Diary Of A Mad Voter: Heath Haussamen
McCain and Obama: Reformers Or More Of The Same?
By Heath Haussamen, 6-25-08
 |
|
 | |
|
Barack Obama and John McCain claim to be candidates of principle and reform. But the actions of both related to public financing in the presidential race raise doubts.
Obama broke a previous pledge last week and announced that he would opt out of the public-financing system for presidential candidates. On a practical level, it wasn’t surprising: The Democrat has displayed a rare ability to raise huge amounts of money from average Americans, and that would have been hindered by accepting public financing.
But reducing the influence of money in politics is central to Obama’s “Change We Can Believe In” slogan and the message of his presidential campaign. It’s true that his campaign has found a different way to raise money, but the reality is that he pledged to use the public financing system in the general election if his opponent also agreed—which McCain has done.
Now Obama, the candidate who asks Americans to be idealists and believe change is possible, is instead acting like a realist by deciding to break a promise because doing so will increase his chances of being elected.
McCain used public financing to keep his presidential campaign alive during the early days of the primary but, by the time he became the presumptive Republican nominee, he opted out because he didn’t want his fundraising to be limited.
McCain took out a pair of $1 million loans for his campaign in its early days, using public financing as collateral, according to the Washington Post. When McCain later opted out, the head of the Federal Election Commission said he can’t do that if he used public funds to back up the line of credit.
The FEC’s governing board lacks a quorum because appointments are bogged down in partisan bickering, so it has no ability to act, and the question about whether McCain violated federal regulations lingers.
Acting like Washington politicians
The reality is that both candidates—men who claim to break the Washington mold—made pledges to use public financing and then reneged. They’re flippantly treating as a convenience a serious and important system that is supposed to help take the money out of politics. In doing so, they’re acting like the sort of Washington politicians Americans loathe.
McCain used the public-financing system when he needed it to jumpstart his campaign and rejected it when that was no longer necessary. In the meantime, his campaign took a huge amount of money from the very Washington lobbyists the system is designed to marginalize. Now that McCain is again facing a better-funded opponent, he’s returning to the public-financing system.
Obama said he would use the public-financing system when he needed to appeal to the progressive wing of his party that wants ethics reform. Meanwhile, he was planning a revolutionary attempt to raise a huge amount of money from average people. When that worked, and public financing became a hindrance, Obama also rejected the system.
McCain’s back-and-forth use of public financing and lobbyist money is simply hypocritical. Obama’s decision isn’t much better: He appears to be fine with an ungodly amount of money in politics as long as the money is raised from average Americans and given to his campaign.
As long as he can out-raise McCain, Obama can afford to limit substantive debates and joint town halls and instead reach voters through carefully-crafted advertisements and controlled events. The problem is that running a high-dollar campaign that woos voters with spin instead of substantive debate is counter to Obama’s message of empowering people, regardless of who’s funding his campaign.
Editor’s note: Heath Haussamen’s weekly blogs are part of NewWest.Net/Politics’ “Diary of a Mad Voter” feature, a group blog, published in partnership with the Denver Post’s Politics West intended give a glimpse into the hearts and minds of several independent-minded voters and thinkers in the Rocky Mountain West in the ‘08 election cycle. For more columns check in with www.newwest.net/madvoter. And for more information on each of the bloggers, click here.
from "O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU"
By Ethan Coen and Joel Coen
TOWN SQUARE
Ithaca, Mississippi. On a bunting-covered stage a pencil-
necked man with round rimless glasses addresses a crowd of
rustics.
The pencil-neck is identified on posters as 'Homer Stokes,
Friend of the Little Man', and, in life as in the pictures,
he shakes a broom over his head. A midget in overalls stands
next to him.
STOKES
And I say to you that the great state
a Mississippi cannot afford four
more years a Pappy O'Daniel - four
more years a cronyism, nepotism,
rascalism and service to the
Innarests! The choice, she's a clear
'un: Pappy O'Daniel, slave a the
Innarests; Homer Stokes, servant a
the little man! Ain't that right,
little fella?
The midget enthusiastically seconds:
MIDGET
He ain't lyin'!
STOKES
When the litle man says jump, Homer
Stokes says how high? And, ladies'n
jettymens, the little man has
admonished me to grasp the broom a -
ree-form and sweep this state clean!
