John McCain and Sarah Palin must have put the squeeze on CBS News yesterday...because they were back front and center, in front of Katie Curick, making their case against (you guessed it) the liberal media. You see, it's the media's fault that Palin has become a laughing stock. It's not because she is an ill informed, unprepared, unequipped, right wing zealot and parvenu...it's because the big, bad liberal media makes fun of her that the world is crumbling all around us. That is sexism at its finest: rush to defend a woman from having to answer legitimate questions about her experience, policies and knowledge...because it makes her look bad. Sorry, if Palin can't stand the political heat, she should get back IN the kitchen. It's not "Gotcha Journalism" when they actually get you at something. That's called responsible journalism. Too bad we didn't have more of it in the run up to the invasion of Iraq.
And as for Democrats being responsible for this economic crisis? HA! You can trace it back to that lion of the Republican party, Ron Reagan. Was it not Ronnie who bailed out savings and loans (amid scandal)? Was it not Reagan caught up in a HUD scandal? A lobbyist scandal as well? Was it not McCain and his pro-business lobbyist cronies who pressed for so much deregulation that the government was ill prepared to deal with this disaster? Was it not Bush who appointed cronies and party loyalists instead of qualified individuals to sensitive posts? The Democrats indeed! Pelosi was 100% right to call out Bush and his administration for the last eight years of failure. If we don't condemn our past, we are doomed to repeat it.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Left Indent Leaks Results of Upcoming Vice Presidential Debate
Since John McCain's PR crew are probably already hard at work writing their review of this Thursday's throw-down between Biden and Palin, I thought I'd do likewise and write my review a bit early as well. Foresight is, after all, 20/20:
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McCain spokesman, Tucker Bounds, was visibly shaken when republican vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin spilled water on the notepad computer stealthily concealed below the ledge of her podium. The computer, squirreled out of sight of debate moderator Glenn Eiffel, was to provide the Alaskan governor with a lifeline to better informed advisers in the wings. They hadn't counted on Palin using the computer as a coaster, and subsequently spilling the contents onto the keyboard. Without the benefit of input from her handlers, the political parvenu and one-time almost Miss Alaska was left to fend for herself. She was as defenseless, intellectually, as a moose being stalked by hunters in a helicopter “sporting” high powered rifles.
When the dust settled, the spin began. A lachrymal Mr. Bounds cited the debate as "a victory for all women, and for all Americans who hunger for a change from the Bush-Obama doctrine, and a foreign policy that has crippled our nation’s ability to achieve success in God’s mission in Iraq."
The liberal media were not as forgiving, often referring to Palin as a parrot because of her tendency to repeat the same phrases over and over and over again. "In the end," said Joe Biden, "the American voter will have to decide who is better qualified to be president in the event they are called upon to do so: I'm a senior senator who has served in public office longer than John McCain," said the confident fist son of Pennsylvania. "I've never done time in prison, like John. And I'm a long-time member and current chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Who are you going to pick, me or the hockey mom whose daughter can't keep her pants on?"
A Fox poll of undecided and clearly unbiased voters voted nine to one that experience in politics and knowledge of the issues would only serve as a detriment to the next commander-in-chief-in-waiting.
And for those who really want a laugh...follow me!
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McCain spokesman, Tucker Bounds, was visibly shaken when republican vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin spilled water on the notepad computer stealthily concealed below the ledge of her podium. The computer, squirreled out of sight of debate moderator Glenn Eiffel, was to provide the Alaskan governor with a lifeline to better informed advisers in the wings. They hadn't counted on Palin using the computer as a coaster, and subsequently spilling the contents onto the keyboard. Without the benefit of input from her handlers, the political parvenu and one-time almost Miss Alaska was left to fend for herself. She was as defenseless, intellectually, as a moose being stalked by hunters in a helicopter “sporting” high powered rifles.
When the dust settled, the spin began. A lachrymal Mr. Bounds cited the debate as "a victory for all women, and for all Americans who hunger for a change from the Bush-Obama doctrine, and a foreign policy that has crippled our nation’s ability to achieve success in God’s mission in Iraq."
The liberal media were not as forgiving, often referring to Palin as a parrot because of her tendency to repeat the same phrases over and over and over again. "In the end," said Joe Biden, "the American voter will have to decide who is better qualified to be president in the event they are called upon to do so: I'm a senior senator who has served in public office longer than John McCain," said the confident fist son of Pennsylvania. "I've never done time in prison, like John. And I'm a long-time member and current chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Who are you going to pick, me or the hockey mom whose daughter can't keep her pants on?"
A Fox poll of undecided and clearly unbiased voters voted nine to one that experience in politics and knowledge of the issues would only serve as a detriment to the next commander-in-chief-in-waiting.
And for those who really want a laugh...follow me!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
McCain V Obama Round 1
If Obama's objective last night was to position himself as presidential, to appear knowledgeable about foreign policy...then I think it is "mission accomplished." If his goal was to link McCain inexorably to the republican party and their policies, Iraq and the economy, then I think it was a missed opportunity. Not through any fault of his own...but because everyone seemed focused on McCain's bellicose manner, and not on some of the key points made by Barack.
McCain did a good job of reminding everyone just how experienced he is. Like Magellan, he rattled off a laundry list of countries he'd visited, and people he'd met. But his vision was primarily rearward looking, including the ineveitable reminders about his "maverick" status and his POW experience. But Obama held his own, he was confident and knowledgeable. And he was forward looking.
