RObamaTS

RObamats:  a supporter of Barrack Obama who can recite the talking points of tax cut for 95% of Americans,  health care for all, end the war in Iraq, blame Bush for everything and use ‘middle class’ to describe all of those points.  Beware, when engaged RObamats will stretch the facts to historic proportions and repeat stated talking points until they think they won the debate.  Can usually be found surrounded by media. 

If you find one don’t waste your time trying to deprogram it.  Robamats are hard wired to suppress reality.  Rather state one of the code words “Hilary” or “fact check” and the RObamat will immediately shut down long enough for you to leave. 

On Nov 5, 2008 all RObamats are scheduled for reprogramming in one of two instances.  If Seantor Obama fails to become President they will immediately try to undermine the election with talking points about the “Bradley Effect” and their services will be retained to lead riots and accuse the Republicans of stealing the election.   If Senator Obama is elected President, the memory of all RObamats will have to be erased so they do not remember the wild promises candidate Obama made while campaigning and he can start failing to keep his promises without repercussion.

Fun With Paraphrasing

The difference between the candidates paraphrased:

Barack Obama:  I will be at the debate tonight, with or without John McCain.  The American people want to hear me and my ideas.  If the Senate needs my vote they know where to find me but I’m running for President for the 95% of Americans who will get a tax cut when I’m President.  So I will debate with myself tonight and show the American people I believe in change and tell them how I hope to change America.

John McCain: The American people want to see a debate and I will debate Senator Obama after this crisis is resolved.  If a deal is in place,  or at least the framework of a deal,  that we can begin writing into legislation and prepare for a vote tomorrow or Sunday, I will be at the debate.  But until we shore up the economy, and restore confidence in the markets,  I will be at my desk, in meetings, or wherever I am needed to work out these sticking points.  I am working closely, in a bipartisan manner,  with Speaker Pelosi and the majority leader, Harry Reed as well as the chairman of the Banking Committee, Chris Dodd, to hammer out a deal that will begin to restore confidence to American markets.  My first job is to the American people as a Senator and this is no time for a debate on foreign policy. 

Cynics (and the media) respond:  Look at McCain’s obvious political ploy.  He is playing politics with the economy and look, just the other day he said the fundamentals of the economy were strong.  McCain should go debate that is what America wants to see right now with only 49 days left until election day.  This country first thing he does is all politics, no one can believe in America that much.  Besides we have reporters in Mississippi already, we can’t change our plans now. 

Joe Biden: What I meant was—

 (even Bill Clinton applauds Sen McCain’s actions–Good Morning America 9/25)

Facts and Feelings from Wall Street to Main Street

The biggest heart string issue any candidate can use to influence votes is the economy.  The last few days have been a testament to this.  While Obama uses “middle class” as a noun, verb and adjective in every speech, McCain has been trying to reassure Americans about the fundamentals of the economy.  In light of the polls today, it would seem Obama is the better string player.  But does he have the leadership and policies to back up what he is saying on the stump? 

First to leadership.  It was reported today that the Democratically controlled Congress is considering another recess in light of the current economic situation.  The reason being that they don’t know what to do and don’t want to act in a manner that will cause any more harm.  Obama himself has yet to take a position on the bailout of AIG saying he needs more information before he can react to what happened yesterday. 

While it is true that John McCain is part of the same Congress that is considering another recess, it is also true that he is a member of the party that stayed in the House to push for a vote on energy reform after the last recess was called by Speaker Pelosi.  The Republican representatives stayed in the House for days after the recess was called, lights out, trying to put pressure on the Democrats to allow an up or down vote on energy reform.  

Unlike Obama,  John McCain has taken a position on the bailout of AIG.  According to ABC he is now a flip-flopper because he supports the bailout after he opposed it previously.  But they miss the point.  John McCain changed his position because he was able to see that if AIG was not given help in some manner-federal,private or the combination of both that has happened-the economy and millions of Americans who are associated with AIG in some way would have been decimated by even a partial failure.  Call it a flip flop if you like but leaders know when and how to act, even if acting goes against what they believe. 

