Republican National Convention (Sept. 1-4)

[Bond]

http://blogs.citypages.com/gop/rnclogo.gif

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2008
COUNTRY FIRST: SERVICE

Speakers will include:
U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
Vice President Richard B. Cheney
First Lady Laura Bush
President George W. Bush

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
COUNTRY FIRST: REFORM

Speakers will include:
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2008
COUNTRY FIRST: PROSPERITY

Speakers will include:
Mrs. Cindy McCain
Republican Party's Vice Presidential Nominee
Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas)*
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (Ind.)*

THRUSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2008
COUNTRY FIRST: PEACE

Speakers will include:
John McCain
Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)*
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist (Tenn.)*

[Bond]

Thoughts:

- McCain has done a superb job at picking speakers who are, at their heart, centrists. This will be in stark contrast to the Democratic Convention, where in all the speakers were far-left politicians (minus Bill Clinton).

- Obviously Palin will be moved from Wednesday to Thursday night.

- The key issue for McCain is combating the change mentality of the electorate. This is somewhat of the same issue which New Labour is facing in Great Britain. It's very difficult to overcome.

[Professor S]

Well lets see how the campaign continues its recent sucesses. It could go both ways:

1) Attacks on the opposition, which would be a mistake. Thats what ads are for and what democrats spent a lot of time doing. The republicans should be positive and forward thinking.

2) Positivity and Optimism - This is genrally the direction Reps spend time on and I think thye will continue , with maybe one of two speakers concentrating on the opposition.

[The Germanator]

Well this might help their positivity if they follow through with this.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08302008/news/nationalnews/gops_rnc_cane_plan_126772.htm

[Bond]

I could definitely see McCain doing that.

Also, it looks as though Bush and Cheney will no longer be appearing at the convention. Good news for McCain.

[The Germanator]

I could definitely see McCain doing that.

Also, it looks as though Bush and Cheney will no longer be appearing at the convention. Good news for McCain.

Yeah, exactly. This literal storm is becoming a fairly interesting political story. I feel bad thinking about it that way, but now that McCain doesn't have to associate with Bush on a national stage, he can get away from that 29% approval rating.

And thank goodness Bush appears to be prepared this time. In his own words, "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice...can't get fooled again!"

[The Germanator]

What an asinine spectacle by Rudy Giuliani.

He and that whole crowd just mocked community organization and helping people. He mocked the idea of Obama turning down a lucrative job to work for $19,000 to help people in Chicago and the crowd ate it up.

He didn't even talk about issues and his attacks on Obama were weak. He voted present in the congress? McCain has missed 64% of the vote, Obama at 45%.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/m000303/votes/

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/o000167/votes/

Also, "drill, baby, drill?" Man, this is what happens when you get 20,000 idiots in the same space. I'm upset that there so many asinine people at this convention. Why are the Republicans so hateful?

Rudy, you sir, are an asshole. Say goodbye to the independent voters who saw that shameful display.

[Professor S]

What an asinine spectacle by Rudy Giuliani.

He and that whole crowd just mocked community organization and helping people. He mocked the idea of Obama turning down a lucrative job to work for $19,000 to help people in Chicago and the crowd ate it up.

He didn't even talk about issues and his attacks on Obama were weak. He voted present in the congress? McCain has missed 64% of the vote, Obama at 45%.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/m000303/votes/

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/o000167/votes/

Also, "drill, baby, drill?" Man, this is what happens when you get 20,000 idiots in the same space. I'm upset that there so many asinine people at this convention. Why are the Republicans so hateful?

Rudy, you sir, are an asshole. Say goodbye to the independent voters who saw that shameful display.

Hateful? For wanting to drill? We SHOULD be drilling!

I think you mistook his jabs. The criticism isn't of community organizers, but thinking that qualifies you to be President. Obama is touting this as experience, and Obama's own boss at the time admitted that he achieved next to nothing while an organizer. Its a joke to bring up in a major election, and Rudy treated it as such. That said, I agree he may have alientated some potential voters a little, but I didn't see anything as being as outageous as you'd like to paint it.

