LITTWIN: Even on McCain's night, it was Palin's crowd
By Mike Littwin, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published September 5, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
If you watched John McCain's acceptance speech, you probably have the same question I do: What was he thinking?
This is John McCain, the risk-taker, the maverick?
This was a night that was set up for McCain to go after the independents, to go after the Reagan Democrats, to go after those many people still unsure about Barack Obama, to make the case to the TV audience that he was the real agent of change in a country that seems to really want some.
He didn't have to worry about red meat for the crowd. Sarah Palin had already taken care of that - throwing in some moose meat for good measure - the night before. McCain owned the room as soon he took the runway stage. The delegates were ready to begin the "USA, USA, USA" chant at the drop of a red, white or blue balloon, as if this were a sporting event.
If it was a sporting event, though, it wasn't Sarah Palin's hockey crowd. It's football season, and this was a crowd watching its favorite team running the ball up the middle on third down and 6.
I kept waiting for someone to boo.
I've known for a while that I missed the real John McCain - the one who didn't care what anyone else thought - but I didn't know we'd get the John McCain who would, on the night he accepted the long-sought nomination of his party, not seem to care if anyone thought at all.
You start out with low expectations for a McCain speech. He's not a great orator. But there is something great about McCain - and you heard it at the end of his speech when he told his story of being a prisoner of war, of being tortured, of being broken and of being redeemed.
It's his story, and he's earned it.
But there he was - standing where he must have thought he'd never be standing - and basically telling everyone to calm down. He's the nominee of a party which, to be kind, has been ambivalent about him. And that makes sense only because McCain has been, to be kind, ambivalent about many of the people in this hall. During the primary season, the nastiest e-mails I would get from Republicans were not about Obama or about Hillary Clinton, but about McCain.
He won the nomination - at long last, eight years after his first run, at age 72 - because McCain endured. As we know, McCain is good at enduring. And he outlasted a weak field at a time when the country is exhausted after eight years of George Bush - a name never mentioned in McCain's acceptance speech - and when even Newt Gingrich says the Republican Party needs new ideas.
But there were no new ideas. There wasn't even a theme, unless it was that McCain favored victory in Iraq. (You can start the USA chant anytime.)
Here's what we got: McCain said he was for, uh, "change" and against "partisan rancor." He said he wanted to reform Washington, where he's been much of his adult life, meaning for as long as most Americans can remember. He said he would change Washington, just as every candidate says he would change Washington and even though, in this case, the Republicans have controlled most of Washington for most of the last eight years.
This is one thing you never thought you'd say about McCain, but in this speech, it was as if he simply wanted to make the case that he was the safe vote. And in this campaign season in which nothing seems safe, where nothing is typical, where nothing is foretold and little is even foreseen, it's hard to see how playing it safe (see, for example: Obama's pick of Joe Biden) is the best strategy.
Certainly, McCain is not the story of his own convention. Obama was able to make the Democratic convention his despite the ongoing Clinton soap opera.
This convention was about Sarah Palin, who represents, at once, the Republican future and Republican past. She's young. She's new. She's fresh. And when you look at her family, you see someone you think might understand the economic hardships many Americans are feeling. She's also a social conservative at a time when those issues don't seem quite as important to many voters.
McCain, who doesn't talk much about social issues, could barely bring himself to talk about economic issues, either. The Democrats will tell you he has voted with George Bush 90 percent of the time. It's hard to make the case that you have new ideas when you had to, say, change your mind on George Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy in order to win the nomination.
He came out strongly against teachers unions and strongly for drilling and strongly for lower business taxes, and if it sounded a lot like a stump speech, given to maybe 30 million people, that's because that's exactly what it was.
"You know, I've been called a maverick, someone who marches to the beat of his own drum," he said, trying to remind the crowd of the old McCain. "Sometimes it's meant as a compliment and sometimes it's not. What it really means is I understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you."
By one count, he used the word fight 43 times in this speech. But if this had been a fight, someone would have stopped it.
And here's the really strange thing: On John McCain's night, if this had been a football game, the crowd would have started chanting for the backup quarterback.
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September 5, 2008
6:27 a.m.
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vudumom writes:
Your opinion and your welcome to it.
The reason the crowd was shouting USA, USA, USA, was because there were a couple of protesters in the arena and the crowd was shouting them down. For the first few minutes of his speech 2 protesters kept trying to disrupt McCain. If you look at the tape he is smiling, putting his arm out and trying to calm down the crowd who is drowning out the protestors with there chants until security can remove them. One woman protester got all the way down onto the floor of the delegates and about 20 rows away from McCain. Another protester was up in the balcony with a sign and yelling. You can hear him yelling something about the war during the 1st 5-10 minutes of the speech.
