Obviously the Dems strategy this year is to link McCain to Bush, and use an unpopular presidency to drag down McCain's popularity. There is a certain amount of irony to this since Bush and McCain have been political rivals for quite some time; and that in 2000 McCain was targetted by Bush and Rove and particularly dirty and underhanded way. However, the stategy remains to connect these two in the eyes of the public.
However, a more substantive comparison would be Obama 2008 and Bush 2000. There is a similarity to their campaigns. 'A uniter and not a divider' is the 2000 version of, 'Yes we can'. They both ran on a platform of change, and the most glaring similarity is their utter lack of experience. Bush and Obama made claims that their inexperience made them outsiders capable of chaning 'business as usual' Washington. Bush didn't know who the president of Pakistan was, Obama guaranteed to meet with Ahmedinejad in the first year of his presidency without preconditions. Both statements made their campaigns and supporters wince and bite their nails. Their success despite their lack of substantive discussion of issues, was marketted as refreshing and new. The guy we'd have a beer with, shoot hoops with, but not neccessarily the guy we'd trust to do our taxes. Finally, both marketted experience as a negative. The Obama campaign tags Clinton and McCain as relects of a failed Washington just as Gore was tagged as a with the negatives that President Clinton carried. Conveniently skipping over the knowledge that is attained through experience. Consequently, these two excellent campaigners are rewarded for being totally unprepared to run the country.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Political Blogosphere
Here are some interesting links from articles written this week...
Gray Lady fighting dirty against McCain campaign? - NYT Bribe?
Democrats and Our Enemies - By Joe Lieberman
McCain Press Release - Senator Obama And National Security
What Me Mullah? Obama and Iran
Cap and Trade McCain Climate Change Plan
Obama supporters over the top Clinton criticisms
Also, some McCain supporters have a variety of interesting blogs around the web...
Conservative voters
Moderate and independent voters
Jewish Voters
Blue Dog Democrats
California Voters
Finally, some random links...
Bassoon Profiler Van Hoesen/Hunt Oboe Gouge Machine Oboe Gouger Dog Skin Dog Lawn Spot
Gray Lady fighting dirty against McCain campaign? - NYT Bribe?
Democrats and Our Enemies - By Joe Lieberman
McCain Press Release - Senator Obama And National Security
What Me Mullah? Obama and Iran
Cap and Trade McCain Climate Change Plan
Obama supporters over the top Clinton criticisms
Also, some McCain supporters have a variety of interesting blogs around the web...
Conservative voters
Moderate and independent voters
Jewish Voters
Blue Dog Democrats
California Voters
Finally, some random links...
Bassoon Profiler Van Hoesen/Hunt Oboe Gouge Machine Oboe Gouger Dog Skin Dog Lawn Spot
Friday, May 23, 2008
McCain Moves the Town Hall Format to the Internet
The Washington Times article McCain Widens Dialogue on Blogs
discusses the McCain campaign's blog outreach efforts. The campaign is looking to reach not only conservative bloggers, but bloggers of all political leanings and blogs that focus on specific topics like heath care. This parrallels the town hall formats that Senator McCain champions. A sort of, anyone, any question, anytime, approach to the presidential race that sees Senator McCain connecting with a wider range of people than previous campaigns have attempted. Moving the town hall to cyberspace and to the national level allows Senator McCain to connect with people, show off his depth of knowlege, and brings a format that few outside the early primary states have experienced to a new and larger audience. Town hall meetings are issue-based and questioner/voter-based they not only serve Senator McCain well, but they can likely improve the national political discourse.
discusses the McCain campaign's blog outreach efforts. The campaign is looking to reach not only conservative bloggers, but bloggers of all political leanings and blogs that focus on specific topics like heath care. This parrallels the town hall formats that Senator McCain champions. A sort of, anyone, any question, anytime, approach to the presidential race that sees Senator McCain connecting with a wider range of people than previous campaigns have attempted. Moving the town hall to cyberspace and to the national level allows Senator McCain to connect with people, show off his depth of knowlege, and brings a format that few outside the early primary states have experienced to a new and larger audience. Town hall meetings are issue-based and questioner/voter-based they not only serve Senator McCain well, but they can likely improve the national political discourse.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Good Luck Senator Kennedy
Best wishes to Senator Kennedy and his family at this difficult time. Friends and supporters should take heart that Senator Kennedy is a tough fighter, and will undoubtedly fight his illness with the same determination that has made him such an effective Senator.
Senator McCain shows his respect for Senator Kennedy and explains why he view's him as 'The Last Lion' of the Senate.
Senator McCain shows his respect for Senator Kennedy and explains why he view's him as 'The Last Lion' of the Senate.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Top Ten Ways to Tell the Press is in Love with Senator Obama
10. Newscaster crosses himself before speaking Senator Obama’s name
9. 5:2:1 Ratio of Obama:Clinton:McCain campaign representatives featured on nightly broadcasts.
8. News analysis concludes that only uneducated narrow-minded people don’t vote for Senator Obama
7. Station does expose on SNL bias after they joke about Senator Obama being coddled by the press.
6. Delegate count that is repeated every 15 minutes ends with the proclamation that Senator Obama’s nomination is a mathematical certainty.
5. Press now considers the Clintons Republicans
4. Commentator tears up whenever someone challenges Senator Obama’s experience level.
3. Newscast breaks into Clinton or McCain speech with Obama speech.
2. Commentator flies into a rage when Senator Clinton wins a primary
1. Shivers shoot up their leg when Senator Obama speaks.
9. 5:2:1 Ratio of Obama:Clinton:McCain campaign representatives featured on nightly broadcasts.
8. News analysis concludes that only uneducated narrow-minded people don’t vote for Senator Obama
7. Station does expose on SNL bias after they joke about Senator Obama being coddled by the press.
6. Delegate count that is repeated every 15 minutes ends with the proclamation that Senator Obama’s nomination is a mathematical certainty.
5. Press now considers the Clintons Republicans
4. Commentator tears up whenever someone challenges Senator Obama’s experience level.
3. Newscast breaks into Clinton or McCain speech with Obama speech.
2. Commentator flies into a rage when Senator Clinton wins a primary
1. Shivers shoot up their leg when Senator Obama speaks.
Monday, May 19, 2008
McCain on Obama's Iran Remarks
Senator McCain made the following remarks during a speech today in Chicago...
“Before I begin my prepared remarks, I want to respond briefly to a comment Senator Obama made yesterday about the threat posed to the United States by the Government of Iran. Senator Obama claimed that the threat Iran poses to our security is “tiny” compared to the threat once posed by the former Soviet Union. Obviously, Iran isn’t a superpower and doesn’t possess the military power the Soviet Union had. But that does not mean that the threat posed by Iran is insignificant. On the contrary, right now Iran provides some of the deadliest explosive devices used in Iraq to kill our soldiers. They are the chief sponsor of Shia extremists in Iraq, and terrorist organizations in the Middle East. And their President, who has called Israel a “stinking corpse,” has repeatedly made clear his government’s commitment to Israel’s destruction. Most worrying, Iran is intent on acquiring nuclear weapons. The biggest national security challenge the United States currently faces is keeping nuclear material out of the hands of terrorists. Should Iran acquire nuclear weapons, that danger would become very dire, indeed. They might not be a superpower, but the threat the Government of Iran poses is anything but “tiny.”
“Senator Obama has declared, and repeatedly reaffirmed his intention to meet the President of Iran without any preconditions, likening it to meetings between former American Presidents and the leaders of the Soviet Union. Such a statement betrays the depth of Senator Obama’s inexperience and reckless judgment. Those are very serious deficiencies for an American president to possess. An ill conceived meeting between the President of the United States and the President of Iran, and the massive world media coverage it would attract, would increase the prestige of an implacable foe of the United States, and reinforce his confidence that Iran’s dedication to acquiring nuclear weapons, supporting terrorists and destroying the State of Israel had succeeded in winning concessions from the most powerful nation on earth. And he is unlikely to abandon the dangerous ambitions that will have given him a prominent role on the world stage.
“This is not to suggest that the United States should not communicate with Iran our concerns about their behavior. Those communications have already occurred at an appropriate level, which the Iranians recently suspended. But a summit meeting with the President of the United States, which is what Senator Obama proposes, is the most prestigious card we have to play in international diplomacy. It is not a card to be played lightly. Summit meetings must be much more than personal get-acquainted sessions. They must be designed to advance American interests. An unconditional summit meeting with the next American president would confer both international legitimacy on the Iranian president and could strengthen him domestically when he is unpopular among the Iranian people. It is likely such a meeting would not only fail to persuade him to abandon Iran’s nuclear ambitions; its support of terrorists and commitment to Israel’s extinction, it could very well convince him that those policies are succeeding in strengthening his hold on power, and embolden him to continue his very dangerous behavior. The next President ought to understand such basic realities of international relations.”
“Before I begin my prepared remarks, I want to respond briefly to a comment Senator Obama made yesterday about the threat posed to the United States by the Government of Iran. Senator Obama claimed that the threat Iran poses to our security is “tiny” compared to the threat once posed by the former Soviet Union. Obviously, Iran isn’t a superpower and doesn’t possess the military power the Soviet Union had. But that does not mean that the threat posed by Iran is insignificant. On the contrary, right now Iran provides some of the deadliest explosive devices used in Iraq to kill our soldiers. They are the chief sponsor of Shia extremists in Iraq, and terrorist organizations in the Middle East. And their President, who has called Israel a “stinking corpse,” has repeatedly made clear his government’s commitment to Israel’s destruction. Most worrying, Iran is intent on acquiring nuclear weapons. The biggest national security challenge the United States currently faces is keeping nuclear material out of the hands of terrorists. Should Iran acquire nuclear weapons, that danger would become very dire, indeed. They might not be a superpower, but the threat the Government of Iran poses is anything but “tiny.”
“Senator Obama has declared, and repeatedly reaffirmed his intention to meet the President of Iran without any preconditions, likening it to meetings between former American Presidents and the leaders of the Soviet Union. Such a statement betrays the depth of Senator Obama’s inexperience and reckless judgment. Those are very serious deficiencies for an American president to possess. An ill conceived meeting between the President of the United States and the President of Iran, and the massive world media coverage it would attract, would increase the prestige of an implacable foe of the United States, and reinforce his confidence that Iran’s dedication to acquiring nuclear weapons, supporting terrorists and destroying the State of Israel had succeeded in winning concessions from the most powerful nation on earth. And he is unlikely to abandon the dangerous ambitions that will have given him a prominent role on the world stage.
“This is not to suggest that the United States should not communicate with Iran our concerns about their behavior. Those communications have already occurred at an appropriate level, which the Iranians recently suspended. But a summit meeting with the President of the United States, which is what Senator Obama proposes, is the most prestigious card we have to play in international diplomacy. It is not a card to be played lightly. Summit meetings must be much more than personal get-acquainted sessions. They must be designed to advance American interests. An unconditional summit meeting with the next American president would confer both international legitimacy on the Iranian president and could strengthen him domestically when he is unpopular among the Iranian people. It is likely such a meeting would not only fail to persuade him to abandon Iran’s nuclear ambitions; its support of terrorists and commitment to Israel’s extinction, it could very well convince him that those policies are succeeding in strengthening his hold on power, and embolden him to continue his very dangerous behavior. The next President ought to understand such basic realities of international relations.”
Saturday, May 17, 2008
WaPo Hit Piece Refutiated
The Washington Post printed an article that definitively misrepresented Senator McCain's stance on Hamas stating that he had previously supported negotiating with Hamas without conditions. This is false, and there are numerous sources showing that a quote taken out of context was used to misrepresent his position.
Hot Air explains how it happened...
The following video is from the exact same day that he made the statements that were used to distort is actual position.
UPDATE: The McCain Campaign has released video from the actual interview with Jamie Rubin. It really shows what a shameless liar Rubin turned out to be,
-Matt DiBari
UPDATE II: To contact Washington Post editor Fred Hiatt and demand a retraction, email hiattf@washpost.com
Posted at
Blogs 4 McCain
Hot Air explains how it happened...
The context here is crystal clear. McCain envisioned a possible change in Hamas from a terrorist group to a legitimate political party, one that recognized Israel and renounced violence. Under those conditions, McCain said that we could engage them in talks designed to establish peace, and only under those conditions. The Bush administration had the same policy at the time. Neither the US nor John McCain supported meeting with Hamas without preconditions, and they certainly didn’t have policy advisers meeting with them while they conducted terrorist attacks and plotted an armed takeover of Gaza.
The following video is from the exact same day that he made the statements that were used to distort is actual position.
UPDATE: The McCain Campaign has released video from the actual interview with Jamie Rubin. It really shows what a shameless liar Rubin turned out to be,
-Matt DiBari
UPDATE II: To contact Washington Post editor Fred Hiatt and demand a retraction, email hiattf@washpost.com
Posted at
Blogs 4 McCain
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
McCain Free Trade and Ethanol
Ethanol provides an interesting lesson in government subsidies, why they cause problems and why free trade works better. It's understandable how in the late '70's ethanol subsidies started. There was an interest in finding energy alternatives, and the idea of corn based ethanol held promise. Today there is still a desire to find clean energy alternatives, and ethanol still holds promise. Yet these subsidies, even if well intentioned, create more problems than they resolve. Problem number one, subsidizing corn based ethanol creates an obvious focus on corn. However, the promise ethanol now lays in numerous sources such as switch grass, sugar, or a host of other natural products. Pushing corn slows the development of ethanol from these alternate sources. Second, subsidizing corn ethanol creates an unnatural shortage of corn. Hence food prices rise; not only corn based products, but the cost to feed farm animals increases making the price of meat and dairy products increase too. The working class and those already struggling financially are hurt the most as the price of necessities increase.
Finally, the last problem with ethanol subsidies is they are hard to illiminate. Senator McCain made a very gutsy decision to be the only candidate to go into the Iowa primary stating that he opposed ethanol subsidies. Telling farmers that it is no longer good economics to regulate and subsidize corn ethanol is hard, but necessary. Eliminating these subsidies will help with food prices. It will help allow other sources of ethanol to develop, and will even allow the US to purchase cheaper ethanol from other countries such as Brazil who has plenty. Regulation and subsidies are often well intended, but as is the case with ethanol, problems often arise when free trade isn't practiced.
Finally, the last problem with ethanol subsidies is they are hard to illiminate. Senator McCain made a very gutsy decision to be the only candidate to go into the Iowa primary stating that he opposed ethanol subsidies. Telling farmers that it is no longer good economics to regulate and subsidize corn ethanol is hard, but necessary. Eliminating these subsidies will help with food prices. It will help allow other sources of ethanol to develop, and will even allow the US to purchase cheaper ethanol from other countries such as Brazil who has plenty. Regulation and subsidies are often well intended, but as is the case with ethanol, problems often arise when free trade isn't practiced.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
An Independent's Argument
There are some issues where Senator McCain breaks with the traditional Republican party line that as an Independent I appreciate greatly. First, is protecting the environment and addressing global warming. I'm still at a loss as to why this is a partisan issue, but it is an important issue. At a Romney town hall last summer a gentleman stood up to explain that in NH many Republican towns voted in favor environmental protections, and continued to explain that he was a good Republican and wanted a candidate that would address environmental issues. Senator McCain's cap and trade plan works both on an environmental level and on an economic level, by imposing regulations that are not burdensome while decreasing carbon emmissions each year.
His human rights record and definitive stand against torture is the second issue that I find compelling. I was very disappointed in the Republican party when Senator McCain was the only candidate to stand strongly against torture. He also has an impecable human rights record. He has a history of defending the oppressed whether in Darfur, Tibet, or elsewhere he consistenly voices his opposition to human cruelty.
The argument for Independents and Conservatives to vote for Senator McCain is two-fold. First his record is basically conservative, but he doesn't just follow the party line. Second, the Democrats are running on a far-left platform. For us middle-of-the-roaders, issue wise there is little moderation or compromise coming from the Democratic candidates. Senator McCain has worked across the isle numerous times, sometimes upsetting party loyalists. However, he gets things done and he sticks to his guns even when pressured not to.
From Purple People Vote
His human rights record and definitive stand against torture is the second issue that I find compelling. I was very disappointed in the Republican party when Senator McCain was the only candidate to stand strongly against torture. He also has an impecable human rights record. He has a history of defending the oppressed whether in Darfur, Tibet, or elsewhere he consistenly voices his opposition to human cruelty.
The argument for Independents and Conservatives to vote for Senator McCain is two-fold. First his record is basically conservative, but he doesn't just follow the party line. Second, the Democrats are running on a far-left platform. For us middle-of-the-roaders, issue wise there is little moderation or compromise coming from the Democratic candidates. Senator McCain has worked across the isle numerous times, sometimes upsetting party loyalists. However, he gets things done and he sticks to his guns even when pressured not to.
From Purple People Vote
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Blogger Tip - Link Sites
A Blogger Tip from McCain Blogger Resources
The importance of linking is not only the traffic generated through that link, but links are a key element of how search engines determine the importance and ranking of a site. With a group of like the McCain/MV08 bloggers, it is simply beneficial to all involved to give another site in the network, your buddy, a friendly, or well-liked site a link. Here are some ways people like to link...
The Quote: "The House of Representatives faces a historic choice next week when it votes on whether or not to pass the New GI Bill. This vote decides whether our nation will honor its newest generation of veterans and invest in the future of the men and women who have been serving in harm's way. We need your help." from Mad Irish Man's Conservative Consortium
The Plug: Here a couple new blogs worth checking out...
McCain Independents focuses on Snator McCain's support among Independent voters.
Now Hampshire - New Hampshire news and politics.
The Story: John McCain shows support from a wide range of groups including Blue Dog Democrats, Independent Voters, Jewish Voters, McCain Moms, Libertarian Voters, Rudy Supporters, Veteran Voters, and Asian American Voters making up a broad coalition of voters.
*Also and example of keyword links.
Keyword Links: In it's simplest form these links use relevant keywords to link to sites or particular pages within a site. This can help a site/page win over particular keywords. They can be within the context of an article or simply as a random group of words as follows...
Bassoon Profiler Bassoon Reed Profiler Bassoon Reed Carver Oboe Gouge Machine Oboe Gouger Oboe Reed Gouger Dog Lawn Dog Lawn Spots Natural Flea Collar Dog Insect Collar Cat Glucosamine Purple States
The importance of linking is not only the traffic generated through that link, but links are a key element of how search engines determine the importance and ranking of a site. With a group of like the McCain/MV08 bloggers, it is simply beneficial to all involved to give another site in the network, your buddy, a friendly, or well-liked site a link. Here are some ways people like to link...
The Quote: "The House of Representatives faces a historic choice next week when it votes on whether or not to pass the New GI Bill. This vote decides whether our nation will honor its newest generation of veterans and invest in the future of the men and women who have been serving in harm's way. We need your help." from Mad Irish Man's Conservative Consortium
The Plug: Here a couple new blogs worth checking out...
McCain Independents focuses on Snator McCain's support among Independent voters.
Now Hampshire - New Hampshire news and politics.
The Story: John McCain shows support from a wide range of groups including Blue Dog Democrats, Independent Voters, Jewish Voters, McCain Moms, Libertarian Voters, Rudy Supporters, Veteran Voters, and Asian American Voters making up a broad coalition of voters.
*Also and example of keyword links.
Keyword Links: In it's simplest form these links use relevant keywords to link to sites or particular pages within a site. This can help a site/page win over particular keywords. They can be within the context of an article or simply as a random group of words as follows...
Bassoon Profiler Bassoon Reed Profiler Bassoon Reed Carver Oboe Gouge Machine Oboe Gouger Oboe Reed Gouger Dog Lawn Dog Lawn Spots Natural Flea Collar Dog Insect Collar Cat Glucosamine Purple States
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)