I also find it hilarious that democrats can criticize Republicans for being hateful after spending 8 years calling the sitting president everything from a monkey to evil. Lets get some perspective.

The fact is Obama is the least qualified major candidate in the history of Presidential elections, and that inexperience is definitely a real issue that Obama has to deal with and that Republicans are free to bring to the forefront as a serious issue worth exploring.

[The Germanator]

Well, I don't think we should be drilling, so there's our difference right there.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/muhammad-sahimi/it-is-not-offshore-drilli_b_117340.html

And the hateful part was unrelated to that. From what I've seen, this convention has been 90% negative. The Democrats were pretty damn positive and optimistic, and you can't deny that. Yeah, it helped energize the base, but I don't think the sarcasm and bitterness is really "putting America first"

I find it kind of hilarious that you expect Democrats not to call W. an idiot. He is one of the worst presidents of all time, after all. He deserves criticism and 71% people in the country agree, Didn't George W. Bush have many years of executive experience? How did that turn out? Experience criticism should be thrown out the window after Bush's 8 years, seriously, and we're getting more of that with McSame. Also, I haven't seen many actual Democratic politicians say these things. This was Guiliani and he actually claimed that Democrats "wanted more terrorists." (psst 9/11!) I think I missed these parts, but I heard there were references to Iraq and Bin Laden? Umm, what? I'm sorry, that's just asinine, and I've never been prouder to be a Democrat tonight.

The typical republican fear-mongering came out strong tonight too. Nothing to be surprised about. I think there was moment where she called out for Obama "wanting to read prisoner's their rights" and people started cheering because she opposed this. Well, I've learned that Republicans want to piss on the constitution. The great thing about America is that EVERYONE should get those basic rights when on our soil. "HELL NO TO THAT FOR THEM TERRRISTS! AMERICA FARK YEAH!"

I also love the lines that Obama is going to increase taxes. Yeah, maybe for the rich white assholes in the crowd out there. Here is the real figure that helps MOST people. http://johnnygfx.com/images/politics/ObamaMcCainTaxNumbers.jpg

Anyway, I'm a bit fired up in a bad way about what I watched tonight. Time to donate to the Obama campaign tonight. I still think he'll win with in the realm of 310 electoral votes.

[Bond]

*cough*Trickle-down economics.*cough*

I wish I had time to watch this convention... too bad school started.

[The Germanator]

*cough*Trickle-down economics.*cough*

I wish I had time to watch this convention... too bad school started.

*cough Trickle-down economics don't work. It's a tired theory. *cough*

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/business/12scene.html?ex=1334030400&en=a711d3288deb1567&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

[Professor S]

Germ, I wouldn't use the Huffington Post as a reliable source. That would be like me citing Rush Limbaugh as a reliable source.

Also, your numbers reflect an "average tax bill". Do those numbers include the new Social Security liabilities? Do they include increases in pretty much every marginal tax rate? No, I almost guarantee they don;t. Obama's plan HIDES tax raises in careful language and in areas that are not considered "income taxes". Essentially raising the tax burden for most small business owners from about 35% to well over 50%.

Also, I find it hilarious that Obama's "tax breaks" for the poor, are really give aways disguised as tax credits.

http://www.wsj.com/article/SB121910303529751345.html?mod=most_emailed_day

Also, your obvious hatred of the wealthy doesn't lend your argument much credibility. The fact is rich people pay our bills. Without them, no one would have a job, and one day I hope to become a rich person. "Contempt for wealth is a trick the rich play on the poor to ensure they never have it."

You claim trickle down economics doesn't work... except it DOES, and in places like Bermuda and recently saving Ireland's economy from its near collapse in the 80's and early 90's, and they are now a economic power in Europe, called the "Celtic Tiger". In theory, trickle down doesn't work. In reality? Its a different story. The exact opposite of socialism and communism.

http://www.heritage.org/Index/country.cfm?id=Ireland

http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/ireland/ireland_economy.html

http://www.bermuda-online.org/economy.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Bermuda

[Professor S]

For the record, when it comes to energy I am a fan of the Pickens Plan in philosphy, which is building an energy bridge to the future. I'm not convinced over the viability of wind energy because of the real estate and logistics of such an endeavor being prohibitive, but I love the fact that the plan is multi-faceted involving both carbon and alternative sources. We need a comprehensive plan.

http://www.pickensplan.com/theplan/

[KillerGremlin]

Wind...nuclear...solar; all viable, long-term solutions for electricity.

