Now that the race had Narrowed to Obama and McCain, things are starting to get interesting. There are so many issues that have a huge impact on who to vote for.
I know many here say that people will vote by whether the person has a D after there name, but aren’t you the same? R or nothing?
I have usually been a repubilcan but now I think the lines are more blurred. What Republicans traditionally used to stand for, doesnt necessarily really apply today (at least not what I have seen in 20 years say?). Democrats also waver in what they have traditionally stood for.
So take that out of the National equation- no party, you are just voting from 2 candidates, neither Democrat or Republican- what are the issues?
My first curiosity and something I think will mean a lot to who gets elected- Who to pick for VP- for Obama, I can see many candidates- he really doesnt have to consider too much race, gender as does McCain (except I do not know in the state of our COuntry whether he could pick an African America- lets face the truth of itand be blunt, for some folks, it is a stretch to vote for one AA. To vote for 2, I think those folks just couldn’t do it).
McCain’s VP choice is much more important I think- another white male- I dont think that will work if you are trying to bring over voters from Hillary. I think it does have to be a women or a minority. So who is a viable VP?
Ive been racking my brain- and I just cant think of any…how bout you.
Paul had a substantial following from lots of fringe groups. The good news is that Paul supporters were ultra-conservative. I doubt ANY of them will toss their backing over to Obama.
Speaking of Obama, why is he trying so hard to prove that he’s not a Muslim? I thought the Dems were tolerent and loved everyone. Is Barack saying that there is something wrong with being a Muslim? ;-P Just tryin’ to stir the pot a tad!!
Isn’t it funny that Obama doesn’t want anyone to use his middle name—HUSSEIN - as if he’s trying to “hide” his heritage.
Anyway you cut it, he IS half-Muslim - his father was Muslim and IMHO I think he “leans” Muslim - regardless of his “association” with a so-called Christian church which he joined purely for political reasons.
I think he is just trying to ‘quash” all the rumors and internet lies- why not come right out and confront perceptions, rumors and falsehoods. I too would want people to know me as I am, not as people think me to be.
I think the reason he plays down Hussein and being born of 1 Muslim parent is obvious. People have wrong perceptions of most (and I do mean the majority) of Muslims and that perception leads to misunderstandings and prejudice; just as Jews have been persecuted in the past- and lets face it, until Kennedy, being Catholic was bad for politics.
But being a member of the “Party of Inclusion and Tolerence” should carry with it the obligation to stand with or alongside everyone! I seem to recall a story about a man who denied being associated with another a few times before the cock crowed… When Obama says he’s not a Muslim, I can almost hear him adding, “...not that there’s anything wrong with that!!”
Being born a muslim doesnt mean you have to stay a practicing muslim- its not genetic. He is a Christian, baptised in the faith. What would you have him do? He can stand along side anyone of any faith and still be inclusive and tolerant- unles you are saying : as a Christian you can’t.
SO todays news is this:
(Sarah Baxter in Washington )
ONE name has risen to the top of John McCain’s shortlist for vice-presidential running mate. Tim Pawlenty, the governor of Minnesota, a trucker’s son and advocate of Republicanism for the masses, is the favourite to join his ticket, according to sources close to the McCain camp.
They believe that Pawlenty, 47, has the youth, working-class credentials and executive experience to attract independent voters and disaffected Democrats who find Barack Obama, 46, the Democratic party nominee, too exotic and untested and McCain, 71, too old and too focused on national security.
SEEMS IM TALKING TO MYSELF HERE, but hey- I’m interested in what I think- and I talk to myself constantly as it is- plus I often have forgotten my conversations-so I’ll just have a reminder here.
MCCAIN AND THE GOP
You know Ive been struggling and now Politco has an article:
women and the GOP! I guessed one of the list right, I had been thinking of the other , HP ex-CEO, but hadn’t written it yet (so you just have to beleive me) and I didnt get the third (shucks). But I’m glad to know I was on the “right thinking” track- s’cuse the pun>
While the vice presidential slot may be John McCain’s best means of wooing those Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters who remain loath to embrace Barack Obama, the Republican party is a thin source of politically viable women, leaving McCain with few top-tier options. ........Insofar as Hutchison, Palin or Fiorina are seriously considered, the question McCain’s team may first have to answer is how much of a premium to place on gender
Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Palin is becoming a star in the conservative movement, a fiscal conservative in a state that is looking like a boondoggle for pork barrel spending,” said Kellyanne Conway, a Republican pollster who specializes in women’s politics.
