Monday, September 29, 2008
McCain blames Obama for bailout defeat
Here is the text of the statement:
“From the minute John McCain suspended his campaign and arrived in Washington to address this crisis, he was attacked by the Democratic leadership: Senators Obama and Reid, Speaker Pelosi and others. Their partisan attacks were an effort to gain political advantage during a national economic crisis. By doing so, they put at risk the homes, livelihoods and savings of millions of American families.
“Barack Obama failed to lead, phoned it in, attacked John McCain, and refused to even say if he supported the final bill.
“Just before the vote, when the outcome was still in doubt, Speaker Pelosi gave a strongly worded partisan speech and poisoned the outcome.
“This bill failed because Barack Obama and the Democrats put politics ahead of country.” — McCain-Palin senior policy adviser Doug Holtz-Eakin
Before McCain Came To Washington, Senate Democrats Called On McCain For Leadership In Economic Crisis
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): "We Need The Republican Nominee For President To Let Us Know Where He Stands And What We Should Do." Reid: "We need, now, the Republicans to start producing some votes for us. We need the Republican nominee for president to let us know where he stands and what we should do." (Sen. Harry Reid, Press Conference, Washington, D.C., 9/23/08)
“From the minute John McCain suspended his campaign and arrived in Washington to address this crisis, he was attacked by the Democratic leadership: Senators Obama and Reid, Speaker Pelosi and others. Their partisan attacks were an effort to gain political advantage during a national economic crisis. By doing so, they put at risk the homes, livelihoods and savings of millions of American families.
“Barack Obama failed to lead, phoned it in, attacked John McCain, and refused to even say if he supported the final bill.
“Just before the vote, when the outcome was still in doubt, Speaker Pelosi gave a strongly worded partisan speech and poisoned the outcome.
“This bill failed because Barack Obama and the Democrats put politics ahead of country.” — McCain-Palin senior policy adviser Doug Holtz-Eakin
Before McCain Came To Washington, Senate Democrats Called On McCain For Leadership In Economic Crisis
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): "We Need The Republican Nominee For President To Let Us Know Where He Stands And What We Should Do." Reid: "We need, now, the Republicans to start producing some votes for us. We need the Republican nominee for president to let us know where he stands and what we should do." (Sen. Harry Reid, Press Conference, Washington, D.C., 9/23/08)
Obama trying to pull away of responsibility after Bill Defeat
And today, Democrats and Republicans in Washington have a responsibility to make sure that an emergency rescue package is put forward that can at least stop the immediate problems we have so we can begin to plan for the future. As I said, this is a hard thing to do. And right now Democratic and Republican leaders have agreed but members have not yet agreed.
There are going to be some bumps and trials and tribulations and ups and down before we get this rescue package done. It is important for the American public and for the markets to say calm because things are never smooth in congress and to understand that it will get done. That we are going to make sure an emergency package is put together because it is required for us to stabilize the markets and to make sure that when a small business-person wakes up tomorrow morning, he will be able to make payroll.
We are not going to lose jobs at an even faster clip than we are doing right now. I am confident we are going to get there but it’s going to be sort of rocky. It’s sort of like flying into Denver. You know you’re going to land but it’s not always fun going over those mountains.
There are going to be some bumps and trials and tribulations and ups and down before we get this rescue package done. It is important for the American public and for the markets to say calm because things are never smooth in congress and to understand that it will get done. That we are going to make sure an emergency package is put together because it is required for us to stabilize the markets and to make sure that when a small business-person wakes up tomorrow morning, he will be able to make payroll.
We are not going to lose jobs at an even faster clip than we are doing right now. I am confident we are going to get there but it’s going to be sort of rocky. It’s sort of like flying into Denver. You know you’re going to land but it’s not always fun going over those mountains.
McCain holds wide lead in rural Ohio, (McCain led Obama 55 percent to 33 percent)
McCain holds wide lead in rural Ohio, (McCain led Obama 55 percent to 33 percent)
Monday, September 29, 2008 11:14:28 AM · by Terrence DoGood · 10 replies · 300+ views
Dayton Daily News ^ | 28 September 2008 | Ben Sutherly
The Ohio Newspaper Poll, conducted Sept. 12-16 on behalf of the Dayton Daily News and other newspapers, had McCain leading Obama 48 percent to 42 percent among likely Ohio voters, but burying him in rural areas with small cities. When the vote was broken out for those places, McCain led Obama 55 percent to 33 percent. That's partly because many rural people feel they relate more with McCain than Obama. Like other McCain supporters, Tim Blair, a 52-year-old Darke County hog farmer, respects the Arizona senator for his war experience and thinks he's far less likely to make a foreign...
Monday, September 29, 2008 11:14:28 AM · by Terrence DoGood · 10 replies · 300+ views
Dayton Daily News ^ | 28 September 2008 | Ben Sutherly
The Ohio Newspaper Poll, conducted Sept. 12-16 on behalf of the Dayton Daily News and other newspapers, had McCain leading Obama 48 percent to 42 percent among likely Ohio voters, but burying him in rural areas with small cities. When the vote was broken out for those places, McCain led Obama 55 percent to 33 percent. That's partly because many rural people feel they relate more with McCain than Obama. Like other McCain supporters, Tim Blair, a 52-year-old Darke County hog farmer, respects the Arizona senator for his war experience and thinks he's far less likely to make a foreign...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
McCain/Palin Could Win this Election by Exposing the Trillion Dollar Scam
McCain/Palin Could Win this Election by Exposing the Trillion Dollar Scam
James Lewis
Sarah Barracuda could win this election on Friday night for the Republicans. All she needs is the courage to tell the truth in her debate with human gaffe machine Joe Biden -- with John McCain's permission and support -- to tell it like it is.
If the great American middle class ever figures out the trillion dollar phony mortgage scam from Freddie and Fannie, they will finally rise up in wrath and throw the liberal bums out. Let it start hitting their pocket books, their ATM cards and credit cards, let their home prices fall like a rock -- and Barack Obama will be out of politics, along with the Democrat majority in Congress.
For conservatives this is the opportunity of the century.
That is why the Democrats are screaming with fear about the abyss that has suddenly opened at their feet. Since the Carter Administration first threatened the banks with punishment if they didn't allow themselves to be robbed by sub-prime borrowers, since the Clinton Administration made it all even worse in 1995, even the Democrats have known full well that the bills had to come due at some time.
There is a sane reason why bankers and trustees have to exercise "due diligence" over other people's money. All the politicians are lawyers, and they know about money and theft. But "due diligence" was criminalized for bankers through Federal law. They were compelled, on penalty of law, to lend money at high-risk through Fannie and Freddie. It is the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929 all over again, where everybody bought stocks on margin until they could see the abyss opening up at their feet. Well, this time it was the Feds who created an insane lending scheme themselves. The US Government threatened to punish bankers for "redlining" -- which in real life means giving money only to people who can pay it back.
You can only bend the market through coercion for so long -- then things fall apart. That's what's happened here.
The taxpayers are now on the hook for a trillion dollars, if you add the failed 300 billion dollar rescue package from two weeks ago to the 700 billion dollar Paulson package. This is a trillion dollar scam, and all the politicians in Congress, the ACORN mafia, the people who played the market on unsecured mortgages, and the scam artists who were hired by Freddie and Fannie -- they all knew it. In case you haven't been watching, that includes all of Barack Obama's "home mortgage advisors" -- Franklin Raines, Jim Johnson and Jamie Gorelick. It includes Senate Banking Committee members like Chris Dodd. It includes House members like Barney Frank. Watch this video and you can see them strutting their stuff when the US watchdog agency criticized Fannie and Freddie in 2003.
They knew exactly what was going on.
This crisis is not financial -- it is political. It's not a market failure. It's a decades-long robbery by the Left, finally exposed for what it is.
The Democrats deserve the wrath of the voters this time.
Sarah Palin could defeat Obama and Biden Friday night. All she has to do is tell the truth about the Democrats and the Trillion Dollar Scam. Not to do so would be collude in a massive Ponzi scheme, designed to fall on the shoulders of the taxpayers.
This is precisely why we have elections.
John McCain and Sarah Palin will need a lot of guts to do this. But the scam has to be exposed, or the fetid wounds in the financial sector will fester and metastasize.
James Lewis
Sarah Barracuda could win this election on Friday night for the Republicans. All she needs is the courage to tell the truth in her debate with human gaffe machine Joe Biden -- with John McCain's permission and support -- to tell it like it is.
If the great American middle class ever figures out the trillion dollar phony mortgage scam from Freddie and Fannie, they will finally rise up in wrath and throw the liberal bums out. Let it start hitting their pocket books, their ATM cards and credit cards, let their home prices fall like a rock -- and Barack Obama will be out of politics, along with the Democrat majority in Congress.
For conservatives this is the opportunity of the century.
That is why the Democrats are screaming with fear about the abyss that has suddenly opened at their feet. Since the Carter Administration first threatened the banks with punishment if they didn't allow themselves to be robbed by sub-prime borrowers, since the Clinton Administration made it all even worse in 1995, even the Democrats have known full well that the bills had to come due at some time.
There is a sane reason why bankers and trustees have to exercise "due diligence" over other people's money. All the politicians are lawyers, and they know about money and theft. But "due diligence" was criminalized for bankers through Federal law. They were compelled, on penalty of law, to lend money at high-risk through Fannie and Freddie. It is the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929 all over again, where everybody bought stocks on margin until they could see the abyss opening up at their feet. Well, this time it was the Feds who created an insane lending scheme themselves. The US Government threatened to punish bankers for "redlining" -- which in real life means giving money only to people who can pay it back.
You can only bend the market through coercion for so long -- then things fall apart. That's what's happened here.
The taxpayers are now on the hook for a trillion dollars, if you add the failed 300 billion dollar rescue package from two weeks ago to the 700 billion dollar Paulson package. This is a trillion dollar scam, and all the politicians in Congress, the ACORN mafia, the people who played the market on unsecured mortgages, and the scam artists who were hired by Freddie and Fannie -- they all knew it. In case you haven't been watching, that includes all of Barack Obama's "home mortgage advisors" -- Franklin Raines, Jim Johnson and Jamie Gorelick. It includes Senate Banking Committee members like Chris Dodd. It includes House members like Barney Frank. Watch this video and you can see them strutting their stuff when the US watchdog agency criticized Fannie and Freddie in 2003.
They knew exactly what was going on.
This crisis is not financial -- it is political. It's not a market failure. It's a decades-long robbery by the Left, finally exposed for what it is.
The Democrats deserve the wrath of the voters this time.
Sarah Palin could defeat Obama and Biden Friday night. All she has to do is tell the truth about the Democrats and the Trillion Dollar Scam. Not to do so would be collude in a massive Ponzi scheme, designed to fall on the shoulders of the taxpayers.
This is precisely why we have elections.
John McCain and Sarah Palin will need a lot of guts to do this. But the scam has to be exposed, or the fetid wounds in the financial sector will fester and metastasize.
In his own words
From the Debate:“So to stand here and after eight years and say that you’re going to lead on controlling spending and, you know, balancing our tax cuts so that they help middle class families when over the last eight years that hasn’t happened I think just is, you know, kind of hard to swallow.”
But BHO somehow missing the venomous ravings of his mentor/pastor for 20+ years, and the public pro-terror pronouncements of his political guru Ayers is supposed to be easy to swallow?
This is great. Obama wants voters to believe that since McCain was there during the eight years that Bush was and did not do anything to fix things, it is unbelievable but Obama wants us to further believe that when he spent 20 years at a radical church with a racist pastor and did not leave or change things, that is OK.
So, now that Obama has made it clear that the standard is if you were there you should have changed things, I want to know why Obama (the so called candidate of change) did not change things at that church or change his participation? I want to know why Obama did not change his associations with a known domestic terrorist. I want to know why he did not change his association with Rezko, who might now cooperate with prosecutors.
You see, Obama has set the standard with what is to be believed and what is not. Since he has spent years with shady people, racists, terrorists, and other corrupt politicians it is only fair to conclude that Obama knew about all these people, what they were doing and he stayed with them either because he agreed with them or they could help him politically, or both.
One thing is certain, Obama cannot claim that it is unfair to use guilt by association because he has set the standard.
It is also fair state to Obama:
“So to stand here and after twenty years say that you don’t hold the radical views of Pastor Wright and, you know, never heard him talk like we have seen on the videos and that is why you are now leaving the church when over the last twenty years that hasn’t happened I think just is, you know, kind of hard to swallow.”
