What a contrast to McCain's pallor & grimace. Obama's speech was uplifting and made me proud. His choice of location got McCain spooked to be sure...
What does Hillary want? She wants to be President. All this fuss about VP is a smokescreen. I am not pleased that on this most magical of days, the headlines include her name.
Congratulations to all my American friends.
Ronnie B
· 1 year ago
Agree that Hillary's speech was intentionally disrespectful toward Obama and his nomination. She remains defiant and arrogant, and horribly narcissistic.
And did anyone catch Terry McAuliffe's intro of her as the "next president of the united states"?
Villager
· 1 year ago
Excellent analysis. I am right with you on all three speeches and all three leaders. I cannot be more proud of Barack Obama than I was last night in watching his speech. I look forward to him becoming the 44th President of the United States...
peace, Villager
Black American Princess
· 1 year ago
I could not sleep last night because I was so excited and jubilant for Mr. Obama and so pissed and disgusted at Hillary. I'm so mad that she is still attempting to ruin this beautiful moment in our country's history. She is a despicable loser. I'm glad she's continuing to play herself because she's giving Mr. Obama more justification for NOT putting her on his ticket. That is the final thought that lulled me to sleep last night - he will not put her on his ticket, I'll bet you my next paycheck he won't...
May God continue to keep and bless him and his family, I'm so proud of them I don't know what to DO!! :)
s
· 1 year ago
If the election is decided on "Style vs Substance", Obama will win.
But, as to substance:
The speech was nothing more than liberal cliches and ringing, if tired quotes.
Every candidate opposing the incumbent party runs on 'change.'
Obama's generational change holds up the causes of retreat abroad and unlimited government at home. The challenges outlined by Obama are to be addressed by government programs in which citizens become clients of the welfare state, as early in life as possible.
To refute Obama's charge that McCain has not spent time taking trips to the cities and towns hardest hit by the economy, Obama has conveniently forgotten McCain's "Forgotten America" tour.
McCain said, "There are places far removed from the prosperity that is enjoyed elsewhere in America. I want to tell people living there that there must not be any forgotten parts of America; any forgotten Americans. Hope in America is not based in delusion, but in the faith that everything is possible in America. The time for pandering and false promises is over. It is time for action. It is time for change, but the right kind of change; change that trusts in the strength of free people and free markets; change that doesn't return to policies that empower government to make our choices for us, but that works to ensure that we have choices to make for ourselves. For we have always trusted Americans to build from the choices they make for themselves, a safer, stronger and more prosperous country than the one they inherited."
As as to the use of religion and patriotism as 'wedge issues' I do not think you will see McCain himself bring up Rev. Wright or the flag pin.
Obama will have to deal with the consequences of his actions on those two fronts all by himself.
k
· 1 year ago
I felt I couldn't truly celebrate the win last night, but I just looked at that newseum link someone posted, and the pictures/articles here. I am not going to let one person's words (or lack thereof) override the actions/words of millions. We can, we did, and we will again.
p.s. I have been reading your blog since January and have learned so much. Thank you.
D.
· 1 year ago
McCain's speech was indefensible. I can't say anything good about it.
I listened to the speech over XM radio, and cringed the whole time. After the 3rd-4th "my friends, that's not change we can believe in" statement, I was really ready to turn it off.
Truth be told, McCain has never really been great at speaking on multiple issues at once. Give him one issue-the war, the economy, energy dependence-and he'll do a great job. Try to get him to speak on all of them at once, and he kinda bumbles.
All I could really think is that if someone had to decide the election based on Obama and McCain's speeches last night, McCain would not win.
Hell, I'm (obviously) still mad about it.
s
· 1 year ago
Energy independence is a big issue for me.
The Leiberman-Warner bill encapsulates what is wrong with the government trying to 'save the environment.'
Obama's desire to regulate oil companies and automobile manufacturers is also flawed. Placing the government in control is NOT the answer.
Competitive-market solutions are already providing new and innovative technologies. Government policies obstruct our energy independence.
Government expansion comes in many forms and in many motivations, some of them noble. But I am skeptical of government bureaucracies that squander our resources and create regulations for industries, opening up opportunities for waste and corruption.
Justin Burton
· 1 year ago
I came in late and missed McCain's speech, but when my wife told me about the 'that's not change we can believe in' refrain, I had the same thought as you: Get your own slogan!
If nothing else, hasn't McCain noticed that Clinton went down this same road, twisting Obama's words into her own phrases, letting him set the tone? I mean, I'm not going to be the one to clue him in, but it seems like a generally bad idea for him.
I saw Clinton's and Obama's speeches as public expressions of their private negotiations. She's angling to be on a presidential ticket and talking about how the people who voted for her need to be respected; he's talking about how she can be in charge of health care if she wants.
My guess is that she would've conceded last night, but she hasn't been offered a severance package she's happy with yet. I don't give a good goddamn; she's about two seconds away from becoming silly and petty, so Obama doesn't have to budge an inch.
Of course, he knows that. He's the Democratic nominee for president.
Against Race Politics
· 1 year ago
d,
I wish yo had seem McCain's speech. He kept awkwardly smiling after his statements as if he was giving himself credit or something. I didn't quite get all the smiling. I didn't catch either speech in it's entirety but BHO didn't smile that much and he had finally just started being respected as the nominee. Well- no respect from HRC of course but from most of the MSM.
Val
· 1 year ago
Hi All -- Does McCain scare you when he hisses -- my frieeennnnnndddddsssssssss and then he does that twitch and wink.
Gives me goosebumps everytime. lol I still like McCain though.
D.
· 1 year ago
ARP, I heard the little laugh that came after it.
That was bad enough.
Val
· 1 year ago
D said "I listened to the speech over XM radio, and cringed the whole time. After the 3rd-4th "my friends, that's not change we can believe in" statement, I was really ready to turn it off."
ROTFLMAO. You didn't get a kick out of that? LOLOL Seriously, I agree. I was so embarassed for the man that I pulled the covers over my head multiple times and after a while I just couldn't take it and switched channels. lolol
s
· 1 year ago
justin,
Insightful comment on the Obama/Clinton 'negotiations.'
'Change' is a universal political slogan that has been used ad infinitum.
McCain should run against the 'change' Obama proposes.
Higher taxes. Expansive government. An promise of retreat and defeat in Iraq that will lead to more violence and bloodshed. Isolationism. Protectionism.
Webb
· 1 year ago
McCain was not grimacing. He probably thought he was being "Reaganesque" and charming...instead he looked like "Grannie" from the Beverly Hillbillies. It was one of the fake-est grins that i've ever seen.
Val
· 1 year ago
Webb - ROTFLMAO
s
· 1 year ago
All of the criticisms so far are on the physical appearance and oratory deficiencies of John McCain and not the SUBSTANCE of his speech.
Interesting.
SquarePeg
· 1 year ago
There are no civil words to describe that weasel Harold Ford, who would sell his soul (and almost did) to be one of the players at this political table.
He is/was one of the corporatist CBC members who voted time after time against the interest of his own constituents and was ALWAYS one of the members of the DLC who bent over everytime a Republican told them to, yet here he sits as usual given praise for a speech that was judged as horrible by everybody who saw it accept--Harold Ford. Obviously, it is a reflexive act, since he has bent over so much to the Republicans that he just automatically falls into line, SOP for Harold Ford, nothing new.
