Tuesday, October 28, 2008
BREAKING NEWS: McCain Says Something; I Agree With Him
Campaigning in vain in Pennsylvania, John McCain lambasted Barack Obama - and I agree with him. The issue:
Obama's thirty minute infomercial, where he explains his tax plan, his foreign policy stance and also how the Flowbie haircutting system can save you hundreds of dollars simply by using your existing vacuum cleaner to cut your family's hair beautifully and simply, is supposed to be aired on essentially every network in the country tomorrow night.
McCain excoriated Obama over the program, saying that it was absolutely inexcusable that the airing of the taped message would conceivably delay the start/resumption of the World Series.
McCain left few openings untouched, even bashing Obama for airing a 30-minute commercial Wednesday night that will delay the opening of a World Series baseball game if the series goes to six games.
"No one will delay a World Series game with an infomercial when I'm president," said McCain.
Now THAT is a message I can get behind, John. Do NOT mess with the World Series, Barack. You're treading on thin ice there, pal.
Unfortunately for John, Sarah "Human Cringe-Machine" Palin was there to sound off the full-retard gong again.
"You are such a welcoming and patriotic state," Palin said. "I know we have many patriots in the crowd today."
Phew! Thank Jebus you guys are in Pennsylvania - one of those "patriotic" states. Must have sucked to spend time campaigning recently in those totally un-patriotic states like... wait, now which ones were the un-American states, Governor?
I mean, have we not yet learned our lessons? Now you're by implication suggesting that some states are less or not patriotic? Please enlighten us, Governor... which states are those?
Your reign of stupidity lasts seven more days.
Obama's thirty minute infomercial, where he explains his tax plan, his foreign policy stance and also how the Flowbie haircutting system can save you hundreds of dollars simply by using your existing vacuum cleaner to cut your family's hair beautifully and simply, is supposed to be aired on essentially every network in the country tomorrow night.
McCain excoriated Obama over the program, saying that it was absolutely inexcusable that the airing of the taped message would conceivably delay the start/resumption of the World Series.
McCain left few openings untouched, even bashing Obama for airing a 30-minute commercial Wednesday night that will delay the opening of a World Series baseball game if the series goes to six games.
"No one will delay a World Series game with an infomercial when I'm president," said McCain.
Now THAT is a message I can get behind, John. Do NOT mess with the World Series, Barack. You're treading on thin ice there, pal.
Unfortunately for John, Sarah "Human Cringe-Machine" Palin was there to sound off the full-retard gong again.
"You are such a welcoming and patriotic state," Palin said. "I know we have many patriots in the crowd today."
Phew! Thank Jebus you guys are in Pennsylvania - one of those "patriotic" states. Must have sucked to spend time campaigning recently in those totally un-patriotic states like... wait, now which ones were the un-American states, Governor?
I mean, have we not yet learned our lessons? Now you're by implication suggesting that some states are less or not patriotic? Please enlighten us, Governor... which states are those?
Your reign of stupidity lasts seven more days.
Cast Out Into The Wilderness: Libertarians
Libertarian Duality Symbol
This is where my heart lies and hopefully the nascency of the next great political movement: fiscal conservatism, social liberalism (roughly 10% to 15% of the American public).
Obama leads 60% - 39% in Early Voting, McCain Scoffs
According to a Washington Post/ABC News tracking poll, early voting yields a big lead for Barack Obama. Ballots have been casted by an estimated 9% of the electorate with a projected 34% committed to getting out the vote before November 4.
When asked to respond to this latest setback, John McCain snorted, "look, I don't believe in polls or voting statistics or election results. I'm going to be President of the United States. I'm listening to my lawyers now. I'm not saying anything more. Come on, campaign staff! Back to the plane!"
An awkward moment ensued as McCain looked around and saw no staffers by his side. A reporter than asked, "Senator McCain, are you aware of the ABC News article describing the state of your campaign as 'demoralizing' and noting many of your staffers are already circulating their resumes looking for new work?"
McCain issued an ineffable grunting noise and then bursted, "F**K YOU PALIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to rip off your head and piss down your dead skull, reporter. You f**ked with the wrong marine!!!!!" After being restrained by secret service and placated, McCain slogged across the tarmac towards his aircraft grumbling under his breath, "ACORN, Ayers, Wright, Socialists, Marxists, Rezko, spread wealth, black, Arab, Muslim, radical, risky, abortionist, sex ed to kindergartners, f**k you Obama."
I'm just a humble professional chess player from Appleton, Wisconsin, but my simple antenna picks up bad, foreboding news for John McCain.
When asked to respond to this latest setback, John McCain snorted, "look, I don't believe in polls or voting statistics or election results. I'm going to be President of the United States. I'm listening to my lawyers now. I'm not saying anything more. Come on, campaign staff! Back to the plane!"
