McCain really zoomed back in the second half. I think he sounded unsure in the first half, which mostly focused on economic issues. If he would have hit harder on Obama and his fellow Democrats, Chris Dodd and Barney Frank, rather than "Wall Street greed", he would have been more effective.
But he recovered nicely in the foreign policy phase of the tussle. I think, though, that in the end, the debate has to be declared a draw. McCain scored some points on the idea of Obama meeting with Ahmadinejad, as well as swatting down Obama's attempt to equate Henry Kissinger with support of some Obama position or other (I can't recall which at the moment). But, Obama was very surefooted, and debated in a far more authoritative way than he did during the primaries. He doesn't look as tired as he did for a while.
I doubt the whole thing tonight was a gamechanger. I still remember Kerry's line in 2004 about the "global test" that had to be passed before any international conflict could be approved, and how Bush kept falling back on the same talking points and looked fatigued and hunched. Both gentlemen tonight were better debaters than the 2 in '04.
I look forward to the 2 that remain, and feel McCain was adequate tonight. Bottom line, though, I doubt any minds were changed, although the spin doctors are practicing their craft furiously...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Impressions at the halfway point
I DVR'd the Presidential debate because we were out with friends this evening. I am about halfway through it now, and so far, I don't have a real good feeling about it, but not a disastrous one, either.
Barack Obama looks more Presidential than McCain does. He ISN'T more Presidential, but appearances count for way too much in the modern media era. He also sounds more smooth.
This may be more of a pet peeve of mine than anything, but I wish McCain would discard some of his trademark phrases that we've all heard him say a dozen times in as many different stump speeches and town hall meetings. One of them is about "not being voted Miss Congeniality in the Senate." Please. We get it. I guess he thinks he has to drive home the point.
I will probably get chided for what I just expressed, but hear me out before you post your angry comments. :) I was recalling earlier today as I was mulling over what a year it has been in Presidential politics: I will never forget the extreme distaste I felt on that cold day back in January when I watched John McCain claim victory in the Florida primary, and knew in my heart that he would be our nominee, and Mitt Romney would probably be bowing out before too long. A few days later, McCain told Tim Russert that he understood that primaries can be tough and emotions can run high, and I agreed, "You've got that right, Senator!"
Yet, here we stand, 9 months later, and I can honestly say that I have become fond of John McCain. The old POW was right after all; he had been in politics long enough that he knew that we close ranks in the end around our nominee, especially when we're ideologically on the same page 70-80% of the time. McCain's convention speech really did close the deal for me, as I look back on it now. The moment when he told us that "I learned to love my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's" was so raw and vulnerable....WOW. Now, a speech alone shouldn't convince anyone, but in conjunction with his policies and signalled openness to the conservative wing, it worked for me. Of course, Palin Power hasn't hurt either!
But having uttered all of the above, a lot of people have their little idiosyncrasies that are a bit irritating, and McCain is no exception to this.
OK...it took me about 10 minutes to type the above, and things have livened up considerably as we move into the second half of the debate. They're actually discussing foreign policy, which was always supposed to be the subject of the evening, and McCain has found his footing. Not that I think they shouldn't be discussing the bailout package. They absolutely should. But more on that later. I may be back tonight....
Barack Obama looks more Presidential than McCain does. He ISN'T more Presidential, but appearances count for way too much in the modern media era. He also sounds more smooth.
This may be more of a pet peeve of mine than anything, but I wish McCain would discard some of his trademark phrases that we've all heard him say a dozen times in as many different stump speeches and town hall meetings. One of them is about "not being voted Miss Congeniality in the Senate." Please. We get it. I guess he thinks he has to drive home the point.
I will probably get chided for what I just expressed, but hear me out before you post your angry comments. :) I was recalling earlier today as I was mulling over what a year it has been in Presidential politics: I will never forget the extreme distaste I felt on that cold day back in January when I watched John McCain claim victory in the Florida primary, and knew in my heart that he would be our nominee, and Mitt Romney would probably be bowing out before too long. A few days later, McCain told Tim Russert that he understood that primaries can be tough and emotions can run high, and I agreed, "You've got that right, Senator!"
