(NEWSCOM)
What up, homes? McCain’s bad day at the ranch
By Jimmy Orr | 08.22.08
By anyone’s measure “There’s Got to be A Morning After,” is a terrible song - with all due respect to Maureen McGovern fan (s).
But, undoubtedly, the McCain team was clinging to it yesterday after a simple interview led to an all-out war witnessed in campaign speeches, television advertising, television news coverage, blogs, emails, twitters, radio, and even the most rudimentary of news media - the newspaper.
It was a simple question: How many homes do you own? Although polling is not yet available, conventional wisdom would indicate that most Americans can answer that question. An unscientific newsroom poll here at the Monitor backed that conventional wisdom: 100 percent of those polled could answer the question without hesitation. Remember, this was an unscientific poll, however. And the margin for error was 3 percentage points. So technically speaking the results could be 97 percent to 3 percent.
But the answer wasn’t simple for presidential candidate John McCain.
An aerial assault
As a result, both camps sprang into action. One on offense and one on defense. Defense may win football games, but yesterday’s offensive attack could make Peyton Manning look like an interception-laden slug.
Barack Obama’s campaign hit hard and fast. Within minutes of the story going live on the Internet, an email was sent out from the Obama campaign:
“This story about John McCain losing track of how many houses he owns is a telling moment that helps to explain why he still thinks ‘the fundamentals of our economy are strong’ and why he offers just more of the same economic policies that we’ve gotten from President Bush for the last eight years.”
Talking points
At a town hall meeting in Virginia, Obama was on message:
“If you don’t know how many houses you have then it’s not surprising that you might think that the economy was fundamentally strong,” Obama said. “But if you are like me and have one house or you are like the millions of people who are struggling to keep up with their mortgage so they don’t lose their home, you might have a different perspective.”
As if he had psychic abilities, prospective vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine was also on message:
“I understand that Senator McCain was asked yesterday this question, ‘how many houses do you own?’ And he couldn’t answer that question,” Kaine said on CNN. “He couldn’t count high enough apparently…”
Comedy point from Kaine for that last line.
Film at 11
News anchors, always looking for catchy catch-phrases, uttered the line “John McCain’s personal housing crisis” endlessly and led their newscasts with:
“The presidential contest came down to this today: a question one candidate couldn’t answer … Just as Obama would stress a more populist message, he heard news today of an inadvertent and totally unexpected assist making his point from John McCain.”
“…the Senator’s answer was pretty surprising. He essentially said he didn’t know how many homes he and his wife Cindy actually own and that was an answer the Obama campaign quickly predicted that working class middle class middle class families would have a pretty tough time understanding.
“John McCain was asked a simple question . In Chester, Virginia this morning, Barack Obama pounced.”
Roll out the ads
By this time, the Obama ad team launched a new spot titled “Seven” (in reference to one account of how many homes McCain owns).
“Maybe you’re struggling just to pay the mortgage on your home,” the spot begins.
Oh yeah?
Then a unique twist occurred when a McCain spokesman turned into Tony Soprano when asked about the housing issue. The spokesman said the reporter should focus their energies on Obama’s house by stating, “It’s a fricking mansion.”
The McCain team launched their own ad called “Housing Problem” which attempted to turn the tables on Obama by discussing Obama’s “mansion” and his ties to a shady campaign supporter.
Two hard-hitting ads on housing in merely hours. It was an impressive outing by the advertising folks.If the housing policies of these two candidates are as quick and effective as the housing ads, then the foreclosure crisis could be over by the end of January, 2009.
On to a new day. Next up? Something much more calm. Like maybe a vice presidential announcement.
<< McCain, Obama and how many homes? | MainComments
2. Cal Carter | 08.22.08
The response to Senator McCain’s stumble is revealing Mr. Obama as a very trite little man.
3. Steve from Maryland | 08.22.08
I don’t really care how many homes Senator McCain owns, but I am concerned about the fact that Senator Obama was only able to purchase his $1,200,000 home with the assistance of his close friend Tony Rezko, an indicted political fixer who has now been convicted of bribing public officials.
5. Allen R. | 08.22.08
McCain aught to be ashamed of himself portraying his opponent as a celebrity while he lives like a one.
6. EB | 08.22.08
I want a president that will be understanding of the American People and that means the epidimic of Foreclosure. I don’t think JMac knows what that means. There is alot of homelessness in our country and it’s growing.
7. Tom Walker | 08.22.08
Seems the media and CSM in particular did not feel that it was important that Mr. Obama purchased his home, worth $1.3 million using a known felon as an intermediary. But hey there is no bias in the press, particularly when your guy is dead even in the poles.
9. greg | 08.22.08
If my choice is between a guy who doesn’t know how many houses he has and a guy who doesn’t know when life begins, I’ll take the guy who doesn’t know how many houses he has…
10. Unis from NY | 08.22.08
McCain’s personal life has been a growing concern for me. Whether it’s stories about his first wife Janice Laurence-McCain, Lobbyist connections, POW experience and Keating Five. I think the shine is starting fade from McCain.
11. chrispc88 | 08.22.08
So tell me again, why do I care how many homes McCain has? As long as Obama is pushing for more and bigger government programs (such as his Health Care plan) - I’ll be voting for McCain. McCain can have a 1000 homes, so long as he keeps his fingers out of my wallet.
12. Scupper | 08.22.08
The list goes on and on and on.
$500 loafers….
10 Houses/Condos
$100 million wifey (McCain decided to “trade-up” in 1973. So while he was still living with his 1st wife (the one who reared their three children while he was in a Vietnamese prison), he started aggressively courting a 25-year-old woman who was as beautiful as she was rich)…
family jet…
You know…just your AVERAGE Joe… er… ELITIST…. right John?
Can you believe they try to paint Obama as an elitists? It’s laughable and the GOP lemmings just gobble that stuff up.
What a shame that anyone with common sense will even consider voting for McCain.
13. Jim | 08.22.08
Regardless of context, I doubt McCain could actually remember. His old age was most likely what kept him from recalling such a simple answer off the top of his head. The media didn’t have to do a thing here, and a president who can’t remember how many houses he has, the countries that border Iraq, the office of Putin, or even tell his own constituents that the economy needs serious fixing, isn’t fit to hold office.
14. EB | 08.22.08
I agree that JMac should be shame for a lot of choices he made in his life. I don’t think he understand what is really going on. I think he still think he is in the 70’s with VN. The generation today is techies and you don’t get it you are out of touch. Baby boomers today keep up with the times. Wake up! J Mac
15. brian shea | 08.22.08
Wake up America we (the middle class pay the rent!) McCains utter disregard for the regular people is astounding.It’s the classic story of the haves and the have not’s.The simple equation is if your republican, I have mine and to hell with everybody else,and while we’re at it, the way lets figure out how to squeeze every last penny for our profit and give less to the consumer.My family are life long Democrats and have served from WWII until the 80’s.We need to take our country back from the neo-cons or we are finished! Eight years of misery, enough already!Go Dems!
16. Bruce Jones | 08.22.08
Just like George W. Bush, just like George H.W. Bush, just like Phil Gramm, just like all the other millionaire politicians posing as populists, John McCain has no more idea what life is like for average working Americans than what it must be like to be a 12 year old girl living in Bangladesh. He’s pretending to be an “average guy” and a straight talker, but the truth is, he’s anything BUT.
17. greg | 08.22.08
@Scupper…
What exactly is wrong with being wealthy? How much is Obama’s house? 4 million? I really don’t think you want to get into a class warfare debate. Oh, yes you do. You are a liberal. Somehow it’s wrong in this country to be successful. How utterly sad for you. Move to Russia.
18. bob | 08.22.08
Ok lets be real
McCain has 2 serious problems here.
The big one he s too old to be elected the proof
his memory is playing tricks, he cant remember his own real estate.
Next he ll forget he s running or he was elected common man lol….
The second problem
No memory and too many houses bad combination.
If you cant manage your own finance how can you
mange America well you cant.
McCain claims to be in touch with the working class? When he collect the rent
probably?
On that one lol again I ll let you be the judge.
19. Undecided | 08.22.08
Please check your information Sea Ration. Question was not how many houses does he own. Thereforte the article here is not very accurate.
Voice of The Politico’s Mike Allen (unidentified): “How many houses do you and Mrs. Mccain have?”
20. Robert | 08.22.08
I’m not saying this is an incredibly newsworthy discussion, and it certainly does not warrent the amount of attention it got (which can be said about a lot of things McCain has been harping about lately, i.e. Paris & Brit)…but come on, if a guy can’t answer something as simple as “how many houses do you own” then he is clearly out of touch on some level.
21. Nic H | 08.22.08
I find it amusing that all the mccain supporters are calling Obama childish when last week they were thinking it hip to call him a celebrity for being charismatic. Apparently mccain having the wealth and lifestyle of a celebrity does not matter, its having people think you are interesting and wanting to hear what you say that makes you a celebrity.
Its very telling of the conservative mindset(nothing we do is wrong or out of the ordinary).
22. Chris | 08.22.08
Since when did we begin thinking that success was a negative for our leaders?
I want the President to be successful at something other than politics. Has Mr. Obama ever been successful outside of the political arena? Why don’t you report that Michelle Obama received a very healthy (+$200,000/yr) raise in her position when Mr. Obama was elected Senator?
23. ds | 08.22.08
McCain has no grasp of how everyday americans live. hes a liar, a crook just the same as Bush. Wake up people.
24. Mike, Jacksonville Fl. | 08.22.08
I certainly understand McCain’s hesitation. How many homes do you own? Is that how many we occupy, how many we rent out, how many family members occupy that are owned by trusts?
It is important that Mr.Obama hits this “gaff” hard, opening the door to his own real estate holding. Beyond the sweet deal he received when Mrs.Rezco paid full price right for her lot, did the fifteen foot sale from Mrs.Rezco to the Obamas render her parcel unbuildable?
If that is the case, how can anyone in their right mind consider that transaction anything but influence peddling?
25. greg | 08.22.08
I also find it ironic that all you libs bash Mccain for his old age ALL THE TIME. Didn’t the civil rights movement cover age discrimination too? You guys sound like a bunch of whiny bigots and hypocrites.
26. Neftali Ortiz | 08.22.08
Wow, my fellow christians how low can we go. 1% of our population holds more money than the other 99% combined. If 5 million is rich than how do we explain paying a large portion of our population the min wage. How christian we are, I’m sure thats just how God wanted it. Save me of the same corupt conservative agenda, not this time. I am glad abortion is not the main topic this time amoung conservatives. I have never been able to get one of those holy rollers to admit to adopting, fostering, mentoring or helping a child. Whole life is the way to go, post this.
27. bob | 08.22.08
to Greg I ll answer quickly nothing wrong with being rich are you kidding
in the contrary but if you cant mange your own
wealth because you are losing your memory because you are too old
thats more than a problem thats actually dangerous and McCain
is dangerous…
28. Undecided | 08.22.08
@Greg
According to your oldie favorite Obama is not Rich if he is valued under 5 million.
McCain is the one who tried painting Obama as elitist. Now that it is blowing up in his face “there is nothing wrong with being wealthy”.
29. Nuclear Tiger | 08.22.08
The very idea of any politician–or anyone else, for that matter–who makes over a million dollars a year having a true understanding of the economic realities of a family of four making less than $50,000 a year is simply absurd. Less than 10% of American households make more than $100,000 a year. This is a very telling example of how out of touch with the American Everyman McCain really is.
30. Cleftwain | 08.22.08
I’m bemused that Sea Ration defends McCain’s need to “reflect” on how many houses “HE” owns. If my wife owned property as well as myself I would be in touch enough with reality to know the amount of houses “Each” of us own.
Also, I didn’t know we had troops stationed in Europe, Japan or Korea for the last 100 years (I believe it is appox. 60 yrs for Japan and Europe, less for Korea). We are in these countries with their permission. Iraq is already setting up a timetable to get us out of their country. Are we supposed to leave troops there against their wishes? No shame on the media here and the public is not as gullible as some would like to think.
31. rachel | 08.22.08
This is unbelievable. People brush off the fact that McCain is just another rich Washington politician, but then you slam Obama on his one home? Remember McCain also said that being “Rich” starts at an annual salary of 5 million. I guess that makes most of the American public living in poverty. This guy is obviously out of touch with the struggles of most American families, which is the point Obama is trying to make. He’s not being trite, he’s pointing out something that is actually important to many voters. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m sick of these blue blood royal sons controlling the lives of people whose lives they cant possibly comprehend. And then they call Obama an elitist celebrity? Give me a break, if you can’t see through that then open your eyes. We can’t keep electing the same people over and over to different political positions and expect things to change. McCain voted in line with Bush 95% of the time. If you’ve been happy with this administration, go right ahead and vote for McSame.
32. Shannon from NH | 08.22.08
I think it’s important to keep in mind that so many of the people who represent us in government live lifestyles everyday Americans can only dream of. Most of us are lucky if we still own a house, or hold a job, as so many have been lost in the past 8 years. Most Americans won’t earn $1 million in their lifetime, so does it really matter if its a $1 million house or a $13 million collection of houses? McCain and Obama both seem ready to portray the other as a wealthy, sneaky politician who is eager to swindle the American voter. I would rather hear more media coverage of their plans to get America’s housing crisis under control, or how to keep jobs in America, or how to secure a sustainable economy for ourselves and future generations. Both campaigns obviously have teams who can respond to the public’s questions within hours, so why don’t they give us a reason to vote for them. I know I’ll only have two choices in a few months time when I vote, but I’d prefer to vote for someone rather than against someone.
33. robt | 08.22.08
I think the more interesting question to be spawned from this will be how Oscama acquired his home. Can you spell mortgage scam via R-E-Z-K-O; the convicted scumbag slum lord turned thug. Oscama will rue the day he opened this Pandora’s Box.
34. Merlin Casada | 08.22.08
This is so petty and pathetic, it hardly deserves a response, but I wil anyway.Is this not a free country? Can you not benefit from your own achievements? Have you paid your dues to the country for property ownership? Can O’bama answer any of these questions with answers that are genuine and then verify his own accomplishments? Obama is running a popularity campaign and can show little reason to justify his qualifications to be President of the USA. Let those who have earned the right of achievements be given respect and those who have given “nothing” to the country (Obama)continue to breathe and expel air in the country where the John McCains have made it safe for them to do so.
35. Ed Nelson | 08.22.08
When Obamma told of his rather modest early life, I wonder
what he swapped for the mansion he calls home far more than
I worry about McCain who with his wife have a long history
of wealth, and which are his, which are hers, and which is
“their’s”.
I also wonder what happened to O’s earlier promises to run a
positive campaign. I think this shows he is really not the second coming and he would have us believe, but just another
greed filled politican
36. Free Thinker | 08.22.08
I think it’s funny that John McCain runs an ad comparing Obama to Paris Hilton. McCain, after all, married a blonde heiress. Now he can’t keep track of how many houses he and the blonde heiress own together. Perhaps he should have stayed with his first wife, instead of leaving her when she was ill. Finally, if you subscribe to the Bush doctrine on torture (as McCain now does), then McCain himself was never “tortured” at the Hanoi Hilton and the anti-American statements he made to his captors are, in fact, truthful and accurate intelligence.
37. LOL | 08.22.08
I love this…President Maverick can’t answer the very simple question of how many homes he owns (by the way, he’s vacationing in 1 of them right now in elitist Sedona)…so much for his supposed ability to speak off the cuff?
Also, I can’t wait to see the Keating 5 scandal come back into view. McCain, his family, and their baby-sitter had made nine trips at Keating’s expense, sometimes aboard Keating’s jet. Three of the trips were made during vacations to Keating’s opulent Bahamas retreat at Cat Cay. Obama’s relationship with Rezko over his purchase of 1 home with money he actually earned, not inherited from his wife, pales in comparison.
38. chrispc88 | 08.22.08
And how many ‘average joe’ people actually run for president anyway? Obama is an elitist because he has virtually no experience (couple years in the US senate - give me a break) and presumes to have the ability to run the greatest, most powerful country in the world? Elitist is applied to Obama for his attitude, not his money. An example out of politics that I can think of, would be Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. I’m an Apple fan, but I would sooner call Jobs an ‘elitist’ any day of the week. Gates has more money, but he doesn’t have the ‘I’m better’ attitude.
