Friday, September 26, 2008
Debate One Wrap
Who won Friday's debate? As the front-runner, Senator Obama needed to avoid any major mistakes. Senator McCain needed draw clear distinctions and make the case that Obama is not ready to lead.
Americans must have been disappointed that neither candidate veered from their brief talking points on the current financial crisis. Hindsight is 20/20 and both found it useful to assign blame and name scapegoats. It was startling how neither had any insight or vision for resolving this crisis. It seems both are satisfied to stick the taxpayers with a $700 Billion tab in the name of bipartisanship without offering any specific adjustments to their current spending plans. McCain shifted the subject to earmark spending - an area of strength, but one that has marginal applicability to this crisis. Obama explained that he will bring relief to the middle class, by increasing taxes on their employers - this would be devastating in the current economic environment, and McCain should have hammered it.
Either candidate could have offered a Reader's Digest explanation of how mark-to-market accounting is creating an illiquid environment for many of our financial players. Behind every pool of securitized mortgages are tangible, hard assets - homes. Even if 100% of subprime mortgages are forclosed on, they are worth something. Instead of addressing this obvious point, both candidates seem content to create more Sarbanes-Oxley style regulations that have saddled American commerce post-Enron. This steers global jobs and investment away from the USA.
As the debate turned to foreign policy, Obama again used his 20/20 hindsight to assign blame, name scapegoats, and declare that he opposed the 2003 decision to invade Iraq from the safety of the Illinois legislature. He hammered McCain for proving to be wrong on a number of items regarding the 2003 invasion, but McCain effectively brought the "gotcha game" full circle with Obama's fierce opposition to the surge.
As expected, John McCain discussed Iran, Pakistan, and Russia with confidence and ease. Since the Democratic primaries Obama has deftly moved towards McCain's positions, which minimizes any McCain advantage for the swing voters who are just beginning to tune in. As an example, we learned last night that Obama is now in favor of extending NATO membership to Georgia and Ukraine. This is welcome news, but it's not altogether convincing when he passed on the opportunity to use his huge audience in Berlin to press the issue with the chief NATO obstacle - Germany.
There is still a huge opening for one of the candidates to take on the $700B Bush-Paulson-Frank bailout for Wall Street. Obama cannot take this kind of chance with his advantage in the polls. McCain could assert his Maverickness in a way that turns this race for good. The solution would be a detailed plan that outlines to the American people a pro-growth economic expansion focused on the future. It would eliminate earmarks and capital gains taxes. It would reduce marginal tax rates and promote a strong dollar. It would be a stark contrast to the Hoover and FDR interventionist policies that kept unemployment at 20% for ten years following the 1929 stock market crash. This week, it appears both candidates prefer the Hoover-FDR model.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Sorry, Charlie - Palin Electrifies Conservatives
Palin was not selected to appeal to pro-choice California Republicans like Charlie who admire the way that Joe Biden attacked Clarence Thomas during his confirmation hearings. As an aside, in advance of the hearing Sen. Biden privately assured Thomas that he would support his confirmation. Fortunately, Thomas correctly suspected that Biden was lying to his face to soften him up and won confirmation despite Biden's best Washington two-faced hit job.
True, there is much to be learned about Governor Palin's capabilities to be Commander-in-Chief. We do know that she fearlessly challenged the very powerful status quo in her own party to become her state's popular top executive. When talking about his leadership background, Barack Obama told Rick Warren that his toughest decison was to oppose the Iraq War while in the IL legislature - because it could have jeopardized his political future. Has Barack Obama ever stood up to anyone? It took him 3 attempts to admonish his radical pastor. Obama is soft compared to most hockey moms, but particularly Sarah Palin.
No doubt Palin lacks plenty in foreign affairs expertise - the same charge would have been leveled against most any governor McCain selected. However, she is an expert on the most pressing domestic issue, unlike Speaker Pelosi who last week told Meet the Press (3 times in the same appearance!) that natural gas was an alternative to fossil fuels.
In 1988 the Democrats tried to compensate for the neophyte on the top of their ticket with seasoned Senator Lloyd Bentsen. The mainstream media howled that Bentsen would wipe the floor with Dan Quayle. He did. Quayle gave the media plenty to support their hypothesis, but America recognized the bigger potential disaster - President Dukakis. Bush-Quayle won 40 states.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Alternative GOP View
Charlie is not a blogger, but was so moved by McCain's selection of Palin, he wrote down a few words to share with his friends. (Funny thing is my super conservative Republican mother probably shares the majority of Charlie's thoughts).
What follows is an alternative Republican view just so we can remain fair and balanced here on Ground Game.
___________________________________________
So Mccain has selected Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate. I have to admit my ignorance, because before today I had never really heard of her. Unfortunately, I have to agree with the Democrats that this takes the issue of Obama's "readiness" to be Commander in Chief off the table.
Like many Americans, I surfed the web to find out as much as I could about this self proclaimed "hockey mom". I respect her decision to have a disabled child, I just don't want her dictating that to other moms.
Republican pundits are calling her selection "brilliant", an opportunity to bring over the Hillary voters, and a fresh new face to the election. They argue that she has fought corruption (although they didn't mention she might be accused of it) even from within her own party, making her a maverick like John Mccain. The far right hails her lifetime membership in the NRA and her steadfast pro life position in all cases.
I can just see our "hockey mom" staring down Putin, Ahmadinejad, Kim, and Osama. I can just see her determining troop deployments, negotiating with the Saudi Royal Family over oil production and prices, and understanding the deep roots of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Mccain is 72 and wants to win an election and has proven he doesn't care about America's future because he has already lived his life and it won't affect him.
The Republicans have attacked Obama for not being ready, but then they choose this lady.
Obama has been selected to hold public office by more than 22 million people now, this person less than 150,000.
He has an Ivy League education, Columbia and a law degree from Harvard, she has a journalism degree from the University of Idaho.
He served in the state senate of the 5th largest state for 12 years, she served as mayor for six years in a town of about 5,000 people.
