Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Larrykqc — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:13:40 GMT

Voters never desire a divided government at the exact point they need one. We have had a few governments that were one-party. The ten-years before the great depression, the first 2-years of Bill Clinton with a a 1992 pormise not to raise taxes , a tax hike in 1993 and a outrageous healthcare plan, and the first six years of George Bush with a bad Iraq poicy endorsed by virutally all democrats (obama would have had he felt the pressure). There were two terms of FDR. But, these were war years when all were on the same side. Of course, this was the time that FDR interned Japanese citizens.

There is no question that one-party government has been unsucessful. The democrats are salivating on legislation that will deprive union members of a private vote just to expand their power base. We know politicians enough to know that Obama is just another in a long-line of populist that will not reveal true motives.

The one excuse for a 1-party governmemt seems to be to stop "gridlock". That is flawed for a number of reasons. First, there has been very few filibusters and legislation held up .Biggest problem on the last four terms is a lack of legislation - substantiailly less than in the terms 20 years prior. Gridlock is the excuse of the politicians who don't keep promises.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Dems2008 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:14:58 GMT

Just because Bush and the Repub Congress ran roughshod over the American people doesn't mean Obama and Democrats will. On the contrary; they're actually smart enough to 1) serve the best interests of the people, and 2) realize that they only cut their own political throats if they break promises not to raise taxes.

Romney's comments imply that he thinks any and all bills that raise any taxes or bring about national health care MUST be veoted. I suppose he's embarrassed that MA is now repealing his statewide healthcare plan that has failed.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

maryna1 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:15:20 GMT

I wish the candidate would discuss global poverty more. According to The Borgen Project:

$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.

$540 billion: Annual U.S. Defense Budget

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Democrat-Hillary — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:20:28 GMT

Is there anything worse than a SUPPOSED (SPECULATION MODE) democrat administration would be a tax and spend one? (not true, look Clinton era!)

An 8 years republican administration that HAS (FACT MODE) squander the surpluses, doubled our debt, spends 10 billions a month in a un-necessary war with thousands of deaths, created a worldwide economic crisis, just requested and got approval for the biggest transfer of wealth from main street to wall street....

AND WANTS 4 MORE YEARS OF THE SAME.....with McCain that voted 90% of the time with Bush, so HE IS responsible too and Palin that is NOT qualified to be president if McCain dies which is highly possible due to his age and cancer history.......

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Politicswithagrin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:26:10 GMT

It's difficult for me to imagine that McCain could sway enough votes to win with the "divided government" argument. I do think that some people will vote with that consideration on their mind, but ultimately the "divided government" won't be the argument that drives people to McCain.

http://www.politicswithagrin.blogspot.com/

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Democrat-Hillary — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:26:31 GMT

Republicans want gridlock, that way nothing gets done and they blame each other.

Republicans gave Bush a congress to work with and achieved disaster.

Democrats deserve the same trust (moreover with the Clinton great era) to proof democrats do know how to govern, no excuses, no gridlock, same opportunity for all!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

allenj01 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:29:42 GMT

When the republicans took control of both the executive and legislative branches I thought the country was going to experience a period of prosperity even greater than we had in the 90s. Instead they turned to the dark side, Fascism, and have become more corrupt in a shorter period of time than any party in power. I dont think the democrats during the 40 or so years they held sway in washington came close to this level of corruption as have the republicans. While the disasters we have experience these last 8 years are particularly repubilcan I still think that divided government is best for the country. However, you have to ask which party should control which branch. I do not trust the republicans with the executive branch. At this moment in history the republicans are so totally given over to the acquisition and maintenance of political power that they are no longer acting in the best interests of the country. At this time with the balance of power on the supreme court up for grabs I think we need a democrat in control of the executive branch. So while I would like to see a democrat as president and the republicans in control of congress, at this time we need to purge the republican party and the best way to do that is to defeat as many republicans as possible including that one running for president.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Democrat-Hillary — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:30:25 GMT

WHERE WAS THE SAME ARGUMENT IN THE BUSH CAMPAIGN?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Mark in PA. — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:31:15 GMT

Frankly after the past eight years ,much of which the Republicans controlled the senete,presidency and congree, I don't think we have anything to worry about if the Demicrats take over all three, as that was what it took for Us to get out of the great depression. My own republican party has become so extreme right that they no longer speak for the vast majority of the american people, and have only served the very wealthy. Im one Republican voting for Obama and all the democrats this time.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

suzvoter47 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:31:46 GMT

Regarding a divided government and the GOP all scurryng around to sway voters that a government of one party would be right they are correct. Should Americans remind the Republicans who held a majority until 2 years ago what they accomplished and how Bipartisan they were???? If I recall bils and laws related to the Iraq war and deregulation were pushed through so qucik itmakes one head spin. Even during this crisis when the Repubs were not in power the current admin was trying to shove thru the "rescue" package for wallstreet and the nation and because the Dems had control of the house and senate the Rebubs tried to affix blame to the Dems for it not passing the first go round. Lets remember it was supposed to be BIPARTISAN and the package was handed down from the Repub Administration. Therefore, I would venture to say that maybe it is about time for a different approach. Hopefully the people that have been elected and who will be elected to the various offices will look at what has occurred over the current Bush Admin and decide to work together instead of fighting each other. Particularly during a time when our nation is struggling on so many fronts. This is a critical time in America history and our standing in the world, so work together for the sake of this nation that is currently hurting and faltering.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Democrat-Hillary — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:37:19 GMT

I find VERY unfair that the press talks about Ayers but not aout this....

Take a look:

McCAIN:

Rolling Stone Magazine: Make believe Maverick, A closer look at the life and career of John McCain reveals a disturbing record of recklessness and dishonesty.

By TIM DICKINSON

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain?commentPage=8#rate

PALIN:

The Palins un-American activities

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/10/07/palins_unamerican/

Sarah Palin, the AIP, and the Extremist Fringe

By MICHAEL STICKINGS, Assistant Editor http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/sarah-palin/23395/sarah-palin-the-aip-and-the-extremist-fringe/

BOTH:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-lux/guilt-by-associations_b_133758.html

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

tiredoflies — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:38:35 GMT

Here it is. FEAR from the republicans.

Are you going to fall for it this time?

Or are you going to say ENOUGH of this false scare tactic crap?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Democrat-Hillary — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:39:20 GMT

Why We Need to Abolish Corporate Welfare

by Todd Altman

Jan 20, 2003

Corporate welfare is defined by the Cato Institute as "any government spending program that provides unique benefits or advantages to specific companies or industries." Although transfer payments in general (to the extent they redistribute the earned incomes of labor and capital) are morally wrong, corporate welfare is the worst transfer payment of all because it constitutes stealing from the poor in order to give to the rich. Examples of such giveaways can be found online at the Banneker Center's corporate welfare shame page.

The federal government currently spends roughly $93 billion a year on programs that provide subsidies to private businesses. Not only does this give big business an unfair advantage over smaller competitors, it gives politicians an excuse to deny much-needed tax relief to the bottom 75% of taxpayers -- those who, according to the Tax Foundation, make less than $55,226 a year.

Specifically, the bottom 75% (over 96 million people) pay approximately $156.8 billion a year in federal income taxes -- with those who make below $27,682 (the bottom 50%) paying a little over $38.3 billion, and those who make between $27,682 and $55,225 paying the rest.