39. Syd Binati | 08.22.08
And this is the crux I am in — the GOP portrays McCain as being in touch with the common man and derides his opponent for going to college and eating healthy. Meanwhile, McCain is unable to answer a question be it from not knowing or not being able to form a palatable response. How is it that the man who owns seven houses worth more than what I’ll make in my life understands my problems? How can he understand how much inflation and poor economic policy is crushing the middle class, pushing them into the lower class? He simply wants to lower taxes and keep the top 1% comfortably in the top 1%. Don’t fool yourself that the man who has his own personal jet has anything to do with the common American.
40. Kb | 08.22.08
This is where we hit McCain now…
Invocation of the candidate’s POW past is weird bordering on irrational: http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/08/in_his_house_there_are_many_ma.html
Go Joe! We need you now!!! Noun verb POW.Noun verb POW.Noun verb POW.
–
Kevin B
I’m saying it now: President Barack H. Obama, Jr., 2009 - 2017
41. Ken | 08.22.08
Do you people know how many houses you own? I bet most people even know how many houses their wives own. If he wants to talk about Obama being out of touch with working Americans this is fair game.
I wish we could spend more time talking about real issues but people don’t seem to care about that. The issues are a losing argument in today’s politics. Don’t blame the media, blame the public.
42. Jerry | 08.22.08
So many frightened people to address, so little time! I’ll hit Bruce Jones, because he’s the latest fraidy-cat at this point: Bruce writes: “What exactly is wrong with being wealthy? How much is Obama’s house? 4 million? I really don’t think you want to get into a class warfare debate. Oh, yes you do. You are a liberal. Somehow it’s wrong in this country to be successful. How utterly sad for you. Move to Russia.” Okay Bruce, point by point; there is nothing “wrong” with being wealthy. Obama’s house is worth one million (nothing to brag about, even here in Orlando). I DO want to get into a class warfare debate, and yes I am a liberal. It’s not wrong to be successful, greed is the problem. I’m not sad, I’m elated to finally have a fabulous candidate representing me, and no, I’m not moving to Russia. This is my country, and even you are welcome to stay.
44. Phil | 08.22.08
It’s about time Obama hits McCain hard and consistently. I think Obama has shown too much respect for McCain. It’s interesting that some of McCain’s supporters would assail Obama for critizing McCain when it’s what he has done to Obama for the past several weeks. McCain is as dumb as George Bush, he almost failed military school and wasn’t a good pilot, why he got shot down in the first place. Republicans seem to elect dumb leaders, like Bush and now McCain.
45. Nic H | 08.22.08
Conservatives truly amaze me. They are fine with McCain being wealthy, of having no idea how to make an honest dollar or of even having a clue about the economy. In fact, they willingly ignore the fact that John McCain has multiple houses/condos and then attack Obama for having a house worth a couple million? Want to add up how much McCain has spent on his dwellings? No, because they dont care. Conservatives really do not care about what negative things their own people do. They would rather focus on political talking points. “Obama has a mansion! He is an elitist! He is a celebrity!”
Im not sure how these people can claim to be the moral majority when their have no morals.
47. robt | 08.22.08
UNDECIDED -
If you want to be accurate (as a Liberal I know it’s not all that important to you) McCain owns no houses for 2 very legitimate reasons. His residences are in his wife’s name and the investment properties are in a trust which he does not control. A Trust is considered it own entity much like a corporation. Again, I hate to confuse you with mere facts.
48. Joe LoDico | 08.22.08
Since when in America is it a sin to have wealth? His wife is rich, after years in a POW he should be embarrassed about how many houses his wife owns? How ttrivial. I am more concerned about Obamas’ connections to terrorists and corrupt businessmen who incidently put the Obamas in their mansion. i might add for a price and a mortgage no common American family could obtain. people in galass houses….we know how that goes.
49. Scupper | 08.22.08
Isn’t this really a sign that a McCain administration would bring us another four years of “I don’t recall” governance? I mean, I know the play worked for Reagan, Bush, and Gonzales. But haven’t we had about enough of Republican “leaders” who can never recall a damn thing about anything they do? Puh-lease.
Many working people in America have to work two and three jobs to provide for their families and pay their home loans. John McCain hops on a private jet and picks out a mansion, and tells his limo to meet him at on the tarmack.
McCain’s velvet world leaves him utterly unprepared to make the tough choices we need to restore equality for ALL Americans.
50. greg | 08.22.08
@Jerry
First, get your facts straight, ok? Obama’s house is worth over 4 million.
And the names not Bruce. What defines “greed” to you? Should the government intervene when it think a person is being too greedy? So if a guy has 8 houses, the government should make him give 5 of them to the poor? Seriously man, move to Russia.
51. AP | 08.22.08
The issue is not that McCain doesn’t know how many houses he owns, which is a pathetic answer anyway, but he atually has the audacity of telling Obama elitist that is the new height of hypocrisy McCain is out to spread. How out of touch McCain is with most americans. He actually needs his staff to answer this question…c’mon now take a pick McCain 6,7, 8 or what.
52. Christine Hall | 08.22.08
Big deal. So he invests in real estate… I invest in the stock market and I can’t tell you how many stocks I own. I’d have to check and get back to you. Yawn.
Is this really the best Obama can do? McCain should have ignored the tempest in a teapot.
53. Dave | 08.22.08
Why does everyone keep bringing up Rezko? Sha’ll The Democrats start bringing up the Keating 5 incident? You DON’T want to go there.
And about Obama buying his house, the original homeowners came forward and told the media that there were no underhanded tactics used in the purchasing of the home. Everything done in purchasing the house and the land adjoining the house was Legal and Obama & family did nothing wrong.
54. cecil9 | 08.22.08
When I first heard this “news” and the intensity of followup, I immediately deduced it as a media event perpetuated by democrats. I mean, SO WHAT? Mrs McCain drew up a pre-nup and I understand some of the properties are tied up in trusts for the children, so it is very understandable that John would not know exactly how many houses they own–wasn’t the question “how many houses do you and Cindy own?” Get real here–if your wife has 90% of the money and makes her own financial decisions, and you are running an intensly difficult campaign, what would be your reasonable response to such a question? You would not be sure, right? So you say you will get back with the answer after you find out. I mean, this entire fuss is overdone and ridiculously stupid.
55. AP | 08.22.08
McCain should have answered the houses question by telling….umm but the surge works…um drill now drill here. Can we get a dumber presidential candidate then McCain.
56. K | 08.22.08
Seriously… what IS the problem here? Why is the amount of homes question relevant again?
58. JL | 08.22.08
John and Cindy have seven homes, a private jet and no kids. Now that’s a family that can relate to a former factory worker in western Pennsylvania.
60. Jim | 08.22.08
He looks like a bumbling fool. If he doesn’t have a handle on his own (or his wife’s) finances how will he manage the nations? Let’s face it he’s had yet another senior moment.
61. Aaron | 08.22.08
Sea Ration, you ignorant freak. The question was how many houses does he and Cindy own, not how many houses does just John McCain own. All you have to read is the first line in the article.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12685.html
62. ericmiami | 08.22.08
The neocons will defend anything, no matter how absurd. McCain is plainly addled.
63. Jeff E llis | 08.22.08
If we have to have a president that “understands” us, and that is exemplified by how many homes he has and knowing how many he owns….
Then we need a sick president who understands the health care crisis
and a financially poor one, and maybe one with difficulty paying for his kids college education and, well…all kinds of trouble.
Then he will be a really good president.
64. JD | 08.22.08
Mr. McCain cheated on his first wife in a despicable fashion. Why does no one want to talk about this?
Mr. McCain was also a supporter of Charles Keating in the 1980s.
Mr. McCain helped our country “forget” about many missing POWs from Vietnam as nonexistent.
Mr. McCain was AGAINST helping our present war veterans. He voted AGAINST the bill and did not support it
66. Elaine | 08.22.08
As a middle class American who can count the one house she owns, I don’t feel that McCain can begin to come close to understanding what my concerns are. Especially since he and his wife can afford to purchase a $500,000 condo for their children. I will be lucky to be able to afford to put my son through college.
As far as the references to Tony Rezko are concerned, please remember that McCain has some dirt of his own regarding real estate purchases. Remember the Keating Five and the fact that McCain was censured by Congress?
67. C. Casperson | 08.22.08
Both candidates are rich. This is a stupid issue and not really worthy of the C.S.Monitors attention or anyone’s for that matter.
The idea that a wealthy person cannot feel compassion for a former factory worker is ridiculous. What is more interesting is how Obama got his wealth.
But the media loves to focus on trivialities ….
68. ThePoint | 08.22.08
The point is, McCain is wealthy but he DOESN’T think he and his wealthy friends should pay more taxes than they do right now; Obama is considerably less wealthy than McCain but he (Obama) DOES think that he and people like him SHOULD pay more than they do so that middle class Americans can pay less and the American government can remain solvent!
69. pgo | 08.22.08
The only reason the Obama campaign grabbed at this is that McCain, (who had an affair with his trophy wife to be, then dumped his wife for the big bucks blonde) has been putting out the absurd view that Senator Obama is somehow a celebrity elite candidate of the ilk of Paris Hilton.
Obama - the son of a Kenyan father and raised by his Kansas mom and grandparents is about as far from Paris Hilton as McCain is from understanding what the average American is all about. It’s not likely that thousands of fans flocked to the library to watch Barack study or showed up on the South side of Chicago to go to meetings with steel workers who lost their jobs.
McCain the 4th generation son of Generals, married into the 100 million dollar Beer co. fortune, can’t even remember how many homes he owns, so much for being elite and out of touch!
70. AP | 08.22.08
How many homes do you own. I think — I’ll have my staff get to you,” McCain replied - WHAT.
C’mon even Warren Buffet knows how many homes he owns. A new height of hypocrisy of telling your opponent elitist. Ahhh - can we call it biggest gaffe of McCain campaign so far.
71. Superpower | 08.22.08
If this is all Obama can come up with, then Obama is doomed. This is school-boy style politics. Where’s Obama’s propeller hat?..and his comedic sidekick Kaine. Hey Kaine, how many more nights will you be playing the Ramada Room out by the airport? Unlike the masses of Socialist Obama followers, hard working Americans dream of owning real estate beyond that of their own home. This will surely backfire on the Obama camp. Here’s some real questions: As a voter I am interested in viewing Obama’s entire medical records as well as his complete State Senate record, University of Illinois school records, and information related to Obama’s work with non-profit committees. Answer these hard questions Mr.community organizer.
72. Ron | 08.22.08
greg greg greg Obama’s House was purchased for 1.6 million dollars. The sellers had it listed for 1.9 million dollars. I probably could have purchased the house for less.Then he bought a sliver of land next door for $124.000 which was owned by Rezco. Unlike John McCain I’m sure that you know how to use a computer. Google Keating 5 . The issue here is not that he has so many houses, It’s that he can’t remember how many.
73. Mark | 08.22.08
Who cares how many homes one owns or if he didn’t want to answer the question from Politico. What has me suspicious is the article above apparantly supports Obama as evidenced by the way it “praises” the way the news media and Obama camp came up with it’s nifty one liners.
74. spearlife | 08.22.08
i think that McCain and Obama should both live together in a house like THE REAL WORLD.
that way we can understand their day to day living ideals. like, are they slobs, does either of them hog the bathroom, which one sleeps in too much, elements of this nature. then the american people will REALLY know which candidate to choose in NOVEMBER !!!…….im not kidding either
75. Dude | 08.22.08
McCain and his wife spent $254,000 for CLEANING Staff at their house(s) in 2007. How many people in this country even make that much? He pays for for maid service than 98% of the people in the US make each year.
Who is Elite here? The guy who taught law school and who’s wife worked… ie they both had jobs… bought house and live in it
or the guy who dumped his first wife who was a model after her car crash and married a cheerleader with a $100 million trust fund. Who bought another vacation house in Coronado CA because their kids were always using the other vacation house across the street.
76. Jason | 08.22.08
@ Greg
i’d rather go with a guy who admits he doesn’t know when life begins because different people believe differently. Your religion might tell you at conception someone elses might say at 6 weeks……….
have the last 7.5 years really worked for you? if you are int he $5 Mil. and higher bracket then i guess i understand…….
77. Mahesh | 08.22.08
A person who is so rich that he doesn’t know how many homes he has can’t possibly understand the plight of the American people. All he wants to focus on is how he’s going to fight more wars at the tax payers’ expense.
78. BK | 08.22.08
I’m from Chicago and Senator Obama’s home is not valued at anywhere near $4 million. The issue isn’t about how much money either candidate has. Most polititions running for president are rich. Its about McCain not knowing. Another Reagan asleep at the switch?
79. adam | 08.22.08
ever since this happened, i, too have been struggling with the same question: how many houses do I own? do i count condos? properties i own but no one lives in but the maids or butlers? do those count? condos? are those houses? what really is ” a house?” what if my property in the french alps has 6 separate houses on the same estate? is that 6 houses or 1. honestly, i think most americans would struggle with this question, too…
80. David | 08.22.08
Am I the only one who sees the the hipocrisy on the right? Al Gore mentioned that he was proud of sponsoring legislation that led to the creation of the internet and suddenly the right pounced on the statement and said he claimed to “invent” the internet. But, McCain doesn’t know how many houses he owns and the left jumps on that and it’s horrible? What’s good for the goose…
81. P.C.Chapman | 08.22.08
#3 Steve,
What is your per diem from the GOP? Great transition. “Look, Haleys comet”.
82. JG | 08.22.08
McHypocrite is what I say.
If he AND his wife have so many homes that it takes him more than two seconds to recount, then he is wealthy and out of touch.
This whole arguement between the two camps on who is rich is become futile. The OBVIOUS FACT is that McCain is many times over richer than Obama. So he should shut up and drop the subject.
83. Matt | 08.22.08
John McCain is way out of touch, and the Democrats are playing hard ball this time around… Obama is much more fit to lead this country than the tired old McCain… its very apparent to me… Obama08
84. LJF75 | 08.22.08
John “W” McCain knows how many houses he has. He was just fishing for a good answer. One that would paint him as a regular guy. He could have answered truthfully “My wife and I are blessed with the where-with-all to own several beautiful homes.” But he stammered.
The thing is that the Republican Party is not the party of the fiscal conservatives. It’s not that since Reagan was President it has become the party, in George H. W. Bush’s words, of ‘Voodoo Economics.’ It was thus in the 1920’s and 1930’s when Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover were President. Bush’s tenure, while worse, is a Presidency they would be proud of, especially since it doesn’t make them look so god-awful bad.
85. Brian | 08.22.08
“McCain owns no houses…”
It’s nice that you know this, Robt, and still very disturbing that McCain doesn’t. McCain is just another aging rich guy still trying to grab as much power as he can before he pops off. After the absolute catastrophe his party had made of the US, I wouldn’t trust another Republican with as much as looking after my cat, never mind a whole country.
86. Marc | 08.22.08
McCain is unfit for command.
If he’s not even on top of his own assets, HOW’S HE GOING TO MANAGE THE FEDERAL BUDGET!?
87. bel | 08.22.08
Reality Check:
John McCain was born wealthy and is currently worth about $40 million dollars
Cindy McCain - net worth about $100 million dollars
Mitt Romney - net worth about $750 million dollars
Barack Obama - net worth about $4 million dollars with a $2 million mortgage due on his 1 house…
88. Rich | 08.22.08
Any way you look at it, it’s bad for McCain.
I am sure he doesen’t even pump his own gas for his vehicles, or for his jet set life.
McCain is far removed from the common man, then again so is Bush and people voted for this guy. We’ll see what McCain’s Karl Rove trolls will do to get him elected.
89. Heather | 08.22.08
Why should I be surprised that Senator John McCain doesn’t remember how many houses he owns? His wife can’t remember that she isn’t an only child. His staff can’t remember to check their lobby-passes at the campaign door.
90. Saxxon Domela | 08.22.08
Look you leftist pinkos, leave John McCain alone. Its not his fault if he doesn’t know how many houses he owns. His wife is a liberated woman, she can buy as many as she wants. Besides, you’re not being very respectful, he’s in his 70’s and should be venerated and loved for his wisdom, not his knowledge. Any damned fool can know facts, just look in the internets, it takes years and years of making mistakes to gain wisdom. Senator McCain has gained wisdom from a lot of his mistakes. He said he was imperfect. Look at the facts, he KNOWS life starts at conception. He is rock solid on that point according to the most important authority of all! Its the same authority that our great leader George Bush has turned to in moments of crisis. Senator McCain will continue all the great policies of George Bush, so leave him alone. This taunting, causing him to become confused in disoriented is totally unfair.
91. Sara | 08.22.08
I think it is a news point that a canadate who wants to run the United States does not even know how many homes he has. If he can’t keep track of that.. well… how is he supposed to keep track of anything else.