But BHO somehow missing the venomous ravings of his mentor/pastor for 20+ years, and the public pro-terror pronouncements of his political guru Ayers is supposed to be easy to swallow?
This is great. Obama wants voters to believe that since McCain was there during the eight years that Bush was and did not do anything to fix things, it is unbelievable but Obama wants us to further believe that when he spent 20 years at a radical church with a racist pastor and did not leave or change things, that is OK.
So, now that Obama has made it clear that the standard is if you were there you should have changed things, I want to know why Obama (the so called candidate of change) did not change things at that church or change his participation? I want to know why Obama did not change his associations with a known domestic terrorist. I want to know why he did not change his association with Rezko, who might now cooperate with prosecutors.
You see, Obama has set the standard with what is to be believed and what is not. Since he has spent years with shady people, racists, terrorists, and other corrupt politicians it is only fair to conclude that Obama knew about all these people, what they were doing and he stayed with them either because he agreed with them or they could help him politically, or both.
One thing is certain, Obama cannot claim that it is unfair to use guilt by association because he has set the standard.
It is also fair state to Obama:
“So to stand here and after twenty years say that you don’t hold the radical views of Pastor Wright and, you know, never heard him talk like we have seen on the videos and that is why you are now leaving the church when over the last twenty years that hasn’t happened I think just is, you know, kind of hard to swallow.”
Bush 2000 had same bounce after the last debate, and Gore won the popular vote
CNN/USA TODAY/GALLUP POLL
October 18-20
Likely Voters' Choice for President
Bush 51%
Gore 40
Nader 4
Buchanan 1
Sampling error: +/-4% pts
October 18-20
Likely Voters' Choice for President
Bush 51%
Gore 40
Nader 4
Buchanan 1
Sampling error: +/-4% pts
Zogby: Obama Won Debate by a Nose; Race Tight
Likely voters nationwide who watched Friday’s debate in Mississippi between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain gave Obama the win by the slightest of margins, a new Zogby Interactive survey shows.
The poll shows that 44% believed Obama won the debate, while 41% said McCain did. Another 16% said they watched the debate but were unsure who came out on top.
Women gave Obama the nod, while men said they felt McCain won the first face-off. But some partisans had doubts. Just 78% of Democrats felt Obama won the debate, and just 80% of Republicans felt McCain won. Independents, by a four-point margin, said Obama won the debate.
The survey, which went into the field almost immediately after the conclusion of the debate and came out Saturday late afternoon, also showed Obama with a statistically insignificant 47.1% to 45.9% lead overall in a head-to-head “horserace” question. Voters nationwide also said they felt, again by a narrow margin, that Obama has handled himself better than McCain in dealing with the current financial crisis.
The survey shows that McCain helped himself a little among his base Republican voters since the last Zogby Interactive survey taken just a few days ago. He now wins 92% support among Republicans, up three points from mid-week last week.
The poll shows that 44% believed Obama won the debate, while 41% said McCain did. Another 16% said they watched the debate but were unsure who came out on top.
Women gave Obama the nod, while men said they felt McCain won the first face-off. But some partisans had doubts. Just 78% of Democrats felt Obama won the debate, and just 80% of Republicans felt McCain won. Independents, by a four-point margin, said Obama won the debate.
The survey, which went into the field almost immediately after the conclusion of the debate and came out Saturday late afternoon, also showed Obama with a statistically insignificant 47.1% to 45.9% lead overall in a head-to-head “horserace” question. Voters nationwide also said they felt, again by a narrow margin, that Obama has handled himself better than McCain in dealing with the current financial crisis.
The survey shows that McCain helped himself a little among his base Republican voters since the last Zogby Interactive survey taken just a few days ago. He now wins 92% support among Republicans, up three points from mid-week last week.
GALLUP : ANOTHER OBAMA 'PRE-SLIP' BOUNCE
Gallup Daily: Obama Moves to 50% to 42% Lead
Barack Obama leads John McCain, 50% to 42% among registered voters in the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking update for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday -- just one point shy of his strongest showing of the year.
SLIPP
Barack Obama leads John McCain, 50% to 42% among registered voters in the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking update for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday -- just one point shy of his strongest showing of the year.
SLIPP
Obama told not to wear Bracelet by soldier's family
Barack Obama played the "me too" game during the Friday debates on September 26 after Senator John McCain mentioned that he was wearing a bracelet with the name of Cpl. Matthew Stanley, a resident of New Hampshire and a soldier that lost his life in Iraq in 2006. Obama said that he too had a bracelet. After fumbling and straining to remember the name, he revealed that his had the name of Sergeant Ryan David Jopek of Merrill, Wisconsin.
Shockingly, however, Madison resident Brian Jopeck, the father of Ryan Jopeck, the young soldier who tragically lost his life to a roadside bomb in 2006, recently said on a Wisconsin Public Radio show that his family had asked Barack Obama to stop wearing the bracelet with his son's name on it. Yet Obama continues to do so despite the wishes of the family
Shockingly, however, Madison resident Brian Jopeck, the father of Ryan Jopeck, the young soldier who tragically lost his life to a roadside bomb in 2006, recently said on a Wisconsin Public Radio show that his family had asked Barack Obama to stop wearing the bracelet with his son's name on it. Yet Obama continues to do so despite the wishes of the family
MY ANALYSIS: MCCAIN CAME OUT AS A LEADER, OBAMA AS A LIKEABLE MAN
YES! obama is smart and he was well prepared and he is a great speaker and he knows his issues, but we are not electing a like able guy that cant be tough with the world leaders, we are not looking to elect a like able guy that will drink beer with us and have some laughs with us, we are electing a president in difficult times that will stand up for what he believes in, will stand even agianst his own party if he thinks that his choice is the right one, he will stand up for our security even if other world leader don't like it, so yes mccain looked more serious, he wasn't so fluent and so well spoken, he wasn't so like able , but he showed strength, he showed leadership and he definitely showed that he will not give up and he will fight for what he believes in.
We want a president ...not a good looking well spoken guy... we want security and reform, and John Mccain with his record has proven it, and he will bring us to a better future.
We want a president ...not a good looking well spoken guy... we want security and reform, and John Mccain with his record has proven it, and he will bring us to a better future.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
McCain Won. But Will It Matter?
If tonight's presidential face-off between Barack Obama and John McCain were held before, say, the Princeton University Debating Society, it might have been scored a tie. On points, the two contenders were evenly matched. Both spoke clearly, crisply and confidently about the major issues facing the country, rebutting his rival's attacks and launching his own assaults when necessary. Neither looked at his watch, or sighed, or forgot to remove his 5 o'clock shadow. There were no memorable gaffes--or devastating zingers--that will define the debate on cable news and, later, in the single sentence devoted to the event in our grandkids' high-school history textbooks. It was a consummately professional affair.
But alas: presidential debates aren't scored scientifically. Committed partisans may keep track of everything their guy got right. But undecided swing voters--the ones who will decide the election--don't tally up points. Instead, they link what happens on stage--in a broad, impressionistic sense--to the narratives they'd already heard about the candidates. Which means it's up to the two men performing at the podiums to reinforce the positive, preexisting story lines and disprove the negative ones. In the end, Obama supporters will say Obama won. McCain supporters will say McCain won. The question is who won over more undecideds.
Tonight, I think John McCain was the more effective combatant.
There are two reasons why. The first is that he constantly--obsessively, really--spiked his responses with small but pointed jabs at Obama that unfailingly related to subjects he (McCain) wanted to talk about, whatever the original topic of discussion. This tactic had a dual effect. First, Obama couldn't help but take the bait; he must've said "that's not true," "let me correct the record" or "I just have to respond" a dozen times over the course of the evening. Second, Obama's defensiveness immediately shifted the conversation to McCain's home turf--where it remained, often for minutes at a time.
McCain's strategy was on display from the start. Fielding a question on the current fiscal crisis--not his best area--the senator delivered a flabby, unconvincing answer. But he swiftly segued to a criticism of earmarks and "out of control spending" in Washington--a pet issue that resonates as "reform" among voters--and slammed Obama for requesting $932 million for Illinois since arriving in the Senate (a stat he repeated three or four times). Of course, earmarks only represent $18 billion in spending--a tiny sum, as Obama pointed out. But the Democrat was still forced to rebut McCain's attack. Similarly, McCain deftly transformed a question about how the Wall Street bailout would affect the next president's priorities into an assault on Obama's tax plan and hefty spending proposals, both issues that (again) tend to favor the Republican. As a result, most of the economic portion of the debate--a half-hour or so that should've played to Obama's strengths--was spent on McCain's poll-tested terrain (earmarks, spending and tax cuts) instead of Obama's (the current economic crisis). McCain pulled the same trick on foreign policy, focusing the conversation on Obama's opposition to the surge and willingness to meet with unfriendly foreign leaders. Much of what the Illinois senator said on these subjects was smart. It's just that he was reduced to an essentially reactive posture, either defending himself or agreeing with McCain's more assertive remarks over and over again. (Obama muttered the phrases "John's right" or "I agree" about a dozen times tonight; the GOP quickly cut an Web ad.) Simply put, McCain was in control.
The second thing McCain had going for him was a sort of optimism. You'd think from the previous paragraph that the Arizonan was all negativity. But that wasn't the case. Obama wanted--understandably so--to tie McCain to the catastrophes of the last eight years; McCain wanted to pretend they'd never happened. Ironically enough, this turned out to be a rhetorical advantage for the Republican. Time and again, Obama would move to lay blame for a past failure--and McCain would pivot to a better future. On the economy, Obama looked back at a "failed policy" of "shred[ding] regulations and consumer protections"; McCain looked ahead to the spending he'd cut and the people he'd hold accountable as president. On Iraq, Obama focused on how we got in; McCain focused on how we'll get out. I'm not saying Obama was wrong on the issues. His criticism of the Bush Administration's incompetence was cogent, clear and largely correct. Nor am I suggesting that McCain didn't delve into the past; he was clearly at pains to list the places he's visited and the leaders he's known. What I am arguing is that while Obama blasted Bush, McCain looked past him. Coupled with his reliance on catchy anecdotes over bullet-pointed policy positions--"defying Reagan on the Lebanon deployment, the bracelet belonging to the mother of a dead soldier, the firing of Chris Cox, the bear DNA"--this post-Bush perspective may help McCain appeal to moderates, a group that's more interested in solving problems than engaging in the partisan blame game. It was probably a matter of necessity more than anything else. But he used it to his advantage.
But alas: presidential debates aren't scored scientifically. Committed partisans may keep track of everything their guy got right. But undecided swing voters--the ones who will decide the election--don't tally up points. Instead, they link what happens on stage--in a broad, impressionistic sense--to the narratives they'd already heard about the candidates. Which means it's up to the two men performing at the podiums to reinforce the positive, preexisting story lines and disprove the negative ones. In the end, Obama supporters will say Obama won. McCain supporters will say McCain won. The question is who won over more undecideds.
Tonight, I think John McCain was the more effective combatant.
There are two reasons why. The first is that he constantly--obsessively, really--spiked his responses with small but pointed jabs at Obama that unfailingly related to subjects he (McCain) wanted to talk about, whatever the original topic of discussion. This tactic had a dual effect. First, Obama couldn't help but take the bait; he must've said "that's not true," "let me correct the record" or "I just have to respond" a dozen times over the course of the evening. Second, Obama's defensiveness immediately shifted the conversation to McCain's home turf--where it remained, often for minutes at a time.
McCain's strategy was on display from the start. Fielding a question on the current fiscal crisis--not his best area--the senator delivered a flabby, unconvincing answer. But he swiftly segued to a criticism of earmarks and "out of control spending" in Washington--a pet issue that resonates as "reform" among voters--and slammed Obama for requesting $932 million for Illinois since arriving in the Senate (a stat he repeated three or four times). Of course, earmarks only represent $18 billion in spending--a tiny sum, as Obama pointed out. But the Democrat was still forced to rebut McCain's attack. Similarly, McCain deftly transformed a question about how the Wall Street bailout would affect the next president's priorities into an assault on Obama's tax plan and hefty spending proposals, both issues that (again) tend to favor the Republican. As a result, most of the economic portion of the debate--a half-hour or so that should've played to Obama's strengths--was spent on McCain's poll-tested terrain (earmarks, spending and tax cuts) instead of Obama's (the current economic crisis). McCain pulled the same trick on foreign policy, focusing the conversation on Obama's opposition to the surge and willingness to meet with unfriendly foreign leaders. Much of what the Illinois senator said on these subjects was smart. It's just that he was reduced to an essentially reactive posture, either defending himself or agreeing with McCain's more assertive remarks over and over again. (Obama muttered the phrases "John's right" or "I agree" about a dozen times tonight; the GOP quickly cut an Web ad.) Simply put, McCain was in control.
