(Jake Turcotte)
Biden: “McCain campaign is on the ropes”
By Jimmy Orr | 10.09.08
With just under four weeks to go before election day, an email sent early this morning from Joe Biden sounds very confident, perhaps too confident.
“The McCain campaign is on the ropes, and sadly it’s no surprise they’re responding with attacks and outright lies,” Biden’s email begins.
“John McCain and Governor Palin are setting a new low in presidential politics with their dishonorable campaign,” the email reads.
On the ropes
The second part of the email is voiced in every campaign. So you can throw that away. The first sentence in the email is what’s interesting. Yes, the Obama campaign has a significant lead with election day closing in. But to say their opponent’s campaign is “on the ropes” signifies, in boxing terms anyway, that you’re done. You’re over.
Dictionary.com defines it as, “in a defenseless position, as leaning against the ropes to keep from falling.” It also defines the phrase as meaning, “in a desperate or hopeless position.”
Do you want to be saying your opponent is hopeless at this point?
No need to vote
Our friends over at Gawker are doing exactly what the Obama campaign doesn’t want supporters to do.
A blog post published yesterday afternoon is titled, “Don’t even bother voting.”
It begins, “… Remember when this seemed like another tossup? All the ‘insiders’ say this one’s Obama’s. Smart Republicans are looking for good 2012 candidates.”
The author of the post is immediately chastised, with one reader writing, “That headline is irresponsible.” To be fair, The Vote blog gets this a lot too.
Somethin’ awful
Another reader, perhaps a bit more seasoned to the political game than the author writes, “I’m very optimistic that Obama will win, but a lot can change in the next 4 weeks. Maybe I just tend to be negative, but I have this sense of doom, like the Republicans are planning something awful still to come…”
It isn’t just the Republican party that would come up with something “awful.” It’s any campaign that is down and needs to make up ground fast. It’s part of the thing we call campaigning.
The A-bomb
McCain didn’t drop the A-bomb on Tuesday night as some expected he would. A-bomb as in the Ayers card — Bill Ayers the guy who hasn’t received this much attention since he actually was a part of the violent radical group he co-founded known as The Weather Underground.
Sarah Palin plays this card like a blackjack dealer, mentioning his name more than she says the word “maverick.” They’re going heavy on this guy. Guilt by association.
A new ad this morning simply titled “Ayers” shows — without question — the emphasis the campaign is focusing on Obama’s past associates hoping to strike unease in voters about Obama’s judgment.
In your face
With polls drooping, the in-your-face campaigning is what some McCain supporters want to see.
Bill O’Reilly and Dennis Miller are almost pleading with the campaign to hit Obama harder. They say letting McCain show some anger — although feared by some GOP strategists — is exactly what this nation needs to see. As in someone who is visibly upset with the lack of oversight from both parties leading to our economy’s implosion.
Debate of the Living Dead
We didn’t see much anger during Tuesday’s debate. Discussing possible movie titles for Tuesday’s showdown, O’Reilly offered “Debate of the Living Dead.” Miller countered “Bureaucrats on the Caribbean.”
To be fair to Miller, despite how it reads, it was actually funny when he said it.
Ugly
The debate was universally panned. Politico’s Jim Vandehei and John Harris called it “the worst debate ever,” aptly summarizing it with a question:
“The day after leaves behind a puzzle: How the hell did candidates manage to be so timid and uninspiring at a time when American troops are in two problematic wars, the world financial markets are in scary free fall and the Dow has lost 1,400 points since Oct. 1? This is a moment history rarely sees — and both men blew it.”
The long ball (again)
Former Clinton strategist and frequent Fox News commentator Dick Morris says McCain has got to “throw the long ball.” Go for it. Air it out. Get angry.
To which some may wonder, “does he have another ‘Hail Mary’ pass” left?
Which card?
The Ayers card is getting played. The Rezko card (as in Chicago developer Antoin Rezko, an Obama associate convicted of bribery) seems to have been played. Many are speculating that Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s controversial former pastor, is next.
By going the “guilt by association” strategy, the McCain campaign is hoping to stop the bleeding. The latest Gallup polls are dreary for the Republican ticket. Addams-family dreary. 11 points now separate the two, with Obama getting 52 percent of those polled and McCain receiving 41 percent.
The good news for the campaign is that two weeks ago both candidates were tied at 46 percent apiece. The bad news is the economic meltdown, which has badly damaged the McCain-Palin ticket, is proving to be something that you just can’t “turn the page” on, as McCain’s campaign desperately wants to do.
<< Palin’s alleged email hacker indicted | MainComments
2. Gerald Clough | 10.09.08
I hate you Repiglicans… I really do; I’m certainly enjoying watching McSame and The Alaskan march their way right into History’s Dustbin. I am looking forward today for your daily and desperate attempt to incite some violence too…
3. ray | 10.09.08
It is as if McCain/Palin are afraid of telling the truth. The liberal democrat policies that got us here, low income housing - CRR - forced subprime lending required of banks to continue to do business - are nothing compared to those that are proposed by the Obama campaign if they are elected.