Homes are not a small purchase.
92. Chalie Chan | 08.22.08
To Joe - That’s right Joe - John McCain - Noun Verb POW!
Getting Old Joe - that was 36 years ago… what has he done since then but be part of Broken Washington! And being a POW does not qualify you for President nor is actually experience that is meaningful in leading a country - there were 630 POW’s during Viet Nam - they just didn’t have a famous father! And nearly everyone of them were offered early release - if they would sign a declaration! McCain signed it anyway!
PS. The Rezko Deal has been vetted and explored and investigated for TWO YEARS! There is absolutely no truth to ANY wrong doing or quid pro quo - and was investigated by the DOJ and FBI - NO CONNECTION to any of Rezko’s Wrong Doings! Can You say Keating FIVE?
My Friends - my new campaign stump speech, yes my friends - never forget - Noun Verb POW!!
NEXT!
93. PeeBo | 08.22.08
The man gets furiously angry.
The man can’t remember simple things.
The man doesn’t know the differences between the enemies of our country (shia vs. sunni).
The man fumbles and stumbles consistently.
The man has taken the low road from the start, and continues on it.
The man stopped being a maverick when he wanted to be president.
The man changes his positions more than Ron Jeremy.
The man, not remembering how many houses he owns, is out of touch with me…I remember that I have one…actually the bank has it.
The man thinks a million bucks a year isn’t rich…not rich until $5,000,000/yr
The man dumped his wife for a richer younger one.
The man cheats on tests…gets the questions in advance.
The man is McCain.
I’m PeeBo and I approved this message.
94. sKI | 08.22.08
Who cares how many houses they have and how they got them! I’m trying to save the one home I busted my butt to get and now with limited income and layoffs I could be on the street after working and paying taxes for over 30 years! Tell me how they are going to help those of us who need help, I really don’t care how many houses they have, how big they are or how they got them! This is America… how about helping us keep our american dream alive. Enough BS and back and forth banter. We need someone to stand up and speak the truth, give us a plan of action and GET IT DONE!
95. larry | 08.22.08
Greed,Power,and Money, now those words are synonymous with 99 percent,of the people in our government. The only candidate that was worth electing, was Mr. Ross Perot,and most of the idiots in this country,were to brainwashed to realize it. Now look where were at. The Americans better wake up before this country is sold to the highest bidder. The government reminds me of a fraternity of little spoiled boys playing games with our country. Some of them don”t even like girls.
96. MRE | 08.22.08
I am amused at how this answer from John McCain, a monumental mental gaph, is minimized (or should I say ‘Sea Rationalized’). Anyone who would defend such an answer misses completely the context in which the question was poised, which was clearly “how close are you to the common man’s plight or economic situation”. His answer was clear. Either he was not in command of his faculties, or he forsaw how damaging the truthful answer who be.
97. A Realist | 08.22.08
This is so petty and irrelevant. Frankly I’m much more worried that Obama can’t remember how many States are in the country he plans to run. Mr. Obama, please try to remember we have 50 states in this country, not 57.
98. wolf | 08.22.08
Enjoy this moment folks. This could be one of the very few times in your life that you get to hear two people vocally argue for the title of most modest. Yeesh, it’s a shame though, McCain would make such an awesome VP, but there’s just nothing “presidential” left in the man.
100. Mike | 08.22.08
How anyone who does not make over $250K per year would ever vote for McCain is utterly beyond me.
Partisan bickering aside. Obama will do more to benefit the average American household while McCain will do more to benefit the top 1% of the country. The problem has been that more Americans in the top 1% vote than in the bottom 99%… if there is an election year to change that than it is 2008.
It’s ok to be successful in this country but with that success should come responsibility but instead over the last ten years that success has come with greed, selfishness, higher executive compensations, and a squeezing of the middle and lower classes.
101. dick bohanon | 08.22.08
if you haven’t figured it out
a million dollar home is not that over the top in a lot of cities
that buys a nice condo where i live
dont like obama dont vote for him
just be sure to own the results of your vote
(raise your hands bush voters)
102. Reader | 08.22.08
It’s not his age or his memory, people. He wasn’t thinking of his real estate - it was one of those questions you can’t win by answering truthfully, because it’s _designed_ to show the candidate in bad light.
It’s a well known fact - you have to have serious money to run for presidency. And _owning_ that money separates the candidate from the electorate. So it becomes necessary for the candidates to pretend that they are “one with people” and “feel your pain”. Which is why all the chest-beating about the poor childhood, the verbal camouflage (do you really think a Yale graduate doesn’t know how to pronounce “Nuclear”?)
But, like many others here, I _want_ my President to be well-educated and successful. Let him pretend to be “of the people” - he must, or he won’t get elected.
So what do you do when you’re asked a question you can’t answer without admitting you’re not, in fact, lower-middle class? Some smart-aleck answer, I guess. I’d go for “I have to confess, more than one. Guilty as charged.” - and laugh it off. He drew a blank and used a reflexive “I do not recall” instead. Not very smooth, but what do you do?
103. Mark B | 08.22.08
At least the Obamas made their own money, Cindy inherited it and John married it. As the son of an Admiral he had special treatment all his life. I think that he really has no way of relating to what the rest of us have had to go through to make a living.
Obama’s money is recent, and largely from book sales, in a book he actually wrote. I rather expect McCain would need a ghost writer.
It really bugs me that the McCain campaign wants to make Obama’s intelligence an issue, personally, I would rather our president was smarter than average. I suppose that it does provide a clear contrast between the candidates, maybe that’s why they try to use it.
104. Bruce | 08.22.08
Ah, lets see. How many houses do I own? I bet McCain knows at tax time how many he owns. It don’t take most of us very long to count.
105. BAC | 08.22.08
I think it’s a hoot the McCain camp used the ‘Rezko nuclear option.’ I say, bring it on!!! There’s not much there.
The Real Story of Rezko and Obama: 10 Myths Debunked
http://obamapolitics.com/node/47
The White House Rasputin, Karl “The Architect” Rove, also was mentioned in the trial, as was former House Speaker Dennis “Don’t Ask Me About My Land Deal” Hastert, alleged to have been part of an effort by the bipartisan Illinois Combine to get rid of Fitzgerald.
To demonstrate their kinship, Cellini and Rezko flew out to Washington on a play date and visited a White House reception with President Bush, where Kjellander joined them.
Later in the Rezko trial, two witnesses said that Rezko told them not to worry about the criminal investigation, because the Republicans—Rove and Kjellander—would get rid of Fitzgerald. Hastert would install a friendly federal puppy who wouldn’t bother the Combine, according to the testimony.
“The federal prosecutor will no longer be the same federal prosecutor,” testified Elie Maloof, a Rezko associate who is now a cooperating witness.
And a state pension board lawyer who has already pleaded guilty told grand jurors that Cellini told him “Bob Kjellander’s job is to take care of the U.S. attorney.”
More juicy stuff here;
In the Rezko Trial, A New Name Surfaces: Karl Rove
Michael Isikoff
NEWSWEEK
URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/134294
Rezko Pal, Rove Named In Plan To Fire Fitzgerald
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/rove.fitzgerald.plan.2.706771.html
http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2008/07/confirmed-rove-tried-to-have-patrick.html
Senator Durbin (D-IL) questions Kyle Sampson about his early evaluations of Patrick Fitzgerald
107. John | 08.22.08
“McCain can have a 1000 homes, so long as he keeps his fingers out of my wallet.”
So the Keating affair, in which Senator McCain was heavily involved, didn’t cost taxpayers BILLIONS in bailout costs? Get real.
108. Mike | 08.22.08
Don’t vote for McCain, he has the same character flaws as John Edwards an egocentric elitist who cheats on his disabled wife to divorce her for a wealthy woman. He even lied to his wife about his age and that he is separated while he was still living with his wife. And there were rumors he even cheated on her with a lobbyist Vicki Iseman. Once a cheater always a cheater so not surprisingly he was involved in the Keating Five scandal.
Now ask yourself why was he not as he promised in cone of silence but in a limousine while driving to Rick Warren!? He is not a true republican look who his friends are: Lieberman the biggest Flip-Flopper. He tells the voters what they want to hear but wait once he is in the white house then he will sow his true face. You don’t need to vote for Obama, just don’t vote for him. You don’t want a pretender who tells heart-breaking POW stories no one can verify, we don’t want a rich over 25 year full time professional politician that is like a chameleon showing different colors just to stay afloat, we don’t need another rich man that has no clue what means to make enough money to pay bills.
DON”T VOTE! DON’T VOTE for McCain!!!
Even the story about the cross in the sand make be a fake story: read for yourself http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/did_mccain_lift_his_cross-in-the-sand_anecdote_from.html
DON”T VOTE! DON’T VOTE for McCain!!!
109. saiello | 08.22.08
It’s fairly entertaining that people complain about “big / expensive” government when referring to Dem’s. I’m actually a rather conservative person but the last time we’ve had something close to a balanced budget was when Clinton (I’m not saying I liked the guy) was in office, yet Bush has managed to more then double the national debt in 8 years.
Dems = Spend lots of money on: Health Care, Education, Retirement, Social Programs, etc.
Repbs: Send lots of money on: War.
Take your pick.
While morally I’m a conservative but I just can’t agree with the Republican monetary policies.
110. brandon | 08.22.08
I finally understand why republicans like John McCain. They are too slow to understand anything except the most SIMPLE of concepts. The issue with McCain’s house gaffe isn’t that he is wealthy. To most of us, if you make over $100,000 a year you are friggin loaded. (though by McCain’s own standards - someone has to make $5 million annum to be rich - Obama fell short). The issue is hypocrisy. How can you call Obama an elitist when you youreself don’t even know how many homes you own? OR your wife? Give me a break.
You McCain supporters do know that Obama was never accused of any wrongdoing in his purchasing of his house? Besides, the fact that he had to have someone help finance his “mansion” should be even more evidence that he is eons closer to the middle class than John McCain.
Hypocrisy like this is what made me veer away from the Christian religion I was raised upon to begin with. But you go, religious right. Keep abortion and gay rights the only issue you are capable of wrapping your little lemming minds around. I’m sure Jesus would have had a hard time counting the number of homes he owned as well.
“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24. Similar verses are in Mark 10:25 and Luke 18:25).
111. John | 08.22.08
For the right reasons, Obama gave McCain a pass and the press, who’ve always given McCain a pass followed suit. When the Rove operatives arrived, they turned to myth and lies as their campaign weapon of choice and launched an almost all negative, little substance campaign. While Obama won’t run that type of campaign, McCain no longer gets a pass. He’ll be subjected to the same scrutiny Obama has been exposed to and he brought it on himself. Most of us, including Obama thought this would have been a great campaign on the issues, but once Rove and gang arrived that was out the window. Obama will still try and focus on the issues, but it’s time to hit back. McCain is out of touched and is unqualified to be President. His mental acumen has slipped with age and I’m sorry, but our children are not going to respect anyone who can’t use the internet. In today’s world you have to at least have some familiarity with it.
112. Gin | 08.22.08
What do you suppose those ads cost? Enough for another mansion? Enough to re-build 100 little houses in New Orleans?
Why is the American public so taken by such slick manipulation instead of learning important facts from reliable sources and using common sense?
And wasn’t McCain’s stuttering over the simple question about birth control and Viagra enough evidence that he is shifty and can’t think on his feet?
113. notgreg | 08.22.08
“Seriously man, move to Russia.”
Russia is capitalist now. Greg knows about as much about the world’s geopolitical landscape than he does about social justice and why it’s not wrong for millionaires to pay their taxes like the rest of us. Here’s a term for you to google, greg: “cognitive dissonance”.
114. TALLman | 08.22.08
I’ve just done a truly scientific study of the current comments to this article (n=54) and reached the conclusion that right-wingers are bad posters. Sixty-seven percent of conservative posts included phonetic spellings for common words; 93% included incorrect punctuation; 87% used faulty logic (the remaining 13% included no logic at all); 56% violated basic rules of syntax (probably because they espouse the elimination of all taxes). It is not clear if these results are due to thought-action dissociation, i.e., brain-finger disconnect, poor education at home-schools, being the spawn of siblings or an attempt to mimic their standard bearer McCain in computer illiteracy. My colleagues and I plan followup studies as the campaign continues. Stay tuned.
115. John McCarthy | 08.22.08
McCaine is a Navy guy. Obama is not. Both know that “humanitarian aid” is arriving daily in Tbilisi, Georgia via USAF Air Transport of the USA. Today we hear that a US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer will also be bringing “humnitarian aid”, presumably to the Georgian port of Poti on the Black Sea.
How are the Russians, in charge of the port, going to react to a war vessel of the Americans armed with guided missiles (and lots of other goodies such as cruise missiles) intead of having a “transport” vessel deliver the “humanitarin aid”? They would not like it very much if a bomber was used to deliver the “humanitarian aid”…..
116. khountrygirl | 08.22.08
I am an Arizona resident who has been impatiently waiting for someone to point out that John McCain’s attacks on Obama for being an elitist were hypocritical at best. The mainstream news media could have pointed this out a long time ago… The information has been out there.
The point isn’t who is richer than whom. The point is that McCain who tries to come off like an average guy who understands the average Americans’ trials and tribulations… doesn’t. Especially when he has an Economic Adviser saying that we the American people are bunch of “whiners” and that the money crunch we are feeling is just in our heads.
I used to think I liked Mccain when he ran for President in 2000. Now I cannot find much I do like about him. His Straight Talk Express has run itself into a ditch. He reminds me more and more everyday of George Bush. Scary… One George Bush is more than this country can survive.
I am not saying Obama is perfect. As a matter of fact he has taken some positions (drilling for oil, nuclear power, illegal immigration) that I deeply disagree with. But I do think he can relate to the average Joe. Obama just recently payed off his and Michelle’s student loans and only recently bought a million dollar house due to the success of the books he has written. So, he has only recently become a part of the elitist class and could have done so earlier in life if he hadn’t chose the path of public service.
We are always voting between one elite or another. The difference is… Do they remember where they started from? Are they still in touch with the average guy?
I believe that Obama is in touch with the average guy and McCain is not.
117. Bill T | 08.22.08
Nice position to be in, Not to know how many homes you own. But hey isn’t what the american dream is? Problem is that only 1% of american live it. Having a wife who owns part of a beer distributing empire is certainly no crime and if asked Ms. McCain probably could have said how many homes the McCains have or at least gotten the information from their accountants. Which probably sums up the difference between most McCain supporters and Obama’s, Obama supporters use HR & Block and McCain Arthur Andersen, oh wait those were the Enron auditors and they went belly up, PWC then.
When it comes to who is better at managing the economy I will go with the Democrats, fiscal sanity says that pay as you go which Republican depict as “Tax and Spent” makes more sense then putting it on a credit card and doubling the national debt to nine trillion dollars like the current Republican administration so somebody else can paid it down the line.
119. Eric | 08.22.08
I own corporation which owns 8 real estate properties. What is wrong with that? Isn’t it what’s America all about? If you want socialism or communism, why don’t you all including Obama move to Russia or China. You’ll enjoy it! They’ll redestribute your income within goverment:)
120. DCX2 | 08.22.08
I don’t think Mr. Rezko was a “known felon” when he helped Sen. Obama get his house. And if you actually bother looking into the deal, it’s not really all that shady (particularly when compared to the Keating Five scandal)
I think it’s about time Sen. Obama starting hitting back, and hard. The Republicans have been throwing mud for weeks. Some people will be surprised and disappointed that Sen. Obama is starting to do this, but you play politics in the system that is, not the system you wish we had.
If Sen. McCain wants to throw mud, he should expect mud to be thrown back. Otherwise it’s just a double standard. And if he or his supporters want to whine because they’re getting dirty, then perhaps you shouldn’t have started it.
121. Lawrence | 08.22.08
There’s a fundamental difference between how a republican judges a societies success and how a democrat does. The repub’s look at the top and if they’re doing OK the society is doing OK. The dems look at the bottom and if they’re not doing OK then the society cannot be doing very well. If I ask you to think of India do you picture the Taj Mahal or the slums of Dharavi?
From McCain’s perspective its perfectly natural to not know how many houses he and/or you wife own. Its just that that is not the same perspective from which the other 99.9% of us see the world.
122. Titus | 08.22.08
>> Both candidates are rich.
No, one is very rich (worth $40 millions) and the other rich (he sold books).
But being rich has nothing to do with making a good president. Does that mean W Buffet or Bill Gates could not be president because they’re rich?