Yet, here we stand, 9 months later, and I can honestly say that I have become fond of John McCain. The old POW was right after all; he had been in politics long enough that he knew that we close ranks in the end around our nominee, especially when we're ideologically on the same page 70-80% of the time. McCain's convention speech really did close the deal for me, as I look back on it now. The moment when he told us that "I learned to love my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's" was so raw and vulnerable....WOW. Now, a speech alone shouldn't convince anyone, but in conjunction with his policies and signalled openness to the conservative wing, it worked for me. Of course, Palin Power hasn't hurt either!
But having uttered all of the above, a lot of people have their little idiosyncrasies that are a bit irritating, and McCain is no exception to this.
OK...it took me about 10 minutes to type the above, and things have livened up considerably as we move into the second half of the debate. They're actually discussing foreign policy, which was always supposed to be the subject of the evening, and McCain has found his footing. Not that I think they shouldn't be discussing the bailout package. They absolutely should. But more on that later. I may be back tonight....
Saturday, September 20, 2008
My brother meets the Princess
Sarah signing Keith's hat.
Sarah and Todd on the receiving line of the Alaska Air Guard delegation. 
Keith sporting his hat that's suddenly worth a lot more than he paid for it.
Look at Keith's expression, mouth virtually agape! 
Yeah, I know; these are out of order, but this is Sarah, having just stepped out of her SUV.
Sarah, Todd and the Alaska Air Guard gang...
Above: Waving a final farewell..
Below: Sarah reaches for Keith's hand..
Keith in front of McCain/Palin plane.
A week ago tonight, my brother Keith got the chance to meet Sarah Palin "up close and personal" for a few minutes. I have asked him to tell us in his own words how it all transpired. I think he does a fine job of giving us an on-the-spot account of the excitement involved. Forthwith, here is his account:
Reno, Nevada, Sept. 13, 2008-- I was in Reno for the second time in as many years. I came as a volunteer with the Alaska Air Guard to work the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field. Saturday afternoon found us caught up in the heat of the high desert, fast, loud airplanes, and thousands of people enjoying the spectacle of the Reno Air Races. Could life in this world get much better?
During our morning briefing, our fearless commander informed our particular group of a couple dozen that Sarah Palin was to be in Carson City doing a campaign rally. She had issued an invitation to the Alaska Air Guard contingency that was at the Reno Air Races to come down and join her. However, wanting to remain politically neutral at such an event, the brass had declined the invitation, agreeing only to pass the word on down the line to such as would be inclined to take things into their own hands, and go out to see the classy lady. We were told that if we wished to see her, we would have an opportunity that evening in Reno, when she would, at the conclusion of the rally, be coming to Reno-Tahoe Airport to board her flight back to Alaska. We were told to expect to be part of a crowd of several hundred people who would possibly attend a “small rally” in Reno, and possibly have the opportunity to watch her board her plane. However, the Air Guard would provide no transportation, and would not support or endorse any proceeding in that direction…officially. If we were to go, we were requested to wear only civilian attire, and do our best to conduct ourselves professionally, and non-confrontationally.
As a proud Alaskan, who helped elect her to the governorship, and one who has been watching with pride as the rest of the nation enjoys our taste, I considered my options for all of … at least … 2 seconds! I turned to the person next to me and said, “Hey, if we have to buy a car to get to downtown Reno and see Sarah, I guess we better start shopping. I’m clearly going!” There were about a dozen of us in agreement. We would go.
Saturday evening found the dozen of us sitting in the Mercury Air Service FBO (private terminal) at Reno Tahoe Airport. A full moon was hanging low in the eastern sky, and the normally busy terminal had a tired, end-of-the-week lull about it. In fact, there was only one plane out on the ramp; a sleek, new Embraer 190 (which I initially mistook for a 737 with REALLY tall wingletsJ) with a modest blue and white color scheme, and McCain Palin painted boldly on the fuselage. Half of our group had arrived a bit earlier than we had been told to arrive at the “rally”, and were disturbed by the fact that NO ONE was around. Had it been cancelled? Was Palin already gone? Were we at the wrong place? Hard to argue with the presence of the McCain Palin jet sitting out on the ramp!
We settled in to wait the half hour or so until we were SUPPOSED to be there, and some of us ordered chips and salsa in the restaurant lounge we were seated in. About 15 minutes before we were expecting any action, a sergeant in our group received a call from an aide in the Palin campaign. She said she had been given his number as a contact number, and was calling to inform us that the rally was going on longer than expected, but Sarah would be leaving Carson City “in the next 30 minutes or so.”
