Democratic Convention Watch: Open Thread

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Open Thread

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

What is McCain's latest "senior moment", what does Obama need to do to win in November or whatever else is on your mind.

And please be excellent to one another. We do not accept name calling or any attacks on our commenters. Any objectionable comments will be deleted. Try to be civil.

Thanks!

Previous Open Thread is here

9481 comments:

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apissedant said...: Leah,
Nearly all of those people already vote Democratic, so they weren't really aiming for them.; September 05, 2008 11:08 PM
suzihussein22 said...: peevish-Are you ready for a tropical storm?

I was reading part of the text of McCain's speech and noticed that he behooved people to help feed a hungry child or help someone learn how to read. That would be too much like cummunity organizing. Sounds like entrapment to me.; September 05, 2008 11:17 PM
apissedant said...: suzi,
They're overreacting like a mofo to storms this year. Nice election year stupidity. I'm not worried about a tropical storm. Hurricane Isabel was straight up fun. =)

Two of my friends and I inflated a queen size air mattress and rafted down the road. ;); September 05, 2008 11:29 PM
apissedant said...: There's several Republican websites that are currently bitching about how useless community organizers are. Isn't the PTA a community organization?; September 05, 2008 11:31 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Send this to everyone you know!

Sarah Palin Supports the Aerial Hunting of Wolves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T85cOGc8L0

.; September 05, 2008 11:35 PM
apissedant said...: Since Bush took office, the DJIA is up an average of less than 2% a year, the NASDAQ is down about 3% per year, and the S&P 500 is up an average of less than 1% a year. Nearly all major companies have cut their dividend payouts, and we all know several major companies have gone out of business.

Considering most of the wealthy are heavily invested in the stock market, it is clear that not even rich people benefit from Republican economics. Why can't they see this?; September 05, 2008 11:41 PM
Kujo said...: I can not believe that no one brought up the fact that Palin has lied about Ebay and her profitable plane.

First she said that she was the one who got rid if the plane to nowhere when in fact she champion this bridge. Then when she became Gov. and this bridge became a national joke, she said no to the bridge but kept the money (I guess we can say 300 million to nowhere.)

Then she said that she is a proven leader able to balance budget, when in this little town of nowhere she accrued a dept of 22 million, and possible more since there are legal procedings and a rec center they can not pay the bills on (where the 22 million gone, I bet she plans on some earmarks).

Now the imfamous plane that she said when she became Gov she sold this jet plane on Ebay. And Made a profit! Well she did not sell the plane on Ebay, nore did she make a profit. She took about a million dollar loss. McCain has quoted her many times on this plane. Does anyone check what she says in the McCain camp.

Plus adding the trouper gate, the firing of the librarian.

Lies Lies and more Lies! This is more of the same.

I think we have come up with a new term, instead of taking a suicide pill, They will call it taking a Palin Pill.; September 06, 2008 12:09 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Kujo -

The plane issue was talked about all day long on CNN and MSNBC.

It's been exposed and has gotten alot of airtime on TV ;); September 06, 2008 12:12 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Before we all get a bit discouraged I think that Democrats accross the country should read this:

September 5, 2008 The Palin Effect, By Margie Omero

As we continue to discuss the Palin Effect, more data have emerged. An ABC News poll released today shows that partisanship, as opposed to gender, is a far greater predictor than of attitudes toward Governor Palin.

Across nearly every dimension, Republicans have rallied behind McCain's VP pick, with Democrats and independents more ambivalent. A full 80% of Republicans say the pick makes them more confident in McCain, compared to 59% of Democrats feeling less confident (independents are more divided, 44% more confident, 37% less confident).

And charges that the press have treated Palin unfairly resonate with Republicans more than they resonate with women. More than half (57%) of Republicans say she has been treated unfairly, with less than half as many Democrats (27%) agreeing. The difference between men (55% treated fairly) and women (46%) is smaller, with women more likely to be undecided than men.

When we ask the ultimate question--how does each candidate's VP pick affect one's vote--we see Palin moving the Republican base, but not others. Two-thirds (67%) say Obama's selection of Senator Joe Biden has no difference on their vote, while fewer (55%) say the same about Palin. But Palin elicits more saying they are "less likely" to vote for McCain (19%) than say the Biden pick makes them less likely to vote for Obama (10%).

Further, as the report notes, Palin runs up the score among Republicans and evangelicals (+37, +32 more minus less likely to vote for McCain, respectively). But moderates say Obama's pick of Biden makes them more likely to vote for Obama (+12 more minus less), with Palin having neither a positive or negative net affect for McCain.

These findings build upon earlier results I wrote about this week. It seems increasingly unlikely that former Hillary Clinton supporters will move to McCain because of Sarah Palin. But during the heat of the Republican convention, the Republican base is indeed energized.; September 06, 2008 12:16 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: SEe how the first person out there that makes a claim wins. Palin's assertion that she sold the plane on E-Bay was a lie, but even though CNN and ABC covered the story have tried to correct that, I bet that there are millions of people still believe that she pulled of a meraculous feat by putting it on E-Bay and making a profit.

I just hope that the National Enquirer comes up with something big, even if it is less than substantiated.

That plane load of lawyers that the McCain campaign sent to Alaska last Friday is really working overtime. They are going to get that investigation into Palin stopped somehow. It is a Republican dominated legislature and they are all now willing to jump on her side and call it all off.

The Alaskan Democrats should just forget about getting a fair enquiry and just release every bit of dirt that can be found. E-mails, tapes, etc. should be released. Telling the State Safety Commissioner that "The Governor and her husband don't understand why Wooton is still representing the department" without actually saying the words fire him is exactly the same as saying we don't understand why you haven't fired him.

As I said the first one out with the information wins. No one cares about the rebuttle, and in fact no one whats to really hear the truth when the original story is way more spicy.

These are all Repulsive Party tactics.; September 06, 2008 12:33 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Everyone be sure to read the article on this link that was posted above
and send it to everyone and post it all over the web!

Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean”

http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/09/05/alaskans-speak-in-a-frightened-whisper-palin-is-%E2%80%9Cracist-sexist-vindictive-and-mean%E2%80%9D/

.
The most damaging thing I've read yet!; September 06, 2008 12:41 AM
UUbuntu said...: Jon Stewart was good tonight. A contrast of McCain's speech with Bush's speech should be lifted by Democrats and put into a series of 30 second commercials.

Video on line tomorrow.; September 06, 2008 1:09 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: On http://www.thedailyshow.com/

there is a clip titled:

Sarah Palin - Vet This!

---

If ya'll haven't seen it then check it out - it is AWESOME !!!; September 06, 2008 1:23 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: I can't believe the inteligence of some Americans. Here is a comment from one potential voter, taken from a story on the Huffington Post:

"She is not fit to lead; she does not even have a passport, so how can she possibly understand foreign relations?"

It seems to me that any shit you put out there sticks, but you have to first.; September 06, 2008 1:26 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Watch it and then spread this link to everyone you know!

Regarding community organizers...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpniuotfpR8

.; September 06, 2008 2:12 AM
suzihussein22 said...: beryl-I read your article and am sending it along, if you don't mind. I've got 2 friends who are also Rep. but have open minds. I'm making sure they see things like this that aren't from "liberal sources."; September 06, 2008 8:22 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 06, 2008 10:08 AM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Vicki - DemoNcrats?; September 06, 2008 10:12 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: hee, I love it when my typos are amusing!

(grinning)

too bad I can't go back and correct that. do you think I should? before some right-winger sees it?; September 06, 2008 10:44 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: btw, IV - what are you studying again?; September 06, 2008 10:45 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: recommended reading: the front page posts a link to the 2006 vetting of Palin, when she was running for governer (put together by Alaska Democrats).

it's very well done.

(reposted w/o the typo); September 06, 2008 10:49 AM
Independent Voter said...: Vicki, I'm a Political Science major.

btw - I wouldn't say that it was necessarily a typo - I'm sure you had Sarah Palin on the mind - after all she really does seem like a demon.; September 06, 2008 1:20 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Mistaken Identity?

