Why "NOT- McCain" ???

Because he has a history of running interference inside. I recently heard him state, after the NYT 's article alleging an affair, that he had never done anything that compromised his integrity!

Huh? He has plenty of instances, does he think the Keating affair didn't happen, or his involvement with it?

What about his wife stealing drugs from charitable organization she was involved in at a high level, and taking them herself, that's illegal and any other citizen would have been slapped in a corrections facility instead of slapped on the wrist. Money, money, money.........she has plenty.

Trying to sell himself as a military expert? There were many Viet Nam prisoners of war that wouldn't say being a prisoner enables them to be C-I-C. His training as a naval pilot doesn't either, in fact for many voters that history predisposes him to not having a reasoned approach to military conflict. And that it would only contribute to an already overinflated DOD budget that is phenomenally wasteful. And he admits that he is short on economic knowledge so there cannot be a case made for improvement over at the Pentagon on that score.

Diplomacy ?----he also has a reputation as a hot head.....why would anyone vote for him?

Has he kept up with technological change........the IT age? His age bodes against that.

Whoever the Democratic nominee is, there should not be a problem defeating him.


graysmoke

Blog Live.....Texas Debate

Let's see if I do better live blogging the debate. I wasn't too pleased with the results of doing it with the voting returns.

Hillary gets to lead off, starts elucidating how she got to know "Texas" - starts name dropping of all the famous Texas politicos she has known and learned from. She reviews her actions that have benefited Texas, like the S-Chip program that she mentions every time she gets a chance.She's hitting the usual buttons, take care of the veterans, her lifetime of experience, Everything tossed into the salad.

Barack thanks U/T for hosting them tonite. Starts reminding that the nation is at a defining moment in history....inserts story of people he has met in Texas while campaigning, that's usually effective, it the stories are new, he doesn't elaborate the detail, moves on to talk about waste of war, what the funds could do if not used there. Segues into his "good ideas" not the problem but they go to Washington to die. Quotes Barbara Jordon saying she wanted America to be as good as its promise and BO says that is why he is running for President, he wants to help make America as good as its promise.
That is why he is running for President, he says. (nice presentation, better than his last performance in the preambling.

Question now "would you meet with Cuba's next leader at least once?"-HC get first chance to answer, hedges about her reluctance to do so unless preconditioned.

Obama repeats that he is willing to meet. (This has been one point of difference between them for some time.) He stresses must talk to enemies as well as friends. Oops, Hillary counterattacking saying that his prior position wasn't that, Obama cut that short and her attack failed and Obama explains more what his policy towards Cuba would be. Applause for Barack's statements. Hillary now try to shore up her views, reviving the points about whether early meeting is wise. She stresses that she would vigorously pursue diplomacy - Obama now saying preparation is important of course, but feels the position as President requires more active role. He means directly in diplomacy, this seems a difference in how they see the role of President.

John King is going to discuss the economy issue with them. Says voters do not know the difference in their views on it. Obama points out the people don't need the Federal Reserve to tell them there are problems- that they have been living it for the last four years.He touches on his previous statements, eliminate the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, closing loopholes, especially for foreign operations of US corporations. Names the green economy offering opportunities to improve the economy, creating jobs with new energy approaches, etc. How to get it done? he asked the question and answers by saying the change in Washington must be broad in order to improve the economy, King points out Hillary''s claim that she is the one that can start on day one and Barack isn't - asking her to address why she claims this, she re-iterates that she would of course do the things he mentioned, and repeats some of that, however she would have a different approach to the foreclosure/housing problem, (I have heard BO address this issue too, so he isn't going to neglect that issue.) Switches to the clean, green jobs, and rebuild the infrastructure. Reverse Bush's attitude regarding science.

Jorge Ramos, (from UniVision) asks about immigration reform. stopping raids on undocumented workers. Hillary gets first crack at this issue. She want immigration reform that is comprehensive. Promises to introduce a path to citizenship in her first 100 days. Now Obama has his turn and talks about work on a Senate bill that he helped on but they could not get it passed. He says we need to reconcile being a country of laws, but also a country of immigrants.
He also stresses the LEGAL immigration system must also be fixed, states what enormous backlog exists.He lays some of the blame on the current administration by only tending to the Iraq situation and abandoning everything else. John King wants to get in on this, talks about the fence and problems with that. Hillary states there is a smart way and a dumb way to control immigration, says there may be a place for a physical barrier but wants review and also mentions control of the northern border. She says can develop way to control more with personnel etc and not impede family visitation etc. Now Obama emphasizes getting input from residents along both sides to gain more insight on solutions..he also brings up the problem of the 12 million estimated illegals from Mexico and how to deal with them. He wants children of illegals to be permitted educational opportunities. Jorge Ramos talks about the language barrier, talk turns into whether a downside to U.S. becoming a bilingual nation. (Hillary needs to quit leading with her chin--bad effect.) Obama says every student should be learning a second language. Hillary had remarked her regret at never learning a second language. Obama takes this opportunity t bring in the education issue, NCLB etc.

