Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Apparently McCain "funds radicals" too.
When McCain served as Chairman of the Board of the International Republican Institute, distributed several grants to KHALIDI'S ORGANIZATION, in 1998 one grant alone was nearly half a million dollars.
Rob Hubler, the Democratic challenger to Steve King, Iowa's Finest
Not a lot of time left; but surely enough time to help this guy defeat Iowa's version of Michelle Bachmann, Ms. Pro-America.
What McCain Defectors See in Obama
Thanks to Don Abbott for bringing this to my attention; a fantastic summary of what led to the GOP defections.
DPA Ban may be adding to Financial Crisis
Sorry for the long post; but this is something near and dear to me and my business. The largest company participating in "DPA", or Down-payment assistance, was Nehemiah. How it worked: FHA requires a 3% downpayment. The seller was able to, at closing, "donate" 3% of their sale proceeds to the non-profit (i.e., Nehemiah). Upon signing an agreement, the non-profit would gift the 3% downpayment to the buyer. The seller then had agreed to donate that same amount, plus a fee, to the entity at the time of closing. Because the seller has to take less for the house to be able to do it, and the listing price of the property is not to be raised to cover it; it was a way for sellers to accommodate a buyer and sell a property that may have otherwise taken longer to sell.
DPA Ban May Be Adding to Crisis
By Amilda Dymi, National Mortgage News
WASHINGTON-A bigger financial crisis has overshadowed the underlying risk and long-term implications of thinning affordable housing options due to limited credit and higher downpayment requirements.
Meanwhile, a controversial ban on seller-funded downpayment assistance took effect on Oct. 1, adding to the overall crisis.
It may seem fair Congress did not spare time to review the FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 6694), which would restore DPA indefinitely.
The ban is based on HUD claims that DPA programs contribute to higher default rates and could potentially result in having to offset the risk by tapping into its reserves, a claim long disputed by DPA providers and industry members. Not only six hours after the ban took effect, the Congressional Budget Office issued a report that says seller-financed DPA loans insured by the FHA generate homeownership at no cost to the U.S. government for at least the next five years thanks to its self-funding mechanism.
"All of this substantive opposition to DPA has been taken off the table," said Scott Syphax, president and CEO of Nehemiah Corp. of America, the country's largest DPA provider.
Bipartisan bill H.R. 6694 introduced by Reps. Al Green, D-Texas, Gary Miller, D-Calif., Christopher Shays, R-Conn., and Maxine Waters, D-Calif., in July was based on DPA industry data and independent report findings.
As the ban took effect on Oct. 1, Rep. Green stressed that as DPA is eliminated to comply with the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, Congress needs to recognize it helped transform lives without spending a single taxpayer dollar.
In addition, "the Congressional Budget Office estimates that seller-financed DPA will generate $65 million over the next five years and save taxpayers $13 million next year." H.R. 6694 will create a new DPA "under new standards that will effectively balance the risk of potential foreclosures with the goal of increasing homeownership," he said.
Moreover, the bailout bill (H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008) designed to aid Wall Street avert a serious recession does not offer a direct solution to a potentially more severe crisis within the affordable housing market.
Commenting on H.R. 3997, Mr. Syphax said a provision within the bailout to reinstate DPA "could help ensure continued liquidity in the stagnating housing market by providing aid to an estimated 600,000 working-class people for home purchases next year, generating $150 billion in home sales."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
LET'S PUT SOCIALISM TO REST
"Like, Socialism": Hendrik Hertzberg, The New Yorker
During the 2000 campaign, on MSNBC’s “Hardball,” a young woman asked him why her father, a doctor, should be “penalized” by being “in a huge tax bracket.” McCain replied that “wealthy people can afford more” and that “the very wealthy, because they can afford tax lawyers and all kinds of loopholes, really don’t pay nearly as much as you think they do.” The exchange continued:
YOUNG WOMAN: Are we getting closer and closer to, like, socialism and stuff?. . .
MCCAIN: Here’s what I really believe: That when you reach a certain level of comfort, there’s nothing wrong with paying somewhat more.
For her part, Sarah Palin, who has lately taken to calling Obama “Barack the Wealth Spreader,” seems to be something of a suspect character herself. She is, at the very least, a fellow-traveller of what might be called socialism with an Alaskan face. The state that she governs has no income or sales tax. Instead, it imposes huge levies on the oil companies that lease its oil fields. The proceeds finance the government’s activities and enable it to issue a four-figure annual check to every man, woman, and child in the state. One of the reasons Palin has been a popular governor is that she added an extra twelve hundred dollars to this year’s check, bringing the per-person total to $3,269. A few weeks before she was nominated for Vice-President, she told a visiting journalist—Philip Gourevitch, of this magazine—that “we’re set up, unlike other states in the union, where it’s collectively Alaskans own the resources. So we share in the wealth when the development of these resources occurs.” Perhaps there is some meaningful distinction between spreading the wealth and sharing it (“collectively,” no less), but finding it would require the analytic skills of Karl the Marxist. ♦
Click title for full article; and note: emphasis, mine. (The argument that Obama is giving money TO PEOPLE THAT DO NOT PAY TAXES AT ALL, is not true, as it implies people that do not work at all are receiving benefits. Only workers that pay payroll taxes would receive the credit, as it is an income tax credit, not a direct handout. In Alaska, every man, woman and child received $3,269 this year; EVEN those that don't work at all. What exactly is that?
During the 2000 campaign, on MSNBC’s “Hardball,” a young woman asked him why her father, a doctor, should be “penalized” by being “in a huge tax bracket.” McCain replied that “wealthy people can afford more” and that “the very wealthy, because they can afford tax lawyers and all kinds of loopholes, really don’t pay nearly as much as you think they do.” The exchange continued:
YOUNG WOMAN: Are we getting closer and closer to, like, socialism and stuff?. . .
MCCAIN: Here’s what I really believe: That when you reach a certain level of comfort, there’s nothing wrong with paying somewhat more.
For her part, Sarah Palin, who has lately taken to calling Obama “Barack the Wealth Spreader,” seems to be something of a suspect character herself. She is, at the very least, a fellow-traveller of what might be called socialism with an Alaskan face. The state that she governs has no income or sales tax. Instead, it imposes huge levies on the oil companies that lease its oil fields. The proceeds finance the government’s activities and enable it to issue a four-figure annual check to every man, woman, and child in the state. One of the reasons Palin has been a popular governor is that she added an extra twelve hundred dollars to this year’s check, bringing the per-person total to $3,269. A few weeks before she was nominated for Vice-President, she told a visiting journalist—Philip Gourevitch, of this magazine—that “we’re set up, unlike other states in the union, where it’s collectively Alaskans own the resources. So we share in the wealth when the development of these resources occurs.” Perhaps there is some meaningful distinction between spreading the wealth and sharing it (“collectively,” no less), but finding it would require the analytic skills of Karl the Marxist. ♦
Click title for full article; and note: emphasis, mine. (The argument that Obama is giving money TO PEOPLE THAT DO NOT PAY TAXES AT ALL, is not true, as it implies people that do not work at all are receiving benefits. Only workers that pay payroll taxes would receive the credit, as it is an income tax credit, not a direct handout. In Alaska, every man, woman and child received $3,269 this year; EVEN those that don't work at all. What exactly is that?
This is just fun: www.palinaspresident.us
Looks as though it's been updated; Colin Powell's picture's in the shredder, and just noticed a few new changes.. check it out. (and turn your sound on)
Newest Florida Mailing
Would someone please send me things like this that have been sent out by the DNC? We have the "Obsession" video, the Virginia Democrats-vote-on-November-5th, the Florida fake voter registration cards, the ObamaBucks, the Virginia GOP mailing on terrorism with a picture of a person looking a lot like Obama, the Curious George Obama-monkey, the kids with red x'd out t shirts of Obama's face, Bobby May, treasurer of the Buchanan Co. Virginia Republicans, with the most racist, unbelievable thing I've seen this entire campaign (are we seeing a TREND with Virginia? Obviously)..... Seriously, I'd really like to see where the Democrats are sending this out. 
Monday, October 27, 2008
Voter Suppression in Virginia
Voters are getting calls that threaten criminal charges if they show up to vote, and in Hampton Roads a phony flier tells Democrats and Independents voting for Democrats that an emergency legislative session has split election day into two; and they are to vote November 5th.
