Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

A month is a long long time in politics !

Early voting on the other hand and voter registration tells a different story. Even if they are less enthusiastic, I think early voting will give even the apathetic time to go vote.

Sometime in the next month even the less invested are going to have a "hate Shrub" moment. With early voting, they can take it out on McCain, even if they are completely uninvolved the rest of the time.

Looking forward to you and Rachel.

Agree 100% with your premise Craig, I have feeling in about two weeks we will see the return of the "mega-rally", to kick up the enthusiasm levels. If Obama has shown us one thing this entire campaign he's a master of pacing. I think the fact Bill Clinton is just hitting the campaign trail now (Sheila, I told you so, LOL) proves that point.

new NBC/WSJ/MySpace

A myspace survey? I guess they can't do a worse job at reporting news than the other two.

Each time I look at Yahoo! Sports there is a Obama ad saying that I need to be registered by Oct. 6th , 2008 to be able to vote in Michigan. The Michigan Democrats even sent me a mailing saying that I needed to be registered by Oct. 6th, 2008 to be able to vote in Michigan.

Also the new voters may be getting confused by the continual CHANGE of Sen Obama - as I like some of what he says - so that must be a turn off to many

Case in point

Traveling today so I was stuck with only CNN at ATL. Of course they had a few min of McCain and then at least 30 min of Obama (OK – I am not the clock or photo police but many people noted)

What struck me about Obama is the duplicitous nature – and how he can get by with this failure of constancy and logical connection of statements. What is interesting is if one removes their own logical and responsible act of common sense thought – Obama might make sense - You just have to throw out half of what he says.

Obama is moving closer and closer to John McCain. This is supported by his course of action CHANGE in many areas. I just have to tune out the lies and half truths that he states when framing the problem.

Which means I must also ignore his character and try to find how he really will act IF elected. Which answers to that I do not even think Obama could answer.

And as Craig so well stated above - this CHANGE to the Safe Middle is going to turn off lots of people. But I like it.....

The Republicans have a perfect excuse if Sarah Palin does not do well. She faced unfair questions from a prejudiced narrator, Gwen Ifil, beause of ther Obama book.

mccain and obama said today american taxpayers
are guaranteed to get their money back
i will be patiently waiting for my check in the mail

Craig - back to an A for today... But Jack Welch may agree that your grade for the mid term still needs work

September 23

'Bill Clinton: Will respect Jewish holidays, then 'hustle up ... cracker vote' in Florida

In an interview with CNN's Larry King airing tonight, Bill Clinton offered a slightly unusual reason for postponing his campaigning for Obama: The Jewish high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which he's not known to observe."

""No. But I think it would be -- if we're trying to win in Florida, it may be that," Clinton began, before discussing his real Florida target: "You know, they think that because of who I am and where my politic[al] base has traditionally been, they may want me to go sort of hustle up what Lawton Chiles used to call the 'cracker vote' there."

I coulda predicted Bill Clinton in Florida this week if only I didn't confuse year 5768 with 5769

the dawg today on the economy and the vp

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/bill_clinton_lays_out_strong_c.php

Craig - I take your Play it Safe as Move to the Middle. This may not be your intention so if I misstated you can correct

Ping Pong

"I just have to tune out the lies and half truths that he states when framing the problem."

It would help if you gave examples of "lies and half truths" rather than just stating that they exist.

with gusto from bill in the video linked above:

"And I am just telling you, you can talk to me or anybody else at any time in Washington, and they will tell you there is nobody, nobody in the entire United States senate that understands the political, the economic, and the security challenges and opportunities of the world better than Joe Biden does. He is a superb choice."

Don't forget the Politifact Truthometer

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/

If I was a Republican vote monger, I'd be testing a statistically significant sample of new voter registrations in Ohio to see if voter fraud is evident in the new same-day registration and voting system.

Hopefully it won't be present, but if it is, there's an overriding obligation to protect the integrity of the election.

The Democrats should, of course, do the same thing in places they think appropriate.

Has the Obama surge begun? Nearly 40 percent of early votes cast by African-Americans

Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 08:31 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

As of Monday, 135,412 ballots had been cast in Georgia for the Nov. 4 general election, whether by absentee or early in-person voting.

Nearly 40 percent of those voters — 53,160 — have been African-American, according to the office of Secretary of State Karen Handel.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2008/10/01/has_the_obama_surge_begun_near.html

carnac

Given the large populations of Jewish retirees in Florida, it wouldn't make sense to insult them by scheduling a speech they wouldn't be likely to attend and that ignored the fact they would be in synagogue.

Obama to campaign in downtown Grand Rapids tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Jay-Z to perform free concert at Cobo Hall in Detroit on Saturday. The free concert is being offered by Barack Obama's campaign.

Flatus,
Do many Dems feel the Reps stole an election, so therefore the rules need not apply?

Also the buzz is starting about illegal activity in the Obama fund Raising -- Maybe not covert however in the situation that we are in today error of commission or omission should both have significant consequence.

I'm looking forward to Ms Ifill's moderation of tomorrow night's debate. I've never been less than impressed by her thoughtfulness in other appearances.

"You know, they think that because of who I am and where my politic[al] base has traditionally been, they may want me to go sort of hustle up what Lawton Chiles used to call the 'cracker vote' there."

There are Jewish Bubbas! Who knew?

Maybe Clinton misunderstood when they said the bubbe vote

Jamie, gonna watch the Dodgers tonight?

If I suddenly start typing ow ow ow ow or complete gibberish, it is because these have decided I'm a tree or have taken over the keyboard

http://jdurward.blogspot.com/2008/09/baby-love-mefis-saki.html

Bubba Big Dog was loud and clear in Orlando -- opps Billy - I guess the Jewish vote here is not a factor - hey pass the hog jowls and grits - lets getr done

Short plane ride to South Temple Florida and maybe the will not watch the news after sunset for the big party.

Flatus

Do you think there is voter fraud in Ohio?