“She’s young, vibrant, fresh and now, and a new mother of five. She should be in the top tier,” Conway continued. “If the Republican Party wants to wrestle itself free from the perception that it is royalist and not open to putting new talent on the bench, this would be the real opportunity.”
Carly Fiorina has an up-by-her-own-bootstraps success story, having worked her way from a start as a young secretary straight through the glass ceiling to become Hewlett-Packard’s chief executive from 1999 to 2005. She presently serves as the chair of the organization tasked by the Republican National Committee with preparing the party’s crucial get-out-the-vote operation. It’s no symbolic post, but a crucial position for a party facing an uphill presidential contest.
Along with eBay.com CEO Meg Whitman — who has also been brought up occasionally as a long-shot GOP vice presidential prospect — Fiorina is one of the most prominent female executives of the last decade. ...One Republican state party chairman said, “everybody would be very pleasantly surprised with her” before adding that “the danger is that she hasn’t been vetted” — a concern echoed by several GOP insiders.
Hutchison, who until recently headed the Senate Republican Conference, now serves as chairwoman of the Republican Policy Committee .In Texas, where she has been comfortably reelected, one Republican strategist notes that she’s “proven she can get scores of Hispanics in a huge state surrogate.”
“She’s underused as a surrogate to the party,” the strategist added. ....Hutchison — who supports embryonic stem cell research and is relatively moderate on abortion (she is against outlawing the procedure, though she also opposes federal funding for it) — to the ticket would also alienate some social conservatives.
Years ago I would have picked Colin Powell- but the Iraq fiasco- did him in, and he lost someof his credibility…a man of honor, he couldn’t condone that.
Before the last election I would think Condelessa Rice would have been agood pick, experienced, strong, diplomatic… but now, she is too identified with Bush and the dissatisfaction of the people to IRAQ.
ON OBAMA
He surely couldnt be foolish enough to bow to pressure and pick Hillary? Right?
Its bad enough that they are thinking of helping her with her losing campaign deficiet (which she ran up knowing the cost- is this a good choice for president, one who would run up a “financially devastating bill” ?- (another pun, sorry)
But would he name her as a running mate- some say she could bring back voters- I dont think he has to worry about that- but thats my viewpoint.
With the rumours of untimely deaths or friends put in prison, left in her wake- I fear he would be putting his life in front of a “bullet”. She would be next in line for the Presidency.
Obama is beginning to show his true colors now! I was watching one of his diatribes on the news the other night and noticed that he is now telling people what the conservatives (Republicans) are going to say about him! Read what he said HERE
ANy one running with a lick of sense knows what will be coming at him and should be prepared.
McCain knows whats coming at him.
Its just the same old, same old.
Forget sides just for a minute.
We all know we are a nation divided over many issues- we have a system that is stalled everytime by “politicicing” in the Senate, Congress, and yes the Oval Office…..who will be better in bringing the two together to work on the REAL problems we have?
HA! What a joke. Poor little Hillary. She spent more than she had. Wonder how she would have fared as President! LOL. Here’s what I’m thinking; if you’re low on cash, Hill, how ‘bout selling that house in Westchester County, NY? Or maybe have Billy pen another book or take on a few more speaking engagements. You could always hire Scott McClellan to write your memoirs! No, I guess that wouldn’t be in keeping with your “it takes a village” idea.
I feel that she knew what she was doing- was determined that she knew best and was the best and chose to run a huge deficit- some her own money.
Not good news for a president to do- and I thought showed her true colors as to what kind of president she would be- many tohers saw that as her determination and spirit and then supportted her for her gung-ho- ness.
I think that she ran up the deficit for her own campaign- using some of her own funds, yes: and now she should cover the loses: not have the presumptive candidate repay her for her choice.
But apparently for “working together and getting her people to support him” it takes paying her debts in a show of unity.
I think for those of us who are not decided- it sounds like bribery and a way to avoid her attacking him.
