All About McCain

[JWBear]

I did really love the pantheistic view and acknowledgment that other gods exist - and that they may be more powerful.

In other words... He committed blasphemy (in the eyes of his religion).

[Strangler Lewis]

One sees that battle among the gods a fair amount in the Old Testament.

[Betty]

Where's Zues when you need him to keep all the Gods in line?

[Snowflake]

I just got back from the Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building. McCain supporter table out front, covered with McCain/Palin placards as well as all the local Republican politico placards. They could have been standing in the arrid desert, not one curious soul at the table showing support. No real surprise, but it was kinda sad.

[JWBear]

Oops... You really can pick 'em (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/14/mccain-transition-chief-a_n_134595.html), John.

[JWBear]

I [heart] John Cleese... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/14/john-cleese-on-sarah-pali_n_134583.html)

It's like a nice-looking parrot because the parrot speaks beautifully and kind of says, "aw shucks" every now and again but doesn't really have any understanding of the meaning of the words that it is producing...

[Snowflake]

and indirectly for John McCain

Palin has checkered history on ethics issues
By BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whose reformer image took a hit in a report concluding she abused her powers to settle a family score, has skirted state ethics rules before for personal benefit and used her office to help friends and supporters, according to an Associated Press review of records.

Palin's first try at statewide office, after six years as mayor of Wasilla, was an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor in 2002. To raise money, she improperly used her City Hall office and equipment, city records show. A year later she would make headlines by blasting a fellow Republican for, among other things, improperly using his government position to boost his campaign.

Then, in 2006, Palin won the governor's race with a vow to reform state ethics. But in less than two years, she has repeatedly taken actions that violated her own stated standards for ethical behavior — if not state law. In the process, the Republican vice presidential nominee has become much like the old-school politicians she attacked during her rise to power.

Some examples:

_She pummeled opponents for giving oil companies and other businesses too much control of state government. Yet she appointed the founder of an engineering firm that received $6.8 million in state business as head of the transportation department.

_She has accepted dozens of gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars since taking office, including two free trips last year that she failed to report on disclosure forms, despite criticizing state legislators for the gifts they take.

_She is under another investigation, accused of misusing her office to campaign against a voter referendum calling for tighter mining regulations. Her husband, Todd, has accepted free trips from a mining company to look at their proposed new site.

_Another ethics complaint, unresolved, accuses her staff of finding a state job for a friend and campaign contributor.


Full Story Link Here (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081014/ap_on_el_pr/palin_state_ethics;_ylt=AjBReegTzJ3du31WRn4L3tes0N UE)

Why does it seem that Mr. Palin has as many fingers in pies as does Mrs.?

I can't find the link at the moment to the story for verification, but apprarently, whilst Mayor of Wasilla, the Palin family home was built for free by the same contractors who built the local stadium/sports center. :eek:

[3894]

Why does it seem that Mr. Palin has as many fingers in pies as does Mrs.?


Both Palins have trouble separating the personal and the professional, as in Troopergate.

[Strangler Lewis]

Why does it seem that Mr. Palin has as many fingers in pies as does Mrs.?


Because life happens.

[3894]

We just got a recorded call from the McCain campaign.

"We want you to know that Barak Obama is linked with a terrorist, Bill Ayers, who was involved in plotting to bomb the Pentagon and the White House. If Barack Obama is elected, you will be electing an extreme Left Wing candidate."

:rolleyes:

[BarTopDancer]

We just got a recorded call from the McCain campaign.

"We want you to know that Barak Obama is linked with a terrorist, Bill Ayers, who was involved in plotting to bomb the Pentagon and the White House. If Barack Obama is elected, you will be electing an extreme Left Wing candidate."

:rolleyes:

Nice.

One of my hockey buddies said that Fox news was going to be doing a story on Obama and his link to terrorist organizations. I said 1st, it's FOX so it's going to be biased against Obama and 2nd, this is ancient news and it's all over the internet and mainstream media outlets. He looked surprised.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Hmm, as a musician, I just might have to consider voting for McCain afterall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPNWT6NxMY&NR=1

[Not Afraid]

Nice Anti-Palin tune. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwqGPMf5aAI)

[Snowflake]

Palin's Oval Office (http://www.palinaspresident.us/)

:D Float your mouse around, :snap: to the creator

Uh-Oh!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Virtual Reality: Experience what it's like to be completely lost inside Sarah Palin's head (http://www.toledofreepress.com/2008/09/26/sarah-palin-a-maze-ing-in-whitehouse-cornfield/).

[Gemini Cricket]

He made it.
After a high-flying adventure, Senator John McCain finally sat down next to David Letterman on the set of “The Late Show” on Thursday and offered his mea culpa: “I screwed up.”
Source (http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/mccain-to-letterman-i-screwed-up/)

I think it's pretty cool that he showed up on the show.

[Ruthie]

Nice Anti-Palin tune. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwqGPMf5aAI)

OMG. . .LMHO!

"oohhh if you become VP, it's Canada for me" . . . funny a friend and I were just kidding around the other day about running off to Canada if Palin really got near the Oval Office! ;)

[Gemini Cricket]

The Plunger Rebellion of 2008! (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2008/10/angry-plumbers-wave-plungers-at-obama.html)
I love the picture.
:D

[Strangler Lewis]

The Plunger Rebellion of 2008! (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2008/10/angry-plumbers-wave-plungers-at-obama.html)
I love the picture.
:D

Hello, Hollywood, I'm seeing Spartacus remake--with plumbers. Or maybe an all-plumber "Atlas Shrugged." Who is . . . Joe the Plumber?

I shouldn't joke. I do have an honest plumber.

[innerSpaceman]

McCain's comment has me steamed. Trying to cover for the fact he didn't vet Joe the Plumber who's not a plumber and his tax complaints from a man who owes so much back taxes there's a tax lien on his house.

As far as I know, no one in the media has pointed out what took our Morrigoon four seconds to figure ... if Joe's too stupid to incorporate his business, he deserves to not pay his higher bracket taxes just like his current taxes.


I want those plungers shoved far up McCain's keester.

[Ghoulish Delight]

As far as I know, no one in the media has pointed out what took our Morrigoon four seconds to figure ... if Joe's too stupid to incorporate his business, he deserves to not pay his higher bracket taxes just like his current taxes.
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/tax-advice-for-joe-the-plumber/

Too bad Obama didn't know his own plan well enough to set him straight on the spot.

[Gemini Cricket]

For CoasterMatt: (SFW)
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/mccaineyebrowsth5.gif

[Snowflake]

For CoasterMatt: (SFW)
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/mccaineyebrowsth5.gif

That's just scary!

[Morrigoon]

bwahahah!

[Tom]

This is just... weird.

Russia's permanent mission to the UN has received a letter from U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain asking for financial support of his election campaign, the mission said in a statement on Monday.

Link to the story. (http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1008/McCain_camp_hits_up_Russian_ambassador.html?showal l)

Link to the Russian's statement, with a copy of the letter. (http://www.un.int/russia/new/MainRoot/docs/press/201008eprel.htm)

I am assuming that it is a mistake, as it seems too stupid even for McCain's campaign to try to do this while leaving an easily followed paper trail.

[scaeagles]

Seems pretty obvious looking at the letter that it is a form letter that was part of a bulk mailing.

[JWBear]

And if it had been an Obama mailer the right wing pundits would be screaming bloody murder.

[scaeagles]

And the left would saying it's obviously a form letter. Blah, blah, blah.

[wendybeth]

Maybe the Russians will give us advice on nationalizing our banks.

[Morrigoon]

So I found an interesting nugget of info about John the Candidate in this article (http://www.slate.com/id/2202658/?GT1=38001) about Palin's disagreements with him. Specifically, (from the 1st paragraph)
She disagreed with McCain's opposition to a marriage amendment.
Well. That's something.

Not surprising that Palin wants one, but very interesting that McCain opposes it.

[Gemini Cricket]

Another interesting part of the article talks about how Palin wants to continue that discussion about Rev. Wright. If so, then commenting on her witchcraft minister should be up for grabs as well. I think if Palin wants to say that Obama is defined by Wright, then she's defined by her minister and therefore believes in witchcraft. That's her thinking, not mine.

And I also must say that my parents do not agree 100% with what the pastors say or do in their Catholic parish. They have been going to church for 60 years. My dad supports marriage equality for his two kids. Just because your minister is saying things it doesn't automatically mean you feel the same way.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Not surprising that Palin wants one, but very interesting that McCain opposes it.
He opposes it on a federal level (and that goes for both an amendment to ban gay marriage or one to explicitly allow) and believes it should be handled at state level. That doesn't mean he opposes a state level amendment to ban gay marriage.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Didn't McCain support an Arizona measure against gay marriage? I thought I read something about that but I don't have references.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Didn't McCain support an Arizona measure against gay marriage? I thought I read something about that but I don't have references.
Yes (http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/06/27/mccain-supports-efforts-to-ban-gay-marriage.html)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Thanks.

