(Jake Turcotte)
Obama wins in landslide (in tiny New Hampshire towns)
By Jimmy Orr | 11.04.08
If “Dandy” Don Meredith were to call the election results instead of CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, then he’d be singing his signature “Turn out the lights, the party’s over” for John McCain. At least in the towns of Dixville Notch and Hart’s Location, New Hampshire.
The two little towns in the northern part of the Granite State have a tradition of voting at midnight and then releasing their results shortly thereafter.
The verdict this year? Obama in a landslide.
The results
Between the two towns, Obama received 32 votes while John McCain tallied 16 votes. Even Ron Paul got some action with two people voting for him.
Is this a harbinger of success for Obama? Not necessarily. Back in 1960, Richard Nixon beat JFK by a 9 - 0 margin.
The town, however, had a love-hate relationship with Nixon. In 1968, they opted for Hubert Humphrey over Nixon — the only other time the town voted for a Democratic candidate.
But the polls still show the public opting for Obama. He enjoys an average lead of seven points in the polls as compiled by RealClearPolitics.
Battlegrounds
What about the battleground states?
The polling site FiveThirtyEight.com gives the most important state for McCain to carry - Pennsylvania - to Obama.
“Pennsylvania, while certainly having tightened somewhat over the course of the past two weeks, appears to be holding at a margin of about +8 for Obama, with very few remaining undecideds,” writes Nate Silver.
Joe the Plumber
What about Joe the Plumber? We’ll be tracking his movements throughout the day — simply because he’s “Joe the Plumber.”
Yesterday, we told you he’s writing a book. Today, the Associated Press reports he received a warning instead of a speeding ticket last week.
Toledo’s police chief said on Tuesday — the day before the traffic stop — that a department clerk faces a disciplinary hearing for allegedly looking up Wurzelbacher’s address on a state computer database.
Wurzelbacher was given a verbal warning because of that ongoing investigation and because a citation could have “negative repercussions to the department and city as a whole,” according to the report, which lists “Patrolman Bailey” as its author.
More on the election and Wurzelbacher to come…
<< As Obama, McCain battle - Joe the Plumber plans next move | MainComments
2. Michael | 11.04.08
Haha… wait, you’re joking, right? Write ins are always a joke.
ESPECIALLY Ron Paul. I would die if HE became president.
3. Bob of Milford | 11.04.08
Let’s stop talking about side issues like Joe the P and focus the time on serious issues. Joe the P is just another form of name-calling.
6. Joe fron Virginia | 11.04.08
Ron Paul is not a joke. Perhaps if the Republican party stuck closer to its core values of fiscal discipline and limited government during the Bush administration, it would not be having the problems the liberal media says it has. As for me, I’m all for McCAIN-PALIN!
9. Shachar | 11.04.08
Have fun in Canada, they already have a 50% tax rate. And you think Obama is a socialist? What a joke.
10. Gina | 11.04.08
Joe the Plumber will wished he had never tried to make a name for himself….maybe he should try and figure out how to pay his tax liens in AZ and Ohio and his back child support…kinda calling “the kettle calling the pot black”….?
11. Chris in Texas | 11.04.08
Moving to Canada? If you are a republican, you must be confused. They have socialized (free) health care there.
13. don v | 11.04.08
Today Joe the plumber is to the republican party ,what a empty wine bottle is to a drunk.need i say any more.
16. Jdaddy | 11.04.08
Buh-bye, bungalow!
People who don’t want to pay their taxes…sounds like someone doesn’t like to pay their bills!
17. Colin Pastuch | 11.04.08
RE: Bungalow
“I’m moving to Canada. At least my taxes won’t go up.”
ROFL. Income tax in Canada is almost 50% of your income for the bulk of our citizens. Best of luck to Obama, he is truely an inspirational leader. I wish I could vote for him for Prime Minister.
Colin from Canada.
18. MICKY | 11.04.08
i think the person who looked up joe should be fired. That person had not right to do so and make it public.What gives this person the right to look any one up unless it was for work. a slap on the hand doesn’t do a thing.If this person gets away with it then more people will start doing it and no one will be safe from people looking things up on any body and giving it to the media. Now if Obama wins you will see more of this i am sure.This country will change but not for the good.
19. sgtjdc | 11.04.08
Why they do not pay taxes in Canada? Since you are worried that your taxes will go up then you must be netting more that $250,000 per year, so my advice is to look at tax heavens like Gran Cayman Island. After all we all know that paying taxes is unpatriotic and real Americans do not pay taxes.
21. KJC | 11.04.08
Bungalow- You should research before you speak…
“The average tax rate in Canada is higher than in the United States. Canada’s income tax system is more heavily biased against the highest income earners. However, Canada has a national goods and services tax of 5% on all purchases, while the U.S. federal government does not, increasing the tax burden on Canadian low-income earners.”
We need people here in America willing to speak with intelligent reasoning or elect someone who can do it for you!
22. R. Strings | 11.04.08
How wouldn’t your taxes go up in Canada? You are going to receive a large tax break from Obama if you are making less than $200,000 a year in the United States. Your tax break will be larger than under a McCain administration. Moreover, I believe Canadian tax rates are much higher than in the U.S. so if you make under $200,000 they actually WILL go up. If you make more than $200,000 your taxes will go up regardless, but Obama’s taxation of individuals making over $200,000 is still less than it was when Ronald Reagan was in office.
