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:

«Oldest ‹Older 5401 – 5600 of 9481 Newer› Newest»

Kujo said...: wish this was true

http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/Politics/Story?id=5866046&page=2; September 24, 2008 2:09 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: An interesting article in The New Republic

The Wrong Emergency
by Roger Lowenstein
What Washington doesn't understand about the financial crisis.
Post Date Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Lowenstein explains why this financial meltdown should NOT be handled like it's the beginning of the 21st century's Great Depression. It is not a problem of the American economy, but a problem of the Wall Street banks, and them only.

The only emergency is on Wall Street, and that is entirely of Wall Street's making. It was the banks that made the loans, the banks that bought the paper, the banks that dumbly believed the models that said that housing prices wouldn't collapse. The pinstriped bankers who leveraged their institutions' capital thirty-to-one so as to inflate their profits (and their personal take) now complain they were done in by those nasty short-sellers. How touching to see executives from the likes of Lehman Brothers, not normally an institution associated with widows and orphans, squawk about cutthroat tactics. Regardless, had they not borrowed so much, they would not have been vulnerable.

http://tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=0a253ad4-7e1a-4d8e-b50a-ecb61ec70855

And the emergency that Lowenstein thinks SHOULD be addressed? The millions of Americans who are facing foreclosure. And he thinks it is developing slow enough that time can be taken to go through a thorough proces of formulating a legal package that will fix the problem.

Mike; September 24, 2008 2:50 AM
Karen Anne said...: Mike in M,

I don't know if they have to have new regs, or if the old ones just come back into effect...; September 24, 2008 3:36 AM
Karen Anne said...: From latest Obaam email:

an economic recovery plan based on the following:

• No Golden Parachutes -- Taxpayer dollars should not be used to reward the irresponsible Wall Street executives who helmed this disaster.

• Main Street, Not Just Wall Street -- Any bailout plan must include a payback strategy for taxpayers who are footing the bill and aid to innocent homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

• Bipartisan Oversight -- The staggering amount of taxpayer money involved demands a bipartisan board to ensure accountability and oversight.

The failed economic policies and the same corrupt culture that led us into this mess will not help get us out of it. We need to get to work immediately on reforming the broken government -- and the broken politics -- that allowed this crisis to happen in the first place.

And we have to understand that a recovery package is just the beginning. We have a plan that will guarantee our long-term prosperity -- including tax cuts for 95 percent of families, an economic stimulus package that creates millions of new jobs and leads us towards energy independence, and health care that is affordable to every American.; September 24, 2008 3:37 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Karen Anne,

I agree with every point that you made.

We also need to somehow get across to the idiotic right-wingers that eliminating regulations without care to which ones are eliminated will just lead to this problem in even bigger form again and again in the future. We need to somehow educate the idiotic right-wingers that left unchecked, market capitalism is very greedy and very selfish, and in that environment, only a very, very, very few people will be on top, and the rest of the population will be at the bottom. Maybe they need to study some history, such as what happened in Europe (especially Germany) after WW I, and in Holland in the early 17th century when the Tulip and Bulb Craze and subsequent crash occurred, and think about how almost the entire population suffered.

Then there is the lessons we still haven't learned from the Great Depression in the US that occurred less than 80 years ago. One thing we learned, then because of the 'deregulation' craze we discarded, was the banking reforms in the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which set up a lot of the banking regulations that Phil Gramm and other deregulators ditched in 1999, leading to the current financial market crisis. Glass-Steagall tempered the greed, the repeal of the Act helped to lift the lid on that greed.

Mike; September 24, 2008 4:59 AM
Karen Anne said...: HI Mike in M,

Those were the points in the Obama email, not mine, although I am glad Congress is not just going to shovel our money out with no strings.

Now that I have had time to think about it, I'd like to see the people suckered into fraudulent mortgages, small business loans, etc. helped, but the idiot, greedy places and their CEOs should just crash and burn.

I know some people with those mortgages were greedy (I remember reading examples in the Times of someone bemoaning that their house flipping scheme had tanked,or, sob, they had to put off their yearly travels to Europe or some such), those no help for. But there were people less than smart and genuinely defrauded, or who lost their jobs and got into a financial pickle who should be helped.

If there needs to be some stopgap way to make reasonable loans available to people and small business while this mess clears up, that could be done thru responsible companies, not propping up Lehman, AIG, or whoever.

I am -really- not in favor of bailing out foreign companies either.

p.s. I read later that there is a reg delay about the offshore drilling.; September 24, 2008 6:31 AM
Beryl said...: Powerful article:

http://www.truthout.org/article/palin-can-launch-us-back-time

It is written by US Army Brigadier General Janis L. Karpinski. I encourage women to read and consider all that is communicated here.; September 24, 2008 12:51 PM
Karen Anne said...: Beryl, I think she is right and speaks more plainly than anyone about Palin, but with her hands dirty from Abu Ghraib, not a person to quote in Obama's favor.; September 24, 2008 1:11 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: If you want a good laugh, watch this Wanda Sikes video when she was on Jay Leno.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/24/wanda-sykes-tears-into-go_n_128902.html; September 24, 2008 1:35 PM
Dilbuck said...: Fox News/Rasmussen poll has Obama up 6.

http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message615001/pg1; September 24, 2008 2:31 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Huffington Post is reporting that McCain is looking for a delay in the debates because of the economic crisis!!!!!

Is he affraid of Obama?
Does he want to avoid answering questions?
Is he affraid that Palin will sink the ship?

Comments please; September 24, 2008 3:05 PM
tmess2 said...: Breaking news, McCain wants to call off Friday's debate and suspend campaigning so that he can work on the economy.

Umm, like does this mean McCain is actually going to spend a day this year in DC being a Senator.

Newsflash for McCain -- You aren't the President, you are merely one vote out of 100. You can be there on Monday to vote. Until then, you really don't have anything to contribute that can't go through your staff. It's not like you're going to do anything other than look at polls and have your staff recycle Senator Obama's proposals.; September 24, 2008 3:08 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: I think he is tryong to appear as thouogh he's a leader, coniliatory, reaching accross the isle, presidential - having to run back to Washington to pull all this together.

You're right, no one needs him or wants him in Washington until he has to vote. Christ, Palin has been away from her job for weeks.

Everyone knows that the government minions will run just as smoothly without the Congress and Senate.; September 24, 2008 3:17 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: While I'm commenting, I may as well write on something that has been bothering me for some time. Perhaps some in the know will reply.

Why is it that Bristol was so scared or so unknowledgeable that she didn't go to her family doctor or her mothe, tell them how far things in her relationship have gotten, and request birth control pills and made her boyfriend pay for them. She must have gotten some information from her friends at school.

And dose Sarah Palin's religion preclude the use of birth control pills.; September 24, 2008 3:30 PM
Beryl said...: Why is McCain suspending his campaign?

1. He is losing and this is a "time out".
2. He cannot multitask. This is why he is the leader in absenteeism in the Senate.
3. He failed to look presidential last week so he needs to recover.; September 24, 2008 3:35 PM
Yamaka said...: Folks:

Remember, there is definitely the Bradley/Wilder Factor in play in the polls.

As much as 10% of the "Yes Obama" vote is bogus vote during the polling process.

That means Sen Obama is trailing the polls at about 37% approval rating.

He could easily lose PA, FL, VA, MI and OH. Unless he does extraordinarily well during ALL Debates.

Palin is a side show. She helps McCain to fire up their Conservative Base. Democrats should not waste more time on Palin. She may not have any impact on the Independent Voters, who will finally call the Election.

Cheers.; September 24, 2008 3:40 PM
Karen Anne said...: Bob,

You've never been a teenaged girl :-)

Her parents would have landed on her like a ton of bricks. I'm assuming that they believe they're Christian, even if Palin doesn't act like it.

As to the family doctor, I'm not sure what the law is about prescribing birth control to underaged girls nowadays. In my day, the doctor would have immediately picked up the phone and called the parents. If there was a Planned Parenthood nearby, they might have helped her, but in a small community, with the mother as Mayor or Governor, the chances that she'd get away with that seem unlikely.

I think McCain wants to stop campaigning because Obama needs to campaign in the battleground states because he is less well-known there.; September 24, 2008 3:41 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Observations from afar:

This campaign has been hillarrious. It's a joke. The McCain campaign has been so bad that it is and has been the focus of every comedian around. Some of the blogs I've read are side splitting. Through all the reading, I've had one laugh after another; outload even, and I'm totally alone here with my computer.

So please someone explain, how can McCain still be 44-47% in the polls and still have all the battleground states still up in the air.

If we had a McCain or Palin on a ticket in Canada, the election would be over.; September 24, 2008 3:46 PM
Doug said...: Good questions Bob...