Any Hillary or Obama people out there want to have a say?
I do, and here’s why (from Wiki) A 1968 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Webb served as a Marine Corps infantry officer until 1972, and is a highly decorated Vietnam War combat veteran. During his four years with the Reagan administration, Webb served as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, then as Secretary of the Navy.
I get so tired of both parties with their turf wars at the expense of the taxpaying public. I don’t mind paying taxes (heck, they’re a necessity), but I do take offense that private entities are buying into our infrastructure like interstates and foreign companies trying to buy our ports. OUR taxes are supposed to go toward fixing up roads, ports, airports, supporting the FDA and the Park Service, putting teeth into the SEC, etc. We need to get back to basics. It’s not about change; it’s about common sense. It’s about having a healthy, vibrant economy with good jobs given to Americans not being sent off to China and/or Mexico. This pitting of one American against another whether it has to do with religion, social class, education, whatever has to stop. United we stand; divided we fall! And where better place to start than with the President, the House of Representatives and the Senate?
In answer to my own question about where better place to start? Throw out all the Charles County Commissioners and vote in 5 who give a damn!
However, as my dad used to say, “common sense isn’t!” Elections in this country have nothing to do with common sense and everything to do with the power struggle between the wealthiest Americans. And we do have a “healthy and vibrant economy.” We have a couple of big problems right now and a consumer confidence issue as a result, but the economy is fine. We go through these cycles like clockwork and every time, the media says, “...this time it’s different.” In 1957 the DJIA dropped 12.8%, the next year it was up 34%. 1962 - down 10.8%, 1963 - up 20.6%; 1973-74 - down 36.2 %, 1975 - up 45.4%; 2002 - down 15%, 2003 - up 28.3%. See what I’m sayin’? (By the way, the NASDAQ numbers are even more dramatic!). In the past 56 years, there have been 12 “bull” markets, each averaging 3.5 years in duration, with an average of 152% in gains. In that same time period, there were 11 “bear” markets, each averaging 14 months in duration, averaging -22% in losses. The fact is we dwell on the bad things that sell papers and air time.
United we stand; divided we fall!
I absolutely agree with this statement as it applies to the relationship the U.S. has with the rest of the world. We should stand as one nation in the face if tyranny and adversity around the globe. To me, that means that we should hold accountable those dissenters in our midst who denigrate their own government, military, etc. IMHO, it is treasonous to side with our enemies in public or fail to support our country once a policy is decided upon. Our political system encourages debate and discussion but, when decisions are made, the American people should support the decision or, at a minimum, shut the hell up! For our own citizens to insult, mock and run-down our President in public is a disgrace. Just like brothers and sisters that fight among themselves, it’s all ok until an outsider takes on one of them, then they band together to repel the attack. Imagine, if you will, the reaction of average citizens on the street of Smalltown America in the 1950s if someone were to go on television and say that Eisenhower was an idiot. The guy doing the talking would probably get his butt kicked; not for insulting Eisenhower but for insulting The President and America.
I served under Webb when he was SECNAV and he was horrible. He’s a little man with a big “liberal” ego. I’m not a fan. (Guess that was obvious!).
This has nothing to do with his qualifications to serve as V.P., but I would just like to point out though he may be a “little” man, his chest is big enough to hold a Navy Cross, a Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars. and a couple of Purple Hearts to boot!!! His latest feat was pushing through a new GI Bill for our troops. He’s been a huge success at everything he’s been involved in with the possible exception of his marriages.
Point well taken, Phillip. In no way was I diminishing his Naval service. I just didn’t care for him as SECNAV which, being the administrative position that it is, may shed some light on his potential as VP. Just a thought.
I SO AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING: YOU SAID IT WELL. I THINK ALL OF AMERICA IS IN THIS POSITION, however we always think its the other guy doing it.
I get so tired of both parties with their turf wars at the expense of the taxpaying public. I don’t mind paying taxes (heck, they’re a necessity), but I do take offense that private entities are buying into our infrastructure like interstates and foreign companies trying to buy our ports. OUR taxes are supposed to go toward fixing up roads, ports, airports, supporting the FDA and the Park Service, putting teeth into the SEC, etc. We need to get back to basics. It’s not about change; it’s about common sense. It’s about having a healthy, vibrant economy with good jobs given to Americans not being sent off to China and/or Mexico. This pitting of one American against another whether it has to do with religion, social class, education, whatever has to stop. United we stand; divided we fall! And where better place to start than with the President, the House of Representatives and the Senate?