I do think Obama missed an opportunity to hammer McCain on the economy...that's his Achilles heel. And when McCain started to go on about earmarks and corruption, Obama should have countered with "John, I will have to defer to your expertise on political corruption and greed...as a member of the Keating Five you have the experience in that field."
Highlights: Obama did a good job using John's words against him on Iraq: "we know where the wmd are", "we'll be treated as liberators", "there is no history of Sunni/Shia violence", etc. McCain attempted to deflect any criticism by suggesting that Obama opposed the surge. Obama countered adeptly with: "John, you talk like this war started in 2007. But it started in 2003."
As I said, McCain is VERY vulnerable on the economy. Obama needs to remind America that a month ago McCain said the fundamentals of our economy were sound. His chief financial advisor said this was a "mental recession" that we are a "nation of whiners." McCain recently said he wanted to tackle the health care issue in the exact same way that the Republicans have managed the banking and financing issues: more deregulation. He admitted to not knowing anything about the economy. He supports four billion dollars in tax cuts to oil companies. He wants to provide tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans...evoking what Bush senior dubbed "voodoo economics." On the economy, McCain has been out of step and dangerously wrong for quite some time.
Sure - McCain looked like a sour old man, condescending and dismissive. But that was a known quantity. I don't think that will hurt him much in the long run. I can't wait until the next debate...but In the meantime we will have an entertaining under card next week. Unless they have to postpone so Palin can save the world from witches.
McCain did a good job of reminding everyone just how experienced he is. Like Magellan, he rattled off a laundry list of countries he'd visited, and people he'd met. But his vision was primarily rearward looking, including the ineveitable reminders about his "maverick" status and his POW experience. But Obama held his own, he was confident and knowledgeable. And he was forward looking.
I do think Obama missed an opportunity to hammer McCain on the economy...that's his Achilles heel. And when McCain started to go on about earmarks and corruption, Obama should have countered with "John, I will have to defer to your expertise on political corruption and greed...as a member of the Keating Five you have the experience in that field."
Highlights: Obama did a good job using John's words against him on Iraq: "we know where the wmd are", "we'll be treated as liberators", "there is no history of Sunni/Shia violence", etc. McCain attempted to deflect any criticism by suggesting that Obama opposed the surge. Obama countered adeptly with: "John, you talk like this war started in 2007. But it started in 2003."
As I said, McCain is VERY vulnerable on the economy. Obama needs to remind America that a month ago McCain said the fundamentals of our economy were sound. His chief financial advisor said this was a "mental recession" that we are a "nation of whiners." McCain recently said he wanted to tackle the health care issue in the exact same way that the Republicans have managed the banking and financing issues: more deregulation. He admitted to not knowing anything about the economy. He supports four billion dollars in tax cuts to oil companies. He wants to provide tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans...evoking what Bush senior dubbed "voodoo economics." On the economy, McCain has been out of step and dangerously wrong for quite some time.
Sure - McCain looked like a sour old man, condescending and dismissive. But that was a known quantity. I don't think that will hurt him much in the long run. I can't wait until the next debate...but In the meantime we will have an entertaining under card next week. Unless they have to postpone so Palin can save the world from witches.
Friday, September 26, 2008
McCain to Appear in Tonight's Debate
Well, after much false bravado and sad political posturing, John McCain has finally decided to put the country first, and appear in tonight's debate. I'm not going to call McCain a coward...but this isn't the first time he tried to dodge a debate against a superior foe: he once ditched a debate in California (2000) against the cretin from Crawford. Imagine how jittery he'll be going against someone who actually has a brain! I don't want to denigrate John McCain...he's suffered for our country. Let's just hope our country doesn't have to suffer because of him. He has made so many bad judgments throughout this campaign, his election would effectively guarantee four more years of...well...torture.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
McCain gets the swiftboat treatment
I've long maintained that the Democrats must learn how to fight like the republicans (dirty, that is) in order to survive this election. Kerry took the high road when he refused to engage the distasteful and dishonest swiftboat veterans smear campaign. The high road doesn't work when you are pitted against those who believe that winning at any cost is the only objective, no matter how much damage it does to the country as a whole. I've also qualified this by saying if the democrats do to McCain what they neocons did to Kerry, there would be outrage from the right (and from the media). Well...now we will get our chance to see how everyone responds, as one of John McCain's fellow POWs warns that Jittery John doesn't have the right stuff to president. Follow me
Frankly, I don't believe this rises to the level of true swiftboating. This is just a rational first person account and opinion piece. It isn't a character assassination built on lies and cut-throat politics.
Frankly, I don't believe this rises to the level of true swiftboating. This is just a rational first person account and opinion piece. It isn't a character assassination built on lies and cut-throat politics.
News Flash: John McCain Misses Episode of Golden Girls to Rush Back to Washington and Fix the Economy!!!
Wow. Does anyone with an IQ over 90 actually believe that John McCain is rushing back to Washington to deal with our failing economy? Hands up...I'd like to see you. John "I don't know anything about the economy" McCain has decided to suspend his campaign and rush home in a sad attempt to display some sort of ill-conceived quality that he perceives to be presidential, and to distract us from the fact that he absolutely is not (presidential). Let's face it, the reason he's suspending his campaign is because people (and the media) are finally waking up to the sobering assessment that McCain hasn't got a clue. His campaign, temporarily reinvigorated with Alaskan parvenu Sarah Palin, is back to the stultifying and rudderless disaster that it was prior to the Republican convention. And he is, once again, desperate. And desperate people often make bad decisions.