My "there it is" moment during Hillary's speech came when she said she was not making any decisions tonight. For those who still support Hillary, can it be any clearer? She had the war chest of money, name recognition, and all of that, yet she lost! She is a sore loser who cannot let go, and now has the audacity to say she will THINK about being the VP if asked.
This is what she has become, an extortionist and blackmailer. Are you Hillary fans with that?
Sad, Sad, Sad.
SquarePeg
· 1 year ago
Everytime McCain would grin after his change phrase, I got scared.
Keep small children away from looking at this speech!
Any resemblance to Dr. Strangelove is intended.
s
· 1 year ago
Ask yourself,
How many times has doing 'what's cool' gotten you into trouble.
Haven't we all been sufficiently schooled in the risks of giving in to peer pressure?
D.
· 1 year ago
S, As I read back through the transcript of the speech.....
McCain's "right/wrong change" idea for a campaign theme will probably work for him...on every topic except Iraq. In that case, he will have to convince the American people that change isn't what's needed (and granted, much convincing may not be needed at this point).
He did clearly contrast himself against Obama: my limited government vs. your expanded one, etc. The lines are clearly drawn.
The speech reads a little bit better than it sounded.
Ronnie B
· 1 year ago
Nice to see that it wasn't just me that noticed McCain's awkward smile at every pause/applause line in his speech.
And could somebody get dude some baking soda and peroxide for those teeth!?!?
Anonymous
· 1 year ago
Some will recall the similarities between Barack Obama’s “Just Words” speech and almost identical rhetoric from a previous David Axelrod client, Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. When YouTube videos juxtaposing both speeches started making the rounds, Patrick leaped to Obama’s defense, saying he had counseled Obama and urged him to use Patrick’s arguments — apparently foregoing any attribution. This morning, Obama had better find Mario Cuomo to jump out front of new criticism after stealing from his 1984 speech, highlighted in a new YouTube video.
Can Barack Obama develop an original thought in his head? He borrowed “Just Words” from Patrick. He lifted “Yes We Can” from Cesar Chavez, and in some cases didn’t bother to translate it into English. Now he reaches back to the rhetoric of a disastrous cycle for Democrats to copy an old, tired line of attack.
Once again, Barack Obama gets exposed as an empty suit. Maybe if Barack Obama would do more than just visit the Senate but hold hearings on Afghanistan, pay attention to Iran, and really investigate the upcoming entitlement crisis, he’d be a better candidate for President. At least he might be able to generate an original thought or two rather than regurgitating the Democrats’ Greatest Flops.
Val
· 1 year ago
S - folks couldn't get into the meat of the speech because you couldn't get past his "my frienddddsssss" and his twitch and "that's not change we can believe in".
I personally tuned out after the parts where he bashed both Bush and Cheney and was extremely clear that he was not telling the truth. He was clearly saying things that he did not believe. McCain also patronized Obama calling him a "young man" as if someone who is 46 years of age has not lived long enough to gain any knowledge or experience.
Even the spectators couldn't grasp what he was talking about. They did not know when to clap, boo or even respond.
There you have it.
s
· 1 year ago
d,
Agreed.
I intend to keep the debate focused on substance, where McCain has the advantage.
Val
· 1 year ago
Anonymous - "Some will recall the similarities between Barack Obama’s “Just Words” speech and almost identical rhetoric from a previous David Axelrod client, Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts."
Poof begone with that noise. Talk to us about policy issues that you do not agree with. Tout your candidates strength and back up off that superficial nonsense that will not put food on my table or pay my healthcare bill.
TruthSeeker
· 1 year ago
Ronnie B...
smile? More like a sneer, or grimace.
D.
· 1 year ago
I guess I was looking for something to stir my soul; to motivate me to want to jump into the general election. That speech didn't do that.
Maybe I expected too much.
The debate should now shift to the substance of ideas. Rev. Wright, flag pins, and "whitey/why'd he" hold no more bearing.
s
· 1 year ago
val,
I disagree with your assessment. He is not lying, he was uncomfortable.
Teleprompted speeches are not his forte. And it was just one speech.
Just wait until the debates, he possesses a 'quiet intensity' that is compelling. Just wait until we see McCain in action at townhall meetings where he displays a relaxed, engaging command of the issues, delivered with humility and respect.
Obama is a young man. The issue of inexperience and judgment is central to this election.
Val
· 1 year ago
McCain is giving another speech now and he is pretty bad today too . . . my guess is he is probably nervous because he got the reviews from last night's sessions from both democrat and republicans alike.
McCain believes he is doing the right things (I personally disagree with his policies) and he really believes he would be the best leader for this country. It would come off much better if he just said what he really thinks versus touting what other folks are telling him to say. And it wouldn't hurt if he admitted to his mistakes especially when he gets caught in a lie. It would only make him human.
evita
· 1 year ago
McCain's arms are too short. Does anyone else think it is creepy? I wish he would stay behind the podium.
Every time he talks about losing the war I feel like he is alluding to 911 ... makes me sick. He is NO diplomat. He's an angry soldier that perhaps got his arms shorted in the POW camp.
Val
· 1 year ago
S - I meant he was lying about his feelings about Bush and Cheney.
He could have said -- I support Bush and Cheney, he is a good person and a good president/vp. They are not perfect -- none of us are but they are true Americans who have always believed in putting the country first. Now, here is how we differ. . . . .
It would have said more about his character than what he said last night.
Dermar 2.0
· 1 year ago
Um can someone please bring Harold Ford back to earth? Cuz the planet he is on is filling his head with some kind of weird gases. Dude is OUT OF TOUCH! big time.
"powerful speech" um... no buddy Mccains speech was powerless.
D.
· 1 year ago
Evita, Because of McCain's time as a POW, he can't lift his arms above his chest.
Let's not make that an issue.
evita
· 1 year ago
Blogger D. said...
Evita, Because of McCain's time as a POW, he can't lift his arms above his chest.
Let's not make that an issue.
__________________
I see. Thanks for clarifying that. I still think that he asserts the position of someone who wants to win a fight without regard of what is lost in the process. You know when he says ish like "I will never surrender" all I can think is HE IS NOT THERE. And this is not about winning and losing. Its about losing sight of the goal... the one the White House LIED about to begin with.
Val
· 1 year ago
S - I will respond to your comments below.
"Just wait until the debates, he possesses a 'quiet intensity' that is compelling."
I don't know about all that. I have watched him in town hall meetings and he puts me to sleep or I tend to tune out. He changes his messages almost daily so . . .I don't know what the heck he believes outside of the fact that he would be fine with 100 years of war.
"Just wait until we see McCain in action at townhall meetings where he displays a relaxed, engaging command of the issues, delivered with humility and respect."
LOLOL ok. I want this man to tell me how he is going to bring down the price of gas, what stance on the housing crises (I heard his current plans and I REALLY hope he reconsiders it or many homeowners will be homeless), how he plans on fixing our current economic situation outside of cutting costs via earmarks and other less important governmental spending for the first year he is in office especially with us spending $9B a MONTH in Iraq alone.
"Obama is a young man." The man is 46 year old. He is hardly a "young man."
"The issue of inexperience and judgment is central to this election." I am not going to go into Obama's experience. Because I have provided multiple links to the Senate showing his record. Instead I will ask you this -- what has Bush, Cheney, or even McCain offered either individually or collectively over the last 7/8 years with their vast experience outside 2 wars, negative reviews from other countries, and a recession? We aren't better off. We are worse off. So clearly their "experience" did not work. We HAVE to do something different.