I found this comment under a CNN article and I'm wondering if it's the same "Independent Voter" who blogs here? Comment and link to CNN page below:

"Independent Voter September 6th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

9/11 would seem to be a photo opp for Mr. McCain and his new side kick. Apparently Obama, who has ZERO creds in war, in peace and pretty much every area other than public speaking, needs to find some way, any way, to link himself with this event.

Solution? Attach yourself to McCain and act like you're both really concerned. Any way to get your face in there, right Barack?"

From Link: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/06/mccain-obama-plan-to-honor-911-victims-together/; September 06, 2008 1:41 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Bill Maher New Rules Sarah Palin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIy5P4V7kiM

VP Sarah Palin Mommy and Me Pregnancy test

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

Enjoy!; September 06, 2008 1:42 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Bill Maher Jeffrey Toobin Sarah Palin is afraid of the media

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Txqn_Rxw2d4

.; September 06, 2008 1:47 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Here's the link for the MSNBC Video with Maddow where she calls out McCain on the lies:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/26567171#26567171

Love it!; September 06, 2008 1:48 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Leah - Are you in Austin?; September 06, 2008 1:50 PM
Independent Voter said...: Aunt Judy - I definitely wasn't me. My IP address has been banned from CNN. LOL

When I did post, my moniker was Dave in San Diego.; September 06, 2008 1:50 PM
Independent Voter said...: oops - "it definitely wasn't me...."

LOL. Yes I have always been me....well except when I wasn't. LOL; September 06, 2008 1:52 PM
Independent Voter said...: OMG Leah - Bill Maher was good last night.; September 06, 2008 1:54 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Where is George Bush?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP-JUkfjc8E

.; September 06, 2008 1:55 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: IV -- Sorry to hear you were banned from posting on CNN -- You know how those media elite can over react to freedom of speech!! LOL!

2 independent voters out there! Imagine that!; September 06, 2008 1:56 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Not that anyone here wants to read this but I'm going to just throw this out there..

.....I like reading and posting here and did it more frequently whet he primaries were hot and heavy. I'm a 40 yr old white mother of 2 who attend elementary school so my time to do stuff I WANT to do is limited by what those kids and my husband want me to do. Now that things are heating up again (with he election) I can't help but comment on stuff.....I have lot of opinions I can't seem to keep to myself!

Anyhow, I'm was recently elected as an officer of the PTA at my kids elementary school. The school has over 1000 kids which is about 1/8th the size of the town Palin was elected mayor of. I'm a soccer mom AND a t-ball mom, which is twice as fun as hockey mom stuff because the dental bills are minimal. I own guns, I hunt and I fish and I love public speaking and giving speeches at the school. I've never flown on a plane with leaking amnionic fluid and labor pains.

As a Texan, I voted for McCain in the 2000 primary because I knew what a dip-wad Bush was/is. I got to see him screw our state over, up close and personal and KNEW he should be no where near DC.

I can't figure out why McCain picked Palin over me? I'm just as qualified. I even wear glasses and pull my hair back in a pony tail. Maybe it's because I'm not racist?

Oh well, I'm glad I got that out of my system. And I look forward to being around more regularly for the next 60 days. I look more forward to Obama-Biden winning in November. They may not win TX, but they will totally win my town=Austin,TX!!!

Did you know the population of Austin, TX is higher than the population of the State of Alaska?; September 06, 2008 2:06 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: September 5, 2008:
John McCain's Big Acceptance Speech (Jon Stewart)

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184111&title=john-mccains-big-acceptance

----

AND this is something everyone MUST see! And spread the link all over America!

http://sarahpalinexposed.com/?p=326

.; September 06, 2008 2:23 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Aunt Judy - I think there's even more than 2 of us Independent Voters out there.

As far as the PTA thing, good for you! Someone who is actually still involved in her family. There aren't too many of you left, or can afford it in this economy.

From my recollection, Austin has always been pretty open-minded, as well as MOST metropolitan areas.

I for one wouldn't have as many problems as I do with the Republicans if they hadn't been hi-jacked by the Christian reich-wing of the party. And I wouldn't have the problem I do with the Democrats if they would grow a spine and stand firmly on their positions. That is why I'm an Independent - this way I don't feel the necessity to be "loyal" to any particular party and actually vote FOR the person and not the party.

Now granted I align myself more with the Democrats, but on occasion I do vote for a Republican. Example, our mayor is Republican - Jerry Sanders - and I voted for him over Donna Frye (D). Although I disagreed with the recall of Gray Davis as governor of CA, I voted against the recall but in favor of Arnold if the recall was successful (mainly because of Arnold's wife.)

The reason I was against the recall campaign was because I feel that recall campaigns should be used for illegal activity, not because of partisan BS - which is why the Davis was being recalled.; September 06, 2008 2:33 PM
apissedant said...: HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Someone on here is involved in the PTA!?!?!?!?!?!? HAHAHAHA!!! Silly COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!; September 06, 2008 2:46 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Aunt Judy,

No, I am in Houston.

O and Joe '08; September 06, 2008 2:49 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Here is a good website to bookmark

www.SarahPalinExposed.com

There are two photos side by side of the Wasilla City Hall and the Illinois State Capitol with an interesting article.

Also, while you are there look at the article under that one with the 10 Questions for Palin.

.; September 06, 2008 2:51 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Hey now..... PTA = One Child, One Voice.

I could just sit back and complain about education and over crowding. Or, I could take a stand and get involved. I think I took the high road.

In fact, this year we're actually focusing on increasing involvement by other parents. Typically we only get about 30% participation. We're up to 50% already and our membership drive isn' over until Mid-Oct.

We're on the verge of taking on the district regarding our extreme over crowding - I'll have to let you know how that turns out!; September 06, 2008 2:54 PM
Independent Voter said...: Aunt Judy - p'd ant was being extremely sarcastic. He was actually making fun of Palin.; September 06, 2008 3:04 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: IV & P'd, glad we got that cleared up. I'd hate to have to go barracuda on him! I'd be like Rove on estrogen....; September 06, 2008 3:16 PM
Independent Voter said...: ROFL Aunt Judy.; September 06, 2008 3:26 PM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 06, 2008 3:27 PM
apissedant said...: I thought estrogen just makes people all teary and cuddly. ;)

VBG; September 06, 2008 3:43 PM
Independent Voter said...: OMG! Sarah Palin's mother-in-law is uncertain of who she will be voting for in November.

I wonder if she knows something that WE don't!?!?!?!

http://tiny.cc/HYPiK; September 06, 2008 3:43 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: One of these days I need to change that "Aunt Judy" screen name thingy. My 23 yr old niece started a blog this past Spring and had me as a contributor and wanted me to be known as her 'aunt'. She's since let it go and I've just kept the "aunt" part. It's corny but lots better than that 'stop obama now" person who post here once in a while.

Oh well, I guess it's not what they call you - it's how you vote! And I vote early and often!; September 06, 2008 3:46 PM
Independent Voter said...: Aunt Judy - Oh well, I guess it's not what they call you - it's how you vote! And I vote early and often!

As long as you don't vote twice in the same election, you're ok (well, of course that is outside of the Texas two-step primaries.) ;); September 06, 2008 3:50 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: IV - Maybe Mom-in-Law hasn't gotten over the "affair" her daughter-in-law allegedly had with her husband's former business partner. Gives that story slightly more credibility. Hmm?; September 06, 2008 3:52 PM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 06, 2008 4:02 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: "Republicans think you're stupid"

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/06/obama-republicans-must-think-you%e2%80%99re-stupid/

I hope that scrapy southside Chicago dude keeps swinging!!!!!

Republican's seem to be adopting their old approach of saying something over and over and over again - so many times that soon it's believed to be true.