He has been in the US Senate representing the 5th largest state for four years, and sits on the Foreign Relations Committee, she has served as Governor of the 47th largest state for less than two years.
He spent years in Chicago, the nation's third largest city with all of the urban problems America faces (some even exagerated in that city), she hails from Wasilla.
The Republicans defended her record saying she has more executive experience than he, and while that's true (I give her the one and a half years as governor not her six years as mayor) I always remember Ross Perot's comment about Bill Clinton, "Just because you ran a corner 7 11 it doesn't qualify you to run Walmart."
Clinton claims they said he wasn't ready, and he proved them wrong, but he wasn't. Two years after he took office the Republicans swept control of Congress for the first time in 40 years, gaining 54 seats in the house, and eight in the Senate. The Speaker of the House lost his reelection bid, the first time that had happened since the Civil War, and the powerful Chairman of the House and Ways Committee was beaten as well. All in all, 34 incumbents were beaten as America revolted against the inexperienced Clinton, and installed Newt Gingrich as the first Republican Speaker since 1954. Republicans held congress until inexperienced Bush took over.
I have felt that this year, more than any other, the selection of Vice President was important. It gives the American public an inside look at Barack Obama's judgement, and on the Republican side, we needed someone to have confidence in, being that Mccain is the oldest person running for a first term.
I happen to like Biden. He has been one of the only democrats I would have willingly voted for. It goes back to the 1988 election when the Democrats were running Dukakis, and Gebhart (who I really hated) and Jesse Jackson that I resigned myself to vote for Bush unless Biden won. Then I thought he did an excellent job on the Clarence Thomas hearings, knowing he was chair of the judiciary committee and against his nomination, but realizing it was going to go through anyway. I was obviously pleased with Obama's selection, and Biden is still one of the few Democrats I like.
On the Republican side, what in the hell was Mccain thinking? How can we have confidence in this person I had never heard of before today? Obama has been running for president for 18 months and we've had a chance to get to know him, like him or not. He particpated in over 10 debates and campaigned all over the country. Biden, like Mccain, has been in the Senate forever. These people we know. We have eight weeks, and one debate to learn about this person who could be a heartbeat of a 72 year old man away from the White House.
If we have learned anything from the last eight years, we have learned that we need someone smart in the White House. We need someone with America's interest at heart, not Texas. I read one quote that this lady said she would accept the vice presidential nomination if she thought it would help Alaska.
Scary.
It makes every attack the Republicans have thrown against Obama as invalid. Yet they stand up and cheer. I've been disheartened by the way they have cheered Bush's idiotic moves for the last eight years, now I'm completely ashamed to be a registered Republican.
McCain Selects Palin
The Pros...
Sarah Palin got involved in public service to take on the status quo (high taxes and corruption), not out of political ambition. Like Sen. Obama she is an unproven, yet historical candidate with TV charisma and good looks.
The Alaska Republicans may be the GOP's closest comparison to the Chicago Democratic machine. Sen. Obama won favor of the power players of his machine by playing by their rules, voting in lock-step with their issues, going to their church, and counting them as mentors. In contrast, Sarah Palin challenged and defeated the incumbent governor of her own party and then called for an investigation of Alaska's Republican Party Chairman.
Sarah Palin comes from small town America. She is an evangelical with a solid pro-life record, an NRA member who will appeal to Second Amendment defenders, and an energy expert who can explain the untapped potential of domestic oil and natural gas supplies. She is with the majority of Americans on all of these issues.
The Cons...
Is she as ready as Mitt Romney to be POTUSA? Will her advice to McCain be as solid? Maybe not, but do we really think that a man with McCain's instincts was going to listen to Romney much anyway? Sarah Palin still has to clear significant hurdles - there will be obscure world leaders and conflicts that will be well outside of her expertise. This ultimately doomed the Mike Huckabee campaign, but I wonder if running with John McCain can allow her to tap into the energy that Huckabee generated without the voter anxiety on foreign affairs. I'll await Jonathan's insight on this one.
A historical DNC...
Obama had a successful convention. Congratulations to the Land of Lincolner on his historic achivement. The McCain Camp has been very savvy in slowing the Dems' momentum this summer. However, the big show in Denver will begin to revitalize leftist voters.
Now that's a housing problem...
The London Times has reported that Iraqi billionaire Nadhmi Auchi loaned $3.5 million to convicted felon Tony Rezko three weeks ahead of Obama's estate purchase in 2005. Auchi's U.S. visa was revoked due to his involvement in the Oil for Food scandal, yet two Illinois officials had the State Dept restore the visa. Will the mainstream media press for full disclosure from the Obama campaign and the state dept? Obama has still not provided the settlement statement to show the flow of funds from this transaction. The 529s must be chomping at the bit as the Obama campaign is all about their candidate's character and good judgment.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
What Are the Democrats Trying to Warn Us About Obama?
Look, I'm a Republican, and no fan of Obama or Hillary. I would just like some Democrat (or "Independent") to explain to me why anyone should vote for Obama in the fall when almost half of all the members of his own party don't want him......even now.
Friday, May 9, 2008
The Real Battle
So here is what I have noticed. The real battle here is not between BHO and HRC for the Democratic nomination. The truth is, it may never have been. This fight is and has been about who will lead the Democratic party into its next era - the young upstart with the quintessential American story or the formally young upstart with the former quintessential American story.
This is, has been, and will be about Barack vs. Bill and over control of the house the Bill built. Why else would the Clinton's risk their past legacy (albeit a questionable one for the majority of people, but a legacy nonetheless) and their future over this race? Bill has cared much less about Hill on his sojourns around the campaign stops and centered much more on himself and his history and his future. With HRC in the White House, Bill is firmly entrenched as the Democratic father for the foreseeable future.
That is why he still wags his finger, why his face turns fire engine red, and why he is willing to play the race card even if it means the destruction of the party ("if I can have it, nobody will"). It is Bill who has been running this campaign which is why he will not be silenced unless he believes it strategic. And because of Bill it will go on. He has more to lose than she does.
