HA! This is kinda funny. The Dems were backstabbing each other all over the place when it came to the 2008 election and the run-up to it. For instance, the Obama campaign kept Joe Biden out of the loop intentionally.
"The relationship between Barack Obama and Joe Biden grew so strained during the 2008 campaign, according to a new book, that the two rarely spoke and aides not only kept Biden off internal conference calls but refused to even tell him they existed."
Hillary supporters in Congress undermined her by channelling support through the endorsements of other Senators and Congressmen/Congresswomen.
"Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and a group of other senators who would back Hillary Clinton’s candidacy encouraged Obama to run for the White House as early as 2006. The concern over Clinton was that she would be a weak Democratic standard-bearer while Obama could energize the party. In late summer 2007, Schumer – using an Obama ally, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), as a back channel – pushed the candidate to “take a two-by-four to Hillary,” as the authors put it."
Gets better...apparently Bill Clinton still hasn't managed to keep it in his pants...
"Members of what the authors call Clinton’s “war room within a war room” became convinced in 2006 that Bill Clinton was having a serious extramarital affair, prompting Hillary Clinton to instruct her aides to be prepared to combat the story."
...and Hillary thought Bill would be a distraction to Obama.
"Following the 2008 campaign, Hillary Clinton was shocked to have been offered the Secretary of State job and decided to reject the offer. She prepared a statement explaining why she would turn the new president down and remain in the Senate. But in an after-midnight call between Clinton and Obama, he persuaded her – only after Clinton expressed concerns about the problems posed by her husband, the former president."
Not to mention, Harry "The Weasel" Reid's revealing choice of words.
"Reid said Obama could fare well nationally as an African-American candidate because he was “light-skinned” and didn’t speak with a “Negro dialect unless he wanted to have one.” Saturday, the majority leader said he had used “poor choice of words” and called Obama to apologize; the White House issued a statement indicating that the president had forgiven Reid."
There are others incidents regarding the Democrats, and some with the Republicans (which really were due to the McCain camp not handling Sarah Palin well, and Palin being caught completely off-guard with the whole process due to their mishandling).
Showing posts with label John McCain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John McCain. Show all posts
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
David Kahane GETS IT...Period
K-Lo from The Corner posts some truth from David Kahane regarding this election and what needs to be done going forward from the death of this prosperous period in American history...
1) We got this the old-fashioned way: we earned it. The other side took the fight to us, and we never took the fight to the other side, except coyly and obliquely. That's not a mistake we should make the next time. "Honorable campaigns" are for losers. Next time, call 'em as they really are, not as you wish to see 'em.
2) Where was Bush? Once again, and right to the bitter end, he let his passion for "loyalty" supersede what was stragetically right for the party, not to mention what was best for the country. I think his reputation has nowhere to go but down; yes, he got one big thing right,
but he got everything else wrong. Enough of this family in our
country's politics!
3) Good riddance to Liddy Dole, the woman who gave us the national drinking age of 21 and a host of sozzled underage college students. She won't be missed.
4) Hillary comes out smelling like a rose, plus unbloodied. She and Bill are already scoping out 2012.
5) Time to clean house. McCain should have been president in 2000, not in 2008. No more "it's my turn" for the last loser. We need to be looking for our candidates in the ranks of returning war vets — think Eisenhower in '52 as the model — and let the Dem's shifty lawyers run the country for a couple of years. Then hit them across the board with people who know how to lead. Gen. Petraeus might be a good place to start. Lots of junior officers, too.
6) You know what? McCain never did sell himself as a leader. He sold himself as a maverick.
7) One upside: McCain/Feingold is now dead, as is public financing. Talk about being hoist with your own petard!
8) That Gang of 14 thing really worked out well, didn't it? Say good-bye to the courts. And we were so close...
9) Joe Lieberman was worse than useless. When he could have made a difference, he didn't cross the aisle to caucus with the Republicans.
Now, it doesn't matter. Thanks, Joe.
10) Age matters. McCain ran an "honorable campaign" because he never really understood in his heart that the other guy had no intention of doing so; he didn't "get" Obama's generation, or Axelrod's.. Obama would lie about public financing, "oppose" gay marriage but also oppose Prop. 8 and never see it as morally contradictory. The world that McCain understood and operated in is vanishing, and tonight is visible evidence.
11) Unlike the Democrats, let's show some class in defeat. That doesn't mean lie down and roll over: it means fighting for what we believe in, doubly so now. But their sneering childishness is not for us; and now that they've won, they won't be able to control it even in victory. This is an unlovely party filled with unlovely people, as America's about to find out once the Obama pixie dust wears off.