Oh, well, we were a dedicated bunch, and we settled in to wait until midnight, if necessary. We would be here until the end, even if we were rewarded with nothing but a nod and a smile as the great lady boarded her jet some 100 yards out across the tarmac!
Not 45 minutes later, the same aide called us back to inform us that she would be there in a minute or so, and wanted us ready to meet her! We began to buzz with excitement, looking at each other, and looking around at the empty terminal. “We’re the ONLY ONES HERE! We’re about to have a PRIVATE meet-and-greet with OUR lady Palin!!! They set us up! There’s no rally…WE’RE IT!!!!!”
We were rushing around, the ladies in our group into the restroom to freshen up and the rest of us, in general, trying to make sure we were ready to meet (IN PERSON) America’s very own new princess! I carefully adjusted my new Australian suede hat (which I had purchased that afternoon at the air show) and in general, felt about as excited as a sixteen-year-old boy about to (MAYBE?) get his first brush with true love on date night!
Moments later, a harried aide rushed in the front door, looked around at our motley group, and queried, “Are you guys the Alaska Air Guard group?” We shyly nodded affirmation, and she hurriedly motioned for us to follow her on out to the ramp. We didn’t hesitate to question why; rather, we just followed.
We were told to form up, look good, and do nothing funny as we stood at the foot of the air stairs to her plane. A suit appeared from somewhere and informed us that Sarah would be here in a few seconds, and this was no time to “…show her your pocket knife, or do anything cute. She’ll take a few moments to greet each of you, and there will be opportunity for pictures. Please be respectful and professional. Thank you for coming out to meet her!” I thought about informing him that I had condescended to being here for her to meet ME, … but … in comedy, timing is everything…
A Reno police cruiser slowly circled the airplane as we stood and waited, and then across the ramp, a gate opened, and a motorcade of half a dozen dark Suburbans, several Crown Vics with flashing lights, and a couple buses, came gliding in across the ramp. We were humming with excitement, trying to “quietly and professionally” whisper to each other, “Where is she? Is she in the bus? Does she ride in her own Suburban? Does she see us yet?...” The second Suburban slowly pulled up about ten feet away from me (# 3 in the receiving line) and stopped. As it stopped, and the other vehicles all pulled into formation behind and beside it, I looked in the rear, right window, and there was Sarah smiling back … RIGHT AT ME! I was almost oblivious to the tall dark suits that began to appear from all the other SUVs and circle in around us. One opened her door, and she gracefully slid out, jumped to her feet and began clapping her hands as she looked up our line of jubilant Alaskans. “ALASKA!” She squealed with delight. “I’m feel like I’m already home!” (I think in my DVD audio, I’m to be heard whooping with excitement at that point!)
She made her way slowly up the line, greeting us each one personally. When she came to me, she looked into my eyes, thanked me for coming out to meet her, and thanked me for what I do for Alaska, our home state! I was officially star-struck. I worked my mouth, and some sound came out as I tried to think of an intelligent, witty response but I think the only thing I managed to say was, “We love you, Sarah!” Her husband, Todd, was right behind her, and I couldn’t think of anything profound to share with him either, so I just shook his hand and grinned. The only thought rushing through my head at the moment was, “They’re such little people in person! I’M even taller than Todd!” Yeah, I know! Deep, huh?
After greeting us all, she came back down to the center of the line to be photographed with us, and one of our guys asked if she would autograph his Alaska flag. An aide rushed in, advising Mrs. Palin that in may not be a great idea to do so, and I suddenly realized my chance. I doffed my hat, and humbly implored her, “Please, while your pen is out… would you?...” She took my hat, hesitated for a moment to comment, “That’s a NICE hat!” As I watched her write, my only thought was, “Yeah! It’s getting a lot nicer!” Of course, the least I could do to thank her was offer a quick hug as she finished.
Sarah and Todd boarded their plane, headed back to Alaska, and as we left the Airport terminal, we all began burning up our cell phones with calls. Some began emailing pictures, I called my wife to tell her I had seconds earlier given Sarah Palin a warm hug, and then began trying to call the author of this blog, my brother. For some reason, (I have to suspect an extreme case of jealousy) it was sometime before he was able to return my call!
