[ETWolverine]

Hello everyone.

After a 9 month layoff, I am now back, at least on a limited basis.

And after 9 months, I have a few things to say about the election.

Just a few.

Okay, maybe not so few.

First, just a few observations.

1 - I have never seen the media so unabashedly and blatantly biased in favor of one candidate over another. In elections past, we have been able to discern media bias. But in this election cycle, we don't have to discern anything. It's blatant.

For example (and this is only one example of many I can list), there's Chris Mathews' statement: "The feeling most people get when they hear an Obama speech... I felt a thrill going up my leg." Excuse me? Where's the PRETENSE of fair and unbiased reporting?

2 - I have never before seen a candidate for president act as if he was already president... or G-d... or Messiah... as we have seen in this election cycle. I had thought that someone who is not authorized by the President usurping the presidential seal was a crime, but either I was wrong about that, or else someone has decided against prosecuting.





I have never seen a presidential candidate build himself a temple.




Can anyone say "Messiah Complex"?

3- I have never seen a situation where the vice-presidential candidate of one party is asked more questions and challenged about their past more in one week than the presidential candidate of the other party has been asked in 19 months.

Not only has Sarah Palin's background as a legislator and an executive been questioned (which is perfectly fine), but the MSM has attacked her 17-year-old daughter (I thought family of candidates was traditionally off limits), questioned her abilities to be both a parent and an executive at the same time (I haven't heard anyone ask Obama how he plans to be both a father to his two daughters and a President), and intimated that her 4-month-old daughter is really her grandaughter, and questioned whether she had an affair. Yes, several MSM news outlets have actually called for paternity tests of the 4-month-old... she should prove that she really is the mother of Trig... and they have said that while they don't believe it is true, the INQUIRER has said that she had an affair. (That way they can spread the rumor but also maintain clean hands.)

I also keep hearing that she was the mayor of "the small town of Wassila", but the MSM keeps ignoring the fact that she is CURRENTLY THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA, and has been for 2 years. Governor of the state that is the single largest producer of energy in the USA. Governor of the only state that actually borders Russia. So she has more executive experience, more energy policy experience and more foreign policy experience than Obama and Biden combined. The MSM is deliberately trying as hard as possible to ignore that experience. (See observation #1 above.)

But with the exception of Conservative Talk Radio, I haven't heard anyone question Obama's background. Not his relationship with Bill Ayers, not his relationship with Rev. Wright, not his relationship with Resco, not his legislative record (or lack thereof), not his inability to answer simple questions (At what point in life do human rights begin?), not his admitted drug use (from Obama's own memoirs), nothing. For 19 months, Obama has not been asked HALF the questions that Sarah Palin has been confronted with in 6 days.

So this is definitely one of the most interesting and unusual election cycles I have witnessed.

Now, for some predictions.

A - For all the talk about how choosing Sarah Palin was a "mistake", she has served to bring together the grass roots Republicans in a way that hasn't been seen since Ronald Reagan. They are more excited about her than they have been in decades. Regardless of whether she and McCain win the election, she will be a household name for decades to come.

B - The MSM is going to hurt both Barrack Obama's campaign and their own trustworthiness if they keep these senseless attacks against Palin up. As one talk-show host has said, if they keep this up, 2008 will be the year that journalism in America died. Nobody likes attacks against defenseless kids, or baseless attacks against women and it will be seen as Obama orchistrating it (If there were some basis for it, that would be different, but there isn't). It will cost him votes.

C - I predict that 1/3 of Hillary voters will back the McCain Palin ticket. That's roughly 6 million Democrats who will vote Republican. Considering that Bush beat Kerry by only 3,012,166 votes (popular vote), 6 million is a BIG shift. (The difference in 2000 was only about half a million.)

D - I think that Palin is going to wipe the floor with Biden in the debates. Biden has a rep as a "pit bull", but so does Palin. And Palin is more exciting than Biden is. Not to mention that Biden has a history of being a "gaff machine" when speaking extemporaneously. And I think that Palin has a better understanding of such issues as energy policy, economics, cost-cutting and government reform than Biden does. She also resonates with Middle America better than Biden does.

E - I predict that if Obama doesn't have at least a 10-point lead in the polls in the week before the election he will lose the election. A 1 or 2 point lead (or for that matter a meager 6-point bounce after the DNC) in the polls just won't do it, because a lot of people who will claim to plan on voting for Obama will not do so in actuality. They just don't want to be seen as politically incorrect for saying that they will vote against the minority candidate. (That's the downside of political correctness... it keeps us from knowing what people REALLY think.) So if he doesn't have a double-digit lead, it's all over for Obama.

All things staying as they are right now, the winner of the election will be McCain & Palin. It is going to take something BIG over the next 7 weeks to put Obama over the top. Yes, I know that Obama is ahead right now, but he's not far enough ahead, and the momentum currently stands with the Republicans.

I'm back!!

Elliot

[progunr]

Very well written, couldn't add a thing, I'm glad you're back!!

Of all the things he could bring up against his opponents, he chose EXPERIENCE??

Dumbest thing I've ever seen a smart man do!!

