Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

I will sleep well tonight.

And yes - Obama is who I want to answer the phone at 3 a.m.

Buenas noches.

Si Se Puede!

Craig,
It didn't take us long to get a shuttle bus...I guess they treat the delegations better than the press. Coming back we had Dan Rather and Tammy Duckworth on our bus. I was with one of the guys in our delegation and we probably got back to our hotel at least an hour before anyone else in our delegation. Who knew Dan Rather would have to ride a shuttle bus! Later. I need to pack. I am going to Morning Joe tomorrow. Yikes! 4 a.m. start time.

Craig heads off to the local watering hole and leaves poor Andrew to keep things up and running...

Andrew, our hats are off to you! Excellent job under (I'm sure) less than ideal conditions, like keeping a net around Craig!

Thanks for the on-the-scene report; I hope they had escalators to the top sections as I know all about cheap-seat viewing of events. I know giant screens replaced the need for binoculars, but I'm old-school, I'd have packed my binoculars.

Watching the Obama extravaganza tonight, I felt vaguely uncomfortable, the mobs of thousands, Obama T-shirts for $25.00, popcorn and nachos. But, I think it was the fireworks seeming like fire shooting out from the columns that really made me squeamish.The event seemed more like an over-the-top, rock show than a presidential convention.

Another factoid...Obama's campaign keep talking about the importance of the youth vote in this campaign, but only 7% of the delegates are under 30...

spike...the youth vote never materializes, and it won't be youth in 2008 that pushes Obama to the top.
I've been disappointed too much the past 20 years; we cannot allow a 2008 version of Kenneth Backwell to rear an ugly head and steal an election, nor another Katherine Harris, no swiftboating liars, no make-you-scared Willie Horton stories, no corrupt US Supreme Court...we cannot and must not let any of these tactics stop us from claiming the WH...we must remain diligent every day until November 4th. But it wont be youth that puts us over the top.

yep...much better than 1968 at International Amphitheater in Chicago....

http://pandagon.net/index.php/site/comments/pumas_are_swiftboats_darragh_murphy/

Pandagon site says PUMAS are Rovian plot...not real

Just a great show and a great way to send OBAMA/BIDEN on the road. The wife (who just LOVES Biden) has me hyped. In our house, he's now Joey B. I can't wait for the anti-climatic McCain announcement tomorrow. However, classy move by McCain in the congrats. The one non slimy thing his campaign done.

Just a quick peak at the Intrade markets. Earlier in the evening, Tim Pawlenty contract odds were about 4-5. Those odds have lengthened to about 6-to 5. Rommey who was up to 20-to-1 earlier in the evening, have gone currently to 3-1. The "Field" contracts have gone from 20-to-1 to 5-to-1 at this hour. This all could be market jitters, but it seems like the market is a little less certain than what it was earlier...

OK guys -- off to bed -- given all the platitudes being given this speech, I guess I'll download it and give it another go in the morning. Night all -- Spike

What I rode yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vymbNaempEM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RiTQQqcgn0&feature=related

Good Morning everyone!

Corey -- The Thunderbolt looks like the new ride at King's Dominion, the Dominator, which used to be the Batman Ride at a Six Flags and was moved to Virginia when Cedar Fair bought the park from Paramount. Surprisingly the Dominator's lines are very short, so my kids usually ride it several times when we go to KD. (We go every week since we have season passes.)

Here's a clip of the Dominator when t used to be called the Batman ride

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_4X-kGGgzE

The Timbers ride looks awesome.

KGC -- I had a Telecomm meeting last night so I missed most of the festivities -- got home in time to catch the last part of BO's speech.

But the good news is we had a presentation from a local video producer who has to travel to Fairfax county for public access studio time. When the other commissioners saw the stuff she was producing and heard more about the concept of of PEG, they are all now on board and enthusiastic about launching a public access channel here. Now I have to work on the business model.

"Hey Lush,

All those that came for the free entertainment, somehow stayed for the sermon."
--Rezdog

Hallelujah...Praise Jesus!!!
_____

BTW, I guess I can now safely say that I missed John Legend... 8~(
_____

OK...OK...enough of this Democratic Party celebration...LOL!!

I am heading out for a weekend of real partying...my 35th high school class reunion...woohoo!! It is actually a multi-class reunion('70-'74)...it will be wild...ohhhyeahhh!!! 8~P

Last night I was talking with a young black man who is at a point in his life here he is really being tested. He just paid his college tuition, but he doesn't have enough money for books. He needs to make his rent by next week, he's working two jobs, and is starting an internship 30 miles away. Between driving to school, the two jobs and now the internship, the cost of gas is eating another hole in his budget. Nothing left for food, so he's subsisting on ramen noodles, hot dogs, bread and PB -- no J since he didn't have enough money for jelly.

He was on his way to work, so he was not going to watch the speech last night. He asked me, "Do you think Obama will win?" I said that the race was uncomfortably close right now, but I also recalled that in previous cycles, DEMs have had big leads at the same point in the campaign, only to watch the leads evaporate after the GOP Convention, so I'm guardedly hopeful. Then he said, "I just don't think people are ready for a black president."

I told him that people might not have been ready for a woman president -- and how some people even told me that when I made calls for Hillary, even people who said they were voting for Obama.

Bottom line -- are people *more* ready for more pain and suffering under the same damaging GOP policies that will be perpetuated by McCain? Vote black or stay back.

Pro-BO or not, it was a great night...except for the odd choice of music & cheese-r-ific fireworks at the end.

Al Gore was great, but had to laugh at his opener...much like Bill Clinton in burying the lead if he thinks BO is the man for the job. To paraphrase Big Al: Hey, it's only 4 years. Give him a try. What've you got to lose?

BO's speech was very good, but there was never any doubt about it. He moved toward something more tangible and away from that big, gassy nebulous called "change."

I would like the details of any ideas he has on actually achieving these things. His policy book is supposed to come out next week, but why should I have to pay for it? This is his job interview; he needs to come to us.

Looking forward to the debates to see if Hil'ry has been coaching him. Can you teach someone to think on their feet in a few, short weeks?

Thank goodness for Tweety. Dear MSNBC, please can Olbermann before he sucks all of the air out of room. Even when he says something I agree with...well, he's just so full of himself it's awful. You know that self-important, chest-puffing, inhaling thing he does? Yep, I don't even like the way he inhales these days. Haven't watched his show in 1/2 a year or so, and find myself turning to CNN when he's on with poor, sweet Tweety. Heck, watching KO even makes me miss Fluffy Carlson.

zoey - Yes, surprising about Dan Rather on the shuttle bus. I thought he could teleport.

I agree with PM's take on the trappings of excess at Invesco. I thought they were tawdry. Which does nothing to take away from the importance of the occasion.

Alicia, a couple of weeks ago my daughter and I talked about her ramen years. Seems as if it's a rite of passage. I really hope the young man makes it into school. Once there, he should find a way of surviving.

More on Ramen.

Last year when I read Momofuku Ando's obituary I marveled at how this man, the inventor of the ramen noodle, had single handedly saved tens of millions of people from starvation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/09/business/worldbusiness/09ando.html

Alicia -- is there a way any of us could help buy the young man his school books? I'll kick in a hundred bucks if you'll email me and can get the money to him.

balecox at aol dot com

Well, considering the historical importance of last night, it was good that the moved it to the stadium. More people will always feel like they were there when history was made. And because the venue was so big, the stage needed to be big. Like I said yesterday, you don't use the same decorations for a banquet hall that you do for a kiddie party in the back yard.

I do take exception with the fireworks. A puny amount of fireworks for the size of the venue, probably not good for the environment...and it poured a big, blob of ballpark cheese all over an important event.

Now, can we please talk about something important...like Michelle Obama's dress?

Apparently it NOT Pawlenty!

"Alicia, a couple of weeks ago my daughter and I talked about her ramen years. "

Flatus -- yes, my son and his roommate ate a lot of Ramen noodles for some time at Vandy.

Experiment? Ross Perot did it. It was called United We Stand. No, I didn't vote for him, but Bill Clinton did parallel (or borrow) some of the stuff in it. I miss Bill.

Ramen noodles, broken up in the package & sauteed in butter on Chinese chicken salad. Mmm.

The guys on Morning Joe think it's Mitt Romney...apparently they have confirmation he is in Ohio.

Flatus -- My young friend is actually well into his college career. Thankfully he's almost to the finish line -- but he's feeling really bleak. I told him about my ramen years -- mostly survived by working in restaurants where I could eat for free. My restaurant job was in DC and school was in College Park, MD. Whenever I wasn't in class I was working. But gas was less than $1 a gallon -- that's the big difference.

Which reminds me that I need to remind him to switch his voter registration from Blacksburg to Stafford. For the primary, he drove down to Blacksburg to vote -- he won't be able to do that now.

INTRADE UPDATE...

Tim Pawlenty has announced he's not McCain's VP...

The Intrade market is way in flux with the Field contracts are slightly less than 2-to-1.

The market has lots of money coming into Sarah Palin, but it doesn't sound like it's her.

Romney is also getting most of the money, running his odds down to 6-5.

A dark horse that is getting some play is Eric Cantor
Cantor (born June 6, 1963) is an American politician who has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing Virginia's 7th congressional district (map). The district includes most of the wealthier portions of Richmond, as well as most of that city's suburbs and portions of the Shenandoah Valley. Cantor is the sole Jewish Republican in the House.[1]

During his first term in office, Cantor was selected to serve as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare. He has also served on the House Financial Services Committee and on the House International Relations Committee and the very powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Since his second term, he has served as chief deputy Republican whip, the highest appointed position in the Republican caucus.