From Craigs home town rag
Big Bill at UCF
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-bill-clinton-in-orlando-100108,0,5790357.story

Craig any gossip going around about in fighting in the McCain campaign? All the McCain people are really starting to look haggard and on the edge.

KGC, I think the conditions favor it.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153211

Yes Corey. It starts at 3:30 my time. If it runs late I can always switch over on line to see the movement in the graphics at "Baseball Score Card"

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/scoreboard

I'll have to IM my nephew later, he goes to UCF.

Brain - if you come this way to visit, I will take you to a great Fried Bologna sandwich - the unofficial sandwich of Craigsterlist

Ping Pong

"rumors as Sen Obama is not full disclosure with all gifts, unlike Sen McCain.
Why will Obama not open the books like McCain has?"

Rumors from where and what books?

wasn't that long ago bill clinton was a red-faced finger
pointing fairy tale telling racist'' if we were to believe the obama supporters'' now he's ok i guess
the hypocrisy continues

Just IMed my nephew he went to the rally

Flatus

I think you will find this article about same day registration in Wisconsin since the early '70's has resulted in virtually no voter fraud. Plus it has the advantage of increasing voter participation.

http://www.dailycardinal.com/article/2072

"Every election, the voter ID and voter fraud debate is resurrected, and lawmakers (exclusively Republicans in Wisconsin) take aim at an electoral practice that has been scape-goated over and over again to make voters the enemy—when in truth, the enemy is human error committed by the administration.

When Wisconsin instituted same-day voter registration in 1976, voter turnout jumped significantly. In the 2006 election, states with same-day registration averaged a 48.7 percent turnout, compared with 38.2 percent in states without same-day registration. As one of only nine states in the country practicing same-day registration, Wisconsin consistently produces more democratic electoral results overall than non-practicing states."

Go Badgers...we wuz robbed at Michigan

hey pong, question for you, seriously. Why does McCain keep wasting his time in Iowa?

http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/mapApp.do?cand_id=P80003338&searchType=zipSearch&searchSQLType=beginLike&searchKeyword=32806

Check it out

Interesting article, KGC. I suppose I should feel more reassured than I do. I don't want to be paranoid about it--that's why I suggested a sample rather than the entire population.

I just got an announcement that Obama is opening a SECOND office in Stafford County, Virginia. This is big, considering Stafford has been viewed as a GOP stronghold.

Hebrew National makes great bologna for frying for sammiches. Also great salami for salami and eggs.

craig c''' the rachel maddow show ? i guess
you have to take whatever gig you can get in these
uncertain economic times. i watched about 5 minutes
of her without the sound on. is she going for the world
record on how many facial expressions she can do in one hour.

craig c''' the rachel maddow show ? i guess
you have to take whatever gig you can get in these
uncertain economic times. i watched about 5 minutes
of her without the sound on. is she going for the world
record on how many facial expressions she can do in one hour.

There is a growing acceptance of "string theory" and the 11 dimensions it portends. To explain our universe "string theory" has gained support by the latest math and physics findings, so it is not surprising it is of prime interest to researchers at CERN. It is therefore possible according to this extraordinary theory that in one of these alternative dimensions, that "Napoleon "actually won" Waterloo, that Martha Stewart is homeless, and a wanton Doris Day did Rock and lunch too.

It is also possible in this strange universe that Iran's population is as I pen this converting en masse to Judaism, that Ahamenajad is a cross dresser and his number one concern is bringing NYC's Greenwich Village Halloween parade to downtown Tehran. Yet as a realist those other 10 dimensions in the ether are of no regard, I live in this universe, in this place and time, and I believe that if Iran is undeterred in its goal to acquire nuclear weapons, then an arms race will ensue in the most unstable and volatile region on earth.

I see us entering a dangerous and alarming age, that I feel can best be described as LOSE, lose. I hold that BO will not propitiate Iran's A'jax with a jovial fist bump, nor will dialogue, nor threat deter Iran. I believe we should always press diplomacy first, but my guidepost will be Hamas, and I believe them when they say they will NEVER make peace with Israel. Iran says it will never give up its nuclear capability and like Hamas I take them at their word.

While McCain and Obama have both repeatedly stated that all options are on the table regarding Iran, I clearly see an arrow in McC's quiver, yet with Obama I can only envision BO menacingly waving a croquet mallet and sipping Chamomile tea.

I am "not" advocating the use of an arrow just the presence of one.

PUMA - "Obama, a weak man for tough times."

toast

Jamie,
I don't knows if you caught Flatus' comments at the end of the last thread. but I was wondering a similar thing:

What would a BK judge have anything to do with mortgage payments if a primary residence is an exempt asset and therefore not part of the BK?

I can see the point if it's investment property. I don't know much about BK rules but I did read up on them when I was back in OK years ago. I also stayed at a Holiday Inn Express once. LOL Maybe these things have radically changed.

An owner occupied house is only exempt from bankruptcy in states that have a homestead protection.

Under the Biden backruptcy a house is an asset that must be sold to pay credit credits.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153226

mqw -- It's not hypocrisy -- it's keeping it in the family. Sorta how McCain was so quick to forgive and forget when the Bush 2000 campaign in South Carolina went after McCain's family and accused McCain of having a black love child. Look how they love each other now!

KGC or anyone,

If the government bought stock in troubled firms, wouldn't there be a problem regarding how Uncle Sam would be represented as a shareholder. How does the government vote the shares?
Maybe we could hold national elections.:-)

Sounds like the making of conflicts of interest in some cases.

Rez

In a standard bankruptcy, the primary home (as long as payments are being made) is exempt and cannot be attached for payment of debts, but if the home is in foreclosure due to lack of payment fow whatever reason (job loss/medical bills etc.) a judge cannot currently interfere. If there are second or third homes, those can have the mortgages renegotiated as assets and potential sources of income, but not the primary residence.