D.
· 1 year ago
Val, McCain doesn't want a hundred years of war. That's a gross distortion.
What Bush and Cheney have offered in the last seven years isn't an issue here. They're not running.
SquarePeg
· 1 year ago
Congratulations to JJP!
You have arrived to the point that the small amount of trolls have increased to the point, that they have infiltrated this blog with their non-sensical drivel and attempts to bash Obama.
The trolls are threatened by intelligent discussion from Black folks!
My frieeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnndss, you have arrived!
Bronze Trinity
· 1 year ago
"McCain is straight up creepy. His laugh is really scary. " Sooooo true LOL! I actually changed the channel during his speech and freakin missed them first announcing Obama won. Bloody hell! Anyways...Hillary was so ungracious and unpresidential in her speech its really sickening. The goal post keeps moving for her. Her supports say she will concede when Obama gets enough delegates and she doesn't. I won't be fully happy until he concedes.
Obama's speech was perfect, presidential, inspiring, amazing, wonderful, hopeful, and just fantastic. He is a born leader!
Anonymous
· 1 year ago
OH HAPPY DAY!
I'm sure the Black community is busting with pride and a sense of wonder and a definite case of 'its about goddamn time' today, but I have to tell you as a whitey that I have teared up more in the last 24 hours than I did over my father's death. I cannot tell you how happy I am that Barack Obama is going to be our next President.
It is naive to pin all one's hopes on one person, but the day that Barack Obama takes office is the day that 50% of the covert racism in this country will be truncated for the same reason -- and this may sound stupid, but its human nature -- that Americans fell into cheap jingoistic patriotism with George W Bush. I guess its the lemmings story, but for many unthinking people it will be a simple matter in their minds of saying 'oh, ok, we dont think that way anymore, that's over with'.
I, however, am left with the stench of what the Clintons did during their campaign in my mouth. The race-baiting. The WSJ reported this AM that B Clinton used "offensive" language during a 50 minute phone call with Senator Clyburn that Clyburn promises to write about one day. That, THAT, will be the end of Clinton's legacy. If I know Clyburn, he will wait until the full flower of that remark will have maximum effect. And I can hardly wait. It's like waiting for Jackie O's diary of what happened on Nov 23 that cannot be released until 50 years after her death.
That anyone is giving Hillary any leeway at all right now is beyond me.
I have looked at Obama's record and his resume is thin. You choose not to chronicle his accomplishments because you know this fact to be true. You cannot deny McCain's experience and independence so you resort to Bush/Cheney bashing.
I would prefer that Obama remain as my Senator and build a record of accomplishment at the national level that demonstrates his ability to facillitate 'change' by engaging Republicans in a tangible, meaningful way.
Furthermore, he has done nothing to demonstrate his independence from the far-left of his party the way that Senator McCain proven to be independent from the Republican party. Obama cannot 'change' Washington if his unwilling or unable to confront or break with his own party.
First, our economy is weak, but not in recession.
Given it's precarious state, our economy cannot support higher taxes on individuals or corporations that penalize the creation of individual wealth and stifle capital investment.
This economy cannot afford government regulation and subsidies that contribute to the high energy and food prices that are eating into our wallets.
A vote for Obama is a vote to increase the size and scope of our federal government that will be a burden to all of us and for future generations.
Continuing success in Iraq and Iran's defiance of the world community in its quest for nuclear weapons and the destruction of Israel and the US will expose Obama's positions as outdated and unrealistic.
Anonymous
· 1 year ago
Let my preface by saying I am a white, middle aged Republican and a Virginia voter. I have always liked McCain not just for his war record (which I tend to give the benefit of extra respect to in elections) but the fact that he has gone against his party on numerous occasions. I also voted for Bush not once, but twice. I know Obama does not have as much experience as McCain in the international arena and policy, but I think he is "wicked smart" and it is about time we have someone like that in the white house. I feel that McCain is not selling anything that we have not already had and that Obama is selling something that I am still young enough to wish for in America (Hope and a youthful optimism). We can vote in fear and listen to people saying he is going to raise our taxes and socialize medicine or we can vote for hope of a better tommorrow. He may end up being just the type of president the naysayers are speaking of, but I am willing to give him the chance he has earned these last few months.
kathy
· 1 year ago
@S,
Senator Obama's resume is not thin. He was first a State Senator, then a US Senator, graduate of Harvard Law, president of the Harvard Law Review, an accomplished writer, and his managerial skills in this campaign have proven to be outstanding.
He's not too old like McCain, he's not too much of a carpetbagger like Clinton.
When you say that his resume is thin, without facts, you actually sound like some of the Clinton supporters who call him "an inadequate black male". If you had substance to your statement, you might have more of my respect.
D.
· 1 year ago
Kathy, Define "too old." Last I checked, my copy of the Constitution had a minimum age for the presidency, not a maximum one.
Obama is accomplished. But his record on the national scene-where he's really only been for maybe 3-4 years-does not begin to compare with McCain's.
s
· 1 year ago
anon,
Obama will raise taxes and move toward government regulated and controlled healthcare.
There is nothing 'wicked smart' about raising taxes during an economic slowdown.
One only needs to look critically at the healthcare systems of Great Britian and Canada and decide if federal control will provide the best solution to the problem. Competitive-market solutions can provide the change consumers demand without a whole scale takeover of the system.
Obama's story is inspiring and compelling but it important to be informed before you cede control of your well-being and financial freedom to the government.
s
· 1 year ago
kathy,
Inexperienced and 'inadequate' are not synonymous. I am not implying that he is incapable, just not sufficiently prepared. Please do not attribute words to me that are not my own.
I do not deny the Senator's record to date. It is laudable, but insufficient in my opinion.
The Senate is an institution that requires statesmanship, negotiation, deliberation and bipartisanship. I would like to see Obama dedicate himself to forging a record in the Senate in gain more experience.
'Too old' is not in and of itself a sufficient reason to be disqualified. Good health is for me, a requirement. McCain has been forthcoming and candid about his health, releasing his medical records and opening them up to review.
Kathy
· 1 year ago
@d,
Senator McCain, in his speech last night, sounded like he was praising Barry Goldwater, who voted against the civil rights act of 1964 as being too comprehensive. McCain himself voted against MLK holiday. That makes him too old, in my book. I know age discrimination is against the law, which is why there is no upper age limit, even for a jury in NYS. And I know that there are many older people who could do the job. I just think he's too old in the way his mind works. He hasn't allowed his perceptions about the world to advance. His views aren't fresh or innovative. His thinking is old.
Kathy
· 1 year ago
@s,
forging a record in the US Senate is not a requirement either.
Why, ask yourself, does Obama require more experience than past presidents? Insufficient, inexperienced? Sounds like your still saying "inadequate" to me.
Val
· 1 year ago
S - I am not going down this road with you again about Obama's record. We did that already weeks ago. Besides, what is the point? We all know that Democrats will vote for Obama and Republicans will vote for McCain. So where are we going with this???
I have said repeatedly that I like McCain. I do. However, I don't think given the current circumstances with our country (i.e. economy, housing crisis, war, etc), that McCain would be the best commander in chief at this time. National security isn’t enough for me to overlook all his other weaknesses. Truthfully, based on his multiple gaffes in the area he professes is his strong point (national security) I am not so sure he is a strong enough candidate based on that issue either.
