It's been less than 48 hours since one of the most watched vice presidential debates in history. Over 70 million Americans tuned in, to watch Sarah Palin become a political superstar, while Joe Biden struggled to remain calm while lying through his teeth. So why does the media feel the need to tell us what we saw?
Minutes after the candidates gave their closing remarks, Americans still reeling from Sarah's 'shock and awe', CNN released a "flash poll" proclaiming Joe Biden the winner. Chris Matthews from MSNBC gleefully cited this poll to Roger Simon,a writer from Politico.com , who told Matthews in no uncertain terms that he didn't care what the poll said, he knew what he'd just witnessed. Simon wrote in his column yesterday, that instead of falling off the stage, Sarah dominated it.
Another poll that was quick to be referenced was the CBS 'flash poll' which also reported Biden as the winner. The talking heads kept pointing to the poll as proof that Palin didn't really just win the debate. What they don't tell you about these polls is that the demographic of the poll isn't measured. Meaning a poll of CBS or CNN viewers reflect a demographic that watching that station, we know that democrat viewers out number republican viewers about 3 to 1. So is it really shocking that democrats prefer democrats? The CNN poll had Biden winning 54% to 36%, we know that 75% of those being polled are liberal leaning so doesn't that mean that Sarah actually won some people over from the dark side? Other wise Sarah would be hovering around 19%, the percentage according to the Center for Media and Public Affairs, of conservative leaning viewers.
So using the same polls information imagine another headline: Sarah Palin's Performance change mind of 15% of Democratic Voters! I'm starting to like their poll numbers! See what a difference a little perspective can bring? That's what the numbers tell us, but it's not what the media is reporting. Is it an entirely accurate headline? Probably not, but it doesn't really matter. These days facts are optional in the headline business.
One of the other problems with these 'polls' is that rarely survey more than 500 people. In such a small sampling, political leanings can really affect the results. To get a really accurate study you need to apply weight based on the actual population, this calculation is never done for a 'flash poll' . So Why if the polls are so imperfect do the talking heads recite them much better than they could any bible verse? Because the funny thing about polls is that their results can sway public opinion, thus effecting later polls. Before the Presidential debate last week the commentators kept referring to the study that found the 'flash polls' after the 2004 debates favored John Kerry, then Kerry showed a bounce in the presidential polls in the following days. To a person they explained it was important to remain skeptical of flash polls this year, until immediately after the debate when they started dissecting the flash polls. They know that what they say and how they say it affects millions of viewers perceptions. They want to make sure you have the correct perception, Theirs.
I'm guessing that's why no other network talked about the Fox News Flash Poll giving Palin the win at 84%. Adjusting for political affiliation, she still won at about 70%. Unless you watch Fox News you never saw that. As I mentioned earlier a thorn in my side on these polls is the small sample numbers, well yesterday the Drudge Report asked readers to choose a winner in the VP Debate, when I last checked over 500,000 people had responded, with 70% of those giving the victory to Palin. Did you see even one story about the Drudge Report poll? Didn't think so.
Look the bottom line is polling data is not all it's cracked up to be. You know I believe Sarah Palin whipped up on Biden winning the debate handily. Mostly because I watched her do it with my very own eyes. I am so sick of the people on TV calling themselves journalist or reporters when in fact they are merely propaganda machines for their own agenda. It's not just the poll, it's how the poll is interpreted that makes the impact. They take this 'polling data' and use it as a tool with which to beat the McCain camp over the head.
Just this morning CBS News ran a segment on get the aforementioned CBS News poll. So yes for those of you keeping track, they are now officially creating the news, not just reporting it. What got me was the introduction to the polling data, referring to the 'aftermath of the debate'. Apparently they couldn't think of a word with more negative connotations than Aftermath. They might be right, they are the experts, remember 'aftermath of 9/11, aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, aftermath of California Wildfires', you get the gist. Even I didn't think Biden did that bad. The CBS poll numbers were similar to CNN's numbers and by similar I mean worthless. When reporting on their very own poll they couldn't help but to use a lead in that triggers thoughts of destruction.
Words are powerful things made more so if delivered by someone you trust. Leftist icons have written numerous books about controlling language and the power of words. Americans need to wake up and start using their critical thinking skills or we're going to end up in a real life Idiocracy. A ridiculous movie that should be required viewing for all Americans. I don't want to give too much away, but it shows a hilarious yet mildly frightening look at what can happen if individuals stop thinking for themselves becoming mindless consumers.
I heard a great line this week and I wish I could give credit to the author, but suffice it to say it's not my original thought. When talking about perception versus reality, it's important to keep in mind that at one time over 80% of Americans thought Betty Crocker was a real person, that did not change the fact that no such person existed. In other words, perception is just that perception, it doesn't change the reality.
So what does all this mean? It really boils down to one thing, What do YOU think? Whether it's about who won the debate or who will make a better president, you have to decide for yourself what you think. Don't rely on others to get you the information required to weigh out your options. Americans need to return to the spirit of Individual choice instead of 'group think'. The media is full of Obama supporters who can't wait to take credit for getting him elected. They play on our insecurities telling us that if we don't think like them, we're stupid toothless rednecks that couldn't possibly understand their sophisticated 'world view'. I've got news for them, I don't care if they like me or not. I'm not pretending to like socialism or Obama just to hang out with the self proclaimed cool kids.
Just remember...during the 2004 election cycle the all the polls showed John Kerry would be our next president. Thankfully that was not the case. It's time to put down the glass of Kool-Aid America, think for yourself. You may not agree with my opinions, but they are 100% mine. I haven't learned them from indoctrination of the left through the media, I've formed them as we all should through my own life experiences. So should you. So I don't need a poll to tell me Sarah Palin spent 90 minutes demonstrating to the world why she will be a fantastic Vice President, she's smart, articulate and most importantly, she is one of us. In the end the only poll that really matters the one on November 4th, and in that 'poll of polls' I'll be voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Say It Ain't So Joe! Sarah Reduces Biden to Tears...
Sarah Rocks! Sarah Vs. Biden: My predictions this debate will allow the American People to see actual authenticity in Sarah and see Biden for the lifetime politician that he is. Best thing that can happen for the good guys is that Biden can't control himself on self propagation and Sarah shows the world, the mainstream media's outlandish bias. I am writing the first of it's kind a real time blog.
Sarah looks great. She's so tiny. Ha! Can i call you Joe? Perfect. And away we go!
9pm Ding Ding
Joe blah, blah failed policies last 8 years reason for problems now...
Sarah taps into America! Soccer games, college tuition, pushes McCain's reform record on Fannie and Freddie
Joe took on such controversial issues of domestic violence and funding the police. Who is for domestic violence? funding the police? Very controversial indeed.
Sarah: talks to American people directly. Never again will be taken advantage of..by our government or those on wall street. Great line.
Joe: lies about Barack Obama's record. He's getting heated. Cause he knows he's getting his ass handed to him; Disses McCain on insurance except his argument just makes me like McCain's idea more.
Sarah: Brings up Barack's horrendous tax increase voting record. Yeah!! I can't afford a tax increase.
Joe is lying. Joe is lying. He won't admit Obama wants to raise taxes in fact it's part of his slogan. remember "Tax the Rich!" That's their plan. Only what they don't tell you is you are the rich. Oh he's lying again. Obama promised to roll back the Bush Tax Cuts thus raising taxes for people who make about 42,000. Don't believe the $250,000 number, that's not real. However they also don't tell you that effects 75% of all small business!!
I love Sarah! She just brought up small businesses and patriotic taxes!! I Love her so.
She's speaking my language on the health care plan. After the insurance meeting I had today, I'd love some choice!
OMG! Sarah just told the American people what everyone knows in their heart. The Federal Government can not efficiently run anything. Do we want them in charge of something as important as our health care. The saying well you've got your health would go out of fashion quickly.
