(Jake Turcotte)
New polls show Obama and McCain tied everywhere (almost)
By Jimmy Orr | 09.22.08
As we ramp up to the first presidential debate of the season, it feels a bit like 1999. The Americans win the Ryder cup. Brian Griese is a starting quarterback. And John McCain is running for President.
New polls are out everywhere. You could make a career out of interpreting them.
Sabato-mania
One person who has done just that is the ever-present University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato. Sabato seems to going for a personal record — make an appearance in every news outlet worldwide — by the end of the year.
Today he can scratch the BBC from his list, penning a very interesting column on that site on the possibility of an electoral college tie.
Ugh, a tie
A possibility? Not likely. But Sabato says to keep an eye on seven key states: Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
“If you mix and match states on the map, in fact, you will quickly see that it relatively easy to produce a tie in the electoral college,” Sabato writes. “So what happens if one occurs? In two words: a mess.”
No kidding. Under the constitution, through something called the “unit rule,” the selection of the President would go to the House of Representatives — with one caveat. Instead of each Representative having a vote, each state gets a vote. The candidate with the majority gets the win.
Another tie
What if it’s a 25-25 tie? The new Vice President would select the President. The selection of Vice President is easier. The 100 members of the U.S. Senate each get a vote.
The result of such a mess?
“If the public reaction to the Supreme Court’s Bush v Gore decision in 2000 was bitter, one can scarcely imagine the outrage that would greet a modern application of the unit rule,” Sabato writes.
Is it really that close? A look at many of the recent polls show the battleground states are indeed real battlegrounds.
The perpetual battleground states — Florida and Ohio once again — show McCain and Obama nearly deadlocked.
Florida
A new Miami Herald poll shows McCain with a scant two-point margin in Florida (47 to 45 percent). The poll was conducted from September 14 - 17, so the full impact of the week’s financial problems haven’t been factored in.
On the economy, Obama has the clear edge — a 49 to 40 percent lead. In terms of foreign policy questions, McCain has the lead.
If terrorism is your main concern in Florida, it’s literally all McCain - getting 92 percent of those voters. Who could better deal with the war in Afghanistan and Iraq? McCain gets that nod by a 54 - 40 percent margin.
If the economy is your top issue, Florida voters believe Obama can better deal with it by a 49 - 40 percent margin.
Who gets to wear the “change” banner? Obama. Those polled believe Obama has a better chance of “changing how Washington works.”
The poll had an essay portion in it as well. Judging from the reactions, all polls should include these.
The poll asked voters an open-ended question: Describe the first thing that springs to mind when the vice presidential candidates’ names are mentioned. Palin elicited responses from ”refreshing change” to ”Oh, my God, help us.” Biden elicited responses from ”man of experience” to “blowhard.”
Ohio
The Ohio Newspaper poll — conducted by the eight largest newspapers in the Buckeye state — shows John McCain with a 48 to 42 percent edge, The poll was conducted from September 12 - 16, so as with the Miami Herald poll the financial crisis was not fully baked in.
A full 19 percent of those polled said it’s still early and they may change their minds about who they will be supporting.
Iowa
All the talk about Iowa being up-in-the-air? Fuhgedaboudit. That’s the conclusion of a new poll of 600 voters in Iowa. According to Quad City Times, the Democratic nominee has a commanding 14 point lead, 53 percent to 39 percent.
Is the Obama campaign celebrating the lead? Far from it. They’re still in attack mode.
“Regardless of what the polls say, we know the McCain campaign is capable of harsh, false attacks which can distract from the important issues, which is why we are taking absolutely nothing for granted,” said Obama’s Iowa director.
Minnesota
A new Big Ten Battleground Poll shows Obama with a slight edge, 47 percent to 45 percent. This poll, too, was taken before the full impact of last week on Wall Street was realized (September 14 - 17). It gives Obama a slight lead, 47-45 percent.
The normally reliable blue state right now is on the bubble. One notable takeaway from the poll is the difference in the unfavorability rating. Obama’s unfavorable rank is a full nine points higher than McCain’s, 48 percent to 39 percent.
When discussing the survey, a pollster affiliated with the project could have easily been talking about the college football season.
“We all expected this to be tight — it’s extraordinarily tight,” the pollster said. “What it’s really going to come down to is the next president is going to be the one to win the Big Ten.”
New Hampshire
Both candidates are spending time in this-now “purple” state. Once a solid red state, it has moderated to the center. President Bush won the state in 2000. Senator Kerry brought it to the Democratic fold in 2004.
RealClearPolitics has it going Obama by a 48 percent to 44.7 percent margin. But like any other state too close to call, the numbers can keep fluctuating. The battleground within New Hampshire, according to Reuters, is Manchester.
“[The] director of the University of New Hampshire’s Survey Center expects the race to boil down to blue-collar voters in Manchester, a former New England textile city of 107,200 people. “Whoever wins Manchester probably wins the election in the state,” said the director.
Nevada
It can’t get any tighter in Nevada. A Suffolk University poll released this morning shows McCain leading Obama with the slightest of edges: 45.8 percent to 45.3 percent.
This poll was able to capture the full impact of last week as it was conducted from September 17 - 21. Who’s to blame for the financial meltdown? The GOP, say Nevada voters.
The recent Wall Street turmoil has not helped matters for the Republican Party. When likely voters were asked which political party — if any — deserved blame for the roiling economy, 41 percent blamed the Republicans; 16 percent blamed Democrats; 27 percent said neither; and 16 percent were undecided.
What about other issues like gender and race?
Women
Politico is reporting this morning that a new Lifetime poll asking women “which candidate has a better understanding of women and what’s important to them,” John McCain has made up the huge deficit he once had. Down 34 points before the selection of running mate Sarah Palin, McCain has all put made this a tie, now up 44-42 percent.
Of likely women voters, however, they note Gallup’s last weekly poll which shows Obama leading among likely women voters 48 - 44 percent.
Race
Anyone who thought American voters had moved past selecting a candidate based on race will be disappointed in hearing news from an Associated Press-Yahoo News poll conducted last week.
The poll, which surveyed more than 2,200 people, shows how differently whites and blacks view racial discrimination.
When asked “how much discrimination against blacks” exists, 10 percent of whites said “a lot” and 45 percent said “some.” Among blacks, 57 percent said “a lot” and all but a fraction of the rest said “some.”
Bottom line? Discrimination could be a big factor in determining the November outcome.
“Racial prejudice could cost Obama up to 6 percentage points this fall,” the AP reports. “That’s a big hurdle in a nation whose last two presidential elections were decided by much smaller margins.”
Vote early and vote often
If all this talk of the election makes you want to go out and vote now - you can. At least in some places. Some counties in Virginia and Kentucky began accepting absentee ballots last Friday.