The midget waves his little midget broom in time with Stoke's
waves.
STOKES
It's gonna be back to the flour mill,
Pappy! The Innarests can take care a
theyselves! Come Tuesday, we gonna
sweep the rascals out! Clean gummint -
yours for the askin'!
5 new FEC members were approved today. McCain could face a $25,000 fine and five year prison sentence if they decide he broke the law. I don't think those election forms floating around where he declared he was using public financing for the primary election are going to help his case much.
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-25-08flounder, see: opensecrets.org/pres08/indus.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 as to the "little people" and opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000085 regarding Goldman Sachs which plays big with Obama with people like Corzine.
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-25-08Homer Stokes and Obama look to be cut from the same cloth "a-ree-form." See: http://www.411mania.com/politics/columns/78636/Lame-–-Obama-Plays-Preemptive-Race-Card.htm
>>>>>>>>>
Oh my, I do believe we're starting to get evidence that Barack Obama's definition of "change" is painfully synonymous with "politics as usual." Recently, in an apparent effort to move to the political center, Obama's had some convenient changes of heart. He's rejected public financing for his general election campaign, despite previously and frequently promising he wouldn't. Obama has decided to support the new FISA bill, which is certainly playing against his Most-Lefty-U.S.-Senator type.
But thankfully, there's one Democrat/lefty principle Obama would never betray – crying "Racism!" without justification:
"We know what kind of campaign [the Republicans are] going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid," Obama said at the fundraiser. "They're going to try to make you afraid of me. He's young and inexperienced and he's got a funny name. And did I mention he's black? He's got a feisty wife."
Yes, we all know every single GOP voter is a Super Secret Racist at heart, so you morally upright lefties better turn out in droves to defeat those awful, filthy, bigoted McCain supporters. You know how those people are. Really, you almost have to admire Obama's gall to raise the issue of racial appeals – you may have heard that Obama's former pastor and spiritual advisor had some "old fashioned" views on race relations.
It's particularly sleazy to play the race card against McCain, who has gone out of his way to disavow oblique racial appeals. When the North Carolina GOP ran an ad featuring Rev. Wright that said Obama was "too extreme" for NC, McCain repudiated it. As for the Republican National Committee, they formally scolded the Tennessee GOP earlier this year when it used "Barack Hussein Obama" in a press release. Even if you like to imagine that McCain and/or Republicans generally are racists, you have to admit they seem to be going through the motions.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Politics as usually and as useful. As Homer Stokes said, "And, ladies'n jettymens, the little man has admonished me to grasp the broom a-ree-form and sweep this state clean!"
Remember when Marion showed his true colors and started going off on Obama and had to bring up Martin Luther King Day because all black people look alike?
There are two conservatives that consistently post here, you and Marion. By my count we have one racist and one we don't know about, so let's call that 50% and maybe 100%.
Not all Republicans are racists, but many are. There is a reason the South went from conservative Democrat to conservative Republican in the 60's.
It is no accident that when Saint Reagan ran for President he started his campaign off in Philadelphia, Mississippi. This was the site of the brutal murder of some civil rights workers. He went down there and started a fleck spittled rant about "state's rights", which is a codeword for segregation among the racists. He knew who he had to pander too, and so does McSame. When the Republicans started running racist ads in North Carolina he sure didn't stop it. He gave an obligatory whimper, but for a party leader he sure stayed on the sidelines (and so did the rest of the N.C. delegation like another party leader and N.C. Senator Liddy Dole).
McSame hasn't discouraged the rest of the clown car from sending the Barack HHHHHHUUUUUSSSSSEEEEIIIINNNN Obama is a weirdo black Muslim who doesn't wear flag lapel pins (made in China) e-mails either. How many have you forwarded?
I'm pissed at Obama for selling out on FISA but I'm not going to sit by while the racists keep up their slow burn.
P.S. Remind me why did Obama was forced to get a secret service detail so early again?
flounder, your comment is 100% wrong, and disgraceful. How revealing how you and others attempt to capitalize on the race issue when you know NOTHING about me and others. But what the hell, right?
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-25-08Flounder, and one more thing. Before you call or insinuate anyone else is a racist or biggot, has it escaped your consciousness that two muslim women were removed by the Obama campaign people from appearing in the same screen shot as Obama? It seems you guys want to take this campaign to the lowest gutter level possible with your accusations while engaging in the same behavior that you feign disgust.