My question was what has Bush, Cheney, or even McCain offered either individually or collectively over the last 7/8 years with their vast experience outside of 2 wars, negative reviews from other countries, and a recession? I will answer my own question. NOTHING. So . . . do I stay status quo or do I put my lot in with the newbie and become an active participant in the change I want to see? The policies under Bush, Cheney and McCain are not working so I choose the newbie.
We all know that the President whether that is McCain or Obama, will have advisors in all areas of government to help run the country. This includes military leaders who know the intricacies of war and national security issues. What I want from Obama/the President is the ability to be able to weed through all the "noise" for lack of a better term and make sound decisions to help us move this country forward. I believe Obama has the judgment and the temperament to run this country. He doesn't go off half cocked. He is not so stubborn or set in his ways where it is either my way or no way. He actually LISTENS and then makes his decisions. He is inclusive and encourages citizens to get involved no matter your party affiliation. He offers transparency in our government. I like that.
D - McCain clearly said he was fine with 100 years of war. I can't get past the imagery of him singing bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran. He also said he will "NEVER" surrender until we "win" the war in Iraq. I believe Iraq is an unwinnable war depending on how you look at it. He is straight stubborn and sees in black and white only with no grey areas. McCain does not understand that if something is simply not working, it might be a good idea to stop, assess where you are, and consider other options. That is not surrender, instead it is common sense. Besides our country is more than just national security. Here at home we have other issues that are kicking our collective as*es.
I like McCain as a person, but he is not the best person for the Presidency.
NMP
· 1 year ago
It's time for black folks to get off of the sidelines now! I know we've been afraid to make any 'noise' for fear that it would scare white voters and some of us may have made a bargain with God if he just let's this happen, we'll keep our mouths shut.:-) But with Bob Johnson and many Black Clinton supporters now trying to cover their own behinds by forcing Senator Clinton on the ticket, it's time for Black folks to start using our congressional voter clout to tell them to back the hell up. In their congressional district, we are the equivalent of the so-called White working class voter.
It's time to place a call to Clyburn and tell him that his talking points should be "it's Obama's decision." Nothing more, nothing less. No more of that "well, I don't know...we have to see" nonsense. We need to get on the phone with ALL CBC members and let them know in no uncertain terms that they better stand down or we will stand up against them in their upcoming elections if they try to force Senator Obama's hand.
It's bad enough that white women are trying to emasculate him and dictate a decision that should be his and his alone like every other White male nominee that has preceded him, but we can NOT and should NOT tolerate this from the CBC!
Val
· 1 year ago
Barack will do what is in his best interest. No matter who tries to pressure him.
We have to give him some credit. Barack will do what he feels like doing and not what a bunch of people throwing tantrums want him to do.
Barack will just keep going and will do his thing.
Val
· 1 year ago
D - ROTFLMAO. Thanks for the link to the new McCain site man.
All - if you have a minute click on D's link that was posted at 10:12 a.m. today. HAH
And yes, D - the image is familiar. Go Barack 08
D.
· 1 year ago
Val, What McCain said was that he was fine with a long term presence in Iraq, similar to that which we have in Korea and Europe.
And can you honestly say-in the face of the decrease in violence in Iraq, and the meaningful-though small-political gains that are being made there-that the current strategy in Iraq isn't working; that there needs to be yet another reassesment of our efforts there?
metricpenny
· 1 year ago
I concur with you that the most important statement of Obama's speech was:
"What you won’t hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon – that sees our opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize. Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first. We are always Americans first."
I haven't seen or heard it addressed anywhere else.
Thanks for highlighting it for us.
Val
· 1 year ago
D --
"And can you honestly say-in the face of the decrease in violence in Iraq, and the meaningful-though small-political gains that are being made there-that the current strategy in Iraq isn't working; that there needs to be yet another reassesment of our efforts there?"
Yes. We can't afford it. Period. Iraq needs to become more accountable for their country financially and otherwise. It is time for our people to begin the process of coming home. We have overstretched out military. We can't fend off any additional crisis elsewhere because we don't have the resources. So Yes, we need to reassess and make some changes.
s
· 1 year ago
To a considerable degree, this election seems to be about which of the two candidates is (1) genuinely willing and able to work across party lines and (2) genuinely willing and able to change the tone and nature of the debate. McCain has a huge demonstrated edge on the first point. He is now working to gain an edge on the second by challenging Obama to a series of townhall debates between now and the convention.
Should he, will he accept?
Val
· 1 year ago
Condeleeza Rice - congratulate's Obama on receiving the dem nomination.
I heard Clyburn last night on Bev Smith's show and those WERE his exact talking points - it is OBAMA'S DECISION.
There was something in Clyburn's ' tone', if you know what I mean, and then I found out that Bubba cussed him out, and now I know what was in his tone.
rikyrah
· 1 year ago
There are no civil words to describe that weasel Harold Ford, who would sell his soul (and almost did) to be one of the players at this political table.
He's not called the Dark Sith for nothing.
Craig Hickman
· 1 year ago
I intend to keep the debate focused on substance, where McCain has the advantage.
::
Keep telling yourself that.
D.
· 1 year ago
Val, Those things are happening.
Iraqis are beginning to take not only a personal interest in their own future, but a fiscal one as well.
And as that interest grows, our footprint can be-and is being-reduced.
So what should we reassess? What you want to happen is, in fact, happening.
Val
· 1 year ago
D - it is so funny that the media is now picking up McCain's website change. You got it first man. Maybe you should be on McCain's committee to tell him what not to do. lol
McCain Rips Off Obama's Slogan And Logo http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/04/mccain-rips-off-obamas-sl_n_105266.html
Val
· 1 year ago
D - this one is for you and S.
McCain's Day Marked By False Statements And Gaffes
Appearing at a press conference in Louisiana on Wednesday, McCain claimed that he had supported "every investigation" into the flawed response to Hurricane Katrina, when, in fact, he had twice voted against creating a commission to inspect the tragedy.
The remark immediately bounced around political circles and websites. After all it was just a few months ago when McCain defended those very votes on the back of his campaign bush, casting them as part of a broader campaign against wasteful spending.
"I'm proud of my support of American citizens regarding the taxpayers," the Senator said in April. "I will not vote for projects and programs and bills that are laden with pork-barrel projects that waste taxpayers' dollars."
The entire episode elicited a scathing rebuttal from the Obama camp.
"Whether he simply wasn't aware of his voting record again or he was intentionally misleading the people of Louisiana, John McCain certainly isn't offering us 'leadership you can believe in,'" wrote aide Hari Sevugan. To which, McCain's aides accused Obama of negative campaigning, saying the Senator wasn't familiar with the specific votes and had always supported Senate investigations, just not commissions.
Val
· 1 year ago
Again for D and S
McCain acknowledged he was not aware that Obama had introduced a bill that called for international divestment from Iran.
Reporter: Are you familiar with his disinvestment bill? McCain: No, I am not familiar with it at all. I do not know if it passed the senate or had any hearing or anything else. I had, so, literally thousands and thousands pieces of legislation are proposed every year. I know what he did. He voted against the Iranian revolutionary guard being declared a terrorist organization.
The admission could prove damaging for a variety of reasons. For starters, Obama's bill, which passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives, is currently being held up in the Senate by Republican Sen. Richard Shelby. More significantly, two McCain surrogates, Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Rep. Eric Cantor, are co-sponsors of Obama's measure despite, on Wednesday, ripping the Illinois Democrat for not having the experience to deal with Iran.
