Saturday, November 1, 2008
New GOP Mail Goes After Obama On Lobbyists, Taxes, And Socialism
The anti-Obama mail keeps piling up. A reader forwarded a set of pieces that go after the Illinois Democrat for not, really, being a thorn in the side of lobbyists and for planning to raise taxes alongside his liberal allies in Congress,
The first piece accuses Obama of funneling the "hard-earned money of America's taxpayers to pay his friends and family with political favors."
As evidence the literature cites the Senator's relationship with Tony Rezko and two earmarks that Obama helped bring to Illinois in short, thin gruel.
The second mailer is a more boilerplate charge. It accuses "Obama and liberal Democrats" of planning for "higher taxes," over a photo of the Senator and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. What follows is a greatest hits list, of sorts, in Republican criticisms: Obama plans to spread the wealth, he took huge amounts of contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and is promising "socialist" spending plans that would balloon the deficit.
The first piece accuses Obama of funneling the "hard-earned money of America's taxpayers to pay his friends and family with political favors."
As evidence the literature cites the Senator's relationship with Tony Rezko and two earmarks that Obama helped bring to Illinois in short, thin gruel.
The second mailer is a more boilerplate charge. It accuses "Obama and liberal Democrats" of planning for "higher taxes," over a photo of the Senator and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. What follows is a greatest hits list, of sorts, in Republican criticisms: Obama plans to spread the wealth, he took huge amounts of contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and is promising "socialist" spending plans that would balloon the deficit.
A Presidential Vanishing Act, by Design
It’s the week before Election Day. Do you know where your president is?
Probably not, and that is by design. With Senator John McCain lagging behind in the polls and many other Republicans fighting for their political lives, the nation’s top Republican — President Bush — is intentionally lying low this week, and is likely to do so until after Americans cast their ballots to pick his successor.
Mr. Bush, an ardent student of politics, knows what it feels like to be down in the polls, and he is keeping a careful eye on the campaign. Earlier this week, he made a surprise visit to the headquarters of the Republican National Committee to offer thanks to those who have served him for the past eight years, and deliver a little pep talk to lift the spirits of beleaguered McCain supporters.
“He talked about how he was never supposed to win a campaign,” said one person who attended, speaking anonymously because the session was off-the-record. “He talked about how in ’94, 2000, 2004, they always said he had no chance, and he just encouraged us, to say it’s just important to keep doing what we’re doing and keep working hard.”
The message was not entirely surprising. What was striking is that Mr. Bush chose to deliver it in private. Presidential visits to campaign headquarters are routine business in election years; the day before voters cast their ballots in 2000, President Bill Clinton dropped in on Democratic headquarters in Little Rock, Ark. to buck up campaign volunteers, even as he conceded that he had no idea which way the race between Vice President Al Gore and Mr. Bush, then the governor of Texas, would go.
Mr. Bush, though, has made himself increasingly scarce as Election Day approaches. His campaign season effectively ended on Oct. 21 — two weeks before the election — when he attended his last political fund-raiser, a $1 million event for the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. (His wife, Laura, is still on the stump; on Thursday she headlined a get-out-the-vote rally in Mississippi.)
With Mr. Bush’s job approval ratings at historic lows, political analysts have long said Republican candidates simply do not want to be seen with him. But now, with the election just days away, it seems that Republican candidates do not want Mr. Bush to be seen, period.
“One of McCain’s biggest challenges has been how to deal with Bush, and he never quite got it right,” said Scott Reed, a Republican strategist who ran Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign. “Now, the best thing is silence.”
Probably not, and that is by design. With Senator John McCain lagging behind in the polls and many other Republicans fighting for their political lives, the nation’s top Republican — President Bush — is intentionally lying low this week, and is likely to do so until after Americans cast their ballots to pick his successor.
Mr. Bush, an ardent student of politics, knows what it feels like to be down in the polls, and he is keeping a careful eye on the campaign. Earlier this week, he made a surprise visit to the headquarters of the Republican National Committee to offer thanks to those who have served him for the past eight years, and deliver a little pep talk to lift the spirits of beleaguered McCain supporters.
“He talked about how he was never supposed to win a campaign,” said one person who attended, speaking anonymously because the session was off-the-record. “He talked about how in ’94, 2000, 2004, they always said he had no chance, and he just encouraged us, to say it’s just important to keep doing what we’re doing and keep working hard.”
The message was not entirely surprising. What was striking is that Mr. Bush chose to deliver it in private. Presidential visits to campaign headquarters are routine business in election years; the day before voters cast their ballots in 2000, President Bill Clinton dropped in on Democratic headquarters in Little Rock, Ark. to buck up campaign volunteers, even as he conceded that he had no idea which way the race between Vice President Al Gore and Mr. Bush, then the governor of Texas, would go.
Mr. Bush, though, has made himself increasingly scarce as Election Day approaches. His campaign season effectively ended on Oct. 21 — two weeks before the election — when he attended his last political fund-raiser, a $1 million event for the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. (His wife, Laura, is still on the stump; on Thursday she headlined a get-out-the-vote rally in Mississippi.)
With Mr. Bush’s job approval ratings at historic lows, political analysts have long said Republican candidates simply do not want to be seen with him. But now, with the election just days away, it seems that Republican candidates do not want Mr. Bush to be seen, period.
“One of McCain’s biggest challenges has been how to deal with Bush, and he never quite got it right,” said Scott Reed, a Republican strategist who ran Bob Dole’s 1996 presidential campaign. “Now, the best thing is silence.”
Former Reagan adviser endorses Obama
(CNN) — Former Reagan chief of staff Ken Duberstein told CNN's Fareed Zakaria this week he intends to vote for Democrat Barack Obama on Tuesday.
Duberstein said he was influenced by another prominent Reagan official - Colin Powell - in his decision.
"Well let's put it this way - I think Colin Powell's decision is in fact the good housekeeping seal of approval on Barack Obama."
Duberstein said he was influenced by another prominent Reagan official - Colin Powell - in his decision.
"Well let's put it this way - I think Colin Powell's decision is in fact the good housekeeping seal of approval on Barack Obama."
Not Waiting in Vain
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1274025729/bclid1886195620/bctid1892187453
Live From The Ground
So here's a little update as to how things are going here in Chillicothe, MO...by the way it's pronounced "chilli-COTH-ee".
Chillicothe is a small town of about 6,000 people in the northern part of Missouri. Many people here are farmers with most living in smaller towns outside of the Chillicothe area, right now I'm being hosted by a family in Hamilton, MO which has a population of about 1800. I'm at the counties Democratic headquarters working with three other people and we're covering all of the northern quadrant of this state (roughly 20,000 voters). We have a small stream of very dedicated, really interesting local folks who show up early, stay late and never seem to tire of assembling literature, answering phones, handing out buttons, and talking to their neighbors who drop in with questions.