In that regard John Stewart was great last night. The link above is really worth a watch if anyone missed it.; September 06, 2008 4:12 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: "Alaskan's cashing in on annual dividend"

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/05/business/main4421373.shtml

I live in Texas which also produces a lot of oil but we don't get any sort of ANNUAL pymt. Oh ya, Bush used to be our governor so any chance of that went to DC with him.; September 06, 2008 4:18 PM
Independent Voter said...: WOW! I guess Iraqi officials aren't too happy with Bush SPYING on them.; September 06, 2008 4:21 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: 'Thrown Away Flags' Story False, Dem Convention Official Says

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/06/thrown-away-flags-story-f_n_124499.html

.; September 06, 2008 4:40 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Digg this:

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/McCain_Campaign_Plans_To_Keep_Palin_Away_From_the_Press

What? Are we supposed to make up our minds on who to vote for by listening to a few speeches? Shoes on the other foot now George McCain!; September 06, 2008 5:00 PM
Independent Voter said...: Thanks Aunt Judy - Dugg It!; September 06, 2008 5:05 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Anyone read this stuff yet? Interesting. From the City of Wasilla, Alaska website - they've created a page to respond to the bombardment of inquiries they've been receiving....they have lots of responses for everything, right down to requests for the list of banned books.

http://www.cityofwasilla.com/index.aspx?page=26&recordid=137&returnURL=%2findex.aspx%3fpage%3d1; September 06, 2008 5:21 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Updates regarding the flags...

Emails to three McCain spokespersons inquiring where the flags were found and how the McCain campaign obtained them were not returned.

UPDATE: DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney issues a statement: "American flags were proudly waved by the 75,000 people who joined Barack Obama at the Democratic Convention. John McCain should applaud that, but instead his supporters wrongfully took leftover bundles of our flags from the stadium to play a cheap political stunt calling into question our patriotism. On the same day he agrees to join Barack Obama at Ground Zero on September 11, John McCain attacks the patriotism of Obama supporters who so proudly waved the American flag at our historic event in Denver just days ago."

UPDATE II: Another statement from the Democratic National Convention Committee: "Stories circulating about flags at the Democratic National Convention are false. We distributed more than 125,000 American made flags at the Convention - the flags removed from Invesco field were intended for other events and taken without permission. It's disappointing that someone would take American flags without authorization and then falsely describe how they were being used. We have the utmost respect for the American flag, and it's sad to see them being used for a cheap political stunt."

------; September 06, 2008 5:29 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: OMG! This needs to be a commercial in the swing states:

McSame/Palin say "they" will change the country -- But....

Palin brings aboard two Bush veteransPosted: Saturday, September 06, 2008 3:16 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Palin
From NBC/NJ's Matthew Berger
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. -- The McCain campaign is bringing two Bush administration communication veterans on board to beef up the team that will travel with Palin.

Tucker Eskew has joined the Palin team as a senior advisor, and campaign officials said he will play a role akin to chief of staff. Eskew served as director of the White House Office of Global Communications and as director of media affairs.

The campaign also confirmed Friday that Tracey Schmitt is joining as deputy communications director and national spokesperson. She is a former Republican National Committee spokesperson.

From MSNBC's First Read. That needs to be plastered everywhere in the swing states -- them saying they're different and then them hiring the same people.

Gotta get ready - we're going to a fun family event full of republicans tonight.... I'll be back later & I'll probably be drunk if I'm going to make it through the night! Hic-cup!; September 06, 2008 5:48 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Leah -- Any word if Obama camp filed police report for stolen property? They can still do it as it's inside the statute of limitations.

That's theft in my book: Look mommy, I found this brand new corvette! It was just sitting by the curb with the keys in it. I figured the last person who touched it was done with it so they just left it....so I took it and it's mine now. Finders keepers?? Fine morals and ethics....steeling American flags.; September 06, 2008 5:52 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: In my opinion....

Charges should be brought against the thief.

Also, charges should be brought against McCain for receiving stolen property.

12,000 flags would have cost several thousands of dollars, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Obama camp lawyer will file criminal charges against the thief and a bring a civil suit against McCain regarding this issue.; September 06, 2008 5:57 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Palin's Pastor: God "Is Gonna Strike Out His Hand Against" America

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-blumenthal/palins-pastor-god-is-gonn_b_124417.html

.; September 06, 2008 6:13 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Hillary's schedule...

http://jstrater.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-campaign-coordinating-hillary.html

Hillary FOR Obama/Biden!; September 06, 2008 7:08 PM
apissedant said...: You know... it appears to me that the Republican party could nominate Hitler and these morons would still defend their ticket. Not the brightest bulbs, are they?; September 06, 2008 7:24 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - they practically did!; September 06, 2008 7:36 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
LOL

Not sure I'd go that far, but this nomination was worse than I could have ever imagined.

Yes, if they'd nominated Romney, Huckabee, or Lieberman, I would have complained about those nominations too, but I still would have understood.
Romney is a successful business man and has a successful political career. I completely disagree with his politics, but I would understand the nomination.
Huckabee has true religious right credentials. He truly believes in what he is doing, even though he is completely wrong.
Lieberman, well Lieberman would have been a jab at the left. He has years of experience in Washington, and has garnered respect from Democrats and Independents in the past. His insistence on religious warfare is terrifying and unAmerican, but it fits with the Republican party.

This woman!?!?!
WHAT!?!?!
I can think of no defense for her. The right only attempts to defend her by calling everyone who refuses to vote for their ticket sexist, or by straight out lying. I honestly believe this is a new low in American politics. My wife said we're the laughing stock of Europe... again.; September 06, 2008 8:06 PM
apissedant said...: HOW STUPID DOES MCCAIN BELIEVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE?

In the ad he seems to love running the most, he rails against Obama because of he claims that Obama will ramp up spending and taxes and not balance the budget. This of course implies that McCain will magically balance the budget.

Now consider that all analysts have concluded that McCain's economic plan is more costly and will leave a large deficit than Obama's plan.
Also consider that by McCain's own admission, he wants to effectively continue the Bush taxing and spending policies.
Lastly, consider that most analysts have concluded that Obama's plan is nothing revolutionary, just a reinstatement of the Clinton years (as far as economic policy is concerned), when the US government actually recorded a RECORD SURPLUS!

So, how stupid does McCain think we are?

Let's all prove him wrong, and keep working to give Obama a TRUE mandate, not the negative 500,000 vote "mandate" that Bush claimed.; September 06, 2008 8:24 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: McCain and Palin are NOT going to FIRE the Bush folks in Washington 'they meant to say' that they are going to HIRE them LOL ;)

---------------------

Palin brings aboard two Bush veterans

Posted: Saturday, September 06, 2008 3:16 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Matthew Berger

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. -- The McCain campaign is bringing two Bush administration communication veterans on board to beef up the team that will travel with Palin.

Tucker Eskew has joined the Palin team as a senior advisor, and campaign officials said he will play a role akin to chief of staff. Eskew served as director of the White House Office of Global Communications and as director of media affairs.

The campaign also confirmed Friday that Tracey Schmitt is joining as deputy communications director and national spokesperson. She is a former Republican National Committee spokesperson.

KICK THE BUMS OUT - VOTE OBAMA!; September 06, 2008 8:32 PM
Independent Voter said...: Ok, p'd ant - you're right. He chose Hitler in a skirt as his running mate.; September 06, 2008 8:44 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
LOL, ok, I'll agree to that one. ;); September 06, 2008 8:51 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Sarah Palin Fails Focus Group

(Undecided Minnesota voters reject Sarah Palin)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnV1pS7qVD8

.; September 06, 2008 9:15 PM
Beryl said...: Both candidates spoke at the AARP.

McCain gave his standard talking points and received polite applauses. However, Obama received overwhelming applauses and even a couple of standing ovations. The AARP clearly favored Obama's plan for healthcare and SS.

John McCain:
http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/TopicAreas/Events/life-at-50/webstream/mccain.html

Barack Obama:
http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/TopicAreas/Events/life-at-50/webstream/obama.html; September 06, 2008 9:22 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: From another blog...

Albert Einstein said it best:

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them"

Obama-Biden '08; September 06, 2008 9:22 PM
apissedant said...: Thanks for the video Leah. It probably would have been better had he questioned the two or three people who said they were more likely to vote for McCain a little more. This would have given a little more balance to the video.