[innerSpaceman]

How come it's ok for Palin to harp on Obama's association with 40-years-ago domestic terrorists, but the press doesn't nail her for her current marriage to a sussessionist?

[Gemini Cricket]

How come it's ok for Palin to harp on Obama's association with 40-years-ago domestic terrorists, but the press doesn't nail her for her current marriage to a sussessionist?
But is that allegation true?
(I'm not certain.)

[Gemini Cricket]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/gameconsoles.jpg

[JWBear]

I think something like this would be more appropriate for Palin:
http://www.searchamateur.com/pictures/barbie-b-smart-learning-laptop-1.jpg

[Snowflake]

Okay, kids, you can talk to your parents (http://www.mccainfreewhitehouse.org/)!

[wendybeth]

But is that allegation true?
(I'm not certain.)


Yes.

Last Refuge of a Scoundrel (http://suzieqq.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/alaskan-independence-party-and-sarah-todd-palin/)

For someone who is not a member, she has certainly been a presence at their conventions, etc.

[Gemini Cricket]

Posted by Rocketboom on YouTube:
Hatred at a Palin Rally (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtZWwgw__WY)

[Morrigoon]

Didn't McCain support an Arizona measure against gay marriage? I thought I read something about that but I don't have references.
Damn. There goes my shred of grudging respect.

[Gemini Cricket]

Palin is proof of a human walking with a dinosaur.

:D


Thank you, folks! I'll be here all week. Enjoy the King Crab legs at the buffet!

[wendybeth]

Alaskan King crab legs?

[wendybeth]

Well, it appears that little Miss Fiscal Conservative has been billing the state for her kid's travel expenses and bringing them to events they were not invited to. She claims they were working.:rolleyes:

Palin's Family Values (http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20081021/Palin.Family.Travel/).

It is admirable that she wants her family with her, but I don't think the state hired her kids to work- aren't most of them underage?

[MouseWife]

From what I've seen she turns things to her favor.

Privledged.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Interesting conversation with my drawing instructor last night.

She's an artist so as you might expect she's got a pretty socially liberal attitude. But I've generally suspected she leans conservative in that, "I'm used to old white people running the country" sort of way. Statements like, "I've never been a fan of Dali, he's just too weird," are what have lead me to that conclusion.

As I was leaving my lesson last night she sighed and said, "I can't wait for this election to be over." I took the bait, gave a commiserating sigh and mumble back. Then she said, "You know, McCain keeps shooting himself in the foot," with a disappointed note in her voice. Not sure what I was about to get myself into I replied, "Well, I can't say I'm too upset about that."

Her response was, "Well, I'm voting for Obama." She went on to say that she thinks McCain's a great guy, and a hero, and that the problem with his campaign has been that he's been getting bad advice. BUT, he's been taking that advice, which has made her think he's just wouldn't be able to handle the Presidency. "We don't need another Bush," she said. And what a great point. Beyond anything, Bush's presidency has been characterized by surrounding himself with people who have encouraged him to do wrong things, and then taking that encouragement. That, more than anything else, is what links McCain to Bush after this candidacy, and that's why he's losing this election.

[innerSpaceman]

Wow, that's a great point. Too bad the candiates dare not point out the obvious, about themselves or their opponents, that how they handle the complex campaign for the presidency is likely the best indication of how they would handle something as complex as the presidency.


With Obama's relative lack of governing experience, many have pointed to the excellence of his campaign organization and operation as the better indications of his competence to lead the executive administration. That light is shone less brightly on McCain because of his extensive governing experience ... but it's too bad Obama won't point out how horrible McCain's campaign has been as an indication of what a feckless president he would be.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I wouldn't say it hasn't been a topic at all. Maybe not as much as it should be, but certainly during the whole, "The economy is sound"/"I'm suspending my campaign" fiasco, the spotlight on his decision making and judgment was shone brightly. He was already losing ground at that point, but his very obvious floundering and inability to handle the pressures of campaigning and dealing with a crisis at the same time were the final nails in the coffin for his chances.

[Gemini Cricket]

Since her selection as John McCain's running mate, the Republican National Committee spent more than $150,000 on clothing and make-up for Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, and even her infant son, it was reported on Tuesday evening.Palin has received the equivalent of $2,500 in clothes per day from places such as Saks Fifth Avenue (where RNC expenditures totaled nearly $50,000) and Neiman Marcus (where the governor had a $75,000 spree). Beyond the political tit-for-tat, however, the revelation of the clothing expenditures offers what some Democrats see as a chance not just to win several news cycles during the campaign's waning days but to severely damage Palin's image as a small-town, 'Joe Six-Pack' American.
"It shows that Palin ain't like the rest of us," Tom Matzzie, a Democratic strategist told the Huffington Post, when asked how the party would or could use the issue. "It can help deflate her cultural populism with the Republican base. The plumber's wife doesn't go to Nieman's or Saks."
Source (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/palin-clothes-spending-ha_n_136740.html)
Interesting tidbit.
At first, I thought it a trite tidbit that the media brought to light. But then I realized she can't come across as Ms. Small Town Girl when she's shopping at some places where they wouldn't even let Joe Six Pack in the door.

[Morrigoon]

Don't cry for me, Anchorage, Alaska? (http://www.risa.co.uk/sla/song.php?songid=19606)

[Strangler Lewis]

I don't know why she even wants the job since it will probably put her family in a higher tax bracket.

[Morrigoon]

Alaska's first president? And first woman president? I don't blame her in the least. Though I think her chances were killed by going for it too early, I don't think she was ready for this.

[Strangler Lewis]

If you're talking to me, that was a joke.

[Morrigoon]

Sorry, my response came off in a harsher tone than intended. I knew you were kidding. And there's a little joke in what I said too, if you notice ;)

[Moonliner]

I don't know why she even wants the job since it will probably put her family in a higher tax bracket.

But if Palin gets the job, then being a higher wage earner will still be a good thing. It's only if she loses that it becomes a problem.

[wendybeth]

Source (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/palin-clothes-spending-ha_n_136740.html)
Interesting tidbit.
At first, I thought it a trite tidbit that the media brought to light. But then I realized she can't come across as Ms. Small Town Girl when she's shopping at some places where they wouldn't even let Joe Six Pack in the door.


Here's how much she spent on her make-up (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/palins-makeup-artist-even_n_136858.html) last month. Holy ****! She's naturally very pretty- why so much make-up? I know applying it for appearances on tv is different than in real life, but usually they have artists on staff at the stations to do that sort of thing. Plus, it's not like she's even been giving interviews.....

[Moonliner]

Here's how much she spent on her make-up (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/palins-makeup-artist-even_n_136858.html) last month. Holy ****! She's naturally very pretty- why so much make-up? I know applying it for appearances on tv is different than in real life, but usually they have artists on staff at the stations to do that sort of thing. Plus, it's not like she's even been giving interviews.....

$13,000 Grand? Let's work that out.... 4 Weeks, with perhaps one or two days off at best... Let's call it 26 work days. Palin is making at least three or four events per day, so you can bank on at least 10 hour days.... Which gives us something on the order of 260 hours per month.

$13,000 / 260 works out to ~$50 per hour. For a professional that is tops in her field? A damn good bargain if you ask me.

[scaeagles]

I wonder what the per hour was for Hillary, or even someone like a Katie Couric.

And Binden's botox can't have been cheap, either. :)

[Gemini Cricket]

I wonder what the per hour was for Hillary, or even someone like a Katie Couric.

And Binden's botox can't have been cheap, either. :)
I don't know.
But they're not trying to convince the public that they're simple, every day hockey moms or Joe Six Packs either. She can't spout "elitist" about Obama when she's shopping at some of these stuck up, rich people only stores.

[Moonliner]

when she's shopping at some of these stuck up, rich people only stores.

Wow. You sure paint an awful lot of people with just one stroke of your hatred brush.

[Gemini Cricket]

Wow. You sure paint an awful lot of people with just one stroke of your hatred brush.
Have you ever been in one? Have you ever been kicked out of one just for looking at one of their Christmas displays? Uh, I have.
They're not the friendliest of places.
I stick by my comments. Stuck up, rich people only, elitist stores.

[Moonliner]

Have you ever been in one? Have you ever been kicked out of one just for looking at one of their Christmas displays? Uh, I have.
They're not the friendliest of places.
I stick by my comments. Stuck up, rich people only, elitist stores.