An awkward moment ensued as McCain looked around and saw no staffers by his side. A reporter than asked, "Senator McCain, are you aware of the ABC News article describing the state of your campaign as 'demoralizing' and noting many of your staffers are already circulating their resumes looking for new work?"
McCain issued an ineffable grunting noise and then bursted, "F**K YOU PALIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to rip off your head and piss down your dead skull, reporter. You f**ked with the wrong marine!!!!!" After being restrained by secret service and placated, McCain slogged across the tarmac towards his aircraft grumbling under his breath, "ACORN, Ayers, Wright, Socialists, Marxists, Rezko, spread wealth, black, Arab, Muslim, radical, risky, abortionist, sex ed to kindergartners, f**k you Obama."
I'm just a humble professional chess player from Appleton, Wisconsin, but my simple antenna picks up bad, foreboding news for John McCain.
Change I Can Believe In. Finally.
Okay, so this not national news - it's personal news - but since it is election related, I will share it with this forum.
This morning, I arose early to a stormy day here in Boise. After doing my morning chores on the organic farm, I decided to get a workout in at the local high school gym. On the television in the background was Senator Obama's speech from yesterday in Pittsburgh. It was closed captioned (as the GNR was blasting for the high school kids getting pumped for Friday night's homecoming football game) so I could watch and listen to my Ipod at the same time.
And, early this morning, it happened. A switch was flipped. I started to believe.
Pat Bateman is a liberal, but he is not someone who often believes in people. Ideas are dandy, and I'll vote generally for the person who supports as many of my ideas as possible. Usually that's a Democrat, but not always. But mostly. Still, generally I cast a vote for that person but keep a skeptical eye. After all, it is politics. I vote ideas and rarely candidates. The more invested you become in a person rather than an idea, the more you are let down when you learn that person whom you have placed on a pedestal has feet of clay.
That is why it's been almost staggering to watch, largely from the sidelines, the mania that has followed Senator Obama's campaign. It has been like a old time Southern church revival service. People swoon over him. People believe in him like a messiah come to deliver us. And that part I couldn't figure out, because that's simply not how I am generally constructed as a person. Ideas, flawless; people, generally not. I believe in ideas. Rarely in people.
I have supported Senator Obama from the moment he became the presumptive Democratic nominee. I liked his gravitas. I liked most of his ideas. I especially liked that it looked like he could win. But until this morning, I didn't "believe."
But this morning, for some reason, my Ipod kept coming back to inspirational tunes and I kept turning back to the gym television to watch him. I read his words (I had already seen the speech, but reading the words and seeing his poise again, maybe everything just clicked). And, suddenly, despite the lingering clouds and rain outside - both literally and metaphorically - my disposition started to get sunnier. What was this thing happening to my face? Was this a... smile?
I'm a cynic at heart and a skeptic by nature. Life will teach you this lesson if your eyes are remotely open. But suddenly, as if my Ipod was programmed to dovetail with his speech, "Going the Distance" from the original Rocky came on as he reached a crescendo. And, in that moment, it happened. I could feel the change. I became a believer. I went from an ideological supporter (and intense hater of what the GOP has become) to someone emotionally invested in THIS person, not just the defeat of the policies of the last eight years.
And suddenly, as if I suddenly understood something I already knew factually, it also became crystal clear why John McCain cannot, and will not, win this election. Because his supporters don't believe. The base of the Republican party turned out to support George Bush, believing it a "moral imperative" to do so. But even with You Betcha! on the ticket, they still just can't rally that same hysteria this time around.
But Obama's supporters can. There is a religious fervor to their support that is simply indefatigable. No matter what is thrown at him, both he and they brush it off. He has deflected any slings and whatever arrows the GOP has mustered and come through it. As the Democrats found out in 2004, you cannot genetically engineer enthusiasm. The Republicans are now learning this lesson when their own strategy of using enthusiasm and energy as a voting tool is turned against them.
The amazing thing about this is that it is the "elitist Ivory tower" set that is dancing in the aisles for Obama. The Godless sodomites. The shiftless union laborers. The abortionists. Everyone, essentially, who mocks Conservatives, especially Evangelicals, for "faith based" voting. It is these folks who now are voting their hearts and see this election as a "calling" - perhaps not from God, but certainly from something collectively bigger than any of us individually.
Well, I was on the outside looking in until this morning. A supporter, without question. But not invested. Count this Elitist as having the ice melted on his cold, black heart. I'm invested now. Change is coming... and I finally, truly, believe it.
This morning, I arose early to a stormy day here in Boise. After doing my morning chores on the organic farm, I decided to get a workout in at the local high school gym. On the television in the background was Senator Obama's speech from yesterday in Pittsburgh. It was closed captioned (as the GNR was blasting for the high school kids getting pumped for Friday night's homecoming football game) so I could watch and listen to my Ipod at the same time.
