And Speaking Of Stupid! Let’s Talk About The Democrats!

OK, so clearly I’m a bit cranky today. 

Stupid seems to be on my mind, having just pointed out Ohio Republican John Boehner’s ignorance, I feel compelled to highlight the shortcomings of his opponents in Congress.

Maybe the reason I’m cranky is that I spent some time earlier today reading reaction to this week’s election results.  Some pundits and a number of (stupid) Democrats have made the case that Democrats should run for the hills.

The theory goes that two Republican wins in Governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey show that the public is unsure about President Obama’s agenda.  Of course, it shows nothing of the kind.

First off, why the focus on these two races.? Didn’t any of them read about the race for the Rep seat for New York’s 23rd District?  In can you didn’t, in that one, a super conservative forced out the Republican’s nominee only to be trounced by off all things the Democrat in the race.  And this was in a very conservative district!  So essentially in a lay up situation, the GOP clanged it off the rim.  So, why no stories about the end of conservatives?

Getting back to the governor’s races, it’s fair to ask if Obama can take any hint from the results.  There’s a saying that all politics are local and some pundits and Democrats are saying that people were voting on local issues  in VA and NJ and not on the President’s agenda. 

I know people in NJ.  Many.  And I can tell you that Corzine could have been a Republican or Independent and still lost.  NJ simply didn’t like John Corzine.  Whether bad timing or simply bad performance, Garden Staters simply didn’t see many accomplishments.  People in NJ voted against a sitting governor who could not lower the nation’s HIGHEST property taxes and who’s party has a fantastic track record of corruption.  Many of the people I know in NJ voted against Corzine and still support the President. 

As for Virginia, from everything I’ve read the Democrat there simply ran an awful race while his Republican opponent ran a smart race focused on the issues people care most about.  But, bottom line is that despite Democrat’s significant gains there, is it really a surprise when Virginia goes to the GOP??

So back to stupid Democrats…  I read earlier today that this week’s election losses suggested a change in tactics.  They felt they should perhaps not be so on board the Obama bandwagon. 

Nothing could be stupider.

Hear me now, Democrats.  The people voted you in for change.  And that’s what you need to deliver.  The answer is not backing down, but standing up for what you believe in and delivering on the promises you made to your constituents.

I belive John Warner made a very fair point that the climate change bill (as well-intentioned as it may be) might not be the very best use of Congresses’ time when people are struggling to keep their houses, jobs and lives.

So, if Democrats must change tactics, then follow that line of thinking.  Make changes, but make them about what matters most to Americans right now, pocketbook issues.  Work to create jobs and opportunities.

I believe healthcare reform is a big part of that.  It’s time  for Democrats to be bold, get it passed on move on to tackling other big issues that will affect the quality of all our lives.

Better to have an imperfect victory or two to bring to voters in 2010’s midterm elections than the same old same old.

Republican Announces Bid For Re-Election And Democrats Rejoice!

Here’s a scintillating video of Republican National Committee chairman Mike Duncan announcing his bid to keep running the RNC.

 Millions of Democrats are rejoicing.

Among his great nuggets are calling Republican wins in the Runoff Race for the Georgia Senate seat and special elections in Louisiana “a crushing blow to the Barack Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and their liberal agenda.”

So, basically he’s putting a lot of stock about getting Republicans elected in Georgia and Louisiana.  And in a runoff race no less.  There’s no way that race should of been a runoff to begin with unless the GOP was having problems on a national scope.

In Georgia and Louisiana electing Republicans is business as usual, not something to trumpet.  That would be like a Democrat claiming that winning a seat in New England means conservatives are finished nationwide.

Continuing his faulty logic, Duncan goes on to assert that from these (expected) victories, “it’s clear that Republicans still know how to win elections as we build a solid foundation for the 2010 campaign”.

So, basically the lessens of the last two elections required just a couple of weeks to be digested and learned from.  Duncan is ready for 2010 already.

That’s either political posturing, cockiness or outright stupidity.

OBAMA WINS! Why We Are Safer Tonight, How I Was Right & Other Observations!

Like the true political junkie I am, I spent the entire night watching the results come in by channel surfing the broadcast & cable news outlets and checking my Blackberry for online updates during commercial breaks. 

Maybe I just drank the Kool-aid, but what a great night for America.  I am proud of both candidates tonight.  I am proud of my fellow Americans tonight.  Turnout levels were high and old myths have been shattered.  I’m glad the guy I voted for won, but I’m more glad that I live in a nation like America where we can peacefully chose our leaders.  And i’m glad the outcome was decisive and pray it will help us move on together as a nation.

