Alfred E. Smith Dinner: Obama zings McCain
The campaign took on a lighter tone Thursday night as both candidates delivered hysterical, self-deprecating speeches. Here's the meat of Obama's routine. John McCain, FOX News, Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin: You are officially on notice.
"People tell me I share the politics of Alfred E. Smith and the ears of Alfred E. Neuman."
"But I have to say tonight's venue is not what I'm really used to. I was originally told that we would able to move this outdoors to Yankee Stadium. Can someone tell me what happened to the Greek columns I requested?"
"I must say I love the Waldorf Astoria. You know I hear from the doorstep, you can see the Russian Tea Room."
"It's an honor to be here with Al Smith. I obviously never knew your great grandfather, but from everything Sen. McCain has told me...the two of them had a great time together before prohibition. Wonderful stories."
"Now, recently one of John's top advisers told The Daily News that if we keep talking about the economy, McCain's gonna lose. So tonight I'd like to talk about the economy."
"While the collapse of the housing market's been tough on every single homeowner, I think we all need to recognize this crisis has been eight times harder on John McCain."
"Contrary to the rumors you've heard, I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton, sent here by my father Jor-El, to save the planet Earth."
"Many of you know I got my name, Barack, from my father. What you may not know is Barack is actually Swahali for 'That One.' And I got my middle name from somebody who obviously didn't think I'd ever run for President."
"I have never put lipstick on a pig. Or a pitbull. Or myself. Rudy Giuliani: That's one for you. I mean, who would have thought that a cross-dressing mayor from New York City would have a tough time running for the Republican nomination. It's shocking. That was a tough primary you had there, John."
"But I know Senator McCain agrees that some of the rumors are getting a bit crazy. I mean, Rupert the other, Fox News actually accused me of fathering two African-American children in wedlock."
Awesome.
Again, Obama was classy, and McCain came off as peevish and desperate. Still I will say McCain tried to put on a good face, even if it wasn't so well done.
far left loon >.<
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO0eR47WuLY
Jack Kennedy -- so young and dashing, witty, charming and brilliant.
No wonder McCain looked like he was sitting on a nail.
While I feel a tiny bit sorry for the man who was a POW and definitely paid his dues, I feel no sympathy for the man he has revealed himself to be of late -- as a desperate politician who has forgotten his principles in pursuit of power; willing to throw red meat to the wolves of racism.
Shame on you McCain!
Bravo Obama!
I too believe what Senator McCain went through as a prisoner of war was quite horrific. I didn't realize until years later that I was in Vietnam at the same time. As a member of the United States military, I and all of us over there were also prisoners and the only way out was to either die or survive until our orders to go home came. Also, contrary to what Sen. McCain has stated, "We never lost a war." Not true, Sen. McCain, we lost that war and so many young Americans lost their lives. Unfortunately, we never learn from our past and here we are in a war again in Iraq.
What I used to admire in McCain was that he seemed to be looking out for the soldiers in harms way and spoke from experience.
What I see now is a man who would cynically and irresponsibly put a running mate on his ticket because she meets a checklist:
vagina
pro-oil
pro-gun
anti-choice
and (most importantly to the right-wing base) a hatemonger
During this time of economic crisis, war on two fronts, and terrorist threats, what we need is not Karl Rove style "campaigning" but good and competent governance.
There are no bigger hate mongers then you and the liberal base. Picking on an average American. Getting into Joe the plumbers tax records and divorce records. Go figure a guy that is working but is behind on his taxes has a question about raising taxes. If you liberals want to spread the wealth I would be happy to, but you first.
Well Kevin,
I agree that the MEDIA was off bounds in going into Joe-the-Plumber's tax records. He has every right to ask Obama about the validity of his POLICY and its potential impact on him.... and to criticize it. It's called democracy; something I actually believe in as a process and not simply as a campaign slogan.
However:
1. That is not hatemongering. It is unethical behavior by the MEDIA
2. Obama did not incite anyone to violence agains Joe-the-Plumber or anyone else
3.PALIN and McCAIN have consistently incited violence against ACORN
4. PALIN and McCAIN have incited violence against Obama himself (calling him a muslim terrorist and anti-american)
You seem to be taking the same stance as your bankrupt party -- you want all the authority to govern but no responsibility when it has failed. Iraq, Afghanistan, Bin Ladin, the Katrina response, the Economy are ALL REPUBLICAN FAILURES. Your party's candidate clearly has nothing left to offer this country but HATEMONGERING
Very sad
If you are going to be upset at anyone, it should be at McCain. He brought up Joe like 15 times in during the debate. Obama would not have brought up the name. And do you honestly think Obama sat there and said "Find out everything you can on Joe"? And if the shoe were on the other foot, don't you think Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, or some other conservative would have been going after Joe? McCain is the hate monger, his commercials prove it, and that is a fact.
