Jack and Jill Politics - Latest Comments in McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:20:00 -0000

chaz,

My ambivalence towards Obama lies in the fact that Obama is trying to move to the center, and toward positions are closer to my own, but his record and previous statements just don't jive.

Almost all here have confirmed that he's just playing politics. The media lauds his 'pragmatism' and covers for him. If he wants to be against FISA, he should be against it. He shouldn't worry about being accused of being 'soft on terror.' But don't support something just to get elected. Don't promise to accept public financing and then become the first post-Watergate president to refuse it under the guise of 'independence.'

I do not object to changes in policies or positions if reasonable circumstances warrant them, or if a thoughtful analysis alters one's point of view, but that isn't what has happened.

Playing politics with positions and policies that are important to me is disconcerting.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

The Christian Progressive Libe — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:19:00 -0000

It would explain the vacuous look Cindy has when she's in public. She's probably pill-popping Xanax in order to dull her senses.

We'll know for sure when McCain, in an attempt to be "hip" starts sporting "wife-beater" shirts under his suits.

Seriously, has anyone seen Cindy in clothing that bares parts of her body that would indicate McCain's using her as a punching bag? I have yet to see her in something like that purple dress Michelle Obama rocked, and I often wonder, cause the first indication of abuse is the clothing a person wears to cover up bruises and injuries.

McCain did call ole girl the "C" word on the "Straight-Talk Express" Bus earlier this year.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

jed — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:45:00 -0000

This one-line response from McCain is yet another one of those campaign incidents which will have no significant impact on the outcome of the election. Obama has had his share of these as well (Whitey/terrorist fist). It goes with the territory known as politics.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Michelle — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:36:00 -0000

dna @10:30: I do too.

Craig @1:36 (and anon/Junglecat @1:48) -- you know I agree. I also know from other experiences with other people that too much criticism or arguing often animates and energizes the person's ego in situations like this, so ... take care.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Chaz — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:04:00 -0000

s,

Yes one issue. Good thing that's not all there is right? Because we know there have been other things, such as getting cops to videotape interrogations.

Why not the US Senate where he's introduced and passed as much legislation as more senior senators?

How about:

-Energy Security Bill -

-Relief for Katrina and stopping FEMA no-bid contracts

-1st public database of federal spending and contracts

-attempting against the senate to raise CAFE standards in a meaningful way

-making voter intimidation illegal

On the wonkier side he has done things like move to regulate genetic testing (because there is little control over it), or being the first to talk about the Avian flu and other international health issues (with bills dedicated to these topics). Also there is the nonproliferation bill, and he even teamed up with Hillary a year ago to stop medical malpractice the way doctors have suggested, by doing it before the courts ever get involved.

Obama knew he was limited in power so approached unsexy problems with real solutions. We can make lists all day but the truth is he passed as many bills last year as someone like Hillary Clinton. He gets work done, and like most politicians not every solution works.

For all of these things just search the Senate records...but then that would take an open mind.

I'm no McCain basher, I just know who has policies most inline with my own and make no apologies. I don't try to tear down McCain just talk about where I disagree with him (Oil for example).

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:48:00 -0000

Me too. I simply scroll down when I see his cut & paste posts.

s is either not intelligent enough to have a conversation without parroting the lengthy (and often ridiculous) opinions of others or he is not really interested in engaging in a conversation about the issues. Either way I "keep it moving" when it comes to s.

Junglecat

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Craig Hickman — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:36:00 -0000

S is for serpent.

I, for one, ignore serpents.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:30:00 -0000

Chaz,

I have reviewed his record. He's my Senator.

Let's look at the Boston Globe article today RE: Obama's record on housing:

"As a state legislator, Obama had been in office for all of four years before he decided he was ready to replace Rep. Bobby Rush in Congress. The voters in his district didn’t see it that way. Relatively powerless when Democrats were in the minority, Obama’s accomplishments piled up in the final two years in the state legislature, as his political godfather, Emil Jones Jr., helped Obama take a lead role in just about every piece of high-profile legislation. By the end of 2003, Obama focused heavily on the upcoming U.S. Senate race.