I'm sure OK has the homestead exemption, that's what had me wondering.

re: Gwen Ifill
I am starting to hear rumblings about Ifill's suitability as moderator based on the fact that her upcoming book has the word "Obama" in the title. I've just looked on Amazon.com. The book ,The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama (Hardcover - Jan 20, 2009) does not seem to be only about him, and it's certainly not a rush-job glowing biography; it's a history of African American progress that has led to Obama. Although I expect serious insight from Ifill, I suspect his name is on the front to sell books while he's in the news. BUT, it won't be out until January, long after we know if he wins or not. That timing seems strange to me; either get it out now, before the election, or wait until December to finish the book with an analysis of why he won/lost?
Does anyone think this is going to be a real issue this week? Especially since no one has even read the book...

debtor's property can be sold by bankruptcy trustee to repay debts. This property is called "non-exempt" property. Property that cannot be sold to repay debts is called "exempt" property. The debtor keeps exempt property. Exemption laws vary from state to state, but generally, equity in a home or a car, tools of a trade, and some personal property are considered to be exempt. Equity in a home is the value of the home, less the costs of a sale and balances due on all liens and mortgages. Many debtors do not have a large amount of equity in their homes.

The federal Bankruptcy Code and the laws of some states provide for a "homestead exemption." This exemption represents the allowable amount of equity a debtor has in her home. If state law provides a $ 25,000 homestead exemption, a debtor in that state -- assuming that she has that amount of equity in her home -- can keep $ 25,000 "worth" of the home. If the unpaid balance on the mortgage is $ 200,000, the debtor could lose $175,000 "worth" of the home, which would likely necessitate a sale of the home. If the debtor can work out a repayment plan -- and adhere to it -- she will be able to keep the home.

Because each debtor's situation is different and because equity exemption amounts vary widely from state to state, there is no one single approach or formula that can be utilized. For example, Maryland has no homestead exemption. Florida, however, is known as a "debtor's haven" because the amount of equity protected by its homestead exemption law is unlimited. As a result, most lenders or creditors cannot "go after" the equity in a Florida home for repayment of debts.
http://scvbankruptcy.com/articles-lawyers-keep-house-in-bankruptcy.html

alicia k
so the hypocrisy on the other side makes the hypocrisy
on your side allright ?
arule we all should live by

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153243

Milque - I can easily see the hot-headed McCain firing that flaming arrow a wee bit too soon, triggering a new war in the Middle East. Look, we can turn that Iranian landscape into glass if we wanted to -- but look how far that got us when we tried that with Iraq. Maybe it is better to look before we leap -- with a cool-headed president.

Rez

Since it's OUR government - it's probably some low grade non voting stock ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't know the answer and haven't seen any discussion of it either. It's an interesting question.

Robert Shapiro, chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, who served as Commerce Department undersecretary during the Clinton administration, raised questions about Soros’s proposal.

He said that if the government bought stock in troubled firms, a problem would arise regarding how Uncle Sam would be represented as a shareholder.

“How does the government vote the shares?” he asked. “It puts them in a potential conflict of interest. Regulatory interests may hurt the bottom line.”
http://kurulounge.blogspot.com/

Thx KC & Jamie,

I'm glad I'm not in the BK boat this cycle. :-)
Everyone needs to keep playing bingo and smoking cigarettes. lol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153252

Mcq -- You're the one saying it's hypocrisy. I said it's just keeping it in the family - bygones are bygones and all that. It's not hypocrisy to call someone names and then make up and move on, keeping the bigger goal in focus.

Here is some Homestead info by state. The protections are pretty limited if only because the exemption amounts haven't been updated in line with rising costs. i.e. Washington is $40,000 but most homes are in excess of $200,000

http://www.assetprotectionbook.com/homestead_exemptions.htm

yes but obama was supposed to be the change candidate'' no more slash and burn politics
change the tone in washington''

at least the republicans don't pretend
we know they will do anything to win

i got change also ''two nickels and a dime

Another poll showing Obama ahead in Florida (+3)

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/RCP_PDF/IA_Fla_100108.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b714Wi4CDsQ

From your link Jamie:

Homestead and the New Bankruptcy Reform Act

Most significant is the limitation of the state homestead exemption in bankruptcy to $125,000, regardless of state law providing for a larger or unlimited exemption. This limitation applies to homestead interests that are acquired within a 1215-day (3 years and 4 months) period prior to the filing of the bankruptcy petition.

Apparently new Act preempts unlimited exemptions on newly acquired, but not longer held, property.

Here's one for you KGC:

Coulter is putting forward an argument popular (who could be surprised?) among besieged conservatives, that "social engineering" is the root cause of the current economic crisis -- in the form of a 31-year-old law passed during the Carter administration by a Democratic Congress, the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977,

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/01/conservatives-seek-to-shi_n_131020.html

Rez

In a just world, journalists would debunk that stupid story.

Race is tightening up in MO too, come on Clair you can do it, you did once for Obama, you can do it again!

Missouri 9/28-30, 744 LV, 3.5%
Obama 49, McCain 48
Obama 47, McCain 46, Nader 2, Barr 2

http://www.pollster.com/blogs/cnntime_fl_mn_mo_nv_va_92830.php

Everybody dance now! LOL

The intersection of truth and fiction is in Wasilla, AK

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1831461

Sarah Palin Disney Trailer
An Alaskan hockey mom becomes Vice President in the wackiest family comedy of the year! Sound familiar?

Palin's Troubles Mount For McCain: Reuters

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/01/palin-hurting-mccains-cam_n_130976.html

But she was in the PTA!

Did anyone else know that Maureen Dowd was tossed of the McCain campaign plane? Geez they are getting testy, nothing worse than letting your fear show!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/01/maureen-dowd-reacts-to-be_n_130863.html

Bankruptcy clarification.

A principal residence is not necessarily exempt & protected in bankruptcy if you are paying your mortgage.

