It's Policies before Personalities
By John Amato Sunday Sep 07, 2008 11:00am
John McCain on doughnuts and sprinkles.
"This is our latest health program."
OK, here's the deal. The media wants to make presidential elections about personalities alone, a clash between individuals instead of two people that represent certain policies they want to install in the country. But we're supposed to be voting on a candidate that expresses a desire to pass legislation that will help the country. We're voting on principles plain and simple. McCain represents the almost eight years of probably the worst presidency in the history of the US. It's "The Bush years," ladies and gentlemen. We nearly just had a depression with the Bear Stearns fiasco, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac being taken over by the government, almost 50 million people have no health insurance, two wars are raging with no end in sight and China's holding the paper on it.
The government is wiretapping our phones and emails although they would never use any of the gathered information for purposes other than combating terrorism. Yea, right. Bush admitted he approved of torture which is now up there with apple pie as part of the American way. Rumsfeld tells the troops that they should STFU because you go to war with what you have. Screw you and your MRAPS. McCain doesn't want to expand services for the troops because he says they may leave the service then. Isn't that a funny way of showing one's support for the military?
Remember when we found a Canadian coin in our pocket and laughed about it saying "how the heck did it get there?" Not anymore.
You remember the idiotic question that infatuated the kool kidz back in the 2000 election, the one that asked the very serious "Who would you rather have a beer with George Bush or Al Gore?
According to a just-released Sam Adams/Roper Starch poll, more people would rather sit down to drink a beer with George Bush than Al Gore. Although some 24% of people are still undecided, tonight's debate could sway these swing voters. The Sam Adams' poll gives Bush a 3-point advantage (40% vs. 37%) even though the candidates are practically in a "dead heat" in all other polls. Could it be that Bush is just that much more likable? Or, has Al Gore's boasting gotten the best of him? Even so, Gore wouldn't be the first to tell tall tales in a bar, now would he? The fact remains though that the people's pick for a quick visit over a beer is Bush
Are you still drunk or drinking now? Outside of the Supreme Court's interference, Bush got the job because the media elites made that election about who you thought was your friend and drinking buddy. Not about our well being. They screamed about who invented the Internets and inspired Love Story and things that don't mean a damn to any of us except the people that don't have to worry about their next meal. The millionaire, rich kid---fanboys that populate the elite media and want to control the system. That's very important to our political system and the well being of our families.
When I'm writing a check to my health insurance company that just raised my rates again, I wonder and say---Yea, the cost just went up again, but if I could only have a cold one with John McCain at this moment everything would be alright. Bush and I could share a few chuckles over that one too. Good times for sure.
This election is about restoring some order to our country. Here's a memo to the media: Do some segments about POLICY! It matters when we're actually trying to get jobs, pay bills and feed our families. I can't make it any clearer than that.
A vote for McCain equals more War.
A vote for McCain equals No universal health care.
A vote for McCain equals a continued collapsing economy.
A vote for McCain equals higher gas prices.
A vote for McCain equals no help for the housing market.
A vote for McCain equals a further erosion of woman's rights.
A vote for McCain equals ideologue judges being placed throughout the country.
Please add to the list. You see my point. John McCain knows this so he covers up his complicity in "The Bush Years" and support of failed policies with doughnuts so the media will be soft on him. And that has worked all too well. .That's it for now. Have a beer, go to a soccer game, but make sure you vote to improve THIS Country. Vote Obama.
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A vote for McCain equals more Big Oil in the White House.
A vote for McCain equals more faith-based foreign policy.
A vote for McCain equals the end of all that is good on this planet.
Um, how about more tax cuts for the wealthy and the corporations while the middle class continues to fund policies they don't benefit from and seem to have no say in?
PEACE
All excellent points. But as Greenwald has said:
"Every four years, the GOP unleashes unrestrained personality attacks on Democrats and exploits cultural resentments. Every four years, Democrats tell themselves that such attacks don't work and are counter-productive. And every four years, that belief is disproven. These "character" issues end up mattering largely because Democrats, in election after election, allow wars over "character" to be waged in a largely one-sided fashion."
A vote for McPain equals a kick in the nut-sack.
If Americans fall for this bullshit in 2008, like they did in 2004, they're going to get exactly what they deserve. And, I'm tired of taking the fall, along with the other morons who believe everything they see on the TeeVee.
The blogosphere better start wrapping its head around a McCain/Palin victory. Then, we'll all have to admit we're badly outnumbered and outflanked by stupidity. Then what?
Great Britain? Canada? Western Europe?
GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!
And denial of science (no global warming, no endangered species, no stem cell research)? Especially if Sarah The Feared has any say in policy?
PEACE
A vote for McCain equals more War.
This excellent vid pushes that point perfectly. I only wish the DNC would buy it and run it in primetime.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w&eurl=
A vote for McCain equals the meteoric rise of American Fascism
A vote for McCain equals the continued dumbing down of America
A vote for McCain equals a complete loss of hope; or a vote for McCain equals American despair
A vote for McCain equals a vote for the American Taliban.
If Americans fall for this bullshit in 2008, like they did in 2004, they’re going to get exactly what they deserve. And, I’m tired of taking the fall, along with the other morons who believe everything they see on the TeeVee.
I'm almost about to create a t-shirt:
#1:
[graphic]
McCain head
[text]
"You can't Blame Me..
I Didn't Vote for Him."
#2:
[graphic]
map of US with heads of McCain and Palin on top
[text]
"See You in Hell!"
theWalrus @ 5:
Greenwald is exactly right.
He's one of the best commentators on the web.
What is that smell???
Oh that's just the smell of 30m rabid libs crapping in their shorts.
Priceless
The Ultra Right Wing again defeats the Right Wing.
