ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Gov. Sarah Palin's signature accomplishment _ a contract to build a 1,715-mile pipeline to bring natural gas from Alaska to the Lower 48 _ emerged from a flawed bidding process that narrowed the field to a company with ties to her administration.
Beginning at the Republican National Convention in August, the McCain-Palin ticket has touted the pipeline as an example of how it would help America achieve energy independence.
"We're building a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipeline, which is North America's largest and most expensive infrastructure project ever, to flow those sources of energy into hungry markets," Palin said during the Oct. 2 vice presidential debate.
Despite Palin's boast of a smart and fair bidding process, the AP found that her team crafted terms that favored only a few independent pipeline companies and ultimately benefited the winner, TransCanada Corp.
In interviews and a review of records, the AP found:
_Instead of creating a process that would attract many potential builders, Palin slanted the terms away from an important group _ the global energy giants that own the rights to the gas.
_Despite promises and legal guidance not to talk directly with potential bidders, Palin had meetings or phone calls with nearly every major candidate, including TransCanada.
_The leader of Palin's pipeline team had been a partner at a lobbying firm where she worked on behalf of a TransCanada subsidiary. Also, that woman's former business partner was TransCanada's lead lobbyist on the pipeline deal. Plus, a former TransCanada executive served as a consultant to Palin's pipeline team.
_Under a different set of rules four years earlier, TransCanada had offered to build the pipeline without a state subsidy; under Palin, the company could receive a maximum $500 million.
Palin's team was led by Marty Rutherford, a widely respected energy specialist who entered the upper levels of state government nearly 20 years ago.
What the Palin administration didn't tell legislators was that in 2003, Rutherford left public service and worked at the Anchorage-based Jade North lobbying firm. There she did $40,200 worth of work for Foothills Pipe Lines Alaska, Inc., a subsidiary of TransCanada.
Foothills Pipe Lines Alaska Inc. paid Rutherford for expertise on topics including state legislation and funding related to gas commercialization, according to her 2003 lobbyist registration statement.
Palin has said she wasn't bothered by that past work, but Rutherford wouldn't have passed Palin's own standards: Under ethics reforms the governor pushed through, Rutherford would have had to wait a year to jump from government service to a lobbying firm.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Flailing Christian Right Intensifies Attacks on Obama
Terrorist strikes on four American cities. Russia rolling into Eastern Europe. Israel hit by a nuclear bomb. Gay marriage in every state. The end of the Boy Scouts.
According to a campaign conversation called "Letter from 2012 in Obama's America," produced by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family Action, all are plausible scenarios if Democrat Barack Obama is elected president.
The imagined look into the future is part of an escalation in rhetoric from Christian right activists who are trying to paint Obama in the worst possible terms as the campaign heads into the final stretch and polls show the Democrat ahead.
The tenor of the strikes against Obama illustrate just how worried conservative Christian activists are about what should happen to their causes and influence if Democrats seize control of both Congress and the White House.
"It looks like, walks like, talks like and smells like desperation to me," said the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, an Obama supporter who backed President Bush in the past two elections. The Methodist pastor called the 2012 letter "false and ridiculous."
"Everyone uses fear in the last part of a campaign, but evangelicals are especially theologically prone to those sorts of arguments," said Clyde Wilcox, a Georgetown University political scientist. "There's a long tradition of predicting doom and gloom."
According to a campaign conversation called "Letter from 2012 in Obama's America," produced by the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family Action, all are plausible scenarios if Democrat Barack Obama is elected president.
The imagined look into the future is part of an escalation in rhetoric from Christian right activists who are trying to paint Obama in the worst possible terms as the campaign heads into the final stretch and polls show the Democrat ahead.
The tenor of the strikes against Obama illustrate just how worried conservative Christian activists are about what should happen to their causes and influence if Democrats seize control of both Congress and the White House.
"It looks like, walks like, talks like and smells like desperation to me," said the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, an Obama supporter who backed President Bush in the past two elections. The Methodist pastor called the 2012 letter "false and ridiculous."
"Everyone uses fear in the last part of a campaign, but evangelicals are especially theologically prone to those sorts of arguments," said Clyde Wilcox, a Georgetown University political scientist. "There's a long tradition of predicting doom and gloom."
McCain Faces Palin Problems
Four Republicans close to Palin said she has decided increasingly to disregard the advice of the former Bush aides tasked to handle her, creating tense situations as she travels the country with them. Those Palin supporters, inside the campaign and out, said Palin blames McCain for a tarnished public image -- even as others in McCain's camp blame the pick of the relatively inexperienced Alaska governor, and her public performance, for McCain's decline.
"She's lost confidence in most of the people in the McCain camp," said a senior Republican who speaks to Palin. He said Palin had begun to "go rogue" in some of her public pronouncements and decisions.
Anger among Republicans who see Palin as a star and as a potential future leader has boiled over because they see senior McCain aides preparing to blame her in the event he is defeated.
"These people are going to shred her after the campaign and divert blame from themselves," said a McCain insider.
"She's lost confidence in most of the people in the McCain camp," said a senior Republican who speaks to Palin. He said Palin had begun to "go rogue" in some of her public pronouncements and decisions.
Anger among Republicans who see Palin as a star and as a potential future leader has boiled over because they see senior McCain aides preparing to blame her in the event he is defeated.
"These people are going to shred her after the campaign and divert blame from themselves," said a McCain insider.
Friday, October 24, 2008
McCain's Pennsylvania Campaign Communications Director Implicated In Mugger Hoax
John Verrilli, the news director for KDKA in Pittsburgh, told Election Central that McCain's
Pennsylvania campaign communications director gave one of his reporters a detailed version
of the attack that included a claim that the alleged attacker said, "You're with the McCain campaign?
I'm going to teach you a lesson."
Verrilli also told Verrilli that the McCain spokesperson had claimed that the "B" stood for Barack.
This blog entry sent from an iPhone
Pennsylvania campaign communications director gave one of his reporters a detailed version
of the attack that included a claim that the alleged attacker said, "You're with the McCain campaign?
I'm going to teach you a lesson."
Verrilli also told Verrilli that the McCain spokesperson had claimed that the "B" stood for Barack.
This blog entry sent from an iPhone
Maybe Anger Management Issues Run in the Family....
John McCain's Brother Calls 911 To Complain About Traffic
Why does John McCain's brother hate our patriotic police officers?
Operator: 911. State your emergency.
Caller: It's not an emergency but do you know why on one side at the damn drawbridge of 95, traffic is stopped for 15 minutes and yet traffic's coming the other way?
Operator: Sir, are you calling 911 to complain about traffic? (pause)
Caller: Fuck you. (caller hangs up)
The 911 operator, apparently, unnerved by use of the 911 emergency number to complain about bad traffic, called back the phone number that placed the call. The operator reached a voice mail message that said,
"Hi this is Joe McCain I can't take this message now because I'm involved in a very (inaudible) important political project... I hope on Nov. 4th we have elected John." Outraged by the operator's action, the man called 911 a second time. That conversation went as follows:
Caller: Somebody gave me this riot act about the violation of police.
Operator: Did you just call 911 in reference to this?
Caller: Yeah.
Operator: 911 is to be used for emergencies only, not just because you're sitting in traffic.
Why does John McCain's brother hate our patriotic police officers?