What convention were you at? Oh, that's right you wore your rockstar Obama glasses while watching. McCain addressed the economy more than Obama did in his speech. You were probably to busy jumping up and down like a girl at a Miley Cyrus concert crying and fainting also, to hear what Obama is going to actually do for our country. Of course he didn't give any details.
September 5, 2008
6:49 a.m.
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Lemmingsfollowidiots writes:
McCain surely laid out more of an agenda than Obama did. Obama just blew smoke against the mirrors. What I heard McCain say was that he was going to CHANGE things in Washington, reduce taxes, increase energy research into all areas of energy, drill, build new nuke plants, STOP sending our hard earned money to countries that don't like us and use the money for our Country-that was the Biggy for me-$700 BILLION!
WOW what a true American Hero-not some Hollywood marketing campaign-a TRUE AMERICAN HERO. Cindy McCain again WOW, if the media would do their job we would have known what a great person Cindy McCain is and what she has ACTUALLY done for the down and out. Instead we hear about what "I'm always mad" Michelle Obama meant when she said "for the first time in my lifetime I am finally proud of my country." Cindy McCain also qualifies as a True American Hero for her work around the world! BRAVO BRAVO
I had the wrong impression of McCain and had my eyes opened last night as to who he really is, a man of the People! His record of going against the mainstream in Washington is sprinkled throughout his tenure in Washington!
A REAL MAN for A REAL WORLD for the MOST IMPORTANT job in the WORLD!
September 5, 2008
7:16 a.m.
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NotUrFriend writes:
I disagree with your opinion, but as always, welcome to America. That applies both ways. Your obviousily bias on the subject and pro-Obama, but take a moment to register the fact that McCain addressed far more in scope and detail his plans regarding the economy / war.
I also notice that after the speech Colorado (including the Springs) has once again been recaptured by the GOP, maybe Coloradans waking up to the fact that maybe the sun isn't shining so bright on the Dems after all? It's funny when reality sets in.
I think Obama is to early in career duration as well as crisis confrontation to really be set in as a leader. Let's be honest...How many here wouldnt crack and sell your own family out, let alone your country, during years of torture and prison? I'd hope I wouldnt...But I question that.
The guys got courage and loyality, two traits that are very hard to find. While I don't like the guy completely he is a far cry and stone throw ahead of Obama, who's loyalty I strongly question.
I.
September 5, 2008
7:34 a.m.
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coloradovet writes:
It's amazing how Republicans are so easily and emotionally manipulated, just like they were into voting for Bush. Remember how they thought W was one of them? McCain still represents the Republicans, who have looted and raided our country for the last eight years and will continue to do so with McSame. A vote for McSame is a disaster waiting to happen. Vote with your mind and not your emotions. NO THIRD TERM!
September 5, 2008
7:42 a.m.
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denverone writes:
Mike Littwin, your an idiot. Do us all a favor and find something your good at.
BTW, kissing Obama's butt is not considered a career move, unfortunately for you.
September 5, 2008
7:46 a.m.
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DeimosJB writes:
Littwin, you write that you miss the real John McCain - the one who didn't care what everyone else thought. Guess what, McCain still doesn't care what you think. He's not the least bit miffed that a raging liberal like you didn't like his speech. In fact, if you were happy with his speech, it would probably be a bad sign.
Thanks for pointing out that liberals are against U.S.A, U.S.A - and not just the chant, but the country.
September 5, 2008
7:48 a.m.
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gary writes:
Yep, it is a "ALL NET SHOT" Nittwin...you called it...now watch it!
NObama..
McCain and Palin..
M
P
for ME.....2008
Nuff Said!
September 5, 2008
7:59 a.m.
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pjackso writes:
Take a look at ACORN the community organization that Obama worked for. It's a criminal disgrace - registering dead people to vote, bullying, and full of corruption - but, then and again, that's Chicago politics. I know. I live in Chicago.
Obama never thought he'd get the nomination. He thought Hillary would, and he would have made a name for himself for the future. He could wait her out if she won or maybe he would have been her VP. Now he's caught flat-footed. He voted 130 times present in the state legislature. He's basically done nothing in the Senate to toot his horn about. He spent 143 days there and, then, for the last two years he's been running for President. He hasn't called one meeting of the committee he chairs.
He's the David Copperfield of American Politics. Entertaining, a sharp act, but none of it is real.
September 5, 2008
8:13 a.m.
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malis writes:
Can't help a couple of observations on some of the comments.