Comment By flounder, 6-25-08How is my comment 100% wrong?
Did Reagan not go down to Philadelphia, Mississippi to show his "state's rights" (wink, wink) credentials to the good ole boys?
Did the Democratic party's shift on civil rights not swell the Republican ranks and make them the regional party of Southern hate?
Did the North Carolina Republicans not run a racist ad and did not McSame say he didn't like it but then not press them on stopping it (nor N.C. and national Republican leader Liddy Dole either)?
Did Marion not bring up how much he disliked Martin Luther King day out of the blue in order to point out something or another about Obama? And is that not the way bigots treat blacks?
How many of the creepy e-mail's have you forwarded anyways? The Obama campaign's actions with those Muslim women was heavy-handed and bone-headed, but it is in direct response to your homies and their e-mail smear campaign.
For the record, it is sort of tradition for Republicans to go and hang out at the racist Bob Jones University. I'm guessing McSame makes his pilgrimage in July.
flounder, WOW!!!! what a defense for the indefensible. You claim that the republicans made Obama discriminate against the Muslim women. Do you know what that means? Here's my take:
--political posturing is more important to Obama than substance and principle
--regarding his campaign slogan, "Hope and Change," just words
--regarding leadership, can't get any weaker than that, and then blame others for the choices the Obama people made
--regarding uniting the country and bringing people together, looks like it is only the people he deems politically advantageous
For Obama to play the race card at a fund raiser seems no different that the bigoted, racist remarks by Rev. Wright, that Obama claimed as some sort of uncle before he disowned him. It seems Wright can't say those things in the pulpit but Obama has the green light to race pander with accusations, like you, when he chooses. This makes his 20 year Rip Van Winkle explanation of his church association all the more unbelievable. The worst part is that Obama and you seem to trivialize race issues by using them to collect money,rally for votes, and polarize people into politically opportunistic constituencies.
While not as bad as McCain, Obama looks like more of the same. He wouldn't even help his fellow Democrats fight the FISA bill. So more spying on us by the President. This time a Democrat.
Comment By mostlyMike, 6-26-08Let's face it, the office of the President is a threat to democracy and peace.
We need constitutional amendments to abolish the office of President. Most of our wars and incursions on our liberties have come from Presidents, all the way back to the 1840s.
"The worst part is that Obama and you seem to trivialize race issues by using them to collect money,rally for votes, and polarize people into politically opportunistic constituencies."
Is Saint Reagan "rallying for" KKK votes down in Mississippi considered trivializing race issues or polarizing people?
Is "every Republican candidate for the last 20 years" going down to Bob Jones University and "rallying for" for KKK votes considered trivializing race issues or polarizing people?
Is the Texas Republican party allowing their members to sell racist buttons at their convention (buttons that said: "if Obama wins, can we still call it the White House?") considered trivializing race issues or polarizing people?
If you want to bring all the racists out in the open and let the chips fall where they may I am all for it. You want to know why I support that? You guys can show a speech by Rev.Wright, and I can show you pictures of Rev. Wright's childhood:
http://www.google.com/images?q=lynching&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS241US241
Your problem is that by reacting to the racists quickly, Obama gets all their innuendo out of the shadows and the absolute worst thing for racists is to have to operate in the light of day. The KKK was a bunch of sterling church goers during the day, and a torturous and murdering lynch mob at night. they hid in the shadows for a reason, just like your e-mails (how many have you forwarded anyways)?.
I mean look at Marion: before he was like the crazy uncle who didn't understand the difference between weather and climate and yells at kids to get off his lawn. After saying bigoted insinuations, he is like the BIGOTED crazy uncle who doesn't understand the difference between weather and climate and yells at kids to get off his lawn.
I've heard Republicans talk just like Obama said they would. I heard that all from a former co-worker (who was actually my boss at one point) who did nothing but listen to Rush Limbaugh all day. I plied the guy with some whiskey, and pretty soon he was telling me how bad an idea desegregation was. These are your homies you are protecting, good luck with that.
flounder, you are digging your hole ever deeper. Stop before you can't climb out.
