Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

"Polls, pundits and bookies give the edge to Barack Obama."

which is why it may be closer than expected. "entitlement and inevitability claims" cause complacency, lower turnout because win is expected, people make third party vote b/c tho't not to matter, whose true believer base works hardest and so on.....

I may go ahead and cast an early vote toward the end of this week. I waited last week, and kept checking the polls in Tennessee. They remain double digit for McCain. One gave him a 20 point lead. I'll continue to watch this week, and if they tighten noticeably, I'll vote for the Democratic ticket. Otherwise it's Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente.

I have tried to get my daughter in Ohio to vote early -- she's an Obama voter -- because I think Ohio is going to be nightmarish. But she is one of those people who loves to turn out on election day.

"these uncommitted voters are overwhelmingly independent,...- They look a lot like the older white voters who broke against Obama at the last minute in the final dozen or so Democratic primaries"

Just like it's been all along.

"which is why it may be closer than expected"

It ain't over 'til it's over.

"Ayers Flap Drove Powell to Obama"

An excuse to do what he wanted to do anyway.

How to Read the Constitution
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122445985683948619.html

words to the wise http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1078254/Dont-cocky-Obama-warns-supporters-surges-ahead-McCain-final-TV-debate.html

Some GOP insiders say McCain has botched campaign to win Florida

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-gopangst1908oct19,0,4081829.story?page=1

Sweet Potato Pie -

today's fl poll
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_JELLY_BEAN_ELECTION_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

The Democrats have made a lot of about the Bush tax cuts and how they favor the so-called rich, but everyone who has paid into federal taxes received a cut in the amount of federal taxes. So should the Bush tax cuts be allowed expire, January 2009, you will see a reduction in your take home pay, and no one knows exactly what that reduction will amount to. If this does take place, it will take months for the new Congress to write and approve a new tax bill, in the mean time expect to see less take home pay. If you want to see several different opinions of this just Google, "The Bush tax cuts", omitting the " ", and I am sure you'll find at least one article you can side with no matter whose party values you cling to.

"But as far as Obama is concerned, Monday is Election Day. The campaign is flooding the zone this week with high-profile events -- including rallies in Miami, Lake Worth, Tampa and Orlando headlined by the nominee -- to make its early voting pitch on local television in practically every Florida media market."

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html

"Ayers Flap Drove Powell to Obama"

An excuse to do what he wanted to do anyway.

Posted by: chloe | October 20, 2008 6:43 AM

Thank you Chloe! My thoughts exactly, but then again.....It is politics....

Powell supports Obama. This was a given and certainly no surprise, at least no surprise to me that is. Powell has always been more inline with Obama than with McCain, and Powell is still bitter about his performance before the UN over the Iraq war, and Powell see more of his life story in Obama's life story.

Anselm -

"Because of opposition to these measures from some in Congress, they were implemented as temporary tax cuts, all of which will expire by January 1, 2011. "

Anon -- you reported extensively on Tennessee turnout....have you heard anything new about the polls?

you mean if an excuse hadnt popped up Powell would have been unable to have endorsed?

I can see him sitting in his study, wringing his hands, just hoping for some excuse to vote for obama......

"I can see him sitting in his study, wringing his hands, just hoping for some excuse to vote for obama......"

Sturge, You know that's not what I meant.
He was going to endorse him regardless (once he was sure he was going to win anyway).

But it was just a handy way to rationalize to anyone who had any doubts that he was doing the right thing (without question).

At the same time, he used it to take a stand against 'dirty politics', which he knows that no one likes. That makes him look like some kind of proponent for all that's right. (So what if both sides have used dirty politics to get where they are anyway. ) Puleeze

I'm not faulting Powell. I respect him. But he didn't need an excuse in order to endorse.

Did anyone truly believe Powell was going to support a Republican after he left his Sec. of State position?

well, I dont respect him so much, but I s'pose you got a pernt there......

Patsi -

I haven't looked at Tenn. in the last few days . Today is when the wave starts to rise up everywhere. As I've looked at these stories about early voting the pattern is that the numbers have risen as the early voting moves along. With the record breaking start , one can only assume that this will really be off the charts.

Anon,

I think we are both right in different ways.

The central provisions of these landmark tax bills are scheduled to expire over the next five years, which means that taxes will rise dramatically for most taxpayers. Between now and January 1, 2011 (five short years away),

*
Tax rates will rise substantially in each tax bracket, some by 450 basis points;
*
Low-income taxpayers will see the 10-percent tax bracket disappear, and they will have to pay taxes at the 15-percent rate;
*
Married taxpayers will see the marriage penalty return;
*
Taxpayers with children will lose 50 percent of their child tax credits;
*
Taxes on dividends will increase beginning on January 1, 2009;
*
Taxes on capital gains will increase, also beginning on January 1, 2009; and
*
Federal death taxes will come back to life in 2011, after fading down to nothing in 2010.