[sGt HarDKorE]

Very well written, couldn't add a thing, I'm glad you're back!!!

Of all the things he could bring up against his opponents, he chose EXPERIENCE???

Dumbest thing I've ever seen a smart man do!!!

It wasn't stupid when McCain criticized his experience? Hypocrites...

[progunr]

it wasnt stupid when McCain criticized his experience? hypocrites...

What?

Of course not, HE HAS NONE, so the criticism is appropriate.

NObama has never been a mayor, or a governor, anywhere.

[ETWolverine]

it wasnt stupid when McCain criticized his experience? hypocrites...

Nope.

McCain has actually led people in combat. He has had to make choices both as a pilot and as a POW that affected his own life and those of others. He has real life leadership experience. And we know how he reacts under pressure.

So no, it wasn't stupid for McCain to criticize Obama's experience. It is, in fact, a very smart mode of attack. And it is one that, to date, Obama has had no response for.

The closest that Obama has come to being able to respond to this mode of attack is to state that he runs his presidential campaign, and therefore has "executive experience". Well, in that case, McCain STILL has more and more effective experience than Obama does. McCain has been the Republican notional nominee for months now. It took Obama until last week to finally get Hillary out of his hair. So who is the more effective executive even by Obama's own standard?

So yeah, I think that hitting at Obama's lack of experience, lack of accomplishment and lack of an open record are EXACTLY what McCain should be doing. He should be contrasting that with his own leadership experience, legislative record and his knowledge of the issues. Laying out a clear set of differences between the backgrounds of Obama and McCain plays directly into McCain's game plan.

Elliot

[excon]

Hello Elliot:

Was thinking about you just yesterday. Me and Bobby have taken the present crop of conservatives to the wood shed time and time again. I was getting bored, kicking all that a$$, so I was thinking it would be nice if you were around. It was always so much more fun kicking YOURS than anyone.

Glad you're back.

excon

[Choux]

Hey Elliot!

Been wondering about you lately. :)

Back posting paragraph after paragraph of distortions and lies about Democratic politicians as usual?? :D

Be careful, all that lying is going to make you sick again!! :):):)

Mary Sue
Your old pal from the election of 2004 and so on. :)

LANDSLIDE OBAMA IN 2008

[BABRAM]

Hello everyone.

After a 9 month layoff, I am now back, at least on a limited basis.

And after 9 months, I have a few things to say about the election.

Just a few.

Okay, maybe not so few.

I'll get into politics in just a moment. Were you rehired back to the same company? Why were you laid off? Just curious. Downsizing? Corporate reshuffling of departments? Transition? Funds? If it's to personal, I understand. Where I'm at, as you know Vegas, we have slowed down noticeably. I stay busy enough, but not from the gaming, which runs hot and cold, but mainly because we host conventions and keep the occupancy rate high in the hotel.

First, just a few observations.

1 - I have never seen the media so unabashedly and blatantly biased in favor of one candidate over another. In elections past, we have been able to discern media bias. But in this election cycle, we don't have to discern anything. It's blatant.

CNN started favorable toward Obama, but I think they are a bit more mixed since Hillary not in the race. However CCN Headline News leans Republican but often touts Bob Barr of the Libertarian party (Glenn Beck is definitely anti-Obama). Obviously FOX is heavily pro-McCain and MSNBC pro-Obama.

For example (and this is only one example of many I can list), there's Chris Mathews' statement: "The feeling most people get when they hear an Obama speech... I felt a thrill going up my leg." Excuse me? Where's the PRETENSE of fair and unbiased reporting?

Chris Mathews is their weakest link. I prefer Olbermann, at least he has a personality.

2 - I have never before seen a candidate for president act as if he was already president... or G-d... or Messiah... as we have seen in this election cycle. I had thought that someone who is not authorized by the President usurping the presidential seal was a crime, but either I was wrong about that, or else someone has decided against prosecuting.

The seal thing came up awhile back. Along with other non-issues like flag pins and decals painted on campaign planes.

I have never seen a presidential candidate build himself a temple.




Can anyone say "Messiah Complex"?

Sure you have! His name was George Walker Bush and it happened at the 2004 Pub nomination. Obama's not the first to use the Greek column theme.

Ben Smith's Blog: Bush's 2004 temple - Politico.com

3- I have never seen a situation where the vice-presidential candidate of one party is asked more questions and challenged about their past more in one week than the presidential candidate of the other party has been asked in 19 months.

Thanks to McCain. He says he a maverick and I believe him. Unfortuantly he shoved Palin's feet into the coals.

Not only has Sarah Palin's background as a legislator and an executive been questioned (which is perfectly fine), but the MSM has attacked her 17-year-old daughter (I thought family of candidates was traditionally off limits), questioned her abilities to be both a parent and an executive at the same time (I haven't heard anyone ask Obama how he plans to be both a father to his two daughters and a President), and intimated that her 4-month-old daughter is really her grandaughter, and questioned whether she had an affair. Yes, several MSM news outlets have actually called for paternity tests of the 4-month-old... she should prove that she really is the mother of Trig... and they have said that while they don't believe it is true, the INQUIRER has said that she had an affair. (That way they can spread the rumor but also maintain clean hands.)