Lemming said: "I had the wrong impression of McCain and had my eyes opened last night." An acceptance speech with absolutely no new information changed his mind? Why? What didn't he know before? Lemming indeed.
Many months ago, the first time I saw one of Gary's content-free postings ending with "Nuff Said!" my only thought was "yes, it certainly is." Yet despite constantly saying he's said enough, he keeps saying more! Why does he keep tormenting us like this? Why? Why!!?
September 5, 2008
8:32 a.m.
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ArvadaMiner writes:
To those who claim McCain offered no new information, you would have to admit that Obama basically gave his stump speech with no new information in Denver last week. I suppose if McCain had offered some new information, the folks like Littwin would find a way to accuse him of flip flopping. These speeches are meant to rally the base. The best comparison will be the debates when the two men are on stage together to give a side by side comparison. As far as being safe, you can't blame Obama for choosing Biden. There's nobody in this country that has the management skills to control the Clintons - that's why we had to check Bill with a Republican Congress.
September 5, 2008
8:33 a.m.
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T1anda writes:
The Main Stream Media waged a hate campaign against Hillary and made damn sure Obama was givin preferential treatment and mindboggling exposure during the primarys.
Along comes Sarah Palin. Sit back and watch the liberal media attempt to crucify her at every turn.
Mike Littwin (among many on the left)is a perfect example.
Personally, I prefer a Pitbull in lipstick(Sarah Palin) to an angry Cruella DeVille( Michelle Obama)
McCain/Palin 08
September 5, 2008
8:41 a.m.
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SycamoreFan writes:
This was a betime story - not a rally the troops speech. Yeah, the election is more than who can give a better address. But if both candidates discuss the issues side-by-side in a debate, Obama will be the clear winner every time.
Speaking of the issues, it'd be nice to see Obama or McCain put a political ad on TV that says what they stand for, instead of attacking what their opponent stands for.
40-year-oldblog.blogspot.com
September 5, 2008
8:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Citizen21 writes:
pjackso - Thank you for pointing out that Obama does not have a voting record.
Being present does not count in my book - make a decision. Also, his first - and I mean first - reaction to the Georgia/Russian conflict was that both sides needed to "show restraint". The fact is Russia attacked Georgia - I'm not going to show restraint if I get attacked, are you? Obama is extremely liberal - look into his past and community organizations. Obama wants to spend my hard earned money on social and welfare programs that are no longer efficent to support those who don't work. He also has several close affiliations with persons considered to be domestic terrorists.
While I admit, I was not in favor of John McCain when the primaries began, I do now know - as an independent - that the republican ticket will get my vote. McCain has the knowledge to handle crisis as our President and our Commander in Chief. You don't like Bush, fine. But let's hold congress accountable for what they did NOT do also! Sarah Palin will most certainly shake things up - she shook things up in a small town. If the media digs, they will find those who don't like her, that's fine with me. She stands up for what she beleives.
Comapare McCain's speech to Obama's speech - text is on the NPR website. McCain outlined his objectives, Obama just talked pretty and kept aligning McCain with Bush. McCain may not be the best orator, but he spoke the plain truth - more important in my book.
Remember LITTWIN, this is not a popularity contest. We are not voting for a winner on a reality show - this is not American Idol where we vote for the best and most charismatic performer - this is our life we are voting on.
September 5, 2008
8:58 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
As an independent...I too am voting Republican this year. BUT...why has neither side addressed illegal immigration?
September 5, 2008
9:07 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
pjackso writes: "Take a look at ACORN the community organization that Obama worked for. It's a criminal disgrace - registering dead people to vote, bullying, and full of corruption - but, then and again, that's Chicago politics. I know. I live in Chicago."
I suspect your sources for such slander are from the extremist rightwing. The hypocrisy is overwhelming. You people rail against the government as too big, then when communities organize through non-government organizations to accomplish things instead, their activities are labeled "criminal and bullying."
If anyone really would like to know more about ACORN, a visit to their website is a good start: http://www.acorn.org/
WARNING TO RIGHTWING EXTREMISTS: Their mission is largely concerned with helping lower-income people, i.e., the polar opposite of the Top 5% income bracket you advocate for!
September 5, 2008
9:10 a.m.
Shaggy writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 5, 2008
9:15 a.m.
commoncents writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 5, 2008
9:30 a.m.
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5oclockshadow writes:
Going in to the conventions, the election was Obama's to win. He needed to reassure Hillaryland and independents that he shared their values and could be trusted to lead the future. Denver provided all the proof anyone needed. It was a huge victory for Obama.