I'm certainly not a fan of Clarence Thomas's, but thought that was a powerful speech he gave to the Manhattan Institue (linked above in wsj piece). I should have quoted these with the link:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed . . . ."

"......at least originalism has the advantage of being legate and, I might add, impartial."

"I think we are both right in different ways."

Ha! Yes!!
Ain't that always the truth.
Good Anselm!

This story broke yesterday -

Lobbyist helped protect Freddie from regulation
GOP firm was hired to kill legislation

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081020/BUSINESS01/810200360

This is bad news for Mitch McConnell -

Nine of the 17 targeted Republican senators did not sign Hagel's letter: Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Christopher "Kit" Bond and Jim Talent of Missouri, Conrad Burns of Montana, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Olympia Snowe of Maine, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island and George Allen of Virginia. Aside from the nine, 20 other Republican senators did not sign Hagel's letter.

Here the People Rule
By WILLIAM KRISTOL
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/opinion/20kristol.html?hp

chloe,

Thanks for sharing that article.

sobering
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/oct/20/globalisation-economy-imf-india-africa

"Those who will pay the heaviest price for the foolhardiness of deregulated financial capitalism are among those who are least responsible, as Brazil's President Lula angrily pointed out last week. The shockwaves of the west's banking crisis will shipwreck more vulnerable countries. In developing countries, people don't have the resources - welfare provision, savings, insurance - to tide them over a crisis. Instead, they go hungry, homeless - and they die. Across Africa and Asia, countries are bracing themselves for multiple hits, with falls in aid already threatened and a likely decline in the remittances that buoy up their economies - in the UK, the immigration minister Phil Woolas is already signalling a harder line on immigration. Fear of global recession is bringing commodity prices down and will reduce the demand for luxury products such as flowers, green beans and hot holidays. The anger among developing countries will spread. Our worries about jobs and pensions pale in comparison with the fallout on the billions who will not be able to feed or educate their children."

Chloe,

Reading the article you posted above in the Tennessean, and I got a chuckle when i saw these 3 names linked together: Olympia Snowe of Maine, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island and George Allen of Virginia. Such odd bed-fellows politicians make.

Morning peeps,
Craig isn't it a little cruel to give your repug fans false hope, especially after the Powell endorsement.

Anselm, that was Anon's link (I think). I haven't read it yet. :)

"Report: 60 Million People You'd Never Talk To Voting For Other Guy"

"The 110-page document reveals that these strangers share a fundamental vision of our nation's future, a vision that shockingly runs completely counter to your own and is furthermore embodied by the candidate whom you could not in a million years fathom being the leader of the free world. Even more frightening, the report says, is that their votes count just as much as yours."

http://www.theonion.com:80/content/news/report_60_million_people_youd

BTW, its the Onion

Jack

Morning Joe goes down on the Governor of Alaska.

"Now for some fancy pageant walkin' "

Craig-n
So the other name for today is - No trust in the Polls !

What element will turn those undecided?

Is Obama buiding a new foundaton that will weather the next days or is it a facade that will be blown over?

Hey forget the Colin Powell endorsement

This is much bigger.

" When asked why the spaceships will appear, Prophet boldly says that:

One of the many reasons why they will do this is to show support for Presidential candidate Barack Obama. This will be done so people will know that Obama is the best choice to lead America through the troublesome times to come. "

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1395924.htm

Obama in Otown today with Hillary.

I signed up to ask questions... Do you think I will get the call?

Wonder how many will show ? Will he gain on the 100K ?

Jack
Prophet Nowey has disputed that claim

The Real Plumbers of Ohio
By Paul Krugman
Published: October 20, 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/opinion/20krugman.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

Question beyond Tax Cuts

What is the opinion on Tax Rebates?
If 95% of people get a cut and almost 50% do not pay anything at all - Then that almost 50% gets a check?

This is the redistribution Barack is bringing to us?

Maybe I retire?

Jack, I loved that article you posted from the Onion. Unbelievable! They addressed it all.

"The report also confirmed that even if you were able to communicate with these other citizens, your passion and conviction would never be enough to convince them not to vote for their candidate, just as they would never be able to convince you not to vote for your candidate, and just as nobody can convince anybody else that what they believe to be right is wrong, regardless of how clear the evidence to the contrary may be.

The report maintained that, during your purely hypothetical discussion, both of you would come off as smug, narrow-minded, or downright ignorant if you tried to criticize the other candidate's positions on key issues such as abortion and gay rights. The ensuing argument would only further cement both of your feelings of disgust toward the other candidate.

And yet incredibly, sources said, neither one of you would technically be wrong.

...you prefer conversing with those who validate your opinions and give you a sense of self-satisfaction."