Joe Biden lies some more about how taxing small business won't hurt them or the overall economy. My friend who owns a small business just jumped off the couch. We had to pause the debates for a short rant on how badly it would destroy business. Warning: Don't pause debate while on Joe Biden's face. Not good. Not cute.
Fairness is code for Socialism.
Promises you can't keep; Good they may have to lessen the double foreign assistance plan? That was the plan double foreign assistance? I thought these guys were worried about us sending too much money to foreign countries, I guess that's just Iraq.
Sarah nails Obama on the tax breaks for Oil companies.
Joe is on the defensive now. Technical point to Palin for those keeping track. She's whooping him and he knows it. Is he about to become Good Ol' Joe? Lies about windfall taxes, Palin gave back to the people, Obama wants the government to keep it.
Sarah does a good job on reminding people John McCain warned about Fannie Mae with actual attempted legislation.
Joe says Obama passed a note to someone.
Sarah talks Energy.
Sarah takes on Climate Change. She doesn't want to argue about how we got here, she wants to solve the problem. Why don't the environmentalists love her?
She Loves America! I adore her.
Biden now says they support coal, that's not what you said a week ago, Joe. Joe mocks "Drill Baby Drill" but screws it up saying "Drill, Drill, Drill"
Sarah corrects him on the chant and the facts about Obama's record on drilling.
Joe is making up things about his record. Doesn't matter he is on the defensive again, another point to Palin.
Same sex benefits Obama Biden will support Same Sex Marriage. Did everyone catch that? I am so tired of this line of bull about gay people not knowing any lawyers. I mean everything they complain they can't have an all be taken care of with a quick trip to a lawyer. File paper work to make your partner next of kin, write a living will, make them executor of their estate.
Foreign Policy, here we go!
Palin pushes the Surge. Genius! Not unpredictable, but well delivered. Hangs Obama's vote against the troops around his neck. Compliments Joe for criticizing Obama's vote.
Why do Biden and Obama keep talking about their plan to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis. We are already doing that, because of the surge. They are talking about Iraq 11 months ago.
Sarah paints Obama as the defeatest he is.
This McCain voted against the troops thing is ridiculous. He voted against the time line because the commanders said no time line. Barack voted for timeline because he wanted to gain the approval of the anti war crowd.
Joe brings up the stump speech line about Iraq not being the central front on the war on terror, problem is he stole that from Bin-Laden, and the commanders have coined that phrase describing Iraq as the central war on terror.
Sarah informs him of his plagiarism.
Sarah lays out the case about why it is dangerous for Obama to suggest he would meet with Ahmadinejad without preconditions. Sarah drops Kissinger's' name like they've been friends for years. To Quote a talk show host, who shall remain nameless " You Go Girl!!"
Joe on the defense again: He lies about Obama saying he would sit down with the man who called Israel a stinking corpse. Obama said exactly that twice during the primary debates and has never fully explained his stance, but has come short of denying it like Biden just did. Point to Sarah.
Sarah shows the world who really supports Israel!!
Finally! Sarah explains that the Obama Biden ticket's foreign policy plan is too blame Bush, while the McCain Palin ticket is forward looking.
Sarah chats about Nuclear Weaponry and manages to work in Obama insulting the troops in Afghanistan. Nice work. She is a pro.
Joe is back peddling about the inconsistencies of his ticket on military operations.
Point to Palin.
Sarah explains the difference between similar plan and exact same plan....She's giving the most concise description of what needs to happen in Afghanistan that I've heard from anyone in seven years. She exudes confidence on matters of foreign policy. She's telling America, I can handle anything.
I think Biden believes her too.
Sarah is now raking Biden through the coals on his record vs Obama's record on Iraq. Stop the presses! I had no idea she had such a strong record on Darfur. She divested Alaska's savings from a company associated with Darfur. Why isn't that annoying celebrity group, One endorsing her?
Biden continues to dance around the conflicting voting records. Defensive yes? Point to Sarah!
Sarah goes after Biden one last time on his attacks on Obama during the primaries and his praise of McCain, because Biden voted more like McCain.
Biden doing his best used car salesman, trying to remember to hit all the talking points attempts to sell himself to the American people.
Sarah has convinced me we should flip the ticket. She says her administration will drill in Anwar in the untimely death of McCain. That's good enough for me.
Joe attempts to sound folksy mentioning some dinner in Scranton or something..
"Say it ain't so Joe!" Sarah delivers the headline quote of the night. America is falling in love. Reagan is smiling right now.
Biden is now pointing to a non-existent record. He really shouldn't encourage people to look at his record.
The authenticity is shining through in everything Sarah says. She's impressing Biden.
She's quoting Reagan. He just gave the ten cent interview line "I'm too passionate" also known as "my weakness is I work to hard/ care too much/ I'm a too much of a perfectionist" You've probably used this one yourself.
Biden's rattling off some bio stuff making an effort to sound human. Now he's talking about his past, what in the hell is talking about? He's been in the senate since 1972. He has no idea what life is like for the average American.
Oh dear he's crying now.
Sarah rescues the moment with a positive response about her record of reform returning decorum to room. Now she's talking about the diversity of the republican party. Giuliani, Lieberman and others all supporting McCain because he's the best man for the job.
Biden attacks McCain on being a maverick. If I'd done a shot for every time Biden says kitchen table I'd be wasted. Every time he says it I can't help but think, it just proves how "out of touch" he is. A more era appropriate saying would be "coffee table" or " car", doesn't he know no one sits at the kitchen table anymore?
Biden fought against Bork because he prefers liberal activist judges. Period.
Sarah shows she understands what the American people want from their government and she has done it in Alaska. Put the government to work for the people, not the other way around. From her shout out to an elementary school to her direct confrontation of the mainstream media, Sarah is the real deal.
Biden in closing talked about failed Bush Policies and the tax break for oil companies that Obama voted for too, because it was part of an energy plan. Nothing new or convincing.
In closing Sarah Palin looked a great deal like the man she was quoting, Ronald Reagan.
Just got a text from a serious Obama supporter. Palin-1 Biden-0
I think Sarah's been reading my blog. :)
Sarah looks great. She's so tiny. Ha! Can i call you Joe? Perfect. And away we go!
9pm Ding Ding
Joe blah, blah failed policies last 8 years reason for problems now...
Sarah taps into America! Soccer games, college tuition, pushes McCain's reform record on Fannie and Freddie
Joe took on such controversial issues of domestic violence and funding the police. Who is for domestic violence? funding the police? Very controversial indeed.
Sarah: talks to American people directly. Never again will be taken advantage of..by our government or those on wall street. Great line.
Joe: lies about Barack Obama's record. He's getting heated. Cause he knows he's getting his ass handed to him; Disses McCain on insurance except his argument just makes me like McCain's idea more.
Sarah: Brings up Barack's horrendous tax increase voting record. Yeah!! I can't afford a tax increase.
Joe is lying. Joe is lying. He won't admit Obama wants to raise taxes in fact it's part of his slogan. remember "Tax the Rich!" That's their plan. Only what they don't tell you is you are the rich. Oh he's lying again. Obama promised to roll back the Bush Tax Cuts thus raising taxes for people who make about 42,000. Don't believe the $250,000 number, that's not real. However they also don't tell you that effects 75% of all small business!!
I love Sarah! She just brought up small businesses and patriotic taxes!! I Love her so.
She's speaking my language on the health care plan. After the insurance meeting I had today, I'd love some choice!
OMG! Sarah just told the American people what everyone knows in their heart. The Federal Government can not efficiently run anything. Do we want them in charge of something as important as our health care. The saying well you've got your health would go out of fashion quickly.