America needs a leader, with fresh, young and dynamic ideas. This is America last chance. China power is growing strong (1 billions people, that’s 3 times USA). The image of USA in the world is tarnished (torture, invading Iraq, violation of Geneva convention etc…) and it needs to be fixed.
Obama might be young but he’s smart and full of energy to put this country back on track. USA is in debt. Let’s face it.
China is doing to US economy and its people what Fanny Mae and Lenders did to the Real Estate. Lending money to people who can’t afford it. US economy has weaken seriously and did not recover since 911. The $ is being replaced by Euro.Healthcare system in USA is a disaster, people are selling their home to pay their bills.
We will have to raise taxes, we have no choice. USA is too much in debt. (And i’m a middle class). But i prefer to pay $1000 tax a year and see my money invested in roads, energy, infrastructure, schools, then spent it in a war.
Universal Health Care system works, look at countries in Europe.
American will have a choice coming this november, they’ll have to ask themselves who they truly believe can turn around their country. I believe come november will be a historic turning point for America. (one way or another).
123. bob | 08.22.08
mccain knows how to be fiscally responsible at least.
i cant wait until obama gets elected, nothing changes, and the dems scream for a new president in 4 years. haha what a joke
125. Justin | 08.22.08
This just shows that the Obama camp thinks everyone is an idiot. If you buy into Obama’s spin on this, you’re an idiot.
His wife is rich, she owns properties. They probably buy and sell properties all year long. He’s running an election. How would he know how many houses they own?
Liberals are IDIOTS.
126. Shelly | 08.22.08
And if it was the other way around… then everyone would be on Obama’s back.
McCain is wealthy thanks to Cindy! He divorced his invalid wife to be with her.
127. Justin | 08.22.08
P.S. - Obama has to get help from convicted felons to buy a home. Who do you want running your country?
128. Vlad from Los Angeles | 08.22.08
I wonder: if McCain does not remember how many houses he has, maybe he does not/will not remember other basic stuff. If elected, I wonder if he would remember during a 3am phone call that he is a president, as well as what country he is a president of?
129. DCX2 | 08.22.08
Bill T - you bring up a wonderful point. I like to say that Republicans are “Tax your children and spend”. They’re redistributing income from the next generation of Americans to the current one with their irresponsible deficit spending. At least when the Democrats “tax and spend”, they spend their money on helping Americans instead of killing foreigners.
Oh, and if you think Obama is a “redistributionist”, perhaps you should look into the average wage for the lower 60% of Americans over the past few decades. It’s been fairly steady. But the upper 20% has an income that just keeps going up and up…particularly the upper 1%. So normal Americans have the same amount of money, but the rich people have more money…this leads to inflation. They are literally stealing from my savings by driving the value of a dollar down and transferring that wealth to themselves.
Sorry that last comment is so long. It takes a while to explain a complicated point when the issue isn’t in black and white (and it never is).
130. Ed | 08.22.08
About time Obama starts fighting fire with fire… McCain and the G.O.P. have continuously attempted to persuade the public that Obama is an elitist who is out of touch with American values. Guess what, it’s your turn now McCain… Suck it up.
132. Ted Williams | 08.22.08
McCain’s campaign staff’s retort to the “7 homes” ads includes the reference to Obama’s relationship with Tony Rezko. Ironically, it would be to Obama’s benefit to bring up the Rezco affair to get it out in the open and clarify Obama’s roll. A vacuum wants to be filled, and it’s better to fill it with a finite number of facts rather than endless speculation and misinformation.
133. Toya J. | 08.22.08
I’m in the hardworking middle class and I find it hard to keep paying $3.84 a gallon for gas. I can’t afford to make mistakes when it comes down to budgeting my money. The cost of living goes up but not my paycheck. I just want a President that understands the problems of an average middle-class american that can help make this working class better. The value of my house has gone down becuase of these vacant houses due to foreclosure. I cant sell my house for the price it’s worth. Forget get about their issues what about ours, the people that feels the effects of those dumb polices.
134. FV | 08.22.08
There’s one house that wobbling old dunderhead will never live in….
The White House.
McCain is the perfect example of everything WRONG with America.
Omaba is a perfect example of everything that’s GREAT about America.
135. wmc1369 | 08.22.08
As an independent voter, I think this entire race so far is nothing but a disgrace. Show me a federal level politician that’s not wealthy by true average American’s standards. Does the value or quantity of a person’s real estate holdings actually matter in determining who’s best qualified to be President? By God I hope not! Who is going to keep the economy in check so that I can afford the necessities on my monthly VA disability scraps? Who is going to keep the citizens of this nation safe? Who is going to return our education system to something other than shameful? Quite frankly, so far I don’t think either of these men will make a “good” president. Neither has laid out any types of truly unique plans to make America a better place to live.. and better place to raise my children. Their too busy attacking each other over stupid stuff to talk about things we all need to hear. If I had to vote today, I know the choice I’d make, but neither option would make me particularly proud at this point.
136. DCX2 | 08.22.08
How fiscally responsible could Sen. Obama be as President? Hint: look at how he managed his campaign in the Primary, particularly how Sen. Clinton ended up with massive campaign debts.
137. Jon Iscream | 08.22.08
Mark B thinks that Barack is smart. Barack thinks 50=57, he can see dead people, and that USA forces liberated Auswitch. He doesn’t want his daughter’s to grow up in America (like its been so horrible for him). He calls himself a Christian and he doesn’t know the ‘Our Father’ (all 43 words). I am hoping he wins. I want to see an end to Affirmative Action FOREVER!
138. John Armstrong | 08.22.08
Let’s be honest Wealthy McCain voters, we know why you support him. He’ll save you loads of money, pushing the burden of Bush’s war onto the midlle class and our grand children. But what is harder to understand is why anyone makeing less than $250,000 per year would vote against their own interst?
Ignorance maybe, racism maybe, stupidity maybe, ideology maybe. McCain is not a conservative, he’s a neo-conservative-imperialist. If that floats your boat then Caesar is your man.
139. Shelly | 08.22.08
Justin - And what about the Bush Administration? They have been breaking laws for 8 yrs. now. Who can forget lobbyist Jack Abramoff ? Maybe you should look that up?
A little scared of seeing Obama in office? Why?
140. Theresa | 08.22.08
John McCain along with most Republicans are out-of-touch. Since none of us are GOD, none of us “really knows” when life begins. These are the “beliefs” passed to most of us at a very young age. Issues like these are emphasized to detract from the facts that our Country is going broke at record speeds, and our middle class is disappearing due to the greed of those who have the power to take advantage of those who don’t have power. Facts are that after the babies are born, Republicans are less likely to support government programs to keep them healthy with healthcare, education, etc. McCain served well in Viet Nam, & many years in Congress, yet he is part of the problem, not the solution. He looks backwards instead of forward.
141. Steph | 08.22.08
I’m 100% for Obama but I will say this. McCain himself has said it was entirely his fault his first marriage broke up and he feels badly for it. I don’t really give two hoots if the the President is banging the Vice President so long as they are able to run the country properly. I don’t believe McCain can, I feel like it will be 4 more years at the least of what we have already suffered through, and anyone scrounging around for a few bucks the day before payday to put gas in their tank to even get to work know exactly what suffering I speak of.
I laugh at all the people who consistently say Obama is an elitist and big headed. First and foremost you have to have a little bit of an ego to put a serious bid into the White House, otherwise you’d fall apart in the process. Secondly, if you’ve ever ready Dreams from my Father, you can actually see yourself in his life story (I know I can). No I didn’t live in Indonesia and no I don’t have African heritage, but I know what its like to be an outsider at school and how it feels to not have a parent around and how hard it is to go from a foul mouthed, pot smoking teenage bum to working my a$$ off to get the one house I own and rise to the top of what I do. He hasn’t had anything handed to him and I have an immense amount of respect for the guy, He truly feels to me like an average joe who has worked very hard for everything he has and for everything he is trying to do; as POTUS he will make a few mistakes, anyone would, but he will bring dignity and class back to our country and will fix whats wrong!! Something I don’t think the entire republican party (minus IN Sen Dick Lugar-R) knows anything about!
142. Drew | 08.22.08
At least that aragula chomping, white wine slurping, effete elitist pointy-head with his pinky finger sticking out knows how many houses he owns … one.
143. Chris | 08.22.08
Ugh - number of houses, price of houses, etc…
Does anyone care about the political issues anymore? Shouldn’t we just elect whoever is best fit to run the country instead of wasting time on stupid issues like how many houses someone owns or how expensive their house is?
Personally, I’m not sure if either candidate is really fit for office.
144. Bill T | 08.22.08
oh come on! Life doesn’t begin at conception, true life begins when you when you are worth a 100 million and don’t know how many homes you have. That is intelligent design at work.
146. Mark from Naperville, IL | 08.22.08
Tony Rezko only recently became a convicted felon, and for nothing to do with his dealings with Obama. If we are expected to be accountable for all future activities of every person we deal with, we’re all in trouble.
147. Andrew | 08.22.08
Who wants the truth? Honestly. You ready?
John McCain is not supposed to know how many houses he has. Bull, you say?
Actually not. His wife Cindy is actually the one with most of the money, and their marriage/prenuptual agreement kept their assets completely separate. His knowledge of his wife’s investments was always supposed to be limited, so as to eliminate a conflict of interest. The McCains own a few houses as investments (which obviously aren’t working too well right now). Family members live in the other ones.
Whether you regard yourself as a Republican or Democrat, it is important to know that far too often elements of truth are skewed, corrupted, raped, abused, ect. Yes, McCain might not “know how many houses” he has, but that doesn’t necessarily make him “out of touch” with the American people.
148. Titus | 08.22.08
1,2 Millions house in West LA will buy you a 3 bedrooms average house.
It depends where you buy your house.
But WHY in hell does McCain need 7 houses?
I respect Republican and Democrat (i’m a independant). They both have good ideas.
But i don’t respect hypocrisy. How can you support a man who?
- is ashamed of telling its people how many houses he own
- has cheated, than left his ex-wife while she was sick (that shows how supportive he is),
- is confused about Iraq / Iran shiite
- Think US economy is strong
- has flip flop many times
- Supported Bush
Let’s face it people, he’s a friend of Bush, by being elected, he’ll continue what Bush started.
149. George Hite | 08.22.08
What seems pathetic is so much name calling, petty bickering, misinformation, accusations, tossing words like liberal and republican back and forth with contempt and disdain. We get hung up on the most trivial of happenings and screech like fighting alley cats when a public figure misspeaks. It probably wasn’t too long ago when any one of us couldn’t come up with the right answer at the right time.
150. cecil9 | 08.22.08
McCain’s lack of knowledge about how many houses his wife owns is no where near as detrimental as Obama’s claim that there are 57 states. All other above blah blah elitist libtard posters will never be able to lie their way out of that conundrum.
151. peter lebarre | 08.22.08
New Bumper sticker… Continue 4 more years of the same—Vote Republican!
152. Steph | 08.22.08
And this arugula business is borderline retarded. Have you never been to Applebee’s before? You’ve eaten arugula at many a restaurant, guaranteed!
153. PabloVitruvian | 08.22.08
The McCain response to this is comical, and those of you parroting his surragates are pathetic.
Can’t you think for yourselves?
If it is true that he couldn’t answer because he didn’t know how many homes his wife had, why didn’t he say that? He said he would ask his staff, not his wife.
Or why didn’t he say how many homes he owned by himself? Doesn’t he know?
I guess you parrots didn’t think of that.
Here is another one - Since his wife is extremely rich, doesn’t that make him extremely rich? So rich he doesn’t even have to keep track his families properties? Who wears the pants in that family? I bet she knows how many homes they own including his.
Since when do families not share the wealth?
The fact is, his is very very old, and very very confused, and he must read everything he utters from notes (like bush). He cannot be trusted to speak without saying something wrong or stupid or both.
And you want your president walking around the planet making a fool of himself when lives are at stake?
Plus, he wants to bring the draft back so he can be a “War President” too.
Could it be that Republicans are so ignorant about the world that it means more to them to save the white house than anything else, including their own self interest?
If so, then they are no better than a coke addict who would rather snort coke than eat.
154. pb | 08.22.08
What an interesting choice of words for this article’s title? I sense the disconnect from the individuals who utilize this vernacular as a lifestyle. Even if they may lack the willingness to use “proper” english, by choice or by circumstance, it is the sensativity that brings about character. Which begs the conclusion to be drawn of the distinctive similarities between this author and McCain. So why even bring it up.
155. mbrane | 08.22.08
John McCain was telling that the America has made tremendous economic progress under George Bush….. So many people loosing their livelihood and house because of Bush policy and lobby-controlled government. No wonder…. Bush policy has helped McCain make tremendous economic progress…. Shame on you John McCain.
156. Sam R. | 08.22.08
I think it is hilarious that this list (and all lists for that matter) are just supporters of either side attacking each other - using the exact same arguments. The Obama supporters talk about The “house gaffe” while the McCain supporters talk about Rezko. both are right - both candidates are scum. the funny thing is that you all think that your side is right, even though if it was your candidate with the opposing problem, you would be defending them.
As a subway worker who owns 0 homes and pays high rent in NYC, I cannot stand either candidate - both are clearly scum. They both are stand for the interests of the rich and powerful - if fact these days, more and more candidates rich themselves. Both candiates support the U.S. oppressing other nations around the world (Iraq, Afghanistan) for the interests of U.S. capitalism - certainly not in the interests of most workers here in the U.S. (they disguise it as “U.S. interests).
I don’t care if either one can understand what it is like to be a worker - but I don’t care, since even if they did understand, both will attack the working class if elected - again and again, since both parties represent the interests of the owners, not the workers - that is the way this election game works. Hearing anyone on this list say that either of them would actually do any good for workers is a sad farce.
157. Titus77 | 08.22.08
Let’s not kid ourselves; both Obama and McCain are millionaires with cushy lives. However…
McCain grew up priveledged with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was groomed to be an admiral in the navy like his father AND grandfather. Ne never wanted for anything. He crashed several planes as a pilot before being shot down serving in Vietnam. While a POW he gave information to the enemy after being tortured. When he returned home he left his loyal wife, recently disfigured in a car crash, for the younger, prettier and VERY rich Cindy. He went beyond just being rich, priveledged and wanting for nothing…now he was REALLY rich. Her money and connections got him elected Senator. He considers a net worth below $5 million as not being rich. He and his wife own so many homes he does not know the exact number when asked.
Facts: Obama grew up in a single-parent home. His mother was on welfare at one point. His grandparents helped raise him. He put himself through school and only recently payed off his student loans. He went to Harvard law school and was head of the Harvard Law Review. He became a community activist instead of a high-powered lawyer with his Harvard pedigree. His wife (who also put herself through college and law school) was the main breadwinner in the family while Obama helped low-income people better their lives. His short career in politics has been imensely successful. He made most of his personal wealth from book sales and his wife’s income as a lawyer, NOT from inheriting it or marrying into it.
Now tell me…exactly who is an elitist????
158. lhummer | 08.22.08
The response to Senator McCain’s stumble is revealing Mr. Obama as a very trite little man.
————————————————————-
Carter, I’ve gotta say that only a moron would blame Senator Obama for McCain’s “stumble.”
159. Concerned1inIN | 08.22.08
I don’t get why some people here are trying to inflate the Obama house / mansion price, when it can be easily googled… It is not four million, so you might be confusing that value with one of McCain’s many homes. It was a valued and listed at $1.95 million, and purchased for $1.65 million. What is McCain’s Phoenix condo worth, the one where they bought two units to convert to one condo, $4.6 million?
Anyway, enough of putting value to the homes. My own house is much much less than either of the candidates, and this month I was late for the first time ever. And I doubt either candidate can realistically related to me or people in much worse situations than me just being one month late (foreclosure, etc)… I know a really good friend that is two months late on their mortgage, and have the gas currently shutoff due to outstanding balance (luckily it is summer, and they have a grill to take over most of the cooking, so it is mainly cold-showers). I doubt either candidate can truly related to my friend’s situation.
So, my decision comes down to how well I can relate to the candidates…
Yes, most of John’s wealth is from Cindy, but adding that he is older than my grandfather, has advisors that called me a whiner, and it is is pretty hard to relate to him. While I see Barack doing the (terrorist) fist-bumps on TV with his wife, something I do with several of my friends, well at least a couple years ago when it was sort of “in”, so it is easier to related to Barack… With the constant stream of candidate&media lies and junked spewed around, it does get difficult to read through the hype and attempt to make a truly open and informed decision come November.
