Obama Leads By Over Five Points In Pre-Debate Tracking Polls
Here's a wrap-up of the four major national tracking polls for today, showing that Barack Obama was expanding his lead in the run-up to the first debate:
• Gallup: Obama 49%, McCain 44%, with a ±2% margin of error. Yesterday, Obama was up 48%-45%.
• Rasmussen: Obama 50%, McCain 44%, with a ±2% margin of error, compared to an Obama lead yesterday of 50%-45%.
• Hotline/Diageo: Obama 48%, McCain 43%, with a ±3.2% margin of error, compared to a 49%-42% Obama lead yesterday.
• Research 2000: Obama 49%, McCain 43%, with a ±3% margin of error. Yesterday, Obama was up 48%-43%.
Adding these polls together and weighting them by sample sizes, Obama is ahead by a margin of 49.3%-43.8%, up from a lead yesterday of 48.9%-44.5%.
Bear in mind that virtually all of this poll sampling came from before the debate -- as such, it doesn't tell us anything about where the race stands after the debate, but it does give us a baseline.
It also shows that John McCain's pseudo-suspension and active intervention in the bailout negotiations have been a complete bust, with Obama taking a national lead of over five points.
I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to the use of the word "cling" and the ensuing fireworks from commenters.
September 27, 2008 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
;P
September 27, 2008 2:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
"McCain suspended his campaign, said the debate had to be canceled, he went to Washington, screwed up the deal, and then un-suspended his campaign and flew to the debate even though there wasn't a deal. Usually when a 72-year-old man acts this way, this is when the kids start calling nursing homes." --Bill Maher
"John McCain showed up without running mate Sarah Palin, which is a shame because she actually has a lot of experience with financial matters. You know, she lives right next to a bank." --Jimmy Kimmel, on Obama and McCain's meeting with President Bush at the White House
September 27, 2008 1:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Very funny, especially the Sarah Palin joke.
September 27, 2008 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know how often when people write LOL, they really did laugh out loud, but I did at this Palin joke! VERY GOOD!
September 28, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good news!
Say, what does everyone think: Is McCain going to replace Palin? If he did it would have to be before the VP debate Thursday, right?
September 27, 2008 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin=screwed
noPalin=screwed
September 27, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Award for the most concise and accurate summary
September 27, 2008 2:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks but I give all credit to Mclame...
September 27, 2008 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
McSame=toast
September 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Although it would be nice to wonder about my idiot neighbors with their "McCain-Palin" signs if he were to dump her.
September 27, 2008 2:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ahhh, the gnashing of teeth was heard throughout the neighborhood.
September 27, 2008 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not that I disagree, but suppose he replaced her with Huckabee?
September 27, 2008 2:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
He could only replace her with a non-aborted fetus that looked like Jesus at this point. If he drops her, the fundies will explode. It is too late for Chuckleberry Hound now.
September 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, good points. As acamus said, damned if he does if he doesn't. Hard to see any way he wins going forward.
September 27, 2008 2:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another possible hurricane heading in, so VP debate will have to be cancelled, I am sure.
September 27, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
You kiddin' ... right?
September 27, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, that's the interesting one, Huckabee. The obvious point being, it keeps the base juiced.
Would Huckabee accept second-in-command on a rapidly sinking ship? Does he need that?
Either way, I think if Huckabee had been there in the first place, this would be worth thinking about. Now we have the candidate making an asinine, gimmicky, unpatriotic decision that he will have had to reverse. Twice actually, with "suspending the campaign" to go screw up economic issues he doesn't understand. Although the second is very colorful, the first one is much worse, of course, because it involves reckless endangerment of the republic. LBJ's Brain was right the first time:
Palin=screwed
noPalin=screwed
September 28, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yuh, this is the problem! It's not about nuance anymore! Ha-ha! Screwed/screwed! Ha-ha! I join acamus in supporting the award, by the way!
September 28, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think he'll replace her before the debate, as much as Palin is an empty pantsuit who rambles incoherently like a female version of Barney Fife - replacing her would be even more damaging politically in my opinion.
September 27, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think he will replace her. But, I do think that they have a good "out" if he did; Kathleen Parker mentioned it in her article yesterday. Palin could say that her family obligations are simply too dire, that she feels she needs to spend more time with her special-needs child, her pregnant daughter and young daughter, and she doesn't feel that she can continue to devote enough time to the VP candidacy and her family. Again, I don't think this will happen, but I would say that it's not completely off the table.
Also, they may go forward with the debate. But, if the debate is horrible, then she may step down afterward... She's supposedly done well in her Alaskan gubernatorial debates, so I'm not counting her out completely. She could benefit from the rock-bottom expectations. She could also inflict irreparable damage if she can't even meet and surpass the lowest of expectations. I would guess that the McCain camp will be doing some incredible risk assessment between now and Oct 2nd.
September 27, 2008 2:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
They could say that, but they'd be laughed out of the room. No matter how they try to spin it, their move will be transparent to everybody. They are totally screwed.
September 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
If I have to hear her say 'ya', instead of 'you', one more time, I'm going to gouge out my eardrums. She used it at the end of the Katie Couric interview in response to some question about McCain. The response, loosely paraphrased, 'I'll look and bring ya some'. This is from someone expected to speak intelligently for a living, and be a heartbeat away from leading the United States if elected. Ignorant.
September 27, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
And she doesn't know that a word ending in "ing" isn't "in" as in talkin, etc. That drives me horse shit crazy!
September 27, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
You kiddin' ... right?
September 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ya mean, ya kiddin'. Righty?
September 27, 2008 9:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
After the Katie interview, they might. They can't postpone the debate -- might as well throw in the towel because it would confirm the meme that she is "not ready on day one or day one hundred." And if the leaks are true, she really is as awful as the Katie interview suggests, then the debate could be the final straw.
But to do so would also bring back McCain's decision making process, the lack of vetting, calling into question his executive ability.
Damned if they do, damned if they don't.
September 27, 2008 2:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup. I didn't think was possible for someone to ge themselves into more than one corner at a time, McCain appears to have found a way.
September 27, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Totally boxed in.
September 27, 2008 2:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol... leave it to a therapist to show me the error in my thinking - of course you are right - getting yourself "boxed in" is exactly how you get youself into more than one corner at a time.. My wife does this for me all the time. Thanks. :D
September 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain: The ultimate example of thinking INSIDE the box.
September 27, 2008 3:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol...
September 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Quip of the day :-)
September 27, 2008 3:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now there's consistency we can believe in!
September 27, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
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September 27, 2008 11:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Will a circular firing squad form around he who has boxed himself in?
September 27, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
My deep thought for the day:
Will the moderator have to pull a "Billy Madison" on Palin at some point during the debate?
September 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Is McCain going to replace Palin? If he did it would have to be before the VP debate Thursday, right?"
I think he has to do so to have even the slightest chance of winning. He doesn't have to do it before the debate - he can do it just before the debate and use that as an excuse to delay the debate.
Watch for him to try to replace the next Presidential debate with the rescheduled VP debate.
He's got to do something to change the momentum. The numbers are now to large to overcome by voter fraud. I don't think that McBush can win now even if Bush suddenly announces that they are holding Osama bin Laden at Gitmo - which is a distinct possibility, IMO.
They were doing something when they crossed the Pakistan border - and that might be it.
September 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, most thankfully!
September 27, 2008 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
From your keyboard to God's monitor....
September 27, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have a feeling those numbers are only going to go up after last night. McCain's odd body language and belittling contempt for Obama is going to be an emerging narrative. People internalize posture almost as much as they listen to substance. And this is where Obama had a clear victory. He talked to McCain directly. McCain responded with odd grimaces, wild doodling and a general detachment that reminded me of a cat pretending to be unaware of your existence. He came off as old and crusty, unable to engage his opponent. For such a tough guy he acted like most bullies do when punched in the nose: unsure. That's the takeaway for me. For all of McCain's wishing that Obama was naive, Obama was more statesman. He was the adult in the room.
Pufferfish
September 27, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
This commenter really appreciates this comment.
September 27, 2008 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I used to have a cat (or it had me) that had the temperment of McCain. Not my favorite pet by a long shot.
September 27, 2008 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Been listening to Norwegian Wood?
September 27, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Constant loop in the subconscious probably
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaNQjhXhfVs
September 27, 2008 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, LBJ, now that song is looping through my brain...I guess it could be worse. Could be "Afternoon Delight"....
September 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thats just makes me thing of Will Ferrell in Anchorman.
September 27, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
The way McCain suspended his campaign is the way he will run the country. Say one thing and do another.
September 27, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
could we change the tense to the subjunctive?
"would" run.... not "will" run.
No way is mcShame running any country! (unless he goes up and joins a rebellion in Alaska... but SP would then be in charge)
September 27, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Done. Will do so from now on. "would run."
:)
September 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
By the way, do we know how many people watch the debate last night?
It was angry and disrespectful mcwar while Senator Obama was presidential and gracious...
September 27, 2008 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
From Nielson:
The national ratings will be out Monday.
Link: Prelim ratings
September 27, 2008 2:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
So they missed everybody who watched it on MSNBC?
Heh. People in AZ must know McSame isn't worth listening to.
September 27, 2008 2:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
That literal listing doesn't include Fox News either, so it's safe to say they just listed the parent networks (and CNN doesn't have one).
September 27, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not that I disagree, but suppose he replaced her with Huckabee?
September 27, 2008 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
was supposed to be a reply to LBJs Brain sorry........
September 27, 2008 2:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, it might keep the fundies in line but the "narrative" would be his decision-making, which has been bubbling under the surface. If he dumps her I think (and hope) that would explode and we would be looking at a landslide.
September 27, 2008 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Most if not all of the swing states would go to Obama, and he might suddenly become competitive in some other states like Montana.
September 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I keep wondering about Mississippi's fondness for mcShame now.
September 27, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
He definitely pissed some of them off by playing chicken with the debate. Mississippi doesn't have much national attention, and this was one of the best moments in the sun.
September 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmm. Yeah thanks for your thoughts - everyone - I just can't think of any viable way forward for McCain at this point. I can't imagine trying to go forward with Palin at this point.
Perhaps my imagination is limited somehow. How many more rainbows and monkeys can McCain have stuffed up there? And are whatever monkeys remain, are any of them going to be able to do an Irish jig to All Hail The Chief? Doubtful even an encore like that would help him at this point.
September 27, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think Huckabee would accept to join the sinking ship. He'll let Obama take control and go for 2012. In the meantime he will build up his base via his show on FOX News.
September 27, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, thats the other thing-who would buy into this lemon? Without alot of $ involved?
September 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is it legal for Cindy to cut a potential VP a check in order for them to become part of the ticket?
September 27, 2008 2:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who knows? Fun to think about tho'...LOL!
September 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
yeah.... so... what's your fee for a ticket on the Titanic?
September 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, I'd do it... for five million dollars!
September 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
DONE! Study up for next Thursday.
September 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Vice Presidency has been very lucrative for Cheney.
September 27, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
It didn't turn out nearly as well for say, Admiral Stockdale.
~
September 28, 2008 9:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
But would Huckabee get on that sinking ship? Besides, Huckabee made a public statement the other day, saying it was a huge mistake for McCain to say he would skip the debates. So McCain is unlikely to ask him anyway.
The biggest problem for McCain is finding someone who is willing to commit ritual suicide. It's too late to replace Palin, for it to be effective.
September 27, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
then she's the ritual suicide...
September 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah. You and several others raise this point, as to whether anyone else wants to commit Hari Kari with McC. And I guess it is an unavoidable truth, that McCain looks as if he's lost thing right now.
It was written all over the Fox commentariat's faces last night. For all the media navel-gazing in the aftermath, you just didn't that joyful exuberance in McCain's surrogates that you saw in O's. It just wasn't there.
