What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

swils10 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:59:13 GMT

By picking Sarah Palin, John McCain showed a type of weakness that he had not previously demonstrated. He caved to the base of the Republican Party in a way that was depressing to those Republican leaning independent voters. If he had chosen Tom Ridge, he could have painted Barack Obama as just another liberal Democrat and been credible with the centrist voter bloc. Now he just seems like any generic Republican stuck in the shadow of the profligate expander of government, George Bush. I am one of those Pennsylvania voters that would have happily voted McCain/Ridge. Now I am reluctantly pushing the lever for Obama. YOU ARE RIGHT!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

tbourlon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:10:53 GMT

I think you're dead wrong - Ridge would have hurt McCain WAY more than Palin. Ridge does NOT represent change, and he is too tied to the Bush administration. McCain may be pro-life, but he does not have good credentials with the pro-life base of the party, and that's a sizeable base. Palin shored THAT support up. If McCain had gone with Ridge, he would have lost that entire part of the base, more than just a few people staying home. Don't forget, that pro-life base re-elected Bush, so you don't want to alienate them.

Having said all that, I think he should have gone with Bobby Jindahl. Maybe Bobby was telling the truth when he said he didn't want the job.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

bonzo117 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:21:23 GMT

You briefly mention Ridge's resume, but do not delve very deeply into it. With his previous work in the Department of Homeland Security, wouldn't his ties to the Bush administration make him too much of an insider? It easily provides Obama more fodder to suggest that McCain is not truly an agent for change and, based on that alone, doesn't do anything to energize the base. To be sure, it would have been a safe choice, but considering McCain's response to the econmomic crisis has done more to boost Obama's polling numbers than his VP selection, the net effect of picking Ridge would probably have resulted in a slightly smaller lead for Obama in Pennsylvania.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

jetoney — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:29:26 GMT

As a nominal Republican distrusted by much of his own party, McCain had two unattractive choices: pick someone like Palin to shore up the party "base" and risk alienating moderates, or pick a moderate like Ridge and risk alienating the base. Had he made the latter choice, chances are that we would all be asking, "Should McCain have picked Mike Huckabee or Bobby Jindal?" I think that his best shot was to pick someone like Jindal who is beloved by the evangelicals, yet still has the competence and credentials to appeal to moderates.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

CallmeKong — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:01:12 GMT

I am a hardcore republican...I came from a very strong Military family background. But because of Palin, alot of my republicans friends including myself will vote for Obama in this election simply because Mc Cain picked Sarah Palin. Just like Andrew Roman mention on this article that Sarah Palin will excite the republican base, but is NOT enough to win over independents. If Mc Cain pick someone else in the republican party, like Tom Ridge for example. With his pro life agenda wouldnt make the republican base too happy about, but still they not gonna vote for Obama because of that reason, would they??? So i think is a very very bad judgment on senator Mc Cain for pick Sarah Palin. People were saying that Palin worry for herself image and may be leading the new republican party in the future. I dont think so, 65% of the American people are scare to death that one day she will become a president of the United states!!!!!!!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Omnius — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:06:42 GMT

An excellent article Andrew but there is one big fly in your ointment. You forgot that Ridge was a "Warmonger" Bush appointee and he would have tainted McNasty with the stench of Bush/Cheney. Yeah he would have been handy in Pennsylvania but would not have excited those outside the state. Considering how Obama is turning so many red states True Blue Pennsylvania would not have made a difference in the final outcome. McNasty made the huge mistake to buck Conventional Wisdom by running to his base instead of the middle in the general election. Nope Ridge would not have made a difference in the final outcome considering that the economy melted down when it did.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ljw54321 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:08:29 GMT

McCain's choice of Palin was pure political calculation, and McCain was doing long division by hand. He got it wrong. There was no need to "shore up the base". The religious right is one of the most loyal partisan voting blocks in America. McCain gambled on an unknown and went bust. McCain was polling slightly ahead until America got to know Palin better. Her incessant babbling when answering simple questions along with her caustic, divisive rhetoric are definitely not what America wants in the white house, especially following 8 years of Bush. We'll never know if choosing Tom Ridge would have been enough to carry McCain over the top. McCain's mismanagement of the campaign would probably have been enough to doom him to failure all by itself

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

CallmeKong — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:16:27 GMT

You said we never know if choosing Tom Ridge would have been enough to carry McCain over the top??? Of course its worth a try now than what we have dealing with Sarah Palin at this moment! I think the poll will be much closer than we see today!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

prt1231 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:24:09 GMT

Sarah Palin is the reason that I, a registered republican, am NOT voting for McCain. She is a total airheaded bimbo. She has disgraced the party by showing how really ignorant she is about everything. "I can see Russia from my back porch" is just a prime example of her stupidity. If she thinks she has a future with the party she needs to quit smoking dope. We would be better off with Joe Liberman.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

sothicknhard07 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:25:55 GMT

Of course any idiot could see what McCain did when he picked Palin it was truly a slap in the face of those hardcore Hillary and Feminist because he did it to gain that group of women who wanted Hillary as President or Vice President. It was a shrewed move had Palin been more dominant and strong willed like Clinton, but not as overbearing. But it back fired in his face. I see why Obama decided not to have Hillary as his vice, and that's because Hillary is a Maverick and she would been more of a President over Barack as opposed to a vice president, which in turn would have caused a lot of issued within the White House and Party, Ala Bill Clinton. Subsequently, McCain didn't think any of this through and he has not been thinking in his right mind even before his selection. He claims that Barack wants to win at any cost, but in hindsight, in my opinion Barack has been playing it cool ever since. He has his ducks in a row and he has focused more on the campaign, the issues and other aspects of this candidacy. McCain has constantly pointed fingers, accused and basically used Sarah Palin to his advantage as more of a bullying pit bull who he sent to do his dirty deeds by corrupting and trying to poison the minds of the American people with untruths that Barack has already addressed. Yet over and over again these two have constantly went out on the scene adding fuel to an already angry and racially divided group to cause a mob scene at his rally's as opposed to talking about the issues and anything of relevancy. It just goes to show that a pretty face does not always get the job done. He should be ashamed at how he "used" Sarah Palin instead of "utilizing" her.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

dsmb2007 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:29:56 GMT

Palin's only real benefit was to excite the base. But here's my question. It seems to me the main reason the base is excited now is because they are freaking out about the possibility of a socialist Muslim in the Whtie House (very conspiracy theoryish). One would think, if these people really thought that a socialist Muslim was close to winning, they would be freaking out regardless of who is the VP pick. Or, did Palin use her influence to cause these people to be afraid that a socialist Muslim is their other choice, people who would otherwise not believe the conspiracy theories unless they came from someone like her? It seems to me a number of VP picks could have just as easily made those accusations causing the same fear mongering? After all, a socialist Muslim is a socialist Muslim, and we can't have that now, can we?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Ehreval — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:30:16 GMT

You're right on the money: The base was always going to vote for McCain, just as they'd have voted for practically anyone the Republicans nomanated. (Ditto for the Democrats' base and Obama.)

However, Palin's made it all but impossible for anyone outside the base to vote for McCain with a clear conscience. She is:

1) Without significant experience, including forethought -- until the moment of her nomination she professed a deep disinterest in national issues.

2) Without honor -- her track record of regularly abusing the power of her elected office to pursue private vendettas is truly chilling. And that's if we ignore the stories whispered at the edges, like who *really* built that multi-million dollar home that she says Todd and a few buddies threw together. (Those few buddies were probably the contractors who'd been awarded bids by Palin on the new venue just a few miles away.