Cantor is a supporter of strong US-Israel relations, cosponsoring legislation that would cut off all U.S. taxpayer aid to the Palestinian Authority and another bill calling for an end to taxpayer aid to the Palestinians until they stop unauthorized excavations on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.[5] Responding to a claim by the State Department that the United States provides no "direct" aid to the Palestinian Authority, Cantor stated that United States sends about $75 million in aid annually to the Palestinian Authority, which is administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Cantor also stated that Congress approved a three-year package of $400 million in aid for the Palestinian Authority in 2000.[6] Cantor's cousin, Daniel Cantor Wultz, died as the result of a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv which was carried out by Islamic Jihad on April 17, 2006.

In August 2008, it was reported that Cantor was being considered as John McCain's Vice Presidential running mate, with McCain's representatives seeking documents from Cantor as part of its vetting process.

If it's Cantor, you heard it here first...

DEVELOPING.,...

Good morning all
Good speech last night,I could have done without the Rock Star affects of the Stadium! To much show biz for me.I was elated by Obama's stance on nuclear energy,good move.America should just take a look at France and how they effectively have used Nuclear Power....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/the-long-road-to-invesco-field.html#comment-135408

DEX -- There are real PUMAs -- I know some and I've met even more. They are being exploited by the GOP looking for any wedge to get an edge, but their feelings are real.

They are like Reagan DEMS. They feel very estranged from the DEMs right now and they are enjoying the ass-kissing that the GOP is giving them. The DEMs would be smart to start doing doing some ass-kissing of their own, with a little groveling thrown in, or they may lose the PUMAs for as long as they lost the Reagan DEMS.

Patsi -- WOW! That is mighty generous of you to offer to help my friend pay for his college books.

I know he would really appreciate it. I will send you an email with my contact info.

knight dot alicia at gmail dot com

Thank you!

Romney out. Intrade shares fell starting at 7:15

Both Sarah Palin and the Field contracts now have 4-5 odds.

Developing

Mornin' all.

Spike I always find the INtrade stuff interesting - but I don't rely on anything that changes based on the way people who are willing to bet their on money on anything as speculative as say, sports or politics, place their bets. As soon as the house starts losing in Vegas and the bookies, numbers runners and lotteries start to go broke because the bettors have finally gotten the odds swung to them, i may change my mind.

PM, ALWAYS consider the source.

Alicia, your kids remind me of mine - big ride adrenaline junkies. LP loves to go to theme parks and to Cedar Point to get thrown around and G-forced just short of passing out if he can find rides to push his personal envelope. On our last trip to Orlando (I use "last" in the sense that it is our most recent - I can only hope it will prove to have been our last trip to Orlando for the foreseeable future - sorry Craig) I finally had enough of the Hulk and Duelling Dragons and told LP that he could go back and reride DD as long as he wanted - I'd just sit out front and wait for him and watch the other tourons walk past. I bet he rode each side 15 times before the lines got too long for him - which is about 15 minutes.

Despite my best intentions, I only saw the first 5 minutes of Obama's acceptance speech, but I did like what I saw. I caught some of the CNN post mortem of it this morning and a little of MSNBC, and the consensus seems to be that it was a great one. I hope it leads to momentum. He is, of course, right about McCain - 90% Bush. No thanks, I've had enough of 100% Bush.

good morning gang...

I thought Obama gave a great speech last night..... very effective.....
he will need to kick McCain's butt if he's to win this election and last night was a good start.....

I thought he did a great job delineating the difference between Democrats and Republicans.....

I watched on CNN and everyone there was praising the speech...... David Gergen gave the highest praise by comparing the speech to a symphony....

the fireworks were lame,IMO.... Atlas put on a donated display at my craft fair and they were much better..... but that's a minor gripe.....

Spike-

Where is Tom Ridge trading?

~G

Barack Obama's Invesco Field speech

"Filling a stadium with more than 84,000 people is no mean feat but the whole event had the feel of a great idea if Obama had been holding a 12-point poll lead and looked to be cruising towards an easy victory in November. With the polls now tied and a dogfight with McCain beckoning it felt like a mistake."

Obama's demeanor remains cool and aloof. Bill Clinton could feel people's pain. Obama who, as Michael Barone has pointed out, has spent his entire adult life living in university communities, appears to view people's pain with concerned detachment."

"Throughout the week, Democrats were far too polite towards John McCain. Yes, he's a war hero but, as Wesley Clark correctly if impoliticly pointed out, that doesn't in itself qualify him to be President, and there's no need to honor McCain's service every time his name is mentioned.."

"Obama has allowed McCain to get under his skin and inside his head....."
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/Toby_Harnden

Corey.... glad to read you had a good time yesterday..... you deserve it!

Carol.... I haven't been following the news about Gustav..... but I pray for you and everyone else that are in it's path.....

Prof Marcia..... that garbage isn't worth the effort or time it takes to spit on the floor..... your entitled to your opinions same as everyone else....

Bethy..... I passed the test!..... oh goody..... :0)

Ridge is making a strong move up 4-to-1 in the last minute, no doubt because of comments by Wesley Clark.

Palin still at 4-5

Doesn't look like it's Lieberman

Field is trading at 1-to-10. The market suggests no clear choice.

Developing.

Chloe, I guess I should pay more attention to conservative commentators like Barone, but I just can't. The Fox News, National Review crowd doesn't give anyone the straight skinny on anything even remotely liberal or Democratic and he's just taking a shot at Obama. Chicago certainly has colleges - one of the most prestigious US Universities at which Obama was a part time instructor, but really, who calls Chicago a college town? And Springfield a college town? Hardly. And DC - college town is hardly what first comes to mind. At first I thought the Invesco Field venue was a mistake, but I've changed my mind on that. I think it shows pretty dramatically that Dems can muster support for Obama, and coupled with what by most accounts was a terrific speech, I hope it indicates the beginning of momentum toward November. That's the feeling I get from it - of course Obama needs to spend the next week hammering McCain and not letting the Repugs gain momentum from the VP announcement and their convention. Of course, it's hard to get too worked up about a convention in M-SP.

Spike, What do you think of Plains chances?

Like Jamie said yesterday, that would be a candidate from Hawaii and Alaska, last 2 states.

Palin, that is.

Another darkhorse:

Robert Jones "Rob" Portman (born December 19, 1955) is an American lawyer and politician who has served in two cabinet positions and as a member of Congress. Most recently, he was Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to this appointment, Portman was the United States Trade Representative, a post carrying the rank of Ambassador. From 1993 to 2005, he was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio, representing that state's 2nd congressional district (map), which stretches along the Ohio River from the Hamilton County suburbs of Cincinnati.

He was confirmed by the Senate as U.S. Trade Representative on April 29, 2005, and privately sworn into his new office that day. Later, a public, ceremonial swearing-in was performed by then-White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card on May 17, 2005, with his friend President Bush in attendance [1]. On April 18, 2006 President Bush nominated him to fill the role of Budget Director; its former director, Joshua B. Bolten, was promoted to White House Chief of Staff.

Portman, currently of counsel in the Cincinnati office of the global law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, is viewed as a strong up-and-comer in the Ohio Republican Party and is considered likely to be a future Ohio candidate for Senate or Governor.[citation needed] In a blogpost by columnist Michael Meckler, he stated that when members of Congress were asked who they believed would be running for president in 20 years, the second most frequently mentioned name among Republicans was that of Rob Portman. He had also been much mentioned as the likely successor of Treasury Secretary John W. Snow until Snow resigned from his post on May 30, 2006 and George W. Bush chose Goldman Sachs CEO, Henry M. Paulson, Jr., as his replacement. According to columnist Robert Novak, Portman is President Bush's choice for Vice Presidential running mate for Senator John McCain. On June 25, 2008, Portman was interviewed by Sean Hannity of FOX News, as a possible running mate for McCain.

In Novak's March 28, 2008 article, he wrote that "Portman's background is legislative (House Republican leadership), executive (George W. Bush's Cabinet), diplomatic (U.S. trade representative) and economic (Office of Management and Budget director). He comes from a swing state (Ohio), is young enough (52) to contrast McCain and conservative enough (89 percent lifetime American Conservative Union rating)."Portman for VP. In a May 27, 2008 New York Times Op-Ed column, David Brooks wrote, "Portman is an Ohioan with the mind of a budget director and a mild temperament that is a credit to his Midwestern roots. His résumé is ideal: He directed legislative affairs for the first President Bush, served in Congress for more than a decade and managed the Office of Management and Budget under Bush the younger. He excelled in every role."[1]

Thanks pogo. Point taken.

Barackopolis

"Reminiscent of the Nuremberg Rallies, which Adolf Hitler invented to emulate the Roman Triumphs ...

... Mainstream Media has manipulated the public into believing the distorted propaganda of an unqualified hustler from Chicago?

Obama’s rally is one of the most infamous moments in this entire hemisphere’s history, because it showcased the utter decline of American culture and it exposed the stupidity and pathetically self serving desire of many people to be man-handled by a nice stage setup, shiny lights, and a Joseph Goebbels styled propaganda video that sugar coated the background of the WORST candidate in the history of the United States."

http://savagepolitics.com/?p=1625

pogo@8:49

Sound analysis, sir.

Ramen years.