Comment By Harry P, 6-26-08Obama attended a racist church for 20 years that believes whites are inferior, in the US of KKKA, as his mentor said. Flounder, who is indeed Floundering with his simplistic, super partisan "logic," renders everything he says incredible because he's obviously so polarized and so bias. Republicans are racists? Nobody need take such an individual seriously. He's just a fool. In the meantime, Obama was seriously involved with a racist organization. The truth is, though, we all now know that he really doesn't believe in anything. He got into that church on his wife's coattails, she was the true believer, and probably the true racist, while Obama was just trying to work a political base and get some bona fides in Chi-town. And regarding his money, he takes lots from big business, including big oil (though he lied about it, outright), and he's owned by the corrupt labor union bosses.
McCain should not be disparaged. He's not perfect, but he's the one that has gone his own way for what he believes and taken the heat from his own party. Who else has done that? Certainly not Obama. People who say "McSame" show their political gullibility and illiteracy. They acutually believe the party talking points. It's like they started following politics yesterday, with Obama and Britney Spears. Others with more wisdom and experience in life have been acquainted with John McCain for decades. And he's the guy who actually has a record of putting his life and limbs on the line, as well as his political career. He stayed in a hell hole for years longer than he had to in order not to be used as a tool, and had his arms broken because of it. He stayed there for his buddies and his duty. It's an experience beyond what any of the ranters on these blogs can imagine. People like that don't come along very often. I have more respect for that kind of courage than a billion opportunists like Obama. Doesn't mean McCain's perfect, but he's a far better man than anyone else.
Like Homer Stokes, Obama will be grasping that broom "a-ree-form" to try and sell a message that ain't.
Comment By flounder, 6-26-08Must have hit close to home. Good luck with your smear e-mails. How many did you send today.
Comment By flounder, 6-27-08Remember two years ago? One of the popular names bandied about as the GOP Presidential candidate was George "macaca" Allen.
Even though he grew up in Southern California, he puts up a Confederate flag and a noose in his office.
In college he poached a deer and then drove around til he found a black family so he could put the deer head in the mailbox.
He named his son Forrest, after Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate Civil War general and the first grand wizard of the terrorist organization the Klu Klux Klan.
Stay classy GOP. How many smear e-mails did you send today Craig?
flounder, I haven't sent any smear emails today, yesterday, day before,... Today I have sent just one email to a writer here at NW. I think that person cound attest to its contents that it had no political comment at all. The only "smearing" is by you! I'm surprised you can still reach the keyboard keys with the depth of hole you have dug for yourself.
Comment By Linda, 6-27-08Obama is using the tactics necessary to win against the Republican swift boating. It does not mean he has changed his ideas, but all the ideas will be for nothing if he is not elected.
His campaign is effectively getting the jump ahead of the attack tactics used by the Republicans (Karl Rove) in 2000 & 2004.
Obama will work for major changes in the FISA bill when he is President. If he did not vote for the compromised bill, the Republican's would have said, "Told you so, he is weak on terrorist and will put us in danger."
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/rulings/pants-fire/
Statements we say are Pants on fire!
31 Total Pants on Fire
15 Against Barak Obama
2 Against Hillary Clinton
1 Against Mitt Romney
1 Against John McCain
0 Said by Obama
2 Said by John McCain
2 Said by Hillary Clinton
2 Said by Bill Clinton
2 Said by Joe Biden
1 Said by Bill Richardson
1 Said by Mike Huckabee
1 Said by Rudy Giuliani
10 Said by Chain Email
3 Said by a Blogger
1 Said by Florida Republican Party
1 Said by National Republican Party
Got it Linda. The ends justfy the means... truth, integrity, and personal honor be damned. Politics as usual with the usual justifications of behavior.
Comment By Linda, 6-27-08It is sadly about politics. Do you want a list of McCain flip-flops to appeal to voters. It is a much longer list.
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-27-08Linda, comparative wrong doing reveals no one with clean hands. Advocating for your tarnished champion by attacking his opponent does not repair your champion's sparkle. Sadly, it is about politics...and power for those managing Obama's Max Headroom responses.
Comment By Linda, 6-27-08For all the Obama bashers, why should someone vote for McCain - only issues, not what Obama supposedly did.
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-28-08Linda, both men should be judged without the hype. Look to what they have done, what they say, what their goals are.
Here's some help.
