Political Punch

Ryan C and others:

Okay, I have been making fun of the columns for two days...the set actually looked pretty good with all the people, lights, etc., not overdone at all, very tasteful...I am a McCain supporter BTW (not a republican, though)

I think on its own in an empty stadium the set looked very strange...oh well.

Sorry Barack!

I noticed the kiss on Jill Biden. I found it a little over the top you might say. A hug or a kiss on the cheek would have done just fine. Odd that the cool and aloof Obama got some warmth right here, right now.

The Greek colums fit into the Obama narrative - he is larger than history other wise expressed as "he himself is change enough".

Obama and his Greek colummns are all the change you wil ever see.

Ok so I'm watching the convention. Why did everyone make a big deal out of the columns. I think the stage looks great and not overdone.

I just discovered that in my haste to dash off an earlier post, I left out its entire point.

I think the columns are meant to evoke the Lincoln Memorial and MLK's speech, and that it's entirely fitting to have that double layer of history behind Obama as he *makes* history.

"I noticed that sloppy kiss he planted on Biden's missus and almost fell out of my chair!

What I find interesting is that all of the news reporters missed it AND the guys that were filming it.(??)"
-----
They DIDN't miss it -- it seems that it's a day off for the "campaign", courtesy of McCain, while the "post-partisan" pretty-boy polays out his Greek tragedy-pageant in the football stadium.

Maybe he'll wear the Kenyan tribal dress again. That was sooo cute, and it would go with the decor -- which, like the Roman version, presumably will now be a no-ladies-on-stage production.

Ryan:

Okay, personal attack aside. Not sure where you are getting the fraud thing. I thought this exchange was in good humor...

I didn't say the columns were "presumptuous." I said they were "obnoxious," meaning that I don't like obvious messages designed to make me "comfortable" with a candidate. To me it would be like McCain walking out with a Ben Franklin impersonator...("Back when McCain was a Founding Father"...) or Bush's "Homeland Security"...(can we not call it "National Security" or something less imperial?)

My initial post wasn't an "argument," it was my personal take on the backdrop...you can't make an "argument" against my subjective tastes.

...I think you can argue that neither McCain or Obama were "presumptuous" for allowing or sending political allies to visit Georgia or both were, or one was and the other wasn't, but that issue is not related to the backdrop designed by Britney Spears' set designer.

Yes, I criticized the columns, I don't like them for Obama. I don't like them for McCain. I don't like them. I also, subjectively, believe it was a mistake to go that direction...I thought the republicans choosing their convention dates around 9/11 in 2004 and in NY was extraordinarily cheesy...different, yes, but cheesy, maybe more so.

You like the columns/Rose Garden/Lincoln Memorial facade, I don't. That's fine, like them all you want...just don't try to convince me that they are the bee's knees under pain of being called a fraud.

What say I?

I say that the columns are intended to evoke those of the Lincoln Memorial, on whose steps Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech 45 years ago today.

Anyone notice what the stock market did today based the the VP expectations on McCains annoucement!! WOW

Wade,

Your argument on the columns was partially made that he was being presumptuous.

I offered an example of far more presumption of the Presidency on McCain's part.

You said you did not care about McCain but Obama and columns well you claimed you did not care but went onto offer various slams.

All I did is show what a fraud you are.

McCain lovers

(I'm talking to you, yes you sir in the back, I know most of the room hates Obama rather than loves McCain)

There are still plenty of ticket available for free to see McCain announce his VP tomorrow.

Feel the excitement that Pawlenty brings to the table!

Revel in the camaraderie between McCain and Romney!

I'm really bothered that Obama's setup for his speech looks too much like the one for George Bush in 2004.

You have to go to the Rasmussen report page and read the following article: Hillary Can't Fix What Her Party Broke. This is a little piece from it. I think this article hits it right on about how the alienated Hillary women are feeling and why we are feeling the way we are feeling.

The Democrats clearly have a hooligan problem. It was as though their left-wingers suffered a kind of Karl Rove envy. They wanted to go on the attack, demonize a Clinton and hurl abuse at the Clinton's friends. Only a year ago, Vanity Fair ran a cover story on how Clinton hatred had infected much of the right wing. The left seems to have grabbed the baton. And it apparently did not dawn on the Obama shock troops that they were offending the very people their man might someday need.

