Should McCain have picked Romney?
The Palin bounce is disappearing quicker than you can say "Geraldine Ferraro" - and the value of steady, elderly well-connected chaps (Paulson et al) is rising fast.
The Republicans would have had a miserable convention with Tom Ridge on the ticket or Mitt Romney, but this week they would be climbing instead of falling and issuing plans for rescuing the capitalist system rather than railing at greedy Wall Street bankers or calling for people nobody has ever heard of to be fired.
Will they listen now to the siren voices suggesting desperate measures? I doubt it.
But the author of that piece (a charming and witty man I might add) was also one of the team behind the Willy Horton ad.
If Obama does well on Friday he'd better watch his back.
Hello, I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~26~RS~)
CommentsSign in
You need to sign in to contribute to this page. If you're new to BBC Blogs, creating your membership is quick and easy.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I live in The Villages, FL and if you had been there as I was when Sarah Palin visited and was greeted by 60,000 people you would not have that opinion. This is a very scantly populated area and many people traveled here to see her.
Esther
Complain about this comment
Yes, Romney would have been a much better choice with regards to strengthening the voter confidence in the republican's ability to handle the recent economic crisis. Though, quite frankly, not by much when one considers the republican's abysmal economic record stretching as far back as George Bush senior's administration. And as far as the economic giveaway to China via the astronomical trade deficit between the to nations and the policies that led us there, sorry, Mitt Romney is right in there with the rest of big business.
Complain about this comment
I think it is not only premature to assume that Gov. Palin's popularity is falling and that recent drops in popularity are attributed to her. In fact, the opposite may be true. Sen. McCain made several serious gaffes this past week and did not look very presidential or qualified in the midst of a major fiscal/economic crisis.
Judging by the size of the crowds attending Gov. Palin's stump speeches, and their enthusiasm, I would say that the only reason the McCain/Palin ticket remains competitive is because of her.
The fact that enthusiasm for her has fallen among intellectuals is easily offset by the support she continues to gain in mainstream America.
What would have been unstoppable would have been a Romney/Palin ticket.
Complain about this comment
And Obama is ready? He's never been an executive on any level (Palin has). He's never been the leader of any part of the military (Palin has). He's never been the leader of a boarder state (Palin, again, has). He only went to a battle zone after he started running for presidency during the primaries (Palin went years ago...before VP was even a consideration). Obama has never took on his own party for reform (Palin has...AND WON). Obama for reform?? no...he has no experience, he - as Hillary Clinton said - has a speech in 2002.
Complain about this comment
This is another superficial, poorly-thought through piece, one in the long list of many.
That's one too many for me. I'm off from this blog to find something a bit more serious.
Complain about this comment
If Romney had been the VP candidate, at least Carly Fiorina would not have been able to say that none of the candidates could run a business. But would America really have voted for a Mormon? I don't think so. Catholics and Evangelicals don't agree with the LDS on many subjects and that would surely have had an effect. If anyone made a mistake, it was Mr Obama in not selecting his former opponent - he would be in a far better position than he is right now.
Complain about this comment
There's an election? You'll be reporting the tiddlywinks pre-season heats in the middle of the World Cup next.
Complain about this comment
McCain's choice of Palin was desperate and reckless, as has been his response to other crisis issues like the economy. If maverick means gambler, then that gives many of us pause because it shows a lack of good judgement, risking all on a toss of the dice rather than a considered choice for the long term.
Complain about this comment
Sure, McCain should have chosen someone else. But then again, Obama should have chosen Hillary. In both cases, that ship has sailed.
Complain about this comment
"5. At 11:49pm on 22 Sep 2008, kelly322 wrote:
And Obama is ready? He's never been an executive on any level (Palin has). He's never been the leader of any part of the military (Palin has). He's never been the leader of a boarder state (Palin, again, has). He only went to a battle zone after he started running for presidency during the primaries (Palin went years ago...before VP was even a consideration)."
Neither had Lincoln at this estimation so presumably he had no chance either.
Think you will find he did rather well in elections.
And Palin exagerated her claim to visit a combart zone
"Obama has never took on his own party for reform (Palin has...AND WON)."
When?
Complain about this comment
"The prospect of having an end-times believing fanatic waiting the oldest and cancer-ridden president to die is way too much for rational people to take"
The fact that you wrote this sentence demonstrates that you are far from rational. Can you name me ANY major US politician who is an athiest? Maybe if you actually listened to Palin instead of biased media soundbites about her you might learn something. Then again perhaps not.
Complain about this comment
Simon 21
Palin took on the local Republicans in Alasaka and has made a number of enemies there in doing so.
As for your reference to Abraham Lincoln, he was defeated a number of times before becoming President.
Complain about this comment
We'll have to see how the rest of the campaign
pans out. I'm sticking by my theory that some,
hitherto undiscovered Great Flaw will emerge,
and besmirch Obama's character.
As far as Romney goes, while he has a business
background, but this campaign may well revolve
around how well people can identify with a
candidate who will "fight for them." This was
Hillary's appeal.
Complain about this comment
Monday Morning Quarterbacking Justin. Too late, you go home from the dance with the won who brung ya!;-)
Complain about this comment
Methinks Mr Webb is another case of PDS.
Complain about this comment
You have a strange conception of "charming and witty," Webb. "Greenhouse Gas Greens"? "Fraudulent driver?s licenses" as the central security problem that led to 9/11? Blindingly stupid and sickeningly devious would be a better description. There are some smart Republicans. There are many more charming and witty Republicans. And maybe in person he has some charm. But his wits are evidently long lost.
Complain about this comment
#12. bayboy1664: "Can you name me ANY major US politician who is an athiest?" There may not be one, but none of the others believe in the Second Coming, or 'end-of-times' in their lifetime.
#13 - Regarding Lincoln and his "defeats" you may care to look at this and scroll all the way down, which rebuts the myths about him.
You should stick to cricket.
Complain about this comment
Evaluate before placing emphasis on this Obama "bounce". This is the year a Democrat could put a dog as a nominee and still win. As we stand, Obama is questionably ahead nationwide, and his electoral college "led" is even more questionable. This is of course assuming the polls are a reasonable indication.
2004: On election day, John Kerry entered the day with a lead in all polls, and pundits confidently predicted he would win 300 electoral college votes. Even the venerated pollster James Zogby, of impeccable accuracy, predicted a Kerry Presidency. When the dust settled, Bush not only retained his ttitle, but did it with the highest number of votes a nominee ever received. The democratic shock was palpable: how was this possible? Then information filtered in regarding the ground game the Republicans ran. While the Democrats were busy hooting away on tv and radio, the long arm of the Republican party slowly chipped away in small towns, churches, parihes, community centers (you get the picture). Suddenly, a large swath of voters previously undetected by pollsters showed up and swept Bush into power. This is why many saw a Democratic nominee needs at least a 7-10 point lead just to be competitive.
As we speak, the McCain team is grinding away on the ground. The Evangelicals are rejuvenated, and that is major trouble for Obama. The size of the Evangelical voting block is massive, and they are spread through a large chunk of the country. When reports arrive of 60,000 at a local rally, this is concerning if you are a Democrat.
Thus the difference between the Democrats and Repuublican elite. The Democratic elite, and the "Obama nation", live in a fantasy world. They are individuals who grew up in relatively safe, un-eventful lives. They have a skewed view of life, one not seriously challenged to form their view. This is why they their fantasy views of mankind holding hands under a rainbow, singing and dancing. This is why they are oblivious to the fact that the political process is an organice entity which has survived the test of time, and adapted. To ridiculously come in and "change the system" is an open invitation to disaster. of course, if you grew up in a life with any type of challenge, you have a greater worldview...you have wisdom. They only thing they have is suburban angst.
I have many, many other reasons to describe why Obama will need a miracle to win. His race, his inability to connect with mainstream Americans and Republicans, the deepening staleness of his image, Michelle, the judgementalism his movement carries, his complete lack of experience. The list continues. The Democrats need to begin evaluating how to re-organize after this apocalyptic loss for their party.
There is a reason why the Republican representatives on television suddenly seem energized and confident. They know something the Democrats do not. It is called common sense and knowledge of life and human nature.
Complain about this comment
Palin - her national popularity is waning because she took so long to be interviewed and even then did poorly. Can she ever get over saying that being able to see Russia from Alaska means she is up to all foreign policy tasks.
McCain - still relying on Palin to provide popularity and needs to learn that "maverick" doesn't mean "hot-headed and stupid".
Biden - as he said himself at the weekend, "No one's listening to me." The only way he will ever gain importance is if someone tries to kill Obama - something so many people are still dreading.
Obama - can he survive a debate without seeming too professorial?
And with all the attack groups about to get personal with their lies, there's a long way to go.
Complain about this comment
I would have loved to see Multiple Choice Mitt on the same ticket with McBush... they'd have crashed and burned in no time.
Complain about this comment
To LJBELLA - who cares about voter?s confidence when there is a good chance that it will not be relevant? The people are in place after the shocking electronic voting scandal in OHIO 2004 to swing the election again for MCCAIN in 08. It is a new age in American and most people just dismiss it as conspiracy rubbish WITHOUT looking at the evidence and the admissions of people in a COURT OF LAW> After carefully examining the evidence, I've become convinced that the president's party mounted an immense, coordinated campaign to subvert the will of the people in 2004. 357,000 voters, the overwhelming majority of them Democratic, were prevented from casting ballots or did not have their votes counted in 2004. THIS is not DEOMCRACY - why should we ever look up to the USA again in regards to spreading the seeds of democracy? Johnnn?? How can you spread the seeds of democracy into Iraq when the US no longer represents it?? No-wonder the hatred is so strong. If you youtube OHIO 2004 - you should see the large Latino community in South America looking at this one video alone. (where a computer programmer admits that voter fraud occurre ) The truth is out there. The Republican Party is not what it seems as they have hijacked your flag. And that doesn?t even take into account the worrying evidence of outright fraud, which indicates that upwards of 80,000 votes for Kerry were counted instead for Bush. That alone is a swing of more than 160,000 votes - enough to have put John Kerry in the White House.
Complain about this comment
It is wonderful that McCain chose Palin - wonderful for the Democrats, that is. It hasn't taken long for everyone to see that Palin is a liability.
I guess it is too late for hime to change. Or is it? Maybe he could choose another loser, like Lieberman. One can only hope.
Complain about this comment
"The Palin bounce is disappearing quicker than you can say "Geraldine Ferraro" - and the value of steady, elderly well-connected chaps (Paulson et al) is rising fast. "
Justin, you just don't get it. Elderly, well connected chaps are responsible for the Wall Street melt down. Having someone who booted out an old boy, sold his corporate jet, and fired the personal chef will look good better as the scope of the Old Boy Catastrophe settles in.
Complain about this comment
At this point it hardly seems to matter who will win. Except for clueless Palin, every one of the other three plus all those big brains at the Treasury, at the Federal Reserve Bank, in the Senate and House including Senator Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and Barney Frank, his counterpart in the House who got the nation into this economic mess are the same ones we are counting on to get us out of it. Not one of them warned us that Hurricaine Subprima was headed our way. Which genius will chart a course out of the storm, Obama with two years of experience in government or McCain who doesn't know the first thing about the economy and whose instinct was to make the same mistake the FED made in the great depression. And now all they want is a blank check for 700 billion and they assure us we will be home free. Same people who didn't see it coming two weeks ago even though this was building for a decade. We're doomed. What do you mean don't panic? Look at a chart of the way the market went down from September 1929 to January 1930 and it becomes obvious that the correct move was to get out and cut your losses as soon as possible. Why are American taxpayers gong to be asked to bail out foreign banks, can someone tell me the answer to that?
Complain about this comment
#19. mindCanadiana: "2004 . . Even the venerated pollster James Zogby, of impeccable accuracy, predicted a Kerry Presidency."
I don't know from where you obtained that, but the Zogby Poll for October 21-24, 2004 indicated Kerry 47%, Bush 45%; but for the period October 23-25, 2004 showed Bush 49% and Kerry 46%. At the same time, the Rasmussen Reports projected the Electoral College projection as Bush with 222 Electoral Votes and Kerry with 190.
The the same poll today shows Obama leading in states with 193 Electoral College votes while McCain has the edge in states with 189 votes. When ?leaners? are included, Obama leads 259-247.
The reference to an Obama or Democratic "elite" who "are individuals who grew up in relatively safe, un-eventful lives" ignores the effect of the young and new Black voters who may never have exercised their franchise in previous elections. To say these have had 'safe lives' is to demonstrate an ignorance of the conditions in many urban areas. In my opinion, it is Mr McCain who will need the miracle.
Complain about this comment
The 'Palin Effect' past us? I think not, Mr. Webb!
You do so well, and then that incurable British snotty condescension rears its ugly head!
If Gov. Palin can draw 60,000 to one rally in a swing state like Florida, where so many stand to lose so much in the market's woes, she is FAR from on the decline.
Her rallies are packing out, and Joe Biden???
As for Mitt Romney--I would think his expertise could be called upon, assuming McCain and Palin are elected.
Otherwise, we'll be in the hands of former Fannie Mae execs--oh boy!
Complain about this comment
I am an independent voter who will be at the polling place BEFORE it opens to make sure that I vote for Obama. It frightens the crap out of me to think that Palin would be living in the White House. Not only will she set women back 200 years (pro-life? not even my mom, a STAUNCH Catholic, is pro-life) she belongs to a church that allows speakers to preach hateful things about Jews. Any form of hatred is frightening and Hitleresk. Mitt Romney would have been a much better, safer, saner choice (I would have still voted for Obama). McCain will not make it through the four years, the presidency is a difficult and stressful job--he is too old (as old as my grandfather who gets lost quite often) and who will be let hosting heads of state? A moose hunting grandmother, what a sight!
p.s. for all you Christians out there:
Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor
Complain about this comment
It should be called the "Palin Blip"
Complain about this comment
I was at the Palin farce at The Villages. God help America is this woman every gets to power. She is so niave and was all bluster - no substance.
I can only hope that those who heard her realise what a fool she is and are not taken in by all the media garbage saying how wonderful she is. How she ever was elected a State Governor was a miracle or the folk in Alaska are just plain crazy.
Definately not up to the job.
Complain about this comment
To#28Guendy
Loved your last sentence!
And just a small reminder to some. Palin IS NOT the presidential nominee. Anyone who plans to vote for McCain in hopes that the 'Divine Sarah' will soon take over deserves to have McCain "Live Long and Prosper." In other words you could get stuck with that poor man for at least FOUR MORE years.
Complain about this comment
To#30Floridianbrit
Thanks for your 'on the spot' input.
Those are my thoughts as well but never underestimate the gullibility of some voters.
Complain about this comment
25, staphylococcus aureus.
1. I agree Palin is clueless.
2. You say Obama has only two years experience in government. That is a lie. He has been in government office for almost 11 years. He was a senator in the Illinois state legislature from 1997 to 2004. He has been a senator from Illinois since 2004.
3. You did not mention it, but the Iraq fiasco has cost more than a bailout would.
Complain about this comment
#27. OldSouth: "The 'Palin Effect' past us? I think not . . . Her rallies are packing out."
This and this from Alaska itself tells a somewhat different story.
Complain about this comment
It is a sad day in America when no-one wants to talk about election fraud within their own country. If you ask me the real ground zero was Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004 - this is the real mark left on your country - 8 years of Far- Right agendas
Complain about this comment
It is a sad day in America when no-one wants to talk about election fraud within their own country. If you ask me the real ground zero was Florida 2000 and Ohio 2004 - this is the real mark left on your country - 8 years of Far- Right agendas
Netcrusher:
Americans talk endlessly about all of these things.
There is no shortage of conspiracy thinking regarding elections.
Instead of indulging in armchair mockery and ridicule, you need to meet and talk with real Americans who are more human than you might think.
Then perhaps someone might actually want to know your opinion on the elections of another nation.
Complain about this comment
35, NET.
We tell the world we have free and honest electiions. After all, wasn't Mayor Daley of Chicago free to elect John F. Kennedy? And everybody knows how honest he was.
Complain about this comment
More unintended humour, and all the more funny for it - the Willy Horton link Justin gives us says that the first person to raise the issue in a political race was none other than Al Gore. Those smearing republicans!
Complain about this comment
36, Timothy.
Why do you feel you have to lie to foreigners? NET is absolutely correct about fiddling election results. And now we have electronic voting. That terrifies me because the problems of the past will be multiplied.
And I happen to be what you call a "real American," so don't be lumping us together like a pack of idiots.
The only way a candidate can legitimately win this election, assuming there is fiddling, and I do assume so, is if he wins by a landslide. That would be hard to fiddle.
Complain about this comment
I was at a party yesterday and talking to a woman who teaches in Harlem. (For those of you who don't know, Harlem is an overwhelmingly black community.) I asked her if there would be a good turnout for Obama.
What she told me was disheartening. She said that the people in the community don't vote. It's not that they can't, it's that they don't. For the primary there were voting booths right in the school and almost no one showed up. Obama has his work cut out for him.
Complain about this comment
It's too early to talk about fading popularity. The elections are still about a month and a half away, and it's still too close to call. And as #36 allmymarbles wrote, The only way a candidate can legitimately win the election is if he wins by a landslide, somethign which doesn't look all that likely, given that the difference between the candidates is around +-5%.
Complain about this comment
Justin, this blog started off as about North America, with an emphasis on the USA, and within that an emphasis on the US election. 8 of the last 10 topics you have started have been about Palin. Make of that what you will, but don't say that the media have bored of her.
As an englishman over in the USA, I'd like to suggest a few other topics that give the brits back home a flavour of what the US is about, and how it differs to the UK.