Electric cars? Ding ding ding!

One can only dream. The direction of car technology seems to be a green one, so we can only hope for the best.

[Professor S]

Well, wind and solar have a host of issues

Wind - The sheer number of wind urbines and the amount of high tension wire needed to make this viable. The technology we have now isn't going to cut it.

Solar - Photo-voltaic cells are a mess. They are only 40% efficient, expensive, big, heavy and worst of all... FRAGILE. The maintenance and replacement costs alone make it prohibitive.

Solar does have a future right now, but it isn't photo-voltaic... its steam. Redirect the rays into piped water and let the steam produce the energy. An excellent option for the southwest. Honestly, beyond nuclear most alternative fuels are regional at best (wind in the midwest, solar in the southwest, etc.)

I'm all for alternative energy, bu the hard fact is we are much further away than ten years from having carbon fuel replacements. Even if we had viable solutions now, there would still be millions of gas burning cars on the road and oil/natural gas burning heaters in America's homes. We need usable energy NOW and we need a plan that uses ALL the options at our disposal, and also give us options to move away from carbon over time in a way that won't cripple our nation.

1) Exploit out narutal resources, including oil, shale, natural gas, and regional wind and solar (where it makes sense).

2) Give tax breaks to companies that invest in alternative fuels and grants to companies to set up nuclear power (the start up costs of nuclear are astronomical).

3) As viable carbon alternatives for home and auto emerge, offer tax breaks to individuals who are early adopters and take the risk of switching.

Coming from a standpoint of complete ignorance, I imagine it will take 30 years to make these changes if each administration carried the torch, and thats a huge if, especially if oil prices plummet and cheap gas becomes attractive again.

[KillerGremlin]

I'm hoping that with some innovations regarding nanotechnology that we will see solar cells that become MUCH more efficient. I think solar power will be most useful in powering the electricity in your house. Solar panels on the roof? Seems logical enough to me.

I look forward to the transition to green...I hope I can witness it in my lifetime.

[manasecret]

Regarding the fragile nature of solar cells, there is new technology that allows solar cells to be printed from what amounts to an ink-jet printer onto practically any surface. You can buy these right now in flexible sheets.

http://www.siliconsolar.com/shop/solarimages/Flexible-Solar-Panels-6v_T.jpg

I don't remember how the efficiency compares. But there have been some promising recent advances.

[Professor S]

I'm hoping that with some innovations regarding nanotechnology that we will see solar cells that become MUCH more efficient. I think solar power will be most useful in powering the electricity in your house. Solar panels on the roof? Seems logical enough to me.

Except then there are high winds or a hailstorm, and you have replacement costs of thousands of dollars, and meanwhile you are without power. Also, most of the country doesn't get enough sun to make solar a viable replacement for carbon fuel. Same case goes for much of the world. Thats why I believe truly "green" energy alternatives are regional at best, unless there is a major breakthrough.

I look forward to the transition to green...I hope I can witness it in my lifetime.

So do I, but we also need to be realistic.

And Mana, I'm also very curious to hear more about these new cells. I have my doubts as to their efficiency, but at least they definitely will not be as fragile or as expensive. Its a great step forward. Do you have a link?

Found a linK

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070326131312.htm

10% efficiency. Its a good first step, but they have a LONG way to go.

[manasecret]

And Mana, I'm also very curious to hear more about these new cells. I have my doubts as to their efficiency, but at least they definitely will not be as fragile or as expensive. Its a great step forward. Do you have a link?

Found a linK

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070326131312.htm

10% efficiency. Its a good first step, but they have a LONG way to go.