You forgot to mention that Joe the Plumber is a McCain supporter who could care less about Obama's tax policy. Because he doesn't really have any plans to purchase his boss' business and only makes 40,000 per year, Obama's plan would result in a tax cut for him where as McCain's plan would not provide any tax relief for Joe. And we didn't have to look into his tax records or his divorce to know that. Joe could have just done the math had he been an honest plumber as opposed to a lying GOP operative. I'm sure they hoped Obama would lie to him while the cameras were running so they could blast Obama about what he said to Joe. It was refreshing that Obama told the truth, even though he knew Joe might not like it. McCain's plan changes quite frequently, but his tax cuts for the wealthy remain unchanged.
McCain is a prisoner of his past. As the son of Military Elites he would feel compelled to follow. SInce the war in Vietnam as as illegal as Iran I wonder how the famillies that lost members under McCains bombs felt about him. Loyal to what he thought his country needed but perhaps not a the kind of leader a country needs. Wasn't McCain also one of the Keating 5? Censored by the Senate for bad judgement.
SOunds like a good Republican to me
Vietnam was never a war. The US never declared war on Vietnam. We lost a conflict, but never a war. If we ever lost a war then our soldiers would have to salute palms out and not palms in. Shame on you for trying to rewrite history books.
BS
You make me sick.You are either blind or want to see the fall of the America I know and love. People like you think you can just say something and it is true. Obama is not good for this country. France maybe. But we are not France and never will be. Have a good day.
here's your freedom fries. have a nice day zombie.
Face it. McCain was funny, like it or not. And Keith Olbermann gave the weakest response on his show to McCain that I have ever seen. Sometimes Olbermann needs to pack up that ego and just rest without needing to say something.
I don't see how you feel that Mccain did poorly or somehow looked like he was sitting on a nail. Mccain did a fabulous job. His speech was great and much more funny than Barrack's. Barrack did a good job as well but Mccain's speech was really classic. His entire bit from the beginning to the end: hillary and bill, acorn, joe the plumber. It was great. Then, the way he introduced barrack was VERY respectful. Barrack was good though Crypton, Alfred E. Newmann, "a bit too awesome." Mccain was better though HANDS DOWN!!
I'm going to bet that neither McCain or Obama said 'Take My Wife, Please.' Would have been too many takers (for VERY different reasons).
People taking all of his jokes out of context. That was brilliant!
Loved the Jor-El bits.
Not really. He executed a poor delivery and thinly veiled his churlish bent.
far left loon >.<
Last night was a night for politicians to put politics aside and have a good laugh. Don't try to make it partisan. For anybody who hasn't yet seen it, these are the clips on YouTube from both Obama AND McCain. They were both pretty funny, considering that they're politicians, not comedians.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=364kw1WBca8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5SWQJWm6Tg
Uhm, I thought Obama was funny, but I thought McCain was funnier; McCain had a strong finish. Do realize I say this as a hardcore Obama supporter.
Robert
I think as you get older, you get funnier. My grandma is a riot. Still don't want her or McCain in the White House.
I am about as blue as a person can get but I thought McCain's timing and delivery was a little better than Obama's. Obama had a good performance but I got the impression that his speech writers had just finished the material and he hadn't had a chance to look at it and was reading it cold. McCain's delivery was smoother. Too bad for him that the only time in the entire campaign that McCain came across as better was when it was a joke.
I agree, Robert, overall it made me a bit sorry that he's going to get his butt stomped.
I'm a hardcore supporter too and I agree with you. Obama is not comedian. I'm not voting for him for that reason, though I did think some of his one liners were better than McCain's. McCain's comments about Olbermann and MSNBC were hilarious.
They both got off some good lines. McCain's lines about the Clintons were cutting but good.
Obama had some great stuff. I loved the part about his name and his new middle name, Steve.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
OT, but this is the first post of the day. I want to remind everyone IT'S NOT OVER so re-double your efforts and keep fighting. Don't get cocky. Remember New Hampshire.
The price of not winning this thing is 4 or 8 more years of Republican madness, and we'll all be seeing therapists (or dead).
far left loon >.<
oh come on, we will not be seeing therapists. Our insurance won't cover anything like that... those of us that have insurance.
he's Presidential, whether cracking jokes at a dinner or on the stump. Can't say that for McCain and Co., though.