Home-schooling. Almost unheard of in the UK, surprisingly common over here.
Religion. A huge number here go to church, this is not limited to a particular race or political affiliation.
Hunting. Across the country people hunt, and this is not a class issue.
Holidays. Vacations here, holidays seem to be one-off days similar to bank holidays - unless you're talking about the period from thanksgiving to the new year. Most americans have vey little holiday, so they seem to party hard on a holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving. Who wants turkey on xmas day when you've already had it a month earlier?
Any other suggestions? Don't mention proper beer, it's the one luxury I miss.
Complain about this comment
#40, allmy, all the more amazing considering that
Bill Clinton basically moved in there.
Can you imagine Clinton showing up at a Burger
King in Harlem with a Secret Service contingent?
Complain about this comment
seanspa, what is this carping about American beers?
You've either been looking for love in the wrong
places, or you just don't like amber ales.
Complain about this comment
Damn, forgot about timezones. I always do, which is whay I wanted to include it. I am on pacific time, so wake up to old news for everything east of here. Much tv is on delay. South Idaho is an hour ahead, as is Montana, half an hr away. It takes some getting used to. This is a large country.
Complain about this comment
43, guns.
Although Harlem is getting a face lift and is looking more prosperous, I think that is mostly on the outside. It is still an area of welfare, drugs, crime, and broken homes. I went to a meeting up there not too long ago and was warned to walk aggressively and be off the streets before 9PM.
Complain about this comment
#46, you're describing exactly what DC used to
be like when I was growing up on the East Coast.
Is it still that way? I haven't been back there in
many years, partly out of fear that I might be
robbed by a beltway bandit.
Complain about this comment
>(a charming and witty man I might add)
What is this , Sympathy for the Devil? Shared responsibility for the infamous Willy Horton already suggests a certain lack of integrity, but that piece fair takes your breath away as it links immigration, border security to illegal driving licences to 911
911? As Jon Stewart would put it, are you ----ing me?
Leaving aside any moral judgements on this piece of work, he is also as dumb as a rock. McCain is already getting beaten up badly in the Latin American demographic, largely due to running away from his previous position on immigration reform. Now Pinkerton wants him dig himself deeper into his hole. ~That~ should help.
Not
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Americans should be ashamed of themselves for voting in a president that doesn't even know how to put 2 sentences in english together. I will not be surprised if thier stupidity gets them to vote Mcain into office.
Complain about this comment
47, guns.
DC is much worse than Harlem. It is not safe to walk in that part of town at any time, day or night.
Complain about this comment
This appeared yesterday in the Augusta, Georgia, Chronicle. The full posting shows the Confederate battle flag waving in the breeze and expresses even more comments.
http://forums.augusta.com/viewtopic.php?t=4400
The comments suggest the revelation to the poster that Palin is the annointed one and a response to the anti-Christ represented by Obama
Israel's Netanyahu was a similar revelation to the poster.
Complain about this comment
mindCanadiana-
"There is a reason why the Republican representatives on television suddenly seem energized and confident. They know something the Democrats do not. It is called common sense and knowledge of life and human nature."
Well for starters, I grew up without a mother and was diagnosed with an inflammetory stomach disease at the age of 17, so don't even attempt to talk to me about hardship. Going through all that taught me about more about human nature than you could learn in three lifetimes, and it is apparent that it is people like you who hold us back. The Republican party is everything that is flawed with humanity rolled up into a neat little package and shoved down the throats of honest hardworking people who want nothing more than to leave the world a better place than they found it.
Complain about this comment
There is an illustrative posting in yesterday's Augusta, Georgia, Chronicle
wherein the poster
envisions Obama as a non-Christian
Palin and Netanyahu as annointed Ones
etc.
all displayed under the Confederate Battle flag.
How many such were there in Florida?
Complain about this comment
Xie_Ming, this was a posting in a blog, not part of
the paper. Some KKK nut posting in a blog is
not representative of Georgia or the USA.
But, keep looking, you might find something.
Complain about this comment
I just had to point this out. It seems Steve Schmidt held a conference call where he complained about the campaign being called liars by the media. He instead suggested that they investigate Obama and Biden and proceeded to level a number of charges against them, ALL OF WHICH WERE LIES.
It's amazing how people prostitute themselves in these campaigns.
Complain about this comment
#51, I guess that shows what happens when we
let the Congress run something.
Complain about this comment
To#42Seanspa
I hope you are actually interested, I will address the issue of home schooling with you or at least my limited knowledge of it.
In some areas of the South and other areas of our country, home schooling provides a way to avoid children attending integrated schools. (I will be criticized by some for this comment but I have witnessed this when I lived for a time in these places.)
Some Evangelical parents home school because they consider public schooling to be a poisonous and godless environment for their children.
Other parents are concerned that their children are receiving an inadequate education and they can not afford expensive private schools so they try to do better on their own. Some do. Some don't
I will tell you that we are raising a grandchild and have considered home schooling for this very reason ourselves.
We chose not to do this because we felt the social interaction she got in school was very important for a child who had lost both her parents and had to live as an only child with two old people. We supplement her education as best we can.
For myself, I think we need to improve our educational system and do it very soon. What I am seeing now is not very encouraging.
Complain about this comment
Guns, I take it you've never had a pint of bitter. It takes practice to overcome the shocking taste, but once there, amber doesn't come close. I was back in England 2 years ago and had a perfect saturday afternoon watching village cricket in wltshire. What made it perfect was the wadsworth 6x being served. American beer, and trust me, I've researched this in depth, just doesn't have the taste nor the effect. That said, I long to be proved wrong.
Complain about this comment
seanspa, I have no idea what "bitter" is, so it is
difficult for me to compare experiences. However,
I recommend Pete's Wicked Ale, or some Fat Tire
Amber on tap for research purposes.
Now, on the other hand, if you Brits actually do
have the formula for the modern equivalent of
"heavy water," then I would recommend that
some enterprising soul from that region immediately
emigrate to the States and commence brewing!
If said individual would be interested in commencing
operations in the Monterey-Salinas-Carmel area,
I could probably find investors, and would be
happy to act as a quality control consultant!
Complain about this comment
Aqua, I am indeed interested in what you have to say. I raised homeschooling because I know a good number of kids schooled this way. In the UK it is unheard of.
I was thinking about this subject only on Sunday, as I picked up my younger son from his best friend's house. His friend's parent have recently split up and we were initially told that the mother would move to Indiana (it's not just down the road). We could not understand how this would work as far as the son's schooling was concerned.
Sunday explained all. The son would finish this school year at the local middle school, and would then be home-schooled when his mother moved away and his father stayed here.
I mention this because this had never crossed my mind. We know kids taught at home for a number of reason, and you have mentioned some. Lack of confidence in the system, religious concerns. 'Integrated' schools are not an issue up here. I also know of avoidance of bullying. Now I can add another reason.
None of the kids I know in this system are under-educated - indeed the opposite is true. Some though have trouble mixing with other kids, although there is plenty of opportunity to do so. Home-schoolers join in school sports programs, and a high number seem to get involved in scouting. As everyone should - you need to be out camping around here as often as possible.
Complain about this comment
The debates are coming soon.
It would be interesting if John McCain changed his position on tax cuts.
For one thing, they look dishonest in the face of the coming deficit. For another, he could outflank Barack Obama.
I believe the Barack Obama campaign has become so heavily identified with tax cuts and health spending that it is a position he would find difficult to abandon.
It doesn't actually matter very much because I doubt most voters take a lot of notice of policy but it would be interesting to see it revealed in a debate.
Complain about this comment
Palin was the right choice for the McCain campaign. She will consolidate critical christian - heartland America support.
Complain about this comment
58, Aqua.
There is yet another reason for home schooling. Even where the local school is in a good area parents object to the curriculum because of its brain-washing social mores. In such a circumstance I would not choose toe home school.
(1) If I had wanted to be a teacher I would have been a teacher. (2) The child's social circle is limited to people just like his parents and their friends and children. It is a deficient form of eliteism. (3) At home you can counteract anything you consider false or detrimental that they learn in school.
As for improving the school system, this is not possible in the inner cities, and money has nothing to do with it. The problem is that all the students are from an inbred subculture. What is normal to that subculture is not conducive to learning.
In the past city public schools taught the children of professionals, white-collar workers and blue-collar workers. With this intermingling the students were exposed to a variety of ideas, ambitions, and professions. Unless there were a way to bring back the middle class, there is no hope for the inner city school.
Complain about this comment
To#42Seanspa
I think your questions may not have been serious but I will answer one more.
Hunting?
Some of us still actually do that for food and not sport.
Enjoy!
Complain about this comment
58, Aqua.
A couple of other points against home schooling.
(4) Kids need private lives. They need to pass notes in class, they need to have crushes, they need secrets, they need to grow up. This is hard to do with mama in their face all the time.
(5) Mama's needs. It's great to see the kids off in the morning and have the rest of the day to devote either to a job or to whatever else you have to do. With them gone for the day it is all the more enjoyable to have them come home when school is over.
Complain about this comment
Guns, my brother lives in San Jose. Gordon Birsch provided the beer at his wedding in 1991, and it was pretty good. It just wasn't great. Anchor steam was reasonably pleasant and I even found it up in Idaho recently.
I have been trying to find out why bitter just doesn't export and I regret to say that my quest has so far been a failure. We have Newcastle brown and Bass pale ale here - not true bitter but normally quite drinkable. Neither are recognisable.
I have to admit that my first ever american beer was a coors. Even at 16, I knew this was not beer as it should be, and this experience may have coloured my judgment.
Complain about this comment
Is Justin Webb's blog ghost-written by Ethan S Winner?
Complain about this comment
seanspa, I can understand why Coors turned
you off. But, I'm going to have investigate this
bitters thing, and I will report back.
Complain about this comment
#25 MarcusAureliusII
I'm guessing you've just invested in a hedge fund.
I found that incredible. No doubt Deutsche Bank will come up with an explanation through their PR people.
I also found it incredible that the bailout of AIG was explained (as some other actions have been) by the need to 'protect financial institutions around the world'.
Have the US media noticed that ?
Complain about this comment
Aqua, I was entirely serious with my suggestions. I chose topics that highlight a difference beteen life in the UK and life in the US.
My next door neighbor goes to church and hunts. As do many people around here. I could not wish for a better neighbour. He has helped us so many times, so often without being asked. He has given us a huge amount of meat that he has obtained though hunting. I have mentioned here before having moose, elk, deer, bear. All thanks to my generous neighbour.
People hunt around here for meat. Hunting is far better regulated than the financial markets. Species are not wiped out. People save money. I raised this subject because hunting in the UK is not for meat, and is seen as a rich man's sport, so therefore banned.
Complain about this comment
The home schooling debate! Very interesting!
To Allmymarbles,
I agree that I would not want to do this. It was just an idea of my dear one's regarding this child we have agreed to raise.
I consider home schooling to be somewhat ridiculous. Children need to learn that life IS NOT FAIR, that the world is full of BULLIES and that not everyone will like them. What better place to learn that than in any school!
I consider that the home is a place to learn ethics, values and any thing else a parent would like to teach. There is such a thing as taking responsibility for the children you bring into the world. We have done that and we have accepted that responsibility for our grandchild.
To Seanspa
We have scouting here and if we wish to camp out, we do not have to travel far for some of the most beautiful country. Our grandchild will attend school with all of the other children and we will do our best to teach her what we have learned in all of our years.
Complain about this comment
Let's remember that the [White] religious fundamentalists and [White] evangelical conservatives, alone, are a minority group in the United States.
Complain about this comment
I am finished here.
Complain about this comment
Who is Palin? Not a clever question - just wondering where the "Sarah" went so quickly. Same thing happened to the Margaret with Thatcher though she became Maggie and other nasties later. Looks bad for the barracuda?
Complain about this comment
The question one should ask who can solve several critical problems simultaneously.
Sarah Palin: She went to six different Universities to obtain a bachelor degree in journalism
which does not require much analyzation, at Hawaii Pacific University she tried business
administration program but failed, Sarah, show us the prove if it is not the truth!. I wont hire
her even as a business analysis in my company that is for sure.
Barack Obama: Graduated with a B.A from Columbia. International relations.
Highest Degree from Harvard Law School. Sen. Obama's areas of special legislative interest have
been in support for working families, ethical reforms for government, public education, health care,
economic growth/jobs. Elected president of the Law Review at Harvard.
President Bush : History major with a C average.
President Clinton: Oxford law School graduate.
Again, The question one should ask who can solve several critical problems simultaneously?
Complain about this comment
i think the real question should be: should obama have picked hillary as his running mate?
i think everything you mentioned is relevant justin, but i still think palin did more in the first few weeks to motivate and inspire the republican voters, particularly the religious right and women voters, than romney could possibly have done on the bill.
but if obama had piced hillary, palin would have been far less of an issue for the democrats, and the hype around palin as the first female VP candidate would have been a moot point.
i still think palin is going to crash and burn. possibly as early as the VP debate...... if biden brings his a game. but like anything about to self destruct, she is capable of great damage in doing so....
Complain about this comment
# 55
Palin was selected to appeal to that sort of consituency.
It MIGHT represent 25%-33% of the USA.
Civilized folk find this very unsettling.
Complain about this comment
Romney would not have fired up the base as much as Palin and would have alienated moderates and independents as much as she does. His economic expertise would not have counted much in the current confusion. Ridge would have at least appealed to the middle. Kay Bailey Hutchinson would have been an even better choice. The right would have been deeply unhappy, but she would have appealed to the middle and might have pulled away more of those "bitter" Clinton supporters than Plain.
Complain about this comment
Actually the immigration idea has a bit of merit if handled carefully (which it probably wouldn't be). Obama's position on driver's licenses is deeply unpopular even in a Democratic state like California, but most voters don't know about his position.
Complain about this comment
77,
The crucial, but obviously academic point is, would McCain have chosen Palin if Obama had chosen Hillary?
Complain about this comment
28. guendy wrote:
"... Any form of hatred is frightening and Hitleresk...."
Yet you feel the desire to vote for Obama who for years belonged to a church where the pastor spouted hate-speech regularly. Guess he slept through the sermons huh?
BTW, I am not a Christian, that whole forgiving your enemies thing does not sit right with me.
Complain about this comment
Now that the US govt effectively owns AIG they are the defacto shirt sponsers of Manchester United.
Strange times......
You're all doing very well !!
Complain about this comment
Gov.Sarah Palin just got her fist passport last year. George W.Bush got his when he first became president. They don't need one to visit New Mexico. But this might make a good eposode of "Desperate Housewives"
Sincerely,
Diarmuid Harrington
San Francisco
Complain about this comment
Palin locks up the votes of the community that McCain already had in the bag. It surely cannot be the case that a Hillary supporter would switch do Palin just because of her gender. The Palin positions (such as they are) are 180 degress opposite to Clinton's.
Obama should be able to rely on:
* Those who voted for Kerry last time.
* The black vote (key is to increase black turnout - which he did in the Primaries)
This should be enough.
Complain about this comment
Obama is quick to point and blame the GOP for the economic woe's. Everyone that is part of the Washington in-scene is quick to point to Palin as the cause of a week link.
Let' see, give America a real change, and let's tear it apart ! Make's sense to me.
The economic woe's is as much to blame on both parties !
Hello folks.....The House, The Senate, ALL the good-ole-boys on the hill has to take this one on the chin. NOT just the GOP.
Palin needs a chance given to he.
Look at the chance the draft dodging, didn't inhale, Clinton got!
Complain about this comment
Now does that mean Manchester United will put a photo of George W.Bush on it's shirts now that AIG has been taken over by the government?
Complain about this comment
Folks, please don't underestimate the saleability of Ms Palin. It was scary but enlightening to read ealembeck2's account of the 60,000 who turned out to hear her in The Villages, FL - I bet many of those wouldn't have turned out for anyone else.
It could only be in Justin Webb's favourite country, that a creationist, "end of days", VP candidate, who believes the world was made 10,000 years ago and has negligable relevant experience for high political office, could prove to be an election winner.
But please don't ignore her pulling power, despite her dangerously mistaken beliefs, which would be laughed out of court in any European country.
I spend many happy hours with intelligent arts-loving Americans. But then there's the mid-West, and as one senior US academic told a meeting in London: "Never underestimate the ignorance of the American people."
Complain about this comment
I think the choice of Palin now provides quite a starkly different choice between McCain and Obama. Even though she will provide hardly any input into policy, it is clear what her beliefs are and that should horrify a certain percentage of America.
It was an incredibly shallow and obvious political ploy and on the surface she presents what the Republicans want. But she has no credentials and her views are so regressive it's frightening.
People like to highlight Obama's inexperience but he has the luxury of being an incredibly intelligent person. It is clear to us all that he has guile and passion, and despite not being the full package and short on policy, I do think he is the best choice for America and he will improve quickly.
I don't think Joe Biden has galvanised the Obama campaign either but I don't think people expected it to, because it is the opposite of the Republican's choice. A non-flashy, policy-heavy experienced man who lends an air of credibility to Obama. I think he will come in far more use in the months to come and if he is elected to office as V.P. That will be what really matters and what will count the most after the wafer-thin veneer of Palin's image rubs off quicker than discount shoe polish.
Complain about this comment
#88 battlelover
Perhaps you need to read this before getting too smug.
Sample:
I realise you were quoting someone else but accusing any large group of ignorance is ludicrous and demeans the individual doing it.
All groups are ignorant of something.
Complain about this comment
Apologies if anyone has already read or posted this, but this is a very interesting read (even if you disagree with the article).
http://energybulletin.net/node/23259
The problems faced in the USSR before its collapse are worryingly similar to those now the USA faces.