The events of this week in Minneapolis provided no game changers. Porkbarrel Palin was not a home run, but a hit to the radical extreme base right wing of the Republican party. McCain succeeded in deepening his core support but cut himself off from any chance to broaden it. The myth of the maverick committed suicide this week, there is only Bush in pumps and Bush on the stump. McCain reinforced the McSame theme with everything he did and everything he allowed to be done in his name over the last 7 days.
Going in to the conventions, it was Obama's or McCain's election to win, Coming out, it is now clearly Obama's election to lose.
September 5, 2008
9:47 a.m.
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malis writes:
5:00shadow, I agree. Both nominees attempted to do the same thing with their VP selections—address a substantial ‘perception’ problem and shore up support with a needed constituency. Obama brought in significant foreign affairs expertise and addressed the “ordinary Joe” (working-class white) problem. McCain thrilled the Dobsonite evangelical far right (a huge problem for him), added ‘youth,’ and at least can now pursue the Women’s vote (while also tamping down a burgeoning “Elitism” problem which Romney would only have exacerbated). In both cases, they addressed a political problem with a political solution.
So far (over one convention week) McCain’s looks like a good political gamble. It will be interesting to see how it plays out over the longer term. My prediction is that it won’t make much difference in the end. As voters come to realize Palin’s views on social issues are at the extreme end of the far right wing (not popular with the wider electorate), and that her economic history is closer to the redistributionist left (e.g., the windfall profits tax on oil companies she pushed through with the help of the Dems in the Alaska legislature), the buzz will die down and the election with go back to being between McCain and Obama.
September 5, 2008
9:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
Citizen21 writes:
Obama does not have a voting record, he marked “present” over 100 times rather than voting. Being present does not count in my book - make a decision. Also, his first - and I mean first - reaction to the Georgia/Russian conflict was that both sides needed to "show restraint". The fact is Russia attacked Georgia - I'm not going to show restraint if I get attacked, are you?
Obama is extremely liberal - look into his past and community organizations. Obama wants to spend my hard earned money on social and welfare programs that are no longer efficent to support those who don't work. He also has several close affiliations with persons considered to be domestic terrorists – this is a fact, not hype, check it out - former Weather Underground heroes William Ayers (served with Ayers on the board of the Woods Fund) and Bernadette Dohrn; Convicted felon Antoin "Tony" Rezko, who helped to bankroll Obama's initial campaigns and to purchase of Barack and Michelle's dream-home property; Obama's Pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, has a history of what Obama's campaign aides admit is 'Inflammatory Rhetoric' including saying blacks should not sing "God Bless America" but "God damn America.";
While I admit, I was not in favor of John McCain when the primaries began, I do now know - as an independent - that the republican ticket will get my vote. McCain has the knowledge to handle crisis as our President and our Commander in Chief. You don't like Bush, fine. But let's hold congress accountable for what they did NOT do also! Sarah Palin will most certainly shake things up - she shook things up in a small town. If the media digs, they will find those who don't like her, that's fine with me. She stands up for what she believes.
Compare McCain's speech to Obama's speech - text is on the NPR website. McCain outlined his objectives; Obama just talked pretty and kept aligning McCain with Bush. McCain may not be the best orator, but he spoke the plain truth - more important in my book.
This is not a popularity contest. We are not voting for a winner on a reality show - this is not American Idol where we vote for the best and most charismatic performer - this is our life we are voting on.
By the way, for those who think McCain is too old, his mom is 96 and appears much younger. Obama may be youthful, but his VP choice (Biden) has suffered from two brain aneurisms.
September 5, 2008
10:11 a.m.
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rorygebbers writes:
I would LOVE to see an Obama/Palin ticket just to see how stupid, easily manipulated and shallow most Americans really are. It doesn't matter who you vote for. It is all the same, the people who control the money are the ones who control America.
September 5, 2008
10:14 a.m.
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Antirion writes:
Those who fail to learn from past mistakes are doomed to repeat them.
In 1976 the Republicans were in power and the economy was in bad shape. The Democrats swept into power with the promise of change; to make things better for the common man. President Carter is arguably the most intelligent man to ever hold that office.
Yet four years later the economy was virtually in ruins. Increased taxes had burdened us to the point of breaking. Increased spending had no effect on stimulating the economy. Inflation, unemployment and interest rates were skyrocketing. Truly, we were on the verge of economic collapse.
Reagan was elected on the concept of lower taxes, lower spending and less government. He wasn't perfect at it, but the changes he accomplished had dramatic effect. it led to an economic expansion that persisted through Democratic and Republican administrations for 20 years.
Obama's message is to return to the policies of the Democratic Carter era. McCain's message is to return to the policies of Reagan. If history is any indicator of the future, our choice is clear.
I hope we choose wisely.