Operator: 911. State your emergency.
Caller: It's not an emergency but do you know why on one side at the damn drawbridge of 95, traffic is stopped for 15 minutes and yet traffic's coming the other way?
Operator: Sir, are you calling 911 to complain about traffic? (pause)
Caller: Fuck you. (caller hangs up)
The 911 operator, apparently, unnerved by use of the 911 emergency number to complain about bad traffic, called back the phone number that placed the call. The operator reached a voice mail message that said,
"Hi this is Joe McCain I can't take this message now because I'm involved in a very (inaudible) important political project... I hope on Nov. 4th we have elected John." Outraged by the operator's action, the man called 911 a second time. That conversation went as follows:
Caller: Somebody gave me this riot act about the violation of police.
Operator: Did you just call 911 in reference to this?
Caller: Yeah.
Operator: 911 is to be used for emergencies only, not just because you're sitting in traffic.
Newspaper Endorsements: Obama 127 vs. McCain 49
Obama continues to dominate with newspaper endorsements:
At least 28 papers have now switched to Obama from Bush in 2004, with just four flipping to McCain.
At least 28 papers have now switched to Obama from Bush in 2004, with just four flipping to McCain.
McCain Adviser Endorses Obama
Charles Fried, a professor at Harvard Law School, has long been one of the most
important conservative thinkers in the United States. Under President Reagan, he
served as Solicitor General of the United States. Since then, he has been prominently
associated with several Republican leaders and candidates, most recently John McCain,
for whom he expressed his enthusiastic support in January.
This week, Fried announced that he has voted for Obama-Biden by absentee ballot.
He has also asked that his name be removed from the several campaign-related committees
on which he serves. In that letter, he said that chief among the reasons for his decision "is the choice
of Sarah Palin at a time of deep national crisis."
important conservative thinkers in the United States. Under President Reagan, he
served as Solicitor General of the United States. Since then, he has been prominently
associated with several Republican leaders and candidates, most recently John McCain,
for whom he expressed his enthusiastic support in January.
This week, Fried announced that he has voted for Obama-Biden by absentee ballot.
He has also asked that his name be removed from the several campaign-related committees
on which he serves. In that letter, he said that chief among the reasons for his decision "is the choice
of Sarah Palin at a time of deep national crisis."
Palin's Makeup Artist Is McCain's Highest Paid Staffer For First Half Of October
If Palin's $150,000 shopping spree had Republicans disgusted, then the report that her
makeup stylist cost $22,800 for the first two weeks of October should have them livid.
The stylist, Amy Strozzi, was apparently paid more than any other McCain staffer during that period.
Two weeks people!
makeup stylist cost $22,800 for the first two weeks of October should have them livid.
The stylist, Amy Strozzi, was apparently paid more than any other McCain staffer during that period.
Two weeks people!
Fox News regarding the McCain Campaign Worker
A prominent Fox News commentator states:
If the mugging incident turns out to be a hoax, Senator McCain’s quest for the presidency is over;
he will forever linked to race-baiting.
and here's how folks are commenting on the revelation that it IS a lie:
1). "I just found out that the attack was a hoax and I have NO choice but to vote for Obama. This is much worse than
McCain/Palin's lies about raising taxes, not being a natural born citizen and taking his oath of office on the Koran.
This is so much worse.
I now understand why you Obama people like the Obama Kool-Aid.
2). "I'm so fed up with what my party (GOP) has been doing that I'm jumping ship. Until they can decide to be civil and
run a campaign based on ISSUES I'm voting Democrat. Obama and his camp have so much more class and much better
ideas. Ugh!"
3). "Can I just go ahead and vote for Obama and get this election over with? As a life long republican, right now I feel so dirty!"
If the mugging incident turns out to be a hoax, Senator McCain’s quest for the presidency is over;
he will forever linked to race-baiting.
and here's how folks are commenting on the revelation that it IS a lie:
1). "I just found out that the attack was a hoax and I have NO choice but to vote for Obama. This is much worse than
McCain/Palin's lies about raising taxes, not being a natural born citizen and taking his oath of office on the Koran.
This is so much worse.
I now understand why you Obama people like the Obama Kool-Aid.
2). "I'm so fed up with what my party (GOP) has been doing that I'm jumping ship. Until they can decide to be civil and
run a campaign based on ISSUES I'm voting Democrat. Obama and his camp have so much more class and much better
ideas. Ugh!"
3). "Can I just go ahead and vote for Obama and get this election over with? As a life long republican, right now I feel so dirty!"
McCain Campaign Worker Who Claimed Mugging: "I Lied"
Police say a McCain campaign volunteer confessed to making up a story that a "dark-skinned black man"
mugged her and cut the letter B in her face after seeing her McCain bumper sticker; now she's facing charges.
At a news conference this afternoon, officials said they believe that Ashley Todd's injuries were
self-inflicted. Todd, 20, of Texas, is now facing charges for filing a false report to police.
Todd initially told police that she was robbed at an ATM in Bloomfield and that the suspect began
beating her after seeing her GOP sticker on her car.
Police investigating the alleged attack, however, began to notice some inconsistencies in her story
and administered a polygraph test.
Investigators asked Todd to return to the police station today for more questioning and to help them
release a composite sketch of the suspect.
When she did, police say she admitted that she made the whole thing up and that it snowballed out
of control. Todd told investigators today that she "just wanted to tell the truth" – adding that she was neither
robbed, nor attacked.
According to police, Todd said she thought of Barack Obama when she saw the "B" in her rearview mirror.
Officials say they do not believe any other people were involved; and Todd's friends believed the story about
the attack – encouraging her to call police.
mugged her and cut the letter B in her face after seeing her McCain bumper sticker; now she's facing charges.
At a news conference this afternoon, officials said they believe that Ashley Todd's injuries were
self-inflicted. Todd, 20, of Texas, is now facing charges for filing a false report to police.
Todd initially told police that she was robbed at an ATM in Bloomfield and that the suspect began
beating her after seeing her GOP sticker on her car.
Police investigating the alleged attack, however, began to notice some inconsistencies in her story
and administered a polygraph test.
Investigators asked Todd to return to the police station today for more questioning and to help them
release a composite sketch of the suspect.
When she did, police say she admitted that she made the whole thing up and that it snowballed out
of control. Todd told investigators today that she "just wanted to tell the truth" – adding that she was neither
robbed, nor attacked.
According to police, Todd said she thought of Barack Obama when she saw the "B" in her rearview mirror.
Officials say they do not believe any other people were involved; and Todd's friends believed the story about
the attack – encouraging her to call police.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New York Times Endorses Obama
The United States is battered and drifting after eight years of President Bush’s failed leadership.
He is saddling his successor with two wars, a scarred global image and a government systematically
stripped of its ability to protect and help its citizens — whether they are fleeing a hurricane’s
floodwaters, searching for affordable health care or struggling to hold on to their homes, jobs,
savings and pensions in the midst of a financial crisis that was foretold and preventable.
As tough as the times are, the selection of a new president is easy. After nearly two years of a
grueling and ugly campaign, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois has proved that he is the right
choice to be the 44th president of the United States.
Mr. Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early
promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the
will and the ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential to finding solutions to this
nation’s problems.
In the same time, Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American
politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and
worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final
act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.
