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.
Showing posts with label Governor Mitt Romney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Governor Mitt Romney. Show all posts
Friday, October 31, 2008
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:
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
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
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
VP Picks For '08: A No-Brainer...
With 103-days remaining until American voters go to the polls to select who will lead this nation for the next four years, the chatter has begun on who will be the Democratic and Republican choices for Vice President. The selection of VP is of particular importance this election... more so than any in recent history. Truth-be-told... neither Senators McCain or Obama have any governing or administrative experience. And, unfortunately, executing an election campaign (no matter how well ... or ill-run it is) is no substitute for GOVERNING!
McCain nor Obama has ever run a company (where they would have gained valuable experience (and stress) in meeting a weekly or monthly payroll). Neither one of them have ever governed at the City, County or State levels. Consequently, neither have any hands-on knowledge of how to oversee massive budgets, deal with tax/financial shortfalls, or 'how' and when to dispatch the National Guard in an emergency situation. These are basic leadership skills needed by anyone who aspires to preside over the largest budget and greatest military in the world.
And although both men are engaged in this pointless 'roar-the-loudest' exercise–– in an attempt to convince the American public they are most qualified–– the reality is neither of them has ever had to lead, supervise, boss, head, or be that person where the "buck-stops-here" in their adult "elected official" lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon both Senators to pick a former Governor as their Veep to compensate for the lack of experience in that area.
To that end, the Republican presidential hopeful will more than likely select former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. There is no getting around it for McCain. It's Romney... or back to the Senate.
Indeed the pundits will say Romney didn't campaign well in the GOP primaries. Regardless of how soundly the voting public rejected Romney during the primaries (he can't have everything: too rich, too handsome, too successful, too smart, perfect family, etc.) Americans are funny people. Voters couldn't purposely and knowingly give him yet another plus or advantage in life: the nod for the top-job-in-the-land. But, well... it's okay if he's relegated to the number two place on the ticket. Yes, placement here somehow dismisses the perception that: Mitt Romney's 'all-that-and-some-CHIPS'!
On the other hand, if presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama hopes to have any chance to win this election in the Fall... he is going to have to pick Senator Hillary Clinton as his running mate. The latest Rasmussen poll numbers show McCain up 10+ in Pennsylvania! Say what you will, those white, rural, working-class, blue collar men and women (18 million and counting) who will never vote for a man of color... love Hillary and Bill and will vote for either one of them if they ran tomorrow! And, like it or not... those are the very votes Obama will need... or he loses.
So... exactly where is Hillary's 'governing experience'? It's no secret... and, she couldn't really say it during the primary campaign... but, everybody knows she was co-Governor of Arkansas, and co-President during the Clinton White House years. Hillary said it throughout her campaign... that she really would be ready on "Day One"!
The Vice Presidential picks for 2008 are really a no-brainer. The match-ups will probably be: Obama/Clinton '08 versus McCain/Romney '08. Now, that will be a close race... a photo finish for sure!
McCain nor Obama has ever run a company (where they would have gained valuable experience (and stress) in meeting a weekly or monthly payroll). Neither one of them have ever governed at the City, County or State levels. Consequently, neither have any hands-on knowledge of how to oversee massive budgets, deal with tax/financial shortfalls, or 'how' and when to dispatch the National Guard in an emergency situation. These are basic leadership skills needed by anyone who aspires to preside over the largest budget and greatest military in the world.
And although both men are engaged in this pointless 'roar-the-loudest' exercise–– in an attempt to convince the American public they are most qualified–– the reality is neither of them has ever had to lead, supervise, boss, head, or be that person where the "buck-stops-here" in their adult "elected official" lives. Therefore, it is incumbent upon both Senators to pick a former Governor as their Veep to compensate for the lack of experience in that area.
To that end, the Republican presidential hopeful will more than likely select former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. There is no getting around it for McCain. It's Romney... or back to the Senate.
Indeed the pundits will say Romney didn't campaign well in the GOP primaries. Regardless of how soundly the voting public rejected Romney during the primaries (he can't have everything: too rich, too handsome, too successful, too smart, perfect family, etc.) Americans are funny people. Voters couldn't purposely and knowingly give him yet another plus or advantage in life: the nod for the top-job-in-the-land. But, well... it's okay if he's relegated to the number two place on the ticket. Yes, placement here somehow dismisses the perception that: Mitt Romney's 'all-that-and-some-CHIPS'!
On the other hand, if presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama hopes to have any chance to win this election in the Fall... he is going to have to pick Senator Hillary Clinton as his running mate. The latest Rasmussen poll numbers show McCain up 10+ in Pennsylvania! Say what you will, those white, rural, working-class, blue collar men and women (18 million and counting) who will never vote for a man of color... love Hillary and Bill and will vote for either one of them if they ran tomorrow! And, like it or not... those are the very votes Obama will need... or he loses.
So... exactly where is Hillary's 'governing experience'? It's no secret... and, she couldn't really say it during the primary campaign... but, everybody knows she was co-Governor of Arkansas, and co-President during the Clinton White House years. Hillary said it throughout her campaign... that she really would be ready on "Day One"!
The Vice Presidential picks for 2008 are really a no-brainer. The match-ups will probably be: Obama/Clinton '08 versus McCain/Romney '08. Now, that will be a close race... a photo finish for sure!
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