News: Mcain: I choose you..........

[vanpaun]

McCain Picks Palin

DENVER -- John McCain has selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate, according to the McCain campaign, a surprise pick sure to shake up the race and reinforce the idea of the Arizona senator as a reformer.
The news that Palin, the mayor of a small town in Alaska just two years ago, was the pick came after CNN reported that a private plane had traveled from the Last Frontier to Dayton, Ohio where McCain is set to unveil his vice presidential pick later today. The Palin news came after the two supposed frontrunners -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney -- each confirmed he would not be traveling to Dayton today.
In picking Palin, McCain is taking a calculated risk. She is totally unknown and untested on the national stage but also has impressive credentials in her short time in public life.
Of Palin, former White House political svengali Karl Rove said this morning on Fox News Channel: "It would be a clear sign from the McCain campaign that they were going to be making a very strong bid for the women whom they see up for grabs -- both the traditional, swing independent suburbanites and then the Hillary Clinton supporters who remain disillusioned."
Palin was a star at a young age in Alaska -- a member of the Wasilla basketball team that won the state championship (her aggressive style won her the nickname "Sarah Barracuda") in 1982 and Miss Wasilla two years later.
Palin's political career began a decade later when she was elected to the Wasilla City Council and, four years after that, in 1996, she won the mayorship -- knocking off the incumbent by just a handful of votes.
After a near-miss run in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor in 2002, Palin set her sights on the state's top office four years later. She campaigned on a platform of reform and was aided by the fact that the public had tired of Gov. Frank Murkowksi, and that the looming Veco scandal, which would come to badly imperil the state's Republicans, had begun to get real traction.
Palin won the Republican primary overwhelmingly (Murkowski finished third) and went on to defeat former Gov. Tony Knowles (D) in the general election.
In her two years in office, she has largely made good on her promises of reform -- and watched as her constituents have made her the most popular governor in the country.
Palin is a mother of five -- including a newborn with special needs -- which led many people to speculate that she would not ultimately be the pick. During an interview with washingtonpost.com earlier this year (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/02/26/VI2008022600902.html) in Washington, Palin said being picked as the vice president was an "impossibility" but that the idea of serving in national office intrigued her.

From:http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/08/mccain_picks_palin.html?hpid=topnews

Personally I think it was a good move, He gets special needs people and feminists. A double whammy. I wish he didn't do that :o.

[siafirede]

McCain Picks Palin

Personally I think it was a good move, He gets special needs people and feminists. A double whammy. I wish he didn't do that :o.

I really don't see a lot of feminists supporting McCain. Feminists usually don't want to support a candidate who will take away women's rights by trying to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

[johnfoss]

Personally I think it was a good move, He gets special needs people and feminists. A double whammy. I wish he didn't do that :o.By choosing a woman he may pick up a percentage of the Hillary supporters; the ones that want a woman are less interested in the details. Like Roe vs. Wade. But if she's a popular governor it could be a good thing.

She's governor of the biggest state in the union! But not so big on population. And is Alaska an oil state, or a conservation/environment state? Interestingly, I think it's both.

Experience? ??? So now is the McCain campaign going to stop knocking Obama about his lesser experience, or ignore the fact that his VP choice, to run with the oldest presidential candidate ever, has even less?

In any case, it's a very interesting choice.

[maestro8]

Personally I think it was a good move, He gets special needs people and feminists.
http://health.hss.state.ak.us/gcdse/news/2007_palin.jpg
'Nuff said.

[Bondo]

Fascinating and interesting pick. I think it was his only choice.

She brings the Christian conservatives/right-to-lifers/Working class/mothers, all in one fell swoop. I doubt it is to appeal to Hillary supporters but it will bring a small percentage I'm sure.

Just as I was burning out from the whole process this is going to make for a great and interesting race.

...and she's kinda hot in a Tina Fey sorta way...;)

[Goats_On_Unicycles]

I think it's a horrid choice.

SWEET!

[MuniAddict]

I think it's a horrid choice.

SWEET!Yo Jackie, are you coming to cmw in oct.?

[BillyTheMountain]

Rumor has it he had narrowed down the choices to her or Hillary.

Hilary prolly would have gotten him more votes....

[idiorythmic]

I was hoping it was this Palin:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2809524326_8fd7e7f4e6_o.jpg

Imagine my disappointment.

[rem48]

Great choice! A card carrying life member of the NRA. A woman that can hunt and fish. Mother of 5. What bracket does she not hit? Look at her "energy" experience. WEll done John!

[XCcrev]

Experience? ??? So now is the McCain campaign going to stop knocking Obama about his lesser experience, or ignore the fact that his VP choice, to run with the oldest presidential candidate ever, has even less?

In any case, it's a very interesting choice.

Well traditionally the vice president has always had a smallish role and little influence. However Obama is running for the most powerful office in the world. But since Mcain is so old and does have health issues its possible the VP could become the president if Mcain dies making who he choses a little more important.