12) Understand, once and for all, that the old media is part of the Democratic Party now. Ignore it. Never send Michele Bachmann onto Hardball again. Never send Sarah to play nice with Katie. We need to develop and create our own work-arounds — Fox, talk radio, NRO, etc. — and use them. Don't play by their rules: make our own.
Truth, my friends, is occasionally a hard pill to swallow...but there isn't much to argue with above.
1) We got this the old-fashioned way: we earned it. The other side took the fight to us, and we never took the fight to the other side, except coyly and obliquely. That's not a mistake we should make the next time. "Honorable campaigns" are for losers. Next time, call 'em as they really are, not as you wish to see 'em.
2) Where was Bush? Once again, and right to the bitter end, he let his passion for "loyalty" supersede what was stragetically right for the party, not to mention what was best for the country. I think his reputation has nowhere to go but down; yes, he got one big thing right,
but he got everything else wrong. Enough of this family in our
country's politics!
3) Good riddance to Liddy Dole, the woman who gave us the national drinking age of 21 and a host of sozzled underage college students. She won't be missed.
4) Hillary comes out smelling like a rose, plus unbloodied. She and Bill are already scoping out 2012.
5) Time to clean house. McCain should have been president in 2000, not in 2008. No more "it's my turn" for the last loser. We need to be looking for our candidates in the ranks of returning war vets — think Eisenhower in '52 as the model — and let the Dem's shifty lawyers run the country for a couple of years. Then hit them across the board with people who know how to lead. Gen. Petraeus might be a good place to start. Lots of junior officers, too.
6) You know what? McCain never did sell himself as a leader. He sold himself as a maverick.
7) One upside: McCain/Feingold is now dead, as is public financing. Talk about being hoist with your own petard!
8) That Gang of 14 thing really worked out well, didn't it? Say good-bye to the courts. And we were so close...
9) Joe Lieberman was worse than useless. When he could have made a difference, he didn't cross the aisle to caucus with the Republicans.
Now, it doesn't matter. Thanks, Joe.
10) Age matters. McCain ran an "honorable campaign" because he never really understood in his heart that the other guy had no intention of doing so; he didn't "get" Obama's generation, or Axelrod's.. Obama would lie about public financing, "oppose" gay marriage but also oppose Prop. 8 and never see it as morally contradictory. The world that McCain understood and operated in is vanishing, and tonight is visible evidence.
11) Unlike the Democrats, let's show some class in defeat. That doesn't mean lie down and roll over: it means fighting for what we believe in, doubly so now. But their sneering childishness is not for us; and now that they've won, they won't be able to control it even in victory. This is an unlovely party filled with unlovely people, as America's about to find out once the Obama pixie dust wears off.
12) Understand, once and for all, that the old media is part of the Democratic Party now. Ignore it. Never send Michele Bachmann onto Hardball again. Never send Sarah to play nice with Katie. We need to develop and create our own work-arounds — Fox, talk radio, NRO, etc. — and use them. Don't play by their rules: make our own.
Truth, my friends, is occasionally a hard pill to swallow...but there isn't much to argue with above.
Pre-Return Thoughts...
- If anyone thinks this will be some kind of a "historic blowout" for either candidate, you're HIGHLY delusional. Neither candidate will win by more than 2-3%. The electoral college will be close for McCain if he wins, like a "less than 20 electoral votes victory" kind of close. If Obama gets the nod in the toss-up states, he will have a victory in the electoral college that looks like Clinton's wins in 92 and 96...solid, but nothing spectacular.
- The throwing out of Republican election officials, and the intimidation of GOP voters by Black Panthers and other groups in Philadelphia is despicable...but the left won't say a word about it.
- The exit polls that showed a Kerry blowout in '04 will show an Obama blowout in '08. Ignore them, and watch the ACTUAL RETURNS.
- If the networks call the election for Obama before the polls close in the Mountain Time Zone, then the networks have reached a new low in how far in the tank for Obama they are.
- If Obama wins, consider the positive, prosperous eras of both Ronald Reagan AND Bill Clinton to be over and done with...and an economic and social malaise, brought on by socialist policies, will set in by 2012.
- I think the fact that the leftist bloggers call white people voting for McCain "racist", but 95% of black people voting for Obama (many of which cite his race as the deciding factor) is "OK" with them. I also abhor the fact that my being a hispanic who supports McCain makes me a "race traitor" of some kind, in the eyes of a few bloggers.