And Bill is in the fight of his life. Perhaps his last as the grand CEO of the party he built.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Indiana Primary Endorsements - Saddle Creek Precinct
Republican Ballot, Hamilton County, Indiana
Saddle Creek Precinct, Clay Township #263
President of the United States: Mitt Romney
Governor: Mitch Daniels
U.S. Representative (IN-5): Dan Burton
State Representative (87): Cindy Noe
Judge Circuit Court: Sonia J. Leerkamp
Judge of the Superior Court No. 3: William J. Hughes
Judge of the Superior Court No. 4: J. Richard Campbell
Judge of the Superior Court No. 5: Wayne A. Sturtevant
County Auditor: Dawn Coverdale
County Treasurer: Kim Good
County Surveyor: Kenton C. Ward
County Commissioner (Dist. 2): Steven C. Dillinger
County Commissioner (Dist. 3): Steven A. Holt
County Council: Brad Beaver, Jim Belden, and Rick F. McKinney
Carmel Clay School Board: Tom Linkmeyer and Joseph R. Miller
The Saddle Creek precinct will vote in a new location for this primary. Voting will take place in the break area of Carmel Water Distribution at 3450 W 131st St. Polls are open from 6a to 6p. The Supreme Court has upheld Indiana's law to require photo identification, so don't forget yours. Happy Election Day!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Ground Game Indiana
Senator Obama has struck the first blow with his post-partisan approach to politics. The postcard below showed up in the mailboxes of Indiana Democrats today.
A trained political eye might see the clear departure from "old politics" that many full of hope and eager for change find so refreshing. At least there is an American flag. It's not even on fire.
Also, we received a visit at our door this evening from two Obama supporters. They seemed like a nice couple, probably from the baby boomer generation. I would have taken some time to get the Obama pitch, first hand, but our family was in the middle of dinner. I indicated that there were no Democratic primary voters in our household, wished them luck, and got back to my Kung Pao chicken.
It was clear we had been "targeted" as registered voters. They did not knock on every door, instead they got back in the car and drove several houses down. In Indiana, you cannot register to vote on election day, but if you registered in advance (and bring a photo ID), you can select a Republican, Democrat, or school board ballot, regardless of any previous party affiliation.
Our visitors also asked specifically for my wife, even though I answered the door. Perhaps, since Indiana requires photo identification and pre-registration for primary participation, the Obama camp is having to reach out to unusual places. Could they be targeting Republican women since their turnout playbook cannot be used in Indiana?
Does the Obama camp see white women as a vulnerable group? For the first time, there is a white woman that can realistically run this place, yet perhaps the most influential figure among white American women, Oprah -- is telling them to support Barack.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Limousine Liberal
When speaking to rich liberals in San Francisco, Obama is deeply condescending of people of faith who reside in the heartland, even suggesting these are the same types who are intolerant of people who are not like them. The Doctrinaire Liberal does not hold a single moderate or conservative policy position and now demonstrates that he is a Limousine cultural liberal, too.
Rural working folks aggravate liberals. Rural folks love their country, their communities, and their neighbors. They are self-reliant and are more likely to turn to their churches than their government. They don't view their situation as a problem for someone in Washington to solve.
Friday, April 11, 2008
J. Williams on Obama
National Public Radio's Juan Williams is a liberal with integrity. I do not agree with him on much policy, but he loves his country and calls them as he sees them. He knows personal responsibility will yield greater outcomes than social responsibility. Below is a good bit of his recent op-ed on Obama.
"Last March in Selma, Ala., Mr. Obama appeared on the verge of breaking away from the merchants of black grievance and victimization. At a commemoration of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march for voting rights, he spoke in a King-like voice. He focused on traditions of black sacrifice, idealism and the need for taking personal responsibility for building strong black families and communities. He said black people should never "deny that its gotten better," even as the movement goes on to improve schools and provide good health care for all Americans. He then challenged black America, by saying that "government alone can't solve all those problems . . . it is not enough just to ask what the government can do for us -- it's important for us to ask what we can do for ourselves.""
"Mr. Obama added that better education for black students begins with black parents visiting their children's teachers, as well as turning off the television so children can focus on homework. He expressed alarm over the lack of appreciation for education in the black community: "I don't know who taught them that reading and writing and conjugating your verbs were something white. We've got to get over that mentality." King, he added later, believed that black America has to first "transform ourselves in order to transform the world.""
"But as his campaign made headway with black voters, Mr. Obama no longer spoke about the responsibility and the power of black America to appeal to the conscience and highest ideals of the nation. He no longer asks black people to let go of the grievance culture to transcend racial arguments and transform the world."
"He has stopped all mention of government's inability to create strong black families, while the black community accepts a 70% out-of-wedlock birth rate. Half of black and Hispanic children drop out of high school, but he no longer touches on the need for parents to convey a love of learning to their children. There is no mention in his speeches of the history of expensive but ineffective government programs that encourage dependency. He fails to point out the failures of too many poverty programs, given the 25% poverty rate in black America."
"And he chooses not to confront the poisonous "thug life" culture in rap music that glorifies drug use and crime."
"Instead the senator, in a full political pander, is busy excusing Rev. Wright's racial attacks as the right of the Rev.-Wright generation of black Americans to define the nation's future by their past. He stretches compassion to the breaking point by equating his white grandmother's private concerns about black men on the street with Rev. Wright's public stirring of racial division.
And he wasted time in his Philadelphia speech on race by saying he can't "disown" Rev. Wright any more than he could "disown the black community." No one has asked him to disown Rev. Wright. Only in a later appearance on "The View" television show did he say that he would have left the church if Rev. Wright had not retired and not acknowledged his offensive language."
"As the nation tries to recall the meaning of Martin Luther King today, Mr. Obama's campaign has become a mirror reflecting where we are on race 40 years after the assassination. Mr. Obama's success has moved forward the story of American race relations; King would have been thrilled with his political triumphs."