Our leaders here are two people who absolutely astonish me. One is from the Bay Area and has been here since September 1st and the other is from Washington, DC and has been here since late September. Neither of them has had a day off since they arrived and they both are still at the headquarters when we all leave at 1am and working away when we arrive at 7am.
I know the term "battle ground state" gets thrown around more than it should but I can honestly say that Missouri is a battleground right now. It's really amazing. People are very vocal and upfront about their support for their candidate and there are a few things I'll post after the election that I'm sure you'll find very interesting (read into that what you will). I will say that people here are at least open to listening to what you have to say and as is the case in the midwest, folks are at least polite in their opposition. From what I've been told and seen myself, farm issues (subsidies, sustainability, etc) are extremely important. People are really hurting in this area as the economy and W's farm policies have hit the area really hard.
The last couple of days we've been preparing for this weekend and the canvassing that today and tomorrow will bring. Lots of walking, talking, explaining, giving out literature, and making sure that everyone knows when and where to vote. Election day voting begins on Tuesday at 6am and continues to 7pm.
Here's a picture of what made Chillicothe famous...the fact that they invented slicing of bread!
More later!
Chillicothe is a small town of about 6,000 people in the northern part of Missouri. Many people here are farmers with most living in smaller towns outside of the Chillicothe area, right now I'm being hosted by a family in Hamilton, MO which has a population of about 1800. I'm at the counties Democratic headquarters working with three other people and we're covering all of the northern quadrant of this state (roughly 20,000 voters). We have a small stream of very dedicated, really interesting local folks who show up early, stay late and never seem to tire of assembling literature, answering phones, handing out buttons, and talking to their neighbors who drop in with questions.
Our leaders here are two people who absolutely astonish me. One is from the Bay Area and has been here since September 1st and the other is from Washington, DC and has been here since late September. Neither of them has had a day off since they arrived and they both are still at the headquarters when we all leave at 1am and working away when we arrive at 7am.
I know the term "battle ground state" gets thrown around more than it should but I can honestly say that Missouri is a battleground right now. It's really amazing. People are very vocal and upfront about their support for their candidate and there are a few things I'll post after the election that I'm sure you'll find very interesting (read into that what you will). I will say that people here are at least open to listening to what you have to say and as is the case in the midwest, folks are at least polite in their opposition. From what I've been told and seen myself, farm issues (subsidies, sustainability, etc) are extremely important. People are really hurting in this area as the economy and W's farm policies have hit the area really hard.
The last couple of days we've been preparing for this weekend and the canvassing that today and tomorrow will bring. Lots of walking, talking, explaining, giving out literature, and making sure that everyone knows when and where to vote. Election day voting begins on Tuesday at 6am and continues to 7pm.
Here's a picture of what made Chillicothe famous...the fact that they invented slicing of bread!
More later!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Latest Poll Numbers
RCP Average Obama 49.7 43.8 Obama +5.9
Rasmussen Reports Obama 51 McCain 47 Obama +4
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 50 McCain 43 Obama +7
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 45 Obama +4
FOX News Obama 47 McCain 44 Obama +3
Gallup (Traditional)* Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded)* Obama 51 McCain 44 Obama +7
Diageo/Hotline Obama 48 McCain 42 Obama +6
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 52 McCain 44 Obama +8
CBS News/NY Times Obama 52 McCain 41 Obama +11
IBD/TIPP Obama 48 McCain 44 Obama +4
Rasmussen Reports Obama 51 McCain 47 Obama +4
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 50 McCain 43 Obama +7
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 45 Obama +4
FOX News Obama 47 McCain 44 Obama +3
Gallup (Traditional)* Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded)* Obama 51 McCain 44 Obama +7
Diageo/Hotline Obama 48 McCain 42 Obama +6
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 52 McCain 44 Obama +8
CBS News/NY Times Obama 52 McCain 41 Obama +11
IBD/TIPP Obama 48 McCain 44 Obama +4
Obama Columbia, Missouri
I just arrived in MO yesterday and hit the ground running in Chillicothe. Today much to my surprise
my assignment was to drive to Columbia, MO to see Obama talk! Here are some pictures I took, click
to enlarge:
my assignment was to drive to Columbia, MO to see Obama talk! Here are some pictures I took, click
to enlarge:
The Economist: It's Time
America should take a chance and make Barack Obama the next leader of
the free world
IT IS impossible to forecast how important any presidency will be. Back
in 2000 America stood tall as the undisputed superpower, at peace with
a generally admiring world. The main argument was over what to do with
the federal government's huge budget surplus. Nobody foresaw the
seismic events of the next eight years. When Americans go to the polls
next week the mood will be very different. The United States is
unhappy, divided and foundering both at home and abroad. Its
self-belief and values are under attack.
For all the shortcomings of the campaign, both John McCain and Barack
Obama offer hope of national redemption. Now America has to choose
between them. THE ECONOMIST does not have a vote, but if it did, it
would cast it for Mr Obama. We do so wholeheartedly: the Democratic
candidate has clearly shown that he offers the better chance of
restoring America's self-confidence. But we acknowledge it is a gamble,
yet it is one America should take, given the steep road ahead.
The immediate focus, which has dominated the campaign, looks daunting
enough: repairing America's economy and its international reputation.
The financial crisis is far from finished. The United States is at the
start of a painful recession. Abroad, even though troops are dying in
two countries, the cack-handed way in which George Bush has prosecuted
his war on terror has left America less feared by its enemies and less
admired by its friends than it once was.
Mr McCain has his faults: he is an instinctive politician, quick to judge and
with a sharp temper. And his age has long been a concern (how many global
companies in distress would bring in a new 72-year-old boss?). Yet he has
bravely taken unpopular positions--for free trade, immigration reform, the
surge in Iraq, tackling climate change and campaign-finance reform.
That, however, was Senator McCain; the Candidate McCain of the past six
months has too often seemed the victim of political sorcery, his good
features magically inverted, his bad ones exaggerated. The fiscal
conservative who once tackled Mr Bush over his unaffordable tax cuts
now proposes not just to keep the cuts, but to deepen them. The man who
denounced the religious right as "agents of intolerance" now embraces
theocratic culture warriors. Yet rather than heading towards the centre after
he won the nomination, Mr McCain moved to the right.
On the great issue of the campaign, the financial crisis, he
has seemed all at sea, emitting panic and indecision. Mr McCain has
never been particularly interested in economics, but, unlike Mr Obama,
he has made little effort to catch up or to bring in good advisers.