[Goats_On_Unicycles]

Great choice! A card carrying life member of the NRA. A woman that can hunt and fish. Mother of 5. What bracket does she not hit? Look at her "energy" experience. WEll done John!
Usually the qualifications I look for in a candidate aren't being part of the NRA, engaging in hunting or being a parent...

You know... stuff like their positions on equal rights, their experience, knowledge of foreign affairs and stuff like that actually is kinda important.

[qhxakg]

Usually the qualifications I look for in a candidate aren't being part of the NRA, engaging in hunting or being a parent...

You know... stuff like their positions on equal rights, their experience, knowledge of foreign affairs and stuff like that actually is kinda important.
But your not a Republican. ;)

Brilliant move. Although I do not support him I do have to say that he will get a majority of the "on the fence" Hilary supporters.

[Seager]

Usually the qualifications I look for in a candidate aren't being part of the NRA, engaging in hunting or being a parent...

You know... stuff like their positions on equal rights, their experience, knowledge of foreign affairs and stuff like that actually is kinda important.

I'm not sure if you've noticed who we elected the last two times, but apparently you're wrong.

[Brian O.]

What I think is funny that the only real experience she has is two years a governor in Alaska, all the while McCain has been railing Obama for having no experience.

Oh yeah and the fact that he only ever met her once before picking her! He didn't even freaking know her: http://www.jedreport.com/2008/08/mccain-didnt-know-palin-before.html

[maestro8]

http://www.zweg.com/dump/photo/2gue0d0dh7.jpg

[dudewithasock]

I l'dol.

[Gilby]

The best thing that can happen now is for McCain to win and then he shoots himself. :) We can then have a real reason to call him a hero.

[johnfoss]

Although I do not support him I do have to say that he will get a majority of the "on the fence" Hilary supporters.Only the shallow and/or stupid ones. But that's a big part of the Republican's market, apparently. That's what makes this choice so scary...

[rem48]

Usually the qualifications I look for in a candidate aren't being part of the NRA, engaging in hunting or being a parent...

You know... stuff like their positions on equal rights, their experience, knowledge of foreign affairs and stuff like that actually is kinda important.
You're bright for your age, I guess my writing skills cannot convey humor well.

[rem48]

Only the shallow and/or stupid ones. But that's a big part of the Republican's market, apparently. That's what makes this choice so scary...
were you saying Hilary had shallow and stupid supporters????

[Brian O.]

were you saying Hilary had shallow and stupid supporters????
All of the candidates have some "shallow and stupid supporters" but I think you misunderstood what he was trying to say. He was saying that the only Hillary supporters who this deal is going to bait are the ones who supported her only because she was a woman. Beyond that, Hillary and Palin don't have much at all in common so someone who liked Hillary for her policies and not just because shes a woman wouldn't be so apt to sway over to the republican side as such.

[johnfoss]

Thanks Brian. Hillary's shallow/stupid supporters will show themselves, if any, when they vote. I saw at least one of them interviewed at the Dem Convention though, after Hillary's speech. Her main point was "That was the speech of a President! Don't you get it?" Uh, yeah, but, didn't you listen to it? This lady said she was not going to vote for McCain, but she seemed determined not to vote the Democratic ticket. She didn't say why, other than her overwhelming support for Hillary. If she doesn't get real, she may be swayed by McCain's choice of a running mate.

[feel the light]

I have a hard time critiquing good looking woman, so I won't try.

The Mc Cain brand's best argument seems shot down. "Do you want to take the chance with someone with as little experience as Obama answering that phone ? Why would he throw away his best issue ?

This seems doubly odd to me that one of the downs about Mc Cain is a reputation for impulsiveness. Picking a stranger who was Mayor of a tiny central Alaskan town two years ago, to possibly be president of the USA next year, seems odd to me. As the oldest president, he doesn't need to remind people of the consequences of his mortality.

I'll try to keep an open mind, ah who am I kidding, I always vote democrat anyways.:rolleyes:

This seems like a huge gamble for Mc Cain. If Biden makes her look uneducated in the debates, and he is going to do his best to coax factual gaffs out of her, it could really sink her boat. It is quite possible she became Gov of Alaska by focusing on Alaska. If her knowledge of world history and geography is limited , she sure has a lot of cramming to catch up to Biden, who has been studying national and international stuff for decades.

There is some hope she may split the important basket ball demographic with Obama, she was a star player in High school. I hope they play one on one sometime.

She may have trouble with questions that Hillary wouldn't. How about this one.

" As a 44 year old mother with 5 children, including a baby, and an unmarried 17 year old pregnant daughter, could you please articulate your opposition to birth control ? Were you to succeed in legislating adherence to your value system onto the rest of the woman in the country, how will that improve their lives ? Why do you feel you have the moral authority to make decisions for other woman ?

