Friday, October 31, 2008

Road to White House: Beware The Tortoise McCain

Presidential nominee John McCain has more lives than the proverbial cat! Just under a week remains in this year's 2008 Presidential race. And... the pundits, pollsters, and political prognosticators once again in unison declared his race for the White House all but dead. But the American people seem to be defiantly saying "not so soon".

The Arizona Senator must be one of the luckiest men on the planet, or he has a finger in God's eye. From the day McCain's plane was shot down in Viet Nam and he was miraculously 'saved' to live another day, to his many bouts with skin cancer where he keeps bouncing back stronger... until the recent discovery of Joe "the plumber", who has rescued his flailing message and has allowed McCain to live a while longer... McCain seems to defy death--politically and naturally.

With no concise message, no real money, no Mitt Romney as Veep, and a media bent on destroying his chances to become the Commander-in-chief, arm-chair analysts are confounded that McCain is merely 4-12% down (depending on whichever poll) with four days remaining to V-day.

Who can forget back in August 2007, when McCain's campaign was first announced "Dead On Arrival". Underfunded and boasting of sleeping at the Holiday Inn Express to conserve needed cash, the sly-old-war-hero McCain, used pure grit and bested all of the Republican competitors in the primary to secure the title and nomination.

Facing an uncommitted and leery Republican base, who viewed McCain's allegiance to core GOP values and platforms as counterfeit–– to say the least, he was able to survive yet again. Pulling out of his "nine-lives-bag" once again, McCain picked an unlikely Vice Presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin who... regardless of what the main stream media says... has galvanized an uncommitted GOP base and rural, small town White Americans to his ticket.

Another test of his tenacity and sheer will-to-live was shown during the first debate in Mississippi. On the heels of suspending his campaign to go back to Washington and do his real 'day job' as Senator, naysayers scoffed at this move... all pronouncing him dead again. By the 2nd debate in Tennessee, the talk show critics had embalmed him and were proceeding to bury him once and for all. But "Mr.-I-Won't-Die-Til-I'm- Ready-McCain", escaped the political graveyard once more... and is making a credible last-ditch fight for the Oval Office.

Senator Obama and his camp have demonstrated they 'know' how to play on the field with the big boys. But by and large, the Democratic presidential hopeful has had pretty smooth sailing since clinching his party's nomination. He has the media advantage, more money than the recent bail-out package dollars given to Wall Street, and committed ground troops and Truth Squads with direct orders by Obama to "get in folks' faces" to get his message out. Obama better beware. This determined-to-be-President McCain just won't go away!

Four days is quite a long time in politics. Obama need not take the old-boy McCain for granted, as he has amassed a quiet ground game of seething PUMAs, and email-forwarding grassroot supporters who are disseminating the information on Obama that the media woefully failed to report. These millions of Independents, Evangelicals, Catholics, Reagan Democrats and surprisingly, some Black voters, are purposefully lying to pollsters that they will vote Obama.

McCain maybe old, but he didn't survive the Hanoi Hilton being a fool. Those same tactics he employed back then which allowed him to live another day, are being used by him and his silent majority today, to usher the tortoise McCain straight down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Palin Brags Of Being A 'Redneck'... Put A Sock In It!

Well, goll -lee... whatz wrong with that-thare Sairah Pailin comin' out braggin' 'bout bein' a redneck and all? That statement caught many by surprise and wondering aloud: 'What exactly is she saying... and who was she telegraphing this declaration to'?

Now when critics pounded Governor Palin's parenting skills, brother-in-law trooper firing drama, mishandling of the Katie Couric interview, etc., Republicans circled the wagons and tried to put up a pretense-defense on her behalf. But, she may have stepped-over-the line during a recent campaign stop, when the feisty, maverick Governor veered off-message and made the following statement that continues to raise eyebrows of some moderates in the GOP:
"Someone called me a redneck woman once and you know what I said back? I said, ‘Why thank you.’” [Gov. Sarah Palin, October 22, 2008; Ohio]
The governor really has some 'splainin' to do regarding that bold comment. In some circles, the very term 'redneck' is considered offensive. It is no secret that Americans characterize 'rednecks' as being hicks, uneducated, yahoos, backward thinkers... and not particularly accepting or fond of Blacks and other minorities. Is that really the description the Republican Vice-Presidential nominee wants the electorates to have of her? The hockey mom Palin needs to explain further what about-being a 'redneck' she finds complimentary to the degree she would respond by saying "thank-you".

