Political Punch

Obama/Biden 08:

1. If we had waited for the Battle of Afghanistan to be over before we acted against Saddam Hussein, he would still be in power today. It would now be 17 years of his failure to comply with the conditions of the 1991 cease fire. Saddam Hussein's Oil for Food program/scam would still be active. Saddam Hussein's men would still be killing, raping and torturing tens of thousands of Iraqis each year. And he would still be paying up to $25,000 to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers which would have meant even more suicide bombings. But even more importantly, the whole world would still be obsessing over his WMDs. It wasn't until we actually went into Iraq that we proved that he had gotten rid of his WMDs. The reason Saddam Hussein refused to comply with the conditions of the cease fire was he wanted his neighbors to continue to believe he still had WMDs. To admit that he no longer had WMDs would take away the power that he had over his neighbors.

And what if the Democrats (President Clinton, Sen. Harry Reid, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Sen. John Kerry, Sen. David Rockefeller, Sec. of State Madeleine Albright, to name a few) had been right, back in 1998, that Saddam Hussein had WMDs and was actively pursuing nuclear weapons, and we waited too long to act?

Finally, had we sent in 100,000 troops into Afghanistan we would have had a lot more than 4,000 casualties. With the terrain in Afghanistan it is better to send in smaller units. Every attempt to send 10,000 troops up into the mountains would have meant half would never have returned home.

I am actually not implying that we are losing in Afghanistan. It is just taking longer to accomplish because so many of the NATO troops have to let the Taliban and al Qaeda roam freely because they are forbidden to fight. The Taliban and al Qaeda are doing a great job of exploiting this weakness.

2. President Bush's approval rating began to fall once we discovered that there were no WMDs. The Democrats and the Liberal Left did a magnificient job in portraying the Bush Administration as a liar. And the mainstream media picked up on it an continued to run with it night after night (and the Liberal Left continues to this day). All of this in spite of the fact that many of these same Democrats who called President Bush a liar, themselves "lied" to the American people about Saddam Hussein having WMDs.

But President Bush's approval rating really tanked following Katrina. Once again the Democrats and the Liberal Left seized the moment and did a great job in portraying President Bush and FEMA as being incompetent in the handling of the aftermath of Katrina. YET President Bush had tried for three days to convince Gov. Blanco to hand over the control of the situation to Homeland Security and FEMA. Bush wanted to send in military troops to assist the situation before Katrina hit, but Gov. Blanco refused. And she then failed to deploy the Louisiana National Guard until a couple of days after Katrina made landfall. Of course the biggest failure was that of New Orleans' Mayor Nagin when he allowed tens of thousands of people to use the Superdome and the Convention Center as a shelter without providing food, water and security.

5. Sen. McCain will sic the "pitbull with lipstick" on the media in due time. She is actually scheduled to appear with ABC's Charles Gibson later this week. He might want to bring some pepper spray!!!

James Danley,

I don't think I am going to change your mind, and conversely you are not going to change mine. The reason all of us blog is not because we think we can change the minds of partisans from each side. Instead, we hope that we can reach some people out there who might still have an open mind. There might not be many out there, but still. Hope springs eternal.

We can stick to our format, I guess.

1. My original point was that Palin has less foreign policy experience than Obama. You stated correctly that Palin has more executive experience than Obama. She does have more executive experience than either Obama or McCain. My follow-up point was that George W. Bush had more executive experience than all of the above, but that did not prevent him to start (or renew, if you prefer) the Iraq war before finishing the war against Al Qaeda in Afghanistan who actually attacked us on 9/11. I think your counter-argument is that we are not winning in Afghanistan because we are not in charge in Afghanistan, NATO is.

The United States is the backbone and muscle of NATO. NATO may be nominally in charge, but American troops are still under the direct command of the U.S. president and his generals. The reason Al Qaeda is making a comeback in Afghanistan is not because there are not enough NATO troops. It is because there are not enough American troops. The reason there are not enough American troops in Afghanistan is that George W. Bush pulled out most of our troops in order to star/renew the war in Iraq. NATO cannot stop us. Who are they kidding. We are NATO.