Bungalow is a case and point of poor Republican’s buying into false rhetoric.
23. Carrie | 11.04.08
When Obama wins, the Republicans should get the message, Americans no longer trust in their wicked ways. The damage caused to this country by Republican rule is massive. It will take at least 4 years to end the wars, recoup the stolen funds, and get the world to trust the U.S. is not the evil lying country that was BUSHWHACKED, when the Repubs took control 8 years ago. When Obama wins, WE WILL BE FREE! No more dictatorship, we will be a democracy again.
24. J.Jay | 11.04.08
Canada already has way too higher taxes than United States of America. whooping 40%. Joe the P is not any form of name calling, according to McCain/Palin it is a metaphor for average American. Just like Palin calls average American “a drunkard” under name of Joe Six pack.
25. CanadianinUS | 11.04.08
To those thinking of moving to Canada, just thought we’d let you that we have 12%+ sales tax on almost anything you buy (excluding food of course) in most provinces. The tax rates (incomes, sales, etc) in the US are one of the lowest of any country in the Western World. See for yourself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Canada
Also bear in mind, the American Democrats (dare I mention the Republicans) would be considered too right wing in Canada (yes…you read that right). Canadian social policy (and most of the Western world) is much more left oriented than anything in the US. Most right wing parties (excluding hyper-nationalistic ones) or in most of the Western world (Canada, France, etc) are to the left of the spectrum of the so called *left* wing main party in the US.
So by all means, welcome to Canada (or any other Western nation outside of the US).
26. Mark who | 11.04.08
The tax rate in Canada is quite a bit higher than in the US. So yes Mr. Bungalow, your taxes will most definitely go up.
27. Kulehand Luke | 11.04.08
Canada does have its draws. Universal healthcare and no unending, preemptive wars. Sounds like a nations we might learn something from … and a LOT more hockey moms.
29. eric | 11.04.08
This is going to be the only time you will beable to see those headlines. I guess you gotta give the media one last shot. One last Hooah…. Wait, obama is against the military.
30. AmericanPatriot | 11.04.08
Let us know where you live so we can send you directions. At least you will have health care but you won’t be able to bring your guns.
31. Santa Fean | 11.04.08
Why didn’t more people vote for Palin and her belief that dinosaurs walked with man? Why didn’t more people vote for a 72 year old man? Why didn’t more people vote for the hijacked Republican Party controlled by sean/rush/billo/pat?
32. Landslides start with small pebbles | 11.04.08
Small townships are the first to go, then the big cities will follow and sweep across the nation turning Red states Blue.
Obama will be the greatest President this country has ever known!
Bungalow don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
33. Grekoff | 11.04.08
The average tax rate in Canada is higher, but our government is solvent and we are actually paying DOWN out national debt, which is $500 billion compared to the $10+ trillion the U.S. owes. And Obama would beat our own Prime Minister (Steve Harper) in a landslide if he were on the ticket here.
Obama pulling off a victory shows that the rational 50% of the American population has prevailed, and the right wing nuts can be relegated back into their previous role as noisemakers and propagandists.
34. Jake | 11.04.08
McCain’s claim that slightly higher taxes on the richest 5% will cost jobs is fake….
… because there are two types of “rich”:
1) Rich by their own efforts.
2) Rich through inherited wealth.
Those in the first camp will continue to create jobs because it’s in their blood. They demonstrate true American grit. A little extra tax won’t bother them, and they’re heartily laughing at McCain’s claim they’ll quit! As if! Adversity just drives them harder. These rugged individuals don’t care who wins because they’ll adapt and prosper whatever.
Those in the second type were handed their wealth. They have no idea how to build it through hard work. In Europe they’d be royalty. They love holding power, but are terrified of losing it, bit-by-bit, because they have no idea how to earn it back. These are the slackers McCain is appealing to. The only place they create jobs is offshore (because it’s easy and cheap) but they’re terrified that party is coming to an end.
(Sorry for the double post, btw. Too excited to concentrate today 
)
35. Just an alien resident | 11.04.08
Can’t vote, but it does not mean I’m not deeply interested (as many millions all around the world).
Saw Obama as a winner (and liked him) from the beginning. Just as a comment, predicted JLR Zapatero winning in Spain four years before it happened.
What I see as a (bad taste) joke is McCain-Palin ticket.
In the other hand, I have the greatest respect for real republicans like Ron Paul and M. Huckabee. If they were still in the race, they could offer a real platform to challenge Obama’s.
36. MB | 11.04.08
Actually small business tax rates are lower in Canada than in the US. Personal taxe rate are higher. There is a good and service taxe of 5% but if you make less than 30000 the governement reimburses you. so here that’s a mixed bag. However, we pay more taxes but we do have a universal health care system.
37. Keith | 11.04.08
Regardless who win the election, Our tax will increase any way.
Billions for the bailed out, billions for the stimulated package… where do you people think that monies came from?
if you don’t wanted to pay for it now, your children and grandchildren will pay
for it later. Someone have to pay for it. Everyone has to thanks the republican party for the last 8 years for that.
STOP COMPLAINT, GET OUT AND VOTE!!!