Infighting, Jumping Ship, and Dead Horses
I'm beating a dead horse here, (Ross Douthat uses the same phrase in a link I just found as I returned to this to edit before posting), but I'm at a loss for why party loyalty trumps reason. I have no problem admitting that Joe Biden does no one any favors a good 10% of the time he opens his mouth (o.k., 50% of the time). But the fact remains that he is a good man, who made a commitment to his boys and stuck to it, through their entire childhood. He and John McCain have been very close friends for years, and he has tremendous respect for his foreign policy knowledge and experience. It is utterly disturbing the vitreous hate that is coming from the hangers on to the McCain/Palin campaign.
Everyone has a right to their beliefs; but to say that questioning your candidate is blasphemy is the makings of a fine dictatorship. While Andrew Sullivan is whole-heartedly behind Senator Obama, (I encourage you to read the linked piece of his) Daniel Larison, at American Conservative Magazine, is most definitely NOT. But he, in my opinion, is correct in pointing out that the GOP is not what it once was; fiscal conservancy, reduced government, strong military. It has become the captive of the "neocons', the far Christian right. But the current party has strayed from that; but better to hear that from a committed conservative:
Daniel Larison:
Having defended and enabled Mr. Bush for years, many of the recent ship-jumpers and critics of Palin finally declared that enough was enough, while some conservatives who have had more problems with the administration have decided that what is needed is more party loyalty and sycophancy focused now on Palin instead of Bush. When it is pointed out that this is self-defeating and actually makes more “purist” conservative arguments more politically irrelevant than ever, there is a flood of anathemas. (click here for full article)
I came back to this after reading a post from Ross Douthat. He does not think that conservatives/Republicans should vote for Barack Obama our of a jumping on the bandwagon mentality, but rather, decries the infighting that is going on, which IS MY POINT.
Ross Douthat: (click here for full post)
The bigger point (and I know I'm a broken record here) is this. Whatever direction you think conservatism should be going in from here on out, the absolute worst thing the members of a losing political movement can do - if they ever want to win again, at least - is attempt to pre-emptively close off debate about the movement's future. Conservatives need to have arguments, not promise excommunications, or else pretty soon there won't be very much worth arguing over.
Everyone has a right to their beliefs; but to say that questioning your candidate is blasphemy is the makings of a fine dictatorship. While Andrew Sullivan is whole-heartedly behind Senator Obama, (I encourage you to read the linked piece of his) Daniel Larison, at American Conservative Magazine, is most definitely NOT. But he, in my opinion, is correct in pointing out that the GOP is not what it once was; fiscal conservancy, reduced government, strong military. It has become the captive of the "neocons', the far Christian right. But the current party has strayed from that; but better to hear that from a committed conservative:
Daniel Larison:
Having defended and enabled Mr. Bush for years, many of the recent ship-jumpers and critics of Palin finally declared that enough was enough, while some conservatives who have had more problems with the administration have decided that what is needed is more party loyalty and sycophancy focused now on Palin instead of Bush. When it is pointed out that this is self-defeating and actually makes more “purist” conservative arguments more politically irrelevant than ever, there is a flood of anathemas. (click here for full article)
I came back to this after reading a post from Ross Douthat. He does not think that conservatives/Republicans should vote for Barack Obama our of a jumping on the bandwagon mentality, but rather, decries the infighting that is going on, which IS MY POINT.
Ross Douthat: (click here for full post)
The bigger point (and I know I'm a broken record here) is this. Whatever direction you think conservatism should be going in from here on out, the absolute worst thing the members of a losing political movement can do - if they ever want to win again, at least - is attempt to pre-emptively close off debate about the movement's future. Conservatives need to have arguments, not promise excommunications, or else pretty soon there won't be very much worth arguing over.
The Top Ten Reasons Conservatives Should Vote For Obama
No, Andrew Sullivan is not paying me under the table for linking to him. But in my opinion he consistently offers the most reasoned, non-inflammatory coherent point of view. He is committed to holding the next President accountable for his actions and promises; and while there are many things we may disagree on, my respect for him is profound.
10. A body blow to racial identity politics. An end to the era of Jesse Jackson in black America.
9. Less debt. Yes, Obama will raise taxes on those earning over a quarter of a million. And he will spend on healthcare, Iraq, Afghanistan and the environment. But so will McCain. He plans more spending on health, the environment and won't touch defense of entitlements. And his refusal to touch taxes means an extra $4 trillion in debt over the massive increase presided over by Bush. And the CBO estimates that McCain's plans will add more to the debt over four years than Obama's. Fiscal conservatives have a clear choice.
8. A return to realism and prudence in foreign policy. Obama has consistently cited the foreign policy of George H. W. Bush as his inspiration. McCain's knee-jerk reaction to the Georgian conflict, his commitment to stay in Iraq indefinitely, and his brinksmanship over Iran's nuclear ambitions make him a far riskier choice for conservatives. The choice between Obama and McCain is like the choice between George H.W. Bush's first term and George W.'s.
7. An ability to understand the difference between listening to generals and delegating foreign policy to them.
6. Temperament. Obama has the coolest, calmest demeanor of any president since Eisenhower. Conservatism values that kind of constancy, especially cmopared with the hot-headed, irrational impulsiveness of McCain.
5. Faith. Obama's fusion of Christianity and reason, his non-fundamentalist faith, is a critical bridge between the new atheism and the new Christianism.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST:
Drudge Report: Wrong about Obama "Redistribution of Wealth" from 2001
Read Andrew Sullivan's post on this, it's about the civil rights movement, not socialism.
UPDATE:
FACTCHECKER JUST DEALT WITH THIS (QUICKLY, AS THE 2001 SUPREME COURT ISSUE JUST STARTED MAKING THE ROUNDS TODAY: THEIR CONCLUSION:
The Pinocchio Test
With very few exceptions, all American politicians, including both presidential candidates, are in favor of a progressive income tax system and welfare policies (such as Medicare and Social Security) that "redistribute wealth." Barack Obama is more enthusiastic about "spreading the wealth around" than his Republican rival. But that does not make him a "Socialist." The McCain camp is wrong to suggest that the Illinois senator advocated an "wealth redistribution" role for the Supreme Court in his 2001 interview.
TWO PINOCCHIOS
UPDATE:
FACTCHECKER JUST DEALT WITH THIS (QUICKLY, AS THE 2001 SUPREME COURT ISSUE JUST STARTED MAKING THE ROUNDS TODAY: THEIR CONCLUSION:
The Pinocchio Test
With very few exceptions, all American politicians, including both presidential candidates, are in favor of a progressive income tax system and welfare policies (such as Medicare and Social Security) that "redistribute wealth." Barack Obama is more enthusiastic about "spreading the wealth around" than his Republican rival. But that does not make him a "Socialist." The McCain camp is wrong to suggest that the Illinois senator advocated an "wealth redistribution" role for the Supreme Court in his 2001 interview.
TWO PINOCCHIOS
Amazon Had Obama Mask Listed As A "Terrorist Costume"
This was reported in the LA Times on Sunday; and Think Progress shows Top of the Ticket caught the image via screenshot.
Economy Down, Gun Sales Up.
From Washington Post's article today:
Americans have cut back on buying cars, furniture and clothes in a tough economy, but there's one consumer item that's still enjoying healthy sales: guns. Purchases of firearms and ammunition have risen 8 to 10 percent this year, according to state and federal data.
"I think right now people are scared Obama is going to take their rights away," said Margaret Marcus, who was carrying a Glock 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol under a blue jean jacket embroidered with "Winnie the Pooh" characters. "He's definitely anti-gun, despite what you see in the mainstream media."
Americans have cut back on buying cars, furniture and clothes in a tough economy, but there's one consumer item that's still enjoying healthy sales: guns. Purchases of firearms and ammunition have risen 8 to 10 percent this year, according to state and federal data.
"I think right now people are scared Obama is going to take their rights away," said Margaret Marcus, who was carrying a Glock 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol under a blue jean jacket embroidered with "Winnie the Pooh" characters. "He's definitely anti-gun, despite what you see in the mainstream media."
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Obama's Inaugural Speech Is Not Already Written
CBS News reported, a story that Barack Obama's inaugural speech has already been written.
CBS is now reporting that the Obama campaign says the charge is completely false. As Matthew Yglesias says, it's also true that the charge is completely false. Anyone who has heard Senator Obama speak in the last 2 weeks knows; he's not taking anything for granted.
CBS is now reporting that the Obama campaign says the charge is completely false. As Matthew Yglesias says, it's also true that the charge is completely false. Anyone who has heard Senator Obama speak in the last 2 weeks knows; he's not taking anything for granted.
ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS ENDORSES OBAMA
Sen. McCain describes himself as a maverick, by which he seems to mean that he spent 25 years trying unsuccessfully to persuade his own party to follow his bipartisan, centrist lead. Sadly, maverick John McCain didn't show up for the campaign. Instead we have candidate McCain, who embraces the extreme Republican orthodoxy he once resisted and cynically asks Americans to buy for another four years.
Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.
Click here for full article.
Sen. McCain describes himself as a maverick, by which he seems to mean that he spent 25 years trying unsuccessfully to persuade his own party to follow his bipartisan, centrist lead. Sadly, maverick John McCain didn't show up for the campaign. Instead we have candidate McCain, who embraces the extreme Republican orthodoxy he once resisted and cynically asks Americans to buy for another four years.
Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.
Click here for full article.
How Do You Feel About This?
Taken from: www.fivethirtyeight.com On The Road: Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Last week, Julie Hensley made one of her thousands of phone calls on behalf of Barack Obama. A woman answered. As Hensley ran through her short script, the husband impatiently broke in.
"Ma'am, we're voting for the n***er." And hung up.
Hensley wasn't having it. "I went and made a couple other calls but chafed over this absurdity," she told us, "so I called them back, as I still had a couple questions for the wife." This time the man answered, asked pointedly who she was, and when she replied he hung up again.
As for Hensley, her story ended with a twist. A couple hours later during a pause in her dials, her phone rang. She recognized the number. "This is going to be good," she remembers thinking, getting ready to scrap.
It was the husband. He was calling for the woman on whom he'd hung up. She then got something she didn't expect -- an apology. Calmly, Hensley told the man she'd accept his apology on one condition -- he had to tell her who he was voting for.
"Oh, I don't normally talk about it but I feel like I owe you," the man said. "I am voting for Senator Obama." He asked if Hensley would like to speak to his wife, as he'd interrupted the original call. Hensley mentioned that she had been surprised when he'd called to apologize. Apparently the husband and wife had been talking the entire couple hours since the original call. "Did she get upset with you?" Hensley asked.
"What do you think?" the man replied.
Eleven days.
Last week, Julie Hensley made one of her thousands of phone calls on behalf of Barack Obama. A woman answered. As Hensley ran through her short script, the husband impatiently broke in.
"Ma'am, we're voting for the n***er." And hung up.
Hensley wasn't having it. "I went and made a couple other calls but chafed over this absurdity," she told us, "so I called them back, as I still had a couple questions for the wife." This time the man answered, asked pointedly who she was, and when she replied he hung up again.
As for Hensley, her story ended with a twist. A couple hours later during a pause in her dials, her phone rang. She recognized the number. "This is going to be good," she remembers thinking, getting ready to scrap.
It was the husband. He was calling for the woman on whom he'd hung up. She then got something she didn't expect -- an apology. Calmly, Hensley told the man she'd accept his apology on one condition -- he had to tell her who he was voting for.
"Oh, I don't normally talk about it but I feel like I owe you," the man said. "I am voting for Senator Obama." He asked if Hensley would like to speak to his wife, as he'd interrupted the original call. Hensley mentioned that she had been surprised when he'd called to apologize. Apparently the husband and wife had been talking the entire couple hours since the original call. "Did she get upset with you?" Hensley asked.
"What do you think?" the man replied.
Eleven days.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
McCain Today.
He's not going to be the test-ee, he's going to be the test-or. And that's better how...?
And so much for regulation:
McCain calls for "less government regulation" of small businesses.
And so much for regulation:
McCain calls for "less government regulation" of small businesses.
Wow.
Right now, Obama is solid blue in Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and Virginia. (Iowa, per fivethirtyeight.com, is 100% Obama 0% chance for McCain).
If McCain wins ALL of these: FLORIDA, OHIO, INDIANA, PENNSYLVANIA, MISSOURI and NORTH CAROLINA; it's 270 Obama to 268 McCain. www.270towin.com has Obama at 277 now, giving him Pennsylvania, not even calling that a swing state. So to flip that to McCain, and give him FL, OH, IN, MO and NC still isn't enough, he'd need Nevada also. Wow.
If McCain wins ALL of these: FLORIDA, OHIO, INDIANA, PENNSYLVANIA, MISSOURI and NORTH CAROLINA; it's 270 Obama to 268 McCain. www.270towin.com has Obama at 277 now, giving him Pennsylvania, not even calling that a swing state. So to flip that to McCain, and give him FL, OH, IN, MO and NC still isn't enough, he'd need Nevada also. Wow.
An Appaling Comparison
Daniel Larison:
One response to the ridiculous cover of the latest issue of The Weekly Standard should be digust for the shameless adaptation of an iconic image from the Tiananmen Square massacre for the purposes of shilling for an awful candidate in a democratic election, but it seems to me that this might take TWS‘ democracy-promoting ideology and its alleged support for democratic dissidents far more seriously than they deserve. Of course it should go without saying that it is ludicrous and obnoxious to portray the frontrunner in a reasonably free and open election in the role of the Chinese military squashing the democracy activists of 1989, but then I expect that there is a nontrivial percentage of McCain supporters who think that the comparison is quite apt.
McCain is not standing alone in the path of a tank; he is not a valiant martyr to the rights of conscience and political expression. He is likely to be the runner-up in a large-scale contest for supreme power, and he will lose because most people in this country do not trust him or any other member of his party with that kind of power any longer. The perversity of comparing a man of his wealth and power, who seeks even more power, to a lone dissident engaged in futile resistance against overwhelming force is amazing. This certainly says something about that magazine’s respect for real dissidents in systems where contested and competitive elections essentially free of political violence are not possible. An example of real political dissent and courage is appropriated here for McCain to provide some lustre to the fading reputation of a dangerous and misguided politician.
More Palin
Seriously. HOW can anyone allow this woman to be voted in to office. Vice Presidents rarely have much control (the last 8 years excluded). In less than two months, she is already looking out for herself (why is she in Iowa this weekend? We are a BLUE blue state, and she's appearing multiple times. This is a crucial weekend; and she is "wasting" it on Iowa's 7 electoral votes?
This should scare most of you:
Religious leaders in Alaska, including Mr. Donelson, (a pastor and Palin appointee, who helped found the "spiritual warfare" ministry) declined interviews, with several saying they had been told by the McCain-Palin campaign not to talk to members of the news media.
What is known, however, is that Ms. Palin has had long associations with religious leaders who practice a particularly assertive and urgent brand of Pentecostalism known as “spiritual warfare. ”Its adherents believe that demonic forces can colonize specific geographic areas and individuals, and that “spiritual warriors” must “battle” them to assert God’s control, using prayer and evangelism. The movement’s fixation on demons, its aggressiveness and its leaders’ claims to exalted spiritual authority have troubled even some Pentecostal Christians.
Bruce Wilson, a researcher for Talk2Action, a Web site that tracks religious groups, said: “One of the imperatives of the movement is to achieve worldly power, including political control. Then you can more effectively drive out the demons. The ultimate goal is to purify the earth.”
The full New York Times story.
Here is a link to "Spiritual Warfare & Deliverance Ministries".
And, so much for getting all "mavericky" on "reform".
This should scare most of you:
Religious leaders in Alaska, including Mr. Donelson, (a pastor and Palin appointee, who helped found the "spiritual warfare" ministry) declined interviews, with several saying they had been told by the McCain-Palin campaign not to talk to members of the news media.
What is known, however, is that Ms. Palin has had long associations with religious leaders who practice a particularly assertive and urgent brand of Pentecostalism known as “spiritual warfare. ”Its adherents believe that demonic forces can colonize specific geographic areas and individuals, and that “spiritual warriors” must “battle” them to assert God’s control, using prayer and evangelism. The movement’s fixation on demons, its aggressiveness and its leaders’ claims to exalted spiritual authority have troubled even some Pentecostal Christians.
Bruce Wilson, a researcher for Talk2Action, a Web site that tracks religious groups, said: “One of the imperatives of the movement is to achieve worldly power, including political control. Then you can more effectively drive out the demons. The ultimate goal is to purify the earth.”
The full New York Times story.
Here is a link to "Spiritual Warfare & Deliverance Ministries".
And, so much for getting all "mavericky" on "reform".
McCain Adviser on Palin: She's "Going Rogue"
They say she is looking out more for herself than the McCain campaign.
"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," said this McCain adviser. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."
Click here for full story.
"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," said this McCain adviser. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else. Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."
Click here for full story.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Is It the Speechwriters? The Science Experts? Are there experts?