McCain: ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Obama: ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
Another comparison is to examine which candidate is race baiting and playing poker with the race card. The other day Obama did it at a fund raiser. Previously, he did it pandering for votes. See: blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/06/barack_obama_vs_lou_dobbs.html#more
>>>>>>>>>
The presumptive Democratic nominee for president needs to be more careful in his use of statistics. If he is going to blame Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh for "ginning up" hate crimes against Hispanics, he needs solid data to back up his allegation. The hate crimes statistics that he threw around at a fundraiser in Florida are wildly inaccurate--and a subsequent modified claim provided by his campaign was also off the mark...
...there is no excuse for resorting to equally flawed data to attack Dobbs and his ilk. Statistics on hate crimes are easily checkable through the FBI website, and show nothing like the increase claimed by Obama. The most recent data available are for 2006, not 2007. As you can see from the following chart, hate crime offenses against Latinos rose from 529 in 2003 to 770 in 2006, a total increase over three years of about 45 per cent...
Obama "misspoke," said Mark Potok, editor of the Southern Poverty Law Center's quarterly Intelligence Report, which has been highly critical of Lou Dobbs for "twisting the facts" on the immigration issue. According to Potok, hate crimes are routinely underreported but the figures provided by the FBI are the best available. There is no evidence for a doubling of hate crimes against Latinos, as claimed by Obama.
The Pinocchio Test
This is hardly the first time that Obama has come up with faulty stats. I have already called him out for repeating the myth that there are more young black men in prison than in college. And then there was the time when he said that 10,000 people had been killed in tornadoes in Kansas when the real figure was 12. Perhaps he could do with a personal fact checker.
(4 Pinnochios)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<
If this is his expression of Hope and Change and uniting people, I don't want any part of it. Just politics as usual. Each candidate should be critically examined separately without the weak defense of "yeah but what about the other guy..."
of course they are washington politicians. you expected what?? to come out of the primary system??? but unless you are wealthy beyond caring about the economy you would have to be completely oblivious to not realize that Obama beats McCain in every objective argument you could dream up. don't even think of it as one party over another- think of it as rich guys for McCain and the rest of us for Obama. the only reason that it is a close race is that rich guys are masters at getting the rest of us to fight each other over trivialities. that is the only way they keep winning. we let them win by being stupid and oblivious. it has been that way since Charlemagne and it works 90% of the time.
I pray to god the rest of us get it together enough to not sucker for this again. there is too much at stake. if you thought genious george was bad wait'll you see what moron McCain can do!
problembear is correct, unless your income is over $200,000 - $300,000, you are much better off financially with Obama.
Craig Moore: The race baiting issue is ridiculous. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, many other media, and even state Republican parties have used the false Muslim issue to instill fear, which concerns more people than Obama being black.
McCain's Tax Plan
http://thinkprogress.org/wonkroom/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/tax_returns1.pdf
McCain and his wife, Cindy would save $373,429. That's nearly $400,000 -- per year, not over the course of their lifetimes
Obamas would save nearly $50,000
Barack Obama's Plan
McCains would save less than $6,000
Obamas would save slightly more than $6,000
http://thinkprogress.org/wonkroom/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/tax_returns1.pdf
What they'll do to your tax bill
http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/11/news/economy/candidates_taxproposals_tpc/index.htm?postversion=2008061115
Race baiting and pandering rediculous???? That doesn't pass the laugh test. Just why doesn't President Clinton come out and support Obama? Could it be the race smears thrown his way by Obama?
Why did Obama say before the NAACP that more African American men were in jail than in college when that was patently false?
Why did Obama's people have the two Muslim women removed from appearing in the background of screen shot?
Why did Obama make a preemptive strike against McCain over race when Obama was before predominantly AA audience?
He can't be the candidate of unity when he attempts to capitalize on hatred and group identity politics?
why should any of us waste our time denouncing baseless slander and groundless obfuscation from an extreme right wing nut who is obviously just a fog machine for the candidate of the wealthy and the powerful?
you sound tired Craig. and a little desperate. I think you got a little spittle on your screen. take it easy. it's gonna be a long time until November and I will be right here to help you through all the hard times.
Craig - issues, issues, issues
Why are you so intent on the fear fueling Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and many Republicans.
I liked the links you provided
McCain: ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Obama: ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
Have you read any of the information? What are McCain's stances on issues that make you thing he is the best candidate.
Obama is wrapping up the Hispanic vote because they know the Republicans will not support their issues. The Republicans support the issues of the wealthy.