I was pre-ramen. But, I did have one of those old fashioned popcorn makers that was like a sauce pan on top of a hot plate.

There was a little store not far from the dorm where I could get a can of soup and a loaf of bread for less than 50-cents. And, popcorn was really cheap, too.

I bet I could have cooked a full course meal in that popcorn maker.

This is a good attack ad from the Obama campaign

I saw it theis morning on the TV very funny and entertaining.
Warning!
it is a song parody set to "Don't know much about History" so it is a major ear worm. You may be humming the tune all morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGV0OY3MtFI

Jack

Flatus -- Thanks for the link on the Ramen noodles inventor. My kids are huge ramen fans. My youngest will eat a couple of packages by himself -- I will send him the link.

Here is Ramen-fan page:

http://www.mattfischer.com/ramen/

Apparently the 50th anniversary or Ramen was this week.

Unfortunately, the price of Ramen will be going up -- I am so sick and tired of this bad economy!

Just got back from the Wes Clark segment of Mornin Joe. They are broadcasting from next door to my hotel. Wes was lovely as always...got my every so often hug and to shake those wonderful swimmers hands. I haven't been to bed yet so guess I will finish packing and take a nap before check-out. Craig's hugs are pretty darn good too.

Here's the Veepstakes names who are left that are getting any play at all on Intrade:

Tom Ridge
Joe Lieberman
Rob Portman
Eric Cantor
Fred Thompson
John Kasich

The Field contract is currently trading at 1-to-10...

Lieberman is in Dayton, OH

Pogo

While the stadium made for some great visual images. It lost some in the excitement department. Not at the event but the way the excitement is translated over the TV. I found it amusing that GMA boosted the crowded noise response for their clips, from what was broadcast last night. Conventions are noisy intimate affairs and this seemed to make Obama more removed from the crowd.
That said , imo , Obama did a great job of overcoming the limitations of the venue. For the first time I think he has shown the passion needed to win and I think that was important. Though sometimes he came across as the scolding preacher but maybe that is my reaction to authority type behavior.

Jack

Sturg
Thanks for posting the article on the basket makers.
The exhibit sounds wonderful. I'm hoping it will make its way west.

Alicia
Sounds like you are making progress on keeping public access alive. I haven't talked to the people in Santa Rosa lately but they don't really have anyone to champion for them a there is no cable or telecom commission -it falls to the city council committee.

So the McCain folks outfoxed Intrade...

In the interest of full disclosure, the Intrade.com Vice Presidential Futures market incorrectly picked Tim Pawlenty is John McCain's Vice Presidentia pick.

Based on past history, I consider the market called when an event crosses the 80% probability threshold (4-5 odds) sometime at least 24 hours before the event occurs. At this level, the market makes the correct pick approximately 80% of the time.

The market crossed the 80% threshold for Pawlenty at approximately 8pm EDT last night which fit the time horizon for making the call.

I think the Huckster is in Dayton too as in Romney

flatus, well, thank 'ee.

Like I said Jack, I only caught 5 minutes at the beginning of the speech before the god of sleep took me. Crowd noise is always an issue in broadcasts like that and its level is wholly at the discretion of the sound engineers. Visually, from what little I saw my only criticism would be that the Faux West Wing windows were all I saw other than Obama whenever he was shown speaking - the crowd was only apparent in long shots. My criticism of that is pretty minor and niggling, but it certainly could have been staged differently to take advantage of images of Obama juxtaposed against the crowd, which is why I thought they chose the venue. I saw more of the crowd behind the talking heads between speakers than I did during the speech. Apparently you agree with most of the commentators - they agree that the requisite passion was on display for the first time. I did catch bits of him going after McCain, and I thought that was good, and is what he needs to do if he plans on winning this thing.

Great video, Craig.

My favorite double-edged quote was from Ron Clark, the Douglas County party official on the bus, explaining how his badge works:

"They've got a hologram -- it changes from a picture of Sen. Obama back to some text about change."

Sort of sums up what Hillary, Bill and their camp have been saying all along about the substance of the Obama campaign.

Yuk. Yuk.

GORDO,

What is your pornographic obsession with comparing a political candidate you don't like with Nazi propagandists? Why do I wonder that besides your stash off bestiality porn that you have Nazi fetish porn as well?

If you put pictures of both Obama and McCain on a split screen and asked people to "pick the Nazi", you honestly think anyone would pick Obama?

I hope McCain picks Ridge. It would be signal to the religious right that they can get off at the next bus stop;

And that is FDR's lesson for Obama. Politics is not a battle for the middle. It is a battle for defining the terms of the political debate. It is a battle to be able to say what is the middle. . . The lesson of Hofstadter is to embrace liberal governance and understand populist politics. It may sound cynical, but you must get through the door to govern. Lincoln knew this. FDR knew this. Hofstadter knew this. I hope Obama can learn this.http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/8/29/8504/02974

Big Tent Demo post from 2006 ..he goes on to say he thinks the speech demonstrates Obama learned the lesson (and learned it from the Clintons)

I had to work until 9:30 last night...missed the event, but watched the re-broadcast on Faux News, no less. I thought Obama's speech was brilliant.

KGC

It would make a statement to them. I also think it would be easy to keep them on board. Just start passing out pictures of Obama hugging Kennedy with the line this is what you get if you don't vote.

A thought, is this campaign going to boil down to attack ads using left wing images on one side and Bush on the other?

I'm not certain who is more unpopular out in middle America.
Jack

I noticed your Qwest neck thingie, Craig. I still think Qwest as a company got screwed for standing-up to the government on wire tapping and losing all of those gov. contracts. And I thought Obama's FISA vote did little to help elevate them for their stance. Sure is a healing time for the dems.

When Shrub leaves he should take the creeps with him

Bring back the country club republicans...at least they aren't trying to trample on people's individual rights.

Now on to the thugs...er...the repugs convention. If McCain picks a woman VP, it could really sweeten the season.

Jack, I'm not so sure middle America is the middle that is subject to change its vote. If I were a political consultant I'd tell the campaigns that it's the politically independent in the states that are either tied or leaning that Obama or McBush need to appeal to if they want to win and that they had better craft their messages to make their best appeals to those groups. I could be wrong since I'm not one of those voters, but it strikes me that an emphasis on McCain's embrace of the policies of a wildly unpopular president who governs from the crotch intead of the head is the correct approach. The stuff like that portion of his speech that is excerpted in this analysis makes me think Obama is finally on the right track to make that appeal successfully.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/29/us/politics/29assess.html?hp

The Republican spin on last nights speech

"Angry: Of all the aspects of this speech, the anger was the part that surprised me the most. I didn’t expect him to take it easy on McCain, but after McCain’s “well done,” ad, I wondered if they would take out some of the sharper or snippier lines. I can't imagine anything came out, unless this morning's version included him dropping the F-bomb. The red tie fits Obama tonight, because he was angry. As another blogger noted to me while Obama was giving the speech, McCain’s congratulatory ad looks out of place tonight, as he just made a nice gesture to a guy ripping him six ways to Sunday"

http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MjFiZDEwYjg4ZWJjMjdhMmRjZWEyYTk0NzYxOGMwNDE=

Jack

Regards of what the media is reporting, Intrade.com futures market for Sarah Palin is still trading at very high levels. Her contracts are currently trading at 4-5 odds. These levels are equal to where she was trading prior to it being reported she was going to be in Alaska later today. Since 9:13 EDT, her odds have lowered from 10-to-1 back to 4-5 odds.

I thought Craig standing in front of Invesco looked sort of like the bird's nest....it was sort of an olympian night.

Bear ------------------------

The TRUTH hurts! Joseph Goebbels and Leni Riefenstahl live -- they are working with the SoetorObama campaign.

Regards = Regardless

Need sleep and breakfast...

KGC -- The Country Club Repubs are voting for Obama. LOL

Pogo, today's the big day. Think good thoughts.

Alicia
Now that's the truth.
I voted for Palin in the CQ veep sweepstakes..

I hope McC picks Cantor -- get him out of VA and make room for an Anita Hartke victory .

Apparently Peggy Noonan thought it was a pretty good speech.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121998875327382805.html?mod=todays_columnists

Her assessment of what the repugs need to or at least can do in response sounds like a challenge akin to saying a leopard can change its spots to stripes if it wants to fool the other tigers.

"And I'll tell you, Mr. Obama left a lot of space for Mr. McCain to play the happy warrior next week. He left the Republicans a big opportunity to wield against him, in contrast, humor, and wit, and even something approximating joy."

Eric Cantor...yikes. Cantor is personally responsible along with that little creep McHenry for all that Pelosi plane craptastic lies. (and a bunch of other stuff too.) If nothing has gotten done in the House -it can be laid at his feet.

Flatus, my sincerest best to you, Stinky and the new member of your family. I'm sure she'll be deciding to go to college, changing her major and writing home asking for money soon.

One of my GOP colleagues last night told me that she wasn't happy with McC -- she's very connected with the local committee so I have a feeling that there are more like her. She likes Palin for VP. I asked her -- can the GOP afford to take one of the few unindicted GOPs out of Alaska?

Speculation over McCain veep turns to Alaska gov.
Two GOP strategists close to the McCain campaign said all indications pointed to Palin, a self-styled "hockey mom" and political reformer. The strategists spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized by the McCain camp to discuss the matter. There was no confirmation from McCain or his advisers.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_veepstakes_35

Patsi, pogo and Flatus,

Thanks for your support of my earlier post.