September 5, 2008
10:20 a.m.
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Willy writes:
Rory - finally someone who gets it. Both candidates are puppets of the same set of handlers. "We the People" need to take back our government from the political parties. 200+ years ago we fought to separate ourselves from a monarchy. Today we have a duoarchy of two parties with little real input from the citizens.
September 5, 2008
10:28 a.m.
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malis writes:
Antirion, trouble is, the past rarely repeats itself in just the same way...otherwise the Generals who are always preparing to fight the last way, would always win.
Certainly we need to try to pay attention to the lessons of the past. The trouble with that is you don't know if you really understood those lessons until after the fact...and are they lessons those of the 70's, or of the 90's?
September 5, 2008
10:46 a.m.
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mytwosense writes:
Antirion: "Reagan was elected on the concept of lower taxes, lower spending and less government. He wasn't perfect at it, but the changes he accomplished had dramatic effect. it led to an economic expansion that persisted through Democratic and Republican administrations for 20 years."
Reagan expanded Social Security benefits and increased the capital gains tax. Which is exactly what the rightwingers are complaining Barack Obama is going to do.
They are also complaining he will raise corporate taxes which they say will drive more corporations out of the US. Reagan did lower corporate taxes...and that did not stop the ensuing tide of mass corporate exodus from the United States.
I've heard it said this country was most prosperous from the 1950s through the 1990s. We've been on a gradual decline ever since. There are many forces at work that are contributing to this, including the "free trade" globalization movement. Other countries are rising as new economic powers, and America has helped to fund this in a huge way by importing so much from them.
To anyone who thinks lower taxes and complete market deregulation are the answers, your view is, at best, extremely naive.
September 5, 2008
11:51 a.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
I love it with all of the tax talk on here and the threats of name calling on both sides here.
I have seen Lower taxes listed here
I have seen Higher taxes listed here
Nevermind hearing the %'s or numbers listed for discussion.
BUT
Nowhere have I seen the words Revenue, Spend reduction or Management of Spend rates. Not even talk of what the raising or lowering of taxes has upon productivity, job retention, or job growth over a period of time based upon the raising or lowering of taxes. Not for 1 fiscal year, but over 3+ yrs. But to have the latter we would need to look at the %'s and how they affect our economy at that specific time.
September 5, 2008
11:56 a.m.
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Who_Me writes:
I always start with low expectations when reading a Littwin column. Why do I read them? I don't know, maybe because it feels nasty or something. Rarely are my expectations exceeded, this article was no different.
September 5, 2008
12:08 p.m.
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KP13 writes:
I'm surprised Mcsame didn't need his walker to get to the stage!
September 5, 2008
12:14 p.m.
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dakar writes:
Hey Littwin, McCain outlined several tax initiatives and ideas on keeping and adding jobs here. But the biggest thing he talked about was to stop government overspending and their hiding of earmarks in bills. He also talked about increasing energy production in ALL areas, not just pretending that solar and wind is going to solve all our needs. I need gasoline to put in my car and I need nat. gas to heat my home. Thats not going to change for a long time.
September 5, 2008
12:38 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
KP13
I am not a McCain supporter for multiple reasons, but your comment should be posted for EVERYONE to see!!!
I am completely for Free Speech however crude and disgusting I percieve it to be and respect your free speech rights.
I find it curious that you would find it funny or even appropriate to make fun of someone's age and physical ailments. Betting you were not old enough to make fun of Robert Dole, nor JFK for that matter(he was much younger at that time, but had huge back problems)
But why stop there....... I haven't seen anyone make fun of Palin's baby in about 12 hours. Why not go there? Its all fair game isnt it?
September 5, 2008
12:43 p.m.
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PoliticallyIncorrect writes:
As citizen21 pointed out, Obama voted 'present' over 100 times in the Illinois legislature. But the fact is that was out of over 4,000 votes Obama cast there. So this is just another intentionally deceptive fact that the GOP hopes some like citizen21 will buy into and parrot to others. But let's look at McCain's attendance in the 110th Congress. He is actually the most absent member of the US Senate being absent 63.8% of the time!
McCain absent 63.8% of the time!
Get it? McCain absent 63.8% of the time! McCain absent 63.8% of the time!
The most absent member of the US Senate - John McCain.
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/co...
September 5, 2008
12:45 p.m.
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rickg19611 writes:
Littwin admits he was confused. What else is new?
And with the ratings showing that Americans preferred to watch Palin and McCain's speeches more than Obama's stunt at Invesco, Littwin's remaining hairs burst into flames.
With the latest polls showing that after both conventions, that Obama is right back where he was before his speech.... tied with McCain, Littwin will be running through the streets screaming in agony.
