Political Punch

Are we still pretending that McCain has great judgement?

So ACORN Barry pays off the boys sent to register the dead Chicago style to the tune of $800k, but it shouldn't matter. He hangs with Terrorists who bomb the Capitol an try to kill people and don't care, but it shouldn't matter. He takes $250,000 from Tony Rezko a Syrian convicted of political fraud, but it shouldn't matter. He has the same dirtbag Rezko buy his house for him, but it shouldn't matter. His spiritual leader is a scum bag anti-American, racist preacher, but it shouldn't matter. He hangs around with Nancy Pelosi, the worst speaker of the house in the history of the United States but it shouldn't matter. He takes a couple of hundred grand from Fannie Mae to look the other way so they could melt down the entire world economy, but it doesn't matter. He kisses butt on two financial terrorists, Chris Dodd and fat boy Barney Frank, but it shouldn't matter. He bums cigarettes from bystanders but tells his wife he quit smoking, but it doesn't matter. He's a lying creep. It does matter. Oh, I guess that's racist, huh?

Thank you, COncerned in Ohio. Obama has shown a pattern of bad judgment and of doing and saying whatever fits his political needs of the moment. (Here I am thinking of examples like his pledge to take public financing when that sounded popular, then opting out when that would help him get more money and an advantage in the election) How Terri can think that voting for Obama would be good for the future of her children is beyond me. For MY children's sake, I will vote McCain. These are treacherous times and we need McCain's leadership.

Well, no, Jake, McCain does not FOCUS on Ayers to the exclusion of the economy. At his rallies and interviews, he has been hammering home his points about the economic mess, esp. his mortgage plan, as well as mentioning, in a much briefer portion of his remarks, William Ayers and what Obama's association with that man says about the candidate. McCain can do more than one thing at a time, after all. Problem is, the media only focuses on the Ayers part, carrying water for the Obama team and their insistence that McCain is trying to change the subject. If you do not report the complete sweep of his remarks, you are doing not only McCain but the American people who expect impartial and complete coverage from you, a disservice.

It is simple really-a vote for McCain is a giant step backwards in time, a vote for Obama is a giant step into our childrens future!! I am a 52 year old mom and I am for Obama and my childs future!!

Keith,

Are you telling a joke? Sorry, it is not funny.

It's been interesting to see how lexical analysis software indicates that Ayers is the ghost writer for Obama's "Dreams From My Father" book.

As you are watching the blitz of Obama ads remember that is your life savings funding his campaign courtesy of his friends in New York and San Francisco.

I hope Obama sends you a check in the mail but I sincerely doubt it. He will be keeping your money for another run at the Presidency.

Sen. Obama had a DIRECT INVOLVEMENT in today's financial crisis.

Here are some excerpts from The New York Post's article dated Sept. 29, 2008 by Stanley Kurtz (I recommend reading the entire article):

"ONE key pioneer of ACORN's subprime-loan shakedown racket was Madeline Talbott - an activist with extensive ties to Barack Obama. She was also in on the ground floor of the disastrous turn in Fannie Mae's mortgage policies."
__________
"IT would be tough to find an 'on the ground' community organizer more closely tied to the subprime-mortgage fiasco than Madeline Talbott. And no one has been more supportive of Madeline Talbott than Barack Obama.

"When Obama was just a budding community organizer in Chicago, Talbott was so impressed that she asked him to train her personal staff."
__________
"In those years (early 1990s), he also conducted leadership-training seminars for ACORN's up-and-coming organizers. That is, Obama was training the army of ACORN organizers who participated in Madeline Talbott's drive against Chicago banks.

"More than that, Obama was funding them. As he rose to a leadership role at Chicago's Woods Fund, he became the most powerful voice on the foundation's board for supporting ACORN and other community organizers. In 1995, the Woods Fund substantially expanded its funding of community orgaizers - and Obama chaired the committee that urged and manage the shift."
__________
"The Woods Fund report makes it clear Obama was fully aware of the intimidation tactics used by ACORN's Madeline Talbott in her pioneering efforts to force banks to suspend their usual cred standards. Yet he supported Talbott in every conceivable way. He trained her personal staff and other aspiring ACORN leaders, he consulted with her extensively, and he arranged a major boost in foundation funding for her efforts."
__________
"IN short, to understand the roots of the subprime-mortgate crisis, look to ACORN's Madeline Talbott. And to see how Talbott was able to work her mischief, look to Barack Obama."
__________

And this is the man you want to be our next president?