About the "Slacker Nation" free video (link is above somewhere)... I just watched it and it is great. Best line (of many) is Roseanne Barr saying "It's not Bush's fault that the deficit has grown by trillions of dollars. He has Deficit Attention Disorder."; September 24, 2008 4:01 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: There is absolutely no reason for McCain or Obama to go to Washington right now. Obama and McCain both stated yesterday what they want to see in the bailout bill. They both have staffs that can push their proposals in D.C. Obama knows how to use a computer, blackberry, and telephone. Perhaps since McCain is so technology handicapped he thinks he has to be 'physically' there.

The debates should go on as scheduled!

McCain is just wanting a time out because he has spent his time hobnobbing with the folks at the U.N. instead of preparing for the debate and also since he is slipping in the polls he is doing this 'drama' to get airtime and 'look' important.

Hey McCain YOU are NOT important, NOT the president, etc. and Washington will do just fine with the bailout bill without your help! Even Bush usually isn't in D.C. when important things are going on. On 9/11 Bush was reading a book about a goat!; September 24, 2008 4:02 PM
Yamaka said...: "So please someone explain, how can McCain still be 44-47% in the polls and still have all the battleground states still up in the air."

National Polls and State polls don't show the true situation on the ground.

For example, during the Primary, Zogby predicted that Sen Obama will win CA - but it did not happen.

Bradley was predicted to win the election in CA as per the polls, but he did not.

Wilder was predicted to win with a huge margin, but he won barely.

When an African American is the Candidate, the polls are notoriously misleading. Beware.

Democrats are very complacent.

Remember, in the last 10 Presidential Elections, Dems won only three times: Clinton ran as a Centrist - a fiscal conservative and won twice, and Carter ran as White Southern Baptist going to Washington to change the culture and won once. That's it folks.

This is a dismal record.

Will the history change in 2008?

It depends on how well Sen Obama does in the Debates.

Bases are loaded and he must swing hard for a home run.

Otherwise, Dems will be condemned to sit in the Opposition for another 4 years.

"Looking Presidential" is just not enough to be the POTUS.

Converting the "undecided" Independents to Obama's side is the challenge.

Most of the Democrats and Obama waste lots of time and money talking to the Choir/the Bubble, who are already committed to vote for him.

He must work 24 h a day to convert the Independents. His followers and side-kicks must quit ridiculing the "Independents" and start convincing them to vote for Obama.

(Stop wasting your energy and time on Palin. She is just a VP Nominee.)

That's the Challenge.

Are you ready for the Challenge?

Cheers.; September 24, 2008 4:03 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: wow, postponing the debate? does that mean that the VP debate is off, too?

talk about running scared!

re: birth control pills and underage girls - the laws (as I understand it) vary from state to state. I think here is it 16 and under, need to notify parents (unless they are abusive, then you have to notify the authorities of the abuse but still no BC pills).

I would want to check before writing any Rx's, though. It hasn't come up - the bulk of my patients are 40+ women.; September 24, 2008 4:06 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: McCain is panicking.
McCain is behind in the polls.
McCain is not prepared for the debate.

Obama is staying calm.
Obama is ahead in the polls.
Obama is prepared for the debate.

O and Joe '08; September 24, 2008 4:11 PM
Yamaka said...: McCain is changing the Game Plan.

If he wants to be in Washington DC to vote for the Paulson Bill, then Obama must also change his Game Plan.

Debate can be rescheduled later.

Saving the Economy is priority One for both the Senators, whether they win the Presidential Election or not.

Democrats are complacent and could lose the Election, if they are perceived to be obsessed with Debate and NOT the Economy.

The "Undecided Independents" are watching to see who behaves responsibly.

Cheers.; September 24, 2008 4:16 PM
jean said...: vicki,
My son,15 , just had blood work done and is going for a stomach ultra sound in the morning.
It looks like they may remove his gallbladder.
I understand everything on how it is done and a simple procedure.
Can you tell me of problems after the surgery which I should consider?
Would appreciate the advice.
jean; September 24, 2008 4:27 PM
Doug said...: Hey Jean, sorry to hear about your son! I hope all goes well.
Cheers; September 24, 2008 4:31 PM
jean said...: doug,
Thanks, he will be fine.
Believe me, he is taken well cared of, when the kids are sick they get the royal treatment:)
I also do tremendous research to make sure the correct decisions are made, and he knows that.
jean; September 24, 2008 4:40 PM
Independent Voter said...: Everyone knows that I really don't like addressing Yam, HOWEVER, he has made ONE valid point.

And that is, how will the American public perceive McShrub's stall tactics? Will they perceive that he is actually putting "cuntry first"? (Yes, I purposely left out the 'o' in country because McCain has NOT put country first since his POW days.) Or will the American public perceive it for what it is....a stall tactic? Or will they view it as McShrub's inability to multitask.; September 24, 2008 4:48 PM
Doug said...: Obama wants to have the debate on Friday "President needs to be able to do more than one thing at once." Great line!

I wonder if MconomyIsSound is thinking about sending his Veep candidate to the foreign policy debate, since she has now met some actual world leaders, while he gets up to speed on the economy in Washington!; September 24, 2008 4:49 PM
Beryl said...: I don't respond to that troll and I reported it for cleanup.

McLoser is losing. It is that simple. He will do anything to change the game.tl; September 24, 2008 4:50 PM
Independent Voter said...: Jean, Sorry to hear about your son.....sending positive thoughts your way.

I wish I could help you in the area of potential problems, but I'm not aware of any aftercare issues, except to keep the incision site clean and taking it easy as to not tear the incision site.; September 24, 2008 4:54 PM
Independent Voter said...: beryl, I do agree with you, but I think the point of his last post was a valid one (probably the ONLY valid point I've seen him make - but he is slowly coming around, IMO.) That is the ONLY reason that I posted what I did. ;); September 24, 2008 4:59 PM
jean said...: Indy,
The procedure is quite simple now and you have never seen a woman clean that hard when a patient comes home from the hospital LOL.

I read some that excessively loose stools can occur to the extreme.
The info on teenagers is rather limited. Though the procedure is becoming more common with teenagers. The difference of surgery on a teenager and a person who is 50yrs old is huge.
jean
jean; September 24, 2008 5:02 PM
Joshua said...: Here’s my advice to Democrats: Learn to make declarative sentences!

When a word will suffice, don’t substitute a sentence. When a sentence will do, don’t give me a paragraph. If you can say it in one paragraph, keep your book-length dissertation to yourself. I don’t want to listen to you think your answer out loud. That’s why Republicans win the elections.

McCain has stated that he wants to postpone the debate. Here’s the appropriate answer: “I shall be at the debate. If you, McCain, fail to show, then you are a chicken.”

A president ought to be able to attend a scheduled debate while also dealing with the economy. Unless McCain thinks that when he becomes president, all problems will be presented to him sequentially only.; September 24, 2008 5:45 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: A lot of people look to Intrade to see how the betting is on the Presidential race as another way to grade the polls.

Now it seems as if someone is trying to gin the results, as reported by Nate at 538.com.

Go to:
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com

and look for "Intrade Betting is Suspicious" (currently near the top of the page, but will slip down as new articles are added).

Mike; September 24, 2008 5:51 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
I have to disagree with you. His chant is more anti-O now than it was before. He seems to be somewhere between his "stop" and his "yam" personality. I thought about responding, but the post obviously shows a backslide from the last post of the "yam" personality, even if it is a large improvement from the "stop" personality.; September 24, 2008 6:26 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Too bad electricity was restored to a certain part of Houston. The week plus we didn't have to suffer the idiot rants from Yamasuck/SON was refreshing.

Although it confirmed that they are one and the same, as SON's lie about living in Dallas was proven as a lie - Hurricane Ike didn't knock power out in Dallas where SON claimed to live. So if he lives in Dallas, why no posts?

No other explanation seems feasible.; September 24, 2008 6:33 PM
Dilbuck said...: Since someone has brought up the Bradley effect. I would like to help put people's minds at ease.

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/08/
persistent-myth-of-bradley-effect.html

Nate took the primaries as his data and showed the only place that Hillary gained anything from the "Bradley effect" was in the Northeast at 1.2% However, Obama over-performed in both the midwest and the south. Nate also found that the Bradley effect did exist in the 80's and early 90's but over the past few elections does not really exist beyond a percentage point or so.; September 24, 2008 6:45 PM
jean said...: So now they are also postponing the VP debate to a later undisclosed time.

People are also getting ticked off because Palin cannot talk.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/
POLITICS/09/24/campbell.brown.palin/
index.html

The probable postponement of VP debate.
http://politicalticker.blogs.
cnn.com/2008/09/24/mccain-
camp-to-propose-postponing-vp-debate/

jean; September 24, 2008 6:46 PM
Dilbuck said...: Need to watch Letterman tonight...