Now, the policies.  Once again  these are policy statements directly out of Obama’s “Blueprint for America”  and the expanded Issues section of the John McCain website.  They are not the soundbites or anecdotes candidates use on the stump. 

  Obama’s plan starts with, what else, the middle class.  While Obama is fond of talking about his tax cut and it’s perceived ability to help 95% of Americans, his plan does not address who is middle class.  He does specify a tax credit that would be equal to $500 per individual or $1,000 per working family in what he calls the “Making Work Pay” tax credit.  He says it would completely eliminate taxes for 10 million Americans and provide 150 million workers relief. 

Obama also will simplify tax filings,  allowing taxpayers the option of signing a returning a pre-filled tax form sent by the IRS.  No itemization, no W, I or A forms, just sign a return.  Accountants beware, estimates are you will lose approximately $2 billion in fees when this happens.  Perhaps the accounts will need retraining after they lose their jobs, but not to worry Obama has provided for that in his plan. 

First of all, if you take a job at McDonalds, your minimum wage will rise indexed to inflation.  Simply put, small businesses are forced to pony up money every year for every worker, NOT based on performance.  In addition Obama will raise the Earned Income Tax Credit so that you can work full-time and still raise a family.  Not only that but Obama will expand FMLA to companies that employ as little as 25 people and allow time off for just about anything.  While I can’t say that allowing time off under FMLA to see your kids soccer games is a bad idea, I can say that his idea to make states and companies to pay for FMLA time is a bad one.  But to this end Obama has promised $1.5 billion to the states to help them pay for the new FMLA rules. 

If you decide, as an out of work accountant, that you want to enter the manufacturing field, Obama is going to spend untold (literally, he has no number) dollar amounts on new job training programs.  Using his education policy as a backdrop, most of this retraining will happen at community colleges where education will be free under an Obama administration.  If you decide to stay at home and work, Obama will give you high speed Internet as he spends countless (again no number) dollars on companies who provide Internet connection services. 

Of course Obama has a record to back up his economic policies and tax cuts.  In 2007 he was a cosponsor on a bill (his site says he introduced it) by Dick Durbin called the Patriot Employer Act.  The bill currently sits in committee. Did I mention the Congress that controls these committees is controlled currently by Obama’s own party.  He also cosponsored the STOP FRAUD Act to help homeowners, it also sits in committee

Sen McCain’s proposals start off with a balanced budget by 2013.  To achieve this McCain will:

• make reasonable growth a reality
• control spending
• use bipartisanship like (hold on ) Bill Clinton did in the 90’s to pass a budget

In assuring growth Mccain believes that small businesses will benefit the economy the most.  His proposals of low taxes and low rates on capital gains will allow those businesses to reinvest in their own future.  Also small businesses would be able to deduct equipment and technology investments they make to improve their businesses.  In addition to allowing businesses to reinvest in themselves, McCain is proposing reducing the Estate Tax to 15% which would allow more businesses to stay in the family.  In addition the Bush tax cuts would stay in place and may even increase for all Americans. 

Another way John McCain can assure growth is the implementation of his energy policy.  Under his plans, which include ALL types of energy,  new jobs would be created in America to build and support new energy development.  In nuclear power alone it is estimated that over 700,000 jobs would be created under McCain’s plan.  Retraining is also a priority in a Mccain Presidency and would be fully supported. 

The second part of McCain’s plan to balance the budget is to control spending.  John McCain’s efforts to control spending are famous and easily found on his congressional website.  But in addition to earmarks, John McCain has proposed a freeze on all non-defense and non-veteran discretionary spending thus allowing time to plan and prioritize all spending programs.  And as we draw down in Iraq and costs are reduced in the war, much of that money will go to deficit reduction, not universal health care. 