I can add that I thought Obama's speech was effective enough without all the garish rock star trappings.

blond wino,
I agree that if McCain picks a woman, it'll stir up and add spice to the race.

I don't know anything about Sarah Palin. Is she a typical Republican?
I just heard she's only 44.

I just heard Fox news report that it is Sarah Palin.

"At some deep level the Obama campaign seems to think that politics is nothing but showmanship .... they hired Britney Spears' stage designer to convert Invesco field into a heroic Leni Riefenstahl film set. It was the The Triumph of the Shill.

... we have the suppressed biography of Obama's life, and his belated dumping of Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko, and even teenage mentor Frank Davis. The "bitter clinger" sneer at Pennsylvanians. Smearing Bill Clinton as a racist. Trying to intimidate the Milt Rosenberg show on Chicago radio station WGN, just because the host was interviewing Stanley Kurtz about the Bill Ayers alliance."

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/08/the_obamababble_showman_plays.html

Wow. If it is Palin, it shows McCain is really going after the women's vote.

I meant:

Are you even capable. . .

The Palin selection for McCain seems pretty transparently cynical and calculating.

lol@ "Triumph of the Shill"

Funny how the adherents are lapping it up. They remind me of North Koreans. The irony is how both begrudging and enthusiastic Obama supporters have analyzed the convention's over-the-top production values without dismissing it for the smoke and mirrors extravaganza it is. Morons.

The Palin pick is not about going after Democratic women voters but generating interest among Republican women

Palin has a very compelling story and has executive experience . Her presence on the ticket will allow people like Christy Todd Whitman and other Republican women to participate ..especially those shut out by Shrub.

Palin is a great package for the gop --a real hunter (moose burger anyone) five kids including one with Downs Syndrome and a corruption fighter. (and she smoked pot when it was still legal in Alaska and doesn't think it should be illegal)

"Wow. If it is Palin, it shows McCain is really going after the women's vote."

I agree Marcia.
Ant it's about time someone "pandered" to the women.

Pro-life isn't an anti-women position. Baby killing just makes some people a little squeamish.

CNN confirms it is Palin.

They are going after the women. About as good as they could do. I doubt it will be enough, but might tighten the race.

Today's Thread

Why McCain wasn't crapping in his pants last night

Wiki has already said she's the nominee. See last sentence.

Sarah Heath Palin (born February 11, 1964) is the current Governor of Alaska, and a member of the Republican Party. She is the youngest and first female governor of Alaska. Brought to statewide attention because of her whistleblowing on ethical violations by state Republican Party leaders,[1] she won election in 2006 by first defeating the incumbent governor in the Republican primary, then a former Democratic Alaskan governor in the general election. On August 29, the Associated Press reported that "speculation [has] moved to [Palin as a] darkhorse" pick for the vice president running mate slot by presumptive Republican nominee John McCain.[2] The CNBC news service is now reporting that Palin will in fact be the GOP vice-presidential nominee.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

Of course, McCain's pick of Palin is calculating and probably pandering, but
it's a clever move. No matter what, those Republicans are devious and will
do anything to win this election. This could shake up the race a lot.

Palin hasn't got too much experience I'm hearing. And I'm also hearing she's
very conservative, not likely to be admired by Hillary women, but you never know.

dog's eye,

I didn't know you cared. How nice of you to wonder. (LOL)

Chloe

I found the article on the persistence of myths

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/03/AR2007090300933_pf.html

Palin doesn't have experience but the 1st Dem that brings that up will be told--"It's not experience that counts--it's judgment."

You gotta love the Republicans. They believe they'll attract women and minorities by throwing any old woman and minority. And they always lose. Palin is a TERRIBLE pick. She VERY conservative.

This is a big media story and it stopped the Obama speech story in its tracks

Palin isn't there to get anyone but Republicans

Did anyone see Palin's picture on Drudge. The woman who could be vice president - shows her holding a fish. Classic.
http://www.drudgereport.com/

"Palin isn't there to get anyone but Republicans"

and Pumas

I mentioned yesterday that I liked the symetry of Alaska and Hawaii having candidates in this race. That by itself does sort of move things to "The next generation"

He locks in the Evangelicals with the pro life angle. It goes after disaffected women who were to the conservative side of the spectrum of the Clinton supporters. She's young enough to attract the college Republican youth vote. The western states LOVE Alaska as a "last frontier" image.

I think she is the sacrificial lamb though it won't cost her the governorship if and when the ticket loses, but I don't think it would be wise for the Obama team to take it for granted because she embodies a lot of groups.

Mika is so pissed off right now.

If McCain picks a woman VP, it could really sweeten the season.

Posted by: Blonde wino | August 29, 2008 9:51 AM

Woo-hoo....this is going to be a lot more fun than I thought it would be.

Guns guns guns..."she speaks the language of the West"

Palin is very pretty and youthful looking, only a year older than me.

I probably disagree with her on 99% of the important issues, but Palin's going to be quite a contrast standing next to McCain and shake up this campaign.

Pogo

Helpful hint for the semi aged riding rollar coasters: "Let Go!". By hanging on to the bar, you are creating resistance that makes the ride seem rougher than it is. The more you relax, the less the sensation of movement and gforce will be.

This election has really become: pro life v. pro choice

"She VERY conservative."

Mr. D.,
She's a Republican. Isn't she supposed to be conservative?

I think there slogan will be something about two mavericks...

The Obama people don't get it because they think everything is about them (after all they are the ones)

McCain isn't going to get Democrats --but he does need to inspire and create enthusiasm among Republicans.

I found Barack Obama's Presidential nomination acceptance speech to be exemplary! He laid out his vision, he directly answered John McCain's attacks, he spoke for a moment of change and the promise of America. He clearly showed a "can-do" spirit, but more than that. He showed specifics on what can and must be done to make America reclaim it's moral character and its standing in the world and at home.

10 stars out of a possible 5.

Obama/Biden 2008

KGC, I WANT McCain to appeal to his base. He has a shrinking base and the fight is for the middle. Now the Repubs have chosen someone who will not appeal to independents.

"I wonder if McCain will name Palin and announce he's thinking of serving only one term... ie: ladies voting your gender: here's another way to see another serious female contender for president in the very near future"

Dog, that would be funny actually. Because that would mean Palin and Hillary possibly running against each other.

Hi EuroTom,

Just to be clear, I wasn't referring to Obama's speech. That was just fine. I just didn't like the cheesy fireworks et al.

Now the Repubs have chosen someone who will not appeal to independents.

Posted by: Mr. Democrat | August 29, 2008 11:05 AM

As if raving ideologues such as yourself have any idea what appeals to independents.

Here's some background on Sarah Palin:

http://wonkette.com/223252/join-the-mile-high-club-with-gilf-sarah-palin

Be careful what you wish for..
She is just what evangelicals called for
She will inspire them to turn out

Katherine,

MSN, CNN and Fox are reporting right now that the Palin pick is in fact calculated to go after Hillary's women. The pundits seem to think that's McCain's
plan.

From the NYT article about McBush's choice.

"In choosing Ms. Palin — a 44-year-old conservative Christian and self-described “hockey mom” who has been governor for less than two years — the McCain campaign reached far outside the Beltway in an election where the Democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama, is running on a platform of change. "

Now let's see, Hillary's supporters were behind her for her experience, her moderation on policies, support for womens' rights, and access to the Big Dog, among other things. And Palin has exactly NONE of these attributes. Now how in god's name does McSame think that she will appeal to disaffected ex-Hillary supporters who supported her for ANY reason other than the fact that she was a woman? Could someone explain this to this once disaffected ex-Hillary supporter, because it makes absofuckinglutely no sense to me.

Who was the first to mention Palin as a possible JM's VP pick?

Oh yes that right, it was I.

This is going to be interesting. A do nothing, no nothing D presidential nominee, coupled with a 30 year Washington insider vs. a R Military hero who just picked a FEMALE for his VP. To bad BHO didn't pick HRC, but that would have meant BHO had to share the spot light with a CLINTON!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN. When do those town hall meeting start?

Pogo

This is pick is not for Hillary supporters
Democrats need to wake up

"As if raving ideologues such as yourself have any idea what appeals to independents."

Champ, you really make me laugh.
Good to have you here.

More on Palin.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html

She is cute, though, isn't she?

'Who was the first to mention Palin as a possible JM's VP pick?'

Congratulations Fry!

"But her political opponents say there was another side to the charming candidate -- one captured by her nickname from those basketball years, "Sarah Barracuda." Supporters consider the name a testament to her aggressive play and ferocious defense. But opponents said the name captured a predatory instinct that Palin could turn on friend as well as foe -- one they said occasionally revealed itself in the mayoral years to come...

At a statewide chiropractors convention, Sarah Palin had little specific to offer on the group's complicated legal and Medicaid questions. But she showed her ability to relate to audiences in a personal, almost Clintonlike way when she brought up the pounding journeys to Nome. Todd wouldn't be standing today without the help of his chiropractor, she said, and the Sheraton Hotel ballroom erupted in applause."

http://dwb.adn.com/news/politics/story/8334949p-8231037c.html

"She is cute, though, isn't she?"

She's adorable. Doesn't she have like 5 or 6 kids?
How does she do it.

"To bad BHO didn't pick HRC,"

I honestly think that choice would have cinched this election for him.

Fry,

"Let the games begin. . ." best line of the day and so true.

