Political Punch

No room in the republician party for me and the people that smeared Mc Cain in 2000, so I'm gone and won't be back. But, I had to support Johnny Mac and Sara cause Barrack said he will sign the freedom of choice act. I support giving a women a real choice! Child support at conception. Take the burden off the women and men need to man up. No longer let a guy say "abort the child or your on your own". Then, if a women wants to abort their isn't much I can do, but they pay for it themselves. Keep your right privacy private. No taxpayer funds for abortions. We are free to choose, but not free to choose the consequences.

No worse than Obama bringing on Biden.
It's clear politicians first and foremost want to WIN and will do whatever it takes.

"Mike" speaks the truth.

I have been hoping that Obama might confront McCain in one of the debates about why he hired Rove's boys, particularly Eskew, to work for him. It says a lot about McCain's character that he would hire Eskew after what he and others did to attack McCain, his wife, and his adopted daughter in the 2000 SC Primary.

What response could McCain give that would not make him look bad in some way or another?

McCain has fallen down into the gutter with the rest of the republicans

You can see Tucker Eskew's hand behind the recent "Obama pals with terrorists" comment from Palin. This is going to be a long, ugly month as Eskew gears up to try to trash Obama in any way he can.

McCain is no longer even in this race. The campaign is being run by Schmidt and Eskew, just like Bush's campaigns were run by Rove, Schmidt and Eskew.

Well, I am not going to say Obama is pure of heart either. But, as many have said before me, this is not the McCain of 2000, for whom I would have considered casting my vote. This is now "the real McCain". This is a man at the end of his career who knows this is his last, best shot at his life's goal - to be on that list of men (so far) who have been called The Leader of the Free World. He is a frightened old man who has sold his sold to Karl Rove and his cronies in order to achieve what Rove and his cronies stopped him from achieving in 2000. Many have wondered though, why Palin? The obvious seemed to be to bring back the Evangelicals to the GOP, and maybe buy a few Clinton votes from issue blind women who see a woman in a suit and assume she should be in office. But try this one - Mr. McCain does have a "Doctrine" of his own, however much it may resemble Bush's. He doesn't want a VP in there that, like Mr. Cheney, knows all the right people and can manipulate legislation and corporates with a single phone call. When Palin's name came to the table - sometimes I wonder if it started as a joke and then someone took the idea seriously - he thought "Ah, here is someone without any Washington experience or connections, after the election just put her in the corner and let her look pretty and hope he lives long enough to make it through eight years and let the GOP figure out where to go from there.". Imagine McCain's shock when Sarah, asked about what the position of Vice President entails, brought her vision of expanding the powers of the office of Vice President - and we thought she wasn't paying attention - as V.P. Cheney has... I don't know about you all, but I got a chill up my spine. Imagine, Cheney, with a Christian Dominionist (look up 'Joel's Army' on the net, add Palin's name in the search line and enjoy) agenda - YIKES!

Obama who once looked to his pastor and church for guidance. Now has left the church and denounced his mentor. All because the need to be president was more important than his friends and church.

And you Liberals are questioning McCain.

Priceless.

To those delusional people who think Palin has way more experience than Obama, consider this: the most votes Palin has garnered is around 100,000 versus more than 18,000,000 for Obama in the primary elections. As Olberman put it last night, she was mayor of a city smaller than the bleacher section of Wrigley field. The more we learn about how she actually "ran" the city going from budget surpluses to deficits, tapped huge earmarks and used her office for settling personal scores, the less we are going to think of her. Within 2 short years as Governor, she is already embroiled in 2 ethics probes. Which is par for course for GOP types.

I suppose hiring despicable characters who smeared you in the past is the new politics. What does it say? "I want to win at all costs?". McCain has shown singular lack of judgment and character. But since he saw Bush win with the same flaws in 2000, he's going to keep emulating his role model.