I've been pissed off by cast members at Disneyland, cussed at by clergy, and belittled by medical professionals. Yet some how I don't see all guests, parishinors and patients as evil bastards.

[Gemini Cricket]

I've been pissed off by cast members at Disneyland, cussed at by clergy, and belittled by medical professionals. Yet some how I don't see all guests, parishinors and patients as evil bastards.
Still you haven't even commented on my point that Palin is a hypocrite. You're off on a tangent.
You can call me Brad the Painter if you want.

[Moonliner]

Still you haven't even commented on my point that Palin is a hypocrite. You're off on a tangent.
You can call me Brad the Painter if you want.

I've already caller HER the most unqualified individual (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=247489&postcount=2413)ever nominated for the office of Vice President and pointed out her proclivity for shooting cute animals (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=245852&postcount=1247). What more are you looking for?

Oh, and for the record. You just called Barack Obama (http://www.mistermetrosexual.com/1/post/2008/08/so-just-what-does-obama-wear.html)a "stuck up rich person elitist". Those suits he wears don't come from Penny's you know. As you so aptly stated anyone that shops at those type of stores is a rich stuck up elitist.

[JWBear]

I read somewhere that Obama started shopping at Hartmarx and Barneys after becoming a Senator - and after a great deal of pushing by Michelle to dress better.

If you want a job, you should dress like you already have it.

[Scrooge McSam]

Don't you just LOVE election season.

I wish it could go on for ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever... just like this one has.

[3894]

I don't know.
But they're not trying to convince the public that they're simple, every day hockey moms or Joe Six Packs either. She can't spout "elitist" about Obama when she's shopping at some of these stuck up, rich people only stores.

There ya go, you betcha. I'm 110% okay with the Republican Party shelling out the reported $150K since August for Palin's wardrobe. That's $150K less for some of their other activities I might not like.

[Gemini Cricket]

You just called Barack Obama (http://www.mistermetrosexual.com/1/post/2008/08/so-just-what-does-obama-wear.html)a "stuck up rich person elitist".
Aren't they all? None of these four people would sit and eat dinner at my house, your house etc. Obama shouldn't call her on the $150K wardrobe either. I'm calling Palin out for calling the kettle black. She shouldn't have started the whole "I'm just like everyone else on Main Street thing" when she isn't and she shouldn't have called Obama an elitist when she's one too. And might I add, she and McCain shouldn't have gone with the whole "celebrity" think either. She's the Julia Roberts of the GOP.

[Moonliner]

Aren't they all? None of these four people would sit and eat dinner at my house, your house etc. Obama shouldn't call her on the $150K wardrobe either. I'm calling Palin out for calling the kettle black. She shouldn't have started the whole "I'm just like everyone else on Main Street thing" when she isn't and she shouldn't have called Obama an elitist when she's one too. And might I add, she and McCain shouldn't have gone with the whole "celebrity" think either. She's the Julia Roberts of the GOP.

I see your point. I just find it hypocritical of you to make it by selecting a minority demographic of the overall population and demonising them.

Black, White, Rich, Poor, Gay, Straight, these are just labels. People may be assholes and belong to any of these groups but it's bigotry to paint everyone in any of the groups as evil, don't you think?

[Gemini Cricket]

Black, White, Rich, Poor, Gay, Straight, these are just labels. People may be assholes and belong to any of these groups but it's bigotry to paint everyone in any of the groups as evil, don't you think?
Black, White, Gay, Straight I agree with you on, these are not chosen attributes. Rich, Poor... that's different. I don't find it to be bigoted to comment negatively about Neiman Marcus, Sak's Fifth Avenue etc. Screw those places.

[Moonliner]

Black, White, Gay, Straight I agree with you on, these are not chosen attributes

So by that logic, it would be OK in your book for someone to hate on all Goth's, Wiccka, Practicing Jews Christians or Muslims given that these are all "chosen" attributes?

[Strangler Lewis]

Rich people, like politicians, are fair game for generalized sniping.

Stores for rich people, even more so. Especially stores whose clothing lines seem to favor the size and coloring of rich Japanese and Arab women.

Oooh, let's have breakfast at Tiffany's.

[Snowflake]

777

On the front page of Huffington Post, Palin's new shoes. All I could think of was "There's no place like Nome, there's no place like Nome"

[Moonliner]

Rich people, like politicians, are fair game for generalized sniping.

OK, I got it. It's OK to discriminate against the groups you don't like or find funny, but not against the ones you favor.

Very good.

[Gemini Cricket]

So by that logic, it would be OK in your book for someone to hate on all Goth's, Wiccka, Practicing Jews Christians or Muslims given that these are all "chosen" attributes?
For example, the official stance of the LDS church is they oppose gays having sex, gay marriage etc so for something like Prop 8 they raise money from their members to fund the Yes campaign. I find it fine and dandy to be upset with the LDS church. I am upset with all of them. I have the right to be mad at someone who is Mormon for supporting this proposition. This is why I resigned from the Catholic Church. I chose not to be part of an organization that discriminates against me and my sister. Plain and simple. But to say something like 'I hate all African Americans' doesn't make sense to me. If it's in your belief system to hate someone for something they can't control, I disagree.

[katiesue]

Wow I shop a Bloomies, a lot, and Tiffany's. I've been know to drop into Niemans or Saks. I like nice stuff. Obviously I don't purchase high end coture but I get this and that. I don't think I'm an elitist snob.

[BarTopDancer]

My pro-McCain co-worker thinks the RNC should have used the $150k to buy McCain bionic arms.

[JWBear]

...Or hire a campaign manager with a clue.

[Strangler Lewis]

OK, I got it. It's OK to discriminate against the groups you don't like or find funny, but not against the ones you favor.

Very good.

I favor the politicians I favor, but I have no problem condoning generalized sniping against politicians. If we truly lived in a world run by the gods of the Greek pantheon, I'd have no trouble generalizing that the gods were d*cks.
Now, such generalizations may show a certain narrowness of vision, and one's energy may be better spent, but, as a practical matter, I don't think generalizations by the weak against the powerful put as much negative energy in the world as generalizations that flow the other way.

[wendybeth]

$13,000 Grand? Let's work that out.... 4 Weeks, with perhaps one or two days off at best... Let's call it 26 work days. Palin is making at least three or four events per day, so you can bank on at least 10 hour days.... Which gives us something on the order of 260 hours per month.

$13,000 / 260 works out to ~$50 per hour. For a professional that is tops in her field? A damn good bargain if you ask me.

I'll be sure to pass that on to your wife- you won't mind if she hires her own make-up artist then? ;)

I don't believe they stated that the woman worked with Palin full-time. If so, a bargain- but still outrageous. Who the **** needs a full-time make-up artist?

Now, a cabana boy- that I could justify.

[Gemini Cricket]

Now, a cabana boy- that I could justify.
Me too.
:D

[Snowflake]

Now, a cabana boy- that I could justify.

Me three!

[BarTopDancer]

Me four!

[Moonliner]

I'll be sure to pass that on to your wife- you won't mind if she hires her own make-up artist then? ;)

I don't believe they stated that the woman worked with Palin full-time. If so, a bargain- but still outrageous. Who the **** needs a full-time make-up artist?

Now, a cabana boy- that I could justify.

So how much is Obama/Biden allowed to spend on appearance before they become evil?

I mean really, it's like damming Darth Vader because of the cost of his suit. There are bigger issues here.

[scaeagles]

Honestly, EVERYTHING, when it comes to Palin, is a huge deal to the left. When related to the left, though, it is minutia that isn't worthy of mention.

[wendybeth]

I think people who pay $400 are ridiculous, and I'm a stylist. People who extol their own financial virtues and spend this sort of money are ridiculous hypocrites. Turns out Palin may have to repay the money- the clothes she can say she's giving to charity, but how do you give make-up back?

[BarTopDancer]

Palin ceases to be 'every woman' or 'one of us' or 'just another hockey mom' from a small town when she spends that kind of money on clothes. Yes, those types of clothes are necessary for what she is doing, but it puts her in the category completely out of touch with the category she is appealing to.

[wendybeth]

Honestly, EVERYTHING, when it comes to Palin, is a huge deal to the left. When related to the left, though, it is minutia that isn't worthy of mention.


Welcome to our world. (Clinton ring a bell?)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

OK, I got it. It's OK to discriminate against the groups you don't like or find funny, but not against the ones you favor.

Very good.

Well, the bottom line for me is not that it's awful to be rich or to buy fine things, but that it's awful to pretend - particularly on a political front - that you're "just like everyone else," and call out others for being "elitist" when you are elitist yourself.