Looks like I got my solar cell advances mixed up. The "ink-jet" type I was referring to is actually the nanotube type that KG mentioned before me. The flexible type that I showed a picture of are different.

Found a link on the nanotube solar technology:

http://www.scientificblogging.com/jane_poynter/inkjet_printable_solar_panels_really

From that article, it seems there are three main types of solar cells, listed here in order of highest efficiency

1. Quantam Dot -- supposedly a theoretical limit of 60% efficiency
2. Silicon-based -- the traditional ones that everyone knows and loves, with a theoretical limit of 33% efficiency
3. Thin-film -- the flexible type in the photo above. The theoretical efficiency isn't mentioned, but right now they are lower than silicon-based cells at less than 15% vs. about 22% for silcon-based cells.

The interesting part about these Buckyball-nanotube concoctions is that supposedly they can be added to any of the three types of solar cells to improve their efficiency. So that means theoretically the efficiency of quantum dot cells could be even higher than 60%.

[Bond]

"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.

...

Fight for what's right for our country.

Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.

Fight for our children's future.

Fight for justice and opportunity for all.

Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.

Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.

Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.

Thank you, and God Bless you."

I wonder when the ideal of service and fighting for one's country disappeared from America's mindset? I certainly hope it makes a fruitful return in the coming years.

[gekko]

Could be when their returns home started being protested, they got flicked off walking down the street, and abused by the ranks of politicians and military alike. In other words, TV started the fall, and then the internet did the final blow.

[Jason1]

I wonder when the ideal of service and fighting for one's country disappeared from America's mindset? I certainly hope it makes a fruitful return in the coming years.

Hm, yes I do wonder that...maybe when we went to war with Iraq for no reason?

It might be different if they were actually fighting for our country, instead people are being killed for oil.

Oh, and I find this amusing...

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184086&title=sarah-palin-gender-card

[Professor S]

Hm, yes I do wonder that...maybe when we went to war with Iraq for no reason?

It might be different if they were actually fighting for our country, instead people are being killed for oil.

Oh, and I find this amusing...

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184086&title=sarah-palin-gender-card

I don't think Bond was necessarily talking about military service, and I'm done responding to thoughtless "blood for oil" rants. They are meritless and do more to show an individuals refusal inform their own opinion.

[Jason1]

I don't think Bond was necessarily talking about military service, and I'm done responding to thoughtless "blood for oil" rants. They are meritless and do more to show an individuals refusal inform their own opinion.


Refusal to form my own opinion? My opinion is we went to war with Iraq for oil. Thats my opinion.

Did I stutter?

[Vampyr]

I wonder when the ideal of service and fighting for one's country disappeared from America's mindset? I certainly hope it makes a fruitful return in the coming years.

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est.

[Professor S]

Refusal to form my own opinion? My opinion is we went to war with Iraq for oil. Thats my opinion.

Did I stutter?


You don't have to stutter to be misinformed, and you are. I've repeatedly posted rebuttals to the rediculous "blood for oil" mantra over and over again for YEARS, and I'm done answering nonsense with facts only to have them ignored. If you want to make such a claim, here is my challenge: PROVE IT. You want to make such accusations? Fine, but back them up with something besides "we went to war for oil because oil is in these areas that we went to war in and we want oil and Bush was owns parts of oil comapnie and cheyney loves haliburton and free-masons run the country!!!!"

If you don't feel the need to prevent evidence for such outrageous claims, then do yourself a favor and do not speak on the subject,m because you only make yourself look like a fool. Until I see something concrete, you may as well be babbling into a mirror, because thats the only person listening.

[Professor S]

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est.

Thats a World War I poem and that had little to do with nationalism or service, and more a reaction to a war that had more to do with feudalism and vassals serving their moneyed lords. Completely different times and cultures.

[Bond]

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est.
Were you just referencing that poem or stating it as your opinion?

[Vampyr]

I was actually just referencing the poem. ^_^

On another subject, did anyone else think Palin speech was pretty bad the other night?

[Professor S]

On another subject, did anyone else think Palin speech was pretty bad the other night?