Joe Biden lies some more about how taxing small business won't hurt them or the overall economy. My friend who owns a small business just jumped off the couch. We had to pause the debates for a short rant on how badly it would destroy business. Warning: Don't pause debate while on Joe Biden's face. Not good. Not cute.
Fairness is code for Socialism.
Promises you can't keep; Good they may have to lessen the double foreign assistance plan? That was the plan double foreign assistance? I thought these guys were worried about us sending too much money to foreign countries, I guess that's just Iraq.
Sarah nails Obama on the tax breaks for Oil companies.
Joe is on the defensive now. Technical point to Palin for those keeping track. She's whooping him and he knows it. Is he about to become Good Ol' Joe? Lies about windfall taxes, Palin gave back to the people, Obama wants the government to keep it.
Sarah does a good job on reminding people John McCain warned about Fannie Mae with actual attempted legislation.
Joe says Obama passed a note to someone.
Sarah talks Energy.
Sarah takes on Climate Change. She doesn't want to argue about how we got here, she wants to solve the problem. Why don't the environmentalists love her?
She Loves America! I adore her.
Biden now says they support coal, that's not what you said a week ago, Joe. Joe mocks "Drill Baby Drill" but screws it up saying "Drill, Drill, Drill"
Sarah corrects him on the chant and the facts about Obama's record on drilling.
Joe is making up things about his record. Doesn't matter he is on the defensive again, another point to Palin.
Same sex benefits Obama Biden will support Same Sex Marriage. Did everyone catch that? I am so tired of this line of bull about gay people not knowing any lawyers. I mean everything they complain they can't have an all be taken care of with a quick trip to a lawyer. File paper work to make your partner next of kin, write a living will, make them executor of their estate.
Foreign Policy, here we go!
Palin pushes the Surge. Genius! Not unpredictable, but well delivered. Hangs Obama's vote against the troops around his neck. Compliments Joe for criticizing Obama's vote.
Why do Biden and Obama keep talking about their plan to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis. We are already doing that, because of the surge. They are talking about Iraq 11 months ago.
Sarah paints Obama as the defeatest he is.
This McCain voted against the troops thing is ridiculous. He voted against the time line because the commanders said no time line. Barack voted for timeline because he wanted to gain the approval of the anti war crowd.
Joe brings up the stump speech line about Iraq not being the central front on the war on terror, problem is he stole that from Bin-Laden, and the commanders have coined that phrase describing Iraq as the central war on terror.
Sarah informs him of his plagiarism.
Sarah lays out the case about why it is dangerous for Obama to suggest he would meet with Ahmadinejad without preconditions. Sarah drops Kissinger's' name like they've been friends for years. To Quote a talk show host, who shall remain nameless " You Go Girl!!"
Joe on the defense again: He lies about Obama saying he would sit down with the man who called Israel a stinking corpse. Obama said exactly that twice during the primary debates and has never fully explained his stance, but has come short of denying it like Biden just did. Point to Sarah.
Sarah shows the world who really supports Israel!!
Finally! Sarah explains that the Obama Biden ticket's foreign policy plan is too blame Bush, while the McCain Palin ticket is forward looking.
Sarah chats about Nuclear Weaponry and manages to work in Obama insulting the troops in Afghanistan. Nice work. She is a pro.
Joe is back peddling about the inconsistencies of his ticket on military operations.
Point to Palin.
Sarah explains the difference between similar plan and exact same plan....She's giving the most concise description of what needs to happen in Afghanistan that I've heard from anyone in seven years. She exudes confidence on matters of foreign policy. She's telling America, I can handle anything.
I think Biden believes her too.
Sarah is now raking Biden through the coals on his record vs Obama's record on Iraq. Stop the presses! I had no idea she had such a strong record on Darfur. She divested Alaska's savings from a company associated with Darfur. Why isn't that annoying celebrity group, One endorsing her?
Biden continues to dance around the conflicting voting records. Defensive yes? Point to Sarah!
Sarah goes after Biden one last time on his attacks on Obama during the primaries and his praise of McCain, because Biden voted more like McCain.
Biden doing his best used car salesman, trying to remember to hit all the talking points attempts to sell himself to the American people.
Sarah has convinced me we should flip the ticket. She says her administration will drill in Anwar in the untimely death of McCain. That's good enough for me.
Joe attempts to sound folksy mentioning some dinner in Scranton or something..
"Say it ain't so Joe!" Sarah delivers the headline quote of the night. America is falling in love. Reagan is smiling right now.
Biden is now pointing to a non-existent record. He really shouldn't encourage people to look at his record.
The authenticity is shining through in everything Sarah says. She's impressing Biden.
She's quoting Reagan. He just gave the ten cent interview line "I'm too passionate" also known as "my weakness is I work to hard/ care too much/ I'm a too much of a perfectionist" You've probably used this one yourself.
Biden's rattling off some bio stuff making an effort to sound human. Now he's talking about his past, what in the hell is talking about? He's been in the senate since 1972. He has no idea what life is like for the average American.
Oh dear he's crying now.
Sarah rescues the moment with a positive response about her record of reform returning decorum to room. Now she's talking about the diversity of the republican party. Giuliani, Lieberman and others all supporting McCain because he's the best man for the job.
Biden attacks McCain on being a maverick. If I'd done a shot for every time Biden says kitchen table I'd be wasted. Every time he says it I can't help but think, it just proves how "out of touch" he is. A more era appropriate saying would be "coffee table" or " car", doesn't he know no one sits at the kitchen table anymore?
Biden fought against Bork because he prefers liberal activist judges. Period.
Sarah shows she understands what the American people want from their government and she has done it in Alaska. Put the government to work for the people, not the other way around. From her shout out to an elementary school to her direct confrontation of the mainstream media, Sarah is the real deal.
Biden in closing talked about failed Bush Policies and the tax break for oil companies that Obama voted for too, because it was part of an energy plan. Nothing new or convincing.
In closing Sarah Palin looked a great deal like the man she was quoting, Ronald Reagan.
Just got a text from a serious Obama supporter. Palin-1 Biden-0
I think Sarah's been reading my blog. :)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
We'll now hear from the Senators from Fannie and Freddie
The hypocrisy of the democratic party has no bounds. It became crystal clear that the only thing bipartisan about the 'economic recovery' package or whatever they are calling the 400lb gorilla now, is that No one from either party wanted to vote for it.
Watching the post vote press conference yesterday, my blood started to boil as Nancy Pelosi,(D-California)accused the GOP of killing the bill by not providing the additional 13 votes needed to pass. What she didn't mention is that 95 democrats helped to defeat the bill, some because Pelosi told them not to vote for it. According to numerous sources, Pelosi spoke with 16 freshman democratic senators and told them not to vote for the bill, as it could hurt their chances for re-election. So much for putting politics aside, eh Nancy?
You can argue for days about why this bill didn't pass, but a good rule of thumb for any leader is don't put something to a vote, when you know it's not going to pass. As I mentioned last week the passage of this bill wasn't going to be easy, but it was further complicated by the Democratic political posturing done by Speaker Pelosi, prior to the actual vote. Pelosi basically made the vote a condemnation of not only the Bush Administration but conservative ideals in general, labeling them "right-wing". There's a saying about this kind of behavior, something about counting chickens.....or in this case counting, cooking and eating the chicken.
What did cause those 12 House Republicans who had previously committed to holding their nose and voting to decide to just let the stink fill up the room? It could have been the bold face lies being told by the Speaker about how we got here in the first place all the while doing a live infomercial for Barrack Obama, I know it would have been enough for me.
Maybe it was that Obama had already written his speech to praise the passage of the bill while continuing to criticize the "failed bush policies". He didn't get to give that speech as just as he was about to go on, he found out the bill didn't pass. This is the guy who is the leader of his party? He didn't know they didn't have enough democrats to pass the bill? I guess he didn't have his ringer turned on when they hit him up on his cell...