[JWBear]

So how much is Obama/Biden allowed to spend on appearance before they become evil?

I mean really, it's like damming Darth Vader because of the cost of his suit. There are bigger issues here.

Taken as an isolated example, I'd agree. But when it's in conjunction with all the other examples of Republican hypocrisy, it helps paint an ugly picture.

[Strangler Lewis]

So how much is Obama/Biden allowed to spend on appearance before they become evil?

I mean really, it's like damming Darth Vader because of the cost of his suit. There are bigger issues here.

Well, speaking pragmatically, since Obama is kind of GQ in his appeal, he could get away with conservative suits pushing $2,000 apiece, but not much more. Since Biden's appeal is more working class, he gets less of a wardrobe budget.

Neither of them is allowed anything approaching a $400 haircut.

Prediction: If Obama wins, he is People's next sexiest man alive.

[Snowflake]

I'm sorry, I find lampooning Palin fun. To me, sadly, as a VP cadidate, she is and has shown herself to be a figure of fun by virtue of what comes out of her mouth. Put me in a similar position, God help you all and I would make as much of an ass of myself.

That said, as a fashion statement myself (not) I did find this photo funny of the pre-VP-nom Palin in the local grocery store.

778

The RNC did a good thing upgrading her wardrobe. If the people who donated to the RNC don't complain about the $$ to give her a makeover, no worries, money well spent! ;)

[Gemini Cricket]

On the other hand, would Palin get slammed for looking shoddy if she made a decision to wear pantsuits from Sears? Probably.

[JWBear]

778


Good Lord, what is she wearing?!?!

On the other hand, would Palin get slammed for looking shoddy if she made a decision to wear pantsuits from Sears? Probably.

I have no problems with politicians dressing well. In fact, I expect it. I do, however, have a problem with putting on a painful show of "folksyness" and accusing your opponant of "elitism", and then going on a $150,000 clothes shopping binge with somebody elses money.

[wendybeth]

Honestly, I don't disagree with the clothing- she's up there with Mrs. 'Haute' McCain, and she's got to have something better than that pink monstrosity Snow showed us. (I still think the tabs excessive, but oh well). But make-up? McCain has facial scarring he needs to cover, yet his was almost half what her bill was.

[Gemini Cricket]

I have no problems with politicians dressing well. In fact, I expect it. I do, however, have a problem with putting on a painful show of "folksyness" and accusing your opponant of "elitism", and then going on a $150,000 clothes shopping binge with somebody elses money.
True that.

[wendybeth]

For a study in contrast, here's the Obama's on fashion: GQ on a budget (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/22/the-obamas-discuss-dressi_n_137009.html)

[wendybeth]

(He's probably going to get slammed as being too elitist to shop for clothes now).

[Gemini Cricket]

Now watch this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNke6ad0t6g).
McCain in 2000 said:
Audience member: "Why is it that someone like my father who goes to school for 13 years gets penalized in a huge tax bracket because he's a doctor."

McCain: "I think it's to some degree because we feel obviously that wealthy people can afford more."

Audience member: "Are we getting closer and closer to, like, socialism?"

McCain: "Here's what I really believe: That when you reach a certain level of comfort, there's nothing wrong with paying somewhat more."

[BarTopDancer]

The RNC now says the clothes belong to the party committee while the McCain campaign says the clothing will go to a "charitable purpose" after the campaign.

The expenses include $75,062 spent at Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis and $41,850 in St. Louis in early September. The committee also reported spending $4,100 for makeup and hair consulting. The expenses were first reported by Politico.com.

The RNC also spent $4,902 at Atelier, a stylish men's clothing store in New York. Other purchases included a $92 romper and matching hat with ears for Palin's baby, Trig, at Pacifier, a baby store in Minneapolis.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gN2UuEbyF64GtuHQfJzWDqDg7PqgD93VP3RG0

[3894]

And how much of that $150K went for clothing designed and made in the U.S. of A.?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Now watch this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNke6ad0t6g).
McCain in 2000 said:Oh snap!

[BarTopDancer]

And how much of that $150K went for clothing designed and made in the U.S. of A.?

Good question!

[Ghoulish Delight]

There isn't a shudder powerful enough (http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/10/22/is-palin-making-plans.aspx)

[JWBear]

There isn't a shudder powerful enough (http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/10/22/is-palin-making-plans.aspx)

Why? I for one encourage the GOP to nominate her in '12! An incumbent President Obama vs Caribou Barbie? It’ll be a slaughter! :evil:

[Ghoulish Delight]

Why? I for one encourage the GOP to nominate her in '12! An incumbent President Obama vs Caribou Barbie? It’ll be a slaughter! :evil:
Need I remind you that George W. Bush was elected? Twice?

[innerSpaceman]

No, he was elected once. Appointed the other time, in a coup d'etat.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Well, the bottom line for me is not that it's awful to be rich or to buy fine things, but that it's awful to pretend - particularly on a political front - that you're "just like everyone else," and call out others for being "elitist" when you are elitist yourself.

I have no problems with politicians dressing well. In fact, I expect it. I do, however, have a problem with putting on a painful show of "folksyness" and accusing your opponant of "elitism", and then going on a $150,000 clothes shopping binge with somebody elses money.

Exactly. Portray yourself as the common person, yet go spend significantly more than that "everyman's" salary on a wardrobe? Not quite. I don't so much mind she spent somebody else's money (that's a perk of being the candidate) but how much she spent????? Wow.

Same argument I have with McCain claiming maverick status, yet voting with his party 90% of the time. I don't have an issue with Obama voting with his party- he doesn't try to claim something else.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Seriously? Questioning how much she spends on wardrobe? Give me a break. These people don't have to look good - they have to look miraculous, no matter what they're saying about how they understand the common man. The problem I have with the accusations of "elitist" have nothing to do with this. It is not elitist for them to dress this way and it does not disqualify them from calling each other elitist.

[CoasterMatt]

John McCain is gonna unveil a new look, in a last ditch effort to get some younger voters...

[scaeagles]

No, he was elected once. Appointed the other time, in a coup d'etat.

Yawn.

[innerSpaceman]

Yeah, most people find American History boring.


I'm a geek.

[scaeagles]

Same argument I have with McCain claiming maverick status, yet voting with his party 90% of the time. I don't have an issue with Obama voting with his party- he doesn't try to claim something else.

Excuse me? He often claims he worked across the aisle in his career in the Illinois State senate, and claims that he is the end to partisanship because he can work with the other side. Working with the other side is easy when you don't intend to take into account anything they have to offer, and based on his voting record, I think it's pretty safe to say he won't take anything they offer seriously. Listen? Sure. I'll listen to anyone if I am planning on just discounting their words later.

Also, that 90% is INCREDIBLY distorted. That includes votes like "We declare today national left handed missing a big toe WWII veterens day in honor of Joe Nobigtoe". Things that are automatic yes votes.

[scaeagles]

CoasterMatt - is that pic of McCain photoshopped?

[Gemini Cricket]

Palin said if she and husband Todd had had a sixth child, they had already picked a name for a boy joining siblings Track, Bristol, Willow, Piper and Trig.
"I always wanted a son named Zamboni," she said.
Source - it's not the Onion, seriously! (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/22/AR2008102201645.html?referrer=reddit)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Ok, so maybe McCain didn't vote that way the full 90% but it's still enough for me to call shenanigans on his maverick claim.

Haven't seen Obama's record. I've only seen reports of a few votes.

Interesting tidbit - my friend saw something that Palin's name used to be Pall but it got changed at Ellis Island (like many names, including apparently one of my family's names). The intake people couldn't read their handwriting, and thought it was Pali but added an "n" so it wouldn't sound Italian. I wonder what derivation they are? I may have to look that up out of curiosity.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Also, that 90% is INCREDIBLY distorted. That includes votes like "We declare today national left handed missing a big toe WWII veterens day in honor of Joe Nobigtoe". Things that are automatic yes votes.
It may be incredibly distorted, but that didn't stop McCain from using it to campaign for himself (I tried to find the video clip but now can't remember where I saw it).

[Moonliner]

It may be incredibly distorted, but that didn't stop McCain from using it to campaign for himself (I tried to find the video clip but now can't remember where I saw it).

Check Obama's website. He's been using that clip of McCain (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PluoMotgl2w)every five min on every TV station around here for months.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh yeah, that's where I saw it, on an Obama ad in Nevada.

[Morrigoon]

So I was on Twitter, and under the "hot political topics" links, one was Zamboni (http://election.twitter.com/topic?t=Zamboni). Oh I HAD to see what THAT was about, LOL!