The choice of Sarah Palin epitomised the sloppiness. It is not just
that she is an unconvincing stand-in, nor even that she seems to have
been chosen partly for her views on divisive social issues, notably
abortion. Mr McCain made his most important appointment having met her
just twice.
There is no getting around the fact that Mr Obama's resume is thin for
the world's biggest job. But the exceptionally assured way in which he
has run his campaign is a considerable comfort. It is not just that he
has more than held his own against Mr McCain in the debates. A man who
started with no money and few supporters has out-thought, out-organised
and out-fought the two mightiest machines in American politics.
Political fire, far from rattling Mr Obama, seems to bring out the
best in him. On the financial crisis his performance has been as assured
as Mr McCain's has been febrile. He seems a quick learner and has built
up an impressive team of advisers, drawing in seasoned hands like Paul Volcker,
Robert Rubin and Larry Summers. Of course, Mr Obama will make mistakes; but
this is a man who listens, learns and manages well.
It is hard too nowadays to depict him as soft when it comes to dealing
with America's enemies. Part of Mr Obama's original appeal to the
Democratic left was his keenness to get American troops out of Iraq;
but since the primaries he has moved to the centre, pragmatically
saying the troops will leave only when the conditions are right. His
determination to focus American power on Afghanistan, Pakistan and
proliferation was prescient.
So Mr Obama in that respect is a gamble. But the same goes for Mr
McCain on at least as many counts, not least the possibility of
President Palin. And this cannot be another election where the choice
is based merely on fear. In terms of painting a brighter future for
America and the world, Mr Obama has produced the more compelling and
detailed portrait. He has campaigned with more style, intelligence and
discipline than his opponent.
Whether he can fulfil his immense potential remains to be seen.
But Mr Obama deserves the presidency.
the free world
IT IS impossible to forecast how important any presidency will be. Back
in 2000 America stood tall as the undisputed superpower, at peace with
a generally admiring world. The main argument was over what to do with
the federal government's huge budget surplus. Nobody foresaw the
seismic events of the next eight years. When Americans go to the polls
next week the mood will be very different. The United States is
unhappy, divided and foundering both at home and abroad. Its
self-belief and values are under attack.
For all the shortcomings of the campaign, both John McCain and Barack
Obama offer hope of national redemption. Now America has to choose
between them. THE ECONOMIST does not have a vote, but if it did, it
would cast it for Mr Obama. We do so wholeheartedly: the Democratic
candidate has clearly shown that he offers the better chance of
restoring America's self-confidence. But we acknowledge it is a gamble,
yet it is one America should take, given the steep road ahead.
The immediate focus, which has dominated the campaign, looks daunting
enough: repairing America's economy and its international reputation.
The financial crisis is far from finished. The United States is at the
start of a painful recession. Abroad, even though troops are dying in
two countries, the cack-handed way in which George Bush has prosecuted
his war on terror has left America less feared by its enemies and less
admired by its friends than it once was.
Mr McCain has his faults: he is an instinctive politician, quick to judge and
with a sharp temper. And his age has long been a concern (how many global
companies in distress would bring in a new 72-year-old boss?). Yet he has
bravely taken unpopular positions--for free trade, immigration reform, the
surge in Iraq, tackling climate change and campaign-finance reform.
That, however, was Senator McCain; the Candidate McCain of the past six
months has too often seemed the victim of political sorcery, his good
features magically inverted, his bad ones exaggerated. The fiscal
conservative who once tackled Mr Bush over his unaffordable tax cuts
now proposes not just to keep the cuts, but to deepen them. The man who
denounced the religious right as "agents of intolerance" now embraces
theocratic culture warriors. Yet rather than heading towards the centre after
he won the nomination, Mr McCain moved to the right.
On the great issue of the campaign, the financial crisis, he
has seemed all at sea, emitting panic and indecision. Mr McCain has
never been particularly interested in economics, but, unlike Mr Obama,
he has made little effort to catch up or to bring in good advisers.
The choice of Sarah Palin epitomised the sloppiness. It is not just
that she is an unconvincing stand-in, nor even that she seems to have
been chosen partly for her views on divisive social issues, notably
abortion. Mr McCain made his most important appointment having met her
just twice.
There is no getting around the fact that Mr Obama's resume is thin for
the world's biggest job. But the exceptionally assured way in which he
has run his campaign is a considerable comfort. It is not just that he
has more than held his own against Mr McCain in the debates. A man who
started with no money and few supporters has out-thought, out-organised
and out-fought the two mightiest machines in American politics.
Political fire, far from rattling Mr Obama, seems to bring out the
best in him. On the financial crisis his performance has been as assured
as Mr McCain's has been febrile. He seems a quick learner and has built
up an impressive team of advisers, drawing in seasoned hands like Paul Volcker,
Robert Rubin and Larry Summers. Of course, Mr Obama will make mistakes; but
this is a man who listens, learns and manages well.
It is hard too nowadays to depict him as soft when it comes to dealing
with America's enemies. Part of Mr Obama's original appeal to the
Democratic left was his keenness to get American troops out of Iraq;
but since the primaries he has moved to the centre, pragmatically
saying the troops will leave only when the conditions are right. His
determination to focus American power on Afghanistan, Pakistan and
proliferation was prescient.
So Mr Obama in that respect is a gamble. But the same goes for Mr
McCain on at least as many counts, not least the possibility of
President Palin. And this cannot be another election where the choice
is based merely on fear. In terms of painting a brighter future for
America and the world, Mr Obama has produced the more compelling and
detailed portrait. He has campaigned with more style, intelligence and
discipline than his opponent.
Whether he can fulfil his immense potential remains to be seen.
But Mr Obama deserves the presidency.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Palin Talks 2012
Yesterday Sarah Palin shocked her own handlers when she said that she was already thinking about her 2012 campaign.
CNN's Dana Bash told cohort Wolf Blitzer that a senior McCain advisor was rendered "speechless" by Palin's comment. "There was a long pause, and then I just heard a 'Huh.' on the other end of the phone. I mean, this is certainly not a surprise to anybody who has watched Sarah Palin that she is interested in potentially...a future national run. Certainly she is being urged to by a lot of people inside the Republican Party if they do lose." Gov. Palin has already been called a "diva" and "rogue" by people within the McCain campaign who see her straying from prescribed narrative in her speeches, having "lost confidence in most of the people on the plane."
It's rather unprecedented for someone in Palin's position to make the slightest acknowledgment of a potential loss at this stage of the campaign.