I still find the 4:00 mark the most offensive to me. "The father can easily step in and take care of the family duties." I find this denigrates the service of those that are primary caregivers. It says that their job is so low and easy that ANYONE can do it on a day's notice. I have more respect for my mother than that. She had a difficult job and she did a terrific job raising her children. I respect what she did. I love my father very much, and he did his job very well also, but he himself admits that he could not have done my mother's job.
This is not to say no man can perform the duties of a primary caregiver. Many men can, but not all, and experience in this type of parenting is a must. It does not come over night.; September 06, 2008 9:42 PM
apissedant said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 06, 2008 9:48 PM
apissedant said...: CHECK THIS LINK:

http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:Muh_3snW56EJ:answers.yahoo.com/question/%3Fqid%3D20080830111316AAp6VBp%26cp%3D2+HOW+STUPID+DOES+MCCAIN+BELIEVE+THE+AMERICAN+PEOPLE+ARE%3F&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us

Yahoo Answers is apparently afraid of controversy.; September 06, 2008 9:52 PM
Beryl said...: Apis,
I'm confused with your post. What does the AARP have to do with "colored" people and other minorities. Frankly, I didn't see many people at that gathering who weren't white.; September 06, 2008 9:53 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Unbelievable!!!

September 5, 2008: The Best F#&king News Team Ever - Small Town
(Jon Stewart)

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184114&title=the-best-f#king-news-team-ever

I'm sure glad I don't live in any of their towns ;); September 06, 2008 10:02 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Here's another good one from yesterday....

Jon Stewart

John McCain: Reformed Maverick

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184113&title=john-mccain-reformed-maverick

---; September 06, 2008 10:03 PM
Beryl said...: Apis -
It just occurred to me -- do you know what AARP is? Maybe you thought the first 2 letters stood for African American.

AARP=American Association of Retired Persons.

Caroline Kennedy was the cover girl a few months ago because she just turned 50.; September 06, 2008 10:06 PM
Independent Voter said...: Remember p'd ant - You recently got an AARP card in the mail. You know the one that told you that you were about to turn 50.; September 06, 2008 10:16 PM
Independent Voter said...: beryl, thanks for the links. I just got done watching McCain's and boy was he ALL over the map on his Q&A session. He couldn't stick to the question at hand. I was shocked however, shocked I tell you, he NEVER mentioned that he was a POW. LOL!

I'm watching Obama's now.; September 06, 2008 10:28 PM
apissedant said...: beryl,
My bad!!

LOL!

I'm doing homework at the same time, and for some reason I thought you were talking about NAACP. Don't ask me how I got these confused. ;)

Sometimes the finger work faster than the brain.; September 06, 2008 10:33 PM
apissedant said...: Now the funny thing Dave, is that I could join the NAACP, despite not being colored, yet I can't join the AARP because I'm not old.

Yet the NAACP has never sent me a membership card, and the AARP has. Hmmmm... Also, George Allen is now a lifetime member of the NAACP. That was hilarious to watch.; September 06, 2008 10:37 PM
apissedant said...: And based on my recent stupid post, I am now starting a new group:

APAA

American People Against Acronyms; September 06, 2008 10:38 PM
Beryl said...: I laughed at Obama's last line that he was looking forward to receiving his AARP card. He should get it in just 3 years.; September 06, 2008 10:39 PM
apissedant said...: HA! I beat him to it! ;); September 06, 2008 10:43 PM
apissedant said...: beryl,
In my defense, I was reading about Dutch slave trade and sugar plantations. I already had my mind set in one direction. ;); September 06, 2008 10:44 PM
apissedant said...: Half an hour until SNL. I haven't watch it in years, but I want to see what they do with Sarah Palin. =); September 06, 2008 10:54 PM
Independent Voter said...: beryl, OMG! I was so glad to see that he got the reception and the final response he got. The audience wanted the interview to go on longer.

Did you see at the end of McDouchebag's interview how they couldn't wait to get out of the hall?; September 06, 2008 10:58 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL p'd ant! You sure as hell did, only a couple years early ;); September 06, 2008 10:59 PM
apissedant said...: HAHA Dave,
Well I am having a child in December, and the way society has been going lately, I could be a grandfather in five or six more years. ;)

I figure being a grandfather should get you automatic entry, regardless of age. =); September 06, 2008 11:01 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL p'd ant - you better watch out. 17 years from now like Pali.....er.... well, let's not think about that.; September 06, 2008 11:10 PM
apissedant said...: Hahaha... well luckily Eva and I are planning on actually watching and taking care of our child, instead of just spitting it out and stringing a key around his neck. Doesn't give any guarantees, but raises the odds of success.; September 06, 2008 11:13 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: AP,

The SNL season premiere won't be until next week, September 13. Tonight's show is a repeat.

Mike; September 06, 2008 11:17 PM
apissedant said...: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Thanks for the info Mike. See what happens when you take years off of watching a show? They better bring Tina Fey back, at least for an episode.; September 06, 2008 11:23 PM
Emit R Detsaw said...: Great links and research everyone. Listened to the AARP meetings of both. Good God - Now I think my Electoral vote may be too low. LOL

The focus group was priceless too.

Over on the site I got banned from, they didn't want to here what a loser Palin is. And as bad as she is, McCain is totally clueless.

There was a great explanation as to his problem, and it was explained by a Vietnam Vet on the site. It is a combination of dementia and PSTD. You can seem okay for many years, and then as the dementia starts to set in, your only thoughts are back to the traumatic war scenarios. It's really sad to see, but even scarier that there are some folks that are die hard Republicans that fail to see it.; September 06, 2008 11:42 PM
suzihussein22 said...: peevish-I can see Tina Fey having the talent to do Palin, with those glasses. I wear glasses though, so I'm not saying they're a bad thing.

I hear Hanna didn't waste her time on you. My sister-in-law camped out at the hospital for 2 days though, as in standby. Some of the babies would have been too critical to move. I see Ike's projected path has moved. That made my stomach drop. I hope the community organizers haven't gotten in the way of the real relief workers after Gustav. :(; September 06, 2008 11:49 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Speaking of McCain and Tina Fey...

Look at this from 2004!

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/09/04/mccain-fey-life/

.; September 06, 2008 11:54 PM
suzihussein22 said...: e r d-Yes, it can be scary to see. Some students in high school somehow managed to find out one of our teachers, who had been in Vietnam, would automatically dive under his desk when a student yelled incoming. Even I have PTSD, because I was next to a shooting. I had a "panic attack" at work one night because of some kind of similar noise several years later, and had to let an associate know why.; September 06, 2008 11:57 PM
Beryl said...: Yeah Dave, that AARP response is really encouraging. Obama succinctly outlined his plan to secure the financial future of those reaching retirement age. The audience loved it.

There are a LOT of people over 50 who need to see that clip. Let's distribute it far and wide.

(Interesting fact: Michelle is the youngest of baby-boomers born in 1964 and Bill Clinton is the oldest born in 1946.); September 06, 2008 11:57 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Wall Street Journal

Oops ...

The biggest project that Sarah Palin undertook as mayor of this small town was an indoor sports complex, where locals played hockey, soccer, and basketball, especially during the long, dark Alaskan winters.

The only catch was that the city began building roads and installing utilities for the project before it had unchallenged title to the land. The misstep led to years of litigation and at least $1.3 million in extra costs for a small municipality with a small budget. What was to be Ms. Palin's legacy has turned into a financial mess that continues to plague Wasilla.

....; September 06, 2008 11:59 PM
suzihussein22 said...: leah-Wow, and did his suit actually fit?; September 07, 2008 12:01 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Beryl the baby boomer era is considered between 1946-late 1953. The post WW11 baby boom. AJ; September 07, 2008 12:10 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Notes from a causal but biased observer.

I don't understand why McCain loads up his campaign staff with hundreds of people he claims he will fire once he becomes president.

If McCain is so bent on being an agent of change and reformer of the Repulsive Party once he reacehs the White House, you know "fight fight fight", I don't understand why the people of America don't tell him to do it on his own time.

I now realize that Repulsives really believe what they are saying. But I don't understand how it is that they are more than willingly to overlook obvious discrepancies, lies, and misdeeds when the Repulsives are the transgresser but scream fowl when the Democrats are at fault. Example, Obama doesn't wear a pin, yet neither does McCain. Palin's husband belongs to an independance movement.; September 07, 2008 12:27 AM
Beryl said...: "Beryl the baby boomer era is considered between 1946-late 1953. The post WW11 baby boom. AJ"

Yeah, I used to believe that and thought I missed out. However, I've recently was told that it goes all of the way to 1964.