160. Drew | 08.22.08
You think what’s skewed and what’s not skewed about the candidates matters to a country that can barely quit watching TV for five minutes to think about how issues affect them? C’mon. Blissful, proud ignorance is our lot, which is why Republicans have been having such great success.
161. Julian | 08.22.08
while reading this blog… it is truly sad to see a large percentage of many un-imformed, ignorant people who put faith based principles and politics together…WAKE UP you RELIGIOUS NUT JOBS! POLITICS AND RELIGION DON’T MIX LIKEWATER AND VINEGAR. Even our founding father’s of the this country knew the corruption and dismateling effect that religion has in goverment, that is why they support reglious freedeoms for all. not christianity or catholism believes for all.
these religious nut jobs are the same people who are pro-life, don’t believe in evolution, and who don’t believe in global warming……… these idiots need to wake up and smell the flowers….
our global population is going double in the next 40 years, water and food resources are going to become very scarse.
do we need more unwanted babies! or do we need more control in our families and our communities.
do we need “God” to fix the economy, or do we take care of our own home planet ourselves…doesent God appreciate when we do the right stuff by ourselves as opposed of bothering and asking God for stuff all the time.
READ A BOOK FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE! AND STUFF OBTANING YOUR SOURCES FROM FOX NEWS OR RUSH LIMBAUGH
become informed not for self rightous gains, but humanities brother and sisters of the world.
162. Paul | 08.22.08
It truly makes me sad to see how brainwashed a lot of Republican supporters seem to be. They act as though Obama is waiting for any stumble by McCain to base a campaign of smears on. I remember when Obama was running ads about what policies he intended to put forth, while the McCain campaign spent 3 straight weeks dragging Obama’s name through the mud, yet not offering one ad related to what John McCain planned to do as president. Now that Obama finally strikes back people have thrown up their hands and yelled “See what the Democrats are truly like!!!”. The Republican Party has forced the Democrats to adopt a strategy they have used for years to brainwash the simple minded folks who are more concerned with owning a gun, than owning a house. It’s laughable to see how quickly people forget the record surplus and thriving economy Clinton left us with, and hear them talk about the evil leftist Democrats. Well Mr. Bush has done us proud. He has destroyed US moral authority with the rest of the world, broken countless laws and provisions set by the constitution, created one of the worst economic collapses we seen in a century, and let us all footing the bill so he family can live like kings for generations to come. I wish the track record for the Republican candidates you back so strongly reflected all the claims you guys make. Then we might have something worth discussing.
163. jojo | 08.22.08
Mecane steels people heart by telling his captivitu in vetnam and when he talks about it he thinks makes his listeners to belive he is the only vetran from that wrongly started war and finished shmefully.
He uses it like a currency to buy peoples heart, ear and now their vote AMERICA WAKE UP BEFORE CRYING FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
MACANE STOP USING YOUR EXPERIANCE IN VETNAM AS ACURRENCY TO BY PEOPLS HEART BECAUSE YOU ARE FROM RICH FAMILY AND GOT A CHANCE TO BE ON NATIONAL STAGE DONT MAKE MONY AND STATUS WITH THAT EXPERIANCE. THERE ARE MANY VETRACE WHO DIDN’T HAVE A CHANCE LIKE YOU AND CANNOT CASH IN TELLING THEIR STORY. WE ARE TIRED OF LISTING YOUR BLABLA BLA …..VETNAM……BLABLA…. TALK REALITY NOW.
164. lhummer | 08.22.08
Senator Obama should be glad that McCain has brought up Tony Rezko. That opens the door for a discussion of the Keating Five.
165. Ryan | 08.22.08
Our republic was founded by wealthy land owners who made their fortunes, and decided it was their gentlemenly duty to serve their country. All of the leaders we have had since have been highly succesful, and wealthy men. Now all of a sudden I guess I’m supposed to want a President who can’t afford to pay his mortgage? Because that’s the only way he can understand the challenges to our economy? That just doesn’t make sense!
166. Sam R. | 08.22.08
Oh - and one more thing. I’m going to come out and say, to the “conservative question” (that none of you cowardly liberals would answer - since you and the conservatives are in agreement): “is there anything wrong with being rich?”
yes! there is.
as a subway worker, I know that most people in this country work hard - many get worked to death. The rich make their money off of exploiting the rest of us. I dont buy that - self-made man or land of opportunity bull. In almost every case, to get rich, you have to exploit a lot of people, and keep doing it - in a nasty way. the scum, the cuthroats and thieves rise to the top in this society that bases itself on stabbing each other in the back instead of cooperation.
167. John | 08.22.08
Am I missing something in this discussion? Seems to me the whole problem discussion developed because of sloppy journalism. It is obvious McCain is trying to give a straight answer, since some of the homes may be in trust or belong to his wife, etc. Perhaps after the roasting he got for the $5 million comment (which was obviously an aside)he thought long and hard how he would answer about his homes. I guess he thought too long.
168. Molly | 08.22.08
I will not vote for a single Republican this year, because until we break the stranglehold the GOP holds on our government they will merely continue to enact policies that make the rich richer and everyone else poorer. I’m not nuts about Obama but I’d have to be crazy to vote for four more years of this abuse. Maybe after we’ve swept the current crooks out of office and had a chance to catch our breath there will come along a new Republican who won’t remind me of the murderous greedy bunch that has been greedily, deliberately, destroying America for most of my life.
169. Sam R. | 08.22.08
in response to Ryan #165:
couldn’t agree with your historical analysis more. just not the conclusion.
this country has been run by rich men since its inception, in the interests of the rich, while exploiting the worker (US workers work harder than any other industrialized nation, get less vacation and benefits) - I say it is time to end it.
170. John | 08.22.08
Remember McBush doesn’t know that Iraq does not border Afganistan, that Iran is not training Suni insurgents, does not know how many homes he owns. He is just old or dumb, or I think both. Not to mention I just found out he had to BLOW Veitcon prison guards for extra food while he was a POW. So if you want to vote for that old blow hack, so be it.
171. fletc3her | 08.22.08
This is news because John McCain’s campaign has tried to portray Bararck Obama as out of touch and an elitist. As we pull aside the curtain on John McCain’s lifestyle we find somebody who travels in a circle of the ultra rich. He spends times at four residences including a luxury ranch and beach side properties. His family purchases luxury condos as graduation gifts for the kids. He wears five hundred dollar Italian loafers while touring oil facilities. He flies around the country on a private jet his wife bought for him.
And of course none of that matters. It’s John McCain’s policies that matter. But, we find that his policies will benefit himself and his ultra rich friends far more than ordinary Americans. The McCain family’s share of the tax cut he proposes will be greater than the income of most Americans. He will drastically cut taxes on oil companies which are already making record profits. He will deregulate the insurance industry so we all have to negotiate individually with insurance companies for less coverage at higher prices. He will give handouts to the oil, coal, and nuclear industries.
John Sidney McCain III is out of touch with America. He is not the best choice for President.
172. BAC | 08.22.08
In the United States’ Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers: “…held certain truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
The American Dream can be described as a belief in freedom that allows all citizens and residents of the United States of America to achieve their goals in life through hard work.
The 52-word Preamble helps in the interpretation of the Constitution. It explains why these rules were written. ‘We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
In the past 7 years, we have witnessed a democratic meltdown that no longer supports a system of checks and balances. This meltdown can easily worsen when complete power (a major fear of our founding fathers, particularly Jefferson) is handed to a group within the administration who have abused the executive powers and privilege. The sole crusade since pilfering the presidency has been to amass wealth and power for a few.
The war is Iraq has been proven to be an unnecessary war, certainly not in the context of providing for the common defense. It was a coup in an effort for ‘coerced democracy.’ Something McCain and Lieberman were fostering as early as 1992. Over 4k troop deaths, 30k plus wounded and 1.2 million Iraqi citizen deaths is not exactly what I would call pro-life.
And we had to borrow money from a Communist regime with a horrible human rights record to fund it.
The gap between the wealthy and powerful and ‘the people’ that exists in America today is not a result of democracy, and the cry for CHANGE in not a cry for socialism. It’s a cry for a return of the values and vision this great country was founded on.
173. Jack | 08.22.08
The reason McCain’s comment was a big deal is because they are trying to paint Obama as an upper class, elitists snob who is out of touch with working class, “normal” Americans. Someone now knowing how many houses he or his wife owns, is not a problem 99% of American’s have - so they’re both out of touch.
It made McCain eat his own lunch and they just lost that issue of the elitists Obama.
That’s why it’s news.
174. GD | 08.22.08
You got him! You stumped him! Finally a question that McCain couldn’t answer. That will make up for last weeks Saddleback debacle.
175. Jack | 08.22.08
Sam R - about being rich?
You are obviously resentful and spiteful and bitter about your place in life.
There is nothing wrong with being wealthy/rich. Many people can become rich through hard work, determination and a little bit of luck - it doesn’t necessarily make them bad people. Just like being a “working class American” doesn’t make you a hard worker or a great person as some on the right want to make it out to be.
I’m also unclear how Ambition has been turned into a bad thing in this race.
Ambition made us head west, and visit the moon. It made us cure diseases and usher in the Information Age.
Ambition is a good thing. Working hard is a good thing. Ambition and working hard will most likely get you rich! =)
176. Mofo | 08.22.08
Both McCain and Obama are intelligent, articulate, patriotic, and capable of leading our country. It’s a matter of choosing what path you think they will lead us down. I voted for Bush (sorry, America!) and I believe McCain will continue down much the same path. I believe Obama will not, so I am ready to take a chance on Obama.
178. EB | 08.22.08
thank you Scupper for bringing that up. I thought I was the only one knew that story. And for that we do not need and Johnebeth in the White house.They Our reputation is already bad because the Bushauras administration. We need to bring back our morals in our country and stop glorifying people that have no respect for themselves. So no Jonebeths in the white house,we need to see a family that is wholesome again. No more homewreckers or president that don’t how to be with the woman ther pick for their wife. I would have more respect for JMac if when he return home from the POW camp to his family he would be a real hero.
180. Michael | 08.22.08
The Rezko thing has allready been flogged to death and nothing came out of it. Amazing how you “conservatives” act like you care about things like this while you support what has been an incredibly corrupt administration and political party for 8 years without a peep.
181. Richard Rheiner | 08.22.08
It’s difficult to understand all this petty sniping and playing “I gotcha”.
Until Obama answers how he was able to sit in Trinity Church in Chicago for 20 years and listen to the spewing of Anti-American hatred,Anti-Semitic vitriol, and not leave forthwith as did Oprah Winfrey, I cannot consider him a worthy candidate for the office of President. His association with Arab Islamists is worthy of note also. He is the consummate chameleon. He is thin-skinned and thick-headed. May God derail his efforts to lead this noble country for which his wife has expressed her hatred and then lied about it.
182. Wayne | 08.22.08
“If we have to have a president that “understands” us, and that is exemplified by how many homes he has and knowing how many he owns….
Then we need a sick president who understands the health care crisis
and a financially poor one, and maybe one with difficulty paying for his kids college education and, well…all kinds of trouble.
Then he will be a really good president.”
No, let’s go with another one that doesn’t have a clue like George W . . . that worked out well. McCain, more of the same.
183. Eddie Zalez | 08.22.08
McCain cannot remember how many houses his wife bought for him to try to become First Lady. Cindy McCain cannot remember she is not the only child of her father. What is going on here? I guess rich folks don’t need to remember little things like these, their staff should. I guess McCain doesn’t remember how many savings banks failed because of his involment with some shady characters a few years ago. Is a guy who has a problem with “remembering” qualified to be our next president? Isn’t this part of the code of silence the media and the Republicans try to impose about McCain’s past? Just because McCain served our nation, others did too with the same or more honor, it does not mean he can get away with lack judgement and lack of candor. Should he?
184. keating | 08.22.08
what sad old man,anyways tell mclame that its time for his meds,and matlock’s
on tv.
186. Chris | 08.22.08
Foreclosure epidemic = buying a home you can’t afford.
Why should the tax payer bail out those that had eyes larger than their bank account? Should I run out and upgrade my home so I can catch this wave of free money? Oh yeah, follow the dollars and then we”ll find out these types of programs are making our taxes go higher and higher and actually bankrupting our country. Everyone needs to be responsible for their actions including the home they buy and the vehicle they use to purchase the home.
187. gretchen | 08.22.08
I wonder if Mccain chooses Mitt Romney how many homes they own between the 2 of them. I’m sure most Americans believe that the Republican ticket if it is Mccain/Romney will truly understand the issues that are affecting 95% of the population, for instance the housing crisis, food and gas prices and lack of health insurance for many. I do not hold peoples wealth against them but to portray Obama as an elitist is silly. I wonder which one of their wives have been to the grocery store in the past several years and who has filled up their cars with gas or who has had to pay for day care. I have nothing against Cindy Mccain but I bet her lifestyle does not resonate with most women today. George Bush seemed to many to be down to earth I think most of us can say today that we don’t need another 4 years of the same old act of very wealthy families who like to pretend that their concerns are the same as the rest of the American population
188. Mixuryu | 08.22.08
All of you leftist people will be crying when he wins in November. Obama has about as much experience as someone at Jiffy Lube. You wish you had 1/100th of just his interest in his accounts. Is it his fault he fell in love with Cindy? How many of us have been divorced for a better women. John Mcain is more of a man that you draft dodging 60’s hippies.
GO JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
190. Cross Mooradian | 08.22.08
Seven houses and a hundred years?
Or is it seven years and a hundred houses?
Either way, John McCain doesn’t understand America.
Please weigh in on whether you think this would be a effective attack ad.
191. leapblog | 08.22.08
I’ve never seen so many defensive republican posts in my life! Now it’s Rezko, Rezko, Rezko. You sound like a bunch of chimps playing the latest broken record put out by FOX.
It’s impossible to deny that McCain is incredibly wealthy. He obviously looks out of touch with your average American when he can’t tell the interviewer how many homes he owns.
McCain can no longer brand Obama an elitist after this gaffe.
Obama lives in a mansion??? McCaim lives in 7 of them!!!
192. denfenster | 08.22.08
We need some questions answered.
1. Sen Obama are you a free market capitalist?
2. Did you block your records from your employment as a street agitator instructor , WE need information about this period of your life.
3. Did you make a speach pro palistinian. ?
4. Why Resko? what did you need from him.
5. What was/is your relationship with Ayres ?
193. BB | 08.22.08
For all those who want to vote for John McCain. Ask yourself one question: Has my economic situation improved in the last 8 years? If the answer is no, you are voting for the wrong person.
194. Mr. Man | 08.22.08
How great it would be, if McCain were asked the following question by a intelligent person in a crowd, asking something like this- “Mr.McCain, as you should know, the job of being president is vary demanding, such a person should be able to demonstrate there intelligence, showing that they have a great deal of knowledge of things currently going on, both national and international to the American people, in short, they should be intelligent. Bearing that in mind Mr.McCain, would YOU vote for someone who does not even know how many homes they own?”
Why so many Americans want to vote against there own interest by voting for rich old white men is beyound me, this country is no longer the “land of the free” but the land of the DUMB! and if there is a god, I hope it will save us from Fascists like that old S.O.B and others like him.
195. john | 08.22.08
McCain cheated on his 1st wife with a wealthy woman he later married (Cindy McCain) to get his wealth.
196. cecil9 | 08.22.08
To: 153. PabloVitruvian>>>>
In skanning the majority of posts, I conclude that yours contains the most hyperbolic, non-sensical, unsourced, and irrational comments–and that is not counting a lot of non sequiturs.
Thanks for winning
197. B | 08.22.08
Lets Face it… brothers & sisters
The 2 Party system does NOT work,
a 3 Party system will NEVER be
What’s the ?
…Jesus Is The ANSWER
Simply PRAY that The LORD Jesus Returns…
ASAP!!!
198. Carl | 08.22.08
Quit bashing McCain for his age. He has more experience than Obama could muster in a life time. He has forgot more than Obama will ever know.
199. john | 08.22.08
That is great but McCain did not pay taxes on one beach front property for 5 years
200. ds | 08.22.08
Carl, we have all seen where experience gets us (GWB and Cheney)
You are right though, I bet McCain has forgotten alot of things, mostly withing the last few years due to the onset of “old timers” disease…
202. B | 08.22.08
Oh & by the way…
There’s likely Only 10+ years Left Total
WATCH for the Jerusalem / Mt. Zion Temple
to Be Rebuilt,
as that Major & Critical Event Will Begin
the REAL & LAST 7 year Countdown
WATCH and BE Ready!