No, just the opposite. I think she nailed that speech. Even Chris Matthews raved about her performance. The McCain Palin ticket has done a pretty amazing job of re-establishing themselves as the "mavericks" and painting Obama as a presumptuous child. Plus, they managed to turn the media against itself and now even major news sources are on the defensive after their dizzying reporting of the Palin nomination.

[BreakABone]

I rather enjoyed the Palin speech. Helps that she is a looker. :p

I think the whole idea of patriotism and fighting for one's country have all died down because well let's face it war is glamourized in this day and age. No longer does being a war vet really mean much in this day and age when we have tv shows, movies, games, books and whatever else have you that details the lives of soldiers. Not a lot shocks or surprises us anymore so it is a lot harder to become legends and stuff.

But maybe just talking out of the wrong side of my head.

[The Germanator]

No, just the opposite. I think she nailed that speech. Even Chris Matthews raved about her performance. The McCain Palin ticket has done a pretty amazing job of re-establishing themselves as the "mavericks" and painting Obama as a presumptuous child. Plus, they managed to turn the media against itself and now even major news sources are on the defensive after their dizzying reporting of the Palin nomination.

Hmm..I admit to it being a good speech, but where was the content? Isn't this what the Republicans lambasted Obama for? Giving good speeches but not backing it up. I watched most of both conventions, and the Democrats stated many clear policies while the Republicans just decided to attack. That's fine, they can do whatever they want with their convention, but they were less clear on their policies recently than Obama has been by far.

And I just love the "Maverick" lines from these people. You CAN'T have a "party of mavericks" as Palin said. That's an oxymoron! It doesn't even make sense especially when McCain is as "good 'ole boy" as you get. Her reformer status is laughable as well. This woman admonishes congressional earmarks but took millions of dollars worth of them during her executive experience and left her town of 9,000 in debt. Oh, but she sold a plane on Ebay. Go hockey mom! She also praises her daughter's choice to keep her baby, and this is a decision she endorses taking away if she became VP. The hypocrisy of the "family values" Christians astounds me. If this was Obama's pregnant daughter, you know all the fundies would be out in arms, but now that it's a Republican baby, it's asinine that Liberal bloggers even mention it.

A good rhetorical speech, but light on content. My favorite statistic from the Palin speech. Since the announcement of the Palin VP pick, the McCain camp raised about $11 million. Just the night after Palin's acceptance speech, the Obama camp raised $8 million. Palin is a better fundraiser for Obama than McCain.

[Professor S]

Germ, you make good points, but I think Palin's hand was forced by the media that went into overdrive digging up dirt on her. Quite honestly, Obama and Co. don't need to sling mud, CNN and MSNBC will do it for them. They dug up more on Palin and her FAMILY who are not pulic figures in 3 days then they did on Obama in a year. I never want to hear that media bias is a myth ever again. It looks like the media's coverage is backfiring on Obama, though, lookig at the latest polls. They're dead even again according to Rasmussen.

For content, I really liked Fred Thompson's speech when he discussed the economy in simple terms and I think McCain's was spot on.

EDIT: Sorry, those weren't good points. Palin has a tax surplus as Governor of Alaska and has been a great reformer of that state. And you make a big deal of $9,000 of debt? Seriously? Shit, I'll lend it to them. That affects your opinion of her ability to lead a city?

As for earmarks, Mayor and Governor are very different. When your a mayor, you're silly not to take them when they are offered, and she did come around on the bridge to nowhere well before her national career goals came about.

As for John McCain, you can say what you like about him being a "ggod ol' boy", but fortunately for him he has a record that states otherwise. He has rebutted his fellow republicans MANY times, but her does agree more often then not because philosophically he is a conservative when it comes to finances and many social issues. Just because he voted like e republican more times than not doesn't disqualify him as a independent thinker.

[manasecret]

Regarding the polls that put Obama/McCain at dead even, do they include factors like how many people are actually planning to go out and vote for Obama vs. how many are planning to go out and vote for McCain? Or is it just a simple poll of who would you vote for? It seems to me the number of people actually planning on voting would make a big difference.