CNN's Dana Bash told cohort Wolf Blitzer that a senior McCain advisor was rendered "speechless" by Palin's comment. "There was a long pause, and then I just heard a 'Huh.' on the other end of the phone. I mean, this is certainly not a surprise to anybody who has watched Sarah Palin that she is interested in potentially...a future national run. Certainly she is being urged to by a lot of people inside the Republican Party if they do lose." Gov. Palin has already been called a "diva" and "rogue" by people within the McCain campaign who see her straying from prescribed narrative in her speeches, having "lost confidence in most of the people on the plane."
It's rather unprecedented for someone in Palin's position to make the slightest acknowledgment of a potential loss at this stage of the campaign.
Current Poll Numbers (10-30-08)
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 50 McCain 43 Obama +7
Rasmussen Reports Obama 50 McCain 47 Obama +3
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 49 McCain 46 Obama +3
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 51 McCain 44 Obama +7
Diageo/Hotline Obama 49 McCain 42 Obama +7
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 52 McCain 44 Obama +8
IBD/TIPP Obama 47 McCain 44 Obama +3
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 46 Obama +3
Ipsos/McClatchy Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Pew Research Obama 53 McCain 38 Obama +15
Rasmussen Reports Obama 50 McCain 47 Obama +3
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 49 McCain 46 Obama +3
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 51 McCain 44 Obama +7
Diageo/Hotline Obama 49 McCain 42 Obama +7
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 52 McCain 44 Obama +8
IBD/TIPP Obama 47 McCain 44 Obama +3
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 46 Obama +3
Ipsos/McClatchy Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Pew Research Obama 53 McCain 38 Obama +15
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Synchronized Presidential Debating
If you thought the three presidential debates were similar, here's proof you were right. This video show how eerily similar the candidates' canned arguments were.
Analysis: Obama on his way toward election win
Barack Obama has pulled ahead in enough states to win the 270 electoral votes he needs to gain the White House _ and with states to spare _ according to an Associated Press analysis that shows he is now moving beyond typical Democratic territory to challenge John McCain on historically GOP turf.
Even if McCain sweeps the six states that are too close to call, he still seemingly won't have enough votes to prevail, according to the analysis, which is based on polls, the candidates' TV spending patterns and interviews with Democratic and Republican strategists. McCain does have a path to victory but it's a steep climb: He needs a sudden shift in voter sentiment that gives him all six toss-up states plus one or two others that now lean toward Obama.
Obama has 23 states and the District of Columbia, offering 286 votes, in his column or leaning his way, while Republican McCain has 21 states with 163 votes. A half dozen offering 89 votes _ Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada and Ohio _ remain up for grabs. President Bush won all six in 2004, and they are where the race is primarily being contested in the homestretch.
Though sounding confident, Obama is still campaigning hard. "Don't believe for a second this election is over," he tells backers. "We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does."
The underdog McCain is pressing supporters to fight on: "Nothing is inevitable here. We never give up. And we never quit."
Less than a week before Election Day, the AP analysis isn't meant to be predictive but rather provides a late snapshot of a race that's been volatile all year.
It's still possible McCain can pull off an upset. Some public and private polling shows the race tightening nationally. And, roughly one fourth of voters in a recent AP-GfK poll were undecided or said they still could change their minds. It's also still unclear how racial feelings will affect the results in voting that could give the country its first black president.
Even if McCain sweeps the six states that are too close to call, he still seemingly won't have enough votes to prevail, according to the analysis, which is based on polls, the candidates' TV spending patterns and interviews with Democratic and Republican strategists. McCain does have a path to victory but it's a steep climb: He needs a sudden shift in voter sentiment that gives him all six toss-up states plus one or two others that now lean toward Obama.
Obama has 23 states and the District of Columbia, offering 286 votes, in his column or leaning his way, while Republican McCain has 21 states with 163 votes. A half dozen offering 89 votes _ Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada and Ohio _ remain up for grabs. President Bush won all six in 2004, and they are where the race is primarily being contested in the homestretch.
Though sounding confident, Obama is still campaigning hard. "Don't believe for a second this election is over," he tells backers. "We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does."
The underdog McCain is pressing supporters to fight on: "Nothing is inevitable here. We never give up. And we never quit."
Less than a week before Election Day, the AP analysis isn't meant to be predictive but rather provides a late snapshot of a race that's been volatile all year.
It's still possible McCain can pull off an upset. Some public and private polling shows the race tightening nationally. And, roughly one fourth of voters in a recent AP-GfK poll were undecided or said they still could change their minds. It's also still unclear how racial feelings will affect the results in voting that could give the country its first black president.
Shays: McCain Can't Win; Lost His "Maverick" Brand
The first ballot has yet to be tallied, but some Republicans are already hammering nails into the McCain-Palin campaign's coffin.
Locked in a tight congressional race, Rep. Chris Shays of Connecticut's 4th district is the latest in a slew of Republican incumbents, including Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina, to concede a near-certain victory to the Obama camp.
"I just don't see how [McCain] can win," Shays said in an interview here on Sunday.
Shays, the Connecticut co-chair of McCain's campaign, said he was disappointed by the standards of McCain's race, which has increasingly relied on mudslinging.
"He has lost his brand as a maverick; he did not live up to his pledge to fight a clean campaign," Shays said.
Locked in a tight congressional race, Rep. Chris Shays of Connecticut's 4th district is the latest in a slew of Republican incumbents, including Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina, to concede a near-certain victory to the Obama camp.
"I just don't see how [McCain] can win," Shays said in an interview here on Sunday.
Shays, the Connecticut co-chair of McCain's campaign, said he was disappointed by the standards of McCain's race, which has increasingly relied on mudslinging.
"He has lost his brand as a maverick; he did not live up to his pledge to fight a clean campaign," Shays said.
Palin Target Of New Ethics Complaint
Alaska Governor and Republican Vice President hopeful Sarah Palin may be facing another round of scrutiny, this time for charging the state for her children to travel with her while conducing official state business.
CBS News has obtained a copy of the complaint that Frank Gwartney, a retired lineman in Anchorage filed last Friday, with Alaska’s Attorney General, Talis Colber in Juneau. “Palin ran on the platform of ethics, transparency and anti-corruption. I’m tired of the hypocrisy that exists in Government and people need to know the truth,” said Gwartney.
The complaint against Governor Palin, alleges Misuse of Official Position: “Gov. Palin attempted to and in fact did use her official position for personal gain by securing unwarranted benefits for her daughters...” All the allegations contained in the complaint are related to state reimbursed travel.
Bristol, Piper and Willow, Palin’s daughters, accrued $32,629 in travel expenses while Palin’s husband Todd raked up $22,174 - all billed to the state for a total of $54,803.00.
“The Governor’s office has expended $54,803.00 in Alaska state dollars for family travel since December 2006,” according to the Governor’s Administrative Services Director, Linda Perez. “The documentation related to family travel has changed and you have to keep in mind that the governor and her family are very popular,” added Perez.
