2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: Obama (D-IL) vs. McCain (R-AZ)

[Mark F. Barnes]

Than why all this complaining about the economy and housing crunch.

I am prospering out of my own free will and desire to work. To hell with the rest of them if they can't keep up.

BINGO!

Move this one to the head of the class.............. my sentiments exactly. Except I would have used the "Then" over "Than" sorry could resist, I'm married to a teacher, and she rides my ass constantly over stuff like that.

[houstonmacbro]

Wow. McCain's pick is borderline bizarre.

Former mayor of town of 2K, govenor of Alaska (total pop. 680,000!!!!) for less than 2 years, former beauty queen, mother of 5 (and as an conservative Christian is against birth control, so could get pregnant again possibly ) who is a 72-year-old man with a history of recurrent melanoma step away from being President of the United States!

What percentage of the US population is comfortable with this?

I am not.

This is all starting to smell like Harriet Meyers all over again. Remember her?

I think the real #2 is going to be Romney after the coming uproar over this decision by the Republican dons once they get ahold of McCain in a back room somewhere.

[wernicke]

This is all starting to smell like Harriet Meyers all over again. Remember her?

I think the real #2 is going to be Romney after the coming uproar over this decision by the Republican dons once they get ahold of McCain in a back room somewhere.

The Christian base of the Republican party is thrilled... b/c all they see and care about is abortion.

This pick sticks.

[TJones]

TJ: You're all over the place:

Slow down so you can form a solid opinion already. It's only been a few hours..

I wasn't trying to be. I was stating the couple of likes I have about her, but overall, she is a bad pick. Too rightwing, even by rightwing standards. I think it is sloppy politicing to try and garner some of Hilary's hardliners in order to try and win an election. I find it disgusting of McCain to do so, and that just adds to the reasons why HE doesn't represent ME.

I am of the mindset now, that the person I want in the White House is gonna be the one who will convince America that it is ok to go out there and spend some money again, and quit sitting on it.

[houstonmacbro]

The Christian base of the Republican party is thrilled... b/c all they see and care about is abortion.

This pick sticks.

We Americans do like our cubbyholes and lightening rod issues.

I wasn't trying to be. I was stating the couple of likes I have about her, but overall, she is a bad pick. Too rightwing, even by rightwing standards. I think it is sloppy politicing to try and garner some of Hilary's hardliners in order to try and win an election. I find it disgusting of McCain to do so, and that just adds to the reasons why HE doesn't represent ME.

I am of the mindset now, that the person I want in the White House is gonna be the one who will convince America that it is ok to go out there and spend some money again, and quit sitting on it.

What money? I am getting a 4% raise and inflation has been 5%-6% for at least the last 18 months. My raise isn't even a cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Where is all this money I should be spending...?

[Mark F. Barnes]

This is why I can't vote Democrat. I, for the life of me, don't understand why my tax dollars should go to those who won't work for themselves? And no, I'm not talking about children, senior citizens, or those who can't help themselves. You all know very well the type of people on the government teet that are just praying for Obama to get in office and increase those free checks.

I'm not going to be very motivated to work if I know that I can just get a free check for just a few thousand less every year. I know many on the border of the "lower" and "middle" class feel the same. Right now we're top heavy, so its no issue to tax away. What are we going to do when we wake up one day and realize there's no one left to work, because we all decided to scale down our lifestyles and live for free?

Obama has been on the scene since 2004. That's a good head start on Palin.

TJ: You're all over the place:

Slow down so you can form a solid opinion already. It's only been a few hours..

Jeebus I have to hand it to you, you hit a home run with that first part. And it has nothing to do with race anyone, so don't even start. There's a butt load of lazy ass POS's up here in WV sitting on their butts and popping oxycontin and drinking cheap beer, sitting on their porches, staring at that mailbox every month, and none of the are black, brown, or yellow. They are white as the driven snow.

TJ must be WiFi'ing over at the Starbucks again........... go easy big boy.

Hey TJ since you moved back to Purgatory, have you and the wife been out to the Oasis yet. They remodeled everything since the last fire.

[wernicke]

Interesting fact:

Alaska's gross state product (2006) was $39.6 billion.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown MSA's Gross Area Product (GAP) in 2006 was $325.5 billion.

I am admittedly somewhat biased, but I think this pick is a debacle. Seemed amateurish in their announcement today.

[TJones]

.

What money? I am getting a 4% raise and inflation has been 5%-6% for at least the last 18 months. My raise isn't even a cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Where is all this money I should be spending...?

SO, is your house on the block ? Is your car about to be repo'd ? Are you living off your savings ? What is it you haven't been able to do in the last 18 months that you normally enjoy ? Are you still able to enjoy easily made desserts ?

Oh, and I am going Sunday to the Oasis..... jealous ?