We'll see how things go as the returns roll in, most Eastern Time Zone polls close in 24 minutes...
- The throwing out of Republican election officials, and the intimidation of GOP voters by Black Panthers and other groups in Philadelphia is despicable...but the left won't say a word about it.
- The exit polls that showed a Kerry blowout in '04 will show an Obama blowout in '08. Ignore them, and watch the ACTUAL RETURNS.
- If the networks call the election for Obama before the polls close in the Mountain Time Zone, then the networks have reached a new low in how far in the tank for Obama they are.
- If Obama wins, consider the positive, prosperous eras of both Ronald Reagan AND Bill Clinton to be over and done with...and an economic and social malaise, brought on by socialist policies, will set in by 2012.
- I think the fact that the leftist bloggers call white people voting for McCain "racist", but 95% of black people voting for Obama (many of which cite his race as the deciding factor) is "OK" with them. I also abhor the fact that my being a hispanic who supports McCain makes me a "race traitor" of some kind, in the eyes of a few bloggers.
We'll see how things go as the returns roll in, most Eastern Time Zone polls close in 24 minutes...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
PUMA-GOP Solidarity???
Apparently so, as I can see from this post at Hillbuzz...
Republicans, this is directed at you. Hillary’s Army remains strong, and committed to putting McCain/Palin in the White House. Do not listen to the media. Ignore the trolls. Corral your Eeyores and put them on the endangered species list. Because by our most conservative estimate, you’re going to get 4 million Hillocrats on your side next week, with roughly another 3 million Democrats who voted for Kerry staying home or throwing their votes to McKinney or Nader. That’s 7 million votes Obama has lost from lifelong Democrats — because we love this country more than Republicans have ever given us credit for.
This is the greatest nation on Earth and we Democrats never fail to wake each morning deeply thankful and grateful for the opportunities we have here. We know what socialism is, and know we want no part of this here. Obama’s mission is to weaken this country and put us under the thumb of the UN, like a European socialist state. That’s not what we want.
We will fight tooth and nail to stop him. We’ve sunk everything we have into this — because McCain/Palin are worth it. We believe they will serve this country well, and will work with our champ, the new lion of the Senate, Hillary Clinton, to make us energy independent, to secure good solid jobs for all Americans, and to strengthen and grow our economy in a world stressed and tried in these times.
We do not intend for this alliance to be of only this moment — we’ve worked alongside all of you for months now and see we all have more in common than we ever had apart. We will never agree on everything, but let’s all start with our love of country. Our pride in America. Our willingness to work hard together to give everyone opportunities — not hand outs. Europe calls Obama’s plans socialism. We call it welfare. Obama says this is change. We paraphrase the McCain campaign because, much to our initial surprise, Clinton Democrats find more in common with McCain/Palin than we do the socialists the current Democratic Party revealed itself to be.
So, all of us centrists stand strongly with you. Please work hard in every way you can this last week. Join us in Ohio if you can — or in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, or Virginia. Let’s make sure socialism is defeated once and for all.
We can do this together. If we work hard, we will win. And after our victory, we will work hard to find other commonalities going forward.
Of this, we promise you, our new friends.
Elephants and pumas together, now and going forward.
WOW
Obama, you may have a problem...
Republicans, this is directed at you. Hillary’s Army remains strong, and committed to putting McCain/Palin in the White House. Do not listen to the media. Ignore the trolls. Corral your Eeyores and put them on the endangered species list. Because by our most conservative estimate, you’re going to get 4 million Hillocrats on your side next week, with roughly another 3 million Democrats who voted for Kerry staying home or throwing their votes to McKinney or Nader. That’s 7 million votes Obama has lost from lifelong Democrats — because we love this country more than Republicans have ever given us credit for.
This is the greatest nation on Earth and we Democrats never fail to wake each morning deeply thankful and grateful for the opportunities we have here. We know what socialism is, and know we want no part of this here. Obama’s mission is to weaken this country and put us under the thumb of the UN, like a European socialist state. That’s not what we want.
We will fight tooth and nail to stop him. We’ve sunk everything we have into this — because McCain/Palin are worth it. We believe they will serve this country well, and will work with our champ, the new lion of the Senate, Hillary Clinton, to make us energy independent, to secure good solid jobs for all Americans, and to strengthen and grow our economy in a world stressed and tried in these times.