Hmm, 38-deg on our porch this morning here in Columbia. No frost today, but it will probably be a little colder tonight. Too bad--the tomatoes are really doing well now that we're through with the summer heat.

I should probably bring the staghorn fern in for the winter, and our daughter made a really interesting planter with a whole hodgepodge of plant life, lots of it epiphytic, along with corals she found while beachcombing in Florida.

She's marvelously creative but is cursed by the residuals of the malnutrition she experienced as an infant.

"This will be done so people will know that Obama is the best choice to lead America through the troublesome times to come. "

or we could just find out the old fashion way. Wait and see.

Here is the question I submitted.

Someone please ask Sen Obama - how 90+% get a tax break and over 40+% already pay NO TAX.

Then this means the Barack Government will send Checks to those 40+% in addition to his other entitlements?

Who is going to pay for this and still create jobs?

ORLANDO SENTINEL - you endorsed him so get the facts

Is this Socialism?

No wonder Barack openly ridiculed Sen McCain when McCain expressed support for the Fundamentals of our economy which are Capitalism, Free Enterprise and rewards for success.

Good morning all!
Just came across this link- Newsweek Debunks "Kill Him" Rumors; Obama Knew They Were Bogus Before Debate

http://townhall.com/blog/g/d6015910-e505-49fc-804f-b6e72dc84405

Flatus, I was complaining it was cold this morning and it's 52. I hate being cold (just like your tomatoes).

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161106

But did all those Ohio plumbers have a license?

I think not

Jack

"Knew They Were Bogus Before Debate"

That didn't surprise you did it Sea? :)

The license was beside the point. Nothing to do with it.

Yeah paying tax on an income he's unlikely to ever have is the point!

Ping

I'm glad that the story is false, I was really worried about Aliens taking over our government. Especially Nazi aliens.
;-P

Jack

He can get a license and buy that business if he so desires. The answer to the question was still important to him no matter what. And it was his right to ask it, whether you like it or not.

The SF Chronicle has a good article on appointment of judges up and down the federal court system and the impact of each candidate.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/19/MNES13IOES.DTL&tsp=1

"Nazi aliens"

The worst kind!

Katherine, I think it was you over the weekend that asked if anyone had seen W?? Did you see it. If so, what did you think?

I am hearing from voters that they are very afraid of the crowds Sarah Palin, in particular, is whipping up. She is riding them on their anger at perceived slights and unfairness, and you are hearing "terrorist" and "socialism" constantly. Us -- especially small-town rurual us -- against "them."

Seahag and chloe can scoff all they want, but nothing as ugly has EVER been deployed against McCain or another Republican this cycle.

This is what Powell was speaking about.

He did not need a reason to endorse, but he is a patriot for calling out horrible behavior when he sees it.

We are Americans, not "us" and "them."

Chloe

I haven't seen it yet, but am looking forward to it.

Here is the fatal error in Mr. Krugman’s argument – which is a central talking point of the Obama campaign – which this writer then confirms Mr. Paul Krugman is on step with his role in the Obama efforts.

This is the false statement

“Mr. McCain claims that Mr. Obama’s policies would lead to economic disaster. But President Bush’s policies have already led to disaster — and whatever he may say, Mr. McCain proposes continuing Mr. Bush’s policies in all essential respects, and he shares Mr. Bush’s anti-government, anti-regulation philosophy.” Says Paul Krugman

Nothing could be further from the truth - McCain fiscal policy is NOT Bush. Bush was complacent at best and allowed social policy to overrule sound fiscal policy.

Barack Obama is this failed policy on steroids.

WARNING – Wake up the chickens

Barack campiagn is Facade not foundation – he is a contradiction. Or a foundation to socialistic future that has failed everytime aound the world.

What's important is that more Americans will get a tax break under Obama's plan than they will under McCain's. And besides as we now know Joe doesn't like paying his taxes period, hence the tax liens against him. "Joe the Plumber" is a bogus issue being pressed by a desperate candidate who sees his only way to win by dividing the American people, just what you want from a president of the United States.

"What's important is that more Americans will get a tax break under Obama's plan than they will under McCain's"

Oh good. Now Brian has spoken and we can ALL feel reassured that ALL is well. No more questions please!. Brian has it ALL under control. Rest assured.

Well then, it's good to know I have nothing to worry about.

Have a good day.

"social policy to overrule sound fiscal policy."

Pong you're starting to suffer from broken record syndrome. Once again let me remind you that as history proves it's your part that engages in unsound fiscal policy, not mine.

Chloe

You don't need a lisence to own the business. You Hire your lisened plumber. You need him to pull permits. Then you hire a bunch of people to work under him and do most of the work.

BTW several of Obama's proposals will cost Joe the Plumber money before he makes one penny in income. They will hit him harder than it will the large corporations.