Americans need to hear that over and over before they vote.
4. salem | 10.09.08
I hope you will ask the question of WHY Mccain didn’t bring up the Ayers connection at the debate….in fact, the blogs always have the same junk about Obama: the birth certificate (which Mccain does not have, by the way), the Muslim thing, the terrorist ties….
Mccain NEVER says this stuff himself. He lets Palin commit political suicide by doing it, but he himself has had TWO DEBATES to say this and he won’t. INstead, he hides behind everyone else. Perhaps Mccain knows better but hopes his lockstep followers don’t.
So SAY IT MCCAIN—unless of course it is a lie…..
6. Tjordan | 10.09.08
What do the top ten cities with the highest poverty rate all have in common? Democrat leadership.
Detroit, MI (1st on the poverty rate list) hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 1961; (47 years)
Buffalo, NY (2nd) hasn’t elected one since 1954; (54 years)
Cincinnati, OH (3rd)… since 1984; (24 years)
Cleveland, OH (4th)… since 1989; (19 years)
Miami, FL (5th) has NEVER had a Republican Mayor;
St. Louis, MO (6th)…. since 1949; (59 years)
El Paso, TX (7th) has NEVER had a Republican Mayor;
Milwaukee, WI (8th)… since 1908; (100 years)
Philadelphia, PA (9th)… since 1952; (56 years)
Newark, NJ (10th)… since 1907. (101 years)
Einstein once said ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ It is the disadvantaged who habitually elect Democrats –yet they are still disadvantaged.
7. Sokuto Jones | 10.09.08
You are right on Salem. He didn’t have the guts to say it where it could be disputed because if that were to happen the last strategy they have is out the window. The McPalin campaign is coming close to hosting what can only be called hate rallies and to me it’s a disgusting display and the same politics of fear we’ve seen from the ‘free market’ GOP.
8. Emily | 10.09.08
This is a fun one. I love the democrats and republicans. Im going as far to decorate for Christmas in this. I found great stuff at http://www.christmascentral.com check it out
9. T-Prop | 10.09.08
.
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Ever time thems GOP tawks ’bout Beel Ayers, Ah gits reeeeel skeered.
So Ah prolly gonner vote fer McCain.
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10. madisonhack | 10.09.08
McCain/Palin was a loser to begin with. Let’s back up just a little: McCain was a loser to begin with. America is tired of ideologue dullards forcing values and myopic policy down our throats to the betterment of less than 5% of America and at the expense of the middle class, the “engine” that drives our nations economy and those basically responsible for the defense of our nation’s foreign policy mistakes. Take a walk John…nobody cares about your embellished stories about the Hanoi Hilton anymore. Get a good shrink and deal with your anger, your little man complex, and your feelings of insecurity. You’ve got plenty of cash to live on - abandon your ambitions of surpassing your father and grandfather’s legacies. You will never be Commander in Chief.
11. Arturo Bandini | 10.09.08
It’s hard to imagine McCain throwing the “long ball”, even harder to imagine a completion to the end zone. As for the Ayers card, McCain was warned NOT to try to play that card in the debate since Obama was ready and well-prepared to counter with the Keating story, one that has plenty of reliable documentation available to keep the news media churning out copy for weeks to come.
While it’s fun speculating on the traditional “October Surprise”, it must be noted that historically it has been rarely successful. Remember Jennifer Flowers? The voters discounted her story in their zeal to give Big George the old heave-ho, focusing instead on Clinton’s simple rejoinder “It’s the economy, Stupid!” to guide them at the polls.
The election is McCain’s to lose. Obama will be content to sit back with a sad smile on his face and watch it happen, much the same as he watched tired old John wobble around the stage waving his arms and repeating himself during the debate on Tuesday.
The Republicans’ biggest fear is that the October Surprise — if it comes at all — will come from Alaska. The report of the state’s investigation into possible abuse of power by Palin in trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired is due before the election. The possible outcome is worrisome.
12. Mark | 10.09.08
Wouldn’t it be great if no one voted next month. Wonder what would happen. Both candidates are useless, so why bother. We really need someone who down to earth and in tune with the middle man… and not Washington.
13. stan | 10.09.08
I’ve got to say, I agree with the suggestion that McCain hasn’t got the guts to make the attacks himself in the debates. I guess he knows he’d have a lot to answer for himself if he did.
14. Angie | 10.09.08
For shame, John McCain and Sarah Palin - stick to the issues and real facts.
Sarah Palin inciting crowds to chant in order to infuse scare tactics and undue terrorism into the campaign rhetoric is truly frightening. This is not what “Hockey Moms” and “Love of Country” is all about.
15. Ron | 10.09.08
We all know what card needs to be played, stop jumping around it with the Ayers card, The Wright card just say it the RACE card why cant americans just be honest.