They may do it with Diebold's blessing anyway so what is your beef?
A vote for McCain guarantees a President Palin. McCain is terribly frail and, actuarially speaking, probably won't survive his first term.
A vote for McCain equals more media consolidation resulting in more media propaganda and lazy, patronizing reporting.
A vote for McCain equals four more years reckless and headstrong leadership.
It's official now. John McCain and Sarah Palin are up in the latest polls with a bullet.
Will this give the Obama-Biden campaign incentive to get serious?
Sarah Palin 24/7
Who's McCain?
a vote for mccain/palin represents: (sorry if there are any repeats in here)
- continued regression toward a new "dark ages", where religious superstition and ideology trumps enlightenment,knowledge, and science in the interest of humanity
- turning over the keys of our nuclear and military establishment to a PTSD-unbalanced angry/unstable personality and his religious wingnut vp who probably would just love doomsday to get here so she can float up to heaven with jeebus
- continued dependence on foreign oil because domestic oil production policies will be found to be unworkable and they will not invest enough in alternatives
- increased social chaos in race relations, labor relations, and quality of life for middle class workers
- increased out of wedlock pregnancy because sex ed is "immoral"
rick street @ 21:
I think the 50's up til Jan 2001 will be referred to as The Great American Experiment.
Nice while it lasted.
I'm feeling scared today about how many polls have McSame up. Now I don't want to do the doom and gloom crap or Dems always lose the fix is in, because that's disempowering and only helps us lose. So I'm doing phonebanking tomorrow, which particularly matters here as I'm in Ohio.
How are the rest of you dealing? Should I be feeling scared? I know I feel mad as hell. What can I and we do?
I have a hard time trying to figure out who to be maddest at:
1. The American public for being so gullible and shallow in their response to presidential campaigns.
2. The Republican party for being so cynical and unprincipled that they shamelessly exploit the public's shallowness.
or
3. The Democratic party for allowing the Republicans to do this, election after election.
A vote for McCain equals perpeptual war and the end of the U.S. any we know it.
Well I have some redneck gittin' dirty work to do around here until later when I can relax and cultivate my higher intelligence and sensibilities.
Have fun.
These Sexist And Elitist Attacks On Sarah Palin Have To Stop!
Rick Davis told Fox News Sunday that Sarah Palin would not be made available to speak to the press until they treat her with "respect and deference." Good for him. The Democrats' and the liberal media's scurrilous attacks on Sarah Palin have indeed been appalling.
Dr. Laura:
I’m stunned - couldn’t the Republican Party find one competent female with adult children to run for Vice President with McCain? I realize his advisors probably didn’t want a “mature” woman, as the Democrats keep harping on his age. But really, what kind of role model is a woman whose fifth child was recently born with a serious issue, Down Syndrome, and then goes back to the job of Governor within days of the birth?
David Frum:
If it were your decision, and you were putting your country first, would you put an untested small-town mayor a heartbeat away from the presidency?
Charles Krauthammer:
Palin is not ready.
Powertools:
...some argue instead (or alternatively) that Sarah Palin's credentials are adequate. These arguments are mostly laughable.
The American Conservative:
If Palin gets elected, John Hagee wins again.
Mike Murphy:
You know what's really the worst thing about it? The greatness of McCain is no cynicism, and this is cynical.
Peggy Noonan:
The most qualified? No! I think they went for this - excuse me - political bullshit about narratives.
Lyda Green (R-AK):
"She's not prepared to be governor. How can she be prepared to be vice president or president?" said Green, a Republican from Palin's hometown of Wasilla. "Look at what she's done to this state. What would she do to the nation?"
From FDL
LOL, those Damn Liberals!
Bogie @ 24:
WE are the Democratic Party. So what should WE be doing? I'm serious. Let's get concrete rather than carping at the big picture and then tossing up our arms. It's too important to be backseat drivers.
Bogie @ 24
The American people will ge the president they deserve, while we suffer through it. It kills me that these people vote against their own best interest time after time, based on nothing else but sound bytes.
I am actaully one of those people who would be affected by Obama's tax increases, but I choose to put country first and vote for him anyway, because the election is not about me and my pocketbook; it is about the survival of the U.S.
My only hope is that Calfiornia succeeds from the union (ha!).
Lilybelle @ 23:
we need to make our voices heard directly to the obama/biden campaign people. they need to take off the kid gloves and start getting more aggressive.
a vote for McCain means fewer rights for single fathers, and women everywhere.
Lilybelle @ 23:
All that remains is the pretense that we are still a wealthy society. Put aside dreaming altogether for a while and start focusing on reality instead -- that part of the day when we're awake and capable of actually doing things is about all at this point.
ask yourself,
what am i going to do if mccain becomes president?
A vote for McCain lines up his finger with the button of destruction for the US - especially when he loses his temper.
What a (f**kn) jerk.
burnt @ 31:
Thats why many people are going to vote for them.
Later
Now We're Talking.
A vote for McCain/Palin means rightwing, extrememist Supreme Court nominees and the beginning of totalitarian America.
Obummer @ 33:
Wouldn't it be better to ask yourself what you can do to stop this scenario? And with that I'm signing out. The blogosphere can be far too much about posing and far to little about doing politics.
john, i can't remember the last time that i enjoyed a post on your site so much. kudos. you spoke from the heart while maintaining perspective and providing links to back it up. well done, sir. keep up the good work.
more posts like this one!
I'm sorry, but thanks to the primary "reporting" and "journalism" by people like Arianna Huffington and the rabid far-left, the democrats ruined their chances long ago. What country did they think they were living in?
If there is an election, it will be stolen. We will be come fodder for the rich and the elite.