Complain about this comment
Re: 86 Punkin101
Sorry, this is crisis of astronomic proportions and, as yet, only the tip of the iceberg is on view. It most certainly cannot and should not be a case of leaders rushing or being allowed to rush to lifeboats ahead of families / taxpayers and looking for someone else to blame.
Leaders are elected to do a job, as are senior officials in Government, who by the way are not slow to bank their monthly stipend from the tax payer. This Republican administration cops this crisis fair and square, on the jaw. I would have said exactly the same if this had been a President Kerry administration too.
President George W Bush has been at the helm for eight years now and this is, and remains, his watch. His team; his supposed specialists and advisors have got to do their job and work up and propose a solution (but not quick fix) to Congress to steady the ship.
Thankfully reactions coming through, seem to indicate that there are a number of senior cross party politicians who want to know what they are actually wrestling with below the water line and NOT issue free *get out of jail* passes willy nilly for expediency. You aint seen anything yet, this it is going to get very messy and bloody. Good market for swords maybe.
Shouldnt you have said *silver spoon in GOP*; *draft dodging*; *hide in the bushes* in respect of chances?
Complain about this comment
Hard Point,
Bovine Excrement! You have obviously not listened nor watched a single sermon from Rev Wright, but simply drawn your pre-desired conclusion from selected soundbytes on Faux NewsThe real thing
Where's the hate? Look in the mirror, sir/madam.
Salaam, etc.
ed
Complain about this comment
It doesn't help that people in the U.S follow extreme right wing organisations like Fox News, and it's a well known fact that Rupert Murdoch is very much in concord with the republicans. We can only hope that the voters would not be as dumb as in 2004 when they thought that Bush would make a better president than John Kerry.
Complain about this comment
Which side is Bill Clinton supporting thse days ? He is offered the chance to put the boot in on Palin, to ridicule her - but says it is OK to vote for her
http://tinyurl.com/3hj9vq
Complain about this comment
Biden does the right thing in condemning the McCain/computer ad :
http://tinyurl.com/497zt6
Complain about this comment
McCain loses his head!
READ
Complain about this comment
#91 dceilar
I don't agree with everything what he wrote, in which he tried to make the USSR collapse sound better than it really was, but some of what he said makes sense. Especially the food part. Many of the people in the U.S are morbidly obese.
Complain about this comment
Gallup poll assesses public views of the reliability of the media
http://tinyurl.com/4etvcf
Complain about this comment
More questions fom the right about Czar Paulson and his pig-in-a-poke :
http://tinyurl.com/3eey3e
Complain about this comment
McCain Gaffes Could Undercut Message on Economy, Foreign Affairs
A series of "senior moments"? The poor old fellow is losing it. Anyone who has watched a dearly loved relative fade must surely recognise this, but this one is applying for the most demanding job on the planet!Strewth!
ed
Complain about this comment
Interesting question - the winner of this race and the Tory's in the UK when they win the next general election are going to face some very tough times. Maybe a poisoined chalice worth avoiding. Hillary and Barack as a united ticket in 2012?
Complain about this comment
Ed. Your link on Robin Ade and the 3 boys at No.111 yesterday is really good stuff. Great vision and commitment. 6000 budget pa for first five years unbelievable, but it doesnt take much to bring human joy and happiness. Dollar for dollar, far more impact in this sense than what is being hawked around Capitol Hill right now.
Mark. Plenty of accolades for No.42 yesterday. Right on the money, well done!
Complain about this comment
Dceilar (91),
Thanks for that very illuminating (and worrying?) link.
Worth repeating , worth reading
God Bless
ed
Complain about this comment
Ref 73
They constitute about 1/3 of the electorate. Unfortunately, unlike the Democrats who are notorious for crossing party lines or not voting, the religious far right is very disciplined and always vote.
The Palin factor should not be underestimated or discounted. She is the reason McCain remains competitive.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
A wise man once wrote you can't fool everyone all the time, but the GOP can fool enough of middle america every 4 years.
Palin and McCain??? Seriously!??
Complain about this comment
McCain Loses His Head
"Too late! Too late, for a very important date!" Down the rabbit hole we go....;-)
ed
Complain about this comment
#101 Ed_Iglehart
Well, I am a 'senior' person as well and I think he was right.
As far as I can tell, usually when someone talks about the 'fundamentals of the economy' they mean strategic issues like labour force flexibility; level of regulation (on business generally) and infrastructure capacity. Arguably availability of credit is in there as well but as one item out of many.
Most of these things are strong in the USA, as far as I can see. The Chinese, for instance, are spending huge amounts on their infrastructure to catch up with western economies.
I know he'll get a political thumping for it and as a politician he has to take it but like so many things in this campaign, this is not a criticism based on a strong reality.
Complain about this comment
For 20 years, Obama attended a church where racial prejdice was preached repeatedly.
For most of his life, he associated with dangerous radicals.
Obama has a link to a religioin that breeds those intent on destroying westen civilisation.
Obama despises the US flag and keeps his hands from his cehst when the US anthem is played.
Obama praises west's enemies, will dine with them and has never uttered a word of admiration for US or the west.
And you all love and want him. Goodluck to all of you.
I just hope you won't blame the Republicans tomorrow for making you elect Obama if he does at last win.
Complain about this comment
McCain seems to be acting like some half crazed junkie. First he says, "The fundamentals of our economy are strong", then he wants Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Chris Cox to be "Decapitated". He doesn't know a country called Spain exists, thinking it's a Latin American Country. He's losing his marbles...
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
If MCcain had picked Romney you would have asked us: "Should MCain have picked Pallin?"
You are just too prejudiced to be an agenda setter. Why don't you get others to suggest topics for you (for us all, actually)?
Complain about this comment
Steve Forbes On US Government's Job Negotiating Bailouts: "Tony Soprano Would Be Proud" (VIDEO)
I'm in there with Ms Marbles! Meanwhile the FTSE has given back one third of its "Whoopeee!" Friday, which had only just got it level for the week, and the DJI is below a week ago and well below its close on the 12th. Last week's euphoric "rally" didn't even get it quite even with where the big drop began...
Enjoy the ride
ed
Complain about this comment
110. At 12:51pm on 23 Sep 2008, Immaokochua wrote:
"For 20 years, Obama attended a church where racial prejdice was preached repeatedly.
For most of his life, he associated with dangerous radicals.
Obama has a link to a religioin that breeds those intent on destroying westen civilisation.
Obama despises the US flag and keeps his hands from his cehst when the US anthem is played.
Obama praises west's enemies, will dine with them and has never uttered a word of admiration for US or the west."
Any proof, facts or other to back any of that up?! See 107 above, some people will believe anything they are told as long as it backs up their prejudices.
Complain about this comment
To the fellow who spoke about the differences he found in the US to Britain:
I found that rather interesting overall. And yes, American beer and wine is so subpar compared to the European counterparts. I'm an American living in Europe right now.
As with the hunting, there is still a lot of politics circulating it. I went to school in Maine and studied politics there. Maine has a peculiar make up. You go South of Augusta, it is very liberal. You go north, very conservative. There was this huge blow up in the state that came to hunting. When you live in the rural north, that is how you sustain yourself but a lot of people tried to say it was inhumane. Hunting does get a bad reputation in the states but I think it has to do with growing up with different values and not even attempting to understand the other side.
To the individual who made the points about education:
It is not where you were educated but how you use your education.
I know some real idiots who went Ivy League but some of the smartest people I know are taking a break from college and/or went to state schools and actually switched colleges a few times. Your argument is weak.
Mr. Webb, I just wanted to say I enjoy reading your blog. I feel it is a truly unbiased look at American politics. It's refreshing in a painfully left wing media circus that is the US media.
But to your question, Romney would have overall been a good choice. He was governer of a very liberal state (Massachusetts, my home state) so knows how to compromise. However, Obama was winning with "change" and McCain had no chance if all he presented was a ticket of two white men. He'd be in the gutter right now if it weren't for Palin.
Complain about this comment
chillO
I see "fundamentals" as meaning Main Street, including can the US still make things and sell them ?
The motor industry is struggling - but in, say, the telecoms equipment sector, the US is doing just fine.
As an example, a couple of years ago British Telecom had an international competition to decide which vendors to use for its "21st Century Network". US companies like Cisco, Juniper, Lucent etc did just fine. And at the heart of the new voice system BT will need "softswitches" - the next-gen version of the phone exchange. Ericsson won - mainly because they have supplied the core of BT's old-gen switching. But they have not delivered on the job - and the BT softswitching rders have now been snatched away by an upstart next-gen US firm near Boston.
That firm is competing against the incumbent vendors worldwide and is frequently winning, not just the major US networks but also here in Europe (Germany and France telcos as well as Britain) and is very strong in Japan.
It remains the only "pure" softswitch, not a hybrid with VoIP bolted on to the old kit. It represents the dynamism of US ingenuity and technical / advanced software skill. It is growing at 20% compound, has nil debt and very high margins. Obviously not as significant as the big bruisers like Cisco - but still like Cisco a worldbeater.
Complain about this comment
Obama is not Muslim. It is stupid to try to pin that on him.
Complain about this comment
Immaokochua (110)
Got any examples?Here's an example which rebuts you
Peace to all,
ed
Complain about this comment
#110 Immaokochua:
I have problems with all of your statements,which I will elaborate below.
"For 20 years, Obama attended a church where racial prejdice was preached repeatedly"
You sound like as though for 20 years Obama heard nothing but vitriolic hate against the U.S. That is a story invented by Fox News. Get the facts right.
"For most of his life, he associated with dangerous radicals"
I don't know who the "dangerous Radicals" are, could you name them? If you mean the reverend, Let me tell you the President bush has people who are a lot worse.
"Obama has a link to a religioin that breeds those intent on destroying westen civilisation"
You are repeating the line what the right wing and xenophobic politicians keep spewing about. You mean everyone associated with Islam is a terrorist?
"Obama despises the US flag and keeps his hands from his cehst when the US anthem is played."
This is the most illogical sentence I've ever read. I don't put my hand to my chest when I sing my national anthem, does it mean that I'm not patriotic?
"Obama praises west's enemies, will dine with them and has never uttered a word of admiration for US or the west"
I don't think he "praised" any of them, he just said that he would hold talks with Iran and North Korea, instead of bracketing them "Axis of Evil" and trying to invade them.
All of your arguments are flawed and are seriously half truths. You are not taking the entire picture into view.
Complain about this comment
28. guendy
p.s. for all you Christians out there:
Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor
Let me get this right, your saying that Obama is the messiah, and Palin is the governor thus Palin will wash her hands in the affairs of Democrats as they crucify Obama.
I get It, and I agree
Complain about this comment
D_C Anti Palin ralley drew Hundreds! Includiing Obama supporters!
Anti Obama Ralley draws 60,000
Using that same logic, In Florida 60,000 turned out for Anti-Obama ralley, Included Palin supporters.
Complain about this comment
# 105 DominickVila
"The Palin factor should not be underestimated or discounted. She is the reason McCain remains competitive."
She seems to have given McCain a lift, whether temporary or otherwise, energised the evangelical grassroots etc. She certainly has some kind of appeal ['she's a regular Mom, she's an outsider, she's 'folks-like-us', why are the nasty liberal elite a-pickin' on her' etc etc]
However. Having said that, I'm sure I read somehere that her favourable ratings plummeted in a couple of weeks from c +17 to either +1 or -1. So there is the possibility that she'll deter at least as many as she attracts.
Complain about this comment
Chill0,
Surely you're too clever to join in with redefining "economic fundamentals"... At least I had developed a better opinion of your capacity for reason.
Sound familiar?
;-(
ed
Complain about this comment
#116 stellarfobbit
"I know some real idiots who went Ivy League..."
Really?
How is Dubya these days?
;-)
Complain about this comment
Paul939,
You're far too generous, and you're wrong! All his arguments are outright lies and distortions, not nearly half truths.Salaam, etc.
ed
Complain about this comment
Allmy marbles,
Its been four years since I went to NYC and the tagging was everywhere. Is it still the same?
Tried to take the wife and adult-children to the sub-way but couldn't get past the smell of urine. We were by Battery Park that leads to the Statue of Liberty.
I moved from NY in 1972, still a place I love, but the reasons are fading and passing away.
Complain about this comment
# 118. At 1:20pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
"Obama is not Muslim. It is stupid to try to pin that on him."
I deliberately left in the time and date. Other readers may want to note them, so they can tell their grandchildren they were there when JohnAAA for once posted something that wasn't relentlessly biased against Obama and pro-McCain/Palin.
[As opposed, of course, to his, give or take, 9,484,973 postings which WERE relentlessly biased against Obama and pro-McCain/Palin.]
Can the Last Days be far behind?
Complain about this comment
Why is 'Justin Webb' threatening 'Obama'?
Complain about this comment
Palin is irrelevant, even Obama is irrelevant, though as Clinton pointed out; he will win the US election. Popular trust of govt in US is at an all time low with the Republicans having led this country to an ill conceived - useless war, an economic crisis resulting from hubris and unchecked 'ambition' (read greed). Americans may have in good times voted for a charming and attractive president who will be allowed to steer the boat in calm waters, they may have voted for a religious zealot in the hope that 'good will triumph over evil' and the puritan values that created this great country can be preserved. Now though - when they realize that the very people, the win-at-all-cost, destroy-anyone-who-stands in-the-way-of-democracy values and work-three-jobs-and-maybe-one-day-I'll-get-health-insurance virtues... have all failed. Jesus won't save America now, smart economic strategy combined with humility might. Oh and by the way... it's McCain who is running for President. Anyhow 2/3rds of the country will reject Republican rule in the largest turnout, biggest centrist/left wing victory in US history. Obama will not be able to fix the economy or win the war on terror... but he may steady the ship long enough for everyone to work together to prevent it's sinking.
Complain about this comment
Mit Romney will be a factor in a McCain presidency, even though the chemistry doesn't appear to be there. Heck, Mit may be a factor even in an Obama presidency as his credentials are legend.
Either party relies on the support groups called cabinet and advisors. The list on McCain is extensive and covers both parties.
Obamas current list are one party, and suspect.
Complain about this comment
115 UKAndy73 tore several holes in a nonsensical and ill-written screed from Immaokochua, which was possibly too biased even for JohnyAAA, if such is possible.
UKAndy - what you omitted to comment on was that at, #113, Immaokochua informed Justin Webb that he was 'just too prejudiced'...
I sometimes don't know whether to be amused or depressed at the way the most prejudiced are so quick to discern prejudice in others.
[Of course, having said that, one of them will no doubt tell me that's because I'm so prejudiced....]
Complain about this comment
Doug,
I sailed out on the "France" in April 1972. Great minds...;-)
ed
Complain about this comment
I really have to say that seeing McCain choosing Palin as his VP candidate seems like an insult to the Americans. Did he really choose the most capable candidate, or who he assumed to get more media coverage? At first I had high hopes for Obama but was later disappointed at this whole election charade and thought I would just let my vote go to waste. But now I feel I must vote, simply because after understanding Palin's political positions, I cannot imagine the possibilities that she could be the president of the United States (and since McCain isn't exactly spring chicken.) It has nothing to do with gender because I am a woman myself. And trust me, I'm sure Omaba will have to thank Palin for some more votes other than mine.
Complain about this comment
#25
Marcus,
How depressing. We agree.
Sad Sam
Complain about this comment
Portyexpat
From one expat to another, you have expressed my assessment and my hope.There is always Hope.
ed
Complain about this comment
JohninDublin
Of course I called the point about Obama being a Muslim. He is not, tht is a stupid canard.
I am always fair-minded.
Complain about this comment
Sarah Palin definitely greatly helped McCain gain popularity, although after her interview with ABC most of the people realized that she is no more qualified for office than my mother in law however its the war in Georgia that really did the job. Apparently Russia conveniently became new ¨world threat¨ right before the election and there is no better candidate to handle that than the anti Russian John McCain who spent many years fighting Russians in Vietnam.
I don't even understand how this old ideological man can be allowed to run the greatest country in the world.
Studies repeatedly proved that war veterans are often psychologically unstable and inadequate, and a 73 yo person who spent 6 years as a war prisoner should definitely be sipping Pina Colada in Florida right now and not running for the most important office in the world.
Complain about this comment
#122
Hi Doug,
The police put it at 25,000. Not to be diminished but hardly 60,000.
Numerical Sam
Complain about this comment
WSJ piece on Obama and William Ayers - close collaboration in Chicago on a projects that blew $100 million. Ayers is not just "someone in the neighbourhood".
"Obama and Ayers pushed radicalism on schools" For Ayers, "teaching" and radicalism are just two sides of the same coin.
http://tinyurl.com/4v59l3
Complain about this comment
I prefer to look on the bright side. Whichever of these clowns wins, they are no worse than what they have in other countries. Which leader would any American like to trade for, Merckel? Sarkozy? Brown? Putin? Berlusconi? Those are an even bigger joke than our fabulous four.
Complain about this comment
Pinkerton is a cynical genius. Immigration is perhaps the major wedge issue this year. There are a lot of congressional candidates that run on a border security platform. Often, they are successful. Illegal immigrants are constantly derided in the news media, and the vast majority of people hold negative views about poor Mexican, and Central American migrants. In addition to widespread prejudice, Republicans have successfully attached terrorism to illlegal immigration. Despite of the fact that most of the world trade perpetrators entered legally and not through the Mexican border.
I disagree, however, that Hispanics won't be affected. If McCain highlights this issue, it could backfire with Hispanics and with Independents. McCain will no longer be able to complain about the Obama spanish-language ad, and many voters could see it as another desperate and cynical move by the McCain campaign.