September 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it won't be just a loss, but will be seen as one of the all time debacles in presidential politics.
No one will want to go along for that ride.
September 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good comment, good insight.
September 28, 2008 12:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm waiting for McC to say, "I wouldn't have made those facial expressions if Obama had come out for ten town halls like I asked him to!"
As a Black woman, I also found myself wondering if McC refused to look him in the eye because of...sorry to say it...disrespect and disbelief that he had to prove himself against this younger man of color? I feel that a lot of his silliness could stem from that.
Another thing it could have been was abject fear. When you're afraid, you clam up and stiffen. I don't know. These are just guesses, mind you, but...
September 27, 2008 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think his basic response would have been the same had Obama been a young Jr Senator who was white. But it I think it wouldn't be so strong.
I just saw a replay of the spot of the debate where Obama made the comment about "you think the war started in 2007." Obama was looking right at him, talking to him, and McCain was, it looked, struggling to keep from looking at him. "He's not looking at me. He's not looking at me. Just look ahead and smile."
September 27, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. I think he knows the jig is up and he was just *afraid*.
September 27, 2008 2:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama was alpha dog in behavior, and McCain knew it. He lacked confidence in the beginning.
September 27, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
No need to apologize. That has been much discussed. It was like he treating Obama as "the help." Or WORSE!
September 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
The uppity help.
September 27, 2008 2:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ok, I'll just say it, dammit.
Here's how I read a lot of McLame's body language: I cannot believe that I even have to stand here on the same stage with this black guy and answer questions about my qualifications. I can't fucking believe I'm losing to a black guy!
I'm sorry - but I really get that from his demeanor.
I hope that's not terribly offensive to anyone but I think old white guys like McLame are not the most race tolerant individuals and the Repugs are not known for their love of anyone other than billionaires. They seem to be ok with your color if it's predominantly green.
September 27, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
None of us can see into another's soul, but my personal take is just as yours if I had to lay down a bet.
September 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
same here.
September 27, 2008 3:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
For how long did he oppose the MLK holiday?
September 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tena: an excerpt from my reply to you from last night. It was very late, and you probably went to bed.
That's me trying to put myself in the shoes of an "average viewer".
Interesting that I didn't pick up at all on the fact that McSame didn't make eye contact. I was focussed on the words and tone of voice. So my impression may differ greatly from that of said mythical average viewer.
The most plausible explanation I've heard for McSame avoiding eye contact came from an Ole Miss student in the crowd interviewed by Tweety at the end of his program: It was an anger-management technique. By not looking Obama in the eye, McSame avoided feeling the rage that might make his head blow up.
OTOH, I noticed one thing that I haven't heard mentioned: McSame never called Barack by his first name. Obama repeatedly addressed McSame as "John".
Somehow, that didn't surprise me. I tried imagining McSame saying Barack, but I just couldn't do it. It seemed as choke-inducing as an MPAA/ RIAA lawyer uttering the phrase fair use.
September 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I did go to bed - I was so damn tired when I posted that comment in reply to yours -
September 27, 2008 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, and I'm here on the West Coast. By the time I wake up, everybody's already said everything that needs to be said!
September 27, 2008 3:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well I'm only an hour ahead of you - but by that time I'd been up since the damn cat got up at 6:45 and it was a long day online.
LOL
I've been trapped back here in my house for a week. They're working on the highway at the end of my one way road and they've had a barrier up at the end of my street all week. Anyone wanting in or out have had to go find a road worker and argue with them to move the barrier.
Long week - it's just Taos.
September 27, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nope, not offensive at all, Tena - my thoughts exactly. He looked as if he believes this entire contest against Obama has been nothing if not an outrage, and furthermore that there is nothing wrong with letting that feeling show. Out of touch? The phrase doesn't begin to cover it.
September 27, 2008 2:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
like he's been dragged back to a POW cell.... and he has to answer questions, and the press is no longer in his corner...
September 27, 2008 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
his cornerS
September 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
The "You were wrong, John" segment, where Obama kept repeating that line must have been extremely difficult for McCain to endure if you're right.
Love the "predominantly green" comment.
September 27, 2008 2:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks.
September 27, 2008 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's something of that in the campaign's insistence that Palin is "more experienced" then Obama, and some in Palin's rather delusional claims that everyone was looking to McCain not Obama for leadership on the financial crisis.
I'd say there was a good chance that Palin's approach for her debate will be to memorize some catchy attack lines about Obama, and go on with the pretense she's more qualified than he is.
It will play with the base and save her from trying to put together coherent sentences that answer the question.
September 27, 2008 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know, but it certainly was open to that interpretation, cause that's what hit me, to be honest about it.
September 27, 2008 2:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, guys. Good to know that I'm not nuts.
This all brings to mind something that my adviser said to me at Sarah Lawrence. He said that I'd have to do doubly as well as others because I'm a Black woman, and that many would instantly discount my accomplishments. I think the same is happening, in this case. This is why many Repubs have the odd disconnect where they can say Bible Spice is so experienced, whereas Obama isn't, even though the truth is right in their faces.
September 27, 2008 8:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh no, you're not nuts - in fact you've stumbled right into the ranks of the sane, reality based, community here. You were fortunate to have someone in your life, when you were so young especially, who would bust the unvarnished truth open for you.
Fact is that O makes every one of us confront our attitudes about race. It seems unavoidable. Even those of us who consider ourselves more enlightened still have to face up to certain things in ourselves, I imagine.
The day O delivered his announcement that he was going to run for President in Springfield, I was there. I went to see him because he is a Dem, and because I happen to live there. After his speech, my wife and I were walking back to the car and I said - among other less asshole type things - something to affect of: "damn, he sure is smart isn't he?". My wife who was walking along side me - stomping her feet and smacking her hands together to try and warm them up - started laughing at me. Then she asked me if I thought he liked watermelon too. Well, I was fucking pissed about that for about 2 days, until I realized that she had done me a favor in pointing out that there was some racism showing through my oh-so-proud liberalism. I have tried to address this in myself, and will continue to do so. But the fact remains that I was shocked to realize such an attitude in myself. Perhaps others have had such experiences since Obama burst through the barricades - I don't know. But I'm not a very extraordinary person, so I would think so.
My only point in telling that story is just to say - at my own expense - that I think America is growing right now. And hopefully, though not certainly - win or lose, Barack has woken us all up more than we ever were before.
September 27, 2008 9:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hopefully it inspires people to vote in even higher numbers.
It could also be that McCain is weird...
Punching holes through the drywall and stuff......
Bush & his surrogates brought all this up in election 2000.
That McCain might have psychological problems.
September 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Doesn't seem like a stretch to me - makes me wonder why they're hiding his medical records. McCreepy, indeed.
September 27, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am surprised that in all the comments about McCain's non verbals, I haven't seen one mention of his choosing to leave the podium at the end of the debate by going AWAY from Obama. Obama turned and walked to his right to meet McCain in the center. McCain turned to the right, walked away from the center, around the front of the podium, and then into the center.
For me, that was the most attention grabbing moment of the whole 90 minutes.
September 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I see that many are agreeing; I don't. I think that McCain was badly outsmarted by Obama in Washington even though they got W. to flagrantly misuse the oval office for this juvenile political stunt (which they hoped was a winner), was deeply (and justly) humiliated, sees defeat looming large now, it was only a few hours before that it the humilation happened, he was forced to cave, and,
sure he was in one bad mood. If he is enraged with Obama, I think it's more that Obaba has been in the Senate 2 years and McCain I think 52 or 82 whatever it is, and he is losing his ass.
September 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting enough, MSNBC keeps spinning that it was a draw...
They really master the manipulation. They have not mentioned once the CBS poll, the CNN poll or the Lunz poll...
September 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I bet Palin is ready to overthrow him for real. Swipe the ticket for herself and run as Prez candidate and name a VP.
;)
September 27, 2008 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!
September 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
as the white parent of three black children (adopted, or "liberated" from Texas -apologies to Tena), I think that there was some racism involved. We cut quite the striking picture, my three baby dolls and myself, and I can always tell who is thinking "what the fuck is that white woman doing with those kids....is she a foster mother"? No eye contact.
There are tons of "salt and pepper" families out there, and I guarantee that they "got it" as well. In addition to ALL minority households. It was an insult, plain and simple. We may not say it in "public", but it is there.
phew. that felt good.
September 27, 2008 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you. We have come a long way in this country (evidence: current polls of this thread), but there is still so much racism in this country, that is evidenced in the subtle signs because most feel that they need to hide it.
September 27, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Insult, or fear. Either way, it's not good for McCain.
September 27, 2008 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't you dare apologize to me for taking kids out of Texas and relocating them in SANTA FE, for the love of god.
Please don't say you're sorry, renegade. ARe you fucking kidding me?
LOL!
I think you rock, in general, anyway. LOLOLOL
September 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
It appeared to me that McCain's "pucker factor" shot up 1000% when Senator Obama commented that McCain "sang about bombing Iraq." McCain's face contorted into a grimace and he would not look at Obama.
Seems to me Obama should use that line in both of the remaining debates to see if McCain would lose it completely.
September 27, 2008 2:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
OT
Watching the House GOP, and Rep. Blunt quoted Einstein. No GOP should ever be allowed to quote Einstein.
September 27, 2008 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Especially Blunt.
Sweet Screaming Jesus!
September 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."
-- Albert Einstein
September 27, 2008 3:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with the interpretation that not looking at Obama was mostly an attempt at self-control. I think it's all he can do to stay focused and keep his temper.
Simultaneously, though, I'm sure McCain is hating losing to the black guy, no doubt. I just think there's more going on.
I really think McCain is trying to hide A LOT of feelings these days, from everyone, including:
"I don't think I'm up to any of this, after all. I've made a huge mistake."
September 27, 2008 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
+1 on self-control.
September 27, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, after all the negative notice of how gnarly and surly McCain was - in their next debate is he going to smile a lot, look Obama in the eye and say things like "I agree with Barack..." ?
September 27, 2008 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
If he tries, he will end up looking even more creepy than he already does.
September 27, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
um...Pepto Bismal?
Yes. Last night he looked like he could use a bottle of it.
oy. That is really mean.
September 27, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
fat chance
September 27, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
i think that the possibility of McCain's head exploding is much greater in the debate focused on the economy. one can only hope.
September 27, 2008 2:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree considering that he almost lost it last night and I think he was on his best behavior. If he comes to a 2d debate not as on-guard as he was last night, I think there's every reason to think he'll finally lose it.
If Obama pressures him and why wouldn't he? He did last night.
No pundit, nobody but me has commented on what I really was a breakthrough moment, when Obama totally owned McLame -
It was when Obama answered McLame after he'd been saying that Obama didn't understand the difference between strategy and tactics and Obama started the answer then said:
"That..."[pause - looks right over at McLame]...is a strategy, John.
I thought he totally owned McLame and nobody else is mentioning it.
September 27, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree.
Obama's dominance was subtle but relentless. A lot of people were looking for something more dramatic, but Obama played it perfectly. Calm in the face of McCain's attempts to put him down, he was always respectful, yet clearly superior.
Getting too much in McCain's face could backfire with older and more conservative voters. Obama played it just right.
September 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't get that impression. I didn't hear him gritting his teeth. I heard dismissiveness in his voice but not anger.
But I confess to a bit of autistic-like cluelessness about visual impressions, as evidenced by failure to pick up on the no-eye-contact thing.
My take was that whatever anger-management technique he was using seemed to be working.
September 27, 2008 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama looked like the parent talking to an angry child. The child won't speak or look at him, just makes faces and ignores the grownup and the continues to tune out reality. John may as well stick his fingers in his ears, and start humming loudly. Or turn his back, cross his arms across his chest, stomp his feet, and poke his nose up in the air with a loud "Hmmph!"
September 27, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't tell if McCain reminds more of a petulent 6 year old or petulent 13 year old.