During our morning briefing, our fearless commander informed our particular group of a couple dozen that Sarah Palin was to be in Carson City doing a campaign rally. She had issued an invitation to the Alaska Air Guard contingency that was at the Reno Air Races to come down and join her. However, wanting to remain politically neutral at such an event, the brass had declined the invitation, agreeing only to pass the word on down the line to such as would be inclined to take things into their own hands, and go out to see the classy lady. We were told that if we wished to see her, we would have an opportunity that evening in Reno, when she would, at the conclusion of the rally, be coming to Reno-Tahoe Airport to board her flight back to Alaska. We were told to expect to be part of a crowd of several hundred people who would possibly attend a “small rally” in Reno, and possibly have the opportunity to watch her board her plane. However, the Air Guard would provide no transportation, and would not support or endorse any proceeding in that direction…officially. If we were to go, we were requested to wear only civilian attire, and do our best to conduct ourselves professionally, and non-confrontationally.
As a proud Alaskan, who helped elect her to the governorship, and one who has been watching with pride as the rest of the nation enjoys our taste, I considered my options for all of … at least … 2 seconds! I turned to the person next to me and said, “Hey, if we have to buy a car to get to downtown Reno and see Sarah, I guess we better start shopping. I’m clearly going!” There were about a dozen of us in agreement. We would go.
Saturday evening found the dozen of us sitting in the Mercury Air Service FBO (private terminal) at Reno Tahoe Airport. A full moon was hanging low in the eastern sky, and the normally busy terminal had a tired, end-of-the-week lull about it. In fact, there was only one plane out on the ramp; a sleek, new Embraer 190 (which I initially mistook for a 737 with REALLY tall wingletsJ) with a modest blue and white color scheme, and McCain Palin painted boldly on the fuselage. Half of our group had arrived a bit earlier than we had been told to arrive at the “rally”, and were disturbed by the fact that NO ONE was around. Had it been cancelled? Was Palin already gone? Were we at the wrong place? Hard to argue with the presence of the McCain Palin jet sitting out on the ramp!
We settled in to wait the half hour or so until we were SUPPOSED to be there, and some of us ordered chips and salsa in the restaurant lounge we were seated in. About 15 minutes before we were expecting any action, a sergeant in our group received a call from an aide in the Palin campaign. She said she had been given his number as a contact number, and was calling to inform us that the rally was going on longer than expected, but Sarah would be leaving Carson City “in the next 30 minutes or so.”
Oh, well, we were a dedicated bunch, and we settled in to wait until midnight, if necessary. We would be here until the end, even if we were rewarded with nothing but a nod and a smile as the great lady boarded her jet some 100 yards out across the tarmac!
Not 45 minutes later, the same aide called us back to inform us that she would be there in a minute or so, and wanted us ready to meet her! We began to buzz with excitement, looking at each other, and looking around at the empty terminal. “We’re the ONLY ONES HERE! We’re about to have a PRIVATE meet-and-greet with OUR lady Palin!!! They set us up! There’s no rally…WE’RE IT!!!!!”
We were rushing around, the ladies in our group into the restroom to freshen up and the rest of us, in general, trying to make sure we were ready to meet (IN PERSON) America’s very own new princess! I carefully adjusted my new Australian suede hat (which I had purchased that afternoon at the air show) and in general, felt about as excited as a sixteen-year-old boy about to (MAYBE?) get his first brush with true love on date night!
Moments later, a harried aide rushed in the front door, looked around at our motley group, and queried, “Are you guys the Alaska Air Guard group?” We shyly nodded affirmation, and she hurriedly motioned for us to follow her on out to the ramp. We didn’t hesitate to question why; rather, we just followed.
We were told to form up, look good, and do nothing funny as we stood at the foot of the air stairs to her plane. A suit appeared from somewhere and informed us that Sarah would be here in a few seconds, and this was no time to “…show her your pocket knife, or do anything cute. She’ll take a few moments to greet each of you, and there will be opportunity for pictures. Please be respectful and professional. Thank you for coming out to meet her!” I thought about informing him that I had condescended to being here for her to meet ME, … but … in comedy, timing is everything…
A Reno police cruiser slowly circled the airplane as we stood and waited, and then across the ramp, a gate opened, and a motorcade of half a dozen dark Suburbans, several Crown Vics with flashing lights, and a couple buses, came gliding in across the ramp. We were humming with excitement, trying to “quietly and professionally” whisper to each other, “Where is she? Is she in the bus? Does she ride in her own Suburban? Does she see us yet?...” The second Suburban slowly pulled up about ten feet away from me (# 3 in the receiving line) and stopped. As it stopped, and the other vehicles all pulled into formation behind and beside it, I looked in the rear, right window, and there was Sarah smiling back … RIGHT AT ME! I was almost oblivious to the tall dark suits that began to appear from all the other SUVs and circle in around us. One opened her door, and she gracefully slid out, jumped to her feet and began clapping her hands as she looked up our line of jubilant Alaskans. “ALASKA!” She squealed with delight. “I’m feel like I’m already home!” (I think in my DVD audio, I’m to be heard whooping with excitement at that point!)