The second thing McCain had going for him was a sort of optimism. You'd think from the previous paragraph that the Arizonan was all negativity. But that wasn't the case. Obama wanted--understandably so--to tie McCain to the catastrophes of the last eight years; McCain wanted to pretend they'd never happened. Ironically enough, this turned out to be a rhetorical advantage for the Republican. Time and again, Obama would move to lay blame for a past failure--and McCain would pivot to a better future. On the economy, Obama looked back at a "failed policy" of "shred[ding] regulations and consumer protections"; McCain looked ahead to the spending he'd cut and the people he'd hold accountable as president. On Iraq, Obama focused on how we got in; McCain focused on how we'll get out. I'm not saying Obama was wrong on the issues. His criticism of the Bush Administration's incompetence was cogent, clear and largely correct. Nor am I suggesting that McCain didn't delve into the past; he was clearly at pains to list the places he's visited and the leaders he's known. What I am arguing is that while Obama blasted Bush, McCain looked past him. Coupled with his reliance on catchy anecdotes over bullet-pointed policy positions--"defying Reagan on the Lebanon deployment, the bracelet belonging to the mother of a dead soldier, the firing of Chris Cox, the bear DNA"--this post-Bush perspective may help McCain appeal to moderates, a group that's more interested in solving problems than engaging in the partisan blame game. It was probably a matter of necessity more than anything else. But he used it to his advantage.
Vice Presidential Debate Expectations: Obama Camp Calls Palin "Terrific Debater"
a Saturday conference call with reporters, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe called Gov. Sarah Palin "a terrific debater" who has "performed very, very well" in previous debates with opponents in her state.
Politico's Mike Allen writes:
"We've looked at tapes of Gov. Palin's debates, and she's a terrific debater," Plouffe told reporters on a conference call. "She has performed very, very well. She's obviously a skilled speaker. We expect she'll give a great performance next Thursday." [...]
"She's obviously prepping this weekend in Pennsylvania," Plouffe continued. "Anyone who watches any of her previous debates would be impressed by her debating skills."
Obama national press secretary Bill Burton added: "What's missing is knowing where she stands on a lot of the important issues that will come up at the debate. Preparing to debate against someone who is really largely unknown, who's spent so much time preparing for the debate, will be a real challenge.
"She's not out there on the stump that much. She's not doing a whole lot of interviews. So she's spending a whole lot of time -- hours and hours a day, apparently -- preparing for this debate. And we suspect that she'll come in fighting form."
Politico's Mike Allen writes:
"We've looked at tapes of Gov. Palin's debates, and she's a terrific debater," Plouffe told reporters on a conference call. "She has performed very, very well. She's obviously a skilled speaker. We expect she'll give a great performance next Thursday." [...]
"She's obviously prepping this weekend in Pennsylvania," Plouffe continued. "Anyone who watches any of her previous debates would be impressed by her debating skills."
Obama national press secretary Bill Burton added: "What's missing is knowing where she stands on a lot of the important issues that will come up at the debate. Preparing to debate against someone who is really largely unknown, who's spent so much time preparing for the debate, will be a real challenge.
"She's not out there on the stump that much. She's not doing a whole lot of interviews. So she's spending a whole lot of time -- hours and hours a day, apparently -- preparing for this debate. And we suspect that she'll come in fighting form."
Yepsen Says McCain Won the First Presidential Debate
David Yepsen, political guru of the Des Moines Register, has written his review of last night's first presidential debate. His verdict: John McCain won. Yepsen is hardly a pro-GOP pundit, so the fact Yepsen feels this way says McCain definitely did well last night. Here's part of Yepsen's review:
It was one of the most substantive debates in recent presidential campaign history and John McCain won it.
The Arizona senator was cool, informed and forceful in Friday’s first presidential debate of the general election campaign.
He repeatedly put Barack Obama on the defensive throughout the 90 minutes session. Obama did little to ease voter concerns that he’s experienced enough to handle foreign and defense policy. That was his number one task Friday night and he failed.
Instead he was often his old meandering self, unable to state a quick, forceful position. Polls taken in the coming days should show McCain holding on to his trump card in the race - the view that he’s better equipped to be commander in chief.
He condescendingly called Obama “naive” at a couple points in the debate, like an old master lecturing a young understudy. Obama never seemed able to attack back. . . . .
It was one of the most substantive debates in recent presidential campaign history and John McCain won it.
The Arizona senator was cool, informed and forceful in Friday’s first presidential debate of the general election campaign.
He repeatedly put Barack Obama on the defensive throughout the 90 minutes session. Obama did little to ease voter concerns that he’s experienced enough to handle foreign and defense policy. That was his number one task Friday night and he failed.
Instead he was often his old meandering self, unable to state a quick, forceful position. Polls taken in the coming days should show McCain holding on to his trump card in the race - the view that he’s better equipped to be commander in chief.
He condescendingly called Obama “naive” at a couple points in the debate, like an old master lecturing a young understudy. Obama never seemed able to attack back. . . . .
Kissinger defends McCain on Iranian relations
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger defended McCain's stance on Iranian relations Friday night.
WASHINGTON (CNN) — In a response after Friday night's presidential debate, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger defended Sen. John McCain's attack against Sen. Barack Obama for Obama's willingness to meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "without precondition."
Immediately following the debate, the McCain campaign released a statement from Kissinger backing the Republican nominee's sentiments on structuring any talks with Iran.
"Sen. McCain is right. I would not recommend the next president of the United States engage in talks with Iran at the presidential level," Kissinger said in the statement.
"My views on this issue are entirely compatible with the views of my friend Sen. John McCain. We do not agree on everything, but we do agree that any negotiations with Iran must be geared to reality."
McCain and Obama sparred during the debate over how to best handle relations with Ahmadinejad, who has repeatedly threatened Israel. Both candidates referenced Kissinger's comments from a CNN forum last week in which former secretaries of states discussed several topics including Iran, and the
presidential candidates disagreed over what Kissinger had said.
WASHINGTON (CNN) — In a response after Friday night's presidential debate, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger defended Sen. John McCain's attack against Sen. Barack Obama for Obama's willingness to meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "without precondition."
Immediately following the debate, the McCain campaign released a statement from Kissinger backing the Republican nominee's sentiments on structuring any talks with Iran.
"Sen. McCain is right. I would not recommend the next president of the United States engage in talks with Iran at the presidential level," Kissinger said in the statement.
"My views on this issue are entirely compatible with the views of my friend Sen. John McCain. We do not agree on everything, but we do agree that any negotiations with Iran must be geared to reality."
McCain and Obama sparred during the debate over how to best handle relations with Ahmadinejad, who has repeatedly threatened Israel. Both candidates referenced Kissinger's comments from a CNN forum last week in which former secretaries of states discussed several topics including Iran, and the
presidential candidates disagreed over what Kissinger had said.
IF OBAMA WAS LOOKING TO PROVE HIMSLEF TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, HE FAILED, HERE IS WHY...
The first debate between John McCain and Barack Obama is on track to pull a surprisingly average viewership number, drawing fewer households in the preliminary ratings than George W. Bush's face off against John Kerry four years ago.
In the meter-market overnights, Friday night's 90-minute debate in Mississippi received a preliminary household rating of 33.2, according to Nielsen Media Research
In the meter-market overnights, Friday night's 90-minute debate in Mississippi received a preliminary household rating of 33.2, according to Nielsen Media Research
The Debate: The Prime Minister and the President
Barack Obama was running for prime minister and head of government in Friday night’s debate. He spoke with the precision of a parliamentary debater during question time. He had a three-point program for everything, but he didn’t deliver many memorable lines or offer the grace notes of leadership. When asked point-blank for his stand on the bailout plan, Obama gave a judicious non-answer: “We haven’t seen the language yet.”
John McCain was running for president and head of state. He was channeling Ronald Reagan, with all his talk about the evils of federal spending and government meddling with the health care system. He seemed almost to be emphasizing his age and gravitas. He wasn’t fluid or fast on his feet. He didn’t deign to respond directly to his opponent, or even look him in the face. He was fatherly. His voice quavered a bit, not with anxiety but a regal reserve. He looked like he didn’t want to be there.
Both styles were adequate; neither was entirely compelling. If you were adding up debating points, you’d give the contest to Obama. If you were counting only the emotional highs, you’d give it to McCain. The debate reinforced each man’s strengths and weaknesses. Obama had the most to lose, and he didn’t, so in that sense, by not losing he probably came out ahead.
What was troubling was that neither man rose to the challenge of the catastrophe that has seized the financial markets. On this issue, the two were bland, non-committal, uninspiring.
It has become a commonplace to say that we are heading into the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, but in the Friday night debate, at least, in neither candidate did we find a man of the stature of Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose governing style combined so well the roles of head of government and head of state.
John McCain was running for president and head of state. He was channeling Ronald Reagan, with all his talk about the evils of federal spending and government meddling with the health care system. He seemed almost to be emphasizing his age and gravitas. He wasn’t fluid or fast on his feet. He didn’t deign to respond directly to his opponent, or even look him in the face. He was fatherly. His voice quavered a bit, not with anxiety but a regal reserve. He looked like he didn’t want to be there.
Both styles were adequate; neither was entirely compelling. If you were adding up debating points, you’d give the contest to Obama. If you were counting only the emotional highs, you’d give it to McCain. The debate reinforced each man’s strengths and weaknesses. Obama had the most to lose, and he didn’t, so in that sense, by not losing he probably came out ahead.
What was troubling was that neither man rose to the challenge of the catastrophe that has seized the financial markets. On this issue, the two were bland, non-committal, uninspiring.
It has become a commonplace to say that we are heading into the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression, but in the Friday night debate, at least, in neither candidate did we find a man of the stature of Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose governing style combined so well the roles of head of government and head of state.
Matthews: ‘Troll-Like’ McCain Was ‘Crunched Over,’ Obama ‘Looked Presidential’
During Friday’s post-debate coverage on MSNBC, Chris Matthews portrayed Barack Obama as appearing "more presidential" while he complained that John McCain "was crunched over, almost grumpy in physical manner," as he contended that McCain "may not have been presidential." Matthews also complained that McCain did not look at Obama at all during the debate, a theme which Matthews touched on repeatedly that night. Matthews: "[McCain] may not have been presidential, however. Not once tonight, in an hour and a half, did he look at his opponent. He was crunched over, almost grumpy in his physical manner. I think a lot of people will take that body language as contemptuous of his opponent. They won’t like it. Barack Obama, on the other hand, who kept agreeing with McCain, over and over again, saying I agree with the point you made, I agree with the point you made, looked more presidential, although I believe on points, he gave away too much."
Matthews also characterized McCain as "troll-like" and "grumpy," and asked if Americans "really want to put up with four years of that," and described McCain as seeming "really contemptuous" of Obama. Guest John Heilemann contended that McCain "hates Obama." Matthews: "Do people really want to put up with four years of that? Of sitting there angrily, grumpily, like a codger? Like, like, I don’t want to push it too far, but didn’t he seem really contemptuous of his opponent? Do you want to put up with four years of that?"
Matthews also characterized McCain as "troll-like" and "grumpy," and asked if Americans "really want to put up with four years of that," and described McCain as seeming "really contemptuous" of Obama. Guest John Heilemann contended that McCain "hates Obama." Matthews: "Do people really want to put up with four years of that? Of sitting there angrily, grumpily, like a codger? Like, like, I don’t want to push it too far, but didn’t he seem really contemptuous of his opponent? Do you want to put up with four years of that?"
The Mac is back
John McCain was very lucky that he decided to show up for the first presidential debate in Oxford, Miss., Friday night. Because he gave one of his strongest debate performances ever.
While Barack Obama repeatedly tried to link McCain to the very unpopular George W. Bush, Bush’s name will not be on the ballot in November and McCain’s will.
And McCain not only found a central theme but hit on it repeatedly. Obama is inexperienced, naïve, and just doesn’t understand things, McCain said.