While in Georgia, it’s “anything goes.” Starting today, you don’t even need a reason to vote early. You can just show up at your county election office and cast your vote.
A full 34 states will be offering some kind of early voting method before the election.
We project…
So is it really that far out of the question to imagine Wolf Blitzer today stating, “Based on the seven absentee votes mailed in today from Kentucky, CNN is projecting…”
<< Online readers get fired up over campaign coverage | MainComments
2. Sam | 09.22.08
You’re all morons!
Democrats for inability to win. And Republicans for voting Republican.
You know what else, you ain’t got no future, not for a very long time.
Me, I’m outta here! Off to much more civilized embrace of Prague and Budapest.
I just wish I could take your best jazz and blues musicians, your best writers, composers, and scientists with me. So the rest of you can stew in your own fascist-Republican **** for good.
3. Stan | 09.22.08
Well I am in the jacksonville florida area. 5 thousand showed up for mccains rally.
There were 18 to 20 thousand at the obama rally and that doesnt include the thousands that were turned away. It was like a huge rock concert. Nuts.
I dont know if i trust these polls. People are coming out of the woodwork to vote this election. A lot more will be voting for obama then what the polls are saying.
4. ann | 09.22.08
As I canvass for Obama I have been aware of the body language and tone of those who say they haven’t made up their mind or are leaning toward McCain. They say they find much of what Obama says refreshing and appealing but …. This makes me wonder how they are making their decision???
6. Rick | 09.22.08
What polls are you people looking at? I don’t see a tie in the numerous polls I follow?
7. eamon | 09.22.08
Racial prejudice could cost Obama up to 6 percentage points this fall,” the AP reports
that may be true , however what percentage of blacks will vote for obama because of his race?
i guess that is alright?
if blacks were honest they would admit that is is al about race, in who they will vote for. If the dem candidate were white they could care less.
8. Fairbro | 09.22.08
Why is “Racial Prejudice” only a white problem? And why does the media pretend that every single black American does not consider race when he/she votes?
Since blacks will vote for Obama by a 94% to 3% margin, any rational person or reporter would conclude this is striking evidence of black racism and black bigotry, instead of ignoring it.
Too bad the left-wing media censors anyone, like me, with a contrary view.
This election, or the next, is the one in which the left-wing media heretofore enjoying a speech monopoly via local newspapers and TV stations, having proven once and for all it is incapable of balanced reporting, was abandoned by the majority of Americans who are turning for fair reporting to the internet and other sources.
10. Plain Jane | 09.22.08
I think Mr. Obama needs to make clear his Christian faith and I hope that the lipstick waving Entertanment Tonight appearance voting crowd will catch wind of our economic rocky road and greedy deregulated scoundels who have stolen our hard earned cash far more than taxes have ever come close, are agonized by their children dying under false premises in an underhanded war and the propaganda of so called winning is oversimplified and debatable, will extend compassion to families in a culture far away that has seen far more devastating loss by our hand, will see a need for innovation over more muscling that we can’t afford, will intuit the bold-faced consistent untruths of an old hero who needs to stand behind the blatant manipulation of a woman to get heard. Rural is red and urban is blue is typical by precinct but I can only hope that purple will educate themselves over real issues and that taking the high-road of good honest policy can in many ways dispel our differences.
11. Maria Kirchner | 09.22.08
Race must be the ONLY issue that is affecting the numbers.The democrats should have a really huge margin,but because Obama’s skin color is different America is going to loose.I have read so many scary and horrible things about both McCain and Palin and yet this race is tied-WOW!!America better wise up before this GREAT nation suffers.Please do some serious fact checking before voting!Look up McCain’s stance on gun laws-scary,his policies,his lack of knowledge on economics.Look up Biden’s crime bill in 1994,look up Obama’s stance on gun laws,look up his ethic reform bill.For all McCains talk on Fannie Mae and Obama taking money from them-His campaign manager took $360,000 per year for 5 years to defend against stricter regulations.Obama should be blowing McCain out of the water!!! Wake up people-This is too important!!
12. Plain Jane | 09.22.08
In case you haven’t yet realized ladies, Mr. McCain and friends are making fun of us. Soccer mom chanting is playing right into their joke. Get a bigger picture if you want to have a life.
14. ash | 09.22.08
It is my hope that my fellow citizens will look beyond partisanship. As a Republican, I am dismayed by the Republican campaign shenanigans.
Prior to the primaries, many Republicans were supporting Barack Obama. I hope they will think back — and re-ignite their keen observations (often cited back then) that his moderation would bring a new willingness on the part of both Democrats and Republicans to work together.
I recently watched an interview with New York’s Mayor Bloomberg. He talked about the importance of judgment. He said he had not yet made a decision or an endorsement, noting that on the economy, both campaigns had consulted with him.
Good judgment seems to come naturally to Sen. Obama. He sincerely looks at all sides of an issue, consults with others, and thinks through the consequences of action.
Sen. McCain, on the other hand, lauds his reputation as a maverick. He “shoots from the hip” so to speak, meaning that he speaks before he thinks.
Often he “thinks better” of his words and actions. The problem is that once a bridge is burned, it is costly in both time and resources to rebuild it.
Yes, it is important to be able to “think on one’s feet.” I’ve watched Obama do just that — for example during his Saddleback Church interview. McCain,
on the other hand, reacts.
With a military metaphor, McCain reacts like a combat soldier, decisive. Following his training. On the other hand, Obama thinks like a commander,
considering all fronts, before leading an attack, defense, and/or retreat.
Who is better suited to be commander-in-chief? In my mind, between Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama, Barack Obama is the clear choice.
15. susan | 09.22.08
On race the poll’s ommission is as obvious as a radid wolf running madly about in a children’s playground. The question: “How much discrimination against whites exists in the black community….” Until polls are balanced in their agendas, their can be no confidence placed in them.
http://americanpoliticalblog.wordpress.com/
16. michael tang | 09.22.08
Dear Readers:
When reading the polls, don’t forget the Bradley effect. Sad to say that while reverse racism and sexism help Obama win the primaries, racism and outraged feminism may defeat him in the general election.
Mike
17. Marross | 09.22.08
As a former Democrat - who supported a qualified, knowlegeable and hard working woman for the nomination - I can tell you it is not about race. It is about experience vs. hype, character vs. image and humility vs. arrogance. Obama is an arrogant man who has stolen the nomination with his Chicago-style politics and presents as aonther weak, mealy mouthed politican. To assume that it is his race that turns people off is a media-contrived notion, supported by Obama’s fanatical followers. The fact is that there are many highly qualified Black men and women in this country who would make a good president, Obama is just not one of them.
18. frank | 09.22.08
this isn’t going to be close at all obama will prevail.i will say this again true americans will vote on issues and the rest will vote on racism.looking back at the last eight years the polls will tell you anyone voting for mccain will be considered a racist like it or not.tell me what part of the 21st century can mccain bring us to at 72 years old.obama biden can’t fail you will see.