2. It is true that independents tend to be more conservative than liberal. But they are not as conservative as Bush. Palin, on the other hand, is more conservative than Bush. As I mentioned before, both of them believe the war in Iraq is a task from God. I don't think this is a widely held belief among the independents. There is a reason Bush's approval rating hovers around 30 percent. The conservative Republicans may still be in his corner, but the independents are not.
3. Passage of the Akaka bill will not lead to the secession of Hawaii. There is no popular support for this in Hawaii. According to a blog on the secession movement in Vermont, there are more people in Vermont who support its secession from the U.S. (8%) than any other states in the union, including Hawaii (less than 6 percent of people in Hawaii support its secession from the U.S.) Akaka might think otherwise, but that does not make it true.
5. We both agree that right now Palin appears to be more popular than Obama. I will still argue that people still don't know much about Palin. She might be more popular now, but wait until the media have a chance to examine and publicize her political views. The McCain campaign can't hide her from the media forever.

By the way, if people out there want to talk about something else, please do. No matter how many times we blog here or somewhere else, each of us has only one vote. Remember to vote in November.

Obama/Biden 08:

1. The Battle of Iraq is under American command. Afganistan is mostly a coalition under NATO command, with many of the coalition member countries prohibiting their troops from performing combat duties. They are only allowed to train and perform peace keeping duties. Unless and until NATO hands over the command to the American generals, we have to live with the decisions made by NATO.

2. Independents will be pivotal in the general election. But I disagree with your assessment. Independents are typically slightly more conservative than liberal. However the real key to winning the election will be voter turnout. Now that the Republican Party is fully energized and united, all of the grass root organizations will be in full force as they were in 2000 and 2004.

3. The author of the Native Hawaiin Government Reorganization Act, Sen. Akaka (D-HI), acknowledged that if the bill passed it would very likely result in Hawaii's secession. It was this admission that caused the bill's failure for overriding the filibuster. Both Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden still voted for closure knowing that the bill might result in Hawaii's secession from the Union.

5. Polls do show that Gov. Palin is currently more popular than either Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain. Yes the Republicans did have more viewers in three nights than the Democrats had in four nights. But both Sen. Obama's speech and Sen. McCain's speech drew more viewers than Gov. Palin, with Sen. McCain beating out Sen. Obama by about 500,000 viewers.

James Danley,

You deserve credit for at least being willing to engage in a debate. Most Republican bloggers just repeat talking points.

That being said, I do have some comments in response to what you have said.

1. George W. Bush has more executive experience than Palin, who in turn has more executive experience than McCain. Bush's experience led the US into a war in Iraq, which is still going even though Saddam is already dead, instead of finishing the war in Afghanistan against the original Al Qaeda who actually attacked us on 9/11.
2. This election will be decided by independent voters. McCain, by picking Palin, may have consolidated support from conservatives, but it will turn off the independent voters once Palin's political views become known.
3. The bill in question, The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007, is a legislation that aims to establish a process for native Hawaiians to obtain federal recognition similar to some Native American tribes currently possess. The native American tribes are still in the United States.
4. I don't think you are arguing the point, so I am not going to comment furter.
5. The ability to draw a crowd is not the reason McCain calls Obama a rock star. The Republican National Convention actually drew higher television rating than the Democratic convention this year. That does not make McCain and Palin rock stars. McCain calls Obama a rock star because he is implying Obama's supporters blindly support him without knowing what Obama's positions on the issues are. Well, right now most people have no idea what Palin stands for on the issues, but she is apparently more popular than Obama or McCain, according to the polls.

"Before us we have the opportunity to elect a fresh new leader in Barack Obama but according to the poles we prefer the same old tired leadership."

Darn those poles!

Before us we have the opportunity to elect a fresh new leader in Barack Obama but according to the poles we prefer the same old tired leadership.

If we elect McCain America looses but the democrats win in either case. If this country can stand 4 more years of the Bush administration policies and if there is by the grace of god the opportunity for another election the republicans won't hold office again for the next hundred years.

If McCain is elected we face the possibility of a continuing war in Iraq and Afghanistan and new wars in Iran and Syria and god only knows what kind of conflict he will start with Russia that has already began under the Bush administration. America better wake up to the issues that face this country. John McCain and Sarah Palin are not the hot heads that can solve those issues.

Oh, and by the way, if you are a middle class family and earn nearly five million a year and are willing to sacrifice this country so you can keep an unfair percentage of that income it would be an absolutely no brain-er on your part to vote for Obama.