39. IDAHO | 11.04.08
I have read hundreds of comments in the last week, they are all the same. Why is there a mental block with many American people to some of the real issues? Valuble issues like killing babies? I believe in America we call that Abortion. These are Value issues that can not be ignored. Abortion is murder and we are worried about taxes or Joe the Plumber?? Selfishness is alive and well in America no matter which direction you will vote for, but at least there is a party that is anti-abortion…
40. JJR in NJ | 11.04.08
Hello Carrie,
Where can we find you in 9 months when muslim extremists are walking all over America because of our inability to fight for democracy.
I am not saying McCain is the answer, but it sure beats the alternative. Obama?!? A guy that had a hatemonger baptise his children? A guy who is so far left he is boarding on a communist?
Wow…All I can say is I hope the rapture is soon. Very soon.
41. Sandy Van Putten | 11.04.08
To All,
Trust me socialism does not work. HEALTH CARE IN CANADA IS NOT FREE. You are made to believe this. It is a system of trough feeders and parasites and if you saw what really goes on here it would make you ill. We are totally controlled by a few. Whom believe that in order to control all you must redistribute the wealth and by doing so you are able to control who advances.
Our Prime Minister Harper is struggling to get control of this. He tried lowering taxes and had emmense opposition. It did pass, but these socialist believe that they are entitled to the wealth of others.
42. Jeff | 11.04.08
Mr. Bungalow - My guess is that you are like most of the Republican puffery - all bark and no bite. You won’t be moving any time soon. But say it if it takes the sting away.
43. Joe the Bummer | 11.04.08
Carrie. Yes, if Obama wins we will finally be a democracy again–so every come on lets get out there and VOTE MCCAIN/PALIN and the REPUBLICAN PARTY for Fascist rule!!!! WOOOOO! Between us we can tear down the constitution and rights of all citizens for the good of gas companies across the world.
44. JD | 11.04.08
Are all you people on welfare, or just welfare wannabees? You can’t run a government without taxation, so get over it. You have to pay taxes if you want roads to drive on and schools for your children, etc. So forget about taxes, that is not the issue here. What we need is a strong nation with patriotic people who are willing to give their all for freedom, just like the first Americans. We need to start building and buying American products, send all the foreigners home and tax them heavily if they want to sell products here in the USA. Don’t pretend to be an American and then go out and jump in your Toyota to go to work on roads paved with American tax dollars.
45. Informed Citizen | 11.04.08
Here are the real tax rates for Canada from the Canada Revenue Agency (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/fq/txrts-eng.html)
15% on the first $37,885 of taxable income, +
22% on the next $37,884 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $37,885 and $75,769), +
26% on the next $47,415 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $75,769 and $123,184), +
29% of taxable income over $123,184.
46. Kevin | 11.04.08
To All those who are moving to Canada..
1. You belong there in the first place..
2. Good Riddance..
48. lightnin | 11.04.08
Two things stand out about this election. One, how low the “democratic” has fallen in morality, two, how the press shamelessly parrots the democrats’ lines.
Case in point - One of America’s core beliefs is the right to the secret ballot. The democrats totally support the unionists recent and current attempts to ELIMINATE the secret ballot, which would give them “Big Brother” power over their members, allowing intimidation, harassment, and recriminations. Have you heard ANY democrat or “news” reporter speak out against this blatant attempt to curtail freedom in America (or “Rev.” Wright, Ayers, Rezko, “Redistributing the Wealth”, etc.?) No, and you WON’T! The unions and the democrats are in bed together, along with their press groupies! They HATE freedom, they LOVE only the power to CONTROL. If you vote for Obama, you’re voting AGAINST the secret ballot! One step closer to one-party Socialism!
49. jackie | 11.04.08
wow mickey-didn’t you know the bush administration has been tapping your phone all along?
50. Hilary Smith | 11.04.08
The Republicans need to go sit in a corner for a few years. They have left my country dirty and defiled. Hopefully the People will go forward with the knowledge that we do ourselves no favors by opting out of politics. The struggle to control our elected representatives will never end and must become a regular part of our lives otherwise we will continue to suffer.
51. average joe | 11.04.08
at least in canada i’d have health coverage, affordable medicine and civil protections from greedy corporations. at least in canada the universities are financially within reach of every student, with families having to re-mortgage for their kids. at least in canada, older pensioners really GET pensions.
52. Anna B | 11.04.08
Does anyone else think that picture is a little offensive? I’m not a fan of McCain & Palin but still, it has Obama & Biden throwing rocks at them while they fall off a cliff. That’s insulting to both sides. Come on.
53. Mike | 11.04.08
By the way people, America is a republic not a democracy. Please do not vote if you are so stupid that you think we are a democracy.
I pledge allegence to the flag,
of the Unisted States of America,
and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands…….
54. Fearless Leader | 11.04.08
I lived in Canada for over ten years. Most every day of the past eight years of Bush, how I wished I could have moved back! Someone like Bush wouldn’t have even gotten elected as mayor, never mind as an MP.
56. BYE BYE McCain! | 11.04.08
to: Micky
The country will not change for the good?? I know and should McCain win it would correct? That is the biggest lie I have ever heard! McCain is GWB in disguise! Thank God we will be rid of him and thank god there are enough intelligent people in this country to vote for Obama! bye bye Bush,McCain,Palin, Cheney, and all the rest of the greedy, selfish.self centered republicans that have been screwing this country since the begining!