One other point on spending.  Much has been made about the “Bridge to Nowhere” in Alaska.  Sarah Palin has been criticised for supporting the earmark before she was Governor and then voicing her opposition to it as Governor.  John McCain voted “NO” to this earmark (H.r. 3, CQ Vote#220: Adopted 91-4:R 48-4;D42-0, I 1-0,7/29/2005)and was only one of 4 Senators to do so, Obama voted for it.  When the money was allocated anyway, Palin did take the $36 million allocated BUT directed her Transportation Department to use it for infrastructure improvements in the state.  This is in keeping with improvements sought after the government directed states to look at all of their infrastructure after the bridge collapse a few years ago.  Here are two source to verify the bill-

http://www.johnmccain.com/mccainreport/Read.aspx?guid=ab24d6d6-f796-4851-99ac-451d7567a5cc

This site shows Obama and McCain’s votes on HR 3

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/109/senate/1/votes/220/

Finally, John McCain’s record of bipartisanship shows that he can easily work with all members of Congress to make this happen.  Just as Democrats and Republicans are coming together this week to slow the bleed in the financial sector, Sen McCain has worked with Ted Kennedy, Joe Lieberman and others to introduce legislation that, many times his own party did not support. 

There is more to the McCain plan but I have gone on long enough (Printed text for McCain goes on for 14 pages, Obama has 5).   Figuring out what each candidate is saying on the trail is difficult.  Sen Obama clearly uses emotion over reason and Sen McCain tries reason more than he should sometimes.  But after writing my longest post yet, the bottom line is this.  On May 25, 2006 John McCain spoke to the Banking Committee and warned of the failure of Fannie and Freddie as well as others (AIG).  Franklin Raines and Jim Johnson, now advisers to Obama, were executives in the banking industry then.  Chris Dodd (D) was the ranking committee member and killed the resolution John McCain and others proposed.  Where was the leadership of Obama and the Democrats then?

Again look at the comments:

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/09/17/mccains-attempt-to-fix-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-in-2005/

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2084424/posts

 (Thank you to all sites listed)

Sebelius: The GOP wears white after Labor Day

Here we go again!  Another member of the Obama campaign is accusing the GOP of wearing white after Labor Day. 

Kansas Gov Kathleen Sebelius, once thought of as a VP candidate for Obama, is the latest Obama surrogate to inject race into this election.  On Tuesday she told a crowd in Iowa that the GOP is using code words to inject race into this election. 

When asked if Obama and the Democrats would fight for a victory in November, Sebelius answered ” Have you noticed that Barack Obama is part African-American?” then added that the “Republicans are not going to go lightly into the darkness”.  She has not clarified her comments yet. 

Governor Sebelius is not some left wing blogger whose post you read and then discard as idiotic.  She is a vocal supporter of Obama who has been asked by the campaign to travel around the country and speak on behalf of Obama.  She was once considered an alternative to Hilary Clinton for the VP nomination.  Sebelius is also the Governor of a state,  a position she should take responsibly and not use to instill fear in voters. 

Race is the elephant in the room according to Sen Obama, his surrogates, volunteers and the media( http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/16/obama-race-a-factor/) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia75o5IO3xo) .  They want us to believe that the only way to improve race relations in this country is to vote Obama into the White House.  To those  promoting this idea I would have to ask a simple question.  Is this what Martin Luther King, Jr meant when he said ” I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Organiztion Needs…Call 1-800-BARACK-O

As Rudy said last night–A community organizer….WHAT? 

Sen Obama and his supporters praise his time as a community organizer in Chicago.  They say that his experience in this position gave him the necessary skills to handle the duties of President of the United States.  Well, lately they have said that they way he has run his campaign is proof of his ability to be President but I’ll just let that go and let it sink in for anyone reading this.  But what is a community organizer?  What do they do?  I searched Yahoo answers but as usual I found nothing more than people expressing their beliefs.  So I did a job search and here is what a community organizer does. 