Mr. Obama has withstood some of the toughest campaign attacks ever mounted against a candidate. He’s been
called un-American and accused of hiding a secret Islamic faith. The Republicans have linked him to domestic
terrorists and questioned his wife’s love of her country. Ms. Palin has also questioned millions of Americans’
patriotism, calling Republican-leaning states “pro-America.”
This country needs sensible leadership, compassionate leadership, honest leadership and strong leadership.
Barack Obama has shown that he has all of those qualities.
Click here to read the full endorsement
He is saddling his successor with two wars, a scarred global image and a government systematically
stripped of its ability to protect and help its citizens — whether they are fleeing a hurricane’s
floodwaters, searching for affordable health care or struggling to hold on to their homes, jobs,
savings and pensions in the midst of a financial crisis that was foretold and preventable.
As tough as the times are, the selection of a new president is easy. After nearly two years of a
grueling and ugly campaign, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois has proved that he is the right
choice to be the 44th president of the United States.
Mr. Obama has met challenge after challenge, growing as a leader and putting real flesh on his early
promises of hope and change. He has shown a cool head and sound judgment. We believe he has the
will and the ability to forge the broad political consensus that is essential to finding solutions to this
nation’s problems.
In the same time, Senator John McCain of Arizona has retreated farther and farther to the fringe of American
politics, running a campaign on partisan division, class warfare and even hints of racism. His policies and
worldview are mired in the past. His choice of a running mate so evidently unfit for the office was a final
act of opportunism and bad judgment that eclipsed the accomplishments of 26 years in Congress.
Mr. Obama has withstood some of the toughest campaign attacks ever mounted against a candidate. He’s been
called un-American and accused of hiding a secret Islamic faith. The Republicans have linked him to domestic
terrorists and questioned his wife’s love of her country. Ms. Palin has also questioned millions of Americans’
patriotism, calling Republican-leaning states “pro-America.”
This country needs sensible leadership, compassionate leadership, honest leadership and strong leadership.
Barack Obama has shown that he has all of those qualities.
Click here to read the full endorsement
Chris Matthews Plays Hardball
Eesshh....remind me to be really prepared if I ever go on this show.....
"She needed clothes," said McCain
What has some GOP operatives shaking their heads is the missed opportunities that that $150,000 represents. Had the GOP forgone the clothing purchases, they could have put more mail in mailboxes, more boots on the ground, and more advertisements on air.
Indeed, a look at some statistics shows that the Republicans put more money into Palin's attire than they and the McCain campaign have spent on a weeks-worth of advertising in half a dozen, potentially, swing states.
From October 13th through October 19th, the McCain campaign spent a total of $125,000 on advertisements in New Hampshire, roughly $90,000 in West Virginia, and $86,000 in Maine. In each of those states, the Republicans are fighting Obama for a small but significant number of electoral votes.
In North Dakota and Georgia, the RNC and the McCain campaign did not spend a penny on advertising during that same week.
In Indiana, the RNC spent $450,000 last week on ads while the McCain campaign did not spend anything. An additional $150,000 could have meant 33% more airtime over the course of a week.
Then there is Michigan. The GOP pulled out of the state a few weeks ago and so hasn't spent any cash on advertisements there. The $150,000 they put down on Palin's clothes would not have purchased much airtime in that large market, but it may have saved McCain from the public criticism that he was subjected to for abandoning the state.
Indeed, a look at some statistics shows that the Republicans put more money into Palin's attire than they and the McCain campaign have spent on a weeks-worth of advertising in half a dozen, potentially, swing states.
From October 13th through October 19th, the McCain campaign spent a total of $125,000 on advertisements in New Hampshire, roughly $90,000 in West Virginia, and $86,000 in Maine. In each of those states, the Republicans are fighting Obama for a small but significant number of electoral votes.
In North Dakota and Georgia, the RNC and the McCain campaign did not spend a penny on advertising during that same week.
In Indiana, the RNC spent $450,000 last week on ads while the McCain campaign did not spend anything. An additional $150,000 could have meant 33% more airtime over the course of a week.
Then there is Michigan. The GOP pulled out of the state a few weeks ago and so hasn't spent any cash on advertisements there. The $150,000 they put down on Palin's clothes would not have purchased much airtime in that large market, but it may have saved McCain from the public criticism that he was subjected to for abandoning the state.
Terminally Unqualified?
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in an interview with Campbell Brown:
BROWN: Do you think [Palin is] qualified to be president?
SCHWARZENEGGER: I think that she will get to be qualified.
BROWN: She will get there? What do you mean? She's not ready yet?
SCHWARZENEGGER: By the time that she is sworn in I think she will be ready.
BROWN: Do you think [Palin is] qualified to be president?
SCHWARZENEGGER: I think that she will get to be qualified.
BROWN: She will get there? What do you mean? She's not ready yet?
SCHWARZENEGGER: By the time that she is sworn in I think she will be ready.
Latest Poll Results (10-23-08)
RCP Average Obama 50.0 McCain 42.6 Obama +7.4
Rasmussen Reports Obama 52 McCain 45 Obama +7
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 52 McCain 40 Obama +12
FOX News Obama 49 McCain 40 Obama +9
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 52 McCain 44 Obama +8
Hotline/FD Obama 47 McCain 42 Obama +5
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 45 Obama +4
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 54 McCain 43 Obama +11
IBD/TIPP Obama 46 McCain 42 Obama +4
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl Obama 52 McCain 42 Obama +10
Associated Press/GfK Obama 44 McCain 43 Obama +1
Ipsos/McClatchy Obama 50 McCain 42 Obama +8
CNN/Opinion Research Obama 51 McCain 46 Obama +5
Pew Research Obama 53 McCain 39 Obama +14
Rasmussen Reports Obama 52 McCain 45 Obama +7
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 52 McCain 40 Obama +12
FOX News Obama 49 McCain 40 Obama +9
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 52 McCain 44 Obama +8
Hotline/FD Obama 47 McCain 42 Obama +5
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 45 Obama +4
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 54 McCain 43 Obama +11
IBD/TIPP Obama 46 McCain 42 Obama +4
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl Obama 52 McCain 42 Obama +10
Associated Press/GfK Obama 44 McCain 43 Obama +1
Ipsos/McClatchy Obama 50 McCain 42 Obama +8
CNN/Opinion Research Obama 51 McCain 46 Obama +5
Pew Research Obama 53 McCain 39 Obama +14
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Conservatives For Change
After all of the nastiness, double-talk, mud, robo-grossness, and outright lies...please watch this. This is SO heartening...
NM Republican Chairwoman Writes Letter Stating Obama is a Muslim Socialist
ALBUQUERQUE -
The chairwoman of a New Mexico Republican women's group on Tuesday defended a letter to the editor
in which she wrote, ''Muslims are our enemies.''
Marcia Stirman, a 56-year-old interior decorator, also called Barack Obama ''a Muslim socialist.'' A national
Islamic group expressed outrage over Stirman's letter and called on state and national Republican Party officials
to repudiate the publication of ''anti-Muslim comments.''
''Because these hate-filled remarks were made by a prominent Republican, it is incumbent on state and national
GOP officials to repudiate her divisive and intolerant views,'' said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations. Officials with the Republican Party of New Mexico had no immediate comment.
