(Jake Turcotte)
McCain’s poll numbers have fallen and he can’t get up!
By Jimmy Orr | 10.09.08
If Bruce Springsteen were to record the soundtrack for the last couple weeks of the McCain campaign, the first single would be “I’m goin’ down.” And the emphasis on the word ‘down’ couldn’t be more appropriate for these last two weeks. After all, Springsteen repeats it 86 times.
That’s not to say the campaign is a Hindenburg. But before cries of “Oh, the humanity” emanate from inside the Republican ticket, they’ve got some turning around to do.
Poll numbers
New poll numbers from Tuesday’s debate are in – courtesy of Gallup and USA Today.
Most people polled fell asleep didn’t change their feelings about either candidate. Some 54 percent said Obama’s performance didn’t change their opinion of him, while 53 percent said they felt the same way about McCain following the debate.
But that’s where the common ground stops. Of those polled, 34 percent had more favorable opinions of the Democratic nominee following the event, while 33 percent had more unfavorable opinions of McCain.
Not surprisingly, those polled thought Obama “won” the debate, with 56 percent thinking Obama did a better job, compared with only 23 percent preferring McCain’s performance.
Underdog is here
News of this poll didn’t seem to deflate the Republican nominee. In fact, it might have just fired him up.
Speaking in Wisconsin today, McCain dismissed those who have declared him legally dead in the past. And you’ve got to give McCain some credit here. That list is plenty long.
“Do you know how many times the political pundits in the last two years have written off my campaign?” McCain asked the crowd. “We’ll win the state of Wisconsin and we’ll win this election and you can count on it because we will go to the American people and take our message to them.”
Charlie Gibson
Speaking to ABC’s Charlie Gibson on Thursday, he repeated his underdog mantra.
“This is a tough campaign,” McCain said. “I’m the underdog. I’ve always been the underdog from the beginning. I was the underdog in the primaries.”
How’s the weather?
With the McCain campaign’s laser-like focus on Barack Obama’s relationship with Weather Underground co-founder Bill Ayers in the recent week, it did seem a little odd that Senator McCain didn’t bring it up in the debate.
In the meantime, the campaign has unleashed a series of ads about Ayers while McCain’s running mate is mentioning him at every campaign stop leading some to say her speech consists of a noun, a verb and a “Obama hangs out with terrorist Bill Ayers.”
Gibson did bring up Ayers in the interview. McCain said the attacks are not about Obama’s character, but more about Obama’s judgment.
“Does he have the experience, knowledge, and judgment and has he made the right decisions and has he … been candid with the American people?” he asked.
Hillary
Just like a month ago when the McCain campaign tried to make some hay by bringing up Senator Hillary Clinton, McCain brought her up with Gibson.
“Sen. Clinton in their debates said that the American people didn’t know enough about him, including his relationship with Mr. Ayers. That’s what she said. And I agree with that.”
<< Obama’s middle name - not in the talking points! | MainComments
2. robt | 10.09.08
I suppose we all know you can make a poll imply whatever you want. For example:
“Some 54 percent said Obama’s performance didn’t change their opinion of him, while 53 percent said they felt the same way about McCain following the debate”.
While on the surface (which is where most people operate) it appears Obama “won” this debate by one point. In reality, it is asking “has your opinion changed” and does not reflect if that opinion was originally positive or negative to this question and its result are totally meaningless as used by most people.
I reality those who responded could have despised Obama or McCain and the result to this question would have been identical.
3. alugum | 10.09.08
Sarah Palin palling around with secessionists:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eniG9l_7its
4. SGL | 10.09.08
“Sen. Clinton in their debates said that the American people didn’t know enough about him”
That was months ago in the primaries…I think the American people have had ample opportunity to get to know him. If they don’t, it’s their fault for not paying attention…hell, he’s got two books (1 about his upbringing and 1 about his view of government and the future).
This has been the longest campaign season in history…I’d say more has been written about these two candidates than any other two candidates ever…so spare us the “do we really know him” bit!
5. Obomination | 10.09.08
Hey, liberal Jimmy Orr, try and contain your glee. It ain’t over til it’s over.
6. franglais | 10.09.08
If you’re a polling junkie, here’s your one-stop shopping place:
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/
They have constant, easy to read updates of all the polls, national and statewide.
7. RepentfulRepublican | 10.09.08
Everyone who is voting for Obama knows Obama has not been to washington as long as “That One” or should I say the mean old scrooge?! Guess what, people are losing confindence with that old mean scrooge on his strongest hold: Foreign policy. How many years has Mccain been to washington? and what was he doing then? Ooops! I guess he was too busy stealing money with the other keating four! For your information this is a new era,all the old mean scrooges will follow Bush to the retirement school of Old mean scrooges!
8. Gail | 10.09.08
I find it disgusting the way that Republicans always try to make the democrat nominee out to be anti-american.They have done this since back on Dukais.It’s like the only way they can win is putting the fear into the American people.If it’s not painting them as the unknown it’s putting fear of the war into peoples heads.Why is it that they would even want to have Americans scared all the time ?Is it to have control over the people,I think so.So please don’t buy into the fear factor all the time.Do you really think that if Obama was a terrorist that he could even become a Senator? Think about it.The Republicans are the cause of the economy problems ,that fears me more than anything.They had control of the White House for 7 years and even try to fool the people into believing that the Democrats caused it because they have had control of the Congress for 2 years,even though Bush vetoed everything that they tried to pass or didn’t have the majority of votes.And I really believe it takes longer than 2 years to crash the economy.
So people just need too grow up!!!!
9. ray reyns | 10.09.08
Slime Dog McCainS
At this point, as a long standing member of the GOP I have to say that I have completely lost my respect and trust in McCain and in the Republican party. And i am not the only one. Meeting together with old friends and business partners, golf buddies and associates we are all finally coming to grips with how low it has gone.
I think only someone with a severe death wish would hand the reigns over to John at this point. He is exhibiting signs of a very weak, even castrated man….abusive dishonest blind attacks that drag us all down…..
A friend from sweden phoned me yesterday in complete bewilderment about America…we look like back woods yokels that think anyone with some brains is an elitist. I voted for Bush. If I could do it again, knowing what I know now I would do what I could to prevent him from being elected. the same goes for McCain…maybe even more so.
10. Mike | 10.09.08
to robt: the writer acknowledged as much in the article. The 54/53 was cited as the only example where the stats for Obama and McCain were the same: in other words, for each candidate, the same number of people (roughly) had their attitudes unchanged. The articles does not use this praticular data to say that Obama won the debate.
When the article says “those polled thought Obama ‘won’ the debate” it quotes the stats for a DIFFERENT poll question. Specifically, 56% of poll respondents picked Obama while 23% picked McCain.
You’re certainly right that poll data can be read multiple ways, and is frequently of limited or no usefulness, but your analysis in this particular example shows you didn’t read the article very closely.
11. SmartOne | 10.09.08
And McBush was palling around with The U.S. Council for World Freedom which was part of an international organization linked to former Nazi collaborators and ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America.
12. Robert | 10.09.08
So the Palin Report for Troopergate will be out in the morning.
One Alaskan had the following to say:
“I just passed a road kill dog laying in the ditch….and yup, it was a pitbull wearing lipstick.”
Betcha she’s gone by Monday to return to handle business in Alaska.
13. Billy | 10.09.08
I am so worried and feel so sad, that, Americans are treated like dummies.
May be becasue, we are dancing to these selfish politician’s lies and corruptions. I pinch myself (sometime) to make sure still feelings, rational thinking and veracity left in me and not brain dead as they think (i am). I am drowned in falsehood by these election talks, when the bottom of the world finance is falling off faster than these greedy politicians can imagine. These men and woman for that matter, don’t want me to think.
Please God Bless America.
14. Will Jones - Atlanta | 10.09.08
For McCain to question anyone’s judgment after his antics on the Forrestal killed 143, his martial stupidity got him shot down even though his equipment told him to “jink” around the SAM which had him targeted; then sang like a little bird for his captors’ medical attention to the bones his incompetent ejection had broken; to return home and, committing serial adultery against the faithful wife who waited for him, to Marry the Mob with a trollop he pimped to the bikers at Sturgis in August, is almost unbelievable. Adding Hitler-in-Drag to his ticket topped it all.
15. valester | 10.09.08
neither Barack Husseinh Obama! he never go up1 he just stay in the 50%.. jejejje Barack Hussein just scares people!
