Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

ThePrairiePrankster — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:16:41 GMT

I voted already and am glad to have done so. It will be nice when I can watch a football or hockey game again with out having to mute all the ads.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Jack999 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:19:35 GMT

Local news reporting that campaign worker attack was a hoax. "A Pittsburgh police commander told KDKA Investigator Marty Griffin that Ashley Todd confessed to making up the story & is facing charges" Accordinging to Andrew Sullivan: www.kdka.com/local/attack.McCain.Bloomfield.2.847628.html

Now I'm wondering is Joe the plumber aslo another GOP inplant????

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

jlowell1 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:28:55 GMT

Andrew...your article is a joke, right? The simple fact is that the "Joe the Plumber" nonesense was fiction on almost every level form the beginning. And, the sad reality is that all it does is once again is highlight McCain's inability to VETTE. Who's he going to pick for treasury secretary? Charles Keating?

To think that most intelligent people don't see through the "JTP" royal B.S is really, really delusional....but, you must think that Kool-Aid sure is good if you keep on drinking it!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Bass Pro — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:46:58 GMT

I'm reminded of the Jack Nicholson remark in A Few Ggood Men, "please tell me that you've got more" when Tom Cruise tried to rattle him.

Joe the Plumber? Give me a break. If McCain and Palin had any idea of the reactions of Tradespersons when hearing them hang their election hopes on this blowhard who is enchanted by the sound of his own voice, they would croak! Joe is joe, has every right to give his opinions but for him to think he's impressing anyone but himself is wrong.

the guys and gals in the trades are just hard working, fun loving family people and should be Democrats. They are labor not management. McCain's phony speeches are lost in translation and favor management not labor.

If you are an Electrician, Plumber, Air Conditioning Tach, Coal Miner, Truck Driver, or any other person that works hard everyday then you owe your Salary, Benefit Package and Safety to the Democrats.

The GOP would have you working more, earning less, and unable to speakout, about it.

Whether you like unions or not is not the point. The point is the Republicans would place you with the poor class not the middle class. It 'syou or them and don't forget. more for them less for you. Answer this question honestly. If Big Business was interested in your welfare why don't they share their enormous profits with you and keep the jobs here instaed of creating off-shore accounts to evade taxes and using foriegn worker to eneble them to pay less and not supply any health care.

Why are the Republicans against health care for all? Because they have it already.

What does the GOP mean when they say they want to return jobs to the USA? It means they want to pay you less than a living wage and not pay benefits! They would reduce your status and ignore your family's needs.

Please see this for what it is. Don't allow them to do to you what they have done to those who live in the Republican Southern States. Georgia, Virginia and North Caroling are finally crawling out from under their thumbs. Soon North Florida mirror South Florida. It doesn't mean other Republican social issues are lost. As a matter of fact your inclusion in the democratic Party will enable you to affect change.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nowforthetruth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:53:18 GMT

Spread the wealth how? Look at his past. Obama in this video, addressing his work with ACORN litigation against the banks and relating to the Community Reinvestment Act and the failure of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, as those actions relate to the destruction of our economy by causing the current real estate and subsequent financial crisis, states that, and I quote:

"Subprime lending started out as a good idea, helping Americans buy homes who previously could not afford to. Financial institutions created new financial instruments that could securitize these loans, slice them into finer and finer risk categories, and spread them out among investors and around the country, as well as around the world. In theory, this should have allowed mortgage lending to be less risky, and more diversified."

"The original idea was a good one, which was, lets see if we can distribute risk more broadly, and make it easier to provide loans to people who otherwise might not be able to get one."

Yah, great idea. Economically unsound, but embraced by Obama. Listen for yourself. You cannot dispute the mans on words recorded live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr1M1T2Y314&feature=related

Obama in this second video is campaigning at a convention of Acorn and I believe two other Community Activist's organizations. Ask if he will be their ally if he becomes President, Obama says, quote:

"Yes, but let me say that before I even get inaugurated, during the transition we are going to be calling all of you in to help us shape the agenda."

See and hear it for yourself. Obama promised that Acorn and other groups like it will setting his agenda if elected:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vJcVgJhNaU

Below is a link to C-SPAN video clips of the Congressional hearings at roughly the time McCains attempt at S.190. to fix Fannie and Freddie. See for yourself who said what.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nowforthetruth — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:54:27 GMT

Who "Joe the plumber" may be is not the issue, though it's easy to see why the Dems want it to be. That's because the real issue is what Obama's comments to him revealed about Obama. In the exchange with "Joe the plumber" we find out that Obama really is as radical as his early political acquaintances, Davis, Ayers, Wright, etc., and that he is into the failed economic policy of wealth redistribution. Obama's tax and spending plans alone would be bad enough, but add Reid and Pelosi to the mix, with the three of them controlling both houses of Congress and the executive branch without any effective restraint, and you have something that should causes concern even among moderate Democrats.

See Wall Street Journal: A Liberal Supermajority:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122420205889842989.html

And whether McCain won or lost the third debate is also not relevant. He succeeded in the first half hour to plant the seeds of a Reagan style wipeout. Reputable historians and economists overwhelmingly agree that the taxation imposed by Hoover and FDR, and the "stimulus" spending and public works programs of FDR, actually deepened and prolonged the Great Depression. It was the production demands of WWII that got the economy going again. And when the war was over, the economy promptly went into recession.

See e.g. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/03/opinion/main4499465.shtml

And

http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/FDR-s-Policies-Prolonged-Depression-5409.aspx

Point is, Obama's programs require him to tax, and his health care plan is a hidden tax on all business, large an small. In reality, it does not really matter who he taxes, those taxes are going to be passed through the economy. He has to tax, because it is they only way he can pay for his massive social engineering experiments. Any first year economics student knows that taxation is a tool used to contract an economy experiencing inflation, because it reduces demand by reducing the amount of money individuals and businesses have to spend. It is contractionary, which is exactly what you do not want to do when the problem is that the economy is contracting already into recession. Like Hoover and FDR, Obama's plans will only make it worse for longer.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

vstillwell — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:58:04 GMT

Republicans have no message. They use characters and create stories and attack someones character. It's what they've been doing for a long, long time. It's just so painfully obvious this time.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

DUMPLIN — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:01:18 GMT

OBAMA-BIDEN = TRICKLE UP POVERTY

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

DaveWK — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:01:24 GMT

Which closing argument? One of McCain's latest strategies is to attack Bush, but it's a losing one, given that McCain supported Bush over 90 percent of the time. Another strategy is to attack Obama on positions where McCain himself used to reside. Circulating on the airwaves currently are clips of the old McCain vigorously defending higher tax rates on earnings over $250,000, and of the old McCain speaking before and showing support of Acorn community workers. Oops! The new McCain really is condemning the old McCain as a socialist! Who is it who will "say anything?" The "Joe the Plummer" bit also falls flat given that Joe would actually benefit far more from Obama's tax plan than from McCain's favor the rich approach even if he did buy the business (which he really hasn't been negotiating to buy). I think you're giving McCain a bit too much credit.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Bass Pro — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:02:36 GMT

Sorry for thr typos. I washed my hands and can't do a thing with them.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

DUMPLIN — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:03:26 GMT

BASS PRO: OBAMA WOULD HAVE YOU NOT WORKING AT ALL, JUST SITTING AT HOME WAITING FOR YOUR WELFARE CHECK AND STAYING POOR AND IGNORANT

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

DUMPLIN — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:04:36 GMT

DITTO TO NOWFORTHETRUTH!! SPREAD THE WEALTH IS RIGHT OUT OF THE KARL MARX BOOK OF IDEAS.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

bylou — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:07:56 GMT

John McCain keeps touting his experience and Obama's inexperience. McCain's favorite line is "I've been tested". Well let's figure out how! He graduated College by the seat of his pants. He didn't have to work his way through or earn a scholarship. I don't even know if he ever had a job. He comes from a military family. His time in the military and his imprisonment is to be honored by all of us. His bravery in time of war was magnificent. No one can dispute that, but he was not a general nor did he have comand or any decision making over the actions taken in the war. When he got out he went through terrible pain and had the courage to fight for his recovery. At that point he was a true American Hero. He should have stopped there. Instead he cheated on his disabled wife and divorced her to marry a very rich younger woman. He moved to Arizona and ran for congress. I don't know if he got a job or owned a business inbetween all this, because he has been on the government payroll ever since. One thing he says is valid. He has been in the senate a long time and brought change. America was booming and the American people were flourishing. The markets went wild, many young Americans died in the wars our economy is collasping all on his watch. He wants to talk straight to Main Street, but who does he know on Main Street? He never lived there. He brags that he is a mavrick. What made him think Main Street wants a mavrick? Mavrick's lead small groups who think like them, they don't know how to lead a nation.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

jlowell1 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:11:26 GMT

Now for the real truth...the Republicans are toast as are their failed economic fantasies...wake up and get a clue...

Also, I guess you missed the little inconvenient truth that McCain's current plans would add 10.9 TRILLION DOLLARS to the national debt (while Obama;s current plan would add 5.4 trillion). But, "facts" aren't a replublican strong suit. Either is being able to use a calculator!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Independent Thinking — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:14:31 GMT

All I want to know is: Who is the real john Mc Cain?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

DaveWK — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:16:31 GMT

Not to worry about the typos, Mr. Bass Pro (I assume there are no female bass pros, but I could be mistaken). And not to worry about the inane post by Dumplin.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Middle Class American Female — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:18:59 GMT

Andrew,

Thank you for providing another point of view aside from the typical liberal viewpoint our media seems to be obsessed with... Most of us educated, and open minded people out there are really tired of all the biased reporting, and it's really amazing how many people are gullible enough to fall for the propoganda! Whatever happened to providing both sides of the story? Whatever happened to objectivity in reporting? It makes it really easy to understand how Hitler was able to convince a country that they should annihilate an entire race! (He did it through the media for those of you who don't know about the effectiveness of his propaganda campaigns.) The hate between the Democrats and Republicans is really getting scary in how it affects people's viewpoints. It's time for a 3rd party to step into the action soon! People, be aware of everything you hear from the media and also movie stars who use their fame to state their uneducated viewpoints.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

2gofer — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:21:35 GMT

Obama is nothing short of incredible. His tax plan increases the burden on all employers, not just the large corporations, which will obviously put them at a further disadvantage relative to foreigh competition. This inevitably leads to more jobs exported overseas and increased prices to the consumers. Yet a majority of the electorate believes that he is doing them a favor by buying their votes at the price of their jobs. This mentality comes from his mentor; Rod Blagovich, the governor of Illinois. Rod came into office 6 years ago looking like a saviour and will only escape office in 2 years thanks to Illinois not having a recall option. The state government is dysfunctional and bankrupt.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

MTR1973 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:27:30 GMT

This article is a classic example of why I read Stumper. I am a moderate Democrat who never in 100 years would have voted for McCain/Palin, but I am not so died-in-the-blue that I can't admit when the other side scores a point or two. Regardless, it's not going to help them because it's a 2-point shot when they're 100 points behind, metaphorically. Selfishly, I'm glad it took McCain until this point to find a message, because he might have had a chance otherwise, and the 'real' McCain has shown himself to be someone I don't want as president.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Bass Pro — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:28:34 GMT

Try this on Dumplin, I live in South Florida where comparative wages for comparative work is 50% higher. Go to myflorida.com the State websire to verify this. The Northern part of Florida is predominately Republican. South Florida is 66% Democrat. Why does an Ship worker Electrician in Maine. make twice as much as one in Mississippi? Same work, gas and food and education certainly aren't cheaper.

For you to make the lame sterotypical welfare remark show your lack of understanding. I won't call you stupid. I would assume if you can use a computer and type you are intellegent. Then what's wrong with you? I'm guesing ti's one of two things. Either you need to get away from the repressive area where you live or you are one of those well off that has no use for anyone but yourself.

how do you answer that those that live in Democratic areas are better off than those livinfg in Republican Areas. the strangest thing about is that they have somehow convinced you that success for the working person is un american. You should support big business because they suppy the jobs. You should settle for a lower standard of life because they supply the jobs. You should keep your mouth shut because they are the ones who supply the jobs. You should support Republicans because they support big business who supply the jobs.

That, my friend, as your candidate would say, is not being free. It' borders on slavery.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Middle Class American Female — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:28:40 GMT

P.S... And for God's sake people, please get yourself informed before you idiotically rattle off!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

DaveWK — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:29:53 GMT

Ms. Middle Class, have you noticed that conservatives with regular jobs in the main stream media continually use their airtime espousing conservative views and decrying the liberal bias of the mainstream media?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

REALITY CHECK — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:33:05 GMT

Obama's plan for "Income redistribution" is hard to justify, since people with over $231,000 of taxable income (top 3%+-) already pay 86% of all personal income taxes, while those making 50% or less of the median income only pay 3%. Now Obama wants to increase the tax rate for these "rich" people by another 13%.

Saw a great post on Redistribution of wealth. After coming home from a certain Public School, a young boy was asked by his father what he learned at school that day. The boy said the teacher explained how “spreading the wealth” worked. She said that all students who worked hard and really studied and got A's would give some of their points to the students with F's, and the students that got B's would give points to the students with D's, so the entire class would get C's. Think about it, does that really make sense?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

goldpointe — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:37:23 GMT

If McCain had presented a coherent campaign with focus on his former centrist policies, had disavowed the Bush era in no uncertain terms, even apologizing for his previous support for most of it, and developed forward-looking energy and economic plans, he might have had a chance, especially with Independents like me. That is, if he had selected a competent running mate and stayed away from the far-right fringe network. Going into the campaign I was looking forward to a spirited debate of policy and direction for our country. Instead, the lunatic fringe won, with Rove's tacticians in the lead. Our country deserved better, Senator McCain, and you had it in you. What happened is a sad tale for the history books.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

gshiggs — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:40:03 GMT

Joe Biden's comments are somehow inviting the world to test the United States? I've got news for you----MY FRIENDS.... The world community doesn't need our invitation, or reminder to do something bad to us. They've thought of it already--on their own. And they're motivated to carry it out no matter which candidate moves into the White House. That was Biden's only point, and McSame is playing the same old fear game. He's a grizzled old man whispering a scary story to kids at a campfire. Want scary? Really scary? How about Sarah Palin as commander in chief after the old Melanoma rears its head again next year? I'd feel safer then, wouldn't you? A Hockey mom in charge wouldn't invite any TEST of the United States, would it?

Are people REALLY dumb enough to believe McCain's suggestion that someone like Hugo Chavez is sitting around watching the election coverage in the U.S. and saying "You know something, amigos?--I never thought of this before, but that Biden guy has given me a great idea! We ought to do something MUY HORRIBLE to TEST this new young President!! Now, let's get to work on it right away--Vamanos!"

Or that Osama Bin Laden has been handed Biden's comments in his cave in Afghanistan, and is stroking his beard and saying "Hmmmm. What a novel idea that is--to actually find a way to TEST the American infidels. I think I'll do it--Allah be praised."

Or that Ahmedinejad is saying to himself "That Biden--what a rascal. But you know? He's right! FIRE UP THE CENTRIFUGES! Let's make some plutonium--woo hoo!"

The Hail Mary pass is already incomplete and bouncing around on the field, Senator McCain. Go out gracefull, not disgracefully.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Bass Pro — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:42:30 GMT

My typing is so bad, I'm signing off for now. Let me make just one last point.

In the Civil War the North invaded the South to free the African American Slaves.

This was acomplished and over the years their rights have of course improved greatly.

One thing we've never wondered about was, who was left to replace the slaves. Someone must have continued the labor supplied by the slaves. How was this accomplished. It was supplied by the most hated in the South, Carpetbagger. The carpet bagger has risen to promenance in the south and not is called Big Business and the replacements for the slaves/ the lowest paid who have no benefits and struggle everyday to make ends meet and all the while praise those that keep them at the poverty level.

It's way past time for a Democratic invasion of those repressive states. the mission this time will be to free Republicans.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

rube — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:55:31 GMT

MCCain has huge issues! Bottom line is...

He advocated and pushed hard for the Iraq War- an unneeded war based on subversion and duplicity.

Another huge problem, in 26 years of senatorial work McCain was a huge deregulator of financial and business institutions.

In other words McCain has his name all over the current economic/foreign crisis- in a way, he has authored the current melt-down!

And what leadership does he offer from his campaign- he slips a Trojan Horse into our nation, into our homes, into our hectic lives better known as Sarah Palin.

She is more to "more to the right" than George "W" and Dick Cheney put together!

A self-righteous reactionary- we just had eight years of such a regime!

No more!

No McCain!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

The "O" Team — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:55:46 GMT

HEY, AN OBAMA SUPPORTER HIT ME OVER THE HEAD WITH A CHAMPAIGN-BOTTLE... HE WAS 6'4" AND HAD SAW MY, "VOTE 4 MC'CAIN, HE'S THE ONLY ONE THAT I KNOW, WHO WILL PUT ALL OF THE TYPICALS, THAT I DON'T LIKE, IN THE POOR HOUSE", BUMPER-STICKER...

THE BIG, LARGE AND MENACINGBLACKMAN (WHO I PRESUMED WAS BLACK 4 HIS GRUFFY VOICE, BLACK STOCKING-CAP, AFRO-PICK IN HIS BACK POCKET, T-SHIRT THAT DEPICTED CHICKEN, RIBS, THE KOOL-AID MAN, A $1 WELFARE COUPON AND A CARE-FREE CURL ACTIVATOR BOTTLE, OH AND THE DARKEST PICTURE OF WESLEY SNIPES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN, IN MY ENTIRE LIFE)... SAID, HEY H0NK3Y... WHY U BE SPORTIN' DAT VOTE 4 MC'CAINT BUMPER STICKER??? I SAID THAT, "MR. MC'CAIN IS THE BEST CHOICE 4 OFFICE, HE'S WHITE, GRAND-FATHERLY, HYPES ME UP BUT MOST IMPORTANT... HE'S THE ONE CANDIDATE WHO WILL PUT, MOSTOF THE PEOPLE THAT I DON'TLIKE (FOLKS WHO ARE MAKING LESS THAN $1.5 MILL), IN THE POOR HOUSE"...

THE BIG BURLY BLACK GUY THEN CRACKED ME IN THE HEAD WITH A BOTTLE... HE THEN SAID, THAT OUGHT 2 SERVE YOU RIGHT, YA CONDESCENTING CRACK...