With less than two weeks remaining in this very divisive, polarizing, culture war-like political environment called the 2008 Presidential election... enquiring minds want to know was Palin's 'redneck' statement some type of 'code message' she was signaling to other "wanna-be" rednecks that she, too, is one of them? What exactly did she mean?

Her statement is particularly troubling, as over the past few months Senator McCain has been trying to tamp-down racial and ethnic slurs within this hard-fought contest. McCain recognizes that divisive rhetoric such as this have a potential to threaten major clashes between the races by, or on, election day... especially depending on this year's outcome.

Unfortunately, boastful comments by Palin of being proud to be a 'redneck' woman, goes against the McCain brand and message. She needs to put a sock in it!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

13 Days Left: Andy Martin Tries To Take Down Obama

The Chicago street brawl that has apparently been brewing between Senator Barack Obama and his chief nemesis, Andy Martin, for quite a few years... is no longer just a neighborhood gang war. This long running feud between these two has spilled over unto the national presidential politics level... with no good end in sight for either. Exactly what has the calm, mild mannered Obama done to cause Chicago attorney and founder of the 'Stop Obama Coalition' national movement, Andy Martin, to be so furious?

What is the root of anger that would direct Martin, author of "Obama: The Man Behind The Mask", to dispatch an investigative team of dirt diggers to Obama's hometown in Hawaii with only thirteen days remaining in the contest? And, moreover... what is it that Obama fears of this man's dirt digging findings that would cause him to suspend his campaign for 2-days and go to Hawaii? That seems odd, and raises questions in the minds of middle Americans.

Now... the main stream media may attribute Martin's actions to racism, since he is white... and Obama is part white, Arabian, and African. But, what if racism is not the underlying cause of this acrimonious behaviour? It's convenient for most people to want to criticize, dismiss or even be skeptical of Martin. Indeed, he has been labeled a 'crack pot' and a nut case by many in the media for his relentless pursuit to take-down and destroy Obama.

But on the heels of one of the most important elections of this generation, wouldn't it be fair for Americans to want to examine this hypothesis:
"Perhaps Martin knows something that the rest of the nation needs to know about this man who would be the leader of the free world before the November 4th election".
Are we Americans not broad enough in our thinking to say what if, in this one instance, Martin's motivations are not driven because of his need to settle an old personal Chicago-street score... but could he possibly be compelled to unearth information about a virtually unvetted candidate that may actually be for Obama's good... and the good of the nation in the long run?

Leave the Martins, Attorney Bergs, and others who it may appear, are out to uproot the Obama train... alone. If there is nothing there to find... they can't find anything. However... if there is something that has gone missing, it's better to know what's out there on the front end... than to find out on the back end, and risk prompting a Constitutional crisis that may split this fragmented nation in two.

There is an old adage that seems appropriate in this case. It says:
"If the dirt in your linen doesn't come out in the wash cycle, it will come out in the rinse cycle. But better the dirt comes out "before" hanging the laundry on the clothes line. Then all the world will see your nasty stains."

With 13-days left in this election process, anything is bound to happen!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Joe The Plumber Represents U.S.'s Silent Majority

In case the main stream media has not noticed, their newest creation, "Joe the plumber", will NOT be going back to his place in the silent majority crowd anytime soon. In a short seven days, this single dad from Ohio has been pulverized and humiliated by the media, by Senator Obama's campaign surrogates, and many blog sites. His only crime: being in the wrong place (his front yard) at the wrong time (when presidential hopeful Obama stopped by)... and asking the wrong person (a relatively still unknown, Obama) the wrong question (how will Obama's tax plan "to spread the wealth around for everybody" affect him).

Instead of Obama's impromptu answer getting scrutiny... old "Joe the plumber" has been the recipient of some very viscious scrutiny. Hope Joe knows that his life, as an unassuming, "every-day-member" of the silent majority is over! And... depending on if his story continues to gain momentum, which could possibly sway the outcome of this 2008 Presidential election, " Joe the plumber" may well go down in the history books as "Joe the racist" who foiled an African American man's attempt to be President of the United States.

With two weeks out from voting day, the new variable in this race is: How many voters actually see themselves as regular Joes? Truth be told, Joe the plumber represents millions of Americans who are behind on their taxes, or who are jack-legging or boot-legging, without formal license, in their specific trade... but are decent people who are committed to working every day, trying to make a living just to stay afloat.