Not that Wiki is a good source but...

"While 1945-1965 reflect the post-World War II demographic boom in births, there is a growing consensus among generational experts that two distinct cultural generations occupy these years. The conceptualization that has gained the most public acceptance is that of a 1942-1953 Baby Boom Generation, followed by a 1954-1965 Generation Jones. Boomers and Jonesers had dramatically different formative experiences which gave rise to dramatically different collective personalities. Other monikers have been sometimes used to describe the younger cohort, like "Trailing Edge Boomers", "Late Boomers", and "Shadow Boomers". In his book Boomer Nation, Steve Gillon states that the baby boom began in 1946 and ends in 1960, but he divides Baby Boomers into two groups: Boomers, born between 1945 and 1957; and Shadow Boomers born between 1958 and 1964.[7] Further, in Marketing to Leading-Edge Baby Boomers, author Brent Green defines Leading-Edge Boomers as those born between 1946 and 1955. This group is a self-defining generational cohort or unit because its members all reached their late teen years during the height of the Vietnam War era, the defining historical event of this coming-of-age period. Green describes the second half of the demographic baby boom, born from the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s as either Trailing-Edge Boomers or Generation Jones.[8] In some cases the term Shadow Boomer is incorrectly applied to the children of the Baby Boomers; this group is more accurately referred to as Echo Boomers."; September 07, 2008 12:31 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Beryl

thanks for that info. All I've ever heard bout the baby boomer era was between 1946-1953. AJ; September 07, 2008 12:34 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: More biased observations:

The news media claims that McCain and Palin drew more viewers than Obama; by about 1 million. In an effort to point out that they drew more supporters. But the way I see it, the vast majority of the 37 million that watched Obama last week were probably, by far, the vast majority of viewers who watched McCain and Palin this week. You know they were probably comparing their candidate to the Repulsive candidate.; September 07, 2008 12:35 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 07, 2008 12:35 AM
Independent Voter said...: Bob, I totally agree with your assessment. I was thinking the exact same thing.

And if that wasn't the case, I'm glad more people watched McCain because they got absolutely zero substance from his speech. It was NOTHING but him talking about his family and his POW years.; September 07, 2008 12:41 AM
Independent Voter said...: OK, so I just listened to a radio program that PUMApac had online where their "guest" was....drumroll please.....Gloria Allred. I'll tell you what those PUMAs are PISSED!

It was sooooooooooooooo funny! Gloria Allred went to the convention (for CA) as a Clinton delegate. She didn't like the way the nomination process took place, but she is now "100% behind Barack Obama". They were totally expecting her to not be. They were all in a frenzy. It was absolutely hilarious to read some of their comments on their blog (which btw it looks as though their faction is dwindling - and quite rapidly.)

This is BY NO MEANS my slamming Hillary, it is me slamming the PUMAs who are absolutely CLUELESS as to the rights they would lose under a McPalin administration.; September 07, 2008 12:46 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Beryl

The age group between 1946-1955 as defining the baby boomers if you were born after that you were not subject to the draft. AJ; September 07, 2008 12:51 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Dave

I agree wholeheartly with you about the pumas. I think that group as a whole are man haters.AJ; September 07, 2008 12:54 AM
apissedant said...: Yeah, haven't had any problems with hurricanes or tropical storms since I moved to Hampton Roads. Isabel was the worst, and it was mostly small amounts of property damage. We did have a few tornadoes reek havoc not too long ago though. That was weird.; September 07, 2008 12:57 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: kewl, I'm a shadow boomer! can I be in the shadow gubmint, now? :-)

sincerely, I've heard so many definitions of who is/isn't in the boomer generation, that it appears that the term is poorly defined.; September 07, 2008 12:58 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Leah

I can't remember exactly where I seen a piece about that so far in lawyer fees that they have taken half of the money that was put aside for the indoor sports complex. Money down the drain. AJ; September 07, 2008 12:58 AM
Independent Voter said...: Here is the wikipedia definition of the baby boom generation. They say that there are conflicting definitions because the baby boom generation dropped off dramatically in 64 and 65 due to the increased level of the use of birth control. However, they are saying that those born between 1954 and 1965 are referred to as Generation Jones (whatever that means) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_boomer

UGH! I have NEVER seen the word boomer(s) in one article in my entire life. Unbelievable.

Read the entire article at YOUR OWN RISK! It may just give you a headache. :); September 07, 2008 1:14 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Indy -

I was over at puma reading their comments about thirty minutes ago and then came back here and saw your comment. Do you know if there is an audio clip of the puma show on line yet?

I go over to the puma website about every other day to see how many posters are posting and it really does look like their numbers are going down and down and down every day.

They do not let anyone that isn't pro-puma there post - so it is hard to tell what people are thinking and how many are leaving the group.

I think that after next week with Hillary on the stump for Obama even more of the pumas will be leaving the puma pac ;); September 07, 2008 1:14 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Okay I found the audio .. never mind.; September 07, 2008 1:17 AM
Independent Voter said...: Leah - I went to get back on it and I keep getting a page load error. Oh well. I'm glad you got it.; September 07, 2008 1:20 AM
Independent Voter said...: Found it! If anyone else wants to listen to the PUMA interview with Gloria Allred, you can listen to it HERE.

Full disclosure however - Only the first 45 - 60 minutes is the time that Gloria is on, the rest is PUMA people just blowing smoke.; September 07, 2008 1:23 AM
apissedant said...: Ugh, I just finished grading prelabs. This semester isn't starting well. =(; September 07, 2008 1:24 AM
Independent Voter said...: LOL p'd ant! Come on now! They are freshmen and sophomores. You can't expect them to be experts, at least not yet!; September 07, 2008 1:25 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: The US Census Bureau considers the Baby Boom to have begun in 1946 and ended in 1964. The reason those dates are considered the 'Baby Boom' is because of the large increase in births, and especially TFR (the number of births a woman would experience throughout her childbearing years) in comparison to the TFR prior to and after those years.

In raw numbers of births, see the chart at:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6d/Birthratechart_stretch.PNG/525px-Birthratechart_stretch.PNG

While the peak number of births was in or about 1961, the TFR is considered to have peaked in 1957.

An illustration of the US birth rate from 1920 to 2000 at
http://newton.uor.edu/Departments&Programs/EconomicDept/macunovich/baby_boomers.pdf (page 13 of the file) shows the dramatic rise in the US birth rate after 1945 that continues into the early 1960s, then falls dramatically to a low in the 1970s.

Mike; September 07, 2008 1:27 AM
Beryl said...: LOL @ Dave

There are some real differences in the experiences early and late boomers. My big sister is a true boomer so was in HS & college during the Hippie Era. I missed out on all of that so I think that is why I'm so into Obama, saving the planet, and such. She is like "been there, done that".; September 07, 2008 1:27 AM
Independent Voter said...: ;) Beryl!

My mother went through the hippie years, but I don't think she was ever "liberal" in any of her world views.

OMFG! I just saw a preview of Desperate Housewives! WOW! I have a feeling this is going to be a hilarious season! It appears as though Susan has ditched Mike! But damn did that boy she was kissing have one helluva bod!; September 07, 2008 1:32 AM
Independent Voter said...: OOPS! Never mind - he's Gale Harold (Brian Kinney) from Queer As Folk that aired on Showtime several years ago.; September 07, 2008 1:36 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Beryl

there was nothing wrong with the hippie era. LOL LOL .

I will never forget my grandmother was down and we were in downtown Houston and someone shot her the peace sign and she shot it back. That was so funny I still have fond memories of that. What was so funny about it was she had to ask me what it was and how to do it. AJ; September 07, 2008 1:37 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: WOW - I'm listening to Alread now and she is great! She is 1000% supporting Obama! She explained about how we can't have McCain-Palin in the White House and how there will be 2 or 3 Supreme Court Justices seated in the next few years etc.....