This campaign has really gone sour and I think Senator McCain, if he continues with his personal attacks on Senator Obama will all but eliminate any chance he may have of winning this election. Senator McCain has consistantly given the impression of the mad little boy who keeps bad mouthing the other boy in an attempt to draw him out into a fight when it's obvious a fight should be and can be avoided. It's very immature and most Americans feel it is immature and don't like it. That's why McCain should stop it immediately if it's not already to late. Senator Obama is and has been reacting for the most part the only way he possibly could. In addition, it's been clear Senator In retaliation, Senator Obama has brought up old questons regarding McCains past as well and to be honest, they warrant concern as well. Still, Senator Obama has continued to show respect for Senator McCain in their debates while Senator McCain has shown himself to be deliberately disrepectful to Senator Obama. In their second televised debate, Senator McCain deliberately paced back in forth behind Senator Obama and made faces to the people in attendence. All of this was seen on television and it was despicable of him to do this. Again, it was very rude, disrepectful and extremely immature. I for one do not want anyone as my President who cannot control his anger and conduct themself as a professional at all times. What would a person like this be capable of when dealing with people from all over the world? I think Sentor McCain is a very dangerous man. I'm not saying I support Sentor Obama either even though a choice will have to be made between the two. Senator Obama currently has me on his side almost soley because he chose Senator Biden as his running mate. I have the utmost respect for Senator Biden and feel he has always conducted himelf above board and proven himself to be a professional. On the other hand, Senator McCain has selected as a running mate a person with very questionable ethics in terms of events surrounding her past which needs more clarity before any consideration could be given their side. In addition, Governor Palin has also displayed her desire to play dirty politics as well. Senator Biden is the only person in this whole campaign right now based on what I do know about these candidates who deserves to be there. I am not happy to learn Senator Obama's affiliation with Ayers either and yet to some degree Senator Obama has provided a reasonable defense concerning the situation. Still, it doesn't look good at best! But, he also had a problem with the church that he was a member of and the church's own admission as far as their political agenda. Again, Senator Obama said he was unaware of this and I find it disconcerting that he seems to always be cluesless of these serious issues surround his affiliations. I'm uncomfortable with it at the very least! So, both sides have issues of great concern, but, even if they cancelled each other out with between Senator McCain and Senator Obama, Senator Biden swings the pendulum in their favor as Governor Palin was not a sound choice for a running mate.

Who is John McCain? Failed to provide complete medical records. Failed to provide complete military records, so far 19 pages out of approx 600. US Council for Freedom??? Gordon Liddy?? Charles Keating??? Corroborated with the enemy & was called a hero while some enlisted pow's with less corroboration where
court-martialed. Introduced legislation to keep secret various documented reports of pow's left behind. Did everything he could to prevent their return. Did not show up or voted no on the last 10 bills that addressed veterans. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
John McCain is a semi-senile empty suit who left his honor on the side of the road. He is unfit to be president.

The GOP took a snippit of Obamas response in the Clinton debate in Phil.; "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood" as if that is all he said, and then tried to spin it.. the full response, when asked about it was:

"OBAMA: George, but this is an example of what I'm talking about. This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who's a professor of English in Chicago who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He's not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.

And the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn't make much sense, George.

The fact is that I'm also friendly with Tom Coburn, one of the most conservative Republicans in the United States Senate, who, during his campaign, once said that it might be appropriate to apply the death penalty to those who carried out abortions.

Do I need to apologize for Mr. Coburn's statements? Because I certainly don't agree with those, either.

So this kind of game in which anybody who I know, regardless of how flimsy the relationship is, that somehow their ideas could be attributed to me, I think the American people are smarter than that. They're not going to suggest somehow that that is reflective of my views, because it obviously isn't".