Thus, if we eliminated corporate welfare, that alone would allow for the income tax to be reduced by nearly 1/2 for those making between $27,682 and $55,225, and abolished entirely for those making below $27,682. This would benefit wage-earners enormously by offsetting the regressive nature of the payroll tax, and would benefit small businesses by eliminating the anticompetitive nature of corporate welfare spending.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

tiredoflies — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:40:50 GMT

Here it is. FEAR from the republicans.

Are you going to fall for it this time?

Or are you going to say ENOUGH of this false scare tactic crap?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Democrat-Hillary — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:43:21 GMT

Republicans had 6 years and said nothing.....

They have been campaigning for the same thing, having both..........

But because they are loosing, suddenly is BAD?

Don t think they would say that if they would be winning!

How stupid do they think we are?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Barbie123 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:46:04 GMT

And imagine God forbid a McCain win and then stroke or death.

Sarah Palin makes cold chills run down you spine doesn't it? We sure don't need her at the helm

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

carl6352 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:47:55 GMT

what a joke when the clintons were in for 8 yrs. the first two years he raised the taxes on every body. then started the euphonism the peace divedend. which gutted the military. what they did was screw the 2 yrs and when 4 yrs rolls around its for gotten. now the only reason there was a windfall was the tech boom which unless your al gore supposedlythey had nothing to do with it. then after the 06 election. every one was compaining about deficit . well the treasurey was flush with billions and billions of money to buy down the debt. what happened dems and reps went on a spending spree while doing little to reduce the deficit account . with all that money they could have been paying the debt down not adding to it. so in reality not fantasy. when clinton left office. he left the debt and social security. basically saying let some other one work it out. the truth about the debt is it trippled under clinton and the so called was a scam because he really did nothing to solve the budget. when the tech boom popped he was gone so democrats raise this so called surplus when in fact we were over 4 trillion in debt with social security and the spending sprees by both paties. so when taxes started to fall because of the tech boom crumbling. no money coming in and all the politicians continuing spending we had a debt of well over 7trillion. that is owned by china and europe. for 8 years the reallity was they did nothing because they knew they would be voted out. both parties. the real story is the clinton years were wasted. they left the mess to the next guy. if you check past newsweek stories in the middle of the 90's they said the exact thing i am saying.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

daowens — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:55:45 GMT

The argument that the Democratic House a low opinion rating. Everybody knows that it is because of the Republican that their ratings are low. They obstructed many bill, in order to be able to make this argument. They had no concern for the people or their needs. The people are not stupid. They need to get rid of the Republican and try a majority of Democrates, that is probably the only way anything will get done. When Clinton was president and we had the Republicants were the majority, espacially in his second term, they did nothing but wasted time, and spent time trying to destroy Clinton. I am tired of the Republicans and their dirty tricks and tactics. Maybe after being out of power, they can regroup and be more honarable.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Larrykqc — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:56:03 GMT

By the way, the debt expanded by a greater percentage during Clinton's term than during Bush's term. The real truth is that it expanded due to nothing either did. It is a shame that most of us ignore history and then fall in love with whatever biased bad information they hear.

The problem with th debt is that it is ocmpunding out-of-control. If you took the $5.7 B that Bush inherited from Clinton, compound it at 4.35 - the interest that is paid annually and charged to debt, then add the unfunded liabilities of social security and medicare, you will come to your current debt number. Iraq is immoral but not a speck on the GAO budget.

To solve our problems we have to thnk like independents. Simply blaming the last party in power when the root cause of this debt goes back 45 years is dangerous. This is not a republican problem, it is not a democratic problem. it is a two party problem that forces people to ignore the big picture and focus on petty differences. like personalities and bad information. This creates hate and divides us all. This is exactly what both parties want. They want control. From the comments herein DNC seems to control some of you.

Obama is another partisan hack - however, creative - just like mcCain. You don't hold them accountable .And, you forget. Just like the lady that said Clinton didn't tax and spend. He came out of the box in 1992 doing both. but, the people got some sense and gave the GOP the congress in 1994. Then Clinton cut taxes in 1997 and got his very short -term surplus (which was exclusivley a function of interest rate declines.) Obama will raise taxes because he can and his first hikes on the rich own't work. They will spend more than they should because they will not do what they should (and that is to cut cost). They have over-promises. They will over-spend.

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. if you think this time is different, you are part of the problem.

Come on. folks, get you head out of their arses. They are the problem.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Omnius — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:58:56 GMT

Another excellent article Andrew! What a bunch of limp wristed wimps the repugnant ones have become. They sure were all giddy over having the RNC control Washington so it's rather hypocritical of them to now whine about a Democratically controlled Washington. We need to get things done and the only way to accomplish progress is to have Deomcrats control Washington so they can undo all the damage of Reagan, Bush and Bush. We need to undo the tax cuts for the rich and greedy and pass along more money to the poor and middle classes. We need to ensure that the next president will pick wise liberal judges for the Supreme Court to guarantee that Roe vs Wade does not get overturned.

The best thing that could happen to our secular democracy is to have united rule in Washington with Obama/Biden in the White House and Pelosi and Reid with huge majorities in Congress. That's the only change we can believe in!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

it's about the future — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:01:04 GMT

Robocalls from McCain Campaign.

Is there any credence to discussion about future government in the light of this news??

Forgive me, but i must say for the record

that the McCain campaign has been making ROBOCALLS

around the country.

These phone messages, prefixed with an endorsement by John McCain,

say that "Obama associates with te....ists "

and bring up Ayers again,,,and again.

William Ayers is a professor of education at the University of Ill. in Chicago,

with whom Obama served on the board of an educaion-reform organization

EIGHTEEN

years ago, and they were not close even then. (ref: Associated Press)

This after McCain said at the debate two days ago,

that he was finished with Ayers.

We knew better,

but do would we want, in ANY POSSIBLE WORLD a leader who is this dishonorable, dishonest ?

And think how insulting it is, that

we are the merely the 'acted upon', not credited with being critically aware or responsive

to what is happening, or to news reports?

McCain, in my humble opinion, should be asked to step down from the Senate.

Not only does he accuse his colleague and collaborator personally,

but by virtue of this accusation,

he implies that there are Senators in our United States Senate who associate with terrorists.

Incredible.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Bamaboc — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:10:10 GMT

I am a centrist Democrat (not a Pelossy or Reed type), after Obama was elected as our candidate, I was willing to give him credit, and my assumption was that Obama is within the mainstream of Democratic politics.

I chatted recently with a University of Chicago professor who was a frequent lunch companion of the Obama Family. This professor said that Obama was as close to a full-out Marxist as anyone who has ever run for the presidency. I assumed that he is Republican and is expressing his party line. Well, it turns out that he is a Democrate (centrist, he voted for Hillary in the primaries).

After Obama’s recent encounter with “Joe the Plumber” and his comment on wealth redistribution, I no longer support him, if he is as free with that sort of redistributive philosophy in private as he was on the campaign trail this week, I have no doubt that the University of Chicago professor did correctly figure Obama as a radical. And after last debate, a few more Americans might think that way, too. McCain's best line was: "Now, of all times in America, we need to cut people's taxes. We need to encourage business, create jobs, not spread the wealth around."

I am voting and strongly supporting McCain, we did not fight the Soviet Union for 45 years to bring them back into the USA through a back door Marxist.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

thebob.bob — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:12:26 GMT

2000-2006, the Republicans had absolute control over the Federal government (except for filibuster). I didn't hear a whole of hair-pulling and teeth gnashing from the 'liberal' press then. Now the "liberal MSM" is parroting rightwingnut fear-mongering about Dem control. Sounds a little "suspect" if you ask me.