57. Robin Greene | 11.04.08
My God I’m tired of this. Any of you who vote for Obama better get ready for a Marxist/Socialist country. You think you have problems now, just wait. When BO gets through with you, you will have nothing left. Remember, BO stands for “this guy stinks.”
58. charlie | 11.04.08
I’m not moving anywhere, but my money is. Outside of land (that I cannot move) and my house (close to my job) I will not have a penny in American based companies or investments. There is no need to waste your retirement or investments in companies that will have their profits (people’s retirement contributions) taxed ways. People with any real wealth will have it mostly sheltered or moved off shore by January; as would I if I had loads of money. When the tax base walks away and unemployment hits 10% in 2009 or 2010 everyone anticipating a free ride on the gravy train will be surprised when they receive the bill.
59. Canuckistan | 11.04.08
Shachar it is a LIE to say that the tax rate in Canada is 50%.
Inform yourself before you spout off.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/fq/txrts-eng.html
GOBAMA!!
60. ThePhotogsBlog | 11.04.08
I’m Canadian. We definitely pay higher taxes in the US; much higher than what Senator Obama is proposing. The funny thing is that most Americans that do come here don’t seem to mind the higher taxes too much when in return they get free health-care, lower prescription drug prices, and a MUCH lower violent crime rate. It’s all a trade off. But before you call us a bunch of socialists or marxists, please note that in a country of only 30 million, we have about half a million millionaires. Think about this….
61. Bob | 11.04.08
What a lot of nonsense. I have lived in both Canada and the US, each for many years. Income taxes are higher in Canada, but when all the taxes, fees, service charges, etc that I had to pay in both places, my total taxes were higher in the US (GA) than in Canada (BC), while making about $75000 in both places. For my much wealthier friends, they certainly had lower taxes in the US with the focus on fees, ad valorem nonsense, and service charges, and a lower focus on percentage based income taxes. Add on top of this that my drive between downtown Atlanta and Decatur for work every day makes me feel like I’m going through a war zone. About half the lights have non working bulbs, utility poles tipped and rotten, unbelievable road conditions. They have finally, after 8 or so years, begun fixing just some of this. I have never seen anything like this anywhere in Canada, even in some pretty hard off places. Personally, if taxes mean living in a place that doesn’t look like it was just bombed, I’ll pay them. I just can’t see how anybody could take pride in a system that keeps so much of the infrastructure looking like this. Not that Canada is a happy, utopian dreamland, but there is little indication that it is falling apart at the seams.
As for Medical, they both don’t work. Abusers of Canada’s system plug it up, and the focus on money in the US system keeps people from ever getting care. For myself, I have had urgent (not emergency) back surgery in both countries. In Canada I had to wait about 2 weeks for a spot to open up. In the US I had to wait over 4 months for the HMO to approve it while they screwed around, since there was no way I was able to pay for it myself and still keep my house, then about the same 2 week waiting period. Also, my wife just sat in a hospital emergency room having to keep pressure on a bad, seriously bleeding cut, for over an hour. By the time they got her in she took 2 pints to get her back up. No improvement there over Canada. Better access my a**. My bills were also much higher in the US, my wife just got an absurd bill for her portion of the hospital visit, and there is just no comparison on the costs we pay for insurance. In fact, I didn’t even include that when I did my tax comparison, maybe I should have.
62. Carlson | 11.04.08
There’s no doubt the Bush administration did incremental damage that will take years to correct if possible at all. Its been a process long in the works beginning with the Federal reserve and the elite to begin the new world order. Within 50 years Canada, The US and Mexico will be one nation. I have aligned myself with the GOP my entire life but voted Obama today because its the only way we’re going to clean house of all the policy makers that have been in a comfort zone in Washington for far to long.
63. NinaK | 11.04.08
People such as Mr. Bungalow who “threaten” to leave the U.S.A. IF Senator Obama wins the election, please, pease feel free to move elsewhere and stop your whining. Evidently you are very happy with the past eight years of the destruction of America and want to continue down that same road. The rest of us are sick and tired of republican policies and warmongers; it is time to not only change the page but to write a new book for America. Our so-called “leaders” have been missing in action for the past eight years. It is time to return our country to what our forefathers envisioned and practiced: “A GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, AND OF THE PEOPLE”!! The last eight years we have had “A GOVERNMENT FOR THE LOBBYISTS, BY THE LOBBYISTS, AND OF THE LOBBYISTS”. Our middleclass and the poor have been forgotten while the rich have gotten richer and richer. The tax cuts on the middleclass will definitely improve our economy!! Have you heard of consumers?? Without consumers the big business will fail. This is exactly why Fanny Mae and the banks have crashed—-middleclass people were unable to pay their house payments due to buying under the ARM system requiring baloon payments. With all the job losses, people just could not and cannot make those huge payments!
64. cindy | 11.04.08
Anna, the picture, I’m sure, was hastily done as the image looks pretty blurry. The landslide is the thought here, so the rocks are supposed to represent that. But you’re right, the Dems throwing the rocks is abusive and the artist was either laughing and quite enjoying his humor or ignorant in what he just created. I guess the artist will have to chime in to say exactly what he meant: ill will or not thinking clearly about people throwing boulders at other people already on their way down the cliff.
65. Jimmy Orr | 11.04.08
Yes, the imagery just signifies a landslide in the tiny little towns of Dixville Notch and Hart’s Location, New Hampshire. No persons were harmed during the drawing.