Complain about this comment
50. Weah14:
"Americans should be ashamed of themselves for voting in a president that doesn't even know how to put 2 sentences in english together. I will not be surprised if thier stupidity gets them to vote Mcain into office."
Don't overlook their high emotional needs.
These are just what might get them to vote for a junior senator with no record of having done anything he promises but who makes them feel good.
And why else would they so desperately cling to their education credentials and desire for public approval if not to slake their needs for superiority and anger at Bush?
See? Anyone can do this.
Complain about this comment
#124 Ed_Iglehart
The link you supplied goes to a heading 'Economic Fundamentals' in an article about the Wall Street Crash.
The heading means that that section is about the economic fundamentals of the Wall Street Crash.
Further on, the article says:
The implication of the above is that there is debate about how the financial services and other sectors of the economy are related and whether an event in the financial services sector can cause events in the rest of the economy.
There is no question but that the availability of credit is fundamental to the economy. The point is that there are a great many other areas - hundreds of them like infrastructure; education; political stability - in which the USA is very strong.
I believe these are referred to as 'economic fundamentals'.
For what it's worth, I do not question your intelligence.
Complain about this comment
Having lived under Romney's leadership as governor of Massachusetts, and his questionable assent to that position, I say absolutely not.
He is a narrow minded bigot who shouldn't even hold office as a dog catcher.
Complain about this comment
MarcusAurelius
You don't need to trade anyone for Gordon Brown - you can have him for free, anyday.
And his shower of a Cabinet thrown in free as well !
Complain about this comment
Wikileak of Palin e-mail shows how 'Human' and good she is, not the "Bad" you would expect from the slanted and bias reporting by the media in general.
Ed, at times you must miss France. One place I'll visit in coming years,.. for the wine,..
Complain about this comment
Ref 139
I have no idea what the exact number was, but it was much higher than the crowds that gathered to listen to Obama, Biden and McCain a few days earlier.
I live in Central Florida, not far from where Palin's venue took place, and I have never seen so much excitement in my neighborhood in years.
I am convinced that McCain's competitiveness depends more on Palin's appeal to mainstream America than on his record and personal attributes.
Complain about this comment
Is Obama's relationship with Ayers the source of the claim of his "terrorist" ties?
Complain about this comment
140. At 2:26pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
"WSJ piece on Obama and William Ayers - close collaboration in Chicago on a projects that blew $100 million. Ayers is not just "someone in the neighbourhood".
"Obama and Ayers pushed radicalism on schools" For Ayers, "teaching" and radicalism are just two sides of the same coin.
http://tinyurl.com/4v59l3"
Why is this guy the single most important issue to you in this election (going on the number of times you have brought up their association in Justin's blog)?
If any sensible discussion was allowed on this I'm sure Obama would have no problem discussing his association with a man who was a "terrorist" some 20 years before their association. Unfortunately the Obama team know that sensible has nothing to do with this election and the right wing, like yourself, will say outright or infer Obama is a terrorist by association. Just like it has been claimed he is a radical by association to a preacher or a muslim by association to his, I don't know what, name??
Filthy smears, eh John!!
Complain about this comment
93. Ed Iglehart:
"Hard Point,
"Yet you feel the desire to vote for Obama who for years belonged to a church where the pastor spouted hate-speech regularly. Guess he slept through the sermons huh?"
Bovine Excrement! You have obviously not listened nor watched a single sermon from Rev Wright, but simply drawn your pre-desired conclusion from selected soundbytes on Faux News
The real thing
Where's the hate? Look in the mirror, sir/madam."
*********************
If it were so "real", why did Obama abandon his preacher?
Complain about this comment
Obama takes aim at CEO tax haven
A great place for a golden parachute landing
Complain about this comment
Ref 142
A flip flop on immigration is the only thing missing in the transformation of John McCain into a chameleon.
Complain about this comment
140. At 2:26pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
WSJ piece on Obama and William Ayers - close collaboration in Chicago on a projects that blew $100 million. Ayers is not just "someone in the neighbourhood".
"Obama and Ayers pushed radicalism on schools" For Ayers, "teaching" and radicalism are just two sides of the same coin.
http://tinyurl.com/4v59l3"
Whatever it is not terrorism. Radicalism ie beleiving white and blacks are equal etc is not illegal.
Now provide evidence where the WSJ proves Obama "consorts with terrrorists" as you have claimed
Put up or admit your prejudices
Complain about this comment
JohnAAA #140
That piece had a lot more to it, the connect between BhO and Ayers is long and troubling as his core politics. This guy and others like him promise to be BhOs advisors.
WSJ Mr. Kurtz is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center
Read and think, his (bho) involvement and being 'picked' for this group and where he funneled the money to are important. Not math and science classes, but to A.C.O.R.N.
Complain about this comment
"143. At 2:36pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
50. Weah14:
"Americans should be ashamed of themselves for voting in a president that doesn't even know how to put 2 sentences in english together. I will not be surprised if thier stupidity gets them to vote Mcain into office."
Don't overlook their high emotional needs.
These are just what might get them to vote for a junior senator with no record of having done anything he promises but who makes them feel good."
A junior senator whould have what? Started World War II?
What had Lincoln done exactly before he was elected? Been a middling railway lawyer, to use his own description.
"And why else would they so desperately cling to their education credentials and desire for public approval if not to slake their needs for superiority and anger at Bush?"
Bush deserves all the anger he gets. There is no jsutification for his ignorance and stupidity.
Thousands of his own countrymen have died and been injured because of it.
Complain about this comment
Complain about this comment
140. JohnAAA:
"WSJ piece on Obama and William Ayers - close collaboration in Chicago on a projects that blew $100 million. Ayers is not just "someone in the neighbourhood".
"Obama and Ayers pushed radicalism on schools" For Ayers, "teaching" and radicalism are just two sides of the same coin.
http://tinyurl.com/4v59l3"
***********************
This is only damning if you find Ayers to be of questionable character. I would think that Americans might be a tad sensitive right now to the act of blowing up the Pentagon. And Biden's blue-collar supporters might not like someone trying to kill cops.
I found that WSJ piece unsettling, but equally unsettling is the difficulty in obtaining Obama's records on the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.
What I find more interesting is Obama's ability to erase his past. Trying to trace his background is like trying to follow a link to nowhere. And his description of Ayers as just a neighborhood guy was quite a feat.
Complain about this comment
"137. At 2:09pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
JohninDublin
Of course I called the point about Obama being a Muslim. He is not, tht is a stupid canard.
I am always fair-minded."
Except where I implied he "consorts" with known terrorists - amost disgusting assertion.
Then my fair mind slipped back into its usual mode
Complain about this comment
Chill0,
Interesting.Infrastructure said (by many) to be decaying
Political stability????
Education????
Unemployment rising
Mortgage defaults rising
Homelessness increasing
Inflation rising
Machine tool orders (a traditional fundamental indicator)?
Wealth distribution deteriorating
Obesity and general fitness?
Political involvement? AHA! an improvement!
Capacity utilisation?
Personal debt as proportion of GDP (or whatever)
National debt ditto
......
Give me some really positive fundamentals. Please.
Salaam, etc.
ed
Complain about this comment
136. Ed Iglehart:
"Portyexpat
"Obama will not be able to fix the economy or win the war on terror... but he may steady the ship long enough for everyone to work together to prevent it's sinking."
From one expat to another, you have expressed my assessment and my hope.
There is always Hope."
*************************
My hope too. But I would add one more hope: That Obama has more success as President than he's had in Chicago's housing and schools.
His advisors seem to be much more capable -- and reputable -- now. So there's hope!
Complain about this comment
"150. At 2:56pm on 23 Sep 2008, UKAndy73 wrote:
140. At 2:26pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
"WSJ piece on Obama and William Ayers - close collaboration in Chicago on a projects that blew $100 million. Ayers is not just "someone in the neighbourhood".
"Obama and Ayers pushed radicalism on schools" For Ayers, "teaching" and radicalism are just two sides of the same coin.
http://tinyurl.com/4v59l3"
Why is this guy the single most important issue to you in this election (going on the number of times you have brought up their association in Justin's blog)?
If any sensible discussion was allowed on this I'm sure Obama would have no problem discussing his association with a man who was a "terrorist" some 20 years before their association. Unfortunately the Obama team know that sensible has nothing to do with this election and the right wing, like yourself, will say outright or infer Obama is a terrorist by association. Just like it has been claimed he is a radical by association to a preacher or a muslim by association to his, I don't know what, name??
Filthy smears, eh John!!"
I have repeatedly asked this individual tocome up with his evidence that Obama consorts with terorists (his words) and he has failed to do so.
that the BBC allow such appalling postings - accusing a man of serious criminal activity shows great derelictionon the part of the moderators.
In the US he would be investigated and probably duly punished for criminal libel.
Complain about this comment
60000+ and other figures being bandied about!
Just for the record :- Miami Herald Sunday Sept 21, 2008
"Palin made her Florida debut in The Villages, one of the fastest-growing retirement communities in the country and a treasure trove of Republican voters. President Bush put it on the map when he campaigned here in the homestretch of the 2004 campaign.
But Palin drew thousands more than the estimated 20,000 people that turned out for Bush. A fire rescue official estimated the crowd at 25,000 to 30,000, while the Republican Party of Florida pegged the audience at twice that
size."
...........
"Palin arrived in Orlando Friday night but stayed behind closed doors until the Sunday rally".[ Echos of -I want to
be alone??? My own comment.]
Actual Official report from BETH REINHARD - Miami Herald.
Got the feeling that the safety officer there to oversee and protect the "oldies" can count a lot better than republicans today, who seem to have a failing when it comes to any figures and actual totals!
Reminds me of the 1970s, when 2000 turned out to watch the other Palin and his team of Oxford and Cambridge graduate
friends when roped together, they attempted the Ascent of Neasden High Street for the Monty Python show.
Looks like nobody wants to miss out viewing "showbiz" personalities named Palin, who make a living by putting their
foot in their mouths.
I would link the Monty Python "Spanish Inquisition" and "Dead Parrot" sketches which seem relevant to the ongoing
religious / creationist saga and the constant rehashing of old, unsubstantiated anti-news by some republican supporters
on these pages but modesty prevails.
But please Visit youtube yourself and enjoy. You might spot your favourite candidate in the sketches, and it is after all a BBC success story appealing to all.
Complain about this comment
#146
Thanks for the offer John, but you can take care of your own crap, we have enough of our own.
On a related subject, you made a big deal last week about US Today's who is more bipartisan editorial and the response by Obama. Well, you didn;t mention the response but whatever.
Today was the follow up, who is the most misleading (or as some would say, the bigger sleazebag). They show pretty conclusively that McCain is showing many more misleading ads and, unlike Obama, continues to show them long after they have been debunked. They also note that both Palin and McCain include many untruths in their stump speeches. The McCain campaign lacked the intestinal fortitude to respond.
Interesting, in so many ways.
Journalist Sam
Complain about this comment
"If it hadn't been for Sarah Palin, the last word on John McCain might have belonged to Paris Hilton."
Bouncy bounce,.. man I love this stuff. Going to be boring after the election/takeover. More so when the internet is taxed to pay for this debacle bailout.
Complain about this comment
150. UKAndy73:
"140. At 2:26pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
"WSJ piece on Obama and William Ayers - close collaboration in Chicago on a projects that blew $100 million. Ayers is not just "someone in the neighbourhood".
"Obama and Ayers pushed radicalism on schools" For Ayers, "teaching" and radicalism are just two sides of the same coin.
http://tinyurl.com/4v59l3"
Why is this guy the single most important issue to you in this election (going on the number of times you have brought up their association in Justin's blog)?
If any sensible discussion was allowed on this I'm sure Obama would have no problem discussing his association with a man who was a "terrorist" some 20 years before their association. Unfortunately the Obama team know that sensible has nothing to do with this election and the right wing, like yourself, will say outright or infer Obama is a terrorist by association. Just like it has been claimed he is a radical by association to a preacher or a muslim by association to his, I don't know what, name??
Filthy smears, eh John!!"
**********************************
You call them "smears". Others call them the "truth about Obama".
If it's fair game to question a candidate's ties to a lobbyist or even a banker these days, why is it not fair game to question his ties to someone involved in bombing a police headquarters and the Pentagon?
Deal with the facts. It is specious to deny that Ayers has a past that would make most people cringe, even if just a little.
Complain about this comment
"The Palin bounce is disappearing", a statement with which Dick Morris would agree, and who says that Florida is leaning toward Obama. Morris should be heeded; he knows the score.
Incidentally,#42 seanspa and others, the difference between British and American beer is that almost all American is pilsener/lager, brewed quite differently to UK ales and stouts. Compare Coors and Bud to Harp and Fosters.
Complain about this comment
150. At 2:56pm on 23 Sep 2008, UKAndy73
That 'guy' and all of his questionable ties speak of the real person he 'is', not the moderate he portrays himself to be for the election. Obviously you did not follow the link nor read the article which is a summary of research.
The 100 million dollars for education went to various 'leftist' organisations, not students.
"Known by the company you keep" is more then an age old adage.
Complain about this comment
154. At 3:09pm on 23 Sep 2008, Simon21 wrote:
140. At 2:26pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
WSJ piece on Obama and William Ayers - close collaboration in Chicago on a projects that blew $100 million. Ayers is not just "someone in the neighbourhood".
"Obama and Ayers pushed radicalism on schools" For Ayers, "teaching" and radicalism are just two sides of the same coin.
http://tinyurl.com/4v59l3"
Whatever it is not terrorism. Radicalism ie beleiving white and blacks are equal etc is not illegal.
Now provide evidence where the WSJ proves Obama "consorts with terrrorists" as you have claimed
Put up or admit your prejudices
***************************
You are in serious denial again.
It is you who needs to demonstrate that Ayers was not a former member of the Weather Underground who was involved in bombings.
(Hint: You'll have to avoid Ayers' own words and definitely stay away from 2001 NYT interview he gave.)
Complain about this comment
#137 JohnAAA
"I am always fair-minded."
Well, whatever you say about JohnyAAA, you can't say he doesn't have a sense of humour.
Complain about this comment
152. Candace9839
Rightly so, though as long as there is taxes, there will be ways to hide money. Just to say CEOs only use it is 'not exactly'.
And remember, we'd have to conquer the Bahamas in order to dictate thier 'Tax Status'
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
150 UKAndy53
Obama's involvement with Ayers is not the most important thing - it is Obama's lack of any creduble achievements.
Obama has never been a terrorist, or had terrorist inclinations - you distort things in suggesting that anyone is saying this.
But Ayers is important in the sense that he is just one of the extremely radical figures in Obama's life - some of whom have been thrown under the bus already. Obama has never been frank about his involvement with Ayers - and the bulk of the US media have never questioned much about this and other aspects of Obama's record in Chicago.
Try dealing with the issues. Like - where the hell did that $100 million go, why did it achieve negligible educational benefit ?
So - no, of course Obama is not a terrorist. But he is not the moderate "healer", the "uniter" he pretends to be, his background is decidedly radical.
Complain about this comment
Hi Justin,
If you had been listening to what I've been saying for the last few months, you wouldn't have to now be asking the question: "Should McCain have picked Romney?"
The unveiling of Sarah Palin as the Republican VP candidate (don't make me laugh!) was the worst blunder in America political history. Sure, it was a given that she would potentially get the female vote without even uttering a syllable from her lips, but what Republicans forgot about was the fact that she had no real experience or pedigree to speak of.
Hence, any person who thinks that that because she can "see" Russian from where lives, makes her adept at tackling potential foreign policy issues or problems, must need their head examined.
So, whilst the move to bring Palin onboard the ticket proved to be a very good one initially, it won't be for the long term. This is what happens when you use a small elastoplast to cover a laceration; you can only stem the flow of blood for a short space of time before it comes seeping out again. By using the Palin appointment as a "quick fix" to their political woes, they lost sight of the fact that, whilst novelty can help to enhance your chances of winning an election, it is not quite enough to win an election outright.
Now that said novelty is beginning to wear off, we're back to talking about the real issues effecting the American people, not least of which, the current economic debacle is the most profound. And as far as that contest is concerned Mr Obama is beginning to surge ahead. Welcome back to reality, Republicans. You've come back to earth with a bump.
Complain about this comment
Ed,
America no longer has fundamentals, except a blind faith in religion.
The constitution which is the basis of the fundamentals has been and is being ridiculed time and time again, even by the ignorants like Palin.
I suggest people right now listen to the United Nation on CNN.
And learn what the world isabout, and what EUROPE is about.
Sarcozy" Europe does not want to dictate the world, does not want to dictate religion, EUrope wants Russia to join and work in cooperation. Europe will not except the use of force to settle dispute. Europe respects IRAN, and Iran has the right to peaceful nuclear energy"
Watch and learn abouut the world america.
We are behind, very behind. ANd McCain will only isolate us.
Noone so far seems to be willing to bring the WALL STREET out of its crisis.
Complain about this comment
What is this buzz about Biden pulling out? Sounds like he is going to take on Palin on one debate, then pull out.
Complain about this comment
JOHNAAA,
i really have had enough of your stuck up views on you being the righteous holy person you are, and your McCain being the saviour of Washington.
Just stop your rubbish. It is insulting to the intellect of all decent people American or non-American.
Get out of your bubble world!
Complain about this comment
143. AndreainNY wrote:
"Don't overlook their high emotional needs./These are just what might get them to vote for a junior senator with no record of having done anything he promises but who makes them feel good."