"But when Barack Obama, arguably the best of this generation of black or white leaders, finds it easy to sit in Rev. Wright's pews and nod along with wacky and bitterly divisive racial rhetoric, it does call his judgment into question. And it reveals a continuing crisis in racial leadership."
"What would Jesus do? There is no question he would have left that church."
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Doctrinaire Liberal
In an op-ed in today's Wall Street Journal Peter Wehner notes that, "Mr. Obama's effort to present himself as a post-ideological figure is an effort to avoid an important national debate."
Americans will soon learn that Obama's economic policy proposes higher income taxes, higher Social Security taxes and higher corporate taxes -- even though the US already has the world's second highest corporate tax rate, and is losing jobs because of it. He seeks domestic spending increases and more layers of government regulation. His health care plan would greatly expand the government's role.
Presumably his first act to "restore America's image in the world" would be to null and void an existing treaty with our neighbors, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he has railed against on the campaign trail. Next, he would abandon our allies in Iraq.
He stands against the Supreme Court's decision to uphold a partial birth abortion ban, and wants to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. He was on the 22 side of a 78-22 Senate vote to approve John Roberts for the Supreme Court. This is one of the Senate's most partisan members.
Post-idealogue, or not, Barack Obama is a doctinaire liberal.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Dems to desert for McCain
1. John McCain is pretty well liked among centrist Democrats
2. While Obama and Clinton have little to disagree about on policy, there is personal animosity among a significant minority of supporters in both camps for their opponent
Remember, in the heat of the Republican primary Anne Coulter pledged her support for HRC-BHO over John McCain. Primaries can be intense. These voters may re-evaluate on election day.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Obama Flame-Out Watch (Continued)
Hillary is going to win the nomination. The turning points will be noted as the SNL skits , the Wright speech, and this blog.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Apologies to George McGovern
He continues, "The nature of freedom of choice is that some people will misuse their responsibility and hurt themselves in the process. We should do our best to educate them, but without diminishing choice for everyone else."
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
A Hillary "Surge"
It looks to me like she will win Ohio and TX will be close either way. I think a split keeps her in, especially as she can look to Pennsylvania where she has a lead. It looks like Florida (and perhaps Michigan) will be "do over" primaries, further encouraging her to stay in. I know the numbers probably don't favor her, but all she has to do is to keep it close for her to think she has a chance at the convention. Also, I'm not a big media consipiracy guy, but there is no doubt it is in journalist's best interest to keep this thing going as long as possible. What would MSNBC be running right now if there weren't a primary contest?
Obama is a rock star. The last candidate even close to him had to be Reagan ('80 and before). But what does it say about Obama that he can't put Hillary away? Are the flaws that are causing Dem primary goers to gulp big enough to cripple him in the general election?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
William F. Buckley, Jr. (1925 - 2008)
There will be much written about America's modern conservative leader in the coming days and I will post links to the best of it here. I'll start with words from Ronald Reagan that appeared in today's NY Times.
"In remarks at National Review’s 30th anniversary in 1985, President Reagan joked that he picked up his first issue of the magazine in a plain brown wrapper and still anxiously awaited his biweekly edition — “without the wrapper.”
“You didn’t just part the Red Sea — you rolled it back, dried it up and left exposed, for all the world to see, the naked desert that is statism,” Mr. Reagan said.
“And then, as if that weren’t enough,” the president continued, “you gave the world something different, something in its weariness it desperately needed, the sound of laughter and the sight of the rich, green uplands of freedom.”"
Bill Kristol said, "For people of my generation, Bill Buckley was pretty much the first intelligent, witty, well-educated conservative one saw on television. He legitimized conservatism as an intellectual movement and therefore as a political movement."
The Real Reason Obama Will Defeat HRC
Self-seeking politicians are determining that Obama is the better chance to get them elected. Expect more super-delegates to rush to his side this week as he opens a lead in Texas and closes the gap in Ohio. And watch for Bill Richardson to deliver the knock out punch in Texas by endorsing Barack.
Good news is the wicked witch is almost dead.
Monday, February 25, 2008
An issue!
I learned from this spat that Sens. HRC/BHO propose to fix the problem of unbridled inflation in the health care sector not by creating incentives to improve quality at lower costs (see technology sector of US economy), but to completely remove the cost of treatment from the equation (see Canada and UK health care).
McCain's Dream Scenario
Add to the leaked picture Hillary's mocking Obama as a Christ figure ascending from the sky and her "Shame on you, Barack Obama" for sending a mailer to Ohio voters rightly attaching her to NAFTA and we see Clinton has decided to drudge the depths of the barrel for whatever might stick.
All of this at the same time John McCain is backing down the NY Times and Ralph Nader has resumed the role of spoiler. Conservatives who backed Romney must now really be kicking themselves as it seems the Democrats may not be as invincible as it appeared now that Hillary has decided to eat her young to win the nomination.
And this is the best America has to offer? Wonder how long Michelle will be proud.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Ivy League Populism
In Ivy League Populism, Victor Davis Hanson writes, "As Sens. Obama and Clinton try to outdo each other in blaming government for our lack of individual responsibility and promising solutions by raising taxes to give us more government, they offer little change and less hope."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Michelle's America
"Instead of seeing America as a place which afforded her the opportunity to create a blessed life, Mrs. Obama seems to view it as a place where some "people" are always trying to hold her back. Whoever these "people" are, we should be glad they haven't been successful. Michelle Obama's progress is--despite her telling of it--an inspirational story that should make us proud of America, not frustrated by, and scornful of, it. It says something about her view of this nation, and of her husband and herself, that she seems to find it so difficult--their own experience notwithstanding--to feel gratitude for and pride in her country."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ground Game Ahead Once Again
"It sets up the irony that white men, the only group that Edwards has marked consistent success, must now choose to support a women or an African-American man."