McCain has the worst voting record in the senate over the last year. He doesn't sit on the senate finance, banking committee and, hence, would not be privy to any discussions as such. He admits he knows nothing about the economy. He is taking heat because of his hiring of Rick Davis, his choice of Palin and the fact that his entire campaign is being run by lobbyists and Karl Rove clones. He is embarrassed because he has said during his campaign that he wants to treat the health care sector like we have the housing sector (deregulation). He isn't returning to Washington on some noble mission to "put America first." He is scared to the point of desperation.
A president needs to be able to deal with multiple calamities simultaneously (i.e. his campaign and the economy). His claim about having to rush off to Washington was most astutely and humorously illustrated by David Letterman in an article in today's Post:
"...Republican presidential candidate John McCain bailed from David Letterman's show only about two hours before it was to tape, calling the late-night host personally to tell him the economy was in such a state of crisis he was suspending his campaign and had to leave immediately to get back to Washington., Letterman got word that McCain -- who had announced his candidacy on "The Late Show" way back when -- did not, in fact, rush back to the capital. Instead, he plugged his decision to suspend his campaign, bail on Friday night's debate with Democratic nominee Barack Obama and race back to Washington over on CBS's evening newscast. He was, in fact, taping an interview with Katie Couric.
Letterman had his producers throw up the CBS in-house video feed, showing McCain getting makeup applied to his face before the interview taping. "Now, he doesn't seem to be racing back to the airport, does he?" asked Letterman."
Read full story here.
Anyone with a modicum of intelligence can see through McCain's feeble and dishonest excuses, and these aren't the characteristics we need in a president. Speaking on behalf of my fellow Washingtonians and someone feeling the pain of our economic crisis, please, stay away. With your judgment, the economy is a lot better off without you meddling in it.
McCain has the worst voting record in the senate over the last year. He doesn't sit on the senate finance, banking committee and, hence, would not be privy to any discussions as such. He admits he knows nothing about the economy. He is taking heat because of his hiring of Rick Davis, his choice of Palin and the fact that his entire campaign is being run by lobbyists and Karl Rove clones. He is embarrassed because he has said during his campaign that he wants to treat the health care sector like we have the housing sector (deregulation). He isn't returning to Washington on some noble mission to "put America first." He is scared to the point of desperation.
A president needs to be able to deal with multiple calamities simultaneously (i.e. his campaign and the economy). His claim about having to rush off to Washington was most astutely and humorously illustrated by David Letterman in an article in today's Post:
"...Republican presidential candidate John McCain bailed from David Letterman's show only about two hours before it was to tape, calling the late-night host personally to tell him the economy was in such a state of crisis he was suspending his campaign and had to leave immediately to get back to Washington., Letterman got word that McCain -- who had announced his candidacy on "The Late Show" way back when -- did not, in fact, rush back to the capital. Instead, he plugged his decision to suspend his campaign, bail on Friday night's debate with Democratic nominee Barack Obama and race back to Washington over on CBS's evening newscast. He was, in fact, taping an interview with Katie Couric.
Letterman had his producers throw up the CBS in-house video feed, showing McCain getting makeup applied to his face before the interview taping. "Now, he doesn't seem to be racing back to the airport, does he?" asked Letterman."
Read full story here.
Anyone with a modicum of intelligence can see through McCain's feeble and dishonest excuses, and these aren't the characteristics we need in a president. Speaking on behalf of my fellow Washingtonians and someone feeling the pain of our economic crisis, please, stay away. With your judgment, the economy is a lot better off without you meddling in it.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Oh no she didn't! Jo Ann Davidson evokes racial stereotype...
This morning, in an interview with XM's POTUS 08, Republican National Committee co-chair Jo Ann Davidson had the following to say about this Friday's presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama: "Knowing how the media responds, they will declare Obama the winner because he's articulate."
Oh no she didn't! Excuse me, does that mean, by comparison, that McCain isn't articulate? Or is she simply dredging up old stereotypes? My guess is she - at the behest of Steve Schmidt - is employing the same tactic that Rove did for Bush eight years ago: set the bar much higher for your opponent at the outset, so that even the most doltish buffoon can be declared a winner simply by meeting the most meager of expectations. "Articulate"? Wow. I guess if Obama challenges McCain during the debate she will next call him uppity. (BTW - Davidson is also the astute person who introduced Republican parvenue Sarah Palin as Sarah Pawlenty at the Republican Convention.)
If McCain has expectations for actually winning the debates based on the strength of his speaking skills, he's going to have to get in a lot more practice between now and Friday. Do you realize that, prior to yesterday, the "straight talk express" had not provided access to the media since August 21st? Yesterday he finally deigned to take questions during a stop in Michigan. He gave the media all of seven minutes of his precious time.
I can understand why he is reluctant to wax loquacious with the media. They are certain to ask him about Rick Davis. Davis is a McCain campaign manager whose company worked on behalf of Freddie Mac to shield the them from government oversight and regulations. We've all seen how well that worked out. Davis recently denied having ANY contact with Freddie Mac since 2006. I guess he forgot to mention that the company he owns has been on a retainer from Freddie Mac for years. It's another example of the kind of lobbyists and liars who McCain surrounds himself with...and just how similar he is to Bush.