Let the voters correct in in two years if they think it's a problem. Otherwise, scr#w the Republicans.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

jim48my — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:13:56 GMT

You have a divided goverment now

Nothing is getting done

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

atlanta01 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:15:52 GMT

How can anyone tell for sure that those ROBO call are from McCain's people. Those can be democrats who want to make McCain look bad. This is the strategy in what other socialists and communists countries do..put thier own people and try to do negative things about their opponents. What if the people who shouted "terrorist" and etc are democrats, who were trying to make GOP rally negative?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

jim48my — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:22:29 GMT

the cost of the iraq war, was more than the national debt debt, whe clinton left office,

with the cost of the iraq war, the money could have helped social security for the next 50 years,

gave our kids free college.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

ocmack — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:23:32 GMT

"How about the corresponding argument? Instances where one-party rule led to great excesses?

Look at the George W. Bush years. " YES -- LET'S DO LOOK AT THE BUSH YEARS. BUT NOT JUST A CURSORY GLANCE FOR THE SAKE OF THE ARTICLE. LET'S REALLY LOOK AT THE BUSH YEARS. WHO'S KIDDING WHO?!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

singularization — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:24:13 GMT

If people want divided government, they can elect conservative repulicans to the House and Senate ( although why they would is a mystery to me) ... But that Old, Angry, Wrinkled bag of ill-tempered, melanomic skin might as well begin planning to spend more time in his Sedona Home, you know.. the one with the Free Portable Cell Phone Tower.... of course he could also relax at one of his other SEVEN HOUSES with THIRTEEN CARS .... Obama , on the other hand , has ONE HOME and ONE CAR, A FORD HYBRID SUV ..... and we won't even get into the wise choice McCain made for a VEEP ... to think that he gazed across the national landscape, and overlooked so many qualified people, and instead went Vagina Shopping to find this Bucket of Fluff, who only placates an Anxious base.. but lets face it, it's like they were going to vote for Obama anyway. So now we have a Veep candidate spreading Vitrolic hate inciting the worst elements of the American Electorate ... She basically Dan Quayle with a Pony tail ...

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Mayzee7 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:29:19 GMT

Interesting how when the polls were widening the other day that it was in multiple headlines on the MSN homepage, but now that the polls are tightening up as everyone knew they would, this is the only article referenced on the same page. So who's pulling for whom??

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Braes — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:35:08 GMT

Mr. McCain appears to be on his 233rd campaign theme. I have heard nothing from them at all that I care for that is factual, and as for the fear and lies, the yellow-color code is on the front of their clothes. They are pi$$ing themselves now.

Romney is considered credible? His Chameleon Conservatism makes me sick.

Fiorina is considered credible? Wasn't she fired for spying on her copropate thug buddies?

Davis? Isn't he a lobbywhore?

Schunemann? Isn't he the neo-con whack job that sells wars for profit?

Guiliani? Isn't he the scum that called for more Guantanamos?

What an intellectually bankrupt, morally debased, filthy batch of low-lifes Mr McCain has surrounded himself with.

Brothers and Sisters of the Great State of Georgia, please vote against Saxby Chambliss, who swift boated Max Clelland to get a Senate Seat.

Brothers and Sisters of Minnesota! Please do not lose the chance to lose Norm Coleman. he too is a veteran basher.

Please put a fillibuster-proof majority behind the top of the ticket, to end Republican Rule for these next two years. Then we can keep promises and get results. We can prove we can govern. We can again remove the stain of McCarthyism from our political discourse. We can investigate the crimes done against the state, our constitution and laws.

Please vote. Do not think that todays lead matters. Your vote matters. Vote a D ticket.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

tiredoflies — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:37:38 GMT

Here it is. FEAR from the republicans.

What the republicans are asking you to do is VOTE FOR PARTISANSHIP.

Are you going to fall for it this time?

Or are you going to say ENOUGH of this false scare tactic crap?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

lucy2008 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:42:37 GMT

We are in a time of many crises and a time where we are facing major global problems.

History has shown that a unified government helps during times of crisis where major changes and policy shifts need to be made to solve problems and build for the future. The president should be a unifier and one to inspire and lead in this situation. The president will be working with the international community. None of these latter features are part of the McCain character, mindset, or experience. He'd be a disaster in these times.

The Supreme Court is at threat to be totally packed with right-wing conservatives. A democratic president is needed to balance the court. This is critical to our nation's rule of law and protection of citizen's rights. It is critical to protect women nationally by not overthrowing Roe vs. Wade.

Like FDR, JFK, and LBJ, we need a man to rally, inspire and lead. A lot can be done on that bully pulpit and to eradicate "the fear itself". A new level of confidence in the future is needed and that means by action and by the rhetoric of the brilliant and inspired. None of this fits the character, mindset, and capabilities of Senator McCain.

We need a transformative government right now during these tough times. That means a more unified government and a transformative presidency. A transformative presidency that can work within our country and with the world.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

hmoo11 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:49:40 GMT

The most important fact to this election is John McCain does not have the judgement to run this country. He has ran his campaign on a series of gimmicks and no real plans for the American People. It doesn't matter if you have 26 years of experience if you show over and over an inability to make solid decisions. If he didn't have the support of radicals on the radio and television he would be 40 points down.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

rube — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:52:16 GMT

heck of an argument vote for McCain and and his theology- the same theology that put the nation on ice with the current crisis!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

rube — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:58:39 GMT

Omama was a terrorist- that didn't work. So he associated with terrorists, then he was a muslim...then he was a communist, now hes racist...

Now conservatives blast away that "he is a socialist" - without any reference that the current version of American conservatism is some how pure in form without any regard to the nations current crisis!

Skewd American conservatism has put us in the current economic situation!

The reality is all of us have been betrayed by those who claim to be fair and righteous conservatives!

The "neocons" have managed to make a mess out of our nation. And now their answer is the battle-cry “Socialize the debt and privatize the wealth!”

Socialize the bank and mortgage bailout, socialize the federal debt, land programs subsidies for American ranchers with federal and state lands for pennies on the dollar, endowments for the wealthy,

create great federal expense and let the people pay for it!

In contrast, privatize sectors of war that are paid for by taxpayers for the Halliburtons of the world,

privatize prison systems, education systems, and privatize the most Christian of all human entities- health care. So that the few become wealthy while the masses wallow away from the denial of fair and just care.

The hacks of Neocon theology have has stabbed us in the proverbial back, right between the shoulder blades! In our heart that sustains and carry our lives and our families!

It is time to clean out the rats nest. Time again to pass the mantle onto another way of life. The pendulum is swinging back.

Democracy and capitalism on paper sounds great and wonderful. It was the politicians, the neocons in their convention and their lack of wisdom that mislead us against the greatest of all our gifts- The U.S. constitution!

It was they who endangered capitolism/democracy!

We have learned the truth, conservatives decry socialism unless it benefits them!

The argument that Obamas' view of America is socialistic, is a desperate opinion.

And the conjecture that capitalism under current

GOP watch was a great time for our nation is non existent! Simply because it was not a great time!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

ajironworks4usa — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:20:26 GMT

How can Colin Powell endorse either candidate , until we see the two answer to the charges here by this Court Document ??????????????

It is time for Both McCain and Obama prove their Citizenship to be qualified to run for President of the USA ?????????????????????

http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/pennsylvania/paedce/2:2008cv04083/281573/19/0.swf

October 15, 2008 19 U.S. CITIZEN JUDSON WITHAM'S APPLICATION AND NOTICE OF MOTION TO INTERVENE AS A MATTER OF RIGHT FRCP 24, CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE. (jpd)

Subject: DEFEND MY VOTE

http://www.defendmyvote.com/default.aspx?vid=1

Let us Not Forget Who is Responsible for this which Caused the Pain we all face today , and need Change from so desperately ........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

tiredoflies — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:36:24 GMT

Here it is. FEAR from the republicans.

