This is the Presidential Campaign Thread.

Barack Obama Vs. John McCain.

Edited November 6, 200817 yr by Toups

McCain Aide Blows Up at New York Times Over Freddie Mac Lobbying Claim

John McCain’s campaign manager said Wednesday that a report that his firm was paid $15,000 a month for several years — until last month — by Freddie Mac is “demonstrably false.”

“Mr. Davis has seen no income from Davis Manafort since 2006. Zero. Mr. Davis has received no salary or compensation since 2006. Mr. Davis has received no profit or partner distributions from that firm on any basis — weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual — since 2006. Again, zero. Neither has Mr. Davis received any equity in the firm based on profits derived since his financial separation from Davis Manafort in 2006,” said McCain campaign spokesman Michael Goldfarb.

“Further, and missing from the Times’ reporting, Mr. Davis has never — never — been a lobbyist for either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Mr. Davis has not served as a registered lobbyist since 2005.”

Tuesday’s report escalated a confrontation between the McCain campaign and The New York Times that flared up a day earlier, when the paper first reported that campaign manager Rick Davis was paid nearly $2 million over five years for defending both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae against stricter regulations.

McCain adviser Steve Schmidt responded to the earlier report by lashing out at the newspaper, saying it was “in the tank” for Barack Obama and had “cast aside its journalistic integrity and tradition.” Times editor Bill Keller defended the newspaper and its coverage in a written statement.

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

I must admit that anything coming from the New York Times, whether it is critical of McCain OR Obama, is suspicious. I have studied and worked in both print and broadcast journalism for long time... what I see in the media today bears no resemblence to what I was taught in regards to news gathering, fact checking, and objective reporting.

Having said that, this story -- any basis in fact or not -- will be ignored by voters, just as the stories about Obama's ties to Biden's lobbyist son were. This crap erupts, the media tosses it about for a day or so -- just long enough to obscure the truly important issues of the day -- before fading away...

>>sigh<<

I can only assume this post is talking about me, since it addresses all of the items I addressed in a previous post. If not, I apologize.

Tone is so hard to "read" on a message board. The "we" talking about same sex marriage and abortion is "we," as a nation, not "we" on this chatboard. For the most part, I think we stay out of the muck here. However, in the public at large, people are voting on items that are inconsequential in the long run.

You see, I totally took your tone as in "we" - on this thread - are only talking about same sex marriage and abortion. So, I sincerely apologize to you, cct. I wasn't going to call you out, btw.

But ITA that the media is more interested in sensationalized non-stories that the real issues facing the voters this year.

That's it! I object!

To what, I'm not sure. But I object!!

>>sigh<< OMG, will somebody shut this jackass up already!!!

Why, you'll find nobody as fair and balanced as me, Jess! >>Brian pounds the table with his fist<< How DARE you suggest otherwise! Why, I have NEVER been so insulted in all my years...

Are you kidding? Do the heaps of posts the last couple of days making fun of Biden look like I'm being non-partisan? Jess, I make no such an attempt! However, you won't have to look too far back to find me criticizing Bush or McCain. In that respect, I think I've been fair enough for someone who has decided how he is going to vote. Of course I'm not going to search out anti-McCain propaganda and post it here.

The question is, Jess, is there anything about Obama that actually DOES give you pause? You don't have to tell me what it is... but I'm wondering if there is any issue out there that you are privately concerned about...

You crack me up, Golden. I'm really enjoying reading your posts, even though you're <shudder> supporting McCain.

Anyway. Not to horn in on the question you asked of Jess...

Do I think Obama is perfect? No. There's no politician that is, frankly. Do I agree with all of his policies? No. Again, there aren't many politicians that will match up with you 100% of the time. However, for me, he's pretty damn close to what I'm looking for in a President and that's why I'm voting for him.

But don't worry. When he's elected, you will become a believer.

Wow. Breaking News:

McCain Aide's Firm Was Paid Recently

Davis Said Work for Freddie Had Ceased

I saw that this morning Roman on CNN. How screwed up is that?!? Jeez.

There's a commentary from my local paper that I thought I'd share. I saw some posts on media exposure/questions of the candidates and it relates to that. Interesting read.

Candidates stick to the script

And I'm soooo happy to see we're back to some real issues this morning!

^^^ Oh, one thing to keep in mind this evening. Sarah Palin is scheduled to be interviewed by Katie tonight on the CBS Evening News.

Everyone should tune in to see what the pitbull has to say.

Economic Fears Give Obama Clear Lead Over McCain in Poll

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...2303667_pf.html

The reason I don't buy what these polls say... This poll shows Obama up by 9 points over McCain -- more than any other poll. So, I decided to check it out as the facts behind the poll ARE readily available. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/polit...&s_pos=list

Net Leaned Vote for both "Likely" and "Registered" voters was for Obama by about 10 points in both categories. Interesting... But why? Well, these breakdowns of Registered Voters sampled tell the story...

901. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as:

Democrat-38 Republican-28 Independent-29 Other-5 No op.-1

904. (IF NOT DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN) Do you lean more towards the:

Democratic Party-46 Republican Party-28 (VOL) Neither-24 No op.=2

And these categories go on forever... but it stands to reason that if you ask a majority that leans left, the are going to choose the left-leaning candidate. This is why the polls are a joke. There is absolutely no good way to really get a decent sampling of people. If they sampled an equal number of partisans from both sides, then left the balance to moderates, THAT might be useful.

Economic Fears Give Obama Clear Lead Over McCain in Poll

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...2303667_pf.html

The reason I don't buy what these polls say... This poll shows Obama up by 9 points over McCain -- more than any other poll. So, I decided to check it out as the facts behind the poll ARE readily available. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/polit...&s_pos=list

Net Leaned Vote for both "Likely" and "Registered" voters was for Obama by about 10 points in both categories. Interesting... But why? Well, these breakdowns of Registered Voters sampled tell the story...

901. Generally speaking, do you usually think of yourself as:

Democrat-38 Republican-28 Independent-29 Other-5 No op.-1

904. (IF NOT DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN) Do you lean more towards the:

Democratic Party-46 Republican Party-28 (VOL) Neither-24 No op.=2

And these categories go on forever... but it stands to reason that if you ask a majority that leans left, the are going to choose the left-leaning candidate. This is why the polls are a joke. There is absolutely no good way to really get a decent sampling of people. If they sampled an equal number of partisans from both sides, then left the balance to moderates, THAT might be useful.

ICAM, Golden. You have to take all polls with a grain of salt IMO. But am I a little happy when I see my man declared "leading" McCain? Sure. Who wouldn't be. But you make a good point with this breakdown. I would be more interested to see a balanced poll with equal numbers of left and right leaning persons.

I know that this has been posted before, but there's a new article on the NRA going after Obama:

NRA Begins Push

Does the NRA really have an eight-figure budget devoted to tearing down Obama? And then there's this excerpt:

Dennis Fusaro, a Republican and pro-gun activist in Virginia who served for a time as Ron Paul's national field director, said he would not be voting for either Obama or McCain. A lifetime member of the NRA, Fusaro was director of state legislation for the Gun Owners of America, a hardcore gun-rights group that describes itself as "no compromise."

"On paper, Obama appears worse than McCain," he said. But McCain is more dangerous, he argued, because he is more likely to successfully enact legislation that would result in fewer rights for gun owners. Obama, Fusaro believes, simply won't make the issue a priority.

Saunders said Obama should continue to stress that he backs Second Amendment rights. He argued that McCain's ten-point lead among rural voters in 13 key states would be higher if the GOP nominee had more credibility when it comes to gun issues.

Hmmmm. I would be very interested in hearing Casey's viewpoint on this one.

Edited September 24, 200817 yr by Greg's GL

Do I think Obama is perfect? No. There's no politician that is, frankly. Do I agree with all of his policies? No. Again, there aren't many politicians that will match up with you 100% of the time. However, for me, he's pretty damn close to what I'm looking for in a President and that's why I'm voting for him.

But don't worry. When he's elected, you will become a believer.

A mist slowly spreads across the floor as Brian stands before the Alter of Obama, the greatness shining forth. Shielding his eyes from the blinding brightness with his left hand, he clutched his chest with his right hand -- all the while locked in a valiant but fruitless struggle to fight the power enveloping his body, washing over his skin with the radiating warmth of a soothing, sensual shower. Despite his attempts to resist, the seductive energy firing forth from The Almighty Change brought him ever so closer until he finally found himself lifted from the floor and carried forward as if swept up by a hurricane, ultimately absorbed into Him -- finally becoming one with He who simply IS -- the one known as Barack.

Ummm, nah. Don't think so, dude.

<<wipes sweat from brow, then gazes nervously about>>

A mist slowly spreads across the floor as Brian stands before the Alter of Obama, the greatness shining forth. Shielding his eyes from the blinding brightness with his left hand, he clutched his chest with his right hand -- all the while locked in a valiant but fruitless struggle to fight the power enveloping his body, washing over his skin with the radiating warmth of a soothing, sensual shower. Despite his attempts to resist, the seductive energy firing forth from The Almighty Change brought him ever so closer until he finally found himself lifted from the floor and carried forward as if swept up by a hurricane, ultimately absorbed into Him -- finally becoming one with He who simply IS -- the one known as Barack.

Ummm, nah. Don't think so, dude.