I bet Murphy and the PUMAs were shocked that the interview did not go the way they wanted it to and now they can't use it for their propaganda. I love it!!!; September 07, 2008 1:38 AM
apissedant said...: Significant figures and basic division are not exactly rocket science Dave. The average grade of those that turned it in was a low D. I do not enjoy failing students, and it isn't looking good.; September 07, 2008 1:43 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Sexist Republicans:

The way I see it, if governor Palin was indeed a man, he wouldn't be considered interesting or a bright light in the party by any stretch of the imagination. He'd be considered outrageous.

And that is the way I see Palin. She's an outrageous pick; PTA-Mayor of Wasilla (pop <10,000), 18 months Governor of a sparcely populated state, and them possibly leader of the free world even from the first week in office. God help us.; September 07, 2008 1:43 AM
Independent Voter said...: I'm with ya Bob. You did say you are from Vancouver Canada, right?; September 07, 2008 1:53 AM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - you didn't allow them to use calculators did you?; September 07, 2008 1:54 AM
apissedant said...: Yeah, it was a prelab. They had a week to do it. 1/4 of them couldn't calculate how many MPG their car gets.; September 07, 2008 1:55 AM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - ROFL! How in the F"&*) do these people get out of high school? I couldn't believe when I took lower division English and philosophy classes as to how many of these people couldn't write a frickin' sentence, yet alone put together a 5 paragraph essay!; September 07, 2008 2:07 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Ap

how is your wife doing? Hope everything is going well for her. AJ; September 07, 2008 2:12 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Yep! Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Proudly a Canadian. Disappointed that I can't vote in the US Elections.; September 07, 2008 2:19 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave,

"[L]et alone put together a 5 paragraph essay"

VBG

One of my problems in college was keeping my essays SHORT enough.

In one class I took (Human and Political Geography), we were to write a 10-15 page essay for the final. I had to cut a 50 page essay down some, made it down to about 40 pages - hard to do when it was written on a manual Underwood typewriter! And thank God for erasable bond paper!!

The prof told me she gave me a 3.5 instead of a 4.0 only because the paper was 25-30 pages too long.

Mike; September 07, 2008 2:20 AM
Independent Voter said...: UGH! Thanks for the correction Mike! I hate when I do that! But when I'm on blogs I don't really proofread my writings. Reason is, because I have a difficult time proofing on the computer screen. I have to see it on paper.

I don't know why, but a lot of people who literally didn't have computers as kids have the same problem.

By the way, I too have the tendency to write novels instead of essays!; September 07, 2008 2:27 AM
Independent Voter said...: Does anyone know who this character Miles Mogulescu is? The reason I ask is because he wrote an article over at HuffPo about Palin being the "most extreme candidate since Goldwater".

Goldwater, in my opinion, was so far ahead of his time. He was probably one of the BEST Republicans. He totally rejected the far reich-wing of the party. He was in favor of a woman's right to choose. He was in favor of gays serving in the military. He was in favor of medicinal marijuana. He was pretty much a Libertarian cloaked as a Republican.

I don't understand where this guy [Miles] got his information from, but he has really proven himself to not be very knowledgeable regarding Goldwater. I'm sure that Goldwater would be flipping out in his grave if he knew what the Republican Party has become since his death.; September 07, 2008 2:34 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave said...
I don't know why, but a lot of people who literally didn't have computers as kids have the same problem.

The closest I was to a computer when in college was a terminal at the college linked to a mainframe computer at Purdue - about 80 miles away! If I remember correctly, there were a total of two terminals available. The college (Manchester College) had an enrollment of about 1400 at the time. The programming was done on punch cards, printing was done by a line-printing printer. A line-printing printer prints one entire 80-character line at a time on perforated, continuous feed, pin-hole punched paper that measures about 11" by 14" after the side margins are taken off, and pages separated.

Access to Purdue's mainframe was determined by when Purdue had capacity to share, so it was not available 24 x 7.

So do you include me in that "people who literally didn't have computers as kids" category?

VBG

Mike; September 07, 2008 2:48 AM
Independent Voter said...: ROFLMAO! OH YA! Definitely one of them! LOL!

I'm sure you do understand what I'm saying though, right?; September 07, 2008 2:56 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave said...
[Goldwater] was in favor of gays serving in the military. He was in favor of medicinal marijuana.

Goldwater was actually against any and all things gay until his grandson came out as gay. This was near the end of Goldwater's public career, well after the 1964 election. He also was an early supporter of the crackdown on drugs (Nixon's 'war on drugs') until later.

The major problem with calling him a Libertarian until later was his hardline foreign policy stances that many thought would bring about a deadly confrontation with the Soviet Union. This was the idea behind LBJ's 'Daisy' ad, and why that ad was so effective, even though it appeared on TV as an ad only one time.

Goldwater's politics became more Libertarian after he won his Senate seat back in 1968.

Mike; September 07, 2008 2:58 AM
Independent Voter said...: I'm watching SNL - and I still didn't like the skit at the beginning, but I do like the annuale commercial that they did. The once a year birth control.

LOL!

Hold on to your bleepin' hat!; September 07, 2008 2:59 AM
Independent Voter said...: Mike, during his presidential bid, gays weren't really out in the open nor had the fight for equal rights really begun. The true gay rights movement came out of the feminist movement in the late 60's early 70's. Yes he was against many social programs, but that was mainly because he was against "big government". Less than 20 years later he rejected the religious extremism that took over the Republican Party after Roe.

I guess what I was referring more to was his social/domestic causes. He was well liked in the NAACP, despite his opposition to the CRA, simply because he didn't believe in government involvement in people's personal lives. That's all I'm saying. I know he was highly controversial when it came to some of his foreign policy stances (mostly having to do with being anti-communist) but socially, he was very much in favor of limited government involvement.; September 07, 2008 3:11 AM
Independent Voter said...: Oh well, g'night all!

Have fun p'd ant!

I'll catch up a little more tomorrow.; September 07, 2008 3:12 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave,

Actually, I don't have that much problem with proofing on the computer screen. I've been using some form of computer at work for more than 30 years, and had a PC at home for more than a decade.

Even more important, though, is that most of what I did before I retired was writing purchase orders and contracts. In both of those jobs, you absolutely need to make sure you proof the information. Otherwise you might order something you didn't intend to order! I learned to proof the info before it was printed - saved a lot of time and paper, especially when the orders (especially purchase orders) were printed on 7-part paper (original plus 6 copies made with carbon paper), using a dot-matrix printer.

Now that I'm retired, use of Firefox as my browser and its built-in spell checker makes life a bit simpler.

Mike; September 07, 2008 3:12 AM
apissedant said...: The wife is very good. She is anxious for me to join her, and so am I.

I'm not sure. I don't know how High School was back in the day, but it seems more and more that public school is what you make of it. Some of the brightest kids I've ever met are attending public schools and doing wonderfully, but I'm also seeing kids come through that should not have made it through algebra.

The problem seems to be that the primary mission is to graduate students, not necessarily make sure they are properly educated. Anyone who has ever taught knows the giant hassle of failing a student. Even though I'm teaching a college lab, I have still received notes from PARENTS. In k-12, the problem is much worse. There is almost never a complaint from a parent or a student if the student is giving an undeserved passing grade.
Add to this that schools are graded partially on their graduation percentages, and that teachers who fail large amounts of students are judged as failures and fired. The end result is little motivation for either teachers or administrators to do quality control.

It is unfortunate, because it turns out when kids know they don't have to do the work, they often don't do the work.

Oh, add to this that the outgoing President of my University apparently lowered admission requirements of the school as a parting "gift," despite a record number of applicants. URGH!; September 07, 2008 3:36 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave said...
[Goldwater] was very much in favor of limited government involvement.

Dave,

Not so much 'limited government involvement' but more a 'limited FEDERAL government involvement'.

His opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was based on his belief that it unconstitutionally extended the federal government's commerce power to private citizens in its drive to "legislate morality" and restrict the rights of employers, i.e., state's rights.

Mike; September 07, 2008 3:37 AM
apissedant said...: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/06/AR2008090603024.html?hpid=topnews

Palin is Britney Spears. She took her infant son on a tour of a state prison, and decided against strapping the infant into a safety seat.

She writes off carpooling the kids to school events as a business expense.