Months and months ago, I wrote on this blog that America was ready for a woman or an African American to be president.  I heard many women and African Americans say that was not the case.  My point was that it had to be the right woman or African American.  I went on record saying that Hillary Clinton was not the right woman.  I left the door open to Barack Obama’s becoming the first African American President.  Tonight, I’m so happy to say to America “I TOLD YOU SO…”

Now a few observations from all my TV watching & Blackberry checking:

America IS safer tonight.  Sarah Palin is not a heartbeat away.  Yes, technically, Barack Obama doesn’t have her executive experience in government, although he did spend the last two years running the most complex and successful political campaign in history.  But, whether that counts or not, I think what is obvious to most fair minded individuals is that Sarah Palin is not up to leading this country.  A few weeks of cram session simply didn’t get her sufficiently prepped.  And to be fair to her, a few weeks of prep was never going to be enough.  Barack Obama has intensively prepared for this moment.  He may or may not become an effective president, but I completely believe we are better off with him leading us than having a 72 year old John McCain lead us with Sarah Palin as his emergency replacement.  Imagine THAT 3AM call?  I don’t want to.  And now America doesn’t have to.

More on Sarah Palin.  In his concession speech, Senator McCain hailed his running mate’s future in American politics and as a leader in his party.  Here’s the truth.  She has crested.  This is as far as she will ever rise and now she’s done.  It was nice of McCain to say, but the truth is that Palin dragged him only down.  While she initially energized the base, it quickly became obvious that she was oblivious and turned off Clinton supporters, independents and other non-committed voters in drove.  But that’s not the only reason I say she is done.  Palin has cold hard history against her.  Almost no person in her expensive shoes (a losing VP candidate on a non-incumbent campaign ticket) has ever come back to capture the White House or for that matter the top spot on their party’s ticket.  Want proof?  Take a look at people like John Edwards, Sargeant Shriver, Lloyd Benson, etc.  If you’re asking “who’s that” then you get my point.  Bye bye Sarah…

On CNN, commentator Bill Bennett made the point that he doesn’t think this election means that America has shifted from center-right to center-left.  He’s still clinging to the idea that America is center-right. Give Bennett this much, he’s right it’s not this election.  It’s actually the last two elections that have shown us that America is shifting politically.  In these last two elections, the GOP has lost a ton of seats in both house of Congress and now the presidency.  What more proof does Bennett need??

That all said, let’s talk about the center.  My firm hope is that President-Elect Obama keeps the emphasis on the center.  Yes, he’ll have the power to rule from the center-left.  I hope he will have the wisdom not to.  The best thing Obama can do is keep his campaign pledge of trying to unite this country together.  As Obama has said, I truly believe that we have much more in common than the things that divide us.  It’s too important a time in our history not to focus on working together and getting things done.  Let’s hope Obama backs up his words.  From his stirring speech tonight, I for one am feeling hopeful.

So happy to write this.  GOODBYE Joe the plumber.  Your 15 minutes is officially at 15:01. 

I like John McCain again tonight.  His concession speech was class all the way.  This is the John McCain so many of us admire.  Sadly, he seemed to lose his way a bit during the campaign and attacked his opponent in personal ways not to be admired while often stretching the truth beyond its breaking point.  Yet, McCain may have saved his soul and the soul of the GOP in the bargain.  McCain resisted the temptation to play the race card in a major way.  His decision to not bring Reverend Wright back into the campaign debate will be questioned by pundits for a long time.  But, it seems to me that McCain simply was uncomfortable going there because in addition to being old news, it risked a major backfire.  McCain put country first by not inflaming racial tensions needlessly and setting back the GOP in the process.  Clearly the demographics of our nation have changed and along with it racial attitudes.  If the Republican Party is to continue to compete, it will have to widen its base beyond the wealthy and the Joe The Plumber (semi-angry white guy) types.  McCain saw that clearly.

Speaking of race.  What an important night.  Perhaps now African Americans and other minorities believe the American Dream is truly possible for everyone.  Perhaps it’s chrystal clear now that not all or perhaps even most whites are racists.  What a chance for our country to heal and come together.  I have never been the hugest Jesse Jackson fan, but I have to admit seeing him on TV in the Obama crowd with a tear rolling down his cheek was moving sight.

Finally, one last note and it’s a Bush bash.  Watching Barack Obama speak it was so refreshing to hear the future leader of our nation demonstrate his understanding of what America truly stands for.  Both here and across the world, America’s greatest gift to this planet has been her ideals.  During his eight years, the current president has often failed to demonstrate a deep understanding of America’s ideals and focused more on rigid political agendas.  Finally, we will again have a president who gets the big picture.

Ok, I lied, here’s the final point.  Not sure if it was this campaign or the Wall Street mess, but I’m thrilled that Americans are coming around to the idea that government is not always the problem.  Reagan sold on us that false idea.  Yes, the government can mess things up.  YOu only need to take a look at the current administration to see that.  And no, I don’t want higher taxes.  What I do want is a government that gives a damn about all its people.  What I do want is a government that plays a role where needed rather than starting needless wars.  Here’s hoping that’s what we got tonight.

May God Bless America and all of us.  And please allow Senators Obama & McCain some much needed rest.  They’ve both earned it.

McCain’s WORST Supporter!

“No candy for Obama supporters!”  This is hysterical!  You must see no matter who you are voting for.

Here’s a woman who takes politics wayyyyyy too far.  You know somewhere John McCain is praying that she’ll just stop trying to help…

PS – Technically, can you call a woman a D-Bag??