Perhaps word or text had leaked into the house floor that Obama surrogates were already giving an interview on NPR where they criticized the Republicans who were supposed to vote for the bill. Anything is possible.
I will never know nor would I care to think what really goes on inside some of these politicians minds, but I will tell you what went through my mind when I watched her stand there...Liar. You should be tried for treason for lying to the American People from the floor of the House. What came next was what really got me going.....
At the previously mentioned press conference, Nancy Pelosi stood side by side with Barney Frank (D-MA), Chairman of the House Banking Committee and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, as they joked and made fun of those 12republicans that didn't fall for their tricks. Barney jovially suggested that he would "talk to them very nicely" doing his best Mr. Magoo impersonation.
While Barney Frank may look like a cartoon, there is nothing funny about his role in this mess. Since 1991, the "patron saint of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac" as the Wall Street Journal referred to him, has worked tirelessly to build up and insulate these two monstrosities from scrutiny. Frank has long been a proponent of what the libs now call "predatory lending" practice, he just called it "affordable housing" before last week. Frank started the whole ball rolling in 1991 when he and Joe Kennedy pressed for softer rules for Fannie and Freddie, giving loans out to less qualified lenders. During the 1990's, the gilded age for Fannie and Freddie executives who ran roughshod, then snuck out of town under the cover a golden parachute, Barney Frank, one of only two openly gay congressional members, dated Herb Moses then executive for Fannie Mae.
Persistence pays off in Washington, because Frank and his buddies ultimately made it almost impossible for any bank to turn down a loan for any reason without risk of paying a $10,000 fine per application. When President Bush introduced legislation in 2003 to create more oversight on Fannie and Freddie, Frank told the New York Times ''These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis," ''The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing." When John McCain introduced legislation in 2005 urging immediate oversight of the two "F's", Guess who blocked it along with a bunch of his Democratic friends? Yep, Barney Frank. Apparently, he's changed his mind now not only do they need more regulation, they need your money to fix the problem!
Rep. Frank's counterpart in the Senate, Christopher Dodd or the Senator from Countrywide as he's known in political circles doesn't fair any better as a Steward of the Tax payers money. Though he stood side by side with Nancy Pelosi claiming the moral high ground on this issue, his unethical dealings with Countrywide mortgage has led his own contituients to call for him " to just admit he was wrong". According to the Hartford Courant, Dodd took a "major hit to his credibility" when his unsavory relationship with Countrywide went public. Dodd and several other prominent democrats benefitted from their relationship with Countrywide CEO Angelo Mazilo, enjoying sweetheart mortgage deals under a clause for "friends of Angelo". In addition to his Countrywide connection, Dodd is the #1 recipient of campaign donations from Fannie and Freddie according to opensecrets.com. This reminds me of another saying...something about a Fox and a hen house....
What about Obama? Does he have his finger on the pulse of what this economy needs? Take a look at two of his financial advisors, then you tell me. You may remember a few weeks ago I wrote about Jim Johnson, the man Barrack Obama choose to head up his VP selection committee, who was forced to step down amid the Countrywide Scandal in June of this year. Another name that may not be as familiar to you, yet is Franklin Raines, former CEO of Fannie and Obama economic advisor according to the Washington Post. Both of these guys made Obama's short list for financial advisors, they made a list of mine as well, but it has nothing to do with advising and to be honest is no longer that short.
Then again, Barrack Obama has his own experience in corruption to draw from during his ACORN days. The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN has benefitted immensely from the generosity of Barney Frank and others, one of the first sticking points for the House Republicans on this 'resue extravaganza was the $100 Million the Dems tried to tack on for organizations such as ACORN. The anti-capitalistic group has wielded power by extorting money from tax payers and bankers alike, by threatening to go public with accusations of racism if they don't bend to their will. Barrack Obama worked as a trainer for ACORN in his Chicago days, while sitting on numerous boards where money was 'awarded' to ACORN. ACORN is also currently under investigation for voter fraud in 12 states, not surprisingly though they've endorsed Barrack Obama for President.
Is anyone starting to see a pattern here? Now I don't know what will happen with this Billapalooza in Congress, but ridiculous legislation aside, Do these people have No Shame? The very people that are intimately responsible for the current economic situation, stand self righteously at the podium and point fingers at the Bush Administration and John McCain who tried on several occasions to stop this train before it went off the tracks?! There should be blood.
This Congress famous for their unrelenting search for the truth about steroids in Baseball, apparently didn't have nearly as much interest in policing their own ranks for inappropriate conduct as I have yet to see or hear anything about an ethics investigation into Barney Frank and Christopher Dodd, and to be honest I won't be happy until I do. Nancy Pelosi got out in front of this idea today, saying she wouldn't be part of a witch hunt into the financial crisis. Doesn't seem like much of a hunt, Nancy, when you know exactly where to look.
Watching the post vote press conference yesterday, my blood started to boil as Nancy Pelosi,(D-California)accused the GOP of killing the bill by not providing the additional 13 votes needed to pass. What she didn't mention is that 95 democrats helped to defeat the bill, some because Pelosi told them not to vote for it. According to numerous sources, Pelosi spoke with 16 freshman democratic senators and told them not to vote for the bill, as it could hurt their chances for re-election. So much for putting politics aside, eh Nancy?
You can argue for days about why this bill didn't pass, but a good rule of thumb for any leader is don't put something to a vote, when you know it's not going to pass. As I mentioned last week the passage of this bill wasn't going to be easy, but it was further complicated by the Democratic political posturing done by Speaker Pelosi, prior to the actual vote. Pelosi basically made the vote a condemnation of not only the Bush Administration but conservative ideals in general, labeling them "right-wing". There's a saying about this kind of behavior, something about counting chickens.....or in this case counting, cooking and eating the chicken.
What did cause those 12 House Republicans who had previously committed to holding their nose and voting to decide to just let the stink fill up the room? It could have been the bold face lies being told by the Speaker about how we got here in the first place all the while doing a live infomercial for Barrack Obama, I know it would have been enough for me.
Maybe it was that Obama had already written his speech to praise the passage of the bill while continuing to criticize the "failed bush policies". He didn't get to give that speech as just as he was about to go on, he found out the bill didn't pass. This is the guy who is the leader of his party? He didn't know they didn't have enough democrats to pass the bill? I guess he didn't have his ringer turned on when they hit him up on his cell...
Perhaps word or text had leaked into the house floor that Obama surrogates were already giving an interview on NPR where they criticized the Republicans who were supposed to vote for the bill. Anything is possible.
I will never know nor would I care to think what really goes on inside some of these politicians minds, but I will tell you what went through my mind when I watched her stand there...Liar. You should be tried for treason for lying to the American People from the floor of the House. What came next was what really got me going.....
At the previously mentioned press conference, Nancy Pelosi stood side by side with Barney Frank (D-MA), Chairman of the House Banking Committee and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, as they joked and made fun of those 12republicans that didn't fall for their tricks. Barney jovially suggested that he would "talk to them very nicely" doing his best Mr. Magoo impersonation.
While Barney Frank may look like a cartoon, there is nothing funny about his role in this mess. Since 1991, the "patron saint of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac" as the Wall Street Journal referred to him, has worked tirelessly to build up and insulate these two monstrosities from scrutiny. Frank has long been a proponent of what the libs now call "predatory lending" practice, he just called it "affordable housing" before last week. Frank started the whole ball rolling in 1991 when he and Joe Kennedy pressed for softer rules for Fannie and Freddie, giving loans out to less qualified lenders. During the 1990's, the gilded age for Fannie and Freddie executives who ran roughshod, then snuck out of town under the cover a golden parachute, Barney Frank, one of only two openly gay congressional members, dated Herb Moses then executive for Fannie Mae.