As a mother or 2 teenage girls, I cannot in good conscience vote for McCain and Palin. I am personally pro-life but Sare palin just scares me. She goes way beyond just being pro-life but she doesn't believe in any exceptions in cases of rape or incest or if the mother's life is in danger. She does not believe in sex education or contraception. That is really scary. I do not trust this woman running any part of our government that has control over public policy. Sad to say I will be voting democratic for the first time this year. I want my daughters to move forward along with the rest of the world, not go backwards.

As an independent voter, I had been giving a lot of thought on voting for McCain. I have always admired his independent, going back to the 2000 campaign. When he announced his VP, I was just shocked. For someone to be running on experience and judgment and then pick someone who is nowhere near ready to be president as your VP, that is just poor judgment. It seems like he was putting politics before country. At this point I was thinking twice about voting for him although my wife was still excited. After all the dirt on Palin and now this story, we have made up our minds that we will be voting for Obama/Biden and so are my parents. I am convinced that McCain will do and say anything to be president and that's not what we are looking for in our next commander in cheif.

"He's one of the best and most collaborative talents in Republican politics," McCain senior adviser Nicolle Wallace told Politico, speaking of Eskew. "He also has a wit and an ability to turn a phrase like no one I've ever met before." In other words, just the kind of Scumbag we like.

satan palin is a traitor to our great nation. she has advocated alaska leaving the union. and according to members of the AIP she still harbors those feelings. vote for mccain if you prefer to see one less star on our flag. SATAN PALIN IS A TRAITOR TO AMERICA and ABRAHAM LINCOLN who tried to preserve the union.

Anything to win...

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICAN LIES.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICAN POWER.

This year,

DEMOCRATS ALL THE WAY!!!

Wow. McCain VP staff comes to work four days after he picks the VP. Obama's VP staff was sitting around for weeks waiting for the nominee.

Now who's ready to lead the country?

Figures. McCain is in it for McCain. Whatever it takes. The old school Republicans in Arizona don't particulary like McCain. Back in 1992 McCain called his wife Cindy a c---. All you have to do is google three words: "McCain Calls Cindy" and you will see the book called The Real McCain. I for one have serious problems with his vp pick. Too bad his team didn't do their research before naming Palin to the ticket. But I guess they are too busy planning their next nasty attack on Obama.
Hey, did you know that McCain was called 'McNasty' in high school?
I am voting for Obama/ Biden.

He's pure slime and worst. Do we need a senile freak like him? NOOOOO! This country is hosed if he become president.

I'm waiting for the demon to jump out of his cheek.

Now *that's* what I call standing on principle.

After all the attacks by Romney on McCain during the Primary.....No way, he picks him. The democrats would have a field day.

Alison:

I think if she drops out he Picks Romney. That is who Rove wants.

Did anyone think that McCain would run an honest campaign? I didn't think so.

Now does anyone think that McCain has shown his evil side yet?

Stay tuned.... It's gonna get a lot more UGLY.

Geevill: actually, the "Um" and "uh's" mean that he is always thinking. You need to remember he Teaches "Constitutional Law" And was President of the "Harvard Law Review" you don't get that by being stupid.

McCain is not a Man. He let's people insult his family then he kisses their butts.

Yep, hiring Tucker makes sense to me. Of course the GOP would hire someone who had smeared them before, just to make sure they stay on the 'right' side - no pun intended. It also explains why Tucker seems supportive of Palin, even when it appeared as if his sure if his body language didn't agree with what his mouth was saying.

By selecting Palin, it has stirred up a lot of attention. . . . so if spotlight was the desired effect, that was achieved. Unfortunately some people do not read about the issues in depth and consider the risks and outcomes. I have grave concerns about her limited experience, limited education (Only a bachelor's degree), limited exposure to world cultures, etc., could spell disaster on the world front, as a representative leader for the US, even as a VP. Furthermore, the idea that she could become Pres is frightening.