A vote for McCain equals never getting to the bottom of the Anthrax attacks.
Lilybelle @ 28
What can you do when you don't even have an unbiased media. The uber-wealthy in this country want a McCain presidency. The powerful and wealthy Right Wing Religious Nutball Fringe want a McCain presidency. The media must be compliant or they won't be allowed their continued media consolidation.
Unfortunately, all you have to do is mention an increase in taxes and people lose all sense of rational thought. Jobs? The economy? Health Insurance? Perpetual war? Our standing in the world? How many Republicans indicted? Oil prices? Forget that, what about my taxes? McCain has implied that taxes would increase for the middle class, which they won't, but he's planted that seed and people won't refute it.
I'm going to start wear nothing but the Onion T-shirt that says: "Jesus is My Health Insurance".
USAToday/Gallup: McCain 54%, Obama 44% among likely voters.
Obama will join the long list of losers.
Clinton 12.
also, a mention of rick davis' comments on the election being about personalities, not issues, would've been effective here. with links.
thanks again.
Thank you - you read my mind. I overheard a group of moms on Friday afternoon talking about how their husbands think Palin is "hot" and how much they like her glasses. Then this morning I saw the polls showing McCain is ahead. It's proven over and over again that Americans really are that stupid.
L.A. Confidential @ 32:
You know, when the Golden Gate Bridge was being constructed - they ran out of money. Americans banded together, put a mortgage on their homes and farms to raise the necessary cash for the Bridge to be completed. What happened to that spirit? What happened to that patriotism? Are we such a selfish nation that things like that don't matter?
McSame proposes to "keep taxes low" in part by ending the employer deductibility of health care benefits, i.e., your employer-provided health coverage would become taxable income if he gets his way.
Because, as everyone knows, our health care problem in this country is largely the result of our being "overinsured."
OT: Just read that Keith Olberman and Crissy Matthews are not going to be
the lead commentators on MSNBC during the Nov. Election coverages; instead
they are being replaced by David Gegory because, apparently, Keith and Crissy
are tooooo opinionated in their views. I am now holding my breath(yeah, right)
for Faux Noise to remove Brit Hummmmmm and Freddie Boy Barnes(and those
other "fair and balanced" guys) for same reason.
Well, with NBC being the owner/in control of MSNBC and G.E. being the ultimate "control" entity of NBC, it is no surprise, at least not to me, that Keith is being downgraded. I mean, after all, Keith is about the only political pundit who "tells it like it is."
All good and well, yes, McCain would be bad.
But seriously, how do you know Obama is going to fix the country?
I'm reminded of the Tom Tomorrow picture from July 15th, which talked about the invisible constituency, which Obama felt he desperately needed so much that he voted to eviscerate the 4th Amendment in line with Bush's wishes.
He's a politician. And no matter who you vote for, a lousy politician is going to win.
the Walrus @ 38:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-fbcy1tRoA
Chris Hedges on American Fascism (CBC)
If you don't watch the whole thing, then at least start at 6 minutes in and you'll see where the Republican votes come from and why.
Good afternoon, folks.
Keith Olbermann expresses his disgust at the 9-11 PORN display last Thursday night and is promptly PUNISHED by MSGOP by being pulled off the election coverage.
I think it's time for MSGOP to join the list of stations I've blocked from my TV set.
Walrus@38 A vote for the Jim Crow ticket means continued rightwing extrememist Supreme Court Judges and four more years of totalitarianism in America.
Keep hangin' on, folks. Just a few more weeks until the first presidential debate in the lovely college town of Oxford, Mississippi. Ol' Wet Start Johnny won't have Gov. Coulter there to help him out. Should be good.
"He’s a politician. And no matter who you vote for, a lousy politician is going to win."
Okay, John - you win.
We'll just stay home and do nothing.
I'm not a fatalist, but I'm stumped.
1. How do we hold the media accountable?
2. How do we energize the Obama movement so that McCain doesn't steal the thunder again. (Say what you will, but announcing Palin the day after Obama's brilliant speech negated much of the good of the DNC. Watching the media, it was like throwing a piece of steak to starving sharks.)
3. How do we avoid the same kind of self-defeatist crap, the hang-dog attitude, that has stumped us every time we get close to making progress?
For our country, for my children, for this entire planet, WE CANNOT AFFORD FOUR MORE YEARS OF BUSH, McCAIN or PALIN (she's been in government after all and we've seens pretty clearly she's merely Cheney in a dress)!!
A vote for McCain equals a hothead with his finger on the button! And a VP who is just waiting for the chance to hasten the "end times."
Hilarious.
Methinks that Crooks and Liars, a dedicated Democrat soapbox that glosses over Democrat foibles, is now panicing that their Messiah Obama will not be able to pull off the victory they so desperately crave. They know they have a bad habit of dropping the ball at the last minute allowing the Republicans to
stealekk out a victory at the last minute. And as demonstrated by John Kerry's hasty conceeding of the election in 2004, most know that the Republican and Democrat parties are merely wings of the War Party, which of course is the real government running America today, giving average voters the false choices at election time because they it is easier to control them for the next four years.Never mind that the Democrats are now almost indistinguishable from the Republicans as a War Party bent on crushing freedom in America to protect their corporate and Israeli masters, the problem has to be that the public doesn't get it and so sites like Crooks and Liars have to "educate" us as to why their
dictatorhero Obama is so much better than that nasty McCain. But polling and the reality of Democratic betrayal of American values since 2006 crush the logic of their arguments. For some reason they can't understand, the American public doesn't seem to be buying the MSM propoganda anymore.Want to know why Democrats highbrows like Pelosi and Reid don't want to impeach Bush? Because they would be implicated in the treason that unfolded during the Bush Presidency. They knew exactly what Bush was up to and approved it all wholeheartedly.