16. JACKIE | 10.09.08
I think this has gone way to far. Not of enough of the issues are being brought up. American people have more questions to ask. I’m very discourged that Palin will go out and do speaches but will not to interviews. It’s okay for you to throw mud but not be able to take it back it sad to say. McCain picked the wrong person for vice president and I don’t think he would be having all these issues if he didn’t try to go after Hillary’s votes. Palin has brought down his campaign and he has brought it down by not being able to speak to us middle class. At my job yesterday we had a discussion on who we know makes $250,000 not one person came to mind other than athletes that we could relate to. Almost 25% of employees at my job are working 2 jobs not only the single mothers but the families and we are scared of tax time paying more. This also includes my family where my husband is now working two jobs so he can’t put our our son to bed at night and he says I miss my papa. Help me with this. I go to the grocery store and I call home saying I can’t pay this much nor will I find something else. Between sugar, milk, potatoes, rice, butter the basic you need this is ridiculous and these prices will never lower. I get one raise a year at 3% not matter what never a cost of increase and I’ve been here for 9 years. Help me with this. Healthcare please I pay for it but don’t go to the doctor cause I can’t afford to have it taken out of my check and pay the cost before I reach my deductible. Help with this.
17. Heather | 10.09.08
There are only 26 days until the election. I am for Obama, however, it is not wise to get cocky just yet. I feel the same way Obama and his wife feel. It’s not over ’til it’s over. You have to fight all the way to the end, even if you are ahead. I believe that is how Obama is viewing things. He doesn’t even see that he has a lead in the polls, which will keep him focused and fighting. If you get lazy, you loose. All the Obama supporters, keep up your great work, get the word out about Obama and get as many people registered to vote as possible.
18. McLoss | 10.09.08
I really hope McCain wins and common sense prevails in the US. We are already neck deep in troubles without adding to them. Barack Hussain Obama is a loaded gun. Come on ye white folk, vote with your conscience. If the precedent is set, next we’ll have a cuban president or a mexican or a chinese. An african president is just as bad. Vote for an American president.
19. Dave | 10.09.08
Michelle and Barack inspire people to be better citizens. This is why they are great leaders.
I’ve watched as the republican ticket breeds hate, anger and fear which is only dividing our country.
True honor runs much more deeply than simply having been a prisoner of war. True honor is how you live your life.
Here’s to hope in America again thanks to Michelle and Barack Obama.
20. Ed Sommers | 10.09.08
After seeing McCain in action as a candidate for the past 21 months, and seeing Sarah Palin in action as a candidate for the past 2 months, the only
support they have now comes from Republican true believers. Those folks who still (somehow) believe that less government is preferable to intelligent & effective government; those folks who believe that God is on our side; those folks who believe it is right to tax the middle class and provide loopholes that enable the accountants hired by the rich to help their clients legally avoid paying taxes. Those who believe in the sainted Ronald Reagan. Bless y’all. Your day is over. Let’s hope there is still time to save this country. An Obama presidency is our best hope. After he is elected, he will ask all Americans to take steps to save this country. Let’s hope we are smart enough to listen.
21. wachtel | 10.09.08
Lets go by the new rules. If you know bad you are bad. On Mccain’s side lets put down G.Bush- and all the rest of the Republicans. The senator from Alaska is a crook- on and on and on. He said he is in touch with the people that are hurting. Not- I don’t have a 100 million dollar wife. 8 houses and a dozen cars. my wife doesn’t have 300,000 in Jewelry, he may have been a hero, now he is a crook…. wachtel
22. Arlo Scott Kennedy | 10.09.08
I differ with the author.
Senator Obama is universally viewed as having offered VERY specific policies- policies that have remained unchanged since he announced for the presidency.
Senator McCain has been muddy from the get-go - leaping from position to position, flip-flopping on tax cuts for the wealthy while proposing the largest tax INCREASE in American History - the McCain Insurance Tax Act that will leave 20 million more Americans uninsured.
Meanwhile, fearing that Americans might look at his proposed middle class tax increases (the McCain Insurance Tax Act) and $1.3 TRILLION DOLLAR MEDICARE CUT and proposed SOCIAL SECURITY privatization and CUTS that will leave TENS OF MILLIONS OF ELDERLY AMERICANS WITHOUT decent HEALTH COVERAGE, he resorts to LIES, DISTORTIONS AND SMEAR TACTICS.
And is AFRAID to say to Senator Obama’s face what he and his “mavericky” running mate say behind the Illinois Senator’s back.
Simultaneously, Americans - being infinitely smarter than McCain-Palin assume - are calling out Senator McCain on his whisper campaign of bigotry and zenophobia, a dog whistle “call-out” to American racists, even an apparent call for violence.
Over 79 percent of Americans polled believe that Senator McCain is running one of the dirtiest campaigns in modern American history.