We do not intend for this alliance to be of only this moment — we’ve worked alongside all of you for months now and see we all have more in common than we ever had apart. We will never agree on everything, but let’s all start with our love of country. Our pride in America. Our willingness to work hard together to give everyone opportunities — not hand outs. Europe calls Obama’s plans socialism. We call it welfare. Obama says this is change. We paraphrase the McCain campaign because, much to our initial surprise, Clinton Democrats find more in common with McCain/Palin than we do the socialists the current Democratic Party revealed itself to be.
So, all of us centrists stand strongly with you. Please work hard in every way you can this last week. Join us in Ohio if you can — or in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, or Virginia. Let’s make sure socialism is defeated once and for all.
We can do this together. If we work hard, we will win. And after our victory, we will work hard to find other commonalities going forward.
Of this, we promise you, our new friends.
Elephants and pumas together, now and going forward.
WOW
Obama, you may have a problem...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Krauthammer Makes The Case for McCain
One of America's greatest political columnists ever tells us why he's endorsing John McCain for President.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
It's Amazing
Obama supporters do such things as...
- A 12-year-old girl is called a racist because she's white and was wearing a McCain/Palin shirt.
- A 12-year-old girl is called a racist because she's white and was wearing a McCain/Palin shirt.
- A McCain supporter is physically attacked in New York City.
- Sandra "My Career Was in the Toilet for 15 Years" Bernhardt suggests Sarah Palin should be gang-banged by blacks in Harlem.
- The manager of the Seminole County GOP Headquarters has his home shot up after putting up McCain signs in his yard.
- Two men are arrested for setting fire to McCain signs.
- A McCain supporter is mugged, then beaten and has a "B" carved into her face when the assailant discovers a McCain bumper sticker on her car.
...and yet, Republicans are the ones labeled as a angry, hatemongering mob.
- The manager of the Seminole County GOP Headquarters has his home shot up after putting up McCain signs in his yard.
- Two men are arrested for setting fire to McCain signs.
- A McCain supporter is mugged, then beaten and has a "B" carved into her face when the assailant discovers a McCain bumper sticker on her car.
...and yet, Republicans are the ones labeled as a angry, hatemongering mob.
UPDATE
In a distrubing turn of events, the woman who was mugged and had the "B" carved into her face made it all up.
Dead Heat
This is from the most accurate poll of the 2004 election...
Definition of Dead Heat...
Obama's Momentum is "Dead"
McCain's Momentum has "Heat"
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pot, Meet Kettle
John Kerry, who is 64 years old, made a crack about how John McCain would answer the infamous "boxers or briefs" question.
"Then they asked McCain and McCain said, ‘Depends,'" Kerry said to lots of laughter from the crowd.
Rumors that the "crowd" was actually the crew from Cobalt6 have not been confirmed.
May I suggest, Senator Kerry, that you stick to your daily Frankenstein impression if you want to be funny. Or maybe, you should spend some time thanking your good fortune that the only reason you're in office is because Paul Tsongas, a man of great respect and dignity, was stricken with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which allowed you to run for your current Senate seat.
"Then they asked McCain and McCain said, ‘Depends,'" Kerry said to lots of laughter from the crowd.
Rumors that the "crowd" was actually the crew from Cobalt6 have not been confirmed.
May I suggest, Senator Kerry, that you stick to your daily Frankenstein impression if you want to be funny. Or maybe, you should spend some time thanking your good fortune that the only reason you're in office is because Paul Tsongas, a man of great respect and dignity, was stricken with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which allowed you to run for your current Senate seat.
Dems Losing Favor With "Hannah Montana" Demographic?
In Nickelodeon's "Kid's Pick The President" poll, Obama edges out McCain 51%-49%. Over 2.2 million votes were cast. Not a bad showing considering the fact that you'd think Obama would pull very heavily from the youth, given that he IS the much younger candidate.
While some (*ahem* every liberal blog in the world) would trumpet this as a sign of a youth movement towards Democrats, it's not...in 2004, John Kerry was picked by kids over George W. Bush by a margin of 57%-43%. We all know how THAT turned out. ;)
While some (*ahem* every liberal blog in the world) would trumpet this as a sign of a youth movement towards Democrats, it's not...in 2004, John Kerry was picked by kids over George W. Bush by a margin of 57%-43%. We all know how THAT turned out. ;)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
And for McCain's Potential Cabinet...
While McCain will also rely on a number of well-established figures...he hasn't run on a campaign of youth and a "new guard" like Obama has. However, there aren't many definite names out there right now. But, here's some of the rumored names...