19. frank | 09.22.08
do you really think people will be flocking to polls for more of the last eight years i don’t think so.racism is one thing but,stupidity is another america will come together for barack-biden
20. Chris | 09.22.08
Wow number 15. First of all Obama didn’t steal the election, Hillary was just stupid is organizing her side. I’m a government major and I can tell you that hillary went into the primaries like a republican, wanting to blow the other candidates away, but she didn’t and just like McGovern won the nomination, so did Obama. Secondly, these polls are low for obama because cell-phones are not polled and if they are, not by much. So your talking everyone under 30 basically has a far lower say in these polls than people older than 30. If the 18-24 year olds vote even by a slighly more margin than they usually do, then obama will win.
21. Sean | 09.22.08
I’m all for change but what is Obama going to change and how? I would vote for him if he could actually say in detail what he is going to do (change wise) and actually do it. He needs to show how and what he is going to use to pay for these changes. What can one guy do when his party is really in charge? I think that is why he is struggling to get voters on the fence. Yes, he is black and young but so what. I understand that you have to play politician and not detail everything or lock down anything so you do **** off members in your own party and give the other side something to jump on. Why don’t he say exactly what he is going to and the what, where, when, how and why and how to pay for it for a “Change”. Otherwise we are voting for a different person in office. Is that change?
22. Robert NYC | 09.22.08
All these polls talking about how tight the race is makes this already won by McCain. The 6-point-black AP article makes that clear. If it goes to the polls to close to call a whole lot of white people are going to go into the booth and decided - yep, the white guy. All the black people are going to vote for the black guy. So who is more racist?
McCain wins. simple.
23. Danny | 09.22.08
I am astonished at the lack of knowledge Americans have about the presidential candidates. Obama does not have the capability to be our Commander, he is a puppet that will destroy our Nation if elected. Obama thinks raising Taxes on the rich will not effect us, that could not be anything further from the truth. Tax the rich and they will stop spending, which means money stops going around. Then jobs will disappear and it will trickle down to us.
It amazes me to still to see that the brainless sheep of our nation will follow any idea that will get them out of doing any sort of work. If you honestly think that Obama will “Cure” our nation with his Muslim ideas then you are wrong. Obama admitted it himself that he is of the Muslim faith, check it out.
Nothing is more important for our Nation than to know what actually happened. Todays crisis is because Bill Clinton started the corrupt housing market and forced banks to lend money to those that are unable to pay it all back. Democrats are killing us for their own greed, there are Republicans mixed with it.
So, to support Obama because he can brainwash you is no choice for change at all, but if that is what we all want then you will see our Great Nation fall.
24. TYG | 09.22.08
For the last time to the crazy people that think blacks are voting for Obama because he is black needs a reality check. First of all, 95% of all African Americans ARE Democrat, only approximately 3% vote against themselves as Republicans mostly derived in the south. As for race being an issue in voting, blacks have voted for white men since law was passed and they were allowed to vote. So for all of the ignorance spewing about blacks voting for Obama because he is black really have tunnel vision and the ignorance level is beyond repair. Blacks were the reason Bill Clinton land slid into the white house. We all know the job was stolen from Al Gore and John Kerry didn’t generate enough excited for any race so get off of it once and for all!
25. anna | 09.22.08
To Fairbro:
If you had any clue about voter demographics and how they vote, you wouldn’t make such an ignorant statement. Historically, blacks have voted for Democratic candidates by overwhelming margins. 88% of African Americans voted for Kerry, compared to the 11% for Bush. I guess they were racist against …um SHORT, white male, and voted for the taller white male??
Granted that number may be higher in the case of Obama (currently tracking at around 91%), but that could be due to their loss of faith in the Republicans. Yes, racism may also be a factor, but in this case, it is really not significant.
26. Linda in Virginia | 09.22.08
Obama and Biden are conducting a serious campaign, addressing real issues; McCain and Palin are making a mockery of our political process–an embarrassing, insulting charade.
Fellow Americans, do not cede to racism an undeserved priority. Vote Obama/ Biden!
27. Kristian | 09.22.08
Danny:
Trickle-down economics has a flaw: that the rich stop spending. On the contrary, the poor get money they spend it because they HAVE to. Where does the money when they go to Wal Mart or McDonalds go? Directly to the top.
The rich, when they get more money, do not immediately invest. They purchase luxury items (diamonds, yachts, watches, etc) that are typically NOT made in the US. They put money offshore and often do in ways to avoid taxing. The poor will always be taxed.
So my argument is two-fold:
1) If the money from the poor goes right back to the top, then that money is at the top and if your trickle down theory is right, giving the money to the poor first is the best route.
2) That if the money from the poor does not go up right away, it can’t be assumed that the converse will happen. Poor people do not invest in out-of-country investments (unless you’re talking about illegal drugs - but that’s another problem)
Just a thought..
28. JWILLY | 09.22.08
PLEASE..people wake up. it is not the president who got us in this mess..it was the Democratic controlled Congress. Think about it. the last two years of power, Gas goes through the roof, economy suffers because of Obamas CEO freinds at Fannie may abd Freddie Mac, who are now his top advisors are the sysytem. Good ol boys you say..Biden in the senae for 30 plus years that is really bringing change!
This is all a farce..vote ALL of them out of congress and Senate, get new blood, average americans who know how to balance a tight checkbook.
The mortage crisis.. the CRA bill where “everybody should own a home… well if you can’t afford one right now why give them the funds.. thank Congress for that one. We all had to wait and buy a house work two jobs sacrafice etc. who do these fools think we are. Stand up and let’s put an end to the screw job we always get from these yahoos! they are not doing what I voted them in to do. They ALL lie and are all corrupt.
your average american
29. JWILLY | 09.22.08
the TRUE story of why this collapse:
Take away Fannie and Freddie, or regulate them more wisely, and it’s hard to imagine how these highly liquid markets would ever have emerged. This whole mess would never have happened.
It is easy to identify the historical turning point that marked the beginning of the end.
Back in 2005, Fannie and Freddie were, after years of dominating Washington, on the ropes. They were enmeshed in accounting scandals that led to turnover at the top. At one telling moment in late 2004, captured in an article by my American Enterprise Institute colleague Peter Wallison, the Securities and Exchange Comiission’s chief accountant told disgraced Fannie Mae chief Franklin Raines that Fannie’s position on the relevant accounting issue was not even “on the page” of allowable interpretations.
Then legislative momentum emerged for an attempt to create a “world-class regulator” that would oversee the pair more like banks, imposing strict requirements on their ability to take excessive risks. Politicians who previously had associated themselves proudly with the two accounting miscreants were less eager to be associated with them. The time was ripe.