3) Outside the religious mainstream -- possibly the only candidate for high office in this country to ever receive a blessing against witchcraft.

4) Secretive in a way that would make Nixon and Bush Jr. proud.

5) Incompetant at dealing with the press.

6) Willing to sink even lower than McCain in the contest to see who can munge enough lies from the bottom of the barrel and bring them up to the surface in her pearly teeth.

7) A bigger prima donna than John "Breck Girl" Edwards. $500 haircuts? How about a $22,000 makeup artist?

8) Barely within the law -- To my understanding, the clothing purchase was legal because the RNC did it, rather than the McCain campaign, itself. But I could be misreading the law.

9) Palling around with anti-American terrorists -- Her flirtations with the Alaska Independence Party are pretty shaky for someone running on a national pride gambit -- and the leader of that party blew himself up while trying to make homemade explosives.

10) An insult to anyone with a brain -- Most people I know have put more thought into national issues than she has, can answer tough questions like "Which newspapers do you read?" and don't use their jobs to punish their personal enemies. But "She's just like us!"

How many strikes does one person need before she's out?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

hotsummer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:32:33 GMT

I think the Republican does not stand a chance this year beacuse of the economic meltdown. Whoever the VP pick maybe or the presidential candidate. The Democrats will dominate this election. That's is the reality and Iam not a Democrat supporters.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

radiantenergies — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:39:02 GMT

I am not sure that Ridge wanted to be on the ticket with McCain, considering that McCain is not a war here, but a military failure by all accounts from school to service. Crashing 5 jets and then doing a wet start when it was his turn to take off, igniting a missile on the jet behind him, and then killing 132 fellow servicemen, before being whisked away off the USS Forrestal, is not heroic at all.

Too much is being covered up by McCain and then consider his age and demeanor and the list goes on. Look up arrogance disease and tell me what better poster child than McCain?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Politicswithagrin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:59:50 GMT

Maybe all the Joe the Plumber talk is McCain's Freudian way of telling us he wishes Joe Lieberman were his running mate.

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

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Nymkosis — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:47:07 GMT

Radiantenergies-

I couldn't agree more, I thought I was the only one who knew that information about Mcfake war hero!!! Im not going to take away from the man's military service, his willing to serve his country and die for his country if need be i.e.( P.O.W.) If people really knew about his military maverick service, crashing 5 jets and setting off one of his own missles that killed over a hundred service men, I don't hear McAss or Miss Alaska bragging about that!!!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

CallmeKong — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:47:33 GMT

Bottomline is no matter you like or dislike Obama, he is gonna win this election and be the next African American President of the United States and thast is the real thing! You guys can argue as much as you want, disagree as much as you want...but on Nov 5, you will see every frontpage of the news network in America and the world with Obama picture on it!!!!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Fisherman144 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:47:50 GMT

What if the 'October Surprise' is dropping Palin and substituting Ridge or Leiberman? I wonder what the American voters would do? I, for one, would consider that the worst political move the GOP ever made except for allowing Palin to run with Little John.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

podrockly — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:50:08 GMT

I believe that McCain loves this country. And I believe he thinks it was moving in the wrong direction under his party’s leadership. He claims to be a maverick and parts with his party’s views on a number of issues. This is one of the reasons people were attracted to him during the primary elections.

I just wonder if his love of Country is so great that he purposely chose Sarah Palin as a running mate knowing that he would then have NO CHANCE of EVER winning the presidential election; thus, throwing the election to force change.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

dadofcheese — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:52:01 GMT

I know Tom Ridge well. I went to school with him, and lived a few doors from him. He is "the real thing". And a regular guy. As a moderate Republican, he would have helped McCain win Pennsylvania, and they would have been more competitive in several other states.

As a Democrat, I was so happy when I heard that McCain had chosen Palin as his VP running mate. I knew that McCain had shown more bad judgement that helped Obama greatly.

It is obviously not clear wheter McCain would have won the election with Tom Ridge, because he is such a weak candidate. But for sure, it would have been much closer.

Tom: come over to the Democratic side - we would appreciate you!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

lalaura — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:53:57 GMT

I for one would rather any decently alert and knowledgable Republican on the ticket than Sarah Palin.

So many of this country's current problems stem from a President that sits back and expects problems to resolve themselves (i.e. Hurricane Katrina, energy deregulation fiasco in Ca., pursuit of Osama bin Laden, war in Iraq), or expects pond scum ethics to fade in favor of taking the high road (i.e.Enron/Adelphia/Tyco/Worldcom and the current fiasco of financial managers packaging and trading of mixed quality mortgages).

This country simply cannot afford another President who does not have the capability or is not inclined to study the facts enough to make critical decisions. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but this country has a long, terrible dark tunnel to walk before we get there. Shortsighted, uneducated decisions, under and over estimations, inactivity can make the next several years even worse than they appear now.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ikie12pts — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:19:26 GMT

Mitt Romney should have been far superior. Actually, any of these men would have (I am a woman and a feminist, but Sarah Palin embarrasses educated women everywhere...and her future son-in-law's webpage is a disgrace. Her "first Dude" husband is a joke on all of the Republicans. What was McCain thinking? Bill Buckley and Barry Goldwater are spinning in their graves!!!!!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

vstillwell — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:23:25 GMT

Come on Andrew. She's the future of the party. She's Reagan 2.0. She's the heart of Republicanism.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

paulte — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:27:44 GMT

Ridge would have been a good pick if he were not pro-choice. When McCain was making noises about picking Ridge, I sent a nasty gram to his campaign, I think many pro-lifers did as well. Then McCain backed off. I still would have voted for a McCain-Ridge ticket over an Obama-Biden one but I would have not sent any more money. I wasn't keen on Palin when I first heard McCain picked her since it smacked of diversity which I detest. But I've come to accept Sarah as others have abandoned her. I think she is smart and saavy and has energized the base. As far as her inexperience goes, that is relative. Yes, she is inexperienced to be president just like Obama is. So it's a draw except that she is in the second slot where Obama belongs.

I think McCain has a fighting chance based upon whitelandia coming out for him in a clinch. Where I live in Sussex County NJ I have noticed a plethora of McCain-Palin signs and very few Obama signs. I hope the doctoring of the polls by the liberal media will get the whites to come out in droves for McCain to counteract the liberal lies about this great popularity for Obama. Obama is just an empty suit. Where does anyone come off declaring for president after just two years in the Senate. Wake up America, this clown is just using you for his career path!

And who wants to see Oprah Winfrey as First Guest in the White House? She and Michelle will be shucking and jivving and slapping each other on the back and calling each other girlfriend!!!!!!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

timtx01 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:33:43 GMT

I believe this article has nailed the reason why McCain is in his current position. As a gay man who is also politically moderate, I held back from rushing to judgement about the candidates. On the one hand Obama will be much more friendly toward me and the rights I believe gay Americans still get short shrift on. But on the other hand, I believe it's important for the country to be strong and government to stay out of its citizens' pocketbooks and personal lives. I wanted to see McCain swing to the middle--i.e., away from the rightwing George Bush base--before I could feel comfortable voting for him. But in choosing Palin he went so far the other way that it sealed my vote for Obama. I like McCain personally, but there is no way I would vote for a ticket where Palin could end up being President. She's too religious, too whacky, too convinced her way is right and everyone else's is wrong. I've had enough of that with 8 yrs of George Bush, so my vote goes to Obama.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

timtx01 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:36:13 GMT

What a shame to see that for people like "paulte", sheer unbridled racism remains a determining factor in their vote.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

whatisreal? — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:40:32 GMT

RIdge may have made the election closer, though the base of the republican party would not have been so happy with that pick. Palin was all about the base, and was a terrible misjudgement if they thought anybody outside of the base would go for her. She is a dumbed down version of Bush, and more dangerous. Incompetence that doesn't blink is SCARY!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Bigsky007 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:42:28 GMT

Had Ridge or Romney been on McCain's ticket the GOP campaign would have been one of greater integrity, promise and trust with virtually no controversy. As it now stands, one has to really question McCain's decision-making, judgment and, in view of his POW/torture status, his very mental acumen.