No matter what, Dems cannot deny that the Repubs monopolized
the media news all day today with the build up to their VP nomination and announcement.

Hi Marcia,

Thanks for the clarification. It's all good! :-)

Sarah Palin "On The Issues"
http://www.ontheissues.org/Sarah_Palin.htm

KC, I know that - the talking heads apparently do not. I'm sure McCain is trying to get his base firmly on board through her support for drilling in ANWR and conservative Christian values.

champ, chloe, Bye Bye isn't saying what WILL appeal to independents, and appropriately enough since after spending about 9 months doing all he could to alienate independent voters and Hillary supporters, ByeBye should be able to opine as an expert about what will NOT appeal to them.

Your contempt for women is very transparent, Brain, and negates any supposed concern you have for them with your pro-choice advocacy.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/the-long-road-to-invesco-field.html#comment-135567

Chloe, my guess is good diet, exercise and restraint with use of makeup. LOL

wow..... the topic of conversation is now about the Republicans less then 24 hrs after Obama gave a rousing speech.....

I will not vote for them..... but man..... do they know how to take command of a campaign.....

and just think...... this means no matter which candidate gets elected there will be an historic first for this country...... either the first black man elected president or the first woman voted vice president.....

chloe and Fry,

I agree so much with both of you. I truly believe Hillary as VP would
have clinched the election for Obama. Too bad, now he's REALLY
going to have to work for it!

"my guess is good diet, exercise and restraint with use of makeup."

LOL pogo. Maybe it has something to do with Alaska. Whatever it is, you've got to admire her.

btw, chloe, she has 5 kids.

Pogo

"Now how in god's name does McSame think that she will appeal to disaffected ex-Hillary supporters who supported her for ANY reason other than the fact that she was a woman? Could someone explain this to this once disaffected ex-Hillary supporter, because it makes absofuckinglutely no sense to me."

The Republicans always count on voters not to do any thinking.

Thursday, July 31, 2008 19:12 EDT
Alaska's governor being investigated, too

Sen. Ted Stevens isn't the only Alaska Republican who might be in hot water. The state's Legislative Council, a bipartisan panel made up of both state senators and state representatives, voted earlier this week to spend up to $100,000 investigating Gov. Sarah Palin's firing of the state's former public safety commissioner, Walt Monegan. The investigation will consider whether Palin sacked Monegan because he wouldn't fire Mike Wooten, a state trooper who's Palin's former brother-in-law, and whether Monegan was pressured to fire Wooten by Palin or members of her family or administration.

Wooten is currently going through a bitter divorce and custody battle with Palin's younger sister. Monegan says he did feel pressure to fire the trooper before he himself was fired on July 11. Palin replaced Monegan with Chuck Kopp, but Kopp resigned last week over revelations of a 2005 sexual harassment complaint against him.

All this comes at a bad time for Palin, especially because the investigation was brought to national attention on Thursday by the Wall Street Journal. She hasn't been discussed much as a possible running mate for John McCain recently, but her name has come up on numerous occasions, and she's been endorsed for the ticket by people like Nat Hentoff and the National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez. Bill Kristol has also said he thinks she should be McCain's pick, and predicted she would end up on the ticket -- of course, given his record as a prognosticator, that could have been the real death blow to Palin's chances.

Pogo...CNN is making a big deal that she has a baby with Down's syndrome....will she have time for office? Very sexist. Look at Joe Biden! He took care of his family and worked.

Renee, absolutely.

That link I posted on Sarah's "On the Issues" has a little map on the bottom that shows her on the border line of Moderate and Conservative. It also has a list on the left hand side (under issues) comparing everyones votes (including Barack, Hillary, McCain, etc) on different issues. A very informative and well set up site.

Looks to me that Obama had better watch the "sweety" remarks.
With Obama campaign's history of sexism they are going to be very hard pressed to effectively handle Palin.
This is 2 fer for McCain. First it is a nonsoutherner that conservatives will be comfortable.
Second it re-enforces McCains maverick corruption fighting image. This is a battle for suburban swing voters, As a fresh face that takes on corrupt politicos she will she will attract their attention.

Jack

Thanks for the site, Chloe.

McCain to Obama..."I'll raise you a woman." Might have trumped him for the moment.

anon,

Those issues never work very well. In the context of repug misdeeds, that's just bush league stuff. Besides,

"Palin has admitted that the call could be interpreted as pressure to fire state trooper Mike Wooten, who was locked in a child-custody battle with Palin's sister.

"I am truly disappointed and disturbed to learn that a member of this administration contacted the Department of Public Safety regarding Trooper Wooten," Palin said. "At no time did I authorize any member of my staff to do so."

Palin suspended the staffer who made the call."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html

Focus on her position on issues - good god.

Yeah Jamie, as if Democrats have been critical of anything their candidates have to say...

As far as inexperience and the VP pick, Palin is a governor- an administrative position. Biden is a Senator- legislative. Despite Biden's 20+ years of senatorial experience, he has LESS administrative experience than Palin.

Delaware has a population of about 700,000-800,000, by the way, so it is comparable to Alaska in that regard. Way to spin, dog.

Jack,

And she's young--to appeal to that youthful demographic.

"it makes absofuckinglutely no sense to me."

Who was it (was it Renee or Alicia?) that said that more people are voting for the person this year and not just party?

"Palin is a TERRIBLE pick."

Of course she is to you and the rest of the oinkers here.

Picking Palin won't get me to vote for McCain, but I've followed her for a couple of years and conservative or not, she's good.

Now, let the sexist Democratic party unleash their dogs again.

Jack, while the firing probe won't kill her candidacy, it could take some of the gloss off her anti-corruption credentials - hard to campaign as tough on corruption when you are under an ethics investigation yourself.

Well the much heralded Clarksburg Italian Heritage Festival is beginning - I have to meet LP for lunch.

I sure love seeing women in the presidential arena this year, no matter of their views. Wonderful!

Palin has more time serving in an executive position, than BHO has in his whole life. Plus on foreign trade, she trumps BHO. It is Alaska for god's sake, Canada to the south and Asia, Russia to the west.

She will bring conservative D females to their side, she will definitely bring the untold numbers of evangelical Christians to their side. BHO can have his Black votes of 92%, which total 13,500,000. But there is not any figure they can place a number on evangelical Christians, as that term takes on so many different meanings, to those who go to church and those who do not go to church. A person can hold the same beliefs as any evangelical Christians, and a evangelical Christian never has step foot into a church. I am hoping and praying Moveon.com, the Daily Kos and other such garbage hate filled blogs starts trashing the evangelical Christians of this country. Sweet Jesus I can't "f"ing wait for that to start.. They will, they just can't help themselves.

BTW this woman's right to chose issue, is pretty much off the radar screen of thing important to most Americans. I guess most Americans see abortion for the pure sake of just having an abortion because it is a bother, something not involving a life death decision, or even resulting from rape or incest, as something pretty discussing. If for no other reason, something not even the pro-abortion groups can dispute, and it is this. After 9 months of pregnancy, that blob, that group of cells, which the pro-abortion groups like to refer to it so as to make it sound meaningless, would grow into a human.

dog....
all presidential campaigns are nothing BUT gimmicks.....
case in point..... holding a nominee acceptance speech in a sports stadium....

you make your choice...... I'm choosing Obama.... I do respect those that choose differently though.....

Wow, dog, you literally left me slack-jawed with that. As if the entire phenomenon of Obama's candidacy isn't a gimmick itself. They had frigging fireworks after his speech from a mock Greek temple, for Christ's sake. Talk about gimmicks.

The selection of Biden was solely designed to influence perception and contrast Obama's lack of experience, and of course, his color. FryDaddy called Palin- I called months ago that Obama's choice would be a white dude.

"Your contempt for women is very transparent, Brain, and negates any supposed concern you have for them with your pro-choice advocacy."

Hear, Hear!

"This election has really become: pro life v. pro choice "

BS, Bye Bye. Abortion has always been a big issue for Repubs. No more this time than any.

Everybody happy this morning? McCain's Hopes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbvgcDLfsdY

Now, let the sexist Democratic party unleash their dogs again.

Posted by: Patsi | August 29, 2008 11:47 AM

I know there are many writers on this blog and I have always loved foreshadowing in writing. Eight Belles foreshadowed those attack dogs, Patsi. To me, this is a powerful message from McCain.

champ,

You sure are making a lot of good points today!

Uh, dog, I would remind you of the striking parallels between GWB's 2000 campaign promises and positions and those put forth by Obama this year, but they were ignored the first time I posted them. I'm sure they would be again if I did so.

Regardless, nothing you can say changes the definitions of administrative and legislative functions.

" I do respect those who choose differently though. . ."
RebelliousRenee

Bravo to you! Too bad everyone on this blog doesn't feel that way.

Broken clock, 2x a day, Marcia!

but thanks...

BHO rousing speech as defined buy the AP.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D92RMQE80&show_article=1

Now that you listen to his rousing speech, with its cadence, it high energy, beautifully spoken, now you need to go read the words contained in his speech.

2012:

Hillary vs Sarah ?

"Barack Obama picked a world respected leader as his running mate, John McCain picked a pistol packing - anti-choice momma. :\"

Translation: Obama picked a MAN. McCain picked a chick.

ROFL. Since, like sturge, I'm primarily interested in this circus for the dog & pony aspects of it, I'm cracking up.

Chloe....
I'm the one who has said that more people are starting to look at the person and shunning party politics.....