And, early this morning, it happened. A switch was flipped. I started to believe.
Pat Bateman is a liberal, but he is not someone who often believes in people. Ideas are dandy, and I'll vote generally for the person who supports as many of my ideas as possible. Usually that's a Democrat, but not always. But mostly. Still, generally I cast a vote for that person but keep a skeptical eye. After all, it is politics. I vote ideas and rarely candidates. The more invested you become in a person rather than an idea, the more you are let down when you learn that person whom you have placed on a pedestal has feet of clay.
That is why it's been almost staggering to watch, largely from the sidelines, the mania that has followed Senator Obama's campaign. It has been like a old time Southern church revival service. People swoon over him. People believe in him like a messiah come to deliver us. And that part I couldn't figure out, because that's simply not how I am generally constructed as a person. Ideas, flawless; people, generally not. I believe in ideas. Rarely in people.
I have supported Senator Obama from the moment he became the presumptive Democratic nominee. I liked his gravitas. I liked most of his ideas. I especially liked that it looked like he could win. But until this morning, I didn't "believe."
But this morning, for some reason, my Ipod kept coming back to inspirational tunes and I kept turning back to the gym television to watch him. I read his words (I had already seen the speech, but reading the words and seeing his poise again, maybe everything just clicked). And, suddenly, despite the lingering clouds and rain outside - both literally and metaphorically - my disposition started to get sunnier. What was this thing happening to my face? Was this a... smile?
I'm a cynic at heart and a skeptic by nature. Life will teach you this lesson if your eyes are remotely open. But suddenly, as if my Ipod was programmed to dovetail with his speech, "Going the Distance" from the original Rocky came on as he reached a crescendo. And, in that moment, it happened. I could feel the change. I became a believer. I went from an ideological supporter (and intense hater of what the GOP has become) to someone emotionally invested in THIS person, not just the defeat of the policies of the last eight years.
And suddenly, as if I suddenly understood something I already knew factually, it also became crystal clear why John McCain cannot, and will not, win this election. Because his supporters don't believe. The base of the Republican party turned out to support George Bush, believing it a "moral imperative" to do so. But even with You Betcha! on the ticket, they still just can't rally that same hysteria this time around.
But Obama's supporters can. There is a religious fervor to their support that is simply indefatigable. No matter what is thrown at him, both he and they brush it off. He has deflected any slings and whatever arrows the GOP has mustered and come through it. As the Democrats found out in 2004, you cannot genetically engineer enthusiasm. The Republicans are now learning this lesson when their own strategy of using enthusiasm and energy as a voting tool is turned against them.
The amazing thing about this is that it is the "elitist Ivory tower" set that is dancing in the aisles for Obama. The Godless sodomites. The shiftless union laborers. The abortionists. Everyone, essentially, who mocks Conservatives, especially Evangelicals, for "faith based" voting. It is these folks who now are voting their hearts and see this election as a "calling" - perhaps not from God, but certainly from something collectively bigger than any of us individually.
Well, I was on the outside looking in until this morning. A supporter, without question. But not invested. Count this Elitist as having the ice melted on his cold, black heart. I'm invested now. Change is coming... and I finally, truly, believe it.
Governor Palin Says Everything But The Right Thing In Response To Senator Stevens's Conviction
Bill Dyer, guest posting on Hugh Hewitt's blog, offers dizzying circumlocution in justifying Governor Palin's hesitancy to demand Alaska Senator Ted Stevens immediate withdrawal of his reelection bid after conviction on seven counts of making false statements on ethical disclosure forms.I mean Dyer's post is unabashed partisan junk: he even provides a transcript of Govern Palin's imaginary comments to Stevens in private:
Here's my guess as to what Gov. Palin saying privately, because it's what I would say to him if I were in her position:
"Ted, for now, I'm going to continue to be restrained and appropriate in what I say in public. But you owe it to your party, and to the people who've voted for you in years past, not to take everything down with you in flames.
"Accordingly, now — before Election Day — you need to hand to me, as the Governor of Alaska, a formal, irrevocable letter of resignation which is automatically effective as of the instant that your post-verdict (pre-appellate) motion for new trial in the federal district court is denied (even though you may still have appellate avenues open at that point to challenge that judgment).
"Having made that commitment and signed that binding letter, Ted, then you can again ask the voters of Alaska to give you their votes — and they, in turn, can vote for you secure in the knowledge that one of either two things will happen: (a) The jury's verdict will be overturned, your presumption of innocence will be restored, and you'll have another day in court. Or else: (b) As Governor of Alaska, either I or perhaps Sean Parnell (as my successor) will appoint a qualified, honest Republican who will carry forward the Republican Party's best policies and ideals in the U.S. Senate seat you have occupied for so long."