CBS News has obtained a copy of the complaint that Frank Gwartney, a retired lineman in Anchorage filed last Friday, with Alaska’s Attorney General, Talis Colber in Juneau. “Palin ran on the platform of ethics, transparency and anti-corruption. I’m tired of the hypocrisy that exists in Government and people need to know the truth,” said Gwartney.
The complaint against Governor Palin, alleges Misuse of Official Position: “Gov. Palin attempted to and in fact did use her official position for personal gain by securing unwarranted benefits for her daughters...” All the allegations contained in the complaint are related to state reimbursed travel.
Bristol, Piper and Willow, Palin’s daughters, accrued $32,629 in travel expenses while Palin’s husband Todd raked up $22,174 - all billed to the state for a total of $54,803.00.
“The Governor’s office has expended $54,803.00 in Alaska state dollars for family travel since December 2006,” according to the Governor’s Administrative Services Director, Linda Perez. “The documentation related to family travel has changed and you have to keep in mind that the governor and her family are very popular,” added Perez.
FL Gov. Crist Extends Voting Hours: "Blows it" for the GOP
This is a very big deal: Florida Governor Charlie Crist, to the shock and dismay of Florida Republicans, just moved to extend early voting hours, a move likely to widen the Democrats' lead under a program on which the Obama campaign has intensely focused.
"He just blew Florida for John McCain," one plugged in Florida Republican just told me.
The Buzz reports:
At a hastily arranged news conference, Crist said the right to vote is sacred and that "many have fought and died for this right." He said he consulted a leading Democratic legislator, Rep. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, before issuing his order, and that Gelber knew of a similar order issued by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002 that dealt with helping voters deal with new equipment.
As to the perception that more early voting helps Democrats, Crist said: "This is not a political decision. This is a people decision."
Democrats had urged the extension, which means that votes will be cast 12 hours a day, not eight hours a day.
"He just blew Florida for John McCain," one plugged in Florida Republican just told me.
The Buzz reports:
At a hastily arranged news conference, Crist said the right to vote is sacred and that "many have fought and died for this right." He said he consulted a leading Democratic legislator, Rep. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, before issuing his order, and that Gelber knew of a similar order issued by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002 that dealt with helping voters deal with new equipment.
As to the perception that more early voting helps Democrats, Crist said: "This is not a political decision. This is a people decision."
Democrats had urged the extension, which means that votes will be cast 12 hours a day, not eight hours a day.
SC Senate Candidate Mick Mulvaney in Sick Robocalling Scheme
South Carolina Republican state senate candidate Mick Mulvaney has created one of the most disgusting robocalls of the election season, attempting to connect his Democratic opponent Mandy Powers Norrell, to a "scary" gay group.
A group that doesn't even exist.
The call is intended to send voters rushing to Mulvaney using that old chestnut >cue scary music<, "The Frightening Homosexual Agenda".
In the call, the fake group, called the Alliance for the Advancement of Gays and Lesbians, says:
"Hi, this is Alison calling from the Alliance for the Advancement of Gays and Lesbians. We are a pro gay rights, pro-choice grassroots organization. I'm calling to let you know we're supporting Mandy Powers Norrell in the race for state senate. A proven Democrat, Mandy Powers Norrell supports homosexual unions and abortion rights. We can count on Mandy Powers Norrell to promote a progressive agenda in the state senate and to fight the right-wing fringe at every turn. Again, this is the Alliance for the Advancement of Gays and Lesbians asking you to vote for Democrat Mandy Powers Norrell on Tuesday, November 4th."
Here it is:
A group that doesn't even exist.
The call is intended to send voters rushing to Mulvaney using that old chestnut >cue scary music<, "The Frightening Homosexual Agenda".
In the call, the fake group, called the Alliance for the Advancement of Gays and Lesbians, says:
"Hi, this is Alison calling from the Alliance for the Advancement of Gays and Lesbians. We are a pro gay rights, pro-choice grassroots organization. I'm calling to let you know we're supporting Mandy Powers Norrell in the race for state senate. A proven Democrat, Mandy Powers Norrell supports homosexual unions and abortion rights. We can count on Mandy Powers Norrell to promote a progressive agenda in the state senate and to fight the right-wing fringe at every turn. Again, this is the Alliance for the Advancement of Gays and Lesbians asking you to vote for Democrat Mandy Powers Norrell on Tuesday, November 4th."
Here it is:
GOP Doubts Grow
HERSHEY, Pa. — Doubts about John McCain's chances for the presidency grew louder among fellow Republicans on Tuesday as a White House race largely focused on Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania entered its final week.
Even two Republicans once on McCain's short list for vice president sounded skeptical. In a fundraising e-mail on behalf of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Mitt Romney referred to "the very real possibility of an Obama presidency." In the Midwest, Gov. Tim Pawlenty gave a dour assessment of McCain's chances in his state, saying Barack Obama "has a pretty good advantage in Minnesota right now."
Nationally, a poll by the Pew Research Center found Obama with a 16-point lead among registered voters. The survey said Obama had 52 percent and McCain 36 percent, with independent voters supporting the Democrat by a 48-31 margin.
Even two Republicans once on McCain's short list for vice president sounded skeptical. In a fundraising e-mail on behalf of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Mitt Romney referred to "the very real possibility of an Obama presidency." In the Midwest, Gov. Tim Pawlenty gave a dour assessment of McCain's chances in his state, saying Barack Obama "has a pretty good advantage in Minnesota right now."
Nationally, a poll by the Pew Research Center found Obama with a 16-point lead among registered voters. The survey said Obama had 52 percent and McCain 36 percent, with independent voters supporting the Democrat by a 48-31 margin.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Reno Dinner
Click image to enlarge:
Some of the folks eating dinner after canvassing/data entry/phone banking all day in Reno.
Some of the folks eating dinner after canvassing/data entry/phone banking all day in Reno.
Massive Obama Phonebank
There was a big Obama phonebank this last weekend in Yerba Buena Gardens that I took part in. Beautiful day,
great people everywhere you look all involved in taking back our countries future. I spend most of the day calling
more than 200 North Carolinan's and all in all everyone I spoke with was very open to at least discussing the issues at hand. I didn't get any "socialist" "terrorist" craziness.
Click image for a bigger little picture:
great people everywhere you look all involved in taking back our countries future. I spend most of the day calling
more than 200 North Carolinan's and all in all everyone I spoke with was very open to at least discussing the issues at hand. I didn't get any "socialist" "terrorist" craziness.
Click image for a bigger little picture:
Early Voting Numbers
9 percent of voters have already cast ballots:
Their preference: Barack Obama over John McCain, by 60-39 percent.