Jo Ann Davidsons' feckless and desultory assertion about Obama's articulatory skills notwithstanding, let's hope that the normally sequacious American voter is able to see through John McCain's inimical obfuscations. Unfortunately, I'm not betting on it. Because it seems we, as a country, now view the ability to speak well in a pejorative light. What chance does Obama have against a fumble-mouthed man of the common folk (with his seven houses) such as John "straight talk" McCain?
Oh no she didn't! Excuse me, does that mean, by comparison, that McCain isn't articulate? Or is she simply dredging up old stereotypes? My guess is she - at the behest of Steve Schmidt - is employing the same tactic that Rove did for Bush eight years ago: set the bar much higher for your opponent at the outset, so that even the most doltish buffoon can be declared a winner simply by meeting the most meager of expectations. "Articulate"? Wow. I guess if Obama challenges McCain during the debate she will next call him uppity. (BTW - Davidson is also the astute person who introduced Republican parvenue Sarah Palin as Sarah Pawlenty at the Republican Convention.)
If McCain has expectations for actually winning the debates based on the strength of his speaking skills, he's going to have to get in a lot more practice between now and Friday. Do you realize that, prior to yesterday, the "straight talk express" had not provided access to the media since August 21st? Yesterday he finally deigned to take questions during a stop in Michigan. He gave the media all of seven minutes of his precious time.
I can understand why he is reluctant to wax loquacious with the media. They are certain to ask him about Rick Davis. Davis is a McCain campaign manager whose company worked on behalf of Freddie Mac to shield the them from government oversight and regulations. We've all seen how well that worked out. Davis recently denied having ANY contact with Freddie Mac since 2006. I guess he forgot to mention that the company he owns has been on a retainer from Freddie Mac for years. It's another example of the kind of lobbyists and liars who McCain surrounds himself with...and just how similar he is to Bush.
Jo Ann Davidsons' feckless and desultory assertion about Obama's articulatory skills notwithstanding, let's hope that the normally sequacious American voter is able to see through John McCain's inimical obfuscations. Unfortunately, I'm not betting on it. Because it seems we, as a country, now view the ability to speak well in a pejorative light. What chance does Obama have against a fumble-mouthed man of the common folk (with his seven houses) such as John "straight talk" McCain?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Bush-o-nomics 101
I am not an economist. And like John McCain, I don’t know much about economics. So that makes both of us ideally suited not to be president. What I do know is this: our economy is in the toilet. And I’m not talking about the comfy, porcelain refuge where we get most of our reading done. I’m talking about the kind of unforgettable, hell-hole of a toilet indelibly imprinted on my brain from the movie trainspotting.
I also know this: our economic catastrophe happened under the Republican’s watch, as a result of (in part) Republican lust for deregulation. Yes there is plenty of blame to go around…not least of which for the many ceo’s, boards, speculators and executives who drove the financial sector into a ditch. But I’ll be damned if I am going to sit by quietly while my tax dollars bail out these failed corporations, while pirate ceo’s get off with multi-million dollar golden parachutes.
Whatever happened to the republican mantra of letting the market take care of itself? What good will it do to spend hundreds of billions of dollars to keep these companies treading water until they ultimately sink? Eventually the chickens will come home to roost. Why on earth should you or I have to bail them out? Are they bailing me out? As I recall, Bush made it much harder for individuals to file for bankruptcy…protecting credit card corporations by keep their prey on high-interest hooks. But big business? Suddenly a free market economy doesn’t matter. Now it’s all about intervention.
I realize that investors will suffer if many of these companies go under. But that is a risk that one takes by playing the market. Thank god Bush didn’t get his way about social security. Just another failed economic strategy that McCain embraces. So, if you want to go on living in an America where the economy is about as stable as John McCain’s judgment…by all means…vote for him and Palin. Like I said, I don't know much about economics...and maybe I should just stick to railing against the administration about those things which make more sense to me. But I do know this for certain: if you want to live like a Republican, you’d better vote for a democrat.
I also know this: our economic catastrophe happened under the Republican’s watch, as a result of (in part) Republican lust for deregulation. Yes there is plenty of blame to go around…not least of which for the many ceo’s, boards, speculators and executives who drove the financial sector into a ditch. But I’ll be damned if I am going to sit by quietly while my tax dollars bail out these failed corporations, while pirate ceo’s get off with multi-million dollar golden parachutes.
Whatever happened to the republican mantra of letting the market take care of itself? What good will it do to spend hundreds of billions of dollars to keep these companies treading water until they ultimately sink? Eventually the chickens will come home to roost. Why on earth should you or I have to bail them out? Are they bailing me out? As I recall, Bush made it much harder for individuals to file for bankruptcy…protecting credit card corporations by keep their prey on high-interest hooks. But big business? Suddenly a free market economy doesn’t matter. Now it’s all about intervention.
I realize that investors will suffer if many of these companies go under. But that is a risk that one takes by playing the market. Thank god Bush didn’t get his way about social security. Just another failed economic strategy that McCain embraces. So, if you want to go on living in an America where the economy is about as stable as John McCain’s judgment…by all means…vote for him and Palin. Like I said, I don't know much about economics...and maybe I should just stick to railing against the administration about those things which make more sense to me. But I do know this for certain: if you want to live like a Republican, you’d better vote for a democrat.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It's the Melanin, Stupid
The republicans are so happy that no one is talking about issues. No one is pointing out that under the last eight years of republican rule we are worse off in almost every critical category: national security, economy, unemployment, world standing, poverty, failing businesses, the war on terror. You name it, Bush and the republicans have f*cked it up.
