The Bull Leaves the China Shop

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

suzvoter47 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:26:18 GMT

I wonder next what crisis McCain wil pull to distract and not deal with the realites facing him. In light of recent actions and beahiors I really wonder If he is doing this on purpose or is his cage rattled. Im speaking from the point of being a psychologist, hard to know if this is contrived or simply manipulation???? However his affect and temperament certainly points in the dirction of irrationality and confusion???

Will he blow up at the debates, stumble over his word or play the blame game towards Obama as he seems incapable of acknowelging any personal fault.

He called off the Campign, he called Bush on yesterday; an individual I clearly thoght he was distancing hImself from. Obama showed up per the request of the Presdent, something most senators in his situation would have done. Now McCain throws the blame at Obama. Very confusing to say the least.

i have serious reservatons about his abiltiy to lead this nation, especially in times of crisis. He often appears angry, frustrated and impulsive. Like ADHD but he is not a young person.

I do remember a time that he appeared more put together .. I wonder about the debate, I think he may really struggle with just staying on task regarding the topic without stumbling.

Either way I have serious reservations to lead this country in his "current" state.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

benkrapf — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:48:47 GMT

Senility here.

He doesn't know what to do.

Grasping at straws now.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

imrfc2008 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:50:41 GMT

Senator John McCain is like the little bad boy in the family that will get attention ANY WAY he can get it. And you know, it works! You know, the child who creates the most problems gets all the parents' attention and the good child gets pushed to the corner and ignored. John McCain and his campaign knows precisely what he is doing by creating this CIRCUS while America is in CRISIS. And McCain will probably benefit tremendously from his highly erratic behavior. Get ready America, for four more years of UNSTABILITY and ECONOMIC CARNAGE!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

MTR1973 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:52:21 GMT

As someone who was totally incredulous at your previous (yesterday) belief that McCain was putting country first, it is refreshing to see you admit that this was a huge stunt that backfired and set us back from gathering a solution. If everyone would have paused long enough to remember how little respect the hard-core Republicans in the house and senate have for McCain, everyone would have seen how little there was to be accomplished.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

AskPlus — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:59:52 GMT

Now this was a good analogy:

But instead he's proven to be a bull in a china shop -or, more accurately, a bull that 1) misleadingly says the china shop is in disarray before he enters; 2) vows not to leave until he cleans up; 3) enters and shatters everything in sight; 4) blames everyone else for the damage and 5) leaves, claiming a job well done.

It amazes me the spin put on this: Leadership

He picked a VP that makes you cringe after three sentences. He raised the bar on smear tactics every chance he got and denied doing it. He fears a bail-out plan with Obama's fingerprints all over it with regard to citizens rights and oversight, and he plays debate ploy-games, while hiding the witch-proofed running mate. He's been caught in lies from teaching sex-ed to toddlers to gas break summers. In the end, he's always been wrong. Always. Maverick? Are you kidding. Bully.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

gilka — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:01:46 GMT

Mr McCain just gave us a new definition of a real flip flopper. What was he thinking? Holding the country he wants to lead at ransom? Man, though people are afraid of mentioning it, I must do so. The man has lost it.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Hannah B — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:03:44 GMT

Just goes to show ya that ya don't have to be young or a child to behave like a petulant child throwing a temper tantrum!!!!!!!! You can be 72 and give a perfect theatrical performance of one...

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

MoJabar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:10:20 GMT

He's clearly desperate, confused, and showing signs of dementia. When he arrived at that summit he forgot why he was there. He was much more effective Liberman was his ventriloquist.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Hannah B — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:12:59 GMT

What's truly pathetic is that I think he really believes he running a great campaign. CLUELESS! Why can't even this idiot see that all he's doing is insulting the intellitence of most Americans (I say most because, SURPRISE, some people are buying his load of baloney).

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

SMcGinnis — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:16:05 GMT

Same ole, same ole... I don't even know how Republican's can spin this to look good. He look's like an idiot and I can't wait to see Obama roast him tonight.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

septembermary — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:45:07 GMT

I dunno. I suspect it won't hurt McCain much. I think he's like the kid in class who acts out, and the bored uninspired students cheer for him just because he acts out. It's a stick in the eye to the elite who think an election is serious, and I think it's that poke itself that gets the reward.

Why do I keep thinking of Cambodia, where they simply wiped out educated people?

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

gmgaston — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:47:03 GMT

Andrew - great blog. I am with you on suing the McCain Campaign for whiplash. It may have to be a class-action suit with so many examples over the last few weeks. McCain is no longer a flip-flopper, he is a spinmister with a new gimmick everyday. When McCain speaks of bringing change to America, I think he means lets change the subject in the current news cycle.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

C. MacLean — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:09:55 GMT

What I get out of all this is not that McCain helped, or hurt the process, but that he was irrelevant and redundant.