Take note. This uprising by the silent majority 'Joes' is becoming more evident each day, as many have decided to come out of the shadows and be heard. Look at the closing poll numbers, even though Obama is out spending McCain 5 to 1. And as recently noted, the number of angry Joes and Josephines who are attending McCain/Palin rallies in support of Joe the plumber, and obviously against the media, vis-à-vis Obama:

"Joe the Plumber resonates with the crowds is what his experience says about the media. Everybody here seems acutely aware of the once-over Wurzelbacher received from the press after his chance encounter with Obama was reported, first on Fox News, and then mentioned by McCain at last week’s presidential debate. Wurzelbacher found himself splashed across newspapers and cable shows, many of which reported that he didn’t have a plumber’s license, that he wasn’t a member of the plumbers’ union, that he had a lien against him for $1,182 in state taxes, and that he failed to comprehend what many commentators apparently felt was the indisputable fact that Barack Obama would lower his taxes, not raise them. As the people here in Woodbridge saw it, Joe was a guy who asked Barack Obama an inconvenient question — and for his troubles suddenly found himself under investigation by the media.

In the audience Saturday, there were plenty of people who were mad about it. There was real anger at this rally, but it wasn’t, as some erroneous press reports from other McCain rallies have suggested, aimed at Obama. It was aimed at the press." Byron York, National Review Online 10/19/08


Now will some of these undecideds jump on the old Joe the plumber bandwagon as their excuse NOT to vote for Obama? Probably so. But Obama has no one but himself to blame, as he was the one who went to Joe's house and stuck his foot in his mouth, advocating a "spreading the wealth around" philosophy to an electorate who really doesn't know who he is and what he stands for.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Say It Ain't So, Joe Plumber Won 3rd Debate

Well.. say it ain't so. The winner of the third Presidential debate of 2008 was Joe Wurzelbacher, or "Joe the Plumber." This young Ohioan named Joe, whose recent exchange with Senator Obama regarding his tax options under an Obama administration, was thrust front and center and into the national spotlight. Obama's answer to old Joe's question about his taxes being increased caused quite a stir:
Obama said, "My attitude is that if the economy’s good for folks from the bottom up, it’s gonna be good for everybody. If you’ve got a plumbing business, you’re gonna be better off if you’re gonna be better off if you’ve got a whole bunch of customers who can afford to hire you, and right now everybody’s so pinched that business is bad for everybody and I think when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody."
Seems as if old Joe's interaction with Obama has made him the 'face' of middle America. His plight actually focuses a huge laser beam on what ails this country, and who can be trusted to fix it.

How each candidate dealt with the subject of old Joe and the person of old Joe during this third and final debate, was quite telling and gave a vivid indication how each will govern if elected to serve the people.

First off, it was John McCain who initially made mention of old Joe... as a matter of fact, calling him out by his full name: Joe Wurzelbacher. McCain, in much detail, painted the picture for the listening audience of how Senator Obama's tax plan would hurt American dreams... such as Joes. And, in typical McCain style, he offered a direct and frontal approach, even going as far as to address old Joe square-faced to the television camera, assuring old Joe more money in his own pocket come January 2009, so he and his family could have increased opportunity to actualize the American dream.

Obama, on the other hand, addressed old Joe in a more colloquial manner... calling him "Joe the plumber"... and talking in more nuanced terms––coming off almost tepid in his response. Senator Obama lumped the dreams of old Joe with those of a hypothetical nurse, firefighter, teacher and others... into one big dream-pot. Obama then went on to speak, quite eloquently, of how his vision is for old Joe, and all the rest of those he mentioned, to be equal and be on equal footing as a result of his proposed spread the wealth around for everybody tax plan.

Two men... two very stark differences in approaches and positions. Who wins the election this year will more than likely boil down to how Americans see themselves in old Joe. Will voters continue to hold fast to the capitalist ideology: 'all my pie for me and mine'... or are Americans willing to move toward the Obama 'hope', 'change' paradigm: "I'll share my hard earned pie with others so that no one starves or goes without."

Facing the tough economic challenges that are sure on the horizon in this nation... are we ready to sacrifice-for-the-good-of-all, as that is what this election is all about in a nutshell. Everybody... think hard and long, then VOTE!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Obama/McCain: The Devil They Do Know vs The Devil They Don't Know

You can take this to the bank: Elections are won or lost in back-rooms and living room discussions. Electorates may look at the slick, smooth political ads which are produced for television by the respective campaigns designed to sway opinion... but all in all, most people vote on candidates based on information they hear from church members; bowling team, card-playing, square-dance-going-partners; trusted drinking buddies, and folks they 'hang around with'.