But like I said - no one is taking issues seriously. Why? Because this race boils down to one thing, and one thing only: race. I offer this example: Imagine if Michelle Obama appeared on stage at the Democratic National Convention with a 17-year-old un-married, pregnant teenager daughter. Republicans would not embrace her as an example of a "typical American story." They would accuse the Obama's of not respecting christian, family values. There would be accusations of irresponsibility. There would be innuendo about racial stereotypes. You don't think race matters? Then you don't remember how effectively McCain was smeared by his now employees during the 2000 election.
It's all about the melanin and the politics of racial hypocricy. And that is going to be the primary factor that determines this election.
Not convinced...here are a few more examples:
1)
If you are black and spend 3 years as a community organizer growing your organization from a staff of 1 to 13, and your budget from $70,000 to $400,000, then become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new African American voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, then spend nearly 8 more years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, becoming chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, then spend nearly 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of nearly 13 million people, sponsoring 131bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, republicans call you inexperienced
If you are white and spend 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, then spend 20 months as the governor of a state with 650,000 people, republicans claim you have the most executive experience of anyone on either ticket.
2)
If you are a black democratic candidate who is popular with millions of people you are a shallow celebrity or a "rock star."
If you are a similarly popular white republican candidate you are seen as the savior of the party.
3)
If you are a black christian man, with a non-occidental name...you are called a Muslim.
If you are white, and you lie consistently; if you break your marriage vows by cheating on your wife, as did John McCain, you are nonetheless still called a christian.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sure - there are a lot of people out there who wouldn't vote for jesus christ if he ran as a Democrat - because their faith is utterly politicized. But given the abject failures of the last eight years under republican rule, given that McCain surrounds himself with lobbyists, given that he admits to knowing nothing about the economy at a time of economic crisis, given that his running mate is less qualified to be vice president than Marion Berry...there is only one thing that can prevent a democratic victory this year. Too many fence-sitting, latently racist Americans are afraid that once they vote black, there will be no turning back.
The Democrats are right to chant the mantras of "it's the economy, stupid" or "it's the corruption, the war, the lies, the cronyism, the political vindictiveness, the unemployment, the bailouts, the housing crisis...stupid!" But at the end of the day, it's all about the melanin. And issues have to ride in the back of the bus during this election.
But like I said - no one is taking issues seriously. Why? Because this race boils down to one thing, and one thing only: race. I offer this example: Imagine if Michelle Obama appeared on stage at the Democratic National Convention with a 17-year-old un-married, pregnant teenager daughter. Republicans would not embrace her as an example of a "typical American story." They would accuse the Obama's of not respecting christian, family values. There would be accusations of irresponsibility. There would be innuendo about racial stereotypes. You don't think race matters? Then you don't remember how effectively McCain was smeared by his now employees during the 2000 election.
It's all about the melanin and the politics of racial hypocricy. And that is going to be the primary factor that determines this election.
Not convinced...here are a few more examples:
1)
If you are black and spend 3 years as a community organizer growing your organization from a staff of 1 to 13, and your budget from $70,000 to $400,000, then become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new African American voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, then spend nearly 8 more years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, becoming chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, then spend nearly 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of nearly 13 million people, sponsoring 131bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, republicans call you inexperienced
If you are white and spend 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, then spend 20 months as the governor of a state with 650,000 people, republicans claim you have the most executive experience of anyone on either ticket.
2)
If you are a black democratic candidate who is popular with millions of people you are a shallow celebrity or a "rock star."
If you are a similarly popular white republican candidate you are seen as the savior of the party.
3)
If you are a black christian man, with a non-occidental name...you are called a Muslim.
If you are white, and you lie consistently; if you break your marriage vows by cheating on your wife, as did John McCain, you are nonetheless still called a christian.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sure - there are a lot of people out there who wouldn't vote for jesus christ if he ran as a Democrat - because their faith is utterly politicized. But given the abject failures of the last eight years under republican rule, given that McCain surrounds himself with lobbyists, given that he admits to knowing nothing about the economy at a time of economic crisis, given that his running mate is less qualified to be vice president than Marion Berry...there is only one thing that can prevent a democratic victory this year. Too many fence-sitting, latently racist Americans are afraid that once they vote black, there will be no turning back.
The Democrats are right to chant the mantras of "it's the economy, stupid" or "it's the corruption, the war, the lies, the cronyism, the political vindictiveness, the unemployment, the bailouts, the housing crisis...stupid!" But at the end of the day, it's all about the melanin. And issues have to ride in the back of the bus during this election.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Palin might be a neocon's dream...but she gives me nightmares
First off, let me apologize for the length of this post...and the array of links to external sites. But sometimes the story is best pieced together with diverse sources. Second, and more to the point, let me say that Sarah Palin’s complete and utter lack of experience is not the primary reason why the image of her in the White House makes me break out in a cold sweat. But before I get to what really scares me – let’s just take another look at what the almost-Miss-Alaska brings to the table.
Ok, so she is the 20-month-old Governor of a state that has a population roughly equal to the District of Columbia…excluding most of the suburbs. She controlled the purse strings of a state that has a smaller budget than the District of Columbia. Of course her state received more earmark dollars per capita than any State in the Union (a union she putatively wanted to leave as a member of the Alaska Independence Party). She is the de-facto head of the Alaska State Guard – but hasn’t got a clue as to what the Bush doctrine (of preemptive warfare) is and the impact it would have on her charges (who she thinks are on a mission from god, no less). Oh, she was also mayor of a city with a smaller population than my voting district. By these standards, Marion Berry is a more experienced potential vp candidate than she is. Except Marion has that scurrilous history that the republicans would surely pounce on...he was a community activist! (Gasp!)