Here is where Hillary will shine. Obama will come off as rude if he asks about that, but you can be sure Hillary will. The contrasts between Hillary and and the Bullwinkle Baker are so extreme, that this choice may drive more woman to Obama then if Mc Cain had picked a man.

[feel the light]

Concerned that I may have gone to far, I read more and found different claims on this. Some videos of her saying certain things.

Like an interview where she said that she would not support her daughter, then 14, having an abortion if she was raped.

I think she is one of those people that believes every fertilized egg is as real as Horton's dust speck. A prominent member of a fundamentalist group called Feminists For Life, she was called pro birth control in a Time magazine article (usually pretty good source). FFL claims to be pro birth control. But when I read their web site, I learned that many members oppose all birth control, and the rest only support non-abortifacient contraception. This means condoms or creams are OK, but not birth control pills, mourning after pills, and IUD's, because these methods work by preventing the fertilized egg from bonding to the wall of the uterus.

Here is the page where you can read this, FFL's site

http://www.feministsforlife.org/FAQ/index.htm#contraception

So she is so far to the right on abortion, she is willing to have Willie Horton's baby if he can catch her. Want's a ban on stem cell research, and is a vocal supporter of the "abstinence only" school of sex education. These facts I am very sure of. Hey, I give her credit for having a consistent philosophy.:)

However, to say she want's to ban birth control pills, because she is a prominent member of a group that want's to legislate their banning, goes to far. However, it appears that position is cogent with the sacred dust speck principal.

In any event, Obama has claimed all discussion about Palin's family and especially children off limits. He will take her on at basketball, and be a gentleman.

However, if Pallin thought her puss felt a little sore after 5 kids, wait till she feels her ass after Hillary starts kicking it over this issue. Hillary will be all kind and matronly like, like Barbara Walters, but that's why it's gonna hurt so bad. There is nothing that says Pallin must debate Hillary, and I doubt she will, but Hillary's quite likely to ask. The ratings for this showdown are so high, it may be handled by pay per view. :) Easily erasing Clinton's campaign debt, so she does have incentive. In any event, expect Hillary to to go to bat for the Donkey's , once again. ;)

[JJuggle]

In any event, expect Hillary to to go to bat for the Donkey's , once again. ;)
I don't disagree with anything you say, but Clinton is not running. She needs to be supportive, of course, but also maintain some distance. A too prominent Clinton is a too obscured Obama.

On matters relating to foreign policy, Biden will surely outshine her in any debate. And visits abroad are a large part of a vice president's responsibility. Biden will be in his element and Palin is at best an unknown.

But vice presidents for the most part need merely to appear competent. Having Clinton take on a prominent role can only serve to make Biden appear less than competent.

[maestro8]

The NY Times put out an interesting article that puts a new spin on the Palin story. (http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,575747,00.html)

She's just a smokescreen to distract people from the real issues: the trail of waste and destruction left in the wake of Dubya and his cohorts.

Makes sense. The common US citizen seems more interested in soap operas than politics...

[john_childs]

The NY Times put out an interesting article that puts a new spin on the Palin story. (http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,575747,00.html)

She's just a smokescreen to distract people from the real issues: the trail of waste and destruction left in the wake of Dubya and his cohorts.

Makes sense. The common US citizen seems more interested in soap operas than politics...
Then you have to ask yourself if the Republicans can be that conniving? That's giving the Republicans a lot of credit for a crafty plan.

The more interesting story is how much is Hillary really going to help the Democratic ticket? The best thing for her would be for McCain to win. If she has to wait 8 years before running again her chances getting to be President go down. Is she crafty and conniving enough to secretly sink the Obama campaign?

[Bondo]

Looks like we'll be going from "Dubya" to "Pee-Oh-Dubya"


When are they going to ask Palin how many trailers she owns??


McCain is so old his brother was McAbel.


I wrote the top two and stole that last one.
That is all...back to your debate.

:)

[kevinalexandersmith]

The young, inexperienced, minority candidate picked an old, rich, white, experienced politician as his running mate and the old, rich, white, experienced candidate picked a young, inexperienced, minority running mate.

Can’t people see they’re getting played from both sides.

[maestro8]

The young, inexperienced, minority candidate picked an old, rich, white, experienced politician as his running mate and the old, rich, white, experienced candidate picked a young, inexperienced, minority running mate.
I'd agree with you except Mr. Obama's not exactly young (47), nor inexperienced, nor is Joe Biden very rich (ranked 99th out of 100 senators in personal wealth (http://biden.senate.gov/press/in_the_news/news/?id=da295ea8-7dff-4902-99d4-6eb880a6f79d)). McCain isn't exactly what one would call an experienced politician (unless you consider his scandalous activity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keating_Five)), and I have no idea how you see Palin as a minority... she's a gun-totin', bible-thumpin', red-blooded model American.

Where exactly are you going with this grossly inaccurate analogy?