I'M STILL WAITING FOR MY CALL FROM SARAH (U KNOW, SHE HAS REASONABLE HIPS 4 A WHITE CHICK) PALIN & MR. JOHNNEY "I'LL TELL YA WHAT U WANT 2 KNOW IF, U DON'T HIT ME ANYMORE WITH THAT STICK" MK'KKAIN'T...

IF U TALK 2'UM, TELL'UM,

TYPICAL- DOWN

TYPICAL-DOWN

CALL 9-1-1!!!

TYYYYYYYYYY-PIIIIIIIIIIII-CAL

DOOOOOOOOOOWN

MK'KKAIN'T IN 08'

VOTE MK'KKAIN'T IN 08'

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

spotthedog — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:59:47 GMT

McCain was a socialist before he was a...whatever he is now. Watch him defend the progressive tax system in 2000 in almost exactly the same words Obama used with Joe the plumber.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2JPbQOHEkY

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

highlanderdot — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:08:18 GMT

How utterly appropriate, McCain using a guy who's story is an utter fantasy to represent his campaign strategy. Maybe I should think about supporting McCain as well, I'm thoroughly contemplating buying a $3 million dollar plastic surgery practice next week, and I really don't want to have to pay Obama's extra 3% taxes on my newfound wealth. Of course I'm not actually a licensed physician, owe back taxes, have no credit, and can't find a surgical practice for sale at a price that would allow that kind of immediate profit, but I'm sure John McCain wouldn't bother dealing with those details anyway.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

RO in Reno — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:14:15 GMT

McCain should withdraw from the race and apologize to the American people for the slanderous campaign.

I cannot think of anything more disgusting than McCain's and Palin's attempt to paint Obama a terrorist sympathizer.

This country is in dire straits after eight years of a president who has no qualms about lying to the people, one whose business acumen and personal agenda has literally brought us to the brink of disaster.

The office of the President and VP are critical to the future of America, and we are in need of adult supervision.

Not someone who takes the office and responsibilities so childishly as to believe their expertise in foreign policy is sound because they can see Russia from and Alaskan Island or to employ the very economic "experts" who got the country into this mess and suggest we continue it, "The economy is sound" was McCains claim barely a month ago.

People realized GW Bush was a mistake not all that long after he won reelection and we see just what that got us. After you vote you can't take it back, you live with the consequences, just as America will live with Bush's childishness and greed for a very long time.

This country needs fundamental change, not someone elected by the low information voters, bigots, anti abortionists and a bunch of right wing nut jobs who McCain will now appeal to with a last minute smear campaign.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

The "O" Team — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:21:24 GMT

SO NOW I HAVE LIKE 50+, WHITE, BLACK AND "OTHER" PEOPLE, CRACKING-UP (aka LOL) right now...

PLEASE VOTE FOR MC'CAIN, SAYS THE INCREDIBLY WEALTHY AND HANDSOME BLACK COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FINANCIAL CONSULTANT... MY FOLKS TAUGHT ME, WAAAAAAAAY BACK IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO, NOT DEPEND ON THE GOVERNMENT AND WHO'S IN OFFICE, IN ORDER TO MAKE A GOOD LIFE FOR MY OWN FAMILY... I DON'T CARE WHO THE 'KWAME KILPATRICKS' (SUBSTITUTE WORD 4: HELL) IN OFFICE, I DON'T CARE IF GAS GETS TO $50/GAL.,

I GOT OFF OF MY DUFF.......

HAVE YOU??? (IT'S REALLY A RHETORICAL QUESTION)...

MY OFFICE COLLEAGUES REALLY GET A KICK OUT OF ME, BEING 1 OF THE SMARTEST () IN THE OFFICE, HAVING CASH AND BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN, MY OVERLY INTENSIVE STREET SWAGGER AND CHARISMA...

VOTE 4 WHOEVER YOU WANT... BUT ASK YOURSELF, "CAN MY POCKETS AND MY LIFE, AFFORD THAT GUY"...

THIS COUNTRY REALLY DOESN'T DESERVE SUCH A SHINING STAR AS BARACK OBAMA...

IT'S FACT...

THIS COUNTRY STILL HAS A LOT OF THE RED-NECK RESIDUE THAT, MADE LIFE A LIVING HELL, IN THIS COUNTRY FOR BLACKS... FORTUNATELY, MOST ARE OLD AND AT HELL'S GATE OR TOTALLY CLUELESS... EITHER WAY... YOU STILL HAVE THE OVERWHELMING VOICE OF "MASS-IGNORANCE"...

AS LONG AS I LOOKOUT FOR ME AND MINE (BAD ENGLISH BUT GOOD-SENSE), IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO'S IN OFFICE...

YOU ARE A DOPE, IF YOU DON'T VOTE!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

rjmmjr — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:30:54 GMT

Andrew is that the same Joe the plumber that was given numerous opportunities when speaking with Barrack to tell the truth about how much he made and what his intentions are regarding buying the bosses business, I suppose he is the same Joe the Plumber that is not even licensed, well it seems to me that if you base an argument on multiple lies and half truths, then it always ends up skewed, sound familiar? Regarding Joe Biden comments, it seems to me the McCain telegraphing response is what is more interesting and telling (Willie Hortonish in nature). Mr. McCain is going around now bragging that he will not be tested, another tough guy like George W, wow are we in trouble if he gets elected. Further, in my neighborhood when you went around talking about how bad you were, it was a clear invitation to the thugs and bullies to test the waters. But we all know Mr. McCain is to sophisticated for that, he would not brag to the world that no one will ever mess with him would he, quite Presiential this McCain......Andrew as far as sticking with these too issues, it seems that it is more like he is stuck with them and not much elese, what a sad and sorry and shallow man with arguments that match, he needs to get some help with with his anger.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

The "O" Team — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:32:42 GMT

Any WORD on that poor-little Mk'KKain't Supporter whose face, some "BIG-BLACK GUY" made like ZORO on???

ahhhhhhhh???

ANOTHER TYPICAL FRAUD, kind'a like "JOE THE, I DON'T HAVE A PLUMBERS LICENSE, DON'T PAY TAXES AND DIDN'T MAKE OVER $55,000 LAST YEAR, FRAUD"... JOE THE FRAUD, SARAH THE FRAUD, JOHNNEY THE "WAR-HERO" FRAUD...

JOHN MK'KKAIN'Ts CAMPAIGN.............................. TYPIKKKAL FRAUD...

ALSO......................... AND YOU'VE HEARD ME SAY IT B-4............. PRICELESS

THANK GOODNESS FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND HEEPING DOSES OF BLACK-DISTRUST AND APATHY, FOR AMERICAN GOVERNMENT...

What did Brother Malcolm X say, "THESE ARE THE DEVIL'S CHICKENS, COMING HOME TO ROOST... ALWAYS MADE ME GLAD..."

SO, GO AND VOTE, DUMMAY!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

keithdar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:34:14 GMT

McCain agrees with so-called socialism in his response to a college student at MSU in 2000. He tells her that when people do better than others, there is nothing wrong with paying a little more. see for yourself http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=189119&title=mccain-says-the-s-word. He actually responds to the student that asked him "isn't that like socialism" so he knows good and well that is the same. So what is the difference? You tell me. Take more from the rich to just keep in the gov, or take more from the rich and help out the not so fortunate. And last I check, the Federal Gov was a Not-for-profit entity which means they need to spend the money somewhere!! Here is an idea...instead of giving huge tax breaks to big corp, give some back to people like joe the plumber who would benefit under Obama's plan...the guy makes 42K a year and the company makes aobut 110K!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

mathrec — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:37:59 GMT

Thanks for the link, spotthedog. I disagree with the "McCain was a socialist" take on his comments, but it certainly does point out the weakness in his closing argument. McCain is essentially criticizing Obama because he advocates progressive taxation. Americans are overwhelmingly in favor of progressive taxation as a general principle, and hearing McCain say so in his own words makes that point very effectively.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

skalamba — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:38:41 GMT

Senator McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin will win the election and they will prevail.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

linkm — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:40:16 GMT

I don't understand why Biden's quote about Obama ("we're gonna have a...crisis...to test his mettle...") are continuously incomplete. Biden completed his statement with "...and they're going to find out this guy's got steel in his spine." Why do political pundits, journalists, and talk show hosts neglect to complete Biden's statement? Biden was not casting doubt in Obama's ability to handle an international crisis.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

skalamba — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:44:33 GMT

Senator McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin will win the election they will prevail.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Anticrisis — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:45:15 GMT

John McCain is no thinker - he's also not in charge of his own campaign...although, granted, he did make that wonderfully treacherous vice presidential pick.

There's a reason McCain never gives much for details -his Joe the Plumber gig WOULD be a great argument IF he actually HAD a better tax plan - those pesky details, you know, ACTUALLY MATTER. He's been wandering all over the past months on so many issues that even he couldn't keep track of where he stands - he should have made some adjustments to his tax plan that he could ACTUALLY run on. Sorry Johnny, see you back in the Senate.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:51:20 GMT

Joe the plumber, is that as good as it gets? What an embarassment to admit to one of my colleagues (who is from outside the USA) that works with me, that these candidates are pushing this Joe the plumber crap.

How low does the bar actually have to get before this election is over? The fact that people are actually giving this Joe the plumber distraction any level of interest erally shows how truly desparate things have become. First of all in reality the man Joe the Plumber is not even who they say he is. As if we can relate to this poor guy trying to buy a business, etc, etc... What a crook, and how very insulting that a farce like this has even made it past betyond the debate.

November 5th cannot come soon enough. The players McCain brought into his campaign, including the Bush management, Sarah Palin, Joe the Poser, and all the rest of the grossness really makes me want to puke pretty regularly.

And Rudy, you are such an insult to people with real thoughts and aspirations, with your annoying repetition and rhetoric. Do you have anything of you left?

Is there anything that remains of the original John McCain, because the new recipe is about as lame as the new Coke recipe. I had respect for that man once, but he sold his soul to the base, and that is a travesty...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

saynotobo — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:53:13 GMT

Can you write a more slanted article? Complement oboma's bin lying and slam McCain. The truth is, if obama is elected, The whole world will be in a recession for years. Oboma lies and says that he will raise taxes on 5% of Americans, but in reality it is more than half of Americans and 40% of the remaining Americans don't pay taxes. What happens when you raise taxes on business? They raise their prices or lay people off. Who pays for the increased prices? Everyone. And, the poor people pay more than rich, because poor people spend a higher percentage of their income. THINK ABOUT IT. Corporate tax is REGRESIVE!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:53:28 GMT

skalamba: Whatever drugs you are on please distribute to teh rest of us, because after work on Friday I need a little escape from reality too:)

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Vypurr — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:54:24 GMT

linkm, Biden is aware of Obama's youth and inexperience. He was preemptively trying to put out a fire he knows is going to happen.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:06:54 GMT

saynotobo: I have to say no to you! Don't use the "truth is" when the truth is staring us in the face, you know the economy? Trickle down is a joke, always was, and hopefully will never be again.

But I guess we will have to see when Obama wins. As it is, whomever wins they are going to get a nice little gift of a country on life support. What a joke we are even talking about this at a level of 2nd graders.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

markci — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:11:29 GMT

Lame.

Basically these lines of attack (that he's inexperienced and liberal) have been tried and have failed. In fact the voters want something different and they are tired of conservatives, so the fact that he's not an old Washington hand and that he's left of center are arguably positives. Furthermore, McCain destroyed his own experience argument when he chose Palin.

Bye bye John. We hardly knew you.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:16:06 GMT

Vypurr, it is obvious Biden is saying it will happen and when it does Obama is ready.

Why are brains wired in such a fuked up way? Is this what we have become, or have we always been like this? It is okay to say he is Biden is lying or whatever, but to hear how some people report what they heard is really mind boggling. I mean, how do you communicate in the real world if you have a filter in your brain that disregards what is being said? How do you retain a job if your boss gives you instructions, and you flip them into something else?

Are we really that screwed up in the head or is this only what we do because of partisonship and team loyalty? I do not understand how far off peole can be from what is being said by all sides. I can see why politcians spin, but regular people? That is sick!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

linkm — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:24:09 GMT

Vypurr, I respectfully disagree. Your argument is based on perpetually using the first part of Biden's comments and conveniently discarding the rest of them to make your point. Biden is prone to gaffes and to dramatize, but I think he was reassuring his small audience that Obama is aware of these 1st year tests and is strong enough to face them much to a tester's chagrin. Regardless, after hearing Biden's comments in its entirety, he acknowledged a crisis typically occurs within a president's first year (i.e. Bush and 9/11, Kennedy & Cuban missle crisis), and that those testing Obama's mettle (if elected) will find out that they're not dealing with a pushover.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

acspore1 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:36:05 GMT

If you listen to the whole conversation Obama had with Joe the plumber, he prefaced his remarks with "When the economy is good...", and added "spread the wealth". Obama wasn't specifically referring to his tax plan, but obviously meant that the middle class should receive the benefits of a good economy, not just the very wealthy. And Obama went on to spell out and articulate clearly his tax plan to Joe.

In retrospect, it's clear that Joe the plumber, a registered Republican, saw an opportunity to play "gotcha!" with the Democratic contender near his house, so that's what his intention was. But Obama sincerely and intelligently answered Joe's question, even though Joe lied about his real income, situation, and status. And McCain since has ,to no one's surprise, distorted and spun it totally to his take on the conversation. Both McCain and the Joe guy are losers. Get the facts and watch YouTube for the whole conversation.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

MissAmerica — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:39:00 GMT

I don't think there's any question that John McCain is infinitely better qualified to be our next President than Barack Obama ever will be. BUT I think we have a similar situation to that of 1976 when Gerald Ford ran against Jimmy Carter. Many people were so mad at the Republicans for Watergate and at Ford for pardoning Richard Nixon that ANYBODY probably could have beaten him that year. It's to his credit that he didn't lose by much. I think, unfortunately, the same thing is going to happen this year. And I hope that Barack Obama enjoys his four years as President. Then maybe he'll join President Carter on his world travels.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

tiredoflies — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:39:10 GMT

Checkout the tax calculator covering both candidates plans on the MSNBC Politics page.

It will tell you how much of a tax break you will receive under both Obama and McCain based on your input of your personal situation.

If you do NOT already know, find out who is telling you the truth and who in lying.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

douglashager — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:39:18 GMT

"Agree or disagree, calling Obama's tax plan to raise the top tax rate from 36% to 39% a sign of socialism is ridiculous; as Colin Powell noted Sunday, 'there is nothing wrong with examining what our tax structure is, who should be paying more, who should be paying less. Redistributing wealth--that is, taking a bigger slice from the affluent than the less affluent--is how our income tax works.'"

Your misdirection, and Secretary Powell's, obfuscates the point. No one is claiming that raising the top tax rate from 36% to 39% is a sign of socialism. Raising the top tax rate on the most productive assets of our economy, while issuing billions of those dollars as refundable tax credits to the least productive elements of society, all the while camouflaging this massive redistribution of productive capital as a tax plan, and justifying it under the rubric of "fairness", is not only intellectually dishonest and counterproductive, it is a big step toward making our economic system more socialistic, and more Marxian: "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs." Moreover, any tax increase during an economic contraction will only exacerbate it, turning a mild recession into a deep one, or a deep recession into a depression.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

GregHere — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:44:08 GMT

...................................Joe The Plumber is just part of the franticly desperate McCain Campaign Camp strategy to cloud the issue with some "Political Smoke" to hide all of the blunders that "Maverick" McCain and "High Style" Palin have came forward with since the Convention. They are both very poor candidates for office and have resorted to using all of the tricks that their handlers can dream up for them to lob before Nov. 4th.........................Joe The Plumber is a fictional character that they are using because the Campaign does not have much else that is positive or realistic to talk about to America!!!! The Plumbers from other States are Working Class Guys feeling the hurt to their families right now because of the Economic Downturn that the Bush Administration has put on us. "Maverick" McCain is so desperate now that he has had to finally attack his buddy George Bush quite intensely in the news to make it look a little better for the Sinking McCain Campaign....McCain was going off criticizing Bush very severly in todays newspaper in hopes that he could get a few votes that way.......McCain is Desperation City right now!!!!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

MarTay6 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:45:58 GMT

McCain is the consumate negative politician. He makes the statement that Obama is focusing on lies- while that very statement- a lie in itself- merely pins his projected blame right back where it belongs- on his own puffed-up chest.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

ICYEYES800 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:46:47 GMT

The middle class of America is ALL JOE THE PLUMBER!!!! We don't approve of Osama loving idiots who blindly follow the messiah (more like anti-CHRIST)....We don't CHOOSE to give Osama MORE OF OUR MONEY!!!!! He is a SOCIALIST,anti-AMEICAN zealot, and WE don't have to look the other way whilte Osama attempts to buy the election!!!!!! Shame on Osama for spending such a ridiculious amount of money, that surely could be better used to serve the wellbeing of mankind in some other country, like KENYA....and he's making a big deal over Sarah Palin's wardrobe??? Seems like the pot calling the kettle BLACK......oh, I forget he is entitled to do as he pleases without repremand.....I think it's called ENTITLEMENTS...No, thanks Osama.....We want a TRUE PATRIOT, a BORN LEADER, and a MAN, who has stood strong in the FACE OF WAR.....You just don't have what it takes to lead our military in the NEXT STAGE OF DEMOCRACY..... WE STAND BY McCAIN'S STRENGTH, HONOR, and INTEGRITY..................McCain/Palin '08

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

A Voter Who Feels It's Time for a Change — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:46:52 GMT

All we hear from the Republician canidates are slanderous lies and half truths about Obama. And why is that? Because they have nothing else to say! McCain goes on and on about what he is going to do to change this country for the better but never gives any specifics. And what has he been doing for the last 30 years? If he has such great ideas, maybe he should have brought them up before now instead of supporting Bush. His campaign only started talking about change when he saw it was working for Obama. And his running mate, Palin is a joke.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:47:45 GMT

I just saw in the news that Joe the Plumber is open to running in 2010! I can't wait...

Maybe he should wait until 2012 and run with Sarah Palin. Then there can be 2 Posers running for office at the same time, that should really make the next Presidential election even more fun than this one. Wouldn't that be just peachy?? We would get 2 posers, 2 for the price of none.

But the world would be such a better place. Sarah could handle energy and foreign relations, with an emphasis on Russia, and Joe can keep the toilets flowing in the Whitehouse. There will be a need to keep the crap coming out of Palin's mouth from stopping up the pipes.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

newage_lightbulb — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:52:05 GMT

Ah, yes, I love the complicit media. Obama having numerous shady ties to a fundamentally corrupt organization like ACORN - that's nothing to worry about! Don't look behind the curtain! Obama having ties for more than a decade with an unapologetic domestic terrorist and self-labeled socialist and anarchist - nothing to see here! Move on! Obama refusing to release his historical records - not a big deal! Obama's tax policy failing every analysis - don't worry about that!