Kind of the same way I envision a McCain presidency to be.

Less maverick, more manic.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

revhank — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:18:36 GMT

So, having played the worst possible role in Washington, but somehow satified he's demonstrated leadership, Sen, McCain doubles back on himself and heads to Mississippi. I can't wait to hear how he bends his straight talk nationwide tonight. Got to admit though that my fondest hope would have been for the Obama/McCain debate to be postponed, and the vice-presidential debate to be substituted tonight. I'm impatient to see Sarah Palin talking back to the voice in her earpiece, struggling to understand the questions, spewing her uninformed drivel and punctuating it with that horrible clenched fist she always uses.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

tiredoflies — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:38:25 GMT

This is what happens when a guy from the bottom of the class with a little fame shows up to solve a problem that is obviously beyond his leadership ability.

McCains performance and judgement here was on display for all to see. FOR REAL, it represented McCains ability to deal with, what he perceives, as a crisis situation.

The net result:

Without even addressing the motivation and judgement to go to Washington in the first place, his actions were unhelpful and incoherent at best and despicable and self-serving at worst.

HONESTLY, HOW CAN ANYONE BACK A MAN OF SUCH OBVIOUS LIMITATIONS IN LEADERSHIP FOR THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND?

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Apolitical — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:39:35 GMT

People. Stop being nice.

The right term for that is: unstable.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

eyesus34 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:44:19 GMT

Bizarre, crazy, eccentric, erratic, peculiar, strange, unusual, weird. An explanation for John McCain's week and also synonymns for maverick. Just a thought.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

miamimomof3 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:14:41 GMT

For once, even George W Bush did a better job than a fellow Republican...

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

hellgate — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:58:09 GMT

What a great piece, Mr. Romano...

When he secured the GOP nomination, I thrilled to the specter of John McCain unleashed upon the nation. I thought then that he would prove the worst of a pretty sorry lot of candidates vying for the job. I further thought that the chances for a Democrat winning the Presidency were automatically improved. The Democrats probably could have put up Daffy Duck and still win against the impetuous, abrasive, desperate-to-be-president McCain. Foregoing Mr. Duck, however, the Democrats nominated instead an inspiring, rational, and thoughtful person. Inexperienced? Yes, somewhat. But McCain’s surfeit of experience hasn’t especially tuned him up for the Presidency, as his campaign has demonstrated so far.

My expectations of a self-immolating McCain campaign have not been disappointed

First, his pick of the incredibly ill-suited Sarah Palin (“Thanks, but no thanks.”) for vice-president. I mean, c’mon… this is the best you can offer?

Then, the transparent, pandering hot-dogging in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Nothing like someone else’s misery to fluff up your image.

And now, the dramatic “suspension” of the campaign (seems, though, that nobody told his campaign field operatives, as their commercials and campaigning kept running at full tilt –not to mention the fundraising on his site). Then, in the name of the national interest, suggestions of postponing the first presidential debate as well as the veep debate. And – finally – his ham-handed and singularly unsuccessful stint in DC, “patriotically” putting aside politics while thirsting for publicity to achieve a resolution to our current financial mess.

Further, and overall, a common thread throughout his Rove/Bush-underpinned campaign has been the lie followed by the attack. Not much substance. A lot of talk about Iraq and his personal experience.

He spends so much time campaigning against Obama that it’s no wonder he has nothing to offer for his campaign.

Whatta guy!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Independent23 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:26:24 GMT

Whatever the ONE Does, whatever the ONE does n't, the obedient Romano, will worship the ONE, throw mud at Mccain at any cost, any time.. Can Newweek follow journalism ethics & can they not act like OBAMA's campaign arm? God help America...

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

benkrapf — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:28:51 GMT

Give us John McCain tonight!

Obama will roast him on a spit.

Johnboy's foreign policy experience is, what? Getting shot down three times in Vietnam?

I lived abroad for a number of years and had friends and meaningful relationships with people from other countries. Does that mean I have enough experience in this regard to run for POTUS?

I'm no more qualified than McCain, but then again I'm no less...

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Rick in LA — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:29:07 GMT

Like an old cow patty... Just smells, attracts flies.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Libratine — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:33:18 GMT

Wow hellgate!!! Well done!! (Can I copy and submit your post elsewhere if I give you credit???)

Best I've got right now is a feeble ditto!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

EconChick — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:35:42 GMT

This is a piece of editorial trash.

An agreement on the proposed bailout did not exist (still does not) at any point this week. For the Dems or anyone to state that it did, or that it was near, is a flat out lie. The House Repubs stated early on that they were not going to rubber stamp a bailout deal.