[maestro8]

Then you have to ask yourself if the Republicans can be that conniving? That's giving the Republicans a lot of credit for a crafty plan.
I guess the proof comes out in the pudding. If McCain drops Palin from the GOP's ticket (which is possible until the GOP Convention confirms him as their candidate), then it gives even more merit to the NYT's claim. I'll agree, though, that all signs point to yet another McCain gaffe.

The more interesting story is how much is Hillary really going to help the Democratic ticket? The best thing for her would be for McCain to win. If she has to wait 8 years before running again her chances getting to be President go down. Is she crafty and conniving enough to secretly sink the Obama campaign?
She's encouraging her base of supporters to vote for Obama. How could this sink the Obama campaign?

Yeah, there's enough fodder there for a Hillary conspiracy theorist's imagination to run wild, but c'mon... really?

[brendon557]

i think she will be fine and be good even though she lacks the experience.

She used to be mayor of wasilla, and t has been one of the biggest growing towns in americ. Number 1 if i remeber right. Whether or not its becus of her tho idk

Now that she governor of AK. Shes been good, She gave everyone like an extra $1100, for gas and eletricity and stuff, So with that and the divened every alaskan got like $3300.

Shes only had one thing bad with her, Ill see if i can find the link, but im using an apple so ill see if i can figure out how to copy and past on it;)

O, and her daughter is pregnant, Its not a big deal tho, i just found out before a bunch of everyone else did cus i know someone who knows her daughter and she told me, lol

[brendon557]

k heres that thing i was talking about


http://www.aksuperstation.com/news/local/25626404.html


Im jot sure what the investigation led to tho, I think it all came out good for Palin.

But hey if McCain wins that would make Palin the hottest VP ever :D

[maestro8]

Shes only had one thing bad with her
Actually, you've only heard of "one thing bad".

Read some Mrs. Palin's quotes regarding the teaching of creationism in public schools.

Then, check out Mrs. Palin's stance on Roe v. Wade.

For extra credit, do a little research on the Alaska Independence Party, then look for the link to Mrs. Palin.

That should keep you busy for a bit.

[john_childs]

Yeah, there's enough fodder there for a Hillary conspiracy theorist's imagination to run wild, but c'mon... really?

I'm just trying to keep the campaign discussion interesting by contemplating the possible Hillary conspiracies.

[maestro8]

I'm just trying to keep the campaign discussion interesting by contemplating the possible Hillary conspiracies.
Then consider the possibility that Bill Clinton fathered Bristol's baby. We all know how difficult it is for him to "keep it in his pants". :D

[kevinalexandersmith]

I'd agree with you except Mr. Obama's not exactly young (47), nor inexperienced, nor is Joe Biden very rich (ranked 99th out of 100 senators in personal wealth (http://biden.senate.gov/press/in_the_news/news/?id=da295ea8-7dff-4902-99d4-6eb880a6f79d)). McCain isn't exactly what one would call an experienced politician (unless you consider his scandalous activity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keating_Five)), and I have no idea how you see Palin as a minority... she's a gun-totin', bible-thumpin', red-blooded model American.

Where exactly are you going with this grossly inaccurate analogy?


Compare 47 to the age of past presidents.
(Only 3 were as young)

Are you suggesting Biden is not rich?
(100 out of 100 senators are rich)

Maybe you should read "Women as a minority group"
(Hint: minority isn't about number of people)

I shouldn't really try to convince you. It's hopeless; you are clearly caught up in the “party” thing.

I'm not trying to point fingers at the democrats. I'm trying to point out that both sides are trying to please everybody. Trying to please everybody is a great start to compromising yourself and your cause.

[feel the light]

Trying to please everybody is a great start to compromising yourself and your cause.[/QUOTE]
I agree with Kev on this, but only up to a point.

Cynicism is next to a strong appreciation for greed and pandering, when it comes to understanding presidential politics.

Palin is way to far to the right. I predict it's a gimmick. She will introduce her beautiful family at the convention, speak some raw meat about living family values, and then decline the VP, so she can continue to focus on her family, and the people of Alaska. She will say thank's , I am so honored, but I must put my family and state first. The faithful must dab the tears from their eyes and go on.;)

Unless Mc Cain's poll numbers rise a bunch before then. But when they don't, she will nod out, but have gained Mc Cain a % or so of extra interest from the far right, that may last, even without Palin on the ticket.

I predict this, because her extreme views on abortion and birth control make her god's spokesperson to a solid 20 % of the electorate, but will scare the rest. She won't stay on the ticket to debate Biden. Few of Hillery's old supporters can relate

"It takes a village Hillary", will point out that in her village, to raise a child you need a lot in the village. Schools, a clinic, jobs, environmental protection, sewers, jobs. And in case someone hasn't noticed yet, to have a low teen birth rate in your town, you need teens that understand and use contraception. Churches have an important role to play in the village, but if they don't want to teach contraception, please don't oppose it's teaching elsewhere. "

What can Palin say to that ? All you need in her village was a church, a prison and a Wall Mart. Then start praying for things ! Gas prices to high ! Here's a 1000 $ ! Taxes to high ? Here, have your "you keep breathing here payment." 3000 $ !? Food prices high ? Have a moose !