I'm voting for Obama, but if I was to choose between McCain and Palin, I'd take Palin. The attack on the daughter is not necessary or called for. My mother had me when she was 17. Of course my mother was married beforehand and in those days women having baby's young was normal. I do question why Sarah didn't have a better relationship with Bristol to know about the extracurricular activity that led to pregnancy. Obama doesn't have a teenage girl that's pregnant otherwise they take him task, perhaps worse than Palin. I can guarantee the media would stereotype Obama. Laura Catherine Schlessinger, radio host (conservative commentary), whom I agree with on this particular issue, is the one that questioned that Sarah Palin taking on the extra responsibility of VP over obvious family difficulties.

I also keep hearing that she was the mayor of "the small town of Wassila", but the MSM keeps ignoring the fact that she is CURRENTLY THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA, and has been for 2 years. Governor of the state that is the single largest producer of energy in the USA. Governor of the only state that actually borders Russia. So she has more executive experience, more energy policy experience and more foreign policy experience than Obama and Biden combined. The MSM is deliberately trying as hard as possible to ignore that experience. (See observation #1 above.)

The whole State of Alaska population is about the size of other American mid sized cities, for example: Austin, Texas.

But with the exception of Conservative Talk Radio, I haven't heard anyone question Obama's background. Not his relationship with Bill Ayers, not his relationship with Rev. Wright, not his relationship with Resco, not his legislative record (or lack thereof), not his inability to answer simple questions (At what point in life do human rights begin?), not his admitted drug use (from Obama's own memoirs), nothing. For 19 months, Obama has not been asked HALF the questions that Sarah Palin has been confronted with in 6 days.

You have been out for awhile. The board brought up these items numerous times. Sean Hannity, Lisa Ingraham, and Bill O'Reilly beat the Obama horse to death.

So this is definitely one of the most interesting and unusual election cycles I have witnessed.

I agree. Historians have their work cut out for them.

Now, for some predictions.

A - For all the talk about how choosing Sarah Palin was a "mistake", she has served to bring together the grass roots Republicans in a way that hasn't been seen since Ronald Reagan. They are more excited about her than they have been in decades. Regardless of whether she and McCain win the election, she will be a household name for decades to come.

I agree. She's more than just a footnote. However the Republican party is only about twenty some odd years behind the Dems in having a ticket with a women represented, but hey they finally took the plunge.

B - The MSM is going to hurt both Barrack Obama's campaign and their own trustworthiness if they keep these senseless attacks against Palin up. As one talk-show host has said, if they keep this up, 2008 will be the year that journalism in America died. Nobody likes attacks against defenseless kids, or baseless attacks against women and it will be seen as Obama orchistrating it (If there were some basis for it, that would be different, but there isn't). It will cost him votes.

She asked for it when she accepted McCain's invitation. Remember she's the barracuda? That's the unfortunate nature of the American campaign beast. That journalist you mentioned is propagandizing, perhaps to the Republican chair, but none-the-less. Fact is that Obama publicly said that children were off limit, including his own. But no doubt generally speaking that the Clinton's perfected negative campaigning and the Pubs are not to shabby themselves. The Dems won't let up though aiming toward McCain and Palin, because they feel that being passive is what cost them in the '04 election.

C - I predict that 1/3 of Hillary voters will back the McCain Palin ticket. That's roughly 6 million Democrats who will vote Republican. Considering that Bush beat Kerry by only 3,012,166 votes (popular vote), 6 million is a BIG shift. (The difference in 2000 was only about half a million.)

Not happening. The majority of that third is likely to sit at home. Issues, such as McCain exploiting a skirt for campaign purposes, and Palin being pro-choice will keep them from voting McCain.

D - I think that Palin is going to wipe the floor with Biden in the debates. Biden has a rep as a "pit bull", but so does Palin. And Palin is more exciting than Biden is. Not to mention that Biden has a history of being a "gaff machine" when speaking extemporaneously. And I think that Palin has a better understanding of such issues as energy policy, economics, cost-cutting and government reform than Biden does. She also resonates with Middle America better than Biden does.

I don't see that. If she studies hard between now and the debate, and the moderator keeps the verbiage close to the vest, Palin can have a respectable showing, perhaps a wash, but not dominate.

E - I predict that if Obama doesn't have at least a 10-point lead in the polls in the week before the election he will lose the election. A 1 or 2 point lead (or for that matter a meager 6-point bounce after the DNC) in the polls just won't do it, because a lot of people who will claim to plan on voting for Obama will not do so in actuality. They just don't want to be seen as politically incorrect for saying that they will vote against the minority candidate. (That's the downside of political correctness... it keeps us from knowing what people REALLY think.) So if he doesn't have a double-digit lead, it's all over for Obama.

I believe it could be close going into that last week as was Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter... until Reagan asked, "Are you better off now, than you were four years ago?" Reality check hit people in the last week and Reagan won by a landslide.

All things staying as they are right now, the winner of the election will be McCain & Palin. It is going to take something BIG over the next 7 weeks to put Obama over the top. Yes, I know that Obama is ahead right now, but he's not far enough ahead, and the momentum currently stands with the Republicans.