Alfred E Newman
http://mkeamy.typepad.com/photos/uncategorize...
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Did anyone do any hi-larious bits about missing WMDs?
Palin Attacks Obama for Attending the Alfred E. Smith Dinner
http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=4081
Ms. Alaska probably has no idea who Alfred E. Smith might be. It is dark half of the time up there and when there is light she is looking at Russia and using her great power to fire, family memebers.... NOT WHITE HOUSE material....
If Palin saw the Russian Tea Room she'd probably have the CIA raid it, thinking it was the den of communist plotters.
far left loon >.<
(Note: I am voting for Obama)
I actually thought McCain did a better job. I thought his jokes were funnier (although Obama had some really good ones) and his praise of Obama was a lot longer than Obama's praise of McCain.
If McCain had shown this side of himself in any of the debates, it might be a lot closer.
Watching last night, I thought McCain is in the wrong line of work. He shouldn't be a Senator or President (hopefully, this won't happen) -- he should do stand-up.
:-)
Obama sure looks great in a tux! Seems his hair is already grayer than it was just a few months ago.
One of my favorite lines that Obama had was the one about being able to see the Russian Tea Room from the outside steps of the hotel.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
First of all, neither of them write their own jokes. It seemed like McCain had a better writer. He also delivered the jokes better. One last thing, McCain seemed more sincere when he spoke about Obama personally.
All in all it was a funny night!
because he had a better subject to praise than Obama did. How do you praise an opponent who continues to spread nasty, hate-inciting lies about you - lies that have been debunked and addressed a thousands times? How do praise with sincerity a man who defends his uncontrollable mob for yelling threats by equalizing the tone of the two campaigns and their supporters?
Sorry, but Obama's job was MUCH harder on that score, and if he had seemed any more "sincere" in his praise of McCain, I'd have had a problem with his disingenuousness, given the circumstances.
McCain has done enough of late night talk show stuff and been around longer to work on his comedic timing. Obama hasn't has as many opportunities. McCain did have some funny bits, but I like Obama's because it was a bit more cerebral. I like thinking comedy more than one-line zingers.
"When are we going to stop trying to tell elected officials what to do. Our job is to spend the taxpayers' money the best way we can." -- Tommy Watkins, Justice of the Peace, Crawford County, Arkansas
McCain got some good ones in too. Why not post those as well?
I'm sure FoxNews and the rightwing bloggosphere will have it all displayed in blazing glory, so you might want to check out those sites. Also, it will be interesting to see how they took Obama's remarks out of context and what details they conveniently "leave out". I'm sure they will have declared victory in the one area of leadership in this economic nightmare that doesn't matter - telling jokes.
Yep i agree. I thought McCain was funny and I think it should be posted here in the same spirit as Obama/McCain delivered it.
I know this is a progressive site, but you have to give credit where credit is due. McCain was great. Showed a side of him that he should have shown months ago. I actually liked McCain before he started beating the GOP/Bush drum in 2000 and 2004.
Obama, hit Rudy and Fox "News", with some great lines. McCain's closing was the highlight for me.
McCain had more material to work with than Obama did. He is a comedy all unto himself. His wealth, the Clintons, his general weirdness. There just isn't as much funny stuff about Obama. He's the serious candidate and McCain is the joke.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
I am not advocating that C&L become like many 'liberal'-leaning media outlets and doggedly include both sides so as not to appear (God forbid!) biased. HOWEVER, it should be noted that McCain also zinged Obama. Quite engagingly, I might add.
The REAL story is in the closing of Obama's remarks, and it highlights the difference between these men in the starkest contrast.
McCain's entire speech consisted of zings and self-promotion. Every single word. Obama's consisted of the requisite zings and self-promotion, but then segued into a quietly serious observation that "God creates us for works of Service", that regardless of party or race we are all a community, and that each of us has the obligation to do good, seek justice, and "play our own small part in building a more hopeful and compassionate world".
THIS is the fundamental difference. McCain lacks depth of spirit. His purposes in seeking the presidency are solely those of self-gratification. Obama reaches down into depths that McCain cannot even begin to IMAGINE and returns with the purpose to SERVE. Doris Kearns Goodwin said it best, I think, when on Charlie Rose following the last debate she likened Obama's motivations to those of Lincoln: to leave the world a better place for his having been here.