How many of you can be chosen to fill any job if you were under investigation, especially if your ethics were being questioned? What do you think of a person, McCain, who would pick such a person the fill the second highest office in the land? What does that say about his views about ethical standards as well as his judgment?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:54:08 GMT

Nobody reads long comments.

Keep them short.

One name-dropping was right.

McCain should cast Lieberman.

I guess that even Reps agree that Palin was wrong choice...

She was supposed to be the anti-Hillary & make Hillary's Dem women crossover to her.

She fails in that task.

If Obama wins ,McCain's campain will go down in history as the "loser's campain"...

Pops did everything to lose,even...applauded Obama,as being " a patriot " etc...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ConstitutionalLiberty — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:57:35 GMT

It seems that the writer might underestimate the value of a vote for life ... it isn't necessary a vote for or against a particular political platform, it is a vote of conscience. We would rather risk living in a car than face God and justify a vote in favor of killing babies. The base of the Republican Party is Anti-Abortion and Governor Ridge as a V.P. choice would have sent the base either running for cover (stay home on Tuesday) or running to Chuck Baldwin.

I believe choosing [former] Governor Ridge would have been a net gain, but not enough to change the appearance of the electoral map as stands, today - understanding that the race isn't quite yet over. Adding Governor Ridge would have very little, if any impact on the anti-war supporters of Senator Obama.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

whatisreal? — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:58:23 GMT

paulte: I had to laugh at what you wrote, you should be on the Bill O'Rielly show as his personal secretary. That way somebody may believe the crap you wrote

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

jsteve7 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:00:41 GMT

Wow, what would we do without all this brilliant insight from Andrew Romano? If McCain picked someone else, things would be different. Holly mackerel, what a scoop!! The fact is, the Sara Palin pick will go down as the most brain dead, idiotic pick in the history of presidential politics. But it’s more than that. It was a pathetically cynical ploy to appeal to women, appeal to the wing nuts, and look mavericky. The republican’s distain for what they call elitism has lead to an actual distain for education and intelligence. This pick is basically an in your face, take that, to all the smarty pantses out there that did well in school and aren’t content to simply be rich lawyers and grub for money and bitch about taxes. Well guess what, sitting in the smoldering ruins from over 7 years of republican rule, people today actually want, if not expect, their next leaders to be, now prepare yourself – SMARTER AND MORE EDUCATED THAN THEY ARE!. But maybe most important of all, they now want someone who doesn’t look at government as the enemy.

So Andrew, why don’t you stop wasting everyone’s time writing completely irrelevant what if articles stating the obvious. That fact is, if McCain had picked almost ANYONE other than Palin he would be doing better than his now.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:01:00 GMT

Even the "christian right " accepts the nessecity to water down their stance,so as to get leftwing Rep & Indy votes...

So,keep the faith but be realistic too...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

whatisreal? — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:02:28 GMT

nickgr: In agreement...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

RC2133 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:06:14 GMT

In 2000, McCain/Ridge would have been the presidential dream team. Tom Ridge is an exceptional politician who has a long record of being a good person who is mindful of his consistuent's needs, faithful to his own beliefs and respectful to his counterparts regardless of their political philosophies. For these reasons he has been a great congressman, governor and trailblazer as the Secratary of Homeland Security.

I think very higly of Tom Ridge. I believe he brings a lot of influence and a strong background, but don't think that he would be a game changer in this 2008 election.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

tim_horstmann — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:09:01 GMT

the fact of the matter is that the base of the Republican party would never have allowed McCain to select someone like Ridge, who is (nominally) pro-choice, as the VP candidate, much less someone like Lieberman. There is simply no room in the Republican party any more for anyone who does not subscribe to the narrow ultraconservative pro-life view point. Which is sad, because as polls have shown, the majority of Americans hold Ridge's view: abortion legal, but strictly limited in scope and use.

And I disagree with the Romney-as-VP argument. He had his own baggage, and, for many conservative republicans, the mormon thing was unfortunately a deal breaker.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

AverageAmerican1 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:12:03 GMT

All you Democrat leaning sheep had better get those Obamam pom-poms of the National Media out of your eyes and look at the facts for your self!

Gov. Palin is herself much more qualified to be President than Obama! Watch this quick clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8zXi90EVeg

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think McCain is the best choice for President, however, Obama is by FAR the worst choice for President! Even his own running mate has told us over and over again that he is too dangerous for the country! When are you going to listen? After we invade Pakistan like he said he would do during the debates?

We Americans have to take responsibility and work through this hard time! We can’t spend or tax our way out of it! We must elect McCain if we stand a chance at all of heading off a depression and further world conflict!

Come on, even you Democrats have to admit, there are far more qualified people in your Party than Obama. The one trait that got Obama his nomination was his RECORD of voting obedience to the Party. So for you who can’t see what is happening, the Democratic Party is making a bid for the Oval Office, it’s not just Obama. He will only be a puppet for the Democratic Party, doing their bidding.

Remember now, the Democratic Party has controlled Congress for the last 2 years and has an approval rating that is 1/2 of President Bush’s! Just look what they’ve done to our country in those two short years! And that’s fighting against an opposition Administration! Think what will happen to the country if these same chukleheads gain control of it all!

They will long for President Bush’s approval ratings! And you and I will pay the price for decades to come!

— Average American

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

eps0609 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:12:21 GMT

it is sad, but if McCain was really the Maverick he claims, he would have chosen Ridge or Leiberman (although Leiberman is a slimmy snake) or someone that Karl Rove had not seleted for him. It is proof that McCain can't really think for himself and became a slave to the very party that he claims to defy when it is convenient. This would have been the perfect time to stand up and not cave to the extreme right. The very extreme right who hated him in previous elections and really doesn't like him now, but McCain is all they have, so they deal with him. Poor man...after several tries, it appears he won't get another chance. A smarter man or campaign would know they need not seek the vote of the right, because the right is so stupid, they will vote for a COW, as long as it is a republican cow, but get a running mate that would bring in the NEW VOTE, the INDEPENDENT VOTE, THE THINK MAN'S VOTE, not the people lead by a paper string vote.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

brook32 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:13:02 GMT

McCain's pick of Gov. Palin as his running mate was strictly pandering to the social conservatives of the Republican Party, the base that will never vote any other way than Republican, and women who voted for Sen. Clinton in the primary. I'm sure that in the minds of Republican party strategists (including Mr. Kristol), this was a twofer - energize the base, as in past elections, and appeal to women who were angry at Obama for winning the primary. How arrogant of these strategists, and believe me men were making these decisions, that Sarah Palin would appeal to smart, educated women in this country. She makes a mockery of everything that women have striven for over so many years and they have turned her into a caricature. Personally, I wouldn't want her or anyone of those Repbulican strategists running this country.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

thomas.white — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:19:18 GMT

So McCain's VP choice demonstrated bad judgment. It illustrated his impulsivity. Why is a Beach Boys' tune running through my mind?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ConstitutionalLiberty — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:19:26 GMT

nickgr: (keep the faith but be realistic) Understood - but that limits the discussion to a quasi-political perspective, which I still think underestimates the impact that the base has had.