Are you going to fall for it this time?

Or are you going to say ENOUGH of this false scare tactic crap?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

DaveWK — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:36:57 GMT

You're overlooking one thing--we've had experience the last two years with the kind of divided government McCain is hoping for. As McCain supported Bush's position over 90% of the time, we could expect him to adhere to the same positions that has led to stalemate. If we want there to be appropriate action and regulation to get us through the recession and financial crisis that are the legacy of the Bush administration and the Republican dominated Congress, we will need a new , Democratic administration which can cooperate with and provide leadership to Congress.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Lynnman — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:52:02 GMT

Calling this "divided-government" is misleading. The wisdom and strength of the Constituation was in the check and balances. Reid and Pelosi have shown very partisan approaches to leading the two houses. Frank and Dodd drove the banking oversight over that past 2 years fighting oversight and the name of their agenda. Obama has worked to sound very much like a reasonable moderate in his campaigning but has never demonstrated this centerist approach in his voting record and certainly not in his radical associations. Without any checks and balances the public will rarely hear about what is in the bills being pushed through from a very one-sided liberal standpoint. (Especially now that the newspapers had abandoned that critical role.)

We need someone that will drive bipartisan efforts and solutions but will shine the light on any abuse and will look out for the best interests of the country as a whole. I don't see Obama providing this critical leadership role and example.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

headhoncho — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:52:35 GMT

Romano, like so many of your "mainstream" contemporaries, you are a moron. Instead of writing complete crap like this which nobody belives, you should be out helping your crackpot ACORN buddies commit voter fraud because that is the only way Osama Obama will win this election, by fraudulently cast votes.

Since not many men actually vote for democrats, (aka loonatic liberals), Your only other winning tactic is to focus on getting back all the women Hillary defectors. You are likely not to have much luck with them either, however, because most of them rise to the level of at least average intelligence, unlike the maisteam of Osama Obama supporters. You, therefore, appear to have a big problem,

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

gozo — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:01:01 GMT

I don't think the American people need McCain to balance or temper a democratic congress..The American people are speaking up for themselves as never before. The American people are speaking out on the internet, by phone, by fax, by letter. I think Congress has a pretty good idea of what the American people think and expect. Apparently the republican executive branch does not care what the American people think or want.....and we are pretty much done with the deaf ear.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

notroubleatall1963 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:08:33 GMT

Time for the GOP to stop thinking in terms of "divided Government" and "divided Culture" and get on with building a new platform, infusing their party with some intelligence again, and getting their act together for a decade or two (or three) from now, when they will likely be back in power (in a different incarnation).

Enough of this anti-intellectual, anti-Liberal, anti-Government bullshite and all your super-patriot and super-Jesus-loves-us crap. We are sick to death of you obfuscating the REAL issues with your lies, platitudes, distractions and stupidity.

No more GOP for a good long time.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

usersuz1 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:12:12 GMT

The "specter?" Ooh, that scary, huh? Never fazed the Republicans, did it? They were never even concerned that they were lock-step organized to blindly vote in favor of George's policies, arms twisted by Karl Rove like ex-cons, to fall in line. And what do we have? A gawdawful mess. So, yes, I want an undivided administration to come in and be able to effect remedies for anti-intellectual neanderthal policies, re-establish compliance with Constitutional principles, chase the foxes from the henhouse, and hopefully recover some of the taxpayer money they have stolen. How much more desirable to give free rein to an intelligent, honest, well-meaning law professor with a coherent vision of a fair and prosperous America than to give free rein to an uneducated, corrupt, vicious sociopath with a hatred of government that parallels his hatred of authority (his father). After all, the only place left to go from here is up.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

marshallr0ss — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:21:58 GMT

Posted By: gozo (October 17, 2008 at 4:01 PM)

*************************

The problem with your point of view is that it does not take into consideration that there has been and still is a large section of the population that has also been speaking out on the internet, by phone, by fax, and by letters begging their representatives in Congress to rein in the Liberal excesses that we have been victims of in the past and the present. Yes more and more people are ranting against the conservatives, but that doesn't mean that the people who have been asking the Liberals to stop victimizing us have stopped asking for justice or have decided that we want to be victimized by the Liberals even more.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

cts5678 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:27:39 GMT

Yeah, funny how this was no problem when the Republicans had the presidency, both sides of Congress and the Supreme Court from about about 2000 to 2006. But now, with the Dems poised to clean their clocks everywhere but the Supreme Court, we need divided government. What hypocrites, just like always, just like usual.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

MEHazard — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:28:39 GMT

This article clearly illustrates how out to lunch the Republican's really are. What do they think "unrestrained Republican" rule has done for this contry in the past eight years? They cannot win the election so they want to "divide the government" Well, that's just great. That's what we really need right now. Unbelievable!!!! Their argument's just don't wash anymore. The only people who are still buying this nonsense are the sheep that follow the radical right wing. This attitude is why they are losing the election.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

KingstonDan — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:40:41 GMT

atlanta01 says:

atlanta, you may be on to something. Was that idiot who told McCain that Obama was an Arab a stealth Democrat sent to the rally to make Republicans look stupid? And that dope in California who sent out the Obama-with-watermelon food stamps? For that matter could Sarah Palin be a Democratic sleeper cell, waiting for years to answer questions with nonsense, just to embarrass the Republicans?

Sorry Atlanta, but the Republicans don't need Democratic help to look bad. The party of Rove, Atwater and Nixon is doing a good job of that all by themselves.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

TheGreatBear — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:59:20 GMT

Staunch Republicans seem not to have worried much about "unilateral party rule" in Congress, and in fact seem to have gloated (and wallowed) in the possibilities. We all know where THAT led us: a voluntary war; underfunding &/or deregulation of the watchdog agencies over the financial institutions which brought us this depression (in more than one sense of the word); children being left behind by the millions, in ways both educational and health coverage; shredding of Constitutional liberties under the cloak of 'national security'; and a devastated image abroad. And that's just the national/international scene. By and large, states run unilaterally by Republicans also have replicated the national iscene insofar as dismantling of societal safety nets for the working classes. I live in Indiana and a GOP governor w/ a compliant GOP legislature has been able to "outsource" (auction off) several heretofore state-run programs, and state infrastructure networks such as highways & tollroads. The long-term effect will be tantamount to a homeowner selling their furniture in order to raise money to pay their mortgage: What's the point if you own nothing left to put in the house?

So: for me, it isn't even a question of "the devil I know instead of the devil I don't know." McCain talks about his experience -- well, yes, he does have experience. McCain has been in Congress 26 of the last 30 years and, except for the two Clinton terms, Republican administrations have, explicitly & persistently, elected to widen the divide between the rich and the rest of us rather than to help raise the tide and all our boats. So yes, we do have experience of McCain, and I, for one, do not like what I have experienced and observed. I voted for Barack Obama today in early balloting -- cheerfully, unabashedly, even exhuberantly -- along with most other Democrats running for office in my district and state. No more of the insanity of electing candidates believing their rhetoric, hoping that they mean what they say, and time after time being fooled when they turn around and do the opposite. "Compassionate Conservative," my butt !