Its status as “exempt” is determined by ascertaining property value, less mortgage balance—then using either the Federal or State exemptions (depending on what resident State allows) to determine whether the debtor would fall within the exemption.

Currently the real property federal exemption is $20,200 per debtor, $40, 400 for joint filers (which applies only to a husband & wife). Some states have their own exemptions--- “homestead”, further some states allow debtors to choose between the federal or the state exemptions, other states only allow using state exemptions or the Federal exemptions.

In a Chapter 7, it is possible for a debtor to retain his home if its equity is within the exemption amount & the debtor continues to make mortgage payments. The debtor’s unsecured debt would then be discharged in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

However, there are now also income requirements that would be determined prior to filing a bankruptcy–as the current law requires an income means testing to determine whether a debtor may file a Chapter 7 or must file a Chapter 13.

The discussion with regard to judicial authority to modify loan terms would be involved in Chapter 13 cases---which is often pursued when a debtor has fallen behind in mortgage payments & wants to enter into a plan supervised by the Court to repay the mortgage arrearage, & current mortgage payments as well, in an effort to save the home—and as a result of the 2005 BAPCPA also applies to debtors who can not meet the means test for filing a Chapter 7. A whole other discussion .

The rhetoric with regard to preference being given to 2nd residences refers to a provision of the Code that a Chapter 13 plan allows for modification of the rights of holders of secured claims (OTHER THAN A CLAIM SECURED ONLY BY A SECURITY INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY THAT IS THE DEBTOR’S PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE). It is misleading to suggest that debtors are keeping vacation homes because they do not have to re-pay its entire mortgage. Under current law, a 1st mortgage on a 2nd home cannot practically be stripped down to the value of a home in a chapter 13 case. To do so the debtor would have to pay off the entire stripped down amount of the mortgage with interest over no more than 5 years (the maximum term of any Chapter 13 plan). Practically no one who can afford to pay off a substantial 1st mortgage on a 2nd home in 5 years would in all likelihood be in bankruptcy.

New CBS poll just out!

The Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden leads Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin by nine percentage points among registered voters -- higher than Obama’s lead last week, before Friday’s first presidential debate. Obama’s increased lead may be due to several factors: Republican President George W. Bush’s very low approval rating (22% in this poll, the lowest of his presidency), concerns about the financial crisis facing the country, and perceptions that Obama would better manage the economy than John McCain.

http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/sepd-elec08.pdf

BTW that CBS poll also gives Obama a 9 point lead among likely voters too!

"Race is tightening up in MO too,"

I don't understand how McCain can be behind in such a conservative State. He should be kicking Obama's ass in MO.
If I recall Jack was likening MO to my home OK, in which Obama is behind on an average of 28+. I guess those "show me" mules are not so red after all.

Just joshing with you Jack.

btw. . KC, I agree with you on the lack of good reporting.

Coreen,

If the info in the link posted by Jamie is correct then the recent BK act did away with the unlimited homestead exemptions.
Is that not correct?

http://www.assetprotectionbook.com/homestead_exemptions.htm

Coreen

I was hoping you would show up. Thanks for the clarification.
In any case there is no bankruptcy revision coming --instead we are getting tax breaks for the rich.

Rez I really think it's the Clair factor in MO. She's working her ass off on his behalf, and over the past 20 years she's built quite an operation for herself in the state. I know around her she's often dismissed as a light weight, she's anything but, and she had the smarts to know that signing up early with Obama would go a long way to making herself a player in the Senate.

Of course Rush helped out too by going after the Michael J. Fox ad! ahhhhhhhhhh memories!

Rez,

The $125,000 exemption applies to homes acquired in the 3+ years before filing--as per 2005 BAPCPA

You may still utilize a larger state homestead exemption for property held longer, that is, if your state has such an exemption.

In CT debtors may choose between the Federal or state exemptions. In CT the homestead is $75,000 per person or $150,000 joint.

Currently more debtors here would use the Federal exemptions--as they are more generous for more categories--& many debtors have very high mortgages on their homes.

For anyone considering bankruptcy assistance, I strongly recommend seeking the advice of an attorney who is familiar with the bankruptcy laws in your area.

Thx , that's how i read it.

Hi Katherine,

Thought your post re: bankruptcy was very informative.

And as you know, I am not optimistic that there is really any help out there for struggling homeowners.

Will have to see how the recently enacted housing assistance legislation develops--have not yet seen its provisions, which I believe is effective as of today.

Damn! Stewart's on fire with the McCain meltdown LMAO

http://rawstory.com/rawreplay/?p=2054

Rez America is learning just who McCain really is, and they aren't impressed! That video out of Iowa today (what the hell is John McCain doing in Iowa? No one can answer that question) goes a long way in showing just what Obama means when he questions McCain's temperament. And as McCain's number continue to tank he is going to get more cranky. Going after McCain on the temperament issue was a stroke of genius on Obama's part, and I think it's very sincere too. I think Obama must have witnessed some of McCain's less attractive moments in the Senate and thought to himself "this guy wants to be president?".

BTW can someone explain to me exactly what experience Palin has regarding energy? They keep touting her energy experience as qualifying her for high office, but for other than upping the taxes on the oil producers in Alaska I can't figure out anything she's done in this regard.

Looking at the Baseball playoff schedule and realized that both of the Chicago teams are in the Playoffs. Can you imagine if you have a streetcar series in October and an election in November. That city could go completely nuts.

Jane Six Pack?

Estimates show Palin assets top $1 million

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081001/ap_on_el_pr/palins_finances

I got another mailing for Obama today. I wished he send me money instead. Plus a dvd called *Obsession* Radical Islam's War Against The West. It was from non-profit group called "The Clarion Fund" out of NYC.

http://rawstory.com/rawreplay/?p=2061

Tonights CBS VicePresident Questions by Couric.
Commnets?

We can't let that happen, Jamie. Screw BOTH Chicago teams.