See, mentioning anything about Obama's stunning corruption and lack of qualifications is 'negative'. Meanwhile, front-page articles done by Obama's water-carriers, the mainstream media, continue to make hay over Palin getting a 'makeover' (while Obama spends $2 million on a celebration for a contest he hasn't even won). Gee, an impartial observer might think these people are biased or something.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

cerrojim — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:56:01 GMT

Stick a fork in him. McCain is, THANK GOD, done. Bush is done. The Neocons are done. The right wing of the GOP is done. The GOP itself may be done. The CEO gravy train is off the rails. The war-based economy is done. If the Dems get a majority in Congress .... GREAT. The only time I would reach across the aisle is to give them the finger up close and personal.

The GOP has tried to create a Country of haves and have nots, of racial and economic divide, of ignorance and fear. They would have us look more like Iran ... a few rich, a fascist theocracy, little freedom. The only news would be FOX news or is that ideology?

I have two words for the GOP: F*** Y**!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

pugs — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:56:31 GMT

Beign completely one hundred percent seriuos and with humility I would request Newsweek look again at Obama's "Birth Certificate" and make sure they were not handed a certificate of live birth which is different. This is so easy to confirm but could have such an impact on the integrity of our constitution.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

kleart21 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:57:58 GMT

Actually the quote was cut off and what Biden said that he would be tested in the first 6 months of his presidency and he will be shown as a man that is strong as steele. They don't mention that because that would not make as many heads lines as it does in the context that it is now.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:58:59 GMT

Icyeyes800: Are you the young lady that faked being robbed and marked with a "B" by a Black man?

Joe the Plumber is not middle America. Joe is a Poser who is explioited by the McCain campain becuase they are not doing well and have no ideas what they are going to do next.

I liked John McCain until he sold out to the real Anti-Christs, which are many of his base. The people that wouldn't know Christ if he walked in the room. The people that would string him up for being a liberal.

The things you say are so very anti-christian (not a true follower), and you are a poser of a patriot as well.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

kleart21 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:00:58 GMT

This also don't mention that Mr. Lieberman also made the exact same comment earlier in the year.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

kleart21 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:00:58 GMT

This also don't mention that Mr. Lieberman also made the exact same comment earlier in the year.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

JPuder2008 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:02:50 GMT

I keep reading how Obama is a socialist, how "Joe the Plumber" is an example of who is going to get hurt by Obama's plan, how McCain is the best qualified man to be President. If by best qualified you mean he finshed the Naval Academy 5th from the bottom, he got shot down over Vietnam, he recorded messages for the North Vietnamese, he wants to stay in Iraq for 100 yrs, he complains about dirty campaigning, and he lies. Is that really the man we want running this counrty?

Our sitting President was elected on a campaign built much like Mr. McCain's. Built on lies and smears intended not to demonstrate why he is better for the county, but why the other person is worse. At least have the common decency to attack policies and stances, not clutch at such things as his supposed associations with a former terrorist, or with the Muslim faith, which there is nothing wrong with. The truth is that the terrorists who masquerade as Muslim don't know anything about the very faith they espouse, much as we choose to forget the values the Christian faith tries to instill in us. Even if he WERE Muslim, it's clear to me that Obama is far more capable of fulfilling the role of President in a far more Presidential way than either Bush or McCain. Stop using words liks Socialist (Obama didn't come up with the plan to bail the banks out, nor was he part of the Keating 5, an association long forgotten by the McCain camp, the Republican guardians of Capitalism did!) and terrorist to scare the American public. It's shameful, it's disgusting, and anyone who uses those tactics doesn't deserve to be in Political Office.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

newage_lightbulb — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:02:53 GMT

Ah, yes, another "I supported McCain until ..." liar. Talk about faking. As if some minor change in McCain's positions could make you switch all the way to the other side, to a blatantly unqualified and ridiculously demagogic character like Obama. You're a Kool-Aid drinker all the way.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:04:53 GMT

cerrojim: And we get to clean up after them! Thanks GOP, Gerand Old Posers...

The true anti-Christ is exposed, the lying base, the Pharisee, the misrepresentation of a rworld religion, and a prostitution and exploitation of Christ.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

jhed0 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:07:12 GMT

No matter how the left will try to marginalize "Joe the Plumber" and the comments made by B.O. the truth is there to see about who and what B.O. represents.

The truth is that B.O.'s big plan (straight from Socialist doctrine) is for he and the Demo's to take as much money as they deem necessary from all those rich folks and their businesses. One has only to look back to Billy Bang Bang Clinton's promise to cut taxes on all us poor and middle class folks but instead turns around and gives us one of the largest tax increases in history.

One would have to be totally naive to believe that B.O. will keep his promise on cutting taxes.

Mark these words, he (Demoncrats) will let the Bush tax cuts expire initially, then they will advise to the country that we are in dire straits and need to increase taxes, This will be after increasing the business and Corporate taxes which will result in a spiraling decrease in tax revenues (as evidenced in previous tax and spend administrations).

Obama was mentored as a youngster by a member of the Communist Party(USA) Frank Marshal Davis, and his close associates over the last 20 years have been Socialist/Communist/Terrorist's, so given his propensity for choosing these types of people What do you suppose his ideological leanings are??? DUH

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

4astrongamerica — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:07:59 GMT

People are making light of the fact that Obama will raise taxes on those making over $250,000 saying that "they can afford it" or "sharing the wealth benefits everyone". I think the small business owner that makes just over the threshold of $250,000 will pay an additional $10,000 in taxes. That may not seem like a big deal to the people that are beneficiaries of this redistribution of wealth, but I'll bet you that the worker that gets laid off or never hired because that $10,000 was part of his/her budgeted salary will think it is a BIG deal. Or maybe it is more beneficial to the small business to cut back, not to expand and grow their business so that they stay below the $250,000 threshold. Now there's a recipe for lost jobs.

BTW...How is it negative campaigning when John McCain is using Obama & Biden's actual words to let the American people know where they stand. That's not negative...that's just honest.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Wake Up Conserva. — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:09:49 GMT

I find it ironic that some Americans are still holding on to the crap McCain is dishing out. We now have a decent candidate who is Barack Obama. Barack is intelligent, steady with sound judgment and can think on his feet. His concern is for all Americans not just for the percentage of the financial elite.

The ironic thing is most Americans are in that working 95 percent group and some of that same group choose to support McCain who is backing the highest 5 percent. I just don't understand what those middle class McCain supporters are thinking!

I am a working middle class American and damn it ....I am tired of getting hit with a higher tax percentage than the rich. Why can't they pay higher than the normal that they have gotten away with in taxes. Geez, the little guy needs relief. The middle class has been supporting this nation for 8 years, now it is the financial elites turn.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:13:36 GMT

Another thread hijacked by crazies who shout about the " Anti-Christ." ..

Are we gonna have some serious arguments here...?

Obama is definitely a socialist.

"Distribution of income " is all socialism is.

Some buy that concept,some don't....

But don't claim that u are not socialists,when u are indeed...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

jimmyp1 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:14:07 GMT

McCain and the GOP'S closing argument needs to be , "Barack Obama prove the you are qualified to be President per the U.S,Constitution per Article II section I'! So far there has been no proof and I believe that the republican party has dropped the ball sorely on this ultimately important point. America you are doing youself a tragic disservice. I am asking you to not give Obama an easy pass on this subject. There is more to this than meets the eye. If you are not truly up to speed on this , google Philip Berg . There are at least eight lawsuits as of yesterday. Obama ,..If you have nothing to hide ,then quit hiding ! Be a man ! Show the American people that you really do deserve to be President. Because , right now you haven't proven that you deserve to even be a plumber!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

cerrojim — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:15:49 GMT

Have I missed something? Does McCain have a religion, a church? Like Terry Allen wrote in a song ... I think "He loves the DOLL inside our DOLLAR, our lord and saviour, Jesus Cash."

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:21:18 GMT

jhedo,

we are in dire straights, and I am not sure if I would have a situation where we borrow and spend (GOP) or tax and spend (Dems). I hate both, but teach my kids not to borrow against your future. That is what the GOP has done, borrow and spend, which is so much more expensive in the long run and it is teh height of irresponsibility.

As far as socailists and communist. Well, you should move out of this country or to Alaska, because Obama is going to be the next president. You sound so much like McCarthy it is nice to hear that folks like you are going to be put on the way back burner for a while. I will always fight against socialism, but will fight more against peole like McCarthy that spread lies and try and devide us through fear. Your thoughts and words are true distortion, and are so Anti-American that they are laughable if they weren't so McCarthyisticly troubling.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Bass Pro — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:22:30 GMT

to the prarie prankster. I don't know your politics or the way you voted, but I think you speak for a lot of us who will be equally as glad to see this over. I too have voted. 2 hours in line in South Florida. I did have plenty of good pro Obama company to keep me occupied.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:24:45 GMT

I like Obama, and we should get of McCains case. He sold out becuase he didn't stand a chance without his party's base. He would not have gotten enough vote from the left and center, he had no choice. It is sad because to be what he was in the senate he would not have gotten the votes, and to be what he became, a pawn of the base, well that is something I will always be troubled by.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Wake Up Conserva. — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:28:10 GMT

Stop the madness,

There is so much hate in this blog. Praise God that Barack Obama will be our next president. He has a lot of sh...t to clean up that was left by George W. and his evil twin Dick Cheney.

Let's be grateful that Obama and Biden are willing to clean this mess up.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:30:06 GMT

Nigr, you really need to get an education, in a big way. Understand the tax codes and how our economy runs, then start talking about the distribution or redistribution of wealth. Seriously, if you are going to debate, serioulsy get educated, otherwise it is like dealing with Palin or a Poser, and it is really tiring hearing this tripe.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:36:58 GMT

I am thinking Joe the Poser is more qualified to be VP than Sarah P, does anybody else feel the same???

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

suzyku — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:37:32 GMT

Oh puhleeze................closing argument my foot! Any President will be tested, I'd rather have Obama in office with his steadiness and intelligence and his wonderful temperament than to have mccain, mr. erratic, bad tempered, bad judgment, OLD, no new or innovative ideas and especially his ridiculous pick of that moron palin. This article makes me wonder about your common sense!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Stickan — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:41:09 GMT

Progressive taxation is an idea whose time soon has passed. Newly free-market and formerly Communist countries pass flat-rate tax systems. Sweden, the country I am writing from, has now much less progressive taxes than a couple of decades ago.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:41:42 GMT

Suzyku: Thanks for saynig that:)

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:43:28 GMT

I am too used to spell checkers, and am too lazy to fix my spelling. Sorry about that, very retarded, I know...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

2gofer — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:49:58 GMT

We are supposed to be commenting on Andrew's commentary where he contends that McCain has a valid subject and position for closing argument. McCain does, Obama's plan to increase tax rates on employers to 39% while McCain would reduce them to 25% is obviously directionally inappropriate and quite significant. This puts foreign competitors at a increased advantage which is the wrong thing to be doing.

Joe the plumber is a excellent illustration bringing attention to the negative impact that Obama's tax plan would have on employment. What did the Liberal biased media do? Divert attention by launching a personal attack on Joe the individual. This is inexcusable.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:51:30 GMT

For the sake of this discussion, can somebody on here that is using labels such as socialist please provide your definition of a socialist. I may agree with you on some things if I find your definition of a socialist is something other than the truth.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

careerdaytrader — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:53:11 GMT

I can't wait for Obama to get elected as for me it means NO MORE TAXES. I paid $107k last year and will pay about $150k in taxes this year but with that spread the wealth *** in office wanting to STEAL from me I'm putting my business offshore.

Taking a TAX vacation till I'm adequately represented by someone with a brain and somebody who is PRO BUSINESS.

Go ahead and vote for that idiot you MORONS, see how he destroys America. The rich have options and honestly we are tired of paying the poor's and middle classes fair share of taxes. Unless you paid $9,600 in taxes last year you are a DEAD BEAT and didn't do YOUR fair share.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

angryinarizona — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:04:38 GMT

John McCain has shown the country what kind of non-leader he will be. He says Obama will say antyhing to get elected. I think he is confused. He will say and do anything to get elected. Thankfully it is not working. Sarah Palin-he thought women would vote for him because she is a woman? I am embarrassed that he represents Arizona and I will do my best during his next campaign to help defeat him. At a time of national crisis, this is the best the Republicans could come up with? I am tired of his negativity and lies. We need someone who can lead, who inspires and believes the US can be great again. I already voted and I voted for Obama. And yes his name is Obama not Osama, idiots!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:04:52 GMT

Gofer, First of all Joe is being exploited by the McCain campaign and they have misrepresented him, and created this icon that is supposed to be representative. Obviously when they did that people are going to want to know who this guy is and is what they say about him true, since they are using him as an icon.

We find he is not a licensed plumber (don't care), and in truth is not even close to buying a business (don't care either). It is just the miserpresentations that bother people, and this Joe guy loves the attention, and while he has not asked for it, he is not shying away either. All-in-all it is a joke and a minimization of the reality on the ground, and that bugs people that get really tired of pure politics, and deception, and games.

In the end, the base of the GOP will have their happy Palen and Plumber days to look back on and smile, as they are enjoying our first black president.

Next week that party is going to start eating itself from the inside out. The fenzy may be fun to watch. Been waiting for that house of cards to crumble...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

jarcher1 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:06:26 GMT

McCain's opportunity came by deftly twisting the exchange with Joe the Plumber wanna be. If he had simply said "Why Joe I'm planning on giving small businesses tax breaks, its *individuals" making over $250K who will see their tax rates increase, not small business." that have given McCain zilch to twist into the major topic of the last debate. Like wise when McCain first brought it up, Obama could have said, "Now John, there you go again, you seem to real difficulty understanding my program. I intend to raise the rate for people making more than $250K, not small businesses, although I do intend to raise the rate and close loopholes on the largest corporations." Well, I can't blame anyone for having a hard time coming up with good comebacks in a nationally televised debate, but if he'd really stated his position well McCain wouldn't have this "Obama's a socialist crap" to spew about. I ask everyone, which is more socialist? Raising the top tax bracket a few points or buying stakes in banks and 80% of AIG? Nationalizing Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac or raising the percentage mega corporations pay in taxes? Of course, we should also ask about McCain's pet socialistic project: Taking 300M of taxpayer money and paying off or helping to pay the mortgages of those whose poor judgement led them to sign up for mortgages they had no realistic way to maintain payments on. McCain is still trying to create a tempest in a teapot. For months his campaign has sounded "like a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, but signifying nothing."

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:17:10 GMT

I am a proud moron who will vote for Obama, thanks careerdaytrader:) I guess Clinton destroyed America too! As if the GOP didn't *** it? OMG! Look around you... We are drowning in debt and you are pointing fingers at the people who were not in power.

The GOP absolutely has ZERO cerdibility! They fuked up. They are going to pay the price for generations. So move away, please, don't need you, don't care.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

flashback — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:20:20 GMT

Any idiot can see why the bailout is not working. Businesses can see that Obama will win and they are shutting down their businesses and getting out now before all of his taxes. I watched a split screen of his specch 2 days ago and when he started the dow was uo 200 points. Just 20 minutes later when he finished it was down to zero. I have also been to numerous auctions and other sales due to businesses closing in preparation for Obama's presidency. All the poor and blacks are voting for him due to his promises and charisma, and don't see he is just a puppet for Nancy Pelosi. I just quit working and socked away every thing I have to prepare a VERY rough next 4 years. Who knows - I imagine I will not want to live in the good old USA after the first 2 years. Anyone want to join me start a new country based on all the principles of our constitution and not those of a totally inept congress?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nins — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:38:49 GMT

If Joe the Plumber thinks he can't afford to buy the business under Obama's tax plan then he really needs to consult a good accountant. Obama's plan lowers taxes on the first $250,000 Joe makes. On the money over $250,000, Joe would pay 39% under Obama, instead of the 36% he now pays. That's 3% more taxes, not exactly break-the-bank if you have already made $250,000 at a low rate. In fact, if Joe makes $280,000 then his taxes will only go up $900 a year (that's 3% of $30,000, the amount over $250,000). Plus, Obama will give him a $1,000 tax credit for every job he creates, and tax credits for every employee that he provides health insurance for. Under Obama's plan, Joe's business will actually pay LESS TAX than it does now, as long as he has even just one employee.

McCain's plan will tax the first $250,000 at a the current rate, then drop the taxes on anything over $250,000 by an unspecified amount. McCain's plan does not give him a tax credit for every job he creates. If he provides health care for his employees he will now have to deduct yet another tax from their paychecks, adding administrative burden to his company. Not to mention that Joe will have to pay this tax himself on his personal income, which amounts to an extra $4,200 a year he pays in taxes (35% of the $12,000 a typical policy costs). And if his company does not provide health care, he and his employees will have to pay individually for their health insurance (average cost $12,000 per year), they'll get a $5,000 tax credit under McCain, but be out of pocket at least $7,000 per year for their policy. Either way, Joe will pay MORE taxes under McCain's plan.

My impression is that Joe really should stick to plumbing and leave tax policy to Obama.

Furthermore, Joe the plumber says that Obama has a "very socialist view of taxes" This statement shows America how uninformed Joe Wurzelbacher is. I would love to hear Joe define socialism and describe the tax policies of a socialist nation. He would start to sound like Sarah Palin on Katie Couric. Nor does he seem to recognize that all democracies socialize certain functions: police, fire fighting, military, roads, public schools, sewers, water. This is for the greater good and we all accept it. It does not make us socialists.

In his book Audacity of Hope, Obama writes at length about the FAILURE of SOCIALISM. He enthusiastically states that American democracy is the greatest political system on earth. Obama is not a socialist.

Joe the plumber should stick to plumbing and leave public policy decisions to people who actually know what they are talking about.

Oh, and maybe Joe should get a plumbing license, since he is operating without one in violation of the law. And those back taxes he owes... Not to mention the fact that he is related to Charles Keating, an old friend of John McCain and the crook who brought you the Lincoln Savings & Loan scandal.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

whatisreal? — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:50:04 GMT

Nins: Thank you for taking the time to educate people. Most of us got this already and those in denial will never get it. But it is still apreciated. Have a great weekend! Looks like our country will be a little smalled when all of these so called business owners move away. Maybe us socialists can divide their property:)

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:52:33 GMT

Obama wrote 2 demagogical books where he has something for everybody.