Today, Jonathan Kaufman, of the Wall Street Journal writes "White Men Hold Key for Democrats"
"In a Democratic presidential nomination race that pits a black man against a woman, the victor may well be determined by white men."
With all the ranting and raving about plagiarism, I want to submit that someone at the WSJ must be reading Ground Game as a source for some of its political thought and commentary.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Finally proud of her country...
Michelle Obama's comments today in Milwaukee:
“What we have learned over this year is that hope is making a comeback. It is making a comeback. And let me tell you something — for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment. I’ve seen people who are hungry to be unified around some basic common issues, and it’s made me proud.”
Words I Wish I Wrote
I recognize I get no credit for after the fact observations. I will work harder and try to do better.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Streets of Heaven Are Too Crowded With Angels Tonight
If there is one issue I struggle with both sides of the aisle, it is this one. I have heard all the arguments for guns and free speech. I know there are bad or crazy people every where, in every time and every generation. But I have grown weary of school shootings. From Columbine to Virginia Tech and all the ones in between, I am sickened the closer my daughter gets to high school and college.
I think there are too many guns and people have too much access to them.
I believe the video games that not only allow but promote killings and are indelibly linked to these shootings should be banned and the makers prosecuted as accomplices to murder.
I want the movie actors and makers that produce this over the top violence to have to sit across from the families of those killed and try to explain there paycheck from these films.
I know it infringes ultimately on my rights somewhere in the process.
I know it would not necessarily prevent these massacres.
I know my solutions could even be anti-American.
But no one has come up with anything better and these events continue to repeat themselves over and over.
And the streets of heaven are too crowded with angels tonight...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Rats on the Ship
RON FOURNIER, Associated Press writes of the fear surrounding the Clinton campaign.
A Business Partner?
The article also gives insight to Obama's ability to gather people from all ideological backgrounds to work toward real solutions. Guys like Warren Buffet, former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker, and even Jeffrey Liebman and David Cutler of Harvard (soon to be professors and advisers to our own future candidate and Ground Game contributor) all have Barack's ear when it comes to developing strategies to help rebuild America's economy.
AP reports
Obama's campaign plans a 1 p.m. conference call Wednesday to announce the endorsement by David Wilhelm, who later became chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement would be made public later in the day.
Wilhelm plans to tell reporters that Obama can build a coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans needed to win the general election. He also says Obama can bring the change he promises—improving the economy and ending the war in Iraq.
Wilhelm is a superdelegate from Illinois who was previously uncommitted in the race.
An Endorsement for Irrelavance
Klein rightly reminds his readers of Edwards great rants against the system and Clinton's role and defense of it. "An Edwards endorsement of Clinton would be uncomfortable in large part because of Edwards' own words. As a candidate, Edwards kept up a running and biting critique of Clinton, and set up his candidacy in large part in opposition to Clinton and the type of politics he claimed that she represented." He is pandering for an Attorney General post or even the role of "white guy" on either of the tickets.
My hope is that he will throw his support to Hillary and save Obama the necessity to find some role for this washed up politician. An endorsement for Hillary means Edwards attaches himself, in the spirit of hypocrisy, to the House of Clinton and can now and forever be swept away as that house falls with a loud crash.
The Educated Voter's Choice
When this exact same phenomena occured on the GOP side, it was described in different terms. Mitt Romney was the choice of "rich and affluent" voters; presumably Wall Street capitalist pigs who don't understand the middle class...the kind of folks whose bonus gets bigger as the cost of a tank of gas goes up.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
After 13 months, my voice is heard
I await the report from Severna Park to see how Guilty White Liberals (GWILs) did with their voting today.
Always on the cutting edge...
Chelsea: "most fiscally conservative candidate running"
Clinton Campaign Manager: HRC is Extremely Conservative
Is Ed the New Bill?
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Conservative Brand
I will agree with Danny on one point. Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States. I saw this first-hand in Iowa, and will not back away from this prediction until I see the American electorate take notice of his policy positions. At this time, it seems his charisma and enthusiasm can overshadow his liberalism, and this may not take place in a meaningful way before election day.
Look at the strength of the conservative brand. It is healthy, vibrant, alive, and well. Mitt Romney is a "Reagan Conservative". Mike Huckabee is the "only true conservative". John McCain with a lifetime "A" rating from the National Taxpayers Union and an 82% from the American Conservative Union is "not conservative enough" to win the movement's thought leaders. He is even running ads proclaiming his conservative record, and extended the olive branch to CPAC. President Bush felt it necessary to tell Chris Wallace that McCain was "absolutely" a conservative.
Where is all the enthusiasm for liberalism? Is it that BHO and HRC know that a liberalism is DOA? Can you imagine either candidate proclaiming to be a "true FDR/LBJ liberal"? Humphrey and McGovern's electoral votes combined would not have beaten Nixon in either election. Walter Mondale was crushed 525-13 by Ronald Reagan. Is it that socialism has failed Russia, Cuba, and is unlikely to work in the United States? Is it that many primary voters know that both BHO and HRC are tried and true liberals and it can go unsaid as to attract moderates? Is it that socialists are rebranding themselves in America as "progressives"?
Obama is inspiring Americans of all stripes. Liberalism does not.
Barack Star!
At approximately 12:55pm, my question was answered. Barack Obama took the stage and the crowd was electric! Jonathan had shared that something was different about this politician when he saw Barack in Iowa. You can't explain it or understand it until you see it. I have been to many political events in the last 20 years and never have I witnessed a scene like this before. I have been to many sporting events on this campus (Terps vs. Duke) and never have I seen a crowd this energized for an event.
He went through his typical stump speech, which I have heard on CNN at least 100 times. What is different is that when you are there and you not just see the interaction with the crowd but feel the interaction it changes how you feel about politics. Barack Obama is politically far to the left of me. However, I believe that Barack has the ability to unite America. Our politics are too fractured to fix what ails us with the current cast of characters in Washington. Maybe Barack is too young and naive to fix Washington. Maybe Barack is the change and enthusiasm that this country needs. Whatever side you take on that you can't help but recognize that Barack Obama is the pied piper for the American electorate.