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Lynnman — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:02:22 GMT

If Pelosi, Reid and Obama were not so partisan (and so far left) - it wouldn't be a problem. Everyone talks about McCain voting 90% along party lines. Obama voted 99% along party lines. Who is the proven bipartisan leader? Also - no one said this was not an issue when the Republicans had the White House and the majority in the houses - the results were not good there either.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Lynnman — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:08:16 GMT

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

TheGreatBear — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:10:06 GMT

Everybody's focused on the national election, and for good reason. And the thread of this article was about 'divided government'. Enough divided, already! Look where that's got us, for cryin' out loud! As cts5678 just now wrote, Republicans had no problem w/ unilateral government when THEY ran it, but now are holding up all these strawdogs to scare people into thinking that what was good for the GOP to do is now terrible for the Democrats to do. Hogwash!

Look @ what they're running in Ohio, right now. The U.S. Supreme Court had to step in and rule on the GOP suit brought against the Dem Secy of State, w/ the Supremes saying that "the GOP had no standing to bring the suit" when what was at issue is that they wanted to conduct systematic purges of the Ohio voter roles. This type of purge, by the way, is explicitly illegal under federal voting law. But more to the point, when the Republicans were in charge of voting in Ohio (remember Secy of State Blackwell, who also was the Chairman of the Ohio GOP?), they performed these same purges and studiously ignored any cries of foul from Democrats, or even electoral watchdogs. Watching the GOP holler about Dems UNdoing what the GOP illegally accomplished is almost humorous. But here again, slicing-and-dicing the electorate into so many disparate (and, now, desperate) segments has created SUCH division that people see the various gooses & ganders.... and apply the postulate that what was good for the goose IS good for the gander.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Greenp — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:25:57 GMT

Division, fear and polarization are the main reasons we are in such a terrible mess....why can't learn to get along? This type of thinking will drive this country to further ruin!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

rabprevent — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:29:04 GMT

You racist Republicans can't have it both ways, you morons elected a c student to whitehouse with had a majority and yet he managed to destroy the country by lying to all Americans so he can go to war for his own personal war and beliefs, he also has managed to destroy this economy while his rich friends got richer and the middle class is now closer to the poor house than they were before. Now your excuses are that the Democrats are liberal and having them running Washington would mean a spending spree and tax incresases, your arguments are totally self serving, ridiculous and stupid, you are assuming that Obama is or will be as stupid as your current imbecile, well I have news for you, he is smarter than Bush, Dick, Palin and McCain all put together.

You Repukes had an opportunity while in office to do some good and yet you wasted it and now becasue you screwed up, you are expecting everyone to do the same, to this i say, eat your own BS. I can guarantee you this, I am not just voting for Obama becasue I am sure he will do better than Bush and McCain, I am also voting against the Republicans Brand and I can guarantee you that most Americans are doing the same, so good luck jerks!

JOIN ME IN VOTING NO TO MCCAIN AND ALL HIS CRONIES! THE STINKING REPUBLICAN PARTY

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Palin3009 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:03:26 GMT

Well Well Well...

There are a few important things to notice here ( I am a Republican but I have to say this):

1) The current "moron" at the top (which we all had voted for) had a GOP congress up until 2 years ago (as I understand) and what happened now really was simply because he turned out to be JUST a specialist in BBQing ( see who is getting grilled now??). I never know whether I will vote for the first time for a Dem but I TOTALLY can see that Obama is NO MORON - he is very pragmatic and this is for all you politicians (idiots) to understand - there is a REASON why so manyh professionals and educated people are planning to vote for him.... so wake up!!!!

2) You knuckleheads all seem to realize now when you use the word "compromise" that you are begging people to vote for McCain - that is never a good strategy BUT what you do not seem to realize is the IRREVERSIBLE damage you ALL are doing by advancing this failed ticket (and that whole Palin *** and drama) - you are demoralizing a LOT of GOP supporters like me and this is simply bad news for the party....

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

SAGG — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:10:07 GMT

rabprevent, I couldn't have put it any better meself. Good-bye and good riddance to you Repubs!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

rossm — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:30:09 GMT

Obama and his ideas on taxes will do the same for the Republican party as Hoover's (Republican) tax plan in 1930. Google Great Depression. Raising taxes and becoming protectionist (Obama was alluding to becoming more protectionist against China) threw what would have been a recession into the Great Depression. Employment skyrocketed to 25% under FDR. But to be honest, I would rather sacrifice the power of the Republican Party for the economic integrity of the United States of America.

Right now Americans are expressing concerns that jobs are being moved overseas. Well interestingly enough it is large corporations that have the capability to do this. It's not that they are evil. They can't compete anymore. Part of this is their own sluggishness, part is the business environment. Here in America they have the 2nd highest corporate tax rate in the world.

It only makes sense that we level the playing field with other countries to give our corporations a fair shot at beating international competition. It also has a highly desirable side effect. For every additional dollar that a company spends to make a widget, they must charge that dollar on to the consumer, otherwise they don't make money, and their stock goes down. Lowering their tax rates makes American made goods cheaper for all Americans.

Finally, and most importantly America MUST return to its manufacturing roots. Every year we send $500 billion or more out of this country (dating back decades now) in the form of payments for oil, Chinese toys, and Korean and Japanese car parts. Where does this money come from? We are exporting our wealth and when other countries realize that they would be better consuming their own goods, we are in for HARD times (YouTube search: Peter Schiff).

Rather than saying one candidate is better than the other, I ask every American to open his/heart to God. Ask him for guidance. Ask him to help each and every one of us open our eyes, hearts, and minds to how he would have us vote. Remember 9/11 when we were scared and didn't know what to do, praying to God for guidance? Remember how we were the next day on 9/12? Let's go forward from here being 9/12 people.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

vox populi — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:41:02 GMT

yes i want a divided government. that gives us a check and balance on america and will keep it from becoming too extreme to one side. some of the points in this article were good ones. the 80's and 90's were pretty good because reagan and clinton had to learn to work with the other side. i also didn't think we needed that perscription drug bill. now if obama gets in and brings us socialized medicine, how much more is that gonna cost? were already in a big deficit, hows he gonna pay for that? totaly cut defense spending maybe? i have not heard anyone talk about what gets cut in order to give us socialized medicine. we arleady have social security running out of money soon. how soon before we have problems with socialized medicine if they give it to us?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

garnetgal11 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:46:31 GMT

The Professor seems to forget that FDR faced the same kind of problems that are prevelant now, banks going belly up, high unemployment, no health care for the middle class, and the social security was just a dream, the country was in a very deep depression, yet, in spite of all the financiel and other terrible problems FDR was able thru his daring plans and convictions, to put the people of the US back to work, creating roads, bridges, buildings and got the country back on its feet. The first thing the new President has to do is create jobs, they are the life blood of the country and in turn they keep the families together, build or rent homes, buy goods, and get the wheels of prosperity rolling for all. Improved health care, education, energy, and retraining workers in the new techniques needed in the new energy plants can only be achieved by raising taxes on the rich, cut out loop holes, and make everyone pay their fair share. We borrowed $700 billion to bail out the banks and others who were careless in handling their responsibilites to their customers and shareholders, as well as the American taxpayers, they should repay all the funds the Govt. loans them, with interest, the same as they charge regular borrowers. The govt. may have to borrow more money to get America and the American workers back on its (their) feet, but once we get everyone back working and in full production, we will see this country growing and getting stronger in the next few years. We have a big task ahead and we must all pull together to make this happen. We all claim to love this country, now is the time to show how much it means to you,and to quit fighting, calling names, and work together for the betterment of all.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

