facts you find elsewhere . We finally have a genuine presidential candidate that will lead this nation with integrity, piety, wisdom, and care about Republicans, Democrats, Independents, disaffected voters, and everyone in between. Pssssst! The secret is out: his name Barack Obama.