Persistence pays off in Washington, because Frank and his buddies ultimately made it almost impossible for any bank to turn down a loan for any reason without risk of paying a $10,000 fine per application. When President Bush introduced legislation in 2003 to create more oversight on Fannie and Freddie, Frank told the New York Times ''These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis," ''The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing." When John McCain introduced legislation in 2005 urging immediate oversight of the two "F's", Guess who blocked it along with a bunch of his Democratic friends? Yep, Barney Frank. Apparently, he's changed his mind now not only do they need more regulation, they need your money to fix the problem!
Rep. Frank's counterpart in the Senate, Christopher Dodd or the Senator from Countrywide as he's known in political circles doesn't fair any better as a Steward of the Tax payers money. Though he stood side by side with Nancy Pelosi claiming the moral high ground on this issue, his unethical dealings with Countrywide mortgage has led his own contituients to call for him " to just admit he was wrong". According to the Hartford Courant, Dodd took a "major hit to his credibility" when his unsavory relationship with Countrywide went public. Dodd and several other prominent democrats benefitted from their relationship with Countrywide CEO Angelo Mazilo, enjoying sweetheart mortgage deals under a clause for "friends of Angelo". In addition to his Countrywide connection, Dodd is the #1 recipient of campaign donations from Fannie and Freddie according to opensecrets.com. This reminds me of another saying...something about a Fox and a hen house....
What about Obama? Does he have his finger on the pulse of what this economy needs? Take a look at two of his financial advisors, then you tell me. You may remember a few weeks ago I wrote about Jim Johnson, the man Barrack Obama choose to head up his VP selection committee, who was forced to step down amid the Countrywide Scandal in June of this year. Another name that may not be as familiar to you, yet is Franklin Raines, former CEO of Fannie and Obama economic advisor according to the Washington Post. Both of these guys made Obama's short list for financial advisors, they made a list of mine as well, but it has nothing to do with advising and to be honest is no longer that short.
Then again, Barrack Obama has his own experience in corruption to draw from during his ACORN days. The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN has benefitted immensely from the generosity of Barney Frank and others, one of the first sticking points for the House Republicans on this 'resue extravaganza was the $100 Million the Dems tried to tack on for organizations such as ACORN. The anti-capitalistic group has wielded power by extorting money from tax payers and bankers alike, by threatening to go public with accusations of racism if they don't bend to their will. Barrack Obama worked as a trainer for ACORN in his Chicago days, while sitting on numerous boards where money was 'awarded' to ACORN. ACORN is also currently under investigation for voter fraud in 12 states, not surprisingly though they've endorsed Barrack Obama for President.
Is anyone starting to see a pattern here? Now I don't know what will happen with this Billapalooza in Congress, but ridiculous legislation aside, Do these people have No Shame? The very people that are intimately responsible for the current economic situation, stand self righteously at the podium and point fingers at the Bush Administration and John McCain who tried on several occasions to stop this train before it went off the tracks?! There should be blood.
This Congress famous for their unrelenting search for the truth about steroids in Baseball, apparently didn't have nearly as much interest in policing their own ranks for inappropriate conduct as I have yet to see or hear anything about an ethics investigation into Barney Frank and Christopher Dodd, and to be honest I won't be happy until I do. Nancy Pelosi got out in front of this idea today, saying she wouldn't be part of a witch hunt into the financial crisis. Doesn't seem like much of a hunt, Nancy, when you know exactly where to look.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Great Debate: Obama Over-Promises, McCain Delivers
Watching the debate last night, I couldn't help but being frustrated with the "undecided" votes in the country. I don't know how anyone could watch these two men speak and have conflicting emotions on who to support. Either you believe in a strong national security and responsible fiscal policies, or you don't. If these people are still confused after watching last night, maybe they just shouldn't vote. To quote a friend of mine "if these people aren't willing to do the research and make an informed decision, they shouldn't be allowed to vote!"
In defense of these "confused" voters, Obama did concede that McCain was right eight times in a nine question debate session. But that is where the similarities end. Obama approaches foreign policy with an emphasis on what America can do to make the world like us better. McCain is much more interested in keeping Americans safe, while spreading democracy throughout the world. Obama speaks as though the middle east appeared on the world map on September 11th, 2001. But then again why would he have? He was a state senator at the time focusing on important issues like teaching six year olds about contraception.
Obama fails to recognize that Islamic Extremists first made headlines back in the 1970's under an appeasement first President Jimmy Carter. The movement continued to grow, as McCain rightly pointed out last night, when America under estimated the power vacuum that would be caused in Afghanistan after we supported the Afghan's in forcing back invading Russians in the 1980's. The terrorists grew bold under the Clinton administration's watch averaging one major strike every 18 months. Starting with the bombing of the world trade center towers in 1993, through the multiple attacks on soft military targets like those in Kenya and the USS Cole just to name a few. The attacks on 9/11 were the beginning of something though, it was the day the United States decided to fight back. There hasn't been a successful attempt on a US target since. Newsflash for Obama, the day the 'world sentiment' was most with the United States as you are so fond of saying was on 9/11, when the world perceived the United States to be at our weakest. Why do you think that is? Was it because they truly felt sorry for the US or because it made them feel better to know that US was vulnerable to attack? Discuss amongst yourselves...
I knew that McCain had knocked it out of the park last night when the Obama camps first response was to claim that the debate highlighted McCain as being stuck in the past, and that Obama was the forward looking candidate. Why did I know Obama was spinning? Time after time during the debate when Obama was forced to define his foreign policy,(I use that term loosely) he responded by discussing what he perceived as 'mistakes' by the Bush administration. Obama mentioned Bush by name just 1 minute and fifteen seconds into the debate,if he could have held out for another 15 seconds I would have won the poll at our debate party! John McCain put a very fine point on this issue by simply saying explaining the next president won't be deciding if we made a mistake by going into Iraq, they will be responsible for successfully resolving the conflict. As much as Barrack attempted to hang the unpopularity of the Bush administration around John McCain's neck, it was McCain who cited Obama's position to stand by his vote against the surge despite it's overwhelming success as evidence that Obama was 'stubborn' and "inflexible" in his thinking, a nod those that have accused President Bush of being both.
After John McCain explained the importance of knowing America's history and learning from past experiences, Obama did the only thing he could. He deferred to Joe Biden. I'm not kidding, Obama actually spent one of his two minute rebuttals struggling to explain that Biden's experience was more important than his own. Since when do Presidential candidates get a pass for saying, well my VP knows enough for both of us? Can you imagine if John McCain answered anything, including how to field dress a moose, with ask Sarah Palin, do you think that might make a few headlines?
The presidential debates are supposed to act as a job interview for the candidates. Based on what I saw last night, not only do I think that Obama is unqualified for the position he is seeking, I'm not even sure he knows what it is. He seems to think he's running for President of the World, I don't know if any one's told him this isn't the Miss America Pageant, you don't get to run for Miss Universe if you win. I know Obama has spent most of his career campaigning for higher office, but this time he will actually have to do the job. He can't campaign his way through a presidency.
One of my favorite moments of the night came after Barrack Obama again defended his ridiculous statement about bombing Pak-E-Stan as he called it. McCain retorted almost in disbelief at the level of naivety in Obama's stance "You don't say that out loud". This highlighted a side conversation that my friends and I were having, in that some of Obama statements were reckless coming from a man who claims to want to be President. Speaking of reckless and naive, a few days ago I wrote that I was sure Joe Biden had 'borrowed' a few lines from a speech Ahmadinejad gave at the General Assembly of the United Nations referring to what he sees as the negative results of the American presence in Afghanistan. The line hadn't appeared in any of the official press releases from Biden's speech which prompted me to think that the Obama camp had buried the line in order to avoid the embarassing comparisons. My mistake, they actually thought it was so good, Obama used it again last night.