Further, whether McCain was uninvited or un-needed, is irrelevant because he is a Senator, elected to represent his constituency. I would wager that both candidates should have a vested interest in the negotions first person (rather than delegating the responsibilities to one's staff as Mr. Obama did) as the taxpayer, president elect and incoming congress are going to be holding the bag and there had better be remedy after this bailout or you might well see a taxpayer revolt. Speaking from the middle class, I am tired of getting hit to pay for the poor and getting hit to bail out the rich.

Grow up.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

SVO1 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:39:43 GMT

Wow! Thanks your your non-biased opinion Andrew. What's next on your agenda? Co-hosting countdown with Keith Oberman.

I guess you had a guest pass in the cabinet room so you knew exactly what happened.

According to Murtha, McCain only spoke for a couple of minutes and noboby understood what he said. Murtha also said that Obama was the one who came up with the brilliant plans that ended up being refected. I guess he was being impartial as well though.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

proudtobeAmerican — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:39:45 GMT

What Mr Romano has failed to realize is that it wasn't necessary to have the Republicans on the side of the Dems for this issue. Does anybody remember that the Democrats are the majority in both the House and the Senate. If the Democrats were so convinced that this was the "only" way to handle this important issue than why didn't they just "bull dog" their way throught it, in spite of the Republicans? I'll tell you why. The reason that it never passed before John Mc Cain got there was because there was still some indecision on the part of the Dems and they themselves were not convinced yet. Mr Romano, I would say to you sir, stick to the facts, just the facts. It appears to me that I would have to agree with others and just say that your reporting is horrid at best. It is just another partisian media blitz for the boy wonder.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

schratboy — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:40:07 GMT

Ah, Andrew, Andrew, Andrew...you silly young man. Only a twit would call McCain a bull when in fact it's Barry Obama who failed the test. When the rubber meets the road and leadership must step to the fore, McCain was compelled to head out the door. It was Barry who faltered, as followers will do, concocting tactical diversions and not having a clue. For it is leaders who lead and guys like Barry who only pretend.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

MsKinFLA — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:43:01 GMT

He did the right thing and was the only one man enough to stand up to this bailout plan and protect the taxpayers! Of course, most of you MSNBC'ers won't agree! Yeah, bring on the debate - we'll see who roasts who. The stammering stuttering B.O. will give you all a glimpse into what he's really all about - ask him, please, about his $100 MM earmark given to ACORN!! Better yet, try to walk into his district without carrying a howitzer to protect yourself. Some community organizer! Talk to Chicagoans! His buddy, Franklin Raines, walked away with $90 MM!! Oh, yes, when he went to Columbia Univ. he said he couldn't afford the houses in that neighborhood now! Hey, dial up Mr. Rezco, he'll help you buy a house in the Columbia University neighborhood! Oh, yes, let's not forget that Iran is just a "tiny country." His days as editor of the Harvard Law Review resulted in no editorial contribution from him. He's just an "empty suit" - so all of you should be on it, asking some real good questions about judgment - maybe his wife, who's sure America is a mean country -can answer a few questions about his judgment!! Now there's a racist if I ever saw one. GET SMART WILL YOU AND SUPPORT A REAL AMERICAN WHO CARES ABOUT HIS COUNTRY FIRST AND FOREMOST. McCain Palin '08!!!!!!!!!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

joelpalmer — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:43:26 GMT

McCain is truly the Manchurian Candidtae and I would n't trust him in an empty telephone booth.

What a horrible comedown for a once proud man; and that idiot of a ditz running mate! Did you see her on Katie Couric? I wanted to know if she had been sniffing glue when she wa sanswering the question about Russia.

All the Dems have to do is play that clip and say "She's one cancerous mole from the presidency"!!!

Bwahahahahhaha

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

suzyku — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:43:48 GMT

John McCain has sold his integrity. Because he was a POW 40 years ago does not mean anything! He's increasingly befuddled and the more he "tries" to grandstand the more foolish he appears! He has yet to discuss the real issues, all he seems able to do is blame Obama for everything, lie, lie, lie, show a further lack of judgment by choosing Palin as his running mate and then try to continue to hide her (for good reason it seems based on her interviews and total ignorance), he is UNFIT to be President and she certainly is as well, the two of them are dangerous for this country! He has NOT put country first, he has put his selfish ambition and his politics first. More and more people are seeing him for the fraud he is.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Ranger2 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:45:13 GMT

McCain: what a waste of time and his supporter's campaign contributions used to fly him back to DC. If he claims any credit of any kind for an agreement, I will remember the British saying: "What a load of rubbish." Enjoy the debate fonight, folks: Obama is going to hand McCain his lunch. I am a lifelong Republican and was an Army Infantry platoon leader in VietNam. But the Republican Party has long ago eroded any loyalties to them that I might have had.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

suzyku — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:45:20 GMT

I realize that the Mccain campaign has "hired guns" out there to blog and comment but even they appear to be more stupid with each blog defending mcsame!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

nboughton — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:45:29 GMT

We are a great country and I will always be proud of being an American. What I can't accept is that McCain has gone from someone I respected for his achievements into someone who has sold his soul to the highest bidder. Barrack if given the chance will change our country and restore the dignity and humility that we once had as leaders of the free world. Please take the time to understand his plan and compare apples to apples. God Bless.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Postal Mike — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:45:31 GMT

This is Bull, really. The press has been on John McCain and Sarah Palin in order to influence the results of the campaign. It is obvious -- John McCain's words get twisted so he looks like the bad guy. Sarah Palin's comment about possibly seeing another Great Depression is all too real but she gets roasted for it. Now Barack's comments? Sweet as roses, look at any press statement about him.