My goodness I did not know Clinton had all these right wing nuts cases who will now vote GOP and for more years of Corruption.
If Bozo the clown was alive and he was conservative the right wing crazies in the nation would vote for him, in this case her. This choice is an insult to American history. It is a sure thing most combat veterans who have seen the enemy eye to eye will not vote for this pair. McCain does not have my vote. My vote is for real change, not a change from Bush's corporate lobbyists to the McCain corporate lobbyists.

Ryan C, there were as many Democrats as Republicans who claimed that Iraq had WMDs. If you recall, Congress gave President Clinton the authorization for regime change in Iraq--back in 1998--based on Iraq having WMDs. And some of the Democrats stated it was an "imminent threat" back then. The Bush Administration never claimed the threat was imminent. President Bush always said, "before it becomes imminent."

As for your last paragraph, that is totally inaccurate. Joe Wilson actually outed his own wife long before Robert Novak published his column. In his biography in Who's Who, it stated that his wife was "the former Valerie Plame." And Scooter Libby was not pardoned. His sentence was commuted.

"2b. Most American's do not understand nor have they even read the 2002 Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq. We invaded Iraq in 2003 because Saddam Hussein violated the conditions of the 1991 cease fire for 12 years. Bush rescinded the cease fire and resumed the 1991 Gulf War"

I actually agree with that first statement.

I never considered Iraq to be an "illegal" war but it does make me laugh that people rely on its legality. Remind me of another regime that was a stickler for war being legal.

The American people thought the war was about protecting them from WMDs.

They were told that by the Bush admin. The Bush admin has been shown to have omitted facts, relied on demostrated false info and outrgiht lies told to the American people and the world.

They even exposed the identity of a covert CIA agent as retaliation for being called on their BS. Scooter Libby was of course pardoned. Having a VP staffer on trial for treason is bad PR.

You won't catch me backing Obama. No Obama, no way and no how. I see Clinton v. Palin in 2012 after McCain/Palin slaughter St. Obama/Biden in 2008. Thanks Obama, DNC and MSM for handing the Presidency to the Republicans again this year with your chosen one.

Albert:
If my posts were not deleted I might get
more information to maybe change my mind, but everytime I post someone seems to think maybe they are too honest.

Obama/Biden 08?

1. Sen. Obama has NO executive experience. Gov. Palin has 6 years as Mayor and 20 months as Governor.

2a. Gov. Palin being a strong conservative is what has united the Republican Party around the McCain-Palin ticket.

2b. Most American's do not understand nor have they even read the 2002 Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq. We invaded Iraq in 2003 because Saddam Hussein violated the conditions of the 1991 cease fire for 12 years. Bush rescinded the cease fire and resumed the 1991 Gulf War.

3. Sen. Obama actually VOTED for closure on a bill in 2006 that had it passed would have likely lead to the secession of Hawaii from the Union.

4. FACT: Sen. Clinton did whine...she actually shed a tear or two when she complained about her opponents ganging up on her just prior to the New Hampshire primary.

5. Wow you are equating Gov. Palin to Sen. Obama! I wouldn't go that far, since Gov. Palin only spoke in front of 20,000 people in St. Paul, MN. Sen. Obama spoke to over 200,000 in Germany and 84,000 in Denver, CO. Hmmm! Sorry, 20,000 do not a rock star make--yet!

With both conventions over, one thing is clear. McCain/Palin are not afraid to challenge their own party to drive the change that is needed. Obama did just the opposite--his convention speech was a recitation of tired, old democratic ideas founded on his belief that government should involve itself more deeply in our lives. His choice of Biden, who has spent the last 30 + years up on capitol hill, is perfect. Two equivocating, bloviating lawyers are better than one, right?

Hey Belle Star,

I came up with one more Carter accomplishment, the Community Reinvestment Act. Want to know where the subprime lending mess started? Look no further.

Enjoy!

MEW:

Palin believes that the war in Iraq is a plan from God. She must come out of hiding and speak to media. This Palin train is doomed to derail

Jayhawk, are you at it again??? Wow, you must LOVE drama! Wishing you the best...and...may your upcoming posts reflect honesty, accuracy...and heart.

The bounce from the Republican National convention won't last. Historically bounces from the national conventions do not last. The important things are the polls in the states. Obama is still ahead in electoral votes projections on CNN and other websites.