I disagree. Although stranger things have happened. To my chagrin Dubya got elected twice. But this McCain campaign is poorly ran. In fact they've been preaching to their own choir at the Pub convention and with past Dubya speech writers writing Palin's speeches, like they did last night, McCain will never shake the McSame label. Americans grow tired of the Pub song and dance and will elect Obama.

I'm back!!!!!

Elliot

As usual most of the public is still disgusted with most politicians in general, both Republicans and Democrat, but yet are still passionate enough on the issues. I missed having your input, even when we disagree. The Judaism board is slow, but we field a question or two now and then. Football season starts tonight and I'm taking the Giants over the Redskins. Mainly because as a Cowboy fan I can't stand the Redskins. BTW my beloved Yankees are on life support and on the verge of letting me down big time. I figured being the last season in the old stadium we'd go out on top. But it doesn't look good. We are currently seven games behind in the wild card, have continious pitching woes, and Rodriguez rarely hits in the clutch. Oh well! Maybe we can start a winner in the new stadium next season. Good having you back.

[Emland]

Welcome Back! I've missed reading your posts.

I have no idea who to vote for.

I lean towards McCain because I am a capitalist rather than a socialist however, I believe if Obama is elected the Republicans will get their collective act together and start acting like fiscal conservatives again. I am more Libertarian than anything else, but Bob Barr only changed horses because he had nowhere else to go.

[ETWolverine]

I'll get into politics in just a moment. Were you rehired back to the same company? Why were you laid off? Just curious. Downsizing? Corporate reshuffling of departments? Transition? Funds? If it's to personal, I understand. Where I'm at, as you know Vegas, we have slowed down noticeably. I stay busy enough, but not from the gaming, which runs hot and cold, but mainly because we host conventions and keep the occupancy rate high in the hotel.

I can't really get into it right now. No I have not been rehired. I am still job searching... read: unemployed. It's a tough economy to be in commercial credit and out of work. I blame Chuck Schumer and the press for creating a problem that didn't really exist to the degree they say it did.

CNN started favorable toward Obama, but I think they are a bit more mixed since Hillary not in the race. However CCN Headline News leans Republican but often touts Bob Barr of the Libertarian party (Glenn Beck is definitely anti-Obama). Obviously FOX is heavily pro-McCain and MSNBC pro-Obama.

You neglect to mention NBC, CBS, ABC, MSLSD, etc. All obviously in the tank for Obama.

Chris Mathews is their weakest link. I prefer Olbermann, at least he has a personality.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that turds of a feather...

The seal thing came up awhile back. Along with other non-issues like flag pins and decals painted on campaign planes.

I don't think it's a non-issue. Not when taken as a whole. The pin thing, the seal thing, the Athenian Temple, etc.

Sure you have! His name was George Walker Bush and it happened at the 2004 Pub nomination. Obama not the first to use the Greek column theme.

Ben Smith's Blog: Bush's 2004 temple - Politico.com

There's a huge difference between putting some columns on an already established stage at an already established venue stage and building a whole outdoor temple at a whole separate venue just for Obama's speech. Sorry, but there's a difference between trying to look presidential and not-so-subtly claiming godhood.

Thanks to McCain. He says he a maverick and I believe him. Unfortuantly he shoved Palin's feet into the coals.

She can handle it. I'm not worried about her breaking or not being able to handle the heat. I'm just pointing out the obvious bias.

I'm voting for Obama, but if I was to choose between McCain and Palin, I'd take Palin.

No disagreement there. Heck, when it comes to EXECUTIVE experience, Palin beats McCain too. (McCain has more legislative experience, but that's another issue entirely.)

The attack on the daughter is not necessary or called for. My mother had me when she was 17. Of course my mother was married beforehand and in those days women having baby's young was normal. I do question why Sarah didn't have a better relationship with Bristol to know about the extracurricular activity that led to pregnancy.

What makes you think she didn't? Palin was very up-front with McCain's people that her daughter was 5 months pregnant. It isn't like this came as a surprise to Palin or McCain. Remember, PALIN brought this to the attention of the media over the weekend. McCain's people knew about the pregnancy before they chose Palin. And Palin knew about Bristol's pregnancy as well. Contrary to what the media would like us to believe, the engagement between Bristol and her boyfriend did not happen this week. It wasn't a shotgun engagement. They have been engaged for a while now.

Obama doesn't have a teenage girl that's pregnant otherwise they take him task, perhaps worse than Palin.

I doubt that. Nobody has asked Obama to take a paternity test for his kids.

I can guarantee the media would stereotype Obama. Laura Catherine Schlessinger Radio host (conservative commentary), whom I agree with on this particular issue, is the one that questioned that Sarah Palin taking on the extra responsibility of VP over obvious family difficulties.

Laura Schlessinger is NOT a conservative. She's a psychology radio talk show host. She's for radio what Dr. Phil is for TV. She's not a political animal. Furthermore, has Laura Schlessinger ever asked whether Obama is capable of the extra responsibility of being a father to two young girls and President of the USA? Did anyone ask either of the Clintons that question regarding Chelsea? How about Carter and his daughter Amy (who was a damnsight smarter than he is). Did anyone ask the Kennedys that question when they had a special-needs sister, Rosemary? Did anyone ask FDR whether he was capable of being Pres in light of his "special needs"? Why does the question only come up for Palin?