No, I figure Palin said something more like: "also it's gotta be about recusing yourself, Ted. You betcha I'm going to make the case, whaddaya expect - a couple of mavericks, ruffling feathers, shaking things up, say it ain't so, Joe. Thanks, but no thanks on that conviction to nowhere."
It's going to be a sour last week.
It's going to be a sour last week.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Inspiration: Barack Obama "Fired Up"
His critics pick away with substantive epithets like "seductive," "stylized" and "alluring." The word "eloquent" becomes a pejorative knock. They say "hope" is hollow. They perceive "change" to be illusory.
After eight dispiriting years - no style, no substance, no nothing - I can use a bit of inspiration, some soaring quixotic appeals, on the off-chance he can back them up. Obama peddles these lofty wares and I'm buying. Let's pray the goods are not second-rate.
Supporting A Left Turn For The Right
Right-thinker Andrew Sullivan offers ten reasons permitting conservatives to vote for Obama:10. A body blow to racial identity politics. An end to the era of Jesse Jackson in black America.
9. Less debt. Yes, Obama will raise taxes on those earning over a quarter of a million. And he will spend on healthcare, Iraq, Afghanistan and the environment. But so will McCain. He plans more spending on health, the environment and won't touch defense of entitlements. And his refusal to touch taxes means an extra $4 trillion in debt over the massive increase presided over by Bush. And the CBO estimates that McCain's plans will add more to the debt over four years than Obama's. Fiscal conservatives have a clear choice.
8. A return to realism and prudence in foreign policy. Obama has consistently cited the foreign policy of George H. W. Bush as his inspiration. McCain's knee-jerk reaction to the Georgian conflict, his commitment to stay in Iraq indefinitely, and his brinksmanship over Iran's nuclear ambitions make him a far riskier choice for conservatives. The choice between Obama and McCain is like the choice between George H.W. Bush's first term and George W.'s.
7. An ability to understand the difference between listening to generals and delegating foreign policy to them.
6. Temperament. Obama has the coolest, calmest demeanor of any president since Eisenhower. Conservatism values that kind of constancy, especially compared with the hot-headed, irrational impulsiveness of McCain.
5. Faith. Obama's fusion of Christianity and reason, his non-fundamentalist faith, is a critical bridge between the new atheism and the new Christianism.
4. A truce in the culture war. Obama takes us past the debilitating boomer warfare that has raged since the 1960s. Nothing has distorted our politics so gravely; nothing has made a rational politics more elusive.
3. Two words: President Palin.
2. Conservative reform. Until conservatism can get a distance from the big-spending, privacy-busting, debt-ridden, crony-laden, fundamentalist, intolerant, incompetent and arrogant faux conservatism of the Bush-Cheney years, it will never regain a coherent message to actually govern this country again. The survival of conservatism requires a temporary eclipse of today's Republicanism. Losing would be the best thing to happen to conservatism since 1964. Back then, conservatives lost in a landslide for the right reasons. Now, Republicans are losing in a landslide for the wrong reasons.
1. The War Against Islamist terror. The strategy deployed by Bush and Cheney has failed. It has failed to destroy al Qaeda, except in a country, Iraq, where their presence was minimal before the US invasion. It has failed to bring any of the terrorists to justice, instead creating the excresence of Gitmo, torture, secret sites, and the collapse of America's reputation abroad. It has empowered Iran, allowed al Qaeda to regroup in Pakistan, made the next vast generation of Muslims loathe America, and imperiled our alliances. We need smarter leadership of the war: balancing force with diplomacy, hard power with better p.r., deploying strategy rather than mere tactics, and self-confidence rather than a bunker mentality.
Those conservatives who remain convinced, as I do, that Islamist terror remains the greatest threat to the West cannot risk a perpetuation of the failed Manichean worldview of the past eight years, and cannot risk the possibility of McCain making rash decisions in the middle of a potentially catastrophic global conflict. If you are serious about the war on terror and believe it is a war we have to win, the only serious candidate is Barack Obama.
Nothing left to say. Sullivan and his contemplative band of brothers and sisters, stalwart and steadfast against the ambling rank and file of the Grand Old Party, rests its case.
"Are You Joking? Is this a Joke?"
Joe Biden shows us how to handle stupid questions.
Expect Fox News to give Barbara West her own show. Stupid liberal media.
UPDATE - Maybe Fox News hasn't given her her own show yet, but she will be a guest on O'Reilly's propaganda machine tonight, as reported by Think Progress. I can only imagine the leading questions about her leading questions - "Do you think that Biden was being sexist or just hates women reporters in general?" "Do you think liberals are attacking you because Obama is a Marxist, a socialist, or because liberals just hate America?"