The Palin pick undermines too many of McCain arguments against Obama:

1. McCain has been attacking Obama for months on his inexperience. Palin has less foreign policy experience (zero) than Obama. Obama at least serves on the Foreign Relations Committee and has actually talked with foreign leaders.
2. Palin is more conservative than McCain. She is more conservative than Bush. She said that the war in Iraq was a task from God. Unlike the Bush conservatives who still think the Iraq war is justified and who enthusiastically support Palin, most Americans believe the Iraq war is a mistake, regardless of the success of the surge.
3. Palin's husband was a member of Alaska Independence Party (AIP), which wants to secede from the United States. Palin sent a video to the AIP convention this year praising the AIP for their good work. This is worse than anything Michelle Obama has said.
4. Palin attacked Hillary Clinton for whining about criticism from media. That will not help with Hillary's supporters.
5. McCain has been attacking Obama's popularity and rock-star status for months. This did not preventing him from picking a rock star from his party in Palin. Now she is more popular than he is. Maybe the ticket should be Palin/McCain.

Obama/Biden 08

INTERESTING!!

RealClear Politics Poll Average of the latest 5 polls to come out -- McCain up by 3.2%.

CNN -- Tie (48-48)

Hotline/FD Tracking -- Tie (44-44)

Rasmussen Tracking -- McCain by 1 (48-47)

Gallup Tracking -- McCain by 5 (49-44)

USA Today/Gallup -- McCain by 10 (54-44)

Belle Star,

You have an interesting persective on history. The Nixon price controls sent shockwaves through the economy to the degree that they were quickly removed. Please remind me of what Carter did? When I think of Carter all can I remember are gas lines, 18% mortgages, hostages, a hobbled military and Camp David. Oh, and he gets a lot of credit for the Reagan revolution as well.

He should have picked Hillary. I hope women who are thinking of voting for Mccain will vote for Nader/Gonzalez.

To ROFL,

We actually agree on many things. I too am greatly concerned about our economy but we differ on the root causes of the current conditions and what to do about it. The bail out is very troublesome but not nearly as troublesome as defecit spending.

We need to re-enact Graham-Ruddman to ensure a balanced budget every year. The Congress, both Republican and Democrat controlled, has spent money like drunken sailors the past eight years and not just on the military. For better or for worse we are Constitutional bound to provide for the common defense but even that spending must have limits. On the social spending side, the Medicare/Medicaid pharmaceutical subsidy was another huge mistake. We're at least 50% invested in a socialist medical system, we might as well go all the way with a Swiss-like system in my opinion.

I like this...Mcain is ahead and its called a lead...Ok Obama was aheadfor months and it was called "Dead Heat" Its still a tie and we still haven't heard from Sarah Baracuda!!

Also, Gallup is evangelical and Rasmussen is Republican what do you expect the truth@!!!

Nothing has changed with NO MCCAIN-PALIN

"Why didn't the Democrats stand united and stop the [Iraq war] bill from passing in the Senate?"
----
For the same reason they went along with the Patriot Act, and sat on the info about "torture". They've got no guts.

"Moving on, once we were there and could not find any WMD, what should we have done?"
-----
That the Congress didn't move as one to impeach Cheney and Bush, and imprison their associates, shows why we need a NEW Congress.

It was in this gutless ambience that McCain stood up to "his" party on torture.

"No Belle, what will McCain do for this country......the economy, homes being forclosed, issues like that."
-----
Who knows? We can hope he'll declare that the people have been so dispossessed by "bipartisan" corporate humbuggery -- nobody's forgotten Enron, after all -- that he's changing the system completely, and investing the reparations in national health, green public housing, and universal higher education for whoever wants it. Maybe he'll initiate a guaranteed annual income, as even the evil Richard Nixon tried to do.

One thing we know for sure is that the "post-partisan" Democrats aren't going to do diddly -- just as they have since 2006. The last Democrat who actually DID anything was Jimmy Carter.

The American public must have the shortest memory span of any developed nation. This is the party that has brought you trickle down economics it has proven does not work. Look at all the jobs shipped overseas, people losing their houses, economy in the trash can. Even John McCain admits, "The Republican Party Has Lost It's Way". What the American people are suppose to give them four more years to find themselves. Come on America, wake up. You're better than this!

No Belle, what will McCain do for this country......the economy, homes being forclosed, issues like that.

"Belle, what do you think McCain will do for you?"
-----
Stand up to the fascist elements who infest the "Republican" party -- something the "post-partisan" Democrats manifestly will NOT do.