While Barrack Obama may have enough general knowledge on foreign affairs to earn himself a couple thousand bucks on Jeopardy, he certainly doesn't know enough to be president. What is worse is that he doesn't seem all that interested in learning. Obama's surrogates are always pointing how old John McCain is hoping to capitalize on the stereotype that older Americans are 'set in their ways' and 'out of touch' with the 'times'. These comments are not only discriminatory but also flat out wrong when talking about John McCain. Bill Clinton and I agree on few things but he was accurate when he introduced McCain earlier this week, as a man who consistently seeks the truth on every issue, commending McCain on his open mindedness on issues ranging from global warming to national security. John McCain is a man that seeks knowledge, his career is filled with hallmark descentions from the republican party due to his own personal research and opinion. Obama seems to think he already has all the answers, which is where his naivety becomes dangerous.
The media will tell you that Obama won the economic portion of this debate, as it is always their sentiment that a bad economy is good for Obama, but I'm sure your not surprised to find out that I disagree. Here's why, when Jim Lehrer asked the candidates what programs or initiatives they would have to cut due to the economic rescue package, Obama listed $250,000 of additional spending he would retain, while McCain said that he would continue with his plan to increase corporate tax cuts making them competitive in the global marketplace which would create new jobs and preserve exising ones. McCain insisted the best way to balance the budget was to reduce wasteful government spending. So Obama's plan to reduce the deficit is to increase spending promising, "I will pay for every dime of it", what he means is You, the taxpayer will pay for every dime of it. Now we know that his plan exceeds the current budget, so how do think he'll generate the additional 'revenue' as he calls it? One guess. The Taxpayer or you! You get to foot the bill so that every man woman and child in American has free health care, a college education and a Playstation 3 even if that means you can't afford to buy one for your own kids.
Barrack's main mission is to promote class warfare. He steals a page from John Edwards with his assertions of two Americas, but does it hold water? America is the only country on the planet that has a line at the entrance gates. It's the Log Ride in the amusement park of the world. Why would immigrants from all over the globe risk life and limb to to get to the United States if they had no chance of success? Because what Barrack Obama will not tell you is that, Success is achieved through hard work, commitment and personal responsibility in America, not from complaining that other people have more money than you do. The immigrants that fill our nation own businesses that support not only themselves but entire communities. They are not sitting around waiting for a government handout, many of them fled to this country to escape government control. But Obama's "it's not your fault it's their fault" position apparently resonates with some Americans, so I guess he'll be getting that all important victim/whiner vote.
Prior to the debate a significant amount of chatter revolved around how McCain would control his temper if challenged by Barrack. The talking heads all predicted it would be bad for McCain if Obama got under his skin enough to get a reaction. The only person who appeared rattled last night was Obama, often interrupting, grimacing, and raising his finger in objection like the lawyer he is. One of these sophomoric outbursts came while John McCain explained the lessons he felt we've learned in Iraq, relating his own story of returning home from a war without victory, Obama became jumpy, then McCain continued saying that he wore a bracelet given to him from a mother of soldier killed in Iraq, he told the story of how the mother like so many others asked him to make sure that her son had not died in vain, that the United States must finish the mission that her son supported. As McCain finished saying he had met with service members and their families he felt it was imperative to return our troops home with honor, not defeat, Obama smirked,shifted and twitched to the point that I became curious about what it was that Barrack deemed so important he could hardly contain himself. Obama almost bursting with excitement announced: "I have a Bracelet too!" Huh? That's what you've been dancing around at the podium to say, you have a bracelet? I hope who ever gave it to him asks for it back, Obama clearly doesn't the capacity to understand the sacrifice that bracelet represents.
Although this is just round one in a three part process, I can't imagine that the candidates could define themselves more clearly for the "undecided" voters. John McCain presents himself as a competent leader who stands up for what he believes is best for America regardless of it's popularity in the 'world view'. While Barrack Obama says whatever is going to advance his career. I've got a prediction for you based on a few post debate interviews I watched with the Obama camp. The narrative for this debate will be people don't care when the candidates talk about their records, they want to know what you're going to do Now. This is a convenient talking point for the Obama campaign, they don't want you to judge him on what he's actually done, they want you to guess what he'll do next. They don't want Americans to make an informed choice in this election because if all Americans took the time to research the history, McCain would win by a landslide.
John McCain's campaign slogan is "Country First", which seems an to be an honest evaluation of not only his own personal life experience but also how he views the President's role. Our founding fathers seemingly agree since one key job description of the President, involves protecting the United States interests in the world. Based on his performance tonight and throughout his campaign Obama should change his slogan to reflect his honest view of the world: "Me First".
In defense of these "confused" voters, Obama did concede that McCain was right eight times in a nine question debate session. But that is where the similarities end. Obama approaches foreign policy with an emphasis on what America can do to make the world like us better. McCain is much more interested in keeping Americans safe, while spreading democracy throughout the world. Obama speaks as though the middle east appeared on the world map on September 11th, 2001. But then again why would he have? He was a state senator at the time focusing on important issues like teaching six year olds about contraception.
Obama fails to recognize that Islamic Extremists first made headlines back in the 1970's under an appeasement first President Jimmy Carter. The movement continued to grow, as McCain rightly pointed out last night, when America under estimated the power vacuum that would be caused in Afghanistan after we supported the Afghan's in forcing back invading Russians in the 1980's. The terrorists grew bold under the Clinton administration's watch averaging one major strike every 18 months. Starting with the bombing of the world trade center towers in 1993, through the multiple attacks on soft military targets like those in Kenya and the USS Cole just to name a few. The attacks on 9/11 were the beginning of something though, it was the day the United States decided to fight back. There hasn't been a successful attempt on a US target since. Newsflash for Obama, the day the 'world sentiment' was most with the United States as you are so fond of saying was on 9/11, when the world perceived the United States to be at our weakest. Why do you think that is? Was it because they truly felt sorry for the US or because it made them feel better to know that US was vulnerable to attack? Discuss amongst yourselves...
I knew that McCain had knocked it out of the park last night when the Obama camps first response was to claim that the debate highlighted McCain as being stuck in the past, and that Obama was the forward looking candidate. Why did I know Obama was spinning? Time after time during the debate when Obama was forced to define his foreign policy,(I use that term loosely) he responded by discussing what he perceived as 'mistakes' by the Bush administration. Obama mentioned Bush by name just 1 minute and fifteen seconds into the debate,if he could have held out for another 15 seconds I would have won the poll at our debate party! John McCain put a very fine point on this issue by simply saying explaining the next president won't be deciding if we made a mistake by going into Iraq, they will be responsible for successfully resolving the conflict. As much as Barrack attempted to hang the unpopularity of the Bush administration around John McCain's neck, it was McCain who cited Obama's position to stand by his vote against the surge despite it's overwhelming success as evidence that Obama was 'stubborn' and "inflexible" in his thinking, a nod those that have accused President Bush of being both.
After John McCain explained the importance of knowing America's history and learning from past experiences, Obama did the only thing he could. He deferred to Joe Biden. I'm not kidding, Obama actually spent one of his two minute rebuttals struggling to explain that Biden's experience was more important than his own. Since when do Presidential candidates get a pass for saying, well my VP knows enough for both of us? Can you imagine if John McCain answered anything, including how to field dress a moose, with ask Sarah Palin, do you think that might make a few headlines?
The presidential debates are supposed to act as a job interview for the candidates. Based on what I saw last night, not only do I think that Obama is unqualified for the position he is seeking, I'm not even sure he knows what it is. He seems to think he's running for President of the World, I don't know if any one's told him this isn't the Miss America Pageant, you don't get to run for Miss Universe if you win. I know Obama has spent most of his career campaigning for higher office, but this time he will actually have to do the job. He can't campaign his way through a presidency.