She made her way slowly up the line, greeting us each one personally. When she came to me, she looked into my eyes, thanked me for coming out to meet her, and thanked me for what I do for Alaska, our home state! I was officially star-struck. I worked my mouth, and some sound came out as I tried to think of an intelligent, witty response but I think the only thing I managed to say was, “We love you, Sarah!” Her husband, Todd, was right behind her, and I couldn’t think of anything profound to share with him either, so I just shook his hand and grinned. The only thought rushing through my head at the moment was, “They’re such little people in person! I’M even taller than Todd!” Yeah, I know! Deep, huh?
After greeting us all, she came back down to the center of the line to be photographed with us, and one of our guys asked if she would autograph his Alaska flag. An aide rushed in, advising Mrs. Palin that in may not be a great idea to do so, and I suddenly realized my chance. I doffed my hat, and humbly implored her, “Please, while your pen is out… would you?...” She took my hat, hesitated for a moment to comment, “That’s a NICE hat!” As I watched her write, my only thought was, “Yeah! It’s getting a lot nicer!” Of course, the least I could do to thank her was offer a quick hug as she finished.
Sarah and Todd boarded their plane, headed back to Alaska, and as we left the Airport terminal, we all began burning up our cell phones with calls. Some began emailing pictures, I called my wife to tell her I had seconds earlier given Sarah Palin a warm hug, and then began trying to call the author of this blog, my brother. For some reason, (I have to suspect an extreme case of jealousy) it was sometime before he was able to return my call!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The road to socialism
So here we are, nearly 4 weeks after McCain's brilliant VP choice, and Obama has only (perhaps) just begin to find his footing again. Not through any strategy of his own, mind you; it appears that his numbers are going up again, ever so slightly, as a result of this dastardly AIG buyout.
I don't know when I've ever been as furious at government maneuverings, on a Republican watch no less, as over this Freddie & Fannie, Merrill Lynch and now AIG corporate welfare. How is this conservatism in any sense of the word? There is a simple answer: IT ISN'T. It is unadulterated socialism, with the state propping up bloated businesses that made poor financial decisions. If every large corporation assumes that government will be there with a bailout when they head into the tank, pray tell me, WHAT keeps the worst kind of choices from being made by these very businesses? How is this a level playing field in any sense, when a small business with $2 million in yearly sales doesn't have a prayer of receiving the same treatment?
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson came on Meet the Press with Tom Brokaw no more than 4 weeks ago and said he felt that a government takeover of Freddie & Fannie would be a horrible move. Yet, here we are, well beyond that. Unbelievable.
So as the state assumes control or cashes in their IOUs from all of these corporations, where do the little people get any recourse? And where did the $85 BILLION come from to fund this takeover? Did China decide to cancel their trillion dollar trade surplus with us, and I just didn't get the memo?
What we desperately need are a group of leaders going into the White House with the guts to tell this country's citizens AND businesses that they have eaten from the public trough long enough. Wouldn't a President feel rewarded enough just for presenting economics as they are for 4 years and following it up with attempts at action, that it wouldn't matter whether his aspirations for a second term came to fruition or not? If John McCain would do that, I happen to believe he would go down in history as one of the noblest and most courageous Presidents this country has seen, possibly this generation's greatest leader.
We are a compassionate country, but this is corruption, not kindness. God in Heaven help this country. What have we come to? I am an inveterate American optimist, but this is enough to push me down the path of cynicism.
I don't know when I've ever been as furious at government maneuverings, on a Republican watch no less, as over this Freddie & Fannie, Merrill Lynch and now AIG corporate welfare. How is this conservatism in any sense of the word? There is a simple answer: IT ISN'T. It is unadulterated socialism, with the state propping up bloated businesses that made poor financial decisions. If every large corporation assumes that government will be there with a bailout when they head into the tank, pray tell me, WHAT keeps the worst kind of choices from being made by these very businesses? How is this a level playing field in any sense, when a small business with $2 million in yearly sales doesn't have a prayer of receiving the same treatment?