Portland, Oregon is looking for a community organizer after receiving grant money from the city to fund the position.  The position’s function is listed as organizing, part time @ 10-15 hours per week.  Their ideal candidate will have experience in community organizing, coordinating volunteers, a commitment to stability, familiarity with building codes and zoning regulations,  experience being self motivated and a flexible schedule. 

Still,  how does one get experience in community organizing?  According to the listing, a community organizer can coordinate volunteers into organized campaigns to educate the public , and lets not forget empower the public, and work with local officials to change whatever your campaign is focused on, i.e. zoning laws.  As a community organizer YOU don;t change the laws, YOU just organize the campaign to get people to listen.  Also if you are looking for this job you can look for the keywords as follows:  grassroots organizing,policy change,building codes, zoning laws, or sustainable building.  And just in case you want to be President someday her is the website.  http://www.wiserearth.org/job/view/a21caf72e3e540128d5093d097e0bb7f

But let’s give Senator Obama the benefit of doubt.  Perhaps he was a full time community organizer, what are his responsibilities then? 

LA has an opening for a Hospitality Industry Community Organizer, full time.  There is no education requirement, is categorized under Activism and Organizing,  with salary of $40-$46,000.  Your responsibilities in this position require you to develop strategy, reach out to the community and develop leaders in this organization.  It also requires you to be a public speaker and work with others to advocate policy changes.  The full -time requirement does tie up your weekends and isn’t 9-5.  They do prefer previous campaign experience but it is not necessary.  Also you must engage the community to talk about working conditions in this position.  Again just in case you want to apply:  http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/306821-281

Okay one more, this time in Chicago and dealing with the issue I think is one of the most important, education.  Again, to be a lead organizer for the AFT Great Lakes Region, there is no education requirement.  It is full time and the person must be focused on education, human and civil rights,  job training and issues in the workplace.  As the lead organizer in Chicago you would motivate people (they call them activists but in light of the RNC protests we’ll let that go),   build relationships and organize plans that support the overall campaign you are organizing as the head of this organization.  Here are other qualifications direct from the website:

LEAD ORGANIZER:
• Experience running an organizing campaign in a tough employer environment
• Demonstrated commitment to empower workers through the labor movement
• Proven ability to direct work and lead by example
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Self starter with the ability to work under supervision
• Knowledge of Chicago labor and politics (preferred)
• Willingness to work nights and weekends as required
• Computer literacy
• Valid driver’s license/ car

Once again, here is where to go if you ever thought about being President one day:http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/306016-138

I could go on but anyone doing a search  will find a good explanation of what a community organizer does.  Sen Obama fits the description of all of these positions.  He speaks fluently and hopefully can write, although just as he and his supporters have said about Sarah Palin’s speech, I doubt he writes his own speeches.  He has proven he can organize a large group of people to listen to him.  He even works well with interest groups that promote their own agenda.  But, as shown in these descriptions, he has never done anything more than PROMOTE change.  As a community organizer that was “above his pay grade” as he likes to say.  Do we really want a President whose main source of experience required him to speak and write effectively and motivate supporters of special interest groups and know the inside workings of Chicago politics?

Biden has a Bridge for Sale

Joe Biden is questioning John McCain’s judgement?  Saying that John McCain has been wrong on the most important national security issues of our time, Joe Biden cited a statement McCain made three years ago about violence in Afghanistan and how the US had succeeded there.  In promoting Sen Obama’s judgement, Biden only noted that a year ago Obama called for 2 more battalions to be sent to Afghanistan.   Biden also said that the Bush/McCain foreign policy neglected nations around the world, like Georgia, a new democracy as he called it, and ignored signs of an emerging Russian nation.  Biden also accused Bush/McCain of losing sight of the nuclear powered nations like Pakistan and the economic growth of China and India. 