That leaves 91 percent yet to vote, but more are coming. A total of 34 percent of likely voters intend to vote early, including those who’ve already done so and those who say they will in the next week. This overall early voting group favors Obama over McCain by 59-39 percent, essentially the same as it is among those who’ve gotten it done already.
Their preference: Barack Obama over John McCain, by 60-39 percent.
That leaves 91 percent yet to vote, but more are coming. A total of 34 percent of likely voters intend to vote early, including those who’ve already done so and those who say they will in the next week. This overall early voting group favors Obama over McCain by 59-39 percent, essentially the same as it is among those who’ve gotten it done already.
SANITY IN INDIANA: Dozens Of McCain Robocallers Walk Off Job
TPM reports:
"Some three dozen workers at a telemarketing call center in Indiana walked off the job rather than read an incendiary McCain campaign script attacking Barack Obama, according to two workers at the center and one of their parents. Nina Williams, a stay-at-home mom in Lake County, Indiana, tells us that her daughter recently called her from her job at the center, upset that she had been asked to read a script attacking Obama for being 'dangerously weak on crime,' 'coddling criminals,' and for voting against 'protecting children from danger.' Williams' daughter told her that up to 40 of her co-workers had refused to read the script, and had left the call center after supervisors told them that they would have to either read the call or leave, Williams says. The call center is called Americall, and it's located in Hobart, IN."
"Some three dozen workers at a telemarketing call center in Indiana walked off the job rather than read an incendiary McCain campaign script attacking Barack Obama, according to two workers at the center and one of their parents. Nina Williams, a stay-at-home mom in Lake County, Indiana, tells us that her daughter recently called her from her job at the center, upset that she had been asked to read a script attacking Obama for being 'dangerously weak on crime,' 'coddling criminals,' and for voting against 'protecting children from danger.' Williams' daughter told her that up to 40 of her co-workers had refused to read the script, and had left the call center after supervisors told them that they would have to either read the call or leave, Williams says. The call center is called Americall, and it's located in Hobart, IN."
Fake Flyer Tells Virginia Democrats To Vote On November 5th
A phony Board of Elections flier being circulated in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia announces that Republicans must vote on November 4th, Democrats on November 5th.
The somewhat official-looking flier - it features the state board logo and the state seal - is dated Oct. 24 and indicates that "an emergency session of the General Assembly has adopted the follwing (sic) emergency regulations to ease the load on local electorial (sic) precincts and ensure a fair electorial process."
The four-paragraph flier concludes with: "We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but felt this was the only way to ensure fairness to the complete electorial process." No emergency action has been taken by the General Assembly. It is not in session and lacks the authority to change the date of a federal election.
State Board of Election officials today said they are aware of the flier but disavowed any connection to it. "It's not even on our letterhead; they just copied the logo from our Web site," said agency staffer Ryan Enright, noting the flier has been forwarded to State Police for investigation as a possible incident of voter intimidation.
Ok...it's Official...I'm going to ........
Chillicothe, MO!
Chillicothe, population 8,968, has a total area of 6.6 square miles. The racial makeup of the city is 93.86% White, 3.69% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.35% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.96% of the population.
Chillicothe is also known as The Home of Sliced Bread.
So here I come!!
Keep an eye on the blog as I'll be uploading images and information as to how things are going on the ground.
Again...thank you all for your support!
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Top Ten Reasons Conservatives Should Vote For Obama
From Andrew Sullivan:
10. A body blow to racial identity politics. An end to the era of Jesse Jackson in black America.
9. Less debt. Yes, Obama will raise taxes on those earning over a quarter of a million. And he will spend on healthcare, Iraq, Afghanistan and the environment. But so will McCain. He plans more spending on health, the environment and won't touch defense of entitlements. And his refusal to touch taxes means an extra $4 trillion in debt over the massive increase presided over by Bush. And the CBO estimates that McCain's plans will add more to the debt over four years than Obama's.
8. A return to realism and prudence in foreign policy. McCain's knee-jerk reaction to the Georgian conflict, his commitment to stay in Iraq indefinitely, and his brinksmanship over Iran's nuclear ambitions make him a far riskier choice for conservatives.
7. An ability to understand the difference between listening to generals and delegating foreign policy to them.
6. Temperament. Obama has the coolest, calmest demeanor of any president since Eisenhower. Conservatism values that kind of constancy, especially compared with the hot-headed, irrational impulsiveness of McCain.
5. Faith. Obama's fusion of Christianity and reason, his non-fundamentalist faith, is a critical bridge between the new atheism and the new Christianism.
4. A truce in the culture war. Obama takes us past the debilitating warfare that has raged since the 1960s. Nothing has distorted our politics so gravely; nothing has made a rational politics more elusive.
3. Two words: President Palin.
2. Conservative reform. Until conservatism can get a distance from the big-spending, privacy-busting, debt-ridden, crony-laden, fundamentalist, intolerant, incompetent and arrogant faux conservatism of the Bush-Cheney years, it will never regain a coherent message to actually govern this country again. The survival of conservatism requires a temporary eclipse of today's Republicanism. Losing would be the best thing to happen to conservatism since 1964. Back then, conservatives lost in a landslide for the right reasons. Now, Republicans are losing in a landslide for the wrong reasons.
1. The War Against Islamist terror. The strategy deployed by Bush and Cheney has failed. It has failed to destroy al Qaeda, except in Iraq, where their presence was minimal before the US invasion. It has failed to bring any of the terrorists to justice, instead creating the excresence of Gitmo, torture, secret sites, and the collapse of America's reputation abroad. It has empowered Iran, allowed al Qaeda to regroup in Pakistan, made the next vast generation of Muslims loathe America, and imperiled our alliances.
Those conservatives who remain convinced, as I do, that Islamist terror remains the greatest threat to the West cannot risk a perpetuation of the failed Manichean worldview of the past eight years, and cannot risk the possibility of McCain making rash decisions in the middle of a potentially catastrophic global conflict. If you are serious about the war on terror and believe it is a war we have to win, the only serious candidate is Barack Obama.
10. A body blow to racial identity politics. An end to the era of Jesse Jackson in black America.
9. Less debt. Yes, Obama will raise taxes on those earning over a quarter of a million. And he will spend on healthcare, Iraq, Afghanistan and the environment. But so will McCain. He plans more spending on health, the environment and won't touch defense of entitlements. And his refusal to touch taxes means an extra $4 trillion in debt over the massive increase presided over by Bush. And the CBO estimates that McCain's plans will add more to the debt over four years than Obama's.
8. A return to realism and prudence in foreign policy. McCain's knee-jerk reaction to the Georgian conflict, his commitment to stay in Iraq indefinitely, and his brinksmanship over Iran's nuclear ambitions make him a far riskier choice for conservatives.