And the McCain-Palin ticket continues, by all measures, to drop like a rock. In fact - and this is GREAT NEWS for those of us that DO NOT believe that elections should be determined by the sort of dirty tricks that are the hallmarks of Senator McCain’s campaign - Republican numbers are falling FASTER, MUCH FASTER since John McCain and Sarah Palin decided to go 100 percent negative. And voters are telling us that they are voting for Barack Obama, “because I don’t want four more years of the Bush-McCain-Rove approach to politics. There’s too much at stake this year!”
John McCain’s staff is destroying his career - a tragic end brought about by the misconception that a man once known for military heroism can retain his reputation while practicing Goebbels-esque propaganda tactics.
Many of us are deeply saddened by John McCain’s fall - by his Road to Damascus conversion to George W. Bush’s policies. He now supports torture, tax cuts for the rich, tax INCREASES for the middle class (the health care tax will hit the middle class hardest), expanded warfare in the Middle East, and the sort of misinformation campaigns once waged against him. He’s even hired the very people that Swiftboated him before the term existed.
How utterly sad. How utterly pathetic.
23. Perspective | 10.09.08
McCain/Palin’s low blow politics is an embarrassment to every democratic world citizen. Mean spirited republicans name calling, is just ugly. They are just not smart enough to articulate a positive message for the country. According to a statistical analysis 2/3’s of Obama’s ads are positive while McCain’s are 100% negative.
24. Swing Voter | 10.09.08
People in the McCain / Palin crowds are shouting “Terrorist!” and “Kill him!” (Obama) while the candidates smirk and say nothing in response. Unbelievable.
While they try their best to divide the nation, a whole lot of us are uniting against them. I’ve had my fill of the Republicans’ brand of hatred and fear packaged as patriotism. No more.
It’s sad that Mr. McCain has sold his soul and honor in what will now likely be his swan song. I used to think of him as a national hero. No more.
25. Swing Voter | 10.09.08
People in the McCain / Palin crowds are shouting “Terrorist!” and “Kill him!” (Obama) while the candidates smirk and say nothing in response. Unbelievable.
While they try their best to divide the nation, a whole lot of us are uniting against them. I’ve had my fill of the Republicans’ brand of hatred and fear packaged as patriotism. No more.
It’s sad that Mr. McCain has sold his soul and honor in what will now likely be his swan song. I used to think of him as a national hero. No more.
26. sam | 10.09.08
I’m not interested in what the ad campaigns have to say. Whether Republican or Democratic, they contain facts purposefully twisted. I am interested, however, in what the campaigns tell me about the leadership styles of each candidate. That McCain chose a running mate, albeit a smart, strong woman with much potential, who simply isn’t ready for a high-level national role suggests that he’s more comfortable with those he can “handle.” In other words, cooperative effort and shared strength don’t appear to be criteria that are important to him. How will this translate into foreign affairs, and even national ones? Honestly, this concerns me. Like Rocco, I was more than ready for McCain to win my vote, but every step of the way he has failed to do so. I don’t want a reckless maverick in the White House; I want a president who takes the time to think before reacting. Is Obama is as experienced as I’d like or his policies perfect? No; but McCain has given me no reason to support him and too many reasons to vote for Obama. McCain’s decision to continue negative attack ads is only one more.
27. Bitter Nation | 10.09.08
With Ayers and “guilt by association” at front and center, I would request that the media develop a list of all politicians who have had some tangential association with Ayers. I recall an article that claimed several people who were close to Ronald Reagan also served on boards with Ayers. Please tell us of all other pols who’ve had some association with Ayers similar to Obama.
28. wfcwfc | 10.09.08
THIRD TERM
Why George Bush Loves John McCain CATHOLICS – see p. 2
“The Words of John McCain”
Love-Birds
McCain on Bush: “He has earned our admiration, and our love.” USA Today 8/10/04
Bush to McCain: “I love you, man!” Washington Post 2/11/08
McCain: “George W. Bush is ‘one of the great presidents of the U.S.’” Chicago Tribune 4/14/06
Bush: “I’m proud to be with a fine American, a great friend, John McCain.” Central Point Or. 10/14/04
Economy–Recession
McCain: “I admit I don’t know anything about the economy. I didn’t pay nearly the attention to those issues in the past.” New Republic 1/31/08; NBC Meet the Press 1/27/08
Bush: “The fundamentals of our economy are strong.” Chicago Tribune 8/10/07
McCain: “I think our fundamentals are strong.” Hilton Head Island, S. C. 1/18/08
29. FriendlyFred | 10.09.08
After watching Michelle Obama on Larry King Live last night, I really think the McCain campaign is in more troule now than yesterday. Michelle Obama is making Sarah Palin and CIndy McCain both look like angry, non intelligent power hungry Republicans they are.