67. J.Jay | 11.04.08
If i am not wrong, Canadian taxation system is slab based system . here is how it will break down for one person who is making 150,000/year
15% on 37885 = 5600 and remainder taxable income 150000 - 37885 = 112115
22% on 37884 = 8334 and remainder taxable income 112115 - 37884 = 74231
26% on 47415 = 12327 and remainder taxable income 74231 = 47415 = 26816
29% on remainder = 7776
So the person will pay roughly 34,000 in income taxes only.There are other taxes that they pay just like we do, social insurance and national health care.
68. Fran Taylor | 11.04.08
The only contribution made by third party candidates is that they give us something to make fun of. Nader and Barr are nothing but laughingstocks and the butt of jokes. Barr is mildly convenient because he siphons a few wacko votes away from McCain, but the effect is minimal.
Maybe if third parties worked a little harder at actually establishing some grass roots support instead of running stupid pointless campaigns, they would actually get somewhere.
69. Joe the Bummer | 11.04.08
Ooops screwed up the word, because I was agreeing with Carrie.
Eitherway, Mike the difference is negligable, compared to the seriousness of the discussion at hand, especailly when the country has democratic ideals (majority rules). By the way, nothing in the constitution says you need to be EDUCATED to vote…
Look at all the Republicans who believe Obama’s tax plan is going to make them pay more (unless you actually make more than 250 K in which case you are priveleged and should be proud to support your country with taxes you can still afford easily).
Or people who think going to Canada would make them pay less in taxes. So if you are stupid enough–like Mike and a few others–please don’t waste your time voting because obviously being stupid goes against our nation’s ideals.
71. ania | 11.04.08
Many of you who hate Bush will come to realize though the few mistakes he made trying to be friends with the democrats it is not so. Dems are mostly socialists not the dems of many years ago.
Since people think problems caused by this administration all problems came about after the Reid Pelosi and democrats took over congress.
Perhaps if we all read the Constitution not one would vote for a communist.
I do not support people who depend on government for social programs.
So weep for all the hard working Americans who must SHARE THE WEALTH. but I think most of us will give up work and take the wealth.
73. Enduffment | 11.04.08
I new it was all over for us this year when, during his campaign, our republican candidate for Congress in Maryland(Pryce Richards) accused the incumbent democratic candidate(Dutch Ruppersburg)of voting with George Bush over 70% of the time. Way to stand up for your president and your party you absolute knucklehead.
Signed,
MCOGOPL
Marylanders for Complete Overhaul of our GOP Leadership
74. lightnin | 11.04.08
Hey, liberals, as you can see, Canada is a very liberal place, has Socialized Medicine, insignificant military, etc., so when Obama loses, YOU can move there and not only will YOU be happier, the rest of us who are REAL Americans who’ll be staying here will be happier, too! Win - Win! (Except for Canada!)
75. Dave | 11.04.08
Republicans being anti-abortion is a laugh.
Sure they don’t believe in “killing the unborn” and that is admirable, but then what do they do with the children?
They big Pharma, FDA payoff the children into autism, death, drugged states, and send them to war, while they stay home and raise taxes through war, and lessen college educations, because they outsource U.S. jobs, and have off-shore tax shelters.
There should be less abortion and less of this other stuff. It should not be an either or proposition. We are fooled into thinking of being Republican or Democrat. One day we may grow up.
76. EyesWideOpen | 11.04.08
I still laugh when I hear people call Obama a socialist or say hes going to raise taxes on all. Do you people do any research or do you just list to what McSame and his parrot Palin say.
Take a look at the real break down:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html
Now seriously, anyone who thinks Obamas tax plan is worse that McCains is either filthy rich or just doesnt get it.
77. Ryan | 11.04.08
Feel free to go ahead with that second statement regardless of who gets (S)elected today Michael.
78. JOHN LONGENECKER | 11.04.08
November 4, 2008
Do not be afraid. After the late 1800s to 1929 Republican Gilded Age of wealth and power ended in America, aalong came FDR and the New Deal. The middle class prospered the poor folks improved their lives and that lasted up the Ike. Then came Goldwater and later Reagan conservative policies that started up Gilded Age II. The middle class was squashed. That lasted right up through Bush W and ended on July 20, 2009. Obama will be fine. Do not be afraid. The American middle class will be helped. That’s a good idea.
JOHN LONGENECKER
Beverly Hills, California USA
79. tom | 11.04.08
what will you do in canada to begin with, when nafta will be reversed or picked apart when obama is elected, you and your wife together must make over 250,000 together to get a tax increase, so your family is doing very good in bad times, so go and let someone else take your high paying job, i’m sure there is quite a few people who would love to make that kind of money, which i doubt you do to begin with, you are probally like joe the plumber, who makes 42,000 a year and will get a tax decrease under obama, i owned a plumbing business for 21 years and never made close to 250,000 a year to begin with, payroll was more then half, workers comp i was paying 12.00 for every 100.00 in pay, liability insurance, trucks payments on 3, insurance on trucks, material for jobs, gas to get to jobs, etc, etc, etc..about time i wrote all that off, i was making about 60,000 a year on average.
80. Da Truth | 11.04.08
One might wonder if the above headline is designed for effect !!!