The letter ran Tuesday in the Alamogordo Daily News. It was titled ''Why I'm a Republican'' and listed 16 reasons for
her party affiliation. The list ends with Stirman saying Obama is ''a Muslim socialist.'' She also wrote, ''I believe war
is a fact of life and we should always win.''
Stirman told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that she was surprised by reaction to her letter.
Asked for a response to Awad's concerns, she said of Muslims: ''I don't trust them at all. They've sworn across the
world that they are our enemies. Why we're trying to elect one is beside me.''
Obama grew up in a Christian family and although he has professed his Christianity repeatedly and explained how his
Christian faith shapes his politics, he has battled Internet-fueled rumors throughout the campaign that he is Muslim.
The chairwoman of a New Mexico Republican women's group on Tuesday defended a letter to the editor
in which she wrote, ''Muslims are our enemies.''
Marcia Stirman, a 56-year-old interior decorator, also called Barack Obama ''a Muslim socialist.'' A national
Islamic group expressed outrage over Stirman's letter and called on state and national Republican Party officials
to repudiate the publication of ''anti-Muslim comments.''
''Because these hate-filled remarks were made by a prominent Republican, it is incumbent on state and national
GOP officials to repudiate her divisive and intolerant views,'' said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations. Officials with the Republican Party of New Mexico had no immediate comment.
The letter ran Tuesday in the Alamogordo Daily News. It was titled ''Why I'm a Republican'' and listed 16 reasons for
her party affiliation. The list ends with Stirman saying Obama is ''a Muslim socialist.'' She also wrote, ''I believe war
is a fact of life and we should always win.''
Stirman told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that she was surprised by reaction to her letter.
Asked for a response to Awad's concerns, she said of Muslims: ''I don't trust them at all. They've sworn across the
world that they are our enemies. Why we're trying to elect one is beside me.''
Obama grew up in a Christian family and although he has professed his Christianity repeatedly and explained how his
Christian faith shapes his politics, he has battled Internet-fueled rumors throughout the campaign that he is Muslim.
Republicans Paid $13,000+ for Palin's Make-up Artist
Huffington Post has learned that Palin's high-paid traveling make-up artist is Amy Strozzi, who was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on "American Idol."
Strozzi was paid $13,200 by the McCain-Palin campaign last month alone, according to the campaign's latest financial disclosure report filed this week.
Strozzi was paid $13,200 by the McCain-Palin campaign last month alone, according to the campaign's latest financial disclosure report filed this week.
Al-Qaeda Supporters Endorse McCain
WASHINGTON —
Al-Qaida supporters suggested in a Web site message this week they would welcome a pre-election terror attack on the U.S. as a way to usher in a McCain presidency.
The message, posted Monday on the password-protected al-Hesbah Web site, said if al-Qaida wants to exhaust the United States militarily and economically, "impetuous" Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain is the better choice because he is more likely to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"This requires presence of an impetuous American leader such as McCain, who pledged to continue the war till the last American soldier," the message said. "Then, al-Qaida will have to support McCain in the coming elections so that he continues the failing march of his predecessor, Bush."
"If al-Qaida carries out a big operation against American interests," the message said, "this act will be in support of McCain because it will push the Americans deliberately to vote for McCain so that he takes revenge for them against al-Qaida. Al-Qaida then will succeed in exhausting America till its last year in it."
Al-Qaida supporters suggested in a Web site message this week they would welcome a pre-election terror attack on the U.S. as a way to usher in a McCain presidency.
The message, posted Monday on the password-protected al-Hesbah Web site, said if al-Qaida wants to exhaust the United States militarily and economically, "impetuous" Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain is the better choice because he is more likely to continue the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"This requires presence of an impetuous American leader such as McCain, who pledged to continue the war till the last American soldier," the message said. "Then, al-Qaida will have to support McCain in the coming elections so that he continues the failing march of his predecessor, Bush."
"If al-Qaida carries out a big operation against American interests," the message said, "this act will be in support of McCain because it will push the Americans deliberately to vote for McCain so that he takes revenge for them against al-Qaida. Al-Qaida then will succeed in exhausting America till its last year in it."
Protester Attempts To Arrest Karl Rove
Good ol' San Francisco....
Yesterday a woman attempted to arrest Karl Rove for treason as he spoke at the Mortgage Bankers Association convention in San Francisco. Rove managed to elude her handcuffs before she was wrestled away.
But stick around for the 1:20 mark of the clip where Rove actually complains about negative campaigning from the Democrats. Wait, wait, wait..... The man behind every dirty political trick in the last ten years, complaining about dirty politics. I'm laughing so hard I think I need Depends....
Yesterday a woman attempted to arrest Karl Rove for treason as he spoke at the Mortgage Bankers Association convention in San Francisco. Rove managed to elude her handcuffs before she was wrestled away.
But stick around for the 1:20 mark of the clip where Rove actually complains about negative campaigning from the Democrats. Wait, wait, wait..... The man behind every dirty political trick in the last ten years, complaining about dirty politics. I'm laughing so hard I think I need Depends....
Are You Smarter Than a Third Grader?
Governor Palin needs to re-read - or perhaps read for the first time - our Constitution.
While the Vice President presides over the Senate, he or she is not "in charge of" it.
Article I says, 'The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.' The Senate is part of a co-equal branch of the federal government."
Love the 1983 Thriller jacket though.
....Uh, What?.....
This "More patriotic than thou?" crap has gotten McCain REALLY confused.
"You know, I think you may have noticed that Senator Obama's supporters have been saying some pretty nasty things about Western Pennsylvania lately. And you know, I couldn't agree with him more."
You can almost see Cindy's botoxed brow attempt to furrow during that marble mouthed stumbling....
"You know, I think you may have noticed that Senator Obama's supporters have been saying some pretty nasty things about Western Pennsylvania lately. And you know, I couldn't agree with him more."
You can almost see Cindy's botoxed brow attempt to furrow during that marble mouthed stumbling....
Breaking News
McCain's latest campaign incident, courtesy of the Onion:
Without a doubt the funniest thing I've seen all election season
Without a doubt the funniest thing I've seen all election season
Vote McCain Or Burn In Hell!
Bishop Robert J. Hermann:
Judgment Day is on its way. For many, this coming election may very well be judgment day, for this election will measure us.
If I value the good of the economy and my current life more than I do the right to life, then I am in trouble. The right of our children to be protected from destruction is greater than my right to a thriving economy. My desire to end the war in Iraq cannot justify my voting to remove all current restrictions on abortion.
Judgment Day is on its way. When my time comes, I will be measured by my Savior for the decisions I have made. I will either be acknowledged by Jesus or denied by Him in the presence of our heavenly Father. The question I need to ask myself is this: What kind of witness will I give to Him when I go into the voting booth this election day?
Judgment Day is on its way. For many, this coming election may very well be judgment day, for this election will measure us.
If I value the good of the economy and my current life more than I do the right to life, then I am in trouble. The right of our children to be protected from destruction is greater than my right to a thriving economy. My desire to end the war in Iraq cannot justify my voting to remove all current restrictions on abortion.
Judgment Day is on its way. When my time comes, I will be measured by my Savior for the decisions I have made. I will either be acknowledged by Jesus or denied by Him in the presence of our heavenly Father. The question I need to ask myself is this: What kind of witness will I give to Him when I go into the voting booth this election day?