He made his bed now let'em sleep. I hope he loses big time in November! Good Riddance to the Chicago thug Obama!

Obama campaign is so full of it. Bush had nothing near this in the arena he was in and he WAS THE PRESIDENT AT THE TIME. I know Denzil there loves to play the Prez AND ACT AS IF...with Presidential seals and European speeches (he had to lure the crowd there with the most popular German rock band and other entertainment and beer), but this ain't a movie and AMERICANS ARE TOO SMART FOR THIS FRAUD. Just because liberal media has to shove this pop celebrity at us doesn't mean we grown ups want him near our White House!
HILLARY SUPPORTER FOR McCAIN!

Zaggs,

Biden claims he was invited. The Georgian President did nothing to dispell that. I have no doubt that Biden and he discussed Obama's feelings on the matter.

But did the Obama campaign announce it was sending Joe Biden to Georgia or not?

That is the question. And the answer to that is a clear no.

Ryan C,

Nothing was reported by the AP and elsewhere but what Biden said (look at your own quote), in fact, thats not even reporting its quoting. There has never been confirmation by the AP that Biden was invited. The president specifically said Biden was sent by Obama. If he wasn't there was no reason to mention Obama's name at all. Yet there it is. The only person who could confirm Biden's version is Saakashvili, he did not confirm it and said the exact opposite.
Nor did Saakashvili talk well of Biden, he was mentioned one time in regards to being sent by Obama and assitance, thats all.

Belle - I don't know, but I am going to email that question to a couple of cable news stations. Enquiring minds want to know what happened afterwards! I wonder if I will get an answer?

PUMA!

Zaggs,

It was reported in the ap and elsewhere.

I read your transcript and the President spoke very well of Biden.

Why does it not make sense to invite the chairman of the foreign relations committee. Someone who has been working with Georgia and their President for years.

I'm not saying Lieberman & Graham were unwelcome.

I'm saying McCain tried to play President. Obama's campaign said nothing about this trip.

GOP makes up fake controversy.

Press dutifully reports fake controversy.

Rinse and repeat.

jake,
it makes a difference when the media help frame it the way that the republicans want it framed. if no one had brought up the subject i'm sure most non-partisans wouldn't have noticed or cared.

"I noticed that sloppy kiss he planted on Biden's missus and almost fell out of my chair!"
-----
He should just step down.

"I noticed that sloppy kiss he planted on Biden's missus and almost fell out of my chair!

What I find interesting is that all of the news reporters missed it AND the guys that were filming it.(??)"
-----
They didn't MISS it -- but maybe it's still too hot to handle: presumably The CHANGEling's uber-staff people are pleading with them (demanding, threatening "stuck elevators" and worse) to pretend it didn't happen.

As soon as The Kiss concluded, Mrs. Biden wasn't seen in the shot anymore.

The millions of people who saw it on television aren't gonna FORGET it -- and if any OTHER politician had done such an unbelievable thing, we'd be seeing it on the networks every two minutes from now until the election, along with women from every party and walk of life denouncing it.

Biden's hot-footing it to Georgia? Wonder if he and Mrs. Biden will ever return.

Ryan C,

I'll take the word of the president of Georgia over Biden any day of the week (notice how the only mention comes from the campaign?). Especially since no media got confirmation from Georgia on the lie of the invitation.
On top of that it makes no since to invite 1 senator, especially when Rice was already there, had a press conference with SaakaSvili at which they discussed "massive assistance programs for Georgia from the United States".
Again go the Georgian president's website, august 19th press conference. Right there in all its glory, Obama sent Biden.

I noticed that sloppy kiss he planted on Biden's missus and almost fell out of my chair!

What I find interesting is that all of the news reporters missed it AND the guys that were filming it.(??)

What say you, Jake???

Wade,

The Biden invite was reported via the AP wire.

If McCain's envoys were requested he would have stated so in his announcement.

RW blogs (see hot air)cringed at McCain's move even as they attempted to spin it.