And while we are at it…long before John McCain was warning us that the civilized world (of which he no longer appears to be a part) would come to an end if the inexperienced Barack Obama were elected president, this is what he had to say about ANOTHER Governor & ex-mayor:
“I am prepared. I need no on-the-job training. I wasn't a mayor for a short period of time. I wasn't a governor for a short period of time. For 20-some years…I led. I didn't manage for profit…” – Transcript of John McCain addressing Mitt Romney in the Oct. 2007 Republican debates.
So…almost a year ago he eviscerated Romney for being inexperienced. In case you are wondering, he was governor for four years. Palin? 20 months. He also nearly defeated senator-for-life Ted Kennedy in 1994…no small feat. He graduated Cum Laude from Harvard Law and was a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School. Yet, he was considered not ready to lead, by McCain. I guess Romney, unlike Palin, didn’t do well in the swimsuit competition.
But I’m not here to simply enumerate all of the reasons I believe Palin is not qualified to be Vice President. I’m here to warn that she represents all that is bad about George Bush. Namely: She is personally and politically vindictive. She prefers cronyism and loyalty over competence. She is secretive in an era where government demands to be more transparent. She promises to move the country even further to the extreme right, as she garners approval from the most fanatic of conservatives. She isn’t very bright. And she lies. Although, to be fair, she lies with the best of liars. (There is, in fact, a McCain fact checker website that is up to 51 lies...and counting.)
The prospect of having to endure four more years of the same miserable, failed policies of the worst president in the history of this nation scares the sh*t out of me. Unfortunately, I think that America is still not yet far enough removed from the days of segregation, anti-miscegenation and, yes, even slavery to come to grips with a black president. That’s a tragedy, because Obama comes at a time when we need to pay more than passing lip service to change. Not only is Obama qualified, he is absolutely the best person for the job. McCain & Palin? They are the stuff of which bad dreams are made.
Ok, so she is the 20-month-old Governor of a state that has a population roughly equal to the District of Columbia…excluding most of the suburbs. She controlled the purse strings of a state that has a smaller budget than the District of Columbia. Of course her state received more earmark dollars per capita than any State in the Union (a union she putatively wanted to leave as a member of the Alaska Independence Party). She is the de-facto head of the Alaska State Guard – but hasn’t got a clue as to what the Bush doctrine (of preemptive warfare) is and the impact it would have on her charges (who she thinks are on a mission from god, no less). Oh, she was also mayor of a city with a smaller population than my voting district. By these standards, Marion Berry is a more experienced potential vp candidate than she is. Except Marion has that scurrilous history that the republicans would surely pounce on...he was a community activist! (Gasp!)
And while we are at it…long before John McCain was warning us that the civilized world (of which he no longer appears to be a part) would come to an end if the inexperienced Barack Obama were elected president, this is what he had to say about ANOTHER Governor & ex-mayor:
“I am prepared. I need no on-the-job training. I wasn't a mayor for a short period of time. I wasn't a governor for a short period of time. For 20-some years…I led. I didn't manage for profit…” – Transcript of John McCain addressing Mitt Romney in the Oct. 2007 Republican debates.
So…almost a year ago he eviscerated Romney for being inexperienced. In case you are wondering, he was governor for four years. Palin? 20 months. He also nearly defeated senator-for-life Ted Kennedy in 1994…no small feat. He graduated Cum Laude from Harvard Law and was a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School. Yet, he was considered not ready to lead, by McCain. I guess Romney, unlike Palin, didn’t do well in the swimsuit competition.
But I’m not here to simply enumerate all of the reasons I believe Palin is not qualified to be Vice President. I’m here to warn that she represents all that is bad about George Bush. Namely: She is personally and politically vindictive. She prefers cronyism and loyalty over competence. She is secretive in an era where government demands to be more transparent. She promises to move the country even further to the extreme right, as she garners approval from the most fanatic of conservatives. She isn’t very bright. And she lies. Although, to be fair, she lies with the best of liars. (There is, in fact, a McCain fact checker website that is up to 51 lies...and counting.)
The prospect of having to endure four more years of the same miserable, failed policies of the worst president in the history of this nation scares the sh*t out of me. Unfortunately, I think that America is still not yet far enough removed from the days of segregation, anti-miscegenation and, yes, even slavery to come to grips with a black president. That’s a tragedy, because Obama comes at a time when we need to pay more than passing lip service to change. Not only is Obama qualified, he is absolutely the best person for the job. McCain & Palin? They are the stuff of which bad dreams are made.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I’m Not Buying What John McCain Is Selling
John McCain has become a tool of the republican strategy of political obfuscation and mendacity. You know this, right? I think Bush is trying to turn it into a Cabinet position. These are the people - Karl Rove and his scion, Steve Schmidt - so adept at selling the “Big Lie.”
The "Big Lie" is a spurious talking point sung ad nauseum by the republican chorus. Repeated often enough, easily manipulated and weak-minded people eventually end up repeating it as fact...you know, like WMD's and a link between Iraq and 9/11? But I digress.