Tucker can put charming words in her ears, and she might be able to smile, sing and dance as suggested, but that will not make her a leader in my book. I expect much more depth in my leaders. None are perfect, but let's at least require a better starting track record for our potential leaders.

As for what the journalist or pundits say - they can stir the pot and make a lot of unnecessary noise.
Let's stick to the facts; check the slant of your resources and insist on complete facts. Several comments made on this blog have slammed Obama for statements that he didn't even say. Be careful what you read. Be careful what you believe. Your thoughts might become your deeds (voting) and then you will have to live with the results.

Why is 1/3rd of the Republican party named Tucker?

Why would they hire Eskew for Palin?

What are the chances that Sarah Palin is going to be withdrawing her name from consideration for VP and Eskew is being brought in to "turn a phrase" that casts blame for her withdrawal on Obama?

It would be a lie, but they have found that lies work pretty well for them.

I would say that Bristol Palin's private life was cast into a bright light by her own mother.

Why didn't Gov. Palin produce medical records, or a portion of the record, or doctor/nurse statements to prove that she is the mother? Why would she expose her daughter when there must be other ways to prove parentage?

Now watch.... I think they will now throw Sarah under the bus too, and blame Obama. The question will be whether the mainstream media regurgitates their lie or whether they will shine their light on the truth.

Why would they hire Eskew for Palin?

What are the chances that Sarah Palin is going to be withdrawing her name from consideration for VP and Eskew is being brought in to "turn a phrase" that casts blame for her withdrawal on Obama?

It would be a lie, but they have found that lies work pretty well for them.

I would say that Bristol Palin's private life was cast into a bright light by her own mother.

Why didn't Gov. Palin produce medical records, or a portion of the record, or doctor/nurse statements to prove that she is the mother? Why would she expose her daughter when there must be other ways to prove parentage?

Now watch.... I think they will now throw Sarah under the bus too, and blame Obama. The question will be whether the mainstream media regurgitates their lie or whether they will shine their light on the truth.

Hey Kevin,

America has already met Jeremiah Wright and William Ayres and...yawned.

Is McCain thinking of what effect he is having of the US or is he only interested in winning the office of President? We've endured years of smears...do we need more?

As a lifelong Republican I'm totally dismayed by McCain's actions this past week. I'm sad to say I'm done with him.

WHAT does this choice say about MCCAIN'S JUDGMENT?? It tells me he is NO MAVERICK! He CAVED under pressure from CHARLIE BLACK and the right wing and did not choose Joe Lieberman who certainly IS EXPERIENCED! Instead he chose PALIN who ADMITS she has no interest in foreign policy!! No opinion on Iraq!! He was making a POLITICAL decision, going for his base and Hillary voters. Forget the COUNTRY'S WELFARE if he should die in office - NO, THIS IS THE ANTITHESIS of a MAVERICK!! THIS IS A COWARD who won't even stand up to Charlie Black!!! HOW can he be trusted to stand up for AMERICA if he is THAT WEAK and MALEABLE??? I am a republican and this is highly offensive to me.

How low do you go? It sounds like desperation, fear and last ditch efforts to justify ignoring good party advice perhaps from watching too many movies such as Working Girl and Pretty Woman. Sad.

FUD.

For those who don't know what it means, it is Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt.

Watch out for FUD, McCain's slinging it all over town.

Karl Rove picked Palin and told Pandering John that he could not have his choice of VP, either Kaine, Romney, or Lieberman.

Karl Rove told John McCain what to do and he DID IT.

That says a lot about a McCain administration. No thanks.

As a lifetime Republican it pains me to say this: maybe Obama is a better candidate. This Palin thing threw me for a loop. I mean, c'mon, nobody is immortal. If John dies, or is incapacitated, does anybody REALLY think she could take over and run OUR COUNTRY.

I may not vote for Obama, but I'm no longer voting for McCain. I guess I'll stay home.