Greenspan’s Warning
The clear gravity of the situation pushed the legislation forward. Some might say the current mess couldn’t be foreseen, yet in 2005 Alan Greenspan told Congress how urgent it was for it to act in the clearest possible terms: If Fannie and Freddie “continue to grow, continue to have the low capital that they have, continue to engage in the dynamic hedging of their portfolios, which they need to do for interest rate risk aversion, they potentially create ever-growing potential systemic risk down the road,” he said. “We are placing the total financial system of the future at a substantial risk.”
What happened next was extraordinary. For the first time in history, a serious Fannie and Freddie reform bill was passed by the Senate Banking Committee. The bill gave a regulator power to crack down, and would have required the companies to eliminate their investments in risky assets.
30. Formerdem | 09.22.08
As a former Democrat and a Hillary supporter I cannot vote for someone who shy away from real issues. He can scream and shout the words “change” and “hope” but I need more substance than that. Why is it that Obama won most of the “caucus” states while Hillary won most of the “primary” states? Could it be that Obama camp did cheat? New video coming out this October…Let’s wait and see..
31. mj | 09.22.08
Kristian- I admire you for trying to explain the fallacy of trickle down economics, but the reality is that Danny guy, and many others like him are some combination of hateful/uneducated/mentally ill. This is a democracy, stuff isn’t supposed to make sense!
32. robert | 09.22.08
Florida, Virginia, and Ohio are Democratic knock out states (if Obama gets any of these he should win.) These are red states that if they are flipped unless a large blue state also flips will decide the election.
On the other hand Pennyslvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are knock out Republican states. If Bush… er, uh… i mean McCain wins anyone of these expect a long night for Obama.
I would expect that if anyone of these 7 states flips it will be because of a national uprise for one canidate or another. These are red and blue states respectively. The parties know the ground game in their prespective states and should not loose them.
So i believe the election will come down to drum roll please. The small western Bush states. Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada. If Obama can keep the Kerry states and pick up 3/4 of these states then he will win. He seems to be doing well in New Mexico and Iowa. If he can keep that up he has to get Colorado or Nevada. Colorado is barely leaning Obama and Nevada is barely leaning McCain. With the other uncontrollable factors it is essentially a coin toss as to whether or not he can do it.
If Nevada is the state then it will be 269-269 tie which should favor Obama since the 2006 election brought back a Democratic majority and it looks like they will actually gain seats in the election.
33. gary | 09.22.08
What is wrong with people who support Higher Taxes on tax Payers. 40% of americans do not Pay any tax but recieve a refund. I work hard to try and get
a enough to secure my retirement. I have worked my whole live and have never
recieved public handouts. Government needs to let me Keep my earnings and not
redistribute it to people who won’t work. We have a low unemployment rate a
person who wants to work can find a job. If this is not true why can millions
of Illeagals find work. Where is the pride in oneself gone. Obama will along
with his liberal cronies create a socialistic state and demolish our indepenent
freedom.
we need to get rid of the IRS and establish a fair tax. Democrats will never
support a fair tax. We need to elect John Mccain for real change in Govenment.
34. njh1 | 09.22.08
FormerDem,
Obama won the Caucus states because people who go to caucuses are more engaged in the political process and more well informed. In fact if you would bother to check out Obama’s website, you would see very well detailed plans for change and hope, but I guess that would be to much trouble for you.
35. JC | 09.22.08
I love how the neocons have brainwashed people into believing that the mainstream media is liberal or left. Watch “Democracy Now” if you REALLY want to see “left”. The stories THEY show won’t be broadcast by mainstream outlets. Wake up. You are being FOOLED by the clever application of language! 80% of the “talking heads” experts on TV are from CONSERVATIVE think tanks. Left-wing media censors indeed!
36. Republican | 09.22.08
I totally support you, Danny. Why does people who do not pay much tax want a tax cut? You can not cut tax if you do not pay any?
This nation needs to encourage success, but not penalized success. Telling people not to work hard, goverment will get the money from rich and give to you??? Be honest, people, do you truly think that is fair? Get real!
37. Gary | 09.22.08
Reading these blogs and comments of late is entertaining. You could come up with reason’s why many come to see Barack while so few visit McCain and this has been true in the last two elections, the republicans already know who they will vote for and usually are to busy to attend these functions. No, I won’t say all dems attending have less to do, you can make your own call on this point. The real question is why so many believe in so little? I voted for Clinton but at least he had well developed plans. BO has not given one shred of evidence as to what he truly believes in or will do other than to change his tune predicated on where he is campaigning.
His last comment was to “not” comment on what he would do with regards to the bailout since he didn’t want to create partisan wrangling. Please, this tells me differently. No wonder he has not gotten any further down the road against McCain.
Secondly, BO blames the current administration for these problems? I would bet most americans can tell you this started a long long time ago under many different presidents including Two democrats.
38. John | 09.22.08
I am really tired of these blogs that idolize one candidate and demonize the other; all this name-calling is really wounding the integrity of our nation. I do not detest John McCain, but I do think that Obama is a better choice. Interestingly, despite the polls that put McCain way ahead when the issue is terrorism, I believe that it’s Obama who will create a safer world, due to his more even temperament, and his greater intellectual curiosity–his ability to see the world in a nuanced rather than black-and-white way. See this wise essay by the former Reaganite Fareed Zakaria: http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/fareed_zakaria/2008/07/obama_foreign_policy_realist.html
39. Jeff | 09.22.08
Gary,
“BO has not given one shred of evidence as to what he truly believes in or will do”
You couldn’t be more wrong. If you watched his acceptance speech at the DNC, which you probably didn’t, you would have seen and heard the specifics where he spelled out item by item of what he’d do.
See, you gotta spend a little time researching, especially when you miss the live broadcasts, but only if you want to be informed. Check it out and check back in if you’re still in the dark….
40. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
I most certainly will NOT be voting for Obama. The man sounds like he is running to be the general secretary of the UN. When he was in Europe quoting anti-western sociologist Walden Bello “We need to correct the imbalance in the Global North and Global South” that’s all well and good for someone in the phillipines or zimbabwe, but I’m living here in the U.S.
I need a president who looks after the interests of the U.S. first and foremost, not an internationalist!
Does anyone remember some of the speaches Obama and Kerry made before the invasion of Iraq? Much of their argument was centered around the U.S. acting unilaterally, while the intelligence failures (of which he couldn’t have been certain of at that time, as he wouldn’t have had access to much intelligence to compare with his sources) were covered more. What gets the goat of people like Obama is that the U.S. basically defied the UN, the world governing body.