A more important question is, why is Obama spending so much money on Iowa? He is running ads non-stop and has surrogates through every few days. The internals must be perplexing or the campaign is wasting a lot of money that could be used elsewhere. Conference calls say they still think Iowa is a battleground. Absentee ballots are down from 2004 according to the party but early voting is going smoothly.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153292

Corey, You know how ARROGANT those Chicago people can be. I think they should be happy with getting a President and just forget about important things like winning the World Series.

They should let the TrailMixers ask Palin questions tomorrow night. That would be MUST SEE TV! *Shudders!*

Michael Moore gets lampooned:

http://www.americancarol.com/

I'm going to have to consult my George Washington Plunkitt handbook.......things are getting weird.......

Zoey Iowa has always figured heavily in Obama's 50 state plan. Also it's probably a cheaper media market and Obama certainly can afford the ad buys.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153291

Gidget, That is almost painful to watch. Palin is so doctrinaire that she doesn't seem to think outside of the doctrine she has been force fed. She is a fairly good tap dancer ... avoiding answering a question by flipping over into something that sounds almost like an answer but isn't. Unfortunately for her, she is in the big leagues now (Baseball on my mind).

She should be able to either come up with an answer of have to courage to say, "I haven't studied Supreme Court decisions and really can't answer about specific cases. I'm sure if given an issue, I could give you my beliefs in the matter".

Jamie she should have said "Well you know I'm not a lawyer". That would have scored her points with the psycho right wing base.

Jamie-
That's my problem to a certain extent...her inability to give direct and presumably, truthful answers. In fairness to Palin, Couric ask which SCOTUS she disagreed with. She could have said none as much as Roe v Wade....or she could have said that law enforcement has been hamstrung by Miranda (very big with the Law and Order set)....or she could have reversed the question and said recently, she has agreed with them, especially the DC gun ban law (very big with the NRA set)
Same with her inability to say where she gets her news

I'm scared.
`g

Idiot, everyone, everyone knows when asked what Supreme Court decision you disagree with you say "Dread Scott".

it's Dred, Idiot.

Gidget

To say the things you suggest she would actually have to know that Miranda and gun ban rulings were actually supreme court decisions. That's why I suggested the out of "give me the issue, I'll give you the opinion"

That one comes from my grandfather who was an absolute math whiz, but only went to the 5th grade. He used to tell his children about algebra, "I can give you the answer but you will have to put in the X, Ys, and Zs

Or that big eminent domain case 2 or 3 years ago that got the right wing so upset?

Jamie-
You're right of course...I just keep hoping that she's not as ill informed as that.

The fact she believes she's representative of Joe/Jane Six Pack scares me.

Okay, my turn to go Duh! That was Exxon v Baker

http://supreme.justia.com/us/554/07-219/

Decided.

yes, I think the damages were reduced. Exxon won, go figure.

Keith is being brutal tonight!

Yes, I'm back to watching him because of the debates even if he still isn't forgiven for the crap he pulled on Clinton.

CNN poll released about 90 minutes ago:

CNN polls show Obama gaining in battleground states
ST. LOUIS, Missouri (CNN) -- Polls in five crucial battleground states in the race for the White House released Wednesday suggest that Sen. Barack Obama is making some major gains.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/01/battleground.polls/index.html

Rez this poll shows Obama ahead by 1 in MO

I missed the last Palin bashing blog. Yes she is no rocket engineer, but you will have to admit that we have not been very well served by all these educated, experienced, intelligent people in Congress and on
Wall Street. They have crucified us. They sold us down the river. They are making a hasty wild decison that could end up being a big disaster. Could Sue six pack do any worse?

Tonight I heard Palin say something on Entertainment tonight that really surprised me. Palin was talking about a gay friend and she said I don't call her my gay friend, I call her my friend and she deserves all the rights anyone else has. Not a typical conservative comment. .

I can't wait for the debate tomorrow. I will be nervous for Palin but then I was nervous for Obama and McCain during their debate. They both seemed very uncomfortable at the beginning. I will be pulling for her to do well. I certainly wouldn't want to see anyone fall on their face like so many of the mean Dems are hoping. As an educator for years and having to speak in front of large groups, I understand how difficult this will be for her.

Since I no longer have a dog in this race, I will just try to enjoy playing devil's advocate.

Carol ,still a Dem but not happy with my party. I will vote for all the other Dem candidates but will wait until the very last minute to make my decision for president.

ct apparently one on one conversation is difficult for her too, or having' you seen the Couric interviews?

Did I miss Craig on Rachel????

Electoral College Get a Little Bluer...

The Electoral College turned a little bluer this week, as seen by an analysis of the current data from the state-by-state Intrade.com Presidential Futures market. Pennsylvania, with its 21 Electoral College votes, and a trio of midwest states -- Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin -- are now predicted to go to Barak Obama. One the Republican side, Montana is now predicted to be won by John McCain. As of today, Barak Obama is predicted to receive 243 Electoral College votes, compared to John McCain's 158 votes.

http://worldsofspike.blogspot.com

Spike check out the Intrade map!

http://www.intrade.com/?request_operation=main&request_type=action&checkHomePage=true

Speed Typingggg...Sorry

Electoral College GetS a Little Bluer...

Clinton Yea Obama Yea

My Senators split Cantwell No and Murray Yea

These polls, are full of it. I live in Pa, they have Obama, ahead by 7 points here, but I know of a whole lot of people who will not vote, for a Democrat this year, come Hell of high water. The DNC, has made sure that there will be a Republican in the White House, for a least the next 4-8 years.

Jamie,
At least KO has a brain, and that's worth something on television today.

I think Rachel is doing pretty well also, I like the way she is able to do her show in her own style. She is very talented.

Every time I play with the CQ map with what I think will really happen, it keeps coming up with Obama well over 300 electoral votes. I find that scary simply because I can usually get darn close on these things and it feels like something could blow up in my face because it really looks like landslide territory.