EXCLUSIVE: LETTERMAN MOCKS MCCAIN CANCELLATION
Wed Sep 24 2008 17:41:58 ET

David Letterman tells audience that McCain called him today to tell him he had to rush back to DC to deal with the economy.

Then in the middle of the taping Dave got word that McCain was, in fact just down the street being interviewed by Katie Couric. Dave even cut over to the live video of the interview, and said, "Hey Senator, can I give you a ride home?"

Earlier in the show, Dave kept saying, "You don't suspend your campaign. This doesn't smell right. This isn't the way a tested hero behaves." And he joked: "I think someone's putting something in his metamucil."

"He can't run the campaign because the economy is cratering? Fine, put in your second string quarterback, Sara Palin. Where is she?"

"What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president? We've got a guy like that now!"

Developing...; September 24, 2008 6:47 PM
Dilbuck said...: Jean,

Palin must not be properly prepped yet. I guess 20 second meetings with heads of state can't get her caught up.

I hope this blows up in McCain's face... big time.; September 24, 2008 6:49 PM
Beryl said...: McCain's attempt to postpone should not be allowed. Obama needs to go on and let McCain just lose by default. Obama can do a press conference or a panel discussion instead.

McPunk should be called on this!

Heck, I have a Debate Watch Party planned. LOL!; September 24, 2008 6:51 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant and MinM - Yam, IS softening. If you read his post from yesterday at 3:28, he stated: Can he explain to America what are the SIVs (Structured Investment Vehicles), Swaps, CMOs, CDOs and other exotic vehicles that the Financial wizards of Wall Street used that wrecked the WS lately?

Sen Obama has a golden opportunity to convince America that he is the Man for the WH.

Will he convince the people in PA, OH, IN, FL etc?

I hope so.
---
I think at this point, he is just injecting his opinion. Meaning that he believes that Obama and the Democratic Party needs to move somewhat to the center. He believes that there may be a Bradley effect, where during polling they say they will be voting for Obama and when it comes right down to it and walk into the voting booth that they won't. They don't want to be thought of as racist if they say they aren't voting for Obama.

Yam may be correct in his assessment, I personally do not agree with it, but I don't think he is trying to say anything truly negative about Obama. Just like we ALL have, Yam is simply trying to point out some of Obama's weaknesses. This is completely different than stop. Stop was simply being racist and an ass. Yam has started coming around and realizing that McShrub/Stalin are horrible for this country.; September 24, 2008 6:53 PM
Beryl said...: Floating around:

"While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75-year old Texas rancher whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Sarah Palin and her bid to be a heartbeat away from being President .

The old rancher said, ‘Well, ya know, Palin is a post turtle.’

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a post turtle was. The old rancher said, ‘When you’re driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that’s a post turtle.’

The old rancher saw a puzzled look on the doctor’s face, so he continued to explain. ‘You know she didn’t get up there by herself, she doesn’t belong up there, she doesn’t know what to do while she is up there, and you just wonder what kind of dumb *** put her up there to begin with."; September 24, 2008 6:56 PM
jean said...: beryl,
And what is on the menu????????

Indy,
I agree, Yam is like, being logical and not being degrating.
It is amazing how Palin can scare the crap out of people;)

jean; September 24, 2008 6:57 PM
Independent Voter said...: jean - LOL! Yep Palin DOES scare the hell out of people! She should scare the hell out of women more than anyone.

Beryl, that was funny. I've heard that before, but it was years ago.; September 24, 2008 7:01 PM
Doug said...: Beryl: Post turtle--love it! LOL; September 24, 2008 7:02 PM
Beryl said...: Debate Watch Party Menu (so far)
champagne
chicken wings
chicken salad
crackers
cheese
fruit
cookies
chips
salsa/dip

and
whatever others bring

After the first couple of glasses of the grape, no one cares what is there to eat.; September 24, 2008 7:03 PM
Beryl said...: Dave,
I don't agree with your assessment of Yam. S/he posts those neutral comments just to appear credible and to reel people in. S/he always follows up with garbage posts within a day or so.

Even if Oreo doesn't take out the garbage, it automatically goes to my gmail trash with "Stop" and a few others.; September 24, 2008 7:09 PM
jean said...: beryl,
Thank you for the levity today.
Can you imagine putting plastic turtles along the top of the fence to your house for the VP debate.
I just might do that:)
Nice menu and don't forget the bleu cheese dressing:)
jean; September 24, 2008 7:11 PM
Independent Voter said...: Beryl,

Prior to yesterday or today, Yam has NEVER posted anything neutral. He has always been too the extreme in favor of the PUMAs. I think he is softening. He may not be all the way there yet, but I think even he has seen the writing on the wall that we cannot afford a McShrub/Stalin administration.; September 24, 2008 7:17 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: The commission just said per MSNBC that all debates will go on as schedule. Uh-oh McWorthless. You better go to plan "B", or have you reached plan "Z"??; September 24, 2008 7:19 PM
tmess2 said...: The attempt to suspend and postpone is another move aimed at "low information voters."

Anyone who has ever worked in a white collar job in a large organizaton (be it a business, legislature, government department or court) knows that most of the work is done by staff people. The people at the top sign off on the product (in the case of legislators vote for or against) but the time consuming work of drafting the proposal and putting it together is done by the staff. With modern technology like the telephone, both candidates can stay in touch with what's going on without suspending their campaign.

The hope of the McCain campaign is that non-white collar workers will actually buy that he has to be in DC. Hopefully, Jay, Dave, Jon, Keith, and Stephen will do a good job of puncturing that over the next 36 hours.; September 24, 2008 7:21 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: Tmess2: Who is Jay, Dave, Jon, Keith, and Stephen? I don't recognize those names. I guess I'm a little out of touch. Sorry.; September 24, 2008 7:31 PM
Dilbuck said...: Ole Miss Officials: Debate Cancellation Would Be $5.5 Million Loss

September 24, 2008 05:49 PM

Ironically enough, if John McCain goes through with his threat to skip the foreign policy debate scheduled for this Friday for the sake of prolonging and complicating the ongoing negotiations over the Paulson bailout package, it may end up creating another distressed asset -- the University of Mississippi's investment in Friday's face-off. Officials from Ole Miss told ABC News today that a cancellation would be "devastating" to the University -- and that a postponement might not be possible:

Andrew Mullins, special assistant to University Chancellor Robert Khayat, told ABC News that the Ole Miss campus has been transformed to accommodate the candidates and the press. Road blocks are in place on campus and in the community and the debate television set for the candidates has already been constructed. He said the university has spent roughly five and half million dollars getting ready for the debate.

Mullins also noted that if the Commission on Presidential Debates asks the campus to hold the debate at a later date, he is not sure the university would be able to accommodate them.

"It's huge. You cannot just say that you're not going to do this thing," Mullins said. "I don't have any idea whether we do the debate" at a later date. "[We] probably wouldn't do it."

Anyone know a University in the country that can take a hit like this? However huffington is the only site to cover.; September 24, 2008 7:32 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: can someone clarify for me: is there, or is there NOT, to be a debate this Friday?

sounds like some of your are getting the chips and salsa ready ..

LOVE the turtle idea! I may have to go to the local odds-n-ends shop to get some cheap plastic turtles.; September 24, 2008 7:32 PM
Dilbuck said...: Ruby,

Jay Leno
Dave Letterman
John Stewart
Keith Olbermann
Stephen Colbert; September 24, 2008 7:33 PM
jean said...: tmess2,
"With modern technology like the telephone"
Hehehehehehehehehehe.
Even McCain can do that.
Just had to say it:)
Neither Obama or McCain are on the committees. It is just stupid.
jean; September 24, 2008 7:34 PM
jean said...: vicki,
Did you see my post at 4:27pm?
Just checking, no need to respond if you do not want to.
I am just one of those that collect info.
jean; September 24, 2008 7:38 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: Jay Leno
Dave Letterman
Jon Stewart
Keith Olbermann
Stephen Colbert

OH! Those guys! (smile); September 24, 2008 7:39 PM
Dilbuck said...: No worries Ruby. It took me awhile to think of them too. :D; September 24, 2008 7:41 PM
Independent Voter said...: Hey ya'll McShrub has canceled his appearance on Letterman and Keith Olberman is filling in. Evidently Letterman mocks McShrub for his stalling tactic.

If you have DVR you might want to record it (that is if you are like me and can't seem to hang out until midnight anymore....LOL....well not on school nights....LOL; September 24, 2008 7:48 PM
Independent Voter said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 24, 2008 7:48 PM
Beryl said...: "Officials from Ole Miss told ABC News today that a cancellation would be "devastating" to the University..."

McCain has Mississippi wrapped up but maybe it will hurt him in a neighboring state.