The whole State of Alaska population is about the size of other American mid sized city, for example: Austin, Texas.

Yes. And the Mayor of Austin Texas, Will Wynn, has more executive experience than Obama has. In fact, there are PLENTY of people that have more executive experience than Obama has. Palin is just ONE. Good point. Perhaps the Dems should have chosen Wynn to run for President. He's a Democrat.

You have been out for awhile. The board brought up these items numerous times. Sean Hannity, Lisa Ingraham, Bill O'Reilly beat the Obama horse to death.

It's LAURA Ingraham... and she's a babe. And she's not MAINSTREAM media. Neither is Hannity, not really. O'Reilly MIGHT be. But we're talking about 4 or 5 people on RADIO and one on TV vs. the entirely of NBC, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, NPR, PBS, etc. That can hardly be called "beating a horse to death".

On the other hand, the constant questioning of Palin vis-à-vis Bristol and Trig for the past week... now THAT can be called beating a dead horse.

I agree. She's more than just a footnote. However the Republican party is only about twenty some odd years behind the Dems in having a ticket with a women represented, but hey they finally took the plunge.

I don't think so. I think that the Republicans were waiting for the right candidate rather than calling for a candidate based on their genetalia, like Ferraro and Hillary. The ONLY reason Hillary got 18 million votes was because she was a woman. Her stance on the issues is virtually the same as Obama's, so the only reason to have voted for her was gender and race... just as the only reason to have voted for him was gender and race. There was no other significant difference between the two of them. At least from my point of view. Palin, on the other hand, really does represent middle-American conservatism and middle-American culture. So there's a bit of a difference. We weren't slower, we were more methodical.

She's asked for it when she accepted McCain's invitation. Remember she's the barracuda?

Like I said, I'm not worried about her handling the pressure.

That's the unfortunate nature of the American campaign beast. The Clinton's perfected it and the Pubs are not to shabby themselves. The Dems can't let up, because they feel that's what cost them in '04.

True enough. And what cost the Reps in '06 was trying to shift to the moderate/middle. That's why they have chosen Palin... shifting to the middle is NOT what she's about. And while Romney would have been a good conservative pick, there's too much sound-byte of Romney criticizing McCain. The same problem that Obama has with Biden. Palin has NEVER been recorded criticizing McCain, and she's just as conservative.

Not happening. The majority of that third is likely to sit at home.

Some will. But there are enough angry PUMAs out there to do the spiteful thing. At least if the PUMAs are to be believed.

Issues, such as McCain exploiting a skirt for campaign purposes, and Palin being pro-choice will keep them from voting McCain.

You mean as opposed to Hillary exploiting her gender to run for President as "The First Woman President"... or for that matter Obama exploiting his race to run as "The First Black President"? Sorry, but the same people who would be... ed off at Palin are the same ones who were... ed off at Hillary for doing the same thing. Those votes are a wash, nothing gained, nothing lost.

I don't see that. If she studies hard between now and the debate, and the moderator keeps the verbiage close to the vest, Palin can have a respectable showing, perhaps a wash, but not dominate.

Time will tell. But hey, you're in Vegas. When the debates come along, you'll know what the numbers look like. But look at Biden's snoozer of an acceptance speech compared to Palin's and tell me she won't wipe the floor with him... especially on energy issues and government reform. Heck, all she has to do is show the audience a copy of the Alaskan State budget with her markups, and she wins that debate hands down. (Here's a copy)

I believe it it could be closer going into that last week as was Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter... until Reagan asked, "Are you better off now, than you were four years ago?" Reality check hit people in the last week and Reagan won by a landslide.

Yeah, but Carter screwed himself over 6 ways from Sunday. He botched all the debates, he brought up the fact that he was taking policy leads from his 6-year-old daughter, and he was going up against REAGAN. There's no Reagan in this election, and McCain and Palin are not likely to make the gaffs that Carter did. So there's no real parallel between the two situations.

I disagree. Although stranger things have happened. To my chagrin Dubya got elected twice. But this McCain campaign is poorly ran. In fact they've been preaching to their own choir at the Pub convention and with past Dubya speech writers writing Palin's speeches, like they did last night, McCain will never shake the McSame label. Americans grew tired of the Pub song and dance and will elect Obama.

There are two points I want to make about that.

1) I agree that until 4 weeks ago the McCain campaign was a disaster. But he has the momentum right now. This election, which on the face of things SHOULD have been a Democrat blowout is a virtual dead heat right now. That should not be happening if America is so "tired of the same ol' thing." McCain's campaign has picked up the tempo, and the Obama campaign is trying to figure out what to do to get back that momentum. Interestingly, Drudge reported today that the Obama campaign in August took in less money than it spent. McCain is just starting to hit his peak in contributions. I would caution you not to assume that the Obama campaign has the advantages.