September 5, 2008
1:24 p.m.
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mom49 writes:
Hey KaySieverding:
My husband and I have four children that we are very proud of. I have a grandson born out of wedlock and we are doing just fine. Keep your comments to yourself when it comes to family values because obvsiously you do not care about family. We are a working middle class family and my daughter works 40 hours a week to support her child. She is taking responsibilty for her choice to have sex and this child has a future instead of being condemed to death with abortion. God gave us free will to make our own choices. At least now we have control of how we spend our paychecks with Obama he is going to take our paychecks and redistribute it. No thanks.
September 5, 2008
1:26 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
rickg19611
Can you share with us what ratings your referring to. And as far as polls. The most popular Gallup Poll shows Obama 49% McCain 42%. Quit making things up to make yourself feel better.
September 5, 2008
1:27 p.m.
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O_TRAIN writes:
I respect McCain for his service to America, but his time has come and gone. I would have gladly voted for him in 2000 & 2004, but his party threw him under the bus and we never got the chance.
The only true "Maverick" is and always will be James Garner.
September 5, 2008
1:35 p.m.
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joggle writes:
rickg19611: I wonder what percentage of that viewing audience were Democrats? The next day the RNC pulled in $1 million. A success? Not when you consider that she fired up the Democrats even more, who donated over $10 million to Obama's campaign the next day: http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/afx...
Oops. I guess her speech was more effective than she thought, just not in the way she had hoped.
September 5, 2008
1:53 p.m.
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KP13 writes:
Colibertar....
McSame is old! Does that make it more appropriate.
September 5, 2008
2:03 p.m.
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snowsurfer writes:
Talk about empty words. McSame did not say how he was going to do anything.
September 5, 2008
2:04 p.m.
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mojambo writes:
Per USA Today 9/5/08
Obama/McCain - 48/44 +-3
September 5, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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COLibertarian writes:
KP13 you do as you feel appropriate. That is your choice and your right.
Personally I was raised to respect people, especially our elders and those with handicaps. Not to ridicule them.....ESPECIALLY for political points. But to each their own.
Politically speaking we would have to look at the fastest and 1 of the largest age demographics, now and into the future for the US. We also must look at the age demographic with the highest percentage of actual voters...........
From that data we could probably summarize that Obama's campaign management does not think that a proper message nor the direction to go in for Democrats in the future. Just an observation!
September 5, 2008
2:30 p.m.
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Citizen21 writes:
PoliticallyIncorrect:
Obama voted “present,” an option he invoked nearly 130 times as a state senator. Illinois records show at least 36 times when Obama was either the only state senator to vote present or was part of a group of six or fewer to vote that way.
The present vote gives you political cover if you are worried about your next election - Kent D. Redfield, a professor of political studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield
Barack Obama has missed 290 votes (45.5%) during the current Congress. As a junior United States Senator, his voting record is all we really have to see what his actions are, not just his "talk".
· Voted against extending the Bush tax cuts on capital gains and dividends.
· Voted against permanently repealing the Death Tax. (Called the cuts a "Paris Hilton" tax break for "billionaire heirs and heiresses")
· Voted against CAFTA.
· Opposed the lifting of $0.54 per gallon tariff on cheaper Brazillian ethanol. Said, "ethanol imports are neither necessary nor a practical response to current gasoline prices."
· Voted against the bankruptcy abuse bill.
· Voted against drilling in ANWR.
· Voted against confirmation of Sam Alito AND John Roberts as chief justice.
· Voted against extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision.
· Opposed any bans on partial birth abortions.
Is this the liberal left direction Dems really want to go in 2008?
For More - http://projects.washingtonpost.com/co...
September 5, 2008
2:45 p.m.
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dirkle writes:
Palin is STALLING TROOPERGATE INVESTIGATION - see here for details -
http://www.adn.com/opinion/story/5166...
WHY is WaPost NYTimes RMN DenPost not following up on this story??
September 5, 2008
3:35 p.m.
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incognitoboy writes:
dirkle writes:
''Palin is STALLING TROOPERGATE INVESTIGATION - see here for details - "
i say we have a moratorium on attching "gate" as a suffix on ANY future political snafu/investigation.
just a thought.
COlibertarian @ 11:51 - nice job, i fully agree. why we're not speaking of these things is it would take WAY too much brain power for most people, who would rather just mudsling and name-call and rehash talking-head/radio personality attack points. it makes them feel 'a part of the process' without exerting themselves too much...... OMG, now i'm doing it too! sort of....
besides, mccain admits economics is not his strong suit.