Sarah Palin, in her first policy speech, disparaged the fruit fly research in "Paris, France", saying, "I kid you not." Unfortunately, fruit fly research has discovered data about nerve connections which may lead to advances in understanding autism, a disorder which her nephew suffers from. While the fruit fly "earmark" Palin referred to was likely one on olive fruit flies which seems more geared to controlling population, discounting, as she did today, "money for fruit flies" is sadly close-minded.
"Thank God she's not going to have to be president from Day One. McCain's going to be alive and well."
10/24/08: Joe Lieberman, answering Connecticut reporters as to whether Sarah Palin is ready to be president right when elected.
10/24/08: Joe Lieberman, answering Connecticut reporters as to whether Sarah Palin is ready to be president right when elected.
OBAMA IS NOT A SOCIALIST (From a conservative. really).
I posted this the other day but apparently did not have a strong enough title. I have more points on this; votes McCain has made, actual video and audio of him saying, basically, "spread the wealth" as in, that's the right thing to do. Send me an email or comment if you want me to post them, but check this out by Daniel Larison; (a conservative) who parses the issue for us.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Wonderful Collection of Campaign Photos
Make sure click "Show More Images" at the bottom of each page. One from Des Moines, one from Burlington IA!
This Is A Post From Ta-Nehisi Coates Today: What $150k Could Have Purchased
Coates: You know what, this isn't about the wardrobe. It's about incompetence. It's about a poorly executed campaign. McCain's response to all this? She needed clothes. I bullshit you not.
What if the Tables Were Turned???
Thanks to Bev Vrooman for this insightful email. Click my comment, below, for full text.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Alamo chairwoman writes letter stating Obama is a Muslim socialist
Yeah, the Democrats are doing the same thing. Like calling John McCain a fascist, homophobic dictator. Really???????????????????????????? No wait.....THEY'RE NOT.
The Empress's New Clothes
Michelle Malkin (yes, her) has something to say (of course). (But Lorne Michaels is quoted, too).
Larison: Redistribution of Wealth
....."As I noted before, labeling Obama as the wealth-spreading candidate is not only politically stupid, but philosophically misguided as well. It used to be that conservatives believed and could articulate the belief that market economies were on the whole better at allocating resources and equitably distributing wealth than economies subject to a great deal of state intervention. The time was when broad and even distribution of wealth was a Jeffersonian and conservative goal to provide for a broad class of property-holders as the basis for social and political stability. It was not a description of a left-wing or welfarist plot. So much for that....." Click HERE for full post.
Michelle Bachmann...... Go Elwyn Tinklenberg! (Tied to the GOP? Go Aubrey Immelman!)
The Minnesota Congresswoman's recent statements led to her Democratic challenger raising over $750,000 for his campaign in a little over 2 days. But now, Bachmann's GOP challenger is back in the race as a write in candidate, too. (Hooray for unique names! Elwyn, Aubrey, Tinklenberg!)
On Hardball, Michelle Bachmann recommended that Senator Obama be investigated for his anti-American views. Actually, all the Democrats in Congress should be investigated, she further said. Then, she denies it. Note to self: If someone is filming you saying something, then you can't deny later that you said it. Really.
On Hardball, Michelle Bachmann recommended that Senator Obama be investigated for his anti-American views. Actually, all the Democrats in Congress should be investigated, she further said. Then, she denies it. Note to self: If someone is filming you saying something, then you can't deny later that you said it. Really.
Another Pic
Don in my office thought the adult WAS Barack at first glance. Another photo of Barack Obama with his grandfather, Stanley Dunham. Amazing. 
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Stanley & Madelyn DunhamBarack Obama's grandparents. The people he was raised by in Hawaii. Madelyn started as a bank teller in Honolulu, and in the 1970's became one of the first female bank vice presidents.
A Daily Dish reader wrote in to say how she saw a striking resemblance between Barack and his maternal grandfather. (The tilt of the head, ears, face shape, etc).
David Sedaris
If there is one person that always makes me laugh, it is David Sedaris. Andrew Sullivan posted a quote from his essay in the upcoming New Yorker (click title for the whole story) I'm posting a different one...
I didn’t vote again until 1976, when I was nineteen and legally registered. Because I was at college out of state, I sent my ballot through the mail. The choice that year was between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. Most of my friends were going for Carter, but, as an art major, I identified myself as a maverick. “That means an original,” I told my roommate. “Someone who lets the chips fall where they may.” Because I made my own rules and didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought of them, I decided to write in the name of Jerry Brown, who, it was rumored, liked to smoke pot. This was an issue very close to my heart—too close, obviously, as it amounted to a complete waste. Still, though, it taught me a valuable lesson: calling yourself a maverick is a sure sign that you’re not one.
I didn’t vote again until 1976, when I was nineteen and legally registered. Because I was at college out of state, I sent my ballot through the mail. The choice that year was between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. Most of my friends were going for Carter, but, as an art major, I identified myself as a maverick. “That means an original,” I told my roommate. “Someone who lets the chips fall where they may.” Because I made my own rules and didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought of them, I decided to write in the name of Jerry Brown, who, it was rumored, liked to smoke pot. This was an issue very close to my heart—too close, obviously, as it amounted to a complete waste. Still, though, it taught me a valuable lesson: calling yourself a maverick is a sure sign that you’re not one.
Monday, October 20, 2008
McCain Seems To Be Giving Up On Colorado
CNN's John King reports that the Republican team is "making tough decisions" as it sees Colorado as well as New Mexico and Iowa drift away.
Says the campaign's "risky strategy" is counting on Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and a comeback in Pennsylvania.
Obama To Suspend Campaign This Week
Barack Obama's grandmother has taken a turn for the worse, and he will be suspending his campaigning this Thursday and Friday to fly to Hawaii to be with her.
THREE PINOCHIOS
It is unclear whether either presidential candidate will actually keep their many promises on taxes. But the McCain claim his rival's current plan will force "folks like Joe" to subsidize welfare checks to non-tax-payers does not stand up to serious scrutiny. The McCain campaign has erected a bogus straw man argument with its claim that Obama has promised "to cut income taxes for 95 percent of Americans."
Obama's Misleading Ad on Medicare
NEITHER candidate should be lying. NEITHER.
UPDATE: 9:44pm, I just saw a revised ad this evening from Obama; now citing (and showing the article from) The New York Times, saying that McCain will cut Medicare benefits. Still, this has been disproven for the most part; so there has to be a better (and more honest) way to get the point across.
UPDATE: 9:44pm, I just saw a revised ad this evening from Obama; now citing (and showing the article from) The New York Times, saying that McCain will cut Medicare benefits. Still, this has been disproven for the most part; so there has to be a better (and more honest) way to get the point across.
Daniel Drezner on Palin and McCain's Own VP Pick
“He was furious. He was pissed. It wasn’t what he wanted.” Another friend disputed this, characterizing McCain’s mood as one of “understanding resignation.”
The Odd Lies of Sarah Palin II
Make of this what you will; I am not giving an opinion, rather passing along something that might be interesting. I think most everyone has wondered/marveled/been impressed/shocked/etc. at the circumstances surrounding "Trig". I'm not pushing a conspiracy theory; but since so many are, it makes fascinating reading, in my opinion.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
A FiveThirtyEight.com reader comments on the Powell news
"Nate,
I have to say that I've had zero respect for Powell ever since the Iraq invasion and his role in it and his equivocating, unsubstantial commentary on that and everything else since then. However, I'm not easily emotional but had tears running down my face today when he spoke of the mother at her son's grave in Arlington. What a shame the Republican party is to demonize and denigrate one's faith. What Powell said today about that would have been enough for me to say he has redeemed himself. He said that and a lot more of course and I'm sure HE is glad that Obama came along to allow him an opportunity to redeem himself in they eyes of many Americans."
REMEMBER THE WARNINGS. IT'S NOT OVER, AND THERE ARE CARDS LEFT TO PLAY.
With McCain refusing to denounce the Robocalls designed to scare voters into believing Senator Obama is a terrorist; and with the "Bradley effect" commentary refusing to die; be prepared for radical attacks that with so little time left in the campaign; will have very little chance for rebuttal. I do believe that the Obama campaign has something big up it's sleeve, still... Obama said a couple of weeks ago; "We don't throw the first punch, but we'll throw the last". I am sure the McCain campaign realizes that they had gone too far; and the ominous tones of the rallies were showing that, clearly. While they've dramatically backed off; the fact that McCain allowed and is now supporting the Robocalls, to the rebuke of Colin Powell this morning. He also spoke eloquently about the Muslim issue specifically.