I say "on with the debates" and let McPunk lose by defaulting. I think the Obama campaign is agreeing.

They also want to postpone the VP debates so PalYin has more time to cram.; September 24, 2008 7:50 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 24, 2008 7:51 PM
Independent Voter said...: Me too Ruby. Even during the primary it was fun, even though it got pretty heated at times.; September 24, 2008 7:55 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: "It got pretty heated at times."

Tell me about it! And now, with the exception of some "StopObama" guy, everyone pretty much seems to be on the same page.

Love it!; September 24, 2008 8:10 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: The President has just invited Obama and McCain to the White House tomorrow.; September 24, 2008 8:16 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: jean - just read your message.

not being on the case and knowing the specifics, I can't speak to this case.

the gall bladder (if that's what it is) is involved with digestion of fats, so their may be some dietary advice post-surgery - ask the doctor. if he would like a nutritionist referral, then ask for that.

any surgery can have unforeseen complications, but my thoughts will be with you that that doesn't happen. good luck, peace be to you!; September 24, 2008 8:19 PM
Karen Anne said...: Jean,

My young niece had to have that done. I am hazy about the details, since I live in another state, but things went well. Her Dad is a pretty calm guy, so it as hard to tell long distance, but he did not seem worked up.

Can the doctor help out with information? Or maybe you could call his office and ask to talk to a nurse.

What's with gallbladders and young adults...; September 24, 2008 8:20 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: wonder what Shrub will tell us at the top of the hour.

wonder what he'll tell McCain and Obama tomorrow.

I'm not liking this. something smells fishy.; September 24, 2008 8:23 PM
jean said...: This does not look good.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/
POLITICS/09/23/biden.earmarks/index.html
jean; September 24, 2008 8:24 PM
jean said...: vicki and karen anne,
Thanks.
I will have meetings tomorrow and the next day.
It is just at his age it is not common.
He is very strong and healthy.
Just DANG.
jean; September 24, 2008 8:28 PM
Karen Anne said...: Folks, it isn't necessary to break a url into pieces. All that does is make anyone who wants to follow it have to paste it together. Select will pick up the whole thing even if it isn't visible.

As to the troll, why does anyone even read his postings? I scroll right by.

Complaint mode off ;-); September 24, 2008 8:29 PM
Karen Anne said...: I think a light dawns. I looked at that postpone the VP debate link. McCain is saying there should be no VP debate, instead that slot would be taken by the foreign affairs Pres debate.

This is all a ploy because Palin can't get up to speed for a debate. She must be even worse than they expected.; September 24, 2008 8:32 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: I should send McCain an email that I'm more prepared to be VP. Also, I'm a damn fast learner. and I know when to keep my yap shut, too.; September 24, 2008 8:39 PM
Beryl said...: Had my gallbladder removed May 29th as an emergency procedure using Laparoscopic surgery. They also removed the runaway stones in a separate procedure.

It took a couple of weeks to recover since it was an emergency and there were associated problems.

I had no dietary restrictions.; September 24, 2008 8:45 PM
jean said...: beryl,
You just said what I wanted to hear.
The thought of dietary restrictions on my 15yrold was giving me a stomach ache:)
jean; September 24, 2008 8:56 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: The Friday Obama McCain debate and the October 2nd Biden Palin debate need to take place as planned.

Early voting in many states has already started and the American voters need to see the debates ASAP so that they can see how unqualified McCain and Palin are!

This is really making me MAD!!!; September 24, 2008 9:09 PM
Beryl said...: Yes, Karen Anne. This delay is more for Palin than for McCain. Laura Bush said today that Palin is a quick study but we know she is no genius. She flunked out of at least 2 of the 5 colleges she attended in 6 years to yield a single Journalism degree.; September 24, 2008 9:11 PM
Beryl said...: Excellent point Leah. Early voting is affected by this. Obama needs to stick to his plan and attend the debate. If McCain doesn't attend, forget him and speak to the public anyway.; September 24, 2008 9:13 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: Okay, what's everybody's take on the President tonight? (that is if you watched it); September 24, 2008 9:35 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: Alright I'll go first.
I think this is another plan for the wool to be pulled over the eyes of the Americans once again, like the Iraq war. It might seem like this is the best thing to do, but my gut feeling tells me that everything that shines isn't gold. Something still doesn't feel right. I hope Congress takes it's time to look this over real good, and not rush to make a Friday decision. Scary stuff!; September 24, 2008 9:48 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL KA! I know I know. I usually do scroll right by, but like I said, I think he is slowly coming around.

On another note - Ruby, I tried watching Shrub's address.......I just couldn't do it anymore. I listened for about 2 minutes. To me the man (Shrub) makes me literally sick to my stomach.; September 24, 2008 10:01 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: Dave, I can understand how you felt. I must say I was dry heaving the whole speech.; September 24, 2008 10:15 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
"Yam" already stated several months back that he was supporting Barrack Obama.

I fully disagree with the softening idea. At times he is softer than others, but that is because he is a troll, not because he is actually changing his opinions. If a troll only spouts off insults at the candidate and everyone that supports them, then the troll is quickly identified and removed. A good troll starts soft and mixes in positive statements on a regular basis to keep their welcome for a longer period of time.

"Mike" was by far the best troll, as he was quite proficient at walking the line for a very long period of time. Not until the homophobic rants did he finally slip up enough to truly catch the radar and soon after be placed on the delete list.; September 24, 2008 10:16 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Ruby!; September 24, 2008 10:18 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - Yam prior to yesterday never said he would support Obama.; September 24, 2008 10:21 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
I'm pretty sure he did, several months ago. It was the, "stop" personality that never came on board. I obviously can't show you because as discussed earlier, the old posts disappear eventually.

In any case, the rest the argument holds true regardless of who is right on the supporting Obama portion.; September 24, 2008 10:28 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - I'm not saying that your argument is flawed by any means. All I'm saying is that if he is softening and actually coming around, we should just simply dismiss everything he says.; September 24, 2008 10:43 PM
Independent Voter said...: You know, I heard about Palin being asked that if the $700 Billion bailout doesn't take place would we find ourselves in a scenario like that of the Great Depression. And her response was yes. I would have asked a different line of questioning since she didn't know what the "Bush Doctrine" was. I would have prefaced the question with, "Are you familiar with the Great Depression"?

I know it may sound like a stupid if not a possible "gotcha" question to ask, but I'm honestly not convinced she would actually know the answer.; September 24, 2008 10:50 PM
Kujo said...: I really doubt that McCain tactics today will take any traction, I'd think it might blow up on him.

Electoral Numbers I believe are getting interesting.

197 STRONG OBAMA
------------------
CA,CT,DC,DE,HI,IA,IL,
MA,MD,ME,NJ,NY,OR,RI
VT,WA

22 Good Obama
------------------
MI,NM

50 Fair Obama
---------------
CO,MN,PA,WI

0 Weak Obama
---------------

169 Total Obama

4 TIE
-----
NH

38 Weak McCain
---------------
NV,OH,VA

38 Fair McCain
---------------
FL,IN,

31 Good McCain
---------------
MO,NC,WV

158 Strong McCain
-----------------
AK,AL,AR,AZ,GA,ID,KS,KY,
LA,MS,MT,ND,NE,OK,SC,SD,
TN,TX,UT,WY

Obama has a strong chance of a tie and would only need 1 McCain state or the Tie state to win. Most states in Obamas side has polled consistantly with him, so he does not have anything in the weak column. In his Fair column we have CO that has been polling strong and may move to Good Obama soon. WI has been consistant but close, MN and PA are his biggest concerns.

On McCain side we have NH (tie) and NV,OH, and VA which has been polling both ways, but leaning McCain.

We also have to remember how wrong polls have been in the primaries. A well run campaign can make the polls wrong. We have seen how Obama has been running his campaign and it is very impressive. McCain on the other hand????? The one positive in picking Palin is he did wake up his base. This is needed in getting out the vote. But are these people really excited to be on the phones, getting people to the polls, or are they just interested in shooting something.; September 24, 2008 10:55 PM
Aunt Jean said...: Hi everyone

how is everybody doing. I agree with you Beryl Obama should be at the debate anyway forget McLame if that jerk shows up or not.

