fashion politics

Ok...so this is kind of unrelated. But you have to admit in comparison to the Democrats (I'm mostly thinking Hillary - check out the rainbow of pantsuits), the Republican women have got the fashion thing down! I am really digging Cindy McCain's dress. I would wear that today. She kind of reminds me of Jackie O, very classy!

I even love Laura Bush's outfit. She looks stately but not stuffy. I hope to dress half as well as these women when I grow up :)

quick thoughts on the Dem convention

I haven't watched too much of the Democratic convention, mostly because I can catch the highlights the next day. Based from the highlights, all I've seen from the Democrats are a bunch of emotional speeches that have little to nothing to do with the actual issues at stake. I don't want to sound negative or bitter, but if I was a Democrat, I think I'd be feeling a little empty right now. Stories are good...but there is so much more at stake here than happy feelings.

First we had Michelle Obama (click for video & transcript) and the kids. A nice speech on her family, upbringing, why she loves America, etc etc. Nice. It's a lot easier to say you love your country in a contrived speech. But when you're out on the campaign trail and really speak your mind, and your words there don't match up to your speeches, then I have a hard time believing you. I kind of wanted her to apologize for the things that she has said, because she truly offended me. And then, the kids are cute...but is this campaign about cute kids talking to their daddy or is this about the American people and the struggles we are facing right now?


Then Hillary...oh Hillary. How sad I am for you. This was supposed to be your convention. You did what you had to do...but I don't think you really believe in his candidacy. And I'm sorry but I really laughed when you said "sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits" (did you really go there?) and when you said "no way, no how, no McCain." Is that even correct grammar?


Then Bill, then Biden. I hear Biden's speech has been the weakest. "Standard and uninspiring" according to the U.S. News & World Report. Is Obama already rethinking his VP choice? Hillary anyone?

And tonight we have Obama...I don't expect anything less than full throttle praise in the morning. If he delivered the worst speech in the world, would people still praise it? I find it increasingly hard to believe that the world would criticize him, even when it's due to him.

And in other news, McCain is airing an ad congratulating Obama right around the time that he does his speech. Surprise or not?

harriet christian

You have to watch this.



"And they think we won't turn around and vote for McCain. Well I've got news for you, John McCain will be the next President of the United States."

I have to say, I feel bad for her and for Democrats everywhere. I heard on the radio this morning that when you do the math of how the Dems split the delegates from Michigan & Florida, each person's vote only counted as half a vote. Now where is the democracy in that? What's the point of voting if you only get half a say, and some elitist party rulers get the other half of the say? Why are Dems so enamored with Obama when obviously there are many in the party who still really want Hillary Clinton?

in it to win it

I don't understand why all the Democrats want Hillary to drop out. It's like Democrats love to settle for mediocrity.

Hillary is leading by huge amounts in polls in Kentucky & West Virginia. Sure, they may not be worth huge amounts of delegates, but doesn't that say something to the Democrats? Like...Obama is NOT the overwhelming favorite? And if he were to go head to head with John McCain, he may fare WORSE than Hillary?

But no...the Democrats just want the race to end. They're feeling the heat because the Republicans are done. But I just feel like, if I was a Democrat, I'd want to make absolutely sure the right nominee, the people's choice, was elected. Hillary's got some steam left and people are still voting for her. If Michigan and Florida hadn't broken the rules, Hillary would be winning right now. I feel like the Democrats are being awfully hasty.

Of course, that's probably a good thing for Republicans. I just worry about America sometimes. I want everyone to be smart, but maybe that's asking for too much.

ads

McCain has a new ad - it invokes Winston Churchill. I like it...except for the weird footage of the solar system. Do you think McCain is a new Churchill?