He tells everybody what each one wants to hear...

The reality is that the poor in USA pay almost no income taxes & the richest 10% pay half the federal budget.

The system is unfairly anti-rich.

It's a system of social racism against the wealthy.

It is socialism.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Farmer jJoe — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:31:16 GMT

Despite Mc Cain's efforts to separate his economic policies from those of Bush. he still favors trickle down economics. Give big tax breaks to the rich and hope and pray that the benefits will each the middle and lower classes. Well after 8 years of failed economic policies we know that the only thing that trickles down are tax rebates in crisis, to help stave off economic disaster for the middle class. So why not give the tax cuts like obama wants to, directly to the middle class who will spend it in a way that will directly stimulate the economy and improve the quality of our lives.

P.S. We all hate taxes . It is the price we pay for the quality of our lives.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

jaimehlers — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:04:18 GMT

I can't help but wonder what world nickgr is living in, because he sure doesn't seem to be living in the real one. Time to deconstruct his "points":

"The reality is that the poor in USA pay almost no income taxes & the richest 10% pay half the federal budget."

Source? Also, have you considered that the richest 10% of Americans certainly make millions, maybe even billions? I don't think the remaining 90% could even come close to that amount of money. Yes, the rich pay more in taxes. They also make far more than most Americans. So it is only natural that they carry more weight, tax-wise. If you had ten people, nine skinny and weak, and the other a beefy bodybuilder, would you give them each the same share of the load? Or would you give the stronger person a bit more to carry, especially if it kept the weaker people from being overburdened?

"The system is unfairly anti-rich."

I think not. Unless you think that someone who makes $10,000 a year should carry as much relative weight as someone who makes $100,000. That is patently ridiculous no matter how you look at it. Say each person pays 10% of their income in taxes. The thing is, the person who makes $10K is losing a huge relative chunk of their income compared to the person who makes $100K. No matter how you look at it, having $9K leftover for expenses is a heck of a lot less than having $90K. Whereas, if you split the taxes up a bit more equitably (say 5% for the lower income person and 11% for the higher income person), you end up with them having $9,500 and $89,000 each. The person who makes more can afford to pay a little more, and it makes up for the person who has little and can little afford to give up any of it.

"It's a system of social racism against the wealthy."

Social racism? Where do you come up with this stuff? Making someone who makes more money pay more, proportionately, is not racism by any stretch of the imagination. Racism is judging someone based on the color of their skin - was this a Freudian slip, by any chance? Either way, someone who makes a ton more money can certainly afford to pay more of their income in taxes than someone who doesn't make a lot, as I showed above. The extra few percentage points aren't going to appreciably hurt someone in a higher income bracket, while they may make the difference between the low-income person having to draw on social services to maintain even a minimal standard of living.

"It is socialism."

No, it's not. It isn't even close to socialism. Socialism is taking away every cent that a person earns, except what they need to maintain some standard of living. Even for the very richest Americans, taking away roughly a third of their income is not even close to how socialism works. If I made a million dollars, and had to pay out $400K, that would still leave me with $600K. Considering that many Americans live on less than $50K a year, that means I would have twelve times as much income as they do. Hardly what I'd call socialism.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

bluegyro — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:20:00 GMT

For the last 8 years especially, much of the wealth has been spread in one direction--up. The rich are richer and the rest of us are poorer. They had much more money than they could reasonably spend on a comfortable or even luxurious lifestyle. We'd be better off now if they had actually invested their money in the real economy, in industry and services, but no--investing in ordinary businesses where they might only get a 10% return was declasse' when they could be buying these newer, more exotic financial instruments of chopped-up and remixed loans and getting 20, 30% for their dollar. Greed grew like cancer. Regular businesses were pressured to cut corners in a desperate effort to provide their investors with comparable returns, and some were forced to fold. Thank God there are still some well-off people around who realize that living in a society where everyone has access to a decent-paying job and health care and a realizable hope of their children's lives being even better is much more valuable and rewarding in the long run than a few more pieces of paper giviing them bragging rights over someone with less paper, at least as long as the Ponzi scheme keeps going. I hope more of them come to their senses before even greater damage befalls us. Societies with large economic inequalities never fare well for long.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

2gofer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:36:11 GMT

Nins, perhaps you are not giving a complete picture. For example, lets look at a small buisness that has taxable income of $1.25 million. Obama's proposal on the $million above the $250thousand that is taxed at todays rates would be $390 thousand. McCains proposal would tax this million $250 thousand. The difference is $140 thousand. This isn't insignificant. It could enable hiring a couple more employees.

Now who pays for the incremental $140 thousand? The consumer of course unless the competitive market place will not permit and foreign suppliers get the buisness leaving no tax revenue at all. Not exactly as pretty as you made it sound working around the point that the tax increase kicked in.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

El Mugroso — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:40:57 GMT

+++++++++++++++++++

McCain attacked Obama and it did not work.

Now he's attacking Bush. But Bush is not in the ticket.

So who's he going to attack next?

Sarah Palin?

And then?

Joe the Plumber?

-ITS CHAOTIC-

++++++++++++++++++++

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

gskit — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:41:01 GMT

It is indeed a sad commentary that the media has such influence upon the people by purporting arguments that are slanted in one direction or another. We all know there are 2 arguments to every story but when political events are reported by the media, they never present both sides to the issue at hand. If a voter is not well read, then he/she would read only one of the arguments, thus unduly influencing the electorate. All phases of the media should be totally unbiased and objective and if they are going to report an analysis of an issue, then do it objectively and not subjectively.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Caleb Murdock — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:45:55 GMT

One wonders why Andrew wrote this article. Does he feel the need to crank out a pro-McCain article once in a while, to give the guy a little hope? When McCain introduced us to Joe the Plumber during the debate, my first thought was, "Here we go again, off on another tangent". The problem with this argument is that it isn't true. Joe Wurzelbacher will do better under Obama's plan, as will the vast majority of small businesses. This new tax argument HAS NO SUBSTANCE, so it is no better than all the other arguments. The fact that this new argument has to do with policy instead of character is meaningless if it isn't based on truth. As for Biden's gaffe, a gaffe is a gaffe is a gaffe is a gaffe. You can't base a campaign on a misstatement.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

motorherz — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:51:14 GMT

2gofer, the fact that small businesses of that size file as individals is unfortunate and should be corrected. We have to separate between individuals and businesses. Still, the business was fine under Clinton, wasn't it?

In reality, McCain's wife would be the one hit by the tax increase. Hence the rhethoric.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

akbollman — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:58:58 GMT

loriw--please do us all a favor and learn to do a little thing called "fact checking." Okay?

Obama supports the war in Afghanistan--even the gentleman who recently did the anti-Michael Moore movie admitted this one and chose not to criticize him.

Apparently you didn't watch the debates--because Obama wore a flag pin and McCain *did not.*

The picture of Obama on stage while others covered their hearts and he did not was a picture of the singing of the Star Spangled Banner--not the pledge. Obama does cover his heart and recite the pledge--he just was not taught to put his hand over his heart for the national anthem. Neither was I--I was taught to stand and face the flag and listen to the choir. Maybe this is technically wrong--but this is a minor issue.

Every single one of these points can be verified by independent sources--but you won't do it because you prefer to believe lies. Go look in a mirror and ask yourself why you prefer the lies over the truth--is it because you have to find something to hate about Obama because his father was African? If not, why?

McCain used to be a fine gentleman--and I did vote for him when he ran against Bush. Sadly, the idiots who chose to believe the lies about McCain (and, you know--there were similar lies told about McCain eight years ago and this too can be confirmed by looking up independent sources) chose Bush as the candidate and Bush was eventually elected.

Stop believing and spreading lies--okay? Just quit. We are all tired of it.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

zrwoodard — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:59:27 GMT

My wife and I left our jobs to go out on our own a couple of years ago. We met with out accountant yesterday to discuss handling what could be windfall profits over the next year. Our business interests are corporations and we don't draw salaries yet and have sunk money into that are seen as loans to the business. I asked my accountant would we be taxed severely as Joe worried about. He laughed at me explaining that it took an awful lot of money to show a 250k taxable profit. Joe would have so many deductions with a startup that any halfway competent accountant would keep that income far below the magic number of 250k. Joe is a loser and it shows how pitiful McCain is for beating that dead horse. My friends abuse me greatly for supporting that sorry old shell of a man who can only whine about Obama. Just based on leadership during the campaign and how it has been managed was enough for me to vote for Obama. In fact with all the shenanigans by my party, I voted for a majority of Dems for the first time since the early 1980's

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

tim_horstmann — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:07:08 GMT

motorherz,

you probably aren't too familiar with the income tax code (not meant to be a knock at your intelligence, after all, the tax code is waaaay too complex). The business is filing as a business, but under the tax code, businesses, that are organized as corporations, can elect to be taxed under the corporate tax code, or elect to treat each individual shareholder of the business as the taxpayer. For most small businesses, the latter is the chosen option. Thus, for small business taxpayers, each shareholder will pay tax at his or her individual rates for all of the profits of the corporation.

But we should keep in mind - the vast majority of small businesses earn less than $250,000 in profit each year. Businesses that earn more than that, aren't really "small" businesses, in my opinion - after all, assuming a generous 8% profit margin, we're talking total gross income of more than $3,000,000 each year. And you have to remember, profits can easily be manipulated (legally). So a business that might find itself slightly over the threshold could easily find ways to get itself below it. People like 2gofer aren't providing the full picture. But we all knew that, didn't we?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

tim_horstmann — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:08:42 GMT

And ditto to zrwoodard - he knows what hes talking about.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

pinpin1 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:24:53 GMT

PEDDLING A HOAX (JOE THE PLUMBER) AS IF IT WERE GOSPEL TRUTH AND CLASPING AT STRAWS (BIDEN BEING BIDEN) MAKE JOHNNY A PITIFUL WRECK. HERE'S AN IDEA FOR THEIR NEXT AD: ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO VOTE FOR "OBAMA BI(nla)DEN?"

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

BeachComber — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:29:46 GMT

Hey 2gofer

A business that has 1.25 million dollars in taxable income has 1.25 millinon dollars PURE PROFIT.

That is profit over every cost including payroll, production costs, leases, office supplies, fleet maintenance, business lunches, etc.. ect... ect...

1.25 million dollar PROFIT...

This is not a small business.

If the 1.25 million dollars PURE PROFIT is the generally accepted 8% profit margin then the company has made over 12 million dollars in total revenue.

Give me a break.

If the person owning this business wants to dry hump the public by raising prices to maintain this PROFIT margin, then he is a part of the whole problem. His would be the kind of greed that caused our housing and stock market collapse.

2gofer,

Would you get more back from obama or mcCain. Do you make $251,0000 or more? If so, you vote McCain.

I make less than $250,000 per year and if I made 251,000 per year pure profit I would gladly pay 39% of $1000.00.

IF YOU DO NOT MAKE $251,000 PURE PROFIT then admit that you would rather suffer with McCain than thrive with Obama for reasons other than taxes.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Chuzpah — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:34:32 GMT

The fact remains that McCain could not find an effective campaign strategy with two hands and a flashlight. His Hail Mary was finally addressing the important issue of the economy. The campaign couldn't sustain itself on the rancid racist comments, beating the Ayers story to death. All that did was diminish McCain/Palin. McCain's ego ran amok as he picked a far right 'hot babe' for the VP slot, first acted clueless on the economy, but then dashes to Washington to save the day. The dramatics were not pretty to watch-during the debate he says he loves the veterans. (Hint: we've seen your voting record, all evidence to the contrary.) Knowing it is just all campaign strategy somehow makes it worse-gambling the future of all Americans with Palin as VP pick. Now McCain is trashing Bush, the guy he voted with 90% of the time. No lame strategy could possibly distance him from Bush. McCain can't convince voters he has anything to offer except more of the same.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

2gofer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:53:40 GMT

Beachcomber, I am well aware of the definition of taxable income versus gross revenue. There are over a hundred businesses of this size in my small midwest community just outside the metropolitan area that is Obama's home.

The subject before this country is whose tax policy is better given the fact that we are entering a recession. You have your opinion and I have mine.

Clearly, Obama is going to win and I sincerely hope to be found wrong.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nowforthetruth — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:16:30 GMT

A former Newsweek reporter admitted in an article this week that he has no objectivity and imagined disabling Rudy Giuliani so he wouldn't run in the presidential primary race last year.

Michael Hastings wrote in GQ magazine that he had a "recurring fantasy" that he could somehow stop the former New York City mayor in his tracks.

"I quickly realized Rudy was a maniac. I had a recurring fantasy in which I took him out during a press conference (it was nonlethal, just something that put him out of commission for a year or so), saving America from the horror of a President Giuliani. If that sounds like I had some trouble being 'objective,' I did. Objectivity is a fallacy," he said.

http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_7484&pageNum=2

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/55_say_media_bias_bigger_problem_than_campaign_cash

55% Say Media Bias Bigger Problem Than Campaign Cash

http://www.mediaresearch.org/cyberalerts/2008/cyb20080819.asp

Media Credibility Plummets, Just 30% Believe 'Most Trusted' CNN

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Real American — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:33:10 GMT

Middle-classers! Go to the Obama website at www.barackobama.com and use the tax calculation simulator. It allows you to see what effect his policies will have on your bottomline. Pretty cool. We, my husband and I, save $1300 under Obama, only $300 under McCain. Check it out if you are inclined to believe McCain will save you money, McCain only cares about people like himself...the super-duper rich. Just because you vote for him, won't make you richer. In fact the super-duper rich get richer by keeping the middle class, like me, down.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

doneresearch — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:33:50 GMT

Bill Ayers, Bernardine Dorhn, Paul Booth, Heather Booth.. Founders and/or members of The Weathermen and SDS.

Why does it matter to me, to others, to Hillary Clinton, and to John McCain? Partly because Obama just couldn't be upfront and truthful. He acted like a man with something to hide. He was an adult (26 and 30) when Ayers and Dorhn were hired by the universities in Illinois, and the media carried full coverage of their previous terrorist acts amidst faculty protests and alumni retractions of financial support. The Booths supported Obama and helped get big Union support pulled from Hillary soon after she broached the Ayers connection in April '08. And Obama accepted their help willingly.

In the 60s, Ayers and his friends and supporters called for an immediate pullout from Vietnam. They spit on returning Nam vets and called them "baby-killers."

In 2008, Obama called for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, then withdrawal on a deadline, His comment on Afghanistan seemed to imply that our troops are "air-raiding villages and killing civilians."

For those who remember the way our soldiers were dishonored, especially for someone who served in the war, was captured and tortured, who had friends who didn't come home, it is inconceivable that someone would sit with them, be entertained at their house. It stirs up feelings and emotions and it MATTERS.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

marley07 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:33:55 GMT

To BeachComber,

You talk about a company, 1 company that makes 'x' amount of dollars, blah blah blah and then talk about profit margins. People like you forget that WE BUY THE PRODUCTS. if you think it is a rip off or too expensive, then don't buy the product. You seem to be one of those people that has adopted this soft nature in our country for fair, fair, fair. It always has been fair. Most everyone has an opportunity to make decisions for themselves and do something in their life. Some obviously have unfortunate circumstances, but I know you don't if your reading newsweek online. Oh and by the way, this little "spread the wealth" plan by Obama, the bottom up approach...have you ever heard him or any democrat explain how that would actually work? They don't because it doesn't. That top 5% he talks about, guess where that starts? $140,000. Oops, don't hear about that do you. More than 50% of small businesses make less than $250k. Oops. So what will happen? People lose their jobs when the company they work for can't afford them anymore.

To Chuzpah,

Ignore the Ayers thing if you want, which i am sure you will after reading your comment. Wow does that make you extremely un-American. Don't under estimate the power of that. People know it and won't forget about it. All you Obama suppoerters just repeat the speeches that were written for him and say McCain will be the same as Bush and Bush's policies failed us. Look, I am not going to defend Bush on many things, but right now the economy is on most Americans' minds and Bush had absolutley nothing to do with how this mess was created. It was waiting to happen for over a decade. This was Greenspan and his artifically low interest rates with Frank and Schummer pushing for anyone and everyone regardless of credit or if they could afford it, to own a house. Got contributions from Fannie and Freddie and got Clinton to sign the bill into law. It worked for a long time. One problem, housing prices can fall. They did not see that one coming. So all these packed loans and insturments created for investors lost value and that is how banks levered themselves against these loans. Oops. BOOM, domino affect the wrong way. Now, you will say regulation. Well to an extent there was terrible regulation, but not by deregulation from Bush and plus the government should have nothing to do with it in the first place. The credit agencies, Congress, and too much leverage caused this problem, not Bush. he can't do anything without Congess and last time I checked, Frank, Pelosi, all Bush haters helped make decisions. You jsut don't hear about any of this in the media.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

TOMLEO — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:47:59 GMT

Joe the Plumber' stated in his first TV interview (he was not sure it was national) that he did not believe in a graduated income tax. Everyone should pay the same rate. He also stated that he has parents; but, social security should be eliminated. Everyone should take care of themselves. He also stated that he grew up in the Florida panhandle, which is like Alabama. He only discovered to his displeasure, when he was 18, that he was a Yankee, born in Ohio. Are these the real Republican positions?

I know several voters who have so far paid no mind to the election. When the world series is over, they may view the current adds and make a decision 'from the gut'. 80% of the undecideds, and some weak Obama suporters, go to McCain when they see the attack add using Sen. Biden's remarks. Of course, McCain, war hero or not, has never commanded anything other than his election campaign - not in the military or anywhere else. If President McCain became ill, Mrs. Palin would really be a test. Sen. Obama has the money to reply; but, does he have the time? Sen. Biden is a good man and a good vice presidential candidate; but has he cost Obama the election or just a mandate?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

hm51ky — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:50:38 GMT

2gofer - Think about this!!!

At least 90% of the country’s population is middle to lower class. We make up the country’s consumer base. When we (90% of the country’s population) can no longer afford to buy the products you manufacture because we are doing good just to keep the roofs over our heads the national economy is hurt. (Those of us that still have our homes that is.) When we hurt so does big business like the auto industry for example! If something is not done soon to help the middle class – we are doomed!

What good does it do you to have a business in the first place if no one can afford to buy your products or use your service???

The middle class, working class are the backbone of this country and of businesses.