(JA- Please don't write magazine size articles in the comment section. Thanks David)
John@50
The same bullshit argument made in 2000 with Gore v Bush. How did that work for you John?
You forgot
A Vote for McCain is a vote against the envrionment
A Vote for McCain is a vote against clean renewable energy
"Remember when we found a Canadian coin in our pocket and laughed about it saying “how the heck did it get there?”
Um,I still do that and I'm Canadian.(draw your own conclusions)
Speaking of which,Harper is looking to form a Majority government up here which will be truly awful.
See?Theres enough pain for everyone to go around! Now don't push:everybody will get their share.
McCain Bush Republicans are
Anti Democrats
Anti Women
Anti Gay
Anti Poor and Middleclass
Anti Labor
Anti Free Press
Anti Choice
Anti Regulation
Anti Fair Trade
The Republicans are all about hate, the insanity of being "Pro-Life and being Pro War" at the same time is mind boggleing.
And if that were not enough RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORST FINANCIAL DISASTERS THIS COUNTRY HAS EVER SEEN...
So how in the hell have they pursuaded 50% of Americans to poll for McCain? The ignorance continues to baffle me. Our country has been more dummed down than even I had thought.
Until ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, FOX, CNN, PBS, BBC, and all other so called News outlets are taken over by responsible journalism, we are in for worse than 4 more years of Bush, we will be taken right back to the dark ages and financial ruin.
Everyone needs a little comedy today. http://www.theonion.com/content/video/portrayal_of_obama_as_elitist
can somebody please explain to me this morning's nyt puff piece on palin?
when the fuck did they become us magazine?
Every Dem needs to stand back and take a deep breath....
We need to assess the situation...
& plan accordingly...
These polls will not stand for long and we have a very, very good chance of fighting back...
I believe we need to unleash all those people who voted for Hillary who are partial for Obama (young, middle-aged, & old) and let them all tell their story publicly. Why they are voting for Obama and why it is not a good idea to vote for McCain.
Also that tape that indicated Palin did not have a clue as to what a vice-president does needs to be broadcast with all her verifiable questionable behavior (like the book banning thing).
Also, these people are Republicans, just how close are they with the present administration and what you will expect if they win.
We need to get really mean about this, and keep those issues white hot in front of the people.
Otherwise, we don't stand a chance....
the only way obama loses is racism. its that simple. the right wing and the tv newsmedia are racist. that's what were up against.
And the Obama campaign goes; yessir Senator McCain, nice record you have there you brave soldier, and Gov. Palin, what nice lipstick you have, how best can we serve you?
No low road for us, otherwise we might just...win!
Finally, someone making sense and a liberal not afraid to speak out -
The DNC blew it at the convention - McCain is not 4 more years of Bush...McCain is much worse!!! - The message was wrong, some people dont like McCain but they like change less. We may have put McCain over the top by comparing him to Bush -
The theme should have been - "You thought Bush was bad...McCain is much worse."
And attack Palin, attack and attack again - She is weak, not a star - and tell the Dems to quit praising her...are you kidding?
She has lied...call her a "liar" - What are you afraid of...Winning?
How many senate and congressional seats do the Dems expect to take back this election season?
a vote for McShame is a vote for a punch in the face. Your own face
They are CORPORATE MEDIA, people!!! Chuy!!!
They are instruments, outlets, sources for the CORPORATE STATE.
They CANNOT, by definition, be "unbiased."
The BEST you could EVER have hoped for would have been that their bias would be for the "people." And it was truer, the farther back into the history of the institution you go. The decline of the interest of the press in the affairs and needs of the common folks maps directly on the Corporatization of the industry.
In the Corporate State, corporate media ARE State Media, indistinguishable in their propaganda function from all the other Institutional State Apparati, such as the schools, and 'entertainment' and public relations industries. Everywhere the State must touch the people, there will you find a corporate intermediatry to interpret (spin? propagandize!) for the State interest. Nobody anymore believes the interests of the Corporate State intersect with the needs of the constituent, real, mortal people other than by accident or coincidence...
David @ 58:
"Israeli masters"? "'Green Army' of fascist spies"?
Don't you know you have to be careful what you say? The black helicopters are circling, ever circling.
Pari @ 56:
Yup, John, you are preachin' to the choir. Republicans have proven they're capable of doing anything to get, hold and increase their power. How do we reach those that don't get it, those that are really on the fence, the uniformed conventional folk among us that don't see how desperate the situation is, that America is truly at stake? The ones that don't know what a signing statement is, or that Reid and Pelosi have tragically failed the country by not impeaching the oilmen in the White House, or those that don't see how the media is rapidly disintegrating into infotainment and propaganda outlets?
Do not give up...
Obama is a very, very smart person.
I have faith in him and the people around him.
but the print and visual traditional corporate media have to do this on a relatively 'equal' time basis and that's where dems/liberals can't compete because the well trained right wing media operatives have an advantage- the coordinated uncontested repetition only talk radio can provide, and it is invisible to progressives.
the analysis consensus is palin was chosen to bring in the religious base, the hard core conservatives, and maybe ex clinton voters. that's analysis without the whole picture. palin was chosen to consolidate the talk radio base and give limbaugh an excuse to do a 10pt flip flop and get behind mccain in time for the convention.
until progressives begin listening and calling and boycotting and picketing at the local RW talk radio station (1000 or 20 per state avg) limbaugh will keep kicking sand in our faces. we wouldn't be in this bush disaster if this monopoly wasn't created 20 years ago by guys like ex CIA director willianm casey. and if you listen long enough you'll hear the callers that sound like they're sitting in the heritage foundation basement.
to most progrssives talk radio is invisible and ignoring it is like ignoring the bullet wound because it's ugly. until progressives realize the difference, the reason we've been going backwards the last 20 years is the talk radio monopoly they will be playing politics without a front line.