If an effective 'whisper campaign' can catch hold in the public domain... it matters not how much money candidates spend on radio or television ads, most folks will believe the 'whisper campaign' information as gospel truth if it is uttered from the lips of someone they trust... before they will believe the contents of a McCain or Obama advertisement.

This is particularly true as the majority of the American public focuses attention on this year's Presidential election. In Small-town U.S.A. and suburban communities–– where elections are generally won/lost... people are just now talking, and the following theme is emerging as the conclusion of this 2008 U.S. Presidential election cycle is immenent: 'Obama is not electable because of too many unanswered questions about his past that he has been untruthful about or less than fully transparent about'.

In spite of his truth squad teams patrolling communities 'setting the record straight' about the junior Senator from Illinois, the chatter surrounding the electability of Obama–– from every day folks–– continues... and no amount of information on Obama's "fight the smears" website can change it.

This underlying thread of this year's 'whisper campaign' remains largely unnoticed and undetected by the main line media and to those useless daily poll trackers. It's no secret that folks in bread-basket American don't read, listen or believe-for-one-minute the data from pollsters or pundits, as it has been proven time and again that most voters 'intentionally lie' to them. To most Americans, these poll takers are outsiders... and it is none of their business how a voter is leaning.

The truth of the matter is that the following "hush-hush" undercurrent is running rampant about Obama which will cost him the election::
1. He's lying about being a Muslim; 2. he needs to come clean on how long and how deep in-bed he is with former terrorist William Ayres; 3. he's the Oak Tree from which the ACORN organization was hatched and allowed to fester; 4. he's a Manchurian candidate; 5. he is a by-product of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, regardless of his speech that he never heard any of those controversial sermons; 6. why won't he release his elongated birth certificate, or his Columbia college transcripts, etc., etc., etc."
Like it or not... these are real issues for regular folks. And, contrary to what some Democrats believe... many voters will not give up the last hope they have, which is the foundation of this great country... and 'sell-out' their vote on a pocketbook or an economic platform only! But rather... broke folks, who have been broke all their lives, and are used to being broke... and who know how to make it in lean times if they have to, will NOT vote for a leader with as many "iffy variables" hanging over their head as Senator Obama has right now.

So, the time for presidential nominee Obama to come clean, produce those essential documents that John Q. Public wants to see... and answer those 'whisper campaign' questions that linger in the minds of the American people... is now. If not...reminiscent of the elections of 2000 and 2004, voters will march in droves to the ballot box on November 4th, and pull that lever for John McCain: the devil they do know instead of the devil they don't know!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Debate #2: Obama Hold His Own to Win

The second Presidential debate, which was held in Nashville, Tennessee, can be summed up in one word: B-O-R-I-N-G.

The 'town hall' format was supposed to be Republican nominee John McCain's strong suit. However... to the contrary, Democratic nominee Barack Obama, who was able to hold his own in this setting, did not commit any major gaffes, and thus would have to be declared the winner of this debate.

McCain, who desperately needed a game changing night, tossed the bad-mortgage-purchase idea into the public debate. Indeed that was a daring move on the Arizona Senator's part. Already the pundits are readily jumping on that comment:

"I thought Senator McCain started out very strong when he said we have to address this financial crisis by having a plan to buy up all of the bad mortgages in the country showed real compassion and empathy there..." George Stephanopoulos of ABC News (10/07/08)


Other than that gutsy declaration, McCain did not offer any further innovative ideas or policies, appearing hesitant on what measures he would put forth to invigorate and jump start this dismal economic climate. His argument that he "knows how to fix the economy", and that he has a "history of reaching across the aisle to work in a bi-partisan manner", did not offer enough passion or specifics that were necessary, at this juncture in history, to reassure a hurting and frightened nation that he has a real plan.

The memorable portion of this snooze-inducing debate was McCain's reference to billionaire Warren Buffet, an Obama supporter, as a possible Treasury Secretary in his administration. What a slap in the face to Governor Mitt Romney and other economic-guru supporters of his ticket and his presidential bid.