So can we now get back to issues? Oh, thats right.. McCain can't even defend his own stance so he doesn't have anything left but to attack and hope that he can pull another swift-boat campaign.

Don't forget...The Annenbergs gave Bill Ayers $49.2 Millions dollars for the grant proposal that Ayers wrote for the Chicago Annenberg Challenge. John McCain has accepted campaign donations from the Annenbergs. So thinking like a Neo-Con, McCain is accepting money from know terrorist sympathizers!!! Shame on you McCain!!

well, at least we know what mccain is doing about it. he wants to find out the truth about ayers.

mccain's plan was george bushes plan.

with the dow down below 9000, the us economy in the tank, and mccain only wants to talk about bill ayers.

mccain what is your plan to help this country out of this mess?

With the Dow below 9000 what are Dems proposing to do about it? What bills are they now pushing though Congress?

Other than blame Republicans, the silence is deafening.

re Post by: MLA | Oct 9, 2008 11:17:40 PM

Unfortunately, Alice Palmer does not agree with your position.

And she was there.

Market Update for you Jake:

Tokyo (Nikkei) now down over 10%.
Hong Kong down over 8%
Korea down over 7.5%

Another bad day for those whose assets (401k's) are diversified in international funds.

Oh, and Jakarta's market is closed for the 3rd straight day after taking 2 10% drops this week.

And what is John McCain's economic plan by the way?

Oh, that's right. John's plan is to rely on Cindy to pay the bills.

Jake, are the McCain's adopting any more kids? I'm over 40 and my 201k could use a rescue!!!

"Ayers, who hosted a coffee get-together for Obama in 1995"

Jake, I'm disappointed. This isn't accurate. The event Ayers hosted was actually for Alice Palmer when she announced that she was running for Congress. She invited Obama to attend so she could introduce Obama to her supporters. Obama apparently didn't know about Ayers' past at the time.

This info has been out there for some time; the whole "Ayers hosted a campaign event for Obama" narrative is factually incorrect.

Here's your headline ABC:

MCCAIN SUPPORTERS UPSET BECAUSE OBAMA WORKS HARD AND SUCCEEDS

FEAR SUCCESSFUL MAN WILL ENTER OFFICE AND DO A GOOD JOB

It appears from the recent news broadcasts that the republican "base" consists of a lot of wing nuts and/or born agains who are "connecting" with Palin. Keep these people on the air. That should bring a pile of undecided voters over to Obama/Biden in time for the election.

trying to incite the base.. just like palin and the old lover's boss..

Mr. Tapper,

Wouldn't your references to our ecconomic slide be more appropriate in an article about Obama's relationship with Acorn, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rather than the one with Bill Ayers?

kmccain is the biggest hypocrite ever seen. go read this article, and if you still think he is a man of honor, then vote for the adulterer, raging woman hating, sick self centered creep. He is really dispicable and repulsive and it will be so nice when he and his sick campaign goons are a sad note in history. many repubs in this area have taken down thier mmcain sign. he is losing it, and we are glad. arrogant old fool that he is.

rollingstone make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain/page/7

Charlie Keating, the banker and anti-pornography crusader, would ultimately be convicted on 73 counts of fraud and racketeering for his role in the savings-and-loan scandal of the 1980s. That crisis, much like today's subprime-mortgage meltdown, resulted from misbegotten banking deregulation, and ultimately left taxpayers to pick up a tab of more than $124 billion. Keating, who raised more than $100,000 for McCain's race, lavished the first-term congressman with the kind of political favors that would make Jack Abramoff blush.

McCain and his family took at least nine free trips at Keating's expense, and vacationed nearly every year at the mogul's estate in the Bahamas. There they would spend the days yachting and snorkeling and attending extravagant parties in a world McCain referred to as "Charlie Keating's Shangri-La." Keating also invited Cindy McCain and her father to invest in a real estate venture for which he promised a 26 percent return on investment. They plunked down more than $350,000.

"Just how did Obama make his money? He classifies himself amongst the top 5% of income earners, but how do you get there from being a state senator? A US senator for 3.5 years? What is the source of his wealth?"

He has two best selling books which are the major chunks of his prosperity.

How did John mcCain get his wealth?

Oh yeah he married into it.