7. An ability to understand the difference between listening to generals and delegating foreign policy to them.
6. Temperament. Obama has the coolest, calmest demeanor of any president since Eisenhower. Conservatism values that kind of constancy, especially compared with the hot-headed, irrational impulsiveness of McCain.
5. Faith. Obama's fusion of Christianity and reason, his non-fundamentalist faith, is a critical bridge between the new atheism and the new Christianism.
4. A truce in the culture war. Obama takes us past the debilitating warfare that has raged since the 1960s. Nothing has distorted our politics so gravely; nothing has made a rational politics more elusive.
3. Two words: President Palin.
2. Conservative reform. Until conservatism can get a distance from the big-spending, privacy-busting, debt-ridden, crony-laden, fundamentalist, intolerant, incompetent and arrogant faux conservatism of the Bush-Cheney years, it will never regain a coherent message to actually govern this country again. The survival of conservatism requires a temporary eclipse of today's Republicanism. Losing would be the best thing to happen to conservatism since 1964. Back then, conservatives lost in a landslide for the right reasons. Now, Republicans are losing in a landslide for the wrong reasons.
1. The War Against Islamist terror. The strategy deployed by Bush and Cheney has failed. It has failed to destroy al Qaeda, except in Iraq, where their presence was minimal before the US invasion. It has failed to bring any of the terrorists to justice, instead creating the excresence of Gitmo, torture, secret sites, and the collapse of America's reputation abroad. It has empowered Iran, allowed al Qaeda to regroup in Pakistan, made the next vast generation of Muslims loathe America, and imperiled our alliances.
Those conservatives who remain convinced, as I do, that Islamist terror remains the greatest threat to the West cannot risk a perpetuation of the failed Manichean worldview of the past eight years, and cannot risk the possibility of McCain making rash decisions in the middle of a potentially catastrophic global conflict. If you are serious about the war on terror and believe it is a war we have to win, the only serious candidate is Barack Obama.
Widespread Touch Screen Vote Flipping!!
I know people don't like this subject. But we must confront it, right now, with our eyes open to prevent total chaos and, more importantly, total heartache from happening on November 4th.
ES&S iVotronics touch screens have already been observed in four completely separate States, flipping the votes of people voting for Obama to McCain. Eye-witnesses report repeated, consistent flipping of votes already occurring in the States of: West Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas that have had early voting. Missouri, of course, is a key background State in McCain's electoral vote math.
These are not "glitches".
This is also not the result of just "one faulty machine".
How about some straight-talk:
Fact: This is not a "glitch".
Fact: This is not a one machine problem.
Fact: This is not a one State problem.
Fact: This is not a one Election problem.
Fact: This is neither a "theory", nor speculation. It's real.
Fact: The Democratic candidate is getting their vote systematically stolen.
Still think it's not possible?
Here's a video of a confession made under oath by a computer programmer:
ES&S iVotronics touch screens have already been observed in four completely separate States, flipping the votes of people voting for Obama to McCain. Eye-witnesses report repeated, consistent flipping of votes already occurring in the States of: West Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas that have had early voting. Missouri, of course, is a key background State in McCain's electoral vote math.
These are not "glitches".
This is also not the result of just "one faulty machine".
How about some straight-talk:
Fact: This is not a "glitch".
Fact: This is not a one machine problem.
Fact: This is not a one State problem.
Fact: This is not a one Election problem.
Fact: This is neither a "theory", nor speculation. It's real.
Fact: The Democratic candidate is getting their vote systematically stolen.
Still think it's not possible?
Here's a video of a confession made under oath by a computer programmer:
Pro-Business Financial Times Endorses Obama
US presidential elections involve a fabulous expense of time, effort and money. Doubtless it is all too much – but, by the end, nobody can complain that the candidates have been too little scrutinised. We have learnt a lot about Barack Obama and John McCain during this campaign. In our view, it is enough to be confident that Mr Obama is the right choice.
Mr Obama fought a much better campaign. Campaigning is not the same as governing, and the presidency should not be a prize for giving the best speeches. Nonetheless, a campaign is a test of leadership. Mr Obama ran his superbly; Mr McCain’s has looked a shambles. After eight years of George W. Bush, the steady competence of the Obama operation commands respect.
Nor should one disdain Mr Obama’s way with a crowd. Good presidents engage the country’s attention; great ones inspire. Mr McCain is an adequate speaker. Mr Obama is as fine a political orator as the country has heard in decades. Put to the right purposes, this is no mere decoration but a priceless asset.
We applaud his main domestic proposal to achieve nearly universal insurance without the mandates of rival schemes: it combines a far-sighted goal with moderation in the method. Mr McCain’s plan, based on extending tax relief beyond employer-provided insurance is too timid and would widen coverage much less.
Rest assured that, should he win, Mr Obama is bound to disappoint. How could he not? He is expected to heal the country’s racial divisions, improve middle-class living standards, cut almost everybody’s taxes, transform the image of the United States abroad, end the losses in Iraq, deal with the mess in Afghanistan and much more besides.
Succeeding in those endeavours would require more than uplifting oratory and presidential deportment even if the economy were growing rapidly, which it will not be.
The challenges facing the next president will be extraordinary. We hesitate to wish it on anyone, but we hope that Mr Obama gets the job.
Mr Obama fought a much better campaign. Campaigning is not the same as governing, and the presidency should not be a prize for giving the best speeches. Nonetheless, a campaign is a test of leadership. Mr Obama ran his superbly; Mr McCain’s has looked a shambles. After eight years of George W. Bush, the steady competence of the Obama operation commands respect.
Nor should one disdain Mr Obama’s way with a crowd. Good presidents engage the country’s attention; great ones inspire. Mr McCain is an adequate speaker. Mr Obama is as fine a political orator as the country has heard in decades. Put to the right purposes, this is no mere decoration but a priceless asset.
We applaud his main domestic proposal to achieve nearly universal insurance without the mandates of rival schemes: it combines a far-sighted goal with moderation in the method. Mr McCain’s plan, based on extending tax relief beyond employer-provided insurance is too timid and would widen coverage much less.
Rest assured that, should he win, Mr Obama is bound to disappoint. How could he not? He is expected to heal the country’s racial divisions, improve middle-class living standards, cut almost everybody’s taxes, transform the image of the United States abroad, end the losses in Iraq, deal with the mess in Afghanistan and much more besides.
Succeeding in those endeavours would require more than uplifting oratory and presidential deportment even if the economy were growing rapidly, which it will not be.
The challenges facing the next president will be extraordinary. We hesitate to wish it on anyone, but we hope that Mr Obama gets the job.