2) I am not so sure that Americans really are tired of the same ol' thing. Sure, some are. But I think that the success of the surge and McCain's connection to the surge has shifted people's thinking on the war in Iraq and the Republican leadership in general. And even if they are tired of the same ol' thing, they aren't quite so sure that Obama's change is the change they are looking for. Exactly which Americans are going to voluntarily vote themselves a raise in taxes, higher gas prices, and wealth redistribution?

As usual most pf the public is still disgusted with most politicians, both Republicans and Democrat, but yet still passionate enough on the issues. I missed having your input, even when we disagree. The Judaism board is slow, but we field a question or two now and then. Football season starts tonight and I'm taking the Giants over the Redskins. Mainly because as a Cowboy fan I can't stand the Redskins. BTW my beloved Yankees are on life support and on the verge of letting me down big time. I figured being the last season in the old stadium we'd go out on top. But it doesn't look good. We are currently seven games behind in the wild card, have continious pitching woes, and Rodriguez rarely hits in the clutch. Oh well! Maybe we can start a winner in the new stadium next season. Good having you back.

I'll be checking out the Judaism board some time soon. And I'm glad to be back, bro.

Be well,

Elliot

[BABRAM]

I can't really get into it right now. No I have not been rehired. I am still job searching... read: unemployed. It's a tough economy to be in commercial credit and out of work. I blame Chuck Schumer and the press for creating a problem that didn't really exist to the degree they say it did.

Understood. I've seen some unfair circumstances (unwarranted) that played out in Vegas and it effected good families.

You neglect to mention NBC, CBS, ABC, MSLSD, etc. All obviously in the tank for Obama.

That's because I favor 24 hour news networks. Although I do recall ABC peeved at Obama and was on the Hillary bandwagon.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that turds of a feather...

Like a flock... Cheney-Bush-McCain.

I don't think it's a non-issue. Not when taken as a whole. The pin thing, the seal thing, the Athenian Temple, etc.

I'm watching McCain give his acceptance speech and he's not wearing a USA flag pin on his lapels.

There's a huge difference between putting some columns on an already established stage at an already established venue stage and building a whole outdoor temple at a whole separate venue just for Obama's speech. Sorry, but there's a difference between trying to look presidential and not-so-subtly claiming godhood.

Oh? So those Greek columns only look good on Dubya's stage. Godhood? Wow! McCain is practically worshiped as Thor for his Nam story.

She can handle it. I'm not worried about her breaking or not being able to handle the heat. I'm just pointing out the obvious bias.

I agree. She's in and there's no looking back now. It is... what it is.

No disagreement there. Heck, when it comes to EXECUTIVE experience, Palin beats McCain too. (McCain has more legislative experience, but that's another issue entirely.)

Fortunately this is not about executive experience alone, otherwise we could just vote in thousands of qualified corporate bonus heavy titans over Palin.

What makes you think she didn't? Palin was very up-front with McCain's people that her daughter was 5 months pregnant. It isn't like this came as a surprise to Palin or McCain. Remember, PALIN brought this to the attention of the media over the weekend. McCain's people knew about the pregnancy before they chose Palin. And Palin knew about Bristol's pregnancy as well. Contrary to what the media would like us to believe, the engagement between Bristol and her boyfriend did not happen this week. It wasn't a shotgun engagement. They have been engaged for a while now.

I said nothing about a wedding, albeit shotgun or planned. I say Bristol got pregnant and that perhaps Sarah should get to know her daughter, since they live at the same residence.

I doubt that. Nobody has asked Obama to take a paternity test for his kids.

In all fairness it's not an issue for me concerning either parties candidates. I have no doubt that Michelle and Barack's kids are their own. But being black and given the higher percentage of African American single parent households, they would be scrutinized beyond the Palin family.

Laura Schlessinger is NOT a conservative. She's a psychology radio talk show host. She's for radio what Dr. Phil is for TV. She's not a political animal. Furthermore, has Laura Schlessinger ever asked whether Obama is capable of the extra responsibility of being a father to two young girls and President of the USA? Did anyone ask either of the Clintons that question regarding Chelsea? How about Carter and his daughter Amy (who was a damnsight smarter than he is). Did anyone ask the Kennedys that question when they had a special-needs sister, Rosemary? Did anyone ask FDR whether he was capable of being Pres in light of his "special needs"? Why does the question only come up for Palin?

Schlesinger's not a liberal. She's a self proclaimed conservative. Michelle's with the two girls and neither are pregnant, or have down syndrome. Just a fact. Jimmy had Roslyn at home with Amy. The Kennedy's could afford special services for Rosemary and FDR had good care as well.

Yes. And the Mayor of Austin Texas, Will Wynn, has more executive experience than Obama has. In fact, there are PLENTY of people that have more executive experience than Obama has. Palin is just ONE. Good point. Perhaps the Dems should have chosen Wynn to run for President. He's a Democrat.

OK. But before we carried away, I'm sure we could find a few political science graduates on the golf courses in Georgetown, West Lake, Lago Vista and other surrounding Austin areas. Maybe if we transplant them to Alaska where they can even drive in a snowmobile race like Sarah's husband. Let's not make that a qualification while were at it.