Craig has not been on Rachel yet -- he's been held over due to the Senate bail out vote, watching a bunch of old white guys milling around a bunch of tables is not very interesting television.

Yay! Craig is on now!

Carol

Are you suggesting that W is intelligent?

Lampe....why do you think that the polls are incorrect? Do you think they are reporting false information? and if yes, why?

I've like Rachel for years. She is more liberal than I am on a lot of issues, but she is unbelievably intelligent, has a wonderful presentation style and a wicked sense of humor.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153298

Sturge ?

"I seen my opportunities and I took them"

Or

"reformers are morning glories"

Jack

or

"college boys will never make it in politics"

It's very odd that McCain decided not to make a statement on the bill while he was at the Capitol when you consider how hard he tried to hijack the issue.

W intelligent ?_ he doesn't even know he is still President.

Jamie you should check out the Times map, it will save your results for you and you can share them. Here's my map:

http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/president/whos-ahead/key-states/map.html#/map=eMt-M

Jamie, Hell no but he also had no common sense even though he did have a fine education. He took his guidance from God and I think he had a bad connection on his hot line.

I never liked GWB. My intuition screamed danger,danger when he was chosen our president. I have some of that same feeling about Obama and I am not sure why. I very much hope I am wrong and pray I am.

For a good while I didn't find Obama offering much except change. He is just going to be the unBush. He just didn't impress me like he did so many others. He did improved after being on the stump for a good while. It would help if I knew who he will be selecting for his cabinet.

Carol

Sorry for the typos. I am watching tv, typing and eating olives. Love those green olives.

Carol

"Might be an interesting experiment for a regular person to be part of the leadership of our country."

See the last 8 years. W got into Ivy League schools based on his last name - not his smarts.

Oops repeated the link to your map. Try this again

http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/president/whos-ahead/key-states/map.html#/map=BABxg2M

Jamie:

You post made me start to think about what may happen in November. And I started down the road about how maybe it is more simple than it appears...

Despite how much I obsess over this news cycle and that news cycle, this ad and that debate, this statement and that crisis....perhaps not of it matters.

In other words, despite the circus that goes on for months - the outcome on Nov. 4 will be almost the precisely the same as it would have at the start.

Take the very close races we had from 2000 and 2004. Add 3-5% to Obama for Bush/GOP fatigue (the same percentage any Dem. candidate would get) & add another 2-3% for increased turn out by African-American and young voters.

Jamie GA might be a big surprise, but if Obama can get the black turnout there you might be right. Nann I don't think McCain will reach 200, and I do think Obama still has time to flip MO and Indiana. Without doubt, here and now the question is not if Obama will win, but how much he will win by. I do think it would be good for the country at large to have a clear cut winner, these all too close races are killing us, and Obama is going to need a real mandate to do what he's going to need to do to fix the fuck ups of the last 8 years.

Jamie I think you're wrong regarding NM. I suspect Richards has been working hard to make sure there is a solid get the vote out machine in place, and I think it's important for him to be able to deliver the state.

none of it

I think Obama also has the potential for the "wave" effect. Didn't really happen in the Primary - despite the feeling that it might.

But if it starts looking more and more like Obama will win - I could see a lot of people hopping on the band wagon.

Watching AC. Obama now leading with seniors. REminder to self: It's a long way to November

Agreed Warren about the wave effect, not to mention Obama's overwhelming huge lead among new voters who are just coming into the polling data. Perception, perception, perception. People don't come out to vote for a loser!

ET

Don't slander one of fearless leader's food groups. :-)

There's a picture around somewhere.

Who really thinks anyone can clean up the mess Bush has created? In this economy? I wonder who in their right mind would want to try.

I think it was Bushes plan to bankrupt this country so that there would be no more money for any of the social programs. SS bye bye, Medicare bye bye, universal health insurance bye bye...... Bye bye love, bye bye happiness, hello poverty I think I'm gonna cry.

Carol

Folks, as the elections get closer, I get VERY antsy. I just want it to be OVER... It's like reading a good book and can't wait to get it finished because the suspense is so strong.

I wasn't impressed with Obama until the debate. He was good... real good. Still not my first choice, but FAR better than most I have seen.

I worry about Biden. He seems a bit of a loose cannon. I hope he performs well in the debate. I am worried that the bar for Palin's performance is so low that if she does even a below average to poor performance, it will seem like a victory.

Do you think the cowboy will finally purchase a few cows now. I have some to sell but they won't be cheap. He will have to learn to ride a horse but he has trouble not getting bucked off his mountain bike.

The bankruptcy "reform" has been an achilles heel on the economy. In the past, people could do Chapter 7 and move on with their lives. However, that option is mostly curtailed and what the result is that people can no longer buy products in the way they could before. I am not excusing bad decisions, but we all have made them and since I feel the whole credit card industry is totally corrupt and fools people into over dependency on high interest credit, I have not been bothered when consumer debt is discharged. No matter what happens, with Americans carrying such high loads of debt and virtually no personal savings, the economy will continue to shrink. Buying power is down, credit cards are increasingly not an option and it will take YEARS for people to pay off old debt.

AGAIN, DON'T BE A SLAVE TO YOUR MASTERCARD.

... btw it's 4:45 am here and I am pissed that I am awake. LOL...

Oh yeah Jamie, I understand our fearless leader enjoys the fried bologna sandwiches (amongst other members of our happy crew) but as "food groups" go, OMG !! OF course I am chronically dieting and I have a shop for of unhealthy foods, so I have to keep telling myself "Thomas this is not good for you"... and so I don't eat it. Don't get me wrong... I WANT to eat the sugar waffles, candies, chips, gummies... Instead, protein meals, carrots, celery, spinach. A "treat" for me is extra Olive Oil.. :)

Sweet Dreams Folks Time to shut it down.