When the far right and the "left" -- which Obama claims to be, depending on his audience -- join hands to flummox ordinary people, you get ... Jonestown. Whole states are run this way.

It's not incredibly difficult to believe that Palin and McCain just MIGHT go for reform. They've done so before. Obama, on the other hand, got his start from mobsters and the corporate players on the "left" who brought down the social movement of the sixties.

The finger of blame for this economy needs to be pointed at 1.) the administration that waged a bull-caca trillion dollar war that it had no way to pay for, 2.) the administration that continues to sell out the American worker in order to maximize the profits of the huge corporations that back it, 3.) the administration that continues to be more interested in the imposing democracy on those that don't want it than enforcing it right here at home, 4.) the administration that is using tax payers to bail out the risk-takers on Wall Street.

We are in such a huge world of poop right now, that I honestly don't know how we will ever recover.

indy_voter,

For the sake of argument I'll stipulate your point that we never should have gone to war. But at the risk of oversimplifying history, a majority of the House (Rep majority) and Senate (Dem majority) decided to authorize military action (H.J. Res 114, 107th Congress) so it went forward. Then and there was the best time to nip the whole thing in the bud. Why didn't the Democrats stand united and stop the bill from passing in the Senate?

Moving on, once we were there and could not find any WMD, what should we have done?

Hey Woody,

Surely your last posting was more a comparison of context rather than content? Churchill was warning of Nazi dangers when he was out of office, does that make his judgement any lesser?

When Hunter Biden WAS just out of school, the company wouldn't reveal what he was paid for what ...

One thing in McCain's favor is that his wife has LOTS of money.

Belle, what do you think McCain will do for you?

"(AP) A son of Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden was paid an undisclosed amount of money as a consultant by MBNA, the largest employer in Delaware, during the years the senator supported legislation that was promoted by the credit card industry and opposed by consumer groups."
-----
The Biden boys remind one of the Bush boys, really. Why did The CHANGEling, who bitches about credit cards when it suits the audience, tie up with Biden ANYway? Hunter Biden's just out of school, and according to National Review, neither Biden nor MBNA will say just what he does, how much he's paid, etc.

Change we can live without.

It's interesting to get a take from the other side of the pond.

I watched a new documentary on IDSC (a new cable channel) over the weekend about 9/11 called "Secrets of 9/11". I found it quite fascinating, as the events and timelines were reconstructed all the way back to the WTC bombings in the 90s. It's pretty apparent that the system failed us miserably, with Clinton not pulling the trigger to get Bin Laden when he had the chance, and Bush dropping the proverbial ball and ignoring the Al Queda threat until it was too late. What I found fascinating was the testimony that immediately following 9/11, that the Bush WH wanted to strike back hard at Iraq because they had more "targets of interest". They finally gave in to Afghanistan, but only on the condition that Iraq would be next. I think we all know what happened next.
Now we taxpayers are the ones stuck paying for his trillion dollar game of BS and machismo. It was sickening to me to watch the blatant exploitation of 9/11 at the RNC to drive home how the Boogie-man is still out to get us. Nevermind that thanks to this administration, we are now the most vehemently hated country in the world, a sentiment that will only deepen further when we put another pair of warmongers back in the WH.

Rob,

A civil, discourse. Shocking! ;-)

Here's my take on why Obama's anti-war stance and McCain's surge support are not equivalent. Being a state senator from Chicago and denouncing anything that any Republican does at any level is about as predictable as the sun rising in the east. I challenge anyone to honestly say they paid any attention to Obama declaring he was against the war when he said it in 2002. He and his statement were totally irrelavent. Similarly, my entire state legislature passed a resolution denouncing the invasion, slapped each other on the back and adjourned to the nearest steakhouse feeling very good about themselves.

On the floor of the U.S. House of Reps or the U.S. Senate your vote actually means something when deciding whether or not to send troops into harm's way. Only those two bodies can 1) appropriate the funds for the war and 2) approve or reject said appropriations. You must stand and be counted before the nation. Do you see the difference in real terms and politically?

Jayhawk

Again it is not Obama or McCain...it is you and the future of your children.

It is what America will be 20 years from now.

One of this two will win....it cannot just be anybody. Whoever wins defines the course for the country for the next 20 years.

20 years from now what will you tell someone who asks you the happenings of today and the decisions you made? That is what matters here....

And,

Don't get so worked up that McCain/Palin are pulling ahead in all the polls...

At least, not yet...