I for one am tired of working hard just to make the rich richer! I have been in the workforce for almost 40 years and was only on unemployment once (for less than 6 months) in my life.

EXAMPLES: (That I personally have experienced)

When you have employees, many of whom have worked 20+ years for a company and only get a raise (25 cents or less an hour) every 3 to 4 years and that PLUS some is taken away to pay for your medical insurance – IT HURTS! Cost of living doesn’t stop because your wages freeze.

You hear that business is bad and the company is hurting – can’t afford to give raises – yet the company can still afford to give their CEO’s nice big fat bonuses every year! If you can't afford raises how can you afford bonuses????????????

The VP of the company tells the employees that he needs to make more money than you because he “lives in a nice big fine home and his cost of living is higher than yours”.

I do not begrudge you - your nice big fine home. What I want is to just be able to keep my modest home, pay my utility bills and put food on the table. Spreading the wealth to those of us that need a break - in the long run will spread the wealth to everyone.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

doneresearch — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:52:38 GMT

To Real American -

Do you really believe that a "tax calculator" on a candidate's website will show you anything other than the rosiest of pictures?? Then boy do I have some great investment property in the desert for you, or a share in the Nigerian bank, or even a slightly used Brooklyn Bridge.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

martin_gray — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:22:46 GMT

Joe the Plumber does not believe in the graduated tax. I wonder what he thinks about the survey that Warren Buffet took in his office. Warren found that about 31 of his employees paid a higher income tax than he did. Now Buffet gives heavily to charity and I don't begrudge him one dime be he took the chances and he made the money. Still, even he admits that is is grossly unfair that he should pay a lower income tax percentage than the people who work for him in his office.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with taxing the top 5% of wage earners and using that money to subsidize the tax paid by the lower and middle classes. Senator Obama believes in taxing only those families who earn more than $250,000 a year. In reality, there is no trickle down economics in this country. Income, instead, trickles upwards into the pockets of the wealthy.

I am an accountant and have worked hard all of my life. I worked my way through college yet I earn $62,500. My wife is a part-time school teacher and earns around $7,500. We are fairly typical of middle class families. I feel no guilt at all in having our taxes reduced slightly at the expense of an AIG executive or hedge fund manager who makes tens of millions a year.

Think about it! Why should people in the middle class have to repay the one trillion dollars that it will take to bail out Wall Street and the insurance companies. I see the Obama plan as the only way to slightly level the playing field.

From he to whom much has been given, much is expected.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Terwo — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:22:47 GMT

Her we go again with this seemed to when it should say seemed to imply to a diehard republican,He knew ayers he wasn't ayers.Clinton was trying to find an agle to cast doubt so she could win the nomination like all politicians do .

If you don't want to believe this with all you've got theres nothing there.

I know its impossible for you to see that but everyone else has,I repeat theres nothing there.

But I know it falls on deaf ears and programed brain cells..

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

FCS777 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:29:56 GMT

Joe the plumber was planted by McCain. It's pretty obvious. He has to be tied to McCain somehow. He isn't even a plumber, and he has no plumbing license. If anything, he would benefit from Obama's tax proposal. Why not take a look at Joe's finances? I bet he can't even afford to buy his own plumbing company! Now, he is talking about running for congress in 2012 as a republican! What a joke. Perhaps you should go to college and get a degree first Samuel........aka Joe the plumber, and then try to start your political career! It will not be starting in congress, I promise you that! McCain, Palin, and Joe the plumber are turning this election into a three ring circus! Never in my entire life, have I witnessed such lies, and deceit, from such desperate people. You lost McCain! Get over it!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

FCS777 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:49:29 GMT

On top of my last post, people are stating that Obama has some terrorist agenda! Do you honestly think that he would be in congress at all, if that were true? I guarantee you he wouldn't! So give it a rest! I am not strictly a democratic voter, but I will take my chances on Obama/Biden any day, over McCain/Palin! Not only is Palin nowhere near qualified, she talks like she is still living in Fargo ND! She is a complete liar, and has no reguard for ethics whatsoever! I don't see how anyone, could vote for this woman! Are you not watching her being interviewed? She is completely clueless! As for McCain, all I ever hear him say is "we can fix it". Ok, well quit saying you can fix everything, and give us your plan. Let me guess....trickle down economics, right? It hasn't worked in the past, and it won't work in the future. Too many greedy executives out there! It's time for a change, and guess what? Time to get rid of as many republicans as possible! Why should we allow the republicans to hold up legislation, with their special interest BS? That is exactly what this country doesn't need!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Concerned Canadian — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 06:10:39 GMT

ELECTING OBAMA IS LIKE SAYING THE TITANIC IS UNSINKABLE ....AND WE ALL KNOW HOW THAT STORY ENDED !

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nins — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 06:19:20 GMT

After watching the McCain ad at the top of this page, I can only say "I am NOT Joe the Plumber." I am not nearly as stupid as he is, nor as deceitful, and not as selfish. I care enough about America to say that if Obama raises my taxes on amounts over $250,000 per year, that America needs me right now, and I am willing to contribute.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

lsp91326 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 06:22:39 GMT

If Barack Obama cannot produce a birth certificate, rather than a certification of a birth or if he has dual citizenship as many have suggested, he will be ineligible to serve as president. He has expertise in constitutional law, so he would know his eligibility status.

What does this mean? Obviously, Obama's claim of privacy regarding his birth certificate, in light of the posting of his alleged certification of birth by his campaign creates the appearance of a WILLFUL AND RECKLESS FRAUD.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

akatz — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:11:05 GMT

You are inscrutable. This lauding of McCain's brandishing of a deadbeat plumber who doesn't pay his taxes, hates social security and would like to see it killed, isn't licensed, and doesn't even have a legal driver's license... not to mention that he lied through his teeth: his boss' business is not up for sale, doesn't make more than $250,000 a year and Joe The Plumber doesn't make enough to buy the business if he saved for the next 20 years. IE, the whole thing is a tasteless scam.

And this is what you buy into as a brilliant strategy by McCain?

Please, get a life. Who knows what the heck you'll be doing once the election ends. Covering barbecues for the local paper?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

pinpin1 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:14:56 GMT

EXPECT THE NEXT BIG TV AD: "REAL AMERICANS, PLEASE DON'T VOTE FOR OBAMA

BI(nla)DEN. GO WITH JOE'S TEAM TO SAVE YOUR COUNTRY."

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

flackmagnet — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:37:47 GMT

In the United States we have what is called a mixid economy. It involves both capitalism and

socialism. If McCain is so upset with socialism he should forfeit his social security and medicaid.

Palin is governor of the only socialist state. In Alaska each citzen is given thousands of dollars every year.

On the otherhand Obama wants to roll back tax cuts on the wealthiest 5% of Americans. You might think this unfair, but you need to understand what the majority of the taxes are used for. No one ever explains who benifits most from these expenditures such as; our military which helps defend our contry but also to protect and promote commerce worldwide. The taxes are also used for maintaining our state departments, ambassadors . This helps build relationships with other countries for trading goods and services. Our foreign aid to other countries promotes peace and expansiion of trading partners. Even the wars that we wage on countries benifits the military industrial complex and those corporatiations involved. One example Halaburton. What about our own infrastructure such as national highways, interstates, bridges, tunnels , cannals and dams that create electricity for industry. Then there are the airports, and shipping ports, customs, military installations. Don't forget all the times we have to bail out industies like the airlines., auto industy banking industry . Now theyr'e talking about bailing out the insurance industry. What about what we pay for our government employees their salaries, insurance, and their pension plans.. I'm not saying that I don't benifit from this , but who receives the greatest benifit. This is why there is a progessive tax system. Don't let those politicians convince you into supporting a flat tax unless you understand what that would mean to your bottom line.

If you are still trying to figure out who can best lead this Country out of this disaster you only need two things to cons ider. 1. Who made the most appropriate choice for VP. A choice that was determined based on who could maintain the security the United States if the sudden demise of the President occurred. Not a hasty decision to win some popularity contest to hold the base. The base will usually come along or they suffer the consequenses of losing. Besides, McCain's base has always been the middle. 2. Observe the effectiveness of how the campaign is run. Is it inclusive? Is it positive? Is it organized? Does it maintain control over its constituents? And,does it get results from the plans that were constructed.

I don't care who you vote for, but vote. It is your right as a US citizen. Remember , other countries are watching. This is how we promote democracy throughout the world through our free elections. Peace, my fellow American.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

vaughnv3 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:49:49 GMT

"Given that voters can only process a limited amount of information..."

OH BROTHER! Give us voters an effen break!

That comment speaks to the core of Rovian politics and is why the repugnants are now circling the firing squad. If the McCain campaign strategists had not treated the entire voting populous like their base (a bunch of Christian-extremist hillbillies), then Obama most likely would not be enjoying a double-digit spread.

The last time I checked, the bulk of Obama's campaign contributions were donated via the Internet. You know... that global communications tool that places a wealth of information at every connected voter's fingertips...

Tsunami '08! Obama / Biden and a filibuster-proof Democratic majority in the senate!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

vaughnv3 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:49:49 GMT

"Given that voters can only process a limited amount of information..."

OH BROTHER! Give us voters an effen break!

Tsunami '08! Obama / Biden and a filibuster-proof Democratic majority in the senate!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

dunnhaupt — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 11:39:45 GMT

Even if you smear 15.000 Dollars' worth of lipstick on it, and dress it in 150.000 Dollars' worth of designer outfits, it still remains what it was.

McCain's blatant appeal to the great unwashed is most unfortunate and shows the degree of his desperation. If racism decides this election, we may as well give up as a civilized nation.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

peacetoyou — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:19:42 GMT

McCain can pick at the two "Joe" scenarios all he wants, but his lack of character, class, smartness, and steady leadership has already shown through and shows what a lousy president he will make. Changing the tax plan so that the wealthy and very wealthy don't benefit the most (like under the Bush admin, which McCain wants to continue) and allowing the middle class to benefit more is not a bad thing. The great majority of plumbers and plumbing businesses do not clear $250,000 a year after paying their employees and overhead cosrts, so they will actually make out better under Obama's plan. The rich will make out better under McCain's plan. The way McCain falsely says at his rallies that he (McCain) is for the middle class is so transparent. It is not the truth. He is for big businesses getting the best tax breaks. Also, no matter who wins the presidency they will be tested because things kind of suck right now and no one is going to have an easy time. Joe Biden said something that was pretty stupid, but I still feel pretty damn good about Obama with regard to handling any crisis, whether it be domestic or in another country, terrorist related or not. McCain scares me because he is just too all over the place when it comes to decision making. I think his judgment is not as good as Obama's. Obama is a deep thinker and a wise man. When I listen to McCain/Palin at their rallies, I hear a bunch of untrue, meaningless rhetoric. I feel like they think I must be stupid and will actually believe what they are saying. Obama gives us respect. He does not use character assassination as a game winning method. I like Obama's class and character, but mainly I think his plans for America are better for us.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

peacetoyou — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:23:25 GMT

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

robbobobbo — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:30:19 GMT

Andy, I hope you are wrong "that voters can only procees a limited amout of information" regarding the latest in the slew of McPain tactics-without-strategy. I think that once again he has beaten the dead horse, this time with his Joe the Plumber nonsense. And once again I believe he is preaching to the choir (his base) on this one.

As to the Joe Biden remark, which is very similar to a remark that McPain pal Joe LIEberman made on June 29 (it may have been on Meet the Press) where LIEberman stated that any new preseident would be tested early in his or her administration. It turns out that historically both Joes are correct, This is one instance where LIEberman has told the truth. LIEberman's point was that McPain was up to the task. So what makes what Biden said so different? The difference is that McPain feels that the world wouldn't dare test him, they're shaking in their boots just at the mere mention of his name. What self-deluded arrogance on his part. I'm shaking in my boots though because, given how erratic the man is (and judging by what his brother Joe has been up to it must run in the family), he just might shoot (the nuclear missile) first and ask questions later.

Again, all this rhetoric appeals to his base but I'm not so sure that independents won't see through yet another round of McPain distortions.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Concerned Canadian — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:34:21 GMT

CANADIANS HAVE REALIZED THAT SOCIALISM DOES NOT WORK. WE JUST VOTED IN A PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT AGAIN. IT’S THE EQUIVALENT TO YOUR REPUBLICAN PARTY. CANADIANS ARE GETTING FED UP WITH RISING TAXES TO SUPPORT SOCIAL PROGRAMS LIKE EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND WELFARE. THESE ARE PROGRAMS WITH GOOD INTENTIONS BUT THEN TOO MANY PEOPLE BOTHERED NOT LOOKING FOR WORK AND OTHERS WERE CHEATING THE SYSTEM JUST TO COLLECT "FREE" MONEY.

OUR ECONOMY STARTED SUFFERING, THE MIDDLE CLASS WAS BEING SQUEEZED AND BUSINESSES WERE DOWNSIZING OR CLOSING. THATS WHAT HAPPENS WITH SOCIALISM WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT OBAMA WANTS TO IMPOSE ON THE USA...AT THE WORST POSSIBLE ECONOMIC TIME ON TOP OF THAT....OBAMA IS ABSOLUTELY NUTS !! HE'S GONNA SMASH THE USA TO BITS!

AND YES, SAME PROBLEMS WITH OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. WE KEEP PUMPING IN TAX DOLLARS YET THE GOVERNMENT IS MESSING IT UP AND THE UNIONIZED WORKERS IN THE HOSPITALS ARE LAZY AND PROVIDE LOUSY SERVICE. IN CANADA YOU ARE STARTING TO SEE PRIVATE MEDICAL CLINICS OPENING UP WHERE CANADIANS WITH MONEY CAN GO FOR IMMEDIATE HEALTHCARE. MORE OFTEN,

CANADIANS WHO CAN AFFORD IT GO TO THE STATES FOR IMMEDIATE HIGH QUALITY HEALTH CARE BECAUSE IF THEY STAY HOME AND WAIT THEY WOULD DIE.

CANADIANS VOTED A GOVERNMENT THAT IS ON THE RIGHT TWO TIMES IN A ROW NOW. WE KNOW SOCIALISM DOES NOT WORK.....DON'T KNOW WHAT ON EARTH THE AMERICANS ARE DOING GOING DOWN THE SOCIALIST PATH DURING THIS ECONOMIC CRISIS OF ALL THINGS. OBAMA IS A VERY UNWISE RADICAL....BETTER WAKE UP FOLKS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE...AND THAT’S NO JOKE.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Concerned Canadian — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:35:24 GMT

THERE IS NO JOURNALISM IN THE USA ....JUST NAZI 'I LOVE TO FRENCH KISS' NEO MARXIST OBAMA PROPAGANDA MACHINE ....GOODBYE GOOD OL USA AND HELLO

BANANA REPUBLIC....THERE'S MORE FAIR AND BALANCED JOURNALISM FOUND IN

CASTRO'S CUBA OR PUTIN'S RUSSIA!!

SIGNED

INTERNATIONAL WATCHDOG OF JOURNALISM ETHICS IN WESTERN DEMOCRACIES

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Concerned Canadian — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:36:56 GMT

You're really in the tank with Obama and the rest of the left-wing radical Marxist media networks. Too bad. I can't believe a bloody word you say because it’s total garbage.

Anbody who supports Obama is anti-American, a Marxist Socialist and a terrorist sympathizer. Its documented that Obama was influenced by Bill Ayers, Rev Wright, Frank Davis Marshall, Pflegger, Louis Farrakhan, PLO terrorist , etc., all of these people who Obama takes his talking points from and incorporates into his stump speeches and then communicates this to the American people in a tone like a Martin Luther King. Barack Hussein Obama is dangerous, he has an agenda and a bunch of dumb Americans like you Jonathon Alter are voting for him. You should be ashamed of yourselves for the great harm you are about to subject your country to.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Concerned Canadian — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:36:56 GMT

You're really in the tank with Obama and the rest of the left-wing radical Marxist media networks. Too bad. I can't believe a bloody word you say because it’s total garbage.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Concerned Canadian — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:37:51 GMT

GUESS WHO THE UNIONS DONATED $300,000,000.00 TO? - OBAMA!

GUESS WHO WANTS TO "SPREAD THE WEALTH AROUND" & RAISE TAXES? - OBAMA!

GUESS WHO JOE BIDEN SAYS IS NOT READY TO BE PRESIDENT? - OBAMA!

GUESS WHY FINANCE MARKETS ARE STILL REACTING NEGATIVELY? - OBAMA!

GUESS WHO STARTED THEIR POLITICAL CAREER IN A TERRORIST'S HOME? -OBAMA!

GUESS WHO SAYS US TROOPS AIR RAIDED VILLAGES & KILLED CIVILIANS? -OBAMA!

GUESS WHO VOTED VS A BILL TO PROTECT BABIES BORN ALIVE IN ABORTION? -OBAMA!

GOD BLESS AMERICA.....HERE'S YOUR NEW PRESIDENT....ENJOY!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

dafame — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:10:23 GMT

I'm definitely anti-American but not a socialist (I don't think anyway). I don't think Obama is either based on everything that I learned between advanced economics and a class that I took on Marxism. I don't know, but I'm definitely anti-American.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

stellawj — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:13:45 GMT

Dear Concerned Canadian,

Unforunately, none of what you say is true! Please check the facts before shooting off your mouth.

Also, please do not consider ever moving to the US. We already have too many people who think like you already in this country>

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

ToadTreeHugger — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:20:54 GMT

The NYT's just reported that new permits to build nuclear power plants are coming in at a record, 34 new plants so far. We haven't had a single request since 1973. This is in anticipation of an Obama administration. Hillary Clinton was opposed to nuclear power.

Today in the NYT's:

"Not since 1973 had anybody in the United States ordered a nuclear plant that was actually built, and the obstacles to a new generation of plants seemed daunting.

But now, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 21 companies say they will seek permission to build 34 power plants, from New York to Texas. Factories are springing up in Indiana and Louisiana to build reactor parts. Workers are clearing a site in Georgia to put in reactors. Starting in January, millions of electric customers in Florida will be billed several dollars a month to finance four new reactors."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/business/24nuke.html?e

In an article entitled "Catch-22: Water vs. Energy" in Scientific American Earth3.0: "Nuclear power plants use enormous quantities of water, usually drawn from rivers and lakes, to cool their big reactors." The Farley Nuclear Plant in Alabama was almost shut down. Same in Georgia. Same in North Carolina. "Lake Norman dropped to less than a foot above the minimum allowed level for Duke Energy's McGuire Nuclear Station."

