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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.


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I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to the use of the word "cling" and the ensuing fireworks from commenters.

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;P

"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

Very funny, especially the Sarah Palin joke.

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!

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?

Palin=screwed
noPalin=screwed

Award for the most concise and accurate summary

Thanks but I give all credit to Mclame...

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McSame=toast

Although it would be nice to wonder about my idiot neighbors with their "McCain-Palin" signs if he were to dump her.

Ahhh, the gnashing of teeth was heard throughout the neighborhood.

Not that I disagree, but suppose he replaced her with Huckabee?

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.

Yes, good points. As acamus said, damned if he does if he doesn't. Hard to see any way he wins going forward.

Another possible hurricane heading in, so VP debate will have to be cancelled, I am sure.

You kiddin' ... right?

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

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!

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.

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.

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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.

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.

And she doesn't know that a word ending in "ing" isn't "in" as in talkin, etc. That drives me horse shit crazy!

You kiddin' ... right?

Ya mean, ya kiddin'. Righty?

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.

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.

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.

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Totally boxed in.

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

McCain: The ultimate example of thinking INSIDE the box.

lol...

Quip of the day :-)

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Now there's consistency we can believe in!

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Will a circular firing squad form around he who has boxed himself in?


My deep thought for the day:

Will the moderator have to pull a "Billy Madison" on Palin at some point during the debate?

"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.

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The numbers are now too large to overcome by voter fraud.

Yes, most thankfully!

From your keyboard to God's monitor....

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

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McCain responded with odd grimaces, wild doodling and a general detachment that reminded me of a cat pretending to be unaware of your existence

This commenter really appreciates this comment.

I used to have a cat (or it had me) that had the temperment of McCain. Not my favorite pet by a long shot.

Been listening to Norwegian Wood?

Constant loop in the subconscious probably

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaNQjhXhfVs

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Thanks, LBJ, now that song is looping through my brain...I guess it could be worse. Could be "Afternoon Delight"....

Thats just makes me thing of Will Ferrell in Anchorman.

The way McCain suspended his campaign is the way he will run the country. Say one thing and do another.

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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)

Done. Will do so from now on. "would run."

:)

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...

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From Nielson:

The combined overall household rating for last night’s presidential debate, in 55 of the 56 local television markets where Nielsen maintains electronic TV meters, was 33.2.

Coverage of the first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CNN, Telemundo, TeleFutura, and BBCA.

The St. Louis market had the largest TV audience, with a household rating of 52.1, while the Phoenix/Prescott market had the lowest household rating: 24.8. Local ratings for the Houston market are still unavailable due to the effects of Hurricane Ike.

One rating point equals 1% of the total TV audience in a given market.

The national ratings will be out Monday.

Link: Prelim ratings

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Coverage of the first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CNN, Telemundo, TeleFutura, and BBCA.

So they missed everybody who watched it on MSNBC?

... the Phoenix/Prescott market had the lowest household rating:  24.8.

Heh.  People in AZ must know McSame isn't worth listening to.

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).

Not that I disagree, but suppose he replaced her with Huckabee?

was supposed to be a reply to LBJs Brain sorry........

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.

Most if not all of the swing states would go to Obama, and he might suddenly become competitive in some other states like Montana.

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I keep wondering about Mississippi's fondness for mcShame now.

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.

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.

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.

Yeah, thats the other thing-who would buy into this lemon? Without alot of $ involved?

Is it legal for Cindy to cut a potential VP a check in order for them to become part of the ticket?

Who knows? Fun to think about tho'...LOL!

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yeah.... so... what's your fee for a ticket on the Titanic?

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Hey, I'd do it... for five million dollars!

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DONE! Study up for next Thursday.

The Vice Presidency has been very lucrative for Cheney.

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It didn't turn out nearly as well for say, Admiral Stockdale.
~

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.

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then she's the ritual suicide...

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.

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.

Good comment, good insight.

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...

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."

I agree. I think he knows the jig is up and he was just *afraid*.

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Obama was alpha dog in behavior, and McCain knew it. He lacked confidence in the beginning.

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No need to apologize. That has been much discussed. It was like he treating Obama as "the help." Or WORSE!

The uppity help.

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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.

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.

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same here.

For how long did he oppose the MLK holiday?

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Tena:  an excerpt from my reply to you from last night.  It was very late, and you probably went to bed.

For the impression-driven, I'd call it almost a tie with a slight edge to McSame.

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.

Avoiding a melt-down doesn't mean he won the debate, it means he's managed to wiggle out of the hole he's dug for himself over the last week... at lease for a little while.

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.

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I did go to bed - I was so damn tired when I posted that comment in reply to yours -


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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!

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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.

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.

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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...

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his cornerS

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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.

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Thanks.

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.

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I don't know, but it certainly was open to that interpretation, cause that's what hit me, to be honest about it.

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.

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.

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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.

Doesn't seem like a stretch to me - makes me wonder why they're hiding his medical records. McCreepy, indeed.

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.

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.

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...

I bet Palin is ready to overthrow him for real. Swipe the ticket for herself and run as Prez candidate and name a VP.

;)

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LOL!