They won't have her sit in a debate where she must explain how the girl that never lead her team to a state championship, never won a beauty contest, didn't parley a job as TV presenter to a mayorship and governor in a few years with her loyal high school sweet heart by her side, should be required by law to make the same decisions as Sara Palin ?

What if you are 45, 100 lbs over weigh, alcoholic, chain smoke and are diabetic ? Maybe you lack Sara's religious zeal, and had 3 children taken away from you by the state for neglect in the last decade ? Noting your long history of mental illness, that you are homeless, and never really had a high school sweet heart, should give some doctors a pause, even before it was discovered in pre natal examination that your child would be born with severe birth defects. The only answer your doctor can give you in Sara's world, is directions to the local church. Even if a patient is unlikely to survive the pregnancy, there are only two answers in Sara's world. Three really, the church, prison , or the graveyard.

Way to extreme to fly IMHO. Mc Cain always had a sense of humor.:)

[Goats_On_Unicycles]

What does John McCain say whenever somebody says "one" in a conversation?





































Why does everybody know my social security number!?

[Bondo]

Sarah Palin used to wrestle kodiak bears in Alaskan bare knuckles fight clubs.

Sarah Palin once bagged a caribou by staring it down until it died.

Sarah Palin turned down a job as skipper of a Deadliest Catch boat because it wasn't challenging enough

Sarah Palin fishes salmon by convincing them it's in their interest to jump into the boat.

Sarah Palin once guided Santa's sleigh through an Alaskan blizzard with the light from her smile.
Then sold the sleigh on EBay

Chuck Norris wishes he was Sarah Palin trapped in a man's body.

Sarah Palin paid her way through school by hunting for yeti pelts with a slingshot.

Sarah Palin knows the location of DB Cooper's body because she threw him from the plane.

The Northern Lights are really just the reflection from Sarah Palin's eys.

The raw energy of Sarah Palin melts the Alaskan ice roads every spring.

We don't know who would win in a Chuck Norris - Sarah Palin cage match because they've never inventea cage that can hold Sarah Palin.

Alaska is the 49th state solely because they knew even before she was born that Sarah Palin would never finish last.

Global Warming doesn't kill polar bears. Sarah Palin does - usually with her bare hands.

Three of Sarah Palin's five kids came out sideways - she never flinched.

Sarah Palin's hotness is the largest single contributor to melting polar ice caps.

Little Known Fact: Sarah Palin's daughter's baby is now being adopted by Angelina Jolie...

Little known fact: When Sarah Palin looks in the mirror, nothing appears; there can only be one Sarah Palin.

Little Known Fact: Sarah Palin is the real mother of John Edwards Baby.

:)

[MuniAddict]

Sarah Palin used to wrestle kodiak bears in Alaskan bare knuckles fight clubs.

Sarah Palin once bagged a caribou by staring it down until it died.

Sarah Palin turned down a job as skipper of a Deadliest Catch boat because it wasn't challenging enough

Sarah Palin fishes salmon by convincing them it's in their interest to jump into the boat.

Sarah Palin once guided Santa's sleigh through an Alaskan blizzard with the light from her smile.
Then sold the sleigh on EBay

Chuck Norris wishes he was Sarah Palin trapped in a man's body.

Sarah Palin paid her way through school by hunting for yeti pelts with a slingshot.

Sarah Palin knows the location of DB Cooper's body because she threw him from the plane.

The Northern Lights are really just the reflection from Sarah Palin's eys.

The raw energy of Sarah Palin melts the Alaskan ice roads every spring.

We don't know who would win in a Chuck Norris - Sarah Palin cage match because they've never inventea cage that can hold Sarah Palin.

Alaska is the 49th state solely because they knew even before she was born that Sarah Palin would never finish last.

Global Warming doesn't kill polar bears. Sarah Palin does - usually with her bare hands.

Three of Sarah Palin's five kids came out sideways - she never flinched.

Sarah Palin's hotness is the largest single contributor to melting polar ice caps.

Little Known Fact: Sarah Palin's daughter's baby is now being adopted by Angelina Jolie...

Little known fact: When Sarah Palin looks in the mirror, nothing appears; there can only be one Sarah Palin.

Little Known Fact: Sarah Palin is the real mother of John Edwards Baby.

:)Wow! The female Chuck Norris!:p

[johnfoss]

If not anything else, maybe all this attention on Sarah Palin will teach people a little bit about the 49th state. If you haven't been there, I suppose it's easy to think Alaska is just like any other state (not counting the 50th one). It isn't. It's like Montana and Wyoming, but hardly anyone lives in those states either.