This week’s “Big Lie” involves the birth of those two maverick superheroes of political reform: the Agents of Change! They are better known as septuagenarian John McCain and his trusty sidekick, Sarah Palin. You might not know it to look at them, but Steve Schmidt would have you believe that McCain and Palin are here (on a mission from god) to wipeout the kind of establishment politics that have brought this country so low over the past eight years. And who is their arch villain? Who personifies the evil, Washington “status quo”? You guessed it. Barack Obama.
You see, first McCain tried to sell the idea that Obama didn’t have enough experience to be president. Clearly…we are all better served with someone older. Much older. Regardless of the fact that McCain shows the kind of judgment usually reserved for hookers in need of a fix (or in his case, a drowning man in need of a conservative, feminine life preserver). Schmidt and McCain tried to sell the concept that Obama was a neophyte. He couldn’t be trusted to run the country…because he was so new to Washington politics that he wouldn’t have the sense to answer the phone at 3:00 in the morning when all of Western civilization was crumbling around him. But that didn’t get the kind of traction they needed, and it was confounded by the choice of Sarah Palin as a partner in crime (she, of so little experience in politics that she doesn’t even know what the Vice President does for a living).
So enter the new “Big Lie” which paints Obama as the status quo. Excuse me? What kind of BS are the Republicans trying to sell now? If anyone is the status quo, it’s John McCain – who sounds so much like the Crawford Cowboy these days it would be impossible to tell them apart (except for the liver spots). Well, I’m not buying this or any of John McCain and Steve Schmidt's “Big Lies” because the Big Lies distract everyone from the little inconvenient truths…also known as “issues.”
The "Big Lie" is a spurious talking point sung ad nauseum by the republican chorus. Repeated often enough, easily manipulated and weak-minded people eventually end up repeating it as fact...you know, like WMD's and a link between Iraq and 9/11? But I digress.
This week’s “Big Lie” involves the birth of those two maverick superheroes of political reform: the Agents of Change! They are better known as septuagenarian John McCain and his trusty sidekick, Sarah Palin. You might not know it to look at them, but Steve Schmidt would have you believe that McCain and Palin are here (on a mission from god) to wipeout the kind of establishment politics that have brought this country so low over the past eight years. And who is their arch villain? Who personifies the evil, Washington “status quo”? You guessed it. Barack Obama.
You see, first McCain tried to sell the idea that Obama didn’t have enough experience to be president. Clearly…we are all better served with someone older. Much older. Regardless of the fact that McCain shows the kind of judgment usually reserved for hookers in need of a fix (or in his case, a drowning man in need of a conservative, feminine life preserver). Schmidt and McCain tried to sell the concept that Obama was a neophyte. He couldn’t be trusted to run the country…because he was so new to Washington politics that he wouldn’t have the sense to answer the phone at 3:00 in the morning when all of Western civilization was crumbling around him. But that didn’t get the kind of traction they needed, and it was confounded by the choice of Sarah Palin as a partner in crime (she, of so little experience in politics that she doesn’t even know what the Vice President does for a living).
So enter the new “Big Lie” which paints Obama as the status quo. Excuse me? What kind of BS are the Republicans trying to sell now? If anyone is the status quo, it’s John McCain – who sounds so much like the Crawford Cowboy these days it would be impossible to tell them apart (except for the liver spots). Well, I’m not buying this or any of John McCain and Steve Schmidt's “Big Lies” because the Big Lies distract everyone from the little inconvenient truths…also known as “issues.”
Friday, September 5, 2008
Can Republicans be Trusted?
I’m finding it increasingly difficult to carry on calm conversation when it comes to the current election, and I think I’ve nailed it down to issues of trust. I don’t trust Republicans. No, not because of Watergate. No, not Iran Contra either. It’s not even the Abramovs, Haliburtons and Larry Craigs that are causing me anguish. It’s the common, everyday republican voter. You know? The ones that gave us a second term of the worst president in the history of this country. Well, they are about to extend their disastrous track record for a third straight election.
Republican puppet masters are secretly breathing a sigh of relief now that the media and voting public have something else to talk about…other than the issues. Their great, white, double X chromosome savior, Sarah Palin, was unveiled last night at the republican convention. And to her credit, she delivered her speech with aplomb. But to her detriment, it represented the same half-truths and character assassinations that are the hallmark of the current administration. She gets high marks for style – but a near zero for substance. She didn’t touch on any major issue facing this country today. But despite the lack of substance (which defines her political life), Palin’s vitriolic and often factually inaccurate speech left thousands of pasty white faces on the convention floor writhing in an orgiastic dance of self congratulation that would make Saint Vitus blush.
Were the Republicans listening? Can they be serious about making this hanging chad of a politician their vice president? Like drowning men, Republicans have glommed onto Palin as if she were a life preserver. So desperate to rekindle the stultifying campaign of John McCain that they grabbed the first pretty face that came along. How can the Republicans be trusted? They are desperate, and desperate people tend to make bad choices. How can we trust Republicans with the responsibility of making an educated decision on election day? They are the same ones responsible for giving us Bush and Cheney. TWICE! And you can bet your bottom dollar they haven't learned from their mistakes.
Republican puppet masters are secretly breathing a sigh of relief now that the media and voting public have something else to talk about…other than the issues. Their great, white, double X chromosome savior, Sarah Palin, was unveiled last night at the republican convention. And to her credit, she delivered her speech with aplomb. But to her detriment, it represented the same half-truths and character assassinations that are the hallmark of the current administration. She gets high marks for style – but a near zero for substance. She didn’t touch on any major issue facing this country today. But despite the lack of substance (which defines her political life), Palin’s vitriolic and often factually inaccurate speech left thousands of pasty white faces on the convention floor writhing in an orgiastic dance of self congratulation that would make Saint Vitus blush.