I was very impressed with her tact, she is a class act and would make a great First Lady.
http://www.congratstothewinners.com/2008/10/michelle-obama-on-larry-king-live.html
30. tjc | 10.09.08
The Repugnacan party and its candidate for president are a disaster right now. Obama and the Democraps are a joke. The American people are stuck with a bad decision. It’s sad when I feel like I’m trying to figure out who is less worse. I’m waiting for the day a candidate comes along that’s exciting and refreshing. I guess I’ll have to wait at least another four years for that (probably eight). Many think Obama is new and interesting. I think he’s just another candidate from one of the major parties saying the right things to get elected. If he is elected (and it looks like he’s going to be) he will have his shot to make things better. In four or eight years when very little has been accomplished people will (once again) be crying for change. Then a Republican will have a good chance and, if elected, will accomplish very little. I see this kind of cycle continuing indefinitely until something major shakes up the Washington Political Landscape. Until then, the people are just going to get more of the same from D.C.
31. robmack | 10.09.08
With all the unwanted pregnancies in this country,Obama will
solve this problem with his final solution, which will get rid of these fetuses once and for all.
33. Elliott | 10.09.08
It is sad to see the McCain CAMPAIGN lowering itself to ads, which are basically untrue. I guess this is a sign of desperation. The Ayres add is so off base that it is laughable. The educational grant for which Obama was a board member was provided by a foundation supported by a well-known conservative republican. It was this conservative republican review group which granted the money to Aryes. I guess by the McCain/Palin logic of guild by association, the conservative republican who supports McCain for president should also be considered a terrorist and one who associates with terrorists. It is truly a shame that a man like McCain has to lower himself to such a level. I guess it is not a great leap since this is the man who chose an incompetent and dangerous VP candidate. I guess when you deal with pigs/mouse you end up in the mud.
34. Anonymous | 10.09.08
Looks like except Arizona & Alaska, all the states will
elect Obama. This is due to McCain -ve campaign & Palin’s stupidity. My 7yr old daughter has more knowledge than Palin. I was a Republican, now moving towards Obama/Biden (nice & respectable guys, so far).
35. Van | 10.09.08
1) There is no denying, Obama has very questionable friends, “Tell me of your friends and I will tell you who you are” (that is an old saying for a good reason)
2) He has spoken clearly about going to War with Pakistan.
3) Obama speaks about allot more government investment, the word investment is the code word more taxes. If taxes are raised durning a recession, the recession will deepen. Just what are these people thinking?
“Beware of what you wish for, you just may get it”
36. Ainsworth Hunt | 10.09.08
John McCain was one of the Keating 5. Now his lack of judgment is demonstrated again when he picked Sarah Palin, who can’t interview with Katie Couric, much less run the country if required, which is entirely possible. McCain has had very severe bouts of melanoma, and won’t release his medical records.
37. Paul G. Overend | 10.09.08
19. Dave wrote
“Michelle and Barack inspire people to be better citizens. This is why they are great leaders”
No they don’t. Ever since the Great Society the Dems have tried to get the desperate poor to be tied to them. Smart move by LBJ who had after all initially opposed desegregation. They never actually improve the lot of the poor though. They just make them more dependant on government handouts. In effect tying them to the party that promises to keep giving it to them. Bread and circuses in effect.
Not to single out the Dems for doing this though. I am an American who has lived in Europe much of my life and I have seen it prevail there too. To the extent that once in place it is almost impossible to undo it and to cut such spending as a whole segment of the populace are incapable of caring for themselves. They lack self-reliance and responsibility because it has become the government’s job to look after them.
This is what four years of Obama and his ridiculous mantra of “Change” will do.
38. repubodent | 10.09.08
This Ayers stuff should be a game changer for McCain, but he for some reason won’t bring it up. Is he a hero or a coward? If he really has country first and believes Obama is a terrorist, shouldn’t he just say so while everyone is watching?
I’m starting to think that either he is a liar, or not the hero that people portray.
We do not need chicken little at the tiller.
39. MLC | 10.09.08
Some nit-wit, “I will not name” partly blamed ‘low income housing’. I sir am on ‘low income housing’. As a result of a medical mishap, I am now disabled. It blew through my savings paying all the bills, and putting a decent roof over my head. I lived in Southern California when this happened. I have now moved to an area where the cost of SIMPLY BEING ALIVE is less but I now have help in the form of partially subsidized housing. Thank goodness!!!!!!! Or I would be another nameless face living out of their car. Until the doctors messed me up I had worked hard for 25 years. I find your attitude and comments indicative of the mind blowing ignorance that pervades our culture. And by ignorance, I do NOT mean that you are stupid! Just unaware, uneducated, and not compassionate. Of course you could reply…’Well I don’t mean people like you’…. well then who do you mean? really….. who do you mean? who are people like me? people like them? who are they really? They are your neighbors, your sisters and brothers, they are YOU……
40. Chuck Cardiff | 10.09.08
My father often said “A man is judged by the company he keeps.” I see nothing wrong with judging a man by the company he keeps. It’s a lot more reliable than judging a man by what he says about himself.