How sad that McCain has diminished himself so much and seems poised to lower himself even further. It would have been far better for him to have been remembered as an honorable man who was the victim of Rovian smears and hate than to now be the perpetrator of the same division, hate and deceit.

He will be remembered as a tragic figure, regardless of the outcome of the election

HAHAHA! Wow, McCain's "look everyone, a woman vp!" tactic didn't give him a bump in the polls and now he's scared. Anyone that would put a dollar in Eskew's pocket doesn't care about truth and doesn't care about honor.

New Headline:
McCain Hires every lobbyist in the country to fully staff his campaign. Even those that he fired already for having controversial ties.

As a Republican, I just can't do it. Even if McCain makes her withdraw, McCain's judgment is poor. No wonder he got shot down. He made wrong choice then he's making the wrong choice now. And the choice is being POTUS. No way. No how. No McCain.

Wow, McCain will do ANYTHING to win. What a loser, begging for help from those people.

Mary,

If your intent was to bring a chuckle to those who read your post ... well, you succeeded.

"largest state in the union" LOL

Alaska's pop. is about HALF that of the Maryland county I live in ...

Sarah has run the largest state in the union for 18 months. Obama has run his mouth for 12 years. Obama only fit to be president of the local strip club. Palin has ther experience for the office of the President of the USA.

Eskew was Lee Atwater's boy during the 80s. Seems like they trained him well. Anyway, Eskew has just gotten what he deserves! Let's see him work out of this bag!

McGovern:Eagleton::McCain:Palin

Hearing folks defending Palin by claiming Commander of the Alaskan National Guard is embarrassing and they have my sympathies. You're really reaching there, and it's completely out of desperation.

Regarding the blog topic at hand, this further shows you how McCain has changed and how he's sold his soul and any honor. The man hires somebody who was very responsible in smearing him and his family with gutter lies. At the time it was enough to make McCain to want to leave the Republican Party, eight years later he's reaching out to that same person.

I've seen MANY comments along the lines "what happened to McSame since 2000"?, ...

IMVHO, he was a phony THEN and he's a PHONY NOW! NOTHING has changed.

This really is bothering me. If McCain dies Palin becomes president. I am tired of the "Bush I do not know what is going on president". I cannot vote for McCain with Palin as his VP. I will tell all my friends do not vote for McCain with Palin as VP. Anyone who votes for McCain with Palin as VP is making a big mistake.

I do not want Palin to withdraw...neither does Osamam bin ladin...neither does Vladimir Putin

I think he might be Commander in Chief of Michelle. So sorry I mis spoke.

Ryan C - Obama has not been the Commander in Chief of anything.

Can't be a Commander in Chief of The Alaska National Guard without a Security Clearance.

Ryan C - She does have a Security Clearance so she has been investigated by the FBI. So don't be telling stories that are not true.

This gives Democrats an opening to revisit Eskews criticism of McCain from 2000. His involvement as one of the Keating Five is pertinent information for voters in 2008.

Women Against Media, Open your eyes sweetie, Obama HAS been vetted. It's this idiot Palin and idiot McCain that cant get their act together. Really, a corrupt Gov and soon to be grandma was the best the GOP could do........dont be mad your party is full of idiots.

BADGER, because his church is old news. No one cares anymore..

The latest People magazine has a photo of the combined McCain/Palin families. Where is Bridget, the McCain adopted daughter and the subject of the 2000 smear? Where is Bridget at all the TV photo ops? Where is Bridget at their speeches? They trot out their white daughter, Megan, but where is Bridget? Will Bridget make an appearance finally at the convention? Could it be the McCains are pandering to the racist vote? Aren't the McCains worried that by hiring this smear merchant people will discuss the 2000 smear again and therefore wonder about Bridget?

Sarah Palin will drop out before the week is over. Time to make some money on this sleazey, right wing extremist, and liar VP. Market is Predicting that Sarah Palin will withdraw. The same martket that predicted long ago that Biden would the VP for Obama. Put your monies where your mouth. I am putting onr gram on this.