Example -- an exchange between a tourist and our tour bus driver on my visit there in 2003:
Tourist: Where can you buy fish around here?
Local: Nobody buys fish, you go fishing!

That's because the streams are full of salmon. You want meat? You go hunting. If you don't hunt & fish, you're not an average Alaskan. It would be odd for her *not* to do those things.

Of course none of that means Alaskans must be ultra-conservative, ant-choice and even anti-birth control. The question is, as someone who grew up Alaskan, does Palin have a realistic idea of what life is like for the other 99.98 percent of Americans? Yeah, I think my math is right. Alaska's population is a little more than the population of Sacramento, CA. And a lot less than the Sacramento metro area.

In any case, for the moment she's taking all the attention away from McCain. Don't know if that's a good thing or not. Serious Republican pundits seem to say she's a great choice. People more toward the middle seem to think she's a wacky and very risky choice. People farther to the left seem to think she's a great choice again. :)

[maestro8]

I shouldn't really try to convince you. It's hopeless; you are clearly caught up in the “party” thing.
No, I'm caught on your overuse of generalizations and your focus on irrelevance. You seem to have been overexposed to mainstream media.

Who cares (besides the MSM) if a candidate is young or old, rich or poor, black or white? I only care about the issues that candidate stands for, the qualities that makes that candidate unique.

By your post, you only seem to care if a candidate fits in box "A" or box "B". That kind of generalization discards every unique quality each candidate brings to the election.

Remeber these are people, not "Democrats" or "Republicans"... although they do tend to walk close to some "party line" they're still independent, free-thinking indviduals... even though they don't seem to act that way sometimes.

[feel the light]

http://www.slatev.com/player.html?id=1772099431

[kevinalexandersmith]

No, I'm caught on your overuse of generalizations and your focus on irrelevance. You seem to have been overexposed to mainstream media.

Who cares (besides the MSM) if a candidate is young or old, rich or poor, black or white? I only care about the issues that candidate stands for, the qualities that makes that candidate unique.

By your post, you only seem to care if a candidate fits in box "A" or box "B". That kind of generalization discards every unique quality each candidate brings to the election.

Remeber these are people, not "Democrats" or "Republicans"... although they do tend to walk close to some "party line" they're still independent, free-thinking indviduals... even though they don't seem to act that way sometimes.


That's exactly my point - both sides are trying to fill all the boxes to please the idiot masses. The VP choices show that both sides are trying to cover all the bases.

Independent, free-thinking individuals wouldn't be so concerned about balancing the ticket.

[johnfoss]

That was a great little video posted by feel the light. Check it out to see a bit of Wasilla and learn some interesting facts. Still, I get annoyed at people poking fun of the fact that Alaska is remote. Duh, it's pretty much wilderness. A very different lifestyle from what the vast majority of us are experience.

That's exactly my point - both sides are trying to fill all the boxes to please the idiot masses.I agree with you on that. Except I think the Republicans appeal more to the idiot masses and the Democrats appeal more to the middle-America masses. I especially noted one of the sound-bites from her speech last night, where Palin said something about Obama being concerned about the rights of terrorists that were caught. When in American philosophy is being concerned about someone's rights, even a criminal (who's supposed to be innocent until proven guilty), a bad thing? That's the most scary thing I've heard from her so far, and it got a huge ovation from the convention crowd.

Independent, free-thinking individuals wouldn't be so concerned about balancing the ticket....Unless they want to get elected. What's the use of being independent and free-thinking if the dumb American populace keeps voting for whoever appeals to their base instincts? Let's not forget who they elected the last two times. Even the fact that it was maybe too close to call is telling enough. Those same people are going to be voting in this election too! :eek:

[JJuggle]

When in American philosophy is being concerned about someone's rights, even a criminal (who's supposed to be innocent until proven guilty), a bad thing? That's the most scary thing I've heard from her so far, and it got a huge ovation from the convention crowd.
I sometimes bite my tongue because even in the pinko crowd I travel among, my thoughts are occasionally considered too far to the left. But, I have to agree with you, John. I thought that comment was very frightening and even bloodthirsty. Like those who bemoaned the fact that New Jersey abolished the death penalty without even getting a chance to use it.

[feel the light]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/04/jon-stewart-hits-karl-rov_n_123852.html

[BluntRM]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/04/jon-stewart-hits-karl-rov_n_123852.html

While Rove recently praised Palin's experience as the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Stewart showed video of Rove trashing Virginia Governor — and former Richmond Mayor — Tim Kaine's executive experience, listing all the cities that are bigger than Richmond and calling such a pick "political."

For the record, the Richmond Metro Area is twice as large in population as the state of Alaska.


Edit: That's funny, the Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for more people on a snow day than the Alaskan Governorship.

[JJuggle]

For the record, the Richmond Metro Area is twice as large in population as the state of Alaska.
But how close is it to Russia?