Nuclear is also dependent on uranium: "The diminishing availability of high-grade uranium ores will pose a hard limit to the future growth of nuclear energy."

Exelon has leaked millions of gallons of radioactive contaminated water into the environment. Not once or twice but eight times. They covered it up for years. There is a large class-action suit against them. The state of Illinois is also suing.

Obama has deep connections to Exelon and the Nuclear Energy Institute, the industry's lobbying group. He is pro-nukes even though he has denied it. He voted for Cheney's disastrous energy bill and the GOP's class action reform bill that prevents families from bringing class action suits against corporate polluters. He authored a bill to waterdown regulations on radioactive leaks. "The bill also contained the new wording sought by Exelon making it clear that state and local authorities would have no regulatory oversight of nuclear power plants."

MSNBC is owned by General Electric. GE builds nuclear reactors. MSNBC has been in the tank for Obama since day one. Hillary didn't have a chance. MSNBC, TIME, NEWSWEEK, THE WASHINGTON POST and SLATE have an agreement to share editorial content and journalists among other things. That is why Hillary was thoroughly thrashed.

The Democratic party is heading in the wrong direction under the leadership of Pelosi and Obama. They have caved in on oil drilling. Environmentalists defeated oil drilling even when Congress was controlled by the GOP. Ironically, environmentalists didn't even get a chance to fight the bill with Democrats in control.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

cm4297 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:22:47 GMT

The people who are voting for Obama are the educated elite. Do you guys understand who ignorant you sound when you keeping using words like socialism? Don't give us anything else to laugh at.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Valeroso-2008 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:50:46 GMT

The two Joe strategy is flawed and I hope the electorate sees through it. In the first case, Joe the Plumber is not a plumber and he was not about to buy a small business. He is not an independent; he is a reactionary who wants all the services government can provide for his safety and comfort, but dislikes and refuses to pay for them via taxes. In addition, Obama was indicating an intention to expand opportunity and rectify the tax code so that more of the ordinary folks aka the middle class had a chance to prosper. In the second case, Joe the partner indicated that despite the probability of a testing effort by America's adversaries, Barack had "steel in his spine." Mr. Biden might have added that Barack also has a brain in his head and a calm in his soul.

It is high time that the media in what ever form attended to its role as an honest informant and gave the electorate facts instead of fictions. The McCain-Palin campaign is the most deceptive, dishonorable and desperate in recent presidential elections. The Republican party has isolated the reasonable people within it and ravaged the constitutional order. Neither their nominees nor the party in general deserve another four years to practice their rule and ruin approach.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Walt D — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:59:31 GMT

There goes McCain again! Spreading the wealth upward has been the policy of Bush-Cheney and McCain in the past eight years. There tax policies have actually increased the gap between the "have's" and the "have not's" making the rich richer while the middle class and ordinary workers have remained relatively stagnant. Abd how many of you have been better off with his spreading the wealth upward policy?

Tax policies can also spread the wealth so the middle class and workers can share and have greater participation in the economic pie. Spreading the wealth to include more of the middle class and workers can resolve the problem of inequality between the "have's" and the "have not's." That is what Obama wants to do. That is what Clinton did in the 90's when everyone was better off with an economy that spread the wealth among all the people not just the rich. And the rich did not suffer under Clinton's approach but prospered too along with the middle class and ordinary workers.

If McCain is elected, he will increase the gap between the middle class and the wealthy. He will put the middle class not just thorugh the wringer but cause them to receive less of the wealth in America thus making life more difficult for you. So folks in the middle class and ordinary workers, don't be fooled by what McCain has to say. Life will not be better economically for you under McCain then it will be with Obama.

Second, even Michael Chertoff has ancknowledged "any period of transition...creates a greater vulnerability, meaning there is more likelihood of distraction." Obama is a clear-headed thinker who is steady in a time of crisis. We've seen this throughout his campaign and even in handling our financial meltdown. McCain, as we have experienced in this campaign is unsteady and erratic jumping from one thing to another even within a 24 hour period. Plus, what crisis has McCain ever handled. And he certainly did not handle the financial meltdown well. So I prefer the steady hand of Obama rather than the erratic and unsteady hand of McCain in leading our ship of state through any international crisis which is bound to come for whomever is president. And I hope you do too!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

westin9 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:00:28 GMT

The sad thing is, once Obama is elected, we cannot go back and change it. How sad they younger generations are so selfish, they would give up their freedoms for monetary reasons., They have become a me first generation. Obama scares the h--- out of me, If he gets in, and we have a Democratic Senate and House, make way for every decadent way of life to become legal. Do you actually want your children raised in a society like that? . You think all those free handouts are going to be great. You will end up with a governmental system that controls every aspect of your life. Granted, the Republicans made mistakes, but they are still the one party that will do everything to keep this country safe., and try to hold onto a few of the morals. This world is not like it was 50 years ago. Patriotism is almost gone, and the younger generations have had it too easy. That is the fault of parents ,who gave too much, and wanted too much. They should have been going to church with their kids, eating meals with them, going to school meetings. They didn't do it. Whatever religion , or no religion, you are, you had better think real long before you pull that voting booth handle! Don't think Democrat or Republican, think the future of your families and this country!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Vypurr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:01:47 GMT

whatisreal. the only "filter" is the reality that Obama has demonstrated he will act as Clinton did, which is to cave to European opinion in order to be 'liked.' The results? We were hit on a regular basis (as in the first time the WTC was bombed) while Clinton stood by and did nothing. There is a reason we have not been hit since 9/11, and love him or hate him, his name is George Bush.

We already know from Obmam's vote on Iraq that he won't move against Iran. I'm wondering... will Obama ask Mahmoud Ahmadinejad nicely in his sit-down talks with him if he will cease his nuclear program as the UN has resolved him to do, and to cease calling for the destruction of Israel, or will he use harsh language? Either way won't work as both have been tried already.

We know from the UN's experience with Saddam Hussein that any resolutions against Iran will be worthless, and any sanctions will result in a dozen year quagmire degenerating into bribery and corruption. Obama will ultimately raise the white flag and walk away as he voted to do in Iraq. Iran will have its nukes, and Israel will likely cease to exist. But, at least we won't be attacked. Problem solved!

Now there's the larger matter of Vladimir Puten placing nukes in Venezuela...

Your new, young, inexperienced and untested president is about to get tested. However these are the big boys, and they don't play nice, as Obama thinks they will.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

SBleeds — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:09:39 GMT

McCain and Palin do have an old strategy..lie lie lie lie lie. I do not want to liars to run this country. We already had the dynamic duo of Bush/Cheney who were probably the best liars ever. Now the Christin right is on board with an new campaign of lies...who knew that God blessed liars. I look forward to taking a deep relaxed breath on November 4 when Obama is elected without fear that more oppression, deception, and destruction will take place at the hands of the Anti-American false patriotic right. God Bless America, we may just get it back.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Vypurr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:12:39 GMT

Valeroso,

Joe the plumber is not a plumber? Wrong. Many plumbers and electricians work under the license of the company they work for. But that's beside the point. You don't like the question he asked, and Obama has taken heat for his socialist "take it from those who have it and give to those who don't" answer. So to divert attention away from that, you shoot the guy who asks the question!

McCain deceptive? Really? Obama lies his ass off to McCain, Clinton and the rest of the world regarding public funding, then hands a front company for Acorn close to a million dollars, knowing they've been bagged for voter fraud for the last ten years.

Spin your bs somewhere else.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Vypurr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:21:22 GMT

smleeds, you're frothing at the mouth. Where has McCain lied?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Abyssgazer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:36:05 GMT

To Westin9:

Yes it is indeed too bad we can't go back after a president is elected and change it, sure would be nice for the world in general and America in particular if we could erase the last 8 years of the Bush administration wouldn't it? Lets see... doubling the national debt, taking an operating surplus from the Clinton administration and leaving us with a huge deficit, going to a war that he didnt bother to finish, going to another war with a country that didnt attack us on 9/11 after scaring the American public into submission with blatant lies, domestic spying on Americans, the worst financial crisis since the Depression and oh yeah dont forget this was the guy who after he was elected in 2004 by 50-49% said he had a "mandate" to govern and tried to privatize social security... how well would tying the stock market to Social Security have worked out based on what has happened in the last month?

Your precious "moral" Republicans ran the place for 6 years and ran this country into the ground. Is it "moral" to go to war with a country that did not attack us? Is it "moral" to kill innocent civilians? Is it "moral" to turn a blind eye to a culture of sickening greed by saying "let the free market rule"? Is it "moral" to have people lose their homes if they get sick because of insurance company greed? Is it "moral" for your guy Mccain to say health care isnt a human right , its a "responsibility" that you have to pay for? (Obviously he, and most members of the American health care system have not read the hippocratic oath).

"Moral"? Oh you mean the gay bashing and abortion part. So your "moral" party can bankrupt this country in every way possible but at long as they keep yelling that gays and abortions are bad from the pulpit you'll be willing to follow them into the gates of hell... without ever noticing you got there.

"Patriotism"? Is it really that hard for you Republicans to create a coherent narrative? You insist on a "strong defense" as part of your "patriotism"... quick question, where do you think the money for all those tanks, planes, and guns comes from? (Hint the answer starts with a "T"). Ditto your highway system. Do you like using paved roads? How about police? Do you like having police there if some invented black guy might try to carve a "b" on your face backwards? Would you like firemen to come to your house if it was burning down? if your town was struck by a hurricane or earthquake or some other horrible natural disaster would you want to be evacuated?

How about if you were sick and needed to go to the hospital and couldnt afford to pay the insane price jacked up by corporate insurance greed... wouldnt it be nice if just like we have a military, roads, police, firemen, the national guard, and a federal infrastructure to deal with nationwide crisis that we were able to get help when we are sick? No thats "socialism" , which seems to be what Republicans want to call "community" these days. So please dont mewl about "patriotism" when your own party mocks the idea of people helping each other, according to them its dog eat dog and its perfectly ok for a country of 300+ million to be run on the basis of unlimited personal greed. How "moral".

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

crj2002 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:44:31 GMT

Hey loriw, I have 3 votes here Monday for Obama to your one McCain, Indiana is going blue this year because we can see through the McCain-Palin bologna.

I'm sorry you chose to believe the lies and fallacies and weren't smart enough to do a little fact checking before you cast your ballot; but, funny thing is? You're going to benefit from the tax cut too. Not many people here in Indiana make the magical 250k. Why? Our economy is hurting and business are shutting down and people are losing their jobs or their jobs are going overseas. Hmm.. ya know, Obama wants to take away tax breaks to companies who do that.

You chose to vote on lies about flag pins and singing, so I'm assuming you'd be happy suffering under McCain when his energy policies and economic policies fail right? With less money in your pocket because all the tax breaks are going to the richer? Yeah, you just gave Indiana a bad name, I'm here to clear it up. ~New Albany, In~

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

FL Observer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:49:27 GMT

God bless all your pointy little heads. What I love about the American public as proven by statistics, we are much like a pendulum. We might move left or right but we always return to the middle as the middle shifts a little left or a little right. I think as seen, the Republicans had their time and they miss fired this time. I saw this coming when McCain, who I very much respect, picked Palin. One oversight that the male-dominated Republican party didn't take into account is the cattiness of which women judge each other. Bad, bad PR move. Unfortunately for the Republicans, most swing voters are women and they have all been turned off and tuned out. Now McCain is playing the scare tactics that Republicans have divested the majority of their arguments back to McCarthyism. Forgive the poker analogy, but he is all in with one more card to play in the match...I hope he doesn't blink. Also Unfortunate for him, Obama is just getting started and he's playing with rose colored glasses.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:54:54 GMT

Trash comments by thread hijackers should be deleted by moderation,if anyone from Newsweek is paying any attention...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

sharonevolving — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:03:17 GMT

Andrew, this was one of your better posts. I agree - McCain is on message now, and it's resonating. I am amazed at the Democrats swiftboating of Joe the Plumber - someone dared to ask the One a question, and he fumbled, so you pillory the questioner? I see under Political Punch's readout of the tax plan that if you make under $40,000 per year you will get a little relief under Obama. But under McCain's plan, I will get $12,000 of relief from where I am today, and under Obama's plan, I will pay $4,000 MORE than I do today. And I live in a one-bedroom apartment in California, am a grad student, working full time, and raising a daughter. People, be careful about believing website talking points, and do some looking around. This Indy who normally votes Dem has to vote for the better choice this year: McCain.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

crj2002 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:18:25 GMT

Hey westin9, I'm so glad you put so little stock in us! (your future). Assuming you are older (I'm guessing I'm right) - I'm so sorry for caring for MY social security (at least YOU know you'll have one). Sorry for caring about KEEPING my job and going back for further education. Sorry for wanting to invest in our schools and roads and infrastructure. Sorry for wanting to get us out of a war that we were lied to to begin with. Sorry for wanting to keep more money in my pocket (yeah I like to be able to feed myself and keep a roof over my head while paying my sky high student loans). You want us instilled with more morals? You think our generation is so pitiful? Who raised us? Who did we have as role models? What kind of government did we look up to? What kind of policies were there? Congress and the Presidency were held by Republicans for most of my lifetime. Gee Whiz. Maybe it's because we live in a society where BOTH parents (if you are lucky enough to have them) have to work to keep food on your table. When do you have time to parent?

Our society has been so self destructing because of Republican principles (oh here come the evangelical base). If I recall my HISTORY lessons correctly, liberalism helped get us out of the Great Depression, invested in many things we have today (your social security benefits you'll be receiving). Under Republican rule, it's every man for themselves and bigger and better corporations! Ravage our remaining natural resources! Condemn those who think differently! Demonize those whose lifestyle is different than yours! The rule of the modern Republican has only brought us to division, hostility to our fellow Americans, dishonesty, deregulation, and a crumbling infrastructure (those schools we get taught in, and the bridges that are falling down, ya know?).

And your little rant? Practice what you preach! Tolerance, acceptance, love for your fellow man. I'm glad to be part of this "younger" generation, maybe we are more materialistic and maybe we care about things you don't feel are important. But we deserve more credit than you think, after all, you are using a "blog" aren't you? We may not have your "experience" but we have learned our history and know our country can be better and deserves better than what YOU'VE done with it the last 30 years.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

burf — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:42:57 GMT

Most people realize by now, that *Joe the Plumber* is a fraud, if not a GOP plant... or like that strange woman in Pittsburgh, who mangled her face, a self-styled McCain lie machine.

As for Biden, it's not surprising that McCain isn't using Biden's full quote... the part about Obama having *a spine of steel.*

Furthermore, most people realize the *spreading the wealth* thing, is a sham, since everyone knows who has been getting all the tax breaks, over these past years - - the Corporations & the Wealthy.

I'm a Vet, but honestly, for the first time in a long time, I'm feeling proud of the Country.

It's very possible we'll be electing a Black President, but even more so, that The People may be actually voting for their own interests, for once... and not buying the Financial Elite spin, that always puts the Middle & Working Classes in a deep hole.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

benluclar — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:15:19 GMT

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read " Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient needed money more.

The redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

mnjam — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:33:28 GMT

McCain's new "closing argument" is just confirming that he is indeed McSame --- four more years of the Voodoo economics that is turning the US into a third world country. Electing McCain would be an act of national suicide.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

mnjam — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:36:38 GMT

McCain's new "closing argument" is just confirming that he is indeed McSame

--- four more years of the Voodoo economics that is turning the US into a third

world country. Electing McCain would be an act of national suicide.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

ddensel — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:37:04 GMT

Sorry benluclar, cute story but an increase in the highest tax bracket from 35% to 39% isn't socialist, to say so is to say that ALL Progressive tax brackets are socialist. McCain doesn't have the guts to attempt a Flat Tax, so I guess he's a commie too.

I don't want my tax dollars spent on even more war machines to fund McCain's crusades.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

GWBequalsWPE — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:41:18 GMT

benluca - You are a Jackass! In the last eight years, we the little people have been forced to provide more and more of the taxes fueling America’s redistribution machine. As the Congressional Budget Office reports, the $715 billion in tax breaks that President Bush gave to those making more than $342,000 a year began dramatically shifting the overall tax burden from the rich onto the rest of us. Meanwhile, because of lobbyist-crafted loopholes, most corporations pay zero federal income taxes, according to the Government Accountability Office. The result is what Warren Buffett admits: When counting all taxes (income, payroll, property, etc.), billionaires and Big Business often pay lower effective tax rates than their employees.

But that's OK, you screwed over a waiter, who probably makes wages at the poverty level. and now has to pay taxes on your lunch. But go ahead, believe your right-wing rhetoric. Your party's rule is almost over.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

redbourn — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:47:15 GMT

What I don't understand is why the McCain campaign isn't using information such as that found at

http://obamafarleft.notlong.com

which reveals, with evidence, Obama's ties to a far left socialist/communist organization.

It would do Obama incalculable damage and might do him mortal damage.

It is very hot on the blogs sites now so why isn't the MSM reporting the findings?

Mike

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Dencal26 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:55:56 GMT

America is about to elect a terrorist sympathizer with no record of legislative accomplishent over an American War Hero with 26 years of respected service in US Senate. Media is the cause and power behind Obama. In depth investigations into Joe the Plumber. None by the MSM on Barack Obama. Give it 6 Months and you will see the result.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Dahveed — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:04:10 GMT

Dude! Closing arguement you say? Looks like more flailing about trying to find a "message"! A little late for finding a groove, though, don't you think? It is interesting to watch McCain continue to degrade himself. He has proven himself the maverick of chaos and mismanagement, and the duke of disingenuineousness. Claiming to trust in Palin's "abilities" points to his real campaign slogan: "McCain First." What a phony!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

lucy2008 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:05:03 GMT

Mr. Romano, you have made many a good point. Senator McCain can do better by concentrating on a couple of good positions that he has real data that supports them and that resonate with people. Quotes from all of the parties, Obama, Biden, and the other Joes helps.

The problem, however, is that there is less than 10 days to do this. There are less than 8 days on Monday. A large percentage of the electorate have voted and will vote early, too. Also, this tactic depends on John McCain traveling locally a considerable amount and for him to pay a lot of money to get ads run heavily in particular regions. There are a lot of regions he must win and a lot of money that he must pay. I think both time and money are not on his side considering the ground he must cover and how far he is behind. Furthermore, Senator McCain's ground operation is astonishingly behind Senator Obama. Why he lost a traditional Republican strength is beyond me. Senator McCain is best on a town meeting like basis or an ad that shows him talking in little bit phrases. I don't think these numbers add up.