Don't get me wrong -- He will make a good President if elected. John McCain is simply my choice.

John McCain didn't suspend his campaign as stated because his opponent won't. I de-registered with the Obama site once I saw he didn't reciprocate. I wished him well and when others berate him I stick up for him as an honest man. My only issue is his co-sponsoship of the Mother's Act -- an obvious attempt to favor Big Pharma. This is because any avenue Big Pharma, via Psychs, to sell anti psychotics has always resulted in such. My many letters and emails to his office about this have gone unanswered. Other than that, he seems like a good man. This is not damning with faint praise. I think he's honestly motivated, seems for real and is a good family man to boot. I just suspect his support of Big Pharma and this seems justified due to no answers, at all, ever about any questions on the co-sponsorship of the Mother's Act.

As a Republican, I think it's on us to win with the high road approach. Obama is right on this point. But I think John McCain is the right choice between the 2 candidates. Speaking ill of John McCain has no purpose and exposes other agendas on the part of those doing so.

I don't speak ill of Sen. Obama becuase other than suspicion, which I have noted, he seems a man of good will.

Just today I corrected a fellow Republican on this making my voting choice clear and setting him straight on what appeared to be micsonceptions. An example I gave was how others berate his good works in South Chicago. My reply to anyone doing so in my presence will be to tell them to go to South Chicago and do a better job.

Anyone mistaking John McCain's words for other than they are or the press' misguided and deliberate slanting of him will be sadly mistaken that he'll do badly in the debate, if that's what they're counting on. He won't.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

DalGal — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:49:40 GMT

As further facts have developed, your analysis is both misleading and assumptive:

1) On Wedensday, in order to provide "cover" to the Dems, Harry Reid said that John McCain should come to Washington to get the GOP votes lined up.

2) On Thursday, to avoid giving any credit to McCain, Harry Reid said that McCain was not needed.

3) Later on Thursday, in a show of more partisan politics, the Dems (the Barny and Nancy show) said that a "deal" had been worked out.

4) Since we don't operate in a unicameral legislature, it turnes out that House GOP definitely did NOT have a deal. They, like me (in terms of full disclosure) are totally opposed to massive Government intervention.

S0 - McCain did NOT kill the deal, regardless of what the DEM spin machne would have you believe. I think that having both presedential candidates show upl put a lot of focus on the Congress - probably more than they wanted.

In the future, please resist the urge to repeat partisan spin - better to wait and actually REPORT the facts - which is, after all, the role of the press in a free society.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

joelpalmer — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:51:20 GMT

McCain:

Bottom of his class

Wouldn't have gotten into Academy at all if he wasn't a legacy

A drunken frat boy like GWB

Crashed five (5) Navy planes and was still allowed to fly (the rule is three and yer out)

One of only 70 aviators (out of thousands )be shot down and captured

Broke two arms and a leg ejecting incorrectly; he had plenty of practice and still effed it up

Never has held a real job

Has lived off Cindy for three decades

Has a mean temper

Is thoroughly disliked by Senate colleagues

Sucked up to Bush after getting slimed by the Bushies in 2000 (so much for integrity)

Sold his soul to Chas Keating

Picked the dumbest Governor on the planet as his VEEP (I can see Russia!)

Lies with an ease that is breathtaking

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

olderwiser — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:54:46 GMT

Didn't Mc Cain or any of his helpers have at least enough sense to ask Palin a couple of questions before exposing this nation to such a dangerously inadequate person to stand in line to be president? If you think that we are in trouble with the economy, just think about her suddenly having to take over the presidency. Crashing jet fighters is one thing, but he is just too careless to be given the controls of this whole country. There are over 300 million passengers here.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

olderwiser — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:56:11 GMT

Yeah, let's blame the press for asking her a question. It's all the press's fault.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

steve02001 — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:59:47 GMT

As you said Romano, another Republican "Mission Accomplished" fiasco moment.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

MortyR — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:03:17 GMT

If selecting Sarah Palin was a desperate move, canceling this first debate was an even more desperate move. McCain hadn't voted or attended a Congressional hearing since last April. Yet we were supposed to believe that suddenly, out of nowhere, the week of this first Presidential debate, he got religion? I see it as a variation of the classic "The dog ate my homework" gambit.

