A flag is a symbol. At the highest level, a flag is the unique and proud emblem of a nation-state. The national flag symbolizes, represents and, in many ways, is the nation, and thus is inviolable. In the United States, we hold the Stars and Stripes in such high esteem, honor and prominence that it commands not only our love and respect, but also our allegiance. In fact, in … [Read more...] about The U.S. Flag: America’s Symbol, or Political Football?
Biden Begins the Hard Work
One of my Friday predictions failed to come true this morning. I expected Joe Biden to show up on Meet the Press and open up with a zinger along the lines of, "since I'm apparently the only one running for Vice President who talks to the press..." But he didn't. Joe Biden is facing the problem of the young lion. I still have a vivid memory of a nature show on cable where a … [Read more...] about Biden Begins the Hard Work
Palin Agrees To ABC News Interview
Republican Vice Presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin will finally talk to the press -- or one news organization, at least -- after all: Under pressure for being shielded for questioning, Sarah Palin has agreed to sit down with Charles Gibson of ABC’s “World News Tonight,” according to an ABC News official. No other interviews are scheduled. It will be the first TV … [Read more...] about Palin Agrees To ABC News Interview
Ahh that Sergio!
Palin overload. Community organizer controversy. The "we only have small town values" Republicans. Barack "Mr. Stadium for The Win" Obama". Democrats "We Love Everyone" views. Media criticism. Etc... ENOUGH! I'm going to carry things back to 1967, musically-speaking, with a legendary musician, composer, and producer: Sergio Mendes. As a piano player that grew … [Read more...] about Ahh that Sergio!
Palin on Contraception
She's in favor of teaching kids about condoms. Good for her -- one of the few times I'll say that about her, I wager (as you'll gather if you follow the link). … [Read more...] about Palin on Contraception
No Wolf Whistles for Sarah Palin’s Compassion (Guest Voice)
A lot is being written about Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, but in this Guest Voice post journalism professor and author Walter Brasch , an award-winning syndicated newspaper columnist and radio commentator, and president of the Pennsylvania Press Club, looks at an aspect that hasn't gotten much attention. Guest Voice post do not necessarily represent the … [Read more...] about No Wolf Whistles for Sarah Palin’s Compassion (Guest Voice)
FRAGILE! McCain campaign handles Palin’s exposure with care…and sexism
At the post, "Sarah is the Fresh Air," on Blogher, I found this comment today: When can she be interviewed by reporters - I find it disturbing that the McCain campaign isn't allowing Ms. Palin to be interviewed by reporters. What are they hiding? According to Nicole Wallace of the McCain campaign, possibly never: Oh, well, wait - maybe in two weeks, said Todd Harris … [Read more...] about FRAGILE! McCain campaign handles Palin’s exposure with care…and sexism
Gallup Poll: McCain Three Points Ahead Of Obama With Convention Bounce
The 2008 Presidential race is now officially off to its two-ticket start --- and it's now officially potentially as close a race as 2000 and 2004 with the latest Gallup Daily tracking poll now putting Republican Presidential nominee Sen. John McCain three points ahead of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama: The latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking update shows John McCain moving … [Read more...] about Gallup Poll: McCain Three Points Ahead Of Obama With Convention Bounce
Conventional Wisdom Shifting In Obama Biden McCain Palin Presidential Race As Republicans Smile
Yes, the phone finally rang at 3 a.m. next to Senator Hillary Clinton's bed and she answered it and responded -- but not yet in the way the caller perhaps had in mind. The call went out because now some things have clearly changed in the wake of the Republican convention. The caller: Democratic Senator Barack Obama who wants Clinton out on the stump to shore-up Democratic … [Read more...] about Conventional Wisdom Shifting In Obama Biden McCain Palin Presidential Race As Republicans Smile
The Revenge of Godgate
Sunday is a day for God, church and spiritual reflection, so it is with some regret that I am forced to admit it: Campaign 2008 has turned me into a soulless monster. (Well, perhaps that should properly read, “more of a soulless monster…”) I watched with some dismay as the country spent months focusing on Barack Obama’s church in Chicago and, specifically, his highly … [Read more...] about The Revenge of Godgate
Election 08, Lost in the Pages of “The Onion:” Dissed Flags, “False Pregnancy”, the Muslim Running For President
I have been wondering for the past week, have we gotten lost in the pages of The Onion, the online and print satiric newspaper, or maybe we've simply merged with the wood-pulp of The Sun or The Examiner... "Daughter So Jealous of Mother's Newest Baby, She Has One of Her Own"... "Frontrunner with Middle Name of Hussein Tries to Claim Going to a Muslim School for Two … [Read more...] about Election 08, Lost in the Pages of “The Onion:” Dissed Flags, “False Pregnancy”, the Muslim Running For President
Palin’s Sports Complex Boondoggle – Conservative Leadership?