On the ground in Maryland
The Common Chap
Thus, the 60 Minutes segment is probably more influential than the hours a cable news that I digest each week. To that end, it was a great introduction to Barack. Scenes with him sitting in his suite with his family watching the returns, chumming it up with Kennedy, Kerry, and Robert Deniro showed him to be the average guy with whom you would enjoy spending a few minutes of conversation. (or basketball, a superstition which he now employs the day of every primary or caucus since his staff discovered that the only time they did not play were the mornings before New Hampshire and Nevada). Obama is quick on his feet and carries himself in such a way that reveals authenticity, especially compared to Hillary's programmed style and verbiage that seemingly can not be turned off even for a moment.
The fastest growing segment of support, especially since the departure of John Edwards, is that of white males. For two such men, sports aficionados no doubt, to be discussing how they are inspired by Obama and according to Cowherd, "can't wait for the next words out of his mouth" shows that his broadened support is amassing across the nation.
On a personal note, one of Ground Game's contributors, Danny Yeatts, is presently at the University of Maryland (with good seats mind you) for the Obama rally in the Chesapeake state today. We look forward to a full report.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Can't we all just get along?
On to McCain. I may have posted why I support McCain, but just in case here is why I do.
-During the defining event of his generation (Vietnam) he served honorably. He had family connections that could have gotten him out of it, or gotten released early, but he served.
-In the 90s, when Clinton was sending troops to Bosnia, McCain stood by him with troops in harms way. We conservatives hate to admit it, but the Bosnian intervention worked.
-On Iraq, he was right. The only end-game is victory, and more troops were needed for that. He stood by Bush when NO ONE was backing him.
-He has been a tireless campaigner against pork barrel spending.
-He has been consistently pro-life.
-After a tough primary in 2000, McCain campaigned for Bush tirelessly in 2000 and then again in 2004. He supported Bush when it mattered.
Now, here is what drives me nuts. I don't agree with everything McCain has done. I hate some of his positions. Anyone is free to argue with campaign finance reform, taxes, etc. What makes no sense is the constant attacks from Limbaugh, Coulter, CPAC, etc. In the primary, you can support any candidate you want. Once that candidate is done, you then have to look for who will best lead this country (NOT, "who will best lead the conservative cause") It's insanity to not go all out for McCain over Clinton/Obama and folks like Limbaugh/Coulter to attack him, diminishes themselves.
McCain is a good man with many good policies. For those who care about what is best for this country, it's time to start working to elect him as the next President of the US.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Now What?
Politico's Jim VandeHei writes near brilliantly "Five Reasons Hillary Should Be Worried." In that spirit, I offer my Reasons Both Hillary & Barack Should Be Worried.
Hillary should be worried...
1 - The calendar doesn't favor her (see number five of the above article). This weekend's states consist of two caucuses (Obama has won 7 of 8 states with that format due to his organization) and Louisiana with a strong African-American population. The following Tuesday in the Chesapeake Primary, Obama is running strong. Barack should take a delegate lead into Texas and Ohio with the momentum stronger than ever.
2 - The money doesn't favor her. Loaning yourself $5 million (tough for a working lady of humble means) at a minimum casts a bit of concern on your campaign. Especially when Obama is likely to set another fund raising record for consecutive months. Money isn't everything (tip of the hat to McCain and Huckabee) but it sure helps.
3 - The ground game doesn't favor her. There is something about being in the room with Barack. He is electrifying and in states where he has been able to spend a lot of face time, he most often wins handily. The calendar, now that the national primary is over, allows for more time to be spent in each individual state giving speeches and packing out public halls. There are not enough tears to be shed to match his enthusiastic support going state by state.
4 - Bill has been too quiet. The old adage "you can't keep a good man down" also finds truth in its polar opposite. The Clinton campaign will not be able to keep Bill down for the duration. Too many reporters with too many microphones and cameras will be hoping to get the scoop of a lifetime. Bill Clinton will make news again and that can't be a good thing for his candidate wife.
5 - She is losing the endorsement battle. All the big ones are falling out for Barack - Teddy and Caroline, the female governors of Arizona and now Washington, even a host of Hollywood types. Endorsements don't win elections, but in this Democratic race, the super delegates might just deliver a victory. The momentum sweeping to his side including the big names and party supporters alike make it more likely (and safer) that the super delegates will move his way.
Peggy Noonan, a very respected conservative voice, writes a must read begging the question, "Will Hillary be able to lose without destroying the party?" She writes...
"I ruminate in this way because something is happening. Mrs. Clinton is losing this thing. It's not one big primary, it's a rolling loss, a daily one, an inch-by-inch deflation. The trends and indices are not in her favor. She is having trouble raising big money, she's funding her campaign with her own wealth, her moral standing within her own party and among her own followers has been dragged down, and the legacy of Clintonism tarnished by what Bill Clinton did in South Carolina. Unfavorable primaries lie ahead. She doesn't have the excitement, the great whoosh of feeling that accompanies a winning campaign. The guy from Chicago who was unknown a year ago continues to gain purchase, to move forward. For a soft little innocent, he's played a tough and knowing inside/outside game."
It pleases me that even Conservatives are noticing that there is something appealing about Obama and that he has a great shot to end the Clinton/Bush Dynastic Rule of America.
But...I believe there are also three good reasons for Obama to be worried.
1 - This could still become an ethnic election. If Obama is the "black" candidate, he must then overcome a real (while not mentioned) racial divide with Latinos as Hispanics have now eclipsed African-Americans as the largest minority in the United States (although we should soon admit the Anglos are the largest minority as the day is fast approaching when Anglos no longer out number all other minorities combined) not to mention the racism that still exists in portions of the deep South. The good news is there were signs on Super Tuesday that younger Latinos were breaking strong for Barack indicating that this may truly be a generational election - that's one he can win especially against a 73 year old McCain.