Also reported by think progress, her husband is a GOP media consultant. Nice. I wonder if that will make it into the interview?
Also reported - they'll do it live!
Expect Fox News to give Barbara West her own show. Stupid liberal media.
UPDATE - Maybe Fox News hasn't given her her own show yet, but she will be a guest on O'Reilly's propaganda machine tonight, as reported by Think Progress. I can only imagine the leading questions about her leading questions - "Do you think that Biden was being sexist or just hates women reporters in general?" "Do you think liberals are attacking you because Obama is a Marxist, a socialist, or because liberals just hate America?"
Also reported by think progress, her husband is a GOP media consultant. Nice. I wonder if that will make it into the interview?
Also reported - they'll do it live!
I'm Michael Jackson, Senator McCain... you're Tito.
Sarah Palin, perhaps sensing that she has taken the reigns as the 'one to watch' on her ticket despite being the VP rather than the presidential nominee, acted the part of Michael on a Jackson 5 tour. That is, forcing Tito to introduce her at a campaign stop in Virginia:
Palin was introduced to the crowd by Tito Munoz, a small business owner from neighboring Prince William County, whom Palin referred to as "Tito the Builder." He wore a yellow hard hat and drew chants of "Tito, Tito."
"Not since the Jackson Five has the name 'Tito' been used so often," Palin said.
Tito the Builder. You betcha. Per "people only identified by first name and profession" so far, his real name is probably Frank, he has never built anything and likely owes upwards of $5,000 in back taxes. He's also mulling a run for Congress in 2010. Vote for Pedro - er, Tito!
Palin was introduced to the crowd by Tito Munoz, a small business owner from neighboring Prince William County, whom Palin referred to as "Tito the Builder." He wore a yellow hard hat and drew chants of "Tito, Tito."
"Not since the Jackson Five has the name 'Tito' been used so often," Palin said.
Tito the Builder. You betcha. Per "people only identified by first name and profession" so far, his real name is probably Frank, he has never built anything and likely owes upwards of $5,000 in back taxes. He's also mulling a run for Congress in 2010. Vote for Pedro - er, Tito!
TED STEVENS CONVICTED
As the New York Times is reporting, U.S. Senator Ted "the internet is a series of tubes" Stevens (R-AK) was convicted today on all seven charges he faced of lying about receiving free home renovations and other lavish gifts from an oil industry contractor. In other words, straight, naked corruption.
Stevens, a powerful figure in Alaskan politics since before statehood and the Republican party's longest serving member of the United States Senate, was convicted after the jury deliberated since Wednesday. The charges carry a maximum possible sentence of 5 years for each count, but the law talking guys at the Times say he is likely, under the federal sentencing guidelines, to receive far less, if any jail time.
Stevens is locked in a tight race for the Senate seat he has held since 1968, with the Democrats hoping they can use his being convicted on seven felony counts to pick up additional seats towards a filibuster-proof super-majority. The latest polls are showing Stevens and democratic challenger Mark Begich in a statistical deadheat, with the latest numbers showing Begich with a 47-46 lead over Stevens. In a related story, I had a Begich once, which I treated thusly.
The real point of this story is that Stevens, who is now a convicted felon, might still win his Senate race. The NY Times pointed out that there is no law barring a convicted felon from being elected to Congress, which I viewed as basically the biggest "no-shitter" of this entire election.
Despite being a convicted felon, he is not required to drop out of the race or resign from the Senate. If he wins re-election, he can continue to hold his seat because there is no rule barring felons from serving in Congress. The Senate could vote to expel Stevens on a two-thirds vote.
The "Anti-Elitist" Drag
Christopher Hitchens makes it know he is, um, a "bit displeased" at the selection of Governor Palin and her stunted views on scientific knowledge:
"This is what the Republican Party has done to us this year: It has placed within reach of the Oval Office a woman who is a religious fanatic and a proud, boastful ignoramus. Those who despise science and learning are not anti-elitist. They are morally and intellectually slothful people who are secretly envious of the educated and the cultured. And those who prate of spiritual warfare and demons are not just "people of faith" but theocratic bullies. On Nov. 4, anyone who cares for the Constitution has a clear duty to repudiate this wickedness and stupidity."
Hitchens refers to this race towards the intellectual bottom as the "GOP ticket's appalling contempt for knowledge and learning."
Despite the Anti-Elite, we've still come a long way in terms of scientific advancement since God created the earth 6,000 years ago. Cut them some slack, Hitch.
"This is what the Republican Party has done to us this year: It has placed within reach of the Oval Office a woman who is a religious fanatic and a proud, boastful ignoramus. Those who despise science and learning are not anti-elitist. They are morally and intellectually slothful people who are secretly envious of the educated and the cultured. And those who prate of spiritual warfare and demons are not just "people of faith" but theocratic bullies. On Nov. 4, anyone who cares for the Constitution has a clear duty to repudiate this wickedness and stupidity."