But a more worrisome issue for the McCain campaign may just be that a theme is emerging, both within the media and political circles, that the Arizona Republican has a penchant for playing lose with the facts. Indeed, last week, McCain lost crucial news cycles after he falsely claimed that force levels in Iraq had been drawn down to pre-surge levels and then, instead of admitting he misspoke, said the whole thing was a debate over verb tense. This, in turn, came after the Senator claimed, again falsely, that Iran was training al-Qaeda in Iraq, when in fact the two groups are religious and political adversaries.
D.
· 1 year ago
My friends, this has not been a good day.
This has got to be one of the most fucked up opening days of a campaign.
Ever.
nillawaif
· 1 year ago
Mr. Turner, This morning on MSNBC, Harold Ford corrected himself and said that he was praising the purpose of McCain's speech not its delivery or necessarily all of its content.
teacher
· 1 year ago
Hellory had the face of death on today when she spoke @ AIPAC. Either she got the email I sent to her website (smirk) or reality sank in that she is going to have to hang it up (& closet it). She "suspended" her campaign today. I think some party elders got with her & mandated her expedient exit...To the left, to the left, everything you own in the box to the left....Yeah, I think she was finally "pushed" out by the leadership. Still, she continues to play games. It's friday-No, it's saturday...And I'm keeping my delegates just incase he gets whacked.
I noticed today that O recites most of his speeches instead of reading them. It seems like the others read theirs. That makes O even more impressive.
Like last nite when the Cryptster was giving his speech, it seemed like he hadn't read it prior to the event, so he kept laughing at things he found amusing or something he found to be "a good one." He was tickling himself.
s
· 1 year ago
val,
The McCain campaign's response: “It doesn’t bode well for Senator Obama’s pledges to run a campaign of hope and change when on the first day of the general election he’s launching the same tired negative attacks that the American people are so sick and tired of. As Sen. McCain said, he wasn’t familiar with the specific votes the questioner was asking about. Instead he was speaking to his strong support for the Homeland Security Committee’s comprehensive, bipartisan investigation of Hurricane Katrina, which was already fully underway when these other proposals were suggested.”
The Huffington Post is not a credible 'news' source, it is a pro-Obama website and should be recognized as such.
s
· 1 year ago
val,
As for Iraq and Iran, Obama's position evolves daily. I am pleased to see that he and McCain are both in favor of divestment in Iran.
Just in time for his important speech before the Jewish Lobby AIPAC, I am glad to see Obama has FINALLY come to the realization that Iran is indeed a 'grave' threat and that Iran's Revolutionary guard is a terrorist organization. Only a few short weeks ago, he was accurately quoted as having different views.
He also seems willing to now "base decisions about withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq on facts on the ground." Good!
I also hope that he will plan a trip to Iraq soon.
Obama is very eager to prove his commitment to Israel, and I hope that both he and McCain will be staunch supporters of Israel.
If honest criticism and skepticism demand that both candidates clarify, strengthen or even change their positions to be more in line with what is best for the country, I am all for it.
Perhaps Obama can be sufficiently criticized and scrutinized into adopting McCain's views on taxes and earmarks as well.
Val
· 1 year ago
D -- STOP IT!!!! ROTFLMAO. hahahahahaahahahaha
It has been a bad day for McCain but it will get better I am sure. The trouble is McCain's folks are trying to force him into a mold that just does not fit. They need to let McCain be McCain and let the chips fall where it may. He is a good guy but they are stifling him and he comes off as fake. McCain's advisors are doing him a disservice. They need to trust the man's instinct and let him do his thing.
Although you know I still want Obama to win but . . . would prefer a fair fight.
Val
· 1 year ago
S - come on now! This is not about the Huffington Post. Look at the facts itself. We are talking about what McCain said as far as his support for the Katrina he knew he voted against it. He also said Obama did not contribute substantially in anyway on Iran or Iraq. Lieberman could have helped the brother out. So it isn't about Huffington - instead it is about the man himself.
So don't make excuses like that for him. We aren't stupid. McCain is human and certainly is not perfect. We shouldn't expect him to be. I still like the man. Again, I say the problem is his advisors. They need to let the man run the campaign using his own instincts. Play on his strengths instead of trying to adopt ways that just does not work for him. Look, you can't know everything. You just can't. Which is why you surround yourself with experts in all areas. Now based on their input, McCain can make sound decisions. But they set him up everytime when he goes out there and says something in one venue and forgets what he said about the same subject in another. They are setting him up for failure.
I am so looking forward to this election it is very exciting. I want him to catch his stride. Then may the best man win.
All Comments
Obama's speech was uplifting and made me proud. His choice of location got McCain spooked to be sure...
What does Hillary want? She wants to be President. All this fuss about VP is a smokescreen. I am not pleased that on this most magical of days, the headlines include her name.
Congratulations to all my American friends.
And did anyone catch Terry McAuliffe's intro of her as the "next president of the united states"?
peace, Villager
May God continue to keep and bless him and his family, I'm so proud of them I don't know what to DO!! :)
But, as to substance:
The speech was nothing more than liberal cliches and ringing, if tired quotes.
Every candidate opposing the incumbent party runs on 'change.'
Obama's generational change holds up the causes of retreat abroad and unlimited government at home. The challenges outlined by Obama are to be addressed by government programs in which citizens become clients of the welfare state, as early in life as possible.
To refute Obama's charge that McCain has not spent time taking trips to the cities and towns hardest hit by the economy, Obama has conveniently forgotten McCain's
"Forgotten America" tour.
McCain said, "There are places far removed from the prosperity that is enjoyed elsewhere in America. I want to tell people living there that there must not be any forgotten parts of America; any forgotten Americans. Hope in America is not based in delusion, but in the faith that everything is possible in America. The time for pandering and false promises is over. It is time for action. It is time for change, but the right kind of change; change that trusts in the strength of free people and free markets; change that doesn't return to policies that empower government to make our choices for us, but that works to ensure that we have choices to make for ourselves. For we have always trusted Americans to build from the choices they make for themselves, a safer, stronger and more prosperous country than the one they inherited."
As as to the use of religion and patriotism as 'wedge issues' I do not think you will see McCain himself bring up Rev. Wright or the flag pin.
Obama will have to deal with the consequences of his actions on those two fronts all by himself.
p.s. I have been reading your blog since January and have learned so much. Thank you.
I listened to the speech over XM radio, and cringed the whole time. After the 3rd-4th "my friends, that's not change we can believe in" statement, I was really ready to turn it off.
Truth be told, McCain has never really been great at speaking on multiple issues at once. Give him one issue-the war, the economy, energy dependence-and he'll do a great job. Try to get him to speak on all of them at once, and he kinda bumbles.
All I could really think is that if someone had to decide the election based on Obama and McCain's speeches last night, McCain would not win.
Hell, I'm (obviously) still mad about it.
The Leiberman-Warner bill encapsulates what is wrong with the government trying to 'save the environment.'
Obama's desire to regulate oil companies and automobile manufacturers is also flawed. Placing the government in control is NOT the answer.
Competitive-market solutions are already providing new and innovative technologies. Government policies obstruct our energy independence.
Government expansion comes in many forms and in many motivations, some of them noble. But I am skeptical of government bureaucracies that squander our resources and create regulations for industries, opening up opportunities for waste and corruption.
If nothing else, hasn't McCain noticed that Clinton went down this same road, twisting Obama's words into her own phrases, letting him set the tone? I mean, I'm not going to be the one to clue him in, but it seems like a generally bad idea for him.