Sarah Palin will take center stage with interviews on the major networks...

Tough questions will be asked and answered, but most expect another McCain/Palin surge in the polls...

And, this one may be huge...

Looks like women voters who were looking for an Obama alternative have found a new home...

And, the questions about Old Joe Biden's son,Hunter , MBNA, and his mansion financing continue to grow...

Anybody But Obama...

The finger of blame for the economy needs to be pointed equally at Republicans and Democrats, not just one party...

Lest we forget, the socialist wing of the Democrat party has had control of the Senate and House for the last two years...

And, they have done nothing except whine...

Anybody But Obama...

Well, simply put...history repeats itself.

1968---2008 This may be America's last chance to pull herself up...amid other socialist growing giants who are slowly taking America's place as world leader.

No one has the key to change the course America is taking but her citizens.

The 2008 election has not only drawn crowds, surprises and made history but has also uncovered deep seated divisions, hate, and anger. These are the signs of a nation in pain.

McCain again? 4 more years? I thought 8 seemed a lot...maybe not. So he is now the new change agent it seems. Republicans are good at blindfolding...using fear tactics to make their win. The brainwash is so deep non of us seem to realize that for 8 years his party has been at the helm of the insane destruction of America's iconic middle-class...the back bone of her very existence.

Well...maybe it may take another 12 years before we feel the pain we have not yet felt. How sad.

History gives us a moment in time when things happen gradually....then history gives us a chance to change the moment of time, and finally the choice to act...when we put all these things together...we define these changes, choices and chances as a moment of history itself.

What were we paying for gas in 2000 again?

hmmm...the world is watching....

I'll take this with a grain of salt, this is no more then the post convention bump. McCain did not gain that much of a bump either. Obama will be back on top very soon, add the debates and he (Obama) will be way, double digets ahead.

Hey Woody,

Goodness me, we've found something to AGREE on! ;-) I absolutely agree that the problems in the Middle East were conceived by meddling western leaders drawing lines on maps. Britain can take a huge dose of the blame for that, in their post-Empire-but-still-didn't-believe-it days. As to Joe Biden's suggestion of partition, I'm not really qualified to an opinion on that other than to say I cannot see any region in the world where partition has caused anything but more trouble.

Now our agreement ends I'm afraid.

When John McCain says he supported the surge, even to the detriment of his own political ambitions, we supposed to nod admiringly and say how BRAVE, how SAGE. However, when Obama did something very similar by opposing the war in the first place, his decision is derided. Why? And that is an honest question. From this side of the pond it just seems illogical.

As to your comments on whether or not I should be trying to change the policies of Great Britain, rather than sticking my nose into US affairs, 1) I'm way to unimportant to be able to change anything, and 2) I'm sorry I thought we were just having a discussion. ;-)

Without a doubt McCain will bring change to Washington. Very much like the changes Hitler brought to Germany, and Stalin to Russia. If McCain wins there wiil be a mass exodus from this country, especially of scientists. We have had quite enough, thanks very much, of 20 years of Republican racism, misogyny, anti-intellectualism, war-mongering and fraud. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !

Woody,
McCain likes to talk about the surge....We should never have in Iraq to begin with...Republicans were in charge browbeating the America public after 9/11 into taking out Saddam. The war is a waste and will never be won because it should never have been fought in the first place. Obama was right on that and the rest were wrong. That is not hindsight..

David H,
Give me a break! He picks a women merely to score political points and now tries to say he is a reformer? After all the condescending, and sneering remarks made by Republicans during and after the convention? McCain is following the same old politics that he supposedly wants to reform. As for Palin being a reformer....exactly, what is it she is going to reform and how? Oh, we don't know because she is afraid to be interviewed and besides, she doesn't know the VP does on a daily basis.

Why are people taking it out on Obama?
What wrong did he do? he followed the rules, he did what he was asked, Clinton also followed the rules but her supporters in 2 states tried to break the rules. Rules of the DNC are not set to deny the American public the right to vote but are set so that there can be order as the country has 50 states. I thought we learned from 2004. What will it take Americans to realize that at times the country becomes more important than the individual? So we trash Obama, he is the bad guy because Hillary did not win...Hillary herself asked Americans a very decent question "were you in this for me or for the mom with 3 kids who has to work nights to feed her children..." Obama has nothing to loose...he will go back to his senate job...Hillary has nothing to loose she has made history and will go back to her senate job. We are the ones at risk...after November we will go back to our day and night jobs...crossing fingers hoping the dreaded day does not come when your boss tells you that the company will be moving to China. Even if you will not vote for Obama...remember...the election is not Obama it is about you and your children s future.