Linda, I am NOT a McCain supporter or acolyte. That's why you won't seeing me defend or advocate for him.
That being said, Obama doesn't and shouldn't get a free skate. His lead is about 10-15% and growing. That's why I believe he has a 98% chance of winning. He has the momentum and McCain has inertia.
Obama and his supporters should forget McCain and focus on issues and the future. Obama needs to ACT presidential and live up to his slogans. NOT earning 4 Pinnochios from the Washington Post and a woodshed paddling from Fact Check for fabrications and distortions. That's politics as usual as demonstrated by his race baiting. It's completely unnecessary and counterproductive to leading and healing a divided nation. So I ask that you hold your champion more accountable to act more in keeping with the office he seeks. The continuing Obama Hosannas while smiting McCain is rather underwhelming, unnecessary, and counterproductive. If you are unable to convince yourself or others to support Obama without referencing McCain I suggest to you that there is something lacking in his substance.
Linda, "problembear" is correct. Never wrestle with a pig (you both get dirty; but, the pig enjoys it) and don't keep giving the "extreme right wing nut who is obviously just a fog machine for the candidate of the wealthy" an extended stage for his antics. I, along with many others, including Todd Wilkinson, have watched and, admittedly, wrestled with this guy for a long time and it's just counterproductive. He brushes by facts and tapdances around ethics, issues, and positions with only one consistent theme and goal, to obfuscate in any way needed to obliquely support the extreme rightwing and undermine anyone else.
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-29-08Dear mike, you know nothing about me. What I have stated here is true about my political leanings and my hopes for Obama to start acting presidential rather than a mere a politics as usual, Homer Stokes broom a-ree-form politician. In my opinion, your insults and personal attack on me are predictable given your previously established MO of attacking others who you happen to disagree with. Please make a reasonable effort to stay on topic. I have no interest in wrestling in the gutter with you. I thought NW was a place where diverse and contrasting opinions were encouraged. Perhaps there is only room for people like you. NW what do you say?
Comment By flounder, 6-29-08Here is comic strip that basically sums up the race-baiting operations of the McSame acolytes out there.
http://www.salon.com/comics/tomo/2008/06/24/tomo/index.html?source=rss
Craig, you do sound tired.
Regarding Obama, even the Huffington post recognizes that he is just another politician: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/earl-ofari-hutchinson/squealing-on-the-left-at_b_109738.html
>>>>>>>>>>
Obama's pirouette on the bill also drew a mild squeal from Left Obama backers such as Alternet, MoveOn.org, blog OpenLeft.com and the Huffington Post about betrayal and a tepid call for progressives to start holding him accountable. They have virtually turned the Obama campaign into a personal life and death crusade.
Obama's reversal on FISA capped a painful week for them. In quick succession he rejected public financing, blasted the Supreme Court's decision striking down the death penalty for child rape and in the process proclaimed that he's not against "a blanket" prohibition on the death penalty. He touted his Bible acumen with Christian fundamentalists, back pedaled from his pledge to sit down for talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said he wouldn't support the reinstatement of the fairness doctrine and endorsed white conservative Georgia Rep John Barrow in his election battle with Regina Thomas, a liberal black state representative. The most painful Obama flop is Iraq. His much played up alleged anti-Iraq war stance was the biggest single reason the Left bought him. He now says he favors a glacially slow, vaguely laid out timetable for a phased withdrawal from Iraq.
<<<<<<<<<
i don't have much regard for extremist elements in any of the parties. most progressives give me hives and right wing republicans strike me as certifiable, but McCain has been a sycophant to power and money his entire political career. the choice for 90% of us is clear. Craig is venting his opinions and is entitled to that. I have my suspicions that it is only to foment dissent among the 90% of us who are not wealthy, but I could be wrong.Prosetelyzing won't change the facts of which candidate would help the rich and which candidate would help the rest of us.
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-29-08problembear, it is not clear to me at all which candidate will look after the people. All of the AFL-CIO money pouring in worries me as I don't see that group looking out for the interests of the vast majority of Americans who are not union. One thing I do admire about McCain, but certainly not enough for me to vote for him, is when he stood up to Boeing on the tanker deal. People went to jail for the corruption that he brought to a halt. Now we have politicians on both sides trashing him for it. It leaves me scratching my head and feeling that the status quo reins in both parties. It's about power. As it is said, "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely." What happens when the Dem party rules the senate, house, and the presidency without any checks and balances? I don't see how the people win.