41. alan | 10.09.08
I am for OBAMA. I am a registered Republican. I voted for Bush both times there wasn’t a choice in my mind. The last eight years have led us into a mess. I truely believe it’s this simple, if McCain wins things will only get worse. If he wins and dies in office we are all doomed and perhasps we all get to see Russia from our house…
The retoric the Reps are spewing is mostly nonsense. A friend of mine stopped me in a cofee shop this morning telling me Obama isn’t even an American citizen. Because he wasn’t born in this country. What I thought? Last time I checked Hawaii was a state and so is Alaska for that matter.
I told my friend that if Obams isn’t an american citizen then McCain isn’t either. After all Coco Solo in the Panama Canal Zone where McCain was born I know isn’t a state.
I had to remind my friend that If McCain is qualified to be president, I guess Obama is, too. I keep wondering how bad the Republicans will get with their nonsense. I still think we need change McCain is more Bush than Bush.
42. Celeste | 10.09.08
I’d like to read the entire email so these statements can be put into context. Have some faith please in us. It’s time to let your readers think for themselves. You’re ‘cliff note’ version simply won’t do. Please give us the facts only and then let us decide.
43. ohiobob | 10.09.08
Has anyone picked up on the image of the black shirted uniform speaking at one of Sarah Palin’s rallys. The image and tone of this rally were eerily like the black shirted men 60 years ago in Europe. When we encourage this kind of vitriol in political rallies combined with people who are frightened and confused by economic turmoil the Palin campaign plays with very scary history.
44. gry | 10.09.08
The fact that the bimbo from alaska is trying to incite violence against Obama is despicatable.
45. ericmiami | 10.09.08
McCain and Palin are embarrassing a lot of good Republican people. McCain looked like a wind-up tin chicken on stage.
46. erik | 10.09.08
I’m sorry but we need somebody in the White House that dosent attack the second things dont go his way. If you have children, if you care about the United States future, their is only one ticket left at this point, Obama’s. McCain has done this to himself and would only do worse if elected and heaven forbid Palin….
47. CosmosMarinerDU | 10.09.08
One brief comment. I can’t believe the psychotic stupidity and hatred exhibited by the McCain supporters so far in these comments. Forced sub-prime lending? Final solution? Shocking.
48. Bob | 10.09.08
To those of us who realized in 2000 that Bush was unsuitable to be president of the US, this is just the logical end results. To those of you who are surprised and angry that Republicans can’t seem to get a break…, you should rethink (or at least think about) your philosophies on life, to try and discover what the rest of us knew all along.
49. Bob | 10.09.08
Ethically compromised, intellectually outclassed and still looking to fight the culture wars of the 1960s, John McCain will dodder off stage right in four weeks. Then America can get busy cleaning up the horrendous mess created by his party over the past eight years. Good-bye and good riddance to McSame and Co.
50. qdogg | 10.09.08
Tjordan,
There is no cause and effect with your information. There may be many reasons why there are high poverty rates in those cities and nothing to do with who is mayor. Furthermore, those cities weren’t always in the top 10 for 50 or 100 years. For example, Milwaukee use to be thriving…not in the top ten poverty cities. Miami has huge influx of Cuban’s, etc. that drive the poverty rates. Detroit lost tons of jobs…you can’t blame a democratic mayor. Cleveland lost steel mills…that wasn’t the mayor that closed the plant.
You are really searching for something in your data that doesn’t reflect a causal relationship.
52. Ryan | 10.09.08
McLoss, thanks for your ridiculously racist comment…kudos, really. I thought these kind of comments were only said by characatures of racists in movies and on television, but I was wrong. Are you even real??? Who knows, maybe this country deserves more people like you.
54. BILLYBOB | 10.09.08
I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wait for McCain to get into office, and then Palin can bring about the End Times by starting a nuclear war and only the good Christians will float up to heaven. So really, it’s not “Drill baby Drill” it’s “Die baby Die”. Oh yes, and we know that Obama will force all pregnant women to have an abortion and murder all the babies in America, because he is (1) Black (2)Islamist (3)a Terrorist and only craves the destruction of America. So, there you have it folks, the Republican base’s true intentions. Oh, yes, I forgot, Obama is also a creeping socialist out to turn America into a communist nation.
Wake up Amerca. Under the Republican leadership, those in power are now nationalizing banks and insurance companies. They only industry they won’t nationalize are the oil companies. Wonder why ? Current Republican policies are nothing more than national socialists (NAZI’s) for those of you who don’t have an I.Q. above room temperature.
The people at the Palin events shouting “Terrorist and Kill Him” are the Brown Shirts of our times. These people are fascists.
“Those who don’t remember history are doomed to repeat it”
55. PJC | 10.09.08
My gut reaction as a person and a Dem is fight back harder and longer. Yet, Obama just keeps his cool, and though part of me says “do this, say she sleeps with a sessationist, say Jill McCain is a drug felon,” as of yet he has not. And, despite my frustration, I must respect Obama even more. He keeps his eye o n the ball -the American people, the economic crisis, working a plan to get it all done. So, kudos to Obama. I think that cool collected thinking makes for a wise decision make who, rather than making a gut reaction, will make well thought out decisions based on reviewing the facts.