In the meantime, Senator Obama has a great ground operation that has been "getting out the vote" for some time. He has a new 2min ad just launched in all of the battle states and on Wednesday night he has a 30min news event playing on national TV prime time. Senator Obama just needs to win any number of combinations of battle states to win. He already has Iowa and New Mexico in the bag. Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Virginia are likely. Nevada and Ohio are likely.

Senator McCain may tighten the race and lose by less a percentage, but it's hard to imagine his new tactic- although the best he's done- working and overcoming all of the numbers against him.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

colinml — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:06:59 GMT

"By and large, McCain's closing argument is substantive, focused and totally within the bounds of American political acceptability."

They're accusing Obama of being a terrorist. That is not "acceptable" to anyone but a wingnut.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

lucy2008 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:20:19 GMT

I'm a moderate Democrat and run my own small biotechnology business. Senator Obama's economic and tax program are best for me. It's silly how some of these posts are by people who aren't educating themselves. Neither Senator Obama or I am a socialist. Neither Senator Obama or I am associating with terrorists. I'm a working mother and own my own small business. I believe in the power in education and making it more accessible and affordable. I am a patriot to vote and I am a patriot to vote for Senator Obama. I'd never vote for someone just because they were a POW 44yrs ago. I'd never vote for someone just because they had 26yrs in Congress.

Senator McCain should stay in the Senate. He is good at single issues that he fights for. I applaud him for that. However, he is not a man that would make a good president. He is neither a leader nor a uniter of people, in fact he is the opposite with his temperament and track record. He doesn't inspire nor does he provide a vision and mission. His policies are the Republican platform and are so inconsistent and way too narrow to represent me and represent my family. His policies are so similar to the Bush policies and so antiquated that they do not address the 21st century of issues and opportunities for America- and for my family.

I am a moderate Democrat and Senator Obama and his policies represent me. I am offended by posts that are so ill informed and use language like "Un-American", "Socialist", "terrorist" and so on. It would help our democratic election process, if some of these people stop being 8 yrs old and get off their play ground, educate themselves ,and take part in the American conversation as adults. As adults, I'm sure they have a lot of important things to say to add to the American conversation.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:27:01 GMT

Oh,a "moderate " who buys all the Obama camp arguments...

No more fakes,please...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

trueblackamerican — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:53:26 GMT

To the people who are saying that Senator Obama's will raise their tax, it is just an excuse not to vote for him or they are just uneducated or just plain stupid. His tax plan only roll back the taxes to where they were under the Clinton' administration. John McSane is just more OF THE same bush tax credits for the wealty and big business. But this is the point, Mcsane will mean going from a perhaps a recession to a DEPRESSION. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Jarda49 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:54:37 GMT

Yesterday in Colorado John the Loser killed his last argument and showed where he wanted to go. Expand his small business ownership t the wealthiest and tycoons.

DURANGO, Colo. -- Ever since John McCain discovered "Joe the Plumber," he has exalted "small business" owners -- inviting them to announce their professions on signs at rallies -- as the country's only virtuous economic movers.

But now McCain has begun to define the term upward, leaving no mogul or tycoon behind.

On Thursday in Sarasota, Governor Charlie Crist introduced J. Robert Long, the CEO of Marine Concepts as a "small businessman." The man McCain dubbed "Bob the Boat Builder" spent, as Crist noted, most of his career at Wellcraft Marine, which reported revenues of $67 million last year, according to Yahoo! Finance.

Tonight in Colorado, Senator Lindsey Graham, a close friend of the McCains, described Cindy as "a great small businesswoman." Her "small" business -- Hensley & Co., a family-owned Anheuser-Busch distributor that is the third largest among the 800 in the country -- had revenues of nearly $200 million last year, according to Yahoo.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

A Believer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:15:44 GMT

Did you hear about the man going to lunch and passed a homeless guy with a sign that read,"Vote Obama, I need the money," Once in the diner his server had a Obama 08 pin on. What a coincidence. When the bill came he told the server he was going to give his tip to the homeless guy outside who seemed to be in need and that would be spreading the wealth around with his 10 dollar tip. The server seemed really angry and stormed off. When he went outside and gave the homeless guy the $10 and told him to thank the server inside and he seemed genuinely grateful.

At the end of his rather unscientific redistribution experiment he realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that he had given away the money he did earn, even though the actual recipient needed the money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Sounds about right to me.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

caspar56 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:17:09 GMT

McCain and fox news probley accessed the goverment pc to find out where joe lived

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:21:18 GMT

Is the moderator,if any,going to do something about Obamayeswecan & concernedcanadian ?

They spoil the threads...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Aspireto — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:28:40 GMT

benluclar,

How absurd. You have taken a senstaionalised vantage point of Obama's tax policy, and then - rather poorly - attempted a humourous, and eye-catching means of 'practicalising' the aforementioned policy. It is no different than me using such a Neanderthal approach to highlight the impracticality of any number of issues. Anyone can use a tactical tweak to distort a strategy - it's neither big, nor clever, my friend.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nowforthetruth — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:33:24 GMT

"A former Newsweek reporter admitted in an article this week that he has no objectivity and imagined disabling Rudy Giuliani so he wouldn't run in the presidential primary race last year.

Michael Hastings wrote in GQ magazine that he had a "recurring fantasy" that he could somehow stop the former New York City mayor in his tracks.

http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_7484&pageNum=2

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/55_say_media_bias_bigger_problem_than_campaign_cash

55% Say Media Bias Bigger Problem Than Campaign Cash

http://www.mediaresearch.org/cyberalerts/2008/cyb20080819.asp

Pew Research finds Media Credibility Plummets, Just 30% Believe 'Most Trusted' CNN

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

benluclar — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:38:19 GMT

This was a copy/paste of a spammed email I received today which proved a point to average people like myself.

I do not take credit for this story, but I certainly agree with its profound message.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

A Believer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:39:45 GMT

Did you hear about the man going to lunch and he passed a homeless guy outside

the diner with a sign that read, "Vote Obama, I need the money". He man laughed.

Once in the diner his server had a Obama 08 pin on. Again he laughed at the coincidence.

When his bill came he dicided not to tip the waiter but instead give the ten dollars

to the homeless man outside the diner. When he told the server what he had

decided to do, he stormed off mad.

When he gave the homeless guy the 10 dollars, he was very grateful and told him

to thank the server inside and that he thought he needed the money more than the

server.

At the end of this experiment, he realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money

he didn't earn, and the waiter was pretty angry that he gave away his money he did earn,

even though the recipient needed the money more.

He guessed redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practial application.

Seems and Sounds about right to me.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

newsweekthisweek — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:44:06 GMT

The present (though still negative) strategy is better than any of his past ways of conveying his message; continuing the (negative) robo letters are turning off the people he needs in order to win.

He has done a very poor job at organizing himself and his team from the start, results show that too little, too late, is McCain's doing. Now, he must win all the batterground states, which is very unlikely. He should have thrown everybody out, stick to his focal points, and no "muck" in between.

He is not president material, when you think he won't meet with people whose views differ from his or those he does not like. This is a "people job"; whether he likes it or not, it is incumbent upon him to come up with a positive solution to any issue at hand; otherwise, his country is at stake. He has trouble with his priorities and he would not be able to handle a crisis regardless of what he claims; his own people are crossing party lines.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

A Believer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:49:23 GMT

Aspireto,

If you thank for one minute that we thank that was funny, thank again.

I remember when I earned $63.00 a week for the phone company.

In todays market that would be about $63,000. I sold a business

20 years ago that was grossing $200,000 a year. It was a small

liquor store and I had two employees. For those of you in the work

field and not the owner work field, you have no idea what you are

even talking about. If you ever want or espire to, you had better

pay attention. No distortion here.

46300.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:07:16 GMT

BTW,the line " I amJMcC & I approve ..." is ridiculous...

McCain has a terrible apologetic attitude ...

A loser's aura,the exact opposite of Reagan's...

If it was a personality show,then McCain would not deserve to win.

However,it is the elections,so our vote must be more against Obama than for McCain...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nowforthetruth — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:13:32 GMT

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nowforthetruth — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:13:50 GMT

What do you really know about Obama’s economic philosophy? Since he has never run a town, state or business, he has no record to look at. Oh, he has made lots of promises, but given that he broke his promise to be limited to public campaign funds, you can’t put much faith in that, and there will be means to keep those promises anyway.

But you do know that Obama, along with his democratic buddies in Congress, personally and professionally advocated for a residential housing policy favoring forced sub-prime lending, which subsequently resulted in massive defaults and foreclosures, leading to your loss of significant equity value in your home, to the point that it destabilized your banks, which panicked the stock market, which wiped out your savings.

Look and listen to Obama for yourself. Obama in this video, addressing his community activist work and his work representing ACORN in litigation against the banks and relating to the Community Reinvestment Act, and addressing the failure of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae as those actions relate to the destruction of our economy by causing the current real estate and subsequent financial crisis, states that, and I quote:

Acknowledging the catastrophe, but as apologist for the Democrats, Obama then offers this justification.

"The original idea was a good one, which was, lets see if we can distribute risk more broadly, and make it easier to provide loans to people who otherwise might not be able to get one."

Yah, great idea. Economically unsound, but embraced by Obama. Listen for yourself. You cannot dispute the mans on words recorded live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr1M1T2Y314&feature=related

Below is a link to C-SPAN video clips of the Congressional hearings at roughly the time McCains attempt at S.190. to fix Fannie and Freddie. See for yourself who said what.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

sincere0606 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:18:33 GMT

Aspierto, I have a liquor with 4 employees and I gross over 300,000 a year, and I'm still voting Obama because I would get a tax credit for being a small business owner, and also 3,000 tax credit for each of my employees it dosen't sound like a bad deal to me. McCain has one foot in the grave and I'm not not about to bank my kids future on President Palin. Palin has done nothing but lie from the time she walked out on the stage, and McCain wanting to win so bad stood by and said nothing. I also want to say he said he would cut out all the pork in Washington is the 150,000 on clothing apart of the pork?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:20:07 GMT

In ACORN we have a weak case...

In Ayers & Wright,we have a winner case...

We should pound Hussein with 1-2 punches,

1) Ayers,

2) Wright..

The other camp can return only an uppercut punch," 8 years of Reps "...

But if executed properly,it can be a knockout punch...

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

PatrickJKiger — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:39:17 GMT

I don't understand Romano's reasoning on this. McCain's been using this Joe the Plumber schtick since the last debate, and during that time Obama's lead actually has widened in both in the national and battleground state polls. If that commercial is the sum total of McCain's closing argument, he's all done.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

akfishin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:47:34 GMT

There are so many times Obama was caught lying and you Obama followers are blind! You want to put a man in office that has TOO MANY Anti-American associates. That is dangerous! But oh no, that sweet talking man is the one you want. What experience does he have? Really? I wouldn't trust him one bit and I don't.

You Obama lovers........You Forgot!!!

How dare they put a man in for candidacy, with all the anti-americans he hangs with, doesn't that even scare you? The media has failed us!!

NEVER FORGET!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

A Believer — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:13:17 GMT

Aspireto,

If you thank for one minute that we thank that was funny, thank again.

I remember when I earned $63.00 a week for the phone company.

In todays market that would be about $63,000. I sold a business

20 years ago that was grossing $200,000 a year. It was a small

liquor store and I had two employees. For those of you in the work

field and not the owner work field, you have no idea what you are

even talking about. If you ever want or espire to, you had better

pay attention. No distortion here.

46300.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

colo911 — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:37:14 GMT

Did you hear about the man going to lunch and he passed a homeless guy outside

the diner with a sign that read, "Vote Obama, I need the money". He man laughed.

Once in the diner his server had a Obama 08 pin on. Again he laughed at the coincidence.

When his bill came he decided not to tip the waiter but instead give the ten dollars

to the homeless man outside the diner. When he told the server what he had

decided to do, he stormed off mad.

When he gave the homeless guy the 10 dollars, he was very grateful and told him

to thank the server inside and that he thought he needed the money more than the

server.

At the end of this experiment, he realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money

he didn't earn, and the waiter was pretty angry that he gave away his money he did earn,

even though the recipient needed the money more.

He guessed redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Seems and Sounds about right to me.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

MCGILL — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:37:39 GMT

Picture this two small children who are out trick er treating and have worked really hard to get a lot of candy. The two children knock on the door and as it opens say trick or treat the man before the looks at all of the candy they have and says you have a lot of candy I am going to take half of your candy and give it to kids to lazy to go trick or treating.The reply by the two children was oh crap we are at the obama home.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

MCGILL — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:37:44 GMT

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Nowforthetruth — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:01:16 GMT

See Barney Franks comments on the news, including face the nation last week, stating that Democrats in Congress intend to greatly raise taxes and go on a spending spree.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Mazjm_A5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJGnSAlqjoU

See http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/23617.html

And again what was Frank saying at roughly the time McCains attempt at S.190. to fix Fannie and Freddie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs

"These two entities -- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- are not facing any kind of financial crisis, the more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing."

So who really is the liar that soaked the American people?

In the exchange with "Joe the plumber" we found out that Obama really is as radical as his early political acquaintances, Davis, Ayers, Wright, etc., and that he is into the failed economic policy of wealth redistribution. Obama's tax and spending plans alone would be bad enough, but add Reid and Pelosi to the mix, with the three of them controlling both houses of Congress and the executive branch without any effective restraint, and you have something that should causes concern even among moderate Democrats.

See Wall Street Journal: A Liberal Supermajority:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122420205889842989.html

Their failed policies are what brought us to ruin. Even Bill Clinton says so. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsynspIqAoE

Obama and a supermajority of Democrats simply is not the change we need, nor is it change we can afford.

Obama's programs require him to tax, and his health care plan alone is a substantial hidden tax on all business, large an small. In reality, it does not really matter who he taxes, those taxes are going to be passed through the economy. He has to tax, because it is they only way he can pay for his massive social engineering experiments. Any first year economics student knows that taxation is a tool used to contract an economy experiencing inflation, because it reduces demand by reducing the amount of money individuals and businesses have to spend. It is contractionary, which is exactly what you do not want to do when the problem is that the economy is contracting already into recession. Like Hoover and FDR, Obama's plans will only make it worse for longer.

See e.g. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/03/opinion/main4499465.shtml

And

http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/FDR-s-Policies-Prolonged-Depression-5409.aspx

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Aspireto — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:37:04 GMT

Oh, come on. Obama made his stance quite clear. His tax policy does not discriminate hard work, it does not seek to punish hard work - it acknowledges that tax is an extremely complex subject. Does a worker without the social dexterity, or privilege to elevate themselves into a higher income - but works as hard as those who do - not deserve a level playing field? Or, are you all conforming to stereotypical meanderings, which align low pay with low effort? Clearly, that is folly.

All of these absurd 'redistribution' examples do nothing but trivialise a complex subject.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

No Bias No Bull — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:42:28 GMT

Doesn't it scare anybody, that the candidate who says I am tested and will be ready, took more than a month, when EVERYBODY was focusing on the economy to finally start talking about the issues, and I'm being kind because his closing arguments were not generated from his campaign but from a gaffe and a campaigning effort from his opponent. Are we saying that if Obama had stayed home that day and Biden had stayed on message, then he would not have had anything on the table to bring to the American people, because this is what it all sounds like to me.

Can America afford a president so out of touch, I mean really. How has he proposed to pay for his tax cuts, from thin air because I have never heard how he's going to do anything besides cut earmarks and freeze spending and if you believe that's all it will take then I do a have a bridge to sell you. The polls had to reject him first before he realized what the concerns about real people were, and we ought to trust him to luck his way out of any other potential crisis.

The country cannot afford the risk of his health, temperament, and lack of knowledge on the problems facing the average person. OVER ONE MONTH!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

HoraceOvidson — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 22:57:02 GMT

George Bush should have realized he might be tested in office. Maybe then he wouldn't have sat around and ignored warnings the CIA was giving him about a terrorist attack. 911 could have been prevented if President Bush was on the job, and not lazing around at his ranch in Crawford. And it's all been down hill from there. The point is: you alway have to be on your toes. Obama has shown through out his campaign that he is ready. He is prepared. You are not going to bambozzle him. Do you hear that John McCain. (Somebody wake Senator McCain up from his nap, please)

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:06:51 GMT

With Obama's talk about sharing the wealth here is a breakdown of the federal tax bill in terms of a restaurant bill.

The Federal Income Tax System – Food for Thought

Let’s put taxes in terms that everyone can understand. Suppose that each day

ten men go out for dinner. The bill for all ten of them is $100.00 per day.

If they paid the bill like we pay our taxes, it would go like this:

• The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing

• The fifth man would pay $1.00

• The sixth man $3.00

• The seventh man $7.00

• The eighth $12.00

• The ninth $18.00

• The tenth (the richest) $59.00

They decided to pay the bill just this way. One day however, the owner decides to reduce their bill by $20.00 a day to $80.00 a meal because they have been good customers. The men still want to pay the bill the same way but discover things aren’t quite the same anymore.

First, they decide to divvy up the money in equal shares ($3.33 each) but they soon discover a problem. The first four men still eat for free, however, the fifth and sixth men now get paid to eat which just didn’t seem fair.

The owner suggested reducing each of their daily bills by roughly the same amount but not enough to allow anyone to be paid to eat. The men agreed.

• The first five men (instead of four) now ate for free.

• The sixth man now paid $2.00 netting a 33% reduction in his bill.

• The seventh now paid $5.00 netting a 28% savings.

• The eighth now paid $9.00 netting a 25% savings.

• The ninth now paid $14.00 netting a 20% savings.

• The tenth now paid $50.00 netting a 16% savings.

Each man was better off than they were in the beginning.

But after the meal, they began to compare their savings. The 6th man complained he only got a $1.00 back out of the twenty, while the 10th man got $9.00 back. The 5th man chimed in and said he only got a $1.00 back too. He said it was grossly unfair the 10th man got 9 times more than he got back! The first four men then complained that they didn’t get any of the money crying that the system exploited them. The 7th, 8th and 9th men began to complain too! They got only $2.00, $3.00 and $4.00 back respectively, complaining the rich get all the breaks. They felt the 10th man got more than his fair share of the twenty dollars back.

The first nine men began to verbally and then physically assault the 10th man. The next night the 10th man did not show up for dinner. The other nine ate without him complaining about the 10th man throughout their dinner. When it came time to pay the bill however, they soon discovered they did not have enough money to cover the $80.00. In fact, they could not even pay half of the bill!

