Presidential Election

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

StratCatDaddy — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:28:45 GMT

JFK won the closest election in history to that point. Nixon was the early favorite but lost because he ultimately did not connect with voters in general and failed to carry enough of his own party in California, his home state. JFK's youthfulness was a major issue much like Obama but Nixon's arrogance was his achilles heel.

Kennedy became a great President after elected and would have easily been re-elected in a landslide.

Obama won because Hillary lost, not because he's been so great but more that she, like Nixon failed to connect as well. She, also lost touch with the voters because they sensed her mania as well.

This election seems more about not losing than winning. Not one of these candidates this season have really been the best either party had to offer but more of what we settled for. Kind of like the last guy standing, eh?

Funny how history repeats itself.

We can only hope the next guy becomes great and finishes his term as well.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

all things considered — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:56:36 GMT

Sen. McCain is a true hero; his story is inspiring. However, his speeches leave me generally uninspired.

In regards to the election itself, in matters such as this, I tend to try and see things from all different points of view. In fact, until last week I was still considering both candidates as I see each having both strong and weak points. All of that changed with the naming of Gov. Palin to the Republican ticket. If Sen. McCain was truly a "maverick", he would have followed his heart and named someone who he most likely really had wanted to run with. He has stated in the past that his principles guided him to back the President on the issue of Iraq and "The Surge"; better to "do what is right", even it meant losing the election. I respected that. However, Gov. Palin could not possibly have been his first, second or even third choice; the selection was purely political and amounts to pandering to the extreme right wing and purposeful flip-flopping. This type of thing makes me wonder what would happen if he gets elected. In my heart, I do not believe Gov. Palin is qualified (at least at this point) to be the leader of the free world in the eventuality of some disaster befalling Sen. McCain (and her gender is not the issue, at least for me). I resent Sen. McCain, in essence, putting himself ahead of the country, needlessly putting us ALL at risk for the sake of personal gain. The theme of his convention was "country first"; hhmm. Finally, while some would argue that Sen. Obama is not experienced enough either, the option exists to simply not vote for him. However, by choosing Sen. McCain, by default, you must settle for similar (or greater) inexperience, depending on your point of view, on the underside of the ticket. Hence, a McCain voter is held captive in accepting Gov. Palin.

In light of Sen. McCain’s age and recent health history, I now see a vote for him as just a bit too risky for me.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Yotzee — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:34:31 GMT

StratCatDaddy:

A maverick bucks the status quo. John lost in the 2000 Primary because the Republican base hated his bucking that quo. I can see his health being a concern but his mother being what? -93 should at least be somewhat redeeming. Voting with Bush 90% of the time is still better than most republicans who voted 100.

This is a tough vote for all of us, either way.

The best leaders have always been the most reluctant Which of these guys seems the most reluctant? maybe that'll help.

I disagree that the best leaders are the most reluctant. The best leaders have the ability to inspire, to motivate, to articulate the hopes and aspirations of a person, a community or a nation.

JFK took the world by storm because of his leadership abilities, even though he was just a rich kid with an indifferent record as a legislator in the House and Senate. Historians can't properly assess his success as a president because his term was tragically cut short. But his loss was so greatly felt because of the hope he had provided and the ability to lead he demonstrated.

Obama has been hailed as a new JFK because of this same charisma. It is a much rarer quality, and a much more important quality for a president, than the executive experience of getting a hockey rink built in an Alaskan suburb. Palin may have leadership qualities that would make her a successful vice president or even president, but it's really too early to tell for sure. McCain has had a long career in the Senate and has earned a hard-fought victory in this year's primaries. McCain does have those qualities and deserves to be where he is at on this ballot, even though he has less "executive" experience than his running mate. But, nothing in McCain's speech last night inspired me. There was no energy to it. It was plain vanilla. It was nice, but it didnt make you wish you had more.

There are other former prisoners of war, community organizers and Alaskian mayors who haven't risen to national prominence as political leaders. It's not experience that makes someone a successful leader, it's how that leader is able to transform his or her own formative experiences into an ability to inspire and motivate others.

It's often been said that the presidential campaign itself is the best test to determine who will make a good president. The grueling contest requires the stamina, judgment, and strength of character that the office itself requires. Obama has stood that test well, managing a brilliant, multimillion-dollar national campaign that rolled over his primary opponents.