And, God willing, Obama will have the opportunity for his 'little corner of the world', and thus his influence, to encompass the whole world.
ps - Please pray the the rage that McCain/Palin are trying to incite does not boil over into tragedy for the Obama family, and ultimately for our country.
Thank you. And there's much to be said about "eloquence" that seems out of McCain's reach. I agree wholeheartedly with you, Kelly, regarding the message Obama put out there - it provided yet another true contrast in leadership style, and confirms yet again why Obama, while not perfect, lifts my hopes beyond what I've felt in a leader for a VERY. LONG. TIME.
I loved that Obama ended his speech with some thoughtful comments. It's exactly what I love about him the most. He brought an over the top occasion back to reality with grace and wit.
McCain was funnier though. Still don't want him to be President.
McCain's comedy was low-grade. It was a thin veneer on his true feelings. While it was not atrocious, having watched it, I didn't even chuckle.
far left loon >.<
If you can find his peice online, it was pretty good and had better delivery. I expected as much, though - like someone on one of the news stations pointed out, McCain has always been more comfortable with humor, whereas Obama has always been ratehr serious. I mean, how many times has McCain been on Daily Show now - seven, eight? Obama's not a joke-y person or the funniest guy in the room, he's more the quietly thougthful and really smart guy in the room. Which I'm totally comfortable with.
Wow, I was able to stay logged in here at C&L from noon last Monday until nine or so this morning. That's a record for me.
Obama has his own dry humor but it comes naturally. Last night he was reading someone else's jokes. I did like his closing message and I'm not religious. His asking people to come together and help one another and work together was very nice.
I won't be voting for the last comic standing on Nov 4th, I'll be voting for the man who can get this country back on its feet.
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
McCain's humor was more one-liner... like Don Rickles and Jackie Mason.
I loved the look on the eminece's face when Obama said that he wasn't born in a manger.
That was my highlight.
"When are we going to stop trying to tell elected officials what to do. Our job is to spend the taxpayers' money the best way we can." -- Tommy Watkins, Justice of the Peace, Crawford County, Arkansas
At one point, there was a flicker and a grin of the true Obama. I bet, in private, he's wickedly funny and cerebral, but he wants to keep his presidential demeanour for now. When I saw that brief grin, I knew he was keeping a lid on himself.
I'm not a big fan of the cheap one-liner, many Americans seem to eat up, and which John McCain delivered.
far left loon >.<
Give the guy credit, he did well. Now let's get back to real business and send Grandpa to geriatric oblivion so he can do stand up at an Arizona convalescence center lounge.
I actually thought McCain was funnier and his delivery was much better.
Obama was laughing at his own jokes which diminished his performance.
But I thought McCain's shot at MSNBC and Keith Olbermann was was cheap and weak. But it does tell you that both are on the Republican's radar.
Obama actually wasn't laughing at his "own" jokes - someone else wrote them and he was delivering them. It was probably the first time he'd heard them and they were good. I found his laughter engaging and showed to me a side of him that enjoys a good laugh and the talents of a good humorist. McCain's humor is renowned, the problem is that his is known for being biting, nasty and demeaning - he is more famous for his mean humor (giving an ugly joke aimed at a teenaged Chelsea Clinton). It's good to see he can also take a swipe at himself. It's a good thing he deferred to the better judgement of writers last night who did the work for him, and kept his tone in check.
I am betting that he wrote the closing remarks himself because that was signature Obama - which I'll take over any other candidate out there, any day.
Grumpy WAS indeed funny. He will do well in the nursing home circuit.
I also didn't at all mind him laughing at his own jokes, because I really doubt they were written by him. Although I don't think it was the first time he'd heard them - but when you're trying to tell a series of jokes to a large crowd of people (especially if you're not used to telling jokes much) sometiems a laugh or two escapes. However, I noticed that whenever he cracked and laughed a little the crowd also laughed - this also happens when Jon Steward or Colbert mess up a joke or start laughing - audiences seem to enjoy that kind of thing. It reminds everyone that they're real.
Gotta agree, I found McCain to be a lot funnier and personal. His self deprecating jokes were better, and when he wasn't poking fun of himself, he was mostly making fun of some "they" (mostly the media) instead of direct digs at Obama (though there were a few of those).
Obama was good, but his back-handed compliments of McCain and his campaign were a little more personal and touchy I thought.
McCain's praise of Obama was really great to hear, and it makes more than a little sorry we weren't able to see more of this McCain during the race, and what kind of a contest this would have been otherwise.