I want to mention something else, which I will cover more in the coming week. HAVING A DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY IN CONGRESS AND PRESIDENCY is no where near as one sided as the fact that the next President could possibly be replacing two moderate/liberal Supreme Court Justices. The average tenure of a SCOTUS judge has been 16 years in the 1970',s but has grown to 26.1 years. That is a staggering figure. The Supreme Court needs to be balanced, and right now; we have 4 conservatives, 3 liberals, one Bush Sr. appointee (Souter, 1990) that has been fairly moderate-liberal; and one swing voter: Kennedy.
Conservatives will argue against a balance; but that's not something they likely will campaign on; because it can bring the imbalance to the Democrat's attention. The two justices likely to retire soon; Ruth Bader-Ginsberg and John Paul Stevens are 75 and 88, respectively. I know this has been mentioned, but Colin Powell brought it up today with his endorsement, and while "justice is blind", we know Justices, aren't.
UPDATE: HERE IS THE SPEECH OUTSIDE TO THE PRESS; IN SOME WAYS MORE POWERFUL THAN THE ENDORSEMENT ITSELF ON MEET THE PRESS.
I have to say that I've had zero respect for Powell ever since the Iraq invasion and his role in it and his equivocating, unsubstantial commentary on that and everything else since then. However, I'm not easily emotional but had tears running down my face today when he spoke of the mother at her son's grave in Arlington. What a shame the Republican party is to demonize and denigrate one's faith. What Powell said today about that would have been enough for me to say he has redeemed himself. He said that and a lot more of course and I'm sure HE is glad that Obama came along to allow him an opportunity to redeem himself in they eyes of many Americans."
REMEMBER THE WARNINGS. IT'S NOT OVER, AND THERE ARE CARDS LEFT TO PLAY.
With McCain refusing to denounce the Robocalls designed to scare voters into believing Senator Obama is a terrorist; and with the "Bradley effect" commentary refusing to die; be prepared for radical attacks that with so little time left in the campaign; will have very little chance for rebuttal. I do believe that the Obama campaign has something big up it's sleeve, still... Obama said a couple of weeks ago; "We don't throw the first punch, but we'll throw the last". I am sure the McCain campaign realizes that they had gone too far; and the ominous tones of the rallies were showing that, clearly. While they've dramatically backed off; the fact that McCain allowed and is now supporting the Robocalls, to the rebuke of Colin Powell this morning. He also spoke eloquently about the Muslim issue specifically.
I want to mention something else, which I will cover more in the coming week. HAVING A DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY IN CONGRESS AND PRESIDENCY is no where near as one sided as the fact that the next President could possibly be replacing two moderate/liberal Supreme Court Justices. The average tenure of a SCOTUS judge has been 16 years in the 1970',s but has grown to 26.1 years. That is a staggering figure. The Supreme Court needs to be balanced, and right now; we have 4 conservatives, 3 liberals, one Bush Sr. appointee (Souter, 1990) that has been fairly moderate-liberal; and one swing voter: Kennedy.
Conservatives will argue against a balance; but that's not something they likely will campaign on; because it can bring the imbalance to the Democrat's attention. The two justices likely to retire soon; Ruth Bader-Ginsberg and John Paul Stevens are 75 and 88, respectively. I know this has been mentioned, but Colin Powell brought it up today with his endorsement, and while "justice is blind", we know Justices, aren't.
UPDATE: HERE IS THE SPEECH OUTSIDE TO THE PRESS; IN SOME WAYS MORE POWERFUL THAN THE ENDORSEMENT ITSELF ON MEET THE PRESS.
Does The McCain Campaign Believe It's Supporters Are Sexist?
Today, the New York Times reports on the “heavily male” crowds at rallies for Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), where her “stoutest defenders are often the Joe Sixpacks in her crowds.” A few of the men interviewed noted Palin’s physical appeal:
– “Mr. McLain wore a ‘Proud to be voting for a hot chick’ button[.]”
– “Yes, some men come to ogle the candidate, too. ‘She’s beautiful,’ said a man wearing a John Deere T-shirt in Weirs Beach. ‘I came here to look at her,’ he said, and his admiration for Ms. Palin’s appearance became more and more animated. Sheepish over his ogling, he declined to give his real name (’Just call me “John Deere” ‘).”
In September, a McCain campaign ad argued that complimenting Palin on her appearance was “sexist.” Does the McCain campaign believe that these supporters — who are echoing other prominent conservatives — are sexist too?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
This Is What 100,000 Looks Like
Barack Obama draws record U.S. crowdtoday in St. Louis, Mo.
Missouri is a hotly contested state, currently polling, according to RCP, polling +2.5 for Obama. Missouri has been the "bellwether" state in the US elections; choosing the winning candidate in every election since 1960. (Since 1904, the state's only miss was in 1956).
Editorial Endorsements
New York Times:
.."it’s a shame that Mr. McCain hasn’t come up with policies that would actually help workers. Instead, he’s served up the same-old trickle-down theories and a government-is-wrong, markets-are-right fervor that helped create this economic disaster."
The Chicago Tribune, who has not backed a Democrat in it's 161-hear history:
"On Nov. 4 we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose," the Tribune editorial said. "The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama." They went on to say, "Palin is the most unqualified vice presidential nominee of a major party in living memory," the Times said. "The decision calls into question just what kind of thinking — if that's the appropriate word — would drive the White House in a McCain presidency." And also, "Obama is educated and eloquent, sober and exciting, steady and mature. He represents the nation as it is, and as it aspires to be."
The Los Angeles Times, who also has never backed a Democrat:
"We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement. We need a leader well-grounded in the intellectual and legal foundations of American freedom. Yet we ask that the same person also possess the spark and passion to inspire the best within us: creativity, generosity and a fierce defense of justice and liberty".... "The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president...."He is no lone rider. He is a consensus-builder, a leader. As a constitutional scholar, he has articulated a respect for the rule of law and the limited power of the executive that make him the best hope of restoring balance and process to the Justice Department. He is a Democrat, leaning further left than right, and that should be reflected in his nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court. This is a good thing; the court operates best when it is ideologically balanced. With its present alignment at seven justices named by Republicans and two by Democrats, it is due for a tug from the left."
And the site that keeps the running tally (currently 62 endorsements for Obama, 18 for McCain).
One more side-note; one of McCain's biggest talking points right now? That Obama wants to give a credit to those who "don't even pay taxes". That's what he's doing with his health care plan.
.."it’s a shame that Mr. McCain hasn’t come up with policies that would actually help workers. Instead, he’s served up the same-old trickle-down theories and a government-is-wrong, markets-are-right fervor that helped create this economic disaster."
The Chicago Tribune, who has not backed a Democrat in it's 161-hear history:
"On Nov. 4 we're going to elect a president to lead us through a perilous time and restore in us a common sense of national purpose," the Tribune editorial said. "The strongest candidate to do that is Sen. Barack Obama." They went on to say, "Palin is the most unqualified vice presidential nominee of a major party in living memory," the Times said. "The decision calls into question just what kind of thinking — if that's the appropriate word — would drive the White House in a McCain presidency." And also, "Obama is educated and eloquent, sober and exciting, steady and mature. He represents the nation as it is, and as it aspires to be."
The Los Angeles Times, who also has never backed a Democrat:
"We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement. We need a leader well-grounded in the intellectual and legal foundations of American freedom. Yet we ask that the same person also possess the spark and passion to inspire the best within us: creativity, generosity and a fierce defense of justice and liberty".... "The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president...."He is no lone rider. He is a consensus-builder, a leader. As a constitutional scholar, he has articulated a respect for the rule of law and the limited power of the executive that make him the best hope of restoring balance and process to the Justice Department. He is a Democrat, leaning further left than right, and that should be reflected in his nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court. This is a good thing; the court operates best when it is ideologically balanced. With its present alignment at seven justices named by Republicans and two by Democrats, it is due for a tug from the left."
And the site that keeps the running tally (currently 62 endorsements for Obama, 18 for McCain).
One more side-note; one of McCain's biggest talking points right now? That Obama wants to give a credit to those who "don't even pay taxes". That's what he's doing with his health care plan.
Quote Of The Year
October 17, 2008
"Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from
the jaws of victory," Obama said. "Don't underestimate our ability
to screw it up."
"Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from
the jaws of victory," Obama said. "Don't underestimate our ability
to screw it up."
Friday, October 17, 2008
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr.'s Voice..... ????
He was on Larry King Live tonight, and I had to find out about how he was speaking. He has spasmodic dysphonia. It is extremely rare, and Diane Rhem, NPR Host, also has the condition.