As a follower of finance (not an expert by any means and cant site stats) I do know that our economy go’s in these cycles. The secret to earning money is to buy a good stock low and keep it for 40 years. It has a very good chance of earning you money unless you picked a stinker or one that gets robbed by the ones in charge (think enron). The other secret is to diverfy- put it in many different stocks. That way if one fails- not a huge deal.
It seems to me and I have no back up, just recollections which may be wrong and others may disagree,:
Democrats in office flollowing republicans , economy was bad and goes
up pretty much immedietly. Democrats say it is because we are in power.
Republicans in office following democrats, economy was good and now tanks. Democrats say it is Republicans fault.
It seems to me that the econmy tanks after a Democrats in office- the Republicans deal with it and it takes years for the turn around, which happens right when Democrats take office. AND the cycle repeats.
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As to Webb: I think he did a good job in VA, but I have heard that Obama should pick him because he could bring in the more Conservative Southern States. Then I have heard vehemently from others to not pick him, because he is a prejudiced Southerner who flies the Rebel Flag and doesnt know why that bothers some folks- (which I dont think was his - I think that was Geaorge Allen)
Maybe I’m a day late and a dollar short… but I wanted to address cheryl’s comment about Obama’s middle name
cheryl - 13 June 2008 08:39 AM
Isn’t it funny that Obama doesn’t want anyone to use his middle name—HUSSEIN - as if he’s trying to “hide” his heritage.
Anyway you cut it, he IS half-Muslim - his father was Muslim and IMHO I think he “leans” Muslim - regardless of his “association” with a so-called Christian church which he joined purely for political reasons.
Barack and Hussein are Semitic words. Americans have been named with Semitic names since the founding of the republic. Fourteen of our 43 presidents have had Semitic names.
Barack is a Semitic word meaning “to bless” as a verb or “blessing” as a noun. In its Hebrew form, barak, it is found all through the Bible. It first occurs in Genesis 1:22—“And God blessed (ḇāreḵə) them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.”
Now let us take the name “Hussein.” It is from the Semitic word hasan, meaning “good” or “handsome.” Husayn is the diminutive, affectionate form.
Barack Obama’s middle name is in honor of his grandfather, Hussein, a secular resident of Nairobi, Kenya. Americans may think of Saddam Hussein when they hear the name, but that is like thinking of Stalin when you hear the name Joseph. There have been lots of Husseins in history, from the grandson of the prophet Mohammed, a hero who touched the historian Gibbon, to King Hussein of Jordan, one of America’s most steadfast allies in the 20th century. The author of the beloved American novel “The Kite Runner” is Khaled Hosseini.
But in Obama’s case, it is just a reference to his grandfather.
It is worth pointing out that John McCain’s adopted daughter, Bridget, is originally from Bangladesh. Since Hussein is a very common name in Bangladesh, it is entirely possible that her birth father or grandfather was named Hussein. McCain certainly has Muslim relatives via adoption in his family. If Muslim relatives are a disqualification from high office in the United States, then McCain himself is in trouble.
I THINK ALL OF AMERICA IS IN THIS POSITION, however we always think its the other guy doing it.
I so totally agree with you! I blame much of this on the media—there’s too much so-called “news.” It’s not even news—it’s more like chaff to keep the channels rolling 24/7. When you get down to basics, everyone has the same concerns.
this is what happens when we have “news” for entertainment, selective segments played over and over and it really is not the news. To see whats going on in the world, I turn on BBC and even the Japenese chanel, I dont always know what the Japanese are saying but I get the gest of it thru pictures. Then I at least knwo what the rest of the world thinks is important to know about the US and other parts of the world.
When we have a Katie Couric, know for perkiness in the morning- taking over evening news, it just gets further out of hand (I know she is supposed to be a “hard journalist” but I’m not buying it)
I like the (?) Amnopare lady on CNN? she does good segments and I trust her news.