AP I'm glad you are posting I've missed you. AJ; September 24, 2008 11:08 PM
Ruby in Kansas said...: I wish I could find a link on this, but anyway, Palin was interviewed by Katie Couric (I think that's the name) in regards to her take on Rick Davis and the payments he's been receiving from the Freddie and Fannie. Well, Palin's answer evidently wasn't the one Katie wanted, and so she was asked the same question again. Palin went into the "deer in headlights" look and repeated the same answer word for word, just real, real slow. OH MY GOD! It's like Palin was thinking to herself, "this is the only answer I was told to give."; September 24, 2008 11:27 PM
Independent Voter said...: Ruby - HERE is the LINK; September 24, 2008 11:34 PM
apissedant said...: Missed you too Aunt Jean... but school work is crazy for the final semester. I needed a break, and you guys are my break. ;)

Trying to catch up on Washington Post reading too... I'm just amazed. This election is the craziest election of my short lifetime.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/24/mccain_suspending_campaign_ask.html

The nonpartisan "I gotta say something before the other guy" announcement. AMAZING!; September 24, 2008 11:38 PM
apissedant said...: Dave,
My point was that a good troll appears to come around on occasion, to be accepted back into the fray. Once there, they slowly stir up trouble, just as they did before. Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr, not the type of people you let back in.; September 24, 2008 11:39 PM
Aunt Jean said...: AP how is your wife coming along? I hope everything is going well for her. I know what you mean about school taking up a lot of your time. AJ; September 24, 2008 11:46 PM
Doug said...: IV, thanks for the link. I had seen only 5 second clips of the Palin interview... my god she is so over her head.
Katie: "Not to belabor the point, but I will ask you again, in the Senator's 26 years can you give me any other examples of John McCain pushing for any regulation..."
Failin': "I will find some and get back to ya Katie"

That should keep her busy!!; September 24, 2008 11:49 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - I know what your point was. If his purpose is to stir up trouble at a later date, then I'll go back to ignoring him. But until that time comes, I'll read it, and if the need arise, report him. It's that simple.

At this point he is just making his opinions public. And that is all it is at this point, opinion. We all have them.

I will give anyone the benefit of the doubt until given a reason not to. If someone is willing to get on board, I'm all in favor of NOT tearing them down (unless given reason to do so.)

Anyway, I'm done on this topic ;); September 24, 2008 11:50 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Doug! Isn't that the truth. Are you kidding, she'll NEVER get back to anyone on that. I do like Ruby's assessment - deer in headlights "thinking" to herself, "dammit, why are you giving me these tough questions", even though it shouldn't have been a tough question to answer. The only reason it was tough was because that was the only one she was given by McShrub.; September 24, 2008 11:52 PM
Dilbuck said...: So I am in WI and am seeing McCain ads. I thought they were supposed to end? Or is he waiting until tomorrow morning after the CGI meeting?; September 24, 2008 11:59 PM
Independent Voter said...: dilbuck, I think he said he was suspending advertising tomorrow. I think the reason he wanted Obama to stop running ads also was so that Obama couldn't continue nailing McShrub anymore.; September 25, 2008 12:04 AM
apissedant said...: Aunt Jean,
The wife is good. She is really busy with work and all, and she just found us a new place, so she's about to move. I'll get to talk to her tomorrow. =); September 25, 2008 12:08 AM
Joshua said...: Here is the latest email I received from Obama. This link shows how an adult deals with problems . Please compare with McCain’s rash statements and behavior.; September 25, 2008 12:10 AM
apissedant said...: ok everyone, it was nice talking to all of you. Gotta hit the sack 'cause I gotta wake up again in six hours. =/ NIGHT!

Aunt Jean,
You'll have to tell me about the hurricane later since I missed about 1/2 of everything. I remember a family member needing roof repair, you'll have to tell me how that worked out. ;); September 25, 2008 12:11 AM
Aunt Jean said...: AP that's great I'm glad you get to talk to her often. With the miles between you two that's very important. I hope you are one of thise men that have a big shoulder. PG woman tend to get upset easily sometimes. LOL. AJ; September 25, 2008 12:14 AM
Aunt Jean said...: AP goodnight!!!! Jean; September 25, 2008 12:14 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: A northern onlooker:

Someone else up above suggested that Palin stand in for McCain for the Mississippi debates. I thought that was one really good idea.

McCain said, if you know her like I know her you'll understand why he picked her. He'd met her before and talked to her once on the telephone.

Palin said she never blinked an eye even once when asked to be his VP. She was ready from day one. She's ready to step in to those McCain shoes, right away. A seamless transition. So lets see if she really can handle it from day one.; September 25, 2008 12:28 AM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Article:

What's up with John McCain's Left Eye?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/25/whats-up-with-john-mccain_n_129119.html

-----
I did a bit of research about this. Eye spasms and excessive eye blinking can be a symptom of a nervous system disorder, or Parkinson's disease, or a stroke.
I am hoping that someone calls for him to have a full medical checkup and his medical records to be released to the public!; September 25, 2008 12:31 AM
apissedant said...: Oh, last comment.
If someone is going to respond to Yam's posts, then I feel the need to again state the pointlessness of his post on the Bradley effect. This is the 3RD or 4TH time has been mentioned here, and all times I have responded with the same basic statement.

It is bullshit Republican racist propaganda with a serious amount of evidence against it. To prove their case, they bring up ONE case in which a black candidate actually polled significantly better than they actually did in the election.

To show it is ridiculous, I brought up MULTIPLE cases in which it was false, including Ford in Tennessee, where he polled 3 points worse than he actually performed in the election.

Not one person who has brought up the Bradley effect has responded to this fact, or the others I brought up in the past. They simply state something racist and stupid and attempt to plant a seed of doubt. They then continue about their day unaltered.

The Bradley effect is said to cost a black candidate 10-16% in the election, which is 13-19% different than what ACTUALLY OCCURRED WITH CONGRESSMAN FORD. If someone wants to bring up an argument, they must be willing to defend it. Where is the defense YAM? How do you explain away the multiple cases when a black candidate performed far better than the Bradley effect would have predicted?; September 25, 2008 12:33 AM
apissedant said...: Aunt Jean,
Thanks for the concern. She has been phenomenal through this pregnancy and it is amazing the amount both of us have grown throughout our short relationship. The distance, the dual immigration issues, and the financial issues that these circumstances created can seriously test a relationship. We have been apart more than we have been together, and we have learned very well how much we mean to each other, and that we will be able to weather any storm as long as we have one another.; September 25, 2008 12:41 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: From beautiful Vancouver on the west coast of Canada:

Something really is fishy. Amongst all of this hoop-la, I have a feeling that they are desperately trying to find a way to dsipense with the VP debates. I have a very strong feeling that McCain's advisors are having trouble coaching Palin. The two test runs she's been through up until now, have been more or less soft flops. There are now just way too many opening for the anchor or Biden to bring her down.; September 25, 2008 12:45 AM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - I understand what you are saying about the Bradley effect, however I took his post as an opinion piece. Therefore, it may or may NOT come to fruition in this election cycle. I personally do not think it will, mostly if OUR generation turns out at the polls the way we are all hoping for. That would offset ANY type of effect race may influence the election.; September 25, 2008 12:46 AM
Independent Voter said...: Bob, I totally agree with that assessment. If I didn't think McShrub was as stubborn as he is, I think he would reconsider replacing her with a "safer" choice.; September 25, 2008 12:49 AM
Independent Voter said...: If anybody missed Sharon Osborne on Ellen she pretty much took Palin to task and said "woman are NOT stupid.; September 25, 2008 12:51 AM
Aunt Jean said...: AP

that is great I'm always glad to see young couples overcome hardship. If they can come thru those I think with work they can overcome anything as a couple. Goodluck in all your quest as a couple.Marriage is hard work but the rewards are great!The worst thing a couple can do is stop listening to each other no matter how silly one thinks it is. AJ; September 25, 2008 12:58 AM
Aunt Jean said...: Dave great video with Sharon Osborne on Ellen.

Well everyone that is still posting I'm heading for the sack. So goodnight and sweet dreams. AJ; September 25, 2008 1:02 AM
RobH said...: Hey gang, it's been awhile.

Just saw this over on Salon.
Brilliant.

Obama should offer a comprimise for the Friday debate. Offer That they use the time slot for the VP debate.

A win-win-win situation.

1) They both get to "stay in Washington to work the deal."
2) We avoid the risk of losing the VP debate due to "schedule cramping."
3) We get a first hand test of "are the VP candidates ready to step in at a moments notice."

Brilliant!; September 25, 2008 1:04 AM
Independent Voter said...: OH MAN! David Lettermanlaid into McShrub today.; September 25, 2008 1:05 AM
Independent Voter said...: AJ - I'm headed to bed too.; September 25, 2008 1:06 AM
Independent Voter said...: WOW Rob - that is an awesome idea.; September 25, 2008 1:07 AM
RobH said...: How come we don't hear anywhere in the media, anything about this one really simple, but monumental connection. I may be wrong on this, but here goes:

A)VP hopeful Palin has been active in a church that embraces the End-of-Days, and is preparing for them.

B) If McCain/Palin wins, and something befalls the President, she gets the nuclear codes.

Are we really that stupid as a nation?