There's also a consistency to McCain's strategy. It's different from the Karl Rove/Bush model. McCain prefers playing dodgeball hoping to push Obama off message. You can see how this strategy has blown up in McCain's face destroying his credibility as the anchor in a storm. He's created for himself the image of an impulsive risk-taker, not a guy with Presidential mettle. I predict Obama will be a shoe-in.

And look how well Obama has handled himself throughout McCain's pathetic sculduggery. Instead of losing his temper, Obama quietly attended the same hearings, carrying himself with grace, calmly asking the intelligent and perceptive questions you expect from a leader.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

dsmb2007 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:08:15 GMT

We really screwed up when offering up McCain as our nominee for the Republican party. He has been misleading, opportunistic, conniving, and flat out unethical, displaying all the worst parts of Republicans without displaying any of the strong ideals of the Republican party. I think at this point in time we can't afford to have a person with that type of character lead our country, even if the alternative would be someone who might raise taxes. We need someone who despite our differences we can trust to hold the office with honor. It's a time to redirect our moral compass in this country, not just pick the side who has the best fiscal policy. Then, in 4 years, we will have the choice to pick the right person this time who combines moral fiber with proper policies.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Harvard white guy — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:11:14 GMT

MsKinFLA

The kind of ignorance you just displayed by your statements is frightening to say the list. Please, you have to remember that the average American has some form of education, please do not take for granted that all Americans are stupid. I have always said, INBREEDINg should be banned in this country for it has created a generation of people willing to play sewer, polarizing politics that glorifies stereo types of people not viewed as from their own color and class. I study people like you and for the good of mankind, sometimes just dont write anything because it ends up making all of us look IGNORANT (white trash stereo type). What makes you think that BOs neighborhood is that bad you have to arm yourself with a Howitzer, lady....you are full of your own crap, typical pig in lipstick, spreading hate and demeaning other human beings. In medical anatomy and physiology; when you open up cadavers of white and black people, THEY are 100% SAME: if you believe in a higher being, ALL HUMANS BEINGS ARE CREATED EQUAL, if you dont believe in a higher being, ALL HUMAN BEINGS EVOLVED ANATOMICALLLY AND PHYSIOLOGICALLY in the same way. Please stop stereotyping people, I am white and very embarrased by your bowl of crap arrogance. Before you judge people, look at what causes people to be the way they are, and NOT because they are of a different color and therefore automatically stupid and cannot govern. am waiting to see your response and so is everybody...I singled you out because you are nauseatingly iganorant.....

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Savannah — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:13:24 GMT

Why doesn't anyone just cut to the bottom line? The plain and simple fact is that the very fate of the United States hinges on this election. I am still a Hillary supporter but an American first and the thought of the mess that this Republican administration has wrought over the past eight years from economics to social programs to the war in Iraq and our response to the terrorists that attacked us on 9/11 has put this country in an economic and foreign policy mess. And the thought of John McCain with Sarah Palin one heartbeat away from being the leader of the free world frightens me to the core. The only choice to move this country out of this mess and to be a world leader again is to vote for Barack Obama. Something as a Hillary supporter, I never thought I'd say!!!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Olias — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:16:58 GMT

Another partisan attack coming from the media. How can you possibly say that McCain came to Washington "uninvited?" A - Harry Reid specifically asked John to come before changing his mind. B - He's a senator. It's his job. You go on to say he is a "bull in a china shop," then report that he "sat silently for 40 minutes." Which one is it?

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

newage_lightbulb — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:21:31 GMT

Gotta love Obamaweek. McCain predicted this in 2005, and tried to stop it. The Dems would have none of it. Heck, the BUSH ADMINISTRATION tried to stop this in 2003, the Dems would have none of it. Now McCain tries to put partisan bickering aside to help in a time of great crisis, and the Obamedia are doing nothing but ridiculing his gesture.

Anybody who thinks this is a 'Republican mess' is just ignorant. You need to watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5tZc8oH--o to see how the Democrats engineered this mess, Obama's allegiance to two of the major offenders, and how McCain tried to stop it before it happened.