2 - He could lose the expectations game. New Hampshire is Obama's kryptonite. The press were so ready to crown a new prince and dance on the political grave of the Clinton dynasty. The polls jumped declaring a double digit win by the Obamacans only to be shocked by night's end. In California, the last poll before the voting began was a shocking 13 point lead by Obama that resulted in a six point loss. Democrats, Independents, the Press, the party leaders, and even a few Republicans so want to see the Fall of Hillary and the Rise of Barack that any opportunity to inflate reality is embraced to his fault. After Super Tuesday he was asked about being an "underdog." His response declared he was still an underdog, just not as big an underdog as the day before. Hillary (who likes to steal his best lines, i.e. Change) has now declared herself the underdog. In the year of Appalachian State, the bigger underdog may be the biggest favorite.
3 - The Clinton's will say or do anything to win. My greatest fear is that Obama takes the delegate lead as they move towards Denver and somewhere, in the back, smoky room, the Clinton's call in every favor, make something up on Obama, sell every Ambassadorship in the world to convince the Super Delegates to reverse the decision of the people and leave Barack on the outside looking in while the Democratic party is left in shambles. I have no love for the Democratic party, but the only way to defeat hope is to steal it away and leave the hopeful hopeless. There is no price that seems too high for Hillary.
I hope Peggy Noonan's question does not haunt our country for years.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Mitt and Mac
I also read the full transcript of Romney's address today at CPAC.
The essence is: "I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country. I will continue to stand for conservative principles; I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in."
As I suggested in this morning's post, Romney's loyal followers recognize that the serious business of improving America is not accomplished in a nasty fight with John McCain. Things were becoming tense and personal among folks who have a lot in common.
This does not mean we embrace McCain's record or all of his views, but for the 2008 election cycle we probably need to spend a little more time celebrating the many common threads of our vision for a stronger country.
God Bless America!
Romney is Out
Conservative Cheer
Last summer, I used an online Candidate Selector to help sort out a very crowded presidential field on the basis of issues. My theoretical perfect candidate was a 100% match, and the real candidates that remain in the race followed as you see above.
Since then, on the GOP side we have learned that most Republicans trust John McCain on matters of defense. Likewise, Mike Huckabee seems to carry the most credibility on social issues, and Mitt Romney inspires us with his ability to unleash America's economic potential.
So why all the angst among conservatives as John McCain has won over half the delegates needed for the nomination? It is my sense that of the three, he will receive the frostiest reception from conservatives at CPAC 2008 that begins today at the Omni Shoreham in Washington. I suspect there is a certain "payback factor" that many feel Senator McCain is owed for selling conservatives down the river on a number of issues since 2000.
Is this the best for America? Conservatives have historically sought to align with good ideas and sound policy over political expediency or opinion polls. John McCain was leading this charge on the most important (and perhaps most unpopular) issue of the last eight years--the troop surge in Iraq. Is he a 100% match with conservative principles? No, but let's be fair..is Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee? Was Ronald Reagan?
I like that Mitt Romney seeks to continue in this race. His ideas strike a chord with a sizable number of Republicans. So do Mike Huckabee's. I'm not sure why some have called for Huck's exit; gee whiz..he won five states on Super Tuesday.
This may go to the convention, but it needs to go for the right reasons. While the temptation will be to "payback" John McCain, this needs to be about ideas, dialogue, and an inspiring vision for America's future. Let's spread some conservative cheer!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Straight Talk on the Economy -- Source of American Greatness
The United States defeated the greatest enemy of our time, without firing a single shot. Our military was and is the world's finest, but the Soviet Union had an army and weapons that could have assured mutual destruction. Reagan's supply-side policies unleashed the American economy --this is what ultimately toppled the USSR.
McCain is hostile to those who embrace Ronald Reagan's "peace through strength" doctrine. He champions legislation such as McCain-Lieberman that would impose burdensome environmental regulation on American companies, further encouraging them to move operations to those nations open for business in the Middle East and Asia. He twice voted against supply-side cuts earlier this decade calling them "cuts for the rich". He thinks tax cuts are about individual's personal tax rates, when they are the most important measurement of America's ability to attract the world's investment capital.
"Don't give up your ideals, don't compromise, don't turn to expediency" -- GOP Presidential Candidate, Ronald Reagan, 1976
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Advice for Gov. Romney
As Ron Paul pointed out in last night's debate, there isn't a sliver of difference between McCain and Romney on the war against Islamic jihadists and excessive government spending, and these are two of the most important issues to unite many Americans in November. These two alone make Sen. McCain more palatable than a potential Democrat or third party candidate.
I would like to see Ground Game's bloggers provide post-mortems on the stalled candidacies. I think Romney's would begin with being completely unknown a year ago with no natural base -- unless you count Mormons, venture capitalists, or MA Republicans who might combine to make up 0.5% of GOP primary voters.
In 1976, the GOP clashed between its standard bearer, Jerry Ford, and its new idea guy, Ronald Reagan. In the end, Reagan supported Ford, but didn't sway from his message and this gave birth to a bold new America just four years later.
NH, SC, and FL, have already spoken and believe it is John McCain's turn. Many politico types believe this is a great move for the party, as McCain enjoys national name recognition and appeals to a wide-swath of independents and moderates.
In the meantime, the GOP needs to find its new idea guy. Mitt Romney will have at least four years to prove that he is that person, but I hope there are others who embark on this journey.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Who Will Be My VP?
It all depends on who he is running against. If it is Obama, he chooses Mike Huckabee. He will need to sure up the conservative base and his prospects of swaying independents is greatly hampered. Huck provides a "man amongst the people" Christian Conservative following as well as a nicely fitting populous economic message that would hopefully (and unsuccessfully) counter that of Obama's. If it is Hillary, McCain chooses Crist. He does not need to worry about uniting the base. Clinton does that for him. He will play better with Independents and will need to sure up Florida by taking the extremely popular Governor (70% approval rating)
Obama
Edwards must have struck some deal to get out of the race at this point as it cost him very little to go on through Super Tuesday and be in a better bargaining position. But the VP slot is unlikely (watch him for Attorney General). More likely is Jim Webb of Virginia (thanks Danny) who is almost like having McCain run on his ticket. It helps sure up any question of foreign policy and adds the Governor of a state that is in play in 2008.