Why would ANYONE, other than those with a similar view/religion, EVER vote for that ticket. It's a show-stopper in the biggest sense.; September 25, 2008 1:12 AM
Independent Voter said...: Rob - I'm afraid that we really are that stupid of a nation, and I firmly believe it is because the Repukes have been dumbing down America by NOT funding education and allowing our media to consolidate into 5 corporations.

By law the only duty a corporation has is to create as much profit as it can....therefore there is truly no investigative journalism that takes place anymore.

My sociology professor was just talking about this earlier today. He brought up an excellent point. He said that at one point (late 90's to early 2000's) CNN bragged about having the most stories every hour. When 15-20 minutes per hour are commercials and them reporting at minimum 30 stories, that leaves each story to be covered 1-2 minutes tops. Therefore we are unable to get the information needed to make informed decisions (from media alone). In addition to that, ALL of those media outlets (print, radio, tv, etc.) are ALL linked to a single news source.....Associated Press.; September 25, 2008 1:19 AM
tmess2 said...: Can't attack Palin on the end of days, too many folks believe it's a possibility (look at the sales for the Left Behind series of books).

I am having more fun hearing her preacher going on about witchcraft (and fits in with the book banning bit). That's a little bit more marginal even in the evangelical and milleniarist communties. Just when are the broadcast networks going to pick it up from MSNBC; September 25, 2008 3:15 AM
suzihussein22 said...: beryl and jean-It'll taste like chicken. :) lol

ruby-Plan B? McCain would get rid of it too. Sounds too compassionate for women. ;); September 25, 2008 7:30 AM
Beryl said...: Letterman was great yesterday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjkCrfylq-E

The obligatory praise ends at 2:27. Review on Huff:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/24/john-mccain-cancels-lette_n_128998.html; September 25, 2008 9:06 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: you know, it just dawned on me, on the Couric/Palin interview: Palin is probably GREAT at memorizing stuff, and in that respect, is a "quick learn" or a "great student".

But, she doesn't seem to be able to take that information, cogitate on it, and come up with her OWN opinions and ideas. In that sense, she is NOT smart.

Strangely, this is precisely why Biden is, in the opposite sense, a problem: he DOES form his own ideas - unfortunately, he doesn't seem to realize that he is a political liability because he expresses those new ideas in a way that they are gaffes.; September 25, 2008 9:32 AM
Beryl said...: The other question is this: What the heck is he going to do Friday night instead of debating?

McPunk doesn't need to multitask. Congress will probably break for the night so he can attend the debate and fly back on Saturday. Both candidates have their own planes so they don't have to spend hours checking into an airport or waiting for available flights.

Thursday:
AM - Go to Congress and work w/bailout
Midday - go to WH for photo-op w/Shrub
PM - Back to Congress and work w/bailout

Friday
AM - Go to Congress and work w/bailout
Midday - leave for Ole Miss, take conference calls on bailout all day
PM - Attend debate

Saturday
AM - Return to Congress and work w/bailout

If he can't figure this out, he doesn't deserve a single vote.; September 25, 2008 9:35 AM
RobH said...: tmess,

I'm not attacking her, or anyone else for her/their belief in the end-of-days. That's their choice.

But it is assinine to put her in line to the nuclear codes, and hand her the very tools to hasten them, if the majority don't believe. And they don't.; September 25, 2008 9:38 AM
Beryl said...: "But, she doesn't seem to be able to take that information, cogitate on it, and come up with her OWN opinions and ideas. In that sense, she is NOT smart."

Yep. That is why she needed to attend 5 colleges in 6 years (nearly flunking out of 2) just to get a single BA in Journalism. We are not talking about a tough degree there so she was struggling with the GE classes.

I'll give her this -- she probably didn't bang any of her professors. Otherwise, she would have finished earlier. Those nasty heffas used to make me mad in college. I'm studying my rear off and they did "something else" with theirs.; September 25, 2008 9:42 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: Also, I hear that Ole Miss (including alumni, faculty, and students) have put their hearts and souls (and a fair chunk of cash) into organizing and preparing for these debates. If it's cancelled, it would disappoint a great number of these folks.

(and I hear that they are proud of their town that it was chosen for these debates, too)

I know at least one Republican who is an alumni who is very upset about this. she's my favorite Republican, too. :-); September 25, 2008 10:06 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: you are right, she probably didn't bang any of the profs - but I bet she flirted with them.; September 25, 2008 10:07 AM
Independent Voter said...: "you are right, she probably didn't bang any of the profs - but I bet she flirted with them."

--

I can tell you one thing, if she was a student of mine, I would have failed her for sure if she flirted with me ;); September 25, 2008 10:17 AM
Karen Anne said...: iv, maybe she could have ssaaaavvveed you :-)

Wouldn't you like to be the First Hunk of Alaska?

No, no amount of money is worth that :-); September 25, 2008 10:25 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: now IV is off horking up his breakfast! hahahha

hey, anyone seen "saved" (the movie)? would make a decent double feature with Juno.; September 25, 2008 10:44 AM
Independent Voter said...: LOL @ KA and Vicki!

Thank you both sooooooooooo much! I think I'm going to have to go see a shrink after those mental images. I wonder if I should call the witch hunter.; September 25, 2008 10:50 AM
Emit R Detsaw said...: Ok, a couple different twists/opinions:

1) Management Style. Taking this as not just political grandstanding by McLame, then you have to assume that McBush would feel the need to micromanage every "crisis" instead of letting the experts resolve the issue. Obama would rather let the experts hammer out the details within guidlines he lays out, and then be there to make the final decision. Obama is displaying great management/leadership on this item.

2) The Conspiracy Therories....a) McCain is trying to get the 1st Presidential debate rolled back so the VP debate gets delayed or cancelled, or b) McCain will say he has to stay in Washington to "lead the crisis" and then attend the debate via teleconference so his aids can feed him answers from off camera.

Either way, this is just another example that McChicken isn't ready to lead the country.; September 25, 2008 1:23 PM
Beryl said...: http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/interviews/126
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20712.htm

There is no problem with Sarah Palin being Pentecostal. The Chief of staff for Howard Dean at the DNC, Leah Daughtry is a Pentecostal minister. There is no problem with her being a member of the Assembly of God Churches, lots of intelligent people belong to those churches. My mother (an Obama supporter) is an ordained minister from the Assembly of God.

This is what I believe. Sarah Palin's beliefs are extremist and she intertwined them with affairs of state as Governor of AK. If she becomes President and doesn't change the way she governs, her actions will result in dire consequences around the world. At the end of the day, non-Christians (and there are many) will lump us all together and will attribute the catastrophes with Christianity!

If not Sarah, someone like her will usher in the end times fictionalized in the "Left Behind" series (rapture, anti-Christ, persecution of remaining believers, etc.); September 25, 2008 1:26 PM
Karen Anne said...: Are we worrying about the set of four polls that are being posted on the home page? If memory serves me correctly, this is the second day Obama has inched down. Yesterday I was assuming things had stabilized and there would be some going back and forth, but I don't want to see a trend.; September 25, 2008 1:52 PM
Emit R Detsaw said...: Beryl - there are so many things that disturb me about Palin, her religion is one of them. Like you said, religion on it's own is fine for a candidate to have and base sound decisions on, but when you come from an extreme wing, you should be scrutinized. We all know Obama was put through the ringer with his.

But what tapes I have seen on Palin's church, and how she frames decisions. She is indeed scary if she was to be given power. And we thought Bush was bad.; September 25, 2008 1:54 PM
Emit R Detsaw said...: KA - National Polls mean very little. It's the State Polls where the Electoral Votes will be counted that matter. Obama is picking up momentum and States.

Funny poll yesterday was FOX having Obama up by 6. LOL; September 25, 2008 1:57 PM
jean said...: Well, It looks like the bail out plan is done and agreed upon by both parties.
Do you think that McCain will still try to postpone because he didn't have "study" time?

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/25/news/economy/deal_reached/index.htm?postversion=2008092513

jean; September 25, 2008 2:15 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: A bit confusing and conflicting reports:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Lawmakers have reached agreement on a bipartisan counterproposal to the Bush administration's $700 billion financial bailout plan.

I believe we can say that McCain has been "shot down again" while ove Washington DC on a flight to meet with President Shrub.; September 25, 2008 2:16 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Northern view of everything:

If everything I've read is true, just what will McCain do now to delay/cancel the debates? Puncture a tire on his wife's jet? Phone in with a bad cold?; September 25, 2008 2:19 PM
jean said...: I hope this bail out plan is properly drawn up.
Here is an example of when things are not drawn properly and communication is poor.

http://www.ketv.com/cnn-news/17553170/detail.html

Very sad actually.
jean; September 25, 2008 2:21 PM
Kujo said...: Here are a few takeouts from this years Run for the POTUS:

McSame, McBush, McShame, McSpain,
McLameBrain, McQuit

And I love the Palin like to Katie:

"I'lllll try to find you some and bring em to ya"; September 25, 2008 2:36 PM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 25, 2008 2:39 PM
Yamaka said...: Do you all think that McCain is really afraid of the Debate on Foreign Policy with Obama?