What Biden neglected to mention in all of this was either his own judgement or that of his fearless leader, Obama.  Joe Biden’s judgement led him to vote AGAINST the first war in Iraq when Kuwait, a sovereign nation, was invaded by Sadaam Hussein’s army.  Joe Biden’s judgement led him to convince President Clinton to launch air strikes in Kosovo because of ethnic cleansing, not an imminent threat to the US or her interests.  It was Sen Biden whose judgement led him to vote for the Iraq war then denounce it and the now successful surge strategy.  It was also Sen Obama’s judgement to vocalize his opposition to the Iraq war at a time when he had no authority, as a state Senator, to vote for or against any action in Iraq.  It was also Obama’s judgement that led him to say that Iran and Cuba are too small to be real threats to the United States.  And it was Sen Obama’s judgement that led him to say that the troop surge in Iraq is not a success and attributes the reduction in violence to anyone other than our troops.

On the other hand, John McCain’s judgement led him to support the war in Iraq and Afghanistan for national security reasons.  Later, John McCain criticized the Bush administration, much to the dismay of his own party, for their handling of the war.  And still later, Sen McCain was the lone Republican to stand up and argue for a surge of troops in Iraq,  a stand so unpopular his own party stood against him.  It has been Sen McCain’s judgement that led him to denounce Russia’s invasion of Georgia immediately because he has been talking about Russia’s re emergence for a decade already.  It has been Sen McCain’s judgement that has led him to recognize Iran’s hateful rhetoric as the threat that it is and the penchant for destruction that country would have if it ever possessed nuclear weapons.  It was also John McCain’s judgement that helped him understand what an ally Pakistan, an country who has stood with America despite internal dissent, is in the war on terror.   It was also John McCain whose judgement compelled him to vote against the first round of tax cuts, a move his party decried, because of the wasteful spending attached to the bill. 

Joe Biden and Barack Obama’s judgement on the major issues of our day align 96% of the time with whatever their party tells them to believe. By contrast,  John McCain’s judgement on major issues has led him to vote against his party more than 14% of the time.  But despite Joe Biden’s obvious lack or distortion of facts tonight, I can’t question his judgement when he said that Obama was too inexperienced for the job.

Obama/Biden

Obama chose his running mate last night, overnight, while we were sleeping.  ?.  Apparently Joe Biden got the nod because of his extensive foreign policy background and, like Clinton, is a native of Scranton,PA.  Of course, I don’t think Biden will be embraced as a native son the same way Clinton was when she campaigned here this year. 

In another blunder by the Obamacampaign, a text message was sent out to announce the pick AFTER the media was alerted to Joe Biden’s status.  His promise to send supporters the text first because of their undying support was broken around 3am when many supporters received the text.  So much for the political cartoons and pundits joking about McCain’s inability to use texting. 

Will this hurt Obama?  No, but Biden won’t help that much either.  Biden has been a critic of Obama and he voted for the war in Iraq before he was against it.  Does Biden also want out of Iraq because his son is facing deployment in the region?  Biden is also a beltway insider, a staunch liberal who has voted with his party 96.6% of the time http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/110/senate/party-voters/ (Obama has done so 96% of the time), and, for her supporters, is still not Hilary Clinton.  Biden will also have to overcome what appears to be a rough exterior and a tendency to talk, and talk, and talk.  He will also have to overcome his age, a charge many Obama supporters level against McCain.  Biden is 66, only 6 six years younger than McCain.   

 Biden probably was a good choice for Obama.  They share many of the same ideas and Biden won’t outshine Obama’s own spotlight.  Maybe he can even become another one of Obama’s crazy old uncles.  But in a year where the VP choice is so critical, did Obama make the right pick.  I think voters will say NO on election day and go for McCain/Romney in November.

It’s 3AM again!

The crisis in Georgia has highlighted the 3am issue Sen Clinton first brought up in the primaries.  Both candidates reacted to it differently and their reactions were a glimpse into the foreign policy each candidate would bring to the White House. 

First, Sen McCain.  When he called Pres Saakashvili, Sen McCain expressed support for Georgia in the struggle against Russia and rallied all Americans to get behind Georgia.  He condemned Russia’s aggression and noted that Russia invaded as a sign to other countries that attempt to deal with the West would only earn them the same fate.  Georgia was seeking NATO membership.  He also sought a diplomatic solution to the crisis. 