September 27, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
He reminds me of a very cranky old man, who is insisting on continuing in a role that he's just not up to. Time for McCain to head for the ranch, pour himself some lemonade, and spend some quality time in his own tire swing.
September 27, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I don't care if I've crash the car three times in the past month, I can drive my own car god damn it!"
September 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
no, no, no! Don't malign kids. McCain's petulance and cantankerousness is all his problem, his age related problem.
Srsly, I half expected him to turn to Obama and say "get off my stage, punk!"
I bet he wanted to. Bad.
September 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Point taken.
September 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't mean to offend the kids. Around my house they rule. A four year old has no other way to express or deal with her emotions. But when the candidate for U.S. president uses these strategies in the debate, well, he's displaying really poor coping skills, to say the least!
September 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
You've nailed it!
September 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's too early to say that McCain's "active intervention in the bailout negotiations have been a bust". This is an ongoing story, and there are features that work in McCain's favor: namely, that the final package will now contain features demanded by the house repulicans, whom he supports, and that they are proposing changes that may reduce the upfront cost. I've no idea if their ideas are better or not, but I think insuring debt is going to look a lot better to most Americans than buying it. And the House Republicans are working overtime to give McCain credit. And Obama is in NC today, while McCain is in DC. I don't know, but I get an uneasy feeling.........could be I've just suffered through too many Dem losses and can't believe our side will win.
As to Palin, I think he has to ditch her: How would this scenario play out: big rally with house republicans to celebrate McCain's intervention in the financial bailout, following shortly by Palin pulling out saying that she doesn't think it's fair to her family to stay on the ticket, followed by Romney being picked because McCain says that in these times we need someone who really undersands the economy.
I won't believe Obama is going to win until I see him making his inaugural address.
Pablo
September 27, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
If it plays well it will play will only to Repub base, mostly in places where McCain has already secured.
September 27, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Pablo -
Come on - the bailout is McLame's saving grace? Dude! There would be no need for a bailout if McLame and the Repugs hadn't ruined our economy in the first place.
September 27, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm with you on the inauguration thing...as for the whole bailout stuff? People aren't going to like it, because people don't really understand, I think, what crap the credit markets are in right now, and don't realize that our economy could go bad, fast, unless something gives. So McCain can take credit for an action that the American public simply doesn't want. Which raises questions about why he did what he did.
Maybe it's because the AP is reporting stuff like this today:
Who's McLouglin, you say? Leader of Freddie Mac. I think this whole bailout ploy was just that: a ploy to distract attention from Palin and Rick Davis and John McCain's ties to Freddie Mac.
September 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist, but I'm kind of beginning to believe it.
September 27, 2008 3:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I posted here a few days ago that I thought "suspending" his campaign might actually be a ploy to try to move last night's debate to next Thursday so they could postpone the VP debate to get more time to prep Palin.
I'm now convinced that was it. Once it was clear his "tactic" wouldn't work, and he'd be viewed negatively, he gave up on the idea. But the more I think about why he would pull such a wacky, pointless stunt - and then toss out the idea of postponing the vp debate as if it were an afterthought - the more I'me certain of it.
They did it to buy time for Palin.
September 27, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was a college debater, and did multiple policy related events in high school. There is nothing more infuriating and disrespectful than when someone refuses to look you in the eye.
I certainly noticed this during the debate. But I'm not sure how to interpret it from McCain's perspective (None of us can know why he behaved like this). From the viewer's perspective, however, it conveys an utter lack of respect for the opponent. I have trouble believing, now more than ever, whether McCain actually looked Putin in the eye.
/I looked McCain in the eye and saw F-E-A-R/
Another interesting interpretation is that McCain's temper is so erratic, that were he to actually look at Obama and engage him, he wouldn't be able to contain his anger. Something along the lines of "BOY! do you KNOW who I AM"
September 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
One thing that really struck me was that all these polls are so close to each other, its rare to see all 4 of these polls all showing about the same thing. Obama 49-50 and McCain 43-44
September 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
It appears we mostly agree as to the verdict on last night's debate. Questions on my mind at this point:
Barring any major game-changers, is this election O's to lose now?
What In The Hell is the McCain outfit going to do about Palin? Can they really go forward with the debate on Thursday as things stand?
The cops picked up a guy who had a gun in his car for trespassing at O's house in Chi a few days back. Is anyone else catching themselves praying to their deity-of-choice for Obama's safety at this point?
The first two seem like valid questions, and third reflects my secret innermost fear, I guess
September 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
all the time and since the primary.
I'd rather not have to think about it - it scares the fuck out of me.
And yeah, I think we've won this election - as long as Cheney or Bush don't get itchy red-button fingers.
September 27, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Most Americans are tired of war and conflict abroad. At this point, I think an itchy finger on BushCheney's part, will only make most of the undecideds run to Obama and away from Mr. McShootFromTheHip.
September 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Me too, Tena. I feel like we've won this thing, with all due respect to all the usual disclaimers with regard to complacency and so on. It's just the first time I've actually felt this way.
I remember walking back to the car in Springfield that morning after O announced his run - numb feet, numb hands, numb everything else - and saying to my wife, "...my god, imagine if he had a snowball's chance...". lol... and look where we are. Damned long strange trip, if you ask me.
September 27, 2008 3:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
On the third point, just had a conversation with a co-worker about that inner-tension when we watch Obama when that LIVE is in the upper left hand corner (and how does Michelle deal with this). But for whatever reason I have a intense faith in the secret service detail that has been assigned to him. These citizens should get as much praise as those serving in the military.
September 27, 2008 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know how Michelle deals with it except like you said, the Secret Service is good at what they do.
Plus something tells me that neither Michelle nor Barack have one single illusion about any of this. They knew going in what was going to happen, what would be required and the danger.
I don't know this, but I often wonder if African Americans don't have a more realistic view of risk than white Americans do.
He knew more would be expected of him - he's lept over every barrier and never complained, because he also knew that would be fatal.
September 27, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Most certainly.
September 27, 2008 3:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ive long held secret fears that it will be much harder to keep Obama in the White House than it will be getting him there.
But SS is much better nowadays than it was for Kennedy or even Reagan.
September 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
the problem is that Obama needs to be up by more than 7 ponts to negate the likely Bradley effect AND Republican shenanigans with voting machines, caging, etc. Otherwise they will pull the stuff and say the reason Obama lost was due to the Bradley effect. That is their out.
September 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know, that stupid phrase gets thrown around and I"ll just level with everyone - I have no idea what is meant by "Bradley Effect" but I don't think McLame or his minions have any clout with the people who run diebold. They aren't Commander CooCoo; they aren't Karl Rove.
And a lot of the crooked officials who made that happen in Ohio are gone.
September 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Similar to the Wilder effect...Whites lie so not to seem racist...It's common in exit poling.
September 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Bradley Effect says that out of guilt people will say they will vote for the African American and then when they get in the booth they vote for the white candidate. In this case it's basic bull, since if a pollster calls and asks, why would a racist hestitate to say they were voting for the Maverick, the former POW, the guy with all the experience who will keep American safe.
September 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks-- wondered what the Bradley effect was too...
September 27, 2008 3:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
lovin the avatar.
September 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ditto on that avatar.
September 27, 2008 10:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ok, but how this become a factor and not a fantasy?
Next time someone waves the Bradley Factor at me - be ready. I'm going to blast your head off.
It's just a theory - how can it be proven?
September 27, 2008 3:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bradley Effect is crap, in my opinion. I've always lie when exit pollsters converge on me and pepper me with questions how I voted. If there's more than one, I speak loud enough with the second one so the first one can overhear that I'm answering the same questions differently. I do it to skew their results.
September 27, 2008 7:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
“The ‘Bradley Effect’”: The phenomenon was first widely noted in 1982, when Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley lost a squeaker of a race for governor after being widely projected as the winner. Douglas Wilder also came up against the “Bradley Effect” when he barely won the 1989 contest for governor of Virginia, after leading comfortably in the polls.
http://www.doubletongued.org/index.php/dictionary/bradley_effect/
September 27, 2008 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Bradley effect came about some time ago when a black guy named Bradley was running for mayor of LA or some other CA election. He went in winning the polls and lost the election. The analysis came up with the hypothesis that a lot of people told the pollsters that they would vote for him but got into the booth and couldn't vote for a black.
The problem with it is that a lot of time has passed, more elections have shown that the effect is decreasing or non existant in many areas and whatever is left may be overcome by the increased % of blacks voting for a highly qualified candidate.
Nate Silver at FiveThirtyEight.com also had a very good analysis of the cell phone issue. He ultimately estimated that the underpolling would be about 2.8% in Obama's favor.
As to the people who count the votes. I've said since Palin was selected: she was put on to get the religous right who have been messing with vote counts at every level, in almost every state, for decades, to get in there and do it again this year. To loose new voter registrations, disqualify some because they are missing a punctuation mark, initimidate at the polls, challenge voters, disinform them, etc.
The huge number of newly registered Democrats will probably take care of all of this. McCain is helping so much that I now think we will all love him by Nov. 5th. For so thoroughly digging the GOP into an even deeper hole that will add at least another decade for them to dig out of.
September 27, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
There was no Bradley effect in the primaries.
He overperformed in Iowa, Oregon, Maine, Indiana where he almost freakin' won, Tennesse, Virginia, Wisconsin by like 15 points, Missouri.
September 27, 2008 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
People don't seem to realize that.
They point to the PA results, for instance, and say "Bradley effect!!!!!" when, in reality, Obama did better than pre-primary polls suggested.
I'm not saying that it might still be a factor, but you can't look at the primary results and draw the conclusion that they reflect Bradleys.
September 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Personally, I discount the Bradley Effect completely in this race. However, your second point about GOP election theft is well taken. I agree with your point about needing as wide a margin as possible going into 11/4, and must say that it looks like we're going to get it based upon the momentum of current polling.
September 27, 2008 3:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think the "effect people" are already for mcSham. Why would they lie about that? That likely explains why he's got higher numbers than the base would suggest.
September 27, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. I like the term "effect people."
September 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
True, and as bad as things still are - this just is not 1982. I just don't think people are as inclined to hide their bigotry as they were then. Call it the counter-balancing effect of the "Asshole Effect".
*Some* things have progressed a ways, and one of them is that so damned many folks don't mind being assholes right in your face these days.
Right-wing radio, and the general Jerry Springerization of media have contributed a lot to this "asshole effect", IMO.
September 27, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sad, but true.
September 27, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's I think true and odd, but the way it is.
I think racism is not as prevalent as it was because the one thing that I see that stands out as the success of integration is the social integration. It took awhile, but more and more the social integration is taking hold. As always, that's my perspective since I'm white and don't get discriminated against. It's awful hard for me to make a claim about racism easing up. But it looks so very much like that to me. Last time I went to the State Fair of Texas - 3 years ago, I believe, about every 5th couple I saw was bi-racial. Now, that used to stop traffic in Dallas, Texas, when I was a kid. Not anymore - now it's getting quite common.
So conversely it appears that die hard racists are just more open about it - I guess because it's a kind of last gasp.
September 27, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm with Nate Silver on this one:
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/08/persistent-myth-of-bradley-effect.html
September 27, 2008 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
How long do you all think it's going to be until some wing-nut (my guess is Malkin or Hewitt) floats the idea that McCain didn't look Obama in the eye because he couldn't turn his neck due to his POW injuries?
September 27, 2008 3:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol... such bitter irony.
September 27, 2008 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
One can hope so since it will draw more attention to it.
September 27, 2008 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Then someone will locate the video or the photo that proves them liars!
Doncha love the web?
September 27, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course, the basic statement would be "For 5 and half years I couldn't look an American in the eye."
September 27, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol... very nice..
September 27, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah. I can smell that one coming, fast, like a speed train.