Obama’s Grandmother Has Died – In Your Face, Michael Savage!

I apologize for the crass nature of this post’s headline.  My condolences to Barack Obama’s family on the recent passing of his grandmother.  May she rest in peace.

That said, I must take this opportunity to take a well earned shot at radio host Michael Savage.  Mr. Savage who hosts a syndicated right wing talk radio show that lives up to its title of THE SAVAGE NATION, was on my radio dial recently.  I was on the way home and searching for something to listen to.  Unfortunately, I got Savage.  As it turned out, my timing was actually fortunate as it allowed me to write the post you are reading right now.

You see, as fate would have it, Senator Obama was on his way to Hawaii that night to visit his dying grandmother.  Obama, having missed out on being near his mother when she passed, didn’t want to have history repeat.  So, he cut back on campaigning and headed out to Hawaii to exhibit the kind of family values the right wing is so fond of talking about (although not as equally fond of actually putting into practice).

Only, as I listened to Mr. Savage that night, it was clear that he wasn’t having any of it.  Savage’s theory and on air rant that night were about casting doubt on the true reason for Obama’s Hawaii trip.  Savage suggested that Obama’s visit to his sick grandmother was a cover.  According to Savage, Obama was traveling to Hawaii to continue to work to suppress the truth about his birth certificate.

Nevermind that the birth certificate rumor had been debunked months ago in not one, not two, but three ways.  First, the original birth certificate was examined and found to have an authentic raised seal.  Second, Hawaii had a copy of the original birth certificate in its files.  And finally, the local papers from the time of Obama’s birth included a birth announcement of little Barack that sync up with the date on his birth certificate.

Savage must have missed all of that evidence or, more likely, simply chose to disregard it while continuing to spread falsehood and rumors or as some of us call them – lies.  On the night I listened, Savage pulled a “two fer”.  Not only was he spreading the birth certificate rumor.  He was spreading lies about Obama’s visit to his sickly grandmother to further advance the birth certificate BS.

Now, of course, Obama’s grandmother has passed away after losing a fight against cancer.  So, it seems beyond reason that Senator Obama WAS in Hawaii for the reason he gave.  To visit with his ailing grandmother. 

I wonder what Savage is saying tonight.

My guess is given his lack of class and willingness to cross any line to advance his own barely thought out positions, he’s probably saying something about Obama’s grandmother’s passing being part of some larger conspiracy.

It’s one thing to disagree with someone and argue against their positions forcefully.  It’s another to attack someone’s motive’s regarding their family and using complete lies to do so.

But that’s how we roll in this savage nation.  So, in your face, Michael Savage.

And how about trusting your beliefs enough in the future to actually argue on the merits of them next time?

Just a thought…

When Spokespeople Choke! Like McCain Needs This Embarrassment!

As the election gets closer and the polls remain tilted in Barack Obama’s favor, John McCain’s campaign seems to be grasping at anything that has a shot of sticking.  Desperate times of course call for desperate measures.  Recently, they hit Obama for his association with a fellow the McCain campaign labels anti-Israel and anti-Semitic.

Of course, the problem with that charge is that John McCain himself was the head of a committee that sent just under one million dollars to the organization headed by Barack Obama’s allegedly anti-Israel friend.  Woops!

Undaunted, catch this clip of a McCain spokesman doing his best to spread the Barack Obama is anti-Semitic message (AKA lie) and failing miserably.  Where I come from this is called a choke.

Lesson to all you future political operatives.  If you’re gonna lie, make sure to have your story straight before busting it out.  That’s just good common sense.

More McCain, Obama, Palin Silliness!

Fact is that October’s been a really busy month at work and I’ve been unable to write as much as I’d like to.  After all Daddy’s got babies to pay for so work must come first.  Anyway, thanks to all of you still checking out the site. 

And as a reward, here’s two pieces of internet silliness focused on this amazing campaign year.  Enjoy!

First, a dance off between John McCain & Barack Obama:

And the second is a link for Frank Sinatra’s son singing to Sarah Palin:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/3dd3d28df0

Opie, Richie Cunningham, Andy Taylor And The Fonz All Supporting Obama!

After all, If You Can’t Trust Ron Howard, Andy Griffith & The Fonz on who to vote for, than who can you trust?

Check out the link below to Ron Howard’s call to action co-starring Andy Griffith & Henry Winkler in their old roles:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/cc65ed650d

And enjoy this picture while you’re at it:

Obama To Biden “Don’t Help, Joe!”

Here’s a clip of Joe Biden talking to fundraisers about the early days of a potential Barack Obama presidency and how the world might set out to test him:

Really and truly, I think Joe Biden is speaking truth and also believes Obama would be ready for the crisis he predicts.  But sometimes things are just better left unsaid especially when you’re trying to get yourself and your running mate voted into The White House.

PS – Is the McCain commercial using this bite out yet??

It’s Poke Fun At The VPs Day!!

With counting skills like these, let’s hope Obama keeps Biden busy with foreign policy stuff should the Democrats win.  No economic assignments for Joe Biden please!