This brings Obama to the U.S. Senate. His first general election ad touts a bill he didn’t vote for, his signature accomplishment in foreign policy (the nuclear nonprofileration bill) was so uncontroversial it passed by unanimous consent; and with his signature domestic policy accomplishment, ethics reform, nonpartisan observers conclude he has exaggerated his role in passage. Two years isn’t a lot of time to bring about “real change,” and most of his supporters would concede that Obama’s accomplishments as a freshman senator have been modest. He’s been rebuked by his colleagues for taking credit for legislation he had little role in crafting.

It’s easy to wonder whether the candidate who talks about “real change” and pledges a government that will “heal the sick” and “stop the oceans from rising” actually knows how to get big things done – or whether he had the patience. Obama would seem to have the skills and brains to be a legendary community organizer, or state legislator, or U.S. senator. But momentous accomplishments in each of those positions take time, and at each level, Obama hit a wall, and turned his attention to a position of greater power.

I note this as the Boston Globe takes a comprehensive look at Obama’s efforts at housing as a state legislator and as a U.S. senator, and comes to devastating conclusions. The policy changes Obama pushed have been catastrophic failures for the public, but lucrative for his donors.

As a state senator, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee coauthored an Illinois law creating a new pool of tax credits for developers. As a US senator, he pressed for increased federal subsidies. And as a presidential candidate, he has campaigned on a promise to create an Affordable Housing Trust Fund that could give developers an estimated $500 million a year.

But a Globe review found that thousands of apartments across Chicago that had been built with local, state, and federal subsidies - including several hundred in Obama's former district - deteriorated so completely that they were no longer habitable.

Grove Parc and several other prominent failures were developed and managed by Obama's close friends and political supporters. Those people profited from the subsidies even as many of Obama's constituents suffered. Tenants lost their homes; surrounding neighborhoods were blighted.

Campaign finance records show that six prominent developers - including Jarrett, Davis, and Rezko - collectively contributed more than $175,000 to Obama's campaigns over the last decade and raised hundreds of thousands more from other donors. Rezko alone raised at least $200,000, by Obama's own accounting.

One of those contributors, Cecil Butler, controlled Lawndale Restoration, the largest subsidized complex in Chicago, which was seized by the government in 2006 after city inspectors found more than 1,800 code violations.

Obama has said that his preference for private companies acting as landlords of these developments rather than the Chicago Housing Authority was inspired by his experience with Altgeld Gardens. I can understand that instinct. But one of the problems of constantly moving on to the next promotion is that you never get to see the consequences and ramifications of past actions."

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/27/grim_proving_ground_for_obamas_housing_policy/

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Chaz — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:16:00 -0000

s,

Your argument about Obama refusing to answer questions relied on Obama not answering about Rezko. But as we know he spent hours with the Tribune. So, where is that argument left?

Frankly I don't care. They both deflect questions they don't want to answer. I don't care. Obama doesn't woo the press, which in a way makes me more confident in those who cover him...but regardless.

If you want to know about Obama there are plenty of places to do it. I don't think J&J; is the best place. Why don't you try the many articles written by the Chicago tribune? They've been writing about him for years.

How about you check out his work in the Senate. I have, and what he did (taking on un-sexy problems and looking for good solutions) was impressive to me (though I'm a policy wonk).

Also, Jill has often been concerned about misogyny and this election cycle has provided a lot of food for thought. In a time when McCain and Obama are seeking female votes I think talking about how they treat and think about issue as well as how they talk about women is important. So I find your portrayal of this post as a McCain beat up post problematic.

I find it distasteful for you to claim Obama has "played" the "Race card" against the republicans. I recall him playing it cool when a Republican congressman called him boy before the nation. Please, the truth is that portions of the right seek to race bait, and guess what (southern strategy) they have a record.

I can't stand when people take a critique by an object of racism to label that object racist themselves or "race baiting." It is dishonest and frankly troubling.

Many of us know how it works. The hidden comment, the just beneath the surface call to racial stigmas. Even republican Huckabee has been vocal about traditional Republican strategies, cautioning elements on the right about running the type of negative campaigns we've seen with regards to race.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

TruthSeeker — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:03:00 -0000

s,

I watched that press conference. Obama couldn't wait to get out of there fast enough.