Were the Republicans listening? Can they be serious about making this hanging chad of a politician their vice president? Like drowning men, Republicans have glommed onto Palin as if she were a life preserver. So desperate to rekindle the stultifying campaign of John McCain that they grabbed the first pretty face that came along. How can the Republicans be trusted? They are desperate, and desperate people tend to make bad choices. How can we trust Republicans with the responsibility of making an educated decision on election day? They are the same ones responsible for giving us Bush and Cheney. TWICE! And you can bet your bottom dollar they haven't learned from their mistakes.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A study in contrasts
Everyone is in a tizzy today, because John McCain's new choice for VP is about to become a grandmother at 44. Sadly, everyone is focusing on the irony that this staunchly conservative, family values woman has a barely legal daughter, unwed...and five months with child. It's sad because it has taken the spotlight off of the truly unnerving prospect of having Sarah Palin one missed heartbeat away from the presidency: She is so utterly not qualified for the job that I would almost rather see Bush and Cheney back for a third term than her and McCain. Almost. Let's hope it does not come to that.
McCain (and Hillary) introduced the "experience" factor as an element in this race in order to denigrate Barack Obama. McCain is now hard pressed to make this case. Instead the focus is now on judgement - or in McCain's case, a lack thereof. Because this isn't just a "maverick" move, or simple pandering, it shows a dangerous lack of judgement by a man who now seems motivated to win at any cost, no matter the damage it causes this country.
There is a stark contrast between the kind of inexperience evinced by Ms. Palin and the kind that John McCain would have had you believe is an impediment for Barack Obama. First: Sarah Palin has barely been outside of the country. She only received her very first passport LAST YEAR! And only then because she was on a compulsory trip for her office. Do we really need another George W. Bush in the White House...another person with a dearth of international experience? Both Obama and Biden have her beat on this count. Second: Last year (again with an !) she was asked about the situation in Iraq. Her answer? She didn't know much about it. (In the voice of John Cleese - flummoxed by inane answers in a cheese shop): Don't know much about it??!! It's the single most important issue in the world today! This is amazing to me...and an enormous red flag. Obama and Biden have her beat on this issue. Third: Palin does not adequately address McCain's economic shortcomings. The good folks at Enron probably have the McCain/Palin ticket beat. Fourth: Her stands on critical issues are so far to the right...that she makes McCain look like George McGovern. She is against stem cell research, against gay rights, against abortion under any circumstance whatsoever, pro NRA, pro-drilling in Anwar, etc. Fifth: She was mayor of a small town...and has only been governor for 20 months. Not exactly the kind of resume one finds for Vice President of the United States. Everyone has her beat here as well. There are also minor scandals to which she is linked...and though minor, are far more tangible than the accusations emanating from the Rove/Schmidt-fueled McCain camp about Obama's "link" to the weathermen, etc.
I think it will be very difficult for McCain to try and draw the contrasts he originally envisioned between his ticket, and the democratic ticket. The Dems now have the edge in experience on virtually every front. Maybe McCain can try again to contrast Obama with middle America by again labeling him as a "rock star." Well...I'll tell you this: I'd rather have a rock star than a fossile any day. Especially a fossile that confuses bad judgement with being a maverick.
McCain (and Hillary) introduced the "experience" factor as an element in this race in order to denigrate Barack Obama. McCain is now hard pressed to make this case. Instead the focus is now on judgement - or in McCain's case, a lack thereof. Because this isn't just a "maverick" move, or simple pandering, it shows a dangerous lack of judgement by a man who now seems motivated to win at any cost, no matter the damage it causes this country.
There is a stark contrast between the kind of inexperience evinced by Ms. Palin and the kind that John McCain would have had you believe is an impediment for Barack Obama. First: Sarah Palin has barely been outside of the country. She only received her very first passport LAST YEAR! And only then because she was on a compulsory trip for her office. Do we really need another George W. Bush in the White House...another person with a dearth of international experience? Both Obama and Biden have her beat on this count. Second: Last year (again with an !) she was asked about the situation in Iraq. Her answer? She didn't know much about it. (In the voice of John Cleese - flummoxed by inane answers in a cheese shop): Don't know much about it??!! It's the single most important issue in the world today! This is amazing to me...and an enormous red flag. Obama and Biden have her beat on this issue. Third: Palin does not adequately address McCain's economic shortcomings. The good folks at Enron probably have the McCain/Palin ticket beat. Fourth: Her stands on critical issues are so far to the right...that she makes McCain look like George McGovern. She is against stem cell research, against gay rights, against abortion under any circumstance whatsoever, pro NRA, pro-drilling in Anwar, etc. Fifth: She was mayor of a small town...and has only been governor for 20 months. Not exactly the kind of resume one finds for Vice President of the United States. Everyone has her beat here as well. There are also minor scandals to which she is linked...and though minor, are far more tangible than the accusations emanating from the Rove/Schmidt-fueled McCain camp about Obama's "link" to the weathermen, etc.
I think it will be very difficult for McCain to try and draw the contrasts he originally envisioned between his ticket, and the democratic ticket. The Dems now have the edge in experience on virtually every front. Maybe McCain can try again to contrast Obama with middle America by again labeling him as a "rock star." Well...I'll tell you this: I'd rather have a rock star than a fossile any day. Especially a fossile that confuses bad judgement with being a maverick.
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