Jack

Those are the facts chloe, your snottiness doesn't change the fact that "Joe the Plumber" would pay less taxes under Obama's plan than McCain's.

"You don't need a lisence to own the business. You Hire your lisened plumber"

I know that Jack. I know lots of contractors and people that work for them. It's a couple million others that refuse to understand that.

My snottiness is like your snottiness Brian.
It doesn't change anything.

This is a comparison of the comparisons of the tax plans

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/competing-tax-plans-two-perspectives/

Joe-and-Obama

What about the tax argument and the claim that Obama’s tax plan would hit Plumber harder if enacted? That stands up, according to the Tax Foundation.

If his adjusted gross income was $280,000, he would pay $773 more in taxes under an Obama plan.
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/10/17/joe-the-plumber-under-attack-mccain-to-the-rescue/

"Those are the facts chloe, your snottiness doesn't change the fact that "Joe the Plumber" would pay less taxes under Obama's plan than McCain's."

Not if his dream of growing a successful business came to fruition.

Hello North Dakota -

http://www.pollster.com/polls/nd/08-nd-pres-ge-mvo.php

"Obama's more immediate impact would be on the lower courts, where the federal judiciary does most of its nuts-and-bolts work."

So glad you posted this article, KGC. The fed court appointments are so damned important, and they are constantly overlooked.

"It's a couple million others that refuse to understand that."

Sorry, It just seems to be repeated by people who should know better, like Krugman, They aren't a part of the real world

Time for me to play at contractor, I is a real one I'm licenced, I passed the test, It was open book, but I passed.
I will be playing electrician without a licence later today but SSShhhhhh, nobody needs to know.

Jack

Big day for Obama propels him to 5.4-point lead over McCain—49.8% to 44.4%

UTICA, New York – Democrat Barack Obama has opened a 5.4-point lead over Republican John McCain in the race for president, halting McCain’s recent gains as the contest heads into its final weeks, the latest Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby daily tracking poll shows.

Obama now leads McCain 49.8% to 44.4%. McCain trailed Obama by 2.7 points in polling released yesterday.

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1598

Sweet Potato Pie -

Brain - Broken record? Then Get your Boy Barack to say something other then his primary talking points!!

I am less concerned about the tax side - which is problematic - then the liberal socialistic elements that are in fact Barack - and the candy coating snake oil that he is selling -

More noise to confuse people to his actual records and who he is....

Now is he building a New Self and move to the middle or is this the campaign facade knowing people want Change -

so Barack is a chameleon (lizard that changes color) in his all out highly funded efforts to buy the election

"If his adjusted gross income was $280,000, he would pay $773 more in taxes under an Obama plan."

And that's the point, when and if in the very unlikely event that "Joe the Plumber's" adjusted gross income goes over $280,000 yes his taxes will go up, but at present under Obama's plan his taxes like the taxes of 95% of Americans will go down.

Nothing as ugly?

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2008/10/angry-left-protest-cnt-sarah-palin-in.html

Bush the First used to talk about a New World Order --

Looks like it's coming:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1020/p01s01-usec.html

Yes Pong I'm sure anything that even hints at a Liberal agenda is troubling to you!

And Brain - do the homework - get out the Macro Economics

If we allow Social Policy to override sound Fiscal policy as it has regardless of who is in office - OK the old gaurd Republicans - there ya happy Brain?

This will flush our economy further down the toilet!

Then go plant your garden - maybe you can get some potting soil and big buckets for your balcony in NYC?

Barack = Continue and increased failed fiscal policy - PERIOD

Today's thread on the BackChannel Blog

Pity the Poor President, At This Time in Our History by Chef Sheila

http://clistersbackchannel.wordpress.com/

Patsi

The most compelling argument for Obama is the judiciary.

Your social policy argument holds no water with me pong, sorry but there is nothing to back you up on this. Anyway I have to head out, have a lovely day.

Folks, when copying and pasting poll numbers into our threads PLEASE include the undecided/not sure numbers. For instance, in the ZOGBY poll cited above the undecided vote is 5.8% -- about the same as Obama's 5.4 point lead.

Pollsters unfairly get a bad rap when we focus on the brightline match-up numbers with no reference to the undediceds who could change the outcome if they break hard in one direction. When that happens, the pollsters get blamed. But the fault lies with reporting that omits the undecided caveat. In other words, a poll that shows the ultimate loser ahead was still an accurate poll if the undecideds measured in that poll were the "deciding" factor. It's not the pollster's fault if we ignore that possibility.

today on blistersyeahbutchannel

Pity Poor Americans at this time

Yes, KGC -- that's the bottom line. And I just have to hope he gets good economic advice. Because he's gonna need it.

Ping...

What do you call almost a trillion dollars of taxpayer money bailing out Wall Street and the Banks?

Isn't that Socialism?