16. Michelle | 10.09.08
robt, perhaps you have read your comment again and mine now isn’t necessary, but you are confusing two results. The 54/53% numbers you quote only show that for those people, nothing in the debate changed their minds — positively or negatively.
The latter stat covers who won, “those polled thought Obama “won” the debate, with 56 percent thinking Obama did a better job, compared with only 23 percent preferring McCain’s performance.” That’s difference of 33%.
It’s no wonder that Republicans are hanging onto that one Zogby poll showing only a 2% difference — the electoral college map looks even worse for McCain that the national polls.
17. jerryt | 10.09.08
So why is being a “liberal” such a bad thing? Its better than being called a “conservative” which is almost a synonym of the word “fundamentalist”. so you could say “Christian Fundamentalist” is like “Islamic Fundamentalist”. And its funny that their thought process is much the same: “No one is right but me, and i can’t hear anything you’re saying!”
18. David | 10.09.08
I was supporting McCain until the last few weeks, when his outrageous lies just made his character look bad. And, as a Christian, I am sick of Palin’s takes on things and how she uses the Bible to her advantage. I have finally decided to start supporting Obama, though I will and perhaps always be a registered Republican.
19. john | 10.09.08
I think there are a lot of liberals out there who need to repeat eighth grade. That is when I was taught that the lowest form of argument was name calling; combine that with prejudice and you have a snapshot of this CSM hatefest. I think more facts, analysis, and inspired interpretation would be helpful; likewise, more vitriolic opinion only illuminates a popular but toxic lack of consistent mental process.
20. JohnB123 | 10.09.08
This is truly remarkable! I’m so very happy to have seen this video it speaks for itself!! It needs to be on every network and I hope somebody passes it to Obama’s team.
I will not post anywhere again without including this url.
Sarah Palin palling around with secessionists:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eniG9l_7its
21. EJIDATARIO | 10.09.08
McCain used to be nice a long time ago, he now has turned into a creepy old man.
22. Required | 10.09.08
The financial concerns about America are due, in part, to our racism and inability to at least “play” democracy, much less live it. People allow smur and slur to come from people like Hannity and Rush and Moore and others who do not discuss issues but just dig up what they label as mud and throw it. As a veteran, father, Independent, and other labels, I am deeply discouraged by the ignorance of the media, the voters, and the politicians. Many politicians know what it takes to get elected, but do not know their issues. They have taken racism, Israelomania (I am against the “blank check” not the people or country.), xenophobia, sexism, and the “whatever” attitude to new heights. America needs to turn off the TV, go to the library, read different facts and opinions, discuss it with their family and friends, sleep more, eat better, call people, write letters, and exercise (do work) without drama, complaining, or fighting. They need to leave drugs, ****, violence, sensationalism, and various other distractions alone and focus on life and their accounting for what they thought, what they did (and did not do, but should have), and when their spirit died (inability to love others).
24. IIell | 10.09.08
Guilty by association? Well then, Sarah Palin is guilty of being a separtist. And John McCain wants to talk about judgement? Look at his choice of VP, or take a look at the Keating 5 scandle, and maybe even his current campaign he’s (not) running. John McCain, you sir, must be an idiot.
25. steeve | 10.09.08
I watched all day on news showing McCain’s interview on Fox News about wanting Obama to come out with the truth about Ayers so the public can decide. Why isn’t anyone calling out McCain on his hypocrisy on TROOPERGATE? He asks that Obama come clean, yet he sends his lawyers to Alaska to cover up TROOPERGATE. Why doesn’t McCain let Palin testify about her TROOPERATE connection so the American Public can decide – the same standard he wants to apply to Obama.
I don’t want to hear this **** that TROOPERGATE is politically motivated and that the AYERS connection isn’t. American people are not stupid. One thing we can’t stand is a hypocrite.
I’m upset that the media televises McCain’s hypocrisy when applying the standard of truth for Obama yet ignores his effort in covering up his VP involvement in TROOPERGATE. If judgment is what McCain is questioning about Obama, shouldn’t the American pubic question McCain’s judgment for picking a VP that may be using her powers for personal reasons? Especially after 8 years of **** Chaney. After all, Palin’s character could be a heart beat away from the Presidency if McCain is elected. If McCain wants the American pubic to decide what is true, than let Palin testify. She seems to have some CHARACTER flaws so she is the last person who should be pointing fingers
The media keeps dropping the ball. Everything McCain seems to criticize about Obama seems to apply in his own campaign.
26. Zman | 10.09.08
Gail says, “I find it disgusting the way that Republicans always try to make the democrat nominee out to be anti-american.” The Rs don’t do that to the Dems, the Dems do it to themselves. Hadn’t you heard, Harry Reid has declared the Iraq war is lost and Nobobma won’t admit he was wrong on the surge. I’ll give him credit though, he is the only prominent Dem who isn’t on record saying that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction, we knew they did. They used them on Iran and their own people.
Other than that, name me one thing Oboma has ever accomplished; free schooling, free housing, suing banks to force them to make unsound loans that created this financial mess, flips on offshore drilling and clean coal, huge contributions from Fannie Mae, went back on his word on public campaign finance, never worked worked with the other party, never sponsored a single significant piece of legislation, never ran a business, never has been executive of anything?
McCain is a war hero, admitted and learned from his mistakes with Keating and sponsored campaign finance reform with someone from another party, has gone after corruptions, pork and other excesses of Washington, cross his own party when he thought it was right and consistently worked with the other party on reforms.
Niether party can stand too much success, that is what killed the Republican. They held the House, the Senate and The Presidency and spent like drunked sailors. Ask yourself to you really want to put a novice Politician with nothing but retoric who is a Democrat in the White House with the Democrats controlling the House and Senate with the likes of Radicals Polosi and Reid? Even the most wooden headed liberal can’t think that is a good idea.
27. Sidney | 10.09.08
What part of Christianity’s Ten Commandments and Cardinals sins do not apply to Palin and the rest of the Christian Taliban?
ONE: ‘You shall have no other gods before Me.’ - She and others in this grand ole party worship the God of Money!
THREE: ‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.’ - YouTube is full of examples of this one!
FOUR: ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ - Did the campaign ever stop on Sunday? Oh it is ok if you are saracudda!
SEVEN: ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ - Nothing can be proven, but just ask Todd about Lynn on the North Shore Drive on Tuesday!
EIGHT: ‘You shall not steal.’ - Their whole career is full of shady and illegal deals
NINE: ‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.’ - WHat really happened in the Troopergate? and all the lies told in this campaign?
TEN: ‘You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.’ - People think this is about sex, it is about grabbing what does not belong to you.. Come on people.. The whole financial meltdown is about this. — GREED = Bushies
The point is that the high and mighty righteous ‘Christians’ destroy themselves each day in the name of money and power. SO please don’t go preaching to the rest of US.
28. John Adams | 10.09.08
We know both of them already!!! John Mccain and his VP nominee just use the same old tactic that George Bush did and it is called “Fear”. I think he is very successful with conservatives and conservative media. However, he will lose big with independents. He has no one to blame but himself. He becomes someone that want to win at no cost.
29. Christopher Staub | 10.09.08
Mc Cain/Pailin?! I was a moderate republican until 8 months ago. We need Obama. McCain should stop the pathetic attempt to influence the ignorant, hateful people to hate Obama. It is wrong and despicable. I once respected McCain.
Please John…get out.
30. jack of all | 10.09.08
I am so glad to see that smart American’s are standing up against the McCain shananigans. You make me so proud!
31. steve | 10.09.08
I watched all day on news showing McCain’s interview on Fox News about wanting Obama to come out with the truth about Ayers so the public can decide. Why isn’t anyone calling out McCain on his hypocrisy on TROOPERGATE? He asks that Obama come clean, yet he sends his lawyers to Alaska to cover up TROOPERGATE. Why doesn’t McCain let Palin testify about her TROOPERATE connection so the American Public can decide – the same standard he wants to apply to Obama.
I don’t want to hear this **** that TROOPERGATE is politically motivated and that the AYERS connection isn’t. American people are not stupid. One thing we can’t stand is a hypocrite.
I’m upset that the media televises McCain’s hypocrisy when applying the standard of truth for Obama yet ignores his effort in covering up his VP involvement in TROOPERGATE. If judgment is what McCain is questioning about Obama, shouldn’t the American pubic question McCain’s judgment for picking a VP that may be using her powers for personal reasons? Especially after 8 years of **** Chaney. After all, Palin’s character could be a heart beat away from the Presidency if McCain is elected. If McCain wants the American pubic to decide what is true, than let Palin testify. She seems to have some CHARACTER flaws so she is the last person who should be pointing fingers
The media keeps dropping the ball. Everything McCain seems to criticize about Obama seems to apply in his own campaign.