Next, Sen Obama.  He used his eloquent words to give a speech that condemned Russia and the military action it took.  He urged Russia to sign a cease fire agreement and wants international monitors to verify the terms of a peace treaty.  Sen Obama also wants a diplomatic solution to the crisis. 

Notice the two responses. John McCain was able to pick up the phone and call the President of Georgia to see what the situation was and vocalize his support to Pres Saakashvili.  Sen Obama was able to find a working microphone and denounce Russia and offer the services of international diplomats to resolve the situation. 

  Some people have called Sen McCain’s words saber rattling, others cite them as evidence of his thirst for war and still others ask where Georgia is and why should we care?  Some have even tried to sneak oil into the debate since BP has a pipeline there.  (By the way a Russian reporter even likened his country’s response to that of America after 9/11, saying “the US roared like a stuck pig even though the material and human loss was minimal” .)  Sen Obama has apparently taken all of these positions when he allowed his camp to make a statement on the situation.  Today John McCain was criticized by the Obama camp as being too aggressive and may have even “complicated” the crisis in Georgia.  “Complicated”? By taking a stand on the issue? 

Sen McCain may not be President yet and his words and actions may be just that at this point, but which response would you want from a sitting American President? The response that included a phone call or the one that included a calculated speech?  Let’s put it the Hilary Clinton way:

It’s 3am, John McCain is woken up and immediately gets the President of Georgia on the phone to assess the situation. 

or

It’s 3am, Barack Obama is woken up and immediately asks “Where is my speech writer and how fast can he get here?” 

You decide!

Words of Wisdom

“A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.”
– Robert Frost

“So I think (Obama) definitely has convinced people that he stands for change and for hope, and I can’t wait to see what he stands for.” — Susan Sarandon

I am not in favor of concealed weapons. I think that creates a potential atmosphere where more innocent people could (get shot during) altercations.” — Barack Obama

“I believe that the Second Amendment is an individual right, and that was the essential decision that the Supreme Court came down on.”-Barack Obama

“A vote is like a rifle, its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.”-Teddy Roosevelt

 

You got into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing’s replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton Administration, and the Bush Administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.” — Barack Obama

All the constitution guarantees is the pursuit of happiness. You have to catch up with it by yourself.”
-Benjamin Franklin

“America is no longer what it could be, what it once was. And I say to myself, I don’t want that future for my children.” Barack Obama

This is the moment when we must build on the wealth that open markets have created, and share its benefits more equitably. Trade has been a cornerstone of our growth and global development. But we will not be able to sustain this growth if it favors the few, and not the many.
Barack Obama

“Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction.”-Ronald Reagan

“You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a (flag) pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we’re talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for, I think, true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won’t wear that pin on my chest…” — Barack Obama

“There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.”-George Washington

“Anybody gone into Whole Foods lately and see what they charge for arugula? I mean, they’re charging a lot of money for this stuff.” — Barack Obama

“I had learned not to care. I blew a few smoke rings, remembering those years. Pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it. Not smack, though. …” — Barack Obama

“I can no more disown (Jeremiah Wright) than I can disown the black community.”—- Barack Obama

“If when the chips are down, the world’s most powerful nation-the United States of America-acts like a pitiful,helpless giant, the forces of totalitarianism and anarchy will threaten free nations and free institutions throughout the world.”-Richard Nixon

“America is still the No. 1 killer in the world.” — Jeremiah Wright

“(America is) just downright mean.” — Michelle Obama

“And I’ll be the President who ends this war in Iraq and finally brings our troops home.” Obama campaign ad

“Iran, Cuba, Venezuela — these countries are tiny compared to the Soviet Union. They don’t pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us.”-Barack Obama