All these people want is more control over our lives. Screw them, it’s hard enough with 1 “commander in chief” it’ll be worse under 192. Most of whom don’t have OUR interests at heart.
reluctantly McCain/Palin ‘08
41. Ben Kidd | 09.22.08
When Danny said Obama is a muslim and I am a brainless sheep for suporting Obama I had to roll my eyes.I am a 57 year old history/Political science grad who reenacts WWII, Civil War and Medieval living history (i.e I know a little about history and political science) and well as being a Vietnam Era Navy Vet. I am not ignorant Danny boy. Its right wing, republican dupes who dominate talk radio that keep the real sheep ignorant.I was listening to Mark Levin while station surfing and I heard him call Obama an Idiot, brainless, a fool and a moron in only five minutes, meanwhile he brags of being using logic, but I hard him only appealed to bias, prejudice, manipulation of facts and rumor. Bring back the fairness doctrine. These people are not patriots but traitors in the sense they inspire hatred between Americans instead of moderation unity and compromise.I still hear people say Obama is a Muslim, although discredited. I also have two friends at work who should be voting for Obama, especially being in a labor Union, but who are voting for McCain to “keep the ni… out of the white House”.I thought it was disgusting. Don’t let anyone fool you, if it wasn’t for race Obama would be up 15 points. Sometimes I am ashamed to be an American if Obama loses based on bigotry in spite of having better policies. Danny’s skipping over eight years of G. Bush and blaming Clinton is also absurd and partisan. I am too, but I do my homework too Danny boy. Republican’s being the new friends of oversight and re-regulation is laughable.
42. Brett | 09.22.08
I would expect a more educated group of comments from CSM readership. It is hard for me to believe people want to reward the Republican party with four more years.
43. Russ | 09.22.08
Danny,
I’m astonished about your lack of knowledge of anything to do with reality and politics. Typical right-wing nut job attacks. Quite funny actually.I haven’t heard one on Bill Clinton in quite some time. Do you even realize the Republicans had control of Congress from 1994 to 1996? Their fingerprints are all over the financial mess we now have. Any measures put forth by Clinton never would have passed without the Republicans. If you believe the email about Obama being Muslim, there’s a great one going around about forwarding test emails to everyone you know, and Microsoft/Bill Gates will make you rich. You better respond now before it’s too late.
44. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
If we want to compare how patriotic we are, I would say I’m about even with you. You have about 30 years on me, but I’ve done quite a bit these last 10 years.
Going off on right wingers who listen to talk radio…
You’re old enough to remember the time when AM Radio was basically dead in the water. Why did conservatives go there?? Because they couldn’t get a word in edgewise in the mainstream media. They had to follow the path of least resistance. Now it’s bad because the conservatives and libertarians actually have a voice?
Why is it that liberals can’t take the heat? Conservatives understand that liberals exist and have to deal with it. Liberals on the other hand, choose to attack the very right to speak.
1. Fairness Doctrine possibly being brought back
2. No Platform policy, used by European ultra-liberals to bludgeon the far right, is now being used in the U.S.
3. Constant interruptions of Republican speechmakers and candidates by liberal groups, including at the Republican National Convention.
4. The Youtube debates where definitely 4 and possibly 7 of the questioners were democratic party hacks presenting themselves as conservatives.
5. C-Span recently updating its call tracking policy because of the number of DEMOCRATS spamming the republican line and presenting themselves as republicans in order to get their message out.
And what exactly are the differences I keep hearing about? I was at the Albright, Clarke and Harman town hall in Northern Virginia 2 days ago. They sound exactly like republicans and preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons, to the point of war in order to protect Israel and other interests in the area, came up 4 times.
The fact that many people did NOT applaud when these issues came up, even when Obama was named, made it apparent that their’s a disconnect between what Democrats think their party is about, and what it actually says.
45. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
And I hear people say he’s a CLOSET muslim all the time. I think they mean he’s not loyal to the U.S. which is entirely plausible.
Clinton had to defend himself against accusations that he visited the Soviet Union when he was in college. How come no one brings up Obama visiting the middle east when he was a college grad? Especially when people are saying he is a closet muslim or anti-western/anti-white.
46. Russ | 09.22.08
As much as we’d like to believe otherwise, race will play a part in this and every election. We try to run away from it, but really what happens when people actually vote may be different from the polls. And that is too bad, because this needs to be about issues. The question should be about who you think is more qualified or best supports your views and values, not race. The upcoming debates will hopefully answer questions for people so everyone can make what they feel is the right decision.
47. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
As much as we’d like to believe otherwise, race will play a part in this and every election. We try to run away from it, but really what happens when people actually vote may be different from the polls. And that is too bad, because this needs to be about issues. The question should be about who you think is more qualified or best supports your views and values, not race. The upcoming debates will hopefully answer questions for people so everyone can make what they feel is the right decision
I think it will play some role, in certain mixed areas where there is a lot of racial tension, like Ohio. White Democrats might think twice before voting for Obama. They may feel that it will give african american politicians who favor blacks over other groups, a leg up.
Racism doesn’t seem to effect democrats in ALL white areas from voting for him, but for some reason those who live in mixed areas DO…
The only notable exception I see is West Virginia. It’s mostly all white, has a strong democratic party base, yet is voting against Obama.
48. Ben White | 09.22.08
Obama has written two books — both about his favorite topic: himself.
He is an elite snob.
I am voting for Sarah Palin. She is the first candidate in many years to represent my views, which I learned growing up in AMERICA during the 1940’s and 1950’s.
49. starry perdun | 09.22.08
Obama said this and I quote, “We live in the greatest nation on earth. Will you help me change it?”
50. Chris | 09.22.08
wow. That pretty much sums up my reaction to everything on this board. So it’s Obama v. Palin now? And here I thought McCain was the republican nominee, i guess i was wrong.
I’ll admit that I’m young (I’m 21) but even my parents are siding with Obama. They grew up during the 60s and 70s. I don’t know where you guys are coming from, but most baby boomers that i talk to support obama, not mccain. Maybe south dakota is now liberal? (it’s not).
51. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
All of the people on here exposing, or trying to expose Obama are great. I just hope we can pull out a win for McCain/Palin this year. It looks tough. And McCain is a lazy campaigner and debater. I’m not sure what Obama has to do in order to “lose” the debate seeing that he has about 90% of the media on his side, which will spin MOST mistakes.
52. LeRoy | 09.22.08
Yeh…Obama rallies have more people because most are unemployed, lazy…not wanting a job; because he promised to take from those that work for a leaving and give to them who are to lazy to work…SOCIALISM
54. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
Obama wins by a landslide! Hope prevails
Please tell me what this Hope entails, because Mr. Obama isn’t saying.
55. A. Citizen | 09.22.08
If you have to ASK what hope entails, you’ll probably be voting for McCain, and the lipstick wearing pit-bull… woof woof.
56. dynah | 09.22.08
A country in a economic mess and blundered war can not elect a candidate from a ruling party that has caused this crisis. Escalating Oil prices and food and at the same time no job. How come the government is very quick to help Wall Street but slow to help the elderly and unfortunate who are struggling with the current high cost of living? Under different circumstances I could have voted for McCain. Unfortunately, the situation that I am currently in does not allow me to do so. Not this year, not this Election. Sorry.
57. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
“If you have to ASK what hope entails, you’ll probably be voting for McCain, and the lipstick wearing pit-bull… woof woof.”
I.E. You have no damn clue what change entails.
I’ve been reading up on this for a year and a half, Obama’s proxies have stopped by here about once a week for the last 8 months. He won’t say what change is BECAUSE NON-LIBERAL PEOPLE WON’T ACCEPT IT. He has to wait after the election.
Obama is a con artist.
58. AlFajrVet | 09.22.08
A country in a economic mess and blundered war can not elect a candidate from a ruling party that has caused this crisis. Escalating Oil prices and food and at the same time no job. How come the government is very quick to help Wall Street but slow to help the elderly and unfortunate who are struggling with the current high cost of living? Under different circumstances I could have voted for McCain. Unfortunately, the situation that I am currently in does not allow me to do so. Not this year, not this Election. Sorry.
Ummm that’s great but the Democrats have had 2 years to try and figure out what the problem was—and they’ve done nothing.
“No One knows what to do” Harry Reid Senate Majority leader, sounding like Ray Nagin, another democrat. About the only democrat qualified to do anything about it is Barney Frank and they keep him in a corner until it’s already well past the point of prevention.
Did anyone forget that the “Change Agent” HAS NO HISTORY of bipartisanship.
As long as it’s a republican coming across to do something that’s safe for Obama to do, it’s bipartisanship? Chuck Hagel and Obama coming together to talk about how the surge would do nothing?
Yeah that’s bipartisanship.
Start talking about what Change entails!
59. bounvil | 09.22.08
I value personal and country’s economics more than political affiliation or family values. Those two things do not food on my table or help me to pay college fees for kids period. I m sorry for the first
time in my life, I will cross the party line.
60. Chris | 09.22.08
hmmm, maybe “change” as in how he would change the healthcare system? or maybe “change” as in how he would change the education system? Maybe even the fact that he wants to “change” the system for getting work-study at colleges to actually doing something good for the community and not just sit behind the desk at the library? Sounds like someone has never read up on Obama. Here’s the link http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
61. Vakwam | 09.23.08
People,
Basic economics….rich people do not spend more money (as a % of their wealth). Most of it goes abroad…just check how much $ is at UBS, Credit Suisse and JPMorgan in Geneva.
If anything rich people invest money in infrastructre projects in China, India, and other emerging markets.
PS this is coming from a Private Banker.
Go Obama!
62. Bill Shilling | 09.23.08
Barack Obama is the best hope for America since Bobby Kennedy. His life story is amazing almost beyond belief. He knows what it is like to be poor, to be struggling to get by. Without a silver spoon, such as his opponent has had, he on his own efforts has accomplished so much.
Obama has a reputation of working cooperatively with others to achieve results; his opponent has a reputation of becoming enraged at times and has even cursed members of Congress. In these dangerous times I prefer someone who will listen to others; in fact, Obama encourages divergent opinions and after listening to different opinions makes up his mind.
His running mate, Joe Biden, knows government like perhaps no one else in Congress. He wrote the act to prevent violence against women (McCain voted against the act to prevent violence against women). Biden lives modestly and has throughout his long career been known as someone who cannot be bribed or persuaded by offers of campaign contributions and so forth. There is no scandal with either Obama, who has been a faithful husband and father and who has never been divorced, nor with Joe Biden, who lost his wife and a child in a car accident, and has put his remaining children at the top of his personal life.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden will give America wonderful leadership. The election of their opponents will be more of the same we have had under the Bush administration and quite possibly even more dangerous.
63. VaMage | 09.23.08
Way back in ‘72 there was a guy running for President who had “rock star concert” like turn outs, had the youth vote, had highly vocal and very angry support from the far left, had the “progressives” dreaming, **** he even had Walter Cronkite.
The other guy running had nothing but what he termed “the silent majority”, those people don’t run their mouths, they don’t answer polls, they don’t go to rock concerts, they don’t do the whole cult of personality thing, they pretty much don’t “do politics” at all, because they are too busy earning a living and raising families, oh but they do vote.
You get one guess which guy won, or you could google it I suppose.
NOTE: Personally I would be surprised to see history repeat itself now, but it does have a way of doing that regardless of what a “unique point in” it we happen to be in at the moment.
64. John | 09.23.08
To the people that commented about how most blacks will vote for Obama - I think this is true, but you also have to remember that blacks, regardless of who the candidates are, normally vote Democrat. Throughout most of the elections, the vote for a Democrat candidate is about 80-90%. This is not based on race, but based on most blacks being aligned more with issues important to Democrats. It’s an added incentive of course, but I’m pretty sure most blacks would have voted for Hillary as well. So I don’t think it’s a fair excuse to offset why some whites will vote automatically for McCain, or some women will vote Republican, just because of Palin.
65. Renee’ | 09.23.08
I hope the last 8 years has taught us a little something. Obama impresses me as a person who will not “shoot form the hip”, but take the time to make thoughtful and educated decisions that effect our country as well as your average person trying to make a living. His message is one of hope, and I say, out with the old and in with the new. Please give change a chance. Could it really be any worse? Our global relationships will be so much better with Obama. Do people realize that?
66. wagcsa | 09.23.08
Well if Judgement is important (and it is) then Obama has clearly shown that he has poor judgement. He cannot make quick decisions either. He has to take a poll before he takes a stand, sometimes there is just no time for polls. At saddleback Obama looked very weak. Now if being a good speaker,
then Obama is the right choice. He is a smooth talker. He reminds me of a used car salesman. Since he has no real record on anything he tells people to trust him, just like your average car salesman who says trust me this car was only driven to church by a “little old lady.” I expect that Obama will win the debates because Obama can really talk. When he speaks he reminds me
some really good old black preachers I admire. The cadence is wonderful.
However, to me, Obama is more talk than do.
I have noticed there is some discussion about race. One person said that usually black voters vote democrat, and that is correct. However, look at the primaries. Blacks voted for Obama over Clinton sometimes by 91% plus.
It also seems to me that Obama has consistantly used race in the campaign.
He frequently says “they will point out that I am Black.” However, of course
McCain has not brought race up.
67. wagcsa | 09.23.08
It is Obama that spent weeks comparing himself to Palin. Maybe this is because he knows he cannot come close to McCain in experience, honor, duty, country, real hope, the right change, judgement, decision making and etc.
68. jeffjohn | 09.23.08
Stan,
But Palin drew thousands more than the estimated 20,000 people that turned out for Bush. A fire rescue official estimated the crowd at 25,000 to 30,000, while the Republican Party of Florida pegged the audience at twice that size.
Your math doesn’t add up. You better call for a recount.