32. Joseph | 10.09.08
Is it just my imagination; or are the majority of Obama haters remarkably poor spellers? Two words, folks; Spell Check.
33. aloha | 10.09.08
McCains campaign is a mess. Does he intend to run the country like that? As underdog? Its the only thing he knows, why should he suddenly change once he is in office?
34. ms342 | 10.09.08
i keep hearing all my neighbors and people at work talking about something called the “Bradley Effect”. Can anyone tell me what that mean?
35. Marcus | 10.09.08
McOlderThanDirt “We’ll get in our wheelchairs and go to the American people. We’ll get new batteries in our hearing aids and get some whipper snapper to turn up the volume on the microphone and we’ll pull a Roosevelt on the ol’ Marconi. By golly, we’ll motorvate the crowds. First Sun City, then the woooorrrlldd.”
36. Jack of All | 10.09.08
The wheels are fallin off the wagon! The best that McCain/Palin can do is incite racist hatred. Is this really happening? It all feels like a bad dream! Can someone please give them a reality check.
37. mike | 10.09.08
With Obama and his wife about to run this soon to be communist state. Say good night Ralph.
38. wembakoy | 10.09.08
watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MBrFWuKkWQ&feature=related (Barack Obama)
Obama 2008.
39. PalinBaby Question | 10.09.08
In case anyone is still interested, here are two websites that are gathering information about the (still-open) question of who are Trig Palin’s parents:
http://www.geocities.com/palinbabyquestion
http://palindeception.com
40. Mike | 10.09.08
The financial concerns about America are due, in part, to our racism and inability to at least “play” democracy, much less live it. People allow smear and slur to come from people like Hannity and Rush and Moore and others who do not discuss issues but just dig up what they label as mud and throw it. As a veteran, father, Independent, and other labels, I am deeply discouraged by the ignorance of the media, the voters, and the politicians. Many politicians know what it takes to get elected, but do not know their issues. They have taken racism, xenophobia, sexism, and the “whatever” attitude to new heights. America needs to turn off the TV, go to the library, read different facts and opinions, discuss it with their family and friends, sleep more, eat better, call people, write letters, and exercise (do work) without drama, complaining, or fighting. They need to leave drugs, ****, violence, sensationalism, and various other distractions alone and focus on life and their accounting for what they thought, what they did (and did not do, but should have), and when their spirit died (inability to love others).
41. JustCommonSense | 10.09.08
John Keating MaCain’s deregulation helped his corrupted and greedy friends screwed up Americans through out his entire political career. Do you still believe his experience, knowledge, and judgement to lead the US the next 4 years? If you do, I have a bridge to sell you up in Alaska.
42. Nick | 10.09.08
All McCain has got is negativity with no basis to anybody with a brain. With all that is going on in the country he is just a disgrace!
McCain has made a disgrace of himself on this campaign and sold himself out at every stop. I guess he would lose an election to win a war but wouldn’t lose an election to maintain some decency and his legacy.
McCain the sooner you get off the air and let this country concentrate on rebuilding the better.
43. Oregonian | 10.09.08
There’s nothing like the waning days of a tough election cycle to peel the veneer off the Right. If I didn’t know this was America, I’d think I was among some barbaric horde.
Change IS coming, and you’re not going to like it.
46. Jack Brandon | 10.09.08
The amount of negativity spewing from the McCain camp can fill the grand canyon. He has turned out to be the worst campaigner in this years election. During the republican primaries he almost gave up the bid for lack of funds. But miraculously he came back, not because of his credentials but because his opponents fought each other to death. If mcCain thinks he will do it again this time, he is mistaken. All his negative ads has not made a dent in the Obama camp. by now people know him so well that whenever mcCain tries to paint a different picture of him, it is hurting McCain instead of Obama. I am a republican and am ashamed of McCains campaign. Negative campaigning and fear mongering would have worked in previous elections, but this time other factors are controlling the outcome of this election. McCain needs to stop his fear mongering tactics. He does not sound like a commander in chief, and he doesn’t even have a proper education to understand the difference between a projector for a planetarium vs the one for a 5thgrade classroom.
47. IIell | 10.09.08
20. john, you say that, yet you’re supporting two people who wouldn’t even pass 6th grade? Interesting…
48. DougH | 10.09.08
McSame/Falin’s strategy is not working.
Their entire campaign has ceased to work
He’s been:
Beaten in fundraising
Beaten in electoral vote polls
Beaten in national polls
Beaten in both debates
Beaten in message
Beaten in campaign morals
Beaten in organization
Beaten in convention
Beaten in VP selection
The only area which McSame/Impaler has won is sleaze. The have run the crapiest campaign in modern history. He’s learned a lot from his mentor GWB.
No wonder he’s saying “I’ve fallin’ and I can’t get up”
49. JQ PUBLIC | 10.09.08
DEAR CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR,
WE HOPE YOU GET OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT. YOU RICHLY DESERVE IT!
SIGNED,
JQ PUBLIC
51. kyleisking | 10.09.08
Ladies and Gents, this dude is still trying to comb over. It is very scary when men can’t acknowledge their baldness. Trophy wife, Trophy VP, comb over. Any questions?
52. Chicago | 10.09.08
Neither Jimmy Orr nor this publication is non-partisan. The articles one finds here have been blatantly in favor of Obama from the beginning until now.
53. Tim | 10.09.08
If we’re going to question people’s decision making, I can think of a few decisions McCain has made that haven’t been exactly up to snuff: various plane crashes, the Keating 5, hobnobbing with anti-semites. Let’s not go there.
54. Arye Michael Bender | 10.09.08
So now we switch to Plan C, election theft. Step One, Disenfranchise the newly registered. Step Two: Imply that you will be watched as you vote. Step Three: Discourage voting by making it seem futile. Step Four: Deny all previous steps.
- Arye Michael Bender -
55. Mo | 10.09.08
I hope all these polls and real-time election votes mean something in determining the next President. Unfortunately, I have witnessed too much voter fraud by the Republicans to trust that their machine can’t deliver this election too. It certainly will be interesting to see what happens now that the National Guard is preparing for civil unrest!
56. palinsucksballs | 10.09.08
If insighting violence and hatred is the only way to get McCain back on track, so be it. I want to see him succeed. Do what you have to do. Who really cares anyway???
57. tod | 10.09.08
Palin = Troopergate, Bridge to Nowhere, Alaskan Independence and Ruskies in her backyard, hate propaganda
McCain = hothead, he cheated on his ex-wife (6 years), collaborated with Vietnamese and Russian. (POW), participated to the keating financial scandal
Palin, McCain , not ready to lead, but ready to cheat on American people for four more years..
58. tj | 10.09.08
what did Obama do? nothing
he’s a lawyer that never appears in any court.
he was the co-head of an organization (with the anti america dude)before got to washington 2 years ago (by luck)
in Washington he didn’t do much (that’s why his record is cleaned)
he has no experience. he’s un proven. he talks very nice. he’s a talker not a do-er.
we’ll get screwed if **** get elected.
59. Mary Porter | 10.09.08
There is nothing involving Ayers that Obama needs to be “candid” about. The Annenberg Challenge grants aren’t a terrorist group, but very respected and public projects. Also, it’s downright impertinent for self-appointed association police to demand that Obama, you, or I do background checks on each other when we work on charitable boards.
A meet-the-candidates night is not an association, either. Thousands of political events are hosted at homes every day: that’s what grass roots means.
If you’ve actually gotten nervous there’s something going on that needs to be “disclosed”, you will be reassured this very reliable source:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/10/09/08annenberg.h28.html
60. sal | 10.09.08
MCCAIN AND TROOPERGATE. MCCAIN HAS TAKEN OVER ALASKA. MCCAIN VP HAS AN ETHICS INVESTIGATION. MCCAIN AND A CROOK. MCCAIN VP HUSBAND DOMESTIC TERRORIST.
MCCAIN = TERRORIST
see how much fun this math is??
mccain supporters—your HAIR IS ON FIRE.
And so is your party.
so stick with your strange little focus on the past. Your whole campaign is burning to the ground and you don’t even know it. You arrogant old fool.