As Bill Clinton said, such assertion is very childish and laughable.

Both the Candidates are ready and willing to Debate. The question is the TIME.

Most Americans will understand if the Friday Debate is postponed to a later date, as passing the $700 billion bail out Legislation is far more important than the Debate at this time in our political and economic history. Maybe, political junkies will be disappointed if the Debate is postponed.

But, most Voters don't care, IMO.

The Gallup Tracking Poll is TIED. This is not good for Obama, who must be ahead by atleast 10% in order to win the Presidency.

Bradley/Wilder Factor WILL play a role in this Election.

Cheers.; September 25, 2008 3:04 PM
Yamaka said...: "Lawmakers have reached agreement on a bipartisan counterproposal to the Bush administration's $700 billion financial bailout plan."

Most Democrats are for the big bail out plan for the Wall Street, but most Republicans are reluctant.

Minority leaders Boener wants McCain to be in Washington till the real deal is struck.

Democrats must be very very careful. If American Voters perceive that Dems are giving away the tax payers' money to Wall Street instead of Main Street, they most lose the House in this Election. Nancy Pelosi may lose her Speakership!

Losing the Presidency AND the House will be a terrible thing in 2008.

Beware. Act prudently, and don't be complacent.

Cheers.; September 25, 2008 3:11 PM
jean said...: Palin will not have her financials in till after the VP debate. If there is one.
I guess it would be just to much to study.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/ap/politics/2008/Sep/25/palin_won_t_reveal_her_finances_until_after_debate.html; September 25, 2008 3:12 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: 3:15 about now, in DC. the big meeting is scheduled for now, isn't it? I hope we have news about it in a couple of hours.; September 25, 2008 3:13 PM
Karen Anne said...: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41F_oof_gu0

Obama's sixteen minute press conference on the bailout plan,with good principles at the beginning, like taxpayers get their money back, why the bailout is necessary, and a cheering up item at the end.

Very Presidential, as opposed to Chicken McLittle.; September 25, 2008 3:13 PM
Kujo said...: Yam,

I don't think McCain was afraid to debate Obama.

McCain grabbed the Momentum after his Convention. But he grabbed it on an issue that was not going to be able last till the election. He could can not now go back and bring up I picked Palin and the polls will start changing.

The momentum shifted strongly twards Obama last week on critical issues. This is something that can take track for the rest of the election. Even concervative reporters like George Will said that Obama acted presidential and wise while McCain acted like a rookie, and scary.

So why did McCain suspend his campaign and cancel the debate, because he wanted to look like a leader and try to get the momentum changing back to his direction.; September 25, 2008 3:17 PM
Yamaka said...: "Yesterday I was assuming things had stabilized and there would be some going back and forth, but I don't want to see a trend."

Sen Obama and most of his followers are very complacent. They believe they have already WON the Election.

This complacency will be their Achilles' Heel. Beware.

In the last 10 Presidential Elections, Democrats won just 3 (two by Clinton and one by Carter)- all because of the Policies and Complacency.

In the last four weeks, whoever has the "fire in the bell" to win the WH WILL win the Election.

Not Day Dreamers!; September 25, 2008 3:19 PM
Doug said...: Is this Tina Fey in an SNL sketch or Sarah Palin? You be the judge...

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4478156n

I really think Sarah should step up and take John's place at the foreign policy debate tomorrow. She is clearly ready.; September 25, 2008 3:27 PM
Doug said...: Hey Karen Anne (and other poll watchers):

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/latestpolls/index.html

McCain hasn't won any of the state polls published today. Obama is even up 2 points in North Carolina.

I can hardly wait to see what happens in the debate on Friday (which McCain cannot now avoid), and see the impact on the swing voters in the swing states.; September 25, 2008 3:40 PM
Beryl said...: "McCain hasn't won any of the state polls published today. Obama is even up 2 points in North Carolina."

That is good and huge news about NC. I'd like to see us turn around Ohio and Nevada. If that happens, we can break out the champagne.

I declare that Colorado is going solidly blue and New Mexico coming with us.

Florida is a long shot but I love this:
http://thegreatschlep.com/site/index.html; September 25, 2008 4:01 PM
Doug said...: Beryl! That was hysterically good! Thanks for that.; September 25, 2008 4:09 PM
Karen Anne said...: Beryl, I tried watching that but it was constantly breaking up on audio. Anyway to download it or something?; September 25, 2008 4:10 PM
Beryl said...: Try either of these:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/25/91356/3480/342/609860

http://thepage.time.com/sarah-silverman-video/; September 25, 2008 4:14 PM
Karen Anne said...: Thanks, found it on youtube too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgHHX9R4Qtk; September 25, 2008 4:14 PM
jean said...: beryl,
That is great.
I was going to send it to a co-worker of mine, jewish and staunch rep, but he is already tired of my info. I am saving it for when he least expects it;)

jean; September 25, 2008 4:20 PM
jean said...: Cafferty is not too kind with McCain today.
Surprise McCain, didn't need you to save the day.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/25/cafferty-is-mccain-playing-politics-with-the-nation%e2%80%99s-financial-crisis/; September 25, 2008 4:25 PM
Independent Voter said...: OH MY! Palin is still claiming proximity to Russia as a part of her foreign policy credentials.; September 25, 2008 4:34 PM
Doug said...: Ok, I really AM changing my name to Chrysler!

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/83bfe68c-8a8f-11dd-a76a-0000779fd18c.html

Under the $700B plan is a quiet little $25B plan to bail out the auto industry.

"When they're handing all the cash out I'll be standing with my hand out, yes sir I'll get mine..."; September 25, 2008 4:39 PM
jean said...: Indy,
doug posted that earlier and beryl and karen anne have been on a roll:)
Check out the last 20 or so comments.
On break?
jean; September 25, 2008 4:40 PM
jean said...: doug,
Thanks for the info.
Sister in law STILL works for Ford.
Not many left.
She is in MI.
This is huge.
People there are walking away from homes because they lost their job,
not because they lied.
jean; September 25, 2008 4:47 PM
Independent Voter said...: Jean - oops, sorry! Didn't mean to post what someone else had posted, my bad!

No not on break. My second class on Thursdays are canceled through the rest of the semester. I don't know why I even took the class.....it's boring as hell!; September 25, 2008 4:53 PM
jean said...: Indy,
My kids are going to be doing college soon and noway do I remember.
Do you get a refund?
jean; September 25, 2008 4:58 PM
Doug said...: Hey Jean, how is your son? Recovering well, I hope!

The North American auto industry has been a train wreck in slow motion for the last 20 years. I remember reading analysis of the industry more than 10 years ago that outlined that there was too much capacity being built for all of them to survive. To top it off, Ford and GM in particular have been surviving by building trucks and SUVs instead of investing as much as their competitors developing their small car segments.

That said, they all transformed in the '40's to building planes and tanks so with some strategic infusions of capital at two of the three may become successful again building electric/hybrids. We'll see. I really feel for the people who have given their livelihoods to these guys--they deserve better.; September 25, 2008 4:59 PM
jean said...: doug,
At my wedding, 20 years ago LOL,
almost all the family friends of the husband worked for the auto industry for 20 to 40 years. It was tradition, where I came from there was nothing like that.

Just tracking down the results of the tests from yesterday and today for the son. The husband grins, I am on it. The son is actually worse today. If I don't hear within an hour I am going in personally. They don't want me to do that.
jean; September 25, 2008 5:06 PM
jean said...: NOW there is NO DEAL on the bail out.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/25/shelby-no-agreement/; September 25, 2008 5:16 PM
Doug said...: Not yet... McCain is in a box that he built. He has committed himself to being part of a deal which puts him in Shrub's pocket, when the deal is being opposed principally by House Repubs... His credibility coming out of this is going to be totally shot.; September 25, 2008 5:19 PM
Independent Voter said...: Jean - Nope - no refund. She JUST announced it on Tuesday and Monday was the last day for a refund. It really pisses me off!

------

As far as the bail out bill, I think I share feelings that most people have right now which would be mixed feelings. On one hand, we don't want our tax dollars going toward this bail out but at the same time we don't want the AVERAGE American to be hurt by the failures on Wall Street and in Washington.