10 Points
The most conservative pollsters among the pollsters, Zogby today
published the following findings:
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Poll: Obama 51.6%, McCain 42.0%
published the following findings:
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Poll: Obama 51.6%, McCain 42.0%
Palin Fashion Spree Has Republicans Disgusted
Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son, it was reported on Tuesday evening.
That entertaining scoop sent almost immediate reverberations through the presidential race. A statement from McCain headquarters released hours after the article bemoaned the whole affair.
But even the most timid of Democrats are unlikely to heed this call for civility.
Mainly, Democrats (in this scenario) are not prone to forgiveness. After all, it was during this same campaign cycle that Republicans belittled the $400 haircut that former Sen. John Edwards had paid for with his own campaign money (the funds were later reimbursed). And yet, the comparison to that once-dominant news story is hardly close: if Edwards had gotten one of his legendary haircuts every singe week, it would still take him 7.2 years to spend what Palin has spent. Palin has received the equivalent of $2,500 in clothes per day from places such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
"It shows that Palin ain't like the rest of us," said Tom Matzzie, a Democratic strategist. "The plumber's wife doesn't get to shop at Nieman's or Saks."
Indeed, the story could not come at a more inopportune time for the McCain campaign. During a week in which the Republican ticket is trying to highlight its connection to the working class -- Joe the Plumber -- it was revealed that Palin's fashion budget for several weeks is more than four times the median salary of an American plumber ($37,514). To put it another way: Palin received more valuable clothes in one month than the average American household spends on clothes in 80 years.
"Republicans donors and at least one Republican staff member have e-mailed me tonight to share their utter disgust at the expenditures. The heat for this story is coming mainly from Republicans who cannot understand how their party would do something this stupid ... particularly during the collapse of the financial system and the beginning of a recession."
That entertaining scoop sent almost immediate reverberations through the presidential race. A statement from McCain headquarters released hours after the article bemoaned the whole affair.
But even the most timid of Democrats are unlikely to heed this call for civility.
Mainly, Democrats (in this scenario) are not prone to forgiveness. After all, it was during this same campaign cycle that Republicans belittled the $400 haircut that former Sen. John Edwards had paid for with his own campaign money (the funds were later reimbursed). And yet, the comparison to that once-dominant news story is hardly close: if Edwards had gotten one of his legendary haircuts every singe week, it would still take him 7.2 years to spend what Palin has spent. Palin has received the equivalent of $2,500 in clothes per day from places such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
"It shows that Palin ain't like the rest of us," said Tom Matzzie, a Democratic strategist. "The plumber's wife doesn't get to shop at Nieman's or Saks."
Indeed, the story could not come at a more inopportune time for the McCain campaign. During a week in which the Republican ticket is trying to highlight its connection to the working class -- Joe the Plumber -- it was revealed that Palin's fashion budget for several weeks is more than four times the median salary of an American plumber ($37,514). To put it another way: Palin received more valuable clothes in one month than the average American household spends on clothes in 80 years.
"Republicans donors and at least one Republican staff member have e-mailed me tonight to share their utter disgust at the expenditures. The heat for this story is coming mainly from Republicans who cannot understand how their party would do something this stupid ... particularly during the collapse of the financial system and the beginning of a recession."
F-I-N-A-L-L-Y.....Muslim McCain Fans Confront Intolerance At Rally
By Davin Hutchins
At a John McCain rally in Woodbridge, Virginia, three people handed out "Obama for Change" bumper stickers with the Communist sickle and hammer and the Islamic crescent, saying Obama was a socialist with ties to radical Islam.
Several moderate McCain supporters, Muslim and Christian alike, struck back - relentlessly bombarding the group distributing the flyers until they left the premises.
At a John McCain rally in Woodbridge, Virginia, three people handed out "Obama for Change" bumper stickers with the Communist sickle and hammer and the Islamic crescent, saying Obama was a socialist with ties to radical Islam.
Several moderate McCain supporters, Muslim and Christian alike, struck back - relentlessly bombarding the group distributing the flyers until they left the premises.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
McCain Campaign Drags Flag On Ground After Rally
After a campaign rally in St Charles, Missouri yesterday, John McCain's people let a very large American flag be dragged on the ground purposely and at length. In the hearts and minds of many Americans the act of dragging our flag is considered desecration tantamount to setting it aflame. AMERICAblog points out that "John McCain and the Republicans tried to use a phony 'flag desecration' story to damage the Democrats following our convention. So, my friends in the media, John McCain has made this story relevant.
Had Obama done this, you can be sure there'd be hell to pay. Once again, the Republicans talk a good talk about patriotism and about our flag, but when it comes to their actions, they're always somewhat wanting."
Had Obama done this, you can be sure there'd be hell to pay. Once again, the Republicans talk a good talk about patriotism and about our flag, but when it comes to their actions, they're always somewhat wanting."
Move over, Cindy McCain. There's a new fashionista in town:
The Republican National Committee appears to have spent more than $150,000 to clothe and accessorize Sarah Palin and her family since her surprise pick by John McCain in late August.
According to financial disclosure records, the accessorizing began in early September and included bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York for a combined $49,425.74.
The records also document a couple of big-time shopping trips to Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, including one $75,062.63 spree in early September. The RNC also spent $4,716.49 on hair and makeup through September after reporting no such costs in August.
Five thousand dollars for hair and make-up? As Americans face a depression?
According to financial disclosure records, the accessorizing began in early September and included bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York for a combined $49,425.74.
The records also document a couple of big-time shopping trips to Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, including one $75,062.63 spree in early September. The RNC also spent $4,716.49 on hair and makeup through September after reporting no such costs in August.
Five thousand dollars for hair and make-up? As Americans face a depression?
Palin Children Traveled on State Dime
ANCHORAGE, Alaska –
Gov. Sarah Palin charged the state for her children to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports to specify that they were on official business.
The charges included costs for hotel and flights for three daughters to join Palin in watching their father in a snowmobile race, and a trip to New York, where the governor attended a five-hour conference and stayed with 17-year-old Bristol for five days and four nights in a luxury hotel.
In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.
As governor, Palin justified having the state pay for the travel of her daughters — Bristol, 17; Willow, 14; and Piper, 7 — by noting on travel forms that the girls had been invited to attend or participate in events on the governor's schedule. But some organizers of these events said they were surprised when the Palin children showed up uninvited, or said they agreed to a request by the governor to allow the children to attend.
Gov. Sarah Palin charged the state for her children to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports to specify that they were on official business.
The charges included costs for hotel and flights for three daughters to join Palin in watching their father in a snowmobile race, and a trip to New York, where the governor attended a five-hour conference and stayed with 17-year-old Bristol for five days and four nights in a luxury hotel.
In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.
As governor, Palin justified having the state pay for the travel of her daughters — Bristol, 17; Willow, 14; and Piper, 7 — by noting on travel forms that the girls had been invited to attend or participate in events on the governor's schedule. But some organizers of these events said they were surprised when the Palin children showed up uninvited, or said they agreed to a request by the governor to allow the children to attend.
Voters Allege Ballot Trouble: Machines Changing Their Votes
WINFIELD, WV - Three Putnam County voters say electronic voting machines changed their votes from Democrats to Republicans when they cast early ballots last week.