September 27, 2008 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I posted a comment on Slate, remarking on McCain's blinking, and fidgetiness and someone replied with the same meme; it's because he was a POW.
At least McCain is consistent in one area of his campaign.
September 27, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's a vampire and can't stand the bright lights.
September 27, 2008 3:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that!!!
Finally some consistency! Now we can forecast!
September 27, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
One of the facets in the "difference between McCain and Obama" is that McCain is about what he (and Palin) is going to do, and Obama is about we as a country are going to do. (similar to the contrast between Obama and Hillary Clinton in the early phase of the primary).
Driving in my car early this morning, this song came on while I allowed myself to ponder the swearing ceremony of President Barack Obama in January, which sums up for me where Obama is coming from.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaI5IRuS2aE
September 27, 2008 4:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
True.
I like this version.
I don't know how old he is in that vid., but he's hot. ;)
September 27, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
aack. Here it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yuc4BI5NWU
September 27, 2008 4:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
It looks like the "Born in the USA" tour so that was probably 1984-85(?) (Crap, I'm old). So, he's around 36 or so.
Agreed, though...totally hot.
September 27, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hm.. Could be, but I was thinking "Nebraska".
September 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have to post this of Arlo singing this song - live concert video. Towards the end, the kids of the muscians who are on stage are what an Obama presidency promises.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_HGDCj8hP0&NR=1
September 27, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol... You really know your vintage folk, acamus. I thought I read a while back that you are pretty young - 20s or something it seems like you said. I'm impressed. No offense or anything, lots of young adults have this kind of appreciation, just not most of the ones I meet is all.
September 27, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
In the interest of truth and transparency, I'm 43.
September 27, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ah, sorry... must have thinking of someone else. But to tell the truth, I rarely meet *anyone* who has an appreciation for the kind of music I've seen post the links to. I like it. :)
September 27, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
i love how little girls manage to do that "little girl" thing wherever they are. they hug, fix each other's hair, hop around holding hands, whether its on stage, the soccer field, or in church. LOVE IT.
September 27, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm betting Bruce will be one of the headline acts at the inaugural party. I hope so.
September 27, 2008 4:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think Huckabee wants to go down the drain with McCain.
September 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
UTMark: Down the drain. With mcCain."
You've got a slogan, buddy!
September 27, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's get those bumperstickers rolling...
September 27, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll buy a dozen.
September 27, 2008 4:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it needs a logo too.
September 27, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's the image. Just put lipstick on it. And we're set:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap/610x.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.daylife.com/photo/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap&h=409&w=610&sz=78&hl=en&start=45&um=1&usg=__WIGOK8l_riYujSohyFLa_slks6U=&tbnid=bDXQkrsAkVOX5M:&tbnh=91&tbnw=136&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddown%2Bthe%2Bdrain%26start%3D40%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN
Down the drain. With mcCain.
September 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's perfect!
By the way, TheraP, I'm a therapist too. I work in a university counseling center in Utah, the land of Republican super-majorities and Mitt-mania. Other than that, it's a nice place to be.
September 27, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Beautiful state! I think our training comes in well in these strange days of so many sociopaths in public life.
September 27, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Funny, I've thought that about these times, and my training as a criminal defense lawyer.
;)
September 27, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, it has some of the most beautiful places in the world, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and on and on.
The sociopaths aren't just in public life. But yes, looking a political behavior from a psychological point of view is pretty interesting. Often discouraging and maddening, but always interesting.
September 27, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even better image of it:
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap/610x.jpg
September 27, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
BREAKING!!!
GAMBLERS for mcCain!
Be among the first to join this prestigious group and campaign for mcShame at your local Mega Church or other event near you.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
September 28, 2008 10:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lovely post from Deanie Mills, putting to rest all the lies mcShame told about how deeply he cares for military families. She was part of a group of them live-commenting on the debate. Now she's put out the word from the families.
Worth a read. And a rec'd.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/what-sen-mccain-doesnt-seem-to.php
September 27, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Replace her?
Most posters here expected McCain to either go ballistic, have a heart attack or appear senile at the debate. By all measures it was at worst a draw and more likely he outperformed expectations.
So like all your reactionary delusions you expect Palin to be a disaster. I guarantee you right now Biden's handlers are extremely nervous and with good reason.
September 27, 2008 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
All the polls and focus groups say Obama won. What evidence do you bring to the table to say otherwise. Without evidence, please go away. And when conservative commentator on NRO asks for her to step down you know you have a problem with the VP.
September 27, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
All of a sudden focus groups and polls represent evidence?
You're pathetic.
September 27, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, one more response. It's all one has to go on other than one's gut feeling. What is your evidence?
September 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
gut feeling.
September 27, 2008 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that in Fogu's eyes, "all measures" equates to "gut feeling".
September 27, 2008 7:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
"So like all your reactionary delusions you expect Palin to be a disaster. I guarantee you right now Biden's handlers are extremely nervous and with good reason."
Biden's handlers, as well as any garden variety American with a pules, knows that Biden will wipe the fucking floor with that inept moose hunter.
September 27, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, good to hear from you again, FogU2, ol' buddy! So tell me true, who's handlers' do you think are the MOST extremely nervous right now? Be careful before you answer, you hard-won credibility is on the line.
September 27, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin is probably hangin with the kids or hunting.
September 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
she may be, but for her handlers, shooting a lawyer in the face is not an option. All they've got is valium or Jack Daniels, or both.
September 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
"So like all your reactionary delusions you expect Palin to be a disaster. I guarantee you right now Biden's handlers are extremely nervous and with good reason."
Biden's handlers, as well as any garden variety American with a pules, knows that Biden will wipe the fucking floor with that inept moose hunter.
September 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Anyone else think Obama overdid the Jheri Curl?
September 27, 2008 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well I certainly think you overdid the racism right there.
September 27, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
The shine off his head was a little blinding.
September 27, 2008 4:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
What the hell got into you that you finally dropped the charade and let your inner Klansman out?
Jeez.
September 27, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
You have a problem with hair products?
September 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
No but you have a problem - you can't stand it that Obama won the debate.
I'm LMAO at you.
September 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Time for you to go back through the looking glass Alice.
September 27, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
WTF! Now I know you're just a fucking racist pig. This will be the last time I respond to you. Good-bye and I hope you climb back under the rock you climbed out under from.
September 27, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
See you down the road.
September 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
wow...you fuckface
September 27, 2008 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Poor ol' fu2, I mean fogu2 is beginning to thrash around more desperately. He knows he's going down the drain. With McCain.
September 27, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey ol' buddy.
September 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think he is McCain.
September 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh-hhhh y-yesssssss troll jizz all over my chest!
September 27, 2008 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
That does it.
Ban this fucker.
September 27, 2008 7:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know, you're just motivating us. You make me glad that I just stood out in the hot sun spending my Saturday registering voters for Obama.
Very glad. Keep it up! It's like you're some kind of bizarro world cheerleader.
September 27, 2008 7:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why didn't Obama demand McCartman release all his medical records?
September 27, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think they should be released and demands should be made but not by Obama.
September 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because that kind of thing doesn't play well with the undecideds/independent voters.
September 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
So true. I have asked a lot of people and for some reason they do not feel it is necessary and it is an invasion of privacy. Go figure.
September 27, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brief soundbite of Obama's from NC rally:
“The truth is, through 90 minutes of debating, John McCain had a lot to say about me, but he had nothing to say about you,” Mr. Obama told a crowd of supporters here. “He didn’t even say the words ‘middle class.’ He didn’t say the words ‘working people.’”
September 27, 2008 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is the "we" of the people versus the "we" of the rich.
September 27, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes. Obama will be the president of ALL the people. Whereas a repub is the president of the few, while lying to the rest.
September 27, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
About McCain not looking at Obama: I'm not sure how much it had to do with race. At the Saddleback forum he barely looked at Rick Warren. I thought it was strange behavior then as well.
September 27, 2008 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Could be - I cannot speak to his inner being. However, whatever the reason, it struck many of us as racist, so I'm not sure it matters.
September 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
In that case he probably didn't look at him due tot he fact that he knew the questions ahead of time.
September 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
The mannerisms and facial expressions were not the same, and tell the full story.
September 27, 2008 4:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Everything strikes you as racist. Except actual racism like the black voters voting for Obama based on race.
Conclusion: you are the racist.
September 27, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sez the guy with the avatar that calls Obama Big Brutha
dude.
ROFLMAO
September 27, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
You spend alot of time on the floor. At your age you'd better consider The Clapper™
September 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
He shoots!
O, he misses. Ain't that a bitch!
ROFLMAO
September 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Kind of the like the Bear DNA line moment last night.
September 27, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
You what I find funny, fogu? I've been reading this board for years, and though I've only recently started posting here, I am pretty damned familiar with everyone here - including you.
Occasional flames aside, you seem not to understand how graciously you've been treated. This has caused me to do some thinking about you, and others like you.
Let me put this in very simple terms for you:
You come across as someone who hasn't a clue what you are talking about. You don't have a single friend offline or on. When you try to make friends with someone you get hurt because they soon reject you, and you don't understand why this is so. There are very good reasons for this, but you never consider what they might be since this is a hurtful and frightening thing to do. So instead you respond by practicing the most offensive behavior you personally can imagine so that you do not have to admit to yourself that you are not a likable person.
September 27, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think you hit the nail on the head.
September 27, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well. I am a carpenter, by trade. :)
September 27, 2008 5:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
From the "has to be said" files: so was someone who is said the meek shall inherit the earth.
September 27, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
:)
September 27, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
not that one who walks on water ...right?
September 27, 2008 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Down the Drain. With mcCain
click on the image... imagine with lipstick!
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap/610x.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.daylife.com/photo/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap&h=409&w=610&sz=78&hl=en&start=45&um=1&usg=__WIGOK8l_riYujSohyFLa_slks6U=&tbnid=bDXQkrsAkVOX5M:&tbnh=91&tbnw=136&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddown%2Bthe%2Bdrain%26start%3D40%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN
September 27, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol really loud... yup. that's it... What was that about a picture being worth...uhh. yep.
September 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even better image:
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap/610x.jpg
Down the Drain. With mcCain.
Somebody who knows how to photo shop, please....
September 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Caption reads: Pig says "Thanks, but no thanks" as local firefighter tries to save the it from almost certain defeat."
September 27, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
so funny!
September 27, 2008 5:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is too perfect - but for the lipstick - I agree it needs it.
September 27, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Somebody get some lipstick on that beauty!
September 27, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
The devil's makin' me do this:
Down the Drain. With mcCain.
Into the Muck. With mcF...
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap/610x.jpg
Pig needs lipstick and the caption: Thanks but no thanks (over the pig... like in a little pink cloud)
September 27, 2008 5:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ask and ye shall receive! (Don't and ye shall kick off!)
http://jzap.com/img/pig.jpg
September 27, 2008 7:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now do a little blog, someone.
September 27, 2008 8:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
BREAKING!!!
GAMBLERS for mcCain!
Be among the first to join this prestigious group and campaign for mcShame at your local Mega Church or other event near you.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
September 28, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Debate comment: John McCain came to last night's debate with a high risk offensive game plan: to deliver a fatal blow to Barack Obama. That's what the 'you don't understand' line was about. Guess what. It didn't work. In fact, it backfired. Obama's strong response to the McCain attack demonstrated his abilities AND made him appear more likable at the same time.
September 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
And here's why it did not work. All the viewers saw a man who manifestly DID understand. So when the old grumpy guy kept right on telling the same story over and over... he looked totally out of touch.
September 27, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know - it was gorgeous.
Which is why I still think there was that breakthrough moment when Obama said in effect, bitch, I do know the difference and you don't.
I loved that. I swooned when he did that {pause} look right at McLame and "that's strategy, John."
September 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
THAT WAS HILARIOUS HOW YOU PUT THAT! Tina you owe me a new keyboard!