203. greg | 08.22.08
Vote for your affirmative action poster boy, I don’t really care. It’s really going to be interesting to see what conspiracies you leftists come up with trying to explain why your Messiah lost the election here in a couple months. It’s always a conspiracy isn’t it?
204. Gerald Shields, Seattle, WA | 08.22.08
The Cost of Barack Obama’s House (The one that Tony Rezko helped him get):
$1.65 million — $300,000 below the asking price + $104,500 (extra land purshased)
The Cost of 7 John McCain’s Mansions:
1. 4,660,000
2. 2,100,000
3. 1,942,365
4. 2,705,040
5. 1,000,000
6. 847,800
7. 500,000
Who’s the elitist?! Who’s the celebrity?! Who?!
205. Chris | 08.22.08
Well…this was news worthy to a degree. But isn’t it sad, that with all that we are facing as to REAL issues that this is where we are focusing. NONE of this matters. McCain probably doesn’t own any houses, he is married to a very wealthy woman, Obama, kind of made his own wealth via his book. The only person I can think of who ran for President and won who wasnt very wealthy was Clinton, and despite his lack of morals, had a pretty good run as to positive economics for this country.
We have real issues, and need real answers. Repubs…quit worrying about “experience” needed to run this country, you didn’t care when W didn’t have that experience, yes he was a governor, you didn’t live in Texas, I did, and everyone knew he did not govern.
Frankly, given the pathetic fiscal failure of eight years of this, mostly with a repub led congress and white house, who and what are you exactly embracing here. Every man, woman and child OWES THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS each. Thats a fact (actually now it’s a little higher). Thats your credit card and the interst piles up every day, don’t think it doesn’t have to be paid.
I like McCain, I believe he is basically an honest person, I believe Obama is as well. If I knew that McCain, once elected would throw off his base, be the Maverick that I hope he is and just do what is right for this country regardless of the political consequences, then I would vote for him. But I fear that is not what he would do. At least until his second term.
If Obama really wants to make history, he should throw off his base as well, I do think he will bring more energy into pushing an agenda to address these very real issues, but I also think he is less likely to buck his party AND THAT FOLKS has been the problem for all of us. We need a leader who will reach across the isle, will compromise, will get some and give some so that we can right our ship which is so out of balance. So its a toss up, who ever wins I will embrace and empower them with support to get things done. If they start cratering to their respective bases, I’ll give em a congress that wont let them do anything.
Time to put all the “polictics” to the side, demand real answers to real problems and then to vote this one time for your country, not your party.
Just this one time and then hold them accountable to the country, not their party.
Thanks in advance for consideration of doing so in advance.
P.S. Register and become an independent, it will free you of the silliness that comes with party politics.
206. Ahmed Abouesh | 08.22.08
Clinton in her own words:-
Hillary Clinton during one of the Democratic debates told Barak Obama that she was “Fighting Republicans while he was still practicing law and working for slumlords like Tony Rezco.”
Hussain Obama please quit and give change to Clinton to win.
207. john | 08.22.08
Obama’s money is new and self-made. McCain cheated on his wife with a wealthy woman he later married (Cindy McCain) to gain his wealth.
208. BAC | 08.22.08
According to McCain himself,he had numerous adulterous affairs while married to his first wife. Cindy was the only one ‘worth’ marrying - literally.
209. JaRo | 08.22.08
Get real. Those that pick apart the question and justify the lack of an answer as being a result of a lack of clarity as to whether the question was posed to both McCain and his wife are really, really grabbing at straws.
To 98% of Americans, its a simple answer to a simple question.
This is the man you want to be your President? A man who either can’t remember a simple thing such as how many homes he owns (NOT
211. Will Lana | 08.22.08
Why do we only trust super wealthy people to run our country? Neither of these guys are in touch with average Americans, and slips like this display how silly the whole dog and pony show of pretending to be regular is in presidential politics.
212. McCain4Lyfe | 08.22.08
It doesn’t matter how many homes McCain has, what matters is he served 5 years in prison! And He aint no muslim, mccain will protect us from terrorists by invading iran! he will invade the surrounding countries before hitting bin laden. he even said to the gates of hell! liberals/degree-carrying hippies are anti troops!
213. rick386 | 08.22.08
I find the whole issue comical. Let’s pick the guy who’s got the most sense.
Which one stutters? which one has the quickest wit? Which one really cares about others and not his own wallet? Who has moral fortitude? The ‘moral majority’ might want to read the bible more often if you ask me.
“there is nothing new under the sun” If you’re in the bottom 90% financially, you’re screwed.
You know why our dems in congress, although in the majority now, can’t get anything done? These last 2 years have seen more filibusters, which are by the by republicans, than EVER before. Put another republican in the oval office, and nothing will get better.
Clinton fought a republican congress his whole time in office and he balanced the budget. Every republican candidate since Reagan ran on the platform of smaller govt.,fiscal responsibility, and keeping govt. out of our business. They’re resposible for the most federal growth,the biggest deficits, and the removal of our civil rights. You think the rich want the deck stacked even?
How is it than McCain served to protect our freedom fighting in a war in Asia, which we lost, that wasn’t declared on us?
I don’t know about you, but I think that a man who was tortured as a prisoner might have a psychological issue and a grudge that might not be healthy for the rest of us.
Don’t kid yourself, it’s all about money and power. Defence contractors don’t give a damn how many people die. Oil companies don’t give a damn how much our oil dependancy hurts the country. The rich don’t give a damn about trade deficits or livable wages for the working class so long as they can live high and keep their money.
How about for once in decades we pair a dem president with a dem congress and see what they might do for the rest of us.
The measure of every great society is how well they treat the least of their citizens. “what you do unto the least of my brother you do unto me”–who said that?
Wonder why your property taxes, rent, are so high? Did you know that 50% of the people in prison are in for non-violent drug offences? States pay for the largest prison population per capita in the world. Pot is illegal not because its dangerous, but because drug companies can’t make a buck off of it.
Don’t get caught with one, 5 years is a long time for everybody to pay to keep you behind bars. Where’s our freedom now? Bush invaded Afganistan to get someone he never found.
Now Afganistan is the number one opium (heroin) producing country in the world.Could we possibly be better off with another non-thinking, short-sighted republican in office?
214. Pablo_Vitruvian | 08.22.08
To: 190. cecil9 | 08.22.08
It is rarely refreshing to be attacked without specifics.
Let’s take a look at your rant:
Hyperbole = ‘exaggeration’ … Which part?
Nonsensical (no hyphen) = ‘Makes no sense’… Which part?
Unsourced = what do you mean by this? The source is McCain’s statement and parroted responses from mindless republican sycophants.
Irrational = ‘lacking logic’… Oh contraire. Please show where logic and reason were not used by me in my assessment.
Non-sequitur = ‘It does not follow’ … What doesn’t follow what?
You know, just saying things doesn’t make it so.
If you are so smart, address my arguments directly and smash them, if you can, which I doubt. Name calling doesn’t address my points, oh that’s the purpose, to change the subject away from McCain being old and out of touch.
Can’t figure things out for yourself? Can’t you address my points directly?
I think what happened was the opposite - that you think my post is the most effective, therefore the one that you felt compelled to respond to. I’m right aren’t I?
Also, you scanned, not skanned, and you think I’m whining, or did you really mean winning? Try spell check next time, it makes your attack at least appear intelligent.
Are you Phil Gramm?
* * *
Your Ad Homonym attack post:
To: 153. PabloVitruvian>>>>
In skanning the majority of posts, I conclude that yours contains the most hyperbolic, non-sensical, unsourced, and irrational comments–and that is not counting a lot of non sequiturs.
Thanks for winning
215. McCain4Lyfe | 08.22.08
so what if he cheated on his wife, so what if he hates gooks, so what if he was in keating five, so what if he mistakes sunnis n shiites, czechoslovakia to czech republic..so what, he served 5 years as a POW
217. TJ | 08.22.08
How sad, we elect a president based on marketing, on suggestion, on gut-feeling, on emotions, on likability, perhaps on race, on age, etc. The choices are so stark, none of this even matters. The United States may never recover from a McCain presidency (assuming it ever recovers from a Bush one). Do we ever learn? This guy is OBVIOUSLY Bush term three. His talk about chasing Bin Laden to the gates of hell sent chills down my spine. He has a mid-twentieth century view of foreign affairs. He is dangerous. Iraq never mattered, but now we’re draining our treasury over there. All the terrorists (who were in Afghanistan, not Iraq) wanted to do was bankrupt us. Now we’ve wasted trillions of dollars and are borrowing money from China to fund these wars. Folks, the terrorists have won.
218. Gus | 08.22.08
For giggles, lets accept the Republican ideologues position that these individual issues are non-issues and not newsworthy:
He owns a lot of houses. Non- Issue
He doesn’t know how many houses he owns. - Non Issue
He thinks that only people making over $5mil are rich- Non issue
His chief financial advisor thinks that the “recession” is “in peoples heads” - non issue
He chief financial advisor thinks that Americans are a bunch of whiners about the economy- Non Issue
He thinks the economy is in a just in a tough patch- non-issue
He knows that drilling will not have a real effect but thinks it might have a phycological effect- non-issue
He calls Obama and elitest - Issue
Isn’t it just possible that the combination of all of them, or even just a few, isn’t a MAJOR ISSUE?
219. Kent | 08.22.08
While Rezko is interesting (in a done-to-death, nothing really to it sort of way) - especially since there seems to be an entire Federal investigation, tons of direct testimony from people who were there, etc. all of which indicate that (a)Rizko wasn’t an intermediary, and (b)It was a fair deal executed with the profits from Obama’s book (Americans used to think that making a success and buying a house for your family was a GOOD thing … now apparently ditching your crippled wife for a heiress is the definition of high honor).
From my perspective, I worry more about the contractor who has donated around a million dollars to McCain and his surrogates. This guy was given federal land for $250,000 that he flipped in less than 24 months for $20 Million. As best I can tell, McCain directly took a bribe and cheated the American public out of more than $19.5 million dollars. Even IF the allegations against Obama were true (they aren’t), did it cost the taxpayers anything? McCain sure did!
The funniest thing is the quote from the developer: “I damn well expect to get my money back! Do you know how many cocktail parties I have to attend!”
And didn’t Keating produce quite a few felons that McCain was/is quite cozy with? You folks are playin with fire. The “I was a POW” defense has become a joke - now what?
220. Chris | 08.22.08
Hey, John McCain, I only own one little home, and I’m barely hanging on to it. I’m worried about losing my job. I’m worried that I won’t be able to afford to send my kids to college. I’m worried about the world they’re going to grow up in. I’m worried about oil prices, and your ties to oil people. I want a better world. I’m not voting for you, and anyone that does is a sucker. Four more years of war-mongering and oil companies running our government. I do not want one more cent of my tax dollars going to fund your war games. I want healthcare, bridges that don’t collapse, better schools, less poverty, cleaner lakes and rivers to swim in, respect around the world, and a future for me and my kids. Shame on you John McCain.
221. keating | 08.22.08
@211 McCain4life
get back in your trailer,that meth your cooking is almost ready
i mean really man,read a newspaper,use the net for something else other than
porn and trolling,you stupid hillbilly
222. Ron | 08.22.08
To 212: Well done. Distraction is the name of the game, because these folks can’t possibly compete on specifics.
223. Gus | 08.22.08
Should I continue? I guess i will
His family’s credit card bill is between $250,000 and $500,000 per month- Non issues
His daughters credit card bill averages $200,000 per month. Non-issue
His family’s net worth exceeds $100,000,000- non issue
His family did not “earn” the money, they inherited it- Non issue
B. Obama personally wrote two best selling books that comprise 90% percent of his wealth (earned his wealth)- Non issue
B. Obama’s income last years (based on his two best selling books) 4.6 million. Still according to McCain doesn’t qualify him as rich. - Non issue
Obama alledgely eats arugala- Big issue.
224. ssjackson | 08.22.08
Mr. McCain, like millions of other Americans, has trusts, Reits, and holdings that include real estate whole or in part. Many of these portfolio’s are likely in packages just like any of you who invest in mutual funds would have. Do you know how many shares of GM you own, or Ford or KB Homes, banks stocks and insurance stocks, or any other stock that makes up your Mutual Funds Portfolio? Probably not. If asked, to answer honestly, you would have to say “I can look it up, but it isn’t on the tip of my tongue”. The point is, Mr. McCain’s answer is very correct, he answered honestly.
But here is the bigger point: The question was obviously asked by somebody who has no clue how the American economy works. Otherwise the question would have been, ” …how many homes, outside of your investments, do you actually live in….? Any other question, would be a trick question, asked only to emabarrass the candidate, and display a prudent man as stupidly rich, thus out of touch and unworthy of the presidency. This plays well to an uninformed audience, whose logic, if pursued, would indicate only the poorest, homeless person, with no possessions, no job and no hope would be worthy of being President, because only that person would be in touch with the realities of total poverty. Again the left wing thinking gets the logic, the true message and the point all wrong, but it will pass for excellent reporting to those gullible enough to buy it.
ssj. reno.
By the way, How much greater than a homeless person’s wealth who begs a thousand dollars cash per year, lives in a free shelter and gets some meals and clothes free, is a person who makes $50,000 a year? Figure the answer and you see why the whole question of home ownership is absurd.
225. Bobbert | 08.22.08
RE: #211 McCain4life: Is it possible someone actually believes this? Could someone so backward, with their knuckles so low to the ground, actually manage to turn on a computer? If you want to root for a team watch football (or Nascar, sorry). War isn’t a game. Read a book. Well, learn how to read a book, then read one. And besides, you’re totally safe. No terrorist is going to attack your trailer and your town of 5.
226. R. Burgos | 08.22.08
Aside from the issue of how many homes McCain has or the value of Obama’s “mansion”, let’s remember the fact the Republican party has had a long standing policy of leading middle and working class American’s into long term financial hardship and the U.S. Treasury into record deficit in favor of empowering the ultra rich and powerful.
227. tom | 08.22.08
Give me a break. We’re taking about an office that for some reason requires spending a billion (billion) dollars in an attempt to get elected. If you’re looking for some hometown, beer chugging (I love my beer, by the way), uncultured, bowling alley (I love to bowl)groupie as potential president you’ve obviously got you head up a dark, dank hole.
We need a successful businessman that has at least made a payroll in his life to help run this country not some pandering, flip-flopping, want-to-be celebrity. I don’t care how many homes he/she owns if they’re gained by legally and not through resorting to the influence and money of convicted felons like the “friends” of Obama. The last thing we need is some socialist highbrow who has been on the public teat their entire adult life.
228. kc | 08.22.08
“And how many ‘average joe’ people actually run for president anyway? Obama is an elitist because he has virtually no experience (couple years in the US senate - give me a break) ”
Oh, and Bush’s years of (ahm!) ‘experience’ have led us…where, exactly?
Sorry, I’m going to stick with the guy talking a little common sense.
As for this ‘elitist’ crap - do you even know what the word means?
e·lit·ism
1. practice of or belief in rule by an elite.
2. consciousness of or pride in belonging to a select or favored group.
So, please, explain to me how, exactly, he fits the definition and McCain (or any other person trying to be president) does not.
229. Sam R. | 08.22.08
in response to Jack #175
wow - someone who actually believes the “american dream” myth. most working people today know that it is a load of bull - especially after 30 years of losing real wages and below inflation raises, along with the housing crisis blowing the top off the lie of increasing home ownership
I am not resentful or bitter- I am angry about an unjust system where people get rich by exploting working people - that is how the system works, and I am dedicated to fight against the injustice that goes along with our economic system.
All that ambition and rising up stuff is just a load of bull - I know, I’ve spent a great deal of time studying the “myth of economic mobility”. It is well documented that there is actually very little economic mobility iin american society - the idea that if you just work hard and have ambition then you will rise up is pure bull. Yes, there are some people who do that, but the number, by percentage is very low - just becuase some people get hit by lightning, or win the lottery, or smoke 2 packs a day and don’t die of lung cancer doesn’t mean that the chance that these things will happen are large. If you are born poor in the US, especially poor and a person of color - then the chances are you will stay that way. Yes, you can point to people who did “make it” but this does not mean this is a path that takes a significant portion of the population with them - most people stay where they are - the system is stacked against them - the schools, the educational system, the way the banks give loans, business connections that ate mostly made in college.
Most of the people who are rich, started rich - if you look at the very few rich self-made individuals, the ususally had to exploit their workers a great deal to squeeze out the money to become rich - that is how the profit system works. so yes, I would say that the rich are “bad people” - but they are not the problem - the economic system is the problem.