Polls suggest that, while the numbers are going down, there are still a signficant number of Christian right voters who look at Psalm 139 from a very faithful position and allow that passage, for better or worse, to be the dominant and possibly singular issue that guides their vote. These are the folks that McCain was going after when he chose Palin. These are the passionate folks that would be willing to volunteer to staff the phone banks, etc.

Selecting Governor Ridge, Governor Romney or Senator Lieberman would have been very effective political picks, but they would not have energized the base and that is what was needed. Undecideds may have eventually come around, but the politics of August, required some ignition to get the base on the phones and knocking on doors. This is what Palin delivered.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Metropony — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:24:28 GMT

I think you could EASILY draw a direct comparison between John Kerry and John McCain in terms of their actual supporters. In 2004, nobody really seemed to be THAT excited about John Kerry, they just supported him because he wasn't Bush. Fast forward to today, it seems like John McCain's true supporters would support and argue for anyone's name who was on the top of the Republican ticket, for the simple reason that they aren't Barack Obama (a black man with a foreign sounding name - a "SCARRRRY" thing to conservatives) or that they aren't the ones on the Democratic ticket.

Past the obvious Republicans who would support the ___fill-in the-blank_____ Republican ticket, I can't really see that John McCain has made a convincing case that he is the right man for the job. By contrast, Obama has acted Presidential since the first day of his campaign and has stuck to doing the correct thing of actually laying out plans and talking about the issues.

Off topic here, I couldn't believe when I heard McCain argue with Tom Brokaw on Meet The Press about the poll numbers. Its like he refused to believe they were real. "I'm not going to answer that question [about the poll numbers], because I don't agree with them. I know the race is a lot closer than that!" Oooook....if you say so!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Outraged777 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:26:15 GMT

I agree with paulte (October 28, 2008 at 1:27 PM), except when she mentions that Palin is smart. I do not think she is that smart but the McCain-Palin ticket is far better for the country than Obama... wake up people, whites will be a minority en 2025, the National Anthem must be allowed back into our schools and at the beginning of every sporting event like it used to be. Gay marriage must NEVER prevail, how in the world can you look at your son or daughter and talk about religion and morals when the GOVERNMENT wants to allow same sex marriage? Morals and decency must find its way back into the American society. Our values are being plundered and we are rotting from within. I know I should be talking about the economy and foreign policy but it is time to mend our family foundations and teach kids how to respect adults the way they used to do. We should once again be God fearing, English speaking, proud to be an American people. True enough, BUSH was a complete waste of time, and this is coming from a hard-core Republican, but I sincerely believe McCain will restore American values. And to state the obvious, he has more experience in government affairs and has a farther reach into foreign policy, he will talk to world leaders and rally America’s allies once more. Do not hate the party, one man should not be allowed to tear down a great party (BUSH), Obama has nothing to offer, he is a smooth talking man, but so are many pimps and sex offenders, NOT SAYING he is any of the two, just trying to make a point. Please fellow AMERICANS let us take back our country, lets us remember why we are the greatest nation on the face of this earth. If we live in America let us act like AMERICANS, be proud of your flag, be proud of your language. If a foreigner wants to live in my country (our country) than he should respect the rules of my land, my home, that is how the real AMERICA was raised, by people who wanted to make this land great. We are a tough nation to take down from the outside but on the inside we have become extremely vulnerable, I sincerely believe McCain will try and restore the true America. One last comment, Please keep Oprah Winfrey out of the White House.!!!!!!!! God Bless America!!!!!!!!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

mayshays — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:28:49 GMT

Tom Ridge.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

DalGal — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:30:44 GMT

Palin was THE choice, both for now and in the future. While the press has been merciless in their attacks (viz Hillary), you just have to watch her on the stump or in subsequent interviewsd to see that she is one very sharp lady.

She will also be the future of the Republican Party - and that is where Ridge's appointment would have been lacking.

If Obama wins, then I expect Palin will nominate herself to fill Steven's seat in the Senate. This will give Palin a national forum and spotlight to operate and an opportunity to gain the perceived experience to run again in 2012 or 2016.

Although her critics (and the elitist media) will be tireless in their attacks, I think the American people will be able to cut through the hype and see the individual without the "filters".

Tom Ridge would have been a good tactical choice, but Sarah Palin is the correct strategic hoice. She is the Next Generation.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

chad75 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:36:36 GMT

Add my name to the list: Another Republican voting for Obama. At 72 years old, I don't trust McCain to live out a term in office & the thought of President Palin is beyond terrifying to me. We also need to maintain a fairly balanced Supreme Court. McCain's promise to add strict constructionists is a "No Go". Just a question for the Pro Life folks. Who's going to pay for that policy? There are roughly 1 million abortions each year in the U.S. The vast majority of unwanted pregnancies and abortions involve young, unwed, impoverished mothers with little or no support. If you expect the people's tax money to pay for the neo-natal care, birth and upbringing of children born to indigent mothers who don't want the kids in the first place, your moral high ground is going to be an awfully expensive piece of real estate. A simple check of the math shows that the longterm cost of paying several thousand dollars a piece for several hundred thousand abortions each year and then paying welfare to raise the children would leave us with a bill in the Billions of dollars annually. Statistics bear out the fact that children born and raised in poverty are more likely to end up as criminals. So for many of the unwanted children that our born and raised on the tax dollars of the people, the bill will not end at age 18. We will continue to pay to house a disproportionate number of them in prisons. Your Billions of dollars a year problem just became exponentially bigger. I'm not trying to start a riot with this and I certainly don't want to debate the morality of the issue. I just can't abide my tax dollars paying for someone else's morality.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

whatisreal? — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:37:20 GMT

Average American: I hold contempt for congress because they didn't evict Bush/Cheney from the whitehouse, or at least bring up articles of impeachment. There was no statement made, and Bush got away with this crap.

As far as Obama is concerned. He surounds himself with the right people and seems to have a level head. This country needs a leader...

As far as Palin being more qualified??? That is so laughable I can't believe anybody could even come close to saying that. If this was the NFL, Obama, McCain, Biden, would all start, Palin would be talking on the sideline of an elementary school rec league. What a slap in the face to the presidency of our country.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ConstitutionalLiberty — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:38:11 GMT

Metropony: You suggest a very, very interesting comparison Kerry '04 vs. McCain '08. ... and sadly, I have to acknowledge your comments regarding Senator Obama (black man with a foreign sounding name). The "he's a muslim" comments persist, as if that is an immediate bad thing. After all, very few muslims drive truck bombs into crowded government buildings, like Timothy McVeigh ... oh wait, I didn't get that right, did I?

At any rate, there are so many issues of substance to draw one to an ANTI-Obama position (not necessarily pro-McCain), to use these tired reasons is disappointing.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

baileyt2 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:38:26 GMT

Pretty transparent that McCain-Palin are trying to distance themselves from the criminal elements in the Republican party, despite palling around with them in the past. Yes, Palin was a bad choice, and this is symptomatic of McCain's apparent poor judgment, and his unwillingness to buck the hardliners in his party. With both parties, wouldn't it be great if we could be governed from the middle, rather than having to pander to the extremes? McCain blew it. Could have been different. That's obvious.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:40:34 GMT

I respect christian right,but if they accept a seculasr approach to abortion,they wil not be isolated politically as they are today...