Palin's Nightmare
Now does Sarah mean a state:
* That snatches its victims off the street, denies them all form of legal process and whisks them away to secret sites where they can be tortured using all the techniques described in Arthur Koestler’s 'Darkness at Noon'?
* That arrests and prosecutes its political adversaries for imaginary crimes so as to eliminate them from the running in election cycles in which they could do some damage?
* That destroys the careers of professional military men because they got promotions under a prior regime and therefore considers them disloyal?
* That believes it can detain and hold its enemies forever without any charges or any evidence against them, denying them access to courts to prove their innocence?
* That constantly manipulates the population’s fear whenever its public popularity slips and elections begin to approach?
* That believes that it can make no errors, and that those who point to its errors are traitors?
* That systematically spies on millions of its citizens in direct violation of a criminal statute which forbids such surveillance?
* That lies to its people about threats from abroad in an effort to build popular support for a series of wars and then cites the existence of those wars as a reason to suppress dissent?
* That nationalizes the debt of predatory capitalists so they suffer no punishment for their misconduct and then nationalizes major financial institutions, converting the nation’s free market system into a socialism in which crony capitalists are a privileged elite?
Sarah, honey, it's going to be ok....you have no need to fear the future.
Latest Poll Results (10-27-08)
RCP Average Obama 50.4 McCain 43.1 Obama +7.3
Rasmussen Reports Obama 51 McCain 46 Obama +5
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 52 McCain 43 Obama +9
Hotline/FD Obama 50 McCain 42 Obama +8
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 52 McCain 45 Obama +7
IBD/TIPP Obama 47 McCain 43 Obama +4
Newsweek Obama 53 McCain 41 Obama +12
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 46 Obama +3
CBS News/NY Times Obama 52 McCain 39 Obama +13
FOX News Obama 49 McCain 40 Obama +9
Rasmussen Reports Obama 51 McCain 46 Obama +5
Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Traditional) Obama 50 McCain 45 Obama +5
Gallup (Expanded) Obama 52 McCain 43 Obama +9
Hotline/FD Obama 50 McCain 42 Obama +8
ABC News/Wash Post Obama 52 McCain 45 Obama +7
IBD/TIPP Obama 47 McCain 43 Obama +4
Newsweek Obama 53 McCain 41 Obama +12
GWU/Battleground Obama 49 McCain 46 Obama +3
CBS News/NY Times Obama 52 McCain 39 Obama +13
FOX News Obama 49 McCain 40 Obama +9
Sunday, October 26, 2008
October Surprise? U.S. CHOPPERS STRIKE TARGETS IN SYRIA
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - U.S. military helicopters attacked territory inside Syria close to its border with Iraq Sunday, killing eight people in a strike the Syrian government condemned as "serious aggression."
A U.S. military official said the raid by special forces targeted the foreign fighter network that travels through Syria into Iraq in an area where the Americans have been unable to shut it down because it was out of the military's reach.
"We are taking matters into our own hands," the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the political sensitivity of cross-border raids.
The attack came just days after the commander of U.S. forces in western Iraq said American troops were redoubling efforts to secure the Syrian border, which he called an "uncontrolled" gateway for fighters entering Iraq.
The U.S. military in Baghdad did not immediately respond to a request for comment after Sunday's raid.
A U.S. military official said the raid by special forces targeted the foreign fighter network that travels through Syria into Iraq in an area where the Americans have been unable to shut it down because it was out of the military's reach.
"We are taking matters into our own hands," the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the political sensitivity of cross-border raids.
The attack came just days after the commander of U.S. forces in western Iraq said American troops were redoubling efforts to secure the Syrian border, which he called an "uncontrolled" gateway for fighters entering Iraq.
The U.S. military in Baghdad did not immediately respond to a request for comment after Sunday's raid.
Alaska's Largest Newspaper Endorses Obama
Alaska enters its 50th-anniversary year in the glow of an improbable and highly memorable event: the nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential candidate. For the first time ever, an Alaskan is making a serious bid for national office, and in doing so she brings broad attention and recognition not only to herself, but also to the state she leads.
Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency -- but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election is not about Sarah Palin, and Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation.
Sen. Barack Obama brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain.
Since his early acknowledgement that economic policy is not his strong suit, Sen. McCain has stumbled and fumbled badly in dealing with the accelerating crisis as it emerged. He declared that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong" at 9 a.m. one day and by 11 a.m. was describing an economy in crisis. He is both a longtime advocate of less market regulation and a supporter of the huge Wall Street bailout. His erratic behavior in this crisis --a kind description -- shows him to be ill-equipped to lead.
Sen. Obama warned regulators and the nation 19 months ago that the subprime lending crisis was a disaster in the making. Sen. McCain backed tighter rules for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but didn't do much to advance that legislation. Of the two candidates, Sen. Obama better understands the mortgage meltdown's root causes and has the judgment and intelligence to shape a solution, as well as the leadership to rally the country behind it. It is easy to look at Sen. Obama and see a return to the smart, bipartisan economic policies of the last Democratic administration in Washington, which left the country with the momentum of growth and a budget surplus that President George Bush has squandered.
Sen. McCain describes himself as a maverick, but it is Sen. Obama who truly promises fundamental change in Washington. You need look no further than the lies and distortions of the McCain campaign to see how readily McCain embraces the divisive, fear-mongering tactics of Karl Rove.
On the most important issues of the day, Sen. Obama is a clear choice.
Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency -- but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election is not about Sarah Palin, and Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation.
Sen. Barack Obama brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain.
Since his early acknowledgement that economic policy is not his strong suit, Sen. McCain has stumbled and fumbled badly in dealing with the accelerating crisis as it emerged. He declared that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong" at 9 a.m. one day and by 11 a.m. was describing an economy in crisis. He is both a longtime advocate of less market regulation and a supporter of the huge Wall Street bailout. His erratic behavior in this crisis --a kind description -- shows him to be ill-equipped to lead.
Sen. Obama warned regulators and the nation 19 months ago that the subprime lending crisis was a disaster in the making. Sen. McCain backed tighter rules for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but didn't do much to advance that legislation. Of the two candidates, Sen. Obama better understands the mortgage meltdown's root causes and has the judgment and intelligence to shape a solution, as well as the leadership to rally the country behind it. It is easy to look at Sen. Obama and see a return to the smart, bipartisan economic policies of the last Democratic administration in Washington, which left the country with the momentum of growth and a budget surplus that President George Bush has squandered.
Sen. McCain describes himself as a maverick, but it is Sen. Obama who truly promises fundamental change in Washington. You need look no further than the lies and distortions of the McCain campaign to see how readily McCain embraces the divisive, fear-mongering tactics of Karl Rove.
On the most important issues of the day, Sen. Obama is a clear choice.
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