Remember Hillary's 3 am wake up ad? And Barack's counterattack ad? See them both here. Now what's even funnier is this - that the little girl in Clinton's ad is a staunch Obama supporter. You'd think she would have hired a friend's kid to shoot the scene on the fly rather than risk an Obama supporter being featured! I bet it would have been cheaper than buying from Getty anyway, hehe.

the dark side

So my love affair with the radio continues. Yesterday morning, I heard Laura Ingraham supporting crossover votes for Hillary. Then last night, I heard Hugh Hewitt slamming Republicans who did so. Saying to put the stake in the vampire while it's down. Don't bring out the mummy. Callers saying that once you cross over to the dark side, you can never forgive yourself. You feel dirty, one woman said her son had to take a shower after doing it. That may be a little...extreme. His most valid point I thought was that with the Rezko situation, Obama may already be going down. Do we really want to crossover to the dark side or just let things run their natural course?



Let's imagine that I'm a Texas resident voting yesterday.

The only reason I would vote for John McCain: I vote for the best candidate. And in my opinion, he is the best candidate remaining.

Reasons I would have crossed over & voted Democrat:

A. Because John McCain is the presumptive nominee, vote for the candidate John McCain is more likely to beat in the fall. Assuming my vote does more good this way than just giving the vote to McCain.
1. Obama is definitely more likable, and though we may hate it, electability is a huge factor in who gets voted in. We Americans tend to forget the issues and just go with whoever we like the most. So, I would vote for Hillary because she's not as likable.
2. McCain has a larger lead over Hillary in polls.

B. Because John McCain is the presumptive nominee, vote for the Democrat I would rather have in office in the case that McCain does not win the general election in November.
1. There are many reasons I do not like Obama. Not only is his cult of personality disturbing to me, but he is not as experienced, the most liberal, and as a blank slate, we do not really know where he stands and where he will take us. This unknown is very, very scary to me.
2. I do not like Hillary. But she does have more experience, and she is very clear on where she stands. At least we know what we are getting into if she becomes President.
3. Obama stands for change, Hillary stands for action. I haven't heard Obama speak deeply on any of the plans he has for our country. Hillary's got it all planned out. I'm cool with having a President who is ready to take over with a clear plan of action rather than a President who would have a steep learning curve to climb before getting anything done.
4. Rezko. Obama better come clean, or he's just another politician and his message is empty.

Of course this is all hypothetical. Obviously, I did not crossover in the Georgia primary. But the temptation to do so if I actually were a resident of Texas, Ohio, and yes even Rhode Island or Vermont, is really great! What's a good Republican to do?

Hugh Hewitt made a funny point...that if Democrats are always wrong, then why should Republicans mess with their electoral process, since they will ultimately choose the wrong candidate? Not really a valid point but I had a good laugh.

another day of voting!

"I never thought I'd say this, but good luck today."
- my hero, Laura Ingraham to Terry McAuliffe, Hillary Clinton's campaign manager

I have recently become addicted to news radio. I listen to it on occasion, but now I just love it. It's refreshing. TV has this burning effect on my brain sometimes. I listened to NPR on the way to Nashville and thought about Pakistan all weekend (while still having crazy fun sightseeing and exploring of course).

I loved Laura's radio show this AM, I only heard the Terry McAuliffe segment, but it was great. Discussed the exposing of Obama's "Achilles heel" in his press conference yesterday - his first time to look like a politician, not this nebulous agent of change. Terry says Hillary's going to stay in it all the way to the end - let's hope so!

Laura also took a call from Raul, a Republican who "took one for the team" and voted for Hillary today. I wish I could vote for Hillary today!

media bias

Oh, I cannot wait! to pull the Baldasty out on this one...too bad I'm at work or I'd do it right now. Who do you think the media favors? Obama or Clinton?

Or maybe the first question is, do you think the media has a bias at all?

texas debate - hm #5

moment of crisis? Describe the moment in you life you were tested the most.

Obama stutters...then describes the "trajectory of my life" the choices he made to become who he is. Used the phrase "bring people together" a lot.

Clinton "I think everyone knows I've been through so many challenges in my life...people ask me, how do you do it? I shake my head in wonderment...my challenges are nothing compared to what Americans go through every day...give others the opportunities and blessings I've beeng I've been given...what wakes me up every day...I'm honored to be here with Barack Obama."