There is no life before the 12th week of pregnancy.No brain,no heart,no person.So abortions up to the 12th week should be legal.

Have in mind that we ,as christians,are already reforming Christianism.

We are anti-slavery,although Jesus himself was specifically ...in favor of slavery,asking the slaves to obey their masters.

So,let's reform Chistianism on abortion as well..

The law of the land is against slavery.

The law of the land should cpnsider abortions legal,at least till the 12th week.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:43:31 GMT

Damned typos...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ConstitutionalLiberty — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:45:24 GMT

oh my ... if you're worried about typos, please don't spell check my posts

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:48:44 GMT

Not by me...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ConstitutionalLiberty — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:05:25 GMT

In all fairness, you never mentioned Wallis, Campolo or Soros; I thought I saw that ball (Christian reform), so I picked it up and ran with it.

Wallis and Campolo, with the financial backing of Soros are doing a great deal to change the face of the Christian voter. You can't thow out everything they are doing, but there is an associated cost. I believe that Soros has a goal to continue to turn (divide) the Church on (against) itself and is using Wallis and Campolo to that end. Ultimately, Christianity becomes divided up into so many factions that it ceases to have a political or societal impact. (some would say horray) Soros will then have achieved his goal.

However, Wallis and Campolo are complicit in the charade, as they (the Social Justice movement) are being very disingenuous in portraying an Obama Presidency as being anti-abortion, especially given his statements to Planned Parenthood and NARAL regarding FOCA.

... and the conservative Christian will never relinquish the anti-abortion stand. Again, and I think you understand this, it isn't a matter of political ideology, it is a matter of eternal consequences.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Metropony — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:12:52 GMT

Consitutional Liberty: Thanks for the reply. I'm glad you find that comment valid. To further the point, I've found very, very few McCain supporters who will argue their support for any specific policy issue of McCain's (aside of maybe the abortion issue), but they will almost always list off on their feelings of why Obama is the wrong choice (whether it be actual differences on issues or one of the many scary 'unknowns' perpetuated by the McCain campaign).

I too was one of the Kerry supporters who (in hindsight) probably did the exact same thing in my support of his ticket.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

TTfromOhio — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:17:11 GMT

chad75, you're a 72 year old male Republican...I'm a 26 year old black female democrat. I could not agree with you more. We absolutely need a balanced supreme court. And your statement about abortion is spot on...It's amazing how common sense can cross race, age, gender, and party lines if we take the time to think for ourselves.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:20:28 GMT

We don't talk about abolishing the faith...

Just to have a secular approach to politics...

A minority,any minority who want to be the majority,must learn to make compromises...

That's democracy...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:29:59 GMT

BTW,the people who claim :

I am a ....(lifelong or whatever ) Rep but now I vote Obama, are. either

a) phoneys.

b) traitors.

c) crazies...

Obama is the leftiest Dem,even leftier than Kennedys or Dukakis.

It is logically impossible for a Rep,especially a " lifelong" to go so far to the eft.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

ElmerG — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:45:47 GMT

Gov. Palin was a good choice in that she did energize the base and people did start to volunteer again to work in the field offices. Secy Ridge would not have been a good choice because his record at Homeland Security would have come into question and his mishandling of that agency would have seriously affected the ticket. It is beyond me why conservative Republicans are attacking Gov Palin especially when she has not been interviewed by the conservative intelligensia. It is pretty amazing in that the neocons and other republicans have done more harm to the Republican ticket than the democrats. Heck, the democrats don't even need to attack the republicans because they are cannibalizing themselves. Does Gov. Palin know enough for her detractors - perhaps not. She does appear to be a quick study though. Finally, give credit where credit is due - if McCain and Palin were not on the republican ticket, the republicans would be doing a lot worse than just being a few points down. Oh, and by the way, I have voted for the democrats in the past and I still don't know which way I will vote this year.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

quid_agis_medice — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:54:03 GMT

TT, I think Chad was saying that McCain was a 72 year-old Republican. He identifies himself as a Republican, but doesn't specify his age, just that he is concerned that McCain won't live out the term because HE is 72.

That aside, I agree with you, and him, regarding the societal costs of criminalizing abortion. In addition to the unwanted births, do people really think risky, back-alley abortions won't be performed? Everyone with a dog in this fight should read Freakonomics by Levitt and Dubner. It addresses exactly what Chad brought up.

Finally, here's a question I would like answered. I've seen the poll numbers regarding pro-life vs. pro-choice (apparently our supposedly "right-centrist" country is slightly left of center on this issue) ...what would those numbers look like if you limited it to those with an actual functional uterus instead of allowing the men and post-menopausal women you typically see at anti-abortion rallies have a say? As a man, I don't have the gall to try to tell a woman whose only formal sexual education was an abstinence class in high school what she can and cannot do. I suspect the group actually effected by this type of legislation isn't in favor of laws which restrict their rights.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Art247 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:56:13 GMT

Palin's approval ratings are falling like a stone, and for good reason - her views are extreme and rigid. Not to those of you who like her, obviously, but in spite of what you might want to believe, you are in a distinct minority. Can she make a rousing stump speech? Absolutely! Is she bold? You betcha! But her inability to speak clearly in one-on-one situations is an indication of a very average iintelligence. Her short history of governance in Alaska is filled with cronyism, personal vendettas and self-enrichment at the tax payer's exense. She doesn't exhibit a strong, sincere desire to be of service to hukmanity, but instead shows a real need to be in the spotlight and a newly-awakened taste for power. I have no doubt she will continue to flourish in the Republican party, but she has no chance whatsoever of being elected President of the United States. She is simply not capable of it.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

avaachi — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:00:02 GMT

I hope the Republican party implodes, eight years of Bush is enough.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:00:55 GMT

Unfortunately,the Reps have already a big divisive issue : abortion.

That's why they have to find a way to heal that internal wound & appear united.

On the contrary,Dems are united like a fist.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

jsteve7 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:01:03 GMT

AverageAmerican1: I'm glad you posted that fur ball you coughed up because it’s important for everyone to get a true picture of blind Republican support. Instead of holding the policies of their own party accountable for the messes it has created, they seek to blame everything on any Democratic Party involvement in the government. So according to AverageAmerican1, the trillion dollars down the Iraq rat hole, death and destruction in Katrina, deficit spending unparalleled in history, policies of torture, and complete deregulation of banking and insurance industries leading to a world financial meltdown, are all the fault of the current democratic congress? This is a great example of how much of the Republican base today simply do not require any facts or even any connection to reality to form their opinions.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

peter vaguely — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:01:45 GMT

Hey nickgr,

A lifelong Republican that says he's voting for Obama is...a....well...

General Colin Powell

Case closed!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Gobama2008 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:04:52 GMT

Hi all you right-wing whitey-tighties.Think about this: War is not pro-life! Stop voting with your nose in your Bible. Let's start worrying and taking care of those who are already here...it's a no brainer..

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

rube — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:06:58 GMT

Palin is more to the right than Bush and Cheney.

Their calling card is they all are self-righteous reactionaries who "use their gut

to make important decisions!"

They dont seek council, they use instinct!

This is how the nation was run the past eight years! Is it a wonder the nation is in the tank?