Andrea [in NY]
Maybe it's my overheated imagination, but I can't help the sneaking suspicion that you're not exactly an Obama fan. [Things like your saying he's indecisive and has no backbone were a bit of a give away]
Having said that, while I understand that you and other Reps might not be v keen on being told that you're stupid if you vote McCain, I think it's equally insulting to assert that the only reason anyone votes for Obama is "their high emotional needs" - he "makes them feel good".
Of course, this is pretty much on a par with your previous suggestion that right wingers believe in fact and argument and liberals in emotion. And ties in with a lot of the now v tired anti-Obama stuff - 'he's 'The One', he's 'The Messiah', you've all 'drunk the Kool-Aid' etc etc ad nauseam.
Isn't just possible that many if not most of those who'll vote for him will do so because they think he's the best candidate? Because of his policies? His intelligence? His inspirational rhetoric? [And of course because they're Democrats?]
Isn't it indeed possible that they're just as rational as you, but their rationality leads them to different conclusions?
You also call him [sorry, Him (g)] "a junior senator with no record of having done anything he promises". Not clear what you mean. Do you mean [a] he has never promised anything? or [b] he's promised lots of things but broken all his promises?
And isn't HR Clinton also a junior senator?
Complain about this comment
#165 - AndreaNY, you missed my point. But never mind.
#167 DougTexan, it is a shame someone has to pretend not to be a "leftie" to gain votes, which was kind of my point. If he could discuss it sensibly I am sure he would. But as the vast majority of voters don't appear to look past soundbites on Fox, he is forced to "erase" his past.
Complain about this comment
Andrea,
The link is to the "real" sermon. As to why Obama abandoned his preacher, I have to admit being disappointed he felt the need to, but the media's power of distortion and capacity to implicate by association has been amply demonstrated as you well know.I continue to wish Obama had had the strength to stand by Rev Wright, but the choices are his, and he has run the most successful campaign I can recall. I would be proud to attend Rev Wright's church anytime. Anyone who hasn't experienced such a church should reserve judgement. I have done so only once, and it was immensely moving.
Respect
ed
Complain about this comment
93. "Where's the hate? Look in the mirror, sir/madam."
Well when Wright was ranting "God damn the USA" which yes I DID actually see the video of (it was on the BBC although I do watch Fox sometimes, CBSNews only when I can bother to stay up that late) I do indeed call that "hate speech".
Complain about this comment
Paulson's Conflicts Of Interest Spark Concern
Foxes and chicken coops? Or is it "Set a thief to catch a thief"? Considering the apparent reluctance to limit golden parachutes, I incline to the former.After all, Paulson's former company is one of the last ones standing, and standing, I might add, with their hand out...
Caveat Emptor
ed
Complain about this comment
#172 JohnAAA
But to me being a bit of a "leftie" in younger years is good and normal. Just like "experimenting" in college. Why the US (and British) public is so shortsighted/narrowminded that politicians have to dress up their personal lives or associations is a sad indictment of us all. As Ken Livingston said when questioned about his relationships, "londoners are grown up enough to know it is not an issue", unfortunately he appears to have been wrong!
Complain about this comment
172.JohnAAA:
What Obama's past associations tell me is of Obama's use of power players in his pursuit of career.
When in Rome...or in his case, Chicago... What kind of power players were there? That these guys don't pass muster on a national level just shows he has moved on to bigger fish.
Now he's got Volcker and Rubin by his side. He's in the big leagues now and has attached himself to more reputable people. Now, people are comforted by the guys with whom he surrounds himself.
Yet, he's still the junior guy getting advice from those with the experience.
If elected, he's going to be the one at the top held responsible. Or to put it another way, eventually he'll run out of power players to tell him what to do.
Everyone's praying, by then, he'll finally have figured it out for himself.
Or to those familiar with his arrogance, they're hoping he doesn't stop listening.
Complain about this comment
173. ezekielthemack:
"And as far as that contest is concerned Mr Obama is beginning to surge ahead. "
I wouldn't use "surge" and "Obama" in the same sentence if I were you. ;-)
Complain about this comment
Deja vu all over again!
;-)
ed
Complain about this comment
Ten days ago Obama was talking about putting lipstick on a pig while America's financial roof was caving in. Now he's suddenly an expert on how to fix it. Same with the others including Paulsen. He says just give me a blank check for 700 billion dollars and I will make the problem go away. Funny, he was one of the people whose ideas created the problem in the first place. There is plenty of blame to go around, we've deregulated the financial institutions over 10 years ago, and by cutting back on the regulators we've put the government asleep at the switch. Not so fast Mr. Paulson, you will not only explain exactly what you are going to do, we want to watch every move you make from here on out.
Complain about this comment
Meanwhile....
Enjoy the ride!
ed
Complain about this comment
155. At 3:10pm on 23 Sep 2008, DougTexan wrote:
JohnAAA #140
That piece had a lot more to it, the connect between BhO and Ayers is long and troubling as his core politics. This guy and others like him promise to be BhOs advisors.
"In works like "City Kids, City Teachers" and "Teaching the Personal and the Political," Mr. Ayers wrote that teachers should be community organizers dedicated to provoking resistance to American racism and oppression. His preferred alternative? "I'm a radical, Leftist, small 'c' communist," Mr. Ayers said in an interview in Ron Chepesiuk's, "Sixties Radicals," at about the same time Mr. Ayers was forming CAC."
Sorry you think Mr Ayers should have taught children to accept rascism and oppression?
"Read and think, his (bho) involvement and being 'picked' for this group and where he funneled the money to are important. Not math and science classes, but to A.C.O.R.N."
Yes well coming from Texas we know what children were taught about rascism there.
Complain about this comment
179. At 3:56pm on 23 Sep 2008, Ed Iglehart wrote:
"As to why Obama abandoned his preacher, I have to admit being disappointed he felt the need to, but the media's power of distortion and capacity to implicate by association has been amply demonstrated as you well know."
The point I was also trying to make, but as usual, you sum it up perfectly!!
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
No, he should not have picked Romney. He should have decided to retire instead of running for president. It's too late to change; all he can do now is hope enough people swallow his tall tales.
And by the way, that second link crashes my browser.
Complain about this comment
#47, Guns
Living in DC, I would have to, unfortunately, say that All My is completely wrong in her assessment.
DC's security has much improved since you were last here.
Cameras on every corner. Four branches of police roaming around - those of course being the DCPD, the Capitol Hill Police, the FPS and the NPS. Neighborhood watches that really actually do watch now. Plainclothes police and secret service everywhere ...
Of course, the catalyst was 9/11 but it has also reduced crime by miles in the city.
I have no fear walking around the streets at night after 9 pm.
Complain about this comment
HardPoint,
Did you watch more than the soundbyte you misquoted? It was "G-D AMERICA" not USA.The real thing Listen and learn
Salaam, etc.
ed
Complain about this comment
"183. At 4:01pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
172.JohnAAA:
What Obama's past associations tell me is of Obama's use of power players in his pursuit of career.
When in Rome...or in his case, Chicago... What kind of power players were there? That these guys don't pass muster on a national level just shows he has moved on to bigger fish."
Well yes he is ambitious. Black men are allowed to be now.
"Now he's got Volcker and Rubin by his side. He's in the big leagues now and has attached himself to more reputable people. Now, people are comforted by the guys with whom he surrounds himself. "
Of course, what do you seriously expect? Does John McCain chose prominent supporters to alienate people?
"Yet, he's still the junior guy getting advice from those with the experience. "
How do you know this. On what basis do you make this assertion. That people like Obama cannot give advice to certain people?
"If elected, he's going to be the one at the top held responsible. Or to put it another way, eventually he'll run out of power players to tell him what to do.
Everyone's praying, by then, he'll finally have figured it out for himself. "
And you think he is incapable of exercising authority? Why? Is it something to do with his genes?
What is the source of your views?
Do you have the same views with white politicians
"Arrogance", don't you think you have another word in mind, like a certain Georgian Republican.
Complain about this comment
#95
Bill Clinton was asked yesterday on a daytime program who he believes will win.
After a long pause (quite long actually), he finally said Barack Obama. However, very quickly followed that up with the fact that he admires and respects both of these men who are running. And, that what he finds most distressing (and I am paraphrasing) is all of the name calling and partisanship on both sides ...
Complain about this comment
182 Andy
Those were not Obama's younger years.
Complain about this comment
174. , goleooo
"America no longer has fundamentals, except a blind faith in religion."
FYI, Yes we do and that is exactly what religion is.
181. Ed Iglehart
Another great link reporting the fiasco this bailout will be.
Complain about this comment
I followed that bad link on another browser, and it led to a Pinkerton column on The Fox Forum. That's a "siren voice"? It's nothing but someone grinding his axe about his pet issue, illegal immigration. He's suggesting that picking a hot-button issue can offset the fact that Republican policies have made a mess of things across the board, domestically and abroad, at the expense of ordinary working Americans. I don't think so.
Complain about this comment
No.131 Doug
The McCain chemistry factor. I have found it interesting following events, the interplay with others during the primaries and body language etc. Certainly, for an ex military man too, the brittleness of persona and character on camera has been all too evident. He has been notably ill at ease these last two days. One of Eds links above is right on the nail with what my antennae have been telling me....
*Conservatives who insist that electing McCain is crucial, usually start, and increasingly end, by saying he would make excellent judicial selections. But the more one sees of his impulsive, intensely personal reactions to people and events, the less confidence one has that he would select judges by calm reflection and clear principles, having neither patience nor aptitude for either.
It is arguable that, because of his inexperience, Obama is not ready for the presidency. It is arguable that McCain, because of his boiling moralism and bottomless reservoir of certitudes, is not suited to the presidency. Unreadiness can be corrected, although perhaps at great cost, by experience. Can a dismaying temperament be fixed?*
No. 110 Immaokochua
You may be dusting yourself off a bit since posting, so I am not going to wade in again point by point.
Lets just look at another angle. Crossing the rubicon into middle age plus, most people have had experiences in their lives they look back on that colours them up with embarrassment, sadness and humour. Many families have the odd black sheep and history they would prefer to park in a cul de sac somewhere.
Decisions made when young often follow a wrong course or turn as do supposed friendships and liaisons with people who turn out to be shallow or down right dodgy. I was a *mega challenge* in the words of my three older sisters as a youngster and remember well hiding behind the wall in front of our home and waiting until a passing car arrived so that I could unleash another soil bomb! This is the business of growing up and development.
What about Barack Obama? Well, I am sure he didnt throw soil like yours truly. But the fact that he attended church where he was supposedly subjected to years of radical indoctrination doesn't phase me in the slightest. In fact, Senator Obamas early years and family experiences, at a supremely hard coal face, the hardest, tell me very different things about him.
There are many angles, but one key attribute is the fact that he has been absolutely at the sharp end in people and community terms. Is it not fair to say that his yellow brick road journey from humble origins; single parenthood; ability to stay focused and committed to education and self betterment all the way to his being a US presidential candidate today is a remarkable, almost unbelievable, feat? Yes, no silver spoons; no family dynasty; old boy network connections; old money; special favours or arrogance of assumed right to office. This is a man who has come up through the ranks of ordinary people. So what?
Barack Obama is human and it must be a truism to state that he too, like all of us, has made mistakes and errors along the way. He will have learnt as we have and still do from these experiences. But what I see and sense here, firstly, is an honest and genuinely connected, people person.
Secondly, the quality of degree and intellect debate, when put up against the GWB and JMs of this world, is a distinct non issue. He has the intellectual horsepower and more. He also has vitality and flair, the clarity of purpose and flexibility of mind to make calm, assured, judgements to match. I am certain he will be as assertive as situations warrant but, moving forwards, the USA would be ill served by more dogma and aggressive posturing.
Thirdly, where he really scores in my book, is in the persona and inter personal skills department. One can already sense the enthusiasm of leaders and peoples across the world literally willing him into office right now. I really do think a complete overhaul of global relationships, trust and mutual respect is in the offing and previously unthinkable positive fresh alliances formed.
Those on Capitol Hill better sharpen up in quick time if they believe it will be business as usual. The good old Pony Express will beckon on a one way basis for a number of individuals where complacency and performance fall below the new standard!
Finally, I just want to say something to Americans following and monitoring these threads. What you need to understand is that America has genuine deep seated support and respect from ordinary people worldwide. It is not all about all Brits or Europeans putting the boot in when you are down. The subtlety is that legions of people are genuinely desperate for course correction and to see USS America back on course. It is going to and will happen soon. Hang on in there!
FORTUNA VIRTUTIS COMES
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
#175
That is the rumor that made the news cycle. That Biden is going to be dropped and Clinton is going to be picked up. Quite a rumor? Is there actually smoke and a fire?
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
# 199. - BillTyrone
If I could do a "clapping" emot-icon I would.
Complain about this comment
195. invisibleserendipity:
#95
Bill Clinton was asked yesterday on a daytime program who he believes will win.
After a long pause (quite long actually), he finally said Barack Obama. However, very quickly followed that up with the fact that he admires and respects both of these men who are running. And, that what he finds most distressing (and I am paraphrasing) is all of the name calling and partisanship on both sides ...
***************************
Clinton's not fooling anyone.
I wonder if he's campaigning for a post in a McCain administration (or a post for Hillary).
Complain about this comment
AndreainNY
How about addressing the numerous valid points that I made in my post, as opposed to making bad jokes about the "surge". Comedy doesn't suit you and also, don't give up your day job.
Complain about this comment
194. Simon21:
You are seeing demons where they don't exist.
Obama is inexperienced. It's not racist to state this.
Some people believe he has the right stuff regardless. He is a very talented man with a strong intellect. A decent husband and father. A true American success story.
He is also very liberal with a record of activism that hasn't been successful. These 2 qualities leave him open to a lot of criticism.
Because the stakes are very high in this game, he's also open to ridicule, lies and slander. He's giving as good as he's getting.
The fact that he's made it this far shows he's got something few other people have. But you can't expect him to not be subjected to intense scrutiny and partisanship at this level of politics. That's life in the big leagues.
Complain about this comment
Ed (#179), I don't understand why you should be disappointed that Obama "felt the need" to abandon Reverend Wright. Had he not felt the need, when in fact he did have the need, he might then not have done what he needed to do, which was to throw him under the bus. If you were disappointed with the importance that the American electorate attaches to this incident, then that's another question.
What disappoints me is that it was necessary for both Obama and McCain to show up at Saddleback Church to be questioned about their faith. This was completely unprecedented, and in my opinion, completely inappropriate. I would rather that a presidential candidate stand on the Constitutional proscription against "religious tests" for public office, and say that people of all faiths are welcome in the United States.
Complain about this comment
Poulson's plan, with its all telling Section 8, brings to mind the construction bosses who descend on storm ravaged neighborhoods and talk vulnerable victims into signing contracts and paying up front. Then they don't deliver as promised.
Poulson's first run at a bailout sounds like a scam and he sounds like a crook. He obviously thought he could pull one off in this time of enormous crisis on so many fronts. That's enormously worrisome to me.
Americans are vulnerable and gullible. Not all have benefit of the levels of intelligence, education, and professional experience seen here.
b
Complain about this comment
RE: " If Obama does well on Friday he'd better watch his back. "
Dear Justin:
If you were the average teenage or 20-something blogger, I might buy the argument that you chose that expression without thinking. But you represent the BBC.
Sen. Obama's "Lipstick on a Pig" comment sparked so much (in my opinion) pointless debate, that I'm going to assume that the "better watch his back" phrase tripped a mental flag as soon as it passed through your fingers to the keyboard.
Has my reverence for the BBC been misplaced? Should I not have expected more responsible, mature, journalistic leadership from you?
The Obama Campaign is already leveraging America's collective guilt over past racism. If you're a political journalist, then I'll assume you're aware of this; which makes your statement inflammatory and irresponsible. If your just a blogmaster, then forget everything above. I don't live to blog, and only post when I find issues of particular interest to me. So I'll chalk it up to my ignorance of what to expect from blogs.
Cheers.
sam
Complain about this comment
#204, Andrea
It was just so bizarre - his mannerism and words.
Particularly as he is the author of Vast Right Wing Conspiracy ...
Complain about this comment
I don't appreciate the negative stereotypes used in this forum, especially when describing President Bush and Americans.
Why don't we bring into the picture all stereotypes?
We all know the English are stiff, unfeeling, cold, etc. Shall we go on? That talk is useless and not needed. Point being that too many posts here mock the Texan personality that they link with Bush. Stick with the issues That being said, the democrats are NOT known for protecting the middle class. They are known for handouts to immigrants and non working lower classes on the backs of the middle class. If you've been doing your homework, Obama has voted to the extreme left along party lines at every turn
and his ideals mimic those of socialism. McCain has voted as a conservative for the most part but has many times crossed party lines.
I'm not thrilled with either candidate and that very often is the case and this year is no exception. Obama is not running for VP, he is running for the top seat and has never made an executive decision. John McCain has,
as well as Sarah Palin, no matter the size of her state. Obama has voted over 100 times present instead of a yes or a no. Decisions are not easy, but they must be made and he does not have the ability or judgement to do this. Obama's political history with felons, and a radical racist reverend is too much to take in. After all, the title of his book is named "the Audacity of Hope" directly taken from a Rev. Wright sermon!. I am not willing to take a chance on a man who has been influenced and shaped by a Reverend that despises half of America. I am voting McCain/Palin. It IS the only choice.
Complain about this comment
173. ezekielthemack:
The unveiling of Sarah Palin as the Republican VP candidate (don't make me laugh!) was the worst blunder in America political history. Sure, it was a given that she would potentially get the female vote without even uttering a syllable from her lips, but what Republicans forgot about was the fact that she had no real experience or pedigree to speak of.