(to sway some voters)
81. All’s Fair | 11.04.08
Now, now…
Don’t be too hard on Bungalow. After all, Streisand and Co. never made good on their promises to leave the country if Bush won.
83. Jay | 11.04.08
Idaho - You should really do some research on the candidate you support. McCain has not been Pro-life his entire polital career. Not until Jan 2008 did he ever have an opinion on it. Abortion should be the LAST thing in the world to influence your choice of a candidate for president. There are so many other issues to face!
84. Sanctity of Life for ALL | 11.04.08
To: 39. IDAHO | 11.04.08
“I have read hundreds of comments in the last week, they are all the same. Why is there a mental block with many American people to some of the real issues? Valuble issues like killing babies? I believe in America we call that Abortion. These are Value issues that can not be ignored. Abortion is murder and we are worried about taxes or Joe the Plumber?? Selfishness is alive and well in America no matter which direction you will vote for, but at least there is a party that is anti-abortion…”
Why isn’t the sanctity of ALL human life important? Like the life of Iraqi innocents? If an eye is for an eye, then what did THEY do to YOUR eye?
Why is it that American fetuses are more important to so many American people than full-grown, soul-affirmed humans of other races, nationalities,or creeds? Are we not ALL God’s children? Does he not love us all equally?
This election IS about real issues. The atrocities committed in the name of this Nation should make its God-fearing folk truly angry!
85. Kevin O. | 11.04.08
Please do not make such silly comments separating Americans into real and fake Americans. We all want whats best for this great country.
As far as bungalow who actually offered to move to Canada, he or she is free to do so. I for one is looking forward to four years in which we do not force baseless wars and plunge our nation into debt and plunder our tax funds. …A leader who actually wants to spend our tax money on us rather than throw it into the abyss. We SHOULD tax less (I dont like having a quarter of my income taken away) and we should spend our tax money on constructive things.
Just think - our education system produced George Bush. He is below mediocre and would be ridiculed by us if he ruled any other country.
86. Obama | 11.04.08
Technically, Mike, you are correct. The United States is a Republic. But this is HALF of it.
We the people of the United States elect delegates–otherwise known as representatives–to congress, and they form the Electoral College, which truly votes in the President. And here is where democracy comes in; the representatives vote based on their States votes.
And honestly, if you don’t pay your taxes but you are in support of wars, which is going to rob and destroy us, then you are NO DIFFERENT from the Al Qaeda. You are NOT patriotic; you are the parasites and scumbags that are just wrong.
And if you want to contest taxes, speak with your delegate and quit robbing your grandparents of their Social Security and quit robbing your children with budget deficits that cause inflation–and rob the dollar of its value.
If We don’t balance the U.S. budget, we will soon be invaded by the countries we have borrowed money from–like China.
87. jJames! | 11.04.08
Charlie, move your money and your citizenship as well. The tilt to the rich is over. Trickle down has not worked. Not for Reagan, Bush I, or Bush II. We are a less porductive nation today under that theory that the rich should pay less. Pareto’s Law of distribution states that 80% of wealth comes from 20% of the people. The rich 20% of the people can afford more taxation because they have more wealth. It’s not greed, or socialism, it’s common sense. It is time for investment in the this country and a $35-$75K earner can’t pay for it all. Pay your fare share or go elsewhere
88. David | 11.04.08
This election has been good for our national intelligence. Bungalow has learned that Canada taxes its citizens. Mike can learn that a Democracy is a type of Republic. Derrick may learn that the NH tally is real, but only one particular district. Repiblicans need to be careful. If they learn too much, they may turn into Democrats. Have you hear that Joe Sixpack’s cans are empty?
89. Ginny | 11.04.08
Bungalow(4) said: “I’m moving to Canada. At least my taxes won’t go up.”
Don’t stop in Canada, Bungalow. Keep straight on to Alaska. The gov’t pays you to live up there.
Tell Sarah I sent you. She’ll be back soon 
92. agee | 11.04.08
Will be wonderful to wake up tomorrow and know that “Joe the plumber” has been buried once and for all in the landfill of irrelevant history where he belongs.
95. sgtjdc | 11.04.08
Vote Democratic and they will raise your Taxes.
Bill Clinton is to blame for the Sub-Prime mess because he signed the law that repealed the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933.
All examples of the brainwashing that you get by listening to Republican talking points such as those followed by Fox propaganda. A simple Google search will show that yes it is true that Clinton signed the first law that repealed the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933. It was sponsored and called the The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) also known as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act, Pub.L. 106-102, 113 Stat. 1338, enacted November 12, 1999 that allowed commercial and investment banks to consolidate and had nothing to do with sub-prime loans. The bills were introduced in the U.S. Senate by Phil Gramm (R-Texas) and in the U.S. House of Representatives by Jim Leach (R-Iowa). The third lawmaker associated with the bill was Rep. Thomas J. Bliley, Jr. (R-Va), Chairman of the House Commerce Committee from 1995 to 2001. The R stands for Republican.
That is Phil Gramm, the would be secretary of the Treasury for McCain who got into hot water for saying that “that America is going through a “mental recession” and Americans are a “nation of whiners.”