McCain's VP pick shows he is committed to reform in Washington, while Obama (the so-called change agent) picked a VP who is firmly tied to the Washington business-as-usual establishment. McCain wins on the VP pick.

The Democrats rolled out the same old party hacks in their convention, and Obama's acceptance speech was a bore, delivered against an over-the-top Hollywood backdrop. McCain's speech was deadening, but Palin's speech accomplished something no other Republican was able to do: electrify the base. Score another for McCain.

In the debates Palin will skewer Biden. Take a look at her Alaskan debates to see how she handles blowhard politicians.

Hard to predict what McCain will do against Obama in their debates. Still, McCain does better in an unscripted format, and he is the genuine article. Obama does well only in front of a teleprompter intoning vague platitudes, and Obama is basically a golem constructed by the DNC out of old parts from the party platform. The debates will likely favor McCain.

270 Electoral votes needed to win.

Obama 273

McCain 265

To Rob,

Apology accepted, no worries.

Does one example of leadership based on principle mean McCain "knows how to win wars"? No, but it's a very good start. Of course McCain didn't have much direct influence with getting the Sunni's and others too cooperate. The credit largely goes to Petreus with an assist from 40,000 additional troops. It's tough to walk (and talk) softly if you don't have a big stick to carry around. BTW, Biden supported carving up Iraq into 3 states. Isn't that how we got into this sectarian mess in the first place, western leaders drawing lines on maps?

Now, how does McCain's opponent stack up in this arena? All he's said is, "I opposed the war from the start." He wasn't even in Congress at the time! Also, that was very much the minority opinion at the time, going against Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and the UN Security Council as well as many others both Democrat and Republican.

Lastly, I'm sorry your nation feels it can no longer control its own future and is tied to the hip of America. You are certainly entitled to your opinion of our electoral process and we as citizens are entitled to ignore it. Perhaps your criticisms are directed at the wrong target. It seems to me your priority should be at directing change from within your own government if the reality of British interdependence on US policy is untenable to you.

Michelle Obama: For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm really proud of my country...
______________________________________

Cringeworthy. Michelle here are two suggestions and while I realize that America has done a lot to not be proud of consider:

1. The way our people helped one another during September 11th
The courage of the people on flight 93

2. The opening of the Holocaust Museum on the Washington Mall

3. The day I was the first person in my family to get a college degree.

Before I go here's a message for George Stephanopoulos:
SHAME ON YOU ! ! Your shameful partisanship was on display for all to see this past Sunday, you have lost all credibility. Your demeanor was hostile in the extreme. Your anger was palpable and astoundingly unproffessional. You revealed Obama as a man who is in complete control of himself, and the issues, while making yourself look like a fool. If ABC retains you the Dems will win in another landslide like 1964 when Dems crushed another radical-right wingnut from Arizona by the name of Barry Goldwater. Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it.

Mary Anne,
The Clinton years were the richest in decades yet Democrats lost the 2000 election. You want to support McCain fine....but don't bring up crap that the party should have bowed down to the Clintons. That type of attidude is the reason I am not a Democrat. .

Samantha,
Be careful what you ask for....you just might get it....a tired old man in office with pretty woman as VP who knows nothing about the federal government's domestic policy or foreign policy...And won't be questioned because the media is too mean and unfair....You strive for medicrity you will hit your target....It happened the last two elections...Haven't Republicans screwed this country up enough for you?

Indy_voter:

Nope, nope and nope! The Clintons did not get what deserved which is respect. This country enjoyed the richest decade in all of its history when Bill Clinton was President. And, they were treated disrespectfully and the voters will NOT forget this on election day! This is what the obama fanatics aren't getting. They think we are a bunch of angry white women. There are so many other demographics in our group and they are just not getting it at all. But, that's good for us because we want McCain elected in November and not Obama!

Mary Anne .... hmmmmm not really

I know how unreliable polls are.

Mary Anne

what are you guys going to do with hannity?

Let's see Omentum if Obama was leading you'd be listing every darn poll available to you. But McCain gets the lead and you know what I think? I think you are what you accuse the women supporters of Hillary Clinton are.