Ryan C,

Biden was NOT INVITED by Saakashvili. Saakashvili himself said in his august 19th press conference (if I put the link its get deleted, its on the president of georgia's website) "By the way I just have conversation with John Biden that was sent here by the senator Obama". Last time I checked sent here by the senator means sent here by the senator, not invited. If Biden had been invited there would be no mention of Obama, yet there it was.

"Did anyone notice that Obama last night referred to Clinton as PRESIDENT BUSH?????"
-----
Did anyone NOT notice that Obama ambushed Biden's wife with an open-mouthed kiss on the mouth?

Did ANYone find that a sane or acceptable thing to do? Bet the Bidens didn't.

Zaggs,

How is it a lie? Biden was requested to go to Georgia and Obama stayed out of it. Obama made no announcement. And obviously Biden was well received by their President.

Lieberman and Graham were specifically dispatched and announced by the McCain campaign as a political move. They didn't announce they were going. McCain did.

Obama whined about being compared to the empty pop star fluff of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. So who did Barackstar choose to design his multi-columned set at Invesco Field? The same team that designed Britney Spear’s last tour!

You can't make up stuff this good, folks!

Ryan C:

Anyway, basis for that outside of a blog or Obama press release?

Either way, it is moot, because you have not evidence that he did NOT request other envoys. Do you really think the Georgian president is going to specifically request Obama's selection and reject McCain's? He is also a Bush friend and ally, right?

Did anyone notice that Obama last night referred to Clinton as PRESIDENT BUSH?????

Zaggs,

The site says if everything the group's lawyer says is true then they may qualify.

So basically you can count on them not qualifying.

I love that someone is thumping their chest about an obviously questionable group.

Again Republicans think the law does not apply to them.

Ryan C,
You should maybe try to read a little harder. The part of political committees accepting donations over $5,000 is only relevant IF the AIP was found to be such a committee. That is what obama has been charging. In fact the site you lists AGREES with AIP that it may very well qualify as a QNC. The telling factor is how much of its money did it spend on political activity. So again as long as they spend 50.1% of their money on non political activity it meets the requirements unlike say the Democratic Legal Council.
By the way how abiding to the law are democrats who keep giving millions of federal tax payer money (economic stimulus and housing bills) to ACORN (which is also employed by the Obama campaign) which is once again found to be engaging in election fraud?

"I could go on and on about the stagecraft employed by Republicans, so, in all honesty, they need to shut up."
-----
What "they need to" means, here, is that "ought to" -- moral judgement being verboten in some political circles -- is being re-defined as a NEED of the OTHER person or entity.

This is one of the most unfortunate abuses of plain English imposed on ordinary speech by the forces of political "correctness", which so censors the language that certain ideas can no longer be expressed.

As for "Republican" stagecraft, Obama's biggest enabler has been Democratic saboteur John Kerry, who tried to impose a "post-partisan" situation in 2004, by asking McCain (who had the sense to refuse, which the Republicans will use when they have a nominee) to be his running mate.

Democrats want to vote for actual Democrats -- this time around, the only real Democratic candidates still standing are Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney.

Wade it appears my comment was deleted (perhaps because I quoted Hot Air?)

But in short.

Biden was requested by the President of Georgia.

McCain dispatched two flunkies in a bald political move.

right wingers--bull --I'm an Indepedent just like David Schuster and Keith Overbite.

Zaggs,

McCain is not President, dispatching Senators is not under his job description.

Again Biden was asked to go by their President.

McCain sent two flunkies.

How much do you think ACORN is getting for stage and sound for tonights affair?

Ryan C,
Both Lieberman and Graham serve on the Armed Services committee which is not only the role that in which they were sent (if anyone had bothered to read the statement) but is also the committee that McCain is the ranking member on.
Being that it is an armed conflict, and has dealings with our military ties to the region (i.e NATO plus training) it would also fall under the purview of the Armed Services committee.

JMMM--if so they had better be real careful--40 years today MLK Jr. said" I have a dream, that someday a man will not be judged by the color of his skin, but by the CONTENT of his CHARACTER".