And for the record: if you ask your opponent to delay something, and they refuse, you are not 'reversing' by showing up. You asked for a delay and didn't get one. But that's Obamaweek for you.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

gobbledegook — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:24:22 GMT

McCain's Called Shot: WINS DEBATE by adding up the score in advance.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

cornerstone — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:31:34 GMT

Mr. McCain appears to be getting terrible advise. Not only was all this grandstanding and bluster entirely apparent, it was also clumsy and therefore transparent. It now appears they have not one, but two empty vessels on the Republican ticket. Generating plenty of noise shouldn't be problem.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

calico — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:37:34 GMT

Johnny Mac, stumbled into DC CLUELESS about what to do, but all he DID DO DO was create a MESS and blame the one who has to CLEAN UP AFTER HIM for HIS DO DO. He like that DUMB ASTERIK PALIN are SO IN OVER THEIR COLLECTIVE SMUG ARROGANT HEADS that it will be paradise NOT TO EVER SEE EITHER ONE of "the DEMENTED DUMB-HEADED PAIR "again.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

germanized — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:43:40 GMT

McCain takes another one on the chin.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

puppiesc2 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:47:01 GMT

This sight is soooo biased. But with all the bull going on as much as It kills me to say it I am begining to like Bush... See what you jerks have done. The pot calling the kettle black has never proved anything.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

MsKinFLA — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:47:20 GMT

Hey Harvard White Guy! Nice speech for such an intelligent Harvard-educated spokesperson! Go back to school and learn a little about what it is to be an American! You don't have a clue - book smart no doubt - but nothing else! Now that's dangerous!

McCain Palin '08

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

Average-Jane — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:18:16 GMT

MsKinFLA,

Heckling is easy, any idiot can do it -- and many do when they have nothing of value or substance to say.

Excellent blog Andrew. The thinking public will see through the charade that's being played out. We have enough genuine drama to deal with, we don't need the added games that McCain plays.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

germanized — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 03:04:26 GMT

MsKinFLA...maybe you can pick up your ball and go home with it since obviously no one wanted to play with you. You sound like some child that was denied their desert. Any moron can figure out that Obama is fairly astute at what it means to be an American. That includes how we are perceived around the world as Americans which means more than declaring war on everything in sight. I'm going to assume the FLA in your moniker refers to Florida, a state which is directly responsible for putting Bush in the White House, so you've already done your job. Harvard Education? How about Florida voters getting a clue on how to fill out a voting ballot.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

cani77 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:16:22 GMT

In a few weeks we will make a choice that will decide our future.

I follow an economist named Bob Proctor. He has called the top and bottom of every market crash since the 70s correctly.

Also, he perfectly predicted the current real estate market meltdown and the picture he paints about what will happen in the next couple years

is terrifying.He thinks it will be worse then the great depression.

The banks in the U.S. are going under one after the other. Countrywide the largest morgage bank in the world,Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch which are 3 out of the top 5 wall street firms. Also, Fanny and Freddy Mae which hold 50 percent of the home loans in the United States.

The government took them over because they are essentially bankrupt.If they didn't the entire financially system would virtually shut down, the stock market would crash and we would suffer beyond what any of us have seen before.

McCain just like Bush " doesn't understand the economy".

That not just my opinion its his own words. Not only does he not understand how to fix it but he does not understand exactly what is broken.

It is no surprise that he doesn't. The people that make up these securities use complex mathematical models very few people understand.

Bush and McCain both can take the credit for this mess since they helped deregulate the laws that were protecting us.

Bush's economic advisor Phil Graham wrote the deregulation bill that allowed banks to take huge risks with all of our future.

Now, Phil Graham is the head of McCain's economic policy.He is also McCain's choice for the next secretary of the treasury.

No one in this country can afford for that to happen. The last time Bush met with his economic advisors was in March. He either didn't care or didn't realize that anything was wrong. Phil Graham had the guts to say that we are in a mental recession after he helped create the worst economy meltdown in our lifetime.

It will take the best and brightest minds in the world to get us out of this nightmare. As bad as Bush has done, McCain would be

even more destructive because things are in much worse shape. The next president will not inherit a surplus like Bush did but a tanking economy and a 11,600,000,000,000 (trillion) dollars deficit. Most of it Bush created and it will take decades to pay it back.

If you do what you have always done then you will get what you have always got.

When it comes to policy Bush and McCain are the same 90 percent of the time.

So why are the polls even close then ?

The chairman of McCains campaign recently said that people don't vote on issues they vote on a personality composite. Which means he is trying to sell you personality instead of results.

He believes people will vote against their own interests.

Let's teach him we are smarter than that .

Hold them accountable NOW! while it will still help.

Elect Obama Biden 2008

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

RRJohns — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:32:45 GMT

Well, with a wife worth $100 million (selling a product that would do ever better in a depression) John McCain has no clue as to the reality of the situation. Here is a man with no expertise in the subject area (and he has a lot of company in both houses of Congress) telling people who DO have the expertise and who DO NOT "benefit" from the plan (Bernanke & Paulson are government employees) that HE knows better. Oh, and of course the American public is "outraged"...try asking the vast majority of them if they even understand how the U.S. financial system works and you'll get answers ranging from "supply and demand" to "Social Security is broke".