And there is video out there where a congressman was told in a closed door meeting at the White House by Bush that if they didn't pass his Social Bailout he would declare Martial Law.

I believe he said several congressmen were told that.

Privatize Profit and Socialize Debt.

Is this your view of sound fiscal policy, sure sounds like it.

Anon-P
Cool morning in Otwon - you going to see Barack?

YES you could call it Socialism.
But how did we get there?

The first step was allowing social policy = easy housing - to override sound economic and fiscal policy.
This was aggressively pushed by the government - OK no names on who pushed -- we all know.

Barack is more of the same change in FUNDAMENTALS and will push even more social policy that will override sound fiscal policy.

We all want front line Healthcare and housing - but you can not kill the goose that lays the egg

Shapiro in Salon "Turning Indiana Blue"

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/10/20/indiana/

Obama Has $500 Million To Spend On Campaign

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/20/obama-has-500-million-to_n_136113.html

Brian - how Ironic -
Obama might have enough funds to buy the election?

Let’s see if people get the message hidden in all of those dollars...

I am now off to the evils of what is still the Fundamentals of our economy.... Capitalism, Free Enterprise as the driver and job creator

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161107

Ping, This has existed for years. Working Heads of Household with children under a certain amount in income receive funds to bring them up to the poverty level.

so did bush buy the elections? or just steal 'em.......

"In other words, a poll that shows the ultimate loser ahead was still an accurate poll if the undecideds measured in that poll were the "deciding" factor. It's not the pollster's fault if we ignore that possibility." Craig Crawford

Yeah what happened to the Keith ranking that included the undecideds

KGC, i really liked the "Keith" number, was a good way to highlight this factor, doesn't he still do them?

Craig

Don't know. I have not heard it since the primaries.

"so did bush buy the elections? or just steal 'em"

Maybe he paid someone to steal it for 'em.

Brian: "Those are the facts chloe, your snottiness doesn't change the fact that "Joe the Plumber" would pay less taxes under Obama's plan than McCain's." (Brian later pointed out that "Joe" would pay $773 more in taxes, were his adjusted gross income to increase by a factor of about five to six, in his case. Not a bad tradeoff!)

Flatus: Not if his dream of growing a successful business came to fruition.

======

Aspiring to do well is a good thing, and to be encouraged.

However, tax and social policy requires a good hard look at what exists NOW too.

No castles in the air. Pragmatism.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161141

Sea, One thing to consider about the various "bad actors" at events is that there are times when they are dirty tricksters who either on their own out of some sense of fun or (rarely) at campaign direction show up to make the other side look bad. I make it a point to question any photographic "evidence" because it is so easy to fake.

This is one of the reasons, you often don't see these people on the news unless there was someway for the news crew to determine that they actually do support the opposition.

KGC, IMO Keith is an articulate porcinus horribilis who uses his intelligence maliciously. That people accept his claim that he is a journalist rather than an entertainer is a tribute to the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Imagine spending half a billion for a job that pays in the hundred thousands.......very weird.

bully pulpit, indeed.......

Dog,

I simply corrected the factual error that existed at the time of my post.

There are lots of places that we can change tax policy. IMO, eliminating the idiocy of calling socially desirable inheritance taxes 'death taxes' is a place to start. And, it's time to disallow business deductions for golden parachutes that exceed severance pays for other professionals. And to start looking at taxation of wealth being expatriated from our country. And...

Craig,

Keith hasn't done the Keith number for a while...I remember him making some on air reference to regretting the term towards the tail end of the primary campaign...

Patsi,

What is the gas situation like in TN these days? Have things fully recovered from the Hurricane issues?

Sturgeone,

It's easier justifying paying that much for the ability to be the most powerful man in the world instead of spending hundreds of dollars to a stripper who will use alcohol and a little friction to create the impression that this hottie actually has a thing for you...

If Obama is to deliver all his promises he'll need to look for more revenue that just going after those who make over $250,000.

Question: If you would look at your IRS 1040 form, can anyone tell me which line will be used to to determine if one is considered above the Obama's "Rich" line of $250,000.

Line 7. Wages, salaries, tips, etc.
Line 22. Includes line 7 through 21, Total income.
Line 37. Adjusted gross income.

All 3 lines can and often are different. So which one will Obama chose?

yeah, but............

"Imagine spending half a billion for a job that pays in the hundred thousands.......very weird."

Sturg, there are BIG bucks behind his campaign.

His spokespeople like pointing out how many small contributors his campaign has gathered implying it is a grass roots effort that has amassed all his hundreds of millions.

Nonsense. His thousands and thousands of small contributions, while significant, are overshadowed by the great big bucks provided by special interests.

Bear -- the hurricane fallout we had involved lines at the gas pumps. Personally, it also involved family from Houston and Cincinnati having to leave their homes and come to Nashville because of power failures.