Clinton
So who wants to run with the big, bad wolf? Wesley Clark? Evan Bayh? Bill Richardson? The Wicked Witch of the West? It really doesn't matter. Bill Clinton will be the defacto President/Vice President. The VP slot is all about meeting the whatever collegiate national championship teams visiting the White House in the next four years.
White Men Will Make the Difference
(Aside)
Speaking of white guys, the three left in the Republican race were forecast by contributors to Ground Game. Jonathan's long-shot (and even longer-shot now), Dale's well financed early front runner (who has been gagging for a while) and Justin's 2008 version of Lazarus will be standing together at the Reagan Library with their game faces on later this evening. It seems all the Republican candidates (except Romney of course) have chosen their favorite Republican candidate as Rudy will endorse today and Huck, by staying in the race and drawing Christian conservative votes from Romney, has endorsed in his own way. The only real question left is will Huck or Florida's Governor Charlie Crist be McCain's running mate.
(And we're back)
The long awaited one-on-one will light up Hollywood Thursday night. All the momentum, the passing of the (Kennedy) Torch, and the love affair with the media has Obama riding high while Clinton has been reduced to giving her best Lou Gehrig "I'm the luckiest (lady) on the face of the earth" rendition at a rain shortened seven inning intra-squad preseason game at a high school field in Florida. (By the way, Obama actually split evenly the Florida vote of those who actually went to the polls yesterday. Much of Clinton's support came prior to the South Carolina whipping and the Kenndy endorsement via early voting) Bill has been put back in his box (for at least one day) and she enters Thursday night, dare I say, a bit desperate. You think there were fireworks last week, just wait to see them go at it this week.
McCain Wins!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
St. John of Arizona
Senator Kennnedy snubs the Senator who stood next to him on that failed legislation to move every illegal alien to the front of the citizenship line.
In comparing the dirty tricks played by the Clinton and McCain camps, today George Will states, "This was a garden-variety dishonesty, the manufacture of which does not cause a Clinton in midseason form to break a sweat. And it was no worse than -- actually, not as gross as -- St. John of Arizona's crooked-talk claim in Florida..."
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Rezko Factor
Friday, January 25, 2008
John Edwards: Losing Ugly
The spectacle that is the Paradoxical Candidate is highlighted in today's John Edwards: Losing Ugly. It is getting more clear that John Edwards presses forward, not for the union member whose children must drink spoiled milk from a rusty pail because of the Bush tax cuts -- but for a potential kingmaker role at the convention should Senators Obama and Clinton remain in a close race. The Edwards insincerity has even drawn the ire of true Trotsky disciples such as Senator Russ Feingold.
"The one (presidential candidate) that is the most problematic is Edwards," Sen. Russ Feingold told The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis., "who voted for the Patriot Act, campaigns against it. Voted for No Child Left Behind, campaigns against it. Voted for the China trade deal, campaigns against it. Voted for the Iraq War. ... He uses my voting record exactly as his platform, even though he had the opposite voting record."
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thank you, Fred!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Mid-Debate
Still on Life Support...
Also, Florida has a closed primary. Mr. McCain's strengths to-date have been in those states that allow Democrats and Independents to vote in the Republican primary. However, McCain could be aided with the conservative vote being split among Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, and Fred Thompson. With all five candidates competing seriously, one may only need 28-30% of the vote to march to victory next week.
Fred Thompson continues to poll in the double digits, and it would seem he is ready to be done with his Presidential bid, but wants to fully understand who will be the beneficiary of his exit. He recognizes the jeopardy of Southern social conservatives potentially flocking to Mike Huckabee, and I think GOP leaders will convince him to stay in the race one more week to avoid that outcome.
So now what?
Until proven otherwise, it is still my sense the Clintons are the most skilled politicians on the planet. They must have made a calculation that they can afford to push around some core Democratic constituencies in January and February with no fear of reprisal in November. They likely see Hispanic voters as America's largest and fastest growing demographic, particularly in several states that could swing red or blue in November. The tensions between the country's largest and second largest minorities have been brought into plain view for rural and suburban America. The Clintons could and should cool it. But as Mara Liasson likes to point out, the Clintons have a tendency to use two sets of brass knuckles when one would do just fine.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Caucus Confusion
Could It Be Obama's Last Stand?
Monday night, things must change. That evening in South Carolina, the Democrats will once again debate (on the Clinton News Network) and the deck will once again be stacked against Barack. His performance is crucial. He must score major points, drawing out Clinton's insincerity and her doublespeak. He must challenge her and catch her again. He must question her style and tone of politics. Because if he does not, the Clinton's will attack him at his core South Carolina support, African Americans. Bill Clinton has pledged to go door-to-door and church-to-church this next week in South Carolina and all bets are off as to what he might say or do to win.
Howard Fineman, on MSNBC's election coverage, says that this race is now "a civil war that will tear the Democratic Party apart." Obama must deliver another strong strike Monday night or this war may be over more quickly than any might expect.
The Nevada Caucus - In the Room
I appreciate that my new home state has the opportunity to weigh in so early in the primary calendar. We should just adopt the primary system.
To the results...in precinct 6493, Hillary carried 44-35 over Obama however both camps receive three delegates. It will be a close race. We'll see if the unions carry it for Obama. Edwards was not viable and I expect will do very poorly today. (Internet rumors are beginning to emerge that say Edwards could endorse Obama which would be a significant development in this race.)
As a side note, Romney swept the GOP caucus without any trouble and at the end of the day will hold the delegate lead.
Now I want to find the fastest way to change my party affiliation back to a proud independent. No offense, but a Democrat for a day is about all I can handle.