Break time.....(me too) no sparks flying, mostly level demeaners, only that one attempt by Hillary to take aim. Apparently the low punching is going to happen somewhere other than on this debate. Obama much more at ease than before, Hillary still too shrill - sounding more like it is she who is the necessity whereas Obama doesn't seem so "SELF-centered" but gives impression it is the concerns of the people that he has more on his mind.

Obama does more note writing when HC is making her statements, she doesn't do much, I assume she thinks it gives the impression that she has it all at hand. She brings up the episode on Hardball where a Texas legislator could not name Obama's accomplishments politically.

(Obama has a cold - but hasn't had to blow his nose yet....there was a sound bite on CNN about that today citing the crowd for applauding during the "blow")

In this segment they are trying to define their leadership differences. (HIllary making a note now.) Obama saying it takes a leader that can involve a wide range of people and bring them together or nothing will get done. He receives huge applause.

Now the "plagiarism" charges are brought up. (personally I see this as nitpicking)He tags this as getting into the silly season. Moves on to his plan to change higher education financing etc.

Hillary is getting booed. She is on the attack on this. Can't type fast enough to keep up with her rat-a-tat delivery now that she got the opening. Now she's on to the charge that his health care plan leaves out x number of people. Blah Blah. Barack signals the moderators that he wants to speak, she goes on and on......finally the moderator(Campbell Brown/CNN) steps in late and stops HC. Obama then gives more health plan details. Naming his plan to reduce cost for those that already have health care.

Obama got the last word before another short break declared, he did quite a good job in wiping out her stabs at his plan.


Jorge Ramos asks a question about who's is ready to be Commander-In-Chief. Hillary insists on dragging the subject back to the insurance differences, the Moderators do not shift her back on the subject of the question.Obama is allowed some response time and makes good points. Hillary wants to continue the subject. The back and forth went on, finally Jorge Ramos presses Hillary on why she doesn't think Obama can handle being C-I-C. so she names all the stuff she has done that qualifes her. ( this is more of her self-asserting but is not necessarily broadly shared view among the electorate.)

Obama states he would not be running if he didn't think he would be capable as C-I-C and he cites the initial positions about Iraq as demonstrating that he had effectively demonstrated he
could act best there by showing better judgment.

Campbell Brown moves the debate on calling on John King. He wants them to address their support for the "surge" - It's Hillary's turn to address this first. She will request Chief of Staff to give a plan for withdrawal. Thinks the surge served the purpose of allowing the Iraqi to "take care of their end of the stick. .....I am riveted now to listening and not typing, I want to hear every single bit of this, because I have been vehemently opposed to the pre-emptive attack on Iraq and abusing the military by many mistakes, elevating the loss of lives by all.

Obama is also using this subject to deflect attention away from Hillary by introducing McCain's hundred year remarks about staying in Iraq. This is going to ease the tension that has built up when discussing the insurance issues. Smart move.....demonstrates his ability to sail well in rough seas. (Another break)

One interesting thing about trying to blog live, is that later I have a big laugh when hearing the cable channels pundits dissect it all from there all too well known biases.

And even to go to a political forum where I hang out and see the posts there from members.

John King now asking about the secrecy in government. And folds this into the earmark hisotry of each. Obama first up on this and mentions his attempt to establish a "Google for Government" so everyone could go to a computer and find out who gets earmarks, and the details. Does McCain have more credibility than Clinton on wasteful spending?

When Hillary gets her turn she brings up that the return to the practices of her husband'[s administration to solve the deficit will solve today's problem.

Final question from Campbell Brown, wants to know what moment tested them in their life.

Obama talks again about his early life - this final question is just recap of what they are each saying in the stump speaking out on the road. Does not have only one moment that demonstates his "trial by fire" but rather his whole life.

Hillary alludes to here personal baggage that everyone knows about. Then moves to witnessing the impact of seeing the condition of returning veterans of war. Mentions it motivates her.

Conclusion friendly, standing ovation. Handshakes for the moderators. Campbell Brown winds it up with CNN plug.


graysmoke


Happy to say there is only one more debate, not sure it moved either candidate to any stronger position.

The parsing now begins with Anderson Cooper.

Live Blogging Wisconsin & Hawaii returns

Coverage should start in about half an hour. I will switch back and forth to CNN, MSNBC, ABC and C-Span. I am expecting more of the same --- meaning I think Clinton could get her clock cleaned,---again.

The campaign staffs are getting somewhat desperate in the Clinton camp too - as comments about wooing Obama earned delegates at the convention. WOW -- is that blatant voter thievery or what? Is everybody supposed to be shaking in their boots at this threat? Or is this to change the conversation? It seems there is some blowback from the attempt to shoot down Obama's oratorical impact by initiating the plagiarism allegation which the MSM was only too happy to sensationalize to the double nth degree, especially CNN.

I like the tally boards on CNN but not their commentary team, sometimes I mute the ones I simply cannot stomach. But then I have a deep aversion to Chris Matthew, wish MSNBC would just leave him out of it and let Olberman and Gregory handle it without CM.