---------

I just hope this whole "campaign suspension" comes back and bites McShrub/Stalin in the ass.; September 25, 2008 5:42 PM
Doug said...: The only way out for MconomyIsSound is to lead the rejection of the current bill and propose his own solution--does he have one? Maybe his buddy Keating can help him out.; September 25, 2008 5:42 PM
Independent Voter said...: Did anyone else notice the seating during the meeting? On one side of Bush was Obama and the other was Pelosi.; September 25, 2008 5:43 PM
tmess2 said...: From the photos that I was seeing, Obama was seated with the Senators and McCain was seated with the Representatives -- was that a subtle snub by Bush? Perhaps in exchange for McCain's trying to gum up the works on this bill?; September 25, 2008 5:49 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Fake Movie Trailer ya'll should see:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ricky-van-veen/sarah-palin-disney-traile_b_129387.html

.; September 25, 2008 5:53 PM
Independent Voter said...: Leah, that was good!; September 25, 2008 6:16 PM
Independent Voter said...: tmess you're right. I had just gotten a glimpse on tv. Obama was actually sitting next to Reid.; September 25, 2008 6:19 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: I trust everyone heard the Barney Frank comment on McLameBrain's campaign suspension ('It's the longest Hail Mary pass in the history of football or Mary's').

I like another one he made yesterday:

In reference to the limits on executive compensation being part of the rescue bill:

Background: Treasury Secretary Paulson was the CEO of Goldman Sachs, where he received a half-billion dollar 'golden parachute' when he left to be Treasury Secretary.

Barney Frank is Jewish.

Frank said something to the effect that getting Paulson to agree to a cap on pay of executives of companies participating in the bailout was like getting the chief Rabbi of Jerusalem to agree to eat bacon. (Another version I heard he added "cooked on a Saturday.")

I cracked up at that, and when I recounted it to a friend who is Jewish (although non-practising), he COMPLETELY cracked up.

Mike; September 25, 2008 6:59 PM
Karen Anne said...: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/mccains-economic-plan-blu_b_128990.html

ha ha ha:

"There are several reasons why Senator Obama is enjoying a double-digit lead in the "honest and trustworthy" category (47 percent to 36 percent according the new ABC News/Washington Post poll). First, Senator Obama doesn't, you know, lie to the American people every damn day.

...Senator McCain's...very serious and mavericky campaign strategy can be described in four simple words: Blurt Out Random Crap.

...Senator McCain inexplicably called for the firing of the head of the Federal Elections Commission, Donald F. McGahn II. Poor McGahn II. Minding his own business, and suddenly McCain's on television calling him out for screwing the economic pooch..."; September 25, 2008 7:13 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Poor McCain he must be having a mental breakdown!

McCain: Pressure On Us To Have Debate Tomorrow Is Obama's Fault

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/mccain_pressure_on_us_to_have.php

.; September 25, 2008 8:35 PM
suzihussein22 said...: iv dave-Poor baby. Those mental images could be worse than flashbacks. Shame on ka and vicki for being so mean. ;) I've had several undergrad psych classes. That should mean I'm qualified for therapy, if your using the McCain litmus test. ;); September 25, 2008 9:31 PM
Beryl said...: Leah,
The behavior of Repigs is not to be believed. It is like they are talking in code where only the STUPID people can hear it.

If I hear McCain talk about those tired Townhalls one more time....; September 25, 2008 9:36 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: According to Steve Ducie at Faux News, we shouldn't have to hear McLameBrain discuss he 'was a POW' anymore.

According to Keith, Ducie stated yesterday or today that 'anything before 1992 [in terms of McLameBrain] belongs on The History Channel.

Now, will McLameBrain listen? If not, does that mean something that happened 16 years after McLameBrain was released from the 'Hanoi Hilton' (Keating 5 in 1989, for instance?) is open to discussion?

Mike; September 25, 2008 9:59 PM
suzihussein22 said...: m in md-You are a brave man to tolerate Faux news for the sake of getting the slanted views from them. I've been yelling at my radio because of supertalk 99.7 fm out of Nashville, TN. My Mike is trying to get through on air to knock 'em down a few pegs. I'll relish that.; September 25, 2008 10:28 PM
Independent Voter said...: Thank you for your sympathy suzi, I had to take a second shower after those comments this morning :); September 25, 2008 10:30 PM
Independent Voter said...: Jean, did you say that you work for WaMu?

If you did, you were just taken over by the feds and sold to JPMorgan Chase.; September 25, 2008 10:34 PM
suzihussein22 said...: iv dave-I only sing in the shower. ;) Scrub a dub dub. Do you ever end up using a scrubbie with a duck on it when you have kids there? It's amazing how your adult one gets hidden. I wouldn't trade those times though.; September 25, 2008 10:39 PM
Independent Voter said...: ROFL Suzi!!!!!!!

No, the only kids we have here are the cats. All of our nieces and nephews are old enough we don't have to deal with rubber duckies. LOL; September 25, 2008 10:41 PM
Independent Voter said...: Suzi, today's was more like steel wool.; September 25, 2008 10:43 PM
suzihussein22 said...: iv dave-Wouldn't pumice have been more eco-friendly? LOL : D

I hope I'm not sounding too complacent. I'm starting to hear a note of desperation from local Reps. and we're having getting out the vote Saturday. Wish us luck! I've told a few people not to try to complain to me if they're not going to exercise their constitutional right in November. One of them is fairly knowledgeable also.; September 25, 2008 10:58 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Nighty night, y'all. Don't let the big bad beg bugs bite. :); September 25, 2008 11:00 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Wait for it. Wait for it. I don't want anybody signing off and going to bed before I get this written and published.

The National Enquirer is continuing its foray into politicians' personal lives this election season. Less than two months after the magazine's investigation forced John Edwards to admit an extramarital affair with Rielle Hunter, the Enquirer has identified what it calls "Sarah Palin's Other Man" — Todd Palin's former business partner, Brad Hanson.

According to the Enquirer, the identity of Palin's extramarital lover was confirmed by "no less than three members of the man's family including one by sworn affidavit."

One Hanson family insider, Jim Burdett, passed a "rigorous polygraph test," and went on the record telling the Enquirer, "I've known about Brad having had an affair for a long time, but it wasn't until just recently that I learned his affair was with Sarah Palin."

Another insider, who preferred to remain anonymous but provided the Enquirer with a sworn affidavit attesting to the affair, said, "Todd was away on business a lot and Sarah felt lonely. Brad was a good listener, and Sarah talked to him at length. Eventually, she realized she was falling in love with him."; September 25, 2008 11:32 PM
Bob in Vancouver said...: When you get tolls quoting you, you know that you have hit a raw nerve.

But I don't know why they bother quoting me. I'm no threat whatsoever, since I can't vote.

Anyway, I wondered, and didn't think that any ordinary person would race off to the courts and petition them to have your divorce papers sealed, just when Palin was named McCain's VP.

I'm positive there is more to this yet to come out.; September 25, 2008 11:35 PM
Beryl said...: Regarding WaMu - That was my customer for several years. I had a bunch of Database Administrators reporting to me supporting the account 1996-2001. They had thousands of locations and seemed healthy so it is hard to picture them struggling.; September 26, 2008 12:09 AM
Kujo said...: State polls continue to move in Obama's favor. In truth yesterdays, todays and who knows how many days this will take, is not in these polls yet.

Today's movements NH from Tie to Weak Obama. This push's Obama over the limit he needs.

Also, I have now moved NC OK McCain to Weak McCain. This is a big move. Obama has polled up in this. I need to see this stick longer before I move it over to Obama.

197 STRONG OBAMA
------------------
CA,CT,DC,DE,HI,IA,IL,
MA,MD,ME,NJ,NY,OR,RI
VT,WA

22 Good Obama
------------------
MI,NM

50 Fair Obama
---------------
CO,MN,PA,WI

4 Weak Obama
---------------
NC

273 Total Obama

38 Weak McCain
---------------
NV,OH,VA,NC

38 Fair McCain
---------------
FL,IN,

31 Good McCain
---------------
MO,WV

158 Strong McCain
-----------------
AK,AL,AR,AZ,GA,ID,KS,KY,
LA,MS,MT,ND,NE,OK,SC,SD,
TN,TX,UT,WY; September 26, 2008 12:17 AM
Independent Voter said...: Kujo,

No offense, but I would like to just to make a slight adjustment to your calculations.

Under Weak Obama you stated NC (and I think you meant NH).

But also, just to be on the safe side, I would remove 1 Electoral Vote from ME and give it to McShrub. They (along with NE) are the only states that are NOT winner take all.; September 26, 2008 12:25 AM

«Oldest ‹Older 5401 – 5600 of 9481 Newer› Newest»

Welcome to Democratic Convention Watch

Blog Archive

Democratic Convention 2008

Democratic National Convention History

Denver & Colorado Democrats

DCW in the News

Friends of DCW

2008 Republican National Convention

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Open Thread

9481 comments:

Tags