So keep your lies about social mobility to yourself - no one at the bottom believes them anymore. hard work and ambition will most likely get you nowhere if you aren’t born rich and didn’t marry rich.
230. cecil9 | 08.22.08
Somebody named Pablo_Vitruvian said. “If you are so smart, address my arguments directly and smash them, if you can, which I doubt.”>>>>
Very difficult to attack specifics when there is no substance to them. They are just your opinion, which is irrational, ie, based on emotions. Most liberals generally think that way–emotions rule their thinking. Sorry Charlie–you do not qualify for a debate in the land of logic, it would be an exercise in futlity.
231. BAC | 08.22.08
McCain4Lyfe,
So what if he doesn’t know Pakistan doesn’t share a border with Iraq? ROFL
I think that might bother some of the troops, which is only ONE REASON why they are contributing overwhelmingly to Obama’s campaign rather that McCain’s.
McCain has accused Obama of preferring to win a campaign over a war, which is a ridiculous claim in and of itself. McCain has said, ‘Country First.’
But he also in that same speech says he will get Bin Laden. He ‘knows’ how to get him and he will get him if he’s elected president.’
Well..if he KNOWS how to get him, what is he waiting for? What’s this ‘if I’m elected president’ crap. If he puts ‘Country First,’ HE SHOULD SHARE HIS KNOWLEDGE WITH THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION, AND GEN. PATRAEUS SO WE CAN GO GET HIM NOW AND MAYBE SAVED SOME LIVES OF OUR TROOPS.
232. kc | 08.22.08
“not through resorting to the influence and money of convicted felons like the “friends” of Obama.”
Have you looked at the guys on McCains campaign team? Seriously? Let’s not get into flinging the ‘felons’ accusation, you may want to look at McCains associations:
http://www.theseminal.com/2008/04/18/time-for-mccain-to-answer-tough-questions/
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1994-09-08/news/opiate-for-the-mrs
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/04/17/912511.aspx
Oh, remember oliver north - tried on 16 felonies and convicted of 3?
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/02/12/mccain_camp_touts_ollie_north.html
So, please - enough with this nonsense. No candidate is free from ‘associations with felons’. Let’s talk about what each will do for the country instead.
233. Sam R. | 08.22.08
in response to BAC #172
“The gap between the wealthy and powerful and ‘the people’ that exists in America today is not a result of democracy, and the cry for CHANGE in not a cry for socialism. It’s a cry for a return of the values and vision this great country was founded on.”
what values and vision do you mean - genocide, slavery and rule by business-men and land-owners while blacks, women, and those without land have no right to vote? Because historically, that was the truth of the formation of the U.S.
The last 7 years are nothing new - there was no golden age of american democracy. Democracy is impossible when the wealth of the entire nation resides in the hands of the few. Equality is a myth when the economic production of the nation is decided by a tiny minority. As long as their are bosses, there can be no freedom, no equality, no justice. The history of american government is one of enforcing the will of the rich and powerful on the rest of us and trying to get us not to notice, or to buy into the myth that we could, in any signigicant numbers, rise up to the rich(like Jack spewed in #175). this is just an illusion to keep us from fighting back and taking what is rightfully ours - what we slaved to create - the wealth of the world.
234. Rob | 08.22.08
Isn’t this sad? Obama claimed at first he was going to be a different kind of politician. You know, no negativity, focus on issues, gentlemenly debates, etc. McCain was going to be different too. You know, works with everyone, positive, debate the issues, run a campaign everyone could be proud of. Both of their campaigns have degenerated into a negative sewer infested swamp. They should both be ashamed. Now, it’s just a matter of “gotcha on that one”. They are no better than any of the other hacks in Washington.
235. Sam R. | 08.22.08
in response to cecil9 #230..
you must be joking. Given that I am neither a liberal or a conservative (and i am certainly not a moderate) - I must say that all these conservatives arguing that liberals argue based on emotion is hilarious - because coservative arguments are also the most illogical crap I have ever seen. Granted, that liberals don’t argue well against conservatives, but that is because dems and republicans believe mostly the same crap. emotions don’t rule the thinking of republicans???? that is a laugh. why else all the arguments against evolution, global warming - or better yet - arguing that either party cares at all about working people or the poor.
236. Stud | 08.22.08
I believe that there is no point arguing with most Obama supporters because they are just out to stick it to fellow Americans, whom they perceive as their enemy. They want nothing to do with facts that do not support their viewpoints. They venomouly attack fellow Americans for being Christian, Conservative, or Republican. I only hope the good people who are caught up in this ugly mess see the light and seperate themselves from these true enemies of civilization. I for one don’t give a damn what party or race the next president comes from just as long as he or she does what is right for this country as a whole. America is the most generous country in the history of the world. The poorest of this country live better than those in others. There is nobody literally starving to death here. I have worked hard for what I’ve got and I’ll be damned if someone who does next to nothing should be entitled to the same lifestyle as me. If some people in this country think they are going to come along and redistribute wealth from people who earned it to give to those that haven’t, there is going to be a big fight.
237. ssjackson | 08.22.08
By the way…McCain didn’t say rich meant $5,000,000 income. The term “rich” was aimed at net worth, not income. There are tens of thousands of americans with net worth figures of $5,000,000 plus who earn less than 1-3% of their net worth annually. There are at least 9.3 million households in America whose net worth is at least $1,000,000. Many of these earn less than 15% of their net worth per year.ssj.
238. Victoria | 08.22.08
I’m not so concerned with the fact that McCain owns much property. I am concerned that he:
1. Either couldn’t remember(!), or
2. Needed to ask his staff for the right sound bite on this topic. (Leader?)
3. Is hypocritical in portraying Obama as member of the elite. (Who’s interests are truly with the upper class??)
239. DisFisCon | 08.22.08
I’m fascinated by the neocon approach: “It’s not sin to be successful. If you don’t like it; move to Russia.”
Nope; not buying it. It IS a sin to be “successful”, when that means creating your success by shameless exploitation. Many of us recognize that. And many more of us feel that we are included in the set of people being shamelessly exploited. I have a job. I pay my mortgage. My family earns more-or-less decent bucks. I am not a “welfare bunny”. But I am sick of senior management raking in outrageous salaries and bonuses because I excel in my job. I’m well aware that they take what they can and I take what I can. But the tax structure that we currently have (with relatively low taxation on huge income earners) doesn’t encourage the rich and powerful to work harder - it encourages them to find ways to funnel more cash out of my pocket into their own pockets. That’s not building our country by incenting innovation and hard work - it’s destroying it by suppressing “true” innovation in favor of creative financial innovation and by discouraging the pretty solid work ethic and feeling that “anyone can move up the social ladder” that was the bedrock of our society for a century or so.
I’m all in favor of rewarding people for being successful. But I don’t personally equate “powerful” with “successful”, and I don’t want us institutionalizing “powerful” as a good thing.
So you want to live somewhere where “powerful” means more? Move to post-Communist Russia, and try your luck against Russian businessmen. But quit trying to tell me how I should think my country should work.
240. ProChoice Republican | 08.22.08
Greg - Does life begin at conception even when the parents use fertility drugs and selectively choose which between multiple fertilized eggs which ones they wish to keep and which ones they decide are just extra baggage? Hypocrites - does thou protest to loudly.
241. Debra | 08.22.08
Theses discussions are so weird.
Obama came from a single parent household. His mother was on food stamps. He worked himself up to get into Harvard Law (no easy trick even if you have connections), becomes editor of the law review (extremely difficult like winning several gold medals in the Olympics), graduates and becomes a community worker, begins to pay off his student loans, rents an apartment, and buys a modest condo. He works hard and writes a book which is popular, buys a nice home, becomes a senator and runs for president.
Elitist?.
John McCain is born into a well connected family, uses his fathers influence to get into private schools and Annapolis, ranks at the bottom of his class, crashes 4 planes, becomes a POW, returns and becomes serial adulterer, divorces, marries a rich woman, uses her and her parents influences to get into Congress, uses his influence for his pal Charles Keating who flies him and his family on many vacations, his wife invests with Keating and makes millions, dodges liability, his wife becomes an admitted drug addict stealing drugs from her charity, he get political religion, becomes a maverick to redeem himself, is pissed off at his party because he was trashed in 2000, …… He then adopts all of the positions he fought against and will personally benefit to saving more than $370,000 if the Bush tax cuts are renewed.
Elitist or Opportunist?
242. Older, wiser, sadder | 08.22.08
This debate is mostly ridiculous, especially on the part of the right wingers rushing to defend Mr. McCain with stuff about pre-nup agreements, what’s in who’s name and whether Obama knows how many states the U.S. has.
Of course Obama knows we have 50 states. You give a zillion speeches a week and you say things like “57″ instead of 50. We’ve seen reels of speech making flubs across the political spectrum, Dems and Repubs alike.
Let’s look at some real issues. John McCain has more money than most of us will ever see in our lives. In fact, you could probably add up the annual incomes of all the posters on this thread, and John McCain would still have more money. Think about that. There are 231 comments on the thread as I write this. Let’s say there are 250 by the time I post mine. All 250 would have to make $160,000.00 a year to equal John McCain’s 40 million, or $400,000 a year to reach Cindy McCain’s 100 million.
Do you guys make that much a year? $160 - 400 grand?
Is wealth bad? Hell, no! I’d love to have 40 to 100 million. Most of us aspire to have more money. That’s not the point.
The point is McCain’s newly hired dirty politics operatives want to paint Obama as an out of touch elitist when his economic status is actually much, much closer to most of us than humble John. It’s hypocritical, OK? It’s saying something that isn’t true.
If you can’t stand Barak Obama, say so related to his views on the issues, not on horse crap prattled by some right wing radio bag of gas like Rush Limbaugh (another guy much richer than most of us, especially his listeners).
Tell me what you really think will happen if Obama is elected President, and I don’t mean snide remarks about white wine and arugula, I mean research the issues and express your opinion on some facts. Our opinions may disagree, but at least we wouldn’t be pissing at each other over bumper sticker deep slogans and smears.
Here’s why I don’t want to vote for John McCain:
He was for the Iraq war from the start and it’s been a colossal mistake. Obama was against the war in Iraq. He said he wasn’t against war if it needed to be declared, but he was against a “dumb war”. Which it is. Look at the whole history of the Iraq debacle, from the lies that started it to the billions being made by Cheney’s war profiteering buddies, up to the present day. The whole thing is a disaster.
Our national debt is 10 trillion dollars, fueled by Republicans who don’t have the courage - that’s right, courage - to tell the American people we should pay as we go. The dollar is at an all time low. The economy is limping along and gas prices are higher than they have every been, while the oil companies make record setting profits.
John McCain wanted to help out the American people by temporarily repealing the fed gas tax. Never mind that our govt. needs the money (see 10 trillion debt, above). It was a cheap gimmick and Obama nailed it as one.
The Republicans say they are conservatives. Conservatives, my eye! Not when it comes to spending money we don’t even have to spend! We have to borrow it from the Chinese to fund our stupid war and our “economic stimulus”. If a Democrat had done all the things the Republicans have done over the past 8 years, all of you would be howling for his head, and rightfully so. Think of it - blowing a CIA officers cover for political purposes. The Clintons got slammed for shaking up the White House travel office! And Bush & company “out” one of our own intelligence officers, and GET AWAY WITH IT! It staggers me what the Republicans have gotten away with. It’s the crime(s) of the century!
John McCain tries to distance himself from these screw-ups, but he cannot. The sins of the Bush administration hang around his neck like an albatross, and hopefully the American people will recognize it.
The list of Republican indignities inflicted on our country, our economy, our personal rights, our military, our foreign policy, our moral standing in the world, stagger the imagination. And John McCain wants to stay the course.
It is mind boggling. You lame brains who live on right wing fantasy land talk radio - go ahead, and drink the kool-aid. Accept the lies that have been shoveled down your throats by the Republicans.
But don’t blame the rest of us who see through all this crap and demand someone to lead us out of this unmitigated disaster. If it’s Barak Obama, great! Get the Republicans out of there before we’re at war with Iran, too. Good God, don’t you people see what’s going on?
The real injustice is that it’ll have to be the Democrats who actually deal with our monumental debt and intractable foreign policy muck ups, and folks, it ain’t gonna be pretty. We’ve been told for years we can painlessly have it all by Republicans who don’t have the guts to tell us all this stuff costs money.
But sooner or later we will have to pay the piper and I can hear all you right wing-nuts crying about your tax bills. Guys, I’ll cry too. Or our kids will, or our grandchildren. If the government doesn’t collapse by going bankrupt first! Just remember, all your future federal tax bills should have “Courtesy of the Republican party” stamped on them!
Vote for the Republicans? Are you out of your freaking minds? They’ve had their chance and they have BLOWN IT! Barak Obama has my vote, and no amount of wind and smoke from the McCain slime ops will change my mind.
McCain lives in a world far removed from the average American, for sure. The real problem is his party lives in a world completely removed from reality. Get them the hell out of there!
243. Pablo_Vitruvian | 08.22.08
cecil9,
I knew you couldn’t do it. You are just making your ilk look bad.
I’ll try to make it easy for you (from my post 153):
1. McCain is old and confused - true or false?
2. McCain’s surrogates are parroting FOXNews commentators - true or false?
3. Husbands and wives share the wealth in families - true or false?
4. Republicans prefer to keep the White House even if it means their own self-destruction - true or false?
Thanks for giving me another chance to point out McCains and Republican Parrots inability to have a reasonable discussion, which therefore (this is the logical part) exposes their lack of intelligence.
So, you think opinions have no substance? I guess that applies to your opinions too? (more logic)
What emotions do you think are ruling my thinking?
Obama will win, because it’s time for a change. Too bad for you.
BTW, you spelled futility wrong too. Doesn’t the library PC have spell check?
* * *
230. cecil9 | 08.22.08
Somebody named Pablo_Vitruvian said. “If you are so smart, address my arguments directly and smash them, if you can, which I doubt.”>>>>
Very difficult to attack specifics when there is no substance to them. They are just your opinion, which is irrational, ie, based on emotions. Most liberals generally think that way–emotions rule their thinking. Sorry Charlie–you do not qualify for a debate in the land of logic, it would be an exercise in futlity.
244. Magz | 08.22.08
I favour McCain…..he’s not focusing on his own life or assets, which by the way is none of our business…..he’s focusing on the life and assets of the country. Let’s start looking at Obama’s real asset sheet….or is that a taboo?
245. alice | 08.22.08
here goes the mccain campaign avoiding a debate on the issue of economic policy by trying to smear obama personally
246. James | 08.22.08
McCain is a kept man.
It’s no surprise that he is this clueless.
The McCain’s household budget for servants was a quarter million last year.
He took a 9 car motorcade to get his Starbuck’s cappuccino today. For real.
He wears $500 Italian shoes.
McCain isn’t a man, he’s a pet… and a dainty out of touch one at that.
247. jefflz | 08.22.08
McCain is a hypocrite with out question or we wouldn’t see his campaign being directed by Karl Rove. Worse though is his inability to answers questions with clarity. He is either confused perhaps as a result of cognitive deficiencies due to his age or he is just ignorant of the facts. In either case whether it is about the War in Iraq, how many homes he owns, energy issues, he demonstrates that he is too feeble to lead this country at this critical time.
248. wirewoman1 | 08.22.08
to chrispc88: Entry #11
“more and bigger government programs” will be Obama???????
yours truly George W is the King of more and bigger spending. Did you not hear we have the biggest debt in the history of the USA? And George started with money in the bank. There’s no way Obama can outspend your man. We’ve just spent 8 years of horrific spending by your president and you’re afraid of Obama?
249. cris | 08.22.08
Obama returned all money related the Resko GUy,
McOld needs to get his facts straight, he doesn’t even know how many houses he owns.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/03/obama-scant-on.html
I wonder if we ask him how many children he has from each wife he can answer that one.
I would rather have my dad run the country not grandpa
250. Jim | 08.22.08
I find it interesting that McCain’s campaign response is, “Oh yeah! Well, Obama lives in a mansion!” Only one mansion? As for how Obama got his one mansion, was the “convicted felon” a convicted felon before or after the Obamas signed the papers? Honestly, it would matter more if the conviction were before Obama bought his only mansion.
251. Joe Klipple | 08.22.08
Cindy McCain got her house money from a felon, too—her daddy, Jim Hensley,convicted by the Feds on a liquor violation in 1948
252. Logic not required | 08.22.08
Draft dodging hippies? Does that include George Bush, Dick Cheney and that idiot swiftboater, Jerome Corsi?