Hence, any person who thinks that that because she can "see" Russian from where lives, makes her adept at tackling potential foreign policy issues or problems, must need their head examined.
So, whilst the move to bring Palin onboard the ticket proved to be a very good one initially, it won't be for the long term. This is what happens when you use a small elastoplast to cover a laceration; you can only stem the flow of blood for a short space of time before it comes seeping out again. By using the Palin appointment as a "quick fix" to their political woes, they lost sight of the fact that, whilst novelty can help to enhance your chances of winning an election, it is not quite enough to win an election outright.
Now that said novelty is beginning to wear off, we're back to talking about the real issues effecting the American people, not least of which, the current economic debacle is the most profound. And as far as that contest is concerned Mr Obama is beginning to surge ahead. Welcome back to reality, Republicans. You've come back to earth with a bump.
**********************
Palin is inexperienced and has a basic college education. Obama is inexperienced with an advanced Ivy League education. His education and speaking skills are what separate them. And Palin's work as Governor, which I don't discount just because I don't like her.
Bill Clinton is the only democrat who can admit that Palin's got a kind of appeal that speaks to average Americans. Most politicians wish that could be bottled and sold to them.
And one could say that Obama's community activism, which didn't accomplish a thing, despite his best and honorable intentions, isn't exactly a stellar example of experience.
Read the unedited Gibson interview and see what she said about Russia. (It was much more than "I can see Russia".) It is foolish of you to repeat this when there's more to it.
McCain also picked Palin because she wasn't afraid to stick her finger in the Republicans' eyes. She's scrappy like McCain.
Complain about this comment
179. Ed Iglehart:
Where has his wife been lately?
I know she's doing smaller events, but has she been removed from the press?
For what purpose?
Complain about this comment
Meeeeooooooww!
Pit Bull mode, eh?;-(
ed
Complain about this comment
To Simon21
In the interests of promoting high quality analysis and debate, I thank you for continuously playing the rational card.
Complain about this comment
Can the USA afford the risk of McCain/Palin?
Clearly, no!
That choice will put the primitives and their crooked manipulators into the position of retarded Third-Worlders.
What of Obama? He offers hope of improvement. The hope may not be realized, but at least it exists.
____________________________
It is sad that the partisans here do not see that they have been grossly victimized by a commercial and crooked ruling class.
The well-meaning primitives have been convinced that Israel and Bible in the public schools schools will be all that is needed to show that Jesus wants them to vote Republican.
______________________
That is the America that put Bush into office twice!
Complain about this comment
Gary,
You've got it about right. I was/am distressed that it was 'necessary' to distance himself from Rev Wright, an honest and honourable man. A sad comment on our country and a certain disappointment to those who treasure the Founders' wisdom.Neither Separation of Church and State nor absence of a "religious test" (both of which I deem essential) require anyone to be without faith, nor should one feel the need to abandon friends and mentors.
But it is not an ideal world in which we live.
;-(
ed
Complain about this comment
206. At 5:02pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
194. Simon21:
You are seeing demons where they don't exist.
Obama is inexperienced. It's not racist to state this."
But that isn't what you said. You claerly implied he could not give orders and was dependentonhis adivsors.
I ask you again where does this view, that he is incapable of his own views, come from?
"Some people believe he has the right stuff regardless. He is a very talented man with a strong intellect. A decent husband and father. A true American success story."
Yes he is, and he is capable of making up his own mmind and there is no evidence he cannot for some reason give instructions and think for himself.
"He is also very liberal with a record of activism that hasn't been successful. These 2 qualities leave him open to a lot of criticism. "
On the goundsof his "activities" but these have not been the groundsof your posts whihc have clearly hinted at some form of weakness in terms of his attitude/character though yu ou have no grounds (not knowing him) for those views.
"Because the stakes are very high in this game, he's also open to ridicule, lies and slander. He's giving as good as he's getting. "
Whatever that does not justify racism. His candidacy has upset the far right enormously partially because of his past, but mainly because he is a clear threat to the Wasp elite which has lagely ruled the US since inception.
Like most ex-colonial societies rascism is very deeply embedded into the US. Some cannot tolerate this challenge to the status quo
"The fact that he's made it this far shows he's got something few other people have. But you can't expect him to not be subjected to intense scrutiny and partisanship at this level of politics. That's life in the big leagues."
Scrutiny fine, but the idea that somehow he is incapable of acting for himself, is totally subservient to his white advisors, will do as he is told, is a racial paradigm
Complain about this comment
Complain about this comment
199. At 4:31pm on 23 Sep 2008, BillTyrone wrote:
"It is arguable that, because of his inexperience, Obama is not ready for the presidency. It is arguable that McCain, because of his boiling moralism and bottomless reservoir of certitudes, is not suited to the presidency"
Bill, I agree and don't, (typical republican), I agree with you on the chemistry factor, but on readiness for the presidency, they both are ready. Obama has plenty of experience, so does McCain, that is a B.S. plateau set by those who have less to judge on.
Myself and others question McCains stance on the Economy and Immigration first,(and I don't all agree with it) his Military standing is a given. Then about his working with the democrats to limit free speech of the right and religious groups on radio by insisting on equal time. Following that we ask on medical and social issues such as welfare reform through education and housing.
On Obama, his supporters ask little of him, leaving the questions to be asked by republicans which sounds biased and racist regretably. Evidently his followers don't care about A.C.O.R.N., the fact his community organising isn't what he said, about finding work for the unemployed, but working hand in hand with radical (racist) groups, siphoning money earmarked for education into these groups, and so much more.
From his site, I learned his "blueprint" for change is a platform that the democrats have been selling for thirty years. Why has it changed so much since he added Biden?
to work, l8r on
Complain about this comment
Ed, the link to Salon didn't work, it takes me to a sign ion for a priemium site.
Any way to bypass the inevitable sign in?
Complain about this comment
A problem with Obama is that he has written two books about himself - but lots of info. on his activities are not in those book.
To which there is an obvious question - why not ?
Isn't the spending of $100 million worth incuding in the books, for exmple , and who he was working with, how he got that role ?
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
212. At 5:13pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
Palin is inexperienced and has a basic college education. Obama is inexperienced with an advanced Ivy League education. His education and speaking skills are what separate them. And Palin's work as Governor, which I don't discount just because I don't like her.
You think gaining election and serving in the US Senate counts as nothing?
How many people in the US achieve this distinction?
You have served in the Senate yourself perhaps?
"Bill Clinton is the only democrat who can admit that Palin's got a kind of appeal that speaks to average Americans. Most politicians wish that could be bottled and sold to them."
Thatimplies ordinary Americans are ignorant and think being signorant is a good thing. This is deeply insulting.
"And one could say that Obama's community activism, which didn't accomplish a thing, despite his best and honorable intentions, isn't exactly a stellar example of experience."
Didnot accomplish a thing? Not a thing? Seems he accomplished a good deal. The far right of course contests that he is capable of achieving anything but no one else.
You might not like what he did but to say he did nothing is frankly childish.
Like claiming becoming a US Senator is meaningless
"McCain also picked Palin because she wasn't afraid to stick her finger in the Republicans' eyes. She's scrappy like McCain."
Rather pathetic reason. He wasn't impressed by her grasp of events. See her as a potential president?
No according to you he chose her because she could whine effectively.
Wow great qualifications
Complain about this comment
Complain about this comment
It's good to see there are Americans who are actually willing to take part in meaningful and thought out debates.
Sadly it is not the American media that is able to facilitate such debates off among the people successfully.
The whole phenomena of American elections appears to be "watch me sell myself on ABC, FOX, NBC, etc. etc.", or "watch me sell my debate performance ".
The people need to make informed decisions, and pray to god they don't get another George "good for nothing war monger" Bush.
Complain about this comment
re: 7. David_Cunard:
"at least Carly Fiorina would not have been able to say that none of the candidates could run a business"
I know she says that, but considering that during her tenure at HP the value of the company dropped by half, it incurred heavy job losses, and she was eventually asked by the board to step down, I don't know why anyone should pay attention to her.
Complain about this comment
Palin's still hiding from the press
Seen but not heard???
Complain about this comment
If McCain is not a LIAR and a HYPOCRITE than I am the POPE!
The De-Regulator
In his defense, he is a lying piece of ...
Complain about this comment
The No Talk Express
and a videoAnd a Press Revolt
;-)
ed
Complain about this comment
Doug,
If you look in the extreme upper right hand corner, you can usually get into the salon site. If not, let me know, and I'll try and archive a text-only version..
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again --Robert the Bruce
;-)
ed
Complain about this comment
To Marcus A II (25) I don't think you i.e. the United States are doomed. I have great faith in the americans to rise to the challenge.
Having said that, tell me if I'm wrong, but now Washington is in a panic, Why? Because the present political, administrative and legal framework is under great stress and could well fail. Without Washington, in its present form at least, America will survive. But the Washington establishment cannot survive without the acceptance if its rule by America. BUT this can be the route to civil strife and revolution. Don't tell me it cannot happen in the United States. It can and all to easily.
Could anyone in the Europe of 1908 have believed what was going to happen in the next 10 years? Maybe this is at the of the Washington panic, recognized or not.
Complain about this comment
Let's not discount the close ties Obama had with Ayers. Even if it's been discussed in depth on this forum the issue remains. It is indeed an indication of the extreme left views held by Obama.
WSJ opinion today:
Barack Obama's first run for the Illinois State Senate was launched at a 1995 gathering at Mr. Ayers's home.
The Obama campaign has cried foul when Bill Ayers comes up, claiming "guilt by association." Yet the issue here isn't guilt by association; it's guilt by participation. As CAC chairman, Mr. Obama was lending moral and financial support to Mr. Ayers and his radical circle. That is a story even if Mr. Ayers had never planted a single bomb 40 years ago.
I would never vote for this man.
Complain about this comment
"221. At 5:47pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
A problem with Obama is that he has written two books about himself - but lots of info. on his activities are not in those book."
Yes but nowhere does he say he "consorts with terrorists"
"Isn't the spending of $100 million worth incuding in the books, for exmple , and who he was working with, how he got that role ?"
Maybe, maybe not, but he has written two books. Something of an achievement eh. .
Complain about this comment
Complain about this comment
re: 19. mindCanadiana:
As far as Obama and poll numbers: there is some reason to think that his poll numbers are lower than his actual support. His campaign has done a lot to register new voters, including young voters. Many of them don't have land-lines, and telephone surveys don't hit cell phone numbers, since in the US cell phone users pay for incoming as well as outgoing calls. Whether those young voters actually turn out on election day is another unanswerable question at this point, but they are certainly enthusiastic about him.
Complain about this comment
oh and republicans, it is not that you have always been wrong, but you were last time and this time as well.
personal opinion, good luck when the system collapses.
that link to the fall of russia is good for people to read. america I ll be glad to witness your fall
Complain about this comment
re: 224. khansha:
Once you get to the general election, about the only way the candidates can communicate with the electorate is through television. And television (at least in the US) doesn't lend itself to thoughtful presentation of the issues or serious analysis of the candidates' strengths and weaknesses. It all happens in 30 second commercials and sound bites. Even the debates are more like American Idol than a real political debate. Unless you watch PBS. The News Hour generally does more in-depth coverage and analysis than do the major networks' news programs.
That's why the primary process is so important. It's long and messy and can equally be caught up in trivialities, but it forces candidates to interact with real people in unscripted situations, where they can't simply read their lines off a teleprompter in front of a sympathetic audience. And it forces candidates to learn to be better candidates. How to deal with unexpected situations, how to keep their cool under pressure, how to answer questions succinctly but substantively. Both McCain and Obama are better candidates than either of them was at the beginning of the primary process. And I think that either of them would be a better president now than they would have been before the primary process.
Complain about this comment
218. Simon21:
You see racism everywhere.
I'm not going to convince you that I, or any other person who questions Obama's credentials, am not a racist.
And I certainly don't have to defend myself against your charges of racism.
Let's just agree to disagree.
Complain about this comment
224. khansha:
'The people need to make informed decisions, and pray to god they don't get another George "good for nothing war monger" Bush."'
Yes, so glad you have the fine art of debating down.
Complain about this comment
Am I the only person in this crowd who is not
comfortable with either candidate? It just seems
to me that one of the most powerful
empires in history (in relative terms) could have
produced another FDR or Eisenhower at this pivotal
moment in history.
Complain about this comment
I think that Ms Sarah Palin is pro war woman and we don't need that kind of metality rigth now, and besides The Republicans are the ones that couse all this crisis in the United States. Mr Obama is the best choise for the presidency we need young people in the goverment not the same old people because young people is the future of this world. John MaCain needs to be in a retirement home and Sarah taking care of her Family.
Complain about this comment
210. invisibleserendipity:
"#204, Andrea
It was just so bizarre - his mannerism and words.
Particularly as he is the author of Vast Right Wing Conspiracy ..."
Sometimes I think we're just seeing the "real" Bill, without Hillary there to bonk him when he gets out of line.
Seriously, maybe he's seeing what a lot of Americans are seeing. Strong, make that tough, Alaskans who are not afraid of life's challenges.
He always did have that gift for connecting with ordinary people. Maybe a bit of wistfulness sets in when he sees the Palins.
...or maybe it takes one to know one?
Complain about this comment
@ 209. smoffatt-American.
Wow! Talk about making mountain out of mole hill!
@ 211. Victoriausa
Most of the people who post on this page ARE Americans that's why I read it, it's a interesting insight into American mentalities vis a vis politics.
In short.
Get over yourself.
Otherwise very good people, carry on!
;)
Complain about this comment
Dodd on Paulson's proposed bailout.
Devil's in the lack of details
Complain about this comment
Yes, of course Romney would have been a much better choice. First of all, he has adequate experience. McCain's choice of Palin has undermined the possibility for the Republican's to use lack of experience to criticize Obama. Palin also annoys and alienates many people who perhaps would vote for McCain but do not agree with Palin's cookie-cutter populist social conservative rhetoric. Terrible choice for VP.
Complain about this comment
Obama is ahead in four key states
Battleground update
Complain about this comment
Actually Simon21 was wrong when he said only Obama's eloquence and Palin's down home style reminicent of a certain sitting U.S president separates them. A vast chasm of belief, knowledge and politics separates them. It's sounds like typical American disdain for intelligence that makes anyone think these two are even in the same intellectual ballpark. As an American, it's about time someone as intelligent as Obama, not just a politically savvy conservative willing to run on the flag and values, had a crack at improving the U.S. economy and status in the world.
I'm a bit shocked at how little the people on this blog seem to know about how little there is to know about Palin.
Complain about this comment
# 211 victoriausa
"I don't appreciate the negative stereotypes used in this forum..."
"That being said, the democrats are NOT known for protecting the middle class. They are known for handouts to immigrants and non working lower classes on the backs of the middle class"
Compare and contrast, as they used to say when I was doing exams...
"I am voting McCain/Palin. It IS the only choice. "
For you, no doubt it IS. For the rest of the USA, fortunately it isn't.
Complain about this comment
"The Republicans would have had a miserable convention" with Ridge or Romney on the ticket alright but Ridge or Romney would make the country - and world - even more miserable for the next four years if they had ever wormed into office. They may, unfortunately, get the chance in one capacity or another, later on. If one or both do, we can expect a 'lockdown' not only of the borders but of the entire society as they both are enthusiatic proponents of the national security state at home and abroad. The continuing attack on civil liberties domestically and the continuing attacks on any indigenous liberation movements abroad would be greatly accelerated by these draconian mandarins who make McCain seem almost a voice of moderation by comparison. Besides, anyone "railing at greedy Wall St. bankers" can't be all bad. But unfortunately that's probably as far as it will go, rhetorical flourishes. Alas, the Duopoly Party and its cloned candidates, Obama no less than McCain or Romney or Palin or Biden all share the same overriding objective of "rescuing the capitalist system", the sine qua non of the rigged two party system.
Complain about this comment
"236. At 7:09pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
218. Simon21:
You see racism everywhere.
I'm not going to convince you that I, or any other person who questions Obama's credentials, am not a racist."
It wasn't his credentials that were being criticised. They could hardly be.
It was the clear inference about his character and the overwhelming importance of his "advisors".
The implication was that he could not make his own decisions. This is a clear rascist paradigm by which black people are either:
a) docile = good
or
b) assertive = threat
You see this coming out in US commentary all the time
eg Sarah Plain (white) whines = feisty
Obama (black) hits back = chip on the shouldeer
"And I certainly don't have to defend myself against your charges of racism."
That depends on whther you make more rascist comments.
You do not know Obama personally, so you cannot know how he interacts with his adivsors.
The best way is to assume he relates to them like anyone else, regardless of his colour
And if he becomes president he will be just as capable of giving instructions as anyone else (whether or not you approve of the actual directives etc)
Complain about this comment
#140
So John,
A guy, Mr Ayers, who held radical beliefs and was a member of a group that planted some bombs shows up 40 years later and starts a charitable foundation. It has two arms, a policy arm and a charitable arm.
A young man is recruited by the two presidents of the two arms to serve as chair on one board. There is no link, none niet nada, that Mr Ayers was involved in his selection. Mr Ayers served on the other board. The charity spent money.
So what you are trying to tell me is a board member may or may not have met and associated with a member of a different board although there is no evidence that they did.
Furthermore this other board member, who may or may not have known who placed some bombs in the 60's and is by all acounts an extreme radical, would have had some involvement in his selection for this other board because he ws involved in starting the foundation, but we can't prove it and the folks who did make the selection say, gasp, that they made the selection.
Worse, this charity proceeded to spend money!