Sarah Palin cites not only her 18 months as Governor of Alaska to defend her conservative, reformist record, but also her 6-year stint as Mayor of Wasilla. According to the Wall Street Journal, however, her signature accomplishment as Mayor was not exactly an example of conservative leadership or executive competence. Under her guidance the city pushed for an expensive … [Read more...] about Palin’s Sports Complex Boondoggle – Conservative Leadership?
The American News Media
Scary or scared? … [Read more...] about The American News Media
Change Agents? Mavericks? I Don’t See It.
McCain and Palin are presenting themselves as change agents who will bring a new way of doing things to Washington. I'm not seeing it. On Iraq, they want to fight until victory is achieved. That's the long-time Bush aim. They want to keep the Bush tax cuts that are so weighted to the rich. Where's the change? They want to appoint the same-caliber Supreme Court Justices when … [Read more...] about Change Agents? Mavericks? I Don’t See It.
Executive Experience Is A Joke (Guest Voice)
Is executive experience a serious issue in the campaign or is something politicians in both parties pull out when it's in their best interest to try and use it against an opponent? What does recent political history show? Columnist Bill Steigerwald in this Guest Voice takes a look at it. Guest Voice columns do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Moderate Voice or its … [Read more...] about Executive Experience Is A Joke (Guest Voice)
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: RNC Wrap-Up & Convention Memories
Larry J. Sabato's CONVENTION MEMORIES One of the privileges of age is an assumed right to bore others with remembrances. Here are a few of mine about national political conventions. We are in the midst of convention season, a grand attempt to make interesting two weeks of predictable political propaganda staged for TV. Barack Obama becomes the reincarnation of John F. … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball: RNC Wrap-Up & Convention Memories
Is Attacking Palin “Sexist”?
A sample of some differing views. … [Read more...] about Is Attacking Palin “Sexist”?
Estimate of White Audience at Republican Convention Off By a Whopping Six Percentage Points
In my post, “’Right’ Convention, Wrong Country?”, I commented on how the Republican attacks on Democrats---who make up about one-half of voting-age Americans---and their selected candidates, gave me the sensation that I was watching a political “revival” in some foreign country. I also noted that,My feelings that this convention was not being held in the U.S.A. were … [Read more...] about Estimate of White Audience at Republican Convention Off By a Whopping Six Percentage Points
‘Jitters in Russian Media Over Georgia’: Le Temps of Switzerland
Many of us have gotten used to viewing the Russian press as a kind of tamed animal, for the most part parroting the Kremlin line on all things political. So it was with some surprise that I came upon this article written by a Swiss journalist stationed in Moscow. According to Alexandre Billette, who writes for Switzerland's Le Temps newspaper: "If the Kremlin is … [Read more...] about ‘Jitters in Russian Media Over Georgia’: Le Temps of Switzerland
Turn Your Back On Palin … You’d Best ‘Watch Your Rear-End’: O Globo of Brazil
It seems that Sarah Palin's reputation for being a 'barracuda' has captured the attention of the planet. Now William Waack, O Globo of Brazil's chief foreign columnist, has weighed in - warning U.S. Democrats in part: "Attack a woman like Palin, and the result is to make her a victim of machismo, sexism, prejudice, etc. Turn your back to her and you'll be left with a nice … [Read more...] about Turn Your Back On Palin … You’d Best ‘Watch Your Rear-End’: O Globo of Brazil