Well, it was the venue for it, and Obama used the occasion to take those swipes. It was brilliant, frankly. And deserved. Try being congenial to the guy who's inflamed rhetoric aimed at you is responsible for ginning up a mob mentality that yells "Kill him!" and "Terrorist!". The restraint Obama has shown is nothing short of remarkable, and while McCain claimed Weds night that Ayers in not a going concern, he is now flooding the population with robocalls saying the opposite and using the guilt by association lie again.
It's honestly criminal how McCain can jolly up an occasion like that while twisting the knife in his opponent's back in such a dishonest, undignified manner.
Funnier for sure (or at least had the better writers) but both did well. I did notice Clinton yukking it up a heck of a lot more at gramps's routine.
Forcedly so, yes she did. Always campaigning, Hillary is. But I won't hold that against her. She's pretty tough and smart. The Clintons understand Washington, probably better than most.
far left loon >.<
It was balm for the soul to see the playful side of these two candidates. After witnessing the ruthlessness and recklessness of John McCain for the past months, it's nice to see that he will at least not be out in the street next year. He can always do some stand-up in his golden years.
What strikes me as totally "not funny" about McCain this morning is how reckless he continues to be in destroying the life and reputation of Joe Wurzelbacher - his latest collateral damage.
Of course, despite what we all know to be true (that Samuel "Joe" was approached by the McCain campaign before he ever spoke with Obama), there is no way for them to "spin" the decimation of this man's life and livelihood and I would expect a mega-lawsuit coming soon for what they have done to this man.
Even if they attempt to spin that Joe was simply a "man in the crowd" and that they did not shill him, isn't it their responsibility (whoops....Palin selection proves they're too inexperienced and reckless to even comprehend the concept of "responsibility") to properly vet someone whom McCain uses 23 times in a national arena?
Shouldn't they have even googled this man to find that not only is he illegally unlicensed but he also has a $1,185.00 "lien" against him for non-payment of taxes? Tax Dodger, too?
Whose responsible for the destruction of this man's reputation at this point? Surely, the McCain campaign who found it necessary to "use and abuse" this man and forever destroy his reputation for a cheap political "stunt".
When will John McCain realize that these circus stunts only backfire in his face?
Maybe when it hits his pocketbook in a mega-lawsuit from Samuel Joe Wurzelbacher for destruction of character and livelihood?
One thing we now know for sure: McCain's really a "two trick pony" - Palin selection and Joe, the Plumber.
Hmmmmmmmm it is McCain's fault Joe Wurzelbacher is getting an anal exam by the media? Reminds me of when rape victims were blamed for being raped. She was dressed too sexy, or was inviting it, or she was single and had a sexual history. Joe's been raped by the media and you are blaming McCain! I guess they had to do something to divert attention from Obama's "spreading the wealth around" statement.
Let's fact it - the reason McCain came off so well is because he looks and acts like a clown and people weren't laughing "with" him, they were laughing "at" him.
that I found Obama being kinda "meh" as a comedian to be sort of...endearing? I don't know, even though he's not a funny guy, never has been (anyone heard his pie-shopowner joke?) he went out there and did his best, and it almost made him seem more real, somehow. Most people don't have you rolling on the floor with laughter, and this was a charity event - it's the spirit of the thing that matters.
As a sidenote, when it coems to funny politicians, the Clintons will always, always win there. I never even realized until this primary that Hillary is actually funny - in a dry, self-aware, vaguely sarcastic way. Also surprisingly hilarious - Huckabee! He had me breathless everytime he went on Colbert, though it's a shame his show on FoxNews sucks balls.
Just in: Results on each candidate's record of protecting our civil rights.
McCain: 22
Obama: 100
Here 'tis:
http://www.civilrights.org/resources/voting/
All Partisan, All the Time.
that this post is partisan because McCain's speech was covered - it is posted - C and L just posted Obama's first. So, what do you think is partisan now? And, by the way, how many Progressive and Liberal posts - unedited and REAL, does Drudge put up daily - or the Fox News website - or Red State?
The trolls are raiding Astranaar. If you hurry you might be able to catch up with them.
"When are we going to stop trying to tell elected officials what to do. Our job is to spend the taxpayers' money the best way we can." -- Tommy Watkins, Justice of the Peace, Crawford County, Arkansas
...went right over my head. Could someone enlighten me, please?
A play on Palin's claim that you can see Russia from Alaska
It's a reference to Sarah Palin's claim to be able to see Russia from Alaska.