It's not enough to talk to each other....
we need to be out each and every day teaching people about the issues.
I'm voting for Obama, because I think we need someone intelligent and who actually acts like he gives a damn about this country. I don't for the life of my understand how and why people think McCain and Palin are good for our country. The media showered praise on Palins fluff speech. WTF? Are you kidding me? What the hell is happening to our country when a person with zero fucking experience that is a proven liar and power abusing politician has a crack at the vice presidency? I want to vomit. I'm sick to my stomach that there's a possibility that McCain could win the election. He says country first. What a crock of shit. Someone who cares wouldn't pick someone like that.
Democrat for life here. Obama has to campaign hard. Win that election Barack! We need you!!!!
"So, what is it about Governor Palin that makes you want to
fuckserve her?"Rain at # 34 says:
A vote for McCain lines up his finger with the button of destruction for the US - especially when he loses his temper.
Don't forget, that it also means that an end-of-times Dominionist will be a heartbeat from that button. She may not push it in anger, but in a deranged state of "Joy and Rapture".
I don't know who wrote this thread leadin, but they nailed it! A short but accurate synopsis of the whole sordid seven plus year mess, and what we have to look forward to if we don't get this thing right this time... This nation cannot afford another whif based on the same kind of paperthin good buddy bullshit we've been spoonfed in the extreme the last two election cycles.. by the media AND the candidates and their handlers...We've been getting steered and it's disgusting. I'm sick of it!! This devious desire to steer and manipulate by the politicians and the media instead of report factually and provide an avenue for the people of this nation to see and evaluate these people who would presume to lead us is playing a large part in killing this nation from within.
In short, we need the REAL THING, NOT some p.r. propaganda designed and controlled by campaign staffs, or self styled politicial 'gurus'.. (Yea, I'm talkin about you Karl, you motherfucker!!!) Implemented by a media that appears either cluelessly compliant and willing to be steered itself, or just as likely in collusion with the politicians owing to conflicts of interest that reside with the actual owners of this increasingly consolidated monopolistic media. They'd just as soon keep feeding us pablum about how great a drinking buddy some asshat pol would be, or how pretty they smile, or how well they kiss babies and bring home pork, or what the hell they did in some past war be they geniune war hero material (which is not in evidence at all if one just looks at the actual record) or just some guy unlucky enough to get his jet shot out from under his ass and end up a P.O.W.
In short, we need to find out what these two men and their VP choices are really all about.. NOT what they'd like us to think and react to.....JD
BT @ 76:
My mother-in-law is a die hard Republican...
She's voting for Obama...
That is all that needs to be said about the potential of changing people minds...
WE can do this....
edgecity @ 73:
Maybe going door to door for the Obama campaign. Talking to your neighbors, try to get them to turn off American Idol long enough to explain the stakes for them and their families?
On your point about a vote for McCain meaning higher gas prices, I feel the need to object. McCain does mean higher gas prices, but the real concern is higher energy prices in general, with no alternative that will benefit the economy, the environment, or foreign policy. I could care less if gas goes up to $15 a gallon, as long as alternative energy becomes more viable AND more affordable. We can't wait until that $15 mark to do something better.
ZappaFrank @ 77:
He needs to stop making stupid gaffe replies this this.
emoboy44 @ 70:
LOL! why not cut out the middle man and stay home and punch yourself in the face?
The Dems need to stop running away from the "Liberal" label and embrace it-even if in reality they are more moderate than anything these daze.
Jack Damage @ 80:
Amen brother!
A vote for McCain is a vote for more heartless exploitation of our young men and women who serve in the armed forces, and more heartbreaking suffering for their families and loved ones.
goatsage @ 82:
That is one thing I'm doing. Boy, is that ever tedious here in the 104F heat!
A vote for McCain equals failure to properly support troops and veterans
So many negatives have happened during the last 8 years that sort of brings on an 'Amnesia of excess' in my opinion. So, so much has happened it boggles the mind, but it also sort of numbs it in a way. If one were able to encapsulate the greatest hits of the 'talking point Republicans' into a very simple message (tv , utube, spot) maybe folks could be reminded why they were pissed off at the Republicans in the first place. And as we all know, plenty of folks on all sides have been thorougly pissed. The public relations teams working for the Republicans want to mask over our collective distaste for the repubs with pop culture/ People magazine bullshit,so that know one remembers their own disgust until November 5th.
This simple message could be just the catch phrases ('cut and run' anyone?) that were shoved into our brains back when both houses were under the influence- ad nauseum. These could scroll by as text or be written on cards al la Bob Dylan. Short message to make people grit their teeth and say 'Oh yeah..."
"A vote for McCain equals more War.
A vote for McCain equals No universal health care.
A vote for McCain equals a continued collapsing economy.
A vote for McCain equals higher gas prices.
A vote for McCain equals no help for the housing market.
A vote for McCain equals a further erosion of woman’s rights.
A vote for McCain equals ideologue judges being placed throughout the country."
All true...but HOT DAMN...we'll keep them homos from marryin', and make sure our wimin respect life, and we'll stop all them dirty immigrants from comin' here and stealin' our jobs, and we'll make sure all the childrens pray to Jesus in school, and we'll drill all over our country so we don't gotta buy oil from them damn A-rabs anymore, and we'll have a real hero in the White House.
It'd be like 1952 all over agin.
if our elections were determined by popular vote only, then today's polls would be relevant. But because we use the electoral college to elect presidents, then you need only look at state-by-state numbers and they point to a convincing Obama victory.