Never get into a mudslinging contest with a pig (republican), they enjoy it too much.
253. rick386 | 08.22.08
This might not be the right forum for these ideas, but here goes….
McCain thinks we should drill in the gulf, put our beautiful southern coasts at risk. I think maybe the fed should offer huge incentives for home and land owners to put in solar panels. Direct current panels would be a great, efficient way to separate hydrogen from water. Don’t they make cars now that run on the stuff?
Couple that with loans for these cars and for companies that want to manufacture these panels. In a few years, cheap, CLEAN automotive fuel. We can even tie these panels into the power grid.
This country needs to upgrade our infrastructure anyway. Another way to stimulate the economy. Put people to work. Loss of revenue for oil companies and OPEC?, aawww, too bad.
Take $ out of the hands of these countries and they won’t be so well financed to attack us. I wouldn’t want to give $ to my enemies. I don’t know why our govt. does. Maybe Bush lines his own pockets?
If so, he’s not as dumb as he acts. Just immoral and, dare I say, unpatriotic?
There’s a big CIA presence in Afganistan. Think they might be making money on the opium trade?
We have more mercs in Iraq now than we’ve had in any other war in history, at a huge cost. All to settle a family fued involving the Bushes. How does this relate? Isn’t McCain behind this war? Is he any different now than Bush?
I once heard him ask Bush during the 2000 campaign, ‘how do you sleep at night?’. Now he’s in bed with him.
Looks like neither one can sleep anymore. Of course,I hear he has a lot of beds to choose from.
Isn’t everyone glad that the same sex marriage issue isn’t so big in this election? Don’t be fooled, it’s just a republican red herring. It’s takes the public’s mind of the real issues that affect it. Personally, I don’t care. It’s not like marriage is all that sanctimonious in this country anyway. Besides, isn’t it better to let them marry than to continue on with such a self destructive lifestyle?
Isn’t it nice that a conquered country that we’ve dumped billions into is currently enjoying a huge surplus? And so soon. We did them a great favor. Destabilize the region, drive oil prices thru the roof, rid them of an oppressive dictator, and they profit too. Wasn’t there some kind of promise by our govt. that they could pay us back with these revenues? I wonder…
Isn’t it unethical to grant so many govt. contracts to a company (haliburton) that has such close ties to our vice president?
The rich get richer, and the poor… well, you know.
The faithful can see the silver lining. “it is easier for a camel to pass thru the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get to heaven”
Hey, I’m entertaining myself quite nicely. Give me an issue, I’ve got an opinion.
254. Diva | 08.22.08
The question of how many houses he, being John McCain, or he and his wife own. The number should be the same. As I can recall if you have been married for as many years as they have which I believe is over 30, then he SHOULD KNOW, unless he is just the guy in the family that doesn’t know what is going on with his/their finances. I thought that once married the TWO become ONE accept in Hollywood where each has their OWN. Or is John McCain a Hollywood star after all? Hum, now that’s a thought!
255. rick386 | 08.22.08
a 2 million dollar house is not a mansion. As a carpenter in S. fla. i’ve built many. With nothing of my own to show for it.
256. Ron | 08.22.08
Hey John #170. Why are you saying that John McCain was blowing prison guard for special treatment while a POW. Do you have proof of this?
257. rick386 | 08.22.08
Anybody remember G W running on a tax rebate with that surplus he inherited? And he stuck with it even after the market crashed.
258. Andrew | 08.22.08
Honestly, I am stunned by the blind loyalty Republicans show for their candidates. I used to respect it as a political force, but now its just plain ignorance.
I dont really like either candidate, or really any candidate that was running before Obama and MCcain rose to the top.. but when picking a lesser of two elitists, I’ll pick Obama. Im a republican by virtue, btu todays republicans couldnt even tell you what their party values were without bringing up pro-life B.S. and how we should kill as many “terrorist” people as we can (perhaps the biggest oximoron ever to set foot in the political arena)
Nevermind the fact that 9/11 happened under Bushs watch, and nevermind all the warnings he had by the outgoing Clinton administration, or the actual FBI agents in the field who were tracking the terrorists before the actual attack. Nope, Iraq was priority number one from the beginning, as so many political documents show. And look where that has gotten us.
But now we’re stuck, and all the Bush camp wants to do is ride it out till the next president, and honestly, have we all forgotten Mcacains horrible publicity stunt where he went to an Iraqi market and pronounced it “safe”? Or did you so called republicans not even read that one? Clearly he has no idea what is going on there and does not care either. Talk to a vet who has served multiple tours, they’ll tell you.
And now he cant even count how many houses he owns. Do not try to pick apart the question and say “well he was trying to seperate his from his wives.” Mccain understood the question well enough, which is why he looked incredibly embarassed. He knew he was had.
My repsect to the man who actualy brought heat onto the senator. We could pick apart Obama’s past political sketchiness, but the press doesnt simply because its no worse then Mccain’s. Republicans should be thanking the press for not reporting his incredibly immoral move with his ex-wife, who stood through with him while he sat in a Vietnamese prison making anti-American videos (cant blame him, but it definately does NOT make him a “war hero”)
In stead the press has now focused on obvious differences, and its hurting: thats how pathetic Mccain is as a “man” (I use the term man liberaly here)
Nuff said. Save for another stolen election come November (oh did we Republicans forget that Bush stole the election? Now where does stealing fall under the ten comandments?), it looks like Obama will win.
259. McCain4Lyfe | 08.22.08
McCain has the right judgment because he was a POW! How many POWs do you know? That is the commander in chief test! …again, so what if he finished bottom 5th out of 800 in his class.
261. KH | 08.22.08
I don’t understand why so many people believe McCain can’t remember; he was just caught off guard with possibly one of the more relevant questions I’ve heard all season. He didn’t know what to say! Any number over two he knows will not play well with the American working person, but if he’s not honest he knows he’ll be quickly found. On the other hand, if you think Barak is any less of the elite, you’re fooling yourself. He’s just currently the better marketer of the concept that he is “like us”…
262. rick386 | 08.22.08
If McCain is elected, it will be for life. What’s he got?, a couple more hours in his life expectany? You republicans better look real hard at his running mate. I don’t care much for either candidate myself. I’m sure a half breed has just as many issues as a tortured soul. I’m not a racist, but i’m sure a mixed kid has issues thrust upon him by both sides. Unless he grew up in Canada or Brazil.
263. pqs | 08.22.08
Does the media really think that America wants a middle class president? To EB, would you want a president who’s home has gone into foreclosure, or one who is a wealthy realestate investor? I want our president to be someone who is successful. Frankly, if Obama is 47 and only owns one home, he is not someone who has understood money management, budgeting, and investing. I prefer someone like Romney who understands economics, interest, and investment. Who is Obama fooling? He’s acted like a gradeschooler on this matter, and I’m unimpressed.
264. Gus | 08.22.08
McCain4Lyfe
Get your facts Straight. McCain Didn’t finish 5th from the bottom of 800 in his class.
He finished 5th from the bottom of 899 in his class!
894 out of 899. So this proves he is not an elitist. It proves he is not even average. It proves hes is not even below average. It proves he is barely above failing.
G. W. Bush finished at the bottom of his class too. And I think it worked out pretty well for us.
I want a president with barely failing educational creditials instead of a smart self made guy.
I want the dumb guy as president
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!
265. DMM | 08.22.08
Hey “Superpower” (slightly delusional, I guess)
you comment on “the masses of Socialist Obama followers”
I am a long time Obama supporter. I am a capitalist, two business degrees, two accounting certifications. I would just like an 1)intelligent president, 2) who understands our constitution, 3) who won’t cover for unethical behavior in business or torture under any circumstances, and 4)understands that a system that leaves 45 million uninsured is not sustainable. Simple.
266. pamela | 08.22.08
Hey, DMM, Clinton promised me health insurance when he wanted to be president, I’M STILL WAITING! Unless they do universal healthcare, we won’t be getting insurance from any president, and even I don’t want that, many Canadian friends say it sucks. I don’t want the government in my healthcare. Only way would be to raise taxes big time. P.S. John McCain is against torture, Obama just allows it with unborn babies.
267. greg | 08.22.08
@Pro Choice Republican:
Answer to your question : yes life still begins at conception. What are you calling me a hippocryte for? Thats baffling… quit being so defensive there buddy.
268. rick386 | 08.22.08
Now that’s an issue I’d like to sink my teeth into. healthcare. Does anyone remember my quotes of our lord and savior (I like to use those. You have to fight your opponents with their own weapons.)? ‘what you do to the least of my brother….’ ect. Well, here’s another, “heal the sick” and “a tree is judged by it’s fruits”. If were the greatest country in the world, why is it we fail to insure the health of all our citizens? Too expensive? I supposed emergency rooms are cheaper. That’s how the uninsured get care when they need it. And since there is no ‘preemptive care’ when you are uninsured, the bill is much higher and the costs to one’s health is much greater when problems aren’t discovered early. Are the republicans saying we aren’t capable of doing what every other western civilized nation is doing? Now if you want to point out the problems some other countries have with their systems I’m sure I could find other nations that are doing well. We just need a good and well run system. Who can deny that what we spend now isn’t grossly misdirected towards ins. companies and management and clerical costs. How much of that dollar goes to the care providers themselves? Not enough for many doctors to want to stay in business. Their malpractice insurance kills many of them. Young doctors spend many years paying off their student loans.
The problem of universal health care in this country needs to be attacked on many fronts. Not one solution will do. But we need to start.
If we can’t take care of our own, what does it say about us as a nation?
269. G. W. McIntyre | 08.22.08
WMc1369
You must not have been listening to closely the candidates. Obama was not the one who has been throwing mud. McCain is the one who starting whinning and throwing mud. So do not blame Obama for defending himself.
270. Sam R. - part 2 | 08.22.08
Why don’t you Republicans and Democrats stop arguing about silly issues like this housing stuff and realize that you agree on most things. Like,
1. The U.S. should continue using its military might to murder hundreds of thousands of people, often people of color, around the world. (With McCain it is Iraq, Obama wants to continue in Afghanistan. McCain talks hawkish about Iran, Obama talks about bombing Pakistan.) Both agree to continue the war on Terror, which is just the U.S. using the most powerful military in the world to terrorize other nations/peoples for the profit of the U.S. ruling class. just FYI, Bill Clinton played a major role as well by bombing Serbia and continuing the sanctions on Iraq, which are responsible for the deaths of millions of Iraqis.
2. That working people should continue to get screwed by their government, which continues to pass law after law that helps the rich, powerful, and corporations - the U.S. ruling class, while allows workers and poor to rot. Now, you might say that the dems and repubs do not agree on this, but they do - they just differ on how hard they want to hurt workers - the repubs are more honest, while the dems play the good cop. Like the minimum wage - it is a battle over cents, instead of what is needed for people to survive and thrive. when the housing loan crisis comes, the dems look like the good guys for wanting to put a band-aid on it, and then bury it so that another financial scandal can come up 5-10 years later. Since no one really wants to take on the profit system.
3. That workers shouldn’t fight back at their workplace - sure, them dems are supposedly pro-union. but only because they are in bed with the management-style, pro-business union leaders. these leaders are sell-outs who have no interest in actually helping their ranks fight for better conditions and wages - they just want to keep their cushy union jobs. Not that I am anti-union, I am very pro-union, but only as a fighting, striking union. dems and repubs both are against strikes, neither would ever walk a picket line for long or come out with a public statement supporting strikers against their bosses.
4. the gay people shouldn’t have the same basic rights as heteros. again, the reubs are more honest with their bigotry, while the dems hem and haw but mostly put forth half measures. don’t get me wrong, I am not a big fan of the institution of marriage at all - I think for most of its history marriage has been openly sexist and considered women as servants. But given that marriage gives unique state-endorsed rights to couples, it is clear under “equal protection” that the state must give those protections to all couples wishing them. not surprising that the 2 mainstream parties are against this basic civil right - the same was true about interracial couples in the past.
so when you look at the real issues, dems and repubs should realize that they will win whoever gets elected: both Obama and McCain support the same oppressive and muderous system!
271. rick386 | 08.22.08
Is an unborn babies life worth more than that of a frightened young girl’s? The rich will just go somewhere else and get an abortion. The poor will either risk death or multiply. Are we worried the world will run out of people? I suppose the right to life party is the party that’s against capital punishment. No?
272. Gato | 08.22.08
I own one home and I can tell you to the penny how much my payment is.
I was amazed when I heard McCain doesn’t know how many homes he owns and I don’t need Obama’s ads to tell me exactly what the ads are saying - that McCain is wildly out of touch with the average American. Clueless would be more accurate.
What I also find amazing is that anyone can look at McCain’s statement and see it any other way, regardless of whether you support his politics and his positions or even if you just flat out hate Obama.
273. Earl in Illinois | 08.22.08
In response to Mike in Florida (post #24), he demonstrates how ignorant most posters are. NO, the Obama sideyard purchase did NOT make Mrs. Rezko’s lot unbuildable. In fact, she sold the lot in less than a year at a huge profit. The lot, zoned both single-family and multi-family, was on the market for more than $900K this past year.
The Obama home purchase is one of the most researched and squeaky-clean deals in all of Chicago real estate history. The Rezko rumors were debunked completely by the Chicago media two years ago and again when the Clinton whiners tried to make them a story this spring.
274. man | 08.22.08
pamela.
There are many great people in favor of abortion. the more abortion the better! its great population control.
I also support stem cell research (but only as a byproduct of my support for killing babies)
275. Mitch Piteo | 08.22.08
Well, maybe it is a crime to rich in America if laws have been broken and or written in such a way as to deny fellow americans their lawful rights…move to Russia? In Russia there is more respect for darwinian economics than on Wall Street which has its hat in its hand going to the very countries which spawned the 9/11 hijackers to bail itself out with “non-USA-soveriegn wealth funds”….Crybaby capitalists should stop patting themselves on the back with that invisible hand before Freddie Mac is as dead as Bernie Mac.
276. Clair | 08.22.08
this is quite ridiculous…McCain didn’t forget how many homes he had…why is Obama twisting the truth?…he just couldn’t figure out why the reporter wanted to make that part of the interview.
I could care less how many he has as long as he has the experience to lead the country.
And that he in NOT like Bush..I expect the truth.
277. Eddie Zalez | 08.22.08
It’s 3 a.m. Does John McCain know what house he is in? Maybe Cindy knows.
278. john | 08.22.08
@Allen R.
Being a celebrity and living like one are 2 completely different things. If I suddenly inherited a massive fortune that doesn’t make me a rock star that gets headlines. McCain is rich simply because he is good at what he does and has a high paying position (like most politicians) and has a very wealthy wife. Besides, would you really want a president that is middle class and never achieved anything higher then a middle class salary?
279. wolf | 08.23.08
Some here are being duped. Obama spent his early years working as a [Christian] Church organizer finding jobs for locals in the Chicago area, and yet he’s painted as Islamic and elitist.
McCain grew up in a home of privilege, the son of an Admiral, who was one of the leading naval commanders during the Vietnam war, who broke up with his first wife to marry money. And people are trying painting him as an every-day-guy.
281. Payday Loan Advocate | 09.30.08
My grandfather used to tell me, “if something isn’t broke, than why fix it?” If referring to the short- term financial assistance that payday lenders offer, things surely aren’t broken. In fact, customers highly appreciate payday lenders largely because, when used properly, they’re one of the fastest and safest ways out of a negative financial situation. Unfortunately, some people in high places don’t see it this way and are trying to fix something that isn’t broken. Several bipartisan efforts have outlawed the entire industry in certain states, to take aim at the whole industry. On November 4, don’t vote by party; vote for the one that respects our right to financial freedom.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. Sea Ration | 08.22.08
I’m bemused by how the question asked of John McCain, “How many houses do you own?,” is generating so much response. The operative word in the question is “YOU.” If we can assume that McCain’s wife, Cindy, is the owner of at least some of the homes, it isn’t surprising that McCain need time to reflect on how many houses “HE” owns!
It reminds me of the oft quoted phrase of McCain saying he would leave troops in Iraq for 100 years. Nobody, it seems, bothers to report the context in which the answer is phrased. It was in reply to a question of how long US troops could possibly stay in Iraq as a presence. McCain’s answer was in the context of troops staying in Iraq the same way US troops have stayed in Europe, Japan and Korea. He did not say he wanted troops in combat for 100 years. Shame on the media for continuing to mislead the gullible public.