- Secretary of State: Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut or Fmr. Dep Sec. of State and World Bank President Robert Zoellick,
- Secretary of Defense: Robert Gates (current Secretary of Defense), Fmr. Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman, or possibly former Dep. Secretary of Defense Richard Armitage (God, I hope not)
- Secretary of the Treasury: Robert Zoellick, Current Mayor Of New York City Michael Bloomberg, Fmr. Gov. of Massachussetts Mitt Romney, or CEO's John T. Chambers (Cisco Systems), Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), or Meg Whitman (eBay)
Just thought I'd throw that out there, for comparisons sake.
But it does seem that McCain is looking to mix stalwart politicians with some out-of-the-box cabinet candidates.
- Secretary of State: Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut or Fmr. Dep Sec. of State and World Bank President Robert Zoellick,
- Secretary of Defense: Robert Gates (current Secretary of Defense), Fmr. Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman, or possibly former Dep. Secretary of Defense Richard Armitage (God, I hope not)
- Secretary of the Treasury: Robert Zoellick, Current Mayor Of New York City Michael Bloomberg, Fmr. Gov. of Massachussetts Mitt Romney, or CEO's John T. Chambers (Cisco Systems), Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), or Meg Whitman (eBay)
Just thought I'd throw that out there, for comparisons sake.
But it does seem that McCain is looking to mix stalwart politicians with some out-of-the-box cabinet candidates.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Young, Black/Hispanic, and Voting for McCain
Claudio Simpkins of Hip Hop Republican, which is one of the better blogs out there, lays down his endorsement.
UPDATE
Props to Yankee Philip, who saw this before I did.
UPDATE
Props to Yankee Philip, who saw this before I did.
Speaking Real Words
McCain just outright called Obama's economic policies "socialist".
Well, so much for implications...now least the message is getting out there straight with no mixer or chaser.
Well, so much for implications...now least the message is getting out there straight with no mixer or chaser.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Another "Joe The Plumber" Doesn't Like Obama...
Literally.
Projected Dem spin...the makers of Drano and Liquid Plumbr have lobbyists that keep McCain in their back pocket.
Projected Dem spin...the makers of Drano and Liquid Plumbr have lobbyists that keep McCain in their back pocket.
What's Going On?
I expressed earlier surprise at a Gallup Poll of likely voters that has Obama up only 49-47 over McCain. Now, we've got an AP/Yahoo Poll that has Obama edging McCain 44-42.
The polling sample in the AP/Yahoo Poll? 873 Democrats, 650 Republicans. In other words, out of 1523 people polled, 57.3% were self-proclaimed Democrats, as opposed to 42.7% Republicans.
I think some Blue Dogs and Conservative Democrats did NOT like something Obama said or did. It's just a matter of figuring out exactly what that is...Joe The Plumber could not have had THAT much of an effect on things so quicky...could he?
Or is it a matter of the list of reasons to distrust Obama just getting too long for some people. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Tony Rezko, lack of a definitive stand on numerous issues in his voting record (read: votes "Present" a lot), lack of experience, ACORN and their voter fraud issues, Joe the Plumber.....I don't know what it is, but it's certainly giving Obama a slight sense of urgency. Check this quote...
"Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," he said, only half in jest. "Don't underestimate our ability to screw it up."
Worried much?
Either way, encouraging news for those of us who don't want Obama to win, and America in general (whether they know it or not).
UPDATE
That Gallup Tracking poll has now sat at 49-47 for two days in a row. Notice Obama is holding steady, but McCain is the one gaining...a sign that McCain is winning over undecided voters.
The polling sample in the AP/Yahoo Poll? 873 Democrats, 650 Republicans. In other words, out of 1523 people polled, 57.3% were self-proclaimed Democrats, as opposed to 42.7% Republicans.
I think some Blue Dogs and Conservative Democrats did NOT like something Obama said or did. It's just a matter of figuring out exactly what that is...Joe The Plumber could not have had THAT much of an effect on things so quicky...could he?
Or is it a matter of the list of reasons to distrust Obama just getting too long for some people. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Tony Rezko, lack of a definitive stand on numerous issues in his voting record (read: votes "Present" a lot), lack of experience, ACORN and their voter fraud issues, Joe the Plumber.....I don't know what it is, but it's certainly giving Obama a slight sense of urgency. Check this quote...
"Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," he said, only half in jest. "Don't underestimate our ability to screw it up."
Worried much?
Either way, encouraging news for those of us who don't want Obama to win, and America in general (whether they know it or not).
UPDATE
That Gallup Tracking poll has now sat at 49-47 for two days in a row. Notice Obama is holding steady, but McCain is the one gaining...a sign that McCain is winning over undecided voters.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Whoa Now!!!