Add to that the fact that Democrats are out-registering new voters by 3-1 over Republicans, and you can see that Republicans have a huge, wide-spread, low-level war on their hands. And judging from the endless war in Iarq, they do not seem to handle these types of wars too well.
Could be an early night on Nov 4. Obama may not even need California by the time their precincts close.
ok....but you're preaching to the choir here....the election will be decided by a small group of people who are less concerned with policy than they are personality -- if Obama wants to win he's going to have to figure out a way to get the votes of the morons that Republicans are so good at attracting.
85-90% of USers supported the Chimp's war-dance in 2002-03.
It's all you need to know about "democracy" in Murka, it's prospects, and its fate...
OK so we read this list and add to this list...but then what do we do with it? We are all sitting here preaching to the choir. How about we cut and paste this list and forward it to everyone in our email address books? Lord knows I am bombarded daily with pro-McCain, anti-Obama, lying/smearing emails on a daily basis from my conservative in-laws. I always find it annoying and swore not to do these things...but maybe we have to start now? I already forwarded John Ridley's "Palin-guage" posts to everyone I know....and I got some good responses...and hopefully those folks passed them along. There have been some viral clips from the Daily Show that have gotten a lot of attention....I forwarded those as well....and then my 65 year old mother called to let me know that she is now a huge Stewart/Colbert fan. Or maybe we should send this list out on a myspace bulletin or on Facebook. We need to start "evangalizing" so to speak. Dems need to start being aggressive...stop being afraid.....we must call these people out!
C. Hussein Jr. @ 92:
That assumes wide margin wins in sufficient battleground states. I don't share your sanguinity.
http://www.bgladd.com/McSameStore/Diebold2TheRescue.jpg
C. Hussein Jr. @ 92:
That is very good news it means---
WE are still in the race...
So lets fight to win, okay?....
kerplunk @ 20:
It's almost like she has celebrity status
I cannot ,for the life of me, ever recall an American election that was decided by issues. I don't see why this one should be any different. It'll be close but still quite winnable and at least the closeness of the polls has moderated the mean spirited fratricidal posting of the anti- crowds. The main problem now seems to be the fierce competition among the mainstream journalists for the position of John McCain's caddy. Access is everything to these guys: careers are hanging on it and the McCain camp is going to keep the bidding going as long as they can. T-Ball (It's his questioning style) Gibson bid highest for the first door prize and won his Palin interview. The bidding will go much higher as the election goes on and the journalist win the most credibility to spend will win.
roger @ 93:
I hate to say this but scare the shit out of this particular group with the truth...
It would not take much...
BobbyG @ 84:
I agree. That was a bad move going on that show.
Some people love the idea that McCain=Bush as mind boggling as it sounds.
Watch this video on the Minnesota Independent.
Must be nice living through life fat dumb and happy. Ignorance is bliss.
David @ 58:
My major disagreement here is with the word 'hilarious'.
YourMom @ 98:
No offense...but so what...let's burst that phony bubble of BS that surrounds this woman...
Why I would never have a beer with GWBush.
I instinctively recognize him as the same sort of guy as my ex brother-in-law. He's the sort of guy who lets you pay for the first round, then disappears to the can while you pay for the second round, wanders off to talk to the ladies while you pay for the third round, "lost" his wallet so you have to pay for the fourth round. . .etc. He's the guy that after four or five beers picks a fight with the bikers at the next table over some imagined slight, calls them out, then disappears only to reapper after the fight is over and you're bleeding in the alley. He's the guy that, after you've fought his fight, gets you to pay for the cab home because somebody "stole" his wallet. Then when you're back at your own place, he invites himself to stay the night because his old lady will lock him out if he's been drinking. And to cap it all off, its only after you send him home in a cab at your cost (that missing wallet again) that you realized that he pissed on the sofa, and you've got no place sit while you watch the game.
And I have the feeling that having a beer with McCain would be exactly the same except you'd have to listen to rambling tales about his glory days. Sort of like going out on the town with my ex father-in-law.
I love it when he guffaws at his own lame jokes.
Here's a serious question, though: why aren't reporters asking McCain, over and over until he answers it with specifics, "You claim that you are not running for President Bush's third term. What policies will you approach differently?" Whenever anyone asks that kind of question, McCain talks about his reformer credentials, personality, being a POW, anything but actual policies. Now, he cannot claim to offer real change because he supports virtually all of the Bush-Cheney agenda. But the media has to stop giving him a free pass on that essential question; otherwise McCain might win the election based on issues of "character" and then run the country even further into the ground.
woody, tokin librul @ 71:
Government of the Corporations, by the Corporations, for the Corporations… and their buddies.
The Right Wing and the Ultra Right Wing.
Take your pick.
Lilybelle @ 23:
What we each need to do is to roll up our sleeve and work like hell for the continuation of the democracy that we have come to know and love, that is America. Contact your nearest Obama campaign office and avail yourselves immediately! The time for happy-talk is over. There is waaaay too much at stake to sit by and be a spectator to the train wreck that is happening in real time, right before our eyes. This may be our last best hope of saving this country as we know it, so let's cut out the chatter and get to work! We are at a critical crossroads. Our country's future hangs precariously in the balance. Yes we can! Si se puede!
Obama/Biden '08, or kiss America goodbye!
I was in Branson, Missouri, this past weekend, and saw several Obama bumper stickers and yard signs, and only one McCain sticker. I think bumper stickers are good to have and show support. I'm getting one, and would like to see more.
ZappaFrank @ 101:
If you're gonna go on, you need to have your shit straight. He got his shit pushed back. It was weak. And some of the "relax, Obama can do no wrong" replies I've gotten made me wonder whether I'd wandered into a Kenny Loggins Kewl Girls fan club board by mistake.