September 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
more magical thinking.
September 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
backed by magical poll numbers, magical voter registration numbers and numbers of dollars raised.
I think this must be a substitute fogu - it's so listless.
September 27, 2008 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Palin Fogu to the McCain Fogu?
September 27, 2008 4:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Or some college freshman on 'ludes.
September 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
After watching the Couric interviews, I would say there isn't much difference.
September 27, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like mcShame - it's an animated Corpse.
September 27, 2008 5:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama was going out of his way to be reasonable with an unreasonable man.
September 27, 2008 8:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
too funny. And the firefighter is the debate tutor.
September 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
and First Alert™
September 27, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Damn reply!
September 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
My future ex-husband: A-
McCain: B-
Obama clearly brought some vasaline to this fight!
I give McCain credit for going after Obama and nailing him with the "you're too inexperienced and naive" card (which he'll have to pay for when inexperienced Palin goes against pitbull Biden next week).
The reason why I think Obama won (not only because all polls out suggest undecideds thought Obama did the better job) is because he didn't let McCain sucker punch him. I was VERY proud of him. It's like he didn't go out like a punk this time. He held his ground. And every punch McCain threw at him slid right off...like he had brought some vasaline to the fight with him! (I could have sworn I saw Michelle take them earings off a couple of times).
I saw a different Obama this time...
And now I know the cure for my insomnia...whenever I need to fall asleep (and get a good nights rest) just listen to McCain speak. Because I swear I fell asleep listening to him talk. But Obama on the other hand was fresh, crisp, and on his feet!
Can't wait until Oct. 2. Not only is it my birthday, but that's when we'll be able to see the Pitbull with lipstick against the Pitbull with substance!
September 27, 2008 5:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fuck me! That's my birthday - October 2!!!!!!!
You are only the second person I've met who has my birthday.
September 27, 2008 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
OH SNAP! Are you serious? OMG, I've never met anyone with the same birthday as me. No wonder I agree with everything you say.
Aren't Libras the best?
September 27, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I might be biased but yeah Libras are the best.
September 27, 2008 5:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're another person that I always agree with (eventhough I'm usually ghost on this website) are you a Libra too?
September 27, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
through and through.
September 27, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes.
We are.
:)
September 27, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great, maybe our birthday present will be next Friday when Palin get's mauled by the pitbull Biden...This is gonna be good!
September 27, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Libra women rock. Libra men are awful, terrible players. /astrologer
September 27, 2008 9:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Gandhi is Oct 2 as well.
September 27, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gandhi, Groucho Marx (argue argue argue) Wallace Stevens ( the greatest poet this country has ever produced, IMO,) Sting - born the same day and same year as me and I want to know how come he is an international superstar and I ain't.
September 28, 2008 12:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL, Oct. 2nd...you too Tena? I am thinking Joe Biden will give us a great b-day present next Thursday night. Just a feeling I have... ;-)
September 28, 2008 12:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!!!
and thanks for the compliment -
September 27, 2008 5:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
The devil's makin' me do this:
Down the Drain. With mcCain.
Into the Muck. With mcF...
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e9R8TLgyX4Ap/610x.jpg
Pig needs lipstick and the caption: Thanks but no thanks (over the pig... like in a little pink cloud)
September 27, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Second'd.
September 27, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Then, in a little corner of the pig's ear - Earmark
September 27, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course, the photo was taken somewhere along the Road to Nowhere.
September 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
dangly earmark earrings!!
She's got a thing for totally inappropriate earrings.
September 27, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
wouldn't that be cute? Ear rings that say "earmark"
September 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
BREAKING!!!
GAMBLERS for mcCain!
Be among the first to join this prestigious group and campaign for mcShame at your local Mega Church or other event near you.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
September 28, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama camp says Palin is a terrific debater.
Link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/27/vice-presidential-debate_n_129907.html
September 27, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahahahaha!!!!!!
September 27, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
OMG Tena, not when I am drinking here, you made me laugh at that one.
September 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
What ... does BWAAAAAAAHAH mean, if you don't mind my asking?
September 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't beleeehh.....
September 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Play it up! I read that earlier elsewhere. They are just putting the screws to the mcphalin' campaign.
Make it harder for them to let go of her!!!
September 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes and playing out that rope they've given her.
They just keep giving her more.
BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAhahahahaha!!!! Hee!
I'm waiting for a group of women to get out of a dress shop in Arroyo Seco and come get me. I wonder how long I"m going to be here?
'LOL
September 27, 2008 5:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great!!!
Stick a fork. Funny as hell. Palin is the queen of debates.
September 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seriously, did you hear Joe Biden last night, you could cram for two months and not come close to his knowledge. Plus, the guy is just damn likable.
September 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
MONHTHS?
September 27, 2008 7:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, years :)
September 27, 2008 10:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I remember being surprised seeing McCain's gaze fixated on Palin's chest as they stood next to each other when she spoke at a podium for the first time after he picked her for VP. Check out the videotape if you can find it somewhere.
September 27, 2008 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I saw that too. LOL.
September 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Me too!
September 27, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sexist, sexist, sexist is what they are gonna say when she get's eatin alive...
PULEEEZE!
September 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
She may actually be a good debater .. for Alaska. I suspect, her folksy way plays well there and the content of debates of a very different caliber. If she had good command of the issues, which I can't imagine her having ... she could do well.
September 27, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for saving me writing your first sentence.
I have thought and thought about this. There is simply no way a person could fake how this woman talked in interviews.
And a debate - on national and international affairs, well... that's a stretch if anyone thinks she can handle it.
She may have talkingpoints. But she's gonna give us a stew of words. A carrot here. Piece of meat there. onions. some peas. etc. All in a mish-mosh. With no linkage except gravy.
September 27, 2008 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess their base is still so mesmerized by the dame that they just don't care.
That's republicans for you. They simply don't care.
September 27, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually her poll numbers have dropped 18 points.
September 27, 2008 6:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
And on Intrade, just now, Obama is up over 16 points.
Imagine the points mcShame will drop when his Trophy can't do her tricks well on Thursday.
September 27, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's one trick that may be looming. It might McCain a few more news cycles. Her daughter might get married soon.
September 27, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
they will question those numbers, of course, just like they questioned mcShame's numbers this week.
We are deluded, according to them.
September 27, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whenever they talk about Todd (the dude) Palin, I keep picturing Bill Murray and Gilda Radner on SNL playing Todd and Lisa Loopner.
September 27, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't be a clod, Todd!
September 27, 2008 7:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I"m outta here - love ya peeps.
September 27, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
I assume she can memorize talking points for most question scanarios and they will have undoubtedly worked on her "coherency" issues (I can't believe I have to write that...) but certainly there will be curveballs that cannot be prepared for...
September 27, 2008 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's no way you can prepare for the order of questions. And all of us can only hold so many thoughts in working memory. 5-7. Maybe less for her. That's why we have these wonderfully elaborated neural networks, so we can "chunk" information - thus saving keeping info in short term memory. Since she lacks such networks, she's like a person trying to jump logs in a raging river. Not easy. No logic. Leaps of faith!!!!
September 27, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Plus, each question, new raging river, new logs to jump.
September 27, 2008 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
...new raging river, new logs to jump....
lol...that's so Alaska appropriate. 5-7 thoughts...shit. Really? I can never let my wife know that I now know that.......
September 27, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's the other thing. This lady is notoriously lazy. I bet she's not thrilled with being drilled.
Handlers to Sarah: Drill, Baby, Drill!
September 27, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gwen Ifill's questions will go a long way in how Gov. Palin does. If they're straight forward questions that allow Palin to parrot talking points, Palin will do well, however if they're nuanced and forced Palin to have to at least apply her talking points, things could get interesting.
I expect Palin to outright lie at points figuring that 60M folks will watch, and only a fraction of those will learn about her fabrications later on.
September 27, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's one event that may be looming and it might get McCain a few more news cycles. Her daughter might get a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4837644.ece">married soon.
September 27, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
After the Kouric interview I have concluded that McCain was hovering over her,watching her read her lines in fear of what could happen if she lost her place and tried to wing it.
September 27, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
I ain't no PUNK...I got a bracelet too! (@ 1:20)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a63v0GF8Fs4&feature=bz303
September 27, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain supporters feel a Palin Shotgun Wedding might help flagging campaign!
Unbelievable....
September 27, 2008 6:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe the wedding will take place next Thursday in Alaska...
(Sorry I couldn't make the debate, but my daughter was getting married)
September 27, 2008 7:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
The person who was quoted in that article who thinks that the campaigns would shut down for a week so we could follow every detail of a forced shotgun wedding - at a time when the country is headed down the shitter - needs to be hunted down and smacked upside their head repeatedly. That is about the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
Do these people really think that Americans have come to "romanticize" these poor young kids who have been forced into the spotlight by her overly ambitious mother? It's sickening. Every American would know it was a publicity ploy and it would put the last nail in the McCain campaign's coffin.
September 27, 2008 8:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I predict they will never get married either, all show.
September 27, 2008 10:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Question which is worse for McCain
1. Sarah Plain bowing out as VP this week?
2. Sarah Plain debate turns out to be a debacle?
September 27, 2008 6:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin bowing out.
If she is a debacle at the debate, the wingnuts (specifically the fundies) won't really care. It'll just drive away the Indies. If she bows out, McCain loses the wingnuts plus the Indies are still driven away at the tacit admission that he made a terrible decision.
September 27, 2008 8:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Question which is worse for McCain
1. Sarah Plain bowing out as VP this week?
2. Sarah Plain debate turns out to be a debacle?
September 27, 2008 7:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
debacle. Palin bowing out gives the faithful a mental escape hatch.
September 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
You really think debacle? My god, the implications of either seem fatal, but I guess have to go with bowing out. The very idea reminds me of Gilda Radner's Weekend News Update rants on SNL, where the obvious gets pointed out to her and she responds with, "Never mind."
September 27, 2008 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Richard Fader from Fort Lee, New Jersey, writes...
September 27, 2008 8:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
what? what does he write?
September 27, 2008 8:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Everything Roseanne Roseannadanna replies to
September 27, 2008 8:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
And then Jonze brings up Palin on SNL. How weird. The planets are aligned.
September 27, 2008 8:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
God I miss her. She was so great.
September 27, 2008 10:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol... Those questions pare away a lot of bs, don't they?
And in that spirit let me just say that the answer is this: Yes.
September 27, 2008 7:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's like asking if one would rather have red-hot poker rammed down their throat, or up their ass - kind of.
September 27, 2008 7:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
a tad brutal but true.
September 27, 2008 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh yeah - brutal as hell, and that's exactly how I meant it. Think about it. What could be a more brutal choice for McCain right now - Commit political suicide, or commit political suicide?
September 27, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
On reflection, that was crass. Probably should have gone with: have your left arm bitten off or have your right arm bitten off.... or something along those lines.
September 27, 2008 7:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Brutal. Not Brutal. It's all metaphorical. Or is all allegorical? Are we just Ahab seeking to take down Moby Dick? Is history just a dream that we can't quite remember a little more each moment?
September 27, 2008 7:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL.
September 27, 2008 7:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seems to be a lull, and call me sappy but I feel the need to post this again, Arlo singing his father's song This Land is Your Land. But aside from the song summing up an America under Obama, the children at the end of this video sum of the promise of an America under Obama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_HGDCj8hP0
(plus it has it nice story told to Arlo by Woody)
September 27, 2008 7:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hot Damn, that was awesome! And I want one of those sparkly big-eared headbands like that little cutie was sporting.
September 27, 2008 8:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
We should all get a pair for the inaugurual partoes we will all be attending.
September 27, 2008 9:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Does he tell that the music was stolen from Little Darlin Pal O'' Mine?
September 27, 2008 9:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin might make a "surprise appearance" on SNL this week.