(Hint, it involves Palin and children)

edit: oops, I should read before posting, pbbbt.

[scaeagles]

At least she didn't want to name a girl Zamboni. It would give a whole new meaning to the Zamboni song....

[Ghoulish Delight]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27339865#27339865

I swear, they set my teeth on edge.

Is it just me or does McCain look super-tense the whole time she's talking, like he's just waiting for her to say something stupid?

[innerSpaceman]

This is just anecdotal, but all the clips I keep hearing of recent McCain ralleys has the audience constantly booing Obama (even the He wants to spread the wealth line that is an incredibly popular idea with most Americans) ... whereas the clips I keep hearing of recent Obama ralleys has the audience constantly cheering when he repudiates Palin by declaring there are no real or fake American places in America, no pro or anti American places in America, and that we all love our country no matter where we live or where we are from.


Cheers, positive, happy Obama ralleys. Booing, nasty, pissed off McCain ralleys.


D'uh.

[Gemini Cricket]

Trevor Potter, a former chair of the U.S. Federal Election Commission who is gay, is serving as the top lawyer for the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

As the campaign’s general counsel, Potter has been identified by newspapers such as the New York Times and Washington Post as one of the nation’s most highly regarded experts on U.S. election laws. Potter has been credited with helping draft the McCain-Feingold Act, a bipartisan federal measure that reformed federal campaign finance laws.

But few mainline news outlets have reported on Potter’s other role as a high-level, openly gay adviser to McCain.Source (http://washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=21908)
I don't understand this.
I know money is money, but the McCain camp is vehemently against marriage equality. In fact, Palin wants a Federal Marriage Amendment. Why work for someone who is working against you?
People like Potter and all the gay staffers that work for anti-gay Republicans and Democrats... I do not understand them...

[innerSpaceman]

They're self-haters. Easy. Simple. Instant psychoanalysis complete.






You're welcome. :p

[scaeagles]

Perhaps they find there are other things more important? Is it wrong for homosexuals to be more concerned with economic policy or foreign policy than with same sex marriage?

Just because there are different priorities than yours doesn't mean they are self haters.

[JWBear]

I'm sure the Jews who supported Hitler had their reasons too... Until the went to the gas chambers.





(And yes, I know I just invoked Godwin... Get over it.)

[scaeagles]

Wow. I don't mind Godwin being invoked when done so in a rational fashion. I think the comparison is a bit over the top.

[Gemini Cricket]

Wow. I don't mind Godwin being invoked when done so in a rational fashion. I think the comparison is a bit over the top.
So, how about this?

You're in an office working with a bunch of people at a company. You work there because you feel that what you're doing is important and that it's a just cause.
But what if every single person in that office felt that you and only you did not deserve to get married. In fact, the work you are doing with them in part is preventing you from getting married. There is no Mrs. scaeagles. Your family is not valid with these people.
Sitting in the lunch room, you happen to mention your wife. The friend you're having lunch with says, "Your wife?! No, you mean your friend because that's what we all believe around here." Never mind the 15 years you spent with her, she's just a friend... someone you pal around with.
You go to HR. "My wife needs to have her appendix taken out." You say.
HR says to you, "Uh, yeah. Your friend doesn't share benefits with you. Sorry. She'll have to pay for the whole thing out of pocket."

Now tell me, how long would you stay in that office? I mean, the cause still seems just to you but is the damage you're doing yourself (and your family) alright with you?

[3894]

Robo Rudy Guliani called me on the phone. My goodness, does that man need therapy.

[sleepyjeff]

Robo Rudy Guliani called me on the phone. My goodness, does that man need therapy.

So someone in the GOP still thinks Wisconsin is still in play...that's good news indeed.

Out here in the Willamette Valley of Oregon I've only had one call....from Obama America, way back in August....since the primaries.

[Morrigoon]

If ever there was a call for a voter initiative, it would be adding political campaigns to the do not call legislation.

[scaeagles]

GC, there is a difference between what you are talking about - benefits to domestic partners - and marriage.

Being not gay, I don't know, so this isn't meant to be rhetorical at all.....aren't domestic partner benefits pretty common now - probably the norm, at least among larger corporations?

[Snowflake]

GC, there is a difference between what you are talking about - benefits to domestic partners - and marriage.

Being not gay, I don't know, so this isn't meant to be rhetorical at all.....aren't domestic partner benefits pretty common now - probably the norm, at least among larger corporations?

Sceagles, larger corporations, I think some, yes. But on a state by state basis, not at all. Don't laugh, NC, to name one. I know because one of my dearest friends and her partner do not have a law on the books for benefits for domestic partners.

I need to check LAMBDA and GLAAD

[scaeagles]

I read LAMBDA as NAMBLA and was scared for a moment.

[Gemini Cricket]

GC, there is a difference between what you are talking about - benefits to domestic partners - and marriage.

Being not gay, I don't know, so this isn't meant to be rhetorical at all.....aren't domestic partner benefits pretty common now - probably the norm, at least among larger corporations?
You didn't answer my question. Would you stay at that company?

With the Federal Marriage Amendment Palin supports it all goes away.

When I signed up for a Domestic Partnership with Ralphie, the government taxed him for it. The benefits that I was allotted were considered additional income for Ralphie. It's not the same thing as a marriage recognized by the government, there are rights you and your wife enjoy that JWBear and his partner can't.

[Gemini Cricket]

I read LAMBDA as NAMBLA and was scared for a moment.
Not even remotely funny.

[Snowflake]

Not even remotely funny.

Ooh, I had to look that up. Not funny, you're right GC.

[scaeagles]

Not even remotely funny.

Geez....why so tense? I was reading quickly and thought it was amusing because I KNOW THEY HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH ONE ANOTHER!!!!!

[scaeagles]

There are reports of a woman being attacked in PA because she was a McCain supporter, but I believe it was faked. There's a pic of her on the drudge report and the "B" that they supposedly carved in her face for "Barack" is backwards. Unless somehow the photo got flipped or something.

[Gemini Cricket]

Geez....why so tense? I was reading quickly and thought it was amusing because I KNOW THEY HAVE NOTHING IN COMMON WITH ONE ANOTHER!!!!!
It's because you have no idea how many times some close-minded people in this country still associate homosexuality with pedophilia and then lead others with that fear. It's one of the many ways homosexuals are vilified. It doesn't sit well with me.

[scaeagles]

My father in law has a couple of shirts from the North American Mortgage Broker Association, or NAMBA. That one REALLY gets my attention.

[Chernabog]

Just once in this campaign McCain needs to cackle wildly and exclaim "Muahahahhahaha! Tales from the Crypt!"

Oh that would make my Thursday.

[Strangler Lewis]

Not even remotely funny.

How about as lambada?

[Ghoulish Delight]

A good breakdown of what civil union/domestic partnership is NOT (http://lesbianlife.about.com/cs/wedding/a/unionvmarriage.htm)

[Gemini Cricket]

SNL Tonight

How do I love thee, Tina Fey? Let me count the ways...

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/sarah2.jpg

Actually, I thought it was the least funny of the five sketches but Tina was wonderful.
:)

[Ghoulish Delight]

"1/3 practiced folksy" :D:D

[BarTopDancer]

Wait, what is this SNL on Thursdays??

[Gemini Cricket]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/palinscarf.jpg

A friend sent me this pic. On the scarf be donkeys.
Could be Photoshopped, though.

[Snowflake]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/braddoc310/palinscarf.jpg

A friend sent me this pic. On the scarf be donkeys.
Could be Photoshopped, though.

It's not, someone at a Nevada ralley handed it to her. I saw this on Huffington Post. There is a pic of her accepting it. Clearly, she did not look at it!

[JWBear]

Even if she did look at it, would she have gotten it?

[Morrigoon]

Maybe she took it as a Democratic endorsement? Because, you know, like even the donkeys want her to run congress ;)

(Gawd, is she funnier than Dan Quayle or what?)

[Gemini Cricket]

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police say a McCain campaign volunteer who reported being held down by a black man who then cut the letter "B" in her face has changed her story.
Police also say bank surveillance footage doesn't show her at an ATM where she initially said she was attacked.
Police spokeswoman Diane Richard says investigators gave the 20-year-old woman a lie-detector test and are "looking at some inconsistencies" in her story.
The student, Ashley Todd, of College Station, Texas, initially said a black man robbed her at knifepoint near a bank Wednesday night and then cut her cheek after seeing a McCain sticker on her car.
Todd, who is white, now says she was knocked unconscious and doesn't remember being cut in the face. She now says she only discovered the wound later.
No arrests have been made.
Source (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6076307.html)
Hmmm.