She is a useless human being.; September 07, 2008 3:40 AM
Karen Anne said...: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/opinion/07vowell.html

Beryl, I meant to ask you before, what country are you thinking of retiring to? Mexico?; September 07, 2008 9:00 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: well, I don't type so well, but I have no real problem with expressing myself.

pissed ant, they can't even calculate MPG??? wtf?? is this a chemistry lab? it's gonna be a rocky quarter. I would let them know what the goals are for the quarter, and then tell them that simple arithmetic skills are essential to passing the class. And then if they want to hire you (or someone) to tutor them, that some of them will need that in the next week in order to scrape by in the class. tell them this early in the quarter so that they stand a chance.

(yes, I've taught, some people need to hear this very early)

I can do that sort of simple math with or without a calculator, but I learned arithmetic w/o a calculator. My daddy got me a slide rule when I was in about 4th grade, too, fyi. I've never been able to understand why some people think that mathematics is so hard, and this is just straight arithmetic. makes my head hurt for those folks.; September 07, 2008 9:58 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: Oh, and be specific: tell specific people that they will need a tutor. if the school has a list of tutors, get it and post it so that people know how to track one down.; September 07, 2008 10:06 AM
Emit R Detsaw said...: Well, submitted my McCain green screen to Oreo last night and he has it up already - Thanks Oreo!!!

(self promotion is great - LOL)

Couple of good ones submitted so far. Mine is what it be like if McCain is elected. His first press conference from the Rose Garden. ;o); September 07, 2008 10:39 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: Heres' one for the MSM to pick up on: "If she can't meet MTP, is she really ready to meet Putin?"

fer pete's sake, no matter what you believe, she's clearly not ready for prime-time.; September 07, 2008 11:01 AM
Karen Anne said...: wrs the Repugs saying a Hawaii vacation is elitest,

Honolulu Advertiser, Sept. 5:

“Palin and three friends went to the University of Hawai’i-Hilo after graduation from high school in Alaska in 1982. But they left after a few weeks because of the constant rain there…

Palin..and a friend then traveled to Honolulu and enrolled at Hawaii Pacific College (later Hawaii Pacific University). She attended only as a freshman during the fall of 1982.”

I can see dropping out of college because it’s too rainy, that’s the kind of work ethic we need, not.; September 07, 2008 11:56 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: a looooong time ago, I knew someone who went to UH Hilo around that timeframe. wonder if I could find him.; September 07, 2008 12:06 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Emit-

I saw that photo last night before I went to bed and thought it was a really good one!

O and Joe '08; September 07, 2008 12:52 PM
Independent Voter said...: OH MY! Ms. Palin has definitely been caught LYING! Yep I said it, she is a plain FLAT-OUT, no holds bar LIAR; September 07, 2008 12:57 PM
apissedant said...: vicki,
Yeah, I'm going to have a nice little talk with my classes on Wednesday. The fact that there were 5 questions, and some students left some of them blank... ridiculous. Not one student emailed me or stopped by to ask for help.; September 07, 2008 2:14 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Here is a comment from HuffPost in it's entirety...

Open Letter to All Democrats Part 3:

It"s not about what you DON"T know about Palin, it"s about what you DO know. We know she:

1) supports earmarks that John McCain finds wasteful spending.
2) is extreme on abortion rights and wants to overturn Roe V. Wade.
3) doesn"t believe in science or global warming.
4) believes God should tell her how to govern, fight wars and write policies.
5) is against equal pay for women.
6) is pro-censorship and would ban certain books in libraries across the country.
7) has flip-flopped on guns and abstinence .
8) does not have any foreign policy credentials to speak of.
9) and her husband flirted with Alaska"s secession from the Union.
10) Finally, we know she's itching for a fight. Dems need to answer her wish.

Signed,

A faithful Democrat in Austin, TX

Please forward to everyone you know. There is just TOO much at stake in this election to let the Republicans make it about personality.
-------------------------------; September 07, 2008 2:14 PM
apissedant said...: Nice video Dave. Hard to deny it when you've got it on video... won't stop them though.; September 07, 2008 2:18 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: pissed: unbelievable. do they WANT to fail? (ask them that) trust me, put them on warning earlier rather than later.

to everyone: ready for the fight!
fired up! ready to go!; September 07, 2008 2:19 PM
apissedant said...: vicki,
Don't worry, that's one thing I definitely learned last year. I tried to be nice my first semester, and students attempted to walk all over me. I learned you have to be mean at the beginning, and then hopefully they'll do their work and you can start being nice later on in the semester. Hopefully.; September 07, 2008 2:34 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Palin used state funds for trip to speak at her former church

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/51956.html

.; September 07, 2008 2:35 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Palin In '06: I Won't Let "Spinmeisters" Turn Bridge To Nowhere Into "Something Negative"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/07/palin-in-06-i-wont-let-sp_n_124591.html

.; September 07, 2008 2:38 PM
suzihussein22 said...: OBAMA/BIDEN 08; September 07, 2008 2:41 PM
suzihussein22 said...: peevish-Just remember, those students are earning their grade. You're not failing them.; September 07, 2008 2:43 PM
tmess2 said...: In Texas, oil revenue has traditionally been committed to the University of Texas and Texas A & M to help fund higher education.

In Alaska and Venezuela, oil revenue has traditionally gone to a living stipend to all residents. So would someone tell me the difference between the domestic policies of Hugo Chavez and Sarah Palin. My Republican siblings assert that Alaska's policies aren't socialist but they can't tell me why.; September 07, 2008 2:43 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Palin's "Biggest Project" As Mayor: A Hockey Rink With Legal Troubles

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122065537792905483.html

- - - - - - - - - - - - -; September 07, 2008 2:44 PM
apissedant said...: suzi,
Thanks, but it doesn't make it feel any better. When teaching, it is fun when you get to see the students learn and progress through the class. It is never fun to watch them fail or seem disinterested in the subject. =/; September 07, 2008 2:59 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: I'll go ahead and say this FIRST before the trolls come to gloat ;)

National Gallup Tracking

Obama 45, McCain 48
McCain +3

Looks like McCain got a little TEMPORARY post-convention bounce.; September 07, 2008 3:06 PM
suzihussein22 said...: DOH! I couldn't help it. I posted on Oprah because they're commenting about not having Palin on the show until after the election. I hope they don't have Palin on the View either. Those low-info voters are scary. Disclaimer: To be honest, a couple of years ago, I was a quasi low-info voter. I knew Bush Inc. was bad news, but all the little details about districts and the congressional language and such bored me. Now I'm mad enough at myself to learn about it anyway. This country has been sinking fast!

peevish-I was just passing on some knowledge from my uncle, a history professor.; September 07, 2008 3:47 PM
Karen Anne said...: "The GOP veep candidate will sit down with Charlie Gibson later this week in Alaska."

It appears that Boy Toy George will not be there?

I assume Palin will wear her flag pin? Then they can have a nice long discussion about that :-); September 07, 2008 3:48 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: Leah, that is one poll, of registered voters. I don't know the specific question that Gallup asks.; September 07, 2008 4:28 PM
Karen Anne said...: I've seen maybe five minutes Oprah in my life, so I don't know if she could do this, but I bet even I'm nice to everyone Barbara Walters could say gently, wtf with that plane trip and no car seats, etc.

Either a competent journalist or a sensible woman talk show host would expose her for the dingbat is.; September 07, 2008 4:40 PM
suzihussein22 said...: With the kind of logic the Rep. are using right now-

I live in Southwest Florida. Cuba isn’t too far away. I’m checking my qualifications with the Pentagon, in case there’s an opening.

That was from a comment in the adn.

I live in the same state as a nuclear power plant, so what agency could I head? ;); September 07, 2008 5:16 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Suzi, I would say Sec. of State?; September 07, 2008 5:52 PM
Independent Voter said...: WOW! I cannot believe this whole "drill baby drill" mantra coming out of the Repuke party!

Had WE, as a nation, LISTENED to two individuals who were ahead of their time, Carter and Gore, WE, as a NATION, would be energy independent by now.; September 07, 2008 5:55 PM
suzihussein22 said...: iv dave-Can't you just imagine? We've known for years that at the very least car's are designed for certain efficiency ratings. It's no accident. Then you hear all these cases of individuals that come up with great ideas. Rhetorical question, why aren't corporations jumping all over them?; September 07, 2008 6:17 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: ...........CNN confirms that Palin will sit down with Charles Gibson of ABC News later this week; the exact date has yet to be announced..............