September 27, 2008 7:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh gawd. If SNL drools over the fact that such a celebrity should grace their presence, then the ghost John Buleshi shall truly scream an unholy curse.
September 27, 2008 8:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
As in tonight.
So she doesn't do press conferences, post-debate surrogate work, town halls and hand picks interviewers but she can do SNL...
(I guess she'd rather the Sunday talkies use that footage rather than the Katie Couric interview)
September 27, 2008 8:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
If SNL kowtows to her I'll never watch it again (not that really watched it recently)
September 27, 2008 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hear hear.
In Tom Shales' oral history of SNL--which is excellent reading--Tom Davis of Davis & Franken described how in the early days of the show, after it had taken off, Henry Kissinger's assistant called looking for tickets to the show.
Al Franken got immediately pissed, went to the producer who was dealing with the call, and said, "Gimme that." Franken then yelled into the phone, "TELL KISSINGER IF HE HADN'T F*CKING BOMBED CAMBODIA, HE WOULD HAVE HAD HIS F*CKING TICKETS!" and then hung up loudly.
If there was any sense of real danger left to that show, they'd offer the McCain camp all the assurances that Sarah would be treated with deference, and then pull a complete rug out from under her.
Hell, they did it with Ron Nessen, Ford's press secretary.
I don't think Lorne Michaels has the balls anymore, however. It will be a complete fluff.
September 27, 2008 8:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great story. Thanks. I'll check out the book. SNL has long ago lost its Second City roots. Nothing pisses me off more (well, there are real injustices like Dafur) than shows like SNL passing themselves off as cutting edge when they're just a series of skits aimed to make frat boys laugh.
September 27, 2008 8:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
SNL has a long history of brilliant-lame-brilliant-lame cycles. If I had to guess, I'd say the cycle has about a five-year period.
September 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
If there was anytime that they should reach down and find that brillance, it is right now. Skewer McCain. Skewer Obama. Skewer this culture.
September 27, 2008 8:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, but like this isn't gonna piss off those at CNN etc. It's like the MSM is a hornet's nest and the McCain camp is using Palin as stick to poke poke poke. It really doesn't make any sense.
September 27, 2008 8:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah I can see them get annoyed when SNL gets more time they do.
September 27, 2008 8:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Anderson Cooper is the first one to go ballastic (aside from Caferty already saying she is a disaster).
September 27, 2008 8:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
With her horrible Couruc interview, seems like a bad time to do SNL.
September 27, 2008 9:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
No joke. Don't you think she'd be better served spending her time cramming for the debate?
September 27, 2008 9:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've given up predictions. Too many chaotic players.
September 27, 2008 8:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just remember, you check out any time you want, but you can never leave.
September 27, 2008 8:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Righto!
September 28, 2008 3:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is my guess.
I don't think SNL is going to go ballastic or make look Palin lame. If Palin does appear on SNL- I guess they will do a brief "spot the difference" skit alongside Tina Fey.
I don't know why McCain camp is doing it, unless SNL will help them mock rest of us who think she's incompetent. Also, may be it will help further lower (if that's possible) the expectations for the upcoming VP debate.
September 27, 2008 8:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Probably. But it doesn't say much about how they view (rightly) their position in the election, i.e. are best chance is to mock ourselves.
September 27, 2008 8:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't forget that Lorne Michaels maxed out to McCain already. $2300.
September 27, 2008 8:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Really. Okay. Now it all makes so much sense.
September 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Off topic: Anyone know what deal deal is with old reader Posts? I can't get to some posts I wrote back in August.
September 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said:
"Barack Obama. Putting complete sentences back into the White House."
I was cracking up!
September 27, 2008 9:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Perfect. Awesome. Excellent.
September 27, 2008 9:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
:)
September 27, 2008 10:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Re: Josh's post about the WH meeting with Obama and McCain; fabulous piece of reporting.
A few things jumped out at me.
1) When Obama kept asking McCain what he thought of the plan, I read that as a genuine question that wasn't meant to entrap McCain. He had asked for the meeting, so it's logical to assume that McCain had at least some idea of what he wanted to discuss.
2) Lets say the above explanation is impossibly naive. If it really was just Kabuki theater, it was a brilliant move on Obama's part to refuse to play the role assigned him. If Obama did call McCain's bluff, and McCain can't handle it, he has no one to blame but himself.
September 27, 2008 9:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
1) What jumps out at me is that McCain and company have no idea what they are dealing with in Obama.
2) Bush turned to McCain to talk about seniority. Was that because of familiarity or a slight at Barack's lack of washington seniority?
September 27, 2008 9:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not sure about the Bush "joke" about seniority. My initial thought when I read it was that it was a smartass reaction to the way Obama ran with the ball when Pelosi and Reid handed it to him.
September 27, 2008 10:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
We're talking depth vs. shallow vessels here.
September 27, 2008 9:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
I dunno. I just think McCain didn't take the bait, was pissed and made Obama look childish.
If the story is accurate, McCain will be out for revenge.
September 27, 2008 9:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why does Obama look childish?
September 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
From what I heard, the evidence has to do with fogu's gut feelings?
September 27, 2008 9:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I do know that fogu's gut feelings summarize "all measures". No need for any outside metrics or explanations.
September 27, 2008 10:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
What kind of "revenge" do you think he can mete on Obama? Dump Palin and get a "real" VP? Come out with nastier ads? Not invite him to tea?
September 27, 2008 10:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
He can give him the evil smirk.
September 27, 2008 10:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
He could call him out for being uppity.
September 27, 2008 10:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, yes, totally. Can't have a uppity CIC.
September 27, 2008 10:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
After watching that debate, I am very happy. Obama will win and he will put the nation back on track. I have been worrying and whining for months about the Obama campaign. It is over. Thank God. For the religious, we all need to go to Church on Sunday. Thank God! We finally get our country back after decades in the wilderness. Thank God!
September 27, 2008 9:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Random thought: When the MSM was in the middle of the Palin lovefest and Obama was taking a hit in the polls, I seem to recall a lot of handwringing amongst the punditocracy about whether Obama should've picked Clinton instead of Biden; now that the economy is tanking and Palin has proven herself to be way out of her league, why do you all think we haven't seen the same level of handwringing about whether McCain should've chosen Romney?
September 27, 2008 9:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think we have to wait until 2011 when the Repubs are imploding on themselves trying to get a nominee and VP to tske on President Obama.
September 27, 2008 9:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ahhh...the MSM is pacing themselves.
September 27, 2008 9:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
They don't want to get winded before the 22nd century.
September 27, 2008 9:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bush was snubbing the Democrats for letting the "junior Senator" speak for them. If Obama only said "we have to get something done...", Bush may have taken it as a lightwieght statement but the thing is, the Democrats were all on the same page and what Obama was doing was forcing it back to the Republicans.
Its interesting that Reid and Pelosi handed the ball to Obama because it says (to me at least) that he's the leader of the Democrats now and we are together. They knew the Reps. were splintered and McCain was forced to choose.
This could explain, as Josh says, McCain's anger because during the debate, Barack keeps calling him John, *not deferring to seniority* and THAT pissed McCain off.
My take, for what its worth.
September 27, 2008 9:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Arggh. Meant for Agrippina
September 27, 2008 9:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually it was meant for tonnyb...jeez, its been a long week. Sorry folks... (hiding under rock)
September 27, 2008 9:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you see fogu? :)
September 27, 2008 9:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seriously,...you're on a roll tonight.
September 27, 2008 10:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Remember to tip your waitstaff.
September 27, 2008 10:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
You can see the frustration in the Repub surrogates when they try to push the Dems have had Congress the last two years.
McCain has to convinvce people to re-elect Repubs so they can then reform them.
Obama is about electing the Dems so he can lead them to a new way of governing.
September 27, 2008 9:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I sure wouldn't want to have to herd those cats (R-Litterbox)
September 27, 2008 9:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
"hey, you little bastards, get over here,...you over there where are you going?...hey hey hey come back here!...where's the Califorinia Representives?...what, no you can't go to the bathroom right now."
September 27, 2008 10:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah...LOL!
September 27, 2008 10:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
NY Times article about McCain's connections with the gambling industry:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/us/politics/28gambling-web.html?hp=&pagewanted=all
September 27, 2008 9:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mr. McCain’s spokesman, Tucker Bounds, would not discuss the senator’s night of gambling at Foxwoods, saying: “Your paper has repeatedly attempted to insinuate impropriety on the part of Senator McCain where none exists — and it reveals that your publication is desperately willing to gamble away what little credibility it still has.”
Tucker is just soooo witty.
September 27, 2008 9:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why are all people named Tucker automatic doubebags? Bonds, Carlson, etc.
September 27, 2008 10:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
nurture over nature
September 27, 2008 10:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know, these Tuckers were some mothers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhsGnS9av_A
September 27, 2008 10:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Was that Bounds with the tambourine?
September 27, 2008 10:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Back before he went to Palin's church in Wasilla...
September 27, 2008 10:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL. I think I saw the made for tv movie about his conversion on the Trinity Broadcasting Network: Rock n Roll degenerate turned GOP operative with healing hand of God.
September 27, 2008 10:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because it rhythms with F***er?
September 27, 2008 10:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's always the most simple answer.
September 27, 2008 10:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here is that article about the Obama's marriage. Nice read, also, the NYT has big article on McCain's gambling problem, or as Sarah would say, gamblin' problem.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathlyn-and-gay-hendricks/the-obama-relationship-a_b_128896.html
September 27, 2008 10:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
A chance for a real camelot.
September 27, 2008 10:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
It would be so nice. Four years of Cindy, OMG, just shoot me. She has arrogant, judgmental and snotty written all over her.
September 27, 2008 10:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
The O.C. meets the White House.
September 27, 2008 10:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
A new Obama web ad if you find yourself needing motivation to fight the good fight -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzuIHjQYW2c
September 27, 2008 10:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great, now I won't be able to sleep tonight.
September 27, 2008 10:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good stuff.
September 27, 2008 10:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is NOT the last thing you want to see as you go drifting off to sleep. Thanks for the nightmare material, Jonze.
September 27, 2008 10:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's probably my favorite Obama vid as a peace (of mind) offering - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s9ubMQX7WE
September 27, 2008 10:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I sooooo can't wait for his inaugurual speech. ROAD TRIP!
September 27, 2008 11:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thats a fucking GREAT ad. Skewers Brokaw too...
September 27, 2008 10:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Everyone at HuffPo is having a fit about this ad. They're like, "OMG! Why would they do that? Oh, noes!"
September 28, 2008 1:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
OT, I know but this seems like an appropriate place to inject a tidbit from the Cook Report
Oh so many things hat seemed impossible a few months ago seem so much closer at this point. Do they not?
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/cr_20080927_7390.php
September 27, 2008 11:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because of his ability to disassociate himself from Bush early on, McCain was the Repubs best hope down ticket. Now Obama threatens to sweep in Dems on his coattails that only recently would have been long shots at best.
September 27, 2008 11:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
yup. When I read that bit I quoted I was reminded of the refrain from the Roger Waters song that Jonze posted the link to: The Tide Is Turning.
September 27, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!
Fay was perfect again.
September 27, 2008 11:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
*Fey
September 27, 2008 11:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin on SNL was a KOS rumor I guess because she wasn't there and Fey destroyed her again, so I don't think she'll ever go.
Asking to use her phone a friend during the Couric interview like it was "Who wants to be a millionaire" was brilliant.
The bar is set so damn low though. All the previous interviews and SNL skewing will mean nothing if she holds her own in the debate. The bar is so low, if the doesn't run off stage crying she's going to be seen as the winner of the night.
I almost hope that McCain some how gets the VP debate canceled. This way they'd be slammed again for hiding her, and the lasting images of her would be the Couric interview debacle.
She holds her own on Thursday and it will be framed "Gov Palin rose to the occasion and this just became a race again".