bonnetteblj — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:56:45 GMT

Obama's tax plans help the lower and middle class who are struggling right now to even buy

groceries and gasoline. Most American corporations don't pay ANY tax right now due to loopholes

and other write-offs (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-devin/many-us-corporations-not_b_135104.html). How patriotic are American companies who ship jobs overseas? Obviously,

they have no loyalty to the U.S. economy. Right now, of course, they can make the products cheaper overseas and don't even have to pay import fees on the merchandise. The American people are paying ALL of the taxes. American companies need to be taxed on the products they make and ship back to the U.S., then possibly they WILL move jobs back here. Another idea, is for the American people to boycott these companies' products until they start supporting the U.S. economy. It is upsetting to see comments on here about how Obama's tax plans would cause another Great Depression. Really. McCain, Graham and other deregulated the financial industry. These regulations were put in by FDR after the first Great Depression to stop any further depressions. Now we are in the worst economic condition since the first depression. This was due to REPUBLICAN control of both the White House and Congress. Obama's tax plans to help Americans survive and NOT STARVE to DEATH and being called impractical. I don't think so. FDR was one of the greatest American Presidents and HE put the American people first. JFK was another of the great American Presidents and HE put the American people first. The reason the American people are so upset at this point is because the rich keep giving more money to the rich while the middle class disappears into the lower class. These are untold numbers of Americans who have lost their jobs over the last eight years. There are untold numbers of Americans who are being laid off as we speak because the businesses which feed their jobs cannot get money to operate. Both my daughter and my son are in fear of losing their jobs as lay-offs have started at their companies. We cannot make American prosperous again unless we invest in the American people. McCain talks alot about the strength of the American people, but without jobs and

an income the American people will have NO strength and our country will become weaker

as a whole. Then we will be subject to invasion or takeover by another world power more

powerful than us. Don't the Republicans who want more money for large corporations, the

oil companies and the wealthy have any compassion for the rest of the Americans?

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

RuthCalabria — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:56:19 GMT

McCain Uses Bailout to Steal Election

This is to put the media on notice that not repudiating the likes of the smiling hatemonger, Sarah Palin, will not be tolerated, even if I have to send this message out to every last person in America myself. First and foremost, Sarah Palin’s ranting and raving has been a great distraction from Wall Street’s outrageous heist of 700 billion taxpayer dollars. And just what are the (uniformly) Republican bankers going to do with all that money? Have the bailed out investment banks finance the miracle recovery of the stock market, just on time for Election Day. McCain gave the plan away at the Al Smith dinner the other night in his joke about a stock market recovery. McCain didn’t mean the joke to be funny, for he will take credit for this conspired miracle that will happen to pick up the votes of millions of deliriously relieved 401-K holders and steal the election from Obama. The (uniformly) Republican Wall Streeters have been interfering with the economy all along, as with outrageous jiggling of the price of oil and gas, in order to confuse the issues and take the voters’ minds off the greedy, stupid, war mongering Republican government we‘ve had for the last eight years. Stop struggling with your paycheck to attain your dreams, trusting citizens, for with the inflation coming to pay for the bailout that will cut your paycheck in half, you’ll be lucky to get by and not become homeless. No one will feel the pain more than retirees on fixed income, many of whom will be eating dog food soon. And if the conservatives pull off retaining the White House, expect capitalism to kill off the runaway slaves in a Contessa Palin led American Patriot Inquisition and for General Daffy Duck to be leading us boldly into Cold War II with the Russians and possible nuclear Armageddon.

Mrs. Ruth Calabria

Read on blind pundits. Don’t downgrade our boisterous efforts. For a seasoned and scientifically reasoned explanation of what the conservatives are all about and up to in this election, log onto www.matrix-evolutions.com

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

grandmamary — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:30:23 GMT

Everyone agrees on one thing. We need a government who will get us back on the right track. Provide jobs and security for the middle class. The rich corporations and companies have enough money to take care of themselves, even if they have to tighten their belts and eat chicken instead of filet mignon for a change. The middle class have been eating chicken and hamburg all their lives and are surviving on it. The lower class people who are old and disabled are reduced to eating dog food and cat food sometimes (which is intolerable in such a rich country as ours). What kind of an example is that for our neighboring countries to behold. We were once looked upon as the richest nation in the world in both money and power, and now are reduced to third place. Are we going to continue to look the other way while our great country goes even lower in respect than it is. Smarten up AMERICA.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

bigjimslick — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 06:21:15 GMT

No money for the social programs to help our middle class. But there is money to continue our wars that are supposed to end the tactic of terrorism so we dont ever have to worry about it again. Of course, since we cannot ever get the terror alert level down below orange I guess we will have to keep invading contries until not one person on earth can commit terror. Who will pay for that? Loans from China and then ultimately the next generation. I like Obama but he will continue our war philosophy of military tactics instead of financial and surveilance to combat terror organizations. Both men running are dead wrong on this issue.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

jlgab — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:30:40 GMT

If the 'distribution' of tax cuts and credits have not worked for the past 8 years, why is McCain so scared to try something different? Corporations, like Exxon were able to gauge prices at the gas pumps under 8 years of the idiot Bush so shareholders could pocket record checks and obviously NOT stick it back into the economy. Rich folks got nice big fat checks back which were also pocketed and NOT stuck back into the economy. Why can't the government step in and equalize the distribution? What is wrong with Robin Hood? Schools in Texas participate in the Robin Hood system. McCain 'thinks' jobs will be created by giving corporations tax cuts. After 8 years of corporations getting tax cuts, where are the jobs? They are overseas, like India, not in America. Why would McCain continue Bush's tax cuts for corporations when it hasn't worked for 8 years? It doesn't take a genius to see the mess this country has been in for the last 8 years, not to mention the lies and corruption, and that we HAVE to go in the other direction.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

jlgab — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:34:28 GMT

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

jlgab — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:38:40 GMT

It's a good thing for McCain he isn't a Liberal or a Democrat (even though he thought of changing parties after Bush and Fallwell degraded him and his wife so bad in 2000) or he would have to defend his adultery actions during his first marriage because the GOP's, especially the right wing fanatics, would plaster his infidelity all over the place. Republicans would make sure everyone knew McCain's character is that of someone who cheats on his wife. Same goes for Palin, the GOP's especially the right-wing fanatics would have her pregnant unwed minor teenage daughter plastered all over the Internet. The GOP's would also say if she can't keep her own house in order, for example not knowing where her daughter is and what she is doing or not knowing her husband is drinking and driving, then she has no business being VP let alone President. That is just how the GOP's would act if the tables were turned. Talk about TABLES TURNED, why was it okay for idiot Bush to have a Republican Congress his first term but it isn't okay for Obama to have a Democratic Congress? This country probably wouldn't be in half as much turmoil if idiot Bush wouldn't have had a Republican Congress too scared to stand up againsty the idiot and Cheney.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

pamp205 — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:51:27 GMT

THE NEW TALIBAN...MCCAIN/PALIN...AND THEIR SUPPORTERS.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

RocketMage — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:50:59 GMT

It's sickeningly funny to hear about how the Republicans fear an "unchecked, unregulated" government. what a crock! Now they are the party of checks and balances? Look at the last 30 years. Unregulated markets , banks, CEO's and President's (W! W!) who have stripped away a democracy and have turned it into a pseudo fascists state. Patriot Act? give me a break. These arguments are lame and show how much in disarray the GOP is. they are desperate and they know that their ideology is dead dead dead, so they turn to fear and to CONTROL. not regulation, CONTROL.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