"Maverick fundementalism" is not what the nation needs!

Uneeded war and the lack of oversight and regulation has brought the nation to its knees!

The neocons are resonsible for both atrocities!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Samilt9 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:08:40 GMT

His judgement is off. He is not the president we need during this season. Wisdom is the principal thing. MCCain doesn't appear to have it.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Gobama2008 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:09:19 GMT

jsteve7 Well said! Succinct and concise, and so true!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

TTfromOhio — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:10:26 GMT

quid, and chad, sorry i misread!

quid, to respond to your statement, my mother (age 57) has told me how I am too young to remember what it was like before abortions were legal (to use your example, back alley abortions and such) People who had the money went to NY for their abortions, everyone else had to suffer. Those who had the means were able to get their pregnant teenage and college age daughters the abortions regardless, It's the poor who bear the brunt of anti abortion laws. I work as a case worker, so I see first hand the terrible effects of poor, uneducated, unmarried women and unwanted pregnancies. Abortion is never an easy choice in my opinion, but unfortunately sometimes it's neceessary and should be made by the woman and her support system. But more importantly, strong advocacy for sex education (real sex education, not the abstinence speech) will help reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies to begin with.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:11:46 GMT

Powell posed as Rep,he never was a true Rep...

America is doing fine...

We make so much money that we don't know what to do with it.

We support Europe,Asia & the 3rd world by bying their stuff...

The whole world is saved by us...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Metropony — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:17:04 GMT

Nickgr, I respectfully have to disagree with your comment about Republicans voting for Obama being "traitors, phonies, or crazies." You mention reform within the Christian religion in your comment (a few down), but don't apply the same principle to people's political views.

The general party line (no pun intended) for Republicans who support Obama is that they have grown frustrated with the Republican party under Bush and are not convinced that McCain is any different by way of his campaign thus far. Furthermore, they see Obama as the overall better choice between the two. I don't see this as a negative against their "core Republican beliefs," but rather a positive in that they are willing to look at things objectively rather than just sticking to the candidate they are 'supposed' to support. The same could be said for any Democrats who are supporting McCain. Reforming one's political outlook, if you will.

As a country who set off a global financial crisis, who is fighting two wars, and who is growing more-and-more ethnically diverse by the day....I think it is smart for voters to set aside the smaller issues (abortion, gay rights, liberal, conservative, etc) that aren't nearly as important to our country as a whole right now. It needs to be about who is the better person for the job and who can help improve the many issues that are plaguing us.

I heard a statistic the other day that said gun sales were up an average of 8 to 10% nationally, largely because people were afraid Obama would change gun laws, or because of the (Republicans) who feared an Obama administration. This is absolutely ridiculous to me. Wouldn't it seem more logical to fear a President who wouldn't be able to correctly handle the economic crisis? No matter how you slice it, rising unemployment will have a direct impact on everything that everyone SHOULD fear: crime rates, domestic abuse, drug use, and poverty.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:20:28 GMT

Right from the beginning,the Rep camp didn't forge a state by state strategy.

Now,they realise that it all comes down to Ohio & Penn.

John(ny) ( McCain) come lately...?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

peter vaguely — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:27:06 GMT

Wait a minute, nickgr...

Gen. Colin Powell POSED as a Republican?

Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor 1987-1989.

Secretary of State in the Bush Administration.

Campaigning for Republican candidates since the 1990's.

He campaigned for McCain in 2000!

You're quite the maverick aren't you.

How many of you REAL Republicans are there? You and Sarah make 2.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:35:55 GMT

Powell was a creation of the Rep establishment,as an Uncle Tom black,as a "house negro", ( to quote Malcolm " X " )...

Made 100m lecturing rich socialites & in the end proved to be a field negro...

There are plenty of RINOs ( & a few DINOs ) out there...

Many like the treason,nobody likes the traitor...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

yoyo100 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:37:31 GMT

Look at the contrasting views from Metropony and nickgr. The views of Metropony are to the point and constructive. Where as nickgr seems like a frustrated person who can't stand the thought of Obama being president and bad mouths people who vote for him. Also, the way he writes shows a very ill informed and completely out of touch. Wake up nickgr! Unless you (and everyone of us) realize that this country is having some serious issues (with economy, unemployment rate, etc.), we can't come up with solutions to combat the problems. Yes, this is THE BEST COUNTRY ON EARTH ... even today with all this problem. But, it is eroding and people with attitude like yours are not going to help the cause. So, please open your eyes, understand issues and act responsibly. It doesn't matter who becomes the president .... it is general upto all of us to take this country to the highest level so the rest of the world respects us AGAIN!!!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

stater75 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:38:39 GMT

The day McCain chose Palin was very disappointing for me. Of course the internet was immediately filled with research on her experience and her views. Being from PA, I wished for Ridge to be the candidate. At this point from what we've learned about Palin, Reps in Pa need to vote for the pair we think can be effective, which may not completely be aligned with our beliefs.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

peter vaguely — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:47:21 GMT

Woah..nickgr...

Easy there big fella!

Must be gettin' kinda lonely out there in your foxhole on the fringe.

I seem to remember that Colin Powell did mention you once before. He spoke of you and yours in a conversation with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in 2004.

He was right too!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:49:02 GMT

The argument about " the rest of the world respecting us " ,borders treason.

" The rest of the world " is 60-80% antiamerican ( & antisemitic...)

They claim that USA & Israel are... the #1 & #2 dangers for peace...

We have nothing to "apologise " to antiamerican trash people,who vote for communists,socialists,nationalists,fascists ...

In fact,it is honourable for us to have those kinds of people hating us...

It means that we are on the right course.

Castro,Chavez,Ahmadinezad,they all welcome an Obama victory...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Lerado — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:09:16 GMT

you are too funny, nickg. all the baiting is really entertaining. as a democrat, I welcome all votes for obama, whether from "posing" republicans, independents, disaffecteds, all. we'll take'em. To the bank.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

torgotom — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:13:15 GMT

Ridge, seriously? I born and was raised in his hometown so have watched his career with a sense of disbelief! Well, it's true he is good at fooling Dems into beleiving he's a moderate - for a cycle or two. I know a Democrat who voted for him "way back when" in Erie, and deeply regretted it. Has everyone already forgotten his brilliant (cough cough) leadership of Homeland Security? Duct tape and plastic sheeting? A paint swatch book for crisis alerts? Alerts that curiously went up every time Bush was slipping in polls or needed a distraction? His hardware-store-based idea of security made him the laughing stock of the talk shows. I wonder if he has a color-coded system for the GOP in 2008? Bright red, I'd say.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Lerado — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:13:16 GMT

To Andrew's point, I think McCain is having second thoughts. In several recents events he's thrown sideway glances at her that indicate he's either worried about what she might say or do next, or maybe worried about a knife in the back.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Metropony — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:16:56 GMT

Nickgr, You need to separate the people of the United States and the United States government in your argument of the world respecting us, because there is a HUGE difference. I've traveled to a lot of places. Believe me when I say that the majority of the world actually loves the United States and moreso the idea of it. Even in the countries with governments that don't particularly like us, the people generally have affection for us unless they are told, or born into thinking, otherwise.

The hatred is towards George Bush and what is seen as a government that constantly tries to police the world and bully their way into things that don't necessarily concern them. Right or wrong, thats how it comes across to people who don't have a stake in our country, or one that we've invaded recently.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:19:10 GMT

" Dem ",check how much money u will have in the bank under Obamanomics...