One thing that lingered -- my nephew in Houston was out wading in water, putting up more sandbags and helping a couple of neighbors. By the time he got to Tennessee, he was starting to get sick, and it turned out to be a bacterial infection that the doctors said was probably from the toxic waters. It took him a couple of weeks to get over it.

Oops -- Bear -- I never did really answer your gas question. There were lines for about a week, then it eased up. Supposedly, part of the reason for the shortage was that when people heard there might be a shortage, everyone started filling up every vehicle they had.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161167

Flatus, The term "death taxes" is one of those nails on blackboard items for me. Inheritance Taxes were among the few along with tariffs approved by the founders because they so ardently opposed the hereditary wealth and position of the privileged Europeans.

There is room for improvement in relation to indexing of capital gains and protection of family owned businesses, but for the most part, the bottom 90% of the population doesn't pay a dime in "death taxes" because of the huge exemption.

This is just another example of the Conservatives giving negative names to things to totally distort the reality and fool people into supporting something that only benefits a small group of very wealthy people.

bear.....never mind all that......tell me more about that stripper............

Posted by: Flatus Author Profile Page | October 20, 2008 10:43 AM

Well put. I don't watch Keith except if Craig is on

Patsi,

Is TN serviced by the Colonial pipeline? This pipeline was responsible for the shortages in GA, SC, NC.

"...it turned out to be a bacterial infection that the doctors said was probably from the toxic waters. "

I hope they reported it to the CDC.

Map of the World According to Sarah Palin

http://www.dinglebum.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/the-world-according-to-americans.jpg

Sturg,

I refuse to partake in any endeavor which requires me to pay money to tease and frustrate myself to no decent end...unless I am in the role of tortured sports fan...plus, once you visit that type of establishment in Montreal, Tijuana or anywhere in Asia, you can't go to a club in the states...

Patsi,

I hope he's doing better now. I can't help but wonder what the long term environmental impact will be in that area...Since Texans aren't big on environmental safety, I doubt many will care...

Ping and anyone interested...

d.k. raed whom I have a link for on my site which I can not get to since its blocked here did a post on what Joe the Plumber's taxes would be.

She does taxes for small business's that fall into the $250,000 dollar range. See what she had to say about what Joe's taxes would be if you really want to know.

Later tonight I will post a link to the post she did as well after I get home from work. She also said in her post that she hasn't been called in to the IRS for audits of anyone's returns she has done.

"This is just another example of the Conservatives giving negative names to things"

Exactly right, Jamie. "Partial birth abortion" topping the list.

Joe Biden, "Obama will be tested within the first 6 months." Somehow I don't find that reassuring.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/10/biden-to-suppor.html

"Is TN serviced by the Colonial pipeline? "

I don't know -- but I did hear that a gas line that services the other areas with shortages also affected us...

" hope he's doing better now."

Bear -- he is fine now. I think his problem was that this was his first hurricane -- and he didn't know about the toxic waters they bring in....although I noticed the neighbors he was helping never mentioned it and let him go out and do the wading...:)

Interesting Time story on the so called Bradley effect and what the real issues were in that govs race.

http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/10/the_bradley_effect_reconsidere.html

"...Then Get your Boy Barack..."

Dear Ping Pong--

Just a line to let you know that your sheets have been laundered (with bleach, as you insisted); the eyeholes have been mended; and your robe has been rebraided.

Drop by any time to pick everything up.

the red and black robe?

Nice article KC, is it possible that the tax (plumber joe) issue is the equivalence of the 1982 gun control issue for some areas? Maybe, but the Obama campaign coffer is a nice playing field leveler for any last minute spark issue by McCain imo.

Even if there is some "Bradley effect" -- I think that the new voters will more than counter it.

Rez

I think the McCain campaign is looking for the "gun control" issue. So far the gun control issue is the economy. Plus everyone hates Shrub. Shrub's ratings are even lower and even more people think the country is on the wrong track.

I'm surprised that anyone is voting for a Republican.
Where are the Jack Kemps and Christy Todd Whitmans..very quiet this cycle. It will be interesting to see how the goopers fix themselves after the election.

If they turn to losers like Newt, they are imo finished but if they look to the more reasonable centrists voices they might have a change to come back as a party. Whitman has her own pac as to some of the more moderate voices.

Whiteman originally called her pac my party too
http://www.mypartytoo.com/

Now the Republican Leadership Council
http://www.republican-leadership.com/

O (2) & M => 8/N

M & B (1) => 8/A

B (1) & ? => 8/E

What about a poll you pay to take? The disposable coffee cups for McCain at 7-11 are running low, while nary an Obama cup has been taken. Then again, I live in a very red area of a red state. However, Obama supporters get their morning joe from Starbucks.

Patsi,

I would bet that a lot of the locals he was helping wouldn't have thought the waters were bad if the local government let people return to the areas...