61. Andy2 | 10.09.08
McCain - wrap yourself in the flag while you tear the country down to achieve your own personal ambitions.
62. Franklin | 10.09.08
If either of these guys wins, we’re screwed.
The one thing this election will do is give us an accurate figure of intelligent vs un-intelligent American voters.
% of Non-voters + 3rd Party votes = % of intelligent voters.
% of voters for Obama or McCain = % of un-intelligent voters.
How sad.
63. sal | 10.09.08
Mccain = deregulation
mccain = economy failure
mccain = erratic
mccain = arrogant and out of touch
mccain = oblivious to 99 % of the country’s citizens and their problems
mccain = NO HEALTHCARE
64. Obama Biden 09 | 10.09.08
Republicans are SO DESPERATE, look at their comments here… like their beloved leader McShame they have no substance. I think they are still not tired of raping this country.. but NOT AGAIN… Obama all the way
65. Alexandra | 10.09.08
Let’s talk about the truth of who John McCain is. I recommend that everyone read this month’s Rolling Stone magazine’s retrospective on McCain’s life. Anyone ever wonder why the men who were POWs with John McCain have not endorsed him? Wonder why McCain’s ethics are not questioned re: how a person could desert his first wife — the woman who waited for him while he was a POW — a woman who had become slightly deformed due to a tragic auto accident, to marry a rich woman 20 years his junior? Wonder why he was merely chastised for “poor judgement” during the Keating 5 scandal? Could it have been due to the family money he married? Wonder why Cindy McCain only got 2 years of community service for abusing drugs, prescribed by a physician (who consequently lost his license — no community service for him!) employed by her medical foundation? And what about Palin? Isn’t joining a group advocating secession from the Union treason? Does it seem fair that Palin enacted a law making rape victims pay for their own forensic rape kits ($1,200), while she then used public funds to purchase an SUV for the “mayor” (i.e., herself)? We could go on forever….but the real question is why the “elite media” are not demanding explanations from McCain/Palin on THESE associations. Why?
66. sal | 10.09.08
MCCAIN = SHAME OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY….his own party is shunning him
“…..Indeed, McCain’s neocon makeover is so extreme that Republican generals like Colin Powell and Brent Scowcroft have refused to endorse their party’s nominee. “The fact of the matter is his judgment about what to do in Iraq was wrong,” says Richard Clarke, who served as Bush’s counterterrorism czar until 2003. “He hung out with people like Ahmad Chalabi. He said Iraq was going to be easy, and he said we were going to war because of terrorism. We should have been fighting in Afghanistan with more troops to go after Al Qaeda. Instead we’re at risk because of the mistaken judgment of people like John McCain.”
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain/page/9
67. hibud | 10.09.08
It is stupid to bring up what members of the same party said about one another during the campaign debates, etc. McCain needs to come up with something that is fresh and relevant not rehashing what has been already said and done. The sad part is we are going to see them pull out the race card that McCain and Palin have been alluding to thus far. Palin says “He is not one of us” meaning what? To a mostly White audience the inference is plain as also seen by the crowd’s reaction “terrorist” etc. And of course McCain’s reference to Obama as “that one” which was sad, but says something about himself. The usual form of address seen in a debate is “my esteemed colleague” or “my opponent” but THAT ONE! McCain displayed anger and restlessness during the debate. It seems now that he will not stop at anything to try and win the race. I don’t believe it will work. The American people are tired of this.
68. Mike in Sac | 10.09.08
Hey,
Anybody else reading about how the Republicans are the ones trying to steal this election. Have you read about the federal court case they just started against the State of Ohio?
They are trying to get newly registered Democrats kicked off the roles. Lovely bunch of cut throats that Rove bunch. Let’s just trample all over the democratic foundations of our country! Boy, that sure is country first!
69. CAV | 10.09.08
who is the real jm? he doesn’t seem to know himself. in the last debate he had adopted palin’s breathy passionate inflections. or maybe it was just a contrived attempt to fire people up about him. i’m sorry, this does not show leadership qualities.
70. Big D | 10.09.08
BJ you are not even close to right, go do some research, get some some smarts, and get off the shortbus and climb on board with the big kids.
71. Big Joe | 10.09.08
I’m not crazy about either on of these guys. Of the 4 I’m most afraid of Palin being president. So, I’ll vote for Obama
72. Jeff | 10.09.08
If you voted for Bush in either of the last two elections, you getting what you deserve. People, in general, are just too naive and gullible. I understand that they trusted him because he said he was a man of faith. But the self-righteous proclaimers are the worst. Talk is cheap. Sorry. Anyone who votes for McBush has something seriously wrong with them.
73. Charles Nickalopoulos | 10.09.08
Obama’s administration would be more like Jimmy Carter’s. Being honest, I do not know what Mccain’s administration would be like.
74. Nifo | 10.09.08
ms342 - the Bradely effect is “the notion that some material number of voters will lie about their intentions to pollsters, claiming that they will vote for a black candidate when in fact they will vote for the white guy.”
You hear about it a lot from McCain supporters because they hope it will result in Obama preforming significantly worse in the the election than his poll numbers would suggest. There’s a good article about it here: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/08/persistent-myth-of-bradley-effect.html
arguing that this will not happen and that the Bradley effect hasn’t existed since the early ’90s.
75. Very Afraid | 10.09.08
Obama has made this election a Racial Contest. The fact that he has paid the corrupt organization ACORN to intimidate and register voters, etc. And the fact that the vast majority of Blacks will be voting for Obama only because he is black makes this election racial. The only hope for a McCain-Palin victory will be Full And Complete Exposure of Obama, No holds barred, No consideration for racial reprisals. This exposure must include the reality that Obama is diseased with Grandiose/Malignant Narcissism which renders him incapable of putting America 1st, He believes he is a God, This Elitist Power Monger Must Be Exposed and Defeated ! ! !
Beware Obama ! ! !
Be Afraid ! ! !
Be VERY Afraid ! ! !
76. dingobully | 10.09.08
The State of Wisconsin? I think McCain had a better shot at Michigan. Wisconsin is a blue state and if anything is “swinging” it’s away from the G.O.P. and McSame.
77. mavisdarling | 10.09.08
Yes, it should be very interesting to see what the Troopergate Report has to say. A UK paper is saying that Palin and some aides will be reprimanded. Since McCain’s people have tried so VERY hard to suppress the investigation, I can only imagine there will be some damning stuff in it.
I doubt she will quit, though! This is only one more test of her strength, as she continues her Mission From God. This won’t stop her. But I do think Obama should make a BIG issue of it, in light of all the trash-talking she’s been doing about his honesty and character.
Sounds like her husband was more in touch with her staff than SHE was! Do we really want Todd as Co-Vice President of the USA? He’s a traitor! A secessionist! Vindictive! Obsessive! SCARY!!!!
78. Scienceguy | 10.09.08
In the last eight years the National Debt has doubled from $5.5 trillion to $11 trillion. That’s a phenomenal increase for an economy only valued at $13 trillion. Assuming we don’t want runaway inflation; there are only two ways of dealing with this debt–paying it off or borrowing more. How does that work for your family? You’re in debt; what are your options? Pay it down by spending less (the deficit>$400billion this year and >$440 billion next; so, no–we’re not spending less). Pay it down by increasing your income (for the commomonwealth, that’s higher taxes). Or you can borrow more to keep the lifestyle. Republicans want to keep borrowing. It doesn’t work for your family and it doesn’t work for our nation. We are living way beyond our means. The Republicans are very, very liberal spenders of public monies. Ultra liberal. So don’t tell us how you are against raising taxes–this ultra liberal spending amounts to leaving our children an impossibly large tax burden to pay. ‘The Democrats are tax and spend’, they say: the only thing worse is the ‘borrow and spend’ Republicans.
The Government is in the economy and in a big way. The government currently accounts for 20% of our economic activity; the government prints the money and it makes the rules of the game. The recent past has seen the government slanting the rules through lobbying—wealth isn’t being created; it’s being cannibalized from other Americans. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac spent $180 million on lobbying and $20 million on direct campaign contributions over the last ten years. Wall Street made profits from fees selling them to each other and the world. What was this quasi government entity lobbying for? What kind of free market is this–the profits are privatized and the losses are socialized? Don’t worry about the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac CEOs–they received $7 million and $11 million exit payments. Democrats are also guilty for receiving money and turning the blind eye. The Republicans have weakened our military by squandering trillions that will be needed for our future national defense.