This is the second West Virginia county where voters have reported this problem. Last week, three voters in Jackson County told The Charleston Gazette their electronic vote for "Barack Obama" kept flipping to "John McCain."
In both counties, Republicans are responsible for overseeing elections. Both county clerks said the problem is isolated.
They also blamed voters for not being more careful.
"People make mistakes more than machines," said Jackson County Clerk Jeff Waybright.
Shelba Ketchum, a 69-year-old nurse retired from Thomas Memorial Hospital, described what happened Friday at the Putnam County Courthouse in Winfield.
"I pushed buttons and they all came up Republican," she said. "I hit Obama and it switched to McCain. I am really concerned about that.
"I asked them for a printout of my votes," Ketchum said. "But they said it was in the machine and I could not get it. I did not feel right when I left the courthouse. My son felt the same way.
"I heard from some other people; they also had trouble. But no one in there knew how to fix it," said Ketchum.
This is the second West Virginia county where voters have reported this problem. Last week, three voters in Jackson County told The Charleston Gazette their electronic vote for "Barack Obama" kept flipping to "John McCain."
In both counties, Republicans are responsible for overseeing elections. Both county clerks said the problem is isolated.
They also blamed voters for not being more careful.
"People make mistakes more than machines," said Jackson County Clerk Jeff Waybright.
Shelba Ketchum, a 69-year-old nurse retired from Thomas Memorial Hospital, described what happened Friday at the Putnam County Courthouse in Winfield.
"I pushed buttons and they all came up Republican," she said. "I hit Obama and it switched to McCain. I am really concerned about that.
"I asked them for a printout of my votes," Ketchum said. "But they said it was in the machine and I could not get it. I did not feel right when I left the courthouse. My son felt the same way.
"I heard from some other people; they also had trouble. But no one in there knew how to fix it," said Ketchum.
David Sedaris Has A Point
Some insist that there’s very little difference between Candidate A and Candidate B. Others claim that they’re with Candidate A on defense and health care but are leaning toward Candidate B when it comes to the economy.
I look at these people and can’t quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?
To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?”
To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."
To read the full article click here:
I look at these people and can’t quite believe that they exist. Are they professional actors? I wonder. Or are they simply laymen who want a lot of attention?
To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?”
To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."
To read the full article click here:
Virginia Voters
Dear Lord please protect me from this guys wife:
I understand the husbands dilemma but I hear so much anger and ignorance in her words...
Christianity to me shouldn't be about anger or ignorance.
I understand the husbands dilemma but I hear so much anger and ignorance in her words...
Christianity to me shouldn't be about anger or ignorance.
His Last Parent
If you have read Obama's memoir, you will immediately understand why he would suspend a national campaign for the most powerful job on earth to be with his grandmother right now. One gets the impression from this decision that this might indeed be one of the last chances he gets.
"Toot" was a formative figure - she brought him up with her husband during some critical years. Her death would be the death of his last parent. Reading about her again tonight, you can see where Obama's personal social conservatism comes from. There's a lot more Kansas in Obama than most people on the right seem to think.
Prayers for her, her family and the man who now has to deal with this emotional burden at this exposed and intense time. They are all still human, you know. It never hurts to remember that. And we all forget it sometimes.
Barack Obama's maternal grandparents.
"Toot" was a formative figure - she brought him up with her husband during some critical years. Her death would be the death of his last parent. Reading about her again tonight, you can see where Obama's personal social conservatism comes from. There's a lot more Kansas in Obama than most people on the right seem to think.
Prayers for her, her family and the man who now has to deal with this emotional burden at this exposed and intense time. They are all still human, you know. It never hurts to remember that. And we all forget it sometimes.
Barack Obama's maternal grandparents.
McCain Supporters Heckle Early Voters
PRINCETON, W.Va. — Over the last few days I've been through Southwest Virginia, down in North Carolina and now back up into the mountains on the West Virginia side near Bluefield for some stories about the political climate in red states.
The Obama campaign has given supporters lists with hours and locations of early voting sites.
An organizer at the rally rattled off the addresses of early vote sites nearby that would be open after the event.
Over at the closest polling place we found a steady line of voters hoping to cast ballots early. Most seemed to be Obama supporters and several had come from the rally. Nearly all the voters were black.
Also at the polling site was a group of loud and angry protesters who shouted, intimidated, and mocked the voters as they walked in. Nearly all were white.
As you can see from these videos, no one held anything back. Most voters in line ignored the hecklers but a few heckled back. One older black woman told me she was deeply saddened to see people protesting the most fundamental right of democracy.
On Sunday, I also shot this video of these young girls, a small but sweet counterbalance:
The Obama campaign has given supporters lists with hours and locations of early voting sites.
An organizer at the rally rattled off the addresses of early vote sites nearby that would be open after the event.
Over at the closest polling place we found a steady line of voters hoping to cast ballots early. Most seemed to be Obama supporters and several had come from the rally. Nearly all the voters were black.
Also at the polling site was a group of loud and angry protesters who shouted, intimidated, and mocked the voters as they walked in. Nearly all were white.
As you can see from these videos, no one held anything back. Most voters in line ignored the hecklers but a few heckled back. One older black woman told me she was deeply saddened to see people protesting the most fundamental right of democracy.
On Sunday, I also shot this video of these young girls, a small but sweet counterbalance:
Tires of Thirty Vehicles Slashed During Obama Speech
Fayetteville Observer
By Corey G. Johnson
Someone slashed the tires of at least 30 vehicles parked outside the Crown Coliseum on Sunday during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, authorities said. Sheriff’s deputies are investigating.
The tires were cut while people were inside the Crown Coliseum listening to speeches, said Maj. E. Wright of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Susan Lagana, the North Carolina communications director for Obama, said it was extremely disappointing and unfortunate that “people would have to experience something like that.”
Mario Diaz, communications director for McCain, did not respond to a call late Sunday.
Sarah Revis said the slashed tires left several women, including a single mother and a toddler, stranded and upset. At least four tow trucks were sent to move the vehicles from the Crown, Revis said.
“This is an embarrassment to this city and to me as a citizen,” Revis said. “I’ve seen women out here crying and men cussing. This is an absolute shame.”
Lynne Steenstra said she thought that the slashings were scare tactics designed to keep her and others from supporting Obama.
Even though it cost her roughly $120 to get her Dodge Caravan towed and fixed, Steenstra said the act would not intimidate her from voting.
“It hasn’t deterred us one bit,” Steenstra said. “It has only encouraged us more. I just hope whoever did this pays the price.”
By Corey G. Johnson
Someone slashed the tires of at least 30 vehicles parked outside the Crown Coliseum on Sunday during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, authorities said. Sheriff’s deputies are investigating.
The tires were cut while people were inside the Crown Coliseum listening to speeches, said Maj. E. Wright of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Susan Lagana, the North Carolina communications director for Obama, said it was extremely disappointing and unfortunate that “people would have to experience something like that.”
Mario Diaz, communications director for McCain, did not respond to a call late Sunday.
Sarah Revis said the slashed tires left several women, including a single mother and a toddler, stranded and upset. At least four tow trucks were sent to move the vehicles from the Crown, Revis said.
“This is an embarrassment to this city and to me as a citizen,” Revis said. “I’ve seen women out here crying and men cussing. This is an absolute shame.”