Sarah Palin Herself To Be On SNL This Saturday.
A can't miss, my psychic powers guarantee.
In her own words:
In her own words:
"I haven't seen a script -- not at all. They haven't even hinted about what that script is going to say," said Palin.
"But you know," she said, "I just want to be there to show Americans that we will rise above the political shots that we take because we're in this serious business for serious challenges that are facing the good American people right now. That's why we're campaigning hard. That's why we're working hard."
Can We Please Flush Joe The Plumber?
In what way is a Doctor & Plumber alike? They both bury their mistakes.
How many plumbers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Three... A boss to tell a plumber, a plumber to tell a helper, a helper to get his electrician friend to do it on the side.
O.k., enough is enough. The man IS a registered Republican (there were stories out that he was not registered to vote, his name was misspelled in the rolls). Even FOX News ran the story that Mr. Wurzelbacher not only does not hold a plumbing license, but has never applied for one, or an apprentice license, for that matter. The also report that he owes the State of Ohio approximately $1200 in back taxes. He voted Republican in the primary.
Even with all of that, McCain won't give up. He mentioned it last night on Letterman, and at a rally in Miami. Sarah Palin, also, is, along with going nutty (sorry, it's the joke-of-the day post, apparently) about ACORN still, is championing her new "Joe".
EVEN SARAH PALIN IS "OVER" IT....
The Alaska governor said the election in 18 days “is the choice between a candidate who will raise your taxes and that threatens our future, and a leader who’s going to Washington to work for Joe the Plumber, as you heard a lot about last night. And I, I begged our speechwriters, ‘Don’t make me say Joe the Plumber, please, in any speeches.’
“And I was asked, ‘Just one time, just at this fundraiser.’”
Palin Stays Sheltered From Most News To Keep From Being "Depressed"
"So North Carolina, I appreciate you all so much, who are here who already get it. You know, maybe I'm preaching to the choir a little bit here, but being here encourages me because I know that I'm not alone and I'll send this message back to John McCain also. At those times on the campaign trail when sometimes it's easy to get a little bit discouraged, when, you know, when you happen to turn on the news when your campaign staffers will let you turn on the news," she said.."
But $15 Million Might Cheer Her Up.
That's the price they're charging the AP/news ofrganizations or copies of the governors emails. But they won't be available until AFTER Nov 4.
But $15 Million Might Cheer Her Up.
That's the price they're charging the AP/news ofrganizations or copies of the governors emails. But they won't be available until AFTER Nov 4.
Post-Debate Commentary, Part 2
From A Republican Daily Dish Reader:
"Two things struck me as crucially important:...." (click here for full post)
And Another One:
They are killing me. I am a registered Republican. I live in Virginia. But I am clearly not a "Virginia Republican". This ticket and loathesome campaign is a disaster - I haven't left the Republican Party so much as it has left me, at least here in the Commonwealth......" (click here)
And the Washington Post endorses.................................
"Two things struck me as crucially important:...." (click here for full post)
And Another One:
They are killing me. I am a registered Republican. I live in Virginia. But I am clearly not a "Virginia Republican". This ticket and loathesome campaign is a disaster - I haven't left the Republican Party so much as it has left me, at least here in the Commonwealth......" (click here)
And the Washington Post endorses.................................
Thursday, October 16, 2008
You're Right, Racism Charges Against The GOP Are Completely Unfounded. Really.
Will they never learn? Oh.... The Hypocrisy.
Another one from the GOP in Virginia
And Virginia Robocalls, from the GOP AND the McCain/Palin campaign......
Hello. I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC because you need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home and killed Americans. And Democrats will enact an extreme leftist agenda if they take control of Washington. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the judgment to lead our country. This call was paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee at 202-863-8500.
Another one from the GOP in VirginiaAnd Virginia Robocalls, from the GOP AND the McCain/Palin campaign......
Hello. I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC because you need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home and killed Americans. And Democrats will enact an extreme leftist agenda if they take control of Washington. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the judgment to lead our country. This call was paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee at 202-863-8500.
The "New" Voter Intimidation 8:56pm
A (Daily Dish) reader writes:
I live in Charlotte NC, where today is the first day of early voting. I drove by two polling places before 8 this morning and they were both completely mobbed. My husband has driven to two others in his attempt to vote today, and the scene has been so ridiculous that he has given up and will try again next week. At two of the spots where he tried to vote, he witnessed and was approached by two exceedingly aggressive McCain/Palin volunteers who were pulling people out of line, handing out brochures, and telling them "You really need to think carefully about your vote. If you plan to vote Obama, we would ask that you read this material and reconsider your vote."
At one location, after approaching my husband aggressively, these volunteers were forcefully asked to leave by an employee and were told the police would be called if they did not cease and desist. None of this is indicative of anything, obviously. I just thought it was interesting. I have voted in three presidential races since I have lived in Charlotte, and I have never been approached by anyone campaiging so close to a polling location. Desperation, perhaps?
And another one with a slightly better experience, but still words of caution.
Voting Fraud or Registration Fraud? 8:43pm
From Slate:
Evidence of voter-registration wrongdoing is no more a sign of widespread, Obama-sanctioned vote fraud than evidence of minorities being misled and intimidated on Election Day is a sign of official, McCain-sanctioned vote suppression. What's the real point of turning voter-registration shenanigans into "one of the greatest frauds in voter history"? The object here is not criminal indictments. It's to undermine voter confidence in the elections system as a whole. John McCain wants to build a better bogeyman, and he needs your help to do it.
Evidence of voter-registration wrongdoing is no more a sign of widespread, Obama-sanctioned vote fraud than evidence of minorities being misled and intimidated on Election Day is a sign of official, McCain-sanctioned vote suppression. What's the real point of turning voter-registration shenanigans into "one of the greatest frauds in voter history"? The object here is not criminal indictments. It's to undermine voter confidence in the elections system as a whole. John McCain wants to build a better bogeyman, and he needs your help to do it.
(McCain) Playing Not To Lose
"This is an important point. There is a basic rule in any competition, and elections are no different. If you assume that all you really need do is show up and wait for the other side to fail, you will lose and probably quite embarrassingly at that. McCain never made the case for himself, because he assumed that he would be the default winner once the public decided Obama was unprepared. Whether......" (click title for rest)
In addition, RedState.com has Brad Smith saying it's over.
In addition, RedState.com has Brad Smith saying it's over.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
This Is A Gem!
Paul Krugman, who just won the NOBEL PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS, 2008, in his article in the New York Times, September 19, 2008, says about John McCain's Better Health Care at Lower Cost for Every American (Sep/Oct issue of Contingencies):
Here’s what McCain has to say about the wonders of market-based health reform:
Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation.
So McCain, who now poses as the scourge of Wall Street, was praising financial deregulation like 10 seconds ago — and promising that if we marketize health care, it will perform as well as the financial industry!
MORE ACORN
12:40am
I have to reiterate things sometimes, and now, it's about the ACORN deal, AGAIN.
I know TPM is very liberal, but still; it's bottom line information, that is not, not not gettign mentioned. CNN, who is usually very good; has been the worst culprit here; being extremely misleading. ACORN is an organization that gets their money from grants, etc. So they have a vested interest in meeting their "quotas". They are operating, often, in inner city neighborhoods, and relying on "volunteers" or people they pay based on performance. So is there a massive left wing conspiracy to rig an election through ACORN? Um, I'm going to say not likely, because if you register Kentucky Fried Chicken at 123 Sesame Street, Anytown, USA, then I'm doubtful KFC's showin' up to vote. It has been stated repeatedly that this is massive voter REGISTRATION fraud, NOT VOTER fraud. Those are very different. Historically, there has been no evidence of ACORN related mass voter fraud, in any election. These are, usually, very low income people out signing people up to get paid. It's unfortunate that it gets turned it to this massive Obama conspiracy.
From the link:
I have to reiterate things sometimes, and now, it's about the ACORN deal, AGAIN.
I know TPM is very liberal, but still; it's bottom line information, that is not, not not gettign mentioned. CNN, who is usually very good; has been the worst culprit here; being extremely misleading. ACORN is an organization that gets their money from grants, etc. So they have a vested interest in meeting their "quotas". They are operating, often, in inner city neighborhoods, and relying on "volunteers" or people they pay based on performance. So is there a massive left wing conspiracy to rig an election through ACORN? Um, I'm going to say not likely, because if you register Kentucky Fried Chicken at 123 Sesame Street, Anytown, USA, then I'm doubtful KFC's showin' up to vote. It has been stated repeatedly that this is massive voter REGISTRATION fraud, NOT VOTER fraud. Those are very different. Historically, there has been no evidence of ACORN related mass voter fraud, in any election. These are, usually, very low income people out signing people up to get paid. It's unfortunate that it gets turned it to this massive Obama conspiracy.