It's LAURA Ingraham... and she's a babe. And she's not MAINSTREAM media. Neither is Hannity, not really. O'Reilly MIGHT be. But we're talking about 4 or 5 people on RADIO and one on TV vs. the entirely of NBC, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, NPR, PBS, etc. That can hardly be called "beating a horse to death".

Well I went to school with a Lisa Ingraham. Yes... Laura is a pretty women. Not quite as pretty as my wife (I'm scoring points!). Anyway the Pubs seem to want a beauty contest. Like I said in another post, McCain maybe archaic in his thinking, bones re-healed from Nam, but at 72 years old his eye sight is EXCELLENT! As for the anti-Obama rhetoric it was certainly in the headlines for weeks at a time. Actually it was brought up by the Clinton campaign long before the Pubs.

On the other hand, the constant questioning of Palin vis-a-vis Bristol and Trig for the past week... now THAT can be called beating a dead horse.

Elliot, but that's one week. McCain never promised Sarah a rose garden. Obama was called and labeled the unpatriotic Muslim extremist for months.

I don't think so. I think that the Republicans were waiting for the right candidate rather than calling for a candidate based on their genetalia, like Ferraro and Hillary. The ONLY reason Hillary got 18 million votes was because she was a woman. Her stance on the issues is virtually the same as Obama's, so the only reason to have voted for her was gender and race... just as the only reason to have voted for him was gender and race. There was no other significant difference between the two of them. At least from my point of view. Palin, on the other hand, really does represent middle-American conservatism and middle-American culture. So there's a bit of a difference. We weren't slower, we were more methodical.

McCain thinks so. He went out to duplicate that vision.

Like I said, I'm not worried about her handling the pressure.

It will be over in November than she can head back to Alaska.

True enough. And what cost the Reps in '06 was trying to shift to the moderate/middle. That's why they have chosen Palin... shifting to the middle is NOT what she's about. And while Romney would have been a good conservative pick, there's too much sound-byte of Romney criticizing McCain. The same problem that Obama has with Biden. Palin has NEVER been recorded criticizing McCain, and she's just as conservative.

Trust that the McCain campaign will keep her under wraps and tell there little princess puppet what to say and when.

Some will. But there are enough angry PUMAs out there to do the spiteful thing. At least if the PUMAs are to be believed.

It will eventually come down to issues for them.

You mean as opposed to Hillary exploiting her gender to run for President as "The First Woman President"... or for that matter Obama exploiting his race to run as "The First Black President"? Sorry, but the same people who would be ....ed off at Palin are the same ones who were ....ed off at Hillary for doing the same thing. Those votes are a wash, nothing gained, nothing lost.

Again... so McCain thinks. He should had just begged Condi and he could had covered both bases. Obama will garnish the overwhelming amount of Hillary voters, both women and men.

Time will tell. But hey, you're in Vegas. When the debates come along, you'll know what the numbers look like. But look at Biden's snoozer of an acceptance speach compared to Palin's and tell me she won't wipe the floor with him... especially on energy issues and government reform. Heck, all she has to do is show the audience a copy of the Alaskan State budget with her markups, and she wins that debate hands down. (Here's a copy)

I didn't watch Biden's speech, but I'm sure compared to McCain's coma speech flat liner that I just finished listening to, it was at least pulsating. Sarah will get her chance at the debates.

Yeah, but Carter screwed himself over 6 ways from Sunday. He botched all the debates, he brought up the fact that he was taking policy leads from his 6-year-old daughter, and he was going up against REAGAN. There's no Reagan in this election, and McCain and Palin are not likely to make the gaffs that Carter did. So there's no real parallel between the two situations.

But the polls had Reagan and Carter neck and neck going into the last week. Gaffs, which McCain is full of, should be the least of his worries as well. He's attached to Dubya you know what! That's his problem and he's not going to be able to shake that.

There are two points I want to make about that.

1) I agree that until 4 weeks ago the McCain campaign was a disaster. But he has the momentum right now. This election, which on the face of things SHOULD have been a Democrat blowout is a virtual dead heat right now. That should not be happening if America is so "tired of the same ol' thing." McCain's campaign has picked up the tempo, and the Obama campaign is trying to figure out what to do to get back that momentum. Interestingly, Drudge reported today that the Obama campaign in August took in less money than it spent. McCain is just starting to hit his peak in contributions. I would caution you not to assume that the Obama campaign has the advantages.

I agree. It should be a blow out by now. It was obvious to me not to vote for Dubya twice. But the public is not all in the same place at this time. I think the majority will arrive at the same conclusion.

2) I am not so sure that Americans really are tired of the same ol' thing. Sure, some are. But I think that the success of the surge and McCain's connection to the surge has shifted people's thinking on the war in Iraq and the Republican leadership in general. And even if they are tired of the same ol' thing, they aren't quite so sure that Obama's change is the change they are looking for. Exactly which Americans are going to voluntarily vote themselves a raise in taxes, higher gas prices, and wealth redistribution?

As compared to that wonderful trickle down Bush economics. No thanks. I have no doubt most Americans in that upper class range are going to hate Obama. But it's not going to bother me a bit.

I'll be checking out the Judaism board some time soon. And I'm glad to be back, bro.