Plus, just looking at everything going on with the Natural gas drilling in this area, it doesn't take much to distract people from the potential pollution issues. At least in the case of the drilling, money was used to distract...

First my apologies for slipping into a colloquial use of a term that may for some with a prejudicial ignorance have the appearance of a slur.

For those that know the Ping – they know nothing of a slur was intended. That I have respect for Barack and his desires but strongly disagree with his platform and ‘ology! He is going the wrong road to get there!

To those that do not know the Ping and have open minds they will understand.

For those that jump to conclusions and find their own hate, then apply it....then please have a nice day.

Da Ping

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161191

Blue,

I can't imaging buying coffee at 7/11...maybe that really moves the poll data you speak of...

BTW, have you seen King Tut yet?

pogo, what think ye esquire-wise? notice any changes in fee-making in your neck of the chambers?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/19/AR2008101901397.html?hpid=sec-business

I knew you meant no slur with the comment, Ping. Whoever responded doesn't know anything about you.

"If they turn to losers like Newt, they are imo finished but if they look to the more reasonable centrists voices they might have a change to come back as a party."

KGC,

My guess is that they will mark time until after the first year while giving the new all-powerful-in-their-own-minds Democrats all the rope they need to create a new, ultra-left governmental troika that will be nowhere close to the centrist government that most Americans want.

At that point, a young Republican will suddenly emerge, waving the 2010 version of the Sayings of Newt, and the Democratic majority in the House will be gone.

Bear -- the water my nephew was in was the night of and morning after the hurricane. And I think his neighbors are older, while he's in his 30s....so they were probably just glad to have a guy with a strong back. :)

blue, the latest jelly bean poll count is linked in my 7:07 post. can't remember whether they also had to buy to vote. interesting dynamic to consider. new twist on buying votes.

"If they turn to losers like Newt,"

KC,
I don't remember the source or the exact quote, but during the race to legislate the 700 B, Newt apparently was sandbagging McCain by publicly supporting the vote while opposing it in the shadows. I think he see's Palin as a weak frontrunner in 12/16.

Ping....
isn't it amazing to watch some on the left fight hate with hate.....
those of us that know you..... luv you.....

KGC..... the Dems will eventually overreach..... when one party controls everything...... as it looks like the Dems are about to do..... they always go too far and become corrupt..... it's human nature..... nothing is static.... it's always changing.....

I'm proud of my beloved Red Sox this morning...... I honestly didn't think they'd make it past the Angels..... what a fun ride I had this season.....
now go Rays!..... beat the Phillies!..... :0)

"...go Rays!..... beat the Phillies!.." Bless you, Renee.

I claim loyalty to three teams--Cleveland Indians. the Rays, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Go Rays!

just in case anyone assumed I was adding to the slur on old Pinger:

Henri-Marie Beyle (January 23, 1783 – March 23, 1842), better known by his pen name Stendhal, was a 19th-century French writer. Known for his acute analysis of his characters' psychology, he is considered one of the earliest and foremost practitioners of realism in his novel Le Rouge et le Noir (The Red and the Black, 1830)

First my apologies for slipping into a colloquial use of a term that may for some with a prejudicial ignorance have the appearance of a slur."
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161199

Ping,

That used to be such a common expression and I NEVER connected it with race. I have almost slipped before, then changed it to your 'guy' because I know everything we say since this election began leads to assumptions and accusations of racism. I understood exactly how you used it, but I knew someone somewhere (that doesn't know you) would say something.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161127

Geez all the guy said was a simple comment on more people getting a tax break and you go all postal. Take a chill pill babe

Ping....
isn't it amazing to watch some on the left fight hate with hate.....
those of us that know you..... luv you.....

Posted by: RebelliousRenee | October 20, 2008 12:50 PM

Puhleez... are you actually suggesting that "the left" has cornered the market on hate? Have you been awake the past 8 years? It takes 2 wings for a bird to fly and there is plenty of hate being tossed around, even by people who complain about it.

This week at Backchannel
SPREAD THE HATE.!
Stick with what you know.

Every bird needs 2 wings and and we're better at hating than anyone else.

Flatus
"At that point, a young Republican will suddenly emerge, waving the 2010 version of the Sayings of Newt, and the Democratic majority in the House will be gone." Flatus

Now there's a gloomy thought.

"the Dems will eventually overreach..... when one party controls everything...... as it looks like the Dems are about to do..... they always go too far and become corrupt..... it's human nature..... nothing is static.... it's always changing....".RR

Based on what I have seen here and there. I don't think we will be waiting long.

Rez
I hope Newt is left with only Faux News as his audience.

Does anyone have some interesting or unusual tips for saving money on grocery shopping or food in general? I want to write about it the local paper.