Hitchens refers to this race towards the intellectual bottom as the "GOP ticket's appalling contempt for knowledge and learning."
Despite the Anti-Elite, we've still come a long way in terms of scientific advancement since God created the earth 6,000 years ago. Cut them some slack, Hitch.
Surrogates Go Where McCain Will Not
As reported by Ben Smith at Politico, The National Republican Trust, a right-wing political action committee, will spend 2.5 million dollars bringing Reverend Wright to the forefront for voters in the crucial battleground states of Pennsylvania (Obama with a big 12 point cushion), Ohio (leaning towards Obama at a 5 point margin) and Florida (practically a dead heat).*
Here's the visual weapon of choice:
As I posted earlier, it was inevitable that the Republicans choose this "nuclear option" even with a desultory John McCain taking it off the table (McCain's ideological impermanence throughout this campaign grants implicit permission for the RNC to run wild and try anything). And rightly so - why would you accept defeat without taking one more shot at the end zone? Why would right wing fear-mongering and demagoguery go out with a whimper when it spent the past decade excoriating America for any temptation to go another way?
However, the demagoguery flows here from the presentation of the message, not from its substance. This is a justified assailment of Barack Obama. He should be taken to task for a person he has consorted with for more than twenty years as a self-described mentor (certainly a much more legitimate line of attack than the William Ayers phooey). Wright is a much more personal figure to Senator Obama and not easily dismissed as a fellow board member or a "person in the neighborhood."
By his own account, Obama gleaned insight and received guidance from Reverend Wright. Wright has made inflammatory, truly anti-American remarks of the same ilk as Ward Churchill's or Cindy Sheehan's lunatic brand of commentary. Obama has attended over 500 firebrand sermons delivered by the incendiary leader of his church. I have no quarrel with someone asking Obama for a bit of elaboration here.
* polliing data from pollster.com.
Here's the visual weapon of choice:
As I posted earlier, it was inevitable that the Republicans choose this "nuclear option" even with a desultory John McCain taking it off the table (McCain's ideological impermanence throughout this campaign grants implicit permission for the RNC to run wild and try anything). And rightly so - why would you accept defeat without taking one more shot at the end zone? Why would right wing fear-mongering and demagoguery go out with a whimper when it spent the past decade excoriating America for any temptation to go another way?
However, the demagoguery flows here from the presentation of the message, not from its substance. This is a justified assailment of Barack Obama. He should be taken to task for a person he has consorted with for more than twenty years as a self-described mentor (certainly a much more legitimate line of attack than the William Ayers phooey). Wright is a much more personal figure to Senator Obama and not easily dismissed as a fellow board member or a "person in the neighborhood."
By his own account, Obama gleaned insight and received guidance from Reverend Wright. Wright has made inflammatory, truly anti-American remarks of the same ilk as Ward Churchill's or Cindy Sheehan's lunatic brand of commentary. Obama has attended over 500 firebrand sermons delivered by the incendiary leader of his church. I have no quarrel with someone asking Obama for a bit of elaboration here.
* polliing data from pollster.com.
Ever notice how you come across somebody every once in a while who you shouldn't have messed with?
I happen to feel that way about a particular cup of coffee I have every morning here in my corner office on the top floor of Wayne Enterprises. Ooops! Pay no attention to that! I am probably not Batman, as far as you know. But in addition to the way I feel about this wicked brew that sends me careening towards the executive washroom like a bat out of hell (no pun intended), it's the tagline for the new Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino.
Not content to have just one film in Oscar contention (even if Changeling probably sucks, because Angelina Jolie couldn't act her way out of the cellar I keep her chained in in my dreams), Clint is following up this month's Changeling with Gran Torino, in which he both stars and directs. As New York Magazine is reporting, he also claims it will be his last ever film role. Looks pretty b-dass to me. Sort of a cross between Dirty Harry, Death Wish and a Depends commercial. View the trailer here.
Anchorage Daily News predictably supports... Obama?
Well, you cannot accuse them of touting the hometown hero, I suppose.
The Anchorage Daily News has come out with its presidential endorsement - and Sarah Palin's presence on the GOP ticket was apparently not enough to get the rag's support. In fact, apparently Palin's presence is the very reason that the paper offered (in conjunction with McCain's age and health) not to support the Republican ticket:
Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.
Of course, my first thought was "look - there is intelligent life in the 49th state, after all!" But when you think about it, that's a pretty gutsy call. Anchorage ain't Chicago, where you can alienate the hometown hero and still have a very good circulation. The biggest city in Alaska, it boasts a shade under 280,000 residents - or about as many as, say, a decent-sized suburb of a major "lower 48" city. I can't imagine most of the readership (Alaska is projected to go overwhelmingly GOP, with or without Palin) will be too happy with the Daily News' endorsement.