That's your subjective opinion about his demeanor...but even if you're right, it didn't prevent the reporters from asking all the questions they wanted. Also, you assess that he looked eager to leave, then assume that it's because he had something to hide. It's entirely possible he had a plane to catch...an event to get to...pressing things on his mind related to the campaign.

See, even you are doing the deflection dance just like your candidate. You instantly tell a lie about Obama to cover criticism of McCain.

How odd that you would come here specifically to find out about Obama. How odd that you'd forget that Obama answered questions about Rezko.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:49:00 -0000

big man,

This isn't really about Rezko. Rezko is bad news and Obama should have known better. By his own admission he was 'boneheaded,' I'm satisfied to leave it at that.

truthseeker was trying to contrast McCain and Obama in a way that did not make much sense to me.

Again, I came to this blog looking to find out more about Obama. If he was indeed a moderate, like me. I have yet to discover anything concrete to which I can grab hold of...

His tacks to the center thus far, while they are indeed closer to my own poitions, seem calculated and insincere.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:42:00 -0000

truthseeker,

I watched that press conference. Obama couldn't wait to get out of there fast enough.

But to your larger point, "My sense is he's gotten by his whole life by fudging it. Is there something inherently wrong with that? Mo. But, for a President, people need to know."

I honestly thought you were talking about Obama.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Big Man — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:37:00 -0000

S

Obama set down and had an extended interview with the conservative Chicago Tribune and gave indepth answers about Rezko.

The fact that you distorted what happened to make your point makes you just as ridiculous as the reporter who was badgering McCain. It's lame to make shit up or ignore conflicting facts.

Real lame.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

D. — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:31:00 -0000

Hearts,
That almost sounds like one of the presidential candidates....

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

heartsandflowers — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:24:00 -0000

But spouting a lot of rhetoric that has no substance is.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

TruthSeeker — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:18:00 -0000

s,

Obama made himself available to reporters to answer questions about Rezko, remember? He answered everything and there was nothing left for him to say but to admit to things he wasn't guilty of. Obama realized it wasn't a good faith questioning, but an interrogation where they were trying to frame him.

How come you didn't remember that O answered questions about Rezko?

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

D. — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:13:00 -0000

DNA,
Opposing viewpoints aren't spam.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:10:00 -0000

truthseeker,

You see what you want to see.

When the NYT tried to accuse McCain of having an affair, he took every question, until the reporters has nothinh left to ask.

Obama scurried away from the podium after three questions about Rezko.

McCain allows the media access virtually unmatched by any other politician, while Obama closely controls media access and availability.

Many older Americans are not as technically saavy as the younger generation, and McCain is being honest. McCain also is a very humble man who has called himself an 'imperfect public servant' on more than one occassion.

Obama, by contrast seeks to excuse or deflect scrutiny and criticism. He preemptive playing of the race card, was particularly distasteful. NPR reporter Scott Simon even called him on it. The media increasingly sees him as arrogant, debuting his own presidential seal was seen as egotistical and presumptuous.

Let's face it. This election is all about Obama. Who is this man who has described himself as a 'blank slate?' What does he TRULY believe, what does HIS RECORD show, and HOW DOES HE BEHAVE? Does what voters learn about him cause them to pause...or to donate to his cause?

McCain is a known quantity. An 'honorable' and experienced statesman. He is an acceptible alternative to voters who feel that Obama is a tempting, but 'risky' choice.

___________________________________

dna,

The truth sometimes hurts.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

TruthSeeker — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:36:00 -0000

Craig,

My sense is he's gotten by his whole life by fudging it. Is there something inherently wrong with that? Mo. But, for a President, people need to know. The fact he doesn't use the internet...how can you have access but not even the curiosity to go online?

Obama - by contrast - makes himself excessively available. He doesn't shy away from discomfort...and those reporters do put a hurting on him for it. It makes supporters like me into nervous wrecks.