Cindy McCain to George Stephanopolous on Palin's foreign policy experience:

"You know, the experience that she comes from is, what she has done in government -- and remember that Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia."

[BluntRM]

But how close is it to Russia?

You make an excellent point sir. I redact any and all facts re: Virginia v. Alaska

[maestro8]

"You know, the experience that she comes from is, what she has done in government -- and remember that Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia."
She's also the closest part of our country to the North Pole.

Perhaps we should be addressing our "Dear Santa" letters to Mrs. Palin, too.

I wonder, do these talking heads ever listen to themselves? Yeesh.

[feel the light]

k heres that thing i was talking about


http://www.aksuperstation.com/news/local/25626404.html


Im jot sure what the investigation led to tho, I think it all came out good for Palin.

But hey if McCain wins that would make Palin the hottest VP ever :D
Brendon, where are you man ! your record on this forum appears genuine enough to secure a gold metal.

Please tell us some home town stuff.

I think you are the real guy in the real place now.

Seriously, report please, anything you have to say.:)

[johnfoss]

You make an excellent point sir. I redact any and all facts re: Virginia v. AlaskaHey, isn't Cuba about as far away from Virginia as any city of decent size in Russia is from Anchorage/Wasilla? I bet it's closer!

[siafirede]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/04/jon-stewart-hits-karl-rov_n_123852.html

Haha that video is hilarious.

[BillyTheMountain]

and Palin leaned on the police to get her brother-in-law fired.

This shows she can get things done, so Americans will support her.

I don't understand why Palin is trying to stop the investigation into this :confused:

[feel the light]

There is a part 2 on the lower right

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VKwesxb83c4&feature=related

[GILD]

Just say 'know (http://www.alternet.org/story/97907/)'.

[brendan]

Just say 'know (http://www.alternet.org/story/97907/)'.
that was disturbing.

Although coming from the people who elected bush twice and the second time he didn't even have to cheat; i would expect nothing less.

god sure didn't bless america.... now i understand why they ask him to at the end of every speech.

God please please bless america

[BillyTheMountain]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtCGaFri484
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6L8J3L-2Kw

Palin is the lipstick,

the pig is McCain's failed economic policies.

[BluntRM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtCGaFri484
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6L8J3L-2Kw

Palin is the lipstick,

the pig is McCain's failed economic policies.

Billy,

Your first video has been disqualified for perpetuating a 60's-esque soundtrack cliche.

-The Government

Otherwise Matt Damon makes an excellent point/pitch for a Disney script, scroll down on this page for the video:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/10/matt-damon-on-palin-like_n_125334.html

For those of you that don't believe in clicking, I respect that. Here's the elaborated summary:

Disney Films presents: A small town hockey mom surprises the nation when, against all odds, she climbs the ranks of the local PTA and is selected by a cynical politician to be his vice presidential candidate. Little did he know, his ploy would work and in a hilarious turn of events this hockey mom would find herself toe-to-toe with an angry Russian ambassador and a suitcase full of launch codes. Can she negotiate nuclear disarmament within a fractured international community while armed only with a witty provincial outlook and a heaping helping of sassy common sense? Madcap hilarity surely ensues.

[feel the light]

This appears real, or at least there is a lot of references.

It is a short letter from a woman who worked and went to a lot of council meeting in Wassila since the early 90's.

http://www.andrys.com/palin-kilkenny.html

[feel the light]

Wear a helmet, because you might hit the back of your head more often....

http://www.mininova.org/tor/1800056

A must for all bit torrent users, Real time comments.:)

[GILD]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sXZPrzIfrso

[feel the light]

I'm a leftist, and Stewart from the daily show is sorta leftist, yet Mc Cain, unique among the self important republican pricks, would go on the daily show. So often he could host the show if he wanted to. He is cool.:)

I don't like his policies, but at least he is a known person, that won't just flip out. He is cool.:)

I am not saying Sara will kill us all before spring, just that we should not elect an unknown fundamentalist rapture fan to pass the nuke ball to next.:confused: I want ww3 to be caused by someone I had previously heard of ! ;) My last request, no one will understand why when they see the fireballs, I just want more then this vague guess about a hockey mom that was qualified because she doesn't blink.:confused: Mc Cain, lot's of experience, but impulsive if you know what I mean. Shot down more then once, but still kept flying in Vietnam. Getting a little dotty with the years, but still has an eye for the young girls and the first class planes. A great unique man, who only took to wholesale deliberate lies and absolute press exclusion recently.:)

I love Mc Cain, but please vote Obama.:)

[Gilby]

I want ww3 to be caused by someone I had previously heard of ! ;)I don't want a world war. Vote 3rd party.

[mscalisi]

Gilby, you seem to have mistaken our system for one that supports more than two parties.

Of course, since a vote for Ron Paul is a vote for Obama, I encourage as many people as possible to do so.

I don't want a world war. Vote 3rd party.

