John Cole, The Scranton Times-Tribune … [Read more...] about John McCain the Plumber
Sarah Palin Visits Pro-America America
Sarah Palin doesn't seem to be coping very well with the idea that people in some parts of the country don't think she's qualified to be VP and, quite frankly, don't like her very much: "We believe that the best of America is not all in Washington, D.C. We believe" -- here the audience interrupted Palin with applause and cheers -- "We believe that the best of America is in … [Read more...] about Sarah Palin Visits Pro-America America
Bob Barr for President
With only 17 days left until the election and many of my TMV colleagues jumping off the fence to one side or the other, the time is fast approaching for all of us to plant our flags. Today I would like to share my own observations and experiences regarding the various candidates through this seemingly endless campaign season and why, as the title of this piece indicates, I … [Read more...] about Bob Barr for President
Chicago Tribune Endorses Obama
Most newspaper endorsements for Presidential candidates are worthless. Editorial staffs typically lean one way or another and predictably back the nominee of the preferred party. Sometimes the endorsement is hearty enough to merit attention; the Washington Post editorial of Obama was considerably stronger than the one they gave to Kerry in 2004. Some newspapers waver back … [Read more...] about Chicago Tribune Endorses Obama
The Wall Street Journal Is Worried
As the McCain campaign concentrates on holding the red states, Rupert Murdoch's house organ for the super-rich sounds the alarm on what could happen if Barack Obama's coattails are long enough to give Democrats filibuster-proof majorities in Congress. "Though we doubt most Americans realize it," a WSJ editorial warns, "this would be one of the most profound political and … [Read more...] about The Wall Street Journal Is Worried
McCain 2008 Now Morphs Into What He Fought Against In 2000
He has hired the same firm to do attack robocalls against Obama that was used against him by the Bush-Rove team to smear him in South Carolina in 2000. Details here. … [Read more...] about McCain 2008 Now Morphs Into What He Fought Against In 2000
Campaign Trash Talk
Jeff Parker, Florida Today … [Read more...] about Campaign Trash Talk
McCain Surrogate Michelle Bachmann Shows How To Lose Independent Voters
How many people who strongly supported John McCain in 2000 could ever have dreamed that in 2008 he would become in-effect a surrogate for talk show host Sean Hannity? McCain surrogate Rep. Michelle Bachmann appeared on Chris Matthews' "Hardball" today and her segment featured below is a barely-revised version of McCarthyism. She only left out holding up a list. The McCain of … [Read more...] about McCain Surrogate Michelle Bachmann Shows How To Lose Independent Voters
And the WaPo Endorses…
Barack Obama. No surprise there, though The Washington Post is hardly a bastion of liberalism and pro-Democratic sentiment, regardless of what the finger-pointing self-victimizers of the right may have to say about it. It's actually not a bad endorsement -- well, actually, it's quite good -- with most of it focusing on Obama's many positive qualities and policy positions, … [Read more...] about And the WaPo Endorses…
Fox News Eats One Of Its Own
On tonight's Fox's "fair and balanced" Special Report, with Bret Baier substituting for Brit Hume, something very interesting happened. During a discussion of "Joe the Plumber," with the "All-Star Panel," Mort Kondracke tried to be fair and balanced, had the audacity to tell the truth. He tried to talk about Joe the Plumber's true politics; that Joe is not the "every man" … [Read more...] about Fox News Eats One Of Its Own
People Who Live In Glass Houses
In 2006 one of the Democratic golden boys was Tim Mahoney, who took over the normally-Republican House seat of disgraced Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL). Foley had been forced to resign from Congress over a sex scandal involving House pages. At the time, Mahoney ran ads talking about his own personal morals and his commitment to 'family values'. Well it turns out that … [Read more...] about People Who Live In Glass Houses
Bob Schieffer’s America
Many observers have commented that Bob Schieffer did the best job of any of the moderators for the Presidential Debates. I would tend to agree and it is for this reason that I would strongly encourage people to take a look at his newest book. I had the pleasure of reading it recently and found it to be thoroughly entertaining. The book is basically a compilation of his end … [Read more...] about Bob Schieffer’s America
‘A Burst Pipe in the House of McCain:’ Nachrichten of Switzerland
So what does the non-English speaking world think of 'Joe the Plumber' - made famous by Senator John McCain when he mentioned him at least a dozen times - during his third debate with Barack Obama? According to Patrick Etschmayer of Switzerland's Nachrichten newspaper - McCain's exchanges with Obama over 'Joe' - served to demonstrate once again that John McCain lacks the … [Read more...] about ‘A Burst Pipe in the House of McCain:’ Nachrichten of Switzerland
Moving Into Ambiguity
A few weeks ago, I was chatting with someone about the upcoming presidential race and I must have said something that made her asked if I was wavering in my support for McCain. I said no, but in reality, I was. At this point, I am not sure who I will vote for. There are certain things that make me pause with both candidates. No matter what I do, voting for McCain or … [Read more...] about Moving Into Ambiguity
The 12-Step Bush Recovery Program
The cover asks: Do you think that after eight years of George W. Bush this country is in good shape? Do you feel the U.S. Constitution has too many Amendments? Do you often dream of George Bush in a flight suit? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it's time to seek help. And Gene Stone's new book, The 12 Step Bush Recovery Program, is a vital guide … [Read more...] about The 12-Step Bush Recovery Program
It’s the Temperament, Stupid!
One thing living in a red state has taught me is how to speak about politics with those who do not share very basic assumptions with you. Having lived in overwhelmingly liberal places like Evanston, IL and Washington, DC in the past, it took some time to learn how to discuss politics with conservatives. Granted most folks I speak to here in East Tennessee are Democrats like … [Read more...] about It’s the Temperament, Stupid!
McCain on the Economy Today – Interview With Nancy Pfotenhauer
The government's approach to the current economic concerns seems to change on a daily, if not hourly basis, with proposals coming in from all quarters. In order to get a better handle on this, Cindy and I sat down this week with economist and senior McCain campaign domestic policy adviser Nancy Pfotenhauer. Our goal was to sort out some of the possible confusion over the … [Read more...] about McCain on the Economy Today – Interview With Nancy Pfotenhauer
Horns and Tails, Plumbers and Kids
Joe Wurzelbacher is a pretty ordinary guy -- or at least, he was until Wednesday night, when John McCain decided to feed him to the wolves. Today, of course, he's the devil incarnate (or a martyr, depending on one's point of view). I wonder... did he have to borrow the horns and tail from Graeme Frost and his family? Or is there some government warehouse that both parties … [Read more...] about Horns and Tails, Plumbers and Kids
Is America A Great Country Or What? (Samuel J. Wurzelbacher / Worzelbacher Edition)
Obama and McCain at the Alfred E. Smith dinner
Pretty good performances by both, and it's refreshing to see them roast each other lightheartedly the day after a heated debate. My favorite line was from Obama: "Most people don't know this, but Barack is Swahili for 'that one.'" Watch them both if you have a few minutes. Obama: McCain: … [Read more...] about Obama and McCain at the Alfred E. Smith dinner