September 27, 2008 11:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I sort of agree. I am a little worried about the expectations game going on right now. Then again, if there is anyone who will fail to meet the insanely low expectations set for him or her, it'd be Sarah "In what respect?" Palin.
September 28, 2008 12:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
- I got home tonight and I had a message on my answering machine from a friend who'd seen the Katie Couric interview and was totally totally aghast - the message was
"O my god, that woman is dumber than rocks!"
quit worrying Jonze. It's absurd to imagine for one second that she's going to walk off with that debate.
She's stupider than a box of hair - there's no way she can remember enough shit to make sense.
September 28, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hah! Box of hair. Me like! :D
Lessee here, filing that one between "Bag of Hammers" and "Sack of Onions".
September 28, 2008 12:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sack of onions - oo, I haven't heard that one.
That's good too.
September 28, 2008 12:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jonze- Man, seriously I wouldn't want to be you. What happened to your Henry Kissenger nationwide expose?
Palin is useless. Even if she holds up, which is a big IF, it doesn't mean McLame will get his mojo back. With economy tanking, major breaking bad news every week, no one really cares of believes McPalin is the ticket.
If she does okay, she ain't the story for too long, and if she doesn't she ain't the story for too long either. She is loose loose situation really.
September 28, 2008 12:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
I predict she'll survive. I don't expect her to be a complete disaster, but she'll stick to her talking points and will come out looking like a very insecured, protected VP candidate. She will not come across as an asset, intellectually. That's not going to happen. She just doesn't have brains to sound intellectual.
September 28, 2008 12:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Please - sound intellectual? She can't even sound intelligent because she's not and she's not just average - she's fucking dumb!
Dumb! She's too dumb to understand what it is they are making her memorize.
September 28, 2008 1:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
me either. I've never known anyone who was so addicted to disaster scenarios and worrying about shit that hasn't happened yet. I don't know how a person lives that way - I don't know how you'd walk out the door in the morning.
I mean, I've seen actual incredible horrifying pictures of things people have done to other people - loads of them from the criminal trials I've read - thousands. I could spend my whole life constantly looking over my shoulder, looking for some one who might do something like to me - but I can't live like that. That's not living.
I just don't understand...
September 28, 2008 1:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
O god - I'm watching SNL - who is the music guest? Where's Lil Wayne - I want Lil Wayne back.
This blonde is wretched.
September 28, 2008 1:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't you know the goddess that is Duffy, Tena? Mercy has been on my iPod for like a year!
September 28, 2008 1:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well I guess I'm not the only person awake.
She may look like a goddess, but she don't sound like one. At least to me.
But see, I love Lil Wayne. Lloyd Banks. Young Buck. Lil Jon. Jean Grae, T.I....
September 28, 2008 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ok, I'm talking to myself.
September 28, 2008 1:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, you're not. LOL
Tina Fey absolutely KILLED it again. Thing is, she used Palin's actual words for a lot of it. Sad, sad, sad. But good for the laffs!
Oh, and I like the expression "Crazy as a bag of ferrets", myself. :)
September 28, 2008 1:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
She was incredible - I agree. She was better this week.
September 28, 2008 1:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Red Alert: Whoa!!! McLame is totally irrevocably fucked!
I know I'm all alone, but I couldn't resist posting this.
September 28, 2008 1:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
*Sniff Sniff* Do I smell i media meme brewing?
September 28, 2008 2:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Palin pick, "suspension" of campaign, etc. are more manifestations of a gambler's mentality. I'm so totally NOT surprised by this.
Connecting more dots, I think he thinks he's in the Rat Pack where women are "broads", the liquor always flows and Frank is in the Big Room at the Sands.
September 28, 2008 2:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Especially fck'd since the fundy christies are dead set against gambling of any sorts.
September 28, 2008 6:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I just love that.
Karma!!!
September 28, 2008 9:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
BREAKING!!!
GAMBLERS for mcCain!
Be among the first to join this prestigious group and campaign for mcShame at your local Mega Church or other event near you.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
September 28, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
... but not all gamblers. McSame avoids games where you have to do too much thinking, like blackjack or poker. No, he's more of a roulette or craps man.
Crappers For McSame!
September 28, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is perfect!!!!
September 28, 2008 7:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
A new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll shows 46% of people who watched Friday night's presidential debate say Democrat Barack Obama did a better job than Republican John McCain; 34% said McCain did better.
Obama scored even better -- 52%-35% -- when debate-watchers were asked which candidate offered the best proposals for change to solve the country's problems.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2008/09/usatgallup-poll.html
September 28, 2008 1:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was just trying to upload an avatar much like yours. I couldn't get it working. Then I realized yours is much like the one I was trying to upload. So I guess I'll give up for now :)
September 28, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
This thread is about 19 hours long with 443 posts:
First post was by CT Voter @ 1:56 PM on Sept 27, 2008.
My post was @ 6:59 AM Sept 28, 2008
TPM going for a record - max # of posts in 24 hours on a single thread?
September 28, 2008 7:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not even close. I believe that our record occurred back when Hillary made her allusion to RFK's assassination remarks during the primary. We were well over 1,000. You should search for it in the archives. It was a wild, wild ride.
Sorry about going there!
Let's return to the present.
September 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Crazy days. Thank god for Unity.
September 28, 2008 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, indeed, and while I was pretty hard on Hill during that rough ride, she sure is out there campaigning hard for Obama, isn't she? Bless her heart. We need to show our appreciation by throwing some money towards her campaign debt, I think.
September 28, 2008 11:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
While this thread is live, can someone please explain where the whole "THIS IS EXCELLENT NEWS FOR JOHN MCCAIN!!!!!" thing originated? I am just curious and I have never found an answer.
September 28, 2008 8:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Idiotic. A poster. Who posts nothing but "excellent news" - always for the loser. So, it started with Hillary in the primary. And has migrated to mcCain.
September 28, 2008 9:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
The original concept is stolen from the corporate media, and their constant repetition over the last several years that anything that happens "is good news for Republicans".
Even things that ought to be bad news for Republicans.
Idiotic took it to the next level.
~
September 28, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks Guys I always found it pretty funny but I didn't know where it was from.
September 28, 2008 9:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Remember the Millionairs for bush?
We now need GAMBLERS for mcCain!
Somebody please set up the website. And people with signs should show up at every mcShame event!
September 28, 2008 9:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Correction: Billionaires for bush
http://billionairesforbush.com/index.php
September 28, 2008 9:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
I am an avid poker player and apparently Obama plays a pretty good game himself. There is no house edge there, you actually can be a long run winning player. There is a huge difference between that an McCain, who loves Craps which is nothing but a suckers game where the house inevitably wins.
September 28, 2008 9:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, that helps to explain McCain's perpetual crankiness. Sucks to be wedded to a losing strategy.
September 28, 2008 10:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
John Kerry has become one of Obama's best surrogates. I has been said many times before by many people, but if Kerry spoke for himself from the get go as he speaks for Obama now, he would have won in 2004.
September 28, 2008 9:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just watched him on Fox News Sunday, left Lindsey Graham in the dust.
September 28, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed about Kerry. The first step for most Democratic strategists is to try and squeeze all evidence of passion out their candidates.
September 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think it had to do with the fear of offending anybody. The thing that Rove took its logical extreme was that if you going to win, you will have to say things that make someone upset. Chances are they are people who would never vote for you. Obama and his surrogates don't have to go to wedge issues, but they have shown that ability to stand up for what they believe and if someone has a problem with it, so be it.
September 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
what happened to line graphs of battleground states that used to appear in the middle column of this page?
September 28, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
lindsey graham is just.........malleable.......
September 28, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
lindsey graham is just.........malleable.......
like clay. wouldn't you just love to squish him?
September 28, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
It would have been funny had Kerry just leaned over and "squish!"
September 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbETsbv1NZ4
September 28, 2008 10:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!
September 28, 2008 10:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
BREAKING!!!
GAMBLERS for mcCain!
Be among the first to join this prestigious group and campaign for mcShame at your local Mega Church or other event near you.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
September 28, 2008 10:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
i want an avatar, how do i upload an avatar?
September 28, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
First, join Gamblers for mcCain here:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
Then, and only then, go to your profile. You'll need a picture to be in your pictures on your computer. And just upload whatever you want into that little space on your profile here at tpm.
September 28, 2008 10:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
I would add that you click on the "edit" next "your profile" at the top of the page. At the bottom of the page, there is a place to add a photo. This is is where you can download a photo that will then show up as your avatar.
September 28, 2008 10:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
We need you, buddy! I credited you among the helpers in this new group: Gamblers for mcCain.
September 28, 2008 10:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm on board.
September 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Also, once you have an avatar, it will then show up on all comments you've ever made. (and if you change it, same thing... all will change!)
September 28, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great article exposing Oilbama, who voted for the Bush Cheney Energy Bill, as a phony empty suit.
Back Channels: Obama's lowball attacks
Suggesting that McCain is a bigot runs afoul of the high- minded "unity" tripe.
By Kevin Ferris
What exactly is the change we're supposed to believe in this election year?
That Barack Obama represents a new kind of politics? Or is change tied to hope, as in we hope he re-morphs from typical negative-ad-slinging pol back to magical new Obamassiah once he's safely elected president?
Does Obama even know?
In his ad "Plan for Change," Obama decries the "petty attacks and distractions" of the campaign. "Bitter partisan fights" won't solve our problems, he says. What will?
"A new spirit of unity and shared responsibility."
That ad is in English.
In Spanish, he has a very different message, one much closer to sleazy race-baiting than the spirit of la unidad.
The intro to the ad talks about "insults" and "intolerance" toward Hispanics, how they've been "marginalized." Inflammatory quotes from Rush Limbaugh are shown. And then, "John McCain and his Republican friends . . ."
You know you're in trouble when even ABC News and the Washington Post come to the defense of Limbaugh, and both have pointed out how Obama took the talk-show host's quotes out of context.
But John McCain intolerant toward Hispanics? Is there anyone in his party who has pushed back harder against anti-immigrant sentiment? Backing a comprehensive reform bill - cosponsored by Ted Kennedy - almost sank McCain's presidential bid.
Yes, he's now putting a higher priority on border security, but is that the basis for suggesting the Arizona senator is a bigot? Interesting that McCain's tolerance became suspect just as Gallup had him rising to 35 percent support among Hispanics.
Is this what Obama means by a new spirit of unity?
Obama also regularly complains that his opponents say he has a funny name - actually, he first brought this up in his 2004 Democratic convention speech, and he hasn't shut up about it since.
He says the other side suggests he doesn't look like the other presidents on U.S. currency. McCain never mentions this, just Obama.
Obama claims that "they" are trying to scare Americans by noting he's black. Only he brings this up. And on other issues - spreading misinformation about McCain on Social Security - Obama is fine with scaring voters.
There have been stupid moves by some conservatives; case in point the Obama Waffles served at a recent "values" summit. But most criticism about McCain and race is off base.
Consider Time magazine's accusation that McCain subtly played the race card with an ad criticizing former Fannie Mae CEO Franklin Raines. The ad showed a picture of Obama and then Raines (who is black) and then a "vulnerable-looking elderly white woman." All racial code, Time suggests, and then asks where were the shots of the white former Fannie Mae chairman, Jim Johnson, who was an Obama adviser? Well, as it turns out, Johnson was in the very next McCain ad on the subject.
Time wasn't so quick to rebuke Obama's blatant and code-free "intolerance" ad.
Sure, Obama is serious about winning. And sometimes race-baiting works. Look how John Street's reelection campaign turned a City Hall corruption probe into a black mayor's crusade against a white Justice Department. Never mind those indictments and jail terms.
But by calling McCain a bigot, what signals is the Obama campaign sending about an Obama administration? If you're against his tax policies, it's because you think he has a funny name? Is opposition to his Iraq plan purely intolerance? If you think he's wrong on immigration, is that simply code for racism?