Tucker Eskew is a pig who picks on children for personal gain. The fact that John McShame has now had to go crawling after him for his services says plenty about the "maverick's" integrity.

Sick.Sad.Pathetic.Little.Man

"Lies? You have a warped sense of reality."

Actually here in the reality based universe, we regard the Ayers & Rezko things as silly mud slinging that has been disproven.

Only in the right wing echo chamber does that garbage live on.

"Vetting, I believe that is done by the FBI or some other type of goverment law enforcement agency. Should be the same process as a Security Clearance"

FBI vets AFTER being elected.

FBI spokesperson said as much yesterday.

And why did they respond?

Because the McCain campaign (specifically Davis) claimed she was vetted by the FBI.

That is called a lie.

McCane --I really think he is mentally ill.
There is no doubt there is something seriously wrong with that guys gray-matter.
Same can be said for all Neocons.

The American public has already met Rezko, Wright and Ayers. Republicans, is there anyone else you got?? Because if there isn't, you all are in some BIG trouble! Obama has been through the Wright, Rezko and Ayers wringers already, these old instant replays won't play any better than they did for Hillary Clinton.

It is truly becoming obvious that McBush is a total MORON in every sense of the word.

Jiff

"Hahaha! You gotta love the regurgitating Wright, Ayers, Rezko lies and smears...that's so rich. "

Lies? You have a warped sense of reality.

As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his folly.
Proverbs 26:11 (NIV)

Smart man. Look out Barry.

Linda - "A woman he now calls his partner and soulmate."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Would that not be the same as completing his ticket. There are several meanings for SoulMate. I just doe not mean love, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality. It can mean friendship,and/or compatibility.

Vetting, I believe that is done by the FBI or some other type of goverment law enforcement agency. Should be the same process as a Security Clearance.

I'm not beholding to the Dems.or Repubs. I vote for who I think is the best and hold most in respect on how they handle themselfs on issuses and character. John you lost some of my respect today for hiring this guy. I would have kicked his ass if he had said anything about one of my kids and that Sir would have given me more respect for you than all the talk either of you 2 canidates put out.

AuHOH wrote: "Clearly the Obama crew has had their undies in a big (Gordian class) knot since McCain started bringing in..."

Oh, man, are you ever in for a disappointing decade or so...

Palin is a Maverick, Very right wing supporter of earmarks & corrupt Republicans, and most importantly flip flops exactly like McCain!(She Her other points of interests are Abuse of powers, Secession of Alaska from U.S. member of Alaska Independence Party, not a clue on foreign policy or even an interest in it.16 month Executive expierience as governor. President Bush has 71/2 years executive expierience as president. executive expierience is not a guarantee of intelligence, judgement or political fitness.

Is she really the best Rep VP candidate
they could find?

McCain is displaying his lack of judgement for the whole country to see.

Outrageous that McCain would put his personal ambitions ahead of the best interests of America! Shameful & Dangerous is McCain!

Hiring the same guy who dragged his adopted daughter through the mud...?
WOW, that's what I'd call backbone, John Mccain, ever the maverick!!!!
Hope he expects the same respect for the poor USA as he demands for his adopted daughter.

Hahaha! You gotta love the regurgitating Wright, Ayers, Rezko lies and smears...that's so rich.
Face it, your candidate is weak and irrational. The "maverick" caved to Dobson and picked the worst running mate imaginable. Everyday there's new gaffe, scandal, and/or flipflop from McCain and all you guys can do is give us Obama reruns??