I saw Clinton's and Obama's speeches as public expressions of their private negotiations. She's angling to be on a presidential ticket and talking about how the people who voted for her need to be respected; he's talking about how she can be in charge of health care if she wants.
My guess is that she would've conceded last night, but she hasn't been offered a severance package she's happy with yet. I don't give a good goddamn; she's about two seconds away from becoming silly and petty, so Obama doesn't have to budge an inch.
Of course, he knows that. He's the Democratic nominee for president.
I wish yo had seem McCain's speech. He kept awkwardly smiling after his statements as if he was giving himself credit or something. I didn't quite get all the smiling. I didn't catch either speech in it's entirety but BHO didn't smile that much and he had finally just started being respected as the nominee. Well- no respect from HRC of course but from most of the MSM.
my frieeennnnnndddddsssssssss and then he does that twitch and wink.
Gives me goosebumps everytime. lol
I still like McCain though.
I heard the little laugh that came after it.
That was bad enough.
ROTFLMAO. You didn't get a kick out of that? LOLOL Seriously, I agree. I was so embarassed for the man that I pulled the covers over my head multiple times and after a while I just couldn't take it and switched channels. lolol
Insightful comment on the Obama/Clinton 'negotiations.'
'Change' is a universal political slogan that has been used ad infinitum.
McCain should run against the 'change' Obama proposes.
Higher taxes. Expansive government. An promise of retreat and defeat in Iraq that will lead to more violence and bloodshed. Isolationism. Protectionism.
Interesting.
He is/was one of the corporatist CBC members who voted time after time against the interest of his own constituents and was ALWAYS one of the members of the DLC who bent over everytime a Republican told them to, yet here he sits as usual given praise for a speech that was judged as horrible by everybody who saw it accept--Harold Ford. Obviously, it is a reflexive act, since he has bent over so much to the Republicans that he just automatically falls into line, SOP for Harold Ford, nothing new.
My "there it is" moment during Hillary's speech came when she said she was not making any decisions tonight. For those who still support Hillary, can it be any clearer? She had the war chest of money, name recognition, and all of that, yet she lost! She is a sore loser who cannot let go, and now has the audacity to say she will THINK about being the VP if asked.
This is what she has become, an extortionist and blackmailer. Are you Hillary fans with that?
Sad, Sad, Sad.
Keep small children away from looking at this speech!
Any resemblance to Dr. Strangelove is intended.
How many times has doing 'what's cool' gotten you into trouble.
Haven't we all been sufficiently schooled in the risks of giving in to peer pressure?
As I read back through the transcript of the speech.....
McCain's "right/wrong change" idea for a campaign theme will probably work for him...on every topic except Iraq. In that case, he will have to convince the American people that change isn't what's needed (and granted, much convincing may not be needed at this point).
He did clearly contrast himself against Obama: my limited government vs. your expanded one, etc. The lines are clearly drawn.
The speech reads a little bit better than it sounded.
And could somebody get dude some baking soda and peroxide for those teeth!?!?
Can Barack Obama develop an original thought in his head? He borrowed “Just Words” from Patrick. He lifted “Yes We Can” from Cesar Chavez, and in some cases didn’t bother to translate it into English. Now he reaches back to the rhetoric of a disastrous cycle for Democrats to copy an old, tired line of attack.
Once again, Barack Obama gets exposed as an empty suit. Maybe if Barack Obama would do more than just visit the Senate but hold hearings on Afghanistan, pay attention to Iran, and really investigate the upcoming entitlement crisis, he’d be a better candidate for President. At least he might be able to generate an original thought or two rather than regurgitating the Democrats’ Greatest Flops.
I personally tuned out after the parts where he bashed both Bush and Cheney and was extremely clear that he was not telling the truth. He was clearly saying things that he did not believe. McCain also patronized Obama calling him a "young man" as if someone who is 46 years of age has not lived long enough to gain any knowledge or experience.
Even the spectators couldn't grasp what he was talking about. They did not know when to clap, boo or even respond.
There you have it.
Agreed.
I intend to keep the debate focused on substance, where McCain has the advantage.
Poof begone with that noise.
Talk to us about policy issues that you do not agree with. Tout your candidates strength and back up off that superficial nonsense that will not put food on my table or pay my healthcare bill.
smile? More like a sneer, or grimace.
Maybe I expected too much.
The debate should now shift to the substance of ideas. Rev. Wright, flag pins, and "whitey/why'd he" hold no more bearing.
I disagree with your assessment. He is not lying, he was uncomfortable.
Teleprompted speeches are not his forte. And it was just one speech.
Just wait until the debates, he possesses a 'quiet intensity' that is compelling. Just wait until we see McCain in action at townhall meetings where he displays a relaxed, engaging command of the issues, delivered with humility and respect.
Obama is a young man. The issue of inexperience and judgment is central to this election.
McCain believes he is doing the right things (I personally disagree with his policies) and he really believes he would be the best leader for this country. It would come off much better if he just said what he really thinks versus touting what other folks are telling him to say. And it wouldn't hurt if he admitted to his mistakes especially when he gets caught in a lie. It would only make him human.
Every time he talks about losing the war I feel like he is alluding to 911 ... makes me sick. He is NO diplomat. He's an angry soldier that perhaps got his arms shorted in the POW camp.
He could have said -- I support Bush and Cheney, he is a good person and a good president/vp. They are not perfect -- none of us are but they are true Americans who have always believed in putting the country first. Now, here is how we differ. . . . .
It would have said more about his character than what he said last night.
"powerful speech" um... no buddy Mccains speech was powerless.
Because of McCain's time as a POW, he can't lift his arms above his chest.
Let's not make that an issue.
Evita,
Because of McCain's time as a POW, he can't lift his arms above his chest.
Let's not make that an issue.
__________________
I see. Thanks for clarifying that. I still think that he asserts the position of someone who wants to win a fight without regard of what is lost in the process. You know when he says ish like "I will never surrender" all I can think is HE IS NOT THERE. And this is not about winning and losing. Its about losing sight of the goal... the one the White House LIED about to begin with.
"Just wait until the debates, he possesses a 'quiet intensity' that is compelling."
I don't know about all that. I have watched him in town hall meetings and he puts me to sleep or I tend to tune out. He changes his messages almost daily so . . .I don't know what the heck he believes outside of the fact that he would be fine with 100 years of war.
"Just wait until we see McCain in action at townhall meetings where he displays a relaxed, engaging command of the issues, delivered with humility and respect."
LOLOL ok. I want this man to tell me how he is going to bring down the price of gas, what stance on the housing crises (I heard his current plans and I REALLY hope he reconsiders it or many homeowners will be homeless), how he plans on fixing our current economic situation outside of cutting costs via earmarks and other less important governmental spending for the first year he is in office especially with us spending $9B a MONTH in Iraq alone.
"Obama is a young man."
The man is 46 year old. He is hardly a "young man."
"The issue of inexperience and judgment is central to this election." I am not going to go into Obama's experience. Because I have provided multiple links to the Senate showing his record. Instead I will ask you this -- what has Bush, Cheney, or even McCain offered either individually or collectively over the last 7/8 years with their vast experience outside 2 wars, negative reviews from other countries, and a recession? We aren't better off. We are worse off. So clearly their "experience" did not work. We HAVE to do something different.
McCain doesn't want a hundred years of war. That's a gross distortion.
What Bush and Cheney have offered in the last seven years isn't an issue here. They're not running.