[Ghoulish Delight]

http://www.salon.com/comics/boll/2008/10/23/boll/story.gif

[JWBear]

http://www.salon.com/comics/boll/2008/10/23/boll/story.gif


:snap: :snap: :snap:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wait, what is this SNL on Thursdays??It's called "Update Thursdays", a special election season thing, been going on a few weeks now. They have a couple sketches and a wonderfully long "Weekend Update". Link to last night's main sketch. (http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/update-thursday-bush-endorsement/783981/) On the left of this page are other videos from last night, all titled "Update". The whole show was awesome.


That Joe comic is awesome

[Moonliner]

Source (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6076307.html)
Hmmm.

She made it up. (http://kdka.com/local/attack.McCain.Bloomfield.2.847628.html)

[Snowflake]

Sarah Palin is now blaming gender bias regarding the GOP $$150k pricetag on her new wardrobe?


Palin denies accepting $150K in designer clothes

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Sarah Palin is blaming gender bias for the controversy over $150,000 worth of designer clothes, hairstyling and accessories the Republican Party provided for her, a newspaper reported Thursday.

"I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race," Palin said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune posted on the newspaper's Web site Thursday night. "Do you remember the conversations that took place about her, say superficial things that they don't talk about with men, her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that? That's a bit of that double standard."

Uh, what about John Edwards' $400 haircut and I do recall Bill Clinton getting talked about during his presidency for a price haircut, too?? Ahem......McCain is also on the record regarding using campaign funds for personal use, like clothing and haircuts.......and not in a good way (I saw this on msnbc last night) I'm sorry, Sarah Palin is just a maroon!

Full Story Here (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081024/ap_on_el_pr/palin_clothing_20)

[Gemini Cricket]

She made it up. (http://kdka.com/local/attack.McCain.Bloomfield.2.847628.html)
Ah. I'm now wondering how the "B" got there.

[Moonliner]

Ah. I'm now wondering how the "B" got there.

She did it herself, which is why it's backwards

[Ghoulish Delight]

Ah. I'm now wondering how the "B" got there.
Considering it's backwards, nutjob probably did it to herself in a mirror.

[scaeagles]

She made it up. (http://kdka.com/local/attack.McCain.Bloomfield.2.847628.html)


I figured that out as soon as it hit the news. (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=248156&postcount=1392)

[JWBear]

She's such good advertising material for McCain... "Vote for McCain, he appeals to delusional self-mutilators!"

[Moonliner]

I figured that out as soon as it hit the news. (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showpost.php?p=248156&postcount=1392)

Wait....

If you think it was faked, then it must be true.
But it can't be true because the woman herself admitted it was fake.


Dammit. You're just messing with me aren't you?

[Gemini Cricket]

Someone just sent me this joke:
"I wish my lawn was Ashley Todd that way it would cut itself."
Boy, the people that come up with jokes are quick!

[scaeagles]

Who was the talk show host? Robert Downey Jr? Cut a swastika in his face backwards or something?

And it's all I have left, Moonliner.....it's all I have left.

[Strangler Lewis]

Conservative envelope pusher and chain smoker Morton Downey, Jr.

Robert Downey, Jr. abused himself in other ways.

[Gemini Cricket]

Bush Casts Vote for McCain (http://thepage.time.com/2008/10/24/bush-casts-his-vote-for-mccain/?xid=rss-page)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Too bad he was trying to vote for Buchanan.

[JWBear]

Bush Casts Vote for McCain (http://thepage.time.com/2008/10/24/bush-casts-his-vote-for-mccain/?xid=rss-page)

Like that's a surprise?

[JWBear]

Too bad he was trying to vote for Buchanan.

Naaa...He was looking for his own name. His handlers forgot to tell him he wasn't running again.

[BarTopDancer]

It's called "Update Thursdays", a special election season thing, been going on a few weeks now. They have a couple sketches and a wonderfully long "Weekend Update". Link to last night's main sketch. (http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/update-thursday-bush-endorsement/783981/) On the left of this page are other videos from last night, all titled "Update". The whole show was awesome.


That Joe comic is awesome

Thanks! I found the previous ones online. Looks like I need to get TiVo to record this for me.

[Tenigma]

She made it up. (http://kdka.com/local/attack.McCain.Bloomfield.2.847628.html)

Oh god guys, it gets worse. Much worse. TPM Election Central is reporting the following (http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/mccain_aide_gave_reporters_inc.php):

"John McCain's Pennsylvania communications director told reporters in the state an incendiary version of the hoax story about the attack on a McCain volunteer well before the facts of the case were known or established -- and even told reporters outright that the "B" carved into the victim's cheek stood for "Barack," according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions."

Columnist blogger Andrew Sullivan pointed out the following quote from Fox news executive vice-president John Moody, who posted this yesterday before it was confirmed that it was a hoax:

"If the incident turns out to be a hoax, Senator McCain’s quest for the presidency is over, forever linked to race-baiting."

Have you guys noticed that the rats are leaving the sinking ship this week? Oy vey.

[wendybeth]

Boy, inflation has really hit the make-up industry hard: Palin's make-up artist highest paid (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/24/palins-makeup-artist-is-m_n_137513.html).

Still think she's a bargain, Moonie? ;)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

The Vet who did not vet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03fcGelz8Hw)

[sleepyjeff]

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/jonah102408.php3

[CoasterMatt]

Screw John McCain, give Joe McCain his own tv show.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh god guys, it gets worse. Much worse. TPM Election Central is reporting the following (http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/mccain_aide_gave_reporters_inc.php):



Columnist blogger Andrew Sullivan pointed out the following quote from Fox news executive vice-president John Moody, who posted this yesterday before it was confirmed that it was a hoax:



Have you guys noticed that the rats are leaving the sinking ship this week? Oy vey.
Chalk another one up for John McCain's crack vetting team. Nothing slips by them.

[flippyshark]

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/jonah102408.php3

Pure straw man. (For instance, the charge that Obama is a Socialist doesn't rankle because it's racist, but rather because it's inaccurate.)

Edited to add: Also, posted to the wrong thread. :p

[Moonliner]

Oh god guys, it gets worse. Much worse. TPM Election Central is reporting the following (http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/mccain_aide_gave_reporters_inc.php):



Columnist blogger Andrew Sullivan pointed out the following quote from Fox news executive vice-president John Moody, who posted this yesterday before it was confirmed that it was a hoax:



Have you guys noticed that the rats are leaving the sinking ship this week? Oy vey.


I think holding a presidential candidate personally responsible for the actions of individual citizens might be a tad overzealous.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

True, but these people - Todd on the phone banks, the communication director in his position - are acting, and speaking, on his behalf. They certainly aren't him, but they are part of his campaign. I would say it doesn't look good to have anyone working on your campaign do what they did.

[wendybeth]

I think holding a presidential candidate personally responsible for the actions of individual citizens might be a tad overzealous.

I agree- and that could be applied to the Acorn mess as well.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wow. I hope this woman is remembered for all time as the absolute proof that some people will do anything to prevent Obama from being elected this year - and that the scheme included a racist slant.

As for McCain's campaign jumping on the story - I really can't say that if the roles were reversed that Obama's camp wouldn't do the same. I hope not.

[3894]

"She's lost confidence in most of the people on the plane," said a senior Republican who speaks to Palin, referring to her campaign jet. He said Palin had begun to "go rogue" in some of her public pronouncements and decisions.

"I think she'd like to go more rogue," he said.

Source (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14929.html)

Emphasis on the icky. So now, according to McCain insiders, Palin is an uppity woman who doesn't know her place.

You couldn't make this stuff up. :snap:

[JWBear]

Chalk another one up for John McCain's crack vetting team. Nothing slips by them.

Yeah... If this is an example of the level of competence we'll see from a McCain White House, we're f*cked if he wins.

[sleepyjeff]

Pure straw man. (For instance, the charge that Obama is a Socialist doesn't rankle because it's racist, but rather because it's inaccurate.)

Edited to add: Also, posted to the wrong thread. :p


Thanks for at least reading it before dismissing it...I appreciate that very much:)

I think I did post this in the correct thread in that recent converstations have been accusing McCain's campaign of racism.....that, and when I dare to muddy the thread of hope I've been slammed so hard. To be quite frank, I am a little gun shy about posting anything in there anymore....feels too much like shouting in church.

[CoasterMatt]

Shouting in church is a lot of fun.

[scaeagles]

One time in church when I was 5 I raised my hand while the preacher was speaking....my mom kept trying to push it down, and finally the preacher saw and asked me what I wanted to know. I asked him "Are you about done yet?".

Not really shouting in church, but perhaps inappropriate.