Pick the sane solution where country is truly first (not party first):

Obama/Biden 08

I am a republican, life-long for that matter.
I am deeply embarrased by the way McCain made this VP choice.
A woman he met once for 15 minutes at a govenors meeting just before offering her the VP slot. A woman he now calls his partner and soulmate. This is getting weirder by the day, reminds me of Bush and Putin. McCain I am a woman and cannot vote for you.Your behavior is reckless and your judgement in doubt. I will have to vote for the Democrat this year I watched both of them on 60 minutes last sunday and I liked what I saw and heard. In your first real test of what you would do as president, you failed.

I think the American people now realize that republicans are great at winning elections buy lousy at running the country. The American people: Not as dumb as you would like us to be.

Yup he won't even go to his own cave!!!!
Somebody else is gonna do that job!!!!!!!!
OK guyz Now the campaign is REALLY starting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is your pride Mc CAIN gone?????

It appears McCain wanted Lieberman but was talked out of it in order to pick the worst VP candidate in history.

This is the leadership the Republican party is known for!

Obama is about to find out that what goes around comes around. America will meet William Ayres and Jeremiah Wright.

I feel bad for Palin.

McCain has been peeing in the media pool this election cycle. He's running nothing but nasty ads and smears.

And now he invites Sarah in to take a dip with him.

He's just using her... and her family is going to suffer because he needs some votes.

The only logical reason Mccain would have chosen Sarah Palin as his VP would be to solidfy his evangelical base. And that's what he's done.

So HOW does this make him a "maverick?" He's no longer a "maverick." He's a slave to his base, and to the George Bush agenda.

McCain should be blamed for the media attention the 17 year old is getting. He has been in politics long enough to know that if the press gets a hold of a scandal, they are going to publish it.

John McCain is a self-righteous pig!!

He is the one who put is political ambitions ahead of a 17 years old privacy!!

Does John McCain believe in anything anymore? It looks like he is just a craven and calculating politician who will say or do anything for political power. This is not putting your country first.

Once again McCain has put Politics FIRST and Country LAST

He is a disaster of a candidate

And so much for Palin being a reformer

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 1 -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin employed a lobbying firm to secure almost $27 million in federal earmarks for a town of 6,700 residents while she was its mayor, according to an analysis by an independent government watchdog group.

Clearly the Obama crew has had their undies in a big (Gordian class) knot since McCain started bringing in those who have sat at the right hand of the Father (Rove) in January. Schmidt actually took over the campaign in July and Obama has been taking incoming ever since. (The rapid, effective, "Race Card" accusation by McCain after Obama talked about not looking like the guys on the dollar.) The campaign is clearly back on their heels and off their feed. See Burton's opening salvo on Pistol Packin Palin and Obama/Biden's embarrassing retraction. The addition of Eskew, who would be considered a little "rough" even by Rove's street fighter standards, offer's the Obama forces skant comfort or joy! Unlike most of the top Democrat strategists (0 for the last Century Shrum, "Tank", hmm, sounds good to me Estrich), I place Axelrod at the top levels of current Political Strategists. His efforts in the primary (caucus strategy, change vs inevitability, capitalizing upon a less than objective media, working the DNC) in whuppin a tough, seasoned crew of Clintonistas were a joy to behold. But in my opinion, they made it by the skin of their teeth. Couple more weeks, couple more primaries and Hillary gets the nod! Axelrod is good, but given the strength his ticket, he can't match up with the Rove boys. The campaign and their liberal pundit pals know that. That’s why they’re bent out of shape over Eskew.

So since is this from the same sleazy Rove led group, can I assume that instead of hearing push polls? MCCAIN, YOU REALLY REALLY TRULY HAVE NO MORALS WHATSOEVER! This is almost as bad as what you did to your first wife, and shows just as much bad judgement as your VP pick and offerring Cindy up at a topless biker contest. Pity the fool that votes for McSame.

The Republican spin machine is an amazing thing to watch, although anyone with a little common sense can readily discern the BS and lies pouring out of this propaganda device. Watching the pious G.O.P. Delegates on TV talking about prayer and respect for the Hurricane Victims and reading the stories about the behind