The same Phil Gramm (R-Texas) and friends sneaked a bill in a financial package on Dec. 15th, 2000 (The last day before Christmas holiday) called “Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000″ (H.R. 5660), which repealed the Shad-Johnson jurisdictional accord, which had banned single-stock futures in 1982. The legislation also provided that products offered by banking institutions would not be regulated as futures contracts. And that is my friendd what is causing all the trouble. Future contracts, derivatives, Credit Default Swaps and other sophisticated pieces of paper that are nothing more than gambling betting slips. It easy to understand and blame that uppity neighbor that bought a big house that could not afford and now he is in default. Never mind that everyone involved in that transaction had a profit motive and could not care less if he could not afford it. After all, the day after the mortgage was signed it was securitized and passed along to the next sucker. Even if everyone with mortgage defaults in America were given a year of mortgage payments it would not fix the problem because for every dollar of the mortgages, the investment banks created thousands of dollars of sophisticated betting slips which they sold to each other and to investment funds.
96. Jeff | 11.04.08
#66 Lightnin, I’m very embarrassed for you that you would think our Canadian neighbors are insignificant. They stood at our sides on the beaches of Normandy and lost native sons in the Allied effort to defeat the Nazi regime during WW II. They are due an equal appreciation for their sacrifice to allow you to spew and perpetuate your Palinesque message of hate you bought into by calling yourself a “REAL American”. You sir, should be more appreciative of your freedoms and how they were attained.
On average, the racial makeup of a Palin/McCain rally was 87% white with all minorities in the single digits… while Ms. Palin chattered “REAL Americans like us”.
Logic would then dictate just exactly what Ms. Palin was trying to say.
97. Idiotspotter | 11.04.08
Eyeswideopen - Did you even read your own posted link. In McCain’s proposal, everyone gets a reduction, not so in Obama’s. Why is it that you people never look at both sides with a discerning eye?
All of you Joe the P haters. Why is this? The guy only ask a question. You should be mad at the response from Obama.
All that think Canadian Health Care is great. Go ask some that want/need certain operations and find out what the time lag is to get them IF they are approved. Some actually come to the US to get them done.
The US isn’t a democracy but a Republic. Unfortunately, this may be changing. In a democracy, if the majority want to take YOUR stuff, then you’ll end up with nothing. Similar to how Obama wants to take our money and give it to others.
All you that think that any economic good, (and bad) period is administered by a certain party are clueless. It’s the consumer engine that spurs wealth. Political parties can only make it difficult or easy for this to happen. The 90s were a byproduct of the lower tax rates Regan put in place along with the military build up.
All of the Obama lovers out there are like Peter Frampton lovers. Because he sang a song that you liked, you think everything he does is good. Give me a break.
98. Idiotspotter | 11.04.08
Jeff - The reason that the racial makeup of the MaCain/Palin rallies are mostly white, is that the blacks are racially disposed to voting for the black candidate. However, I don’t hear anyone screaming that they are racially divisive like your comment about Gov. Palin.
Additionally, like the rest of you cool aid drinkers out there, the remark about “Real Americans” was in reference to Joe Bidden’s remark about “Real American pay taxes”.
And still, the republicans are the hostile, hates, fear selling liars. Give me a break.
99. Idiotspotter | 11.04.08
Jeff - The reason that the racial makeup of the MaCain/Palin rallies are mostly white, is that the blacks are racially disposed to voting for the black candidate. However, I don’t hear anyone screaming that they are racially divisive like your comment about Gov. Palin.
Additionally, like the rest of you cool aid drinkers out there, the remark about “Real Americans” was in reference to Joe Bidden’s remark about “Real American pay taxes”.
And still, the republicans are the hostile, hates, fear selling liars. Give me a break.
100. Idiotspotter | 11.04.08
Jeff - The reason that the racial makeup of the MaCain/Palin rallies are mostly white, is that the blacks are racially disposed to voting for the black candidate. However, I don’t hear anyone screaming that they are racially divisive like your comment about Gov. Palin.
Additionally, like the rest of you cool aid drinkers out there, the remark about “Real Americans” was in reference to Joe Bidden’s remark about “Real American pay taxes”.
And still, the republicans are the hostile, hates, fear selling liars. Give me a break.
102. Obama | 11.04.08
Idiotspotter -
Believe me when I say, I don’t care if the government took away my money to pay the poor for health care, to give hard working Americans the ability to send their kids to college, and to pay off the National Debt, as long as I am free to earn it back. You’re not a very good Christian, are you?
Yes, Reagan was a good leader. There are only two presidents in the last 30 years that have paid off the National Debt, and they are Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Feel free to look it up.
Peace out, and God bless each and everyone.
103. Dave | 11.04.08
Besides hoping that all Americans are not fooled into choosing between Democratic or Republican policy, as if those were the only choices in existence. [Those behind the two party’s say “Choose the red door, or the green door, as long as you choose one of the options we give you, who cares?”]
I also hope that on Wednesday morning Americans don’t turn back to watching the tube and entertainment, and watch these people we elected, and I hope that we don’t go back to sleep for another 4 years. Because having a Democratic majority in Congress so far hasn’t made any difference.
104. logical | 11.04.08
It seems like my party never wins, the VTOP (vote-them-out-party). All these elected people seem to need more than one term in office to have their pockets filled with valuables. Thus, if we always vote them out, it would be a savings to all of us. Congress put a limit on the president, but where is the limit for those in Congress?
105. Alex P | 11.04.08
It’s time to put Joe the P into perspective along with a lot of other things. Taxation is a must, it pays for roads ,schools and much of our infrastructure along with the police fire military , and pensioners and medical assistance.