As a staunch capitalist I would imagine you would favor Obama packaging and selling his ideas and becoming sucessful at it and look down upon McCain getting a free handout from his wife's family.

"Do you deny that Barack and Michelle halted their presidential campaign to openly campaign for Raila Odina? Yes or No"

Who is Odina?

His name is Raila Odinga.

Since Obama was in Africa in late summer/early fall in 2006 and Obama announced his intention to run for President in Dec, formally doing so a moth or two later, I can safely say Obama did not stop his campaign to campaign for Odinga.

"Do you deny that Raila Odina incited riots in Kenya after losing? Yes or No"

Odinga did not incite riots. People were livid after a fraudulent election followed by the incumbent issuing a media blackout.

"Do you deny that Raila Odina lists himself as a "social democrat." Yes or No"

I am unsure of that but I would not be surprised. BFD, the equivalent of the Democrats in Germany is called the Social Democrats while the GOP equivalent is called the Christian Democrats.

BTW next time you try and hit some one with loaded questions demanding a yes or no answer it helps to

A) Get the basic time frame right

B) Spelling the name of the guy you are smearing correctly

The McCain / Palin rallies are frightening. Of course people have the right to free speech: that's a fundamental right in the Constitution. But shouts of "Kill him" etc., etc.? No. The fact that both of these candidates refuse to take responsibility for the increasing fervor in rallies that are starting to look as if they were being held in Germany in 1933 is an insult to democracy.

Posted by: Wiscon108 | Oct 9, 2008 9:29:59 PM

----------------------------------------

The only thing missing from a McCain/Palin rally are people actually wearing their hoods and sheets.

Palin has the nerve to say "we don't know who Obama is" when he has been campaigning for the past 20 months and these same issues were discussed ad nauseum during the primaries. She's rich talking trash when she herself is being kept from legitimate media so we can't get to know her. Obama has been in the national spotlight for at least 20 months and we just met Palin 6 weeks ago.

Jake --
I think it's horribly irresponsible journalism to be dancing around this Ayers junk when the two biggest issues I see are the economy tanking and the McCain/Plain rallies turning very, very ugly before our eyes.

The hypocrisy of the McCain/Palin is amazing.

McCain appointed someone who would become the least qualified VP in American history, which sure raises questions about his judgment. Especially considering he refuses to allow her to hold a press conference, while saying the press isn't asking enough questions about Obama.

When has Palin answered any questions about:

her involvement with the AIP
why rape victims were billed for their own rape kits in Wasilla
Troopergate
how exactly being near Siberia gives her foreign policy experience
why she went to 5 colleges

to name a tiny few of the many things the American people deserve to know about her.

The purpose of McCain's subterfuge is to take our focus away from the economy and all the lobbyists that works for his campaign. Including his campaign manager, Rick Davis' lobbying firm which was continuing to recieve $15,000 a month in consulting fees from Freddie Mac up until this past office. His top advisor, Charlie Black, who lobbied for foreign murdering dictators....and his other cronies like Carly Fiorina who collected a $42 million golden parachute after she was fired from Hewlett Packard because their stock prices had dropped 50% and 20,000 workers laid off during her reign. Look at who McCain associates himself with. Whose associations have a direct effect on policy and our economy.

Its the bragging about making a windfall on the backs of other's destroyed investments that is Republican.

No I don't brag and I don't whine: that's social democrats (a.k.a. grievance peddlers).

Ryan c,

Just how did Obama make his money? He classifies himself amongst the top 5% of income earners, but how do you get there from being a state senator? A US senator for 3.5 years? What is the source of his wealth?

Also, choose capitalism or socialism, I have: capitalism.

My last post was not fair.

Its not the buying low after the market crashed that is Republican.

Its the bragging about making a windfall on the backs of other's destroyed investments that is Republican.

"Megan, I'm buying right now. The bottom is approaching and I'm ratcheting up.

One thing, when I've made a windfall, I've never complained."

Scavenging the destroyed economy for self gain.

How very Republican

Why is that its racist for Rev Wright to scream god damn america but its not racist for people at McCain rallies to scream Kill Him

"Michelle has chosen to place herself into the political arena. Cindy McCain's drug addiction story, etc. etc.