[Professor S]

Regarding the polls that put Obama/McCain at dead even, do they include factors like how many people are actually planning to go out and vote for Obama vs. how many are planning to go out and vote for McCain? Or is it just a simple poll of who would you vote for? It seems to me the number of people actually planning on voting would make a big difference.

I believe the Rasmussen poll is always a poll of likely voters. In any case, polls of likely voters always seem to skew Republican. Per capita, Republicans just vote more.

I normally don't like polls, but I always like to follow them after the conventions, and the numbers don't look favorable for Obama right now. His bounce seems to have disappeared and gone the other way a little. They're in a statistical dead-heat.

[The Germanator]

I believe the Rasmussen poll is always a poll of likely voters. In any case, polls of likely voters always seem to skew Republican. Per capita, Republicans just vote more.

I normally don't like polls, but I always like to follow them after the conventions, and the numbers don't look favorable for Obama right now. His bounce seems to have disappeared and gone the other way a little. They're in a statistical dead-heat.

It's not exactly that way if you look at the electoral map of the following...

http://www.pollster.com

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/10/electoral.map/index.html

http://www.zogby.com/50state/

According to these, Obama just has to flip a few of the toss-ups and he's got it. Of course, it's early so I don't know how seriously I take these.

By the way, Gallup has it at 48% to 44% for Obama. Closer than it has been. It's definitely close, but I like the look of the electoral map in Obama's favor.

[Bond]

The amazing thing is that we're even talking about this being a close election.

[TheGame]

I just like how they tried to drop the relevance of bush by not mentioning his name.

[The Germanator]

This chart is kind of fun to look at...My only issue is with the "opponent's name" bubble. Here it says Palin only said "Obama" once, but she must have said "our opponent" way more than that.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/09/04/us/politics/20080905_WORDS_GRAPHIC.html

[KillerGremlin]

The amazing thing is that we're even talking about this being a close election.

amazing, or surprisingly unexpected?

[Bond]

I'd say amazing. It just goes to show how poorly the Democratic Party is run. We should be looking at a Reagan/Nixon-esque blowout, but instead we're looking at a statistical tie. It's kind of pathetic.

That being said, I still don't see how McCain wins, it's going to be nearly impossible.

[KillerGremlin]

I'd say amazing. It just goes to show how poorly the Democratic Party is run. We should be looking at a Reagan/Nixon-esque blowout, but instead we're looking at a statistical tie. It's kind of pathetic.

That being said, I still don't see how McCain wins, it's going to be nearly impossible.

Americans are conservatives...and the Dems picked a really lousy candidate last time (Kerry). Do you think the polls would be more favorable for the Dems right now had Hillary won the primary?

[The Germanator]

Americans are conservatives...and the Dems picked a really lousy candidate last time (Kerry). Do you think the polls would be more favorable for the Dems right now had Hillary won the primary?

Of these, about 55 million are registered Republicans. About 72 million registered Democrats.

About 42 million are registered as independents, under some other minor party or with a "No Party" designation.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnist/neuharth/2004-01-22-neuharth_x.htm

So, technically there are more people who actually call themselves Democrats rather than the Republicans, but the Indies really decide.

I agree though, I'm really surprised that I'm even worried that McCain might win. I don't know what it is, the Republicans are just good at rallying their base who will vote for them no matter what the circumstances. Obama should win and it should be a blowout, but it won't be.

[Jason1]

OH MY YES!!!!!

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[Professor S]

Sorry Jason, but I don't count those as resources for your "blood for oil" claims. Please try again.

[Jason1]

Sorry Jason, but I don't count those as resources for your "blood for oil" claims. Please try again.

You make a valid point, but you have to admit those were damn funny!

[The Germanator]

I usually love Triumph, but that wasn't my favorite of Smigel's skits. Pawlenty was great, but the Comic-Con and The Belmont Stakes ones were better. "Here I am at one of horse-racing's premier events, also known as dog-fighting for white people."

http://www.thedailytube.com/video/10765/triumph-poops-on-the-belmont-stakes

[BreakABone]

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Fan of the Daily Show coverage of both conventions.