Sure, McCain is a pretty old guy for a presidential candidate, but he showed the old guy did not mind mixing it up. He stood behind a lectern for 90 minutes without a break — you try that when you are 72 — and he not only gave as good as he got, he seemed to relish it more.
At least twice after sharp attacks by McCain, Obama seemed to look to moderator Jim Lehrer for help, saying to Lehrer, “Let’s move on.”
True, the majority of the debate was fought on McCain’s strongest ground: foreign affairs. And true, McCain’s feet were not held to the fire as to why he urged the postponement of the debate in order to secure a financial bailout package in Washington, but then decided to show up without any such agreement in hand.
But it didn’t seem to matter much. McCain just pounded away on his central argument: Obama just didn’t “understand” how to deal with Pakistan; how dangerous it is to meet with foreign leaders without preconditions; how serious the Russian invasion of Georgia was; the price of failure in Iraq.
“He doesn’t understand, he doesn’t get it,” McCain said of Obama, also saying, “There is a little bit of naiveté here.”
It was as if McCain was paying Obama back for that moment in Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention when Obama said McCain would not serve America well, “not because John McCain doesn’t care; it’s because John McCain doesn’t get it.”
But McCain seemed to get it Friday night. He certainly knew enough to try to turn his age into a plus and not a minus. “There are some advantages to experience, knowledge and judgment,” McCain said.
Obama did not just stand there like a punching bag. He landed some blows of his own. Obama said the financial crisis we are in today is a “final verdict on eight years of failed economic policies promoted by George Bush, supported by Sen. McCain.”
And when McCain delivered a scripted zinger — “Sen. Obama has the most liberal voting record in the United States Senate; it's hard to reach across the aisle when you’re that far to the left” — Obama replied: “Mostly that’s me opposing George Bush’s wrongheaded policies.”
Obama eventually realized that McCain had to be attacked not just for his ties to George Bush but also for his own record, and Obama accused McCain of saying the Iraq war “was going to be quick and easy” and that weapons of mass destruction would be found.
“You were wrong,” Obama said.
But McCain attacked back. “I understand why Sen. Obama was surprised and saddened that the surge succeeded beyond his wildest expectations,” he said.
McCain seemed to be enjoying himself. He smiled a lot, mostly when Obama was talking, though his smile was really more like a smirk.
Debate audiences are the largest audiences the candidates get — far larger than their announcement or convention speeches — and millions of Americans were seeing the two candidates up close and at length for the first time.
Both avoided their negative stereotypes: Obama did not seem aloof or condescending. McCain did not seem erratic or wild. You could imagine either one of them in the Oval Office, but only one is going to get there.
“I don’t need any on-the-job training,” McCain said. “I am ready to go at it right now.”
He certainly seemed like it Friday night.
While Barack Obama repeatedly tried to link McCain to the very unpopular George W. Bush, Bush’s name will not be on the ballot in November and McCain’s will.
And McCain not only found a central theme but hit on it repeatedly. Obama is inexperienced, naïve, and just doesn’t understand things, McCain said.
Sure, McCain is a pretty old guy for a presidential candidate, but he showed the old guy did not mind mixing it up. He stood behind a lectern for 90 minutes without a break — you try that when you are 72 — and he not only gave as good as he got, he seemed to relish it more.
At least twice after sharp attacks by McCain, Obama seemed to look to moderator Jim Lehrer for help, saying to Lehrer, “Let’s move on.”
True, the majority of the debate was fought on McCain’s strongest ground: foreign affairs. And true, McCain’s feet were not held to the fire as to why he urged the postponement of the debate in order to secure a financial bailout package in Washington, but then decided to show up without any such agreement in hand.
But it didn’t seem to matter much. McCain just pounded away on his central argument: Obama just didn’t “understand” how to deal with Pakistan; how dangerous it is to meet with foreign leaders without preconditions; how serious the Russian invasion of Georgia was; the price of failure in Iraq.
“He doesn’t understand, he doesn’t get it,” McCain said of Obama, also saying, “There is a little bit of naiveté here.”
It was as if McCain was paying Obama back for that moment in Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention when Obama said McCain would not serve America well, “not because John McCain doesn’t care; it’s because John McCain doesn’t get it.”
But McCain seemed to get it Friday night. He certainly knew enough to try to turn his age into a plus and not a minus. “There are some advantages to experience, knowledge and judgment,” McCain said.
Obama did not just stand there like a punching bag. He landed some blows of his own. Obama said the financial crisis we are in today is a “final verdict on eight years of failed economic policies promoted by George Bush, supported by Sen. McCain.”
And when McCain delivered a scripted zinger — “Sen. Obama has the most liberal voting record in the United States Senate; it's hard to reach across the aisle when you’re that far to the left” — Obama replied: “Mostly that’s me opposing George Bush’s wrongheaded policies.”
Obama eventually realized that McCain had to be attacked not just for his ties to George Bush but also for his own record, and Obama accused McCain of saying the Iraq war “was going to be quick and easy” and that weapons of mass destruction would be found.
“You were wrong,” Obama said.
But McCain attacked back. “I understand why Sen. Obama was surprised and saddened that the surge succeeded beyond his wildest expectations,” he said.
McCain seemed to be enjoying himself. He smiled a lot, mostly when Obama was talking, though his smile was really more like a smirk.
Debate audiences are the largest audiences the candidates get — far larger than their announcement or convention speeches — and millions of Americans were seeing the two candidates up close and at length for the first time.
Both avoided their negative stereotypes: Obama did not seem aloof or condescending. McCain did not seem erratic or wild. You could imagine either one of them in the Oval Office, but only one is going to get there.
“I don’t need any on-the-job training,” McCain said. “I am ready to go at it right now.”
He certainly seemed like it Friday night.
Why McCain Won the Debate
There is little question that John McCain “won” the first debate last night. Perhaps he lost on points (arguments) and style (how could he beat Mr. Smooth?), but McCain “won” over the audience, the only victory that counts.
Here’s what I saw and heard:
1. Any question that McCain is too old to run for office has been put to rest. He was sharp, on point and looked good, good enough, that is.
2. If the debate was held before the elite faculties of Harvard and Columbia, schools Obama attended, he would have won hands down. But this debate was held before the American public.
3. Obama was too smooth, too smart. Remember the “W. Factor.” Bush lost all the debates with John Kerry on style and substance. But Bush came across as more likeable. Ditto McCain.
4. Obama has a subtle, condescending speaking style. His hand gestures of constant pointing fingers, frequently raising his fingers to eye level, jabbing constantly, make’s one feel he’s lecturing us. Yes, Kennedy jabbed, but occasionally.
5. After, the debate I heard on a radio call in person say they listened to the debate on radio. Obama sounded like a professor. Bingo. Americans don’t elect professors president.
6. The debate opened on the economy. McCain should have scored much bigger points. He didn’t. He claimed Obama wanted to raise taxes. He should have rattled off specifics of Obama’s tax plan, including: removing the FICA tax cap, doubling the capital gains tax, increasing dividend taxes, letting the Bush tax cuts expire giving everyone an automatic tax increase, raising gasoline taxes, etc.
7. Obama also made some serious tactical mistakes. Twice in the debate he repeated the allegations of others, first saying he was “liberal” and later saying he was “naive.” Repeating labels is a no no.
8. McCain came across as authentic. This elusive quality is difficult to manufacture, and a key reason Obama can’t compete on this score. McCain smartly pointed out how Obama became a born again earmark and pork fighter – after he started running for president.
9. Obama came across as slick trying to making himself sound more moderate than his record demonstrates. He says he doesn’t really want to spend $800 billion on new programs; he really isn’t the most liberal member of the Senate; he doesn’t really want to meet with dictators like Ahmadinejad; and so on.
10. McCain demonstrated he doesn’t simply talk a good talk, but has walked the walk. He has been a long time enemy of earmarks. And he has been a fighter who has crossed the partisan divide time and again. Obama simply has no such record.
11. McCain’s strength was foreign policy. It showed. Obama did seem “naïve.” McCain won the “don’t meet with rogue leaders without preconditions” argument. Obama’s answers sounded like he was flip-flopping on his original statement.
12. On Iran, again one of the most contentious issues, McCain won because his comments grasped the gravity of the crisis.
13. Where McCain lost was on the Iraq war and the surge. Yes, McCain has been right on the surge and Obama has been wrong. But McCain came across as heavily invested in the idea of the war (creating a democracy in Iraq) and unwilling to flexibly respond to reality. Make no mistake about it: this is an unpopular war that is costing us a trillion dollars so far. On CNN I watched the audience meter as McCain talked about the war and its “success.” The meter showed Independent voters clearly tracking in “negative” territory, clearly in line with Democrats.
In sum, McCain had the most to lose from this debate. Obama is known as the great public speaker.
McCain did more than hold his own.
And most importantly he demonstrated several things that will resonate with voters.
First, he is ready on day one to be Commander in Chief.
Second, he can be trusted. His word is good.
Third, he is one of us.
Here’s what I saw and heard:
1. Any question that McCain is too old to run for office has been put to rest. He was sharp, on point and looked good, good enough, that is.
2. If the debate was held before the elite faculties of Harvard and Columbia, schools Obama attended, he would have won hands down. But this debate was held before the American public.
3. Obama was too smooth, too smart. Remember the “W. Factor.” Bush lost all the debates with John Kerry on style and substance. But Bush came across as more likeable. Ditto McCain.
4. Obama has a subtle, condescending speaking style. His hand gestures of constant pointing fingers, frequently raising his fingers to eye level, jabbing constantly, make’s one feel he’s lecturing us. Yes, Kennedy jabbed, but occasionally.
5. After, the debate I heard on a radio call in person say they listened to the debate on radio. Obama sounded like a professor. Bingo. Americans don’t elect professors president.
6. The debate opened on the economy. McCain should have scored much bigger points. He didn’t. He claimed Obama wanted to raise taxes. He should have rattled off specifics of Obama’s tax plan, including: removing the FICA tax cap, doubling the capital gains tax, increasing dividend taxes, letting the Bush tax cuts expire giving everyone an automatic tax increase, raising gasoline taxes, etc.
7. Obama also made some serious tactical mistakes. Twice in the debate he repeated the allegations of others, first saying he was “liberal” and later saying he was “naive.” Repeating labels is a no no.
8. McCain came across as authentic. This elusive quality is difficult to manufacture, and a key reason Obama can’t compete on this score. McCain smartly pointed out how Obama became a born again earmark and pork fighter – after he started running for president.
9. Obama came across as slick trying to making himself sound more moderate than his record demonstrates. He says he doesn’t really want to spend $800 billion on new programs; he really isn’t the most liberal member of the Senate; he doesn’t really want to meet with dictators like Ahmadinejad; and so on.
10. McCain demonstrated he doesn’t simply talk a good talk, but has walked the walk. He has been a long time enemy of earmarks. And he has been a fighter who has crossed the partisan divide time and again. Obama simply has no such record.
11. McCain’s strength was foreign policy. It showed. Obama did seem “naïve.” McCain won the “don’t meet with rogue leaders without preconditions” argument. Obama’s answers sounded like he was flip-flopping on his original statement.
12. On Iran, again one of the most contentious issues, McCain won because his comments grasped the gravity of the crisis.
13. Where McCain lost was on the Iraq war and the surge. Yes, McCain has been right on the surge and Obama has been wrong. But McCain came across as heavily invested in the idea of the war (creating a democracy in Iraq) and unwilling to flexibly respond to reality. Make no mistake about it: this is an unpopular war that is costing us a trillion dollars so far. On CNN I watched the audience meter as McCain talked about the war and its “success.” The meter showed Independent voters clearly tracking in “negative” territory, clearly in line with Democrats.
In sum, McCain had the most to lose from this debate. Obama is known as the great public speaker.
McCain did more than hold his own.
And most importantly he demonstrated several things that will resonate with voters.
First, he is ready on day one to be Commander in Chief.
Second, he can be trusted. His word is good.
Third, he is one of us.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Palin Problem
She’s out of her league.
By Kathleen Parker
If at one time women were considered heretical for swimming upstream against feminist orthodoxy, they now face condemnation for swimming downstream — away from Sarah Palin.
To express reservations about her qualifications to be vice president — and possibly president — is to risk being labeled anti-woman.
Or, as I am guilty of charging her early critics, supporting only a certain kind of woman.
Some of the passionately feminist critics of Palin who attacked her personally deserved some of the backlash they received. But circumstances have changed since Palin was introduced as just a hockey mom with lipstick — what a difference a financial crisis makes — and a more complicated picture has emerged.