I'm a believer in letting COMPETENT people do their jobs without interference. Remarkably, all information that I can find say Paulson and Bernanke are smart, not prone to hyperbole, and know what they are doing. Of course, they do not have to face the crowds back home who are at the gates with pitchforks and torches...the member of Congress are...and they're scared. Not only can they not explain what is happening they were, in most cases, active in the creation of it. Anyone know who happened to be part and parcel of the final dismemberment of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933?

I think Paulson and Bernanke (as well as the SEC chairman) are capable and need to be allowed to do their jobs. The best analogy I can think of is if you're on a plane that is about to crash you don't go up to the pilot and tell him how to do his job. Let's follow the advice of Paulson and Bernanke and trust they can get this plane flying right again...our economic future is riding on it.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

churroostalin322 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 05:46:20 GMT

These stunts are not becoming of a former U.S. Military Officer!

Playing games with the American electorate is not funny!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

GregHere — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:33:26 GMT

.........................This past week shows us how irresponsible and inept John "Maverick" McCain would be in the role of President.........Just think how much damage McCain could do in a 4 year term as he plays his Flaky Maverick Role constantly and gets older aproaching 76 near the end of his term. He seemed not to be alert all of the time during the debate, just there preparing to throw out Wild Assertions to attack Obama. McCain is a Neocon Politician just like Bush is and we can expect this self styled Military Expert to do lots of military things if he has a chance.........Do you raally want 4 more years of the "Big Bully" philosophy to govern America in the World???

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

ice_ice_baby14_00 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:07:22 GMT

McCain.... McCain.... I am disappointed in your actions! The Next leader of this country needs to understand his obligations to the PEOPLE! (something Bush fogot a long time ago) As voters we need to know what your going to do if you get elected, to fix the problems we face today! The Bail out Bill is important, but if you have faith in your fellow leaders you should trust their judgement, and ability to pass on your ideas an objections! I am so sick of him being so mellow dramatic! And I am sick of his saying how he is a "Maverick"... Mavericks have new ideas, they fight for change even if it isnt in their best interest, and they don't follow their leader blindly because he is the "president". Mr. McCain please get off the dead horse your riding and fix the problems you helped create!

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

williambanzai7 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:37:38 GMT

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW A CRISIS PERFORMANCE; YIKES!

(WilliamBanzai7)

Putting aside all the political posturing over the TARP summit

(the Torpedoed Asset Recovery Plan), among the

astonishing events of the past week was the

rare opportunity to glimpse both of our Presidential candidates

shaking and baking in a genuine national crisis. As a result of

Sage McCain's grand gesture of pushing the campaign

pause button for a powder break, both he and Mr. Obama were hauled into

the TARP snake pit. Barack Obama never made any

pretense of being able to Rambo the situation. So I will cut him the slack he deserves. After all

he is very busy running for President.

On the other hand, Mr. "All Hands on Deck" insinuated that it was

imperative for him to indefinitely suspend the Presidential

campaign so he could save TARP, the financial markets and his deteriorating standing in

the Polls. Well, if you do a little web searching, you

will learn what observers from both political parties reported

regarding Mr. McCain's rousing performance. Apparently he

kept his hatch tight for most of the meeting. Finally, when asked

for his view, he babbled some incomprehensible

platitudes. What more could we expect from a guy whose

claim to fame is seeing the big picture,

managing a contentious political meeting and getting the job done for the

good of country . Something that

by all accounts was already being handled by certain

Democrat and GOP leaders.

I'll tell you what I expect. If you are a candidate for

President and you publicly insert yourself into an

emergency situation (yes, when the largest bank failure

in US history is simultaneously unfolding it is sort of an emergency), you better have something interesting or

important to say. That is what a President is supposed to do. No?

Well, Mr. "All Hands What the Heck" blew it out the blow hatch.

He apparently had no grand wisdom to impart to the room full of experts, President's, partisans and bipartisans.

You know something is up when even Bush is rolling his

eyeballs. Its says a lot about Mr. McCain as well as the quality of the

advice he is getting.

I learned a long time ago,

never ever go to a meeting unless you know what you

are going to say when called upon. And more importantly,

make sure its relevant. Otherwise, don't bother showing.

I also believe in respect for your elders. But it would be

foolish to count that maxim as a good reason for

electing someone like this for President. Its

a mistake similar to a similar mistake this country has already made twice in

8 years, to wit "vote for the guy you'd like to drink beer with."

I hear the spread on McCain election default swaps has

shot through the roof.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

williambanzai7 — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:38:42 GMT

A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW A CRISIS PERFORMANCE; YIKES!

(WilliamBanzai7)

Putting aside all the political posturing over the TARP summit

(the Torpedoed Asset Recovery Plan), among the

astonishing events of the past week was the

rare opportunity to glimpse both of our Presidential candidates

shaking and baking in a genuine national crisis. As a result of

Sage McCain's grand gesture of pushing the campaign

pause button for a powder break, both he and Mr. Obama were hauled into

the TARP snake pit. Barack Obama never made any

pretense of being able to Rambo the situation. So I will cut him the slack he deserves. After all

he is very busy running for President.