But until we AMericans get sick and tired of the news we have (which I dont think will happen) this is what we have. I also think the instant news is a problem. Are we better knowing what happens minute by minute in a war zone? Or was it better getting the news on a steady basis but removed somewhat from present time? I think the old way let us see more of the “bigger picture” then what we have now.
It even hard to find hard news in the paper anymore. It seems all local interest or world with blinders on.
BJGoodwin, it may seem that politics and finance go hand in hand, but again, the actual statistics for the past 100 or so years indicate that there isn’t that much differnce when there’s a DEM president/GOP congress; DEM president/DEM congress; GOP president/DEM congress or GOP president/GOP congress. Additionally, if you look at the ten year numbers going forward from the start of each presidency, it’s all been about the same (the two exceptions being the Carter administration and the Reagan administration). I hear what you’re saying, though. It sure seems like you can point things out but I think it’s just how we remember them.
As for the “news”, if anyone really believes that shows like Today and the like, are “news” shows, they are sorely mistaken. I also hate to be the bearer of bad news but Christiane Amanpour of CNN is nothing at all like she seems on TV. Even the most seemingly unbiased news shows have to have someone selecting stories to put on the air and that is a subjective (biased) decision. Some are just more biased than others.
Someone very wise once said that “all politics are local politics.” IMHO, in order to effect changes at the top we have to start right here in river city. Anyone out there want to run for commissioner in 2010 on the GOP side? If so, let me know. Judging from the talk in the Pond, this board is history!
You know, it’s not even the newspapers that I am concerned about. In my opinion, if you’re going to pick up a newspaper and read it (not just the comics), then chances are you have a few brain cells bumping into each other upstairs. I worry about the folks that get their “news” from Letterman, Colbert, that idiot Mahr, and the rest. I watched Letterman last night for the first time in a long time (too old to stay up!) and he made a bunch of really funny jokes about McCain’s age. I love political humor (any humor, for that matter) and I got a good laugh but you just know that there are people out there that will hear that and just assume that John McCain is too old to be president or that comedians must be making fun of him because he’s incompetant. Unfortunately, as we’ve all said, entertainers are the new “royalty” in the U.S.
I do love political satire- but you do have to know something to know it IS satire, not the whole truth.
If you only get your news from satire , like Colbert (Im afraid I love his show, sorry) you are not really informed. I always hoped that it got people interested enough to find out the truth, but maybe I’m putting to much faith in people using their brains.
That too is my objection to kids watching shows like the Simpsons (and maybe some adults) It IS satire- but kids do not know that and it is above their understanding, hence we have a generation thinking Bart is a role model- scary- or adults thinking their kids acting like that is normal.
The more I see and hear poeples comments on the orld- even well educated folk: I get more disallusioned. And these folk determine who runs our country.
With the political spotlight shining on the candidacy of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, party members nationwide are benefiting from the attention, including Maryland’s Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown.
Scrap Mc Cain and Obama (which by the way todays cover on the Newyorker was very offensive- the avg joe does not understant he New Yorker is a magazine of satire- they just think it high brow and intellicual (sp) and so see the cover and the picture is planted in their mind)
I THINK WE NEED THE 2 CHART AND WHITE BOARD MEN as CO-PRESIDENTS , one for energy and one to concentrate on economy
T Boone Pickens and the great Ross Perot!
Here’s Pickens Plan:
Pickens Plan
TRT 10:37
This is the full version of T. Boone’s whiteboard presentation. Hear him discuss the problem of foreign oil dependence and his plan to break the grip of foreign oil.
Ross Perots Charts:
Why this web site now? Because we are running out of time.
The American people must wake up and face the reality that promises made in the past will soon bankrupt this nation. These problems are explained in an easy-to-understand chart presentation discussed further at the bottom of this page. Comments to the charts and other material described to the right are encouraged.
Back on June 24th I stated my opinion as to McCain VP picks:
Todays Paper /Washington Times / Joseph Curl
Sen. John McCain’s growing popularity among women is fueling speculation that he will selecta female running mate, ripening talk about conservative favorite Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, and former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina, one of his top economic advisers.
AM I good or what!
And thanks to: Duck Duck Goose blog for bringing the article to my attention