From the link:
"That's not because ACORN hasn't submitted hundreds or even thousands of fraudulent registration forms in several crucial swing states. They have -- though it's worth noting again that in many states, they're required by law to submit any forms their canvassers collect.
But to reiterate the main point: according to experts, fraudulent registration forms almost never lead to lead to fraudulent voting. If ACORN submits a form with the name Mickey Mouse, Mickey is unlikely to show up to vote on election day.
In other words, there's a crucial distinction between voter registration fraud and voter fraud -- and there's essentially no evidence whatsoever of the latter."
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008
9:01pm
Today's Polls. The NYT/CBS News Poll isn't the only one in double digits.
7:55pm
SPIDERS FOR OBAMA!
5:24pm
I've Been Saying This For Over A Week.
It is absolutely crazy that the "Chicago Man of the Year" who was awarded money by ANNENBERG; a Nixon ambassador and major Republican contributor, who also worked with a bipartisan foundation, and is a distinguished Professor at a University. Why isn't the dean that hired him under attack? What about every other Professor in his department? What about the students that take his classes? The parents that pay for those classes? I could go on. I don't need to, Andrew Sullivan takes it over.....
Today's Polls. The NYT/CBS News Poll isn't the only one in double digits.
7:55pm
SPIDERS FOR OBAMA!
5:24pm
I've Been Saying This For Over A Week.
It is absolutely crazy that the "Chicago Man of the Year" who was awarded money by ANNENBERG; a Nixon ambassador and major Republican contributor, who also worked with a bipartisan foundation, and is a distinguished Professor at a University. Why isn't the dean that hired him under attack? What about every other Professor in his department? What about the students that take his classes? The parents that pay for those classes? I could go on. I don't need to, Andrew Sullivan takes it over.....
"Republicans Who Fund Bill Ayers
I think Obama's relatively weak but nonetheless real interactions with William Ayers are a legitimate campaign issue. But Obama's best response, after telling the facts of the relationship, is to point out who else supported him. Republican machers Walter and Leonora Annenberg gave the former terrorist $50 million. They also gave money to Rick Santorum, Strom Thurmond and Mitt Romney. Annenberg was Nixon's ambassador to Britain. If Obama is "palling around with terrorists," the Republican Annenbergs are funding them.
Yesterday, the McCain campain put out a press release boasting that Leonore Annenberg had just endorsed him for president. Why is McCain happy to accept the endorsement of a funder of terrorism?"
Monday, October 13, 2008
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008.... CONT.
"Oh.... SNAP", as I just heard this referred to.
Michelle Malkin, self described Conservative Journalist, who just yesterday posted a story about the "false narrative" created by Obama supporters, making fun of the supposed "mobs", saying, Oooh, it's "scaaaary", and Oh "Please.". WELL, today, here's what she has to say, in her post entitled: "SIGH: McCain and his friends at....... ACORN." She says:
Michelle Malkin, self described Conservative Journalist, who just yesterday posted a story about the "false narrative" created by Obama supporters, making fun of the supposed "mobs", saying, Oooh, it's "scaaaary", and Oh "Please.". WELL, today, here's what she has to say, in her post entitled: "SIGH: McCain and his friends at....... ACORN." She says:
"If you want to know why see-sawing John McCain has had to be goaded, prodded, begged, and dragged into spotlighting Barack Obama’s radical ACORN roots, here’s your answer:
Turns out John McCain had no problem calling ACORN members his friends during his ill-fated illegal alien shamnesty crusade.
Ugh."
NOW, in yesterday's post, where she is particularly furious with conservatives and Republicans speaking out against McCain's perceived endorsement of the hate fueled campaign rallies, she does show quite a few TERRIBLE things that have been posted; said, etc. about McCain, Palin, and even Bush. I "rebuke", "reject", and all of the other proper words that should be used to distance oneself from many of these things. I do NOT think that a horribly inappropriate bumper sticker or photo "collage" is the same as incendiary riot inciting comments of "terrorist", "kill him", etc. Particularly when those statements are not IMMEDIATELY disowned. SEE MY COMMENT FOR MORE...MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008
8:16pm
THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.
Ta-Nehisi Coates Shares What Brought Him To Tears Today.
"Seriously guys sometimes we forget. Here's a note from a reader:
My father (85 year old African-American and, in fact, a "public
intellectual" who helped coin the phrase "African-American" 40 years
ago, a phrase we now take for granted on our census forms) and his wife
(77 old European-American, the term they both hope will replace "white"
someday, and life-long civil rights activist and academic) voted this
morning in Atlanta, GA. My stepmother emailed me this morning to tell
me about their experience, early voting, getting "fragile elderly"
treatment from the poll-workers, wishing she could kick up her
septuagenarian heels after casting her vote.
I sat in my office, reading her email, and wept. Then, I went down the
hall to my colleague's office, sat down, and wept. After seven decades
of constant struggle, my father walked into that booth and knew that his
life's work was now done. My stepmother can think of every person who
secretly and not-so-secretly thought of her as some kind of race
traitor, smile and think "I told you so!"
Obama will win, I'm sure he will. But today, my parents did. I am so
deeply, deeply grateful."
2:04pm
BILL MAHER'S NEW DEBATE RULES.
12:36pm
McCain YouTube Video; McCain declines to disown Obama-Osama comparison.
12:30pm
Florida Republicans start distancing themselves from McCain campaign.
"Even Gov. Charlie Crist, who helped deliver Florida for McCain during the primary, said he will be spending more time minding the state's weak economy than campaigning for the Arizona senator in the final weeks before Election Day."
10:56am
AN "OBAMA MONKEY" YESTERDAY AT A PALIN RALLY?
Yes folks, it is true, and here is the YouTube video to prove it. As Ta-Nehisi Coates says; it is not the one lone nutcase that is the problem; the world is full of wackos. It is the CROWD that allows it to happen.
"I wasn't going to post about this guy with the Obama monkey-doll. Then I watched the video again, and noticed something. There is nothing troubling about one lone racist nut in a crowd. What's troubling is the crowd. Dig how they just look on and smile uncomfortably. No one confronts him. This is the banality of evil, no? It isn't the guy doing the deed. Its the enablers who give comfort and haven to spew his hatred. On one level, I'm thankful for them. Anyone, who wants to now say that an Obama election proves that racism is dead will have to contend with this last week. And it isn't the nuts that this person must contend with---it's the crowds, the crowds who silently, and sometimes not so silently, just stand by and let it happen. They are all, to a man, cowards."
10:43
EPIC FAIL.
Andrew Sullivan calls out the overall result of the o-bomb-a-palooz-a with this link to an ABC News.com article. In his previous post, he refers to Bill Kristol's hypocritical article from yesterday calling for McCain to go positive. This after calling for McCain to go negative, just a few days ago. A gem from the press released snippet of McCain's new speech:
“The national media has written us off.,” McCain says in excerpts released by the campaign. “Sen. Obama is measuring the drapes and planning with Speaker Pelosi and Sen. Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections and concede defeat in Iraq. But they forgot to let you decide. My friends, we’ve got them just where we want them.”
10:35am
Is McCain going to pull off his new "Feisty" speech?
Mike Allen @ Politico.com thinks "it's more like hitting the panic button".
9:57am
Hearing A Lot About Reagan, Lately?
Larison on "The Power of Myths".
THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.
Ta-Nehisi Coates Shares What Brought Him To Tears Today.
"Seriously guys sometimes we forget. Here's a note from a reader:
My father (85 year old African-American and, in fact, a "public
intellectual" who helped coin the phrase "African-American" 40 years
ago, a phrase we now take for granted on our census forms) and his wife
(77 old European-American, the term they both hope will replace "white"
someday, and life-long civil rights activist and academic) voted this
morning in Atlanta, GA. My stepmother emailed me this morning to tell
me about their experience, early voting, getting "fragile elderly"
treatment from the poll-workers, wishing she could kick up her
septuagenarian heels after casting her vote.
I sat in my office, reading her email, and wept. Then, I went down the
hall to my colleague's office, sat down, and wept. After seven decades
of constant struggle, my father walked into that booth and knew that his
life's work was now done. My stepmother can think of every person who
secretly and not-so-secretly thought of her as some kind of race
traitor, smile and think "I told you so!"