I haven't gotten a good look at the stage, but I was thinking they may be trying to evoke an image similar to MLK's giving his "I have a dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

I see nothing wrong with the scene they've created. How can it possibly be worse than conscripting the Utah National Guardsmen, who arrived in New Orleans to help the people there, to instead act as a backdrop for Bush? Or the scene straight out of Hollywood they made for Bush's speech in Jackson Square? I could go on and on about the stagecraft employed by Republicans, so, in all honesty, they need to shut up.

Ryan...no answer? Oh well.

BECK - Unlike others, I do actually read what the candidates are proposing and then consider the likelihood of success and the ramifications. Ultimately, Obama's plan to fix problems will raise my taxes and what's the payback on my increased "contribution" to the national wallet? Obama's economic policies would pose obstacles to national employment and growth prospects. His proposed tax on "windfall oil profits" penalizes an industry that makes lower profits than traditional manufacturing, employs millions, and is already a leading investor in alternate energy development. His proposed alternative energy plans includes "requiring" companies over whom he has no authority to do things they either do or do not want to do. His recent flips on Georgia/Russia show how much he has to learn about foreign policy (and I don't want another Pres who's VP is making critical decisions like that). And on and on ... While his promises sound great, they're lacking in foundation to make them work - even if they could get through Congress in the first place.

"The Democratic Party's convention is a HUGE SUCCESS"
-----
Well, at least Mark Warner didn't claim his father was a goat-herd, if that's what constitutes "success" these days.

On the other hand, nobody who saw Obama ambush Biden's wife with an open-mouth kiss on the mouth is EVER going to forget it.

It MIGHT play well with serious male-supremacists whose ideology has no racial content -- if there ARE any.

Most WOMEN who witnessed Obama's soft assault, however -- regardless of color, ideology, etc. -- will NOT like it, and there's no way to undo it, any more than Narcissus can undo calling his own grandmother "a typical white person".

Even the widespread distate for the cheesy stadium set-up ain't gonna make The Kiss go away.

Rick C,
As the law states the group only has to devote a majority (aka 50.1%) of its money to non political purposes and is allowed under the law of the united states (as opposed to Rodina Obama) to air political ads. As long as 50.1% of their money is set aside for voter registration and what not they have broken no laws.

An honest man in politics shines more there than he would elsewhere.

The Sun is shining on America

Obama/Biden 08

Davis--vast right wing conspiracy.

An honest man in politics shines more there than he would elsewhere.

The Sun is shining on America

Obama/Biden 08

"Last I checked Obama was being funded heavily by oil execs"

According to FEC records compiled by open secrets Obama has received almost $423K from oil execs, employess etc. That is about 0.1% of his total donations.

McCain has received over $1,500,000 from the same industry, $200K of that was in the last month alone. That is about 0.9% of his total haul.

One candidate is more dependent upon oil money than the other and his name is John McCain

Another example of Obama's lavish spending habits.

He'll tax us to death just to fund his enormous earmarks.

"Dr. John

a condo or house that you or your spouse own that you can live in."

Can live in or do live in?

How do the condo's in which Cindy's kids live count as "his house"?

How do the investment properties count as "his house"?

No matter how he answered it it was going to be mangled.

Just because its in the RNC talking points doesn't make it news, Jake.

Maybe this isn't hype-- maybe he for real. Sent here to save us all. Think about it.

It's almost as silly as the fake presidential opossum seal. But not as funny.

Not quite as rediculous as the Berlin speech, but just as self-serving.

" I just hope the News Media and ABC will do just as good of a job tearing down every little thing McCain McCain and the Republicans do next week . . .

Davis, May I interest you in a fine beachside condo with Greco-Roman architecture in Sedona?

Obama's ego has gotten the best of him once again.

And it looks like that huge ego has to be fed quite often.

He already has the teenagers, the Hollywood stars, 95% of AA, so exactly who is this supposed to impress?

This won't help Obama connect with the voters already unsure of him.

Joe,
Last I checked Obama was being funded heavily by oil execs. LOL

and Ayre's favorite company Exelon(who practically own Obama and Axelrod)

Davis:

Have you ever seen Princess Bride?

"never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha..."

[Vizzini stops suddenly, and falls dead to the right].