In 1982, Anwar Sadat traveled to Israel, a trip that resulted in a peace agreement that has lasted ever since. In the spirit of that type of bold leadership, would you be willing to meet separately, without precondition, during the first year of your administration, in Washington or anywhere else, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea, in order to bridge the gap that divides our countries?–question from CNN/YouTube debate”I would.. And the reason is this, that the notion that somehow not talking to countries is punishment to them — which has been the guiding diplomatic principle of this administration — is ridiculous.–Senator Obama’s response

“I have a dream…” Martin Luther King, JR

The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity. She doesn’t. But she is a typical white person who, if she sees somebody on the street that she doesn’t know, there’s a reaction that’s been bred into our experiences that don’t go away, and that sometimes comes out in the wrong way, and that’s just the nature of race in our society.—
Barack Obama

“Racism is how this country was founded and how this country is still run. No black man will ever be considered for president, no matter how hard you run Jesse [Jackson] and no black woman can ever be considered for anything outside what she can give with her body.” — Jeremiah Wright

“Government exists to protect us from each other. We can’t afford the government it would take to protect us from ourselves.”–Ronald Reagan

“If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists – to protect them and to promote their common welfare – all else is lost. ”
Barack Obama

http://www.rightwingnews.com/mt331/2008/04/barack_obama_in_quotes_version.php

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/barack_obama.html for more Obama quotes

 

Veep Stakes

The polls have stalled.  As of today,  there is no clear leader in the race to be the next President.  Voters are ready for the next big thing in this race, the VP picks. 

In previous elections, the choice of VP was seen as mostly insignificant.  What did Al Gore bring to the table?  Did Kerry take North Carolina with Edwards on the ticket?  Who thought Cheney was on the short list?  But this election is different and the VP choice WILL affect the outcome of this election. 

John McCain will benefit from his choice of VP much more than Sen Obama.  For voters, Sen McCain’s choice is more about who will balance the ticket.  For voters on the right that means a candidate with more conservative views than McCain.  For independents that means a candidate who shares most of McCain’s views but can also add something, such as experience or knowledge in economics, to the ticket.  And for Democrats unsure about Obama, it is a candidate who will not go too far right on issues important to them.  And let’s face it, no matter how healthy McCain is, all voters are looking at the number 2 guy as a possible replacement. 

For voters looking at Sen Obama and his VP choice, it is more about who will add the most to the ticket without highlighting the inexperience of a first term Senator.  Independent voters are looking at Obama’s choice as their key.  Independents who like his message of change and hope want a VP with the same wide eyed view of the world but has been around politics longer than the top name on the ticket.  Independents  who are undecided because of Obama’s inexperience and worry about his message of hope and change are looking for a VP who will keep Obama grounded in reality as he tries to run the nation, possibly someone they feel will hold him back a little.  Those on the left who are unsure about Sen Obama will be looking for a candidate who will be able to keep Obama focused on the issues important to the party.  And everyone is looking for a VP who has seen and experienced the world for longer than 9 days. 

Obama will have a harder time choosing a VP that will help him win as well because he has placed himself on such a high pedestal.  With soaring speeches infused with whimsical rhetoric, Sen Obama has captivated audiences and the media.  His VP choice will have to bottle some of this magic as well if he or she wants to be an asset to the Democratic ticket.  He or she will also have to be able to explain Sen Obama’s policies, a task not many surrogates can do on the talk show circuit without resorting to talking points. 

The influence of Dick Cheney will be felt in this election as both candidates struggle with the VP choice.  Just as Hilary wandered into politics as First Lady and redefined that role, Dick Cheney (for better or worse, depending on your thinking) redefined the role of the VP under Bush.  Both candidates need a strong choice to motivate voters to cast ballots in their favor.  For Sen Obama that task will prove to be more difficult as he tries to find someone who will not upstage him or his message.  For Sen McCain the task is to find someone to compliment him and his message.  The advantage is clearly with McCain as the Veep Stakes continues. 

(It’s going to be Romney for McCain!, and Clinton is a huge risk for Obama that won’t help him in the end)