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson came on Meet the Press with Tom Brokaw no more than 4 weeks ago and said he felt that a government takeover of Freddie & Fannie would be a horrible move. Yet, here we are, well beyond that. Unbelievable.
So as the state assumes control or cashes in their IOUs from all of these corporations, where do the little people get any recourse? And where did the $85 BILLION come from to fund this takeover? Did China decide to cancel their trillion dollar trade surplus with us, and I just didn't get the memo?
What we desperately need are a group of leaders going into the White House with the guts to tell this country's citizens AND businesses that they have eaten from the public trough long enough. Wouldn't a President feel rewarded enough just for presenting economics as they are for 4 years and following it up with attempts at action, that it wouldn't matter whether his aspirations for a second term came to fruition or not? If John McCain would do that, I happen to believe he would go down in history as one of the noblest and most courageous Presidents this country has seen, possibly this generation's greatest leader.
We are a compassionate country, but this is corruption, not kindness. God in Heaven help this country. What have we come to? I am an inveterate American optimist, but this is enough to push me down the path of cynicism.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Where were you when the world stopped turning?
We must never forget. Here is the best way I know of to commemorate those whose lives were lost. Thank you, Alan Jackson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW8puRqE4Sc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW8puRqE4Sc&feature=related
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Jeremiah Wright, the adulterer
Truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Apparently, Wright was cheating on his wife with a church secretary from Texas all year. Fox has the story here.
Maybe now Wright will think twice about calling on God to exact an Old Testament penalty on an imperfect nation when he recalls the price the Mosaic Law exacted for adultery? I won't hold my breath....
Is Obama's house of cards falling in all around him or what? And, in an ironic twist, he's having lunch with a former Adulterer-in-Chief tomorrow...
Apparently, Wright was cheating on his wife with a church secretary from Texas all year. Fox has the story here.
Maybe now Wright will think twice about calling on God to exact an Old Testament penalty on an imperfect nation when he recalls the price the Mosaic Law exacted for adultery? I won't hold my breath....
Is Obama's house of cards falling in all around him or what? And, in an ironic twist, he's having lunch with a former Adulterer-in-Chief tomorrow...
Lipstick on a pig
Barack Obama may very well have experienced his own personal "Macaca" moment yesterday.
George Allen lost his Virginia Senate seat in 2006 over a silly word he made up on the spot at a campaign rally in some obscure little burg. What Obama did here was worse.
For the record, I do not believe that Obama meant to call Sarah Palin a pig. I think he is more of a gentleman than that. He is also an intelligent public figure....which renders what he did say all the more incredibly stupid.
This line is now being discussed on every cable news channel, every radio talk show, every political website and on the Drudge Report. And McCain/Palin went up with a new ad overnight responding to it, treating the whole thing as though Obama meant the comparison intentionally....which they have a right to do, as the aggrieved party.
I have seen the clip a number of times already, and you can watch the stunned look cross Obama's face as he shades his brow with his hand, once he realizes what he has just said...followed by the raucous laughter of the crowd, which clearly took the jibe as a nasty personal shot at Palin.
This is bad for Obama...very, VERY bad. I would not be a bit surprised if he loses the Presidency over this. A Presidential race, rightly or wrongly, often rises or falls on small moments. Remember Dukakis' answer to the question from Bernie Shaw about capital punishment at the 1988 debate in LA? How about Al Gore's sighing at the first debate in 2000? And Walter Mondale's promise to raise taxes at his nomination acceptance speech in 1984? (Though does anyone really think Mondale ever had a chance?)
Steve Doocy from Fox & Friends wondered out loud this morning if the "lipstick on a pig" line has, perhaps, been being bandied about around Obama campaign headquarters for the last couple of weeks....and it slipped out of Obama's mouth in a moment of fatigue? Plausible, I think.
George Allen lost his Virginia Senate seat in 2006 over a silly word he made up on the spot at a campaign rally in some obscure little burg. What Obama did here was worse.
For the record, I do not believe that Obama meant to call Sarah Palin a pig. I think he is more of a gentleman than that. He is also an intelligent public figure....which renders what he did say all the more incredibly stupid.
