Election notes

I'll fix these links and edit soon...

Reading List:
Angler- Cheney VP book. I think I want to read it. It may give me nightmares, though, so maybe not.


More election notes:

McCain criticized the Obama campaign recently for saying the economic trouble and bailouts will help him politically . McCain accused Obama of exploitation. (I don't think just the Obama campaign is saying that-seems everyone knows it.) This sounds familiar…wait a sec… McCain’s campaign had the same to say about McCain and another terrorist attack…how it would help them or something like that…
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7470399.stm


At least in Obama’s case, this is just a generally acknowledged fact. The crisis is here. In McCain’s case, I think the guy was caught implying that he was hoping for another attack. Since this was not said in the immediate aftermath of an actual attack, this came off sounding rather more sinister than (I hope) it was meant.

Palin said this recently of Obama… 'He likes to point the finger of blame,' she said of the Democratic candidate 'But has he ever really lifted a finger to help?'
The much ridiculed community organizing comes to mind, among other things...

Palin talks about experience as a mom, but no one can criticize or ask about balancing a 5 month old with Down’s Syndrome, pregnant teen, and other family issues with her very demanding, very public jobs.
Also, people say no one would talk ask about family obligations/balance for a man, so we shouldn’t of Palin. BUT, the men generally don’t stand up and talk about being a dad as though it qualifies them for public office. Maybe this is unique to her or maybe it speaks to the unique role of the woman in the home. I’m not one to say women should stay home, but in considering a job of this magnitude and the fact that she has made being a mother into a resume item, I think it’s legit to ask about the work/family balance and related issues.


83 Wall Street Lobbyists Among McCain Aides, Donors
Meanwhile, a new analysis of his donors and advisers has found McCain has extensive ties to eighty-three lobbyists of the financial industry he’s been criticizing. According to Mother Jones magazine, the eighty-three include McCain’s chief political adviser, Charlie Black; his national finance co-chairman, Wayne Berman; and his vice-presidential search director, Arthur Culvahouse.
From Democracy Now 9/19/08
http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/09/9753_mccain_campaign_lobbyists_wall_street_aig.html


It is odd to hear Obama talking about corruption in Wall Street, etc, and making the populist appeal when he had a fund-raising event that was $28,000 per ticket!


"The congressional leaders who give him his marching orders now say this mess isn't their fault and they aren't going to take any action on this crisis until after this election. What?" (audience booed)
"That's the kind of 'Me First, Country Second' politics that's broken in Washington.”
*He makes it sound like Obama is Washigton’s robot and this “brain” is responsible for the whole enchilada. McCain’s been there longer and supported deregualtion, which actually did lead to this mess! McCain trying to paint Obama as the elitist establishment candidate is always good for a laugh.

All that being said, either of the two candidates effecting real change in Washington is equally unbelievable.


Three funny quotes:
'I could walk [100 miles] from here to Lansing and I wouldn't run into a single person who thought our economy was doing well, unless I ran into John McCain.'
Joe Biden, Monday

'The fundamentals of our economy are strong. But these are very, very difficult times.'
John McCain, Monday

'Yesterday, John McCain actually said that if he's President he'll take on, and I quote, "the old boys' network in Washington" ... The old boys' network? In the McCain campaign that's called a staff meeting.'
Barack Obama, Wednesday

alternate universe- planet Bush

Again, I'm late in commenting on "current" affairs. I would make such a bad reporter. My "news" would always be a month old.

Anyway, I just had a few things to note about Cheney and Rice's visit to the Middle East a few weeks ago.

Settlement Plans Eclipse Rice Talks

Surprise, Surprise. Israel's building more settlements. What happens? Virtually nothing. They flout international law, the roadmap, and other agreements as well as our stated position on the matter and we still have this special love for them. Not so for the Palestinians. It is just the opposite there. Whatever strides they make toward peace and democracy are dismissed because a small fraction of the population exists and has radical beliefs.

Rice still dares to say that we are on track for peace in 2009. Whaaa? Did she visit the same region I know as the Middle East? She definitely took a page from Bush's playbook. It is either super optimistic (bordering on delusional) or delusional to say such a thing. You can change your attitude by this method. Smile and you'll be happier. I buy it. I've done it. It just won't work with world events, though. Sorry, Condi. Even if you say we're on track, we won't be until some things change. The US position being one of them.

***
Hamas 'wrecking Mid-East peace'

If you thought Rice was delusional, this guy's unbelievable. Cheney. Why would we believe anything he says. He was the guy who stuck to his guns about the 9/11 -Al Qaeda link long after that myth had been debunked (on 60 minutes I think).

At least we know Condi is trying. She at least mentions the fact that Israel is building settlements in violation of international law and the US position and that this may pose problems for peace. Cheney just parrots whatever the Israeli spokesperson says, regardless of how ridiculous it sounds in light of facts. He toes the party line- and it's not even an American party! Sometimes I wonder if he's a US government official or Israeli. You really can't tell most of the time. Israel's interests seem to trump American ones for him. Invade Iraq? Done.