Be well,

Elliot

I need to spend time with the family the next few days. I'll catch you around. Don't be a stranger. It was good hearing from you.

[Skell]

Welcome back Elliot. Right now I'm about to begin my weekend so ill comment on your post some time Monday. Good to see you back. Ive been polishing my gun in anticipation. ;)

[tomder55]

Great to hear from you!

Yeah Shumer was being criminally investigated by the Cal. Att. General for creating a run on IndyMac. I was hoping we would see him frogmarched and wearing an orange jumpsuit. However the partisan Att. General Jerry moonbeam Brown declined to pursue it. Too bad Spitzer is not available for the job... oh wait... he only shook down businesses... instead of prosecuting fellow Democrats .

I have a question about banks overdraft fees ,that are greater than loan shark rates, that they impose on students who use debit cards .This occures when the accounts are slightly overdrawn ,based primarily on the way the banks tabulate the withdrawals . But perhaps I'll send you a private about it.

Welcome back. As you probably suspect ,most of your observations have been addressed here.Sarah Barracuda has changed the dynamics . Where-as I and most conservatives have been at best reluctant unenthusiastic supporters of McCain before ;now we can be enthusiastic supporters of the true reform ticket.Before Palin the race was a referendum on Zeus Obama . But now it's not a question that change is coming to Washington. Now it is a question of what change ;and who is most competent to deliver it ?

Now Bobby writes : The whole State of Alaska population is about the size of other American mid sized cities, for example: Austin, Texas.
It is also just slighty short in population to the State of Deleware .Palin runs the state of Alaska and Biden is a lifer in the Senate ;getting his automatic reelection based on how much pork his son the lobbyist can deliver to the state. He is one of 100 Senators no matter how many important commitees he sits in .

The question between the 2 of them is judgement ,and clearly the sub-divison of Iraq was the single dumbest policy proposal in the entire conflict.He has shown time and time again that he is just wrong on the issues of the day. He even voted against the 1st Gulf war .

I don't know the percentage of Evita voters who will cross over .Any of them is gravy. It is the middle undecided vote that is up for grabs. Palin shores up the base and McCain has not had to shift to the center. He has always been there.

Bobby also says that because the Ayers ,Rezko and other seedy associations have been brought up before that they are dead issues. That is farthest from the truth as they are still unresolved .Stonewalling will not make them go away.. Sooner or later the Anneberg files will be released . And just wait until October when the scorned and thrown under the bus Rev Wright's book is on the market.

Looking forward to your continued input into our debate. It's a funny thing.. I have been here taking on Excon ,Bobby et al in lively debates and I have never once thought of my a$$" being kicked" . Nor have I kicked any. But it sure is fun!!

[progunr]

Hello Elliot:

Was thinking about you just yesterday. Me and Bobby have taken the present crop of conservatives to the wood shed time and time again. I was getting bored, kicking all that a$$, so I was thinking it would be nice if you were around. It was always so much more fun kicking YOURS than anyone.

Glad you're back.

excon

This conservative has NOT seen any WOODSHED!

Contrary to popular left leaning beliefs.

[ETWolverine]

Hello Elliot:

Was thinking about you just yesterday. Me and Bobby have taken the present crop of conservatives to the wood shed time and time again. I was getting bored, kicking all that a$$, so I was thinking it would be nice if you were around. It was always so much more fun kicking YOURS than anyone.

Glad you're back.

excon

Hey, bro.

Well, a man's reach should exceed his grasp. It gives you something to reach for. :)

Elliot

[speechlesstx]

Welcome back again, Elliot. As I said before, 'bout time!

Steve
P.S. I haven't gotten my a$$ kicked since tom did so in fantasy football last year.

[excon]

Hello again, El:

Well, you don't expect these macho rightwingers admit it, do you?

excon

[tomder55]

Steve
Last night Amani Toomer ; open if he cuts in front of the defender, has a good chance of scoring . Instead he keeps to his route and Eli almost throws an interception . The difference... Toomer gets one fantasy point for the night instead of 10 . Meanwhile Burress open all night doesn't cross the goal line so although his ff points are OK ,they could've been much better . I sat Redskin Santana Moss because I don't want a rooting conflict of interests .He becomes the only productive player on the skins so I lose 9 pts because of that decision.
Winning at fantasy football only slightly compensates for how maddening the game can be .

[speechlesstx]

Hello again, El:

Well, you don't expect these macho rightwingers admit it, do you??

excon

Hey Excon the a$$ kickin' mon,

I admitted it. It was just by another right-winger in another forum :D

[speechlesstx]

Steve
last night Amani Toomer ; open if he cuts in front of the defender, has a good chance of scoring . instead he keeps to his route and Eli almost throws an interception . The difference .....Toomer gets one fantasy point for the night instead of 10 . Meanwhile Burress open all night doesn't cross the goal line so although his ff points are ok ,they could've been much better . I sat Redskin Santana Moss because I don't want a rooting conflict of interests .He becomes the only productive player on the skins so I lose 9 pts because of that decision.
Winning at fantasy football only slightly compensates for how maddening the game can be .

I did manage to get 11 points off Brandon Jacobs' rumbling over Redskin safeties. He has today's NFL can't miss run.