This line is now being discussed on every cable news channel, every radio talk show, every political website and on the Drudge Report. And McCain/Palin went up with a new ad overnight responding to it, treating the whole thing as though Obama meant the comparison intentionally....which they have a right to do, as the aggrieved party.
I have seen the clip a number of times already, and you can watch the stunned look cross Obama's face as he shades his brow with his hand, once he realizes what he has just said...followed by the raucous laughter of the crowd, which clearly took the jibe as a nasty personal shot at Palin.
This is bad for Obama...very, VERY bad. I would not be a bit surprised if he loses the Presidency over this. A Presidential race, rightly or wrongly, often rises or falls on small moments. Remember Dukakis' answer to the question from Bernie Shaw about capital punishment at the 1988 debate in LA? How about Al Gore's sighing at the first debate in 2000? And Walter Mondale's promise to raise taxes at his nomination acceptance speech in 1984? (Though does anyone really think Mondale ever had a chance?)
Steve Doocy from Fox & Friends wondered out loud this morning if the "lipstick on a pig" line has, perhaps, been being bandied about around Obama campaign headquarters for the last couple of weeks....and it slipped out of Obama's mouth in a moment of fatigue? Plausible, I think.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann will no longer anchor election coverage
This move is long overdue. What I love about it is that NBC has now admitted what the rest of the world has known for months. Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews are blatant Obama partisans. Olbermann is more gratingly offensive than Matthews is; Matthews is more fun and less earnest, but we'll never forget the tingle Matthews famously felt up his leg when he listened to Obama speak, either.
It must be noted that Olbermann and Matthews will still serve as analysts for MSNBC election coverage, but they will no longer be the primary anchors. This story gives further details about Olbermann's attacks on Republicans while MSNBC coverage of the RNC was in progress last week. Apparently, that was the final straw for NBC.
Note that MSNBC, despite its bump in ratings over the last year, still remains mired in 3rd place against Fox and CNN. I find MSNBC's only redeeming moments anymore come when they bring Pat Buchanan on to comment. But maybe that is just me.
It must be noted that Olbermann and Matthews will still serve as analysts for MSNBC election coverage, but they will no longer be the primary anchors. This story gives further details about Olbermann's attacks on Republicans while MSNBC coverage of the RNC was in progress last week. Apparently, that was the final straw for NBC.
Note that MSNBC, despite its bump in ratings over the last year, still remains mired in 3rd place against Fox and CNN. I find MSNBC's only redeeming moments anymore come when they bring Pat Buchanan on to comment. But maybe that is just me.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Rudy Guiliani speech in progress
Oh, but is Rudy having fun with the fact that Obama voted "Present" 113 times in the Illinois State Senate! He should be; I haven't heard any Republican mention that, though I do recall John Edwards saying something about it in one of the last Presidential primary debates.
Rudy noted that neither he nor Sarah Palin, when they were mayors, ever had the luxury of voting "present" when leading their respective cities. A very good line! And one that highlights the very valid leadership experience that Sarah Palin has, both as a mayor and as a Governor.
Rudy is the perfect warm up act for Sarah Palin tonight!
Rudy noted that neither he nor Sarah Palin, when they were mayors, ever had the luxury of voting "present" when leading their respective cities. A very good line! And one that highlights the very valid leadership experience that Sarah Palin has, both as a mayor and as a Governor.
Rudy is the perfect warm up act for Sarah Palin tonight!
Mike Huckabee speech in progress
I may very well blog in short bursts tonight; we'll see how it goes.
I have not always had kind words for Governor Huckabee, but I do like him. He is in rare form tonight, giving the best speech I've ever heard him deliver. The last line? "Sarah Palin got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden got running for President of the United States!" Huckabee's story, of any of the Republicans who could be said to have made a worthy run for the nomination, comes the closest to a rags-to-riches story, and he is using it to maximum effect tonight to tell why he is a Republican. Stirring stuff! He is young enough that he still has a future in the party, even if McCain wins. I would not be surprised to see him in some sort of position in a McCain administration, maybe Director of Faith Based Initiatives?
Mitt Romney did well tonight, but Huckabee is working the crowd better than Mitt did. Romney had a lot of good lines, but he tended to deliver a line or two, then stand back and wait for the applause. I thought he did better in a debate setting.