So, when you here politicians/people complaining about tax cuts benefiting the rich just remember - without the rich you wouldn’t have a welfare system, medicare, medicaid, social security, prescription drug programs, federal, state & local highways, research money, a military, etc… & most important of all – JOBS!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:17:25 GMT

Bush was not a his ranch lazing around. He was in an elementary school reading to a class when the attacks occurred. Maybe he should've been in the oval office using a cigar creatively. Get Real.

Clinton refused to take Bin Laden out when he was in a position yo do so. He also forced Israel to release all terrorist prisoners in the Olso Accords releasing Muhammad Atta who later crashed a plane into one of the WTC towers. If Clinton had done his job Bush would not have had to!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

BadBuoy — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:28:25 GMT

I still wonder why this uncoordinated campaign would use someone who doesn't pay taxes or tickets and operates illegally without a license; unless those demonstrate GOP values.

That slimeball, Joe the Plumber, doesn't care about taxes - he doesn't pay them.

So I disagree with this article's conclusion, this closing arguement is as stupid as the Ayers arguement when one has already chosen a running mate who has aligned herself with a terrorist organization which hates the United States.

And arguements that Barack does not have the experience ring equally hollow when coming from a campaign with such an unabashed airhead on the ticket.

At least Obama has the steady temperment and hasn't been self-serving in making unAmerican comments when convenient as was found of McCain in 1992's Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA's.

http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/954

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:45:43 GMT

The values you mention clearly make up most of the democratic base. In addition, Obama could not serve as a federal law enforcement officer due to his past and present affiliations. Ironic isn't it he could not guard the president but he can be the president SCARY!!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:47:42 GMT

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

rpwill22 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:06:31 GMT

With Obama's talk about sharing the wealth here is a breakdown of the federal tax bill in terms of a restaurant bill.

The Federal Income Tax System – Food for Thought

Let’s put taxes in terms that everyone can understand. Suppose that each day

ten men go out for dinner. The bill for all ten of them is $100.00 per day.

If they paid the bill like we pay our taxes, it would go like this:

• The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing

• The fifth man would pay $1.00

• The sixth man $3.00

• The seventh man $7.00

• The eighth $12.00

• The ninth $18.00

• The tenth (the richest) $59.00

The owner then suggested that they reduce each of their daily bills by 20% which is what he had done. The men agreed.

• The first four men still ate for free.

• The fifth man now paid $1.8 netting a 20% reduction in his bill.

• The sixth now paid $2.8 netting a 20% savings.

• The seventh now paid $6.30 netting a 20% savings.

• The eighth now paid $10.80 netting a 20% savings.

• The ninth now paid $16.20 netting a 20% savings.

• The tenth now paid $53.10 netting a 20% savings.

Each man was better off than they were in the beginning.

And they continued to meet for meals as friends just like they had before. Soon, the men who had been eating for free were able to improve their lot and began to pay as well.

This scenario is far more likely than John Dough's.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:10:49 GMT

Badbuoy

Palin is not a member of of any terrorist or American hate group. This is pure ultra left wing propaganda. In addition, name one attack against the United States that this group ever committed. William Ayers on the other hand was a member of the terrorist group the Weather Underground and they did bomb buildings including the captial of the United States No Comparison.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:27:24 GMT

rpwill22 lives in democratic fantasy land. The wealthy will move more of the money into tax sheltered investments leading to a reduction in federal tax dollars. Remember federal revenue declines every time the democrats raise taxes. Federal tax revenue tripled under Reagan but with a democartic congress he had to compromise and spend more than he wanted. Revenue stagnated under Clinton but the GOP Congress cut spending reduced welfare roles and balanced the budget like they said they would in the Contract with America. Tax revenue under Bush doubled. Bush's big problem was he tried to out spend the democrats abandoning GOP princicples in an effort to boast his ratings. Regressive tax increases work just like prison rehabilitation!!! They don't work!!! The last democrat to realize that tax cuts actually are beneficial was Kennedy He cut taxes by nearly 30%. Johnson reversed that and had a 71% top end federal tax rate. Look at the mess that made. By the time Carter was president unemployment approached 10%, home mortgage rates were at 17%, Gas lines were everywhere and tax revenue was down considerably. Reagan slashed taxt rates and revenue soared. If our govt. worked as hard to cut spending as they do to increase taxes we could have a 10% income tax rate.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:38:59 GMT

rpwill22:

You missed the point of the restaurant story. The Number ten guy (top1% in income) already pays 59% of bill. When spending was cut even though it benefited everyone those below the nuber 10 guy complained he got to much back. SOUND FAMIILIAR the BUSH TAX CUTS were for the rich yet it is clear those with less money got a higher percentage of their earnings back. In your scenrio you fail to note that your guy Obama will not reduce the cost for #10 but increase it making him less likely to eat with the rest of us. GET IT!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

abe4600 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:41:36 GMT

We had probably the most disastrous 8 years in this country's history. It is time for a change and to throw out all those corrupted Reps out of White House and congress!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

akfishin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:42:59 GMT

Are you telling me Obama is telling the truth here? The man doesn't know the

truth if it slapped him in the face. Here is a great "change of mind" for you people of

Obama. Wake up for God's sake!

http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Alt/alt.sports.football.pro.ne-patriots/2008-06/msg01640.html

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 01:02:31 GMT

Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate in 2004 Obama opposed

reparations for slavery. After his election, Obama subtly changed his

view, stating he was against "just signing over checks to African-

Americans," leaving open the possibility of other forms of reparations

would be acceptable to him (Chicago Tribune 11/14/2004).

Recently, Obama has stated that an organized and responsible program

for reparations needs to be implemented.

"This will only amount to a few dollars each month", said Obama.

"The families affected will not even know the difference, it is the

right thing to do. We can bring change and hope to the disaffected

with this positive action."

"Each White family will only have to give a few pennies each day, the

$450,000 can be paid over 20, 30 or 40 years, there will be no impact

on their finances. With this donation to fairness, equality will be

achieved and the change will bring hope to the disenfranchised."

"We all can believe in this change for the future of America, we will

change the divisiveness of the political process and unite behind me."

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Kuni_Leml — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 01:27:52 GMT

Why is any sane person trying to make a fuss out of Biden’s comments regarding the new President being tested?

Lieberman said the exact same thing lot that long ago.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/29/ftn/main4217516.shtml

Lieberman: U.S. May Be Attacked In 2009

McCain Supporter Says Terrorists Have Tested New Presidents By Launching Attacks In First Year Of Term . . .

And that the Bush administration warned both campaigns that similar would happen.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/3224481/Barack-Obamas-team-is-briefed-by-Bush-staff-on-after-warnings-about-a-terrorist-attack.html

Barack Obama's team is briefed by Bush staff after warnings about a terrorist attack . . .

. . . the assessment is that someone will try something. . .

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 01:28:45 GMT

My previous post is from the website in akfishin's post. I oppose reparations to any group. I have never mistreated anyone and do not agree that I should somehow have to pay for the sins of our forefathers. When my family immigrated here they were mistreated too. I do not want nor do I expect any kind of payment from the descendants of those who mistreated them. This is just another tax hidden in an attempt to cause guilt ridden reparation acceptance. A tax is a tax is a tax!!!

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

spatulars — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 01:55:42 GMT

Obama is advocating a return to pre-Bush tax levels. McCain opposed Bush lowering these taxes in the beginning of the Bush administration. Before Bush, the economy was strong and there was not a debilitating deficit. It's obvious that Bush's little economic experiment is a failure, and for McCain to continue with it now would be disastrous. Obama is not a socialist, as he supports private ownership and accumulation of profits. What he does support are the same Keynesian demand-side economics that got us out of the Great Depression in the 30's. It's simple... lower taxes in lower classes to increase demand in services and industry. In this sense, "spreading the wealth" IS better for everybody. A small business may pay $200 more a year in taxes, but if they do $10,000 more business, it's a win-win situation even for the wealthy.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

because_i_can — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:21:48 GMT

One of the very few writers willing to critique politicians of either color. Though I personally believe he is a Democratic supporter (Presidential race only); he acknowledges when McCain is correct and when Obama is wrong - and vice-versa. It is truly refreshing to hear a writer critique each party according to merit rather than partisanship. Romano is truly the last of a dying breed of great reporters.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

John Dough — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:24:30 GMT

That is preciously what Bush did, the lowest 40% of Americans pay no taxes now. Obama plans to give them rebates. He is promising tax cuts to 95% of Americans all the while knowing he is going to reverse the Bush tax cuts. This is his big lie!!! The expiration of those tax cuts are going to raise federal income taxes by over 5% for those making over 30K a year When Clinton left office the tax on a 30K income was $8400 - it is $4500 under Bush. The lowest wage earners got the largest tax benefit per capita under the Bush plan period. You cant lie your way out of that. Checkk the tax tables!!!.By the way when Bush came into office we were in recession and unemployment was a full point higher then it is now with all this economic turmoil that is happenin right now. The Keynesian plan you mention ie government make work jobs created by Roosevelt are now believed to have extended the depression years longer than it would have lasted had he simply did nothing. WWII ended the depression not Roosevelt. Nearly all economists agree he extended it.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

spatulars — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:54:41 GMT

I don't know where you are getting your numbers, but I am one of those "lowest 40%" and I certainly pay income taxes. I won't be in this bracket for long, but I certainly know what I pay now. Obama's tax tables make it clear: income taxes will be lower than Bush and McCain for anyone making under 250,000 dollars. Read for yourself on his website and others. The Keynesian plan was flawed in some ways, but demand-side tax cuts is not flawed and it does create a healthy more balanced economy. What we have had under the Bush administration is a shift of the tax burden straight onto the lower classes. According to the Government Accountability Office, most corporations pay zero income taxes. We live in a world where employees pay much more taxes than their employers. There's nothing American about that. Furthermore, this additional tax burden on the Americans who fuel our service-based economy coupled with poor oversight that has led to extensive outsourcing and loss of jobs is the fundamental root cause of the poor performance in our economy. When Obama equalizes the tax burden the spending power of the majority of Americans will grow, and this will spur balanced economic growth that won't collapse like the poorly regulated real estate banking industry did.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

rlasorsa — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:56:01 GMT

I blame all of this on the McCain Campaign - possibly the worse run presidential campaign of all time time. The Democrats put forth the most liberal, radical, and dangerous Presidential Candidate ever AND the Democrats cause one of the worse economic problems in the last 50 years. We should have destroyed the Democrats this year: keeping the Presidency and taking back the House and the Senate. This inept and incompetent campaign that Senator McCain is running is going to leave us with a socialist President and the most liberal Congress in the history of the United States.

This is what happens when the Republicans run a "left-of-center", somewhat liberal Presidential Candidate like Senator McCain. He has spent more time degrading and insulting his own party than going after the Democrats. This whole campaign has been an absolute disgrace.

Because of this incompetent campaign people like my family are going to drastically suffer:

(1) We are barely getting by each month as it is now and our taxes are going to go up.

(2) Our retirement plans are down at least 30% (by the way, why haven't they gone after Obama on this: the reason the stock market is "tanking" is because it is anticipating an Obama Presidency!)

(3) Our health insurance costs have triple in the last two years and will probably double again in 2009.

(4) Even though our house has gone down 40% in value, our property taxes will be raised through "special assessments."

(5) Violent crime, which is already extremely high in this area, will go up tremendously because of the amount of illegal Mexicans that are not here to work - they are here to steal and transport drugs (this is another area I wish the McCain Campaign would do something about: where ever there is a high population of illegal Mexicans there is also a high level of violent crime - all the studies show this, and people like us here in Southern California live with it daily, but the McCain campaign will not say anything about it because they think that it would be racist or they have some other ridiculous reason for not addressing this major problem). How many more illegal Mexican criminals will come here under an Obama Presidency? MILLIONS!!!!

(6) Our small business employers are cutting their work forces each month - it will probably only be a matter of time until my wife and I both lose our jobs.

(7) I foresee our electrical and other utility bills doubling in 2009 as Obama pushes through his idiotic "green" policies.

Quite frankly, I am scared and I do not know how my family is going to survive.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

akfishin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:23:30 GMT

I blame all the voters of Obama for putting an Anti-American in our White House!! This will divide the United States, it already has. Do you have any idea how angry McCain supporters are with the people who are so closed minded and voting for Obama? Don't you think taking the American Flag off of his plane should have given you a clue that he is Anti-American? How about all his Anti-American friends? And yet we are the ones who are called radicals. Well your damn right I am radical then! How dare you put a proven Anti-American in command!

Check out these FACTS! If you think the site is rediculous, then will you please go search the lie that is discussed? For the love of our Country!!

http://www.usawakeup.org/obama.htm

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

spatulars — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:25:55 GMT

Do you know what the term "socialist" means? To be socialist, Obama would have to oppose capitalism, private ownership, and accumulation of profits. He opposes none of these things, therefore, Obama is not a socialist. "Destroying the democrats" is rather testy rhetoric, however you can see by looking at other countries of the world that liberal ideas thrive and are successful, accounting for countries with the highest standards of living, lowest crime rates, highest education success rates, and thriving capitalist industry. It isn't liberalism that you have to fear, but the kind of stupidity and corruption that has overtaken our government in the past 8 years. McCain is too old and too confused to help you, but Obama has the kind of critical thinking that it takes to come up with real solutions.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

akfishin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 03:37:11 GMT

Meant to put this site up. Thank you

http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/?p=79

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

The Hammer — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:17:33 GMT

I'm amazed at many of the comments I've read here tonight. Are so many of you blinded by your party affiliation or your sheer stupidy ? Do you understand that there are ways to confirm what your canidate is saying is true or not. Some of the top economic minds have reviewed each of the proposals and have stated that Obama's will give the average person[ that's the 95 % of working folks] the better break. Now when I say you can check your facts, use a real independent site not like www.wakeup.org or other RNC approved sites. So many of you can truly make a difference, instead your line up like sheep. Why are you so against change ? Why would you believe a man who bragged not so long ago that he voted with Bush 90 % of the time. America was built as the one place were everone could come and not be condemed for their differences . Who are these people ? Surprise..... their you and me. Being an American is being not afraid to try, not to be ashamed to be different, not being afraid to speak up. What happened to that America. The last time this country was really excited was 1968, fourty years ago. We all know how that turned out, NIXON. Don't get caught up in your fathers politics.....read, compare, and remember. Obama 08

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

redrooster — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:59:59 GMT

I am so dissapointed by this election season, It is sad that Bush is seen as the evil one. Everything really goes through Congress, and Congress is Democratically controlled, and really it is the Democrats that have ruined our economy. Go Vote Republican and protect freedom into this country and to keep our American Flag the way it is! I am worried that we will get Obama's flag that he has pasted everywhere. Isn't it funny that he doesn't wear the flag we have now, but has his own designer flag. I am sure we will get a new flag if Obama is elected. That will be our change.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

spatulars — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:15:38 GMT

The congress has been Democratic for 2 years, but these problems have been developing long before that. Bush could have done the right thing when he was in office. He could have been responsible. He could have made informed, intelligent decisions. He didn't, he wasn't, and now we're all worse off for it. So yeah, he's been an awful president. And no, Obama won't change the flag.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

Hopeisalive08 — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 06:41:23 GMT

You give him way too much credit. McCain has taken potentially good points and blown them by trying to oversell.... so spreading the wealth becomes socialism, or to Palin, communism. And, as you can expect, the film has been found of McCain saying the SAME THING in 2000. I've been surprised the pundits rarely bring up what I considered to be the true tipping point in this campaign, and that was McCain's visit to The View where Joy Behar called him a liar, and the MSM picked up on it for the next week or so. Those impressions are still out there -- people just don't believe McCain nor trust him. THAT is the key difference.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

A.N.A — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:13:13 GMT

McCain may loose the election, but it is sure that in the last days mainly concentrating on economy and foreign policy will bring some positive result. -A.N.A.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

jack trudel — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:12:00 GMT

Who is John McCain? On Meet the Press (again) McCain does his Michael Flatley two-step through years of contradictory statements made by,,,drum roll... John McCain. His mantra has been "I fought for this and that, I forsaw this, I predicted that..." My question is, why didn't he do something about it if his powers of prognostication were so good? Because if what he himself said was true, hindsight has shown just how ineffective a politician McCain was at gathering support and building a consensus. So we should elect him President on that record?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

pugs — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:21:51 GMT

Thank You Andrew Romano you write very well too bad this season it had to get caught in the very Biased arena.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

DaveWK — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:59:18 GMT

Andrew, are you still watching and listening? Every day McCain belies your interpretation with new wild swings in his attempt to land a lucky punch. As an example, he's now on the attack against.... President Bush! www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27386775/ That's a bit ironic, as he admits he voted with Bush, particularly in his failed economic and fiscal policies, over 90% of the time. He has a new, and once again proven false, assault on Obama to the effect he already has his inaugural speech written. ABC News points out that the basis for this is something written by a campaign worker and published months ago which was not Obama's doing. ABC concludes that McCain's accusations are "far fetched." www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/26/2401617.htm And of course McCain and Palin continue the Bill Ayers drumbeat, long after FactCheck.Org and every other independent entity which has looked into it has concluded that there was no close relationship between Obama and Ayers, and that McCain and Palin's suggestions to the contrary are disingenuous. So Andrew, if you conclude you were giving the McCain too much credit for consistency, will you admit it in your blog?

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

MCGILL — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:40:12 GMT

WOW have you seen the news today first we have some bimbo stating obama has been tested and has proven himself ! Wrong bimbo he has only had minor test and failed them horribly as did biden.When asked hard questions that require honest answers these to ultra liberals go into hiding.When a very intelligent news anchor asked biden about obamas socialist policies he chocked and will no longer allow interviews as will obama with this station.They do not want to play anymore because she asked a hard question.A socialist obama presidency will threaten the security as well as economic freedom of this nation.President Bush has made many mistakes and led this country down the wrong path obama will simply finish us off he is like the coyote waiting for the lamb. Let us not take the path of destruction and allow this flag hating terrorist loving socialist have the pleasure of dismantling this great nation.

re: Assessing McCain's Closing Argument

nickgr — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 19:28:42 GMT

A few comments...

Socialism = redistribution of wealth.

They claim they take it from the rich & give it to the poor.

In reality,they take it from everybody & spend it through the Disneyland of socialism,the public sector.

So,every redistributionist .like Obama,like at least the left - wing Dems,is a socialist.

As for " voted 95% with Bush ",it is similar to "human DNA is 97% same to ape DNA ".

It is not meaningful statistics.It is bad politics.