And, 99% of the wolrd, were they able to vote, would vote for Obama. I think that says a lot. The world is looking to America to solve the economic crisis, help grasp for world peace and lead the world in every way.
McCain/Palin just cannot do that.
56. An Alaskan | 10.09.08
Take a listen to this radio program. This is how Sarah Palin treats her own hometown Senator and leader of the Senate body in Juneau. This isn’t when she was Joe-Six-Pack Hockey-Mom, she was our sitting Governor.
57. Richard | 10.09.08
All I can say is that McCain is an old and weak ideolog running on failed ideology who cannot garner support of the GOP currently in office. And Mooselini….
58. patrick | 10.09.08
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/business/31view.html
If you think that trickle-down economics works, please read that article, and try find “Unequal Democracy”, by Bartel. Bottom line is that everyone’s income grows faster under democrats than republicans. Under republicans, the income of the richest grows the fastest.
59. ThePhotogsBlog | 10.09.08
Let me put things in nautical terms that John McCain should be able to understand. John McCain is not a maverick; he is a loose cannon crashing about the deck of a rudderless ship (his campaign) that’s about the sink. Sarah Palin likewise, is also a loose cannon, though one with bigger muzzle and yet a smaller powder charge. Neither of these poorly served pieces of ordnance could hit the broad side of a barn, much less Osama bin-Laden, and so instead, they are training their aim on Willam Ayerst instead. Judging by the results, their salvos are splashing about the water harmlessly, while the Obama sails past them in the polls.
Captain McCain, it’s time to get don your life preserver.
60. Fred Merkel | 10.09.08
From an earlier post:
“With all the unwanted pregnancies in this country, Obama will
solve this problem with his final solution, which will get rid of these fetuses once and for all.”
Thank you! That’s one more reason I’ll vote for Obama. There’s almost nothing I hate more than festuses. I had a bad fetus on my feet. I tried everything to get rid of it but nothing worked. Finally, on an episode of “Two and a Half Men” I got the miracle solution that the government didn’t want me to know and began using it the very next day. It has really helped.
Now I’ve got this other fetus on my lawn. It’s down at the back part, where it’s always shady and moist. It’s nice to know that Obama is going to take care of that one for me.
61. Mariachi Tesoro | 10.09.08
Turn off the lights. Cue the fat lady. It’s all over.
Turn your attention to Holloween night and the kiddies. 11/4 will be here before you know it and we can turn our attention to Thanksgiving Day and what a Thanksgiving it will be. This Conservative Republican can’t wait for a change. Any change. The last 8 years have been abysmal, shameful and downright embarrassing.
62. Mike | 10.09.08
Palin came out of the wood work–a cute and folksy! I sincerely believe she is shallow and has no interest in the USA–other than propelling her political career….She however put her eggs in the wrong basket. The last thing this country needs is that grumpy old man–who is so far out of touch that each time he opens his mouth he dribbles useless info.
The best thing he does is when he limps up the steps he can watch the cute butt of his running mate–watch him his short frame put is face at butt level going up steps.
MCCain is a very nasty-arrogant–second rate navy officer-who crashed more than one plane in is somewhat questionable mil career. Sorry he was a POW but that is perhaps the best thing he did in his military career. Who wants a second rate navel capt running this vast country. Hand on the trigger– And good lord who who would want a domestic terrorist, Sarah Falin (misspelled on purpose, a member of the AIP–with no desire to be part of the mainland of the USA–Ms. falin is a corrupt, christian rt, scary person. She is dangerous! Send them both home America
63. Jill | 10.09.08
I can’t speak for what others see in this Ayers business, but I can tell you my reaction. If Obama’s connection to Ayers was in a timeframe where Ayers was a practicing terrorist, then Obama was 8 years old. That’s interesting John, but not relevant. If he’s referring to later times, when Ayers is a practicing college professor, at a highly ranked university, and there has not been relevant contact, we are talking about nothing. If McCain wants us to assess this based on judgment, it’s clear to me, that like his vice presidential pick, McCain has little credibility. There is no sign of good judgment on McCain’s part here. We have troops engaged in combat and police action in two major efforts overseas, and a financial crisis at home. Where does he want his focus, and ours? He is clearly not the leader he thinks he is. And he will never be mine.
64. David | 10.09.08
I have been a Dem. for many years but i always voted for the person that i thought would be the best person for the American people but most of you seem to not care I voted for Obama in the Primary before i new who his friends were. Most of you are in denial about Obama being associated with Ayers Wright his EX. preacher and RECKO that is in prison now that helped him buy a house that saved him about 300,000 dollars. Do you think that Recko done this out of the goodness of his heart? To the People that said Gov. Palin was Stupid she has moor sence then all of you could even dream about. BILL said 10 out of 10 Terrorist agree Any body but McCain, that is speaking very good for McCain. As for as McCain not been a war Hero I would like to see any one that believes that to spend one month as a Pow where he was at, i think you would change your tune very quit. I was in Vietnam also and would never conceder myself a hero But i do say Senator McCain was. The Vietmese was very Brutal both sizes. I was there when his own people overthrew the president they killed him cut his head off and parade threw Siagon with his head on a silver platter. they also killed his brother in law and would have killed the president Dauther but she was in France with her Dauther. If she had come back to Vietnam she would have been shot as she got off the plane. i am sure her Dauther would have been killed also. They were all Catholics and very Strick on the people. Do any one think that was a good reason to kill them? i did not like them but no way would have done that. Every one is very lucky to be in the United states. We do have a lot of Good people serving our country for out freedom.