JudyLou @ 109:
I'm ordering a bunch and stickering my neighborhood.
k8zephyr @ 87:
On the other hand, they're volunteers. And there's a red-light district adjacent to every military installation in the world, if you know where to look. I recognize that there's in effect a 'poverty' draft." None of which would be necessary if the owners of the country didn't make so much money from shedding the blood of their/our children.
It's not enough to vote, you/we have to be able to hold the Corporate 'citizens' accountable for their votes, too. Know the politics of the companies you frequent. Don't patronize corporate fascists...
And turn off the fucking television...
YourMom @ 98:
MSNBC cut live to Palin speaking for a crowd and they played the entire 16 minute speech uninterrupted in spite of the fact it was the same canned speech that we have all heard wall to wall for a week now...you know, the one about how she fired her chef and put the jet on ebay. Do we really need to hear that stuff over and over? Then when it was McCain's turn up they broke away after about two minutes. He's too boring I guess.
I really hope that something really big breaks to bring the momentum back to the Obama camp and away from McSame. If the media keeps dotting over McSame/Palin, then it's over for us Progressives. Every single rally that McSame/Palin gives they just keep repeating lies. It's even in their latest t.v. spot. As long as the media refuses to refute the lies they will keep telling more and more of them. Add that to the Voter purging going on in the battleground states and our chances are shrinking daily.
The Republicans have bet once again this year on the ignorance of the American people and it will probably pay off. I still hear people running around work saying that Obama is a Muslim. What I don't hear is that McSame has been in Washington for a long time and what has he done to stop corruption? If people would just take 30 minutes to look up what McSame has said and done, they would NOT vote for him.
If people are really stupid enough or don't care enough to fall for these gimmicks then they deserve exactly what they get. It's just a shame that the rest of us have to suffer along with them.
We no longer elect Presidents. We elect Prom King and Queen, BBFs, drinkin' buddies, Beauty Pageant winners, and class clowns.
The elites are laughing all the way to the bank.
BobbyG @96.
They cannot "Diebold" every single battleground state. Not this time. In 2000 and 2004, there were onyl 1 or 2 key battleground states. This year there could be 10.
Even the Republicans dont have enough foot soldiers to pull that off.
I think.
Doesn't matter. We all know Palin's a phony. We all laughed when she was chosen. Look who's up 10 now. They may have fallen ass backward into a brilliant choice. The base got their red meat and now they're fired up and ready to turn out. I pray I'm wrong, but it looks an awful lot to me like we're in deep trouble all of a sudden, because they figured out how to co-opt Obama's message. And given the voters' track record the last couple of elections they may well buy this. Not feeling good about this at all today.
Poor mothers on welfare drive Cadallacs ? Corporate welfare Ceo's fly private jets.And that's no anecdotal story
So when will the government ( I won't say - our- it sure doesn't belong to us)
nationalize a money making corporation? Oh that's right would that be communism ala Venezula.And as as one crook said to another crook "That would be wrong"
.
I have to say, the vast majority of the liberals don't get it.
This election is all about who can best materialize the Rapture, and lead us into Christ. I kid you not. Yes, these are the discussions that are currently being forced fed to us from the church's pulpit. There is no question in my mind, where my pastor allegiance lies.
To ignore, and ridicule this fact is to ignore the very powerful fundamentalist organizations throughout the US, and many of whom sits on the most powerful benches and corporate boardrooms in the US. They are the untouchables. They are above the law. And they are greedy and corrupt as hell. Palin is a byproduct of this organization.
You can't fight them with facts. You have to fight them in their terms, using their terminology. And don't be afraid to invoke the word of "GOD" in every discussion. These are crafty individuals, who are used to getting their way, and won't acknowledge defeat.
Any Palin of your is a Pal-O mine.
It's simply about getting the vote out.
The problem is that Obama's supporters are traditionally demographic groups who are the most fickle, apathetic, or simply unable to get the polls.
To win, Obama will need to motivate the new voters, rally the angry and chastise the apathetic.
A vote for McCain equals an unnecessary and immoral attack on Iran
C. Hussein Jr. @ 116:
ook, I hope you're right. But, nothing these pricks do surprises me any more. Diebold has about a third of the election action.
A vote for McCain means more of Karl Rove's lying cheating and spinning. Enough!
A vote for McCocoon and Mrs. Bullwinkle = more of the same, except worse.
It took three people to write that feather-light piece of crap about Palin. And The New York Times puts it on the front page? Real newsworthy.
David at #58
It is encouraging to see at least one person who has not been seduced by Obama's charm and claims to being an [alleged] agent of hope and change. Having war hawks such as Madeline Albright, Warren Christopher and Anthony Lake as Obama's foreign policy advisers could not in all credibility be viewed at as being "change". Advocating that more troops be sent into Afghanistan, the so-called "good war", will never win over the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, as evidenced by the recent slaughter of 90 Afghan civilians, 60 of whom were children, ranging in ages from 6 months to 16 years. Obama dies not weep for those unnecessary and unjustified killings committed by 500 and 2000 lb. American bombs, since his desire to escalate the war in that beleaguered country would make Obama just as complicit as Bush. War crimes tribunal, anyone?
Obama certainly cannot claim to be a man of peace when he desires to add more American soldiers into a country which never threatened anyone in these United States. He has also threatened to leave the military option available against Pakistan which means that he will have no trouble emulating the example of Bush, when he recently ordered U.S. troops into Pakistan, which resulted in the killings of 20 Pakistani civilians. Obama has also issued bellicose rhetoric against Iran, another country which has never harmed anyone in the U.S. Yet this is the person who so many Americans believe is so much better than McCain.