Then u will see who is funny...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

nickgr — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:26:15 GMT

The argument "people like the Americans,they hate just the right wing government " is exactly the essence of antiamerican soft propaganda.

Castro,Chavez,Ahmadowhatever "like " an American government which is soft & toothless,.allowing them to do whatever they want. Opressing,enslaving,killing...

They hate & fear a strong American presidency who may overthrow them,like Bush did to Saddam or send them to International Criminal Court,like Clinton did with the "butcher of the Balkans " Milosevitch...

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Newsweek Since 1977 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:46:19 GMT

Obama will be elected by the media who have gotten the weak-thinkers to drink the Kool-Aid. Jimmy Carter the 2nd will manifest itself and we will need another Reagan to save us. I predict that "Reagan" will be Sarah Palin - a true American success story that so many of the idiots in this country dislike.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

jessix01 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:29:00 GMT

Sounds like SOUR GRAPES to me!

Without Palin, McCain would be at least 30 points down! Many Americans see the attacks on Palin as symptoms of the RAMPANT SEXISM that exists in America today!

This sexism is worse than racism as it continues to be reinforced every minute of every day!

Spare me "intellectual discussions" about McCain's VP selection - his choice of Sarah Palin was INGENIOUS!

Personally, I thought Hillary should have volunteered for the job, after the screwing she got by her own sexist party. She too might have made this election a bit closer, but Plain was a better choice, since she belongs to the same party as McCain.

I'm one of those Independent voters supposedly "turned off" by Palin's selection. I think she is wonderful, even if we disagree on many political issues. SHE HAS MY VOTE, even while I distrust Republicans.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

cerrojim — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:55:29 GMT

Hmmm, might have been closer with Ridge ... but, still no sale. He is too much of a warrior like McCain. The argument that He and McCain are too much like Bush would still be a winner. Four more years of the same garbage ... except maybe a new war somewhere over nothing. Romney would have made it really, really close ... closer than with Ridge ... but, I still think Obama would prevail.

Get your inner tube ready, the tsunami is coming.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

retiree07 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:57:12 GMT

If he had picked Ridge, he might not be as far behind as he is now. But, McCain would have still been dragging along the same Bush baggage and he would still be the same person who has consistently displayed reckless behavior all his adult life. And, he'd still be the radical who is willing to say whatever he thinks people want to hear at any time. He'd still be seen as the least favorable candidate. Another thought, if he had asked Ridge, maybe Ridge, unlike Palin, would have been smart enough to say, "Thanks, but No, thanks".

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

makeyourmark — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:59:16 GMT

jessix01 - I agree that there is sexism involved in this campaign as I do there is racism. but you seem to be overlooking your own sexism. you are voting for Sarah Palin, even though you "disagree on many(?) political issues" and you "distrust republicans"....so I take it you are voting for the McCain/Palin ticket based on the fact that she is....well....as woman.....

Making a decision based on a person's sex is pretty close to the definition of sexism. Don’t get me wrong I am also voting for McCain. So I’m not attacking you because of your choice in candidates, but your reasoning for choosing them.

i have the same feeling for slate democrats and republicans. Don’t just vote for a single party because you belong to a particular party. Vote for the best candidates for the position. if you vote democrat for the sake of voting democrat, (or voting female for the sake of voting female) regardless of qualifications, you are possibly putting an under qualified politician in office for 2 to 4 years.

Read about the people running for office and make an educated decision based on the facts presented to you, regardless of political party. we all cry about the governments partisanship and want a more bipartisan government that is more interested in the American people than themselves (or their party), but we are the undereducated masses that elect under qualified politicians to make these decisions on behalf of the voters they represent.

Sorry I had to pull out my soap box for a minute.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

IslandNomad — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:40:56 GMT

brook32 (October 28, 2008 at 2:13 PM)

You are SO right in that McCain took a serious gamble selecting Palin as his running mate, and as a result will suffer for having done so. It shows that McCain is impulsive, doesn't really use sound judgment and is quite manipulative. Anyone with half a brain knows that he only chose Palin to try to win over unhappy Clinton supporters.

And as for you holier-than-thou Republicans reminiscing about days-gone-by of family values, morals, respect, etc., you only need to look to your leader (Sarah Palin) and her daughter for inspiration: unwed and pregnant at 17 for a guy who's officially an adult. YET, none of you can call a "spade a spade." Last time I checked, any adult having sex, whether consentual or otherwise with a mnor is guilty of "STATUTORY RAPE!!" So, why is Palin's grandbaby daddy still running around free? Where is the morals in all this?

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

icecoldtony — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:04:36 GMT

McCain chose Palin for political expediency. He wanted to energize the Republican base, which she did, and to capture a majority of women voters alienated by Hillary losing the Democratic nomination, which she did not. Nice try McCain but you chose a loser. I used to admire and support him but after all this and what's happened in the last 2 months, no way. He seems calculating, emotional and just too old. I respect him for his public record and service for our country but after going against nearly everything he's stood for just to become president. No thanks.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

quid_agis_medice — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:19:24 GMT

Anyone else smell it? Every time nickgr posts...

It's the unmistakeable odor of...TROLL!

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

dunkie26 — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:08:41 GMT

I think in reality both candidates, Obama and Mccain are weak (for very different reasons), and I'm a complete neutral outsider in this election, being a British citizen who has worked and married in the US, but cannot vote. Politics tends to be cyclical and when your times up for your party and sentiment is down, the country will find every little fault through media and opinion to make a change. It's not Obama making a change, its America and whether the democrats ran a mexican bandito or Jerry Springer, the country would have found a way to make it work and castigate poor old Mccain and his sidekick. So even though these debates look like they may open discussion for alternatives, does any of it really make a difference when deep down most of you, if you look deep enough, want rid of the republicans, at least for a spell and give Bush a kick up his rear on the way out.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Terwo — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 03:30:00 GMT

I have to say i was a hardcore OBama supporter,but after reading Nickgr's well though out and Factual commentary ,Along with all the other similar Republican discussions I have read in the last few weeks

I really am going to have to reconsider.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Concerned Canadian — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:53:58 GMT

Obama advisor wants talks with terrorists

The revelations about Obama's relationship with Khalidi follows a recent WND article quoting Israeli security officials who expressed "concern" about Robert Malley, an adviser to Obama who has advocated negotiations with Hamas and providing international assistance to the terrorist group.

Malley, a principal Obama foreign policy adviser, has penned numerous opinion articles, many of them co-written with a former adviser to the late Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, petitioning for dialogue with Hamas and blasting Israel for numerous policies he says harm the Palestinian cause.

Malley also previously penned a well-circulated New York Review of Books piece largely blaming Israel for the collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations at Camp David in 2000 when Arafat turned down a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and eastern sections of Jerusalem and instead returned to the Middle East to launch an intifada, or terrorist campaign, against the Jewish state.

Malley's contentions have been strongly refuted by key participants at Camp David, including President Bill Clinton, then-Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and primary U.S. envoy to the Middle East Dennis Ross, all of whom squarely blamed Arafat's refusal to make peace for the talks' failure.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Concerned Canadian — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:51:02 GMT

ELECTION 2008

Obama worked with terrorist

Senator helped fund organization that rejects 'racist' Israel's existence

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted: February 24, 2008

5:44 pm Eastern

By Aaron Klein

JERUSALEM – The board of a nonprofit organization on which Sen. Barack Obama served as a paid director alongside a confessed domestic terrorist granted funding to a controversial Arab group that mourns the establishment of Israel as a "catastrophe" and supports intense immigration reform, including providing drivers licenses and education to illegal aliens.