Also more than 25,000 jn Miami.
69. NOWAYNOBAMA | 09.23.08
Rene,
If by “shoot from the hip” you mean as he stated he would go into Pakistan with or without there permission, I guess you are right.
70. NOWAYNOBAMA | 09.23.08
People,
please don’t try and make a successful life for yourslves ond prosper because if you do the Democrats want to punish you for it, or as they call it being patriotic to pey more for the 44% of people who already pay no taxes. Or give more money to those who don’t work or have never worked.Lets all quit working and let Obama and Biden take care of us all.
71. jeffjohn | 09.23.08
Tied? not sure for how long.
ABC News’ Matthew Jaffe Reports: A conflict over clean coal is brewing on the campaign trail after video surfaced of Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., telling an anti-pollution campaigner in Ohio that he does not support coal plants in America. While Obama has said: “As president,I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology and find ways to safely harness nuclear power.”
72. buffalogal | 09.23.08
What do I know, I’m just a ******* gal. But I do know that Raines was head of Clinton’s U.S. Office of Management and Budget from 1996 to 1998 before moving to Fannie Mae where from 1998 through 2004 where he “made” $91.1 million, including some $52.6 million in bonuses, according to OFHEO. Almost single-handedly, he destroyed Fannie Mae for his own personal gain while the sentate ignored the problem. Check out this story:
“Oh, and there is one little footnote to the story that’s worth keeping in mind while Democrats point fingers between now and Nov. 4: Senator John McCain was one of the three cosponsors of S.190, the bill that would have averted this mess.” http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?
buffalogal
73. VaMage | 09.23.08
jeffjohn, not sure which way you mean the comment about coal, at this moment the environment is a big loser for the Dem’s, which I would guess is what you’re driving at, and is why there is a debate at all. Ask people which they care more about, $5.00 per gallon or, and I will let them pick any environment cause they want, global warming to the caribou crawl.
A year ago both Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden would rather have chewed off their left, ok maybe right, foot, rather then talk about clean coal, much less nuclear in any way, shape or form. If Mr. Obama had been forced to take his current position on the environment during the primary season, and for some reason Ms. Clinton did not, he wouldn’t be nominated for dog catcher among the Greens.
I also note how strangely silent the Nader set, quite wisely, is, I would bet they are keeping their mouths shut at the moment, because they have been assured, behind closed doors, that they don’t actually have to worry about ANWAR or desert mice or what ever.
74. Greg | 09.23.08
Right - you are a former Republican. This is so transparent. Campaign shenanigans? The worst you can say about McCain’s Ads is that they are misleading - but not outright lies. Unlike Obama’s direct lie regarding McCain’s social security plan “cut it in half.” And his immigration add which identified McCain’s position with Limbaugh’s. Anyone who has done even a modest amount of research knows that Limbaugh railed against McCain and his position.
12. ash | 09.22.08
It is my hope that my fellow citizens will look beyond partisanship. As a Republican, I am dismayed by the Republican campaign shenanigans.
Prior to the primaries, many Republicans were supporting Barack Obama. I hope they will think back — and re-ignite their keen observations (often cited back then) that his moderation would bring a new willingness on the part of both Democrats and Republicans to work together.
I recently watched an interview with New York’s Mayor Bloomberg. He talked about the importance of judgment. He said he had not yet made a decision or an endorsement, noting that on the economy, both campaigns had consulted with him.
Good judgment seems to come naturally to Sen. Obama. He sincerely looks at all sides of an issue, consults with others, and thinks through the consequences of action.
Sen. McCain, on the other hand, lauds his reputation as a maverick. He “shoots from the hip” so to speak, meaning that he speaks before he thinks.
Often he “thinks better” of his words and actions. The problem is that once a bridge is burned, it is costly in both time and resources to rebuild it.
Yes, it is important to be able to “think on one’s feet.” I’ve watched Obama do just that — for example during his Saddleback Church interview. McCain,
on the other hand, reacts.
With a military metaphor, McCain reacts like a combat soldier, decisive. Following his training. On the other hand, Obama thinks like a commander,
considering all fronts, before leading an attack, defense, and/or retreat.
Who is better suited to be commander-in-chief? In my mind, between Sen. McCain and Sen. Obama, Barack Obama is the clear choice.
75. Dean | 09.23.08
I’m not an American Citizen and cannot vote on November but if you would ask me whom to vote for… Mcain. Why does some Americans set aside Mr. Obama’s weaknesses…lack of experience, gaffles, I heard him speak and I am not impressed!, he is not intellectual but arrogant. And Black Americans will vote for him because he is black and the blacks population will not accept that fact.
76. Mike | 09.23.08
A tie is definitely possible. Unless there is a clear winner in the debates next week … stay tuned!
77. GG | 09.24.08
McCain should start with better judgement about whom he hires. Rick Davis is in the news for his Freddie Mac ties but I have yet to see Martin Feldstein mentioned by the mainstream news. Interesting to see McCain tap the financial board of AIG for economic advice. Feldstein probably sees a way to ride the McCain bandwagon to privatize Social Security. Maverick? he talks the talk but not walking the walk and Palin is a dolt. Yeah, we former republicans do exist but I changed when they ran Bush the lesser. I thought he was a moron but he turned out even worse than I thought he would.
78. Mia T | 09.24.08
Barack Obama is very much like hillary clinton. Both are Saul-Alinsky acolytes. Both are narcissistic, messianic, self-promoting, amoral, thuggish, balkanizing, vacuous. Both reflexively put self-interest above national interest. Both are deadly dangerous.
Consider:
1- What, exactly, has Obama accomplished in his career other than promoting himself?
2- Obama campaign advisors that defrauded the public even as they walked away with tens of millions from Mac-Mae.
3- And let’s not forget Obama’s real estate deal with Vesco. Obama called it “boneheaded.” Thinking people call it “corrupt.”
4- Think about this one all you anti-war people: Obama pleaded with Iraq NOT TO MAKE A DEAL CALLING FOR THE REMOVAL OF OUR TROOPS until after the election (so that, presumably, he could get the credit.)
Obama, like the clintons, will put invariably self-interest over national interest. Based on his record as a POW and as a senator, we know McCain will not.
We cannot survive another ‘clinton.’ (Indeed, we may yet not survive the first.)
79. khunju njinju christopher | 09.24.08
Honestly,IF race were to be an issue, Obama would have lost the Democrats’ nominee. In my mind, that trend will prevail till 4 November. Obama is obviously a man of the present as he incarnates real change. It is not the apparent change as a slogan being used lately by his counterpart.
80. VaMage | 09.24.08
Lots of allegations about various crimes, yet one of the nominees has admitted, in writing, to the commission of a felony, which would preclude voting much less running had he been caught. Of course being a lawyer he was smart enough to do it after the Statute of Limitations was up, for which I give him credit.