The Republicans have to be thoroughly defeated for mismanaging the country. For the $841 Billion bailout we should get transparent lobbying–every letter, email, phone call is published and public property (it’s Constitutional!) and campaign finance reform–spend as much as you want–but it goes into a blind trust and the candidates don’t know where it came from.
Can the Democrats fix it? Wishful thinking; it is very broken. There are systemic problems. The day of reckoning is nigh– the next trillion we spend better be put to very good use.
79. Bruce Becker | 10.09.08
The Taliban are in action now. I got an email from a high school friend saying I am unAmerican for supporting Obama. The right wing are not happy just saying what they are for. They want to claim I am not a good citizen if I will not drink the Taliban kool-aid. Evil monsters run the GOP propaganda machine.
VOTE. No one will see your choice.
80. MIke | 10.09.08
WHY BOTHER WITH THIS BOARD? TCSM - Clearly wants to limit Free Speech like China and OBAMA - I’m gone
81. henry landis | 10.09.08
The serpent has a forked tongue…not unlike the combination of Palin and McCain, and it seems clear that the American public sees and resents it. The good book warns of “Reaping the Wild Wind”. That wind is now blowing their campaign, as well as the respect we once had for the Arizona senator onto the dung hill of history. We now know that his running mate never DID command respect, since the citizens of Alaska have begun to air the facts of her abuse of office. The mud “THOSE TWO” have slung at Obama is being blown back in their faces by the very same wind. What was it that the MASTER said about “Letting him without sin cast the first stone ?”
82. Bruce Becker | 10.09.08
Since Todd’s affidavit admits that he repeated badgered officials to fire the trooper, and the affidavit admits that he is an integral part of the Palin government, Todd is a standin for Palin. What he does is about her.
So. his membership in AIP makes Sarah’s judgement clearly off. He works in her office. He is not just a baby sitter. His emails are being protected by her claim that 1,100 of them are about state business. He is guilty of abuse of power, acting in her name. Both should be kicked out of the VP race if the GOP has an decency.
Oh, my mistake. I forgot, this is the Karl Rove campaign now and they never admit an error, even if it is treason.
83. Zman | 10.09.08
Yes, let’s all read the Rolling Stone for it’s unbiased reporting, much like the UnChristian UnScience Monitor.
And Mike in Sac, the Secretary of State here in Ohio (who is a Democrat) misinterpreted the law so that you could register to vote and vote the same day, before election day, with no proof that you are who you are. Think that might invite voter fraud? One guy was quoted by the local press as saying that was great, now I’m going home to Chicago. Just for the record, that is in Illinois. So please don’t tell me about stealing elections.
84. Jim | 10.09.08
McCain should be the last person using “lack of judgement” as a talking point.
1. McCain intervened for Charles Keating, whose activities led to a S&L scandal, wwith Keating going to jail.
2. McCain’s current campaign manager is a principal at a lobbying firm representing Fannie Mae. His firm was still collecting checks from Fannie as recent as August 2008.
3. McCain chooses Sarah Palin for VP - she gives a good speech, but in real time interviews is disturbing inarticulate. To date has not explained in any credible form her foreign policy, or energy qualifications - except that she is a quick learner, although that too has yet to be demonstrated. From a purely tactical standpoint, Palin’s selection has completely eviscerated McCain’s argument about Obama’s lack of experience.
85. berne4822 | 10.09.08
i am an 80 year old guy who thinks he is in good shape..i only look 79..
but to think a 72 year old could handle the stress of the president…it
is unbelievalbe…mccain’s health and judgement will be impaired by the
stress of the job. i ran a large organization and understand the stress of
manageing day to day and dealing with serious unscheduled problems..i could
not have done it at 72. he has never had a real job…he has no defined management skills…he operates like a military commander…you must follow
my orders.or else. we do not need this management style at this time…we need someone who will listen and try to bring us both republicians and democrats together to solve tremondeous wourld wide problems. just think,
if he can’t handle the job we would have chaney in dress (palin) running this
country….if i were not so old i would think of moving to new zew zeland if this ever happened…you voters who ever you are vote for obama to protect this country
86. odell | 10.09.08
McCain’s troublesome antics have turned me from a 100% straight Republican Ticket voter to a Straight Democrat Ticket voter.
Keep it up, John old son, and Obama will have a landslide.
87. spoonido | 10.09.08
As usual, Republicans can’t win without the Fear Factor. This time around, they come across as more scary than ever. Thanks to Bush, but too late for our dead and wounded troops.
88. George V. | 10.09.08
If McCain and his people have evidence that Obama is a terrorist or a terrorist sympathizer, they should present it. But to simply continue to wonder out loud about Obama’s connection to Ayers smacks of crude McCarthyism that has no place in a serious presidential campaign.
I used to respect McCain, but I now think he would rather run a dirty and dishonorable campaign than lose this election.
Country first indeed!
89. Mr. Biker | 10.09.08
Hey Rey Reynes: How cool are you! You’re my hero - a person who thinks about what’s going on and votes accordingly.
Hey Valester: Clearly, you don’t think!
Face the facts, folks. The only way McCain can win now is by some unheard of filthy tactic that Karl Rove gets paid $100 million to think up. Starting a war with Iran, maybe? Putting a hit contract on Obama, maybe? You know, I can’t even think of anything near as awful as what Rove can come up with in his sleep!
Obama has used his brain to run an amazing campaign, and I’m sure he’s well aware that an October surprise is coming.
The Democrats should take a lesson from him on how to fight Repugnicans.
The sad part for Repugnicans is, once he wins the White House, and shows you all what a real leader is, you won’t be able to get one of your corporate criminals elected for a long time.
What was that line Michael J. Fox said to Michael Douglas in American President? “People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they’ll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They’re so thirsty for it they’ll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there’s no water, they’ll drink the sand.”
“President” Andrew Shepherd replies “People don’t drink the sand because they’re thirsty. They drink the sand because they don’t know the difference.”
90. TJ | 10.09.08
Republicans have not only taken the gloves off they have taken off their mask. Their 20 year program for “the final solution” to undermine the progressive movement of the 60s that promoted equal rights and equal opportunities for all Americans is threatened again by another Democratic “liberal”. They claimed that Clinton “was not their president” and set about to obstruct everything he tried to accomplish, shutting down the government twice over the budget. They never counted on the fact that he could manage to implement the successful policies he was able to or enjoy the popularity he did at home and abroad. He was an irritating obstacle in their plan.
Now, they are presented with still another obstacle in Obama. Their candidates are found to be woefully lacking by the American people. Their campaign strategy of presenting candidates who are “likeable” but not very smart or able to govern, ie, Reagan, Bushie, Palin, so that others can set the agenda for them to be the mouthpiece, is not working this time. There is barely any government left to govern. They came very close to the complete dismantling of this government and this country and have successfully marginalized all those not in lockstep with them. They have many strategies in place to accomplish this, some are those organizations mentioned in some of these posts; some are to assign “liberal” a heinous connotation; some are to intimidate people about their “morality, religion, patriotism” through the exploitation of Pro Life while negating all social policies that sustain life and a quality of life. They have hijacked these values to exploit and to terrorize.
This campaign of McCain/Palin is more terrorizing and more a cause of deep concern to me than any fund raising coffee or committee on the improvement of education in the inner cities Obama may have attended with Mr Ayers. This current 2 week manic, hate filled, incite the mob strategy looks like, talks like, and feels just like an extremist take over similar to nazism, facism, or some deep dark ideology. Who IS John McCain? Who IS Sarah Palin? That is the REAL question. Why do other Republicans allow this? Is there no one left in the GOP to put Country First, before something horrible happens in the name of Country First and freedom of speech?
I have written to the FBI and to Congressional Representatives. I think all of you should, too.
91. island | 10.09.08
Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.
Adolf Hitler
92. Rick | 10.09.08
Get your surfboards ready. This will be the biggest landslide in recent history! Ride it out. As Arlo said in his song about ‘Nam “Whoppee, we’re all gonna die!”
93. Liberty_Gazette | 10.09.08
Please… McCain promoting Clinton-omics? You really have to ask yourself, ‘Is he just trying to be hip?’ So sad. I do agree that real questions need answers about this Ayers connection. I don’t care about the bombings if the Justice Department doesn’t. I am concerned that Obama was able to impress this very influential communist activist. Ayers held Obama’s political ‘coming out party’ and continued to personally contribute to Obama’s campaign??? Obama might not know Ayers, but Ayers seems to know Obama. What’s up with that? Check out my blog on this very subject http://www.liberty-gazette.com
94. TruthInPolitics | 10.09.08
A lot of our fore father presidents had no prior experience before becoming President, but I guess that doesn’t matter to a lot of you guys huh?