One of my favorite moments of the night came after Barrack Obama again defended his ridiculous statement about bombing Pak-E-Stan as he called it. McCain retorted almost in disbelief at the level of naivety in Obama's stance "You don't say that out loud". This highlighted a side conversation that my friends and I were having, in that some of Obama statements were reckless coming from a man who claims to want to be President. Speaking of reckless and naive, a few days ago I wrote that I was sure Joe Biden had 'borrowed' a few lines from a speech Ahmadinejad gave at the General Assembly of the United Nations referring to what he sees as the negative results of the American presence in Afghanistan. The line hadn't appeared in any of the official press releases from Biden's speech which prompted me to think that the Obama camp had buried the line in order to avoid the embarassing comparisons. My mistake, they actually thought it was so good, Obama used it again last night.
While Barrack Obama may have enough general knowledge on foreign affairs to earn himself a couple thousand bucks on Jeopardy, he certainly doesn't know enough to be president. What is worse is that he doesn't seem all that interested in learning. Obama's surrogates are always pointing how old John McCain is hoping to capitalize on the stereotype that older Americans are 'set in their ways' and 'out of touch' with the 'times'. These comments are not only discriminatory but also flat out wrong when talking about John McCain. Bill Clinton and I agree on few things but he was accurate when he introduced McCain earlier this week, as a man who consistently seeks the truth on every issue, commending McCain on his open mindedness on issues ranging from global warming to national security. John McCain is a man that seeks knowledge, his career is filled with hallmark descentions from the republican party due to his own personal research and opinion. Obama seems to think he already has all the answers, which is where his naivety becomes dangerous.
The media will tell you that Obama won the economic portion of this debate, as it is always their sentiment that a bad economy is good for Obama, but I'm sure your not surprised to find out that I disagree. Here's why, when Jim Lehrer asked the candidates what programs or initiatives they would have to cut due to the economic rescue package, Obama listed $250,000 of additional spending he would retain, while McCain said that he would continue with his plan to increase corporate tax cuts making them competitive in the global marketplace which would create new jobs and preserve exising ones. McCain insisted the best way to balance the budget was to reduce wasteful government spending. So Obama's plan to reduce the deficit is to increase spending promising, "I will pay for every dime of it", what he means is You, the taxpayer will pay for every dime of it. Now we know that his plan exceeds the current budget, so how do think he'll generate the additional 'revenue' as he calls it? One guess. The Taxpayer or you! You get to foot the bill so that every man woman and child in American has free health care, a college education and a Playstation 3 even if that means you can't afford to buy one for your own kids.
Barrack's main mission is to promote class warfare. He steals a page from John Edwards with his assertions of two Americas, but does it hold water? America is the only country on the planet that has a line at the entrance gates. It's the Log Ride in the amusement park of the world. Why would immigrants from all over the globe risk life and limb to to get to the United States if they had no chance of success? Because what Barrack Obama will not tell you is that, Success is achieved through hard work, commitment and personal responsibility in America, not from complaining that other people have more money than you do. The immigrants that fill our nation own businesses that support not only themselves but entire communities. They are not sitting around waiting for a government handout, many of them fled to this country to escape government control. But Obama's "it's not your fault it's their fault" position apparently resonates with some Americans, so I guess he'll be getting that all important victim/whiner vote.
Prior to the debate a significant amount of chatter revolved around how McCain would control his temper if challenged by Barrack. The talking heads all predicted it would be bad for McCain if Obama got under his skin enough to get a reaction. The only person who appeared rattled last night was Obama, often interrupting, grimacing, and raising his finger in objection like the lawyer he is. One of these sophomoric outbursts came while John McCain explained the lessons he felt we've learned in Iraq, relating his own story of returning home from a war without victory, Obama became jumpy, then McCain continued saying that he wore a bracelet given to him from a mother of soldier killed in Iraq, he told the story of how the mother like so many others asked him to make sure that her son had not died in vain, that the United States must finish the mission that her son supported. As McCain finished saying he had met with service members and their families he felt it was imperative to return our troops home with honor, not defeat, Obama smirked,shifted and twitched to the point that I became curious about what it was that Barrack deemed so important he could hardly contain himself. Obama almost bursting with excitement announced: "I have a Bracelet too!" Huh? That's what you've been dancing around at the podium to say, you have a bracelet? I hope who ever gave it to him asks for it back, Obama clearly doesn't the capacity to understand the sacrifice that bracelet represents.
Although this is just round one in a three part process, I can't imagine that the candidates could define themselves more clearly for the "undecided" voters. John McCain presents himself as a competent leader who stands up for what he believes is best for America regardless of it's popularity in the 'world view'. While Barrack Obama says whatever is going to advance his career. I've got a prediction for you based on a few post debate interviews I watched with the Obama camp. The narrative for this debate will be people don't care when the candidates talk about their records, they want to know what you're going to do Now. This is a convenient talking point for the Obama campaign, they don't want you to judge him on what he's actually done, they want you to guess what he'll do next. They don't want Americans to make an informed choice in this election because if all Americans took the time to research the history, McCain would win by a landslide.
John McCain's campaign slogan is "Country First", which seems an to be an honest evaluation of not only his own personal life experience but also how he views the President's role. Our founding fathers seemingly agree since one key job description of the President, involves protecting the United States interests in the world. Based on his performance tonight and throughout his campaign Obama should change his slogan to reflect his honest view of the world: "Me First".
Friday, September 26, 2008
Ode to the House Republicans!
As everyone is gearing up for the big debate, I wanted to take a minute to recognize the efforts of the House Republicans. They have chosen not to act in panic, because the crisis is so large, but instead to act responsibly because the crisis is so large. When I heard about the showdown yesterday during that infamous four o'clock meeting, I thought our founding fathers would be so proud! Bravo!
Everyone pictures our founding fathers as quiet old white guys that spoke in the queen's English and had tea as they discussed the politics of the day. That could not be further from the truth. While these men were well manner and distinguished they were fighters. They were willing to stand up and fight for what they believed. The idea of open debate is what our entire political system is based upon. But it did not stop with debate, these men were willing to duel to the death in defense of their beliefs. I thought this spirit of fighting for the people of America was dead on Capital Hill. The House Republicans have restored my faith in our system. They are challenging the democrats to a modern day duel.
You see the Democrats could have and planned to slide this bill through without telling the American people what it contained. They thought if they had enough republican in the boat with them, that they could pass the bill throw on $58Million in earmarks. Then when the American people found out what happened, the Republicans couldn't hang it on the Dems. But Thank God, the House Republicans weren't on that boat. The media spotlight moved to Washington DC with the arrival of John McCain, allowing The House Republicans to take their case straight to the people, telling them this bill was not good for taxpayers. The people responded in overwhelming numbers calling their representatives from both houses of congress to demand a better bill.
Due to the unprecedented public outcry, and the effort of those brave enough to stand firm on behalf of American taxpayers, we may have to swallow this bitter pill, but at least the medicine will work. The House Republicans deserve the respect and gratitude of all Americans, for reminding us that We the People still means something, and the government is supposed to work for us, not the other way around.
Everyone pictures our founding fathers as quiet old white guys that spoke in the queen's English and had tea as they discussed the politics of the day. That could not be further from the truth. While these men were well manner and distinguished they were fighters. They were willing to stand up and fight for what they believed. The idea of open debate is what our entire political system is based upon. But it did not stop with debate, these men were willing to duel to the death in defense of their beliefs. I thought this spirit of fighting for the people of America was dead on Capital Hill. The House Republicans have restored my faith in our system. They are challenging the democrats to a modern day duel.