You have arrived to the point that the small amount of trolls have increased to the point, that they have infiltrated this blog with their non-sensical drivel and attempts to bash Obama.
The trolls are threatened by intelligent discussion from Black folks!
My frieeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnndss, you have arrived!
Obama's speech was perfect, presidential, inspiring, amazing, wonderful, hopeful, and just fantastic. He is a born leader!
I'm sure the Black community is busting with pride and a sense of wonder and a definite case of 'its about goddamn time' today, but I have to tell you as a whitey that I have teared up more in the last 24 hours than I did over my father's death. I cannot tell you how happy I am that Barack Obama is going to be our next President.
It is naive to pin all one's hopes on one person, but the day that Barack Obama takes office is the day that 50% of the covert racism in this country will be truncated for the same reason -- and this may sound stupid, but its human nature -- that Americans fell into cheap jingoistic patriotism with George W Bush. I guess its the lemmings story, but for many unthinking people it will be a simple matter in their minds of saying 'oh, ok, we dont think that way anymore, that's over with'.
I, however, am left with the stench of what the Clintons did during their campaign in my mouth. The race-baiting. The WSJ reported this AM that B Clinton used "offensive" language during a 50 minute phone call with Senator Clyburn that Clyburn promises to write about one day. That, THAT, will be the end of Clinton's legacy. If I know Clyburn, he will wait until the full flower of that remark will have maximum effect. And I can hardly wait. It's like waiting for Jackie O's diary of what happened on Nov 23 that cannot be released until 50 years after her death.
That anyone is giving Hillary any leeway at all right now is beyond me.
Does the image for the Decision Center look familiar to anyone besides me?
If you don't connect with McCain, fair enough.
I have looked at Obama's record and his resume is thin. You choose not to chronicle his accomplishments because you know this fact to be true. You cannot deny McCain's experience and independence so you resort to Bush/Cheney bashing.
I would prefer that Obama remain as my Senator and build a record of accomplishment at the national level that demonstrates his ability to facillitate 'change' by engaging Republicans in a tangible, meaningful way.
Furthermore, he has done nothing to demonstrate his independence from the far-left of his party the way that Senator McCain proven to be independent from the Republican party. Obama cannot 'change' Washington if his unwilling or unable to confront or break with his own party.
First, our economy is weak, but not in recession.
Given it's precarious state, our economy cannot support higher taxes on individuals or corporations that penalize the creation of individual wealth and stifle capital investment.
This economy cannot afford government regulation and subsidies that contribute to the high energy and food prices that are eating into our wallets.
A vote for Obama is a vote to increase the size and scope of our federal government that will be a burden to all of us and for future generations.
Continuing success in Iraq and Iran's defiance of the world community in its quest for nuclear weapons and the destruction of Israel and the US will expose Obama's positions as outdated and unrealistic.
Senator Obama's resume is not thin.
He was first a State Senator, then a US Senator, graduate of Harvard Law,
president of the Harvard Law Review,
an accomplished writer, and his managerial skills in this campaign have proven to be outstanding.
He's not too old like McCain, he's not too much of a carpetbagger like Clinton.
When you say that his resume is thin, without facts, you actually sound like some of the Clinton supporters who call him "an inadequate black male". If you had substance to your statement, you might have more of my respect.
Define "too old." Last I checked, my copy of the Constitution had a minimum age for the presidency, not a maximum one.
Obama is accomplished. But his record on the national scene-where he's really only been for maybe 3-4 years-does not begin to compare with McCain's.
Obama will raise taxes and move toward government regulated and controlled healthcare.
There is nothing 'wicked smart' about raising taxes during an economic slowdown.
One only needs to look critically at the healthcare systems of Great Britian and Canada and decide if federal control will provide the best solution to the problem. Competitive-market solutions can provide the change consumers demand without a whole scale takeover of the system.
Obama's story is inspiring and compelling but it important to be informed before you cede control of your well-being and financial freedom to the government.
Inexperienced and 'inadequate' are not synonymous. I am not implying that he is incapable, just not sufficiently prepared. Please do not attribute words to me that are not my own.
I do not deny the Senator's record to date. It is laudable, but insufficient in my opinion.
The Senate is an institution that requires statesmanship, negotiation, deliberation and bipartisanship. I would like to see Obama dedicate himself to forging a record in the Senate in gain more experience.
'Too old' is not in and of itself a sufficient reason to be disqualified. Good health is for me, a requirement. McCain has been forthcoming and candid about his health, releasing his medical records and opening them up to review.
Senator McCain, in his speech last night, sounded like he was praising Barry Goldwater, who voted against the civil rights act of 1964 as being too comprehensive.
McCain himself voted against MLK holiday. That makes him too old, in my book. I know age discrimination is against the law, which is why there is no upper age limit, even for a jury in NYS.
And I know that there are many older people who could do the job.
I just think he's too old in the way his mind works. He hasn't allowed his perceptions about the world to advance. His views aren't fresh or innovative. His thinking is old.
forging a record in the US Senate is not a requirement either.
Why, ask yourself, does Obama require more experience than past presidents? Insufficient, inexperienced? Sounds like your still saying "inadequate" to me.
I have said repeatedly that I like McCain. I do. However, I don't think given the current circumstances with our country (i.e. economy, housing crisis, war, etc), that McCain would be the best commander in chief at this time. National security isn’t enough for me to overlook all his other weaknesses. Truthfully, based on his multiple gaffes in the area he professes is his strong point (national security) I am not so sure he is a strong enough candidate based on that issue either.
My question was what has Bush, Cheney, or even McCain offered either individually or collectively over the last 7/8 years with their vast experience outside of 2 wars, negative reviews from other countries, and a recession? I will answer my own question. NOTHING. So . . . do I stay status quo or do I put my lot in with the newbie and become an active participant in the change I want to see? The policies under Bush, Cheney and McCain are not working so I choose the newbie.
We all know that the President whether that is McCain or Obama, will have advisors in all areas of government to help run the country. This includes military leaders who know the intricacies of war and national security issues. What I want from Obama/the President is the ability to be able to weed through all the "noise" for lack of a better term and make sound decisions to help us move this country forward. I believe Obama has the judgment and the temperament to run this country. He doesn't go off half cocked. He is not so stubborn or set in his ways where it is either my way or no way. He actually LISTENS and then makes his decisions. He is inclusive and encourages citizens to get involved no matter your party affiliation. He offers transparency in our government. I like that.
D - McCain clearly said he was fine with 100 years of war. I can't get past the imagery of him singing bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran. He also said he will "NEVER" surrender until we "win" the war in Iraq. I believe Iraq is an unwinnable war depending on how you look at it. He is straight stubborn and sees in black and white only with no grey areas. McCain does not understand that if something is simply not working, it might be a good idea to stop, assess where you are, and consider other options. That is not surrender, instead it is common sense. Besides our country is more than just national security. Here at home we have other issues that are kicking our collective as*es.
I like McCain as a person, but he is not the best person for the Presidency.
It's time to place a call to Clyburn and tell him that his talking points should be "it's Obama's decision." Nothing more, nothing less. No more of that "well, I don't know...we have to see" nonsense. We need to get on the phone with ALL CBC members and let them know in no uncertain terms that they better stand down or we will stand up against them in their upcoming elections if they try to force Senator Obama's hand.
It's bad enough that white women are trying to emasculate him and dictate a decision that should be his and his alone like every other White male nominee that has preceded him, but we can NOT and should NOT tolerate this from the CBC!