Obama is a man who steps up to the plate and takes responsibility, even for things he hasn't done. Everyone projects their faults onto him. He becomes the racist. He is the race-baiter. He becomes the sexist. We all know it's not true; yet, he doesn't defend himself.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

dnA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:30:00 -0000

I really hate spammers.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:24:00 -0000

This is a ridiculous post intended to allow for a daily dose of McCain bashing.

Meanwhile, as the MSM is busy, daily reframing Obama's politically expedient flip-flops as a pragmatic tack to the center...

Since the Supreme Court ruling in favor of individual rights in the 2nd amendment, Obama has been trying to present himself as a moderate of gun control, when in fact, his record reveals just the opposite:

In 2004, the Illinois Senate considered S.B. 2165 (IL 2004), sponsored by Senator Ed Petka (R-Plainfield). The bill came about because of an arrest in Wilmette, IL in late December of 2003. A 54-year-old businessman shot and wounded a man who had broken into his home for the second time in 24 hours. Cook County prosecutors found the shooting justified, but the businessman, Mr. DeMar, faced a fine and possible destruction of two guns under a 1989 village ordinance prohibiting handgun possession.

S.B. 2165 would allow residents to use self-defense as a basis for seeking dismissal of criminal charges stemming from local gun ordinances if they used the banned weapon in an act of self-defense in their home, business or property.

Obama voted no on third reading March 25, 2004, and voted no on concurrence to a House amendment on May 25, 2004. In fact, Obama voted no four times: in the Judiciary Committee, on Third Reading, in the Judiciary Committee's vote on concurrence with the House, and on the final concurrence.

Luckily for the people of Illinois, the legislation passed despite Obama's opposition. Had he had his way, people in Illinois could still be prosecuted for defending themselves against crimes.

But that's not the only time Obama has voted against the people's right to keep and bear arms.

In 1999, Obama voted in favor of S.B. 177 (IL 1999). The legislation required guns to be secured by trigger locks, placed in a lock box, or placed in a location that a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor. Likewise, in 2003, Obama voted for H.B. 2579 (IL 2003) for a law that restricted the rights of Illinois's citizens so that they could only buy one gun a month. The law created the offense of "unlawful acquisition of handguns."

In 2001, Obama voted against S.B. 604 (IL 2001), which would have allowed individuals who have valid orders of protection against other individuals to carry concealed weapons for their protection. The bill would have created an affirmative defense against a charge of violating Illinois's concealed carry law if the person had a lawfully issued protection order against someone seeking to do harm to the person.

In 2002, Obama voted against S.B. 397 (IL 2002), which amended the Firearms Owners Indentification Card Act. The legislation was specifically crafted for sporting events and allowed a non-resident participating in a sanctioned competitive shooting event in Illinois to purchase a shotgun or shotgun ammunition in Illinois, but only at the site where the event is being held, for the purpose of participating in the event.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

rikyrah — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:10:00 -0000

He called his wife The "C" word.

honest, he did

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

Craig Hickman — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:08:00 -0000

truthseeker, the press needs to unload on him. He's a crook. His supporters know it. That's why they can't stop talking about Barack. Barack doesn't deflect questions about his record by talking about McCain's. If someone has seen him do that, please post a link or a reference, because I haven't.

But McCain always does.

As his friends from back in the day will tell you, he's a fool and complete fraud.

And he's dangerous.

I dare someone to write his unauthorized biography.

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

TruthSeeker — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:46:00 -0000

There's something slithery about John...the way he changes the subject to someone else whenever he's cornered. The reporter mentions him running away from Bush and he responds by talking about Senator Obama. The second time he talks about beating his wife. So, are we to assume beating his wife is a more comfortable subject matter than being akin to Bush? Or, that even talking about Obama is more comfy than talking about himself?

Re: McCain Jokes About Beating His Wife

miss-opinion — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:25:00 -0000

I prefer that article to the one about the beating his wife one. No domestic violence isn't funny, yeah he called his wife a cunt (I've called her worse) but it still doesn't take away from the fact that the interview sucked at getting real questions out there. They were overly hostile and loaded. We do need to get McCain in a real interview, ask him the REAL questions, but we can do far better than the ones this Vegas reporter puts out there. If that were Obama I'd be surprised if one of you would be ok with it.