Does he really want to suggest that's how he would govern?
Racism and prejudice exist. But while attacking them with a broad partisan brush might score political points, it also worsens the fears and divisions among us. Often the accusations encompass so much - from individual attitudes to complex and difficult issues such as housing, education and health care - that no real solution is even possible.
And maybe that's the intent. Don't actually solve anything. Just keep the issue alive as a societal scab to pick as needed.
That way, the intolerant "they" - Rush equals Republicans equals conservatives equals McCain - are forever guilty until proved innocent. And guess what? There's no way to prove innocence - though temporary absolution might be possible if you vote for Obama.
Is that the point of an Obama campaign? To elect the first victim-in-chief and indict the opposition as bigots when the polls are close or when he doesn't get his way?
Perhaps that's change, but it's not unifying or responsible.
September 28, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
first, are you really defending rush?
second, are you suggesting rush isn't a bigot?
September 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is the same poster who was claiming that Obama was the antichrist. So thinking Rush isn't a bigot is not that wild of statement for him.
September 28, 2008 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bill's almost starting to make me miss Matthew.
Wow, I can't believe that I just typed that...
September 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's the silly season.
September 28, 2008 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, these guys have gone way past silly season.
But it's almost over. At least this stage of the battle anyway.
September 28, 2008 11:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think they have actually reached this level of silly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhJQp-q1Y1s
September 28, 2008 11:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
That never fails to make me laugh!
September 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
rush and join:
GAMBLERS for mcCain!
Be among the first to join this prestigious group and campaign for mcShame at your local Mega Church or other event near you.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
September 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
He says the other side suggests he doesn't look like the other presidents on U.S. currency. McCain never mentions this, just Obama.
the whole article is misleading but this one gets my goat. the mccain camp put out a web ad that put barack's face on the dollar bill.
September 28, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
from john ridley:
In his WSJ piece Limbaugh doesn't deny making the statements. His issue is that the statements are taken out of context.
Context?
What is it with bigots that makes them think there is a context for bigotry?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-ridley/rush-limbaugh-hates-mexic_b_127902.html
September 28, 2008 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Is that the point of an Obama campaign? To elect the first victim-in-chief
this from the party that cried like babies over how sarah mcCanofworms got treated.
September 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
I joined gamblers for mccain, uploaded a photo, didn't get an error message, but no photo as avatar. do they "review" them first?
September 28, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not that I know of. After the new server was installed and we got our avatars back, I had to go through the process a few times before it showed up.
September 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bless you for joining!
Hmmmmm.... did you click update or whatever is needed to make sure your profile is updated?
September 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
It says "save" at the bottom of your profile.
I myself never had an avatar problem. Every other problem though!
September 28, 2008 10:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ras remain stable, and Res 2000 Obama gains a point. Both have Obama with 50%. My guess the debates won't show too much movement in the national polls, Obama holding to a +6 to +7 lead, but he will show gains in the swing states like WI PA VA NC and FL.
September 28, 2008 11:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
And possibly among the fundies, some of whom frown on gambling. That crucial vote may "swing" rather than gamble.
September 28, 2008 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Or almost as good, just stay home on Nov 4.
September 28, 2008 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hold a prayer service. Pray for the nation. All day.
September 28, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
We're taking bets at Gamblers for mcCain as to who will post the 500th comment in this thread:
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/gamblers-for-mccain.php
September 28, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
And its you Thera! Congrats!
September 28, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
somebody did.... but since it didn't end up at the bottom of the thread... the lucky winnings go back into the pot! Next thread... 500th comment wins!
September 28, 2008 12:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Are we betting when TPM will post again on Election Central?
September 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
We need a total Intrade market here! For when they post. What they post. Who posts. How many posts.
September 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not the high holy days yet or anything...Eric must have had a wild night..sigh
On CNN this morning, a Gallup representative said that when their new tracking poll is released today, it will show Obama up by 8 points -- a 3-point jump since yesterday. Bear in mind that these tracking polls use a rolling sample -- 1/3 of each days results is the result of new interviews. A 3-point jump in one day is pretty serious. Note also that this is at a point when the majority of Gallup's tracking sample still had not seen the debate. The full debate impact won't be reflected till Tuesday.
September 28, 2008 12:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
And McCain was caught saying into the phone on Saturday, if it was a tie then he wins. What an idiot.
September 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
?
September 28, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Any McCain people who think that a shotgun wedding would be a good thing for their campaign must have an addiction in addition to gambling.
I would imagine that most news stories covering it would begin something along the lines of "In yet another bizarre move by the McCain campaign...."
September 28, 2008 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's my take too. People are looking for leadership and they give us a wedding?
September 28, 2008 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
How stupid is that?
Bread and Circus!
September 28, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's fiddle a Wedding March
While the economy burns.
September 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even George Bush kept the press away from his daughter's wedding.
September 28, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. Most Americans would recognize it as the single most, over the top, cynical move ever in the history of politics. Who in the world could possibly think that marrying a 17 year old off for political purposes is a good thing? If that's the case, this country is more screwed up than even I had realized.
September 28, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's not.
Everybody is saying: "What about Sarah Palin, can you believe this?"
That's practically the first thing anyone says anymore. I run into a neighbor walking her dog - she brings up Palin and what a mess that is. I get a message from an old friend: That woman is dumber than rocks!
No one is buying this. Just call her Cement Pumps, she's taking him down with her.
September 28, 2008 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
But hey Palin believes the Flintstones was a documentary.
September 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good. He deserves it for putting this country at risk by choosing someone so utterly unqualified for purely political reasons. "Country First" my ass.
September 28, 2008 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
As the world looks on in shock and horror! We are becoming more and more of a laughingstock.
Truly, I did not think this could get any worse. But daily and hourly... these mcShame folks outdo themselves!
September 28, 2008 12:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
O shit - I am so damned embarrassed.
That article that Josh posted from England last night - I could die I'm so embarrassed.
We look like clown college.
September 28, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank god that most of them are engaged enough to know about and overwhelmingly suppot Obama. And now that the polls are showing America moving in a big way to Obama, they might cut us a little break.
September 28, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Morning - yeah a shotgun wedding between an 18 year old guy and a pregnant 17 year old.
That's a good thing? Really?
Mclame has lost what left of his mind.
September 28, 2008 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Have you joined Gamblers for mcCain?
If not... scroll up for a link.
September 28, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey - I posted that HuffPo piece first - at about 12:45 last night, right before I went to bed.
He's so fucking cooked it isn't even funny any more. He might pack it up.
September 28, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, mine is a grassroots organization. We have nothing to do with the lobbyists. Indeed our effort is an attempt to convert the fundies.
September 28, 2008 12:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
O I see - you started a group after that story came out.
Sign me up!
Where's your pig picture - I want to see that thing photo-shopped with lipstick.
September 28, 2008 1:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's an insult to gamblers!
September 28, 2008 12:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, dear....
They'll just have to organize against him then!
September 28, 2008 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
There's a part of me saying "Oh, please, do this. PLEASE." because it will be patently transparent, like the debate ploy.
Then I snap out of it, realizing that a 17 year old might have her life completely disrupted for the sake of a political stunt.
Oh wait. That's already happened.
September 28, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
They can always split up again and at those ages, they will.
You can't get married at 17, 18, cause your pregnant and not regret it.
September 28, 2008 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I kinda doubt about this whole wedding thing happenin'. But, hey, the "suspension" of disbelief has been McCain's stock-in-trade for a while now...
September 28, 2008 12:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I was absolutely convinced that he would never pick Palin because she was utterly unqualified. I apparently am missing the neurological connections necessary to think like McCain.
September 28, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just watched last nite's SNL/Fey/Palin sketch. The "lifeline" bit was brutal.
September 28, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
She is leading the meme about Palin. The debate on Thursday isn't about her not making a mistake, it is about her convincing America she isn't dumb as rocks.
September 28, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
CCN Late Edition is playing a segment right now. Now they're the Couric interview.
Wolf: "Never seen parody using the actual words of an interview."
As you said: brutal.
September 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yikes!
September 28, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
A diary at Kos claims that Obama's Gallup lead is going to jump to 8. Apparently, a Gallup employee leaked that information. FWIW.
September 28, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
when do we get the first post-debate polls. I suppose it would be tomorrow for tracking polls - they are three days, right? But aren't there other polls that aren't tracking? Love to see them.
September 28, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I believe that today's tracking polls should include the first reactions. We won't get the full effect until Tuesday's polls which will include only post-debate surveys.
September 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was out last night with a group of women, one of whom is totally committed to Obama and has been - she has done house parties and is registering voters everywhere and she went to the rally in Espanola week before last. She was telling me you just don't know the energy that Obama produces for crowds who then circulate it and send it back to him unless you've been there. She said you would not believe it. It's phenomenal.
It's different and it's amazing and very Kennedy-esque.
September 28, 2008 12:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Word.
Saw Obama in Fort Worth shortly before the primary and it was overflow crowds at the Convention Center and people had been there for *hours* waiting. We go there and hear he was addressing a side room for the overflow and people were RUNNING to get to the room for the chance to see/hear him. We barely made it to that room to get a glimpse. It was wierd-I had goose bumps and felt a little wierd getting so excited for a *politician*, dig? LOL.
September 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
His wife brought out a gigantic crowd here last week. She's not as electrifying as Obama. But she's his wife. And the people were lined up for blocks!
September 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like Michelle alot. I always defended Hillary before and while Bill was in office because I always felt the right-wing attacks on her were sexist and way over the top. Truth is, though, I never really identified with her. I think maybe it was because she was older than I was, I didn't have kids yet, etc.
I seem to identify more with Michelle....she's a little older, but we have daughters around the same age and seeing her as a working mother trying to hang on to her own identity...I don't know, I just kind of see where she's coming from. I also feel that she's really authentic....I think Hillary had been around politics long enough that she had kind of lost that. I feel for Michelle because I can kind of sense that she's still trying to feel her way around a bit.
September 28, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
We've truly gone round the bend. The mcShame campaign is nothing but a parody! It is beyond a parody. It is camp. It is not even comical... but a horrible metastatic process with no known cure!
September 28, 2008 12:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
listening to the soundtrack from "Across The Universe". It's really quite good, especially if you've seen the movie....
September 28, 2008 12:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ask again for help with the avatar. In case someone has a better idea.
September 28, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
You have no "blank space" where an avatar should be. I wonder if something else needs to change. You're sure you uploaded into the correct box?
September 28, 2008 1:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Have you tried another picture as your avatar? For some reason I had one that just wouldn't work. Try downloading something else. Then make sure you close out of TPM altogether and then log back in again. See if that helps.
September 28, 2008 1:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been trying another pict for days. TPM's upload comes up as if it took and the pict has *still* not changed. grumblegrumblegrumble!!!!
September 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
yup, to what Tena said. I hear that from State workers, wu-wu healers, high school students, grandma's, hippies, and just about everyone that has seen him.
it's because, as much as a politician can be, he is AUTHENTIC.
September 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I shook his hand back in Feb. He looks you right in the eye. He does not just shake hands. Makes wonderful eye contact.
September 28, 2008 1:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes - and every single person says that - he is authentic.
That on its own is a miracle, AFAIC.
September 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
We're going for 600 comments now.
September 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Are you all aware there was a large anti-Palin demonstration up in Alaska yesterday?
Photos and description here:
http://www.themudflats.net/2008/09/27/alaskans-demand-accountability-from-palin-huge-rally/
Vidoes here:
http://www.themudflats.net/2008/09/28/bedtime-in-alaska-open-thread-2/
And WaP0 has exposed more dirt on Palin:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/27/AR2008092702834_pf.html
September 28, 2008 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love this thread. Just wanted to say that.
September 28, 2008 2:10 PM | Reply | Permalink