jarcher1 — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:02:21 GMT

I honestly believe McCain wants to make the government of the U.S. inefficient and ineffectual if he's not the one in the Whitehouse. Like so many of McCain's pronouncements, this one seems off the cuff, ill considered, and indicative of poor judgment. We, the people need a government able to make the hard decisions and enact real reform and oversight of the financial sector over the next few years. This would not be the case with a Republican majority in either the House or the Senate. They, like some of the knuckleheads posting here, would be continually blocking legislation on the grounds that it was Marxist or Socialist (the same Republicans BTW that we've heard barely a murmur from while Treasury bought stakes in private banks). So does McCain's argument of the day make sense? Yes, if you want Republican's to be able to obstruct financial recovery, no if want the coming recession to be as shallow and brief as possible.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

jarcher1 — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:07:54 GMT

Comment: Especially for Nowforthetruth: John Galt - A fictional hero in a work of fiction by a minor American thinker - faux philosopher. The work sets out the author's theory of social Darwinism, plagiarized from 18th and 19th century British apologist's for the upper classes in Great Britain.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

schratboy — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:19:39 GMT

Andrew, I feel sorry for you. Clearly, most media outlets today are suffering under the shirt from print to Internet delivery. Your attempts to remain relevant, I suppose, are helped immeasurably by my own efforts to clarify the story for everyone's concern. At the heart of the matter is that media wants Socialism to take hold of America thereby cementing total control of the advertising dollars. People have very little choice today and you'd rather they have even less. So your efforts are dedicated exclusively to writing Extremely Liberal stories in support of Barry Steve Hussein Mohamed Obama and all the wonderful things he stands for: Socialism and Slavery.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

ernursek — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:09:18 GMT

OBAMA IS NO MORE QUALIFIED TO BE PRESIDENT THAN ME. EVERYONE NEEDS TO PUT PALIN AND OBAMA QUALIFICATIONS NEXT TO EACH OTHER THEN YOU WILL SEE THE DIFF.

POWELL'S ENDORSEMENT OF OBAMA TODAY WAS EXPECTED. THEY ARE BOTH ALIKE! NEGATIVE ADS IF THE SHOE FITS OBAMA WEAR IT!! SHAME ON YOU

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

ernursek — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:12:22 GMT

GO FIGURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Powell does endorse Obama, racial pride will have something to do with it, which is understandable. Powell has been a trailblazer himself, and he admires Obama's unflappability and skill in rising so quickly through the ranks of American politics.

While Powell is personally close to McCain, and has been for many years, he seems to have taken a special interest in making himself available, behind the scenes and from time to time, to discuss foreign policy and defense issues with the novice Illinois senator. I believe Powell feels a responsibility to help Obama out, almost as if a member of the family were taking on a tough new job.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

suzanne_h — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:53:25 GMT

I'm embarrassed at how we have made ourselves appear to other races. I have forever been a dedicated Republican but now with McCain and his campaign, we look like folks living in ignorance and fear. Fear of a president who looks unlike ourselves.

Obama isn't a terrorist or a muslim. He's a Christian. Who looks to lift those who may not make it through these times of turmoil. We can not afford to have a president in office who will not help the country overall. To think we may have just that out of fear of a mans skin color is just ridiculous. It's like saying I rather have McCain because ... ?? even though I know his proposals won't help me any. But he looks like me, Come on now.

I'm voting for Obama with my $250,000 plus income and all. I can afford to be alright. Like McCain said, "Congratulations, I'm RICH" but ask yourself can all of you live under McCains plans?

Or are you cutting your foot off in spite?

Again think about it.. You're being tricked. I don't appreciate the attempts to have the wool pulled over my eye.

McCain, my friends is NOT your friend.

He ONLY wants to WIN

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

suzanne_h — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:17:58 GMT

Watching Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace and his guest today is McCain. The questions was raised about the Robo-calls and McCain did not deny it. Chris wallace played a clip of McCain on the O'Reilly show May 8 where hes saying he would not stoop to such low tactics as in using Robo-calls .. hmmmm..

Chris Wallce also mentioned the fact that Joe The Plumber was not smeared by Obama's campaign.. but because McCain brought him up and mentioned his name a zillion times the media looked into his claims. What resulted was the unveiling of the fact that Obama's tax plan would actually help Joe. So again the Democrats didn't smear Joe. McCain put him on a chopping block. Poor Joe.

McCain is so defensive when asked questions he is clearly uncomfortable with. I'm waiting for him to curse the interviewer and the American public.

If he becomes president I can tell we will remain at war. Leaders from abroad in looking at his smurks and demeanor will be outraged.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

martyduffy — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:42:08 GMT

In the last election, the American people having enough of the right-wing neo-cons running the country, elected Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, but Republicans still used George W. Bush's veto to keep changes from the war and the economy from happening. This time I am voting for a straight Democratic ticket. I will not forget that it was the Republicans who started and supported the Iraq war in spite of the Americans wishes, and I will not fear the words of the neo-cons. They had their chance for 8 years. America left the worst for it.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

Bamaboc — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:28:20 GMT

About a year ago I would have voted for Obama. I have changed my mind three times since than. I watch all the news channels, jumping from one to another. I must say this drives my husband crazy. But, I feel if you view MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News, you might get some middle ground to work with. About six months ago, I started thinking ’where did the money come from for Bema'. I have four daughters, who went to College, and we were middle class, and money was tight. We (including my girls) worked hard and there were lots of student loans.

I started looking into Obama's life.

Around 1979 Obama started college at Occidental in California. He is very open about his two years at Occidental; he tried all kinds of drugs and was wasting his time but, even though he had a brilliant mind, did not apply himself to his studies. 'Barry' (that was the name he used all his life) during this time had two roommates, Muhammad Hasan Chandoo and Wahid Hamid, both from Pakistan. During the summer of 1981, after his second year in college, he made a 'round the world' trip. Stopping to see his mother in Indonesia, next Hyderabad in India, three weeks in Karachi , Pakistan where he stayed with his roommate's family, then off to Africa to visit his father's family.

My question - Where did he get the money for this trip? Neither I, nor any one of my children would have had money for a trip like this when they where in college. When he came back he started school at Columbia University in New York. It is at this time he wants everyone to call him Barack - not Barry. Do you know what the tuition is at Columbia ? It's not cheap to say the least! Where did he get money for tuition? Student Loans? Maybe. After Columbia , he went to Chicago to work as a Community Organizer for $12,000 a year. Why Chicago? Why not New York? He was already living in New York.

By 'chance' he met Antoin 'Tony' Rezko, born in Aleppo Syria , and a real estate developer in Chicago . Rezko has been convicted of fraud and bribery this year. Rezko, was named 'Entrepreneur of the Decade' by the Arab-American Business and Professional Association'.

About two years later, Obama entered Harvard Law School . Do you have any idea what tuition is for Harvard Law School ? Where did he get the money for Law School ? More student loans?

After Law school, he went back to Chicago. Rezko offered him a job, which he turned down.

But, he did take a job with Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland. Guess what? They represented 'Rezar' which is Rezko's firm. Rezko was one of Obama's first major financial contributors when he ran for office in Chicago. In 2003, Rezko threw an early fundraiser for Obama which Chicago Tribune reporter David Mendelland claims was instrumental in providing Obama with 'seed money' for his U.S. Senate race. In 2005, Obama purchased a new home in Kenwoood District of Chicago for $1.65 million (less than asking price). With ALL those Student Loans - Where did he get the money for the property? On the same day Rezko's wife, Rita, purchased the adjoining empty lot for full price. The London Times reported that Nadhmi Auchi, an Iraqi-born Billionaire loaned Rezko $3.5 million three weeks before Obama's new home was purchased. Obama met Nadhmi Auchi many times with Rezko.