But in the end, we're not going to elect someone president because they ran a great campaign. We are going to elect someone who has the ability to lead. GW Bush has one of the lowest approval ratings in history. America is looking for a leader they can believe in again. Someone who can make us feel proud.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Owen — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:28:14 GMT

StratCatDaddy:

A maverick bucks the status quo. John lost in the 2000 Primary because the Republican base hated his bucking that quo. I can see his health being a concern but his mother being what? -93 should at least be somewhat redeeming. Voting with Bush 90% of the time is still better than most republicans who voted 100.

This is a tough vote for all of us, either way.

The best leaders have always been the most reluctant Which of these guys seems the most reluctant? maybe that'll help.

Can't read too much into the voting with Bush statistic...many (most) are procedural votes that get nearly unanimous consent...I believe the Joe Biden number is around 70%...Dems are surely getting mileage out it, though...

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

StratCatDaddy — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:15:21 GMT

A maverick bucks the status quo. John lost in the 2000 Primary because the Republican base hated his bucking that quo. I can see his health being a concern but his mother being what? -93 should at least be somewhat redeeming. Voting with Bush 90% of the time is still better than most republicans who voted 100.

This is a tough vote for all of us, either way.

The best leaders have always been the most reluctant Which of these guys seems the most reluctant? maybe that'll help.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Yotzee — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:50:20 GMT

C'mon, when George Washington borrowed money (and actually he had nothing to do with borrowing, it was the work of Ben Franklin and the Continential Congress, just as an FYI. Washington was to busy being a general) the U.S. was not yet a super power or the richest nation on the planet. And we won't be either of those much longer if we keep funding our debt overseas and weaking our dollar.

Sadly, the guy with long experience looks beaten. He may not make it through 4 years, and I say that without any meaning of insult. He did not look good last night. He looked worn.

Question - how is McCain a maverick? What makes the man a maverick? He has voted in line with the sitting President 90% of the time. Everyone supporting him is so quick to use that word. Define it for us all. Provide evidence greater than follwoing marching orders 90% of the time. If he wasn't the man to do it 8 years ago when there was a better economy, why is he the man now?

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Yotzee — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:45:20 GMT

Owen:

just curious, youtzee, you're real name isn't Richard Clarke, is it?... if it is, no need to read on...if not, send me a pointer to the "facts"...i'd like to read them...i read some of the 9/11 commission report (a real snoozefest..) and recall Richard Clarke whining about the Bush adminstration being too preoccupied with Saddam, but i don't recall anyone claiming to have had actionable intelligence regarding the attacks...

Beechview's cool...gotta love them hills...

by the way, World Trade Center is on US soil, both times it was attacked...although last time i went to NYC, every cab stand I went to looked more like someplace I once visited in Morroco...

I said the attacks you referred to weren't on U.S. soil and no not Richard Clarke, but there is other evidence that they were aware it was coming. Even if he did know, what could they really have done to stop it? That is my point......

Yeah the hills are great, especially in the winter LOL which is why I now reside in FLA

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

StratCatDaddy — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:43:13 GMT

Being fiscally conservative, I have many times been frustrated by McCain's social policies. Mr McCain is possibly the most socially liberal Republican Senator post WWII. He has done more to help the poor than any other Republican Senator. Just since Bush took office, McCain-Feingold Campaign reform reduced lobbying money and at least tried to level the playing field for the average american against big-money lobbies. McCain-Kennedy guaranteed all children Health Care access in households earning less than 80,000 per year. The gang of 12 Immigration reform would have brought amnesty to the Tens of millions of 'undocumented' aliens in this country and at least brought some sense to the mess. McCain was also a big supporter ( I believe) of NO-Child left behind. While teachers unions and democrats in general hated it, that should tell you it works because it set standards for competency, mandated accountability and set up a rescue net where needed for the ones who matter most, the students. He has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to work with Democrats on major issues and likely will continue to do so. Lastly, and my favorite: He has voted for tax cuts consistently and supported the Military unerringly.

Yes, taxes are a necessity, but revenues are far more important. Getting people better educated will get them better jobs and revenues and taxes will take care of themselves. But, thinking that giving the Feds more of our money and control, is going to make our lives better is a fallacy, perpetrated by those that seek control and employ in government. People make their lives better not government. The only decent job the Feds have really ever done for us is protect us. They have failed miserably as nannies.

I'll take the guy with long experience, a maverick mentality, a willingness to compromise with those that he politically disagrees with and who has served heroically for our country, anytime.