[Gemini Cricket]

If McCain loses, I can see the media and the McCain camp blaming Palin for the loss. I will not be on board for that. Choosing Palin as his running mate was one of many mistakes made. Sadly, I think Palin will be the scapegoat. Er, uh scapemoose....

[Gemini Cricket]

If McCain loses, I can see the media and the McCain camp blaming Palin for the loss. I will not be on board for that. Choosing Palin as his running mate was one of many mistakes made. Sadly, I think Palin will be the scapegoat. Er, uh scapemoose....
With that being said, if you're going to carve a pumpkin to look like Sarah Palin's head, make sure it's hollow first.

:D

[Ghoulish Delight]

Most of the criticism of Palin I've seen have been framed as, 'What was McCain thinking?!" I think most people see it like I put it earlier - she was asked to do something way over her head and failed, but it was McCain and company that put her in that position in his highest profile bad decision among many bad decisions.

[sleepyjeff]

One time in church when I was 5 I raised my hand while the preacher was speaking....my mom kept trying to push it down, and finally the preacher saw and asked me what I wanted to know. I asked him "Are you about done yet?".



:snap:

[flippyshark]

Scaeagles - Did you get a reply from the preacher? :)

[Tenigma]

I think holding a presidential candidate personally responsible for the actions of individual citizens might be a tad overzealous.

Not McCain personally, but this does not reflect well on the campaign.

[Tenigma]

Most of the criticism of Palin I've seen have been framed as, 'What was McCain thinking?!" I think most people see it like I put it earlier - she was asked to do something way over her head and failed, but it was McCain and company that put her in that position in his highest profile bad decision among many bad decisions.

It gets worse. CNN's got an article up today that there are people from Camp McCain that are now accusing Palin of going rogue on them.

I tell you, the rats are fleeing the sinking ship really fast now.

[Ghoulish Delight]

A new e-mail making the rounds among Jewish voters in Pennsylvania this week falsely alleged that Mr. Obama “taught members of Acorn to commit voter registration fraud,’’ and equated a vote for Senator Barack Obama with the “tragic mistake” of their Jewish ancestors, who “ignored the warning signs in the 1930’s and 1940’s.”

At first blush, it was typical of the sorts of e-mails floating around with false, unsubstantiated and incendiary claims this year.

But where most of the attack e-mails against Mr. Obama have been mostly either anonymous or from people outside of mainstream politics, this one had an unusually official provenance: It was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Republican Party’s “Victory 2008” committee.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/pennsylvania-republicans-send-false-anti-obama-e-mail/

And when the party was asked about it, their big "repudiation" of it was, "he went a little bit farther than the facts would support."

Umm, equating electing Obama to the rise of the Third Reich is "a little bit far"? Class act that Republican party.

[Gemini Cricket]

Hem hem hem.

Applause.

"Thank you, thank you."

"My Sarah Palin jack-o-lantern is pretty on the outside but is lit by a very dim light."

"My Joe Biden jack-o-lantern keeps saying "Happy Easter!" to my neighbors. What a gaffe!"

"My Joe the Plumber jack-o-lantern is not a pumpkin after all. It's really a squash."

"Is this thing on? Testing, testing?"

"My McCain jack-o-lantern keeps blinking and sticking its tongue out at me."

"My Obama jack-o-lantern is gone. It went to Hawai'i to see a pineapple."

"Thank you, enjoy the rest of your stay here at the casino. Enjoy the buffet, make sure to try the Alaskan King Crab legs and moose burgers."

:D

[Gemini Cricket]

My friend Julie just said that she was going to go as Sarah Palin for Halloween but couldn't afford the costume.

:D

[Ruthie]

My friend Julie just said that she was going to go as Sarah Palin for Halloween but couldn't afford the costume.

:D

:snap: LMHO! omg . . . can I borrow that one?!?!

[Gemini Cricket]

:snap: LMHO! omg . . . can I borrow that one?!?!
Of course!
But in all honesty, it isn't mine. My friend Julie really said that.
(Who has Palin glasses by the way, but she says that Palin has her glasses.)
:D

[Ruthie]

Of course!
But in all honesty, it isn't mine. My friend Julie really said that.
(Who has Palin glasses by the way, but she says that Palin has her glasses.)
:D

Well, I love Julie's wit! . . and I am sure Palin copied her on the glasses too. :D

[sleepyjeff]

My friend Julie just said that she was going to go as Sarah Palin for Halloween but couldn't afford the costume.

:D


:)

That was pretty funny....I'll admit.

[Tenigma]

My friend Julie just said that she was going to go as Sarah Palin for Halloween but couldn't afford the costume.

Not a problem! Tell her to tuck the price tags in the sleeves, and she can RETURN THEM on November 1. Just like Palin!

[Ghoulish Delight]

The lies continue (http://www.newsweek.com/id/166041)

The ad claims that real estate developer Allison Davis received $20 million of taxpayer money thanks to Obama. But that's false. Davis didn't get any of this money. The ad cites a story from The Washington Times, but the article says that "city housing authorities confirmed" that the "grant money won't go to Mr. Davis or his company."

[Betty]

And if they lie like that now - just imagine what it will be like if they get elected.

[JWBear]

And if they lie like that now - just imagine what it will be like if they get elected.

Indeed.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Yes, that's exactly what I'm afraid of.

[Gn2Dlnd]

You don't really have to imagine, the last 8 years are full of greatest hits. Mobile anthrax factories, anyone? The US does not practice torture? Global warming, Katrina, Florida ballots, financial meltdown, shopping for 9/11, Ohio ballots, Karl Rove, Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney - Hey, these are the jokes, people!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Wish they were funny.

So, have you seen the video of Palin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9T0FI2axbU&eurl=http://boingboing.net/) speaking at a rally and stuttering after but not addressing the woman who yelled out a racial slur? Yeah.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Eh, probably best not to give the bigot the attention she wanted.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I'm not sure if I agree. I think politicians should always seek to address racism in action. I don't think a slur like that should be ignored.

On another note,
http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/10/18/128688276033086173.jpg

[Ghoulish Delight]

Compared to McCain's, "No, no, he's not an Arab, he's a good family man," ignoring is a vast improvement.

[Gemini Cricket]

Obama wears muslin and pals around with terriers.

[JWBear]

Obama wears muslin and pals around with terriers.

<GASP!> I've even heard that he has matriculated several times!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but I couldn't help myself (http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=TjhLwjk377VOyFZoMhgQWDcyNjY4MDc-&referred_by=12756269-zXxRDEx). :evil:

[LSPoorEeyorick]

UGH, I just got my first pro-McCain email - sent by a distant work connection to my WORK EMAIL. And its title is "Black and White: the Critical Issue In this Election." I believe he thinks he's talking about the abortion issue, but if you ACTUALLY want to convince people of your case, you'd better not imply that race is the issue at hand.

[wendybeth]

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but I couldn't help myself (http://www.cnnbcvideo.com/index.html?nid=TjhLwjk377VOyFZoMhgQWDcyNjY4MDc-&referred_by=12756269-zXxRDEx). :evil:

Lol! That was great, CP!:snap:

[Snowflake]

794

CP, that was awesome! :snap:

[innerSpaceman]

I've always wanted to be infamous.

[Snowflake]

I've always wanted to be infamous.

But ya are Blanche, ya are!

[Alex]

The video is amusing, but if that were to really happen, why would we be mad at Steve Z. (I didn't realize until just now that the story was customized to be our Steve Z.) instead of the 60 million people that would have voted for McCain?

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm suddenly reminded of this sketch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfXFOllCE7s)

[Gemini Cricket]

Joe the Plumber a no-show at McCain rally.
Joe Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, has become an integral part of John McCain's presidential bid, but it appears the Arizona senator's campaign and the now-famous Toledo plumber need to work on their communication skills. McCain aides told CNN's Dana Bash Wurzelbacher would appear with the Republican presidential candidate at his first campaign event in Defiance, Ohio. But in what was a slightly awkward moment for McCain, Wurzelbacher was nowhere to be seen when the Arizona senator called out for him.
Source (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/30/joe-the-plumber-missing-at-mccain-event/)


In all fairness, though, Joe did tell McCain he would be there anytime between 10 and 4.

"Him not showing was just Joe payin' respect to the Ohio city's name." Palin commented with a wink and a couple of elbow jabs to McCain's ribs.

Ba-dum-ching!
:D

[Ghoulish Delight]

Interesting. Brings to mind an account I heard of another McCain event where they came on with the, "Ladies and gentlemen, introducing John McCain & Sarah Palin!!" dropped the house lights, cranked up Eye of the Tiger...and nothing. Some awkward silence, Eye of the Tiger back on....nothing. Then, 45 minutes later, music came back on and the Straight Talk Express bus rolls onto the floor of whatever venue this was at. I wonder if the bus had a flat. Or maybe they were waiting for Joe to show up and fix the toilet.