September 5, 2008
3:56 p.m.
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joggle writes:
Citizen21: For more information (practically the most possible), read this informative article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/...
In it a reason is given for each of his absent votes. You can feel free to disagree but it's nice to at least hear the guy's argument.
"Barack Obama has missed 290 votes (45.5%) during the current Congress."
McCain has missed 407 votes (63.8%) during the current Congress. (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/co...)
"Voted against extending the Bush tax cuts on capital gains and dividend"
Yes, Obama wants the capital gains tax to go back to the 20% level (rather than 15%) for families that make more than $250k per year. Small businesses wouldn't have to pay a capital gains tax at all under his plan.
"Voted against permanently repealing the Death Tax. "
When have you ever got a valuable object or property without paying a tax on it? Even if you are given a large gift you pay taxes on it. The person that dies does not pay the tax (obviously). The guy getting a huge piece of property does.
Also, if the estate tax was repealed you would then have to pay a capital gains tax. For most people this would be worse since most estates are excluded from having to pay the estate tax (so the heirs pay nothing at all). Under Obama's plan only estates worth more than $7 million would pay the estate tax, which is only 0.3% of estates. Under McCain's plan everybody would pay a 15% capital gains tax.
In regards to ANWR, here's what McCain has to say, "As far as ANWR is concerned, I don’t want to drill in the Grand Canyon, and I don’t want to drill in the Everglades. This is one of the most pristine and beautiful parts of the world." http://townhall.com/columnists/HughHe...
"Voted against confirmation of Sam Alito AND John Roberts as chief justice."
As did many other Democrats. What a surprise.
"Voted against extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision."
That's a GOOD thing! He actually voted for it in the end (a BAD thing).
September 5, 2008
4:55 p.m.
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NDeeZ writes:
Well stated, Joggle--you're my spokesperson now!
September 5, 2008
4:56 p.m.
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Citizen21 writes:
Joggle: Thank you for your intellegent response.
Also, you are right, I don't agree. Not with his decision to vote present to avoid politicall outcry or in an attempt to avoid a documented history of his extremely liberal views. Illinois legislative records shows Obama was the only member of the state Senate to vote against a bill to prohibit the early release of convicted criminal sexual abusers; was among only four who voted against bills to toughen criminal sentences and to increase penalties for "gangbangers" and dealers of Ecstasy; and voted "present" on a bill making it harder for abusive parents to regain custody of their children.
He is soft on crime.
I am also in disagreement with his tax policy. Regan's trickle-down economics pulled this country out of recession. You place a big tax on a corporation, they cut jobs. It is a global economy, and he does not get that. Also, as it is well documented that economic polices take time to work, Clinton road on the coatails of the economic policies put in place by the administrations prior to him. I really don't want another Carter - I want to avoid the mistakes history has taught us.
September 5, 2008
5:05 p.m.
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joggle writes:
Citizen21: Thanks, no problem...and thanks NDeeZ :-). Check back here later, I'll have a response (I need to get some more work done at the office before I take off for the weekend...).
September 5, 2008
5:10 p.m.
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GhostofReagan writes:
"McCain's message is to return to the policies of Reagan."
Ah, thank you my Son!
Yes, please vote Republican to continue the policies I started and so that you may bring on Armageddon.
How wonderful it is to know that my children in the Taliban have prospered and inflicted perdition on you as I so fervently wished:
http://inquirer.files.wordpress.com/2...
It was I who called OBL and al-Qaeda "freedom fighters" and I shall soon resurrect them in order to further inflict tribulation upon you. More troubles to follow.
VOTE REPUBLICAN
VOTE ARMAGEDDON!!
Yours from Hell,
RWR
666
September 5, 2008
5:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
gary writes:
Malis can you read?
You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become
> district manager
> after 143 days of experience.
>
> You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of
> experience
> of being a surgeon.
>
> You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the
> superintendent after
> 143 days of experience.
>
> You couldn't join the military and become a colonel
> after a 143 days
> of experience.
>
> You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the
> nightly news
> anchor after 143 days of experience.
>
>
>
>
> BUT....
>
> 'From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United
> State Senator,
> to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential
> exploratory
> committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate.
> That's how many
> days the Senate was actually in session and working. After
> 143 days of work
> experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In
> Chief, Leader of
> the Free World .... 143 days.
>
> We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good
> start, but
> after 143 days, that's all it is - a start.
>
> AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public is
> okay with
> this and campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this
> in our own line of
> work, yet some are okay with this for the President of the
> United States of
> America? Come on folks, we are not voting for the next
> American Idol!
Obama does not have much content.....why, why, why??
NUFF SAID!