Worse still, Obama didn't declare this as executive experience, which strictly speaking would have been lying as a board member, even the Chair, is not an executive and is responsible for governance and not management!
Wow, this puts Jeremy Thorpe to shame. I mean, forget Watergate, this is hot stuff! How could the press have missed this? They should be screaming about it.
Meanwhile, on TV Obama gives the first sensible press meeting on the financial crisis and looked very Presidential.
LMAO Sam
BTW, if you want to know where the $100m went, it's public record. The foundation is a charity and files it's accounts.
Complain about this comment
"231. At 6:26pm on 23 Sep 2008, victoriausa wrote:
Let's not discount the close ties Obama had with Ayers. Even if it's been discussed in depth on this forum the issue remains. It is indeed an indication of the extreme left views held by Obama.
WSJ opinion today:
Barack Obama's first run for the Illinois State Senate was launched at a 1995 gathering at Mr. Ayers's home.
The Obama campaign has cried foul when Bill Ayers comes up, claiming "guilt by association." Yet the issue here isn't guilt by association; it's guilt by participation. As CAC chairman, Mr. Obama was lending moral and financial support to Mr. Ayers and his radical circle. That is a story even if Mr. Ayers had never planted a single bomb 40 years ago.
Really
I would never vote for this man.
Well if you read the WSJ that is hardly surprising.
Complain about this comment
JohnAAA,
Re: Reaction to Iranian Protest
Have you read Roger Simon's "Open Letter to My Fellow Jews: The Democratic Party is not your religion (or anybody?s)" at PajamaMedia?
The comments are interesting.
Open Letter to My Fellow Jews
Complain about this comment
240. At 7:28pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
210. invisibleserendipity:
"#204, Andrea
It was just so bizarre - his mannerism and words.
Particularly as he is the author of Vast Right Wing Conspiracy ..."
Sometimes I think we're just seeing the "real" Bill, without Hillary there to bonk him when he gets out of line."
Hmmm nice reference to Mrs Clinton, is that all she is?
"Seriously, maybe he's seeing what a lot of Americans are seeing. Strong, make that tough, Alaskans who are not afraid of life's challenges.
He always did have that gift for connecting with ordinary people. Maybe a bit of wistfulness sets in when he sees the Palins.
...or maybe it takes one to know one? "
Except he is Rhodes Scholar and Palin is a half educated vicous right-winger, out of her depth.
Complain about this comment
251. At 8:10pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
JohnAAA,
Re: Reaction to Iranian Protest
Have you read Roger Simon's "Open Letter to My Fellow Jews: The Democratic Party is not your religion (or anybody?s)" at PajamaMedia?
The comments are interesting.
Open Letter to My Fellow Jews"
How deeply embarassing. And disrespectful.
Complain about this comment
234. jacksforge:
"america I ll be glad to witness your fall"
I think we've got that.
Complain about this comment
#211
VictoriaUSA,
You have a point. God's Frozen People should not be making nasty comments about Texans, who are generally nice, open minded, free living folks. Especisally George Bush who is really a North Eastern WASP frat boy with addiction issues.
However, Obama has shown greater ability to reason, think and decide a reasonable course of action. McCain seems to be imploding, flippy flopping all over the place and dragging down the tone of the campaign with increasingly nasty ads.
There are choices, one is to split your vote on the ticket and hope for a different Congress to the Executive branch. You could also vote for Nader.
To say there is only one choice and it is McCain is like saying 'There is only one type of Pizza and that is Pepperoni.'
Silly Sam
PS Do you have a secret?
Complain about this comment
Simon21 What's your point regarding Lincoln? He has absolutle no bearing AT ALL upon the 2008 US election.
As for saying Palin has little foreign affairs experience......pray do tell me what is the extensive foreign affairs experience of Obama? Other than a grand standing speech tour of Europe?
Criticising the opponents VP candidate for having little experience is to me just plain stupid when that is one of the main weaknesses of your own candidate for Presisdent.
Complain about this comment
Here's the other side of the "Wasilla Charging Rape Victims" story.
Wasilla Debunking Kit
Complain about this comment
Andrea, Justin is trying to move us on. Obama has now spoken and Justin wishes us to talk about how presidential he is on another thread.
Complain about this comment
?I am in my early forties, I?ve been governor of a state for less than two years, I have six kids, I like to hunt big game and I am running for the office of Vice President of the USA. Who am I??
Answer below?..
Teddy Roosevelt ? Election of 1900. And my face is carved in Mount Rushmore, too.
Complain about this comment
re: 238. gunsandreligion:
"It just seems to me that one of the most powerful empires in history (in relative terms) could have produced another FDR or Eisenhower at this pivotal moment in history."
Early in his presidency, Roosevelt was not universally loved. Because of his leadership in getting the US through the Depression and during WWII, he is now admired even by many ardent Republicans. But I remember as a kid in the 50s and 60s that there were still people who hated him.
My point is that we usually recognize greatness in retrospect rather than in real-time.
And I really do cringe when I hear the US referred to as an empire. It might have troops in a number of foreign countries and have influence in many others, but it isn't an empire in the manner of the Roman Empire or the British Empire. And I certainly hope it doesn't become one.
Complain about this comment
ANDREAinNY,
I am sick of you.
You are a strange and disturbing woman.
Why don't you buy a plane ticket and go to Wasilla to learn the truth, and stop rubbishing this forum with your radical thoughts.
Maybe to you palin is a propher , then take her and be happy. may I also suggest you pick a weapon and stand post, because if there is one thing I would not fight for this country is those like you.
Complain about this comment
Sam
Stop trying to kid us that Obama and Ayers didn't work together, and that Ayers was not involved in Obama's selecton.
You will know Gramsci.
Ayers is a radical, still wanting the overthrow of the US system.
Have you not read what he STILL says ? His place in education is precisely to progress his objectives, not by violent means any more (although he has never repenrted his days in the Weather Underground)
As to whjere the $100 million went, an audit of the effectiveness of the fund said that there was no real benefit.
MOTHING about all this was mentioned in Obama's memoirs.
$100 million spent - and nothing gained ?
That in itself shpows incompetence on Obama's part,, I should have thought.
Complain about this comment
Is Biden trying to lose in Pennsylvania ?
http://tinyurl.com/48mnhv
Apparently he is at odds with Obama on coal. Meanwhile he criticised the Obama attack ad on McCain and computers.
Keep up the good work, Joe !
Obama drew a far smaller audience in Green Bay thn McCain/Palin, lots of empty seats. I saw a photo elsewhere showing half the upper tiers of seats unoccupied. Obamamania fizzling ?
http://tinyurl.com/4tqom8
Complain about this comment
Andrea, you should leave some people alone. Those not interested in personalities, just policies. So if they want to beleve that Palin is evil, they should be allowed to believe that without people like you providing uncomfortable facts.
Complain about this comment
#260, timohio, the US is in fact, an empire,
even though we don't consciously aspire to
such a goal. We don't perceive it as such
at home because few of us have dealings with
the international crowd. But, since WWII,
we have been forced to send troops around
the world to defend a mixed bag of interests:
democracy, our commercial interests, and access
to resources for ourselves and our allies.
Assuming that our financial system can be saved,
I would argue that we will probably move
even more strongly in this direction. One major
reason is that, since we are relying on foreign
capital, more decisions about how American
power is to be used will be decided overseas,
rather than by US citizens.
I would argue that the first "Imperial President"
was JFK, although one could argue that
the transition occurred earlier.
Personally, I would rather live in a republic,
but one does not get the opportunity to choose
the era into which one is born.
Complain about this comment
246. At 7:59pm on 23 Sep 2008, john-In-Dublin wrote:
For you, no doubt it IS. For the rest of the USA, fortunately it is.
Wishful thinking for the uninformed.
Fortunately, you are incorrect as Obama will will fail in his bid to take his no substance,
celebrity loving style to the White House.
C'mon John, stop getting ALL your news from the Enquirer and the Globe. Have you not read all the posts about Ayers?
Stop reading the celebrity rags and get your news from a real source.
Complain about this comment
234. At 6:54pm on 23 Sep 2008, jacksforge wrote:
oh and republicans, it is not that you have always been wrong, but you were last time and this time as well.
personal opinion, good luck when the system collapses.
that link to the fall of russia is good for people to read. america I ll be glad to witness your fall
How sweet!
I think it's deplorable that they let you out the psychiatric ward before your lobotomy healed.
Complain about this comment
263. At 9:34pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
Is Biden trying to lose in Pennsylvania ?
Obama drew a far smaller audience in Green Bay thn McCain/Palin, lots of empty seats. I saw a photo elsewhere showing half the upper tiers of seats unoccupied. Obamamania fizzling ?
Absolutely fizzling and deflating quickly.
Gotta love Joe.
Complain about this comment
72, Aqua.
We seem to agree totally about home schooling.
Complain about this comment
#262
John,
Have you ever served on a board? It is hardly working together. You may meet for an hour every few weeks IF you are on the same board, let alone different ones for the same foundation. So Ayers showed up to 6 collaboratiove board meetings. At an hour each even if obama attended all 6 (no reason to believe he went to one, as he chaired a different board) that's a whole 6 hours in the same room.
No proof Ayers helped select him. None.
We should note the article you cite does not mention value or audit at all. who came up with that conclusion, what method did they use?
Another tenuous smear based on innuendo and 'must haves' without factual support. And even if it stuck the end conclusion is 'So what? He chaired a charity'. If I put every board on my resume it would be rather tedious.
Bored Sam
Complain about this comment
AndreaNy
I'm in complete agreement with you.
You provide very clear, concise, accurate
information, but people who are so one sided
are not able to hear.
I considered both candidates and after looking into both, it's clear that Obama would be the ruination of this country.
Although some are worried (happy)
that our country is in bad shape, we;ll pull through on our own again.
Complain about this comment
#263
LOL again. 6,000 at noon on a Monday compared to 10,000 on a Thursday night? When McCain struggles to pull in 3,000 at most of his rallys?
Obamamania fizzling? Maybe, but still stronger than McCain. And ironically the latest polls in Wisconsin show Obama pulling ahead, along with Ohio, Minnesota and Michegan.
Keep posting articles from your right wing rags John, they are funny to read and smack about a bit.
Slap happy Sam
Complain about this comment
The Twelve Lies Of Sarah Palin
"....twelve documented lies that Sarah Palin has told on the public record. These are not hyperbolic claims or rhetorical excess. They are assertions of fact that are demonstrably untrue and remain uncorrected. Every single one of the lies I documented holds up after several news cycles have had a chance to vet them even further."
Complain about this comment
Sam
You must be gullible to think that Obama's selection did not involve Ayers.
As to the conclusion that the $100 million was spent largely fruitlessly - yes, it was not in the WSJ article today, I have seen it lelsewhere and I will try to look it out. It was an awful lot of money to be sloshing around. And Obama has also been involved in other nugatory public expenditure in Chicago - wanna buy a $100,000 gazebo ?
And I bet you have seen it too.
As to your views and mine about the whole Ayers business - you pooh-pooh it totally all, I say it could be somewhat significant. It is only now starting to open up. The voters will decide.
(And yes, I have served on Boards of companies, thank you. And quite a lot of my consultancy advice was also to CEOs or othe members of Boards.)
Complain about this comment
# 266 victoriausa wrote:
"246. At 7:59pm on 23 Sep 2008, john-In-Dublin wrote:
For you, no doubt it IS. For the rest of the USA, fortunately it is."
Amusingly enough, that isn't what I wrote. It is in fact the exact opposite of what I wrote. Go back and see if you can spot the difference.
From which we deduce
[a] You're unable to copy 2 short sentences. May I suggest you seek assistance from any 5-year old of average intelligence, and/or
[b] You're unable to copy and paste 2 short sentences. May I suggest you seek assistance from any 5-year old of average intelligence with extremely basic computer skills.
And they let you vote? One consolation at least - when you attempt to vote for McCain, there must be a good chance that you'll end up voting for Obama.
But there's more folks!
"Fortunately, you are incorrect as Obama will will fail in his bid to take his no substance, celebrity loving style to the White House."
Again, if you're able to read my extremely short and simple post, I didn't say who would win. I merely pointed out the irony of your whinging about "negative stereotypes" in one sentence and engaging in negative stereotypes about the Democrats in the next. Oh and thanks for throwing in a few more. Since you seem to have such severe reading and comprehension difficulties, ask the child of 5 to help you next time.
As for your "forecast" - some time ago I made the fairly obvious point that anyone who thinks they know the result of the election is a liar or a lunatic. This doesn't of course exclude the possibility of both.
As for your "deduction" that I get my facts from the tabloids - I won't waste my time dignifying it with an answer.
As the saying goes - "Never Wrestle With A Pig ...... you'll both get dirty, and only the pig will enjoy it"
["A filthy, dirty, filthy smear!" - JohnAAAAAAA]
Complain about this comment
#274
John,
Boring. There is no evidence for it. Legally we call that heresay, or potentially libel.
Surprising you forgot your board role was non executive then . . .
Member Sam
Complain about this comment
Obama is up by four percentage, only one above the margin of statistical error. Despite what the media wants everyone to think, THE CANDIDATES ARE IN A DEAD HEAT. The media's witch hunt against Palin has been unbelievable. I'm sick and tired of the media always giving the benefit of the doubt to the Obama/Biden camp. So much for unbiased coverage.
Complain about this comment
john-In-Dublin AKA
john AA
John,
Stop posting while drunk!
Come back when you're a wee bit more sober
Complain about this comment
I find it interesting that the views on this blog are so polarised. When the reality of modern politics is that it matters little which party wins. Their actions in office on the major issues will differ only slightly.
There is no choice and democracy is an illusion. As both parties will serve their vested interests.
Complain about this comment
OSam
On two Boards my role was executive.
Once again - you simply don't know what you are talking about, shooting your mough off grandly.
Complain about this comment
234. At 6:54pm on 23 Sep 2008, jacksforge wrote:
"... america I ll be glad to witness your fall"
Sorry for you, I'll be glad to meet you any day on the field of bttle and show you what I think of you,... without a doubt.
Complain about this comment
280. At 11:54pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
OSam
On two Boards my role was executive.
Once again - you simply don't know what you are talking about, shooting your mough off grandly.
Mough?? Get off the liquor
Complain about this comment
An earlier comment makes me laugh! Since when does a few months in a remote state as a governor get you 'Executive Experience'?
George Bush/Dick Cheney came in with lot better 'Executive Experience' than Palin and if the dismal failure of his adminsitration does not teach us that 'Executive administration' means NOTHING, then we are all doomed.
Complain about this comment
280. At 11:54pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
OSam
On two Boards my role was executive."
Needless to say both concerns no longer exist.
Complain about this comment
274. At 10:33pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
Sam
You must be gullible to think that Obama's selection did not involve Ayers.
As to the conclusion that the $100 million was spent largely fruitlessly - yes, it was not in the WSJ article today, I have seen it lelsewhere and I will try to look it out. It was an awful lot of money to be sloshing around. And Obama has also been involved in other nugatory public expenditure in Chicago - wanna buy a $100,000 gazebo ?
And I bet you have seen it too.
As to your views and mine about the whole Ayers business - you pooh-pooh it totally all, I say it could be somewhat significant. It is only now starting to open up. The voters will decide."
Nothing to open up. Yes $100 million is a lot. Didn't Obama do well?
"(And yes, I have served on Boards of companies, thank you. And quite a lot of my consultancy advice was also to CEOs or othe members of Boards.)"
Hmm your not the only one sunshine, but one wonders how valuable it was since basic knowledge is required for high end consultancy.
Complain about this comment
Complain about this comment
"262. At 9:22pm on 23 Sep 2008, JohnAAA wrote:
Sam
Stop trying to kid us that Obama and Ayers didn't work together, and that Ayers was not involved in Obama's selecton.
You will know Gramsci.
Ayers is a radical, still wanting the overthrow of the US system."
So waht you never make the point. So what if he is, what is the point being made?
Radicalism has a long and honourable history - freeing the slaves for example. It is not another word for heretic or witch.
"Have you not read what he STILL says ? His place in education is precisely to progress his objectives, not by violent means any more (although he has never repenrted his days in the Weather Underground)"
So what? Again, what is the point being made?
Sounds perfectly sensible, why not?
"As to whjere the $100 million went, an audit of the effectiveness of the fund said that there was no real benefit.
MOTHING about all this was mentioned in Obama's memoirs."
Which audit was this? And you have not read obama's memoirs.
"$100 million spent - and nothing gained ?
That in itself shpows incompetence on Obama's part,, I should have thought."
Only if you agree the premise.
$100 million is a lot of monney, cl;early Obama is seen as trustworthy
Complain about this comment
#280
John,
Then your 'boards' were disfunctional and not a board at all. Or you don;t understand what executive roles are.
In every organization the role of the executive is to execute management responsibility. The role of the board, even an 'executive board' is to provide oversight and advice to the executive team of company officers or charity management. They are also answerable to the shareholders, professional assembly or other ownership or stakeholder body.
In the US some executives hold board positions, but that is a function of holding two positions (which should be seperated) at the same time. For example someone may be Chair and CEO, even though this is regarded as bad governance and is being phased out. It is pretty much unacceptable in the UK.
The lady doth etc.
Chairman Sam
Complain about this comment
Babs.
Brilliant line!Tim, Quite a few
Sam, Careful with styling yourself as a Member. You'll be in direct competition with John ha ha ha. ;-)
Electoral projection done right
Peace and prosperity
ed
Complain about this comment
"At 8:28pm on 23 Sep 2008, bayboy1664 wrote:
Simon21 What's your point regarding Lincoln? He has absolutle no bearing AT ALL upon the 2008 US election."