UPDATE, 3:15 p.m.: CNN Correspondent Dana Bash has confirmed additional details about the upcoming interview: According to a McCain aide, the plan is for Gibson to have time with Palin over two days — Thursday and Friday of this coming week. The interview will be part sit-down, part walk-and-talk at various locations in Alaska.
----------------------

So it sounds like a FLUFF interview to me. A tour of the places in Alaska that the McCain wants you to see and the stuff that McCain want you to hear.

Palin needs to be asked the hard question on Meet the Press, or Face the Nation, etc.; September 07, 2008 6:23 PM
Beryl said...: It is a fluff interview. Unfortunately, the stupid public won't notice that.

Alec Baldwin's article on Huff nails it for me. The public is really dumbing down and the corrupt Republicans are taking advantage of that.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alec-baldwin/john-mccain-is-not-george_b_124464.html; September 07, 2008 6:31 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Palin's church IS VERY scarey stuff.

Everyone needs to watch this video!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-wilson/sarah-palins-churches-and_b_124611.html

.
The news media needs to focus on this 24/7 for at least a week!; September 07, 2008 6:34 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: so, how to best fight this sort of blantant appeal to the low-info voters? I'm not on board this bus to see it have a horrible accident.; September 07, 2008 6:34 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: This is a bit strange but gets really good about a minute in...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVLWMynm1jc

.; September 07, 2008 6:48 PM
Karen Anne said...: Ref Alec Baldwin on HuffPost, ap, was it you who mentioned wanting to see Tina Fey recently?

You should really catch 30 Rock if you haven't seen it, both of them are hilarious in it. Full length episodes are on the web at
http://www.nbc.com/30_Rock/video/episodes/?apl=true

And guest stars like Isabella Rosselini, what's not to like :-); September 07, 2008 7:00 PM
Independent Voter said...: I hear ya suzi. I suggest ANYONE who is interested in alternative fuels to watch the movie, "Who Killed the Electric Car."

Excellent movie. Now granted it is a documentary from the left (not as far left as Michael Moore, but from the left nonetheless), but I delves into the collusive agreement between the oil and US vehicle manufacturing companies.; September 07, 2008 7:20 PM
Independent Voter said...: OMG! LMAO! You have got to watch THIS!

I can just imagine this is exactly how this conversation went between McDouchebag and UGH I can't even say her name anymore.; September 07, 2008 7:25 PM
Independent Voter said...: Ok, you guys know I don't normally feed the trolls - but after the conversation I listened to over at PUMA between Murphy and Allred, and looking how their comments section has dwindled down to about 300 per day, I just have to respond to one of our village idiot's comments: Most of the PUMAs will support McCain/Palin...

Yep all 300 of them are going to vote for McDouchebag/UGH!; September 07, 2008 7:27 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: "who killed the electric car" is an EXCELLENT movie. Practically a requirement for living under this roof. my husband converted a Metro Geo to all-electric - took off the month of January to do it, built it so that it just had to plug into an ordinary household outlet. He happily drove it back and forth to work daily for quite a bit (plugged it in at work, with the boss's wholehearted endorsement). But the maintenance was a bit much, and he gave it up. Now we both drive hybrids (priuses) (pri-i?). love the mileage. :-)

back to the movie - GM acted very poorly in demanding that each and every one of those cars be returned. very poorly indeed. there are many in the electric vehicle community that will probably never trust them again.

another good movie - the one that convinced him that my arguement to drink organic milk was valid, was "the corporation".; September 07, 2008 7:42 PM
Independent Voter said...: Thanks Vicki, I'll have to check it out.; September 07, 2008 7:47 PM
POTUS_Breath said...: Hey S-O-n,

We all get how enthralled & ecstatic you are that McCain/Palin took a 3 pt. bounce in the polls. You're welcome to have an opinion--which is all part of the democratic process.

My OWN response is, your giddiness about McCain/Palin being in the lead only demonstrates to me the narrow-mindedness & ignorance of many Americans who continually relate to this election as if it were a game.

I am an independent voter. I prefer to choose my vote based on facts & where candidates stand on issues. I do not care about a candidate's upbringing, religious convictions, age, race or gender. However, I DO care about their track record, their demonstration of leadership and their commitment to performing their job with integrity.

To this point, I hear NO concrete solutions whatsoever coming out of the McCain/Palin ticket. Nothin', Nattah, Niet. And I don't mean mere 'promises'. I mean presenting an actual PLAN that gives details of how they plan to do X, Y & Z.

What I DO hear from McCain/Palin are carefully worded narratives, sound bites & misleading accusations. Both Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin have made out & out lies regarding Obama's record, their own accomplishments, and their own track records. Palin has glossed over how she actually SUPPORTED the funding for the "Bridge to Nowhere" only to criticize it later as it became a hot potato...AND, then KEPT THE $270 Million funded for it! She also pushed for a multi-million dollar Sports Complex to be built (with Gov't funding), while CUTTING funding for a badly needed Sewage Treatment Plant (or as she'd say, cutting 'wasteful spending')!

Likewise, McCain CONTINUALLY says he's taking a stand for change in Washington--which is a great buzzword these days--but let's face it: He has been in Washington for two decades himself. Voting almost ALWAYS down party lines. How can he possibly stand for 'change' when he's FAILED to live up to that promise for 20 years?

And lastly, I detest the religiosity of our electoral process... we MUST be safe in knowing that our politicians embrace the separation of Church & State REGARDLESS of their own personal religious convictions.

Gov. Palin has ALREADY exclaimed that she sees our soldiers in Iraq "doing God's work." I say, such an assertion only points to her inability to separate her religious beliefs from her civic duty. Having her 'a heartbeat away from the Presidency' is tantamount to putting our country dangerously close to a fascist theocracy. I'd rather leave that to the Iranians & the Saudis. I don't want it here.

Thanks.; September 07, 2008 7:48 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: mr_soapbox said...
Hey S-O-n, . . . .

The management of DemConWatch has asked that we don't even acknowledge the postings of KNOWN trolls.

Known trolls are:
SON
Yamaka
Mike (not me, but the one whose nom de plume is 'Mike' with no geographic location cited)

Did I miss anyone, gang?

Mike; September 07, 2008 7:57 PM
POTUS_Breath said...: "The management of DemConWatch has asked that we don't even acknowledge the postings of KNOWN trolls."

Mike,

Got it. ...however, my intention was also to educate others as I trashed the troll...

Redards,

Mr S.; September 07, 2008 8:02 PM
Independent Voter said...: If Sarah Palin is such a "great" governor, then why is HER state fifth HIGHEST in unemployment?

http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/state_unemployment/index.html; September 07, 2008 8:14 PM
Judy Bienvenu said...: Known trolls are:
SON
Yamaka
Mike

Did I miss anyone, gang?
*****************
I believe Yamaka and StopObamaNow are the same person.; September 07, 2008 8:52 PM
suzihussein22 said...: m in md-Did you miss anyone, gang? That just about it covered it, brotha. ;); September 07, 2008 9:08 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: nah, that pretty much covers it.; September 07, 2008 9:53 PM
Kujo said...: New Obama Commercial (I wish):

McCain says: I will change Washington. I will rid Washington of Corruption. I will rid Washington of its earmarks. I will rid washington of the influence that Lobyst Have.

McCain..... Fix your party on your own Dime

Obama/Biden 08; September 07, 2008 10:49 PM
Aunt Jean said...: Hey Guys and of course Gals

I can't wait until next week when Hillary is in Florida. I hope she gets to put Palin in her place and that is the bottom of the totam pole the liar. Palin is just McLame made over he/she wouldn't know the truth if it hit them in the face.

Leah

McPalin might be +3 in national polls but that is only temp. AJ; September 07, 2008 10:50 PM
apissedant said...: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/08/business/media/08msnbc.html?hp

I don't know about anybody else, but Keith wasn't the reason I kept switching away from MSNBC.; September 07, 2008 10:56 PM

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