Regarding Obama, the Huffington Post continues its questions: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/28/obama-undercuts-his-brand_n_109758.html
>>>>>>>>>>
Obama Undercuts His Brand
stumble digg reddit del.ico.us news trust The Huffington Post | June 28, 2008 12:10 PM
But even some who should be his core constituents -- in the Democratic Party's progressive wing and the liberal blogosphere -- have taken his recent maneuvers as a wake-up call. They are warning the senator that in his quest to reach voters in the middle of the political spectrum, he risks depressing the enthusiasm of the voters who clinched the nomination for him.
"American voters tend to reward politicians who take clear stands," said David Sirota, a former Democratic aide on Capitol Hill and author of the new populist-themed book "The Uprising." "When Obama takes these mushy positions, it could speak to a character issue. Voters that don't pay a lot of attention look at one thing: 'Does the guy believe in something?' They may be saying the guy is afraid of his own shadow."
<<<<<<<<<<<<
problembear, I am not attempting to foment dissent. I just wish everyone would tell Obama that he needs to act presidential rather than as Homer Stokes with slogans and a broom a-ree-form.
To mike;
I am sure you mean well; however, I do not appreciate being told not to respond to other posters. In addition, I try not to personally attack other posters. It reflects poorly on Senator Obama. I also think it is helpful to provide reasons I support Obama that are based on fact, which might be helpful for others reading the nonsense postings that are smear attacks. Issues that would be applicable to everyone's life.
Craig said:
"Linda, I am NOT a McCain supporter or acolyte. That's why you won't seeing me defend or advocate for him."
Craig's last posting verifies that his sole purpose is attacking Obama. While Craig points to flip-flops by Obama, he is not willing to look at the facts—McCain has flip-flopped far more times, including on accepting public financing.
In the future, I may point to Craig's posting about not supporting either candidate as reason to ignore him.
Craig, since you referenced The Huffington Post, check out some videos where Arianna Huffington discusses the old McCain and the current McCain. The McCain that lost his previous attempt to run for President is now changing positions to be elected.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/mccains-campaign-funding_b_108772.html McCain's Campaign Funding Hypocrisy: Why Are the Media Looking the Other Way?
The website links provided by Craig provides a consolidated list of issues for both candidates. I did notice a couple things that were not accurate for Obama, such as "High school jock--played football as defensive lineman. (Aug 2007)" Obama played basketball. In addition, some of the information is based on opinion rather than facts.
http://ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
http://ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm
Church-State Separation
Obama: Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)
McCain: Rated 33% by the AU, a mixed record on church-state separation. (Dec 2006)
Education
McCain: Rated 45% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)
Obama: First Senate bill: increase Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100. (Aug 2007)
Obama: Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
Obama: Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
McCain: Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Obama: Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
McCain: Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
Obama: Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
McCain: Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
Energy Independence
Obama: Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
McCain: Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
McCain: FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)
McCain: FactCheck: nuclear plantsdo emit no GHGs, but do have waste. (Jun 2007)
Abortion
Obama: Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
McCain: Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
McCain: NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives
Health Care
Obama: FactCheck: Correct that insurance lobbying cost $1B. (Sep 2007)
McCain: Rated 25% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
Environment
McCain: Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. (Dec 2003)
There's like 5 McSame advisers that lobby for Airbus.
No wonder Craig admires McSame for attacking Boeing: it is all about his lobbyist-driven business-driven "McMaverickism".
Linda, I cannot make my reasons any more clear. You seem to want a fight. I don't and could care less. Obama needs to act presidential and compare himself to the requirements of the office, not McCain. The continuing Obama Hosannas ring hollow.
flounder, I admired McCain for standing up to a bad deal and creating the environment to take down two corrupt people. I would applaud Obama if he were to do something similar that would put his personal capital on the line. Sadly, your comment reflects the politics that I detest.