On the other hand, Mr. "All Hands on Deck" insinuated that it was

imperative for him to indefinitely suspend the Presidential

campaign so he could save TARP, the financial markets and his deteriorating standing in

the Polls. Well, if you do a little web searching, you

will learn what observers from both political parties reported

regarding Mr. McCain's rousing performance. Apparently he

kept his hatch tight for most of the meeting. Finally, when asked

for his view, he babbled some incomprehensible

platitudes. What more could we expect from a guy whose

claim to fame is seeing the big picture,

managing a contentious political meeting and getting the job done for the

good of country . Something that

by all accounts was already being handled by certain

Democrat and GOP leaders.

I'll tell you what I expect. If you are a candidate for

President and you publicly insert yourself into an

emergency situation (yes, when the largest bank failure

in US history is simultaneously unfolding it is sort of an emergency), you better have something interesting or

important to say. That is what a President is supposed to do. No?

Well, Mr. "All Hands What the Heck" blew it out the blow hatch.

He apparently had no grand wisdom to impart to the room full of experts, President's, partisans and bipartisans.

You know something is up when even Bush is rolling his

eyeballs. Its says a lot about Mr. McCain as well as the quality of the

advice he is getting.

I learned a long time ago,

never ever go to a meeting unless you know what you

are going to say when called upon. And more importantly,

make sure its relevant. Otherwise, don't bother showing.

I also believe in respect for your elders. But it would be

foolish to count that maxim as a good reason for

electing someone like this for President. Its

a mistake similar to a similar mistake this country has already made twice in

8 years, to wit "vote for the guy you'd like to drink beer with."

I hear the spread on McCain election default swaps has

shot through the roof.

re: The Bull Leaves the China Shop

kimberlyp — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:08:28 GMT

John McCain has not in my opinion communicated his economic positions well. Below is my attempt to clarify them.

McCain believes in Jeffersonian Democracy. What does that mean? Thomas Jefferson argued against Federalism, as he felt that it posed a risk and infringement to the liberty of Americans. The Federal government is a necessary evil, which should operate on the common benefit, security, and protection of Citizens, and should be watched closely and its powers should be minimized.

Science recently has determined that there is a scientific reason why this is the best possible configuration. Networks of all types, financial, government, electrical, communicative, all behave under certain laws. These laws have been described well in layman’s terms by Lazlo Barabasi in his book “Linked.” These laws argue against centralized networks as they are prone to cascade failures and that distributed adaptable networks are much more robust and capable of sustaining damage to one part of the network and reconfiguring themselves and continue to function. What this tells you is that democracy and capitalism, is inherently more stable than other types of systems of economic distribution and governance.

Capitalism has been moving towards big business, since the industrial revolution, and this has led to a centralization of Wealth which has placed our economy in the current economic crisis we face today. It is not accurate to place the blame on Wall Street, or on homeowners, for the current financial crisis. The crisis was driven by the centralized wealth and dynamics of the networked global economy.

The solution to the problem is to move toward decentralization of all critical networks such as Government and Financial.

McCain holds that we need to move from Big Business to many competing companies run on Main Street, and incentivize investment in small business over big business.

McCain also holds that regulation much like Big government needs to be circumscribed in its powers, but that it’s a necessary evil. The idea is that centralized standards, and regulation, reduce the cost of compliance and lead to greater efficiency.

McCain understands we need regulation and standards, but regulation and standards must be able to evolve and adapt, while cost of compliance must be the same for individuals as for big business on a basis that places the individual or small business with an equal footing to gig government or big business.

(In my opinion, this needs to be slanted towards small business and individuals. That it’s better to err on the side of smaller concerns.)

McCain is against Obama’s tax plan, because increasing capital gains tax on business, and investment, because it acts as a barrier to deploying monies to generate wealth formation. A simple way to understand this is as friction to the speed at which capital flows through the system. This matters to every American, not just the wealthy, as McCain critics say. This matters to every American because if assets are not deployed, and or leveraged, then entrepreneurial activities are curtailed, and with this comes a reduction in jobs, and a decrease in wealth distribution, and most importantly to wealth concentration which makes the average American a indentured servant to the concentrated wealth.

McCain understands that we need alter wealth distribution in this country such that it benefits the middle class and grows it. He also understands that in a free society you do not accomplish this by confiscating another’s wealth and redistribute it to others on the government’s whim. This was the approach of the old Soviet Union. What we need to do is provide incentives for people to place their wealth into the system so that others can become wealthy in their own right.

For those that think but I just want a job, and this does not matter to you, more business creation, leads to more jobs, and in today’s world with equity participation, greater wealth.