What exactly has McCain done to qualify himself as being president? His continual claim that the troop surge worked and his repeated claims that Obama won’t admit that it worked?
Obama should admit the troop surge worked right after McCain admit that there should have been no NEED for a troop surge at all if he hadn’t agreed to attack a nation that did nothing to us causing the need for the surge at in the first place.
I mean if I shoot your dog because he “may” attack the neigborhood in the future, then when the vets and press come around and I holler, “look I have a remedy shot right here”. You will not want me to come near your dog to help him. I don’t care if you ran up through the crowd and and injected him with the antidote and hollered “see I told you that it would work”. The fact is I wouldn’t want any treatment you offered me at that point.
That’s basically the whole “surge” scenario in a nutshell
95. back2reality | 10.09.08
Okay, in all fairness to those on the Conservative side, Let’s take a religious view of this for a moment. If God’s word is Eternal and He cursed the land Bablyon. Then being an eternal curse, it should in reality still be a land cursed of God.
If still a land cursed to this day, How is it that one can claim that this war is “God’s task?” a war in a Land Cursed of God. Babylon. or as we know it Iraq. I think it would only make sense that such a land has known no degree of peace in thousands of years.
If you Vote to support a war against the word of God, how can you call yourself a Christian?
96. alaska49er | 10.09.08
Who cares about Ayers? McCain’s treatment of his first wife, shows much more of what he isn’t made of. And those right wing bats of you who keep using liberal, as if it’s a negative; you’re hurting my feelings, heck you’re thrashing my inner Id. I’ll have to do yoga or at least belt one down, so my blood pressure stays under control.
Chew on this:
Liberal = open minded and forward thinking. Conservative = close minded and dreaming of the past, since there isn’t enough between the ears to do much else.
97. dmin07@gmail.com | 10.09.08
My friends, terrorist palin around underdog lipstick bathing suit you becha alaska terrorist mccain hussein that one palin safety glasses big hair bomb bomb iran hussein mccain underdog lipstick you becha wink wink numbers dropping terror terror surge surge wink wink underdog i’ll get back to ya reaganomics bushonomics palinomics mccainomics i’ll get back to ya my friends.
98. zuq | 10.09.08
McCain has no answers on the economy, healthcare, Medicaid, Medicare,etc. So what does he do? He tries to attack his character. Is that the president you want? Not me!!! I want the president that has one house! There are no illegal ties between Barack and Ayers. GET WITH IT AMERICA! Just an FYI, McCain voted against the MLK Holiday many times. Yes, I think he’s used to personal attacks. Go to http://www.BarackForUs.com for the details.
99. Scott | 10.09.08
Nauseating. So I’m supposed to check or approve of the background of EVERY SINGLE PERSON that I deal with? How about McCain? G. Gordon Libby, anyone? It’s not like he took free trips on Ayres jet. I can’t believe what a hypocrite he’s become.
Obama has been running for president for 20 months. The Clintons trashed his record and this is about hte best they came up with. I personally think this is pretty slim pickings.
McCain violated the Code of Conduct as a POW. He admitted to having at least “a couple dozen” extramarital affairs when he came back from Vietnam and found his first wife disfigured — one of the affairs was with his wealthy wife, Cindy. I don’t hear McCain being “candid” about that.
Ayres was Citizen of the Year in Chicago in 1997, for crying out loud. The board was made up of people ranging from the head of the University of Illnois at Chicago to a Republican state senator. So all of them are “palling around with a terrorists?”
Those “terrorists” raised $50m to improve Chicago public schools, notably in poor school districts. That sounds like a horrible, treasonous activity, doesn’t it?
100. Gwen Lebec | 10.09.08
It seems like John McCain feels that he needs to fight the Vietnam war all over again in Iraq and is desperate to end up with a WWII style “victory” to heal his own psychic wounds. Times have changed and we can’t go back and redo history to make him feel better - especially not at the cost of all these American and Iraqi lives - not to mention the $$$$ trillions that we are stuck with. This country is in desperate trouble and McCain still feels that giving folks like his millionaire wife a tax break is the best solution. Well - it was for him. He is one of the very few “unrich” to benefit from “trickle down economics.” Perhaps she gives him her tax savings as his allowance? In his shoes, I might want more tax breaks for the rich. In my shoes - I want this country to leave the “borrow and spend” Republican capitalism behind. Using the words “Republican” and “fiscal conservativism” together is a joke. Fiscal conservatism means paying your bills - not building up a pyramid scheme of debt!
101. david dial | 10.09.08
I just wish that the wing nuts out there…both left and right…would try to remember that no matter who wins this election he is going to have to govern. That is hard enough under the best of circumstances and we are facing the worst set of circumstances we have faced in the lifetimes of almost everyone who will cast a vote in November.
Why, I ask, do the loons shrilling on the political fringes insist on making things worse? I’m talking about pundits, politicos, pollsters and supporters on both sides who seem to think this is all about mud wrestling.
Ladies and gentlemen, and I use the phrase loosely, this isn’t about your prejudices or your fears. This is about the future of the United States of America and you are making it impossible for the the next President, no matter who he is, to govern. What is wrong with you people? Why can’t you just be civil?
102. Al | 10.09.08
We tried to warn the Reps.–Go with Ron Paul. Dr. Paul is an expert on economics (Neil Cavuto of Fox called him a genius). In the last “debate”, he would have mopped the floor with Obama.
But no, the GOP has to run with the most fierce warmonger they have.
RIP GOP and LOL.
103. startravel | 10.09.08
***
Fool me once, shame on you. (W’s 1st Term)
Fool me twice, shame on me. (W’s 2nd Term)
Fool me three times, I’m an Idot voting for McShame
***
104. fortunelawman | 10.09.08
Obama represent the poor, the workers, the societism/communism, the idealism, and he can’t keep clear of terrorism.
Mccain represent the rich, the bourgeois, the capitalism, the realism, and he can’t keep clear of bushism.
Who can represent the world? Obama, of course.
Who can represent the USA? Mccain, of course.
Who should we choose as the president of USA?
See what happened and happens in the societism countries in the world.
We should choose Mccain, of course!
105. Leslie | 10.09.08
Hi Everyone:
Please check out this video before you vote.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6wxmr_burning-down-the-house-what-caused_news
106. jim | 10.09.08
Wow, it’s kinda risky for McCain to bring up things like experience, knowledge and judgement when his running mate is Sarah Palin.
107. spinnikerca | 10.09.08
Both McCain and Obama voted for the SellOut bill, noone in either party likes it, but McCain’s ‘base’ cares more.
108. RW | 10.09.08
I am a firm supporter of the Democratic Party and Senator Obama. I think he will be a great president. I don’t trust the lying cheating stealing Republicans and never will unless some billionaire long lost relative leaves me his or her fortune to protect. Then maybe I will become a stinky greedy Republican Party.
With all of that said I have to say that I was very disappointed that a woman at the most recent debate asked a question about whether insurance and more specifically health insurance should be a commodity that companies compete to make a profit off of and both candidates ignored the basic premise of her question and went right into their campaign talking points on health insurance.
She wasn’t asking about their health insurance plans. She was asking should health insurance be a business at all? And they both ignored it because they both have vested interest in keeping insurance companies profitable because they both receive huge amounts of money from insurance companies. John McCain is their poster boy and is closer to them than he would like to admit.
What this lady was really attempting to point out is that driving force behind increasing medical cost is the enormously huge annual profit that insurance companies take out of the medical system for employees, managers, board members, and stockholders. None of this money goes to cure anyone of anything. Instead it goes for golden parachutes, corporate bonuses, sales awards and bonuses, and worst of all money to bribe doctors not to do what is in their patients best interests, and awards and bonuses for employees that find microscopic loopholes to avoid paying claims and authorizing needed treatment.
109. Sushmita | 10.09.08
Hello Mr Orr,
You do a good job writing a bipartisan column. You have worked for the Republican party in different capacities but one could not tell by reading your column alone. I listen to FOX just for kicks, to get their “version” of things and I have even tried listening to Rush Limbaugh….one time I came pricariously close to breaking my friend’s car radio so I thought I should not subject myself to that kind of torture and risk property damage. The point I am trying to make is that amidst a mob of prejudiced, irrational and narrow minded electorate that the Republican party has come to identify itself with and those who pander to that audience, you stand out as a seasoned rational voice. Kudos on that, Sir!