Seahag and chloe can scoff all they want, but nothing as ugly has EVER been deployed against McCain or another Republican this cycle.
This is what Powell was speaking about.

======================

Nope, but BO DID against Hillary & Bill all thru the primaries ...

KGC-
Tip from the Ping....

Eat a Fried Bologna Sandwich (the some what official sandwich of Crawfordslisters) before shopping.
This will curve the desire to buy to much
Also you might think healthy
Buy the store brands - Publix has a great brand that cost less but great quality

I would like to inform all of you, who are saying. "Only uneducated racist, are voting for McCain. " I am a 53 year old Black Woman, who is very educated. And I am voting for McCain\Palin. I will not vote for someone, who is unqualified, simply because he shares my skin tone. It's people like you who make it hard to keep race out of this election. And you talk about all the negativity, coming from McCain rallies, well let me tell you something I witnessed at an Obama rally. You see I went a couple of times, to listen to him, to make sure that I was giving him a fair shake. I seen men and women, wearing t-shirts, that called Gov. Palin a C--T, and ones that called her a PUCK-Fu--er. Now as I've already said I am Black, and I was more offended, by a women being called those things, than I was ever at being called a Ni--er. Obama, has only done one thing, he has managed to bring racism, right back into the fore front, so now everyone is once again taking sides. As far as Powell, supporting Obama, this might have mattered before, but I don't think people really care now. If anything I think it might help McCain more, because Republicans will see this as just another Black man, voting for Obama, simply because he's Black. And I think it may cause White People to really change their minds about him as well.

Two days after the election is the world wide "Blog Blast For Peace". Anyone with a blog can participate. For information, you can go to my place today at

http://jdurward.blogspot.com/

or at the originator's

http://mimiwrites.blogspot.com/

lol . . Deja vu

Ping

I have friends that are R's and they like you are gentlemen, weather you offended someone or not, is not as important as your concern for another persons feelings,,,,,,i wish that more here would follow that example,,,,,,,,and more from the extreme left, and the extreme right that is what i call reaching acrose the isle ------it looks like you officialy started eliminate hate week by your example,,,,,kudos.

" but during the race to legislate the 700 B, Newt apparently was sandbagging McCain by publicly supporting the vote while opposing it in the shadows. I think he see's Palin as a weak frontrunner in 12/16."

Rez -- that sounds like a good possibility. I do think Newt's power is history, but he's still a snake in the grass. And I like to try and keep up on what new BS he is spouting. Grover Norquist is another snake that continues to slither around the edges of power. And he worries me even more. His "starve the beast" theory is in play right now.

"now go Rays!..... beat the Phillies!..... "

I'm not really following baseball (since the Dodgers left Brooklyn...) -- but may I add, Go Titans!

"a young Republican will suddenly emerge, waving the 2010 version of the Sayings of Newt, and the Democratic majority in the House will be gone." Flatus"

I heard a commentator on NPR today saying that behind closed doors, many Dems are hoping they don't get as many seats as they are publically hoping for....they say they'll be on the spot for things promised but impossible to enact if they do.

Here are the current 7-Eleven national poll results

http://www.7-election.com/

Ping
Thanks
Last night on the Food Channel's show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives --they featured a fried baloney sandwich. It looked pretty good. You are right...never go grocery shopping hungry.

Store brands are a great tip. So far my favorite tip is "Eat Less!"

Jamie,
One of two things, either McCain supporters don't drink much coffee or stop in at 7-11s. Also, I guess Obama fans are Dunkin' Donuts (NE fave) people and fill up there instead of 7-11.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/uncommitted-demographics-a-cam.html#comment-161219

KGC, There are obvious ones such as using coupons, getting a supermarket card and use it, look for the loss leaders and stock up. Buy paper products in bulk. If you have a small family, form a buying group and use places such as Costco by dividing up the purchases. Dry goods can be bought in extra large sizes and stored in large canisters. Set up a storage area to take advantage of canned good sales. Buy store brands.

One of the cheapest things to do: Learn to cook. I can make pilaf from scratch just as fast as "rice a roni", have a much larger quantity at 1/3 the price. You can come close on time for almost everything packaged and frozen for convenience.

Hot damn, 10 points up in VA in the Rasmussen!

Barack Obama has opened his biggest lead yet over John McCain in Virginia. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state finds Obama now leading 54% to 44%. The Democrat leads 51% to 48% among men and 57% to 42% among women (see full demographic crosstabs).

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/virginia/election_2008_virginia_presidential_election

Even some better news, damn we are cooking!

PRINCETON, NJ -- Gallup Poll Daily tracking from Friday through Sunday gives Barack Obama an 11 percentage point lead over John McCain in the presidential vote preferences of all registered voters, 52% to 41%.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/111274/Gallup-Daily-Obamas-Lead-Edges-Higher.aspx