I also give him credit, as I did Mr. Gore, for being smart enough to know what to do when someone handed him a joint, unlike another President who apparently couldn’t figure out how to inhale.
In any case we are being asked to vote for someone to defend and uphold the law who has demonstrated such a level of felonious contempt for the law. This sounds like letting the inmates run the asylum to me.
Note: I don’t care, so save your breath, if the crime was drugs or murder, it’s still a felony, he knew it was a felony and he didn’t care, now I am supposed to trust him to preserve, protect and defend the ultimate law of the land, when he demonstratively thinks he has the right to pick and chose which ones he personally obeys.
81. Janice | 09.24.08
As a business owner, I have been mostly Republican. But, really how can you vote for John McCain when you consider his life story? He married a beauty queen, Carol Shepp. After she had 25 surgeries from a serious car accident, he dumped her quickly for a rich beauty queen, Cindy, 18 years his junior. They both lied about their ages. Now McCain picks a former beauty queen as his VP, after only meeting her twice. How many beauty queens does one man deserve? McCain repeatedly falls in love with young beauty queens. His judgment is lacking. He chased women and partied during his Annapolis college days, graduating 5th from bottom of his class. John McCain’s record as a student is similar to George Bush’s - both did not attend classes because they both felt “entitled to graduate” as blue blood family members. He has chased down three beauty queens, lied about his age and looks at women only skin deep. His moral defects and feelings of entitlement earn my disrespect. He is too old with too many senior moments. He is immoral.
82. Janice | 09.24.08
I do not understand why white folks view Barack Obama as only black when he was raised by a white mother and white grandparents. He is Christian and was raised with “white” values. He graduated from our best “white” schools where he excelled. Why do you ignore the 50% of him that is white, just because his skin is dark. Are you only looking at his skin. He has a proposed a vision that will create 5 million jobs and policies to stop our silly and insatiable dependence on middle east oil? Palin wants to drill, drill, drill to get us out of our oil dependence. Alaska is not a large enough state to fill our oil demands even if we destroy its entire and make it look like NJ or NY. She is ridiculous. I want to vote for a woman before I die, but I would die before I could vote for a pathological liar. No matter how often she repeats her Bridge story, she was for the bridge until politics changed her mind and even then she took the Federal money.
83. TETS | 09.25.08
Accusing blacks and African Americans of voting based only on race is a faulty argument. This group have voted OVERWHELMINGLY democrat over the years-2008 is no different. The truth is Obama is a better person for the job regardless of one’s race (it’s not like he would be President of 12% of the population and not the rest) and there are several non-black (I include Hispanics and other minorities in this) who just refuse to admit that.
It is refreshing however to see a lot more people are inspired to vote by Obama and so many of them will.
Incidentally, women voting for McCain because he chose the FEMALE Governor of Alaska as his running mate is equally ridiculous as NOT voting for Obama because he is black.
It is so frustrating to listen to whom appear to be rational people make these arguments.
84. josephbbl | 09.25.08
It’s the economy, stupid
Strike One: 1982 Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act, authored by lobbyists, led to S&Ls like Lincoln Savings & Loan Association, headed by Charles Keating and supported by John McCain, ignored rules put in place to prevent a disaster. In the end, the taxpayers were left with the $125 billion bill.
Strike Two: 1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Repealed part of the Glass-Steagall Act, which was meant to prevent the collapse of banks during the Great Depression. Wrote by Phil Gramm, McCain’s economic advisor. Created unregulated monster companies like AIG, which weren’t suppose to fail because of their huge size. Led to unregulated sale of Mortgage-backed securities among companies who didn’t need to show they can cover the loss if the loans defaulted.
Strike Three: The Commodity Futures Modernization Act included the “Enron Loophole” that exempted energy trading from regulation and was written by (big suprise) Enron Lobbyists and Gramm.
NO to McCain!
85. charlie | 09.25.08
#23 Danny, wow! Where are you getting this? It was GW who started this sub-prime mess with his ” Every American will own a home” speech. I don’t suppose you watch the news or can read a newspaper, so you’re forgiven for that one. But Obama is as much a moslem as McCain is an atheist. As for suitability, you must live in a cave to think that Palin/ McCain are in any way whatsoever qualified to run a booze-up in a brewery! McCain voted to end regulation on Financial Institutions, muddled up AlQuaeda and Sunnis, and Palin is still trying to decide if the Constitution is a good thing or a bad thing!
86. Geena Teel | 09.25.08
The CRA- Community Reinvestment Act, signed by Carter, strengthened by Clinton, forced mortgage lenders to give mortgages to people who did not have the means to pay. Congress wants more oversight when they’ve already been there and let it happen, getting rich quick in the process. Checkout how much Freddie and Fanny has paid Obama and his economic advisors, Frank Raines and James Johnson. Raines was CEO of Fannie May, and made over $90 million during his tenure. James Johnson managed Fannie May and Lehman Bros. Do you want these people a heartbeat away from the presidency?
87. Mike | 09.26.08
First of all I am so tired of all this race business. If I am having a heart attack do I really care if the doctor treating me had green skin as long as he/she is the best doctor I can get.
Secondly Obama is as much white as black…Hello his mother is white and the mychondrial DNA comes entirely from mother.Nucleus DNA is 50/50
Thirdly me and my wife were going to vote for McCain till he started acting the poltician instead of the military hero whose story I really admired.
Fourthly I can’t stand the Caribou Barbie. The folksy way is not going to intimidate Putin or influence OPEC; and I don’t think Putin cares about another American President looking at his soul
88. Geena Teel | 09.27.08
Mike, who’s the one responsible for race bating? Why reward him for the very thing that you are tired of? Are you sure you were for McCain until you suddenly realized that he’s a politician? Hello… most African Americans are voting for Obama because he is black. Does that mean they are racist? Did reason and logic just fly out the window? What about age-ism? How much would you be willing to bet that Obama supporters are voting for him because of McCain’s age? Obama is socialist, like the majoriy in Congress. McCain is less so. Do Americans want more layers of corrupt unaccountable governmental controls over their lives and less freedom and a free, accountable market? No! But thanks to a huge coverup by the media, most Americans will go to the polls in November, not knowing the truth nor the person they will be giving our Country to.
89. kenn pappas | 09.27.08
Although I’m voting for McCain, I don’t seriously believe that Obama is immoral, poisonous, conniving… . Both candidates are potentially capable of shaking up Washington. It’s the House and the Senate that need to change. I’m all for McCain firing people, and I suspect that Obama’s perfectly capable of going on a firing rampage as well.
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1. kpeterson | 09.22.08
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0
There was a domino effect from the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae debacle. This article clearly traces the lack of leadership from the Democratic Congress in correcting the MacMae freight train to disaster!
McCain tried to pass a bill to change the course. Obama? He was PRESENT.