At least you could be intellectually honest here"

How was I intellectually dishonest?

You lamented not being able to attack a candidate's wife and exploring racially tinged attacks on Obama then complained about how McCain Palin supporters are being characterized as hate mongers.

But if you want to talk wives Cindy McCain just said that her husband didn't have PTSD and that PTSD is something draftees got.

Lovely woman.

Megan, I'm buying right now. The bottom is approaching and I'm ratcheting up.

One thing, when I've made a windfall, I've never complained.

"McCain has never hide his record. It was determined that while his name was mentioned on stationary as being on the board, he never participated in any activities for the organization, wasn't part of its planning or operation."

He sat on the board and he failed to disclose his involvement on mandatory Congressional forms disclosing ties to outside groups.

"It was recently found that Obama belonged to the socialist democrats known as the New Party in Chicago. Obama is listed as a member on numerous artifacts from this organization, yet the Obama campaign denies this to be the case,"

Artifacts = newletters.

The DLC listed Obama as a member too. He was not.

And just 3 months ago the right wing was all excited because they had "discovered" that Obama had received an endorsement from the New Party.

I guess that was too tangential for the right wing so now he's a member.

I can't wait for the various videos of McCain Palin rallies are played non stop and American recoil from being associated with such lunatics.

Daniel,

Guilt by association? And what has Obama been trying to do with McCain --> Bush?

"As I type this on Thursday evening, the Asian markets are open and they're down. The Seoul composite is down nearly 9 percent and the Nikkei is down about 5 percent."

Jake... shouldn't you have typed an alltogether different story then?

Isn't this hypocrisy on your part?

Ryan c,

Michelle has chosen to place herself into the political arena. Cindy McCain's drug addiction story, etc. etc.

At least you could be intellectually honest here.

Why hasn't FOX or anybody for that matter done a one hour special on the Alaska Independence Party??

You know the secessionist group Todd Palin supported up until 2002? Am I to believe that he had no influence on Sarah, his wife??

Guilty by association right? So, is Sarah in favor of Alaska leaving the U.S. of A??

What a great choice she was by McCain.

Ryan c,

Thanks for your question. But look at the distinction. McCain has never hide his record. It was determined that while his name was mentioned on stationary as being on the board, he never participated in any activities for the organization, wasn't part of its planning or operation.

It was recently found that Obama belonged to the socialist democrats known as the New Party in Chicago. Obama is listed as a member on numerous artifacts from this organization, yet the Obama campaign denies this to be the case,

Moreover, unlike Ayers and the Weather Underground, this group has never committed terrorist acts against our nation to which to this day, Ayers remains an unrepentant terrorist.

Conversely, Obama has never been willing to fully disclose the extent of his relationship with Ayers. Instead, he prefers to diminish his joint alliance with Ayers (he's from the neighborhood, his activities occurred when I was 8 years old, etc.)

This despite being hired by Ayers to Chair the CAC which dished out $110M to "third party entities" which was spent on programs to promote the UN as the guiding authority, racial activism, and social justice. It did nothing to improve the woeful academics of Chicago schools.

Ayers hosted the launching party for Obama's campaign. Obama gave a testimonial for Ayers' book, etc. etc.

How could a guy who makes so many horrible judgments be expected to make good ones all of a sudden if he's President?

The guy sat in a church for 20 years but claims he didn't know it was a racist hate filled one.

The guy was bff's with a unrepentant terrorist for decades yet didn't know he was a terrorist.

The guy spent $800,000 for a GOTV effort by an organization that is getting raiding nationwide for voter fraud.

How could a guy with aspirations for the President join the New Party?

"With the markets in turmoil its more important than ever to properly vet the candidates.

Had the MSM done it's job in the primaries, the McCain campaign wouldn't have to be doing it today."

ENOUGH! Enough with all the hand wringing about how McCain has been forced to do this or that.

ENOUGH! McCain has decided to dishonor himself by voiding his bowels on the body politic. It is his decision to incite the mob. It is his decision to go down this most dishonorable of roads.

He has no honor. He has no dignity. He has proven himself unworthy of even contempt.