As we’ve seen and heard more from John McCain’s running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn’t know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions warrant her promotion.
Yes, she recently met and turned several heads of state as the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York. She was gracious, charming and disarming. Men swooned. Pakistan’s president wanted to hug her. (Perhaps Osama bin Laden is dying to meet her?)
And, yes, she has common sense, something we value. And she’s had executive experience as a mayor and a governor, though of relatively small constituencies (about 6,000 and 680,000, respectively).
Finally, Palin’s narrative is fun, inspiring and all-American in that frontier way we seem to admire. When Palin first emerged as John McCain’s running mate, I confess I was delighted. She was the antithesis and nemesis of the hirsute, Birkenstock-wearing sisterhood — a refreshing feminist of a different order who personified the modern successful working mother.
Palin didn’t make a mess cracking the glass ceiling. She simply glided through it.
It was fun while it lasted.
Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League.
No one hates saying that more than I do. Like so many women, I’ve been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted.
Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage and there’s not much content there. Here’s but one example of many from her interview with Hannity: “Well, there is a danger in allowing some obsessive partisanship to get into the issue that we’re talking about today. And that’s something that John McCain, too, his track record, proving that he can work both sides of the aisle, he can surpass the partisanship that must be surpassed to deal with an issue like this.”
When Couric pointed to polls showing that the financial crisis had boosted Obama’s numbers, Palin blustered wordily: “I’m not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who’s more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who’s actually done it?”
If BS were currency, Palin could bail out Wall Street herself.
If Palin were a man, we’d all be guffawing, just as we do every time Joe Biden tickles the back of his throat with his toes. But because she’s a woman — and the first ever on a Republican presidential ticket — we are reluctant to say what is painfully true.
What to do?
McCain can’t repudiate his choice for running mate. He not only risks the wrath of the GOP’s unforgiving base, but he invites others to second-guess his executive decision-making ability. Barack Obama faces the same problem with Biden.
Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first.
Do it for your country
By Kathleen Parker
If at one time women were considered heretical for swimming upstream against feminist orthodoxy, they now face condemnation for swimming downstream — away from Sarah Palin.
To express reservations about her qualifications to be vice president — and possibly president — is to risk being labeled anti-woman.
Or, as I am guilty of charging her early critics, supporting only a certain kind of woman.
Some of the passionately feminist critics of Palin who attacked her personally deserved some of the backlash they received. But circumstances have changed since Palin was introduced as just a hockey mom with lipstick — what a difference a financial crisis makes — and a more complicated picture has emerged.
As we’ve seen and heard more from John McCain’s running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn’t know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions warrant her promotion.
Yes, she recently met and turned several heads of state as the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York. She was gracious, charming and disarming. Men swooned. Pakistan’s president wanted to hug her. (Perhaps Osama bin Laden is dying to meet her?)
And, yes, she has common sense, something we value. And she’s had executive experience as a mayor and a governor, though of relatively small constituencies (about 6,000 and 680,000, respectively).
Finally, Palin’s narrative is fun, inspiring and all-American in that frontier way we seem to admire. When Palin first emerged as John McCain’s running mate, I confess I was delighted. She was the antithesis and nemesis of the hirsute, Birkenstock-wearing sisterhood — a refreshing feminist of a different order who personified the modern successful working mother.
Palin didn’t make a mess cracking the glass ceiling. She simply glided through it.
It was fun while it lasted.
Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League.
No one hates saying that more than I do. Like so many women, I’ve been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted.
Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage and there’s not much content there. Here’s but one example of many from her interview with Hannity: “Well, there is a danger in allowing some obsessive partisanship to get into the issue that we’re talking about today. And that’s something that John McCain, too, his track record, proving that he can work both sides of the aisle, he can surpass the partisanship that must be surpassed to deal with an issue like this.”
When Couric pointed to polls showing that the financial crisis had boosted Obama’s numbers, Palin blustered wordily: “I’m not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who’s more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who’s actually done it?”
If BS were currency, Palin could bail out Wall Street herself.
If Palin were a man, we’d all be guffawing, just as we do every time Joe Biden tickles the back of his throat with his toes. But because she’s a woman — and the first ever on a Republican presidential ticket — we are reluctant to say what is painfully true.
What to do?
McCain can’t repudiate his choice for running mate. He not only risks the wrath of the GOP’s unforgiving base, but he invites others to second-guess his executive decision-making ability. Barack Obama faces the same problem with Biden.
Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first.
Do it for your country
HANDS UP FOR McCAIN TONIGHT
McCain is the one that's going to suprise and win the debate tonight, first of all because he has shown leadership in relay trying to change the situation, and while Obama was trying to blow up the white house meeting, and worked out in the morning, John McCain has worked all day with leaders of both Parties, and although this is tough times, and the republicans are put to Blame, McCain has shown that in a crisis no matter what, first of all the call is for Action, and only once he declared returning to Washington, Obama dragged with, and all he did was "call me", so while we expect to hear from Obama tonight his rhetoric speeches ,and who is to Blame ,and that he will bring Change, why he is the Man to trust, but offer no action and no way how he will lead and fix it, we will hear from McCain that we have to put our trust in a leader that has proven leadership and will actually bring Change to Washington, and the American People will hear real answers and plans to get us out of these difficult times.
so be Ready ...... obama or McCain...who blinked? who looked presidential? who was sweating? who didn't answer clear? and who punched back?
but does this matter?
The working people want to hear real answers, and want to see who we can realy trust, and yes as Obama said that a presidnet has to deal with a few things at a time, the Economy is not the only issue in this Election, we have to hear who is going to lead us to victory in irag, who will protect us, who will bring security , and who has the leadership to be commander in chief, and who has the judgment to lead us in any crisis.
my answer is JOHN MCCAIN...... now its your turn the american people to let your voices heard..
so be Ready ...... obama or McCain...who blinked? who looked presidential? who was sweating? who didn't answer clear? and who punched back?
but does this matter?
The working people want to hear real answers, and want to see who we can realy trust, and yes as Obama said that a presidnet has to deal with a few things at a time, the Economy is not the only issue in this Election, we have to hear who is going to lead us to victory in irag, who will protect us, who will bring security , and who has the leadership to be commander in chief, and who has the judgment to lead us in any crisis.
my answer is JOHN MCCAIN...... now its your turn the american people to let your voices heard..
Obama working out, while Mccain was Working
Obama, headphones, baseball hat, hitting the gym. Spotted working out this a.m. at the Washington Sports Club, near Adams Morgan/Kalorama, from 7:30a - 8:20a.
McCain will go to debate
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) announces: "The McCain campaign is resuming all activities and the senator will travel to the debate this afternoon. Following the debate, he will return to Washington to ensure that all voices and interests are represented in the final agreement, especially those of taxpayers and homeowners.
Romney, a Shadow Veep?
It’s been hard this week not to consider that Mitt Romney, who knows something about finance and markets, might have been a handy running mate for John McCain.
In fact, McCain has been making good use of his former political foe. While Sarah Palin was turning heads of state, McCain met with Romney and an eclectic group of economic advisers from the private sector.
This morning, I called Romney (who's in Michigan today) to ask about his thoughts on the crisis.
First things first:
Romney does not want to serve in the Cabinet. “I watched my father in that job.” (George Romney was housing secretary under Nixon). “He had 27-year-olds in the White House telling him what to do, then faced bureaucrats who wouldn’t move. It was pretty frustrating. I think I can do more on the outside encouraging policies that make a difference.”
He also doesn’t wish to serve on any oversight entity created to administer the bailout. Strike that. The “stabilization.” He was insistent on not using “bailout” because “no one has any interest in bailing out fat cats who made bad decisions.” The purpose of the bill is to stabilize the financial sector so the economy doesn’t collapse. On administering the stabilization funds: “Please don’t nominate me. No one wants that job. If you succeed, they say, well, we gave you $700 billion, of course you succeeded. If you don’t succeed, well, you can’t win.”
Romney lamented that there isn’t more time -- a couple of months, preferably -- to hammer out a structure for the stabilization bill. But time, he said, is of the essence. Without money to lend to buyers, the economy stops.
He also made clear that although he does not forecast another Great Depression -- in contrast to Palin’s suggestion to Katie Couric yesterday -- we still face economic distress. The $700 billion, which is designed only to keep the credit system alive, is necessary but not sufficient. “Our tax policies, energy policies, education policies, investment strategies -- all are going to have to be tuned up.”
I don’t care how many times Romney changed his mind about embryos. Timing really is everything. If this week’s crisis had occurred in January, Romney might be leading the Republican presidential ticket. If it had happened in August, we might never have learned the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom.
They say it’s never too late to correct a mistake. And mavericks, well, you never know what they’ll do next.
In fact, McCain has been making good use of his former political foe. While Sarah Palin was turning heads of state, McCain met with Romney and an eclectic group of economic advisers from the private sector.
This morning, I called Romney (who's in Michigan today) to ask about his thoughts on the crisis.
First things first:
Romney does not want to serve in the Cabinet. “I watched my father in that job.” (George Romney was housing secretary under Nixon). “He had 27-year-olds in the White House telling him what to do, then faced bureaucrats who wouldn’t move. It was pretty frustrating. I think I can do more on the outside encouraging policies that make a difference.”
He also doesn’t wish to serve on any oversight entity created to administer the bailout. Strike that. The “stabilization.” He was insistent on not using “bailout” because “no one has any interest in bailing out fat cats who made bad decisions.” The purpose of the bill is to stabilize the financial sector so the economy doesn’t collapse. On administering the stabilization funds: “Please don’t nominate me. No one wants that job. If you succeed, they say, well, we gave you $700 billion, of course you succeeded. If you don’t succeed, well, you can’t win.”
Romney lamented that there isn’t more time -- a couple of months, preferably -- to hammer out a structure for the stabilization bill. But time, he said, is of the essence. Without money to lend to buyers, the economy stops.
He also made clear that although he does not forecast another Great Depression -- in contrast to Palin’s suggestion to Katie Couric yesterday -- we still face economic distress. The $700 billion, which is designed only to keep the credit system alive, is necessary but not sufficient. “Our tax policies, energy policies, education policies, investment strategies -- all are going to have to be tuned up.”
I don’t care how many times Romney changed his mind about embryos. Timing really is everything. If this week’s crisis had occurred in January, Romney might be leading the Republican presidential ticket. If it had happened in August, we might never have learned the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom.
They say it’s never too late to correct a mistake. And mavericks, well, you never know what they’ll do next.
RASMUSSEN DAILY: OBAMA 50 , MCCAIN 45
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Friday shows Barack Obama attracting 50% of the vote while John McCain earns 45%. This is Obama’s biggest lead since his convention bounce peaked with a six-point advantage.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ZOGBY: MCCAIN CAN WIN WITH A LANDSLIDE
The presidential election might be a tight race now, but one of the country’s top pollsters thinks the race will end in an electoral landslide.
John Zogby, president of Zogby International, told a group of businesspeople today that it’s up to Democratic Sen. Barack Obama to convince voters to go with him. If he’s not successful, the country will likely vote for “a comfortable old shoe”, that being Republican Sen. John McCain.
Despite the books Obama has written, Americans are still asking, “Who are you, where are you from?,” Zogby said.
John Zogby, president of Zogby International, told a group of businesspeople today that it’s up to Democratic Sen. Barack Obama to convince voters to go with him. If he’s not successful, the country will likely vote for “a comfortable old shoe”, that being Republican Sen. John McCain.
Despite the books Obama has written, Americans are still asking, “Who are you, where are you from?,” Zogby said.
Palin to Peres: Israeli Flag the only flag in my Office
Sarah palin meeting today with Israeli President Shimon Peres expressed her commitment to Israel.
IsraelNN.com) President Shimon Peres met with United States presidential candidate John McCain and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin in New York on Thursday. The meeting took place during the Clinton Global Initiative conference, and was not planned.
McCain greeted Peres with a hug, and said he was “happy to meet an old friend.” Palin expressed enthusiasm, telling Peres, “You have no idea how much I've wanted to meet you.” Palin told Peres that she hangs an Israeli flag in her office, and expressed hope that Israelis would consider her “an old friend of Israel.”
Obama Will Make Debate A Townhall If McCain Doesn't Show
Barack Obama is committed to hosting a public, televised event Friday night in Mississippi even if John McCain does not show up, an official close to the Obama campaign tells the Huffington Post.