Lynne Steenstra said she thought that the slashings were scare tactics designed to keep her and others from supporting Obama.
Even though it cost her roughly $120 to get her Dodge Caravan towed and fixed, Steenstra said the act would not intimidate her from voting.
“It hasn’t deterred us one bit,” Steenstra said. “It has only encouraged us more. I just hope whoever did this pays the price.”
Ok Now it's Not Just Crazy it's Getting Seriously Messed Up....
Dead Bear Covered with Obama Signs Found at School:
CULLOWHEE, N.C. –
Police at Western Carolina University and wildlife officials were investigating the discovery early Monday of a dead bear cub draped with a pair of Barack Obama campaign signs.
Leila Tvedt, associate vice chancellor for public relations, said Monday night that maintenance workers found the 75-pound bear cub shot to death in front of the school's administration building at the entrance to campus. The Obama yard signs were stapled together and placed over the bear's head, Tvedt said.
The bear had been shot in the head, Tvedt said.
"Western Carolina University deplores the inappropriate behavior that has led to this troubling incident," Tvedt said. "We cannot speculate on the motives of the people involved nor who those people might be. Campus police are cooperating fully with authorities to investigate this matter."
CULLOWHEE, N.C. –
Police at Western Carolina University and wildlife officials were investigating the discovery early Monday of a dead bear cub draped with a pair of Barack Obama campaign signs.
Leila Tvedt, associate vice chancellor for public relations, said Monday night that maintenance workers found the 75-pound bear cub shot to death in front of the school's administration building at the entrance to campus. The Obama yard signs were stapled together and placed over the bear's head, Tvedt said.
The bear had been shot in the head, Tvedt said.
"Western Carolina University deplores the inappropriate behavior that has led to this troubling incident," Tvedt said. "We cannot speculate on the motives of the people involved nor who those people might be. Campus police are cooperating fully with authorities to investigate this matter."
Latest Poll Results (10-21-08)
RCP Average Obama 49.6 McCain 43.9 Obama +5.7
Rasmussen Reports Obama 50 McCain 46 Obama +4
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 50 McCain 42 Obama +8
Hotline/FD Obama 47 McCain 41 Obama +6
CNN/Opinion Research Obama 51 McCain 46 Obama +5
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 52 McCain 43 Obama +9
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 53 McCain 44 Obama +9
GWU/Battleground Obama 48 McCain 47 Obama +1
IBD/TIPP Obama 47 McCain 41 Obama +6
Rasmussen Reports Obama 50 McCain 46 Obama +4
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 50 McCain 42 Obama +8
Hotline/FD Obama 47 McCain 41 Obama +6
CNN/Opinion Research Obama 51 McCain 46 Obama +5
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 52 McCain 43 Obama +9
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 53 McCain 44 Obama +9
GWU/Battleground Obama 48 McCain 47 Obama +1
IBD/TIPP Obama 47 McCain 41 Obama +6
Monday, October 20, 2008
Jon Stewart to Palin: Fuck You!
Speaking to a college audience in Boston, Mass. Friday, "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart used a portion
of his time to respond to Sarah Palin's comments about "pro-America" parts of the country, shedding
the profanity restrictions that govern his Comedy Central show.
"She said that small towns, that's the part of the country she really likes going to because that's the pro-
America part of the country. You know, I just want to say to her, just very quickly: Fuck you," Stewart
said to raucous applause.
Palin addressed a North Carolina fund-raiser Thursday night saying, "We believe that the best of America is
not all in Washington, D.C. We believe...that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit,
and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working
very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation."
The comment was quickly picked up by media outlets and the Obama campaign, whose spokesman Bill Burton
asked in an e-mail to reporters, "What part of the country isn’t pro-America?"
Stewart didn't let his own harsh language stop him from criticizing John McCain and Palin for divisiveness.
"I can't take it anymore...After eight years of this divisiveness, we're back to this idea that only small-town
America is the real America," he said.
"McCain made an interesting vice presidential choice," he said. "I like the woods...I just don't know if I would pull
my vice president out of the woods randomly."
Stewart also joked about Palin's recent statements on Barack Obama's links to domestic terrorist Bill Ayers and
Obama's abortion stances, distorting her statements:
"I've never seen someone with a greater disparity between how they sound when they're saying something and
how terrible what they're saying is," he said, launching into an impression of Palin. "Don'tcha know, Obama, by golly,
he just is a terrorist?... Oh, you know, he just, gosh, kills babies, you know."
of his time to respond to Sarah Palin's comments about "pro-America" parts of the country, shedding
the profanity restrictions that govern his Comedy Central show.
"She said that small towns, that's the part of the country she really likes going to because that's the pro-
America part of the country. You know, I just want to say to her, just very quickly: Fuck you," Stewart
said to raucous applause.
Palin addressed a North Carolina fund-raiser Thursday night saying, "We believe that the best of America is
not all in Washington, D.C. We believe...that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit,
and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working
very patriotic, very pro-America areas of this great nation."
The comment was quickly picked up by media outlets and the Obama campaign, whose spokesman Bill Burton
asked in an e-mail to reporters, "What part of the country isn’t pro-America?"
Stewart didn't let his own harsh language stop him from criticizing John McCain and Palin for divisiveness.
"I can't take it anymore...After eight years of this divisiveness, we're back to this idea that only small-town
America is the real America," he said.
"McCain made an interesting vice presidential choice," he said. "I like the woods...I just don't know if I would pull
my vice president out of the woods randomly."
Stewart also joked about Palin's recent statements on Barack Obama's links to domestic terrorist Bill Ayers and
Obama's abortion stances, distorting her statements:
"I've never seen someone with a greater disparity between how they sound when they're saying something and
how terrible what they're saying is," he said, launching into an impression of Palin. "Don'tcha know, Obama, by golly,
he just is a terrorist?... Oh, you know, he just, gosh, kills babies, you know."
Palin Supports The Federal Marriage Amendment
Of course she does. She's a Christianist first and foremost.
From her point of view, what is the constitution for if it is not to insist on eternal religious values enshrined in our politics? On this issue, she is far to the right of McCain:
Christian Broadcasting Network: On Constitutional marriage amendment, are, are you for something like that?
Palin: I am, in my own, state, I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that that's where we would go because I don't support gay marriage. I'm not going to be out there judging individuals, sitting in a seat of judgment telling what they can and can't do, should and should not do, but I certainly can express my own opinion here and take actions that I believe would be best for traditional marriage and that's casting my votes and speaking up for traditional marriage that, that instrument that it's the foundation of our society is that strong family and that's based on that traditional definition of marriage, so I do support that.
From her point of view, what is the constitution for if it is not to insist on eternal religious values enshrined in our politics? On this issue, she is far to the right of McCain:
Christian Broadcasting Network: On Constitutional marriage amendment, are, are you for something like that?
Palin: I am, in my own, state, I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that that's where we would go because I don't support gay marriage. I'm not going to be out there judging individuals, sitting in a seat of judgment telling what they can and can't do, should and should not do, but I certainly can express my own opinion here and take actions that I believe would be best for traditional marriage and that's casting my votes and speaking up for traditional marriage that, that instrument that it's the foundation of our society is that strong family and that's based on that traditional definition of marriage, so I do support that.