By the way, deficits have existed in every war and in just about every home and business. It is something that must be managed carefully as has been the case thus far. Even George Washington had to borrow money - from the French of all people!

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Owen — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:35:12 GMT

just curious, youtzee, you're real name isn't Richard Clarke, is it?... if it is, no need to read on...if not, send me a pointer to the "facts"...i'd like to read them...i read some of the 9/11 commission report (a real snoozefest..) and recall Richard Clarke whining about the Bush adminstration being too preoccupied with Saddam, but i don't recall anyone claiming to have had actionable intelligence regarding the attacks...

Beechview's cool...gotta love them hills...

by the way, World Trade Center is on US soil, both times it was attacked...although last time i went to NYC, every cab stand I went to looked more like someplace I once visited in Morroco...

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Jk05 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:22:25 GMT

Honestly I feel bad for whoever get's into office, so much to change and prove. Nothing changes if everyone refuses to work together.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Yotzee — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:01:26 GMT

You are correct, we don't know if the Clinton administration could have stopped it, be we do know Bush did nothing when the facts that it was eminent were laid right in front of him. The attacks you mention did not occur on U.S. soil, so apples and oranges. How ever I do recall the GOP accusing Clinton of wagging the dog when he wanted to go into Afghanistan in response to the attacks you mention. I will add this. The bush Administration did choose to go into Iraq when there was no evidence of any involvement in 9/11 from that country. And W himself has more or less admitted there was no real evidence of WMDs. So put it in this perspective, I grew up in Beechview. While I think its sad the murders that occur often in other parts of the city, I was mostly indifferent on a personal level because it didn't effect me. Now lets say, another neighborhood decides to invade Beechview and my dad, or my brother, are killed for no other reason than we just happen to live in Beechview. Now I am involved and am likely to join against the attacker. Could you see how the actions of the party that pushed this war may have given family members of the 10's of 1000s that have been killed a reason to want to hurt Americans? So is it possible that we are more likely to be attacked now? And if you truly believe we are ever safe from those who mean to attack us, you are truly naive. No matter who is President.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Penn Hills guy in NC — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:59:38 GMT

Heard discussion on the radio today that many of the repubs at the convention don't expect mcsame to even survive his first term. So you better be ready for an untrained right-wing extremist to run the country if you vote for mcsame. He looks way older than his 72 years and this campaign, although it has aged him, is nothing compared to what he'd be up against as president. His intro last night was so much like the fear-mongering campaign led by Cheney and W, yet many of you falsely believe mcsame to be somehow different. Can't you wake up and stop drinking the FoxNews kool aide? His speech was tired and poorly delivered, as well.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Owen — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:45:06 GMT

come on, yotzee...be fair...do you honestly think the Clinton adminstration would have stopped it if it had happened 9 months earlier? they didn't stop the 1993 bombing of the world trade center, or the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, or the 1998 al Qaeda bombings of our embassies in Tanzania and Kenya...the point is the republicans have to be given some credit for not allowing anything since...the wackos have had to pick on soft targets elsewhere (Madrid, London, London again, Scotland, Bali,...)...

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Yotzee — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:25:52 GMT

Yes but the Republican's failed to thwart the one big attack that did occur, 9/11 itself. That occured with a Republican controlled Congress, and a Republican in the White House.

Re: What did you think of Sen. John McCain's speech to the Republican National Convention?

Owen — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:04:33 GMT

Virtuald...you're statistically right based on recent history...a recent article in the Patriot Times said that 2 Pennsylvanians die each day because they have no health insurance...its a shame and far more over time than the poor folks who died on 9/11...but your argument is myopic...it assumes McCain won't do jack to help the uninsured...while the verdict is out on whether he will follow through on promises to make insurance more affordable, at least since 9/11 the republicans have proven they can thwart some attacks that could have made your argument inaccurate...it also suggests that Obama will reduce the number uninsured deaths to zero while keeping us safe from another mass murder event by a dirty bomb, chemical, biological or other attack by some wacky extremist...even Sen Obama admits we are at war and won't make such a silly claim...Praise Obama for what you think he will do...but don't slam the other guy just cause you don't like him...

As for me, i thought McCain's speech was pretty good...It took some guts to stand in front of a crowd of right wing junkies and tell them their party is part of the problem...McCain doesn't inspire me to want to vote for him like Obama does, but that does not mean he can't be equally or even more effective at accomplishing something if he gets elected...