In McCain's absence, the Senator is willing to make the scheduled debate a townhall meeting, a one-on-one interview with NewsHour's Jim Lehrer, or the combination of the two, the official said.
In McCain's absence, the Senator is willing to make the scheduled debate a townhall meeting, a one-on-one interview with NewsHour's Jim Lehrer, or the combination of the two, the official said.
ZOGBY: MCCAIN 46 , OBAMA 44
The survey, half conducted before McCain's announcement Wednesday that he would suspend his campaign to concentrate on the financial crisis and half conducted after the announcement, shows movement in McCain's favor after his announcement. Before the announcement - which included about half of the total polling sample - Obama led by one point. But McCain led by 5 points in polling completed after his statement about the suspension of his campaign. Overall, the interactive survey, conducted Sept. 23-25, 2008, included 4,752 likely voters nationwide and carries a margin of error of +/- 1.5 percentage points.
Sickos for Obama
If you want to know more about this Obama supporter just google her and you wont laugh.
BREAKING: GALLUP DAILY HAS OBAMA & MCCAIN TIED AT 46%
Gallup Daily: Race Back to a Tie at 46% EachMcCain now on equal footing with Obama John McCain has gained ground and is now tied with Barack Obama among registered voters in the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking update for Sept. 22-24, with each candidate getting 46% support.
the data show that McCain has been doing slightly better for the last three days than he had in the previous week, and with some strong Obama days falling off of the rolling average, the race has moved to its current tied position.
the data show that McCain has been doing slightly better for the last three days than he had in the previous week, and with some strong Obama days falling off of the rolling average, the race has moved to its current tied position.
HD TRACKING: Obama 47, Mccain 43
The Early Line: Diageo/Hotline Tracking Poll
Obama/Biden 47%
McCain/Palin 43%
Obama/Biden 47%
McCain/Palin 43%
Palin speaks with Reporters (transcript)
PALIN: Every American student needs to come through this area so that, especially this younger generation of Americans is, to be in a position of never forgetting what happened here and never repeating, never allowing a repeat of what happened here. I wish every American would come through here. I wish every world leader would come through here, and understand what it is that took place here and more importantly how America came together and united to commit to never allowing this to happen again. And just to hear and from and see these good New Yorkers who are rebuilding not just this are but helping to rebuild america has been very, very inspiring and encouraging. These are the good americans who are committed to peace and security and its been an absolute honor getting to meet these folks today.
CNN: On the topic of never letting this happen again, do you agree with the way the Bush administration has handled the war on terrorism, is there anything you would do differently?
A: I agree with the Bush administration that we take the fight to them. We never again let them come onto our soil and try to destroy not only our democracy, but communities like the community of New York. Never again. So yes, I do agree with taking the fight to the terrorists and stopping them over there.
POLITICO: Do you think our presence in iraq and afghan and our continued presence there is inflaming islamic extremists?
A: I think our presence in iraq and afghanistan will lead to further security of our nation, again, because the mission is to take the fight over there. do not let them come over here and attempt again what they accomplished here, and that was some destruction. terrible destruction on that day. but since september 11, americans uniting and rebuilding and committing to never letting that happen again.
POLITICO: Do you support the reelection bids of embattled Alaska Republicans, Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens?
A: Ted Stevens trial started a couple days ago. We'll see where that goes.
POLITICO: Are you gong to vote for them?
[no answer.]
JERSEY JOURNAL: What do you think of bailout package before congress?
A: I don't support that until the provisions that Sen. McCain has offered are implemented in Paulson's proposals
CNN: On the topic of never letting this happen again, do you agree with the way the Bush administration has handled the war on terrorism, is there anything you would do differently?
A: I agree with the Bush administration that we take the fight to them. We never again let them come onto our soil and try to destroy not only our democracy, but communities like the community of New York. Never again. So yes, I do agree with taking the fight to the terrorists and stopping them over there.
POLITICO: Do you think our presence in iraq and afghan and our continued presence there is inflaming islamic extremists?
A: I think our presence in iraq and afghanistan will lead to further security of our nation, again, because the mission is to take the fight over there. do not let them come over here and attempt again what they accomplished here, and that was some destruction. terrible destruction on that day. but since september 11, americans uniting and rebuilding and committing to never letting that happen again.
POLITICO: Do you support the reelection bids of embattled Alaska Republicans, Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens?
A: Ted Stevens trial started a couple days ago. We'll see where that goes.
POLITICO: Are you gong to vote for them?
[no answer.]
JERSEY JOURNAL: What do you think of bailout package before congress?
A: I don't support that until the provisions that Sen. McCain has offered are implemented in Paulson's proposals
BILL CLINTON CAMPAIGNING FOR MCCAIN
Bill: McCain not afraid of Obama debate
By Andy Barr | 9/25/08 @ 11:20 AM EST
Former President Bill Clinton believes John McCain’s move to suspend his campaign and push back Friday’s scheduled debate was made in “good faith” and not “because he’s afraid” to debate Barack Obama.
“I presume he did that in good faith,” Clinton said on Good Morning America, recalling that McCain had “asked for more debates to go all around the country.”
“I don't think we ought to overly parse that. Just let's deal with this issue,” the former president said. “We know he didn't do it because he's afraid, because Senator McCain wanted more debates.”
Clinton said on NBC’s “Today Show” that McCain is “looking for some way of, once again, to say to the American people, ‘Hey, I'm not a traditional Republican. And I do take this seriously.’ Because otherwise this makes it much, much more difficult for him to win because this is associated with lax regulation and the absence of economic activity in this perioud.
By Andy Barr | 9/25/08 @ 11:20 AM EST
Former President Bill Clinton believes John McCain’s move to suspend his campaign and push back Friday’s scheduled debate was made in “good faith” and not “because he’s afraid” to debate Barack Obama.
“I presume he did that in good faith,” Clinton said on Good Morning America, recalling that McCain had “asked for more debates to go all around the country.”
“I don't think we ought to overly parse that. Just let's deal with this issue,” the former president said. “We know he didn't do it because he's afraid, because Senator McCain wanted more debates.”
Clinton said on NBC’s “Today Show” that McCain is “looking for some way of, once again, to say to the American people, ‘Hey, I'm not a traditional Republican. And I do take this seriously.’ Because otherwise this makes it much, much more difficult for him to win because this is associated with lax regulation and the absence of economic activity in this perioud.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Zogby Poll: Obama Smarter Than McCain; Will Win Friday's Debate
Zogby Poll: Obama Smarter Than McCain; Will Win Friday's Debate
Most think Friday's face-off on foreign policy to be more important than past presidential debates
UTICA, New York - A majority of likely voters nationwide think Democrat Barack Obama is more intelligent than Republican John McCain, and a plurality believes Obama will come out on top in Friday's first debate of the 2008 general election season, a new Zogby Interactive poll shows.
More than four out of 10 voters - 42% - said they think Obama will win the debate Friday, compared to 31% who said they think McCain will come out ahead on points. Another 27% said they are unsure who might win.
The debate, to be held at the University of Mississippi at Oxford, Mississippi, is to focus on foreign policy. It is the first of three presidential debates to be held before the Nov. 4 election. One of the three will feature a town hall-style format, while the other two - including Friday's - will feature the candidates sitting at a table with a single moderator. A fourth debate will feature the vice presidential candidates.
Democrats are much more confident in their candidate than Republicans are in theirs, the Zogby online survey shows. Among Democrats, 79% said they think Obama will win the face-off, while just 62% of Republicans think McCain will come out ahead. Among political independents, it is a much closer question, as 34% said they think Obama will perform better, compared to 27% who said McCain should win. Forty percent of likely voting independents said they are unsure what will happen on Friday.
Most think Friday's face-off on foreign policy to be more important than past presidential debates
UTICA, New York - A majority of likely voters nationwide think Democrat Barack Obama is more intelligent than Republican John McCain, and a plurality believes Obama will come out on top in Friday's first debate of the 2008 general election season, a new Zogby Interactive poll shows.
More than four out of 10 voters - 42% - said they think Obama will win the debate Friday, compared to 31% who said they think McCain will come out ahead on points. Another 27% said they are unsure who might win.
The debate, to be held at the University of Mississippi at Oxford, Mississippi, is to focus on foreign policy. It is the first of three presidential debates to be held before the Nov. 4 election. One of the three will feature a town hall-style format, while the other two - including Friday's - will feature the candidates sitting at a table with a single moderator. A fourth debate will feature the vice presidential candidates.
Democrats are much more confident in their candidate than Republicans are in theirs, the Zogby online survey shows. Among Democrats, 79% said they think Obama will win the face-off, while just 62% of Republicans think McCain will come out ahead. Among political independents, it is a much closer question, as 34% said they think Obama will perform better, compared to 27% who said McCain should win. Forty percent of likely voting independents said they are unsure what will happen on Friday.
Obama should Act not Blame
Obama and the Democrtic leadership are only busy since the Finacial crisis occured to blame the republican party and John McCain on the crisis and vow to bring Change and fix the Economy. but if they are incharge of the Senate and Congress they should Act now and do anything in Power to fix and bring soultions to the current crisis. but Obama and the Dems don't have any Plan and instead of acting as Americans and joining Mccains call for action and work together now they seem to reject any call to fix the economy because they are not in charge of the white house.
Obama likes to point the finger to blame but has he ever lifted a finger to change? well the american people saw today the answer and who puts country First.
John Mccain wanted to Debate with Obama on a weekly Basis in Town Hall metting style 2 month ago to discuss the Issues and Debate but Obama rejected it. and now in order to score political points by the Debates he is so into debating and showing his qualification as a leader that can handle a few crisis at a time . now is the time to Act not to score points.
The Choice is clear - Country first or Obama first. Mccain showed time and time that he puts his country first and altough the debates are critical for him too to convince the Nation his policies and views . at a time of a crisis he put evreything aside and acted as a leader and as a fighter for the American people.
Obama likes to point the finger to blame but has he ever lifted a finger to change? well the american people saw today the answer and who puts country First.
John Mccain wanted to Debate with Obama on a weekly Basis in Town Hall metting style 2 month ago to discuss the Issues and Debate but Obama rejected it. and now in order to score political points by the Debates he is so into debating and showing his qualification as a leader that can handle a few crisis at a time . now is the time to Act not to score points.
The Choice is clear - Country first or Obama first. Mccain showed time and time that he puts his country first and altough the debates are critical for him too to convince the Nation his policies and views . at a time of a crisis he put evreything aside and acted as a leader and as a fighter for the American people.
Obama on debate: "More important than ever"
Obama on debate: "More important than ever"
Barack Obama indicated this afternoon he intended to go forward with Friday's debate as planned, saying "it's more important than ever" that the presidential candidates lay out their principles to voters.
"This is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess," Obama told reporters at a news conference in Florida.
"In my mind, actually, it's more important than ever that we present ourselves to the American people and try to describe where we want to take the country and where we wnt to take the economy as well as dealing with some of the issues of foreign policy that were initially the subject of the debate," he said.
Obama also said he, McCain and other officials could address the crisis in a bipartisan fashion and still go on with the campaign, noting that multi-tasking comes with the office.
"It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once," he noted.
Barack Obama indicated this afternoon he intended to go forward with Friday's debate as planned, saying "it's more important than ever" that the presidential candidates lay out their principles to voters.
"This is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsible for dealing with this mess," Obama told reporters at a news conference in Florida.
"In my mind, actually, it's more important than ever that we present ourselves to the American people and try to describe where we want to take the country and where we wnt to take the economy as well as dealing with some of the issues of foreign policy that were initially the subject of the debate," he said.
Obama also said he, McCain and other officials could address the crisis in a bipartisan fashion and still go on with the campaign, noting that multi-tasking comes with the office.
"It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once," he noted.
Pakistan's president tells Palin she is 'gorgeous'
Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari told Palin she's gorgeous.
NEW YORK (CNN) – Sarah Palin and the foreign leaders she has met with in New York have said very little to reporters over the last two days, but the press happened to be in the room on Wednesday for one eyebrow-raising exchange, as the new president of Pakistan lavished praise on Palin's looks.
On entering a room filled with several Pakistani officials this afternoon, Palin was immediately greeted by Sherry Rehman, the country's Information Minister.
"And how does one keep looking that good when one is that busy?," Rehman asked, drawing friendly laughter from the room when she complimented Palin.
"Oh, thank you," Palin said.
Pakistan's recently-elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, entered the room seconds later. Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was “honored” to meet him.
Zardari then called her "gorgeous" and said: "Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you."