65. gemini3 | 10.09.08
It is shameful that the rhetoric has deteriorated, but unfortunately it happens nearly every election in the last few weeks.
I would ask that the self-righteous ones complaining about things being yelled at Republican gatherings clean up their own nests. I’ve read and heard that Palin should have a rape committed on her so she would understand how the victims of rape feel when they can’t get an abortion. What does saying something like that say to any woman? What does it say to children who hear it said? And if you think it would change a person’s mind when they believe that life begins at conception, you are crazy.
Racism is ugly and no person or child should make or hear those statements either.
Neither side is blameless in this mess and unless both sides calls for a ceasefire, in nastiness it will only accelerate.
66. L.B.E.G. | 10.09.08
#61. Richard = Your “Mooselini” is priceless! Not too kind, but priceless, and it made me laugh just as uncontrollably as Biden did while watching part of the SNL VP debate skit in a Diane Sawyer interview this a.m. It reminded me how unfunny this campaign has become, (”Kill him!”) and that we all need to laugh more, and together.
It’s too soon to call this election, so everyone supporting both candidates should be sure to vote. I’ve heard that the final tally in the 2004 presidential election was only 260 votes apart! If that’s true, e-v-e-r-y single vote absolutely counts. Make your choice, stand in line on Nov. 4th and let your voice be heard via a vote!
67. Dale Leon | 10.09.08
Saying Obama is a terrorist by association with Ayer’s is like saying McCain was aiding North Vietnam because he refused to return to his Country early as a POW. It was the early 1970’s when Ayers was doing his acts and Obama was around 12-16 years old.
68. PISSED REPUBLICAN | 10.09.08
TO MS. PAILIN
Could you please STOP TRYING TO TALK SMART - STOP ACCUSING OBAMA FOR BEING A TERRORIST.
HE WAS 8 YRS OLD DURING THE 70′S - he knew nothing about bombings then
At that time RICHARD NIXON went to China to establish diplomatic ties.
DON’T TELL ME NIXON IS A COMMUNIST TOO.
69. John | 10.09.08
Obama was on a committee about schools with Ayers. The committee was supported with a grant from Annenberg, a conservative Republican. Palin’s husband has been a member of the Alaskan Independent Party. From what I hear that is a pretty scary hate-America party. These are all distractions. Listen to your better angels. Put aside your inherited racism and vote for the man who
has ideas and has shown himself to be cool and steady under pressure. Obama is the guy who talks to Warren Buffet, a guy who knows his way around crazy stockmarkets. McCain has seniority but not successful experience in matters that count.
70. leapblog | 10.10.08
Look no further than George W. Bush if you are wondering why Republicans have very little chance of pulling out a victory this November.
To suggest anything otherwise is total nonsense.
The Bush legacy will read something like this: On vacation before 9/11, distorts intelligence to justify preemptive attack on wrong country after 9/11, Guantanamo Bay and advocacy of torture, creates culture of fear to expand his powers and trash the Constitution, allows victims of Hurricane Katrina to flounder for weeks before effectively addressing the problem, refuses to work across the aisle for six years until he loses majority control of congress, and FINALLY brings the economy to its knees just before leaving office.
We will be so busy picking up the pieces of our great country when this man leaves office that we won’t even have time to tar and feather him.
Republicans only have themselves to blame.
Obama - made possible by Bush.
71. CAC Jengo | 10.16.08
I must confess I read each and every one of you. Brilliant people you are. Some were rude while others were courteous; some brought history while others negated it. Aha, many made me laugh.
This is a place to be
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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. Rocco Sorrento | 10.09.08
I’m an undecided, registered Independent. And I say “shame on you, Mr. McCain!” What shameful tactics. What cynical politics. This whole “Ayers” business is the lamest, dumbest, most shameful attempt at a smokescreen that I’ve seen in years. Shame on you, Mr. McCain! Shame! You sully your own reputation and legacy with this kind of low garbage. Talk about the economy! Talk about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan! Talk about the financial crisis! About taxes! About immigration (remember that?)! About health care! But no, you want to raise the fact that Obama served on the board of directors of some non-profit school improvement project with some clown who was a violent anti-war protester 40 years ago!?!?! Unbelievable! What in God’s good name does that have to do with anything! I’m waiting for you to win my vote — THIS IS NOT HELPING!
-Rocco