We have to have it the only question is how much is levied and from whom.
The poor cant help out because they are just eking out a living now, the middle class that drove the economy have been shot in the back by the Bush policies so that just leaves the rich.
The next question is how we spend it. As the military,debt load and social security / medicade cover about 90% of the fed budget its surely time to ask if we really need another stealth bomber at $4 billion or put the money into our bridges so they don’t collapse when people are driving on them.
106. hehe | 11.04.08
There are going to be a lot of “closet voters” for Obama (McCain Supporters that are afraid to show support in front of friends/family for fear of isolation).
Makes a lot more sense that people would deny voting for a black man and once in the booth vote differently…this way noone knows one way or another who they support….pathetic, but so are some people.
107. Alex P | 11.04.08
39. IDAHO | 11.04.08 Wrote::
))
I have read hundreds of comments in the last week, they are all the same. Why is there a mental block with many American people to some of the real issues?
))
This is a very emotive subject that just like gun control requires some common sense. Most American women do not have abortions and in a similar vein very few firearms are used in felonies if you compare the actual number out there with the felony rate. The problem is that both left and right have extreme views on these subjects. I understand Mrs Brady is bitter about what happened to her husband but should we remove the rights of the majority of gun owners to try and get a grip on the few?
In a similar manner abortion needs to be considered carefully. If a woman is raped should she be forced to carry the rapists child to term and have nine month of extended torture if she doesn’t want it. What right have i to tell her this. What right does the government have.
As far as politicians are concerned they are like magicians that distract using gun control and abortion and steal you blind with the other hand. You are correct there is a party that is anti abortion and they have you vote but the other hand has caused a war that has killed thousands for no good reason, supported internment without trial and torture.
How do you reconcile this with the Christian faith.
108. Jeff | 11.04.08
Idiotspotter, Please… The REASON is those small-town America venues were CHOSEN by the campaign and were anything but racially diverse. Those rallies were open to the public. If Palin/McCain had a message that appealed to Blacks, they would have shown up when those rallies were scheduled in more urban areas. Don’tcha think?
“REAL America” and “REAL Americans” has been hollered down from the Palin podium or should I say, pulpit, more times than I can count and the poster here used it in reference to Liberals leaving the country. Ms. Palin’s rallies incited hatred, plain and simple, and it’s been documented. Ms. Palin believes there is also a “REAL Virginia”. Do you not follow your own candidate?
The problem with the Republicans in this campaign was there was NO message, NO statement of policy, NO positive reinforcement that a President McCain would disconnect himself from the same old Republican tactics of fear and loathing and the status-quo. McCain stood in a town hall meeting professing how he knows how to fix the economy, knows how to win in Iraq, knows how to get Bin Laden… well, ok I, no we, would like to hear how. Talk about Kool-Aid… (yes that’s Kool with a K).
CSM affords this forum for discussion and debate… please come back armed with more than 10 second sound-bytes. There, I’ve given you a break.
109. Idiotspotter | 11.04.08
Jeff - The lemming patrol was looking for you. I could point to many messages, statements, positive reinforcement that not only has McCain/Palin but the reset of the republicans have said, and it would be no use as you and the rest of the left have chosen to mindlessly goose step in unison with Obama. So why waste the time.
By the way, do you have a copy of Obama’s birth certificate?
Roll another one.
110. Idiotspotter | 11.04.08
While I agree that the infrastructure is a thing that should be on the list to receive financing, most of you lemmings don’t understand how Obama plans to pay for this. It isn’t with his tax plan, it’s stopping the war.
http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/CA6532896.html
Before you lefties go crazy here, I’m not for war and will argue about whether we should have gone into it to begin with. However, now that we we are there, have lost lives there, lets not complete the tragedy and pull out before winning.
Still though, have not heard anything to convince me why any of us have to give our money to the the 40% of Americans that have not paid any taxes.
111. Jeff | 11.04.08
Idiotspotter… Come again? I’m registered Independent my friend. Mr. Obama convinced me he has a plan, your candidate did not. Resorting to name calling reveals your intellect and lack of substantive argument.
Please, I’ve asked before, please point out these messages of POSITIVE reinforcement… because I couldn’t hear them in between the shouts of
‘kill him’ ‘that one’ ‘terrorist’ ‘communist’ ‘baby killer’and on and on like where you seem to be going. I heard more about the McCain/Palin perception of Obama than I heard from Obama about Obama. I’d say that’s straying off message, but you have to first have a message to stray from. You run along now, I’m not going to dignify any more of your pointless ramblings that have no basis. You’ve cheapened this debate by resorting to hateful comparisons and no substance in defending a candidate that doesn’t deserve the office he seeks. wink!
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
3. Dixville Notch Isn’t All That : The New Nixon: News and Commentary about the President, his Times, and his Legacy | 11.04.08
Leave a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. The comments feature is a forum to discuss the ideas in our stories. Constructive debate - even pointed disagreement - is welcome, but personal attacks on other commenters are not, and will not be published.
Tip: Do not write a novel. Keep it short. We will not publish lengthy comments. Come up with your own statements. This is not a place to cut and paste an email you received. If we recognize it as such, we won't post it.
Please do not post any comments that are commercial in nature or that violate copyrights.
Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.
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. Alex | 11.04.08
All I can say is, RON PAUL!!!