Obama will win, I'm sure he will. But today, my parents did. I am so
deeply, deeply grateful."
2:04pm
BILL MAHER'S NEW DEBATE RULES.
12:36pm
McCain YouTube Video; McCain declines to disown Obama-Osama comparison.
12:30pm
Florida Republicans start distancing themselves from McCain campaign.
"Even Gov. Charlie Crist, who helped deliver Florida for McCain during the primary, said he will be spending more time minding the state's weak economy than campaigning for the Arizona senator in the final weeks before Election Day."
10:56am
AN "OBAMA MONKEY" YESTERDAY AT A PALIN RALLY?
Yes folks, it is true, and here is the YouTube video to prove it. As Ta-Nehisi Coates says; it is not the one lone nutcase that is the problem; the world is full of wackos. It is the CROWD that allows it to happen.
"I wasn't going to post about this guy with the Obama monkey-doll. Then I watched the video again, and noticed something. There is nothing troubling about one lone racist nut in a crowd. What's troubling is the crowd. Dig how they just look on and smile uncomfortably. No one confronts him. This is the banality of evil, no? It isn't the guy doing the deed. Its the enablers who give comfort and haven to spew his hatred. On one level, I'm thankful for them. Anyone, who wants to now say that an Obama election proves that racism is dead will have to contend with this last week. And it isn't the nuts that this person must contend with---it's the crowds, the crowds who silently, and sometimes not so silently, just stand by and let it happen. They are all, to a man, cowards."
10:43
EPIC FAIL.
Andrew Sullivan calls out the overall result of the o-bomb-a-palooz-a with this link to an ABC News.com article. In his previous post, he refers to Bill Kristol's hypocritical article from yesterday calling for McCain to go positive. This after calling for McCain to go negative, just a few days ago. A gem from the press released snippet of McCain's new speech:
“The national media has written us off.,” McCain says in excerpts released by the campaign. “Sen. Obama is measuring the drapes and planning with Speaker Pelosi and Sen. Reid to raise taxes, increase spending, take away your right to vote by secret ballot in labor elections and concede defeat in Iraq. But they forgot to let you decide. My friends, we’ve got them just where we want them.”
10:35am
Is McCain going to pull off his new "Feisty" speech?
Mike Allen @ Politico.com thinks "it's more like hitting the panic button".
9:57am
Hearing A Lot About Reagan, Lately?
Larison on "The Power of Myths".
TIME FOR SOME FACT-CHECKING.
Because at this point, a small percentage will be making the decision; (those that are committed are committed, but there are still plenty of those that are susceptible to manipulation, by both sides.
I feel these are all very important things to know the truth behind; because they will come up, and it's important to set the records straight.
1. William (Bill) Ayers. I have posted a lot about this relationship, and this man (who was named Chicago's CITIZEN OF THE YEAR in 1997, for his work on education. It also mentions ACORN. Click the links of the items and you'll be taken to the official fact-checking entries! Politifact called this a "Pants-on-fire" lie.
2. BORN ALIVE: Gianna Jessen says she'd be dead if Obama had his way. This discusses all of the abortion uproar.
3. TROOPERGATE: Andrew Sullivan is my favorite source; and he has all the links to support his positions. Another link here. The Fact Checker at Washington Post? Here.
4. Obama's Insurance Plan has Mandates for Small Businesses?
5. McCain voted Against a war funding bill because of a timeline clause. This was first marked as "half true", then after being shown the full proof; Politifact changed their finding to True.
6. Obama voted for 94 tax increases? As this says, "not even close". Factcheck.org says this as well.
7. McCain's health plan leaves you to pay health insurance tax? Barely true, and misleading.
8. Obama's Fannie Mae Connections. Also, don't forget, when the totals are tallied; Obama received more from friends & family of Fannie/Freddie employees, but McCain received MUCH more from directors & lobbyists, bringing his grand total HIGHER than Obama's.
9. Obama is going to raise your taxes. Or Obama is raising taxes on families making $42,000 a year. This has been going on since the summer; he is still wrong.
10. Obama supported sex education for kindergartners. Wrong on so many levels, Politifact agrees, another "Pants-on-Fire" lie.
Because at this point, a small percentage will be making the decision; (those that are committed are committed, but there are still plenty of those that are susceptible to manipulation, by both sides.
I feel these are all very important things to know the truth behind; because they will come up, and it's important to set the records straight.
1. William (Bill) Ayers. I have posted a lot about this relationship, and this man (who was named Chicago's CITIZEN OF THE YEAR in 1997, for his work on education. It also mentions ACORN. Click the links of the items and you'll be taken to the official fact-checking entries! Politifact called this a "Pants-on-fire" lie.
2. BORN ALIVE: Gianna Jessen says she'd be dead if Obama had his way. This discusses all of the abortion uproar.
3. TROOPERGATE: Andrew Sullivan is my favorite source; and he has all the links to support his positions. Another link here. The Fact Checker at Washington Post? Here.
4. Obama's Insurance Plan has Mandates for Small Businesses?
5. McCain voted Against a war funding bill because of a timeline clause. This was first marked as "half true", then after being shown the full proof; Politifact changed their finding to True.
6. Obama voted for 94 tax increases? As this says, "not even close". Factcheck.org says this as well.
7. McCain's health plan leaves you to pay health insurance tax? Barely true, and misleading.
8. Obama's Fannie Mae Connections. Also, don't forget, when the totals are tallied; Obama received more from friends & family of Fannie/Freddie employees, but McCain received MUCH more from directors & lobbyists, bringing his grand total HIGHER than Obama's.
9. Obama is going to raise your taxes. Or Obama is raising taxes on families making $42,000 a year. This has been going on since the summer; he is still wrong.
10. Obama supported sex education for kindergartners. Wrong on so many levels, Politifact agrees, another "Pants-on-Fire" lie.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2008
11:56pm
I Talked About This Guy Before.
Andy Martin, the brains behind the "Barack Obama is a Muslim". What a gem. I posted about this myself here, in the section about Hannity's Expose. Linked article above; NY Times,
9:14pm
Beep, Beep: Road Runner lets McCain blow up
Barack Obama's strategy of calm is provoking his rival into fatal errors
Andrew Sullivan's article in The Sunday Times. Here's a part, but worth reading the whole story.
"Obama rarely directly attacks. He subtly baits. His most brilliant rope-a-dope of the entire campaign was against Bill Clinton in the spring. In a newspaper interview, Obama cited Ronald Reagan as the last transformational president. He didn’t mention Clinton. The former president was offended by being implicitly dissed, took the bait and unleashed a series of unwise public scoffs at the young Democrat, culminating in a dismissal of Obama as another Jesse Jackson. Suddenly, black Democrats abandoned Clinton’s wife, and the Clintons’ base collapsed. Obama merely stepped out of the way as the Clintons self-destructed. He didn’t just end their campaign; he helped to bury their reputation."
5:29pm
MILITARY WIVES FOR OBAMA
My brother in law David Turner, (Dayton, OH) sent me a link to this VIDEO, and WEBSITE. It was sent to him by a woman whose husband works at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Please pass this website along to anyone concerned with Obama and the military; or to anyone, actually. There are pamphlets, a Fact Check section; it is an informative site.
I Talked About This Guy Before.
Andy Martin, the brains behind the "Barack Obama is a Muslim". What a gem. I posted about this myself here, in the section about Hannity's Expose. Linked article above; NY Times,
9:14pm
Beep, Beep: Road Runner lets McCain blow up
Barack Obama's strategy of calm is provoking his rival into fatal errors
Andrew Sullivan's article in The Sunday Times. Here's a part, but worth reading the whole story.
"Obama rarely directly attacks. He subtly baits. His most brilliant rope-a-dope of the entire campaign was against Bill Clinton in the spring. In a newspaper interview, Obama cited Ronald Reagan as the last transformational president. He didn’t mention Clinton. The former president was offended by being implicitly dissed, took the bait and unleashed a series of unwise public scoffs at the young Democrat, culminating in a dismissal of Obama as another Jesse Jackson. Suddenly, black Democrats abandoned Clinton’s wife, and the Clintons’ base collapsed. Obama merely stepped out of the way as the Clintons self-destructed. He didn’t just end their campaign; he helped to bury their reputation."
5:29pm
MILITARY WIVES FOR OBAMA
My brother in law David Turner, (Dayton, OH) sent me a link to this VIDEO, and WEBSITE. It was sent to him by a woman whose husband works at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Please pass this website along to anyone concerned with Obama and the military; or to anyone, actually. There are pamphlets, a Fact Check section; it is an informative site.
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