Here is a scripture for any of these Mob like Republicans that happen to be Evangelicals:

"I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. IN THAT CASE YOU WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THIS WORLD. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother [CHRISTIAN] but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat" 1 Corinthians 5:9-11

The McCain / Palin rallies are frightening. Of course people have the right to free speech: that's a fundamental right in the Constitution. But shouts of "Kill him" etc., etc.? No. The fact that both of these candidates refuse to take responsibility for the increasing fervor in rallies that are starting to look as if they were being held in Germany in 1933 is an insult to democracy.

Ryan - You deserve a column.
Jake - I'm a little confused here. Your point seems to be that the McCain campaign is fiddling while Rome is burning, but you devote about 500 words to repeating their old messages. If we're going to talk about domestic terrorists, who are close to political candidates, its time to be fair. Devote equal time to Todd Palin's membership with the AIP - which was treasonous and whose founder stated that he hated the United States and would do anything, including violent attacks to prevent them from coming near him and McCain's relationship with Gordon Liddy, who advocated shooting federal agents in the head - which by any definition is domestic terrorism. Liddy had a fundraiser for McCain in 1998. If the point is that we have more to worry about than that - then write about it. We do. A whole lot more.

Who cares? This is a dumb story.

What about the economy?

No matter how far Obama runs or tries to hide his connections to Ayers, Rezko, Rev. Wright, Trinity Church, Larry Sinclair and other misfits, the beliefs of his long term friends and associates are forever embedded in his mind, heart and soul. It makes him the person he is, not his Harvard education. They are all dirty rotten bastards. Decent Americans are fed up at the Obama tactics of lies and distortions. OBAMA/BIDEN = SOCIALISM
Those who attend a rally have a right to be heard--to demand the truth be told.

Capt America,

What do you think of McCain failing to disclose his position of the board of the US Council for Freedom in mandatory Congressional disclosure forms?

This group was implicated in arms deals with Iran and right wing death squads as part of Iran/Contra.

That would seem a tad more relevant than the Weatherman bombing from 40 years ago wouldn't it?

The people that are ranting at McCain/Palin rallies should ask themselves why is it we are not better off now then when the republicans took office ,then maybe they would not be so angry.Why don't they ask the Mac what he could have done to stop this crisis he says he can do alot to help now and that he made alot of progress when he went to the capital.And he can get BenLadin why does he not tell Gen.Patreus where to get him that sure would help with the votes.

Obama goes on Smerconish to discuss Ayers.

McCain? He's too gutless to even say it to Obama's face.

I have a problem with the notion Obama has been "less than forthcoming on the issue".

Actually, that's not true. All the elemnts of his knowledge of Ayers were out there from the get-go. There have been no new relationship from Ben Smith's first piece on the issue a year ago. Sure, he has been reluctant to talk about it at length but who can blame him ? It is a sideshow issue and not one he is particularly comfortable with anyway.

But less than forthcoming means he has hidden or lied about some things. Actually, all the details have been out there from the get-go. Unlike Rezko where there was a drip-drip-drip, Obama has always consistently said he barely knew Ayers and his contacts with him were mainly that coffee get-together and the board thing.

That's what's absurd about all of this.

The stock market problem is so big it transcends politics. Obama has no solution; McCain can't turn the stock market around either.

The Bill Ayers matter goes to the heart of leadership. Trust is key to leadership, who do you trust? Given the tap dancing that Obama has done each time the Ayers matter comes up (both from Hillary and now from McCain), does anyone really believe we know all there is to know about Obama.

No. But we are owed a full accounting.

"With the markets in turmoil its more important than ever to properly vet the candidates."

So when is Sarah Palin going to have her 1st press conference if this is so important?

Concerned, so why now. Why didn't the McCain campaign start this earlier. Could it be because he's losing and can't win people over with the issues. Ayers wouldn't even be in the news if McCain was winning.

With the markets in turmoil its more important than ever to properly vet the candidates.

Had the MSM done it's job in the primaries, the McCain campaign wouldn't have to be doing it today.

Who cares about the economy when you have to lynch mob to properly whip into a frenzy.

Priorities, jake.