[houstonmacbro]

SO, is your house on the block ? Is your car about to be repo'd ? Are you living off your savings ? What is it you haven't been able to do in the last 18 months that you normally enjoy ? Are you still able to enjoy easily made desserts ?

None of the above. Mortgage is paid, car is paid, and modest savings growing.

But you made it sound like I am just sitting on money under my mattress that needs to be spent.

I live a very frugal lifestyle (and yes, those homemade desserts add to the allure of it all).

[TheNiche]

The way I see it, neither socialism nor Barack Obama threaten your opportunity to make something of yourself. If you want to make something of yourself you will.

That is entirely dependent upon my definition of success. You can not speak for me.

[wernicke]

Kay Bailey Hutchinson would have been a WAY better pick. I wonder if they offered it and she declined, eyeing the Texas governor's office?

[DJ V Lawrence]

Exactly, I see her with about as much experience in politics as Obama. See ya in 4 years.

I actually see her as one with far less experience than Obama. At least Obama made a name for himself in 2004 and has been active since with Congress and civil issues. I honestly never heard of this Palin person before. McCain did drop the ball because you'd want a Vice-President that would both be strong in foreign policy, and one that the people believe would be a good president. If this person's only governed Alaska, how's that experience supposed to resolute into going straight into the White House? That will in itself be a tall task for the next 40 days.

But I'm willing to give the McCain/Palin ticket a shot. The Republicans thought this was the best ticket for their party. I'm open-minded. Let's hear where they stand on the issues like we all have Obama/Biden this past week. Also, there are a lot of shallow voters in America to go along with the thinking ones. And by that, I mean people that will only vote or not vote for Obama because he's black, and those who would vote against Obama and vote for Palin only because she's a woman that old people consider to be a hottie, all without hearing the issues. A great example would be if you see how many Hilary supporters announce they'll support McCain without hearing him or her speak.

I'll be looking forward to the debates instead. I know Obama/McCain will be a great debate to watch (the first one is September 26th). But McCain's choice now means other independents as well as myself will have to use the VP debate to learn who Palin is, as well as see if she can beat Biden in debate. It will be an interesting election; that I'll concede.

[TheNiche]

Kay Bailey Hutchinson would have been a WAY better pick. I wonder if they offered it and she declined, eyeing the Texas governor's office?

I wouldn't be surprised. Although I realize that he's trying to play to the religious constituencies and also to women, his pick really IS terrible in terms of qualifications.

But to me, all is forgivable. Obama must be vanquished.

[wernicke]

But to me, all is forgivable. Obama must be vanquished.

You will definitely be disappointed in November, my friend.

[houstonmacbro]

...his pick really IS terrible in terms of qualifications...Obama must be vanquished.

Are you even thinking about what you write or are your hands on autopilot and just spouting out the Republican line?

[Mark F. Barnes]

We Americans do like our cubbyholes and lightening rod issues.

What money? I am getting a 4% raise and inflation has been 5%-6% for at least the last 18 months. My raise isn't even a cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Where is all this money I should be spending...?

Mac, you know I love you bro, but maybe you're not doing something right. Might be time to look else where for employment. Or just let the one you have know it's not getting it done and find out how bad they want to keep you. I just gave all of my consultants, (don't freak out it's only 15 men) a $200 dollar a day raise on the 15th. For most of them that translates to about $36K/yr. The money is out there, their (your company) is just not willing to share it evidently. Just my two pennies, and they don't buy much.

[TJones]

This could all be an end around by the McCain camp to draw attention away from who he is gonna announce at the convention. Perhaps they are in talks with someone else. Look how they kept this turn of events a secret and have blown everyone away by it. Just a thought.

[houstonmacbro]

Mac, you know I love you bro, but maybe you're not doing something right. Might be time to look else where for employment. Or just let the one you have know it's not getting it done and find out how bad they want to keep you. I just gave all of my consultants, (don't freak out it's only 15 men) a $200 dollar a day raise on the 15th. For most of them that translates to about $36K/yr. The money is out there, their (your company) is just not willing to share it evidently. Just my two pennies, and they don't buy much.

It's funny you mentioned that. I just had that talk with my boss. It's going to be a decision soon (one way or the highway) very soon.

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. It's worth WAY more than two cents.

But, but, but ...

... but what about global warming. My how that issue has taken a big backseat.

[memebag]

That is entirely dependent upon my definition of success. You can not speak for me.

And I'm not. I'm speaking about you. Blaming socialism or Obama for your inability to make something of yourself is a cop-out.

I expect better from "Michael Lee White", instigator of global turmoil.

[TJones]

D

But, but, but ...

... but what about global warming. My how that issue has taken a big backseat.

No AlGore to lead us down the primrose path. He has made his money on the whole Global Warming "issue". Not that there really ever was one.

BTW, I just wanted to mention, and I know some of you will fall out of your seats on this, but I wanted to point out that I am really proud that the only celebs that Obama has been using lately are political ones. No friggin' DiCraprio's or Tim and Suzanne treehuggin' protestors. I commend him on this move. He has enough "starpower" himself, not to need cheap labor to pander to the American Demwits.

[TheNiche]

You will definitely be disappointed in November, my friend.

Yeah, probably.

Are you even thinking about what you write or are your hands on autopilot and just spouting out the Republican line?

Dude, I said I don't like her. She's a terrible pick; unqualified for the presidency.

...I just don't care at this point, though. Obama proved to me last night that he is totally unacceptable, a political arch-nemesis.

[houstonmacbro]

Obama proved to me last night that he is totally unacceptable, a political arch-nemesis.

Oh how you make me laugh.

[TheNiche]

And I'm not. I'm speaking about you. Blaming socialism or Obama for your inability to make something of yourself is a cop-out.

So you're saying that changes to tax policy would not be impactful? Or do you just presume to think that I'll only work harder for the same rate of return?

Wrong.

[RedScare]

Socialism and Capitalism are places on the extremes of a sliding scale. America is in the middle; America is not Socialist; America is not Capitalist. Obama's policies move us toward Socialism.

I prefer an outright cost, a burden, to the outright destruction of economic opportunity in the name of morality.

I know you are not stupid, Niche. So, your intentional mischaracterization of socialism and capitalism can only be viewed as another attempt to mislead by hyperbole. Capitalism is an economic system. Socialism is a political system. They are not mutually exclusive, as evidenced by their use in Canada, Great Britain, Germany, France, and numerous other capitalist and socialist countries. Socialism is not a prescribed set of policies, either. The US already has socialist programs in place for the elderly and the poor. And, there is little momemtum to get rid of them, as evidenced by Bush's complete failure to even get his plan to eliminate Social Security to a debate.

[TheNiche]

Oh how you make me laugh.

I'm very serious.

Up until last night, he was only a wild-card. I didn't know anything about what he would actually do, just that he'd be very effective at it. He might have done some things I didn't like, and I had even considered the worst case scenarios. But his acceptance speech totally transformed my perception of him. Only now is he a known threat, the antithesis of my political philosophy.

[RedScare]

BTW, I just wanted to mention, and I know some of you will fall out of your seats on this, but I wanted to point out that I am really proud that the only celebs that Obama has been using lately are political ones. No friggin' DiCraprio's or Tim and Suzanne treehuggin' protestors. I commend him on this move. He has enough "starpower" himself, not to need cheap labor to pander to the American Demwits.

You didn't see Jessica Alba in the stands last night?

[westguy]

This is why I can't vote Democrat. I, for the life of me, don't understand why my tax dollars should go to those who won't work for themselves? And no, I'm not talking about children, senior citizens, or those who can't help themselves. You all know very well the type of people on the government teet that are just praying for Obama to get in office and increase those free checks.

That is why I can't vote Republican. As long as you guys accept the current deficit spending, I can't take any argument against welfare seriously, since your preferred option is far more expensive than the freeloaders who abuse the system. I just see another scapegoat to avoid the issue and an excuse to continue the same destructive policies of the past 8 (or 25) years. McCain is out there promising "energy independence" which is physically impossible. We have three percent of the world's oil. We use 25 percent. We use it in our cars and planes, and to transport all of the goods we buy. Nuclear and coal will do nothing to offset that. He can make such stupid promises and plenty of people will believe him.

[DJ V Lawrence]

This could all be an end around by the McCain camp to draw attention away from who he is gonna announce at the convention. Perhaps they are in talks with someone else. Look how they kept this turn of events a secret and have blown everyone away by it. Just a thought.

I doubt that will happen, but that does lead me to another question.

Should Palin become popular win or lose (seeing that most of America never heard of her prior to today), could you see Palin running for President in the future?

[houstonmacbro]

I doubt that will happen, but that does lead me to another question.

Should Palin become popular win or lose (seeing that most of America never heard of her prior to today), could you see Palin running for President in the future?

Here's a thought to ponder.

If (God forbid) something happened to either McCain or Obama in their first term in office who would you rather see in office?

Palin or Biden?

[RedScare]

That is why I can't vote Republican. As long as you guys accept the current deficit spending, I can't take any argument against welfare seriously, since your preferred option is far more expensive than the freeloaders who abuse the system. I just see another scapegoat to avoid the issue and an excuse to continue the same destructive policies of the past 8 (or 25) years. McCain is out there promising "energy independence" which is physically impossible. We have three percent of the world's oil. We use 25 percent. He can make such stupid promises and plenty of people will believe him.

The funniest part, westguy, is that not one of the people that spit and cuss about welfare even know how many people are on welfare, or what has happened to welfare in the last 10 years. Like all Republicans, they are living in the 70s. I've called them on it numerous times, but not once has anyone welfare hater ever responded. They simply trot out the tired line over and over.