<<wipes sweat from brow, then gazes nervously about>>

It'll happen. I think you've just had a premonition of what's to come.

Looks like the Dems are giving into offshore drilling. There's a report that they are about to let the ban expire.

Dems To Relent On Offshore Drilling

Hooray! Now I can look forward to the views of sand, sea, surf and oil rigs. How picturesque! It'll be so beautiful!

If you didn't catch this on the CBS Evening News last night, the candidates talked about the issue of Climate Change:

Candidates On Climate Change

I'm at least happy to hear that McCain is taking the issue seriously. After 8 years of denial from the Bush Administration and his railroading of the EPA, it's time this issue got some attention.

They are both on paper as committed to joining international climate change efforts as well. Again, unlike the Bush Administration that basically thumbed it's nose to the international community with the Kyoto Protocol.

Thoughts? Golden? Casey? Roman?

Edited September 24, 200817 yr by Greg's GL

Hmmmm. I would be very interested in hearing Casey's viewpoint on this one.

I'm wondering what the basis of this man's comment is..What makes him feel that McCain could be dangerous in restricting gun rights? I have never heard anything to that effect before..

If you didn't catch this on the CBS Evening News last night, the candidates talked about the issue of Climate Change:

Candidates On Climate Change

I'm at least happy to hear that McCain is taking the issue seriously. After 8 years of denial from the Bush Administration and his railroading of the EPA, it's time this issue got some attention.

They are both on paper as committed to joining international climate change efforts as well. Again, unlike the Bush Administration that basically thumbed it's nose to the international community with the Kyoto Protocol.

Thoughts? Golden? Casey? Roman?

I dont think you want to know my views on global warming...this might open a really huge can of worms...I plead the 5th!

Looks like the Dems are giving into offshore drilling. There's a report that they are about to let the ban expire.

Dems To Relent On Offshore Drilling

Hooray! Now I can look forward to the views of sand, sea, surf and oil rigs. How picturesque! It'll be so beautiful!

Greg, as a Californian (sadly laying claim to Nancy Pelosi) and avid beach lover, I can safely assure you that you will NOT see oil rigs at the beach. Trust me on this one...

I'm wondering what the basis of this man's comment is..What makes him feel that McCain could be dangerous in restricting gun rights? I have never heard anything to that effect before..

I dont think you want to know my views on global warming...this might open a really huge can of worms...I plead the 5th!

I would like to hear 'em, sure. Why not? What's the worst that can happen? It's not like I'm going to hunt you down in Georgia somewhere! Even though it's not that far from Daytona. Hmmmm..

Anyway, speak up! It's not like you to refrain from making some pretty bold statements. People expect that from you.

If you didn't catch this on the CBS Evening News last night, the candidates talked about the issue of Climate Change:

Candidates On Climate Change

I'm at least happy to hear that McCain is taking the issue seriously. After 8 years of denial from the Bush Administration and his railroading of the EPA, it's time this issue got some attention.

They are both on paper as committed to joining international climate change efforts as well. Again, unlike the Bush Administration that basically thumbed it's nose to the international community with the Kyoto Protocol.

Thoughts? Golden? Casey? Roman?

Thoughts to come during my lunch hour... right now, however, I must don my work attire, primp and shine, and polish my nails, etc. for a busy day at work.

Blasted work. Nahhh, I love my job! Seriously... it's FUN!

Greg, as a Californian (sadly laying claim to Nancy Pelosi) and avid beach lover, I can safely assure you that you will NOT see oil rigs at the beach. Trust me on this one...

Hmmmm. Trust you? Ahhh let me think about that....

<JK>

Thoughts to come during my lunch hour... right now, however, I must don my work attire, primp and shine, and polish my nails, etc. for a busy day at work.

Blasted work. Nahhh, I love my job! Seriously... it's FUN!

I say call out sick today. But please... still do your nails. By all means.

Edited September 24, 200817 yr by Greg's GL

I would like to hear 'em, sure. Why not? What's the worst that can happen? It's not like I'm going to hunt you down in Georgia somewhere! Even though it's not that far from Daytona. Hmmmm..

Anyway, speak up! It's not like you to refrain from making some pretty bold statements. People expect that from you.

I dont believe in Global Warming....:::ducks:::: :::runs::: :::hides as guest in this thread:::::

Seriously...I just don't see it. The farmer's almanac, for example..is calling for a twenty year cooling period and many scientists believe this will happen as well.. Just this week the Northeast US is experiencing record cold temps.. I just dont believe the planet is getting hotter..

With that being said..Do I believe that humans have polluted the planet?...Yes

Do I believe we should be more concious of the enviornment?...Of course...

But I am worried about the tornado that is supposed to hit Pine Valley, PA in October. That is not really a normal weather pattern for this time of year...