Don't Know Palin (Sarah Debate Song)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OClkx5pUx80

Vice presidential debate... Thomas Jefferson didn't speak of an intelligent citizenry, but rather an "informed" citizenry. With a cameo from Christine Lavin, this new David Ippolito parody asks the question, "Who knows right-wing Conservative, anti-choice, abstinence-only sex education, anti-birth control funding, gun-owning, hunter, moose-burger-eatin', pro-oil-drilling, ex-pageant contestant, Fun parody... 2-year governor of Alaska... Sarah Palin?" Sung by Angie McKnight

This is a great song

From NYTimes... on the bailout bill

"The political tension was clear as Senator Barack Obama walked to the Republican side of the aisle to greet John McCain, who offered a chilly look and a brief return handshake."

And therein lies McInsane's biggest problem...

ET we aint seen nothing yet, the more his numbers drop the more mean and nasty he'll become. Fun!

The issues:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081002/ap_on_el_pr/where_they_stand_3;_ylt=AnmETen144plXysZHA9eRt.MwfIE

DON'T ALLOW THE RIGHT WING DINGER ANTI-GOD ETHNIC HATERS SABOTAGE THE VP DEBATE & SWIM IN THE MCCAIN SHIT TANK, What they really are saying about Gwen Ifill as a moderator is: she is a black and she is in the african american tank for Obama.
If you are going to implicate Gwen Ifill and her book as being in the Obama tank then everyone must report the fact that The #1 National Debate Sponsor is Anheuser-Busch Companies (BUDWEISER)~Isn't there a strong association/connection here, to Cindy McCain? YES! www(dot)debates(dot)org/pages/natspons(dot)html

Why would the media be in the McCain tank, reporting that Gwen Ifill was writing an Obama book and wouldn't be a fair moderator when Cindy McCain and her Company are the #1 Debate Sponsor, therefore placing the entire debate in the McCain tank....come on.......Cindy's Golden Rule: She with the gold, makes the rules. It's a bit funny how much darker Obama and the wood on his podium were for the first debate compared to the coloring of McManiac and his podium. Newsmax, along with many GOP PACS & 527s are emailing and calling everyone for donations to atomic bomb the public through all sources of media about terrible and horrific untruths about Barack Obama. Republicans will do anything to win, even if they loose. Everyone must be hyper focused on McCain's money trail.
www(dot)mccainslobbyists(dot)com

Craig nice relaxed, tousled look tonight.

tt

I've taken to listening for a FEW minutes to the rabid Conservative, radio talking heads lately.

Rush is just off the wall. Hannity sounds like a chipmunk he rattles on so fast. They're all psychotic.

And they have to DIG back to 1987 to whine in their childish way about anything about Biden.

Conservatives are the most unhappy, despondent group there is even when it's their guy who's the Pres. & they've had THEIR way, and totally their way, in the government for 6 of the past 8 years.

They all are taking a preemptive strike against Palin's not even held yet debate. They must know in their heart of hearts, do they have a heart, that she's a loser.

What a bunch of babies... but rich babies.

tt

tiptoe,

I agree almost completely, except for that part about having it all their way for 6 of the last 8 years.

Until the House defeated the 'rescue' bill, republicans have had it all their way since the impeachment, 9 years ago. They had to know trying Pres. Clinton wouldn't work, but by going ahead with it they halted all legislative activity which was their secondary goal.

The defeat of the 'rescue' bill can be credited to Democrats just as well as to publicans.

I'd still vote against it because it give an unnecessary tax break and puts unbridled power into the hands of an untrustworthy and incompetent Treasury Secretary.

mccain and obama said today american taxpayers
are guaranteed to get their money back
i will be patiently waiting for my check in the mail

Posted by: mqw | October 1, 2008 3:15 PM

mqw, sometimes I ask myself what these politicians do?
Lie Lie Lie......
This is again an immense lie. I am astonished the media doesn´t accurately pick up on this point. ...

Ms Cracker is right !
"Who could have foreseen this ?"

Where has that fogking idiot paulson been ?
Pick One :

1. Watching the job listings ?

2. Writing his 'bestselling' (yawn) memoirs ?

3. Under a rock ?

4. Learning about Commie style financing in north Korea ?

5. Dozing through teletubbie re-runs.

worry about Biden. He seems a bit of a loose cannon. I hope he performs well in the debate. I am worried that the bar for Palin's performance is so low that if she does even a below average to poor performance, it will seem like a victory.

Posted by: EuroTom | October 1, 2008 10:45 PM

Agree with you on this one Tom...... Don´t know, but I have a tiny incling that after this debate it will swing right back to Johnny Macs way......

mqw and Jason,

You'll get your dollars back. Of course, they won't be the same value as dollars used to be back in the good old Bill Clinton years.

Just as after george herbert walker bush money was worth a lot less than jimmie carter money, and gerry ford money was worth a lot less than lbj money.

Do we see a weak dollar pattern, folks ?

The game is "Cheat the Creditors with Devalued Currency."

Morning Jason and mqw

Cool here in midwest tonight -down to about 43 tonight. A couple of years ago, I said that greed would be the downfall of his country. Not just the fat cats - but also the middle class. Those young married couples who cannot wait and must have it all now instantly. New car, new home, new furniture, etc. And the teens, same only music, clothing etc. Credit has been cut off now and the car industry was down 20-30% sales. Most all are on credit.. If the jobs start falling off - how can they pay the house and the car and credit card? Greed will bring on the recession which may well turn into a depression. Also stocks down today even after senate passed bail-out. The writing is on the wall.. I fear no experience Obama is not up to the task ... as toast says - a weak man for the troubled times.. I believe it.

The other name for the game is "Inflation".

Republicans just love inflation.

correction - meant to say the Asian market was down today.....

Obama didn't seem weak against Charles Keating's candidate.

mccheney has been in such a tizzy, caught telling one lie after another, that he hardly looks up to dealing with Letterman, let alone the massive corruption in the finance industry, SEC, and Treasury Department.