The co-founder of the Arab group in question, Columbia University professor Rashid Khalidi, also has held a fundraiser for Obama. Khalidi is a harsh critic of Israel, has made statements supportive of Palestinian terror and reportedly has worked on behalf of the Palestine Liberation Organization while it was involved in anti-Western terrorism and was labeled by the State Department as a terror group.

In 2001, the Woods Fund, a Chicago-based nonprofit that describes itself as a group helping the disadvantaged, provided a $40,000 grant to the Arab American Action Network, or AAAN, for which Khalidi's wife, Mona, serves as president. The Fund provided a second grant to the AAAN for $35,000 in 2002.

Obama was a director of the Woods Fund board from 1999 to Dec. 11, 2002, according to the Fund's website. According to tax filings, Obama received compensation of $6,000 per year for his service in 1999 and 2000.

Obama served on the Wood's Fund board alongside William C. Ayers, a member of the Weathermen terrorist group which sought to overthrow of the U.S. government and took responsibility for bombing the U.S. Capitol in 1971.

Ayers, who still serves on the Woods Fund board, contributed $200 to Obama's senatorial campaign fund and has served on panels with Obama at numerous public speaking engagements. Ayers admitted to involvement in the bombings of U.S. governmental buildings in the 1970s. He is a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The $40,000 grant from Obama's Woods Fund to the AAAN constituted about a fifth of the Arab group's reported grants for 2001, according to tax filings obtained by WND. The $35,000 Woods Fund grant in 2002 also constituted about one-fifth of AAAN's reported grants for that year.

The AAAN, headquartered in the heart of Chicago's Palestinian immigrant community, describes itself as working to "empower Chicago-area Arab immigrants and Arab Americans through the combined strategies of community organizing, advocacy, education and social services, leadership development, and forging productive relationships with other communities."

It reportedly has worked on projects with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, which supports open boarders and education for illegal aliens.

The AAAN in 2005 sent a letter to New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson in which it called a billboard opposing a North Carolina-New Mexico joint initiative to deny driver's licenses to illegal aliens a "bigoted attack on Arabs and Muslims."

Speakers at AAAN dinners and events routinely have taken an anti-Israel line.

The group co-sponsored a Palestinian art exhibit, titled, "The Subject of Palestine," that featured works related to what some Palestinians call the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" of Israel's founding in 1948.

According to the widely discredited Nakba narrative, Jews in 1948 forcibly expelled hundreds of thousands - some Palestinians claim over one million - Arabs from their homes and then took over the territory.

Historically, about 600,000 Arabs fled Israel after surrounding Arab countries warned they would destroy the Jewish state in 1948. Some Arabs also were driven out by Jewish forces while they were trying to push back invading Arab armies. At the same time, over 800,000 Jews were expelled or left Arab countries under threat after Israel was founded.

The theme of AAAN's Nakba art exhibit, held at DePaul University in 2005, was "the compelling and continuing tragedy of Palestinian life ... under [Israeli] occupation ... home demolition ... statelessness ... bereavement ... martyrdom, and ... the heroic struggle for life, for safety, and for freedom."

Another AAAN initiative, titled, "Al Nakba 1948 as experienced by Chicago Palestinians," seeks documents related to the "catastrophe" of Israel's founding.

A post on the AAAN site asked users: "Do you have photos, letters or other memories you could share about Al-Nakba-1948?"

That posting was recently removed. The AAAN website currently states the entire site is under construction.

Pro-PLO advocate held Obama fundraiser, describes Obama as 'sympathetic'

AAAN co-founder Rashid Khalidi was reportedly a director of the official PLO press agency WAFA in Beirut from 1976 to 1982, while the PLO committed scores of anti-Western attacks and was labeled by the U.S. as a terror group. Khalidi's wife, AAAN President Mona Khalidi, was reportedly WAFA's English translator during that period.

Rashid Khalidi at times has denied working directly for the PLO but Palestinian diplomatic sources in Ramallah told WND he indeed worked on behalf of WAFA. Khalidi also advised the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid Conference in 1991.

During documented speeches and public events, Khalidi has called Israel an "apartheid system in creation" and a destructive "racist" state.

He has multiple times expressed support for Palestinian terror, calling suicide bombings response to "Israeli aggression." He dedicated his 1986 book, "Under Siege," to "those who gave their lives ... in defense of the cause of Palestine and independence of Lebanon." Critics assailed the book as excusing Palestinian terrorism.

While the Woods Fund's contribution to Khalidi's AAAN might be perceived as a one-time run in with Obama, the presidential hopeful and Khalidi evidence a deeper relationship.

According to a professor at the University of Chicago who said he has known Obama for 12 years, the Democratic presidential hopeful first befriended Khalidi when the two worked together at the university. The professor spoke on condition of anonymity. Khalidi lectured at the University of Chicago until 2003 while Obama taught law there from 1993 until his election to the Senate in 2004.

Khalidi in 2000 held what was described as a successful fundraiser for Obama's failed bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, a fact not denied by Khalidi.

Speaking in a joint interview with WND and the John Batchelor Show of New York's WABC Radio and Los Angeles' KFI Radio, Khalidi was asked about his 2000 fundraiser for Obama.

"I was just doing my duties as a Chicago resident to help my local politician," Khalidi stated.

Khalidi said he supports Obama for president "because he is the only candidate who has expressed sympathy for the Palestinian cause."

Khalidi also lauded Obama for "saying he supports talks with Iran. If the U.S. can talk with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, there is no reason it can't talk with the Iranians."

Asked about Obama's role funding the AAAN, Khalidi claimed he had "never heard of the Woods Fund until it popped up on a bunch of blogs a few months ago."

He terminated the call when petitioned further about his links with Obama.

Contacted by phone, Mona Khalidi refused to answer WND's questions about the AAAN's involvement with Obama.

Obama's campaign headquarters did not reply to a list of WND questions sent by e-mail to the senator's press office.

Obama, American terrorist in same circles

Obama served on the board with Ayers, who was a Weathermen leader and has written about his involvement with the group's bombings of the New York City Police headquarters in 1970, the Capitol in 1971 and the Pentagon in 1972.

"I don't regret setting bombs. I feel we didn't do enough," Ayers told the New York Times in an interview released on Sept. 11, 2001

"Everything was absolutely ideal on the day I bombed the Pentagon," Ayers wrote in his memoirs, titled "Fugitive Days." He continued with a disclaimer that he didn't personally set the bombs, but his group set the explosives and planned the attack.

A $200 campaign contribution is listed on April 2, 2001 by the "Friends of Barack Obama" campaign fund. The two taught appeared speaking together at several public events, including a 1997 University of Chicago panel entitled, "Should a child ever be called a 'super predator?'" and another panel for the University of Illinois in April 2002, entitled, "Intellectuals: Who Needs Them?"

The charges against Ayers were dropped in 1974 because of prosecutorial misconduct, including illegal surveillance.

Ayers is married to another notorious Weathermen terrorist, Bernadine Dohrn, who has also served on panels with Obama. Dohrn was once on the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted List and was described by J. Edgar Hoover as the "most dangerous woman in America." Ayers and Dohrn raised the son of Weathermen terrorist Kathy Boudin, who was serving a sentence for participating in a 1981 murder and robbery that left 4 people dead.

re: What If Ridge Were on the Ticket?

Concerned Canadian — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:51:03 GMT