Is this an aberration or a trend, I'm not sure...but this is a very noticeable change from where we thought this election would go.
Obama is only up 49-47 over McCain in the latest Gallup poll...? Hmm...the traditional likely voter poll has always been Gallup's most reliable one.
Obama is only up 49-47 over McCain in the latest Gallup poll...? Hmm...the traditional likely voter poll has always been Gallup's most reliable one.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
"The Campaign Spot" Points Out Irregularity in VA Polling Samples
While I know the Obamacrats are cheering the downfall of the economy as a set up for their opponent's victory, I guess I have to be the one to play "party pooper" and point out some rather significant statistics, courtesy of "The Campaign Spot" at National Review.
- In 2006, the party ID figures based on exit polls was 39 percent Republican, 36 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent. This was the election, of course, where Jim Webb barely scraped by George Allen in a battle of who could run the more inefficient campaign.
- In 2004, where Bush beat Kerry, the exit polling showed that party ID was 39 percent Republican, 35 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent.
Now, take a look at these 3 recent polls and their party ID sampling figures...
- PublicPolicyPolling - is 40 percent Democrat, 35 percent Republican, 25 percent Independent. Their poll has Obama up 51-43.
- SurveyUSA - is Democrats 39 percent, Republicans 30 percent, Independents 25 percent. They have Obama up 53-43.
- Suffolk - is Democrats 45 percent, Republicans 31 percent, Independents 24 percent. They have Obama up 51-39.
Honestly now, I don't think reasonably-minded Democrats can believe that the party ID in Virginia has swung THAT much in 2 years. So if Virginia goes for McCain in the national election, I don't want to hear Democrats claiming fraud...because those polling samples provide a fraudulent depiction of Virginia's real voter party identification.
P.S. - I'm baaaack :)
- In 2006, the party ID figures based on exit polls was 39 percent Republican, 36 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent. This was the election, of course, where Jim Webb barely scraped by George Allen in a battle of who could run the more inefficient campaign.
- In 2004, where Bush beat Kerry, the exit polling showed that party ID was 39 percent Republican, 35 percent Democrat, 26 percent Independent.
Now, take a look at these 3 recent polls and their party ID sampling figures...
- PublicPolicyPolling - is 40 percent Democrat, 35 percent Republican, 25 percent Independent. Their poll has Obama up 51-43.
- SurveyUSA - is Democrats 39 percent, Republicans 30 percent, Independents 25 percent. They have Obama up 53-43.
- Suffolk - is Democrats 45 percent, Republicans 31 percent, Independents 24 percent. They have Obama up 51-39.
Honestly now, I don't think reasonably-minded Democrats can believe that the party ID in Virginia has swung THAT much in 2 years. So if Virginia goes for McCain in the national election, I don't want to hear Democrats claiming fraud...because those polling samples provide a fraudulent depiction of Virginia's real voter party identification.
P.S. - I'm baaaack :)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Fred Thompson Drops Out of GOP Race, Who Should I Endorse Now?
So my man, Fred Thompson, is out of the race officially. Between the not-so-hot finishes in Iowa and South Carolina, tending to his sick mother last week, and a mixed GOP base...I can see why things just didn't go for him this time.
Since Thompson hasn't endorsed anybody, I now have to find a new candidate to support.
Do I go with John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, or Ron Paul? Well, let me weight them out...
Mike Huckabee...while I like the idea of the FairTax, I don't think it is something that could be implemented without serious short-term economical damage. Other than that, Huckabee doesn't have much going for him with me. His record on issues isn't very sparkling when it comes to fiscal prudence, and he's heavy on the SoCon platform, which is very divisive in today's political sphere. Factor in Huckabee's lack of real ideas on the foreign policy front, and there isn't much for me to agree with as far as I've seen. Until he shows me something different, I cannot (in good faith) support Huckabee. Not with these other candidates in the field.
Ron Paul...while I like limited government and free markets, Paul strikes me as just a tad too isolationist for my tastes, especially since we're a big part of the global economy. Paul wants to pull out of Iraq immediately, even though many Dems even agree that things are now going in our favor and we can create a better situation in that region if we continue on the current course. I like libertarian ideals, but I'm a federalist at heart, and Paul and I just don't quite click enough to work.
John McCain...I respect McCain's independent streak, and I agree with him on fiscal issues (not just tax cuts, but spending cuts are necessary). He claims to have "heard the people" in regards to immigration, but that remains to be seen. McCain has the experience, the bipartisan appeal, and the intelligence to be a good leader. However, with that comes a certain amount of unpredictability about his performance. Then again, I thought McCain would've been a good leader in 2000 over George W. Bush. 50/50 shot with McCain, here.