You can tell he's lying, 'cuz his lips move.

xrepub

And you think Obama does not lie? They all do, sorry to say..

Morning Jason and mqw

Cool here in midwest tonight -down to about 43 tonight. A couple of years ago, I said that greed would be the downfall of his country. Not just the fat cats - but also the middle class. Those young married couples who cannot wait and must have it all now instantly. New car, new home, new furniture, etc. And the teens, same only music, clothing etc. Credit has been cut off now and the car industry was down 20-30% sales. Most all are on credit.. If the jobs start falling off - how can they pay the house and the car and credit card? Greed will bring on the recession which may well turn into a depression. Also stocks down today even after senate passed bail-out. The writing is on the wall.. I fear no experience Obama is not up to the task ... as toast says - a weak man for the troubled times.. I believe it.

Posted by: Julie Young | October 2, 2008 1:49 AM

Julie,
Thank you so much for this one!!!!!!!!!
thank you. My feelings exactly!
And of course BO is not up to the task. Am sorry to still say that the more I watch this guy the more it confirms that I am right all the time. BO is a hot air baloon. The start is fantabulous (fantastic and fabulous combination, is the HOT word here now in Amsterdam. hahahahaha), but the gas will run out. He will most definitely win, come November, but after that we will carry another burden of an ill choice we made.
Because we as a people seem to have the gold medal in electing the wrong candidate most of the time....
But the again Julie: A nation gets the president it deserves!
I mean.....we are stuck with GWB. Now we will get BO...
We are given the choice and we screw it up time and time again.
Sad.....

xrepub

And you think Obama does not lie? They all do, sorry to say..

Posted by: Julie Young | October 2, 2008 2:13 AM

I said it yesterday. Politicians lie, that is their job....:-)

obama and mccain are saying the same thing'
word for word about the bail-out 'rescue'whatever
plan' somebody must have accidently gave them the
same speeches yesterday

hello miss julie

Jason,

Makes a person ill to think we could have Hillary and look what we get... the only saving grace is that it will be good to see the back side of GWBush.. getting late
goodnight all

hey mqw

how is the night on the mississippi? Cold also? Keep the coffeepot going...

Julie,
I don´t know if it is a step up.....( replacing GWB)
People will not like that I am saying that, but in my opinion: " Same Script, Different Cast"

julie
going slow upriver against the current'and the water
is getting low again'' but were going to make it
we always do'' presently just south of memphis

Fact check: Biden spins a helicopter tale

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081001/ap_on_el_pr/biden_fact_check

-lol

xrep
says we will get our money back ?
remember the 600 dollar stimulus check we got
back in the spring'' i had the check in one hand
and my payroll check stub in the other showing where
they had taken three times that much out the week
before' the absurdity of it all 'didn't know whether
to laugh or cry'' it was all just a scam to make everybody feel better' did nothing for the economy
or me

Corey - I don't understand what you are saying here:

""I got the feeling yesterday that this place had turned into people wanting to know exactly where people stand. Either you are a Democrat and support Obama, You are a Republican and support McCain, or you are an independent. But, don't come here and post links that clearly support one candidate and then proclaim yourself to be an independent. ""

Posted by: Corey | October 1, 2008 8:16 AM

Do you mean that as an independent I can't or shouldn't indicate a preference for either candidate?

I hope that's not what you mean. I agree that some people really want every poster to commit to a candidate, but independentsmcan post anything they want and back any candidate they want.

Sturge - did you just call me weedy?

Champ - I don't know that it's a matter of intellectual capability with Sarah Palin. Yes, she isn't experienced at spin, but I think it may be a lack of intellectual skills.
Some one earlier referred to her peer group. I get the feeling that she isn't accustomed to having to use words as carefully as the people she might end up dealing with. Maybe it's just a quirk of her personality.
Maybe she could learn to shuck and jive and think fast on her feet and then speak clearly. I don't know - maybe she really isn't very bright.

The point is that when she gets out of her present role, she flounders. She may be right for her job level as gov
of a state with few inhabitants. I don't want to call her names or her fans names. I don't want to make fun of her, either, or McCain. I just think she is breath-takingly not competent right now to be an international
politician, esp not in such a tenuous situation.

She deserves good crefit for her comment re her gay friend. That was so nicely said I feel it must have been sincere.

KGC - what is up with Prop 7?? And the weather - can
you believe it?

It is glorious music to my ears to see so many people standing agains churches in our government!

bb
disagree about palin' reserve my judgement
until i see more of her
separation of church and state should be strictly
adhered to'
doesn't seem to be an issue this election
none of the candidates wear their religion
on their sleeve

thought of a strategy for mccain to win the election
spread rumors of new Iphone from apple
and new xbox from microsoft coming out nov.4th
all for half price
everyone under the age of 25 will be stuck in line
all day at best buy or circuit city and forget to vote

"It must be depressing to be Paul Krugman. No matter how well the economy performs, Krugman's bitter vendetta against the Bush administration requires him to hunt for the black lining in a sky full of silvery clouds. With the economy now booming, what can Krugman possibly have to complain about? In today's column, titled That Hissing Sound, Krugman says there is a housing bubble, and it's about to burst:"

August 08, 2005
That Hissing Sound Is Krugman

http://powerlineblog.com/archives/011291.php

"Holland in the early 17th century was embarking on its Golden Age. Resources that had just a few years earlier gone toward fighting for independence from Spain now flowed into commerce. Amsterdam merchants were at the center of the lucrative East Indies trade, where a single voyage could yield profits of 400%. They displayed their success by erecting grand estates surrounded by flower gardens. The Dutch population seemed torn by two contradictory impulses: a horror of living beyond one's means and the love of a long shot."

When the Tulip Bubble Burst
TULIPOMANIA
The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower

http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_17/b3678084.htm

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-new-voter-doldrums.html#comment-153412

mcq -- So your strategy for winning includes lies and deception to suppress voter turnout? How desperately hypocritical of you!