[Jason1]

I usually love Triumph, but that wasn't my favorite of Smigel's skits. Pawlenty was great, but the Comic-Con and The Belmont Stakes ones were better. "Here I am at one of horse-racing's premier events, also known as dog-fighting for white people."

http://www.thedailytube.com/video/10765/triumph-poops-on-the-belmont-stakes

Oh thank you for that, I had never seen that one!

I for one loved him at the convention. The Gay for Mcain sign, him talking with Lynn Swan was gold, and even though I think hes used this joke before, the Ann Coulter strap on joke is halarious.

[Bond]

Hmm...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080907/ap_on_el_pr/obama;_ylt=Ao0FB0bbZ9I58LqlNt3h0Aqs0NUE

[Professor S]

Hmm...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080907/ap_on_el_pr/obama;_ylt=Ao0FB0bbZ9I58LqlNt3h0Aqs0NUE

So if he admits raising taxes would further hurt the economy during a recession... how would they help the economy if we're not in a recession?

He's essentiually confirmed his belief that supply side economics works, yet is still against it as part of his policy. This is ASTOUNDING.:drool:

[Bond]

What happened to our culture of service? Our culture of volunteering? Our culture of putting our own collective interest before our self interest?

What happened to the America that helps herself? Government can't solve our problems. Government creates our problems.

If you see a wrong, right it yourself. Don't wait for the government to intervene. Volunteer. Help your community. Donate to charity. Help people in a personal way. You'll be better for it, and so will they.

We aren't Eastern Europe. We aren't socialist. We're America, and it's time we return to our federalist state.

[TheGame]

What happened to our culture of service? Our culture of volunteering? Our culture of putting our own collective interest before our self interest?

What happened to the America that helps herself? Government can't solve our problems. Government creates our problems.

If you see a wrong, right it yourself. Don't wait for the government to intervene. Volunteer. Help your community. Donate to charity. Help people in a personal way. You'll be better for it, and so will they.

We aren't Eastern Europe. We aren't socialist. We're America, and it's time we return to our federalist state.

That part of America is dead it seems like. I really don't think this election will make a big difference in that respect. Most people are unwilling to listen to reason, they just hear how much it will benifit themselves financially, and stances on irrelevant social issues that have been around 20+ years and has not changed for a reason.

Its gonna take something big to wake people back up, but I hope its not too late when it happens. As it stands now, what the people want is what they want, and its going to lead us in the wrong direction. People draw from other countries as examples to show how bad america is for medical care and what not, but there's a reason America is still overall a better country to live in then anywhere else (In my opinion). And mirroring them is probably not going to move us up.

[Professor S]

Well the post convention polls are in, and McCain has taken a lead on Obama in every major poll for the first time in the general election. All I can say is "Wow". Thats amazing, considering.

Obama should be very concerned right now, especially with the debates coming up. The questions asked will be much different than those in the primaries and he will be directly challenged on a lot of policies, and Obama hasn't done well when challenged or off a teleprompter during the election, so far.

I really think the Obama camp has royally screwed the pooch since the primaries concluded. He needed to begin a Presidential approach, but he still seems to prefer the general message of hope and change, a message meant more to avoid offending independent voters than enlighten them, that seems to be wearing thin. That, and the media eye is now squarely on the McCain camp since the Palin VP choice. Mission accomplished there.

If Obama doesn't make a dynamic course correction in his campaign during these last 2 months, I think he'll lose if the trends continue, since I think he "I'm not a racist" polling results in his favor that will go to McCain will need to be overcome as well.

[Bond]

Aggregate polling data:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html

[Bond]

Also, MSNBC finally fired Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann from their election coverage. The New York Times had the best headline: "MSNBC Takes Incendiary Hosts From Anchor Seat (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/08/business/media/08msnbc.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print)."

[KillerGremlin]

Now that the polls are showing McCain in the lead, the dems are saying that the Republicans are purging legitimate votes. But, most of the states doing the massive purging are Democratic controlled states. I have a feeling if McCain wins fraudulent voting will be used as an excuse.