On the other hand, perhaps it isn't such a courageous call. After all, what other local paper serves as an alternative if many Anchorage residents, outraged over the rejection of Governor You Betcha, decide to cancel their Daily News subscription? No, that was a serious question - what other paper is there? Is there one? Perhaps bucking the popular pick isn't so adventurous when you have no downside to doing it because you're the only game in town.
The downside of this endorsement: Anchorage Daily News doesn't exactly always pick winners. Four years ago, it endorsed Kerry. I'm hoping this year's endorsement turns out a bit better.
The Anchorage Daily News has come out with its presidential endorsement - and Sarah Palin's presence on the GOP ticket was apparently not enough to get the rag's support. In fact, apparently Palin's presence is the very reason that the paper offered (in conjunction with McCain's age and health) not to support the Republican ticket:
Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.
Of course, my first thought was "look - there is intelligent life in the 49th state, after all!" But when you think about it, that's a pretty gutsy call. Anchorage ain't Chicago, where you can alienate the hometown hero and still have a very good circulation. The biggest city in Alaska, it boasts a shade under 280,000 residents - or about as many as, say, a decent-sized suburb of a major "lower 48" city. I can't imagine most of the readership (Alaska is projected to go overwhelmingly GOP, with or without Palin) will be too happy with the Daily News' endorsement.
On the other hand, perhaps it isn't such a courageous call. After all, what other local paper serves as an alternative if many Anchorage residents, outraged over the rejection of Governor You Betcha, decide to cancel their Daily News subscription? No, that was a serious question - what other paper is there? Is there one? Perhaps bucking the popular pick isn't so adventurous when you have no downside to doing it because you're the only game in town.
The downside of this endorsement: Anchorage Daily News doesn't exactly always pick winners. Four years ago, it endorsed Kerry. I'm hoping this year's endorsement turns out a bit better.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Trouble in GOP Shangri-La?
Watch very closely for signs of a McCain-Palin meltdown as next week progresses. Often, in the final days of an ill-fated campaign, after the sobering realization that almost two years of yeoman work will go unrewarded, personal enmity springs forth from the candidate's inner sanctum and the invidious rot quickly spreads outward. From CNN:With 10 days until Election Day, long-brewing tensions between GOP vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin and key aides to Sen. John McCain have become so intense, they are spilling out in public, sources say.
Several McCain advisers have suggested to CNN that they have become increasingly frustrated with what one aide described as Palin "going rogue."
A Palin associate, however, said the candidate is simply trying to "bust free" of what she believes was a damaging and mismanaged roll-out . . .
. . . A second McCain source says she appears to be looking out for herself more than the McCain campaign.
"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," said this McCain adviser. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else."
"Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."
Count me in the camp assessing this election as still too close to call and teetering ever so close to the margin-of-error. However, if John McCain's campaign truly now finds itself on the brink, it is customary for the vanquished party to air the dirty laundry and reconfigure the power structure for future prospects. Remember: The 2012 campaign begins on November 5, 2008.
***UPDATE***: Christian Science Monitor reports senior advisors for the McCain campaign are distancing themselves from Governor Palin. Palin, in turn, is distancing herself from John McCain's policies.
A Senior Moment
After denouncing Rush Limbaugh's latest round of race-baiting with the volume of a mouse fart ("Do you agree with Rush Limbaugh?" ". . . no."), John McCain proudly notes the five former secretaries of state that endorse his candidacy: Henry Kissinger, Jim Baker, Larry Eagleburger, Al Haig and . . . and . . . and . . . sigh, some other dude. From Meet The Press this morning:
It makes you wonder whether John McCain is fit to . . . GEORGE SHULTZ . . . THAT'S IT . . .GEORGE SHULTZ . . . ALMOST A GAFFE . . . BUT I REMEMBER . . . GEORGE SHULTZ . . . THE GREAT GEORGE SHULTZ . . . 8 DAYS TO GO . . . MUST . . . KEEP . . . SENILITY . . . AT BAY!
It makes you wonder whether John McCain is fit to . . . GEORGE SHULTZ . . . THAT'S IT . . .GEORGE SHULTZ . . . ALMOST A GAFFE . . . BUT I REMEMBER . . . GEORGE SHULTZ . . . THE GREAT GEORGE SHULTZ . . . 8 DAYS TO GO . . . MUST . . . KEEP . . . SENILITY . . . AT BAY!
A Grim Karl Rove
Going into the last week of the election, the Architect assesses Senator McCain's path to victory as a "very steep hill to climb."