I agree McCain was the funnier of the two, but the praise he heaped on Obama at the end of the speech came across as warm an genuine--completely opposite the tenor of his campaign--and almost sounded like the beginnings of a concession speech. Anyone else get that?
It proved how disingenuous his campaign has been all along. At least when Obama praised McCain, there was a sense of tightness, like he was compelled to praise what he could for the sake of the occasion. And who could blame him for that reticence? McCain, after conceding that Ayers is not a going concern, flooding the phone lines the next day with robocalls saying the exact opposite. His hateful rhetoric and tone has been responsible for inciting hateful mobs at his rallies that have turned violent. This is a campaign where a man's life and his family's may be in danger due to lies and hate coming from McCain/Palin.
Sure, McCain can praise Obama to the heavens, because there's a whole lot to praise there. For Obama to do the same? Not so much - and not for the lack of trying.
It proved how disingenuous his campaign has been all along. At least when Obama praised McCain, there was a sense of tightness, like he was compelled to praise what he could for the sake of the occasion. And who could blame him for that reticence? McCain, after conceding that Ayers is not a going concern, flooding the phone lines the next day with robocalls saying the exact opposite. His hateful rhetoric and tone has been responsible for inciting hateful mobs at his rallies that have turned violent. This is a campaign where a man's life and his family's may be in danger due to lies and hate coming from McCain/Palin.
Sure, McCain can praise Obama to the heavens, because there's a whole lot to praise there. For Obama to do the same? Not so much - and not for the lack of trying.
Honestly, you took the words out of my keypad! I heard CONCESSION there, in the dying notes of that speech - and genuine decency too
Looking at the little blurb from the McCain speech and then the huge notes and highlights this site posted from Obama's speech.
C'mon...i know this site is biased for Obama, and i'm a 100% complete Obama supporter...McCains speech was damn funny!!!! I think hes realizing it's slipping away, and he's getting into accepting mode (but he'll still attach as a politician should)
But man a lil one sided there. Also thought some of Obama's comments were a bit over the line....although the room was filled with Dems
when I see Obama's complete and unedited comments on Drudge, I'll get worked up about having not enough McCain on C & L = pleeeaaassse. Check out You Tube or just about anywhere else - you'll find what you want. Isn't Fox News Fair and Balanced? They should have Obama's unedited remarks there, don't you think?
look at this one...no one is getting worked up, and i was looking at those speeches as solely entertainment...and McCain said some funny funny things. Why should we stoop to reporting like Fox and Drudge? We're better. the only Fox i like was the Red one"
You've GOT to be kidding. This was the perfect moment to hit back at all the vitriole that McCain/Palin have generated, and doing so with humor was BRILLIANT. McCain even took it well, considering the venue called for as much - and being a jokester himself, he seemed to appreciate the jabs. Look, McCain is known for his nasty, degrading humor. He publicly told a joke aimed at Chelsea Clinton's homeliness, attributing it to her "father", Janet Reno - this was when she was 13 or 14 years old.
McCain deserves a verbal skewering, and while it is obviously not a comfortable or natural thing for Obama to do to a person, he did so effectively and pointedly last night.
really think this was the perfect time? Or maybe should the debates be the perfect time to attack the "the vitriole that McCain/Palin have generated" b/c he rarely did so.
Personally i'd rather see it in the debates. And again it has never been a question that in my mind to vote for anyone but Obama
For one person's perspective on how you can make a decision to support Obama AND vote for John McCain, see the YouTube video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpsdKUQ1nKA
Feel free to forward this to any "undecided" voters you know of. This will be a VERY close election and we need every single vote we can get. Demonizing Obama will get us a few votes (and also lose us at least a few votes) but I hope that a rational, positive thought process will persuade a few people who are still on the fence.
Regards, Dan
didn't you? And, what does this have to do with this thread? Off topic.
Iglesias has come forward with the tired, washed up old RNC "scam" of voter fraud. It's so predictably their MO, especially when they're losing.
People know this drill. These very same Rovian tactics are not common knowledge at the dinner tables across this country and people are rejecting them.
People know one thing: This country has been sacked by criminals within - the very same criminals whom John McCain shamelessly admitted to "supporting over 90% of the time" (his own words a few months ago when things appeared to be going swimmingly). Now he's trying to distance himself not only from his own words (what a guy!) but from the administration responsible for this mess we're in and his unflagging support for every one of their schemes and stunts.
Palin, his sidekick from hell, is out there lying in our faces. She was found "guilty of abuse of power" and then goes on the national stump and lies - calling herself "exonerated". What do these two frauds not understand about defrauding the public?