BTW, girls...... I'm hosting an all-girls party tonight.....
anyone here with a vagina is invited...... since it's time for us females to become warriors the main dish on tonight's menu will be barbecued steak....

McCain has made a terrible mistake today.

I'm sure many GOP insiders will be stunned, and not in a positive way.

McCain has totally contradicted his big theme that experience is everything and Obama lacks it.

If he had picked Kay Baily Hutchison, Obama would have had deep trouble.

My initial inclination is that this is good for Obama.

DEV...remember Bill Clinton was also a governor and one of the best the dems have had to offer.

"My county in Virginia has over a million people."

and????

The attack dogs would have been out no matter who McCain picked. Renee, holding last night's speech at Invesco Filed wasn't a gimmick! He was pandering to Denver Broncos fans! LOL!

I am in CA...went to bed early last night...nothing on TV but analysis of OBAMA's speech. Woke up late this morning and WOW.....a woman for VP for the Republicans? I thought I was dreaming!

Obama has been campaigning for "Change you can believe in." He criticized the Clintons and said it's time for a change in Washington. Obama did NOT even vet Hillary because he wanted a "change!" Then, he chooses an old timer Democrat. HUH? That's change we are supposed to be believe in?

McCain's move in choosing a woman for VP is change in the RIGHT DIRECTION.

Re-criticism that Palin is inexperienced to run as VP: Isn't that like the pot calling the kettle black? Obama is inexperienced to run for POTUS.

Blacks are voting for Barack because he is Black. No one dares to question a "sister or brother" voting for their brother.

Well, this is one sister voting for "sister" Palin.

OD...Champ made a great point about legislative vs. executive experience. The repugs will argue the prez should have the experience, not the VP. It is a way to distance themselves from Cheney and Bush.

Corey...count me as one of the Bronco fans.

"Biden's selection was not; it was for governing and expertise."

Meaning that Obama couldn't govern and has no expertise?

Hi dog,

I'm glad you mentioned your problems with Trail Mix today. Yes! I'm
having terrible problems with it, too. I thought it was just my connection.
I'm relieved to know it's not just me.

Transcript of BHO's acceptance speech:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/28/obama.transcript/index.html

Touche, Patsi! LOL!

"Jack, while the firing probe won't kill her candidacy, it could take some of the gloss off her anti-corruption credentials - hard to campaign as tough on corruption when you are under an ethics investigation yourself."

Pogo -- that firing won't matter a bit to women who have had an abusive, asshole ex-brother-in-law.

This clinches the eskimo vote for McCain!

See, it's already happening as CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN seems
to suggest. Some Hillary women are moving toward McCain because
of Palin. If CHANGE is a legit post, I think Obama may have a lot more
to worry about now.

While I don't think Obama is prepared to be President, he looks like Woodrow Wilson next to Sarah P.

Rush is very happy.

I have a question for the Clinton PUMA folks with regards to McCain picking Palin.

If you were inclined to vote for McCain instead of Obama because you are convinced she would win in 2012, does the fact that McCain's win would insure that Palin and not Hillary would be the first women elected to the presidency or vice presidency, would that affect your decision to vote for McCain because you want Hillary to have that honor?

It's a rainy day here and all the kids were watching Big Momma. Then I made them a snack, got a visit from the Schwan's man, came back and WHOA!

Wow.

Now I'm concerned. Some of the PUMAs will vote McCain just because of Palin - never mind that she's extremely conservative, creationist, anti-choice. They want to stick it to the DNC, Howard Dean and Obama's Chicago crowd and they don't care. BTW, not all PUMAs are women -- it's pretty evenly split, gender-wise.

Not all GOP are conservative-- the country club, business-focused GOPs could be Virginia DEMs.

I want a woman president or VP and it pisses me off that it just might be someone like Sarah Palin. DEMs suck at supporting women candidates. Sheee-it.

BHO

"but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals."

FYI to BHO, criminals are not allowed to have guns. So that has nothing to do with the Second Amendment. But me owning a AK-47 does, the only thing I would hunt with it is if someone crazy enough enough to break into my home and threaten my family.

Oh Patsi, pulling the sexist card before anyone even does anything sexist? That's so primary.

Palin is under investigation, an arch conservative, and a lightweight. For all of you who were frothing at the mouth about Obama's "lack of experience", I'd expect that you'd be the first to pooh pooh this pick.

This is not going to appeal to the Hillary women I know.

They support Hillary because of her beliefs, record, and that fact that she is eminently qualified to be President of the United States.

Again..Kay Baily Hutchison would have been a dangerous choice for the Obama campaign. She is smart, exsperienced, charming, and would have been seen as qualified.

This is not going to appeal to the Hillary women I know.

They support Hillary because of her beliefs, record, and that fact that she is eminently qualified to be President of the United States.

Again..Kay Baily Hutchison would have been a dangerous choice for the Obama campaign. She is smart, exsperienced, charming, and would have been seen as qualified.

Champ,

That was simply a nasty post. If that was your intent, then you should be proud. If it wasn't, then you should be ashamed.

As I said yesterday, party unity this week...blog unity sometime in the future.

"I'm the one who has said that more people are starting to look at the person and shunning party politics..."

Thanks Renee.
I was was almost positive it was you, but didn't want to take the chance that I was wrong.

Have a good day.! Going to an early movie.

I'm doing the Palin happy dance. This should clinch it for Obama. I'm thinking that their internals said they needed a Hail Mary and this was it.

How quickly we forget the anniversary of the 19th Amendment!

I thugt people were happy now? There was nothing that anybody could say to make them angry.

BHO from last night:

For while Sen. McCain was turning his sights to Iraq just days after 9/11, I stood up and opposed this war, knowing that it would distract us from the real threats that we face.

FYI to BHO, sir you were sworn into office January 4, 2005. Exactly what national security intelligence were you privilege to while in the Illinois state Senate, for you to make such a profound conclusion?

Thought*

"pulling the sexist card before anyone even does anything sexist? That's so primary. "

Just trying to stay ahead of your deck of race cards, Bye Bye.

Oh Lordy -- She wants creationism to be taught in schools.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121746477267499109.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Happy 72nd Birthday, McCain.

You succeeded. I count one hour after the announcement to be a record.

OD -- Gotta disagree about Bailey Hutchinson...she's awful.

Bear--------------------

Try again -- that argument doesn't work on PUMAs.

Governor Palin is a 44 year old mother of 5, the latest having Down's Syndrome. She appears to be a fundamentalist Evangelical Christian of the Rick Warren variety rather than the jerry falwell type. Palin comes from fisherfolk, and is thus more sensitive to environmental concerns than the typical Alaska republican, who lusts to pave, pump, and pollute. Candidate Palin's campaign schtick was to bring honesty and integrity to State Government. Most other republicans take her pose seriously, and are therefore ready to high stick her at the drop of a puck.

Palin presently has a scandal on her hands regarding the firing of an employee that may or may not be politically motivated. Either way, an aide is available to take the fall. As Governor, Palin faces a hostile bi-partisan coalition in the legislature, led by the soon to retire republican, Lyda Green.

Interestingly, in the BIGGEST-BURLIEST-republican-HE-MAN-STATE, women have taken over leadership in the republican party and government. Green runs the State Legislature, Palin is Governor, and baby Murkowski is the only as-yet unindicted US Senator - all very female type people. So, you might say that Alaska is run by gals. If the guys up there had any brains, they would be grumpy about being bossed around by their betters, but so far, all their attention has been on grabbing bribes, subsidizing each other's development deals, and making sure that there are enough strip joints, beer, and pizza.

1. I am insulted that I am being told that as a black person I am only voting for Obama because of race. I've seen a lot of white people though say on TV that they could never vote for the "dark guy" of "colored guy"

2. It's exciting to see that a speech from a liberal could move Pat Buchanan to such emotion is emblematic of Nazi propaganda. Right now Ronald Reagan is rolling in his grave.

3. I love the fact that this will be a historic election on so many levels but I do wonder how you can now claim Obama isn't ready to lead when you take a mayor and 1st term governor, under investigation by her state, and put her a heart beat from the oldest ever candidate for the White House.

4. For the record, I think that most of us will vote for the candidate who most inspires us. It's easy to see how many people, male or female were inspired by Hillary Clinton, were inspired by Barack Obama. For me, the choice came down to the fact that I am closer in age to Obama and that Hillary just wasn't Bill. It saddens me that it's become such a polarizing issue for those within the Democratic party but I do wonder how the hatred of Obama trumps that of the hatred for Bush, enough to vote for his affirmation by electing McCain?

FD

"Exactly what national security intelligence were you privilege to while in the Illinois state Senate, for you to make such a profound conclusion?"

I was sitting in an apartment in Rancho Cordova without holding any government whatsoever and called my favorite right winger to say that "Shock and Awe" was the single stupidest decision ever made by a U.S. President!

You didn't need "secret info" to know a monumental cockup when it happened.

Damn, I never realized this, but McCain is OLD. lol Like Jesse Owens was running in the Olympics the year I was born old. Like everyone gathered around the radio listening to Amos and Andy old.

Champ,

That was simply a nasty post. If that was your intent, then you should be proud. If it wasn't, then you should be ashamed.

Posted by: Mr. Democrat | August 29, 2008 12:14 PM

LOL... what a tool you are MrD. You walk around all day telling people how to feel about themselves? Bite me.

I love your irony, Alicia..."oh, lordy."