HERE'S HOW WE FRAME IT:
With the addition of Palin the GOP ticket just became a reversal of Bush/Cheney. Now we'll have a warmonger at #1 and the simplistic, religious idiot at #2. And things will be exactly the same as they are now. This is the new 1, 2 punch of the neocon movement. War and God, one for money, one for votes.
I'm faced with the terrifying prospect that John McCain will become the next president. The more I read the articles and comments on this site, the more convinced I am that McCain will win this election.
Do a better job.
Iben Hakenluggis Says: What is that smell???
Oh that’s just the smell of 30m rabid libs crapping in their shorts.
Priceless
Run down to your nearest recruiting station and take your kids with you.
So vote for McCain, Erroll. I mean if it doesn't matter you might as well get more bang for your buck when the apocalypse comes round.
cv @117:
The raw-red-meat eating "base" came out in full force in both 2000 and 2004. Both elections were very close. They will need 100% of that base again just to make it close. To overcome the newly registered voters and the first-timers will be tough for them. They also got independants and moderates from both sides of the fence in 2000 with the 'values' issue and in 2004 with the 'Elect us or DIE !' issue.
They have neither of those this time. All they have is George W. Bush's catastrophic legacy fresh in everyone's minds.
Even the Diebold folks cant climb THAT mountain.
I tell you in advance that I hate it that I think this way:
The only one of those outcomes which won't/mayn't also occur on Osama's watch MIGHT be "women's rights."
Obama's not about ENDING war in Southwest Asia, just for relocating it.
His 'health care" is designed more for the insurance companies than for the people.
The economy's gonna collapse, regardless.
Higher gas prices await only the conclusion of the 'election.'
Obama likely couldn't have done anything other than what the GOPukes did with Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Remember, the Clenis was PROUD of the "modernization" of Glass Steagall.
And Obama will not be able to get (nor will he actually seek to appoint) "librul" judges. Nevahgahapun...
Imho, of course...
In David Lieberman's Never Be Lied To Again, one of the telltales of a liar is the use of humor to deflect a question that is deserving of a serious answer.
So when the question was, "Who would you vote for as president, Bush or Gore?" - the Republicans gave us, "Yeah, but who would you rather drink a beer with?"
And donuts with sprinkles are the latest offering from the GOP - the folks under whom SCHIP was slashed. The folks who think we should just change the dictionary to make problems go away. (Don't forget, it's not hunger, it's food insecurity.)
Correction to the penultimate sentence in the first paragraph at comment #128. It should read "Obama does not weep for those unnecessary and unjustified killings committed by 500 and 2000 lb. American bombs..."
Fry@130 "Do a better job"
Show us how.
Republicans only eat donuts with white sprinkles.
A mcCain presidency is a larger RISK. a president mccain
that can't serve as early as March/09. sarah palin would
step in as commander in chief.
when compared to a obama presidency scenario would
have biden step in as commander in chief
i realize she has the grail of'executive experience' which is ridiculous when i think of g.w.bush...she is a large RISK
when you compare scenarios. mccain is 72.5....
It's morning in America!
Now we can move away from the nightmare of Bush into the clear reality of McCain/Palin.
BobbyG @ 111:
Yeah this need to go on FOX and be beaten like a Gong never fails to irritate me.
The only equivalent on the Liberal side are the cable comedy shows.
Unfortunately when Colbert makes a Boob out of you,you're seen as a good sport.
When BillO gets his meat hooks into you're seen as the sacrificial Commie Liberal.
I don't think they mean to have McCain sit long. Once the inauguration is over, he better stay off of airplanes and hire a taster.
I hope Palin doesn't moose hunt with friends.
The guns are a helluva lot bigger than quail hunting guns.
itsamadhouse @ 69:
agree completely
McSame wont have eye-candy and designated distractor Sarah Palin by his side during the debates.
Obama will wipe the floor with McClucker.
C. Hussein Jr. @ 145:
You amaze me. You think the SCUM moderators will allow such attacks on a "true war hero." He was a POW, you know... something about which most of that age/class of folks as the top-ranked SCUM feel intense guilt along with envy and deep regret that it is not on their resumes...
cv @ 132:
As to be expected by so many Obama fans, you believe that if anyone dares to criticize Obama, then that person must support McCain. As also to be expected you were unable to refute anything that I had written in that post. If you are able, try making an attempt to engage in a discussion not through emotional and visceral means but, if you are capable [which I doubt], through some kind of intellectual vigor. As a true progressive, I am backing Ralph Nader and by doing so can rest easy in the fact that I will not be voting for a war monger by selecting either Barack Obama or John McCain for president.
the right wing we want smaller government...less safety
net(s)......until we need it....Bear Sterns....freddie/fannie
this is a BAILOUT on REPUBLICAN watch.
the tough Darwinian Capitalistic talk and socialist walk
less/NO risk so they have a do anything behavior deception
constituent making sense...
GOP response..."USA USA USA USA! Why do you hate America...we are supporting American families with this restructuring of the mortgage market...USA USA USA USA...if we don't...then our economy will be in jeopardy...we will lose jobs...America will be weaker...and then......THE TERRORISTS WIN!!
Why oh why do you hate America, constituent?
A vote for McCain equals Social Security Privatization.
A vote for McCain means grandma's Medicare reimbursement just got a lot smaller.
A vote for McCain means Nevada will glow in the dark from the nuclear waste.
A vote for McCain means 5 trillion dollar increase in the national debt.
A vote for McCain means "Foreclosure Phil" Gramm will be your Treasury Secretary.
A vote for McCain means Neocon Randy Scheunemann will shape our foreign policy... more wars!
A vote for McCain means a nuclear power plant in your back yard!
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