Rudy Giuliani...The man I originally leaned towards for President until Fred Thompson came around and inspired me to endorse him. Rudy is smart on most of the issues, but has been basically repeating the same routine for about 8 months now. However, should he win Florida, the race changes dramatically. I like Rudy, and I think he'd make a pretty good leader. However, he's been dormant for so long that I don't know what to think.
Mitt Romney...Mitt appeals to me on fiscal issues, but has changed his position on various issues to move himself further to the right from where he was as a candidate for the U.S. Senate and as Governor of Massachusetts. With the economy being the top priority for the majority of voters right now, I would believe that Romney could be one of the best candidates to bring revival to the American economy, as he (along with his father) is a model of capitalist success. Another possible pick, but I'm just not sure at this point.
Do any of you have any ideas? Here's your chance to sell your candidate to me.
Since Thompson hasn't endorsed anybody, I now have to find a new candidate to support.
Do I go with John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, or Ron Paul? Well, let me weight them out...
Mike Huckabee...while I like the idea of the FairTax, I don't think it is something that could be implemented without serious short-term economical damage. Other than that, Huckabee doesn't have much going for him with me. His record on issues isn't very sparkling when it comes to fiscal prudence, and he's heavy on the SoCon platform, which is very divisive in today's political sphere. Factor in Huckabee's lack of real ideas on the foreign policy front, and there isn't much for me to agree with as far as I've seen. Until he shows me something different, I cannot (in good faith) support Huckabee. Not with these other candidates in the field.
Ron Paul...while I like limited government and free markets, Paul strikes me as just a tad too isolationist for my tastes, especially since we're a big part of the global economy. Paul wants to pull out of Iraq immediately, even though many Dems even agree that things are now going in our favor and we can create a better situation in that region if we continue on the current course. I like libertarian ideals, but I'm a federalist at heart, and Paul and I just don't quite click enough to work.
John McCain...I respect McCain's independent streak, and I agree with him on fiscal issues (not just tax cuts, but spending cuts are necessary). He claims to have "heard the people" in regards to immigration, but that remains to be seen. McCain has the experience, the bipartisan appeal, and the intelligence to be a good leader. However, with that comes a certain amount of unpredictability about his performance. Then again, I thought McCain would've been a good leader in 2000 over George W. Bush. 50/50 shot with McCain, here.
Rudy Giuliani...The man I originally leaned towards for President until Fred Thompson came around and inspired me to endorse him. Rudy is smart on most of the issues, but has been basically repeating the same routine for about 8 months now. However, should he win Florida, the race changes dramatically. I like Rudy, and I think he'd make a pretty good leader. However, he's been dormant for so long that I don't know what to think.
Mitt Romney...Mitt appeals to me on fiscal issues, but has changed his position on various issues to move himself further to the right from where he was as a candidate for the U.S. Senate and as Governor of Massachusetts. With the economy being the top priority for the majority of voters right now, I would believe that Romney could be one of the best candidates to bring revival to the American economy, as he (along with his father) is a model of capitalist success. Another possible pick, but I'm just not sure at this point.
Do any of you have any ideas? Here's your chance to sell your candidate to me.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Mitt Romney Wins in Michigan GOP Primary
With many projecting a possible Romney loss in his native state of Michigan, and ultimately the final blow to his campaign, Mitt Romney pulled out a very solid win in the Michigan primary yesterday.
Romney won with 39% of the vote, John McCain finished second with 30%, Mike Huckabee came in a distant third with 16%.
This was, in many minds, Romney's "must win" state to continue his campaign. It also further muddles up the GOP primary picture, as McCain and Huckabee were beginning to separate from the pack.
Hillary Clinton was the only major Dem contender on the Michigan Democratic Primary ballot...and still only pulled 56%. However, the primary was meaningless as the Democratic Party stripped Michigan of all of it's delegates to the Dem National Convention as punishment for moving up the date of the primary.
Romney won with 39% of the vote, John McCain finished second with 30%, Mike Huckabee came in a distant third with 16%.
This was, in many minds, Romney's "must win" state to continue his campaign. It also further muddles up the GOP primary picture, as McCain and Huckabee were beginning to separate from the pack.
Hillary Clinton was the only major Dem contender on the Michigan Democratic Primary ballot...and still only pulled 56%. However, the primary was meaningless as the Democratic Party stripped Michigan of all of it's delegates to the Dem National Convention as punishment for moving up the date of the primary.