One of my fav lines about creationism (sorry I cannot remember the author)...if god was such a good design engineer, why did he place the amusement park next to the sewer plant?

Palin admitted that she used marijuana when it was legal in Alaska, but says that she did not like it."

"Bite Me"? What is this, 1984? Who says that anymore? What's next, "gag me with a spoon"?

Retro, Mr. D. Disco is also making a comeback.

1984 indeed.

Palin??? What's McCain's stategy??? Hey, you Clinton supporters! Vote for me. I'm old & there's a woman on deck. (Um, I checked the box next to "Hil'ry Clinton" in the primary; there was no box for "woman".)

Or, will Clintonistas protect Hil'ry's slot as first woman prez in 2012 by shunning McCain & writing in Hil'ry? I'd just as well write in Hil'ry...I live in a red state.

Ah, well. Somebody new to find out about...maybe she's got something.

Palin's kinda hot.

Thank you Dog

One danger area is energy. Obama grew up on an island with more of a bike trail than a freeway. Then he spent most of his adult life in a relatively compact city with "The Loop" and metro rail system. Biden is an east coaster used to commuting by rail through several states.

Out west there is the constant war between the environment and the huge sprawling distances. It took a generation to convince Californians to ride in a hole in the ground and they still don't like it.

She is from a state sitting on trillions of gallons of natural gas with a family and state with a vested interest in those dollars and is the transition fuel from petroleum to electricity and fits right in with the T. Boone Pickens plans

Obama and Biden better be hitting the books on those issues or she could cost them the western states they need to break the old configuration of states such as Ohio.

It's all about Ohio
John McCain just went along way to keeping Ohio.\

Wow...that is a flag pin on Palin!

So many nasty, thoughtless posts today.

I think I might add some to my Knothead list of 4.

Have a good day. I've had enough of the sludge for this day.

CRAIG....any comment re-Palin as VP choice?

Andrea Mitchell says that Palin smoked weed, but didn't like it. lol

Tread Carefully Regarding Palin
By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Fri Aug 29, 2008 at 10:31:09 AM EST

Steve M makes a point worth repeating:

[S]ome of the more piggish individuals on the Democratic side need to step back and take their cues from Hillary about how to handle [Palin] with class and respect. If Democrats are openly derisive regarding Palin's experience, it becomes chapter 2 of the "fairytale." Women will not like seeing her mocked any more than blacks liked seeing Obama get knocked around for his lack of experience.

I would add that Obama does not need to be arguing how important experience is. Let me also add that when Tim Kaine, who has exactly the same experience as Palin, was treated by the Media and the Dems as a serious and acceptable potential pick, it opens up charges of a double standard.

big tent democrat
www.talkleft.com

I poasted that earlier, Mr. D.

Sorry OD, I don't let people walk all over me. Mess with the bull, you get the horns.

Barring Obama getting caught in bed with a dead woman or a live boy, the only hope for john mccain is to put Hillary Clinton on his ticket.

re "Intelligent Design" : Every occurence of a birth defect argues against it.

Who would play her in a movie?

Sorry about that Corey. Didn't see it.

She's got lots of buttons to push: Son in Army, husband in Fishing and Steelworkers union, Family in oil, mother of five, child with disabilities, executive experience as small town mayor, short term governor but with a reputation for fighting corruption.

Needs a voice coach for speaking. He natural voice is nice mid range but she runs out of air and squeaks when delivering talking points.

McCain Palin- Country FIrst.
Economy being one of the main things this year. Palin has the economic experience that McCain lacks.
Not saying I will vote republican, but it sure does make considering it more interesting. BHO = no experience
Judgement? sitting for 20 yrs in Wright Church? His judgement is in his anal glands. Yes if Palin and McCain look like they are better, yes I will vote for them as opposed to BHO who literally cannot be trusted, and his ego may lose him election.

Have a great day, all.

She just pushed the "evangelical" button in the phrase "Govern with a Servant's Heart".

Sorry OD, I don't let people walk all over me. Mess with the bull, you get the horns.

Posted by: champ | August 29, 2008 12:37 PM

Oh good grief, I didn't know Rocky Balboa was actually Champ incognito.

Thanks Julie. Now back to reality. Palin is going to be savaged in this campaign. She has 69 days to define herself and the Democrats are going to do that for her. If people aren't "sure" about Obama and he's been campaigning for nearly two years, what do you think people will say about a governor who NO ONE except the Palin family, knows?

Mr. D

At least there is one other person in the world other than myself who can't be around pot. I tried it a few times many years ago and got truly sick to my stomach. The icky sweet smell does me in every time, so I can't even be in the same room. If it blows by me on a breeze, it's the same reaction ... get away from that draft of air.

You gotta love the Republicans. They believe they'll attract women and minorities by throwing any old woman and minority. And they always lose. Palin is a TERRIBLE pick. She VERY conservative.

Posted by: Mr. Democrat | August 29, 2008 10:45 AM

Mr. D... I agree with your sentiment but that problem is that more often than not, they win. We have to make sure that doesn't happen!

Karen Valentine from Room 222.

This is uncomfortable.

Still waiting for her to take off her glasses and let her hair down.

EuroTom,

You're right. Because as much as we laugh at Mr. Potatoe, he did win.

Karen Valentine......I was a kid and it only re-runs of Room 222...but.....Oh Yeah!

I'm a non-entity to you, Tom. Remember?

This is going to be interesting. A do nothing, no nothing D presidential nominee,

Posted by: FryDaddy | August 29, 2008 11:16 AM

FryDaddy after criticizing the education of some who post here, and your attacks on public education and teachers, I would expect you know the difference between "no" and "know"... Be that as it may, Barack Obama has clearly laid out his plans for the future and it certainly is not about doing nothing or knowing nothing. He is bright, articulate and ambitious. The squatter in the WH these past 3 years has only one of those qualities.

McCain sabotaged himself with this pick. He, like the MSM & Loco BOco, didn't understand that it was about Hil'ry specifically. He was definitely pandering, and therefore, sexist. Bye-Bye McCain.
The GOP party is gonna be a dud.

Hil'ry! Hil'ry! Hil'ry!

corey - What are we gonna do with you?

I'm a non-entity to you, Tom. Remember?

Posted by: champ | August 29, 2008 12:46 PM

Yes, but now and then these aggressive responses about your physical prowess starts to become nauseating.

Obama Lawsuit
===========
What happens if Obama is removed as the Democratic Party nominee

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/obamas-speech-of-steel.html#comment-135382

So let me get this straight...

An intelligent, attractive woman who fishes, owns guns, and smokes weed for VP? Sounds good to me.

RE: McBush

He just can't stay away from beauty queens and ANWR, now can he?

Shouldn't that woman, Palin, with her Republican family values be at home raising her children including her little baby?

She thanked Ms. Ferraro & Ms. Clinton. Nice, but I don't fall for it. The Repubs will ride on anyone's blousetails.

McBush sure was sounding like Obama all of a sudden.

tt

Sorry about my earlier post. The Palin investigation is about FAMILY politics. It appears that Governor Palin was pressing to have an ex inlaw fired from the State Patrol. So, the alledged political motivation is actually a family politcs motivation.

What was the name of the mean schemer in DALLAS, portrayed so deliciously by Joan Collins ?

Sorry, Blue. I'm a sucker for a pretty face. LOL!

Karen Valentine from Room 222.

Posted by: anon | August 29, 2008 12:43 PM

OMG I used to love Room 222 and I thought Karen Valentine was so super !! I remember with great fondness, actor Lloyd Haynes who played Mr. Dixon on the show. He died from lung cancer on December 31, 1986, aged 52. Another reason to give up smoking folks.

Shouldn't that woman, Palin, with her Republican family values be at home raising her children including her little baby?

Isn't she the perky thing!

Physical prowess? Dude, it's an internet message board... nothing physical about it. Intellectual prowess? Guilty as charged.

Seriously though, get over your fascination with me, because it only inevitably leads to you having your feelings hurt and assuming some supposed moral high-ground which is your only refuge from logic and reason. Just ignore me dude, it's that easy. If you choose not to, that's great, I love mixing it up, but don't throw a hissy-fit when your positions are challenged or your character is called into question. I've tried to be as deferential as possible towards you, but NAY, you just gotta get me goin'...

ALEXIS darling...

Champ,

She didn't like smoking weed...she probably gained too much weight from the muchies...

I am disappointed that we haven't seen any jokes about her hunting prowess compared to Dick...

She will pick up votes because she has a nice rack...not Iraq but rack...lol

To be more accurate xrepublican... Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan ... I still love the time she was at Colbyco and her son Adam walks into her office and she says "Adam darling, care for a croissant, I just had them flown in from Paris"... :)

Sorry Champ... of course if you want to display a photo, I might be more deferential in the future...

yes, it's a joke!

Tom, they went after smokers at work the other night. Told them that if they didn't properly dispose of their cigarette butts, they would start following Ottawa County's smoking law and make it so that people couldn't smoke within 20ft of the entrances at work, if not just ban smoking completely.

Tom, My Mom always thought John James was hot on Dynasty.

XRepublican,

Joan Collins was in Dynasty...which took place in Denver...

Craig must be on a plane or we would have a new thread already.

There's a new product coming out in Belgium next month Corey to help people quit smoking. It's a liquid that comes with an eye dropper or whatever you call those things... anyway you put 1 drop in each cigarette filter each day for the first week. What it does is start to block the nicotine from entering your system. IN the second week, 2 drops. I don't remember how long people have to keep doing this, but the product will only be available in the pharmacies and at a cost of €39,95. Sounds innovative !!