I have not always had kind words for Governor Huckabee, but I do like him. He is in rare form tonight, giving the best speech I've ever heard him deliver. The last line? "Sarah Palin got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, than Joe Biden got running for President of the United States!" Huckabee's story, of any of the Republicans who could be said to have made a worthy run for the nomination, comes the closest to a rags-to-riches story, and he is using it to maximum effect tonight to tell why he is a Republican. Stirring stuff! He is young enough that he still has a future in the party, even if McCain wins. I would not be surprised to see him in some sort of position in a McCain administration, maybe Director of Faith Based Initiatives?
Mitt Romney did well tonight, but Huckabee is working the crowd better than Mitt did. Romney had a lot of good lines, but he tended to deliver a line or two, then stand back and wait for the applause. I thought he did better in a debate setting.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Bristol Palin's pregnancy
It is twilight zone time on the Democrat kook left. And no, that does not include all Democrats, but if you are a Democrat, you had better come out and denounce this.
This hypothesis that Sarah Palin's baby was actually her daughter Bristol's offspring, and the Palin family was trying to cover it up by acting as though it was Sarah's so no one would know Bristol was pregnant out of wedlock....
It reminds me of when former Representative Curt Weldon stood up on the floor of the House (I think he was talking about the Echelon Project, but I don't remember for sure) and excoriated the Democrats with this rhetorical question, "How low can we go, Mr. Speaker? HOW LOW WILL WE GO?"
I do not want to EVER hear again about the ugly, Karl Rove-style tactics on the right (even though I know we will). The Daily Kos is one of the house organs of the Democrat Party; its owner, Markos Moulitsas, is given floor time at all kinds of official Democrat gatherings and party bigwigs like Harry Reid attend his annual convention. (Yes, he was Senate Majority Leader when he went.) And the Daily Kos is largely responsible for launching this vicious diatribe, which is, of course, a total fabrication.
Give Barack Obama the credit he deserves for coming out and denouncing this. Good for him. There should be a 0 tolerance for this sort of rumormongering, for both Democrats and Republicans. I would hope our side would have the courage to do the same if a similar story came out about Sasha or Melia Obama (though I think they are a little young yet).
On a completely unrelated note, though this applies to the same news story:
This is none of my business; it is the decision of the Palin family as to how best to work this out. But is it really the best move to make at this point for Bristol to marry the baby's father? I am not so sure. I know we evangelicals are expected to rejoice over this decision, but I don't automatically. Sorry if that disappoints you, but based on my completely unscientific observations, these types of marriages (i.e., a young couple ends up expecting a child outside of marriage, so they decide to get married) seem to end in divorce more often than not. Is anyone better off at that point?
Granted, there is so much that we don't know about this story, and my input is not desired here (nor should it be). But that is my opinion.
This hypothesis that Sarah Palin's baby was actually her daughter Bristol's offspring, and the Palin family was trying to cover it up by acting as though it was Sarah's so no one would know Bristol was pregnant out of wedlock....
It reminds me of when former Representative Curt Weldon stood up on the floor of the House (I think he was talking about the Echelon Project, but I don't remember for sure) and excoriated the Democrats with this rhetorical question, "How low can we go, Mr. Speaker? HOW LOW WILL WE GO?"
I do not want to EVER hear again about the ugly, Karl Rove-style tactics on the right (even though I know we will). The Daily Kos is one of the house organs of the Democrat Party; its owner, Markos Moulitsas, is given floor time at all kinds of official Democrat gatherings and party bigwigs like Harry Reid attend his annual convention. (Yes, he was Senate Majority Leader when he went.) And the Daily Kos is largely responsible for launching this vicious diatribe, which is, of course, a total fabrication.
Give Barack Obama the credit he deserves for coming out and denouncing this. Good for him. There should be a 0 tolerance for this sort of rumormongering, for both Democrats and Republicans. I would hope our side would have the courage to do the same if a similar story came out about Sasha or Melia Obama (though I think they are a little young yet).
On a completely unrelated note, though this applies to the same news story:
This is none of my business; it is the decision of the Palin family as to how best to work this out. But is it really the best move to make at this point for Bristol to marry the baby's father? I am not so sure. I know we evangelicals are expected to rejoice over this decision, but I don't automatically. Sorry if that disappoints you, but based on my completely unscientific observations, these types of marriages (i.e., a young couple ends up expecting a child outside of marriage, so they decide to get married) seem to end in divorce more often than not. Is anyone better off at that point?
Granted, there is so much that we don't know about this story, and my input is not desired here (nor should it be). But that is my opinion.
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