110. doublerose24 | 10.09.08
John McCain and Palin are questioning Senator Obama’s honesty? I think they should look in their own mirrors and look into their own eyes in which their hearts and souls are reflected. Senator Obama’s skin may be a light shade of black; however, McCain’s and Palin’s hearts and souls are jet black!! They are hypocrites, bigots, and slanderers.
By the way, what is with Sarah removing her “bun”? She is now wearing her hair all down…emphasizes that witch appearance which the witch doctor tried to exorcise from her. It did not work!
111. Paul | 10.09.08
What I’m curious about is why McCain’s military history and dedication is supposedly unquestionable?
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/23316912/makebelieve_maverick/print
http://iava.www.capwiz.com/bio/id/192&lvl=C&chamber=S
112. Seattle | 10.09.08
104 David Dial
Thank you. All I ask is for civil discourse. In the end we all probably agree on 80% of the issues, but have different opinions on who best to address these. Some issues require compromise, some divisive issues have no compromise (abortion being one).
In the end, regardless of the outcome, we work together, our kids go to school together, and our soldiers fight and defend together.
Thank God we can have these debates, and open discourse. But please no name calling.
113. joey big time | 10.09.08
Maybe Ayres was right?
The Viet Nam War was terrorism on the gentle people of South East Asia.
Maybe Ayres should be viewed as a freedom fighter instead of a radical.
Think for your self!
114. politics | 10.09.08
We demand more from our politicians than we do of ourselves. There is something fundamentally wrong with that. Sure, politicians are public sevants, who should be accountable to the public they serve, but they are people who make and hopefully learn from their mistakes just as we should. Look at our current situation, politically and economically; how did we get here? We are naive about politics just as we are naive about economics because we have been superficial. As a nation, we can do great things, so let`s grow up. Stop supporting the mud slinging by demanding substantive talk from our politicians. Allow them to make mistakes as long as they learn and help us grow as a nation. Forgive, but don`t forget. Debate, but respect each other. And don`t let fear cloud your mind. Then, get out and vote for whomever you see fit… That`s your choice and I`ll respect it.
115. Mark | 10.09.08
I am so very glad that many of my fellow Republicans are aware of the mess our party is in. A vote for McCain is a vote for continuing that mess and continuing down the road of ruination for our country. To any Republican harboring doubts, I recommend voting either for Obama or Bob Barr. I live in a blue state, so I’m voting for Barr. I know Obama will take all my states delegates. If I lived in a battleground state, I’d back Obama.
I was an ardent supporter of John McCain in 2000. Somewhere along the way since then, he made a deal with the devil. Or one of the devil’s lobbyists. He’s completely lost my trust and respect, but even if I still trusted him personally, I cannot trust the people he has surrounded himself with. The depths to which his campaign has sunk are almost incomprehensible to me.
116. Bill Jones | 10.09.08
McCain is an angry old man who needs to give it up and find a rocking chair on a porch and stay there.
He needs to take his pre-senile psychosis home and stop this stupid charade. When he was at the USNA he was a mental midget, he has not changed over the years. I am not a Republican or a Democrat. But I find it difficult to believe McCain and Palin are the best the GOP can find to carry their banner. They are making America a world-wide laughing stock.
117. Bernie | 10.09.08
Why was Al’s comment (the original #105) deleted? It was one of the best comments on the board (if not THE best) and there was nothing about it that could be considered “obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence”.
118. NinaK | 10.09.08
What is wrong with McCain is not only is old age but also the fact that he is finding the majority of Americans really do not like him and his dirty politics. But he does not realize the latter, after all, he was a POW (no hero, he NEVER was the recipient of “The Medal of Honor” the highest award given for valor and honor. However, he consistently reminds us of his POW status and his service to our country. His service was at best mediocre, he was NEVER promoted to the rank of Admiral, unlike his Daddy and granddaddy. McCain has an acute inferiority complex because he failed to meet their expectations. I believe Senator Obama, at age 47, reminds McCain of his very own failures and he cannot stand that this gentleman who is black has it together and is head and shoulders above McCain. McCain could not compete with his dad and grandad and he KNOWS he cannot compete with Senator Obama either. So, what does McCain resort to?? Smear tactics, slander, putdowns, false accusations, threats, inciting bigotry, and slash-and-burn tactics. Guess he believes this is the ONLY way he can win the presidency. What McCain does not realize is that this is 2008 and that we have learned some hard lessons from 2000 and 2004 and the same tactics that were used then. Johnny Boy, we are not buying into your ugliness so give it up, my friend!
119. Bill Jones | 10.09.08
McCain is an angry old man who needs to give it up and find a rocking chair on a porch and stay there.
He needs to take his pre-senile psychosis home and stop this stupid charade. When he was at the USNA he was a mental midget, he has not changed over the years. I am not a Republican or a Democrat. But I find it difficult to believe McCain and Palin are the best the GOP can find to carry their banner. They are making America a world-wide laughing stock.
120. Stan | 10.09.08
One of these candidates has ties to a terrorist. One of these guys went on a radio show with that terrorist, a man who has served time behind bars for his crimes against the country. McCain has called this man a “good man” and a “friend.” The man in question planned the assassination of a reporter, and the kidnapping of elected officials. The man? Gordon Liddy. The candidate? Senator McCain.
One candidate has ties to a group that was responsible for death squads in Central America. They have ties with Nazi sympathizers, and were responsible for funneling arms in the Iran Contra affair. The candidate? Senator McCain.
These aren’t casual associations. These are very real and close ties. These aren’t McCain happening to serve on the same board as someone who planned terrorist acts and committed crimes. The former was a friendship, and the second was an active membership.
What does THAT say about McCain’s judgment?
How about McCain’s flip outs and violent temper, with at least one episode ending in his pushing and shoving someone? What about his flip out at a black jack table where he started screaming at a woman (in Puerto Rico) “Do you know who I am!?” And his flipping out on the employee in the same manner, him getting into a fighting position: “Don’t TOUCH ME!” WHat kind of judgment? What kind of temperament? Watch people and their accusations. They often tell you more about the person than the one he is accusing.
121. Bob Barr | 10.09.08
Why is it democraps always call foul on everything rebubs do and when asked why it’s ok for their party to do the same thing the response is always “but”.
Obama is leading polls because of the economy and the fact that all the news liberals say “bad economy is good for the dems” I would like to know what makes dems better? Bigger government= more $$. This down fall is all due to Clinton’s policies coming full circle.
Obama lies, read his books, he lies now on things he wrote then. ie his rev.
122. Urjo | 10.09.08
All the Rep are nothing but Hard hats. These fire men, police men, construction workers in midwest and south; hard hard hat; who thinks can lift any intelligence… They think they are smart, they may get a majority but doesn’t mean they have any intelligence. I am not saying that the Dems are intelligent, but they are far more than the Reps. The last thing we want to do is give this country in the hand of these Hard hats and their choices.
God bless A.
123. Sad to see | 10.09.08
I am a registered Republican and I am ashamed to be associated with it at this point. It would appear that our party that once stood for hard work and values has been replaced by a group of people who spew nothing but hate.
I have to wonder … it appears that our entire party is racist, hateful, vengeful and irrational.
I really believe at this point that the only hope is for our party to fall hard and hopefully from the ashes new leaders will emerge.
While I don’t agree with every position of the Obama ticket, I see their party as having more of the value I identify with than my own.
That is the sad truth.
124. Misty | 10.09.08
After primary, I thought Obama stands no chance to win because I heard a lot people, including democrats, said there were no much difference between them. Either one going to WH would be fine. After Palin got into tickets, everything changed. So I think the fatal error that McCain made is choosing Palin. If he chose any one of those candidates guessed by the media, he might be in a very different situation right now. And another big mistake he is still making is to run the negative campain which turn off a lot of swing voters. I think he hired wrong hands. If he ran the campaign as honorable as 2000, he would get quite a lot of voters. And the tone in the current repubs campain will hurt America because hatred will further divide America, not united like what McCain’s campaign sometimes said. I think American people should let McCain know it. He still have time to have his honor back.
I used to admire him and now I am really disappointed.