Corey your Mom was correct... !!!

An intelligent, attractive woman who fishes, owns guns, and smokes weed for VP? Sounds good to me.
-champ

I thought mccain was promising change. Guess he changed his mind.

Don't get it, xrep.

Tom, If I posted a pic, it would only compound your frustration.

Thanks, Bear !

I missed the 1980s - too busy working.

Just too emphasize the generational shift involved. Two states have been admitted to the union in my lifetime: Alaska and Hawaii in 1959.

Both Barack Obama and Sarah Palin were born into a country with 50 states.

I have a great sense of Deja Vu. When I was a full-time volunteer on the Mondale/Ferraro campaign in Seattle, I was CONVINCED that choosing Mrs. Ferraro had won the election for Mondale. Boy was I wrong! Mrs. Ferraro ended up being a drag on the ticket, though Mondale wasn't very exciting even for my fellow Minnesotans, considering he just barely got more votes that Reagan in my home state. I think Pallin is going to create the same situation for McCain. It's a bold gamble and I can at least give him credit for taking such a step. However, right-wing conservative Christian (read "homophobe" here) not to mention anti-choice and another Republican with the same 'ole tired ideas about money for the rich, corporate welfare and then hoping trickle down economics will benefit all. Some people might find the "trickle down" system to be a good one but many of us are tired of being pissed on.

Cheers, off to watch Battlestar Galactica

Don't get it, xrep.

Tom, If I posted a pic, it would only compound your frustration.

Posted by: champ | August 29, 2008 1:08 PM

Hahahahah ... that sort of chutzpah I like. It was a good response. :)

Craig must be on a plane or we would have a new thread already.

Posted by: blueINdallas | August 29, 2008 1:04 PM

Well, if cell-phone use on planes was permitted, he could, but nooooooo... some representative's wife had to hear some unsavory conversation and now look: no new thread.

Aw, Tom; that's sweet. Here ya go, big guy; this one's for YOU:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxT21uFRwM

Damn those cell-phones. ;-)

McCain's goal with the Palin pick was to close the enthusiasm gap. Republicans (as well they should be) are depressed. Palin's pick shows they have hope for a future with "traditional Republican values." True, Alaska is a small state but she has a 90% popularity record and as I posted before --the same experience as Tim Kaine.

McCain needs Republicans and right leaning independents
He did a good job with this pick.

Wow, more ham in that video I posted than a Jimmy Dean sausage.

McCain didn't ask us for our thoughts on who he should pick! Bastard!

jamie,

"without holding any government whatsoever and called my favorite right winger to say that "Shock and Awe" was the single stupidest decision ever made by a U.S. President!"

Exactly jamie, people like you and the enlighten one making decision without knowing what went into those decision. Damns if that doesn't sound exactly like what those no doc mortgage applicants said. "I didn't know what it said". BHO is such an empty suits. If you took the time to read his magnificent speech you'll see he said absolutely nothing. This claim he put steel into his speech, LMAO, is a bunch of HS. Bring on the town hall meetings.

Thanks EuroTom,

I have to admit that I couldn't tell the difference between most of the sordid, '80s, 'LifestylesOTR&F' soap operas. I liked "Brass", and could tell it apart from the rest, because they all spoke Yorkshire.

However, Alexis (thanks for the name) was a first rate Lady Macbeth on the small screen. I guess 30 years of playing that same role - since her pharaoh movie opposite Jack Hawkins - achieved perfection.

"McCain needs Republicans and right leaning independents
He did a good job with this pick."

And D females who are tried of being treated like second class citizens by their own party. And conservative minded D females. And yes he did make a great pick.

"You don't have to watch Dynasty to have an attitude." -Prince

Reading through today's comments...It is surprising to me how many wolves in sheep's clothing (read...conservatives trolling for any loose votes) are currently posting on Trail Mix. Those I've known for awhile on this list can surely spot them! I hope, I hope, I hope...because they're courting you for all they're worth!

Gov. Palin shares virtually none of my core values. The closest she is likely to come is in her PERSONAL decision against abortion. Beyond that, she favors policies that are bad for the environment, bad for the economic future of this country, and bad for the personal fortunes and futures of all but the wealthiest Americans.

NO WAY! NO HOW! NO McCAIN/PALIN!

And did any of you notice that McCain had to practically pursue her to get any attention from her? Methinks this is not a match made in heaven, but in some nefarious Republican playbook.

Thread again

Why Palin's Pick Has Obama Supporters Crapping in their Depends

NEW THREAD

First, all we talked about was Hillary. Now, all we're talking about is Palin. When do we talk about Obama?

Lol, blisters. The "Yeah But Channel" is to Trail Mix as "the Onion" is to the MSM.

And by that I mean before "the Onion" got all corporate and humorless.

Really you thought Tim Kaine was qualified to be president

Really, think about it .

Really you though Katherine Sebillius was qualified to be president

Really, think about it.

ET,
Did I said No or Know? Exactly what did I say, please refresh my memory.

FD

I didn't need to know what went into the decision to know some very important things: The United States does not engage in pre emptive strikes and that would be a horrid black mark against our country. Osama ben Ladin was holed up in Afghanistan and no where near Iraq. A lot of innocent people got slaughtered unnecessarily. Terrorism is rarely a government function and using armies to fight it was to deny everything known about anarchists and terrorists of all kinds was the height of ignorarnce.

Gung ho, cowboy George and the America firster, flag waving jingoists wanted to kill some Arabs. That just made it popular not right.

Besides the birth defect argument, how do "Intelligent Design" folks explain the "intelligent" purpose behind "designing" viruses ?

My favorite of the prime time soap operas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresno_(TV_miniseries)

"the "intelligent" purpose behind "designing" viruses ?"

God ordered humans to go forth and multiply. Viruses are God's way of keeping things from being overcrowded. Just for the record, it's not working.

NEW THREAD

Gotta go bury a dead squirrel.

Please, don't let anything happen until I get back.

Michael Landauer in Dallas Morning News:

1. There goes McCain's best argument.
He cannot say Obama is not ready but she is. Obama started organizing his campaign for president the same month she was sworn in to lead the third-smallest state's government.
2. She has no base of support.
Obama won his senate seat with 3,597,456 votes, that's more than five times the population of Alaska. He has won more than 18 million votes in a long, tough primary that tested him and prepared him. How has she been tested? She lost her first bid for statewide office, then won the governor's office with 114,697 votes, not a majority, but enough to take office. And apparently, enough to set her up for the Oval Office.
3. The "woman card" will backfire.
She's no Hillary Clinton. And this is such an obvious ploy. It would be different if she were known to anyone or qualified or something.
4. Alaska, a corrupt hinterland.
Yes, she is a hard-nosed, tough reformer. But the McCain campaign will have to deal with the fact that Alaska seems like a foreign land as corrupt as Louisiana. It's longtime senator will stand trial smack dab in the middle of this campaign season, and McCain may have to vote to remove him from office. Yes, they can spin it that she is someone cleaning up the mess up there, but what Americans realize is that they don't know much about what goes on up there. Will they be comfortable with her?
5. Was this McCain's choice?
It seems clear that McCain wanted to go with Lieberman but was talked out of it by the right wing of his party. Rove admits calling Lieberman to ask him to pull his name out. Bush lost his way because he never stood up to Rove et. al. McCain is headed down the same path.

Palin praises Obama's and not McCain's energy plan...
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:wbCGTUeD1r0J:www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php%3Fid%3D1384+palin,+obama,+energy&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us

“For while Sen. McCain was turning his sights to Iraq just days after 9/11, I stood up and opposed this war, knowing that it would distract us from the real threats that we face.

FYI to BHO, sir you were sworn into office January 4, 2005. Exactly what national security intelligence were you privilege to while in the Illinois state Senate, for you to make such a profound conclusion?“

FryDaddy,

While what you say makes “some” sense, it is not all that accurate. Because, you see, I heard Jay Rockefeller speak this year. In case you did not know, Jay is Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence. He said even though Obama was not in the US Senate at the time and was still in the IL Senate, he asked to see a copy of the "Iraq War Resolution", because he was skeptical about such a document at the time and felt that Bush wanted nothing more than a document to allow him to go to war. I’m sure you have heard other candidates say that “although I voted for the resolution I did not believe Bush would actually go to war”. They also said they had not read the entire resolution. Obama did read the entire resolution and he knew Bush would go to war because the Iraq War Resolution plainly gave him that authority. I also made that same statement five minutes after Bush was “appointed” president in 2000. I have people who can attest to it, and 9/11 had not even happened yet! Everyone knew Bush wanted to try to “exonerate” Daddy.

prof marcia; 3:15 am.........."to Much Show", I agree it was all fluff and no substance, again. I guess he needs the fireworks, since he has nothing of himself to offer, just an empty suit........ but he's in it now.......Sarah Palin for VP....... Governor, mayor, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Alaska National Guard, even if it is only state, it's something military, she's smart as a whip, pleasant looking and had the CLASS to thank Hillary for cracking the glass ceiling. That's nore than the obots did until they needed her to unify and give him the nomination by acclamation - was the DNC afraid she might win the roll call if it was done traditionally?
It made me sick to listen to her name in their mouths, they're so phoney...........

Gordo;..........You are so right, the worst candidate in history - they both are, and for a BILLION dollars you'd think we could do better..................

Rita