Before, you commented that I appreared tired. I will try not to let that show again. After dealing with hospitals, doctors, lawyers, and now more doctors has wrung me out. A personal tragedy and challenge has taken the starch out of me.
sometimes we forget there are human beings (and one bear)behind this odd little crepe paper veil of zeroes and ones we call blogging. sometimes it is what makes blogging most fun- when people really go at it and forget themselves. it is a form of escape for some. a way to reach out for others and a modern day ritual of jousting with a virtual audience to cheer or jeer us. the immediacy of feedback can keep us going - both good and bad. who knows? maybe somebody learns something once in a while in all of this. take care of yourself Craig. when you feel better i look forward to reading more of your comments.
Comment By Craig Moore, 6-30-08problembear, thank you. It's my daughter. She was runover in a crosswalk.
Comment By flounder, 7-01-08Hope everything works out and your daughter is okay Craig.
Comment By Marion, 7-03-08Flounder, I fail to understand why you bring up my name on nearly everything you post. You have absolutely no clue about my race, when you accuse me of being racist. Despite being told, you can't even remember that I am an old lady, not a he.
Race should have nothing to do with this election, either for or against. McCain tries to keep it out, Obama brings it up in every other sentence. Possibly because there really is not much other reason for anyone to vote for him.....well maybe a great speaking voice, no substance certainly. If or when he loses, we are going to hear over and over about race, not the empty man.
MLK has nothing whatsoever to do with Obama, and it is my opinion that he did not rank with Lincoln and Washington. I think I am still entitled to my opinion in this country.
He parses his words, or instance saying he does not support lobbyists...just his wife's employer. On the other hand perhaps his wife told him there would be a nice increase in her pay if her boss got that grant.
Now we hear he got one of those sweet real estate loans like other Dems. For someone who served 143 working days before taking off to run for president, it didn't take him long to learn the ropes!
I think every congress person should have their pay suspended when they start running for office. That inclueds Dems and Repubs.
Craig, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, that happened to my youngest son when he was 6. At 44 now, he is fine, I will keep her in my prayers.
"MLK has nothing whatsoever to do with Obama"
If you believe this, why did you bring up MLK when you were previously trying to rip on Obama? The only possible thing they have in common is are they are both black. Now in my book, someone who would use MLK to smear Obama when the only thing they have in common is race is a racist.
P.S. Team McCain economic adviser Grover Norquist just said that Obama is "John Kerry with a tan". I bet this had nothing to do with race, and neither do the smear e-mails all you wingers send each other about how Obama is a Muslim and acts "foreign".
P.P.S Obama did not get a "sweet" mortgage. He got one that was 30 pts below the average. Now I know that you have trouble with advanced concepts like the difference between weather and climate, and you think radiometric age dating is a plot by computers to trick humankind, but try to follow me here. The whole idea with an "average" is that some results fall below, and some values are above the average. If a couple with little or no debt, good credit, two high paying jobs, and a recent payment of a few million bucks for a book can't get a mortgage on the low end of the interest rate spectrum, then no one can.
Here is the only post I can find comparing them:
"By Marion, 4-25-08
Excellent analysis. I think researchers have gotten so much money over the years studying how they think we think that they have failed to pay attention to us. They keep trying to fit the Americna people into convenient little boxes and we do not fit. I could care less about Obamas color or lack thereof. I am very concerned about his dancing around patriotism and actual belief in our country. Only the pundits really care about first female president or first black president, and they cannot grasp that the majority of us don't care about either thing either for or against."
Then there is this article about his mortgage, if you can figure it out, I can't.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/07/the_obamas_and_their_mortgage_1.html
Yes, I can figure out Obama's mortgage. As the American Thinker [sic] writes:
"This interest rate seems to be in line with the going rates for a Jumbo mortgage which are typically about 0.25 to 0.5% higher than a smaller, conventional mortgage. Freddie Mac lists an average rate of 5.58% for June 2005 and 0.6 points. Obama paid no points and given the jumbo differential, his rate is better than the average. " (emphasis mine)
The rest is a bunch of mumbo jumbo meant to confuse people who are not smart enough to learn the difference between weather and climate. Mission Accomplished!
Good moning<div style="display:none;">
<a >katze karthauser</a>|
<a >ferienhauser mit pool in deutschland</a>|
<a >ferienhauser mit hundezwinger</a>|
<a >prahauser salzburg</a>|
</div>
Daniel
I am getting some great discount atm on <a >Offgamers</a>,they are having some discount there now
This article was printed from www.newwest.net at the following URL: http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/mccain_and_obama_reformers_or_more_of_the_same/C37/L37/