You see the Democrats could have and planned to slide this bill through without telling the American people what it contained. They thought if they had enough republican in the boat with them, that they could pass the bill throw on $58Million in earmarks. Then when the American people found out what happened, the Republicans couldn't hang it on the Dems. But Thank God, the House Republicans weren't on that boat. The media spotlight moved to Washington DC with the arrival of John McCain, allowing The House Republicans to take their case straight to the people, telling them this bill was not good for taxpayers. The people responded in overwhelming numbers calling their representatives from both houses of congress to demand a better bill.
Due to the unprecedented public outcry, and the effort of those brave enough to stand firm on behalf of American taxpayers, we may have to swallow this bitter pill, but at least the medicine will work. The House Republicans deserve the respect and gratitude of all Americans, for reminding us that We the People still means something, and the government is supposed to work for us, not the other way around.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Mr. McCain Goes To Washington
John McCain has done it again. He has put his country first. While the democrats are sitting around hand wringing and talking about solutions, McCain took action. The only person who seemed surprised by the announcement yesterday that John McCain would suspend his campaign to return to Washington to work out the deals of the hotly debated rescue package, was Obama. What? Obama cried, you want to go to work instead of self promotion? I won't hear of it. Obama himself called this the "greatest financial crisis in our lifetime" and yet his response to this great crisis seems to be "if you need me call me on my cell". McCain has put his political ambition aside many times before when he felt that it was more important that do what he believed to be as right for the country, rather than just doing what would curry popular opinion.
I will admit when I first heard the announcement yesterday I thought, McCain is setting himself up for ridicule. I was right of course, as the media pounced on the chance to call this a "stunt", but is it really a stunt when the majority leader of the senate, Harry Reid indicates that consensus can't be reached without McCain's help? Certainly we know Reid doesn't "know what to do" about the financial crisis, as he said that himself less than a week ago. What about his counterpart in the House, what was her initial response to the crisis? She went on TV and assured Americans that congress would still be taking their vacation on time. Whew. I feel better now. Maybe you can work yourselves a raise into this new bill for your time.
Since then of course the democrats have came out saying that McCain and Obama really didn't need to return to the Senate to help construct the bill. Oh Really? Tell me, Mr. Reid do you think the citizens of Arizona and Illinois would agree with you? Something the democrats forgot long ago is that they work for the people. They were elected to represent the people of their state in Washington, DC. They were not appointed by you, Mr. Reid or you Ms. Pelosi they were elected, just as you were and they can be voted out of office just as easily, as I hope and pray daily both of you will be.
McCain has made it clear that he believes it is his duty as a Senator of the United States to return to Washington to work out a deal that will get passed and get our economy moving again. He is taking a big risk considering house republicans are vehemently opposed to the current bill. If his return results in a bill that is acceptable to both parties, which gets signed into law: John McCain is the hero. However, if he makes his trip to Washington and the bill gets bogged down with partisan infighting McCain comes up looking like part of the problem. McCain takes a Big Risk, but it could pay out a Big Reward. Either way McCain has taken the position of a leader that is willing to put his country first and his political career second.
Barrack Obama on the other hand has tried to avoid making any decisions on the financial crisis since day one. He even called McCain yesterday morning to see if they could issue a joint statement, as though that would solve the problem. After McCain told Obama that he planned to head back to Washington during their heavily reported 2:30 phone conversation, Barrack thought McCain was "mulling it over" according to a statement he made during his press conference in reaction to McCain's announcement. Here in lies the real difference between Barrack Obama and John McCain, if McCain says he is going to do something, he does it. He doesn't just sit around 'mulling it over'! Obama also criticized McCain for his inability to "multi-task" what Obama clearly sees as equal priorities promoting himself and saving the country from economic collapse.
So what was it that is so important to Obama that he would be in dereliction of duty as a United States Senator during a time of crisis? Debate Prep. According to many reports on tuesday, Barrack Obama planned to hunker down during the next 48 hours to prepare for his foreign policy debate with John McCain. Stop! Read that sentence again. Barrack Obama thinks his 'training' for a debate is more crucial then his responsibilities as a US Senator. Interesting. I've got another catchphrase for Obama that I like more than "multi-tasking": "Prioritizing"
Does anyone remember the way the media went after President Bush on 9/11 simply because he sat calmly for a few moments in front of the classroom of children in an attempt to keep the children from panicking? Where is the Media outrage on this one? Warren Buffet said this was the equivalent of "Pearl Harbor", so why did it take a Presidential invitation to get Barrack Obama back to doing his job.
Now all the world is watching to see what happens when Mr. McCain goes to Washington. I think Sarah Palin said it best during her interview with Katie Couric last night, "they are waiting to see what John McCain will do".
I will admit when I first heard the announcement yesterday I thought, McCain is setting himself up for ridicule. I was right of course, as the media pounced on the chance to call this a "stunt", but is it really a stunt when the majority leader of the senate, Harry Reid indicates that consensus can't be reached without McCain's help? Certainly we know Reid doesn't "know what to do" about the financial crisis, as he said that himself less than a week ago. What about his counterpart in the House, what was her initial response to the crisis? She went on TV and assured Americans that congress would still be taking their vacation on time. Whew. I feel better now. Maybe you can work yourselves a raise into this new bill for your time.
Since then of course the democrats have came out saying that McCain and Obama really didn't need to return to the Senate to help construct the bill. Oh Really? Tell me, Mr. Reid do you think the citizens of Arizona and Illinois would agree with you? Something the democrats forgot long ago is that they work for the people. They were elected to represent the people of their state in Washington, DC. They were not appointed by you, Mr. Reid or you Ms. Pelosi they were elected, just as you were and they can be voted out of office just as easily, as I hope and pray daily both of you will be.
McCain has made it clear that he believes it is his duty as a Senator of the United States to return to Washington to work out a deal that will get passed and get our economy moving again. He is taking a big risk considering house republicans are vehemently opposed to the current bill. If his return results in a bill that is acceptable to both parties, which gets signed into law: John McCain is the hero. However, if he makes his trip to Washington and the bill gets bogged down with partisan infighting McCain comes up looking like part of the problem. McCain takes a Big Risk, but it could pay out a Big Reward. Either way McCain has taken the position of a leader that is willing to put his country first and his political career second.
Barrack Obama on the other hand has tried to avoid making any decisions on the financial crisis since day one. He even called McCain yesterday morning to see if they could issue a joint statement, as though that would solve the problem. After McCain told Obama that he planned to head back to Washington during their heavily reported 2:30 phone conversation, Barrack thought McCain was "mulling it over" according to a statement he made during his press conference in reaction to McCain's announcement. Here in lies the real difference between Barrack Obama and John McCain, if McCain says he is going to do something, he does it. He doesn't just sit around 'mulling it over'! Obama also criticized McCain for his inability to "multi-task" what Obama clearly sees as equal priorities promoting himself and saving the country from economic collapse.
So what was it that is so important to Obama that he would be in dereliction of duty as a United States Senator during a time of crisis? Debate Prep. According to many reports on tuesday, Barrack Obama planned to hunker down during the next 48 hours to prepare for his foreign policy debate with John McCain. Stop! Read that sentence again. Barrack Obama thinks his 'training' for a debate is more crucial then his responsibilities as a US Senator. Interesting. I've got another catchphrase for Obama that I like more than "multi-tasking": "Prioritizing"
Does anyone remember the way the media went after President Bush on 9/11 simply because he sat calmly for a few moments in front of the classroom of children in an attempt to keep the children from panicking? Where is the Media outrage on this one? Warren Buffet said this was the equivalent of "Pearl Harbor", so why did it take a Presidential invitation to get Barrack Obama back to doing his job.
Now all the world is watching to see what happens when Mr. McCain goes to Washington. I think Sarah Palin said it best during her interview with Katie Couric last night, "they are waiting to see what John McCain will do".
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