One thing I will credit George Bush with having accomplished: George Bush has brought the dispicable character flaw of pathological lying to a new high. McCain does it every day on the stump; Palin is incapable of distinguishing fiction from truth at this point. I believe Palin is not only totall unqualified in EVERY respect to handle this job or any job for that matter (she's failed miserably as both a mother and a governor) but, most importantly, needs psychiatric counseling herself.
Mea culpa for the typos...."Rovian tactics are NOW common knowledge".....
National Organization of Women now use Rovian tactics?
)O(
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Dan, your attempt is pathetic but it is funny. If you are serious then you are as deluded as McCain.
We were treated to Obama's humor and, just like everything else about this man, it's pure class.
OT: COLORA-DONE! Rumors confirmed that McCain is admitting defeat in Colorado.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/17/9169...
get ahead in the polls w/no signs of stopping and you can drop your defenses a little. i like it. he sounds even more like a normal person now.
So, all these things they seem to take so seriously when most of us are watching, are really just a big joke? That's good to know.
Palin shilling for McCain, Joe the Plumber shilling also? Let's find out which comedy writers were shilling for McCain. Leno's writers?
They only pay comedy writers in shillings?
How do they afford their recreational narcotics?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
I personally still highly favor the likes of Kucinich and Nader (outright progressives and, proudly, Peaceniks!). But a war-loving nation provides little sanctuary for noble spirits such as them or Jesus Christ.
However, the more I observe and listen to BO, I find him refreshingly energetic, highly intelligent, extremely personable, and even brilliant. As it is- the Ds are my (often reluctant) choice within the grotesquely flawed duopoly- simply in opposition to the racists and bigots on the other side.
Barack Obama will put a young, vibrant and humane face on the U.S. before the world. It should be a sea-change from the violent, criminal-infested disease that ruined this country the past 8 years.
BO's self-deprecations were refreshing and delightful. And the sporting jabs (never put lipstick on a pig or a pit bull) really hit the spot! Way to go, BO!
... over McGramps' Jackie Mason Catskills schtick need to remind yourselves that this is a guy with a volcanic temper who made cruel jokes about Chelsea Clinton and who has countenanced (and supported) the horrible things said about Obama at his and Palin's rallies.
He's an angry asshole. His "comedy" is self-serving.
Oh, sure, he delivered his "lines" with comedic aplomb. So what? As somebody else suggested, he can hone his timing to his heart's content on the geriatric circuit down in Arizona.
Wow. Something tastes bitter in here.
Get over this whole "McCain is so angry" thing. If smooth and cool were the hallmarks of the ideal president, then we'd vote in Billy D. Williams. If Dems end up getting Obama elected over the good, experienced candidates that were available (Hillary, Biden, et al), then it is setting up another Republican dynasty. And in case you're wondering what happens when an inexperienced candidate gets elected, just review the Carter administration and the mistake after mistake they made.
I know, I know. Obama will be different. I hope you're right. I fear you're wrong. Judging on the variety of goofs he's already made ("Look, folks, . . . here are the facts" is going to be a tired phrase). This "fundamental change" he's promising will be the first one he ever produces, judging on what extremely little background he has to provide. We didn't nominate Hillary and now we're in for a hurtin'. You heard it here first.
I didn't see this little party but saw some snippets of it on the news... Look folks, all hateful attitude, all devisive politics, all style points on humor delivery aside.. I think, if these two guys, these two candidates, for president, can go to an event together, get along and poke a little fun at each other and themselves without it turning into a fist fight... I think that's OK, That's a good thing even... Maybe if these two can get along face to face...and show this to the huddled masses supporting each of them.. Well, maybe some of the rest of us can dial down the hateful bullshit juuustt a tad... And I don't mean the blogging,.... I rant with the best of them and say some pretty pointed things frequently... No, it's the fate of the nation, so everyone needs to weigh in if they feel they got something to say.. No, the bullshit I'm talking about is the rabid rehavior at the rallies.. The confrontational shit between average working stiffs from both sides of the political aile.... The face to face shit ya just know is sooner or later going to get someone hurt...the tearing down support signs in each others yards.. the generic political vandalism, the outbursts advocating violence at rallies being attended by the candidates or their VP choices that go unchallenged by these cadidates or their handlers.. That ain't nothing but bad for us and our system.