I don't think either really answered the question. Or if they did...doesn't make me feel too safe if we ever have a crisis (like 9/11) situation again.

texas debate - hm #3

"I wouldn't be running if I didn't think I was ready to be commander-in-chief" Obama

applause!

Just because you think you're ready...does that mean you are?

Hillary's answer comprised the numerous countries & leaders she has worked with, her experience over the years, etc. Quantifying her experience, detailing it. That's the cold hard facts. Not just a nice thought about herself.

"al Qaeda are stronger now than they were in 2001" Obama

I'm pretty sure I've read recently in the news that they are not as strong and that things actually are going well in Iraq. We just never hear about that do we? I'll have to find sources after this debate is over.

texas debate - hm #2

obama wants mandates on healthcare & imposing fines.

clinton wants universal healthcare.

both are going to cost a lot of money!

and i already have insurance...do i really have to start paying for other people's insurance too?

can it be optional?

texas debate - hm #1

So I am sitting here in my bed watching the Texas debate between Obama & Clinton. Yes I am a dork. And no, I don't have a working TV or cable. So yay for cnn.com

So here is my hmmmm #1.

Obama wants to give $1000 to people who make less than $75000/yr. Nice for me since I don't make very much money. But where exactly is this money going to come from?!?! My guess? The taxpayers! Lofty ideas...not very practical or beneficial in the long run.

change in the air?

karl rove on obama's weaknesses

But is it too late to stop him? for once I am cheering for Hillary. Come on girl you can bring him down!

The highlights:

Mr. Obama had not been so effectively criticized before. In the Democratic contest, John Edwards and Mrs. Clinton were unwilling to confront him directly or in a manner that hurt him. Mr. McCain was rightly preoccupied by his own primary. On Tuesday night, things changed.

Mrs. Clinton can do much more to draw attention to Mr. Obama's lack of achievements. She can agree with Mr. Obama's statement Tuesday night that change is difficult to achieve on health care, energy, poverty, schools and immigration -- and then question his failure to provide any leadership on these or other major issues since his arrival in the Senate. His failure to act, advocate or lead on what he now claims are his priorities may be her last chance to make a winning argument.

The truth is that Mr. Obama is unwilling to challenge special interests if they represent the financial and political muscle of the Democratic left. He says yes to the lobbyists of the AFL-CIO when they demand card-check legislation to take away the right of workers to have a secret ballot in unionization efforts, or when they oppose trade deals. He won't break with trial lawyers, even when they demand the ability to sue telecom companies that make it possible for intelligence agencies to intercept communications between terrorists abroad. And he is now going out of his way to proclaim fidelity to the educational unions. This is a disappointment since he'd earlier indicated an openness to education reform. Mr. Obama backs their agenda down the line, even calling for an end to testing, which is the only way parents can know with confidence whether their children are learning and their schools working.
These stands represent not just policy vulnerabilities, but also a real danger to Mr. Obama's credibility and authenticity. He cannot proclaim his goal is the end of influence for lobbies if the only influences he seeks to end are lobbies of the center and the right.
Unlike Bill Clinton in 1992, Mr. Obama is completely unwilling to confront the left wing of the Democratic Party, no matter how outrageous its demands, no matter how out of touch it might be with the American people. And Tuesday night, in a key moment in this race, he dropped the pretense that his was a centrist agenda. His agenda is the agenda of the Democratic left.

For Mr. Obama, words are merely a means to hide a left-leaning agenda behind the cloak of centrist rhetoric. That garment has now been torn. As voters see what his agenda is, his opponents can now far more effectively question his authenticity, credibility, record and fitness to be leader of the free world.

funny

When talking about the economy, a picture is worth a thousand words.



So, Giuliani really couldn't pull out a surprise win. Too bad...I probably wouldn't have voted for him BUT at least he was "uplifting" and not attacking like Romney & McCain. I respect that. Interesting that McCain won in a closed Rep. primary. What does this mean for the party?