Obama, who also put forth Warren Buffet as his possible Treasury Secretary... presented the more credible position on domestic issues, seemed to have a better grasp of what he needed to say to "win"the hearts and grab the attention of the masses and those critical swing voters. Although it is still not clear how Obama plans to pay for his health care and education programs... especially when forecasters have predicted there will be very little money in the federal coffers as the U.S. is in full recession and meltdown mode. Obama deserves credit, as he was deft enough to stick to his stump speech and talking points... to survive another day.

Round two goes to Obama. Tally total: McCain 1 /Obama 1

Friday, October 3, 2008

Folksy Palin Wins Debate 'Dog Gawnnit'...

In the only Vice Presidential debate between Vice Presidential candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, the Republican nominee charmed her way to a grand slam victory. Repeatedly looking directly into the television camera... and in a folksy, "gee-gosh-I-am-just-like-all-of-you-red-blooded-Americans" style, Governor Palin was able to connect to voters in an undeniable way.

Having been the brunt of many media jokes and critiques the last few weeks, Palin was able to put to rest doubts of many naysayers as to whether or not she could hold her own in the national spotlight, and could operate a heart beat away from the presidency. Senator Biden, although more knowledgeable on foreign policy, came across far too angry and dated. He seem stuck in a Bush/Cheney era time warp.

Palin's eye winking, nose twitching, and 'gosh darn it' mannerisms added to her charisma and authenticity... and probably played well to those fence-sitting, 'gun toting, bible thumping', swing voters who will determine this year's election. Palin delivered several one-line zingers and attacked both Obama and Biden's record... all with that sly smile on her face. This disarming technique threw Biden off his nice-guy game plan, and helped to re-galvanized the Republican base, which had been in the doldrums of late.

As the only candidate in this race with any executive experience, Governor Palin boasted her managerial bona fides as she spoke of having to deal with State budgets, and working with legislators to get successful outcomes for the people under her leadership in Alaska. Indeed, she is no 'Einstein', but she is able to own the conversation and light up a room.

In comparison to the boring Obama/McCain debate in Mississippi last week, Biden/Palin's show down in St. Louie yielded more substantive information on the campaign's contrasts and positions... and by far was a much more spirited dialogue. A repeat performance would be a plus.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Maverick McCain's Future Hangs in Balance With Bailout Bill


Republican Presidential nominee, John McCain, has staked his political brand on a reputation of being a fighter for the American people... both literally and figuratively. Throughout this entire 2008 Presidential campaign he has toured the nation... touting his maverick record. Not a day has passed that Americans have not heard McCain boasting to voters how he has, over the years in both the House and Senate, gone against leaders in his party... and how he is not afraid to buck the status quo.

Well, to many... that was yesterday. And yesterday's victories won't win today's wars! Without a doubt, today, October 1st is clock-reset-day. It's reckoning day for Senator McCain, as he faces the most crucial vote of his entire 25-year political career. Many hard working Americans who live in the heartland of this nation, fiscal conservatives who want to believe McCain is indeed one of them...along with many others who oppose this massive 700 billion dollar bailout, are waiting with bated breath to see––not how Obama or Biden will vote–– but how McCain will vote.

This one issue is indeed complicated and promises ominous repercussions for every household. Unfortunately, to 'bail out' or not "bail out" is further dividing an already shamefully divided nation. And folks don't know who to trust.

More and more tax payers are demonstrating a noticeable distrust of those who have been elected to represent them in Washington, D.C. Talk shows and popular blog sites are being overwhelmed with voices of Mr./Mrs. John Q. Public who are adamant that this bill not pass in its current state. Many see it as rewarding poor performance and aiding bad practices. All across the country, Congressional House leaders, who had the guts to stand up and vote down this bill are being heralded as champions.

People are looking for someone... anyone, who will show true leadership in this crisis, and not fold by co-signing this blank check to Paulson and Company, without regard for everyday Americans. Now... perhaps it may just be a matter of not having enough information passed along to Main Streeters to raise their comfort levels, or maybe more time is needed to allow the public to wrap their minds around giving away "1 TRILLION DOLLARS" of their hard-earned money, that may or may not fix the problem long-term. Whatever it is... there is an obvious disconnect between lawmakers and the regular folks that needs to be reconciled before a vote is taken.

While tonight's vote is regarded as the most important vote for the three U.S. Senators who grace this year's Presidential/Vice Presidential ticket... of the three, John McCain's political future weighs most heavily in the balance.