New York Times: New Questions Over McCain's Health
Reporter Lawrence Altman, a medical doctor himself, finds that "serious gaps remain in the public's knowledge about the health of the presidential and vice-presidential nominees," which is "a striking departure from recent campaigns, in which many candidates and their doctors were more forthcoming."
Of McCain, the Times reports:
If elected, Senator John McCain of Arizona, 72, the Republican nominee, would be the oldest man to be sworn in to a first term as president and the first cancer survivor to win the office. The scars on his puffy left cheek are cosmetic reminders of the extensive surgery he underwent in 2000 to remove a malignant melanoma.
Last May, his campaign and his doctors released nearly 1,200 pages of medical information, far more than the three other nominees. But the documents were released in a very restricted way leaving questions, even confusion, about his four bouts with cancer.
A critical question concerns inconsistencies in medical opinions about the severity of his melanoma; if the classification of his melanoma is more severe, it would increase the statistical likelihood of death from a recurrence of the cancer.
By not allowing reporters to interview him or his doctors extensively about his entire medical history, he has made it impossible to get a complete picture of his diagnoses and treatment.
Both Barack Obama and Joe Biden released recent medical records to the Times showing that they were healthy, though Altman notes that Biden's documents "did not indicate whether he had had a test in recent years to detect any new aneurysm," and Obama's most recent check-up was in January 2007.
Meanwhile, "Nothing is known publicly about Ms. Palin's medical history," Altman reports, "aside from the much-discussed circumstances surrounding the birth of her fifth child last April. Ms. Palin has said that her water broke while she was at a conference in Dallas and that she flew to Anchorage, where she gave birth to her son Trig hours after landing.
"Last week Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Ms. Palin, said the governor declined to be interviewed or provide any health records."
Of McCain, the Times reports:
If elected, Senator John McCain of Arizona, 72, the Republican nominee, would be the oldest man to be sworn in to a first term as president and the first cancer survivor to win the office. The scars on his puffy left cheek are cosmetic reminders of the extensive surgery he underwent in 2000 to remove a malignant melanoma.
Last May, his campaign and his doctors released nearly 1,200 pages of medical information, far more than the three other nominees. But the documents were released in a very restricted way leaving questions, even confusion, about his four bouts with cancer.
A critical question concerns inconsistencies in medical opinions about the severity of his melanoma; if the classification of his melanoma is more severe, it would increase the statistical likelihood of death from a recurrence of the cancer.
By not allowing reporters to interview him or his doctors extensively about his entire medical history, he has made it impossible to get a complete picture of his diagnoses and treatment.
Both Barack Obama and Joe Biden released recent medical records to the Times showing that they were healthy, though Altman notes that Biden's documents "did not indicate whether he had had a test in recent years to detect any new aneurysm," and Obama's most recent check-up was in January 2007.
Meanwhile, "Nothing is known publicly about Ms. Palin's medical history," Altman reports, "aside from the much-discussed circumstances surrounding the birth of her fifth child last April. Ms. Palin has said that her water broke while she was at a conference in Dallas and that she flew to Anchorage, where she gave birth to her son Trig hours after landing.
"Last week Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Ms. Palin, said the governor declined to be interviewed or provide any health records."
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Another Republican Leaning Paper Endorses Obama
The Houston Chronicle:
Perhaps the worst mistake McCain made in his campaign for the White House was the choice of the inexperienced and inflammatory Palin as his vice-presidential running mate. Had he selected a moderate, experienced Republican lawmaker such as Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison with a strong appeal to independents, the Chronicle's choice for an endorsement would have been far more difficult.
The Chronicle has not endorsed a Democrat since 1964. Palin makes it easy.
Read the full endorsement here
Perhaps the worst mistake McCain made in his campaign for the White House was the choice of the inexperienced and inflammatory Palin as his vice-presidential running mate. Had he selected a moderate, experienced Republican lawmaker such as Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison with a strong appeal to independents, the Chronicle's choice for an endorsement would have been far more difficult.
The Chronicle has not endorsed a Democrat since 1964. Palin makes it easy.
Read the full endorsement here
The Palin Plunge: Voters Sour On McCain VP Pick
From Huffington Post:
The more voters learn about Sarah Palin, the more wary they become.
Once the focus of post-convention Republican euphoria, the Alaska
Governor is now viewed as a serious liability to the McCain campaign.
As it stands, Palin's polling numbers are daunting: with the unfolding
economic crisis, her favorable to unfavorable ratings have switched from
a positive 40-30, according to a September 12-16 New York Times survey,
to a negative 32-41 in an October 10-13 survey.
Very well researched and informative article: read the rest of it here.
The more voters learn about Sarah Palin, the more wary they become.
Once the focus of post-convention Republican euphoria, the Alaska
Governor is now viewed as a serious liability to the McCain campaign.
As it stands, Palin's polling numbers are daunting: with the unfolding
economic crisis, her favorable to unfavorable ratings have switched from
a positive 40-30, according to a September 12-16 New York Times survey,
to a negative 32-41 in an October 10-13 survey.
Very well researched and informative article: read the rest of it here.
Colin Powell Formally Endorses Obama
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that
he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama. "He has both style
and substance. I think he is a transformational figure," Powell
said on NBC's Meet the Press.
Powell said he questioned Sen. John McCain's judgment in picking
Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate because he doesn't think she
is ready to be president. He also said he was disappointed with some
of McCain's campaign tactics, such as bringing up Obama's ties to
former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
"Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He
has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well,"
Powell said.
Following the interview, Powell told reporters outside NBC's
Washington studio: "I think that Senator Obama brings a fresh set
of eyes, fresh set of ideas to the table. I think that Senator
McCain, as gifted as he is, is essentially going to execute the
Republican agenda, the orthodoxy of the Republican agenda with a
new face and he'd be quite good at it, but i think we need more."
Powell's endorsement is significant due to the fact that McCain has
repeatedly singled him out for lavish praise. In a July New York Times
interview, McCain described the former secretary of state and Joint
Chiefs chairman as "a man who I admire as much as any man in the world"
when answering a question in which Powell was not brought up. Meanwhile,
near the same time as that interview, McCain was reportedly considering
Powell as a potential running mate.
he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama. "He has both style
and substance. I think he is a transformational figure," Powell
said on NBC's Meet the Press.
Powell said he questioned Sen. John McCain's judgment in picking
Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate because he doesn't think she
is ready to be president. He also said he was disappointed with some
of McCain's campaign tactics, such as bringing up Obama's ties to
former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
"Obama displayed a steadiness. Showed intellectual vigor. He
has a definitive way of doing business that will do us well,"
Powell said.
Following the interview, Powell told reporters outside NBC's
Washington studio: "I think that Senator Obama brings a fresh set
of eyes, fresh set of ideas to the table. I think that Senator
McCain, as gifted as he is, is essentially going to execute the
Republican agenda, the orthodoxy of the Republican agenda with a
new face and he'd be quite good at it, but i think we need more."
Powell's endorsement is significant due to the fact that McCain has
repeatedly singled him out for lavish praise. In a July New York Times
interview, McCain described the former secretary of state and Joint
Chiefs chairman as "a man who I admire as much as any man in the world"
when answering a question in which Powell was not brought up. Meanwhile,
near the same time as that interview, McCain was reportedly considering
Powell as a potential running mate.
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