The Clintons got what they deserved. Why should they get deference? If it wasn't for Bill's dalliences Democrats would have won in 2000 and we would not have suffered through Mr. Incompetence. I am not a Democrat because I do not think they have always been true to who they are. However, I am not Republican because I truly believe they don't give a damn about working people and have been subverted by social conservatives.

Yes, and we outnumber you young guys so we'll see who gets elected in November.

I see Olbermann and Matthews got demoted for their big mouths. It is about time! Now, I want to see Anderson Cooper and a few others get it too who bashed Hillary relentlessly during the primary season.

Sorry to Omentum.. I meant Woody.

Indy_voter, keep your dream on until November 04, day dreamers. My dream is over after DEM convention. I might go to the poll to vote for McCain/Palin ticket or stay home on the election day.

Don't you just love it that the Obama junkies are so disrupted over McCain's lead in the polls? Oh, this is just so wonderful!Enjoy the polls today my Obama obsessed bloggers! lolololol

Stock_craft

I am ready to pull out the crayons to try and explain this to you. YOU ARE NOT GETTING IT.

I have no qualms with Palin. She is an innocent bystander that was taken advantage for political gain.

I have serious issue with your candidate.

PALIN IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THE ARGUMENT.

The teacher asked Johnny to give her a Blue crayon

Johnny gave the teacher a red crayon

The problem is not fault of the red crayon... the problem is with Johnny.

Mary Anne, 18 million voted for Obama and 18 million voted for Hillary. Someone had to lose.

Biden is as old of a man as McCain so that is not great thing! Get off it! you guys are just grasping at straws because you don't like it that Obama is behind in the polls! And, we are loving it! Good riddance to bad rubbish! I hope Obama gets trounced in November! Maybe next time they'll tell their candidate to keep his mouth shut and tell him not to insult a stalwart of the Dem party like Bill Clinton or women candidates!

Keep right on posting, my friend, as I think there are plenty of open-minded Americans out there that welcome the opinions of our allies.

Honestly, I don't get Omentum's stance that a Brit's opinion doesn't matter. You would think a guy with such a strong protectionist stance wouldn't be backing a guy who thinks shipping American jobs overseas is a fine thing.

I don't want the loudest new mouth in town to lead. Those folks are always half bottle, especially during crunch time. I want a maverick who is capable of playing the system efficiently AND effectively. He/she might put me to sleep as soon as speeches begin, but if that's the price to victory, we should pay for it, gladly. And no, Washington ain't going to change, structurally impossible. Stop dreaming. Hire someone to play games, not music. P.S. One VP pick, and McCain knocked out Obama's constant lead. That takes skills.

stock_craft,
Talk about Biden all you want....He is fair game. Any politician who is running is. They all need to be held accountable. The way that is done is by asking them questions. McCain, Obama, and Biden have all been questioned. Why not Palin?

Indy_voter:

The Democratic party has become a sham and that is why so many Dems are voting for McCain. It is like we have Republican number 1 and Republican number 2 running. The left wing of the Dems attacked the Clintons this past year, with Obama leading the charge, and that is when they lost this loyal Democrat! We are voting for McCain to send the Dems a message loud and clear. Clean up your act and go back to our old ideals or you will keep losing us every election! It's as simple as that! I am voting straight Republican this year because I am that disgusted and people who know me well say they think the world as we know it is coming to an end when I vote Republican. I am fed up with the Democratic party's strong arming us to vote for Obama after themselves and Obama ran the Clintons into the ground. And, Hillary campaigning does not sweeten the deal for me. I will NEVER vote for that little elitist Obama. He blew it with his big mouth. He had us until he pulled the race card on Bill Clinton and began bashing Hillary. It is his own fault. He was a traitor to his own party because he couldn't keep his humongous mouth shut and keep everyone united! So, put the blame on him. Unless of course, you think it was okay for him to treat Hillary and Bill Clinton and the women voters the way he did.If that's the case, than I really hope he loses big time in November because it couldn't happen to a nicer guy! NOT!

"I will always focus on the top of the ticket and so do most of the Americans. You are one of the special, keep your dream on"

Again, focus on whomever you want. Until Palin speaks I will focus on her. McCain displayed who he really is by picking her. A shameless politician and no reformer...

Omentum post: “I am focusing on the top of the ticket too”
Very good. So stop criticizes Palin from now on. So far, we didn’t mention Biden very much on this Blogs. I think it’s a good sign.