"You are so nice," Palin said, smiling. "Thank you."
A handler from Zardari's entourage then told the two politicians to keep shaking hands for the cameras.
"If he's insisting, I might hug," Zardari said. Palin smiled politely
NEW YORK (CNN) – Sarah Palin and the foreign leaders she has met with in New York have said very little to reporters over the last two days, but the press happened to be in the room on Wednesday for one eyebrow-raising exchange, as the new president of Pakistan lavished praise on Palin's looks.
On entering a room filled with several Pakistani officials this afternoon, Palin was immediately greeted by Sherry Rehman, the country's Information Minister.
"And how does one keep looking that good when one is that busy?," Rehman asked, drawing friendly laughter from the room when she complimented Palin.
"Oh, thank you," Palin said.
Pakistan's recently-elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, entered the room seconds later. Palin rose to shake his hand, saying she was “honored” to meet him.
Zardari then called her "gorgeous" and said: "Now I know why the whole of America is crazy about you."
"You are so nice," Palin said, smiling. "Thank you."
A handler from Zardari's entourage then told the two politicians to keep shaking hands for the cameras.
"If he's insisting, I might hug," Zardari said. Palin smiled politely
Bill Clinton: I won't dump on McCain
WASHINGTON - Former President Clinton says if Democrats want someone to dump on John McCain, he's not the guy.
Some members of his party have been complaining that Clinton has not been enthusiastic enough in his support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, who defeated Clinton's wife in the primary campaign, and heaping too much praise on McCain.
But Clinton told CNN's "Larry King Live" on Wednesday that he doesn't think "dumping" on McCain or his running mate, Sarah Palin, is a winning strategy. He said undecided voters aren't interested in attacks but solutions for the problems they face.
"I just don't believe that getting up here and hyperventilating about Gov. Palin, or Sen. McCain for that matter, is a productive use of a former president's time and is not a vote-getter," he said, adding that he admires McCain even though he disagrees with several of his positions.
Some members of his party have been complaining that Clinton has not been enthusiastic enough in his support for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, who defeated Clinton's wife in the primary campaign, and heaping too much praise on McCain.
But Clinton told CNN's "Larry King Live" on Wednesday that he doesn't think "dumping" on McCain or his running mate, Sarah Palin, is a winning strategy. He said undecided voters aren't interested in attacks but solutions for the problems they face.
"I just don't believe that getting up here and hyperventilating about Gov. Palin, or Sen. McCain for that matter, is a productive use of a former president's time and is not a vote-getter," he said, adding that he admires McCain even though he disagrees with several of his positions.
Florida congressman points to Palin to rally Jews to Obama
(CNN) – Rep. Alcee Hastings told an audience of Jewish Democrats Wednesday that they should be wary of Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin because “anybody toting guns and stripping moose don’t care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks.”
“If Sarah Palin isn’t enough of a reason for you to get over whatever your problem is with Barack Obama, then you damn well had better pay attention,” Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida said at a panel about the shared agenda of Jewish and African-American Democrats Wednesday. Hastings, who is African-American, was explaining what he intended to tell his Jewish constituents about the presidential race. “Anybody toting guns and stripping moose don’t care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks. So, you just think this through,” Hastings added as the room erupted in laughter and applause.
After telling attendees that the most important thing Jewish and African-American Democrats could do to support one another was to get Sen. Barack Obama elected president, Hastings had one more message: “For those of you like me that supported Sen. Hillary Clinton, she lost! Get over
“If Sarah Palin isn’t enough of a reason for you to get over whatever your problem is with Barack Obama, then you damn well had better pay attention,” Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida said at a panel about the shared agenda of Jewish and African-American Democrats Wednesday. Hastings, who is African-American, was explaining what he intended to tell his Jewish constituents about the presidential race. “Anybody toting guns and stripping moose don’t care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks. So, you just think this through,” Hastings added as the room erupted in laughter and applause.
After telling attendees that the most important thing Jewish and African-American Democrats could do to support one another was to get Sen. Barack Obama elected president, Hastings had one more message: “For those of you like me that supported Sen. Hillary Clinton, she lost! Get over
MCCAIN: Remarks on the Economic Crisis
America this week faces an historic crisis in our financial system. We must pass legislation to address this crisis. If we do not, credit will dry up, with devastating consequences for our economy. People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake. Businesses will not have enough money to pay their employees. If we do not act, ever corner of our country will be impacted. We cannot allow this to happen.
Last Friday, I laid out my proposal and I have since discussed my priorities and concerns with the bill the Administration has put forward. Senator Obama has expressed his priorities and concerns.This morning, I met with a group of economic advisers to talk about the proposal on the table and the steps that we should take going forward.I have also spoken with members of Congress to hear their perspective.
It has become clear that no consensus has developed to support the Administration' proposal. I do not believe that the plan on the table will pass as it currently stands, and we are running out of time.
Tomorrow morning, I will suspend my campaign and return to Washington after speaking at the Clinton Global Initiative. I have spoken to Senator Obama and informed him of my decision and have asked him to join me.
I am calling on the President to convene a meeting with the leadership from both houses of Congress, including Senator Obama and myself. It is time for both parties to come together to solve this problem.
We must meet as Americans, not as Democrats or Republicans, and we must meet until this crisis is resolved.I am directing my campaign to work with the Obama campaign and the commission on presidential debates to delay Friday night's debate until we have taken action to address this crisis.
I am confident that before the markets open on Monday we can achieve consensus on legislation that will stabilize our financial markets, protect taxpayers and homeowners, and earn the confidence of the American people. All we must do to achieve this is temporarily set politics aside, and I am committed to doing so.
Following September 11th, our national leaders came together at a time of crisis. We must show that kind of patriotism now. Americans across our country lament the fact that partisan divisions in Washington have prevented us from addressing our national challenges. Now is our chance to come together to prove that Washington is once again capable of leading this country.
BREAKING:McCain seeks to delay debate to focus on economy
NEW YORK (AP) - Republican John McCain says he's directing his staff to work with Barack Obama's campaign and the debate commission to delay Friday's debate because of the economic crisis.
In a statement, McCain says he will stop campaigning after addressing former President Bill Clinton's Global Initiative session on Thursday and return to Washington to focus on the nation's financial problems.
In a statement, McCain says he will stop campaigning after addressing former President Bill Clinton's Global Initiative session on Thursday and return to Washington to focus on the nation's financial problems.
McCain Camp Suggests Poll Showing Big Obama Lead An "Outlier"
McCain-Palin 2008 lead pollster Bill McInturff led a conference call this morning to respond to the new Washington Post-ABC News national poll showing Barack Obama leading John McCain 52 percent to 43 percent among likely voters.
McInturff suggested that the poll is an "outlier," arguing that the race is "functionally tied."
"It's a margin of error race nationally, and it's a margin of error race in most of the most competitive states," he said. An examination of the data in key states – Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin – showed a tight race and little movement in September, McInturff said.
Particularly for this point in the campaign, he said, the race is "remarkably stable."
McInturff suggested that Obama's lead in the poll could be explained in part by its 16 point party affiliation spread in favor of Democrats, which, he said, was not "at all indicative of what's happening in the campaign." The real party identification spread, he said, was between 4 and 8 points.
"The most important thing in this race is trying to figure out what is party identification," he said, arguing that the Washington Post-ABC News pollsters had come to "way different" conclusions than other pollsters.
"What I know is it's not likely to be minus 16," he said. He also noted that McCain's support has been better than party affiliation numbers.
McInturff suggested that the poll is an "outlier," arguing that the race is "functionally tied."
"It's a margin of error race nationally, and it's a margin of error race in most of the most competitive states," he said. An examination of the data in key states – Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin – showed a tight race and little movement in September, McInturff said.
Particularly for this point in the campaign, he said, the race is "remarkably stable."
McInturff suggested that Obama's lead in the poll could be explained in part by its 16 point party affiliation spread in favor of Democrats, which, he said, was not "at all indicative of what's happening in the campaign." The real party identification spread, he said, was between 4 and 8 points.
"The most important thing in this race is trying to figure out what is party identification," he said, arguing that the Washington Post-ABC News pollsters had come to "way different" conclusions than other pollsters.
"What I know is it's not likely to be minus 16," he said. He also noted that McCain's support has been better than party affiliation numbers.
Clinton , Romney to Michigan
Campaigns send heavy-hitting surrogates to Mich.
LANSING, Mich. - The presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain are sending in Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michigan native Mitt Romney to woo Michigan voters.
Clinton plans to talk to voters in Flint, Lansing and Grand Rapids on Saturday about Obama's economic plans.
Romney plans to go over McCain's economic agenda Thursday morning with business leaders and workers at Walbridge World Headquarters in Detroit.
LANSING, Mich. - The presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain are sending in Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michigan native Mitt Romney to woo Michigan voters.
Clinton plans to talk to voters in Flint, Lansing and Grand Rapids on Saturday about Obama's economic plans.
Romney plans to go over McCain's economic agenda Thursday morning with business leaders and workers at Walbridge World Headquarters in Detroit.
Mccain ahead in NH, MI, VA
NH - rasmussen
John McCain has gained ground for the third straight month and now holds a slight two-point advantage over Barack Obama in the swing state of New Hampshire.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the Granite State finds McCain attracting 49% of the vote while Obama earns 47%. A month ago, it was Obama by a point.
Michigan
a poll in Michigan -- by the Marketing Resource Group of Lansing for the newsletter Inside Michigan Politics -- showed McCain leading Obama in the state, 46%-43%
Virginia
A new NBC News/Mason-Dixon poll in Virginia shows Sen. John McCain edging Sen. Barack Obama, 47% to 44%.
John McCain has gained ground for the third straight month and now holds a slight two-point advantage over Barack Obama in the swing state of New Hampshire.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the Granite State finds McCain attracting 49% of the vote while Obama earns 47%. A month ago, it was Obama by a point.
Michigan
a poll in Michigan -- by the Marketing Resource Group of Lansing for the newsletter Inside Michigan Politics -- showed McCain leading Obama in the state, 46%-43%
Virginia
A new NBC News/Mason-Dixon poll in Virginia shows Sen. John McCain edging Sen. Barack Obama, 47% to 44%.
MITT ROMNEY REPORTING FOR DUTY
McCain discusses bailout deal with Romney, CEOs
NEW YORK (AP) — Republican presidential candidate John McCain has been meeting with a panel of business executives to discuss the Bush administration's proposed $700 billion bailout for U.S. financial markets.
McCain says he is seeking their opinions on the proposal so that Americans can regain their confidence in Wall Street and Washington.
McCain renewed his insistence that the bailout deal have greater transparency, oversight and CEO accountability to make it acceptable for voters.
Joining McCain for the meeting Wednesday in New York is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, his one-time rival for the GOP nomination.
McCain planned to meet several foreign leaders on Wednesday and then appear on David Letterman's talk show.
Hotline FD daily: Obama 48 , Mccain 42
The Diageo/Hotline tracking poll shows Sen. Barack Obama widening his lead over Sen. John McCain to six points -- his largest lead to date.
Rasmussen:Palin Still Viewed More Favorably Than Biden
A month after they were named the vice presidential candidates of their respective parties, Sarah Palin is still viewed more favorably by voters than Joseph Biden, 54% to 49%. She also draws stronger feelings - pro and con - in a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
While 54% regard Palin favorably, 36% say their view is Very Favorable. But 42% see the Republican vice presidential candidate unfavorably, including 31% who rate their opinion of her as Very Unfavorable .
Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, is viewed favorably by 49%, with 22% saying their view of him is Very Favorable. Forty-one percent (41%) have an unfavorable opinion of the Delaware senator, including 21% who say their opinion is Very Unfavorable.
While 54% regard Palin favorably, 36% say their view is Very Favorable. But 42% see the Republican vice presidential candidate unfavorably, including 31% who rate their opinion of her as Very Unfavorable .
Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, is viewed favorably by 49%, with 22% saying their view of him is Very Favorable. Forty-one percent (41%) have an unfavorable opinion of the Delaware senator, including 21% who say their opinion is Very Unfavorable.
Brown Obama
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown used months-old video of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Tuesday to boost his beleaguered image before a decisive speech on his future.
The fleeting glimpse of the Illinois senator came during a Labour Party video montage documenting Brown's 15 months in office. The video was played to delegates as a prelude to the keynote speech that was part of an effort to burnish his dour image and stamp out a rebellion from detractors in his governing Labour Party.