Just saying...

Many voters have been inveigled
by the exaggerated and intensely
promoted military career of
John McCain.

The man is untutored in skillful
diplomacy and the judicious use
of military power when necessary.

His policies will weaken the
armed forces and bankrupt the
economy.

davis- McBush will have no problem filling a 75,000 person stadium, they will order all the nearest military units to send in all the avalible troops to fill in empty seats, of course under the guise of for security purposes.

Posted by: ronnieraygun | Aug 28, 2008 12:36:20 PM

=========================================

Your wrong guy!

There aren't enough troops left on American soil to fill a 75,000 seat stadium, they are all in IRAQ!

THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION WILL BE THE BIGGEST FAILURE OF ALL TIME!!!! WHAT A JOKE THE REPUBLICANS ARE!!!!!!

Here is laughing AT you Republicans!

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!!!

Obama/Biden '08!!!!!

Ryan:

Actually, I don't really care if he wants to portray himself that way. Its not that far off from what another candidate (D or R) might do. I think its cheesy, sorry.

I do think it is a mistake for the Obama campaign to select such a scene...the realistic aspect of the model evokes a temple and a facade. If McCain did it, it would also be cheesy. As before, I don't think the Bush video columns were as...temply...heh.

Also, both candidates sent proxies to Georgia. It is part of the presidential posturing that comes naturally to both sides...so no, I don't care that McCain sent people to Georgia.

He we go again...

The Republicans are WHINING because Obama is POPULAR with the American People!!!

Hmm, he is running for the top job in the country - Shouldn't he be popular with the people??

I just hope the News Media and ABC do just as good of a job tearing down every little thing McCain and the Republicans do next week!

McBush won't even be able to fill his convention hall though. From what I heard none of the Repulicans (especially the ones running for office) want to be anywhere near that place!!!!!

What a JOKE when the Republican candidate doesn't even want to be seen with the Current REPUBLICAN president!!!

FAILURE-FAILURE-FAILURE-FAILURE ALERT!!!

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT A JOKE!!!!!!!!

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!

Vote for true leaders! Vote Obama/Biden!

dsavis Bush will have no problem filling a 75,000 person stadium, they will order all the nearest military units to send in all the avalible troops to fill in empty seats, of course under the guise of for security purposes.

"Just pointing out the hypocrisy, is all. If it was okay for Bush in 2004, why is it not okay for Obama in 2008.

But, the truth is, IOKIYAR (It's Okay If Your A Republican)."

Bingo!

To the rw, John Kerry was unfit because he married money.

John McCain? IOKIYAR.

To the rw, Obama buying a strip of land at market value from a shady character is beyond pale.

John McCain being complicit in the S&L scandals that cost this country BILLIONS? IOKIYAR.

Next week when the Democrats criticize the Republicans, the Republicans will without shame whine about how conventions are supposed to be a ceasefire times.

I wish that McCain would announce his Vee Pee at the same time that Obama is giving his acceptance speech.

What would be the result?

Obama/Biden 08
Yes We Can!!!!

Wade,

So you do not like Obama giving a speech that creates the scene of him being President.

You must really have been steamed when McCain presumptively dispatched Senators Lieberman & Gramm to Georgia as if he were President.

How much is all this costing american taxpayers?

McCain has learned little
from his POW days and his
time as a navy combat pilot.

His distorted worldview sees
war as the only solution to
resolving differences between
nations.

Oh! so if Bush did it first, it's o.k. for Obama to copy it...what happened to "change" dude ??

Obama is becoming more like Bush than McCain!!

The first reporting of the columns of the Temple of Narcissus was that they are ROMAN columns (think: Praetorian Guard, and all that).

Now, the columns are being promoted as "Greek".

Beck-- he'll build the middle class alright but from the top down. Redistribution my friend.Socialism that is.

Gee Greek coloums much like the Parthanon in Athens the birth place of Democracy, so what are you Republicans complaining about????

belle stargazer and G W Bush invested about $175,000. in the Texas Rangers baseball team to turn a profit of about $17 millionm a few short years later, thanks to his Dad's friends. How do you think he got in to the Governor's mansion in Texas, certainly not on his own dime or talent.