September 5, 2008
5:39 p.m.
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diggtbks writes:
Vote Republican and your family will be safe.
September 5, 2008
5:42 p.m.
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Lemmingsfollowidiots writes:
malis keep drinking the Koolaid. Guess people like you, that know it all, know exactly what I knew before his speach. Then again its always people like you that think they know what everyone else has going on in their head and life. That is why your type constantly tries to control every function (freedom/rights) of everyone else, but at the same time scream DON'T TRAMPLE MY RIGHTS! To your blind eye nothing new was said. The Dem Lemmings keep falling all over themselves as they follow the Chosen One off the nearest cliff.
Keep drinking the koolaid and cast your racist vote. A vote for Obama is a Racist Vote! It surely has nothing to do with anything else he has to offer. Then again we know nothing of what he has to offer except to give everything to those at the pig trough while taking the very life out of the country. Those big promises will cost us a fortune in lost economy. Then again your pompous arsh thinks our economy is in the tank now even though it is still one of the strongest economies in the world!
September 5, 2008
10:06 p.m.
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joggle writes:
Citizen21: Do you ever wonder why some of those stories don't get printed by the mainstream press? It's not because of some left-wing conspiracy but because your news sources are blatantly trying to manipulate you. For example:
"Illinois legislative records shows Obama was the only member of the state Senate to vote against a bill to prohibit the early release of convicted criminal sexual abusers"
That ultimately came from one news source, the Washington Times (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2...). I found that they were referring to the S.B. 485 (IL 1999) bill ("County Jail Good Behavior Allowance Act"). Upon further investigation into the transcript of the vote, I found:
"shall Senate Bill 485 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed will vote Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 54 Ayes, 1 Nay, and 2 voting Present. Senate Bill 485, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. Bottom of page -- Senator Obama, what purpose do you rise?
SENATOR OBAMA:
For purpose of correction. I pressed the wrong button on that. I wanted to vote Yes.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR DUDYCZ)
Record shall reflect your intent, Senator Obama."
From http://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcript...
Not exactly the best standard in journalism over at the Washington Times. Now you know why they are far from being the number one paper in their city.
(for time reasons I'm skipping the rest of your first paragraph. As you can imagine it took a while to research this particular distortion since it never got enough legs for serious journalists to continue the story and do the due diligence for me)
As far as tax policy, man those Democrats must be lucky then.
Family Income Growth
Annual average for 1948-2005, by income level. Adjusted for inflation.
Percentile Under Dem president (26 yrs) Under Rep president (32 yrs)
20th +2.64% +0.43%
40th +2.46% +0.80%
60th +2.47% +1.13%
80th +2.38% +1.39%
95th +2.12% +1.90%
See http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/bus... for details (data comes from the Census Bureau)
It looks to me like no matter how much money you make your income level goes up under a Democrat more than under a Republican one (quite a bit more if you're poor). Hmm.
September 5, 2008
10:42 p.m.
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windskull writes:
see mom49 you are a brain washed koolaid drinker but too stub~er~pid to realize that yes Obama plans to raise the taxes on people/businesses making over a quarter million a year unless you are a liar as well you don`t earn enough to be taxed by Obama sorry to say you will be RECEIVING 5% MORE with Obama in the Whitehouse where as under McCain`s plan you will LOSE 3% so if you like losing money,wars without end, decaying infrastructure, unemployment rising inflation, pollution then by all means stick with the McCain and the republicult just don`t whine when the property value ie your lifetimes retirement savings plummets to below pre depression levels while McCain`s and the rest of the gated republicults stay the same
September 6, 2008
3:30 a.m.
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denverone writes:
God Bless America.
God Help The Democrats!
September 6, 2008
12:40 p.m.
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rg writes:
Sara’ from Alaska raises money for her foe:
Barack Obama's presidential campaign said it raised $10 million Thursday following the Republican National Convention speech by rival John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin.
Sara' from Alaska seeks to meddle in your belief by denying you "choice." It is my way or the highway, says Sara', a hard-core fundamentalist petitioning for greater government involvement in your rights such as "choice." I want your uterus, says Sara' from Alaska whose church hates America and seeks secession from the Union. Richard Grimes: Deicide and Independent.
Deicide Corner: “I am not going to question your opinions. I am not going to meddle with your belief. I am not going to dictate to you mine. All that I say is, examine, inquire. Look into the nature of things. Search out the grounds of your opinions, the for and the against. Know why you believe, understand what you believe, and possess a reason for the faith that is in you.”-- Frances Wright
Uttered herein: Under the GOP banner the rich will pay less taxes; the middle-class will fund the GOP war in Iraq.