"Prime Minister Brown has a clear sense, not only how to rebuild the economy for the people of Britain, but also a broader vision of how we all have to work together," Obama said in previously unreleased comments that were nonetheless typical of platitudes offered by visiting dignitaries.
Mccain is a better candidate as a Underdog
Since McCain started the Race for the white house he has proven his best when he trailed in the polls and people under estimated him, Before the Republican south Carolina and Florida primaries, Romney enjoyed a slim lead over McCain, and McClain hammered Romney by the Debates and the days before the primaries, was tough and Won the primaries and then off to win the Nomination.
From my prospective, John McCain is the better Candidate to Lead this country in a crisis, just Because whenever he has been Challenged he has proven to win it and go out much Stronger, Barack Obama has the ego and is only upbeat ,overwhelmed and energetic when he leads and he is ahead in the polls, the second he trails in the polls he gets off message ,angry, negative, and stutters, so the only way for McCain to win this election is to keep the race tight as it is, Score Points by the Debates and campaign as he did in the past months before his Nomination, go out to the voters with Town hall meetings and get out his message of reform and leadership, and while Obama will travel around risen by his poll numbers, and continue giving speeches and talking around the issues but not getting to the point, John McCain will be at his best , campaigning with a Strong and Confident message and Fight it out until November 4.
From my prospective, John McCain is the better Candidate to Lead this country in a crisis, just Because whenever he has been Challenged he has proven to win it and go out much Stronger, Barack Obama has the ego and is only upbeat ,overwhelmed and energetic when he leads and he is ahead in the polls, the second he trails in the polls he gets off message ,angry, negative, and stutters, so the only way for McCain to win this election is to keep the race tight as it is, Score Points by the Debates and campaign as he did in the past months before his Nomination, go out to the voters with Town hall meetings and get out his message of reform and leadership, and while Obama will travel around risen by his poll numbers, and continue giving speeches and talking around the issues but not getting to the point, John McCain will be at his best , campaigning with a Strong and Confident message and Fight it out until November 4.
Rasmussen daily: Obama 49 ,Mccain 47
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows Barack Obama attracting 49% of the vote while John McCain earns 47%. It’s the first time in more than two weeks that Obama has enjoyed a lead larger than a single percentage point . Both men are now viewed favorably by 55% and Rasmussen Markets data currently gives Obama a 52.0% chance of victory .
Forty-one percent (41%) say they are certain to vote for Obama and will not change their mind. Forty percent (40%) say the same about McCain. The remaining 19% are the candidates’ target audience for Friday night’s debate.
Forty-one percent (41%) say they are certain to vote for Obama and will not change their mind. Forty percent (40%) say the same about McCain. The remaining 19% are the candidates’ target audience for Friday night’s debate.
In Obama we trust?
The coins already sold to the Democrats will be presented to the senators, congressmen, governors and other politicians they are being given to within the next two weeks.
There will also be a television advertising campaign launched in the US.
The company directors got the idea of producing the coins after seeing actress Meryl Streep talking about Barack Obama on a television programme.
When they got in touch with the Democrats the party jumped at the chance. And the coins have proved such a hit that locally produced versions have already been launched to compete with the UK originals.
The coins show Senator Obama’s face, along with a picture of the White House and the legend “President of the United States of America”.
Wash/abc Poll Obama bounch by adding 15% additional black respondents
This Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted by telephone September 19-22, 2008, among a random national sample of 1,082 adults, 916 registered voters and 780 likely voters. The survey includes additional interviews with randomly selected African Americans, for a total of 163 black respondents. The added interviews (commonly referred to as an "oversample") were completed to ensure there were enough African American respondents for separate analysis; the group was not over-represented in the reported results from the full sample. The results from the full survey have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points. Error margins are higher for subgroups. Sampling, data collection and tabulation by TNS of Horsham, Pa
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Poll: McCain leads Obama By 3% in Michigan (46% - 43%)
Poll: McCain leads Obama By 3% in Michigan McCain’s Strong Support Among Independents and Male voters gives him a slight 46% - 43% lead in a Toss-Up State LANSING – A poll released today by Inside Michigan Politics shows that Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain has a slim three (3) point lead over Barack Obama in Michigan’s latest poll. The poll shows that both candidates have strong support with their base voters, but McCain’s support among Independent voters 45%- 37% (+8%) puts him on top in this toss-up state “John McCain has a track record with Michigan Independent voters,” said...
WHY, JOE WHY?
Joe Biden's Daily Gaffe....
Joe Biden's denunciation of his own campaign's ad to Katie Couric got so much attention last night that another odd note in the interview slipped by.
He was speaking about the role of the White House in a financial crisis.
"When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed," Biden told Couric. "He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'"
As Reason's Jesse Walker footnotes it: "And if you owned an experimental TV set in 1929, you would have seen him. And you would have said to yourself, 'Who is that guy? What happened to President Hoover?'"
well if you know a little history, he would know that the great depression started in 1929, and president Hoover was in office then, only in 1933 Roosevelt was sworn in as President.
Joe Biden's denunciation of his own campaign's ad to Katie Couric got so much attention last night that another odd note in the interview slipped by.
He was speaking about the role of the White House in a financial crisis.
"When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed," Biden told Couric. "He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'"
As Reason's Jesse Walker footnotes it: "And if you owned an experimental TV set in 1929, you would have seen him. And you would have said to yourself, 'Who is that guy? What happened to President Hoover?'"
well if you know a little history, he would know that the great depression started in 1929, and president Hoover was in office then, only in 1933 Roosevelt was sworn in as President.
McCain Tries to Lower Expectations for Debate
McCain Tries to Lower Expectations for Debate
In the expectations game for Friday night's presidential debate, Sen. John McCain went first in trying to build up his opponent, the AP reports.
Said McCain: "Have no doubt about the capabilities of Sen. Obama to a debate. He's very, very good. He was able to defeat Sen. Hillary Clinton, who, as we all know, is very accomplished. He was able to, with his eloquence, inspire a great number of Americans. These will be tough debates."
In the expectations game for Friday night's presidential debate, Sen. John McCain went first in trying to build up his opponent, the AP reports.
Said McCain: "Have no doubt about the capabilities of Sen. Obama to a debate. He's very, very good. He was able to defeat Sen. Hillary Clinton, who, as we all know, is very accomplished. He was able to, with his eloquence, inspire a great number of Americans. These will be tough debates."
Fake Sarah Palin earns a real New York welcome
Sarah Palin knocked 'em dead on the streets of New York Monday - and she wasn't even here yet.
We followed her to Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Washington Square Park, where she elicited cheers, waves and shocked stares.
Star-struck voters hounded her for autographs and pictures. One guy yelled: "You're hot! But I hope you lose."
There was just one hitch: Our "Palin" was a fake! She was really a 29-year-old look-alike named Kristy Webb - and most people were fooled.
Palin bars, then admits reporters to UN meetings
NEW YORK (AP) — Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who has not held a press conference in nearly four weeks of campaigning, initially barred reporters from her first meetings with world leaders Tuesday, but reversed course after they protested.
Gallup daily: Obama's daily point slip
Gallup Daily: Obama Holds 3-Point
U.S. voters are closely divided in their 2008 presidential preferences, with 47% favoring Barack Obama and 44% backing John McCain.
U.S. voters are closely divided in their 2008 presidential preferences, with 47% favoring Barack Obama and 44% backing John McCain.
Obama losing ground in Greenbay
“You all know that you hold this election in your hands,” Sen. Russ Feingold, a Democrat who said he worked on ethics legislation with Obama, told a crowd of about 6,000 cheering Obama fans in the arena next to Lambeau Field. “We just barely won this state for Al Gore in 2000 and we just barely won this state for John Kerry in 2004.”
Just a week ago, John McCain and his vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin — who can bring out crowds the way Obama can — appeared in this same stadium, Resch Center, to a crowd of 10,000 fans. There were an uncharacteristic amount of empty orange seats for Obama’s rally.
Just a week ago, John McCain and his vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin — who can bring out crowds the way Obama can — appeared in this same stadium, Resch Center, to a crowd of 10,000 fans. There were an uncharacteristic amount of empty orange seats for Obama’s rally.
Obama starting to regret his VP pick
Obama on Biden's Initial Opposition to AIG Bailout: "Joe Should Have Waited"
"What has been clear during this entire past ten days is John McCain has not had clarity and a grasp on the situation," Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told NBC's Matt Lauer in an interview that ran this morning.
Lauer was talking about how Obama hit Sen. McCain for flip-flopping on the AIG bailout -- saying he opposed it one day then announce he supported it the next day.
But, as Lauer pointed out, scarcely three minutes after McCain said he opposed the AIG bailout last week, "in an interview with Meredith Vieira, Joe Biden, your running mate was asked the exact same question, 'should the federal government bailout AIG?' And he said, 'No, the federal government should not bailout AIG.'" (As we noted at the time.) "And I think that in that situation," Obama said, "I think Joe should have waited as well."
"But it's the kind of thing that drives people crazy about politics," Lauer said. "It sounds like you were trying to score some political points against John McCain using his words, when your own running mate had used very similar words."
"No, hold on a second Matt," Obama said. "I think what drives people crazy about politics is the fact that somebody like John McCain who for 26 years has been an advocate for deregulation, for 26 years has said the market is king and then starts going out there suggesting somehow that he's a populist who's been railing against Wall Street and regulation -- that's what drives people crazy about politics."
"What has been clear during this entire past ten days is John McCain has not had clarity and a grasp on the situation," Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., told NBC's Matt Lauer in an interview that ran this morning.
Lauer was talking about how Obama hit Sen. McCain for flip-flopping on the AIG bailout -- saying he opposed it one day then announce he supported it the next day.
But, as Lauer pointed out, scarcely three minutes after McCain said he opposed the AIG bailout last week, "in an interview with Meredith Vieira, Joe Biden, your running mate was asked the exact same question, 'should the federal government bailout AIG?' And he said, 'No, the federal government should not bailout AIG.'" (As we noted at the time.) "And I think that in that situation," Obama said, "I think Joe should have waited as well."
"But it's the kind of thing that drives people crazy about politics," Lauer said. "It sounds like you were trying to score some political points against John McCain using his words, when your own running mate had used very similar words."
"No, hold on a second Matt," Obama said. "I think what drives people crazy about politics is the fact that somebody like John McCain who for 26 years has been an advocate for deregulation, for 26 years has said the market is king and then starts going out there suggesting somehow that he's a populist who's been railing against Wall Street and regulation -- that's what drives people crazy about politics."
Rasmussan daily: race Tied
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Tuesday shows the race for the White House is tied once again—Barack Obama attracts 48% of the vote and so does John McCain (see trends). Both men are now viewed favorably by 54% and Rasmussen Markets data currently gives Obama a 51.5% chance of victory
ROMNEY FOR TP (treasury president)
If John McCain wants to assure the voters that he would be the best to fix the economy, he should announce that Mitt Romney would be appointed the highest economic post in a McCain administration and campaign in the Battleground states with him. Mitt Romney is the only republican that was really a threat to the Dem's in the early days of the primaries, since they knew that the economy is going to be the Number 1 issue in this election, and Romney was the only one with the experience record, and credibility to turn things around building a strong economy.
So, if McCain wants to bring confidence to the campaign and assure the American people that unlike Obama, he will actually CHANGE the current status and bring reform to America, Mitt Romney is the Game changer, Romney will do a terrific job in defending Mccain as he is doing in the media since he endorsed Mccain,assuring the People that a Mccain administration will fix this crisis build a better economy and bring a better future to this country we so love.
Monday, September 22, 2008
GOP strategist predicts: Mccain will win
John McCain will win the presidential election, Kellyanne Conway, one of the country’s most respected Republican pollsters, tells Newsmax.
Even before McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, Conway was telling clients and select Republican groups and members of Congress that McCain would win.
In the past, Conway’s predictions have been eerily accurate. In the 2004 presidential race, she won the Washington Post’s Crystal Ball Award. Nine days before the election, she predicted the precise outcome in the popular vote — 51 percent for George Bush and 48 percent for John Kerry
Even before McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, Conway was telling clients and select Republican groups and members of Congress that McCain would win.
In the past, Conway’s predictions have been eerily accurate. In the 2004 presidential race, she won the Washington Post’s Crystal Ball Award. Nine days before the election, she predicted the precise outcome in the popular vote — 51 percent for George Bush and 48 percent for John Kerry
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