Friday, January 11, 2008
GOP Race: DC/Maryland/Virginia May Matter...And so Will Money
That's what David Freddoso thinks. Give it a read, this primary season is shaping up to simply be the best...primary...ever. At least for historical purposes.
As many others have said, Freddoso believes that a lot of the Huckabee vote in the South (and Giuliani vote overall) hinge on how well Fred Thompson does in South Carolina.
Also, as Freddoso points out, money may become a factor if this becomes a total national slugfest. This is where Romney's ability to self-finance and raise funds will come into play, as he will be able to sustain himself much longer than most of the other candidates.
I haven't seen fundraising numbers for Huckabee or McCain, but I do know that Giuliani is in trouble (asking for campaign workers to voluntarily stop receiving paychecks), and Fred Thompson's fundraising has picked up to the point that current fundraising challenges have had their limits increase due to the fact that donations have picked up recently.
As many others have said, Freddoso believes that a lot of the Huckabee vote in the South (and Giuliani vote overall) hinge on how well Fred Thompson does in South Carolina.
Also, as Freddoso points out, money may become a factor if this becomes a total national slugfest. This is where Romney's ability to self-finance and raise funds will come into play, as he will be able to sustain himself much longer than most of the other candidates.
I haven't seen fundraising numbers for Huckabee or McCain, but I do know that Giuliani is in trouble (asking for campaign workers to voluntarily stop receiving paychecks), and Fred Thompson's fundraising has picked up to the point that current fundraising challenges have had their limits increase due to the fact that donations have picked up recently.
Rasmussen Polls on Both Sides of the Mason-Dixon...
Head-to-head matchups between Republican candidates and Democratic candidates, courtesy of Rasmussen Reports.
Maryland (as if we expect surprises here)
Obama 48%, McCain 42%
McCain 45%, Clinton 43%
Obama 55%, Romney 34%
Clinton 52%, Romney 39%
There is a surprise in Maryland...McCain has a lead over Clinton. Maryland is one of the "bluest" states in the nation, so for McCain to make a crack in the Dem foundation here is encouraging.
Oh yeah, and Martin O'Malley has a 33% approval rating as Governor, which is lower than President Bush's 36% approval rating amongst Marylanders...HA! Bring back Bob Ehrlich, Maryland, he was good for you. Moving on...
Pennsylvania
McCain 48%, Clinton 42%
McCain 46%, Obama 38%
Clinton 49%, Romney 39%
Obama 43%, Romney 38%
Clinton 46%, Huckabee 44%
Pennsylvania is a very odd state. They like their Democrats conservative and their Republicans liberal (well, to an extent). That would explain Huckabee's ability to hang with Hillary. Romney isn't doing well here, either...but his gap between himself and Obama is half of what it is with Hillary. Once again, that's The Keystone State's tendency to buck the trends, as Romney tends to match up better with Clinton than Obama.
I previously examined the battleground states, and I did not include Pennsylvania because of recent trends. However, given that McCain and Huckabee are doing so well up there, I may soon include Pennsylvania as a swing state if this trend continues.
Maryland (as if we expect surprises here)
Obama 48%, McCain 42%
McCain 45%, Clinton 43%
Obama 55%, Romney 34%
Clinton 52%, Romney 39%
There is a surprise in Maryland...McCain has a lead over Clinton. Maryland is one of the "bluest" states in the nation, so for McCain to make a crack in the Dem foundation here is encouraging.
Oh yeah, and Martin O'Malley has a 33% approval rating as Governor, which is lower than President Bush's 36% approval rating amongst Marylanders...HA! Bring back Bob Ehrlich, Maryland, he was good for you. Moving on...
Pennsylvania
McCain 48%, Clinton 42%
McCain 46%, Obama 38%
Clinton 49%, Romney 39%
Obama 43%, Romney 38%
Clinton 46%, Huckabee 44%
Pennsylvania is a very odd state. They like their Democrats conservative and their Republicans liberal (well, to an extent). That would explain Huckabee's ability to hang with Hillary. Romney isn't doing well here, either...but his gap between himself and Obama is half of what it is with Hillary. Once again, that's The Keystone State's tendency to buck the trends, as Romney tends to match up better with Clinton than Obama.
I previously examined the battleground states, and I did not include Pennsylvania because of recent trends. However, given that McCain and Huckabee are doing so well up there, I may soon include Pennsylvania as a swing state if this trend continues.
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