Look, IF the candidates themselves can take a moment out of the political warfare to laugh at themselves.. Maybe we all ought to take a hint and cut each of ourselves and those we disagree with a little slack... Just a little, just to the extent that we don't pick up a clubs and pickaxes and start beating each other over the head.... Regardless of any history one can point out, that really ain't what this shit is suppose to be about.... Our kind of democracy can flurish and be successful if only a few things can be observed.. One is respectful disagreement verses a bloody my way or a bullet in your head, the other is making sure the electing process has not been tampered with in such a way that the validity of the results come into question.. So far in this century, we as a people have botched both of these... There are reasons for this, but my point is that we ought to let this particular event based around humor and lightening up be a sort of bell weather event that informs all of us to just stop the hating and start evaluating, figure out who we back and why and just go out and vote our conscience without all the rest of the negative violent bullshit many have gotten caught up in to one extent or another....JD
Thank you for this comment - reality check time. The candidates can do it, so can we.
Obama dressed up in white tie reminds me that the WH correspondents dinner will hopefully have Obama as its most distinguished guest. Colbert as returning guest speaker please.
Come January, if the polls hold and Barack wins in November, I can truly say with all confidence that I won't be embarrassed on who represents this nation as President of the United States of America.
I'm surprised everybody seems to agree McCain was funnier. I laughed more at Obama--I think I must have just had more of a soft spot for the absurd factor being higher in his routine. There's something hilarious about Obama's Obamaness when he's telling me he was sent from Krypton to save the world or that his middle name is Steve. Also subtle things like "Who is Barack Obama? It's right on my Facebook page," which plays off of the McCain's portrayal of him as a shallow celebrity kid and at the same time reminds us he's the one who knows how to use the Internet and appeals to the young people. (Okay, no joke is funny when you explain it.) Which is why he's the only one of the two who can at all convincingly say "I might be a little too awesome."
Not that I thought McCain was bad at all. I laughed during his. I just giggled a lot more at Obama and his spilled lattes and Paparazzi outside Spago's.
McCain was on Letterman, admitted he screwed up. Letterman brough up G. Gordon Liddy, havn't heard that for a while and need to study the scandal.
Obama wins again. Much funnier.
Now Barack's campaign slips up again...
http://njfrogman.blogspot.com/2008/10/barack-...
McCain was really funny. He seems to have missed his true calling.
His lines were better delivered - Obama was a bit dogged in his presentation.
That said, the lines were good, and both came off well. Had this been the debate, though, McCain would have won!
And believe me, I am for OBAMA 100% However, to the question:Who do you think is funnier? -the polls would have shown
McCain 60% Obama 40%
Whatever, it was a great night of fun and Hillary and Bill got a real ragging from both candidates.
McCain was much funnier. Where's his video.
I thought they both did a good job in delivering their jokes. Naturaly Obama looked good in his tux what a great smile he has.
As for the performance of both men, I agree with several posts. Why make this about politics. They were both funny and respectful and it set an example I wish many of you would follow. Just because you don't like him does not mean you need to get personal. If we do not get to a point in this country where we can disagree with respect we will not survive.
Notice him could mean either?
Obama is not funny. He is full of himself and has not a clue how to deliver a joke. The man exudes arrogance. Good luck to all who vote for this guy. Socialism fails every single time it is tried. How is he different? All of you folks who believe that his tax increases, government handouts, and lovefest for the world's dictators is for best are in for a rude awakening.
A fleeting moment of celebrity does nothing. It will be the American people that take Obama to the cleaners. America will have our say with Obama in one way or another when media trolls say nothing for America. The words across America are clear and precise and with meaning and dignity for all.
"A Bullet For Obama"
Repeat those words, America. We know them well, and we know the reason.
This is the new American chant of our own. And it brings definite results for the betterment of us all, our families and our children, and all of our futures.
Repeated over and over, all across America. In every corner, on every street, in every office, in every business, in every home, in every school, in every hospital, in every courtroom, in every police station, in every fire department.
A Bullet For Obama
It's time America had our say, for a change.
A Bullet For Obama
McCain was funny. No buts about it. Doesn't mean he's going to win the race. Just means for one night he was better than Obama.
And his remarks about Keith Olbermann and MSNBC were spot on. In case anyone was wondering if they were, just check out NBC anchor Brian Williams laughing and applauding that joke in the background. Keith Olbermann's ego is bordering on too much and his response to McCain's digs was beyond weak. He tried some mock stand up thing that was limper than the rug that should have been pulled out from under him. You would have been better off just not saying anything, Keith, but instead you decided to act petty again.
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