125. OlderWhiteWoman | 10.09.08
Two Medical Diagnoses that mysteriously disappeared from Senator John McCain’s medical records:
* Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) = symptoms include explosive temper, cursing, sick humor, emotional outbursts, trouble concentrating, and hyper vigilance to threat.
* ELECTile Dysfunction (ED) = symptoms include an inability to hold a lead in the polls.
127. Mr. Write | 10.10.08
Come on white folks. Do the right thing. Judge them by the content of their character and how they intend lead the country and attack the issues. And why do whites hate black so much anyway. No, really, think about it. I whites enslaved blacks and blacks have forgiven — not hate. So, why do you all hate us so much, which obviously started before slavery. Think about it that. And do the right thing for once.
128. jefflz | 10.10.08
McCain/Palin knows Ayers was a rehabilitated and respected member of the community by the time Obama was old enough to vote. Every major journalist has said there is no substance to these links to terrorism. McCain himself was tied to the Iran Contra scandal through a group linked to ex-Nazis twenty years ago- does this mean he is a Nazi sympathizer? Palin is married to a secessionist- what about her loyalty? So, while the economy is failing, McCain is making a call for all bigots and hate-mongers to join his parade of slime. He is desperate and it is a personal call to jihad for his campaign. And they are coming out of the woodwork, every right wing nut in the country is answering the call with the fear and smear garbage that McCain is using to whip up hatred. McCain is not a hero or a leader. He displays the same cowardice that he displayed when he ratted on his Keating Five comrades to escape prosecution. At a Florida rally where Palin called Obama a terrorist some one even yelled Kill Him! - shades of the Nazi hate rallies. McCain is bringing great shame on the electoral process and his erratic behavior makes it clear he is not qualified to be president any more than his junkyard dog running mate.
129. Changamire Dombo | 10.10.08
John McCain is proving to be too daft to become the next US President.
If Hillary asked that question in The Primaries and ended up losing The Nomination, can’t he see that he needs to ask a different question to win The White House?
Repeat the same question and reap the same outcome, LOSER!
130. Thomas Drewing | 10.10.08
Subject: What I would say in the next debate….
…If I were John McCain.
My friends, (I know…but he always says that!) I want to bring up a painful lesson I learned some 20 years ago. I had what I thought was a friend, in a man who turned out to be a criminal. A very smart one, but a criminal nevertheless. I was taken in by John Keating, as were some others. And while it was quickly determined by Democratic investigators, that I was innocent of any wrong-doing, just the fact that I had been taken in like that, was disturbing to me, and very sobering.
I resolved never to let myself be put into such a situation ever again. And it took me years of self-examination and pain to extract all the lessons of my experience.
Senator Obama has my sympathy. My pain is nothing compared to his. I only had to go through it one time, and believe me, that was enough. I never want to face such a thing ever again. Yet, he has had to go through it what? Six or seven times now? It seems that just about everyone he has ever befriended, or worked with, has turned out to be a criminal or demagogue.
Its bad enough to find out you were fooled by one bad egg. To find out that almost everyone you’ve ever surrounded yourself with, has been taking advantage of your naivete’ must be devastating. And yet, I’m sure that as with me, the passage of time, and these hard lessons, will make him a better man twenty years from now.
131. TONY STAR | 10.10.08
Honestly most people I know could not care less what Bruce has to say or sings…First lets start with the singer…. never had a top 10 …Does not have a voice…. and as most of my friends say long story short …its his agent you want to know not him…. For obvious reasons. Anyone I know in the business thinks he is not good…. But hey group psychology prevails some times like the person running against McCain for instance.
Now onto to the liberal media …We are not voting for the American Idol here…. I am sure if you sit for a minute …you yourselves know people more
qualified than the great “Pretender”….123 Days in the Senate does not qualify for any job of importance …let alone the President….Sarah Palin has more experience …hands down…
132. Michelle B | 10.10.08
McCain says Barack’s association with Bill Ayres calls into question Barack’s judgment. Bill Ayres is a highly-respected authority on educational issues in Chicago, and is consulted by educators, institutions, and reformers across the political spectrum. Bill Ayres supported Barack Obama for the Illinois Senate, because Obama was the most thoughtful, reform-minded candidate in his district, and there is nothing about that support that suggests anything remotely anti-American — indeed, the support that Obama received for his campaign was profoundly American — people rallying around a candidate who was not beholden to the Democratic machine or party, but actually thinks for himself. This is what Ayres was supporting (in Chicago, it’s not always a good thing to “vote Democrat”). Obama’s acceptance of that support has nothing suspicious, or fishy, or anything else about it. Anyone who latches onto this Ayres connection as shouted out by Palin and McCain is incapable of rational thought, and I am frightened that they are voting!
133. haugh | 10.10.08
so why is it that Obama’s relationship with Ayres a big deal, when McCain pals around with domestic terrorists?
G. Gordon Liddy, the convicted Watergate burglar whose colorful history includes telling listeners to his radio show in 1994 to shoot federal agents in the head. When McCain went on Liddy’s radio show in November 2007, he told Liddy, “I’m proud of you, I’m proud of your family… It’s always a pleasure for me to come on your program, Gordon, and congratulations on your continued success and adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation great.”
What a washed up hack. Obama/Biden, NOW!
134. Michael Prosser | 10.10.08
My family tends to be divided on political parties, 3 Democrats and 3 Republcans. One family member asks how can those of us who are Democrats reasonably vote for “Nobama.” I wonder how any responsible Republicans, independents, or Democrats reasonably can now vote for McCain and Palin. As various analysts have indicated, Palin’s hate filled, racially implied speeches harken all the way back to the McCarthy era of the 1950’s. Finally McCain is calling on these audiences hurling these hate filled epitats at Obama to be respectful of him, but at the same time allowing pitbull Palin to continue to fill her audiences with hatred, “treason!” “kill them!” “sit down, boy!” Selecting her showed total disrespect for the American people, and now his hyprocrisy becomes more evident–be marginally civil toward Obama in the second debate, and then the next day continuing the smears. Now that Palin has been found in Alaska to have violated standard ethics in the firing of Walter Monegan, how will the campaign play that issue? A Democratic witch hunt? Please! It was Palin who was prayed over against witchcraft when she was about to run for the Liutenant Governor.
Both CNN and NYTIMES (which Palin loves to hate) have done research and have found that Obama’s contact with Ayers occurred mostly in the 1990’s. Palin claims that he is “paling around with Ayers in 2008. Wasn’t it her husband Todd who was in the Alaskan party asking it to secede from the US? So she has paled around with a secessionist–her husband!
Both candidates should get over Ayers and Keating Five, and concentrate on how best to solve the critical problems facing the US and more broadly.
McCain’s desperation, and Palin’s hate mongering, are both examples of a candidacy so out of touch with decent Americans that many Republicans (as noted in the comments above) are deserting them in droves. If the election were held today, I don’t know if Obama would win in a landslide, but he surely would win the presidency. Then what? Usually, the American people support their president after the election is over. Will the hate-filled people at McCain and Palin rallies do that or will there be more rage against a President Obama? Since Palin seems far more popular than McCain, will the Republican party fix on her (empty head rhetoric) to promote her for the 2012 election?
Lets unite behind our future president and vice president, overwhelmingly likely to be Obama and Biden, and not McCain and Palin. (Thank God.)
135. JoeW | 10.12.08
The Republican team has built their entire campaign around allegations concerning Professor Ayers. The literal meaning of “professor” is one who declares.
Ayers’ profile is as high as possible – a College Professor. Yet, I have not read a single sentence or quote that’s less than twenty years old concerning what he teaches, or what are Ayer’s current thoughts or declarations or positions.
Similarly, who is Todd Palin?
Yesterday, Sarah Palin said that he was her closest friend and ADVISOR (her quote). But who is Todd Palin? Look how involved he was in the current mess in Alaska. If Sarah Palin were to take over, actually it would be Todd Palin taking over. So who is he?
Why did a spouse make phone calls to government people in her behalf? What’s with that?
136. Vicki | 10.15.08
I have known for a looooooong time that Bush was very incompetent and that he had all the republicans in Congress & Senate acting as his stooges of stupidity. Bush has hurt America. McCain has tried so hard to be Bush-like with his lies about Obama. He made the horrible choice of Palin to get the base. What does that say about the republican base? Are people really that gullible. The people who have a right to be angry are the ones who did not vote for Bush and have seen the destruction that his policies have caused.
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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. ross | 10.09.08
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/07/martin.townhall/