Let me summarize this: McCain - finishes destroying the middle class - US crumbles.

Obama - change- fights to revive the middle class of america.

My two cents:

Obviously, the convention organizers did not intend to allude to a Greek temple in which Obama could appear as a god. However, the visual allusion is there, otherwise people wouldn't be noticing it.

Bush 2004: The columns are more figurative and (somewhat) less subtle. They just don't have that..."Spartacus" look...Also, Bush was already president at the time, so the White House imagery might have been more appropriate for him. Obama is not president yet.

Here, it looks like they are building an exact replica of the Rose Garden, complete with press podium. To me, this is obnoxious. Obama's advisors are saying to themselves, "we need to get people used to the visual of Obama in the White House. They aren't comfortable with him yet." Somewhat cheesy ad condescending.

If the columns are meant to invoke King's famous speech, it is hubris. Suggesting that Obama's speech will have the same impact and significance as King's BEFORE the speech is even made? Hubris.

If the columns are meant to invoke a boring run-of-the-mill government building? Boring and cheesy.

Great Democratic convention, The Democrats can be proud of all their achievement, but most of all they are showing the strenght of intellect being used as an instrument in making sound, logical judgements in the resolving of the important issues facing America & the wider world. The Democrats are celebrating their vision of returning America to it's rightful place as an economic giant with a moral core. That's what is really happening at the convention. Celebrate the Change!!

Also for the Republicans that cannot be civil and must try to denegrate what is an absolutely historical and happening moment. Realize nobody loves spoil sports. Try to imagine that respect & decency is something other than words.

Obama/Biden 08

Yes We Can!!!

Belle starr

that is a lie

again a Profit was made on that transaction. so stop

as has been reported from every fact check organization and paper out there (that is not a republican cover)

dl to a Republican if its legal that is all that matters. If its not ethical is of no consequence to them where money is involved, take T Boone Pickens as a fine example. he and his corporate raiders legaly took money out of employee retirement plans then started up a new plan for the retiree's of coures their annuity was cut most of the time by up to 50%, that occured until congress stepped in and changed the regs Reagan allowed changed. Then again the Republicans changed those regulations in the mid 90's when they took congress over. Thats why retiremnt fund mangagers are very careful now not to earn to much on the retirees funds to keep the corporate thieves at bay.

Dr. John

a condo or house that you or your spouse own that you can live in.

"Rezko's wife who bought that adjacent land MADE MONEY off this deal"
----
"Made" $100,000 after SPENDING $600,OOO.

Meanwhile, the Obamas got the only entrance TO the lot, in return for "paying" for a "portion".

He's a pretty-boy mobster. Get over it: vote for Nader. Or McKinney. Or Barr.

Jeff

He could have asked anyone to buy the adjoining lot. THEY MADE A PROFIT BY BUYING THAT LOT!

Obama bought his home with his own money. The adjoining lot was bought by someone he knew and THEY MADE MONEY FROM BUYING IT!

The Mccain's homes...... well we have no idea.

no one does and to say we do ...is a lie.

jeff,
You are correct he admited it but alas nothing illegal was done.

dl-

Define "house"

Define "home"

And I am not kidding.

His POW experience has made
McCain believe that national
security means POW - perpetually
ongoing wars in various places
started by POTUS.

Posted by: Joe | Aug 28, 2008 11:37:24 AM

The economy grew 3.3% last quarter.

Democrats want CHANGE.

I guess that means they want a recession or a depression.

spock

it is not even that they have many homes...

it's that they are asking us to elect a guy who doesn't have the wherewithal to know or be able to explain a basic financial issue like ...how many homes do you own.

event hat would not be a big deal if his policies showed a man who is out of touch with what it is like to struggle in middle class America...and the struggles self made wealthy people had to go through to get to be wealthy.

Do yuo really want a guy who has never had to figure out things with mortgages and loans and housing and ...

ever.

I think kind of have done that for 8 years.

no more presidents born with silver spoons and especially not one that has so little worry or knowledge of personal finance and struggle that he literally can't answer a question about how many homes he owns.

that IS important.