[Betty]

Speaking of Joe - have you heard the new Mike Diamond plumbing radio spots? Too funny...

....there's been a lot of talk about plumbers lately... they go on to talk about how they know all about the stuff that politicians sling around... and they finish up by saying that they have 6 Joe's on staff. If you prefer a Joe, let us know.

[SacTown Chronic]

That fvcking innerSpaceman! I knew this would happen if he went to the movies with Obama.

[Ghoulish Delight]

McCain: Obama is not a socialist (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/30/obama-not-a-socialist-mcc_n_139294.html)

What what what?!? Say it ain't so, John!

Meanwhile

KING: He says, it's only the personal income tax. If you run a store, if you make $250,000 or more, as a personal income, not a business income, that's where he's (INAUDIBLE).
MCCAIN: And that's where his folks just reduced it to $200,000. And then Sen. Biden yesterday said $150,000. And the fact is that if Joe the Plumber is able to buy the business that he works in, the guy that he buys it from is going to see an increase in capital gains taxes. They're going to see an increase in payroll taxes. They're going to see -- if he reaches a certain level, an increase in his income taxes. And that's what got people concerned. That's what's got Joe the Plumber upset. He wants to redistribute the money.


Phew, that's better. For a second I thought he was going to start ACTUALLY doing that "straight talking" thing. Good to know he's still on his lying game.

[Tom]

Lawreence Eagleburger, former Secretary of State who has endorsed McCain, on Sarah Palin's readiness:

It is a very good question. I'm being facetious here. Look, of course not... Give her some time in the office and I think the answer would be, she will be [pause] adequate. I can't say that she would be a genius in the job. But I think she would be enough to get us through a four year... well I hope not... get us through whatever period of time was necessary. And I devoutly hope that it would never be tested.

[Gemini Cricket]

Here's how much of a dinglecheese Sarah Palin is:
Watch this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCXqKEs68Xk)

Okay, do you know how I was forwarded to this clip?
Oh, I don't know, just some lab tech I know who does experiments with fruit flies. What does her lab's studies revolve around? Oh, you know, that silly autism thing. I kid you not, Sarah Dipsh!t.

Palin just got pwned by Gemini Cricket and friend.
:snap:

[Ghoulish Delight]

Okay, I saw that a couple days ago, and I gotta call foul on the fruit fly thing. What she said was dumb, but pulling out the "it's for autism" card is also dumb. She was referring to an earmark for research through California on the Olive Fruit Fly that is a major pest in California. It has nothing to do with autism.

What she said was dumb, anti-science, and xenophobic (I kid you not, Paris!). But the autism line is a non sequitur that is easily rebuked and highly waggish.

There is a perfectly valid response to what she said, namely that ensuring that California's olive crop isn't destroyed will ensure that we can actually continue to produce here in the US instead of having to import yet another resource from out of the country, and if THAT doesn't serve public interests I don't know what does.

[Gemini Cricket]

I disagree. Her comment was a dig on fruit fly research in general. Watch the clip. Her tone was pointing out how silly it is to spend money on fruit fly research. I think it's a valid response to her snarky comment.

Even without that, saying it doesn't benefit anyone is ridiculous.

[Ghoulish Delight]

She was talking about earmarks, calling out specific ones. The olive fly research has been called out on several watchlists by anti-pork barrel groups, her remarks were pointedly made with those lists in mind.

Again, her comment was way off the mark, and it's absurd that she would say that attempting to prevent the destruction of a major cash crop is not in the public interest. However the existence of other fruit fly research that happens to be about autism is not a valid counterpoint to her supposed point about earmarks. It's a petty jab at her that the blogs have picked up on to score points and it doesn't sit well with me.

[Gemini Cricket]

To me, more than just pointing out the earmark, the comment was made to appeal to a certain group that the earmark is wrong because research with fruit flies is absurd and therefore discountable. Why else would she bring that up without explaining why it's specifically pork barrel spending?

[BarTopDancer]

http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/political-pictures-sarah-palin-christmas1.jpg

[Ghoulish Delight]

To me, more than just pointing out the earmark, the comment was made to appeal to a certain group that the earmark is wrong because research with fruit flies is absurd and therefore discountable. Why else would she bring that up without explaining why it's specifically pork barrel spending?I know that, and you know that. But you and I also know that it doesn't matter. She was speaking within the context of earmarks and has a very specific example to refer back to. By responding with an example that is not within that context, you open yourself up to the, "You're changing the subject. This isn't about pro or anti science, this is about earmarks and pork!" It's dumb, it's disingenuous, but it's politics. I wish we could just call everything like it is, but that ain't reality. We've got to be smarter than them and not fall for those traps.


ETA: The smarter way to break through that is to start with the valid-within-the-context point that researching olive fruit flies absolutely serves the public good. Then, once you've made that salient case, move on to say, "...but beyond that, there is an implication there that there is no value to fruit fly research in general..." But the bloggers that have picked up on that aren't playing it that way, they're going straight for the kill with the autism card and it's easy to call them on that and turn that back on them with, "Aha! You're turning it into a personal attack on her!"

[Strangler Lewis]

I agree with GC. She may have started by talking about earmarks, but the tone of her reference to fruit fly research was clearly anti-scientific, implying it's a waste of money to give money to pointy-headed scientists so that they can study useless things. Given her promises to spend money on autism and special needs children (as an exception to McCain's spending freeze), the comeback about autism research is a good one, though not the only one.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I get that she was doing that, but just because we're right doesn't mean it's smart to just straight out call her on it without examining the context and paying attention to how the response will be perceived. Politics is a bitch like that.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Moreon Palin's keen grasp of the Constitution:

The media is infringing on her first amendment rights by criticizing what she says (http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/10/31/palin/index.html) :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations," Palin told host Chris Plante, "then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."

:rolleyes:


Towards the end of the column:

Brian Beutler says that Palin has a "third grader's understanding of Constitutional rights" and asks (http://www.brianbeutler.com/2008/10/first_amendment/): If the conservative media convinces enough voters that Barack Obama is a Muslim, does that violate his right to freedom of religion?
And: isn't Palin violating the First Amendment right to a free press by criticizing the media and convincing her followers that newspapers are biased and corrupt? For the last eight years, we've had an administration that has had pure contempt for the Constitution. Would it be worse to replace them with people who seem never to have read it?

[SacTown Chronic]

Jesus wrote the Constitution, and if you don't like it you can kiss Palin's gosh darn taint.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Jesus wrote the Constitution, and if you don't like it you can kiss Palin's gosh darn taint.
Sold.

[SacTown Chronic]

Ewwwww.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Hey, I won't lie. If her taint's worth spending $2K on underwear for, I want a closer look.

[SacTown Chronic]

If they gotta spend $2k to cover it, I know I don't want to see it.

[Ghoulish Delight]

So at the same time that Obama was committing the ultimate in treason (you know, organizing bake sales within earshot of some dude who was accused and never convicted of doing something or other a quarter century earlier), McCain was busy funding and arming an organization identified as terrorist with possible Al Quaea links (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_weatherman_connection.html).

That's right John, keep on harping on that oh so important "who you associate with" meme. How can that possibly backfire on a 20 year Seante veteran? Surely every single person you've ever associate with is a saint, right?

[scaeagles]

Hey GD - she's referring to the inquisition into Joe the Plumber and the anchor woman who dared to ask Biden tough questions, who then had her background dug into. Just for asking questions. That's what she's referring to.

[wendybeth]

Compare the questions she asked McClain, then tell me she didn't have an agenda, Scaeagles. Shenenigans, totally.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Hey GD - she's referring to the inquisition into Joe the Plumber and the anchor woman who dared to ask Biden tough questions, who then had her background dug into. Just for asking questions. That's what she's referring to.
And what does that have to do with first amendment rights?

[Alex]

Hey GD - she's referring to the inquisition into Joe the Plumber and the anchor woman who dared to ask Biden tough questions, who then had her background dug into. Just for asking questions. That's what she's referring to.

I didn't read GD's link so I know nothing about this one other than what is in this very thread. However, if the quote is accurate then the bolded part here would seem to contradict you pretty directly:

If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations," Palin told host Chris Plante, "then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media.

That said, even if that is what she was talking about. Isn't looking into the backgrounds of people who end up in the media spotlight (and you pretty much have to blame McCain for that in the case of "Joe the Plumber")? I mean, if you're going to allow yourself to be used as a prop then people are bound to wonder who you are.