Now, we have Obama running for President. Valerie Jarrett, was Michele Obama's boss. She is Now Obama's chief advisor and he does not make any major decisions without talking to her first.

Where was Jarrett born? Ready for this? Shiraz , Iran ! Do we see a pattern here? Or am I going crazy?

On May 10, 2008 The Times reported, Robert Malley, advisor to Obama, was 'sacked' after the press found out he was having regular contacts with 'Hamas', which controls Gaza and is connected with Iran . This past week, buried in the back part of the papers, Iraqi newspapers reported that during Obama's visit to Iraq, he asked their leaders to do nothing about the war until after he is elected, and he will 'Take care of things'.

Oh, and by the way, remember the college roommates that were born in Pakistan ? They are in charge of all those 'small' Internet campaign contributions for Obama. Where is that money coming from? The poor and middle class in this country? Or could it be from the Middle East ?

And the final bit of news. On September 7, 2008, The Washington Times posted a verbal slip that was made on 'This Week' with George Stephanapoulos. Obama on talking about his religion said, 'My Muslim faith'. When questioned, 'he made a mistake'. Some mistake!

All of the above information I got on line. If you would like to check it - Wikipedia, encyclopedia, Barack Obama; Tony Rezko; Valerie Jarrett: Daily Times - Obama visited Pakistan in 1981; The Washington Times - September 7, 2008; The Times May 10, 2008.

Now the BIG question - If I found out all this information on my own, Why haven't all of our 'intelligent' members of the press been reporting this?

A phrase that keeps ringing in my ear - 'Beware of the enemy from within'!!!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

mccainsupporter — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:58:08 GMT

Vote John McCain!!!!

I want the President to be someone who can think for himself and not rely exclusively like a blind person on a particular advisor. I want someone who understands numbers and can make analytical decisions himself. Years of computing payloads, fuel requirements, weather and distances as a pilot are the experiences that John McCain brings to the table when listening to economic proposals. His eyes will not glaze over when there are ten page budget spreadsheet proposals presented to him.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have no mathematical or quantitative education or experience between them. They do not teach accounting in law school. That is why they offer basic basic accounting to attorneys as continuing education classes after they are licensed. I also am willing to bet that neither Barack Obama or Joe Biden never took a basic accounting continuing legal education class to improve their lack of skills.

Both Obama and Biden were political science majors as undergraduate which means they have no quantitative training or mathematical background.

John McCain is the one who can come up with solutions to our economic problems.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden are mathematically challenged. Send them back to school.

Vote John McCain!!!!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

mccainsupporter — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:00:35 GMT

Vote for John McCain!!!!!!!!

John McCain is the one who can come up with solutions to our economic problems. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are mathematically challenged. Send them back to school and this time have them study something that is useful.

Joe Biden with his history and political science double major in college and Barack Obama’s major in political science give them absoloutely no economic, scientific, quantitative or analytical background to handle the pressing economic and military problems facing our country.

These two mathematically challenged Democrats are supposed to be able to crunch numbers and understand how to cope with our economic and budget crisis. Two people who probably can’t add four numbers together are suppose help solve our economic crisis.

Do you know that they offer basic accounting continuing education classes to lawyers because most lawyers do not understand simple accounting. We have had enough mathematically challenged lawyers screw up our country. You at least know that John McCain has the computational and analytic skills to compute fuel loads, cargo weights, wind speeds, and trip distances to keep from running out of gas on missions.

How would you like it, if Joe Biden or Barack Obama would take the controls and fly your Boeing 777 on your next commercial flight here in the US. Most independent and undecided voters would not rest easy knowing that Biden or Obama can rely on what they learned in their civil procedure class to help you land safely and not run out of jet fuel during the trip. Pilots have proven analytical skills.

There is a saying that there are old and bold pilots but no old bold pilots. John McCain has that good judgment and he has the proven analytical skills to be able to tackle our budget problems. Barack Obama and Joe Biden can spend the next four years and take some accounting and economics continuing legal education classes.

After four years of academic coursework, then they might be able to throw their hat in the ring. Given their academic training, a trillion dollars may look the same as a million dollars on a budget spreadsheet.

Vote for John McCain!! He is the one who can come up with solutions to our economic problems.

Vote John McCain!!!! Vote John McCain!!!!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

mccainsupporter — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:02:41 GMT

John McCain is a modern day King Arthur. Instead of pulling a sword out of stone, he has performed the modern day equivalent of surviving relatively unscathed five plane crashes including being shot down over Hanoi. Thousands of pilots have died in plane crashes and it takes real skill to crash land a plane and survive. If you look at the now defunct ValueJet 592 crash in the Florida swamp that killed everyone on board, it did not take a lot of skill to fly the plane nose down straight into the Florida swamp. The 911 United Flight crash in Pennsylvania is also proof of an unskilled crash landing where everyone was killed going nose down first. So John McCain’s having survived those crashes is a testament to his flying skills.

Like Evil Knievel the former motorcycle dare devil who also survived countless crashes, John McCain has survived five airplane crashes. Like Nascar drivers, who jump back in the cars after crashes John McCain has walked away and gotten back in the pilots seat. John McCain will drive and pilot our economy back to prosperity.

Vote for John McCain!! Vote John McCain!!!!!!!! Vote John McCain!!!!!!

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

newsweekthisweek — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:46:19 GMT

It is going to be a challenging situation either way, the present crisis is definitely putting a dent

in both governmental plans. For Obama, a unified government would be a preference because he will want to take charge, revamp, and control the change in government that he promised to the people and they will have to do a lot of juggling to come up with realistic solutions, under

the circumstances. (Personally, the farther McCain is, for Obama, the better).

On the other hand, a divided government is not a bad idea, either, because both the Democrats and the Republicans will have a say in matters that will provide a resolution to issues of concern to each of their people's wants, without necessarily giving them everything. People are aware of what is going on, a divided government will make a greater effort in finding solutions.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

tmfarrow — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:14:58 GMT

Bush has been in the White House for the last eight years, and Bush and the Republicans were in complete control for six of the last eight years. It seems that the Republicans had no problem with one party having control of both branches of government then. I am amazed at the lengths that the Republicans are going through to try and win this election. They are willing to polarize this country and risk longstanding division in an effort to win. During the Bush adminstration, they have either supported or stood by while George Bush damaged virtually every aspect of our lives, at home and abroad. They have gotten us involved in a needless war, spied on us, ruined our economy, and allowed the perpetrators of perhaps the greatest crime on American soil to go unpunished. Now they are willing to generate distrust, suspicion, and class/racial polarity in an effort to win the election. If Mr. McCain knows how to get things done, where was his leadership when his party was in control for those first six years. The American people are suffering and tried of the Republicans. The Republicans should just stand tall and take responsibility for what they have done in the last eight years. And the message to the Democrats should be if you engage in the same practices of excess, apathy, and exclusivity that controlled the Republicans in the last eight years, you will be facing the same disfavor the next time around. Hopefully, we can begin restoring America to her greatness, but it will take vision and real change.

re: Expertinent: Making Sense of McCain's 'Divided Government' Argument

DianaRo — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:05:01 GMT

"I wish the candidate would discuss global poverty more. According to The Borgen Project:

$30 billion: Annual shortfall to end world hunger.

$540 billion: Annual U.S. Defense Budget."