The View . . . Of Stupidity
Nails on a chalkboard:
Thanks for breathing life back into a big RNC boo-boo no one was talking about anymore. And thanks for that gender-baiting frosting to cap off your stupid cake. Delish!
With friends like Elisabeth Hasselbeck . . .
***UPDATE***: Thought the resurrection of "fasion-gate" (hahaha) was a bit odd. Apparently, the move did not come down from on high. CNN reports:
A senior adviser to John McCain told CNN's Dana Bash that the comments about her wardrobe "were not the remarks we sent to her plane this morning." Palin did not discuss the wardrobe story at her rally in Kissimmee later in the day.
But in Tampa, Palin happily broached the clothing issue after being introduced by "The View" co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who accused Palin's opponents of being "fixated on her wardrobe" and "deliberately sexist."
That opened the door for Palin to weigh in on a topic that has frustrated the candidate and her advisers since the story first broke five days ago.
"This whole thing with the wardrobe, you know I have tried to just ignore it because it is so ridiculous, but I am glad now that Elisabeth brought it up, cause it gives me an opportunity without the filter of the media to get to tell you the whole clothes thing," she said.
"Those clothes, they are not my property. Just like the lighting and the staging and everything else that the RNC purchased, I'm not taking them with me. I am back to wearing my own clothes from my favorite consignment shop in Anchorage, Alaska. You'd think — not that I would even have to address the issue because, as Elisabeth is suggesting, the double standard here it's — gosh, we don't even want to waste our time."
Ah, I see the "brains" portion of the Republican Party is taking the reins. Excellent. Look forward to your next bulletin. That Obama was born in Kenya story might have some legs. Just pitching in.
Thanks for breathing life back into a big RNC boo-boo no one was talking about anymore. And thanks for that gender-baiting frosting to cap off your stupid cake. Delish!
With friends like Elisabeth Hasselbeck . . .
***UPDATE***: Thought the resurrection of "fasion-gate" (hahaha) was a bit odd. Apparently, the move did not come down from on high. CNN reports:
A senior adviser to John McCain told CNN's Dana Bash that the comments about her wardrobe "were not the remarks we sent to her plane this morning." Palin did not discuss the wardrobe story at her rally in Kissimmee later in the day.
But in Tampa, Palin happily broached the clothing issue after being introduced by "The View" co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who accused Palin's opponents of being "fixated on her wardrobe" and "deliberately sexist."
That opened the door for Palin to weigh in on a topic that has frustrated the candidate and her advisers since the story first broke five days ago.
"This whole thing with the wardrobe, you know I have tried to just ignore it because it is so ridiculous, but I am glad now that Elisabeth brought it up, cause it gives me an opportunity without the filter of the media to get to tell you the whole clothes thing," she said.
"Those clothes, they are not my property. Just like the lighting and the staging and everything else that the RNC purchased, I'm not taking them with me. I am back to wearing my own clothes from my favorite consignment shop in Anchorage, Alaska. You'd think — not that I would even have to address the issue because, as Elisabeth is suggesting, the double standard here it's — gosh, we don't even want to waste our time."
Ah, I see the "brains" portion of the Republican Party is taking the reins. Excellent. Look forward to your next bulletin. That Obama was born in Kenya story might have some legs. Just pitching in.
GOP Gigolo Hugh Hewitt Declares Bill Ayers An "Advisor" to Barack Obama
I'm pretty eager to get a good night's rest. But then the intellectual charlatans now practically running McCain's sputtering campaign just refuse to let me sleep.Fine. Let's make this brief: Hugh Hewitt is a hebetudinous pig of a commentator and an out-and-out liar. After ignoring the white noise of standard GOP twaddle, my ears perk up as Hewitt offers this dirty fable on Hannity & Colmes: "I often hear in Barack Obama's rhetoric and especially in the rhetoric of some of his advisers Bill Ayers . . ." Pressed that Ayers is, of course, not an advisor to Barack Obama, Hewitt prattles on "he might not be an advisor this year . . . he has a 20 year relationship with Barack Obama."
Repugnant and typical. Even if Barack Obama is elected and elected by a sizable margin - ie., the empirics of a political mandate - GOP hitmen like Hewitt will never embrace him as President and will never accept a unified citizenry trying to work together despite ideological differences. The unthoughtful demagogues of dying Rovian conservatism will tear this country asunder for sh*ts and giggles.
Feigned torpidity, America - the righty hacks play dumb just long enough to stand corrected, but not before foisting their flimflam upon the audience and scoring points. Fortunately for the rest of us, everyone at Fox News or watching Fox News is either irredeemably in the Republican tank or playing watchdog to keep them honest. A forum for independent or undecided voters it is not.
Still, you say things enough times and the Orwellian dystopia emerges turning four fingers into five.
9 Days. Fight it. Earmuff it till the voting booth if you have to.
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