Oh it does when we get asinine comments about only state governors or soldiers qualify to become presidnet of the US, or 26 years of Washington experience is needed to defy Washington.
It sort of undercuts things to point out that the president most in the US overwhelmingly consider their best had very little military or senior political experience.
"As for saying Palin has little foreign affairs experience......pray do tell me what is the extensive foreign affairs experience of Obama? Other than a grand standing speech tour of Europe?
Er he was born and partly raised overseas, did you not know this?
He was also in the Senate
He also chaired a Senate sub committee of foreign affairs.
Perhaps you can name the Senate committe Palin chaired?
-"Criticising the opponents VP candidate for having little experience is to me just plain stupid when that is one of the main weaknesses of your own candidate for Presisdent."
Palin's inexperience is excusable, her ignorance is not. And her feeble attempts to crash course foreign affairs is risible and embarassing to watch. She plainly has no interest.
Complain about this comment
#282
Could a Mough be a European gun manufacturer? I want one, I want one!
Gunner Sam
Complain about this comment
281. At 11:58pm on 23 Sep 2008, DougTexan wrote:
234. At 6:54pm on 23 Sep 2008, jacksforge wrote:
"... america I ll be glad to witness your fall"
Sorry for you, I'll be glad to meet you any day on the field of bttle and show you what I think of you,... without a doubt.
blah blah
maybe after it falls it will end up somewhere like you could be proud of
Republicanism I get
Republicans I don't
Complain about this comment
180. At 3:56pm on 23 Sep 2008, Schwerpunkt wrote:
93. "Where's the hate? Look in the mirror, sir/madam."
Well when Wright was ranting "God damn the USA" which yes I DID actually see the video of (it was on the BBC although I do watch Fox sometimes, CBSNews only when I can bother to stay up that late) I do indeed call that "hate speech".
------------------------------------
yea but what about the rest of the speech or sermon.
remain ignorant, you'll be more comfortable that way.
Complain about this comment
Re #259
T.R. compared to Palin with the premise that both were moose-hunting vice-president ex-governors with big families, implying Palin could be the next T.R., certainly a germane topic in case Palin ever became President.
1) Roosevelt before Presidency:
1881 Dropped out of Columbia Law School to become New York City Assembleyman
Dakota Rancher
New York City Police Commissioner
Assistant Secretary of the US Navy
Organized and commanded Regiment of volunteer "Rough Riders" - Congressional Medal of Honor
Governor of New York "the Empire State" - bear in mind this may have been the economically pre-eminent US state in 1890s
Read thousands of books, over his life wrote numerous books as well
Accomplished and recognized amateur natural scientist as well as hunter
Political Progressive (a real political movement at that time nit a buzzword)
Ardent Conservationist
1901 - VP and President...
2) Palin so far:
City Council
Mayor of Wasilla Alaska
Governor of Alaska
Wondered about banning books(?)
Not yet distinguished as a progressive, conservationist, veteran, amateur scientist, or author.
I may have overlooked something else, besides deliberately omitting the beauty pageants.
Even so, the comparison is astonishing if really presented with a straight face.
Complain about this comment
254. At 8:18pm on 23 Sep 2008, AndreainNY wrote:
234. jacksforge:
"america I ll be glad to witness your fall"
I think we've got that.
---------------
good don't like sitting on the fence me
Complain about this comment
Sarah Palin's knowledge of foreign policy:
http://localhostr.com/files/67ec6b/Sarah%20Palin.JPG
(just an image I made a few minutes ago)
Sarah Palin, while tactically she was a great choice by John McCain, is possibly the worst candidate for vice-president in terms of actual skill required. I never wanted John McCain to be president, but for a while I thought that he was the best Republican candidate out there. He was liberal for a Republican and he understood many things I thought were important to understand (global warming for the most part). Once he chose Sarah Palin though, I can barely look at John McCain without thinking that he will ruin our country. He has a 1/4 chance of dying in office. Who would seriously gamble the United States on 3/4 of a chance? Sarah Palin knows NOTHING about what is needed to be the vice president, and John McCain is obviously just trying to manipulate the masses by choosing her. I hope, I wish, I beg that all this Palin hype blows over soon because if this election is a Republican favored one, the United States sure will change - for the worse.
-Sam B, Massachusetts USA
Complain about this comment
The Palin pick reeks of Tokanism - the idea that he could siphion off a chunk of Clinton supporters by picking a woman (any woman, I imagine) is audacious, but foolish. Clinton voters wanted her not just because of her gender, but on the issues specific to women that she championed (Right to choose, etc).
I don't think it breaks much ice with that demographic that he's chosen someone diamettrically opposed to Clinton on these issues.
Romney probably would have been a better choice, because voters seem to be a hell of a lot more concerned by fiscal issues than abstract notions of feminism.
Complain about this comment
Huckabee was the only Maverick in the Republican pack as far as I could tell - bringing a distinctive plan for tax reform, composed and intelligent demeanor and speech, and a refreshing New Testament faith free from bombast.
Complain about this comment
269 marbles and 72 Aqua:
You and seanspa had an interesting discussion on home schooling. Without necessarily disagreeing with the points you make, I have seen both sides of this issue very close up.
Lots of kids thrive on home schooling in the primary grades. Classes are small. Very high level of adult attention. No peer bullying. The teacher is absolutely committed to the students. In public schools the convoy moves at the speed of the slowest ship. When the teacher spends 20 to 40 % of her time trying to keep order, the ships move pretty slowly. Often, by gr. 8, home-schooled children are far ahead academically. My experience is that these kids are often very polite, and quite hardworking, resourceful, and self-reliant. I have dealt with several hundred children in the last decade, and by and large the home schooled ones are not usually the ones who cause trouble.
These kids do get social interaction. Typically, they have a very supportive 'church family', where they have lots of friends, and the kids play sports and have play dates just like other kids. This may be a suburbs kind of thing, rather than an inner-city core thing.
The problems tend to come later. Few parents are able to teach languages, and the selection of materials in literature and history tends to be narrow and driven by the philosophical agenda of the materials provider. Often the children are then sent to school, typically a religious high school.
Two days ago, one point was that, in essence, an understanding of Christian religion was necessary to make sense of our culture - what is the context of the Holy Roman Empire of Charlemagne, the crusades, the establishment of the Church of England, the renaissance, the reformation, the colonial settlements of dissentient religious sects, 1745 and the Stuarts, the risings of 1798 and 1916, the Troubles, and literature from Robing Hood and Ivanhoe to Ulysses, Brighton Rock and As I lay Dying. But these children are not taught any of that history or literature. (The public schools certainly aren't much better, either.) They are however, taught that God Created Earth ...
There are certainly problems with home schooling, and I have seen them first hand, too. But to assume that as a general rule there is no social interaction is probably not correct.
Complain about this comment
261 Goleooo. Doucement, Goleoo, doucement.
Complain about this comment
234 Jacksforge.
You may despise America now, but you will miss her when she's gone.
For all her faults and warts, America is a unique an noble experiment.
She has held out the hope of the opportunity so succeed on one's own merit, free from tyranny and oppression, to millions who came to her shores, and never looked back.
Since the fall of Rome, only one nation has ever reached out her hand to raise up not only her injured friends, but also her fallen enemies. Do not belittle the land of Truamn, and Marshall, and Kennan.
Be careful what you wish.
Complain about this comment
re:
265. gunsandreligion
288. Ed Iglehart:
guns and Ed,
Calling the US an empire is a gross exaggeration. The US isn't running other countries the way the British ran India. We even pussy-footed around the Iraqi government when it wouldn't do what we wanted. And we have nearly 150,000 troops there and are giving them billions of dollars. We are actually trying to get some fig leaf of a treaty allowing those troops to stay and absolutely everyone wants to get the hell out. It's just an argument over timing. Empires don't worry about treaties or timing.
The US has troops in the UK, but in spite of the talk of Blair and poodles, the UK is an independent country and pushes back when it feels like it. The French pushed back and all that happened was talk of liberty fries. The same is true of Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Believe me, I'm not excusing what we've done in Iraq. We shouldn't be there. We shouldn't be in a lot of places. We shouldn't be spending what we are on the military. But it's not an empire. You need to go back and read about real empires. The siege of Jerusalem by the Romans, Genghis Khan, the sack of Great Benin--things like that.
Complain about this comment
298, Interested.
May major criticism has to do with the parents holding the children too tightly. This may be my own personal bias. I wanted the children to be exposed to a wide variety of ideas and philosophies. This is not to be confused with permissiveness.
Complain about this comment
#288
Ed,
I have been described as a 'member' many times. And several synonyms beginning with P.
We go on
Determined Sam.
Complain about this comment
Determined? At least you didn't say upright!
Complain about this comment
Interested Foreigner, Marbles and Aqua, thnks for your comments on home schooling. I really did only raise this because those in the UK know little about it and I wanted to raise something different. I have no axe to grind myself.
I post on here not to convert, not to belittle, but to help understanding between the land of by birth (I was born in the town that invented the paralympics) and the land I have fallen in love with. I get abuse from some posters for this but I care about people who care, and couldn't give a damn about those who depise.
Complain about this comment
Palin is prompting more comment than she should. She is govenor of one of the 50 states ..... that should warrant a level of respect.
However, whether McCain should have picked her or Romney .... I feel is mute .... is not going to win with either and the US is due a renascence under the Presidency of Barack Obama.
Further, I trust that he will win my home state of North Carolina .... the most recent polls put him even.
http://www.turningncblue.com
Most recent poll:
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_NC_92168.pdf
Yes we can, and we need to.
Complain about this comment
278. At 11:46pm on 23 Sep 2008, victoriausa wrote:
"john-In-Dublin AKA
john AA
John,
Stop posting while drunk!
Come back when you're a wee bit more sober"
I'm quite sober.
Even drunk, I would be able to copy 2 sentences correctly - unlike you.
To slightly misquote Churchill - even were I drunk, I should be sober in the morning.
Whilst you should still be an idiot.
Complain about this comment
292. jacksforge write
"yea but what about the rest of the speech or sermon. remain ignorant, you'll be more comfortable that way."
Well I don't accept that there would ever be a context in which his tirade would be valid. Equally to the point, did YOU ever attend that church and sit through one of Wright's sermons? So on what are you basing your belief he had some excuse?
Get's rather stupid when we are expected to sit through every word said by each of the players in these dramas to ensure we are getting every context and nuance. There are not enough hours in the day for anyone. Even reporters.
Wright screwed up. He spouts such garbage because it plays well with a large segment of his audience who want to play victim. Obama is certainly not one of them. I think he wants to play on their feeling, and the same feeling held by man others.
Complain about this comment
JohninDublin
I could not understand that comment by victoriainusa
Like you, I did not drink last night.
I am unclear who she was talking to. Herself, maybe.
Complain about this comment
Anyone with more political experience than sp would have been a better choice. She is unravelling and will self destruct before November elections. Lies always are revealed by a persistent media in America. mccant's choice will seem even stupider as time goes by. She has learned the lie telling gamen from a master at it -mccain.
Complain about this comment
302. Marbles:
I couldn't agree more strongly, on both points.
The lack of knowledge, (and worse, the utter lack of interest) in other languages, literature, film, theatre, and cultures is so discouraging. That lack of interest, and the control issue, often begins with the parents.
These are bright, motivated, well behaved kids who have so much potential to achieve really great things with a broader, more rounded education. And instead ...
Sometimes you just want to say "Open your windows and let some fresh air in."
Complain about this comment
300. At 02:54am on 24 Sep 2008, Interestedforeigner wrote:
234 Jacksforge.
You may despise America now, but you will miss her when she's gone.
Na foreigner .Ill be here in what remains hopefully. and by then it might again be something as you described. but right now it is not, and as for that freind of all rubbish we went throught hat debate a long time ago with M erronious.
nice sentiments
"She has held out the hope of the opportunity so succeed on one's own merit, free from tyranny and oppression, to millions who came to her shores, and never looked back."
I'm one of those immigrants supposedly. according to some. and this country has been looking back since 1950.
Complain about this comment
308. At 09:39am on 24 Sep 2008, Schwerpunkt wrote:
292. jacksforge write
"yea but what about the rest of the speech or sermon. remain ignorant, you'll be more comfortable that way."
Well I don't accept that there would ever be a context in which his tirade would be valid. Equally to the point, did YOU ever attend that church and sit through one of Wright's sermons? So on what are you basing your belief he had some excuse?
Get's rather stupid when we are expected to sit through every word said by each of the players in these dramas to ensure we are getting every context and nuance. There are not enough hours in the day for anyone. Even reporters.
Wright screwed up. He spouts such garbage because it plays well with a large segment of his audience who want to play victim. Obama is certainly not one of them. I think he wants to play on their feeling, and the same feeling held by man others.
--------------------------------------------------
what are you on , want some nice stuff?
your just another racist.
watch the whole sermon I did.
In context the comments were not bad. but then i said yesterday I will like watching america fall.
so sggdsfjkf
Complain about this comment
It will fall quicker if you are the sort of person it has to look forward to.
if you old. hurry off
Complain about this comment
razzie keep giving out hope . it it needed.
Complain about this comment
The only reason McCain/Palin would lose is because of the economic meltdown that occured in this country. For whatever reason, Americans keep repeating the same mistakes over and over when the economy fails. They get mad at whoever is in office (which, strangely enough is always a Republican) cast an anti-vote, then elect a Democrat they count on to save them.
Last time this happened, Carter bankrupted this country, and made our military a laughing stock. Those of you who vote for Obama, you better be ready to live with your choice.
Complain about this comment
Ref 316
"Last time this happened, Carter bankrupted this country"
Actually, the last time it happened was when we elected Bill Clinton who transformed the budget deficits caused by irresponsible tax breaks to the wealthy, trickle down economics, and borrow and spend into 8 years of growth and prosperity while at the same time producing budget surpluses without raiding Social Security the way Republican Administration do to give the illusion that their deficit spending is not as bad as it actually is.
Complain about this comment
This post by justpam (#316) is justpap!
Carter was defeated because of a poor economy and because he was perceived as a weak president (the hostages in Iran). Perhaps he should have been defeated, but he did one good thing regarding the economy: he appointed Paul Volker chairman of the Federal Reserve. It was Volker who got inflation under control, and Reagan reappointed him when his term was up.
As for Reagan, he tripled the national debt. The national debt declined relative to growth (but increased in absolute terms) from the end of WWII through the Carter administration. It increased substantially under presidents Reagan, Bush 1, and Bush 2. They do this by saying they oppose "tax and spend" policies of the Democrats, but they also say that spending on defense (and war) doesn't count!
It is the Republicans who are bankrupting the country. The current economic crisis is the natural consequence of a quarter-century of Republican ("voodoo") economics.
I don't know if the Democrats will be able to fix it, but the Republicans and their Libertarian allies certainly aren't going to do so.
Complain about this comment
And another thing: justpam calling the US Armed Forces a "laughingstock" under any administration is reprehensible. The US Army had a poor public image during the Vietnam War era, spanning presidents of both parties. It was the politicians who were deserving of opprobrium, however, not the soldiers. Since Vietnam, the Army has studied the mistakes of that era, applied the lessons to restructure itself, and become a better organization. Also under presidents of both parties.
There have been embarassments from time to time. For example, the bombing of the US Marine compound in Lebanon (during the Republican Reagan administration), and the killing and degradation of Marines on a humanitarian mission in Somalia (during the Democratic Clinton administration).
The US Armed Forces are nonpartisan. Exploting them for partisan political purposes is, I repeat, reprehensible.
Complain about this comment
One liar at a time is enough. Romny and McCain would have been too much. At least Sara Palin sticks to her lies, while Romney changed his for every state. He seemed to forget that everything is on Youtube for fact check.
I like his speech at the RNC like a platic bag of ofal gassing up the place, his dyed hair jet black in the overhead lighting. Such a wind and waste of time. 2012 maybe or wannabee.
McCain warror and his Warror VP make a perfect match. Don't say a strong woman cannot change a man. She made him into something even he does not know or understand.
Complain about this comment
Yes,
McCzin should have selected Romney and he will regret it painfully when searching for viable solutions for the financial crisis. Palin's "one liners" will not suffice in serious times.
Complain about this comment
Gov Palin answer the Q, what is the minimum age for a female to be fit to give birth? Is she forcing her daughter to keep the baby as staunch conservative republican? or is it just another practice in the TRIBE? Being conservative is more important than her daughters' health?
People seek some medical advice before you take those decisions :)
Do we have anyone else in the republican troops with a sense rational thinking?
Complain about this comment
Gov Palin answer the Q, what is the minimum age for a female to be fit to give birth? Is she forcing her daughter to keep the baby as staunch conservative republican? or is it just another practice in the TRIBE? Being conservative is more important than her daughters' health?
People seek some medical advice before you take those decisions :)
Do we have anyone else in the republican troops with a sense of rational thinking?
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Anybody would have been better than Palin. have you seen the CBS interview? Incoherent, ill informed and spouting rambling cliches about nothing in particular. The most overpromoted and ill prepared contender for a public office I have ever seen. This woman could be president you know-someday, if John McCain carks it.
Katie Couric let her off very lightly. John Humphries would be something to hear.
Complain about this comment
@76
Completely agree that Obama is far brighter than Palin, and Clinton is cleverer than Bush.
Just one factual amendment though: Clinton, although a Rhodes Scholar never graduated from Oxford. He didn't finish the degree.
Complain about this comment
Justin:
I think that McCain should have chosen Romney....
N.B.: I already chosen my candidate....
~Dennis Junior~
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS