Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

olderwiser — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:28:58 GMT

She was the prettiest dumb woman ever introduced onto the national political, and absolutely unfit to serve if an aged president became unable to do so. He may as well have chosen a starlet from Hollywood, who would, by the way, also be able to govern Alaska with her acting experience. Alaska floats on oil production taxes and you can waste tons of money while still having plenty left over. Nothing to it. Negotiating a pipeline meant saying, "where do I sign, and when does the money come in?"

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

olderwiser — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:30:00 GMT

She was the prettiest dumb woman ever introduced onto the national political scenel, and absolutely unfit to serve if an aged president became unable to do so. He may as well have chosen a starlet from Hollywood, who would, by the way, also be able to govern Alaska with her acting experience. Alaska floats on oil production taxes and you can waste tons of money while still having plenty left over. Nothing to it. Negotiating a pipeline meant saying, "where do I sign, and when does the money come in?"

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

GregHere — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:51:06 GMT

.................................... From the beginning McCain was just not at all a Superior Candidate For President in many ways.............that says it all in a few words. First he had to follow the disasterous 8 years of the failed Bush Administration which was a very difficult mountain to climb. Then when he had the bad judgement to bring the unqualified and inexperienced Sarah Palin onboard it started to get worse rapidly and from there the wheels started to fall off of the "Maverick" McCain Express almost daily followed by the Big Economic Downturn that we are now in which turned out to be his "right cross on the chin knockout blow"........Wrong Guy for the point in history America is at right now!!!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

rx8anna — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:25:49 GMT

My father (a 65-year old native Southern Californian) had the best summarization of why he wouldn't be voting for McCain when he said to me upon watching Palin during the Republican convention - "We'd be a melanoma away from that woman running the country."

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

iali — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:43:04 GMT

The religious right has managed to register and deliver 25% of the votes in the past (with 30% turnout). With new democratic registrations, and increased turnout, this number is becoming less significant-- and will ultimately be a noose around the Republican neck if they do not free themselves of religion for the future elections.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

tiredoflies — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:48:08 GMT

Palin is ABSOLUTELY INEPT.

She does NOT belong in a governorship.

It is clear the people of Alaska do NOT vett their candidates for office.

Wake up Alaska. You NEED to raise the bar for your political offices to avoid looking as dumb as Palin does right now.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Banji — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:51:28 GMT

I am sorry, but the whole thing just became tragi-comedic. The McCain campaign, that is...

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

phoke — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:08:54 GMT

McCain's strategy was to introduce this fresh, non-dc/non-polititian to america in the hopes that since most of us were skeptical of the corrupt dc polititians, we would love her. What he forgot was that this country needs someone w/ dc polititian experience and know how to help him run the country and keep us out of war. The fact that she could not name the nations participating in the North American Free Trade Agreement and thought Africa was a country and not a continent is further proof she needs to stay in the woods. She is a better hunter than Dick Cheney and I would rather have her on an expedition because she won't shoot people, but that's about it. How she tried to pass herself off as just another hockey/soccer mom w/ expensive glasses, suits and an outrageous makeup and hairstyling bill is preposterous. Our country deserves much better - especially after what we have been through for the last 2 terms.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

kingtut — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:19:39 GMT

I love it. This campaign was about nothing from the start. I never even knew what he stood for because he was busy listening to Sean Hannity and other idiots like that who told him to bring all of the negativity into the campaign. And then he made the worse decision ever by chosing the Wasilla Hillbilly to be his running mate. I don't think that I have ever seen such an uneducated, and unprofessional politicial in my life. Mccain's lost falls squarely on his shoulders. It has nothing to do with the media, or financing ect.. Thats a cop out. His campaign had no direction.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

engine40 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:24:06 GMT

Pretty easy for me to sum up. PALIN is quite ignorant of the things a Vice-President needs to know. Not know Africa is a continent, thinking South America was a country within a continent. And she was gonna be next to those launch codes ? This was an ILL prepared campaign built on pandering (18 million pissed Hillaryites), style and no substance (Palin), and a man who just can't connect with anyone that doesn't have seven 0's in their bank account. DOOMED DOOMED DOOMED !!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

The "O" Team — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:27:52 GMT

The sitting President (the BAFOON), The WAR, THE ECONOMY, His Choice of ATTACKS, His lack of new vision (same ole same, packaged in an old and unfit body) and last but not least...

SARAH PHAIL'IN... "John Mc'Cain't,because Sarah PHAIL'IN"...

... that was too easy. Out of all honesty, after that certified NUT G.W., AMERICA WAS BOUND TO TAKE THE FIRST, QUALIFIED AND SINCERE GENIUS... VIVA LA INTELLIGENCIA

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

celeste47 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:37:59 GMT

What worries me at this time is as Powell stated, "..the narrowing of the Republican party." It really bothers me to say that what I witnessed in this political season was a party that became exclusive vs. inclusive. After Palin arrived the definition of a Republican could only be: against abortion, against taxes (even with the biggest deficit in our history), small town, uneducated, angry/scared/mean (border line violent) white people that look like racist.

I can't fit into a party like that. I had no other choice but to vote for Obama.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

40YearR — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:38:12 GMT

Until recently, I was a solid vote for and supporter of McCain. Then he changed his campaign staff, and I began to be flooded with anonymous smear emails. I did a little research, finding them all to be lies. Then the fabricated "quotes" purportedly from Obama’s books kept coming. That caused me to read his books. I was most impressed with his intellect, and his capacity to so eloquently express empathy for all perspectives while he explained how he came to be post-racial.

The smears in the emails became themes in the election. I began to see almost only hate, prejudice and fear mongering in blogs. McCain selected Palin who “excites the base”.

The emails began to claim that the Dems were responsible for the economic collapse. That prompted me to find out that the new McC campaign was managed by one of the most highly paid lobbyists, and that for 8 years he had been lobbying republicans against regulation. The anonymous blame of Dems for the economic crisis only increased after the role of McC's campaign manager was reported in the press.

As I began to raise questions or refute the smears, I received virtually nothing but tirades or hysterical accusations that I am a “lefty”, I’m Godless, stupid, a traitor, etc., and efforts to essentially shout me down with name calling and derision. On blogs, what I saw from McC supporters were relentless repetitions of the debunked smears and fear mongering (check blogs now to see the alarming frequency of conviction that only doom awaits us) and efforts to shout down anyone who has a different view.

With all the malicious smears against him, Obama refused to engage in such actions. He showed composure and insight in response to the crisis and in the debates. McC lurched and showed that the people he chose to advise him were making him look bad, and that he could not discern bad advice. Sarah showed she is a buffoon.

I finally realized that I could not possibly support further entrenchment of the Bush operatives, and I could only oppose those who try to hijack our political process with lies, hate, fear and other forms of propaganda.

I realized what a remarkable person Obama is.

The blogs are still full of the lies and fear engendered by them. Republicans repeatedly talk about how much they’re going to enjoy watching our country go to Hell in a hand basket. They continue to call me names, I must be a lefty, etc. A purported party leader told me that they were going to build a “better party” with only “good people” unlike me. Colin Powell is correct. As best I can see, “the base” is now extremists who consider non-radicals as un-American or worse.

A 40 year republican

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

The "O" Team — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:38:39 GMT

Honestly, Mc'Cain't would have been more of a viable option had he chosen, my personal favorite Republican (out of the class of 08' Candidates), MIKE HUCK'... He would have rallied the Republican crowd with "New American Spirituality"... and it would have probably WORKED... Mitt Romney (who I thought was stuffy and had baggage) would have been the more SHREWD pick but still a better one than SARAH PHAIL'IN... Heck... Not having a Running-Mate would have been, more effective for the Mc'Cain't Camp...

I ONLY HOPE THAT THE REPUBLICANS, KEEP THAT KNIT-WHIT AROUND... SHE IS, WAS AND WILL BE AND EASY WIN...

... and on top of that, did you see her voting, in those jeans she had on??? They had been fooling me by allowing her to wear those tight-black skirts... THEY MADE HER LOOK, JUST A LITTLE MORE APPEALING (THE WHOLE WIDE HIPS LARGE REAR, THING... alas, that too, was fake... She had ZERO BOOTY...)

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

kelina49 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:52:50 GMT

I really do not associate myself with Dimocrat or Republican. I just vote according to who I think will do the best job. I am African American but I didn't vote for Obama because of this factor. I voted for him because he seemed to have the most reasoning when it came to certain issues. McCain (to me) seemed to playing attack mode like a grade school child. Picking on every word that Obama ever had to say. He didn't seem to have a plan and that scares me. Palin really brought him down because she is just clueless. Sorry to say she does have the makings of a dumb bimbo. She also didn't answer any issues and played the tagging game also. We really need someone that can solve the problems that our economy has and can do the best job. I know of one die hard Republican and I just can't understand her. She couldn't tell me why she was voting for McCain except for she is a republican. I asked her about the issues at hand and how does she think McCain can help with that. She couldn't tell me except for the fact that she is Republican and that is how she was going to vote. This is just an ignorant way to think in my opinion. We need to pay attention to the issues and not think about our political stance. We need to find someone that is qualified and not that he or she is a Republican or a Dimocrat. We need to put this aside and think about what we think is best for our country. Because when it is all said and done we have to feel confident in our dicision. Now how can you do that when our country is failing because people elected McCain into office? What would they have to say for themselves then we he is only thinking about filling his pockets while the rest of us suffer? Could you be confident in voting for him just because he is Republican then? Would you still be happy that you voted for him when our country is failing horribly and you saw the signs but ignored them? Listen up people I can't tell you how to vote, all I can say is be smart in your decisions and not stubborn in your ways.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

illdiz — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:04:56 GMT

Senator McCain lost because Senator Obama had a steady, consistent strategy, a great campaign organization, outstanding political instincts, keen intelligence and excellent character.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

curmudgeon47 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:31:59 GMT

I agree with King Tut. I'd been leaning for Obama for a long time (this from a live-long (62) Republican. I'd seen the filth and tirades on the blogs. I'd been called un-American and commie. (I flew F-4s in Viet Nam). The later rallies led by her and John resembled some of the rallies in Nuremburg in the 30s for their sheer hate.

And then, in the last week, long after I'd aleady made my mind up to vote for Obama, it struck me - I had no idea what platform Sen. McCain was running on. I didn't know what he wanted to do. I didn't know how he was going to fix things. All I heard from their campaign was negativity about Obama. And Obama had run a 30 advertisement that didn't mention McCain once. (and I don't remember his mentioning Palin at all, at any time. This was the most unkindest cut of all.)

That is a big difference. Apparanently, John thought he just had to announce his candidacy and he would be elected. Why not? It's worked in Arizona for 26 years. Yes, it had to be the worst campaign ever.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

dollface47 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:39:18 GMT

While I do think that McCain ran a terrible campaign and only made it worse when igoring this and keeping on his path of a steady downfall I also believe that Obama's campaign was just unbeatable. It was perfect, he used class, intelligence and listened to what the American people wanted. He was just too hard to beat.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Dick Grayson — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:14:35 GMT

Obama ran a very strong campaign and he stayed on topic. McCain should not have chosen Sarah Palin. She has great personna but as the campaign ground on, showed great naivete in almost all areas. I think both parties should severely limit the viscious and negative campaigns. It is necessary to argue with your opponent but to tell outright lies about him or her diminishes you. McCain was always on the wrong subject at the wrong time.

Last, the Republican party has become far too narrow. I am a registered Republican and consider myself to be a moderate, i.e., fiscally conservative, strong military, socially progressive. The GOP panders far too much to special interests such as the Christian right and the NRA even though I am a lifetime member. Quit looking to the past but look to the future and expand your base - stop relying on the same tired groups campaign after campaign.

Good luck.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

NYC4life — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:21:59 GMT

John McCain seemed very bitter throughout the debates. He never looked at Obama and he constantly tried to bully him and continuously attacked him. While Obama kept his stability and didn't attack McCain, instead he as the "LIBERAL" (mind you the Republicans try to use this word as an INSULT) he is...he instead tried to side with McCain, yet used tactics to point out his VIEWS and was determined to get in touch with ALL AMERICANS whether Demo, or Rep or Independant. America is a GREAT coutnry...and Barack Obama is a GREAT candidate and is more than up to par for Presidency.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

venturakeys — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:52:53 GMT

McCain believes he is "Maverick" in Top Gun, who has the need to surround himself with "beauty queens" and "eye candy" He could have chosen an exceptionally brilliant woman, but he didn't want anything less than a "babe" by his side. Well, he got what he wished for, and he also has to suffer the results for choosing beauty over brainsl It is an insult for him to imply that he could fool the public into thinking she was anything other than another woman chosen for her looks. Look at his first wife,look at Cindy, and look at Sarah. Beautiful women has been John McCain's downfall. Note to Sarah Palin; delusions of grandeur only take you so far. and to those who voted yes on Proposition 8.

"Great Spirits have always faced violent opposition from mediocre minds." Thomas Edison

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

mjohnsona2@yahoo.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:00:07 GMT

The GOP lost for three reasons.

First, I think McCain was the wrong selection for the GOP because they need a true conservative to contrast the liberal views of Obama.

Second, the way the McCain campaign used Sarah Palin her their cause. I especially liked his choice in Sarah Palin, who I think is receiving unfair blame for losing the election as I think she did the best she could considering how team McCain was trying present her. She needed the freedom to be the person that made an impact in Alaska. Sarah needed to be Sarah, and I know by looking at her image that she was not comfortable being used the way she was used. If she would have been allowed to be herself, the election could have taken a different result.

Third, the GOP did not really make its point of contention against Obama's policies until late in the campaign with Joe the Plummer. They failed to convey a simple message to counter Obama's.

Fourth, the economy tanked at the wrong time before an election. The Democrats took advantage of this situation and used it to their advantage. Unfortunately, voters vote with their pocketbooks before they vote for conviction and freedom. Obama wisely expounded his message during a time of crisis by instilling the message of hope.

There is a blessing for the GOP ahead because it gives them time to realize why they lost the election and time to regain their conservative focus. I hope they realize that they need to return to the principles established in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and espouse the things that make America great.

In the 2012 election, what will the answer to the question be: is your life better off today than it was four years ago? The party that answers this question best will win.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

TheWildDove — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:05:49 GMT

McCain lost because Obama was the better choice for our times. That's it. Yes, Sarah Palin is an idiot-I'm a second year Political Science student, I require my elected officials to know more about government than I do-she did not meet this expectation. John McCain is an American hero-but he's not the John McCain from 8 years ago, he's a panderer to the narrow-minded fear mongering base that's divided this country and driven it into the ground. Obama has a unifying spirit and an unfailing intellect. He's the right person for this period in our history, he deserves this presidency and he will lead us to a better tomorrow.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

tiredoflies — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:10:53 GMT

McCain had a lot of problems but, Palin was McCains show stopper.

As for Palin:

Palin is ABSOLUTELY INEPT.

She does NOT belong in a governorship. She obviously rose too fast and can NOT professionally handle the power of higher office.

It is clear the people of Alaska do NOT vett their candidates for office.

Wake up Alaska. You NEED to raise the professional bar for your political offices to avoid looking as incompetent as Palin does right now.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

olderwiser — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:44:36 GMT

Mc Cain was born to be an admiral. Admirals do not have to stage political campaigns to advance. He was never cut out to be a president. Ships of the Navy and ships of state run differently. You must order everyone around to run a Navy ship. I have concluded that he was always on the verge of anger because he was not able to order the American people to vote for him on pain of facing a court martial if they refused. Then, when he made such a choice as he did for his Executive Officer, Palin the Dull, he did himself in. When you contrast this with the aplomb of Barack Obama and his extremely competent crew, the genius of his email collection system to fuel his ship of state, and his obvious overall competence, we are to be well served by this man who is destined to be great. I love this country and the way it can heal itself.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

trogers — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:59:59 GMT

Sen. McCain lost because he was too old. Nobody wanted to say it, but everyone knew it. He was not the same man he was in 2000 because he was eight years older. Eight years older is a long time for someone going from the sixties into the seventies. He acted too old and he reacted too old because he was too old. Baby boomers like myself are putting our parents of the same age as McCain into nursing homes because they just can't handle life on their own anymore. Anyone in their forties , fifties , or sixties knows someone in their seventies should not be President. McCain was once a qualified candidate but now he is just too old. Thank God the voters realized it.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Tea6 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:24:32 GMT

The people who seem obsessed with Palin, probably were not going to vote Republican anyway.

The main reason McCain lost is because swing voters that were Republican or Independent could sense that the GOP economic ideology is over extended and driving the country into the ground. More tax cuts for the rich, more trade agreements and more deregulation are like giving another bottle of whiskey to someone who is dead drunk in hopes of sobering him up. What McCain was spouting does not make any sense in todays environment. The GOP has become like the Democrats in the 1970s.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Omaar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:29:15 GMT

Sarah Palin had better stay in Alaska...

She had better Produce that [Alaskan-Candian Gas Pipeline] that she Falsely Claimed was already under Contruction, when there has been no piece of Pipeline laid on that project and the Canadian Gas Company are not bound to building this Gas Pipeline and the Native Canadian indian are also Blocking this Agreement, based on it going through their land . .

Not to mention, there's a Big Oil Corporation who is currently Building a Gas & Oil Pipeline in Alaska, while Palin waits on Canadian Litigation, revolving around the Canadian Litigation and the Native Canadian indian Land Dispute, revolving around their land and this proposed agreement with Palin & Canadian Company.

Palin had better get that [Gas Pipeline Project] going before she ever thinks of going for Any Political Position, because if she does not bring this [Gas Pipeline Project] Fruition, her A!! will be Exposed even moreso as a Liar, Fraud and Fake, that she currently is.

Palin had better not [Pardon] Ted Stevens, because if she does...

Her Fragile & Sensitive Political Career will have the Stake Driven it's Red Heart, regarding National Politics, such as Congress Woman or Senator.

I have the Suspicion She will [Pardon Stevens] based on what he knows about her via the Various Earmark Millions and the Jack Abramoff, Stevens & Sarah and Todd Palin Connection.

Her career will then be OVER in Politics as far as running for President or Vice President.

Look for 1. PiYush [Bobby] Jindal, 2. Tim Pawlenty, 3. Charlie [The Closeted-Down Low] Crist and 4. Mike [Arkansas Baptist] Huckabee as the Next [Bleeding Bloody Red Republicans] to take a shot at the White House !!!

Sarah Palin will Not, I Repeat...Will Not be a Factor in 2012

If she does Not [Pardon Stevens] maybe a run for a 2nd Term as Governor and Cheerleader for the Republican Party, thats it !!!

Her Political tactics work well up their in the yukon, but does not bode well in the [Lower 48]

The Undisputed .......Truth

About Palin

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Torch Bearer — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:33:48 GMT

John McCain never really told the American people what plans he had for our country. He seemed like the student who had an assignment, but never really put much thought in it, never prepared. We can't have this in a President. His choices were off the cuff, his behaviour was reactive instead of reasoned, measured and practical, and he seemed glaringly out of touch with middle America. Most importantly for me, he chose a running mate who is just plain dumb, and to make it worse, very devisive. While I continually looked for McCain to tell us what his plans were, he spent that precious time bashing Mr. Obama. What is scarry is that he allowed Ms.Palin to take it to a whole new level.

There was no stratigy, only reactive tactics, hi-jinx and shennanigens used in his campaign. So my question was: Is this how he would run the country? Jumping one way and then another? Sara Palin should not be given a pass as well. She clearly ravished and revelled in being in the spotlight. She also appeared to enjoy the fear mongering venom she spewed. Is this how she would conduct herself as VP. Character does matter and I believe Mr. Obama for the most part keep his negative comments to the issues, rather than the character smearing and riot inciting rhetoric his opponents engaged in.

As for the media being in the bag for Obama, I dont buy it. Remember, negative begats negative and with all the negative mess coming from the McCain camp, I am amazed the media showed the restraint it did.

McCain/Palin have no one but themselves and their nastiness to blame for their loss.

Signed-

Glad that ship sank!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

maxbianco — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:45:47 GMT

I want to share with everyone here what my life has been like post election.

im african american. i live in the south.

the day after the election was tense, something like walking on egg shells..... when interacting with white people. there were snide remarks, hateful looks, an almost silent rage. some of my friends were even called names (the n-word) .

This is the legacy of john mccain and sarah palin; enablers of hate and champions of the most vile ignorance! and to anyone foolish enough to excuse the damage they have done to our nation...." Hatred in any guise is an evil thing"

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

walkman56 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:57:54 GMT

McCain lost because he had Bush around his neck,then he strangled the last breaths out of himself with the idiotic appointment of Sarah Palin. I can see Russia from my house?That's elementary school talk. He tried to connect with the "joe the plumbers",then Palin goes on a $150,000(or more?) spending spree that Joe the plumber couldn't afford in a lifetime. The overall campaign was poorly run,with too many,"I have a plan",but no plan spelled out. Also,the American people spoke clearly against the backwooded conservative right,whose ideas are as welcome as a skunk. Maybe the GOP will finally realize that the American people are tired of their upper-crust-feeding BS,and have absolutely no use for any of them.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

walkman56 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:12:43 GMT

To Maxbianco;Let me assure you that,as a white male living in the northeast,I reviled in the historic election of an African-American as our 44th President. I voted for Barack Obama in the pre-lims and the general election. Obama spoke the language of the average joe,which was invisible for the last eight horrific years. To face the actions of a few idiots should not diminsh your joy of the moment. You can always laugh inside at the ignorance of other people who are not intelligent enough to keep it inside.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Caleb Murdock — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:38:15 GMT

My opinion is that McCain ran TOO far to the right. He didn't need to compromise ALL of his maverick positions, which is pretty much what he did. His flip-flop on Bush's tax-cuts-for-the-rich was particularly disappointing to me, but the fact that he wanted to give the rich MORE tax cuts was absurd. Not only did he run too far to the right, he kept on running to the right after it was no longer necessary. Once he had secured the nomination, he didn't need Bush's endorsement. He also didn't need to compromise his position on torture. And he also didn't need to cater to the base by picking Palin. He continued to act as if he were still running in the primaries long after he had secured the nomination. Altogether, his campaign was scattered and unfocused. Other people who have said that he didn't seem to know why he was running were right on the nose.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

floridacadman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:50:06 GMT

McCain lost simply because people are tired of the same old, "hurray for me and screw everyone else, " attitudes. They dont work. Like it or not, we are all in this together. You cant constantly keep giving to the rich and screwing the poor/middle class. Trickle down economics doesnt work and another 4 billion for big oil when Exxon posts 14.7 bil profit for a quater is nothing short of insanity.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Bronco two — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:10:18 GMT

McCain lost because the other candidate just like Hitler has most of you people brainwashed. How can you call yourself americans when you vote someone like him (baby killer) in.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

floridacadman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:22:17 GMT

Ref Bronco two; Because you reps are hypocrites. Anti-choice, but kill em at 18. Anti-social programs, but spill another 40 million of those babies you love so much into a social system you dont support. Howd you like to make 1000 a week and take home 150, thats what your anti-choice would do. Your all about religion, but hate gay people, contradiction of terms? Hmmm...thought religion was all about love and tolerence...or is that only for you immoral minority.

Hitler? Bush lied to us about the war, blamed it on a people that had nothing to do with it, and then continues to kill our youth over his own personal cause. Sound like your Hitler a little???

Give us all a break, people just woke up.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Bronco two — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:30:03 GMT

I really rattled your chain didn't I. You are really insecure aren't you? I don't hate gays, but you probally are one, aren't you. You bleeding heart liberals make at least 55 million of us sick. I guess you think that taxing the oil companies to death is going to make life easier for us. I guess you wouldn't ever fight for freedom either. Well after your so called hero runs and hides from the first battle all our past victories will be for nothing. Why does all our enimies love this guy?

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Bronco two — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:39:59 GMT

I guess we should have turned the other cheek when the terrorists leveled the buildings in NY! According to floridacadman it was all lies! Those 40 million babies that were left alive were mostly all black. They are the ones with their hands out wanting your 850.00 that you lost on your take home pay. You probally only believe what you read in the new york times and the washington post, and they never tell lies do they, hell no they just don't print anything that don't benefit the liberals.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

floridacadman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:40:15 GMT

Typical rep, avoid every single issue I mentioned.

Tax big oil? God forbid, I like paying 350 a gallon when they post 14.7 billion in profits. Tax me instead. We wouldnt want any of your pals giving up their 14,000 umbrells stands now would we.

Fight for freedom? Any one of those Iraquis your so hell bent of sacrificing our children for, would cut your throat for the change in your pocket. We x-ray 1 : 27 cargo containers that come into this country. Why? Because that moran in the Whitehouse is spending 10 bil a month to save your middle eastern buddies. Meantime, the former USSR has 27,000 unaccounted for nukes, and BinLaden has unlimited funds to buy them

You reps are get us all killed with your misguided loyalties. But thats ok, if you got your way with Roe v Wade, we wouldnt have any money left anyway.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Shoholanana — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:44:15 GMT

John McCain said: Let's put the campaign behind us........and work together!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Shoholanana — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:45:45 GMT

PLEASE.......The campaign is over........we have a lot of work ahead. Let's work together.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Bronco two — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:50:28 GMT

Maybe (fla) you ought to hire a secretary so I could understand your sloppy replies. Tell me what increasing the tax on oil companies would do to lower the price of gasoline. Enlighten me please, because you think you know all the answers. You blame all the ills of the world on Republicans, but if you would read about history(and not just the newspapers), you would find the liberal democrates are the number one cause for our ills. The terrorists wouldn't have been so brave if our past Democratic Presidents would have shown some backbone.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Shoholanana — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:52:02 GMT

Why must we prove we are right?.................The past is the past! This country needs all of our efforts....together to turn our country around...........Please people let's STOP THIS PARTISAN garbage and show we are Christians and have a little FAITH. OR WE'LL BE DEAD RIGHT AND BROKE!!!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Texasindy — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:55:24 GMT

Broncotwo should have been listed as a reason McCain lost. Unfortunately for McCain he was supported by a large group of prejudice and racist people who will just not let history rest. They want to continue to dampen this nations hope for new start. Once the republicans realize that they have to drop all the right wing losers and realize that they are a dieing breed, they will get back to being competitive. Scare tactics may have worked a couple years back, but the people have spoken quite clearly. It's now about what is right for this country and for this world. Again, the republicans went after the support of less educated and more greedy folks and lost. Once they get over trying to get all the "joe six packs" to take over Washington, the republicans will be back in the picture. How this maverick allowed someone in his campaign to allow him to choose such an evil person in Palin still boggles my mind. Kay Bailey Hutchinson or Lieberman would have kept the red states red for McCain. Cheers to Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, and Florida for realizing what a fake VP McCain took under his wing. I do feel sorry for McCain (he is a fantastic person and a great leader of the republican party) , but I feel great for Obama!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

floridacadman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:56:07 GMT

I agree, but the blog is why McCain lost and Bronco just proved my point. They were so busy whining, no one was able to get a grip on where they stood or answer an issue with a solution. I liked McCain, but to this day I still dont know where he stood in altering policy. They couldnt post a significant change, and spent all their time throwing mud.

By the way Bronco...Africa's a continent.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Bronco two — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:16 GMT

AHMEN BROTHER!!!! We will probally be dead and broke after obama gets done with us.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

floridacadman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:04:28 GMT

Very McCain like Bronco. Dont address the issue, throw more mud.

The point I made was not that a tax break would effect oil price, rather it was the intence need the republicans gov't have for increasing the debt at my childrens expence. You wouldnt understand that, because the "hurray for me and screw everyone else," attitude is alive and well with you.

Nevermind, talking at you is like a review in 4th grade social studies.

Your man lost because he treated the election like you post your comments, answer nothing, throw insults and have no answers.

Over and out.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Bronco two — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:09:29 GMT

Why do you worry about Africa! Is that going to keep the thousand dollars you make a week in your pocket. Yes I'm the reason John McCain lost. I voted for him even though I thought him a poor candidate, but what the hell does a new senator now about how to right all that is wrong. He worries more about race than I ever did. He's not worried about anything but changing the U.S. to make it more comfortable for those that just want handouts.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

floridacadman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:24:53 GMT

This is too good to resist...

Ok Bronco lets give you a scenerio...the republicans win, Roe v Wade is repealed and we continue to spend money and lives in Iraq. The elderly continue to choose between eating and their medications because screw them, and the CEO of Exxon makes his 48 mil a year. All is right with the world.

One question at a time, you want to spill these 40 million new babies onto an already stressed system. Where does that money come from?

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

floridacadman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:49:46 GMT

Dont feel bad, none of the other republicans can answer it either.

And Im not worried about Africa, unless of course you guys want to bomb it or something, itd just be nice if your candidate knew what it was.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Bronco two — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:17:05 GMT

I don't feel bad. I'm retired and well off. I'm even getting some of my money back through SS. I wish I would have known you when I was in nam, guy like you would have needed protection from his own side. Nice chattin wit ya.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

sieg6529 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:29:17 GMT

Selling one's soul to the same demons that dragged him through the mud. That is what cost John McCain the presidency.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

DRdave1966 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:53:01 GMT

McCain could not have won with the ongoing coverage of the bad economy. Very little he could have done. I think hype-ing up his gaffes does not find one, particular reason he lost. Also, the press did fawn all over Obama.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

nickpr53 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:04:57 GMT

I think I must agree.. from what I've read about McCain, he is an intelligent man of dignity, but he indeed sold himself to appeal to republican voting retards -no offense- and lost.. because 8 years of stupidity is enough.

http://www.spinwhip.com/obama

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

kelina49 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:17:58 GMT

Bronco,

Are you really listening to yourself. You are going into attack mode because someone ticked you off. Sounds a little like McCain and I see why you voted for him. We shouldn't be thinking about whether Obama is black or the fact that he is new. Some of us run off of ideas. Ideas is what has gotten us to this to where we are today. I am not saying that they are good ones are bad one but we live and we learn. It is nice that you well off and enjoying it but where would you be if they took away your SS? If you have kids then where would it be for them when they got older? Because that is where the Republican party has put us. Thinking only about the now and not about tomorrow. I am not poor but I am not rich either and I don't look for handouts. Some of us just need a boost and we are on our way. Others take advantage and I don't like it when they do that. I am trying to go to school to find get to a better life for my family. But because of the economy and the Bush administration I can't really afford school and I have to take out student loans out the ying yang. I just can't stand idoly by while and I stepped in the neck again. So I voted for Obama.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

AskPlus — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:35:59 GMT

Ahhhh. You guys. The press did lean toward Obama -- and lying Joe the "Book deal" "Music contract" Plumber too. They did. But, they did not choose Sarah Palin. My thoughts the minute she opened her mouth was: "Obama is going to pull this off". This while the media did not not choose to plummet Palin's family into a backward abyss and describe her family as Bundy-like trailer-trash. They stayed away from Cindy McCain abuses, and 560k from Keating. They stayed away from McCain's unheroic deeds after being shot down. And who could forget seven stories in seven days about Rev. Wright, bunched around a flag pin and "dap"? And the super-conservatives ran with it - while asking the questions: Who is he? What is he? And making the statement over-and-over again that: He's not one of us. This, while listening to some MNF country-music has-been say Obama hates the Star Spangled Banner. For me, I'm glad he won. I think he has the academics to do the job. We don't need hero's, we need results born of analysis. No soccer-mommies, no uncles, no six-packs. And for the horrible bloggers out there who made up the Palin GOP "party base" of ignorant, anti-science, religious-bully, intolerant, medieval divide-worshippers - I'm glad McCain lost almost as I am glad Obama won. I've never witnessed such hate in America, and hope never to see it again.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

The Thinkinator — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:44:46 GMT

The reason McCain lost is because the mean-spirited and prejudiced words and actions of the McCain supporters on the right turned off so many voters. Just a sampling from this very board, assuming we have a typical McCain supporter to represent the group:

A threat to kill a “guy like you” in Viet Nam—back in the good old days I assume. “I don’t hate gays, but you probably are one...”—Doesn’t hate gays but sees a reason to make the accusation? “…the other candidate just like Hitler..” Where does that come from? An American senator is like Hitler? That is pure vitriol, just right wing boilerplate attack dialog, reaching for the meanest thing possible to say. And we also have a diatribe about 40 million babies that are all black and have their hands out. Not just babies, mind you, but black babies. That’s not racist?

So, yeah, who wouldn’t want to get with this group of sweethearts and support the man they like? I cast my first vote for president in 1972 and have followed politics pretty closely since then, and the voices from the right just get meaner and meaner. Rush Limbaugh called Obama a “Chicago thug” yesterday. Just pure name-calling.

I am glad this group is now the minority, shown by the fact that we have a winner in the election just past, with a majority of the vote. I sure hope the people on the right can settle down a little; I didn’t call George Bush Hitler after my guy suffered a very disappointing loss in 2000. The radical right should try to be team players for a while, that is the American team, maybe just for a while, just try it, be on the American team instead of the right wing team.

Nobody could do any worse than George Bush.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

The Thinkinator — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:04:18 GMT

Lemme see here, the Indians, the Chinese, the Hispanics, and the blacks—all in one post. Nice, that about covers anybody who isn't white.

You just keep doing what you're doing. You drive more and more people away from your empty ideology with that kind of talk. Suits me.

You wouldn't like the Amish. They are charitable and friendly.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Neighborhood Watch — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:12:55 GMT

There are many reasons why McCain lost. First and foremost was his pick of Sarah Palin. The woman is a joke; clearly she was chosen as a replacement for Hilary Clinton. It backfired big-time. There is no substitute for Mrs. Clinton. And furthermore, picking Sarah Palin was an insult to all women, and we knew it. Sarah Palin was being used, based only on her gender--certainly not her brains and/or speaking ability. Did McCain really think the majority of the USA likes to listen to a dingbat who speaks with a northern version of a 'g'-dropping ignorant twang? One who tries to get by with being forced and fake cutesy-poo, winking, you-betcha one of the boys? Gag!! McJerk thought he had pulled off a clever one--only he didn't have a clever one to pull it off with!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Neighborhood Watch — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:21:09 GMT

A lot of women, furthermore, were turned off by the way McCain uses women. Are you all familiar with the way he treated his first wife after she was in a horrific accident which led to her losing 4" off each leg? How he then cheated on her with the spoiled, rich B----- he took up with while still married to Wife No. 1? Look up his life history. Some refer to him as a "hero". An awful lot of others saw him as a creep (in his personal life). His choice of Sarah Stupid Palin proved how he really views women--just objects, means to an end, to be used until they are of no further use.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Tea6 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:31:52 GMT

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

shogun612 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:45:06 GMT

There are the many reasons in this article that many looked at but the big one I believe was that he really never spoke to the issues. People wanted to believe in him but he only offored attacks on Obama not a plan for America. Hie health package if one can call it that would have worsen things. Had Obama been white and both campaignes were run the same McCain might have only gotten 50 electorials but Americas basic prejudices kept this close. We can all admit that he did not offor hope to America he stumbled through most of this election and the only time he sounded like a great person was when he lost and gave his last speech. That was the person everyone wanted to see.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Cricketmk3 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:47:28 GMT

maxbianco, I'm sorry for your experience after the election but I too live in the south and I experienced (rather my son experienced) the exact opposite. At his school the black students walked down the halls chanting "Obama, Obama" not as a sign of elation over the election results but as a jab to the white students. The particular students that were chanting wouldn't know a democrat from a hole in the ground. It's the same as your situation in that ignorant people do and say ignorant things. I work with many african-american people and we had no problem what-so-ever with each other. No matter who I voted for, I will respect and support Obama as the leader of our country as all citizens should do!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

The Thinkinator — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:51:15 GMT

At first, I wasn't literally afraid of McCain winning the election, even though I planned to vote for the Democratic candidate. I mean, I had Hillary at first, and then Obama, but McCain has always seemed a little more centrist than typical Republican right-wing extremists. He wasn't hysterical about abortion and men kissing each other. I wasn't gonna vote for him, ya unnerstan, but I wasn't afraid of him. If he won it would have been a heavy sigh kind of thing, but I thought he probably would be ok, maybe the Republican party could spend a little time thinking about something else besides automatic weapons and dead babies.

But when he chose Palin, I became afraid of a McCain victory. Such bad judgment.

I think he was handled by his handlers. He lost his own voice. I want a candidate to lead, to set policy and the tone of the campaign, not be handled by unseen political operatives. Yeah, yeah, all candidates have staff, but the candidate should set the tone, not be instructed by handlers. Lots of people are saying that McCain 2000 would never have voted for McCain 2008.

Some say the media was "in the bag" for Obama; McCain went in the bag for the Republican right.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

jsala001 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:38:21 GMT

I live in a podunk town in the south (temporarily, until husband finishes military training) and work downtown. Up until the election, I received derogatory emails regarding Barack Obama. I politely went to the person who sent them to me and tried to "school" her about what was the truth and what was fiction. I do not talk about politics at work, as I feel it is unprofessional and is of a personal nature. Imagine how disgusted I felt when supervisors and co-workers were making racist remarks after the election. "I heard surveyors are at the White House armed with watermelon plants." I don't harbor any ill will towards my co-workers, as they uneducated, small-minded, and set in their ways. I just laugh at their ignorance.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Ian in LR — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:44:51 GMT

bmd12345,

Been to any White Power rallys lately?

McCain lost for a number of reasons:

1.) He sold out to the far right - epitomized by his picking of Palin, a move which also destroyed his main argument to that point, that his experience and record should trump Obama's unproven and lofty rhetoric of change.

2.) While I agree that most of the media seems to have a liberal slant, suggesting they were "in the bag" for Obama is really overreaching. Read up on how many prominent Republicans couldn't get over his picking of the governor from Alaska - to the point of going public with their displeasure in the month before the election - with some even endorsing Obama! Palin (and McCain, to a lesser extent) provided the raw meat for the media to work with. When McCain said on a Monday that the economy was strong and two days later said we were in a crisis, what message did that send? He followed this up by "suspending" his campaign and rushing back to DC for a photo op while contributing nothing to the negotiations for the $700B bailout package. Palin was so completely out of her intellectual depth and spewed such hateful and divisive comments that I suspect she drove away a huge percentage of independents and moderates (from both parties) than she countered by solidifying "the base" - which would, however unenthusiastically, have voted for McCain anyway.

3.) McCain thought his (overblown) maverick message would be enough to separate him from W, but his own proud proclaimation (on video) from earlier in the year, when he was still trying to get his own party behind him, that he voted with the president 90% of the time torpedoed him.

4.) The McCain camp never came up with a decisive and clear message about what his presidency would mean. They spent more time trying to sully their opponent than they did in offering (only) generalities about what they would do.

5.) The odds were never very good for any Republican this year. Although McCain, or another Republican, may have done somewhat better it was highly unlikely that they could have pulled out a win.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Beej — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:47:12 GMT

I always laugh when someone makes the profound comment that the media was in the tank for Obama. Actually, it was very much the other way around, at least at the start of the campaign. Back then, McCain actually called the press his "base" and he was right. Most of the media was very willing to overlook any McCain negatives. For example, how much do you know about McCain's chief campaign operatives, including the director? Do you know that Rick Davis is a partner in a firm that lobbied for Fannnie Mae/Freddie Mac? How much did you hear about this in the mainstream media? Do you think that might have been relevant? On the other hand, the media was quick to cover the slightest flap involving Obama. Remember the flag pin controversy? The hand-over-the-heart during the national anthem flap? Do you actually think a media "in the tank" for Obama would have wasted air time on these trivialities?

The media did, finally, start actually reporting what was going on in the McCain campaign, but not until after the Republican convention when they decided that they didn't like the media's treatment of Palin and shut off access to both Palin and McCain. Was the media at fault? Yes, but not because they favored Obama. Their real fault was that they let their personal affection for McCain and the easy access he had always given them dictate, to some extent, how much they were willing to report about his campaign. This was unprofessional and the media should be roundly criticized for it.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

shogun612 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:51:52 GMT

"bmd12345 (November 7, 2008 at 10:50 AM)

Hey why did a majority of the Indians and Chinese vote for Obama. Because they are used to a free hand out - a big mommy's breast. I would venture to say this is the same with the Hispanics and the blacks. Watch for a size DD plastic surgery to accomodate the free loaders coming onboard including the new yorkers.

I am going to join the Amish who believe in self-reliance first before anyhting else"

THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE MOST CHILDISH POST I HAVE SEEN YET. Not only does it lump entire groups of people into one category as if only his group works but he added a whole state too. When I was a child... grow up become an adult.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Levi Johnston-Palin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:55:13 GMT

I don't understand the argument that Sarah Palin was mishandled. She was given a national television audience at the convention, and in her interviews with Charles ("In what respect, Charlie?") Gibson and Katie ("Can you tell me what newspapers you read?") Couric. No one held a gun to her head, and despite what the right-wingers believe, these were not "gotcha" interviews. She is clearly intellectually incurious, which is completely unacceptable for anyone aspiring to higher office, not to mention an office which could potentially lead to her becoming leader of the free world. We can all be thankful that we "dodged a bullet" on this one. Sarah Palin is a disaster, and John McCain should be ashamed of himself.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

justconnect — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:08:08 GMT

I have to agree with poster trogers -- no one really mentions the "ism" that was a basic decision point -- ageism. McCain at 72 is from the generation past. How could he save an interconnected, digital economy which he doesn't understand, or use? Underlying many votes was the fact that McCain was simply too old to lead with the vigor, energy, forward-looking perspective these tough times require. I turned 60 in October, yet McCain's age was a major obstacle for me. (Especially brought home in terms of the Palin selection...)

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Levi Johnston-Palin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:14:48 GMT

P.S. Despite the fact that someone obviously wrote it for her, her speech at the RNC was essential Palin: the vicious mockery, the anti-intellectualism, the sense of victimization and resentment. Her enjoyment was all too obvious, and it was an honest introduction of Sarah Palin to the country and the world. It was not a surprise that it all went downhill from there: her incredible hubris (calling Barack Obama "naive," just for one example) and hateful invective are the real Sarah Palin. She has said in recent days that in the future, she would be more "positive" and a "uniter" but it is far, far too late. This campaign has forever defined her, and we have the Youtube videos for future reference. I think at the very least, she should apologize to Barack Obama and William Ayers.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

40YearR — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:26:47 GMT

Whether the interview questions had a gotcha element or not, her fumbles were too spectacular to ignore or explain away.

There was a reason that McCain very soon got to the point of not letting her be interviewed without him being there. It was more about her than the press.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

elsupremo70 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:30:55 GMT

Posted By: bmd12345 (November 7, 2008 at 10:50 AM)

"Hey why did a majority of the Indians and Chinese vote for Obama. Because they are used to a free hand out - a big mommy's breast. I would venture to say this is the same with the Hispanics and the blacks. Watch for a size DD plastic surgery to accomodate the free loaders coming onboard including the new yorkers.

I am going to join the Amish who believe in self-reliance first before anyhting else"

Indians, Chinese, Hispanics happen receive less federal aid than any other group in this country. These are hard working people who have tight knit communities and take care of their own. bmd's comments are offensive and ill informed, and frankly ignorant. You must have been a McPalin supporter.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Ian in LR — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:12:14 GMT

Its almost sad, but in checking CNN a short time ago they have an article wherein Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council blames the poor Republican showing on the party's moderates! He claims that the party has strayed too far in trying to focus on this wing at the expense of the converative wing. Is this guy for real? If the party leadership falls for this argument they can easily expect to lose about 40% - 50%registered Republicans by the next presidential campaign. They will become the "My party, right (far right) or wrong" crowd and will be outdone 2 to 1 by those considering or registering themselves as either Independents or Democrats. Apparently, some people just refuse to get it.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

40YearR — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:39:26 GMT

Couldn't agree more, Ian in LR.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Levi Johnston-Palin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:56:29 GMT

Thankfully, this country is getting more and more diverse by the day. The GOP is the party of yesterday. Sarah Palin and her "Redneck Nation" are anachronistic.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

AVAnumber1fan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:57:09 GMT

redneck nation? give me a break! under obama as president everyone in america might as well be on welfare

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

CaraMia — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:21:03 GMT

It's time to come together and stop the negativity. America has spoken and have spoken for support of our president elect, he will be all our president. Lets make America proud and be repectful of McCain's service to our country. The republican party has lost by a landslide. Hopefully they can look at what Obama is doing right with the american people and follow suit. God bless us all and may God bless America : )

Very happy...

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

beninabox — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:29:30 GMT

This blog post gives me hope. Maybe the silent majority of Republicans can take their party back. I'm a Democrat these days, but would like to see the national Republican party be an *adult* presence instead assuming the role of know-nothing spoiled brat. Recently they decided to insult not only my intelligence, but intelligence in general. Joe the Plumber, Sarah Palin have no business being the mascots. Calling the other guy a socialist and pal to terrorists is cheap and that cheapness sullied McCain. This is a complex world and the Republicans should stop catering to fundamentalism (not just the religious type) and reflexive fear.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

miketherepublican — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:48:32 GMT

I hope that President Obama does a great job. I will pray for him as all Christians should. I did not vote for him and will not be ashamed of having morals that would not let me do so. No hate here. Congrats to the left.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

The Thinkinator — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:44:11 GMT

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

maymok — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:36:27 GMT

McCain lost my vote once I realized he was not being honest. His whole campaign was negative and full of lies.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

amy04790460 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:46:44 GMT

I am sick and disgusted by the insults Palin gets about being stupid or uneducated or inexperienced. Where do you get that from? OH that's right she's a woman. I just heard her on the news talking about sexism and how bad it is. This has really opened my eyes as to how people truly are. Do you realize that she was mayor and governor???? Doesn't that count for anything???I guess a black man is considered more smart for having a ding dong. Do you realize that as homosexuality goes up so does violence against women and women's rights go down????Now I completely understand why I have some of the problems I do. Are you going to tell me the fact that I'm writing my fourth book right now, speak three languages and have worked for 13 years means that I'm stupid??? Put me in the French/Cherokee group of people in AZ who speak by dropping the Gs at the end, because that's who I am. Goodnight.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Cazador1972 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:03:06 GMT

"McCain's campaign is definitely not the worse ever," argued one reader. "Just look at the results, McCain got 174 electoral votes, which is more than Bush Sr. (168) and Bob Dole (159). And Goldwater, whom you mentioned in the article, got trounced by LBJ, getting only 52 electoral votes.

Kind of ridiculous to introduce that rationale in the conclusion. Are we forgetting that McCain was running against an African American with a very Muslim middle name? Conservative pundits kept saying Obama should have been 20 points ahead of McCain if Obama "was that good a candidate". But Obama had a lot of prejudice to overcome, didn't he? I mean, even Pennsylvania wasn't a for sure thing and that state has been reliably Democratic for 24 years.

McCain lost because people realized that he was no longer the honorable man he once was. The war hero had turned into a petty, selfish and bitter old man. After picking Palin it was obvious that it was never "Country First" it was always "McCain first". Good riddance, sir.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

Cazador1972 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:19:40 GMT

RE: Amy0479

I am sick and disgusted by the insults Palin gets about being stupid or uneducated or inexperienced. Where do you get that from?

Answer: Not knowing that Africa is a continent. Not knowing which Supreme Court decision she disagreed with. Not knowing a single thing about the economy. Oh, and this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73itui30qIE

OH that's right she's a woman. I just heard her on the news talking about sexism and how bad it is. This has really opened my eyes as to how people truly are. Do you realize that she was mayor and governor???? Doesn't that count for anything???

Answer: Hillary Clinton is a woman and she is smart as hell. She didn't get the nomination but no one in their right mind can accuse her of being a dummy.

I guess a black man is considered more smart for having a ding dong.

Answer: That's just not even worth commenting on.

Do you realize that as homosexuality goes up so does violence against women and women's rights go down????Now I completely understand why I have some of the problems I do.

Answer: You do realize that homosexuality has always been around, right? Having said that, do you have any sources? You know that most crimes are committed during the summer, which is also the season in which most chocolate ice cream gets sold. Do you know what that means? Chocolate ice cream increases violence! See how that logic doesn't hold up?

... since the Are you going to tell me the fact that I'm writing my fourth book right now, speak three languages and have worked for 13 years means that I'm stupid???

Answer: Er... what? You've written four books? Your grammar is at a fourth grade level! Your reasoning is appalling! Come on, anyone can pretend to be anything online, at least lie about something reasonable. Which reminds me, I need to go and polish my Nobel Prize medal.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

hawkeye77 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:10:31 GMT

MCain lost becasue freedloaders and moochers put Obama over the top.

As we all know, the Federal government is run on taxes, income and corporate taxes. 120 million people voted in this election, and the margin of victory is 6% or around 7.2 million votes(Obama- 64,246,857 votes: McCain - 56,634,717). If 40%, around 48 million, of the people do not pay taxes, it is safe to conclude that the people who don't pay taxes have voted into office their choice(Obama), overriding the choice of taxpaying people. Why should people who do not have an investment(taxes) in this company(government) have the right to choose who will run the company. To be fair with the American people, I suggest that we should change the Voting Rights Act to Fair Voting Rights Act. We cannot be fair to one group and not be fair to another group. But in deciding who should be treated fairly, we have to look at the shareholders(taxpayers). This is true democracy; majority rules and the majority are the taxpayers. This in now way diminishes the rights of every Americans, because the laws and programs, except for this Fair Voting Rights Act, are still for every citizen of the USA. The database from the IRS showing the people and corporation who paid taxes will be used in determining eligibility to vote. This will be in essence be a standard federal voting system. This will eliminate fraudulent and often the chaotic state by state voting system. If we have to be fair with the American people, we have to be fair with those who have the burden of funding our government.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

27nupe94 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:12:38 GMT

My answer to this question...

This is why John McCain and the Republicans lost....

1. Sarah Palin. No matter what her supporters say, she clearly was not ready to hold that office. She was not well versed in national and international issues, and her interviews demonstrated that. She was a journalism major but couldn't name one magazine or periodical that she read on a regular basis. In one word, that is Pathetic.

2. 1980s & 1990s campaigning. The electorate has tired of the tactics and strategies used by Karl Rove and his ilk. The Republican party needs to realize that trying to scare older white people into voting against the "liberal Democrat" is no longer a viable strategy. They need to stick to the issues and stop attacking a candidates character, associations, or supposed non-patriotism. The electorate can see through these thinly veiled attacks as the crap they are. The GOP needs to come to grips and get over itself, then redefine what they represent. Stop trying to divide and label people, just stick to the issues.

3. Out of control foreign policy. Preemptive war is not what this country was founded on. Strong defense has always been our way of life, not preemptive war.

4. Republicans need to weed out the racism in the party. The demographics of the country are changing. Joe the plumber is not the only face of America. Looking at most of the Mc Cain/ Palin crowds there were few if any people of any color. The republican party has shown itself hostile to any one who is not white and Christian.

5. MOST OF ALL....ARROGANCE. Republicans governed with a sense of entitlement and arrogance that was truly discouraging. One glaring example of this was at the RNC convention where Rudy & Palin mocked President Obama's time as a "community organizer". They both came off as elitist, nasty, mean, and arrogant. This country is full of people who give selflessly to others through their churches, schools, and civic organizations. I remember thinking to myself as those comments were being made that they just alienated a lot of hard working people who value helping others.

In the end Palin, Mc Cain, and the RNC got beat by the same "community organizer" they mocked, who used those same organizational skills to raise more money, mobilize more volunteers, and run the most disciplined campaign in this nation's history. His campaign will be the model for those to come and will be studied for generations.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

jwtrotman — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:42:16 GMT

Why did McCain lose? Simple; HATRED!!! There are those who deperately attempt to paint McCain as a great American, hero, servant and etc, etc. His entire "campaign" or lack thereof, focused on bigotry against President-elect Obama, hoping that those in America who shared his bigotry would elevate him into the Oval Office. He designated a so-called "pit-bull with lipstick" to attack the next President with the same hatred he embraces. Little did he realize he was employing the same ill-fated tactics Sen. Kerry used before he too succumbed to defeat by going negative on his opponent George Bush. There is an old adage that simply states, "you can catch more flies with HONEY than with vinegar". McCain and company should have known that "honey" is called love and compassion.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

pugs — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:03:25 GMT

He did better than any Republic could have in the hostile world because everyone was blaming Bush. Maybe one day America will embrace a woman as much as we have ebmraced an African American. I really don't know why the hstile sexism with both Hillary and Sarah, two very different women but yet the base of all the jokes in America?????

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

27nupe94 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:05:29 GMT

This is why John McCain and the Republicans lost....

3. Out of control foreign policy. Preemptive war is not what this country was founded on. Strong defense has always been our way of life, not preemptive war.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

OhioianNVirginia — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:17:33 GMT

Palin, Unorganized, Ignorance, No clear message, He is OLD and again his VP pick, and he babbled on about nothing. I thought that McCain would make a good president, until he picked the VP and she began to open her mouth. She was an embarrasment to the people of this great country and the World was watching and laughing there behinds off at us!!! She appeared not to have the intelligence of a 5th grader and it showed. I crenched everytime she spoke - I was like please shut up! Just shut up! I said this man is doing what he accused Obama of - He would say or do anything to get elected. That is just what McCain did and it backfired on him and cost him the presidency. He had no regard whatsoever for the people of this GREAT COUNTRY! Can you imagine him dying and she be in office trying to tell the Joint Chiefs what to do? Can you just see that? McCain deserved to lose and lose did he! Now its over and we all need to get behind Obama no matter what our political side is. He is not going to be perfect and the world is not going to be fixed in a day, in a year or maybe in his first term, but I believe he will give it a run for the money and we should support him!

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

goldengirl47 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:35:02 GMT

To: 27nupe94 Your comments are spot on! Amen!

Republicans you lost because there was no real substance coming from your campaign, only endless phoniness, starting with the vicious, lying emails you flooded the internet with, continuing with the airhead beauty queen VP nominee, and Joe the non-plumber former welfare recipient being touted as an expert on who's socialist and who's not. You insulted the character and intelligence of the average American by pandering to the thugs in your non-thinking base. We're sick to death of your ugly, ignorant negativity and arrogance and you deserved to lose much worse than you did. In the next four years why don't you try to learn how to help lift the country up, instead of dividing us by playing to the most ignorant and hatefilled portion of us. For eight years you have lied, bullied and refused to use reason and compromise to find real solutions. If you learn from it and change your ways, the whole coutry will benefit. We NEED good conservative thinking, not the garbage that comes from the Karl Rove-Lee Atwater school of election manipulation. We need truth instead of hate for a change! Lose the Limbaugh mind-set.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

LisainVA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:22:20 GMT

.First I would like to say that if the Republican Governors attending their meeting in Miami this week do not openly discuss the 'obvious reason' they were defeated in this election in such a devastating manner, then there will be, and should not be, any reason for them to continue as a Party. If they are just discussing what methods they need to use in obtaining more votes in the future, then they are certainly wasting their time. They need to realize that they lost primarily because of the travesty of Bush's rotten 8-year administration.

Second, McCain never once spoke of any central or core message. We all saw his sign of "Country First", but we all realized that this motto was nothing more than just a motto. He sold his soul to the Rovian tactics firm that had been used against him in 2000 and rather than enunciate a clear and concise platform message, he spoke of nothing other than personal character assassinations on Obama.

Third, McCain chose Palin as his running mate who was very obviously NOT vetted and it showed,. Then he actually LIED about the fact that she had not been vetted and actually had the nerve to say he frequently called her for her opinion "on foreign policy". The minute he uttered those words, the public knew without a doubt he was LYING. Lying is no help to a candidate. There were many lies and we have the videos to prove them. She may have rocked your base, but once she gave the Gibson, we knew something was wrong. But when she was interviewed by Katie Couric,, she left an indelible impression on the public that will never be eradicated regardless of the years that go by. She came across as COMPLETELY LACKING IN BASIC KNOWLEDGE in civics and geography, be it current or historical, to say nothing of important issues. The worst part was when she couldn't even give the name of ONE NEWSPAPER she read DAILY! Can you imagine? That was the worst impression and regardless of what she tries to do, the American public will NEVER FORGET it, so that anything she tries to do hence is only laughed at and considered a JOKE. She can never change that first impression!

Fourth, McCain would go to his rallies and continue with the same tired lines of, "I can do that, I will do that, I know how to do that, I have done that, I have a plan to do that, or we have to fight, I will fight, I've always been a fighter, we know how to fight, we can't give up, we never give up, we can win" - some platform wouldn't you agree? [How could he call that a platform?] It was pathetic and laughable! But his Obama character assassinations were no laughing matter and when he "allowed" Palin to "INCITE" the Republican fringe lunatics by continually saying, "he's not like us, he pals around with domestic terrorists, who is Obama, etc.", well, that was downright TERRIFYING because we knew one of those lunatics would actually try to physically assassinate him. Then what would Palin and McCain have done or said? And people say words don't matter! Yeah, no one believes that!

Finally, now that they lost in a landslide, they refuse to admit that either of them did or said anything out of line! That is outrageous. How can any Republican learn how to avoid mistakes if they refuse to see events for what they really were or are? They can't make the necessary changes needed if they keep blinders on and say they did nothing wrong. Palin is now trying to erase her miserable interviews from our collective memory and is planning to run for POTUS in 2012 without first understanding where she went so wrong. She should spend this time going to school so she could actually learn the things she should have learned in high school. So once again, if the governors are meeting to only discuss what method is needed to obtain votes, they are taking the wrong path to solve their problems. They need to overhaul their core values and principles because if they don't, they will remain right where they are for decades. The electorate have had enough and if the GOP does not do major house cleaning, they will continue to remain as stagnant as their 2008 landslide loss and they will deserve to stay there.

re: Why McCain Lost (The Readers' Version)

LisainVA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:35:26 GMT

To 27nupe94, you said it all much better than I and I appreciate every word. Yes, the American people are truly sick to death of all the fear, hate and bigotry of the Republicans and if they just meet to decide what tactics they need to deploy for the 2010 or 2012 elections, then they have truly missed the boat. They need a complete overhaul from the bottom up and a clear rethink of their core values and beliefs. Failing that, they have no chance for any different outcome and they will deserve what occurs. Thanks!