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.

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.

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Insult, or fear. Either way, it's not good for McCain.

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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

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.

OT

Watching the House GOP, and Rep. Blunt quoted Einstein. No GOP should ever be allowed to quote Einstein.

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Especially Blunt.

Sweet Screaming Jesus!

"Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."

-- Albert Einstein

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."

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+1 on self-control.

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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..." ?


If he tries, he will end up looking even more creepy than he already does.

um...Pepto Bismal?

Yes. Last night he looked like he could use a bottle of it.


oy. That is really mean.

fat chance

i think that the possibility of McCain's head exploding is much greater in the debate focused on the economy. one can only hope.

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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.

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.

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I agree considering that he almost lost it last night...

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.

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!"

I can't tell if McCain reminds more of a petulent 6 year old or petulent 13 year old.

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.

"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!"

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.

Point taken.

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!

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You've nailed it!

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


If it plays well it will play will only to Repub base, mostly in places where McCain has already secured.

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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.

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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:

Economic adviser Holtz-Eakin was scheduled to sit down with top exec Hollis S. McLoughlin but it never took place because others in the company thought it was inappropriate since there was no outreach to the Dems.

Sources say McLoughlin also controls a special account used to pay $15,000 a month to Rick Davis’ lobbying firm.

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.

I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist, but I'm kind of beginning to believe it.

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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.

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"

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

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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Is anyone else catching themselves praying to their deity-of-choice for Obama's safety at this point?

Most certainly.

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.

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.

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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.

Similar to the Wilder effect...Whites lie so not to seem racist...It's common in exit poling.

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.

Thanks-- wondered what the Bradley effect was too...

lovin the avatar.

Ditto on that avatar.

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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?

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.

“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/

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Agreed. I like the term "effect people."

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.

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Sad, but true.

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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.

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?

lol... such bitter irony.

One can hope so since it will draw more attention to it.

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Then someone will locate the video or the photo that proves them liars!

Doncha love the web?

Of course, the basic statement would be "For 5 and half years I couldn't look an American in the eye."

lol... very nice..

Yeah. I can smell that one coming, fast, like a speed train.

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.

He's a vampire and can't stand the bright lights.

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I love that!!!

Finally some consistency! Now we can forecast!

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

True.

I like this version.

I don't know how old he is in that vid., but he's hot. ;)

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.

Hm.. Could be, but I was thinking "Nebraska".

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

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.

In the interest of truth and transparency, I'm 43.

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. :)

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.

I'm betting Bruce will be one of the headline acts at the inaugural party. I hope so.

I don't think Huckabee wants to go down the drain with McCain.

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UTMark: Down the drain. With mcCain."

You've got a slogan, buddy!

Let's get those bumperstickers rolling...

I'll buy a dozen.

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I think it needs a logo too.

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.

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Beautiful state! I think our training comes in well in these strange days of so many sociopaths in public life.

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Funny, I've thought that about these times, and my training as a criminal defense lawyer.

;)

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.

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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

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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

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.

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.

All of a sudden focus groups and polls represent evidence?

You're pathetic.

Okay, one more response. It's all one has to go on other than one's gut feeling. What is your evidence?

gut feeling.

I love that in Fogu's eyes, "all measures" equates to "gut feeling".

"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.

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.

Palin is probably hangin with the kids or hunting.

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.

"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.

Anyone else think Obama overdid the Jheri Curl?

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Well I certainly think you overdid the racism right there.

The shine off his head was a little blinding.

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What the hell got into you that you finally dropped the charade and let your inner Klansman out?

Jeez.

You have a problem with hair products?

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No but you have a problem - you can't stand it that Obama won the debate.

I'm LMAO at you.

Time for you to go back through the looking glass Alice.

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.

See you down the road.

wow...you fuckface

Poor ol' fu2, I mean fogu2 is beginning to thrash around more desperately. He knows he's going down the drain. With McCain.

Hey ol' buddy.

I think he is McCain.

Oh-hhhh y-yesssssss troll jizz all over my chest!

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That does it.

Ban this fucker.

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.

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I think they should be released and demands should be made but not by Obama.

Because that kind of thing doesn't play well with the undecideds/independent voters.

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.

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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.’”

It is the "we" of the people versus the "we" of the rich.

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Yes. Obama will be the president of ALL the people. Whereas a repub is the president of the few, while lying to the rest.

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.

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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.

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In that case he probably didn't look at him due tot he fact that he knew the questions ahead of time.

The mannerisms and facial expressions were not the same, and tell the full story.

Everything strikes you as racist. Except actual racism like the black voters voting for Obama based on race.

Conclusion: you are the racist.

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Sez the guy with the avatar that calls Obama Big Brutha


dude.


ROFLMAO

You spend alot of time on the floor. At your age you'd better consider The Clapper™

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He shoots!


O, he misses. Ain't that a bitch!


ROFLMAO

Kind of the like the Bear DNA line moment last night.

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.

I think you hit the nail on the head.

Well. I am a carpenter, by trade. :)

From the "has to be said" files: so was someone who is said the meek shall inherit the earth.

:)

not that one who walks on water ...right?