We have to give him some credit. Barack will do what he feels like doing and not what a bunch of people throwing tantrums want him to do.
Barack will just keep going and will do his thing.
All - if you have a minute click on D's link that was posted at 10:12 a.m. today. HAH
And yes, D - the image is familiar. Go Barack 08
What McCain said was that he was fine with a long term presence in Iraq, similar to that which we have in Korea and Europe.
And can you honestly say-in the face of the decrease in violence in Iraq, and the meaningful-though small-political gains that are being made there-that the current strategy in Iraq isn't working; that there needs to be yet another reassesment of our efforts there?
"What you won’t hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon – that sees our opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize. Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first. We are always Americans first."
I haven't seen or heard it addressed anywhere else.
Thanks for highlighting it for us.
"And can you honestly say-in the face of the decrease in violence in Iraq, and the meaningful-though small-political gains that are being made there-that the current strategy in Iraq isn't working; that there needs to be yet another reassesment of our efforts there?"
Yes. We can't afford it. Period. Iraq needs to become more accountable for their country financially and otherwise. It is time for our people to begin the process of coming home. We have overstretched out military. We can't fend off any additional crisis elsewhere because we don't have the resources. So Yes, we need to reassess and make some changes.
Should he, will he accept?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24971200#24971201
"We the people is beginning to mean all of us."
I heard Clyburn last night on Bev Smith's show and those WERE his exact talking points - it is OBAMA'S DECISION.
There was something in Clyburn's ' tone', if you know what I mean, and then I found out that Bubba cussed him out, and now I know what was in his tone.
There are no civil words to describe that weasel Harold Ford, who would sell his soul (and almost did) to be one of the players at this political table.
He's not called the Dark Sith for nothing.
::
Keep telling yourself that.
Those things are happening.
Iraqis are beginning to take not only a personal interest in their own future, but a fiscal one as well.
And as that interest grows, our footprint can be-and is being-reduced.
So what should we reassess? What you want to happen is, in fact, happening.
McCain Rips Off Obama's Slogan And Logo
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/04/mccain-rips-off-obamas-sl_n_105266.html
McCain's Day Marked By False Statements And Gaffes
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/04/mccains-day-marked-by-fal_n_105283.html
Appearing at a press conference in Louisiana on Wednesday, McCain claimed that he had supported "every investigation" into the flawed response to Hurricane Katrina, when, in fact, he had twice voted against creating a commission to inspect the tragedy.
The remark immediately bounced around political circles and websites. After all it was just a few months ago when McCain defended those very votes on the back of his campaign bush, casting them as part of a broader campaign against wasteful spending.
"I'm proud of my support of American citizens regarding the taxpayers," the Senator said in April. "I will not vote for projects and programs and bills that are laden with pork-barrel projects that waste taxpayers' dollars."
The entire episode elicited a scathing rebuttal from the Obama camp.
"Whether he simply wasn't aware of his voting record again or he was intentionally misleading the people of Louisiana, John McCain certainly isn't offering us 'leadership you can believe in,'" wrote aide Hari Sevugan. To which, McCain's aides accused Obama of negative campaigning, saying the Senator wasn't familiar with the specific votes and had always supported Senate investigations, just not commissions.
McCain acknowledged he was not aware that Obama had introduced a bill that called for international divestment from Iran.
Reporter: Are you familiar with his disinvestment bill?
McCain: No, I am not familiar with it at all. I do not know if it passed the senate or had any hearing or anything else. I had, so, literally thousands and thousands pieces of legislation are proposed every year. I know what he did. He voted against the Iranian revolutionary guard being declared a terrorist organization.
The admission could prove damaging for a variety of reasons. For starters, Obama's bill, which passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives, is currently being held up in the Senate by Republican Sen. Richard Shelby. More significantly, two McCain surrogates, Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Rep. Eric Cantor, are co-sponsors of Obama's measure despite, on Wednesday, ripping the Illinois Democrat for not having the experience to deal with Iran.
But a more worrisome issue for the McCain campaign may just be that a theme is emerging, both within the media and political circles, that the Arizona Republican has a penchant for playing lose with the facts. Indeed, last week, McCain lost crucial news cycles after he falsely claimed that force levels in Iraq had been drawn down to pre-surge levels and then, instead of admitting he misspoke, said the whole thing was a debate over verb tense. This, in turn, came after the Senator claimed, again falsely, that Iran was training al-Qaeda in Iraq, when in fact the two groups are religious and political adversaries.
This has got to be one of the most fucked up opening days of a campaign.
Ever.
This morning on MSNBC, Harold Ford corrected himself and said that he was praising the purpose of McCain's speech not its delivery or necessarily all of its content.
I noticed today that O recites most of his speeches instead of reading them. It seems like the others read theirs. That makes O even more impressive.
Like last nite when the Cryptster was giving his speech, it seemed like he hadn't read it prior to the event, so he kept laughing at things he found amusing or something he found to be "a good one." He was tickling himself.
The McCain campaign's response: “It doesn’t bode well for Senator Obama’s pledges to run a campaign of hope and change when on the first day of the general election he’s launching the same tired negative attacks that the American people are so sick and tired of. As Sen. McCain said, he wasn’t familiar with the specific votes the questioner was asking about. Instead he was speaking to his strong support for the Homeland Security Committee’s comprehensive, bipartisan investigation of Hurricane Katrina, which was already fully underway when these other proposals were suggested.”
The Huffington Post is not a credible 'news' source, it is a pro-Obama website and should be recognized as such.
As for Iraq and Iran, Obama's position evolves daily. I am pleased to see that he and McCain are both in favor of divestment in Iran.
Just in time for his important speech before the Jewish Lobby AIPAC, I am glad to see Obama has FINALLY come to the realization that Iran is indeed a 'grave' threat and that Iran's Revolutionary guard is a terrorist organization. Only a few short weeks ago, he was accurately quoted as having different views.
He also seems willing to now "base decisions about withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq on facts on the ground." Good!
I also hope that he will plan a trip to Iraq soon.
Obama is very eager to prove his commitment to Israel, and I hope that both he and McCain will be staunch supporters of Israel.
If honest criticism and skepticism demand that both candidates clarify, strengthen or even change their positions to be more in line with what is best for the country, I am all for it.
Perhaps Obama can be sufficiently criticized and scrutinized into adopting McCain's views on taxes and earmarks as well.
hahahahahaahahahaha
It has been a bad day for McCain but it will get better I am sure. The trouble is McCain's folks are trying to force him into a mold that just does not fit. They need to let McCain be McCain and let the chips fall where it may. He is a good guy but they are stifling him and he comes off as fake. McCain's advisors are doing him a disservice. They need to trust the man's instinct and let him do his thing.
Although you know I still want Obama to win but . . . would prefer a fair fight.
So don't make excuses like that for him. We aren't stupid. McCain is human and certainly is not perfect. We shouldn't expect him to be. I still like the man. Again, I say the problem is his advisors. They need to let the man run the campaign using his own instincts. Play on his strengths instead of trying to adopt ways that just does not work for him. Look, you can't know everything. You just can't. Which is why you surround yourself with experts in all areas. Now based on their input, McCain can make sound decisions. But they set him up everytime when he goes out there and says something in one venue and forgets what he said about the same subject in another. They are setting him up for failure.
I am so looking forward to this election it is very exciting. I want him to catch his stride. Then may the best man win.