Right now the CNN panel are trying to out yak each other, everybody talking at once.

I think the edge Obama has with the young new voters will carry him into the winning column again tonite.

I was planning to watch the CNN live video on screen but I must not have the right player downloaded. I get the audio but the screen comes up blank visor-green and can't see any hint there as to what player is required.

No exit poll reports yet, still a few moments left for the voters in Wisconsin. John King is playing with his touch map, which is an interesting device to input various scenarios using projections.

CNN projects McCain will win the Wisconsin Republican race... not much news in that. But it may be closer than expected.

Ah -- my favorite station just started their coverage C-Span. I like their practice of taking call-ins from the general public- much more diverse and interesting than the hired pundits.



Russert now opining on MSNBC. KO now switches to the McCain victory speech, jumping the gun a bit so back to Chris Matthews, no numbers for any of this victory - the polls have only been closed for ten minutes or so and there have been no vote tallies reported. Must be the gotcha game - the race between the channels to see who gets to claim they had it first.
well now the old vet can go to bed early after speaking his piece. He is actually in Columbus, Ohio so it is about 9:15 pm there. He needs all the rest he can get, it is hard work recreating oneself to attract the ultra conservative wing of his party.

Wonder what Hucklebee is thinking, last poll I saw put them at 45% each ...are the media doing their manipulating again? Their thumbs on the scale in favor of the old warrior?

Finally McCain finishes. Seemed a very long ten minutes. Boring and bland. All these people that have been around D.C. so long and claim they know the answers, but look at the mess we have on our hands, so what credence can one give to any of that?

Just saw text on CNN saying Obama leading. 52% to 47 but based on very few returns. CNN is predicting Obama will carry the majority of the Wisconsin delegates. Now declared the winner. Maybe this is a bit premature given how few votes are reporting at this point.More of the gotcha gamemanship.

Obama expected to be heard from anon, he is currently campaigning in Texas.

Andrea Mitchell has the camera and mike now on MSNBC, sounding sympathetic for Clinton, Andrea is another D.C.er that has worn out her welcome. I wish she and Greenspan would retire and never show up again in the media.

Obama coming up now.OOPs they switch to Clinton speaking in Youngstown OH, wonder if she will gloss over her Wisconsin loss, much as she did after a couple of the other losses.

Hey Hillary - action is matched to Obama's words.....he has out organized her even given the history that says Bill is the most gifted politican ever.

So far she has not directly referred to the vote in Wisconsin or to her opponent. Oh she just did, say opponent. She is using the usual stump approach, ready on day one, etc. - doesn't mention though how NAFTA has had more negative impact than postive results. Now showing split screen with Obama and CNN going to switch.

Obama first thanks those that helped arrange the event he is now addressing, forty thousand are mentioned, I don't know where the venue is......he is also now thanking all the unions that have supported him. He appeals for voters to take advantage of early voting now in Texas, that became effective today. He then cues the "Yes, we can" chant. It looks like a very happy crowd and as he announces the Wisconsin win the crowd goes wild. A huge event in Houston, he mentions too early to know what the Hawaii result might be........(big time zone differences)-the channels are staying with his speech - but I expect they will break away soon and put their spin on the results with their updates.

Hope this post has encouraged you to watch and continue watching throughout the elections - be a participant, join your fellow Americans in these historic times because regardless of who wins, it is a moment that will not be repeated.


graysmoke

A State of Suspension

After the Obama - Clinton debate in Los Angeles at the Kodak Theater there is likely to be a frenzied period while the two candidates fly first here and then there trying to inspire voters to go to the polls on Tuesday,when there is a lot at stake. But for a voter in one of those states, as I am, we are rather in a state of suspension. And I am glad I preserved my options, so I am going to the polls rather than submit an early mail in vote. My candidate was Bill Richardson and now that he chose to abandon his effort for lack of support and money, at least I can vote for my second choice.

I was not pleased at the apparent truce declared before the debate that they would not engage in attack politics. But I think that rather neutralized both. Seemed the easy way out instead of daring to debate more differences - protecting the party instead of serving the voter. And as it is repeatedly rerun I still feel that way.

But perhaps I am premature in my evaluation......perhaps Obama let Hillary off the hook a number of times and did it purposefully so that he had material to work with in the appearances after the debate. The instance that struck me was Clinton's insistence at how reasoned and researched her decision was to endorse the AUMF. She admitted previously that she did not read the NIE report at that time. And therefore her support of the resolution was the right action. I don't buy that and neither should anyone else.

Hillary also appears coached on managing/using her cackle to cover up times when she doesn't have a ready answer or is unnerved. She tries to keep on a perpetual fake smile that seems to be produced by sucking in her cheeks and increasing the impression of dimples. That fake body language is off-putting.

I will continue listening to everything broadcast by cable and C-Span right up to around four p.m. Tuesday, that is when I plan to vote.


graysmoke