[Gilby]

Gilby, you seem to have mistaken our system for one that supports more than two parties.
You seem to think that we actually have two parties. So maybe i should correct myself: Vote 2nd party!

The republicrats are no different on the important issues:
Foreign policy: want to continue our empire and military adventures all over the world.
Privacy: want to continue spying on us and taking our civil liberties.
National Debt: want to keep increasing the debt.
Federal Reserve: want to let them continue without an audit or any transparency.

A majority of Americans disagree with these positions. The other candidates, from both the right and the left, such as Ralph Nader (independent), Cynthia McKinney (green), Chuck Baldwin (constitution), and Bob Barr (libertarian), all disagree with these. They have all agreed to these positions:

Foreign Policy: The Iraq War must end as quickly as possible with removal of all our soldiers from the region. We must initiate the return of our soldiers from around the world, including Korea, Japan, Europe and the entire Middle East. We must cease the war propaganda, threats of a blockade and plans for attacks on Iran, nor should we re-ignite the cold war with Russia over Georgia. We must be willing to talk to all countries and offer friendship and trade and travel to all who are willing. We must take off the table the threat of a nuclear first strike against all nations.

Privacy: We must protect the privacy and civil liberties of all persons under US jurisdiction. We must repeal or radically change the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and the FISA legislation. We must reject the notion and practice of torture, eliminations of habeas corpus, secret tribunals, and secret prisons. We must deny immunity for corporations that spy willingly on the people for the benefit of the government. We must reject the unitary presidency, the illegal use of signing statements and excessive use of executive orders.

The National Debt: We believe that there should be no increase in the national debt. The burden of debt placed on the next generation is unjust and already threatening our economy and the value of our dollar. We must pay our bills as we go along and not unfairly place this burden on a future generation.

The Federal Reserve: We seek a thorough investigation, evaluation and audit of the Federal Reserve System and its cozy relationships with the banking, corporate, and other financial institutions. The arbitrary power to create money and credit out of thin air behind closed doors for the benefit of commercial interests must be ended. There should be no taxpayer bailouts of corporations and no corporate subsidies. Corporations should be aggressively prosecuted for their crimes and frauds.


Of course, since a vote for Ron Paul is a vote for Obama, I encourage as many people as possible to do so.Ron Paul is not on the ballot.

Here is how everyone can vote third party, you know, and actually vote your conscience. If your choice of the lesser of the two evils is Obama, then find someone you trust that choose McCain and agree to both vote 3rd party. Your votes would've canceled each other out, so now you can actually feel good about who you voted for.

[maestro8]

You seem to think that we actually have two parties. So maybe i should correct myself: Vote 2nd party!
OH SNAP!

I think where Mike (and myself and many others) get confused is that our two parties give the appearance of a difference on the surface. One side supports women's rights, the other doesn't. One side supports social programs, the other cuts them. One side is a proponent of alternative energy research, another side doesn't see a problem with oil consumption. One side keeps a clear(er) line between church and state, the other doesn't care to distinguish the two.

We're given the illusion of a difference, yet the net product of our legislators is status quo. No one wants to rock the boat. On the issues that really matter, no one wants to step off the "party line" to actually get anything done. Repubs don't want to vote 'Crat lest they be shunned from their party and vice versa.

Perhaps a one-party system might be better? Maybe more "progress" could be made when party loyalty is no longer an issue?

[johnfoss]

Yes, the party system seems to suck pretty bad right now. Not just for choosing presidents, but for getting Congress to do anything useful.

[vanpaun]

Why do we never elect the green party? :(

[mscalisi]

There are many reasons. One is that a non-democratic or non-republican candidate has zero chance in winning.

A vote for a green party candidate takes away a democratic vote and becomes a virtual republican vote. A libertarian vote takes away a republican vote and becomes a virtual democratic vote.

This is one way in which our system is broken. When people vote for what they want, they get exactly what they don't want. What we need is some sort of failover vote. Eg. I want my vote to be for this person, and if they don't win, I want my vote to fail-over to a secondary choice.

Why do we never elect the green party? :(

[vanpaun]

There are many reasons. One is that a non-democratic or non-republican candidate has zero chance in winning.

A vote for a green party candidate takes away a democratic vote and becomes a virtual republican vote. A libertarian vote takes away a republican vote and becomes a virtual democratic vote.

This is one way in which our system is broken. When people vote for what they want, they get exactly what they don't want. What we need is some sort of failover vote. Eg. I want my vote to be for this person, and if they don't win, I want my vote to fail-over to a secondary choice.
Then The election would be all about failovers. And would their be a fail fail over?

[petad]

Personally I am supporting Norberto Baggs of the Whig party. You never know, he could win. I also support Stephen Colbert.

[Gilby]

Then The election would be all about failovers. And would their be a fail fail over?

It's called instant runoff voting.

[mscalisi]

It's called instant runoff voting.

Thanks! That's the term I was looking for. Until we have this, we will be stuck with a broken 1.5 party system.